Makar Sankranti 2024: 7 Traditional Delicacies To Celebrate The Festival

Til laddoos are a sumptuous Sankranti staple, made with sesame seeds and jaggery, and are the perfect way to celebrate the festival.


Puran poli is a Maharashtrian delicacy. It is a sweet flatbread with sweet and crumbly moong-based fillings.


Makara Chaula contains rice, jaggery, milk, banana, and sugarcane. Almost every Odia household in India celebrates Sankranti by making this delectable dish.


Khichdi is more than a comfort food for Indians. People in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar prepare urad dal (black gram) khichdi on Makar Sankranti and enjoy it with a generous dollop of ghee. The festival is even known as Khichdi in this part of the country.


Payesh, a Bengali-flavoured rice and milk pudding, is an extra special delicacy as it contains the special khejur gur, available only in winter.


Pinni is an indulgent winter treat from Punjab, made with ghee, wheat flour, jaggery and almonds


Urad dal kachori is one of North India's favourite Makar Sankranti recipes. The goodness of lentils and the aroma of different species make it perfect for the occasion.


Here are seven dishes from across India that you must try this Makar Sankranti.

7 Warm Desserts That Are Perfect For Winters

Gajar ka halwa is a traditional Indian dessert, made with grated carrots, milk, sugar, and nuts. Its rich, creamy texture and aromatic flavours make it the ultimate comfort dessert.


A chocolate lover's dream, the hot choco lava cake is a decadent dessert that oozes warm, gooey chocolate from its centre. Its combination of a fluffy exterior and a molten chocolate core is sure to please your sweet tooth.


Soft, doughy rolls with a buttery cinnamon-sugar filling and topped with cream cheese frosting. These aromatic delights are perfect for a chilly evening paired with a hot beverage.


Apple Crisp is made with sliced apples baked with a crispy, crumbly topping of oats, flour, butter, and cinnamon. This dessert offers a comforting blend of warm, tender apples and a crunchy, sweet topping.


A twist on the classic bread pudding, this version features cubes of bread soaked in a rich hot chocolate mixture and baked until golden and gooey.

The pumpkin spice latte cupcakes, infused with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, capture the essence of a cosy winter night and are topped with creamy, spiced frosting.

Sliced pears arranged on an almond-flavoured tart base, baked until golden and served warm. The combination of buttery crust, sweet pears, and nutty almonds is irresistible.

Here's a list of some warm desserts that'll keep you cosy on cold winter nights.

Ram Mandir: Chef Vishnu Manohar To Prepare 7,000 kg Ram Halwa In Ayodhya

The arrangements for the Ram Mandir consecration ceremony, scheduled for January 22 in Ayodhya, are in full swing.

Many political and spiritual leaders, celebrities, and sports personalities will be present for the ceremony.

Amid the celebrations, Chef Vishnu Manohar from Nagpur will prepare 7,000 kilogrammes of Ram Halwa for the occasion.

Chef Manohar will make the Ram Halwa in a 12,000-litre specially-designed cauldron, weighing 1300 to 1400 kg. A crane will be required to lift the cauldron.

The ingredients required for the Ram Halwa are 1,000 kg of ghee, 1,000 kg of sugar, 2,000 litres of milk, 2,500 litres of water, 300 kg of dry fruits and 75 kg of cardamom powder. Even the spatula weighs 10-12 kg.

After offering the Ram Halwa to Ram Lalla, it will be distributed as prasad among the 1.5 lakh devotees in Ayodhya gathered to witness the consecration ceremony.

The floating "magic islands" of Titan, Saturn's largest moon, have long intrigued scientists. But a new study now seems to clear the air over these islands and what constitutes them.

The floating "magic islands" of Titan, Saturn's largest moon, have long intrigued scientists. But a new study now seems to clear the air over these islands and what constitutes them. Shaped like a honeycomb, and sometimes even resembling Swiss cheese, these islands on Titan are simply glacier-like snow clusters. The latest revelations about Saturn's moon Titan were made in a study published in Geophysical Research Letters journal. The Cassini-Huygens spacecraft was the first to observe these so-called islands. The Saturnian moon is filled with liquid methane and ethane lakes and these islands looked like shiny, moving spots above these lakes. However, they weren't always visible and vanished from time to time. Xinting Yu, an assistant professor at the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the Univerisity of Texas, led new research on Titan's magical islands, which suggests that they are "floating chunks of porous, frozen organic solids in shapes similar to honeycomb or Swiss cheese." They likely stash after it snows from the sky of Titan, a moon larger than Mercury. ALSO READ | Cosmic alignment: Mercury, Venus and Mars to meet Moon on January 9 morning Titan's atmosphere, rich in methane and other organic molecules, is 50 per cent thicker than Earth's. The thick, upper atmosphere clumps together, freezes, and snows onto the surface and into the lakes of methane and ethane due to the presence of organic molecules. As the liquid bodies on Titan's surface are already packed with organic molecules, the complex organic "snow" molecules do not dissolve as soon as they hit them. "For us to see the magic islands, they can't just float for a second and then sink. They have to float for some time, but not for forever, either," Yu said. The hollow holes and tubes in the snow clumps would allow them to float if they were large enough or porous until methane or ethane oozed inside, causing them to sink after filling the voids. However, according to the model by Yu and her colleagues, the snow clumps would be too small to let this mechanism happen. But enough of this snow clustered on the lakeside shores, large pieces could break off and float on the lakes of methane and ethane, similar to how ice sheets break from glaciers and float on the surface of the seas on Earth. This mechanism is known as calving. Yu and her team have also explained another enigma on Saturn's Titan about the peaceful liquid bodies with waves no bigger than a few millimetres. According to the study, a floating blanket of frozen solids covers the surface of liquid bodies on Titan, granting them smoothness. (With inputs from agencies)

'Magic islands' on Titan look like Swiss cheese. They are simply snow clusters

Researchers have discovered over 30 new species of bacteria in patient samples at the University Hospital Basel, Switzerland. According to a study published in BMC Microbiology journal, some of these newly-found bacteria can pave the way for new avenues of research and treatments for related infections due to their clinical relevance.

Researchers have discovered over 30 new species of bacteria in patient samples at the University Hospital Basel, Switzerland. According to a study published in BMC Microbiology journal, some of these newly-found bacteria can pave the way for new avenues of research and treatments for related infections due to their clinical relevance. Dr Daniel Goldenberger, the study's lead author, said, "Such direct links between newly identified species of bacteria and their clinical relevance have rarely been published in the past." The study focuses on how knowing pathogens in the world that infect humans can make treating them easier. Since 2014, Goldenberger and his team have collected and analysed patient samples, studying 61 unknown bacterial pathogens from people with several medical conditions. Sequencing these bacterial genomes using traditional methods was difficult for them. So, they turned to a relatively new method for their analysis. Using an algorithm, they compared the sequences with known strains and identified 35 new species. Among these, seven were clinically relevant, meaning they can cause infections. The researchers classed the other 26 bacteria as "difficult to identify." ALSO READ | 'Magic islands' on Saturn's moon Titan are nothing but Swiss-cheese-like snow clusters The study noted that most newly identified bacteria belonged to two genera: Corynebacterium (six species) and Schaalia (five species). "We can find many species in these two genera in the natural human skin microbiome and the mucosa. This is why they are frequently underestimated, and research into them is sparse," added Goldenberger. But they are harmful once they enter the bloodstream. Furthermore, according to the study, one of the "difficult to identify" bacteria found in a dog bite wound on a patient's thumb might be a novel and emerging pathogen. A Canadian group first isolated the bacteria from wounds caused by dog or cat bites in 2022. The team will continue to work on this study by collecting and sequencing samples from patients at the University of Hospital Basel. Over 20 species added to the list will hopefully aid future diagnosis and treatment of infections. "Publicly available clinical and genomic data may help understand [bacterial organisms] clinical and ecological role," the study authors wrote in their conclusion. "Our identification of 35 novel strains, seven of which appear to be clinically relevant, shows the wide range of undescribed pathogens yet to be defined." (With inputs from agencies)

Discovery of over 30 unknown bacteria species might help find new treatments

Alaska has recorded the first case of a polar bear dying due to bird flu, alarming experts about the already stressed extant species. The polar bear died from highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), contracted by scavenging on bird carcasses infected with the deadly strain H5N1.

Alaska has recorded the first case of a polar bear dying due to bird flu, alarming experts about the already stressed extant species. The polar bear died from highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), contracted by scavenging on bird carcasses infected with the deadly strain H5N1. If the infection spreads, it could be dangerous for the Arctic population which is already facing issues due to climate change. The Division of Environmental Health officials confirmed the death in December after they found the dead polar bear in the northernmost town of Utqiagvik in October. The case wasn't a surprise, as black and brown bears have previously contracted the deadly virus. However, it's more concerning as polar bears are a vulnerable species. Loss of their sea habitat has already hit their population. If the infection spreads, additional deaths could serve as another blow to the species. Alaska's state veterinarian, Robert Gerlach, told Live Science that the infection might have already spread among other polar bears. ALSO READ | 'Magic islands' on Saturn's moon Titan are nothing but Swiss-cheese-like snow clusters First identified in 1996 in China, the H5N1 has now spread worldwide. In 2020, a new variant of the deadly virus emerged, killing unprecedented birds. It also spread to North America in 2021. The virus has impacted numerous mammals, resulting in thousands of deaths. Douglas Clark, associate professor at the University of Saskatchewan's School of Environment and Sustainability, said, "This is unlikely to be an isolated event. It's just that this one led to an outcome that was detected." Due to their habitat, monitoring the virus among polar bears can be difficult for experts. However, the risk of transmission among polar bears is low because they are a solitary species. But, the concern remains as they have started to feed more on seabirds due to the reduced sea ice. Pollution is another aspect which makes polar bears more vulnerable to bird flu. Anthropogenic chemicals highly affect the species as they accumulate in the high-fat diets of animals. As their fat store depletes, these stored pollutants start interfering with the immune system. Andrew Derocher, a professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Canada's University of Alberta, said, "A bear fasting for longer, nutritionally stressed, may have a weakened immune system. Now expose a bear with a weakened immune system to avian influenza and the issue of surviving the exposure becomes more challenging." (With inputs from agencies)

Polar bear dies of bird flu, triggering fresh concerns amid climate change

US Vice President Kamala Harris' aircraft was diverted to a Washington airport due to wind shear caused by the stormy weather while returning from Georgia. Press secretary Kirsten Allen said, "Tonight, en route from Atlanta, GA, Air Force 2 was diverted from Joint Base Andrews to Dulles International Airport due to inclement weather," reported Fox40.

US Vice President Kamala Harris' aircraft was diverted to a Washington airport due to wind shear caused by the stormy weather while returning from Georgia. Press secretary Kirsten Allen said, "Tonight, en route from Atlanta, GA, Air Force 2 was diverted from Joint Base Andrews to Dulles International Airport due to inclement weather," reported Fox40. According to a source familiar with the incident, no one sustained injuries, and the aircraft landed safely in Dulles. They said that wind shear caused by the storm forced the pilot to divert the plane. What is wind shear? Weather plays a significant role in aviation safety. Poor weather conditions are often the culprit behind major incidents. Wind shear is a sudden alteration in wind velocity and direction over a short distance. This weather phenomenon can happen at various levels of the atmosphere. However, it is more dangerous at the lower levels since it results in a sudden loss of airspeed and altitude. ALSO READ | Bengaluru CEO Suchana Seth allegedly overdosed 4-year-old son with cough syrup before 'pre-meditated murder' The Bureau of Meteorology website states, "It is significant when it causes changes to an aircraft's headwind or tailwind such that the aircraft is abruptly displaced from its intended flight path and substantial control action is required to correct it." Weather conditions like jet streams, mountain waves, temperature inversion layers, frontal surfaces, thunderstorms, convective clouds or microbursts can cause wind shear. "During the climb-out and approach phases of flight, aircraft airspeed and height are near critical values, rendering the aircraft especially susceptible to the adverse effects of wind shear. The response of aircraft to wind shear is extremely complex and depends on many factors including the type of aircraft, the phase of flight, the scale on which the wind shear operates relative to the size of the aircraft, and the intensity and duration of the wind shear encountered," it adds. Although wind shear is a microscale meteorological phenomenon, it has been responsible for over 1,400 fatalities worldwide, including more than 400 deaths in the United States during 1973-1985, as per the report by NCAR. However, with the advancement of technology, systems have been created to deal with the issue of low-level wind shear. These systems deployed at airports use data from several sources and send alerts to air traffic controllers, pilots, and airport meteorologists on graphical and alphanumeric displays. (With inputs from agencies)

Aircraft carrying US Vice President Kamala Harris diverted. Here’s what happened

As the temperature plunged to 5.3 degrees Celsius in Delhi on Tuesday (Jan 9), the national capital witnessed the coldest day of the winter season. Even the maximum temperature hit a two-year low at 13.

As the temperature plunged to 5.3 degrees Celsius in Delhi on Tuesday (Jan 9), the national capital witnessed the coldest day of the winter season. Even the maximum temperature hit a two-year low at 13.4 degrees Celsius, six degrees below normal. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the minimum temperatures on Wednesday morning reached 7.1 degrees Celsius, making it another cold day for Delhi. The maximum temperature will be around 15 degrees Celsius on Wednesday (Jan 10), predicted IMD. Meanwhile, the weather department has issued a yellow alert for Delhi, with maximum temperature predicted to be around 15 degrees Celsius. Intense daytime cold conditions in Delhi have expanded to Gurgaon, Ghaziabad and Noida. Delhi and its several other neighbouring cities experienced "severe cold day" to "cold day" conditions on Tuesday. ALSO READ | Explained | Why was Maldives triggered by Indian PM Modi snorkelling in Lakshadweep? Furthermore, certain parts of Delhi will also have moderate to shallow fog. Delhi is unlikely to experience any relief from the cold weather over the next seven days. While the minimum temperature will range between seven and nine degrees Celsius, the maximum temperature will range between 15 and 18 degrees Celsius. On Sunday (Jan 14), the minimum temperature can plummet to seven degrees Celsius. IMD has predicted shallow to moderate fog with partly cloudy skies throughout the week. ALSO READ | Ayodhya Ram Temple: First majestic golden door installed, 42 out of 46 to be coated with gold The IMD forecast also mentioned that several regions of North India will continue to witness dense fog conditions until Sunday (Jan 14). These regions include Haryana, Punjab, Chandigarh, and Uttar Pradesh. Jammu, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, northern Rajasthan, northern Madhya Pradesh, and some eastern and northeastern regions of India can witness dense fog on Wednesday. IMD has predicted ground frost conditions in Uttarakhand until Friday (Jan 12). Moreover, the weather forecast mentions that there will be no significant change in temperature in 48 hours. At least 16 trains and several flights got delayed as the temperature dipped in the national capital. As Delhi is experiencing severe cold weather, homeless people have sought refuge in government-run night shelters in Delhi offering blankets, beds, hot water, and food to people living on the street. On Sunday (Jan 7), the Delhi government also ordered schools to remain closed for five more days due to the prevailing cold weather conditions for students from nursery to fifth grade. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Delhi records coldest day of winter season; IMD issues yellow alert in North India; Check forecast

A fully loaded firearm with 163 rounds of ammunition and Naruto throwing knives inside a carry-on were some of the most bizarre items TSA officials found in 2023.

A fully loaded firearm with 163 rounds of ammunition and Naruto throwing knives inside a carry-on were some of the most bizarre items TSA officials found in 2023. Every year, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) of the United States releases a list of the top ten best catches, which includes the most strange items they have seized during airport security checks. They started releasing the annual lists in 2016. The first list included a full-size prop corpse, a Hello Kitty pistol and a golden hand grenade. In last year's list, marijuana hidden in an adult diaper was one of them. TSA spokesperson Lisa Farbstein told NBC News that they found it at a checkpoint scanner at LaGuardia Airport in New York after being alarmed about a woman's groin. "The woman had stashed pot in her adult diaper in an effort to conceal the marijuana from TSA and from her traveling companion, her mom!" Farbstein said in a statement Tuesday. "She told officials that she didn't want her mother to find out that she was packing the pot." ALSO READ | ‘Welsh Tidy Mouse’ might have been cleaning British man’s shed for ‘fun’, say scientists However, it wasn't the first time TSA caught illegal things in a diaper at LaGuardia. In December 2023, Farbstein shared on X that TSA captured a man carrying 17 bullets in a clean disposable diaper from Arkansas. "We hate to break it to you here, but stuffing a firearm in your holiday bird for travel is just a waste of time," the TSA wrote on Instagram in 2022. TSA press secretary R Carter Langston said, "The most bizarre item on the list for me would have to be the giant bullet." According to him, TSA found the 35mm projectile in a passenger's bag at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina. "Even if it was inert, it's just the fear factor alone that it might bring to other passengers." Here's a list of some other things that made the TSA best catches list for 2023: Naruto throwing knives: Boston Logan International Airport Four replica rockets: Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, Alaska Improvised explosive device in a carbon dioxide cartridge (pipe bomb): Sacramento International Airport, California Fully loaded firearm with 163 rounds of ammunition: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport Knife hidden inside a prosthetic foot: Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, Alaska (With inputs from agencies)

What people tried to smuggle in airline luggage: Pipe bomb, marijuana in adult diaper, throwing knives...

7 Vegetable Stems That Elevate Your Culinary Experience

Popular in Asian cuisines, bamboo stems offer a delicate, slightly crunchy texture. They absorb flavours well, making them ideal for stir-fries, soups, and pickles.


With a mildly sweet flavour and a satisfying crunch, lotus stems are staples in many South Asian and Middle Eastern dishes. They're fantastic when fried, pickled, or added to curries for their unique texture.


Often discarded, broccoli stalks are edible and delicious. They possess a milder taste than the florets and can be thinly sliced or grated into salads, stir-fried or added to soups.

While kale leaves usually take the spotlight, their stems are equally valuable. Chop and sauté them with garlic and olive oil, or include them in smoothies for an added nutritional boost.


The innermost part of celery stalks, known as celery hearts, are tender and flavourful. They are perfect for salads and soups.


Chard stems are vividly colourful, with a slightly earthy taste and a pleasing crunch. One can cook them in gratins or stir-fries to make the most of their unique flavour.


While not technically a stem, the tough ends of asparagus are often discarded. However, one can use them to make a flavorful stock or blend into creamy soups to minimise waste.


Here are seven vegetable stems that can add a unique touch to your dishes.

Staying hydrated is essential as it helps mucus dilute. Opt for warm fluids like herbal teas, warm water with honey and lemon, or clear broths to ease throat irritation.


Honey possesses natural antibacterial properties and soothes the throat. Consuming a spoonful of honey or adding it to warm beverages can relieve coughing.




Inhaling steam can moisten the airways and loosen mucus, relieving a dry cough. Adding essential oils like eucalyptus or peppermint can enhance its effectiveness.


It is a simple yet effective remedy. Gargling with warm salt water can help reduce throat inflammation and alleviate dry cough.


Herbal teas with ingredients like ginger, turmeric, liquorice root, or marshmallow root possess anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe the throat and reduce coughing.




Adding moisture to the air using a humidifier can prevent the airways from drying out, reducing coughing spells, especially at night.


Adequate rest aids the body's healing process, while sleeping with an elevated head can ease breathing and lessen coughing at night.

Here are seven effective methods to get rid of dry cough:

7 Natural Ways To Alleviate Dry Cough

Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas 2024: History, Significance And More

Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas, celebrated on January 9, marks the contribution of the overseas Indian community to the development of India.


Also known as Non-Resident Indian Day (NRI Day), Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas commemorates the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa to India in 1915.


Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas was first celebrated in 2003. Later, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs revised the format in 2015 to celebrate the event once every two years and hold theme-based conferences during the intervening period.


To date, 17 conventions have been held across the world on Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas. The last Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas was celebrated in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, in 2023.


The theme of Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas reflects the priorities and concerns of the Indian diaspora. In 2023, the theme for NRI Day was "Diaspora: Reliable Partners For India's Progress In Amrit Kal."



Initiated by the Government of India in 2003, the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards recognise the achievements of NRIs and PIOs in various fields.




Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas engages the overseas Indian community residing in various parts of the world to share their experiences in various fields. It recognises NRIs and their efforts to preserve the Indian heritage and strengthen global ties.


Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas engages the overseas Indian community residing in various parts of the world to share their experiences in various fields.

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Trisha Pathak

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