​

Instead of heavy spices, traditional recipes rely on ingredients like raw mango, curd, and greens that help the body stay hydrated and balanced. Chef Ranjan Majumdar of Mayfair Spring Valley Resort in Guwahati said that summer in the Indian subcontinent requires a culinary change to complement the internal cooling process of the body. He added that the focus shifts “away from heat-inducing spice like cloves or dry ginger, to alkaline bases and natural sours that hydrate the digestive system and maintain digestive hygiene during peak humidity”. Here are five traditional non-drink recipes suggested by Majumdar that do just that. The recipes, as per the chef, highlight the use of traditional techniques, which include “light poaching, raw mashing, and the use of indigenous cooling agents” to counter the rising temperatures.DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to.1. Masor TengaThis Assamese speciality is served with hot, steamed rice. (Image and recipe by Chef Ranjan Majumdar). A light and tangy Assamese fish curry, Masor Tenga, is known for its refreshing, sour taste, which is often derived from lime or tomatoes. This dish is lighter, mildly spiced and easy to digest, making it perfect for hot days. Fry the fish in oil until it turns golden. Drain and set aside. Then add the onion and sauté for a few moments. Stir fry till light brown. Add the turmeric powder, green chillies, and ginger-garlic paste. Sauté for one minute. Add the tomato puree, and then salt. Cover and simmer another minute. Add 1 cup water and bring to a rolling boil. Add the fried sardines and simmer covered over medium heat for a minimum of 3-4 minutes. Add the lime juice and coriander leaves when done. Switch off the flame, and transfer the curry to a serving plate. 2. Kaas Kolor PitikaKaas Kolor Pitika can be served with steamed or chapatti rice (Image and recipe by Chef Ranjan Majumdar). This simple and comforting dish is prepared by boiling raw bananas, mashing them, and adding onions, green chilies, mustard oil and coriander. The result is an earthy, mildly spiced preparation that is both filling as well as gentle on the stomach. The mustard oil and minimal cooking give it a distinctive flavour, while keeping it light enough for summer digestion. Story continues below this adBoiling the raw banana with the peel until it is fork tender. You can pressure-cook for one whistle. Set aside for cooling. Peel the skin and mash it well. Add all the ingredients to a bowl. Mix well. Pour a more delicious dish, drizzle some additional mustard oil on top. Serve with steamed chapatti or rice. 3. Lai Ki SabziAssamese pahadi Lai Ki Sabzi served warm with steamed white rice (Image and Recipe: Chef Ranjan Mahumdar)This dish is made with finely chopped mustard leaves and is quickly cooked with minimal spices such as turmeric, red chili, and asafoetida. The greens are only sauteed enough to maintain their nutrients and freshness. It is easy to digest and light, with a lot of fibre. It pairs well with rice, and is a favorite in many eastern Indian homes during the warmer months.The leaves should be washed in water twice or three times to ensure they are clean. To ensure that the leaves are clean, wash them in water at least twice or three times. Chop the greens into fine threads. The finer the cut, the more delicious the dish. Heat oil in a wok with a thick bottom over high heat. Once the oil reaches smoking point, turn the heat down to low. Add the dried red chillies. Fry for about 10 seconds. Add asafoetida, and cook for a couple of seconds. Add the chopped greens and stir to combine. Add red chili powder, turmeric and salt. Mix well and cover the wok. Allow the vegetables to cook on low heat until the greens become soft. It will take between 10 and 12 minutes. Stir the vegetables regularly to avoid burning. The greens should not be liquid in the wok. Cook the greens only for a short time. Lai Ki Sabzi is best served warm with rice. 4. AmluAmlu can be served warm or hot over a bowl plain white steamed risotto, with a drizzle ghee. (Image and recipe by Chef Ranjan Majumdar). Amlu combines cooked lentils and raw mango slices to create a balance between protein and tanginess. The dish is light and comforting, perfect for days where appetites are low due to the heat. Raw mangoes not only provide flavour, but also a cooling effect. This makes this a great choice for the season. Pressure-cook dal in 3 cups of water with turmeric until completely soft. The dal should be whisked until it is smooth and thin. Add the raw slices of mango and simmer until tender, but still firm. Add mustard seeds to a drop of olive oil. The sourness of the mango provides an instant cooling sensation. Beyond dal baati churma: The flavours of Rajasthan’s ker sangri and safed maas5. Dahi Pura BainganDahi Pura Baingan often goes with hot steamed or cumin rice. (Image and recipe by Chef Ranjan Majumdar). This dish combines smoky, roasted eggplant with chilled curd to create a refreshing contrast in flavours.Story Continues Below This AdThe eggplant is roasted, mashed and then mixed with cool yoghurt and seasoned with black salt and fresh mint. Chef Majumdar says that the dishes are rooted to seasonal wisdom. “The following recipes demonstrate the use traditional techniques…and the use indigenous cooling agents to combat the rising temperatures.” Peel and mash your pulp after it has cooled completely. Fold the smoky roasted eggplant into the curd. Add black salt, cumin and torn mint for a refreshing touch. DISCLAIMER – This article is based upon information that was obtained from public sources and/or experts we spoke with.

 ​

The daily commute may save you time, but it can also be hard on your scalp and skin. Riders face a unique set dermatological challenges, from sweat trapped under helmets, to constant exposure to wind, sun, and pollution. Dr Rashmi shetty, dermatologist, highlighted these concerns in a podcast interview with nutritionist Ryan Fernando. She said, “If you’re a daily rider you have two things to worry about.” You have to worry about your hair, because you wear a helmet everyday. You should wash your hair every day to avoid pimples. Wear sunscreen when riding a bicycle. You are exposed to dust, wind and the sun. It only takes two seconds to apply it to your face. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine. Dr Priyanka Priyrajani, Senior Dermatology Consultant, explains how riders can protect their scalp and skin. Dr Hemrajani says that riders should wash their hair daily, especially if they have an oily or sweaty scalp. She recommends using a mild, sulphate free shampoo and adjusting the frequency of washing based on your hair type. “Gentle and appropriate cleaning is key. What matters is not how often you wash but what you use.” Your helmet could be causing breakoutsOne factor that is often overlooked in scalp health, helmet hygiene. A poorly maintained helmet is a breeding ground of bacteria and fungi. Dr Hemrajani says that helmet hygiene is important but often neglected. “Sweat, friction, and bacteria thrive in an unclean helmet, causing breakouts, irritation, and itching.” She advises: Clean helmet liners frequently
After use, let helmets air dry
Wear a layer of clean cotton or microfiber underneath
These small habits can significantly reduce scalp issues. Dermatologist shares 4 tips to smell good at all times
View this post on Instagram
Skincare for ridersWhile hair problems are common, the skin is often the most affected by daily riding. Constant exposure to UV, dust and wind can cause the skin barrier to weaken, causing premature ageing, dryness and tanning. “Skincare should focus on protecting riders against environmental stressors,” explains Dr Hemrajani. Story continues below this ad. A broad-spectrum sunblock (SPF 30-50), even on cloudy days, is a must. Look for formulations that contain antioxidants such as vitamin C or E and physical filters like zinc oxide to provide effective protection. She also stresses the importance hydration. “A lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser with ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or niacinamide helps strengthen the skin barrier and reduce inflammation.”DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine.

 ​

Bharti revealed in a vlog on her YouTube channel, Life of Limbachiyaas 2.0, that she and her sister were completely smitten with him when they were younger. Bharti revealed in a vlog for her YouTube channel Life of Limbachiyaas2.0 that she and her younger sister were smitten by him. “Karan Kundra’s ek imagine TV pe (show aatatha)” Mai aur meri Behen usko Pyar karne lag gaye the. Itna handsome ladka, itne guess-wala bana hai tha. Lekin bad me ye baai material nikla hua hai (laughs),” she said, remembering how strongly they felt at the time. (Karan Kundrra was on Imagine TV and my sister and I were in love with him. He was a handsome man with a slightly angry, intense persona. There was something about him. But later, he turned out to be total ‘brother material’)DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. She also gave a vivid description of the intensity of her admiration, saying, “meri bhen to pagal, wo bartan Aadhe Chorhke Bhagti Thi”. (My sister was in a crazy form. She’d leave half the dishes just to catch a glimpse of her. Many young fans share similar experiences. They’d be absolutely smitten by an TV or film character, and drop all chores to watch them onscreen. These small, shared moments are often what create lasting memories between siblings.
View this post on Instagram
Also Read | Kriti Sanon reflects on school crushes and the ‘kindergarten romance’ that shaped her views on relationships: ‘Since I’m a bit taller, I would notice…’Why celebrity crushes feel so real — and what if you and your sibling have the same crush?According to psychologist Prerna Pant from ISIC Multispecialty Hospital, Delhi, such intense admiration is deeply rooted in adolescent psychology.She explains that these crushes are often a result of parasocial relationships–one-sided emotional bonds where individuals feel connected to someone they don’t actually know. Story continues below this advertisement. During teenage years when identity and emotional awareness is still developing, celebrities are often ideal figures. Increased media exposure and repeated viewing can also create a sense of familiarity, which the brain interprets as closeness.Interestingly, Bharti’s story also highlights a common sibling dynamic. Pant explains that sharing a crush can strengthen relationships. It creates lasting memories by giving siblings something to laugh, talk about, and even compete over. What was once intense affection has now become what she calls “bhai-material”. Pant says that this change is a reflection of emotional maturity. Celebrities are often idealised when they’re only seen on television. This change shows that we can redefine and reassess emotional connections. The person is no longer seen as a distant fantasy, but as a real individual,” she explains.Bharti Singh’s lighthearted confession is more than just a funny throwback–it’s a reminder of how our emotions grow with us, turning even the most intense crushes into something far more real, and often, unexpectedly wholesome.DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to.

 ​

Jacqueline Fernandez dressed to the nines (Image source: @jacquelienefernandez/Instagram)Jacqueline Fernandez recently opened up about the five wellness rituals she swears by to maintain balance in her fast-paced life. The actor, who made a Bollywood debut with Aladdin shared her wellness philosophy at the Vogue Beauty and Wellness Honours jury meet. Her wellness rituals focus on both mental and physically well-being. She revealed that each morning she starts on a positive note and that mental health is a major factor in the rest of her day. Staying hydrated is a ritual that she never misses. Jacqueline explained that she takes electrolytes to maintain her energy throughout the day. The actor also stressed the importance of meditation as part of her daily routine. It is very important. She said that it is good for both your energy and your skin.
View this post on Instagram
Skincare experts share their insights into cryotherapy and explain the medical technique’s benefits and side-effects. The technique can last from a few seconds to a few minutes. The treatment can last from a few seconds to a few minutes. “Facial and body cryotherapy treatments have been marketed by wellness and cosmetic facilities for their supposed benefits, including better blood circulation, decreased inflammation and tighter skin,” said Dr Prabhu. “When the skin returns to normal temperature, the blood vessels dilate and increase the blood flow to the facial area,” explained Dr Deepa Krishnamurthy. The technique is an adjunct to other treatments. Continue reading below this ad. Dr Prabhu also stressed that cryotherapy doesn’t replace regular skincare routines such as sun protection and moisturisation. He said that cryotherapy should be seen as a temporary cosmetic treatment for skin conditions, not an essential skincare procedure. Dr Prabhu also warned of the potential side effects of the method, including the damage to the skin barrier. He explained that the skin barrier, which protects from environmental damage and moisture loss will be damaged when people undergo treatment at excessive rates or receive treatment that does not match their skin requirements. Dr Prabhu also added that cold temperatures can trigger flare-ups in people with skin disorders like eczema or rosacea. “It’s the patients who exercise caution when using treatments because these procedures should compliment basic skincare methods that restore and protect skin barrier,” he said. Story continues below this advertisement.DISCLAIMER This article is based upon information from the public domain or the experts we spoke with. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine.

 ​

Losing your brain may seem like the end of the world. For one small marine animal, it’s part of growing up. The tiny sea creature known as the Sea Squirt replaces its brain over and over again throughout its life. This marine animal is a member of the genus Ciona. It looks like a soft blob that’s attached to rocks. Sea squirts are not born as stationary blobs. Ciona intestinalis is a sea squirt that lives in temperate coastal water and is known as the sea vase. It’s a solitary, transparent, filter-feeding seasquirt. As larvae they look like tiny tadpoles, measuring between 1-2 mm in length. They have a simple cerebral organ (also known as a. The larval brain contains 200 neurons involved in sensory processing, according to electron microscopy studies. Studies using electron microscopy show that the larval brain contains ~200 neurons involved in sensory processing.Then, something bizarre happens: upon settling headfirst via adhesive papillae, metamorphosis triggers autophagy–self-digestion of ~80% of the central nervous system, including most of the brain, tail, and notochord tissues within hours.Why would an animal do that?Also Read | The frog that breaks its own bones to grow clawsAs an adult, it becomes a stationary filter feeder, staying fixed in one place and feeding by pulling in water. It uses tiny openings called gills to filter out nutrients and plankton. It can actually pump more than 100 times its body volume of water each day. It is expensive to maintain a brain, as they can consume a lot of energy. Scientists have discovered that genes that are linked to brain development are much less active when the animal settles. The body also produces enzymes to help break down the unused brain tissues. Continue reading below this ad. It retains only a small number of nerve cells, just enough to perform basic reflexes like closing its eyes when something touches it. So is the brain really replaced? The sea squirt develops a simple, free-swimming brain, and then absorbs the entire thing once it settles. It sheds traits that it briefly shared with chordates, from which it diverged around 550,000,000 years ago. This unusual life cycle challenges that brains are preserved in all closely related species. In a sense, the sea squirt is a lesson in efficiency. Intelligence is not always needed, but it depends on the situation. Scientists have found that the brain resorption can be delayed if an animal is prevented from settling down, proving it is not a fixed time frame but rather an adaptive response. In nature, survival doesn’t mean holding on to complexity. It’s about keeping what you need.