Top five archeological wonders in India

 India is one of the countries with a large number of world's archeological jewels. Be it antiquated fortresses or home to one of the world's most established colleges, India has 1,000 archeological destinations, a large number of which are accessible to tourists and sightseers. 

India has seen several cultures flourish due to the endless annexation of the region between various empires and kingdoms. These cultures have all brought different technological and architectural advances to the region.

Konark Sun Temple in Odisha

It is an important landmark on the coastline of Odisha. It is situated on the coast by the Bay of Bengal, 60 kilometers from the capital, Bhubaneswar. It is also known as the Black Pagoda because it was built with black granite during the reign of Narasimhadeva. This temple is a World Heritage Site.

Sanchi Stupa in Madhya Pradesh

It is situated in the state's Raisen district. Sanchi Stupa is one of the oldest stone structures in the country. In the 3rd Century BCE, the emperor Ashoka of the Maurya empire originally commissioned it. The stupa consists of four lions, which probably supported a Wheel of Law.

Kumbhalgarh Fort in Rajasthan

It is the second largest wall complex in the world. This fort is also another UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a Mewar fortress located on the westerly range of Aravalli Hills in the Rajsamand district, Udaipur. It was built during the 
15th century by Rana Kumbha.

Nalanda University in Bihar

This is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated close to Patna in Bihar, it is an important part of the Buddhist tourism circuit. Today this place is in ruins.

Meenakshi Temple in Madurai

It is a historic Hindu temple located on the southern bank of the Vaigai River. This temple is more than 3,000 years old. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi. In the Tamil Sangam literature, it is mentioned that the temple is at the center of the ancient temple city of Madurai.

Healthy smoothie recipes to brighten up your day

 Our go-to smoothie formula? Purée fresh fruit with yogurt and milk! Or, make multiple batches and layer two flavours in one glass for an Insta-worthy effect

These 5 simple smoothie recipes will get you excited to drink your fruits and veggies again. Plus, I’m dishing up my best tips and tricks for making great smoothies. 

Banana-berry smoothie

A little ginger and tart pineapple juice add a kick to this sweet but healthy blend of banana and berries.

Ingredients
1 small banana
Pineapple juice
Ice
Blueberries, raspberries or blackberries
2 tsp. honey
1 tsp. grated peeled fresh ginger

Pineapple-citrus smoothie

This golden smoothie looks and tastes like sunshine in a glass, and is a nutritional knockout too. The orange juice and pineapple are high in vitamin C and the banana is a good source of potassium.

Ingredients
3/4 c. orange-tangerine juice blend
Carrot juice
Frozen canned pineapple chunks
1/2 frozen banana

Pomegranate-berry smoothie

 

Whatever berries you have at home can go in this antioxidant-rich breakfast.

Ingredients
1 Pomegranate
You can take cherry, strawberry anything
Low fat yogurt
Ice

Banana-peanut butter smoothie

For a thicker, colder smoothie, cut peeled banana into chunks and freeze for up to a week in a self-sealing plastic bag.

Ingredients
2 frozen bananas
2 spoons peanut butter
Ice and milk

Mango madness smoothie

Tropical flavours offer a mini vacation in a cup. You won't even notice the grated carrot added for extra sweetness and a bonus boost of veggies.

Ingredients
Mangos
Some carrots
Strawberries
Coconut yogurt
Ice

Enjoy your healthy smoothies at home. Just blend and go!!!

Mango Katha: Many varieties and unending romance with the fruit

The only thing that Poet Ghalib longed for in the long summers of Delhi was his daily diet of mangoes. In fact mangoes are the only respite during summer in the national capital when dry summer and hot winds can make many uneasy. While the capital is locked up in the second wave it is the sweet sour taste of a Safeda or a pulpy taste of a Sinduri that is adding some spice to mundane quarantined existence of the city people.

Mangoes are loaded with nutrients and vitamins. They are rich with fiber and Vitamin C along with other immunity boosters to resist diseases and battle illness. .Among other health benefits Mangoes can likewise help in assimilation and are wealthy in cell reinforcements. The cell reinforcement components – lutein and zeaxanthin — may likewise help battle vision issues.

Culinary experimenters during the lockdown have learnt a flurry of dishes that they are experimenting these days with mangoes in it. Mangoes can be mixed into cheesecakes, treats, milkshakes, custards, and so on. However in most desi homes in western India and elsewhere aamras with puri is relished during the aam season. The mango that is used mostly in this delicacy is the Alphonso or Paayri found in the coastal districts of Maharashtra.

Mangoes found in various regions attract loyalties that people from the region swear by. For a Mumbai bred person adapting to a Totapuri from an Alphonso will be near blasphemous. A Gujarati will swear by his or her Valsad mango. A Bengali will relish his Laangra or a Malda whereas a Delhi person will be slightly more flexible and will simultaneously taste Safeda, Sinduri, Totapuri and a Chusa. A Hyderabadi will relish his Banganpalli mango.

Alphonso

Alphonso mango is known for its sweetness, wealth, flavor and its appeal in the international market. It gets its name as the Portuguese rulers planted this variety in Konkan and Goa. The Indian name for this variety is Haapus. The saffron-hued Alphonso mangoes are the most costly assortments of mango in India, grown essentially in Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg and Raigad districts of Maharashtra.

Dasheri

Dasheri mango is mostly grown in the northern belt of India. Children particularly relish this variety of mango.

Langra

Langra mangoes are grown close to Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. They hit the markets late during July and are eaten during the monsoon.

Badami

This variety is mostly used  for mango mash and squeeze. Badami Mangoes are known for their natural freshness.

Kesar

This mango is grown in the foothills of Girnar in districts of Junagadh and Amreli, around the Gir sanctuary and has received a GI certification.

Banganapalli

Banganapalli Mangoes or Benishan mangoes are found in the Kurnool area and are grown mainly in Andhra Pradesh. 

Milk Hacks For Skin Care

Do you know that a glassful of milk has a whole lot of beauty benefits? Well, all of us are aware of the various benefits of drinking raw milk. But, apart from the health benefits, raw milk is very good for your skin. Milk N More

According to the researchers, the lactose present in the milk can help in treating many skin problems like tanning, dark spots, and sunburn. Besides this, it also helps your skin to glow and removes all the dead skin cells. Milk boosts collagen, reduces acne and promotes skin elasticity.

Wondering how to use milk in your beauty regime? 

CitySpidey spoke to Dr. Kalpana a dermatologist to get you some simple milk hacks for your skin care. 

Dermatologist Dr. Kalpana said that many of us fail to realise that tiredness and stress often tends to have a direct impact on our face and eyes and no amount of make-up or supplements will ever be able to change that.

The dermatologist shared the following five natural hacks with milk for skin care:

1. Exfoliation 

This is done to remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. 

Ingredients: milk, honey, oatmeal powder

Method: Take one table spoon of each ingredient mix them well. Then, apply this mixture on your face and massage in a circular motion. Allow it to sit for 20 minutes and rinse off with plain water. 

2. Treat Scars 

This is done to reduce marks from the face.

Ingredients: Milk & 4-5 Soaked Almonds 

Method: Take the overnight soaked almonds and crush them into fine paste with the milk. Then apply it to your face and let it sit for 15 minutes. After which you need to scrub your face and finally wash it with plain water. 

3. Treat Acne 

This reduces and prevents acne. This regime is also used as a pre-bridal beauty treatment. 

Ingredients: 1 table spoon of milk, ½ teaspoon of lemon and a pinch of turmeric. 

Method: Mix all the ingredients, apply it on the face by massaging in a circular motion and leave it for 20 minutes. Then rinse it with cold water and pat dry. 

Tip: It’s advised to steam your face before using this remedy. 

4. Treat Dry Skin

This moisturises your skin naturally and if this tonic is regularly used it can promise long term results. 

Ingredients: milk, 2 table spoons of besan (gram flour), a pinch of turmeric

Method: Mix all the ingredients well to make a fine paste to apply on the face. 

The mask needs to stay on the face for 15-20 minutes. Then wash it with warm water. 

5. Nourishment for Glowing Skin

This face pack nourishes the skin and gives a glowing skin. For desired results continue to use it for at least a week. 

Ingredients: 4 table spoons of milk, mashed ripen pumpkin and a few drops of rose water

Method: Mix the ingredients to prepare a fine paste. Apply this pack on your face and let it set for 15 minutes. Then wash it with cold water. 

Dr. Kalpana says that the secret of a healthy skin lies in a disciplined lifestyle, a balanced diet, staying hydrated and above all relaxing and taking ample amount of sleep! 
She suggests it’s better to treat the skin naturally instead of treating them with chemicals. 

Don’t forget to try these milk hacks on your skin. Wishing you a healthy and happy skin! 

How Urooz Rizvi is changing lives, one vaccine at a time

 

The need of the hour now is to get vaccinated as soon as possible. However, shortage of vaccines and non-availability of slots are the biggest problems being faced by many. 

There are many people who don't use smartphones and are not aware of how to vaccinate or book your vaccination slot. Urooz Rizvi, a trans woman from Gautam Budh Nagar is helping the trans community, especially those who can’t register themselves online due to several reasons to get vaccinated.

While talking to CitySpidey, Rizvi said, “Initially, I had asked the District administration for a separate Covid-19 vaccination camp for the trans community. They said they have plans to hold a vaccination camp for the transgenders. I asked for a separate camp but the District administration said that the trans community lives all over India and if we hold special camps for the trans people who live here only, it is biased for all other trans people.”

Rizvi added, “Most of the transgenders are not educated enough to understand the importance of vaccination. I have urged the administration to hold a vaccination drive for the transgender community in GB Nagar and spread awareness in the community about the same.”

"Transgenders are a very big community and they have been facing problems in getting vaccinated. Even standing in the queue for vaccination is hard for them because of the constant glares. It is important to create a safe space for them so that everyone has equal opportunity to get vaccinated."

Rizvi also suffered from Covid-19 and is now in the recovery period. She also runs a cafe 'Street Temptation' in Greater Noida.

Apeejay Education organises session on mental health in Dwarka

 

The Apeejay Education organised a special session on mental health with the help of eminent psychiatrist Jitendra Nagpal, who is the head of the mental health department at Moolchand Hospital and is the Program Director at Expressions India. The session was held for teachers, parents and students and was titled ‘Reaching Out - Connecting Hearts’.

The purpose of the webinar was to help everyone cope up emotionally with the present situation which is unprecedented in its magnitude and gravity causing immense fear, worry and concern. Dr Nagpal opined: “We have thermometers and oximeters to check the body’s temperature and oxygen levels respectively. However, there is no device to check people’s mental health. It can only be through compassion, empathy and conversations with people.”

During the session, Dr Nagpal observed that adolescents are highly vulnerable to mental health issues during the pandemic. Parents need to deal with them in a friendly manner to understand their issues and thought processes.

The doctor emphasised the importance of gathering strength from the experiences of elders in families. “Elders in our families can play a great role in boosting our mental health. Ask them to share how they coped with similar difficult situations in their lives,” he said.  Sharing his concerns on the disturbed sleeping patterns of people during the pandemic, he recommended taking care of quality sleeping time at night. 

The session was followed by a question and answer round where teachers took guidance from Dr Nagpal on handling children’s queries and anxieties in tricky situations during the pandemic. He also suggested that schools and institutions should build a continual relationship with students even during the summer vacations by conducting special sessions.

Concretisation is killing the trees in Dwarka

 The damage to this planet is not news anymore. It is not climate change anymore, it's a crisis. While humans go about plundering the Earth's natural resources to make their own ends meet, the planet suffers in more ways than even identified. 

There are so many of our activities which contribute to the bigger problem. According to a public notice issued by the Department of Forests and Wildlife on October 8, 2015, "Concretisation around trees not only damages the trees, but it is also an offence under Section 8 of the Delhi Preservation of Trees Act, 1994, and will also amount to a violation of Hon'ble NGT orders. Also, an area of 1 meter should be de-concretised around the base of the tree while constructing the pavement or roads to facilitate the percolation of water to the roads said by the Department of Forests and Wildlife of the National Capital Territory of Delhi."

Residents tried to restore the fallen tree with the help of a crane machine. The restoration process is still underway

But has this notice really changed anything or put a stop to such activities? One can only wonder. Reportedly, a tree in Dwarka's Sector 6 fell on May 21 due to concretisation. One of the tenants of Vande Mataram Apartments in Sector 6 said, "The Banyan tree fell because of gusty winds during the night. It wasn't deep-rooted as it seemed because it was cemented 360 degrees in the ground leaving less space for its root to grow. The tree is said to be over 50 years old. It was evergreen. Around 15-16 (small and big) trees are in the same situation. The next morning after this incident, horticulture officers came to prune and cut it. We were able to save the tree from getting completely demolished and requested it to be given a chance to grow again. The stump is being watered daily for it to not lose its life force and become completely dry." 

There are other trees which are likely to fall due to cementing

"We are thankful that one NGO and a handful of people came forward to help us. We have contacted the departments who look after such incidents but due to the ongoing pandemic, things are not unfolding at the right pace and every day that passes becomes one day away from saving the tree. We are now stuck in getting equipment to get the tree upright (earthmover and crane). The concerned departments are not well-equipped with the required resources for such situations," he said.

He also added that from the last 2-3 days, they are trying to uplift the tree which is not happening since they require bigger cranes. The cost is high so they are trying to get funds from the society members.

Madhukar Varshney, founder of Rise Foundation, who is also helping the fallen tree to be restored said, "Trees are the main source of oxygen and important to maintain the balance in the environment. This tree in Vandematram Apartments fell due to concretisation, where the guidelines of NGT were ignored by the authorities. Now, we want the tree to be restored at the same location. There are many more trees in society that need immediate attention. It is due to concretisation, ignorance from the society's RWA and the authorities." 

A fallen tree which was damaged by cement

While explaining concretisation, Varshney said, "The cement around the base of a tree causes the tree to fall. Cement prevents water and air from reaching the roots, and it also prevents the trunk from expanding wider. The roots become weak and get damaged, resulting in the tree losing its balance and eventually falling. During monsoon season, the wood of the trees expands due to moisture. But the cement prevents the trunk from expanding, and thus the tree is stressed and choked/strangled. This causes the tree to become weak very quickly and also results in the death of the standing trees. If there was any digging work done near the tree, some roots may have gotten cut, which later caused the tree to fall."

Blind Association starts special drive for special citizens

 As the government attempts to vaccinate the entire country by the end of this year by organising special vaccination camps, starting drive-ins and mass-scale vaccination, the specially-abled citizens find themselves struggling to find an appointment slot and thereafter an accessible vaccination centre. 

However, better late than never. On May 27, the National Association for the Blind in Delhi's RK Puram area successfully started a Covid-19 vaccination programme for the specially-abled people of different age groups.

In a Facebook post, they said, "For many disabled people, accessing the Cowin website is not an easy task. Those willing to get vaccinated have posted complaints on social media about their struggle to book vaccination slots. Therefore, NAB Delhi with the support of Pranjal Patil, IAS Officer and District Magistrate decided to start the special vaccination drive for differently-abled people. We are grateful to Pranjal Patil (She is a blind IAS officer in India). We also thank the District Magistrate of New Delhi who supported us throughout the vaccination drive. Persons with disabilities waiting for vaccination can register with us. We'll call them and guide them to the next available vaccination spot."

Pranjal Patil, IAS, South Delhi Municipal Corporation, said, "This thought of shortage of vaccine was there in mind. From May 1, vaccination for 18+ started but obviously, resources were not there. Three weeks ago, a friend called me and casually asked me if there is a facility for a person with disability and I said no. This pummeled me and I felt something needed to be done. I started working on it. I went to see a site, and discussed the idea with some doctors. I am helping people with vaccination, in my personal capacity. I spoke to my District Immunization Officer to see the vaccination site. I was very keen on taking it to some local groups or organisations to strengthen our outreach. People with disabilities are not in concentrated pockets. They are scattered for which communication is very important, which is not that easy. I talked to some organisations for this programme in RK Puram since it was my sub-division before. I spoke to Mr Prashant Verma and asked if he could help us and he agreed. So though it is the National Association for Blinds, it is all-inclusive, and it's for all disabilities. Prashant has contacted different organisations working with different disabilities for the same."

On the first day of the drive on May 27, almost 100 people with disabilities were vaccinated. Unfortunately, the centre was closed on May 28 due to a shortage of vaccines but it is functional today.

Prashant Ranjan Verma, General Secretary, National Association for the Blind, said, "We are happy to facilitate vaccination of persons with disabilities at our premises in Sector 5, RK Puram. People with disabilities or having difficulties in the registry and getting the vaccine at the mainstream centres can reach out to us for help."

Delhi govt ties up with SDM for Covid-19 testing camps in Dwarka

 o ramp up Covid-19 testing in the city, the Delhi government, along with the district administration, is conducting free covid RT-PCR test camps in Dwarka societies.

On the morning of May 28, RT-PCR tests were conducted for the first time in Sanskriti Apartments in Sector 19 of Dwarka. Till 12:30 pm 80 tests were  conducted and reports are yet to come.

According to the government, more tests will be conducted in the coming days, with joint efforts of MLA Gulab Singh and the Delhi government team. 

As per directions from Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, these tests are free for the residents of Delhi.

A RT-PCR camp was held today from 9.30 am till 12 noon at Vrindawan Appts in Dwarka's Sector-6, Shri Balaji Appts in the same sector, Sewak Park in Mansaram Park and Samta Enclave in Qutub Vihar area.

Apart from the above-mentioned sites, the camps were also organised at DM Office in Kapashera, Transport Authority (MLO Office) in Dwarka Sector-10 and all government health health dispensaries, except the one in Sector-10.

Monika Miglani, MLA representative in Dwarka and state vice-president of the women wing said, "I think this is a tremendous pro-active initiative to keep the next wave in check and with such continued efforts we can check the spread of infection."

Rajeev Singh, a resident of Sanskriti Apartment said, "The second wave in April - May has overwhelmed the healthcare system, leaving hospitals struggling to cope. Critical drugs and oxygen were in short supply and a lot of people were struggling. This is a great initiative by the government and the SDM to provide free RT-PCR tests at this point."

For more information regarding the RT-PCR camps, the MC/RWAs may contact on 97172 27343, 9910027741.

Not everyone is safe, till each one is safe. Let’s get tested and control the pandemic.

'Photo-Prem' review: An unusual story, an adventurous journey

 

Have you ever tried to visualise how the world will remember you through photos after death? The latest Marathi movie, 'Photo-Prem', showcasing on Amazon Prime Video, directed and written by Aditya Rathi and Gayatri 
Patel, tries to implore just that.

Remember Monica and Chandler from 'Friends' trying to get an engagement  picture and Chandler getting all awkward and uncomfortable while facing the camera? Well, in 'Photo Prem', the protagonist Maee (Neena Kulkarni) has 
a similar problem. She is camera-shy and gets extremely awkward posing 
for pictures, ever since a teenager. It's not clear in the movie why she feels so uncomfortable with the camera.

Maee expresses hesitation on being photographed is her biggest struggle. She gets anxious, starts making excuses every time someone takes out a camera to snap, and even avoids pictures from her own daughter's wedding.

But this changes when the wife of her husband’s friend dies and Maee attends the funeral. She notices the deceased woman's family running around trying to find a picture of her for a newspaper obituary. Later, when Maee visits the woman’s home, she sees the picture of a young girl on the wall; obviously the family was not able to find a latest photo of the deceased.

The incident pushes Maee to think about her own death and how her grandchildren can remember her in the absence of a photo. And the rest of the movie revolves around her attempt to get over her deep sense of inexplicable shyness and get a picture of herself clicked. Well, I think this sudden obsession is not written with a sense of believable conviction.

In one scene, it is revealed that she was not even a part of her honeymoon pictures. Her obnoxious husband (Vikas Hande), who keeps lording over her and hardly ever talks to her, complains that she never showed up for their honeymoon pictures and that he thinks he went alone. 

The movie also shows the connection between Maee's desire to overcome her shyness and her husband’s dismissive attitude. The photograph is to Maee what English speaking lessons were to the housewife in 'English Vinglish' -- the key to greater confidence.

'Photo-Prem' seems such a drag even with its relatively short runtime of 90 minutes, peppered as it is with silly situations. Incidents such as the little girl motivating her for taking pictures through a video call and her own daily conversations with her domestic help are at best silly, and if the writers had fancied that these would produce laughs, they could not have been wide off the mark.

The centre of attraction in the movie is Neena Kulkarni, both funny and touching as the put-upon Maee who gets some of her inspiration from an overblown television soap. Although Maee's journey from near-erasure to self empowerment is grossly underdeveloped, Kulkarni has taken on this responsibility as it is a story revolving around a single character in the entire film, which is why we get lost in this whole journey of Maee. 

Chaitrali Rode attracts attention in the role of a house help. The other characters played by Amita Khopkar, Vikas Hande, Sameer Dharmadhikari, Samay Tambe, Ashwini Mukadam, Vitthal Gaonkar, Nilkanth Sawant are short but they are effective in those places. One gossipy woman obsessed with Solapur is delightfully played by Gitanjali Kambli.

The film is a funny, quintessential take on what we leave behind for memories or legacy. The story also shows the details of how your photo shows your personality. So, you have to experience this unforgettable journey of this movie.

'Photo-Prem' is streaming on Amazon Prime Video India. Do watch.

Ghazal maestro Mehdi Hassan's immortal melodies

 Shahanshah-e-Ghazal, Mehdi Hassan should definitely be on the top of your list if you like listening to ghazals. His velvety voice expressed “virha bhav”, including ghazals of unrequited love so strongly that it could remind one of the lost companions. Hassan’s voice is known to bring out that searing pain that’s hard to ignore.

Renowned singer Lata Mangeshkar called his voice the 'Voice of God' and his soulful renditions of ghazals still remain unmatched. Mehdi Hassan's voice crossed borders and he received immense respect and love from both India and Pakistan. His music added new depth and layers to ghazals.

In 1957, the artist started his musical career as a thumri singer in Radio Pakistan. He received stardom after he sang ‘Gulon Main Rang Bhare’ for the film ‘Farangi’ in 1964. Shahanshah-e-Ghazal recorded more than 25,000 ghazals and songs for films.

The command that Mehdi Hassan had over light classical forms such as thumri and dadra was beyond dispute; his inimitable andaz of singing ghazals mesmerised connoisseurs and laypersons alike.

From ‘Rafta Rafta Woh Meri’ from the film ‘Zeenat’ to ‘Ranjish Hi Sahi’ from the film ‘Mohabbat’, Hassan delightfully interpreted film songs, giving them a new texture that appealed to listeners of ghazals. Here are 10 soulful extracts from the ghazals that were made immortal by the voice of Mehdi Hassan: 

How chai and mountains are mutually exclusive

 Tea is the most common beverage to drink that we have in our life and when it's cold outside, tea becomes the most favorite thing for everyone. There are so many tea lovers who love and enjoy tea in their own way.

India is a diverse country and every state has its own culture and its own specific food. In mountains, tea plays an important role to warm body as the climate fluctuates very frequently.

Here are few varities of teas which people living in mountains consume:

Kashmiri Kahwa:

It is prepared in the valley of Kashmir. The Kahwa is a different kind of tea which is prepared with rich flavors. Like other Kashmiri drinks, this as well looks unpredictable yet is easy to make. You need extremely hot water, to which, cinnamon, saffron, cardamom, and dried flower petals should be added. Towards the end, green tea leaves should be added to this blend to make it as solid as liked. It very well may be finished off with nectar and almond slivers. This rich and flavourful tea tastes best when prepared during colder time of the year.

Noon Chai:

Another mainstream Kashmiri tea readiness, Noon Chai, or Sheer Chai, is for the most part known for being particularly pink in shading. It is made by preparing tea leaves alongside cardamom and heating soft drink until a radiant pink tone is accomplished, this tea is normally joined by milk and salt. You can likewise add almonds, pistachio, and cinnamon. One of its kinds of Indian tea.

Nilgiri Tea:

It is broadly known as blue mountain tea. It discovers its starting point in the southern piece of the Western Ghats. This is one tea that is generally pursued all throughout the planet because of its fragrant, flavourful, and dim highlights. Nilgiri tea tastes extraordinary as frosted tea as well. Additionally, its advantages range from improving oral wellbeing to decreasing weight and surprisingly battling diabetes.

Darjeeling Tea:

It's uncommon to not think about Darjeeling tea. Practically, all Indians just as individuals from different pieces of the world are all around acquainted with this tea type. It incorporates numerous assortments like white, dark, green, and oolong. Most normally, Darjeeling tea has an unmistakable sweet-smelling smell and is meager bodied, which makes it calming and unobtrusive. It assists with forestalling gastric ulcers and stoutness, too.

Kashmir-born Sakshi Tickoo said, “Being born in Kashmir, I have strong attachment to tea. Going to Jammu & Kashmir and drinking traditional kahwa with our elders is a different experience altogether. For Kashmiris, kahwa is a remedy for everything."

Uttarakhand-born, Shivani Negi said, “Being an Uttarakhandi, I often visit my hometown and one thing about people there is they can't live without chai, people mostly work in the fields all day and chai acts as an energy booster for them. In winters, chai is consumed as much as 15-20 times by some people (by adding little garam masala to it).”

Snigdha Banerjeee, a traveller shared an experience, “Tea and mountains have a subtle relationship. I have relished teas completely on my solo treks. I love the tea prepared at tapri while being on trek.  The tea sellers have been very resourceful to me, they have guided me a lot over cups of teas made with a little ginger.”

New Covid cases drop near 1,000 mark; positivity rate at 2-month low

 

The coronavirus situation has improved quite significantly in the last few days. Almost all the parameters showed betterment. Delhi reported 1,072 new coronavirus cases on Thursday, taking the cumulative tally to 14,22,549. It was the fifth consecutive day when new cases were below the mark of 2,000 and second consecutive when the cases were below 1,500 mark.

Delhi reported 1,491 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, 1,568 on Tuesday, 1,550 on Monday, 1,649 on Sunday, 2,260 on Saturday and 3,009 on Friday.

The number of new cases reported came out of 70,068 tests conducted on the previous day. So far, a total of 1,90,09,274 tests have been conducted in the national capital. The positivity rate declined to 1.53 per cent from 1.93 per cent on the previous day. The positivity rate was lowest since March 24.

On the other hand, the deaths are also continuously dropping in the national capital. Delhi recorded 117 deaths on Thursday, taking the toll to 23,812. The death figure was lowest since April 15. The city reported 130 deaths on Wednesday, 156 on Tuesday, 207 on Monday, 189 on Sunday, 182 on Saturday and 252 on Friday.

The number of daily recoveries outnumbered the new cases by a fair margin again on Thursday. A total of 3,725 patients recovered from the deadly disease, taking the total recovery figure to 13,82,359 in the national capital. The recovery rate was 97.17 per cent.

The active cases are also declining on a daily basis. After dropping below 20,000 on Wednesday, it reached close to 16,000 on Thursday. The active cases declined to 16,378 from 19,148 on the previous day.