The Indian Panorama

Month: July 2023

  • Birthday Horoscope-July 31 to August 6

    Birthday Horoscope-July 31 to August 6

    July 31

    Ganesha says you were born with a natural tendency to take the lead. People are drawn to you because of the charm in your personality. You are a brave and driven individual who is not hesitant to put yourself in harm’s way in order to accomplish what you set out to do. However, in order to avoid coming off as arrogant, you need to remember to keep a healthy balance between your assertiveness and humility. A time of maturation and introspection is in store for you today according to the horoscopes. Embrace change and let your intuition lead you.

    August 1

    Ganesha says you have a pure and noble heart, which will be appreciated today. You have a kind and generous personality, and yet you are passionately protective of the people you care about. Your inventiveness and enthusiasm set you apart from the rest of the pack. The cosmos invites you to put more of your attention into your personal relationships today. Today is the perfect day to cultivate relationships and, if necessary, make amends. Keep in mind that communication is the most important.

    August 2

    Ganesha says you are a shining example of hope today as things start turning in your favor. Your upbeat attitude is contagious, and you have a natural talent for elevating the spirits of those who are in your immediate vicinity. You have a daring spirit and enjoy nothing more than exposing you to novel situations and concepts. Today, the universe seems to be indicating that you could stumble onto unforeseen chances while you are out exploring. Maintain an open mind and be prepared to make the most of the opportunity.

    August 3

    Ganesha says people think that you have a sharp mind and a quick wit. Due to the fact that you possess both a bright mind and a quick tongue, you are an engaging and fascinating communicator. You place the utmost importance on telling the truth and being honest. The constellations point to a period of increased scholastic achievement today. Take advantage of this opportunity to learn something new or to expand your expertise in a subject that interests you.

    August 4

    Ganesha says you are a hardy individual, which is fitting given that you will be able to have a day as you wish. You charge headfirst into difficulty, and as a result, you emerge from the experience more resilient. You are the rock of support that your loved ones may lean on in times of need. This is a day that lends itself well to reflection, according to the cosmos. Take some time to think about how far you’ve come on your trip and map out the next steps.

    August 5

    Ganesha says, you have a rebellious nature. You place a high emphasis on being independent and you enjoy living life to the rhythm of your own drum. You have a vivid imagination and a singular outlook on the way the world works. Today, the universe urges you to express your creative side in ways that are fresh and interesting, so take advantage of this opportunity.

    August 6

    Ganesha says you care deeply about other people and are always willing to offer assistance to those who need it. You have the ability to bring peace to tense circumstances and restore order everywhere you go. The stars indicate that this will be a day filled with opportunities for self-actualization. Follow your bliss and do the things that bring you inner calm.

  • Weekly Horoscope- July 31, 2023 to August 6, 2023

    Weekly Horoscope- July 31, 2023 to August 6, 2023

    Aries

    Ganesha says, make sure you select your pals this week carefully. You will make some stupid judgements because of your attitude; if you need assistance, ask for it. Your conceit should never come before your development. A long-lost yearning between a married couple will be rekindled. You will continue to be busy at work. Try to enlist the aid of well-known individuals to solve your problems. However, if anyone offers your assistance this week, please accept it. A lucky guest will stop by your home. Consider your overall health while focusing on any mental conditions you may be experiencing. You will not have much time this week to devote to exercising out.

    Taurus

    Ganesha says, you will spend the entire week out of the box, where you may appreciate everything. You are likely to travel this week for business, and you will have memories to cherish for the rest of your life from the adventure. You risk losing out on all of your options if you wait for the proper moment to express yourself. This week, stand out with vigor. Your relationship complements each other nicely, and the big day is going smoothly. Now is the moment to go forward and include your family. If you intervene in legal problems or try to settle the disputes among your staff members, you run the danger of suffering negative consequences. Every time you leave the house or the office, check your body posture.

    Gemini

    Ganesha says, this week, you will be able to make arrangements. This week, if someone suggests trying anything new, do not be shocked. This week, take advantage of as many chances and approaches as you can. You will be able to work more quickly than normal thanks to serendipity. You and your lover will be able to satiate one another’s emotional needs. This week, you will be able to hold each other responsible. The moment is not right to discuss getting married. You will have a lot of planning and leadership to do for your company this week. You will pass both, you can be sure of it. Today, studying the financial market is a terrific idea. In terms of your health, you will need to be quite watchful about what you consume this week.

    Cancer 

    Ganesha says, this week, you will experience contentment and relaxation. This week, you are taking an active role in an educational presentation. There will certainly be some issues on a household level, so be cautious about what you say. Your partner counts on you to be flawless. Take the kids outside and explain that showing someone you care means embracing them for who they are, warts and all. You might invest in the stock exchange right now. Given that your week is certainly occupied, be cautious when assigning your tasks to others. Being rude could irritate your staff; opt for kindness instead. Even if your well-being will not be a concern this week, relax and go for a short night stroll.

    Leo 

    Ganesha says, you will be able to build a solid foundation for what you are doing at the moment. The first thing you will do is establish the groundwork for later initiatives. This week, Venus will be in an excellent position. Incredible business outcomes will come through collaboration. You will need to be a little bit more selective about the tools and individuals you decide to let join you. Healthcare professionals must preserve a negative reputation this week. With regard to amorous concerns, your spouse will anticipate greater than normal consideration. They will ask for more guarantees. Assure them that they can contact you whenever they need assistance. This week, you might be able to unwind without thinking about your health. Anything along those lines should alarm you.

    Virgo

    Ganesha says, this week, you will be making some significant announcements. Definitely establish challenging yet achievable objectives. You will make great financial progress. These days, you must exercise caution while engaging with the markets for securities. This week, you will seek guidance about competitiveness. Specialists will have difficulty developing a routine. Simply by being there, you might make your beloved happy on the front of romance. Partners and couples will struggle to find time for one another. Your welfare will demand your complete focus. This week, attention to your health is a requirement. 

    Libra 

    Ganesha says, this week, you will need to be very picky and careful about the commitments you make in your business life. You must also pay attention to even the tiniest information you encounter this week. In order to increase your likelihood of discovering real love, you can introduce your significant other to your family immediately soon. Your companion will become everyone’s choice because of the new vitality Jupiter will bring to the area. You must now exercise extra caution in order to protect your welfare due to your back issues. Positive energy will surround you at all times. Your children are going to ask you to come this week if you have any.

    Scorpio 

    Ganesha says, if there is fresh vitality in the community, its joys will be more accessible to you. This week, try to avoid getting caught up in anything. This week, excessive spending puts you in danger. Do not be scared to treat yourself, but bear in mind that if you do not try to control it, it can go out of control. This week is going to introduce you to people you already know who can help you find lucrative career possibilities related to your field of expertise. You will be glad to know that your friendship with your friend is progressing swiftly. There will be a higher level of cooperation between men and spouses. You will receive positive news regarding one of your previous concerns with regard to your health.

    Sagittarius 

    Ganesha says, this week, priorities your career since it will pay off in the long term. If you have been working hard on your studies and have a lot of worry on your back, this is a fantastic week to take benefit of the positive beneficial vibes in your environment. Your soul will be revitalized, and you will feel great about your profession. You will be permitted to begin doing tasks on the list you have created for business objectives, but you must do it slowly. Anything that made you miserable will be gone for all time. Your companion will compel you to unveil your secret self when it comes to a love that transcends borders. Owing to them, you will feel like you’re returning to vitality. Couples who are married will allow outside influences to affect their marriage.

    Capricorn 

    Ganesha says, you will recover your strength and viewpoint this week. This week’s elements are attempting to make you happy and enjoyable by being all around you. Plan for the coming week. This week, you will need to take extra precautions to ensure your health. You will have a difficult week because of the pain you have been through for a very long time. On the company top, you will be busy all week, but you will understand things better this week. Before taking any action, you will consider all options. Your prospects of finding genuine affection are slim since you will meet the right person at the incorrect moment. Keep an eye out for a message from Venus. The week is expected to be enjoyable on the whole.

    Aquarius 

    Ganesha says you will be much better this week at seeing the positive side of everything. Long-hidden worries are now obtrusively moving in your direction. You will have more energy to deal with problems as they arise. Going outdoors for a while is scheduled for this week. This week, you will be able to keep the spotlight on your work life, but make sure it is not because of any errors you committed. This week, you will also form a special sort of relationship with your bosses. It will be challenging to communicate on psychological boundaries with the individuals who singles actually respect. This week, you will motivate your partner to put more effort into the task at hand.

    Pisces

    Ganesha says, this week will not bring any big issues for you. This week’s days will be laid-back and enjoyable, making social gatherings with friends ideal. Think about forming an association with your pals. The third personal admission that your lover will make to you will be made in the correct state of mind. When you learn who your sweetheart has been hiding, you will be astonished. This week will allow you to protect your financial future in terms of your work life, but it is conceivable that your possessions could be harmed. Keep your personal and professional life distinct. Normal employees will struggle to balance their demanding duties. You will need to keep a watchful eye on your overall health.

  • Sikh History This Week- July 28, 2023, to august 3, 2023

    28th July

    1925 Punjab Governor gave his assent to the Sikh Gurudwara Act.
    1991 Sikhs continue to be harrassed under Section 216 of the IndianPenal Code.

    29th July

    1873 Initial establishment of Singh Sabha in Amritsar. Singh Sabha, a reform group of Amritdhari Gur Sikhs who objectively sought the eradication of the wrong practices in re-establishing the true traditions of GurSikhism. Their initial efforts for religious propagation and education resulted in the establishment of Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Amritsar, in 1872. Sardar Thakur Singh Sandawalaia was the first chief, while the temporary offices and gathering facilities were organized at Guru Ka Bagh. The objectives of Singh Sabha, Amritsar, were to inculcate the principles of SIkh religion as preached by the Sikh Gurus among the Sikhs with a view to restoring Sikhism to its pristine purity, preach the principles of Sikh religion by word of mouth, by publication of historical and religious books, and through magazines and newspapers, encourage propagation of Punjabi, reclaim apostates and attract the sympathies of those highly placed in public adminsitration to the educational progress of the Sikhs. The Singh Sabha was to shun politics.
    1984 Sardar Sadhu Singh Hamdard, Editor of Punjab’s voice, Ajit, daily newspaper, died of a heart attack. He was deeply disturbed by the Indian Army’s attack on Sri Darbar Sahib, Amritsar. In protest, he had returned his Padam Sri honor to the Indian government.

    30th July

    1822 Sangat Singh, son of Fateh Singh became Raja of Jind.
    1950 Akali Dal’s working committee orders all members who defected to Congress to return.
    1995 Amar Singh Ambalvi, first Vice-President of AISFF, passed away.

    31st July
    1788 Agreement reached between the Dal Khalsa and Maharaja Vijay Singh of Jodhpur.
    1940 Sardar Udham Singh was hanged to death in London for killing Michale O’Dwyer, Governor of Punjab during the Jallianwalla Bagh massacare. A meeting was called in 1919 to protest – the arrest of Dr. Saifuddin Kitchlew and Dr. Satyapal, two prominent leaders in Punjab at the time and – against the repressive Rowlette Act of the British Government Several hundred people had assembled at Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar to participate in this protest. Brigadier General Dwyer was sent to disperse the assembly. He intially proceeded with an armoured car. However, the streets leading up to the Jallianwalla bagh were too narrow for the armoured vehicle and consequently the soldiers had to abandon the vehicle and travel by foot. Upon reaching the Jallianwala bagh, Brigadier General Dwyer opened fire on the innocent and unarmed people, killing almost all. When the firing stooped, a total of 1302 people been killed, including 799 GurSikhs. Udham Singh from Sunam (Punjab), was a child at that time, whose father was among the killed. He vowed to kill the cruel General. A subsequent enquiry was held into the shooting. As a result, Brigadier General Dyer retired, went back to England, and subsequently died six years after the Jallianwala massacre. However, The Sikh community felt further insulted, when Rur Sngh, the custodian of the Golden Temple, offered a Saropa to Sir Michael O’Dwyer, Lieuetnant Governor of Punjab. General Dwyer was also offered a Kirpan (Sword of honor) and it was qouted in the British Parliament by Lord Finlay that he had been made a Sikh.
    Udham Singh came to England and spent many years of hard work planning ways to fulfill his childhood vows. It is said that Udham Singh took up work in Sir Michale O’Dwyer’s residence in England, who was the Governor of Punjab during the Jallianwala massacre. Udham Singh worked there for sometime and therefore got to know Sir O’Dwyer very well. Seezing an opportune moment Udham Singh gunned down Sir O’Dwyer at a public meeting in England as he stood to address the gathering.

    1st August

    1863 Maharani Jind Kaur, mother of Maharaja Dalip Singh, passed away in Kaesington, England and was cremated in Nasik Nagar on the outskirts of Bombay, India. She was arrested by the British government in 1847 and imprisoned at the Shaekhpura fort. After numerous efforts, she managed to join Maharaja Dalip Singh in England. She was by Lord Dalhousie as “the only woman in the Punjab with manly understandings.” Jind Kaur was daughter of Sardar Manna Singh Auhlakh, a resident of village Chandh, district Sialkot, Tehsil Jafarwall. She was wife of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and mother of Maharaja Dalip Singh. Once the British government gained control of the Khalsa Raj’s affairs, she was initially kept under house arrest at Saekhupura and subsequently jailed at Chunar fort (U.P. district Mizapur). However, she escaped in a beggar’s attire and reached Nepal, where she lived with dignity. In 1861, Maharani Jind Kaur reached England to visit her son Maharaja Dalip Singh, where she died on Aug. 1, 1863 at the age of 46. Her body was brought back and cremated in Nasik Nagar, on the outskirts of Bombay.
    On March 27, 1924, Maharaja Dalip Singh’s daughter, Bamba Dalip Singh, brought the ashes of Maharani Jind Kaur from Nasik Nagar and buried it next to Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s samadh. Sardar Harbans Singh Rais of Atari performed the last rights (antim Ardas) on this occasion.
    1944 The Working Committee of the All Parties Sikh Conference met at Amritsar. It held that the C. Rajagopalachari’s formula “was mainfestly unfair and detrimental to the best interests of the country and the Sikh Community.” It regarded Gandhi’s approval of the same as “breach of faith” on the part of the Congress leaders and violative of assurances to the Sikhs “at its Lahore session in 1929”.
    1980 Khalistan Flag Hoisted for the first time. The Sikh Youth Organisation, Dal Khalsa, hoisted the flag of Khalistan at the very spot where 13 GurSikhs fell martyr while defending the Guru Khalsa Panth against the Nirankaris, on April 13, 1978.

    2nd August

    1764 Baba Budha Singh Ji relinquished control and bestowed the control of Sirhind to Baba Ala Singh Patiala.

    3rd August
    1977 Kartar Singh Khalsa Bhindrawalia was seriously injured in a car accident.

  • India in history this Week- July 28, 2023, to august 3, 2023

    28 JULY
    1914 Kamagata Maru was evacuated from Venkuvar and sent to India.
    1979 Charan Singh became the fifth Prime Minister of the country.
    29 JULY
    1876 Science organization was established in India.
    1891 Famous social reformer, educationist and freedom fighter Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar died.
    1996 Aruna Asaf Ali, one of the prominent women who contributed to the Indian freedom struggle, died in Kolkata.
    1748 The first army of the British Army arrived in India in 1748 to assist the East India Company.
    1911 Mohun Bagan won the IF Shield for the first time in 1911.
    2000 Seema Bhadauria pulled a 3390 kg aircraft with her teeth on 29 July 2000.


    1904 Jehangir Ratanji Dadabhoy Tata, one of the industrial personalities who laid the foundation of modern India, was born.

    30 JULY
    1886 India’s first female legislator, S. Muthulakshmi, was born.
    2012 In India, 300 million people had to live without electricity due to major power grid failure.
    2012 In 2012, 32 people died and 27 were injured when a train caught fire in Andhra Pradesh.

    31 JULY

    1880 Famous Hindi storyteller and novelist Premchand was born.
    1940 Freedom fighter Amar Shaheed Udham Singh died on the day.
    1924 The Madras Presidency Club pioneered the conduct of radio broadcasts.
    1933 Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi left the Sabarmati Ashram.
    1948 Establishment of the first state transport service in Calcutta in India.
    1980 The great playback singer of Hindi films, Mohammed Rafi passed away.
    1993 Inauguration of India’s first floating maritime museum in Calcutta (now Kolkata).
    2007 Indian-American doctor Sudhir Parikh was awarded the Pal Harris Award.
    1861 Cherrapunji in Assam received 9,300 milliliters of rain, which became a world record.
    1950 India and Nepal signed the Treaty of Peace and Friendship in 1950.
    2000 The Lok Sabha passed the Chhattisgarh State Construction Bill in 2000 by voice.
    2012 Ashok Sen was declared one of the nine winners of the first Yuri Milner Fundamental Physics Prize (Fundamental Physics Award).

    01 AUGUST
    1920 Mahatma Gandhi started the Non-Cooperation Movement.
    1957 National Book Trust was established.
    1999 Bengali and English writer Nird.C. Chaudhary died in Britain.
    1920 Mahatma Gandhi returned the Kesar-e-Hind Award given by the British Government in 1920.
    1947 The partition of powers between India and Pakistan in 1947.
    1985 In 1952, the first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru inaugurated Nationalized Airways at Safdarjung.
    1953 All airlines in the country were nationalized on 1953.
    1992 The then Prime Minister Narasimha Rao dedicated the Vizag Steel Plant to the nation in 1992.
    2008 In 2008, the Board of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) approved India’s Special Monitoring Agreement.
    1899 Kamala Nehru, the wife of the first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, was born.

    1932 Famous Hindi film actress Meena Kumari was born.
    1916 Annie Besant, former president of the Indian National Congress, launched the Home Rule League.
    2004 Sri Lanka won the Asia Cup of Cricket by defeating India.

    02 AUGUST
    1763 After the capture of Murshidabad, the British army defeated Mir Qasim in the Battle of Giriya.
    1876 Pingali Venkaiah, who designed the Indian flag, was born.
    1858 The Government of India Act was passed by the British Government.
    1858 The Government of India transferred the East India Company to the British Crown.
    1987 Vishwanath Anand won the World Junior Chess Championship.
    1999 The Brahmaputra Mail collided face-to-face with the Awadh-Assam Express at Ghasal. Both trains were running on the same track from the opposite direction.
    2001 Pakistan approved Chinese imports from India.

    1861 Famous scientist Prafulla Chandra Rai, who was considered the ‘father of chemistry’, was born.

    03 AUGUST

    1886 Famous Hindi poet Maithilisharan Gupta was born in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh.
    1985 Baba Amte was awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award for public service.
    2012 The Workplace Safety Bill, 2010 passed against sexual harassment of women in 2012.

    1993 Swami Chinmayananda, the famous spiritual thinker of India and world-renowned scholar of Vedanta philosophy, died in 1993.

  • Smith keeps cool in face of English onslaught, Oz lead by 12 runs

    Smith keeps cool in face of English onslaught, Oz lead by 12 runs

    LONDON (TIP)- Australia led England by 12 runs at the end of a tense and fluctuating second day to leave the final Ashes Test at The Oval on a knife-edge.
    Steve Smith’s patient 71 was the backbone of Australia’s 295 in reply to England’s 283 and a ninth-wicket partnership of 49 between Pat Cummins and Todd Murphy edged the touring side ahead.
    Australia, 2-1 up in the series and bidding to win the Ashes in England for the first time since 2001, were bowled out just before the close. Resuming in the morning on 61/1, Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne had adopted a no-risk approach, adding only 21 runs in the first 12 overs before the latter was brilliantly caught by Joe Root at first slip off Mark Wood for nine. Labuschagne edged Wood between wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow and Root who dived to his left and plucked the ball out of the air one-handed. England captain Ben Stokes did not have the option of using his main spinner Moeen Ali, who sustained a groin injury while batting, but his quick bowlers produced disciplined spells to keep the hosts in the game as Australia reached 115/2 at lunch. Stuart Broad struck twice after the interval and England dominated the afternoon session. Broad trapped Khawaja lbw for 47 and Travis Head, on four, edged the fast bowler to Bairstow as England sensed an opportunity to seize the initiative.
    Source: Reuters

  • 2nd ODI: India aim to clinch series with better batting effort

    2nd ODI: India aim to clinch series with better batting effort

    Bridgetown (TIP)– The Indian team will be expected to return to its original batting order as it aims to put up a much-improved show with the bat and take an unassailable lead in the three-match ODI series against West Indies in the second ODI. Skipper Rohit Sharma and coach Rahul Dravid did face a minor hiccup while trying out the middle-order batters up front on a track that became a raging turner during the second session but a meagre target of 115 meant that things were smooth for the better part.
    “I never thought the pitch would play like that, it was the team’s need to bowl first. The pitch had everything for seamers and spinners, our guys did well to restrict them to that score,” Rohit Sharma had said after the match.
    The spinners from either side picked up 10 out of the 15 wickets that fell on a rank turner with a lot of bounce and carry. The track used for the second ODI might not be the same one but nature could be identical and hence the Indian team shouldn’t mind the challenge of batting first.
    Facing Gudakesh Motie’s orthodox left-arm spin and Yannic Cariah’s leg breaks won’t be the most difficult proposition but not the easiest one either. The Indian batters haven’t exactly set the stage on fire when facing spinners on turners and this won’t be a bad test for the team if another turner is rolled out.
    It’s normal for me: Kuldeep on
    being a stopgap for India
    Getting dropped due to conditions that require a specific playing combination has been a “normal” thing for Kuldeep Yadav and the left-arm wrist spinner believes that it is better to make every opportunity count than fret about chances that he lost over the years. Yadav took 4 for 6 in just three overs to lead India to a comprehensive win and bag the Player of the Match award. “Most of the times, when I don’t get to play it is because of the situation and combination. It is a normal thing now. I have been playing cricket for so many years, it has been more than six years now. These things are normal,” he said. “Competition will always be there in the Indian cricket team but it motivates you to do well as you can’t take anything lightly. For me, process is more important than performance.” Source: PTI

  • Pak hockey team gets NOC for Asian Champions Trophy

    The Pakistan hockey team has got the green signal to travel to India for the upcoming Asian Champions Trophy slated to be held in Chennai from August 3. Pakistan Hockey Federation secretary Haider Hussain confirmed on Friday that the Sports Board has got the NOC from the ministry of interior.
    “The contingent will leave on Tuesday, Aug 1, via the Wagah border and travel to Amritsar from where they have been booked on a domestic flight for Chennai,” he said. Haider said they were still awaiting visas for three officials including the newly appointed consultant of the national team, Shahnaz Sheikh.

  • Spanish Hockey Federation International Tournament: India out of title contention after draw

    The Indian men’s hockey team came up with a spirited performance to hold England 1-1 in its third match at the ongoing 100th Anniversary Spanish Hockey Federation International Tournament here on July 28. While Sam Ward scored for England in the fifth minute, India bounced back to level the scores in the 29th minute through Harmanpreet Singh. The draw meant India are out of contention for Sunday’s final. After their 1-2 loss against the hosts and 1-1 draw with Netherlands, India were looking for a win and a spot in the final. However, it was England who secured the final berth with their second draw. India will now play for the third place, either against Spain or Netherlands.

  • Jaisalmer: The Golden City

    Jaisalmer: The Golden City

    Jaisalmer is a prominent tourist spot located in the northwestern state of Rajasthan in India. It is known as the ‘golden city’ due to its golden dunes and castles clad in golden honey sandstone. Jaisalmer is adorned with lakes, ornate Jain temples and havelis. Climb onto the camel saddle and make your way through this desert to camp under the starry night sky for an unforgettable experience.
    The Jaisalmer Fort stands as a citadel with narrow alleys inhabited by people for generations and shops selling colourful handicrafts.
    Jaisalmer is a town, and to reach the Sand Dunes, travellers have to take a jeep safari followed by a camel ride. Thus, Jaisalmer is an amalgamation of exotic Indian desert culture, heritage and adventure.
    Jaisalmer Fort
    Jaisalmer Fort, nestled on the golden sands of Thar Desert, is not just a fort but a mini-town with houses, temples, shops, and restaurants. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it falls under the category of ‘Hill Forts of India’. Built in 1156, Jaisalmer Fort gets its name from the former Bhati Rajput ruler Rao Jaisal. More than three thousand people live within the fort walls with multiple entrance gates on the path up top, the last of which directs you to the popular public square named Dashera Chowk. The fort stands at an impressive height of 250 ft. and is surrounded by 30 ft. tall walls. Owing to its altitude, it offers a stunning and panoramic view of Jaisalmer city draped in golden yellow!
    One of the largest forts in the world, Jaisalmer Fort is located on the southern edge of the city and is popularly known as ‘Sonar Qila’ or ‘Golden Fort’. It is a massive structure exhibiting its aesthetic beauty. The walk through the labyrinthine lanes is an experience worth having. Jaisalmer Fort was initially named ‘Trikut Garh’ since it was triangular in shape and was also built over the Trikuta Hills. ‘Sonar Qila'(Golden Fort) as it is locally referred to, houses almost quarter of Jaisalmer’s population inside the complex.
    Desert Safari
    Jaisalmer is frequented by tourists for its large stretches of desert sand. Popular Desert Safaris in Jaisalmer takes place in Sam Sand Dunes. A Jeep takes you to a point near Sam Sand Dunes (around 45km from the city) from where the camel ride starts and lasts for around 90 minutes. You will also stop by at a few attractions on your way.
    The safaris can be done in the morning or in the evening followed a delicious meal alongside a musical dance program that showcases the local culture of Rajasthan. If you don’t wish to indulge in this experience and want to go for a off-beat experience, there are a few operators like Trotters that will take you to Khuri Sand Dunes. The meal will be modest and the tent will be pitched for you making it perfect for stargazing.
    Gadisar Lake
    On the outskirts of Jaisalmer in the arid state of Rajasthan lies the beautiful Gadisar Lake, which sits like an oasis in the heart of a desert. Back in the middle ages, there were no canals or irrigation system or other scientific methods to bring water to the arid regions of Rajasthan. This reservoir was built by Raja Rawal Jaisal keeping in mind the need of his people. Located close to the fort of Jaisalmer, the lake is an easy respite from the hot and dry desert climate. Gadisar Lake offers scenic and picturesque views of the lake and the adjacent fort, especially when the eastern sky is blood red and the sun rises, striking its rays on the top floors of Jaisalmer Fort.
    Whether you like to spend some quiet time by yourself or have fun with your family, Gadisar Lake has a handful of experiences to offer. You can go boating in the lake or simply enjoy a walk around the embankment. If winter is your time of visit, you might just be lucky enough to see beautiful exotic migratory birds flocking in and around the lake from the nearby bird sanctuary of Bharatpur.
    Patwon ki Haveli
    Also known as the Mansion of Brocade Merchants, Patwon Ki Haveli is a famous tourist attraction in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. At first glance from the narrow street it faces, one would see several windows and balconies with intricate carvings, and once inside, they would get to witness the grandeur of the Haveli. It is a cluster of five small havelis built by a rich trader in the 19th Century. Locals also refer the haveli as Kothari’s Patwa Haveli. The five havelis were built for the family and together, the entire complex forms the largest mansion in the city. It still possesses an ample number of artefacts and stonework that give a glimpse into the regal lifestyle of the Patwa family. It is one of three havelis that are deemed impressive in the city. The building comes under the Archaeological Survey of India, and it is recognized as a renowned architectural as well as a historical site.
    Sam Sand Dunes
    Sam Sand Dunes in Jaisalmer is an offbeat natural tourist destination in Rajasthan right in the middle of the Thar Desert. Right in the middle of the historical forts and colourful markets, Sam Sand Dunes are among the best and most authentic in the country, some rising as tall as 30-60 metres tall. Lying around 40-42 kilometres from the golden city of Jaisalmer, the dunes are located over calm and undulating stretches of golden yellow sand stretching for around 2 kilometres along the borders of the Jaisalmer Desert National Park. Travellers often come here to witness the dramatic and sunrise and sunsets. You can also gain a close insight into the culture and tradition of Rajasthan with dances and musicals that are staged around the campfires at night.
    Jain Temples
    Situated in the Jaisalmer Fort, Jain Temples in Jaisalmer are a must-visit while you are in the city. The temples, though ancient, have a high religious significance and ancient knowledge attached to them. Built in the Dilwara style that is famous all over the world for its architecture, these temples are dedicated to Rikhabdevji and Shambhavdev Ji, the famous Jain hermits known as ‘Tirthankaras’. Being a significant pilgrimage spot, the Jain Temples are truly a treasure of the Jaisalmer city and a fun place to be at for all those tourists who are interested in history and religion. All the seven temples are connected to each other and are built using the same golden-yellow Jaisalmeri stone.

  • Kinner Kailash Yatra

    Kinner Kailash Yatra

    One of the five famous abodes of Lord Shiva, the 6,050 m Kinner Kailash, is an extraordinary mountain symbolising the confluence of two major religious faiths of the tribal regions of Himachal Pradesh.
    Kinner Kailash is an important religious place for Hindus and Buddhism. Kinner Kailash is a symbol of faith for Hindus. Kinner Kailash is located near the Tibet border in Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. Kinner Kailash is situated on the top of the mountain, whose height is approximately 40 feet and the width is about 16 feet. In Hindu religion, this khand is worshiped as Lord Shiva’s natural Shiva Ling. There is also Parikrama of Kinner Kailash, which is one of the pilgrimage pilgrimages to the Himalayas for Hindus.
    The Himalaya Mountains are not only related to Hindu mythology, but it also has a deep attachment to the belief of Hindu society. This is the same Himalaya from where the origin of the river Ganges is originated from Ghumukh. Kullu, the valley of the Gods, also comes in the same Himalayan range. There are more than 350 temples in this valley. Travel to Kinner Kailash is considered as difficult as traveling to Mansarovar and Amarnath. This journey begins every year in the month of Savan. It takes about 2 to 3 days to complete the journey. This visit has been opened for tourists since 1993. During the journey, flowers of Brahma Lotus can be seen in thousands of thousands. This flower is very much like Lord Shiva.
    According to Hindu mythology this place is associated with Lord Shiva and Parvati. It is believed that the meeting of Lord Shiva and Parvati has happened in this place.
    It has been said in mythology that Lord Shiva organized the Deities and Gods assembly on Kinner Kailash Peak in every winter. Every year, hundreds of Shiv devotees travel in the month of July and August through the inaccessible route to Kinner Kailash. In order to start the journey of Kinner Kailash, devotees have to cross the Sutlej river and reach Tangling village from Powari, located on National Highway-5, about seven km from the district headquarter. Parvati Kund is about five hundred meters away from Ganesh Park. There is a belief about this Kund that if the coin is cast from reverence, it will be fulfilled. Following the holy bath in this kund, after passing a rough 24-hour hard journey, the Kinner can see the Shiva at Kailash.
    One feature of this Shiv Ling of Kinner Kailash is that it changes color several times a day. White before sunrise, yellow after sunrise, red before sunset and it becomes black after sunset.
    There is a lack of oxygen during travel. Keep warm clothes, torches, stick, socks, bottles of water, glucose, and the necessary medicines with you. Do not drunk during the trip. Do not harm the herbs and especially the cosmic flowers during the trip.
    Rising precipitously from the banks of the Sutlej, the commanding mountain encompasses narrow valleys, deep gorges and captivating alpine pastures. The Shivlingam atop the mountain, formed by a rocky cliff, is a manifestation of the supreme power and a hallowed place of worship for the believers. It is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva stays for his annual winter sojourn At times even experienced climbers struggle to reach the top but the devout somehow keep moving, as if under a charm, oblivious of the hazardous terrain and the difficulty of the task at hand. The spiritual aura of the abode of Lord Shiva and the unflinching belief of the devotees elevates their spirits impelling them to undertake the daunting pilgrimage year after year.
    The trek to the holy mountain takes off from the left bank of the Sutlej. The river can be crossed either by using an improvised ropeway or by taking a longer route, using a bridge located a few kilometres downstream. Once on the left bank, one has to gear up for a long and strenuous climb all the way up to the sacred monolith. The climb begins from Tangling village and is a draining affair right from the start, with about seven or eight hours of continuous ascent up to the base camp.
    There are no easy stretches on the way and the gradient is relentlessly steep. Although the uphill journey is not an easy one, the ever-changing but spectacular views that keep unfolding more than make up for the physical toil. As the altitude increases, the flora and fauna changes, dense forests gradually make way for relatively sparse bushy vegetation, marking the end of the tree line. Thereafter, the high-altitude flowering plants and lush green meadows with protruding rocks greet the trekkers. Brahma Kamal, the most revered plant of high altitude of the Himalayas is found at places en route beyond 13,000 ft. The plant with the botanical name Saussurea Obvallata grows naturally in the area. It is known for its medicinal properties, besides its religious significance.
    As the climb becomes steeper, the terrain is dominated more and more by rocks and only some grassland are visible in patches. The fascinating landscape has a deep impact on the mind, virtually pushing the climber into a state of trance. The eerie sound of the gushing winds kissing the rocks literally provides for a “top of the world” feeling. The experience becomes all the more real when climbers reach Ganesh Park, the site of the base camp, where a natural cave welcomes the tired and exhausted pilgrims. Visible at a short distance is an extremely precipitous patch of the trail to be followed, providing a glimpse of the daunting climb ahead. Many a time the faint-hearted armatures, unable to conquer their fear of heights, turn back, just shy of the base camp. Perhaps the most comforting part of the ascent up to Ganesh Park is a well-marked trail which eventually disappears into a maze of rocks and boulders.
    The base camp presents an aerial view of the district headquarters “Reckong Peo” and the picturesque “Kalpa” village on the face on the mountain across the valley. The scale of the climb can be gauged from the fact that Reckong Peo, as seen from Ganesh Park, appears to be at a significantly lower altitude. The terrain from the base camp transforms into a confusing yet a beautiful high-altitude valley, skirted by steep rocky peaks on both sides. First-time visitors usually have a difficult time digesting the view accompanied by the violent and explosive sound of avalanches and falling rocks that can be heard at a distance every once in a while.
    The Parvati Kund, a sacred water body en route to the lingam, is an assurance to the pilgrims that they are on the right path. However, the trail takes on a whole different level from thereon, as trekkers have to cover an almost vertical climb to reach the destination.

  • US Fed lifts rates, Jerome Powell leaves door open to another hike in September

    US Fed lifts rates, Jerome Powell leaves door open to another hike in September

    Washington (TIP)- The Federal Reserve raised interest rates by a quarter of a percentage point on Wednesday, July 26, and Fed Chair Jerome Powell said the economy still needed to slow and the labor market to weaken for inflation to “credibly” return to the U.S. central bank’s 2% target.
    The hike, the Fed’s 11th in its last 12 meetings, set the benchmark overnight interest rate in the 5.25%-5.50% range, a level last seen just prior to the 2007 housing market crash and which has not been consistently exceeded for about 22 years.
    “The (Federal Open Market) Committee will continue to assess additional information and its implications for monetary policy,” the Fed said in language that was little changed from its June 14 statement and which left the central bank’s policy options open as it searches for a stopping point to the current tightening cycle.
    Powell made no promises either way, with a September meeting eight weeks from now considered “live” for another rate increase, though a continued slowing of inflation and weaker economic data may also prompt policymakers to pause.
    In a press conference following the Fed’s latest policy move, the Fed chief said the central bank was very much looking at “the totality” of incoming data, and particularly studying it for signs that the economy is heading for a period of “below-trend” growth that Powell thinks is necessary for inflation to fall.
    Key price measures are still increasing at more than double the Fed’s target. While inflation has been easing, that has so far happened with little apparent cost to the labor market, where the unemployment rate remains at a low 3.6%. Economic growth has remained above the Fed’s estimated 1.8% trend rate; economists polled by Reuters expect data on Thursday will show second-quarter gross domestic product expanded at just that level.
    Powell acknowledged as a positive development that inflation has fallen from the highs of last year without serious damage to the economy.
    But as the Fed enters a tricky period in its inflation fight, balancing the need for further rate increases against the risks of going too far, he said finishing the task on inflation will likely require some economic losses.
    “My base case is that we will be able to achieve inflation moving back down to our target without a really significant downturn that results in high levels of job losses,” Powell said. “But it’s a long way to be sure and we have a lot left … Reducing inflation is likely to require a period of below-trend growth and some softening of labor market conditions.”
    As stated after its meeting last month, the Fed said it would watch incoming data and study the impact of its rate hikes on the economy “in determining the extent of additional policy firming that may be appropriate” to reach its inflation target.
    Though inflation data since the Fed’s June 13-14 meeting has been weaker than expected, policymakers have been reluctant to alter their hawkish approach until there is more progress in reducing price pressures. In their most recent projections, issued at the end of the June meeting, 12 of 18 policymakers said they anticipated at least one more rate increase would be needed by the end of this year for financial conditions to be restrictive enough to ensure inflation continued to decline. Source: Reuters

  • Air India plans to start flights to Los Angeles, Boston

    Air India plans to start flights to Los Angeles, Boston

    New Delhi (TIP)- Tata Group-owned Air India is planning to operate flights to more US cities, including Los Angeles, and is assessing various metrics, according to sources. Currently, the airline operates non-stop flights to five American cities — Washington, DC, New York, New Jersey, Chicago and San Francisco.
    Los Angeles and Boston are among the cities being assessed as potential new destinations for long-haul flights from India, the sources said. At present, Air India has a code share partnership with United Airlines.
    “We are planning to expand (our base) in the US and various cities are being assessed for potential new destinations. So, Boston is one of them, and Los Angeles too is among the cities that are being assessed,” one of the sources said.
    “We are weighing other metrics as well,” the source added.
    Starting a new destination entails examining a lot of factors, including fleet size, pilot strength and traffic volume on the route, according to aviation industry experts.
    The source said current pilot strength, training of cabin crew and ground staff to be deployed at an airport at the new destination are among the factors that need to be considered. Source: PTI

  • India to be 3rd largest economy by 2027: SBI

    Economists at the country’s largest lender SBI on Thursday, July 27, advanced their estimate on the Indian economy becoming the third largest in the world by two years to 2027.
    In a note that comes a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi exuded confidence of winning a third term and India galloping to being the third largest till 2029, SBI economists said India’s real GDP will grow at over 6.5% in FY24.
    “The path taken by India since 2014 reveals that India is likely to get the tag of the third largest economy in 2027 (or FY28) based on actual GDP data as on March 2023, a movement of 7 places upwards since 2014, when India was ranked 10th and two years earlier than our previous forecast of 2029,” the economists said in the note.
    The RBI estimates the real GDP to grow at 6.5%, which is one of the highest estimates by any watchers. At present, India is the fifth largest economy in the world.
    The SBI report said the GDP will grow at 8.1% in the first quarter of FY24, which ensures that the overall expansion surpasses 6.5%. It also added that growing at 6.5-7% is the new normal for the country.
    Stating that the economy is in a “sustained goldilocks” period, the economists said becoming the third largest economy will be a “remarkable achievement by any standards” for India. Source: PTI

  • Currency note with * symbol in number panel valid note, says RBI

    A currency note with a star (*) symbol is identical to any other legal banknote, the Reserve Bank said on Thursday , July 27, allaying concerns on the validity of such notes.
    The symbol is inserted in the number panel of a banknote that is used as replacement for defectively printed notes in a packet of 100 pieces of serially numbered banknotes, the RBI said.
    In a statement, the central bank said it has come to the notice of the RBI that the validity of banknotes with this symbol present on the number panel has recently been the subject of discussions on some social media platforms.
    “A banknote with a star (*) symbol is identical to any other legal banknote, except that in the number panel a star (*) symbol is added between the prefix and the serial number,” it said.
    The RBI clarified that the symbol is an identifier that it is a replaced/reprinted banknote.
    Source: PTI

  • Climate change has likely changed color of Earth’s oceans: Study

    Climate change has likely changed color of Earth’s oceans: Study

    Climate change has likely changed the colour of the Earth’s oceans significantly over the past two decades, according to a study.
    The research, published recently in the journal Nature, detected changes in ocean color over the past 20 years that cannot be explained by natural, year-to-year variability alone.
    These colour shifts, though subtle to the human eye, have occurred over 56 per cent of the world’s oceans — an expanse that is larger than the total land area on Earth, the researchers said.
    The team of researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), US, the National Oceanography Center in the UK and others found that tropical ocean regions near the equator have, in particular, become steadily greener over time.
    According to the researchers, the shift in ocean color indicates that ecosystems within the surface ocean must also be changing, as the colour of the ocean is a literal reflection of the organisms and materials in its waters.
    It is not certain how exactly marine ecosystems are changing to reflect the shifting color, the researchers said, adding, however, human-induced climate change is likely the driver.
    “I have been running simulations that have been telling me for years that these changes in ocean colour are going to happen,” said study co-author Stephanie Dutkiewicz, senior research scientist in MIT.
    “To actually see it happening for real is not surprising, but frightening. And these changes are consistent with man-induced changes to our climate,” Dutkiewicz said.
    The ocean’s colour is a visual product of whatever lies within its upper layers. Generally, waters that are deep blue reflect very little life, whereas greener waters indicate the presence of ecosystems, and mainly phytoplankton — plant-like microbes that are abundant in upper ocean and that contain the green pigment chlorophyll.
    The team analysed measurements of ocean color taken by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) aboard the Aqua satellite, which has been monitoring ocean colour for 21 years. Source: PTI

  • Apple accidentally confirmed a key feature of iPhone 15 Pro models ahead of launch

    Apple is gearing up to make a significant change to its iPhone lineup with the upcoming iPhone 15 Pro series. According to reports, the physical mute switch that has been a familiar feature on iPhones for years is set to be replaced by a new and programmable “Action Button.” While rumors about this button have been circulating for some time, its exact functions have remained a mystery. However, code snippets from the fourth iOS 17 beta update, released to developers by Apple, shed light on the capabilities of the iPhone 15 Pro Action Button.
    The code snippets discovered by MacRumors claim that the Action Button could offer a diverse range of nine different functions. Among these possibilities is the ability for users to quickly access accessibility features like Assistive Touch. Another potential function is the integration of the Shortcuts app. If realized, users may be able to run any shortcuts they have created directly from the Action Button.
    Apple seems to be keeping some familiar features intact as well. The Action Button is expected to handle silent mode functionality, akin to the current mute switch. This ensures that users can easily switch their phones to silent mode when necessary. The Action Button on the upcoming iPhone 15 Pro models could also act as a shortcut to rapidly launch the camera app.
    Similarly, the Action Button may double as a quick switch to turn on the phone’s flashlight, a feature that has proven useful in various situations. A particularly interesting function that may be assigned to the Action Button is the ability to toggle the Focus mode on or off. As mental well-being and digital detox become increasingly important, this function could offer users a convenient way to manage their device’s notifications and minimize distractions.

  • Stability AI releases its latest image-generating model, Stable Diffusion XL 1.0

    AI startup Stability AI continues to refine its generative AI models in the face of increasing competition — and ethical challenges. Today, Stability AI announced the launch of Stable Diffusion XL 1.0, a text-to-image model that the company describes as its “most advanced” release to date. Available in open source on GitHub in addition to Stability’s API and consumer apps, ClipDrop and DreamStudio, Stable Diffusion XL 1.0 delivers “more vibrant” and “accurate” colors and better contrast, shadows and lighting compared to its predecessor, Stability claims.
    In an interview with TechCrunch, Joe Penna, Stability AI’s head of applied machine learning, noted that Stable Diffusion XL 1.0, which contains 3.5 billion parameters, can yield full 1-megapixel resolution images “in seconds” in multiple aspect ratios. “Parameters” are the parts of a model learned from training data and essentially define the skill of the model on a problem, in this case generating images.
    The previous-gen Stable Diffusion model, Stable Diffusion XL 0.9, could produce higher-resolution images as well, but required more computational might.
    “Stable Diffusion XL 1.0 is customizable, ready for fine-tuning for concepts and styles,” Penna said. “It’s also easier to use, capable of complex designs with basic natural language processing prompting.”
    Stable Diffusion XL 1.0 is improved in the area of text generation, in addition.

  • Musk wants to turn tweets into ‘X’s’, but changing language is not so simple

    Musk wants to turn tweets into ‘X’s’, but changing language is not so simple

    Elon Musk may want to send “tweet” back to the birds, but the ubiquitous term for posting on the site he now calls X is here to stay — at least for now. For one, the word is still plastered all over the site formerly known as Twitter. Write a post, you still need to press a blue button that says “tweet” to publish it. To repost it, you still tap “retweet.” But it’s more than that. With “tweets,” Twitter accomplished in just a few years something few companies have done in a lifetime: It became a verb and implanted itself into the lexicon of America and the world. Upending that takes more than a top-down declaration, even if it is from the owner of Twitter-turned-X, who also happens to be one of the world’s richest men.
    “Language has always come from the people that use it on a day-to-day basis. And it can’t be controlled, it can’t created, it can’t be morphed. You don’t get to decide it,” said Nick Bilton, the author of “Hatching Twitter: A True Story of Money, Power, Friendship, and Betrayal” about Twitter’s origins.
    Twitter didn’t start out as Twitter. It was “twttr” — without vowels, which was the trend in 2006 when the platform launched and SMS texting was wildly popular. The iPhone only came out in 2007.
    Twitter co-founder Evan Williams “went one day and purchased the vowels, two vowels for essentially USD 7,500 each,” when he bought the URL for twitter.com from a bird enthusiast, Bilton said.
    At the beginning, people didn’t “tweet” — it was “I’m going to twitter this,” Bilton recalled.
    But “twittered” doesn’t roll off the tongue and “tweet” soon took over, first in the Twitter office, then San Francisco, then everywhere.
    We’ve been tweeting for well over a decade. World leaders, celebrities and athletes, dissidents in repressive regimes, propaganda trolls, sex workers and religious icons, meme queens and actual queens.
    Former president Donald Trump’s incendiary use of the bird app quickly punted “tweet” into near-constant headlines during his presidency. People who never signed up for Twitter knew what the word meant.
    For now, we still tweet, retweet and quote tweet, and sometimes — perhaps not often enough — delete tweets.
    News sites embed tweets in their stories and TV programs scroll them. No other social network has a word for posting that’s entered the vernacular like “tweet” — though Google did the same for “googling.”
    The Oxford English Dictionary added “tweet” in 2011. Merriam-Webster followed in 2013. The Associated Press Stylebook entered it in 2010.
    “Getting into the dictionary is an indication that people are already using it,” said Jack Lynch, a Rutgers University English professor who studies the history of language.
    “Dictionaries are usually pretty tentative or cautious about letting new words in, especially for new phenomena, because they don’t want things to be just a flash in the pan.”
    As Twitter grew into a global communications platform and struggled with misinformation, trolls and hate speech, its friendly brand image remained.
    The blue bird icon evokes a smile, like the Amazon up-turned-arrow smile — in contrast to the X that Musk has imposed. Source: ANI

  • Omega-3 fatty acids help in maintaining lung health: Study

    Omega-3 fatty acids help in maintaining lung health: Study

    Omega-3 fatty acids, abundant in fish and fish oil supplements, are promising for maintaining lung health, according to new research from a sizable, thorough study in healthy individuals funded by the National Institutes of Health. The study highlights the importance of consuming omega-3 fatty acids, especially in light of the fact that many Americans do not consume enough of them, and provides the most compelling evidence of this connection to date. “We know a lot about the role of diet in cancer and cardiovascular diseases, but the role of diet in chronic lung disease is somewhat understudied,” said corresponding author Patricia A. Cassano, PhD, director of the Division of Nutritional Sciences at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. “This study adds to growing evidence that omega-3 fatty acids, which are part of a healthy diet, may also be important for lung health.”
    Whether nutritional therapies could aid in the fight against lung illness has recently gained more attention. Because of their well-documented anti-inflammatory effects, omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to promising results in earlier studies. However, until recently, there haven’t been any reliable investigations of this link. To learn more, researchers developed a two-part study investigating the link between omega-3 fatty acid levels in the blood and lung function over time. In the first part, the researchers conducted a longitudinal, observational study involving 15,063 Americans from the NHLBI Pooled Cohorts Study, a large collection of NIH-funded studies that helps researchers to study determinants of personalized risk for chronic lung disease. The participants studied were generally healthy when the study began, and the majority had no evidence of chronic lung disease. They comprised a racially diverse group of adults, with an average age of 56 years, and 55 per cent were female. The researchers followed participants for an average of seven years and up to 20 years. The longitudinal study showed that higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids in a person’s blood were associated with a reduced rate of lung function decline.
    Source: ANI

  • Habits that can help you improve gut health

    Habits that can help you improve gut health

    The gut, also known as the digestive tract, is not just a mechanism for processing food, but is a vital part of the body’s immune system and significantly influences your physical and mental health.
    Primarily, the gut is comprised of trillions of bacteria called the gut microbiota. These bacteria, the majority of which are beneficial, are vital to the body’s functions.
    They aid in breaking down food into nutrients, help the immune system fight harmful bacteria, and influence the body’s insulin resistance. They even affect your mood and mental health outcomes.
    Microbiota are part of most of our gastrointestinal system. Foods can harm the microbiota or support them.
    Avoid processed and sugary foods
    Processed foods have transfats that prolong shelf life and this harms the gut lining. The flexible cellwall hosting myriad of cell receptors and channels becomes rigid. Cells thereby fail to function optimally and this function depends on the type of cell.
    High sugar foods will lead to small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). This in turn leads to bacteria fermenting food and production of excessive gas. This also affects the absorption capacity and will lead to nutritional deficiency.
    Prefer home-cooked meals
    When we cook at home, the oil to be used and all the ingredients are under our control. When a cooking oil is overheated and reused ( as in restaurants), food cooked will be unhealthy for our gut microbiota. We can avoid artificial sweeteners, food preservatives and colorants,
    Avoid eating in a hurry or in a standing position
    It is advised to sit and chew your food slowly.”When we are calm, we activate the parasympathetic system and vagus nerve which controls the gastro-intestinal tract movement and function is a prasympathetic nerve.
    If we are in a hurry, then the overdriven sympathetic nervous system leads to inadequate absorption of vital nutrients in food.
    Move after you eat
    Sleeping immediately after we eat is not good for digestive function. Walking for just 10 to 15 minutes has been shown to aid digestion and optimal absorption. Sitting for long hours during work is not good for one’s digestive health.
    Prefer whole foods
    Whole foods like whole grains, vegetables, fruits , nuts and seeds are to be consumed every day instead of processed and artificial foods. The more variety of vegetables and fruits that we eat, the more enriched our gut microbiota will be.
    Source: India Today

  • Early food allergies linked to childhood asthma and reduced lung function

    According to a world-first study, having a food allergy as a baby is connected to asthma and impaired lung function later in childhood.
    The research, led by Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and published in the Lancet Child & Adolescent Health, found that early life food allergy was associated with an increased risk of both asthma and reduced lung growth at six years of age. Murdoch Children’s Associate Professor Rachel Peters said this was the first study to examine the relationship between challenge-confirmed food allergy in infancy and asthma and poorer lung health later in childhood.
    The Melbourne research involved 5276 infants from the HealthNuts study, who underwent skin prick testing to common food allergens, including peanut and egg and oral food challenges to test for food allergy. At six years, children were followed up with further food allergy and lung function tests.
    The study found by six years of age, 13.7 per cent reported a diagnosis of asthma. Babies with a food allergy were almost four times more likely to develop asthma at six years of age, compared to children without a food allergy. The impact was greatest in children whose food allergy persisted to age six as opposed to those who had outgrown their allergy. Children with a food allergy were also more likely to have reduced lung function.
    Associate Professor Peters said food allergy in infancy, whether it resolved or not, was linked to poorer respiratory outcomes in children. “This association is concerning given reduced lung growth in childhood is associated with health problems in adulthood including respiratory and heart conditions,” she said.

  • Manicure mistakes you’re making

    Manicure mistakes you’re making

    Nothing ruins a day more than a chipped manicure or a broken nail. Women are out to conquer the world, then why let this minor bump in the road stop you for looking bomb all day long. To save you time we have rounded up six manicure sins you’re making. So stop cursing the nail paint! Instead, ask yourself if you committed any of these sins. If you nod your head at any point on this list, then you have your answer.
    Don’t apply too many coats
    Applying thick coats of nail paint gets you one step closer to ruining your perfect manicure. Slapping on layers of polish will increase your chances of getting smudges and nicks as the paint will take much longer to dry completely. To avoid such accidents, apply thin coats of the paint to ensure faster drying.
    Always wait for a few minutes before adding more layers of polish. Also, paint it in just one direction to achieve a smooth finish.
    Avoid hot water
    If you’re looking for a manicure that lasts, then avoid contact with hot water for at least six hours after getting a manicure. Hot water can ruin your hard work, so wear gloves while doing water related chores and save your polish from chipping.
    On the other hand, cold water will be your savior. Dip your nails into a bowl of ice water for 1-2 minutes. This will set and dry your polish in a matter of minutes.
    Don’t shake the bottle
    Do not shake your bottle before applying the nail paint. Shaking creates air bubbles which should always be avoided if you’re looking for an immaculate manicure. When air gets trapped inside the bottle, it creates froth making your nails chip faster.
    Instead of shaking, roll your bottle in your hands and see the difference.
    Don’t skip the base coat
    Just like a good primer can keep your make-up looking flawless every day, using a base coat will provide the same service to your nails. A layer of base coat can easily extend the wear of your manicure by at least a couple of days.
    Soaking a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol or white vinegar and applying to your nails before the base coat will help in sealing the natural oils and giving an even finish to your manicure.
    Don’t cut your cuticles
    Cutting your cuticles is a major health risk. Even beauty experts agree that cuts can easily get infected and it’s not an ideal to commit this sin. Rather, push them back using cuticle pusher tool. This will prevent the paint from sticking to the cuticles which can heft the polish from the nail bed and cause chipping.

  • Surprising benefits of letting your hair go gray

    Surprising benefits of letting your hair go gray

    Transitioning into gray hair is a big step that many women dread. This is largely due to societal stigma about what’s deemed as beautiful and youthful. However, it’s part of the natural aging process. And there is no reason to feel ashamed of your silver hues. Whether you’re experiencing the arrival of your first grays, or you color your hair to hide them, there are plenty of benefits to rocking your natural color.
    Your hair will be healthier
    Applying dye lifts the hair’s protective proteins, so the chemicals can enter the strand and change its color. This process weakens the hair, which can cause brittleness, dryness, and thinning. Therefore, skipping the dye will result in much healthier hair.
    Your scalp health will improve
    An itchy scalp is often caused by a chemical in dye called paraphenylenediamine, a known irritant and allergen. But if you stop the dying process, you won’t have this problem.
    You’ll save money
    By letting your natural grays shine through, you can save a lot of money on dyeing your hair and getting touch-ups. Even if you don’t go to the salon every month, frequently buying a box dye can still get expensive. You’ll also be able to ditch all the pricey hair care products dyed hair requires.
    And you’ll save time
    On top of saving a lot of money, you’ll also save tons of time. Dying your hair can take hours, or even a whole day, depending on your hair type.
    You’ll see added dimension
    Gray hair isn’t only practical, it also creates a stunning aesthetic. Some will have stripes of white that look like natural highlights. Others will get a total white hue that looks like platinum blonde.
    Gray hair is surprising
    Going gray is always interesting because you’ll discover your true hues. Some might have grays that look more metallic, while others might have a shiny salt and pepper mix.
    Gray is flexible
    There are lots of approaches to converting to gray hair. For example, you can wait for it to grow out, or cut it real short. You can also wear a wig in your dyed color until your gray has grown out. Or you can have a professional colorist camouflage the transitioning hair with lowlights as the gray grows in.
    It’s a sisterhood
    There’s a special bond and support between women who decide to go gray. They acknowledge the strength, autonomy, and beauty they see in each other.
    You’ll feel free
    At the end of the day, dying your hair can cause a lot of stress. You may worry the color will come out wrong, or that you’re spending too much money. But by letting your hair go gray, all that disappears.
    Source: Starinsider

  • Kashmiri Lamb

    Kashmiri Lamb

    Ingredients
    4 dried red chile peppers (such as cayenne), 3 long, green fresh chile peppers (such as Indian Jwala), 1 teaspoon cumin seeds, 1 teaspoon Kashmiri garam masala, 1 (1 inch) piece fresh ginger root, peeled and grated, 5 cloves garlic, crushed ¼ cup dried unsweetened coconut, 3 tomatoes, chopped, 6 tablespoons vegetable oil, 2 large onions, thinly sliced, 2 pounds lamb meat, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes, salt to taste, ½ teaspoon ground turmeric, 1 cup plain yogurt, ½ teaspoon saffron threads, 20 whole blanched almonds, ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro,
    Directions
    – Place red chiles, green chiles, cumin seeds, garam masala, ginger, garlic, grated coconut, and tomatoes into a blender; pulse several times to chop, then blend into a smooth paste.
    – Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Stir in onion; cook and stir until the onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low, and continue cooking and stirring until the onion is very tender and golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes more.
    – Stir the spice paste into the onion and cook and stir until the oil separates from the mixture, about 3 minutes.
    – Stir in lamb pieces and salt. Cook, stirring frequently over medium-high heat, until the lamb pieces are browned on all sides, about 8 minutes.
    – Mix in yogurt, saffron, and blanched almonds until well combined.
    – Reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, until the meat is tender and the gravy is thick, about 1 hour.
    – Garnish the curry with chopped cilantro before serving.

  • Akshay performs Shiv Tandav in ‘Har Har Mahadev’ song

    Akshay performs Shiv Tandav in ‘Har Har Mahadev’ song

    The makers of the upcoming film ‘OMG 2’ unveiled the powerful track ‘Har Har Mahadev’ featuring Akshay Kumar, on Thursday, July 27, on social media.
    Taking to Instagram, Akshay treated fans with full song video ‘Har Har Mahadev’ and captioned it, “#HarHarMahadev song out now. #OMG2 in theatres on August 11.”
    The video showcased number of worshippers celebrating god as they danced to the high beats.
    Not only that, Akshay’s powerful tandav leaves the fans impressed.
    Composed and sung by Vikram Montrose, ‘Har Har Mahadev’ has been penned by Shekhar Astitwa. The impactful moves of Akshay choreographed by Ganesh Acharya.
    Pankaj Tripathi, who is playing the Shiv devotee in the film is seen enjoying the song. As soon as the song was release the actor’s fans chimed in the comment section to heap praises on Akshay’s performance.
    One of the users wrote, “What an amazing song. you energy is unmatchable, loved the #HarHarMahdev beats throughout can’t wait for OMG2.”
    “Wowwwwwwwww Got goosebumps HAR HAR MAHADEV,” another commented.
    Recently the makers unveiled the film’s official teaser and the first track ‘Oonchi Oonchi Waadi’ which received good response from the audience. Talking about ‘Oonchi Oonchi Waadi’ the song has been sung by Hansraj Raghuwanshi with music by Djstrings. It has been beautifully penned by Kabeer Shukla, Hansraj Raghuwanshi, Djstrings and also composed by them along with Raahi.
    Helmed by Amit Rai, the film stars Akshay Kumar, Pankaj Tripathi and Yami Gautam in the lead roles and is all set to hit the theatres on August 11.
    The film will face a big Bollywood clash with Sunny Deol’s upcoming action film ‘Gadar 2’.
    Source: ANI