G'Day India November 2020 Issue

NOV 2020

w w w. g d a y i n d i a . c o m . a u

VOL 14 ISSUE 163

FREE

AUSTRALIAN INDIAN PERSPECTIVE REACHES A MILESTONE OF

ISSUES

REUNITING FAMILIES The Sonthalia Brothers fly thousands of stranded passengers’ home

THE SUITABLE CHEF The pandemic gives birth to 'Ansari Indian' for rising star Nabil Ansari

SOLD OVER 500,000 FLIGHTS 9 YEARS OF TRUSTED SERVICE 10 SERVICED 100,000+ TRAVELLERS

1300 FLY INDIA

1300 359 463

1300 359 463 | www.gauratravel.com.au

ENTER VIA LAUNDRY Helly Raichura shifts the logic in food business

G’DAY INDIA | NOV 2020

2

www.gdayindia.com.au | M: 0412-114-383

G’DAY INDIA | NOV 2020

www.gdayindia.com.au | M: 0412-114-383

3

G’DAY INDIA | NOV 2020

4

www.gdayindia.com.au | M: 0412-114-383

G’DAY INDIA | NOV 2020

www.gdayindia.com.au | M: 0412-114-383

5

G’DAY INDIA | NOV 2020

6

www.gdayindia.com.au | M: 0412-114-383

G’DAY INDIA | NOV 2020

www.gdayindia.com.au | M: 0412-114-383

7

G’DAY INDIA | NOV 2020

FOR NEWS, FEATURES, EDITORIAL, COMMENTS, REPORTS, FEEDBACK & ADVERTISING

CALL: TONEE SETHI Tel: (03) 9841 6263 Mob: 0412 114 383

Email: info@gdayindia.com.au Postal Address: PO BOX 1500, Doncaster East, VIC, 3109

THIS MONTHS

G’DAY INDIA PTY LTD

ISSUE

8

Editor in Chief: Tonee Sethi E: editor@gdayindia.com.au Advertising: Amandeep Sethi E: info@gdayindia.com.au Contributors:

Anmol Anand, Debasree Das, Dileep Narayan, Dr Raj Kotharu, Gary Nair, Harpal Sandhu, Manjit Sethi, Narisa Dawar, Sanchita Abrol, Karthik Arasu, Abhi Narayan, Gurpal Singh, Monisha Iswaran, P. Harsora, Nandita Chakraborty, Archita Baweja, Barinderjeet Kaur, Gurpal Singh, Muktesh Chibber, Shivani Prabhu, Payel Ghosh Disclaimer: Opinions published in G’Day India are not necessarily endorsed by the publisher. No advertising design or material is to be reproduced without the written consent of the editor. All copyrights reserved to G’Day India.

Articles, pictures, photographs and advertisements accepted by G’Day India Pty Ltd are on the understanding that the supplier of such materials has obtained all the relevant copyrights, permissions and grants permission to G’Day India Pty Ltd to publish them. Any liability arising from failure to obtain such permission lies entirely and exclusively with the supplier.

Qualities of products and services advertised in G’Day India are not guaranteed by G’Day India Pty Ltd.

www.gdayindia.com.au | M: 0412-114-383

NEWS VICTORIA

G’DAY INDIA | NOV 2020

Hospitals Continue to Perform Through the Pandemic

MELBOURNE, Nov 4: Victorian patients continued to receive the best quality treatment and support when they needed it most, despite our health services and healthcare workers dealing with a once in a century pandemic.

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Martin Foley today released Victoria’s September quarter performance data, which shows our hard-working front-line workers continued to provide timely care even while dealing with unprecedented widescale measures to keep Victorians safe.

The latest Victorian health service and ambulance performance data shows doctors and nurses in our emergency departments treated 100 per cent of the most urgent Category 1 patients immediately on arrival at the hospital.

It also shows that even though most Category 2 and all Category 3 elective surgery was cancelled as hospitals dealt with the pandemic, 99.99 per cent Category 1 urgent elective surgery patients received their operations within the target 30 days – half of them within 10 days.

Even with the focus on responding to the coronavirus peak, our health care workers maintained their high levels of performance, particularly for the most seriously ill and injured patients.

Ambulance Victoria reached 82.3 per cent of Code 1 urgent cases within the

benchmark of 15 minutes, with an average response time of 11 minutes 37 seconds – well under the 15-minute target. This is an improvement on 81.6 per cent in the June quarter, when ambulances reached Code 1 cases in an average 11 minutes and 47 seconds.

Victoria’s ambulances transported 68,666 Code 1 emergency patients in the three months to the end of September – 1760 more than the previous quarter.

The report also shows 362,833 people attended our hospital EDs in the September quarter, down by 116,297 on the same quarter in 2019.

Coronavirus stay-at-home restrictions also led to fewer vehicles on the road and fewer crashes, restrictions on sport led to fewer sports injuries, while enhanced physical distancing and hand hygiene protocols led to fewer illnesses. There was also a decline in patients presenting with minor ailments as they heeded the

message to stay at home.

High vaccination levels and diligent observance of physical distancing and hand hygiene protocols led to a vastly reduced flu season in 2020 compared with the unprecedented 2019 winter, which put huge strain on our hospitals.

In 2020 there have been 4769 laboratory-confirmed cases, compared with more than 65,000 for the same time in 2019, which included more than 18,500 children. The report shows that 66,242 people are on the list for elective surgery, following the pause of less-urgent surgery during the pandemic.

With both regional and metropolitan Melbourne hospitals now back 85 per cent of usual services, the Victorian Government will ramp up an elective surgery blitz to address wait times as soon as it’s safe to do so.

(MEDIA RELEASE)

Helping Victoria’s Native Food Industry Grow

MELBOURNE, Nov 5: The Victorian Government’s partnership with the Federation of Victorian Traditional Owner Corporations is harnessing the power of Victoria’s native food with significant grants to boost Aboriginal Victorianowned businesses working to develop the industry.

The Djakitjuk Djanga program, which translates to “Country’s Food” in Dja Dja Wurrung language, provides $2 million in grants to support thirteen Aboriginal native plant businesses to blossom.

Minister for Agriculture Jaclyn Symes visited Nalderun Indigenous Group in Harcourt to announce the recipients. The Djakitjuk Djanga grants will be used to help Aboriginal Victorian-owned businesses expand operations and trial commercial production of native plants for food and botanicals.

As one of the grant recipients, Nalderun is establishing a commercial native food garden, and plan to use their grant to employ a part-time gardener, set up an irrigation system and purchase equipment to support sales. Nalderun is also proudly utilising the grant to support an educational component to promote native foods locally.

Popular native ingredients being produced include ground wattle seed, saltbush and lemon myrtle, which are sought after in Australian cooking and personal care products.

The grants are set to generate job creation within communities, with numerous recipients employing staff as part of their projects.

For more information about the grants and the recipients visit: agriculture.vic.gov. au/support-and-resources/funds-grantsprograms/djakitjuk-djanga.

www.gdayindia.com.au | M: 0412-114-383

9

10

NEWS VICTORIA

Delivering Support for Victoria’s Veterans MELBOURNE, Nov 4: The Victorian Government is continuing to support veterans and their families, with the latest round of grants injecting more than $1.1 million in mental health and welfare support.

Minister for Veterans Shaun Leane announced all the successful recipients from three separate veterans’ grants programs, delivering 62 projects to support the ex-service community.

It includes projects that will preserve their legacy for future generations, as well as ongoing support to assist ex-service organisations impacted by the global coronavirus pandemic.

Through a $150,000 ANZAC Day Proceeds Fund grant, Carry On (Victoria) will deliver welfare, financial and education support to more than 300 ex-service men and women.

Melbourne Legacy has received more than $145,000 for three projects, including one supporting elderly widows in their care, through safe travel options to social activities and health care.

More than $46,000 has also been provided to the Warrnambool RSL Sub-Branch to deliver preventative mental health programs, reconnecting veterans and supporting their transition back into the local community.

Through the Victoria Remembers Minor Grant Program and in partnership with the Victorian Veterans Council, Yeungroon Country Fire Authority has received almost $14,000 to construct an obelisk as a tribute to the local community members who served their country.

More than $16,000 has been provided to The Australian Commando Association of Victorian to create a digital oral history program, recording the experiences of Victorian veterans for the future.

Ten memorials and avenues of honour

www.gdayindia.com.au | M: 0412-114-383

G’DAY INDIA | NOV 2020

around the state will also be restored and improved as part of the Restoring Community War Memorials Program, including $26,000 to recognise the Tintaldra Avenue of Honour destroyed in the January bushfires and more than $24,000 to restore the 1918 Wallan Avenue of Honour.

For a full list of successful recipients in your area and information on other veteran grant opportunities, visit: vic.gov.au/grants-supportand-commemorate-veterans.

(MEDIA RELEASE)

G’DAY INDIA | NOV 2020

11

New COVID-19 safety campaign for Multicultural construction workers

The CFMEU Victoria and Master Builders Victoria have joined other union and employer groups for a collaborative new campaign focused on workplace safety in the building, construction and development industry in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The campaign is focused on educating Victorian construction workers, construction business owners and their families on how to manage an ongoing safe return to work after large scale building and construction sites returned to 85% working capacity on 28 September 2020.

The key aim of the campaign is to ensure workers of all backgrounds can easily access the important information on COVID-19 safety and be educated on key rules

including.

• Get tested early and stay at home if you are feeling sick • Wear your mask at work and travelling to and from work • Don’t share tools or lunch • Use hand sanitiser when entering the site and after meals • Stay 1.5 metres apart from workmates To ensure maximum impact, the messages have been translated into 15 languages and distributed to multicultural community groups.

John Setka, CFMEU spokesperson said: “Construction workers from multicultural backgrounds have been a critical part of the industry from Europeans after the Second World War to the Asian, African and Pacific Islander workers of the modern era.”

Setka, a proud member of the CroatianAustralian community added: “We’ve done a great job to date and now is the time to follow the rules. This campaign speaks to all ethnic groups, reminding us all of the importance of following the rules and safety measures put in place to ensure our safety, our families and the community.”

The group of unions and employer associations have worked with leading micro-community specialist Cultural Pulse to develop the messages and they will also amplify the communications through various

www.gdayindia.com.au | M: 0412-114-383

multicultural community and digital channels to culturally contextualise and convey the importance of operating in a COVID safe manner.

Rebecca Casson, CEO of Master Builders Victoria is proud of the response of the building and construction industry to the pandemic: “This is a fresh campaign aimed to overcome any fatigue in our community and will be dynamic in its messaging over the next few months to ensure worksites remain vigilant, safe, and open to lead Victoria’s economic recovery.”

Posters, social media tiles and messages can be downloaded here: https://covid. culturalpulse.com.au The site contains messaging in the following languages: English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Punjabi, Arabic, Hindi, Dari, Pashto, Vietnamese, Nepalese, Korean, Indonesian, Croatian, Greek, Sinhalese and Farsi.

List of organisations involved in the campaign: CFMEU Victoria, Master Builders Victoria, Incolink, National Electrical and Communications Association, Electrical Trades Union, Master Plumbers, Plumbing and Pipe Trades Employees Union, Property Council of Australia, Urban Development Institute of Australia, AMWU, Civil Contractors Federation, AWU, Australian Institute of Building, AMCA, Australian Constructors Association, prefabAUS and National Fire Industry Association.

12

NEWS VICTORIA

More Support for Kinder Kids This Term

MELBOURNE, Nov 3: Early childhood services will get a funding boost to support children in kinder during Term 4 and help them get ready for school.

Minister for Early Childhood Ingrid Stitt today announced more than 1,700 kinders will share in more than $3.7 million for early childhood services in Term 4.

Grants of up to $5,000 will be available for kindergarten services to support children who have returned to on-site learning by getting the most out of kinder and on making positive transitions to school.

This will allow services to fund more kindergarten program hours, additional educator hours so existing staff can undertake transition activities or provide more one-on-one time with children, and to access allied health support such as speech pathologist and occupational therapists.

This funding will be available to services that are not yet receiving funding through the Victorian Government’s $160 million School Readiness Funding initiative who are already able to access these supports.

In an Australian-first, the final stage of the roll-out of School Readiness Funding will be completed in 2021 and all kindergarten services in Victoria will be provided with needs-based funding to support their children.

Early childhood education and care services across Victoria have reopened with a COVIDSafe Plan and appropriate health and safety measures in place.

The Government announced $26.7 million in extra funding in Term 4 to support early childhood services through the coronavirus pandemic, ensuring sessional kindergarten remained free in eligible services and supporting children in their transition to school.

(MEDIA RELEASE)

G’DAY INDIA | NOV 2020

Getting Kids Moving Again as We Cut Costs for Families

MELBOURNE, Nov 1: Victorian kids will have more opportunities to play sports with their teammates and friends as part of a $45.2 million funding boost to get kids moving and help families with the costs of community sport, as we step towards COVID Normal and look forward to the things we love.

Now more than ever, Victorian kids deserve the chance to get outside and be active, and we will support up to 100,000 children to get back on the pitch, court, the nets or field – to play with their team. The $21 million Get Active Kids Voucher Program is a Victorian first and will support children to get involved in organised activities by providing $200 vouchers to help families with the cost of sports equipment, uniforms or memberships.

After the year that it has been, families need less to worry about as we recover, and we don’t want the costs of sport preventing kids from getting involved. The vouchers will be launched in early 2021 with eligibility criteria and details on how to apply to be announced in the coming months.

The package will also deliver more opportunities at school to participate in sport as part of the Active Schools program. More resources and expertise will be available to help Victorian students become more active, including:

• $7 million to support up to 481 government schools with an Active Schools funding boost to help meet the costs of running sport, outdoor education and active recreation programs after school, including forming partnerships with local sport clubs • $5.7 million for a further 96 schools towards implementing a whole school approach to physical activity • a new team of physical education leaders will provide on-the-ground advice and support to more than 800 schools to improve their approach to sport, physical education and physical activity • trials of new and innovative approaches to increasing activity through several partnerships — including working with the start-up community to explore how technology can get teens moving, as well as adapting Deakin University’s Transform-Us! Program for secondary schools to get adolescents moving more and sitting less • all schools will have access to a new Active Schools Toolkit, which will include tips and tricks on how to make their school and their kids more active This package is a key focus of a new strategy to get Victorian kids more active both at school, home and in the community.

(MEDIA RELEASE)

More Shade to Protect Victorian Students from Skin Cancer

MELBOURNE, Nov 6: More Victorian students will be protected from the sun’s harmful UV rays, thanks to the Victorian Government installing more sunshades in school playgrounds and outdoor areas.

Minister for Health Martin Foley today announced 104 schools - including 16 located in areas impacted by the 2019-20 bushfires will share in over $1.3 million from the latest round of the School Shade Grants Program.

The grants are available to schools to build new shade structures, repair existing structures, or create natural shade by planting trees. Funding is also provided to purchase sun protective items including hats and sunscreen.

When used alongside other sun protection measures such as sunscreen and clothing, shade structures are the best defense and can reduce overall exposure to UV radiation by up to 75 per cent.

In 2018, melanoma was the fifth most common cancer in Victoria with 3,096 new cases diagnosed and sadly 291 deaths.

www.gdayindia.com.au | M: 0412-114-383

Through this program, the Government is helping children to be sun smart and prevent skin cancer, while still embracing the outdoors and keeping fit, active and healthy.

It is important children and teenagers stay protected from the sun as these are critical periods when exposure to UV radiation is more likely to contribute to skin cancer later in life. Schools play an important role teaching effective SunSmart behaviours from an early age.

The School Shade Grants Program is complemented by the Community Shade Grants Program, which provides shade for community organisations. Together, these programs have awarded 1,429 grants across Victoria, totalling almost $13.5 million.

It forms part of the Government’s ambitious Victorian Cancer Plan 2020-24 which sets out a target to halve the proportion of Victorians diagnosed with preventable cancers by 2040.

(MEDIA RELEASE)

G’DAY INDIA | NOV 2020

13

Victorian Budget Woolworths helps customers celebrate Diwali with expanded to Create South Asian product range Jobs and Help Victoria Recover MELBOURNE, Oct 30: The Victorian Government will deliver the Victorian Budget 2020/21 on 24 November.

The Budget will continue vital support for Victorian families, businesses and jobs, and kickstart an unprecedented investment in infrastructure and services our state will need for decades to come.

Coronavirus has taken a huge toll on economies around the world. And as other countries re-enter lockdowns, our success in aggressively suppressing the virus means Victoria is in a position to re-open, rebuild and grow.

The Budget will build on the billions of dollars in support and stimulus the Government has already announced – delivering jobs for Victorians and helping repair the damage this once-in-a-generation pandemic has wrought.

The Government has provided more than $13 billion towards measures to fight coronavirus, including more than $6.5 billion in direct economic support for Victorian businesses and workers. It includes $2.25 billion in Business Support Fund grants for 127,000 small and medium businesses.

(MEDIA RELEASE)

MONDAY, 26 October 2020: Diwali preparations are now made easier and more convenient with special South Asian products available in selected Woolworths stores across the country.

Diwali occupies an unparalleled place in the hearts of people, and on this auspicious occasion, Woolworths has embraced the importance of the role food plays during Diwali by offering tailored products for the South Asian community, available in over 200 stores nationally and also online.

The range of products includes snacks, spices, rice, atta flour and other cooking ingredients to help create flavourful special dishes during the festive period. These specially sourced products not only offer popular food items, but also provide great convenience to the South Asian community

in Australia to help them prepare for the Diwali celebrations.

Popular snacks such as Parle G biscuits and Parle rusk, as well as much loved Chings Noodles are also available, providing the opportunity to easily enjoy these little treats for Diwali.

Accompanied by popular beverages such as Red Label tea, Bru coffee, Kushi juices and MTR Badam drink cans, Woolworths has customers’ meal, snack and gifting needs covered this Diwali.

Woolworths is offering special prices on key household ingredients such as Daawat Basmati rice, Aashirvaad Whole Wheat Atta Flour, Amul Ghee, Katoomba Ginger & Garlic and Dhara Sunflower Oil, used in everyday cooking.

Woolworths General Manager for Grocery Food Ewan Shearer said; “We understand Diwali is an important time for family

www.gdayindia.com.au | M: 0412-114-383

gathering, celebration and feasting. Our teams have been working hard to expand our South Asian product range and ensure customers have all the ingredients and products they need to celebrate.

“For Diwali, we have the right variety of local and international products offering great value to help our customers during their busy preparations leading into the Diwali festivities.

“On behalf of Woolworths, I would like to wish the entire community a very happy Diwali.”

For more information on Woolworths stores that stock the Diwali range, visit www. woolworths.com.au/diwali.

The Diwali product range varies from store to store and the Diwali Sale is available from now until Tuesday 17th November 2020, unless sold out earlier.

(Media Release)

14

NEWS AUSTRALIA

G’DAY INDIA | NOV 2020

$3 Billion NorthConnex Opens

CANBERRA, Oct 30: NorthConnex will open to motorists this weekend with the final tests and safety checks being completed on the $3 billion Sydney mega project that will change the way drivers travel across the city.

Sydney-siders will be able to bypass 21 sets of traffic lights between the M1 and M2 motorways, completing the long-awaited ‘missing link’ in the National Highway network.

The twin nine kilometre tunnels between the M1 at Wahroonga and M2 at West Pennant Hills will provide smoother and faster journeys along Pennant Hills Road and also mean bypassing 40 sets of lights if using the Pacific Highway as a route to the CBD. It will save people up to 15 minutes in the morning and evening commute, boosting productivity and busting congestion.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said NorthConnex had delivered thousands of jobs to support hard-working families and now motorists would benefit for generations to come.

“NorthConnex is a game-changing piece of infrastructure that will allow drivers to travel between Newcastle and Melbourne without stopping at a traffic light, and a complete bypass of suburban Sydney,” the Prime Minister said.

“This is one of the most significant and eagerly anticipated road infrastructure

projects ever delivered in Australia.”

Premier of New South Wales Gladys Berejiklian said the project has been a major driver of employment, creating around 8,700 jobs for the state.

“The project is forecast to inject around $4 billion into the economy and is proof of the government’s strong commitment to deliver major infrastructure and jobs for the people of New South Wales,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“Around 300 businesses from the Western Sydney area and another 50 from the Central Coast have also contributed to the project, highlighting the opportunities this project has created for local suppliers and contractors.”

Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said Sydney motorists will soon be experiencing the extraordinary benefits of the NorthConnex tunnels.

“NorthConnex is going to strip up to 5,000 trucks a day off the notorious Pennant Hills Road, which is one of the most congested roads in NSW,” Mr Tudge said.

“The safety benefits for so many families, getting people home safely at the end of each day, is immeasurable.”

New South Wales Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said NorthConnex reaches depths of up to 90 metres, making it Australia’s deepest road tunnel.

www.gdayindia.com.au | M: 0412-114-383

“Australian-first, innovative lighting displays will help keep drivers alert, with stunning starscapes, trees and native bird highlighting the transition from the rural environment of the north to the urban environment of the city,” Mr Constance said.

“NorthConnex will see air quality improve around Pennant Hills Road, safer routes for pedestrians and cyclists, and a significant reduction in traffic noise – all issues local residents desperately wanted addressed.”

The Australian and NSW Governments have also thanked the more than 20,000 residents living along the corridor for their cooperation and patience throughout work on the project.

NorthConnex is a $3 billion project which includes $577.3 million from the NSW Government, $412.3 million from the Australian Government, and $2 billion from Transurban and its private sector partners.

NorthConnex tolls are in line with the M2, at $7.99 for cars and $23.97 for heavy vehicles.

Toll Relief will apply. Drivers who spend an average of $26 a week over a year are entitled to free registration. Drivers who spend an average of $16 a week over a year are entitled to half price registration.

(MEDIA RELEASE)

G’DAY INDIA | NOV 2020

15

Australia’s economic recovery could falter without fiscal boost: Treasury Secretary

CANBERRA, Nov 6: Australia's economic recovery from the ongoing coronavirus pandemic could "falter" without strong fiscal stimulus from the government, Treasury Secretary Steven Kennedy said.

Kennedy used a recent speech to urge the government to lower the threshold for fiscal stimulus.

He said the move would allow the government to boost the economy whenever it is flagging rather than just after a "large shock" such as the pandemic.

Kennedy praised the government for already providing A$257 billion in direct economic support in response to the coronavirus crisis but noted that there was no more room to stimulate the economy using "conventional monetary" policy.

"Given the lack of conventional monetary support available, the recovery could

falter without a strong fiscal policy response leading to years of anaemic growth," he told an Australian Business Economists event.

"Fiscal policy has always responded to large shocks but there is now a question about whether the threshold for intervention should be lowered."

In addition to the federal government Kennedy said that states and territories "can also play an important role in supporting the economic recovery" by investing in infrastructure projects.

His comments came days after the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) cut the interest rate to an all-time low of 0.1 per cent to aid the economic recovery from the pandemic which has infected 27,634 people in the country and killed 907 others.

(AGENCIES)

www.gdayindia.com.au | M: 0412-114-383

16

US ELECTION 2020

G’DAY INDIA | NOV 2020

Trump alleges voter fraud;

Biden says he's confident of win

NEW YORK, Nov 6: As the US moves closer to determining a winner in the presidential race, President Donald Trump has made controversial broad allegations of voter fraud, while his Democratic rival Joe Biden has expressed confidence that he and his running mate Kamala Harris will win.

The duelling statements came on Thursday with the media giving Biden a wide lead in the electoral votes needed to win and Trump trying to tie up the counting in courts but so far without succeeding in stopping the count.

In the polarising atmosphere, protests were held across the country by supporters of both leaders and in New York City the anti-Trump protest turned violent for the second night with attacks on police and several arrests.

"If you count the legal votes, I easily win," the President told reporters at the White House on Thursday, implying that some of the postal ballots, the counting of which he was trying to stop was illegal.

"If you count the illegal votes, they can try to steal the election from us. If you count the votes that came in late, we're looking at them very strongly, but a lot of votes came in late.

"This is a case where they're trying to steal an election a" trying to rig an election," he asserted.

Biden, in contrast, said: "Each ballot must be counted and that's what is going on now.

And that's how it should be. Democracy is sometimes messy, so sometimes it requires a little patience."

Trump's allegations about election fraud brought immediate condemnation from the media, almost all of which labelled it "false", and politicians in Republican and Democratic parties.

The main TV networks, ABC, CBS and NBC, stopped broadcasting his speech midway.

Larry Hogan, the Republican Governor of Maryland tweeted: "There is no defence for the President's comments tonight undermining

our Democratic process."

Adam Kinzinger, a Republican member of the House of Representatives, was blunter in his tweet: "This is getting insane."

While the New York Times and CBS gave Biden 253 electoral college votes, the Associated Press and Fox News gave him 264 votes and Trump 214, both projections put the presidency in Biden's reach.

Accompanied by Harris in Wilmington, Delaware, Biden repeated his low-key claim of victory.

"We continue to feel very good about where things stand. And we have no doubt that when the count is finished, Senator Harris and I will be the winners."

Among the key states from where the results are to be announced, Biden improved his tally in Georgia and Pennsylvania, where Trump still had a lead, while Biden's lead narrowed in Arizona.

In his speech, Trump highlighted an issue of embarrassment for the national media, the polls that were widely off the mark in most cases.

www.gdayindia.com.au | M: 0412-114-383

He called the polls "election interference" by "powerful special interests" that were "designed to keep out voters home" and "diminish Republicans' ability to raise funds".

He cited the polls in Florida and Ohio where he won despite poll predictions that he would lose.

One instance of what he cited as an irregularity was brushed off by most media and Democrats as inconsequential, but would appear as a major flaw in many countries.

That was the refusal by authorities in some places to allow party observers to watch the counting process closely.

He cited the case of Pennsylvania, where a judge ruled on a Republican appeal to allow observers to effectively watch the counting process.

The judge permitted observers to be within six feet of the counting process while following Covid-19 preventive measures after the Republicans had complained they were kept so far away that they could not see the ballots.

By Arul Louis

NEWS WORLD

G’DAY INDIA | NOV 2020

17

NZ PM unveils new cabinet focused on Covid-19 recovery

WELLINGTON, Nov 2: New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern unveiled her new cabinet, which will new portfolios for the country's economic recovery and ongoing Covid-19 response.

"The next three years will be very challenging for New Zealand. With the global outlook worsening we won't be immune to the ongoing impact Covid-19 is having around the world," Ardern said.

"With this in mind the new Labor government will have two overarching priorities: to drive our economic recovery from Covid-19, and to continue our health response to keep New Zealanders safe from the virus," the Prime Minister added.

Grant Robertson will become the Deputy Prime Minister, Finance Minister and Infrastructure Minister, drawing together the key portfolios central to that economic recovery, according to Ardern.

The incumbent Health Minister Chris Hipkins has been given the Covid-19 response portfolio.

The premier said that this new portfolio which will give the Minister responsibility for all aspects of the ongoing response, including the running of managed isolation facilities,

border defences as well as health response including testing and contact tracing systems and managing any resurgence of the virus.

Andrew Little will become the Minister of Health, driving overdue reforms of the system aimed at improving health outcomes for all New Zealanders, she said.

Nanaia Mahuta will become the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the first woman in New Zealand's history appointed to the post.

Monday's cabinet line-up comes after

www.gdayindia.com.au | M: 0412-114-383

Ardern secured a second term after winning landslide majority in the October 17 general elections.

Her Labour Party won 49 per cent of the vote, which transfers to 64 seats in the 120-member Parliament in a MixedMember Proportional voting system, with the opposition National Party, headed by Judith Collins, lagged behind at 27 per cent, or 35 seats.

(IANS)

18

NEWS WORLD

G’DAY INDIA | NOV 2020

14 arrested in connection to Vienna shootings

VIENNA, Nov 4: At least 14 people were arrested after multiple police raids were carried out in connection to the shootings in the Austrian capital of Vienna that claimed the lives of four people earlier this week, the media reported on Wednesday.

In a statement, Interior Minister Karl Nehammer said the 14 people linked to the 20-year-old Islamist gunman Kujtim Fejzulai, who had been freed from jail last December, were arrested in the Vienna area, St Polten town and Linz city.

Fejzulai was shot dead by the police as he fired on passers-by on Monday evening near the Seitenstettengasse synagogue at a city centre area.

The gunman has been April 2019 for trying to travel to Syria to join Islamic State (IS) jihadis.

Nehammer said that although there was no indication of the involvement of a second assailant, but the possibility could not be ruled out immediately.

In a video on its online propaganda channel, the IS terror group claimed responsibility for the attack.

Meanwhile, Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz confirmed that the four victims were an elderly woman, an elderly man, a young man and a waitress, while 22 people were also injured.

He said that the police has identified a total of six crime scenes in the area, adding that the attack driven by "hatred of our way of

We will not give in, says Macron after Vienna shootings

life, our democracy".

Three days of national mourning began in Austria on Tuesday, with flags flying at halfmast.

The Vienna shootings came days after a string of recent terror attacks in France.

On October 16, middle-school teacher, Samuel Paty was beheaded by an 18-yearold Muslim immigrant, Abdullakh Anzorov inside a school near Paris.

Then on October 29, Brahim Aouissaoui, a 21-year-old Tunisian man, stabbed three people to death inside the Notre-Dame basilica in the city of Nice.

(IANS)

www.gdayindia.com.au | M: 0412-114-383

PARIS, Nov 3: French President Emmanuel Macron has said his country and its citizens share the shock and sorrow of the Austrian people following the shootings in Vienna, pledging that "our enemies must know who they are dealing with. We will not give in."

"After France, it is a friendly country that is attacked. This is our Europe.

Our enemies must know who they are dealing with. We will not give in," Macron wrote on Twitter.

Earlier on Monday evening, shootings hit several locations in central Vienna. Austrian Interior Minister Karl Nehammer said the shootings in which at least seven persons were reportedly killed, appeared to be a terrorist attack with multiple perpetrators.

France has been placed on its highest level of terrorism alert since three people were killed by a knife attack at the Notre-Dame basilica in the southern city of Nice.

On October 16, a history teacher was beheaded outside a middle school in Paris suburbs.

(IANS)

UK records highest single-day death toll from Covid-19 since May

LONDON, Nov 4: The coronavirusrelated deaths in Britain rose by 397 to 47,250, the highest daily increase since May, according to official figures.

Another 20,018 people in Britain have tested positive for Covid-19, bringing the total number of coronavirus cases in the country to 1,073,882, the data showed on Tuesday.

The figures came as England is set to enter a month-long lockdown from Thursday in a bid to quell the resurgence of the coronavirus.

Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer for England, on Tuesday defended the government's decision, saying that the aim of the new lockdown, the second of its kind since the coronavirus outbreak began in Britain, is to get infection rates down so that the country can move to a different state in December.

"The aim of this is to get the rates down far enough that it's a realistic possibility to move into a different state of play at that point in time," he said while being questioned by the British

lawmakers.

Under the lockdown, which will be effective until December 2, people in England will only be allowed to leave their homes for specific reasons, such as education, work or food shopping.

Pubs, bars and restaurants will close across the country except for takeaways.

Non-essential shops, hairdressers, and leisure and entertainment venues will also be shut.

Meanwhile, different households will be banned from mixing, although support bubbles and childcare bubbles will remain.

Gyms will be shut but people can continue to exercise outdoors, at most with one person from another household.

Schools, colleges and universities will remain open and those who cannot work from home, such as construction or manufacturing workers, will be encouraged to continue going to their workplaces.

(IANS)

www.gdayindia.com.au | M: 0412-114-383

G’DAY INDIA | NOV 2020

Death toll from earthquake in Turkey reaches 109

19

ANKARA, Nov 3: The death toll from the devastating earthquake in Turkey's western Izmir province has gone up to 109, according to the Disaster and Emergency Management Agency (AFAD).

"According to the latest data, 109 people died, 1036 others were injured, 138 of which are still in hospitals," AFAD said on Tuesday evening.

Earlier, AFAD reported 107 deaths.

A 6.6-magnitude quake toppled more than a dozen buildings in Izmir on Friday. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said late on Saturday that the death toll from the earthquake stood at 37. On Tuesday, the death toll rose to 109.

The quake also reached the Greek island of Samos in the Aegean Sea, killing two teenagers and injuring 20 people. The Greek civil protection agency declared a six-month-long state of emergency to deal with its aftermath. ( ANI)

20

NEWS INDIA

G’DAY INDIA | NOV 2020

PM woos global investors, says India is the place to be

NEW DELHI, Nov 5: Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged global investors to invest in India and said that the country is the right place for investments as it provides business returns and demand along with reliability and the values of democracy.

Addressing the Virtual Global Investor Roundtable, the Prime Minister laid down the reform measures taken up by the government amid the pandemic along with the steps announced during the past six years.

"If you want returns with reliability, India is the place to be. If you want demand with democracy, India is the place to be," he said.

"If you want stability with sustainability, India is the place to be. If you want growth with a green approach, India is the place to be," he added.

Highlighting the country's democracy and demography, Modi said that India offers investors democracy, demography, demand as well as diversity.

"Such is our diversity that you get multiple markets within one market. These come with multiple pocket sizes and multiple preferences. These come with multiple weathers and multiple levels of development," he said.

Modi also said that the government would take every step necessary to make India lead the recovery of global economic growth.

"A strong and vibrant India can contribute to the stabilisation of the world economic order. We will do whatever it takes to make India the engine of global growth resurgence," he said.

He also talked about the recent reforms in the agriculture sector, which along with accolades from several sector experts and economists have also faced protests from farmers in several states.

Modi said that the recent reforms in agriculture has opened up new possibilities for global investors to partner with the farmers of India. He further said that with the help of technology and modern processing solutions, India will soon emerge as an agriculture export hub.

On the government's vision of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat', he said that India's quest to become self-reliant is "not just a vision, but a well-planned economic strategy".

He described it as a strategy that aims to use the capabilities of our businesses and skills of Indian workers to turn the country into a global manufacturing powerhouse.

The Prime Minister also said that through the year, India has "bravely fought" the global pandemic and the world saw India's "national character".

The global institutional investors present at the roundtable represented key regions including the US, Europe, Canada, Korea, Japan, Middle East, Australia and Singapore.

Some of these included funds like Singapore's Temasek Holdings, Canadian Investment Fund, Korean funds, JBIC, and Australian Super, among others.

Ratan Tata, Mukesh Ambani, Nandan Nilekani, Deepak Parekh, Uday Kotak and Dilip Sanghvi were the major Indian business personalities present at the roundtable.

(AGENCIES)

Among Indians during pandemic meditation, yoga top activities

NEW DELHI, Oct 31: In the pandemic times, meditation and yoga have emerged as top health activities among people in India, a global study by wearable brand Fitbit has revealed.

While meditation emerged as the top go-to activity among users in India with a staggering uptick of 2,381 per cent, yoga witnessed a 241 per cent spike among the Indian Fitbit users, highlighting a major shift and focus on mental wellness and stress management while staying indoors.

"While Indians slept the least among key APAC markets in 2019 and 2020, Covid-19 induced lockdown and following limited restrictions resulted in Indians sleeping 18 minutes more between March-August 2020 as compared to the same period last year," the study showed.

In the Asia-Pacific region, mediation, yoga and pilates saw a huge adoption in 2020, mirroring the global trend, with meditation in

particular saw massive popularity among Fitbit users across the region.

Australia and New Zealand continued to lead the region in active minutes achieved, even if they did not lead in overall step count, suggesting a greater level of intentional activity such as exercise.

"Most countries saw their lockdown gains in sleep duration reverse as they reopened, with the exception of Australia, which continued to enjoy an increase in sleep duration to 7 hours 37 minutes -- 39 minutes higher than the regional average.

The regional average Resting Heart Rate (RHR) improved during lockdown and stayed the same even as countries reopened.

"On the whole, the data shows that while users have embraced a more sedentary lifestyle in 2020 with overall activity decreasing, many users have pivoted to more frequent stress-relieving activities," the data revealed.

(IANS)

www.gdayindia.com.au | M: 0412-114-383

IMG Reliance to market Cricket Australia's 'virtual inventory' rights

MUMBAI, Nov 2: Sports marketing firm IMG Reliance has won the global mandate to market Cricket Australia's 'virtual inventory' rights. They will be the exclusive global agency for Cricket Australia to bring on board brand partners for the virtual inventory that features in the television coverage available to viewers outside of Australia, including the Indian subcontinent.

IMG Reliance now have the mandate of representing Cricket Australia for the forthcoming Indian tour in December, which includes four Tests, three ODI's and three T20Is, as per an official media release.

"The upcoming Dettol T20, Dettol ODI and Vodafone Test series' between Australia and

India is one of the most eagerly anticipated in world cricket this year," said Stephanie Beltrame, Executive General Manager, Broadcasting & Commercial at Cricket Australia.

"This unique new sponsorship opportunity will provide a powerful platform for brands to connect with a vast worldwide audience. We're thrilled to be partnering with IMG Reliance who have a proven track record in developing and selling cricket sponsorship opportunities, particularly in the sub-continent."

Cricket Australia, for the first time, will introduce the new concept for its international fixtures starting 2020.

The Australian board's plans to create the additional categories in form of end of wicket pitch mats and mid-wicket pitch mats opens up opportunities for brands to associate with the targeted audience for specific series. Visible during live play and accessible only to select brands, this will be among the most premium offerings available to brands in India this year.

Nikhil Bardia, Head of Sponsorship Sales, IMG Reliance, said: "We are delighted at having been selected by Cricket Australia to market this marquee inventory for their home series properties."

(IANS)

www.gdayindia.com.au | M: 0412-114-383

G’DAY INDIA | NOV 2020

21

India stands with Austria: Modi on Vienna shooting NEW DELHI, Nov 3: Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned shootings in multiple locations in Vienna, saying India "stands with Austria during this tragic time".

"Deeply shocked and saddened by the dastardly terror attacks in Vienna.

India stands with Austria during this tragic time. My thoughts are with the victims and their families," the Prime Minister said.

At least three people were killed, including a gunman, and 14 others injured in the shootings that took place on Monday evening in the Austrian capital, just hours before a nationwide lockdown was scheduled to come into force to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus.

(IANS)

G’Day Mate

!

22

G’DAY INDIA | NOV 2020

WorldRemit Launches WorldRemit Transfer Tracker App

WorldRemit, a leading global digital payments company, is today launching The WorldRemit Transfer Tracker mobile App for recipients of money transfers which allows them to track their remittances. The WorldRemit Transfer Tracker App is now available through the Google app store in Nigeria, India, Mexico and Colombia. It will also be free to download through the app store in 90 countries in iOS and Android later this month.

Consumer research shows that financial insecurity is at an all-time high. WorldRemit is working tirelessly to increase transparency and support users by providing easy access to financial services. With WorldRemit’s proprietary technology, each user can now track the money they have been sent, giving them added peace of mind at a time when they need it most.

“Whenever I have the chance to speak to our customers, they always remind me of the three reasons they choose our service – convenience, speed and safety. I’m delighted that we have launched a service exclusively for our customers who receive money from their family and friends. Through developing the Transfer Tracker App, we hope to empower recipients of money transfers so that they can access their funds as conveniently and as safely as possible.

This remains a guiding principle for us as we

www.gdayindia.com.au | M: 0412-114-383

continue to provide an inclusive end-to-end money transfer service,” said Stephen Lovell, Chief Product Officer at WorldRemit.

The Transfer Tracker App has a "track my money" feature, which allows recipients to see exactly where their funds are in real time for added peace of mind. According to the 2017 World Bank Global Findex database, there are 1.7 billion adults across the world who do not have a bank account, nor do they have an account with a mobile money provider. The majority of financially excluded people tend to live in rural areas or places with limited access to reliable transportation, which often means having to make long journeys into city centres. For those who rely on financial support from loved ones abroad, visiting cash pick up agents is often the only option available to them.

WorldRemit is one of the first companies in the global payments industry to launch a Transfer Tracker app exclusively with recipients in mind. The digital payments company allows senders in 50 countries to send money via the app or website to recipients in over 150 countries, where they can choose from multiple pay-out methods including bank deposits, mobile wallets, mobile airtime top-up and cash pick-up.

For more details, visit: www.worldremit. com

(Media Release)

ADVERTORIAL

G’DAY INDIA | NOV 2020

23

‘Invoice Money’ the name says it all

Invoice Money is an expert in small business cash flow finance and one of the few specialist Invoice in the Australian invoice finance market.

Invoice Finance is all we do, and we think we do it best. We’ve funded many millions worth of invoices.

Founded in 2011, our management team brings 50+ years of Invoice Finance experience that you can confidentially rely upon to create bespoke solutions for you. We’re not the largest invoice financing company in the country and we’re happy with that. Every person in our team knows each and every one of our clients and understand their individual business needs. You will never be “just another number” at Invoice Money.

Running a business is both exciting and challenging. For most businesses, one of the biggest challenges is maintaining a smooth cash flow. Waiting for invoices to be paid is not only stressful, but it can be a real obstacle to progress for your business.

Invoice Finance has 3 Easy Steps: Step 1.

You complete a job, invoice your client and send us a copy.

Step 2.

We check the invoice and advance up to 90%

of the invoice value (inc. GST) within 24 hours.

Step 3.

Your customer pays the invoice to us as per trading terms and we return the balance to you less our fees.

So, Invoice Finance allows you to convert your outstanding invoices into cash today.

Imagine having 90% of what you are currently owed in your bank account as cash tomorrow.

Imagine paying your wages, suppliers and taxes with no stress. At Invoice Money we bring you fast, easy and helpful cash solutions tailored for your business.

Jess Kaur grew up in New Delhi, India to a Punjabi Family and came to Australia in 2014 to study accountancy in Charles Sturt University. Delivering rapid and sustainable client satisfaction is her true passion. She specialises in Banking and Finance products, Invoice Financing and committed to building trusted partnerships with her clients.

For more information, contact Jess Kaur on: T: (03) 8813 0532 E: jess.kaur@invoicemoney.com.au

An Invoice Finance Facility grows as your sales grow. The more you sell, the greater the access to cash you have available. It’s a positive upward cycle. It gives you a cashflow boost exactly when you need it. Businesses that thrive using Invoice Finance include: Transport, Labour Hire, Wholesalers, Manufacturers and Security.

We have a simple application process with a Wishing you very experienced team that allows us to make and your family a very quick Decisions. So if you’re looking for a small business loan that will give your business fast cash then let us introduce you to our services and explain what they are and how they work for you.

GETTING MARRIED IN AUSTRALIA

Weddings Ceremonies Restrictions in Melbourne

Restrictions have been further eased from 11:59pm on 27 October 2020. Up to 10 people can attend a wedding (indoors or outdoors) including the couple and two witnesses, this is in addition to the celebrant and one photographer.

If a wedding is held at a private residence, private gathering restrictions apply.

The couple getting married don’t need to maintain 1.5 metres distance from each other. They don’t need to wear a mask during the ceremony or when wedding photos are taken. However, everyone else in attendance should keep at least 1.5 metres distance from people they don’t live with including when wedding photos are taken.

You can hold a wedding in a private residence but only the members of the household, and up to two visitors from the same household and their dependents can attend — in addition to the celebrant and one photographer.

Witnesses must be from the

Contact Jess, one of our friendly cash flow experts today to discuss which solutions suits you best.

same household as the couple getting married or count as the two permitted visitors per day from the same household. These limits also apply to weddings held in the backyards and outdoor areas of private residences.

You can travel more than 25 kilometres from your home to attend a wedding. However, if you live in metropolitan Melbourne you can’t travel to a marriage ceremony in regional Victoria — unless exempt on compassionate grounds.

You should not attend a wedding or religious gathering if you are feeling unwell. Stay home and get tested.

www.gdayindia.com.au | M: 0412-114-383

Jess Kaur

24

MILESTONE

G’DAY INDIA | NOV 2020

‘The Indian Weekly’ W

Six years ago a content star was born, and since has grown into a galaxy of newsworthy and topical insight from local, national and international stories.

ith its first publication back in May 2014, the popular and well-reputed ‘The Indian Weekly’ has reached a milestone of 300 quality publications.

At the time, monthly print publications were not keeping up with the community’s demand for fresh and interesting content.

Seeing a necessity to provide fresh content from not only Australia, but around the world, ‘The Indian Weekly’ was born from the strong belief that ‘A Lot Happens in a

Week’. They aimed to reach the Australian Indian diaspora, taking into account the busy lifestyles of their readers.

Covering a vast array of topics, the high quality content matches the attractive visual layout of the magazine, and acts as a ‘one stop shop’ content feast. From an Australian Indian perspective, the content range can feature relevant stories from back home in India, to key policy changes impacting Australian residents and to highlighting achievements of the Indian diaspora from

around the world.

All this glory in word and images, is and has been backed by a dedicated small team, which has fortified their success. However, in the beginning, the founder, Mr Tonee Sethi, and his team were met with harsh scepticism from critics within the same trade. These critics believed it would be very hard to keep up and sustain an issue per week because of the work that goes in it and with a small team.

“Looking back, it is 6 years later and we are still going strong,” says Mr Tonee Sethi, “we tell stories that really need to be told.”

Mr Tonee Sethi has taken this point to the next level, and now the publication offers a platform to new and passionate writers who are looking for an opportunity to contribute. This collaboration adds more local and national perspective, and diverse opinions that make the content uniquely relatable, as well as a way for writers to be recognised and read.

With over 600,000 Indians residing in Australia, ‘The Indian Weekly’ team work hard to deliver fresh and inspirational content each week. This is achieved with each publication revolving around a topic relating to the main cover story. The main cover story can be a major news event from across the globe or a human-interest story. Specifically, the magazine focuses on inspirational journeys, explorations of the multicultural society we live in, and always aims for subjects that are unique and touch the hearts of readers. Proudly, the publication also works with the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, and brings reviews of newly released films to the public.

“Anyone who has run a magazine would agree that it comes with a lot challenges,” says Amandeep Sethi, co-founder of the magazine, “and one such challenge that keeps coming is the new angles of storytelling week after week that will shed a light on stories that impact the lives of readers. Sustaining this quality is the hardest aspect of the job, and a lot of effort goes behind the scenes to get it right.”

As advertising is the only source of revenue from the publication, it is not

www.gdayindia.com.au | M: 0412-114-383

hits 300!

always the most profitable business platform. “The happiness we get from serving the community in this way, is what keeps us going,” Mr Tonee Sethi said, “if it was done only just for the sake of money, it wouldn’t have been worth it.”

The current aim of the company is to change with the times and always find better ways of storytelling, discovering ever-inspiring stories and stay constantly relevant to the society through print and digital platforms. In the past, people would only receive their news feed via print and radio mediums, and of course nowadays, we have moved into a digital world. With the COVID-19 pandemic, the magazine’s digital reach has tripled, with more resources being put into developing its digital platform and presence, as in the twenty-first century, this is always a moving target.

“But there are still people who like to physically hold and feel a magazine and the reading experience,” says Amandeep Sethi, who notes that some readers still prefer a physical copy, “and are willing to pay for postage even after we tell them to read it online for free.”

Being the only magazine in Australia where the content is aimed at the Indian Australian readership, it’s obvious to state that ‘The Indian Weekly’ strives to not only entertain its readers, but to inspire and inform. This is an important aspect as the stories are not just India-centric, but also focuses on Australians who go out of their way for the sake of humanity and strive to make a difference. Furthermore, there’s the common theme of the merging of Australian and Indian cultures, and how they can integrate in such a way that we can all exist in peaceful and joyful harmony.

As for the future? The team hopes to keep going for as long as possible with the print version and an ever improving and newly prioritised digital format as well, providing content for both loyal and new readers.

The wonderful team behind ‘The Indian Weekly’ send their heartfelt thanks to the thousands of supporters who have stood by them over the years, through ongoing encouragement and constructive feedback.

“Let’s hope the next 300 issues are just as newsworthy and topical,” said Mr Tonee Sethi, “we hope that the readers are as excited for future as we are.”

By Monisha Iswaran www.gdayindia.com.au | M: 0412-114-383

G’DAY INDIA | NOV 2020

25

26

COMMUNITY

G’DAY INDIA | NOV 2020

REUNITING FAMILIES Melbourne-based Gaura Travel has been around for nearly 14 years now during which time they have flown over a million travellers. But their test came after the pandemic struck bringing life to a standstill and leaving Indians visiting Australia stranded. They came through the test with flying colours.

Some words of appreciation on social media: Sonia Bhojki Well done guys ... you all are really doing a great job. Finally, my mum is going back today after 7 months. Thanks to you all.

Shobhna Fernandez Thank you so much for what you have done. A big God bless…

Jaswant Singh Everything till we came out from airport was fine.

We. Faced no problem.

God bless Gaura Travels.

Ruby Sran Great job, my family reached India safely from Melbourne to Amritsar, good food service and my parents had a good experience during their journey. keep it up …

Joginder Kaur Matharu Really it was much relieve for old people struck abroad for last many months having health problems visa, expiry problems etc I met and saw people virtually nervous and suppressed to reach back home safely. It was GAURA travellers arranging chartered flights specially linking Brisbane and Adleda to Melbourne and to New Delhi. I wish Gaura Travels team to reach to last needy people helping them to reach back him. Thanks, Gaura Travels.

M

elbourne: The messages are legion, filling up their Facebook, email et al.

And they are straight from the heart.

“It’s humbling, and we are grateful that we could reunite anxious and worried families, sending back home their loved ones stuck in Australia for months because of the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Ashwini Sonthalia.

He and younger brother Abhishek started Gaura Travel in January 2007 and haven’t looked back since. By their estimate, they have flown over a million passengers till now.

The advent of the rampaging pandemic though put the brakes on their activity towards the end of March when both India and Australia went into hard lockdowns.

So how was it when that happened?

“The world came to a standstill.

Our overseas offices had to close down and only the Melbourne office worked. We were attending www.gdayindia.com.au | M: 0412-114-383

G’DAY INDIA | NOV 2020

to our clients, answering their queries… there was panic as they were worried about what was going to happen to them, how would they return home to India, what about refunds. The first month, we were taking about 200 calls and processing about a hundred refunds,” Ashwini said recalling those harrowing days.

This went on till around the middle of June by when even the Vande Bharat Mission flights also stopped; people kept inquiring about the possibility of returning home and when.

“We were in discussion with Mr Raj Kumar, Consul General at the Consulate General of India in Melbourne. He and his team were guiding us, showing us processes,” Ashwini said.

Amidst all this, it was the siblings’ penchant for out-of-the-box thinking that opened doors for the stranded to once again start dreaming of being able to return to India. It was such innovative thinking that had seen the travel agency start a 24x7 overseas call centre in 2010 – the first local company to do so and which changed the industry and others later adopted.

July 4. Saturday. It was a red-letter day for Gaura Travel as it launched three chartered flights, all of Singapore Airlines, to New Delhi. Two days later would be Ashwini’s birthday, but that probably was the last thing on his mind as a flurry of activity began.

“It was an overwhelming experience for us. People didn’t understand what was going on. It was the first time in Australia that a travel agency was using chartered flights. There was

a range of emotions starting from incredulity to scepticism to doubt—is it authentic or is it a scam. The first two-three days the office was like a war room, so many things to be done, we were being swamped with queries,” ” recalls Ashwini, the excitement in his tone still to pale.

They had initially expected they could fly two-three chartered flights carrying around 500 travellers. By the end of October, such an expectation would prove to be just modest.

“We flew over 20 flights with over 5000 travellers,” he said.

The traveller profiles are of three basic types. Some came to Australia to visit relatives or friends with return tickets before the pandemic struck and forced lockdowns both in India and Australia leaving them high and dry; there are those who are residents of Australia but need to go to India for emergencies and then there are students who are without jobs, studying remotely and not required to go to their educational institutes and thus want to save on cost, particularly rent, and may be come back later when things improve.

The two brothers, along with another team member, Atul, plunged into the entire operation headlong. It was not going to be merely about profit; it was a crisis where the human touch was of paramount concern.

“We would be at the airport for every single flight. Not to just stand around. We were there with water www.gdayindia.com.au | M: 0412-114-383

27

bottles to wheelchairs for the elderly, assisting the travellers with luggage to translation; relatives and friends seeing them off were not allowed to come in so they were on their own and we were there to help them out,” said Abhishek.

“The elderly in particular were moved, they would get emotional and bless us. We would think that even our parents could be in such a situation and just the thought would bring tears to our eyes,” he said while recalling an instance when around 20 people had come in from Adelaide and stayed overnight at the airport to catch their flight the following day. “When we came to know of it, we served them food brought from Hare Krishna temple,” he said.

With Diwali around the corner, they are expecting to come up with five-six flights flying out another about 1000 travellers. “Post Diwali, we expect students who are finishing studies would start returning… we are looking at two-three flights per month,” he said.

He also had his message for Diwali.

“It is time to be with family and friends. It is the time for good to win over evil; let us pray that we are out of this situation soon and can resume normal life.”

If the compliments in their Facebook and email are anything to go by, Team Gaura Travel will certainly not be short on blessings this Diwali.

By Tonee Sethi

28

CHEF FEATURE

G’DAY INDIA | NOV 2020

The Suitable Chef T

Sous-Chef from Sunda - the gift shop of Hotel Windsor and the pandemic gives birth to ‘Ansari Indian’. he rising star Nabil Ansari’s fifteen-hour butter chicken infused with apple or cherry wood of his choice of mood, taking this smoky bird to new heights enabling him to draw a line between fine dining and traditional recipes.

Blending in his twist strictly traditional yet modern.

“You cannot write about me without tasting my food. I am the star that falls in your plate only to shine.”

The pandemic has definitely changed the future of dining, takeaways, and on the flip side -inventions of new business ideas. One such business venture is the Ansari Indian by Nabil Ansari - the recently promoted sous-chef this year at the two-hatted restaurant Sunda dining

by Chef Khanh Nguyen.

Disclaimer, our new chef, is just ‘27’ years of age from Mumbai, Ghatkopar, who came to Melbourne in 2015. What really inspired me to write about Ansari was his passion, not giving up during this covid crisis and making his own survival journey. That is inspiring!

In March Nabil’s career came to a halt as Sunda’s new sous-chef due to restaurant’s being shut and that meant he was not eligible for job keeper.

What did it mean to him? For Ansari, it meant going back to the drawing board. So, while he and his partner were figuring things out to pay their bills they ordered few takeaways and the next thing what he did was just unique. Not expecting anything he dropped a refined menu on his Carlton apartment block mailboxes.

The magic of Indian food got him a couple of orders but then it turned to 30-45 covers and then a couple of weeks later he struck gold with 180 coversfrom word of mouth. His takeaway menu from his apartment consists of Palak paneer, butter chicken, keema pav and fish.

Ansari Indian is now born and running from the kitchen of Hotel Windsor.

Let’s backtrack to this young man’s origin of food. Growing up to a catering family business in Saudi Arabia and then later moving to Dubai he was always surrounded by food. Always fascinated by his mother’s cooking all he wanted was to cook but then coming

www.gdayindia.com.au | M: 0412-114-383

G’DAY INDIA | NOV 2020

29

be a whole new dimension for Indian food.

As young Indians popping up giving it their own spin and certainly Ansari has embossed his own signature on the butter chicken. I recommend - must try.

It’s just not his curries or biryani but his ice creams are also something to ponder upon too. His father’s recipe for example Chai ice crème a concoction of ginger, cloves, cardamoms, and red label tea. The sorbet- a mix of guava, lime and Kashmiri chilli which is next on my list.

from an Indian family meant studies before everything. He completed his degree and then googled William Angliss, Melbourne in 2015. There was no looking back for Ansari from here. He tells within his two years of diploma all he wanted to do was to be diverse in his cooking and luck was on his side. Ansari was offered a job at the European in Spring Street. This is where he learned the nittygritty and the true pressure of the kitchen.

It didn’t take him long to cross over to the opposite side of the street to Hotel Windsor.

Here he was trained by the best fine dining

Meanwhile, Ansari is popping up in newspapers around Melbourne about his food from Dumpukht Lamb Biryani that is inspired by the shepherd pie. The best thing in this biryani is you can eat the dough and relish the crisp biryani with pistachio and combination of other nuts.

I just couldn’t resist not reviewing the butter chicken, takeaway delivered by Ansari himself. As humble as his new stardom, I say. Well! My dinner was done. My lonely Sunday night muse - me and a bowl of

This was in June! Now as Sunda is opening on the 19th November Ansari goes back to becoming the sous-chef for Khanh Nguyen. I wondered what will be the future for Ansari Indian? As Ansari Indian will be serving its last meal as on the 8th November but saying that we can still continue to order Ansari’s ice-cream from Hotel Windsor Gift shop.

Assuring me, Ansari Indian will be back in the future. As he wants to do pop up and private dining - cooking for a maximum of ten people. That’s saying, he tells me, something exciting is on the horizon - so watch this space.

He wants to thank everyone who has ordered from Ansari Indian during this lockdown making this experience one of a kind- almost shooting to stardom. This whole process has given him a new perspective on Indian food and taking it to the next level.

Ansari says he has grown as a person with the Indian food.

As for this Sunda sous-chef, who has brought Mumbai to Melbourne, I ask him what the future is? He simply replies fine dining is not for him as he wants to continue with the authenticity of Indian flavours and keep the techniques as it is. I secretly believe Ansari Indian one day will be a mix of fine plating whilst maintain the traditional flavours.

As I dig into another spoonful of Ansari’s butter chicken for the last time I close my eyes and Mark twain comes to my mind “The secret of success in life is to eat what you like and let the food fight it out inside.”

chef Joel Alderson. Ansari did everything there, from room service to bar service and soon he began to create simple bar menus.

But the word was soon going out as the hotel was launching Sunda dining and Khanh was exploring the idea of a new sous-chef.

Ansari and Khanh share the same palate and as they travelled together to Vietnam on research. This was the turning point for Ansari as he not only bonded with the Maestro but he learned the most important thing, that is to care about food, 100% commitment to the produce. It is no denying that he is the prodigy and a new kid that has so much to offer to the world of food.

butter chicken in lockdown 2.0. What can I say about this 15-hour butter chicken?

Infused with cherry or apple wood smoke and slow-cooked overnight leaving the skin of the tomatoes to break and release the colour. Sometimes he uses ghee or vegetable oil, but it’s the technique of the applewood smoke that makes this butter chicken exotic.

My mouth was tingling with love made by the woody smoke and the spices. The chicken just melted in the background. I made jeera rice to compliment the butter chicken but I just ate it as it is. So, in the back of my mind I was thinking as Ansari is making a bold statement with his butter chicken - watch it! I am saying not only the future of butter chicken is changing after the lockdown but it will

www.gdayindia.com.au | M: 0412-114-383

By Nandita Chakraborty

(Nandita is an Author, Screen Writer, Blogger and a foodie. nanditachakrabortyauthor.com.au)

30

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

G’DAY INDIA | NOV 2020

Dreams now a Nightmare for Many International Students in Victoria

Victoria’s coronavirus lockdown has turned many international students’ dreams of studying and working in Melbourne into a nightmare. Cut off from federal government payments like JobSeeker and JobKeeper, losing their existing jobs or unable to find new ones, and switching to digital learning, has left many international students lonely and anxious about their uncertain futures. G’Day India spoke to a few such international students about the struggles they’re facing while confronting a pandemic in isolation away from their families and homes.

F

or Sai Srushti Kasturi, getting admission to study in Monash University was a dream come true, but having to transition to online study as soon as she came, she never got to study in the campus she admired and underwent a hard time being in lockdown with roommates who bullied and harassed her. ‘I’d met a couple of people online in India who were coming to Melbourne to study too and looking for one more roommate, so I joined them. I was living in a shared house with them, but the environment got toxic. They would yell at me, eat my food, gang up on me and verbally abuse me for no reason. When I had online classes, they would turn music on loudly, I had to be locked in with these people 24/7, and at one point it was so horrifying that I thought of reporting it to the police,’ she said.

Srushti, who never got the chance to meet her classmates in person, had a difficult time making friends in a whole new environment and didn’t have anyone she knew that she could stay with. ‘I was applying for a lot of part-time jobs just to get out of my house and earn some income, I even got interviewed, but after the restrictions, that didn’t work out,’ she said. ‘There was a point where I felt so fed up, I thought this is enough, I’ll just go back to India and do another course there, but for me doing this was a passion, and I didn’t want to give up on something that I’d dreamt of.’ Fighting to keep her morale high, Srushti found a new place to move to and shifted there soon, but went back to India after the bond ran out. ‘I was spending more and I wasn’t getting any income, I wasn’t eligible for any grants, and my parents were worried about me living alone after what I’d gone through. We were supposed to go back to campus during the second semester, but then the second wave hit and it was online again, so I decided to go back home for as long as it’s online,’ said Srushti, who is happy to be reunited with her family and dog in Hyderabad.

‘The highlight of this time was this aunty who knew my mother and came to help me.

I was very lonely and I will never forget the day she came to visit me and brought lunch for me. You’re in a very different country, you

www.gdayindia.com.au | M: 0412-114-383

G’DAY INDIA | NOV 2020

don’t know anybody, and people don’t even care if you eat and here was someone had brought lunch for me without even knowing me, it melted my heart. One day I hope I can also give away so much love to people,’ Srushti said, excited to come back to campus when she is able to.

Ahnaf Yousuf Piash, who had finished his bachelor’s degree from Deakin University last November, is stuck in Melbourne while studying for his master’s degree in the University of Tasmania. ‘I even had the tickets booked to go there, but a few days before I had to go, the Premier of Tasmania said they were closing borders,’ said Piash.

‘I’m studying laboratory medicine so it’s really hard to do my course online because it’s all supposed to be done in a lab. You have to be present in the lab, mix solutions, put it in machines, look through microscopes, and see the results,’ he said. Piash, who had originally planned to go back home to Bangladesh before coming back to start his course in July, is glad he didn’t—‘If I had gone back I’d have ended up being stuck there,’ he said.

Although he struggled with his mental health and lack of social life and was unable to get any shifts from his job, Piash says that he is lucky his parents supported him and that the situation of temporary residents in Australia is much worse than that of international students. ‘Most of my friends who graduated last year used their TR, which you can only apply for once, to continue to live and work here but because of the pandemic, they lost their jobs or couldn’t find any. Now they’re disadvantaged in a lot of ways because not only do they not get any government support, they don’t qualify for any university support either because they’re not students anymore, so they can’t do anything right now and they still have to pay rent. Most of them are doing Uber Eats or delivery jobs because that’s all they can do, if they go home they’d have a difficult time coming back and that time would use up their TR so that wastes a lot of time and money.’

Sudharsun Venkatesan is one such student, who has resorted to a delivery job after recently completing his master’s degree.

Sudharsun, who arrived in Melbourne to

finish his last semester just a day before the international travel ban, says that the change was ‘a rude shock’ to him. ‘They had to change the whole system- all the activities, assessments, and content changed and went online. Doing group tasks online was a struggle because many people don’t contribute. We lost access to labs, so the product we were going to design using the labs had to be made with whatever we could find in Bunnings, and then using a 3D printer’, he said.

‘I took a bank loan for the degree, and for my living expenses I was working part-time in a restaurant and interning for this company which helped me make some money for rent, but the pandemic collapsed that completely.

I got a grant which helped me sustain myself for the three months of the first wave, but now I’ve just been doing Uber Eats delivery which is the only thing that’s helping me out,’ said Sudharsun, who was planning to pursue a PhD, but missed out on it due to funding cuts, and is currently looking for other opportunities.

‘This was supposed to be my gallery submissions year, we had to go for exhibitions and get our own personal studios and gallery which never happened because of the pandemic. It’s hard to do a studiobased degree like visual arts from home because you don’t get enough resources and I thought of deferring but that wastes time and delays everything, and you have to apply for a visa,’ said Pooja.

‘I was very depressed when this started but later on I made a routine where I’m getting up, working out, cooking every day, and it really helps if you’re doing activities all day and talking to your friends. At the end of the day, I just think of the bigger picture where people don’t have basic amenities like shelter or food, so you need to be grateful if you have a house and job,’ said Pooja, whose freelance graphic design work had picked up as she could do it all from home, and earn some income on the side.

‘A lot of people who have never had to sit with themselves are spiralling now because a lot of issues they didn’t even know existed are coming up now, especially in Asian cultures where mental illnesses are frowned

www.gdayindia.com.au | M: 0412-114-383

31

upon but we need to confront and solve them. The reason I can see things positively is because I’ve been by myself for a long time and know there’s always a way out of any problem,’ she said.

For Deepak Mallya too, it was his mental health that took a blow during this time. ‘I was already stressed about my research because it’s highly competitive, but once lockdown started it increased. My sleep cycle and eating patterns got completely disrupted, I wasn’t able to sleep until 2 or 3 in the morning, so I used to overthink and got depressed because I’m all alone here, I can’t call up and talk to my parents or friends every hour. I had this constant fear of what’s happening back home in Chennai where there were lots of COVID cases near my family’s house. I was not motivated to do anything, it was a war from within, but I’m recovering now. I realised this is something I’m putting on myself, this is a choice, and I can make a better one so slowly I started to follow a routine, and drew strength from my spirituality and it’s helped me get better,’ said Deepak.

‘The path of my spirituality and learning how to improve myself wouldn’t have opened if I hadn’t gone through all of this, and it was good to see the whole community trying to help people. The university gave hardship payments and there were charities and gurudwaras that were donating groceries and food,’ he said.

Studies by the Department of Home Affairs showed that over 70% of Australian international students have chosen to stay back here, which means the majority of students have put their hopes into our country and community, not wishing to lose the chance of coming back here. Contributing $37.6 billion to the Australian economy in the last financial year, international students have poured not only their dreams and aspirations, but also their finances into the country, and the least we can do in return is to support and help them during this time, so that their journeys now are not marked by hunger, loneliness, and desperation.

By Shivani Prabhu

32

LEGAL

G’DAY INDIA | NOV 2020

Property Division in the wake of relation breakdown BY GURPAL SINGH

T

he Family Law Act 1975 provides for the division of the property between the parties to the relationship. We will briefly consider as to what constitutes the property, the principles applicable for the division and the judicial restraint to be exercised by the courts while determining the division of property issues.

The first requirement would be identifying and valuing the financial resources, assets, and liabilities. The timing of acquisition of such asset or resource at the first stage is not relevant. To simplify the assets would include but not limited to immovable property owned jointly or independently including the foreign held property; Superannuation; Business interests; Trust interests; Investments; jewellery; Cars; Antiques/arts; inheritance, Money in Banks or otherwise, Pets. At the same time, liabilities such as debts, mortgages, loans, tax liabilities and stamp duty obligations whether held jointly or individually will be deducted. The valuation of assets especially of the business interests can be quite complex and on occasions require the involvement of forensic accountants.

Once the pool is established, the next step requires the assessment of the contributions made by the parties during their relationship.

The contributions are direct and indirect financial contributions to the property of the parties AND direct and indirect non-financial contributions to the properties of the parties.

Arguably, each party to the case would claim higher contribution than the other partner and it may be so found in the particular cases where the relationship was short and there were no children or in a case AND where one of the parties entered into the relationship with considerably more assets than the other party AND where one of the parties made a substantial contribution by way of inheritance, gift from the family or compensation award.

The next issue is to determine the future needs of each of the parties while looking into the age and state of health of each of the parties; income property and financial resources of each party and their capacity to have gainfully employed; care of the child of the relationship under the age of 18 years; commitments necessary to enable a party to support self or any other person the party is obligated to maintain; eligibility of the party for a pension superannuation; standard of living reasonable in the circumstances; the extent to which the earning capacity of a party has been affected by the relationship, and in case living with someone the financial circumstances of their household.

The most important aspect for the court is to be satisfied that it is just and equitable to alter the property rights of the parties.

The competent court is governed by the principle of judicial restraint. The Australian

family law jurisprudence does not recognise community of property. The present approach is that the court should not begin from an assumption that a couple’s property rights are or should be different from the state of legal and equitable title. The fact that there was a justification for altering the property rights does not imply appropriate recourse in every case. Many couples have joint legal title to the home, bank accounts and other assets other than superannuation that are owned equally. Prior to 2012, the Australian family property law rested upon an unspoken assumption that the state of title was almost entirely irrelevant to the division of property on separation and the court should simply look at the pool of assets and divide in accordance with percentages determined by an exercise of judicial discretion. However, Post 2012 (Stanford case) the court had to consider in every case whether it was just and equitable to make any alteration of the property rights before determining the extent of such an adjustment. In the context of property and maintenance proceedings, the court is required to determine the parties’ respective financial position as a consequence of the court’s contributionbased assessment of their respective shares and if any further adjustment is needed.

In another case, the court held proceeds of lottery win of more than half a million dollar during cohabitation being not an asset which should be altered in favour of the other party and allowed the win to be retained by the party who bought the ticket. This emanated from relying on the principle of no community property in Australia.

Gurpal Singh is the principal lawyer of Melbourne law firm, Saundh Singh & Smith Lawyers | W: www.sssl.com.au

www.gdayindia.com.au | M: 0412-114-383

G’DAY INDIA | NOV 2020

How Indian jewellery market will adapt with the pandemic

THE halt over the market and economy due to the outbreak of COVID-19 has brought a severe economic issue to the industries all over the world. The situation has introduced us to a rapid change in lifestyle as well as the whereabouts of running the economy within the hemisphere of risk and adaptation.

Affected severely by store closures and not responsive to e-commerce, the jewellery industry is one of the luxury segments that has suffered the most from the consequences of the health crisis. The long-term effect of this catastrophe is more intense and consequential to every aspect of society, says Ageerika Hari, Founder, Vaitaanika.

"Many businesses irrespective of their size, were forced to shut down and others were just limping without any precautionary measure and absence of hope to survive. People feared for their jobs, their lives, and their dwindling toilet paper supplies. They went into survival mode, stocking up on essentials and forgetting everything else," she says.

No one - not even the trend analysts are exactly sure what the future of fashion looks like, what they agreed on is that, because of the pandemic, the future of clothing and Jewellery is arriving way ahead of schedule, with back-burner projects front-burner and

fashion's never-ending hamster wheel getting a good, hard look.

The pandemic has also forged people to change their taste while adapting to a certain lifestyle including food, cosmetic, jewellery, etc. The current scenario of the fashion life is always on a peak, of course, certain aspects that have affected the industry and declined surplus, Hari says.

"People may have just stopped taking the effort to dress like before. Styles of fashion in a simple and classy Jewellery will emerge largely than before. Choosing Plains or Solids overprints and pattern or neutrals over new trending colours jewels is being seen for workwear fashion. For people who operate a small jewellery business, the impact of COVID-19 has seen a shift from in-person sales to online sales."

"This is perhaps the biggest indicator of where the jewellery industry is headed as a result of the pandemic. Learning a new normal happened nearly overnight for many small businesses and making changes and figuring out how to proceed is something that is going to impact how these small businesses are run for many years to come."

People used their time in quarantine to evaluate their life and their values and many of

www.gdayindia.com.au | M: 0412-114-383

33

them are now purchasing jewellery as a selfcare measure to reward themselves for their time in quarantine. Others are buying jewellery for loved ones as a way to acknowledge the difficulties we've been through during the pandemic.

Also, people are shopping as a way to escape the reality of what's happening in the world. This pandemic has inevitably changed the fashion industry forever. The necessity to purchase clothing or Jewellery frequently no longer exists.

By Puja Gupta

34

CHILD DEVELOPMENT

G’DAY INDIA | NOV 2020

5 Factors to Understand Your Child’s Perception of Reality BY PAYEL GHOSH

‘Seeing is believing’ – The statement’s credibility depends on one’s perception of reality.

The foundation of this concept lies at the very self-fulfilling prophecy of it- Perception is reality; a statement that changes actions and therefore becomes true. Often the way we perceive reality is coloured by how we want it rather than simply the way it is.

While working as a counsellor, I have come across worried parents and educators, who have expressed their concerns about how their children or students were perceiving reality. Thus, it is extremely important to understand the factors which are shaping your kids’ perception of reality especially during their formative years.

be undertaken with enhanced energy, thus, increased efficiency.

Here are five psychological and physical reasons which might be affecting your child’s perception of reality

As parents we must make sure that water and breakfasts are the first two things to be served to our children.

1. Our motor abilities impact our perception Our physical bodies influence how we perceive our surroundings. For example, a short walk to school with a heavy bag may seem more tedious to one than those walking the same distance but empty-handed.

As per an article published in Science Daily.com This phenomenon is obvious even in young babies. That’s why, in one experiment, crawling babies showed fear when they were lowered onto a platform with a fake cliff (an apparent drop-off that was actually see-through plastic), but babies who couldn’t crawl didn’t show that same fear. They didn’t see it as scary, because, as non-crawlers, they didn’t need to worry about cliffs yet.

3. Easy to read statements are understood better How many times did you leave an article halfway because your eyes experienced fatigue? Blame it not on your eyes, but the colour of the alphabets. At times our sensory systems operate below conscious awareness, and we can be misled by our perception of reality. Similarly, children tend to lose focus with unaligned content. Content can be easily deemed monotonous or exciting depending on its presentation.

A few of examples of such phenomenon are using one colour and simple fonts for CV writing, having monochrome pictures on Insta to increase traffic, creating office presentation with slides of two colours at maximum for a clear understanding of the agenda.

A common concern amongst educators is maintaining the attention of the students throughout the class. Try using basic colours and simple fonts for reading lessons and see the change!

So, try to check the quantity of physical weight that your child is carrying to school or to any extra-curricular activity to understand the real reason of the child’s disinterest in going to school or a hobby club.

2. Hunger is the deciding factor We have often heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It’s true! Scientists have proven that students who have breakfasts in the morning are able to perform better in schools. A hungry person would perceive a simple task as time-consuming and may tend to wrap up in haste, however, if one is well-fed, tasks could

4. Mass mentality Peer pressure is a real struggle, but it can also be a boon to some. Mass mentality is a state of mind, where opinion, thoughts, influences get imposed upon one without conscious understanding of the happening.

For instance, didn’t your child demand a new bike because your neighbour’s kid has a fancy, new bike?

On the contrary, imagine the girl next door

excelled in her class. Your child is a year junior at the same school, studying the same course and your kid was thoroughly inspired by the topper. A subject that seemed difficult suddenly became manageable to your child.

A big part of our daily life is influenced by our social relationships. Our social relationships alter the way we view our surroundings. Teach your little ones to use it to their advantage instead of the falling in the trap of it.

5. External factors matter Ever since we were born, our surroundings have framed our habits, believes, and made us who we are as adults.

Our political views, our religious faiths, our cultural integrity created, mended, destroyed, and reformed our perception about things.

External factors play a vital role when perceptions become emotions.

A common instance would be the students of certain countries, who are not allowed to pursue a particular profession or studies due to traditional societal structure.

Educators and parents must be careful not to transfer one’s own perception onto their students or children, rather encourage unbiased, reflective thinking processes for their learners or children. Learning to separate perceptions from emotions is the ultimate challenge one can face in life.

It is important to be aware of our senses but what is more important is to be conscious of the factors affecting our perception to avoid misjudgments and conflicts with people who perceive differently than you.

Payel has worked in the education industry in Asia, the United Kingdom, the Middle East, and now Australia

www.gdayindia.com.au | M: 0412-114-383

EMPOWERING DESTINY

G’DAY INDIA | NOV 2020

35

Tough Conversations: It Takes Two to Tango BY BARINDERJEET KAUR

H

ave you ever found yourself avoiding a conversation that you know won’t be easy? Why do we do that? Whether the conversation is with a boss, a partner, a friend, a staff, or a colleague, it is undoubtedly uncomfortable, and it is also necessary. Maybe you have been thinking about a situation and are scared to proceed because you are unsure where it will lead to or how will it end? It’s likely that based on experience, you are predicting that the worst-case scenario could happen or has happened in the past.

Let’s break down these common fears step by step.

Understand that a conversation is two-ways: When we think about having a tough conversation, often we desire an outcome which we have already conceived of in our mind. We don’t want it in any other way. And that’s the problem. When those thoughts prevent you from even giving it a try. Let’s break down what it means to have a conversation in the simplest of terms. A conversation means – asking for something, proposing something, sharing your opinion, exchanging ideas with others, summarizing your thoughts, and reflecting what you understood from what someone else told you, a back-and-forth play. So, when we say ‘conversation,’ that means someone else is involved. Then why is it that we want it to end in a way that we envision, and not any other way?

Once you experience this shift in how you view conversations, you will never view tough conversations the same way again. A conversation does not have a distinct order.

And it is not a statement nor a command that others need to follow or listen to.

Understanding this distinction will change your approach. As a result, you will be more open to listening to other perspectives, including different sides of the story and interpretations of a situation. Letting the other party speak and contribute towards the dialogue allows you to look at the other side of the coin, and if you are creative, many new possibilities could take form.

Drop your assumptions and go with an open mind: The desire to have a predictable outcome based on experience holds you back from having a two-way conversation.

In other words, it is important to avoid predetermining a negative outcome.

Haven’t you heard this before, “There’s no point talking to that person because I know he or she will not understand”?

This example shows that an outcome has been determined. Perhaps it was a prior experience that led to disappointment, an argument, or something else.

When approaching a conversation, have a positive outcome in mind – what you would like to achieve, getting your point across, gaining clarity or understanding.

With that approach, the conversation will not sound or feel like a tough conversation.

Instead, you will proceed to the conversation with an open mind, encouraging the discussion to flow in whatever direction it needs to move towards, allowing you to be flexible and create space for the other party to share their ideas or perspectives, opening the door for new possibilities.

Are you choosing short-term gain or long-term pain?

Avoiding tough conversations encourages trading short-term discomfort or pain for long-term discomfort or pain.

This occurs when instead of going for the pain, which might not be worse, you decide to stay with a pain that you are currently experiencing. The uncertainty of the unknown causes humans to prefer long-term pain. So, we think we are saving ourselves from long-term pain and opt for the shortterm gain by avoiding a tough conversation.

Now, think of a time where you had a tough conversation that resulted in your promotion, an improved relationship, monetary benefit, or had your voice heard.

We all have experienced that in some way, shape, or form. That is what happens when you chose the long-term gain over the shortterm pain. No one said it was easy. What matters most is that we must choose. Which do you prefer – long term or short term?

Get in touch with me today via email at info@empoweryourdestiny.com.au and let me know when it comes to handling tough conversations, do you prefer a short-term or long-term approach?

Barinderjeet Kaur is a Life coach and human behavior specialist based in Melbourne. | Facebook page: Empower Your Destiny

www.gdayindia.com.au | M: 0412-114-383

36

FEATURE

G’DAY INDIA | NOV 2020

9 ways to build

resilience and tackle mental health problems

A

ll we need is to do is go back to basics and work on maintaining mental health by sculpting resilience on a daily basis. Resilience is a healthy pathway to cope with stress, fear and anxiety. It will make you, the people you care about and the community stronger. The bounce-back-ability is a kind of “miracle drug” personality trait, something that can heal all wounds and right all wrongs. It is a wonderful trait to have as it is related to a plethora of positive outcomes, and “perhaps most important of all” it can be improved.

Resilient outcome doesn’t come about as a result of something particularly earth shattering, it’s just everyday stuff, like getting a teacher to give a bit more attention to a particularly weak or disadvantaged student.

According to the research, resilience contains 5 essential elements: Knowing your inner self -- Your inner self is who you really are on the inside, to know your purpose, values, vision, goals, motivations, and beliefs. Your inner self is who you really are on the inside.

Challenge -- Resilient people encompass an adverse situation as a challenge and not as a paralysing phenomenon. They look at their failures and mistakes as lessons to be learned from, and as opportunities for growth in future. They don’t view themselves as a negative reflection on their abilities or selfworth.

Analysing situations -- Resilient people are very good at analysing any negative situation and turn the situation into a positive phenomenon.

Commitment -- Resilient people possess a strong sense of commitment, they are committed to their lives and their goals.

Commitment isn’t just restricted to their work - it’s to their relationships, their friendships etc.

Try cognitive restructuring! It is a simple but powerful technique for identifying and undoing negative thinking patterns like worry and rumination. When thought patterns become destructive and self-defeating, it’s a good idea to explore ways to interrupt and redirect them. That’s what cognitive restructuring can do.

Sleep is vital -- Sleep is a vital component of every person’s overall health and well-being, often neglected. It reinvigorates the body and prepares it for another day. Getting adequate rest may also help prevent excess weight gain, heart disease, and increased illness duration. Poor sleep is linked to physical problems such as a weakened immune system and mental health problems such as anxiety and depression.

Maintain perspective -- Resilient people are well-versed with the fact that although a situation or crisis may seem overwhelming in the moment, it may not make that much of an impact over the long-term. Remind yourself of your priorities. Doing the “things that matter most” is all well and good - but it requires actually knowing what your priorities are.

Physical Wellness -- Physical activity in any kind is a great way to keep you physically healthy as well as improving your mental wellbeing. Research shows that doing physical exercise influences the release and uptake of feel-good chemicals called endorphins in the brain.

Building Social Connections -- Being social enables you to interact with these people and relate to them in a positive manner. People with social connection helps build our resilience and improve our physical and mental health and help us cope with life stress.

Self-control -- People with resilience, focuses only on self-regulation and selfcontrol. They like to invest their time and energy focusing on situations and events that they have control over. They put their time and effort where they can have the most impact, they feel empowered and confident in.

Here are nine ways to build resilience: Cognitive Restructuring -- Do you often find yourself “stuck in your own head,” caught in endless spirals of negative thinking?

www.gdayindia.com.au | M: 0412-114-383

Covid-19 has triggered a global financial crisis and due to strict adoption of lockdown measures, the magnitude of poor mental health is increasing across the world. The ‘New Normal’ hopes to bring a positive outcome, but the fear of contracting the virus is making it difficult for people to live through these times.

Thought awareness -- People with resiliency don’t let any negative thoughts destroy their efforts. Instead they consistently work upon restructuring a positive mindset.

Empathetic and compassionate -- Resilient people don’t think of themselves as a victim. They don’t waste time worrying what others think of them. They maintain healthy relationships, but don’t bow to peer pressure.

Balanced diet -- A recent study found that a balanced diet (a diet high in vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, beans, cereals, grains, fish, and unsaturated fats such as olive oil.) supplemented with fish oil led to a reduction in depression among patients. To boost your mental health, focus on eating plenty of fruits and vegetables along with foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon. Dark green leafy vegetables in particular are brain protective. Nuts, seeds and legumes, such as beans and lentils, are also excellent brain foods.

Spirituality -- Spiritual resilience comes by cultivating gratitude and counting your blessings. Be thankful for what you do have rather than focusing on what you’re missing.

Build optimism and be positive, accept the past and focus on the future.

By Dr. Payal Sharma Kamath

FESTIVALS

G’DAY INDIA | NOV 2020

37

The joy of Diwali …

BY ARCHITA BAWEJA

I

t’s autumn back in India, the weather is perfect and it’s time to get together and indulge in delicious and authentic Indian food and sweets, shop for traditional clothes, decorate the house with lights and have lots of fun. Yes, that’s right, it’s time for DIWALI! Diwali is a sight to behold as the whole country is lit up like an ocean being sun-kissed on a beautiful morning. The celebrations last for about five days with Diwali being the third and the most important day. It marks the beginning of the new year as per the Hindu calendar. In north India, people celebrate the festival of lights to mark the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya along with Sita and brother Lakshman after a 14year exile. While in South India, it signifies the victory of Lord Krishna over demon Narakasura. Diwali symbolises the victory of light over darkness, good over evil and hope over despair. Festivals like these are the best way to experience a place and learn about its culture. Many tourists across the world travel to India to experience this grand feast along with its charm, grandeur and splendour.

As a child, I remember my excitement for unwrapping the presents received during the festivities. Having a sweet tooth, the part I cherished the most was when my relatives and friends brought me assorted chocolates

and sweets. My elder sister and I created intricate Rangoli art at the entrance of our house either with rice or coloured powder.

We lighted the whole house with candles and diyas and then visited the temple for the prayers in the evening. It is believed that goddess Laxmi visits the home that is clean and tidy and thus blesses the entire family. Our family also had a tradition when it came to food, and my mum made delectable Pulaoh (rice mixed with potato, peas and other veggies) and a curry for dinner on the night of Diwali every year.

Diwali cannot be complete without

fireworks. The celebration could be as simple as lighting some sparkles at home or a magnificent and colourful firework display which is quite common in many metropolitan cities across the globe. Celebrate India organises an annual event around Diwali for Victorians at the famous Federation Square in Melbourne. This event consists of soulstirring music, theatre and drama, dance performances, henna painting, bustling bazaar and authentic Indian street food.

This festivity is not just about culture and traditions but it’s more so about spreading happiness. The festival has a different vibe and the atmosphere is filled with positivity and harmony. Moreover, it unifies every religion, every home as well as every heart.

In the end, I can say that the essence and meaning of Diwali can be summed up in the below Salok which focusses on filling our hearts with love, warding off any ignorance with the light of knowledge and truth, and being at peace within.

Asato ma sad gamaya Tamaso ma jyotir gamaya Mṛityorma amṛitam gamaya Aum Shantih Shantih Shantih From ignorance, lead me to truth; From darkness, lead me to light; From death, lead me to immortality; May there be peace, peace, peace…

By Archita Baweja

Archita Baweja of Melbourne is an engineer by profession but a writer at heart

www.gdayindia.com.au | M: 0412-114-383

38

FEATURE

G’DAY INDIA | NOV 2020

5 budget-friendly Indian cities to host your dreamy wedding T he novel coronavirus pandemic has altered our lives in unimaginable ways; social distancing has become the -- new normal and the -- big fat Indian wedding has now embraced smaller, more intimate weddings. It definitely seems small is the new big!

Instead of worrying about what it used to be, couples are chasing the silver lining in this new situation. With restrictions on guest lists, many to-be-weds are leveraging this opportunity to make their dream destination wedding come true!

The pandemic has given couples the chance to tie the knot against the backdrop of an exquisite location, either outside the city without worrying about going over the budget.

A destination wedding that doesn’t burn a hole in your pocket is no longer just a fantasy. Expert from Weddingz.in shares the five most budget-friendly cities to host one’s small and dreamy wedding.

Goa With its sun-kissed beaches and breathtaking views, Goa makes for the perfect destination for an intimate and fun wedding. Couples can choose to host their wedding ceremony at a stunning beach resort without having to spend exorbitantly. Goa is host to umpteen affordable resorts with private beaches, little old-style Portuguese inns and budget-friendly homestays. Apart from

being easily accessible via road, air and rail, Goa has a host a lot of restaurants which blend local and continental flavours, and this makes it a perfect destination for a small wedding.

Jaipur Known as India’s Pink City, Jaipur is steeped in royal history and culture. Apart from being a favoured tourist hotspot, it is also a viable destination for weddings.

Jaipur is home to an array of new-age boutique guest-houses and homestays that are pocket-friendly and ideal for wedding festivities with a limited guest list. At homestays and inns, couples can choose curated cuisine, customised dining setup and much more. Jaipur is also easily connected to all major Indian cities and towns and hence, makes for a perfect mini wedding destination.

Pune Nestled in the lap of the Sahyadri Mountains, Pune makes for an ideal location for a small destination wedding.

The city has tons of budget-friendly hotels, farms, resorts and holiday homes.

Also, apart from its proximity to all major cities and towns in and around Mumbai, Pune city has the right mix of old-style Maharashtrian culture and new-age city vibes. The cool and dry weather is another upside for those looking to have outdoor weddings.

Mussoorie This hill station town in the

www.gdayindia.com.au | M: 0412-114-383

foothills of the Garhwal Himalayan range is nothing short of a paradise for couples looking to get hitched. Mussoorie provides an array of breathtaking locales and vistas that couples can choose from. The hill town is full of homestays, hotels and little rustic inns, with local vendors offering reasonable prices for all necessary wedding prep as compared to mainstream cities. This makes for a perfect destination to host a low-budget yet festive wedding.

Chandigarh With a host of 3-star hotels and farmhouses, the city blends well for small budget-friendly weddings. Hosting an outdoor farm wedding requires minimal spending on the decor, instead one can add some DIY decor personalised as per the couples’ taste. An extremely well-connected city- Chandigarh is also home to some of North India’s cuisine and is one of the greenest and cleanest cities in India. Add up all these factors and you have your perfect micro-wedding destination!

The pandemic may have played spoilsport for a lot of the couple’s grand wedding plans, but on the brighter side, it has given rise to intimate wedding ceremonies that can be celebrated with the closest friends and family. As an added perk, Weddingz.in is also offering jaw dropping offers that can be availed by couples looking to book wedding related services.

By Puja Gupta

OPINION

G’DAY INDIA | NOV 2020

39

Public Holiday on Diwali, Eid, or other Religious and Cultural Festivals!

– Demand grows every day; do we need it or will weekend celebrations suffice?

BY KARTHIK ARASU President of “Australia India Sports Council

P

ublic Holiday on Diwali, Vaisakhi, Eid, Pongal, Chinese New Year, Vesak Day, Rosh Hashanah, etc in Australia. Yes, it might sound unrealistic now, but soon there will be a day it will be a reality. Any cultural, religious, or traditional festivals should be declared as ‘Optional Public Holidays’ so that people can celebrate these significant days with their families when they are meant to be celebrated on the actual days and not on weekends as replacements. In the absence of an earmarked day for cultural festivals, the celebration of these festivals is scattered across weekends spanning over weeks, and unfortunately this distorts the very essence of the festival. Any festival day of Cultural, Religious & Traditional significance of a community should be allowed to be substituted with another Public Holiday, which they might not want to take a day off or celebrate.

Australia is one of the most ethnically diverse societies in the world today, almost one in four Australian residents were born outside of Australia. It is home to many different cultures, and we pride in our multiculturalism and stand tall in celebrating it better than the rest of the world. Many communities have their significant days which has been followed, celebrated for many hundreds of years. No community should forget its roots or identity, many thousands of years our ancestors protected and passed on these treasures to us, not for us to lose it now in our generation. We should make every way possible to celebrate it better and pass it to our next and make sure this continues.

After all, it is just not a festival but our identity.

Diwali, Vaisakhi, Eid, etc., if declared as optional national public holidays would enable people to celebrate the festival with their families by availing a day off without being marked as absent so that the multicultural families can celebrate these festivals with the same fervour and pass on the cultural and traditional heritage to our children. Many organisations are already implementing this, to name a few businesses

like NAB, Telstra, PepsiCo Australia are giving its employees “Cultural Holidays” which could enable workers to take leave on days such as Diwali or Chinese New Year or Eid instead of a public holiday so that the festivals do not affect the employee’s annual leave. Some companies don’t substitute these cultural holidays with any public holidays allowing their employees to enjoy both. Multicultural celebrations are growing in popularity, alongside the traditional Australian public holidays such as Melbourne Cup Day and the Queen’s Birthday. Festivals like Diwali or Eid can bring Melbourne or Sydney to a halt and one look in the empty buses and trains these days will give the picture clearly.

National Employment Standards under Employees pay, leave and entitlements state that; Religious and cultural holidays are days that people celebrate for religious and cultural reasons. If you don’t allow your employees to celebrate religious or cultural holidays, it can be discrimination. Make sure you allow your employees flexibility to celebrate these days or celebrate them together through work events. (Source: https://www.business.gov. au/people/pay-and-conditions/employeespay-leave-and-entitlements). Calendar of cultural and religious dates https://www. harmony.gov.au/events/calendar/ The Aboriginal people of Australia have a rich, living culture stretching more than 50,000 years, there were over 500 different clan groups or 'nations' around the continent, many with distinctive cultures, beliefs and languages. We don't educate our children enough of the traditional owners of the land,

www.gdayindia.com.au | M: 0412-114-383

we don’t have a public holiday for any of their festivals, we lost a beautiful heritage and the sad part is we didn’t even make an attempt.

Survival of any peoples, cultures and traditions depends upon the present carrying it from the past and passing it on to the future generations, if we sideline or ignore them now we will have no one to blame for losing the great cultures of our ancestors.

Harmony in a community is created by allowing cultural nuances to be framed through festivity and celebrations. Any misconceptions and misunderstandings that come with a culture, race or religion can be only broken down through conversation, connection and celebration be it through sport or festivals. Aren’t public holidays about, giving you a break to rejoice and reconnect with your family, friends and community? Shifting some of our existing public holidays to celebrate cultural diversity and social cohesion will be a starting point in the direction of breaking down stigmas about other communities’ culture, traditions, practices and creating greater awareness.

Australia is a proud, multicultural society where all cultures and ethnicities enjoy equal respect and freedom, it’s about time that people from multicultural communities are enabled to celebrate their most important festivals with their families and friends so that the cultural legacy is passed on to their next generations. I believe it is the greatness of democracy where one can decide their own choice of Public Holiday at least once a year and Governments should legislate it.

40

TECH

G’DAY INDIA | NOV 2020

Google Camera Go gets ‘Night Mode’ for low-light photography Google Camera Go app has received a dedicated Night Mode for enhanced low-light photography on low-end Android Go-supported devices.

“Low light, camera, action! With Night Mode on Camera Go, take high-quality photos on your Android phone, no matter what time of day it is,” the company tweeted along with a video.

The video revealed that the camera app has been built for specific camera modules on affordable phones. So it is not just software

but a combination of software and hardware.

Night Mode on Camera Go has begun rolling out to the Nokia 1.3, Wiko Y61 and Wiko Y81 smartphones.

In addition, Camera Go will get an HDR mode later this year that will increase the quality of photos taken on these budget devices.

The evidence of an HDR Mode was found in the Camera Go app as far back as April and it is believed that the pandemic is responsible for the delay in rolling out the

New battery tech can charge electric cars up to 90% in 6 mins

A In what could drive Elon Musk to push another tweet, a team of South Korean researchers have developed a faster charging and longer lasting battery material that can juice up electric cars up to 90 per cent in just six minutes.

Unlike conventional cars that use internal combustion engines, electric cars are solely powered by lithium ion batteries, so the battery performance defines the car’s overall performance.

However, slow charging times and weak power are still barriers to be overcome.

The research teams of professor Byoungwoo Kang and Dr Minkyung Kim from Pohang University of Science and Technology, along with professor Won-Sub Yoon at Sungkyunkwan University proved for the first time that high power can be produced by significantly reducing the charging and discharging time without reducing the particle size.

“The conventional approach has always been a trade-off between its low energy density and the rapid charge and discharge speed due to the reduction in the particle size,” said Kang. For fast charging and discharging of Li-ion batteries, methods that reduce the particle size of electrode materials were used so far.

However, reducing the particle size has a disadvantage of decreasing the volumetric energy density of the batteries.

To this, the research team confirmed that if an intermediate phase in the phase transition is formed during the charging and discharging, high power

can be generated without losing high energy density or reducing the particle size through rapid charging and discharging, enabling the development of long-lasting Li-ion batteries.

Using the synthesis method developed by the research team, one can induce an intermediate phase that acts as a structural buffer that can dramatically reduce the change in volume between the two phases in a particle.

In addition, it has been confirmed that this buffering intermediate phase can help create and grow a new phase within the particle, improving the speed of insertion and removal of lithium in the particle, the researchers noted. As a result, the Li-ion battery electrodes synthesised by the research team charged up to 90 per cent in six minutes and discharged 54 per cent in 18 seconds a promising sign for developing high-power Li-ion batteries.

“This research has laid the foundation for developing Li-ion batteries that can achieve quick charging and discharging speed, high energy density, and prolonged performance,” he said in a paper published in the leading journal Energy & Environmental Science.

(AGENCIES)

feature.

Launched alongside the Nokia 1.3, Google Camera Go comes

pre-installed with the application as the default camera application (AGENCIES)

Can a gadget eliminate 99% of airborne viruses?

can be easily worn around the neck as a necklace and emits millions of negative ions into the air forcing dangerous viruses, pollutants, allergens, pet dander, or odors out of the sphere of your breathable air, it claims.

“It can prove integral in protecting individuals who have to commute, work in offices or even visit public places. We have always worked towards Venturing out amid this the safety of people, and this pandemic is like a task for the device will come in more than brave, almost all precautions handy in this pandemic as the seem less. However, as the coronavirus is also an airborne country slowly gets back on virus,” said Sanket Aggarwal, its track and we step out of Official Representative of Air after being locked inside our Tamer in India. houses for many months, one needs to be extra cautious A survey by Kitasato Research as the virus has still not been Center in Japan has proven eradicated. that in just 20 minutes AirTamer fights 99 percent virus from While wearing a mask and the air. Another test that maintaining social distance was carried out in Intertek are the basics, one can also Laboratory in Cortland, New ensure their air surrounding is York, said that AirTamer virus free. reduced smoke by 98.9 percent within 5 minutes, he said.

A device called Airtamer claims to work on advanced Airtamer is silent in operation ionic technology and emits and comes with a metal case negative ions to purify the air for storage and travel. A USB that you may breathe in up charging cable is provided to 99 percent. It can be worn along with the product. The around your neck to keep you device houses a rechargeable safe when you step out. lithium battery with almost 150+ hours of runtime. It is The gadget is to be worn available on Amazon and as close to the mouth as Flipkart. possible for it to perform its . function efficiently. Due to its (IANSlife) compact metallic design, it

www.gdayindia.com.au | M: 0412-114-383

VIRTUAL

‘Baby Shark’ most watched video of all times on YouTube The addictive children’s rhyme Baby Shark has become the most-watched video ever on Google-owned YouTube, overtaking the previous record-holder Despacito.

G’DAY INDIA | NOV 2020

41 41

This is how Google automatically predicts what you like to Search

Recorded by a South Korean educational entertainment company Pinkfong, the song has now been played over 7.04 billion times, according to YouTube.

The two-minute song video features some animated baby sharks underwater and children singing ‘Baby Shark dooo doo doo doo doo’ in unison.

The colourful video with catchy and melodic tune had already attained viral popularity in many countries after it was posted on YouTube in June 2016.

Besides its success on YouTube and other social media platforms, in January last year it made the number 32 spot on the Billboard Hot 100.

In addition, The Washington Nationals baseball team took it up as their anthem.

When they went on to win the World

Series in 2019, the song was played in the White House during the celebrations.

YouTube brought in $5 billion in advertising revenue in the third quarter of 2020, signalling that there has been a rebound in advertising revenue for both Google and YouTube.

YouTube now has over 30 million music and premium paid subscribers, and over 35 million including those on free trials.

YouTube TV now has more than 3 million paid subscribers.

(AGENCIES)

Facebook introduces new ways to find videos in Watch platform

Facebook has introduced some exciting features in its video-ondemand platform Watch that is being visited by over 1.25 billion people every month.

Facebook Watch is the go-to place to discover videos across the platform from live events, to TV shows, sports, news or music videos.

“In addition to following your favourite Pages and Profiles, you can now also follow topics. Topics let you personalize the videos that show up in your feed so it’s tailored to what you care about,” Facebook said in a statement.

Available in the US to begin with, Topics can also help users find new Pages to follow.

In the US and select markets, the users will also find ‘What’s Happening’ and ‘Featured’ sections in Watch.

“Videos in these sections are chosen by Facebook so you can catch up on timely and relevant moments, like the Television Academy’s annual

As soon as you start typing on Google Search, predictions appear in the search box to help you finish what you’re typing and the credit goes to the Autocomplete feature. According to Google, predictions reflect searches that have been done on Google. “To determine what predictions to show, our systems begin by looking at common and trending queries that match what someone starts to enter into the search box,” the company explained in a blog post.

For instance, if you were to type in “best star trek”, we’d look for the common completions that would follow, such as “best star trek series” or “best star trek episodes.”

“We don’t just show the most common predictions overall. We also consider things like the language of the searcher or where they are searching from, because these make predictions far more relevant,” Google said.

To provide better predictions for long queries, Google systems may automatically shift from predicting an entire search to portions of a search. The company said it also takes freshness into account when displaying predictions. “If our automated systems detect there’s rising interest in a topic, they might show a trending prediction even if it isn’t typically the most common of all related predictions that we know about”.

Predictions also will vary depending on the specific topic that someone is searching for.

People, places and things all have different attributes that people are interested in.

Emmy Awards or MLB World Series highlights,” the company added.

In addition, you’ll see videos in your Watch feed based on what your friends are reacting to and what’s popular in your Groups.

Facebook last month introduced its Watch Together feature on Messenger app where users can enjoy videos with their friends and family and see their reactions in real time over Messenger video calls and Messenger Rooms.

Every day, there are more than 150 million video calls on Messenger, and more than 200 million videos sent via Messenger.

(AGENCIES)

www.gdayindia.com.au | M: 0412-114-383

For example, someone searching for “trip to New York” might see a prediction of “trip to New York for Christmas,” as that’s a popular time to visit that city. “Predictions will reflect the queries that are unique and relevant to a particular topic,” Google said. Autocomplete differs from Google Trends which is a tool for journalists and anyone else who’s interested to research the popularity of searches and search topics over time.

Google said that predictions aren’t perfect and it has systems designed to prevent potentially unhelpful and policy-violating predictions from appearing. “Secondly, if our automated systems don’t catch predictions that violate our policies, we have enforcement teams that remove predictions in accordance with those policies,” the tech giant explained.

(IANS)

42

RELATIONSHIPS

58% young females have faced online harassment, abuse

More than half of young females who are on some social media platforms have faced online harassment or abuse, reveals a new survey.

G’DAY INDIA | NOV 2020

Young adults become quite rational while making sexual choices

Ahead of International Day of Girl Child 2020, a survey conducted by Plan International, a Non- Government Organization (NGO) working for children’s rights and equality for girls in India, shows than more than half (58 percent) women have faced online harassment or abuse.

The survey polled 14,000 girls and young women aged 15 to 25 in 22 countries including Brazil, India, Nigeria, Spain, Thailand and the U.S. It shows that one in five girls (19 percent) have left or significantly reduced use of a social media platform after being harassed, while another one in ten (12 percent) have changed the way they express themselves.

Attacks were most common on Facebook, where 39 percent of girls polled said they had been harassed, followed by Instagram (23 percent), WhatsApp (14 percent), Snapchat (10 percent), Twitter (9 percent) and TikTok (6 percent).

Nearly half of girls targeted had been threatened with physical or sexual violence, according to the poll. Many said the abuse took a mental toll, and a quarter felt physically unsafe.

Plan International’s Chief Executive, Anne-Birgitte Albrectsen said: “Girls are being silenced by a toxic level of harassment.

Activists, including those campaigning for gender equality and on LGBT+ issues, were often targeted particularly viciously, and their lives and families threatened. Driving girls out of online spaces is hugely disempowering in an increasingly digital world, and damages their ability to be seen, heard and become leaders.”

In addition to the report, an open letter to Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter, was written by the girls from around the world who called on social media companies to create more effective ways to report abuse. “We use (your platforms) not just to connect with friends, but to lead and create change. But they are not safe for us. We get harassed and abused on them. Every. Single. Day,” they wrote. “As this global pandemic moves our lives online, we are more at risk than ever.

By IANSlife

Women get more adventurous at sex in midlife

Women are likely to be more adventurous in the bedroom as they age even if the number of nights ignited by passion may drop, suggests new research.

The findings are based on a study by University of Pittsburgh researchers who spoke to 39 women about how their sex lives changed with age. The confidence that comes with age may play a role in the increased satisfaction with sex that the women -- aged between 46 and 59 reported, the study said.

“One of the most enlightening findings of this study was the large number of women who had successfully adapted to any negative changes by modifying their expectations regarding sexual activity, putting more emphasis on the emotional and intimacy aspects of sex, or adapting the sex acts themselves,” the study’s lead author Holly Thomas was quoted as saying.

Some had adapted their lovemaking to compensate for age and menopause-related body changes and such adjustments included spending more time on foreplay, trying new sexual positions and putting more emphasis on

Contrary to how they are sometimes portrayed in the media, young adults tend to make highly rational decisions when it comes to selecting potential romantic partners.

Young adults appear to consider both the risks and benefits of their sexual behaviour in a highly consistent and thoughtful manner, said the study published in the journal Psychological Science.

“There is a tendency to view sexual decision making in young adults as a highly variable and somewhat random process, more influenced by hormones or impulsivity than rational processes,” said lead author of the study Laura Hatz, a doctoral candidate at the University of Missouri in the US. “Our study suggests, however, that young adults are highly consistent in their choices, balancing potential partners’ level of attractiveness against the potential risk for sexually transmitted infection.”

The research involved presenting 257 participants with hypothetical “sexual gambles” in which a photo of a potential partner’s face was shown alongside an associated, though purely hypothetical, risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection.

intimacy than passion, the report said. As the women were around the age of menopause, they suffered loss of libido and other changes related to hormonal fluctuations of the menopause.

However, while many blamed their low sex drive on stressful jobs or family life or on a rocky relationship, quite a few of them said their libido was much higher than that of their spouse. Some of the participants said that they enjoyed sex more, despite having it less often.

But some women also said that they enjoyed sex more, despite having it less often, the report noted.

(AGENCIES)

www.gdayindia.com.au | M: 0412-114-383

Nearly all participants in the study made consistently rational choices, as defined by established models of psychological behaviour.

Prior research has shown that, in general, individuals tend to use what are known as heuristic decision strategies -cognitive shortcuts that may ignore some information -- to make choices in life.

Hatz and her colleagues found that even individuals who could be identified as classic heuristic decision makers for monetary-based choices became rational decision makers when similar choices were framed as sexual choices.

(TIW)

LIFESTYLE

G’DAY INDIA | NOV 2020

43

How to become fit and healthy for your wedding day

New Delhi, Oct 20 (IANSlife) The wedding season is on and festivities are in full swing.

While everyone is looking forward to looking their best, especially the brides-to-be, this is the easiest time to gain calories.

Amidst all the preparation and chaos, it is natural to feel exhausted and ignore the most critical aspect for that quintessential bridal glow a healthy diet and a proper skincare routine.

Lifestyle and Transformation Coach, Simrun Chopra who runs ‘Nourish with Sim’ breaks it down for you to look your best with nutrition, work-outs and secret tips week-wise for weight loss.

The secret to that glowing skin and fit look before your big day is simple, divide this into 3 big buckets: nutrition, fitness and secret- tips 3 months before your big day The earlier you start the easier it is. This gives you enough time to work on your goals without being too stressed of your big day around the corner.

Nutrition Ideally meet with a professional who will help formulate a plan based on your goals and time available. If you would like to try on your own, avoid any fad diets or cutting out carbs etc. You have to create a sustainable plan that you can follow for 3 months.

Create a meal plan for yourself Ensure you have a portion of vegetables in each meal Eat at least 2 seasonal fruit a day dd a protein to each meal. If you are A vegetarian ensure you add lentils, legumes, dairy or soy based foods in each meal to get adequate protein.

Secret Tip Adding protein in each meal will help rejuvenate and replenish your skin Exercise You have a deadline so pick a goal oriented, structured program that works towards that goal. Think of it like learning maths, trying free workouts is like trying to do calculus, trying trigonometry without learning the basics of addition or subtraction.

Goals without a road map are just dreams. If you don’t know where to start, begin with a 30 minute walk daily to kickstart your journey.

2 months before your big day Calorie counting can be daunting and highly inaccurate when you are eating Indians meals cooked in batches for a larger number of people.

If you have only 2 months to go, do everything mentioned in month 3 and everything here in month 2:

This month replace all snacks with fresh seasonal fruit. These are easy to carry with you when you are out too. They are a great replacement for your sweet cravings too. Ensure you are getting in at least 40 mins of workout and over 10,000 steps a day.

Nutrition Continue including fruit, vegetables and proteins. his month focus on reducing the amount of T processed and refined food. witch out highly processed food with real S nutrient dense food. his month focus on hydration. Aim to drink at T least 3 litres of water a day. or better skin and hair add about 1 tsp mix F seed powder and dark leafy greens daily.

EXERCISE If you are on a structured program, now should be when you increase the intensity as you progress. If you decided to stick to walking as your activity, increase the intensity by picking up the pace and stretching the duration.

Focus on walking faster and covering more distance in the same amount of time. You can even add in a few intervals of jogging to increase the intensity. Apart from this focus on being active through the day. I recommend downloading a free step counting app and tracking how many steps you do. Across the month try to make this number a little better each day.

Week 3 and Week 2 till the day Remember you need your energy and you need power packed nutrient dense food to feel energetic and to look and feel good. Eating less is not the solution, eating right is. From now on focus on complex carbohydrates in your meals, the humble millets are a phenomenal place to start. Do not try any new workouts or exercise movements, stick to your structured program or your runs and walks. Ensure you are not getting in at least 6 to 7 hours of continuous sleep.

Secret tip Do not try any new products to ensure you don’t have an allergic reaction or break out.

Week 1 This is your last week, adrenaline is running high and you are excited and a bit overwhelmed Exercise, nutrition, hydration, rest and recovery and crucial now. You will be invited to gatherings, eating on the go but preparation is critical here.

This week focus on Increasing your water intake to 3.5 litres till 2 days before the big day ave a protein rich breakfast like a chilla, H besan omelette or an egg omelette with vegetables. our main meals must be dominated by Y vegetables and a side of protein with some complex carbohydrates.

Evening Snack : A portion of fruit is ideal inner opt for protein with vegetables for this D one week. Like grilled chicken on paneer with vegetables.

Ensure you are getting adequate sleep

Secret Tip Make mixed seed powder and store it in refrigerator to get in a quick spoonful daily

EXPERT TIP Avoid trying new fancy movements a month before your big day.

A MONTH BEFORE D-DAY You will be running between make up trials, shopping, fittings and arrangements. It is easy to feel overwhelmed and ignore self-care. However, this is the time to buckle down and focus. If you are starting just 4 weeks before your big day, add in the routines for month 3 and 2 now.

ollowing a structured goal oriented program F is the best option for better results

Hydration and a nutrient dense meal is important. Processed foods should be kept to a bare minimum to help you stay fit, healthy, drop weight and give you better skin and hair.

Avoid trying to cosmetics or procedures without consulting a dermatologist.

www.gdayindia.com.au | M: 0412-114-383

void any new supplements, fat burners or A quick fixes that might sound promising. These can cause break outs and long-term health issues.

By IANSlife

44

HEALTH

G’DAY INDIA | NOV 2020

5 ways to take care of eye health Keep Eyes Moist Dry eyes are a major irritant, especially as the pollution gets worse day by day. Resting the eyes often and blinking moistens the eyes, reducing dryness and irritation. One can also use drops to help keep your eyes moist in case of excess dryness.

Reduced eyesight is caused by multiple factors, including diseases like diabetes, eye trauma, cataracts or glaucoma.

Over 3 crore individuals suffer from blindness globally, with India being home to nearly one-third the total figure. While 80 percent vision impairment can be prevented by early detection and timely intervention, lack of access and awareness has been a major deterrent in individuals seeking eye care.

Over 5 crore people in India have moderate to severe vision impairment which has impacted their personal and professional lives, says Ramesh Pillai, Chief Optometrist & Head of Training, Titan Company Ltd, Eyewear Business. “The onslaught of COVID-19 has also led to an increase in screen-time for people across ages and this has been a major factor in declining eye health. Eye care and eye health have become more of a necessity,” he adds.

He suggests five simple and effective ways to ensure good eye health: Right Glasses Wearing branded Sunglasses which offer 100 percent UV protection while outdoors can help protect your eyes from the harmful impact of UV rays and Cataract formation. Wearing the right spectacles for screen usage like antireflection lenses with Blue Coating is extremely important. The Blue coating helps in blocking

the harmful blue violet and allows the essential blue turquoise to help the circadian rhythm and thereby maintain the sleep-wake cycle.

Right Diet Eating leafy green vegetables such as spinach, kale and broccoli contain Lutein and zeaxanthin help prevent cataracts. Lutein also stimulates the growth of pigments that help block out harmful UV rays. Food rich in Vitamins C and E and zinc, reduce the risk of developing a condition called Age Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD). Antioxidants protect against sun damage. Good sources of antioxidants include egg yolk, yellow peppers, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, carrots, blueberries.

Onions, shallots, garlic, capers contain sulphur, cysteine, and lecithin, which help against cataract formation.

Screen Protection With an increase in screen-time becoming an inevitable reality, taking good care of your eyes is paramount. Use the 20-20-20 rule, by taking a 20 second screen break every 20 minutes to look at objects 20 feet away from you. Increase font size when reading on-screen, so that devices don’t need to be too close to your eyes, and you don’t have to squint. A clean screen boosts visibilitywipe your screen over at least once a day.

Get tested Getting your eyes tested by a qualified Optometrist or an Eye Doctor once every year is very important. Regular eye examinations help find any symptoms associated with eye strains and provide solutions for the same.

Titan Eyeplus on the occasion of World Sight Day has introduced an initiative -- online screen testing. Take out 60 seconds and take a simple online eye screening test that will give you an indication whether you suffer from eyesight problems. Basis screening results, the brand requests all to visit an ophthalmologist or optician.

By Puja Gupta

Cholesterol drugs linked to lower cancer-related deaths in women

Among women with breast cancer, colorectal cancer or melanoma, those who are taking cholesterol-lowering medications are less likely to die from cancer, researchers said.

The more consistently women took these medications in the year after being diagnosed with cancer, the lower their likelihood of dying from the disease, suggesting that the drugs may have anti-tumour effects.

The analysis, published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, included 20,046, 11,719 and 6,430 women in Australia who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, colorectal cancer and melanomam, respectively.

The reductions in cancer-specific mortality were more pronounced for women who adhered to statins in all three cancers although not statistically significant for melanoma.

According to the researchers, the women had been prescribed cholesterol-lowering medications such as statins before their diagnosis.

The research team tested the hypothesis that adherence to this drug is associated

with reduced cancer-specific mortality in a homogeneous population who had used this drug before cancer diagnosis.

“If this inverse adherence-response relationship is confirmed, cholesterol-lowering medications -- primarily statins -- could be repurposed as adjuvant therapy to improve cancer prognosis,” said study co-author JiaLi Feng from the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute in Australia.

(AGENCIES)

www.gdayindia.com.au | M: 0412-114-383

G’DAY INDIA | NOV 2020

ASK DR. RAJ…

RECURRENT INFECTIONS

Q: Hello Dr Raj, I would like to know if my 3 yrs old niece can be helped with recurrent ENT infections, She also suffers from frequent colds.

She has migrated recently to Australia. GP also suspects she might be having asthma.

Ms B A: Dear Ms B, Not every cold needs to be treated.

Natural reaction to cold is a good immune system response. However, when the situation gets out of hand and the attacks get more frequent and more severe, then it is a clear indication that the immune system is weakened and is unable to effectively fight off germs.

ACONITUM, ALLIUM CEPA, Arsenicum, Belladonna etc are just a few remedies out of which a suitable remedy will be selected for your niece. Moreover, the remedy will also specifically address her presenting symptoms.

Personally, I would not rush

into the conclusion that she has asthma. A detailed study of her case is essential. In the meanwhile, avoid milk, banana & cold things during cold attacks as they are mucus building. Ensure that her diet is filled with fresh fruits and vegetables, especially citrus to keep away colds.

Also remember that she has migrated from another temperature zone and the child will take some time to adjust.

Smoke, oily foods, gelatine foods, high stress situations etc should be avoided. Please don’t overburden the child with antibiotics. Mild peppermint oil in a warm bath helps. Pls seek homeopathic assistance to help the child to improve immune system and to also help her adjust to the change and manage emotional stress if any. And remember, health should always come from within and is achieved only through good diet, active lifestyle and safe medicine only when needed.

By Raj Kothuru

Please send any of your health related questions to drraj@aurahealth.com.au with Ask Dr Raj as the subject line or ph: 94788649 / 0425761826. The questions will be published with your identity protected.

Health tip:

45

A handful of peanuts can reduce the risk of cardiovascular and coronary heart disease

The Pros and Cons of Using General Anaesthesia for Sleep Dentistry Sleep dentistry answers the need for anxious patients to help them stay calm during dental procedures.

A widely used form of sedation for the same is general anaesthesia.

Many patients have benefited by using it for getting dental problems solved.

Are you planning to go for it too?

Well, this article has found you at the right time then. It might be beneficial to weigh all your options before you go under the knife.

Let us quickly have a look at the pros and cons of using general anaesthesia for sleep dentistry.

Pros 1. Easy to operate General anaesthesia makes the patient completely unconscious.

They cannot move by will. This gives dentists the room they much required to operate on patients’ teeth, which must have been difficult had the patient being conscious. Some patients such as children, people with nervous system issues, and anxious people cannot lay still on the dentist’s chair.

General anaesthesia makes it an easy experience for both patient and dentist.

2. Amnesia A person under the effect of general anaesthesia may experience amnesia, that is a complete loss of memory for the duration of their dental procedure. Many patients who suffer from past bad experience memories and dental anxiety or phobia might prefer this feature. As the general anaesthesia is the deepest form of sedation, the patients do not have any painful memories of the dental treatment they undergo.

3. Rapid onset General anaesthesia is also preferred for its rapid onset. The time taken for the effects to show is less compared to other sedatives.

This is helpful in cases where a quick dental work is required. It is also helpful when a person has met with an accident and has other injuries to be treated too. A lot of time can be saved.

4. Suitable for the majority of patients Sedation dentistry using general anaesthesia is largely suitable for patients with special needs. For example, people who cannot stop involuntary movements due to central nervous system condition, children who find it difficult to keep their mouths open or to stay steady for long durations, wisdom teeth removals, major dental treatments, etc. General anaesthesia sets all these issues aside and helps the patient have the dental care they need.

Cons 1. Advanced training is required

www.gdayindia.com.au | M: 0412-114-383

Not every medical professional can administer anaesthesia. A physician or dentist who wishes to administer general anaesthesia must have to complete a professional fulltime training in anesthesiology. It requires absolute precision and knowledge to be able to administer general anaesthesia to patients.

2. A trained team is required Along with the training for the anaesthetist, a competent team of anaesthesia assistant and a circulating nurse is required for the administration of anaesthesia at a hospital or dental clinic. If you are planning to undergo sleep dentistry, check if the dentist has the required personnel in his team.

3. Need for proper equipment and facilities When sedated with general anaesthesia, monitoring the unconscious patient becomes necessary. A hospital or dental clinic must have all the equipment needed to perform dental surgery along with monitoring the state of the patient. It takes time to wear off. Patients also require a recovery room wherein to recover after the dental surgery for a short while.

4. Limiting conditions Although being best for many patients, general anaesthesia is not meant for many others. The state and reaction to sedation may vary from person to person. You need to make sure you are the right candidate before proceeding with sleep dentistry by sharing your medical history with the dentist.

At Healthy Smiles, we treat each patient carefully and ascertain their candidature for sedation dentistry by carrying out extensive research on their medical history.

Also, we have the most advanced and efficient equipment, qualified and practising anaesthetist, and a whole team of experienced professionals to help carry out a general anaesthetic sleep dentistry procedure.

Feel free to ask us about your dental care queries, we would be delighted to help. Drop by at our clinic in Blackburn or call us on 03 9877 2035 for more information.

Dr Ved Berani BDS(Mum), ADEC(Aust), MBA(Melb), FIADFE, MFGDP(UK) Principal Dentist & Clinical Advisor Healthy Smiles Dental Group 150-152 Canterbury Rd, Blackburn South VIC 3130 Call us: (03) 9877 2035 www.healthysmiles.com.au

46

HEALTH

G’DAY INDIA | NOV 2020

High-fat keto diets can prevent, reverse heart failure

Heart problems? A special diet might help as researchers have found that the popular and controversial ketogenic diet could completely prevent, or even reverse heart failure caused by a metabolic process.

complex, composed of MPC1 and MPC2, is required for pyruvate import into the mitochondria. This study demonstrated that MPC expression is decreased in failing human and mouse hearts, and that genetic deletion of the MPC in mice leads to cardiac remodelling and dysfunction. “Interestingly, this heart failure can be prevented or even reversed by providing a high-fat, low carbohydrate ketogenic diet,” McCommis said.

For the findings, published in the journal Nature Metabolism, the research team looked at a metabolic process that seems to be turned down in failing human hearts.

“In an animal model, drastic heart failure in mice was bypassed by switching to high fat or “ketogenic” diets, which could completely prevent, or even reverse the heart failure,” said study author Kyle S McCommis from the Saint Louis University in the US. “Thus, these studies suggest that consumption of higher fat and lower carbohydrate diets may be a nutritional therapeutic intervention to treat heart failure,” McCommis added.

According to the researchers, the heart’s myocardium requires vast amounts of chemical

“A 24-hour fast in mice, which is also ketogenic also provided significant improvement in heart remodelling,” McCommis added. energy stored in nutrients to fuel cardiac contraction. To maintain this high metabolic capacity, the heart is flexible and can adapt to altered metabolic fuel supplies during diverse developmental, nutritional, or physiologic conditions. Impaired flexibility, however, is associated with cardiac dysfunction in conditions including diabetes and heart failure.

The mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC)

The findings showed that diets with higher fat content, but enough carbohydrates to limit ketosis also significantly improved heart failure in mice lacking cardiac MPC expression.

“Our study highlights the potential of dietary interventions to enhance cardiac fat metabolism to prevent or reverse cardiac dysfunction and remodelling in the setting of MPC-deficiency,” the authors wrote.

(AGENCIES)

High flavanol diet may lead to lower blood pressure

People who consume a diet having flavanolrich foods and drinks such as tea, apple and berry juice, could have lower blood pressure, according to a new study.

The findings published in the journal ‘Scientific Reports’ studied the diet of more than 25,000 people in the UK and compared the food they ate with their blood pressure. In contrast to most other studies investigating links between nutrition and health, the researchers measured flavanol intake objectively using nutritional biomarkers -- indicators of dietary intake, metabolism or nutritional status present in our blood.

The difference in blood pressure between those with the lowest 10 per cent and the highest 10 per cent of flavonol intake was between two and four millimetres of mercury (mmHg). This is comparable to meaningful changes in blood pressure observed in those following a Mediterranean diet or Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet.

The effect was more pronounced in participants with hypertension.

Previous studies in large populations have always relied on self-reported data to draw conclusions but this is the first study to objectively investigate the association between

a specific bioactive compound and health.

“We are delighted to see that in our study, there was also a meaningful and significant association between flavanol consumption and lower blood pressure,” said study author Gunter Kuhnle from the University of Reading, US. “What this study gives us is an objective finding of the association between flavanols -- found in tea and some fruits -- and blood pressure,” Kuhnle added.

The research confirms the results from previous dietary intervention studies and

www.gdayindia.com.au | M: 0412-114-383

shows that similar results could be achieved with a habitual diet rich in flavanols. In British diet, the main sources are tea, cocoa, apples and berries. The study found that the biggest difference was observed in participants with the highest blood pressure. It suggests if the general public increased its flavanol intake, there could be an overall reduction in cardiovascular disease incidence.

“This study adds key insights into a growing body of evidence supporting the benefits of dietary flavanols in health and nutrition,” the authors wrote.

(AGENCIES)

G’DAY INDIA | NOV 2020

47

Eyesight problems rising among kids With children spending more time on computers and mobile phones for online classes and gaming, cases of eye sight problems are on the rise.

Children and teens between the ages of 6 and 18 years have been found to be suffering from convergence efficiency, computer vision syndrome, reflective errors and other eye sight problems.

According to rough estimates, nearly 40 per cent children have complained of various eye and vision related problems in recent weeks.

Majority of the children are being diagnosed with convergence insufficiency -- a condition in which the eyes are unable to work together when looking at nearby objects. This condition causes one eye to turn outward instead of inward with the other eye, creating double or blurred vision, said Anil Rastogi, a well-known ophthalmologist.

Children working long hours on computers and smart phones usually complain of itching or burning in eyes, watering, loss of retention power, besides headache and eye pain, Rastogi added.

Shikha Kumar, another ophthalmologist, said that since the national lockdown, most children have been found to be spending eight to 10 hours on electronic devices.

“They are either attending online classes, or watching cartoons or television and playing video games. Parents feel that this is the best way to keep them occupied but this prolonged exposure to electronic devices is playing havoc with their eyesight,” she pointed out.

Doctors say that children are being diagnosed with computer vision syndrome where they complain of pain, redness, dryness, blurring of vision, double vision and other head and neck sprains. Besides, cases of reflective errors in terms of myopia and hypermetropia have also surfaced among children.

Doctors suggest eye exercises, frequent breaks from TV/computer/ mobile phone screens to prevent permanent damage to the eyes.

(AGENCIES)

Are potatoes safe for people with diabetes to eat?

A new study challenges a longstanding perception that people with type-2 diabetes always need to avoid eating potatoes, and other high Glycaemic Index (GI) foods.

The findings, published in the journal Clinical Nutrition, showed that Glycaemic Index is not an accurate surrogate for an individual’s glycaemic response (GR) to a food consumed as part of an evening meal.

“These findings are contrary to that of observational research and traditional dietary guidance that has led some to believe potatoes are not an appropriate food choice for people with type-2 diabetes,” said corresponding author of the study Brooke Devlin from Australian Catholic University in Melbourne.

“Our study shows high GI foods, like potatoes, can be consumed as part of a healthy evening meal without negatively affecting GR -- and while delivering key nutrients in relatively few calories, which is essential for people with type-2 diabetes.”

The controlled clinical trial involved 24 adults with type-2 diabetes.

Participants were provided the same breakfast and lunch, but they were randomly assigned to one of four dinners, each including either skinless white potatoes (test meal) prepared in three different ways (boiled, roasted, boiled then cooled then reheated) or basmati rice (control meal).

Participants repeated the experiment, with a nine-day break in between each trial, to cycle through all test meals and the control.

In addition to having blood samples collected regularly (both immediately after the meal and again every 30 minutes, for two hours), participants also wore a continuous glucose monitor overnight to track changes in blood sugar levels while sleeping.

There were no differences between meals in glucose response following the dinner that contained any of the potato dishes or basmati rice.

Moreover, participants’ overnight glycaemic

www.gdayindia.com.au | M: 0412-114-383

response was more favourable after eating the evening meal that included any of the potato side dishes compared to low basmati rice, said the study.

Although the potatoes’ impact on long-term glycaemic control was not assessed in the study, the researchers concluded that “potatoes are a vegetable that is sustainable, affordable and nutrient-dense, and thus, they can play an important role in modern diets irrespective of metabolic health status.”

However, people with diabetes should continue to follow the diet suggested by their physician, the study authors cautioned.

(AGENCIES)

G’DAY INDIA | NOV 2020

48

Ayushmann checks into hotel despite shooting in hometown Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana, who is busy shooting his next film in hometown Chandigarh, is not staying with his family.

Rather, he has checked into a hotel.

has a rugged, close-up treat for fans

Ayushmann, who is shooting for Abhishek Kapoor’s “Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui”, costarring Vaani Kapoor, in his hometown, cites the Covid pandemic as the reason for his decision.

“I have been extremely cautious through the pandemic and taken every possible step not to catch the virus and protect my family. My wife and my two young kids can never come in harm’s way because of me,” Ayushmann said.

He added: “With me starting to work, our parents in Chandigarh too should be safe at all times. I want to contribute to restart the industry but I also want to safeguard my family from the virus.”

The actor along with the entire production team has checked into a hotel.

“We are all staying there till the end of the shoot. Whenever I go to meet my family now, we are maintaining social distance and also wearing masks. It feels odd but it is an

important security step,” Ayushmann said.

The actor admits that he is missing spending time with his family.

“I’m also getting tested at regular intervals through the shoot. Staying at a hotel helps protect my family as well as the crew members, because we have all tried to create a biobubble. Once the shoot is complete, I will catch up on lost time with my family,” he said.

Bollywood actor Shahid Kapoor treated his fans to a close-up selfie on Instagram. He flaunts a rugged look in the frame.

Ayushmann credits Abhishek Kapoor and his wife, besides the production crew’s supervision for keeping the virus at bay on the sets.

The actor chose not to use any caption for the picture, which currently has over 651K likes on the website.

(IANS)

Only person you have to face in the morning is yourself:Big B Actor Amitabh Bachchan feels there is no need to please the entire world, even though one might feel the urge to do so at a young age.

Bachchan mentioned in his blog post: “The work in its regimen .. the effort to keep the crew in a condition of the stapled pin, stuck and together and to play their involved participation..”

The self-portrait follows an image Shahid had posted on Sunday morning, on brother Ishaan Khatter’s birthday. He had added note, saying: “Happy birthday Ishaan. May you be everything you deserve to be. Loads of love.”

Shahid will be seen in “Jersey” along with Mrunal Thakur.

The veteran actor on Saturday took to his verified Instagram account to share a collage of images where he is seen observing his face closely in a mirror.

“The only person you have to face in the morning is yourself. When younger, feels like you have to please entire world. No. Do what makes you happy, create life you want to live for. You’ll see someone you truly love staring back at you every morning if you can do that,” wrote Big B. The actor also took to his blog to share photographs, clicked on the sets of his quiz show “Kaun Banega Crorepati”.

Shahid Kapoor

The two actors recently completed the Uttarakhand schedule of the film. Shahid thanked the state government for their efficient policies that enabled the team to shoot with proper safety measures amid the pandemic.

“But the day in its ‘karmveer’ slays the emotional threads and there is such deep emotion to the stories and they that work for them .. it moves to all in the flow of those water ducts that adorn our eyes...”

“To say that these stories of living individuals does not move one is an understatement ... they are incredibly gifted in mind and thought.

(TIW)

www.gdayindia.com.au | M: 0412-114-383

“Jersey” is a Hindi remake of the Telugu hit of the same name. The Hindi version is also being directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri, who helmed the 2019 original.

The story is about a talented but failed cricketer named Arjun, who decides to make a comeback in his late thirties and play for India, in order to fulfil his son’s wish.

(TIW)

G’DAY INDIA | NOV 2020

49

Aamir Khan’s daughter Ira says she was sexually harassed at 14 Ira Khan has said that she was sexually harassed at 14. She made the revelation while talking about the divorce of her parents, Aamir Khan and Reena Dutta, which happened in 2002.

“When I was 14, I was sexually harassed.

That was slightly an odd situation as I didn’t know what that person was doing and if they knew what they were doing. It wasn’t happening every day. So, it took me a year to be sure that they knew what they are doing and that is what they are doing. My parents got myself out of the situation. Once I was out of the situation, I didn’t feel bad anymore. I wasn’t scared. I felt like this is not happening to me anymore and it’s over. And I moved on.

It was not something that has scarred me for life and something that could make me feel bad,” Sara said in a new video she posted on Instagram.

“I never spoke to anyone about anything because I assumed that my privilege meant I should handle my stuff on my own, or if there

was something bigger, it would make people need a better answer than ‘I don’t know’. It made me feel like I needed a better answer and until I had that answer, my feelings weren’t something I should bother anyone else with. No problem was big enough to ponder too long about,” she continued.

She elucidated on the subject of privileges and how they affected her mental health.

“What would anyone do? I had everything.

What would anyone say? I had said it all. I still think there’s a small part of me that thinks I’m making all this up, that I have nothing

to feel bad about, that I’m not trying hard enough, that maybe I’m overreacting. Old habits die hard. It takes me feeling my worst to make myself believe that it’s bad enough to take seriously. And no matter how many things I have, how nice to me people are because of my dad, how nice to me people are because they love and care about me, if I feel a certain way, a certain not nice way, then how much can rationally trying to explain these things to myself do? Shouldn’t I instead get up and try and fix things? And if I can’t do that for myself? Shouldn’t I ask for help?” she added.

Ira also opened up about her parent’s divorce in the video. “When I was small, my parents got divorced. But that didn’t seem like something that would traumatise me because my parents’ divorce was amicable. They are friends, the whole family is still friends. We are not a broken family by any means. Ira had posted another video on mental health last month.

(AGENCIES)

Hope the chase for numbers doesn’t set into OTT world: Rasika Dugal

Actress Rasika Dugal feels there is a lot to celebrate as far as the advent of the OTT culture goes, and hopes the chase for numbers never plagues the platform.

Asked about the thing she fears about the change sweeping in the OTT world, Rasika said in a Twitter interaction: “At the moment, there is more to celebrate than fear in the OTT space. But I hope the chase for numbers doesn’t set in or hasn’t set in.”

Right now, Rasika is being lauded for her role of Beena Tripathi in “Mirzapur” season two. “(It) was a relief to have female desire acknowledged. (It was) an interesting departure and therefore liberating to explore such a beautifully flawed character. I lived vicariously through Beena,” Rasika said on Twitter when questioned how liberating it was for her to work on a character like Beena.

She was also seen in Mira Nair’s web series “A Suitable Boy”, a screen adaptation of the Vikram Seth classic of the same name. Set in India of 1951, the series traces the journey of Lata, a passionate literature student, and her meddling mother who wishes to choose her husband. The story takes the audience on a journey with Lata as she explores the excitement of romance and heartache, as three different men try to win her heart.

Rasika essays Savita Mehra Kapoor, whose marriage kicks in a turn of events among four families.

“I am thrilled to have had the opportunity to be part of two shows releasing on the same day -- of different genres and on different platforms, and for me as an actor, two completely different characters. I loved re-visiting Beena Tripathi in ‘Mirzapur’

www.gdayindia.com.au | M: 0412-114-383

season two and loved discovering Savita Mehra in ‘A Suitable Boy’, both in a matter of a few months. ‘Mirzapur’ already has a loyal following and I am sure ‘A Suitable Boy’ will charm many, too. I look forward to the audience response to both the shows, and to Beena and Savita, too. Here’s to the abundance, variety, and quality of work on streaming platforms,” Rasika said recently.

(AGENCIES)

50

I don’t worry if I lose out on film projects: Pankaj Tripathi Actor Pankaj Tripath does not worry if he loses out on endorsements or film projects.

“I am content with whatever I have. I am satisfied and I have conditioned myself such that my needs are limited. Hence, I don’t worry if I lose out on endorsements or film projects,” said the “Mirzapur” actor.

I work for anything except for the power of the stories that appeal to me, I’d be inauthentic to myself. I am happy with work coming my way.

I am associating with collaborators who are making me better. And that’s enough to ensure I get a good night’s sleep,” he added.

G’DAY INDIA | NOV 2020

SIDHARTH MALHOTRA

reveals his ‘love for chips’

(IANS)

He feels that one should primarily work for love.

“I often let go of lucrative offers if they don’t match my value system. I am a sentimental man who decides from his heart and works for the sheer joy of art. I am thankfully past that phase where I worked for survival,” said Tripathi.

Actor Sidharth Malhotra has shared his relationship goals, and it is all about chips.

“Quality is important to me and I want my work to create a rich legacy that will inspire many more artistes like me. At this point in my life, if

You can’t be a lover boy like me without spreading love: SRK to fans Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan took to his verified Twitter account and shared a video thanking fans for showering him with love on his birthday. Popularly called King Khan by his fans, Shah Rukh turned 55 this year.

The actor in his video mentioned the names of a few of his fan clubs across the nation and thanked them for their love and wishes on his birthday. However, he is even more happy with his fans who have been doing some social work, trying to help people amid the ongoing pandemic. In his video, the actor says: “Hi everybody, this is to thank you for all the wonderful wishes that I have been getting on social media and how much love you guys are spreading... to all the loving fans and all the boys and girls. More than wishing me on my birthday, I know some of the work that you boys and girls have been doing, giving your time and resources to people who are in need right now, in these times, the PPE kits that you have been doing, the blood donations that have been happening, going and helping out people everywhere, I think that’s the most wonderful work we can do because you can’t be a lover boy like me without spreading love! So, thank you all of you for spreading the love.”

The actor took to Instagram to share a picture of him licking his finger with a bowl of chips in his hands. He is dressed in an elegant black suit as he munches away.

“This is my Relation-Chip goals.

What are yours? #chipsforlife #foodlove #movienight,” he wrote with the image.

On the work front, Sidharth has started shooting for film, “Shershaah”, which chronicles the story of Kargil war hero Param Vir Chakra Captain Vikram Batra, who sacrificed his life for the nation in 1999.

“Soldier back at work! #OnTheSets #Shershaah,” Sidharth posted on Instagram sometime back.

In the film, backed by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions, Sidharth plays Captain Batra, who laid down his life in the service of the nation while recapturing Indian territories from Pakistani intruders during the Kargil War of 1999.

“Shershaah” marks Tamil filmmaker Vishu Varadhan’s directorial debut in Bollywood. The film also stars Kiara Advani.

Talking about the film, Sidharth had earlier said: “Everyone knows about his heroic stories from newspapers and articles. When you meet people, who have lived with him, his family or have known him personally, you feel an immense kind of pressure. First, you hope to do justice to his personal life and family. It’s something that is very close to my heart. It’s like a passion project.

Shah Rukh in his video, also promised his fans to get together for a “bigger and better party” next year, saying “56 is better than 55“!

(AGENCIES)

(IANS)

www.gdayindia.com.au | M: 0412-114-383

G’DAY INDIA | NOV 2020

51

IFFM 2020 IFFM 2020- A Mind-Blowing Experience

Over 60 films in 17 languages, including 34 International Premieres and 56 Australian Premieres in 7 days an excellent experience

Besides going online The Indian Film Festival Melbourne (IFFM) 2020 has again raised the bar this year by offering diverse and fresh content with great entertainment value. A fabulous viewing experience for the Indian film lovers of Australia and that too from the privacy of your homes and for free to enjoy In COVID times it has forced all of us to up our game. Melbourne was facing its toughest lockdown, and ‘hope’ seems to be on everyone’s mind. But, then the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne happened and the welcoming newsease of restrictions. Thanks to IFFM and Mind-Blowing Films Team for saving the rest of 2020.

At last! Something joyous happens in Melbourne. It has been an exciting time not only for the Indian Film Festival Melbourne but also for movie buffs like us; as the film festival went online from the 23rd Oct – 30th Oct. Festival director Mitu Bhowmick Lange, proudly not only brought 60 films in 17 languages including 34 International Premieres and 56 Australian Premieres, but also supports the Mental Health Foundation Australia (MHFA). IFFM encourages festival participants to donate to MHFA when booking.

Already 55,000 hits on IFFM website.

Wow!! What an achievement for a festival going virtual for the first time.

While we are still in the glamour world with Shahrukh Khan from last year, this year too, IFFM delivers its magic as they have brought us such a great line up of films. This festival has films for everyone, with films from equality, love, to the future of films. The opening night, Natkhat starring Vidya Balan, was an exemplary example of a powerful film.

At a time when we are looking for new shows and films every second day, IFFM could not have come at a better time. Not only was it refreshing, but had kept the power of story-telling alive in its digital capacity.

Film lovers across Australia have enthusiastically embraced this year’s online presentation of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne with over 22,000 film views achieved in just the opening weekend.

The festival closes this Friday with the closing night South Indian Malayalam film ‘MOOTHON ‘(The Elder One) available to stream from 6 pm 29th October till midnight on Friday 30th October.

For Mitu Bhowmick Lange: “It’s been www.gdayindia.com.au | M: 0412-114-383

heartening to see film lovers across the country engage so wholeheartedly with this year’s selection of films and donate to Festival partner Mental Health Foundation Australia so generously”.

Another highlight of the closing night is the announcement of the 2020 Short Film Competition winner.

The announcement will be made in an online event in partnership with Mental Health Foundation Australia.

‘Together’ is the theme of the 2020 IFFM Short Film Festival Competition which this year received a remarkable and unprecedented 3000+ entries indicating people’s creativity during the lockdown.

The winning film is being judged by Varun Sharma, the Festival’s 2011 Short Film Competition winner who is making his directorial debut this year with a Bollywood mainstream film, starring Rani Mukherji and Saif Ali Khan, produced by Yash Raj Studios.

Proudly supported by Film Victoria, it has been such a joy to view some unique films that we could ponder over.

Thank you IFFM for bringing the community closer, giving us the future of Indian cinema with such promising talents and stories.

52

FOOD FEATURE

The Laundry Chef!

G’DAY INDIA | NOV 2020

Helly Raichura presents a table laden with food and stories for a shared table experience from a secret dining venue

G

rowing up amongst boxes of Alphonso mangoes and the temple bells of Mathura, Helly Raichura is who she is today thanks to her love of regional cooking. She cooks with a modern twist; as a guest judge in this year’s MasterChef she introduced the pasta inspired by khandvi that broke the internet and created quite the stir overseas, with MasterChef now being aired in India. I say what glorifying Khandvi to pasta just as the Chinese with their chopsticks to the world.

Let me introduce you to Raichura, who is here to shift our thinking in food and the way we do business.

The name EVL is as organic as her business. It came just like that - whilst cleaning her backyard. Saying that she was not up for cleaning the backyard every weekend when diners would enter her home. So, that was it “Why not diners enter via my laundry?”

www.gdayindia.com.au | M: 0412-114-383

G’DAY INDIA | NOV 2020

EVL, translating to Enter Via Laundry, was once just a hobby, growing it organically. Helly Raichura’s email literally broke a year and a half ago when the oncea-month food experience got to 26,000 bookings in one day via word of mouth.

There was a waitlist for over a year to taste her luxurious food (which included me).

Then COVID-19 kept everyone in a waiting game.

As I speak to Raichura, the founder of Enter via Laundry (now incorporating EVL at Home only for delivery), I sense trepidation about the future. As Melbourne begins to find its inspiration within the pandemic, I am hopeful that our city will bounce back once again, helped by her generosity in serving the finest plate of food.

As always, I am fascinated by migrant stories, especially when it comes to their interpretation of their cultural cuisine. In her mid-30s, Raichura came to Australia in 2007 from Ahmedabad, Gujrat to study human resources. She met her husband here and is now a mother of two.

She never considered doing anything in food; though she was always drawn to cooking, she never trained to be a professional chef. Stereotypical middleclass values of owning a nice posh job forced Raichura to do the same. Scoring a job in HR, she never stopped dreaming of food and started a small cake business, which she soon discontinued but it allowed her to test the waters. Her posh job in Corporate was also something that she wants to continue on the side.

Originally, EVL started as a hobby for friends and family. She wanted to see how her friends responded to the whole dining experience. She was surprised to see three of her friends turn up.

Breaking the norm of pigeon-holed and

clichéd dining, Raichura wanted an organic way for people to experience not only her food, but also this new way of sharing a table laden with food by strangers.

The idea behind EVL was to host and share an experience; that was the theme behind the whole business. It became the epicentre for creating a bond, a sense of community where designers and masterchefs alike would be looking for friendly faces over food.

When Raichura, juggling a newborn and homeschooling a five- year old, is on the phone with me, she’s pondering the future of her business.

Now that a return to normality is hovering in front of us after months of lockdown, there is light at the end of the tunnel for EVL too.

Its October, I am on the phone with her again. EVL at home will be serving its last meal from 23rd October - 25TH October. Raichura says to me excitedly that she now has a central kitchen where the magic will continue to happen, sending out ready-made meals through the EVL program. Also, she will be opening for bookings in November or early January 2021, depending on restrictions. But she is back with her EVL experience and has some fantastic surprises in store.

Raichura has just scratched the surface.

There has been a shift of thinking lately in chefs, food businesses and even individuals in cooking and enjoying regional food – and what EVL started a couple of years ago seems to have brought out the love of regional cooking in people. Her love for food enables her to respect local produce, cook with seasonal produce and create her own narrative. We have all seen this selftaught cooking technique in MasterChef, showing us her skill. Raichura not only enjoys techniques that been handed down www.gdayindia.com.au | M: 0412-114-383

53

to her from her mother and aunty, giving birth to her famous khandvi pasta.

EVL will not only have an amplified new menu, but also start catering for anyone who wants to enjoy a Bengali experience or a Kashmiri experience in the comfort of their home.

For this Diwali, like last year, she has curated some amazing mithai boxes that will be available for order from her website or on Instagram. The contents look exquisite, like the lemon zest and hazelnut coconut ladoos or perhaps the saffron sandesh. I’ll be sure to book mine.

Melbourne has embraced migration and the beautiful Raichura says she is very happy to contribute to this captivating storytelling of food, making her Gujrati community proud. I see diversity in all genres of storytelling, from cinema to food; life is a never-ending bioscope of food stories. I feel indebted to be able to write for such creative people who believe that food can be changed with new techniques and tradition can be made new and delicious. I am a partisan of the new migrant artisan chefs in town.

Shakespeare comes to mind for this gorgeous chef: “If music be the food of love, play on, give me excess of it; that surfeiting, the appetite may sicken, and so die.”

By Nandita Chakraborty

(Nandita is an Author, Screen Writer, Blogger and a foodie. nanditachakrabortyauthor.com.au)

54

DIET

G’DAY INDIA | NOV 2020

Reap the Benefits of Olive Oil BY DEEVYA GUPTA

O

live oil has been around for over 4,000 years. Wild olives originated from west Asia (now known as Turkey) and have been used not only for foods but as medicine, fuel, soap making, skincare and even in rituals. Used abundantly in Mediterranean cuisines, many studies have revealed that including extra virgin olive oil as part of a regular dietary intake may assist in: • reducing the risk of heart disease • stroke • lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes • improving bone health • protect against certain cancers • improve brain health Just to name a few…

Can I cook with olive oil?

It was a common thought that extra virgin olive oil may not be used in cooking with high temperatures. However, recent studies reveal that not only by using a good quality extra virgin olive oil is fine with meals, but it may also be providing your body with more benefits when compared to other refined oils. Most cooking temperatures reach lower than 190-220°C, including when sautéing and deep-frying foods.

You can use olive oil when cooking curries, on salads and even just a drizzle on some of your favourite foods. It can be used commonly within traditional Indian dishes also such as curries and daals. You can even just this as a substitute to butter or margarine on top of your chapatis, dosas etc.

What type of olive oil should I buy?

The more local the olive oil is produced the better. Australian Extra Virgin Olive oil tends to be fresher and therefore retain the most nutrients, making it a high-quality oil to use. These can be purchased in local supermarkets. If you take the cost of extra virgin olive oil into account, it may be taking the place of certain supplements people may be regularly taking and therefore even work out overall cheaper!

What is the difference between ‘light’ olive oil and ‘extra virgin olive oil’?

In contrast to many products that are labelled as ‘light’, ‘light olive oil’ is something to try and reduce consumption of. ‘Extra virgin olive oil’ refers to the juice that comes from the olive when it is first pressed.

Good quality and local brands will usually have only 100% olive oil in their bottles. Extra virgin olive oil is the oil which is known to have its many benefits as mentioned above. Extra virgin olive oil is unrefined, the highest quality of oil you can buy and is darker in colour as well as having an aroma that comes from olive fruit. Extra virgin olive oil contains many antioxidants and can have an anti-inflammatory effect.

Light olive oil refers to a refined version of the oil that may be lighter in flavour and does not have the same nutritional benefit that extra virgin olive oil has.

Why are there different flavours of olive oil?

You may notice a picture showing how strong the flavours of the olive oil are on the bottom of the bottle. This can help you decide which dishes you would like to use the oils for in case some flavours appear too strong.

How much extra virgin olive oil should I use?

Benefits are shown in those who have approximately three tablespoons (45-50ml) per day consistently, contributing to good health and longevity.

In summary: • Use extra virgin olive oil wherever possible • Extra virgin olive oil is able to be used in cooking curries and hot food as well as salads • 3 tablespoons of oil a day is linked to improved health outcomes Please note this advice is provided for the general population.

Specific advice should be sought from your health care provider or Dietitian. If you need a Dietitian feel free to get in touch with us.

Deevya Gupta is an Accredited Practicing Dietitian in Melbourne | W: www.abcofnutrition.com.au

www.gdayindia.com.au | M: 0412-114-383

RECIPE

G’DAY INDIA | NOV 2020

Rajma Chawal

55

(Red kidney beans with Rice)

RAJMA Chawal is a meal in itself, capturing the nutrition and taste of authentic Indian cuisine. Extremely popular up north, this dish is a must have at every house and restaurant. Its rich flavor and appetizing aroma has something special to offer. This dish is undoubtedly the main attraction on the dining table.

Red kidney beans are very nutritious. They are an excellent source of protein, iron, magesium, potassium, folate, high in dietary fiber and vitamin k.

It also has a good source of cholesterol-lowering fiber and prevents blood sugar levels from rising (low GI). Rajma chawal is a vegetarian’s delight. This one meal served steaming hot is very delicious; the flavors get absorbed in the rajma and combined with rice brings back that lost energy in you and wakes up your senses.

INGREDIENTS 250 g red kidney beans, soaked overnight 10 cups water (approximately) 4-6 tbsp ghee or olive oil 1-2 bay leaves (opt) 1 tsp cumin seed 3-5 clove garlic 2 inch ginger chopped 2 large onion chopped 2 tsp ground coriander 1 tsp ground cumin 1/2 -3/4 tsp garam masala 1 tsp ground red chilli 1/2 tsp ground turmeric 500 g chopped or canned tomatoes salt to taste Pinch of Asofotedia / Hing

METHOD

Drain the beans then place them in large pan with the water and salt to boil. After the first boil, reduce heat and allow to simmer for an hour or pressure cook till tender.

Meanwhile heat the ghee or olive oil in a pan and fry the cumin seeds till sizzles.

Add the hing, onion, bay leaves, ginger, garlic and fry until golden brown.

Stir in the ground spices and stir till well mixed. Now add the tomatoes and cook until all the liquid has been absorbed and the oil appears on the surface.

Pour this mixture into the cooked beans and allow to simmer on low heat about 15-20 mins until done. Alter the consistency of the gravy by adding more water.

Sprinkle with garnish and serve hot.

GARNISH:

Sprinkle a pinch of garam masala and fresh chopped coriander leaves or spring onions

SERVE: Hot with onion & cumin rice, spicy cucumber/tomato raita and chilli or mango pickle.

TASTY TIP

This dish is tastier when had the next day. Prepare it the previous day and savor it the next day.

www.gdayindia.com.au | M: 0412-114-383

ALTERNATE TIP

Using tinned red kidney beans can fasten the process of cooking rajma. Taste does get comprised a little bit due to the preservatives added, but it can work for a quick meal.

BY MANJIT SETHI

recipe

from the private collection

56

ASTROLOGY

G’DAY INDIA | NOV 2020

By D. Narayan (Tantracharya) Mesha (Aries)

Vrishabh (Taurus)

This is the time your interactions with others intensify, what do you most want from your relationships and what are you willing to invest to get it? Well, this is the time to plant those seeds, and while you are always prepared in life to go it alone because others usually can’t keep up with your pace, you know that when you align with others, it’s much more exciting and fulfilling.

Profession and personal aspirations will be in focus this month.

There will be conflicts and power struggles. The situation will become peaceful in the last week of the month. Singles will find love in their neighbourhood or at the workplace. The family environment will be full of friction and anxiety. Relationship with senior members of the family will not be pleasant.

Simha (Leo)

Kanya (Virgo)

Best days: 3, 12, 30 Lucky Colour: Red, Orange, Cream

You have to curb your natural tendencies of aggression and royal attitudes.

The month is auspicious for commencing new ventures. It is also helpful in completing the existing projects.

Problems on the domestic front will get resolved as the month progresses. Peace in family will be disturbed due to conflicts with senior members of the family.

Best days: 5,3 Lucky Colour: White & Orange

Dhanu (Sagittarius)

Best days: 9, 18, 27 Lucky Colour: Green, Blue

Mithuna (Gemini)

Social skills will play an important role this month in achieving your objectives.

For married couples will be pleasant if you watch your communication. Professional problems should not spoil marital bliss. Family finances will be under stress and can be controlled with proper planning. Overall, health will be satisfactory and your outlook will be optimistic.

Best days: 2, 7, 9 Lucky Colour: Red, White, Yellow

Tula (Libra)

Karkat (Cancer)

There will be plenty of celebrations and gettogether on the home front. social skills will be important this month. There is no need to assert you. The interests of others will be vital to achieving growth. Divine forces will help you to succeed. an enjoyable month when you will be busy discovering good things in life. The family environment will be extremely cordial.

Best days: 9, 18 Lucky Colour: Red, Blue

Vrishchik (Scorpio)

The career concerns will have to be treated with an emotional base. You have to use your tact to ease the situation. Social capabilities will take over slowly and you should allow others to help your growth. This will help you to relax and plan your future according. There will be fun and frolic in the environment and the atmosphere will be harmonious. Family finances will be wonderful.

You have the charisma and confidence to get things done as per your wishes.

Others will follow you communication fields will be in and help you to achieve your focus this month. Many learning objectives. You can overcome prospects will present themselves all challenges without difficulty. this month. predictions for health career prospects are quite good are very much delightful. No during this month. You will have serious health issues are likely. the encouragement from family Even existing chronic ailments members and the management will be under control. Travel for for your monetary progress. professional duties will not be gainful.

Makara (Capricorn)

Kumbha (Aquarius)

Best days: 3, 12 Lucky Colour: Orange, Green

You have to suppress your natural quality of compromise. academic interests and

M: 0425 660 220

Best days: 9, 18 Lucky Colour: Red, Blue

Best days: 1, 3, 4 Lucky Colour: Red, Orange

Meen (Pisces)

Interference from outsiders is likely and this may spoil family relationships.

You are working hard, but the rewards are not encouraging. There will be many opportunities for financial growth. The money will come from unexpected sources.

Investments and speculations will prove to be profitable.

Chronic ailments will be under control.

Support from friends and family members will be missing. You will have a tough time managing your associates. Capricorn zodiac finances indicates that the financial situation will be quite turbulent this month. You should be prepared to face many challenges on your way to financial success.

Professional prospects are cheerful and highly beneficial. You will reach a career zenith this month.

You will have the support of family members for your career growth. There will be promotions and financial rewards. Your standing in the society will be enhanced. Money flow will pick up after that. However, more effort is necessary to generate finances.

There will be highly encouraging for career prospects and your standing at the workplace will be enhanced. You are able to have a good working relationship with your juniors and seniors.

Family and friends will help you to achieve your career objectives.

There will be many opportunities for financial growth. Money flow from unanticipated sources is likely.

Best days: 9, 18 Lucky Colour: Red, Blue

Best days: 1, 3, 4 Lucky Colour: White, Green, Blue

Best days: 5, 3, 6 Lucky Colour: White, Green

Best days: 2, 7, 9 Lucky Colour: Red, Yellow, White

www.gdayindia.com.au | M: 0412-114-383

Have a laug h

G’DAY INDIA | NOV 2020

HAVE A LAUGH

Intelligent Answers Wife, "Tell me who is STUPID ?

You or Me?" Husband (Calmly), "Everyone knows that, you are so intelligent, you will never marry a STUPID person."

What a decent way to Reply!

--------------------------------Wife to her Accountant Husband What is Inflation?

Husband: Earlier you were 3624-36.

But now you are 48-40-48 Though you have everything bigger than before, your value has become less than before.

This is INFLATION ---------------------------------Economics is not that difficult if we have the right examples Interviewer: What is Recession Candidate: When "Wine & Women" get replaced by "Water & Wife", that critical phase of life is called Recession!!

-----------------------------------Accountancy Fact: What is the difference between Liability & Asset?

A drunken Friend is a liability.

But, A drunken Girlfriend is an Asset -----------------------------------An Economist beautifully explained two reasons for having 2 Wives.

A- Monopoly should be broken.

B- Competition improves the quality of service._ If u have 1 wife, She fights with u!_ If u have 2 wives, They will fight for you!!

-----------------------------------Wonders before and after Marriage.

When you are in love, Wonders happen.

But once you get married, You wonder, what happened.

---------------------------------Philosophy of Marriage: At the beginning, every wife treats her husband as GOD. Later, somehow don't know why. alphabets get reversed..

-----------------------------------Secret formula for Married Couples: "Love One Another"_ And if it doesn't work, bring the last word in the middle.!!!!

www.gdayindia.com.au | M: 0412-114-383

57 57

G’DAY INDIA | NOV 2020

58

www.gdayindia.com.au | M: 0412-114-383

G’DAY INDIA | NOV 2020

www.gdayindia.com.au | M: 0412-114-383

59 59