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January 2026

Food 101: Chili – The Fiery Journey of A Culinary Delight

Chili Red Spices Food Indian Vegetables Cooking Health

Chili peppers (also spelled chili or chile) are the fiery, pungent fruits of plants in the genus *Capsicum*, belonging to the nightshade family (Solanaceae). Native to the Americas—likely first domesticated in Mexico—they were spread worldwide after Christopher Columbus brought them to Europe in the late 15th century, quickly becoming essential in cuisines across Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and beyond. Their signature heat comes from **capsaicin** and related compounds concentrated in the inner membranes, measured on the Scoville scale from mild bell peppers at 0 SHU to ultra-hot varieties like Pepper X exceeding 2.6 million SHU. Image source: Bharath N/Pexel

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Religion 101: Adi Shankaracharya – The Great Beacon of Hindu Philosophy

Adi Shankaracharya Hindu India Religion

Adi Shankaracharya (c. 788–820 CE) was a preeminent Indian philosopher, theologian, and monk who consolidated the doctrine of Advaita Vedanta. Often revered as an incarnation of Lord Shiva, he is credited with reviving Hinduism during a period of significant sectarian division and external challenge. Image source: Wikipedia/By Raja Ravi Varma – Google Arts & Culture

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History 101: Renaissance: A Rebirth of Art and Learning

Leonardo da Vinci Art Renaissance History Italy Europe

The fascinating era of the Renaissance, a transformative period in European history, spanned from the 14th to the 17th century. Discover the revival of classical antiquity, the emergence of humanism, and the groundbreaking advancements in art, science, and literature with influential figures such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Galileo, and Copernicus, whose works laid the foundation for modern Western civilization. Delve into the innovations that shaped this pivotal chapter in history and understand its lasting legacy on contemporary culture and thought.  Image source: Eric Kim Photography

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