7 New Year Food Traditions From Around The Globe

Spaniards indulge in 12 grapes at midnight, signifying each stroke of the clock, believed to bring good luck for each month of the upcoming year. 


Southern tradition in the US calls for black-eyed peas, representing coins, and collard greens, which bring cash, luck and wealth in the coming year.


Greeks bake a special cake called ‘vasilopita’ with a hidden coin. People believe the person who finds the coin has good luck throughout the year.


Mushrooms are a good source of protein which is important for both the formation and strengthening of the bones.

Media Noche, the midnight feast, features round fruits like oranges and grapes, denoting prosperity and abundance for the coming year.


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Here are seven diverse New Year food customs observed globally:

7 Foods That Help Maintain Blood Sugar Levels

Found in the high mountains of Central Asia, snow leopards have grey-white fur that helps them camouflage while hunting. They are an endangered species due to habitat loss and poaching.

Opting for whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, and oats over refined grains helps regulate blood sugar. These grains are rich in fibre. They slow down sugar absorption and keep glucose levels stable. 


Berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are low in sugar but high in antioxidants and fibre. Their low glycaemic index makes them ideal for satisfying sweet cravings without causing blood sugar spikes. 


Beans, lentils, and chickpeas are excellent sources of protein and fibre, contributing to blood sugar control. They digest slowly, preventing rapid increases in glucose levels after meals. 


Nuts and seeds are rich in healthy fats, protein, and fibre. They assist in slowing down digestion and moderating blood sugar levels. 


High in protein and probiotics, Greek yoghurt has a lower carbohydrate content than regular yoghurt. It aids in stabilising blood sugar levels and promotes gut health. 


Studies suggest that cinnamon may improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels. Adding this spice to foods may contribute to better glucose control.

Certain foods play a pivotal role in managing blood sugar effectively. Here are seven of them:

Researchers in Italy have recently found detailed maps of the night sky dating back to more than 2,400 years ago.&nbsp; 
 
According to a study published in the journal Astronomical Notes on November 22, researchers excavated a map carved into a circular white stone at an ancient fort in northeastern Italy.&nbsp;

The map is about the size of a car tire and consists of 29 engravings. According to statistical analysis, human certainly created their engravings. Italy's National Institute of Astrophysics said in a news release that all but one of the sculptures matches the stars in the night sky.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/a-year-of-moon-missions-in-2023-many-aimed-for-the-moon-but-only-a-few-achieved-it-674268">Lunar missions of 2023: Several nations aimed for the Moon, including India's Chandrayaan</a>

The researchers said the map was "very complete, with all bright stars represented," including the constellations Orion, Scorpius and the Pleiades.

However, one engraving did not match an existing star and was extremely difficult to explain. "One interesting possibility is that there was a bright star at the location that produced the supernova or that the supernova likely failed and left behind a black hole as a remnant," the researchers said.

People might have used the map to track seasonal changes before beginning agricultural activities. The study says the map dates from 1800 BC to 400 BC. It is one of the earliest depictions of the night sky ever found.

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However, the study also noted that one does not need advanced knowledge of space to create such maps. "A measurement unit of angular distance, such as the width of a finger or a simple ruler, and basic counting skills are sufficient," the researchers said.

About 2,200 years ago, Greek astronomer Hipparchus established a way to understand the motion of stars. He is famous for creating the first known star catalogue. Scientists still use his technique to map objects in the sky. He imagined Earth at the centre of a celestial sphere, and he used a coordinate system similar to latitude and longitude to measure the precise position of the stars.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-juno-spacecraft-to-make-closest-flyby-of-jupiters-volcanic-moon-674309">NASA’s Juno spacecraft to make closest flyby of Jupiter’s volcanic moon</a>

However, historians don't accurately know how Hipparchus measured the stars. According to National Geographic, they assume he may have used an armillary sphere, a mechanical device with rotating rings depicting the various parts of the celestial sphere.

The oldest evidence for stellar coordinates from Hipparchus was found in an 8th-century AD Latin translation of a poem about the constellations. These coordinates were included as a kind of annotation in the poem.

(With inputs from agencies)

Researchers in Italy have recently found detailed maps of the night sky dating back to more than 2,400 years ago. According to a study published in the journal Astronomical Notes on November 22, researchers excavated a map carved into a circular white stone at an ancient fort in northeastern Italy.

Researchers in Italy have recently found detailed maps of the night sky dating back to more than 2,400 years ago. According to a study published in the journal Astronomical Notes on November 22, researchers excavated a map carved into a circular white stone at an ancient fort in northeastern Italy. The map is about the size of a car tire and consists of 29 engravings. According to statistical analysis, human certainly created their engravings. Italy's National Institute of Astrophysics said in a news release that all but one of the sculptures matches the stars in the night sky. Also Read | Lunar missions of 2023: Several nations aimed for the Moon, including India's Chandrayaan The researchers said the map was "very complete, with all bright stars represented," including the constellations Orion, Scorpius and the Pleiades. However, one engraving did not match an existing star and was extremely difficult to explain. "One interesting possibility is that there was a bright star at the location that produced the supernova or that the supernova likely failed and left behind a black hole as a remnant," the researchers said. People might have used the map to track seasonal changes before beginning agricultural activities. The study says the map dates from 1800 BC to 400 BC. It is one of the earliest depictions of the night sky ever found. Also Read | Scientists find new method which can destroy 99% of cancer cells, eliminate need for invasive surgeries However, the study also noted that one does not need advanced knowledge of space to create such maps. "A measurement unit of angular distance, such as the width of a finger or a simple ruler, and basic counting skills are sufficient," the researchers said. About 2,200 years ago, Greek astronomer Hipparchus established a way to understand the motion of stars. He is famous for creating the first known star catalogue. Scientists still use his technique to map objects in the sky. He imagined Earth at the centre of a celestial sphere, and he used a coordinate system similar to latitude and longitude to measure the precise position of the stars. Also Read | NASA’s Juno spacecraft to make closest flyby of Jupiter’s volcanic moon However, historians don't accurately know how Hipparchus measured the stars. According to National Geographic, they assume he may have used an armillary sphere, a mechanical device with rotating rings depicting the various parts of the celestial sphere. The oldest evidence for stellar coordinates from Hipparchus was found in an 8th-century AD Latin translation of a poem about the constellations. These coordinates were included as a kind of annotation in the poem. (With inputs from agencies)

Researchers discover 2,400-year-old celestial map which shows a star that is now dead

The recently-built airport in Ayodhya will be renamed 'Maharishi Valmiki International Airport' after Maharishi Valmiki, the author of the Hindu epic Ramayana. Earlier, it was decided that the airport would be called the 'Maryada Purshottam Shri Ram Ayodhya International Airport.

The recently-built airport in Ayodhya will be renamed 'Maharishi Valmiki International Airport' after Maharishi Valmiki, the author of the Hindu epic Ramayana. Earlier, it was decided that the airport would be called the 'Maryada Purshottam Shri Ram Ayodhya International Airport.' Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the newly-constructed Ayodhya airport on Saturday (Dec 30). Three weeks after the airport inauguration, the consecration ceremony of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya will take place. IndiGo and Air Indian Express will operate the first flights from Ayodhya airport on Saturday. The two Indian airlines have scheduled these flights from Delhi, Mumbai and Ahmedabad to Ayodhya, starting in January 2024. The first phase of the airport's development cost over ₹1,450 crore ($174 million). Equipped to serve approximately one million passengers per year, the airport's terminal building will have an area of 6,500 square meters. Moreover, the terminal's facade building depicts the architecture of Ayodhya's Ram Mandir. ALSO READ | 'Let them do conspiracies': Congress hits out at BJP after Priyanka Gandhi Vadra named in ED chargesheet The terminal building's interiors are bejewelled with local art pieces, paintings and murals showcasing the life of Lord Ram. Ayodhya Airport's terminal building also consists of various sustainability features, including an insulated roofing system, LED lighting, rainwater harvesting, landscaping with fountains, and a water treatment plant. The second phase of airport development includes the construction of a new terminal building with a 50,000-square-meter area capable of handling 3,000 passengers during peak hours and six million passengers annually. Vipul Varshney is the architect of Ayodhya Airport. He created the aerodrome structure by drawing inspiration from Lord Ram's life. Varshney used the Nagara architectural style to build the airport, famous in India's northern and western regions. It has seven mountain peaks or shikaras, representing Ramayana's seven books (Kanda). Ayodhya's Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust will choose Lord Ram's idol on Friday (Dec 29). The idol will be a central figure in Ayodhya's Ram Mandir's consecration ceremony on Monday (Jan 22). Ahead of the temple's consecration ceremony, authorities have tightened security measures at the airport and the temple. These measures include the installation of boom barriers, bollards, and CCTV cameras at all entrances. Furthermore, the Indian Railways has changed the name of the Ayodhya railway station from 'Ayodhya Junction' to 'Ayodhya Dham.' PM Modi will also inaugurate the station's new building on Saturday (Dec 30). Bookings for obtaining 'aarti' passes have also begun in Ayodhya. (With inputs from agencies)

Ayodhya Airport worth $174 million to have direct flights from THESE three cities. See details

People from a village in southwest China damaged a set of 1,400-year-old Buddha statues by painting them with bright colours. They did it to "redeem a wish to the god," the officials said.

People from a village in southwest China damaged a set of 1,400-year-old Buddha statues by painting them with bright colours. They did it to "redeem a wish to the god," the officials said. According to Chinese experts, the Shifeihe Buddha statues date back to the late Northern Wei era (386-534 AD) during the Northern and Southern dynasties. These statues are crucial artefacts with academic value in Buddhist culture and art research. Moreover, they are the only statues in Sichuan carved on the surface of natural stone. The Najiang County Research Center for the Protection of Cultural Property released a statement saying a villager asked his mother to hire a painter to paint the statues in bright colours to thank the gods for fulfilling their dreams. After the incident, the local authorities increased security measures to avoid more damage to the artefacts. Discovered in 2021, the statues were not registered in the heritage protection list, an employee from the local cultural relic protection bureau told China's state-run broadcaster CCTV. He said the villagers who damaged the statues were in their 70s and 80s and "could hardly be punished but only educated." The employees also mentioned that the remote location of the statues made it harder for the authorities to protect them despite installing surveillance cameras. However, the villagers have painted the statues with acrylics, and it should be possible to restore them, the employee said, citing experts who examined the scene. It is not the first time such an incident has happened in China. In August 2018, some people smeared oil paint on Buddha statues at Fengmen Temple in Sichuan. Later, they were repaired with cement, Global Times reported. The Sichuan Provincial Bureau of Cultural Relics discovered 13 Buddha statues with pigment stains, most of which were made in the 1980s and 1990s. According to Chen Peijun from the National Cultural Heritage Administration, China has over 760,000 immovable cultural relics as of October, including the Great Wall. However, only around 5,000 of these are major historical and cultural sites that are protected at the national level. This was shared by Peijun during a news conference. In another incident, a pair of construction workers operating an excavator severely damaged a section of the Great Wall in northern China this year while attempting to take a shortcut. Such incidents have sparked a debate on Chinese social media about how to protect cultural relics in remote villages. (With inputs from agencies)

Ancient Buddha statues in China damaged after being painted over as mark of devotion

The Ayodhya Airport will be renamed 'Maharishi Valmiki Internation Airport' after the great Hindu sage who wrote the holy epic Ramayana, which consists of 24,000 verses.

The Ayodhya Airport will be renamed 'Maharishi Valmiki Internation Airport' after the great Hindu sage who wrote the holy epic Ramayana, which consists of 24,000 verses. Maharishi Valmiki is also known as Adi Kavi, meaning first poet in Sanskrit. He has also written Yoga Vasistha, a scripture that explains philosophical issues. Story of Valmiki Maharishi Valmiki was born to Rishi (Sage) Prachetasa in Treta Yug (the second of the four yugas in Hinduism, during which three Avatars of Lord Vishnu were born) as Ratnakara. When he was young, he got lost in the forest, and a hunter took him under his care. Following in his footsteps, Ratnakara became an excellent hunter and married a beautiful woman. However, as his family grew, it became difficult for him to feed them, and he turned to robbery. One day, Ratnakara attacked Naradamuni (a famous sage) as he crossed the jungle. Narada played the Veena and prayed to Lord Vishnu. Ratnakar's cruelty melted as he saw the devotion in Narada's eyes. Then, Narada introduced him to the holy name of Lord Ram and asked him to meditate on it until the time Narada came back. ALSO READ | Ayodhya Airport to be renamed 'Maharishi Valmiki International Airport' ahead of inauguration Several years later, when Narada returned, Ratnakara's body was covered with anthills (a nest in the form of a mound built by ants). Narada told him that his penance paid off, bestowing him with the title of Brahmarishi. He was given the name Valmiki as he was reborn from Valmika (anthills). Maharishi Valmiki set his ashram on the banks of the river Ganga. One day, Narada visited the ashram and narrated the story of Lord Ram. Later, Lord Brahma instructed him in his sleep to write Ramayana in shlokas (verses). Valmiki's Role In Ramayana Not only did Maharishi Valmiki write Ramayana, but he was a part of it. During his 14-year exile in the forest, one day, Lord Ram visited Valmiki's ashram with his wife, Sita, and younger brother, Lakshman. At Valmiki's request, Lord Ram built his hut near his ashram on Chitrakoot hill. When Lord Ram sent Sita to the forest, she took shelter in Valmiki's ashram. She also gave birth to her twins, Lava and Kusha, at Valmiki's ashram. Once, Maharishi Valmiki took the boys to Ayodhya, where Lord Ram heard them sing the song Valmiki composed. (With inputs from agencies)

Who was Maharishi Valmiki, a Hindu sage after whom Ayodhya Airport is being renamed?

The food delivery company Zomato has released the list of most ordered dishes in India in 2023. Once again, Biryani has topped the list for the eighth time. Here’s the full list: 


A person from Bengaluru ordered food worth ₹246,273, making it the most expensive food order of the year, wrote Zomato.


A man from Mumbai placed 121 orders in a day.


A person from Bengaluru sent gift orders worth ₹6.61 lakhs.


The nation’s biggest foodie was from Mumbai, a man named Hanees. He ordered food 3,580 times this year. 


Once again, Biryani has topped the list for the eighth time. Here’s the full list:

Most Ordered Dishes In India In 2023

Amazon's Prime Video subscribers will no longer enjoy the ad-free experience unless they pay an additional $3.83 (£2.99) in some countries. They will start seeing commercials between movies and TV shows early next year.

Amazon's Prime Video subscribers will no longer enjoy the ad-free experience unless they pay an additional $3.83 (£2.99) in some countries. They will start seeing commercials between movies and TV shows early next year. According to the company, after February 5, customers in the United Kingdom and Germany would begin to see "limited advertisements" while streaming content. Prime Video subscribers in the United States will also see the commercial on January 29. Prime Video is not the first streaming platform to roll out ads. Its rivals, Netflix and Disney, have already introduced less expensive ad-supported packages for cost-conscious users concerned about soaring household bills. After the post-pandemic plunge in subscriber growth, large streaming platforms have altered their business models. The objective behind introducing ad tiers, increasing costs and cutting spending on content, is to shift loss-making services to profitability. ALSO READ | 'Cool hobby, but be very careful': China warns 'military fans' against posting photos of its military hardware According to the company's financial statements, advertising has taken a growing share of Amazon's business, accounting for over eight per cent of the net sales. Income from advertising surpassed income from subscription services in 2022. Prime Video has emailed its members, saying the decision would allow the company to "continue investing in compelling content and keep increasing investment over a long period." However, Amazon added that it would not overwhelm subscribers with messages, assuring it would have "meaningfully fewer ads than ad-supported TV channels and other streaming TV providers." The streaming platform had said earlier this year that it planned to introduce ads in countries including the UK, US, Germany and Canada, following its rivals. Amazon's Prime subscribers in the UK enjoy access to music and streaming services and free and fast delivery on packages at $11.52 (£8.99) per month. However, the company plans to change the package cost in 2024 unless customers pay extra for the ad-free option. Netflix began to roll out ad-supported content in late 2022. The streaming service said over 15 million customers have signed up for it. It charges $6.39 (£4.99) per month for the basic package, significantly less than its $14.08 (£10.99) standard ad-free package. Here is how various streaming services will compare once Amazon's new fee kicks in in the United States: Amazon Prime Video Ad-Free (standalone): $10.99 a month Amazon Prime Video Ad-Free (with Prime subscription): $16.99 a month Netflix Standard: $15.49 a month Disney+ Ad-Free: $13.99 a month Hulu Ad-Free: $17.99 a month NBCUniversal's Peacock: $11.99 a month Max: $15.99 a month (With inputs from agencies)

Amazon Prime Video subscribers will soon see ads unless they pay extra in these countries

A unique way to welcome the new year would be sitting under the vast night sky, wrapped in a cosy blanket and surrounded by loved ones. 


Another unique way to celebrate New Year’s Eve is to have a reflective retreat, focusing on mindfulness and self-reflection. 


Enter the new year with a calming and positive energy by having a short yoga and meditation session at midnight. 


You can also gather friends and family and light up the sky using fireworks on New Year’s Eve. However, be mindful of the environment.  


Time capsules are small letters or mementoes that you can bury at a designated spot and open on the first day of some other year. This way, you can create a beautiful and sentimental tradition, celebrating the passage of time. 


Host a new year party, but twist it by involving everyone in cooking together. The culinary adventure can become a memorable tradition for you. 


If you’re away from your family, you can plan a virtual meeting online and do the countdown together. You can also play games and share resolutions. 


Here’s a list of some unique and thoughtful ways to kickstart 2024:

7 Unique Ways To Welcome New Year 2024

7 Green Peas Recipes To Try This Winter 

Green peas, spinach, and fragrant spices come together to make the greenest kebabs. These crunchy snacks go perfectly with evening tea. 


Matar Kachori is a true delight for the taste buds during winter. It has a delightful; crispy pastry that encloses a delicious filling of spiced green peas. 


This recipe brings the goodness of fenugreek and green peas together. This subtle curry is best served with hot chapatis.


This nourishing soup brings together the health advantages of broccoli and green peas. It has a rich, earthy taste that comes from the combination of these two green vegetables. 


Nimona, made in North India to celebrate the winter harvest, makes a satisfying and nutritious dinner. Made with mashed green peas, this delectable dish goes best with potatoes or paneer. 


The texture of flattened rice perfectly complements the freshness of sweet and delicate peas. Chura Matar Poha is one of the best breakfasts for winter. 


This delicious flatbread, stuffed with green peas, is a must-try dish for winter. It is a comforting meal, which goes best with yoghurt or pickle. 


Green peas are one of the most versatile winter vegetables. Here are some green peas recipes you must try in winter:

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Nine Indian states witnessed the Legislative Assembly elections this year, making 2023 a crucial period for Indian politics. Moreover, India's top court asked the Election Commission to conduct Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir.

Nine Indian states witnessed the Legislative Assembly elections this year, making 2023 a crucial period for Indian politics. Moreover, India's top court asked the Election Commission to conduct Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir. These polls held more significance as they have set the stage for General Elections in 2024. As the results for all state Legislative Assemblies are out, here's a glimpse into the elections held in the nine Indian states. State Voter Turnout (%) Party With Most Seats Number Of Seats Chief Minister Tripura 87.6 Bharatiya Janata Party 32/60 Manik Saha Meghalaya 81.75 National People's Party 26/60 Conrad Sangma Nagaland 85.9 Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party 25/60 Neiphiu Rio Karnataka 72.81 Indian National Congress 135/224 Siddaramaiah Telangana 70.6 Indian National Congress 64/119 Revanth Reddy Chhattisgarh 76.31 Bharatiya Janata Party 54/90 Vishnu Deo Sai Madhya Pradesh 76.22 Bharatiya Janata Party 163/230 Mohan Yadav Rajasthan 75.45 Bharatiya Janata Party 115/199 Bhajan Lal Sharma Mizoram 80.43 Zoram People's Movement 27/40 Lalduhoma Tripura, Nagaland, Meghalya The Legislative Assembly elections started in February 2023 with the northeastern states of Meghalaya, Tripura, and Nagaland. The Bharatiya Janata Party emerged victorious in the Tripura Assembly elections for the second time by winning 32 out of 60 seats. However, Tipra Motha Party, a two-year-old regional political party, stole the limelight as they formed the opposition with 13 seats, beating the Communist Party of India (Marxist), which has been prominent in the northeastern state. In Nagaland, the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party won 25 out of 60 seats. They had to ally with the BJP, who won 12 seats, to form the government. Meanwhile, elections were held in 59 out of 60 constituencies in Meghalaya, out of which the National People's Party won 26 seats. They formed a coalition government with the United Democratic Party (12), Bharatiya Janata Party (2), Hill State People's Democratic Party (2) and two independent candidates. Although BJP did not win in two of the three northeastern states, the party is a part of the larger alliance, which eventually influences the decision-making process. Karnataka, Telangana BJP's arch-rival, the Indian National Congress (INC), failed to perform in the Assembly elections in Tripura, Nagaland and Meghalaya but emerged victorious in the Karnataka Assembly elections by getting 135 out of 224 seats in May 2023. BJP's seats in the Karnataka Assembly dropped by 36.53 per cent, from 104 in the 2019 elections to 66 in 2023. Unlike the previous elections, INC's unparalleled victory in May 2023 allowed them to form a full-fledged government without needing a coalition with Janata Dal (Secular), who won 37 seats. INC dominated the Telangana Assembly elections by winning 64 out of 119 seats. Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BHRS) came second by winning 39 seats. BJP contested from 118 seats but won only eight. Moreover, All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) contested from only eight seats and won seven. Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan There was a striking similarity in the Assembly election results of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. BJP turned the tables in all three states, defeating Congress, which formed the government in the three states after the previous Assembly elections in 2018. In Chhattisgarh, BJP saw a 72.2 per cent rise in seats by getting 54 out of 90 seats in 2023 compared to 15 seats in 2018. Congress's seats in the state Legislative Assembly dropped from 68 in 2018 to 35 in 2023. Although Congress won the MP Assembly elections in 2018, Kamal Nath's government collapsed two years later when Jyotiraditya Scindia and 22 other MLAs deflected to BJP. In the 2023 Assembly elections, BJP emerged victorious in Madhya Pradesh by getting 163 out of 230 seats. In Rajasthan, BJP swept Congress by winning 115 out of 199 seats. Mizoram In Mizoram, the battle was between the Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) and the Mizo National Front (MNF). While ZPM emerged victorious with 27 seats, MNF formed the opposition with 10 seats. INC, a party which once formed the government in Mizoram in 2013 by getting 34 out of 40 seats, won only one seat in the 2023 Assembly elections. Meanwhile, the BJP made little progress by winning two seats in 2023 polls compared to one in 2018.

Yearender 2023: A glimpse into the Assembly elections held in nine Indian states this year

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Trisha Pathak

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