Petals!

Who doesn't love noodles? Koreans rank as no 2 globally for instant noodles consumption! According to World Noodle Organisation, Korea is ranked the second largest consumer of instant noodles, after Vietnam. This trend raises health concerns but experts suggest that adding vegetables and other ingredients can address the drawbacks of consuming refined carbohydrates and salty soup. Those who are prediabetic are advised to add an egg whenever they eat noodles.  [READ: This Korean Bestseller Opens a New Window]                                               [Source:  ikhsan baihaqi  @ Unsplash] What Makes Instant Ramen Noodles Popular? Worldwide, Ramen noodles are popular as it is delicious, easy to customise according to regional preferences and most importantly, you can prepare it in few minutes. Most spicy Korean instant noodles are enjoyed in different p...

                                               [Image:  Anna Evlanova  on Unsplash] Latest news from Korea Tourism Organization: Pet-friendly travel norms for Korean travellers! According to a comprehensive report released by the Korea Tourism Organization, in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, new guidelines have been issued to help travellers manage their pets while on the move. [READ: This Korean Bestseller Opens a New Window] Earlier, in 2022, six cities in Korea had been designated as pet-friendly destinations. The latest guidelines provide the much anticipated impetus for travellers and the pet industry to work alongside local authorities to executue the new guidelines for greater impact.                                        ...

Good news for book lovers as Poland scripts history! Warsaw scripts history as its first-ever underground library offers over 16,000 books for readers to borrow. [For all posts on Books & Culture, subscribe to Svara's Newsletter]                                                                                 [Image:  Adam Borkowski   on Unsplash] Circling back to Warsaw's underground library, known as "Metroteka", this is the first of its kind launched in September 2025 at one of the metro stations. On the first day, almost 400 books were tagged for borrowing. A self-service system has been enabled through scanners to simplify the borrowing and returning of books by librar members.                           ...

Wow, Sanae Takaichi is all set to become Japan's first female prime minister! Let me confess: Japan, the world's fourth-largest economy, has always fascinated me, right from the time I've been reading History books.  And that is why it caught my attention when I read that the country's number of centenarians have hit a record high of nearly 100,000, with 88% being women!  When I was growing up, there used to be a Japanese serial aired on Doordarshan called "Oshin." A gateway to Japanese culture and life. This Japanese serial opened up a new world for me.  [READ: Why Japanese fiction is quickly becoming my favourite]                                       [Image:  Tomáš Malík  @ Unsplash]   Watching this Japanese serial, I savoured the famed  Japanese Tea Ceremony, where every movement filled itself with grace and poise and taught me that something as simple as...

Vietnam tourism soars high! Latest news reports indicate that Vietnam is poised to see a tremendous surge in the number of tourists who visit year after year.                                                  [Image: Marina Lobato @Unsplash] Year after year, Vietnam receives around 13.9 million tourists as per news reports. In 2025, Vietnam eyes 2.75 million tourists per month for the rest of the year. [READ: Vietnam Travel Made Easy] As a travel and culure enthusiast, I've been to Vietnam, and trust me, it’s an absolutely stunning and picturesque travel destination! The country is a kaleidoscope of vibrant history, cultural facets and picturesque landscapes. I’m already dreaming of visiting Vietnam again and again!                                         [ Image: Ha...

Harishree Ganapataye Namaha! Vidyarambham begins! On this auspicious day of Vidyarambham, Malayalis honour this timeless tradition of invoking Goddess Saraswati's blessings. Worldwide, this day is honoured by Malayalis as a day of learning.                                                                                               [Image: Pipop Kunachon on Pexels.com] And so, Vidyarambham begins today!  [Watch on YouTube: All About Navaratri and Vidyarambham] Let our young ones write and read as much as they can.  Support and encourage them in every way you can.                                                    ...