Eggs are a universally eaten food item in India and the world, famous for their high protein and culinary uses. Right from egg breakfasts to new recipes, eggs are an aptly used component in our day-to-day meals. But due to the ever-increasing concern regarding adulterated food products, many individuals began questioning the authenticity of eggs in the market. The growing viral videos regarding plastic or fake eggs in the market have raised many concerns, doubts, and fears in the minds of the public. It is a necessary task to know the difference between authentic and poor-quality or fake eggs.

Understanding fake or plastic eggs and why it is important to identify them

Although this is not a primary or serious topic related to food technology or processing, I shall address this question. “Fake eggs,” or “plastic eggs,” are man-made products that are produced with chemicals, resin, or “plastic” substances that resemble real eggs. In other words, they don’t contain any real egg substance. In all honesty, there aren’t very many reported incidents of fake eggs being widely sold. In most cases, eggs that seem “funny” or fake might just be from substandard storage or eggs that are coated with chemicals to make them more aesthetically appealing.

Being able to identify genuine eggs is important for health and safety:

How to identify a real or fake egg without breaking it

Although specific lab testing is usually the only way to be absolutely positive, here are several very simple ways to evaluate quality and freshness of the eggs:Hold the egg near to your ear and gently shake. The fresh ones say nothing, while the older ones, because of their changes inside, might slosh.

Real eggs usually have a slightly rough or granular surface. Those feeling too smooth, brilliant, or waxy could have some chemical coating to enhance appearance or increase shelf life.It might just be that an egg will have a more subtle or off smell when spoiled. Sometimes, even without cracking, a noticeable odour can be a warning that the quality is not appropriate.

Can egg shell colour indicate authenticity

Coloration of the eggshells is determined by the type of hen. Eggshells may be white, off-white, light brown, or dark brown. The presence of coloration on the eggshells does not signify whether the eggs are real or fake. On the other hand, if the shells look too polished or are of the same coloration, then the chemical content may affect the quality.

What is the water test, and how does it work

The water test is a common way to assess freshness:

This test indicates freshness rather than authenticity. Eggs develop air pockets as they age, causing them to float over time.

Common myths about fake eggs

There are quite a few myths floating around on social media when it comes to plastic eggs,

Food safety practices for eggs

To ensure you consume safe eggs:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday extended greetings to the nation on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, a harvest festival observed across India in accordance with regional traditions. The festival marks the Sun’s transition into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makar) and is celebrated as a mid-winter harvest festival.

“This sacred occasion of Sankranti is celebrated in various parts of the country according to local customs and traditions. I pray to Lord Surya for everyone’s happiness, prosperity, and excellent health,” PM Modi said through a post on X.PM Modi extended greetings on the occasion of Pongal, describing the harvest festival as a celebration of the bond between human effort and nature, and a tribute to agriculture, farmers, rural life, and the dignity of labour. Calling Pongal a reflection of the richness of Tamil traditions, PM Modi said India takes pride in Tamil as the world’s oldest language and noted that the festival is now celebrated globally by Tamil communities. He wished that Pongal would bring prosperity, success, and good health to all.“Pongal is a shining symbol of the richness of Tamil traditions. We in India take pride in the fact that we are home to the oldest language in the world, Tamil. It is gladdening to see Pongal emerge as a global festival. It is celebrated enthusiastically in Tamil Nadu, in different parts of India and by the Tamil community across the world. Once again, warm Pongal wishes to you. May this festival bring an abundance of prosperity, success and good health to everyone’s lives,” PM Modi said through a letter.

.

The Prime Minister is also scheduled to attend Pongal celebrations on Wednesday at the residence of union minister L Murugan in the national capital.PM Modi extended greetings on the occasion of Magh Bihu, describing it as a festival that reflects the essence of Assamese culture and promotes joy, warmth and brotherhood. He said the festival symbolises contentment and gratitude, marking the completion of the harvest season and recognising the contributions of farmers. PM Modi added that Magh Bihu encourages generosity and care, and expressed hope that it would bring peace, good health, happiness, prosperity and success in the year ahead.“Embodying the best of Assamese culture, this beautiful festival is indeed an occasion of joy, warmth and brotherhood. The essence of Magh Bihu lies in contentment and gratitude. It marks the completion of the harvest season and offers an occasion to appreciate the efforts of those who enrich our lives, particularly our hardworking farmers. It also encourages generosity and care among us. May this Magh Bihu bring peace, good health and happiness in everyone’s lives. I wish that the year ahead is filled with prosperity and success,” PM Modi wrote through a letter addressing the people of Assam.

.

Magh Bihu, a major harvest festival of Assam, marks the end of the harvest season in the month of Magh and is celebrated with community feasts. Along with Lohri, Pongal, Sankranti and Uttarayan, it reflects the diverse ways harvest festivals are observed across India.

China registered a trade surplus of nearly $1.2 trillion in 2025, the government reported on Wednesday. The record figure comes as strong exports to international markets offset slowing shipments to the United States. According to customs data cited by AP, the country’s exports rose 5.5% to $3.77 trillion last year, while imports remained steady at $2.58 trillion. The nation’s trade surplus in 2024 had stood at $992 billion. Back in December, exports rose 6.6% from the previous year in dollar terms, surpassing economists’ expectations and improving on November’s 5.9% year-on-year increase. At the same time, imports in the last month of 2025, rose 5.7% year-on-year, compared with a 1.9% increase in November.Though shipments to the United States have fallen drastically after President Donald Trump’s return to office and his escalation of the trade war with China, the decline has been largely offset by exports to South America, Southeast Asia, Africa and Europe.China’s economic growth has maintained its annual rate close to the official target of about 5%, thanks to strong exports. Other countries, meanwhile, are facing concerns about the impact of cheap imports on local industries. Last month, the head of the International Monetary Fund urged China to address economic imbalances and accelerate its shift away from export dependence by boosting domestic demand and investment. Meanwhile, a prolonged downturn in the property sector, triggered by the authorities’ crackdown on excessive borrowing and subsequent developer defaults, continues to weigh on consumer confidence and domestic spending.

Chinese economy — Outlook for 2026

Despite ongoing trade friction and geopolitical tensions, experts are anticipating that this year too exports will be driving Chinese economy.“We continue to expect exports to act as a big growth driver in 2026,” said Jacqueline Rong, chief China economist at BNP Paribas.Gary Ng, senior economist at French investment bank Natixis, extimated the trade surplus to remain above $1 trillion this year and exports will grow around 3% in 2026.

India head into the second ODI at Rajkot with a 1-0 series lead and a chance to clinch the trophy. After a high-scoring thriller in Vadodara where India successfully chased down 301, the action moves to the Niranjan Shah Stadium, a venue legendary for being a batting paradise.

While the veterans continue to lead the charge, the narrative of this series has shifted toward the young brigade and injury management. With the series on the line, the New Zealand face a “do-or-die” scenario to keep the three-match contest alive.

The Indian camp faces a tactical reshuffle following a significant injury blow, as all-rounder Washington Sundar has been ruled out of the remainder of the series due to a rib injury sustained during the opening match. In his absence, the selectors have handed a maiden ODI call-up to Ayush Badoni, who could potentially make his debut if the team management decides to bolster the batting depth on the flat Rajkot deck. India’s confidence remains high, however, thanks to the sublime form of Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill. After his match-winning 93 in the first ODI, Kohli finds himself on the verge of history, steadily closing in on Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the most runs in the India-New Zealand rivalry.

For New Zealand, the primary objective is to find more penetration in their bowling attack. Despite posting a formidable 300-plus total in the opener, the Kiwi bowlers struggled to contain the Indian batters; while Kyle Jamieson impressed with a four-wicket haul, he lacked consistent support from the rest of the pack. On the batting front, although Daryl Mitchell and Devon Conway have shown great adaptability to Indian conditions, the visitors will be looking for more late-inning fireworks. Captain Michael Bracewell will be urging his middle order to accelerate more effectively in the final ten overs to ensure they can set or chase a target that puts the Indian powerhouse under real pressure.

Niranjan Shah Stadium Pitch Report

The Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot is renowned for hosting some of the flattest tracks in India, making it a certified batter’s paradise. With a staggering recent average ODI score of 322, fans should expect another high-octane run-fest. The surface offers true bounce and consistent pace, allowing batters to trust their technique and play through the line with ease. While spinners might extract a hint of grip during the middle overs, the combination of a lightning-fast outfield and relatively small boundaries offers little margin for error.

Under clear, sunny skies and a peak temperature of 28°C, the pitch will remain firm. However, the evening dew factor is the most critical variable. The moisture will make the ball difficult to grip for the side bowling second, rendering the toss decisive. Consequently, the captain winning the toss will almost certainly opt to bowl first to capitalize on the better batting conditions under the lights.

Also READ: IND vs NZ: Rib injury sidelines Washington Sundar for remainder of ODI series; replacement announced

Niranjan Shah Stadium Stats and Records

• Total Matches: 7
• Matches won batting first: 6
• Matches won bowling first: 1
• Average 1st innings Score: 332
• Average 2nd innings Score: 254
• Highest total recorded: 435/5 (50 Ovs) by India Women vs Ireland Women
• Lowest total recorded: 131/10 (31.4 Ovs) by Ireland Women vs India Women
• Highest score chased: 241/4 (34.3 Ovs) by India Women vs Ireland Women
• Lowest score defended: 270/7 (50 Ovs) by South Africa vs India

Also READ: Fastest to 28,000: Here’s the breakdown of Virat Kohli’s international runs

You don’t have permission to access “http://www.ndtv.com/world-news/iran-to-hang-anti-khamenei-protester-erfan-soltani-today-trump-warns-of-very-strong-action-10745934” on this server.

Reference #18.2ef63717.1768364878.20b7c0f9

https://errors.edgesuite.net/18.2ef63717.1768364878.20b7c0f9

NEW DELHI: Ahead of the second ODI against New Zealand on Wednesday, India wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul struck a powerful, reflective note while interacting with budding cricketers during the Men in Blue’s training session in Vadodara. In a video shared by the BCCI, Rahul’s words underlined patience, perseverance and readiness — themes that have shaped his own international journey.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!“It’s not like you’ll never get the opportunity. You’ll be sitting outside for 2-3 years. If you don’t get the opportunity in the state, then you’ll get some other tournament to perform and show your skills and talent,” Rahul said, urging youngsters to trust the process rather than chase instant results.

Emphasising self-discipline, the 33-year-old added, “You just have to constantly keep working on yourself and keep yourself ready. If you get a chance, you’ll have to perform in such a way that you can’t drop after that. But even in that, you’ll have to enjoy the process. There’s no other option for the player. That’s all you have in your hands.”When asked about dealing with difficult phases, Rahul offered a candid response shaped by experience. “That phase is difficult for everyone. It’s not like no player goes through that phase. He’s always at the top. It won’t happen with anyone. You’ll get angry and frustrated. But you have to snap out of it. Don’t give up. I’ll do what I can. And when God gives me a chance, I’ll use it,” he said.

Reiterating the message, Rahul told the youngsters, “You will definitely get a chance to show your talent, whether it’s in a domestic, international, or local tournament. You just have to work hard and be ready when your opportunity comes, and grab it with both your hands. As a cricketer, it’s the only thing we can do.”

Henry Nicholls (PTI Photo)

NEW DELHI: Ahead of the second ODI against India on Wednesday, New Zealand batter Henry Nicholls spoke about how important this series is for his team as they start preparing for the ICC ODI World Cup 2027.Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Nicholls said that ODI cricket is now played less often between major tournaments. Because of that, every bilateral series has become more valuable.

“I think there’s not as much one-day cricket between major events. I think that makes these series even more important. You know, certainly for us as a group, it’s an exciting format,” Nicholls told reporters.Nicholls said some New Zealand players have stayed connected to the 50-over format by playing List A cricket at home. That has helped them stay ready. He added that the team enjoys playing ODIs and wants to make full use of every chance they get.“A few of us have been playing some of the List A cricket back home, so we have got a bit of the 50-over format under our belt, but it’s a format that we enjoy playing… we’re certainly looking to make the most of these opportunities as a team,” Nicholls added.The 34-year-old also spoke about the challenge of facing Indian greats Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. He said playing against such players is always a learning experience.“Any time you play, you’re going to learn from players like that, and that’s a challenge that we knew coming into the series.”Nicholls praised New Zealand’s bowlers for the way they tried to handle both batters in the first ODI. He felt the team showed improvement as the match went on.“But also to see in the first game… the way the guys adapted, certainly from a bowling point of view… I think we saw a little bit of that towards the end of the match,” he further stated.He added that building pressure against top players on Indian pitches will remain a key challenge for the team going forward.India won the first ODI by four wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Chasing a target of 301, India were guided by captain Shubman Gill’s 56, Virat Kohli’s 93 and Shreyas Iyer’s 49. KL Rahul and Harshit Rana added useful runs at the end.Earlier, New Zealand were restricted to 300 for 8. Henry Nicholls and Devon Conway shared a strong 117-run stand. Harshit Rana, Washington Sundar and Mohammed Siraj picked up two wickets each to keep the hosts in check.

Bengaluru: TCS’s performance in the December quarter came in below analysts’ expectations on both revenue growth and earnings (Ebit) margins. Despite global uncertainty weighing on spending, demand for tech-led transformation remains resilient. In an interview with TOI, CEO K Krithivasan and CHRO Sudeep Kunnumal discussed the demand environment, hiring outlook, and the trajectory of its AI-led revenues. Excerpts:If Q2 marked the start of demand improvement and Q3 sustained it, what indicators give you confidence that this momentum will carry into 2026?Krithivasan: The total contract value is good despite this being a seasonally weak quarter. On the AI front, a couple of quarters ago, there was a lot of experimentation; today, many real projects are going live in production. Customers are willing to sign new projects based on return on investment and payback periods. This gives us confidence that they are willing to engage, both on cost optimisation and transformation.With discretionary spending still selective, are short-cycle and rapid-build AI projects becoming a growth lever?Krithivasan: This quarter, our AI services revenue moved to $1.8 billion on an annualised basis from $1.5 billion last quarter. The reason we talk about these rapid AI-led projects is that they deliver defined, committed outcomes in a short period. While AI is incremental today, it will become material over time.With TCS headcount down about 31,000 over 2 quarters, should AI-led growth decouple from traditional headcount expansion?Sudeep: Our demand for high-quality talent remains strong. We continue to hire while investing heavily in upskilling our existing workforce. We are hiring from campuses, laterals, and leadership roles globally.Will TCS recalibrate its campus hiring target of 40,000 given AI-led productivity gains? Some peers are offering Rs 20 lakh entry-level salaries. Will TCS match that?Sudeep: We don’t want to commit to a specific number. Demand is robust, traction is strong, and we are actively hiring from campuses at scale. Over the last 2-3 years, we adopted a tiered salary and talent structure and the share of hires in higher tiers increased significantly.If fresh H-1B approvals are closer to 1,000, does that imply nearly $100 million in visa fees?Sudeep: We applied in anticipation, but it is not necessary that we use all those visas. Over many years, we invested in building strong local employer brands. In the current quarter, most requirements were met through local hiring, reducing dependency on H-1Bs. We remain on track with our plan to hire around 15,000 people locally in the US in the next 3 to 5 years.Are investors concerned that a debt-fuelled AI data-centre build-out exposes risks?Krithivasan: Our investment thesis is grounded in strong demand in the country. Data centre costs are about 30% lower than in western markets, thus making India attractive for AI training and inference. There is also a growing need for sovereign data centres. With a balanced mix of debt and equity, we do not see material downside risks.