G'Day India Jan 2023 Issue 189

PASSIONATE DANCERS

Shiba

Contributors: Anmol Anand, Debasree Das, Dileep Narayan, Dr Raj Kotharu, Gary Nair, Harpal Sandhu, Manjit Sethi, Narisa Dawar, Sanchita Abrol, Karthik Arasu, Abhi Narayan, Gurpal Singh, Monisha Iswaran, P. Harsora, Nandita Chakraborty, Archita Baweja, Barinderjeet Kaur, Gurpal Singh, Muktesh Chibber, Shivani Prabhu, Payel Ghosh

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Partnership Opens Door to Home Ownership for Thousands

MELBOURNE, Dec 29: Victorians looking to buy a home have been encouraged to consider a government-backed scheme that has helped thousands of people by drastically reducing the up-front purchase costs.

The Andrews Labor Government’s $1.6 billion Victorian Homebuyer Fund contributes up to 25 per cent of a home’s purchase price, reduces the required deposit to just five per cent and eliminates the need for buyers to pay costly premiums for lender’s mortgage insurance.

The fund contribution means that on average buyers backed by the scheme pay a deposit of $35,000 on a $630,000 property, while the fund contributes more than $155,000. The fund contribution on a home valued at the maximum $950,000 would be up to $237,500.

More than 2,500 Victorian families and individuals have taken possession of the keys to their new home since the fund was launched in October 2021, including Carnegie resident Vicki Stegink.

Ms Stegink realised her goal of owning her own home when she settled on a $641,000 apartment, paying a five per cent deposit and receiving a 25 per cent Victorian Homebuyer Fund equity contribution.

Because of the fund’s contribution, Ms Stegink did not pay lender’s mortgage insurance, saving about $20,000, and as a first home buyer she also

benefitted from a $24,000 stamp duty concession.

Separate to the Homebuyer Fund, the Labor Government provides grants and stamp duty rebates and concessions for tens of thousands of first-home buyers each year. In 2021, this support topped $1 billion.

More than half of the people who have purchased a home through the Fund are first-time home buyers.

The Government recently boosted the Homebuyer Fund by $1.1 billion, creating the capacity to support 10,000 people. Some 1,200 Victorians are currently looking for a home with pre-approval from the fund, which means there are thousands of positions still available.

Participants in the scheme can buy back the Government’s share in the property over time. Applicants can earn up to $128,000 or $204,000 as a couple, while the maximum purchase price is $950,000 in metropolitan Melbourne and Geelong, and $600,000 in other parts of regional Victoria.

To provide a greater level of support to the Indigenous community, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Victorians only require a 3.5 per cent deposit and are eligible for a 35 per cent shared equity contribution.

For more information on the fund, go to: sro.vic. gov.au/homebuyer

Free School Holiday Fun for Kids at Zoos Victoria

for the Giant Tortoise at Melbourne Zoo. The new habitat is nearly double the size with a new heated/filtered pool and more topography variation for better exercise and health.

Zoos Victoria also recently welcomed three new Asian elephant calves, female Aiyara, male Roi-Yim and another female who was born on New Year’s Day. The newest calf’s name will be decided by the public through online voting via Zoos Victoria’s social media channels.

Next year, the herd and its newest members will move to a new purpose-built 21-hectare habitat, built as part of the Labor Government’s $88 million expansion of Werribee Open Range Zoo.

Zoos Victoria has already welcomed more than 1 million visitors this financial year, providing opportunities to connect with nature and learn about more than 6,000 animals that live at the four zoos, as well as important conservation work outside the zoo.

MELBOURNE, Jan 5: A free visit to the zoo is a must do for Victorian families this school holidays, with new opportunities to learn and enjoy the wildlife and experiences Zoos Victoria has to offer, including newborn Asian elephants. The Andrews Labor Government is making sure no child misses out on a visit to the zoo

with

There is always something new to see on a zoo visit, including the new-look habitat

With Kyabram Fauna Park in northern Victoria joining Zoos Victoria last year, there is more to get out and explore different parts of our state are. There is also Healesville Sanctuary where you can experience Australian wildlife and Werribee Open Range Zoo’s safari, where you can see roaming rhino, zebras and giraffes.

To book ahead or find out what’s on at Melbourne Zoo, visit zoo.org.au/melbourne/ whats-on/events/summer-school-holidays/.

free entry to Melbourne Zoo, Werribee Open Range Zoo, Healesville Sanctuary and Kyabram Fauna Park. The Kids Go Free program operates on school holidays, weekends and Victorian public holidays.

Victoria Leads Nation on Sick Pay for Casual Workers

MELBOURNE, Jan 5: More than 55,000 Victorian casual and contract workers have signed up to the Andrews Labor Government’s Sick Pay Guarantee – so they can stay at home when they are sick or need to care for a loved one.

Minister for Employment Ben Carroll today announced the Australian-first program has so far supported more than 80,000 claims from Victorian workers.

Casual and contract workers without sick leave entitlements can access up to 38 hours of sick and carer's pay each year, paid at the national minimum wage.

Retail and sales assistants, hospitality workers and aged and disability care workers currently make up the highest percentage of workers registered for the program.

Casual and contract supermarket and supply chain workers, cleaners, laundry workers, security guards, food trades workers, cooks, bakers, fast food workers and kitchen hands are also eligible for the program.

The Labor Government’s $245.7 million Sick Pay Guarantee is a two-year pilot program aiming to reduce workplace illnesses and injuries and keep businesses safer and

more productive.

The pandemic showed us just how many casual and contract workers have been forced to choose between a day’s pay or their health. Around one in five casual and contract workers work more than one job to earn a living – many without any access to sick and carer’s pay.

The program is delivering sick pay to workers in industries with the highest rates of casual and contract workers whose work hours are often unpredictable and low-paid,

and where people facing disadvantage are overrepresented, including people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, women and young people.

Casual and self-employed contract workers are encouraged to check their eligibility and sign up now via the Service Victoria app or at vic.gov.au/ sickpayguarantee.

Information is available in 19 languages on the Sick Pay Guarantee website.

Thousands of Baby Bundles for New Bundles of Joy

Almost all products included in the bundles come from local small businesses that have been able to bring on extra staff thanks to their participation in program, helping to create eight additional full-time positions.

The bundles have been offered at all Victorian hospitals since July 2019, with more than 34,000 of the bundles delivered to firsttime parents across regional Victoria. Any first-time families who missed out on a bundle can request one through their local Maternal Child Health centre.

The $21.9 million Baby Bundles program is one of many offerings being delivered as part of the Labor Government’s $232 million More Help for New Victorian Mums and Dads initiative.

MELBOURNE, Jan 6:

Andrews

has delivered thousands of baby bundles to new mums and dads across Victoria – supporting them in their transition to parenthood and helping them give their babies the very best start in life.

Acting Minister for Health Colin Brooks today visited the Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s Hospital to announce that more than 114,000 baby bundles have been gifted to new parents since the Labor Government started the initiative.

Backed by clinicians to support infant

safety, wellbeing, and social and emotional health, the bundles are made up of quality products and helpful resources to ensure new Victorian families are the healthiest – and happiest – in the world.

The bundles contain key information for first-time parents and essential products to support the health, development and wellbeing of their baby, like a nappy bag, a grow-suit, a sleeping bag, a Muslin Cotton wrap, a teething toy, a first-aid kit, a sun hat, a toothbrush, and books for both babies and parents to enjoy.

The Government is also building seven new and two upgraded early parenting centres (EPCs), the expansion of the 24hour Maternal and Child Health Line, sleep and settling support programs for vulnerable families, more first-time parent groups, and newborn first-aid awareness and training sessions.

But there’s more to do – the Labor Government will invest an additional $69 million to boost the number of hours Maternal and Child Health nurses spend with families, deliver new EPCs and additional support for multicultural and Indigenous communities as well as fathers’ groups across the state.

Staying Safe from The Heat This Summer

MELBOURNE, Dec 29: Victorians are being urged to never leave kids in hot cars and to follow simple steps to stay safe from the heat this summer, as new data reveals there has been 113 callouts to locked cars in November.

Ahead of this summer’s first run of extreme heat, Minister for Ambulance Services Gabrielle Williams today launched the Survive the Heat and Never Leave Kids in Cars campaigns.

Last summer, Ambulance Victoria paramedics were called to 410 reports of people locked in cars across the state and children below the age of 13 made up 92.5 per cent of cases.

A child’s body temperature rises three to five times faster than an adult, and the temperature inside a parked car can be 20 to 30 degrees hotter than it is outside. That’s why parents should always take their kids and pets with them whenever they get out of their car – just as they do with their valuables.

Parents should also be aware that leaving the windows down has little effect on the

inside temperature, with tests showing that when windows are left open 10 centimetres, the inside temperature will only reduce by five degrees.

Extreme heat kills more Victorians than any other natural disaster with heatwaves particularly dangerous when coupled with high overnight temperatures as they can interfere with our body’s natural ability to cool down and cause heat illness.

Heat illness can include heat cramps and heat exhaustion – which, if left untreated, can lead to heatstroke. Heatstroke is fatal in up to 80 per cent of cases, but it is preventable.

There are simple steps we can all take to reduce the chance of heat illness like staying hydrated, spending time in cool, airconditioned buildings, planning ahead and keeping up to date with weather forecasts and checking in on those most at risk in the heat like older people or young children.

Call triple zero (000) if you or someone you know is showing signs of heat exhaustion or heatstroke. You can also speak to NURSEON-CALL (1300 606 024) or your doctor for

general medical advice during extreme heat.

For more tips on surviving the heat, visit: betterhealth.vic.gov.au/campaigns/surviveheat

The

Labor Government

Getting Teachers Back in The Classroom In 2023

MELBOURNE, Dec 22: The Andrews Labor Government is calling for former Victorian teachers to return to the classroom in 2023 and support students to get the best education.

Acting Minister for Education Ingrid Stitt today encouraged registered teachers who are not currently working in schools to consider re-joining the workforce in the government, independent or Catholic school sector.

Around 40,000 registered teachers are currently on leave or have retired but have maintained their registration. Many still have a passion for teaching – with 800 former teachers already registering their interest in returning to government schools.

Those interested in returning to the government school sector will get free and ongoing assistance, professional development and career coaching.

Registration is open to former teachers with qualifications in primary, secondary and specialist education who are interested in returning to the classroom in a full-time, parttime or casual capacity.

The Labor Government is attracting new teachers into the workforce by providing

places for 1,200 postgraduate students to work in schools while studying, recruiting international teachers to Victoria, and providing financial incentives to support teachers joining hard-to-staff schools.

The Victorian Budget 2022/23 includes $779 million to recruit 1,900 extra teachers to

reduce face-to-face teaching hours and give teachers more time for planning, preparation, assessment and developing teaching practices – as well as $58.9 million over four years to attract and develop quality teachers in all Victorian schools.

(MEDIA RELEASE)

Avoiding Scams and Scalping on Ticket Resales

MELBOURNE, Jan 4: As fans enjoy a packed summer of major sporting and music events, the Andrews Labor Government is reminding Victorians to take precautions when purchasing their tickets.

The warning comes after Consumer Affairs Victoria received more than 1100 reports about event ticketing and ticket resales in the 2021–22 financial year.

Some Victorians reported overpaying for tickets on resale websites they could have purchased through the official ticketing outlet for a lower price.

Patrick from Glenroy lost more than $600 after purchasing tickets from a resale website that were never delivered and were selling for much less through a legitimate reseller.

Others have reported being turned away from events because the ticket they purchased was not legitimate.

Victorians who purchase tickets to an event in Australia are protected by Australian Consumer Law, which requires online ticket resellers to clearly disclose that they are a reseller and include the original price of the tickets they are reselling.

Secure online transactions through the official ticketing outlet are the safest way to purchase tickets, however missing out on an event can be disappointing.

If Victorians choose to purchase tickets through a resale website, they should:

• keep electronic records of the purchase like receipts, emails and bank records in case a chargeback needs to be lodged later

• read the terms and conditions of the website before purchasing the ticket

• research the resale website by reading online reviews, forums or feedback,

or speaking with family and friends

• search the reseller’s Australian Business Number (ABN) to determine if they are a registered business.

Anyone who believes they may have been caught up in a ticketing scam should contact Consumer Affairs Victoria for advice on 1300 55 81 81 or via consumer.vic.gov.au/ generalenquiry.

Australia's housing prices mark largest annual decline of 5.3% since 2008

Meanwhile, three capital cities -- Adelaide, Darwin and Perth -- saw values rise over the year, marking 10.1 per cent, 4.3 per cent and 3.6 per cent, respectively.

According to the report, despite the downturn across many areas of the country, housing values generally remain 11.7 per cent above where they were at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Tim Lawless, CoreLogic's research director, pointed out that 2022 has been a year of contrasts, with housing values mostly rising through the first four months of the year, but falling sharply as the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) commenced the fastest rate-tightening cycle on record.

"Our daily index series saw national home values peak on May 7, shortly after the cash rate moved off emergency lows. Since then, CoreLogic's national index has fallen 8.2 per cent, following a dramatic 28.9 per cent rise in values through the upswing," he added.

CANBERRA, Jan 3: Australia's housing markets finished the 2022 calendar year on a weaker note, as a national home value index showed a 1.1 per cent fall in December, taking the annual drop to 5.3 percent the largest since 2008.

In a report, the multinational property information provider CoreLogic revealed that the 5.3-per cent drop through 2022 marks the largest calendar year decline since 2008,

when values were down 6.4 per cent amid the global financial crisis and successive interest rate rises.

Annual value falls were the most significant in Sydney, which slid 12.1 per cent, followed by a 8.1 per cent drop in Melbourne.

Hobart, the Australian Capital Territory, and Brisbane also recorded an annual decrease.

After lowering the cash rate target to 0.1 per cent in a bid to boost economic recovery, Australia's central bank has launched a spate of consecutive rate hikes since May last year, pushing the rate to a decade-high of 3.1 per cent.

Australia's Consumer Price Index is currently running at 7.3 per cent, with the RBA expecting further rate increases to return inflation back to the 2-3 per cent range.

(IANS)

Indian student bags Ambassadors of Change Award

mentor -- I learnt a few tips and tricks, and more about the course. So, after that, I knew that I too wanted to be a mentor," Mittal was quoted as saying in a university statement.

He said that his time as a mentor helped him grow and develop his own skills. Before coming to Australia, Mittal did his Masters in computer programming from Gujarat Technological University and Bachelors from a university in Baroda.

"Before I started this, I was very much an introvert. I got to learn many things, how to interact with people, how to talk with others, and how to communicate. So, it's actually helped me a lot too," he said.

Nine Ambassadors of Change were recognised by the university for their work.

CANBERRA, Jan 2: An Indian student has been recognised as an Ambassador of Change by the University of Canberra in Australia for his outstanding work as a student mentor.

Vishal Mittal, who recently completed

his final year of a Master of Data Science, received the award for his volunteer work with the university's mentor programme through its student support initiative, UC Thrive.

"It was quite helpful for me to have a

The university's student mentor programme provides individual support throughout a student's first semester, answering their questions and helping them make connections.

Indian-origin scientist named to STEM expert panel in Australia

PERTH, Dec 29: An Indianorigin biotechnologist has been appointed to the Australian government's expert panel to boost diversity and increase women's participation in STEM sectors.

Associate Professor Parwinder Kaur, a University of Western Australia Public Policy Institute Fellow, who hails from Nawanshahr, Punjab, will draw on years of experience as a scientist, academic and immigrant to support diversity in Australia's STEM sectors.

"Being a woman and immigrant navigating academia and industry I have deep lived experience of the biases and invisible hurdles that are out there which we all need to work on to not only increase participation in STEM but also retention," Kaur said in a University of Western Australia statement.

The three-member panel for the Pathway to Diversity in STEM Review has been appointed by Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic, and

it will report its findings and make recommendations to the government in late 2023.

Kaur will serve alongside chair Sally-Ann Williams, a leader in the technology and entrepreneurial space, and Mikaela Jade, a Cabrogal woman of the Dharugspeaking nations of Sydney.

Kaur, who is currently the Director of DNA Zoo Australia, also leads cross-disciplinary biotechnology research investigating Earth's biodiversity and natural environments to ensure sustainable futures.

She was recognised in 2013 for her substantial contributions to biotechnology and scientific excellence by the prestigious 'Science and Innovation Award' by the Australian Academy of Sciences.

In 2019, she won the Microsoft's AI for Earth award, and was a finalist in Western Australia's Innovator of the Year in 2022.

(IANS)

PM Modi launches 'Aspirational Block Programme' during chief secretaries' conference

along with focus on enhancement of cyber security.

Launching the 'Aspirational Block Programme', the Prime Minister underscored the success achieved in various aspirational districts in the country under the Aspirational District Programme.

He added that the Aspirational District model should now be taken up to the block level in the form of Aspirational Block Programme.

Modi asked chief secretaries to implement the 'Aspirational Block Programme' in their respective states.

For the preparations related to G20 meetings in the states, the Prime Minister stressed on the importance of involving common citizens.

He said that creative solutions should be envisaged for achieving such 'Citizen Connect'. He also suggested setting up of a dedicated team for preparations related to G20 summit.

NEW DELHI, Jan 8: Prime Minister

Narendra Modi has launched the 'Aspirational Block Programme', while urging states to follow the Aspirational District Programme at the block level.

Addressing the valedictory session of the three-day conference of states' chief secretaries on Saturday, Modi emphasised that to build a developed India, the country is focussing on four pillars of infrastructure,

investment, innovation and inclusion.

He asked the chief secretaries to take steps to make the MSMEs "global champions" and a part of the global value chain.

"The entire world is looking up to India to bring stability to the global supply chain," the Prime Minister said.

He also highlighted upon the development of both physical and social infrastructure

Modi also cautioned the states on the challenges posed by drugs, international crimes, terrorism and disinformation originating from foreign soil.

The second edition of the chief secretaries' conference had begun on January 5 in the national capital, while the Prime Minister was present during the deliberations held on January 6 and 7.

Over 3,500 registrations from nearly 70 nations for 17th PBD

the Indian diaspora in several countries, including Mauritius, the UAE, the US, Qatar, and Oman.

Addressing a special Ministry of External Affairs briefing on the upcoming PBD, Secretary, Consular & Diaspora, Ausaf Sayeed said that diaspora will play a very important role in the developmental trajectory of India.

NEW DELHI, Jan 5: For the upcoming 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD), India has received an enthusiastic response from its diaspora with more than 3,500 registrations from nearly 70 different countries, the Ministry of External Affairs said.

The NRI convention, which will be held from January 8-10 in Indore, will see ministerial level delegations from Mauritius, Malaysia, Panama, and participation from

"In keeping with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of building an Aatmanirbhar Bharat over the next 25 years -- as we look up to India in 2047 -- we feel that the diaspora will play a very important role in the developmental trajectory of India," he said.

Sayeed said that this year's PBD is significant as it marks 75 years of India's Independence.

The formal inauguration of the PBD

(IANS)

convention with the theme -- 'Diaspora: Reliable Partners for India's Progress in Amrit Kaal' -- will be done by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 9.

Five plenary sessions are planned for the PBD with themes of healthcare, soft power, Indian workforce and women, Sayeed said during the briefing.

He added that four of these sessions would be headed by cabinet ministers for the first time.

Additionally, a town hall has been planned, where G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant as well as coordinator Harshvardhan Shringla will give a presentation on India's G20 presidency.

The first day, January 8, will be celebrated as Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, which will be organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs.

Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Anurag Thakur will deliver opening remarks along with External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar during this session of the convention.

India's longest train 'Vivek Express' to run 4 days a week

GUWAHATI, Jan 8: India's longest train -- Vivek Express, which covers a distance of 4,189 km traversing through nine states, would now run four days a week from Dibrugarh in Assam, Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) officials said.

NFR's chief public relations officer, Sabyasachi De, said that the railway authority has decided to increase the frequency of Vivek Express which runs on the Dibrugarh - Kanniyakumari (Tamil Nadu) - Dibrugarh route from bi-weekly to four days a week.

Vivek Express, which previously ran only on Saturday and then increased to bi-weekly

from Dibrugarh, would now run on four days a week -- Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday from May 7 onwards.

Similarly, the train (KanniyakumariDibrugarh) Vivek Express, which is now running on Thursday and Sunday, will be run on every Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Monday from May 11 onwards.

The train, which has 59 halts across its 4,189 km route, was started on November 19, 2011.

In the last 11 years, the train has been relentlessly serving the people, the CPRO said.

Existing timings and stoppages of the train will remain unchanged. The details of stoppages and timings of this train are available at IRCTC website and through NTES.

The NFR, one among the 17 railway zones in India, operates fully and partially in six of the eight north-eastern states, excluding Meghalaya and Sikkim, seven districts of West Bengal and five districts of Bihar.

India's internet industry to reach $5 trillion valuation by 2030

NEW DELHI, Jan 2: Despite a few hiccups this year, the Indian internet industry is expected to grow and could reach a valuation of $5 trillion by 2030, a report showed.

Home to 780 million internet users, India is home to the second largest internet user base in the world.

"As digital will continue to play a significant role, India's internet GMV (not valuation) will grow to about $1 trillion by 2030, equivalent to $5 trillion in public and private market cap, according to data by market intelligence firm Redseer Strategy Consultants.

An average Indian spends around 7.3 hours per day on their smartphone, one of the highest in the world.

"The time spent is across online messaging, social media, YouTube streaming, OTT content and short-form video. Interestingly, but not surprisingly, most online users come from tier 2 cities and beyond," the report mentioned.

There is a new trend in content consumption where the time spent on user-generated content is 2X of platformgenerated content.

The drastic increase in digital consumption and increased digital penetration in Tier 2 and beyond cities are the primary growth drivers responsible for the spike in India's digital advertising ecosystem.

With an increasingly high flow of

Flexible working hours can benefit productivity, work-life balance

More than one-third of all workers are regularly working more than 48 hours per week, while a fifth of the global workforce is working short hours of less than 35 hours per week.

The Covid-19 crisis measures yielded powerful new evidence that giving workers more flexibility in how, where and when they work can be positive both for them and for business, for example by improving productivity, the report said.

GENEVA, Jan 7: Reduced working hours and more flexible working time arrangements, such as those used during the Covid-19 crisis, can bring benefits for economies, businesses and workers, such as greater productivity and improved work-life balance, a new report released by the International Labour Organization (ILO) released.

The report, titled 'Working Time and Work-Life Balance Around the World', is the

first of its kind. It provides a comprehensive review of both main aspects of working time -- working hours and working time arrangements -- and their effects on workers' work-life balance.

According to the report, a substantial portion of the global workforce is now working either long or short hours when compared to a standard eight-hour day or 40-hour working week.

Inclusive short-time work schemes with the highest possible allowances not only maintain employment but also sustain purchasing power and create the possibility of cushioning the effects of economic crises, the report emphasized, adding that public policy responses are needed to promote reductions in hours of work in many countries to promote both a healthy work-life balance and improved productivity.

"There is a substantial amount of evidence that work-life balance policies provide significant benefits to enterprises, supporting the argument that such policies are a 'winwin' for both employers and employees," the report stated.

(IANS)

India has the largest, most talented diaspora in the world, says Jaishankar

underway in the city of Indore. "...India has the largest diaspora in the world and many would say, the most talented. But what is perhaps unique about us is the intensity of the bonding between the community abroad and the motherland," the minister said while addressing the youthful delegates from India and abroad.

"And that is a two-way street which is promoted particularly by activities like the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas," he added.

INDORE, Jan 8: External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar heaped praise on the Indian community living abroad, saying that it is the largest and most talented diaspora in the world.

In the inaugural address at the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas here, Jaishankar said what is perhaps unique about the Indian community is the intensity of the bonding, which is promoted by conventions like the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas, which is

Minister Jaishankar made these remarks in the presence of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Chouhan, Union Sports Minister Anurag Singh Thakur, and Australian Parlimentrain Zaneta Mascarenhas.

The three-day 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention is being held under the theme of this PBD Convention: "Diaspora: Reliable partners for India's progress in Amrit Kaal".

Delivering the inaugural address, Jaishankar stressed that this relationship with the Indian diaspora was very much in evidence amidst the challenges of the Covid

pandemic. "On its part, the Government of India undertook the Vande Bharat Mission and the Vaccine Maitri initiative, which were focused significantly on our diasporacentered partners," he said.

The external Affairs Minister also recognized to the tremendous response that the Indian government received from the PIO-NRI community during the most difficult moments of our own Covid experience.

"So, as we meet today, I can truly say that our bonds have become even stronger as a result of all the trials and tribulations that we went through during the Covid period," he added.

Jaishankar explained that the identity of a diaspora is very much derived from how closely it is connected to its roots.

"Here too, our efforts have been to encourage easier exposure to Indian culture and traditions abroad. Many of our Embassies, in fact I think most of them today now offer yoga, dance and music classes," he said.

Indian American takes oath as Texas county judge

NEW DELHI, Jan 2: Indian American Democrat Juli A. Mathew took oath as a judge in Fort Bend County, Texas, for a second consecutive term.

Mathew, a native of Thiruvalla in Kerala, was sworn-in via videoconferencing from Bheemanady in Kasaragod and will continue to serve as presiding judge for Number 3 of the Fort Bend County Court for a period of four years.

She ran for re-election and won with 123,116 votes, beating Republican Andrew Dornburg.

"I'm grateful for every supporter, prayer warrior, and voter during this journey," Mathew said in a Facebook post after winning the election.

"However, it is bittersweet this morning. Many qualified and outstanding candidates and colleagues that I know made huge sacrifices to run and some have not obtained the office they were seeking while others are still awaiting results. Thank you for standing up to accept the call of public service and your work and time is always remembered and honored," she wrote.

Mathew won her 2018 electoral bid for the bench against Republican Tricia Krenek by an impressive 8.24 per cent margin, making history as the first Indian American woman elected to the bench in the US.

A practicing attorney for 15 years with

experience in mass tort, civil litigation, probate, and criminal matters, Mathew also heads the first Juvenile Intervention and Mental Health Court.

Judge Mathew grew up in Philadelphia and attended Penn State University before attending Delaware Law School for her Juris Doctorate.

A few of her academic achievements include -- in January 2021, she founded the Juvenile Intervention and Mental Health Court to assist young people with mental health issues.

Fort Bend has a large population of Indians, including Malayalis.

According to Mathews, 28.6 per cent of Fort Bend County are foreign born and of those 51 per cent are Asian-American.

The state of Texas had the most Indian Americans running for judicial positions in the November 8, 2022, midterms.

Apart from Mathew, two other Democrats

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

-- Judge K.P. George and Sonia Rash -- won their re-election bids from Fort Bend County.

A month prior to the election, the three had her campaign signs stolen, defaced and vandalised.

Sharing photos of her vandalised campaign signs on social media, Mathew wrote: "What happened to integrity, sportsmanship, being fair... This just makes me work even harder."

Getting married in Australia

Number of Marriages in Australia (Part II)

Marriages normally follow a strong seasonal pattern with couples in most states and territories opting for spring and autumn weddings. Across 2020 and 2021 the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the usual seasonal patterns. For 2021, the impact of the Delta wave is evident with patterns altered from mid-year as the number of infections increased and public health measures were introduced.

Monthly wedding counts for 2021, based on the date weddings occurred, show that in the first six months, weddings were proceeding at almost normal rates. Particularly low numbers of weddings occurred in July and August (3,934 and 2,981 respectively). The normal spring peak in weddings was supressed, with numbers of marriages remaining well below pre-pandemic averages throughout the second half of the year.

In Victoria, during 2021, marriages followed normal seasonal patterns for the first five months of the year. Marriage numbers fell below five-year pre-pandemic averages from June 2021 as the Delta wave began. For the

balance of 2021, the number of weddings remained low, following a similar pattern to the first year of the pandemic. Just 174 weddings occurred in September 2021, 1,858 less weddings than the five-year pre-pandemic average.

In other states and territories, the number of marriages in 2021 more closely resembled averages from 2015-2019. The number of marriages was lower than prepandemic averages from August 2021 onwards but not as heavily impacted as New South Wales and Victoria.

This information is based upon the data from Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

PASSIONATE DANCERS OF

Our goal at G'day India was to create customised content to signify the importance of COVID-19 vaccination and booster programs set by the Victorian health authorities. Also, to have a narrative explaining how implementing specific measures relates to the extent of practising COVID-Safe behaviour and preparing for the different strains and outbreaks of COVID-19 as it evolves.

The idea of utilising the power of Bollywood enabled us to amalgamate the Indian and South Asian communities. The focus was to create something unique, creative, and very informative, utilizing the medium of dance and creating Bollywoodstyle songs.

After several interactions with the community, we listened to the many lived experiences with COVID-19 and condensed them into a song.

So once the lyrics were ready, which were crucial to the COVID-19 messaging. What more can we ask? When nothing beats a good tune, it becomes extra special when our community songwriters and singers, Chondryma Chakrobortti and Pulak Bose, creates it; the search was on for best dancers. We contacted all the known Indian dance schools and studios.

The response from the community was overwhelming and their eagerness to participate did our job at G'day India, which was challenging to sift through. Finally, we had the arduous task of choosing fifteen performers and influencers, with ten performances. The talent we saw was bold, electrifying and irrespective of their cultural and professional background, their storytelling about dance was to express themselves passionately. It is unusual to see fifteen dancers under one roof come together dancing to unique tunes to spread subtle

messages of COVID 19.

Most of them pursue dance as a hobby, but some have been honing their craft professionally, and our dancers could be the doctor you visited once, the teacher who teaches your kids, or simply the humble neighbour next door. Additionally, the dance performances were professionally video graphed to create and enhance their music videos.

Come with us on this phenomenal journey, and let's meet the fifteen dancers and introduce them to you, who they are, what they do, what dance means to them, their journey, and their message for a COVID Safe community. Behind-the-scenes introduction of the dancers and as we learned about their love. Be, mesmerized by them and the story behind their dance. As a media company, let us share this as a critical element where a campaign is co-designed with community participation and community influencers.

Shikha Shweta

Manisha

Bhaswati Natasha Jasreen Anaisha

Besides talent, dancing to Covid songs created by the community requires courage and dedication. Meet some of Victoria's most passionate dancers who are enhancing their craft spiritually and mediating dance to express themselves creatively.

Deepti

Anushree

Simi

Hansini Arundhati

Shiba Harish

Lakshmi

MELBOURNE

Shikha & Anaisha

Mother, Daughter Duo

SHIKHA KANSAL has been a working schoolteacher for the past 18 years and has also been running a Kumon centre for the past eight years. She moved to Melbourne in 2004 and has been dancing since childhood, maybe six or seven. "I haven't taken any professional training or anything. I do it as a hobby, as my passion." Says Shikha

Shikha's favourite style is Bollywood dancing, and she also enjoys semi-classical. "Dance is like a passion, and it's like an art to me. And I think it gives you immense pleasure when you dance." Shikha adds.

Shikha's covid message is simple: to follow COVID safe rules, stay hygienic as much as possible, and wash our hands and social "I think so that we can enjoy most of the liberties and social life, so I think we should all be compensated and stay away as much as possible, make sure you all are double vaccinated and just keep getting your booster every time."

ANISHA GOEL is an eleven-year-old yearsix student from Yarra Valley grammar school in Melbourne. She's been dancing since she was three or four years old and has loved dancing. "My favourite dance today is Bollywood and hip hop. Because in hip hop, it's fun because you get to do what you want and do freestyle and Bollywood."

Anisha will keep dancing as a hobby, but she would like to be a doctor when she grows up because she likes keeping people safe, especially in these COVID times. Dance to Anisha is fun and something she can do whenever she wants to, as no one needs a piece of equipment for it. It means, like, for me, it's a passion for her.

Anisha's covid message - "We can sanitize our hands get double vaccinated and keep ourselves safe".

Both Anisha and Shikha used their dance to choreograph their message of COVID to build a safe and positive future and using dance to spread the message of safety.

Shiba & Harish

HARISH KARUNAKARAN

came to Melbourne in 2009 as a Civil Engineer by profession and a postgraduate in Environmental Engineering.

He's been dancing for as long as he can remember, for the last thirty years. He is a passionate dancer and a choreographer, as he's the creative director of Na2 Entertainment, a Melbourne-based dance and events company that celebrates local and international artists.

"I love all passionate dances, namely South Indian Naatu Kuththu (stylized folk), Traditional Folk, Contemporary, Indo-western Fusion and some Latin and Ballroom styles too," Harish adds. That dance is more than just a hobby to him. It is how he narrates gratitude for his life and expresses emotions

reflecting on the experiences.

Harish Covid's safe message is about "keeping good hygiene but not at the cost of losing your life. Stay home if you are unwell. When you are healthy and keeping good hygiene, give your hugs, kisses, handshakes, fist bumps, 'Vanakkams/Namaste', or whatever you do to celebrate humanity."

Harish also adds that just as our culture got most of the answers to living a healthy, peaceful, and sustainable lifestyle, it should be easy to practice COVID Safe rules.

SHIBA SWAMINATHAN is a Project Manager by profession and has been living in Melbourne since 2013. She's been dancing since she was five years old.

"I dance with Na2 entertainment in Melbourne, and I've been dancing with this company since 2016. I love all dance styles and prefer western hip hop and Indian classical Kathak," says Shiba. Dance is happiness and joy for Shiba, and it helps her to escape from reality.

Shiba's covid message - "We should follow the rules set by the government no matter how many times these changes, get vaccinated, and follow personal hygiene practices to keep ourselves and those around us safe."

According to Shiba, dance brings her happiness to escape her from reality, but life is a reality that needs a plan of safety, especially when there's a pandemic.

Na2 Entertainment

Hansini & Simi

HANSINI PELENDA is a pediatric doctor by profession and has been in Melbourne almost all her life. Her parents moved here from Sri Lanka when she was only a year old; started her formal training when she was seven years "So, I started a dance company with my best friend Simi, when we first did our Arangetram Bharatanatyam over ten years ago." adds Hansini. They wanted to form this dance company then, but it only came to life during the lockdown last year. It's called the Hansini Dance.

Dance to Hansini "Dance means that I can create a connection to my culture and my roots. And I love India, Bollywood, and Indian music as well. So, it's also helped foster a connection to India."

Doctor Hansini's message to covid is "Be mindful that individuals can affect community health. It’s important to follow government advice; the basics have proven to work in pandemics, such as good hand hygiene, wearing masks, social distancing, etc. Just following health regulation, advice and vaccinations."

SIMI ABRAHAM was born in India and bought up in Melbourne; she is in Allied Health and works as a speech pathologist.

"I've been dancing for as long as I can walk, watching dances on the TV. Would mom see me dancing and then enrol me on a professional dance school? When I was in the first grade." Simi adds. She's also the co-founder of Hansini dance, a business she created with her friend Hansini Pelanda.

Simi loves classical and Bollywood types of filmy dances.

Dance is quite liberating and working as a health professional can sometimes be challenging, so dance is the one thing she does for herself.

Simi's Covid message is, "Follow government advice such as hand hygiene and wearing masks when required. If you're sick, stay home and get vaccinated. So, whatever you can do to help limit the spread, then try your best to do that."

Hansini Dance

Lakshmi & Harish

LAKSHMI PRABHA ILANGO has been living in Melbourne for the last eleven years and dancing for twenty -six years. IT engineer by profession and has been dancing with groups like Na2 Entertainment and Blend Boogie.

Her favourite dance style is South Indian folk, and to Lakshmi - "Dance is like a therapy that motivates and keeps me going even during my low times".

Her Covid message -: "Be fully vaccinated and put on our masks to guard ourselves against the virus."

As Dance to Lakshmi is like therapy; it keeps her going even during the worst times just like her job as an IT consultant, life is hectic. Lakshmi is a busy body with projects, and she can't afford to take any

sick days, so following government advice to protect social liberties is the best.

HARISH KARUNAKARAN came to Melbourne in 2009 as a Civil Engineer by profession and a postgraduate in Environmental Engineering.

He's been dancing for as long as he can remember, for the last thirty years. He is a passionate dancer and a choreographer, as he's the creative director of Na2 Entertainment, a Melbourne-based dance and events company that celebrates local and international artists.

"I love all passionate dances, namely South Indian Naatu Kuththu (stylized folk), Traditional Folk, Contemporary, Indo-western Fusion and some Latin and

Ballroom styles too," Harish adds. That dance is more than just a hobby to him. It is how he narrates gratitude for his life and expresses emotions reflecting on the experiences.

Harish Covid's safe message is about "keeping good hygiene but not at the cost of living your life. Stay home if you are unwell. When you are healthy and keeping good hygiene, give your hugs, kisses, handshakes, fist bumps, 'Vanakkams/Namaste', or whatever you do to celebrate humanity."

Harish adds that just as our culture got most of the answers to living a healthy, peaceful, and sustainable lifestyle, it should be easy to practice covid safe rules.

Shweta

SHWETA PANDYA has been living in Melbourne for the past five years and runs a dance school called ABCD Bollywood Dance School. She's been dancing for the last thirtyfive years and has just started teaching in the previous two years.

Bollywood freestyle is their favourite form of dance, and dance means everything to her, as if through dance, she can connect to God and people. "Giving joy and happiness to others makes me keep working hard for the community," Shweta adds.

As dance connects her to her higher self, she feels that it is the only medium that puts a smile on people's faces. Music and dance bring the community together, and what is better than this is to bring everyone together. But we can only enjoy dance if we are fit and to be fair is to have a healthy body. It is more vital than ever before, especially now as we are still dealing with COVID- 19 strains, and it is essential to practice social distancing in a crowded place, wear masks and wash hands frequently.

Her COVID message is about social liberties - "Wear a mask, when possible, wash hands frequently, and social distances."

What is a better way to spread a covid message than with dance?

As we witness Shweta's well-balanced choreographed dance moves, let’s take this moment to also ponder and reflect on the year gone by and be like Shweta, a joyous citizen, bringing the community together with her dance.

ABCD Bollywood Dance School

Bhaswati

Fearless Dancer

BHASWATI BANERJEE, IT vendor manager, 's been living in Melbourne for the past 12 years; she's been dancing for the past 30 years. She's also a senior choreographer at Mai Nachunge Dance Company (MNDC) and enjoys her favourite dance style, folk, Jazz, Freestyle and Classical.

"Dance to me to express anything without fear. It helps me to lift my spirit. It is my escape when things in my life aren't going the way I want them to. Dance is my happy place." Says Bhaswati.

The best way to be COVID Safe is to "Stay up to date with vaccines, maintain distance, wear a mask if needed, socialize outside, eat healthily, and most importantly check in on your loved ones."

Bhaswati's message is to be fearless, which is her expression through dance. Her spirits lift when she escapes to another place with her creativity, but that's only possible if we look after ourselves positively. The pandemic isn't over yet, and with daily battles of new strains of COVID-19, it is vital to follow government guidelines to enjoy our lives.

To socialize, especially outside, we must be healthy, have strong immunity and eat healthily. Our most fragile members of society are our loved ones and keeping them safe is one of the biggest priorities for every household.

Be fearless as Bhaswati's dance, and let's make a safe environment for everyone, where everyone is courageous to socialize— practising safe COVID-19 rules which is not only. For Bhaswati but for every citizen.

The

NATASHA BAWEJA runs a Bollywood dance company based in Melbourne named NB Dance and works as a business professional managing a transformation program for a corporate business.

She moved from New Zealand to Melbourne in 2011 and has been dancing from a very young age, professionally, more than fifteen

She loves the Bollywood dance style but has a strong inclination towards Hip Hop. Natasha is also a Zumba instructor, as she loves the vibe and tunes in Latin songs that add to the

"Dance to me is like falling in love. I lose myself but also find myself in it. It's my soul coming out to play. Dance also enables me to connect with others from various communities with a common interest and Natasha adds.

She firmly believes in enjoying social liberties; whether our community is at risk of Covid exposure or not, we must focus on elements we can control or influence. "And that is you! Yourself! Take care of yourself, which will intrinsically take care of others. Practice safe hygiene, eat nutritiously, stay active, and

Natasha is a business professional who loves dance but also knows it is vital to have a healthy lifestyle to balance the two professions. The out-of-body experience is only possible if there is passion, dedication, and love for anything one aspires to become, as dance is

Let's all have that passion for making a safer community to enjoy our love and dreams.

NB Dance

Jasreen

The Expressive Dancer

JASREEN SINGH has been a banker for the last fifteen years, and it gives her immense pleasure that she has helped many people along the way during her journey.

Melbourne has been her home for the last twenty-two years, she arrived as a student initially, and dance has been her life since the age of five.

Her first performance gave her wings, and it helped her grow immensely, from winning dance competitions to performing on National and International platforms. She was also at the Boogie Woogie dance competition in India and several dance channels in India, giving her the fame and confidence to continue her journey.

In India, while growing up, the focus was folk dancing, ranging from Bhangra, Haryanvi, Lavani, Rajasthani, and Garba. However, migrating to Australia changed everything as she decided to try more dance styles, including Salsa and Foxtrot.

"Dance is like a meditation for me; it helps me connect with my inner soul n express my emotions. Like any dancer, I would say dance is my life," says Jasreen.

She also expresses that COVID has played a lot of havoc in people's lives - "Best is to follow the guidelines set by Govt, Social distancing and keeping your Covid software updated."

Jasreen's language of dance is to connect with her inner soul to bring out the emotions that she beautifully expresses. In her dance, the only way possible is to stay away from Covid and follow safety.

MANISHA ISAACS has been living in Melbourne for the last twenty-two years. To her, dance is a hobby, and she does some Bollywood workshops in childcare centres and then works as a professional in Children's services. Wearing multiple hats, she not only manages her husband's finance company but also manages her farm too.

Once, her friend invited her to a dance workout which turned out to be Shiamak Dance Company. "I was like, oh my god, this is not a workout. This is dancing. And my friend’s like, oh, yeah, yeah, join. Come join in." says Manisha. Later that day, she was told there would be a show, "I'm like, Oh, I'm going to do a show. I'm just doing this for fun. I didn't even dance like, you know, seriously. And she's like, ah, it doesn't matter. You do it. You got some time. And I'm like, Yeah, sure. And I mean, I didn't do it willingly. But then I was like, Oh, I'm in it now". Manisha adds.

Her favourite dance style is Bollywood, which comes under a large umbrella.

To Manisha, Dance means health, as it keeps her active and goes a long way with good nutrition, but it also adds to anyone's mental health. So, dance is essential to sustain excellent psychological and physical health.

Manisha's COVID message is simple: "Social distancing is a must, especially when people have been exposed to different strains. It's common sense. Increase your immunity by having all your vitamins, exercise, dance, you know, that's the main thing."

The Dancer with Multiple Hats

Anushree, Deepti & Arundhati

DEEPTI SHUKLA has been living in Melbourne for the last six years. Dance is her first love; since the age of eight, Deepti's glad she has been able to foster a career out of her passion.

Back in India, she's been teaching dance for about twelve years, and now in Melbourne, founder of the dance company - Abhivyakti Fine Arts Academy based in Bayswater, Victoria.

Professionally trained as a Bharatnatyam dancer, her favourite dance style is, of course, Indian Classical. "Dance is connected to me within, my soul, as it gives me peace, freedom, strength and utmost happiness. The dance will always fuel me to be the best version of myself." Deepti adds.

Her covid message is to remember to maintain distance whenever we go out, follow all safety procedures mentioned everywhere, wash our hands regularly, and not go out if we are not feeling well. "It is important that we all follow these basic

requirements to promote a COVIDsafe community," Deepti adds.

ARUNDHATI BHOWMICK ROY has been in Melbourne for the last six years and is an IT Delivery Lead at Coles.

She's been dancing since she was ten years old and used to perform at family and friend gatherings. But it was in 2021 she started learning Bharatnatyam.

She's also a part of Abhivyakti Fine Arts Academy, and her favourite dance style is a fusion of classical and western or Bollywood.

"Dance makes me happy. It is my way to trigger positive energy and good vibes! It also helps me to stay creative and physically fit." Arundhati adds.

Her COVID Safe message is to take care of ourselves and maintain personal hygiene. "Also, be responsible and take accountability when something is wrong."

ANUSHREE SEN calls herself the curious mind and has been living in Melbourne since 2018; she is currently a Risk Manager and Advisor at ANZ, handling technology risk for Australia Retail and Commercial Divisions.

As a kid, she loved to watch songs on TV and dance to them; noticing this, her cousin enrolled her on a Kathak dance school at eight.

Being an instructor and performer at Abhivyakti Fine Arts Academy, she's a trained dancer in the Indian classical dance form of Kathak, which is undoubtedly her favourite.

Dance to Anushree is a vehicle for expression in both a creative and personal way. "Through." dance, not only have I been able to convey feelings of grief or strength, but it has taught me discipline; it has helped rebuild my self-confidence.”

Anushree’s Covid safety message, “Keep your house or indoor spaces sanitized after an event, observe hand hygiene regularly and always stay home if you are not feeling well.

Abhivyakti Fine Arts Academy

It has been a great learning experience while creating this unique content as we learn so many things about an artist's passion, the things that tick them, giving them immense pleasure to keep their art flowing.

A sheer joy to see this group of dancers from the community coming together to spread the language of dance with a unique message, and we could not be prouder of them.

We had so much fun bringing their dance that they neatly choreographed and that our audience got to view over the last few weeks. We loved everything about them, their dance, their language of culture, the expression of dance they hone their talent.

These talented dancers didn't lend their art for money but for the public of spreading the message of safety so that we maintain that social distance when there are covid outbreaks.

The most important code of safety is to protect the vulnerable and the aged population, and the principle of security starts with us in our house and community. Government Guidelines are there for a reason, and it is common sense when you are not feeling don't go outside; it is always wise to wear a mask when it's impossible to social distance.

The ethos of dance is the way its translated by a dancer, but one thing that binds everyone together is the language of expression. It holds everyone together to a commonality, uniting people and giving them a reason to smile.

What is the meaning of life? When can one not enjoy life freely, breathing fresh air and socialising with loved ones, family, and friends?

What is the most significant stake in life than living life? Life is a gift and precious; if anything, we have learnt more than ever during the pandemic how isolated we are,

and nothing matters more than life.

The messaging among all our dancers was not unique; they were the same surrounding safety, just like their passion for dancing. They all enjoy their life, and it brings joy to them.

We hope you enjoyed learning about these amazing dancers and teaching us a thing or two about their passion and their 'COVID MESSAGING'.

From all of us at G'day India, we wish them the very best in their future endeavours, may their talent sore to new heights, and may they live their lives to their full potential, and we hope they keep entertaining us with their artistry.

By Nandita Chakraborty

(To enjoy all their performances visit. G’day India facebook. YouTube and Instagram)

Deepti

Anushree

Simi

Hansini

Arundhati

Shiba Harish

Lakshmi

Shikha Shweta

Manisha

Bhaswati Natasha Jasreen Anaisha

CELEBRATIONS MAY BENEFIT YOUR HEALTH, WELL-BEING

A new study has revealed that making a conscious effort to recognize positive life events and successes while meeting for food and drink can leave you feeling more socially accepted.

The research, published online in the Journal of Public Policy & Marketing, finds that celebrations with three conditions -- social gathering, eating or drinking, and intentionally marking a positive life event -- will increase perceived social support. Perceived social support, according to previous research, is the belief you have a social network that will be there for you in case of future, negative life events. That belief is associated with health and well-being outcomes, including increased life-span and decreased anxiety and depression. “Many celebrations this time of year include two of the three conditions - eating and drinking while gathering together,” said Kelley Gullo Wight, assistant professor at the Indiana University Kelley School of Business

and co-author of the study.

“Adding the third condition, making an intentional effort to recognize other’s positive achievements, is key. For example, take the time to congratulate someone for getting accepted to their first-choice university, or a work project that went well, or a new job offer. This will maximize the benefits to your well-being and the wellbeing of all the attendees at that holiday party,” she added.

Wight and her co-authors, including professors Danielle Brick of the University of Connecticut, and James Bettman, Tanya Chartrand, and Gavan Fitzsimons of Duke University, used behavioral experiments to survey thousands of participants over several years.

The research revealed that even if gatherings are virtual, if everyone has food and drink (no matter if it’s healthy or indulgent) and they’re

celebrating positive events, this also increases a person’s perceived social support, and they can receive the same well-being benefits from it.

It also has implications for marketing managers or anyone looking to raise funds for a good cause.

“We found that when people feel supported socially after a celebration, they’re more ‘prosocial,’ and more willing to volunteer their time or donate to a cause,” said Danielle Brick, assistant professor of marketing at the University of Connecticut and co-author on the study, adding, “This would be a good time for non-profits to market donation campaigns, around the time many people are celebrating positive life events, like holidays or graduations.”

The researchers note that hosting celebrations that increase perceived social support can be especially beneficial at places serving populations more at-risk of loneliness and isolation, like nursing homes or community centres.

They also note the importance of understanding the well-being benefits of celebrations for policymakers looking to implement regulations or measures that could impact social gatherings, like Covid lockdowns, to avoid negative consequences to mental health.

They recommend that if organisers need to have virtual celebrations, they should involve some type of consumption and the marking of a separate, positive life event, so that people leave the celebration feeling socially supported.

Caveat to protect the interest in the property

BY GURPAL SINGH

Acaveat means and implies a statutory inunction or a restraint which prevents the registration of a particular dealing with the real property which could affect the interest and ownership of the property in the existing format. The caveat also acts as a warning and a formal notice to the public at large that the land or the property in question carries a particular interest in the estate or the property at the behest of the person who lodged the caveat. It cautions the prospective interest bearer to be cautioned and beware of the priority interest existing in the property.

Interestingly, a lodgement of a caveat on the property effectively prevents the registration of further dealings including the alteration of an interest on the title of the property unless the caveat is formally withdrawn by the caveator; or the caveat lapses by time; or the caveator consents to a third-party registration that deals with the property’s title; or such a caveat is removed by order of the court.

A caveat cannot be lodged at a free discretion but only as per the scope of the Transfer of Land Act 1958 (Vic) to include a registered or equitable mortgage; or transfer; or purchase under an agreement for sale; or a tenant in certain circumstances; or a registered proprietor; or contractual rights.

Lodgement of a caveat without a reasonable cause is a serious matter. In case it is determined (by the court) that the caveat was lodged incorrectly, the caveat will be removed and compensation to a person suffering a financial loss because of such a wrong caveat shall also be allowed.

The caveat can be removed in two different manners. One way is to file an

application with the Registrar of Titles in writing. The application to remove the caveat is required to be supported by a certificate from an Australian Legal Practitioner who must form an opinion that the caveator does not have the estate or interest claimed by the caveator. Once the notice for removal of the caveat is received, the Registrar must give a notice to the caveator that the caveat will lapses on a day specified in the notice unless in the meantime, the caveator abandons the application by providing the Registrar with written notice; or provides the Registrar with a written notice indicating that the court proceedings are no foot to substantiate the caveator’s claim. The caveat will lapse if the caveator does not commence a proceeding to substantiate the claim or in case the caveator commence the proceedings, but the court rejects the claim or proceedings are otherwise discontinued, withdrawn, or struck out.

The person adversely affected by the lodgement of caveat on the property is entitled to bring proceedings in the Victorian Supreme Court against the caveator and insist that the caveat was wrongly lodged and be removed. In such a situation where proceedings are

initiated in the Supreme Court, the caveator carries the burden of establishment as to the validity and correctness to the caveat on the property. The caveator is required to establish that the balance of convenience and the legality of the interest in the estate or the property requires the lodgement of caveat to continue. The Supreme Court will weigh the various factors and the claims of varying parties to establish the prima facie interest of the caveator in the property. Interestingly, the assessment is real and in the process of such assessment, the parties are required to establish their claim and counterclaim. As is apparent, if the caveat is allowed to remain on the title of the property, the same would frustrate the plans to make any changes in the title and interest of the property. It would delay the settlement of the sale of the land or the property. In normal practice, the court seeks an undertaking from the caveator to pay compensation to any affected person by the operation of the order to maintain the caveat.

There is a common misconception that the builders/contractors are entitled to lodge a caveat over the property for their unpaid invoices and claim an interest in the property because of the work. Cautiously, as the law stands, a builder/contractor is not entitled to claim an interest in any land for the purposes of transfer of the land act. The application of Domestic Building Contracts Act specifically bars the lodgement of caveat merely for the work executed on the property.

Gurpal Singh is the principal lawyer of Melbourne law firm, Saundh Singh & Smith Lawyers

Need 25 Hours a day or motivation to better manage your time?

BY ARCHITA BAWEJA

Jimmy is a strategy manager by the day and runs a dance academy by the night. His family consists of his lovely wife and two sons. With so much on his plate as a manager, instructor and a parent he wishes he had 25 hours in a day to accomplish whatever he wanted.

Have any of us ever felt the same? Probably yes, many of us have because there are a lot of things to accomplish in life and the schedule is tight.

We all have the same time given to us so perhaps the answer lies in managing our time better and the result should be a motivator in itself.

But what steps can we take to be more productive?

• Time Audit/Log: The first step would be to do a time audit by creating a log. This helps to identify the amount of time lost each day randomly. It’s the time between productive activities. Such a log should be created and audit should be done few times in a week and also on the weekend as the activities, and time taken for each activity varies during working and off work days. Then, the results need to be analysed. This

task is amazing because it brings out in black and white the time lost on unnecessary things like social media, internet or sometimes just chatting without purpose.

• Create a “To-do” list each day: Create a list of tasks that need to be completed every morning and add priority to them as well. Planning is the most important part to feel motivated and do things that you like. I have always created a to do list at work

and that has helped me navigate things in a better way. It would be a good practice to extend this to personal tasks too.

• Find your passion: Find out what you like to do or are passionate about and what the time wasters are. Give more time and priority to what you love to do and do these tasks when you are fresh. Like, I am a morning person and am more productive early in the day. This could be different for someone else.

• Delegate Tasks: We can’t do everything on our own, so the best is to delegate tasks. This not only removes the burden from one person but also inculcates characteristics like team work and understanding. This could work well at office where one could work together as a team utilizing each person’s strengths. Also, at home tasks can be distributed between family members.

• Cross the unimportant things from your list: Remove the unimportant items from your list. It could be something like attending an event or going out for dinner with someone not really important in your life. Here, what I mean is cross tasks that you have no obligation for. Following this could save up a lot of time in a day which in turn could be used for other important things.

• Relax and take time off: This may not seem like a very important point but relaxing and taking some time off helps one think better and hence clears the mind to be more useful and productive.

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

5 NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS ALMOST EVERYONE MAKES BUT DOESN’T FOLLOW!

Every year people make new year’s resolutions and while the intent is to follow and live by them throughout the year, very few of them actually materialise. While there are some new ones, some simply are carried forward every year. As we are about to step into 2023, let’s take a look at some resolutions that people make almost every year but fail to follow through on.

1. Eat Healthy

Well, the most difficult one perhaps. Almost everyone watching their weight or health take this one up as their priority when they make new year’s resolutions. Eating healthy and clean tops the list and while it sounds easy, it’s actually quite difficult to follow or keep up with. Especially, if you love munching on late-night junk or find it difficult to find a place in your heart for the greens!

2. Exercise More

Just like eating healthy, hitting the gym or exercising, in general, is another common resolution people make. It takes a lot of motivation, dedication and willpower which many of us lack -- not always though. We make crazy workout routines and a goal to hit the gym at least 5-6 times a week and while it’s all good until January ends, the struggle to keep up with it begins the very next month. Especially, if you work for crazy hours. Maybe, this year?

3. Save Money

Another very common new year’s resolution is to curb our expenses -- which basically means fewer trips to the malls and no ordering-in! But as good as the idea to save money for the much-awaited vacation

sounds, some last-minute date night emergency shopping or late-night hunger pangs prove to be the biggest hurdles. We always got that “I’ve got nothing to wear in my cupboard, let’s go shopping” days, right? Well, for most of us, it’s more often than y’all think!

4. Cut down on social media

Social media has built careers for many and while it’d a good platform to interact and socialise digitally, it’s addictive! Think of those nights you’ve wanted to sleep early but ended up watching reels till 4 in the morning. Sounds familiar, right?

While many of us want to cut down time on our social media usage, it’s difficult to keep up, especially with the new outfit inspiration ideas and funny memes. But let’s hope 2023 proves to be the year that makes us keep up with this resolution.

5. Quit smoking

Well, this is not for everyone, just smokers! Everybody who smokes knows it’s a bad thing and extremely unhealthy and still does it. It’s addictive which is why people make a new year’s resolution to quit it. Some do it in a planned way while some just give up -- only to smoke another cigarette 6 days later!

Smoking is injurious to health. So good luck quitting!

TRAVELLING FAR FROM HOME GOOD FOR HEALTH

The frequency with which people travel and the variety of places visited are important factors, with those who travel more than 15 miles away from home more likely to report being in general good health. Those who visit a wider range of locations are more likely to see friends and family. This increase in social participation is then associated with improved health.

According to a new study led by UCL researchers, people who travel beyond the region of their localities feel healthier than those who remain closer to their homes. Researchers say the results provide strong evidence of the need for investment in medium and longdistance transport options, such as betterserviced roads and access to trains and buses.

For the paper, published in Transport & Health, the researchers analysed travel in the north of England, where residents face worse health outcomes than the rest of England and many rural and suburban areas suffer from poor transport accessibility.

Specifically, they looked at the links between perceived constraints to travel outside of the local area, such as a lack of suitable public transport, and self-rated health, considering trip frequency, the number of different places visited, distance travelled, car use and public transport use.

Lead author Dr Paulo Anciaes (UCL Bartlett School of Environment, Energy & Resources) said: “We expected to find that restrictions on travel through a lack of access to suitable public transport or to a private car would be linked to residents’ perception of their health because of the lack of social participation.

“We explored the links between constraints to travel more than 15 miles from home,

demographics and location and social participation in how residents perceived their own health, finding that the key variable is the number of different places people visit outside their local area. This links to more social participation and better health.”

The researchers conducted an online survey of 3,014 nationally representative residents in the north of England. Constraints to travel have previously been identified as contributing to economic disadvantage and a lower sense of wellbeing in the region, but the impact on health hadn’t been analysed before. The team used a research technique called “path analysis”, which uncovers the direct and indirect effects of constraints to travel outside of people’s local area.

The study found that the links between travel constraints, social participation and health are stronger among those aged over 55. Among this group, constraints to the number of different places people can travel to is linked to less

frequent contact with friends and participation in clubs and societies.

Dr Anciaes explained: “Those aged over 55 are more likely to face other constraints to travel such as limited mobility. They are also more likely to suffer from loneliness. In the north of England, rural and suburban areas with limited access options are more likely to experience population loss as young people move to the cities in search of work and good travel options. Meanwhile, older generations are left behind in these areas with limited transport options. The range of places they can visit is low, leading to less social participation and lower levels of general health.

“The results of this study emphasise the need for public policies that reduce constraints to travel in the region, by providing better options for private and public transport that allows for more frequent and longer trips.”

(ANI)

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

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

APPLE’S ‘FIND MY’ APP HELPS LOCATE STOLEN CAR IN US SMART DOG COLLAR TO TRACK HEART ACTIVITY

French consumer electronics company Invoxia has unveiled a smart dog collar at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2023, which can track the heart activity of a dog.

The collar comes with an “advanced heart tracking technology on par with human electrocardiograms”, reports AppleInsider.

It can detect and monitor a dog’s breathing and heartbeat using sensors and artificial intelligence (AI) to give a 360-degree picture of the dog’s health and well-being.

The collar was developed with the assistance of Veterinary specialists.

It measures movement, respiration and heart rates using miniature radar sensors, accelerometers and edge AI within the collar, which would be impossible to record without uncomfortable electrodes.

Moreover, it gives a 2D visual representation of a dog’s cardio-pulmonary system through continuous measurements, by using a proprietary technology called Heart print.

“The Smart Dog Collar will be available in quarter three of 2023 for $149, with data subscriptions starting from $8.25 per month,” the report said.

(AGENCIES)

Tech giant Apple’s tracking application and service ‘Find My’ has helped to locate a stolen car of a man in Texas in the US.

Police were able to arrest four men who stole Dawayne Arrington’s car by tracking them via AirPods, reports AppleInsider.

Arrington opened the Find My application after realising that his car was stolen. According to the report, he noticed that his “AirPods taken in the theft were apparently stationary at a travel stop on Interstate 35.”

He then travelled to the truck stop and found five people in an SUV and called the police for assistance.

Members of the group then woke up and ran away from the SUV, however, San Antonio Police arrested four of them but the fifth one drove away in the SUV.

“The arrest led to Arrington getting back his AirPods, with police also recovering his stolen car located elsewhere,” the report said.

Meanwhile, last month, the ‘Find My’ feature had helped to find a woman who fell 200 feet down a hill, following a car crash in the US state of California. The victim had likely been in her crashed car overnight after leaving a family gathering.

(AGENCIES)

SMART RING FOR WOMEN TO TELL HEART RATE, OXYGEN LEVEL

Healthcare solutions company Movano Health has revealed its smart ring, Evie, which is designed specifically for women, providing them with their health data such as heart rate and oxygen level.

“(The) company plans to file for Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance of a new wearable that provides women with medical grade data and personalized actionable insights to track and manage overall health,” Movano Health said in a statement.

Evie is expected to combine health and wellness metrics to give a full picture of one’s health including resting heart rate, heart rate variability, SpO2, respiration rate and skin temperature variability.

Moreover, it is also likely to provide period and ovulation tracking, menstrual symptom tracking, activity profile, and much more.

This data will be delivered through a mobile application which aims to simplify how data is

presented, by avoiding complex graphs and charts.

“As a medical device, Evie will go beyond the status quo of other wearables on the market, and we believe it has the power to transform women’s lives and overall health,” said Dr John Mastrototaro, CEO, of Movano Health.

“We are bringing together medical grade biometric data and insights in a comfortable and contemporary wearable that allows women to take ownership of their unique health journey,” he added. Evie is expected to be showcased during the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2023 along with a demo highlighting its features.

“The smart ring is expected to cost under $300 with no added monthly subscription fees and will be available in 2023,” the company said.

Keeping in mind the multi-lingual society of India, YouTube has decided to take steps to make its videos more inclusive.

The video-sharing platform announced at the ‘Google for India’ event that it is testing a new feature which lets the user switch audio tracks in a variety of languages, as per a report by US-based tech portal TechCrunch. “Video is a particularly effective format for sharing health information in ways that are accessible and digestible not only to a professional audience but to everyone. We want to help truly democratize important health information. And we remain committed to working closely with experts in healthcare and investing in technologies that will enable them to create multilingual content efficiently, to reach audiences at scale,” TechCrunch quoted Ishan John Chatterjee, the director of YouTube India.

At present, the feature is only available to a handful of healthcare videos, which have language options in English, Hindi, Punjabi

and Marathi.

Videos containing multilingual audio will have an option named “Audio Track” within the settings button consisting of a list of

languages which are available for the clip. However, no visual marker denoting the videos with multilingual audio would appear in search results, as per TechCrunch.

Open-source smart home platform Home Assistant will get a new voice assistant next year, that will allow users to talk to the platform’s assistant without Google, Siri or Alexa.

The new assistant will allow users to control Home Assistant in their own language, Paulus Schoutsen, founder of Home Assistant, wrote in a blogpost.

The platform’s first priority is to support different languages as there are already many projects trying to create an English voice assistant.

Users must be “able to speak in their own language, as that is the most accessible and only acceptable language for a voice assistant for the smart home.”

“It’s a big and bold goal, but achievable given the right constraints,” Schoutsen said. The platform currently supports 62 different languages in its user interface (UI) and now it aims to support all these languages with voice.

“We’re going to limit the number of possible actions and focus on the basics of interacting with your smart home,” Schoutsen explained.

(AGENCIES)

Google-owned Waze app has added a new feature that notifies users of dangerous nearby roads based on traffic data while trying not to overwhelm them with alerts.

When using this new beta version of Waze, nearby high-risk roads are coloured red on the map, however, this may not be the case for roads that the user frequently travels on, reports The Verge, citing sources.

The feature also only displays one pop-up notification about the dangerous roads around the driver, possibly to keep caution from becoming anxious.

Countries that have access to the beta release of the app, will get a pop-up that

While the feature is still in beta, it is expected to be made available to the general public soon, the report added.

In June, the tech giant rolled out a new feature for Google Maps that will now show the air quality layer in the US on both Android and iOS users.

According to 9To5Google, this will show users what to expect, air-wise: whether it’s smoggy, smoky, otherwise bad, or simply wonderful.

states -- “using reports from drivers and your route, you may see alerts for ‘History of crashes’ on some roads,” said the report.

DATING TRENDS THAT WILL TAKE 2023 BY STORM

Ravi

commented, “This past couple of years, we have seen several dating trends come and go. Virtual First Dates are on the rise post-pandemic. Almost 22 per cent of our 21 million users have had a virtual first date this 2022. We are hopeful that it will slide smoothly into 2023 as well.”

With 2023, the App surveyed 15,000 users, ranging between 25 to 35 from tier 1 and 2 cities. The study gave a better insight into the dating trends to be expected in 2023.

Ethical Sex-ploration

Ethical Sex-ploration shows how much the ways of dating have changed over the past years. Nineteen per cent of daters, men and women between 28 and 32, explain how new-age daters are approaching sex, intimacy, and dating in a more open and exploratory way. They mentioned that sex is no longer taboo and emphasised the importance of discussing intimate desires and needs in the initial stages of the relationship. This trend equally makes sure that people not seeking sex during the dating phase are not judged based on their choice.

Love-Life Balance

It finally seems like there’s going to be some love-life balance after all in 2023. Twenty-two per cent of daters from tier 1 cities disclosed that job titles are no longer a status symbol, and young daters are more focused on maintaining a healthy work-life balance. People are consciously making time for their partners and taking more breaks for their own mental health. Twelve per cent of these people even revealed unmatching with someone for their demanding job and hectic schedule.

Modern Masculinity

Per the survey reports, Modern masculinity is predicted to take 2023 by storm and change the gender dynamics in dating. 34 percent of men from tier 1 and 2 cities expressed how they have taken the time to examine their conduct and found how they were projecting toxic masculine behaviour involuntarily. These men find that clearly unacceptable and are actively challenging themselves and other men to change for the better. Daters say that this trend has made it easier for men to express emotions and break gender roles in dating.

Open casting

Among the positive trends this new year, open casting is something daters seem really

excited about; almost 29 percent of women over 30 explained how women are all set to look beyond the type of men they are expected to date. The survey participants mentioned it to be a game-changer.

Wander Love

Being locked up in their homes during the pandemic has led people to appreciate travelling more than ever. QuackQuack’s survey shows 3 out of 7 daters between 25 and 30 prefer wanderlove, that is, they are looking to date people who are not from their city and setting up their location preference beyond the city walls. Long-distance love that lets you wander to another place is the trend to look out for in 2023.

Cuffing

The beginning of a new year, otherwise known as the cuffing season in the dating world, sees the highest number of singles on the prowl and getting into relationships even if they aren’t particularly interested in committing to the person at the moment. More than 22 per cent of men from tier 1 and 2 cities say that it is mostly out of loneliness and an attempt to improve the quality of life in the spirit of “new year, new me.”

Mittal, the Founder, and CEO of India’s homegrown dating app QuackQuack

PEOPLE WITH PERFECTIONIST TRAITS MORE PRONE TO BURNOUT

People with perfectionist traits are more susceptible to burnout, and it is not only due to work-related stress, a new study has shown.

According to mental health expert and lead author Professor Gordon Parker, some conventional tools used to diagnose burnout focus on work-related stress, however, the impact is much more extensive.

Study findings suggest that people who tend to be perfectionists are more likely to experience burnout because of their own “unrelenting standards”.

“Most people think that burnout is a work problem. Actually, we found that stress experienced at work or at home can set the wheels of burnout in motion. Our analyses indicated that burnout may also develop as a result of predisposing personality traits, especially perfectionism,” said Professor Parker.

“People with perfectionistic traits are usually excellent workers, as they’re extremely reliable and conscientious. However, they’re also prone to burnout as they set unrealistic and unrelenting standards for their own performance, which are ultimately impossible to live up to,” he added.

Burnout is widespread among high achievers in the workplace -- but is

becoming increasingly more prevalent in personal lives.

Experts suggest burnout symptoms include constant exhaustion, emotional numbness and confusion at home or work, in contrast to regular tiredness.

“Most people consider burnout to be extreme tiredness, but in our studies, we have found that the symptoms are

much more wide-ranging,” said Professor Parker.

“People struggling with burnout also suffer from cognitive dysfunction, sometimes known as ‘brain fog’ and disconnection from their friends and family, as well as the more typicallyrecognised reduced performance in work and tasks around the home,” he added.

INDIANS STILL WANT TO TOUCH & FEEL SMARTPHONES BEFORE BUYING

Despite a spurt in online shopping, Indian consumers will still go to physical stores in 2023 for their smartphone purchases, as touch and feel continues to play an important role for them, a report showed.

The top three drivers for satisfaction on overall smartphone sales support are satisfaction on trade/sell out schemes, transparency in process and timely payout, according to the report by CyberMedia Research (CMR).

“In the new normal, both online and offline retail continue to be equally important touch points for consumers. Consumers seek to research online, buy offline, or vice-versa,” said Prabhu Ram, Head- Industry Intelligence Group, CMR.

Offline will continue to be the cornerstone for mobile business in India in 2023 and beyond, he added.

Sell-out schemes, timely payout, and transparency in dealings are what retail partners look for in associating with a smartphone brand.

Lava brand ranked highest in retailers’ trust in the country.

“With its consistent and long-term focus on the offline retail market, Lava continues to dominate in retailer trust driven by its transparent processes, timely payout and price control,” said Satya Mohanty, Head -- Industry Consulting Group, CMR.

In offline retail, a smartphone brand’s success is driven by the level of its ongoing

engagement and trust with its retail channel partner ecosystem, he added.

HEALTH

FIVE ACTIONS TO SAFEGUARD VISION DURING DIABETES

You probably already know how important it is to keep blood sugar levels within the recommended range if you or a loved one has diabetes. Major, long-term health issues like vision loss, heart disease, and renal disease can be avoided or delayed with proper management of blood sugar, HbA1c, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure.

Diabetes can have a serious negative impact on the eyes, which can result in blindness or visual impairment. This is due to the fact that high blood sugar can destroy the capillaries in the eye’s most delicate tissues, which transmit signals to the brain and enable clear vision. A permanent loss of vision may result from this retinal damage brought on by high blood pressure.

However, there is hope. One can avoid major eye damage by monitoring and regulating the blood sugar levels as per their doctor’s recommendation.

The following five actions can help safeguard vision during diabetes.

Understand Numbers

When blood sugar levels rise, the delicate blood vessels that nourish the most delicate areas of the eyes are often the first to sustain damage. High blood sugar specifically harms the retina. The thin tissue that makes up around 65 per cent of the back of the eye is called the retina. Many light-sensitive cells reside

there, allowing the eyes to communicate visual information to the brain via the optic nerve.

The blood vessels that supply the retina are harmed when blood sugar levels rise. Vision blurring may result from this, either temporarily or permanently. Diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts are three distinct eye conditions that are quite common in people with diabetes. Timely detection and interventions can minimize such complications. By keeping track of the blood sugar levels one can reduce the risk for these sight-stealing conditions.

Stop Smoking

Every physiological system is harmed by smoking, but diabetics are particularly vulnerable. Smoking harms the veins, arteries, and capillaries in the body, aggravating diabetes-related eye damage already present. Whether you’re a smoker and have tried to quit, or want to quit for the first time, don’t give up. Talk to your doctor about your options.

Moving It

Exercise benefits all physical systems in the same way that smoking does, so get moving! After lunch, go for a couple laps around the block. Take a few extra steps and park at the far end of the parking lot. Regular exercise can reduce your risk of developing diabetic eye disease since it lowers blood sugar levels. Put it on your calendar each week to remind you to make time for this appointment with yourself that will improve your life. Before beginning any

workout regimen, discuss it with your doctor to find out the exercises they advise.

Focus on Eating Healthily

You are what you eat, we’ve all been told since we were young. Healthy eating leads to healthy eyes. Eat a diet that is well-balanced and contains meals that provide your body with good nutrients to safeguard diabetic eyes. Vitamins A, C, E, beta-carotene, lutein, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and zeaxanthin are some of them. Consuming a diet high in leafy greens, fatty fish like salmon, tuna, or mackerel, nuts like walnuts and almonds, beans, lentils, and mushrooms will help you reach this goal. Maintaining a low glycaemic diet is important to manage blood sugar levels.

Yearly Dilated Eye Examination

The finest tip is reserved for last: get a full dilated eye exam from your ophthalmologist once a year, or more frequently if advised, to make sure that your efforts to control blood sugar are aiding in maintaining the health of your eyesight. A screening for cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy may be performed at this visit. Your pupils enlarge as your eyes dilate, allowing your ophthalmologist to inspect the retina, macula, and optic nerve up close. Your doctor can identify diabetic retinopathy in its early stages long before you have any symptoms by looking at these sensitive tissues.

By Dr. Kuldeep Dole

5 ITEMS TO CLEANSE YOUR SYSTEM

Health tip:

Have a runny nose? Add garlic to your diet to help reduce the severity of illnesses like flu and common cold

Zoom Vs. Take-Home Teeth Whitening Kits

Have you experienced people coming up to you and gently letting you know that you have pale teeth? According to popular belief, pale teeth, more often than not, make you look dirty and old. Is getting rid of those yellow ones your biggest concern right now? Then you must look for teeth whitening options and save yourself all the worry.

We are going to discuss some basic facts about the two most popular ways amongst all the teeth whitening options. They are Zoom In-chair teeth whitening and Take-home teeth whitening kits. Let us have a look at what aspects differentiate them from each other.

Zoom In-Chair Teeth Whitening

This method lies at the forefront of cosmetic dentistry and plays a crucial role in providing patients with an attractive smile. This tooth whitening treatment is performed by qualified and experienced dental professionals with the help of advanced equipment. The basic features of this method are as follows:

Quick

Zoom teeth whitening is the fastest way to brighten your pale set of teeth. The process requires applying whitening gel and leaving it to work for at least 15 minutes in one go. This step is repeated for 3 to 4 times depending upon how bright you want your teeth to be. It usually takes even less than a couple of hours for your teeth to reach the level of whiteness you require.

Safe

Here are 5 items you can consume to cleanse your system after an intense night out.

WATER

If you’ve been drinking while partying, you’re bound to get dehydrated at some point. Water comes to the rescue here. It will also assist in the digestion of all the junk food consumed there.

PROBIOTIC DRINK

Probiotic drinks help in the elimination of toxic elements from the body and relieve it from hangovers, bloating and digestion-based problems.

COCONUT WATER

While normal water helps with rehydration and digestion, coconut water also helps lock in the body’s water levels

and relax the body due to the presence of electrolytes in it.

EGGS

While eating may not be something you’d want to do right after a party, having some eggs after taking enough rest and letting the body generate some appetite would be really beneficial for your body, as they help in maintaining blood sugar levels.

GINGER TEA

Mixed with honey, or even without it, Ginger tea is an instant reliever from bloating and heaviness resulting from an intense night out. Ginger also helps reduce headaches or inflammation in the gut resulting from drinks or fast food.

Professional teeth whitening is the safest option compared to other methods. Being in the safe hands of experienced dentists who take all the measures to avoid any risks and injuries during your teeth whitening procedure is anytime better than doing it on your own.

Efficient

Dentists first examine your teeth to ascertain the type of stains you have. This helps to ensure if you are a candidate for Zoom teeth whitening and whether the level of whiteness you want is achievable. This further enhances the efficiency of teeth whitening.

Lasts longer

Usually, the results of Zoom teeth whitening last longer than the take-home teeth whitening kits or any other methods. You must also remember to avoid foods and drinks that contribute to staining your teeth and harming the enamel.

Take-Home Teeth Whitening Kits

This is yet another popular form of teeth whitening. All those who

cannot make it to a dentist’s clinic in time or are suffering from dental anxiety often prefer to whiten their teeth at home. The sales of home teeth whitening kits are on the rise.

Cost-effective

Take-home teeth whitening kits are lighter on your pockets compared to the in-chair teeth whitening option. If budget is your biggest concern, you might want to check out the home teeth whitening kits.

Hassle-free

This method does not require artificial bonding or attachments to teeth. It is just like getting your teeth whitened at a dental clinic except for the effectiveness. Home teeth whitening takes longer to show results as compared to Zoom in-chair teeth whitening.

Easy to use tray

The home teeth whitening kits include simple trays and are designed in a way that makes them easy to use on your own. You need not call in your friends or family to help you whiten your teeth.

Variety of options

Just like the different kinds of teeth and stains on them, takehome teeth whitening kits come in a variety of options. You may ask your dentist to help you select the best home teeth whitening kit for you.

Conclusion:

You can wave your pale teeth a goodbye and welcome the new smile any time you want. Teeth whitening is the way forward. But before you select any teeth whitening method, make sure you consult your dentist. They will suggest the right teeth whitening option according to your teeth and the stains present on them.

Happy teeth whitening!

For more information about teeth whitening options at Healthy Smiles Dental Group clinic in Blackburn, feel free to visit us during work hours. You may also call us on 03 9877 2035 to talk to our frontdesk coordinators and book an appointment.

Researchers look to licorice for promising cancer treatments

A research review into molecular insights of a licorice-derived substance called glycyrrhizin for preventing or treating cancer suggests further research could lead to specific agents for clinical use.

Gnanasekar Munirathinam and his research team are studying substances derived from the licorice plant Glycyrrhiza glabra to determine if they could be used to prevent or stop the growth of prostate cancer. Munirathinam is an associate professor in the department of biomedical sciences at the College of Medicine Rockford. A research review into molecular insights of a licorice-derived substance called glycyrrhizin for preventing or treating cancer conducted by Dr. Munirathinam and student researchers suggests further research could lead to specific agents for clinical use.

The journal Pharmacological Research recently published the study titled “Oncopreventive and oncotherapeutic

potential of licorice triterpenoid compound glycyrrhizin and its derivatives: Molecular insights.”

“When we look at the research out there and our own data, it appears that glycyrrhizin and its derivative glycyrrhetinic acid have great potential as anti-

inflammatory and anti-cancer agents,” Munirathinam said. “More research is needed into exactly how these could best be used to develop therapies, but this appears to be a promising area of cancer research.”

Should everyone go out and eat a bunch of licorice? Probably not, because it may affect blood pressure, interact with certain medications, and cause serious adverse effects, including death, when used excessively. An occasional sweet treat of licorice candy or tea may be better options until more studies can show how to best harness the plant’s benefits.

“Very few clinical trials in humans have been conducted,” Munirathinam said. “We hope our research on prostate cancer cells advances the science to the point where therapies can be translated to help prevent or even cure prostate and other types of cancer.”

Scientists discover an antibacterial cranberry-coloured lipstick

Lipstick can improve confidence, complement an outfit, and keep lips from chapping. However, sharing a tube with a friend or family member can spread illnesses. Researchers from ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces added cranberry extract to the formulation to create a version with antibacterial characteristics.

Their deep red cream quickly inactivates disease-causing viruses, bacteria and a fungus that come in contact with it. According to historians, people in ancient Egypt were the first to use make-up, applying pastes made from minerals and other substances in their environment. The formulations have evolved over the centuries, but now researchers have come full circle, looking again toward natural ingredients. For example, recent studies have reported that lipstick formulas incorporating natural colorants, such as red dragon fruit, can result in products with both vibrant colors and antimicrobial activity. And previously, cranberry extract has been shown to inactivate viruses, bacteria and fungi. So, Angel Serrano-Aroca and colleagues wanted to use cranberry extract to create a deep red lip tint with antimicrobial properties.

The research team mixed cranberry extract into a lipstick cream base, which contained shea butter, vitamin E,

provitamin B5, babassu oil and avocado oil. In experiments, the reddened cream was added to cultures containing different viruses, bacteria and one fungal species. Both enveloped and non-enveloped virus types were completely inactivated within a minute of contact with the cranberrycontaining cream. And the multidrugresistant bacteria, mycobacteria and fungus were substantially inactivated within five hours of applying the cream. The

researchers suggest that their novel lipstick formula could offer protection against a variety of disease-causing microorganisms.

The authors acknowledge funding from the Fundacion Universidad Catolica de Valencia San Vicente Martir and the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation.

People in 30-50 age group sleep the least due to childcare, working life

People sleep less in mid-adulthood than they do in early and late adulthood, finds a new study. The researchers said the decline in sleep during mid-life may be due to demands of childcare and working life.

Sleep duration declines in early adulthood until age 33, and then picks up again at age 53, according to the findings published in Nature Communications.

Across the study sample, people sleep an average of 7.01 hours per night, with women sleeping 7.5 minutes longer than men on average.

The study led by University College London, University of East Anglia and University of Lyon researchers involved 730,187 participants spread over 63 countries.

“Ours is the first large study to identify these three distinct phases across the life course. We found that across the globe, people sleep less during mid-adulthood, but average sleep duration varies between regions and between countries,” explained Professor Hugo Spiers from University College London’s Psychology and

Language Sciences department.

People who report sleeping the most are in Eastern European countries such as Albania, Slovakia, Romania and the Czech Republic, reporting 20-40 minutes extra sleep per night and the least in South East Asian countries including the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia.

People in the UK reported sleeping slightly

less than the average. People tended to sleep a bit less in countries closer to the equator.

The researchers found that navigational ability was unaffected by sleep duration for most of the sample, except for among older adults (aged 54-70) whose optimal sleep duration was seven hours, although they caution that the findings among older adults might be impacted by underlying health conditions.

Can turmeric help in breast cancer treatment

Oral oestrogen blockers are used to treat hormonally-driven breast cancer, which accounts for about 70 per cent of cases. But because the drugs can cause joint discomfort, many women quit taking them, which puts them at a higher risk of relapsing.

“This gift will have a tremendous impact on our program,” said Mili Arora, UC Davis associate professor of haematology and oncology. “We thank the Safeway Foundation for supporting our efforts to help breast cancer patients live their lives to the fullest extent possible.” Turmeric, a flowering plant in the ginger family, is used by some arthritis sufferers who say it reduces their joint pain. The Safeway Foundation grant will help UC Davis test giving turmeric in a pill in combination with oral antiestrogen drugs. The goal is to see if the spice can successfully reduce joint pain in breast cancer patients and explore whether it improves the quality of their lives.

“It’s an honour to support the work of the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center. Every day we learn about organizations that go above and beyond to help people and the cancer centre is an excellent example,” said Wendy Gutshall, director of public affairs for Safeway.

The study will allow Dr Arora and her team

to provide breast cancer patients with essential data on the safety and effectiveness of using turmeric with oral anti-estrogen therapy.

UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center is the only National Cancer Institute-designated centre serving the Central Valley and inland Northern California, a region of more than 6 million people. Its specialists provide compassionate, comprehensive care for more than 15,000 adults and children every year and access to more than 150 active clinical trials at any given time. Its innovative research program engages more than 225 scientists at

UC Davis who work collaboratively to advance the discovery of new tools to diagnose and treat cancer. Patients have access to leadingedge care, including immunotherapy and other targeted treatments.

Its Office of Community Outreach and Engagement addresses disparities in cancer outcomes across diverse populations. The cancer centre provides comprehensive education and workforce development programs for the next generation of clinicians and scientists.

10 MOST ANTICIPATED FILMS OF 2023

The 2023 film release line up looks excellent so far! With SRK’s three films and Salman Khan’s two, it seems like a great year as far as Bollywood is concerned. There are many other films that have the audience waiting with bated breaths, let’s check out the list here.

1. Pathaan

Although the film has been embroiled in controversy, Shah Rukh Khan fans are waiting for the release of the film which also marks his comeback after a hiatus of four years.

The film will hit the theatres on January 25, 2023, and also stars Deepika Padukone and John Abraham in the lead.

2. Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani

The film which will mark the comeback of Karan Johar as a director will see romance brewing between the ‘Gully Boy’ couple Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt.

The film also stars Dharmendra, Jaya Bachchan and Shabana Azmi in the lead roles and will hit the theatres on April 28, 2023.

3. Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan

Salman Khan will return with an action-packed entertainer for all his fans!

‘Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan’ is directed by Farhad Samji and also features Pooja Hegde and Venkatesh Daggubati in the lead.

Shehnaaz Gill, Palak Tiwari and Vijender Singh are also a part of the film. The film is now slated to hit the theatres on the occasion of Eid 2023.

4. Shehzada

Rejoice all Kartik Aaryan fans! Kartik will be seen next in ‘Shehzada’ opposite Kriti Sanon. Other notable actors in the film include Manisha

Koirala, Paresh Rawal, Ronit Bose Roy, and Sachin Khedekar.

‘Shehzada’ is all set to release in theatres on February 10, 2023.

5.Tu Jhoothi Main Makkar

Touted to be Ranbir Kapoor’s last rom-com film, ‘Tu Jhoothi Main Makkar’ will hit the theatres on the occasion of Holi - March 8, 2023. The film marks the first on-screen collaboration between Ranbir Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor.

6. Animal

Another Ranbir Kapoor film is in the works! Except, this one won’t be a romantic comedy! ‘Animal’ is a Sandeep Reddy Vanga directorial and alongside Ranbir, Rashmika Mandanna, Anil Kapoor, and Bobby Deol are also a part of the film.

The film is expected to be out in August 2023, although makers are yet to give an official confirmation for the release date.

7. Jawan

Touted to be a mega Bollywood-South film collaboration, the film ‘Jawan’ will see Shah Rukh Khan in a raw, edgy look, romancing South superstar Nayanthara. The film is being directed by celebrated Tamil director Atlee. The film will hit the theatres on June 2, 2023.

8. Adipurush

Although the film has been receiving a lot of backlashes ever since the trailer got out, Prabhas fans are eagerly waiting for the release. The film will hit the theatres on June 16, 2023. The film is based on the Indian Epic Ramayana. Prabhas plays Lord Ram while Saif stars as the antagonist Lankesh in the movie. Kriti Sanon is playing the role of Goddess Sita in the film.

9. Dunki

Helmed by Rajkumar Hirani, ‘Dunki’ stars Taapsee Pannu and Shah Rukh Khan in the lead roles. This will be SRK’s first collaboration with Taapsee and director Rajkumar Hirani and will also mark his third film of 2023. It is slated for a December release.

10. Tiger 3

Fans of Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif have a reason to rejoice as the duo is coming back to woo the movie buffs with their upcoming film ‘Tiger 3’.

The espionage action thriller, also starring Emraan Hashmi was supposed release in theatres on April 21, 2023, however, the makers have now delayed the release until Diwali 2023.

ARCHANA PURAN SINGH OPENS UP ABOUT HER JOVIAL BOND WITH KAPIL SHARMA

TV personality and actress Archana Puran Singh talked about her bond with the ace comedian Kapil Sharma and why she never felt bad about him pulling her leg or making fun of her.

She said: “Many people on social media often ask me if I don’t feel bad by the way Kapil jokes about me or why I just listen to him without saying a word. And I have been saying the same thing that the bond we have since ‘Comedy Circus’ is something very unique.”

Archana acted in several movies such as ‘Jalwa’, ‘Agneepath’, ‘Saudagar’, ‘Raja Hindustani’, and also judged comedy-based reality shows such as ‘Comedy Circus’, ‘India’s Laughter Champion’, and many more. She is also part of ‘The Kapil Sharma Show’.

The 60-year-old actress added that she always liked the mischiefs of Kapil and never felt bad about them.

“Kapil has always been mischievous and nowadays, the level of mischief has also gone up in a fun way, but I bear all this because I love his mischief and the way he jokes around me. And I recognise the love he has for me behind his mischief and jokes,” she added.

Motivational speakers including Gaur Gopal Das, Vivek Bindra, and Khan Sir will be appearing on ‘The Kapil Sharma Show’ as celebrity guests.

‘The Kapil Sharma Show’ airs on Sony Entertainment Television.

A TRUE-BLUE PUNJABI: AYUSHMANN

Bollywood star Ayushmann Khurrana, who was recently seen in ‘An Action Hero’ is a true-blue Punjabi munda as he loves to indulge in food at all times. The talented actor-singer enjoys homemade food and Indian sweets made by his mother of which rajma-chawal, sarson ka saag, makki ki roti and gaajar ka halwa are his absolute favourites.

Given his shooting schedule, the actor has to constantly follow a regimented diet plan. However, the talented actor makes it a point to go back to his hometown Chandigarh every Diwali and year-end holiday, and during this time, he indulges in everything his mother makes for him.

Talking about the same, Ayushmann shared: “My mom and my mother-in-law spoil me with my favourite dishes and I thoroughly enjoy it. It is tough for me to decide what I want to eat each day. Right from rajma-chawal, sarson ka saag, makki ki roti, pinni to gaajar ka halwa - I like to eat all the delicacies that they make because they are simply divine. This holiday season I’m looking to get

pampered in Chandigarh.”

He further spoke about the importance of spending quality time with family as he said: “I feel it is important to spend quality time with your family. One must always remember where one’s roots are and for me it’s Chandigarh. My parents and this beautiful city have shaped me into the person that I have become today. Despite being in Mumbai, I always feel a massive gravitational pull for my home.”

“I usually have erratic schedules because of shoots, promotions, brand deliverables etc and so, I make it a point to go back to my family in Chandigarh whenever possible, especially during the holidays. It is nostalgic and rejuvenating,” he added.

Ayushmann will be leaving for Chandigarh after finishing his brand and film commitments this year and will ring in the new year with his family.

BHUMI PEDNEKAR

TO EXHIBIT HER VERSATILITY AS AN ACTOR IN 2023

Actress Bhumi Pednekar has six releases in 2023 including ‘Bheed’, ‘The Ladykiller’, ‘Afwaa’, ‘Bhakshak’, ‘Mere Husband Ki Biwi’, and says that this year will be hers as an artist.

Bhumi said: “With six films releasing this year, I’m putting it out in the universe that 2023 will be my year in cinema as an actor! Given the diversity of these films and the powerful women that I will essay in the film, I don’t think I could push myself any further to showcase the variety of roles that I can play as an artist.”

“People will get to see six different Bhumi’s on screen in one year which is what is most exciting for me. I live to play out different lives on screen. It excites me, challenges me and

stimulates me as an artist. I’m fortunate that I’m an actor living out my dream every single day. I couldn’t have manifested anything better to happen to me,” she added.

Bhumi said that her wish for 2023 is very simple.

“I want to entertain everyone with these six films and move a few notches higher to realising my personal goal, which is to be regarded as one of the best actors that India has ever seen. I know it’s a lot of hard work and I’m prepared to put in everything for this because I’m in it to be amongst the best. This has driven me so far and I hope this fuels what future has in store for me.”

ONLY KNEW HOW TO BOIL WATER’: BIG B

Cooking is an art and not many of us have a grip over it. Talking candidly on the quiz-based reality show, Amitabh Bachchan admitted that he was never good at cooking, and till he went abroad, he only knew how to boil water.

As the show is going to enter the finale week, Bollywood stars Kiara Advani and Vicky Kaushal took over the hotseat and talked about their experiences in the industry. Big B also revealed his contribution to the movie ‘Chup’. And Kiara shared how much he knew about the movies of the host.

During the conversation, the host asked Kiara if she knows how to cook and she replied: “Little bit.” Later, he asked Vicky can cook, and he replied: “One thing I learned was making tea.”

Big B added: “Your and my condition are almost the same. At least you can make tea, I only knew how to boil water. Once I went abroad and it took seven days to learn how to crack eggs in a proper way. Sometimes it used to fall here, sometimes there.”

FIVE TV ACTRESSES WHO WILL RULE THE CHARTS IN 2023

TV celebrities are loved by many not just for their stunning acting skills but also for their bold fashion sense and this makes them trending on the Internet. Looking at several factors like their social media engagement, fan following, and the amount of buzz they are creating, these actresses are sure to be on the top even in the coming year.

1. Nimrit Kaur Ahluwalia

in TV serial ‘Rishta Likhenge Hum Naya’ or Uruvi in ‘Karn Sangini’. Currently, she is being loved by the audience for her role in Ektaa Kapoor’s ‘Naagin 6’.

Her relationship with Karan Kundrra is also the talk of the town. She has purchased two houses with beau Karan, one in Goa and the other in Dubai, and she is all set to make her debut in Marathi cinema with the film ‘Mann Kasturi Re’.

3. Rupali Ganguly

It seems now there is no looking back for the actress. After making her mark on TV, the actress is now ready to take over the big screen with her stint in ‘Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan’. The film features Salman Khan in the lead role. Gill will also be seen in ‘100 %’ with John Abraham, Nora Fatehi, and Riteish Deshmukh. The

is slated for a Diwali 2023 release.

Nimrit Kaur Ahluwalia is a known name in the television industry, owing to her amazing work in ‘Bigg Boss 16’. Many are rooting for her to win the show. She won immense popularity with ‘Choti Sarrdaarni’. The actress played the role of Meher and became a household name. She is best known for her dual roles of Meher and Seher in the show. She is also known for her stylish looks and outfits and became a fashion inspiration for many.

The actress started her career as a model. She was among the top 12 of Femina Miss India 2018 and won Femina Miss Manipur. She got her big break with ‘Choti Sarrdaarni’. Since then, there has been no looking back.

2. Tejasswi Prakash

She is bubbly and beautiful. Her popularity reached another level after emerging as the winner of ‘Bigg Boss 15’.

Tejasswi had made her mark in the TV industry with her participation in the reality shows like ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi 10’, she is also remembered for her role of Diya Singh

From starting her acting career at the age of 7 in her father, Anil Ganguly’s film ‘Saaheb’ in 1985, Rupali Ganguly became a household name in the television industry by playing the role of Monisha in the 2004 comedy sitcom ‘Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai’.

Now, the 45-year-old actress has gained much more respect and fame for playing the titular role in ‘Anupamaa’. She has steadily become the most loved ‘bahu’ of the TV world and is a great mother both on and off screen. Looking at her success, we are sure she will keep ruling in the coming year.

The 26-year-old actress has become a prominent name with her stint in TV shows such as ‘Barrister Babu’, ‘Kyun Utthe Dil Chhod Aaye’, and currently as Akshara Goenka Birla in the longest longest-running serial ‘Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai’. The audience loves her character, and she is making a place in their heart with her raw fresh look.

With her increasing popularity, it seems she will be getting more breaks on TV next year and might turn out to be a prominent face on the small screen.

By Ila Sankrityayan

4. Shehnaaz Gill

She rose to fame with ‘Bigg Boss 13’. Her chemistry with the late actor Sidharth Shukla has always been in the limelight on the show. The fans call them SidNaaz

film

5. Pranali Rathod

bon appétit

Did you know:

Coffee lowers the risk of developing depression and may reduce the risk of suicide

4 mistakes you make while eating fruit

Fruit is great for weight loss because it is low calorie, high fibre, and water content. Fruit is nature's quick snack and is a great source of vitamins and other elements that help maintain a healthy diet.

Fruit has vitamins and minerals that the body needs in abundance. According to Dr. Archana Batra, a dietician and a certified diabetes educator, "Many people consume fruit wrongly, which might cause more harm than benefit if not corrected." She also shares a list of mistakes one makes when eating fruit.

Combining fruit with anything elseFruit breaks down faster than any other food. When combined with other foods, it can cause the formation of toxins in the body known as ama. This is due to the fact that food pairing can slow down digestion. Fruit must stay in the stomach for as long as the heaviest food takes to digest, making nutrient absorption difficult. It begins to ferment in the digestive juices,

which is usually toxic and may raise the possibility of illness and other health conditions. It is therefore preferable to consume it separately.

Fruit at night-time- It is best to avoid anything 2-3 hours before going to bed because it interferes with the digestive system. This holds true for fruit as well. Fruit consumption right before bed has a high chance of disrupting sleep because it releases a lot of sugar, which spikes energy levels when the body should be resting. At night, our ability to absorb and assimilate nutrients is significantly reduced. In addition, eating fruits late at night may cause acidity symptoms. Fruit should be consumed as an evening snack and no later than that.

Drink water immediately- Not only children but also adults, are frequently observed drinking water immediately after eating fruit. Drinking water after eating fruit can cause the pH level of the digestive system to become unbalanced, especially consuming fruit with a high water content like watermelon, muskmelon, cucumber, orange, and strawberry. This is because fruit with a lot of water in it can change the pH balance by reducing the acidity of your stomach. Experts warn that doing so can result in serious illnesses such as diarrhoea or cholera.

You are not eating the skin- When it comes to vitamins and antioxidants, the peel is frequently the best part. Apple peels, for example, are high in fibre, vitamin C, and A. Eating the skin may even be the key to lowering your risk of obesity and cancer, according to research.

By N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe

'Never say die attitude led me to this great platform', says Chef Harpal

Success comes in a variety of forms and at various times, but most often when we least expect it. This story is about a man who has been a global influencer and who has reinvented cooking shows with his distinct sense of humour and authentic Punjabi desi cooking. The Indian food industry seeks out Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi, who is regarded as the most entertaining and vivacious chef.

We got in touch with Chef Harpal and this is what he has to say about being known as the "Energy Chef of India.".

Q: Was cooking or being a chef your first dream?

A: Not really, I was born in a place that had two large institutions called Kharagpur. A small British hamlet known for IIT Kharagpur and the longest railway platform in the world. So, the first preference of any person is to join IIT and the other to join the Railways. However, my dream was to become a fighter pilot as we also have a very important air base Kalaikunda near Kharagpur, the jet sorties would impress me.

I did appear for National Defence Academy but couldn't get through and did not fit into the second attempt as I had crossed the age. My first attempt at IIT did not go through either, so I started preparing for the next year. It was luck by chance that we had a neighbour who had given IHM and completed the course, we were impressed that he got employed immediately after the course and it played a big factor in perusing the course. My elder brother thought it would be a good idea to pursue a skilled course that is more employable. So, he filled up the form and things went through that I took up Bhubaneswar as my college and joined the course. The interesting bit is that not a single member of my family knew anything about the course, and we had no clue. We never really visited a restaurant as a family, if something had to come from a restaurant it would be bought at home and distributed equally at home.

So, I entered a course with no clue or knowledge but something I realised after spending three years, I could become a chef, and from the core of my heart fell in love with it. Once that was decided then there was no looking back it was all about acquiring adequate knowledge on what was required to achieve success. Since then, I can say that hard work, passion, love for the job, perseverance, patience, and knowledge all put together made me who I am today. The journey is still exciting because for me still, every day is a new day of learning as a chef.

Q: What has been your favourite dish?

A: Well as I evolved as a chef, I have been consistently training myself to get better at what I am doing. My initial days I remember I spend in the Cold Kitchen, Gardemanger as we call it and I loved doing butter sculptures, ice carvings, cold cuts, etc, then later when I went into the Indian kitchen, I started cooking

black dal very well, I still remember in one of the five-star hotels in Nagpur where I was the chef, people would just come to pack the dal. Then in my own restaurant Karigari there are so many favourites that I love to cook daily Dal Makhni, Besan Spring Onion ki subji, Butter Chicken, Mirchi ka Halwa. I spent a lot of time mastering the art of Hyderabadi food under Begum Mumtaz Khan and Habib Pasha. I still remember the Pathar ka Gosht we used to cook in our restaurant Vintage was something people would queue up for. A good Hyderabadi Biryani is something I can eat daily with a proper Mirchi ka Salan.

Q: Who inspired you to excel in this field?

A: It is best said that, if you wish to learn swimming you need to dive in and splash around. I did that! But having said that, my dad has been my biggest support. He would keep articles about senior chefs and their recipes from newspapers and give them to me when I visited. The efforts of the entire family helped me reach wherever I am today. All my seniors with whom I worked and those with whom I did not have always been there in my mind. Respect to all for those who supported me directly and indirectly.

Q: What motivates you to keep going and exploring various fields?

A: Every day I wake and ask myself what's new today and how will I make it more exciting. This is just not for me but for my entire team. We discuss what's new and try to work around it. God has been kind that he puts me across various people from different fields and I keep learning. Be it learning offbeat things in my own field, like tribal foods, Ayurvedic food, packaged food, etc, or be its digital platforms and their learning to be updated with technology. Incidentally, I am the only chef to have done a dance reality show, two movies, and proper fiction serials

apart from about 8-10 food shows in various mediums. I still feel there's a music album and a proper mainstream movie yet to happen, someday!

Q: You've worn many hats, which is your favourite?

A: Well, I specialised in Hyderabadi food, and have spent time with Begum Mumtaz Khan, Mehboob Alam Khan, Habib Pasha, and the streets of Hyderabad Puran Quilla. That is something that I always mention as a specialisation. Incidentally, I am Punjabi so I understand the fine points of Punjabi food as I would closely watch my mother cook. These days the learning is on pro-biotic foods, tribals foods and the Ayurvedic food experience is never-ending.

Q: What message would you like to give to your followers?

A: Well, there is only one thing I understand, do whatever you do with your heart and soul in it, then you are bound to see success. It might not come early sometimes but it will surely come someday. Put in all your efforts, hard work, patience, and dedication, and acquire as much knowledge as you can, the world will be yours.

By N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe

How To Set Up Your Nutrition for The Year Ahead

BY DEEVYA GUPTA

Have you set any health goals?

Set out small and achievable goals that you can easily meet (and not just a number on a scale!). Examples of specific goals may look like: Doing a small amount of physical activity for a set time frame, even if it is just 5 minutes to start off with, but every day or a nutrition goal of aiming to include salads with two of your main meals in the day. Make sure the goals you set are realistic. The goals you set should help you to feel good overall so that they are enjoyable and feel more sustainable rather than a chore. Research suggests it may take an average of 66 days to form some sort of behaviour change so don’t give up!

Maintain a positive outlook when thinking of food and lifestyle

You should try and not relate emotional words back to your habits such as good, bad healthy, junk and unhealthy. Having certain foods or being less active does not make you a ‘bad’ person. Rather look at things from the perspective of how often you need those things for examples we have ‘everyday foods’ such as vegetables, fruits, proteins, dairy and unprocessed grains which our body required for overall nutrition, and then there are ‘sometimes foods’ or ‘party foods and drinks’ to have on occasion in small

quantities. This will make the process easier and a more positive experience. Aim to have mostly nutritious foods that contain more fibre, vitamins and minerals and keep the processed foods for occasionally and in small quantities. Eating slowly can also help you relate back to how hungry you are actually feeling at the time of eating particular foods.

Don’t be too hard on yourself if things don’t always go to plan. Keeping a positive and

happy relationship with yourself will allow you to continue your health journey. You are more likely to continue with changes if you feel happy. If you often feel guilty after having certain foods, drinks or not being as active as you like, focus on the things you have done or will do next.

Is it thirst or hunger?

Many times, we may confuse our body’s sensation of feeling thirsty for being hungry and may end eating more as a result. Since the body is 70% water, aim to keep yourself well hydrated with water. With warmer weather and increased exercise, water intakes may need to be further increased. By consistently increasing your overall intake of water you may notice many more positive changes including clear skin, feeling energetic and your insides will thank you for it. Every now and then you may have another drink of choice but as long as you don’t make it your primary drink of choice there is no harm in that.

Stay accountable

Create a supportive environment where it is easier to make change and maintain it. Some people may like to get a professional in to help keep them accountable and provide support and this is where a dietitian can be of further assistance.

From the team at ABC of Nutrition we wish you the best of health for 2023.

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

BY MANJIT SETHI

Mesha (Aries)

You can have some financial benefit, due to which your financial condition will be very good. Job professionals and businessmen can get many big successes. You can climb the stairs of success one after the other in your field of work. There can be a communication of spirituality inside you. Your luck side may prevail. Job professionals and businessmen can get many big successes.

Best days: 3, 12, 30

Lucky Colour: Red, Orange, Cream

Simha (Leo)

You may travel abroad. You will increase your might and courage. Your efficiency can be very good. There are chances of promotion for employed people, Job Promotion Yoga is there. The fortunes of the businessmen will be on high. You can make quadruple progress in your business day and night. Your financial things can be very good. Your health is expected to be good this year. You can enjoy your fitness to the fullest.

Best days: 5,3

Lucky Colour: White & Orange

Dhanu (Sagittarius)

This year can be excellent for Sagittarius. You will increase your fighting ability inside you. Courage and confidence will increase. Your financial condition can be excellent. Planetary positions gives you tremendous success in job. Due to the good work, you will be able to loot the applause of your boss. You will also get good support from colleagues. Your married life and health will be perfect.

Best days: 9, 18

Lucky Colour: Red, Blue

Vrishabh (Taurus)

Job professionals can make incredible progress this year. You may get a very important position

in your job. Traders will gain business momentum and your financial condition can be very good. You may also face many big accidental losses. love and married life remain tense. you will be overshadowed by your enemies, but family life is also likely to remain turbulent.

Best days: 9, 18, 27

Lucky Colour: Green, Blue

Kanya (Virgo)

Mithuna (Gemini)

You may improve your financial condition. There is a possibility of sudden money gain at the big level for you. Your love relations may get sour, but it is a happy year for married people. There are chances of getting position-prestige and respect. This year the business of businessmen will pick up and they can get some great opportunities to earn money. This year you can enjoy your excellent health.

Best days: 2, 7, 9

Lucky Colour: Red, White, Yellow

Tula (Libra)

Karkat (Cancer)

You may see sudden ups and downs in your workplace. Some people might lose their jobs due to some situations. The difficulties of married people may increase slightly, but eventually the situation will come under control. This year can be prosperous for businessmen. They can get good opportunities to expand their business. You may also enjoy some pilgrimages.

Best days: 9, 18

Lucky Colour: Red, Blue

Vrishchik (Scorpio)

Your opponents will have to suffer. You will be successful in overcoming the difficulties of life.

You should shower love in your married life. The understanding of both of you can be very good. This year will be very prosperous for the employed people and businessmen. There is also a possibility of financial loss due to investment made without thinking.

Best days: 3, 12

Lucky Colour: Orange, Green

Makara (Capricorn)

You will get financial prosperity this year. Your financial condition can be very good. You can get very good support from your family and friends. Someone may create problems in your married life. Your relationship with your spouse can remain bitter. You may also have to face disappointment in love life. You may have to relocate or change your residence. The peace of your home may be disturbed.

Best days: 1, 3, 4

Lucky Colour: White, Green, Blue

Your love life will be fine, Differences with your spouse or their poor health can draw lines of worry on your forehead. You may have to bear heavy losses in business. Your health may remain weak this year. Your luck may remain slow. You may face opposition from your children, although employed people may see some good results. fix the financial situation Jupiter Transit can prove helpful in keeping.

Best days: 9, 18

Lucky Colour: Red, Blue

Kumbha (Aquarius)

There are indications that you will get good benefits in financial matters as well. Your financial condition can be very good. your health will be very good. Your married life may get eclipsed. You can get many opportunities to make pilgrimages. There are indications that you will get good benefits in financial matters as well. Your financial condition can be very good.

Best days: 5, 3, 6

Lucky Colour: White, Green

Your family and mental peace will remain intact. You can also buy a new house or real estate this year. your financial condition will be excellent. However, you should take decisions regarding financial matters with little thought. You will not be able to defeat your enemies. You may also get some financial benefit accidentally. There will be an increase in your expenses.

Best days: 1, 3, 4

Lucky Colour: Red, Orange

Meen (Pisces)

This year may bring mixed results. You will get good benefits from foreign countries. You can be saved from many types of losses. Your health can be very good. Your Luck can shine You can get immense happiness from love and married life. There can be many major changes in your financial condition. You may also have accidental profits. Employed people can go on foreign travel.

Best days: 2, 7, 9

Lucky Colour: Red, Yellow, White

By D. Narayan (Tantracharya)

Have a laugh

COMPANY MATTERS

Sit for 10 mins before a drunkardyou will feel life is very easy.

Sit for 10 mins before sadhus & sanyasis - you will feel like gifting away everything in charity.

Sit for 10 mins before a leader - you will feel all your studies are useless.

Sit for 10 mins before a life insurance agent - you will feel that it is better to die.

Sit for 10 mins before traders - you will feel your earnings are too meager.

Sit for 10 mins before scientistsyou will feel the enormity of your own ignorance.

Sit for 10 mins before good teachers - you will feel like wanting to become a student again.

Sit for 10 mins before a farmer or a worker - you will feel you are not working hard enough.

Sit for 10 mins before a soldier - you will feel your own services & sacrifices are insignificant.

Last but best one Sit for 10 mins before a good friend - you will feel your life is heaven!

From a friend:

Sit for 10 mins before your wifeyou will feel you are the most useless person on earth.

Company Matters...!!