Summer markets are abundant with watermelons and melons, and the question of how to choose a sweet fruit is as common as the question of the current temperature. The problem is that both fruits well conceal their secrets, as appearance rarely reveals the contents.
We have compiled the criteria relied upon by farmers and gardening specialists and presented them in a simple infographic available in Russian, English, and Uzbek.
When choosing a watermelon, you should pay attention to the spot on the field where it lay on the ground, its weight relative to its size, its shape, the width of the dark stripes, the sound it makes when tapped, and the condition of its rind.
As for melons, you need to check the color of the skin, how pronounced the net structure is, the scar from the stem, how much the far end resonates when lightly pressed, the smell near the blossom end, and the overall weight.
There is one general rule for both types of fruit: neither becomes sweeter after harvest, so all checks must be conducted before the fruit leaves the store.
In astrology, Mercury is considered the planet of intellect, speech, and trade, while Venus is responsible for wealth, happiness, attractiveness, and love. When these two auspicious planets are in a harmonious position, it opens the path to material well-being and success in life.
On August 13, 2026, Mercury and Venus will be at a 60-degree angle to each other. In Vedic astrology, this position is called the favorable influence of Mercury and Venus (Labh Drishti), which is considered very lucky. It brings financial gain, career growth, business success, and sweetness in romantic relationships. Next, we look at which four zodiac signs will receive good fortune from this date.
Since Venus rules your sign, the influence of this favorable conjunction with Mercury will bring you progress. You may receive the return of frozen funds, and investments have a high chance of yielding good income. Your supervisors at work will be pleased with your work, and you may expect a promotion or a salary increase. An atmosphere of happiness will reign in your home, and you will have a good time with your family.
Mercury is your ruler, and this favorable influence from Venus creates many opportunities for you. In professional matters, your creativity and intellect will be highly appreciated. New partnerships may form or deals may be concluded in business. Relationships with a partner will become stronger and more romantic. Single people may meet a new life partner. There is also a possibility of suddenly receiving money, which will increase your bank balance.
Since Virgo is ruled by Mercury, this combination of Mercury and Venus will be extremely happy for you. Those considering a job change may receive a desired offer from a company. An unexpected financial gain from the stock market or old plans is possible. A new enthusiasm and sweetness will appear in romantic relationships.
For Libra representatives, this position of Mercury and Venus will open doors to luck and profit. Stuck funds in business may be recovered, and new sources of income will appear. Misunderstandings in married life will be resolved. A trip plan with a loved one may emerge. Your pleasant speech and mannerisms will attract people, expanding your social circle.
To fully experience the positive effects of this favorable conjunction, it is recommended to perform joint worship of the goddesses Lakshmi and Ganesha on Wednesdays and Fridays. It is also advisable to repeat the mantras 'Om Shum Shukray Namah' and 'Om Bum Budhay Namah'. Additionally, it is beneficial to donate fruits or sweets to those in need.
During heavy rains, cool winds, and a cup of hot tea, the pleasure of crispy bread rolls, pakoras, or chat becomes twice as enjoyable. Although many prefer potato pakoras, bread rolls are also very popular. However, sometimes bread runs out at home, or people avoid consuming flour and bread for health reasons. Furthermore, bread can absorb a lot of oil.
If you think it is impossible to make bread rolls, stop. Today we offer a simple and interesting recipe that allows you to create perfectly crispy rolls without using bread, flour, yeast, or any other dough. These rolls are made only from poha and potatoes, turn out very crispy on the outside and soft inside, and at first glance, they might be mistaken for real bread rolls. Moreover, their taste will remind you of the taste of market bread rolls. Let's learn how to make crispy rolls without bread, flour, or any other dough.
Ingredients for the filling:
Ingredients for the outer coating:
Cooking method:
First, the boiled potatoes should be lightly mashed, ensuring they have cooled down. Then, red pepper, salt, cumin, chaat masala, ginger, green pepper, onion, and sriracha sauce are added, mixing all ingredients thoroughly.
Small oval rolls are formed from this prepared mixture. It is also worth noting that cheese bread rolls can be made by placing a piece of cheese in the center.
The poha needs to be sifted through a sieve and rinsed with water 2-3 times, leaving it for 2 minutes. When the poha becomes completely soft, it must be well mashed by hand.
Next, granulated peas (besan) and salt are added to this soft poha to form a soft mass resembling dough. If the mass seems too dry, a little water can be added, and if it is too moist, a little more besan can be added.
A small portion of the poha mass is rolled out in the palm. The potato filling is placed in the center, and the roll is carefully folded and shaped into the desired form. This is how all the rolls are made.
The rolls can be prepared in three ways:
If you prefer the option with less oil, it is recommended to use an Air Fryer. It is also noted that preparation in an air fryer is possible.
Most people are familiar with the illuminated beaches of India, but there are also forest areas that glow in the dark. These luminous landscapes resemble the fantastic scenery from the movie 'Avatar,' where the forest floor shimmers with an unearthly green light.
In the Western Ghats of India, hidden beneath the dense canopy of trees, decaying logs, trunks, and fallen branches can emit a soft emerald glow after sunset. This represents one of the least known natural phenomena in the country. Information about India's bioluminescent ecosystems covers scientific foundations and also indicates the places and times when this phenomenon can be observed.
Unlike the bioluminescent beaches of India, these glowing forests rarely feature in tourist routes. Their light is subtle, seasonal, and visible only under specific conditions.
This phenomenon is called bioluminescence—the ability of living organisms to generate light through a natural chemical reaction. In the Indian forests, this glow originates from bioluminescent fungi that colonize dead and decaying wood during the monsoon season. High humidity, constant rainfall, and damp forest floors create an ideal environment for these fungi to spread across fallen trunks, branches, and stumps.
The light is generated by a reaction involving the molecule luciferin, an enzyme known as luciferase, and oxygen. Instead of releasing energy as heat, this reaction produces visible green light. Natural researchers sometimes refer to this phenomenon as 'foxfire' or 'fairy fire.' Unlike fluorescent materials that require an external light source, these fungi continuously produce their own light through a biochemical process. Scientists have identified several species of bioluminescent fungi, many belonging to the genus Mycena. It is believed that numerous such glowing fungal species inhabit India, although researchers continue to document and identify them.
1. Bhimashankar Sanctuary, Maharashtra
If there is one place most closely associated with the glowing forests of India, it is Bhimashankar. Located in the northern part of the Western Ghats, the sanctuary receives abundant monsoon rains, creating ideal conditions for bioluminescent fungi. On moonless nights from July to September, patches of decaying wood can emit a faint green glow under the evergreen canopy. Wildlife photographers often advise waiting quietly in complete darkness for several minutes before the glow becomes visible.
2. Chorla Ghat (Goa – Karnataka – Maharashtra border)
Chorla Ghat, one of the wettest regions of the Western Ghats, is known for its misty forests and exceptional biodiversity. During the monsoons, moist fallen logs scattered across the forest floor serve as an ideal habitat for glowing fungi. Although seeing them cannot be guaranteed, this region has become a favorite spot for naturalists hoping to see an Indian analogue to the Avatar forest.
3. Agumbe, Karnataka
Agumbe, also known as the 'Cherrapunji of South India,' is famous for its tropical forests, royal cobras, and impressive biodiversity. The same heavy rains that sustain these ecosystems also create favorable conditions for light-emitting fungi.
4. Silent Valley National Park, Kerala
Silent Valley is one of the last untouched tracts of tropical forest in India and provides the cool, humid conditions necessary for glowing fungi. Although this phenomenon is not advertised as a tourist attraction, researchers have documented light-emitting fungal species in the Western Ghats ecosystem, including forests like Silent Valley, which have much decaying wood.
5. Bangaram Island, Lakshadweep
India's most famous glowing beach owes its brilliance to microscopic marine plankton known as dinoflagellates. When waves disturb the water, the organisms produce bright blue flashes, making the sea appear internally lit. Best time: October – March, depending on plankton blooms.
6. Mattu Beach, Karnataka
Near Udupi, Mattu Beach occasionally displays an impressive bloom of bioluminescent plankton after the monsoon. Under favorable sea conditions, gentle waves paint the coastline with streaks of electric blue. Best time: September – December.
7. Bioluminescent Beaches of Goa
Goa is famous for its sunsets, but on certain nights, beaches such as Betalbatim, Colva, and some quieter stretches reveal another spectacle. Seasonal blooms of marine plankton can cause waves to glow blue after dark, although this phenomenon remains unpredictable. Best time: Post-monsoon, usually September – December.
Although both phenomena are examples of bioluminescence, they are caused by entirely different organisms. In the forests, fungi growing on deadwood produce a constant green glow that remains visible in complete darkness. Along the coast, microscopic plankton called dinoflagellates emit flashes of bright blue light only when disturbed by waves, currents, fish, or people moving on the water. One illuminates fallen trees, while the other illuminates the sea.
While the glow attracts attention, the organisms behind it play a vital role in maintaining ecosystem health. Bioluminescent fungi are among the most efficient recyclers in the forest. They decompose fallen trees, branches, and rotting wood, returning nutrients to the soil that plants can reuse. Without fungi, forests would gradually accumulate dead organic matter, disrupting the nutrient cycle and affecting countless other species. Marine plankton is no less important. It forms the base of coastal food chains, supporting fish, crustaceans, and larger marine animals, while contributing to the health of oceanic ecosystems.
These ecosystems survive only under specific ecological conditions. Glowing fungi depend on cool, humid forests with an abundance of deadwood. Changes in precipitation, habitat fragmentation, and the removal of fallen logs can reduce the conditions necessary for them to thrive. Similarly, coastal bioluminescence depends on water quality, seasonal plankton blooms, and healthy marine ecosystems.
If you plan to observe the glowing forests of India or the bioluminescent beaches, a few simple rules can help protect these fragile ecosystems: stay on marked trails and avoid entering sensitive forest areas. Do not collect glowing fungi, wood, or other natural specimens as souvenirs. Minimize the use of flashlights and camera flashes, as bright light can hinder the observation of the glow and disturb wildlife. Avoid disturbing marine life or entering protected coastal areas without permission. Whenever possible, travel with experienced local naturalists or authorized forest guides.
