In a delicious moment of global recognition, three beloved Indian breakfast dishes have found their rightful place on the international culinary map. According to Taste Atlas’ newly released Top 50 Best Breakfasts in the World list for June 2025, Misal Pav, Paratha, and Chole Bhature have emerged as standout staples — proving yet again that India doesn’t just wake up, it wakes up hungry and flavorful.

Ranked at an impressive No. 18, Misal Pav from Maharashtra stole hearts with its vibrant palette and fiery punch. Known for its crunchy base, spicy gravy, and riot of toppings, this local hero isn’t just food — it’s an experience. As Taste Atlas poetically described it, a true misal is “mandatory to be spicy,” and must look like “a work of art” splashed in shades of red, brown, orange, and green. It’s a dish that defines both breakfast and boldness.

Coming in at No. 23, Paratha — the North Indian flatbread that rules breakfast tables — is more than just a category. Stuffed or plain, drenched in butter or paired with curd, this humble yet hearty delight has countless regional variations, from Punjab to Bihar. Whether it’s the aloo paratha of dhabas or the paneer-stuffed version served at posh brunch spots, its versatility and soul-satisfying flavor have earned it global fans.

And at No. 32, Delhi’s street food royalty Chole Bhature got its well-deserved spotlight. This indulgent pairing of fluffy, deep-fried bread with spicy chickpea curry is not just a breakfast—it’s a feast. While it originated in North India, Chole Bhature has transcended state borders and can now be found sizzling in every corner of the country.

What’s even more exciting is that this isn’t India’s first global food triumph. Earlier, Indian classics like Shrikhand, Palak Paneer, and Nihari also found mention in the extended list of Taste Atlas’ rankings, which features dishes beyond the top 50. It’s clear that the world is waking up to the irresistible flavors of Indian cuisine—one bite at a time.

From the streets of Delhi to the kitchens of Maharashtra, these dishes reflect the deep connection between food, culture, and community. They’re more than breakfast — they’re edible heritage. And thanks to platforms like Taste Atlas, the world is finally giving Indian breakfasts the recognition they’ve long deserved.

From viral misinformation to algorithm-driven outrage, digital platforms are accelerating communal tensions across the country.

In recent years, India has witnessed a disturbing rise in communal violence, with social media platforms often serving as the catalyst. Incidents like the 2023 Satara riots and the 2020 Bangalore unrest underscore how a single provocative post can ignite widespread conflict. These platforms, designed to connect people, are increasingly being exploited to deepen divisions between Hindu and Muslim communities.

The algorithms that govern content visibility on platforms like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) are designed to maximize user engagement. Unfortunately, this often means that sensational and polarizing content is prioritized, creating echo chambers that reinforce existing biases. Studies have shown that such environments can accelerate radicalization, as users are continually exposed to one-sided narratives that vilify the ‘other’.

Law enforcement agencies are increasingly recognizing the threat posed by digital misinformation. In Mangaluru, for instance, six individuals were arrested for sharing inflammatory content aimed at disrupting communal harmony. Similarly, the Uttar Pradesh Police have implemented real-time social media monitoring to preempt potential flashpoints during sensitive periods like religious festivals. These measures, while necessary, highlight the reactive nature of current strategies in addressing digital provocations

The psychological impact of online hate speech is profound. Continuous exposure to derogatory content can desensitize individuals, making extremist views seem acceptable. This normalization of hate not only erodes societal cohesion but also emboldens individuals to act on their prejudices, leading to real-world violence. The tragic death of a techie in Pune, following the circulation of morphed images on Facebook, serves as a grim reminder of the tangible consequences of digital hate.

Addressing this multifaceted issue requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders. Social media companies must enhance their content moderation policies, especially in regional languages, to effectively curb the spread of hate speech. Educational initiatives aimed at promoting digital literacy can empower users to critically assess the content they consume and share. Moreover, political leaders and influencers bear the responsibility of fostering narratives that promote unity rather than division.

A day meant for celebration turned into a scene of unimaginable sorrow in Bengaluru as at least 11 people lost their lives and over 30 were injured during a stampede outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4. Fans had gathered in the lakhs to witness Royal Challengers Bengaluru‘s (RCB) first-ever IPL victory parade—a moment 18 years in the making—but chaos ensued as crowd control failed dramatically.

According to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, more than 2-3 lakh people flooded the streets around the stadium, far exceeding crowd management estimates. The situation spiraled out of control as fans pushed against closed gates and barriers, trying to catch a glimpse of their cricketing heroes. “No one expected this much crowd,” the Chief Minister stated, confirming the tragic toll from the incident.

The stampede occurred near gates 3, 10, and 21 of the stadium, with emergency exits and nearby metro stations, including Cubbon Park and MG Road, being shut down temporarily. The injured were rushed to Bowring Hospital and Vaidehi Hospital, where officials confirmed seven deaths at Bowring and four at Vaidehi.

As news of the tragedy broke, RCB released a heartfelt statement, expressing deep sorrow and offering condolences to the bereaved families. The team cut their celebration short “out of respect” and coordinated closely with local authorities. “RCB mourns the tragic loss of lives,” the statement read.

National leaders and cricketing legends echoed the nation’s grief. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the tragedy “heartrending” and offered prayers for the injured. President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar also extended their condolences. Former cricket icons like Sachin Tendulkar and Harbhajan Singh expressed heartbreak over the incident, noting how a joyous occasion quickly turned “beyond tragic.”

However, political blame games have intensified. Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy accused the Congress-led Karnataka government of ignoring police warnings and failing to anticipate the crowd surge. Union Minister Prahlad Joshi alleged that the police were pressured into approving the felicitation ceremony, calling the tragedy a result of “poor planning.” BJP leaders demanded judicial investigations, while the Congress defended its response, saying it was caught off-guard by the unexpected turnout.

In a gesture of support, the Karnataka government announced ₹10 lakh in compensation for each of the victims’ families. Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar issued a public apology, admitting the crowd was “uncontrollable” and stated that law enforcement chose not to use force on the “young and vibrant crowd.”

What should have been RCB’s brightest moment now carries a shadow of grief, raising serious questions about event planning, civic preparedness, and crowd safety at public gatherings. As the city mourns, the tragedy serves as a stark reminder of how unchecked excitement can quickly become deadly in the absence of foresight and coordination.