Some of your favourite foods created by accident

ACCIDENTALLY DELICIOUS 

Have you ever been really hungry, but there wasn’t much to eat in your kitchen? Did you throw together a bunch of stuff you had on hand and were pleasantly surprised when it tasted good? You aren’t alone. Some of our favorite foods were created by accident. Here’s a sample menu of some familiar foods that might never have happened if someone hadn’t created them by mistake.

Ice cream cone: Before the ice cream cone, people ate their ice cream out of dishes or paper wrappers. This changed at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair in Missouri. A vendor, the story goes, ran out of dishes to serve his ice cream. Luckily, Ernest A. Hamwi was set up next to him and was selling crisp waffle-like pastries called zalabia. The quick-thinking Hamwi rolled a zalabia into a cone shape. It cooled quickly, and the ice cream vendor filled it with ice cream for his customers. He was able to continue selling ice cream, and customers got a second treat when they realized they could eat the cone. 

Chocolate Chip Cookies: Chocolate chip cookies are a favorite all over the world. But the baker who might have invented them likely was trying to make a different kind of cookie. In 1930, Ruth Graves Wakefield and her husband were running the Toll House Inn in Massachusetts. One day, Wakefield was making cookies for her guests, but she was out of baker’s chocolate to melt and add to the dough. Instead, she chopped up a block of semi-sweet chocolate and added the pieces. She thought the pieces would melt and make the entire cookie chocolate. But the chocolate pieces stayed intact, melting into gooey little bits inside the cookie. The chocolate chip cookie was born. These cookies are often called Toll House cookies because of where they were first made popular.

Potato Chips: One of the world’s favorite snacks might have been the result of a complaint. In 1853, a man was eating dinner at Moon’s Lake House in Saratoga Springs, New York. He ordered fried potatoes, a popular side dish. But when they came out of the kitchen, he didn’t think they were crispy enough. He sent them back to the kitchen, where chef George Crum was so angry at having his cooking criticized that he sliced the potatoes really thin, put lots of salt on them, and fried them. Not only did the diner love them, but everyone else did, too. They soon became a specialty of the restaurant. 

Tofu: Tofu, or bean curd, is made by curdling fresh soy milk, pressing it into a solid block, and then cooling it. Tofu was accidentally invented in China 2,000 years ago, when a cook added seaweed to soy milk, which made it curdle. This is the same process that is used for making cheese. Like cheese, tofu is a great example of how really messing up a recipe can create something unexpectedly good.

Cheese Puffs: Who in the world could have thought up cheese puffs? you ask. The company that invented them wasn’t even trying to make food for people. It was producing animal feed. In the 1930s, the Flakall Company of Wisconsin made food for livestock from small, flaked pieces of grain. One day, an employee, Edward Wilson, watched workers pouring cornmeal into the flaking machine, moistening it to keep it from clogging. Because the machine was hot, the wet cornmeal came out of it in puffy ribbons that hardened when they hit the air. Wilson took some of the ribbons home, added oil and flavoring to them—and voilà: cheese puffs!

Popsicles: On a hot day, nothing tastes better than an icy-cold popsicle. This summer treat was invented by an 11-year-old boy. In San Francisco in 1905, Frank Epperson mixed some sugary soda powder into a glass of water, but then he left it out on his porch with the wooden stirring stick still in it. That night, temperatures dropped so low that the mixture froze. The next morning, Frank took the frozen mixture out and used the wooden stick to hold it while he licked it. Frank knew he’d made something special, and soon he was selling the frozen treat to people in his neighborhood. He named it the “Epsicle.” (“Sicle” was a shortened version of “icicle.”) As an adult, he patented the frozen treat. His kids convinced him to change the name to what they called it: “Pop’s Sicle,” which soon became the popsicle.

Trains or trailers of the animal kingdom

 CENTIPEDE AND MILLIPEDE

Trains or trailers of the animal kingdom, centipedes and millipedes, both belonging to the class Myriapoda, are arthropods with fascinating mechanisms.

Despite their similar segmented bodies and numerous legs, these two creatures exhibit distinct styles of movement, driven by their differing anatomies and evolutionary adaptations. Understanding how centipedes and millipedes move provides insight into the complexities of their behaviour, ecology, and evolutionary history.

A 'hundred' legs: With their flat bodies and typically fewer legs (ranging from 15 to 191 pairs), centipedes are fast, agile predators. Their locomotion is characterised by a smooth, sinuous, and coordinated movement, which allows them to navigate quickly through their environments, usually in search of prey. Centipedes have one pair of legs per body segment, and their movement is primarily powered by alternating waves of leg movements.

The key to centipede locomotion is the coordination of their legs. When a centipede moves, the legs on one side of the body move in a synchronised fashion, followed by the legs on the opposite side. This creates a wave-like movement that propels the centipede forward. The legs move in a complex, sinusoidal pattern that provides stability and speed.

Each segment of the centipede's body is highly flexible, allowing it to bend and twist as it moves, helping it navigate through tight spaces, such as cracks and under debris.

Centipedes rely on their speed and agility to capture prey, typically small insects and other invertebrates. The rapid, coordinated movement is enhanced by the centipede's specialised legs in the front, which are modified into venomous fangs that immobilise their prey.

Power in a 'million': In contrast to centipedes, millipedes have cylindrical bodies and typically more legs, with some species having up to 400 pairs, which are spread across a greater number of body segments, with two pairs of legs per segment. This anatomy results in a different style of movement compared to centipedes. Millipedes are slower movers, and their primary defence mechanism is not speed, but rather their ability to secrete toxic fluids to deter predators. Millipede locomotion involves a more deliberate, wave-like pattern, but with a distinct rhythm due to their two pairs of legs per segment.

As they move, the pairs of legs on one side of their body alternate with the corresponding pairs on the opposite side. This coordinated movement generates a smooth, undulating motion that helps millipedes crawl along the ground. Unlike centipedes, millipedes do not rely on flexibility to the same degree.

Instead, their cylindrical bodies roll in a way that allows the legs to move in a synchronised, coordinated fashion, propelling the millipede slowly forward.

This slower, more methodical movement is suited to the millipede's herbivorous diet, as they typically feed on decaying plant material and detritus, moving through leaf litter and soil in search of food. Their legs, though numerous, are not designed for rapid bursts of speed, but instead for providing a stable, efficient movement across the substrate.

Evolutionary adaptations: The contrasting locomotion strategies of centipedes and millipedes reflect their evolutionary niches. Centipedes are evolved to be fast and efficient predators, with their quick, coordinated leg movements aiding in capturing prey. Millipedes, on the other hand, are adapted for slower, deliberate movements, which are more suited to their role as decomposers.

Over millions of years, both creatures have evolved intricate ways of using their many legs to navigate through their environments, but the differences in their locomotion highlight the diverse strategies that arthropods use to survive and thrive in their respective habitats. There are nearly 3,000 known species of centipedes, and over 12,000 millipede species, making both creatures evolutionary success stories.

First woman Prime Minister in the world

SIRIMAVO BANDARNAIKE

Sirimavo Bandarnaike became the first woman Prime Minister in the world, when she was chosen to head the government of Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) in 1960, following the assassination of her husband. 

Sirimavo Bandarnaike was born in 1916, to an aristocratic family. She was married to Solomon Bandarnaike in 1940 when he was a minister in the government of Ceylon, then a British colony. Solomon Bandarnaike became the Prime Minister of Ceylon in 1956. In the same year, he was assassinated. Then, Sirimavo Bandarnaike became the leader of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party. And, in July 1960, she became the first woman Prime Minister in the world. Her party lost the 1965 elections. 

Sirimavo Bandarnaike was back as the Prime Minister in 1970 elections. Her second term was difficult, with a rebellion in 1971, as well as the establishment of a new republican constitution in 1972. She was deprived of her civil rights in 1980. In 1994, she was re-elected as Prime Minister. Her daughter, Chandrika Kumaratunga, who was also briefly Prime Minister in 1994, later became the President. 

Do you know

WHY DO MEDICINES COME IN DIFFERENT FORM?

Medicine is given in different forms because of the necessity for convenience or speed. It can be given by mouth (orally) in the form of tablets, capsules or draughts. It can be inhaled in the form of gases, fine aerosols, or very rarely, exceedingly fine powder. Injections of medicines are given subcutaneously (beneath the skin), intramuscularly or intravenously. Sometimes solid implants in the form of tablets may be placed subcutaneously. Injections may also be given in the spine or brain. 

Medicines can be given through the rectum as solids or enemas. Finally, they are solutions, powders, creams and ointments which are placed locally on the skin. 

Convenient medicines are those which can be taken or administered easily by the patient himself. Oral medicines and inhalation are convenient and a great deal of research is carried out to make these more palatable. 

Manufacturers prefer oral preparations because they can be attractively coloured and flavoured and made impressively mysterious in size and shape. They can also be code-stamped or named for identification. Injections have to be sterile and kept in appropriate containers and are therefore relatively expensive. 

A steadfast companion in humanity's journey of self-expression and discovery

PEN 

Few tools have wielded as much influence as the humble pen. From its ancient origins to its modern iterations, the pen has been an indispensable instrument of communication, creativity, and cultural expression. 

Let us explore its rich history, significance, and enduring relevance in an ever-changing world.

The story of the pen begins at the dawn of civilization, where early humans sought to record thoughts, transactions, and stories. 

In ancient Mesopotamia, around 3200 BCE, cuneiform writing emerged on clay tablets, inscribed with reed or bone styluses. These rudimentary tools laid the foundation for more sophisticated instruments, capturing day-today records and marking the beginning of written culture.

As civilizations flourished, the need for better writing tools grew. 

The ancient Egyptians refined writing with papyrus scrolls and reed pens, enabling smoother, more legible writing and pre-serving religious texts, legal documents, and creative works. Meanwhile, in China, brushes made of animal hair or plant fibres yielded elegant calligraphy, demonstrating how writing could transcend functionality into artistic expression.

The Renaissance, a period of cultural and intellectual revival, spurred advancements in writing instruments. 

The metal-nibbed pen, introduced in the 19th century, replaced quills and reeds, offering durability and precision. This innovation allowed writers to produce finer, consistent scripts and reduced wear on tools, reflecting the era’s demand for craftsmanship and reliability.

The 19th century also brought the fountain pen, a groundbreaking invention patented by Lewis Waterman in 1884. 

With its continuous ink supply through a reservoir system, the fountain pen eliminated the need for dipping and blotting. This made writing more convenient and accessible, paving the way for mass literacy and correspondence. 

Its elegance and efficiency cemented its place as a staple for decades.

The mid-20th century saw the advent of the ballpoint pen. In 1938, Hungarian journalist LászlóBíró patented the first commercially successful model. Its tiny rotating ball dispensed ink smoothly and consistently, offering a portable, mess-free alternative to fountain pens. 

Affordable and practical, it democratised writing for people worldwide and became a global phenomenon.

In today’s digital age, some predict the pen's obsolescence due to keyboards, touchscreens, and voice recognition. Yet, the pen endures as a cherished tool for personal expression and creativity. Stylus pens for tablets and smartphones demonstrate the pen's adaptability in a tech-driven world, ensuring its continued relevance. 

Beyond its practical uses, the pen symbolises literacy, education, and the power of ideas. From signing historic documents to penning heartfelt letters, writing with a pen connects us to our past, present, and future selves. Its tactile nature fosters intimacy and mindfulness, qualities often absent in digital tools.

In conclusion, the pen's history reflects human ingenuity and the enduring power of written communication. 

From ancient Mesopotamia to modern innovations, the pen has been a steadfast companion in humanity's journey of self-expression and discovery. As we embrace technology, let us remember the timeless significance of the pen as a tool for creativity, connection, and cultural continuity.

Lessons we learn from Panchatantra

BLIND MEN AND THE ELEPHANT

 

Once, a group of blind men heard that an elephant had been brought to their town. Curious, they decided to learn what an elephant was like by feeling it. Each man approached the animal from a different side. 

The first man touched the elephant’s leg and said, “An elephant is like a pillar, solid and sturdy.”

The second man felt the trunk and declared, “No, an elephant is like a thick, twisting snake.”

The third man, feeling the ear, said, “You are both wrong. An elephant is like a large fan, soft and fluttering.” 

The fourth man, touching the tusk, insisted, “An elephant is sharp and pointy, like a spear.” 

Each man argued, convinced that their perception was the truth. But they couldn’t understand how the elephant could be all these things at once. 

A wise passerby overheard and said, “Each of you is partly right, but none of you is fully correct. The elephant is not just one of these things; it is all of them combined.”

Moral: Our perceptions are limited by our experiences. True understanding requires seeing the whole picture, not just a part of it. To succeed, it’s crucial to acknowledge diverse viewpoints.

Cornerstone of India’s Republic Day celebrations

REPUBLIC DAY TABLEAUX

Tableau of Goa at Republic Day parade 2025

The tradition of showcasing tableaux during the Republic Day parade began in 1950, the same year India became a republic. These creative and colorful displays were introduced to represent the cultural, historical, and socio-economic diversity of the country. Over the years, the tableaux have become a significant part of the parade, narrating India’s rich heritage and modern achievements. Initially, the focus was primarily on cultural and historical themes, but with time, the scope has expanded to include technological advancements, environmental awareness and social progress. Each tableau serves as a visual story reflecting the essence of India.

Significance Of Cultural representation: Each tableau highlights the traditions, art, and culture of a specific state, union territory, or ministry, showcasing India’s diversity. 

National pride: The tableaux serve as a platform to celebrate India’s achievements and innovations in science, technology and governance. 

Unity in diversity: By representing different regions and themes, the tableaux symbolise India’s unity amidst its vast cultural and geographical diversity. 

Global display: As the parade is broadcast worldwide, the tableaux are an opportunity to project India’s heritage, accomplishments and aspirations on an international stage.

Selection process Call for proposals: The Ministry of Defence invites proposals from states, union territories, and central government ministries/departments. The proposals are based on themes related to India’s culture, heritage, development, or significant achievements. 

Theme alignment: The Ministry suggests broad themes each year, such as freedom fighters, environmental conservation, or government. For instance, the theme of 2025 is “Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas” (Golden India: Legacy and Progress). Participants align their concepts with these themes. 

Submission of designs: Participants submit detailed sketches, models, or digital presentations of their proposed tableau. These include explanations of the design, theme, and how the concept aligns with the overall theme of the Republic Day parade. 

Expert evaluation: A panel of experts—comprising eminent designers, architects and cultural experts, artists and officials from the Ministry of Defence reviews the submissions. 

The evaluation focuses on:

- Relevance to the theme. 

 - Aesthetic and creative appeal. 

 - Technical feasibility of the design. 

Shortlisting and modifications: A shortlist of designs is prepared and participants may be asked to make modifications to refine their concept or meet technical specifications.

Final approval:  Once the modifications are made, the final list of tableaux is approved. The selected participants are informed to begin the construction of their full-scale tableaux.

Construction and rehearsal: The approved tableaux are constructed and undergo rehearsals to ensure they meet the required standards and fit seamlessly into the parade. Each tableau is mounted on a motorised vehicle or platform, ensuring smooth movement during the parade. 

The tableaux are a cornerstone of India’s Republic Day celebrations, providing a vibrant, dynamic representation of the nation’s spirit and achievements.