
Air defence guns deployed from Kargil had destroyed 300 Pakistani drones: Indian Army
One of the photos used in the newsletter was time stamped at 0105 hours on May 7 when the Indian strikes began. The newsletter has been circulated to the ranks in the 13 lakh strong force.
Kalyan Ray
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Time of India
38 minutes ago
- Time of India
China lauds India's swift response in rescuing crew from cargo ship fire off Kerala coast
Following an onboard explosion and fire aboard MV Wan Hai 503 off the coast of Kerala, China, expressed gratitude to Indian authorities for their swift and professional rescue efforts. Spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Indian, Yu Jing, in a post on X said, "On June 9, MV Wan Hai 503 encountered an onboard explosion and fire 44 nautical miles off Azhikkal, Kerala. Of the total 22 crew members on board, 14 are Chinese, including 6 from Taiwan. Our gratitude goes to the Indian Navy @indiannavy and the Mumbai Coast Guard for their prompt and professional rescue. We wish further search operations successful and the injured crew members a speedy recovery." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like New Container Houses Vietnam (Prices May Surprise You) Container House | Search ads Search Now Undo The Chinese Embassy's statement came after an explosion under deck was reported aboard MV Wan Hai 503 while it was en route from Colombo to Nhava Sheva. Four crew members were reported missing and five injured in the incident. Indian Coast Guard ships have since been deployed for firefighting and rescue operations. The vessel was carrying containerised cargo and had a total of 22 crew members onboard. CGDO on task diverted for assessment. Live Events Indian Coast Guard units were immediately diverted for assessment and assistance. ICGS Rajdoot off New Mangalore, ICGS Arnvesh off Kochi, and ICGS Sachet off Agatti have been diverted for assistance. In a post on X, the Indian Coast Guard said an ICG aircraft assessed the scene and dropped an air-droppable. "Quick response by India Coast Guard after explosion on Singapore-flagged MV WAN HAI 503, 130 NM NW of Kerala coast. ICG aircraft assessed the scene & dropped air-droppable. 04 ICG ships diverted for rescue." Fires and explosions have been reported from mid-ships to the container bay ahead of the accommodation block. The forward-bay fire is under control, but thick smoke continues to be observed. The vessel is listing approximately 10-15 degrees to port, and additional containers have been reported overboard. Indian Coast Guard ships Samudra Prahari and Sachet are conducting fire-fighting operations and boundary cooling, while ICG ship Samarth is being deployed from Kochi. Further updates will follow, the Coast Guard added.


Indian Express
2 hours ago
- Indian Express
Misal grabs 18th spot in TasteAtlas' ‘50 Best Breakfasts' list; how this humble Maharashtrian dish became a symbol of pride
Misal, chole bhature, and paratha, three beloved staples from Indian kitchens, have been named among the 50 Best Breakfasts in the World, as per the latest list released by TasteAtlas, a global food and travel guide. Misal secured the 18th spot, while paratha came in at 23rd, and chole bhature came in at 32nd. 'These are the best breakfasts of the world!' the caption mentions. While Turkey's Kahvaltı secured the top position, followed by Serbia's Komplet Lepinja, the recognition of Misal, chole bhature, and paratha reflects how deeply comforting and culturally significant Indian breakfasts are. Misal, a fiery and flavourful curry made with sprouted moth beans, topped with farsan and chopped onions, is often served with pav and a slice of lemon. Originally from Maharashtra, this dish is known for its spicy, tangy punch and regional variations. Its roots go beyond taste — it's a reflection of humble ingredients transformed into a hearty, energising start to the day. Alok Singh, expert on food history and science at Diga Organics, tells 'Misal's popularity stems from its deep roots in Maharashtrian working-class culture. It originated as a nourishing, protein-rich breakfast that provided lasting energy to labourers and farmers, especially in rural regions like Kolhapur. The combination of sprouted legumes, spicy gravy, farsan, and pav made it affordable and sustaining. Over time, misal evolved into a cultural staple, served in homes, canteens, and street stalls across the state.' A post shared by TasteAtlas (@tasteatlas) Its popularity is also linked to how it combines Maharashtra's love for spice, layered textures, and community-style eating. Even today, he says that a plate of misal is 'more than food; it's a symbol of regional pride, heritage, and hospitality.' The two most common variations are Kolhapuri and Puneri. Singh mentions that Kolhapuri misal is known for its fiery spice levels and robust flavour profile, reflecting the bold culinary traditions of southern Maharashtra. Puneri misal, on the other hand, is milder, slightly sweet, and often garnished with yoghurt, mirroring Pune's more subdued and refined palate. 'These variations reflect not just regional taste preferences but also each region's lifestyle, climate, and food philosophies. For instance, hotter regions often lean into spicier foods, while urban centers like Pune adapt traditional recipes with modern moderation. This diversity within a single dish like Misal showcases Maharashtra's rich culinary pluralism and its ability to localise flavour without compromising identity,' he informs. Preserving traditional cooking methods and ingredients is vital, not just for culinary heritage, but also for public health. Singh explains, 'The original Misal recipe uses sprouted moth beans, which are high in plant-based protein, fibre, and micronutrients. The preparation involves slow cooking, use of homemade spices, and minimal processing, all of which contribute to better nutrition.' He adds that as Indian breakfasts like Misal receive global attention, there's a risk of commercial versions diluting their nutritional value in favor of convenience. Preserving authenticity ensures that these dishes remain wholesome and rooted in local food wisdom. It also supports regional farmers and small-scale spice producers who form the backbone of India's food ecosystem. 'In a time where highly processed foods are linked to metabolic disorders, going back to our roots, literally and figuratively, could be one of the best health decisions we make as a society,' says the expert.


Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
India's population touches 1.46 billion, fertility drops below replacement rate: UN repot
India's population is estimated to reach 1.46 billion in 2025, continuing to be the highest in the world, according to a new UN demographic report, which also revealed the country's total fertility rate has fallen below the replacement rate. UNFPA 's 2025 State of World Population (SOWP) Report, The Real Fertility Crisis, calls for a shift from panic over falling fertility to addressing unmet reproductive goals. Millions of people are not able to realise their real fertility goals, it asserts. This is the real crisis, not underpopulation or overpopulation, and the answer lies in greater reproductive agency - a person's ability to make free and informed 150 per cent choices about sex, contraception and starting a family, it says. The report also reveals key shifts in population composition, fertility, and life expectancy, signalling a major demographic transition. Live Events The report found that India's total fertility rate has declined to 1.9 births per woman, falling below the replacement level of 2.1. This means that, on average, Indian women are having fewer children than needed to maintain the population size from one generation to the next, without migration. Despite the slowing birth rate, India's youth population remains significant, with 24 per cent in the age bracket of 0-14, 17 per cent in 10-19, and 26 per cent in 10-24. The country's 68 per cent of the population is of working age (15-64), providing a potential demographic dividend, if matched by adequate employment and policy support. The elderly population (65 and older) currently stands at seven per cent, a figure that is expected to rise in the coming decades as life expectancy improves. As of 2025, life expectancy at birth is projected to be 71 years for men and 74 years for women. According to the UN estimates, India's population at present stands at 1,463.9 million. India is now the world's most populous nation, with nearly 1.5 billion people - a number expected to grow to about 1.7 billion before it begins to fall, around 40 years from now, the report said. Behind these numbers are the stories of millions of couples who decided to start or expand their families, as well as the stories of women who had few choices about whether, when or how often they became pregnant, the report said. In 1960, when India's population was about 436 million, the average woman had nearly six children. Back then, women had less control over their bodies and lives than they do today. Fewer than 1 in 4 used some form of contraception, and fewer than 1 in 2 attended primary school ( World Bank Data , 2020), the report said. But in the coming decades, educational attainment increased, access to reproductive healthcare improved, and more women gained a voice in the decisions that affected their lives. The average woman in India now has about two children. While women in India, and every other country, have more rights and choices today than their mothers or grandmothers did, they still have a long way to go before they are empowered to have the number of children they want, if any, when they want them. The UN report placed India in a group of middle-income countries undergoing rapid demographic change, with population doubling time now estimated at 79 years. "India has made significant progress in lowering fertility rates - from nearly five children per woman in 1970 to about two today, thanks to improved education and access to reproductive healthcare," said Andrea M Wojnar, UNFPA India Representative. "This has led to major reductions in maternal mortality, meaning million more mothers are alive today, raising children and building communities. Yet, deep inequalities persist across states, castes, and income groups. "The real demographic dividend comes when everyone has the freedom and means to make informed reproductive choices. India has a unique opportunity to show how reproductive rights and economic prosperity can advance together," she said.