SPICES
Chhath Puja Vrat Rules 2026: What to Eat, Avoid and When the 36-Hour Nirjala Fast Begins
Chhath Puja Vrat Rules 2026: From Kaddu Bhaat on Nahay Khay and jaggery kheer on Kharna to the traditional 36-hour nirjala fast, devotees follow specific food and fasting practices. Check what parvaitins can eat, which foods and drinks they avoid, when the strict fast begins and how the vrat is broken after Usha Arghya.
Nagpur couple earns over Rs 4 lakh per month from a 400 sqft room business that has a profit margin of 80%
Nagpur couple earns over Rs 4 lakh per month from a 400 sqft room. Nagpur couple, Akshay Holey and Divya Lohakare Holey, has turned a 400-square-foot room into a saffron cultivation unit using aeroponic technology. By growing the expensive spice without soil, they have built a business generating annual revenue of Rs 40-50 lakh. Their saffron sells for around Rs 6.3 lakh per kg. After investing Rs 55 lakh, the couple targets to achieve Rs 1.3 crore earnings over in 5 years.
‘The Nvidia case can help us limit East India Company-like practices’
Stanford professor Fred Turner argues that Silicon Valley's culture, shaped by Cold War computing research and the 1960s counterculture, has evolved into a system where powerful technology leaders exercise influence with limited institutional checks.
Chhath Puja 2026 Day 1: Nahay Khay Date, Rituals, Kaddu Bhaat and Vrat Rules on November 13
Nahay Khay 2026 will be observed on November 13, marking the first day of Chhath Puja. This complete Day 1 guide covers the four-day festival calendar, Nahay Khay rituals, Ganga Snan, home and kitchen cleanliness, and the traditional kaddu-bhaat meal of lauki, chana dal and rice. It also explains the essential samagri, food rules and when the extended nirjala fast begins after Kharna.
Socha nhi tha plane ke neeche sona padega: SpiceJet’s SG-533 flight from Mumbai to Gorakhpur cancellation forces passenger to lie near aircraft, airline responds
A video showing SpiceJet passengers sleeping on the airport apron near an aircraft after the cancellation of Mumbai-Gorakhpur flight SG553 has surfaced online. The airline attributed the disruption to operating-hour restrictions at Gorakhpur's defence airport, while passengers questioned why they were allowed to board before the cancellation.
Nahay Khay 2026: Kaddu Bhaat Recipe, Traditional Food Rules And Chhath Puja Rituals
Nahay Khay 2026 will be observed on November 13, marking the beginning of the four-day Chhath Puja festival. Devotees take a holy bath and prepare the traditional Kaddu Bhaat meal featuring bottle gourd, chana dal and rice. Know the significance of Nahay Khay, its authentic recipe, ingredients, traditional food rules and dietary restrictions.
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Diwali 2026 Special Foods: 20+ Traditional Indian Sweets, Savoury Snacks and Regional Delicacies to Enjoy Today
Diwali 2026 is being celebrated today, November 8, with traditional sweets and savoury snacks adding flavour to the festivities. Explore popular Diwali favourites such as kaju katli, besan ladoo, gujiya, jalebi, chakli, namak pare and chivda, along with regional specialities from Maharashtra, Gujarat, North India and South India. Discover the festive foods enjoyed across the country.
Winning at Diwali gifting: Ditch the mithai, bring on the bling
Diwali is celebrated with vibrant decorations, festive gatherings, and traditional rituals in India this year. Businesses are experiencing a significant increase in online sales leading up to the holidays. Families gather to enjoy rich cultural customs and unique gifting practices during this festive season. Various products, ranging from gold coins to luxury home items, are popular during this time.
EU's 2030 ban on single-use ketchup sachets puts condiment packets in spotlight
Starting in 2030, the European Union will ban single-serve condiment sachets, including ketchup and mayonnaise, in restaurants as part of efforts to tackle waste. Takeaway services and specific healthcare facilities will be exempt to ensure hygiene. Alternative solutions such as refillable dispensers and small bowls will be encouraged, highlighting a shift towards more sustainable practices in response to environmental concerns about single-use plastics.
Choti Diwali in North vs South India: 5 Traditions That Will Surprise You, From Ganga Snanam to Evening Diyas
Choti Diwali, also known as Naraka Chaturdashi, is celebrated with strikingly different customs across India. While many North Indian families observe it with evening diyas, traditional baths and preparations for Lakshmi Puja, several South Indian communities celebrate Deepavali itself with pre-dawn oil baths, new clothes, festive breakfasts and firecrackers. Here are five traditions that reveal how differently the same festival is experienced across the country.
Rs 600 for 1,000 km journey: Nitin Gadkari proposes Rs 3 per unit for EV charging at night and Rs 5 during the day to boost EV adoption
Nitin Gadkari recommended varying electricity rates for electric vehicle charging to enhance usage in Maharashtra. He indicated that costs for traveling in electric vehicles are significantly lower than petrol or diesel cars. Gadkari mentioned the potential for solar power to support cheaper night-time electricity. He provided updates on alternative fuel technologies including electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles. Additionally, Gadkari discussed biofuels, biogas, and their role in environmental sustainability.
Trump’s pain makes D-Street bulls gain! IndiGo, Asian Paints, other crude-sensitive stocks rally up to 8% as oil drops below $95
Paint makers, airlines, tyre companies and OMCs rallied as crude oil prices plunged nearly 10%, falling below $95 a barrel. Lower oil prices raised hopes of easing input and fuel costs, while Trump's midterm setback added to the positive market sentiment.
Virat Kohli Fitness Routine: How a 2012 wake-up call changed his diet; from 90% steamed food and no meat to 5 AM yoga, here's how he stays fit at 38
Virat Kohli celebrates his birthday today. He emphasizes the importance of nutrition and discipline in maintaining his fitness levels. After shifting to a vegetarian diet due to health concerns, he focuses on simple, nutritious meals. Kohli's workout routines are varied and designed to enhance his performance in cricket. His dedication to a disciplined lifestyle is evident even on match days.
SpiceJet’s meltdown: Rs 5,500 crore raised, but where did the money go?
SpiceJet's mounting financial crisis raises serious questions over the fate of more than Rs 5,500 crore raised in recent years, its unpaid dues, operational collapse and regulatory oversight. Despite repeated capital infusions, the airline faces mounting losses and possible bankruptcy, while questions persist over fund utilisation, management accountability and aviation safety.
Johnnie Walker launches first India-inspired Blue Label festive blend in its 200-year history
The Johnnie Walker Blue Label Festive Blend, crafted by the brand's Master Blender Dr Emma Walker, draws on the country's rich culinary heritage and flavour traditions, the company said in a statement.
Bengaluru men held by police after ordering noodles, attacking Assamese workers at restaurant for serving them too spicy food
Four men were held in Bengaluru after allegedly assaulting three Assamese workers at a fast-food outlet over complaints that their noodles were too spicy. The October 29 incident in Doddathoguru was captured on CCTV, with footage showing the workers being punched and kicked. Police identified the accused and initiated further proceedings.
No water to sow, no respite at the grocery store: India's prolonged food inflation worry
Indian farmers face challenges in sowing winter crops amid dwindling water supplies from a weak monsoon. Amarsingh Gushinge's village experiences a significant rainfall deficit, impacting crop planting decisions. Food inflation could worsen as key staples see rising prices, aggravating the economic strain on households. The Reserve Bank of India may respond with interest rate hikes to combat rising inflationary pressures.
ITC Q2 net profit falls 20% as high taxes keep margins in check
ITC reported a 20% decline in standalone net profit for the September quarter despite a 45% increase in revenue. The rise in cigarette taxation significantly impacted profitability, forcing ITC to absorb part of the price hikes. Non-cigarette businesses showed strong growth, achieving the highest revenue growth in 14 quarters. Factors such as inflation and geopolitical tensions continue to affect the operating environment.
Maharashtra FDA suspends 19 food licences; acts against Patanjali distributor over 'adulteration'
In a recent operation, the Maharashtra FDA suspended licenses of 19 food business operators for violations. They seized food articles worth over Rs 9 crore across multiple divisions in the state. This included significant amounts of Patanjali cow ghee found to be misbranded and adulterated. Further, the FDA registered FIRs, arrested several individuals, and sealed multiple establishments for serious hygiene issues.
These large-caps have ‘strong buy’ & ‘buy’ recos and an upside potential of over 25%
Oil prices matter to the Indian economy, and the market responded with a smart rally as Brent crude cooled significantly on Monday. The rally was broad-based and involved all segments. But too much should not be read into one day’s showing. The thing to watch remains the results of the US mid-term elections which will be known in India through Wednesday. It will decide which way the market will move in the coming days and weeks.
ITC flags illicit trade pressure on cigarettes; digital-first businesses grow over 70%
ITC Ltd has reported a significant increase in its digital-first and organic FMCG portfolio, achieving over 70% year-on-year growth. However, the company is facing considerable pressures due to rising illicit cigarette trade and increased taxation impacting legal volumes. The fresh food segment has also expanded significantly, reflecting ITC's focus on organized markets. Additionally, challenges in West Asia have disrupted agricultural exports, although value-added products showed better performance.
ITC Q2 Results: Profit falls 18% to Rs 4,229 crore, revenue rises 5%
ITC Q2 Results: ITC Ltd reported an 18.5% decline in consolidated net profit for the September quarter on Monday as a sharp fall in earnings from its cigarette business weighed on overall profitability despite strong growth in its FMCG, agriculture and paper businesses.
At 19, Udaipur teen builds Rs 1 crore chocolate brand. How his business sells 2 tonnes of chocolate made from fruits and spices
At just 19, Digvijay Singh from Udaipur turned his chocolate-making passion into a successful brand named Saraam during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through self-taught skills from YouTube and experimentation with local ingredients, his brand achieved remarkable success, reaching Rs 1 crore in revenue by 2023, thanks to strong partnerships with local businesses and innovative flavors that distinguish his products.
An Ode to Tomatoes, and Tomato Soup
Ketchup is more than just a tomato-based condiment; its origins boast an array of ingredients like mushrooms and bananas. Unique variations like Malaysian kecap and Filipino banana ketchup emerged during tomato scarcities. Interestingly, canned tomato soup serves as a foundation for various dishes, prominently in chicken tikka masala, and even crops up in unexpected delights like Sylvia Plath's tomato soup cake, showcasing the versatile appeal of tomato-based foods.
4 samosas, 35 g protein: Mumbai nutritionist shares a crispy, healthy samosa recipe
Discover a guilt-free twist on the classic samosa with Mumbai nutritionist Vanshika Khurana's innovative recipe. Utilizing whole wheat tortillas and protein-packed soya granules, this dish is both nutritious and low in calories. Enhanced with aromatic spices, these crispy air-fried samosas serve as a delicious snack. Pair them with zesty green chutney for an enticing evening delight!
India’s Arrakis problem: The price of what low-skilled workers know
Indian workers contribute valuable data for training AI systems, which is transforming how tasks are automated. As technology advances, low-cost labour is becoming a significant resource for AI development globally. Companies are increasingly relying on Indian workers for video data that demonstrates various physical tasks. This trend poses challenges regarding data ownership and the economic benefits for India.
McDonald’s new holiday menu 2026: Two cranberry drinks, three cookie butter coffees; here’s how they differ
McDonald's is back with five limited-time holiday drinks, beginning November 3, 2026. The new beverages include two cranberry options and three cookie butter flavored drinks. Customers can choose between a frozen, hot, or iced coffee variant with cookie butter. The cranberry drinks feature cold foam and cranberry sprinkles for added flavor and presentation.
Russia’s farm exports to India rise 11% in nine months, led by sunflower oil
Russia's agricultural exports to India rose significantly in the first nine months of the year. Agroexport reported shipments reached 1.3 million tons, primarily driven by sunflower oil. This represents an 11% increase in volume compared to previous figures, amounting to $1.45 billion. Trade between India and Russia has expanded significantly, growing more than 20% overall this year. Both countries aim for $100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030.
Airlines flew fewer passengers in Sep; traffic falls 6.5% on annual basis
The month of September 2026 marked a 6.5% decline in domestic air traffic from the previous year. SpiceJet's market share dwindled from 1.2% to 0.6%, whereas IndiGo and Air India gained traction. IndiGo led in On Time Performance at 91.1%, just ahead of Akasa Air at 90.8%. Sadly, many passengers dealt with a series of flight delays and cancellations across different airlines throughout the month.
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