G'Day India Mar 2024 Issue 203

The Inspiring Journey of Manisha Chaubal Menon, Navigating Life's Challenges with Courage and Grace

Mr. Gopal Baglay assumed charge as the High Commissioner of India to Australia Pankaj Udhas was beyond a ghazal singer

Indian leaving shores goes with confidence: EAM S. Jaishankar

The grand pre-wedding celebrations of Anant Ambani-Radhika Merchant graced by the billionaires, celebrities, Bollywood stars and politicians from across the globe

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Anmol Anand, Debasree Das, Dileep Narayan, Dr Raj Kotharu, Gary Nair, Harpal Sandhu, Manjit Sethi, Narisa Dawar, Sanchita Abrol, Karthik Arasu, Abhi Narayan,

Welcome Mr. Gopal Baglay to Australia

Mr. Gopal Baglay assumed charge as the High Commissioner of India to Australia in January 2024. He was the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka from May 2020 to December 2023.

Mr. Gopal Baglay is a seasoned diplomat. He earlier served in New Delhi in the office of the Prime Minister of India, as the Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs and in various other positions related to India’s ties with her neighbours, Europe and multilateral organisations.

Diplomatic assignments of Mr. Gopal Baglay abroad have been in Ukraine, Russia, the United Kingdom, Nepal and Pakistan (as Deputy High Commissioner).

Mr. Baglay learnt Ukrainian in his first assignment abroad and speaks Russian and a few languages of the Indian subcontinent. He holds a Master’s degree in Chemistry from the University of Lucknow.

Mr. Baglay’s interests involve yoga, long distance run, hiking, mind training, and ways of harmonious and sustainable living. He likes to study religions and learn about cultures.

We welcome Mr. Gopal Baglay to Australia.

Celebrating Our Cultural Diversity

MELBOURNE, FEB 25: Tens of thousands of people will gather across the state at celebrations hosted by Victoria’s diverse multicultural communities over the next month - supported by the Allan Labor Government’s $12 million investment to promote and grow our multicultural festivals.

Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt is encouraging Victorians to join in the celebrations across the state including the 36th Antipodes Lonsdale Street Greek Festival which is taking place this weekend.

Backed by an investment of $800,000 by the Labor Government and hosted by the Greek Community of Melbourne, the festival features performances from local and international Greek artists alongside traditional foods, dancing and activities over two days.

Geelong’s Pakington Street will come to life this weekend with Cultura’s Pako Festa - backed by an $800,000 investment by the Labor Government – the event is a showcase of arts, music, dance and traditional foods in celebration of the region’s multicultural communities.

The 45th Johnston Street Fiesta is also set to welcome Victorians this weekend with colourful costumes, dancing, and music seeing the return of the two-day Hispanic Latin festival that the Labor Government has supported with $400,000 in funding.

The Moreland Turkish Association will also receive $50,000 in funding to host their 2024 Turkish Pazar Festival with a celebration of Turkish culture across two days at the Queen Victoria Market from 2-3 March.

This funding will ensure Victoria’s diverse communities can continue to celebrate their cultural identity and heritage and will further strengthen Victoria’s growing multiculturalism now and into the future.

The Victorian Budget 2023/24 invested more than $69 million to support our multicultural and multifaith communities.

Since 2014, the Labor Government has provided more than $36 million to deliver close to 10,000 multicultural festivals and events across Victoria.

Extending Protection for Victims Of Collapsed Builders

MELBOURNE, Mar 6: The Allan Labor Government is extending the Liquidated Builders Customer Support Payment Scheme to help Victorians whose builder has become insolvent without taking out insurance on their behalf – as required by law.

Around 100 extra Victorians may be eligible for payments from the scheme, joining former customers of Porter Davis Homes who were left without Domestic Building Insurance (DBI) through no fault of their own.

The expanded scheme now covers customers of builders that entered into liquidation this financial year – from 1 July 2023 up until 20 February 2024 – including Montego Homes’ customers.

All builders should understand that this extension is occurring under special circumstances and will be funded through the previously announced $13.55 million support package.

The Building Legislation Amendment (Domestic Building Insurance New Offences) Bill 2023 ensures consumers are covered by insurance before providing any money to a builder under a contract for domestic building work costing more than $16,000.

Under new offences introduced last month

into the Domestic Building Contracts Act 1995, if a builder receives money under a Major Domestic Building Contract without holding the required domestic building insurance, a penalty of up to $96,000 is in place for an individual or $480,000 for a company.

The new offences are the first in a suite of

reforms the Labor Government will deliver to ensure Victorians can build or renovate with confidence.

Applications for the extended scheme are expected to open in coming weeks. More details are available at vic.gov.au/liquidatedbuilders-customer-support-scheme

A Growing Economy and More Jobs for Victorians

MELBOURNE, Mar 8: The Allan Labor Government is getting more Victorians into work and boosting the state’s economy – with the Mid-Year Financial Report reporting a strong labour market and a growing economy.

Published today, the Mid-Year Financial Report shows that 124,000 Victorians secured employment in the 12 months to December 2023 – outperforming every other state in jobs created.

Victoria leads the country in creating employment opportunities, with 528,000 more Victorians in jobs by the end of 2023 than at the COVID peak in September 2020 –

exceeding the Government’s Jobs Plan target of creating 400,000 new jobs by 2025.

The total number of Victorians in work was at a near-record 3.68 million in December, and the state’s unemployment rate is historically low. Workforce participation and the share of working-age Victorians in employment were also at near-record levels in December.

Victoria’s economy is now 8.6 per cent larger, in real terms, than it was before the COVID-19 pandemic, with gross state product increasing by 2.6 per cent in 2022-23 and Deloitte Access Economics forecasting

that Victoria will lead all states in economic growth over the next five years.

The latest ABS figures confirm that business investment in Victoria grew by 11.3 per cent in the year to December, well above the national average and more than double the rate for New South Wales. Victoria’s exports of goods and services also grew by more than 20 per cent – more than any other state and five times the national figure.

The Government’s investment in infrastructure was $12 billion for the period to 31 December 2023 – this ongoing investment supports the delivery of high-quality services for Victorians and creates jobs.

Victoria’s general government sector operating deficit of $4.2 billion in the six months to 31 December is consistent with the same period last year and the full-year estimate in the 2023-24 Budget Update.

Full-year results cannot be extrapolated from the half-year results, which reflect the seasonal distribution of expenditure and revenue. For example, grant revenue from the Commonwealth Government, which is the source of around 50 per cent of Victorian revenue, is generally received later in the financial year.

Victorians To Have Their Say on Housing Plan

MELBOURNE, Mar 4: The Allan Labor Government is asking all Victorians to have their say about the cities, suburbs, towns and regions they want to live in, and the kind of Victoria we want to build for future generations.

As part of the landmark Housing Statement, the Labor Government has kicked off community engagement right across the state to develop a long-term vision for Victoria’s next 30 years.

Over the next few months 60 pop-up community events will be held across Melbourne and regional and rural Victoria while an online program will also be held to ensure we reach all Victorians – young people, culturally and linguistically diverse, people living with a disability, those at risk of homelessness, renters and home owners.

We’re also engaging with local councils, industry and community leaders as well as Traditional Owners and the wider First Peoples Community.

More than 9000 people have already visited the Engage Vic website since it went live, and more than 200 industry and council participants have already been consulted.

With Victoria on the way to being home to 10 million people by 2050, this whole-of-state

plan will set out how to further improve housing affordability and choice by establishing housing targets for local government areasso that the locations where we need more homes and the types of homes we need are clear for everyone.

Councils will be supported by a new dedicated case management team to help resolve issues delaying planning decisions and prevent projects ending up in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

stuck for more than six months waiting for a decision.

The team will work proactively with developers, councils and agencies to resolve issues on developments worth more than $10 million which have been stuck within the planning system for more than six months.

This will support council to continue the work done since the Housing Statement to clear the backlog of planning applications for townhouses or apartments that had been

Developing a new plan for Victoria will ensure there is a shared vision for delivering 800,000 more homes - close to transport, jobs and essential services in vibrant, liveable, and sustainable cities, suburbs and towns over the next decade.

Visit the website to complete the survey, subscribe to receive updates and find out when we're having our next events at, engage.vic.gov.au/developing-a-new-planfor-Victoria

'Laapataa Ladies' to open Indian Film Festival of Melbourne Summer Fest

Filmmaker Kiran Rao's movie 'Laapataa Ladies' has been selected to be the opening film of The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) Summer Festival.

Following the success of the first IFFM Summer Festival, IFFM announces the launch of the it’s second edition, which will

took place from February 29 to March 2.

Kiran calls it “a great honour” for ‘Laapataa Ladies’ to be the opening film at IIFM.

She added: “I am absolutely delighted and would like to convey my heartfelt gratitude to the festival. I hope the Melbourne audience enjoys the film, and that I get to visit this

great city in person soon!”

The three-day event takes the larger festival that happens annually in August, transforming it into a biannual celebration.

VicScreen CEO Caroline Pitcher said: “IFFM is the largest celebration of Indian cinema in the southern hemisphere, lighting up Melbourne every year with incredible films and unforgettable star power.”

“VicScreen is proud to support the expansion of the festival, with the return of a three-day summer programme, which includes the highly anticipated Australian premiere of 'Laapataa Ladies'.”

Festival Director Mitu Bhowmick said that she is thrilled to kickstart their “latest venture” with Kiran’s nuanced film of “layered human relationships, celebrates women and the unexpected complexities that life throws at us.”

‘Laapataa Ladies’, which is based in rural India, is about two young brides who get lost on a train and the pursuit of people who find themselves in a series of confusion on the go. It stars Ravi Kishan, Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Shrivastav and Nitanshi Goel.

Melbourne Set to Host Finance and Innovation Expo In 2024

MELBOURNE, Mar 5: The Asia Pacific Financial and Innovation Symposium will be held in Melbourne this year thanks to support from the Allan Labor Government.

Minister for Economic Growth Tim Pallas announced the inaugural global financial conference will be hosted in Melbournedemonstrating that Victoria is the place to be for financial services and business events.

Delivered by Visit Victoria and the Melbourne Convention Bureau, the one-day exposition will be the first of its kind for the region. Thousands of financial leaders from around the world will meet on April 16 to discuss industry trends in artificial intelligence, technology, energy transition and social governance with an Asia Pacific focus.

The program features local and global industry experts and thought leaders, including Lee Ainslie (Maverick Capital), Henry Cornell (Cornell Capital), Robert Kapito (Blackrock), Kathleen McCarthy (Blackstone), Steve Schwarzman (Blackstone) and James Zelter (Apollo).

The event will showcase Victoria’s robust economy and capacity for world-class events, bringing together major global financial influencers to attract more international investment to our state.

Victoria is a leading destination for financial

services with the sector employing more than 120,000 people and contributing $47 billion each year to the local economy.

The state's business events sector is also a major driver of the Victorian economy –

generating an estimated $12.6 billion annually and supporting more than 84,000 jobs.

To register for the conference, visit apfis. com.au

Sydney primed as an excellent investment destination for Indians

SYDNEY, Mar 4: In an era of unprecedented globalization, the financial landscape has evolved, diminishing barriers and creating an array of investment prospects. With a surge in international education pursuits and cross-border property acquisitions, opportunities abound for those seeking to broaden their financial horizons.

For the Indian populace, the allure of the 'foreign' is undeniable, a sentiment echoed by the substantial increase in Indians venturing beyond borders. Notably, within a single year (2021- 2022), the number of Indian students studying abroad has surged by an impressive 68 per cent, while overall travel to foreign nations has witnessed a remarkable 137 per cent growth from 2021 to 2022, poised to reach pre-pandemic levels.

Despite this increased outbound movement, a wealth of strategic investment possibilities remains untapped. Australia, having surpassed China and New Zealand to become the third-largest country of birth for Indians, emerges as a prime investment destination. Sumiit Gupta, the Director of Haansal Estate, underscores the financial potential in Australia, particularly focusing on Sydney. Sumiit notes, "While the Indian property market experiences gradual growth-residential property prices in India witnessed 5.9 per cent year on year growth in Q3 2023, Sydney recorded a remarkable 11.9 per cent increase last year, even reaching up to 30 per cent growth in some of the suburbs. With over 100,000 Indians calling Sydney home, there is a significant opportunity for the Indian community to thrive through deeper involvement in the property market."

This prospect extends to a growing subcommunity of Indian students in Australia, strategically positioning themselves for the future through real estate investments. Gupta underscores the numerical evidence, stating, "Sydney has witnessed a substantial increase in median weekly rents, surging from USD 580 per week in 2022 to over USD 832 per week by January 2024, reflecting a 43 per cent gain in the rental income for the investors in just the last two years. The remarkable rental yield in the city presents a lucrative opportunity for Indian students, establishing a robust financial foundation to enhance their

stay in the continent. In other words, Sydney's residential rental yield surpasses commercial yield in India, coupled with more sustainable capital growth, making it an appealing investment choice."

In the face of skyrocketing rents in Sydney, investing in property not only flips the equation for students but also establishes a financial safeguard through a sound investment strategy.

In a city like Sydney where the rents are skyrocketing, the students stand to be on the end of a loss-making venture when they rent their way through higher education. Investing in a property not only lets them be on the other end of the bargain, but it allows them an opportunity to establish a financial safeguard built through a solid investment.

It's crucial to note that when compared to other international markets like Dubai, Sydney's real estate market exhibits longterm advantages and steady growth. Unlike Dubai, which witnessed negative capital growth between 2014 and 2021, or the USA that experienced a real estate market crash during global financial crises, Sydney's real estate market has shown resilience over the last many decades. In the last 25 years, it has consistently avoided negative growth for periods lasting over 4 years and has consistently outperformed previous booms, showcasing its stability and attractiveness as a reliable investment destination.

This presents as a unique opportunity for investors to step out of their financial comfort zones and channel their funds effectively.

Australia to double naval warships, largest since World War II

CANBERRA, Feb 20: Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles and Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy on Tuesday announced the major overhaul in Navy and said the government is committed to more than doubling the size of the nation's naval warships.

With the announcement, Australia's fleet of combatready warships will be expanded from the current 11 to 26.

The government will spend an additional $7.2 billion over the next decade to accelerate the delivery of the future fleet, which Marles and Conroy said will be Australia's largest since the end of World War II.

The plan in total will boost the country's defence spend in the early 2030s to 2.4 per cent of GDP, compared to the 2.1 per cent it was planned to be when the government came to office, said reports.

Deakin University and NSDC International launch Global Job Readiness Program to elevate Indian talent with essential industry skills

NEW DELHI, Mar 5: Deakin University, Australia ranked among the top 1 per cent of universities worldwide and India's consistent partner in providing world-class education and skilling along with NSDC International (NSDCI), a subsidiary of National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) announced the launch of Global Job Readiness Program (GJRP) on Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) platform. A groundbreaking initiative, the GJRP is all set to mark a transformational milestone in the education and training sector by successfully enhancing the capabilities of India's talent pool in critical, industry-relevant skills.

The GJRP has been made available on the Skill India Digital Hub platform which will provide learners with an accessible and userfriendly interface to upgrade their work-ready skills and knowledge. Tailor-made to address the contemporary skilling needs of India's dynamic industry landscape, this program aims to deliver significant capacity-building opportunities. Designed for both students and professionals, it offers a crucial avenue for upgrading the skills for a competitive edge,

enhanced employability, and readiness for both local and global industries.

"DeakinCo.'s partnership with the National Skills Development Corporation (NSDC) and the Global Job Readiness Program underscores our commitment to supporting India's youth to access meaningful employment opportunities. The higher education institutions in India can gain a significant advantage from the Global Job Readiness program, offering their students a value-added opportunity to acquire skills essential for the contemporary industry landscape, ensuring a global perspective. It is imperative that we equip India's youth with these vital skills to thrive in the workplace. Together with our partners and stakeholders, we are focused on driving positive change and empowering the next generation of Indian talent," said Angela Girton, Director, Executive Education & CEO, DeakinCo.

The GJRP will be offered at two levels of proficiency, namely Foundation and Intermediate which will be determined based on a pre-program assessment process. Learners will undergo live training sessions

and build capabilities on diverse skills using a series of videos, flip cards, diagrams, and other visuals. Online training under the GJRP will cover six critical areas including soft skills, namely communication, collaboration, problem-solving, innovation, digital literacy, and financial literacy.

Upon completion, learners can test themselves through a post-program assessment and subsequently, will be awarded a digital badge and certification. This will amplify the impact of the program upon one's visibility and success in the professional arena.

"Indian leaving shores of the country goes with confidence": EAM Jaishankar

SEOUL, Mar 5: Highlighting India's unprecedented reputation at the international level, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that the people leaving India to explore global work opportunities now have confidence in the present government that the regime would take care of them even when they are abroad.

"You can see, today, an Indian leaving the shores of India, does so with a confidence

which they didn't have before. They have the confidence that whatever happens out there, there is a government that will look after them. That's a very big feeling because when we look at the state of the world, more and more Indians will explore global work opportunities," EAM said.

Minister also underscored the significant contribution of Indian diaspora for strengthening New Delhi relations with other countries and said that the country is in the right path and doing right thing.

"There will be students going abroad. There will be people, you know, blue collar workers. There will be professionals. There will be, you know, people whose talents will be sought by companies across the world. So, we have to give them that confidence.

And we have shown in 10 years today," he said.

"But those who live abroad also know, you know, that there are, that in many ways your hearts and minds are, a large part of it is always in India. So, I know, you know, that all of you in different ways, contribute to the progress of our country. What is happening at home, the choices we make, the progress we make is very much in your minds. So, I want today to both appreciate you as well as share with you that sense of confidence. I think that we are today on the right path, with the right leadership, doing the right thing, going up in the world," he added.

Earlier, in his address at the Korea National Diplomatic Academy on 'Broadening horizons: India-Korea Partnership in the IndoPacific', Jaishankar stressed that it is time for two nations to introspect and strategise how the two countries could be doing more by making efforts differently.

EAM who is on a visit to South Korea said that ties between India and South Korea has expanded in different sectors and the benefits are visible to both nations. He said that India's partnership with South Korea is acquiring "great salience" in a "more uncertain and volatile world." (ANI)

India retail market set to reach $2 trillion in next decade

MUMBAI, Feb 28: India continues to be a bright spot among the major economies and the retail market is expected to reach $2 trillion in next 10 years, presenting a large opportunity for retailers, a new report showed.

India is the fastest growing country among top five global economies and expected to become the third largest by GDP in 2030.

According to the report by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and the Retailers Association of India (RAI), the retail market growth is expected to continue at 9-10 per cent.

"The Indian retail sector will more than double in size to $2 trillion in the next decade across categories and formats, and the successful retailers are the ones who continue to challenge the perceived growth profitability trade off," said Abheek Singhi, Managing Director and Senior Partner at BCG.

Store expansions continue to happen and with increasing urbanisation, there is more consumption expected to happen in tier 1 to 4 cities.

"While e-commerce continues to grow, net new user addition has seen a slower pace in the year and the role and proposition of

online needs to be re-imagined," the report mentioned.

Organised retailers need to sustain performance and continue to grow shares.

"Retail is going through key shifts impacting the pace and shape of growth," the findings showed.

"Income growth remains steady, and consumers are optimistic on their personal income outlook. At the same time, consumers

increasingly look to spend on ‘experiences’ or save more through newer/nascent vehicles."

According to Kumar Rajagopalan, CEO, RAI, by focusing on personalised customer experiences, exploring new collaborations, and leveraging AI for efficiency, "we can propel India's retail industry towards unprecedented growth and global competitiveness".

India’s emergence as global chip manufacturing hub no distant dream

NEW DELHI, Mar 1: Top industry bodies on Friday hailed the government’s decision to clear three semiconductor fabrication (fab) manufacturing projects worth Rs 1.3 lakh crore, saying that the emergence of the country as a global semiconductor manufacturing destination “no longer seems to be a distant dream.”

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Thursday approved three semiconductor units that will start construction within the next 100 days and generate direct employment of 20,000 advanced technology jobs and nearly 60,000 indirect jobs.

Pankaj Mohindroo, Chairman, India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA) said that by 2027, “India will have the fab and Outsourced semiconductor assembly and test (OSAT) units producing.”

“By the end of the decade, we may have more than 10 fabs and 20 OSAT units in production, besides many semiconductor product design companies,” Mohindroo added.

The semiconductor fab with 50,000 wafers per month capacity will be set up by Tata Electronics Private Ltd (TEPL) in partnership with Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp (PSMC), Taiwan, in Dholera, Gujarat. This fab will be constructed with an investment of Rs 91,000 crore.

As per Lt Gen Dr SP Kochhar, Director General, Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), the approval on the establishment of three semiconductor units under the India Semiconductor Mission is a positive and commendable development.

“This serves as an excellent example for

our nation towards attaining self-sufficiency in line with our Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Atmanirbharta’ and will further inspire India’s goals to become a global manufacturing and supply chain hub,” Kochhar said in a statement.

Moreover, with the output from these facilities being poised to benefit various sectors and segments, it is expected to provide a fillip to the ‘Digital India’ mission

through increased technological prowess and advancement of the indigenous industrial ecosystem, “besides generating employment and attracting more investments in the country.”

India already has deep capabilities in chip design. With these units, the country will develop capabilities in chip fabrication.

India-born economist Geeta Batra named as first woman Director of World Bank's GEF

Born in New Delhi, Batra studied at the Villa Theresa High School (1984) in Mumbai, then completed her Economics from the Stella Maris College, Chennai (1984-1987), followed by an MBA in Finance from the NMIMS, Vile Parle (1990) in Mumbai.

- where she manages a team of evaluation professionals, providing oversight on the design, implementation and quality of evaluations.

Since the Rio Earth Summit (1992), the GEF has been one of the largest players in the environmental sector, providing around $24 billion in grants, plus marshalling an additional $138 billion in co-financing over 5,700 projects in 170 countries till 2020.

Through the GEF’s Small Grants Programme (SGP) more than 20,000 grants were given to civil society and communitybased organizations totalling over $1 billion.

The GEF is a partnership for international cooperation with 183 countries working together with international institutions, private sector and civil society to address global environmental concerns.

Batra, 57, is currently the Chief Evaluator & Deputy Director for Evaluation at the GEF's Independent Evaluation Office (IEO), affiliated to the World Bank.

Her name was unanimously recommended for the coveted position at the 66th GEF Council Meeting held in Washington on February 9 and was announced.

"My top priorities will be to deliver sound evaluative evidence on the results and performance of the GEF, provide leadership to ensure that the GEF IEO stays at the forefront of environmental evaluation and strengthen the IEO teams and invest in skills," Batra said from Virginia, US.

She will also build partnerships with multilateral and bilateral agencies, foundations and networks, and share knowledge of what works, where and why.

New

After her MBA, she was inspired by one of her professors, Harkant Mankad, to go to the US (August 1990) to pursue a PhD in Economics.

Armed with a doctorate, she worked for a couple of years as Senior Manager, Risk, at American Express, before joining the World Bank’s Private Sector Development Department in 1998.

Serving there for seven years till 2005, she implemented competitiveness projects in East Asia and Latin America.

Subsequently, she took over as the Head & Chief Evaluator at the International Finance Corporation, for its advisory services portfolio, before moving to the World Bank’s IEG as Chief Evaluator and Manager for country and corporate thematic evaluations.

In 2015, Batra joined the GEF’s IEO (established in July 2003) - which assesses the progress and impact of GEF interventions

Zealand recognises

For the past over 23 years, developed and developing countries have provided funds to support activities pertaining to biodiversity, climate change, international waters, land degradation, chemicals and waste in the context of development projects and programs.

Batra has co-authored books and articles, plus managed over 100 evaluations, and is “interested in development issues with a particular focus on promoting the use of feasible and practical approaches in monitoring and evaluation, to help achieve better outcomes”.

She lives in Northern Virginia with her husband Prakash and their daughter Roshini.

When she is not working, Batra loves the outdoors, goes hiking in national parks, reads historical biographies, besides tries out different types of mouth-watering cuisines.

However, she confessed with a smile that her all-time favourite foods include India’s good old pav-bhaji, pani-puri- puri and chhole-bhature...

By Quaid Najmi

global, regional leadership role that India plays

NEW DELHI, Mar 5: Recognising India's leadership role on the global stage, New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters said that his country is determined to build a "broader, deeper, mutually beneficial relationship" with the South Asian nation.

Beginning his visit to New Delhi and Ahmedabad on March 10, Peters will also be highlighting the shared interest of the two nations in helping the development of the Pacific Islands region.

“India is a country with which New Zealand can, should, and will be doing more. New Zealand recognises the global and regional leadership role that India plays, and we are determined to build a broader, deeper, mutually beneficial relationship,” Peters said

in a statement released on Tuesday.

The minister's three-nation tour will also see him visiting Singapore, and Indonesia to reinvigorate New Zealand’s relations with South and South East Asia.

The centrepiece engagement of the trip will be his extended meetings with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi and Singapore's Vivian Balakrishnan respectively.

“It will be a privilege to spend further time with three such experienced and accomplished Foreign Ministers whose views on the issues facing the world and the Indo-Pacific in particular carry considerable weight," Peters said.

"If New Zealand wishes to maximise

our influence and impact in the region, we need to lift our game with all three of India, Indonesia, and Singapore,” he added.

Calling Gujarat "an engine of Indian economic growth" with significant connections to New Zealand’s Indian diaspora, a government release said that Peters will also meet state Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel.

"In Delhi, he will be highlighting the shared interest that New Zealand and India have in helping the development of the Pacific Islands region," the release said, adding that his India visit will conclude on March 13.

MUMBAI, Feb 25: Geeta Batra, an Indian economist, has been named as the new Director at the Independent Evaluation Office of the World Bank's Global Environment Facility (GEF), making her the first-ever woman from a developing country to hold the coveted post.

Indian American women a powerhouse in US politics, business, society

NEW YORK, Mar 8: Former UN ambassador Nikki Haley's tenacious battle for the presidency of the US is a symbol of Indian American women's emergence as a powerhouse in politics and society even though she dropped her sisyphean quest two days before International Women's Day.

On the other side of the political divide, US Vice President Kamala Harris is set for another run for the vice presidency alongside President Joe Biden, having notched the record of the first woman elected to the position that is just a heartbeat away from the world's most powerful job.

While the two women have the highest profiles in politics, many Indian American women shine across the spectrum of politics, government, business and beyond.

They have soared into space, headed multinational corporations, led universities, and showing their versatility, served undercover for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and even took the Miss America crown.

Although overrun by former President Donald Trump, Nikki Haley made her mark by standing up to him while other competitors folded, and she struck out a line of Republican politics that could have a wider appeal.

She put her stamp on politics by getting a significant chunk of votes - estimated at about 25 per cent of those cast in the Republican primaries till she quit - winning in one state, Vermont, and in Washington, the federal District of Columbia.

She also has the distinction of being elected twice as the governor of South Carolina, the first woman and the first nonWhite person to head the state, and the first Indian American to be a member of the US cabinet when she was the permanent representative to the United Nations, a post with cabinet rank.

Kamala Harris made her mark as California's attorney general lofting her to the Senate where her work got her national recognition, paving the way to the second most powerful job in the US, the vice president.

She is the first woman to become vice president and she was also the first person of Indian descent elected to the US Senate.

Pramila Jayapal, who heads the

Progressive Caucus in the House of Representatives, is the other politically powerful Indian American woman.

What helps them shatter glass ceilings despite their being women and, on top of that, women of colour with immigrant backgrounds is a society that values merit as it steadily tries to bring down barriers to women's advancement.

And they are not dynasts or nepobabies, either, and they got to where they are through their own merit.

As Nikki Haley said on Wednesday while announcing she was ending her race, "Just last week, my mother, a first-generation immigrant, got to vote for her daughter for president - only in America".

In business, Indra Nooyi created a legend of her own as the CEO of Pepsico, a multinational corporation with over 300,000 employees operating in over 200 countries having a revenue of $62 billion in her final year heading it.

By the time she left in 2018 after 12 years as CEO, she boosted its annual profits from $2.5 billion to $6.7 billion as she chartered a new, more diversified course for the company.

Revathi Advaithi is the CEO of Flex, a global diversified company that is the thirdlargest globally in electronics manufacturing services.

She also serves on the US government's Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations.

Padmasree Warrior, who blazed a trail as chief technology officer for marquee technology companies Motorola and Cisco and as the US CEO of the Chinese electric vehicle company Nio, is now the CEO of a startup Fable.

In academia, there are scores of Indian American Women heading departments and schools.

Among them are heads of large universities, Neeli Bendapudi, the president of Pennsylvania State University and Renu Khator, the chancellor of the University of Houston System.

Asha Rangappa, a former Federal Bureau of Investigation agent-turned-academic, has served as an associate dean of Yale University Law School.

Indian American women have soared into space as astronauts.

Kalpana Chawla, a mission specialist and robotic arms operator, was killed on her second mission when the space shuttle Columbia broke up as it reentered the earth's atmosphere in 2003.

Sunita Williams has done a stint as the commander of the International Space Station (ISS), on one of her four missions at the multinational orbiting research facility.

The Bhagwad Gita and the Upanishad went to space with Williams, who said that for inspiration she took them along to the ISS, from where she conducted spacewalks.

On Earth as a Navy officer, Sunita Williams was deployed during the first Gulf War and later she became a test pilot.

While the other two were on NASA space missions, aeronautical engineer Sirisha Bandla went up on a spacecraft of the private venture by Virgin Galactic, where she is a

vice president.

Geeta Gopinath is the first managing director of the International Monetary Fund, having made her mark as an economist in the Ivy League and as the organisation's chief economist.

In the US judiciary, there are several Indian American women, among them Neomi Rao, a judge of the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, which is considered the most influential court below the Supreme Court.

The Biden administration has deployed Indian American Women in senior positions across government.

The most visible of them on media after Kamala Harris is Defence Department's Deputy Spokesperson Sabrina Singh who often conducts the Pentagon's media briefings laying out the administration’s strategic positions.

Also at that department, Radha Iyengar Plumb is the deputy under-secretary of defence.

At the White House, Neera Tanden, a veteran of Democratic Party campaigns, is an assistant to the president and domestic policy advisor.

Arati Prabhakar is the assistant to the President for Science and Technology and Science Advisor while heading the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and to the President.

Shanthi Kalathil is a deputy assistant to the President and the National Security Council’s coordinator for democracy and human rights.

At the State Department, Uzra Zeya is the under-secretary of state for civilian security, democracy, and human rights, and Rao Gupta is the ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues.

And, in the other party, Harmeet Dhillon is a member Republican National Committee who ran an unsuccessful insurgent campaign to replace the chair, Ronna McDaniel.

She is a co-chair of Women for Trump and Lawyers for Trump, groups that advocate for Trump.

In an unusual occupation was Sabrina De Souza who had served in a senior role as an undercover Central Intelligence Agency agent.

Unfortunately, her cover was blown while she was on an anti-terrorism mission in Italy and that country has tried to prosecute her for capturing a terrorist who was taken to the US.

On the other side, showing the diversity of political views, Gitanjali S. Gutierrez worked as a lawyer defending an alleged terrorist held by the US detention centre on Guantanamo Bay.

On the trade unions front, Bhairavi Desai is the executive director of the Taxi Drivers' Alliance, and Saru Jayaraman has organised restaurant workers in New York City.

In entertainment, Vera Mindy Chokalingam, better known as Mindy Kaling, made her mark with the sitcom, The Mindy Kaling Project, which she created, produced and starred in.

Biden awarded her the National Medal of the Arts in 2022.

And, further into the unexpected venues, Nina Davuluri was crowned Miss America in 2014.

By Arul Louis

! Mate G’Day

Getting married in Australia

Recording the names of the parties on the NOIM

Marriage documents will form part of a chain of documents that a person will use over the course of their life to establish their identity and obtain identity documents. As a result, the accuracy of marriage documents will have a significant effect on the ease with which a person will be able to obtain identity documents. Likewise, the rules established by agencies that are responsible for issuing identity documents have a practical impact on the completion of marriage documents.

The rules in Australia for obtaining documents of identity such as an Australian passport have been significantly strengthened over recent years. Celebrants need to be careful to ensure that they copy names accurately (including spelling) from key documents onto the NOIM and the marriage certificates. Otherwise, great inconvenience may be caused to the couple in having documents corrected at a later date.

Section 53 of the Australian Passports Act 2005 requires that the name that an Australian

passport is issued in must be either: the name on a person’s birth certificate; the name on the Certificate of Australian Citizenship; the name on a marriage certificate issued by the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages; or a change of name certificate issued by the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages of the state or territory concerned. The names appearing on the passport must be exactly the same as the names appearing on the relevant document. No variations are permitted.

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

China one of the costliest places in the world to raise a child

HONG KONG, Feb 22: China is one of the most expensive places in the world to raise a child in relative terms, a new report said, with the disproportionate impact on women driving the country’s precipitously low fertility rate as it grapples with a demographic crisis.

The study by the China-based YuWa Population Research Institute found that the average nationwide cost of raising a child from birth to age 17 was about $74,800 – rising to more than $94,500 to support a child through a bachelor’s degree.

The cost of raising a child to age 18 in China is 6.3 times higher than the country’s GDP per capita, the report said – a ratio second only to South Korea, which has the world’s lowest fertility rate, and where the cost of child-rearing is 7.79 times the GDP per capita, CNN reported.

For comparison, the report said that the cost is just 2.08 times the GDP per capita in Australia, 2.24 times in France, 4.11 times in the United States, and 4.26 times in Japan – another East Asian country that has long struggled with a rapidly aging population and declining birth rate.

“Due to reasons such as the high cost of childbearing and the difficulty for women to balance family and work, the Chinese people’s willingness to have children is almost the lowest in the world,” the report said, adding, "It is no exaggeration to describe the current population situation as a collapse in the birth population."

Mediation Agreement(s) re financial settlement and validity

TBY GURPAL SINGH

he Australia family law jurisprudence encourages settlement of the property disputes (and for that matter parenting disputes) through conciliation and mediation. Mediation is a voluntary process of resolving disputes between the parties and is often used for property and financial issues, and parenting disputes. The Family Law Act, however, requires parties to attend compulsory family mediation, also called family dispute resolution. Mediation allows the parties to control the process and the outcome of their disputes.

In Australia, agreements reached between former spouses at mediation about their property settlement are not binding until they are formalized as court Orders or a financial agreement that complies with the requirements of the Family Law Act.

There may be a situation where a party may renege on an agreement for property settlement reached at mediation.

Can reneging on an agreement be treated as a ‘wastage’ if the other party relies on this issue to their detriment?

The “wastage” principle comes from a well-settled line of cases in which the Court has established that it can notionally add back (or otherwise treat as relevant) “wasted” funds or financial loss caused by conduct that is “reckless, negligent, or wanton”. Reneging from the agreement reached at the mediation without there being any formalization by the

court Orders, raises question of wastage.

In a recent case before the Federal Circuit and Family court of Australia, the first party claimed that the second party’s reneging on agreements that had been reached at two separate mediations constituted “wastage”.

One party to the litigation had relied on the representation that the case had resolved to purchase a property, but when the family law deal fell through the party was required - to avoid defaulting on the purchase contract - to enter into several bridging transactions (ultimately being that her son and daughter in law purchased it and rented it to the party in question).

The court found that second party’s conduct did not amount to “wastage” but would likely be relevant to costs:

The second party’s conduct in reneging on the agreements reached the parties’ mediations likewise cannot, properly be characterized as reckless, negligent or wanton in the relevant sense, noting in particular that had the parties simply been unable to agree to the settlements in the first place, the consequences in terms of long term outcomes for the first party would not likely have been materially different, save to the extent that her own decision to purchase the Town Z property contributed to her losses. This conduct on the part of the second party, however, when combined with the extremely limited efforts made by him to obtain finance and his conduct in leading both the first party and the Court to believe that the matter had been resolved, is likely to be highly relevant to any subsequent application about costs. This is particularly so in circumstances in which the second agreement included a default sale clause and was not subject to finance but the second party’s asserted reason for having resiled from it was an inability to obtain finance.

As it may seem, it would be difficult (except in few very exceptional cases) to successfully argue that reneging on an inprinciple agreement constitutes “wastage”, especially given that it is well-known that an in-principle agreement is not binding.

The upshot is that it remains important to promptly formalize financial settlements in a binding manner with the assistance of a family law specialist, before taking acting in reliance on the “agreement”.

It is often seen that the parties delay the process of formalising the agreement for various reasons. Such delay may lead to further complications and multiplication of the litigation.

PANKAJ UDHAS

WAS BEYOND A GHAZAL SINGER

MERELY ‘INTOXICATING’ THE WORLD

His career is a testament to the pervasive appeal of ghazal, for Pankaj Udhas, among the foremost who brought the perceived elitist genre of music into the popular sphere, hailed well beyond its prime catchment area, but mastered the form with dedication and performed it with panache.

Pankaj Udhas, who passed away on Monday 26th Feb, aged 72, is usually - and erroneously - seen as a purveyor of the ghazal’s “maikhana” tradition.

This is chiefly due to his famous renditions of “Mujhko yaaron muaaf karna, main nashe mein hoon”, “Thodi thodi piya karo”,”Sharab cheez hi aisi”, “Ek taraf us ka ghai ek taraf maikada”, “Sabko maloom hai main sharabi nahi” and several other vintage melodies, but there was more range to his velvetrounded voice.

Recall the ebullient “Chandi jaisa rang hain tera”, the pensive “Kabhi saaya hai kabhi dhoop” or “Aap jinke kareeb hote hai”, the lightly mournful “Deewaron se milkar rona acha lagta hai”, “Niklo na benaqaab”, and “Aaiye baarishon ka mausam hain”.

And there is the especially heart-tugging “Chitthi aai hai” from Mahesh Bhatt’s “Naam” (1986) where he appeared onscreen himself - and made himself one of the most identifiable ghazal singers.

Born in Gujarat’s Jetpur (Rajkot) in May 1951 in a landed family as the youngest of three brothers, Pankaj Udhas was no stranger to music.

Not only had his eldest brother Manhar Udhas become a moderately successful Hindi film playback singer, the second, Nirmal Udhas, was also a well-known ghazal singer, and in fact, was the first of them to start singing in the family. In fact, their father Keshubhai Udhas, a government servant, had once met renowned veena player Abdul Karim Khan, who taught him to play the dilruba.

Seeing his father play the dilruba/esrajwhich incidentally was the instrument on which famed Hindi music composer Roshan (the grandfather of Hrithik) had prowess - kindled the interest of Pankaj Udhas in music and it grew so ingrained in all the siblings that the father enrolled them at the Sangeet Academy in Rajkot, in addition to their usual studies.

Pankaj Udhas initially wanted to play the tabla, but then plumped for learning Hindustani classical vocal from Ustaad Ghulam Qadir Khan, and then moved to Mumbai to train under Gwalior Gharana’s Navrang Nagpurkar. Subsequently, he did his B. Sc from the Wilson College in Mumbai.

Like many others, he had his sights set on Bollywood, but confessed later to having a “love-hate relationship” with the industry. He sang the first song for the film “Kamna” (1971), composed by Usha Khanna and written by Naqsh Lyallpur. While the film flopped, the song became very popular.

Pankaj Udhas, in an interview some years back, recalled that there was a lot of competition in Bollywood with Kishore Kumar and Mohammad Rafi

especially learning Urdu for the purpose. However, this realm of music was no easier to stand out, with several stalwarts already ensconced, and it took several years for him to make his mark. His first album “Aahat” (1980) brought him to notice, as did “Mukarrar” and “Nayaab” and as his style of singing matured, his popularity began to rise.

While he had been doing concerts and had become famous among the cognoscenti, “Naam” made him a household figure.

While continuing with ghazals, he also kept his tryst with popular music, of the Bollywood variety, with some famous outings, including the softly sensuous duet (with Anuradha Paudwal) “Aaj phir tumpe pyaar aaya hai” (“Dayavan”, 1988),

By Vikas Datta

A Mother's Courage and Advocacy

The Inspiring Journey of Manisha Chaubal Menon, Navigating Life's Challenges with Courage and Grace

the opportunity to carve out a life in Melbourne, a city teeming with promise and potential, despite the absence of familial ties.

The initial excitement of a fresh start in a foreign land gradually gave way to the joys of parenthood with the arrival of their firstborn, Rishi, in Sydney. Amidst the bliss of new beginnings, Melbourne soon became their home after the birth of their second son, Hrithik, who stands as a testament to their unwavering commitment to family amidst the rigors of pursuing an MBA.

Life took a tumultuous turn for Manisha as she embarked on the path of entrepreneurship, venturing into the realm of boys' fashion wear, while concurrently co-producing and anchoring the online program "Salaam Namaste Australia." Yet, amidst the whirlwind of professional pursuits, fate delivered a staggering blow in the form of a dire diagnosis—irreparable kidney disease.

Meet Manisha Chaubal Menon, a brave woman and mother who, along with her husband Prakash, embarked on a journey to Australia in nineteen-ninety, drawn by the allure of a new beginning in the land down under. Originally hailing from India, the couple set foot in Australia, envisioning a life reminiscent of the idyllic scenes portrayed in Crocodile Dundee and the fervor of cricket matches.

Their decision to relocate was fuelled by aspirations and dreams, anchored by their collective experience in the hospitality industry, having worked for the prestigious TAJ group of hotels. With their visas secured within a mere four months, they embraced

In 2012, Manisha underwent a life-altering kidney transplant, her unwavering faith in the medical fraternity serving as a beacon of hope amidst the storm. Throughout this arduous journey, she found solace in the compassionate care extended by an array of healthcare professionals, forging enduring bonds that would later fuel her advocacy for organ donation. Tragedy struck once more when Manisha's world was shattered by the untimely demise of her beloved son, Rishi, a promising eighteenyear-old with boundless potential. His passing, cloaked in mystery and marred by the absence of closure, plunged Manisha into the depths of despair, as she grappled with the inexplicable loss of a cherished son and the relentless pursuit of justice.

Determined to unravel the truth surrounding Rishi's tragic demise, Manisha embarked on a relentless quest for answers, navigating the labyrinthine corridors of the American judicial system, all while grappling with the unyielding anguish of grief. Despite her valiant efforts, the quest for

closure remains elusive, emblematic of the unresolved questions that linger in the wake of unspeakable loss.

In the wake of unfathomable tragedy, Manisha found solace in nurturing her youngest son, Hrithik, a beacon of hope amidst the darkness that threatened to engulf her spirit. Together, they sought refuge in the embrace of family and the unwavering support of loved ones, as they endeavored to rebuild their shattered lives from the ashes of despair.

Through the crucible of adversity, Manisha emerged as a steadfast advocate for mental health awareness, urging others to seek solace in the embrace of professional counsel and the unwavering support of loved ones. Her resilience in the face of unfathomable loss stands as a testament to the indomitable human spirit, a beacon of hope for those navigating the turbulent waters of grief and despair.

Today, Manisha stands as a paragon of strength and resilience, her unwavering commitment to advocacy and altruism serving as a testament to the transformative power of the human spirit. In her steadfast pursuit of justice and healing, she embodies the essence of courage and grace, inspiring all those who bear witness to her remarkable journey of resilience and redemption.

As she continues to navigate the ebbs and flows of life's journey, Manisha remains resolute in her mission to effect positive change and empower others to embrace the light amidst the darkness. Her legacy of love and resilience serves as a beacon of hope for all those who dare to dream, illuminating the path to healing and renewal in the wake of unimaginable loss.

By Tonee Sethi

INVEST IN YOUR MOST VALUABLE ASSET - YOUR MENTAL WELLNESS

In our increasingly hectic and demanding modern lives, mental health is sometimes the first thing we forfeit. Just like regular maintenance keeps a car running smoothly over time, cultivating mental health provides the long-term fuel we need to operate at our best in all aspects of life. Renewal, not depletion, is the competitive advantage required to excel amidst increased obligations. Those who invest in maintaining their most important commodity todaytheir minds - will have the advantage in the future.

Mental well-being frequently suffers due to juggling stressful job schedules, caring for others, and meeting daily duties. When we are constantly exhausted, creativity suffers, relationships suffer, and our health deteriorates over time. Despite the widespread glorification of grind culture and hustle, actions that promote mental wellness appear frivolous. We see mental health as an extravagance rather than a necessary component of long-term success.

It is time to reconsider how we prioritize the development of our most valuable asset - our minds. Just as athletes exercise their bodies with great intention, we must deliberately improve our mental fitness.

This requires countercultural adjustments, such as prioritizing renewal above output and investing in intangible well-being over concrete outcomes.

Dr. Chandni Tugnait, a Psychotherapist, Life and Business Coach, and the Founder-Director of Gateway of Healing shares three essential mentality modifications to maintain mental energy daily:

Normalise rest without guilt: We frequently see breaks as laziness rather than required healing. But, just as muscles require rest days to strengthen, so do minds. Establish limits and practice saying no without over-explaining. Allow yourself to rest with the same purpose that you approach professional assignments. You will return recharged.

Schedule wellness appointments for yourself: Set reminders to conduct quick guided meditations during busy days. Schedule uninterrupted walks or dates with friends to relax and catch up. Identify your depletion indicators, such as physical strain, mental fog, or impatience, and move quickly to correct course rather than override them. Rather than waiting until you crash, take proactive steps to maintain your mental health.

Redirect your self-limiting thoughts: Inner voices that tell you that you don’t deserve a break, that you don’t have time to re-energize, or that self-care is selfish typically reflect damaging cultural conditioning rather than truth. Replace these views with more inspiring narratives aimed at preserving your long-term mental health. Running on a full tank will allow you to be significantly more productive.

Dr Chandni Tugnait adds, “When our mental fitness deteriorates, all aspects of life become more challenging. Unfortunately, we often make matters worse by dismissing mental health as a luxury when, in reality, it is our most valuable asset. Maintaining good mental health allows us to be creative, resilient, reasonable, and have healthy relationships.”

It’s important to prioritize our mental health just as we prioritize our most pressing obligations. By doing so, we can successfully handle all of life’s demands, thriving rather than simply existing. The greatest competitive advantage starts from within, so investing in your mental health today is crucial to ensure a successful tomorrow.

NAVIGATING THE FIRST TRIMESTER

The first trimester of pregnancy is like stepping onto a roller coaster of change, where the only certainty is the uncertainty that comes with this transformative journey. As the body works tirelessly to create a nurturing environment for the growing baby, a whirlwind of emotions and physical adjustments takes centre stage.

Swapnil Kaushik, the founder of Mom’s Preg-Ladder said: “The surge in estrogen as well as HCG levels, surpassing the production of a non-pregnant lifetime, can lead to mood swings, bloating, nausea, and fatigue. While the baby bump might not be evident, the uterus is expanding, and blood volume is on the rise. It’s a time that brings both excitement and nervousness, and it’s perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed. Seeking support from friends, partners, or healthcare providers becomes a lifeline for expecting mothers as they navigate the complexities of this initial trimester.”

As an internationally recognised childbirth educator, certified pregnancy health coach, and recognised expert on maternal and child nutrition coaching by the government, Kaushik offers the following advice to soonto-be mothers throughout the first trimester:

Knowledge is empowerment

Taking an early pregnancy class can be a game-changer. These classes provide invaluable insights into the changes happening within the body and equip expecting mothers with the knowledge to handle the upcoming challenges. From nutrition tips to coping mechanisms, these classes offer a comprehensive guide to making the first trimester more manageable.

Do get regular scans

Regular scans are not just medical checkups; they are windows into the miracle of life unfolding. These scans and tests help healthcare providers assess the health and development of the fetus, detect any potential abnormalities early, and provide appropriate care and counselling to expecting parents. It’s essential for expecting parents to discuss with their healthcare provider which scans and tests are recommended for their specific situation.

Take proper rest

While staying active is encouraged during pregnancy, it’s essential to listen to your body. If morning sickness is making the usual routine challenging, don’t hesitate to rest. Also, taking short naps in the afternoon can be rejuvenating and help combat the fatigue that often accompanies the first trimester.

Prioritise well-being

Whether working or not, expectant mothers need to pay attention to various aspects of their lifestyle. Managing travel, reducing

stress levels, maintaining a balanced nutrition plan, and staying well-hydrated are key components of ensuring a healthy first trimester and a thriving pregnancy.

Encourage open communication

An open line of communication with both your partner and healthcare provider is crucial. Sharing your experiences, concerns, and joys helps build a strong support system. This communication fosters a sense of togetherness, making the journey through the first trimester and beyond a shared experience.

Cultivate good reading habits

Reading about pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting can provide a sense of comfort and preparedness. Books, articles, and reputable online resources offer insights into what to expect, calming fears, and providing practical advice for navigating the challenges of pregnancy.

Meditation and pranayama

As the body undergoes physical changes, it’s equally important to nurture the mind. Incorporating meditation or pranayama into

the daily routine can help manage stress, promote relaxation, and create a positive mindset. These practices contribute not only to the well-being of the mother but also to the developing baby.

Start womb talks

Begin the beautiful practice of ‘womb talks.’ While the baby may not understand the words, the vibrations and soothing tones create a unique bonding experience. This early connection lays the foundation for a strong parent-child relationship and introduces the baby to the comforting sounds of their parent’s voice.

Moreover, navigating the first trimester requires a combination of self-care, knowledge, and emotional support. Expecting mothers are not alone in this journey and with the right tools and a supportive network, they can embrace the changes with confidence, paving the way for a healthy and joyful pregnancy.

6 WAYS TO MANAGE EXAM STRESS DURING BOARD EXAM SEASON

As board exams draw near, students frequently experience academic pressure and heightened expectations. The prospect of facing comprehensive assessments can trigger overwhelming stress and anxiety, which if left unchecked can compromise both mental health and academic performance.

Recognising the significance of managing exam-related stress is the first step towards fostering resilience and maintaining calm during this demanding period. In this listicle, we explore five effective strategies by Ajay Singh, School Principal of the Scindia School to empower students to navigate

through the challenging board exam duration while ensuring their overall wellbeing and academic success.

Create a Realistic Study Schedule: Create a well-structured study timetable that can help you manage your time effectively and reduce last-minute cramming. Break down your subjects into manageable chunks and allocate specific time slots for each. Make sure to include short breaks to maintain focus.

Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Incorporate mindfulness and relaxation exercises into your daily

routine to alleviate stress. Deep breathing, meditation, yoga, and progressive muscle relaxation are proven methods to calm your mind and reduce anxiety levels. Spend a few minutes each day engaging in these practices to foster a sense of peace and clarity.

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Proper nutrition, regular exercise, and adequate sleep are crucial for optimal brain function and stress management. Fuel your body with nutritious foods, stay hydrated, and prioritize physical activity to boost your energy levels and enhance concentration. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to recharge your body and mind.

Seek Support from Family and Friends: Never hesitate to reach out to your loved ones for emotional support during the exam season. Share your concerns and feelings with them and allow them to provide encouragement and reassurance. Surrounding yourself with positive influences can help alleviate feelings of isolation and foster a sense of belonging.

Practice Positive Self-Talk and Visualization: Cultivate a positive mindset by replacing negative thoughts with affirmations and encouragement. Visualize yourself succeeding in your exams and focus on your strengths and achievements. Celebrate small victories along the way and remind yourself that you are capable of overcoming challenges. By fostering a positive self-image, you can boost your confidence and resilience in the face of adversity.

Prioritize Revision and Review: Regular revisions are important for reinforcing concepts and identifying areas that require further clarification. Allocate dedicated time for reviewing your notes, practicing past papers, and seeking assistance for challenging topics. Effective revision strategies can boost your confidence and performance on exam day. During this time the focus must remain on revising concepts and strengthening understanding and recall, rather than trying to learn new concepts. Last-minute attempts at trying to learn new concepts can lead to unnecessary panic that can derail the study plan and revision schedule.

By implementing these strategies, you can effectively manage exam stress and navigate the board exam season with confidence and resilience. Remember to prioritize self-care and maintain a balanced approach to studying, and don’t forget to celebrate your accomplishments along the way. Good luck!

(IANSlife)

DOES WEARING MAKEUP AGE YOUR SKIN?

For many people, applying makeup every day is more than a routine; it’s a ritual that boosts confidence and brings out inner beauty. However, many beauty fans have a lingering question: Does cosmetics age the skin? We begin on a journey to find out the complex relationship between cosmetics and skin aging in this exploration, seeking the views of experts to shed light on how various makeup practices may contribute to premature aging and solutions to prevent it.

“The aging effect of cosmetics is a complex subject that is influenced by factors such as product type and skincare routines,” says Dr Neena Kondapally, Dermatologist & Founder, of Avah Skin Hair Aesthetics.

While cosmetics are not a direct cause of aging, Dr Kondapally outlines certain behaviors that can lead to skin problems over time:

Clogged Pores: Heavy or oil-based cosmetics can clog pores, resulting in blackheads and acne. This can cause textural difficulties and an aged appearance over time. To lessen the danger of clogged pores, choose harmless makeup.

Inadequate Cleansing: Failure to fully remove makeup interferes with the skin’s nightly renewal process, producing irritation and inflammation over time. Remove makeup with a gentle cleanser before bedtime to allow your skin to go through its natural procedures.

Dehydration: Some cosmetic products can be drying, creating dryness and fine wrinkles if not properly hydrated. Maintain skin health by following a consistent skincare routine that includes hydration and sunscreen.

Sleeping with Makeup: Sleeping with makeup is a skincare sin that has repercussions for your skin’s natural regeneration process. Leaving makeup on can contribute to aging, including the development of fine lines and wrinkles, by interfering with nightly repair and regeneration.

Skintermittent: Skintermittent is like intermittent fasting for your skin to allow your skin to breathe and prevent the skin from stripping the natural oils. Set aside your makeup, serums, toners, and

creams, and instead, cleanse your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser. For moisturizing, consider using aloe vera gel or a commercially available natural moisturizer.

Never ignore Hydration: Never underestimate the power of hydration. Properly hydrated skin has a smoother texture and makeup application is much smoother. Hydration plumps up the skin, which can significantly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Using a hydrating and non-stripping cleanser is the first step toward your skin being wellhydrated. Look for products that contain sodium hyaluronate and niacinamide. You can also go for treatments like Hydra Facial, Viscoderm Hydrobooster, and Microdermabrasion which elevate skin hydration, smoothing texture, reducing fine lines, and boosting skin elasticity. Because these are gentle treatments, there’s no need for recovery time, making them convenient options for achieving well-hydrated and rejuvenated skin.

THE GREAT INDIAN WEDDING

The pre-wedding celebrations of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant have become the talk of the town and has gained global attention. The pictures and videos of the Ambani family and guests are going viral on social media. Reliance Chairman Mukesh Ambani’s youngest son, Anant Ambani, is set to tie the knot with industrialist Viren Merchant’s daughter, Radhika

Merchant, later this year.

The pre-wedding festivities started with ‘anna seva’. The Ambani family organised ‘anna seva’ to seek the blessings of the local community for the pre-wedding celebrations of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant. After the meal, the attendees enjoyed traditional folk music.

At Jogwad village near Reliance Township in Jamnagar, Mukesh Ambani, Anant Ambani and other members of the Ambani family, including Radhika Merchant, served traditional Gujarati food to the villagers. Radhika’s maternal grandmother and parents--Viren and Shaila Merchant-- also took part in the ‘anna seva’. Food will be served to about 51,000 residents.

Sharing food is an old tradition in the Ambani family, which does so on auspicious family occasions. When the country was grappling with the coronavirus pandemic, the Reliance Foundation, under the leadership of Anant Ambani’s mother, Nita Ambani, ran a large food distribution programme. Taking forward the family tradition, Anant started his pre-wedding functions with ‘anna seva’..

Nita Ambani gave a boss lady vibe in shades of green co-ord set with a pair of sunglasses to compliment her look. All smiles as bride-tobe Radhika poses with her mother-in-law Nita Ambani. Radhika wore a blue cheetah-print dress with a matching hat. Another picture captured the bond of Mukesh Ambani with his daughter-in-law Radhika..

Guests from all around the world were in Jamnagar, Gujarat to attend the pre-wedding festivities of Reliance Chairman Mukesh Ambani’s youngest son.

Qatar Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Queen of Bhutan Jetsun Pema, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen, and Saudi Aramco Chairperson Yasir Al Rumayyan were among those invited for the celebrations scheduled between March 1-3.

The guest list also included former Prime Minister of Sweden Carl Bildt, former Prime Minister of Canada Stephen Harper, President of Google Donald Harrison, former President of Bolivia President Jorge Quiroga, former Prime Minister of Australia Kevin Rudd and Chairperson World Economic Forum Klaus Schwab.

CEO and MD ADNOC Dr Sultan Al Jaber, CEO bp Murray Auchincloss, Chairman and Founder Colony Capital Thomas Barrack, , CEO JC2 Ventures John Chambers, former CEO bp Bob

Dudley, President of Global Development at BMGF Christopher Elias, Executive Chairman at Exor John Elkann, and CEO of Endeavor Ari Emanuel are also expected to be in Jamnagar next month.

Chairman and CEO BlackRock Larry Fink, CEO Brookfield Asset Management Bruce Flatt, Co-chair Board member BMGF Bill Gates, COO BlackRock Rob L Goldstein, Managing Director Morgan Stanley Michael Grimes, Chairman Hilton & Hyland Richard Hilton, Vice Chairman Berkshire Hathway Ajit Jain, Board Member Mandarin Oriental Archie Keswick, Scientist Dr Richard Klausner, Businessman Jared Kushner, Founder Thrive Capital Joshua Kushner, Former CEO bp Bernard Looney, Former Governor Businessman Terry McAuliffe, Scientist and Entrepreneur Yuri Milner, Founder and CEO Lupa Systems James Murdoch, President and CEO Aramco Amin H Nasser, Founder NV Investments Vivi Nevo, Former Dean Harvard Business School Nitin Nohria, COO Meta Javier Olivan, Vice Chairman Bank of America Purna Saggurti, , Founder and CEO Steel Perlot Michelle Ritter, Founder Schmidt Futures Eric Schmidt, Founding and Managing Partner Sherpalo Ram Shriram, CEO Sanmina Corp Jure Sola, CEO Enterprise GP Jim Teague, Group Chairman HSBC Holdings Plc Mark Tucker, and journalist Fareed Zakaria were among some of the other expected guests. Among the other guest list were also Bollywood celebs like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, Ranbir Kapoor famous sports personalities such MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma and Sachin Tendulkar.

Nita Ambani gave a special performance on the finale day of her son Anant Ambani and soon-to-be-daughter-in-law Radhika Merchant’s pre-wedding festivities. She performed Vishwambhari Stuti, a sacred hymn dedicated to Maa Ambe which she has been hearing since her childhood.

Pop queen Rihanna set the stage on fire on pre-wedding festivities of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant. She also performed on her popular track ‘Work’. Apart from that singer was seen belting out some of her all-time hits including ‘Rude Boy’, ‘Pour it Up’, ‘Diamonds’, and ‘Wild Things’, among others. Rihanna also thanked the Ambani family and shared her heartfelt wishes to the couple.

By N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe

5 IMPORTANT PRIORITIES TO RAISE YOUR CHILDREN IN THE EARLY YEARS

In our rapidly advancing, materialistic society, the significance of good parenting often gets overshadowed. Prioritizing the essential aspects of a child’s upbringing is crucial for their overall development. There is no universal rule for prioritization, as it varies for each parent based on their child’s needs. With each new year, parents should stay attuned to evolving trends to ensure their children’s safety, security, and education. Recognizing children’s interests and establishing clear objectives are vital, as kids learn rapidly from the external world. Facilitating the setting of realistic, measurable goals for children enhances effectiveness in parenting. Here are five key priorities for parents to raise their children successfully.

Have a daily routine at home

Establishing a structured daily routine at home fosters a disciplined lifestyle, yielding abundant fruits in life’s journey. Craft a flexible timetable for your children, incorporating dedicated slots for reading, writing, play, recreation, and daily tasks to instil a robust work ethic and moments of relaxation. Encourage each activity with joy and satisfaction, cultivating a sense of responsibility in your kids. Prioritize their happiness and wellbeing by actively participating in their studies or arranging for a tutor. Regularly monitor their overall growth, engaging the learning process and ensuring their continued progress. This holistic approach contributes to fostering happy, healthy, and well-rounded individuals.

Spending quality time with your kids

The significance lies not only in spending time with your children but in effectively utilizing that time. Prioritize quality moments with your family by establishing goals for regular weekend family

nights or monthly outings. Cultivate honesty in your interactions with your children, avoid superficial relationships, and strive to build a robust bond with them. Invest in meaningful experiences that deepen connections and create lasting memories. Dedicated focused and intentional time enhances the quality of your relationships and fostering a solid and genuine connection with your kids. In doing so, you contribute to the overall well-being and harmony within your family unit.

Freedom with Responsibility

Granting freedom to children is vital, but it must be accompanied by a sense of responsibility and defined boundaries. Stay adaptable and open to your children’s evolving world, understanding their needs. Instil a sense of responsibility and prioritize freedom with accountability in your kids. Be a positive role model at home, teaching them the true meaning of life through your actions. Correct their mistakes gently, steering them back on the right path. Encouraging them to participate in school extracurricular activities fosters growth and responsibility. Balancing freedom with guidance cultivates positive selfesteem in your child, laying the foundation for their development into responsible individuals.

Prioritize healthy lifestyle

Guiding children towards making healthy life choices is paramount. As genuine mentors, parents are crucial in providing the right direction. Prioritizing both mental and physical well-being is essential. Instil the importance of a healthy diet, regular exercise, and proper sleep habits through consistent bedtime routines. Actively identify and address your children’s feelings of worry, anxiety, sadness, or fear,

offering gentle guidance. Practice empathy to connect with your children on an emotional level. By fostering a holistic approach to health, parents contribute significantly to the overall well-being of their children, equipping them with the tools to lead balanced and fulfilling lives.

Monitor digital absorption

Children tend to absorb vast amounts of information swiftly, particularly in today’s techdriven era. The universal use of mobile screens and immersion in the digital world, offering instant gratification through video games and social media, poses a risk to the balanced life cycle. While technology brings benefits, excessive usage can lead to imbalance. Many children develop social media addiction, which impacts them negatively. Parents must familiarize themselves with their children’s digital activities, designating screen-free times to foster a tech-free environment at home. Encourage offline hobbies, create a tech-free zone, and instruct children on safe online browsing practices to ensure a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

In conclusion, prioritizing essential habits at home is paramount. When parents prioritize the upbringing of their children, placing them at the forefront despite other commitments, a deep impact is possible in children’s holistic growth. This commitment fosters a strong parent-child bond, positioning parents as their kids’ best friends. By dedicating time and attention to fostering a nurturing environment, parents play a pivotal role in shaping a child’s character and ensuring a foundation for a promising and harmonious future.

By Niru Agarwal

5 WAYS TO PROMOTE BREASTFEEDING

Welcoming a newborn into the world is a magical experience, but it often comes with challenges, especially when it comes to establishing breastfeeding. For new couples navigating the intricate journey of parenthood, Dr Harini Manjunath, Chief Scientific Officer of NeoLacta Lifesciences shares five ways to promote and support breastfeeding, fostering a connection that goes beyond nourishment.

Educational Antenatal Classes: Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to breastfeeding. New couples should be encouraged to attend antenatal classes that specifically focus on breastfeeding techniques, positions, and the importance of early initiation. Education helps demystify the process, empowering parents with the information they need to confidently embrace breastfeeding.

Create a Supportive Environment: Emotional support is key to a successful breastfeeding journey. Partners play a crucial role in creating a supportive environment. Encourage open communication, expressiveness, and patience. New couples should strive to understand the emotional and physical changes that come with breastfeeding, fostering a sense of teamwork in the parenting journey.

Introduce Skin-to-Skin Contact: Skin-to-skin contact isn’t just beneficial for the baby; it also strengthens the bond between parents. New couples should be encouraged to engage in skin-to-skin contact with the baby, promoting feelings of warmth, comfort, and security. This not only facilitates breastfeeding but also enhances the overall emotional connection between the parents and the newborn.

Lactation Consultant Guidance: Sometimes, a little professional guidance can make a significant difference. Lactation consultants, especially in the early days of breastfeeding can provide personalized advice, address concerns, and ensure that both partners feel confident and supported in their breastfeeding journey.

Create a Breastfeeding-Friendly Space: Set up a comfortable and breastfeeding-friendly space at home. Having a designated area with a cosy chair, nursing pillows, and all the essentials can make the process more convenient and enjoyable. This not only supports the physical aspects of breastfeeding but also creates a nurturing atmosphere for both the mother and the baby.

In conclusion, promoting breastfeeding in new couples goes beyond the physical act; it

involves creating an environment that supports, educates, and nurtures the emotional connection between parents and their newborns. By embracing these five strategies, couples can navigate the challenges of early parenthood and experience the joys of breastfeeding as a shared journey.

APPLE CANCELS SELF-DRIVING

EV PROJECT,

TO

LAY OFF WORKERS: REPORT

Apple has reportedly shelved its autonomous electric car project permanently and is likely to lay off “hundreds of employees” from the division, the media reported. According to a TechCrunch report, the company is likely “cutting hundreds of employees from the team and all work on the project has stopped”.

Some employees will be shifted to Apple’s generative AI (GenAI) projects. The Apple car project had around 1,400 employees. Apple first started working on its car project called “Project Titan” way back in 2014. In 2021, it hired Ulrich Kranz, a former BMW executive who helped run the i3 programme.

In December last year, Apple delayed the launch of its electric vehicle, referred to as the ‘Apple Car’, until 2026 which was expected to be priced under $1,00,000. The tech giant also scaled back its vision for the self-driving electric vehicle. Initially, the iPhone maker intended to create an automobile with no steering wheel or pedals, allowing passengers to sit facing one another in a limousine-style vehicle.

Later, the project was reduced in scope and was set to have a more traditional design with a driver’s seat, steering wheel and pedals, according to earlier reports. (IANS)

SCIENTISTS DEVELOP TECH THAT CAN RECOGNISE HUMAN EMOTION REAL TIME

South Korean scientists have developed a groundbreaking technology that can recognise human emotions in real time, an advance poised to revolutionise various industries, including next-generation wearable systems. The multi-modal human emotion recognition system, developed by a team from the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), combines verbal and nonverbal expression data to efficiently utilise comprehensive emotional information.

At the core of this system is the personalised skin-integrated facial interface (PSiFI) system, which is self-powered, facile, stretchable, and transparent. It features a first-of-its-kind bidirectional triboelectric strain and vibration sensor that enables the simultaneous sensing and integration of verbal and non-verbal expression data.

The system is fully integrated with a data processing circuit for wireless data transfer, enabling real-time emotion recognition. Utilising machine learning algorithms, the developed technology demonstrates accurate and real-time human emotion recognition tasks, even when individuals are wearing masks.

The system has also been successfully applied in a digital concierge application within a virtual reality (VR) environment, including smart homes, private movie theatres, and smart offices. This enables the provision of personalised recommendations for music, movies, and books. The technology is based on the phenomenon of “friction charging,” where objects separate into positive and negative

charges upon friction. Notably, the system is self-generating, requiring no external power source or complex measuring devices for data recognition.

“Based on these technologies, we have developed a skin-integrated face interface (PSiFI) system that can be customised for individuals,” said Prof. Jiyun Kim, from the Department of Material Science and Engineering at UNIST. In the study, published online in the journal Nature Communications, the team successfully integrated the detection of facial muscle deformation and vocal cord vibrations, enabling real-time emotion recognition.

The system’s capabilities were demonstrated in a virtual reality “digital concierge” application, where customised services based on users’ emotions were provided. “With this developed system, it is possible to implement real-time emotion recognition with just a few learning steps and without complex measurement equipment. This opens up possibilities for portable emotion recognition devices and next-generation emotion-based digital platform services in the future,” Jin Pyo Lee, the first author, from the varsity.

The research team conducted realtime emotion recognition experiments, collecting multimodal data such as facial muscle deformation and voice. The system exhibited high emotional recognition accuracy with minimal training. Its wireless and customisable nature ensures wearability and convenience.

HOW ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IS REVOLUTIONIZING THE DIGITAL WORLD

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force in the digital world, reshaping industries, businesses, and our daily lives. As AI technologies continue to advance, their impact is becoming increasingly profound. This article explores the ways in which AI is revolutionizing the digital world and the profound implications it holds for the future.

Automation and Efficiency

One of the most prominent ways AI is revolutionizing the digital world is through automation. AI-powered algorithms and machine learning models are capable of handling repetitive and labour-intensive tasks with remarkable speed and precision. This has led to significant improvements in operational efficiency across various industries.

For instance, in manufacturing, AI-driven robots can perform complex tasks with minimal human intervention, leading to increased production rates and reduced errors. In customer service, chatbots powered by natural language processing (NLP) can handle routine inquiries 24/7, freeing up human agents to focus on more complex issues. This automation not only improves productivity but also reduces costs.

Personalization and Customer Experience

AI is also enhancing the way businesses interact with customers. By analysing vast amounts of data, AI algorithms can create highly personalized experiences. For example, e-commerce platforms use AI to recommend products based on a user’s browsing and purchase history, increasing the likelihood of making a sale. Streaming services like Netflix use AI to suggest content tailored to individual preferences,

keeping viewers engaged.

In the healthcare sector, AI-driven diagnostics can provide personalized treatment recommendations based on a patient’s medical history and genetic makeup. This level of personalization not only improves customer satisfaction but also drives customer loyalty and retention.

Data Analysis and Decision Making

AI’s ability to analyse vast datasets quickly and extract valuable insights is transforming decision-making processes. Businesses can use AI-powered analytics to make data-driven decisions, identify trends, and predict future outcomes. This enables organizations to stay ahead of the competition and adapt to changing market conditions.

In finance, AI-driven algorithms are used for fraud detection, risk assessment, and portfolio management. In agriculture, AI can optimize crop yields by analysing weather data and soil conditions. These applications demonstrate how artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing industries by providing the tools to make more informed decisions.

Healthcare Advancements

AI has the potential to revolutionize healthcare by accelerating drug discovery, improving diagnostics, and enhancing patient care. Machine learning models can analyse vast datasets of medical records and scientific literature to identify potential drug candidates, speeding up the drug development process.

Furthermore, AI-powered medical imaging can assist radiologists in detecting diseases like cancer at an earlier stage, increasing the chances of successful

treatment. Telemedicine platforms are also leveraging AI to provide remote consultations and monitor patients’ health conditions, making healthcare more accessible and efficient.

Autonomous Systems

AI is driving the development of autonomous systems in various domains. Self-driving cars, for example, rely on AI algorithms to perceive their surroundings, make real-time decisions, and navigate safely. This technology has the potential to reduce accidents and reshape transportation systems.

Additionally, drones equipped with AI can perform tasks such as surveillance, agriculture monitoring, and package delivery. Autonomous robots are being used in warehouses to optimize inventory management and order fulfillment. These examples illustrate how AI is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in automation and autonomy.

Artificial Intelligence is ushering in a new era in the digital world. Its impact on automation, personalization, data analysis, healthcare, and autonomy is reshaping industries and improving our quality of life. “As AI technologies continue to evolve and mature, we can expect even more profound transformations in the digital landscape said by Rohit Tripathi (CEO & Founder) of Business Tweet .” However, with these advancements come ethical and societal challenges that must be addressed to ensure AI’s responsible and equitable deployment. The revolution is underway, and the world is on the brink of an AIpowered future that promises innovation and progress on an unprecedented scale.

AGE FACTORS WHEN IT COMES TO DATING

In the quest to find the perfect match, age does factor in, says 7 out of 10 people participating in a comprehensive consumer study arranged by India’s most downloaded dating app, QuackQuack. 13,000 men and women took part in the online research from almost all tiers; most are working professionals and business owners, and a group of the respondents are students. The highest number of individuals hailed from metros like Delhi, Kolkata, Bangalore, and Hyderabad and smaller cities like Nagpur, Jaipur, Bhopal, and Indore. The participants ranged between 22 and 50.

QuackQuack’s Founder and CEO, Ravi Mittal, commented, “While we see a lot of couples matching despite the unusual differences in their age, a lot more users skip potential perfect matches because of the same reason. The age-related stereotypes are changing, and thankfully so, but we still have a long way to go.”

The Seniors

While the app saw a surge in the number of seniors joining the dating club, there are still some hindrances that this group faces that the younger generation doesn’t, according to the study. 36 percent of users between the ages of 40 and 50 revealed that they struggle more to find a compatible match than anyone below 35. They went ahead to say that there have been instances where the compatibility was off the charts, but they were rejected based on age. 41 percent of women from this age group explained how it is worse for women than for men.

Age Preference

The findings of the study revealed that 45 percent of men exhibit a preference for women either younger or of a similar age to them, while 55 percent of women tend to match with men older than themselves. Additionally, it was observed that the ideal age gap for both men and women hover around three to five years.

Examining preferences across different city tiers, about 33 percent of women in Tier 1 cities expressed more openness to dating younger men, and conversely, a similar percentage of men in Tier 1 cities were open to dating older women. However, Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities displayed a more rigid outlook concerning age factors in dating, suggesting a split in dating preferences based on geographical locations and cultural nuances.

Evolution of Dating Norms Across Age Groups

A significant 45 percent of participants, both male and female, aged between 20 and 26, expressed a desire for a more open-ended approach to dating. Rather than seeking a predetermined outcome, they are inclined towards experiencing love, navigating the intricacies of relationships, and ultimately determining if a lifelong commitment is in the cards. In contrast, those in the 30 to 40 age bracket are actively pursuing a life partner, showing a readiness to settle down.

19 percent of the younger age group cited this relaxed approach as a key reason for their preference to date within a similar age range. The older demographic, aged 30 to 40, demonstrates a more decisive and goal-

oriented approach in their pursuit of a partner, while their younger counterparts tend to adopt a more easy-going stance.

Age-Related Stereotypes

32 percent of female users above 40 from Tier 2 and 3 expressed concerns about the societal pressures and judgments associated with dating in the later stages of life. Within this demographic, 26 percent highlighted the perception that engaging in dating automatically implies a readiness for marriage, a stereotype they find limiting; 11 percent also complained about how people instantly tag them as indecisive because they believe dating is casually exploring your options without the headache of commitment, especially in smaller cities.

Success Stories

17 percent of men from Tier 1 and 2 cities are dating women older than them. The appeal lies in the maturity, kindness, and overall life stability that these women bring to the table. Conversely, 15 percent of women admitted to dating younger men at some point, yet only 8 percent reported sustaining a long-term relationship. The main challenge cited was a disparity in attitudes towards life and shared interests. This reveals that while initial attractions may exist, navigating the complexities of a lasting connection proves to be a nuanced challenge when age differences come into play.

TIPS TO JUGGLING WORK, FAMILY, AND PERSONAL LIFE AS A FEMALE ENTREPRENEUR

Celebrating achievements, both in the boardroom and at home, is essential. Acknowledging successes, no matter how small fosters gratitude and resilience. Planning quality family time and creating lasting memories have become non-negotiable commitments, much like the commitment to the growth of my incense company.

Amita Agrawal, Director and Head of the Perfumery Division, MDPH, and Zed Black said, “My journey as a female entrepreneur has been marked by the delicate art of balancing work, family, and personal aspirations. In the vibrant world of business, setting clear priorities has become my guiding principle to strike the right chords between professional ambitions and the nuances of personal life.”

By setting priorities, women entrepreneurs can strategically allocate their time and energy, ensuring that they make impactful strides in their careers while fostering a balanced and fulfilling personal life. Balancing these priorities is not a onesize-fits-all equation, but rather a dynamic process that requires adaptability, effective communication, and a steadfast commitment

to both professional and personal well-being.

Here are some practical tips outlined by Amita:

Set Boundaries: Communicate and set boundaries between work and personal time. Foster understanding and support from your team and family. Also, learn to Say No by assessing your capacity and learn to decline additional commitments when necessary to focus on tasks that align with your goals and priorities.

Effective Time Management: Use time management tools to enhance productivity & prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance, adds Amita Agrawal.

Flexible Work Arrangements: Explore flexible work arrangements that suit your lifestyle. Embrace remote work or flexible hours if feasible for your business.

Delegate and Outsource: Delegate tasks at work and home to capable individuals. Outsource non-essential business or personal tasks to free up time.

Prioritize Self-Care: Schedule regular

breaks, exercise, and moments of relaxation. Prioritize self-care to maintain physical and mental well-being. Also, utilize technology for automation and efficiency in both work and personal tasks. Explore apps and tools that can help streamline processes.

Continuous learning and networking with fellow women entrepreneurs have also provided a valuable support system, contributing to a balanced and fulfilling life. Celebrate achievements, plan quality family time, and stay flexible to enjoy the beauty of entrepreneurship. As we share insights, support one another, and prioritize wellbeing, the collective strength of women entrepreneurs grows, creating an inspiring symphony that resonates throughout the business world. Together, we elevate not only our enterprises but also the narrative of success for generations to come. Supported by my understanding partner, my in-laws, my children, and my daughter-in-law, I navigate the challenges and joys of balancing responsibilities, creating a harmonious space where the laughter and love of my grandchildren take centre stage.

BEAT DEPRESSION BETTER WITH WALKING, JOGGING, YOGA & STRENGTH TRAINING.

Battling hard against depression?

Walking or jogging, yoga and strength training seems to be the most effective exercises to ease depression, either alone or alongside established treatments such as psychotherapy and drugs, suggests a study. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that more than 300 million people worldwide have depression.

Exercise is often recommended alongside psychotherapy and drugs, but treatment guidelines and previous evidence reviews disagree on how to prescribe exercise to treat depression best. The new evidence, based on a review of 218 trials involving 14,170 participants with depression and published by The BMJ, suggests that the more vigorous the activity, the greater the benefits are likely to be.

Researchers from Spain, Denmark, Australia and Finland noted that these forms of exercise “could be considered alongside psychotherapy and drugs as core treatments for depression.” Compared with active controls, large reductions in

depression were found for dance and moderate reductions for walking or jogging, yoga, strength training, mixed aerobic exercises, and tai chi or qigong.

Moderate, clinically meaningful effects were also found when exercise was combined with SSRIs or aerobic exercise was combined with psychotherapy, suggesting that exercise could provide added benefit alongside these established treatments.

Although walking or jogging were effective for both men and women, strength training was more effective for women, and yoga or qigong was more effective for men. Yoga was also more effective among older adults, while strength training was more effective among younger people.

While light physical activity such as walking and yoga still provided clinically meaningful effects, the benefits were greater for vigorous exercise such as running and interval training.

Exercise appeared equally effective

for people with and without other health conditions and with different baseline levels of depression. Effects were also similar for individual and group exercise. The team acknowledged that the quality of evidence is low, and very few trials monitored participants for one year or more.

Many patients may also have physical, psychological, or social barriers to participation, they noted. Nevertheless, they suggest a combination of social interaction, mindfulness, and immersion in green spaces that may help explain the positive effects.

“Our findings support the inclusion of exercise as part of clinical practice guidelines for depression, particularly vigorous-intensity exercise,” they said.

“Health systems may want to provide these treatments as alternatives or adjuvants to other established interventions while also attenuating risks to physical health associated with depression.”

COUGHS LASTING OVER 8 WEEKS POST INFECTION MUST NOT BE IGNORED

Coughing after a respiratory infection is common and, in most cases, will resolve with timewithin eight weeks, according to researchers. The team from the University of British Columbia in Canada said that coughs lasting longer than eight weeks need further assessment.

“Reassuring patients that postinfectious cough is time-limited and self-resolving is important and can reduce unnecessary and costly prescriptions, such as asthma puffers or antibiotics,” said Dr. Kevin Liang, a family physician and clinical instructor in the Department of Family Practice at the University.

“Most postinfectious cough symptoms will improve without medication,” Liang said. In an article published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, the researchers described that postinfectious coughs are common, affecting about 11 per cent to 25 per cent of adults after a respiratory infection and can last up to eight weeks.

Diagnosis requires an earlier respiratory infection and exclusion of other postinfectious cough

Health tip:

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.

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?

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?

mimics, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, one must check for red flags like swallowing difficulty, excessive shortness of breath, and coughing up blood.

These may require investigation.

Red flags also include a history of recurrent pneumonia or an extended history of smoking, and coughs lasting longer than eight weeks need further assessment, the researchers said. Further, the team said that “there is no good evidence for a medication that works to stop post-infectious cough”.

Evidence shows little benefit with inhalers or oral medications to treat a cough. These medications can be quite costly and cause unwanted side effects as well.

“Patient reassurance and education are critical. Clinicians should advise patients to arrange a follow-up appointment for further investigation if their cough has not resolved within eight weeks or if new symptoms appear,” the researchers said. (IANS)

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?

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

Principal

Green papaya seeds contain high levels of proteolytic enzymes like papain, which can help, rid your body of parasites

Gargling may help ward off ‘bad’ bacteria in diabetes patients

Gargling with an antiseptic mouthwash may help Type 2 diabetes patients to reduce the numbers of periodontitis-related bacteria, suggests a study. There is growing evidence that ongoing inflammation in the mouth, such as that seen in gum disease, in addition to causing bad breath is associated with serious diseases such as Alzheimer’s Disease or Type 2 diabetes.

Researchers from the Osaka University in Japan showed gargling may be a solution. In addition, some patients with reduced bacteria also achieved much better control of their blood sugar, hinting at promising future clinical applications, they noted in the study published in the journal Scientific Reports.

“There are three highly virulent bacterial species that are linked to periodontitis, or diseases of the tissues surrounding the teeth,” said lead author Saaya Matayoshi from the varsity. “We decided to see if we could reduce these three species -- Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, and Tannerella forsythia -- in patients with Type 2 diabetes using a mouthwash containing the antiseptic chlorhexidine gluconate,” Saaya added.

To see whether gargling itself was effective for reducing bacteria, or whether mouthwash was more effective, the study participants first gargled with water for six months, and then with the antiseptic mouthwash for the next six months. “We were unsurprised to see that

gargling with water had no effects on bacterial species or HbA1c levels,” explained Kazuhiko Nakano, from the varsity.

“However, there was an overall reduction in bacterial species when the patients switched to mouthwash, as long as they were gargling at least twice a day,” Nakano added. While the results showed no overall changes in HbA1c levels, when patients gargled with the antiseptic mouthwash, there appeared to be large variations in individual responses.

For example, when they split the group into younger and older patients, younger patients had greater reductions in bacterial species and significantly better blood-sugar control with the mouthwash compared with water. Given that poor oral health is linked to serious disease, simple methods to improve oral hygiene have important ramifications.

This easy-to-use treatment may also improve the lives of people with periodontitislinked diseases such as diabetes, dementia, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory tract infections, said the team.

Smartwatch may help boost treatment for depression

Smartwatches may not only help count steps, and sleep but can also offer mental health clinicians’ valuable information about depression symptoms, according to a new study. Wearable technology is part of a focus on precision medicine that will allow clinicians to better tailor treatment for individual patients, said Joshua Curtiss, Assistant Professor of applied psychology at Northeastern University, US.

“The purpose of this type of research was to figure out if we can use passive sensor data to predict the things we care about -- to see if it is associated with changes in depression severity or symptom severity,” Curtiss said. “It showed the very individualised ways depression manifests in people,” he said, in an article published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

For the study, the team took data from anonymised patients at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), who wore the Empatica E3 wristband to track sleep, acceleration and movement, heart rate variability and other physiological indicators. Alterations in the pattern of sleep -- too much or too little -- can be symptoms of depression, as can lack of physical activity and social isolation.

All of these symptoms can be tracked by wearable technology in the form of digital watches and smartphones, Curtiss said.

In the case of socialisation with others, for instance, clinicians can view data to see how often text messaging apps have been used, he said.

“I think passive sensor data can offer an

incredible tool for getting more information that otherwise is really difficult to get,” Curtiss said. “This is not to supersede clinical judgement,” Curtiss said.

“We combine (sensor) information with our clinical judgement and what the patients are telling us to get a full picture.” If the data shows the patient hasn’t had much physical activity, which could indicate fatigue or anhedonia -- lack of enjoyment in life -- the clinician could bring it to the patient’s attention and discuss what’s going on, he said.

The same goes for sleep patterns, Curtiss said. While patient accounts are critically important, it’s normal for patients to under report or over report symptoms, either because they forgot something, have grown accustomed to being in distress or have tired of filling out mental health questionnaires, Curtiss said.

Passive sensor data greatly reduces the burden of patient self-reporting symptoms via multiple questionnaires, Curtiss said, adding that it can also help clinicians get up to speed more quickly on a new patient’s mental health status.

Study decodes how birth weight is linked with heart disease in adulthood

Researchers found that birth weight is linked to heart disease in adults due to risk genes shared by mothers and their children. Most previous studies show that people born small are at increased risk of developing hypertension and heart disease in adulthood. The biological cause of this phenomenon has been debated for decades, but there is no definitive research evidence. One popular theory is that inadequate nutritional intake during pregnancy affects the developing foetus’ metabolism, predisposing it to cardiovascular disease during periods of overnutrition.

The findings, published in the journal Communications Biology, showed that maternal genetic factors that influence the growth of the developing foetus have a birth weightindependent effect on the child’s subsequent risk of heart disease. However, it appears that these genes only play a role in disease risk when they are passed on to the child, said the researchers from the University of Helsinki in Finland.

“Certain maternal genes influence the growth conditions of the child in the womb and consequently the birth weight of the child. The child in turn inherits a copy of these genes from the mother,” said Jaakko Leinonen, a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM) at the

University of Helsinki.

“When we studied the impact of these birth weight genes on children’s morbidity later in life, we found that small changes in the baby’s growth before birth due to the mother are unlikely to have a major impact on the child’s risk of developing the disease as an adult. Instead, it seems that a child’s own genes play a much more important role in determining his or her future health risks,” Leinonen added.

The new research results were obtained by looking at the genetic data of more than 36,000 such mother-child pairs. According to the researchers, previous genetic studies have produced partly different results because they

have not been able to distinguish between the genetic effects of mother and child.

“Our research method, which uses genetic data from both mothers and their children at the same time, has proven to be a very effective way to find out how maternal health and the conditions of the baby in the womb can affect the health of the child,” said Dr Taru Tukiainen, who led the study.

More research is needed to find out how being born significantly underweight or other significant changes in birth weight affect the risk of disease in adulthood.

Snacking on tree nuts boosts health, does not lead to weight gain

Snacking on tree nuts like pistachios, almonds does not lead to belly fat, rather they help in better weight management and are a more efficient source of energy, according to a study. As tree nuts are high in calorie and fat content, a common misconception persists that eating nuts causes weight gain. But various studies have shown that eating tree nuts, like pistachios, daily is an easy way to experience a flavourful, nutritious, and portable snack that can reinvigorate a person.

To explore further, researchers from Vanderbilt University Medical Center in the US, fed 84 young adults (22-36 years old) who had at least one metabolic syndrome risk factor (e.g., high blood pressure, high blood glucose, excess body fat around the waist, or abnormal blood cholesterol levels) either a snack of one ounce of mixed, unsalted tree nuts (including pistachios) or one ounce of a carbohydrate snack (like unsalted pretzels or graham crackers) twice per day for 16 weeks.

Without the study participants making any other changes to their diet (without restricting calorie intake) or lifestyle habits (without changing physical activity habits), researchers saw a 67 per cent reduction in metabolic syndrome risk for females and a 42 per cent

reduction in risk for males who ate tree nuts.

Participants eating one ounce of mixed tree nuts two times per day (including pistachios) had no change in their energy intake or body weight over the 16-week study period. Further, in female participants, there was evidence that eating the mixed tree nuts led to reduced waist circumference (abdominal fat), a key risk factor for metabolic

syndrome, diabetes, and heart disease.

In male participants, there was evidence that eating the mixed tree nuts led to reduced blood insulin levels, another important risk factor. Participants eating tree nuts were also able to use fat for energy more efficiently compared to a carbohydrate snack, which may explain why the group eating tree nuts, like pistachios, did not increase body weight or body fat during the study period, said the team in the paper published in the journal Nutrients.

“We specifically designed the study to be able to investigate the independent effects of eating tree nuts on body weight by ensuring that the number of calories the participants ate during the 16-week intervention period matched the amount of calories they expended each day, which is one of the overall strengths of the study design and results,” said Heidi J. Silver, from the varsity.

“This carefully designed and well-controlled study shows that eating tree nuts, like pistachios, does not have to lead to weight gain and can be an important part of anyone’s selfhealth care routine in 2024,” she explained.

RASHMIKA FINALLY OPENS UP ON ‘ANIMAL’ SUCCESS

Rashmika Mandanna, who most recently portrayed the character of Geetanjali in the box-office super hit action thriller ‘Animal’, has opened up on why she did not take “ownership” of her part in the film following its release. The actress, who is shooting for an upcoming film, has penned a lengthy note, where she has talked about the massive success of the Ranbir Kapoor star vehicle.

The movie directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga is reported to have minted Rs 917 crore worldwide. Widely regarded as the ‘national crush’ -- Rashmika shared how she wanted to take some time out and enjoy the phenomenal success of ‘Animal’, but she was back on the set of her new film, so she could not spare any time. Sharing a monochrome mirror selfie, Rashmika posed for the lens hiding her face.

She wrote: “Hi guys! Can’t show my full face as it is a new film look, and I can’t reveal it before my film team does, as always. But the shoots are going really well -- just wanted to let you all know.” The actress said she wanted to just talk about how people were talking about her not taking ownership of her success and all that. Reflecting on the chatter, Rashmika wrote: “Ok, here’s the thing. 1: I know it comes from a place of love, concern, and worry. We have delivered a massive film, and people loved it and appreciated it.

“I too wanted to take some time out to enjoy it, as every one of us wants to, but I was back on set the next day of my film release (being the amazing workaholic that I am), and hence I was and am unable to do a lot of interviews or events out there.

I am having to do these overnight travels for work, and I am shooting for some of the biggest and most intense films in my career.

“And as you’ll know, I can’t really reveal the look before my film teams do, and hence I am unable to take photos or post some posts or go live as per your or my wishes. And I know you’ll are missing me and so am I, but l know for sure that when the films DO release, I know you’ll all be super-duper happy, and it’s all gonna be

worth it!! (I personally CAN’T WAIT for those moments).”

Rashmika continued her heartfelt post by urging her fans: “Please be patient with me because you should know that I am doing my best, and I am happy doing so for all of you, myself, and my teams.”

Opening up on ‘owning’ the success, Rashmika expressed happiness over the love and messages of her huge fandom.

“Guys, your love, the messages to me are what make me happy and keep me going, honestly, and I saw them in abundance; and again, thank you so much for all the love... always.” She further revealed how her PR team had told her to be more active.

“But 1: like I already said the next day

of the film release, I was back on set for my next film, so couldn’t find the time, but next time on we will work on it... I promise; and 2: I just believed that good work will speak for itself and it DID... and I CANNOT be more grateful... I am yet to thank you all for the love... and I know I am late... but I only wanted to do it when I come live, and I am still going to hold on to that for that day,” Rashmika said.

She concluded: “I was surrounded by the most supportive cast and crew and the best tans, so I didn’t or don’t have anything to worry about... I just love them... they are the best!”

Rashmika next has ‘Pushpa 2: The Rule’, ‘Rainbow’, ‘The Girlfriend’ and ‘Chaava’ in the pipeline. (IANS)

TRUE HAPPINESS LIES IN YOUR CHILDREN; NOT MONEY, FAME OR FORTUNE: ARJUN RAMPAL

Bollywood’s “quad father” Arjun Rampal says becoming a father is a blessing from God and true happiness lies in your children and not in money, fame or fortune. Arjun has two daughters Mahikaa and Myra Rampal from his first wife Mehr Jesia.

In 2019, the actor became a father to a son named Arik Rampal, whom he shares with his partner Gabriella Demetriades. The couple welcomed their second child in 2023. Talking about how life has been for him since he has become a “quad father”, Arjun told IANS: “Becoming a father is like a blessing from God. I think I have been blessed many times and God has been very kind to me and it is children where the happiness is. It is not money, fame or fortune. Real and true happiness lies in your children.”

Arjun started his career as a model. He made his acting debut with ‘“Pyaar Ishq Aur Mohabbat’ after which he was seen in films such as ‘Dil Ka Rishta’, ‘D-Day’, ‘Chakravyuh’, ‘Inkaar’, ‘Aankhen’, ‘Rajneeti’ and ‘Rock On!!’, for which he was feted with a National Film Award for Best

Supporting Actor in 2008.

The 51-year-old, who has a following of two million on Instagram, gets a lot of attention courtesy his good looks. Talking about the same, he said: “I respect women

very much and If I can evoke an emotion in them on whatever level it feels a little flattering, I can’t deny that. But at the end of the day, I think I have found my woman who I would rather swoon over, Gabriella.”

(IANS)

ARJUN KAPOOR OPENS UP ON PLAYING VILLAIN IN ‘SINGHAM AGAIN’

Bollywood actor Arjun Kapoor, who plays the antagonist in director Rohit Shetty’s upcoming film ‘Singham Again’, has said that life has come full-circle for him with this role as he started his career by doing characters with grey shades.

The actor also said that he owes it to Aditya Chopra and Rohit Shetty for believing in his ability to portray negative roles.

Talking about the same, Arjun said: “I started my career in the industry by playing characters with negative shades in ‘Ishaqzaade’, ‘Aurungzeb’ and after all these years, here I’m, playing a villain in ‘Singham Again’. While, Aditya Chopra saw it in me to play characters that are flawed then, now, I’m thankful to Rohit Shetty for having the belief that I could play an out and out villain in his ambitious and much-loved cop universe film. Rohit Shetty instilled faith in me and has been a guide at every step of the way.”

The actor continued, “Both these people have been true mentors in my film career and I’m grateful that a hit-machine filmmaker like Rohit Shetty believes that I could surprise people by playing a villain

in ‘Singham Again’.”

The actor said that playing the villain in Rohit Shetty’s film gave him the chance to experiment as an actor.

“I have always wanted to experiment on screen and give audiences something different to look at. So, playing an arch-enemy of the cops

in ‘Singham Again’ was a thrilling opportunity for me. As I said, it feels like a full circle in my career when I’m on the sets of ‘Singham Again’. I got a lot of love by playing characters that were negative early in my career and I wish to get the same and more with ‘Singham Again’,” he added.

YRF LAUNCHES CASTING APP SO THAT ASPIRING ACTORS CAN APPLY FROM ANYWHERE

The YRF casting app will enable aspirants to register profile details and will be able to soon get information about all the upcoming auditions related to their projects -- films and streaming projects.

The company, headed by Aditya Chopra, believes that it will tackle the issues caused by fake YRF casting accounts that mislead people about auditions and are a threat to YRF’s market reputation.

Shanoo Sharma, who looks after selecting and grooming aspirants to be launched in projects by the banner, will personally monitor all auditions coming through this app.

“The YRF Casting App is a progressive step towards making aspiring actors reach out directly to YRF for projects that the company is making. We are certain that there are countless, brilliant actors throughout the world waiting to be discovered. This could be their chance of a lifetime!” Shanoo said.

Calling it a “safe space”, she added that for the first time, “an aspiring actor can reach out to a production house directly.”

“They don’t have to rely on anyone else for their shot at achieving their dreams.” (IANS)

‘SOMETHING MEANINGFUL’ MADE ME PRODUCER WITH ‘DO PATTI’: KRITA SANON

Sanon shared that her upcoming film ‘Do Patti’ is an opportunity for her, both as an actor and producer.

Kriti is stepping into the realm of film production with ‘Do Patti’, which also stars Kajol.

The actress revealed the reason behind starting her home banner Blue Butterfly Films - creating more opportunities.

Reflecting on her choices, Kriti said: “After ‘Mimi’, I was consciously trying to find something meaningful, intense, and which had layers to it. As an actor, I should feel satisfied and be able to push myself to do things I haven’t attempted before.”

“I wasn’t getting such an opportunity for a long time. I really believe that sometimes when you can’t find an opportunity that excites you, you’ve got to create one. ‘Do Patti’ is that opportunity for me, both as an actor and producer,” she added.

Directed by Shashanka Chaturvedi, ‘Do Patti’ is a mystery thriller set in the hills of north India. It will release on Netflix.

Film production company Yash Raj Films, has launched its casting app to help acting aspirants to get casting information and submit auditions.

Actress Kriti

IT’S ONLY THE BEGINNING: TAMANNAAH BHATIA

It was 19 years ago, when Tamannaah Bhatia’s debut film ‘Chand Sa Roshan Chehra’ was released in 2005. However, for the actress, it is just the beginning.

Taking to Instagram stories, Tamannaah reshared posts from her fans, congratulating her for completing 19 years in the industry. She thanked all her fans and followers. In one post, Tamannaah wrote: “Only the beginning my cuties.”

Tamannaah’s friend Kajal Aggarwal took X (formerly called Twitter), to congratulate the ‘Bhola Shankar’ actress on the milestone. The actress also shared fan-made posters and captioned it: “#19gloriousyearsofTamannaah big congratulations on almost 2 decades darling Tamannaah Bhatia. Such lovely posters by your adorable fans.”

Responding to this gesture, Tamannaah wrote: “It’s so sweet of Kaju to do this and so thoughtful of you guys.”

‘Chand Sa Roshan Chehra’ released in 2005. The romance drama movie, which was directed

by Shabah Shamsi, also features Samir Aftab. Meanwhile, Tamannaah, who has appeared in over 80 films in her 19-year-long career, has started shooting for the crime thriller ‘Odela 2’ in Varanasi. It is directed by Ashok Teja.

TIGER SHROFF SPEAKS ABOUT HIS STRUGGLE WITH ANXIETY

Bollywood action star Tiger Shroff, who is gearing up for the release of his upcoming film ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’, appeared on the sixth season of the streaming chat show ‘No Filter Neha’ where he revealed that he battled anxiety during the outdoor shoot of ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’.

He told the host Neha Dhupia that he has got a fear of flying.

He narrated his scary experience when he was travelling on a flight to shoot a sequence of ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’ when he experienced the “worst turbulence”.

He said, “I get these anxiety attacks every now and then. Recently they’ve started recurring. I’ve got this strange fear flying. I think it was during ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’, we had to go for an outdoor and we went on this flight, which sort of had the worst turbulence and it went on for about two hours constantly. So, it was just two hours of constant swaying, and my whole life flashed in front of me.”

‘No Filter Neha’ season 6, is available on JioTV and JioTV+ with new episodes. (ANI)

‘Odela 2’ is the sequel to the 2022 digital release ‘Odela Railway Station’.

bon appétit

Did you know:

Sunflower seeds play a vital role in bone mineralisation and hormone production

5 HEALTH BENEFITS OF BEER

Beer has been a popular alcoholic beverage for ages! Meeting your friends on Friday night for the beer ritual, celebrating milestones with loved ones cheering up beer cans, or just rejoicing with a bottle of beer all by yourself, beer has always been elementary in celebrations, and best buddy otherwise!

But, did you know that beer can also have positive health impacts contrary to common beliefs? You must be wondering, how!

“Making beer involves brewing and fermenting cereal grains with yeast, hops, and flavouring agents. The alcohol concentration in beer cans ranges between 4-6 per cent, and the beverage ranges from 0.5-40 per cent. The nutritional composition of beer has some minerals and vitamins. Hence, beer can aid health when the consumption is kept moderate,” said Avneet Singh, the founder of Medusa Beverages Pvt. Ltd.

To not leave you thinking anymore about the health benefits of beer, here’s a list of five reasons why drinking beer can be good for you highlighted by Avneet.

Beer Keeps Your Heart Healthy

Beer is a heart-healthy alcoholic beverage, and beer drinkers are known to have a 42 per cent lower risk of heart disease compared to ones who don’t consume beer. However, it is a

boon for heart health only when consumed in moderation. Researchers suggest, consuming 5 per cent alcohol a day (by volume) is considered decent consumption!

Improves Blood Sugar Control

Blood sugar is a common health problem for many people juggling with diabetes. Moderate consumption of beer improves blood sugar. Major studies have concluded that light consumption of beer reduces insulin resistance which is a risk factor for diabetes. However, it does not imply sugar-loaded alcoholic beer beverages!

Increases Your Life Cycle

Beer consumption is also associated with a longer life. Researchers have found that people who consume beer moderately are 19 per cent less likely to die at a given time compared to ones who do not consume beer.

Aids Kidney Stones

Beer consumption in moderation helps prevent excess calcium deposits in the urinary tract system. It flushes kidney stones from the human body painlessly through higher urine production and widened urinary tubes. However, you must keep the consumption moderate as higher consumption can cause more kidney stones.

Boosts Your Creativity

Beer can get your creative juices flowing. A study by the journal Consciousness and Cognition showed men who had consumed beer could solve a verbal puzzle faster than sober men. Beer makes one feel easy about oneself and that significantly improves the confidence level enhancing problem-solving skills!

Beer is not always harmful to health, especially when you are cautious about the consumption. Moreover, if a glass of beer helps you go about life easily and happily, then you can binge on it without guilt! However, you must not overdo beer consumption. Keep it in moderation, and you are less likely to face any health issues. Additionally, keep your diet nutrition-rich to aid health.

SHRIMP AND STRENGTH TRAINING

Our diet is one of the most critical elements of workout and strength training. Nutrition experts emphasize the importance of a high protein intake, especially for fitness enthusiasts. While the conventional belief leans towards non-vegetarian food options like chicken and eggs to fulfill the requirement, seafood is an equally rich source of protein.

Shrimp: A nutrient-packed ingredient

Seafood offers a combination of high nutritional value and fewer calorie content, making it a great choice to incorporate into your diet plans if you are on a weight management or strength training journey. While keeping your calories in check, seafood enables you to meet your daily protein requirements. When we think of seafood, salmon, tuna, and crabs often cross our minds. However, shrimp stands out as it not only offers a delightful culinary experience but also a nutrient-packed meal option.

High nutritive value

People who are on weight management, strength training, and body-building journeys rely on a healthy, balanced, and well-nourished diet to boost their energy levels. Shrimps are low in calories, carbs, and fat but high in protein, which is essential for muscle recovery and growth. The total fat content in 3 ounces of shrimp is less than 2 grams. 100 grams of cooked shrimp provide 99 kilocalories of energy and 24 grams of protein, making it the ideal ingredient for a healthy diet. As a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, shrimp helps boost cardiac health and brain functioning and even promotes bone health. With its high nutritional quotient, shrimp can be a

valuable addition to your diet.

Rich in protein

Gymgoers and people dedicated to their fitness journeys need a high-protein meal to maintain their glucose levels and fulfill their high appetites. Moreover, protein is required for muscle functioning and recovery from exercise. Shrimp is one of the healthiest seafood options as you can consume protein without taking in extra saturated fats. It is rich in essential amino acids, which are required for optimal body functioning.

When compared with other foods, shrimp is a lean source of protein. Providing nearly

24 grams of protein per serving, it is one of the essential dietary ingredients for people actively involved in strength training. The high protein content in shrimp makes it one of the best foods for boosting muscle growth, optimal muscle functioning, repair, and maintenance.

Future landscape: Shrimp consumption in India to increase India is already one of the largest exporters of shrimp to the US and EU. The increasing demand for protein-rich foods and shrimp’s high nutritive value will lead to an increase in its consumption in the country in the future. The Indian shrimp market is projected to grow at a 9.6% CAGR between 2024 and 2032 and touch the 2.12-millionton mark. The rising health awareness and shift towards sustainable farming practices are the major factors that will drive the market’s growth.

Consumption of shrimp keeps you satiated, reduces appetite, and supports weight management. It also boosts overall energy levels and metabolic rates. Its rich protein content and high nutritional quotient further make it a perfect option for people who are on their fitness journeys.

To savour the taste of shrimp and retain its nutritional value, you should consider recipes that require baking, boiling, grilling, or cooking shrimp with little to no oil. Additionally, you can season it with spices, garlic, and herbs, and even add lemon juice to enhance its nutritional benefits. Additionally, you can also sauté it along with vegetables, add it to your salads, prepare dips with it, skew it, and much more.

By Aditi Thakore

Good Mood With Food?

BY DEEVYA GUPTA

We know of many other factors that can impact mood, but did you know the food we eat can also play a role on your mood?

There is an increasing amount of research being conducted into how nutrition impacts the brain.

The gut-brain relationship

Have you ever felt stressed and this makes your stomach turn? Or how about the other way around when you might be having some stomach issues which then result in stress ?

The ‘feel good’ chemical released in our body known is mostly triggered to be released by receptors in our gut. Processed foods which are very easily available to us can impact the gut-bacteria that helps with the release of this important feel-good chemical in our body. Not only mood can be impacted by having a diet rich in processed foods, but there is also an increased risk in developing bowel conditions, asthma, diabetes etc.

There are a few things we can do to help promote gut health to keep the balance for good gut bacteria such as:

-Keeping up your fibre intake

-Regular intake of yoghurt and fermented foods which contain probiotics

-Reducing processed foods (take away, fried foods, foods high in sugar, fat and salt, white breads, biscuits, cakes etc)

-Increasing water intake

-Reduce alcohol intake if having regular and large quantities

What foods are high in fibre?

Fruits and vegetables especially with the skin on are an excellent source of fibre. It is generally recommended to have at least 5 serves of vegetables and 2 serves of fruits per day as per the Australian Dietary Guidelines. Try and have as much variety as possible so that you are getting an abundance of vitamins and minerals from these vegetables and fruits.

Wholemeal, wholegrain and multigrain flour products are higher in fibre compared to white breads and products which are

considered processed. Other high fibre flours include: Bajra, buckwheat, and Jowar for example. You may also see some products with extra added fibre in there or labelled as ‘high in fibre’, this is a good indicator for high fibre foods on the shelves. If you eat rotis or chapatis frequently you may use these flours instead of white flour or maida to increase the overall fibre intake. Adding vegetables or daals to your rotis can increase the intake of fibre as well as making them more filling and satisfying.

Other high fibre foods include oats, daals, legumes, lentils, nuts, seeds, beans, dry fruits quinoa and barley.

Can Vitamin D improve mood?

Increasing and receiving Vitamin D has been shown to reduce rates of depression and improved mood. Vitamin D is mainly created by the body by receiving enough sunlight however if we are unable to keep up with these requirements you may consider having vitamin D supplements as Vitamin D is rarely found in foods. Some Vitamin D can be found in: Eggs, salmon, some fortified milks and margarine. The main source will be sunlight and supplementation.

Remember that it does not take just one change to see a difference. If you work towards an improved lifestyle with nutrition, physical activity and work towards a reduction of stressful factors, this will assist in seeing long term differences.

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.

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

SAUCE

1 cup stock

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

Tasty chicken in no time!

Serves 2

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

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

recipe from the private collection

Moti Mahal's Tandoori Trail Legacy Heads to Europe: A Fusion of Tradition and Culinary Innovation

Moti Mahal, a culinary icon with a rich 104-year heritage, traces its roots back to 1920 when the visionary chef Kundan Lal Gujral laid the foundation in Peshawar, undivided India. Revered as the birthplace of culinary legends like Butter Chicken and Dal Makhani, Moti Mahal has become synonymous with North Indian gastronomic excellence.

Kundan Lal Gujral, a trailblazer in Tandoori cuisine, introduced the world to the iconic Tandoori Chicken, setting a new standard in Indian gastronomy. The subsequent innovations, including the renowned Butter Chicken and Dal Makhani, further solidified Moti Mahal's reputation as a culinary powerhouse.

Post the Partition of India in 1947,

Moti Mahal found its new home in Delhi under the visionary leadership of Kundan Lal Gujral. The brand continued to thrive, garnering global acclaim for its unwavering commitment to authenticity and culinary innovation.

Today, Moti Mahal's legacy, carried forward by Kundan Lal Gujral's highly accomplished grandson, Monish Gujral, an Indian Columnist, Food Writer, blogger and Gourmand Award-winning cookbook author, extends internationally, with a strong presence in the USA, Africa, New Zealand, Maldives, Colombo, and the Middle East. Monish Gujral's culinary expertise has been recognized globally, with his notable demonstration of Indian Cuisine at the iconic Le Cordon Bleu Paris. As a tribute to his legenday GrandFather Monish Has launched Motimahal Tandoori trail restaurants globally. Monish Gujral was awarded the retail icon of the year in india in 2022 as a leader in F&B and hospitality industry

Looking ahead, Moti Mahal, under the dynamic leadership of Monish Gujral, announces an ambitious expansion plan in Europe in 2024. As the Managing Director of Moti Mahal Group, Monish Gujral, a renowned chef and culinary expert, has

been championing the brand in Europe since 2004 through cookbooks, culinary shows, and the distribution of ready-to-eat delicacies

The expansion plan encompasses the opening of iconic restaurants in Europe, designed to reflect Moti Mahal's Tandoori trail's rich culinary heritage while embracing the cultural diversity of Europe. The ambiance will seamlessly blend traditional Indian aesthetics with contemporary design elements, promising a unique dining experience. The menu, curated by Chef and restaurateur, Monish Gujral, will showcase signature dishes from his Gourmand award winning books - Moti Mahal's Tandoori trail cookbook published in 2004, Motimahal CookBook On the Butter Chicken Trail (published in 2008 ) and Motimahal CookBook On the kebab Trail published in 2015 offerings, ensuring a diverse and satisfying culinary journey.

Monish Gujral extends an invitation to the community to celebrate this culinary milestone, experiencing the fusion of authentic Indian cuisine and international culinary innovation. Stay tuned for updates and announcements as Moti Mahal prepares to open its doors in Europe in the summer of 2024.

ASTROLOGY

Mesha (Aries)

This month the gains from travel may be easy to come. This month you would travel within the country and abroad. Further, it is extremely likely that you would venture out, too far from home. Business or job related travel would generate the expected dividends. Similarly, travel for pleasure like a family holiday shall be too much fun.

Best days: 3, 12, 30

Lucky Colour: Red, Orange, Cream

Simha (Leo)

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

Best days: 5,3

Lucky Colour: White & Orange

Dhanu (Sagittarius)

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

Best days: 9, 18

Lucky Colour: Red, Blue

Vrishabh (Taurus)

This would be met by stiff resistance and could easily turn into an extremely unpleasant situation from which it might not be easy to extricate yourself. Curb such tendencies firmly, failing which you would have only yourself to blame. For investment or new ventures, and any such plans should be shelved for the time being.

Best days: 9, 18, 27

Lucky Colour: Green, Blue

Kanya (Virgo)

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

Best days: 3, 12

Lucky Colour: Orange, Green

Makara (Capricorn)

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

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

Mithuna (Gemini)

This month your normal self-confidence, whatever it be would desert you, and take away along with it the ability to take initiative. Most of you would tend to become dispirited, and lack of opportunity would contribute to this state of mind. A congenial month, which promises, fairly undisturbed good health throughout. Any prolonged attack of cold is something you must thoroughly treat

Best days: 2, 7, 9

Lucky Colour: Red, White, Yellow

Tula (Libra)

There are clear chances that some of you would be influenced by a mean streak that would goad you on to severely exploiting some of your juniors, workers or just people below you in the social strata for personal ends. Your efforts would meet stiff resistance and an extremely unpleasant situation could come about, curb such tendencies very firmly, failing which you would only have yourself to blame.

Best days: 9, 18

Lucky Colour: Red, Blue

Kumbha (Aquarius)

This month, your financial prospects are quite bright, since the stars appear to be in a obliging mood. You could be a stone’s throw from a sudden gain and not know it. This month most of you would reap a rich harvest of sudden gains. Most of you would also be able to derive quick benefits from your pursuits.

Karkat (Cancer)

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

Best days: 1, 3, 4

Lucky Colour: White, Green, Blue

Lucky Colour: White, Green, Blue

Lucky Numbers - 5, 3, 6

Best days: 9, 18

Lucky Colour: Red, Blue

Vrishchik (Scorpio)

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

Best days: 1, 3, 4

Lucky Colour: Red, Orange

Meen (Pisces)

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

Best days: 2, 7, 9

Lucky Colour: Red, Yellow, White

BANK RULES

Why is it mandatory in the banks to write on cheques the amount of money in bothwords and figure...

At 4.00 pm, when the bank was closed for the day, the branch manager received a phone call from a woman in a very sweet, melodious voice. From the other end of the phone, the lascivious lady murmured like a fountain falling from a hill, "Sir, I desperately need rupees 2 lakh in cash. I'll get the cheque in ten minutes, will you plz wait for me?"

The branch manager was overwhelmed by the woman's melodious voice. He ordered the cashier to keep the money ready. The cashier got angry with utter annoyance but started getting ready to pay two lakh rupees.

Meanwhile, a huge, ugly-looking woman patted the door of the branch manager's office and said in a melodious voice, "Can I come in, sir?"

For so long, the manager had imagined the face of a beautiful woman...but when he saw this real woman, he became speechless for a while. But he regained his senses quickly and said, "Sorry, madam, the cash is closed today. Come tomorrow."

"You could have said that over the phone!"- the woman walked out of the bank with a bang.

The cashier, who was waiting ready to pay, said angrily to the manager, "If you had not to pay, why did you hold me back?"

The manager said- You also must know the international rule of banks- "If words and FIGURE do not match, payment will be declined."

The cashier fainted!!