Reptiles and amphibians of the rainy season
South: Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and southern Maharashtra
A frog that has webbed feet, builds nests of foam, can glide, and is found only in the Western Ghats? One of the most distinctive Indian amphibians, the Malabar Gliding Frog, can be found on trees alongside streams in the dense evergreen forests of the Western Ghats. It can be identified by its large bulging eyes, bright green colour and big size. During the monsoon, females make special foam nests on overhanging branches near streams and pools. When the tadpoles hatch, they dive into the water. These frogs can glide smoothly among the trees, covering the length of a bus during their glides!
Bombay Shieldtail
West: Maharashtra-Satara District, Konkan
Found in the northern part of the Western Ghats, this unassuming and secretive snake lives underground, eats earthworms and has a flat, pan-like tail. Found in the forests of the Sahyadri Mountains, it uses its distinctive shield-like tail — which gives it its name — to burrow underground and hunt its favourite prey: earthworms! With the monsoon being its breeding time, it is more active on the surface. With a beautiful black and white scale pattern, it confuses its predators by curling into a ball, leaving them unable to make head or tail of it.
Himalayan Rock Agama
North: Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh
A hardy lizard that turns a gorgeous blue during the breeding season, the Himalayan Rock Agama is not as famous as its relative, the 'Draco' Flying Lizard. No stranger to high altitudes, the agama survives the harsh Himalayan winter by hiding in crevices and rocks and 'slowing down' its body processes to reduce energy wastage. Once winter ends, it steps out to feast on the abundant insects and berries found in the warmth of the summer sun.
Cope's Assam Frog
East: Northeastern India
Named in honour of the American reptile scientist Cope, this small nocturnal forest-dwelling frog is an expert jumper, leaping up to at least 10 times its body length! It loves to eat insects and its body is a varying olive-green and dark brown in colour. The adults are found in thick vegetation or even in plantations, near water bodies. The male has a distinct rattling call like that of machine-gun fire. Its tadpoles are aquatic and expert swimmers found in pools and swamps.
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India.com
29 minutes ago
- India.com
Independence Day Doesn't Just Fill The Skies With Colour — It Fills Delhi With Stories
When the first sunbeam of August 15 touches the sandstone walls of New Delhi, something stirs. The air feels sharper. The streets hum with quiet anticipation. And behind the chaos of traffic and chatter, a more soulful Delhi begins to rise. Most people flock to India Gate or the Red Fort. Watch the parade. Wave the flag. Take a few photos. Go home. But what if we told you: Independence Day in Delhi isn't just about the obvious spots? It's about the quieter corners. The green walks. The heritage lanes. The places where history breathes softer, away from the TV cameras, yet feels just as alive. Let's step into a Delhi where peepal trees whisper old revolutions, domes glow in the golden light, and every stone remembers a different struggle for freedom. What Makes Delhi on Independence Day Different from Any Other Day? It's not just the flags and the flypasts. It's the contrast. Delhi is both a bustling capital and a living museum. On Independence Day, that museum opens its heart. The usual rush gives way to something more patient. Metro rides are filled with tricolour scarves and children's laughter. Even chai at the roadside stalls tastes a little sweeter. Unlike the busy winter tourist season or the sweaty peak summer, mid-August mornings in Delhi can be surprisingly gentle. The city dresses in green after the monsoon showers, and every landmark wears the tricolour like a proud shawl. This is a season of remembrance and renewal — for the country, for the city, and for us. Tired of India Gate Crowds? These Spots Tell Their Own Freedom Stories 1. Raj Ghat – The Quiet Pulse of a Nation While the parades march elsewhere, Raj Ghat stays hushed. Mahatma Gandhi's memorial rests under an open sky, surrounded by lawns that glisten with morning dew. Come here early, when the air is still cool, and listen. To the rustle of neem leaves. To the soft footsteps of schoolchildren bringing garlands. It's not a tourist stop today — it's a reminder of why the day exists. Bring no snacks. Bring no noise. Bring only time. 2. Dilli Haat – Where Freedom Wears Colour Far from the parade route, Dilli Haat is a burst of handicrafts, music, and food. On Independence Day, the stalls often carry tricolour-themed crafts, hand-painted kites, and regional delicacies that tell stories of every Indian state. Walk through. Taste litti chokha from Bihar, bamboo shoot curry from the Northeast, and jalebis hot from the kadhai. Every bite feels like a different part of the country saying hello. If you need a souvenir of the day, skip the plastic flags. Buy something handmade. 3. Lodhi Gardens – Where Time Walks Beside You Lodhi Gardens is not just green space — it's a history book you can stroll through. On the morning of August 15, its domed tombs and Mughal arches wear garlands, and the pathways feel fresher after the season's rain. Couples sit on benches under amaltas trees. Photographers wait for that perfect shot of a pigeon against the tricolour sky. Walk slowly. The city outside may be loud, but here, you'll hear the faint echo of centuries. 4. Mehrauli Archaeological Park – Freedom Beyond 1947 Independence is not just about 1947 — it's about every moment in our history when people fought for a voice. Mehrauli Archaeological Park is a patchwork of those moments. From the ruins of Balban's tomb to the quiet Quli Khan's Palace, every wall has seen a change of rulers, and every stone has felt the weight of a new dawn. On Independence Day, the park is often empty. Which is perfect. Because you don't just walk here — you wander through time. 5. Yamuna Ghat – Where the Tricolour Meets the Water Not many think of visiting the river on August 15. But Yamuna Ghat, with its steps washed by rain and morning prayers, offers a different kind of celebration. Stand here as the sun rises. Watch as boatmen push off into the water, their oars slicing through reflections of saffron, white, and green. It's not a postcard view. It's real. And real is always better. 6. Connaught Place – Evening Under the Lights By night, Delhi's most famous circle dresses up. Tricolour lights wash over its colonial pillars, and the central park turns into a gathering place for music, laughter, and late-night chai. The day's official events are over, but here the celebration continues in small ways — children waving paper flags, couples sharing ice cream, buskers playing patriotic songs on guitars. It's the city's heart, still beating strong long after the parade drums have faded. Why Explore Delhi Differently on Independence Day? Isn't It Crowded? Yes. And that's the point. Independence Day isn't a private holiday. It's a shared heartbeat. Some places will be packed. Some will be quiet. But everywhere will be alive with meaning. Here's what you get when you step off the obvious path: Unexpected calm – Many heritage spots are quieter while crowds head to the main venues. Fresh colours – Rain-washed gardens, flags against a softer sky. Shared moments – Strangers smiling at each other just because today, we all belong to the same story. Practical Tips: How to Celebrate Delhi Like a Local on August 15 Start early – Morning light is softer, security checks are quicker, and the air feels fresher. Travel light – A small sling bag with water, a snack, and your phone is enough. Wear the colours – Even a small tricolour badge makes you part of the mood. Use the metro – Roads near central Delhi are often closed or diverted. Be respectful – Some places are memorials, not selfie zones. The Hidden Economy of Independence Day Travel When you skip the malls and visit Dilli Haat, you're buying from craftspeople who've carried their art across you drink chai from a vendor outside Lodhi Gardens, you're part of his biggest sales day of the you choose a heritage walk over a commercial event, you're showing the city that its history still matters. Every step you take on this day isn't just tourism — it's support, preservation, and participation. So, What's Stopping You? Security lines? Crowds? They're just part of the atmosphere. Because somewhere in Delhi on August 15, a child is flying his first kite. Somewhere, an old man is telling his granddaughter what 1947 felt like. Somewhere, a pigeon is lifting off from a flagpole just as the anthem plays. And you could be there, seeing it not on a screen but with your own eyes. Final Word Don't just mark Independence Day in Delhi. Live it. This year, when the skies fill with colour and the streets hum with stories, take a turn into a garden, a ghat, a forgotten ruin. Step slower. Look longer. Because the city doesn't just remember its freedom — it invites you to walk through it. And maybe, just maybe, you'll find that in exploring Delhi's Independence Day, you've also rediscovered your own.
Mint
29 minutes ago
- Mint
Independence Day 2025: Vinit Bolinjkar of Ventura recommends THESE stocks to buy for up to 75% returns
Independence Day 2025: Indian benchmark indices, the Sensex and Nifty, started Thursday's session on a mildly positive note, tracking gains in Asian markets. However, investor sentiment remained subdued ahead of upcoming Russia-U.S. discussions on the Ukraine conflict, in a week shortened by holidays. At the opening bell, the BSE Sensex rose 91.09 points, or 0.11 per cent, to 80,631, while the NSE Nifty 50 climbed 30.40 points, or 0.12 per cent, to 24,649.75. On the occasion of 79th Independence Day, Vinit Bolinjkar - Head of Research - Ventura, has recommended five stocks to buy with up to 75 per cent upside across sectors like Hospitality, retail/apparel, chemicals and infrastructure and engineering. Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd | Potential upside: 65% Royal Orchid Hotels (ROHL) is strategically positioned to capitalize on India's evolving hospitality landscape, transforming into a technology-driven, asset-light hotel chain. Its "Vision 2030" aims to triple operational room inventory from 6,929 to over 22,000 rooms, primarily through managed properties. This asset-light approach requires minimal initial capital expenditure and offers a significantly shorter payback period of under 1 year compared to greenfield hotels, accelerating brand visibility across India. ROHL benefits from its diversified brand architecture (Regenta Zed, Regenta Place, Regenta, Crestoria, ICONIQA), catering to a wide range of customer needs with a strong focus on high-return business hotels. The company's ownership of its brands provides full control and flexibility, unlike foreign franchises. ROHL maintains a healthy balance sheet with low total debt (INR 100 crore) and a net debt to equity ratio of 0.2x, planning to fund future expansions mainly through internal accruals. Samhi Hotels is poised to unlock value in India's expanding business hospitality landscape as one of the largest branded business hotel platforms, with 4,948 rooms across 32 properties concentrated in key business hubs like Bengaluru, Pune, Hyderabad, and Delhi NCR. The company plans to expand its room inventory to 5,544 rooms by FY29, with a strategic focus on upgrading to upper upscale segments. A key growth driver is its strategic partnership with GIC, which has infused INR 752 crore, with a substantial portion earmarked for debt repayment, aiming to reduce net debt-to-EBITDA below 3.0x. Samhi's model of acquiring existing assets at a discount to replacement cost allows for a quick capex-to-revenue cycle (18-24 months) and higher Return on Invested Capital (RoIC). The company leverages strong global brand names like Marriott, IHG, and Hyatt for bookings and loyalty programs, contributing to its high reliance on direct channels (85% of revenue), which limits margin dilution from OTAs. The turnaround of its ACIC portfolio and improving F&B revenue share are expected to boost EBITDA margins. Cantabil Retail is poised for significant growth driven by its focused expansion in Tier 2 & 3 cities, where consumption patterns are evolving towards organized retail. The company's strategy involves optimizing operations and reducing raw material costs to achieve higher margins. A key strength lies in its in-house brands, which offer value for money and strong margin potential. Cantabil is actively diversifying its product line by expanding women's wear and kids' wear offerings, aiming to be a "One Stop Solution" for families. The company plans to primarily expand through the Company Owned Company Operated (COCO) model, targeting 560 COCO stores by FY27 and opening larger stores averaging 1,600 sq. ft. to enhance customer experience. This expansion is supported by expected 15% to 18% volume growth year-over-year, with production projected to reach approximately 90 lakh pieces by FY27 from 60 lakh in FY24. Furthermore, Cantabil intends to fund its entire CAPEX from internal accruals, maintaining a zero-debt strategy, which enhances financial flexibility. Privi Specialty Chemicals (PSCL) is entering a virtuous growth cycle, driven by a stream of high-margin molecules and disciplined execution. The company's recent value-added launches, such as Galaxmusk, Indomerane, Floravone, and Amber Woody Xtreme, have significantly improved its global customer base and contributed to margin expansion. PSCL is strategically expanding its capacity from 48,000 MTPA to 54,000 MTPA by March 2026, primarily through de-bottlenecking, which enhances efficiency and lowers unit costs. Its robust distribution and supply chain across EMEA ensures quicker access to key export markets. The joint venture with Givaudan (PRIGIV JV) for exclusive manufacturing of specialized fragrance ingredients further solidifies long-term collaborations and margin visibility. PSCL's backward integration in pine-based feedstocks secures supply and shields from price spikes. The company is well-positioned to capitalize on the global aroma chemicals market, which is expected to grow at a 5.1% CAGR till FY32E. 5. Larsen & Toubro Ltd | Potential upside: 25% Larsen & Toubro (L&T) is positioned as India's largest and most diversified infrastructure company, set to benefit significantly from the government's increased capital outlay for infrastructure (INR 11.2 trillion for FY26) across railways, roads, defence, and energy sectors. The company is also expanding into the MENA region, driven by increased capex there. L&T's robust order inflows, projected to reach INR 4,788 billion by FY28E, and its expanding order book, expected to grow to INR 8,942 billion by FY28E, underscore its strong revenue visibility. Its diversified business portfolio and proven track record in executing complex projects on time further contribute to its stability. The company maintains a strong balance sheet with a net debt-to-equity ratio below 0.3x, which management aims to sustain. The defensive characteristics of its IT/ITES services also provide stable cash flow. Disclaimer: This story is for educational purposes only. The views and recommendations above are those of individual analysts or broking companies, not Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions.
India Today
42 minutes ago
- India Today
Indian woman shares 'disappointing' lunch experience at Eiffel Tower in viral video
A video of an Indian woman sharing her candid experience of having lunch at the Eiffel Tower has gone viral. The clip has sparked mixed reactions clip, titled "I will never go here again. The most expensive lunch I had turned out like this. Lunch at Eiffel Tower moment," was shared on Instagram by Make Travel Easy, a page handled by UK-based Tamil couple Ishwarya and overlay text in the video reads: "Worst lunch inside the famous Eiffel Tower." It has garnered over 6,74,000 views so far. In the video, Ishwarya can be seen trying a piece of bread at the restaurant, but immediately acknowledging how hard it is. Moments later, an elderly woman from New Zealand, seated next to her, also remarks on the bread's texture. When she asks the waiter if there's any alternative, he replies that it is the only option goes on to say that the rest of the food tasted average and did not meet her expectations. While it was still edible, she detailed, it lacked the flavour and quality she had hoped for, especially given the price and the iconic a look at the video here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Make Travel Easy (@_maketraveleasy)The comments section was soon flooded as users expressed their varied opinions. "Hahahahahaha, waste of money. Next time, do some research," a user said, while another added, "It is a tourist trap, do you think locals go to have lunch at the Eiffel Tower?"Some defended the restaurant, explaining that the bread's firmness is typical in Europe. "It must be your first time eating in Europe. That's normal bread for Europeans," one of the users said, as another added, "It's meant to be dipped in soup, so it's usually hard."See the reactions here:As the clip continues to divide the internet, it certainly sparked a conversation about cultural food differences and dining at popular tourist attractions, but not getting the quality one might hope for. - EndsMust Watch
