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Featured Image Aswathy
Food
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The Sweet Symphony: Part #2, Exploring The Fun And Fascinating Tales Of Sweetness   

0  The significance of sweetness is unparalleled in culinary practices. Sweetness has held a multifaceted role, where the taste transcends cultures and traditions, sometimes shaping the sensations and probabilities of new trade trends worldwide. The presence of sweetness throughout culinary history goes beyond simply satisfying the taste buds. It reflects human ingenuity and the ever-changing relationship between food and society. Through the centuries, sweets and desserts have become the main components of sharing happiness, warmth, and enjoyment.  Sugar is a unique ingredient that delights taste buds and is the beloved sweetening agent of food enthusiasts. Let’s delve into some fascinating sugar facts that will surely pique your interest.  The Indian Origin Sugar originated in the Indian subcontinent and has been consumed by humans since ancient times.  Oldest Form Of Sweetener After honey, sugar is one of the world’s oldest known sweeteners. Who Is The No 1 In Sugar Production? Did you know that Brazil, with its rich agricultural heritage, is the pioneer in producing sugar from sugarcane? India, China and Thailand are other leading countries in sugar production.   Sarkara Or Candied Sugar The word sugar is derived from the Sanskrit term ‘sarkara’, which means ‘ground sugar’ or candied sugar’.  Sugar As Currency The limited circulation of metallic currency in colonial Brazil during the 17th century led to the use of sugar as commodity money in trade.  Different Types Of Sugar There are ten regularly used varieties of sugar, each with distinct applications. White sugar, caster sugar, brown sugar, confectioner’s sugar, cane sugar, muscovado sugar or Barbados sugar, demerara sugar, coconut sugar, liquid sugar, and turbinado sugar. Art Of Sugar Sculpting Sculpting beautiful and intricate statues using sugar and its derivatives was a popular ancient culture. This was a part of grand feasts and special celebrations. Sugar Rush The term’ sugar rush’ refers to the rapid rise in energy levels and euphoria experienced after consuming food items with high sugar content.  Sweet Tooth The phrase ‘sweet tooth’ was first used in the 13th century to express a great liking for sweet dishes.  Sugar As A Spice? In Western countries, sugar was first introduced as a spice. It was the most luxurious food item that only elite-class people could enjoy.  Sugar As Medicine In ancient Greece and Rome and in some Western countries, sugar was considered a medicine. It was believed to have healing properties and was used to cure fever, cough, and many stomach disorders. The Sourness Beats The Sweetness. Lemons contain more sugar than strawberries. While strawberries contain 40% sugar, lemons have 70%. Their tangy taste is due to their overpowering acidic nature.  Do Cats Like Sugar? The fact is that cats do not have taste receptors for identifying sweetness. So they can’t enjoy sugar as a sweetener!

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Featured Image Aswathy
Culture & Heritage
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Breathtaking Elegance Of Classical Dance Jewellery-  Adornments Of Tradition, Spirituality, & Divinity!

0 Indian classical dance is a captivating art form elevated by mesmerising movements and intricate embellishments. Beyond the enchanting makeup and exquisite costumes, the jewellery pattern is a testament to its grandeur. Indian classical dance jewellery is not mere embellishments but pieces of symbolism, tradition, and spiritual expression. Each piece, from the intricate ‘maang tikka’ gracing the forehead to the melodious anklets adorning the feet, carries profound significance deeply rooted in ancient cultural beliefs and artistic traditions. Here, we will explore the key aspects related to the spiritual and cultural beliefs of Indian dance jewellery.  Temple Jewellery Initially crafted to adorn deities, temple jewellery has transcended its original purpose. Today, it is a beacon of divinity in classical dance performances. Adorned with replicas of gods and goddesses, motifs of lotus, leaves, conch shells, and more, these pieces symbolise purity, beauty, and transcendence, adding a divine touch to the dance. Many dancers have shared how wearing these pieces during their performances makes them feel connected to the divine, enhancing their spiritual experience of the dance.  Maang Tikka The soul of Indian classical dance is deeply connected with our spiritual culture, and the adornments we wear are not just accessories but extensions of our spiritual beliefs. The maang tikka, the ornament used to adorn the forehead by the dancers, symbolises ‘Ajna Chakra,’ an essential aspect of yogic practice. It is not just a piece of jewellery but a conduit for intuition, insight, and spiritual awakening, making the dancer’s performance a spiritual journey.  Ghungroo The most crucial ornament in Indian classical dance is the ghungroo. This anklet is adorned with tiny brass bells that make rhythmic sounds according to the movements and steps. Ghungroo is also known as ‘Chilanka or Silangai’. This ornament is used in various forms of Indian classical dance, such as Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattom, Kuchipudi, Kathak, and Kathakali. Each of these dances has its own unique style regarding the use of the ghungroo, but in all of them, the ghungroo’s rhythmic sound enhances the musicality of the dance.  Ottiyaanam Ottiyaanam, aka waist belt, emphasises the aesthetic appeal of the waist movements while dancing. It is available in simple and intricate designs inspired by nature, mythology, and other patterns that indirectly symbolise harmony with cosmic energy.  Karnaphul  Usually, big jumkas connected with long ear chains are the adornments which add extra beauty to the dancer’s face. Jumkas are embellished with stones or beads, symbolising divine hearing, receptivity to divine guidance, or adornment as an offering to the gods. Kangan And Vanki Bangles and armlets (Kangan and Vanki) worn by classical dancers emphasise the beauty of the arms and hands, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of gestures and movements. If we analyse the symbolism of arm jewellery, it may represent strength, grace, femininity, cultural identity, and marital status. The designs of jewellery vary across regions, reflecting cultural and artistic traditions. Yet, the purpose and symbolism of each piece remain the same, connecting all these diverse designs with a common thread of spirituality and tradition. If the jewellery was carefully crafted by hand initially, modern techniques are also used today for polishing and finishing touches, blending the old and the new in a harmonious way of tradition and innovation.  

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Featured Image Ishita
Entertainment
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Gaming Trends 2024: Finding Balance with Exciting Tech

0 The gaming world keeps giving us great gifts, and this year isn’t any different, with virtual worlds, high-speed gaming, and new and exciting social features. Of course, there’s a need to balance all this exciting new tech! Here are some of the coolest trends 2024 to keep your gaming life on point! Immersive Adventures: VR Takes the Stage Ever want to be the hero of the story yourself? Look through their eyes and stop the bad guy with their hands. Virtual Reality gives you that chance, putting you in the game itself! Jump around in zero gravity, trash anyone who stands in your way, or shake your friend’s virtual hand – everything is possible in VR! Games on Demand Cloud gaming does the seemingly impossible, letting you play top-tier triple-A games on your computer—on your phone! There is no need for a fancy console or expensive computer, which is great for on-the-go gamers. (Try not to finish up all your mobile data, though!) The Power of Play: Social Features Level Up Ever feel like your solo gaming adventures are missing something? Now, games bring the fun of hanging with your friends into the virtual world. Team up for epic quests, compete in leaderboards, or just chill and chat in your favorite game’s hangout zones. Some games, like World of Warcraft or Final Fantasy XIV, even let you build your worlds with friends! From Casual Play to Competition: The Rise of Esports E-sports gives gaming that competitive edge, like watching traditional sports, but with video games. Professional gamers go head-to-head, testing each other’s skills and strategies, but most importantly, teamwork for the glory (and maybe the money!). There are many games in the E-Sports scene, but two of the most prominent ones are Counter-Strike and Rocket League. Finding Your Balance These trends show how gaming constantly evolves, offering exciting new play styles. But remember, a balanced life is a happy life. Here are some tips to keep your gaming in check: By finding a healthy balance, you can ensure gaming enhances your life, not takes over. So, have fun exploring these fabulous trends, but remember to keep one foot in the real world – that’s where you’ll find your best adventures!

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Featured Image Ishita
Health & Wellness
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Biohacking for Wellness: Ultimate DIY Guide to Self-Improvement!

0 Do you know you can hack your own body to boost your brainpower, unlock better sleep, and achieve your fitness goals faster? Yes, you heard it right! That’s the power of biohacking! In today’s world of endless self-improvement tools, it unlocks a whole new level of transformation. So, how does biohacking help in self-improvement? Well, let’s explore! What is Biohacking? Well, it shouldn’t be news that biohacking isn’t about lines of code. It’s definitely about knowing your body like a hacker would see a computer, inside and out. Biohackers can take matters into their own hands and optimize themselves far beyond what traditional methods allow. Types of Biohacking Biohacking is a broad term containing many tricks and techniques under it. You could choose from: *Important Note: Always consult a doctor before using nootropics or drastically changing health routines based on data from wearables. The Case for Biohacking Biohacking’s appeal lies in its potential for personalized optimization and trackable progress. Here’s what draws people in: How to Get Started (Safely) If biohacking intrigues you, here’s how to begin cautiously: The Takeaway Biohacking is like any tool—it can be used well or poorly, depending on how much you know. It can either help you progress or ruin everything, so it’s best to stay safe and learn from the best and the pros! Always take advice from medical professionals and veterans. The future of self-improvement lies in combining traditional practices and cautiously exploring the possibilities of responsible biohacking.

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Featured Image Aswathy
Fashion
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Crafting Wearable Art From Nature – Try This DIY Jewelry From Floral Treasures!

0                     Image source: https://www.thebetterindia.com/ Have you ever been fascinated with the beauty and elegance of nature-inspired products? Nature-inspired product design takes inspiration from the beauty, functionality, and sustainability of plants and natural products to create a wide range of designs. Some examples of such products include aesthetically pleasing household items and jewellery. Plant-inspired jewellery products are one-of-a-kind decorative elements that add special appearance and creative elegance. Here are some creative DIY jewellery projects made from flowers and plants. These exclusive items are simple, elegant and beautiful, making them ideal gifts. Pressed Flower Resin Jewellery With this unique and engaging tutorial, you can transform flowers into beautiful resin jewellery.  Materials Dried flowers and leaves  Epoxy resin Necklace chain  Jump ring Sticks Pilers Pendant molds Tweezers Mix the resin and hardener according to the instructions, using the sticks to mix thoroughly. Take the necessary safety precautions before working with materials like resin. Take the pendant mould and fill it halfway with a resin mix. Let it sit for some time. After some time, check for bubbles. If you see any, gently blow on them or remove them with a heat gun on a low setting. This will ensure a smooth, bubble-free finish.  Using the tweezers, carefully place the petals and dead flowers into the resin mix.  Pour the remaining resin mix into the pendant mould until it fills completely.   Wait 24 hours until your resin pendant dries completely. This is a crucial step, as the resin needs time to harden and set. During this time, it’s important to avoid touching or moving the pendant, as it can cause the resin to shift and ruin the design. Once it’s dry, add jump rings and chains to the pendant.  A beautiful piece of DIY floral jewellery is ready. When you style your Western outfit with it, you will become the centre of attention and inspire others with your creativity and love for nature. Seed Jewellery Embrace an eco-friendly way to adorn yourself with natural jewellery made from seeds. These unique fashion statements, crafted with both tiny and big seeds, are not just accessories but a positive connection to nature, reflecting your responsible choices. Paddy Jewellery Earrings Paddy seeds  Red or black wooden beads Craft glue Thick cotton cloth Scissors Jump rings Earring hooks Circularly cut the thick cotton cloth. Make four to six circles with appropriate measurements.  Stick two circles together and make two bases for the earrings. Spread the craft glue on the bases and arrange the paddy seeds one by one in a circular way, ensuring they’re evenly spread without leaving any gaps. This will create a beautiful, symmetrical pattern. Fill the complete circle with the seeds and stick the red wooden bead in the centre.  Once you get the desired flower pattern, keep them for drying completely.  Add the jump rings and hooks, and you made a set of beautiful hanging earrings!

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Featured Image Aswathy
Fashion
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Perspectives Of Body Piercing – Styling And Freedom Of Expression

0 Body piercing, an art and a profound form of self-expression is not just a fashion statement in modern society. It’s a versatile fashion that allows individuals to express their unique style and personality.  From the subtle elegance of dainty studs to the striking allure of statement pieces, there’s a piercing that suits every style. In Indian culture, body piercing, particularly of the ears and nose, is a long-standing tradition, a way of showcasing our beauty. In the modern fashion world, body piercing offers endless possibilities. It’s a fashion statement and a journey of self-discovery and empowerment.  Stalked Lobe Piercing  Many of you may have an idea about stalked lobe piercing. Multiple piercings on your lobes can look even more stylish and unique. The varying layers and heights create an eye-catching and trendy effect. In short, it is an elegant modification of the traditional ear piercing that creates a stalked or layered effect. You can style them with different types of earrings, such as hoops, studs, and ear cuffs, and mix and match them.  Septum Piercing  Septum piercing is not a new thing in many cultures. But in the modern fashion world, it has gained popularity because of its boldness and versatility as body adornments. Placed through the thin strip of skin between the nostrils, this piercing offers a striking aesthetic and allows for a wide range of jewellery options. The septum piercing becomes more creative and attractive using thin rings or heavy stone ornaments. You can also wear multiple layers. The septum piercing is a captivating way to adorn and accentuate your facial features. There are different styling techniques regarding septum piercing. Eyebrow Piercing  You can customise eyebrow piercing according to your preferences. Usually, it is done vertically. From simple curved barbells to more elaborate designs featuring gemstones, spikes, or charms, eyebrow piercings offer versatility in styling. Beyond the aesthetic appeal, such body adornments convey a sense of freedom, confidence, and rebellion.  Belly Button Piercing The most stylish and attention-grabbing form of body piercing is, again, on-trend: the belly button piercing. Placed through the skin around the navel, this piercing offers a subtle yet alluring way to accentuate the midriff area. Traditional and curved barbells, rings, dangling charms, gemstones, etc., are the cute ornaments commonly used for naval embellishments.  Lip Piercing Lip piercings offer a bold and expressive way to adorn the face, adding a touch of edginess and personality to one’s appearance. Positioned anywhere on the lips or surrounding area, lip piercings come in various styles, each with a unique aesthetic. Common types include labret piercings (placed below the bottom lip), Monroe piercings (on the upper lip resembling Marilyn Monroe’s beauty spot), and snake bites (paired piercings on either side of the lower lip).  

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Featured Image Fathima Sanna
Entertainment
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7 Happy Songs To Uplift Your Mood!

0 Feeling blue? Or Are you worried about your partner with a face like a wet weekend? Or swimming through the hectic waves of job life? Well! All you need is a playlist of songs that can calm you like a breeze. From Adventure Of a Lifetime to I Believe in a Thing Called Love, there are some happy songs that will definitely paint a beatific smile on your face, and you’ll see yourself tapping and swaying your head to vibe. Here we go! Adventure Of a Lifetime Adventure of a Lifetime by Coldplay is a cheerful song that will make you dance around the hall. Just like the line from the lyrics, you’ll literally feel “alive again”. It’ll light up your world again with the dancing rays of hope. Wake me Up Before You Go Wake me Up Before You Go will surely energise your soul in such an enticing way. This classical song had reigned and conquered the hearts of many music lovers around the US and UK back in 1984! The song still holds the power to make you feel vibrant. Breathe Deeper Breathe Deeper of Tame Impala is another song that will make your heart go warm! From the bewitching stringing of guitar to the streaming of lyrics, the song possesses the magical power to keep you hooked and move your body to dance and prance around. Home This lovely song by Edward Sharp and The Magnetic Zeros will take you to the beautiful memories of love woven with immense joy. Each line will rekindle your heart with the beauty of love, that’s home! Is there any home where you long to belong? If yes, you should definitely give it a listen. Beautiful Day Beautiful Day by U2 is a beautiful song that makes you see the beauty of life despite the hurricane of disquieting issues. Life is a never ending tunnel of problems, but you must find joy that you’re still alive. This song will definitely boost your mood Singing in the Rain Singing in the Rain is a timeless classic crafted by the talented Gene Kelly. Rain in the song is the metaphor for gloominess, the tough times life lashes down at us. By singing and dancing in the rain, we can even sparkle the gloominess into magical moments. This song will surely make you dance in the storms. I Believe in a Thing Called Love The song captures the beauty of love in such an enchanting way. It’ll fill your heart with the dancing glimmers of hope. The song encourages the listeners to fall in love fearlessly and to believe in what the future holds.

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Featured Image Fathima Sanna
Leisure
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Choose What to Do In Summer (Students, happy vacation!)

0 If you’re a student standing in the middle of summer vacation, stop scrolling social media to inflate your head with insecurities. Why not spend your vacation in productive ways and upgrade yourself to a better perky, brainy version? Let your classmates be amazed when school begins again. So here’s the list of productive activities to dive into. Learn Martial Art We’re living in a brutal world that tirelessly rains dangers and violence. So, it’s very important to learn self-defence. From Kalaripayattu to Karate, there are many martial art forms that will immensely help you if you’re met with any uncertain danger. Apart from self defence, martial arts come with a plethora of health benefits like improving flexibility, reflexes, enhancing cardiovascular health etc. Learn a New Language Why not teach yourself a new language? With the mushrooming of apps and techs, it has become smooth as butter to swallow any language. Indulge in reading books, watching movies and listening to songs in that target language to make it interestingly engaging. You can even practise by connecting native people through social media. Finally, don’t forget to open your eyes wide to the media for a better view of their culture. Join a Book Club Invest some time in drowning yourself in the world of words. If you’re someone who’s looking forward to flourishing your reading habit, what could be more helpful than joining a book club? Devouring the same books and discussing with book lovers like you will surely make you feel better than any therapy session. Attend Workshops Are you someone who enjoys splashing colours on canvas to sparkle your imagination into reality? Or someone who loves dancing and prancing to the rhythm of music? Whatever is your hobby, find out workshops that will help you boost your skills. You’ll never regret spending the money for attending workshops to learn something you love. Explore New Places Exploring new places will also let you discover yourself. You’ll get to know your strengths, and it helps you overcome challenges. Apart from discovering oneself, what could be more interesting than travelling to unravel the rich past history of our country? So pack your bag and dive into the world of your brave ancestors by visiting museums, forts and places packed with culture and historical significance. Let people go open-mouthed to see the depth of your knowledge.

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Featured Image Fathima Sanna
Education
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Want to Improve Cognitive Thinking? Here are 7 Brain Exercises To Try!

0 We lead weary lives with nightmarish stress, anxiety and many more disquieting issues. These mental discomforts can gradually worsen your cognitivity, and can eventually sprout into severe illnesses like dementia. So if you’re worried about your weakening cognitive thinking, we’ve gathered some easy-breezy brain exercises to polish your cognitive skills. Soon you’ll be amazed to see yourself belly-flopping into your own creative world. Meditate Meditation will immensely help you enhance the ability to concentrate by training your mind. Apart from boosting the attention and awareness, meditation comes with a plethora of health benefits like easing stress, anxiety, and even magically preventing the brain from ageing. Visualise Visualising is an amusing way to improve your cognitivity as well as creativity. Visualise everything possible by painting vibrant pictures on the canvas of your mind. If you’re a student who spends most of the time inside the school, visualise everything from setting the first foot on the school to returning home in the evening. What could be more helpful than visualising vibrant colours and joyous sound effects to boost your creativity? Socialise If you’re a social butterfly, be glad that you’re enhancing your cognitivity. The more you socialise, the more it reduces the risk of illnesses like dementia and such cognitive impairments. If socialising is a struggle, try to indulge in games or take part in any interesting club to smoothen your social skills. Listen to Music Hey music lovers, here comes the interesting activity to boost your cognitive functioning. Just listening to the music that lets you sway your head to vibe will do miracles to your brain and overall mental health. Go create a playlist of euphonious songs to immerse in. Engage in a Hobby What’s something you love doing? What about dancing around the hall to the rhythm of enrapturing music? What about singing like you’re the star of a dashing music concert? What about splashing colours to sparkle your imagination into reality? Whatever is your cup of tea, indulge and engage to preserve your mental health. Sleep Sleeping is a passive brain exercise that comes with a plethora of benefits. From boosting memory to reducing mental discomforts, sleeping can help you enhance your life. Prioritise sleeping over staying up all night to prepare for exams. Play Board Games We live in a world where we’re being controlled by the hustle and bustle of technology. From monopoly to chess, there are plenty of interesting board games to engage in. These games not only boost your cognitivity, but also make your heart go pitter patter with the rain of fun. Aren’t board games more engagingly hilarious than the digital versions?

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Featured Image Fathima Sanna
Entertainment
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Indian Celebrities Who Get Featured On Time’s Cover Page!

0 Time Magazine, the most popular American magazine known for their exceptional reigning under news coverage, has featured some gifted Indian celebrities from time to time. Recently, Alia Bhatt has grabbed the headlines for getting featured under the list of “the 100 most influential people of the world”. From Praveen Babi to Deepika Padukone, here is the list of Indian celebrities who elegantly graced the Time’s cover page. Praveen Babi In 1976, Praveen Babi, with her dashing performance in blockbuster movies, became the first ever Indian actress to get featured on Time’s cover page. From redefining the Indian fashion industry to breaking gender stereotypes to growing as the highest paid actress, Praveen Babi had such an inspiring legacy. Aishwarya Rai In 2003, Aishwarya Rai graced the cover of Time! Garnering the world’s attention for being the most gorgeous as well as for reigning the screen with her striking performance. Aishwarya is the second Bollywood star to shine on TIME’s cover page. She appeared in a charming black outfit with a beautiful smile on her face, the issue was titled “The New Face of Film: Aishwarya Rai leads the invasion as Bollywood goes global and gets hip”. Shah Rukh Khan Following Aishwarya Rai, Shah Rukh Khan, the king of bollywood, appeared in Time’s cover page in 2004. Shah Rukh Khan was also featured among the most influential people of 2004. He showed up in a stunning black shirt and dark blue jeans, standing out in the blue background with the title “Asia’s Heroes: 20 under 40”. Aamir Khan Aamir Khan graced the Time’s cover page for two times consecutively. In 2012, he shined on the cover with a title, “Khan’s Quest”. In 2013, he garnered the position under “100 most influential people of the world”, and that title had again showered him with the opportunity to grace the Time’s cover page. Priyanka Chopra In 2016, Priyanka Chopra grabbed the headlines for securing the position under the list of the 100 most influential people of the world. Priyanka appeared in an elegant black outfit, looking bewitchingly bold in a black and white background. Deepika Padukone In 2023, Deepika Padukone was the highlight of Time Magazine. She graced the cover page in a charming beige outfit, with the title ” The Global Star: Deepika Padukone is Bringing the World To Bollywood”. The issue talked about her enormous influence.

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