From NFT to 'bhujing': Here’s a weekly round-up of Mid-day.com’s top feature stories

This week is all about food, travel, skincare, NFT and more. Photo: Mid-day file pic

It has been colder than usual this week and what better way to celebrate the season than with seasonal ingredients. Among the many vegetables available as winter produce, radish always tends to get sidelined because of its pungent taste. However, Mumbai chefs think otherwise. As the need for sustainability rises, this National Tourism Day, three Mumbaikars spoke to us about why sustainability is important, especially while travelling. Many people don't realise the need to reduce their use of plastic and how it is becoming a big menace today.

This week also has a special for the country's 73rd Republic Day. Young Indian lawyers talk about their fascination for the Constitution of India and why there needs to be more awareness about it too. As NFT (Non-fungible tokens) take over the world literally every day in different forms, the universe is getting more complicated than we knew it a year ago, especially for outsiders who are uninitiated. In an attempt to simplify it, an experts spells out the many different aspects of the digital asset.

The city is popular for its food but there is little known about a unique dish that has a cult-following in the far-flung suburb of Virar, where chicken is paired with poha. A deep-dive into the dish called ‘bhujing' reveals how almost everybody in and around the region knows and swears by for a snack on any given day. Like NFTs, the Korean wave has also been taking over Indian for a while now. In the fifth part of the series, beyond fashion even Korean skincare is taking over Indians and their need to have Korean skincare routines.

As the Government Women's Pre-University College in Karnataka's Udupi hijab ban controversy gets more attention, the students protesting tells us why they will continue to fight for their constitutional right. Also, closer to the city, Mumbai women react to the ban and express how it is not only about the freedom of choice to wear the hijab but also the fact that they aren't getting their right to education, as they were allowed to enter the college but kept outside the classroom.

Here is the complete list:

Get rad about radish: Spice up the unsung winter vegetable with these chef tips
While carrots, green peas and spinach are among the popular winter vegetables, radish stays out of the seasonal spotlight. However, city chefs believe there is a lot to love about this crisp peppery vegetable if only people are willing to experiment.

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Classroom hijab ban in K'taka: ‘Society is going backwards; anti-Muslim hate, discrimination openly practised'
For almost a month, eight female students studying at the Government Women's Pre-University College in Udupi have been denied entry into their classrooms for protesting against a hijab ban imposed by the college. Amid the controversy, Mid-day Online reached out to Mumbaikars to understand what they think about the issue.

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‘Will continue the fight for my constitutional right,' says Udupi college student
Amid a controversy triggered by a move banning hijab in classrooms, the Government Women's Pre University (PU) College in Udupi has been shut for a week after over six Covid-19 cases were registered from the institute. As the stand-off over the hijab ban continues, students say they will continue the protest until their demands are heard.

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Tourism Day: How to ditch plastic and other sustainable travel tips from Mumbaikars
Tourism is not only about promoting scenic locations but also about preserving them. Amid the Covid-19 pandemic and the rising need for sustainable travel, three Mumbaikars point out how plastic is playing spoilsport and why people need to research more when they travel.

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Republic Day: Young lawyers reflect on their hopes and expectations for the Constitution of India
As we celebrate the constitutional framework of Indian democracy on the 73rd Republic Day, young lawyers discuss why awareness about this inspiring document needs to grow and raise issues that continue to endanger the constitutional rights of citizens

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Puzzled about NFTs? An expert demystifies this digital asset and its marketplace
Non-fungible Tokens (NFTs) are touted as the future of trading digital art and creatives. With more companies diversifying into various assets built on blockchain technology and as curiosity about the metaverse rises in 2022, Dhruv Saxena from NFT platform Fantico offers clarity on the concept of NFTs and how do they work

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No zing like 'bhujing': Why Virar's coal-roasted chicken-poha snack is totally unique
A humble jumble of chicken, poha and potato called ‘bhujing', made popular by the Gawad family in Virar's Agashi, enjoys a cult following even among those who have long left that far northern suburb of Mumbai. Mid-day Online spoke to pioneers and loyalists to understand the origins and appeal of this hot and spicy snack

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Glass skin goals: What makes the Korean skin care routine different and why are Indians attracted to it?
A compelling desire for even-toned and glowing skin, driven by the admiration of glass skin K-drama and K-pop artists, has convinced many Indians to try Korean skin care routines and products. As the 'K-beauty' regime becomes a thing here, skin care experts share insights on distinctive aspects, fundamental steps and emerging trends

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