An Aromatic Expedition – Part #1, The Spice Bazaar

Through the world of colourful, aromatic spices, we can experience one-of-a-kind culinary experiences. From the fiery depths of Sichuan peppercorns to the gentle floral notes of saffron, they transport us to a state of bliss and ecstasy. Delving into the vibrant, weaving tales of tastes spanning continents is fascinating. We welcome you to the world of salt, pepper, sweets, and sourness, where they join together to ignite and excite your passion and palette. Let us unlock the secrets of ancient traditions and tantalise the senses with the prospect of new culinary discoveries. New culinary traditions and cultural exchange flourished and spread throughout many different civilisations through the trade of spices. As we explore the route map of our familiar spices, we see secret but fascinating tales of expeditions and adventures. Some age-old, unique spices around the world have a rich and colourful past, dating back more than four thousand years! Sumac Sumac, a deep red Middle Eastern spice, is a common flavouring agent in many traditional Middle Eastern dishes. This tangy, smokey citrus-flavoured spice is perfect for adding a subtle acidic flavour to dishes. Dried red sumac berries are used to make the spice. It is commonly added to salads, meats like chicken and fish, and rice dishes. Sichuan Peppercorn Sichuan peppercorn is not actually a pepper variety. They are the berries obtained from the prickly citrus ash tree. Carefully plucked from thorny citrus trees, the berries are dried under the sun. Citrus-flavoured, mouth-numbing Sichuan peppercorn is the main ingredient used in the complex Sichuan cuisine, adding heat and aroma. This is one of the five Chinese spices ( Cassia, Fennel, cloves, Star anise, and Szechuan pepper). Shichimi Togarashi A popular Japanese seven-spice blend, which is also known as Shichimi Togarashi contains red chilli pepper, Japanese pepper, roasted orange peel, black and white sesame seeds, hemp seeds, yuzu peel, nori, poppy seeds, and ground ginger. This finishing ingredient can be added to various dishes, such as soups and salads. Shichimi Togarashi has a unique blend of fruity, nutty, and umami flavours with the fragrance of dried ginger. Berbere Ethiopian spice Berbere is a blend of fiery-natured spices, including coriander, garlic, ginger, chilli pepper, Ethiopian holy basil, rue, korarima, ajwain, fenugreek, and nigella. Cooking with Berbere imparts complex flavours and heat to stews, lentil dishes, and grilled meats. Ras el Hanout This spice blend is popular in Tunisian, Moroccan, and Algerian cuisines. It typically contains aromatic spices such as cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and cardamom. When used in tagines, couscous, and grilled meats, Ras el Hanout adds an extra depth of flavour. Annato Annatto, a spice made from the seeds of the achiote tree, is a natural colouring agent in Latin American cuisines. Particularly in Mexican and Caribbean cooking, it elevates the appearance of dishes like stew and rice by giving them a golden hue. Asafoetida Popularly known as ‘hing,’ asafoetida is an aromatic spice of Iranian origin. It is also known as ‘devil’s dunk’. It is mainly used to enhance the flavour of dishes and gravies.

Ishita

Trends

From Ramayana to Reality: Did India Just Build a REAL Pushpak Viman?

Remember that epic chariot from the Ramayana, the Pushpak Viman? The one that could fly anywhere, anytime, even changing size at will? Hold onto your spacesuits because India’s space agency, ISRO, has unveiled something unique with a futuristic twist: their very own Pushpak Viman! ISRO’s latest innovation isn’t a mythical chariot (sorry, no size-changing chariots yet). However, a cutting-edge reusable launch vehicle (RLV) named Pushpak Viman. Like its namesake, this spacecraft can take off, deliver cargo into space, and then return for a safe landing. Pushpak’s Successful Test Flight: Recently, the “swadeshi space shuttle” named Pushpak, an SUV-sized winged rocket, executed a successful test landing on a runway in Karnataka. Lifted and dropped from an Air Force Chinook helicopter, the test was praised by ISRO chief S Somanath for its “excellent and precise” outcomes. The mission simulated the RLV’s high-speed landing after space flight, with the vehicle autonomously approaching the runway and landing accurately, utilizing a brake parachute, landing gear brakes, and nose wheel steering system. The Journey So Far: Over a decade ago, a hardworking crew of engineers and scientists started building the space shuttle. The 6.5-m beast, which weighs around 1.75 tons. It is equipped with tiny yet powerful thrusters that guide the vehicle into a safe landing as it descends, has been given a whopping ₹ 100 crore in funding from the government. So, is this the REAL Pushpak Viman? No, at least not yet! While this winged wonder is still in its testing phase, its successful trials look promising. This is enough to ensure it will be possible for us. With each milestone achieved, India edges closer to realizing its vision of affordable and sustainable space travel. The public is excited, scientists are dreaming big. And who knows—maybe one day, we’ll be cruising through the cosmos in our very own Pushpak Viman. Just like in the Ramayana. What if Pushpak Viman gets real? Safe to say the Pushpak Viman could change travel as we know it today – Although it’s tough to predict anything right now, one thing’s for sure. With the Pushpak Viman soaring into the sky, the fate of Indian space exploration is looking brighter than a million diyas!

Fathima Sanna

Education

SQ3R: An Active Reading Technique To Enhance Your Learning Experience

Isn’t it excruciatingly painful when chapters are hard to recall? Even after reading multiple times, do you feel as blank as a black screen? But SQ3R learning technique can help you memorise the topics you read. Though reading is often considered passive, here it’s going to be interestingly effective. What is SQ3R ? SQ3R (Survey, Question, Read, Recite And Review) is an active reading technique developed by the American psychologist, Francis P Robinson. This reading comprehension technique helps one glean as many details as possible through active reading. Instead of passively reading and wasting your time, learn this method to upgrade your learning experience. Here’s the list of steps to dive in Survey You don’t have to burden your head with the vastness of materials. This step can be done within 5-10 minutes. Just look at the bold headings and subheadings. Scan the pictures and everything visually appealing. Go through the brief summary of the chapter as well as the questions shot at the end of the chapter. Question Now you need to prepare questions out of everything you read. Craft questions from headings and subheadings before you begin reading the paragraphs. The more you prepare questions, the more interestingly you learn. For example, turn the heading “Light Years” into “What’s light years?”. Read It’s time to read and dive in for answers. While reading, make sure to make it as effective as possible. Dive into paragraphs to grasp the idea between the words. Carve notes out of everything you read. Instead of swallowing exactly the same way, try to paraphrase to enhance your understanding. Highlight everything important, but don’t highlight extensively to make it feel like too much. Recite Go to the questions at the end of the chapter to see if you’re able to answer them. Read the part you have trouble answering. Make sure to clear every part without barricades of doubts. After reading, recite everything you’ve learnt to store in your memory. Review Reviewing everything you’ve swallowed is important to boost your memory. The lack of reviewing can make you forget things within days, and you’ll be blank and anxious. Inorder to enhance knowledge as well as memory, revise everything you learnt within 24 hours.

Fathima Sanna

Entertainment

A Plastic Ocean to Mission Blue: 5 Documentaries on Ocean Conservation

Ocean is dying! From the dumping of an oceanic amount of poisonous plastics to the overfishing of predators like sharks, the vast world beneath the thrashing waves is falling into the abyss of impending death. If you’re someone who loves the vast blue ocean for all its mysteries and wonders, why not watch documentaries that shed light on the consequences of the villainous threats and be inspired to take part in the conservation of ocean before it’s too late. A Plastic Ocean (2016) A Plastic Ocean is an achingly beautiful documentary that portrays the problems propelled by plastic waste. Every year, the world produces a staggering amount of plastic, and around 8 million plastic wastes are dumped, bestially polluting and killing marine species. Plastic Ocean is crafted with a powerful message for the world to take action before it’s too late. From solutions like recycling and reusing to implementing effective programs by the governments all around the world can help the ocean from its impending catastrophe. Sharkwater: Extinction ( 2018) Sharkwater: Extinction is a thrilling documentary that bravely exposes a million dollar shark fin industry responsible for the Extinction of sharks. Unfortunately, Rob Stewart passed away while filming this documentary. Sharkwater attempts to stop the unsettling slaughter of sharks that can hit back at human beings with dangerous consequences. The extinction of predators like sharks can vastly collapse marine ecosystems. If you’re someone who’s concerned about conservation, you should definitely give it a watch. Chasing Coral (2017) Chasing Coral is a heartbreaking Netflix documentary that captures the issues behind the swift vanishing of coral reefs. The documentary portrays the bleaching of coral reefs and the deaths of marine species, one of the most concerning catastrophes unfurling beneath the water. The purpose of this documentary was to create awareness as well as to fuel action to prevent such dangers. Although it captures the issues in such a serious manner, Chasing Coral ends by casting hope. Mission Blue (2014) Mission Blue by Sylvia Erie captures the quest of Dr. Sylvia to save the Ocean from the threat of pollution and overfishing. This breathtakingly inspiring documentary aims to create awareness as well as to take actions to restore the Ocean. Mission Blue also shows that there’s hope in this moment. If you’re a sea lover who wishes to protect the Ocean, this fascinating documentary will inspire you to take steps towards conservation.

Fathima Sanna

Entertainment

Our Universe to Mars Generation: 5 Best Space Documentaries For Astrophiles

Are you someone who often keeps wondering about this enormously miraculous universe? If yes, get ready to unravel a bit of mysteries through some spellbinding documentaries. From Our Universe to Mars Generation, there are Netflix documentaries that will help you explore the origin and mystery that lies within our entrancing planet, solar system and the ever expanding universe. Learn how everything is intriguingly connected to each other, and get a glimpse into the bright future awaiting us. Our Universe (2022) Our Universe, narrated by Morgan Freeman, is a six-part series that beautifully shows the blooming of the universe. The sprouting of the solar system amid myriad collisions, and the mushrooming of millions of lives on earth. Our Universe shows us the magical role of the sun and meteor falls in enabling life on earth. Alien Worlds (2020) What if lives on planets are reigned by two suns? How would life look if the planet is frozen or terribly getting scorched? Alien Worlds, a spellbinding fictional documentary narrated by Sophie Okonendo, is for the ones who are excited about aliens and exoplanets. This explorational documentary will satisfy your thoughts and nurture your imagination by shedding light on the endless possibilities of our miraculous universe. Black Holes: The Edge Of All We Know (2021) What could be more mysterious than the black hole? Black Holes: The Edge Of All We Know sheds light on how black holes are formed including the massive black hole at the centre of the milky way. By featuring a striking team of mathematicians including the scientist Stephen Hawking, the documentary beautifully gives a glimpse of everything the science has uncovered so far. The Mars Generation (2017) For years, scientists have been exploring Mars to make it habitable like earth. This documentary is such a spellbinding documentary showing the quest and struggles of young scientists and engineers to build a future on Mars for humanity. The future of humanity is beautifully portrayed as bright, brimming with possibilities. Mars Generation will surely nurture your inspiration, if you’re one interested in exploring space. Top Secret UFO Projects Declassified (2022) Do you believe in extraterrestrial beings? Why not dive deep into the clues to explore? Top Secret UFO Projects Declassified is a worth watching documentary that includes the unravelling of Project Blue Book and Code Name Aurora, some of the secret projects about aliens by the US government. The documentary covers the shocking evidence of alien sightings as well as the words of people who claimed to have carried out alien autopsies.

Ishita

Entertainment

K-Pop vs. J-Pop: A Friendly Rivalry or Something More?

The Asian music industry has to be the most diverse, talented, and competitive landscape, with Koreans and Japanese in the East flinging music rapidly. But the question arises – what is better? Is it the buttery K-pop or the Kawaii J-pop? Let’s discuss – Twin Flames, Different Lanes K-pop and J-pop can be considered distant sisters judging by their origins, taking influence from the golden era of rock in the 60s and 70s. With the rise of artists like Seiko Matsuda and groups like Pink Lady, J-pop is the older sister, which eventually gained international fame. K-pop followed suit, taking inspiration from not only J-pop but also American hip-hop and R&B. J-pop focused on staying home, while K-pop decided to go for world domination. The K-Pop Wave Crashes Shores The early 2000s are considered the peak of K-Pop, with international superstars and groups like H.O.T. and S.E.S., which were mainly popularised through social media like YouTube, which became the genre’s trampoline. Today, groups like N.C.T., B.T.S., and Blackpink dominate the scene. J-Pop’s Enduring Thump K-pop might dominate the global scene, but J-pop has become a sensation back home in Japan! J-Pop has cultural icons like the group AKB48 and the idol Ayumi Hamasaki, and they keep switching things up by adding electronic music and rock into the mix! Cross-Genre Inspiration Of course, K-Pop’s success has also influenced J-Pop to change a little here and there, which incorporates the focus on intense training and global appeal just like K-Pop, keeping both genres fresh and exciting. A Shared Stage, Not a Showdown Yes, K-Pop and J-Pop have different… well, everything! Styles, target audiences. But they share similarities in having dazzling dance moves, catchy music, and, most importantly, a passionate community. There is apparent competition, but the rivalry is more about trying to push the Genres to their best rather than getting on top. In the end, no one’s winning; it’s like a friendly duel between sisters! Beyond Competition: A Collaborative Spirit K-pop and J-pop aren’t the same, but who said that means they’re entirely separate from each other? Not to mention the collaboration spirit, which creates a unique mash of Korea’s poppy and upbeat sound with the Japanese electronic talents to create many new styles. Heck, some K-pop groups have a mixed set of members from both Korea and Japan. This exchange of talent and influence creates a new level of Asian music, ear candy to the listeners, and a media of talent for the creators.

Sudipa Roy

Finance

Build Your Financial Strength: 4 Amazing Benefits of Achieving Investment Goals With SIPs!

People who want to increase their assets over time are turning to SIP investments as a form of investment. Throughout time, you may accumulate tiny contributions frequently by using a systematic investment plan (SIP), which is a way to invest your earnings into mutual fund holdings. You can take advantage of the cyclical nature of your investments and build an assortment of assets this way. As a result, using SIPs does deal with the need for precise timing of market events. Let’s explore the benefits of SIPs in more detail! 1. Flexible Investment AmountSIP investing offers several advantages over lump sum investments, one of which is the ability to invest as little as Rs 500 each month in mutual funds. This is the best monthly investment option because it is affordable and does not break the bank.Thanks to the systematic investment strategy step-up option, you may also increase your total monthly investments as your profits grow. Furthermore, you can invest in a limitless number of mutual funds or SIPs concurrently. The SIP investment plan can facilitate reaching investing goals more quickly. 2. Achieve Your Financial Objective ConsistentlyReaching your financial objectives and saving methodically are the first and most significant advantages of investing with a SIP. Because SIP investing programs require continuous contributions, you can set aside a particular sum of money each month and create an accumulation for yourself. By doing this, you can ensure that your financial objectives are continuously met and that you will have a stable financial future. 3. Rupee Cost AveragingOne way to lower the average cost of buying mutual fund units is to put money in SIPs. You may organize your investment decisions on the state of the market by using cost averaging. Fewer units will be bought during periods of elevated prices because SIP trading involves a set amount of investment. Conversely, when market prices are inadequate, more units will be purchased. 4. Advantage from the Power of CompoundingYou can take advantage of compounding’s potential by investing in SIPs. With this idea, your investment earnings are put back into the economy, increasing profits over time. This is a great way to increase your financial assets over time significantly and might assist you in building an impressive amount of funds. A systematic investment plan (SIP) offers investors a planned, controlled method of investing in mutual funds, which has various advantages mentioned above. Even novice or tiny shareholders may profit from mutual fund investments and develop an organized financial mindset with SIPs. The option to begin with small sums, modify holdings as necessary, and even suspend contributions allows for versatility in response to shifting conditions.

Sudipa Roy

Finance

Extra Income Besides 9-5 Job: Be an Affiliate Marketer & Get Financial Freedom!

Would you be interested in leading an untethered existence untainted by the restrictions of an office to make cash? You have probably heard a lot of individuals discuss how they can make an income while they slumber by becoming affiliate marketers. Does that job look like your ideal one? Among the greatest methods to earn passive income online is through affiliate marketing, and only a little work is required of you. It’s the best and most straightforward way to earn additional funds easily. You may opt for affiliate marketing as a side gig besides full-time employment. Just properly market the goods! However, without further ado, we’ll talk about how affiliate programs can help folks make additional earnings in this blog. Affiliate Marketing: Overview The practice through which an affiliate promotes the goods or services of other businesses in exchange for a commission is known as affiliate marketing. You receive a special affiliate link upon enrolling in an affiliate program. You will receive a percentage on sales made through this special link when somebody makes an acquisition. A winning approach is affiliate marketing. In this case, affiliate advertisers and businesses both profit and are delighted. Why to Be an Affiliate Marketer? ● Minimum to No Investment Just promoting things to others is what affiliate marketers do. No items are being made by you. If you decide to purchase a domain name, the sole funds you must shell out will be on the website setup. WordPress is one of the open-source platforms on which you can put your affiliate marketing website. In case you lack proficiency in website setup, you can pay somebody to handle the task on your behalf for a small amount. ● Be Your Own Boss In every organization where you are employed, you have an authority figure to whom you are answerable. Your manager will give you assignments and monitor your performance. Working for someone else continues to be oppressive, even if your employer is sensible and compassionate. You run a private business as an affiliate marketer. Your hours of operation are up to you to decide on. You even get to pick what you are focusing on and where you work from. You are at liberty to decide the sort of things you are interested in selling and to alter it whenever you select. Your potential earnings with affiliate marketing are virtually limitless. To put it simply, there are no limits to “Earn Cash.” Thus, if you’re genuine about making a living through passive revenue, sign up for an affiliate advertising scheme now!

Sudipa Roy

Automobile

Automotive Industry’s Tech Revolution: 4 Significant Mobile Tech Which Modify The Sector!

The automobile technology market is forecast to increase at a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 8.21% between 2023 and 2028, with a predicted valuation of USD 69.18 billion in 2023 and USD 100 billion by 2028. Since they regularly keep an eye on those modifications, automakers aren’t willing to take any unnecessary risks. By collaborating with online firms, they are improving how people engage with autos. In this post, we’ll investigate four mobile innovations that are reshaping the auto industry. In this detailed review, we’ll cover the particulars of how the automobile industry is reinventing itself, as well as how upgrades in automotive technology have implications for the industry. The next generation of vehicle buying is virtual reality. The era of viewing vehicles at showrooms is long gone. These days, you may look at particular automotive features and functionalities and view a virtual tour of the vehicles in a virtual dealership. The panel and processor are integrated into your smartphone. Numerous dealerships have already used this technology, which will soon become widely available. The phrase “in-vehicle infotainment” (IVI) refers to devices or displays that provide both passengers and drivers with the most recent knowledge and recreational options. Manufacturers of cars and other cars use this state-of-the-art technological innovation to provide an appealing and pleasant ride for drivers and passengers. The infotainment display or screen of a modern automobile can assemble and generate anything these days. A technique called GPS vehicle tracking provides automatic updates on the whereabouts of cars. Internet access and the installation of a GPS gadget in an automobile are prerequisites for the latest technology. When installed, a smartphone can be utilized to monitor an automobile. A GPS tracker not only tells you where the vehicle is but also how fast it is going and whether it is in or out of a designated area. With the latest advances in motor vehicle technology, voice commands are mostly utilized in automobiles. They provide a practical and secure method for communicating with a car. The significant benefits of voice commands are expeditious and precise services and details to maximize the overall driving experience, minimum distractions, and enhanced safety, as drivers will be able to be focused while driving. It’s challenging to dismiss the mutually advantageous connection that exists between smartphones and automobiles. Connectivity between smartphones and automobiles is steadily improving, and fresher & more sophisticated technology is on the horizon. One of the most widely anticipated developments in the automotive industry is the development of driverless cars and electric vehicles (EVs), which major smartphone vendors are presently discussing with OEMs.

Sudipa Roy

Automobile

Unleashing Vehicle Maintenance: 4 Absolute Tools For Your Honda City Sedan!

Several maintenance options are available, regardless of whether your vehicle is a brand-new, eye-catching Honda City sedan model or one of your outdated clunkers. If you have the necessary equipment and a basic understanding of auto mechanics, you could handle all of your own car upkeep and save a lot of money by avoiding auto repair businesses. These 4 pieces of equipment and tools might be useful in an emergency in addition to helping you operate your Honda City sedan. So, without a delay, let’s get started with 4 absolute tools! It is common for novice technicians to forget to twist nuts to the correct degree. When a nut is overtightened, it might fracture the bolt and become much more challenging to take out later on. To be sure you’re compressing to the right specs, employ a torque wrench with a clicker mechanism. Rotate the handle at the bottom and connect the top to the torque indicated on the tool to alter the amount of torque. When you detect two clicks, you’re done tightening. You should consider upgrading your existing screwdriver set, but screwdriver sets are just as handy outside the house as they are in your garage. Obtain a full set that comes with tiny screwdrivers sufficiently sensitive for use with electronics and a bigger flathead that may be used as a little prying device. Checking your tire pressure frequently is a good idea, but with life getting occupied, it is simpler to forget. Reduced gas mileage and shortened tread wear longevity may result from tires with inadequate inflation that were neglected during an earlier tire inspection. Better than inexpensive stick-up gauges, traditional dial-faced or electronic gauges provide precise and consistent readings. Using zip ties to bundle cables and wires keeps them out of the way of moving and heated components. It’s also simpler to work on a car when everything is neat and organized rather than looking like a rat’s nest. Purchase a variety of sized zip/nylon ties in bulk to ensure you have lots of choices later on. Purchasing a high-quality maintenance gear kit for your Honda City sedan is a smart move if you want a simple do-it-yourself auto repair approach. A mechanic’s tool kit should have often used tools such as extensions, a pair of wrenches, sockets, and ratchet grips.

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