FOOD TRAY

Chhath Puja Prasad 2026: How to Make Traditional Thekua and What to Keep in the Daura

Thekua is one of the most important prasad items prepared for Chhath Puja, while the daura basket carries fruits, sugarcane, coconut and other offerings for Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya. Here is an easy traditional thekua recipe, the ingredients required and a practical list of what goes into the Chhath Puja daura.

Karwa Chauth Sargi Thali 2026: What to Include, Ideas, Who Prepares It & What Mothers-in-Law Traditionally Give Their Daughters-in-Law

The Karwa Chauth Sargi thali is a vibrant assortment of seasonal fruits, delectable sweets, and savory snacks, usually prepared or gifted by the mother-in-law in adherence to tradition. Women may also take the initiative to prepare their own thalis, reflecting personal and family tastes. Hydration is vital before the fasting period starts, and portion control is advisable. These customs can differ among families, underlining the significance of honoring local traditions.

Navratri 2026 Preparation Checklist: 1 Day to Go! What to Buy, Clean and Arrange Before October 11

Navratri 2026: There are now 3 days left for Sharad Navratri, which begins on Sunday, October 11. If you are observing Navratri at home, October 8–10 should be used to finish mandir cleaning, Ghatasthapana shopping, vrat-food preparation and puja arrangements. The key is to have everything ready by October 10 because Ghatasthapana will be performed on the morning of October 11.

This reusable plate never needs to be washed: Viral video shows how the unusual dinnerware works and what it costs in India

A social media video with more than 8 million views shows a woman demonstrating multi-layered plates made by US-based company Peel. The product is designed so users can remove the used top layer after eating and reveal a fresh layer underneath. The company says the concept is intended to reduce dishwashing and waste from conventional single-use dinnerware.

No flour, only chickpeas: Alia Bhatt, Deepika Padukone’s nutritionist shares healthy choco chip cookie recipe

Celebrity nutritionist Yasmin Karachiwala has shared a guilt-free chocolate chip cookie recipe that’s perfect for home bakers. This unique treat combines wholesome chickpeas, creamy peanut butter, and pure maple syrup, keeping health in mind. With the addition of rich dark chocolate chips, these cookies are both tasty and nutritious. Simply blend the ingredients and bake them for a delightful dessert everyone can feel good about enjoying.

Super Powers: From Viceroy’s lavish feasts to BRICS vegetarian menus, how India’s diplomatic dining changed

State banquets are a high-stakes tightrope — a table where etiquette, protocol, culture and occasionally even flavours, come together, writes Vikram Doctor

Fridge still smells after cleaning? Soak a cotton swab in vanilla and leave it inside for 24 hours: This little-known trick targets lingering odors

Deep cleaning your refrigerator is vital for eliminating odors and maintaining food hygiene. Consider soaking cotton swabs in vanilla essence and placing them inside to help neutralize unwanted smells. Alternative options include vinegar-based cleaning or coffee grounds to absorb odors effectively. If unpleasant scents persist, a more vigorous cleaning regimen may be necessary, and in dire situations, replacing the appliance might be essential to ensure a safe food storage environment.

NASA sent seeds into space for nearly 6 years; after they returned, 132,000 experiment kits reached 3.3 million students in 30 countries

In April 1984, NASA launched a satellite carrying 12.5 million tomato seeds into orbit to test how space radiation affects biological life. The mission was originally scheduled to last a single year. However, the tragic loss of the Space Shuttle Challenger grounded the fleet and stranded the payload in space. By the time astronauts finally recovered the satellite in 1990, the seeds had orbited the Earth over 32,000 times.

These large- and mid-cap stocks with ‘Strong Buy’ & ‘Buy’ recos have upside potential of up to 25%, according to analysts

Talk of tariffs, especially steep ones, makes the market nervous. Which is exactly why the next few trading sessions are critical, and why being in a hurry to take any market-related decision is the one thing to avoid right now. It is better to be cautious, to wait and watch. And let the picture become a little clearer before you act.

Punjabi star once cleaned toilets, guarded factories & delivered newspapers; today, he is a successful singer, actor & producer with Rs 150 crore fortune

Punjabi star Gippy Grewal faced significant struggles before achieving fame. He worked various jobs in Canada, including as a security guard and cleaner, to support himself and his family. His third music album, featuring the hit song Phulkari, marked a major turning point in his career. Grewal went on to establish himself as a successful actor, singer, producer and filmmaker in Punjabi cinema. According to a report by PTC Punjabi, his estimated net worth in 2026 is reportedly between Rs 120 crore and Rs 150 crore.

Don’t throw away used coffee grounds: This simple fridge trick may help with bad odours; here’s how to reuse them correctly

Utilizing used coffee grounds is an excellent method for neutralizing unwanted odors inside your refrigerator. Ensure that the grounds are completely dried to prevent mold growth and maximize their ability to absorb odors. Simply place a small bowl of dry grounds on a steady shelf and remember to check and replace them periodically. Always tackle the root cause of any unpleasant smells for optimal results.

Why are people keeping an open jar of used coffee grounds in the fridge? The surprising reason

Keeping dried used coffee grounds in an open jar inside the refrigerator may help reduce lingering food odours. Coffee grounds have porous properties that can adsorb certain volatile compounds, while the USDA also lists coffee grounds as one option for tackling refrigerator smells. However, damp grounds can encourage mould, so they should be dried thoroughly first. The trick works best alongside regular cleaning and removing spoiled food from the fridge.

Fitness coach calls cardio a terrible weight-loss strategy. Reveals how to sustainably burn fat without stress

Focusing only on cardio workouts for fat loss can be limiting. Strength training is essential for preserving muscle mass and effectively lowering body fat. Furthermore, embracing proper nutrition and ensuring a good night's sleep are vital components of successful weight control. Adults should strive for a balanced regimen that includes both moderate activity and strength training to see lasting benefits.

A small aluminium tray and television rapidly changed what Americans ate after World War II. This recipe became the most popular of them all

American meals in the 1950s featured meatloaf and fried chicken alongside new convenience foods. Casseroles and canned vegetables simplified meal preparation for busy families. Frozen TV dinners offered quick, oven-ready meals for the first time. Television ownership grew rapidly, influencing dining habits and meal consumption. This decade marked a significant shift towards faster, easier meal preparation and consumption.

Tamil actor Sivakarthikeyan grows seasonal vegetables and leafy greens at his Chennai home. How to start an organic terrace vegetable garden for beginners?

Actor Sivakarthikeyan has embraced the joys of cultivating a home garden, growing fresh vegetables and leafy greens for his family. This initiative, sparked before the initial COVID-19 lockdown, has served as a motivation for others to follow suit. For those looking to start an organic terrace garden, here are gardening tips on how to start an organic terrace garden.

Don’t use aluminium foil only for wrapping food: 10 useful kitchen hacks to try at home

Aluminium foil offers many practical household uses beyond food preparation. It can line refrigerator shelves and keep vegetable drawers cleaner. Wrapping food tightly before freezing protects it from moisture loss. Temporary funnels and temporary bowl covers are also easily made. Scrunched foil can gently scrub some cookware, but avoid delicate surfaces.

In 2015, fruit flies were sent to International Space Station to study how microgravity and the space environment affect the innate immune system

In 2015, fruit flies were sent to International Space Station to study how microgravity and the space environment affect the innate immune system. NASA’s Fruit Fly Lab-01 tested how weightlessness affects immunity and also tested a new research platform. The mission used fruit flies because of their genetic links to humans and their short life cycle.

How a layer of aluminum foil keeps your soap intact and prevents it from turning into a soggy mess, this easy bathroom cleanliness hack can keep your counter clean with zero extra effort

Using a simple sheet of aluminum foil can dramatically enhance your soap dish's cleanliness. This unassuming kitchen staple serves as an effective barrier against moisture and mess. By placing foil beneath the soap bar, you prevent slimy residue from accumulating. Additionally, wrapping a wet bar with foil promotes quicker drying time post-bath, ensuring that your soap remains intact and your bathing area stays spotless.

In 2005, ESA exposed two kinds of lichen to space for 14.6 days; both remained metabolically active and recovered after returning to Earth

In a groundbreaking experiment, two lichen species, Rhizocarpon geographicum and Xanthoria elegans, showcased extraordinary durability by surviving unprotected in the harsh conditions of space for over two weeks. Post-return, they resumed normal metabolic processes and photosynthesis, suggesting incredible resilience. Notably, desiccated samples exhibited greater toughness compared to hydrated ones, revealing minimal cellular damage. This study raises intriguing possibilities regarding the survival of life in space and prospects for interplanetary exploration.

In 1984, NASA left Bacillus spores in space for nearly 6 years; after LDEF returned to Earth, 1–2% of the exposed spores were still alive

During an extensive six-year voyage aboard the LDEF satellite, soil bacteria spores demonstrated remarkable resilience, surviving the rigors of space including vacuum, extreme temperatures, and cosmic radiation. The spores shielded from sunlight exhibited notably better survival rates, suggesting the intriguing possibility that life could travel between planets with minimal protection. These insights are pivotal for enhancing spacecraft sterilization protocols and deepening our understanding of panspermia.

100-sq-ft farm, Rs 24 lakh annual profit: Coimbatore BCA graduate quits job to grow microgreens, says ‘Every additional tray adds straight to profit’

Vignesh P has transformed a modest 100 square feet of his Coimbatore farm into a thriving vertical microgreen operation. This clever shift, prompted by earlier consumer pushback against hydroponics, now yields impressive monthly profits. Microgreens are lauded for their nutritional richness and rapid growth, showcasing an ingenious farming model that maximises output without requiring large tracts of land.

Aluminium foil hack to clean your baking trays: How it works, benefits and why it keeps your fridge fresh