CUET English: Verbal AbilityPassage. Free, no login required.

India’s space programme has once again proven its ingenuity and determination with the launch of its first space docking mission. The Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) represents more than just a technological milestone – it underscores the nation’s aspirations to become a major player in the global space race. This achievement not only cements India’s position among elite nations like the United States, Russia, and China but also opens new doors for innovation, collaboration, and economic growth in the space sector. The development and testing of in-space docking technology signals a significant advancement in India’s capabilities.

​

Space docking is a complex process requiring high precision, and mastering it is critical for missions that involve assembling large structures in orbit or servicing satellites. The technology will also play a pivotal role in the future operations of space stations and potential deep-space explorations. For a country committed to creating indigenous solutions for its ambitious space goals, this is a step in the right direction. This mission underscores India’s growing ability to combine innovation with sustainability, transforming challenges into opportunities. Re-purposing space debris as a laboratory highlights a forward-thinking approach that benefits both science and the environment. The ingenuity of this mission is further demonstrated by ISRO’s decision to re-purpose the fourth stage of the launch vehicle as an orbital laboratory.

​

As India continues to reach for the stars, SpaDeX is a reminder of the nation’s potential to innovate and lead.

India’s space programme has once again proven its ingenuity and determination with the launch of its first space docking mission. The Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) represents more than just a technological milestone – it underscores the nation’s aspirations to become a major player in the global space race. This achievement not only cements India’s position among elite nations like the United States, Russia, and China but also opens new doors for innovation, collaboration, and economic growth in the space sector. The development and testing of in-space docking technology signals a significant advancement in India’s capabilities.

​

Space docking is a complex process requiring high precision, and mastering it is critical for missions that involve assembling large structures in orbit or servicing satellites. The technology will also play a pivotal role in the future operations of space stations and potential deep-space explorations. For a country committed to creating indigenous solutions for its ambitious space goals, this is a step in the right direction. This mission underscores India’s growing ability to combine innovation with sustainability, transforming challenges into opportunities. Re-purposing space debris as a laboratory highlights a forward-thinking approach that benefits both science and the environment. The ingenuity of this mission is further demonstrated by ISRO’s decision to re-purpose the fourth stage of the launch vehicle as an orbital laboratory.

​

As India continues to reach for the stars, SpaDeX is a reminder of the nation’s potential to innovate and lead.

India’s space programme has once again proven its ingenuity and determination with the launch of its first space docking mission. The Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) represents more than just a technological milestone – it underscores the nation’s aspirations to become a major player in the global space race. This achievement not only cements India’s position among elite nations like the United States, Russia, and China but also opens new doors for innovation, collaboration, and economic growth in the space sector. The development and testing of in-space docking technology signals a significant advancement in India’s capabilities.

​

Space docking is a complex process requiring high precision, and mastering it is critical for missions that involve assembling large structures in orbit or servicing satellites. The technology will also play a pivotal role in the future operations of space stations and potential deep-space explorations. For a country committed to creating indigenous solutions for its ambitious space goals, this is a step in the right direction. This mission underscores India’s growing ability to combine innovation with sustainability, transforming challenges into opportunities. Re-purposing space debris as a laboratory highlights a forward-thinking approach that benefits both science and the environment. The ingenuity of this mission is further demonstrated by ISRO’s decision to re-purpose the fourth stage of the launch vehicle as an orbital laboratory.

​

As India continues to reach for the stars, SpaDeX is a reminder of the nation’s potential to innovate and lead.

Are you ready to polish your conversation skills? Do you want to know the most important and ultimately the most interesting subject in the world that any person would love to talk about with you? Ready? Okay. Here it is: The key is simple: talk about the most important subject to anyone—themselves. People love to talk about their lives, interests, and experiences. When you centre conversations around others, they’ll be drawn to you.

Think of a social event where someone talked only about themselves. Was it enjoyable? Probably not. Now recall someone who focused on you, asking about your life and showing genuine interest. Which person would you prefer to spend time with?

To be a sought-after conversationalist, shift from using “I,” “my,” and “mine” to “you” and “your.” For example, say: “How are you today?” “What are your thoughts on this?” “Is there anything I can help you with?” This subtle shift can significantly increase your influence and appeal.

Another powerful tip is to encourage others to talk about themselves. Ask open-ended questions like: “How is everything going?” “What have you been up to since we last met?” “How is your family doing?”

Show true interest and listen actively. When people feel valued and heard, they’ll naturally enjoy your company. Stop focusing on yourself. Instead, prioritize the person you’re talking to. By doing so, you’ll build stronger connections and leave a positive, lasting impression.

Are you ready to polish your conversation skills? Do you want to know the most important and ultimately the most interesting subject in the world that any person would love to talk about with you? Ready? Okay. Here it is: The key is simple: talk about the most important subject to anyone—themselves. People love to talk about their lives, interests, and experiences. When you centre conversations around others, they’ll be drawn to you.

Think of a social event where someone talked only about themselves. Was it enjoyable? Probably not. Now recall someone who focused on you, asking about your life and showing genuine interest. Which person would you prefer to spend time with?

To be a sought-after conversationalist, shift from using “I,” “my,” and “mine” to “you” and “your.” For example, say: “How are you today?” “What are your thoughts on this?” “Is there anything I can help you with?” This subtle shift can significantly increase your influence and appeal.

Another powerful tip is to encourage others to talk about themselves. Ask open-ended questions like: “How is everything going?” “What have you been up to since we last met?” “How is your family doing?”

Show true interest and listen actively. When people feel valued and heard, they’ll naturally enjoy your company. Stop focusing on yourself. Instead, prioritize the person you’re talking to. By doing so, you’ll build stronger connections and leave a positive, lasting impression.

Are you ready to polish your conversation skills? Do you want to know the most important and ultimately the most interesting subject in the world that any person would love to talk about with you? Ready? Okay. Here it is: The key is simple: talk about the most important subject to anyone—themselves. People love to talk about their lives, interests, and experiences. When you centre conversations around others, they’ll be drawn to you.

Think of a social event where someone talked only about themselves. Was it enjoyable? Probably not. Now recall someone who focused on you, asking about your life and showing genuine interest. Which person would you prefer to spend time with?

To be a sought-after conversationalist, shift from using “I,” “my,” and “mine” to “you” and “your.” For example, say: “How are you today?” “What are your thoughts on this?” “Is there anything I can help you with?” This subtle shift can significantly increase your influence and appeal.

Another powerful tip is to encourage others to talk about themselves. Ask open-ended questions like: “How is everything going?” “What have you been up to since we last met?” “How is your family doing?”

Show true interest and listen actively. When people feel valued and heard, they’ll naturally enjoy your company. Stop focusing on yourself. Instead, prioritize the person you’re talking to. By doing so, you’ll build stronger connections and leave a positive, lasting impression.

Are you ready to polish your conversation skills? Do you want to know the most important and ultimately the most interesting subject in the world that any person would love to talk about with you? Ready? Okay. Here it is: The key is simple: talk about the most important subject to anyone—themselves. People love to talk about their lives, interests, and experiences. When you centre conversations around others, they’ll be drawn to you.

Think of a social event where someone talked only about themselves. Was it enjoyable? Probably not. Now recall someone who focused on you, asking about your life and showing genuine interest. Which person would you prefer to spend time with?

To be a sought-after conversationalist, shift from using “I,” “my,” and “mine” to “you” and “your.” For example, say: “How are you today?” “What are your thoughts on this?” “Is there anything I can help you with?” This subtle shift can significantly increase your influence and appeal.

Another powerful tip is to encourage others to talk about themselves. Ask open-ended questions like: “How is everything going?” “What have you been up to since we last met?” “How is your family doing?”

Show true interest and listen actively. When people feel valued and heard, they’ll naturally enjoy your company. Stop focusing on yourself. Instead, prioritize the person you’re talking to. By doing so, you’ll build stronger connections and leave a positive, lasting impression.

An old beggar cried for alms at the gate. They told her not to pester them when they were engaged in a snake-hunt. On hearing it, the old woman became happy. “You are fortunate. It is God Subramanya who has come to visit you. Don’t kill the snake”. Mother was in hearty agreement: “You are right. I forgot all about the promised abhishekam. This is a reminder.” She gave a coin to the beggar, who promised to send down a snake-charmer as she went. Presently an old man appeared at the gate and announced himself as a snake-charmer. They gathered around him. He spoke to them about his life and activities and his power over snakes. They asked admiringly: “How do you catch them? Thus,” he said, pouncing upon a hypothetical snake on the ground. They pointed to the direction in which the cobra had gone and asked him to go ahead. He looked helplessly about and said: “If you show me the snake, I’ll at once catch it. Otherwise, what can I do?” He gave his name and address and departed. At five in the evening, they threw away their sticks and implements and retired to the veranda to rest. They had turned up every stone in the garden and cut down every grass-blade and shrub so that the tiniest insect coming into the garden should have no cover.

An old beggar cried for alms at the gate. They told her not to pester them when they were engaged in a snake-hunt. On hearing it, the old woman became happy. “You are fortunate. It is God Subramanya who has come to visit you. Don’t kill the snake”. Mother was in hearty agreement: “You are right. I forgot all about the promised abhishekam. This is a reminder.” She gave a coin to the beggar, who promised to send down a snake-charmer as she went. Presently an old man appeared at the gate and announced himself as a snake-charmer. They gathered around him. He spoke to them about his life and activities and his power over snakes. They asked admiringly: “How do you catch them? Thus,” he said, pouncing upon a hypothetical snake on the ground. They pointed to the direction in which the cobra had gone and asked him to go ahead. He looked helplessly about and said: “If you show me the snake, I’ll at once catch it. Otherwise, what can I do?” He gave his name and address and departed. At five in the evening, they threw away their sticks and implements and retired to the veranda to rest. They had turned up every stone in the garden and cut down every grass-blade and shrub so that the tiniest insect coming into the garden should have no cover.

An old beggar cried for alms at the gate. They told her not to pester them when they were engaged in a snake-hunt. On hearing it, the old woman became happy. “You are fortunate. It is God Subramanya who has come to visit you. Don’t kill the snake”. Mother was in hearty agreement: “You are right. I forgot all about the promised abhishekam. This is a reminder.” She gave a coin to the beggar, who promised to send down a snake-charmer as she went. Presently an old man appeared at the gate and announced himself as a snake-charmer. They gathered around him. He spoke to them about his life and activities and his power over snakes. They asked admiringly: “How do you catch them? Thus,” he said, pouncing upon a hypothetical snake on the ground. They pointed to the direction in which the cobra had gone and asked him to go ahead. He looked helplessly about and said: “If you show me the snake, I’ll at once catch it. Otherwise, what can I do?” He gave his name and address and departed. At five in the evening, they threw away their sticks and implements and retired to the veranda to rest. They had turned up every stone in the garden and cut down every grass-blade and shrub so that the tiniest insect coming into the garden should have no cover.

An old beggar cried for alms at the gate. They told her not to pester them when they were engaged in a snake-hunt. On hearing it, the old woman became happy. “You are fortunate. It is God Subramanya who has come to visit you. Don’t kill the snake”. Mother was in hearty agreement: “You are right. I forgot all about the promised abhishekam. This is a reminder.” She gave a coin to the beggar, who promised to send down a snake-charmer as she went. Presently an old man appeared at the gate and announced himself as a snake-charmer. They gathered around him. He spoke to them about his life and activities and his power over snakes. They asked admiringly: “How do you catch them? Thus,” he said, pouncing upon a hypothetical snake on the ground. They pointed to the direction in which the cobra had gone and asked him to go ahead. He looked helplessly about and said: “If you show me the snake, I’ll at once catch it. Otherwise, what can I do?” He gave his name and address and departed. At five in the evening, they threw away their sticks and implements and retired to the veranda to rest. They had turned up every stone in the garden and cut down every grass-blade and shrub so that the tiniest insect coming into the garden should have no cover.

I do not claim to tell a story as it ought to be told, but I know how a story should be told, for I have been in the company of expert storytellers for years. There are several kinds of stories, but only one difficult kind-the humorous story. The humorous story depends for its effect upon the manner of telling; the comic and the witty story, upon the matter.

A humorous story can be long and meander without arriving at a particular point, but comic and witty stories must be brief and end with a punch. The humorous story is a high and delicate art that requires an artist to tell, whereas the comic and witty stories do not need artistic skill. The humorous story is told gravely, with the teller attempting to conceal the humor. The comic storyteller, on the other hand, announces beforehand that the story is very funny and laughs at his own jokes.

Often, a rambling, humorous story may finish with a point, but the storyteller drops it casually, with the pretense that he does not know it is a nub. In contrast, the comic storyteller does not slur the nub; he shouts it at you and when he prints it he emphasizes the punchline with italics and exclamation marks, which is very depressing, and makes one want to renounce joking and lead a better life.

I do not claim to tell a story as it ought to be told, but I know how a story should be told, for I have been in the company of expert storytellers for years. There are several kinds of stories, but only one difficult kind-the humorous story. The humorous story depends for its effect upon the manner of telling; the comic and the witty story, upon the matter.

A humorous story can be long and meander without arriving at a particular point, but comic and witty stories must be brief and end with a punch. The humorous story is a high and delicate art that requires an artist to tell, whereas the comic and witty stories do not need artistic skill. The humorous story is told gravely, with the teller attempting to conceal the humor. The comic storyteller, on the other hand, announces beforehand that the story is very funny and laughs at his own jokes.

Often, a rambling, humorous story may finish with a point, but the storyteller drops it casually, with the pretense that he does not know it is a nub. In contrast, the comic storyteller does not slur the nub; he shouts it at you and when he prints it he emphasizes the punchline with italics and exclamation marks, which is very depressing, and makes one want to renounce joking and lead a better life.

I do not claim to tell a story as it ought to be told, but I know how a story should be told, for I have been in the company of expert storytellers for years. There are several kinds of stories, but only one difficult kind-the humorous story. The humorous story depends for its effect upon the manner of telling; the comic and the witty story, upon the matter.

A humorous story can be long and meander without arriving at a particular point, but comic and witty stories must be brief and end with a punch. The humorous story is a high and delicate art that requires an artist to tell, whereas the comic and witty stories do not need artistic skill. The humorous story is told gravely, with the teller attempting to conceal the humor. The comic storyteller, on the other hand, announces beforehand that the story is very funny and laughs at his own jokes.

Often, a rambling, humorous story may finish with a point, but the storyteller drops it casually, with the pretense that he does not know it is a nub. In contrast, the comic storyteller does not slur the nub; he shouts it at you and when he prints it he emphasizes the punchline with italics and exclamation marks, which is very depressing, and makes one want to renounce joking and lead a better life.

I do not claim to tell a story as it ought to be told, but I know how a story should be told, for I have been in the company of expert storytellers for years. There are several kinds of stories, but only one difficult kind-the humorous story. The humorous story depends for its effect upon the manner of telling; the comic and the witty story, upon the matter.

A humorous story can be long and meander without arriving at a particular point, but comic and witty stories must be brief and end with a punch. The humorous story is a high and delicate art that requires an artist to tell, whereas the comic and witty stories do not need artistic skill. The humorous story is told gravely, with the teller attempting to conceal the humor. The comic storyteller, on the other hand, announces beforehand that the story is very funny and laughs at his own jokes.

Often, a rambling, humorous story may finish with a point, but the storyteller drops it casually, with the pretense that he does not know it is a nub. In contrast, the comic storyteller does not slur the nub; he shouts it at you and when he prints it he emphasizes the punchline with italics and exclamation marks, which is very depressing, and makes one want to renounce joking and lead a better life.

Microorganisms were discovered in tiny cracks within 2-billion-year-old rock in South Africa, making it the oldest rock known to host life. This finding offers insights into Earth's early life and the search for extraterrestrial life.

Deep within Earth's crust, billions of resilient microbes survive in extreme isolation, far removed from sunlight, oxygen, and food sources, growing at a glacial pace over thousands or millions of years. Previously, the oldest microbial traces were found in 100-million-year-old seafloor sediments. However, Yohey Suzuki and his team at Tokyo University have pushed this record back by 2 billion years.

They extracted a 30-cm cylindrical rock core from the Bushveld Igneous Complex in South Africa, a 2-billion-year-old volcanic region. Upon slicing the core, they found microbial cells in tiny fractures. DNA staining and imaging with advanced microscopes confirmed the microbes were indigenous, with intact cell walls, suggesting they were active.

The researchers hypothesise that the microorganisms were carried into the rock via water shortly after its formation. Clay deposits in the fractures may have provided nutrients. These microbes, primitive in evolutionary terms, offer clues about Earth's earliest life forms and their evolution.

The study also has implications for Mars exploration. Suzuki notes similarities between the Bushveld rocks and Martian rocks, suggesting the same techniques could identify life on Mars.

"This underscores the deep subsurface as a crucial environment for microbial life," says Manuel Reinhardt from the University of Göttingen, while noting that microorganisms colonised the rocks after crack formation; the timing needs investigation.

Microorganisms were discovered in tiny cracks within 2-billion-year-old rock in South Africa, making it the oldest rock known to host life. This finding offers insights into Earth's early life and the search for extraterrestrial life.

Deep within Earth's crust, billions of resilient microbes survive in extreme isolation, far removed from sunlight, oxygen, and food sources, growing at a glacial pace over thousands or millions of years. Previously, the oldest microbial traces were found in 100-million-year-old seafloor sediments. However, Yohey Suzuki and his team at Tokyo University have pushed this record back by 2 billion years.

They extracted a 30-cm cylindrical rock core from the Bushveld Igneous Complex in South Africa, a 2-billion-year-old volcanic region. Upon slicing the core, they found microbial cells in tiny fractures. DNA staining and imaging with advanced microscopes confirmed the microbes were indigenous, with intact cell walls, suggesting they were active.

The researchers hypothesise that the microorganisms were carried into the rock via water shortly after its formation. Clay deposits in the fractures may have provided nutrients. These microbes, primitive in evolutionary terms, offer clues about Earth's earliest life forms and their evolution.

The study also has implications for Mars exploration. Suzuki notes similarities between the Bushveld rocks and Martian rocks, suggesting the same techniques could identify life on Mars.

"This underscores the deep subsurface as a crucial environment for microbial life," says Manuel Reinhardt from the University of Göttingen, while noting that microorganisms colonised the rocks after crack formation; the timing needs investigation.

Microorganisms were discovered in tiny cracks within 2-billion-year-old rock in South Africa, making it the oldest rock known to host life. This finding offers insights into Earth's early life and the search for extraterrestrial life.

Deep within Earth's crust, billions of resilient microbes survive in extreme isolation, far removed from sunlight, oxygen, and food sources, growing at a glacial pace over thousands or millions of years. Previously, the oldest microbial traces were found in 100-million-year-old seafloor sediments. However, Yohey Suzuki and his team at Tokyo University have pushed this record back by 2 billion years.

They extracted a 30-cm cylindrical rock core from the Bushveld Igneous Complex in South Africa, a 2-billion-year-old volcanic region. Upon slicing the core, they found microbial cells in tiny fractures. DNA staining and imaging with advanced microscopes confirmed the microbes were indigenous, with intact cell walls, suggesting they were active.

The researchers hypothesise that the microorganisms were carried into the rock via water shortly after its formation. Clay deposits in the fractures may have provided nutrients. These microbes, primitive in evolutionary terms, offer clues about Earth's earliest life forms and their evolution.

The study also has implications for Mars exploration. Suzuki notes similarities between the Bushveld rocks and Martian rocks, suggesting the same techniques could identify life on Mars.

"This underscores the deep subsurface as a crucial environment for microbial life," says Manuel Reinhardt from the University of Göttingen, while noting that microorganisms colonised the rocks after crack formation; the timing needs investigation.

Microorganisms were discovered in tiny cracks within 2-billion-year-old rock in South Africa, making it the oldest rock known to host life. This finding offers insights into Earth's early life and the search for extraterrestrial life.

Deep within Earth's crust, billions of resilient microbes survive in extreme isolation, far removed from sunlight, oxygen, and food sources, growing at a glacial pace over thousands or millions of years. Previously, the oldest microbial traces were found in 100-million-year-old seafloor sediments. However, Yohey Suzuki and his team at Tokyo University have pushed this record back by 2 billion years.

They extracted a 30-cm cylindrical rock core from the Bushveld Igneous Complex in South Africa, a 2-billion-year-old volcanic region. Upon slicing the core, they found microbial cells in tiny fractures. DNA staining and imaging with advanced microscopes confirmed the microbes were indigenous, with intact cell walls, suggesting they were active.

The researchers hypothesise that the microorganisms were carried into the rock via water shortly after its formation. Clay deposits in the fractures may have provided nutrients. These microbes, primitive in evolutionary terms, offer clues about Earth's earliest life forms and their evolution.

The study also has implications for Mars exploration. Suzuki notes similarities between the Bushveld rocks and Martian rocks, suggesting the same techniques could identify life on Mars.

"This underscores the deep subsurface as a crucial environment for microbial life," says Manuel Reinhardt from the University of Göttingen, while noting that microorganisms colonised the rocks after crack formation; the timing needs investigation.

This is a story from long ago, when the last remaining traces of the British still lurked in their old haunts among the pristine Himalayan hills of Darjeeling. These were the early fifties, in other words.

I would spend entire days at a small, dusty bookshop with a faded, green sign over it- a sign painted with gold letters that said: "Mr Mun-Chee's Books." The paint was chipped at many places; you could barely see the second 's'. The shabby old shop was located in a cul-de-sac, a few hundred meters away from my own home. But inside, it was another world. On the floor stood staggering, towering piles of books, yellowed and aged, and the shelves lining all the walls were crammed with journals, lexicons and biographies, dramas, each laboriously cataloged and meticulously arranged. Mr Mun-Chee dealt mostly in antique books; first editions of books, long forgotten, books one hardly ever encountered anymore. There were sixteen editions of Jane Eyre, twenty-two of The Pickwick Papers, and fifty of The Pilgrim's Progress. It was not famous, but it was unique; customers barely ever walked in, as it was so hidden away in a run-down neighborhood. Tabby, the black Tom, my only possession, and I, were only disturbed five times that we spent there. And we spent nearly an entire year at the shop.

The shop was my sanctuary. After the daily ordeal of school, I invariably called out to Tabby and set out for the shop, to read, read, read, with Tabby curled up around my legs.

This is a story from long ago, when the last remaining traces of the British still lurked in their old haunts among the pristine Himalayan hills of Darjeeling. These were the early fifties, in other words.

I would spend entire days at a small, dusty bookshop with a faded, green sign over it- a sign painted with gold letters that said: "Mr Mun-Chee's Books." The paint was chipped at many places; you could barely see the second 's'. The shabby old shop was located in a cul-de-sac, a few hundred meters away from my own home. But inside, it was another world. On the floor stood staggering, towering piles of books, yellowed and aged, and the shelves lining all the walls were crammed with journals, lexicons and biographies, dramas, each laboriously cataloged and meticulously arranged. Mr Mun-Chee dealt mostly in antique books; first editions of books, long forgotten, books one hardly ever encountered anymore. There were sixteen editions of Jane Eyre, twenty-two of The Pickwick Papers, and fifty of The Pilgrim's Progress. It was not famous, but it was unique; customers barely ever walked in, as it was so hidden away in a run-down neighborhood. Tabby, the black Tom, my only possession, and I, were only disturbed five times that we spent there. And we spent nearly an entire year at the shop.

The shop was my sanctuary. After the daily ordeal of school, I invariably called out to Tabby and set out for the shop, to read, read, read, with Tabby curled up around my legs.

This is a story from long ago, when the last remaining traces of the British still lurked in their old haunts among the pristine Himalayan hills of Darjeeling. These were the early fifties, in other words.

I would spend entire days at a small, dusty bookshop with a faded, green sign over it- a sign painted with gold letters that said: "Mr Mun-Chee's Books." The paint was chipped at many places; you could barely see the second 's'. The shabby old shop was located in a cul-de-sac, a few hundred meters away from my own home. But inside, it was another world. On the floor stood staggering, towering piles of books, yellowed and aged, and the shelves lining all the walls were crammed with journals, lexicons and biographies, dramas, each laboriously cataloged and meticulously arranged. Mr Mun-Chee dealt mostly in antique books; first editions of books, long forgotten, books one hardly ever encountered anymore. There were sixteen editions of Jane Eyre, twenty-two of The Pickwick Papers, and fifty of The Pilgrim's Progress. It was not famous, but it was unique; customers barely ever walked in, as it was so hidden away in a run-down neighborhood. Tabby, the black Tom, my only possession, and I, were only disturbed five times that we spent there. And we spent nearly an entire year at the shop.

The shop was my sanctuary. After the daily ordeal of school, I invariably called out to Tabby and set out for the shop, to read, read, read, with Tabby curled up around my legs.

This is a story from long ago, when the last remaining traces of the British still lurked in their old haunts among the pristine Himalayan hills of Darjeeling. These were the early fifties, in other words.

I would spend entire days at a small, dusty bookshop with a faded, green sign over it- a sign painted with gold letters that said: "Mr Mun-Chee's Books." The paint was chipped at many places; you could barely see the second 's'. The shabby old shop was located in a cul-de-sac, a few hundred meters away from my own home. But inside, it was another world. On the floor stood staggering, towering piles of books, yellowed and aged, and the shelves lining all the walls were crammed with journals, lexicons and biographies, dramas, each laboriously cataloged and meticulously arranged. Mr Mun-Chee dealt mostly in antique books; first editions of books, long forgotten, books one hardly ever encountered anymore. There were sixteen editions of Jane Eyre, twenty-two of The Pickwick Papers, and fifty of The Pilgrim's Progress. It was not famous, but it was unique; customers barely ever walked in, as it was so hidden away in a run-down neighborhood. Tabby, the black Tom, my only possession, and I, were only disturbed five times that we spent there. And we spent nearly an entire year at the shop.

The shop was my sanctuary. After the daily ordeal of school, I invariably called out to Tabby and set out for the shop, to read, read, read, with Tabby curled up around my legs.

Thanks to the angle of the van and the injuries Michael had sustained, just opening a door and clambering out of the vehicle seemed an insurmountable challenge, never mind climbing up 145 feet of steep, rugged terrain.

He'd have to rely on being rescued. But that wouldn't be easy. Michael could hear cars whizzing past on the road above, but even if passersby happened to glimpse his vehicle amid the shoulder-high brush, apparently abandoned, they wouldn't be able to see anyone inside.

He had no cellphones-Michael had never seen the point of getting one. No one knew he'd had taken an unplanned drive out of Victoria, so they'd have no reason to look for him here. And he couldn't honk to get the attention of drivers on the highway. In the 19 years that he'd owned his van, the horn had never worked.

On the plus side, he was dry, at least for the most part. It was cold in the van, but he had an extra fleece-ironically, emblazoned with 'Live the adventure, live the dream.'

To sustain himself, he had scattered roasted veggies, the bread which was now inedible, but he had a bag of mini chocolate bars. To drink he had one water bottle.

He apportioned out his stash and switched on his hazard lights, hoping someone would spot him from the highway above. It was a false hope. He didn't realize that his off road descent had ripped the wires off the van's undercarriage.

Thanks to the angle of the van and the injuries Michael had sustained, just opening a door and clambering out of the vehicle seemed an insurmountable challenge, never mind climbing up 145 feet of steep, rugged terrain.

He'd have to rely on being rescued. But that wouldn't be easy. Michael could hear cars whizzing past on the road above, but even if passersby happened to glimpse his vehicle amid the shoulder-high brush, apparently abandoned, they wouldn't be able to see anyone inside.

He had no cellphones-Michael had never seen the point of getting one. No one knew he'd had taken an unplanned drive out of Victoria, so they'd have no reason to look for him here. And he couldn't honk to get the attention of drivers on the highway. In the 19 years that he'd owned his van, the horn had never worked.

On the plus side, he was dry, at least for the most part. It was cold in the van, but he had an extra fleece-ironically, emblazoned with 'Live the adventure, live the dream.'

To sustain himself, he had scattered roasted veggies, the bread which was now inedible, but he had a bag of mini chocolate bars. To drink he had one water bottle.

He apportioned out his stash and switched on his hazard lights, hoping someone would spot him from the highway above. It was a false hope. He didn't realize that his off road descent had ripped the wires off the van's undercarriage.

Thanks to the angle of the van and the injuries Michael had sustained, just opening a door and clambering out of the vehicle seemed an insurmountable challenge, never mind climbing up 145 feet of steep, rugged terrain.

He'd have to rely on being rescued. But that wouldn't be easy. Michael could hear cars whizzing past on the road above, but even if passersby happened to glimpse his vehicle amid the shoulder-high brush, apparently abandoned, they wouldn't be able to see anyone inside.

He had no cellphones-Michael had never seen the point of getting one. No one knew he'd had taken an unplanned drive out of Victoria, so they'd have no reason to look for him here. And he couldn't honk to get the attention of drivers on the highway. In the 19 years that he'd owned his van, the horn had never worked.

On the plus side, he was dry, at least for the most part. It was cold in the van, but he had an extra fleece-ironically, emblazoned with 'Live the adventure, live the dream.'

To sustain himself, he had scattered roasted veggies, the bread which was now inedible, but he had a bag of mini chocolate bars. To drink he had one water bottle.

He apportioned out his stash and switched on his hazard lights, hoping someone would spot him from the highway above. It was a false hope. He didn't realize that his off road descent had ripped the wires off the van's undercarriage.

Thanks to the angle of the van and the injuries Michael had sustained, just opening a door and clambering out of the vehicle seemed an insurmountable challenge, never mind climbing up 145 feet of steep, rugged terrain.

He'd have to rely on being rescued. But that wouldn't be easy. Michael could hear cars whizzing past on the road above, but even if passersby happened to glimpse his vehicle amid the shoulder-high brush, apparently abandoned, they wouldn't be able to see anyone inside.

He had no cellphones-Michael had never seen the point of getting one. No one knew he'd had taken an unplanned drive out of Victoria, so they'd have no reason to look for him here. And he couldn't honk to get the attention of drivers on the highway. In the 19 years that he'd owned his van, the horn had never worked.

On the plus side, he was dry, at least for the most part. It was cold in the van, but he had an extra fleece-ironically, emblazoned with 'Live the adventure, live the dream.'

To sustain himself, he had scattered roasted veggies, the bread which was now inedible, but he had a bag of mini chocolate bars. To drink he had one water bottle.

He apportioned out his stash and switched on his hazard lights, hoping someone would spot him from the highway above. It was a false hope. He didn't realize that his off road descent had ripped the wires off the van's undercarriage.

The INTERNET is flooded with wisdom on nutrition, be it weight-loss diets, intermittent fasting, veganism, giving up carbohydrates or taking supplements. The truth is, it is difficult to find a balanced meal that works for you from the information swirling around you. That's why the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), under the aegis of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), has released a comprehensive guideline on how Indians should be eating clean with easily accessible resources and, most importantly, what suits their body type.

Complete with an ideal plate, diet charts, recipes and advisories on how you should be cooking and in what cookware, this is an essential handbook that all of us would find convenient to incorporate into our daily lives. Given India's growing burden of non-communicable diseases, these guidelines are significant as they lay down the template of foundational nutrition in children, beginning with pregnant women. The report says that proper nutrition for a mother and child is linked not only to proper growth and development but also to the risk of diabetes, hypertension and heart attack later in life.

Over 56 percent of all non-communicable diseases can be attributed to an unhealthy diet. As the reports show, a healthy diet can prevent 80 percent of type 2 diabetes and significantly reduce the burden of heart disease, high blood pressure and prevent premature deaths. It has even warned against taking supplements for building body mass and recommended restricting salt intake, minimizing sugar and ultra-processed foods and reading information on food labels correctly.

The INTERNET is flooded with wisdom on nutrition, be it weight-loss diets, intermittent fasting, veganism, giving up carbohydrates or taking supplements. The truth is, it is difficult to find a balanced meal that works for you from the information swirling around you. That's why the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), under the aegis of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), has released a comprehensive guideline on how Indians should be eating clean with easily accessible resources and, most importantly, what suits their body type.

Complete with an ideal plate, diet charts, recipes and advisories on how you should be cooking and in what cookware, this is an essential handbook that all of us would find convenient to incorporate into our daily lives. Given India's growing burden of non-communicable diseases, these guidelines are significant as they lay down the template of foundational nutrition in children, beginning with pregnant women. The report says that proper nutrition for a mother and child is linked not only to proper growth and development but also to the risk of diabetes, hypertension and heart attack later in life.

Over 56 percent of all non-communicable diseases can be attributed to an unhealthy diet. As the reports show, a healthy diet can prevent 80 percent of type 2 diabetes and significantly reduce the burden of heart disease, high blood pressure and prevent premature deaths. It has even warned against taking supplements for building body mass and recommended restricting salt intake, minimizing sugar and ultra-processed foods and reading information on food labels correctly.

The INTERNET is flooded with wisdom on nutrition, be it weight-loss diets, intermittent fasting, veganism, giving up carbohydrates or taking supplements. The truth is, it is difficult to find a balanced meal that works for you from the information swirling around you. That's why the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), under the aegis of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), has released a comprehensive guideline on how Indians should be eating clean with easily accessible resources and, most importantly, what suits their body type.

Complete with an ideal plate, diet charts, recipes and advisories on how you should be cooking and in what cookware, this is an essential handbook that all of us would find convenient to incorporate into our daily lives. Given India's growing burden of non-communicable diseases, these guidelines are significant as they lay down the template of foundational nutrition in children, beginning with pregnant women. The report says that proper nutrition for a mother and child is linked not only to proper growth and development but also to the risk of diabetes, hypertension and heart attack later in life.

Over 56 percent of all non-communicable diseases can be attributed to an unhealthy diet. As the reports show, a healthy diet can prevent 80 percent of type 2 diabetes and significantly reduce the burden of heart disease, high blood pressure and prevent premature deaths. It has even warned against taking supplements for building body mass and recommended restricting salt intake, minimizing sugar and ultra-processed foods and reading information on food labels correctly.