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Indian Express
3 hours ago
- General
- 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.
The Hindu
3 hours ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
FIR against BJP leader, kin of Ex-PM Chandrashekhar's son, for threatening Dalit scholar
A BJP leader closely associated with former prime minister Chandrashekhar's son Neeraj Shekhar has been booked for allegedly threatening a Dalit research scholar from Lucknow University, police said on Tuesday (June 10, 2025). According to police, the FIR was lodged late Monday (June 9, 2025) night at Ubhaon Police Station on the complaint of Deepak Kannaujia, a native of Turtipar village. Police said that in his complaint, Mr. Kannaujia, a scholar at the Lucknow University, alleged that BJP leader Alok Singh called him on May 21 and abused him and threatened to kill him. "Record this conversation if you want. I am not afraid of the administration or the law and order in Uttar Pradesh," Alok Singh said, according to the complaint. BJP's Bilthara Road area president Arun Kant Tiwari confirmed that Alok Singh is affiliated with the BJP and is a close relative of Neeraj Shekhar. Mr. Kannaujia alleged that Alok Singh had a longstanding political enmity with his family. He said his father, Kamlesh Kannaujia, died of a heart attack on October 31 last year due to the stress caused by repeated harassment. He said he was afraid Alok Singh might get his mother, who lives alone in the village, killed. Superintendent of Police Omveer Singh told PTI on Tuesday that an audio clip related to the incident had recently gone viral on social media. A preliminary inquiry was conducted by Rasra Circle Officer Alok Gupta, after which Alok Singh was booked under sections 352 (intentional insult) and 351(3) (criminal intimidation) of the BNS, and provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
FIR against BJP leader, kin of Ex-PM Chandrashekhar's son, for threatening Dalit scholar in UP; audio clip goes viral
Representative photo NEW DELHI: A BJP leader closely associated with former Prime Minister Chandrashekhar's son Neeraj Shekhar has been booked for allegedly threatening a Dalit research scholar from Lucknow University on Monday night at Ubhaon Police Station in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh. The FIR was filed based on a complaint by Deepak Kannaujia, a native of Turtipar village and scholar at Lucknow University, who alleged that BJP leader Alok Singh called and threatened him on May 21. According to the complaint, Alok Singh said, "Record this conversation if you want. I am not afraid of the administration or the law and order in Uttar Pradesh." BJP's Bilthara Road area president Arun Kant Tiwari confirmed Alok Singh's affiliation with the party and his close relation to Neeraj Shekhar. Kannaujia claimed there was a longstanding political enmity between his family and Alok Singh. He stated that his father, Kamlesh Kannaujia, died of a heart attack last October due to stress from repeated harassment. The complainant expressed fear for his mother's safety, who lives alone in the village, suggesting Singh might harm her. Superintendent of Police Omveer Singh confirmed that an audio clip related to the incident had recently gone viral on social media. Following a preliminary inquiry conducted by Rasra Circle Officer Alok Gupta, Alok Singh was booked under sections 352 and 351(3) of the BNS for intentional insult and criminal intimidation. Additional charges were filed under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Time of India
15 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
IVRI performs first indigenous hip transplant in dog
Lucknow: The Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Bareilly, set a record by carrying out a hip transplant on a dog using indigenous technology. This first of its kind transplant in the country was carried out by IVRI scientist Dr Rohit Kumar and his team. A govt spokesperson said that artificial hips were not available for dogs in India, and when required, one had to depend on foreign equipment, which costs up to Rs 5 lakh. "IVRI has developed a completely indigenous hip system based on cemented technology for Indian breed dogs, which will provide a better life to dogs at a very low cost," a govt spokesperson said. The transplant was possible after three years of intensive research. Technical assistance was provided by human orthopaedic surgeon from Bareilly Dr Alok Singh, along with Yogesh Saxena and Devesh Saxena of Bareilly Medicare firm. The artificial hip and equipment used in the surgery were manufactured in collaboration with Gujarat's Life Ortho Care company. The team of doctors included principal scientist Dr Rohit Kumar, Dr Amarpal, Dr AC Saxena, Dr AM Pawade, Dr T Sai Kumar, and researcher Dr Kamlesh Kumar. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Their first successful surgery was done in Dehradun, the second at IVRI, and the third on a service dog of Sambhal police. So far, three dogs have received a new lease on life from these surgeries. IVRI director Dr Triveni Dutt said, "This is a milestone towards India's self-reliance in veterinary medicine. We will make this technology available to dog breeders across the country as soon as possible and transfer it to industrial sector."
Hindustan Times
18 hours ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
NGT lists Kukrail night safari case for next hearing on Aug 21
LUCKNOW The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has granted the UP government four weeks to respond to a case regarding the proposed relocation of Lucknow Zoo to Kukrail and the construction of a night safari in the same area. The tribunal has listed the case for next hearing on August 21. Seeking to remove roadblocks in the ambitious Kukrail night safari project, the UP government had filed an impleadment application in the Supreme Court on April 8, seeking permission to establish the safari and relocate the Lucknow zoo to the Kukrail forest area. The plea is yet to come up for hearing. Lucknow-based social activist Alok Singh filed this case in the NGT. He raised concerns over the night safari project at the Kukrail reserve forest, for which around 1500 trees were proposed to be felled. He also moved the SC on April 11, 2025, on this issue. The Supreme Court has given July 15 as the tentative date for next hearing of the case. A detailed project report (DPR) of the night safari, coming up on a 900-acre maple leaf design in the 2027.46-hectare Kukrail forest, was presented before chief minister Yogi Adityanath on November 19, 2024, roughly two years after its digital survey in December 2022. However, the project got stuck due to the apex court's February 19, 2024 order restraining the central and state governments across the country to establish zoos and safaris in forest areas (other than protected areas) without approval of the top court. This order was passed by a three-judge bench headed by former CJI Justice Dhananjay Y Chandrachud, Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice Manoj Mishra.
