Firm Claims "Non-Lethal" Trishul, Vajra Will Counter Chinese

The video had a man showing off "Vajra, Trishul and Sapper Punch"New Delhi: A company's claim of developing "non-lethal weapons" to match the spiked clubs and tasers used by the Chinese in the Galwan Valley clash last year grabbed much attention on social media on Monday.A video of tasers shaped like a spiked rod and a "Trishul", posted by news agency ANI, raised questions and also inspired memes.#WATCH 'Trishul' and 'Sapper Punch'- non-lethal weapons-developed by UP-based Apasteron Pvt Ltd to make the enemy temporarily ineffective in case of violent face offs pic.twitter.com/DmniC0TOET— ANI (@ANI) October 18, 2021The video had one Mohit Kumar, Chief Technology Officer at a Noida-based company named Apastron, demonstrating "Vajra", a taser rod, and the "Trishul" said to be inspired by Lord Shiva's weapon.He also showed off what he called a ''Sapper Punch'' - tasing equipment that can be worn like winter protection gloves and "can be used to give a blow or two with a current discharge to aggressor enemy troops".Mr Kumar was quoted as saying that his company had been asked by the Indian security force to develop these arms to tackle the Chinese."We were asked by the Indian security forces to develop non-lethal equipment after the Chinese used wired sticks and tasers against our soldiers in the Galwan clash. We could also see the Chinese showing their traditional weapons during deployments," he told ANI."We have also developed similar tasers and non-lethal inspired by our traditional weapons for Indian security forces," he was quoted as saying."The Vajra can be used for both tasing aggressively attacking enemy soldiers in hand to hand combat as well as puncture their bullet-proof vehicles. The Vajra also has spikes that discharge current under the permissible limits and can make an enemy soldier ineffective during hand to hand combat during face-offs," said Mr Kumar.He added that the "Trishul" could be used for tasing as well as blocking vehicles of adversaries.None of these weapons can cause deaths or any serious injury but these can stun the enemy troops while making them ineffective temporarily during hand-to-hand engagement, he claimed.Mr Kumar didn't answer when asked which Indian security forces had commissioned the weapons. He also asserted that the weapons were not to be sold to private persons or the general public and were meant only for security forces and law enforcement agencies.There is no official word from the government or any representative of the armed forces confirming that these weapons have been bought for the troops.But the weapons did make a mark.Does the glove thing shoot out spiderwebs?— That squirrel (@anjusabu) October 18, 2021"Nice preparation for Under-13 Junior Ind-China war championship," tweeted one user.Nice preparation for Under-13 Junior Ind-China war championship. https://t.co/gqYn9MTukz— Rofl Gandhi 2.0 ???????? (@RoflGandhi_) October 18, 2021Another quipped: "Tony Spark".Take training from aqua man pic.twitter.com/YmchpibQzT— A v a l (@AvaljotS) October 18, 2021Inspired from fly killer-bat???? pic.twitter.com/QyeDd6fOPx— Faisal (@olikkathody) October 18, 2021 Read the full article

Sardar Patel Vilified At Congress Meet? BJP Questions Sonia Gandhi

Sardar Patel had met with Muhammad Ali Jinnah, a PDP leader said at the Congress meet (File)New Delhi: The BJP attacked the Congress today over alleged discussions during its Working Committee meeting held over the weekend, and claimed that a leader from Kashmir had vilified Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel, one of the icons of the party. Highlighting reports by a section of the media on the discussions at the meeting of the Congress Working Committee – the party's highest decision-making body -- BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said it was claimed that Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel was in league with Muhammad Ali Jinnah to keep Jammu and Kashmir out of India."It was published in the news today… At the CWC meeting, Tariq Hameed Karra spoke of Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel. It (his remarks), are objectionable," Mr Patra said.Tariq Hameed Karra, he said, had apparently claimed that Sardar Patel had met with the Pakistan founder."He said Sardar Patel wanted to separate Jammu and Kashmir from India, while Jawaharlal Nehru wanted to keep Jammu and Kashmir in India. The manner in which Sardar Patel was being spoken about at this meeting -- did Sonia Gandhi say anything on this? Patel was vilified because of the Congress leader's sycophancy towards the Gandhi family," Mr Patra told reporters.  "Was Karra reprimanded? Will he be axed from the CWC?" Mr Patra questioned, referring to the permanent invitee. "What sort of mindset is this that one family has done everything and others have done nothing? What the CWC has done is a sin," he said.Mr Karra was attending the Congress Working Committee meet held on Saturday and some media reports indicated that he had made disparaging remarks about Sardar Patel.The Congress has hotly denied that any such discussion took place.Tweeting a clip of the news story, senior Congress leader Randeep Surjewala posted: "Seems spreading canards and lies, on behalf of Modi Govt, has become the norm for some newspapers. Never question the BJP Govt, Spread lies about Opposition, Give cover fire to Modi Govt to justify lies driven Press Conferences….Is the new standard of journalism".Seems spreading canards and lies, on behalf of Modi Govt, has become the norm for some newspapers.Never question the BJP Govt, Spread lies about Opposition, Give cover fire to Modi Govt to justify lies driven Press Conferences…. Is the new standard of journalism. pic.twitter.com/MxPAonzgH1— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) October 18, 2021Mr Karra – a former minister of Jammu and Kashmir -- said his remarks have been "misrepresented"."I don't know what quarters want to misrepresent it. I read in a leading newspaper today where they had misrepresented facts. It has to be seen who said these things outside, it's serious," he was quoted as saying by news agency ANI."I had said that Pandit Nehru had asserted that Jammu and Kashmir be made a part of India, he didn't want it to be called a theocratic State like Pakistan. I said that Sardar Patel had said that even if J&K goes towards Pakistan, negotiations can be held regarding Junagadh and Hyderabad (two erstwhile princely states)," he added."But Jawaharlal Nehru didn't agree and said that, 'No, we don't want that India be labelled as a theocratic state as Pakistan has been labelled'. I said this when we took up discussions over negotiations at that time when a plan of 'two nation theory' had come," ANI quoted Mr Karra as saying.Mr Karra had showed his support for the Gandhis in a series of tweets on Friday, one of which read, "In my considered & unflinching opinion, in today's Congress Party, Gandhis are the true flag bearers of Congress ideals and Gandhian Philosophy. The only cementing force within. For me, like millions of others, "Congress is Gandhis and Gandhis are Congress"."The pivot,thus a rallying force. They inspire, thus can mobilize. They don't compromise & surrender on Indianism and it's ideals, thus invincible. Sh.Rahul Gandhi must come forward to lead and steer @INCIndia so that the flame of Indianism and the ray of hope doesn't dwindle," read another tweet. Read the full article

Sania Mirza’s Quarantine Breakfast Includes South Indian Delicacies

Sania Mirza has made us drool with her latest Instagram post, where she dropped a snap of a tasty south India breakfast. On the plate, we can see some lip-smacking dosas, accompanied by a bowl of sambar and chutney on the side. Looks like the dosas are stuffed with mouth-watering aloo mix. We also spot some delicious fluffy idlis on the same plate. From the caption, it looks like the tennis star is in quarantine. Sania just wrote, “Quarantine breakfast.” Are you feeling hungry? Here's a glimpse of the yummy breakfast that Sania devoured.Sania enjoyed this south Indian breakfast in her recent quarantine(Also read: Sania Mirza's 34th Birthday Celebration Was A Dreamy Affair With A Decadent Cake (Pics Inside))Sania rarely posts about food, but when she does, it has to be unique or special in its own way. Earlier, she had posted an image of a quintessential breakfast dish – toast and omelette – that was made by her sister, Anam Mirza. To make it special for Sania, her sister drew a heart with ketchup on the omelette. On the picture, Sania wrote “Best” while savouring the special breakfast. While the post clearly showed the love between the sisters, we began feeling hungry looking at the toasted bread and omelette. Click here to read more about Sania's breakfast.We told you Sania's food updates are special in some way or the other. Here is another one from her stay in Dubai. She received a massive personalised bread loaf that has ‘Mirza' written on it. That was a picture she posted from a restaurant in Dubai. In the snapshot, we could see the chef and founder of the restaurant, Burak Ozdemir, presenting the bread to Sania. Read more about it here.So, what do you think about Sania Mirza's culinary adventures? Let us know in the comments below. Read the full article

A Move to Rein In Cancer-Causing ‘Forever Chemicals’

Michael Regan, the E.P.A. administrator, wants to limit a class of chemicals that has been linked to cancer and is found in everything from drinking water to furniture. Read the full article

Congress Vs BJP Over Madhya Pradesh Minister's Inappropriate Video

The incident occurred during a rally of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in Raigaon.Bhopal: A Madhya Pradesh minister's act of removing his spectacles stuck in the hair of the woman candidate of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during campaigning for the upcoming assembly bypoll in Raigaon in Satna district has created a row, with the Congress demanding action for the "indecent" act.The incident occurred during a rally of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in Raigaon.However, the BJP has termed the Congress' reaction as "the perversion of the minds of Congress leaders".The video purportedly shows state Mining Minister Brajendra Pratap Singh searching his spectacles in his pocket while a person sitting next to him points that the eyeglasses of the minister are stuck in the hair of the woman candidate of the BJP. Later, the minister, sitting behind the woman candidate, who is seen standing near Mr Chouhan who was delivering a speech, takes out his spectacles from her hair.बेशर्म बीजेपी;मुख्यमंत्री शिवराज सिंह की मौजूदगी में मध्यप्रदेश सरकार के मंत्री बृजेन्द्र प्रताप सिंह रैगांव की भाजपा प्रत्याशी को छेड़ रहे हैं।शिवराज जी, कैसे सुरक्षित होगी बेटियाँ?B- बेशर्म J- जयचंद P- पार्टी pic.twitter.com/SijEFu3gU8— MP Congress (@INCMP) October 17, 2021The video was widely shared on social media.Attacking the BJP, the Congress alleged the minister inappropriately placed his hand on the woman candidate and shared a photograph.The Congress also posted the video and the picture on its official Twitter handle.The photo shared by the Congress shows the minister's elbow touching the BJP nominee sitting next to him while he is talking to the chief minister."The BJP only pretends about women empowerment but the video and picture showed the reality. The mining minister not only touched the BJP candidate's hair but also inappropriately placed his hand on her," state Woman Congress president Archana Jaiswal said in a statement.Asking why the BJP, which claims to be a cadre-based disciplined party, didn't take any action against Mr Singh, Ms Jaiswal said such people should not hold the dignified post of minister in the state cabinet.BJP Madhya Pradesh secretary Rajneesh Agrawal said this (reaction) shows the "dirty minds of Congress leaders"."This is not only a perverted mindset but also an insult to a Dalit woman candidate. This is the tradition of Congress," he said.The byelection to the Raigaon assembly seat is necessitated due to the death of sitting BJP MLA Jugal Kishore Bagri.(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.) Read the full article

4 Including BJP Leader In SUV That Mowed Down Farmers In UP Arrested

A Thar SUV was seen driving into protesters from behind.Four more people, including a BJP leader who was seen inside the SUV that mowed down protesting farmers in Uttar Pradesh's Lakhimpur Kheri, have been arrested today."Accused Sumit Jaiswal, Shishupal, Nandan Singh Bisht and Satya Prakash Tripathi have been arrested by Lakhimpur Kheri Police and SWAT team of Crime branch. Licensed revolver and three bullets were recovered from Satya Prakash Tripathi and seized," said a police statement.Local BJP leader Sumit Jaiswal, who was seen in a video leaving the SUV, had earlier filed a murder FIR against unnamed farmers, claiming his driver, friend and two BJP workers were beaten to death and that he found out from social media later.In the video, Mr Jaiswal was seen running from the Thar SUV that drove into protesters from behind.Four farmers and a journalist were ran over on October 3 by a convoy of three vehicles, one of which belongs to Union Minister Ajay Mishra. Mr Mishra's son was arrested on October 9,  five days after he was named in a murder case on charges which usually merit immediate arrest. His arrest followed 12 hours of police questioning which in turn came after an intervention by the Supreme Court.An FIR was lodged at the Tikonia police station on October 3 over the episode. Later, a counter-FIR was lodged at the same police station on the basis of a complaint by Sumit Jaiswal, who has now been arrested.Sumit Jaiswal had also claimed that the protesters attacked Ajay Mishra's convoy, not the other way round. He also claimed the car was not moving, and it was the protesters that attacked the convoy."We were at the programme venue. There was an atmosphere of fear. They were armed with sticks and rocks and they kept attacking us, abusing us," he said. They also shouted "Khalistan Zindabad. They climbed the car," he said.Ashish Mishra has denied the charge that he was at the crime scene when the murders took place; he has claimed he was in his paternal village (around two km away) and stayed there all day. Read the full article

5 Diet and Lifestyle Measures to Ward Off Heartburn

Don’t smoke. Dr. Lagergren’s team found that tobacco can extend the time it takes for acidic foods to leave the esophagus. In an analysis of 30 studies, GERD affected about 20 percent of smokers, compared with about 16 percent of nonsmokers.Exercise. Those who engaged in moderate to vigorous physical activity for at least 30 minutes per day were less likely to develop symptoms of GERD, the Harvard team reported.Cut down on coffee, tea and soda. The risk of GERD was reduced among those who consumed no more than two cups of coffee, tea or soda each day.Follow a heart-healthy diet. Those who followed a Mediterranean-style diet, for example, featuring fruits and vegetables, legumes, fish, poultry and whole grains, but little or no red meat and other sources of saturated fats, were less likely to develop acid reflux.Genetics can also affect one’s risk of developing acid reflux, so people with a family history of the problem would do best to avoid the risks highlighted above. Doing so will also help protect against leading killers like heart disease, diabetes and many forms of cancer.

How to manage symptoms

If you already have acid reflux, there’s much you can do to minimize symptoms and perhaps avoid them entirely. Instead of consuming large meals, eat smaller ones more often. Minimize fatty foods and skip fried and fast foods entirely. A friend uses an air fryer to achieve a crispy skin on chicken, but I prefer grilled chicken and skip the skin. Choose lean meats (if you eat meat) and low-fat or nonfat dairy products, and avoid eating within three hours of bedtime. Also, try sleeping as if on a recliner, with the head of the bed propped higher than the foot.Foods that many people with GERD find most irritating include tomatoes and citrus (like oranges and grapefruit) and their juices, coffee (even decaf for some people), alcoholic and carbonated beverages, spicy foods, garlic, chocolate and peppermint. I long ago switched to low-acid orange juice, consuming only a few ounces a day to dissolve a fiber supplement. I’ve also found instant coffee to be less irritating than brewed, and drink the latter only with food to help protect my digestive tract. Read the full article

Toyota, Honda Beat Profit Estimates But Warn Of Extended Chip Crunch

A resurgence in COVID-19 cases has disrupted parts supplies and production at car companies, compounding a months-long pandemic-fuelled chip crunch.

By  Reuters | Published: 23-Aug-21 02:27 PM IST 0  Views

View Photos Toyota has fared better than rivals through the chip crisis thanks to its much larger stockpile of chips. Toyota Motor Corp posted record quarterly earnings and Honda Motor Co raised its annual profit forecast on Wednesday as post-lockdown sales surge, but the pair joined other automakers in warning that the global chip shortage would persist. A resurgence in COVID-19 cases has disrupted parts supplies and production at car companies, compounding a months-long pandemic-fuelled chip crunch. The two Japanese car makers are facing production problems in China, which on Wednesday reported the most new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases since January. Honda Executive Vice President Seiji Kuraishi told reporters that the company suspended production at its plant in Wuhan on Aug. 3 due to a COVID-19 case cluster that developed at a supplier. He added that the stoppage was not expected to last long.

In Thailand too, Toyota had to suspend production last month at three factories due to a pandemic-related parts shortage. Toyota has suspended production at one assembly line in Guangzhou that it operates with its Chinese joint-venture partner Guangzhou Automobile Group Co Ltd, a person familiar with the matter told Reuters on Wednesday. The person, who declined to be named due to confidentiality reasons, could not say when the suspension began, how long it would last, nor which models were affected. In Thailand too, Toyota, the world's largest automaker by sales volumes, had to suspend production last month at three factories due to a pandemic-related parts shortage. Still, the company maintained its forecast to sell 8.7 million cars in the year ending March 2022 and said sales volumes in the first quarter recovered to near 2019 levels. Toyota shares fell as much as 2%, and closed down 0.9%, with some investors disappointed that the company had not lifted its profit guidance despite beating a first-quarter market estimate. Honda, Japan's No.2 automaker by sales, lowered it sales volume outlook to 4.85 million vehicles from 5 million but raised its full-year forecast after swinging to a first-quarter operating profit that was double analyst expectations. "We made a downward revision of our sales volume outlook due to the COVID resurgence around the world but centred around Asia, as well as the impact from the chip shortage," Kuraishi told reporters. "Still, we decided to revise up our operating profit forecast for the current year ... because we believe we can absorb those negative effects by continuing to cut costs." Toyota also said cost cuts were helping.

Honda lowered it sales volume outlook to 4.85 million vehicles from 5 million but raised its full-year forecast after swinging to a first-quarter operating profit that was double analyst expectations. CHIP SHORTAGES "Despite all the headwinds - from the chip shortage, to a COVID resurgence in Southeast Asia, to the slowdown in demand growth in China, as well as a sharp rise in material costs - this was a strong quarter," said Masayuki Kubota, Rakuten Securities Inc's chief strategist, referring to Toyota. Toyota might revise its outlook for the year after the first half, he added. The company's operating profit soared to 997.49 billion yen ($9.15 billion) for the three months ended June 30 from the pandemic-hit first quarter of last year, beating an average analysts' estimate of 752 billion yen. Toyota has fared better than rivals through the chip crisis thanks to its much larger stockpile of chips. The Japanese firm benefitted from a business continuity plan developed in the wake of the Fukushima earthquake in 2011 that required suppliers to stockpile chips, Reuters reported in March. The global semiconductor chip shortage will cost automakers $110 billion in lost revenues this year, consulting firm AlixPartners said in May. BMW and Stellantis warned on Tuesday that the shortage will drag on into next year, hitting production and sales even as auto demand booms in markets such as the United States. 0 CommentsOn Tuesday, General Motors Co said it will shut down several North American plants because of the shortage. For the latest auto news and reviews, follow carandbike.com on Twitter, Facebook, and subscribe to our YouTube channel. Read the full article

US Vice President Kamala Harris Vows "Enduring Engagement" In Asia

Kamala Harris arrived in Singapore Sunday for the week-long trip to Asia (File)Singapore, Singapore: Vice President Kamala Harris vowed "enduring engagement" in Asia on Monday, offering reassurances of Washington's commitment to the region following the United States' withdrawal from Afghanistan and the Taliban takeover."Our administration is committed to enduring engagement in Singapore, into Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific," Harris said on a visit to Singapore, just days after the hardline Islamists seized power in Kabul."The reason I am here is because the United States is a global leader, and we take that role seriously."The Taliban's swift return to power, and desperate scenes of people trying to flee, have cast another shadow over the United States' status as a superpower.Harris arrived in Singapore Sunday for the week-long trip to Asia, which also includes a stop in Vietnam.(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Read the full article

Why Is Cryptocurrency Exchange Binance Facing Intense Scrutiny Around The World?

Leading banking institutions and payment processors in the UK have begun to limit Binance transfersBinance, the world's leading cryptocurrency exchange, has suspended futures and derivatives products offerings across Europe, starting with Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands. Announcing the move, it said it was “taking proactive steps” towards harmonising crypto regulations. The move meant Binance users from these countries were prohibited from opening new futures or derivatives products accounts. But why exactly it took such a drastic step in an important, growing market? And Why is it facing intense regulatory pressure and scrutiny around the world?Some countries have banned it and others have curtailed its operation. Many others have warned it to cease its “illegal” operations on their territories. Even in India, Binance-owned WazirX is under the radar of the Enforcement Directorate for alleged money laundering. The ED is probing allegations that Chinese-operated betting apps laundered a portion of funds through WazirX. The Indian exchange, however, said it is in compliance with all applicable laws.Additionally, leading banking institutions and payment processors in the UK have begun to limit transfers to and from Binance because of “excessively high fraud rates”. The company is also said to be preparing to cut daily withdrawal limits from two Bitcoin to 0.06 BTC this month. Despite recent efforts to appease regulators, Binance was forced to cease trading and support for stock tokens like Tesla and Coinbase.Earlier this year, the Thailand SEC filed a criminal complaint against Binance, while the Cayman Islands stated that the exchange was not allowed to conduct operations there. And the latest to raise a red flag over its operations is the Dutch central bank, saying the company was found not in compliance with the anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing laws. Binance is also being scrutinised by the US Justice Department and Internal Revenue Service.There are some questions about Finance as well. For example, It's not clear where the company is based. Its corporate structure is also surrounded by mystery, though it is led by a Canadian, Changpeng Zhao, known simply as "CZ". A Binance spokesperson has said the company is "decentralised" and it "works with a number of regulated entities around the world". Read the full article

How Shilpa Shetty Stays "Positive And Focused" At A "Low Point" In Her Life

Shilpa Shetty in a still from her clip. (Image courtesy: theshilpashetty)Highlights- Shilpa Shetty posted a video of herself on Monday - She can be seen practicing Virbhadrasana and Malasana in the clip - "Be your own warrior," she wrote in the caption New Delhi: Shilpa Shetty, on Monday, shared how she manages to stay "positive and focused" when she is at a "low point" in her life in an Instagram post on Monday. Shilpa's post arrived after she resumed working post her husband and businessman Raj Kundra's arrest in a case involving pornographic filmmaking. Sharing a clip of herself practicing Virbhadrasana and Malasana, Shilpa Shetty wrote: "'Be your own warrior; strong enough to effect and defend positive change in your life!' Whether it's a low or high point, I only turn to yoga. It's the best remedy for me to stay positive, focused, and balanced. One of the most calming yet energising routines is that of the empowering 'Virbhadrasana, Malasana, and the dynamic hip opening' flow. The benefits are innumerable of incorporating these yoga asanas into your routine."Raj Kundra, who is currently in jail, was arrested by the Mumbai Police last month in a case involving production and distribution of pornographic clips on mobile apps. The Police also clarified that investigations have revealed no active role of Shilpa Shetty. The actress had stopped working for almost a month but returned to sets again last week.In her post, Shilpa Shetty also listed the benefits of Virbhadrasana and Malasana and added: "While the Virbhadrasana helps strengthen and stretch the thighs, calves, ankles, arms, shoulder, and back muscles; it also improves body posture, focus, balance, stability, and is great for circulation and respiration. On the other hand, Malasana opens your hips and groin, stretches your ankles, hamstrings, back, and neck. It also helps improve digestion and improves posture. Concluding the routine with the dynamic hip opener strengthens and stretches hip flexors and reduces tightness in your lower back and hip region. Playing the Atharvaveda: Shanti Sukta or the chant for peace makes it a complete package for the mind, body, and soul. Start slow and gradually move from one asana to the next. Time to prove, 'Yoga se hi hoga'."See Shilpa Shetty's post here:After the arrest of her husband, Shilpa Shetty issued a statement on social media addressing "a lot of unwarranted aspersions" cast by media on her. An excerpt from her statement read: "The past few days have been challenging, on every front. There have been a lot of rumours and accusations. A lot of unwarranted aspersions on me cast by the media and (not so) well-wishers as well. A lot of trolling/questions posed... not only to me but also to my family. MY STAND... I HAVE NOT COMMENTED YET and will continue to refrain from doing so on this case as it is subjudice, so please stop attributing false quotes on my behalf. Reiterating my philosophy of, as a celebrity 'Never complain, never explain'. All I will say is, as it's an on-going investigation, I have full faith in the Mumbai Police and the Indian judiciary."Read here:On Sunday, she posted pictures of herself from the sets of Super Dancer 4 and wrote: "There is no force more powerful than a woman determined to rise."Shilpa Shetty was last seen in Hungama 2. Read the full article

Want A Healthy Brownie? Try Adding Zucchini To It (Check Recipe)

Craving something sweet but healthy? What if we tell you that we can help you make a delicious and healthy chocolate brownie today? If you think that's a self-contradictory statement, let us assure you that we are very serious about turning a brownie into a healthy treat. And what can be a better option than zucchini for this purpose? Don't be surprised! This chocolate and zucchini teacake or brownie can melt your heart in no time. The brownie can be made even without eggs. If cow's milk isn't for you, you can swap it with some vegan milk too.Zucchini has recently gained a lot of popularity as a healthy alternative to many ingredients But why add it in the first place? Isn't zucchini or summer squash considered a boring healthy food by many people? While it is definitely healthy, it doesn't really have to be boring every time.Zucchini is rich in antioxidants, folate, vitamins A, C, K, and B6. Nutrients like magnesium, copper, potassium, and manganese are abounding in this food. Many folk medicinal cultures use zucchini to treat colds, aches, and other health conditions. It may have grown into a fad these days, but not without reason. So, why not just include it in a home-baked brownie right away?(Also read : Switch Over To Zucchini Noodles For A Low-Carb, Healthy Summer Treat)The recipe for this chocolate and zucchini teacake comes from chef Saransh Goila who posted it on his Instagram handle.Here are the ingredients you need for the recipe:- 120 ml whole milk or almond milk or soy milk - 110 gm quinoa flour - 40 gm ragi flour - 60 ml any neutral oil - 100 gm jaggery powder - 60 gm unsweetened cocoa powder - 130 gm zucchini, finely grated and drained - 30 gm flaxseed powder - 90 ml water - 70 gm dark chocolate, melted - The molten dark chocolate is used for flavor and is optional. If you decide to add eggs to the recipe, replace flaxseed powder and water with two whole eggs.Once you have the ingredients ready, jump into preparing the batter. First, shred and squeeze the tender insides of zucchini till dry. Then replace the eggs with a mixture of flaxseed powder and water. In a mixing bowl, add flour, zucchini, cocoa powder, jaggery, and all the wet ingredients. Mix them with molten dark chocolate. Bake it and relish the delight.Head to Saransh Goila's video to see the result:(Also read: Is Your Diet Keeping You Away From Desserts? Try This Healthy, Vegan Brownie Recipe)That's how you can make a tasty zucchini brownie in a snap. Try it out and we are sure you'll love it. Read the full article

Covid-Sceptic Church Fined $3,600 For Flouting Sydney Lockdown

The whole of greater Sydney is currently under stay-at-home orders. (File)Sydney, Australia: Australian police on Monday criticised a Sydney church for flouting the city's Covid-19 lockdown by holding a service for 60 people in a pandemic hotspot.The church is part of Christ Embassy, an international religious group headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, which has a record of spreading Covid-19 conspiracy theories.After being tipped off by residents on Sunday, police moved in on the Christ Embassy Sydney church, issuing a fine of 5,000 Australian dollars ($3,600) to the organisation and Aus$1,000 fines to 30 parishioners.Australian media quoted a Facebook-streamed sermon on Sunday from the church in the western Sydney region's Blacktown as saying: "In the name of Jesus we refuse every lockdown in our cities. We declare the lockdowns are over in the name of Jesus."The Sydney church did not immediately respond to a request to comment."It is always disheartening and disappointing when you see people blatantly take it upon themselves to contradict what we know works, to contradict what we know is keeping people out of hospital," Gladys Berejiklian, premier of New South Wales state -- of which Sydney is the capital -- told a news conference. "That is the key: to keep people out of hospital, to make sure that we keep people as safe and as healthy as possible. And we know the vaccine is having such a huge impact on that."The whole of greater Sydney is currently under stay-at-home orders, as Australia's largest city struggles to contain a Delta variant outbreak that now tops 800 new cases a day.Residents are only allowed to leave home to shop for essential items, exercise, in health emergencies or for a handful of other reasons.The state's deputy police commissioner Gary Worboys said the church service was a "disappointing" event that would "anger, no doubt, a lot of people".Videos from the church service were no longer available Monday on the Christ Embassy Sydney's Facebook page.The Sydney church's website showed a video of Prime Minister Scott Morrison explaining in April 2020 that churches could broadcast or stream services and that people presenting such services should follow workplace rules and abide by social distancing protocols.The rules have since been tightened to ban all in-person services.The global Christ Embassy organisation is headed by Chris Oyakhilome, described on its website as pastor, teacher, television host and best-selling author of 'Rhapsody of Realities'. He is also president of Loveworld Inc, a religious broadcast and streaming network.Britain's broadcasting regulator Ofcom in April ruled that Loveworld Ltd., which it said was associated with Christ Embassy, had for a third time breached the country's broadcasting code by making misleading and potentially harmful statements about the coronavirus pandemic and vaccines.(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.) Read the full article

Sensex, Nifty Off Day's Highs; Information Technology Shares Outperform

The Indian equity benchmarks came off intraday highs in noon deals on the back of weakness in ICICI Bank, UltraTech Cement, ITC, Titan and Power Grid. The benchmarks staged a gap up opening wherein the Sensex rose as much as 452 points and Nifty 50 index touched an intraday high of 16,592. Small-sap shares were underperforming their larger peers as the Nifty Smallcap 100 index dropped over 1.5 per cent. Meanwhile, the European markets were trading higher with Germany's DAX up 0.2 per cent, England's FTSE 100 index rose 0.48 per cent and France's CAC 40 index advanced 0.7 per cent.As of 1:04 pm, the Sensex was up 176 points at 55,505 and Nifty 50 index rose 35 points to 16,485."16,350 is an important support level for Nifty in the short term, if the Nifty sustains above this level, we can expect the market to remain positive and gain momentum, leading to an upside projection till 16,700-16,750," Gaurav Garg, head of research at CapitalVia Global Research told NDTV.Eight of 15 sector gauges compiled by the National Stock Exchange were trading higher led by the Nifty IT index's nearly 2 per cent gain. Pharma and Healthcare indexes rose 0.7 and 0.4 per cent each respectively.On the other hand, Realty, Private Bank, Consumer Durables, Auto and Media indices were trading with a negative bias.Mid- and small-cap shares were underperforming their larger peers as Nifty Midcap 100 index fell 0.44 per cent and Nifty Smallcap 100 index declined 1.6 per cent.Nuvoco Vistas Corporation has made a weak debut on the bourses today i.e. August 23. The cement maker's shares opened at Rs 471, a discount of 17.37 per cent compared to the issue price of Rs 570, on the BSE.HCL Technologies was top Nifty gainer, the stock rose 3.8 per cent to Rs 1,159.70. Bajaj Finserv, Bajaj Finance, TCS, Wipro, Hindalco, Tech Mahindra, Divi's Labs, Nestle India, Cipla and Sun Pharma also rose between 0.8-2.8 per cent.On the flipside, Tata Consumer Products, Eicher Motors, Power Grid, Grasim Industries, UltraTech Cement, Mahindra & Mahindra, Titan, Shree Cements, Tata Motors and ICICI Bank were among the losers.The overall market breadth was negative as 2,421 shares were declining while 756 were advancing on the BSE. Read the full article

Sensex, Nifty Off Day's Highs; Information Technology Shares Outperform

The Indian equity benchmarks came off intraday highs in noon deals on the back of weakness in ICICI Bank, UltraTech Cement, ITC, Titan and Power Grid. The benchmarks staged a gap up opening wherein the Sensex rose as much as 452 points and Nifty 50 index touched an intraday high of 16,592. Small-sap shares were underperforming their larger peers as the Nifty Smallcap 100 index dropped over 1.5 per cent. Meanwhile, the European markets were trading higher with Germany's DAX up 0.2 per cent, England's FTSE 100 index rose 0.48 per cent and France's CAC 40 index advanced 0.7 per cent.As of 1:04 pm, the Sensex was up 176 points at 55,505 and Nifty 50 index rose 35 points to 16,485."16,350 is an important support level for Nifty in the short term, if the Nifty sustains above this level, we can expect the market to remain positive and gain momentum, leading to an upside projection till 16,700-16,750," Gaurav Garg, head of research at CapitalVia Global Research told NDTV.Eight of 15 sector gauges compiled by the National Stock Exchange were trading higher led by the Nifty IT index's nearly 2 per cent gain. Pharma and Healthcare indexes rose 0.7 and 0.4 per cent each respectively.On the other hand, Realty, Private Bank, Consumer Durables, Auto and Media indices were trading with a negative bias.Mid- and small-cap shares were underperforming their larger peers as Nifty Midcap 100 index fell 0.44 per cent and Nifty Smallcap 100 index declined 1.6 per cent.Nuvoco Vistas Corporation has made a weak debut on the bourses today i.e. August 23. The cement maker's shares opened at Rs 471, a discount of 17.37 per cent compared to the issue price of Rs 570, on the BSE.HCL Technologies was top Nifty gainer, the stock rose 3.8 per cent to Rs 1,159.70. Bajaj Finserv, Bajaj Finance, TCS, Wipro, Hindalco, Tech Mahindra, Divi's Labs, Nestle India, Cipla and Sun Pharma also rose between 0.8-2.8 per cent.On the flipside, Tata Consumer Products, Eicher Motors, Power Grid, Grasim Industries, UltraTech Cement, Mahindra & Mahindra, Titan, Shree Cements, Tata Motors and ICICI Bank were among the losers.The overall market breadth was negative as 2,421 shares were declining while 756 were advancing on the BSE. Read the full article

Navjot Sidhu Summons Aides As Amarinder Singh Slams Dangerous Remarks

Navjot Sidhu's advisers' remarks threaten to shatter his fragile truce with Amarinder Singh.Chandigarh: Controversial comments by Punjab Congress Chief Navjot Sidhu's advisers threaten to shatter his fragile truce with Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, who has publicly told them off for "atrocious and ill-conceived comments" on sensitive national issues. After the Chief Minister's warning, Navjot Sidhu summoned both his advisers, Malwinder Singh Mali and Pyare Lal Garg, to his home in Patiala this morning.Pyare Lal Garg and Malwinder Mali, appointed advisers by Mr Sidhu on August 11, made headlines last this week with their comments on Pakistan and Kashmir.Mr Mali suggested in Facebook posts that both India and Pakistan were illegal occupants in Kashmir. "Kashmir belongs to Kashmiris. Going against the tenets of the UNO resolutions, India and Pakistan have illegally usurped Kashmir. If Kashmir was a part of India, then what was the need to have Articles 370 and 35-A? What was the special agreement with King Hari Singh? Tell people what were the terms of the agreement," he wrote.In another post, he wrote on the Taliban: "Now it is their responsibility to protect Sikhs and Hindus. They will rule to improve the condition of the country, not like before."Mr Mali had also posted a sketch in June of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi showing her standing near a heap of human skulls, holding a gun with a skull hanging on its muzzle. The image was captioned: "Every repression is defeated". The sketch was linked to the 1984 riots when hundreds of Sikhs were killed in the aftermath of Indira Gandhi's assassination by her Sikh bodyguards. The sketch was on the cover page of the June 1989 issue of a Punjabi magazine titled "Jantak Paigam ( Public Message)", edited by Mr Mali.Pyare Lal Garg had questioned Amarinder Singh's criticism of Pakistan.The provocative comments have become a huge embarrassment for Mr Sidhu, who has been trying to establish his grip on the Congress in Punjab after negotiating a tricky peace pact with Amarinder Singh ahead of the state elections next year.The bitterness between the rivals seems to lurk just beneath the surface. Even this morning, Mr Sidhu appeared to needle the Chief Minister amid the government's talks with sugarcane farmers: "The sugarcane farmers issue needs to be immediately resolved amicably .... Strange that despite the higher cost of cultivation in Punjab the state assured price is too low as compared to Haryana / UP / Uttarakhand. As torchbearer of agriculture, the Punjab SAP should be better !"The sugarcane farmers issue needs to be immediately resolved amicably .... Strange that despite the higher cost of cultivation in Punjab the state assured price is too low as compared to Haryana / UP / Uttarakhand. As torchbearer of agriculture, the Punjab SAP should be better !— Navjot Singh Sidhu (@sherryontopp) August 23, 2021On Sunday, Amarinder Singh had let loose a sharp and public attack at Mr Sidhu's advisers over comments that he said were "potentially dangerous" to the peace and stability of Punjab and the country and "totally misplaced and antagonistic" to the stated position of India and the Congress on Pakistan and Kashmir. Expressing shock, he urged Mr Sidhu to rein in his advisors before they ended up doing more damage to India's interests.Congress leader Manish Tewari today suggested that the party should introspect whether these leaders should be in the party."I urge Harish Rawat to seriously introspect that those who do not consider Jammu and Kashmir to be a part of India and others who have ostensibly Pro Pakistan leanings should be a part of Congress. It mocks all those who shed blood for India,"  the Congress MP tweeted. Read the full article

A Love Story Is Beautiful

Farah Khan shared this photo. (Image courtesy: farahkhankunder)Highlights- Farah shared a throwback picture on Instagram on Monday - "Monday Memories!" wrote Farah Khan - "That's the beautiful Manisha Koirala," she addedNew Delhi: Thank you, Farah Khan, for blessing our Instagram feed with a beautiful throwback picture. Her “Monday Memories” has delighted us. The photo is from the sets of the film 1942: A Love Story, featuring Anil Kapoor and Manisha Koirala.In the frame, we can spot Manisha Koirala, film's producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra's nephew Vikram Chopra and Farah Khan. It was clicked when the team was shooting for the song Kuch Na Kaho, sung by Kumar Sanu. Farah Khan, who is known for her humour, gave a cheeky twist to the picture as she wrote, “Monday Memories. That's the beautiful Manisha Koirala and unbelievably the skinny girl is me with Vicky aka Vikram Chopra...Goofing as always on the song shoot of 1942: A Love Story.” Well, did you miss Anil Kapoor in the frame? Then, please take a look at Farah Khan's previous social media post featuring the actor. The Om Shanti Om director shared a fun video from Anil Kapoor's daughter, producer Rhea Kapoor's wedding celebrations. The actor is seen grooving to the peppy number Abhi Toh Party Shuru Hui Hai from the film Khoobsurat. Later, the happy bride, Rhea, joins her father for an impromptu dance session. In the congratulatory sidenote, Farah Khan wrote, “Love this man. Best father-daughter dance - Anil Kapoor style. Rhea Kapoor, Sunita Kapoor, thank you for being such great hosts.”Farah Khan also posted an image with the “father of the bride” Anil Kapoor and wrote, “Congratulations, Papaji”.Let's come back to Farah Khan's fun throwback pictures. Take a look at this snap featuring the choreographer and Farhan Akhtar. Farah Khan looks stylish in a curly hairdo and hoops. As for the description, she wrote, “Before the Internet, wifi and computers there was dance. The best family bonding. Farhan Akhtar and I in my ever flashdance haircut tripping the light fantastic.” Isn't the little Farhan looking adorable here?Farah Khan has directed movies namely Main Hoon Na, Tees Maar Khan and Happy New Year. Read the full article