G'Day India Mar 2023 Issue 191

WINNING IT WITH A HAPPY SMILE- PRIYANKA BERANI

TRADE PACT WITH INDIA WILL UNLOCK POTENTIAL FOR FUTURE INVESTMENTS: PM ALBANESE

PM ANTHONY ALBANESE AND PM NARENDRA MODI AT THE FOURTH AND FINAL TEST FOR THE BORDER-GAVASKAR TROPHY, BETWEEN INDIA AND AUSTRALIA, AT AHMEDABAD

CONNECTING COMMUNITIES THROUGH STORIES (CALD)

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Commonwealth Games Villages Another Step Closer

The EOI for these important civil works will create opportunities for regional contractors to be involved in construction, supporting hundreds of local jobs.

Each Games village has specific requirements and the civil works across the sites could include bulk earthworks, installation of new drains and sewers, the relocation of power, gas and water, roads construction, general demolition, remediation and clearing works.

Civil contractors will have the opportunity to lodge their interest in a single location or across multiple project locations.

Early works at each location are expected to begin later this year with village designs for each site under development.

Victoria 2026 will leave a legacy of highquality housing and new and upgraded sports infrastructure to attract future major events.

MELBOURNE, Mar 7: The Andrews Labor Government has opened the Expression of Interest (EOI) process to the construction sector for civil works to deliver the Commonwealth Games villages across regional Victoria.

The villages will be home to around 7,000 athletes and officials in Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong and Morwell when the Commonwealth Games get underway in March 2026.

It is estimated the Games will contribute more than $3 billion to Victoria’s economy, creating more than 7500 jobs before, during and after the Games.

Interested parties can register via the Buying for Victoria website buyingfor.vic.gov.au, from which a shortlist of contractors will be invited to participate in a Request for Proposal process.

The EOI closes at 2.00pm on Tuesday, 28 March. (MEDIA

Construction Begins on New Centre for Medical Discovery

development.

MELBOURNE, Mar 9: Construction on Australia’s first hospital-based biomedical engineering research centre – the Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery – has begun, further cementing Victoria’s position as a global leader in medical research.

Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Medical Research Mary-Anne Thomas today visited the site of the new $206 million centre at St Vincent’s Hospital to mark the start of construction.

The centre brings together clinicians, scientists, and engineers from hospitals, research institutes and universities all under the same roof for collaborative research and

Backed by a $60 million Andrews Labor Government investment, the new centre forms part of Melbourne’s rapidly growing biomedical precinct – helping to attract and retain leading medical researchers by offering worldclass facilities and enabling cutting-edge research opportunities and cross-institute collaboration.

The new centre will feature specialist 3D printing and clinical simulation laboratories, insulated rooms for the development of sensitive hearing and vision technologies, engineering workshops to produce medical device prototypes and robotics, and an education centre to train our next generation of healthcare workers.

The centre will address future health challenges and chronic illnesses like epilepsy, cancer and osteoarthritis, while exploring innovative treatments and technologies that

include artificial intelligence, implantable digital devices, regenerative medicine and 3D-printed devices.

With a core focus on prevention and early intervention, the new centre will help to save and improve lives in Victoria, Australia and around the world.

Construction on the centre, due for completion in 2024, will create hundreds of local jobs – and once complete, the new Aikenhead Centre will go on to support more than 300 jobs across the medical research sector.

The Labor Government has invested $1.3 billion in medical research since 2014, including up to $400 million for the Australian Institute for Infectious Disease – the largest centre of infectious disease in the Southern Hemisphere.

Victoria’s medical research sector supports more than 30,000 jobs, contributing around $21 billion to the economy.

Investment in new centres like Aikenhead are part of the Labor Government’s 10-year plan to make sure Victoria has the people, institutions and scientific innovations required to position the sector to be the best in the world.

MELBOURNE, Mar 9: The Andrews Labor Government is saving more parents time and money with six new kindergartens on school sites eliminating the dreaded double drop-off for more families, while making kinder more accessible.

Minister for Early Childhood & PrePrep Ingrid Stitt today announced new kindergartens would open at St Albans Meadows, Willmott Park, Roxburgh Park, Korumburra and Napoleons primary schools and Kyabram P-12 College in 2024, creating 495 new kindergarten places for local kids.

Two-room centres opening to outdoor learning and play spaces will be built at St Albans Meadows, Korumburra and Napoleons primary schools and Kyabram P-12 College, with each offering 66 kindergarten places.

Willmott Park Primary School in Craigieburn will provide 99 kindergarten places thanks to a new three-room centre that opens to an outdoor learning and play space.

A new four-room centre that also opens to an outdoor learning and play space at Roxburgh Park Primary School will provide a further 132 kindergarten places.

The new kindergartens are sharing in $371 million provided in the Victorian Budget

2019/20 for Three-Year-Old Kindergarten funding.

Built with modular construction to expedite delivery and minimise disruption for the school and local community, the technique delivers new high-quality learning environments more quickly, supporting 42 jobs during construction and 164 in associated industries.

Kindergartens on-site or next door to primary schools ensure kindergarten programs are easier to access, drop-off time is simpler and more convenient for parents and provide a smoother transition from

kindergarten to school for local children.

Since 2021 the Labor Government has delivered a kindergarten on-site or next door to every new school that has opened, ensuring families have better access to the services they need.

More Kinders on School Sites Saving Parents Time And Money Keeping Trams on Their Tracks as Collisions Rise

As part of our Best Start, Best Life reform, we’re making kinder free across the state, creating 50 government-owned and operated early learning centres and establishing PrePrep, an extra year of play-based learning that is saving families money and helping more women back into work.

(MEDIA RELEASE)

MELBOURNE, Mar 5: The Andrews Labor Government is urging motorists to drive safely around trams, as the number of serious vehicle-to-tram collisions rise across Melbourne.

Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll today visited the Yarra Trams’ Collision Repair Centre at the new Preston Depot – where a number of trams have been taken off their tracks to undergo major repair works following a collision with a vehicle.

There were 960 vehicle-to-tram collisions recorded in 2022, with 166 of them classified as serious. It’s a jump of 60 per cent on the previous year, equating to an average of almost three collisions a day.

In January this year, there were 10 vehicleto-tram collisions in one day, prompting a call for motorists to share the road safely with trams and to never drive in the path of a moving tram.

Most collisions involving trams occur when a vehicle turns in front of a tram or drives on to tracks attempting to overtake others. Around 95 per cent of tram-to-vehicle collisions are caused by vehicles on the tracks.

Vehicle-to-tram collisions can cause major damage to trams and vehicles, as well as

injuries and fatal consequences to those involved.

Clearing a collision can also take hours, leading to disruptions for all road users and often extending journeys across multiple routes and roads.

There are 10 trams out of service for collision repairs at any one time on average - about half of one route’s trams that are unavailable for service.

Melbourne’s trams weigh up to 62 tonnes – or about as much as 30 rhinos – and while

some vehicle-to-tram collisions are minor, other collisions require major work by a skilled team at the Preston Depot to bring the trams back into service.

The team complete varied tasks to safely return the trams on their tracks, including panel beating and electrical works.

Trams with more significant damage, such as Z-class tram number 123 which was sideswiped by a garbage truck in late 2022, can take many months to repair. (MEDIA

Safe Affordable Healthcare for All Victorian Women

providing safe, supportive and judgment-free healthcare for women, putting patients and their needs at the heart of every medical decision – but we know there’s more work to do.

That’s why the Labor Government is working to deliver a comprehensive package that ensures all women – no matter where they live or how much they earn – can access the dedicated health services they need.

We will create 20 new women's health clinics that will provide comprehensive care for Victorians needing treatment and advice on issues like endometriosis, pelvic pain and menopause.

MELBOURNE, Mar 8: Victorian women deserve access to safe and affordable healthcare, regardless of where they live –the Andrews Labor Government is making that a reality, reforming and expanding women’s health across the state.

To mark International Women’s Day, Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas today visited Northern Health’s Family Planning Clinic, which is expanding the vital sexual and reproductive health services it provides to local women.

The Family Planning Clinic is improving access to sexual and reproductive healthcare in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, providing comprehensive abortion care for a diverse and growing population – along with counselling and advice on contraception, STI

prevention and treatment and general sexual health awareness – at no cost.

To meet growing demand for these services, the clinic is increasing its team of midwives and gynaecologists – and adding a second session for clinical consultations and surgical services each week. This will see the number of women who can access termination services double, from six to 12 each week.

A grant from the Victorian Nursing and Midwifery Trust and the University of Melbourne will also see two midwifery researchers based at the clinic working with patients, staff and the community to co-design a model of care that meets the specific needs of the local community.

Victoria has always been a leader in

Our network of sexual and reproductive health hubs will be expanded, creating nine additional locations – giving more women access to services and advice on contraception, pregnancy and sexual health.

As part of this package, we will double the number of endometriosis and associated condition surgeries delivering an estimated 10,800 additional laparoscopies over the next four years - and we'll provide $20,000 scholarships for 100 additional women's healthcare specialists - giving Victorian women more specialist healthcare options.

Planning is underway now on each phase of these reforms, and we will continue to work closely with the health sector and community, making sure Victorian women and gender diverse people get the care they need. (MEDIA

Family Violence Research Grant Applications Now Open

MELBOURNE, Mar 9: The Andrews Labor Government is providing $1.2 million for family violence research to support evidencebased improvements and innovation in prevention of and response to family violence and sexual assault.

The Labor Government are now inviting applications from academic and sector partners under a second phase of the Family Violence Research Program 2021-2024.

This investment is in addition to the first phase of the Family Violence Research Grants Program which provided $2.5 million to 13 universities and family violence sector agencies in 2022.

Research findings will help support the Labor Government’s $3.7 billion family violence reforms.

Research has identified seven priority areas where evidence gaps exist including

children and young people as victims, family violence as experienced by people from diverse communities and sexual violence and harm.

Harnessing and embedding lived experience, from design to delivery, is a key feature of the second phase. Applicants

are required to demonstrate how they will incorporate lived experience in their proposed research projects.

Further information and submission information is available at grantsgateway.dffh. vic.gov.au

India, Australia cooperating to build better world: PM Anthony Albanese

considering his workload. Australia made no changes to their winning team from the third Test.

Australia won the toss and captain Steve Smith elected to bat first against India in the fourth Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

PM Modi presented the Test cap to India captain Rohit Sharma while the Australian PM handed the 'Baggy Green' to Aussie skipper Steve Smith.

The Australian PM who arrived in India on Wednesday, on the same day participated in Holi celebrations along with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and the Governor of Gujarat Acharya Devvrat at Raj Bhawan in the state capital Gandhinagar.

AHMEDABAD, Mar 9: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who just watched the first day of the final test match of the Border Gavaskar Trophy at Gujarat stadium, on Thursday, compared the cricket match with the India-Australia ties and said that both countries are cooperating to make a better world as the cricket teams of both countries are competing to be the best in the world.

After leaving the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, PM Albanese tweeted, "As two cricket-loving nations, Australia and India share a fierce but friendly rivalry. At the heart of this contest is genuine respect, reflecting the affection and friendship between our people." "On the field, Australia and India are competing to be the best in the world. Off the field, we are co-operating to build a better world. Prime Minister @narendramodi and I had the honour of opening the fourth test in Gujarat today. Good luck to all the players (but go Australia!)," he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Australian PM graced the fourth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Ahmedabad to celebrate '75 years of friendship' between both countries.

Meanwhile, PM Modi tweeted, "Cricket, a common passion in India and Australia! Glad to be in Ahmedabad with my good friend, PM @AlboMP to witness parts of the IndiaAustralia Test Match. I am sure it will be an exciting game!"

Both the prime ministers were greeted with loud cheers before the start of the match as they took a lap of honour across the massive sports arena to celebrate 75 years of friendship between India and Australia.

In the match, the hosts made just one change with Mohammed Shami replacing pacer Mohammad Siraj, who was given rest

"Honoured to celebrate Holi in Ahmedabad, India. Holi's message of renewal through the triumph of good over evil is an enduring reminder for all of us", tweeted Australian PM Anthony Albanese with colourful pictures of Holi celebrations with flowers and colours.

The Australian Prime Minister on the same day visited the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad and paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel accompanied the Australian PM on his visit to the Ashram. During the visit, Albanese took a complete tour of the Ashram.

The Australian PM, upon his arrival in India, tweeted: "An incredible welcome to Ahmedabad, India. The beginning of an important trip for Australia-India relations."

Trade pact with India will unlock potential for future investments: PM Albanese

MUMBAI, Mar 9: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) signed between India and Australia is a transformative agreement, which will unlock the next level of potential in trade and investment.

Addressing the India-Australia CEO forum here, Albanese said the business delegation accompanying him is one of the most serious and high-profile delegations to visit India from Australian shores.

He also said that it is a turning point in accelerating economic co-operation and mutual benefits in the relationship between

the two countries.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, who was present at the event, said that the current goal of doubling bilateral trade must be reset by the industries and CEOs present, as there is great potential to increase trade manifold between the two nations.

He reiterated the growth potential of bilateral trade and investments between India and Australia.

Goyal, while recalling his previous visit to Australia in April last year, recounted his interaction with the CEO of Cochlear, Australian hearing implant manufacturers. After the interaction, he had reassured

Goyal that their current market share in India was only a minuscule of the potential for the business, given India's population, rapid growth in middle class and the growing demands of the overall economy for a better lifestyle.

The forum was organised by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce, along with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in order to leverage the evergrowing trade and investment opportunities between the two countries.

Indian family facing deportation over son's Down Syndrome allowed to stay in Australia

say they were granting the family a bridging visa until the minister made his decision ... and literally within half an hour of that call, the minister's office rang and said we've decided to intervene and offer you a full permanent residency," family advocate Suresh Rajan was quoted as saying in WA Today.

"The minister has applied complete human rights principles here, and we're so grateful to him for that. It's an incredible decision and incredibly quick," Rajan said.

According to the Immigration Department, the cost of looking after Aaryan would be $664,000 over 10 years.

PERTH, Mar 9: An Indian family that was asked to leave Australia due to their son's Down Syndrome has now been offered permanent residency after Immigration Minister Andrew Giles intervened.

After living in Perth for seven years, Aneesh Kollikkara's family was facing the prospect of being deported to India next week as their 10-year-old son Aaryan failed the visa health test, WA Today reported.

The Kollikkara couple said they were denied residency because their son was considered a "burden" on the health system.

After a three-year fight for the visa, the family received official word on Wednesday that Giles had intervened and granted them permanent residency.

"The department rang us this morning to

Aaryan's mother Krishna had said that her son doesn't rely on any disability support services.

According to 7News, the couple's two children are privately schooled and the family has private health too. It said that the family has used Medicare for some of Aaryan's appointments but has never claimed financial help through the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

Australian cash rate hits record high since May 2012

functioning of the economy.

"And if high inflation were to become entrenched in people's expectations, it would be very costly to reduce later, involving even higher interest rates and a larger rise in unemployment," said Lowe.

strong demand for some services over the summer. Rents are increasing at the fastest rate in some years, with vacancy rates low in many parts of the country," said Lowe.

The Governor revealed that the central forecast is for inflation to decline this year and next to be around 3 per cent in mid-2025.

Meanwhile, Lowe noted that growth in the Australian economy has slowed, with GDP increasing by 0.5 per cent in the December quarter and 2.7 percent over the year.

"Growth over the next couple of years is expected to be below trend," he added.

CANBERRA, Mar 7: The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has decided to lift the cash rate target by 25 basis points to 3.6 per cent, the highest since May 2012.

This is the 10th consecutive rate hike since May of last year when the RBA announced the first 25-basis-point increase.

Following an RBA board meeting on Tuesday, the bank's Governor Philip Lowe said in a statement that high inflation makes life difficult for people and damages the

According to the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the monthly Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 7.4 per cent in the 12 months to January.

"The monthly CPI indicator suggests that inflation has peaked in Australia. Goods price inflation is expected to moderate over the months ahead due to both global developments and softer demand in Australia.

"Services price inflation remains high, with

The central bank acknowledged that the full effect of the cumulative increase in interest rates is yet to be felt in mortgage payments and some Australians are experiencing a painful squeeze on their budgets.

But Lowe said that a further tightening of monetary policy will be needed to ensure that inflation returns to the 2-3 per cent target range and that this period of high inflation is only temporary.

(IANS)

Australia reports 100-fold increase in influenza cases

CANBERRA, Mar 9: Australia has reported a 100-fold increase in influenza cases through the first two months of the year, according to the Department of Health,

Department data has revealed that there were 8,453 confirmed influenza cases through the first two months of 2023 -- up from only 79 in the same period in 2022.

Among the cases, 2,700 were children under 14, accounting for nearly one-third of the total.

The spike has been attributed to an increase in international travel, with people on return from northern hemisphere holidays.

There were more than 220,000 flu cases in Australia in 2022 and 308 deaths, both the highest figures since 2019 after Covid-19 restrictions drove cases down in 2020 and 2021.

More than half of the cases hospitalized for treatment in 2022 were younger than 16.

In order to protect the health system

from a "double blow" of a spike in flu and coronavirus cases, some state governments in 2022 made influenza vaccinations free for people but has not announced plans to repeat the scheme.

Bruce Willett, vice president of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, said when flu vaccines become available from mid-March, every Australian should

consider inoculation.

"While flu has a strong seasonal bent -- it tends to be a late winter thing -- of course, it does occur all year round," he was quoted as saying.

"It can be a significant illness for underfives and even life-threatening."

(IANS)

Australian regulator calls on airlines to cut domestic airfares

CANBERRA, Mar 9: The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has called on airlines to cut domestic airfares, as consumers are still paying prices above pre-Covid levels.

The ACCC released its latest "Airline Competition in Australia" report, which showed that domestic airfares have declined from their historic highs at the end of 2022, but the average revenue per passenger remains 13 per cent higher in real terms than it was in 2019.

According to the report, the price index for discounted tickets was 25 per cent higher in February 2023 than the same month pre-pandemic, and that for some routes continues to be significantly higher compared to pre-pandemic.

Over the period, the cheapest return fares for Coffs Harbour to Sydney almost tripled to A$338 ($223).

Many flight prices to and from Adelaide, capital city of South Australia, were doubled or almost doubled, said the report.

ACCC Commissioner Anna Brakey noted that the airfares reduction is typically due to a seasonal drop in demand, as well as an increase in seat capacity by airlines.

The ACCC report also noted that the

price of jet fuel has fallen by 35 per cent in February 2023 since a record high in June 2022, which should result in cheaper airfares.

Majority of voters not keen on Indian-origin Harris as president: Poll

on Harris' candidacy.

NEW YORK, Mar 2: Even though US President Joe Biden has accidentally referred to Kamala Harris as President at least six times, a majority of voters are unenthusiastic about his Vice President's potential presidential run in 2024, according to a latest poll.

According to The Telegraph, Biden's Indian-origin second-in-command has struggled to gain traction among Democrats nationwide amid her poor public approval ratings.

But what shocks more is that the majority of these voters are from California -- a Democrat bastion and Harris' home state.

Between February 14 and 20, a poll conducted by the Berkeley Institute of Government Studies and The Los Angeles Times asked 7,512 registered voters about Harris running for President if Biden decided not to seek a second term.

It found that 59 per cent of registered voters were hesitant about Harris seeking the country's highest office.

Some 18 per cent said they were "not too enthusiastic" about the idea, and a clear plurality of 41 per cent said they were "not enthusiastic at all".

Only 16 per cent said they would be "very enthusiastic" about Harris taking on the role, while 21 per cent said they would be "somewhat enthusiastic". Four per cent of those surveyed gave no opinion.

Bringing some cheer to Harris, 56 per cent of Democrat voters said they would be keen

But what was an immediate dampener was that about 40 per cent of Democrats in her home state did not want to see her run in 2024.

A few Democrats have privately expressed concerns that Harris could prove a liability for the party, citing her struggles as a communicator, The Telegraph report stated.

They also think that Biden, 80, is too old to run for a second term by the end of which he would be 86.

Biden has not formally declared a run but speaking to NBC News at the Munich Security Conference last month, Harris said the US President "has said he intends to run for re-election and I intend to run with him as Vice President".

The latest poll also found Biden's approval rating improving in California, with him holding a 57 per cent yes and a 39 per cent no in the state.

Trump to remain in 2024 presidential race even if criminally indicted

style said: "Oh, absolutely, I won't even think about leaving. Probably, it'll enhance my numbers, but it's a very bad thing for America. It's very bad for the country."

Trump made the remarks while being asked at a gaggle before his conservative political action conference address, media reports said.

the Washington Examiner reported.

He declined to commit to Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel's call for 2024 candidates to make a pledge to back the eventual nominee. This was evidence he saw no one but himself being in the race for 2024.

"There are probably people that I wouldn't be very happy about endorsing that are running, so we'll see. I think some of them, I won't use names, I don't want to insult anybody, but some of them, I would not be very happy about," Trump told reporters.

WASHINGTON, Mar 7: Even as the Republican Party predicts it’s a 'Ron vs Don' for nomination for 2024, former US President Donald Trump feels he has not been done yet and has vowed to remain in the 2024 presidential race even if he ends up being criminally indicted by various congress committees and the courts. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is no longer the dark horse for 2024 as a vast majority of the party backs him against Trump.

Trump in his characteristic flamboyant

Trump is up against a barrage of investigations or legal challenges, including a civil lawsuit over alleged business fraud from the New York Attorney General Letitia James; a sprawling criminal inquiry from the Manhattan District Attorney's Office; an investigation from Fulton County; and special counsel Jack Smith's two-pronged Justice Department investigation into the Georgia poll interferences by him and his supporters in 2020.

Trump drew an enthusiastic crowd at the CPAC where he decried the litany of investigations against him, contending "they've weaponised justice in our country",

McDaniel had sought to corner all Republican 2024 contestants to back the eventual nominee in exchange for access to the debating platform.

However, not just Trump, candidates or potential 2024 hopefuls, such as former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, have been noncommittal, reports said.

Trump presented himself as "retribution" for his loyal followers. He had won the CPAC straw poll at the confab, which appeared to have lower attendance levels than in the past.

"In 2016, I declared: I am your voice," Trump said. "Today, I add: I am your warrior. I am your justice. And for those who have been wronged and betrayed: I am your retribution."

(IANS)

Thai man gets two years jail for selling duck calendars that 'insulted' king

BANGKOK, Mar 8: A Thai man has been sentenced to two years jail for "defaming the monarchy" by selling calendars which featured rubber ducks - a symbol of pro-democracy protesters - in royal regalia, reports said on Wednesday.

Narathorn Chotmankongsin, 26, was among about 200 people who have been arrested under 'lese majeste' laws since 2020, the BBC reported.

Rubber ducks were used in demonstrations by protesters seeking a democratic transitiona movement which also includes demands for reforms to the monarchy.

Narathorn was arrested in December 2020 for selling the calendars on the pro-democracy Facebook page Ratasadon. The political satire featured illustrations of ducks in royal regalia, and controversial and satirical captions.

Prosecutors argued the images and descriptions ridiculed and defamed King Maha Vajiralongkorn.

A court on Tuesday sentenced Narathorn to three years, before commuting the sentence to two years.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) said the sentence showed Thai authorities were punishing any activity they deemed insulted the monarchy, the BBC said.

"This case sends a message to all Thais, and to the rest of the world, that Thailand is moving further away from - not closer tobecoming a rights-respecting democracy," said HRW Asia director Elaine Pearson.

(IANS)

Getting married in Australia

CHARACTERISTICS OF DIVORCES

In 2021, 56,244 divorces were granted in Australia, an increase of 13.6% when compared with 2020 (49,510). The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia have advised that the high number of divorces finalised in 2021 is in part related to administrative changes to increase finalisations and reduce timeframes. These changes enabled the finalisation of more applications for divorce than previous years and allowed the Court to reduce backlogs by finalising more divorce applications in the year than were received.

In Australia, divorces can only be granted after a minimum of 12 months or more of separation. As such, only a small proportion of divorces finalised in 2021 relate to separations that occurred after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020.

The characteristics of those granted divorce are relatively stable over time. In 2021, for those marriages that ended in divorce, the median duration of marriage to divorce was 12.2 years. 47.8% of the divorces granted were of couples with children under 18

years. The median age at divorce was 45.9 years for males and 43.0 years for females.

The largest increase in divorces granted was recorded in New South Wales, with 17,126 in 2021 compared with 14,023 in 2020 and 14,197 in 2019. In 2021 there were 473 divorces granted for same-sex couples including 306 female samesex couples and 167 male samesex couples.

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

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

WorldRemit Data:

Inflation Forces Migrants to Reduce Remittances Despite Financial Hardship

for Family Overseas

● 82% of remittance senders agreed that the cost of living for those they send money to has increased since the start of the year

● 45% of senders restricting remittances solely to immediate family members as a result of inflation

● More than half (54%) of remittance senders have taken up a side-hustle since the global COVID-19 pandemic; almost one-fifth (19%) did so to continue to be able to support friends and family abroad

WorldRemit, a leading digital remittances company, announces the results of its second Cost of Living index, where the organization has sought to understand how the worsening inflation crisis has affected the lives of international money senders around the world.

The survey found that 82% of remittance senders agreed that the cost of living for the people that they send money to has risen since the start of the year.

Highlighting the impact of inflation on people around the world, almost half (45%) noted they now only send money to immediate family, rather than friends and distant relatives. 1 in 9 people worldwide rely on money sent from friends and relatives who have migrated abroad for work. With several factors contributing to increased financial pressure, new data showed that 72% of respondents in the US, 41% in Australia, and 44% in the UK have taken up a side hustle (a job in addition to their main source of income), with 27% of respondents on average across our three markets indicating they did so to support the increase in their own cost of living.

Of the respondents who cited having a side hustle, 89% reported that they would maintain their side hustle in the next 12 months.

Households around the world are set to re-examine their spending habits in light of inflation, with more than a quarter of respondents (26%) saying that they are curtailing discretionary spending on entertainment such as dining out or going to the cinema or theatre. For example, in the UK, nearly two-thirds (65%) of people noted concerns regarding the cost of utility bills, highlighting the change in spending habits of UK households as a result of the energy crisis.

“The inventive solutions, such as side hustles, that we are seeing as a result of the current economic landscape point to the resilience of migrants and their commitment to financially supporting loved ones overseas,” said Jorge Godinez Reyes, Head of the Americas, WorldRemit. “These findings demonstrate the grit of economic migrants in adapting to wider financial stresses and the rising cost of living while still meeting the needs of their families at home, and abroad.”

The multi-country study was fielded in October 2022 to determine the ongoing effects of the increased cost of living on international money senders in the United States, United Kingdom and Australia, resulting in observations from 2,687 international remittance senders. Whilst there were minor differences, broadly speaking, 1st generation migrants’ views were aligned with those of the overall sample in our survey.

(MEDIA RELEASE)

Winning It With a Happy Smile

Priyanka Berani clinches an award at IABCA 2023

Happy Smiles was a name to reckon with in Melbourne’s circuit of dentistry. As someone who has felt and smelt fear sitting in a dentist’s cabin, Mrs. Berani understands that dentistry is more than just drill and fill. It requires empathy towards one’s customer, an ability to put the patient at ease, and to prove to them with compassion, innovation and technology that treating a tooth is no longer the torturous routine that once was. Ergo, Happy Smiles travels the long yard to give its patients a relaxing lounge, a conversation that is inclined towards listening to their needs instead of handing them a mere manual of what wonders the scaler and curette are going to do in their mouths.

Priyanka Berani, co-founder of Melbourne’s Happy Smiles Dental Group has been honoured with the prestigious award of Business Woman Of The Year 2023 at the biennial India Australia Business & Community Alliance (IABCA) Awards in New Delhi. The event, in recognition of businesses and enterprises that contribute to the strengthening of the India-Australia trade relationship, received over three hundred nominations that were reviewed by a panel of sixteen esteemed jurors. Her victory in view of this intense, deserving competition is a testament to the entrepreneurial acumen and perseverance that betrays her unassuming grace.

This award comes on the back of Priyanka and her husband, co-founder of the firm winning the Ethnic Business Awards in Sydney last year – a first for an Indian-migrant couple in thirty-one years. By

Priyanka’s own account, it was humbling and euphoric all the same to be honoured with this title by Deputy Head of Mission to India Sarah Storey.

But much like Rome, successful business ventures are not built in a day. Their practice which has now earned itself a reputation across Melbourne for its state-of-the-art technology and thirty-five highly skilled staff members had commenced with humble beginnings in 2004, with Ved being the sole doctor attending to patients and Priyanka fronting the shop as a receptionist and office manager rolled into one. Armed with an educational background in commerce and business management, Priyanka donned her businesswoman hat and took up the mantle of growing this venture one day, one customer at a time. Her mantra of ‘Customer First’ earned the trust of every new and retained patient, and before long,

This philosophy of caring for their people is not limited to the confines of their office alone. The couple are well known for their philanthropic endeavours just as they are for their medical practice. They give back to the society they earn from, in the form of regular donations at the local Gurudwara, dental check-up camps at local primary schools, and financial backing of Sikh volunteers in Australia who are committed to a plethora of social causes.

Mrs. Berani’s receipt of the IABCA award is a fitting tribute to the ‘service before self’ rule she lives by. As American author Zig Ziglar rightly said – you can get everything in life you want if you will just help other people get what they want. And this is just the beginning, for she now prepares to champion for more recognition awards with an aim to spread the message of community spirit and to encourage other small businesses in Australia to take the road less travelled. As she rightly puts it, this award is taking one for the large team of women around the world who go about handling two jobs at a time –that of a professional and of a homemaker –with passion and aplomb.

By Nishant Kaushik

Barriers Faced by Women Writers

A new platform, created to amplify the voices of people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, is connecting communities through stories.

only her days as a migrant and as a student in India wearing saris to school, but also how important it is for women to understand both equality and equity.

Dr Sabitra Kaphle shared some of the main takeaways from the panel discussion and her keynote address. Dr Kaphle has worked in the health industry for more than twenty years in both clinical and non-clinical settings. She’s currently a senior academic at Central Queensland University and is the author of Socio-cultural Insights of Childbirth in South Asia, published with Routledge in 2022.

To celebrate International Women’s Day, Jobs Victoria advocate Niru Tripathi made a stellar start to a new venture: CALD Voices’ inaugural event, “Barriers faced by Women Writers”, on 4 March at the Merri-bek Glenroy Community Hub. The event aims to create a space where people can share their stories, experiences, and perspectives to celebrate their unique identities and culture.

Through these events, CALD voices aims to promote understanding, respect, and empathy from diverse backgrounds. The program believes that by listening to and learning from each other, strong and connected communities can be built.

The main aim of the event is to gather to recognise and honour the achievements and contributions of women writers worldwide. Women writers face many challenges in their careers. We have made significant progress towards gender equality but there are still certain obstacles faced by women, especially women of colour, in the publishing world.

Gender disparity exists in many forms, particularly in the field of education; globally, women’s literacy is an issue in many parts of the world. It is important to acknowledge those who have been forgotten in the discourse of displacement and migration.

The event opened with a powerful speech by keynote speaker Professor Supriya Singh, an honorary professor at the Graduate School of Business and Law at RMIT. She’s also a writer, sociologist, and author of the book A House Over Diamond Creek: A

Whimsical Journey Through Gardens and Life (2021). Dressed in a patola sari, she talked about why she writes out of loneliness to make sense of her through pages. In her book The Girls Ate Last (2013), she narrates a story of her mother’s search for education before and after the partition of India in 1947.

Rida Aleem Khan, the recipient of the 2018 Sir John Monash High Commendation Youth Award and contributor to the Living and Loving in Diversity (2018) anthology, facilitated the panel discussion with great energy that had writers Dr Shakira Hussein, author of From Victims to Suspects: Muslim Women Since 9/11 (2019); Nandita Chakraborty, author of Rosemary’s Retribution (2018) and Dirty Little Secrets (2022), and winner of the 2022 Honouring Women in Merri-bek Award; Niru Tripathi, CALD voices leader and author of Periscano (2020); and Emily Unity, an incredible mental health professional and software engineer who is about to release a self-published book called Multicultural Minds.

The event also had a second keynote speaker Manorani Guy from VicWISE. Born in Malaysia with a Chinese Indian background, she is a seasoned professional with over twenty-eight years of experience in supporting international students. She is the founder and director of Asian Student Accommodation and Asian Student Education. She’s passionate about social justice and working towards a more equitable society. In her speech, she emphasised not

The event also had honorary guest speaker Mayor Angelica Panopolous, the youngest ever Mayor of Merri-bek. A graduate with a law degree, she is set to lead Merri-bek with her promise to engage in more diverse dialogue and representation matters.

Vivienne Nguyen, the chairperson of the Victorian Multicultural Commission, was the second guest speaker; her Vietnamese/ Malaysian refugee origin confirms her strong connection with the multicultural community.

Other dignitaries included Nirajan Gauli, president of Australia Nepal Public Link Inc. Lisa Dempster, manager of cultural development for Merri-bek City Council, who remained until the end of the programme, standing in solidarity with the women. Sponsors included SBS Radio (represented by Anita Barar), Golden Wattle Advocacy Australia–Pakistan, South Asia Women’s Network and Alliance, Merri-bek Council, Merri-bek Libraries and VicWISE.

Someone once asked me about the colour of diversity. If this range of talent doesn’t answer her question, then perhaps every diaspora needs to unite to engage for a thriving community. CALD women are already part of visible minorities, and we are the invisible writers of that visible minority that is slowly melting away in the huge city’s cauldron of diversity.

Let’s leave the groupism; there’s been enough alienation among us women. Women leaders, it starts with you – set that example that defines all Women.

By Noni Chakraborty

7 TIPS TO MANAGE

DIABETES DURING WEDDINGS

The wedding season is in full gear in India. Families are gathering to commemorate these happy events, with celebrations. This entails attending dance rehearsals, rushing around to get ready, and overindulging on sweets and refreshments that are high in sugar on numerous occasions.

With relatives saying “muhmeethakijiye” (sweeten your mouth) at every opportunity, this can be a tricky time for some people trying to stay healthy - particularly for people living with diabetes. For them, finding healthy food choices to manage their diabetes can be a big challenge in the face of samosas, tikkis, gulabjamun, and ladoos. However, this doesn’t mean the wedding;s buffet - and preceding events - will not have any food you can consume.

Planning ahead and making wise choices will help you find the right mix between taking part in the festivities and managing your diabetes, helping you avoid any unexpected blood sugar highs or lows. Here are some suggestions for controlling your diabetes during this period.

Here are 7 diabetes-friendly steps you can take to stay on top of your numbers and enjoy the wedding season:

Have an action plan: In case you are travelling to another city for the wedding, speak to your doctor in advance on how best

to manage your medication schedule, diet, and lifestyle during this time (including any adjustments to your medication, if needed). Keep an action plan ready in case of any emergency as well. Carry the medicines you need, along with your prescriptions (and set alarms to take them).

Seek support: Keep friends and family that will be present at the wedding in the loop regarding any help you may need to properly follow your diabetes care routine.

Be prepared on the day: Start the wedding day with exercise or yoga, which can lower your blood sugar levels, burn calories, and can help you control your appetite. Before heading to the event, eat a low-carbohydrate, high-fibre snack. Plan ahead by also carrying some nuts or healthy snack, just in case.

Monitor your blood sugar levels: Says, Dr Vishesh Agarwal, Consulting Physician, Diabetologist, Clinical cardiologist & Critical care specialist, Mumbai, “Amidst the festivities, don’t forget to keep an eye on your sugar, which you can do easily on the go, since there are now CGM device options beyond traditional blood glucose meters that involved finger pricking.”

By keeping continuous glucose monitoring devices like FreeStyle Libre - a simple wearable - handy, you can monitor

your levels in real-time, even at the venue. Continuous glucose monitoring devices also offer you insights on any highs or lows, so you can course correct instantly and manage your diabetes well.

Opt for diabetes-friendly foods: At the wedding, fill half your plate with salad or a nonstarchy vegetable, and a quarter with grains and starches (roti is a healthy option!). Opt for baked, roasted, or stir-fried foods instead of anything fried. For dessert, stick to fruit-based or sugarfree options.

Practice moderation: If you want to try some mithaior cake, make it a small helping. You can also consume alcohol in moderation if you want, and stay well hydrated by regularly drinking water.

Get moving: If you eat or drink a bit more than planned, some physical activity could do you some good - you can get on the dance floor and shake it off!

Even if you eat well during this period, your numbers may change marginally due to the travel, exertion, and erratic sleeping patterns. However, you can maintain control over your health while still having fun if you follow your diabetes treatment strategy. Remember to rejoice. (IANSlife)

WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO TIME YOUR WORKOUTS

A common misconception around fitness remains that working out for longer durations fetches better results. The reality is quite the contrary. The ideal duration of exercise varies depending on your fitness goals. Timing your workouts ensures that you get enough exercise without overdoing it. It also makes you less prone to losing out on motivation, in turn helping you achieve your fitness goals in a sustainable manner.

‘Living at the gym’ is not a healthy solution

Have you heard the expression ‘too much of a good thing’? It often holds true in case of working out. While performing a challenging workout to gain strength, your body needs time to rejuvenate. In contrast, a strenuous workout, while removing stress chemicals, produces new ones. It can knock off the immune system for up to 72 hours. Strength training generates minute rips in muscle tissue, which when mended, strengthen it. If you don’t allow your body a day or two off between strenuous exercising, it won’t be able to restore itself.

Excessive workout is a recipe for failure

Overtraining causes you to develop a dislike for exercise. In response to excessive training, the immune system treats the strain as an ailment. As a result, you will feel fatigued more, and may fall sick frequently. The intensity of your workout should determine the duration of your workout. A vigorous exercise session requires fewer minutes than a relaxed, low-intensity workout. Be mindful of the time you are spending working out. Modulate it according to the needs of your body, depending upon the intensity.

Consistency matters

Life is full of unanticipated events, but that doesn’t call for missing out on your workout. To achieve the desired fitness levels, consistency in exercised is key. If you break your workout streak, you can always start again. But, that doesn’t mean that you can make up for the missed days by over-exerting your body. An easy way to avoid falling off the fitness bandwagon is

to take a simple walk around the block at night on days you miss exercise due to any unforeseen circumstance or simply because you didn’t feel like hitting the gym. Stay committed to your fitness regimen.

Variation matters too

It is necessary to balance your exercise routine with other commitments. But doing nothing except crunches for hours every day will not give you a six-pack. You must be realistic if you are serious about losing weight and sculpting your physique. To make it happen, you will also need to put in the necessary work. Exercise less than three times a week, and you may find it easier to maintain your fitness. If you want your metabolism to be in overdrive, you must work out four to six days in a week. Adopt a workout regimen that offers variation to your body, without overdoing any exercise.

By Meenakshi Mohanty

WHAT MAKES WOMEN HR LEADERS DIFFERENT FROM THEIR MALE COUNTERPARTS?

It’s important to note that gender alone does not determine the qualities or skills that make someone a successful HR leader. However, research suggests that there may be differences in how women and men approach leadership in HR roles.

One study found that women HR leaders tend to be more collaborative and focused on building relationships and creating a positive organisational culture. They also tend to be more empathetic and emotionally intelligent, which can help them better understand the needs and concerns of employees.

Women HR leaders have a more inclusive style of management. They can foster a positive work environment that is open to different opinions and ideas, leading to more innovation and successful team projects. Women are also more likely to prioritise employee well-being and satisfaction, ensuring that the workplace is a safe and comfortable space for all employees.

Women HR leaders often bring a greater level of emotional intelligence to the table. They

are better able to recognise and respond to the emotions of their employees, which in turn leads to more effective communication and problem-solving. Women HR leaders are also more likely to take an empathetic approach to management, which allows them to better understand their employees and their needs.

Diversity in perspective: Women HR leaders bring a unique set of skills to the table that make them different from their male counterparts. Women tend to have a more diverse background, which helps them understand the needs of the workforce better. They also bring a different perspective to the table and are more likely to take a holistic approach to HR management.

Finally, women HR leaders are often better suited to leading in a global environment. They are more likely to be open to different cultures and perspectives, which helps them to better negotiate with international partners and stakeholders.

On the other hand, male HR leaders may be more task-oriented and focused on

achieving specific goals and objectives. They may also be more assertive and decisive in their decision-making.

Women HR leaders are often more focused on developing and nurturing relationships with employees, while men HR leaders are more likely to focus on the financial and organisational aspects of the role.

Overall, the different perspective that women HR leaders bring to the table makes them valuable assets to any organization. They can create a productive and positive work environment that leads to increased employee satisfaction and better overall results.

Of course, there are generalisation and there are many individual differences within each gender. Ultimately, the most effective HR leaders are those who can combine a variety of skills and approaches and productive work.

By Sandeep Budhiraja

7 WAYS TO ENSURE A HIGHER LEVEL OF DATA SECURITY WHILE USING MULTIPLE DEVICES

Right from basic tasks to carrying out complex functions, our devices have become the backbone of our everyday lives and a support system that would be impossible to live without. However, with the use of multiple devices comes a higher risk of potential threats from those who are looking to compromise systems and carry out fraudulent activities.

Those looking to undertake fraudulent activities can often do so easily on devices that aren’t protected. As a result, implementing measures to ensure a higher level of data security is critical now more than ever. Here are a few ways suggested by Truecaller on how one can stay digitally safer while using multiple devices:

Updating device software

Staying safe online is an ongoing effort, and one of the simplest yet most effective ways to do so is to stay vigilant and keep your devices updated with the latest software. These software updates frequently come with software patches that fix security gaps and prevent a potential hacking effort across multiple logged-in devices. These patches keep one’s device secure and protect it from software holes that give hackers easy access to multiple devices and the data stored within them.

Firewall Up

A firewall is one of the first things

InfoSec professionals often ask their colleagues to install to stay safe while using multiple devices. A firewall acts as a barrier between a device and the internet, protecting one’s devices from unauthorized access. This simple step can help prevent hackers who are trying

to use common servers to access multiple devices.

Stay Educated, Stay Protected

Being vigilant is one of the most important steps to be taken to be more digitally secure. The best way to do this is to stay up to date with the latest developments and be aware of the tactics being implemented by those looking to compromise multiple systems. This can also help one spot potential risks and mitigate them before the need arises. Turning to cybersecurity websites and blogs, government agency updates, cybersecurity podcasts as well as social media and tech forums can help one stay aware and well-protected.

Separate and Secure

Often, professional accounts and devices are connected to a common organizational server, which can be accessed by a number of professionals. However, from a security standpoint, having your personal information out on a public forum is not always the best course of action, and can prove to be harmful in case of a data breach within the organization. The best option is to always separate your professional and personal accounts and devices so as to prevent any kind of unwarranted attacks.

Lock it Down

Using secure passwords and PINs to secure one’s devices is one of the most basic steps to be taken while using multiple devices. It goes without saying that one must always use different passwords for different devices. Use strong passwords that can’t easily be decoded using brute force or scripting and

tools like Norton Password Manager or LastPass to keep everything secure.

Stay Ahead with Block list Updates

Making sure that you are avoiding any potential hackers is always important. Popular caller ID apps such as Truecaller have a nifty way through which one can detect common scammers and block them pre-emptively to prevent them from reaching you in the first place. In addition, it is important to keep blocking any scammers who may try to reach you, either via SMS, call, e-mail, or social media.

Public Hotspots: Keep Out

While logging into a public Wi-Fi to save on your own internet plan might seem enticing, it is not advised to do unless absolutely necessary. Public Wi-Fi is often unsecured which tends to be an avenue for easy phishing scams, especially when one is logged into the server through multiple devices. If the need does arise to connect to a public Wi-Fi, be sure to use a VPN or turn on the option of connecting through an encrypted connection within the Wi-Fi settings of your device.

While there is no foolproof method to ensure a higher level of data security when using multiple devices, implementing certain key measures can go a long way to ensure that it is as difficult as possible for hackers to compromise your systems. When trying to follow these measures, it is also important to implement them on every device you use, and spread the word to your family and friends to help them stay digitally safer as well.

UNLEASH THE MAGIC WITH THE POWER OF PURPLE

International Women’s Day to honour every woman winning at life! We believe that our confidence is our superpower and what’s better than the form of self-expression via makeup? To celebrate the true essence of being beautiful, we encourage women to unleash the magic from within and embrace their being by letting their true power shine.

Collectively looking to unite with purple, a colour that has long been associated with femininity, creativity, and power. Adding a dash of purple has got to be the perfect way to add some creative flair and dazzle to your curated look for the day. From light lavender to deep plum, there is a whole range of fascinating shades to choose

from! Whether you’re going for a bold and daring statement or a subtle pop of colour, there’s a perfect purple for you!

Colorbar’s rounded up some of the hottest beauty products in town that are guaranteed to add some much-needed purple pizzazz to your look!

Sinful Matte Lip Colour

Pucker up with bold, bright purple lipstick, or go for a more sophisticated look with a deep plum shade with Sinful Matte Lipstick! Entrenched with a rich and silky texture, the bold lip colour is the perfect pick to send a message of strength and power. Every stroke of Sinful Matte Lipcolour is sensually creamy and lightweight and gives a luxurious matte finish. Explore our stunning range of 24 lipstick shades, each priced at Rs 1,200.

12-in-1 Eyeshadow Pallete

Looking to add a pop of colour to your eyes? Why not try a lilac eyeshadow or a smoky purple look? Take your eye game up a notch by trying a lilac eyeshadow or a smoky purple look to create a bold and daring look for the perfect night out with your girls. 12-in-1 Eyeshadow Palettes consist of shimmering hot - purple, gold and dark glitters that leave a gleaming finish. The 12-in-1 Eyeshadow Palette range has 3 exclusive palettes, which are a mix of complementing shades that help one achieve their desired look. Each palette is priced at Rs 2,200.

Vegan Nail Lacquer

From deep, sensuous shades to vibrant lilacs, we’ve got you covered! Our personal favourite is Vegan Nail Lacquer! The 100 per cent vegan and cruelty-free product is a long-lasting gel-like texture to keep those nails dazzling for days at a stretch! Available in a stunning range of 128 shades, the Vegan Nail Lacquer is affordably priced at Rs 175.

Power Kiss Vegan Matte Lipstick

The hue in Power Kiss Vegan Matte Lipstick commands attention and exudes confidence, making it the perfect choice for the dedicated day! Opt for the newly introduced lip colour in the shade Gossip Girl to add instant drama and glamour to your look. These liquid lipsticks are also available in 18 ultra-flattering shades that deliver rich, long-lasting matte colour with full glorious opaque coverage. Priced at Rs 499, this regal hue is a force to be reckoned with!

(IANSlife)

BALLARAT RUSH PART 1

BY DEBASREE DAS

A Melbourne mum, an explorer and a digital content creator, my job takes me to places. But in between hustling work and family, I love spending quality time with family over the long weekends and school holidays. One of our favourite destinations in Victoria is the gold rush-era city of Ballarat. For me, Ballarat is always a top choice for my family of three, as we love to connect to this city’s rich culture, art and nature. It is a fun place for kids, so it is a great way to get my 9-year-old daughter to disconnect from her iPad!

This was one of the many trips we took during the January school holidays.

Located just an hour and a half by road from Melbourne CBD (and about the same by V/Line train), Ballarat is your one-stop destination for many adventures.

Whether you wish to explore the gold rush era at Sovereign Hill or unwind with your family over a picnic at Lake Wendouree, this family destination offers many enriching experiences.

I speak highly of Ballarat to my family, friends and colleagues, so, let me share some highlights of this enchanting destination.

SOVEREIGN HILL: Ballarat’s goldfields have attracted visitors and those seeking their fortune since 1851. We booked our tickets to explore the underground mines and discover what life looked like during the gold rush. Going down into the gold mines was quite a thrilling adventure. Make sure to grab your interactive maps from the reception before you start exploring. One of the highlights of Sovereign Hill is AURA, an immersive 90-minute sound and light experience which runs on Saturday nights. There are also school holiday programs and special events throughout the year, including the amazing Winter Wonderlights. They have an annual pass if you plan on going back with visiting family and friends.

BALLARAT WILDLIFE PARK: Getting up close and personal with some of the native animals of Australia like the koalas, meerkats, wombats, snakes or giant tortoises, hand feed kangaroos, and get a

glimpse of Kai the Sumatran/Siberian tiger (the tallest tiger in Australia). This time we snapped a cute selfie with the koala and he was as cheeky as we were. It was a bit hot when we visited in January, so we decided to have lunch in their café. We usually carry a rug, order and sit outside – it’s like having lunch with the kangaroos.

BALLARAT TRAM MUSEUM: We usually ride the 100-year-old tram every time we visit Ballarat. The tram passes between Ballarat Botanical Gardens and Lake Wendouree. The tram drivers are volunteers and will share stories on the way. My daughter loves to climb and hop on to explore the trams in the new museum. It is open every weekend and most of the Victorian school holidays.

LAKE WENDOUREE: One of the highlights of our last trip was the 10km family-friendly bike trail which loops around Lake Wendouree and Victoria Park. This is one of my favourite trails to explore. I would recommend stopping to visit the Golden City Paddle Steamer. We love the tranquillity of Lake Wendouree, while my daughter enjoys her playtime in nature. The numerous boat sheds, especially the colourful ones, are our favourite spots to grab a family selfie. You can grab lunch on the go at Pipers by the Lake; it’s a beautiful place they are located in.

With the Labour Day long weekend coming up, we plan to visit Ballarat again this autumn.

THE BALLARAT BEGONIA FESTIVAL (11-13 March 2023): This festival is not to be missed. Colourful installations, floral displays of rare begonias, live markets and family activities. A floral extravaganza indeed. All the family activities run at the Ballarat Botanical Gardens from 10 am to 5pm during the festival days.

This year’s festival includes Bloom! performed by SWAY. It’s a colourful aerial spectacle performed atop bespoke 15-foot sway poles. My daughter is also looking forward to spending some time exploring the mini cubby installations. Other family activities include face painting, a sports zone (Western Bulldogs, if you follow AFL), an obstacle course, free tram rides, and many more. Something to cater to your entire family young and old.

After the festival, the begonia displays continue until late April, so plenty more selfies are to be found!

Part 2 to be continued next month.

Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @travelinstylewithdebs for your daily fashion inspiration. travelinstylewithdebs

Child Impact Report’s importance in family law

BY GURPAL SINGH

In family law proceedings and in a dispute for the custody or guardianship of, or access to, a child of a marriage/relationship who has not attained the age of 18 years, the court is governed by the principles of care, welfare and development of a child who is under 18 years. The court may direct a family consultant to give the court a report on such matters relevant to the proceedings as the court deems appropriate. Once such an order/direction is made, the family consultant must ascertain the views of the child in relation to the matters of concern; and include the views o the child on the matters of concern in the report.

The term family consultant has been defined under the Act to include a person so appointed under the law or the regulations. Invariably, the family consultants are trained and experienced case worker or a psychologist.

The court of family consultant cannot require the child to express his or her view in relation to any matter. At the same time, the court is required to be informed of the family violence order as it applies to the child or a member of the child’s family although failure to inform the court of the family violence order does not affect the validity of any order made by the court.

A Child Impact Report, is used primarily to summarise the factual background and causes of conflict between the couple(s)/ partner(s) and the potential impact the

conflict can have on the child or the children involved. The report writer makes a detailed analysis of the family situation, and such report writer/family consultant is trained and experienced practitioner to make an appropriate assessment in the matter. The assessment by the family consultant provides an overview of the material issues required determination including the current structure of the family, proposed changes and the potential impact of such proposed changes on the members of the family, and the children in particular.

While preparing the report, the family consultant, also known as the Court Child Expert will consider a range of issues including but not limited to a. Child development, b. Child/Adult relationship and c. the presence of risk factors importantly affecting the care, welfare and development of the child. The impact report also focuses on these type of issues on the parenting of the child/ren. The parents learn more about their child’s experience and help their cause to understand the impact of separation and change in the child’s circumstances as a result of such separation on the child/ren. By involving the child/ren in the court process, the

parents can consider and make reasonable decisions about the future arrangements which would best suit their child/ren’s needs and requirements. Additionally, the child impact report helps the Judge to have a better understanding of the family situation, contentions, and an understanding as to what all is going on with the child/ren which further assist them in making decisions regarding the management of the case. Such an assessment and the conclusions are generally considered and relied upon by the court to make appropriate orders in regard to the conduct of the case and the care, welfare and development of the child.

The assessment is conducted in two parts, including an assessment with the parent and meeting with the child. The child expert meets separately with each parent to find out about the child/ren, to identify the concerns of family violence, or other risk issues which may impact the child and parenting matters after separation.

A child impact report is ordered and provided by the court and there is no cost to either party unless the report is procured privately and is funded privately.

The report writer separately meets with the child/ren and in case there are more than one child, the child expert may meet with the children together or separately. Sometimes, the children and parents are observed jointly by the child expert. The children are given the opportunity to express their views.

A Court child expert must notify the child welfare authority or police if the expert reasonably suspects that a child had been or is at risk of being abused, and/or the expert reasonably suspect that the child is being ill treated or is at risk of being ill-treated or a child has been exposed or subjected or is at risk of being exposed to or subjected, to psychological harm.

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

Six Strategies to Help Eat Healthy

BY ARCHITA BAWEJA

It’s been a stressful day at work for Anita, the kids are driving her crazy and she is starving. She goes on Uber eats and orders her favourite food – Tacos. This is the third time in this week that she has ordered takeaway meals. As much as she wants to eat healthy and home cooked , it’s a tough job.

Anita has wanted to improve her overall health and body weight but eating out is not helping her achieve her goals.

Haven’t we all been in the same boat? We all want to be healthy and know what is right but implementing that is quite tough.

Alka a nutritionist and a close friend has some tips to give us. As per her, motivation to get healthy can quickly become discouraging and upsetting. These tips for eating healthier address your mindset, which is the only path to real change.

1.) Keep a journal: Make a note of what you are eating and if possible, quantities. How many serves of veggies and fruits, nuts, whole meal food or any processed food. Anything new you tried or cooked or any food sensitivities. This journal will help you with

any weight loss goals or overall health goals as you will know in black and white what you eat each day.

2.) Clean that pantry: Don’t give yourself the option to eat processed foods or snacks like chips, chocolates etc. Anything in moderation is alright but initially during that detox period or while setting up the habit of

eating healthy try to make these foods as less accessible as possible.

3.) Make time to plan meals and do groceries: Every week plan your meals and get fresh vegetables and fruits to cook those meals. Cooking is the most important part of eating healthy food.

4.) Try new recipes: Trying new recipes and healthy versions of food is always great. If you don’t like cooking meals that take a lot of time, try looking for quick and healthy meal options. If you don’t have time to cook, try batch cooking at the start of the week or make food and freeze it. It’s quite easy to freeze food like soups and curries.

5.) Don’t deprive yourself of something you love: Instead, think of how you can make that into a healthier option. For instance, if you have a sweet tooth, try making chia pudding with fruits or dates instead of eating that milk chocolate. Dark chocolate with 70% cocoa is also a healthy option.

6.) Make smaller but achievable goals: Changing your eating habits can be a terrifying experience because we often develop our eating habits to deal with our feelings to avoid processing them. Change is never easy and it takes time. Start with smaller goals. For instance, if you want to lose 15 kgs start with a goal of losing 1 kg per week or 3-kgs in a month. And always reward yourself for achieving these smaller goals.

In the end, I hope these tips will be helpful for you to stay motivated and achieve a healthier lifestyle. Remember to be kind to yourself, there is no such thing as perfection. Enjoy the process and journey, learn from it, and keep going strong!

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

BUILDING A 1000-LANGUAGE AI MODEL TO BEAT CHATGPT

Google has shared more information about the Universal Speech Model (USM), a system that the company describes as a “critical first step” in realising its goals, which is now moving closer toward its goal of building an AI language model that supports 1,000 different languages to beat ChatGPT.

In November last year, the company announced its plans to create a language model supporting 1,000 of the world’s most-spoken languages while also revealing its USM model.

The tech giant describes USM as a family of state-of-the-art speech models with 2 billion parameters trained on 12 million hours of speech and 28 billion sentences of text, spanning 300+ languages.

“USM, which is for use in YouTube (e.g., for closed captions), can perform automatic speech recognition (ASR) not only on widely spoken languages like English and Mandarin, but also on under-resourced languages like Amharic, Cebuano,

Assamese, and Azerbaijani to name a few,” Google said in a blogpost.

Google currently claims that USM supports over 100 languages and will serve as the “foundation” for a much larger system.

Meanwhile, Google is expected to introduce a host of AI features for its products in the near future, and among them, Gboard for Android is working to integrate the Imagen text-to-image generator.

SOCIAL MEDIA USERS WHO SHARE MORE NEWS CARE LESS ABOUT ACCURACY

People who share news items extensively on social media often tend to discern less over their accuracy, according to a study.

Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) conducted an experiment to understand a core tension between the impulse to share news and to think about whether it is true.

The results showed that even considering whether or not to share news items on social media reduces people’s ability to tell truths from falsehoods.

The study involved asking more than 3,000 people to assess whether various news headlines were accurate.

But if participants were first asked whether they would share that content, they were 35 per cent worse at telling truths from falsehoods. Participants were also 18 per cent less successful at discerning truth when asked about sharing right after evaluating them.

“Just asking people whether they want to share things makes them more likely to believe headlines they wouldn’t otherwise have believed, and less likely to believe

headlines they would have believed,” David Rand, Professor at the MIT Sloan School of Management said. “Thinking about sharing just mixes them up,” he added.

While people’s willingness to share news content and their ability to judge it accurately can both be bolstered separately, the study suggests the two things do not positively reinforce each other when considered at the same time.

“The second you ask people about accuracy, you’re prompting them, and the second you ask about sharing, you’re prompting them,” Ziv Epstein, a doctoral student in the Human Dynamics group at the MIT Media Lab said.

“If you ask about sharing and accuracy at the same time, it can undermine people’s capacity for truth discernment.”

ROBOTIC THUMB, ARM, WINGS ON HUMANS COULD SOON BE A REALITY

Advancements in human augmentation are likely to give humans a robotic thumb, arm or arms, wings, or tentacles in the coming decades, according to scientists.

The additional robotic body parts could be designed to boost our capabilities, and the approach could increase productivity, Tamar Makin, Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at the MRC cognition and brain unit at Cambridge University, was quoted as saying in The Guardian.

“If you want an extra arm while you’re cooking in the kitchen so you can stir the soup while chopping the vegetables, you might have the option to wear and independently control an extra robotic arm,” she said. A 3D-printed thumb that can be added to any hand has already been created by Dani Clode, a designer and colleague of Makin’s at Cambridge.

The extra thumb could be helpful for waiters holding plates, or for electrical engineers when soldering, for example, and other robotic body parts could be designed for particular workplace needs, according to Dani Clode, a designer and colleague of Makin’s at Cambridge. He has already created a 3D-printed thumb that can be added to any hand, the report said.

“We spoke with a surgeon (who) was really interested in holding his camera whilst

he’s doing shoulder surgery, rather than his assistant holding his camera,” Clode was quoted as saying. “He wanted to be in full control of the tools that he’s using with the two hands whilst also holding that camera and being able to manipulate that as well.”

While the approach may be highly beneficial for people living with disabilities, the team envisages that such devices also be used by people who are not disabled. “If you’re missing a limb, instead of trying to replace that limb, why don’t we augment your intact hand to allow you to do more with it?” Makin said.

However, such robotic body parts are not hand-operated, but connected to two wrist-

based motors that are hooked up to a battery and microcontroller on the upper arm.

This system is wirelessly connected to microcontrollers mounted on the wearer’s shoes or ankles, which are connected to pressure sensors underneath the two big toes, the report said.

Makin said that her team is also conducting research to understand what the additional device may do to the nervous system, but she believes there is no ethical justification for such an invasive approach in otherwise healthy humans.

THIS SMART NECKLACE WILL TRACK EVERY PUFF YOU SMOKE

Researchers have developed a smart neck-worn device resembling a lapis blue pendant called “SmokeMon” that detects a user’s smoking by capturing the heat signature from a lit cigarette in realtime, a new study has shown.

According to the US-based Northwestern Medicine researchers, the necklace completely maintains a smoker’s privacy, only tracking heat, not visuals -- which is a critical factor for people to feel comfortable wearing it.

The necklace can also track how much a smoker inhales, and the time between puffs.

“We can detect when the cigarette is being lit, when the person holds it to their mouth and takes a puff, how much they inhale, how much time between puffs and how long

they have the cigarette in their mouth, said senior investigator Nabil Alshurafa, associate professor at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. All these details are called smoking topography, which is important for two reasons, said the study.

First, scientists can use it to measure and assess the amount of toxic carbon monoxide smokers are exposed to and gain a better

understanding of the relationship between tobacco-related diseases such as cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung disease, diabetes, COPD, emphysema and chronic bronchitis by assessing chemical exposure.

Second, people who are trying to quit smoking can be helped by understanding how smoking topography relates to relapse (returning to smoking regularly), which occurs frequently in them.

“For many people who attempt to quit smoking, a slip is one or two cigarettes or even a single puff. But a slip is not the same as a relapse (going back to smoking regularly). A person can learn from slips, by gaining awareness that they did not fail, they just had a temporary setback,” Alshurafa mentioned.

GenZ vs Millennials: the difference in their dating patterns

Recent research from the Indian dating app QuackQuack sheds light on how GenZ and Millennial daters have different relationship habits. 10,000 users of the dating and friendship app who are between the ages of 18 and 35 and are both working workers and students were polled from Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities. The study reveals that both generations, despite significant differences in their dating habits, prefer online dating to its conventional counterpart. However, GenZ took the top spot, with nearly 59 percent of participants under the age of 23 choosing dating apps as their preferred method of meeting someone, compared to 4 percent of Millennial daters. Some Millennial daters are using matrimonial websites, but some still prefer old-fashioned meet-cutes and buddy introductions.

Casual vs Serious

43 per cent of the Millennial daters on the platform mentioned using the app to find genuine relationships to commit to; they are not interested in casual dating. For most of these daters, it is due to their growing age.

While studying the younger generation, it found that 54 per cent of the daters are interested in serious relationships and casual dating based on what kind of person they are meeting online. They are curious, and they want to explore before settling down. Almost 31 per cent of daters between 18 to 22 are trying out speed dating. The survey answers dictated that GenZ daters prefer talking to multiple people at a time.

Ghosting is Immature, says Millennials

It found that 23 per cent of GenZ from tier 1 and 2 cities perceive ghosting to be much less offensive as opposed to 32 per cent of Millennial daters who find the trend utterly immature and disrespectful. While the millennials say that people should take accountability and have the courage to say things are not working out, GenZ daters opined that it is better to avoid awkward conversations.

Shared values are crucial for GenZ

The poll shows that when it comes to shared values and matching outlooks toward life, Millennials are more relaxed and accepting than GenZ daters. 36 percent of female GenZ daters disclosed that they wouldn’t consider matching with someone with opposing views on the core ideals and moral values. The study shows GenZ daters have strong opinions and are reluctant to look at others’ perspectives; similar tastes and matching vibes play a crucial role in their decision-making process. According to the app’s data, 52 per cent of GenZ daters don’t match with people with differing standpoints on Green Issues.

42 per cent of Millennial daters say they believe in giving people a chance. Differing beliefs don’t always mean conflicts; they can also help you broaden your horizon and learn more if you keep an open mind.

GenZ daters are looking for friendship

The survey shows GenZ users in the app are not afraid to be single. In fact, 27 per cent of male users below 23 are using the app to find genuine friendships, compared to 39 per cent of Millennial men looking for love. These young daters are often seen casually chatting online with their matches without intending to get exclusive with them.

The results also show that slow dating, i.e., taking your sweet time to make an informed choice, is more prevalent among GenZ daters than Millennials. Almost 34 per cent of GenZ daters get to know their match from different social media platforms before meeting them in person.

Who’s better on First Dates?

When it comes to first-date etiquette, Millennial women from tier 1 and 2 cities are leading. 29 per cent of these women always offer to split the bill on a first date, compared to only 12 per cent of GenZ women suggesting the same. But while choosing a spot for first dates, survey data shows that 26 per cent of GenZ female daters from tier 1 and 2 cities picked someplace moderately affordable

compared to 2 per cent of Millennial women, who leaned toward fancy restaurants and cafes.

The realist vs The romantic GenZ daters are more realistic about love than Millennials. 37 per cent of GenZ users, mostly students, said they don’t believe in soulmates or a “forever” kind of love. They pick matches, looking at their outfit, charisma, and sense of style, or GenZ calls them fit, rizz and drip. What OTT shows you loved to what celebs you follow on social media platforms can make or break your chances to be picked by a GenZ dater. If you want to make it as a GenZ dater, you have no place to be last season, is what most of the survey participants between 18 to 22 told QuackQuack.

On the other hand, 39 per cent of Millennial male and female users called themselves “hopeless romantics.” Living “happily ever after” still exists in their scheme of things.

QuackQuack’s Founder and CEO, Ravi Mittal, commented, “In the past few years, we have seen an increase in the number of signups from users between 18 and 22. We noticed a massive difference in the dating patterns of the two generations. Millennials on our app are more conservative and are mostly looking for serious relationships. GenZ users are casually chatting, making new friends from across the country besides dating.” (IANSlife)

Google honours women supporting each other with doodle on Women’s day

Tech giant Google on Wednesday celebrated International Women’s Day with a doodle that illustrates various ways women support each other.

International Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8 every year to recognise the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women worldwide.

“The vignettes within each “GOOGLE” letter highlight just a few of the many areas in which women around the world support each other to progress and improve each other’s quality of life,” Google said in a statement.

The illustration shows women in positions of influence who advocate for progress across issues central to the lives of women everywhere; women who come together to explore, learn, and rally for their rights; women who are primary caregivers to people of all walks of life; and women who are critical support systems for each other in motherhood.

In addition, when one clicks on the Doodle, purple confetti falls on the screen, and women raise purple flags while wearing wristbands in the same shade.

“What it means to be a woman certainly can’t all be captured in one image,” said Alyssa Winans, the doodle artist, who created the illustration, in the statement.

The doodle is “merely a jumping off point

to reflect on how broad, complex, nuanced, and powerful the notion of womanhood is”, Winans added.

“In honour of women across the globe who are supporting each other across all aspects of life -- Happy International Women’s Day!” Google said.

GREATER GENDER EQUALITY MAY HELP BOTH WOMEN, MEN LIVE LONGER

Gender equality is associated with life expectancy and both women and men can live longer as it improves, according to the first such global study ahead of the International Women’s Day.

International Women’s Day is celebrated every year on March 8.

The study published in the journal PLOS Global Public Health, showed that while gender equality mainly benefitted women’s lives and health, its progress also helped men to live longer, eventually narrowing the gender gap in life expectancy.

“Many of the factors that determine how long you will live -- like working and living conditions, exposure to pollution, access to health care, education, income, and social support -- are layered with gender differences around the world,” lead author Cat Pinho-Gomes, Honorary Research Fellow at The George Institute for Global Health, UK in partnership with Imperial College London said.

According to the latest report by the World Economic Forum (WEF), global events such as the rising cost of living, the Covid-19 pandemic, the climate emergency and large-scale conflict

and displacement are stalling progress towards gender parity.

This may, in turn, jeopardise socioeconomic development and improvement in living and working conditions, curbing the gains in life expectancy that have occurred over the past decades.

For the study, the researchers used WEF’s global gender gap index (mGGGI) and applied it across 156 countries between 2010 and 2021.

The study included three dimensions (i.e., political, economic, and educational). The results showed that gender equality in education had the strongest association with longer life expectancy for

both women and men.

“This suggests investing in education is paramount, particularly in low and middleincome countries, where many girls are still denied access to education and resources are limited,” Pinho-Gomes said.

“The weaker association between gender equality in the political domain and the gender gap in life expectancy raises concerns about how gender equality is being implemented by political systems worldwide,” she said.

Overall, in 2021, each 10 per cent increase in the mGGGI was associated with a 4.3-month increase in women’s life expectancy and a 3.5-month increase in men’s life expectancy, leading to an 8-month wider gender gap, but there was considerable variation between geographical regions.

“Our study has important implications for policy makers across the globe, particularly as the world gradually recovers from the myriad shocks caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, which had a gendered impact across multiple domains of life,” PinhoGomes added.

HEALTH

Aerobics, strength training may improve long Covid symptoms

Long Covid patients may benefit from a supervised, eight-week exercise programme better than the current standard self-managed rehabilitation recommendations, according to a study.

Commonly referred to as “long Covid” or “long-haul Covid,” post-Covid-19 condition occurs when symptoms develop or persist three months after SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Common long Covid symptoms include brain fog, fatigue, shortness of breath and decline of mental health. Though estimated rates of people who develop long Covid vary, even the lower end of the range counts in the millions.

In an outpatient setting, long Covid interventions are currently limited to selfguided advice such as the WHO “Support for Rehabilitation: Self-Management after Covid19-Related Illness” brochure.

The study, led by researchers at the University of Murcia in Spain, compared a supervised concurrent exercise approach to the self-guided brochure. Concurrent exercise was

a combination of aerobic and strength training.

Groups of about 20 people each participated in one of four intervention types: supervised concurrent exercise, specialty breathing exercises, a combination of concurrent exercise and breathing exercises, or self-guided

concurrent exercise participants responded well to the intervention. Both groups that included the concurrent training showed greater reductions in long Covid symptoms compared to the other groups.

In addition, their fatigue and

BAD DREAMS IN CHILDHOOD MAY SIGNAL PARKINSON’S RISK IN ADULTHOOD

Children experiencing bad dreams and nightmares persistently may be at risk of developing cognitive impairment (including dementia) and Parkinson’s disease in adulthood, finds a study. Distressing dreams in middle-aged and older adults have previously been associated with an increased risk of developing dementia and Parkinson’s. But the study, published in the eClinical Medicine journal showed that children who experienced persistent nightmares between the ages of seven and 11 were nearly twice as likely to develop cognitive impairment by age 50.

The study is the first to find an association between distressing dreams during childhood and an increased risk of developing cognitive impairment or Parkinson’s, said researchers from the University of Birmingham in the UK. The number of people living with dementia is projected to triple from 50 million to 150 million globally within the next three decades, and the number living

with Parkinson’s disease is set to reach 14 million by 2040. Both dementia and Parkinson’s cause distress for those affected, and the economic costs of the two conditions combined exceeds $1 trillion annually.

“Given that distressing dream frequency is a relatively stable trait from early childhood to middle adulthood, this raises the possibility that having regular distressing dreams as a child may be

a very early indicator of dementia and Parkinson’s risk,” said researchers. For the study, the team analysed data from 6,991 children, of which 3.8 per cent or 267 developed cognitive impairment or Parkinson’s.

Compared with children who never had distressing dreams, children who had persistent distressing dreams had an 85 per cent increased risk of developing cognitive impairment or Parkinson’s by age 50. “Having persistent distressing dreams during childhood may be associated with an increased risk of developing cognitive impairment or Parkinson’s in adulthood,” said Abidemi I Otaiku from the varsity.

However, Otaiku stressed the need for further studies to confirm the findings and to determine whether treating distressing dreams during early life may lower the risk of dementia and Parkinson’s.

EAT BREAKFAST TO WARD OFF RISK OF CANCER, HEART DISEASE

Health tip:

Since tomatoes are rich in potassium, they are effective in reducing cholesterol levels and lowering blood pressure

All You Need to Know About Sleep Dentistry

Pick one! A horror movie night or a visit to the dentist? If you just opted to watch a horror movie over going to the dentist, and find yourself constantly avoiding seeing your dentist, you seriously need some help.

But don’t worry, you are not alone. Many Australians deny visiting the dentist despite a bad state of their oral health. This fear of the dentist or dental procedures is often known as dental anxiety or phobia in severe cases.

Are you one of those busy bees often skipping breakfast? Here’s why you should never miss out on the largest meal of the day.

Not eating the first meal of the day could make you inefficient in fighting off infections that can make you prone to a range of diseases from heart disease to cancer, according to a new animal study.

The research, led by a team at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, showed that skipping meals triggers a response in the brain that negatively affects immune cells. It could also lead to a better understanding of how chronic fasting may affect the body long term.

“There is a growing awareness that fasting is healthy, and there is indeed abundant evidence for the benefits of fasting. Our study provides a word of caution as it suggests that there may also be a cost to fasting that carries a health risk,” said lead author Filip Swirski, Director of the Cardiovascular Research Institute at Icahn.

The study, published in the journal Immunity, analysed two groups of mice: one group ate breakfast right after waking up, and the other group had no breakfast.

Researchers collected blood samples in both groups when mice woke up, then four hours later, and eight hours later. They found differences in monocytes -- white blood cells

that are made in the bone marrow and travel through the body, where they play many critical roles, from fighting infections to heart disease, to cancer.

After four hours, 90 per cent of monocytes in mice from the fasting group disappeared from the bloodstream, and the number further declined at eight hours. Meanwhile monocytes in the non-fasting group were unaffected.

In fasting mice, researchers discovered the monocytes travelled back to the bone marrow to hibernate, affecting the production of new cells in the bone marrow.

Next, the researchers continued to fast mice for up to 24 hours, and then reintroduced food. The cells hiding in the bone marrow surged back into the bloodstream within a few hours. This surge led to heightened levels of inflammation.

Instead of protecting against infection, these altered monocytes were more inflammatory, making the body less resistant to fighting infection.

Swirski emphasised that while there is also evidence of the metabolic benefits of fasting, this new study is a useful advance in the full understanding of the body’s mechanisms. (IANS)

The good news is a revolutionary technological advancement in dentistry can help you face your fears. Sleep dentistry is the procedure you must be asking your dentist for the next time you visit them. And as far as our experience goes, you surely are going to call the dentist after reading this blog.

1. What is Sleep Dentistry?

Sleep dentistry is the process used to provide a virtually pain-free and comfortable dental treatment to patients using a range of sedatives. It is used to perform various dental treatments that otherwise would have been painful for a patient. People suffering from dental anxiety and phobia also benefit a great deal from sleep dentistry as they no longer need to worry about the pain and discomfort.

This process is often also called ‘sedation dentistry’, disregarding the minute difference between the two which stems from the choice of sedatives. Some sedatives, such as general anaesthesia, produce a calming effect where the patient can sleep during the dental procedure. While some lighter sedatives, such as laughing gas, can only make you dizzy and relaxed enough to lay still during your dental treatment.

2. What types of sedation are used?

Sleep dentistry uses a wide range of sedatives to suit individual needs and make dental treatments less scary. The most common types of sedation used are as follows:

• General anaesthesia

• IV sedation

• Happy gas or nitrous oxide

• Oral sedation

• Anti-anxiety medication/ sedation via inhalation

All these sedation options produce varied results that help dentists provide their best dental treatment. A patient can select any sedation option that suits their dental treatment requirements and general health. Sedatives are also used with analgesics to ensure the patient has maximum comfort during their dental treatment.

3. Are there any side effects of sedation?

As with any other surgeries, the after-effects of sedation may show for a short period following the surgery. Some of the side effects of sleep dentistry include dry mouth, mild headache, dizziness, nausea, and visual disturbances. These side effects are rare, and one might not experience any. However, to minimise the health risks for a patient, our dentists make sure the patient is not allergic to a sedative. We conduct a thorough medical history investigation of every patient to determine their suitability for sleep dentistry. We encourage patients to share their medical history before proceeding with sleep dentistry.

4. What is the follow up required?

The follow up after undergoing a sleep dentistry treatment mainly depends on the type and duration of the dental treatment itself. For example, a patient with dental implants will have a different follow-up regime than the one who had a root canal treatment. Our dentists at Healthy Smiles Dental Group provide each patient with a customised and detailed followup plan to ease things and avoid confusion.

5. Who is suitable for sleep dentistry?

The following types of patients are deemed the best candidates for sleep dentistry:

• People with severe dental anxiety or phobia

• People with conditions causing involuntary movements

• People with a severe gag reflex

• People with low pain threshold

• Anyone who needs extensive dental treatment

• People with extremely sensitive teeth

However, please note that certain other health conditions need to be determined before proceeding with the surgery. Consulting a specialist sleep dentist will help you decide better. To know whether you are a candidate for sleep dentistry, visit our Healthy Smiles Dental Group clinic in Blackburn. You can also book an appointment by calling us on 03 9877 2035.

Dr

Principal Dentist & Clinical Advisor

Ved Berani BDS(Mum), ADEC(Aust), MBA(Melb), FIADFE, MFGDP(UK)

Eating oily fish, flaxseed can protect you against severe Covid

Consuming oily fish like salmon, and flaxseeds and walnuts, that can increase your levels of omega-3 fatty acids, may protect you against severe Covid, according to a study.

The study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (AJCN), showed that fatty acids such as EPA and DHA might be protective against contracting and/or suffering adverse outcomes of Covid infection.

People with the highest omega-3 levels were 21 per cent less likely to test positive, and the risk for a positive test was 8 per cent lower for each increase in plasma DHA per cent.

They were also 26 per cent less likely to be hospitalised, and risk for hospitalisation was 11 per cent lower per increase in plasma DHA per cent.

The researchers also pointed out that South Korea and Japan have reported an extremely low severity of Covid-19 disease. Besides masking practices, social distancing policies and other population-wide interventions, it is interesting to note that the Omega-3 Index values of healthy South Korean and Japanese individuals are about 8-12 per cent and 7-11 per cent, respectively. On the contrary, the Omega-3 index in western populations such as the US is just 4-5 per cent. The US remains the

most infected in terms of Covid.

“A worldwide pattern linking higher omega-3 fatty acid intakes with lower rates of death with Covid-19 has been documented. Although only suggestive, this observation adds further support for a potential role of omega-3s EPA and DHA in the prevention of fatal Covid-19 disease,” the researchers said.

“This study confirms previous findings that low omega-3 status is associated with increased risk for hospitalisation with Covid-19.

We extended these findings by also showing reduced risk for testing positive with the infection and by providing evidence that the risk for death may also be reduced,” said Dr. William S. Harris, from the Fatty Acid Research Institute (FARI).

“Altogether these results support the practice of increasing consumption of oily fish like salmon or omega-3 fish oil supplements as a potential risk reduction strategy when it comes to Covid-19,” he noted.

YOUR LOW CALORIE DRINKS, FOOD ITEMS MAY UP HEART ATTACK, STROKE RISK

Trying to switch to drinks and food that are low on calories and carbohydrate to avoid sugar? These are often loaded with an artificial sweetener called erythritol and can raise your risk of a major adverse cardiac event such as heart attack, stroke or death, warned a study.

Erythritol is about 70 per cent as sweet as sugar and is produced through corn fermentation and often mixed to sweeten stevia, monk fruit or add bulk to low-calorie products.

The artificial sweetener is also used as a common replacement for table sugar and is often recommended for people who have obesity, diabetes or metabolic syndrome and are looking for options to help manage their sugar or calorie intake.

After ingestion, erythritol is poorly metabolised by the body. Instead, it goes into the bloodstream and leaves the body mainly through urine. The human body creates low amounts of erythritol naturally, so any additional consumption can accumulate.

Researchers from Cleveland Clinic in the US also found that erythritol, when

added to whole blood or isolated platelets was found to make platelets easier to activate and form a clot.

The findings, published in the journal Nature Medicine, are based on a study of more than 4,000 people in the US and Europe.

“Our study shows that when participants consumed an artificially sweetened beverage with an amount of erythritol found in many processed foods, markedly elevated levels in the blood are observed for days -- levels well above those observed to enhance clotting risks,” said Stanley Hazen, from Lerner Research Institute at Cleveland Clinic.

“It is important that further safety studies are conducted to examine the long-term effects of artificial sweeteners in general, and erythritol specifically, on risks for heart attack and stroke, particularly in people at higher risk for cardiovascular disease.”

Vitamin D supplements may help prevent dementia

Taking vitamin D supplements may help ward off dementia, according to a study led by an international team of researchers.

Researchers at the University of Calgary’s Hotchkiss Brain Institute in Canada and the University of Exeter in the UK explored the relationship between vitamin D supplementation and dementia in more than 12,388 participants. Of the group, 37 per cent (4,637) took vitamin D supplements.

The team found that taking vitamin D was associated with living dementiafree for longer, and they also found 40 per cent fewer dementia diagnoses in the group who took supplements.

Across the entire sample, 2,696

participants progressed to dementia over ten years; amongst them, 2,017 (75 per cent) had no exposure to vitamin D throughout all visits prior to dementia diagnosis, and 679 (25 per cent) had baseline exposure.

“We know that vitamin D has some effects in the brain that could have implications for reducing dementia, however so far, research has yielded conflicting results. Our findings give key insights into groups who might be specifically targeted for vitamin D supplementation. Overall, we found evidence to suggest that earlier supplementation might be particularly beneficial, before the onset of cognitive decline,” said lead researcher Professor Zahinoor Ismail.

The findings are published in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia:

Diagnosis, Assessment & Disease Monitoring,

While Vitamin D was effective in all groups, the team found that effects were significantly greater in females, compared to males. Similarly, effects were greater in people with normal cognition, compared to those who reported signs of mild cognitive impairment -- changes to cognition which have been linked to a higher risk of dementia.

The effects of vitamin D were also significantly greater in people who did not carry the APOEe4 gene, known to present a higher risk for Alzheimer’s dementia, compared to non-carriers. The study suggests that people who carry the APOEe4 gene absorb vitamin D better from their intestine, which might reduce the vitamin D supplementation effect. However, no blood levels were drawn to test this hypothesis.

(IANS)

ERRATIC SLEEP PATTERN MAY RAISE YOUR RISK OF HEART ATTACK

Losing sleep anytime can be a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, finds a study that stressed on the importance of maintaining a consistent sleep pattern.

The study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, shows that falling asleep at different times or sleeping an inconsistent number of hours each night, even variations of more than two hours a night within the same week, were tied to developing hardened arteries, known as atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis is the cholesterol plaque in the walls of arteries, causing obstruction of blood flow.

“Unfortunately, we know that as many as 1 in 3 people do not get their recommended amount of sleep each night,” said Donald M. LloydJones, Professor at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago.

“Getting a good night’s sleep every night is vital to cardiovascular health. Adults should aim for an average of 7-9 hours, and babies and kids need more depending on their age.”

According to Lloyd-Jones, the amount of sleep and quality of sleep are important, and both can have significant impacts on cardiovascular health, as well as overall health. In addition to increasing risk for cardiovascular conditions like heart attack and stroke, lack of

sleep may also put people at risk of things like depression, cognitive decline, and obesity.

On the other hand, people who get adequate sleep manage other health factors better as well, such as weight, blood sugar and blood pressure, Lloyd-Jones said.

Lloyd-Jones notes that making even small changes in daily habits can make a big difference in sleep quality.

Getting to sleep can be tricky for some people, however, sleep supplements should be used sparingly, and only under the advice of a health care clinician. It’s also very important to consider the possibility of a sleep disorder like sleep apnea or insomnia.

These conditions can increase a person’s risk of heart disease and stroke and should be treated appropriately to improve the quality and duration of sleep, as well as overall health.

“While it may take a while to make falling asleep and staying asleep a habit, taking the time to develop and then stick with a good, natural bedtime routine is important,” LloydJones said.

“When first starting out, don’t lie in bed tossing and turning if you’re restless. Get up and try a few things to soothe your mind, maybe write out a to-do list for the next day, read a few pages of a good book or do some yoga stretches.

“Just make one small change at a time, adding a new one every week or so until you find what works best for you. Soon you’ll be sleeping soundly through the night and waking up refreshed each morning, knowing you’re being good to yourself and to your heart.”

EVERY WOMAN WANTED TO BE SRIDEVI: RANI MUKERJI

AKSHAY KUMAR TO GIVE UP CANADIAN PASSPORT

Docu-series ‘The Romantics’ pays homage to Sridevi, the iconic Yash Raj Films heroine who made the entire country fall in love with her in the cult romantic blockbuster ‘Chandni’. Actress Rani Mukerji said that every woman wanted to be like the late veteran star.

The late Yash Chopra is seen revealing why he wanted to make a pristine love story for audiences.

He said: “Our industry had reached the saturation point of violence. I said okay, now I’ll do the biggest gamble of my life whatever happens. I won’t make a film with formulas, with calculations. I will make a film which will touch my heart. I started Chandni.”

However, the legendary Yash Chopra’s career was at a low then, having delivered some unsuccessful films. So, it was not easy for him to sign Sridevi, who in her prime was considered bigger than the heroes of India. Even though he had never worked with Sridevi, Yash Chopra admitted that he was impressed by the Tamil drama Moondram Pirai that Amitabh Bachchan had shown him.

Anil Kapoor revealed: “Sridevi was the top star at that time. I didn’t know how to approach her. I asked my brother (Boney Kapoor) to speak to her. So, my brother flew down to Chennai to talk to her mother. It didn’t matter to her who Yash Chopra is, who has made such great films, it was just the money.”

The success of ‘Chandni’ was a watershed moment for Yash Chopra and YRF’s destiny and Sridevi’s brilliance in Chandni has inspired the leading ladies of our times to follow in her footsteps to deliver path-breaking performances on screen.

Rani Mukherji said: “Like every woman wanted to be Sridevi. She was the epitome of grace, beauty, and performance. She was just everything, that a Hindi film actress needed to have.”

About her memory of Sridevi as Chandni, Bhumi Pednekar said: “Oh my, God. She was just so fantastic and beautiful, and vulnerable, but she was still so womanly.”

Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar, who was seen in the film “Selfiee”, is set to give up his Canadian passport and has applied to get his citizenship status changed.

In the past, the superstar had stated that he would change his passport to that of India but owing to the delays induced by the Covid-19 pandemic, he wasn’t able to do so. But, now it looks like the actor will soon get an Indian passport.

During an interview in the first episode of the new season of “Seedhi Baat” on news channel Aajtak, Akshay said: “India is everything to me. Whatever I have earned, whatever I have gained is from here. And I’m fortunate that I get a chance to give back. You feel bad when people say things without knowing anything.”

Unravelling how the whole Canadian passport scenario came into being, the “Bachchhan Paandey” superstar said: “I thought that ‘bhai, my films are not working and one has to work’. I went there for work. My friend was in Canada and he said, ‘Come here’. I applied and I got in. I had just two films left for release and it is just luck that they both became superhits.”

“My friend said, ‘go back, start working again’. I got some more films and I kept getting more work. I forgot that I had the passport. I never thought that I should get this passport changed but now yes, I have applied to get my passport changed and once I get the renounced status from Canada.”

(IANS)

(IANS)

WOMEN HAVE TO BE MORE VOCAL ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES: DIVYA DUTTA

and treated as one.”

The actress believes that it’s time women become more vocal about their issues. She asserted that mental health problems do not translate into madness. Hence, they need to be explained and the myths need to be broken.

“The most important and yet less spoken topic is mental health. So many women suffer but don’t dare to speak about it. I am glad that we are talking about it now. Looking forward to celebrating Women’s Day (March 8) with other women who are dedicated towards a better society and opportunities,” Divya said.

Actress Divya Dutta has opened up about mental health issues and dealing with depression.

She revealed how tough it was for her to come out of it and also emphasised that women need to be more vocal about these issues.

Divya said: “I have been through depression and came out of it. But everyone cannot do it. People should know that it’s perfectly ok to talk about it. Don’t try to suppress it. If someone appears depressed, give them an ear. Listen to them. Depression is not madness. Mental health issues are to be looked at as an illness

Divya debuted in the film industry with the movie ‘Ishq Mein Jeena Ishq Mein Marna’ in 1994.

She also acted in ‘Veer-Zaara’, ‘Welcome to Sajjanpur’, ‘Delhi-6’, ‘Stanley Ka Dabba’, ‘Heroine’, ‘Bhaag Milkha Singh’, among others.

GAVE UP ON HIS DANCING DREAM BECAUSE OF HRITHIK ROSHAN: MANOJ BAJPAYEE

National Award winning actor Manoj Bajpayee, who is known for his films like ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’, ‘Satya’, ‘Aligarh’, ‘The Family Man’, has shared that he was really fond of dancing and thought to exhibit his skills as a dancer on the screen until he saw Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan’s dance.

The actor, who will be soon seen in the upcoming streaming film ‘Gulmohar’ along with Sharmila Tagore, recently appeared on chat show ‘The Bombay Journey X Sunday Brunch’.

Talking about his affinity for singing he said, “Since I’m from theatre, there used to be a prerequisite that an artiste should know how to sing. Main naachta bhi tha (I used to dance as well).”

Manoj revealed that he is a trained Chhau dancer. “Main Chhau dance mein trained hoon par fir jab maine Hrithik ko dekha toh maine socha aaj se dancing ka khwaab band (I’m trained in Chhau dance but when I saw Hrithik performing, my dreams of dancing were shattered). I was like ‘Ab ye nahi seekh sakta main’ (I can’t learn this now).”

‘Gulmohar’, which also stars actor Suraj Sharma, marks Sharmila Tagore’s return to the screen after more than a

decade. The film is all set to stream on Disney+ Hotstar from March 3. (IANS)

WANT TO WORK WITH FILMMAKERS WHO CAN ‘PUSH ME TO DELIVER THE BEST’:

SARA ALI KHAN

Bollywood heartthrob and new dad Ranbir Kapoor, whose latest film ‘Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar’ hit the big screens, is not a confrontational person in real life and would let lies just pass as he believes in forgiving people.

Talking about letting lies slide and moving forward, Ranbir said: “I don’t have a big ego. I am a very understanding person.”

“If the other person has made a mistake, I am very forgiving that way. I am not very confrontational also. I am a sulker, so I might just sulk but I will eventually forgive and forget,” he added.

‘Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar’ is directed by Luv Ranjan. It stars Ranbir Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor in their first film together, with Anubhav Singh Bassi, Dimple Kapadia and Boney Kapoor in pivotal supporting roles. The film was shot extensively in Delhi, Mumbai, Spain and Mauritius.

After ‘Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar’, Ranbir has ‘Animal’, which also features Parineeti Chopra.

Believing that nothing productive can be done under pressure, actor Sara Ali Khan, born to actors Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh said that while she acknowledges the family she comes from, her effort has always been to carve out a distinct identity for herself.

“Every individual has her/his personal journey. What is paramount is that one’s own body of work ascertains a unique space.”

Currently shooting for Homi Adajania’s new film, ‘Murder Mubarak’, prepping for Anurag Basu’s ‘Metro...In Dino’ and promoting ‘Gaslight’, the actor feels lucky to be doing what she does. “I want to keep learning and work with filmmakers who can push me to deliver the best. And yes, I want to tell stories I think deserve to be told - that is what matters most.”

In times when the OTT is streaming diverse content, taking up stories from the soil and allowing filmmakers enough space to experiment without the pressure of the Box Office, Khan asserts it is not the medium that matters to her. “Point is, one’s own work should be powerful enough to touch the audiences. How they access that does not matter. I would like to entertain the audiences across mediums and be part of stories that deserve to be told,” added the actor who made her acting debut in

The actor, who has been signed by Kurkure as its brand ambassador said that she has always found the brand’s TVCs quirky. “They add zing to everyday moments in people’s lives, something that aligns with what I want to achieve from my performances. The decision to work with them was thus, a no-brainer.”

For someone who graduated with a degree in History and Political Science from Columbia University in the US, finishing the four-year course in three, she does not really miss formal training in acting.

“As an actor, I recognise the fact that you need to learn constantly which I am from my directors and the co-actors. I just want to be able to work with filmmakers who will allow me to grow each day,” she said.

From independent to regional films, Khan wants to explore the experience of working with varied directors. “It is important to be versatile and constantly reinvent. I would like to live the experiences of different characters that are not Sara,” concluded the actor who would like to work with directors like Zoya Akhtar, Karan Johar, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Anand Rai, and Laxman Uteka among others. (IANS)

(ANI)

I am a sulker, but I eventually forgive and forget: Ranbir Kapoor

2018 with ‘Kedarnath’ and ‘Simmba’.

THERE’S A WIDE AUDIENCE FOR SHORT FILMS:

RASIKA DUGAL

Actress Rasika Dugal is known for her performance in a number of TV shows, web series, and films. Now she is seen starring in a short film ‘The Broken Table’ also featuring Naseeruddin Shah, who is playing Giri, a person suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, to whom Rasika plays a caregiver and a budding psychologist.

The ‘Mirzapur’ actor said: “I am delighted that this simple yet unusual story about love and acceptance is resonating with people. I am always intrigued by the precision required for storytelling in the short film format. And I am happy that there is a wide audience for short films who are noticing and appreciating the nuances of this kind of storytelling.”

Rasika was seen in TV shows

such as ‘Upanishad Ganga’, ‘Kismat’, ‘Devlok with Devdutt Pattanaik’. She also acted in movies like ‘Anwar’, ‘Bombay Talkies’, ‘Hijack’, ‘Aurangzeb’, and ‘Lust Stories’, among others.

About her experience working with Naseeruddin Shah, she said: “Collaborating with Naseer Sahab again was a wonderful experience, every moment with him on set is a masterclass. His commitment to the work never ceases to amaze me and brings out the best in me as an actor.”

Rasika will be seen in 6 different projects this year, Supernatural Horror ‘Adhura’, black comedy thriller ‘Lord Curzon Ki Haveli’, dramedy ‘Little Thomas’, and the action-crime thriller ‘Mirzapur 3’.

(IANS)

I DON’T DESERVE SO MUCH: SONU SOOD ON TEMPLE BUILT IN HIS HONOUR

Bollywood actor and philanthropist

Sonu Sood feels very honoured and has expressed his gratitude after he got to know about another temple being made in his honour at the borders of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

A video shared by Viral Bhayani, a celebrity paparazzi, showed a statue of Sonu Sood with a banner in the back which had “Real Hero Of India Sonu Sood Temple”.

Reaching out to Sonu and spoke about the love coming his way and about the temple being made in his honour.

He said: “So yea just got to know about another temple that is made in the borders of Andhra and Telangana. This is the fourth temple you know that they have made in Telangana, Andhra and one in Chennai.

“I feel really humbled you know I have no words to say anything... you know I really feel full of gratitude that people show and shower so much love but also I want to say... you know I totally don’t deserve so much.

He added that it is just “prayers of a lot of people who made this happen.”

“I used to always read all these stories or

the books and sometimes on the news that people used to shower so much love... never know that I would be given so much love, I just want to thank every single individual and they are making temples on me they rather make some schools and hospitals that can give education to people and cure the needy.”

On the Bollywood front, Sonu will next be seen in ‘Fateh’, which is inspired by real-life

incidents and will feature high-octane action sequences.

The action-thriller is helmed by Abhinandan Gupta, who earlier worked as an assistant director in films such as ‘Bajirao Mastani’ and ‘Shamshera’.

After ‘Fateh’, he will begin work on another movie ‘Kisaan’. (IANS)

Did you know:

FOOD-RELATED ASPIRATIONS FOR 2023

If studying food and culinary experiences has always been your passion, you should really focus on learning about regional cuisines this year. You might also be interested in learning more about molecular gastronomy or any other innovative ideas with a scientific basis that is changing the way we think about food. While we're on the subject of science and food, why not make a resolution to use food as medicine this year?

Furthermore, adhering to the mantra "you are what you eat" will assist us in bringing about the inside-out change in 2023. With that said, let's hear from the culinary experts about their how we can improve our culinary skills this year:

Sharing Smiles is Giving

We all cook to express our love to our loved ones through food. However, not everyone is as fortunate. Chef Sanjeev Kapoor believes that through the power of food, he can put more smiles on the faces of those who need it the most. Chef Kapoor is currently involved with Akshaya Patra, which feeds more than two million children

every day, and he hopes to increase his contribution to the cause.

Treating Food as Medicine

People have long consumed food without understanding how it affects their vital body functions. Getting away from the fast-food culture can help them understand how nutrition affects their health. Chef Amit Puri believes in bringing unpopular superfoods and fortified ingredients to the forefront in order to help Indians adopt a conscious food consumption lifestyle.

Discovering lesser-known global cuisines

Pizza and pasta have seen iterations to appeal to the Indian palate. So much so that the original recipe has been lost, with new-age eateries and fast-food behemoths experimenting with their own, Indianised versions of these Italian creations. Chef Raji Gupta believes in bringing the world's most diverse, lesser-known full-course regional dishes that are simple, easy to prepare, and flavour-packed. Let's go on a culinary adventure around the world.

Including farm-to-fork menu options

"Healthy is not tasty" has long been a misconception. Chef Nicholas Shadbolt of Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection in Dubai, on the other hand, believes that it all depends on what is made, how it is done, and, most importantly, where the ingredients are sourced from. According to him, the hotel sources directly from UAE farms for their hotel kitchen. Interestingly, the hotel has introduced a healthy menu to meet the diverse needs of its patrons, whether they are heavy gymgoers or those seeking the serenity of the mind, body, and soul.

Discovering lost recipes

We still treasure traditional recipes. Our fondest memories are linked to bygone recipes, from velvety dal makhani to aromatic biryanis, and so on. There are, however, a plethora of hidden/lost recipes that you may wish to investigate. This year, Chef Prabjyot Kaur promises to unearth underexplored and lost regional cuisines from across India, allowing patrons to revisit recipes that their forefathers once enjoyed.

By N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe

One teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in your food can be an effective remedy for acid reflux or heartburn

Vikas Khanna says chef Kunal Kapur inspired him to look at TV as his next stop

Celebrity chef Vikas Khanna talked about his bond with chef Kunal Kapur and shared how he has guided him professionally and motivated him to become the face of TV and go beyond being a restaurant chef.

Both chefs share a friendly bond and have appeared as judges in seasons 2 and 3 of the cooking-based reality show 'MasterChef India'. As Kunal returned as a guest judge on the show, Vikas talked about their camaraderie.

He said: "I never understood television because I am only a restaurant chef, but when I had to face it, chef Kunal Kapur's guidance was crucial. I could only do this because he

always steered and supported me. He has good business acumen and so when it comes to matters which need his words of wisdom, he is only a call away."

The chef further said how two different people have been his support system in his personal and professional life. "In my personal life, it is always Ranveer (Brar, YouTube's favourite celebrity chef), but in my professional life, it is Kunal who has been my constant," he concluded.

A HEARTY PISTACHIO SOUP

Pistachios are a complete protein source with all 9 amino acids which aids in anti-aging, mental and physical health, promoting better skin and hair. This multifaceted plant- based superfood is a must have in one’s fitness journey. Pistachios can be explored with both sweet and savory dishes.

American Pistachio's legacy continues in the Indian and International market. These California grown pistachios are healthful and delicious with an intense green colour and are one of the most versatile nuts in the market today, popular among all age groups. Chef Tarun Dacha curates a recipes using American pistachios:

INGREDIENTS

150 g California pistachios

5 g Cream

10 g Butter

1 Bay leaf

2 g Thyme

250 ml Veg stock

Salt to taste

For garlic crostini

5 g Garlic chop

1 Slice of French bread

METHOD

First soak the pistachios for one hour then take out from the water and peel it.

In a pan put butter, add sliced onion and cook over slow heat with thyme and bay leaf. Add pistachios and cream and cook for a few minutes.

Add some vegetable stock, salt and pepper then cook for 10 minutes. Blend all the ingredients. Pour the soup in a soup plate or bowl. For garlic crostini

Apply the garlic butter on slice bread, and then toast it under the salamander. Serve the soup with the garlic bread and drop of olive oil.

(IANS)

(IANSlife)

What’s on your plate? A guide to portion sizes

BY DEEVYA GUPTA

Quite often we get asked ‘how much should I eat of certain foods?’. The answer is not always clear-cut. The Australian Dietary Guidelines provide us with a general quantity of serving sizes of each of the daily food groups to aim for. The number of suggested servings may differ for each individual depending on age, gender, specific medical conditions and dietary requirements (if any) as well as activity levels. In general the recommendations can be summarised below, which indicate having a higher intake (at least 5 serves of vegetables and salads) and a spread of grains, which generally is required less over time and with less physical activity, along with consistent levels of dairy, protein and fruits (Averaging 2 serves per day).

VEGETABLES AT LEAST 5 SERVES PER DAY

A standard serve is about 75g or:

• ½ cup cooked green or orange vegetables (for example, broccoli, spinach, carrots or pumpkin)

• ½ cup cooked dried or canned beans, peas or lentils (preferably with no added salt)

• 1 cup green leafy or raw salad vegetables

• ½ cup sweet corn

• ½ medium potato or other starchy vegetables (sweet potato, taro or cassava)

• 1 medium tomato

FRUITS 2 SERVES

A standard serve is:

PER DAY

• 1 medium apple, banana, orange or pear

• 2 small apricots, kiwi fruits or plums

• 1 cup diced or canned fruit (no added sugar)

Or only occasionally:

• 30g dried fruit (for example, 4 dried apricot halves, 1½ tablespoons of sultanas)

Grains 3-6 serves per day

A standard serve is:

• 1 slice (40g) bread

• ½ medium (40g) roll or flat bread or roti or chapati or dosa (large)

• ½ cup (75-120g) cooked rice, pasta, noodles, barley, buckwheat, semolina, polenta, bulgur or quinoa

• ½ cup (120g) cooked porridge

• ²/³ cup (30g) wheat cereal flakes

• ¼ cup (30g) muesli

*Grain (cereal) foods, mostly wholegrain and/or high cereal fibre varieties

PROTEINS:

A standard serve is:

• 1 cup (150g) cooked or canned legumes/ beans such as lentils, chickpeas or split peas, daals etc

• 170g tofu

• 30g nuts, seeds, peanut or almond butter

or tahini or other nut or seed paste (no added salt)*

• 65g cooked lean red meats (about 90100g raw)

• 80g cooked lean poultry such as chicken or turkey (100g raw)

• 100g cooked fish fillet (about 115g raw) or one small can of fish

• 2 large (120g) eggs

*Only to be used occasionally

Dairy

A standard serve is:

• 1 cup (250ml) fresh, UHT long life, reconstituted powdered milk or buttermilk

• ½ cup (120ml) evaporated milk

• 2 slices (40g) or 4 x 3 x 2cm cube (40g) of hard cheese, such as cheddar

• ½ cup (120g) ricotta cheese

• ¾ cup (200g) yoghurt

• 1 cup (250ml) soy, rice or other cereal drink with at least 100mg of added calcium per 100ml

*Choose mostly reduced fat

If you do not eat any foods from this group, try the following foods:

• 100g almonds with skin

• 60g sardines, canned in water

• ½ cup (100g) canned pink salmon with bones

• 100g firm tofu (check the label as calcium levels vary)

Serving suggestions as per the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating , 2013 guidelines (NHMRC)

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

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

Chicken Chat Phat

For a really quick meal try this chicken dish cooked with vegies in a mild sauce.

Making chicken doesn’t has to be always an elaborate process.

I have used skinless chicken breast fillet with a mixture of Indian spices and cooked it like Chinese style stir fry! It’s different, tasty, easy, quick and makes a wonderful dish.

A must try chicken with vegies

INGREDIENTS

500 gm chicken fillet cubed or sliced

handful of beans sliced

1 med red onion sliced

1 red capsicum sliced

1/2 cup sliced mushrooms

1 tbs ginger sliced

1 tsp ground coriander

1 tsp ground chilli

1 tsp ginger/garlic paste each

little grated rind of lime (opt)

salt to taste

olive oil to cook

1 cup stock

SAUCE

2-3 tbsp sweet chilli sauce

1 tsp ground all spice

1 tbsp lime juice

pinch nutmeg

1 tsp arrowroot or cornflour

Salt to taste

Olive oil to cook

METHOD

Marinate chicken with ginger,garlic. coriander,chilli and lime rind for about 30 mins.

Heat oil in wok or pan. Add sliced ginger, onion and capsicum and stir fry about 2-3 mins. Set aside.

In the same wok heat a little oil and stir fry the chicken pieces till tender.

Whisk all the ingredients for the sauce in a bowl

Tasty chicken in no time!

Serves 2

and pour over the chicken and mix well. Add the veges to the chicken and toss well. Pour cornflour mixed with 2 tbsp water and cook until thickens.

GARNISH: chopped spring onion or coriander leaves

SERVE: Hot with basmati rice or brown rice.

TASTY TIP

This dish taste best served immediately. You may use tender pork or beef and vegetables of your choice.

BY MANJIT SETHI

Mesha (Aries)

A very helpful, month in so far as your financial prospects are concerned. Many of you would reap a rich harvest of sudden gains, that are likely to come your way. Others would gain from speculative activity, making handsome profits. Most of you would be able to derive quick, useful results from your efforts.

Vrishabh (Taurus)

This month your financial prospects look quite good and could well establish you on a permanently sound footing. Many of you can look forward to reaping a rich harvest of sudden gains. Others would gain through speculation, which would also bring in rich profits.

Mithuna (Gemini)

A gainful month, in so far as your financial prospects are concerned. Many of you can look forward to reaping a rich harvest of sudden gains. Speculation would also benefit quite a few among you. There is also a good chance of a favour being done to done to you by some old gentleman which could easily turn out to be a financial boon.

Karkat (Cancer)

Full of buoyant energy, in a favourable situation, you would do very well for yourself financially during the coming month. This month you would have the courage of your convictions and the necessary drive to forge ahead in your pursuits and achieve success. You would be helped greatly by an extremely favourable set of circumstances.

Best days: 3, 12, 30

Lucky Colour: Red, Orange, Cream

Simha (Leo)

A fruitful month in so far as your professional prospects are concerned. Practitioners of the fine arts and others of their ilk would have an extremely satisfying time. In fact, some of you may well go on to make a mark for yourselves with your contributions. There are indications that you would tend to work quite hard and go for your objectives efficiently. And in this you shall succeed.

Best days: 5,3

Lucky Colour: White & Orange

Dhanu (Sagittarius)

This month your professional advancement is quite favourable. There is a distinct possibility of significant professional gains through association with several learned people with whom you would come in contact. You would also derive significant benefits from your superiors with some of whom you could also have serious differences.

Best days: 9, 18, 27

Lucky Colour: Green, Blue

Kanya (Virgo)

A fruitful month in so far as your professional prospects are concerned. Practitioners of the fine arts and others of their ilk would have an extremely satisfying time. In fact, some of you may well go on to make a mark for yourselves with your contributions. There are indications that you would tend to work quite hard and go for your objectives efficiently. And in this you shall succeed.

Best days: 3, 12

Lucky Colour: Orange, Green

Makara (Capricorn)

You should do extremely well financially, during the ensuring month, since you face a favourable configuration of stars. Those dealing with or having foreign or interstate commercial connections or so would prosper and gain considerably. For most of you, the existing operations would enable you to realize planned gains during this period.

Best days: 2, 7, 9

Lucky Colour: Red, White, Yellow

Tula (Libra)

Nothing particularly auspicious about the augury for your professional prospects this month. There is a distinct possibility that you would get into serious differences with your superiors. Such an eventuality should be averted, no matter what the effort involved, because should this happen, it can only be disastrous for your professional prospects.

Best days: 9, 18

Lucky Colour: Red, Blue

Kumbha (Aquarius)

There is nothing particularly beneficial about your financial prospects this month, since the stars do not appear to be in a particularly obliging mood. Existing operations would fail to deliver anticipated or planned results, despite a great deal of hard work put in by you. Nor are the signs at all favourable for launching any expansion or entirely new venture.

Best days: 9, 18

Lucky Colour: Red, Blue

Vrishchik (Scorpio)

Nothing particularly favourable, about the augury from the stars, in so far as your financial prospects are concerned. There are indications that speculation would result in serious losses for some of you. Therefore, you should stay away from gambling of any sort. Relations with your superiors or employees are also likely to come under a cloud, to the extent that serious loss would become almost certain.

Best days: 1, 3, 4

Lucky Colour: Red, Orange

Meen (Pisces)

Despite the association of several gifted people of learning and spiritual strata, this month would be far from favourable for your financial prospects. There are distinct possibilities that most of you would have to struggle quite a bit for the realization of your goals, and even then you would not be able to achieve much success.

Best days: 9, 18

Lucky Colour: Red, Blue

Best days: 1, 3, 4

Lucky Colour: White, Green, Blue

Best days: 5, 3, 6

Lucky Colour: White, Green

Best days: 2, 7, 9

Lucky Colour: Red, Yellow, White

It's all about Perspective.

Secret Message that Indian Sweets carry Positive Psychology & Message.

1. JALEBI : Your Shape doesn't matter, your nature does. No matter how messed up you look or life is, keeping a sweet tone will always help.

2. RASGULLA : No matter how much you are squeezed by circumstances, never forget who you are. Come back to your original self. Be Resilient.

3. BOONDI LADDU : Every little drop of Boondi matters. Similarly little and continuous efforts can bring in Miraculous Results. Continue doing little things, Success will follow.

4. SOAN PAPDI : Not everyone likes you, yet the maker doesn't stop to make you. Pursue your goals, irrespective of validation.

5. GULAB JAMUN : Your Softness is not your Weakness, it can be your strength. Softness is a quality much Appreciated, be Proud of it.

6. BESAN LADDU : If you get shattered due to pressure, you can always Rebuild. It's a symbol of HOPE. No Matter what goes Wrong, we can always fix it.