G'Day India Feb 2024 Issue 202

FEB 2024

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

VOL 18 ISSUE 202

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AUSTRALIAN INDIAN PERSPECTIVE

Giridharan Sivaraman Indian-origin lawyer appointed Australia’s Race Discrimination Commissioner

Varun Ghosh Indian-origin barrister appointed to Australian Senate

Celebrating 30 Years Of ‘Slip, Slop, Slap’ Across Victoria

Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt won the Best Actor award at the 69th Filmfare Awards

Home is where Ram is - people queue up to buy property in Ayodhya

Did you know?

Kiwifruit may help improve your mental health

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NEWS VICTORIA

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

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G’DAY INDIA | FEB 2024

Deloitte Says Victoria to Lead States in Economic Growth MELBOURNE, Jan 30: Victoria will lead all states in economic growth over the next five years, according to forecasts in the Deloitte Access Economics’ Business Outlook report released.

Treasurer Tim Pallas said the report showed the Allan Labor Government’s strategy for sustainable, job-creating growth was working.

The report forecast Victoria's growth in gross state product in 2023-24 will be 2.5 per cent, outpacing all states and territories, and Victorian economic growth will lead all states over the five years to 2027-28 at an average annual rate of 2.3 per cent.

The forecasts follow recent Australian Bureau of Statistics figures showing Victoria’s economic growth has outpaced NSW, Queensland, Western Australia and Tasmania over the past two years.

Victoria’s strong economy has enabled record job creation and employment levels are just shy of the all-time high achieved late last year – 3.68 million in total.

Almost 530,000 Victorian jobs have been

created since September 2020 when the pandemic economic shock was at its height – the best performance of all the states in both absolute and percentage terms. The labour force participation rate at 67.4 per cent is around a record high, which shows workers have confidence in getting a job.

The Deloitte Access Economics report forecasts household consumption to grow by 1.3 per cent in 2024 in Victoria, outpacing the national forecast of 1.1 per cent.

Deloitte Access Economics expects dwelling investment to lift by 5.5 per cent in Victoria this year and noted “dwelling commencements in Victoria increased by 19 per cent in the September 2023 quarter, in sharp contrast to the 10 per cent decline at the national level”.

Victoria’s services exports are estimated to have lifted by almost 50 per cent last year, led by the rapid return of international students to Victoria’s higher education sector and supported by a rebound in international tourism.

(MEDIA RELEASE)

Making Creative Spaces Across Victoria More Accessible

MELBOURNE, Feb 06: The Allan Labor Government is making sure more creative spaces in Victoria have infrastructure that makes them accessible for the whole community, with new grants to improve workplaces and community spaces across the state.

Minister for Creative Industires Colin Brooks announced the seven recipients of the Labor Government’s Making Space program, with an investment of $500,000 in these grants to support Deaf and Disabled artists and audiences.

The program will help organisations upgrade and redevelop infrastructure to remove barriers and ensure every Victorian has equal opportunity to participate in our sector.

• Warrnambool-based creative collective Find Your Voice will upgrade its headquarters, including upgrading its office space to improve sensory access.

• Flow Festival Australia will create a Deaf-led digital space for Deaf and hard-ofhearing artists and art workers that will allow increased participation in all areas of their Deaf arts festival.

• Inclusive performing and creative

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arts organisation BAM Arts Inc will make the bathrooms at its Frankston headquarters accessible.

• Collingwood Yards will install new automated doors to improve accessibility to common areas.

• Independent dance hub Dancehouse will improve physical access including updating its front ramp, widening doors and adding an automated door its acccessible toilet.

• Street dance organisation Cypher Culture will launch an accessible website with a livestreaming system.

• Footscray live music venue Mamma Chen’s will upgrade its venue to improve Deaf and Disabled patrons’ experience, including updating lighting, improving acoustics and installing new livestreaming equipment.

Managed by Arts Access Victoria on behalf of the Labor Government, the Making Space program is an initiative of the Government’s Creative State 2025 strategy.

For more information on Making Space, visit creative.vic.gov.au

G’DAY INDIA | FEB 2024

Celebrating 30 Years Of ‘Slip, Slop, Slap’ Across Victoria

MELBOURNE, Feb 02: With the new school year underway, the Allan Labor Government is reminding students and parents across Victoria of the importance of being sun smart in the schoolyard, as UV levels reach record highs.

The back-to-school warning follows the release of new research that highlighted the major impact exposure to UV radiation during childhood can have on skin cancer risk.

Skin cancers including melanoma are preventable by using sun protection and educating children at a young age about the dangers of UV exposure and how to stay safe in the sun.

With the back to school routine in full swing, the advice to parents is clear on how to keep their children safe: • Teach them to apply their own sunscreen, so they know how to do it independently before and during school • Attach sunscreen to their backpack, so it can be an easy reminder to reapply at school • Label their child’s hat, so they can easily grab it before heading outdoors • Encourage their child to look for shady spaces while outdoors.

This important and timely guidance comes as the Labor Government celebrates a major milestone, marking 30 years of supporting the Cancer Council’s SunSmart Victoria School

Program.

Established in 1994, 90 per cent of primary schools now participate in the program – reaching almost 462,000 primary school students and their families, ensuring they remember to Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide.

Over the past three decades, Victoria’s hardworking teachers and educators have played a significant role in reducing the risk of melanoma and skin cancer by implementing SunSmart policies that reduce students’ UV exposure at school and teaching sensible sun protection habits from an early age.

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Prior to the SunSmart School Program in 1994, only 19 per cent of primary schools reported hat wearing. Today that figure is 100 per cent of primary schools – showing that simple and consistent messaging works to help educate the next generation how to be smart while out in the sun.

The SunSmart program has received ongoing investment from the Labor Government for more than 30 years, helping to deliver programs to prevent skin cancer and save lives.

(MEDIA RELEASE)

Giving Police More Power to Crackdown on Crime

Melbourne, Feb 07: The Allan Labor Government will crackdown on organised crime and how machetes are classified – as part of new laws to boost police powers on illegal firearms and weapon sales.

Introduced into Parliament today, the Firearms and Control of Weapons (Machetes) Amendment Bill 2024 will amend existing laws to make it easier for police to serve a firearm prohibition order (FPO) on a person.

While the scheme has seen Victoria Police issue more than 2,000 FPOs to keep illicit firearms out of the hands of serious and organised crime members, currently FPOs must be served in person which can prove difficult where a person is avoiding police.

Under this new Bill, police will be able to stop a person in a public place and direct that they remain there or accompany an officer to a police station or other safe place for up to two hours for the purposes of serving an FPO. Police will also be able to apply to a magistrate for a warrant to enter a premises to search for and serve a person an FPO. Where an individual in detention has declined a visit by a police officer, police will also be

able to serve an FPO on that person by registered post.

These amendments will ensure that the scheme continues to give police the powers they need to disrupt the use of illicit firearms and keep the community safe.

Separately, the Bill will amend the Control of Weapons Act 1990 to ensure that there is no doubt that a machete is a controlled weapon.

By clarifying the definition of a controlled weapon, the legal status of machetes will be absolutely clear – they cannot be possessed, carried, or used without a lawful excuse or sold to anyone under the age of 18.

While machetes are frequently used for legitimate and lawful purposes, such as clearing food crops, gardening and maintaining trails - clarifying to traders that machetes are controlled weapons and proof of age must be checked before sale will help police ensure machetes don’t end up in the

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hands of minors.

The penalty for carrying a controlled weapon with an unlawful excuse is a fine of more than $23,000 or a jail term of one year.

It is an offence for a person to sell a controlled weapon to any person under 18, with a fine of up to $3,846. It is also an offence for a child to purchase a controlled weapon, with a fine of up to $2,308.

(MEDIA RELEASE)

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NEWS VICTORIA

G’DAY INDIA | FEB 2024

Shared Equity Fund Helps More Victorians Own a Home

MELBOURNE, Jan 28: The Allan Labor Government’s Victorian Homebuyer Fund has reached a major milestone, providing $1.1 billion in shared equity contributions to help thousands of people achieve the dream of owning their own home.

The $2.1 billion Homebuyer Fund has been progressively boosted since it was launched around two years ago and has now supported more than 7,300 Victorians to secure a home. Two-thirds have been first home buyers.

The most recent $500 million injection was part of the Labor Government’s landmark Housing Statement – the generational strategy to expand housing supply and affordability across the state.

In the early 2000s, it took the typical

Victorian household 3.6 years to save a deposit to buy a home – now it takes an average of 6.2 years. The Homebuyer Fund drastically shrinks up-front costs for families and individuals who might otherwise struggle to get a foothold in the property market.

The Fund contributes up to 25 per cent of a participant’s home purchase price and reduces the required deposit to just 5 per cent, helping to avoid the need for buyers to pay costly premiums for lenders mortgage insurance.

Homebuyers backed by the scheme would pay only $30,000 for a deposit on a $600,000 property, while the fund would contribute equity of up to $150,000. The median purchase price of Fund participants is $615,000.

Preston resident Cassandra Bird bought her apartment for $350,000 last November and moved in a month later.

Ms Bird said the backing of the Fund was the difference between her being able to buy or being forced to continue renting indefinitely. It significantly reduced her deposit and interest payments and removed the need to pay for lenders mortgage insurance on behalf of her credit provider.

Homebuyer Fund participants can earn up to $130,485 individually, or $208,775 as a couple, while the maximum purchase price is $950,000 in metropolitan Melbourne and Geelong, and $600,000 elsewhere in regional Victoria.

The Government delivers the scheme in partnership with four lenders – Commonwealth Bank, Bendigo Bank, Bank Australia and Indigenous Business Australia.

Scheme participants can buy back the Government’s share in their property over time through refinancing, using savings, or upon sale of the property, with proceeds recycled to support new participants.

Homebuyer Fund participants are eligible for Victorian first-home-buyer stamp duty exemptions and concessions and First Home Owner Grants of $10,000 – this separate support topped $780 million last financial year.

(MEDIA RELEASE)

More Free TAFE Courses on Offer for 2024

MELBOURNE, Jan 29: Four new courses in hospitality, youth work, kitchen management and tourism are now available through the Allan Labor Government’s Free TAFE initiative, giving Victorians more opportunities to learn new skills and grow their careers.

Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney today encouraged prospective students to look at courses on offer through Free TAFE, providing Victorians with more access to vocational training.

Since the program was introduced in 2019 it has grown to include more than 80 TAFE qualifications and short courses. This has helped more than 156,000 students who have saved almost $423 million in tuition fees since the program began.

The program has seen thousands of Victorians embark on a new career pathway – including a quarter of all Free TAFE students based in regional Victoria, more than 44,500 from multicultural backgrounds and more than 90,000 women.

With enrolments now open, students can kickstart their careers or upskill to gain

new experience or qualifications across a range of sectors like nursing, building and construction, community services and cyber security.

The Free TAFE program is helping Victorians get the skills they need for the job they want, including in growth areas like clean energy, building the state’s future workforce as we transition to net-zero.

The Labor Government is also backing the development of new clean energy skills and courses through the $50 million Clean Energy Fund, including projects at Federation TAFE in Ballarat, TAFE Gippsland in Morwell and South West TAFE in Warrnambool.

Free TAFE courses are available to all Victorians, regardless of their existing qualification level. The program allows thousands of students to enter an in-demand career without the worry of the cost of tuition fees. Students can also enrol in more than one Free TAFE course provided it’s within the same priority pathway.

The Victorian Budget 2023/24 invested more than $543 million in TAFE to help more Victorians get the skills they need with more

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subsidised courses and improved facilities, including funding for new TAFE campuses in Melton and Sunbury so more students can study closer to home.

Victoria’s TAFE network is a vital part of our state’s education system, helping students become job-ready faster and providing the skills we need to grow our economy.

For the full list of Free TAFE courses visit: vic.gov.au/free-tafe

G’DAY INDIA | FEB 2024

Melbourne Food & Wine Festival Spicing Up the City

MELBOURNE, Feb 01: More than 200 extra events are set to spark flavour palettes across Melbourne in this year’s Melbourne Food & Wine Festival, with the blockbuster program showcasing Victoria’s vibrant hospitality, agriculture and cultural talent.

The festival will bring some of the world’s best chefs to Melbourne and showcase the incredible depth of Melbourne’s food scene from 15 to 24 March, backed by the Allan Labor Government.

The 2024 program now includes a

celebration of Persian new year – Nowruz – at Free to Feed, a chance to revisit the joy of the 1990s pizza buffet when Magma hosts its Pizza Buffet Revival Spectacular, and the opportunity to enjoy the unique cuisine of Malta at a one-off dinner hosted at Nomad.

The festival will broaden people’s creative horizons with a pairing of wine and dance in Perfect Pairing, and an exploration of the future of food hosted by the Science Gallery at the University of Melbourne in Art Meat Flesh.

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These events join a raft of special events unveiled today alongside festival favourites such as the World’s Longest Lunch, led by Andrew McConnell, and the World’s Longest Brunch, which will serve up new-wave Indian food from Harry Mangat, Helly Raichura and Mischa Tropp.

Eat Drink Westside is also returning in 2024 and includes Westside Wanders, a series of moveable feasts where a MFWF host leads food lovers to three venues, stopping for a bite, a drink, or a snack at each.

The annual festival supports thousands of jobs across the state, backing local businesses and attracting visitors from near and far to enjoy the best of Victoria in the heart of Melbourne.

A recent independent study commissioned

by Visit Victoria found the major events calendar contributed $3.3 billion in value to the economy and generated more than 15,500 jobs for Victoria every year.

Tickets to the 2024 Melbourne Food and Wine Festival go on sale today for festival subscribers and Thursday, 1 February, to the general public.

For more information about the festival’s full program, and to purchase tickets, visit mfwf.com.au

Investing In Victoria’s Cancer Research

MELBOURNE, Feb 04: The Allan Labor Government is supporting Victorian cancer researchers with $8.8 million in funding to support new discoveries for cancers with low survival rates including ovarian and brain cancer.

Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas announced 13 fellowships would be awarded through the Victorian Cancer Agency, which provides essential workforce funding to cancer researchers.

Announced on World Cancer Day, this funding will include a new Palliative Care Cancer Research Grant to support three projects aimed at improving the palliative care experience for Victorians with cancer.

In alignment with this year’s theme, Closing the Care Gap, one regional project will be dedicated specifically to improving palliative care in rural Victoria.

Six world-leading research institutions in Melbourne will undertake these projects which will support the Victorian Cancer Plan 20202024, which aims to improve cancer survival rates and achieve equitable health outcomes for those with cancer.

The funds will also support two new fellowships in partnership with cancer organisations to strengthen research in lowsurvival cancers.

Dr Lucy Gately at the Walter and Eliza Hall

Institute of Medical Research received the Early Career Research Fellowship – awarded in partnership with Carrie’s Beanies 4 Brain Cancer.

Dr Gately will use the funding to research treatment options for the most aggressive type of brain cancer which is resistant to traditional treatments.

While Dr Kathleen Pishas from the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre was awarded the Mid-Career Research Fellowship, awarded in partnership with Ovarian Cancer Australia.

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Dr Pishas will research low surviving ovarian cancers and ultimately seek to improve survival rates of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

The Labor Government is also delivering a nation-leading $153 million women’s health transformation to improve women’s health outcomes, reduce gender health disparities, enhance research and strengthen the safety and quality of care.

To view this year’s grant recipients, visit victoriancanceragency.vic.gov.au

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NEWS AUSTRALIA

G’DAY INDIA | FEB 2024

Indian-origin lawyer appointed Australia’s Race Discrimination Commissioner

MELBOURNE, Feb 06: Indian-origin employment lawyer Giridharan Sivaraman has been appointed Race Discrimination Commissioner by the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC).

Sivaraman is currently the Chair of Multicultural Australia, and a Principal Lawyer at Maurice Blackburn where he is head of the firm’s Queensland Employment Law department.

"I'm honoured to be appointed

Commonwealth Race Discrimination Commissioner. And excited, and slightly terrified! But there is so much work to be done and I can't wait to work with the team at the @AusHumanRights," Sivaraman wrote in a post on X on Monday.

According to the AHRC, he has run numerous state and national race discrimination cases and led the pro bono compensation scheme for underpaid 7-eleven workers, many of whom came from migrant backgrounds.

In addition, he provides advice and legal representation in all areas of employment law including workplace bullying, employment contracts, redundancy, restraint of trade, workplace discrimination, sexual harassment, adverse action, and unfair dismissal.

Welcoming the appointment, AHRC President, Emeritus Professor Rosalind Croucher said that the fight for systemic equality and speaking truth to power have been at the heart of Sivaraman’s work.

“His distinguished legal career has seen him lead significant cases in workplace and discrimination law, which, coupled with his public advocacy for the rights for racially

marginalised communities, has led to tangible results that have improved and empowered people’s lives,” Croucher said.

According to the Commission president, the appointment comes at a time when there has been a marked increase in reports of racism and hate speech in recent months.

Calling him a "widely respected champion of racial equity", Croucher hoped Sivaraman would help make Australia a more respectful and equitable place for all people, regardless of their background.

"His lived experience, passion for diversity and inclusion, and deep understanding of human rights and Australian discrimination law means he will be a powerful asset for the Commission during what is very much a delicate time in the country," she said.

As a member of the Queensland Multicultural Advisory Council, Sivaraman appeared at a state parliamentary inquiry to demand legal reform to better protect the rights of victims of racial vilification.

His work with Multicultural Australia oversees the continued and extensive support provided to new arrivals in Queensland, and in his advocacy, he also committed to the protection and promotion of the rights of First Nations peoples.

Sivaraman will commence his role on March 4.

(IANS)

Australia sees 40% rise in sexual assault cases since 2013

CANBERRA, Jan 30: Australia has recorded 40 per cent rise in sexual assault cases since 2013, a government report said.

In an annual report published, the federal

government's principal review body, the Productivity Commission, said that 123.7 out of every 100,000 Australians reported being sexually assaulted to police in 2022,

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an increase of 42.8 percent from 86.6 out of every 100,000 people in 2013.

The highest numbers of such cases were reported from New South Wales, the largest of Australia's states and territories, with 152.2 out of every 100,000 people having made complaints to police in the state in 2022, more than double the 71.2 out of every 100,000 people in the Australian Capital Territory.

The national rate of armed robbery reports fell from 24.3 out of every 100,000 people in 2013 to 18.1 in 2022, and homicide rate fell slightly from 1.9 victims per 100,000 people to 1.6 in the same period, the report said.

Mark Dreyfus, Australia's attorney-general, said the inquiry would look into how the government can improve the justice system experiences of victims and survivors of sexual assault.

In January, the federal government announced an Australian Law Reform Commission review into justice system responses to sexual violence.

(IANS)

G’DAY INDIA | FEB 2024

Indian-origin barrister Varun Ghosh appointed to Australian Senate

PERTH, Feb 3: Indian-origin barrister Varun Ghosh will take his position in the Australian Senate next week with the Labour Party officially confirming him as their pick to represent Western Australia (WA).

A joint sitting of WA Parliament selected the 38-year-old Ghosh, a barrister at Francis Burt Chambers, to replace present senator Patrick Dodson.

"The Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council have chosen Senator Varun Ghosh to represent Western Australia in the Senate of the Federal Parliament," the Legislative Assembly of Western Australia announced on X. Ghosh joined the Labor party in Perth at the age of 17 after his parents moved from India in the 1980s and began working as neurologists, news website WAToday reported.

He said his preselection was an honour he won’t take for granted. “I have had the privilege of a good education and believe strongly that high-quality education and training should be available to everyone,” he said in a statement.

"Varun has spent the last few years working as a barrister with both WA business & on the international stage with the World

Bank. I look forward to working with him as part of our @walabor Senate team in CBR (Canberra)," Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Matt Keogh, wrote on X platform.

At the 2019 federal election, Ghosh was placed in fifth position on the Australian Labour Party's Senate ticket in Western Australia but was not elected.

He received degrees in Arts and Law from the University of Western Australia and was a Commonwealth Scholar in Law at the

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University of Cambridge.

He previously worked as a finance attorney in New York and as a consultant for the World Bank in Washington, DC. Ghosh returned to Australia in 2015 as a senior associate with King & Wood Mallesons, representing banks, resource companies, and construction companies in dispute resolution.

(IANS)

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NEWS INDIA

G’DAY INDIA | FEB 2024

Ram Mandir a landmark in India's re-discovery of civilisational heritage: Prez Murmu

President Droupadi Murmu said the newly inaugurated Ram Mandir in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya city will be considered by the historians in the coming times as a landmark in India's continued re-discovery of its civilisational heritage.

The President said this during her address to the nation a day ahead of the country's 75th Republic Day. She said that 75th year of the Republic is truly a historic milestone in the journey of the nation in many ways.

"Earlier this week, we witnessed the historic consecration ceremony of the idol of Prabhu Shri Ram in the glorious new temple constructed at his birthplace in Ayodhya.

When this event will be seen in the wider perspective, the future historians will consider it a landmark in India's continued re-discovery of its civilisational heritage. The construction of the temple commenced after the due judicial process and the decision of the highest court of the land. Now it stands as a grand edifice, giving a befitting expression not only of people's faith but also as a testament to people's enormous trust in judicial process," she said.

The President also remembered two-time late Bihar chief minister Karpoori Thakur.

She said that Karpoori Thakur was tireless champion of social justice.

"He was one of the greatest advocates of backward classes who dedicated his life for their welfare. His life was a message. I pay my tribute to Karpoori Thakur for enriching public life through his contributions," President Murmu said.

She further said: "Tomorrow is the day when we celebrate the commencement of

the Constitution. Its Preamble begins with the words 'We, the People of India', highlighting the theme of the document, namely, democracy. In India, democratic system is much older than the concept of western democracy. That is the reason why India is called the mother of democracy."

President Murmu said that the nation is in the early years of 'Amrit Kaal', the period leading to the centenary of Independence.

"This is the time of an epochal transformation. We are given a golden opportunity to take the country to new heights. Contribution from every citizen will be crucial to achieve our goals. For this, I will appeal to all my fellow citizens to abide by our fundamental duties enshrined in the Constitution.

"Here, I think of Mahatma Gandhi who had rightly said, 'No people have risen who thought only of rights. Only those did so who thought of duties'. The successful organising of the Group of 20 Summit in the capital, under India's presidency, was an unprecedented achievement. What was all the more noteworthy was the way the people were involved in the G20 events.

"The ideas and inputs travelled not downwards from the top but upwards from the bottom. The magnificent event provided lessons for all in making citizens participants in strategic and diplomatic matters that are, in the final analysis, going to shape their own future. The G20 Summit also boosted India's emergence as the voice of the Global South, adding a necessary element to the international discourse," the President said.

She also mentioned women's reservation bill in her address. "I believe the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam will prove to be a revolutionary tool of women’s empowerment.

It will also go a long way in improving the processes of our governance. When more women will be involved in the matters of collective importance, our administrative priorities will be more in tune with the needs of the masses. It was also the year when India went to the moon, becoming the first to land on the lunar south pole region. After Chandrayaan-3, the Indian Space Research Organisation rolled out a solar mission as well. Recently, Aditya L1 was successfully put into the halo orbit."

President Murmu further said: "Our GDP growth rate has remained the highest among major economies in recent years, and we have all reasons to believe that this extraordinary performance will continue in the year 2024 and beyond."

(IANS)

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G’DAY INDIA | FEB 2024

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Home is where Ram is - people queue up to buy property in Ayodhya

AYODHYA, Feb 01: Home is where Ram is -- that is what people now believe.

According to official sources, people -both Indians and NRIs -- are now queuing up to buy property in the holy city that has come to be known as 'Hindu Vatican' after the opening of the Ram temple last month.

Superstar Amitabh Bachchan made headlines last month when he bought a plot of land in Ayodhya.

"Three NRIs from Thailand have approached the Ayodhya Development Authority to buy five-acre plots. Earlier, delegations from Mexico, South Korea and Sri Lanka had visited the city to explore the options of buying land in Ayodhya, which has undergone a massive makeover because of infrastructure upgrade in view of Ram temple and state government’s commitment to make it a global destination," said an official.

Ayodhya Development Authority (ADA) secretary Satyendra Singh said: "A group of three individuals from Thailand came to me seeking a land parcel measuring at least 5-acre. We have forwarded their letter to officials of the housing and development board.'

As aggregating a big chunk of land within the city limits is difficult, those looking for large land parcels are being directed to Navya Ayodhya, a 1407-acre greenfield township being developed by Awas Vikas Parishad.

"We are keeping a record of requests for land being made by interested companies, parties and individuals and have told them to wait till the time relevant schemes are floated.

Our staff would get in touch with them, and allotment would be done as per the rules and guidelines," said PK Singh, superintending

engineer, Awas Vikas Parishad, Ayodhya division.

Singh said request letters from the group from Sri Lanka and Thailand were received recently while those looking for limited land are being entertained by the development authority.

"Private companies and real estate agents are also active. However, a maximum number of NRIs are showing interest in the government schemes," added Singh.

Both the officials clarified that formal

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requests by any country are routed through the Union government and hence those posing as representatives of the countries have been asked to provide formal authorisation letters through the embassies.

"In some cases, individuals have posed as advisors as well as ambassadors of a certain country. We have taken them around to show the sites. But formal request has to come as per the procedure," said the officer.

(IANS)

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NEWS INDIA

G’DAY INDIA | FEB 2024

Vikas & Virasat to go simultaneously in India: PM Modi

GUWAHATI, Feb 4: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that no country could become a developed nation without giving importance to preserving its culture and tradition, and unlike the previous governments, the BJP has given a simultaneous thrust to development and preserving traditions.

Speaking at a public programme in Guwahati, PM Modi said the previous governments could not understand the power of pilgrimages of our country, and they forgot to preserve the traditions.

The Prime Minister said that no country could become a developed nation without giving importance to preserving its culture and tradition.

“The BJP has been doing the politics of 'Vikas' (development) and 'Virasat' (tradition).

On one hand, we have brought back the pride of our pilgrimages which was forgotten in earlier regimes. The current government has also given immense importance towards development,” he said.

According to Modi, his government has constructed a record number of colleges and universities across the nation.

“The number of medical colleges in the country has doubled post 2014. Earlier, IITs and IIMs were built only in the big cities, but we have built a network of these premier institutions across the country,” he mentioned.

The Prime Minister took the example of Assam and said the state earlier had only six medical colleges. In the last 10 years, another six medical colleges were constructed.

He stated that the announcements were made in the latest Union budget to invest at least Rs 11 lakh crore in infrastructure development in the next one year.

“I want to mention that, prior to 2014, the central government used to spend Rs 12 lakh crore in infrastructure in 10 years. We have set a target to invest almost the equal amount of money in just one year,” Modi said.

He also mentioned that the steps taken for preserving the pilgrimages have given a boost to the tourism sector as well.

“After building the Kashi corridor, at least 8.5 crore devotees went there. It has been hardly 12 days that the Pran Pratishtha of Ram Lalla was done and in these few days 24 lakh devotees visited Ayodhya,” the Prime Minister said.

He asserted that once the proposed

Kamakhya temple corridor project gets completed in Guwahati, it will mesmerize the devotees coming from different parts of the globe and eventually the northeast will also become a hub of tourism.

The Prime Minister launched several key development projects in Assam on Sunday from the Veterinary College Playground in Khanapara in Guwahati.

The Assam government has planned to build the Kamakhya temple corridor in line with the Kashi Vishwanath temple corridor project. Modi inaugurated this project along with the other key projects like a six-lane road from the new airport terminal in Guwahati and the upgradation of Nehru Stadium to FIFA standards.

PM Modi also launched the second edition of Asom Mala roads as well. This phase will cost Rs 3,444 crore in total and include 38 concrete bridges and 43 new roads.

He laid foundation stones for the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital's new, integrated facility, which would cost Rs 3,250 crore to build and the proposed Rs 297-crore Unity Mall in Guwahati and the Rs 578-crore Karimganj Medical College and Hospital.

The Prime Minister has inaugurated two recently built four-lane roads: one from Dolabari to Jamuguri, which cost Rs 592 crore, and the other from Biswanath Chariali to Gohpur, which cost Rs 1,451 crore.

In total, the Prime Minister has laid foundation stones or inaugurated projects worth more than Rs 11,000 crore in Assam.

(IANS)

"India will become third-largest economy during PM Modi's third term:" Amit Shah

NEW DELHI, Feb 05: Union Home Minister Amit Shah, while expressing confidence in the third straight victory of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), said that India will become the thirdlargest economy in the world during the third term of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government.

Shah was addressing the launch event of the Observer Research Foundation's (ORF) Foreign Policy Survey in the national capital.

"The voters of the country will again hand over Narendra Modi the reins of government in the Lok Sabha polls. The Modi government will be re-elected to power in the coming Lok Sabha polls. The world is now talking about India's success story. If I quote some of the popular surveys, it tells us that Modiji is the most popular head of state in any country," Shah said.

"During the past 10 years, India has seen political stability, corruption-free rule, an investor-friendly environment, public welfare and a peaceful atmosphere. We have now become the world's fifth-largest economy, the biggest leap in the past 10 years. Under

the Modiji's third term, India will become the world's third-largest economy and stand with pride before the world," he asserted.

Amit Shah further highlighted that the world is talking about India's success story.

"The world is now talking about India's success story. If I quote some of the popular surveys, it tells us that Modiji is the most popular head of state in any country," he said.

The Union Home Minister further mentioned that the country has succeeded in creating an internal security network during the past 10 years under the Modi government.

"Under Narendra Modi's government during the last 10 years, India has succeeded in creating an internal security network. The ORF Foreign Policy Survey 2023 tells us that the Modi government has successfully confronted an intricate issue such as foreign policy with the people of the country in a simpler manner. Around 86 pc of people have admired foreign policies," Amit Shah said.

Speaking on the G20 summit, which concluded in September last year with India hosting the event, Shah stated, " The

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successful completion of the G20 and the Delhi Declaration have pushed the country's image towards diplomatic success. Along with this, the message of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' was communicated with the world."

"The G20 summit, being an ambassador of Indian culture and civilization, served as the identity of the country before the world.

I would also like to say that the world, which used to ponder what would happen to Bharat during the Covid period, is now well acquainted with the country's 'Vishwa Mitra' attitude. Narendra Modiji's government has enhanced the country's image by relying on an indigenous vaccine and distributing it across the globe," he added.

The theme of G20 under India's presidency was 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' or one Earth, One Family, One Future that affirms the value of all life and their interconnectedness on our planet. Last September, India successfully hosted the G20 summit in the national capital, hosting over 40 global leaders and their delegations.

(ANI)

NEWS WORLD

G’DAY INDIA | FEB 2024

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3 Indians win UK's prestigious Blavatnik Awards for Young Scientists

LONDON, Jan 31: Three Indian scientists are among the nine recipients of this year's Blavatnik Awards for Young Scientists in the UK for their pioneering work in the fields of chemical, physical, and life sciences.

Professors Rahul R. Nair, Mehul Malik, Dr Tanmay Bharat, and others will be honoured and receive grants totalling 480,000 pounds at a black-tie gala dinner and award ceremony in London, on February 27.

“Providing recognition and funding early in a scientist’s career can make the difference between discoveries that remain in the lab and those that make transformative scientific breakthroughs,” said Sir Leonard Blavatnik, Founder and Chairman of Access Industries and Head of the Blavatnik Family Foundation.

“We are proud that the Awards have promoted both UK science and the careers of many brilliant young scientists and we look forward to their additional discoveries in the years ahead.”

Professor Nair, a materials physicist at The University of Manchester, was named Laureate in Physical Sciences & Engineering for developing novel membranes based on two-dimensional (2D) materials that will enable energy-efficient separation and filtration technologies.

Using graphene and other 2D materials,

his research aims to study the transport of water, organic molecules, and ions at the nanoscale, exploring its potential applications to address societal challenges, including water filtration and other separation technologies.

He will receive 100,000 pounds in unrestricted funds for his research that has provided valuable insights "into the movement of water and other molecules in nano-capillaries, as those movements differ from their behaviour on the macro scale," the award statement said.

A Quantum physicist and Professor of Physics, Professor Mehul Malik, is advancing quantum communications at Heriot-Watt University through revolutionary techniques that harness high-dimensional entanglement -- a complex quantum physics phenomenon.

His innovations enable the normally fragile entanglement to survive long distances and harsh conditions, laying the foundation for noise-robust and high-capacity quantum networks that securely transmit large amounts of information encoded on individual photons.

Dr Bharat, a structural microbiologist and programme leader in the Structural Studies Division at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, has developed and applied cutting-

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edge cryo-ET techniques to create atomiclevel pictures of cell surface molecules on microorganisms.

According to the award committee, his work has important biomedical implications, since most pathogenic bacteria infect humans by forming multicellular, antibiotic-resistant, biofilm communities.

In addition, his work is also vital for the fundamental understanding of the dynamics of cell-to-cell interactions that led to the historical evolution of multicellular life on earth, a statement read.

Both Bharat and Malik will receive a grant of 30,000 pounds for their research.

The 2024 Awards received 84 nominations from 40 academic and research institutions and this year’s laureates were selected by an independent jury of expert scientists across the UK. Now in its seventh year, the awards -instituted by the Blavatnik Family Foundation and The New York Academy of Sciences -have donated 3.3 million pounds to scientists across UK academia since their inception.

A day after the award ceremony in London, the honourees will present their research with a series of short, interactive lectures at a free public symposium at the RSA House in London.

(IANS)

NEWS WORLD

G’Day Mate !

16

G’DAY INDIA | FEB 2024

Getting married in Australia Completing the Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) Form Most people use the name that is recorded on their birth certificate. This is because most people are either marrying for the first time, or have never changed their name. This means in most cases the parties will need to write their name exactly as it appears on their birth certificate when completing the NOIM. The spelling must be identical and all given names which appear on the birth certificate must be included in the NOIM. Following changes to the NOIM that came into effect on 1 September 2021, there is no longer a requirement to list the number of children of previous marriages on the NOIM. Celebrants should advise parties that it is a criminal offence for a person to give a NOIM to a celebrant if the person giving the notice knows that the NOIM contains a false statement or is defective. If a celebrant is in any doubt whether a NOIM is defective, they should contact the relevant BDM as soon as practicable after receipt of the NOIM, and before the solemnisation of the marriage.

If a celebrant believes a NOIM contains false statements, they

should not accept the NOIM. What happens to the NOIM after a marriage? The items on the NOIM correspond with the items on the BDM issued Official Certificate of Marriage, which celebrants prepare and forward to the relevant BDM after the marriage.

The NOIM is forwarded by the relevant BDM to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). The ABS records non-identifying information from the NOIM, and uses the information to generate national statistics on marriage in Australia.

If you have further questions, you may contact me on 0425 853 086 or navee64@gmail.com.

World’s richest 5 would take 476 years to go broke if they spend $1 mn daily It would take 476 years for the world's top five richest men to exhaust all their money if they decided to spend $1 million per day, a new report has said.

Tech billionaires like Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos, all feature in the top five list.

According to the UK-based charitable organisation Oxfam, the world’s five richest men have more than doubled their wealth from $405 billion to $869 billion since 2020 -- at a rate of $14 million per hour -- while nearly five billion people have been made poorer.

If the present trends continue, the world will see its first trillionaire in less than ten years, but poverty won’t be eradicated for another 229 years, the report noted.

"This inequality is no accident; the billionaire class is ensuring corporations deliver more wealth to them at the expense of everyone else," said Oxfam International interim Executive Director, Amitabh Behar.

Billionaires are now $3.3 trillion or 34 per cent richer than in 2020, with their wealth growing three times as fast as the rate of inflation.

The report also mentioned that men own $105 trillion more wealth than women globally -- the difference in wealth is equivalent to more than four times the size of the US economy.

A woman employee in the health and social sector would need to work 1,200 years to make the same amount of money that the CEO of the biggest Fortune 100 firm makes in a single year.

"People worldwide are working harder and longer hours, often for poverty wages in precarious and unsafe jobs. The wages

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of nearly 800 million workers have failed to keep up with inflation and they have lost $1.5 trillion over the last two years, equivalent to nearly a month (25 days) of lost wages for each worker," the report stated.

(IANS)

MELBOURNE

G’DAY INDIA | FEB 2024

Touring MCG & Australian Sports Museum testing of our knowledge was thoroughly entertaining, On this tour, you can experience the excitement, and relive legendary moments, like for instance the change rooms of both Australia and its opponents, how Australian cricketer Brad Hodges's monster six is honoured by a red seat, where the ball landed in the top tier at the Shane Warne stand.

The Highlights for me about the tour were the walk along the

17 17

A great insight about the pitches on how they work on rotation for both AFL and Cricket and how they store rainwater for the running of the day-to-day function of the stadium.

There’s a lot of walking in this seventy-fiveminute guided tour, so highly recommend you wear sneakers and carry a bottle of water. Get your cameras of course your phone will do too to get one beautiful shot of the city also I will let you in a secret, a little birdy tells me that India is due to return this December and get your real photo opportunity with the players at the nets when they are practice.

At the last stop, Peter hands us a solo tour of the Australian Sports Museum, a mecca for sports enthusiasts, showcasing interactive exhibits and celebrating the diverse sporting culture of Australia. With over ninety-five different sports featured, the museum offers an engaging experience for visitors of all ages to discover the stories of our nation’s sporting history.

Must-sees inside the museum include a Shane Warne hologram and Cathy Freeman’s running suit from the Sydney 2000 Olympics.

Visitors can even put their skills to the test in the crowd-favourite interactive Game On! Gallery.

So come celebrate Australia’s unique sporting culture at the MCG Tour and visit the Australian Sports Museum, located inside Gate 3 of the MCG. Suitable for families and sports lovers of all ages, it’s a fun day out for visitors and locals alike. Cricket enthusiasts will find themselves in paradise as they explore the hallowed MCG and relive stories of cricketing heroes.

Take home a slice of MCG this summer and enjoy a bit of cricket.

When was the last time you visited an iconic place like the MCG? Maybe usually during India playing or perhaps it is when one of your favourite footy team played.

The largest stadium in the Southern Hemisphere, the eleventh largest globally by its holding capacity - one hundred and twenty-four thousand. Well! I never knew these statistics until I embarked on my sporting journey at this iconic cricket ground in Melbourne, proud to say, locally ours.

It’s a dream come true for all the cricket tragics out there, flip the story and take a trip through to the memory lane. Let the grounds speak to you and nostalgia take its shape with your personal guide. It is an opportunity to take home a slice of MCG this summer.

My guide Peter was a delight with his extensive knowledge about the place over his six years of tenure and his intermittent quiz

boundary line of the arena, as I mentioned earlier going inside the players' change rooms, and then the Shrine to Test Cricket, including a portrait of Sir Donald Bradman and Sachin Tendulkar.

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Opening Hours Australian Sports Museum: 10am-5pm MCG Tours: 10am-3pm, with tours departing every 15 minutes Please note that opening hours and tour route availability are subject to change based on the MCG events schedule. View the full opening hours here.

By Nandita Chakraborty

18

FEATURE

G’DAY INDIA | FEB 2024

MAKING CONNECTIONS

In a world that often seems dominated by extroverted personalities and social butterflies, introverts may find it challenging to forge meaningful connections. The rise of friendship apps, however, has opened up new avenues for introverts to build friendships and alleviate feelings of isolation and depression. These apps provide a comfortable space for introverts to connect with like-minded individuals at their own pace, fostering relationships that can positively impact mental well-being.

The Introvert’s Dilemma Introverts often face a unique set of challenges when it comes to socializing.

Unlike extroverts who thrive in social settings, introverts tend to feel drained in large groups and may find it difficult to initiate conversations. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation, which, Building Connections Gradually if left unaddressed, may contribute to the development or exacerbation of depression. Friendship apps recognize that introverts may need time to open up and feel comfortable with new people. Unlike Why choose Friendship Apps?

Friendship apps have emerged as a beacon the fast-paced nature of some social interactions, these apps allow users to of hope for introverts seeking to break free build connections gradually. Through from the confines of their comfort zones. messaging and shared activities, introverts These apps provide a platform where can establish rapport and trust before taking individuals can connect based on shared the plunge into face-to-face interactions. interests, hobbies, and values, offering This gradual approach helps alleviate a more tailored approach to building friendships. The casual and laid-back nature anxiety and makes the process of building friendships more enjoyable for introverts. of these platforms such as Alyke allows introverts to navigate social interactions Supportive Communities at their own pace, reducing the pressure Many friendship apps create supportive associated with traditional social settings. communities where users can share their experiences, struggles, and triumphs.

Finding Like-Minded Individuals This sense of belonging can be especially One of the key advantages of friendship beneficial for introverts who may feel apps is the ability to connect with likeisolated in their day-to-day lives. Being minded individuals. Introverts often appreciate deep, meaningful conversations part of a community that understands and appreciates their introverted nature can rather than small talk, and friendship significantly impact an individual’s mental apps cater to this preference. Users can well-being, reducing the risk of depression. filter potential friends based on common interests, ensuring that every connection has the potential for a genuine and fulfilling Reducing the Stigma of Online Friendships Friendship apps are also contributing to relationship.

breaking down the stigma associated with online friendships. While some may still view online connections as less meaningful than those formed in person, the reality is that technology has transformed the way we build relationships. Friendship apps create an environment where individuals can connect authentically, proving that the depth of a friendship is not determined by the physical proximity of the friends.

Encouraging Real-Life Meetups Contrary to the misconception that friendship apps only facilitate virtual connections, many users eventually transition to real-life meetups. These meetups are often organized around shared interests, providing a comfortable setting for introverts to socialize without the pressure of large gatherings. Friendship apps, therefore, serve as a bridge between the virtual and physical worlds, enabling introverts to forge connections that extend beyond the digital realm.

Friendship apps like Alyke have emerged as a valuable tool for introverts seeking to build meaningful connections and combat the feelings of loneliness and depression that can accompany introversion. These platforms offer a comfortable space for introverts to connect with like-minded individuals, fostering relationships that are built on shared interests and values.

By providing a gradual and supportive environment, friendship apps empower introverts to navigate social interactions at their own pace, ultimately contributing to improved mental well-being. As society continues to recognize the importance of diverse personalities, friendship apps stand as a testament to the idea that meaningful connections can be forged by introverts and extroverts alike, breaking down barriers and nurturing a more inclusive and understanding world.

By Rajeev Kamra

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LEGAL

G’DAY INDIA | FEB 2024

Romantic relationships in contrast with De-facto relationship

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BY GURPAL SINGH

M

ore often a party may allege that one was in a De-facto relationship and make a claim on the property of the other partner. Such a connotation and claim of a de-facto relationship may not necessarily hold the ground unless the test of de-facto as required by the Family law Act 1975 (the Act) is made out. Not all unmarried relationship are de-facto relationship and in the absence of registration, it can be unclean when a relationship makes a transition from simply romantic and casual to a de-facto one.

The parties who are not married can make a property claim under the Act provided the claimant falls within the meaning and scope of de facto relationship within the definition provided by the Act. There are several factors that the court will consider determining the existence of a de facto relationship. A few material factors include the couple living together and/or spending significant time with each other at any one’s home; the existence of sexual and intimate relationship; the length of time; extend and degree of financial dependency and arrangement of financial support on each other; ownership, use and acquisition of joint assets’ sharing of expenses for day to day living; the degree of mutual commitment to a shared life, registration of the de-facto relationship in a particular state or territory as a civil partnership; care, support and welfare of a child or children of the relationship and the extent to which such care support and welfare is provided; holding such relationship

in the public eye being the reputation and public aspects of the relationship, and whether one of the party to the relationship was already married and living with the other spouse but spending time with the claimant of de facto.

The court would emphasise on the cumulative effect of the circumstances for determining if the relationship was merely a romantic entanglement or a serious living together. However, there is no rule of thumb and cases must have subjective scrutiny for such a determination.

The question of whether a relationship was a de facto relationship was the subject of appeal in a recent case. The claimant claimed that the parties were in a de facto relationship having lived together for five of the seven years of their relationship and romantically involved. The responding party sought to exclude the claimant against his substantial assets, asserting that the relationship never amounted to more than ‘friends with benefits’ between landlord and the tenant.

The primary judge ruled in favour of the respondent and held that the parties were only in a romantic relationship, not quite reaching the de facto status. However, the appeal court overturned the decision while looking into the details and criteria for establishing the de facto relationship within the scope of the definition provided by s4AA of the Act. The other factors including some indicated in the previous paragraph are provided in scope of the definition and ‘having regard to all the circumstances of their relationship, they have a

relationship as a couple living together on a genuine domestic basis.

The dispute in regard to de facto relationship usually involves detailed evidence from each party, family members, friends or other acquaintances who may often not lie to get involved.

The Full Court in an interesting case found that the parties were not in de facto relationship in the circumstances where they had an extra marital affair for a number of years. One of the party made a monthly payment to the other party towards financial support and the de facto partner acknowledged during the court process that the parties had been in a relationship. In another matter an on and off relationship of 9 years was found to be a de facto relationship where the parties lived together in multiple residences on and off and the de facto husband had been making a financial contribution to the de facto wife’s business.

In another instance, a same sex ‘friends with benefits’ relationship of 8 years was found not to be a de facto relationship although the parties did maintain sexual relationship and some financial dependence upon the one of the party. In another interesting situation the court found that same sex couple were in a de facto relationship, however made no orders for financial division as they had kept their finances separately to the exclusion of each other.

In the absence of intrinsic factors discussed above a relationship shall remain to be that of romantic one.

If the court determines that the de facto relationship exists, it will then exercise the process and criteria which apply in relation to the separated couples and make an order for division of the property after considering the respective contributions to the relationship and their future needs.

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

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20

FEATURE

G’DAY INDIA | FEB 2024

DIGITAL EYE STRAIN

In our modern, fast-paced world, screens have seamlessly integrated into our daily routines. Whether we are working on computers, scrolling through social media on smartphones, or indulging in our favorite shows on tablets, the time spent in front of screens has soared. This increased screen exposure, however, brings with it a growing concern – digital eye strain.

The 20-20-20 Rule When working on a desktop, ensure that your screen is at eye level, about an arm’s length away and that you are sitting in a comfortable, well-supported chair.

Prolonged exposure to screens without breaks is a significant contributor to digital eye strain. The 20-20-20 rule proves invaluable in mitigating this strain: take a 20-second break every 20 minutes of screen usage and look at something 20 feet away. Incorporating this simple habit into your routine helps reduce eye strain and keeps your eyes refreshed. This can also be done by setting timers or using apps that remind you to take these regular breaks, ensuring your eyes get the rest they need.

Understanding Digital Eye Strain Digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome, encompasses a range of eye and vision-related issues resulting from prolonged digital device use such as headaches, eyestrain, blurred vision and dry eyes. As our reliance on screens continues to rise, it becomes imperative to adopt strategies to manage and minimize Adjusting Brightness the impact of digital eye strain on our overall The brightness of your screens plays well-being. an important role in eye comfort. Adjust

your device brightness to match your surroundings, avoiding both excessive and low brightness that can put a strain on your eyes. Besides, consider using dark or night mode in the evenings to decrease exposure to blue light, which has been associated with disrupted sleep patterns.

Blinking and Eye Moisture Blinking, often overlooked, is crucial for maintaining eye moisture. Extended screen time can lead to reduced blinking frequency, resulting in dry and irritated eyes.

Therefore, make a conscious effort to blink regularly as it keeps your eyes lubricated. If necessary, use artificial tears recommended by a healthcare professional to alleviate persistent dryness.

Screen Quality Matters Invest in high-resolution screens with antiglare technology to minimize eye strain.

Anti-glare filters can be added to existing screens, diminishing reflections and glare. Besides, regular eye check-ups are essential to address any underlying vision problems promptly.

Managing digital eye strain requires a proactive approach. Incorporate simple habits like taking regular screen breaks, adjusting screen brightness and maintaining proper ergonomics into your daily routine to reduce eye strain. Being mindful of your screen time and adopting these strategies not only enhances visual comfort but also contributes to your overall well-being.

Striking a healthy balance between screen use and eye care is key to preserving your vision in a screen-centric world.

By Dr. Rishi Raj Borah

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G’DAY INDIA | FEB 2024

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IMPORTANCE OF

MENTAL FITNESS IN STRESS-RIDDEN WORLD In an increasingly fast-paced and stress-ridden world, the importance of mental fitness has never been more evident. The urge to prioritize our psychological well-being has become a pressing need, and experts from various fields are stepping up to fulfill this rising demand.

change the lives of millions of people who will benefit from mental and emotional health support in all aspects of their daily life. Lissun is an end-to-end mental health and wellness platform that works to provide mental health solutions to individuals, corporations, and healthcare institutions. Its technology provides From psychologists to wellness coaches, these personalized wellness journeys, therapeutic professionals are making significant strides content, and psychological support to its users. in helping individuals enhance their mental fitness. Mental fitness encompasses emotional Chitharesh Natesan resilience, stress management, and overall Chitharesh Natesan, popularly known well-being. It is crucial in today’s society where as “The Indian Monster,” is a renowned stressors seem to multiply by the day. professional bodybuilder hailing from India, whose impressive journey in the world of Listed below are some brands and experts bodybuilding has left an indelible mark. In serving their best to bring mental fitness at the 2019, he achieved the pinnacle of his career forefront. by securing the coveted title of Mr. Universe at the 11th World Bodybuilding and Physique Lissun Sports Championship organized by the World It is a tech-enabled mental and emotional Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Federation. health startup that supports people and His dedication, perseverance, and consistent corporations in fulfilling their mental health success on both national and international needs. It is a team of mental health, stages have firmly established him as a true technology, and wellness professionals. Their legend in the world of bodybuilding. Beyond vision is to solve mental health at scale and his impressive physique, Chitharesh’s story

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highlights the profound connection between physical fitness and mental well-being. His rigorous training regimen and unwavering commitment to his goals have not only sculpted his body but have also fortified his mental resilience. Bodybuilding demands discipline, focus, and perseverance, qualities that transcend the gym and become valuable assets in one’s everyday life.

Emoneeds Emoneeds was created with a focus to cater to one’s mental and emotional health needs. They aim to maximize an individual’s performance, happiness and quality of life.

The team of expert psychiatrists and clinical psychologists work collaboratively with teens, adults and families by providing holistic, evidence based and scientifically approved compassionate care through a combination of medication management and customized psychotherapies. All of this is designed to help patients/ families overcome their difficulties so that they can achieve their goals and lead productive and happy lives.

(IANSlife)

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FEATURE

G’DAY INDIA | FEB 2024

10 REASONS WHY E-CIGARETTES CAN TRIGGER SERIOUS HEALTH ISSUES Vaping continues to pose irreversible dangers for society with new-age gateway products using innovative marketing techniques to lure children and youngsters. In today’s age of information overload and misinformation, it is extremely vital for citizens to have access to credible and accurate information to ensure they do not fall prey to activities promoted by vested interests.

Mothers against Vaping, a united front of concerned mothers combatting the escalating vaping crisis among our youth, has highlighted 10 major health risks associated with vaping as it seeks to raise awareness about vaping and various health hazards ranging from excessive usage of nicotine to severe lung injury in children.

The first risk it has highlighted is that new-age tobacco devices, unlike typical cigarettes, can result in excessive nicotine intake and these devices enable more prolonged usage sessions.

Secondly, there is a prevalent misconception that the vapours emitted from new-age tobacco devices are harmless, but in reality, these emissions consist of a range of harmful substances, including nicotine, diacetyl, which are linked to severe lung injury. The aerosol produced by e-cigarettes contains particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns (PM2.5), notorious for its detrimental impact on respiratory health. The 2019 e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI) outbreak in the United States serves as a stark reminder that led to the hospitalisation of numerous Americans, predominantly teenagers and young adults, resulting in enduring lung damage and pulmonary dysfunction for many survivors.

posing environmental hazards. For example, e-cigarette batteries can lead to environmental pollution with heavy metals, seeping into the soil and contaminating groundwater, rivers and lakes. This contamination not only harms the environment but also poses risks to human health, with children being more vulnerable than adults.

The fifth health hazard pertains to mental wellbeing. Peer-reviewed studies have revealed troubling connections between vaping, nicotine and the exacerbation of symptoms related to depression and anxiety. The findings suggest higher chances for individuals to be diagnosed with depression due to their vaping habits.

Sixthly, the chemicals in these products pose a significant risk to oral health, leading to Thirdly, the dangers of New-Age Gateway issues like gum disease, tooth decay and oral Devices go beyond just respiratory health issues. infections. A study by NYU College of Dentistry E-cigarettes, in particular, harm blood vessels, in February 2022 found that e-cigarettes alter increasing the risk of heart disease. They are the microbiome, contributing to gum diseases. also linked to negative effects on the immune The microbiome, a diverse community of system and reproductive organs. Fourthly, these bacteria and microorganisms in the gum, devices contribute to environmental issues and can be adversely affected by e-cigarette use, consequently harm humans. The components of intensifying or causing oral health problems.

New-Age Tobacco Devices, including a cartridge, an atomizer, and a battery, contain materials Seventhly, using these New-Age Tobacco such as metals and ceramics. Improper disposal Products during pregnancy poses serious of these components contributes to e-waste, risks to fetal health, significantly increasing the

chances of adverse outcomes such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and developmental complications in new-borns.

Eighthly, health hazard is that alternative tobacco products could act as a gateway to more severe addictions like cocaine and heroin. Early exposure and addiction to nicotine through these alternatives might pave the way for individuals, especially young users, to experiment with stronger addictive substances, significantly impacting their overall health and well-being.

Ninthly, nicotine exposure from new-age devices during crucial adolescent brain development can have lasting effects on cognition, attention and impulse control. This not only disrupts learning environments but also hampers the cognitive development of students engaging in this harmful behaviour.

Last but not the least, a crucial health hazard posed by these new-age gateway devices is their susceptibility to malfunctions or explosions, leading to severe risks such as burns, facial trauma and tragically even fatalities for users.

E-cigarette batteries can explode without warning through a process called “thermal runaway,” occurring when the battery overheats, leading to dangerous increases in internal temperature resulting in fire and explosion.

Conditions like overcharge, puncture, external heat and short circuits can trigger thermal runaway.

Manufacturers of these devices target children and youth to create lifelong customers.

Alarmingly, children aged 13–15 are using e-cigarettes more than adults in all WHO regions. To address this issue, it is essential to actively disseminate accurate information about the genuine risks associated with these products, dispelling any misleading perceptions and ensuring the protection of our children and youth.

(IANSlife)

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G’DAY INDIA | FEB 2024

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BREATHING IN BLISS The day-to-day demands of the contemporary world can take a toll on our mental health, causing stress, anxiety, and depression. When left unaddressed, these conditions can lead to a severe impact on our general well-being.

While experts suggest a host of measures to mitigate mental health challenges, Pranayama, or Yogic Breathing, has carved a distinctive reputation for its significant positive effects on mental health. The ancient practice of Pranayama allows individuals to connect more deeply with their breath and witness an elevated sense of inner peace and relaxation.

Lowered stress By allowing individuals to focus on their breathing, Pranayama helps in alleviating stress and anxiety. With this, one can nurture a sense of inner calmness and develop resilience to deal with life’s challenges.

Elevated mood Pranayama is also highly recognised for its ability to uplift mood and mitigate the symptoms of depression. It fosters an optimistic environment, replacing negative beliefs and emotions with positivity and happiness, improving overall mental wellbeing.

Improved focus Pranayama can be a vital tool for improving concentration and focus in today’s world of endless distractions. Training the mind Understanding Pranayama to focus on the present moment, it allows Pranayama encompasses a range of practitioners to perform their daily tasks with approaches to help individuals control their improved efficiency and precision. Thus, breath and enhance their overall well-being. by making it a regular part of their routine, The practice is often paired with meditation individuals can achieve higher productivity and different yoga postures. Its fundamental in all areas of their lives. principle is that the breath acts as a bridge between the mind and body, harmonising Enhanced self-awareness the two. By controlling their breath, Regularly practising Pranayama can also individuals can accomplish a more profound help in developing an increased sense sense of calm and balance in their lives. of self-awareness. This heightened selfawareness enables us to comprehend our Mental health benefits of Pranayama thoughts and emotions better, leading to Numerous scientific researches across the personal growth and self-improvement. globe have validated the significant effect of Pranayama on mental health, including-: A few techniques of Pranayama that can Let us further delve deeper into the unprecedented advantages of integrating Pranayama into our daily lives.

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be easily incorporated into our daily routine: Bhramari: The Bhramari Pranayama method involves producing a humming sound while inhaling and exhaling through the nose. This popular technique is known to relieve stress and promote a feeling of calmness.

Nadi Shodhana: This technique involves breathing rhythmically via alternating nostrils, allowing individuals to accomplish inner balance and lower stress levels.

Additionally, the alternating flow of air via the left and right nostrils promotes the alignment of vital energies, cultivating a sense of tranquillity.

Kapalbhati: Practising Kapalbhati involves rapid and strong inhales and exhales via the nose. This exercise can boost focus and concentration, making it an ideal tool for individuals aiming to bolster mental clarity and productivity.

Embracing Pranayama as a beginner To begin practising Pranayama, finding a quiet and comfortable place to sit or lie down is crucial. Once you have located your spot, close your eyes and take a few deep breaths to help relax and calm your mind.

Then, choose a Pranayama exercise that resonates with you and start practising. It is essential to listen to your body and avoid pushing yourself too much.

By Raman Mittal

24

FEATURE

G’DAY INDIA | FEB 2024

5 WAYS TO USE ROSE WATER FOR SKIN

Rose water has long been used as a beauty remedy. It is made from the aromatic petals of the rose flower. With several advantages for all skin types, its natural qualities make it a flexible component for skincare products.

Mix aloe vera gel, honey, and rose water for a revitalising and hydrating mask. This mixture can calm sensitive skin, lessen swelling, and give your face a refreshed appearance. Let the mask sit for 15 to 20 Unlock the potential of rose water for minutes, and then rinse it off with lukewarm healthy, glowing skin with this in-depth water. For the second face mask mix guide, Deepali Bansal, CEO and Founder of two tablespoons of rose water and one Suroskie shares five ways to add it into your spoonful of honey. The skin is cleansed skincare routine. and moisturised by the natural antibacterial qualities of honey and the calming benefits Hydrating Toner: As a hydrating toner, of rose water. Evenly apply the mixture rose water is one of the most widely used to your face, let it remain for ten to fifteen and traditional applications. Rich in antiminutes, and then rinse with warm water. inflammatory and antioxidant qualities, it calms, hydrates, and refreshes the skin.

Aromatherapy for Stress Reduction: The Rose water toner is suitable for all skin fragrant scent of rose water has healing types because it balances the pH of the properties for the mind and emotions in skin. The delicate scent also offers a addition to its physical advantages. The pleasant sensory experience. To use, just soft scent of rose water calms the senses cleanse your face, put a small bit on a and encourages relaxation, which releases cotton pad, and gently swipe it across. tension from the day. Take a moment to inhale deeply as you apply the rose water DIY Face Masks: Make your own healthy to your skin, letting the natural essence face masks by combining various all-natural surround you. Your sense of smell is ingredients with rose water. Rose water stimulated by the delicate flower scent, helps to brighten and revitalise your skin by which promotes calmness. lowering redness and inflammation. Below we are sharing 2 DIY masks for a radiant, The Anti-Acne Remedy: To calm and cure healthy-looking complexion. imperfections, add rose water to your anti-

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acne regimen. Because of its inherent antiinflammatory qualities, it relieves inflamed skin and lessens the redness and swelling that come with acne. Its antimicrobial qualities fight bacteria that cause acne and stop new breakouts. Rose water’s moisturising qualities also aid in preserving the proper moisture balance of the skin, avoiding extreme dryness. Use a cotton pad or mist to apply rose water to clean skin in order to utilise this cure.

Rose water is a great treatment for sunburned skin because of its soothing and anti-inflammatory qualities. Its inherent antiinflammatory qualities aid in lowering suninduced redness and inflammation. Using a cotton pad or spray, gently apply cold rose water to the afflicted regions.

Rose water is an all-natural skincare solution that works on many different skin issues. Rose water has several uses, including as a toner, moisturising mask, face spray, and focused treatment for acne and the eyes. Uncover the secrets of its timeless beauty by including this flowery elixir into your skincare routine on a regular basis.

(IANSlife)

FEATURE

G’DAY INDIA | FEB 2024

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5 EXPLANATIONS FOR PEELING SKIN Facial peeling can be a disconcerting experience, leaving individuals searching for answers and effective solutions. While there are various reasons for skin peeling, understanding the underlying causes is crucial for finding the right remedies. Let us understand the reasons for peeling skin and look into practical tips for addressing each issue.

Sunburn One of the primary culprits behind facial peeling is prolonged exposure to the sun.

Sunburn damages the skin, causing it to peel as it attempts to shed the damaged outer layer. To alleviate sunburn peeling, applying aloe vera gel can provide soothing relief. Aloe vera’s natural properties promote healing, allowing the skin to recover. Additionally, using a moisturizer with SPF 60 during the day helps prevent further sun damage.

Face packs can aid in cooling the skin, and staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water is essential for overall skin health.

Elaborating on sun protection, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of sunscreens containing broad-spectrum protection. These sunscreens shield the skin from both UVA and UVB rays, preventing sunburn and reducing the likelihood of peeling. Consistent sun protection is not only vital for treating sunburn but also for maintaining long-term skin health.

Medications Certain medications, particularly those used for acne or containing retinoids, can lead to skin peeling as a side effect. If you suspect your medications are causing this issue,

consulting with a dermatologist is crucial. They can provide alternative solutions or adjust your medication regimen to minimize peeling. An interesting alternative to retinol is Bakuchiol, a natural substitute with similar benefits but fewer side effects. Discussing such alternatives with your healthcare professional ensures a balanced approach to skincare.

Moreover, it is essential for individuals to be proactive in communicating with their healthcare providers about any skin-related side effects they experience. Open dialogue facilitates a collaborative effort in finding the most suitable solutions for individual needs.

Dry Skin Especially prevalent during the winter months, dry skin can lead to peeling. Combatting dry skin involves a two-step process: exfoliation and moisturization. Gentle exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, allowing moisturizing products to penetrate better. Choosing dry skin body lotions, body massage oils, or ayurvedic skincare products provides the necessary hydration to replenish the skin’s moisture barrier. Glycerine, a humectant, can be particularly beneficial when applied at night, preventing further moisture loss.

Daytime care involves using quality face moisturizers or body butter lotions to maintain skin hydration throughout the day.

Incorporating natural remedies, such as honey masks or oatmeal-based exfoliants, can further enhance the skin’s ability to retain moisture. These alternatives not only provide hydration but also offer additional nutrients that contribute to skin health.

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Medical Skin Conditions Skin conditions like eczema can contribute to peeling and require a specialized approach.

Consulting a doctor or dermatologist is essential for obtaining an accurate diagnosis and developing a tailored treatment plan.

Medical conditions may necessitate prescription medications, and professional guidance ensures proper management.

Furthermore, understanding the triggers and aggravating factors of specific skin conditions is crucial. This knowledge empowers individuals to make informed lifestyle choices and adopt preventive measures to minimize the recurrence of peeling episodes.

Allergies Allergic reactions can manifest as skin peeling, emphasizing the importance of identifying and addressing allergens. Seeking medical advice is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment. Maintaining a journal of potential allergens can assist in pinpointing triggers and avoiding future reactions. Before introducing new skincare products, conducting patch tests helps identify potential allergens and prevents adverse reactions.

Facial peeling is a common concern with various underlying causes. By understanding these causes and adopting targeted skincare practices, individuals can effectively manage and prevent skin peeling. Whether it’s protecting against sunburn, addressing medication side effects, combating dry skin, managing medical conditions, or dealing with allergies, a proactive and informed approach to skincare is key for maintaining healthy, radiant skin.

By Devji Hathiyani

26

FEATURE

G’DAY INDIA | FEB 2024

5 DRINKS TO GET RELIEF FROM HEADACHE Headaches can strike at the most inconvenient times, leaving us searching for relief. While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, certain drinks have properties that might help alleviate that pounding sensation.

Let’s explore five beverages that could potentially offer some respite.

Hydration Heroes: Dehydration is a common culprit behind headaches. Reaching for a glass of water is often the simplest remedy. Herbal teas, like peppermint or chamomile, not only hydrate but also contain compounds that may provide relaxation, offering relief from tension headaches.

“Herbal teas with chamomile and peppermint are hydration heroes that work wonders for headache relief via different processes. Menthol, which is found in peppermint, helps to ease tension headaches by promoting blood flow and relaxing muscles. It has a calming impact in addition to its cooling sensation. Chamomile’s relaxing properties help to reduce tension, which is a typical headache trigger. Both teas can reduce headaches caused by dehydration by increasing overall hydration,” says Nutritionist Apurva Agarwal.

According to Nutritionist Apurva Green tea and coffee both contain caffeine, which is well known for its ability to relieve headaches. She asserts, “It relieves pressure that can lead to headaches by narrowing blood vessels and decreasing blood flow in the brain. Both tension headaches and migraines are less common thanks to this dual mechanism. Drinking green tea or coffee in moderation might be a quick and all-natural way to help reduce headache symptoms.”

Ginger Infusion: Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that could make it a contender for headache relief.

Create a soothing ginger tea by steeping fresh ginger slices in hot water. This concoction not only helps with inflammation but also calms the stomach, addressing any potential nausea associated with headaches.

Nutritionist Apurva says that the magnesium in almond milk helps to relax muscles, which relieves tension that can cause headaches.

“Magnesium also promotes healthy nerve function, which lessens headache frequency and intensity. Regularly consuming almond milk may help increase magnesium intake overall, which may help avoid headaches,” adds Nutritionist Apurva.

Cherry Elixir: Tart cherry juice boasts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These qualities may help reduce headache intensity and duration.

Incorporating this vibrant juice into your daily routine might be a flavorful way to fend off those pesky headaches.

“Rich in antioxidants, especially anthocyanins, Tart cherry juice has anti-inflammatory The natural cure of ginger infusion works qualities that could potentially reduce wonders for headaches. Nutritionist Apurva headache pain. These substances may lessen adds, “It has gingerol, a bioactive substance headache-related stress and discomfort since that blocks the brain’s pain pathways to lessen they have been shown to lower inflammation discomfort. Ginger also increases blood and oxidative stress,” says Nutritionist Apurva. flow, which reduces stress and helps with headache relief. People can use the ginger “While these drinks may provide relief for infusion to get its medicinal benefits, which some, it’s essential to listen to your body makes it calming and all-encompassing.” and consult with a healthcare professional if headaches persist. Hydration, caffeine Caffeine Kick: Magnesium Mix: in moderation, ginger’s anti-inflammatory For those accustomed to a morning coffee ritual, Magnesium deficiency has been linked to benefits, magnesium-rich options, and the the caffeine in coffee can constrict blood vessels, migraines. Almond milk, rich in magnesium, can potential of cherry juice are all worth exploring. potentially easing the pain. Green tea, with its be a tasty solution. Blending it with a banana, Finding the right beverage to complement moderate caffeine content and antioxidants, which also contains magnesium, creates a your headache management strategy might might offer a gentler alternative. However, it’s delicious smoothie that might aid in preventing or just be a sip away.” crucial not to overdo it, as too much caffeine can alleviating headaches. It’s a nutritious option that (IANSlife) lead to rebound headaches. doubles as a delightful treat.

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FEATURE

G’DAY INDIA | FEB 2024

27

TECH GETTING IN THE WAY OF YOUR WELL-BEING?

In this tech-dominated era, Vikas Jain, Managing Director of Anytime Fitness, says our lives are intricately entwined in the digital realm, benefiting from the undeniable convenience of smartphones and smart homes. However, amidst the relentless pursuit of progress, a crucial aspect often takes a backseat – our health and fitness.

As we navigate the complexities of a techdriven world, it’s clear that our physical well-being shouldn’t be sacrificed for technological ease. While technology has transformed our lives, the sedentary nature of many tech-driven activities poses a significant threat to our health.

Prolonged screen time, seated meetings, and virtual interactions often relegate physical activity to the background. The need of the hour, says Vikas Jain, is to recalibrate our relationship with technology, recognizing its role as a facilitator, not a barrier, to a healthier life. Integrating fitness seamlessly into our daily routines should be as intuitive as checking our smartphones.

“It’s time to break down the tech wall that separates us from a healthier, more active

lifestyle “ asserts Vikas Jain, Managing Director of Anytime Fitness.

Here’s why this shift is crucial: Elevate Health on the Digital Priority List: In this digital era, leaders must make a pivotal shift in priorities. Digital agendas should not be exclusively focused on productivity and efficiency; they should also champion health and fitness. Integrating wellness programs into corporate strategies and cultivating a culture that places a premium on employee well-being is a stride towards a balanced future.

Shattering the tech wall requires embracing moments of digital detox, consciously disconnecting from devices to partake in physical activities. Whether it’s a leisurely stroll in the park, a brief workout routine, or stretching exercises, the benefits can be remarkable.

Breaking down the tech barrier isn’t a rejection of technology; rather, it’s a redefinition of our relationship with it. It involves reclaiming time for ourselves, our bodies, and our health. While embracing the opportunities technology offers, let’s ensure that conveniences don’t compromise Empowering Fitness with Technology, our physical vitality. Advancing towards Avoiding Sedentary Constraints: Rather a healthier world goes beyond breaking than trapping us in a sedentary lifestyle, barriers; it’s about constructing bridges technology can serve as a catalyst for between the digital and physical realms. positive transformation. Fitness apps, smart This synthesis is the key to a balanced wearables, and virtual workout sessions can future where technology enhances, not seamlessly blend into our tech-centric lives, hinders, our well-being. Let’s embark on this transforming our devices into companions journey together, forging a world where the on the journey to better fitness. digital and the fit coexist seamlessly.

Physical Revitalization through Digital Detox: Our bodies are inherently designed for movement, not prolonged screen time.

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(IANSlife)

28

TECH

G’DAY INDIA | FEB 2024

1ST HUMAN GETS BRAIN IMPLANT FROM NEURALINK, RECOVERING WELL: MUSK Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has announced that his brain-computer interface company Neuralink has successfully achieved its first human implant, and the test subject is recovering well. Musk said that the company’s first product, called Telepathy, would bring control of a phone or computer just by thinking.

Neuralink last year received the US Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) approval for human trials and said in September it was looking for its first test subjects for the six-year initial trial.

“The first human received an implant from @Neuralink yesterday and is recovering well,” Musk posted on X. “Initial results show promising neuron spike detection,” he added. The first Neuralink product is called Telepathy, informed Musk.

According to the billionaire, it will enable control of your phone or computer, and through them almost any device, just by thinking.

“Initial users will be those who have lost the use of their limbs. Imagine if Stephen Hawking could communicate faster than a speed typist or auctioneer. That is the goal,” Musk further said.

In November last year, the braincomputer interface company raised an additional $43 million in venture capital,

according to a filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The filing showed that the company raised its previous tranche, led by Peter Thiel’s Founders Fund, from $280 million to $323 million in early August.

Thirty-two investors participated in the round, as per the filing. Neuralink, which was founded in 2016, has developed a sewing machine-like device capable of implanting ultra-thin threads inside the brain.

The threads connect to a customdesigned chip with electrodes that can read data from groups of neurons. “The PRIME Study (short for Precise Robotically Implanted Brain-Computer Interface) aims to evaluate the safety of our implant (N1) and surgical robot (R1) and assess the initial functionality of our wireless braincomputer interface for enabling people with paralysis to control external devices with their thoughts,” the company had said.

(ANI)

APPLE RAMPS UP ITS ‘SECRET’ SELF-DRIVING CAR TESTING Apple has ramped up its self-driving car testing and has logged over 450,000 miles of autonomous driving in the US from December 2022 to November 2023. Data submitted by Apple with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) showed that Apple tested its autonomous car more than ever last year, reports Wired.

according to separate government documents, said the report. There were reports that Apple postponed the 2026 launch of the “Apple Car,” an electric vehicle that will purportedly cost less than $100,000.

The company is still working on the vehicle’s design. Apple Car was first reported to arrive in 2024. Apple has also filed several new patents in software and hardware related to riding comfort such as seats and suspension.

Apple has a permit to test autonomous vehicle tech on California’s public roads only if the company has a safety driver behind the wheel. Apple’s secret car project is finally gaining momentum. Earlier reports claimed that Apple downgraded its ambitions to build a self-driving electric car.

However, new documents show that the company is still testing its own self-driving car.

Meanwhile, Google’s Waymo drove 3.7 million testing miles in California with a safety driver behind the wheel and 1.2 million testing miles

with no one behind the wheel.

The company drove more than 1.6 million additional miles with passengers in the car,

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The iPhone maker is also reportedly working on vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology, which allows cars to communicate with each other and connect to the Internet of Things (IoT). The company in 2022 hired veteran Ford executive Desi Ujkashevic to help it develop a fully electric autonomous car.

(ANI)

AI

G’DAY INDIA | FEB 2024

29 29

META INTRODUCES AI SYSTEM THAT CAN TRANSLATE 100 DIFFERENT LANGUAGES

Meta has developed an AI model called SeamlessM4T that can translate and transcribe almost 100 languages in both text and speech as part of its effort to create AI that can comprehend a variety of dialects, TechCrunch reported. A new translation dataset called SeamlessAlign is also available in open source. According to Meta, SeamlessM4T is a significant breakthrough in the field of AI-powered speech-to-speech and speech-to-text.

According to Meta in a blog post shared with TechCrunch, “Our single model offers on-demand translations that help people who speak different languages to communicate more effectively.” The source languages are implicitly recognised by SeamlessM4T without the requirement for a separate language identification mechanism. In some ways, SeamlessM4T is the spiritual heir to Universal Speech Translator, one of the only direct speechto-speech translation systems that support Hokkien, and Meta’s No Language Left Behind, a text-to-text machine translation paradigm.

Additionally, it expanded on Meta’s architecture for massively multilingual speech, which offers technology for speech synthesis, language identification, and recognition across more than 1,100 languages. Not just Meta is devoting efforts to the creation of cutting-edge AI transcription and translation systems.

As part of Google’s larger effort to develop a model that can comprehend the 1,000 most widely spoken languages in the

world, the tech giant is developing what it calls the Universal Speech Model, which goes beyond the wealth of commercial services and open-source models already offered by Amazon, Microsoft, OpenAI, and a number of startups.

In the meantime, Mozilla led the development of Common Voice, one of the most comprehensive collections of voices in multiple languages for teaching automatic speech recognition systems.

However, SeamlessM4T is one of the more daring attempts to date to integrate translation and transcription abilities into a single model.

According to Meta, SeamlessM4T

outperformed the most recent state-of-theart speech transcription model in voiceto-text tasks on an internal benchmark for background noise and “speaker variations” in speech-to-text tasks.

This is attributed to the training dataset’s rich blend of speech and text data, which according to Meta provides SeamlessM4T an advantage over speech-only and textonly models.

“With state-of-the-art results, we believe SeamlessM4T is an important breakthrough in the AI community’s quest towards creating universal multitask systems,” stated Meta in the blog post.

(IANS)

GOOGLE MAPS IS GETTING NEW AI-POWERED SEARCH UPDATES Google is introducing AI-powered upgrades to its Maps app.

The new features include immersive navigation, easier-to-follow driving directions, and better organized search results, The Verge reported.

make “more sustainable choices,” like riding transit or a bike. Google is also expanding its API offerings to developers, cities, and especially automotive companies, so they can tweak and improve Maps for the in-car navigation experience.

Google wants Maps to be more like Search: a place where people can obviously come get directions or find coffee shops and EV chargers but also enter vague queries like “fall foliage,” “latte art,” or “things to do in Tokyo” and get a whole bunch of actually useful hits. Google said it wants people to use Maps to discover new places or experiences, all while under the auspices of its all-powerful algorithm.

One of the ways Google is using AI to make Maps more like Search is to analyze “billions” of user-uploaded photos to help people find random items, like coffee shops that offer lattes with panda faces, said Miriam Daniel, Google Maps team leader. People can type specific questions into Maps, much in the way they do with Search, and get a list of results for nearby businesses or locations that match the query based on a real-time analysis of user photos. (ANI)

Chris Phillips, Vice President and

General Manager of Geo at Google, stated that AI has “supercharged the way we map” and is crucial in assisting users with navigation and making vital choices.

The future of Google Maps, according to Phillips, is a product that’s more “visual and immersive” but also one that helps you

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30

RELATIONSHIPS

G’DAY INDIA | FEB 2024

7 RELATIONSHIP RED FLAGS

Red flags in a relationship signal behaviors, attitudes or dynamics that indicate unhealthy, abusive or incompatible patterns - warning signs that something is amiss no matter how attracted you feel. They suggest an unwise match even early on. Examples include controlling tendencies, unreliability, extreme moodiness, disrespect, excessive jealousy, manipulative behavior, anger issues, dishonesty, lack of empathy, addiction issues, rigid expectations of gender roles. They contrast green flags which indicate nurturing behaviour that bode well for a caring, mutually supportive partnership. As shared by Dr. Chandni Tugnait, a Psychotherapist, Life & Business Coach, & Founder-Director of Gateway of Healing, here are 7 red flags to look out for in a relationship.

Quick Involvement: While you may think your new relationship is great, don’t hurry through critical milestones. This may indicate impulsivity if your partner encourages you to move in, get engaged, or meet their family within the first few weeks. Impulsive people frequently struggle

with commitment later in life. Take the time to understand someone properly before making any long-term commitments.

Peter Pan Syndrome: This manifests when someone refuses to grow up or take responsibility. A relationship should be a dynamic journey of growth for both people involved. A red flag appears when only one partner is committed to growth and selfimprovement while the other remains stagnant and unchanging. This imbalance can cause misalignment in perspectives, values, and life goals, resulting in a chasm that grows increasingly difficult to overcome over time.

Avoidance of Vulnerability: Vulnerability is the foundation of strong emotional connections. If one or both partners regularly avoid revealing vulnerability, preferring to keep feelings under wraps and maintaining a constant mask of indifference or strength, intimacy and trust will not develop. Such avoidance may indicate underlying concerns of rejection or a deeply held belief that one’s genuine self is unworthy

of being seen or loved.

Controlling or Demanding Behavior: This could include things like telling you how to dress or act, wanting constant check-ins, isolating you from friends/family, insisting all time be spent together or making all the decisions.

A controlling partner undermines personal autonomy and growth. Reconsider anyone who doesn’t respect your independence.

Manipulation and Lies: Gaslighting, pathological lying, guilt trips and similar manipulation erodes self-confidence over time. Second guessing your perception of reality tears at mental wellbeing in harmful ways. Though we all make mistakes, repeated dishonesty destroys relationship foundations.

The Illusion of Perfection: While it is natural to admire one’s mate, seeing them through the lens of constant perfection is a warning sign. Idolizing a spouse to the point where their imperfections are fully overlooked or dismissed can indicate a fear of facing reality in the relationship. This illusion of perfection hampers genuine connection by placing an unrealistic expectation on the partner to embody an ideal rather than being appreciated for who they truly are.

Different Core Values: Relationships based on shared basic values are more likely to last. If you see significant disparities in your worldviews early on regarding finances, family planning, spirituality, or lifestyle goals, this indicates long-term incompatibility. Do not disregard gaps in the hopes that someone will change. Even after marriage, core values and beliefs tend to remain steady.

(IANSlife)

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LIFESTYLE

G’DAY INDIA | FEB 2024

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95% OF INDIAN PARENTS CONCERNED ABOUT CHILD’S SCREEN ADDICTION In today’s digital age, parenting presents an unprecedented set of challenges. With children growing up in a world saturated with online content, the line between constructive engagement and harmful addiction has become increasingly blurred. Baatu Tech, the pioneer in Smart Parenting Solutions in India, announced the results of a recent survey that shed light on the alarming concerns of Indian parents regarding screen addiction, gaming, and adult content consumption among children. The survey conducted among 3000 participants revealed that an overwhelming 95% of Indian parents are deeply concerned about screen addiction, while 80 percent and 70 percent expressed worries regarding gaming addiction and adult content consumption, respectively.

Numerous research from the past have indicated that excessive screen time can negatively impact children’s physical and mental health, hinder cognitive development, and impede social interactions. One area of particular concern is the rising trend of gaming addiction among children. According to a study published in the Journal of Behavioral Addictions, approximately 3-4% of children worldwide experience problematic gaming behaviours. This addiction can lead to a variety of detrimental effects, such as poor academic performance, disrupted sleep patterns, and decreased physical activity. Moreover, prolonged exposure to

violent or aggressive game content has been linked to increased aggression and desensitization to real-life violence.

Parents and educators must be aware of the signs of gaming addiction and take proactive measures to ensure a healthy balance between gaming and other activities in children’s lives. By promoting alternative forms of engagement and setting clear boundaries, we can help children develop a well-rounded approach to technology and prevent the negative consequences of excessive gaming.

“Baatu Tech understands the concerns of Indian parents and is committed to addressing the pressing issue of screen addiction and inappropriate content consumption among children,” said Sandeep Kumar, Founder and Managing Director of Baatu Tech. “We believe that parenting in the digital age requires constant vigilance, open and honest communication, and a well-informed approach. Our Smart Parenting Solutions empower parents to foster digital literacy while safeguarding their children’s wellbeing.”

(IANSlife)

SOCIAL MEDIA USE TRIGGERS STRESS, UNHAPPINESS AMONG MATERIALISTIC USERS The use of social media is associated with risks, especially for people with a highly materialistic mindset, as scrolling down content posted by others can increase stress and unhappiness in such users, say researchers. At the same time, the social media platforms attract materialists anyway, as they are a perfect way to satisfy many materialistic needs, according to the study published in the journal Telematics and Informatics Reports.

The researchers headed by Dr Phillip Ozimek from the Faculty of Psychology at Ruhr University Bochum, Germany, recruited 1,230 people for the study. In order to participate, respondents had to use at least one social media channel at least once a week. On average, the participants stated that they spent just over two hours a day on social media.

The research team used six different

This comparison is very easy to make on social media, primarily through passive use — by looking at the content posted by other users. Materialism and passive use were also linked to addictive use of social media.

questionnaires to determine the extent to which the participants had a materialistic attitude and tended to compare themselves with others, whether they used social media more actively or passively, whether they were addicted to social media, how stressed and how satisfied they were with their lives. “The data showed that a stronger materialistic approach goes hand in hand with a tendency to compare oneself with others,” said Ozimek.

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“By this we mean, for example, that users are constantly thinking about the respective channels and fear that they are missing out on something if they are not online,” Ozimek added. This, in turn, leads to symptoms of poorer mental health — stress. The final link in the chain is reduced life satisfaction. “Social media is one of six stepping stones to unhappiness,” Ozimek noted.

It’s definitely a good idea to be aware of the amount of time you spend on social media and to reduce it, the authors noted.

(ANI)

32

HEALTH

G’DAY INDIA | FEB 2024

DID YOU KNOW EXERCISE CAN BOOST BRAIN HEALTH?

A group of clinical researchers from the Brain Health Center at Providence Saint John’s Health Center at Pacific Neuroscience Institute participated in an international study that found an intriguing correlation between regular exercise and improved brain health.

Cyrus A. Raji, M.D., the lead researcher, explains the findings in simple terms: “Our research supports earlier studies that show being physically active is good for your brain. Exercise not only lowers the risk of dementia but also helps in maintaining brain size, which is crucial as we age.”

Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease published a study detailing the research, “Exercise-Related Physical Activity Relates to Brain Volumes in 10,125 Individuals,” which demonstrates that physical activity is associated with larger brain regions crucial for memory and learning.

David Merrill, M.D., study co-author and director of the PBHC noted, “We found that even moderate levels of physical activity, such as taking fewer than 4,000 steps a day, can have a positive effect on brain health. This is much less than the oftensuggested 10,000 steps, making it a more achievable goal for many people.”

Study co-authorSomayeh Meysami, M.D., assistant professor of neurosciences at Saint John’s Cancer Institute and the Pacific Brain Health Center noted, “Our research links regular physical activity to larger brain volumes, suggesting neuroprotective benefits. This large sample study furthers our understanding of lifestyle factors in brain health and dementia prevention.”

The study looked at MRI brain scans from 10,125 people done at Prenuvo imaging centers, a key collaborator in the research.

It found those who regularly engaged in physical activities such as walking, running or sports had larger brain volumes in key areas.

This includes the gray matter, which helps with processing information, and the white matter, which connects different brain regions, as well as the hippocampus, important for memory.

A Lancet Study in 2020 found about a dozen modifiable risk factors increase risk for Alzheimer’s disease, including physical activity.

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This work builds upon previous work by this group, linking caloric burn from leisure activities to improved brain structure.

“This study demonstrates the influence of exercise on brain health imaging and when added to other studies on the role of diet, stress reduction and social connection offer the proven benefits of drug-free modifiable factors in substantially reducing Alzheimer’s disease,” said George Perry, Editor-in-Chief of Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease.

“With comprehensive imaging scans, our study underscores the interconnected synergy between the body and the brain. It echoes the knowledge of past generations, showcasing that increased physical activity is a predictor of a healthier aging brain,” said Dr. Attariwala, senior author of this paper.

This research highlights an easy way to keep our brains healthy: stay active!

Whether it’s a daily walk or a favorite sport, regular physical activity can have lasting benefits for our brain health.

(ANI)

G’DAY INDIA | FEB 2024

ENGAGING IN MUSIC LINKED TO BETTER BRAIN HEALTH IN OLDER AGE

Researchers have discovered that engaging in music throughout your life is linked with better brain health in older adults, a new study has said.

In the study published in the journal International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, the researchers examined data from over a thousand adults above 40 to see the effect of playing a musical instrument -or singing in a choir -- on brain health.

More than 25,000 people have signed up for the study called ‘PROTECT’, which has been running for 10 years.

The findings revealed that playing a musical instrument, such as the piano, can improve memory and executive function -- a skill that helps you solve complex problems.

Continuing to play into later life provides ev en greater benefits. The study also suggested that singing was also connected to better brain health, although this may also be due to the social factors of being part of a choir or group.

“Our PROTECT study has

given us a unique opportunity to explore the relationship between cognitive performance and music in a large cohort of older adults. Overall, we think that being musical could be a way of harnessing the brain’s agility and resilience, known as cognitive reserve,” said Anne Corbett, Professor of Dementia Research at the UK-based University of Exeter.

“Although more research is needed to investigate this relationship, our findings indicate that promoting musical education would be a valuable part of public health initiatives to promote a protective lifestyle for brain health, as would encouraging older adults to return to music in later life,” she added.

In addition, Corbett noted that music group activities are proven to be beneficial for individuals with dementia, and this approach can be incorporated into a healthy ageing package for older adults to help them proactively reduce their risk and promote their brain health.

(IANS)

Health tip:

33

Feeling stressed at work? Put some diffused lavender oil in a ceramic candle warmer and let the aromas lower your anxiety levels

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

T

he 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

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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.

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

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HEALTH

G’DAY INDIA | FEB 2024

Women who take diets rich in plant protein likely to stay healthy as they age Women who consume higher amounts of protein, particularly from plant-based sources, are less likely to develop chronic diseases and more likely to maintain good health as they age, a new study has said.

improved physical function that we normally associate with eating protein,” said Korat.

Animal protein was modestly associated with fewer physical limitations in older age, but plant protein had a stronger, more consistent correlation across all observed models, and was more closely linked with sound mental health later in life. Higher consumption of plant protein has been associated with lower levels of LDL cholesterol (also known as “bad” cholesterol), blood pressure, and improved insulin sensitivity in relation to heart disease.

In the study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the researchers analysed self-reported data from over 48,000 women and noted less heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, and cognitive and mental health decline, in those who included more protein in their diets from sources such as fruits, vegetables, bread, beans, legumes, and pasta, compared to those who ate less.

“Consuming protein in midlife was linked to promoting good health in older adulthood,” said Andres Ardisson Korat, a scientist at the US-based Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging (HNRCA) and lead author of the study.

“We also found that the source of protein matters. Getting the majority of your protein from plant sources at midlife, plus a small amount of animal protein seems to be conducive to good health and good survival to

older ages,” he added.

Moreover, the researchers noted that those who consumed more animal protein such as beef, chicken, milk, fish/seafood, and cheese were 6 per cent less likely to stay healthy as they aged.

“Those who consumed greater amounts of animal protein tended to have more chronic disease and didn’t manage to obtain the

On the other hand, a higher intake of animal protein has been linked to higher levels of LDL cholesterol and increased insulin-like growth factor, which has been identified as a potential factor in multiple cancers, the study mentioned.

“Dietary protein intake, especially plant protein, in midlife, plays an important role in the promotion of healthy ageing and in maintaining positive health status at older ages,” Korat said.

(IANS)

Just 30-min walk can improve blood pressure in women with arthritis A 30-minute walk at moderate intensity temporarily reduced blood pressure in women with rheumatoid arthritis, not only at rest but also under stress, according to a study.

the treadmill for 30 minutes without performing any exercise. Both groups had their blood pressure measured before and after the session.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune inflammatory disease affecting synovial joints and causing pain, swelling, and progressive physical incapacity. People with rheumatoid arthritis also tend to have high blood pressure, and previous research has shown that the risk of death from cardiovascular disease is 50 per cent higher for them than for the general population.

After exercise or rest, they took tests involving stress (a cognitive stress test and a pain tolerance test) that could affect their blood pressure. (IANS) Systolic blood pressure remained stable in all 20 women before and immediately after the treadmill session but was higher in the measurements made while they were resting.

BP is also known to rise in rheumatoid arthritis patients in response to mental stress, physical effort, and pain, contributing to the high risk of cardiovascular complications of the disease.

“The temporary effect of just one aerobic from coronary arterial disease, and a 7 per cent exercise session is very important since lower risk of all-cause death for people with acute reductions in blood pressure on several hypertension,” Pecanha explained. consecutive days are expected to accumulate and lead to a sustained reduction over time, In the study, published in the Journal of contributing to better control of hypertension in Human Hypertension, the team analysed 20 The study “shows that exercise prevented rheumatoid arthritis,” Pecanha said. women volunteers aged between 20 and 65 a rise in blood pressure,” among women with and diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, said Tiago Pecanha, a On the day of the 30-minute walk, systolic hypertension. researcher at University of Sao Paulo’s (USP) pressure fell by 1 mmHg on average. On the Medical School (FM-USP) in Brazil. day when they remained at rest, it rose by 4 The women were first involved in a premmHg. intervention measurement of blood pressure In a 24-hour monitoring test, the team showed that exercise lowered systolic pressure and heart rate at rest and in response to Pecanha said that the findings can also different types of stress. by 5 mmHg on average. be applied to other autoimmune inflammatory diseases, such as lupus, psoriatic arthritis, In the second session, a randomly selected inflammatory myopia, and juvenile lupus.

“This amount of reduction is significant, correlating with a 14 per cent lower risk of death group walked at moderate speed on a treadmill for 30 minutes, while a control group stood on from stroke, a 9 per cent lower risk of death (IANS)

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G’DAY INDIA | FEB 2024

35

Kiwifruit may help improve your mental health in just 4 days Feeling low and depressed? Eating furry fruits like Kiwi can improve your vitality and mood in as little as four days, claims a study.

flourishing from day 14. Vitamin C, on the other hand, marginally improved mood until day 12.

Understanding the nuances of when and how these effects occur day-to-day contributes to our knowledge of the potential benefits of vitamin C-rich foods and supplements on mental health,” said lead author Dr Ben Fletcher, from the varsity.

The findings provide a tangible and accessible way for people to support their mental well-being, said co-author Professor Tamlin Conner, of the Department of Psychology from the University of Otago in New Zealand.

“This helps us see that what we eat can have a relatively fast impact on how we feel.

“It’s great for people to know that small changes in their diet, like adding kiwifruit, could make a difference in how they feel every day.”

Vitamin C intake has been associated with improved mood, vitality, well-being, and lower depression, while vitamin C deficiency is associated with higher depression and cognitive impairment.

However, Conner said limited research has assessed how quickly mood improvements occur after introducing vitamin C supplements or whole food sources.

The researchers aimed to fill that gap with an 8-week dietary intervention of 155 adults

with low vitamin C. Participants took daily either a vitamin C supplement, placebo, or two kiwifruit. They then reported their vitality, mood, flourishing, sleep quality, sleep quantity, and physical activity using smartphone surveys.

The results, published in The British Journal of Nutrition, found kiwifruit supplementation improved vitality and mood within four days, peaking around 14-16 days, and improved

“Our participants had relatively good mental health to begin with so had little room for improvement, but still reported the benefits of kiwifruit or vitamin C interventions,” he said.

He added that, while vitamin C tablets showed some improvements, the study underscores the potential synergistic effects of consuming whole foods like kiwifruit.

“We encourage a holistic approach to nutrition and well-being, incorporating various nutrient-rich foods into your diet.”

(IANS)

Tomato juice has antibacterial properties that can kill salmonella

Tomato juice helps destroy Salmonella Typhi and other bacteria that can affect digestive and urinary tract health, according to a study published in Microbiology Spectrum, an American Society for Microbiology magazine.

Salmonella Typhi is a lethal human organism that causes typhoid fever.

“Our main goal in this study was to find out if tomato and tomato juice can kill enteric pathogens, including Salmonella Typhi, and if so, what qualities they have that make them work,” said principal study investigator Jeongmin Song, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Cornell University. First, the researchers, in laboratory experiments, checked to see if tomato juice does kill Salmonella Typhi. Once they ascertained it did, the team looked at the tomato’s genome to find the antimicrobial peptides that were involved.

Antimicrobial peptides are very small proteins that impair the bacterial membrane and keep them as intact organisms. The researchers chose 4 possible antimicrobial peptides and tested how well they worked against Salmonella Typhi. This helped them find 2 antimicrobial peptides effective against Salmonella Typhi.

The research team conducted more tests

on Salmonella Typhi variants that appear in places where the disease is common. They also did a computer study to learn more about how the antibacterial peptides kill Salmonella Typhi and other enteric pathogens. Lastly, they looked at how well tomato juice worked against other enteric pathogens that can hurt people’s digestive and urinary tract health.

peptides can eliminate these pathogens by impairing the bacterial membrane, a protective layer that surrounds the pathogen.

“Our research shows that tomato and tomato juice can get rid of enteric bacteria like Salmonella,” Song said. The researchers said they hope that when the general public, particularly children and teenagers, learns The most significant discovery is that tomato about the outcome of the study, they will want juice is effective in eliminating Salmonella to eat and drink more tomatoes as well as other Typhi, its hypervirulent variants, and other fruits and vegetables because they provide bacteria that can harm people’s digestive and natural antibacterial benefits to consumers. urinary tract health. In particular, 2 antimicrobial

(ANI)

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G’DAY INDIA | FEB 2024

36

DO YOUR WORK; IF IT DESERVES MERIT, IT SHALL GET IT: AMITABH BACHCHAN Megastar Amitabh Bachchan said that he never paid attention to conversations revolving around how his films do. He insisted that one does their work, and the rest shall take care of itself.

Big B took to his blog, where he wrote about 1988 film ‘Shahenshah’, which had a “historic advance booking.”

He wrote: “Shahenshah! the film had historic advance booking which has not

been repeated in Hindi film history all cinemas were sold out by February 1, 1988- two weeks before the film’s release !! never before! never again!! Courtesy: Ef Saikarun and his trend mark #MoDD™” The cine icon said that he never had this information.

“Goodness this information is heartening to read, must confess I never knew about it and quite honestly had never paid attention to such conversation,” he said.

He then shared some wisdom about how focusing on work matters and the rest follows.

“Do your work and that’s it the rest shall take care of itself, if it deserves merit, it shall get it if it does not nothing in the world shall be around it to justify the effect Love and more later,” he wrote.

On the work front, Big B will next be seen ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ along with Prabhas, Kamal Haasan and Deepika Padukone.

(ANI)

ANIL KAPOOR OPENS UP ON ‘BIG FIGHT’ IN PAST 45 YEARS OF WORKING IN CINEMA Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor, who is awaiting the release of his upcoming action film ‘Fighter’, is a fighter for all seasons, rather for all decades in the past 45 years of him being in the business of cinema.

The actor recently interacted with the media ahead of the release of the film, and shared what all it takes to be a successful actor despite facing stiff competition.

The actor said, “After spending more than 45 years in this business”, as his director Siddharth Anand prompted, “Hindi, in Hindi”. The senior actor continued, “To be relevant, to sit here with Sid, Deepika, Hrithik, and to work with them, bada mushkil hota hai. I have to work harder every year.”

He further mentioned, “I have to constantly change the gears so that the youngsters in the audience, the actors, the technicians, the press (consider my work good).

I’m excited and I’m enjoying working, and they are also enjoying working with me, speaking with me, asking me questions, and the audience is excited to see me on screen. To do that again and again for more than four decades is a big fight.”

Anil made his debut in 1971 with ‘Tu Payal Mein Geet’ in which he played the younger version of the late actor Shashi Kapoor. The film was however unreleased. He then graced the silver screen with ‘Hamare Tumhare’ in which he played a supporting role.

(IANS)

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G’DAY INDIA | FEB 2024

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‘PATHAAN’ MADE US AS AN INDUSTRY BOUNCE BACK: JOHN ABRAHAM As the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer ‘Pathaan’ clocks one year since its release in Hindi cinema, actor John Abraham, who got immense love for portraying an anti-hero in the movie, said it will always stand as a film that brought a lot of respect and glory back to the industry. Directed by Siddharth Anand, ‘Pathaan’, was the first Hindi film to register a Rs 500 crore box office in 2023.

On the first release anniversary of ‘Pathaan’, John said: “Pathaan’s anniversary will always be nostalgic for me personally and also for the Hindi film industry because this was the film that made us as an industry bounce back.”

He added: “ ‘Pathaan’ will always stand as a film that brought a lot of respect and glory back to the industry. It changed perception, emotion and the forward journey of the Hindi film industry. Just see how the film industry bounced back with ‘Pathaan’ to deliver its biggest year ever in cinema!”

John shared that will always have extremely fond memories of ‘Pathaan’ for

this reason because he says, “this industry is my home”.

“The amount of love I have got for ‘Pathaan’ is incredible. Playing an antihero and winning hearts is a very special feeling.”

John hopes Aditya Chopra is plotting his

next move to develop his character from ‘Pathaan’, Jim, to make him an integral part of the fabled YRF Spy Universe that has only delivered hits! He says, “I hope I continue to be a part of this YRF Spy Universe and enthral you all with my craft and passion towards cinema.”

(IANS)

KARTIK AARYAN TASTES SUGAR AFTER A YEAR AS HE WRAPS UP ‘CHANDU CHAMPION’ Bollywood star Kartik Aaryan, who was last seen in the film ‘Satyaprem Ki Katha’, finally got to taste the sugar after a year as he wrapped up the shooting of his upcoming film ‘Chandu Champion’.

The actor took to his Instagram recently and shared a video from the wrap up of the film. The video shows director Kabir Khan feeding Kartik a Rasmalai to mark the end of the journey on a sweet note. For ‘Chandu Champion’, the actor underwent a physical transformation to star in the real-life story of a sportsman.

Kartik, who seemed surprised by the gesture at first, proceeded to eat the sweet and give his director a hug. The rest of the crew was seen cheering and smiling at the sweet moment, one person even spoke about Kartik getting a sugar rush since he consumed sugar after a year.

The actor penned a note in the caption: “This RasMalai Tasted Like Victory! Finally eating sugar after a year!! After more than a year of

intense preparation and 8 months of day-n-night shoots across the globe, today we complete the shooting journey of #ChanduChampion. And it couldn’t have been sweeter than my fav, Rasmalai - from the Man himself who carved this challenging path for me… you have been a profound inspiration Sir! @kabirkhankk.”

‘Chandu Champion’ is based on a

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true story of a sportsperson. The film went on floors with its mahurat shot in London in the presence of Sajid and Warda Nadiadwala along with Kabir Khan and Kartik Aaryan present at the location with, a special guest of honor Minister of Culture, Media and Sports of the UK, honourable Stuart Andrew.

(IANS)

G’DAY INDIA | FEB 2024

38

MRUNAL THAKUR PARINEETI CHOPRA SHARES HER SECRET INGREDIENT TO ‘FOCUS’ STARTS HER MUSICAL JOURNEY

Actress Parineeti Chopra has embarked on a whole new chapter as she announced her singing debut, saying that this journey gives her the opportunity to have two careers at once.

Taking to social media, Parineeti shared a video wherein she has shared clips of behind the scenes of her singing in a studio.

The video ends with the ‘Ishaqzaade’ fame crooning ‘Maana Ke Ham Yaar Nahi’. This song, sung by Parineeti is from the 2017 romantic movie ‘Meri Pyaari Bindu’, starring her alongside Ayushmann Khurrana.

Sharing the video, the actress known for her work in ‘Hasee Toh Phasee’ penned a heartfelt note, sharing how music has always been her happy place.

The post read: “Music, to me, has always been my happy place. I’ve watched countless musicians all over the world performing on the stage and now it’s finally my time to be a part of that world. I feel so lucky, blessed and stressed about starting off a whole new chapter in my life and I honestly can’t describe how excited I am to embark on this musical journey.”

“A journey that gives me the opportunity to have two careers at

once! How fun (and chaotic) So here’s to embracing the unknown and facing all my fears and kicking off my singing debut! I’m joining hands with the best@ entertainmentconsultant and we’ve got some amazing things in store for you all this year,” she shared.

Parineeti added: “I hope you’re as excited for this as I am! [ New Announcement, Singers Live, Performance].”

She has earlier sung the female version of the patriotic song ‘Teri Mitti’, which is written by Manoj Muntashir and composed

by Arko. It featured in 2019 war movie ‘Kesari’, starring Akshay Kumar and herself.

Actress Mrunal Thakur says her secret ingredient to focus on things is coffee, going by a post she shared on social media.

Mrunal took to Instagram, where she shared a string of pictures from a photoshoot. In the images, she looks into the camera lens as she gets clicked.

Another picture shows the actress dressed in an all-black outfit. She completed her look with smokey eyes and nude lips.

“Hocus Pocus… I need coffee to focus,” she wrote as the caption for the image.

The 35-year-old actress also has the unplugged track ‘Matlabi Yariyan’ in her discography. This song is from the mystery thriller film ‘The Girl on the Train’. It stars Parineeti, Avinash Tiwary, and Aditi Rao Hydari.

Mrunal started her journey in acting with television where she starred in ‘Mujhse Kuchh Kehti...Yeh Khamoshiyaan’. She then gained the spotlight for her impeccable work in ‘Kumkum Bhagya’.

The actress, who married AAP MP Raghav Chadha in September 2023, also sang her wedding song ‘O Piya’.

In 2018, she stepped into the world of cinema with ‘Love Sonia’. She then starred in ‘Super 30’, ‘Batla House’, ‘Sita Ramam’ and ‘Hi Nanna’.

Meanwhile, on the film front, she was last seen in ‘Mission Raniganj’. She next has ‘Amar Singh Chamkila’ in the pipeline.

The 31-year-old star will reportedly next be seen in ‘Family Star.’

(ANI)

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(ANI)

G’DAY INDIA | FEB 2024

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DOUBLE CELEBRATION! RANBIR KAPOOR, ALIA BHATT WIN BEST ACTOR AWARDS Time for double celebration!!! Actors and popular B-town couple Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt won the Best Actor award at the 69th Filmfare Awards., Ranbir bagged the Best Actor in a Leading Role (Male) for his performance in the action thriller film ‘Animal’.

Alia, on the other hand, bagged the Best Actor in a Leading Role (Female) for her performance in the romantic drama film ‘Rocky aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’. The couple was seen posing with their black ladies on the stage.

Talking about ‘Animal’, The film was nominated in 19 categories tonight including Best Film, Best Director and Best Actor categories.

Helmed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga ‘Animal’ was one of the biggest blockbusters of 2023.

However, it was also criticized for its alleged depiction of misogyny.

The film starred Ranbir Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna, Anil Kapoor, and Bobby Deol in the lead roles. The film left many fans excited as it had a post-credits scene, teasing a sequel titled ‘Animal Park’, in which Ranbir would potentially have a double role.

Rannvijay Singh, who goes on to exact revenge after there’s an assassination attempt on his father. The film raked in over Rs 800 crore at the box office. Talking about ‘Rocky aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’, the film was helmed

by Karan Johar and also starred Ranveer Singh, Dharmendra, Shabana Azmi and Jaya Bachchan in the lead roles.

‘Animal’ revolves around a troubled fatherson relationship and has Ranbir in the role of

The film revolves around Rocky Randhawa (Ranveer), a Punjabi businessman, and Rani

Chatterjee (Alia Bhatt), a Bengali journalist, who fall in love despite their differences and family objections. They decide to live with each other’s families for three months before getting married.

Alia and Ranbir will be next seen sharing the screen space in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Love & War’.

(IANS)

CINEMA SHOULD SHOW THINGS THAT ARE NOT POSSIBLE IN REAL LIFE: SHAHID KAPOOR Bollywood actor Shahid Kapoor, who is gearing up for his upcoming film ‘Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya’, has said that cinema should present stories that people in real life might not experience.

The actor said that the subject of his film might be something that hasn’t yet happened in real life but that, he confidently said, will connect with the audience.

‘Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya’, which also stars Kriti Sanon, follows the story of a computer engineer, played by Shahid, who falls in love with a humanoid robot, played by Kriti.

Shahid said, “When ‘Mr. India’ was released, nobody in the audience thought of something like that but it did well, it’s one of our iconic films. We didn’t ask the makers that ‘this is not possible in real life, so we should not attempt telling a story like this’. One of the earlier blockbusters of Arnold Schwarzenegger is ‘Terminator’, the audience connected with it and that’s how it became a franchise. He also played a futuristic robot in the film.”

He further mentioned, “There are many films like that in Indian cinema as well, the best example is the Rajinikanth-starrer ‘Robot’. I feel, in cinema we should show those things that are not possible in real

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life. The audience only cares if a film is well-made, if it is the audience does show its love for the film.”

(IANS)

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FOOD

bon appétit

G’DAY INDIA | FEB 2024

Did you know:

A serving of beans, rich in protein, will make you full, restrict blood sugar and stave off hunger

Futuristic innovations changing the whisky market in 2024

Just like any other industry, the whisky market is being impacted on a large scale by the prominence of future-looking trends that are set to change the course of the industry.

Right from developments in manufacturing to the advertising of the spirit, there are numerous ways in which distillers and alcohol manufacturers are looking to elevate the whisky drinking experience. With the surge in the use of AI along with innovations in this space, 2024 is set to be a brilliant year for developments in the whisky industry. Poonam Chandel, Managing Director, of NeuWorld Spirits, outlines futuristic innovations that are set to change the overall whisky experience.

Quantum Cask Maturation Say goodbye to the traditional barrel aging process! Quantum cask maturation is poised to revolutionize the way whisky ages. Using quantum principles, distillers can precisely control the interaction between spirit and wood, allowing for accelerated aging without compromising on flavour complexity. This innovation promises a shortcut to premium, well-aged whiskies in a fraction of the time, and is set to facilitate the increase of whisky production in 2024.

Augmented Reality Tasting 2024 is the year where whisky enthusiasts

can step into the future – all thanks to augmented reality (AR) tasting experiences.

Imagine savouring a dram while virtually touring the distillery, learning about the intricate details of production, and exploring the whisky's origin—all from the comfort of your own home. AR is set to redefine the art of whisky appreciation, making each sip a multisensory journey.

Robotic Distillery Assistants Enter the age of robotic distillery assistants. These high-tech marvels are designed to handle repetitive tasks with unparalleled precision, allowing master distillers to focus on creativity and quality, while automating a large portion of the manufacturing processes. From ingredient measurement to temperature control, these robots can ensure consistency in production, promising a new standard of excellence in every bottle.

Sustainable Water Purification Sustainability is a key focus for industries across the world and is now set to take centre stage as the whisky industry embraces advanced water purification technologies.

Innovative filtration systems not only ensure the purity of the water used in the production process but also contribute to minimizing

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environmental impact. As consumers become increasingly eco-conscious, sustainable practices are set to become a cornerstone of whisky production.

AI-Enhanced Personalization: Crafting Tailored Whisky Experiences In 2024, we can expect Artificial Intelligence (AI) to step into the spotlight, ushering in a new era of personalization.

From recommending the perfect blend based on individual preferences to predicting trends in consumer tastes, AI is set to enhance the whisky experience by tailoring offerings to the unique preferences of each enthusiast. As technology meets tradition, the marriage of AI and whisky promises a future where every sip is a customized delight.

The whisky industry is, without a doubt on the brink of a transformative era in 2024, with innovations like Quantum Cask Maturation, AR Tasting, Robotic Distillery Assistants, Sustainable Water Purification, and AI-Enhanced Personalization. These advancements promise a future where whisky production is accelerated, experiences are immersive, and sustainability and personalization are at the forefront. Cheers to the exciting evolution of whisky!

(IANSlife)

7 FUN FACTS ABOUT BREAD

G’DAY INDIA | FEB 2024

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that weighed a staggering 1,571 kilograms.

This great creation symbolized dedication and passion for baking, earning its place in history on Guinness World Records Day. It serves as a reminder that the sky – or, in this case, the oven – is the limit for bread.

Kinds of bread The world of bread is vast and diverse, boasting over 100 varieties. From the robust flavours of pumpernickel to the tangy notes of sourdough, each type tells a unique story rooted in tradition and regional influences.

Whether you’re savouring the earthiness of whole wheat or indulging in the cloud-like texture of white bread, the sheer variety is a testament to the versatility and adaptability of this ancient culinary wonder.

Breaking the bread Beyond its gastronomic appeal, bread holds symbolic significance as a universal sign of peace in many cultures. It’s a food shared across tables, connecting people from diverse backgrounds. The act of breaking bread together fosters a sense of camaraderie, transcending cultural and linguistic boundaries. In a world often divided, this shared custom reinforces the notion that, at its core, humanity is bound by everyday sustenance and a desire for harmony.

Bread, a simple yet remarkable creation, has been a faithful companion to humanity for millennia. Whether it’s the comforting aroma of a fresh loaf wafting through a kitchen or the crispy exterior of a well-baked baguette, bread has woven itself into the fabric of cultures worldwide.

From the bustling streets of Paris to the serene villages in India, bread transcends borders, offering diverse flavours and forms.

As we delve into bread, let’s uncover seven fun facts that may surprise even the most avid bread enthusiasts.

Bread is made up of baked dough At the heart of every loaf, roll, or baguette is a fundamental process – baking dough.

This seemingly straightforward practice is a

culmination of culinary artistry and science.

While the ingredients in dough can vary, the essentials include water and wheat flour. However, the magic happens when additional components like yeast and salt join the mix.

Most bread is leavened Most bread owes its airy texture to the process of leavening. This entails incorporating yeast or another rising agent into the dough. The tiny microorganisms in yeast consume sugars and release carbon dioxide, causing the dough to expand and rise. While leavened bread is the norm, exceptions like chapati, roti, and naan exist, showcasing the diverse ways in which cultures have embraced this culinary staple.

The biggest loaf of bread ever made Imagine a loaf of bread so colossal it holds a Guinness World Record. In 2008, Joaquim

Gonçalves in Brazil achieved this feat, baking a loaf

Bread as currency In the annals of history, bread was not just sustenance; it was once a form of currency.

In ancient Egypt, the importance of bread reached such heights that it served as a medium of exchange, akin to modern-day money. This intriguing fact emphasizes how vital bread is to daily existence, serving as a means of cash and representing stable economic conditions.

To treat infections Ancient Egyptians used mouldy bread The resourcefulness of ancient civilizations often surprises us, and the ancient Egyptians were no exception. In strikingly demonstrating their medical ingenuity, they used mouldy bread to treat infections. The mould produced chemicals that inhibited bacterial growth, showcasing an early understanding of the potential therapeutic properties within everyday ingredients. This historical nugget not only adds depth to the narrative of bread but also underscores the interconnectedness of culinary and medicinal practices in ancient cultures.

In gist, as we revel in the delightful aroma and taste of our favourite bread, let’s also appreciate the rich tapestry of stories, traditions, and innovations that have shaped this timeless culinary treasure. From the humble beginnings of dough to the grandeur of record-breaking loaves, bread continues to be more than just a staple – it’s a cultural touchstone that unites us all.

(IANSlife)

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DIET

G’DAY INDIA | FEB 2024

How much food do you actually need?

BY DEEVYA GUPTA

The answer is not always a set amount.

The Australian Dietary Guidelines provide us with a general quantity of serving sizes of each of the daily food groups to aim for. The number of suggested servings may differ for each individual depending on age, gender, specific medical conditions and dietary requirements (if any) as well as activity levels. In general the recommendations can be summarized below, which indicate having a higher intake (at least 5 serves of vegetables and salads) and a spread of grains (3-6 serves per day), which generally is required less over time and with less physical activity, along with consistent levels of dairy (2-4 serves per day), protein (23.5 serves per day) and fruits (Averaging 2 serves per day).

What is a serving of each food group?

1.2 Vegetables/salads/lentils: for Fibre, vitamins and minerals Approximately 75g or: • ½ cup cooked green or orange vegetables (for example, broccoli, spinach, carrots or pumpkin) • ½ cup cooked dried or canned beans, peas or lentils (preferably with no added salt) • 1 cup green leafy or raw salad vegetables • ½ cup sweet corn • ½ medium potato or other starchy vegetables (sweet potato, taro or cassava) • 1 medium tomato Fruits: For fibre and vitamins 150g (300g per day) or 2 serves of: • 1 medium apple, banana, orange or pear • 2 small apricots, kiwi fruits or plums

Or occasionally: • 125ml (½ cup) fruit juice (no added sugar) • 30g dried fruit (for example, 4 dried apricot halves, 1½ tablespoons of sultanas) Grains, breads, cereals, rice etc: For fibre, energy and vitamins 1 serve is: • 1 slice (40g) bread • ½ medium (40g) roll or flat bread or roti or chapati or dosa (large) • ½ cup (75-120g) cooked rice, pasta, noodles, barley, buckwheat, semolina, polenta, bulgur or quinoa • ½ cup (120g) cooked porridge • ²/³ cup (30g) wheat cereal flakes • ¼ cup (30g) muesli • 3 (35g) crispbreads • 1 (60g) crumpet • 1 small (35g) English muffin or scone *Grain (cereal) foods, mostly wholegrain and/or high cereal fibre varieties Proteins: Needed to help build and maintain muscle and good health for nails, hair and skin 1 serve is: • 1 cup (150g) cooked or canned

legumes/beans such as lentils, chickpeas or peas, daals etc • 170g tofu • 30g nuts, seeds, peanut or almond butter or tahini or other nut or seed paste (no added salt) • 65g cooked lean red meats (90-100g raw) • 80g cooked lean chicken (100g raw) • 100g cooked fish fillet (about 115g raw) or one small can of fish • 2 large (120g) eggs Dairy: Needed to help keep up with calcium requirements for strong bones and teeth 1 serve is: • 1 cup (250ml) fresh, long life, powdered milk or buttermilk • ½ cup (120ml) evaporated milk • 2 slices (40g) or 4 x 3 x 2cm cube (40g) of hard cheese, such as cheddar • ½ cup (120g) ricotta cheese • ¾ cup (200g) yoghurt • 1 cup (250ml) soy, rice or other cereal drink with at least 100mg of added calcium per 100ml *Choose mostly reduced fat If you do not eat any foods from this group, try the following foods: • 100g almonds with skin • 100g firm tofu (check the label as calcium levels vary) Serving suggestions as per the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating, 2013 guidelines (NHMRC) 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 any changes. Feel free to contact us if you require any specific Dietitian advice.

Deevya Gupta is an Accredited Practicing Dietitian in Melbourne | W: www.abcofnutrition.com.au

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RECIPE

G’DAY INDIA | FEB 2024

43

Masala Tuna Pasta

This dish is cooked in a similar way to the Mediterranean style but with a twist of Indian.

Serves 4

BY MANJIT SETHI

recipe Ingredients:

250 g pasta (cooked) 185 g tuna with chilli (can) 1 tbsp olive oil 1/2 tsp cumin seeds 2-3 garlic cloves crushed 1 med onion roughly chopped 1 carrot diced 1 small eggplant diced 1 zucchini diced

1 red (bell) pepper sliced 1 green (bell) pepper sliced 180 g mushrooms sliced 3 tomatoes sliced 4 tbsp tomato puree (pasta) 1 tsp chilli flakes 1 tsp curry powder salt and black pepper to taste

from the private collection

Method: Heat oil in frying pan (skillet) and cook the garlic, onion and chilli flakes and stir for about 2 mins.

Add the tuna,carrot,eggplant and sauté for 3 mins. Now add the zucchini, mushrooms and the peppers and cook 3-4 mins.

Blend in the tomatoes and puree.

season curry powder, salt and pepper.

Reduce the heat and cook about 8 mins, stirring occasionally.

Cook the pasta in salted water for 10 mins.

Drain well and add to the sauce.

Mix well and serve hot.

Garnish:

Cauliflowers will now come in shades of purple, yellow, green

The Chandra Shekhar Azad University for Agriculture & Technology in Kanpur has reported promising outcome in cultivating cauliflowers in vibrant shades of purple, yellow, and green.

These nutrient-rich cauliflowers, indigenous to Australia, could soon be

cultivated in Uttar Pradesh on a large scale.

According to experts, the favourable climate and soil conditions in Uttar Pradesh make it an ideal environment for growing these colourful cauliflowers.

Not only are they visually stunning,

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but they are also packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, offering a significant nutritional boost to their consumers.

The research is being spearheaded by the vegetable department of the university.

Farmers across the state can soon expect to receive seeds of these unique cauliflower varieties, enabling them to diversify their crops and enhance both, nutrition and economic opportunities.

Head of Department, Vegetables, Dr Ram Batuk Singh, said these varieties, known as Karotina and Valentina, exhibit striking colours, with Karotina being yellow and Valentina being purple.

Imported seeds from Australia underwent extensive trials on the university’s fields, tailored to suit the local climate and soil conditions.

The cultivation of these cauliflowers, without pesticides and chemicals, has shown significantly improved yields, proving to be suitable for farmers in Kanpur and across the state, he said.

(IANS)

44

ASTROLOGY

G’DAY INDIA | FEB 2024

By D. Narayan (Tantracharya) Mesha (Aries)

Vrishabh (Taurus)

Mithuna (Gemini)

M: 0425 660 220

Karkat (Cancer)

This month the gains from travel may be easy to come.

This month you would travel within the country and abroad.

Further, it is extremely likely that you would venture out, too far from home. Business or job related travel would generate the expected dividends. Similarly, travel for pleasure like a family holiday shall be too much fun.

This would be met by stiff resistance and could easily turn into an extremely unpleasant situation from which it might not be easy to extricate yourself.

Curb such tendencies firmly, failing which you would have only yourself to blame. For investment or new ventures, and any such plans should be shelved for the time being.

This month your normal self-confidence, whatever it be would desert you, and take away along with it the ability to take initiative.

Most of you would tend to become dispirited, and lack of opportunity would contribute to this state of mind. A congenial month, which promises, fairly undisturbed good health throughout. Any prolonged attack of cold is something you must thoroughly treat

This month the augury from the stars is quite favourable in so far as your professional attainments are concerned. Those engaged in the fine arts would find excellent opportunities for satisfying creative involvement in which they could go on to achieve a good deal.

Best days: 3, 12, 30 Lucky Colour: Red, Orange, Cream

Best days: 9, 18, 27 Lucky Colour: Green, Blue

Best days: 2, 7, 9 Lucky Colour: Red, White, Yellow

Best days: 9, 18 Lucky Colour: Red, Blue

Simha (Leo)

Kanya (Virgo)

Tula (Libra)

Vrishchik (Scorpio)

There are clear possibilities that some of you would be influenced by a mean streak that would goad you on to severely exploiting your juniors, workers or simply people below you in the social strata, for personal ends. Your efforts would be resisted quite firmly and you might find yourself in the middle of an extremely messy situation. Curb such tendencies, failing which you would have only yourself to blame.

Any litigation or dispute is almost certainly going to be decided against you this month.

The best you can hope to do is to try and see that the decision on any such matter is postponed to a later and more favourable period. Further, some of you would be influenced by a mean streak which would goad you to severely exploit your juniors, workers or simply people below you in the social strata for personal ends.

Best days: 5,3 Lucky Colour: White & Orange

Best days: 3, 12 Lucky Colour: Orange, Green

Dhanu (Sagittarius)

Makara (Capricorn)

There are clear chances that some of you would be influenced by a mean streak that would goad you on to severely exploiting some of your juniors, workers or just people below you in the social strata for personal ends. 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.

A month quite favourable as your financial prospects are concerned.

Writers, poets, social scientists, and others of their ilk can look forward to an extremely productive spell both financially as well as in terms of creative output. Many of you would also benefit a great deal through your association with some wise, learned people of spiritual stature.

Best days: 9, 18 Lucky Colour: Red, Blue

Best days: 1, 3, 4 Lucky Colour: Red, Orange

Kumbha (Aquarius)

Meen (Pisces)

There is a possibility that some of you under the influence of a mean streak would tend to severely exploit your juniors, workers, or even people below you in the social strata. This would land you in a truly messy situation from which you may not be able to easily extricate yourself, curb such tendencies firmly, failing which you would have only yourself to blame.

You would tend to quarrel with your superiors creating an impasse in your relations with them, which could well result in a serious loss to you. Take care, therefore, to prevent such an eventuality by taking whatever preventive measures you can think of. Speculation would also result in almost certain losses for some of you.

This month, your financial prospects are quite bright, since the stars appear to be in a obliging mood. You could be a stone’s throw from a sudden gain and not know it.

This month most of you would reap a rich harvest of sudden gains. Most of you would also be able to derive quick benefits from your pursuits.

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

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A very helpful, month in so far as your financial prospects are concerned.

Many of you would reap a rich harvest of sudden gains, that are likely to come your way. Others would gain from speculative activity, making handsome profits. Most of you would be able to derive quick, useful results from your efforts. Others among you would have a way of handling your juniors or subordinates that would enable you to derive optimum benefit from their services.

Best days: 2, 7, 9 Lucky Colour: Red, Yellow, White

Have a laug h

HAVE A LAUGH

Let's laugh away our stress with ants.

1. 5 ants + 5 ants = Tenants.

2. To bring ant from another country into your country = Important.

3. Ant that goes to school = Brilliant.

4. Ant that's looking for a job = Applicant.

5. A spy ant = Informant.

6. A very little ant = Infant.

7. Ant that has a gun = Militant 8. Ant that is fat = Abundant.

9. A proud ant = Arrogant 10. Ant that is cruel and oppressive = Tyrant 11. Ant that is friendly and lovely = Coolant 12. Ant that changed from evil to good deeds = Repentant 13. Ant that accumulated so much food in winter for summer = Abundant 14. Ant that doesn't need a change: Reluctant 15. An ant that keeps financial account = Accountant 16. Ant that occupies a flat = Occupant.

17. Very big ant = Giant 18. The best ant = Excellant 19. Big ant = Elephant 20. Ant that is important = Significant 21. A sarcastic Ant = Mordant 22. An extremely fast ant = Instant 23. Shouting Ant = Rant 24. An ant that keeping changing = Constant.

25. A dirty Ant = Pollutant 26. Any you don't like = Irritant 27. Ant that is a specialist = Consultant www.gdayindia.com.au | M: 0412-114-383

G’DAY INDIA | FEB 2024

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G’DAY INDIA | FEB 2024

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G’DAY INDIA | FEB 2024

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