Chhath Recipes you must not miss

Chhath, the biggest and the most pious festival of Bihar is a tribute to the sun God. It is perhaps the only festival where obeisance to both the rising and setting sun is paid.  Chhath is not known for pomp and show, expensive gifts or pocket burrowing rituals, it is the prayer of the pious, no matter belonging to what strata of the society. The most wonderful thing about Chhath is the absolute sense of sacredness associated with it. For the believers, it is a no nonsense festival which cannot be joked about or molded as per convenience.

There are certain things very typical of Chhath, that keep reminding you of it throughout the year. The food associated with Chhath is among those cherished memories. It is generally believed that the prasad made during Chhath should not be eaten unless those who perform Chhath have made their offerings the Sun God. But they can for sure be had soon after the festival gets over. Do try them out and you will discover a taste, which is really a treat to the palate!

THEKUA
Made with whole wheat and jaggery, it is an Indian (and a healthier) version of cookies.

Ingredients:
1 kg Coarsely ground wheat, ½ kg sugar/jaggery, 1 cup mixed dry fruits, 3 tsp saunf, 250 gms ghee, ½ kg oil for frying

Procedure:
-Melt the jaggery in boiling water.
-Mix in a large bowl all ingredients including 250 grams ghee. Add the jaggery water and knead like dough.
-Make round balls and flatten them into cakes. Deep-fry them in ghee.
-They can be stored for long and used snacks.

12 of the Strongest Armies in the World

Armies serve as general forms of protection in times of war and other forms of tension for their respective countries. However, some of them really stand out with their ultra-powerful abilities and distinct forms of discipline. Here are 12 of the strongest armies on earth:

The United States of America

The U.S. has a copious amount of investment going into their Air Force, Navy, and Army. According to many different studies, since 2014 the army of the United States of America has been considered one of the strongest armies in the world, if not the absolute strongest. More than $612 billion has been allotted for the military. That’s right, almost a trillion dollars has been given to America’s army. MURRRRICA!

 

Russia

Oh, Russia…one of the biggest superpowers in the world at this time. It used to be considered the most powerful army in the world, and is now changing the way that politics happen around it. I mean, it’s difficult to argue with a country that has over eight thousand nuclear weapons, which is the most any country in the world owns! Despite the war with Ukraine, almost everyone in the world is convinced that they have secretly been supplying global firepower to Ukrainian rebels, but who really knows?

China

Some have considered the Chinese military to be the strongest in the world. Why would that be? Simple. Don’t forget that China is the most heavily populated country in the world. Essentially, that means that they have far more people at their disposal to join their army. They’re not all talk either; apparently, they have been working on advanced aircraft carriers and stealth jet fighters. Soon enough, they’ll really make it to the number one strongest military!

 

India and Pakistan

If there are two countries in the world that are desperately trying to modernize their military, they are Pakistan and India. Because India is the second most populated country in the world, this idea has been proven over and over again. It also contains a large number of businesses that are committed to both technology and research. Due to this commitment, they have the resources to come up with newer weapon technology, plus the population number doesn’t hurt!

 

The United Kingdom

Soon the UK may not even been called as such! There is still talk about a vote on whether or not Scotland is going to separate from the rest of the United Kingdom or not. Regardless, Scotland is still a part of the United Kingdom. And while that may not seem to have actual relevance, actually a change in the country’s structure could have serious consequences on their firepower worldwide.

 

France

France decided to ‘freeze’ military spending in 2013. This means that it chose not to increase the spending in consistency with the rate of interest. In other words, one of the strongest armies in the world cut their military spending. One in ten people were thrown out of the military, as they were attempting to raise a little bit of extra cash to buy fancier equipment. I mean, firepower globally is way more important than people, right? These changes do not sound super extreme, meaning that France now only spends a mere 1.9% of its GDP on its military.

 

Turkey

Everyone knows about the advancement of ISIS. They have been using violence to genuinely scare those around them, locally, as well as around the globe. Bordering countries with IS that have a strong presence are in some serious danger. Instead of  provoking local panic, Turkey has decided to deal with the problem head on, and invest roughly 10% more in 2015 than they did previously for their army.

 

South Korea

Similar to many other countries that have been split into two or more parts due to conflict, South Korea’s foundational problems still exist. They definitely need their army because of their lovely neighbor- North Korea, which has one of the most powerful armies in the world. This means that South Korea has to take their military’s moves very seriously, and the South Korean Army is just about as serious as it gets.

 

Japan

Generally speaking, Japan isn’t a country that is particularly known for its military powers. There have got to be many more countries that are ahead of in terms of a strong military, right? However, after all of the passive aggressive conflicts with China, Japan has prepared itself to be able to withstand any movement that could possibly be made by any of the strongest militaries on the planet.

 

Israel

One of the most incredible things about Israel’s army is not their global firepower, and not even their strength in relation to how small the country is. Instead, what really sets it apart as probably the most powerful army in the world: their treatment of women. Ever since Israel was established in 1948, it was founded on a totally equal basis – and that meant that women had the same rights and responsibilities as any male in the country. So, women are also required to serve in the army. Only Norway and Eritrea have similar military laws.

 

Egypt

Because of Egypt’s geographical location, it is able to partake in both Arabic affairs, as well as African. Actually, the UN has used this idea many times in the past, and they continue to do so. The cost of being one of the strongest armies in the world is a large portion of responsibility to what goes on their region. In fact, the Egyptian Constitution states that the Armed Forces belong to the People. Cool, right?

Brazil

Brazil has the second largest army in all of Latin America, and has maintained this idea in order to keep everyone around them satisfied. This has been done in a stabilizing way, rather than with intention to conquer. With the help of the army, Brazil is now able to follow any deforestation that may occur, and try to prevent illegal poachers from taking anything dear and natural from the land. Brazil may not have the strongest military in the world, but they sure are compassionate to the earth and their people.

Islamic State May Join Hands With Lashkar for Attacks in India, Says Army

Jammu:  A top Army commander today said there was a "possibility" that global terror outfit Islamic State (IS) may join hands with Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba to launch attacks in India.

"Yes, that (IS joining hands with LeT to launch attacks in India) can be a possibility as the motive of the terrorists is to spread their propaganda.

"They want their name and for that, they can do anything. And if  they get successful, they can take advantage of it by using any name. Yes it is a possibility," General Officer Commanding of the 16 corps of the Army Lt General RR Nimbhorkar told reporters in Jammu today.

He was replying to a question whether IS can join hands with other terrorists outfits like LeT to launch Paris-type attacks in India.

Lt General RR Nimbhorkar also said there are around 700 active terrorists in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK).

On a question about the number of terrorist training camps active across the Line of Control in the PoK, he said that from the inputs that the captured terrorist Navid has given there are around 37 active camps in that region.

"See, there are a number of launching pads and we are all aware of it as it is in the open domain. So, therefore, I will not exactly say as to how many are there," he said.

The army commander said, "There are sufficient number of launching pads and if you calculate that way... take the statement which is given by terrorist captured in Udhampur attack so you can easily co-relate what he said and calculate.

"So to my mind in the entire PoK there may be about 600-700 terrorists."

He said that out of the 700 terrorists present in the PoK, half of them are ready and waiting for a chance to infiltrate into the Indian side.

"Out of them, half are ready to be launched so they can come in the launch pad and get launched," he said.

The army commander said Navid had revealed that 35-37 terrorist camps were active in the PoK region.

"35 to 37 camps are there and if in every camp there are 20-30 (terrorists), then the total figure reaches to 600-700 and out of them half are ready to be launched," he said.

Lt General RR Nimbhorkar said the terrorists were looking for ways and means to infiltrate.

"We cannot say this with certainty whether the number has increased or decreased. In my opinion, it is their job to find ways and means to infiltrate and whenever they get a chance they do it and our job is to stop them and if one of them slips in and our job is to clear them. It is an ongoing game which keeps on going," he said.

Replying to a question about radicalisation of Kashmiri youth and their attraction towards IS ideology, he said that if any organisation wants to grow then it is bound to recruit people into its folds.

"See, right now, these are speculation and we cannot say anything about it. If any organisation wants to grow, they will definitely go for recruitment, it is their job and it is to be seen in how much area they get success. It depends on their propaganda," he added.

He said, "I cannot say this with any degree of certainty if they are present or not. IS flags which are being raised we have seen these are scattered incidents, in Srinagar we cannot say with certainty about their influence having increased."

He said that the need of the hour was to remain alert and be ready to face any eventuality.

"Right now, we have to do detailed analysis but at the end it is our job that we have to be ready all the time. We have to remain alert. Whatever the name be, be it the IS, the LeT, Hizb-ul-Mujahideen etc if they attack the final result would be the same. We have to guard against that final result and I want to assure you that we are always ready," he said.

On the question about the presence of IS in terrorist training camps in the PoK, Lt General Nimbhorkar said that nothing can be said with certainty about the presence of IS in PoK.

On reports about youth in Kashmir being radicalised by the use of Internet and that IS was trying to spread its ideology in the Valley through social media, the officer said that it has become a global problem.

"See management of the Internet is a worldwide problem. It is a power that can be used by anyone, who is not empowered by other means. They can use this media to their advantage. So how to fight it, is a different issue altogether and that has to be dealt and looked into its perspective," he said.

"This stance of yours that the IS is using the (social) media is correct and I have read it on the net that they are using it to their advantage. But I am quite certain people at the helm of affairs are aware of this and they will take necessary measures to counter it in a manner which is legal and firm," he said.

On another question about the threat of IS penetrating into the Kashmir Valley, he said, "I feel that and I have said it that IS is a worldwide problem and people are aware of this issue.

"As far as our area is concerned, whether it is IS whether it is LeT, they all are inimical to us and we have to be guarding against this. Our basic philosophy of not allowing them to intrude or infiltrate and we are geared up for the same. And so therefore any action on their part we are ready to counter them," he said.

He said that if terrorists would get a chance they would try to target the civilian areas as they have done in the past, but the methodology adopted by the army was helping prevent such attempts.

On the issue of Armed Forces Special Powers Act, Lt General Nimbhorkar said that the top brass of the force was aware of the issue and it was being discussed at the highest level in the government.

"They are aware about the issue of AFSPA and they will take up appropriate decision on it," he said.

Story First Published: November 19, 2015 22:46 IST

'Cow Killers Have No Right to Live in India', Says Uttarakhand Chief Minister

Haridwar:  Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat of the Congress is the latest to add to controversial comments on beef and cow slaughter. He has said that those who kill cows have "no right to live in the country."

"Anyone who kills cows, no matter which community he belongs to, is India's biggest enemy and has no right to live in the country," Mr Rawat said at a function in the holy city of Haridwar on Tuesday.

The Chief Minister said the law would deal sternly with those who kill cows in Uttarakhand, and the state government would do everything to protect cows.

His government, he said, had passed a proposal against cow slaughter. He went on to say that Uttarakhand is the only state which gives not only land for cowsheds but also helps in arranging for their fodder.

The Chief Minister's statement runs contrary to the stand of his Congress party, which has strongly protested against recent incidents and pronouncements linked to cow slaughter amid a swirling debate on "intolerance" in the country.

Last month, ML Khattar, the Chief Minister of BJP-ruled Haryana, had backtracked after appearing to suggest that Muslims in the country must give up beef. "Muslims can stay, but in this country they will have to give up eating beef. The cow is an article of faith here," Mr Khattar was quoted by a newspaper as saying.

Mr Khattar later amended that all he meant was "we should show respect for each other's sentiment." 

 

Story First Published: November 20, 2015 07:15 IST

Largest Diamond in Over Century Found in Botswana

Johannesburg:  A 1,111 carat "high quality diamond" has been discovered at a mine in Botswana, said to be the biggest find in more than a century, according to the mine company.

The gem, only second in size to the Cullinan diamond which was unearthered in South Africa in 1905, was mined by Lucara Diamond Corp.

"The magnificent stone, which originated from the south lobe of Lucara's Karowe Mine, is the world second largest gem quality diamond ever recovered and largest ever to be recovered through a modern processing facility," the Stockholm listed company said a statement.

Shares in Lucara shot up 34 percent to 14.2 kronor in morning Thursday trading in Stockholm.

Botswana is the world's second biggest diamond producer, and Lucara said the gem was the largest ever to be recovered in the country.

"The significance of the recovery of a gem quality stone larger than 1,000 carats, the largest for more than a century cannot be overstated," said William Lamb, the President and chief executive of Lucara.

The stone is yet to be evaluated, but commodities and mining analyst Kieron Hodgson, said it has "the potential to be one very expensive diamond."

"Valuation will depend on potential inclusions, how it would behave in cutting, optimal shape as well as final colour," he told AFP.

"All these things will need to be evaluated prior to bidding."

The biggest diamond discovered is the 3,106-carat Cullinan, found near Pretoria in South Africa in 1905.

It was cut to form the Great Star of Africa and the Lesser Star of Africa, which are set in the Crown Jewels of Britain.

Lucara indicated on its website that the Karowe Mine had also this week turned up further finds an 813 carat stone and a 374 carat stone, prompting Lamb to laud "an amazing week" for the company.

Story First Published: November 19, 2015 18:22 IST

Russia can chose between Assad or legitimate Syrian govt: Obama

U.S. President Barack Obama said on Thursday Russia and Iran must decide whether they want to prop up Syrian President Bashar al Assad or “save the Syrian state” by finding a Syrian government that can be legitimate.

Mr. Obama made the comment during a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Mr. Obama said the goal of recent diplomatic efforts is to create space that could eventually lead to a “pivot” and political transition. He said a hoped-for ceasefire might not be observed by all parties but would create “pockets of calm.”

Mr. Obama’s comments come amid U.S. hopes that Russia may be warming to the idea of a future Syria that doesn’t include Mr. Assad.

A sample Rs 1000 meal

The VAT + Service Tax (Including Swachch Bharat Cess) would be Rs 195.5. (Govt earning 195.5)

Now to take home that Rs 1000, I had to earn Rs 1333.33 rupees (25% approx Income Tax on salary). (Govt. earning Rs 333.33)

I had to use my bike for the 20km trip to and for home. Fuel Expenses -  Rs 45 (Govt earns Rs 23 on that. Including latest excise hike of 1.50

So when i went out for a meal for Rs 1000, the Govt. earned 195.5+333.33+23= 551 Rupees.
In total I have to earn Rs 1551 to have Rs 1000 meal outside home

This is today's scenario on direct and indirect taxation.