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Yummy potato recipes to try out

By
Lopamudra
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potatoes

Potato is a tasty vegetable and we like eating its dishes. There are some potato recipes which do not need too much time to prepare. You can cook these dishes at home whenever you want. Enjoy these potato dishes in any meal. You can eat yummy potato dishes by following these recipes. In all these recipes, potato is the main ingredient. So they are a delight for anyone who likes eating potato.

Pudina Aloo

This is a lip-smacking dish of potato sauteed with mint leaves, herbs and spices. You can eat this with rice, chapati, puri or paratha.

potato recipes to try out

Ingredients –

  1. Potato – 2 large size
  2. Mint leaves – 3 tablespoons
  3. Coriander leaves – 2 tablespoons
  4. Green chili – 1 or 2
  5. Salt – According to taste
  6. Chili powder – 1 teaspoon
  7. Turmeric powder – Half teaspoon
  8. Chaat masala – 1 teaspoon
  9. Oil – 2 tablespoons
  10. Cumin seeds – 1 teaspoon

Method –

  1. Peel the potatoes and cut them in small pieces. Chop chili finely and take out mint leaves and coriander leaves from their bunch.
  2. Grind mint leaves, coriander leaves and chili into a paste. Check the consistency of paste and add water to it if required.
  3. Heat a pan and put oil to it. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Then add potatoes to it.
  4. Put salt, chili powder, turmeric powder and chaat masala to it. Mix it very well and fry for some time.
  5. Add the paste of mint leaves, coriander leaves and chili to it. Mix properly so that the spices coat potatoes.
  6. If all the potato pieces do not get coated with the paste, then add little water and mix. Simmer for few minutes by covering the pan.
  7. Cook till potato absorbs the paste. Serve it hot.

Also read Quick And Easy Chocolate Banana Cake In A Blender

Dahi Aloo

This is a yummy dish of potato sauteed with spices in curd. You can eat this dish on a fast also. It has a tangy taste. You can eat this with rice, chapati, puri or paratha.

potato recipes to try out

Ingredients –

  1. Potato – 3 medium size
  2. Fresh curd – 1 cup
  3. Green chili – 1 or 2
  4. Mustard seeds – 1 teaspoon
  5. Salt – According to taste
  6. Turmeric powder – Half teaspoon
  7. Oil – 2 tablespoons
  8. Coriander powder – Half teaspoon
  9. Cumin powder – Half teaspoon
  10. Coriander leaves – 1 tablespoon
  11. Garam masala – Half teaspoon
  12. Kasuri methi – 1 teaspoon
  13. Asafoetida (Hing) – A pinch

Method –

  1. Boil the potatoes in a pressure cooker. Then peel and cut them in small pieces. Chop chili finely.
  2. Heat a pan and put oil to it. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then put asafoetida and chili to it.
  3. Add potatoes to it and fry very well. Then add salt, turmeric powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala and kasuri methi to it.
  4. Mix everything very well. Then put curd to it and mix. Switch off the gas immediately otherwise the curd will spoil.
  5. Add coriander leaves to it and stir. Serve it hot.

Also read Quick And Easy Chocolate Banana Cake In A Blender

Aloo Methi

This is a healthy dish of potato sauteed with fenugreek leaves and spices. You can eat this with rice, chapati, puri or paratha.

potato recipes

Ingredients –

  1. Potato – 2 large size
  2. Methi (Fenugreek leaves) – A bunch
  3. Salt – According to taste
  4. Oil – 3 tablespoons
  5. Cumin seeds – 1 teaspoon
  6. Onion – Half
  7. Chili – 1
  8. Water – As needed
  9. Ginger – 1-inch piece
  10. Garlic – Few cloves
  11. Turmeric powder – Half teaspoon
  12. Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon

Method –

  1. Soak methi leaves in sufficient water and wash them. Rinse them very well so that there is no presence of dirt. Take out leaves from the bunch and keep them aside.
  2. Peel the potatoes and cut them in small pieces. Chop onion, ginger, garlic and chili finely.
  3. Heat a pan and put oil to it. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Then put onion, chili, ginger and garlic to it.
  4. Fry well till the raw smell disappears. Add potato to it and fry. Put salt, turmeric powder and mix well.
  5. Put little water to it and mix all the ingredients. Cover the pan and simmer for few minutes. Remove cover and check whether potato has cooked or not.
  6. Add methi to it and fry for some time. Saute till the methi shrinks in size. Cover the pan and simmer for few minutes.
  7. Remove cover and add lemon juice to it. Mix very well. Serve it hot.

Potato Pancake

This is an appetizing dish of potato. Though it is good for breakfast, yet you can eat this in any meal. You can eat this with any chutney or ketchup.

potato recipes

Ingredients –

  1. Potato – 3 medium size
  2. Salt – According to taste
  3. Cumin seeds – 1 teaspoon
  4. Oil – As required for roasting pancakes
  5. Chili – 1
  6. Pepper powder – Half teaspoon
  7. Corn flour – 2 tablespoons
  8. Besan (Chickpea flour or Gram flour) – 2 tablespoons

Method –

  1. Peel the potatoes and grate them. In a large bowl, soak grated potato in sufficient water. Soak for some time so that starch gets removed.
  2. Chop chili finely. Drain water from the potato and squeeze water from it. Add corn flour, besan, salt, pepper powder, chili and cumin seeds to it.
  3. Mix all the ingredients very well so that they bind with each other. Combine well. Heat a pan and put oil to it.
  4. Take a tablespoon full of potato batter and spread it on the pan. Spread the batter as thin as possible. Pour little oil on the corners of the pancake.
  5. Roast the pancake for few minutes and flip over. Check whether it has cooked on both sides. Cook till the pancake turns brown and becomes crisp.
  6. Add oil to the pancake if needed when they are getting roasted. Serve it hot.

Aloo Halwa

This is a delicious sweet dish of potato. It does not need too much time to prepare.

Yummy potato recipes to try out

Ingredients –

  1. Potato – 3 medium size
  2. Sugar – Half cup
  3. Ghee – 3 tablespoons
  4. Milk – 1 cup
  5. Cardamom (Elaichi) – Few pods
  6. Dry fruits – According to taste

Method –

  1. You can use any quantity of potato that you want. But adjust the amount of sugar, ghee and milk accordingly.
  2. You can use any dry fruits of your choice. I used almonds, cashews and raisins for this. I chopped almonds and cashews and fried all dry fruits in ghee.
  3. In Cardamom, remove the husk and crush the seeds in mortar and pestle. The powder should be fine.
  4. Boil the potatoes in a pressure cooker. Then peel and mash them. Mash them so well that there is no lump. Finely mashed potato needs less cooking time.
  5. You may use powdered sugar but whole sugar will also dissolve in the dessert.
  6. Heat a pan and put ghee to it. Then add the entire quantity of mashed potato to it.
  7. Fry very well till the colour of potato changes. Then add milk to it gradually. Mix well and simmer for few minutes by covering the pan.
  8. Add sugar to it and mix vigorously. When it gets cooked, add Cardamom powder and dry fruits.
  9. Serve it hot or cold according to taste preference.

The Umbrella Academy: Is Deigo’s girlfriend part of Sparrow Academy?

By
YUVIKA ARORA
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0
the-umbrella-academy-season2
THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY 2

Just after Dark, The Umbrella Academy season 2 made the way in Netflix’s top watched web series. The second season began with the siblings scattering through the timeline, maintaining two to three years gap from each other. The second season showcased their life in the 20th century, struggles for the modernization of America to the president’s murder. Here is everything you need to know before jumping into the third season.

The Umbrella Academy: Plot Details

The Umbrella Academy is a superhero web television series following the lives of seven kids born on the same day with special powers to fight evil. All the kids were adopted by the billionaire Reginald Hargreaves who trained them to save lives. Reginald gave the kids numbers instead of names. It only after their robotic mother they got names as Luther, Deigo, Ben, Allison, Vanya, and Klaus as for the fifth one, his name remained number five as he escaped from the house at a very small age. However, almost all of them except number one left the academy. The show begins from the death of their adopted father which leaves the siblings no choice but to attend the funeral.

The Umbrella Academy Season 3: Who will star in the third season?

  • Ellen Page as Vanya Hargreeves or Number Seven
  • Tom Hopper as Luther Hargreeves or Number One
  • David Castañeda as Diego Hargreeves or Number Two
  • Emmy Raver-Lampman as Allison Hargreeves or Number Three
  • Robert Sheehan as Klaus Hargreeves or Number Four
  • Aidan Gallagher as The Boy or Number Five
  • Mary J. Blige as Cha-Cha
  • Cameron Britton as Hazel
  • Ritu Arya as Lila Pittis
  • Adam Godley and Ken Hall as Pogo
  • Justin H. Min as Ben Hargreeves or Number Six
  • Colm Feore as Sir Reginald Hargreeves

Is Deigo’s girlfriend back?

The Umbrella Academy: Is Deigo's girlfriend part of Sparrow Academy?
Image Source: Netflix

Don’t be surprised if I tell you that Lila is back in the third season after all Diego’s love story didn’t get a much-deserved ending. So as discovered earlier she is the mirror of all of the sibling’s power then it would be stupid to not assume Lila, a part of Sparrow Academy. This means Diego just got another sibling who is also his former love but that thing worked between Allison and Luther so I guess it’s okay this time too.

The Umbrella Academy Season 3: What about Ben Hargreaves?

Ben Hargreaves who just called his siblings as**oles in the very last episode of season 2 is not even aware of them. However, we cannot say the same about Reginald after all he met them back in the day. Ben is most likely to play mean the guy who is no more a mentor of Klaus and has his own likings and dislikings.

What happened in the last season?

The second season began with Five escaping with his siblings into a different timeline and unknowingly scattering his siblings across the timeline with a time gap of two to three years. All the siblings landed at the same place but with two to three years gap. Luther joined a fight club, Diego was sent to a mental hospital for never-ending wish to save John F Kennedy who would be killed by the end of the month. Klaus started a cult fooling his worshippers with future songs which they think is the wisdom and Allison getting married to a black American who started a movement to be treated equally to whites. Moreover, if we talk about Bomb Vanya, her memories were erased and she was taken care of by a sweet family on the farm. As for Five, he saw the apocalypse following them after which he was determined to get all his siblings back to stop the apocalypse.

the-umbrella-academy-season2
THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY 2

Different timeline and different people hit all of them differently and the siblings started their whole life again which developed their overall personality as a person. After getting back they discovered that their adopted father is also alive and allegedly involved in the future murder of the President. They went back to him calling him dad on multiple occasions. However, he was unaware of the same after being successful with a meeting with his father which was not very productive as he didn’t know a word about them. Although he guided Five to use his power in small fractions which saved the gang in the end.

The Umbrella Academy Season 3: When will it air?

The first season of The Umbrella Academy was premiered on Feb 15, 2019, followed by the second season on July 31, 2020. Now, if follow the pattern we can expect the third season of the Umbrella Academy by early 2022. We know its a long wait but it is obviously worth it.

Do we have a trailer yet?

No, we don’t have a trailer of the third season as the air date has also not been out. We do have a trailer of the second season. we would recommend to catch up before jumping on to the details of the third season.

What are the negative effects of Playing PUB-G?

Gunjan Saxena: First Look at the Netflix Original Biopic.

By
Sreya
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0

Gunjan Saxena. Sigh. I have always been very skeptical of biopics. The depiction of an actual life on screen is the same as the portrayal of a book into a movie. It is never quite perfect. And it cannot be. A movie of 2 and a half hours cannot depict a person’s entire life, while also maintaining the same brilliance they exude. Some movies do manage to capture it quite well, but no one does come quite close. And often, in these high expectations I find myself disappointed heavily by the final output.

And Gunjan Saxena does it too. For it’s most part I believe that a theatre execution would have given a better reaction than the Netflix way. There are action scenes, albeit a little subdued, which in the dolby atmos era can actually have you on the edge of your seat. But, as it cannot be helped, we can’t really hold it against them. And with that, I present to you the first look of Gunjan Saxena – The Kargil Girl.

The Story.

The story of Gunjan Saxena has essentially been divided into three parts. Her as a child, as a young adult and then as an officer. Gunjan Saxena and her childhood obsession with planes and piloting remind me a lot of Kalpana Chawla. Two women who set new frontiers for Indian women in the skies in their own ways. The story shows how her obsession blossoms into an unrelenting ambition.

Gunjan Saxena
Image Source

In the same misguided dreams that we sometimes have, we see Gunjan applying for a flying class right after passing her 10th boards. As the criteria had gone up by the time she was applying, she is forced to complete her 12th grade too. And then her college diploma. A lot of elements in the movie remind you of the struggles you go through every day as a student and then a college student on the cusp of adulting. When her dreams of joining a flying school don’t pan out, she is left dejected.

Also read: How To Binge Watch Marvel Avengers The Right Way.

The Most Adorable Dad You Will Meet.

Enter Pankaj Tripathi. A man with a way around words, Pankaj Tripathi’s silent support and vocal voice are Gunjan’s pillars of strength. It is empowering to see fathers like this exist too. Everything that has got to do with flying, her father supports. Everytime her mother or her brother voice an objection to her dreams, he shuts them. He doesn’t take on the role of a domineering father, and you will never see him raise his voice at anyone. The way he supports Gunjan speaks volumes for how he believes in her.

Gunjan Saxena father
Image Source

 There is a moment where Gunjan’s elder brother and her father are sitting in the lawn. Gunjan’s brother takes this moment to comment on how easy his dad is being on Gunjan. He believes that Gunjan’s father is giving her too much leeway even in situations that could potentially be unsafe for her. While a misogynistic view, you can understand that the army has been built for a force not including women and this reflects in what Gunjan’s brother expresses. And what I seem to get from the dad is this. He knows the world. He knows how harsh it is to women, how unfair. And he knows that he doesn’t need to add to the struggle and that it would be better for him to support her. My favourite moment is when he chooses not to offer an explanation to his son.

A Textbook Story on Gender Equality At The Workplace.

Even today, with some groundbreaking advancements in the workplace, the world still works against women in a lot of ways. War has always been seen as a man’s playground. And even today, in 2020 there are only 1700 women in the entirety of the Indian Air Force. Gunjan Saxena is a movie that talks about the first one. The story is interesting, and exciting for any feminist out there. However, the acting is honestly sub-par. As observed from numerous memes and the movie itself, Jhanvi Kapoor has one expression throughout the movie and it is frankly very disheartening. I still rmemeber fondly of the times when my family would sit together to watch the latest Sridevi movie. Her pure excitement and zeal for a movie was what drove it in the first place. It was disappointing to not see this in her daughter.

Also read: Dil Bechara – A Fitting Tribute To The Legacy Of Sushant Singh Rajput.

An Under-depiction.

A lot of the movie deals with the sexism that women, and more importantly women soldiers used to face on a daily basis in a primarily male workplace. And while some sexism is expected as no organization is ever truly without it, the movie tends to exaggerate on it. Having never grown up in an army or defense background, I truly don’t have an idea as to the type of treatment women in the force experience. The hardships and struggles are a mystery. But after hearing of Gunjan Saxena’s own vocal support for the movie, it leads me to believe that a lot of it might be true.

Mysogynist
Image Source

However, the blatant and obvious comments by fellow officers in a show of disgustingly clear misogyny is hard to stomach. You ask yourself if this is what she really had to go through? Did she really have that outburst in front of everyone? Did she really not face more problems from her colleagues later on from that particular outburst. These questions remain unanswered as the movie zooms through to the final part of the movie: The Kargil War.

The War.

One of the major reasons why Gunjan Saxena was praised so much was not just because she was the first Indian Air Force Officer. No, there was also one other woman. What makes Gunjan so special because she was the first female Air Force Officer to participate in war. Especially the Kargil War. She had actively performed more than 900 sorties, helping across supplies and retrieving officers, injured and dead alike. Since Gunjan, gender equality in the defenses has seen a massive rise, and yet we have a long way to go. And when served with examples like Gunjan Saxena, we are inspired to continue our fight and win. Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl is a one time watch and I’d suggest that you simply avoid Jhanvi Kapoor’s expression and you’ll be fine.

The Tax Season of 2020 is going to be different than what you know

By
Kavya Gupta
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0

No doubt that this pandemic has slowed down many vital processes. But, the government has clearly instructed that there would not be any extension in the financial year. But, there are certainly some changes in the tax system. The government has extended the date related to the Indian Stamp Act for certain amendments. These amendments shall be effective from July 1, 2020.

Economic Relief is a must in times of pandemic

COVID-19 has put a major setback to the global economy. People at all levels of society are facing adverse situations in one or the other way. This is why the government needs to bring about some changes in the taxation system. Some measures are taken by the government that could give relief to people are mentioned below:

Why will there be a change in the tax system?

This is no hidden fact that the global economic conditions are not so good. The sole reason behind this huge loss to the economy is lockdown due to COVID-19. The entire lockdown of the country is a major setback for its growth. The country is trying its best to fight against this pandemic and make things stable. But, the government needs to look at the economy as well. This is why there are several changes made in the taxation system. Hence, the taxation season of 2020 would be a bit different from what you know. Some of the changes are as follows:

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Good news- last date for IT savings gets extended

You need not worry if you were not able to make income tax saving for the financial year 2019-20. Everyone is thriving the worse effects of the pandemic. But, you have a piece of good news, a tax benefit under Section 80C May. The government has allowed taxpayers to invest in PPF, NSC, ELSS, or any other tax-saving scheme by June 30, 2020. Apart from this, you are eligible to claim taxation benefits for the financial year 2019-20. You can benefit from this scheme even if your investment is done between April 1, 2020, and June 30, 2020. People who have already made the tax-saving investment can invest till June 30 or later to avail tax benefits for 2020-21.

Get set for enforcement of a new tax regime

For the financial year 2020-21, the income taxpayers have the facility to pay lower income rates or ongoing rates. The ones who pay lower rates have to follow a new tax regime. The new income slabs and their tax rates are as follows. People with an annual income of Rs 2.5 lakh do not need to pay taxes. People with an annual income of 2,50,001 to Rs 5 lakh have to pay a 5% tax. 10% tax is put on an annual income of 5,00,001 to Rs 7.5 lakh. 15% tax for 7,50,001 to Rs 10 lakh. 20% tax for 10,00,001 to Rs 12.5 lakh . 25% tax for 12,50,001 to Rs 15 lakh. 30% tax for people with annual income of 15 lakh or above. Investments in PPF, ELSS, etc, and expenses such as home loan repayments, tuition fees are some deductions available under the income tax act.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is piggy-bank-2889042_640.jpg

The sigh of relief- reduction in interest rates

You can take a sigh of relief if you have delayed payments of advanced tax, self-assessment tax, regular tax, TDS, TCS. The government has reduced interest rates at 9 per cent instead of 12 per cent per annum. This is for the payments made between March 20, 2020, and June 30, 2020.

Benefits for first-time buyers of home loan

The government has extended the tax benefit available on the home loan repayment. Under certain conditions, the borrower can avail of a deduction of 1.5 lakh on home loan repayment. The home loan should be sanctioned between April 1, 2019, to March 31, 2021. An important point is that the home value as per the stamp duty should be within Rs 45 lakh.

Self-employed people or people having a business

People who are self-employed or own a business pay taxes in four parts throughout the year. These payments are termed as estimated tax payments. The extended date for these payments is set to July 15, 2021. Its original date was April 15, 2021. The extension for due dates June 17, September 16, and January 15 (2021) are yet to be decided.

Quick And Easy Chocolate Banana Cake In A Blender

By
Riya
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0

This recipe of  Chocolate Banana Cake is super quick and easy to make yet tastes delicious and spectacular. This serves as a perfect munch for your tea-time snacks and the kids will just love having them. This cake turns out to be so moist, soft, and rich that you can even store it for a few days and enjoy it subtly. It can be made in two variants, one is eggless and the other is with eggs. Though I have mentioned the instructions for both of these. You can top this Chocolate Banana chunk with some chopped almonds or walnuts or berries which will give that ideal crunch to the fluffy and moist sponge.

You will enjoy having it, not only it is easy to make and a perfect evening snack for your family, but it is also healthy and quick. This cake can be made much healthier by replacing refined flour with the wheat flour and sugar with jaggery. You have to make sure that use the ripe bananas only. The riper they are, the better they would turn out while baking. This bewildering fusion of banana with cocoa powder gives that richness, with uniqueness to this recipe. 

The best part about this recipe is that you just need a blender to mix all the wet ingredients.  No need of using an electric beater or a wire whisk to mix the wet ingredients. You must follow every step as given in the recipe appropriately if you want to get that anticipated result which I am talking about. As baking is all about measurements, temperature, and timings so you must stick to these factors as mentioned below.

Freshly baked banana chocolate cake garnished with powdered sugar and grated carrots
Chocolate Banana cake garnished with some powdered sugar, grated carrots, and chopped nuts

Also read Fun Facts about the history and origin of pizza

Now, let’s have a look into the ingredients you would need to make this appetizing chocolate banana chunk.

Ingredients for making Chocolate Banana Cake

Ingredients
  • Eggs- 2 (substitute ½ cup Curd or Condensed Milk)
  • Oil- ⅓ cup
  • Icing or Powdered Sugar- ½ cup
  • Ripe Banana- 2
  • Refined Flour- 1 cup
  • Cocoa Powder- 2 Tbsp
  • Baking Powder- 1 Tsp
  • Baking Soda- ½ Tsp
  • Warm Milk- ¼ cup
  • Vanilla Essence- 1 Tsp
  • Chopped almonds/walnuts- 1/4 cup

Method

Preparing the Kadhai or Oven

No need to worry if you don’t have an oven. You can bake this cake in a heavy bottom Kadhai or pan whichever you have. Put some salt or sand (around 1 cup) at the bottom of the Kadhai. This will regulate the temperature evenly inside the Kadhai while baking. Then put a stand of steel or aluminum over the salt. Place it carefully at the center. Next, cover the Kadhai with a lid. 

You have to preheat this Kadhai for 10 minutes. 5 mins on high flame and then rest of the 5 mins on medium flame. 

If you’re baking this in Oven, then preheat your oven for 10 mins at 180℃.

Also read 4 Ingredient Eggless Oreo Chocolate Mousse You Must Try

Preparing the mix for the Chocolate Banana cake

Quick And Easy Chocolate Banana Cake In A Blender
  • Take a blender jar, to it add 2 eggs (both egg white and the yolk), refined oil, powdered sugar, and 2 ripe bananas cut into pieces. If you’re making it eggless, then add ½ cup of sour curd or ½ cup of condensed milk in place of eggs. The curd or the condensed milk will give somewhat the same soft and light texture to the cake sponge as the egg does. In place of refined oil, you can even use ⅓ cup of unsalted butter. If you want to avoid using sugar, replace it with jaggery. Moreover, you can adjust the sweetness as per your taste.
  • Mix all of them in the blender until smooth.
  • Take the wet mix out in a bowl. Next, place a strainer over the bowl. It’s very necessary to strain all the dry ingredients before mixing it with the wet one to avoid any lumps in the cake batter.
  • Now to the strainer, add 1 cup of refined powder, 2 tbsp of cocoa powder, baking powder, and baking soda as per the measurements mentioned in the ingredients. Strain all the dry elements in the bowl.
  • Take a spatula and mix all of them gently in a cut-and-fold method. This will incorporate more air into the cake mix which will make the sponge light in texture. Mix until all the dry and wet ingredients are blended well. While mixing, you need to take care that there should not be any lumps remaining in the cake batter.
  • Next, add ¼ cup of warm milk in the mix it, to give it a ribbon-like consistency. This will make sure the cake will bake evenly and will also dive a lighter texture to your sponge.
  • Lastly, add 1 tsp of vanilla essence. Give a firm mix until smooth and your cake batter is ready to be bake.

Also read The curious history of the red velvet cake

Preparing the cake tin

For this, take an aluminum cake tin of around 7 inches in diameter. Thoroughly grease it with some oil or melted butter, then place a butter paper/ parchment paper on the bottom surface of the tin. Again, brush it with some oil or butter over the paper.

Your baking tin is now ready.

Pouring the cake mix to the greased tin

Pouring cake mix to the cake tin

Pour the prepared cake mix to the cake tin. Next, do add some chopped nuts or choco chips of your choice on the top. Tap it a bit on your counter surface to exhale any air bubbles if any. Your cake is ready to be bake now. Remove the lid from the preheated Kadhai, be careful doing this as Kadhai will be very hot at this point. Place the cake tin over the stand. Take care that the cake tin is not in touch with the Kadhai. Cover the lid. 

Let it bake for about 35 – 45 mins. First 10 mins on medium flame and the rest on low flame. Yes, it will take some extra time to bake as compared to the oven. Though you can check it after 30-35 mins, but not before that otherwise the cake will not rise well.

For the oven, place the cake tin inside the preheated oven for 30 – 35 mins.

Also read Japanese Cheese Cake Recipe

The finishing move

After 35 – 45 mins, check with a toothpick by inserting it at the center of the cake. If it comes clean, then your cake is ready. Take out the cake tin in a wire hack. Cool it properly for around 1 hour by covering the top surface with a cloth.

After 1 hour, scrape the edges of the cake to loosen it a bit. Demould the cake on a serving plate by turning the tin upside down. Do tap 2-3 times, it will come out smoothly.

Remove the baking paper and again flip the cake to its top part.

Your yummy Chocolate Banana cake is ready to be served. Cut it into slices and enjoy.

Also read Top 10 Tips and Tricks To Bake A Perfect Cake

Quick And Easy Chocolate Banana Cake In A Blender
Freshly baked Chocolate Banana Cake, garnished with some walnuts and choco chips

Do make an effort to this delicious appetizing Chocolate Banana combo. You will love its rich, chocolaty flavor with a mild essence of banana and the crunchiness of nuts. The chocolate sponge turns out to be so soft and moist that you can feel it with every bite you take. You can even top it with some white or dark choco chips to give that crumbliness to your cake. Or can even dust some powdered sugar on the top. Thoughtfully, you can just have it right like that, there is no need of frosting this cake with some buttercream or whipped cream. The simpler you have it, the tastier it perceives.

Happy Baking!

5 Useful Strategies To Stop Overeating From The Very Next Meal

By
Riya
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0

If you’re thinking to lose weight, the very first step is that you have to restrict your everyday diet portions. Do you feel sometimes that you may be eating more than that required? Or do you often overeat? You may end up stuffing yourself in that dinner party or in a family outing. Or you may continuously be snacking throughout the day besides your 3 basic meals. Regardless of how overeating takes place, you may suffer its effects at that time only or sooner in subsequent times. 

Most of us generally do this and later regret it. Although they realize that they’re overeating yet can’t really get over it. Overeating leads to discomfort in the form of bloating or feeling lethargic. Its another downside maybe it’s a hard time for your digestive system comprehending the food. Most of the time the overeaten food fails to get absorbed properly and that 1 extra paratha or puri in your meal, again and again, leads you to the roadway of various diseases. These include joint problems, Type 2 Diabetes, belly fat, skin problems, overweight, hair fall, lethargy, heart problems, diabetes, etc.

Also read Top 10 weird food combinations around the world

Relationship between food and your body

Overeating

Let’s first know the basic phenomenon that goes within your body after you have eaten a meal, that is the relationship between your body and food. Essentially, your body uses calories from food that you have taken for energy production. Now the question arises that how much calories your body needs daily. Basically, this depends on your age, sex, weight, height, and most important activity level. As per USDA, 2000 calories is recommended as the daily amount for an average person. A smaller shorter woman would need fewer calories to function than a taller, heavier man.

And here comes the stage of overeating. Overeating is nothing but the consumption of more calories than that required by your body. These extra calories are being stored in your body as fat tissues. What happens if you take lesser calories than the required amount. This calculation is done by your body itself. Your body converts these fat tissues to energy to make up the difference. This calls up to several complications that you might face some or the other point in your life.

Thereafter, I have turned up with 5 amazing strategies to stop overeating from the very next meal (once and for all). But before referring these 5 ways to stop binge eating, you should know why do we overeat?

Also read Amritsar- the essence of Sikhism in India

Key Reasons That Induces Overeating

There are various reasons out there because of which we tend to overeat every single time. Although, I have mentioned some of those which I feel are predominantly responsible for overeating.

Boredom

5 Useful Strategies To Stop Overeating From The Very Next Meal

One reason which top the list is Boredom. We are bored, and we are looking for some stimulation. Food consumption can increase neurotransmitter production and release. You can think of neurotransmitters as mood affecting chemicals our bodies produce. When we eat, neurotransmitters are released and we get that stimulation we’re looking for.

What you can do to avoid this?

You can keep yourself engaged by reading books, listening to music, watching a movie, play your favorite games, or working on your “to do” list. You should try to stay away from any activity that prompts you to eat.

Also read Healthy smoothie recipes for effective weight loss

Comfort Eating

5 Useful Strategies To Stop Overeating From The Very Next Meal

Another reason can be Comfort Eating. Sometimes life can be tough and many people look for something that can help them to cope with such situations. Like that piece of chocolate cake, or that cheesy burger or spicy momos, it looks good, smells good, and I know its tastes good. It’s going to make me feel better, so you chomp it down, get your neurotransmitter high as I’ve mentioned earlier, and lastly, you get a temporary sense of relief. This cycle goes on to be continued.

How to come out of this?

Look for healthier options to cope up with this. Like everything just can’t be eating and binging. Right? You can do meditation, exercise, or just listen to music, as all of these produce neurotransmitters that can help to enhance your mood. Indulge in something that you find relaxing or fun, like going for a walk or watching a movie. Talk to your close friend about whatever is it, sometimes sharing your emotions with someone close gives you immense relief.

People From All Over The Place

5 Useful Strategies To Stop Overeating From The Very Next Meal

Lastly, another reason that contributes to overeating is the people around us.

Food is one of those things that every person in the world has in common and we all need it to sustain. In many instances, it brings us together such as for celebrations or special occasions. The people around us when we eat can lead us to over-consumption of food.

People often say, come on, your plate isn’t full yet take some more, or you’ve partly eaten. Though their intentions are nothing but care or love especially we all experience this in our home or relative’s place. But in the long run, those intentions can be harmful to you as it calls for overeating.  

What can you do?

Be prepared. If you’re meeting up with people for a meal, have your shield of willpower out. When they encourage you to eat more, tell them that you’ve eaten enough, you’re filled to the top and can’t take another bite. You can even tell them that you ate too much earlier and you’re feeling bloated now.

By these simple ways, you can avoid overeating but if these too fails for you, I am sure these next 5 amazing strategies wouldn’t.

Also read Top 10 habits to boost up your digestive health

5 Effective Strategies That Will Help You To Easily Get Over The Habit Of Overeating

1. Try To Compose Your Diet Of All 6 Tastes

5 Useful Strategies To Stop Overeating From The Very Next Meal

An accomplished meal must comprise of all the 6 tastes, namely Sweet, Bitter, Sour, Pungent, Astringent, and Salty. A meal consisting of all these 6 tastes is treated to be perfectly balanced and tempting to your tongue as well. And this is the basis of our traditional thali system wherein all the 6 flavors are served in one plate in an appropriate portion. Moreover, this speaks for all the food groups along with their nutrients. 

Have you ever had a feeling when you’re so full of food but still had a temptation for a dessert or a sweet dish? This happens because our body considers a meal with all the 6 flavors as a complete meal. So, next time whenever you sit to eat deliberately take less food than usual. Now after having it, take a small chunk of jaggery. Two things will take place. Firstly, you will feel gratified, and secondly, you won’t feel lethargic. You can experiment with yourself and see how you feel. You can even bite on a green chili or have a spicy or a sweet chutney with your meal whichever you’re fond of eating. The basic idea behind this is to try and wrap up the 6 tastes.

Also read Sprouts: Benefits, Easy Preparation, And Potential Risks

2. Retain For Some Add Ons

5 Useful Strategies To Stop Overeating From The Very Next Meal

It is recommended that you should try to include curd in breakfast, buttermilk after lunch, and milk after dinner. This helps a lot in constraining the habit of overeating. This works in this way as you know that buttermilk is yet to come after lunch, then you won’t end up stuffing more rather you will eat a bit less to make space for that refreshing buttermilk. Similarly, If you know will drink a glass before sleeping, then you’re happy to cut down your dinner a bit.

5 Useful Strategies To Stop Overeating From The Very Next Meal

In this way, if you make this a habit, then it will undoubtedly curb you to overeat every time. Furthermore, you can include fresh fruit or a glass of fruit juice before your breakfast, vegetable salad before lunch. In this way, you’ll be able to feed your body healthy with a variety, eat less, and feel full for longer. In short, add more “real” foods, namely dry fruits for healthy fats, whole grains for fiber, pulses and milk products for protein on your plate rather than the processed or junk ones. Your body feels full instantly and hence, you eat less.

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3. Try to take only one serving per meal

5 Useful Strategies To Stop Overeating From The Very Next Meal

Every time you’re about to eat make it a mantra that you must take all that you want to eat in just one serving. Don’t go for refilling your plate each time. This strategy for sure will help you to get rid of overeating. When you’re having a tempting meal, then it’s a tendency that you keep on eating and eating until you’re stuffed to the top, while refilling your plate again and again. In this way, you indulge in overeating and regret later. Rather you should make a habit to take all at once in your plate with a variety, sit quietly, and focus on eating. Don’t opt for refilling your plate the second time.

4. Avoid Distractions And Eat Slowly

5 Useful Strategies To Stop Overeating From The Very Next Meal

The basic anomaly behind this is that your mind gets sated after chewing for 15 mins. The fact is that your brain sends a signal to your body that ‘stop eating as you have enough of it’ after around 15 mins. So, now it’s up to you, either you gulp 4 chapatis in those 15 mins or slowly chew 2 chapatis. If you want to make a habit of eating slowly, there are two means. Firstly, eat hot fresh food or another way is to take small bites.

5 Useful Strategies To Stop Overeating From The Very Next Meal

Nowadays, we often eat while talking to others, or watching TV, or a movie, or using mobile phones, or even while working on laptops. These distractions lead to nothing but overeating. The idea is that when you try to input and output from the same channel your body gets confused and may even end up choking yourself. So, you should always try to eat quietly and slowly to overcome all these complications.

Also read Yoga for mental health- Because pampering yourself is important!

5. Finally, Wait For The Sign

Your brain takes time of around 20 mins to send the signals nauseated by your body. However, by then you find out that you’ve already eaten that portion of regretted food. So, what to do? There is one simple trick that you can follow to tackle this. When doubt arises within your mind whether you should take or order that extra portion, then interpret that it’s time to stop eating. By this practice, you can get rid of binge eating.

Ayurveda suggests that we eat “1 Anjali of Food in 1 Serving”, which means the food that fits in your two palms is your personalized portion size. But nowadays there’s common thinking that eating less will make you weak and malnourished. Although Modern Science through the series of research shows that “for any living organism if the calorie intake is reduced by 30%, it lives longer by 30%”. Hence, eating less is much better than overeating. Thus, try to incorporate these 5 helpful ways to get over the habit of overeating.

Namaste’s Peace – 3 Poses For A Calming Experience!

By
Papri Chatterjee
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0

Namaste honours the place where the entire Universe lives. It helps honour the truth, love, beauty, and peace within another person. It is because namaste is within. By sharing this gesture, it unites us. Namaste makes us one. The light within me Honours the light within you.

This is the taste of namaste. The easiest way to decompress ourselves is by practising yoga, feeling stress rush away. The powerful integration of the body, mind and soul in the form of yoga brings powerful vibrations to within. You can practice yoga during the morning or as a part of your bedtime ritual. Trust me when I say this, bedtime yoga rituals bring amazing body benefits that linger. 

Namaste has its literal translation in Sanskrit, meaning “I bow to you”. When you bow down to someone and say namaste, it underscores the depth and sincerity behind your nature. A complacent surrender of your head and your heart also proclaims a welcoming nature. Yoga imbibes namaste as a crucial ingredient. Namaste makes you more centred and present in whatever you undertake–an active lifestyle focused on problem-solving, reasoning, and logic needs you to calm down.

The active mind constantly focuses on the things around instead of jumping from thought to thought. Practising the art of namaste with proper yoga helps you downsize the agenda of stress that may strike you otherwise. It will help you travel back to some crazy life in the senses and acknowledge the fellow happiness that surrounds you. I see namaste as an active connection, part of the reason that flows through the entire body. Yoga is a fitness regime, but namaste helps you to reflect on its meaning and learn a little more about yourself every time you say it. 

Namaste's Peace - 3 Poses For A Calming Experience!

Stress

Stress has innumerable negative implications, from muscle tension to weight gain to digestive health issues. The complaints of stress increase day by day. Yes, you can have medicines to counter them, you can have liquid solutions and inhale strong fragrances to de-stress your mind, but remember stress does not leave your body. Food cravings can lead to weight gain. A quick suppressant may suppress your food for the time being.

For example, working out mostly depends on whey protein to suppress food cravings. A proper workout requires nutrition. For instance, do you ever realize that the moment your body completes digesting the weight protein, your cravings begin? Besides that, with the proper practice of yoga and meditation, we can dust off these cravings. Yoga uses tricks and techniques that help manage your stress better. These techniques may seem meaningless without clear guidance. 

In this article, I have shared major yoga practices to help you adjust better with time. You can pick some for your daily routine. Stress is a nervous response and yoga helps to educate your nervous system to respond properly. It may take more than a few minutes, however, just like building muscle. The more you practice, the more you gain relief. 

Down Dog Modification

This posture focuses on a gentle inversion technique. This inversion technique refreshes the brain once you are done with it. You may feel overwhelmed because it will bring back your concentration skills. If you are lacking concentration in your normal capacity and losing focus on what you do, this pose is helpful for you. 

Stack up some yoga blocks up to 6 inches tall. You can adjust those blocks according to your height. This tag will rest your head on now. The downward-facing dog with your hand’s shoulders parted and your feet hit with a part. Make sure your forehead is resting on a block of books or yoga blocks. At once you may not achieve it, you might have to re-adjust the block of books to get to the right position. 

Namaste's Peace - 3 Poses For A Calming Experience!

You notice that the effect of weight will only be on your hands and legs. The weight of your head is shared by a block of books. Relax your neck and let the blood flow so that your mind can stay fresh. Hold on to the position here for 1 to 2 minutes and visualize your thoughts and to-list for the day. 

Calming Breath

If you experience an up and down level of stress throughout the day, this simple breathing technique may help you out. It helps stop the stress response in the body. In a moment’s heat, it intimately connects to the parasympathetic nervous system enabling you to induce the relaxation response. Breathing techniques vary in complexity and require proper diaphragmatic breathing. This lengthens exhalation. 

Namaste's Peace - 3 Poses For A Calming Experience!

There is no specific position to practice this. You can keep your eyes closed or open. The important part is to slow down your breath as you breathe in and out. For a few rounds, release the tension from your mind and inhale. It will surprise you to notice how quickly the relaxation response begins as you get comfortable. In this response, you can start inhaling for 4 minutes and exhale for 8. The maximum count you relax at is not the key, instead, the key to relaxation is to feel and exit the stress. This will promote restful sleep and increase attention-breaking shallow and erratic breathing techniques.

Supine Twist

If it has been a tiring day and there is no scope for a bubble bath, the supine twist yoga may help you relax and release the tension from your back and neck. This tension building in the back and neck comes from sitting all day at your desk. This is not happening every day. On days when you feel stressed and come home in pain and unable to unwind or relax, lie down at a comfortable place on the ground and bring your knees close to your chest. 

Namaste's Peace - 3 Poses For A Calming Experience!

 Next, you take them over to one side and place them on the ground with a gentle twist. Now the key is not to complete the post-show completely however to relax and let your body lean to the ground if you find your legs into the air wedge under a pillow or a blanket so that your legs can relax once you find your comfort IO take a few deep breaths approximately for 2 to 4 minutes and repeat the 2nd site once you are completely done with the posture you can ease back into the rest of your night with a fresh perspective for the next day. 

The Bottom Line

Suit yourself in a comfortable space and sit in a comfortable sitting position on the floor. Make sure you have a blanket or yoga mat underneath. You can also use a pillow to help your hips head up a little higher than the knees. Start breathing naturally without worrying about any counts or the number of times you inhale. Gradually conduct the poses and complete the sets. Set a timer and begin with 30 minutes of practice initially. Slowly head up to 45 minutes or further. 

The considerable changes showering in your health will channelize your interest to make it a habit. You can also practice them in the middle of the night while suffering from insomnia. For the above methods, there is no concept of “a perfect time”. Believe and continue. 

How to Binge-Watch Marvel Avengers (the Right Way)

By
Visthruth D
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0
The Avengers

Marvel Entertainment is one of the biggest comics and film franchise in the world. As we know, it deals with the fictional superheroes in the quest to save the world. Marvel has been creating the Avengers series from 2008 and its been over 10 years for the end of an era. In 2019, when the Avengers Endgame was out, the characters of our beloved superheroes were ended and it took a new turn.

Looking at the heroes at the end of the 22-film franchise, it almost feels like an end of a part of something huge. Although, the end is just the part of a franchise and there is a newer set of superheroes and movies waiting to come out. The phase of 12 years with our dearest actors and characters is over. Part of the Journey is the End, indeed.

If you ever want to go binge-watching Marvel Avengers for the legacy left behind. Do it the right way! Here’s the right order to start binge-watching the series.  

Iron Man

14th April, 2008

Iron Man 1

Iron man was the beginning of the Marvel Avengers film franchise. It was with this movie a superhero was created and introduced among a large group of audience. The Iron Man aka Tony Stark was an instant connect to the audience. This Sassy and Savage role personified by Robert Downey Jr. for over 10 years, the Iron Man became one of the most treasured superheroes of all time.

The Incredible Hulk

8th June, 2008

The Incredible Hulk

Speaking of introducing the avengers to the viewers. The Incredible Hulk released in 2008 welcomed “Dr. Bruce Banner” or “The Hulk”. The film displayed the origin of the Hulk in a lab and the superpowers he holds.  With this motion picture, the strongest avenger was kicked off in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.  

Iron Man 2

26th April, 2010

Iron Man 2

The second movie in the Iron Man Trilogy and the third in the franchise was released in 2010. Iron Man 2 was a movie evolving the character of Tony Stark and the relations with the S.H.I.E.L.D. The sequel to Iron Man was a completely fun drama that set the right ideas of the emerging hero and what he is capable of. The movie brings in the War Machine into the Avengers.

Thor

17th April, 2011

Thor

Establishing Thor, the God of Thunder with the fourth film of Marvel Cinematic Universe. It was the introduction of Chris Hemsworth to Marvel Avengers when Thor was sent to Earth to prove he was worthy to be the King. Asgard and Thor’s godlike existence was appealing to the masses. Chris Hemsworth wielding Mjolnir soon became a popular figure amongst MCU fans.  

Captain America: The First Avenger

19th July, 2011

Captain America: The First Avenger

The 5th movie in the Avengers Franchise revolves around Steve Rogers and the scientific wonder that is Captain America. It shows how an experimental serum makes an ordinary boy into a muscular soldier. He helps the U.S army with World War 2 which led to the origin of the Leader of the Avengers.

The Avengers

27th April, 2012

The Avengers

The Avengers came out in 2012 to launch a pack of superheroes who fight against the evil forces. As the 6th movie of the franchise, the movie was to form a faction that protects the world and brings all the Avengers on the screen for the first time. For the first time, Nick Fury, the Head of S.H.I.E.L.D, brought together the group of most remarkable people. If you know, you know.

Iron Man 3

26th April, 2013

Iron Man 3

The third and the final movie in the trilogy of Iron Man was an action filled ride. The 7th movie in the Avengers franchise was out in 2013 and is definitely worth a watch. The movie revolved around the developing relation of Tony Stark and Pepper Pots and ends with Tony Stark destroying all the Iron Man suits.

Thor: The Dark World

22nd October, 2013

Thor: The Dark World

Thor: The Dark World is the 8th film in the series. It mentions the presence of dark elves and the past that Odin shares with them. It also portrays Loki, the God of Mischief as an adopted son who actually descents from dark elves. The Dark World is the first movie to mention the presence of six infinity stones spread around in different parts of the Universe and what they are capable of. The presence of second infinity stone, Reality stone apart from tesseract was also seen as Aether. Overall, it is quite an exciting drama to watch.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier

4th April, 2014

Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Captain America work in a story centralizing the S.H.I.E.L.D. It is the 9th film and it shows us a new character onto the screen. The Winter Soldier aka Bucky is Steve Rogers’ best friend who works with him. The movie is just a plot among the two institutions Hydra and the S.H.I.E.L.D and the battles that persists throughout.  

Guardians of the Galaxy

8th August, 2014

Guardians of the Galaxy

Guardians of the Galaxy is a completely different movie from the Marvel’s Avengers with a new set of characters and locations. However, the movie is relevant to the story-line flowing through the complete franchise. The 10th movie originates five new characters Star Lord, Gamora, Rocket Raccoon, Groot and Drax. The guardians fly around the galaxy trying to protect it from the evil. The movie reveals the third infinity stone, i.e. Power Stone.   

Avengers: Age of Ultron

24th April, 2015

Avengers: Age of Ultron

There’s nothing worse than hanging out with friends having a good time and suddenly realizing about the scientific blunder you’ve done leading to a mass destruction. Age of Ultron is the 11th movie in the franchise that gives rise to an experimental miracle as well as a super villain. Unlike Captain America, this experiment gives rise to an inhuman and eventually has a girl. The Ultron has one aim, to destroy the world. Hence, creation of Vision by Tony Stark and Bruce Banner saves the day. The movie discloses fourth infinity stone that is the Mind Stone.      

Ant-Man

24th July, 2015

Ant-Man

Paul Rudd as Ant-Man is definitely one of the best decisions by Marvel. Bringing the fun in franchise with its 12th movie, it constructs a new superhero, Ant-Man. He can shrink to the size of an ant and expand as large as an airplane (But, Shh, we don’t know it yet). We get to see the making of a superhero. Stealing the suit, learning from the master, improving skills. Just like that, a new superhero is established.  

Captain America: Civil War

6th May, 2016

Captain America: Civil War

One thing Marvel does the best is emphasizing the chemistry among the crew. It never fails to try out different stipulations and leave us stunned with the action scenes. The final movie of Captain America trilogy and 13th Movie of the sequence brings out a different action than usual. Sure, there are fights and all, but among themselves. Civil War is one of the most hyped Marvel Avengers movies for the battle among the Avengers for a disagreement. Splitting into two teams, Team Captain America vs Team Iron Man was a major trend among the fans. When the movie finally released in 2016, it was undeniably a treat to watch. It introduces Spider-man, Black Panther and Falcon into the Avengers family.

Doctor Strange

13th October, 2016

Doctor Strange

The 14th Movie came out in October, 2016. Doctor Strange revolves around the story of transformation of a neurosurgeon, Dr. Stephen Strange into a Sorcerer Supreme. It is unquestionably a visual treat for the fans. Doctor Strange shows the existence of 5th Infinity Stone, the Time Stone and the extend he needs to go to protect it. Introducing a few other characters, the movie deals with the powers of the dark world.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

19th April, 2017

Guardians of the Galaxy 2

The sequel to the Guardians of the Galaxy was released in 2017. The movie proceeds with multiple storylines including a celestial and a golden planet. The 15th Movie also brings out a new character Mantis to join the gang for more space adventures. It also consists of Baby Groot! What else can we ask for?

Spider-man: Homecoming

7th July, 2017

Spider-Man: Homecoming

The first Spiderman movie of the Avengers franchise and 16th in sequence was released in 2017. The movie begins with Peter Parker hiding the identity as Spiderman under the guidance and advanced suit by Tony Stark. However, he becomes a friendly neighbourhood Spider-man when the technical suit is ripped off of him. With an ordinary suit, he proceeds to perform the extraordinary because with great power comes great responsibilities after all.

Thor: Ragnarok

3rd November, 2017

Thor: Ragnarok

Thor: Ragnarok is absolutely one of the best movies in the franchise. The 17th movie includes Thor heading to another planet which leads to unexpected twists and turns. For the first time, Marvel Avengers brings out a comedic ride throughout the movie. From finding the lost Hulk, battling him to rescuing out of the planet to save Asgard this movie has it all. The True God of Thunder comes out of Hulk with the absence of Mjolnir.

Black Panther

29th January, 2018

Black Panther

Making the first appearance in Civil War to fight against Captain America, the story of Black Panther was anticipated among the fans. The 18th movie is based on the King of the hidden nation. To When the King of Wakanda, father of T’Challa dies because of Bucky, it falls upon his shoulders to continue the legacy of Black Panther. The position of responsibility of Wakanda comes under T’Challa being the sole survivor of the throne. But is he though?

Avengers: Infinity War

27th April, 2018

Avengers: Infinity War

The oath is to protect the Earth when the most bad-ass supervillain of all time is on the way to attack. Not just Earth, but the whole Universe gets in danger when Thanos decides to collect all the infinity stones and wipe out half the population with a single snap. The 19th Movie gathers the Avengers, Guardians and all the superheroes of the franchise to fight against Thanos. Well, almost all the superheroes. The movie continues with epic battle sequences at different corners of the Universe with one motive, to win.  

Ant-Man and the Wasp

4th July, 2018

Ant-Man and the Wasp

Ant-Man finds a partner to protect the neighbourhood in the sequel, and who better than the Wasp? The 20th movie of the franchise is loosely based on the experiments of Quantum Realm. The movie is merely an introduction to the Wasp and more of an explanation of a Quantum Realm. It basically leads to a solution for further problems.

Captain Marvel

8th March, 2019

Captain Marvel

Well, after 20 movies from Marvel Universe, finally a women title character arrives in the 21st. The movie is the origin of Captain Marvel. Carol Danvers goes from being a former Air Force Pilot to an invincible benefactor slaying the aliens. The movie establishes the character of Captain Marvel and her relation with Nick Fury which leads her to join the team to defeat Thanos.

Avengers: Endgame

26th April, 2019

Avengers: Endgame

Speaking of Marvel spotlighting the relationship among the superheroes, the 22nd movie has absolutely all of it. Marvel and its Superheroes always has some chemistry in the air that’s so pleasing to a fan. Be it on same team like Iron Man and War Machine, Bucky and Captain America or being on the opposite team like Spider-man and Falcon. This film portrays it all, the chemistry, the teamwork and the super-skills. Avengers Endgame is the final barrier between the Earth’s Mightiest Heroes and Thanos. The final movie for the Avengers embraces all of the 36 Avengers and their Armies for the most legendary battle in the history of MCU. It has a lot of unexpected events following one another. One of the most anticipated dialogues of Marvel finally broke out when Captain America screams “Avengers, Assemble”.  

Spider-man: Far from Home

28th June, 2019

Spider-man: Far from Home

Releasing later that year, Spider-man: Far from Home is the after movie of the Avengers Endgame. The 23rd movie shows Peter Parker grieving about Tony Stark. Alongside, he’s on a mission to save the World.

The Black Widow Movie

Black Widow

After years of eagerness, Marvel finally decides to launch a Black Widow movie in 2020. It was soon to add the list and all set to hit the theaters on 21st May, 2020, but is now postponed because of the COVID-19 situation. Let’s hope we get to see the movie soon.

Don’t forget to comment your favorite Marvel Superhero and Movie!

Making most of your time with e-learning while working from home.

By
Pluviophile
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0

Covid-19 era is a blessing in disguise only if we broaden our minds and look from a new perspective. Instead of cribbing, we can make the most out of this unpleasant time. We can still learn and strengthen our mental muscles. All we need to do is accept this time, and start contemplating the learning. While most of us are working from home, we can still find the time to learn something new, since we don’t have to travel right now, thus saving most of our time. We must realize and accept the fact that this time of learning will never come back again in our lives. Always wanted to learn a language or dancing, painting, or any other thing? This is the time to follow your passion and something on your own. You can find unlimited resources about any particular topic online. So, why to worry in the era of Google?

ADVANTAGES

The advantages of e-learning is unlimited and we all are well versed with them. Some of them are listed below.

  • Saves traveling time
  • Unlimited resources
  • Enough time for other important things
  • Through time scheduling, study and work can go hand in hand
  • Able to focus on health and exercises

And the list is countless.

TRANSITION PHASE

You can also participate in online competitions going on. There are many platforms online which are offering free courses or at low prices. Top online websites even provide you with certificates and many more opportunities that can improve your resume worth one of them is coursera.org. You can expand your mind in such a magical and unexpected way which was always beyond your thinking. While working from home, you can do so many things apart from working. You may indulge yourself in the learning process through any course, internships that will provide you stipend as well. So, when people are having a hard time, you are generating some money. Some of the different types of e-learning include:

ONLINE COURSES

  • Making most of your time with e-learning while working from home.

Books were written way long back and might not contain all the knowledge which we need. That is why online courses came into the light. They contain all the in-demand content which will take your learning to the new level. You can find unlimited resources on any topic that you may wish to study on and go from beginner to advance level along with a certificate of achievement.

INTERNSHIPS

In today’s generation, theoretical knowledge is not enough. The world demands practical knowledge which is not earned only by studying. Being able to apply your knowledge to the real world is the actual definition of mastery. Earning while working from home in this pandemic is itself an achievement. So explore few Internship.

GROUP PROJECTS

  • Making most of your time with e-learning while working from home.

Since we are unable to move out in such a condition, group projects might be chaos. But working with a group online will lead to learning some technologies, which you might not able to gain if you worked in an offline project. Since every task is done through online technology, you might get your hands on something crucial and interesting, as you teach and learn among your group.

ONLINE COMPETITIONS

They can be a great source of learning. When we test our knowledge, we make mistakes and then develop a new perspective which lead us to a new experience and experience that makes us a better leaner. Making mistakes helps us realize what else needs to learn. So participate even if it is the most challenging competition. Remember you are stronger than a mere competition.

Every beginning is hard because we haven’t started yet. Pick any skill which you want to learn. Look for groups that are doing something which you want to learn. We always learn faster when we are working in a group.

How e-learning makes us a better person?

 Accepting yourself

  • Making most of your time with e-learning while working from home.

Don’t you love yourself, even more, when you find that you are becoming a better version of yourself just by taking little steps every day? E-learning will provide you the amount of knowledge that you might be unaware of. Even if you have thorough knowledge about a particular topic, you will be amazed to see how the world has always something new to offer.

Building confidence

Completing any kind of learning will give immense power, happiness, and satisfaction which we might be searching for a long time. It will make you more confident about yourself and will work as a fuel to accomplish every other task right on time. The adrenaline rush within you will be maximum at that time. Time is the key to success only if we are putting it in the right lock. Use your time wisely by scheduling the most important and productive tasks first and other tasks later.

Understanding ourselves

  • Making most of your time with e-learning while working from home.

We all know our priorities. We all know our strengths and weaknesses. Rather than worrying too much about your weakness, try building your strength. For example, if you love coding and want to improve in a particular language then don’t worry about the languages which do not excite you. Get better in a particular field and flourish.

There is a very famous saying, which says “Live a life with no regrets”, so why not try hands-on everything that encounters us because we all want to try everything in life at least once. So, grab on your seat belt and go on the vogue of learning. Live and learn the most of this time, because even the second passed is not coming back.

Happy learning!

Guitar Skills Commencement: Important Tips for Beginners

By
Visthruth D
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0
guitar brands

There must have been a few moments in our lives when we have thought of learning an instrument. Be it Drums, Tabla, Violin, Guitar or a simple flute. Playing along with your favourite song or a melody has to be one of the best ways to calm your mind. However, with the hectic timetable of everyday life, our will to pursue always remained in the “bucket list”.

But not anymore! With some time in our hands, we can decide how to make the best use of it. We can chase the things we always desired. Maybe working from home? Learning or Mastering a skill? or Finally, kicking of the instrument that you’ve always procrastinated about. To everyone who chose the third option among the “things to do in lockdown”. Here are some tips for you to begin with a Guitar.

Perks of Choosing a Guitar

Guitar

When the song “Oh O Jaane Jaana” was released in 1998, a huge crowd went gaga over the instrument. Well, the catchy music made Guitar popular among the youth. Honestly, it is still one of the most famous tunes to groove or for learning how to play. We cannot deny, we have listened to the tune in at least 10 different ways including our mouths going “tan tanan tan tana tan”, Right?

However, guitar has never been the same in India ever since. Well, it is one of the most famous musical instruments with the number of youngsters wanting to learn the art. Learning a guitar is a sure place to cope up with your extreme emotions, handle stress and become famous among your schools, colleges, offices or other social groups. Quite frankly, it’s impossible that you have not fantasized sitting with a group of friends in a bonfire playing guitar.    

Guitar is the fundamental string instrument that lends a helping hand for any other stringed gizmo. Learning it decently opens up a world of possibilities with other instruments. Once you have set your hand on the strings, it lets your fingers run wild. It lets you work your fingers smoothly on Violin, Ukulele, Bass or further explore the stringed devices.

Picking the Ideal Guitar

Learning a guitar can be pretty lengthy task. You have to devote yourself to the instrument to get the hang of it. Before beginning any lessons, make sure you have fallen in love with a guitar. Starting a guitar lesson is like Breaking Bad, it might be a little slow and boring in the beginning, but wait until you unravel the fun and satisfaction!

However, choosing an ideal guitar can be pretty tough for a beginner. Someone familiar with the skill might be able to practice on rough guitar but a newbie needs a good guitar to start with. Here are some tips on how to choose a perfect guitar.

Soft Strings

The first and the foremost necessity while buying the Guitar is to make sure the strings are thin and smooth. Strings of a few guitars can be thick and hard which makes them harder to press. Hence, you can’t strum the guitar if a string isn’t pressed properly. Check if the strings are soft and pressed easily before purchasing it to avoid difficulty in practicing or performing.

Single Cutaway Guitar

A Cutaway Guitar

No matter what the shopkeeper says, stick to the single cutaway guitar! A jumbo guitar with full body can be a good choice, but a cut guitar gives you access to more frets. A guitar is better with a single cut below. With a single cut guitar, the fingers can easily reach the higher notes making it more practicable. As a result, it becomes easier to practice more songs.

Minimal Gap between strings and fretboard

Gap between Strings and Fretboard

Check the gap between the strings and the fretboard. The gap between the strings and the fretboard needs to be nominal. The ideal gap is considered from 0.25 to 0.30 centimetres, and it can extend up to 0.40cm. If the gap between the two is higher than the desired height, it becomes difficult to press the strings. Well, as I told you, you can’t strum your strings without being able to press them strictly.

Metal Tuning Pegs over Plastic ones

Metal Tuning Pegs

Prefer the guitars with metallic tuning pegs over plastic tuning pegs. Metal pegs are more reliable as the decrease the chances of breaking the strings. They hold the strings better and can be a lot beneficial while tuning the guitar, unlike plastic pegs.

Make sure the Frets are Marked

Frets Marked in Order

A guitar is usually marked on 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th,12th and 15th Frets. Do not settle for anything less!! Make sure a guitar is properly marked on the face of the fretboard as well as on top of it. A mark helps in identifying the frets more easily. For an absolute beginner, it is important to have the mentioned frets marked to create a mental image of the fretboard. It becomes easy to understand the orientation once you get the hang of it. But to begin with, choose the one where marks are rectifiable.

Tips for Beginners

An approach to start the lessons can be pretty confusing. You can learn a guitar online, just like “literally” anything else nowadays. However, there are several ideas to keep in mind, whatever be the appeal to initiate with.

Study the Theory of Music

Scrutinizing the music theory is the first strategy for the start. Before actually playing the instrument, try analysing the theory of music. Understanding the musical flow and breaks can help you build a foundation of your guitar skills. Once, you learn how to strum the music along with the beats. The combination of beats to the guitar strums can help you JAM with other instrumentalists as well. Moving your feet to the rhythm of the beats every time you strum the guitar is essential to strengthen the band techniques. It makes playing any song you love as flat as a pancake.  

Memorizing Chords and Chord Families

Begin with the basic chords and practice till you memorize it. Once, you learn a specific chord and the chord family, stick to it until finishing it. Moving forward without completely practicing it can be risky. Practice the chords thoroughly, learn the chord family associated with it and practice it in a progression with the chord shift. After you have memorized the chords, move on to the next chord and chord family.

Regular Finger Exercises for Tabs and Finger-picking

There are a few exercises for developing the guitar skills. These exercises help you get better at the movement of your finger for playing instrumental music. Start the exercise slow but let it be in a flow. Increase the speed in a period of time when you’re comfortable with the present speed, just like a treadmill. Practicing the exercises regularly can assist you in moving the fingers precisely to the beats and play song on your mind accurately.

Practicing Progressions and Scales Regularly

Just like any other artform, practicing is the key. Choose the chord family you have to practice and practice the hell out of it. Select a song you like that advances with the family of the chords you’re practicing. Practicing a song with the progression will both keep you engaging in the practice and help you shift chords at a faster rate. Practice the chords on without the beats first, then add the beats and try to match the tempo. Ultimate goal is to be comfortable with the chord progression of the song to sing along! AND having fun with it.

Do not use Finger Caps!!

There wasn’t a time when I didn’t think of getting finger caps to avoid the cuts. But piece of advice? Let them cut your fingertips! Using the finger caps to start with might seem easier as it avoids the pain. However, let me recall the most clichéd saying for you “No Pain, No Gain”. You’ll always remain a beginner if you start with the finger caps. Eventual intention is to make your fingertips as hard as possible. The strength of the tips determines your skills as a guitarist.

Think of the situation, you have a stage show to perform at, you bring your guitar and accessories, you’re all set but you can’t find the caps at the final moment before getting on the stage. As you haven’t practiced in the typical way, you can’t perform for a long time without the caps because it starts to hurt. Well, it was a nightmare, wasn’t it? Let the fingers hurt, you’re only letting them grow!

Learn Tuning, Aligning and Changing the Strings Properly

Maintaining a guitar is as salient as learning how to play it. You might be the best player in the world. Yet, you’d have to wait for someone to fix your guitar if you don’t know how it is done. Learn how to tune a guitar, align it when it goes bad and to change the strings when they rupture. These additional skills are what makes you a good guitarist. Taking care of your guitar is as necessary as performing with it.

Start with an Electric Guitar, if possible

Highly Unpopular opinion, but start with an electric guitar if possible. As we know, an electric guitar is connected to a speaker. This saves the effort to hard press the strings that an acoustic guitar requires. The speed of chord progression and tabs can be made accurate as the electric guitar needs much lighter touches. It can be used to start as the speed and precision can be picked up by practicing on it. However, it is better to start learning with an acoustic guitar to learn it in a traditional way from the start.

It is one of the most beautiful instruments to start with. You’ll see yourself falling in love with a Guitar once you start devoting yourself to learn. If at all, you ever wanted to learn a guitar, start soon. For any other query regarding learning a Guitar, feel free to comment below or hit us up.

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