The 19th Annual Celebrate India Diwali Festival in Melbourne illuminated the community, honouring rich traditions and showcasing the vibrant culture of India through joyous festivities
The Diwali Gala united the community in compassion and generosity, celebrating the spirit of giving through B’Cause
Melbourne’s Kathak Festival 2024, a vibrant celebration of dance and culture, featuring Padma Shri Guru Shovana Narayan!
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MELBOURNE, Nov 1: More Victorians will have protection from the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) this mosquito season, with the Allan Labor Government expanding the eligibility of Victoria’s free vaccine program to additional areas across the state.
Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas visited Springs Medical in Kyneton to announce that from today, people living or working in Alpine, Macedon Ranges, Mansfield and Mitchell local government areas can access the vaccine.
It follows advice from Victoria’s Chief Health Officer and means the vaccine is now available to people in 24 regional local government areas, primarily inland riverine regions, where there is a higher risk of exposure to the virus.
Most people with JEV infection do not have symptoms or have only mild symptoms. However, a small number (around one in every 250 people) can develop severe infection of the brain (encephalitis).
Symptoms may include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting and muscle aches, and people with severe infection can develop encephalitis or meningitis which can be fatal.
The free JEV vaccine is available for eligible people through GPs, Aboriginal health services, community pharmacies and some local councils.
Victorians can contact their local
Medicinal Cannabis Driving Trial Starts Keeping More Victorians Safe from MosquitoBorne Diseases
MELBOURNE, Nov 4: The first drive has taken place on the Allan Labor Government’s closed-circuit trial to investigate whether individuals who use medicinal cannabis can drive safely.
Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne today announced the world first trial kicked off at METEC Driver Training in Bayswater.
Backed by a $4.9 million investment by the Labor Government – the 18-month trial conducted by Swinburne University of Technology, will assist in understanding how THC in medicinal cannabis impacts driving performance and how this translates into risk on the road – with a regional trial track set to also begin in Anglesea.
Researchers will review participants’ ability to manage distractions and assess their driving performance including steering,
public health unit for further information or assistance with locating their local immunisation provider.
Simple and practical steps that Victorians can undertake to reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes, include:
• wearing long, loose and lightcoloured clothing when outdoors
• using mosquito repellents that contain active ingredients including Picaridin or DEET
• spraying or rubbing repellent on children’s clothes is recommended, avoiding their skin
• limiting time spent outdoors when mosquitoes are most active such as at dawn and dusk
• removing stagnant water where mosquitoes can breed around the home or a campsite
• making sure windows are fitted with mosquito netting or screens.
JEV typically occurs in many parts of southern and eastern Asia, and in recent years has extended beyond its traditional boundaries to eastern Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and the Torres Strait, and was first detected in Victoria, and several other parts of Australia, in 2022.
To learn how to protect yourself from mosquito-borne diseases, visit betterhealth. vic.gov.au/campaigns/protect-yourselfmosquito-borne-disease.
braking and speed control.
The drivers will also be closely monitored throughout the trial and strict protections will be in place to make sure people at the track keep safe.
A qualified driving instructor will be present in the vehicle at all phases of the driving assessments, with access to dual controls to intervene promptly if needed.
The private driving course mirrors realworld conditions and is away from public roads.
To qualify, participants must have been prescribed medicinal cannabis for a sleep disorder, chronic pain, or a mental health condition for at least six months. The trial will include pre and post-drive drug impairment screenings.
To learn more about the track trial, visit swinburne.edu.au/research.
Road Safety Film Competition Open for Young Victorians
MELBOURNE, Nov 3: The Allan Labor Government and Transport Accident Commission (TAC) are offering young Victorians the chance to use their creative skills to help save lives on our roads. Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne today joined the TAC to launch the 2024 Split Second Competition, which
invites Victorian creatives aged 18 to 30 to submit their attention-grabbing concepts for road safety campaigns aimed at young drivers.
This year the competition is open to both filmmakers and content creators and will now include two winning entries who will each be awarded a $5,000 cash prize and $35,000
production budget, along with mentoring from Truce Films and creative agency Taboo.
Filmmakers and content creators are eligible to enter the competition, and they are asked to focus on one of two risky road safety behaviours: fatigue or not wearing a seatbelt.
One of the competition winners will be selected from a culturally and linguistically diverse community to ensure critical road safety messages are being tailored to engage as many young road users as possible across our multicultural state.
Sadly, young drivers continue to be involved in more crashes resulting in death and serious injury than any other group of drivers, and one of the most critical factors in those incidents is fatigue.
Further, research shows that people aged 18-25 are most likely to have travelled as a driver and passenger without wearing a seatbelt, which are crucial to preventing fatalities and serious injury.
Entries are open until November 24. For more information, visit tac.vic.gov.au/roadsafety/split-second.
More Rights Mean More Respect For Every Renter
MELBOURNE, Oct 30: More homes mean more opportunity – and for renters, more rights mean more respect – that’s why the Allan Labor Government is building homes everywhere and making renting fairer with a new raft of reforms.
Minister for Consumer Affairs Gabrielle Williams visited a household of renters in Clifton Hill today to announce the Labor Government will do six things to make renting fairer for you:
1. Stop landlords making dubious bond claims without evidence – show us the receipts
2. Ban ‘no fault’ evictions – so you can’t be kicked out of your home for no reason
3. Ban the extra fees that get charged when you pay your own rent – including on ‘rent tech’ apps
4. Ban charging for ‘background check’ fees for rental applications – applying should be free
5. Cap the cost of breaking a lease –so no one pays an eye-watering amount in compensation
6. Make it clear that if you need an extra key or fob for your apartment – you get one
The Labor Government has implemented more than 130 rental reforms to restore fairness and respect for renters everywhere –this makes it six more. Victoria is leading the nation.
And the Government is going all-in on building more homes, so there will be more properties available for you to rent where you want to live – near the things you need, the lifestyle you lead, and the people you love. End dodgy bond claims
So many renters have a story about their bond being withheld for no good reason. Sometimes they’ve been told there’s damage to a wall or floor, but there’s no photos provided and no receipts for repair attached.
If the damage isn’t real, then that’s shameful. But even if the damage is real, you still deserve to know it’s been properly recorded and costed by someone who knows what they are talking about.
The Government will stop the culture of dubious bond claims by mandating requirements for evidence – and imposing financial penalties for people doing the wrong thing.
More detail will come when legislation is introduced to Parliament, but the bottom line is: if you make people pay costs that aren’t real, then you’ll be the one paying.
Give me a reason
All remaining ‘no reason’ notices to vacate in the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 will be removed. It means ‘no fault’ evictions for fixed-term agreements won’t be permitted, full stop.
You can still be evicted for the usual reasons such as damage, not paying rent or if the owner is moving back in.
But with this change, you can’t be kicked out without a valid reason – and certainly not just because someone wants to put the home straight back on the market to bump up the rent.
This is a big change for people at the end of their first fixed term lease – and it goes further than previous commitments in the Housing Statement which banned rent increases between successive fixed term leases.
Pay what you owe – nothing more
More and more renters are paying on third-party ‘rent tech’ apps. These platforms can make paying rent more convenient, but if there are hidden fees and charges, you’re paying more than what you owe.
There is currently a fee-free option required under the law, but often this is made highly inconvenient for the renter – like having to pay in person at the Post Office.
That’s why Government will ban someone
charging you a fee just for paying your rent – regardless of the payment method used. Whether you’re paying digitally or in person, you should just be paying what you owe.
No fees for background checks
It’s hard enough to find a good rental property in the housing crisis – it isn’t fair if you must pay an extra fee as part of the application process just because the agent or provider wants to check your rental ‘blacklist’ history.
The Government will prohibit a rental provider, their agent or a third-party app from passing these costs onto you. If an agent wants to check a residential tenancy database (which a tenant can do themselves for free once a year) they can do so, but at their own cost.
Limit on lease break fees
If you break a rental agreement, the rental provider is entitled to some compensation for lost rent. But this should be a fair and reasonable amount – not something that breaks the bank.
For fixed term rental agreements of five years or less, Government will legislate a cap: for example, targeting one week’s rent based on the proportion of remaining months of the agreement, up to a maximum four weeks in total.
If that’s in place and applies to you, then you won’t pay more than four weeks for breaking your lease. Government will do further work with renters and industry before legislating, to confirm the right limit.
The dreaded missing fob
If you live in a secure apartment building, losing your fob can be a disaster if you weren’t allowed a spare one. Government will change the law, so when you request an additional electronic key or security fob for you or someone who lives with you, the agent should provide it – and can’t unreasonably deny it.
It will also be an offence under the law for an electronic key or security device to be terminated unless it’s part of the process of terminating a rental agreement.
What’s next
These reforms will be introduced to the Victorian Parliament in stages over the next 12 months, with some – including the ban on no reason notices – before the end of the year. Further reforms are on the table, too.
The reforms build on the work the Labor Government is already doing to protect renters – including launching Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria, creating a portable bonds scheme, and establishing the renting taskforce to crack down on dodgy landlords and agents.
These are just some of the announcements the Government is making this month about more homes, more opportunity and more rights for renters, buyers and owners. To see more, visit vic. gov.au/more-homes.
Victoria’s CDS Hits One Billion Returns in First Year
MELBOURNE, Nov 1: Victorians have returned more containers than any other scheme in the country in the first year of the Allan Labor Government’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic) – with a billion containers saved from landfill and $100 million back in the pockets of Victorians and charities.
Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos today celebrated the milestone on the one-year anniversary
of the CDS Vic at the launch of a new display at Scienceworks that teaches students about the lifecycle of a bottle when returned through the scheme.
Since the scheme started on 1 November last year, more than $950,000 has been raised for charities and community groups thanks to the outstanding efforts of over 4,200 donation partners.
Victorians are recycling an average of 145 containers per return, with more than 26 million containers deposited the week following the AFL Grand Final – the biggest week of returns on record.
Before CDS Vic was launched, drink containers were one of the most littered items in Victoria. Over the past 12 months alone, a staggering one-third of containers have been saved from landfill and recycled through the scheme.
The CDS has already generated 597 direct jobs in Victoria in its first year. Of all the containers returned since the scheme started, around 50 percent have been aluminium, 30 percent plastic and 17 percent glass – these containers are sorted and recycled into new bottles or
other products.
To mark this achievement, CDS Vic has created a ‘Message in a Bottle’ installation at Scienceworks, featuring messages from Victorian primary students inside 320 recycled bottles that highlight the importance of recycling.
Open from 1 November 2024 to 27 January 2025, families are invited to visit the new display and learn more about the process of recycling containers returned through CDS Vic.
It has never been easier to help keep waste out of landfill and litter out of the environment, with Victorians encouraged to continue to recycle their eligible drink containers at any one of the 657 convenient and accessible deposit points across the state.
The Labor Government is driving recycling in Victoria, backed by a $515 million investment to transform the state’s waste and recycling industry – creating more jobs in new industries, cutting waste to landfill, and maximising the value of precious resources.
(MEDIA RELEASE)
Road Map Towards a Zero Emission Bus Fleet Launched
Labor
to
The Zero Emission Bus (ZEB) Plan will help guide how Victoria’s diesel fleet will be progressively phased out and replaced by zero emission buses – as the state pushes towards a cleaner and more sustainable bus fleet.
The plan will provide operators and industry with information on how Victoria will transition towards ZEB buses, along with key insights and innovations on technologies within the ZEB industry.
The ZEB plan will also create opportunities for manufacturing across the state – setting a minimum 62 per cent local content requirement to allow small and medium Victorian enterprises to enter this growing
supply chain.
From mid-2025, new buses ordered for the public fleet will be required to be zero emission – with almost 690 ZEB buses already funded through the Labor Government’s $20 million ZEB trial and current contracts with bus operators.
The ZEB Transition Plan will see some operators begin the switch immediately to ZEBs, led by the larger operators in Melbourne and large regional centres, with many smaller operators – especially in regional areas – taking a more gradual approach.
The new Metropolitan Zero Emission Bus Franchises covers a third of the metropolitan bus fleet and will see 600 existing diesel buses with new zero emission battery electric buses by 2035 – saving an estimated 45,000 tonnes of carbon emissions every year.
Improving our bus network is part of Victoria’s Bus Plan to meet demand, enhance accessibility and performance, while delivering value for money for all passengers – and it has already helped to introduce more than 200 new and improved routes across the state.
(MEDIA RELEASE)
New Laws to Help Protect Victims from Further Trauma
MELBOURNE, Oct 29: Victims and witnesses in family violence, sexual offence and stalking cases will be better protected under new laws that ban traumatic crossexaminations during committal hearings.
New laws introduced to Parliament today by the Allan Labor Government will guarantee that victims of particularly traumatic cases will only give evidence at trial. This will reduce the number of cross-examinations they face – one of the most challenging parts of
the criminal trial process.
By strengthening the test for crossexamination, the Justice Legislation Amendment (Committals) Bill 2024 will also significantly reduce the amount of pretrial evidence given by all victims and witnesses, ensuring only questioning that is essential to resolve matters earlier is permitted.
This will help to minimise stress and trauma and balances the interests of the witnesses, the prosecution and the public with the rights of the accused.
The new laws will also prevent child victims, witnesses and those with cognitive impairments from having to testify multiple times in family violence cases by allowing them to give prerecorded video evidence, as is already done in sexual offence proceedings.
These reforms will save participants time and stress from dealing with lengthy committal hearings by replacing the test for committal with improved case management processes, where magistrates will focus on identifying issues and the best ways to resolve them at an earlier stage.
They will also allow homicide matters to be heard in the Supreme Court quicker and more efficiently, building on a successful pilot scheme of bypassing committal hearings and fast-tracking these matters.
The legislation will reduce the need to physically transport adults in custody to court by making audiovisual link appearances the default position for adults accused in committal proceedings.
These reforms will acquit a number of recommendations made by the Victorian Law Reform Commission (VLRC) in its 2020 Committals report.
The Government will monitor the effectiveness of these proposed new protections and consider further reforms to minimise unnecessary trauma to complainants and witnesses if needed. (MEDIA RELEASE)
MELBOURNE, Nov 4: The Allan
Government has unveiled its road map
transform Victoria’s diesel bus fleet towards zero emissions.
Diwali affirms ideals that inspire Australians: Anthony Albanese
CANBERRA, Oct 31: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called Diwali an "extraordinarily beautiful celebration of faith and culture" that inspires Australians from all walks of life.
"This annual festival of joy, hope and togetherness is an extraordinarily beautiful celebration of faith and culture - one embraced by Australia's diverse
and vibrant society," Albanese stated in his Diwali greetings.
"With its celebration of the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance, it affirms the ideals that inspire Australians from all walks of life. The rituals and traditions of Diwali are in every way an expression of community, culture and heritage. It's a moment to enjoy the company of loved ones, and to reflect on the shared inheritance of centuries of tradition," he added.
Sending his wishes to the Indian community in Australia on Diwali, the Australian PM emphasised that the festival of lights, joy, hope and togetherness is an extraordinarily beautiful celebration of faith and cultureone embraced by Australia's diverse and vibrant society.
"As families and friends gather in homes, parks, temples and community centres across our nation, may the glowing lights of this cherished festival bring you peace and joy. To everyone who celebrates, I wish you a wonderful Diwali," he mentioned.
The Prime Minister of New Zealand also sent his wishes to all those celebrating Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas.
"Happy Bandi Chhor Divas. I'm wishing those celebrating the Festival of Lights a meaningful, vibrant, and joyful Diwali!" he posted on X.
Earlier this week, the White House also hosted a Diwali reception with US President Joe Biden reflecting on how the South Asian American community has enriched every part of American life.
"On this day in America, we think about that journey of light. Earlier in our nation’s founding, generations before [you lit a] diya in the shadow of the suspicion. Now, in the [our] time, Diwali is celebrated openly and proudly here in the White House," he stated.
(IANS)
EAM Jaishankar inaugurates new consulate in Brisbane, strengthening India-Australia ties
BRISBANE, Nov 4: External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar inaugurated the new Consulate General of India in Brisbane, Australia, further solidifying India-Australia relations.
Jaishankar, currently on a two-nation tour, will be in Australia until November 7 and will visit Singapore on November 8. He arrived in Brisbane on Sunday.
Taking to X, Jaishankar wrote, "Delighted to formally inaugurate new Consulate General of India in Brisbane today. It will contribute to strengthening India's ties with Queensland state, promoting trade, fostering educational linkages, and serving the diaspora."
He acknowledged the presence of prominent officials, including Dr Jeannette Young, Governor of Queensland, and Ministers Ros Bates and Fiona Simpson, who attended the inauguration ceremony.
In a separate meeting, Jaishankar discussed economic, trade, and investment cooperation with Governor Young.
"Pleased to meet H.E Dr Jeannette Young, Governor of Queensland, in Brisbane today. Discussed opportunities and ways to strengthen economic, trade, and investment cooperation with the Queensland state," he posted.
Earlier, Jaishankar paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Roma Street Parklands in Brisbane. The previous day, he addressed the Indian community, outlining four key factors contributing to the strengthening of India-Australia ties, emphasising the transformation in bilateral relations under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership.
"There are four reasons – PM Modi, Australia, the world, and all of you," Jaishankar remarked, appreciating the Indian diaspora's warm welcome and contributions.
He highlighted the significance of the visit, not only to open India's fourth consulate in Brisbane but to fulfil PM Modi's commitment to the Indian community.
"Your presence, effort, and contribution have made this consulate possible. I have
come to redeem Prime Minister Modi's promise, made in public, that he would open a consulate in Brisbane," he stated.
Reflecting on the Indian diaspora in Queensland, which includes 125,000 residents and approximately 15,000-16,000 students, Jaishankar stressed the state's economic importance to India, noting, "75 per cent of Australia's exports to India actually come from this state."
He described India's designation of Australia as a "comprehensive strategic partner," a term reserved for only a few nations.
"The more adjectives you add, the weightier it gets," he noted.
Jaishankar also lauded the positive impact of the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) on trade and emphasised the value of agreements on mobility, migration, and mutual recognition, specifically mentioning the MATES agreement.
During his visit, he will co-chair the 15th Foreign Ministers' Framework Dialogue (FMFD) with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and deliver the keynote address at the 2nd Raisina Down Under conference at the Australian Parliament House.
He will engage with Australian leaders, parliamentarians, and representatives from business, media, and think tanks.
After completing his visit to Australia, Jaishankar will travel to Singapore, where he will participate in the 8th ASEAN-India Network of Think Tanks Roundtable and meet with Singaporean leaders to discuss further strengthening the partnership.
(IANS)
Specialised federal police officers to combat rise of human exploitation in Australia
CANBERRA, Oct 27: Specialised officers from the Australian Federal Police (AFP) have been deployed to communities across the country to fight rising human trafficking and exploitation.
The AFP said that the new Human Exploitation Community Officers (HECOs) will deliver targeted education to vulnerable communities to prevent human trafficking and online child sexual exploitation.
There were 382 instances of human trafficking -- including slavery, forced marriage, servitude, and forced labour -reported to the AFP in the 2023-24 financial year, which ended on June 30, up from 340 in 2022-23.
Reports of online child sexual exploitation to the AFP-led Australian Center to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) surpassed 58,500 in 2023-24 compared to 40,232 in 2022-23.
AFP Commander Helen Schneider said that the rollout of the HECOs, which began in 2023, represents a significant boost to the AFP's ability to protect Australians from exploitation.
"This capability provides an important opportunity for law enforcement to intervene to protect potential victims and to prevent criminal offending from occurring, and we know that education is key," she said in a statement.
"These officers are engaged with these high-risk and vulnerable communities. We know that victims or potential victims of human trafficking and slavery offences may not actually understand the crimes that have been committed against them, or they may not even identify as victims."
A 48-year-old woman was in July sentenced to three years in prison in the state of Victoria for her role in orchestrating the 2019 forced marriage of her daughter to a man who later murdered her, marking the first conviction for forced marriage in Australian history.
Fox News Decision Desk declares Trump has won presidency
WASHINGTON, Nov 6: The Fox News declared Donald Trump the winner of the US presidential election shortly after 1:45 A.M. on Wednesday based on its analyses of the results pouring in.
The network gave the Republican 277 electoral college votes to 226 for Democrat Kamala Harris, with 35 results to come.
In the 538 electoral college that will formally elect him, 270 are required to win the presidency.
NBC said that he is winning the race, even though it did not make a formal announcement.
It said that he had reached 266 seats in the electoral college and was likely to pick up at least four more in states where he is leaving.
The announcement came after it and other media declared that he had won Pennsylvania, the crucial swing state needed to win.
The other networks have not yet declared a winner in the bitterly-contested election, although The New York Times estimated that Trump would be getting 306 seats and Harris 232.
The Times estimate was based on analysis based on live poll data and demographic and historical information.
Trump was expected to speak to supporters celebrating his victory at the campaign headquarters in Palm Beach, Florida, where a jubilant crowd was waiting.
Meanwhile, the venue for Vice President Kamala Harris’ victory celebration at Howard
University in Washington shut down by 1:30 A.M and her campaign announced that she had gone home.
(IANS)
Passport, visa details compromised in cyberattack affecting Australia's Department of Home Affairs
CANBERRA, Oct 25 (IANS) Personal data, including passport and visa information, has been compromised in a cyber-attack on a data firm contracted by Australia's Department of Home Affairs.
News Corp Australia newspapers reported that data from the Department of Home Affairs, which oversees Australia's law enforcement, national security, emergency management, immigration and cyber security, was exposed in a January cyber-attack on Australian firm ZicroDATA.
Australian visa holders who used the department's Free Translating Service (FTS), which is run by a subsidiary of ZicroDATA, were advised by a recent departmental alert that their visa application, full names, phone numbers, dates of birth, driver's licenses, and passports were compromised in the breach.
The data was first listed on the dark web in February, but the Department of Home Affairs said it was only notified in July that the dataset included documents obtained by the government from people who accessed FTS between 2017 and 2022.
The departmental Cyber Security Incident alert issued to FTS clients instructed them not to attempt to search the dark web for the data, warning that doing so could lead to further potential harm.
A spokesperson for the department
told News Corp Australia newspapers that they were working with ZicroDATA to notify impacted clients and advise them on steps they can take to protect their information.
"The department has prioritised accuracy to ensure all relevant details are communicated clearly to those impacted and to put in place the necessary remedial support services, in agreement with ZircoDATA," they said.
Public healthcare provider Monash Health in May revealed it was affected by the ZicroDATA breach, with archived data relating to family violence and sexual assault support units dating from 1970 to 1993 compromised.
The national cyber security coordinator, Michelle McGuinness, said in a statement on May 3 that she was coordinating a response from federal, state and territory governments to the ZicroDATA incident.
"While work is ongoing, it is clear this breach has also affected other government entities who are clients of ZircoDATA," McGuinness said at the time.
She said that the National Office of Cyber Security would work with government entities to identify and notify victims.
Australian government flags move to ban card payment surcharges
CANBERRA, Oct 15: The Australian government has announced a crackdown on card payment surcharge fees.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Finance Minister Stephen Jones announced that the government is prepared to ban debit card surcharge fees at the point of sale from 2026 subject to further work by the central bank the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA).
In the meantime, they committed 2.1 million Australian dollars (US$1.4 million) in funding for consumer watchdog the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to tackle excessive surcharges.
According to the RBA, which is responsible for regulating payment systems, Australians lose a combined 960.2 million AUD (US$645.6 million) every year in card payment surcharges.
"My government's number one priority is to ease the cost of living for households and businesses, and this is another step to protect Australians," Albanese said.
The RBA is currently conducting a review of merchant card payment costs and surcharging.
Chalmers said that the government's proposed ban would be subject to safeguards to ensure that small businesses and consumers can both benefit from lower costs.
Andrew Irvine, chief executive of the National Australia Bank (NAB), one of Australia's "big four" banks, told a parliamentary inquiry in August that surcharges are outdated and called for them to be banned.
(IANS)
Worst of inflation crisis over: PM Anthony Albanese
is over.
Speaking at an event in South Australia, Anthony Albanese said Australians have reason for optimism with new data showing inflation is at its lowest level over three years.
According to official figures published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on Wednesday, the consumer price index (CPI), the headline measure of inflation in Australia, rose by 0.2 per cent in the third quarter of 2024, spanning from the start of July through the end of September.
It marked the lowest quarterly CPI increase since the three-month period ending in June 2020.
"I know workers, families, and small businesses have all done it hard, but while there are still challenges to meet, still problems to solve, still people under pressure who need our help, when we look at the economy today, we can see new reasons for optimism and new proof the worst is behind us," Albanese said on Sunday.
"Together, we have faced a global storm, and we have navigated it the Australian way."
The CPI rose by 2.8 per cent in the 12-month period to the end of September, the lowest annual figure at the end of a quarter since March 2021.
Australia's annual rate of inflation peaked at a 32-year high of 7.8 per cent in the 12 months ending in December 2022.
(IANS)
CANBERRA, Nov 3: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has declared that the worst of the country's inflation crisis
Australia's fertility rate falls to record low PM commits new funding for clean energy projects
CANBERRA, Oct 16: Australia's fertility rate fell to a new record low in 2023, according to official figures.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported on Wednesday that there were 286,998 registered births in Australia in 2023, resulting in a total fertility rate of 1.50 babies per woman.
It marked a decline from a rate of 1.63 babies per woman in 2022 and the lowest figure since records began in 1935. Australia's fertility rate peaked at 3.54 babies per woman in 1961.
"The record low total fertility rate is because there were fewer births in most states and territories," Beidar Cho, head of demography statistics at the agency, said in a media release.
The island state of Tasmania was the only one of Australia's eight states and territories where the rate was higher in 2023 than in 2022 at 1.51 babies per woman compared to 1.49.
Australia had the highest rate of any
jurisdiction in 2023 at 1.57, down from 1.62 in 2022.
In Australia's most populous state of New South Wales, the rate was 1.55 babies per woman in 2023, down from 1.94 in 2013.
The fertility rate was higher among Indigenous women at 2.17 babies per woman.
For births registered in 2023, the median age of mothers was an equal-record high of 31.9 years.
Over 30 years since 1993, the agespecific fertility rate among women aged 15-19 has fallen by more than two-thirds, while the rate for those aged 40-44 almost doubled in the same period.
"The long-term decline in fertility of younger mums as well as the continued increase in fertility of older mums reflect a shift toward later childbearing," Cho said.
The fertility rate has been highest for Australian women aged 30-34 since 2000.
(IANS)
CANBERRA, Oct 29: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has committed funding for two clean energy projects on the country's east coast.
Albanese announced over 50 million Australian dollars ($32.8 million) in combined federal government funding for the projects in the east coast states of New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria.
The package includes 33.3 million AUD ($21.8 million) to establish the Net Zero Manufacturing Center of Excellence in the NSW city of Newcastle, with the state government also contributing 28.1 million AUD ($18.4 million) to the project.
Albanese said in a statement that the centre will play a pivotal role in training Australian workers in the advanced skills that will be required to transition mining, energy and manufacturing industries to a clean energy economy.
The remaining 17 million AUD ($11.1 million) will go towards Australia's first commercial concentrated solar thermal heat plant in the northeastern Victorian city of Wodonga.
The project will expand the application of solar power in Australia beyond electricity generation to heat generation.
According to the government, the 18-megawatt (MW) thermal plant will halve the use of gas by the manufacturing facility where it is being built.
The federal funding for the Wodonga project will come from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), which was established in 2012 to boost the supply and competitiveness of Australian renewable energy projects.
(IANS)
India plays key role in finalising G20 consensus on disaster risk reduction
NEW DELHI, Nov 2: With the active participation of a high-level Indian delegation, a G20 meeting has arrived at a consensus in finalising the first Ministerial declaration on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), according to an official statement.
The G-20 Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group (DRRWG) Ministerial Meeting was held from October 30 to November 1, 2024, in Belem, Brazil.
During various ministerial sessions, P. K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, shared the progress made by the Government of India in reducing disaster risks and in upscaling disaster financing in
the country, the statement said.
Mishra emphasised India’s proactive approach to DRR, on five priorities of DRRWG, which were enunciated during the Indian Presidency of G20. These include early warning systems, disaster-resilient infrastructure, DRR financing, resilient recovery and nature-based solutions. In the disaster resilient infrastructure, he also shared PM Modi’s global initiative of Coalition for Disaster Resilience Infrastructure (CDRI), which has now 40 countries and seven international organisations, as members, the statement added.
The Principal Secretary to Prime Minister
reiterated the Government of India’s commitment to the Sendai Framework and called for increased international collaboration on knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and sustainable development to enhance disaster resilience globally.
The Indian delegation also participated in the Troika meeting with the Ministers of Brazil and South Africa and held bilateral meetings with ministers from the host country Brazil and other countries namely Japan, Norway, South Africa, South Korea, Germany, and Heads of invited International Organisations.
“Responding to the call by UNSG on Extreme Heat, Principal Secretary to the PM, shared experience & steps being taken including the focus on promoting traditional practices to suit local conditions,” the official statement said.
The first DRR WG was established on India’s initiative during its Presidency of G20 in 2023. Mishra congratulated the Brazilian Presidency on its continuation of the DRRWG and scaling it up to the Ministerial level and affirmed India’s support to South Africa on DRRWG on their upcoming G20 Presidency next year.
India’s participation underscores its growing role in global DRR efforts and its commitment to building a safer and more resilient world.
Employment surging in India’s capital-intensive industries: Goldman Sachs
NEW DELHI, Nov 3: Over the past ten years, capital-intensive sub-sectors such as electronics, chemicals and machinery within India’s manufacturing sector, have seen a major growth in both employment and exports, according to a Goldman Sachs report.
The report states that growth has surged in India’s capital-intensive industries with the government focusing on promoting assembly of electronics, machinery, and pharmaceutical products. This has resulted in the successful outcome of exports to developed markets experiencing double-digit growth. It also reflects India's progress in creating an export basket comprising more high-value products.
India has witnessed higher employment growth in capital-intensive sectors compared to the labour-intensive sectors, the report states.
“Over the last 10 years, capital-intensive sub-sectors (which we define sectors with capital income share of 0.65 or more) within manufacturing such as chemical products, machinery etc have seen higher employment
growth on average versus the labour-intensive sectors like textiles and footwear, food and beverages," the report observes.
The report also highlights that despite an impressive growth in the capital-intensive sector, the labour-intensive sectors account for an overall higher share of jobs in the country.
The manufacturing sector has been undergoing a significant transformation, driven by government reforms aimed at boosting competitiveness and fostering sustainable economic growth.
At the heart of this transformation are the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, which have emerged as important catalysts in enhancing domestic production, encouraging technological advancements and attracting foreign and local investments.
Introduced in phases beginning 2020, the PLI schemes were designed to bolster the domestic manufacturing sector, spur technological advancements and attract investments.
With an overall incentive outlay of Rs 1.97 lakh crore, the PLI schemes cover 14 critical sectors ranging from electronics and pharmaceuticals to drones and speciality steel. These incentives aim to enhance production capacity, create employment opportunities, promote exports and reduce import dependency while driving India toward its Viksit Bharat 2047 vision on a framework of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
As of June 2024, the PLI Schemes have attracted investments amounting to Rs 1.32 lakh crore and a significant boost in manufacturing output of Rs 10.9 lakh crore as of June 2024. Additionally, these schemes have directly and indirectly created 8.5 lakh jobs, furthering the socio-economic impact.
In exports, the schemes have contributed an impressive Rs 4 lakh crore, showcasing the integral role in making India a formidable player on the global stage.
(IANS)
Britain's King Charles, Queen Camilla take private rejuvenation break in Bengaluru
BENGALURU, Oct 30: Britain's King Charles III and Queen Camilla visited a health centre in Bengaluru during their fourday rejuvenation break on a strictly private visit with media coverage avoided for security reasons, official sources said.
King Charles and Queen Camilla arrived at the HAL airport in their special private jet on the night of October 27 and reached the health centre in the Whitefield locality by road.
After a four-day stay, the royals returned to Britain early on Wednesday, sources stated.
Sources said that King Charles appreciates the unique treatment, an integration of various systems of medicine, at the Centre. This is the second visit of the British King to the Centre. He first visited in 2019 as a Prince, sources stated.
As it was a private visit, no formal reception was given by the state government in Bengaluru on their arrival, while care was taken by the security agencies during the on-road movements of British royalty to avoid any attention from the public, the sources said.
King Charles and Queen Camella came to Bengaluru while returning to Britain after participating in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2024 at Samoa.
royal couple had
As per the sources, the British King came down to Bengaluru after his medical team suggested that he take a detox to improve his overall well-being and immune system. At the centre, the royal couple did warm-up exercises, stretches, and breathing exercises. They received ayurvedic medicines, naturopathy, homoeopathy, and
did yoga exercises. They were understood to be served south Indian vegetarian food made out of ragi (finger millet), a staple food in the southern Karnataka region and one which grows on dry lands.
The couple were advised to continue the diet and exercises taught here.
India and Pakistan extend validity of agreement on Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor
NEW DELHI, Oct 22: India and Pakistan decided, through diplomatic channels, to extend the validity of the agreement on Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor for a further period of five years.
The agreement, signed on October 24, 2019, to facilitate the visit of pilgrims from India
to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur, Narowal, Pakistan through the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, was valid for a period of five years.
"Extension of the validity of this agreement will ensure uninterrupted operation of the corridor for use by the pilgrims from India to
visit the holy Gurdwara in Pakistan," stated the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
In view of the continued requests of pilgrims regarding the removal of the USD 20 service charge levied by Pakistan per pilgrim per visit, New Delhi once again urged Islamabad to not levy any fee or charges on the pilgrims.
The agreement, inter alia, provides for visa-free travel of Indian pilgrims, as well as Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders, from India to Gurudwara Shri Darbar Sahib Kartarpur in Pakistan on a daily basis, throughout the year.
To facilitate the visit of pilgrims, a modern infrastructure, including a highway from the town of Dera Baba Nanak to Zero Point and an Integrated Check Post (ICP) has been built on the Indian side. The CEO of the Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor is appointed by Pakistani authorities.
Since its inauguration in November 2019, the Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor has been used by nearly 2,50,000 pilgrims to visit Gurudwara Sri Darbar Sahib Kartarpur.
(IANS)
The
taken up the trip on October 18 and visited Australia and Samoa.
(IANS)
Getting married in Australia
What are the signs of a forced marriage?
Part - I
The crime of forced marriage not only applies to legally recognised marriages but to cultural or religious ceremonies and registered relationships. If someone is in, or at risk of a forced marriage, they may find it hard to tell someone about their situation.
A combination of the following signs may indicate that a person is in a forced marriage, or at risk of being made to enter into a forced marriage. Some of these signs may not be immediately obvious to an authorised celebrant but could provide a guide about the kinds of questions to ask the couple (or the person).
Have a family history of elder siblings leaving education early, marrying early or indicating concerns of an early marriage. Exhibit signs of depression, self–
harm, attempted suicide, panic attacks, social isolation or substance abuse.
Have high level of control and restrictions exercised by family / community members over all aspects of life in and outside of the home e.g. surveillance, always accompanied, limited or no control of finances, limited or no control over life decisions, education and career choices.
Celebrating Cricket’s Cultural Unity
Border-Gavaskar Trophy Event Honors Distinguished Guests in Melbourne
Melbourne, Oct 15: The Border-Gavaskar Trophy event held at Tawa - The Indian Griddle House in Wantirna was a resounding success, celebrating the rich cricketing heritage shared between Australia and India. Hosted by Rampal Muthyala alongside renowned multicultural community leader Johann Jayasinha, the evening was dedicated to strengthening ties among diverse cricket communities, including Indian, Sri Lankan, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, and Afghani attendees.
The event honored Mr. Nick Hockley, CEO of Cricket Australia, along with several distinguished guests, including The Hon Jason Wood MP, Dr. Sushil Kumar ji, Consul General of India, Mr. Richard Welch MP, and Mr. Ross Hepburn, Chairman of Cricket Victoria, among others. This gathering highlighted the significance of the Australia-India cricket rivalry, which has become an iconic representation of sporting excellence and camaraderie.
In his opening remarks, Rampal Muthyala expressed gratitude to the attendees for their unwavering support and dedication to promoting cricket within the multicultural community. “This evening is not just about cricket; it’s about unity, friendship, and the shared passion we all have for this wonderful sport,” Muthyala stated.
The event provided an excellent platform for guests to engage with one another, sharing stories and insights about cricket’s influence on their cultural backgrounds. It also served to promote the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, which is set to feature five thrilling test matches between India and Australia.
“We are incredibly excited for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy and wish both teams the best of luck,” said Nick Hockley, acknowledging the significance of the tournament in fostering relationships between the two nations.
The event also emphasized the importance
of community leadership in the promotion of cricket and the collaborative spirit that exists within these diverse groups. Attendees expressed their enthusiasm for the upcoming matches and their commitment to supporting their respective teams.
As the evening concluded, the sentiment among guests was clear: cricket serves as a powerful medium for fostering international relations and cultural understanding. Long live the spirit of cricket and the enduring friendship between Australia and India!
G’day India
Non-financial and indirect contributions to the property pool and asset division
BY GURPAL SINGH
Parties to the relationship (marriage or de facto) make financial contributions and non-financial contributions to the relationship. What are non-financial contributions in the relationship. Non-financial contributions play a significant role in how the property and assets of the relationship are divided.
Non-financial contributions imply the efforts and roles which a spouse / partner contributed to a relationship that do not directly involve any financial input or contributions. The Family Law Act 1975 mandates that these contributions are considered and applied during property settlement to ensure a fair and equitable division of the matrimonial property. The aim is to reach a ‘just and equitable’ outcome, recognising the value of all contributions to the relationship between the parties to the dispute.
The non-financial contributions include but are not limited to: the homemaking duties which include the day to day chores at any home like cooking, cleaning, and doing household laundry, grocery and shopping, setting and monitoring the household budget to ensure efficient spending, overseeing proper maintenance and ensuring proper handling of home equipment, caring for children, including overseeing their homework and assignments, scheduling and overseeing lawn and household maintenance, basic interior designing, buying food an household supplies, settling various bills, budgeting and controlling expenditures, caring for the extended family, providing emotional and psychological support to a spouse, particularly during career growth, cohabitation, social and professional standing as a result of the support and other nonfinancial efforts.
Essentially, the house cannot run without the above support and these non-financial contributions are crucial in shaping the family’s well being and stability. The court would generally evaluate these contributions providing essential support to the family unit including the sacrifices made by the contributing party. A spouse who has sacrificed career opportunities for the household duties and care for the children are given special consideration.
The larger non-financial contributions are usually the conducting of renovations on the
property including building a fence, building an extra room, building a pergola, painting, installing flooring, and paving. Such a work generally increases the value of the property.
The contributions during the relationship are considered to be any contributions made during the period of cohabitation (living together). The length of a relationship is also likely to affect the weight given to these contributions.
Where the relationship has been a long relationship (say more than 10 years) the contributions will generally be given equal value, unless there is significant evidence to the contrary, or where there are special contributions.
The way in which the non-financial contributions are assessed is dependent on the evidence presented about the work. Once court considers the evidence, it will then attribute a percentage to a contribution, which is added to the overall contribution that the court attributes to each party. Whilst the non-financial and indirect contributions
are not given a specific dollar value, they are considered by the court in deciding whether there should be a percentage adjustment to either party in dividing the asset pool.
In one of the leading case, the court recognised the indirect significant contributions by the wife to her husband’s artwork and success by providing him with artistic inspiration and supporting him intellectually as a critic and confidante during the course off the marriage. These contributions were in addition to her roles of the artist’s model, business support, and homemaker and mother. The husband conceded that all of his work had been hinged to her and if ever I have a retrospective, it will be chronological testament to my relationship with the wife. The court recognised the contributions and balanced the matters in final determination of the division of pool.
The relevant provisions are incorporated in s79 of the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth)
Celebrate India Diwali Festival Shines Bright in Melbourne
19th Annual Celebration Brings Community Together to Honor Tradition
On October 26, 2024, Federation Square in Melbourne transformed into a vibrant celebration of culture and community, hosting the 19th annual Celebrate India Diwali Festival. Organised by Arun Sharma and his dedicated team, this year’s event was marked by exceptional weather and an enthusiastic turnout, showcasing the rich heritage of India while strengthening ties within the local community.
A Magical Experience
Reflecting on the festival's success, Arun Sharma shared, “It was absolutely magical! We felt loved.” The clear skies and pleasant temperatures created an ideal setting for attendees, reinforcing the festival’s reputation as Australia’s largest Diwali celebration. Over the years, Sharma and his team have worked tirelessly, engaging local artists and community members to create an authentic
Indian cultural experience. “This festival is the biggest in Australia due to the support we receive from our community. They love what we present to them,” he added.
Engaging the Community
One of the highlights of this year’s festival was the focus on engaging the younger generation. With the fifth edition of the “Dance for Diwali” competition and the inaugural “Show Your Culture” competition, families participated enthusiastically, showcasing their talents and cultural pride. “We were thrilled to see young children reciting shlokas in Sanskrit and giving Diwali wishes in various regional languages,” Sharma remarked. The event also encouraged attendees to don traditional Indian attire, creating a colourful sea of garments throughout the city as participants travelled to the festival.
Sharma emphasized the importance
of these initiatives, stating, “Our Diwali celebration is open, inviting, and fun. This way, we could share and educate others about our vibrant culture.”
Unforgettable Performances
The festival featured standout moments that captured the essence of Diwali. Notably, a Kalbeliya troupe from Rajasthan, invited by the Government of India especially for this festival, added an authentic touch to the festivities. The emotional centerpiece was the Ram Darbar setup, where a dance drama presented by the youth wing of Chinmaya Mission depicted the birth of Diwali—Ram ji’s return to Ayodhya with Sita ji, Lakshman ji, and Hanuman ji. “One older patron told me with tears in her eyes, ‘we weren’t there then but today we got some feelings of what people must have felt in Ayodhya at that time,’” shared Sharma, highlighting the powerful emotional connection the
performance fostered among attendees.
The festival also featured a unique fusion performance by an African band collaborating with international Indian students, further showcasing the event’s commitment to cultural diversity. The night culminated in a spectacular fireworks display over the Yarra River, symbolizing the light and joy of Diwali.
Many iconic buildings like MCG, Old Treasury building, Indian consulate were illuminated along with Fed Square for Diwali celebration till late.
Success Stories and Future Plans
The competitions revealed heartwarming moments, particularly among the youngest participants. “There were entries from very young children narrating hymns and giving Diwali wishes in various regional languages that were truly touching,” Sharma noted. The
judges faced challenges in selecting winners due to the high calibre of talent displayed. Looking ahead, Sharma acknowledged the evolving landscape of community engagement. “It is getting slightly difficult now as our community has expanded quickly, which means many more artists are keen to perform, but some can be too demanding,” he explained. “Managing expectations is becoming challenging.” Nonetheless, he remains optimistic about the future, noting that many young volunteers are eager to contribute positively to the festival and the community. His request again for Diwali holiday for all Indians was loudly cheered by the crowd was acknowledged by the leaders of both sides.
A Message for the Next Generation
In closing, Arun Sharma expressed pride
in the younger generation’s commitment to preserving their cultural heritage. “We feel excited to see our young ones taking pride in their culture and putting in the hard work to learn,” he said. He envisions a bright future for the community, stating, “I can see genuine community leaders emerging, ready to serve without seeking personal gain.”
The 19th Celebrate India Diwali Festival not only illuminated Melbourne with its lights and festivities but also fostered a sense of belonging and cultural appreciation among attendees. As the community comes together to celebrate its roots, the festival stands as a testament to the vibrant tapestry of cultures that make up Australia. The success of this year’s event promises an even more spectacular celebration in the years to come.
G’day India
Melbourne Kathak Festival 2024: A Celebration of Dance and Culture
Featuring Padma Shri Guru Shovana Narayan, the festival enriches the understanding of Kathak through performance, education, and cultural exchange
The Melbourne Kathak Festival, organized by the talented Sanchita Abrol, recently captivated audiences with its rich blend of performance, education, and cultural exchange. This year's festival was particularly notable for featuring Padma Shri Guru Shovana Narayan, a revered figure in the world of Kathak, who shared her wealth of knowledge and experience with attendees. The event not only showcased the artistry of Kathak but also fostered a deeper understanding of its historical and social significance.
A Living Legend Takes the Stage Sanchita Abrol's decision to feature Padma Shri Guru Shovana Narayan was rooted in her admiration for Narayan's legacy and her profound impact on the Kathak community. Narayan, who has received
numerous accolades, including the Padma Shri Award in 1992 and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2001, is a pioneer in the field, with nearly seven decades of performance experience.
"Having her perform at our festival was a dream come true," Abrol remarked. "Many attendees expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to witness her artistry, and it was heartwarming to see people moved to tears by her performance."
The festival aimed to bridge the gap in understanding Kathak among audiences in Australia, where awareness of this intricate dance form remains limited. Abrol highlighted the need for educational initiatives, stating, "Even within the Indian classical dance community, many artists are unaware of Kathak's roots, and its vast history connected to Natyashastra. Featuring Guru Shovana Narayan provided a unique opportunity for
attendees to learn from a living legend."
Exploring the Depths of Kathak
A significant highlight of the festival was the screening of the documentary Kathak Log of Kathak Villages – A Living Brahmanical Tradition of Kanta Sammit Updesh, which accompanied a panel discussion with Narayan and OAM Tara Rajkumar. This film, based on Narayan's extensive research, illuminates the historical and social context of Kathak, correcting misconceptions about its origins.
"The documentary dives deep into the roots of Kathak, highlighting its evolution from temple dance to its present-day form," explained Abrol. "Attendees were able to explore the rich tapestry of Kathak's history and engage in meaningful conversations about its relevance today."
The panel discussion fostered an
environment of curiosity, encouraging attendees, including young dancers, to ask questions about Kathak's past and future. Abrol emphasized the importance of instilling a culture of inquiry among the next generation, saying, "Learning a dance form encompasses more than just the performance; it requires an understanding of its cultural significance and history."
Envisioning the Future of Kathak
The Melbourne Kathak Festival also served as a platform to explore the evolving role of Kathak in contemporary society. Abrol envisions Kathak as a means of intercultural connection and community bonding. "In today's world, Kathak can play a significant role in promoting understanding and harmony among diverse communities," she noted.
Furthermore, Abrol introduced the Kathaprana Natya Cards, an innovative educational tool designed to enhance children's cognitive development through the ancient art of movement rooted in Natya knowledge of Natyashastra. "These research-based cards represent four years of my work, merging my experience in creative arts therapies with my passion for Kathak," she explained. "They empower children to connect movement with emotions, fostering creativity and cultural discovery."
Through the festival, Abrol aims to convey the joy of movement and the richness of Indian classical arts. "Everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the transformative power of dance and creativity," she asserted.
A Resounding Success
The Melbourne Kathak Festival 2024 not only celebrated the artistry of Kathak but also emphasized its significance in bridging cultural divides and enriching the community. The festival successfully showcased the talents of renowned artists while providing
invaluable insights into the history and evolution of this beautiful art form.
As the festival concluded, attendees left with a deeper appreciation for Kathak and a renewed sense of cultural pride. The impact of Padma Shri Guru Shovana Narayan's presence was felt deeply, as many expressed their hope for continued exploration and engagement with Kathak in the years to come.
The Melbourne Kathak Festival stands as a testament to the dedication of Sanchita Abrol and her vision of fostering cultural understanding through the arts. With plans for future events, the festival is poised to continue its mission of celebrating and educating audiences about the beauty and richness of Kathak.
As the Melbourne Kathak Festival concludes, it leaves behind a legacy of inspiration and cultural connection, reinforcing the
importance of Kathak in contemporary society and paving the way for future generations to explore and celebrate this beautiful art form.
G'day India
Launch of "The 4Ps of Business" at The Edge, Fed Square!
On November 22, 2024 –Entrepreneur and podcast host Ramneek Wayne is excited to announce the launch of his new book, The 4Ps of Business, at a special event taking place at The Edge, Federation Square. This exclusive gathering will bring together over 300 leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals for an enlightening evening that explores the fundamental principles of successful business marketing.
Event Highlights:
• Engaging Panel Discussion: Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from industry experts who embody the 4 Ps of marketing: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. The panel features:
o Tony Nash, Founder of Booktopia, who will share his inspiring journey of scaling his business from a modest $10 daily budget to a multimillion-dollar enterprise.
o Adrian Critchlow, co-founder of booking. com, will discuss leveraging technology for digital disruption, clean-tech innovation, and making impactful investments.
• Dynamic MC: The evening will be hosted by Samantha Tait, CEO of BRND, known for her creative, people-first approach to employer branding strategies and talent attraction solutions.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and like-minded professionals, fostering relationships that can lead to future collaborations.
• Exclusive Signed Copy: Each attendee will receive a signed copy of The 4Ps of
Business.
• Light Refreshments: Enjoy complimentary refreshments while mingling with guests.
• Date: November 22, 2024
• Venue: The Edge, Federation Square
• Tickets: Limited availability— secure your spot today! Get Your Tickets Here
About the Book:
The 4Ps of Business returns to the fundamentals of marketing with an expanded focus on how these principles can elevate your business strategy. In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving market, building a successful business requires more than just a good idea; it demands a comprehensive and adaptable strategy that aligns with customer needs and market dynamics. This book serves as both a guide and a toolkit for entrepreneurs and business leaders aiming to build, scale, and sustain their ventures in a competitive landscape.
About the Author:
Ramneek Wayne is the founder of The Million Dollar Podcast, where he shares insights from industry leaders and successful
entrepreneurs. To learn more about Ramneek and his work, visit The Million Dollar Podcast.
For further information about The 4Ps of Business, please visit Connor Court Publishing.
Experience the Magic of 31 Grammy Award-Winning Artists at Hamer Hall!
Melbourne, Australia – Prepare for an unforgettable evening of musical brilliance on January 17, 2024, as Béla Fleck, Zakir Hussain, Edgar Meyer, and Rakesh Chaurasia take the stage at Hamer Hall to perform their Grammy-winning album, As We Speak. This extraordinary concert unites the worlds of Indian classical, Western classical, and bluegrass music, showcasing the unparalleled talents of these legendary artists.
Béla Fleck, a 17-time Grammy Award winner known for his pioneering work in bluegrass, joins forces with Zakir Hussain, a 5-time Grammy-winning tabla maestro celebrated for his mastery of Indian classical music, and Edgar Meyer, a 7-time Grammywinning double bass virtuoso renowned for his contributions to Western classical music. Together, they share a unique ability to navigate diverse musical genres, creating an engaging and spontaneous musical conversation that resonates with audiences.
"When we perform on stage, we are
essentially having a conversation," says Hussain. "The music emerges as we speak."
Joining them is Rakesh Chaurasia, a master of the bansuri (Indian bamboo flute), whose captivating melodies add a new dimension to their sound. During a previous tour in India, Hussain sensed an immediate chemistry with Chaurasia, leading to this exciting collaboration. "We aimed to explore a more organic approach with a smaller group," explains Meyer. "Rakesh's beautiful playing opened up new lyrical and melodic possibilities for us."
The album As We Speak features twelve tracks that showcase the remarkable instrumental skills of these artists, effortlessly blending the intricate rhythms of Indian music with the infectious grooves of bluegrass. Audiences can expect a captivating journey through the cerebral complexities of raga and the gut-level groove of a funky bass line, all while witnessing the seamless unity of their diverse musical influences.
Be part of this evocative instrumental experience that celebrates the artistry of
Béla Fleck, Zakir Hussain, Edgar Meyer, and Rakesh Chaurasia. With a collective total of 31 Grammy Awards among them, this concert promises to be a landmark event in Melbourne’s cultural calendar.
Event Details:
• What: As We Speak Concert featuring Béla Fleck, Zakir Hussain, Edgar Meyer, and Rakesh Chaurasia
• When: January 17, 2024
• Where: Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne
For Tickets and More Information: https:// www.artscentremelbourne.com.au/whatson/2025/contemporary-music/as-we-speak
Brought to you by: The Laughter Factory and Marching Elephants Entertainment.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to witness the magic of music and experience the extraordinary talents of these acclaimed musicians. Join us at Hamer Hall for a night that promises to inspire and delight.
Diwali Gala Raises Hope Illuminating Lives
Community Unites to Raise Over $15,000 for Young Sammi, Celebrating Diwali with Compassion and Generosity
On October 11, 2024, the Lincoln of Toorak in Melbourne played host to an enchanting evening at the Fundraiser Diwali Gala Dinner organized by the not-for-profit association, Be the Cause for Change (B’Cause). The event marked a significant milestone in the organization’s mission to give back to the community, raising over $15,000 to support a four-year-old named Sammi, who is currently receiving treatment
for Kaposi form Lymphangiomatosis.
A Mission of Compassion
Founded by four dedicated mothers— Nidhi Gujral, Manvir Singh, Komal Dedhia, and Rajneet Arora—B’Cause aims to directly assist those in need, ensuring that every dollar raised makes a tangible impact without intermediaries. The organization’s first event in 2022 successfully raised over $11,760 for a girl named Katie, who was diagnosed
both attendance and funds raised, with 222 guests coming together to celebrate the spirit of Diwali while contributing to a noble cause. The funds raised will significantly aid Sammi in her battle against a rare condition that causes water retention in vital organs such as the heart and lungs.
Celebrating Community and Culture
The evening was filled with the warmth and vibrancy characteristic of Diwali celebrations. Attendees enjoyed traditional Indian cuisine, cultural performances, and an atmosphere of camaraderie and goodwill. “The success of this event serves as a compelling testament to the philanthropic spirit and cohesion of our community," stated Manvir Singh. "We were profoundly uplifted, and the overwhelming support only fortifies our unwavering conviction in the mission of B'Cause said Nidhi Gujral”
Meet the Founders
The driving force behind B’Cause, the four mothers are not only committed to their families but also to uplifting the community through their collective efforts:
• Nidhi Gujral, with a robust background in finance and banking, has spent over 15 years managing financial operations and client relationships. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish and successfully sell retail businesses, and she now channels her skills into community fundraising efforts, actively working with local initiatives to foster positive change.
• Manvir Singh, a finance consultant and entrepreneur with over 15 years of lending and management experience at the Big Four banks. She successfully runs her own finance business for over a decade.
A devoted mother of two, she expertly balances her professional commitments with community service, believing deeply in the power of fundraising to unite people and create lasting change.
• Komal Dedhia, with over 20 years in the banking industry, is currently expanding her jewellery business while being a proud mother. Her dedication to hard work and honesty in both personal and professional interactions drives her passion for contributing to community initiatives.
• Rajneet Arora brings over 20 years of experience in the public health sector, where her strategic insights and dedication to healthcare initiatives have significantly impacted many lives. As a co-founder of B’Cause, she balances her professional role with motherhood and a passion for art, traveling, and exploring diverse cultures.
A Bright Future Ahead
As the evening drew to a close, the founders expressed their gratitude for the community's unwavering support. “We are excited about the future of B’Cause and the potential for greater impact,” shared Komal Dedhia. “Our aim is to not only support those in need but also to inspire others to join our cause.”
The Fundraiser Diwali Gala Dinner was more than just an event; it was a celebration of community spirit, compassion, and the
power of coming together to support a child in need. As the night ended with smiles, laughter, and heartfelt connections, the founders of B’Cause look forward to planning future events that continue to uplift and empower those facing challenges in their lives.
In the true spirit of Diwali, this gala dinner illuminated not just the venue but also the hearts of all attendees, reminding everyone of the joy that comes from giving back and making a difference in the lives of others.
G’day India
DATING FOR SENIORS?
In the era of online dating and the advancement of technology, love knows no boundaries. Romance has found new avenues that do not adhere to any barriers, especially to that of age.
It is reported that there is a steady rise in the number of senior users on their app by dating app Quack Quack. It ran a poll among its senior users to better understand the changing dynamics of love and companionship.
The online survey ran for three days among a total of 6,000 participants from metros and smaller cities. The survey participants ranged between 50 and 68 years; a majority of them are retired, and a portion of these daters are business owners. The survey results show the paradigm shift in societal attitudes towards love and romance in the later stages of life.
Breaking Bad Norms
38 per cent of seniors from Tier 1 cities on the app explained how society would rather have them join a golf club or a yoga class, but dating is pretty much taboo for a retired individual. A man or a woman above 50 looking for romantic endeavors still instigates a lot of talks, but these seniors revealed they pay no heed to such gossip because having a healthy love life is much more satisfying than poking your noses into other’s business. They also mentioned how they find dating apps a more private way of finding love, keeping your love under wraps, especially from nosey neighbors.
Online dating to the rescue
34 per cent of male daters from Tier 2 cities between the ages of 50 and 65 explained how online dating has turned
out to be their saviour. 7 per cent of these men are widowed, 9 per cent divorced, and 18 per cent never married. They disclosed the difficulties of dating in a small Indian city. Firstly, women of that age are under more pressure from society than men. Hence, finding a suitable partner with the same emotional maturity and freedom to choose love over societal stigma is the biggest challenge. But on dating apps, they
stated, people can connect from any part of the country, and not just their locality. Moreover, it offers the kind of privacy that is not possible in real life. Plus, the facility to chat with a person for a while before taking it IRL allows these men ample time to evaluate if they are being duped.
Companionship Over Love
27 per cent of women above 50 voiced that companionship, the genuine kind, is superior to love, and that is what they are seeking. They mentioned being in relationships, experiencing true love, and even truer heartbreaks when they were young, and after all these years, they have come to realise that comfortable companionship is what matters in the end. They also disclosed the exact requirements on their bio, so no man will come with expectations that do not align with what they are willing to offer.
Success Stories
8 per cent of the survey participants claim to have found genuine love on the app. 12 per cent of women mentioned they have found friends like family and urged more seniors to start using dating and friendship apps; age should never be the factor in deciding whether one deserves to find real connections.
HEALTHY MORNING HABITS TO ELIMINATE STRESS FROM LIFE
The early hours of the day are a special time and the practice of mindful morning habits during this time can do wonders to keep your body and mind free of stress and enhance your wellness. While exercise, meditation, and proper nourishment are well-acknowledged in stress management, there are some wonderful yogic techniques also.
Dr. Hansaji Yogendra, the director of The Yoga Institute shared some morning activities you could bring into your personal routine to nurture your well-being and to set a positive trajectory for the day ahead.
Early Rising
In India, the auspicious time approximately an hour and a half before sunrise is known as the Brahma Muhurta or the Creator’s Time. It is observed that at this time, our potential to be creative is at its peak. If you want to acquire new knowledge, to sharpen your skills, or even to enhance your health, you must do so in this creative time. In this magical time when the day begins, the universe is like a womb filled with cosmic energy. This energy can be easily absorbed if you are awake at this time. Early rising allows you to start your day with a sense of calmness, setting the stage for a stress-free morning.
Solitude
A tranquil morning provides the space for the cultivation of solitude, a realm where introspection and self-discovery converge. Communing with oneself through practices meditation or reading scriptures nurtures emotional resilience and self-awareness. The sanctuary of solitude nurtures the spirit, fortifying it against the cacophony of the external world’s stresses. A meditative start to the day sets the tone for a serene mindset that can mitigate stress. Maintaining silence, even if only for a few moments, allows the mind to attune itself to the present moment.
Chanting
Chanting mantras or sacred sounds is a powerful yogic technique that resonates with the body’s energy centers, or chakras. By uttering specific sounds, you can release tension and promote a sense of harmony. The ‘Om’ mantra, for instance, is known for its vibrational qualities that calm the mind and reduce stress. Chanting this mantra during your morning routine can create a serene and peaceful atmosphere.
Jal Neti
Jal neti is cleansing of the nasal passages with water. It stimulates the nerve endings and cools down your brain. Jal neti should be followed by Kapalabhati.
Do 30 rounds of kapalabhati to open your energy channels. This practice not only helps clear the sinuses and improve respiratory health but also has a soothing effect on the nervous system, alleviating stress and promoting mental clarity.
Movement
Physical activity, when woven into the fabric of the morning routine, is excellent for stress reduction. Engaging in a session of yoga, a brisk walk, swimming or a team game releases endorphins, the body’s natural mood enhancers. Any exercise in the morning is known to enhance cognitive function and regulate cortisol levels, the primary stress hormone. This brings a balance to your body’s intricate chemistry and fills uplifts your spirits in a state of euphoric well-being.
Journaling
Maintaining a gratitude journal is a powerful morning habit. Take a few minutes each morning to jot down three things you are grateful for. This practice shifts your focus away from stressors and cultivates a positive mindset, setting a harmonious tone for the rest of the day. Cultivating gratitude transmutes stress into serenity. As the morning light bathes the world in its gentle glow, taking a moment to acknowledge the blessings that envelop your life sets a positive perspective. Maintaining a gratitude journal or engaging in daily affirmations kindles a sense of contentment.
Digital Detox
In an age of perpetual connectivity, the quiet morning hours serve as a perfect time to detach from the digital realm. This digital detox window allows for genuine engagement with the self and the physical environment. By keeping away from the inflow of emails, messages, and notifications, you can give your mind the luxury of uninterrupted reprieve. This will help you to reclaim your mental space and avert the stress that arises from incessant digital interactions.
Mindful Planning
Having a structured plan for the day can forestall stress-induced chaos. Keep a journal to outline tasks, prioritize responsibilities, and establish realistic goals to get a sense of control and organization. With this habit, you can handle responsibilities with poise, while reducing the potential for undue stress. These practices offer profound benefits that extend beyond mere stress reduction. If you accept these practices with an open heart and a willingness to explore, you can definitely achieve a more peaceful, cantered, and stress-free life. Along with these mindful morning habits, you must also have a nourishing breakfast and then start your work. Remember, avoid wasting time, day dreaming, eating, or doing stressful activities in these early hours. Such things will only drain your energies. As the morning sun ascends, beckoning the realms of possibility, let the wisdom of yogic precepts and mindful practices lead you to a balanced existence.
HEALTH
DOCTORS URGE WOMEN TO LOOK BEYOND LUMPS FOR BREAST CANCER SYMPTOMS
While the most common presentation in breast cancer is a lump in the breast, it can occur even without any noticeable symptoms, said doctors while urging for self-examination and screening. October is celebrated as breast cancer awareness month. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in India. With a high mortality rate, it is a major public health concern in the country.
As per a recent ICMR study, breast cancer cases and deaths are expected to rise in India by 2045. However, the key is to detect the cancer in its early stages to help boost treatment outcomes as well as survival rates, said the experts.
“Although most common presentation in breast cancer is lump in the breast, it can also present as swelling or lumps under the arm or near the collarbone, nipple discharge (clear, bloody, or yellowish), changes in skin over breast (dimpled, thickened, or appear like an orange peel),” Dr. Abhishek Shankar, Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, Dr BR Ambedkar Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital at AIIMS, Delhi, said.
“Redness or rash over skin over breast or nipple, inverted nipple, changes in breast size and shape and pain in breast” are also symptoms of the deadly cancer, the doctor
added. As per ICMR, breast cancer cases account for 28.2 per cent of all female cancers in India in 2022. The five-year survival rate for breast cancer in India is 66.4 per cent.
Breast cancer can be early detected and early diagnosed. It can be early detected with screening tests and mammography is the standard recommended screening test that gives mortality advantage. As per the United States Preventive Services Task Force updated guidelines in 2024, it is recommended to start at 40 years of age after every 2 years.
“One can have breast cancer even without any noticeable symptoms. That is why the role of screening through mammograms or breast MRI is important, as it has been shown to reduce mortality by over 30 per cent,” Dr. Divya Sehra Consultant - Gynaecologic Oncology, Manipal Hospital Dwarka, New Delhi, said.
Common signs and symptoms, apart from breast lumps, include changes in the shape or contour of the breasts, making mirror examinations useful.
“Skin changes, such as redness and pain, are common when the tumour grows towards the skin. Generalised symptoms like unexplained weight loss, back pain, or pain in the upper right side of the abdomen may be
present in metastatic cancers,” Sehra said.
Shankar noted that breast self-examination and clinical breast examination can help to diagnose breast cancer at an early stage. Clinical breast examination is being adopted for community-based breast cancer screening under the National Programme on Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Disease (NP-NCD).
How to prevent the risk?
Breast cancer is a disease of women in which risk prevention is possible by modifying the risk factors like late age of marriage, late age of childbirth, no children, and use of oral contraceptive pills.
“In high-risk individuals, chemoprophylaxis with hormonal tablets can help to reduce the risk but it is not advocated in general as it’s not cost-effective and also has side effects,” Shankar said.
The experts also recommended genetic testing in case of family history. Other ways to prevent the risk include maintaining a healthy lifestyle, with a diet rich in fibre and antioxidants, while avoiding alcohol and red meat.
CAN STANDING FOR LONG PERIODS RAISE RISK OF STROKE?
People whose occupations require them to stand for long hours, like retail workers, hairdressers, or factory employees, are more susceptible to suffering strokes, according to experts on World Stroke Day.
World Stroke Day is celebrated annually on October 29 to raise awareness about the condition to prevent and treat it fast. The number of people worldwide having a new stroke rose to 11.9 million in 2021 -- up by 70 per cent since 1990. Stroke-related deaths rose to 7.3 million -- up by 44 per cent since 1990.
While stroke is now the third leading cause of death worldwide (after ischaemic heart disease and Covid-19), the condition is highly preventable and treatable.
“Standing for extended periods can increase the risk of blood pooling in the legs, which slows circulation. This lack of efficient blood flow may lead to the formation of clots, raising the risk of stroke, particularly if these clots travel to the brain,” Dr Raghvendra Ramdasi, Consultant Neurosurgeon, Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai, said.
Ramdasi noted that over
time, poor circulation can also contribute to hypertension -- another stroke risk factor. A recent study from Australia involving over 83,000 participants found that prolonged sitting or standing was linked to a higher risk of problems such as varicose veins and feeling dizzy or lightheaded.
The study called for regular movements.
It noted that standing for extended periods can cause blood to pool in the legs, which slows circulation and raises the possibility of blood clots.
“An ischemic stroke could result from these clots dislodging and moving to the brain if there is a hole in the heart, where they would stop blood flow,” Dr. Vikram Huded, HOD and Director and Clinical Lead - Interventional Neurology at Narayana Group said.
The experts recommended people with existing heart disease, hypertension, or a family history of stroke be particularly careful and take frequent breaks to move around.
(IANS)
Health tip:
Sleeping on your back makes it easy for your head, neck, and spine to maintain a neutral position
The Pros and Cons of Using General Anaesthesia for Sleep Dentistry
Sleep dentistry answers the need for anxious patients to help them stay calm during dental procedures. A widely used form of sedation for the same is general anaesthesia. Many patients have benefited by using it for getting dental problems solved.
Are you planning to go for it too? Well, this article has found you at the right time then. It might be beneficial to weigh all your options before you go under the knife.
Let us quickly have a look at the pros and cons of using general anaesthesia for sleep dentistry.
PROS
1. Easy to operate
General anaesthesia makes the patient completely unconscious. They cannot move by will. This gives dentists the room they much required to operate on patients’ teeth, which must have been difficult had the patient being conscious. Some patients such as children, people with nervous system issues, and anxious people cannot lay still on the dentist’s chair. General anaesthesia makes it an easy experience for both patient and dentist.
2. Amnesia
A person under the effect of general anaesthesia may experience amnesia, that is a complete loss of memory for the duration of their dental procedure. Many patients who suffer from past bad experience memories and dental anxiety or phobia might prefer this feature. As the general anaesthesia is the deepest form of sedation, the patients do not have any painful memories of the dental treatment they undergo.
3. Rapid onset
General anaesthesia is also preferred for its rapid onset. The time taken for the effects to show is less compared to other sedatives. This is helpful in cases where a quick dental work is required. It is also helpful when a person has met with an accident and has other injuries to be treated too. A lot of time can be saved.
4. Suitable for the majority of patients
Sedation dentistry using general anaesthesia is largely suitable for patients with special needs. For example, people who cannot stop involuntary movements due to central nervous system condition, children who find it difficult to keep their mouths open or to stay steady for long durations, wisdom teeth removals, major dental treatments, etc. General anaesthesia sets all these issues aside and helps the patient have the dental care they need.
CONS
1. Advanced training is
required
Not every medical professional can administer anaesthesia. A physician or dentist who wishes to administer general anaesthesia must have to complete a professional full-time training in anesthesiology. It requires absolute precision and knowledge to be able to administer general anaesthesia to patients.
2. A trained team is required
Along with the training for the anaesthetist, a competent team of anaesthesia assistant and a circulating nurse is required for the administration of anaesthesia at a hospital or dental clinic. If you are planning to undergo sleep dentistry, check if the dentist has the required personnel in his team.
3. Need for proper equipment and facilities
When sedated with general anaesthesia, monitoring the unconscious patient becomes necessary. A hospital or dental clinic must have all the equipment needed to perform dental surgery along with monitoring the state of the patient. It takes time to wear off. Patients also require a recovery room wherein to recover after the dental surgery for a short while.
4. Limiting conditions
Although being best for many patients, general anaesthesia is not meant for many others. The state and reaction to sedation may vary from person to person. You need to make sure you are the right candidate before proceeding with sleep dentistry by sharing your medical history with the dentist.
At Healthy Smiles, we treat each patient carefully and ascertain their candidature for sedation dentistry by carrying out extensive research on their medical history. Also, we have the most advanced and efficient equipment, qualified and practising anaesthetist, and a whole team of experienced professionals to help carry out a general anaesthetic sleep dentistry procedure.
Feel free to ask us about your dental care queries, we would be delighted to help. Drop by at our clinic in Blackburn or call us on 03 9877 2035 for more information.
Dr Ved Berani BDS(Mum), ADEC(Aust), MBA(Melb), FIADFE, MFGDP(UK)
Principal Dentist
Coffee, tea may prevent heart attack & stroke risk in lupus patients
Consuming more caffeine, present in coffee, tea, and cocoa may improve heart health in people with lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, according to a study. Patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, are at higher risk of heart attack and stroke. This is both due to the disease and some treatments for them, particularly cortisone derivatives.
To date, these patients were given conventional recommendations like quitting smoking, reducing cholesterol, and controlling high blood pressure, the new study published in the journal Rheumatology, added drinking caffeine to the list to boost their heart health. Researchers from Sapienza University of Rome, in Italy, suggested that caffeine, present in coffee, tea, and cocoa, actively helps endothelial progenitor cells, the group of cells that help regenerate the lining of blood vessels and are involved in vascular growth.
“The present study is an attempt to provide
patients with information on the possible role of diet in controlling the disease,” said the paper’s lead author, Fulvia Ceccarelli. Caffeine not only acts as a stimulant effect on the body but also exerts an anti-inflammatory effect. It is because it binds with the receptors expressed on the surface of immune cells.
In the study, the team examined 31 lupus patients who did not have traditional cardiovascular risk factors using a seven-day food questionnaire. After a week, the patient’s blood was measured to check blood vessels’ health. The result revealed that patients who consumed caffeine had better vascular health, as measured through endothelial cells, which form the important inner layer of blood vessels.
Ceccarelli called for a longitudinal study to confirm the results and assess the real impact of coffee consumption on the disease course.
(IANS)
Limiting sugar consumption early can prevent chronic disease in midlife
A low-sugar diet in pregnancy, which if continued in the first two years of life can meaningfully reduce the risk of chronic diseases in adulthood, according to a new study. The study led by the US and Canadian researchers provides compelling new evidence of the lifelong health effects of early-life sugar consumption.
Children who had sugar restrictions during their first 1,000 days after conception had up to 35 per cent lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. It can also reduce as much as 20 per cent the risk of hypertension as adults, revealed the study published in the journal Science.
Diabetes and hypertension (high blood pressure) are the most common non-communicable diseases driving a significant health burden across the globe. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends no added sugars for children under two and not more than 12 teaspoons (50g) of added sugar daily for adults.
Notably, exposure to sugar restrictions in utero alone was enough to lower risks, but disease protection increased postnatally once solids were likely introduced. If followed this can save costs, extend life expectancy, and, perhaps more importantly, quality of life, said the researchers from the McGill University in
Montreal, and the University of California, Berkeley, who examined how sugar rationing during World War II influenced long-term health outcomes.
Besides raising annual medical expenditures, earlier diagnosis of diabetes also means significantly shorter life expectancy, with every decade earlier that a diagnosis of diabetes is made cutting three to four years off of life expectancy. These numbers underscore the value of early interventions that could delay or prevent this disease, the researchers noted.
Even as consumption of excessive amounts of added sugars during children’s early life, a critical period of development continues to mount the study raised concerns about children’s long-term health. While adjusting child sugar consumption is not easy as added sugar is everywhere, even in baby and toddler foods, they called on policymakers to hold “food companies accountable to reformulate baby foods with healthier options and regulate the marketing and tax sugary foods targeted at kids.”
(IANS)
Music speeds up recovery from surgery, reduces stress levels
Listening to music may help patients recover from surgery through a lower heart rate, reduced anxiety levels, less opioid use and lower pain, according to researchers. A reduction in cortisol levels when listening to music may play a role in easing patients’ recovery, according to a meta-analysis presented at the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinical Congress 2024 in San Fransisco.
“When patients wake up after surgery, sometimes they feel really scared and don’t know where they are,” said Eldo Frezza, professor of surgery at California North state University College of Medicine. “Music can help ease the transition from the waking up stage to a return to normalcy and may help reduce stress around that transition.”
Dr Frezza and study co-authors noted that unlike some more active therapies such as meditation or Pilates which require considerable concentration or movement, listening to music is a more passive experience and can be incorporated by patients without much cost or effort almost immediately after surgery. To reach this conclusion, the team analysed existing studies on music and its role in helping people recover from surgery, narrowing a list of 3,736 studies to 35 research papers.
In their analysis, the researchers found that the simple act of listening to music after surgery,
whether with headphones or through a speaker, had noticeable effects on patients during their recovery period: Patients who listened to music had a statistically significant reduction in pain the day after surgery. Across all studies, patient self-reported anxiety levels were reduced by about 2.5 points, or 3 per cent.
Patients who listened to music used less than half of the amount of morphine compared to those who did not listen to
music on the first day after surgery, the research noted. They also experienced a reduced heart rate (around 4.5 fewer beats per minute) compared with patients who did not listen to music.
“Although we can’t specifically say they’re in less pain, the studies revealed that patients perceive they are in less pain, and we think that is just as important,” said Shehzaib Raees, first author of the study. (IANS)
Social isolation deprives older people of key nutrients in diet
Senior people who are socially isolated are more likely to have an insufficient intake of key micronutrients such as vitamin C and vitamin B6, increasing their risk of health problems, according to a new study. The researchers from University College London (UCL) found that people who were more socially isolated were more likely to have a lower than recommended intake of five micronutrients that are essential for health: magnesium, potassium, vitamin C, folate and vitamin B6.
These micronutrients are typically found in small quantities in fruit, vegetables, legumes (such as peas, beans and lentils) and fish, suggesting a diet lacking in these food sources. “This is important as inadequate intake of these micronutrients puts people at greater risk of health problems as they get older,” said Professor Andrew Steptoe from UCL Behavioural Science and Health in the study published in the journal Age and Ageing.
One explanation for this link is that if people are more isolated, they might
not have others around them to provide information about what is healthy and encourage a more varied diet. Older people also tend to stick to diets they know and might not vary their foods as much as they used to, said the authors.
Researchers used data from the English
Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA), in which a nationally representative population sample in England answers a wide range of questions every two years. The respondents were scored on how socially isolated they were, based on whether they lived alone, how frequently they saw friends and relatives outside their household, and whether they took part in any clubs or organisations.
The team found that a one-point increase in participants’ social isolation score was linked to a higher likelihood of inadequate intake of five out of nine key micronutrients two years later. Social isolation was not linked to a higher likelihood of inadequate calcium, iron and vitamin B12, micronutrients largely derived from meat, eggs and dairy. This suggested that people who were less socially connected in the study may be more likely to have a more traditional diet with fewer vegetables (such as dark leafy greens), fruit, nuts, seeds and legumes.
(IANS)
ALIA BHATT’S FUTURE PLANS INCLUDE ‘MORE MOVIES, BABIES AND LOTS OF TRAVEL’
Bollywood star Alia Bhatt has revealed her future plans, and it includes making more movies, having more babies and jet-setting to several places. Asked about her future, Alia expressed a mix of personal and professional aspirations as she said: “Hopefully many more movies, not just as an actor but hopefully also as a producer. More babies, lots of travel, and just a healthy, happy, simple, quiet, peaceful, full-ofnature life.”
The actress got married to Bollywood star Ranbir Kapoor in April 2022, after dating for a few years. The couple welcomed their daughter Raha in November 2022. Talking about which films of hers and husband Ranbir’s she would want Raha to watch when she grows up, Alia shared the list during IMDb’s Icons Only Segment.
She said: “I think for me, maybe ‘Student of the Year’ because honestly, it’s the youngest, most chill film that kids could watch. And that is my first film. Although I am not really proud of my performance in that film, but it’s full of songs, and I think she would really enjoy that.”
For Ranbir, Alia chose “Barfi!” “I think that’s a very child-friendly film.” Alia, who is currently gearing up for the release of her upcoming film “Jigra”, revealed which performance brought the biggest change in her as a performer.
“I think the first film where I felt a significant shift in my personality was the film ‘Highway’. Maybe it was because I was on the road for so long, away from home. The first time I really had an experience like that was like going away to college but only my college was a film set.”
She continued: “Perhaps after that, it was a film like ‘Udta Punjab,’ which was a character that made me very uncomfortable. But I think this is the first and only film that I have gone method on. I actually physically shut down from the rest of the world, emotionally shut down for the time period that I was shooting the film.”
She then said “Gangubai Kathiawadi,” which Alia said she was the same actor after she walked off that set, only because of the experience. Alia added: “It was being directed by Mr. Sanjay Leela Bhansali and you’re never the same actor after you’re directed by him.”
The 31-year-old actress went on to discuss the crucial role her family has played in her journey, which began in 2012.
“My family, apart from the fact that they are also connected to movies and were connected prior to me being in the movies, the fact that they understand the way it works, that helps a lot. But apart from that, I think what they really prepared me for is that nothing prepares you for what you are about to be on.”
“You have to have the thickest skin. You have to be very hardworking and even after getting any sort of accolade or love, you still can’t believe that that will stay on forever. If you’re the best actor in the room, soon there will be another actor that will walk into the room who will be better than you.”
She concluded: “So what you can do is keep the hard work consistent and keep the goodness and kindness to people consistent so they like working with you.”
(IANS)
ANANYA PANDAY MASTERS THE ART OF MUTING
Bollywood actress Ananya Panday has mastered the art of muting social media profiles and said that it “avoids all the drama of unfollowing a person”.
Ananya was speaking to Prajakta Koli on her podcast series “So Positive”, where the actress asked the content creator what she does if she doesn’t like someone’s post and instead of writing a mean comment, what would she do?
Prajakta replied: “Scroll past. Or if you don’t already follow them, like for me if I follow someone but the content is not making me happy anymore, I’ll just mute.”
To which, Ananya replied that the “mute” feature is the best.
“Oh my god, mute is the best feature. Left, right and centre, it’s the best. Guys, if you didn’t know about this secret mute button, it avoids all the drama of unfollowing a person. And you don’t have to see it,” said Ananya.
However, the actress feels that cleansing her feed has made “such a big difference in my life”.
“It’s literally like food, it’s your diet. Because you’re consuming it all the time,” she said.
Prajakta replied that so much of the day goes into that. Ananya then explained that the attention span to react has become short.
“And what I find bizarre is that the way that social media is, you’re scrolling and you see like a video of a cute puppy and the next thing will be something very disturbing, And then our attention span has become so short, even our ability to react to something fully has kind of gone away,” she said.
DEEPIKA PADUKONE DISCUSSES ‘MIDLIFE
Ananya added: “Because the moment you feel like, oh I need to feel upset, you scroll and suddenly you’re happy. So, it’s a bit distorted in that way.”
To which, Prajakta replied: I always say this but I’m like, you don’t get to come on my phone and turn my mood off. Doesn’t work like that. So, I go mute everyone.”
(IANS)
CRISIS’ IN A NEW MENTAL HEALTH VIDEO
Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone shared a video from her thoughtful interaction with Arianna Huffington at the Live Love Laugh Foundation Lecture series, held in celebration of World Mental Health Day 2024. In the video, Arianna and Deepika are seen discussing the topic of the “midlife crisis”. The ‘Piku’ actress reposted the video, originally shared by The Live Love Laugh Foundation, on her Instagram. The post was captioned, “We often measure success through money, status, and power, but @ariannahuff , in conversation with @deepikapadukone , introduces a third metric—one that helps us thrive, not just survive. Watch the full Lecture Series 2024 edition on YouTube to catch their insightful discussion on “The Journey to Well-Being.” #WorldMentalHealthDay”.
In the footage, the renowned author can be heard saying, “I was having a midlife crisis in my early 20s because suddenly I was financially independent, I had a career, not as expected, as a writer, and I was asking myself, ‘Is that all there is?’” During their conversation about the importance of taking breaks, Arianna emphasized that downtime should be seen as a feature, not a flaw. Deepika
agreed, reflecting on her experience as a former national-level badminton player. She explained that rest and recovery are essential for improving performance and working more efficiently.
Drawing from her experience as a mother, Deepika shared, “I’ve noticed that on days when I’m stressed or feeling burnt out from lack of sleep or neglecting my self-care routines, I can sense my decision-making is affected”. The ‘Singham Again’ actress also spoke about the first major criticism that motivated her to improve and strive for excellence.
Reflecting on her debut film ‘Om Shanti Om’, Deepika said, “It’s normal and human to feel pain, anger, and some of these extreme emotions. I had a similar experience when my debut movie was released. I remember, of course, there were quite a few bad reviews, but I specifically remember this one bad review. I think it pushed me and prompted me to work on myself. It spoke about my accent, diction, talent and capabilities.” In terms of work, Deepika will star in Rohit Shetty’s highly anticipated cop drama ‘Singham Again’, alongside Ranveer Singh, Arjun Kapoor, Ajay Devgn, Tiger Shroff, and Akshay Kumar. She’ll take on the role of Shakti Shetty, also known as Lady Singham. This will be Deepika’s first film after welcoming her daughter.
(IANS)
ONE SHOULD NEVER SHY AWAY FROM STARTING THEIR CAREER IN TELEVISION: NIMRIT KAUR AHLUWALIA
Actress Nimrit Kaur Ahluwalia, who gained major stardom from the small screen, has urged aspiring actors to pursue opportunities regardless of the medium and said that one should never shy away from starting their career in television.
“Working in a film is a dream for every actor, and one should never shy away from starting their career in television. You never know when an opportunity might arise to transition from television to film,” Nimrit said.
She added: “Indian cinema boasts a rich history of actors who have made successful leaps from television to film, including the likes of Shah Rukh Khan, Irrfan Khan, Vidya Balan, R Madhavan, Yami Gautam, Ayushmann Khurrana, Mrunal Thakur, and many others.”
The actress emphasised that no work should be deemed smaller or less significant, whether it’s on television, OTT platforms, or in films.
“In this industry, no work is too small or insignificant. Whether it’s television, OTT
platforms, or films, if given an opportunity, seize it. You never know what destiny has in store for you,” the actress added.
The actress now is all set to make her Punjabi film debut opposite sensation Guru Randhawa with “Shaunki Sardar”
Speaking about her debut, Nimrit last month said: “It’s an absolute honour to make my debut in a Punjabi film, especially alongside Guru Randhawa, who is such an icon in the industry.
She had added that the film celebrates the culture and spirit of Punjab.
“‘Shaunki Sardar’ is a beautiful story that celebrates the rich culture and spirit of Punjab, and I couldn’t have asked for a better project to begin this journey. I’m incredibly excited for my fans to see me in this new avatar!”
The film, produced under Guru Randhawa’s own banner 751 Films and directed by Dheeraj Kedar Nath, promises to be a heartwarming and entertaining treat for the fans.
(IANS)
SHAHID KAPOOR HILARIOUSLY SHARES ‘7 PUNJABI KEYS TO SUCCESS’
Bollywood star Shahid Kapoor has shared a few chuckle-worthy Punjabi keys to success. Shahid took to his Instagram, where he shared a video of himself discussing the points. He was heard asking to “pay attention” for the “7 Punjabi keys to success”.
The actor started with the first point and said: “Number 1 is ‘Tenu Key’? He then went on to share the other points. “The 2nd one is ‘Menu Key’, the 3rd one is Ae Key, the 4th one is ‘O Key?’, The 5th one is ‘Hoya Key’, the 6th one is Tepher Key, and the last one is ‘Saanu Key?’”
Shahid, who often shares rib-tickling content on the photo-sharing app, captioned the reel: “Comment Okey if you understood”. Earlier last week, Shahid gave fans a glimpse into his relaxed side with an Instagram story that highlighted his ‘lazy mornings.’ He shared an uber-cool selfie, showing off his toned biceps and ripped physique. He captioned the post, “lazy mornings, precious.”
The photo also gave a sneak-peek into the actor’s aesthetically pleasing home. In the selfie, Shahid was seen in a casual look, wearing a vest that accentuated his impressive arms. His tousled hair and relaxed expression gave the image a chilled-vibe, perfect for a morning when he seems to be taking it slow. Meanwhile, the actor will next be seen playing the role of gangster Hussain Ustara in Vishal Bhardwaj’s upcoming project. Shahid has reportedly begun rigorous training to get into character.
A source close to the development was quoted as saying, “The gangster was a layered personality, defined by his ruthless exterior but driven by personal codes of loyalty and honour.” Kapoor will portray a don inspired by Hussain Ustara in the upcoming thriller, which also stars Triptii Dimri.
The 43-year-old actor was last seen in the romantic comedy ‘Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya’ with Kriti Sanon. In the film, Shahid played a robot scientist who develops feelings for Sanon’s character, a female robot.
(IANS)
SIMI GAREWAL DEFENDS ABHISHEK BACHCHAN, AMID RUMOURS OF AFFAIR WITH NIMRAT KAUR
Actor Abhishek Bachchan has recently been in the spotlight due to swirling link-up rumours with his ‘Dasvi’ co-star, Nimrat Kaur. As speculation mounts, the Bachchan family finds itself under intense media scrutiny, particularly amid reports of an alleged feud involving Aishwarya Rai. In the midst of this, veteran actress and talk show host Simi Garewal has been defending the Bachchan family on social media. Most recently, Garewal, known for her close ties to the Bachchan family, reshared an old video of Abhishek discussing his views on commitment and loyalty in relationships.
The clip is from Simi Garewal’s popular show “Rendezvous with Simi Garewal”, where Abhishek appeared in 2003. In the video, the actor can be heard saying, “Call me old-fashioned, but I have nothing against being frivolous.
I have nothing against people wanting to have fun with both of the constants; then, by all means, enjoy yourselves. But if you have committed to somebody on whatever level, then abide by that commitment; otherwise, don’t make it.”
The actor added, “I personally feel that as a man, if you commit to a woman, even if you get caught up with her boyfriend, you should be loyal to her. Men are usually accused of being very disloyal; I have never been able to understand that, and I don’t agree with it. It disgusts me.” Simi previously slammed a social media post that alleged Amitabh ignored Aishwarya Rai while showing support for his daughter, Shweta Bachchan Nanda.
Simi criticised the video for making unfounded comments about the
Bachchan family without any real understanding of the situation. She commented on the video, “You people don’t know ANYTHING. Stop it.” Meanwhile, Aishwarya Rai celebrated her 51st birthday on November 1. Surprisingly, the Bachchan family did not share any posts to wish the actress, and the absence of birthday wishes
from family members, including Abhishek, was particularly noted by fans. In July, Aishwarya attended Anant Ambani’s wedding solo with her daughter, Aaradhya, while the Bachchan family was present in full force, further fuelling speculation about potential issues in her marriage.
PATIENCE IS DIRECTLY PROPORTIONAL TO THE NUMBER OF ONE’S KIDS: SRK
Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan, who celebrated his 59th birthday on Saturday may not have waved to his fans from his Mannat bungalow as he does a ritual on his birthday, but he did attend a fan event where he spoke about his kids. The actor took to the stage at the Bal Gandharva Rang Mandir Hall in Mumbai and greeted his fans. He also held a live #AskSRK session where he was asked a lot of questions, including battling self-doubts, and how he feels now that his children, Aryan and Suhana Khan, have entered films. Suhana made her acting debut with ‘The Archies’ on Netflix, while Aryan Khan is gearing up for his directorial debut with an OTT series, set to release next year.
SRK shared that he woke up late but as soon as he was up, he learned that his son AbRam’s iPad had stopped working. He shared that after fixing AbRam’s problem, he found that Suhana was facing a wardrobe crisis, and he proceeded to help her. He said in jest, “I learned from my family that your patience is directly proportional to the number of kids you have.” He further mentioned, “This is the learning that I carry from my home to my work. I try and fix the problems that people are facing, at my shoot, and at work. I think patience is the one thing I have learned from my family.”
Earlier in the day, his wife, producer Gauri Khan shared a picture from the birthday celebrations of her husband. Gauri took to her Instagram and shared two pictures from decades apart. The first picture features Gauri, SRK, and their daughter Suhana, and the second picture is an old image from the 2000s. She wrote in the caption, “A memorable evening last night with friends and family… happy birthday @iamsrk.”
SRK and Gauri have known each other since they were teenagers. Despite many differences and a fair share of ups and downs in their relationship, the two remained committed to each other. The couple even briefly broke up due to SRK’s possessiveness, but they found a way back to each other. The couple exchanged wedding vows in 1991 even before the actor achieved a massive stardom.
The couple has three children -- Aryan, Suhana, and AbRam.
(IANS)
(IANS)
bon appétit
Did you know:
Pumpkin seed oil is full of phytoestrogens which help prevent hypertension
HOW TO EAT BETTER
It’s crucial to choose nutrition over convenience in the fast-paced world of today. Our dietary decisions have a big impact on our health, affecting how we control our weight and prevent chronic diseases. A balanced nutrition strategy and mindful eating are crucial for general health. Our bodies perform best when we feed them nutrient-dense meals like whole grains, lean proteins, colourful fruits and veggies, and healthy fats. At the same time, it’s important to pay attention to our bodies’ signals of hunger and fullness and to portion sizes.
In addition, a fresh, contemporary diet is introduced every time we blink. A fad diet might be harmful to your overall health. The macro and micronutrient requirements will differ from person to person, so it’s vital to keep in mind that following a diet without a doctor’s advice can cause more harm than good.
The need of seeing a doctor before beginning a diet cannot be overstated. However, the following advice will assist you in adopting a balanced nutrition strategy while still enjoying the pleasures of eating properly.
Tips for improving your nutrition:
Colour
Your
Plate: Boosting Wellness with Fruit and Veggies
Revitalize your eating habits by adding more fruits and veggies to your plate! Boost your health effortlessly with the UK’s NHS ‘5 A Day’ recommendation. Jazz up your meals with vegetable sides and refreshing salads, indulging your taste buds with vibrant flavors. Don’t forget the mouth-watering goodness of fresh, seasonal fruits-nutritious and delicious! And here’s a surprising tip: kickstart your meals with greens and protein. This simple trick slows down carbohydrate absorption, benefiting those managing diabetes or pre-diabetes. With these small but powerful changes, you’ll be on your way to a healthier, more vibrant lifestyle.
Hydration Habits
To maintain optimal bodily functions, it is crucial to provide our bodies with an adequate amount of fluids. The general recommendation is to consume approximately eight glasses of water per day, although this may increase in situations involving physical exertion or exposure to hot weather.
While any non-alcoholic beverage can contribute to your daily fluid intake, opting for tea and coffee, unsweetened lemon juice, thin buttermilk, are wiser choices compared to sugary carbonated drinks. It’s worth noting that juices or smoothies without added sugar may still contain naturally occurring sugars that can have a negative impact on your dental health.
Limiting Saturated Fat and Sugar
Understanding the impact of fats and sugars on our health is vital. Saturated fats are generally considered unhealthy, while unsaturated fats are healthier, but in moderation. Reducing saturated fat intake, often found in processed foods and oils, is crucial for overall well-being. Similarly, managing sugar consumption is important to prevent issues like obesity and tooth decay. Being mindful of added or naturally occurring sugars in food and drinks, limiting intake to under 5 grams per 100 grams, helps maintain a balanced diet. By making healthier fat choices and monitoring sugar intake, we can promote better health and well-being.
Active Living: Enhance Your Well-Being
Nutrition goes beyond just food; it encompasses staying active in our modern, often sedentary lives. For individuals with desk or office jobs, it’s crucial to prioritize frequent movement rather than solely focusing on achieving milestones or goals. Regular movement not only aids in weight management but also establishes a cyclical relationship between mobility and body fat. Increased physical activity enhances the chances of burning fat and maintaining a healthy weight range. Conversely, a lower weight provides a boost of energy, motivating us to stay active. By recognizing the synergy between nutrition and staying active, we can unlock a healthier and more energized lifestyle.
Sodium Savvy
Recommended salt intake for adults and children over 11 is around 6g/day. Excessive salt consumption raises the risk of high blood pressure, a precursor to heart disease and stroke. When it comes to packaged foods, check the labels for salt content. Products with over 1.5g/100g should be consumed in moderation or avoided altogether.
Cravings and Comfort: Understanding the Connection
Comfort food holds a special place in our hearts, often being sweet, fried, or high in fat. While they should be enjoyed occasionally within a balanced diet, moderation and portion control are key. Overindulgence can lead to regret and excess calories. Restricting these foods completely may result in feelings of deprivation and mood swings. Seeking guidance from a medical professional or health coach allows for a tailored approach, accommodating your favourite foods and drinks in reduced frequency or quantity.
Mood, mind, and food
Our emotional state greatly influences our dietary choices and overall well-being. Stress, anxiety, and burnout have become prevalent in urban and professional lifestyles, impacting how and what we eat. During times of stress, food can provide comfort and a sense of control, but relying on it as an escape may lead to overeating. By fostering awareness of mental health conditions and practicing emotional regulation, we can cultivate emotional resilience and work towards achieving our health goals.
In conclusion, healthy eating is a gateway to a vibrant and fulfilling lifestyle. It is crucial for individuals to find a way of eating that truly satisfies them. Further helps to have an expert doctor or a dietitian guide you towards the right diet. Embracing a balanced nutrition approach, can energize our bodies, boost our immune system, and enhance our vitality. Eat well and thrive! After all, we are what we eat!
By Rahul Maroli
TREATS FROM DIFFERENT PARTS OF INDIA
One of the many pleasures of vacationing in India is the rich culinary tradition with differences in cooking styles from state to state. These go beyond the old-fashioned family recipes. No matter where you go, you can sample local cuisine. India is a diverse nation, both in terms of its people and its culinary offerings.
KULLU TROUT- HIMACHAL PRADESH
A significant component of Himachali food is non-vegetarian. Your taste buds will be delighted by this Himachali meal, which is made from trout, a fish that can be found in Kullu. It is panfried with a variety of Indian spices and served over hot, steaming rice.
CHAAT- DELHI
Delhi is known for its street food and talk, whether it be the Gol-Gappes or the crispy Tikkis, the Dahi-loaded bhallas or the Papdi chat! Give your taste senses a treat with these
enticing, spicy foods.
DAL, BAATI, CHURMARAJASTHAN
Without mentioning Dal-Baati-Churma, the cuisine of Rajasthan is insufficient. On your next trip to Rajasthan, try it with the delectable churma, panchmel or panch kutti dal, deep-fried baatis, and lavish amounts of desi ghee.
KEBABS- LUCKNOW
These mouthwatering kebabs, straight from the Nawabs city, are deserving of a try. Galouti Kebabs and Tangdi Kebabs, to name a couple, are spice-marinated kebabs that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They are served with spicy dipping sauces or mint chutney. On your subsequent journey to Lucknow, don’t forget to sample them.
LITTI CHOKHA- BIHAR
Litti, or the tandoor-baked Sattu balls, is a
traditional Bihari dish that is typically served with curd and Aloo & Baigan bharta. Although it resembles Rajasthani dal-batti, it is utterly distinct in flavour and preparation. If you’re on the Bihar streets, it’s worth a shot.
GHUGNI CHAAT- BENGAL
The ideal evening snack is this Bengali street cuisine, which is made of cooked yellow dried peas or white peas, packed with tomatoes, peas, onions, and green chillies and seasoned with lemon juice. You’re powerless to reject it!
KUTCHI DABELI- GUJARAT
The Gujarati equivalent of vada pav is called Kutchi Dabeli or Dabeli. This Gujarati delicacy is a full-flavored savoury treat. The buns are fried to a perfect crunch in melted butter and filled with potato cutlets. They are also decorated with fried peanuts, pomegranate seeds, sev, and hot, tangy sauces.
POHA JALEBI- INDORE
Indore is proudest of its morning breakfast and is known for its range of conversations and blend of flavour. Poha, or flattened rice, is a delicious snack that is typically enjoyed with hot, crispy jalebis and tea. Poha is just flattened rice that has been sautéed with onions, chillies, salt, turmeric, and a dash of lime juice. On your subsequent trip to Indore, be sure to give it a try!
BEBINCA- GOA
Bebinca is Goa’s favourite sweet food, and once you try it, you’ll love it too. The multiple, thin layers of cake that make up the delectablelooking dessert. These layers are composed with flour, coconut milk, sugar, and egg yolk. When visiting Goa, you must sample this IndoPortuguese dessert. Additionally, it’s one among the best snacks in India that anyone with a sweet craving must try when there.
POORAN POLI- MAHARASHTRA
A popular Marathi dish called Pooran Poli is cooked with jaggery and Bengal gramme flour. In essence, it is a sweet flatbread. Therefore, if you enjoy sweet things, you’ll appreciate these sweet Indian munchies. It is very nutrient-dense. You need not be concerned about the abundance of calories.
By Olivia Sarkar
Protect Your Heart, Desi Style!
BY DEEVYA GUPTA
Know Your Risks
- Family history? Get regular testing done
- Medications? Take them as advised
- Monitor cholesterol, diabetes, and blood pressure
Heart-Healthy Habits
- 150 minutes of gentle exercise/week (3-5 days) or as directed by your health team.
- Take care of your dental health
- Stay hydrated Desi Eating Tips
- 5 servings of veggies/salads/daals daily.
- 2 serves of fruits daily
- Wholegrain/multigrain attas and breads
- Olive oil instead of butter/cream, reduce other saturated fats as can be found in sweets and fried foods
- Lean meats, skin removed
- Fish like salmon/tuna
- Unsalted nuts (1 handful/day)
Get Personalized Advice, Take Charge of Your Heart Health Today!
Consult our Accredited Practicing Dietitians for tailored guidance.
Bhuna Saagwala Ghost
Lamb cooked with Greens This tasty, nutritious and healthy Lamb dish is best cooked with fresh Spinach or Mustard greens. The Quality of meat too plays an important role, use meat on the bone or boneless as you may prefer. The more you sauté the meat, the better it tastes. Spinach and the Greens also enhances the nutritive value of the dish. This dish is just Delicious and finger licking good. Try it for yourself
spinach can be replaced for frozen spinach and Mustard leaves can also be used as a great substitute.
5 WAYS TO DEAL WITH YOUR CHILD’S JUNK FOOD CONSUMPTION
When you have a child, each tiny milestone of theirs’ brings you happiness and joy. Be it the first time they grab your finger or the first few steps they take, each development makes your heart leap with joy. But, with each new step, parents are also constantly worried about their health and well-being.
Parenting is often challenging and takes ample hard work and responsibilities, especially for the new parents as the formative years of children hold the utmost importance to shape their lives. One of the biggest worries of a parent is to make their kids eat nutritious and healthy meals that help them to grow. However, Kids often get fussy and demand junk food with unhealthy fats and added sugars. They also increase children’s chances of developing childhood obesity which causes multiple risk factors for many health complications in later life. Dr. Pallavi Rao Chaturvedi, a parenting coach, educator, and founder of Get Set Parent shares few ideas to raise your kids in a junk food-free environment:
Be an example for kids to follow: Children often imitate their parents and look up to them for everything. Hence, it is very important to make sure you are setting a good example by choosing nutritious, homecooked meals over fast food. Show them that healthy eating can be delicious and can
make all the difference.
Converse and educate: Teach your kids about the importance of a balanced diet and explain the negative effects of excessive fast-food consumption. Help them understand the nutritional value of whole foods and the consequences of consuming a lot of processed foods.
Involve them in meal planning and preparation: Get your children actively involved in meal planning and preparation, ask for their suggestions, and try to implement them. Let them pick out fruits and vegetables at the grocery store and help in the kitchen. This will give them a sense of ownership and make them more likely to enjoy healthier meals.
Limit fast food as a treat: Instead of completely saying no to fast food, consider it as an occasional treat rather than a regular meal option. Set clear rules about how often it can be consumed, such as once a week or for special occasions.
Make healthy snacks accessible: Keep a variety of healthy snacks readily available for your child to choose from. Stock the pantry with options like fresh fruits, cut vegetables, whole grain crackers, and yogurt. Limit the availability of processed snacks and sugary treats.
BY MANJIT SETHI
Choose healthier alternatives: When eating out, choose restaurants offering healthier options or a wider range of choices. Look for places that have salads, grilled options, and fresh ingredients. Encourage your kids to make healthier choices by explaining the benefits of those options.
Remember that changes in eating habits may not happen overnight. Be patient, consistent, and supportive as you work towards improving your child’s eating habits and patterns for a better and healthier tomorrow.
With Basmati rice, Roti, Naan, Parartha.
strips of fresh ginger and dollop of cream
recipe from the private collection
Tip:
ASTROLOGY
Mesha (Aries)
This month your pursuits in education are likely to flounder quite a bit, owing to an unfavourable configuration of stars. There is a distinct possibility that all examination results of most of you would be below expectations. There is the further likelihood that the achievement of your objectives would involve most of you in a lot of struggle and hard work.
Best days: 3, 12, 30
Lucky Colour: Red, Orange, Cream
Simha (Leo)
An excellent month during which you would have several opportunities to flourish professionally. The key would be the manner in which you handle your subordinates. You would be able to derive optimum gains from their services. However, you should guard against becoming exploitative in a blatant manner. This would breed discontent of an uncontrollable kind.
Best days: 5,3
Lucky Colour: White & Orange
Dhanu (Sagittarius)
This month the picture about your financial prospects as it emerges from the stellar augury, is none too bright. Some of you would be influenced by a mean streak that would goad you on to severely exploit your juniors, workers or just simply people below you in the social strata, for your personal advantage.
Vrishabh (Taurus)
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. The climate would also not be congenial for making investment, or for new ventures. Any such plans should therefore, be shelved for the moment.
Best days: 9, 18, 27
Lucky Colour: Green, Blue
Kanya (Virgo)
The stars are in a good mood and your financial prospects, therefore appear to be quite bright. Musicians, dancers, painters, and other practitioners of the arts can look forward to an extremely satisfying and productive spell during this coming month. They would not only benefit financially but also have cause for satisfaction at their creative output.
Best days: 3, 12
Lucky Colour: Orange, Green
Makara (Capricorn)
This month your financial prospects look quite good and could well establish you on a permanently sound footing. Many of you can look forward to reaping a rich harvest of sudden gains. Others would gain through speculation, which would also bring in rich profits. Most of you would in any case have a way of handling your juniors or workers in a manner that will enable you to derive optimum benefit from their services.
By D. Narayan (Tantracharya) M: 0425 660 220
Mithuna (Gemini)
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: 2, 7, 9
Lucky Colour: Red, White, Yellow
Tula (Libra)
The bleak scenario may make some of you somewhat more inclined to take risks of a pointless sort. This could also result in losses. Curb such tendencies. And finally, the climate would be far from congenial for any investment or new enterprises. Any such plans should be shelved for the moment, till a later and more favourable period.
Best days: 9, 18
Lucky Colour: Red, Blue
Kumbha (Aquarius)
A gainful month, in so far as your financial prospects are concerned. Many of you can look forward to reaping a rich harvest of sudden gains. Speculation would also benefit quite a few among you. There is also a good chance of a favour being done to done to you by some old gentleman which could easily turn out to be a financial boon.
Karkat (Cancer)
Your efforts would meet stiff resistance and an extremely unpleasant situation could come about, curb such tendencies very firmly, failing which you would only have yourself to blame. The climate would also not be congenial for investment or launching any new ventures. Any such plans should, therefore, be shelved for the time being.
Best days: 9, 18
Lucky Colour: Red, Blue
Vrishchik (Scorpio)
Your career prospects are somewhat bleak. Some of you might develop a mean streak which would goad you on to unscrupulously exploiting your juniors and workers, as well as others below you in the social strata. Such tendencies should be firmly curbed, failing which a very unpleasant situation could come about for you. Vrischik (Scorpio)
Best days: 1, 3, 4
Lucky Colour: Red, Orange
Meen (Pisces)
This month a favourable set of circumstances would promote your good health leaving you no cause for any serious worry. Any predisposition to chronic colds and discharge of excess of mucous, etc would be significantly relieved. Those with piles can also look forward to a period of relief, and even cure, if treatment is taken up in right earnest.
Best days: 9, 18
Lucky Colour: Red, Blue
Best days: 1, 3, 4
Lucky Colour: White, Green, Blue
Lucky Colour: White, Green, Blue
Numbers - 5, 3, 6
Best days: 2, 7, 9
Lucky Colour: Red, Yellow, White
Lucky
# Lol !!!! A small argument between a couple turns violent. Husband says: Don’t let the animal in me come out.
Wife replies: Who’s afraid of a mouse!!!
# Always keep your spouse’s picture as mobile screen saver. Whenever you face a problem, see the picture & say: if I can handle this, I can handle anything! … Superb Attitude for Life!!
# If wife wants husband’s attention, she just has to look sad & uncomfortable.
If husband wants wife’s attention, he just has to look comfortable & happy.
# A Philosopher HUSBAND said: - Every WIFE is a ‘Mistress’ of her Husband… “Miss” for first year & “Stress” for rest of the life…
# Million Dollar Truth: If Saturday and Sunday Don’t Excite You, then change your Friends.
If Monday doesn’t motivate you, then change your profession. If Monday is too exciting, and you are dying to get to work then you should change your spouse!!
# Do you remember the tingling feeling when you took the decision to get married? That was common sense leaving your body.
# Generally, a man does
not go to the place again where he has been cheated once… But many people still go to their in-law’s place...????
# Pappu: Dad, l got selected for a role in a play for annual day! Dad: What role are you playing? Pappu: A husband! Dad: Stupid, ask for a role with dialogues!
# Man, outside phone booth: “Excuse me you are holding phone since 29 minutes and you haven’t spoken a word”. Man inside: “I am talking to my wife”
# A very intelligent girl was asked the meaning of marriage... She said- “sacrificing the admiration of hundred guys, to face the criticism of one idiot”.
# Position of a husband is just like a Split AC, No matter how loud he is outdoor, He is designed to remain silent indoor!
# Best one line ad by a married man on OLX For Sale – Wedding Suit, used only once by Mistake……
# Listening To your Wife…is like reading terms & conditions of a website. You understand nothing but still click on "I AGREE”.
# The sweetest msgHusband to wife: U should learn to embrace ur mistakes…... She hugged him tightly……
