Author: Anshul Motwani

Written By Nikeeta J.
Category: Food and Fashion

“Fusion food as a concept is trying to consciously fuse things that are sometimes quite contradictory, sometimes quite far apart, to see if they’d work”-Chef Yotam Ottolenghi, British chef, recipe writer, author, and restaurant owner.

The concept of fusion food can rarely be claimed as one that was discovered “out of the blue.” In fact, the basis of many fusion dishes simply includes food that we have been consuming all along, however of course as individual dishes.

Lately, chefs over the world have taken to create “fusion cuisine,” an amalgamation of different tastes, textures, colors, and of course, flavors to bring forth a whole new dish.

Three of the most sought-after names in India when it comes to fusion cooking, Chef Zorawar Kalra, Chef Vineet Bhatia, and Chef Manish Mehrotra, own exquisite restaurants in Mumbai and Delhi respectively, and most importantly, have largely contributed to the world of fusion food in India.

The Emerging Trend

Over the years, this “culinary marriage” has been witnessed across some of the most popular restaurants in the country. In recent years, a few restaurants even stemmed from the very concept, with a view of giving Indians a real taste of fusion food.

Although the concept may have initially started off with fine-dine gourmet restaurants, it was not long before the trend soared to everything from casual dining places, bistros, cafes, and even food trucks that took the interesting trend and gave it even edgier twists.

Everything from canapés to pasta, burritos, paella, biryani to classic soups, and macarons to cocktails was transforming. And although there were some major hits and misses, fusion dishes were soon under the public eye and a great hit with the diners, too.

“It was not long before the trend soared to everything from casual dining places, bistros, cafes and even food trucks that took the interesting trend and gave it even edgier twists.”

Mumbai, Bangalore, and Delhi were the pioneers of fusion cooking in India. Chefs started putting together different elements on the table, experimenting with aspects and trying to create unusual experiences yet ensuring the combination paired well.

The initial reactions to the concept of fusion cooking were varied – everyone from Michelin star chefs to cookbook authors and food critics did not shy away from voicing their opinions about the style.

While some could not stop raving about how different aspects worked wonders when brought together, others ridiculed it beyond measure.

Open-minded diners, however, begged to differ. It was not long before restaurants that catered exclusively to fusion food sprouted in these cities, with Pune and Kolkata too, following the crowd.

Concerning the industry of fusion cooking, there were some that took the cake (pun intended) while others failed to make a great first impression.

Whatever the case, fusion menus were often twisted and changed as per diners’ feedback, unlike classics.

It made food a unique trend since most dishes could be customized as per customers’ taste and thus, there were no set rules.

In fact, adding a fun element, incorporating what you like, and eliminating what you don’t make the concept fresh, exciting, and a must-try!

Restaurants’ Concepts

Today, out of the huge number of restaurants that serve fusion cuisine, some have managed to pair the distinct elements so flawlessly that it has turned out more scrumptious than the original ones.

At Zorawar Kalra’s fine dining restaurant in Mumbai’s plush Bombay Kurla Complex, the menu features dishes like Grilled Tofu with Rasam, a fresh pairing of a South-Indian specialty with an Asian ingredient.

The Chevre Kebab is a take on the classic ‘Dahi Ke Kebab’ and Tadka Artichoke Hearts that brings together Indian spices with bell peppers, zucchini, and strings of asparagus.

Another well-known gastronomical delight in Delhi headed by Chef Manish Mehrotra features some head-turning fusion dishes like Chicken Tikka Quesadilla with Swiss Gruyere and Pink Peppercorn Raita and ‘Chowpatty in a Bowl’ which embraces Tempered Ricotta Wada, Pav Bhaji, and Kaffir Lime Butter Pav.

The brainchild of Thomas Zacharias and Sameer Seth, another fusion place in Mumbai has been a massive hit with the crowd for dishing out treats like Crispy Andhra Soft Shelled Crab with Green Chilly Pachadi Chutney, and Methi-Arugula Salad with ‘Mungphali,’ Sesame and Lime-Honey Dressing.

They also serve some knockout desserts like the Gulab Nut, a take on the popular Gulab Jamun, which is made with a dash of Old Monk and served with Pista Cream and Kairi Tart comprising of Green Mango Custard, Meringue and Kairi Jujubes.

Chef Vineet Bhatia’s iconic restaurant in South Mumbai serves a variety of élite fusion gourmet dishes like ‘Dilli Chaat’ which consists of Almond-Crusted Tikki, Chickpea Masala, Sweetened Tamarind, and Yoghurt Sorbet and Lamb Shikampuri Kebab, Pomegranate Raita, and Anar Jelly and mains like Dill Leaf Tawa Bekti with Tambada Rassa, Wangi Bhaat, Onion-Dill Raita, and Crisp Black Urad Dal.

The Sundried-Tomato and Peas Naan and Macadamia Baingan make for wonderful sides. Lastly, his desserts like Blueberry Kheer with Rose Petals and Vanilla Bean Ice-cream and Butterscotch Rice Payasam with Sesame-Jaggery Ice-cream make for a top-notch finish to meals.

It is, however, vital to ensure a fusion dish is surprising and a beautiful blend without going over the top. To start with, one must understand each flavor element individually and then try to merge them together. It is also a good option to stick to experimenting with basic flavors and then move to deeper notes.

Since fusion foods are new, it is wise to opt for small portions, fewer elements, and clean flavors. In-depth research, tasting, and experimenting are key to crafting fresh, innovative, and delicious fusion meals.

“It is, however, vital to ensure a fusion dish is surprising and a beautiful blend without going over the top.”

Although India is relatively new and still stepping into the wide world of fusion cooking, these restaurants and the brilliant minds behind them are proof that this trend shall be in the limelight for quite a few years.

One of the most interesting facts about fusion cooking is that there are no limitations, rules, or boundaries when it comes to creating a dish.

The culinary world is truly an oyster and one can reach as far and wide as they please, as long as it works. Fusion food is a science; you can keep experimenting and never know when you end up discovering something truly magnificent.

When it comes to food presentation too, chefs can go as wild or simple as they please and still call it a ‘creation’.

Celebrity Chef, Judge, and Restaurant Owner, Gary Mehigan once said, “A recipe is only a roadmap to your own individual food journey. Follow your instincts.” Similarly, fusion food is gastronomic, and exquisite and can be a show-stopper once you understand your ingredients, and flavors and know where to draw the line!

Written By – Shweta B.
Category – Education

The onset of the twenty-first century, and especially the past decade, has witnessed technology advancement in leaps and bounds. The field of education apps and productive learning also attests to the paradigm shift that technology has brought about.

Today, we can notice students increasingly seen hooked to their smartphones to learn subjects via something that attracts their interest and curiosity.

The ubiquity of smartphones offers great opportunities for the development of new applications for online education as an instructional strategy.

Smartphone apps help students access online course content, interact with their instructors, and communicate with peers. This has undoubtedly supplemented the learning process that may not otherwise be available in the traditional learning method.

“The ubiquity of smartphones offers great opportunities for the development of new applications for online education as an instructional strategy.”

The principal of Delhi Public School, Surat, says, “While teaching the parts of the body, we use an app where the visual body is displayed. Curious students were allowed to tear down the ribs with this app, see what each rib is made up of and rearrange them back.

6 Best Education Apps To Help You Grow

Some of the best education apps used by students for these purposes are as follows:

1. BYJU’S

This app can make students fall in love with learning. It uses state-of-the-art technology for the perfect visualization to complement the concepts designed by India’s best teachers.

It helps students understand and master concepts right from Foundation Class 6 to 12 Math and Science to competitive exams like IIT JEE, AIPMT, CAT, and UPSC.

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But here’s the USP, they have unique video class modules to uncomplicate learning and specialized modules on ICSE and CBSE sample papers for Class 7 to 10 and AIPMT and IITJEE coaching for Class 11 to 12.

With its comprehensive chapter wise tests, complete syllabus coverage for all state boards, detailed analysis of students’ performance and progress, personal mentorship and guidance, and student-centric adaptive learning, this app boasts of highly successful students and happy parents.

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2. NCERT Solutions:

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This education app brings the solution to all NCERT books and popular reference books right to one’s smartphone.

The best part is it comes with “no ads,” so one can focus on only productive learning. It also has an offline mode, so all the downloaded materials can be accessed even without a running Internet. At the tap of a button, a student has everything they need to pass exams with flying colors.

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3. Aakash iTutor:

This app brings Akash Institute’s top-notch guidance on the digital platform. From Physics, Chemistry,

Mathematics and Biology video lectures by expert faculty, eBooks, and mock tests for IIT JEE and NEET preparation to query resolution, this app offers the same experience as a traditional brick-and-mortar classrooms.

Students can download the study materials and use them offline and can prepare for some of the toughest exams from the comfort of their home.

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4. PhotoMath : 

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This app solves mathematical problems by just pointing the phone’s camera to the question. It works very similar to a QR scan and gives results in seconds.

How appealing does it sound that a smartphone camera can solve arithmetic expressions, fractions and decimal numbers, powers and roots, linear equations (both simple and quadratic), inequalities, equation systems, and absolute-value inequalities using this app!

The app shows complete step-by-step operations and the final solution. However, with the app having difficulties reading a hand-written text, one usually gets along with it.

5. Math Tricks & Shortcuts for Competitive Exam:

This app is perfect for those who find math overwhelming. The aim of this app is not only to acquaint students with various types of mathematical problems and how to solve them, but also to teach them effective ways to tackle each problem faster and with greater efficiency.

There are multiple choice questions to solve along with a multitude of math tricks. The app comes with functionalities such as speed test, bookmark, and result check.

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6. Best Books for Tweens:

This app is a fun way to get more information about top-rated books for students aged 9-12. Students can tag a book as “I want this” or “I’ve read this” to add the book to their list. This app helps one find new books and also build a custom reading list.

The 79 fantastic fantasy reads and 44 exciting action and adventure stories make this app a must-have for bookaholic children. They can choose from popular categories such as action/adventure, mystery, sports, fantasy, animal characters, realistic fiction, historical fiction, and nonfiction.

The app also provides the option to filter the list to select books with either male or female protagonists.

Key Takeaway:

Besides these apps, smartphones can also be used as a newspaper on the go, an easy-to-use dictionary, a tell-tale of anything and everything one can think of and wants to know about.

It can be used to learn a foreign language; through online videos and audios, one can listen to native speakers frequently and access culture directly on various websites.

Thus, smartphones can unlock the ease of access to unlimited resources and information—including engaged learning.

This might present a chance for educators to design educational methods, activities, and material that suit smartphones allowing students to use this technology, thereby accommodating their current diverse learning approaches.

“Smartphones can unlock the ease of access to unlimited resources and information—including engaged learning.”

However, the affordability factor is the biggest impediment toward embracing smartphones in education apps, and it will take a concentrated effort by those in the education field to slowly embrace the positives that the technology has to offer.

The future of education is taking a shift towards being digital, as it solves the accessibility problem, especially for the students in smaller cities; and does not compromise with the quality.

Of course, there is a concern that students would need a face-to-face interaction while learning; however, it can very easily be solved with the progress in technology. Thus, learning methods are refining, embracing technology in a much more natural way.

Computerizing and automating education can be a double-edged sword, as it can result in slacker students to lean too much on technology instead of using their brains. Even then, in certain circumstances, a useful technological tool can be super helpful.

Smartphones have demonstrated a significant potential as learning tools; therefore, the development of smartphone-based educational interventions has begun to attract increasing attention from educationists and students alike.

The driving force behind this is, when it comes to learning, the graphic representation of facts has a better impact on the memory than the traditional teaching or learning system.

Written by- Anika J.
Category – Finance

New age payment banks are the latest trend in the Indian banking industry. They’ve been brought around by the Central government to provide financial and banking services to the remotest corners of India.

The Reserve Bank of India has kicked off financial transformation by issuing license to 11 payment banks in August 2015. This includes big names like Airtel, FINO Paytech, Paytm, Reliance Industries, Aditya Birla Nuvo and Vodafone.

A couple of these big players have started nationwide operations. The traditional banks have failed to provide banking services in many parts of India whereas the telecom service providers like Vodafone, Airtel, and Idea have deeper penetration in rural India.

Payment banks intend to use the distribution network of service providers to provide banking services.

Unsure of What New Age Payment Banks Are? Read On

Payment banks are very similar to traditional banks but are catering to small transactions that do not involve any credit risks.

Their main objective is to promote small savings, provide payment services, and to ensure delivery of subsidies to every household.

Financial inclusion has been the focus area for the RBI in recent years since, almost 2/3rd of the Indian population has been living in villages, due to which around 50% of the people in India do not have access to the banking facilities.

Hence, payment banks will prove secure banking transactions using digital mediums to larger masses people in the country living both in rural and urban areas.

The payment banks use the mobile data for enabling the secure banking transactions using the mobile wallets and digital technology to provide better financial inclusion. Payment banks will provide cashless transaction whenever they need to make one using the digital media.

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There is just one limitation in case of payment banks. They can accept deposits just up to Rs.1 lakhs, offer services like debit cards and remittance, but cannot advance loans as of now.

The Scope of New Age Payment Banks:

Here are the guidelines prescribed by the RBI in respect to payment banks:

What they are allowed to do:

• Accept deposits: Payment banks can deal in deposits and remittances only up to a sum of Rs.1 lakhs.
• Bill payments and debit cards: Payments banks will be empowered to accept bill payments and also issue debit cards on demand.
• Insurance, pension plans, and mutual funds: Payment banks can indulge in distribution of financial instruments like insurance, mutual funds and pension products.
• Forex cards to those travelling outside India: They can issue forex cards to travelers.

What new age payments banks are not allowed to do:

• Not allowed to trade in credit: Payment banks are not allowed to advance loans or indulge in lending activities. They cannot issue credit cards, too.
• Not allowed to accept NRI deposits:- For regulatory reasons, payment banks cannot accept deposits made by non-residents
• Restrictions on undertaking non-banking financial activities: Non-banking financial activities cannot be undertaken.

How New Age Payment Banks Will Impact The Economy and The Current Banking System:

1. Improved financial inclusion: Despite the fact that the government encourages traditional banks to open more branches in rural areas, neither is it practically possible nor it is financially viable for a bank to open branches in every village of the country. This is where payments banks come in.  There is a wider penetration of mobiles in the country that can help providing low-cost banking services to the people across the country and accelerate the growth of cashless economy in India.
2. Reduced cost of banking: The consumers will be the ultimate beneficiaries when payment banks give competition to the banks which will help in reducing the cost of banking. A lot of private banks have been making huge profits by accepting deposits at lower interest rates and advancing loans at higher rates. However, with the arrival of payment banks, this is bound to change. A huge market share of deposits will be absorbed by them since they will offer higher interest rates.
3. Convenient banking: Payment banks will offer convenient banking transactions right at the fingertips of consumers. The mobile banking transaction facility will allow the consumers to transact anytime and anywhere without having to visit the bank.
4. Beneficial for government: The money collected by payment banks in terms of deposits will be invested in government securities only. Hence, there will be lesser risk of default and government will also benefit by getting access to a large amount of funds at cheaper rates.
5. Elimination of black money: With the reduction of cash transactions and encouraging people to use e-transactions by the payment banks will help in curbing the black money in the society. The digital transaction will help in tracking all the transactions that will help in keeping a check on tax evasion.
6. Reduced dependence on cash: Payment banks will be backed by the mobile wallets that can be used for the purpose of making and receiving payments electronically. Also, linking the Aadhar cards, Jan Dhan Yojana Accounts and payment banks especially the “Indian Post” will enable efficient delivery of subsidy to the poor which will be a huge transformation for social welfare schemes.
7. Traditional commercial banks will experience a huge customer shift: The higher rate of interest on the saving accounts and deposits in payment banks will prompt huge customer base to shift from commercial banks to payment banks. Also, the traditional banks will experience a huge reduction in the income from charges on cash transfers, demand drafts, ATM transactions, etc.
8. Reduced Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) burden on the commercial banks: Presently, the conventional banks have to park 21.5% of their deposits as SLR. This provides huge borrowing opportunity to the government but encourages lazy banking too. The payment bank will have to invest 75% of their deposits in G-securities which may help in reducing the burden of SLR on traditional banks.

The bottom line:

New Age Payment banks are all set to revolutionize the face of Indian banking system. However, one needs to understand that they cannot completely replace the traditional banks since the payment banks cannot provide all the services provided by commercial banks.

• Also, most of the commercial banks have been investing heavily in their I.T. infrastructure so that they can provide same digital services as that of the payment banks. As stated earlier, the end result of this will be an improved and simplified banking system.