G'Day India Aug 2024 Issue 208

Lights, Camera, Melbourne IFFM 2024 - Celebrating 15th year of Cinema Magic

Experience the vibrant essence of Indian cinema at IFFM 2024, featuring over 65 films in 26 languages, star-studded events, and world premieres, celebrating diversity, cultural narratives, and artistic excellence in Melbourne

Ram Charan

Malaika Arora

Nora Fatehi

Sanya Malhotra

Rasika Dugal

Kartik Aaryan

Karan Johar

Vikrant Massey

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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

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Premier Jacinta Allan to Strengthen Victoria-India Ties with Landmark Visit

Victoria's Premier Set to Enhance Strategic Partnerships in Trade, Education, and Culture with India

Premier of Victoria, Hon. Jacinta Allan, has announced her upcoming visit to India this September, marking her first international trip since assuming office. This visit is not just a ceremonial gesture but a pivotal step in reinforcing the already robust ties between Victoria and India—a relationship that has blossomed over the past 15 years.

Reflecting on the origins of this partnership, Premier Allan recalled her role as Victoria’s Minister for Industry and Trade, where she first advocated for a strategic relationship with India. “Almost 15 years ago, I saw the immense potential for collaboration between Victoria and India,” she stated. “It was clear that our shared values and mutual interests could unlock significant opportunities.”

Since that initial push for engagement, the bond between Victoria and India has strengthened remarkably. Today, Victoria is home to the largest Indian-born community in Australia, with over a quarter of a million residents contributing vibrantly to the state’s economy, culture, and community. This dynamic demographic includes business owners, healthcare professionals, educators, and creatives—all of whom play a crucial role in the fabric of Victorian society.

Premier Allan's visit aims to deepen this relationship further, with a focus on key sectors such as trade, education, and innovation. “From food and fibre to cutting-

edge education technology, this trip is about enhancing our collaboration with one of our most important trade and investment partners,” she explained.

The Premier also highlighted the cultural connections that unite Victoria and India, emphasizing the universal language of sport and film. “Sport, particularly cricket, is the heartbeat of communities both in Victoria and India. It transcends boundaries and brings people together,” she said. “Similarly, India’s vibrant film industry is a testament to the rich cultural narratives that resonate globally, breaking down barriers and fostering mutual understanding.”

A significant aspect of the visit will be promoting gender equality and ensuring a future where women and girls can thrive safely and with respect. Premier Allan is committed to advocating for inclusive opportunities in all sectors, from sports and education to the arts.

“This visit to India is more than a diplomatic mission; it’s a celebration of our shared values and a commitment to exploring new avenues for collaboration,” Premier Allan concluded. “Together, we will identify and seize opportunities in education, innovation, and the creative industries, ensuring that our partnership continues to grow stronger.”

Premier Allan’s visit to India is poised to reinforce Victoria’s commitment to fostering global partnerships, driving economic growth, and building stronger, more inclusive communities.

Delivering A Better Health System for Victorian Patients

MELBOURNE, Aug 8: The Allan Labor Government will deliver a better, more connected health system – ensuring patients can get the care they need, in their own communities.

As a government, we’ve made record investment in our hospitals. That includes recruiting a record number of doctors and nurses, record funding for our hospitals and health infrastructure – and of course, our record pay deal for Victorian nurses.

Today, we’re continuing to build on that record.

The Labor Government will invest a further $1.5 billion to support our hospitals deliver world-class care, building on the more than $8.8 billion we invested in the Budget.

This investment delivers the funding hospitals told us they needed, while also enabling Victoria to continue delivering a record number of elective surgeries.

The Labor Government has also accepted in full or accepted in principle 26 of 27 recommendations proposed by the Expert Advisory Committee, as part of its Health Services Plan.

These are recommendations that we know will make our health system stronger and more connected – while continuing our focus on patients and frontline care.

The Labor Government will deliver a number of key reforms in response to these recommendations. It will not, however, accept the recommendation to forcibly amalgamate Victoria’s health services.

We believe that locals know their community’s health needs best and –together with their health service leaders –their voices must be listened to in the delivery of local healthcare.

Forcing change risks being disruptive, impacting patient care.

Instead, health services will be supported

to reduce non-clinical duplication and double-up, while at the same time promoting stronger partnerships between our hospitals.

This achieves the report’s ambition of a more integrated and efficient health system, without disrupting the local services we know Victorian families trust and rely on.

Hospitals Victoria

The Labor Government will establish Hospitals Victoria – a new agency in the Department of Health, with a CEO who reports directly to the Health Ministers – that is fully focused on supporting hospitals to deliver frontline care.

It will also help hospitals collaborate where it just makes sense.

Right now, hospitals have different payroll and IT systems. It’s why, as part of its remit, Hospitals Victoria will work with hospitals to identify back-office functions that can be consolidated and streamlined.

The Government will continue its existing work to improve digital systems and technology, including how virtual care can be better used, in line with the report’s recommendations.

The new agency will also support the operation of our hospitals and their finances –ensuring that funding and health services are focused on caring for Victorians.

Hospitals Victoria will be led by Siva Sivarajah who has extensive experience running hospitals and improving the delivery of care.

Electronic Medical Record System

We will also roll out a connected Electronic Medical Record System to all hospitals, which will provide seamless and more efficient care for patients.

Currently, our health services use different patient record systems – some of them paper based. It’s outdated, it’s inefficient and it often causes needless stress for patients and

their families.

It’s why Hospitals Victoria and the Department will work with health services to deliver a connected and standardised electronic record management system for Victoria’s hospitals.

Not only will it reduce delays and duplication, it’ll mean a patient’s records move with them – regardless of the hospital they’re being treated at.

Local Health Service Networks

In line with one of the report’s key recommendations, the Government will replace Health Service Partnerships with stronger Local Health Service Networks.

Bringing together hospitals within a geographical region, these Networks will support hospitals to collaborate – enabling them to work together to deliver better care, while also better supporting staff across each region.

Each Network will establish a formal relationship with a major tertiary, a women’s and a children’s hospital. This will mean patients can more easily and quickly access specialist care when they need it, strengthening referral pathways and enabling the sharing of expertise across specialties.

Once established the Networks will share functions like payroll and IT – making sure our hospitals can focus on what they do best, caring for patients.

Protecting Frontline Services

We’ve always given our hospitals what they needed – we did this before the pandemic, throughout the pandemic and we’ll continue this now.

During COVID, hospitals essentially operated without an agreed budget –because saving lives meant providing our hospitals with everything, they needed to tackle the virus.

Now’s the time to return to something a bit more normal – allowing hospitals to plan ahead.

It’s why we’ve proactively worked with hospitals to develop budgets and why we will invest an additional $1.5 billion into our hospitals.

This funding will enable our hospitals to continue delivering world-class care despite record demand, with more than half a million emergency department presentations last quarter alone – making it the busiest quarter on record.

It will also support a further 10,000 surgeries – bringing our total target for elective surgery for this financial year to 210,000 – matching the almost 210,000 surgeries performed in 2023-24, the highest figure on record.

This is the funding our hospitals told us they needed, and this is what we’ve delivered – because Labor will always be on the side of our hospitals.

MELBOURNE, Aug 3: The Allan Labor Government’s renting taskforce is ramping up operations with first rental property inspections kicking off this weekend – to crack down on rental providers and estate agents who do the wrong thing.

Minister for Consumer Affairs Gabrielle Williams today joined Consumer Affairs Victoria Director Nicole Rich and taskforce officers in Clayton at a pre-briefing before

they attend inspections of rental properties – for the first time.

More than 60 per cent of properties in Clayton are rentals, making it an important location for the taskforce’s first inspection blitz.

The taskforce team are attending rental inspections in Clayton and the surrounding areas and will checking that rental properties meet the mandatory minimum standards.

The rental minimum standards include things that most people would reasonably expect in a home, such as a functional kitchen, lockable external doors, and being structurally sound and waterproof.

Victorians who suspect properties available for rent are being falsely advertised or do not meet minimum standards can alert Consumer Affairs Victoria directly through a new complaint form online.

After recent reports from the public via the new webform, the taskforce engaged with estate agents to ensure rental properties were upgraded and repaired to meet the minimum standards before they were leased.

Victorians looking for a rental property are urged to use the new form to report concerns – it only takes about five minutes to complete and can be submitted anonymously.

Backed by a $4 million investment from the Labor Government, the renting taskforce is scaling up operations using intelligence and market analysis to boost monitoring of rental campaigns, conduct targeted inspections and act on identified breaches. Operations will continue to scale up throughout 2024.

Letting a new renter move into a rental property that does not meet the minimum standards is a criminal offence, with maximum penalties of over $11,000 for individuals and over $57,000 for companies.

To access the advertised rental property report form, visit consumer.vic.gov.au/rentallisting.

Renting Taskforce Kicks Off Inspection Blitz Supporting Victorian Mums with Breastfeeding Expertise

MELBOURNE, Aug 7: The Allan Labor Government is making sure new mums who choose to breastfeed their babies are getting the specialised support they need free of charge and close to home.

Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn marked World Breastfeeding Week with a visit to North Brighton Maternal and Child Health (MCH) service where staff are benefitting from more than $7,500 in lactation support funding.

Breastfeeding does not always come easily, and it is important for new mums and

their babies to have free support readily available to address any difficulties they may be having.

Bayside City Council is using its share of the funding to support a staff member at Highett MCH to recertify as an International Board-Certified Lactation consultant, and support three staff members to undertake professional development.

The council has boosted their dedicated lactation support service, which includes home visits, face-to-face consultations and telehealth appointments – giving new mums the option to access support in a way that suits them.

As part of the More Support for Mums, Dads and Babies initiative in $4 million has

been invested over four years to increase lactation support across the state.

The Victorian Budget 2024/25 also invested $28.8 million over three years to meet increased demand for universally delivered MCH services, dedicated Aboriginal services and the enhanced MCH program which provides extra support for families facing challenges such as disability, mental health, family violence and housing instability.

Parents will also be able to call a qualified MCH nurse at the 24/7 MCH line to discuss any concerns about their child’s health and nutrition, breastfeeding or parenting issues –with over 100,000 callers benefiting from this support every year.

(MEDIA RELEASE)

Record Surgery Delivered to Victorians

MELBOURNE, Aug 1: Victoria’s hardworking doctors, nurses and paramedics are continuing to deliver world-class healthcare despite record demand.

The latest quarterly performance data shows the planned surgery waitlist is now the lowest it has been since the beginning of the pandemic.

More than 55,000 patients were admitted for planned surgery between April and June this year – with the waitlist down 33.6 per cent since April 2022.

All Category 1 planned surgery patients were treated within the recommended

timeframe, while the median wait times reduced by 26 days for Category 3 (nonurgent) patients and 14 days for Category 2 (semiurgent) patients compared to the same time last year.

In the past financial year, almost 210,000 planned surgeries were performedthe highest figure on record made possible due to the COVID Catch Up Plan which helped cleared the backlog of surgeries from the pandemic.

While the plan has now ended – it along with the Planned Surgery Reform Blueprint have reformed how we deliver surgery in Victoria.

We’re continuing to support patients with the launch of My Surgical Journey website, which is available in six languages, and will help Victorians make informed decisions about their planned surgery.

Emergency Departments also faced

the busiest quarter on record with more than 503,000 presentations state-wideup 6 per cent compared to the same time last year.

Despite the demand the median emergency department waiting time remained steady at 15 minutes and 70 per cent of all patients were seen within the clinically recommended time. All Category 1 patients – those assessed as being critically unwell and requiring immediate treatment – continue to be seen immediately upon arrival to an ED.

This quarter was Ambulance Victoria’s busiest on record with 102,379 Code 1 cases – a 5 per cent increase in demand compared to the same time last year.

Ambulance Victoria responded to 64.2 per cent of Code 1 cases within 15 minutes with a state-wide average response time of 15 minutes and 37 seconds - 27 seconds faster than same time last year.

The effects of seasonal winter illnesses such as colds, flu and COVID-19 have led to increased demand for our ambulance services and hospitals - but initiatives like the Priority Primary Care Centres and Victorian Virtual Emergency Department are making a difference and keeping people out of hospital.

(MEDIA

Australia's Central Bank keeps interest rate at 4.35 per cent due to high inflation

SYDNEY, Aug 6: The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) left the cash rate target on hold at 4.35 percent on Tuesday as inflation is still some way above the midpoint of the 2-3 per cent target range.

The RBA board said in a statement that it decided to leave the cash rate target unchanged at 4.35 per cent and the interest rate paid on Exchange Settlement balances unchanged at 4.25 per cent.

Inflation has fallen substantially

since its peak in 2022, as higher interest rates have been working to bring aggregate demand and supply closer towards balance, the RBA board said, adding that however, inflation is still some way above the midpoint of the 2-3 per cent target range.

In underlying terms, as represented by the trimmed mean, the consumer price index (CPI) rose by 3.9 per cent over the year to the June quarter, according to the statement.

The economic outlook is uncertain and recent data have demonstrated that the process of returning inflation to target has been slow and bumpy, the RBA board said.

"Returning inflation to target within a reasonable timeframe remains the Board's highest priority," it said.

(IANS)

Australian experts warn of triple avian influenza threat

CANBERRA, Jul 15: Australia is facing an unprecedented threat from three different strains of avian influenza according to experts from the national science agency.

Debbie Eagles and Frank Wong from the Australian Center for Disease Preparedness (ACPD) at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) on Monday warned that three strains of the highly pathogenic H7 avian influenza have been detected in Australia in 2024.

The outbreaks have affected poultry farms in the southeastern states of Victoria and New South Wales (NSW) as well as the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), prompting the

culling of over 500,000 chickens.

Wong told the Australian Associated Press (AAP) that experts have not been able to identify a reason behind the simultaneous outbreaks.

"There could be many reasons. We don't know. The wild bird dynamics at a particular point in time, climate, changes in perhaps weather patterns or just coincidence," he said.

The federal government earlier in July committed 6.9 million Australian dollars ($4.6 million) in funding to boost preparations for a possible outbreak of the H5 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).

Murray Watt, the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, said at the time that Australia is the last continent to remain free of the strain, which has caused significant deaths of poultry, wild birds and wild mammals around the world.

He warned that H5 HPAI could spread in Australia in the spring when migratory birds arrive in the country.

(IANS)

Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley to step down after home summer

MELBOURNE, Aug 6: Cricket Australia

CEO Nick Hockley has announced that he will step down after the upcoming season, following nearly 13 years working in Australian cricket, including five as chief executive.

Hockley is expected to step down towards the end of March 2025, or potentially later depending on the process to appoint his successor.

"This was a difficult decision, however, following what promises to be a blockbuster summer and with our five-year strategic plan well progressed, this is the right time to pursue another challenge, while giving the Board plenty of time to find its next CEO to build on the strong foundations now in place.

“This is not the time for goodbyes, as I remain completely focussed on the season ahead and supporting the Board on succession and a smooth transition," he said in a statement.

CA Chair Mike Baird confirmed that Nick had advised the board that next summer would be his final one as CEO.

"As CEO, Nick navigated the sport through a period of unprecedented challenge during the pandemic and has delivered significant

growth and stability. Under Nick's leadership, several major deals are now in place - many for the next seven years – and the game is set up for continued success.

"As Nick says, his full focus is on delivering another successful summer for our fans, players, broadcasters, partners and the whole of Australian Cricket and there will be time to celebrate his legacy and achievements when he steps down from the role next year. The timing of Nick's decision allows the Board to ensure a smooth transition and we will begin the process of finding and appointing his successor shortly," he said.

Hockley was appointed interim CEO of Cricket Australia in June 2020 and then permanent CEO eleven months later. Having navigated the sport through two seasons of the pandemic, under Hockley’s leadership CA also reached a new Memorandum of Understanding with the Australian Cricketers' Association, which included a 66% uplift in pay for female professional cricketers and reset the Big Bash on its current growth trajectory.

On the playing side, Hockley has overseen a period of remarkable success for Australia’s national teams, including Australia’s first

tour to Pakistan in 24 years, winning and retaining both the women’s and men’s Ashes, six ICC trophies including the women’s and men’s Cricket World Cups (2022 and 2023 respectively), the men’s and women’s T20 World Cups (2021 and 2023), the World Test Championship in 2023 and Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup in 2024, as well as Commonwealth Games gold in 2022.

Having worked on the organising committee for the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic Games, Hockley joined Australian cricket later that year as General Manager Commercial and Marketing of the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, which was attended by more than 1 million fans and generated more than $1 billion for the Australian and New Zealand economies.

Following a brief stint as head of commercial projects, in 2017 Hockley was appointed CEO of the local organising committee for the ICC T20 World Cup 2020, leading the record-breaking Women’s T20 World Cup at which 86,174 fans attended the Final at the MCG.

Student leader to kingmaker - Nahid Islam becomes vital cog in Bangladesh politics

DHAKA, Aug 6: Nahid Islam, one of the main coordinators of the anti-quota protests that eventually led to the resignation of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has emerged as a key figure in the formation of an interim government in the country.

It was reported that Islam, along with Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman, was locked in significant discussions Tuesday evening on the structure of the new government following Hasina's departure from the country.

On Monday, as chaos ruled the streets of Dhaka, Islam had told media persons that he will propose an interim national government

"within the next 24 hours" which will also have a fair representation from the student community and members of the civil society.

A student of Sociology at Dhaka University, 26-year-old Islam was in October 2023 made the Secretary of the 31-member central committee of a student body that also included Akhtar Hossain, a former social services secretary of the Dhaka University Central Students' Union.

As a student-led protest kicked off following the decision of the High Court division of Supreme Court in June 2024 to cancel a 2018 government declaration abolishing all quotas for first and second-class government jobs in Bangladesh, Islam, sporting the Bangladesh flag as a bandana, gradually became the poster boy of the movement.

In a televised address to the nation on the evening of July 17 following deaths and casualties during clashes between protestors and police, Hasina repeatedly urged the students "not to fall prey to incitements by the vested quarters" who were bent on "unleashing a reign of terror taking advantage of the situation".

Two days later, Islam, who had severely criticised the Hasina-led Awami League party, was reportedly abducted, released and

abducted again a week later.

Meanwhile, the government formed a judicial inquiry committee headed by a High Court Justice to investigate the violence and deaths. Two Cabinet ministers were also assigned to hold talks with the protesting students.

However, a reign of terror was unleashed across the country in the following weeks which the ruling government said was supported by anti-state elements and led by the armed cadres of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its "extremist ally" the JamaatE-Islami along with its student wing, Islami Chhatra Shibir (ICS).

The Hasina government believed that the kind of "systematic vandalization" of public properties required "adequate expertise" which the students do not possess.

However, as things ultimately panned out on Monday with Hasina leaving the country, Islam was hailed as a hero by thousands of supporters all over the country.

Within the next few hours, he was also engaged in discussions with the country's Army chief and making efforts to convince Muhammad Yunus to become the head of the interim government in the country.

(IANS)

Kamala Harris picks Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as running mate

WASHINGTON, Aug 6: US VicePresident Kamala Harris has picked Tim Walz, the Democratic Governor of Minnesota, as her running mate.

"I am proud to announce that I've asked @Tim_Walz to be my running mate," Harris wrote in a post on X.

"As a governor, a coach, a teacher, and a veteran, he's delivered for working families like his. It's great to have him on the team."

Walz also posted on X. "It is the honor of a lifetime to join @kamalaharris in this campaign. I’m all in. Vice President Harris is showing us the politics of what’s possible. It reminds me a bit of the first day of school. So, let’s get this done, folks! Join us".

Walz, 60 is a former schoolteacher, a military veteran, a member of the House of Representatives, a two-term Governor and, in recent days, the man who coined the word "weird" to describe the Republican nominee for President, former President Donald Trump and his running mate, Senator J.D. Vance, and their campaign and their views that was quickly adopted by the Harris campaign and her allies.

Walz is scheduled to make his first appearance along with Harris, who secured the official nomination of the Democratic party for President on Monday

night, at an election rally in Philadelphia later on Tuesday and then go with her on a tour of battleground states.

"The window for delegates to vote in the virtual roll call has concluded, and that 99 per cent of the pledged and automatic delegates who fulfilled their responsibility by voting in the roll call cast their votes in support of Vice President Kamala Harris," the Democratic party said.

Harris had narrowed down her search to Walz and Josh Shapiro, the popular Governor of Philadelphia in the final days.

Shapiro was seen as a favourite with the expectation that he could bring some of his popularity in the battleground state to help Harris. He had won the Governor's race in 2022 with a 15-percentage point lead and Harris currently trails Trump by 2 percentage points. Additionally, Shapiro was seen as a moderate whose appeal extended beyond the Democratic party’s base. And he had many Republicans, who were not happy with Trump, rooting for him.

Walz, who has been backed by labour unions, is seen as belonging to the progressive wing of the Democratic party, which could help Harris bridge the divide in the party over President Joe Biden’s tight embrace of Israel in its war against Hamas, which alienated the progressives. He has emerged as a popular choice because of his folksy style and happy demeanour that has made some call him a "joyful warrior".

Walz’s bio on his website as Minnesota Governor said he was born in a small town in rural Nebraska and his parents

"instilled in him the values of public service, generosity toward your neighbors, and working for the common good that guide his commitment to Minnesota today".

After graduating from high school, Walz enlisted in the Army National Guard. He studied social science at Chadron State College. He spent a year teaching abroad and joined the Army National Guard full time on his return and eventually accepted a high school teaching and coaching position. Walz met his future wife, Gwen Whipple, at the school they both taught at. He won his first election to the House of Representatives in 2006 and was re-elected for another five terms, and then ran for Governor in 2018 and won. He was re-elected in 2022.

Reacting to the pick, Karoline Leavitt, Trump Campaign Press Secretary, said: "It’s no surprise that San Francisco Liberal Kamala Harris wants West Coast wannabe Tim Walz as her running-mate - Walz has spent his governorship trying to reshape Minnesota in the image of the Golden State."

"While Walz pretends to support Americans in the Heartland, when the cameras are off, he believes that rural America is ‘mostly cows and rocks’. From proposing his own carbon-free agenda, to suggesting stricter emission standards for gas-powered cars, and embracing policies to allow convicted felons to vote, Walz is obsessed with spreading California’s dangerously liberal agenda far and wide. If Walz won’t tell voters the truth, we will: just like Kamala Harris, Tim Walz is a dangerously liberal extremist, and the Harris-Walz California dream is every American’s nightmare."

(IANS)

Getting married in Australia

Separate Meetings with the Couple – Part - 1

From 12 June 2024 all authorised marriage celebrants are required under the Marriage Act 1961 to meet with each party to the marriage separately and in person before they solemnise their marriage. This applies to all legal marriages and all authorised celebrants.

Why - Real consent is the cornerstone of the Marriage Act. As has always been the case, an authorised marriage celebrant must be satisfied that each party to the marriage is providing real consent before the marriage is solemnised. This obligation has not changed. A court may find a marriage to be void where the consent of either of the parties is not real consent.

Under the Marriage Act, a person’s consent to a marriage is not real consent if it was obtained by duress or fraud; a party is mistaken as to the identity of the other party or the nature of the ceremony performed; or a party does not have mental capacity to

understand the nature and effect of the marriage ceremony. ‘Duress’ may include coercion or threats including psychological or emotional pressure.

A separate meeting with a party to establish real consent is not new. A separate meeting in person with each party to the marriage before the marriage is solemnised is intended to maintain safeguards for establishing real consent. Celebrants should be aware that it is an offence to cause another person to enter into a forced marriage.

Doorknocking Ban Begins for Victorian Energy Upgrades

MELBOURNE, Aug 1: The Allan Labor Government is protecting vulnerable Victorians from harmful and intrusive sales tactics with a ban on doorknocking for the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program coming into effect today.

The bans follow extensive consultation over the past year on high-pressure sales tactics and other inappropriate marketing practices under the VEU program.

This ban has been designed to protect consumers and promote professional conduct by the industry to deliver the program that consumers can trust.

As the independent regulator, the Essential Services Commission will actively monitor compliance of the ban through an expanded range of tools and will take strong enforcement action for breaches of the ban.

A ban on telemarketing under both the VEU and Solar Victoria also came into effect on 1 May 2024. Doorknocking for Solar Victoria programs has been banned since September 2021.

The VEU reforms strengthen the 2022 VEU Code of Conduct, VEU accredited providers and participants can still use digital and

traditional media advertising, and direct marketing such as social media and email.

All Victorian households and businesses are eligible for VEU discounts, which cover heating and cooling, hot water, and more.

Through the VEU program, a household can save about $900 when installing a reverse-cycle air-conditioner to replace an old gas heater, saving about $150-$200 off their annual energy bill, or save about $3,600 when replacing a gas ducted system with a reverse-cycle system, saving about $500-$600 off their annual energy bill.

Victoria's nation leading Gas Substitution Roadmap demonstrates the importance of homes and businesses going all electric, it saves money on energy bills, is better for the environment and healthier for families to live and work.

The Government is also delivering a $5.9 million investment announced in the Victorian

Budget 2024/25 for a review of the VEU program – ensuring it will continue to be the key driver helping more Victorians electrify their homes and businesses, slashing energy bills and reducing emissions.

Victorians should report breaches of the VEU door knocking and telemarketing bans via 03 9032 1310 or veu@esc.vic.gov. au(opens in a new window).

For more information on the VEU program, visit energy.vic.gov.au/victorian-energyupgrades.

Surrogacy – through an eye of the child

BY GURPAL SINGH

There has been a greater discussion and recognition of the children’s rights through the UN Convention of the Rights of the child (the convention). The convention addresses protecting children from all forms of discrimination including but not limited to the discrimination on the basis of birth and national, ethnic or social origins, parents, guardians or family members. The convention also requires the child’s birth to be registered immediately after the birth, the right to have a name, nationality, a right known and be cared for by that child’s parents as far as possible. These rights emphasis on the right of individual child and not the children as a group.

For the child born through surrogacy arrangements, they may have only one or no legally recognised parent. The adults caring for the child may have parental responsibility orders, but this falls well short of providing children with the benefits and protections that legal parentage does entail. The issues of identity and parenthood are complex. The states have increasingly recognised the importance of children knowing the circumstances of their birth and being able to access biological and genetic information including medical information.

From a child’s perspective the issues of identity and parenthood are intertwined. Given the importance of identity, it does require assurance that identifying information about children born because of artificial reproductive technology is properly stored and made readily accessible for those children. Denying a child legal parentage, when there are no concerns about the care being provided by their parents cannot be justified considering from the perspective of the rights of that child.

Notions of ‘a family’ has changed

significantly in the past few decades and the mother-father nuclear family is not the only type of family which is in existence. Development of new technologies and diverse family forms raises new challenges for the status of children born of these family. The law has struggled to keep a pace with these technological developments and the ethical issues that arise as a result. Often the conflicting and confusing laws results in statelessness and limping parentage.

There are many facts to the right to identity the children born because of assisted reproductive technology. The emphasis is on the importance of recognising a child’s right to know the circumstances of the birth including genetic information. This is applicable to surrogacy, with children needing access to information about any gamete donor, be it sperm or egg donor and any surrogate. Different types of information are important for a child to know as part of the identity and sense of ‘the self’ including knowing who donated genetic material and what their genetic and medical histories are. There seem to be a conflict of rights to know the identity and the donor’s right to privacy. Where these laws are conflicting, the prevailing view is that the rights of the child should be given greater recognition and priority.

Research studies into families formed via surrogacy, artificial conception and natural conception, including the issue of identity for children underscores the importance of children being told about the circumstances of their birth from an early age. Children have

some understanding of inheritance and physical characteristics by age four. As a child attains the age seven, child develops an understanding of biological relatedness. When the children are told about their origins from an early age, they can absorb the information gradually as their cognitive development mature.

Surrogacy raises complex issues for policy makers, the lawmakers, the lawyers and the medical professionals. In Australia, the national ethical guidelines governing health professionals prohibits the facilitation of commercial surrogacy. The word facilitation is not defined, nor any guidance given. This may imply that they cannot discuss any issues with respect to overseas surrogacy. The practical consequence of this is that parents are not able to access accurate information about the treatment options and risks which includes poor screening, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and multiple births or the varying requirements about anonymous donations and the potential consequences for the children who are denied information that forms part of their identity.

The importance of families being open with children about the circumstances of their conception, for the wellbeing of the family, means that the nation has to grapple with how this information is gathered, stored and accessed. This is an urgent issue as it is increasingly easy for people to access home genetic testing kits, resulting in people finding out by accident that their parents or one of them has no genetic link to them. Donor recipients have said that they want personalised information rather than formulate response as the information is important not just for themselves, but also to pass on to their own children. There are significant differences in the regulations in Australian states and territories with respect to record keeping and access to information.

A Decade of Excellence in Accounting and Business Advisory

Celebrating 10 Years of Innovative Solutions and Unwavering Commitment to Client Success

Honest & Young, a renowned CPA practice based in Victoria, recently marked a significant milestone—its 10th anniversary. The firm, known for its excellence in accounting, tax advisory, and business consulting, has not only survived but thrived in a competitive industry, carving out a niche as a trusted partner for businesses and individuals alike.

Founded by Pritpal Singh and Siddharth Sharma, Honest & Young has grown from a modest accounting firm into an award-winning practice that embodies professionalism, expertise, and a clientcentric approach. Pritpal Singh, with over 30 years of experience, and Siddharth Sharma, a dynamic entrepreneur with 12 years of expertise, have combined their knowledge and passion to create a practice that stands as a beacon of trust and innovation.

From Humble Beginnings to Industry Recognition

The journey of Honest & Young is one of dedication, continuous learning, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. What started as a vision shared by two professionals has now blossomed into a full-fledged accounting and advisory firm with a reputation for delivering tailored solutions to complex financial and business challenges.

In 2022, Honest & Young was honored

with the prestigious ‘Tax Agents of the Year - Victoria’ award by the Worldwide Finance Awards. This accolade was followed by another significant recognition in 2023 when the firm was named ‘Best Tax Agents & Business Advisory Firm 2023 - Victoria.’ These awards are a testament to the firm's unwavering commitment to quality and client satisfaction.

Leadership that Inspires Confidence

Pritpal Singh’s vast experience in accounting and taxation has been instrumental in navigating the complexities of the industry. His ability to resolve disputes with tax authorities, secure favorable outcomes for clients, and provide strategic advice on real estate developments has made him a respected figure in the field.

Siddharth Sharma, on the other hand, brings a fresh perspective to the firm with his entrepreneurial spirit and keen understanding of business dynamics. His focus on building strong client relationships and providing insightful business advisory services has been pivotal in driving the firm’s success over the past decade.

A Team of Dedicated Professionals

The strength of Honest & Young lies not only in its leadership but also in its team. David, a key member who joined a few years after the firm’s inception, has played a crucial role in enhancing the firm’s capabilities. His expertise in digital accounting, payroll, and bookkeeping has helped the firm adapt to the evolving landscape of financial services.

Lawyers & Consultants, have further enriched the firm’s offerings. Dr. Sharma’s legal insights and advocacy for sustainable practices have guided the firm towards a paperless, environmentally conscious operation.

A Philosophy Rooted in Integrity and Lifelong Learning

The contributions of other team members, including Yogi and external consultant Dr. Apurva K. Sharma of GPS

At the core of Honest & Young’s philosophy are the values of honesty and continuous learning. Pritpal Singh often reflects on William Shakespeare’s words, “No legacy is so rich as honesty,” which he believes encapsulates the essence of the firm’s name. The ‘Young’ in Honest & Young is inspired by Henry Ford’s belief that staying young means never stopping learning. This ethos drives the firm to constantly evolve and embrace new knowledge, ensuring they remain at the forefront of their industry.

As Honest & Young celebrates a decade of success, it does so with an eye on the future. The firm remains committed to its mission of providing exceptional service and innovative solutions, ensuring that the next ten years are as impactful as the first.

A Celebration of Diversity and Cinema

15th Annual IFFM Unveils a Stellar Lineup with Over 65 Films, Star-Studded Events, and World Premieres Await Audiences from August 15 to 25, 2024

The 15th annual Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) is set to dazzle audiences with an extraordinary lineup of films, starstudded events, and engaging programs from August 15 to August 25, 2024. The full program is now live, offering cinema enthusiasts a chance to explore the best of Indian cinema with screenings, premieres, and special events that celebrate diversity and creative storytelling.

This year’s festival promises to be a cinematic feast, featuring over 65 films in 26 different languages, including 20 directed by female filmmakers. These films, many of which challenge societal norms and highlight powerful voices, are set to captivate audiences with their bold narratives and cultural richness. The festival also boasts six world premieres, providing a platform for groundbreaking new works.

Opening Night and Premieres

The festival will kick off with the world premiere of My Melbourne, an anthology film directed by four iconic Indian filmmakers— Onir, Rima Das, Imtiaz Ali, and Kabir Khan. Filmed entirely in Melbourne, My Melbourne presents four diverse stories based on true incidents, exploring themes of sexuality, gender, disability, and race. The Opening

Night promises to be a vibrant celebration of Indian cinema, set against the unique backdrop of Melbourne.

Other prestigious artists appearing at the IFFM Awards Night include the legendary Ram Charan, along with the illustrious A.R. Rahman, Karan Johar, Kabir Khan, Rajkumar Hirani, Imtiaz Ali, Onir, Rima Das, Malaika Arora, Vikrant Massey, Ram Sampath, Nora Fatehi, Charismatic Kartik Aaryan, IFFM Awards winners and many more.

Star-Studded Events

Some of the biggest names in Indian cinema will be in attendance, adding star power to the festival. Legendary Ram Charan, Acclaimed filmmaker Karan Johar, Grammy and Oscar Winner A.R. Rahman, along with Kabir Khan, Imtiaz Ali, Onir, Rima Das, Malaika Arora, Vikrant Massey, Ram Sampath and Awards winners are among some of the notable figures making appearances. Johar will be a highlight at the IFFM Awards Night on August 16 at the Palais Theatre, an event that has become a coveted fixture on Melbourne’s cultural calendar. Also attending will be celebrated filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani, known for his iconic film 3 Idiots.

Spectacular Performances Set for IFFM 2024 Awards Night

The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne

(IFFM) 2024 Awards Night promises a musical extravaganza with special performances by Mitch Tambo and Sona Mohapatra. Mitch Tambo, known for his powerful voice and fusion of contemporary pop with traditional Aboriginal sounds, will share the stage with Sona Mohapatra, an acclaimed Indian singer, lyricist, and composer. Their collaboration is set to create an unforgettable musical experience, blending diverse cultural influences.

Adding to the star-studded event, Afghan pop singer and women's rights activist Aryana Sayeed will also be attending. Sayeed, honored with the Afghan Icon Award and titled "Voice of Afghanistan," brings her awardwinning talent and activism to the ceremony. The IFFM Awards Night will undoubtedly be a highlight, celebrating outstanding achievements in film and music.

Program Highlights

In addition to My Melbourne, the festival will feature the world premiere of Little Thomas by Kaushal Oza, The Zebras – Dark Start by Aneek Chaudhuri, and Manorajyam by Rasheed Parakkal. These films, along with Wild Swans by Rajni Basumatary and Girls Will Be Girls by Shuchi Talati, offer a diverse range of stories that resonate with contemporary audiences.

One of the most anticipated events is the screening of the documentary Headhunting to Beatboxing: A Musical Renaissance, directed by Rohit Gupta and produced by Grammy and Oscar winner A.R. Rahman, who will be in attendance. The documentary explores the cultural revival of the Naga tribe in Nagaland, India.

Celebrating Cultural Diversity

The annual Remitly IFFM Dance Competition will take place on 17 August at Federation Square will feature Indian icons like Malaika Arora, Nora Fatehi and Lakshya Lalwani as guest judges, adding a dynamic cultural dimension to the festival. The Regional Rhapsody Program, showcasing films like Mrs and Padatik, further highlights the festival’s commitment to celebrating diverse voices and stories.

The festival will conclude on August 25 with the screening of Girls Will Be Girls, leaving audiences with powerful stories and lasting memories. With a packed schedule of films and events, the 15th annual IFFM is set to be an unmissable celebration of Indian cinema in Melbourne.

(G’day India)

Films from the Subcontinent

Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2024 - August 15 – 25

Celebrating the best of Indian cinema and fostering cultural exchange through the universal language of film.

IFFM

Awards Night at the Palais Theatre

on 16 August 2024

The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2024 Awards Night, scheduled for August 16 at the iconic Palais Theatre, promises to be a glamorous and culturally rich event celebrating the best in Indian cinema. This year’s awards ceremony will feature special performances by Australian music sensation Mitch Tambo and celebrated Indian singer Sona Mohapatra. Tambo, known for his unique fusion of contemporary pop and traditional Aboriginal music, will collaborate with Mohapatra to deliver a memorable musical experience that bridges cultural divides.

The event will also be graced by Afghan pop singer and women's rights activist Aryana Sayeed, whose presence adds a layer of global significance to the evening. Sayeed, known for her activism and powerful performances, has been honored with titles such as "Voice of Afghanistan" and the Afghan Icon Award.

The IFFM Awards Night is a highlight of the festival, drawing celebrities and filmmakers from around the world to celebrate outstanding achievements in film and music. It’s a night where art, culture, and activism converge, making it an unmissable event on Melbourne’s cultural calendar.

IFFM Short Film Competition

The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2024 is set to host its annual Short Film Competition, a prestigious event that celebrates emerging talent in the world of cinema. This competition invites filmmakers from across the globe to showcase their creativity and storytelling prowess in short film format.

This year's competition will focus on the theme of "Identity and Belonging," encouraging filmmakers to explore stories that reflect diverse experiences and perspectives. The competition provides a platform for both amateur and professional filmmakers to present their work to an international audience, with the winning films receiving significant recognition and exposure.

Selected films will be screened during the festival, running from August 15 to August 25, 2024, and judged by a panel of esteemed industry professionals. The IFFM Short Film Competition is a highlight of the festival, offering a unique opportunity for filmmakers to gain visibility and connect with industry leaders.

Remitly IFFM Dance Competition on 17 Aug 2024

The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2024 will feature the highly anticipated Remitly IFFM Dance Competition on August 17 at Federation Square. This vibrant event celebrates the rich cultural tapestry of Indian dance and offers participants a chance to showcase their talent in front of an enthusiastic audience and a panel of esteemed judges.

This year's competition will be judged by some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry, including Indian actress and dance icon Malaika Arora, as well as Canadian dancer and actress Nora Fatehi. Also joining the panel is Lakshya, known for his dynamic performances in television and cinema.

The Remitly IFFM Dance Competition is a highlight of the festival, attracting dancers of all ages and skill levels to perform a variety of styles, from traditional Indian dance forms to contemporary Bollywood choreography. The event promises to be a colorful and energetic celebration of dance, making it a mustsee on the IFFM calendar.

A Tribute to Diversity: ‘My Melbourne’ to Premiere at IFFM 2024

Four Renowned Directors Collaborate on an Anthology Exploring Identity, Diversity, Inclusion and the Spirit of Melbourne Through True Stories

The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2024 is set to open with the world premiere of My Melbourne, an anthology that delves into themes of race, gender, sexuality, and disability. This film, inspired by true incidents, celebrates the vibrant and diverse city of Melbourne through four unique stories.

A Collaboration of Iconic Filmmakers and Emerging Talents.

Four renowned Indian filmmakers—Onir, Rima Das, Imtiaz Ali, and Kabir Khan—have collaborated with emerging creatives from underrepresented backgrounds to bring this project to life. Each short film within the anthology reflects the authentic migrant experience and the quest for identity and belonging.

NANDINI by Onir: This story explores

the strained relationship between Indraneel, a queer Indian man, and his estranged father as they reunite in Melbourne to complete a ceremonial ritual. The film delves into themes of forgiveness and reconciliation amid grief.

JULES by Imtiaz Ali: Newly married Sakshi forms an unlikely bond with Jules, a homeless woman. Together, they navigate their struggles and find connection despite their vastly different circumstances. Imtiaz Ali shared his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Working with a diverse group of young, local creatives was a huge learning experience. I hope audiences connect with Jules in My Melbourne.”

EMMA by Rima Das: This segment follows Emma, a talented deaf dancer who battles self-doubt and discrimination. Her encounter with another deaf dancer inspires her to embrace her uniqueness and inner strength. “Dealing with themes

of disability authentically was crucial,” said Rima Das. “We worked closely with the deaf community to ensure the portrayal was genuine.”

SETARA by Kabir Khan: Setara, a 15-year-old Afghan girl, rebuilds her life in Melbourne after fleeing the Taliban. She finds her sense of belonging through cricket, despite family tensions and past trauma. Kabir Khan remarked, “Setara's journey of finding a new home and her love for cricket made this a story I had to tell.”

A Celebration of Melbourne’s Essence Festival Director Mitu Bhowmick Lange expressed her excitement about opening this year's festival with My Melbourne. “This film truly encapsulates our mission to celebrate diverse voices. It’s a testament to the power of storytelling in bridging cultures and fostering understanding,” she said.

An Unforgettable Opening Night

The premiere will take place at HOYTS Cinema at The District Docklands, marking the 15th edition of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne. The festival, running from August 15 to August 25, promises to be a cinematic celebration filled with excitement, anticipation, and the magic of storytelling on the big screen.

Supported by the Victorian Government’s screen agency Vic Screen and the Federal Government’s Screen Australia, My Melbourne is a film that highlights the rich tapestry of Melbourne’s multicultural landscape, making it a fitting centerpiece for the festival.

(G’day India)

Sanya Malhotra’s Mrs to Make Australian Premiere at IFFM 2024

A Story of Identity and Empowerment, Set to Captivate Audiences at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne

Bollywood actress Sanya Malhotra is poised to make waves at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2024 (IFFM) with her latest film Mrs. This poignant film, directed by Arati Kadav, will have its Australian premiere at the festival, offering a deep exploration of a woman’s journey to reclaim her voice and identity within the confines of societal expectations.

Mrs tells the story of a woman, played by Malhotra, who is a trained dancer and teacher. As she navigates her roles as a wife and a professional, she battles to assert her individuality against the traditional expectations of her marital life. The film is an adaptation of the acclaimed Malayalam movie The Great Indian Kitchen and presents a compelling narrative about the silent struggles faced by many women.

Malhotra expressed her enthusiasm about the film's screening at IFFM, saying, “I am thrilled and honored that Mrs will have its Australian premiere at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne. This film is incredibly special to me because it captures the nuanced journey of a

woman striving to find her voice amid societal pressures.”

The film has already garnered significant recognition, with Malhotra winning the Best Actress award at the New York Indian Film Festival and earning a nomination for the same category at IFFM 2024. Her portrayal

of the lead character has been praised for its depth and authenticity, resonating strongly with audiences and critics alike.

Director Arati Kadav, who will join Malhotra for the festival premiere, highlighted the universal relevance of the film's themes. “This film delves into the emotional and societal complexities of a woman's life. Having it featured at IFFM underscores its global appeal and the importance of its message,” Kadav remarked.

Producer Harman Baweja, reflecting on the film’s journey, expressed his excitement for the upcoming premiere. “Mrs is a film that is very close to my heart, and seeing it recognized on such a prestigious platform is incredibly fulfilling,” he said.

The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2024, running from August 15 to August 25, is set to be a vibrant celebration of cinematic excellence, with Mrs poised to be a highlight of the event. The film not only showcases Sanya Malhotra's remarkable talent but also sparks important conversations about gender roles and the quest for personal freedom.

‘Little Thomas’: Anurag Kashyap’s Latest Production to Premiere at IFFM 2024

A Nostalgic

Tale of Childhood Set in 1990s Goa Stars Gulshan Devaiah and Rasika Dugal

Renowned filmmaker Anurag Kashyap’s latest production, Little Thomas, is set to make its world premiere at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IIFM). Directed by first-time feature filmmaker Kaushal Oza, the film takes audiences back to the Goa of the 1990s, exploring the world through the eyes of a young boy named Thomas.

Little Thomas is a story of childhood innocence and imagination, centered around Thomas, the only child of his parents, who longs for a younger sibling. The film stars Gulshan Devaiah and Rasika Dugal in lead roles, along with young actor Hridansh Parekh, who plays the titular role.

Anurag Kashyap, who was impressed by Oza’s previous work on the short film The Miniaturist of Junagadh, spoke highly of the director’s vision for Little Thomas. “Kaushal’s approach to filmmaking is genuine and deeply rooted in capturing the world from a child’s perspective. His storytelling is honest and pure, which is what drew me to this project,” said Kashyap.

The film’s setting in the 1990s adds a layer of nostalgia, making it relatable to audiences who remember that era. Gulshan Devaiah described the film as “sweet and charming,” and expressed his excitement for its premiere at IFFM. He also praised his costar Rasika Dugal, calling her a dedicated and

professional actor.

Director Kaushal Oza, an alumnus of the Film and Television Institute of India, shared the meticulous process of casting for the film, revealing that over 700 children were auditioned to find the perfect fit for Thomas and his friends. Oza aimed to capture the innocence and imagination of childhood, something he believes everyone yearns for as they grow older.

The film also features performances by Ninad Pandith and Mahabanoo Mody-Kotwal. After its festival run, Little Thomas is slated for a theatrical release in India. Producer Anushka Shah highlighted the film’s potential to positively influence young minds, emphasizing its themes of imagination and resilience.

Little Thomas is produced by Luminoso Pictures, Civic Studios,

Flip Films, and Good Bad Films, and promises to be a heartwarming addition to the genre of children’s films, offering both emotional depth and a strong narrative.

(G’day India)

IN A FIRST, NASA SENDS 4K VIDEO TO AND FROM SPACE VIA LASER TECH

In a first, NASA has used laser communication technology to send 4K video streams from an aircraft to the International Space Station (ISS) and back, a feat that will pave the way for providing live video coverage of astronauts on the Moon during the Artemis missions. While the US space agency has historically relied on radio waves to send information to and from space, it for the first time streamed 4K video footage from an aircraft to the ISS and back using optical or laser communications.

Laser communications are 10 to 100 times more data faster than radio frequency systems as they use infrared light to transmit. Led by a team of engineers at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, the feat was achieved by installing a portable laser terminal on the belly of a Pilatus PC-12 aircraft, which flew over Lake Erie sending data from the aircraft to an optical ground station in Cleveland. From there, it was sent over an Earth-based network to NASA’s White Sands Test Facility in Las Cruces, New Mexico, where scientists used infrared light signals to send the data, the agency said.

NASA noted that the signals travelled 22,000 miles away from Earth to NASA’s Laser Communications Relay Demonstration (LCRD), an orbiting experimental platform. The LCRD then relayed the signals to the Integrated LCRD

LEO User Modem and Amplifier Terminal (ILLUMA-T) satellite that was mounted on the ISS, which then sent data back to Earth. The signal could penetrate cloud coverage more effectively with the help of High-Rate Delay Tolerant Networking (HDTN) -- a new system developed at Glenn.

Daniel Raible, principal investigator for the HDTN project at Glenn called it a

“tremendous accomplishment”. He noted that future experiments can “now build upon the success of streaming 4K HD videos to and from the space station”.

This will enable future capabilities, “like HD video conferencing, for our Artemis astronauts, which will be important for crew health and activity coordination”, Raible said.

NEW ‘SMART’ SOCKS TO PREVENT FALLS IN PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA

UK researchers have developed a novel sock which combines sensors with artificial intelligence (AI) to help carers and care home staff detect agitation and prevent falls in people with dementia. The innovative ‘SmartSocks’ track heart rate, sweat levels and motion to give insight into the wearer’s wellbeing, providing accurate insight into a person’s cognitive state, and distress levels.

They look and feel like normal socks, but do not need charging and are machine washable. Current physiological monitors are frequently worn on wrist straps, which can stigmatise or even cause more stress, and are frequently removed by patients.

“The foot is actually a great place to collect data about stress, and socks are a familiar piece of clothing that people wear every day, our research shows that socks can accurately recognise signs of stress -- which could really help not just those with dementia, but their carers too,” said SmartSock inventor Zeke Steer, Chief Executive Officer of Milbotix. Milbotix is conducting a study with

the University of Exeter to test whether SmartSocks can help staff working in care homes support people who may not be able to communicate agitation, or the cause of distress.

“SmartSocks addresses the huge clinical

need for effective and safe management of agitation, pain and distress in dementia,” said Byron Creese of the University of Exeter. In a separate study, Milbotix is working with a team at the UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) Care Research & Technology Centre, at Imperial College London. They will first test SmartSocks in their living lab, a domestic environment where they study activities of daily living and develop technologies before they can be tested in the homes of dementia patients. Then they will deploy it in the homes of 15 people living with dementia to assess the capability of the socks to detect distress and agitation in the wearer.

“So far SmartSocks have been incredibly well-received in care settings, and I’m excited to see what impact our products can have in providing early alerts of agitation and falls, enabling care home staff to take early intervention, and support people to stay in their own homes for as long as possible,” Steer said.

(IANS)

META AI NOW AVAILABLE IN HINDI, UNVEILS LARGEST AND MOST CAPABLE OPEN SOURCE MODEL

Tech giant Meta announced that its artificial intelligence assistant Meta AI is now available in seven new languages including Hindi and has become more creative and smarter. Besides Hindi and Hindi-romanised script, Meta AI is now available in other languages such as French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish.

Users can interact with Meta AI across WhatsApp, Instagram, Messenger, and Facebook in these new languages. The company said it will soon add more languages. The company, led by Mark Zuckerberg, also introduced new creative tools to make it easier to help users turn their ideas and imagination into images. In addition, for the first time, it has been added to seven new countries in Latin America.

“We’re expanding access to Meta AI -the assistant in our apps and devices -- and introducing new features to help you with answers, ideas, and inspiration. Meta AI is now available in 22 countries, with the newest today in Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, and Cameroon,” the company said. The tech giant Meta also unveiled the Llama 3.1 AI model with 405B parameters. It is the largest and most capable open-source AI model.

“Llama 405B’s improved reasoning capabilities make it possible for Meta AI to understand and answer your more complex questions, especially on the topics of maths and coding,” the company said. The AI model “can get help on your maths homework, write code faster with debugging support and

optimisation suggestions, and master complex technical and scientific concepts with expert instruction”, it added.

The company noted that Meta AI will also be available on “Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses” from next month on Meta Quest in the US and Canada in experimental mode. The AI assistant is currently helping users “from tackling how-to tasks and answering questions to providing inspiration and guidance”.

With its upcoming “Imagine me” feature, set to be released in beta version in the US, users can envision themselves as a superhero, a

rockstar, or a professional athlete. The feature can create images based on a photo and a prompt like ‘magine me surfing’ or ‘Imagine me on a beach vacation’.

With new creative editing capabilities added to the AI assistant, users can now easily add or remove objects, and change and edit them -- adjusting just what the user wants while keeping the rest of the image as it is. The company is set to launch an “Edit with AI” button next month, which can be used to further fine-tune images.

OPENAI TAKES ON GOOGLE SEARCH, UNVEILS AI-POWERED SEARCHGPT

ChatGPT maker OpenAI has announced its foray into the search market dominated by Google, with launching SearchGPT which is an AI-powered search engine offering real-time access to information across the web. The Sam Altman-run company said it is testing SearchGPT, “a temporary prototype of new AI search features that give you fast and timely answers with clear and relevant sources”.

SearchGPT is designed to combine the strength of its AI models with information from the web to give the users fast and timely answers with clear and relevant sources. OpenAi said it is first launching the search engine with a small group of users and publishers to get feedback.

“While this prototype is temporary, we plan to integrate the best of these features directly into ChatGPT in the future,” said

the company. SearchGPT is designed to help users connect with publishers by prominently citing and linking to them in searches.

You’ll be able to ask follow-up questions, like you would in a conversation with a person, with the shared context building with each query. “Responses have clear,

in-line, named attribution and links so users know where information is coming from and can quickly engage with even more results in a sidebar with source links,” said OpenAI. The company said it will keep improving the experience in areas like local information and commerce.

(IANS)

(IANS)

54 PER CENT OF PARENTS OFTEN LACK INSTANT ANSWERS FOR KIDS’ QUESTIONS

A recent survey commissioned by Amazon Alexa and conducted by Kantar sheds light on the difficulties parents face in answering their children’s questions.

The study, which surveyed over 750 parents across six cities in June 2024, reveals that 54 per cent of parents often struggle to provide immediate answers to their kids’ queries. The research highlights the role of technology in bridging this gap, as well as the common practices parents use to address their children’s curiosity.

According to the survey, while 52 per cent of parents make an effort to search for accurate answers when they are unsure, 44 per cent admit to improvising answers on the spot.

Interestingly, only 3 per cent of parents choose to ignore the question or redirect the topic to avoid answering.

This indicates a significant effort by parents to engage with their children’s inquisitiveness, despite the challenges involved.

The study also found that 63 per cent of parents observe that their children ask

more questions while watching television.

Other activities that spark curiosity include travelling (57 per cent), studying (56 per cent), engaging in outdoor activities (55 per cent), using handheld devices (52 per cent), and listening to adult conversations (50 per cent). Popular topics of inquiry among children include food, animals, nature, general knowledge, holidays, technology, and movies.

Technology has emerged as a vital tool for parents trying to provide answers. Over 80 per cent of parents utilize technology to assist in answering their children’s questions. Voice AI services like Amazon’s Alexa, available on devices such as Echo smart speakers, are particularly noted for their utility.

“When kids are feeling curious, parents can leverage Alexa to provide answers on a wide range of topics,” said Dilip RS, Country Manager for Alexa, Amazon India.

The study underscores Alexa’s role as an educational resource, with families asking 25 million questions per month.

Despite the challenges, over 90 per

cent of parents encourage their children to ask more questions to support their growth and learning. Nearly 92 per cent of parents reported that they also learn new information while responding to their kids’ inquiries.

This mutual learning process highlights the importance of maintaining an environment that fosters curiosity and knowledge.

Deepender Rana, Executive Managing Director - South Asia, Insights Division at Kantar, emphasized the importance of screen-free learning solutions.

“While TV drives curiosity, many parents prefer screen-free methods for their children. Voice-first search tools like Alexa provide a valuable solution for finding answers and learning in a screen-free manner,” said Deepender Rana.

With Alexa’s expanding range of voicefirst experiences designed for children, parents are equipped to support their children’s curiosity with reliable and engaging content while ensuring trust and safety.

WHY IS MODERATION KEY WHILE DOING EXERCISE REGULARLY?

While exercise is necessary for both physical and mental health, moderation is key as it can help prevent injuries, and cut down burnout, helping maintain consistency, said experts.

Exercise at all ages has been proven to prevent major conditions including heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and cancers. There is also evidence of exercise in improving mental health including stress, anxiety, and depression.

“Moderation in regular exercise is important because it helps prevent injuries, reduces burnout, and promotes sustainable habits,” Dr. Samanjoy Mukherjee, Senior Interventional Cardiologist, Cardiac Science, Manipal Hospital, Dwarka said.

“Balancing intensity and rest allows your body to recover and adapt, leading to improved overall fitness and well-being. It also helps maintain motivation and enjoyment, reducing the risk of overtraining and related health issues,” he added.

In the recent past, particularly post Covid-19 pandemic, many young people in their mid-30s and 40s, have died while in the gym. Popular names include standup comedian Raju Srivastav, TV actor Siddharth Shukla, and Kannada actor Puneeth Rajkumar who suffered a heart attack during or post their workout session.

“Most of the catastrophes related to exercise are due to high-intensity training. They are either related to arrhythmias or Myocardial infarction. The maximum permissible heart rate at peak exercise is 220 minus your age,” Dr. Mukherjee said.

“One should be careful not to exceed this. Very few people receive proper medical screening before going for high-

intensity workouts. Moderation prevents untoward injuries as well,” he added. Regular exercise in moderation prevents overtraining as excessive exercise can lead to elevated stress hormones and increased risk of heart problems.

Adequate rest between workouts is also important to allow the heart to repair and strengthen, reducing the risk of injury and ensuring continuous improvement.

“Undoubtedly, regular exercise is beneficial for your health, but moderation is essential. Each individual has a unique limit, so avoid comparing your workout volume with others,” said Dr. V Mohan, chairman of Dr Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre, in a post on the social media platform X.com.

Dr. V Mohan explained excessive fatigue, breathlessness, or feeling unwell are some signs of overexertion.

“Be mindful of signs that indicate you may be overexerting yourself.”

“It is crucial to exercise daily while also allowing adequate time for recovery. This balanced approach will help you achieve optimal health and well-being without overstraining your body,” he said.

HEALTH

LADIES, DO BREAST SELF-EXAM ONCE A MONTH TO CATCH CANCER EARLY

Self-breast examination just once a month can help women detect the deadly cancer early, and boost treatment outcomes, said health experts, amid rising breast cancer cases in the country.

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer affecting women worldwide, as well as in India.

Data from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) showed that breast cancer accounted for 28.2 per cent of all female cancers, with an estimated 216,108 cases by 2022.

“You don’t have to go outside for common indications or symptoms; all you need is three fingers and three to four minutes of your time, once a month. Once you become accustomed to it, it usually only takes three minutes. No one else is required; just a mirror and your hand. If you know how your breasts normally feel, you can easily notice any changes or abnormalities early,” Dr Garima Daga, Senior Consultant, Surgical Oncology, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre said.

“Any difference in how your breasts feel during the breast health examination could indicate thickening of the skin, ulceration, nipple discharge, or most commonly, a lump in the breast, underarms, or under the nipple,” she added.

The most common symptoms are usually a lump or any discharge from the nipple. Any bloody discharge, greenish discharge, any lump, this should be taken care of, said the expert.

In the past, many famous Indian celebrities like Tahira Kashyap, and Mahima Chaudhry have been diagnosed and survived breast cancers. More recently, television actress Hina Khan announced her diagnosis with stage three breast cancer. She is currently undergoing treatment.

Worryingly, the cancer, which was once known to affect the elderly, has in the last three decades, surged enormously in people aged 40 or 50.

According to experts, genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors are driving breast cancer even among women who seem healthy. Thus, besides making necessary lifestyle changes like maintaining

a healthy body weight, eating healthy and balanced food, and doing regular exercise, they said early detection is key.

Self-breast examinations monthly would go a long way in early detection. The aim should be to detect it at a very early stage because there is no pain in breast cancer in the initial stages.

“It is merely a technique for women to be aware and mindful of the normal status of their breasts so that any deviation from the normal may be picked up at the earliest and shown to the appropriate doctor,” Dr Manjula Rao, Consultant, Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon, Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, Chennai, said.

“It helps to detect cancerous lumps at a much smaller size, hence allowing earlier detection, less severe treatments, and less aggressive surgery like breast conservation, oncoplasty, and sentinel lymph node biopsy,” the doctor said. She advised that it is best done once a month, typically 5-7 days after periods when the breast is at its most supple.

Daga said there is almost 90 to 95 per cent cure in the early stages of cancer. So, if it is detected early, it helps in the prevention of cancer. Unlike earlier, the cure rate has also gone up with early detection.

By Rachel V Thomas

Benefits of exercise, diet akin to psychological treatment for depression

Benefits of physical exercise and a good nutritional diet are as effective as psychological treatment for depression -- one of the most common mental disorders worldwide -- claimed a study. Treating depression with exercise and a proper diet could also prove to be a cost-effective method for the mental health condition that ranks among the top 25 causes of global disease burden.

The study, published in The Lancet Regional Health, proved that diet and physical exercise have “the potential to provide mental health care with no lesser effects than cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) -- a type of talk therapy -- with psychologists”. It also showed that results can be achieved remotely, via online video conferencing, while eliminating the need for in-person treatment.

This may prove helpful to people from remote areas. The team based the study on 182 adults who suffered depression between May 2021 and April 2022. Participants were divided into

two groups for six 90-minute sessions over eight weeks using group-based, online video conferencing. One followed lifestyle therapy (with nutrition, and physical activity) with a dietitian and exercise physiologist while the other had psychotherapy (CBT) with psychologists.

Both methods were found to be equally effective in lowering symptoms of depression, the results showed.

“Remote-delivered lifestyle therapy was non-inferior to psychotherapy with respect to clinical and cost outcomes,” revealed the findings led by researchers from the universities of Monash, James Cook and Deakin in Australia.

The researchers stressed the need to replicate the study on a larger scale “to increase access to allied health professionals who, with adequate training and guidelines, can deliver mental healthcare at a comparable cost to psychologists”.

(IANS)

The Pros and Cons of All-on-4 Dental Implants

The secret to a sparkling smile is impeccable teeth. We know how much our teeth matter when it comes to looks and missing some of our teeth is not only bad for the looks but also affects proper chewing. It is a pain going through teeth loss, but on the bright side for those of us suffering from teeth loss, dental implants work just like natural teeth.

Read on to know more about Allon-4 dental implants.

Dental implants are teethrestoration treatment. It includes inserting tiny posts of titanium fused with other friendly metals into your jawbone in a quick surgical procedure. These posts serve as anchors for the overlay dentures, which are a set of artificial teeth for a whole jaw.

To support the dentures, the dental implants are inserted into four places that are strategically designed. This method is known as All-on-4 dental implants.

It takes a period of up to three-six months for healing after inserting the implants. Once the implants are fused in with the jawbone, overlay dentures are secured on them using screws. Let us look at some of the pros and cons of the All on 4 implants.

PROS

1. Fewer Insertions

All on 4 dental implants require minimum insertions. An overlay denture is supported by only four titanium implants. The positions of these implants are strategically designed to withstand all the chewing forces and pressures in the oral cavity. Other options of dental implants for multiple teeth include All-on-6 and All-on-8.

2. Enjoy All Your Favourite Food

After getting All-on-4 dental implants, you can eat all your favourite foods that you could not do without the full set of teeth in your mouth. You must have craved some foods and drinks in the teethloss phase, and now you can eat them to your heart’s content. Just remember that the food should not be too hard to chew and clean your teeth after eating.

3. Better Aesthetics

Dental implants look better than temporary dentures or other teeth restoration methods as they have a positive impact on your looks. Dental implants enhance your jawline and make you look younger.

4. Reduces Jawbone Deterioration

The friendly amalgam of titanium

and other metals merge with the jawbone over time. This process is known as osseointegration. Due to the presence of these metals, the bone deterioration seen in normal individuals as a side-effect of aging can be reduced.

5. Better Longevity

When cared for properly, All on 4 dental implants last much longer than other methods. There are even cases where dental implants have lasted a lifetime.

6. Easy to Care For

Looking after All-on-4 dental implants is as easy as your natural teeth. A normal oral hygiene routine of brushing twice and flossing once a day would suffice. As they are not your natural teeth, any food particles stuck between the artificial teeth cannot decay them. However, care must be taken as the food particles can decay the tissues of your gums which can lead to a bad situation.

CONS

1. Must be precise

When going for All-on-4 dental implants, make sure you are consulting an experienced dentist since the success of dental implants depends greatly on the skill and expertise of your dentist. Dental implant surgery needs to be effective. Visit our dentists at Healthy Smiles Dental Group for a detailed analysis and check-up. Our expert dentists will be more than happy to help you out with your dental needs.

Bottom Line

As with any surgical procedure, the surgery for a dental implants procedure also has its risks and precautions involved. Make sure you follow the guidelines provided by the dentist. To decide if All-on-4 dental implants are a treatment option for you, visit our dentists at Healthy Smiles Dental Group. Feel free to contact us on 03 9877 2035.

Eating beans, peas, lentils, chickpeas may help you manage diabetes better

Finding it hard to manage your blood sugar levels? Pulses like beans, peas, lentils, and chickpeas can help manage your diabetes, according to a new review of studies on Friday.

Pulses also have positive effects on important cardiovascular biomarkers, like low-density lipoprotein (LDL), also known as bad cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), also known as good cholesterol, revealed the study.

The review, based on 30 articles, contributes to the body of evidence supporting the need for future dietary guidelines and additional research on increasing pulse consumption within optimal dietary patterns.

The most frequently assessed study outcomes included changes in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, haemoglobin A1c, waist circumference, and C-reactive protein or high-sensitivity C-reactive protein.

The review, published in the journal Nutrients, points out the “potential role of pulses in maintaining health and preventing

chronic disease”, said Taylor C. Wallace, Adjunct Associate Professor in the School of Medicine at George Washington University, US.

It also plays a crucial role in “enhancing long-term health, particularly among individuals with chronic conditions like Type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease”, Taylor added.

Further, the low-fat content and healthy mono- and polyunsaturated fats, along

with essential micronutrients and bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties, further establish pulses as a nutritional powerhouse.

Pulses are also an excellent source of plant protein, rich in fibre, folate, and potassium. They also serve as a rich source of minerals like zinc, iron, calcium, and magnesium, and are therefore vital in diets that prioritise plant-based sources of nutrients.

By Rachel V Thomas

Losing just 1 hour of sleep at night may be harmful

to health

Losing just an hour of sleep at night may be harmful to health and lead to problems with memory and focus, according to an expert. The human body requires an optimum sleep duration of 7-8 hours per night.

But when people do not get adequate sleep, “it results in various problems, such as poor attention, focus, concentration and memory,” said Dr Sudhir Kumar from Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad.

“Losing just one hour of sleep could take up to four days of time to recover,” he added. He noted that poor sleep also increases the risk of headaches, anxiety and stress. People deprived of sleep are more likely to make “poor decisions, and have driving errors, leading to more vehicle crashes”.

In addition, “sleep deprivation is associated with higher risk of diabetes, hypertension, obesity, heart attack, stroke, depression, dementia, erectile dysfunction and infections,” the neurologist said.

While ensuring “a regular sleep schedule and sleeping for 7-8 hours every night,” is essential for good health, the doctor stated

that “oversleeping (more than 9 hours) is also unhealthy”.

In an earlier post, the expert noted that sleep duration and a consistent sleep schedule can help “lower the risk of insulin resistance, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes”. Good sleep is also essential for boosting good cholesterol levels.

Good sleep can also be key to keeping mental health disorders like schizophrenia, depression and stress at bay. (ANI)

Regular exposure to sunlight can prolong your life by 2 years

Want to prolong your life? Regular sunlight exposure ranging from five to 30 minutes daily when ultraviolet (UV) rays are low can boost longevity and enhance health, an expert said on Sunday. Taking to a post on the social media platform X, Dr. Sudhir Kumar from Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad offered insights on why regular exposure to sunlight was important for one’s health.

“Exposure to sunlight on a regular basis increases longevity. Brief duration (5-30 minutes per day) of sunlight exposure is sufficient,” he said. Citing a study, he said that nonsmokers who avoided sun exposure had a life expectancy similar to smokers in the highest sun exposure group. This indicates that avoiding sun exposure is a risk factor for mortality on par with smoking.

He added that individuals who avoided sunlight had a reduced life expectancy of approximately 0.6 to 2.1 years. Dr. Kumar said, “The benefits of sunlight exposure are

linked to a lower risk of diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, infections, and autoimmune diseases, as well as reduced stress levels.”

Further, Vitamin D, often associated with sunlight exposure, is considered a surrogate marker and not the sole contributor to increased longevity. Vitamin D supplementation alone does not offer the same health benefits as

natural sunlight exposure, said the neurologist. Dr. Kumar also emphasised the importance of choosing an appropriate time for sun exposure, particularly when the UV index is low, to maximise benefits.

He also cautioned against overexposure, even with sunscreen, as it can still increase the risk of malignant melanoma (skin cancer).

Suffering from high BP? Eating fruits and vegetables may help

Fruits and vegetables, which are an under-prescribed treatment, have become a crucial part of hypertension treatment, new research said on Tuesday. Diets high in these foods have been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce cardiovascular risk, and improve kidney health due to their base-producing effects.

A new study in The American Journal of Medicine, presents findings from a fiveyear interventional randomized control trial. Despite efforts to improve hypertension treatment with pharmacological strategies, hypertension-related chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular mortality are rising. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for patients with chronic kidney disease.

The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, rich in fruits and vegetables, is recommended as the firstline treatment for primary hypertension. However, it is often under-prescribed and under-implemented, despite supporting data. Diets high in fruits and vegetables are associated with lower blood pressure, reduced chronic kidney disease progression, and decreased cardiovascular disease risk and mortality.

“Our patient studies showed that an acid-producing diet (high in animal products) is harmful to kidneys, while a base-producing diet (high in fruits and

vegetables) is beneficial. We hypothesized that fruits and vegetables are both kidneyand heart-healthy because they reduce dietary acid,” said Donald E Wesson from Dell Medical School, The University of Texas.

The study involved hypertensive patients with macroalbuminuria -- a marker of chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular risk. Participants were divided into three groups: one adding 2-4 cups of fruits and vegetables to their daily diet, another taking sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) tablets, and a control group receiving standard medical care.

Results showed that both fruits and vegetables and NaHCO3 improved kidney

health, but only fruits and vegetables reduced blood pressure and cardiovascular disease risk. Co-investigator Maninder Kahlon, PhD, noted, “Fruits and vegetables achieved these benefits with lower doses of medication, supporting their use as a foundational treatment for hypertension.”

Dr Wesson said that dietary interventions for chronic disease management are effective and should be prioritised. “We must increase efforts to incorporate healthy diets into patient management and make them more accessible to at-risk populations,” he added.

MUMTAZ: THE STUNT FILM HEROINE WHO ROSE TO THE TOP TIER, JIVED IN A SAREE

She would have remained a B-grade film heroine, save for one standout moment when she became the first actress to rock and roll in a saree, with no top actor of the time ready to accept her as a co-star. Thankfully for Mumtaz, Dilip Kumar had no such hang-ups.

During casting for “Ram Aur Shyam” (1967), her name was suggested to Dilip Kumar as the romantic partner for one of the twins he would play. The thespian was first undecided but on being shown videos of her performances so far, remarked she was “a scene stealer” and agreed to take her on. She took with gusto to the role of Shanta, who has a bantering relationship with the boisterous Shyam, but eventually finds her real partner in the timid and oppressed Ram.

However, a one-off would not have been enough to catapult Mumtaz, who celebrates her 77th birthday on this day (July 31) to the top league. But the actress, who was as determined as she was talented, was up to the task.

She cemented her presence with the romantic potboiler “Patthar Ke Sanam”, in which as Meena, the second lead, her elfin charm was a foil to Waheeda Rehman’s grace, then, as Shabnam, Sunil Dutt’s spirited onscreen partner, in whodunnit “Hamraaz”, Shefali in V. Shantaram’s “Boond Jo Ban Gayee Moti” (all 1967) and then, Reena in “Do Raaste” (1969) - the first of her 10-odd hit films with Rajesh Khanna.

The icing was Shammi Kapoor’s “Brahmachari” (1968), in which she played a vamp out to dupe the promiscuous villain and jived in a saree in “Aaj kal tere mere pyaar ke charche”. A special one was created for the purpose by ace designer Bhanu Atheya, with inbuilt pleats and a zipper down one side! It would go to be known as the “Mumtaz saree”.

In “Khilona” (1970), Mumtaz bravely took up the role of a prostitute, after

many others turned it down, and went on to win her first and only Filmfare Award. She held her own against Zeenat Aman as Dev Anand’s love interest in “Hare Rama Hare Krishna” (1971).

Born to an Indian father and an Iranian mother in 1947 - a fortnight before Independence, Mumtaz Askari had her first experience of the film world when young and became a child artiste at 11. However, as she turned adult, she only managed small roles in films like Sunil Dutt’s stark “Mujhe Jeene Do” (1963), or at best, the second heroine in the Persian epic-inspired “Rustam Sohrab” (1963) - the swan song of Suraiya - where Mumtaz played Sohrab’s (Prem Nath) love interest.

A real-life strongman seeking to turn into a reel-life strongman came to her aid. Dara Singh accepted her as a co-star and they did a string of action thrillers - “Veer Bhimsen”, “Samson”, “Hercules” (all 1964), “Tarzan Comes to Delhi”, “Tarzan and King Kong”, “Son of Hatimtai”, “Sikandar-e-Azam”, “Rustom-e-Hind”, “Jadui Angoothi” (all 1965), “Daku Mangal Singh” (1966), and so on.

While she was making fairly decent money, Mumtaz could have been trapped in this rut, had not her chance with Dilip Kumar given her an opportunity to enter the top league. With her large smoky eyes that could portray everything from saucy innocence to sparkling sensuality to hurt anguish, dancing skills, and a readiness to experiment, she easily transitioned to become a top heroine and a style icon.

In the process, many heroes, who had spurned her earlier, would now request her to star with them, and she gracefully acceded, even, as a reigning superstar, with whom she had a string of successes, reportedly went into a sulk if she acted with other heroes.

A highlight of her film foray was her kinetic performances in a spate of evergreen songs - the gay abandon of “Jai Jai Shiv Shankar” (“Aap Ki Kasam”, 1974), the intrinsic playfulness of “Gore rang pe na ghuman kar”, and the silliness of “Chal dariya mein kud jaaye” (“Prem Kahani”, 1975) - all with Rajesh Khanna, “Main tere ishq mein” and “Koi Shahri Babu” (“Loafer”) with Dharmendra and the brazen “Le jayenge, le jayenge dilwale dulhaniya le jayenge” (“Chor Machaye Shor”, 1974) with Shashi Kapoor.

She made her presence felt in even those where she was merely serenaded -- “Phir tumhari yaad aayi hai sanam” (“Rustam Sohrab”), “Tauba yeh matwali chaal” (“Patthar Ke Sanam”), and “Aaj mausam bada beimaan hai” (“Loafer”).

However, Mumtaz never took her fortune for granted and less than a decade as one of Bollywood’s most popular actresses, bid adieu at the peak of her fame, having married a rich NRI businessman. She did attempt a comeback in 1990 but it did not work out, and she only returned onscreen in a 2010 breast cancer documentary, having survived the disease herself. By Vikas

Datta

AKSHAY KUMAR SPEAKS UP ON DOING FOUR FILMS A YEAR

Bollywood superstar Actor Akshay Kumar, who can be seen in the recently released theatrical film ‘Sarfira’, has spoken up on the criticism of him churning out movies one after the other. The actor has been questioned time and again for doing four films a year and his passion for work has often been misunderstood as a greedy motive to make money.

During a conversation with Mamaearth founder Gazhal Alagh, Akshay said: “I have been told why I do four films a year, and that I should do only one film. If I just do one film, what should I do on other days?”

“Many people tell others they work too much, lucky are those people who get work. In this day and age, so many people don’t get work, they are unemployed, but at least let the ones who are getting work, work.” The superstar also shared that he has been professionally cheated by a few producers.

“I detach from a person if someone cheats me. I go quiet and take a side path. I have been cheated professionally, a couple of producers have not paid me, that is cheating only,” the actor said.

(IANS)

‘HINDI-VINDI’ FIRST LOOK HAS GUY SEBASTIAN TEAMING UP WITH NEENA GUPTA

The first look of the upcoming movie ‘Hindi-Vindi’ has been unveiled, and it shows Australian musician Guy Sebastian starring in a pivotal role along with Neena Gupta and Mihir Ahuja. The first look poster, released showcases the film’s lead actors in a breathtakingly intense frame. The poster hints at a gripping storyline, rich with emotion, drama, and music.

The film is a musical drama exploring intergenerational language barriers within the migrant community. The film has been directed by Ali Sayed, with its music composed by Javed-Mohsin and Guy Sebastian, himself. The film is currently in the final stages of post-production.

Talking about the film, director Ali Sayed said: “We are incredibly excited to share the first look of Hindi-Vindi with the world. This film is a labour of love, and we can’t wait for audiences to embark on this journey with us. The first look is just a glimpse of what’s in store, and we believe it will leave everyone eagerly anticipating the release.”

Produced by Aniket Deshkar, Anil

Sharma and Sunny Shah under the banners of 24Six Films, Australia in association with Drishya Sharma Productions, the film has been written by

Jay Sharma. The film is set to hit theatres in September 2024, close to Hindi Diwas, celebrating the Hindi Language. (IANS)

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO CONTRIBUTED TO MY JOURNEY: PRIYANKA CHOPRA

Actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who is currently making waves in Hollywood with her powerful performances, has expressed her gratitude to everyone who, without even knowing it, contributed to her journey in the film industry. Priyanka took to Instagram and shared a video montage featuring all the dance performances she has done on stage at various award events in India.

The actress reflected on her early days in the industry and her unexpected love affair with the stage and dancing. “Throwback to the early 2000s, around 2001, 2002. When I first started working in movies in Mumbai, I truly did not know how much of a love affair I would have with the stage and especially dancing on it,” the actress wrote in the caption.

Priyanka, reminisced about her school days, where she always participated in extracurricular activities on stage. “When I was in school, I was always doing extracurriculars on stage, but there was something that just hits different when I’m performing on songs from my movies sung by the most incredible singers in India and being able to deliver entertainment to a live audience. It is intoxicating,” she added.

Priyanka, who is married to American pop star Nick Jonas, shared that performing

on stage has made her feel “closest to her husband”.

“It’s the closest I’ve felt to doing what my husband does every day, LOL... #rockstarlife But looking back at some of these videos, I can’t help but get nostalgic about how the young me would go for multiple rehearsals over days, lean on the incredible choreographers and dancers that sculpted me into becoming more and more confident on stage and on set,” she said.

Priyanka, who made her Bollywood debut with ‘The Hero: Love Story of a Spy’ in 2003, has now completed 21 years as an actor. The actress expressed her gratitude to everyone who made her journey possible. “Thank you to everyone who, without even knowing, contributed to my journey in such a big way,” she said.

Reflecting on her throwback video, Priyanka added, “This is just a throwback to a girl in her 20s, shaping the woman that I am today. I’m proud of her. And grateful for her dedication and hustle. Take the time to be proud of your younger self. You are you today because of your tenacity yesterday. PS: old videos, sorry for the pixelation.”

(IANS)

I NEVER SAID ‘NO’ TO MY FATHER: RANBIR KAPOOR

Bollywood superstar Ranbir Kapoor, who smashed the box-office records with his last release ‘Animal’, is set to appear on Nikhil Kamath’s podcast titled ‘WTF People’.

The teaser of the upcoming episode of the podcast was unveiled sending the fans of the actor in a frenzy given the actor isn’t much in the public eye.

Ranbir Kapoor will join the Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath for an unfiltered discussion on navigating fame, the nuances of Bollywood, and his personal journey in the film industry.

The promo shows Ranbir speaking about his father, the late actor Rishi Kapoor, as he said that he was a very short-tempered man but very good at heart.

He said that he never saw the colour of his father’s eyes as he always used to keep his head down while speaking to him. He also shared that he never said ‘No’ to his father.

The podcast allows the viewers to explore insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and candid reflections from Ranbir as he shares his perspectives on stardom, challenges faced, and lessons learned along the way.

This episode promises to be a deep dive into the mind of Ranbir Kapoor, offering listeners a unique glimpse into the life of an actor at the top of his game.

(IANS)

THROW TOXIC PEOPLE OUT, FIND YOUR TRIBE: PARINEETI’S MANTRA FOR HAPPY LIFE

Bollywood actress Parineeti Chopra, who was recently seen in the streaming biopic ‘Amar Singh Chamkila’, feels the mindset of a person shapes their perspective towards life. The actress took to her Instagram and shared a video of herself enjoying a serene boat ride.

She wrote in the caption, “This month, I took some time to pause and reflect on life and it has reiterated my belief... Mindset is everything. Don’t give importance to unimportant things (or people). Don’t waste a single second. Life is a ticking clock.” The actress also shared a mantra for a happy life, saying every moment should be a personal choice and that one should cease to live for others and start living for themselves.

“Find your tribe and be unafraid of throwing toxic people out of your life. Stop caring about what the world will think. Change the way you react to situations. Life is finite. It is happening now. Live it the way YOU want to live it,” she added. On the personal front, the actress has been enjoying marital bliss with her politician husband Raghav Chadha with whom she recently attended a Wimbledon tennis match.

The couple tied the knot on September 24 last year in an intimate ceremony at The Leela Palace in Udaipur, Rajasthan.

(IANS)

IT’S MORE THAN

JUST NUMBER

ON THE SCALE: NIMRIT KAUR

Actress Nimrit Kaur Ahluwalia, who has reduced her body fat from 33 per cent to 15 per cent, shared that many people focus on the number of kilos lost. However, she realised it’s more than just the number on the scale; it’s also about feeling stronger. Nimrit emphasised that the real focus should be on reducing fat percentage and gaining muscle.

“Many of us focus too much on the number of kilos lost. I realised it’s more than just the number on the scale; it’s about feeling healthier and stronger. This transformation has been about internal changes, and I believe that energy is now radiating outward,” she added. The actress shared that she has “undergone significant internal changes, making this an incredibly empowering experience.”

Nimrit’s transformation is particularly significant given her past struggles with body image and bullying. She previously talked about facing considerable trauma from being bullied for her weight in her early days. The 29-year-old actress talked about

how she has not stuck to a strict diet.

“Since leaving the Bigg Boss house, I haven’t stuck to a strict diet. Currently, I consume carbs in a very controlled way, focusing on a highprotein, low-carb diet. I also try to have dinner early and avoid eating anything afterwards.” she said.

Earlier this month, Nimrit opened up about battling depression, which she attributed to long working hours during the shooting of the TV show ‘Choti Sarrdaarni’, along with having no personal life and experiencing loneliness.

Talking about her career, Nimrit started with modelling and was first featured in a music video titled ‘Masstaani’ by B Praak. She then began her work in the popular daily soap ‘Choti Sarrdaarni’ in 2019. The actress was later seen in the 16th edition of the controversial reality show ‘Bigg Boss’. She will soon be a part of the stunt-based reality show ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi 14’, hosted by Rohit Shetty.

(IANS)

Did you know:

Eating fish twice a week provides essential omega-3 fatty acids, improving heart and brain health

'MasterChef Australia' judge Andy Allen loves the 'beautiful & chaotic' bustle of India

Celebrity chef Andy Allen, the winner of ‘MasterChef Australia 4’, who serves as a judge on the cookingbased reality show, has spoken about his love for India.

Andy Allen, who won the ‘MasterChef Australia’ trophy in 2012, has had an inspirational journey on the show from a passionate contestant to a judge.

While revisiting his travels in India, Andy shared: “I think for me, India was always a place that I've wanted to visit. And it's so crazy that even when I was a contestant in 2012, I was introduced to how big the show was in India, the amount of support that I received during and after the show, being a contestant was crazy.”

He shared that nothing really lined up until late last year when he came over for the first time. He continued: “I love India, I love the hustle and bustle. I love how beautiful and chaotic it can be all at the same time. And I love the people and the food.”

For him, the last trip was really special because he was able to represent Australia and what Australian food is to the people of India.

“So crazy that I didn't go over there for 12 years! Now I've been over there three times in the space of six months. So, I hope that this continues on and just snowballs. Because every time I go back, I just fall in love with it, even more and more,” he added.

‘MasterChef Australia’ season 16 streams on Disney+ Hotstar.

"Food is probably the biggest faith": Sanjeev Kapoor

Celebrated chef Sanjeev Kapoor underscored the profound connection between faith and food during the launch event for 'The Promised Land: A Visual Anatomy of Human Faith,' authored by 14-year-old Aashvi Agarwal.

Kapoor elaborated on the theme, "Food is one of the ways to express. So, expression is not like holding hands, praying, or chanting. Food is probably the biggest faith that we survive on. It's a survival faith. Mother prepares food at home and everyone enjoys it without question. We eat blindly whatever is prepared at home and from generation to generation the same recipe is followed. So, anybody who wants to be a good cook, somebody who wants to learn how to cook, so first 'unko vishwas hona chahiye'. The power of faith is something that cannot be explained and cannot be calculated, but it's a power that's like no other. So, let's keep celebrating."

The book launch was a notable occasion, highlighting the rich intersection of faith and photography. Aashvi Agarwal, under the mentorship of historians Uma Nair and Kounteya Sinha, presented her work, which

visually chronicles the historic inauguration of the Ram Mandir on January 22, 2024.

Kapoor praised Agarwal's endeavour, noting the historical and enduring significance of her work. "It was a moment in history, though it was topical. So, in some sense, it's dated, but it's timeless. And to be captured by someone that young has a lasting impression not only in her life but it will be passed on at least in her life to the next generation so things like this are inspirational. I can say that Aashvi is blessed and she has blessings not of her parents, but now I will say that of Ram Lalla also," he remarked.

The launch event was attended by prominent figures including Aditi Rao Hydari, Amitabh Kant, Mary Kom, Bhaichung Bhutia,

(IANS)

and Muzaffar Ali. The gathering also featured insightful discussions about the book's themes and an engaging reading session by the young author.

(ANI)

From Passion to Business:

Newcastle Entrepreneur Opens His First Mad Mex Store

It was Rahil Shaikha’s passion for fresh, healthy food that piqued his curiosity to explore owning a Mad Mex restaurant and becoming a franchisee.

As a Newcastle local familiar with the Mad Mex brand, Rahil spotted an opportunity to buy the Mad Mex Newcastle Marketown store.

With its burgeoning community feel in the heart of the Newcastle CBD, and its reputation as one of the most popular shopping centres in the area, Mad Mex Marketown was an attractive business proposition to Rahil.

“I have loved the Mad Mex brand for a long time and as a customer myself, loved their healthy and fresh food philosophy, so I saw buying my own store as a recipe for success,” said Rahil.

“I felt connected to Mad Mex’s brand purpose, mission, and ambition. As a premium fast casual dining restaurant, their customer-centric approach and their franchisee support model was very appealing.”

So, armed with an MBA and a keen business sense, Rahil set out on a path to business ownership of the Newcastle store in December 2023.

“One of the most attractive parts to becoming a Mad Mex business owner was the franchisee support that Mad Mex offers,” said Rahil.

Through the Mad Mex Franchisee program, Rahil receives extensive support and guidance from the franchisor through the areas of marketing, training, systems and tools and operations.

“The simplicity and support provided by Mad Mex in starting a franchise were

significant factors in my decision. It was well-structured and organised from the first expression of interest submission, to presenting a business plan and meeting the leadership team.

The franchisee process and beyond has been incredibly supportive. Mad Mex assisted with aspects such as construction, and leasing and provided comprehensive training and guidance to ensure the smooth establishment and operation of the franchise.”

As Rahil looks back on the first day when he and his wife Sana opened the doors, it’s met with a remarkable sense of pride.

“Serving our first customers was one of the best moments of

our lives and continues to be, as well as the positive impact we make on our community every day.

“The most enjoyable aspect of being a Mad Mex franchisee is the opportunity to contribute to the community by providing job opportunities, especially for international students. Additionally, witnessing the growth and success of the restaurant is highly rewarding.”

For anyone considering buying into Mad Mex as a franchisee, Rahil’s advice is “if you put in the hard work and dedication to grow a successful business, then this, combined with the support provided by the Mad Mex support office, makes the process highly rewarding. Potential franchisees should be passionate about food, adept at running operations, and committed to the success of the business.”

As for the future, Rahil says “the future looks so bright and promising with continued growth and success.”

To find out about how you could become a Mad Mex franchisee, please contact: franchising@madmex.com.au www.franchising.madmex.com.au

WFood for gut health

BY DEEVYA GUPTA

ith research advancing, more is being uncovered with the importance of gut health being central to many conditions.

The gut bacteria line the digestive system, live in the colon and intestines and can affect your mood, metabolism, immune system and even increase or reduce your chances of developing certain medical conditions. Certain concentrations of different bacteria may have different impacts on different conditions. More research is being done in this space.

Did you know Fibre comes in many forms and functions?

Fibre can assist in many ways as mentioned above however, different fibres will contribute towards different roles within the body. Here is a short summary:

Soluble fibre can help lower glucose levels as well as help lower blood cholesterol. Foods with soluble fibre include lentils, oatmeal, chia seeds, nuts, beans, apples and blueberries.

Insoluble fibre can help food move through your digestive system. Foods include whole wheat products, quinoa, nuts, seeds, brown rice, legumes, leafy greens and fruits with

skin on.

What can improve my overall gut health?

Fibre rich foods such as wholegrains, vegetables, fruits, legumes (including lentils) and beans help feed the bacteria living in the gut. Go for foods that are least process as these will provide the most nutrition. Foods that are highly processed higher in sugars

and fats may increase the growth of illnesscausing bacteria, therefore increasing your chances of developing a chronic condition. Keep the skin on your fruits and vegetables whenever possible after giving it a good wash and go for actual fruits rather than the juices to get the most fibre from it. Some examples of specific fruits and vegetables include: onions, bananas, beans, lentils, oats, soybeans, asparagus, broccoli and raspberry just to name a few.

Other beneficial foods for the gut bacteria include: fermented foods, yoghurt, probiotics. Have a variety of foods and not just the same type frequently so that you are able to take in all the benefits of the variety you eat. The more variety of foods you eat, the more variety of gut bacteria you will be promoting and the more health benefits you may be able feel.

Reduce your intake of high fat animal products such as fried foods or high fat dairy and red meats and keep these to occasional as these may increase the illness-causing bacteria if consumed too often. This goes for in general high fat foods, particularly fried foods.

Exercise can also help promote gut health and increase the variety of bacteria you have within your gut. Other lifestyle factors such as sleeping enough and reduced stress can also improve the overall gut health.

Please note this advice is of a general nature. If you have any concerns or queries you should get tailored advice from an Accredited Practicing Dietitian and always consult with your General Practitioner before making and changes.

Southern Fish Curry

Ingredients:

450 gm white fish fillets

2 tbsp olive oil or ghee

1 tsp aniseed

1/2 tsp fenugreek

3 tbsp coconut, grated

2 med onions chopped

4-5 curry leaves

2 tsp ginger-garlic paste

2 tsp chilli powder

1/2 tsp turmeric powder

2 tbsp coriander powder

2 small tomatoes chopped

1/2 cup coconut milk

2 tbsp tamarind paste (opt) salt to taste

Method:

Clean and cut the fish fillets into big slices.

Heat 1 tbsp oil and roast aniseed, fenugreek, grated coconut, onions and curry leaves until light brown. Blend to make a paste

Heat oil in a pan, add ginger-garlic paste, coriander powder, turmeric, chilli powder and salt. Mix well and stir in the tomatoes along with a little water. Boil for 1-2 minutes.

Stir in the paste along with the coconut milk and allow to boil stirring constantly. Reduce the heat to low. Gently add fish pieces with the tamarind paste if desired and simmer until the fish is tender. Serve hot.

Farah Khan takes out her chef for a treat after reaching milestone

On reaching a milestone number on a video streaming platform, Filmmakerchoreographer Farah Khan celebrated the moment with her chef by taking him out for a treat.

Farah reached a whopping 500K followers on YouTube.

In the clip, she is seen informing her chef that the channel has now hit a new benchmark. After which, the chef innocently asks that it is in lakhs.

A witty Farah Khan hilariously says that he shouldn't think it will become his salary and that she is taking him out for a party.

The video then shows the two going, enjoying a car ride, and then reaching the restaurant.

The video also hilariously showcases how people run up to Farah's chef and push her away for a picture with him. The two are seen enjoying a meal.

A hilarious moment also shows Farah leaving her chef in the restaurant before the bill for the food consumed is given.

Her chef is taken to the kitchen and funnily asked to clean the dishes as the bill is not paid. Later, Farah comes and says she was joking and the two leave. (IANS)

the private collection

BY MANJIT SETHI

fresh chopped coriander leaves

Use a firm fish of your choice. The curry always tastes better the next day.

Serves 2-4

This Southern Fish Curry is one of my specialties with authentic south Indian spices; it is a treat to the taste buds. Enjoy with Basmati rice or Brown Rice, Roti Chanai or bread of your choice.

ASTROLOGY

Mesha (Aries)

Your efforts would meet stiff resistance and an extremely unpleasant situation could come about, curb such tendencies very firmly, failing which you would only have yourself to blame. The climate would also not be congenial for investment or launching any new ventures.

Vrishabh (Taurus)

An encouraging month during which the stars are out to bless your health, leaving you no reason for any serious concern on this score. One note of caution would need to be sounded. You must not over-exert yourself. If you do this, your problems would snowfall, leading to a serious health situation.

By D. Narayan (Tantracharya) M: 0425 660 220

Mithuna (Gemini)

This month there is nothing very encouraging . There would be deeply felt resentment against you among your juniors or workers. Try and win them over with fair play and cordial behaviour. Also it is important to curb your own exploitative tendencies, because in the final analysis it is these that are at the root of such troubles.

Karkat (Cancer)

This month you can look forward to being endowed with a frame of mind conducive to success, and also opportunities of the profitable kind. In fact, most of you would carry out your pursuits with a touch of boldness. This is the kind of attitude that ensures success. Make full use of it.

Best days: 3, 12, 30

Lucky Colour: Red, Orange, Cream

Simha (Leo)

This month your financial prospects look quite good, with several opportunities for quick gains clearly indicated. There is a distinct possibility that you would gain considerably as a result of a favour or a service done to you by some old gentleman.

Best days: 9, 18, 27

Lucky Colour: Green, Blue

Kanya (Virgo)

The stars are in a mood to bless you with gains from travel this month. As such, business or job related travel would generate the expected profit. all sorts of travel shall bring in happiness. You could travel within the country and abroad.

Best days: 2, 7, 9

Lucky Colour: Red, White, Yellow

Tula (Libra)

This month there is nothing particularly favourable about your educational prospects, Practically all examination results of most of you would be below expectations. Most of you would have to struggle quite a bit to achieve your objectives, and to maintain your objectives.

Best days: 9, 18

Lucky Colour: Red, Blue

Vrishchik (Scorpio)

A favourable month, in so far as your financial prospects are concerned, since the stars appear to be in an encouraging mood. Most of you people would have a way of handling your juniors or workers, which will enable you to derive the optimum benefit from their services. This could well turn out to be a boon for you all.

Best days: 5,3

Lucky Colour: White & Orange

Dhanu (Sagittarius)

There are excellent prospects for your career advancement during the coming month. There would be a good deal of travel of a gainful nature, and this would boost your career prospects significantly. The most profitable direction is north.

Best days: 3, 12

Lucky Colour: Orange, Green

Makara (Capricorn)

This month there is every chance that good fortune would give your career prospects a slip. Throughout the month you may be burdened by a feeling of insecurityA highly undesirable state of affairs. Any change that you make should only be after due and careful deliberation.

Best days: 9, 18

Lucky Colour: Red, Blue

Kumbha (Aquarius)

This month the configuration of stars facing you does not augur well for your financial prospects. To begin with, there is a distinct possibility of your relations with your superiors taking a nosedive. So much so that serious losses would become very probable.

Best days: 1, 3, 4

Lucky Colour: Red, Orange

Meen (Pisces)

The turn of events would not favour your financial advancement this month, is what the augury from the stars has to say. True enough, there are clear indications that speculation would bring serious losses to some of you. Therefore, it would be wise to stay away from gambling of any sort whatever.

Best days: 9, 18

Lucky Colour: Red, Blue

Best days: 1, 3, 4

Lucky Colour: White, Green, Blue

Lucky Colour: White, Green, Blue Lucky Numbers - 5, 3, 6

Best days: 2, 7, 9

Lucky Colour: Red, Yellow, White

WORK PRESSURE

Doctor: what's your problem, sir?

Husband: Tired of work & routine pressure.

Doctor: What is your job, sir?

Husband: An accountant in a bank.

Doctor: What is your wife's job?

Husband: Don't work just as a housewife.

Doctor: Who wakes you up and your children and makes breakfast for you and them in the morning?

Husband: My wife because she's not working.

Doctor: When does your wife wake up and when do you wake up in the morning?

Husband: My wife is at 5 in the morning, and I am at 7 because she is getting the kids ready for school and making us breakfast.

Doctor: Who drives your kids to school?

Husband: My wife, she's not working.

Doctor: What does your wife do after dropping the children to school? And what do you do?

Husband: Returns and prepares lunch, washes clothes and tidy up the house And she waits for the return of her

children, she is jobless and does not work.!! And I go to work till 3 pm.

Doctor: In the evening when you come back from work, what do you do sir? And what does your wife do??

Husband: Take a rest after lunch after a hard day's work. My wife: recalls with the children their daily chores and then wakes me up to have tea together.

Doctor: What do you do next and what does your wife do in the evening??

Husband: I browse newspapers, watch TV, and world news. My wife makes dinner for me and the kids then she does the dishes cleans the house and gets the kids ready for bed.

Right now, Who needs a psychiatrist You or her sir?

And who needs relief from work pressure you or her sir!!!?

Is the wife's daily routine from early morning till late night called 'not working'!!!?

And without a job!!!? Then you complain about work pressure!!!?

Greetings and appreciation to all Mothers in the world.