USD 0.70`50AED 5BD 0.500 Vol 11 Issue No.129 Jul - Aug 2022 Will GoldHikeDutyBea Game Changer? Shri V.P. Nandakumar, MD & CEO Manappuram Finance Ltd. The Mystical City in Vietnam - Hanoi
Printer & publisher Pegasus Global Pvt. Ltd. Cochin (682033) on behalf of Ajit Ravi. Printed at S.T.Reddiar & Sons, P.B. No: 3627, Veekshanam Road, Cochin-18. Chief Mentor Mr. V.P. Nandakumar Director & CEO Jebitha Ajit Editor Ajit Ravi Legal Advisor Latha Anand B.S.Krishnan bskrishnanassociates@gmail.comAssociates Sub-Editor Anusha Varghese Associate Editor Ravi AthulyaSainiPradip Correspondents Dr. Thomas Nechupadam Vivek Venugopal- Quarter Mile Amrutha V Kumar Creative Design PEGASUS Cover Photographer PEGASUS Marketing USA 725, burning tree lane, punta gorda Florida-33982 Mob: +1 (863) 558-5234 UAEJolly Tel: +971 50 307 1125 Shaji N Palakkal 415, Building 23, Al Khail Gate, Al Quoz-2, Dubai, UAE Tel: +9714 4511075 JayasankarMaharashtraM a/101, New Prathamesh Niwas, OPP. Laxmi Park, Thakurli East, Dombivli post, Thane District, 421201 Mob: +91 9820708662 Tamil Nadu Joe Michael 305 1st Main Road, 3rd Cross Street, M K B Nagar, Vyasarpadi, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Pin- 600039 Mob: +91 9791006426 Karnataka, AndhrapradeshTelangana,PEGASUS Ph: 09288800999 Sunilkumar NN Vice President Shiny Justine Director Vineeth AmbalikaNairSaikia Ambalika_saikia@yahoo.com, Editorial Cover Owner,VigneshPhotographVijayakumarTheWealth-i Group Published at Pegasus Global Pvt. Ltd. L5-106, Changampuzha Nagar Kalamassery, Ernakulam-682 033 e-mail: Ph:0484uniquetimesindia@gmail.comeditor@uniquetimes.org2532040,2532080,Mob:9288800999
"Your incredible brain can take you from rags to riches, from loneliness to pop ularity, and from depression to happiness and joy - if you use it properly" - Brian Tracy. When someone has a strong desire in life, they will go to great lengths to get it. It is not done by daydreaming about it while sitting down, but rather by acting on it by stepping out into the world. People look at the accom plishments of others and persuade themselves that those people succeeded because they were adamant about doing it. If we want to go or do anything in this life, we must work hard for it. We must go out and strive for what we want; we cannot always sit back and take it easy. The same goes for Vignesh Vijayakumar, a Dubai based Malayalee businessman, our this month's cover story who from washing cars for 100 dirhams to being a multi-millionaire businessman is a story of rags to riches. In this edition, Manappuram Finance Limited MD and CEO V P Nandakumar expresses his thoughts on 'Will Gold Duty Hike Be A Game Changer'. Along with the aforesaid articles, the edition has all our regular articles from beauty, movie reviews, and book reviews to motivation and business articles.
“A dream doesn't become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work” - Colin Powell. Enjoy Reading!
14 CONTENTS 24 Will Gold Duty Hike Be a Game Changer? 28 Building a Scale Mindset 34 Science of SocialAddictionMedia 14 24 28 ‘GlobalTheSmart’Businessman COVERSTORY BUSINESSBUSINESS
CONTENTS 54 The Mystical City in VietnamHanoi 58 Mercedes C-Class 38 58 52 AUTO REVIEW TRAVELOGUE 54 BEAUTY 38 Tax Residency In IndiaFrom The Eyes of an Individual 50 Gadgets 52 Pomegranate The Ideal Nature’s Candy that Replenishes and Revitalises Your Beauty
“Don’t worry about being successful but work toward being significant and the success will naturally follow.” Oprah Winfrey 8 Jul - Aug 2022
Gautam Adani and his family have promised to pay Rs 60,000 crore, one of the largest charity contributions by an Indian corporate family, to support healthcare, education, and skill development, according to a statement from his lo gistics-to-energy conglomerate. The Adani Foundation will be in charge of the donation. The statement read, “There is an ever-growing need to focus on the areas of healthcare, educa tion, and skill development to exploit the potential of India’s demographic advantage”. The Adani Foundation has a wealth of expertise engaging with local communities on integrated development initiatives in all of these fields. Gautam Adani and his family’s dedication to philanthropy, according to a statement by Adani, “should set an example that we should all endeavour to live Mahatma Gandhi’s ideal of Trusteeship of Wealth at the top of our corporate success and need not wait for our sunset years.”
UNIQUE DIARY
Adani Family to Donate Rs 60K Crore With a Focus on Health, Education, Skill Zomato To Hike Stake in Blinkit In an effort to step up its game as competition in the quick-de livery industry heats up, food delivery company Zomato Ltd. is scheduled to acquire local grocery delivery startup Blinkit for 44.47 billion rupees ($568.16 million) in an all-stock deal. Rivals Swiggy, Dunzo, BigBasket, Zepto, and Reliance Indus tries-backed Dunzo are also betting on quick deliveries in the so-called quick commerce sector, which had a market value of $300 million last year and is anticipated to increase by 10-15 times to $5 billion by 2025, according to research firm Red Seer. Zomato announced earlier this year that it would invest up to $400 million in the Indian rapid commerce industry over the next two years. In August, Zomato paid approximately 5.18 billion rupees ($66.16 million) to acquire a stake of more than 9% in Blinkit. According to Zomato’s letter to shareholders on 24th June, Blinkit’s gross order value for May was 4.03 billion rupees.
Bank of Baroda (BoB), a public sector bank, has hiked inter est rates on fixed deposits below Rs 2 crore. The Bank of Baroda has hiked interest rates on June 8, 2022, after the Re serve Bank of India raised the repo rate. The bank has hiked interest rates on fixed deposits of one to three years. The re vised rates will apply to new and renewed deposits. The re vised rates came into effect from June 15. Deposits maturing in seven days to 45 days will earn 2.80 per cent interest and maturities maturing in 46 to 180 days will earn 3.70 per cent interest. Fixed deposits with a maturity of 181 days to 270 days earn an interest rate of 4.30 per cent. Deposits with a maturity of 271 days to one year earn an interest rate of 4.40 per cent. One year fixed deposits earn 5 per cent interest and one to two year fixed deposits earn 5.45 per cent. Deposits of two to three years earn an interest rate of 5.50 per cent. The bank offers an interest rate of 5.35 per cent for deposits of up to 10 years.
Bank of Baroda Raises Interest Rates on Fixed Deposits
UNIQUE DIARY
COVID Untangles the ‘Racket,’ Which Includes a BPO, Discounted Air India Tickets, and Unpaid Dues
“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” Walt Disney When a Chandigarh-based travel agent called Air India’s custom er service centre in February last year to get clarification on a Kathmandu flight he was about to book for a passenger, he unwittingly became a part of a scam that cost him and others over Rs 50 lakh. The nefarious operation, which involved booking Air India tickets through a two-decade-old BPO company IGT Solutions without paying the air line, went off without a hitch until the second wave of Covid19 hit the country, after which it began to unravel and come apart at the seams. Last February, the agent dialled an Air India customer service num ber in Gurgaon, seeking clarification on the name sample for tickets he was booking for a Kathmandu-bound flight. IGT Solutions, which manages the Air India call centre, promised him a callback from one of their customer service representatives. Soon after, he received a name from someone claiming to be an Air India consultant who was assisting him with his business. Simultaneously, Air India became aware of an accounting discrepancy in the amount it expected to receive from IGT Solutions for tickets it believes were issued on the airline’s behalf by the BPO firm.
10 Jul - Aug 2022
On the Mushrooming of Electric Vehicle Startups, Rajiv Bajaj Had This to Say
"An entrepreneur tends to bite off a little more than he can chew hoping he’ll quickly learn how to chew it."
Roy Ash 11Jul - Aug 2022
Welcome to India, Tesla and Elon Musk, but…: Heavy Industries Minister
Rajiv Bajaj, the Managing Director of Bajaj Auto, took aim on 10th June, at the exploding number of electric vehicle (EV) startups and a series of recent fires in some EVs, questioning the underlying manufacturing process. Mr. Bajaj, who spoke at the in auguration of Bajaj Auto's wholly-owned subsidiary Chetak Tech nology Ltd's dedicated electric vehicle manufacturing facility in Akurdi, said that people who have no business in the EV business are attempting to enter it. "The issue is not the fire itself. This (such incidents) happened in vehicles with internal combustion engines as well. The issue is the underlying process of the manu facturing," he said. Mr. Bajaj stated that the company has kept its promise to commission this project by June and that this focused, integrated, and agile facility will power Chetak's return to the fu ture.
Elon Musk and Tesla are welcome to visit India, but the government will not compromise in any way on the Aatmanirbhar Bharat or self-reliant India policy, Union minister Mahendra Nath Pandey said on 18th June. American electric carmaker Tesla, which has been seeking a reduction in import duties to sell its vehicles in India, will not manufacture its products locally unless it is first allowed to sell and service its vehicles in the country, company founder and CEO Elon Musk said. “Tesla will not build a factory in any location where we are not permitted to sell and service cars first,” Musk wrote in a tweet in response to a user who inquired about Tesla’s plans to build a factory in India. Musk stated in August of last year that Tesla may establish a manufacturing facility in India if it succeeds with imported automobiles in the nation first. India currently charges a 100% import duty on fully imported cars with a CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) value of more than USD 40,000 and a 60% levy on those costing less.
French Screen Icon Jean-LouisDiesTrintignantAged91
Russia’s New Version of McDonald's Unveils Logo As it prepares to reopen its restaurants on 12th June, the Russian fast food chain that was formerly known as McDonald’s in the country has unveiled its new logo. A circle and two lines appear in the new branding, which are said to represent a burger and two French fries. Although a number of options have reportedly been considered, the company has not yet revealed the name of the chain. McDon ald’s announced in May that it would leave Russia due to the conflict in Ukraine. “The logo’s green background represents the high qual ity of products and service that our guests have come to expect,” a Sistema PBO spokesperson told TASS. The new logo, according to social media users, still looks like a “M.” Others speculated that the new logo was inspired by Bangladesh’s flag, which has a dark green background and a red circle in shades similar to the new logo. Siste ma PBO has submitted eight potential names for the new chain to Rospatent, the Russian government agency in charge of intellectual property, according to the newspaper Izvestia. “Tot Samyi,” which means “the same,” and “Svobodnaya Kassa,” which means “available cash register,” are among the names reportedly being considered.
Jean-Louis Trintignant, a well-known French actor who appeared in over 100 films, has died at the age of 91. Three Colors: Red, Z, The Conformist, and Amour – which won an Oscar and the Palme d’Or –starred Trintignant. In 2003, after his daughter Ma rie was battered to death by her rock star boyfriend, the celebrity received widespread popular sympathy in France. His wife informed the AFP news agency that he died early 17th June in the southern Gard region “surrounded by loved ones.” Trintignant, who was born on December 11, 1930, grew up in the midst of the horrors of World War Two and was sent as a young conscript to Algeria, then a French territory. His first notable film role was alongside Brigitte Bardot, with whom he apparently had a brief and highly publicised romance while filming the 1956 romantic comedy And God Created Woman. Trintignant was known for shun ning the spotlight, stating in one of his final interviews with the French newspaper Nice-Matin that stardom “didn’t interest” him. Trintignant had previously lost another child, Pauline, as a baby. A cancer-stricken Trintignant made his final appearance at the Cannes Film Festival in 2019 after a career that spanned more than six decades and included attempts at directing.
12 Jul - Aug 2022
Allies, on the other hand, should “better focus on how to put Russia in its place” as it “humiliates itself,” according to Dmytro Kuleba. Mr Macron has spoken with Mr Putin on the phone several times in an attempt to broker a ceasefire and negotiations. The French efforts to maintain contact with Putin contrast sharply with the US and UK po sitions. “Calls to avoid humiliating Russia can only humiliate France and every other country that would call for it,” Foreign Minister Ku leba said in a tweet. Mr Macron had previously told French regional media that Russian President Vladimir Putin had “isolated himself.” “I believe, and I told him so,” he said, “that he made a historic and fundamental error for his people, for himself, and for history.” “Iso lating oneself is one thing,” he continued, “but getting out of it is a difficult path.”Mario Draghi, Italy’s prime minister, has sided with Mr Macron, saying Europe wants “some credible negotiations.”
Ukraine’s foreign minister has slammed French President Em manuel Macron for stating that Russia must not be humiliated as a result of its invasion. Mr. Macron stressed the importance of President Vladimir Putin having a way out of a “fundamental error.”
Nike issued a statement saying, “Nike has de cided to exit the Russian market.” As we sen sibly reduce our activities over the upcoming months, our first focus is to make sure we are adequately supporting our staff. Since the in vasion, as the West and its allies have imposed sanctions and multinational corporations have fled the country, Russia has become more and more economically isolated. According to its website, Nike has more than 50 stores in Russia, with nearly a third of them being closed.
Since the invasion of Ukraine in February, Nike is the most recent Western company to announce plans to depart Russia. In March, the US sportswear juggernaut stopped accept ing online orders and shut its local stores. Lo cal partners’ stores continued to be open, but the company is ending their contracts with them. Networking behemoth Cisco recently an nounced that it would begin to completely cease operations in Belarus and Russia. McDonald’s and Starbucks are two additional businesses that have recently finalised their exit strategies.
Nike Latest Brand to Leave Russia Permanently
For more info: europetimes.co
13Jul - Aug 2022
‘Don’t humiliate Russia,’ Macron says, inciting outrage in Ukraine
COVERCOVERSTORYSTORY
‘GlobalThe BusinessmanSmart’
Although Vignesh had an adminis trative job, an old habit of waking up early, taught by his father stayed even after he migrated to Dubai. After freshening up, Vignesh picks a pack of microfiber cloth, a bucket and liquid cleaner and steps outside his home while humanity at large sleep in Dubai. Then he trots over to a spot where over a dozen cars are parked in the neighbour hood, all waiting to be washed. Till 7 AM, Vignesh then starts his morning chore of washing cars. Every day he would wash 14 cars to earn that extra buck. “So early in the morning there was no other job that a young man could do in Dubai,” says Vignesh who currently runs a multimillion conglomerate. “I used to earn 100 dirhams for a car wash. My body clock woke me up early and this was the only job that was available at that time. I did this job for 7 months,” chuckles Vi gnesh, lovingly called by his friends and colleague as Vickii. Today, its been 18 years, from washing cars to owning a fleet of 13 luxury cars, Vignesh has come a long
Vignesh Vijayakumar’s success story from an ordinary office administrator to being the brain behind a million-business conglomerate filled with grit, grace and grinding life experiences. It was a cold December morning in Dubai in 2005. As the clock struck 4.30 AM, nineteen-yearold Vignesh Vijayakumar sprung out of his bed in a jiffy. In a place like Dubai waking up early for work was something uncommon, especially for those involved in a 9-to-5 job.
14 Jul - Aug 2022
15Jul - Aug 2022
16 Jul - Aug 2022 COVERCOVERSTORYSTORY
The toughest time of my life grounded me. It gave me a real insight into who my real friends were. The challenge made me a more focused individual with stern resolve, says Vignesh. way in terms of growth and is one of the most sought young businessmen in the GCC. But the rise of his business verti cals was no rosy tale.
Vignesh Vijayakumar's Parents Near Mahindra Thar Auctioned from Guruvayoor Temple
17Jul - Aug 2022
Vignesh who hails from Angad ipuram in Malappuram district started his career as an administration officer at a dairy brand in Dubai and today he runs a multi-million business empire and has perched his feet on various ver ticals like manpower supply, real estate, trading, hotel management, events, and talent management along with Eques trian business where he owns 61 high bred horses. “I do own 61 horses and 3 elephants and have established the Equestrian businesses in Aurangabad, Rajasthan as well as in the home district of Malappuram,” says Vignesh. While washing cars, Vignesh had the thirst for prosperity. His only ability was his relentless pursuit of excellence. Ad ditionally, to cater his needs, he travelled long distances and took tuition for elite families in the gulf. During this time, he realised that many people need a liaison officer who would convert visiting visas to employment.“Backthen, I had to go somewhere in the neighbouring countries to en able an employment visa. Most went to Kasab in Oman and Kish in Iran,” he describes. Vickii also chose Kasab for this. This, however, turned out to be a business idea for the young man. Many times, people including Keralites used to get stuck in Kasab and Kish as visa changes were delayed due to unforeseen reasons. Vignesh too had to go through the harrowing experience of securing a visa. During that time, he met more than 300 natives of the Philippines who were stuck in Kasab. Vicky helped them return to the UAE. “That's how the ini tiative to arrange visa change and other facilities for travellers started. Later, the business expanded in collaboration with an Iranian company,” and added that it provided him with a steady extra
The Company Sri Global FZ-LLC, UAE; Global Smart Trading LLC, UAE; Global Smart Star Busi nessman Services, UAE; Al Arabia Business Center, UAE; S A I Real Estate, UAE; 7-Star Hospitality and Events, UAE; GSBG Business Consultants Pvt Ltd, India; Triniti Eques trian Club LLP, India, Google Overseas Consultants, Nepal and Global Star Consultants, Vignesh Vijayakumar has always excelled in the atrocities of life, becoming the Top 30 Millionaires under the age of 30 in Dubai, UAE. Besides that, he has also been an active part of the socialite
18 Jul - Aug 2022 COVERCOVERSTORYSTORY
income. Sensing opportunity in this arena, Vignesh ventured into enabling Visas. Slowly be tween 2006 and 2009, his cli ent base grew and he set up a full-fledged visa services office in Dubai. “I used to oversee visa approval for at least 700 people every month through my first business venture,” remembers Vignesh.In2009, the visa rules in the Gulf changed and this hit his business as well. Around the same time, a Pakistani business partner cheated Vignesh and is sued cheques to his employees to whom he owed money with out the knowledge of Vignesh. After it, he left the country. Vignesh got caught in the legal quagmire and took a few years to clear himself from the legal and financial mess. “The toughest time of my life grounded me. It gave me a real insight into who my real friends were. The chal lenge made me a more focused individual with stern resolve,” says Vignesh. But as good luck would have it, a distant friend, a Chinese national came out to the rescue of Vignesh. She loaned him 15000-dirhams to clear all his financial mess. “God has been kind to me. When closest people around me disowned me during times of trouble, it was an acquaintance that bailed me out of a very dif ficult situation. I find this as an act of grace,” reckons Vignesh, “When my fortunes turned in my favour, I paid her back all that was borrowed.”
functions.variousparticipatingworld,ineventsand
The company incorporates business setup, Public Relation works or any unmatched professional competence quality service.
Kyrgyzstan are some of the vertical businesses that come under his par ent company, The Wealth-i Group.
Global Smart Star Businessmen Ser vice, Dubai and Al Arabia Business Center, Dubai, provide a wide range of services that aim to facilitate businessmen and entrepreneurs to achieve their goals and establish suc cessful business activities in Dubai.
19Jul
“I found a foothold in setting up a PR firm in Dubai that allowed me to expand my business base after -
Aug 2022
20 Jul - Aug 2022 COVERCOVERSTORYSTORY
resolving all the legal problems in 2010,” says Vignesh. His wide experience over many years in cludes business acquisitions and disposals. Over the last decade, Vignesh has been in charge of setting up businesses in the UAE for clients and providing various services and facilities. He is also involved in providing administra tive facilitative services to clients in their day-to-day liaison with government offices. He is sup ported by a dedicated network of back-office service providers including typists, translators and access providers. He also carries out many support activi ties relating to the restructuring of Companies.Thecompany’s array of ser vices includes PRO services, im migration services, travel docu ment and visa services, UAE golden Visa and passport servic es, all types of legal translation services, foreign migration ser vices, consulate services and of fice design and flexi desk setup.
"The vision is to lead the way to promote 'ShineIndia' and provide professional services to NRI and foster entrepreneurial spirit,"says Vignesh.
LATEST VENTURE
21Jul - Aug 2022
"The initiative envisions is a humble way for me to en gage in activites which will emotionally connect each Indian staying out of India, and feel proud of being an Indian - through Relevant Technologies," adds Vignesh.
Vignesh launched his new venture IND-i on July 7 this year at the Wealth-i's Global Corpo rate Head Office in Dubai. The initiative aims to boost entrepreneurship for Indians living outside the country as well as those in the country with opportunities to connect with the global world.
The launch of IND-i was blessed by Senior Monk from BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, His Holiness Swa miji Brahmavihari Das.
The Farmstay at Al Helio in Ajman, named “Good Earth” operated under Seven Star Hos pitality and Events is serving public with high ratings. Seven Star also has chauffeur driven luxury cars, including Merc Via
no, Cadillac and various other classy models.Hispassion for horse racing, stud farms has made him to own 62 Mar wari horses in 3 stations in India and 3 Arabian horses in Dubai.
Recently Vignesh hogged the limelight after he bought a Mahin dra Thar through an auction which was gifted to Guruvayur Temple by a devotee. The car was bought by Vignesh for a whopping 43 lakhs (plus GST) which was more than double the on-road price of the ve hicle. When asked about the lavish expenditure, Vignesh responded that his parents are staunch devotees of Guruvayurappan, the presiding deity at Guruvayur Temple. “I didn’t look at the price tag. I bought it as a gift for my parents who are regular visi tors to the grand temple.” Vignesh, who is also a wellknown car enthusiast in Dubai, owns 12 vehicles including luxury cars in his collection. 'Even though I had dreamt of having a fleet of cars when I was young, I was not in a financial position to own them. Later with the blessings of Guruv ayurappan, all of them became pos sible. These include Ferrari, Bentley, Maybach and Rolls Royce. But any vehicle, including the one that is go ing to come and the one that is now, is not worth as much as the Thar received today,' says Vignesh, provid ing a streak of his spiritual streak.
COVERCOVERSTORYSTORY 22 Jul - Aug 2022
Vijayakumar has always excelled in the atrocities of life, be coming the Top 30 Millionaires un der the age of 30 in Dubai, UAE. Be sides that, he has also been an active part of the socialite world, participat ing in various events and functions.
AUTOMOBILE CRAZE
Success Secret Vignesh takes an anecdote of a war situation and says the person who has taken part in war can un derstand the finer lines and provide more clarity as well as a bout of ex perience in comparison with some one who describes it after reading a book.Vignesh
“My life has been my biggest teacher. I have seen the peaks and valleys of business. I have had rich experiences of failure and also have been exposed to myriads of chal lenges. It is these challenges that carved my road to success.” Vignesh also credits his success to being a gogetter attitude. “Back then when I decided to run away from the legal proceedings which I would have to face, I found a stranger in the de sert sand who said every prosperity that the country has made has come from the speck of sand. That insight moved me. I decided to face the con sequences.Vignesh confronted and resolved the legal issues. “Patience is anoth er virtue that builds success. In life and business if one is impatient to face problems and challenges then it is very difficult for him to excel,” points out Vignesh.
“I am not a religious person. But I am spiritual and believe in the cosmic order of things. I do have a personal spiritual guru and he has guided me in all my important deci sions,” says Vignesh. Belief in Numerology
Vignesh’s life lessons are very much connected to numbers. He believes that the use of numbers to interpret a person's character or to divine the future – which has made him attracted to 7. He says “7 is a sign of wealth,
“We plan to open several train ing centres across India to impart knowledge and job skills. The cen tres will be opened on a non-profit basis. This is my humble give back to the country,” says Vignesh. With an aim to empower women and develop youth, he plans to link his skilling and training initiatives to focus more on these categories in the initial phase.
Philanthropy Vignesh who understands the perils of not having enough skills to secure a job, plans to open training centres across India which would help youngsters to be trained with job-specific skillsets.
and wealth is not just money, it is a connection you made with your emotions”. His recent auc tion of the controversial Mahin dra Thar Car at Guruvayur also had 7-attached to it. The closed tender had an amount of INR 25 Lacs, and he won the auction at a whopping INR 43 Lacs. Both, 25 and 43, numbers when individu ally added makes up 7. Wealth-i’s headquarters in Dubai has 7 companies, headed by 7 talented management team.
Serve NRI Society Vignesh has been an NRI since 2006 and he is aware of var ious concerns faced by this sect. Himself being a businessman and engaging rightly with NRIs by pro viding them with superior quality service, both within and outside India, has been a dream for him. He will be launching an initia tive with Government’s blessings, for connecting each NRI back to his roots efficiently through tech nological interventions and high quality trackable services
23Jul - Aug 2022
Tough times call for tough measures and the Union government on July 1 opted for the decisive step of raising effective import duty on gold to 15% from 10.75%. The basic customs duty on gold was 7.5 per cent and this was increased to 12.5 per cent. When agriculture developmentinfrastructurecess(AIDC) of 2.5 per cent is added, the effective duty becomes 15 perThecent.move came in the wake of the rupee touching a new low of 78.97 against the US dollar. Despite frequent interventions by the Central Bank, the rupee has depreciated by over 5% against the dollar this year. Foreign exchange reserves are declining and the country’s trade deficit had ballooned to a whopping $24.9 billion in May from $6.53 billion in the same month last year. Burgeoning gold imports have long been perceived as a major contributor to the current account deficit. There is every justification for the government imposing a higher duty on gold imports. But what we need to consider is, what will be the fallout of this and will it have any significant Burgeoning gold imports have long been perceived as a major contributor to the current account deficit. There is every justification for the government imposing a higher duty on gold imports.
BUSINESS
Will Gold Duty Hike Be a Game Changer? 24 Jul - Aug 2022
Shri ManappuramV.P.NandakumarMD&CEOFinanceLtd.
impact?The rationale behind the latest move is that once the import duty is increased, the price of gold will shoot up, bringing down the demand for the yellow metal, which in turn will stanch the demand for dollars and bring down the trade deficit. According to an estimate by the World Gold Council, gold imports by India touched its highest level in a decade in 2021. Since last year, the country’s gold purchases have been escalating even further. This May alone, according to government sources, 107 tonnes of gold was imported. India, the world's second-biggest gold consumer after China, had imported gold worth $46.14 billion during 2021-22, 33.34% higher than the USD 34.62 billion imported in 2020-21.Expectedly, gold prices in the physical market rose by Rs 900 on July 1, in the wake of the duty hike, and another Rs 500 on Monday (July 3) to reach Rs 52,340 per 10 gm. There were significant gains on the Multi Commodity Exchange of India too. Subsequently, however, gold pricesThestabilised.million-dollar question is whether the government’s game plan of stopping the slide of the rupee and bridging the gap between the country’s exports and imports will be successful. As we know, it is not only the outgo on gold imports that has been hitting the economy hard. The Covid crisis as also the war in Ukraine have pushed up the price of crude oil, coal, edible oil and fertilisers, causing inflation and boosting the demand for dollars.Another key question is whether the hike in customs duty will dissuade Indians from acquiring their customary quota of gold. History tells us that the answer is ‘no’. As far back as 2013, a series of curbs were brought in including serial hikes in customs duty when there was a current deficit crisis in the country. Policy makers saw gold as a villain even at that time and set about discouraging its consumption. But the demand for gold has only gone up and up. -
25Jul
Aug 2022
(V.P. Nandakumar is MD & CEO of Manappuram Finance Ltd. Views are personal.)
It goes without saying then that we need more imaginative strategies to ease the pressure on the rupee and the widening current account deficit
Contrast this with the official loan market – banks and NBFCs –that accounts for only 1,000 tonnes of gold. The customers are either from the middle class or lower middle class. You also need to consider that the organised market constitutes only one third of the business, while the unorganised market, made up of money lenders and small-time jewellers, is estimated to be two thirds. So, there is a lot of potential yet to be tapped. Asirvad, the group’s micro finance company, lends to the poorest of the poor and even these people possess gold. Indians do not invest in gold thinking that it is a hedge against inflation. They buy gold because they attach a lot of sentimental value to it. In short, the hike is not going to impact jewelleries or gold loan companies or imports, which will happen either through official or unofficial channels.
In my view, there will be demand and good sales when the collective mood is upbeat. After all, gold prices had skyrocketed to 5,200 in the past and we did not see any drop in sales because of it. Today, it is only around 4,700. Like it or not, Indians have a special fascination for the yellow metal and the country boasts of the largest stockpile of gold in the world. The centuries-old obsession is unlikely to vanish all of a sudden. As jewellers and representatives of gold merchants’ bodies have pointed out, the sudden spurt in customs duty raises the spectre of a sharp increase in gold smuggling into the country, which will result in loss of revenue for the government. When there is a significant difference in value, between unaccounted market transactions and official transactions, it is not hard to understand that it will result in an increased flow of gold through unaccounted channels. Our systems are not that fool proof. So, smuggling is bound to increase and this will defeat the government’s purpose to some extent. Yet another danger is that the money earned from illegal transactions could be used for unholy activities. I don’t expect imports to come down, since India is not a big producer of gold. There will be some revenue increase for the government but the intention of reducing the import of gold may not get fulfilled. Since there is demand, gold is likely to come in through the greyAsmarket.forthe gold loan industry, there is going to be no adverse impact. The Manappuram group had commissioned a pioneering study a decade and a half ago, which revealed that families in India had about 18,000 to 20,000 tonnes of gold. Every year, gold to the tune of 1,000 tonnes is imported. So, you are talking about 35,000-40,000 tonnes lying at Indian homes, which amounts to 60-65 per cent of the country’s GDP.
26 Jul - Aug 2022 BUSINESS
MindsetaBuildingScale
Data and Analytics give deep insights into the customers and other stakeholders and predict patterns and use the footprint to plan growth. Even computational biology could allow us to improve life on the planet in ways unimaginable.
BUSINESSRajesh
Nair Associate Partner, & Young LLP
28 Jul - Aug 2022
Ernst
There is a spurt in entrepreneur ship across the globe. Ideas that can change the world are not the domain of inventors and scientists but a motley crew of en terprises people across age groups, caste creeds, and nationalities. This new crop of enterprising individuals has changed the way we think of growth, the quan tum of growth and the time frame of growth. This phenomenon has also add ed a new word to the popular business lexicon – SCALE! While it is a typical word that has multiple meanings across subjects and contexts, in business - Scal ing a business means setting the stage to enable and support growth in your company. It means having the ability to grow without being hampered. It re quires planning, some funding, and the right systems, staff, processes, technol ogy, and partners. Scale is broadly classified as a strat egy and a set of techniques for driving and managing quantum rapid growth that prioritizes speed over efficiency in an environment of uncertainty. It is the catalyst that allows a firm or an entity to grow at a furious that knocks the wind out of your competition. The mantra has been – GET BIG FAST! This will call for doing things that defies conventional business wisdom. These are also entre preneurs who capitalised on disruptions in various walks of life. They used these disruptions to spread more benefits and create new opportunities for society at large. The integral concept of scale is also being able to create an ecosystem where people are part of building the future rather than feeling like the fu ture is being thrust upon them. Scaling
The companies of the past placed a premium on concepts of certainty and efficiency. Most com panies after the start-up phase gave more time and attention to doing the same things they created with greater efficiency and alacrity. But while this concept is inherently intuitive and very important in the context of stably established busi ness scenarios, they do not offer enough guidance and directions to the innovators. When the market is waiting to be captured, the risk is not inefficiency but the risk is to play too safe. The technology companies of today have reset the world’s clock speed for change (the rate at which Central Processing Units work). This makes change come at you at a much faster pace. Reid Hoffman who is the founder of LinkedIn ex pounds on the virtues of this phe nomenon. He talks of applications of these concepts in different fields of science. Precision Medicine will use computing power to revolutionize medical care. Smart grids use soft ware to dramatically improve power efficiency and enable the spread of renewable energy sources. Data and Analytics give deep insights into the customers and other stakeholders and predict patterns and use the footprint to plan growth. Even com putational biology could allow us to improve life on the planet in ways unimaginable.Themost seminal concept in this context is network effects – twosided business models. A product or a service is subject to positive net work effects when increased usage by any user increases the value of the product or service for other us ers. Some of the classical examples we see around us are UBER / OLA – the more drivers join the network, the more vehicles are available and more passengers can avail the ser vice. When more passengers come
29Jul - Aug 2022
is what gives meaning to innovation too. Ideas gather attention when they understand the principles of how they work. Scaling makes inno vation trendy and relevant in today’s business landscape.
30 Jul - Aug 2022 BUSINESS
into the network, it encourages new drivers to join the network as well. Swiggy/Zomato is another ex ample – the more restaurants join the network, the more choice the customer gets and more use the network. As more customers come in, more restaurants get attracted to the network. LinkedIn wants to at tract more professionals looking to network and to look for work. The more the subscribers are the more companies use the platform and eve ryone benefits from it. With these kinds of businesses, you can’t start small and hope to grow incrementally year on year. The product or service is still in its infan cy stage until it is widely adopted and till then it offers little value. Market pundits typically advise that the business has to get past the ‘tipping point’ where the demand curve in tersects with the supply curve. The recent trend is that companies sub sidise their customers in an attempt to manipulate the demand curve to reach that tipping point faster. Much of the tranche they raise from their VCs go into this. But the entire construct of 'scal ing up' is a mindset. We cannot nor mally look at the business and plan single-digit growth. There are no in cremental improvements anymore and the core theme needs to be the ability to grow in multiples and not in percentages. The charm is in converting the limiters in the mar ketplace into your leverage points. As buyers and sellers pour in, the marketplace becomes more attrac tive to all stakeholders triggering a positive feedback loop that this ring fences the business making it very difficult for any new entrant into the business. The more liquid the marketplace becomes, the dynamic forces of supply and demand will price their transactions better than any human judgment or market mechanism. The fastest and more direct journey from startup to scaleup is the hypergrowth and this does not come from a set of definite lin ear steps – it comes from a mindset that refuses to agree on incremental growth and builds systems to enable quantum leaps!
31Jul - Aug 2022
When we experience more dopamine after using social media, our brain identifies this activity as a rewarding one that we ought to repeat. Such a re action may be more felt whenever we make a post of our own and gain positive feedback.
Due to the effect that it has on the brain, social media is addictive both physically and psychologically.
So, how does a seemingly harmless hobby turn into an “Addiction”? According to a new study by Harvard University, self-disclosure on social networking sites lights up the same part of the brain that also ignites when taking an addic tive substance. Like other types of behavioral addictions, using social media can influence our brains in harmful ways. We may use social media compulsively and excessively. We can become so accustomed to scrolling through posts, images, and videos that it interferes with other areas of our life. Not everyone who uses social media will develop an addiction. Since this activity is becoming more accessible to more people, more people may develop an addiction to social media at some point in their lives. Why is social media so addicting?
While social media can seem like mindless and relaxing fun, it actually has a significant effect on our brain. When we get a social media notifica tion, our brain sends the chemical messenger dopamine along a reward pathway, which makes us feel good. Hence dopamine is called the re ward hormone. These neurotrans mitters are related to pleasure and hence associated with food, exercise, love, sex, gambling, drugs, and now social media. Dopamine is a chemi cal produced in various parts of your brain and controls moods, motiva tion, and our sense of reward. Dopamine means that the an ticipation is greater than the re ward: the urge to check that text is greater than the satisfaction we feel once we’ve read it and we can some times experience a little low when the text wasn’t what we expected. When we get an alert on our phone, we’re unsure. It could be anything, a text, e-mail, a reply on Twitter, or a Facebook message, we don’t know until we check it out nor do we know who’s it from or what it’s about. Do pamine loves that. When we experience more do pamine after using social media, our brain identifies this activity as a rewarding one that we ought to re peat. Such a reaction may be more felt whenever we make a post of our own and gain positive feedback. The
Whether we use social media to connect with friends and loved ones, watch videos, or simply “kill time,” the popularity of this pas time has increased significantly over the last decade. This is especially the case in children and teenagers, as well as young to middle-aged adults.
HEALTH 34 Jul - Aug 2022
Dr Arun Oommen MBBS, MS (Gen Surg), MCh (Neurosurgery), MRCSEd,MBA Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon VPS Lakeshore Hospital NH-47, Bypass, Maradu, Nettoor PO, Kochi 682040, India.
Science of Social Media Addiction
A recent study by Harvard Uni versity shows evidence as to why so cial media platforms are so popular and highly addictive for many peo ple. Through a series of ex periments, the researchers learned that the act of dis closing information about oneself activates the same part of the brain that is associated with the sensa tion of pleasure, the same pleasure that we get from eating food, getting money, or even having sex. The study made it clear that our brain considers self-disclosure to be a re warding experience none theless. The researchers found that the regions of the brain associated with reward were strongly en gaged when people were talking about themselves, and less engaged when they were talking about someone else. So not only do we use social media to stay con nected with others, but we also use it as a way to boost our self-esteem. Even though social media use is usually harmless, it’s important
gazingconnectioncortex,tivityexperiencedpicturesemotion-captionedtheonsocialmediamajorac-intheirprefrontalrevealingasocialjustfromataphoto.
People looking at
35Jul - Aug 2022
People looking at the emotioncaptioned pictures on social media experienced major activity in their prefrontal cortex, revealing a so cial connection just from gazing at a photo. They found the same pat tern of brain-behavior when people took a mental break, leading them to conclude that we’re wired to seek out other people whenever we’re not working.Blame that social media stalking on our dorsomedial prefrontal cor tex, the brain structure responsible for making us see the world through a social lens. When this part of our brain is activated, we are more perceptive of other people and can make faster judgments about what emotions they may be feeling.
positive feelings experienced by so cial media users are only temporary. The way our brain engages in this positive reinforcement is also seen in other addictions. Social media mim ics human connection, prompting dopamine release when we get likes and comments. Thus, as the feelgood dopamine wears off, we will go back to the source (in this case, social media) for more. In some cases, social media can be a welcome distraction if we are isolated due to work or an illness. The more we engage, the more our brain will tell us that this is an activ ity that can help reduce loneliness (which may not necessarily be the case,Whenactually).we need a mental break, our brains crave social interaction.“The social nature of our
brains is biologically based.“When we want to take a break from work, the brain network that comes on is the same network we use when we’re looking through our social media timeline and seeing what our friends are up to.”
•diaUsing social media to the point that it negatively affects different areas of your life, like work, school, and relationships
•nessAnxiety
•
• Using social media as a way to cope with negative emotions
• Experiencing negative feelings, like anxiety and irritability, when you can’t access social media
Social media portrays a false sense of reality that detriments the mental health of heavy users. It has a significant influence on the world, and is glamorized by users and influencers but has negative effects on mental health that can even turn fatal.
• Social media use lead to de creased, disrupted, and delayed sleep, especially if you use social media right before bedtime., which is associated with depression, mem ory loss, and poor academic perfor mance. Social media use can affect users' physical health even more physical activity, which may affect our overall health Poor grades or work performance
•
• Thinking about social media of ten when you’re not using it
• Onset of social anxiety disorder
• A fear of missing out, which can lead to even more social media usage
• Spending less time doing other activities, hobbies, or spending time with others in order to use social me
Low self-esteem, which may be prompted by incorrect perceptions that others’ lives are “better” than ours-Increased isolation and loneli or depression
36 Jul - Aug 2022 HEALTH
to not become too dependent on it and have an extreme addiction. Too much social media activity can im pact academics, relationships, and other parts of one’s life. What are the downsides of social media addiction? Engaging in social media once in a while is unlikely to be harmful. However, there are negative effects to consider when overusing social media. Social media portrays a false sense of reality that detriments the mental health of heavy users. It has a significant influence on the world, and is glamorized by users and in fluencers but has negative effects on mental health that can even turn fatal.Research also shows that heavy social media use is linked with mem ory deficits, especially in our trans active memory. This kind of memory involves deciding what information is important enough to store in our brain and what information can be outsourced. Possible downsides of social media include-
•directly.Decreased
•
Amongst the most widely-recog nised causes of addiction to social media are low self-esteem, personal dissatisfaction, depression and hy peractivity, and even lack of affec tion. Many young people seek them out almost compulsively to experi ence an intense, but always a fleet ing feeling of satisfaction that nev ertheless can be counter-productive by making them dependent, in the long term, on the opinions of others. The usual profile of the addict is a young person aged between 16 and 24. Adolescents are at the highest risk of falling into addiction. Experts say, for three basic reasons: their tendency to be impulsive, their need for a widespread and growing social influence, and finally, the ne cessity for them to reaffirm their group identity.
• Ignoring the relationships in our “real” life
Signs that you may be addicted to social media include-
Reduced ability to empathize with others
Causes And Profile Of People Addicted To Social Media
• Spending a large amount of time on social media
1. Test of residency under the Act In accordance with the provi sions of section 6 of the Act, an in dividual is said to be a resident if he satisfies any of the below-mentioned tests:
The Income Tax Act leaves the choice to the citizen to be in India and be treated as a resident for purposes of taxation or be not in India so as to avail the status of a non-resident. The simple test the muster of which is to be passed is the minimum prescribed period of presence in India in a particular financial year.
FINANCE
TAX RESIDENCY IN INDIAFROM THE EYES OF AN INDIVIDUAL
a. The individual is present in India for a period of at least 182 days during the concerned financial year;b.ORThe individual is present in India for a period of at least 60 days in the concerned year and at least 365 days in the aggregate in the im mediately four preceding years. It deserves mention that the period of 60 days in condition (b) would stand increased to 182/ 120 days in the following cases:
Adv Sherry Samuel Oommen: This article is authored by Adv Sherry Samuel Oommen. Adv Oommen, who spe cializes in constitution, tax and corporate laws has also cleared the final exams of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, the Institute of Cost Accountants of India and the Institute of Company Secretaries of India. He has also completed his Masters Degree in Commerce, apart from obtaining a Post Graduate Diploma in Business and Corporate Laws from Symbiosis Pune. The views expressly are personal and should not be construed as a legal opinion.sherryoommen@nashcp.com.
It's that time of the year when returns have to be filed. It is also that time of the year when one would expect the portal of the Department to crash and drama arising consequent to the same be ing a hyped topic. I would hope that this year would be a different year. Moving on, I have been receiving queries primarily from my friends in the NRI community regarding their tax residency in India, deemed tax residency, et al and the basis of de termining the same. As a precursor, it must be noted that tax residency in India is determined based on the number of days spent by an indi vidual in India. The related test of residency is enumerated in Section 6 of the Income-tax Act, 1961 (“the Act”).
i. Employment outside India- In the case of an Indian citizen who leaves India as a member of a crew of an Indian ship or for the purpose
38 Jul - Aug 2022
of taking up employment outside India, the 60-day threshold in con dition (b) stands enhanced to 182 days. It would be relevant to note that the said benefit applies ONLY to an Indian citizen and not to an individual holding an OCI card.
ii. Visit related- An Indian citizen or a person of Indian origin comes on a visit to India and has Indian sourced income: i. Exceeding INR 1.5 million – The 60 day threshold stands in creased to 120 days ii. Not exceeding INR 1.5 mil lion – The 60-day threshold stands increased to 182 days. The Act has now introduced a concept of a deemed tax resident even if he qualifies as a non-resi dent under either (a) or (b) above. Such an individual would qualify as a resident if he has Indian sourced income exceeding INR 1.5 million and is not liable to tax in any oth er jurisdiction by reason of his/ her domicile or residence or any other criteria of similar nature. The term “liable to tax” has been defined in a narrow manner to only cover actual tax liability being imposed. There would be no gainsay in stating that countries like UAE, and Qatar do not impose a tax on an individual income. Under such circumstanc es, it becomes even more important for such NRIs residing in UAE/ Qa tar to evaluate whether they would pass the muster of “liable to tax” so
39Jul - Aug 2022
PERIOD OF STAY RELATED
Equally, if the record discloses materials that the stay (to qualify as resident Indian) lacked volition and was compelled by external circumstances beyond the individual's control, she or he cannot be treated as a resi dent Indian”
The issue pertained to whether in considering the period of stay of an assessee in India, the involun tary period of the assessee’s stay in India due to wrongful impounding of his passport was to excluded or not. Interestingly, in the said case, the impounding of the passport was held invalid and without the author ity of law making it impossible for the concerned assessee to leave the country. The Hon’ble Court finally held that the period of involuntary stay in India on the part of the as sessee would need to be excluded, as the literal interpretation would lead to unjust results.
40 Jul - Aug 2022 FINANCE
•
• Visiting family or for tourism or for medical treatment or for studies or the like would not suffice. RELATED
that they can maintain their nonresident status.
•
It is pertinent to note that there is no condition regarding the fre quency of visits and the purpose of visits. However, the moot point in the context of a visit is to determine the intention to leave India. In oth er words, the intention should be to come to India for a short span of time with a plan to return overseas.
• It would be apposite to end this article with a quote from the judg ment in the case of Suresh Nanda
In computing the period of stay, Courts have taken differing views on whether the date of entry and the date of exit should be included. The Bangalore Tribunal in the case of Manoj Kumar Reddy [2009] 34 SOT 180 held a view that the date of entry should not be consid ered whilst determining the period of stay. The said judgment of the Hon’ble Tribunal was subsequently affirmed by the Hon’ble High Court in [2011] 12 Taxmann.com 326. However, from a practical stand point, while computing the period of stay in India, it would be prudent to include both the date of arrival and the date of departure.
2. A few practical aspects EMPLOYMENT OUTSIDE •INDIA
“The Income Tax Act leaves the choice to the citizen to be in India and be treated as a resident for purposes of taxation or be not in India so as to avail the status of a non-resident. The simple test the muster of which is to be passed is the minimum prescribed period of presence in India in a particular financial year. It naturally follows that the option to be in India or the period for which an Indian citizen desires to be here is a matter of his discretion. Conversely put, presence in India against the will or without the consent of the citizen, should not ordinarily be counted adverse to his chosen course or interest, particu larly if it is brought about under compulsion or, to put it simply, in voluntarily. There has to be, in the opinion of this Court, something to show that an individual intended or had the animus of residing in India for the minimum prescribed duration. If the record indicates that – such as for instance omission to take steps to go abroad, the stay can well be treated as disclosing an intention to be a resident Indian.
The term “employment” has not been defined in the Act. However, Courts have held that the said term also includes self-employment like carrying out one’s own business or profession. This has been upheld by the Kerala High Court in the case of Abdul Razak [2011] 10 Taxmann com 4. A person undertaking tours abroad in connection with his em ployment in India would not be eli gible for this relaxation.
•
• If an individual is present in India for a few hours, such presence for a few hours cannot be reckoned as a full day while computing the dura tion of stay.
VISIT
• An interesting issue came up to be considered by the Hon’ble Delhi High Court in the case of Suresh Nanda (2015) 375 ITR 172.
42 Jul - Aug 2022 SPECIALCOVERSTORYFEATURE
Mansoor Palloor, an Indian businessman with a Middle Eastern basis, is also a writer, recognised expat cultural activist, political foreign affairs watcher, and film producer. Today, he serves as an example and a representation of the passion and love for Kerala that many of Malayalis residing overseas can relate to.
The body stays healthy and the mind will be sharp and alert when a person maintains a healthy lifestyle. A healthy lifestyle would increase longevity and help the body and mind to repair. A life without good health is comparable to one without troops in an army. For one to fully experience life, good health is essential. The key to pleasure for humans is having excellent health. Some people seem to be far ahead of us in many ways on the life journey. In truth, these individuals are far ahead of humanity and history—they are not simply a few steps ahead of us. The words required to describe them are highly inexpressible because they stand so tall, making it challenging to express them. Mansoor Palloor is such a man who has dedicated his life to the welfare of his fellow man without anticipating recognition or being quantified and measured for his selfless efforts for society. He is one of those stalwarts deserving of being inscribed in the sands of time.
Mansoor Palloor, who is also the managing editor of the online publication “World Art Café,” claims that he is carefully researching ways to incorporate art and music therapy into the care of people who have been profoundly affected by the drama that the Covid-19 Pandemic
The first stage in bringing Mansoor’s efforts to a successful conclusion is to make use of the international distinction and praise that Mansoor Palloor has attained as a result of his selfless service to the nation abroad. We are currently seeing a period of reverse migration, with all Indians who had previously lived overseas returning to Kerala and other nearby states. It should be mentioned that this comeback is not accompanied by joyful laughing and brilliant smiles. Mansoor Palloor is doing his part to put a smile on these people’s faces, recognising that it is the duty of society to provide assistance to those who have lost their jobs or been impacted by the Covid-19 Pandemic-related economic catastrophe.
Mansoor PalloorRestoring Humanity in Health and Social Care
A symbol of humanenessMahe Medical and Diagnos tic Center
The Mahe Medical and Diagnostic Centre demonstrates to the globe how to give an otherwise ordinary hospital a new look.
Mansoor Palloor thinks that in the rapidly evolving world of today, we must likewise continually keep ourselves upgraded. There are many ways we can interpret what we mean when we term “humanity.” The value of kindness and compassion toward other beings is one of the most popular ways to comprehend it. While there have been many instances of human brutality throughout history, there have also been many instances of humanity. Mansoor Palloor’s guiding idea in life is to resist changing our human values and relationships, even as we reinvent ourselves and our surroundings. Regardless of one’s own personal thoughts and beliefs, Mansoor maintains the humanism of treating people as one would like to be treated
43Jul - Aug 2022
The Medical Center, which was founded at the start of the Covid-19 Pandemic and has a cordial relationship with the company, is led by Mansoor Palloor, who also serves as its chairman and managing director. He wants to provide the diaspora the chance to use the tremendous depth of experience they have accumulated overseas when they returnMansoor’shome. hometown of Mahe is where the establishment has already made a favourable effect. The Mahe Medical and Diagnostic Centre, also known as MMC, is a healthcare facility that inspires devotion to the nation. The Mahe Medical and Diagnostic Centre (MMC) is a specialised family clinic that offers complete medical care, including doctors and nurses for inpatients while maintaining emotional comfort in the setting of an internationallevel clinic. Mansoor claims that the MMC would also put into practise the “Home Eye Care” program, under which patients will have eye exams and glasses delivered to their homes.The oppressive deserts of the Gulf transformed into opulent cities that draw tourists from all over the world. This was made possible by the talents and arduous, sweating labour of migrant labourers from India who shared their expertise and experience in the relevant industries and trade. According to Mansoor Palloor, numerous project groups have to be established to make use of their labour and extensive expertise for the advancement of our nation.
has brought about. Many Indians who emigrated to other countries are employed there. Their greatest value is the abundance of knowledge they have gained from excellent working circumstances elsewhere.
Mahe Medical and Diagnostic Center, which is famous for being the only hospital with a super-specialty system on the banks of the Mayyazhi River in Mahe, will now offer Chennai Apollo Hospitals Group services of the highest calibre. The special clinics that operate here will treat patients with special medical needs and multi-specialty doctors related to a variety of departments, including Bariatrics (problems related to obesity), Clinical Genetics Specialists (hereditary diseases), Endocrinologists (hormones and glands), Pediatric Neurology (children’s neurological diseases), and Addiction Management Specialists (alcoholism and smoking). Through telemedicine technology, patients will be examined from MMC in collaboration with Apollo Hospital Group. Through this exclusive program, patients get access to the greatest medical care at the Mahe Medical and Diagnostic Center in PatientsMahe.may get all of their health issues evaluated without needless delay thanks to the accessibility of a wide selection of specialists, without having to make a significant journey or waiting times.
The patients are examined in front of the resident medical officer and paramedical staff from MMC, and they are then connected online with Apollo Chennai specialists doctors who review the medical records in order to choose a healthy lifestyle, as well as to diagnose and treat patients’ conditions with skill. The MMC is a landmark tel ehealth multi-specialty service in the health sector of Malabar. The Puducherry Social Welfare Minister C Jayakumar inaugurated the MultiSpecialty Telemedicine Department of Apollo Hospital Group at MMC on the 1st of November2021. The most highly advanced and efficient way for specialised doctors to examine their patients is using this procedure. In order to meet the specialised doc tors of Apollo through this method in front of the doctors at MMC, a separate tele-room has been created up at the Mahe Medical Centre. Dr. Sam Pitroda, known as the Father of India's Telecom Revolution, inau gurated the Mahe MMC from Chi cago on February 28, 2021, through online.Creating a success story in the nation through expatriate associa tions that also brings them closer to their homeland even though they are miles away, Mansoor, who works as the senior executive of a fuel distribution company in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, attests to the love of friendship towards his fellow man.
HEALTH & FITNESS 44 Jul - Aug 2022
LAZINESSWORKOUTOVERCOME
For most people, feeling un motivated comes from the effects of burnout. In other words, your body, mind and soul are tired – making it difficult to work up the energy and stamina to exercise. Before you push through, first ask yourself why you’re feeling thisYourway. body needs time to adapt to the new routine you’re introducing. If you try to keep up with a more ex perienced exerciser, you’ll likely feel tired and sore for days, which makes it hard to exercise consistently. You’ll also put yourself at risk of injury. The most common reasons why people start and stop an exercise program are 1. A perceived lack of time 2. Exercise-related injuries, and 3. exercise is not fun which often is due to starting at an exercise intensity that is too high for their fitness level. Make the workouts fun. Find sports or activities that you enjoy, then vary the routine to keep it in teresting. Make physical activity part of your daily routine. It is very much important that your body and brain need energy during a workout. If you’re wellfueled, there’s energy readily avail able in your bloodstream. If you’re not well-fueled, your body is going to need to tap into your energy stores, which takes time. Along with numerous other ben efits, exercise is a surefire way to get rid of laziness. Just a few minutes of exercise can increase energy levels, improve mood, and reduce anxiety, stress, and depression - all of which can make you feel drained and un motivated. Try a short walk or bike ride to combat that lazy feeling. It is so simple to hook up with the workout routine. Set small goals make it a habit, try mindfulness, and build account ability. There are a lot of ways to overcome workout laziness. Choose a fitness program that you like to do, find a fitness buddy, exercise out door, hire a coach, and select boot campDoingworkouts.group exercise is also the best way to overcome workout lazi ness. Find motivation and inspira tion by doing group workouts. The best way to motivate yourself to push through that extra rep is by having other people by your side to cheer you on. Zumba, aerobics, and cir cuit training will add variety to your workout. People who feel more con
nected in their exercise class attend more sessions, arrive on time, are less likely to drop out, are more resistant to disruption, and are more likely to have greater mental benefits from the exercise. Group exercise is a mood booster, decreasing symptoms of both depression and anxiety. Getting better quality of sleep will help to overcome workout laziness. Sleep 8 to 9 hours instead of spending time with gadgets at night. Change your routine, define your goal, and track your progress, and make it a habit. Regular physical ac tivity can improve your muscle strength and boost your endurance. Exercise deliv ers oxygen and nutrients to your tissues and helps your cardiovascular system work more efficiently. And when your heart and lung health improve, you have more energy to tackle daily chores.
GET GOOD SLEEP, DO WORK OUT DAILY, AND LET THE “FUN” BEGIN 45Jul - Aug 2022
Aug 2022
It is important we equip our kids and students with more creative critical thinking problems at the early stages of their life so that they taste the perceptions of failure and learn how to mould it in their favour without fearing it. It helps them think and to expand their minds beyond given formulas and standardized thinking.
THEUNDERSTANDING‘MONSTER’!
We have been taught to run away from failures; We’ve been taught that failure is bad & to be dismayed and embarrassed by setbacks and catastrophes in life. We’ve been comfortably asked to look out for the glittery flowery external dazzlers we tag ‘success’. But failures teach us amazing wisdom for an enlightened elevation in life. Even though a lot of people fear setbacks, before their success, some of the world’s most success ful people went through a turmoil of epic failures in life; for some, it was even more than even once. There are people you’d see in life who go through several deaths and rebirths. Each birth, they come up more stronger and wiser. In this in stant world, people desire to reach the top without struggle, overnight, and in lesser time. However, the truth is that if you want to achieve long-lasting success in life, you need to succumb to the darkness failure brings you, learn from the wisdom it imparts and rise above the levels to your destined purpose. “Success is sometimes the out come of a whole string of failures.”
Let’s have a quick look at some examples here – Director Steven Spielberg, one of the most success ful directors today who has won 11 Emmys, 3 Oscars, and 7 Golden Globes, was a dyslexic person who struggled to cope with school and was rejected more than once by Cal ifornia School of Cinematic Arts. JK Rowling was once broke, depressed and a divorced single mother, reject ed by many publishers, is one of the richest women in the world today with her most glorious Harry Potter series. Suffering child abuse at the age of 9, running away from home at 13, getting pregnant at 14, losing your first child – Imagine being Op rah who is now a billionaire with her own TV channel. Micheal Jordan, who went on to win six champion ships and five MVPs later, swears how he has missed at least 9000 shots in his career, lost almost 300 games, and has failed several times over n over, and that’s exactly why he succeeded on the day. Thomas Alwa Edison who held more than 1000 patents to his name changing billions of lives, was once told by his teachers that he was “too stupid to learnFirstly,anything”.risk-taking behaviour is in our genetic framework and also is repeatable. Just like the road to success is a narrow path chosen very rarely, the bumpy ride that comes along with failures is very less accepted by many. Failure is definitely the stepping stone to success. What defines successful people is the way how they accept, -
MOTIVATION
46 Jul
Dolly Maria Dolly Maria is founder of THE IGNIST, a training company born out of a noble cause and spirit. She holds a decade long experience being a passionate mentor and entrepreneur.
treat and transform through failures. Failure is undoubtedly an inevitable one when it comes to a living being; it’s the best master teacher n opens a plethora of opportunities for you, only if you choose to ‘see’. Failures instill the strength of endurance, and the eye-openers of what’s right to do, develops resilience for the eventual exponential growth that you passionately desired. Failures specifically teach you your vulnerabilities, and weaknesses, and helps you to get out of the comfort zones that cripple you in life without your knowledge. Nature has its own interesting ways to chisel away all the exaggerated egos and guide us through divine interventions. It cuts deep like a razor, slicing its way into our inner core exposing what we really truly are capable of. While making us self-aware of the realities of life, it does take us on a solid rollercoaster ride that shows us the intricacies and intensities of this universe. The first important lesson gained from failure is Experience. Nothing can compare or value the priceless lessons ‘experience’ gives us. This should be helped with from childhood. Parents and adults should be mindful of this for the coming generations. It is important we equip our kids and students with more creative critical thinking problems at the early stages of their life so that they taste the perceptions of failure and learn how to mould it in their favour without fearing it. It helps them think and to expand their minds beyond given formulas and standardized thinking. One thing that every kid needs to understand is that each and every one has failed at least once in their lifetime. It is not to be tended away with but carefully analysed inorder to cement your road to success. The important lesson here is to – Let go of your ego. When you hold your ego in charge, you will not be able to think clearly nor will be able to make transparent decisions and your pride will blind
47Jul - Aug 2022
48 Jul - Aug 2022 MOTIVATION
you through the process of learning. Here, your ego will not allow you to learn from failures; it won’t even allow you to accept the underlying facts. Accepting the facts is more than necessary inorder to evaluate, analyse, learn, change and move on. Choosing to remain in your comfort zone and always trying to play it safe only will help you to retain a life of mediocrity. Most of the people find it uncomfortable to take responsibility of your choices and the consequent failures if any. Owning what you go through is important. Be mindful and meditate on what you experience. Selfawareness is unavoidable when it comes to realising what’s good for you. It might not be what you ‘want’ that should matter always, it is what you ‘need’ or what is good for you that really matters. No one would really want to look at their real self of themselves like in a mirror and accept what’s lacking. However, fetching some important feedback for you, if you are courageous enough to confront it, is what failures help you with. We always connect setbacks with pain, turmoil, shame, guilt, anxiety, etc. It’s time we changed the way we saw things. Change and replace all the negative connotations you have related n associated with the word ‘failure’. By changing the way you look at things, by shifting your perspectives to an entirely new tangent, you indeed can view the world in a new enlightened vision. Failure is never a villain in our life if we embrace the lessons in the right way; instead, it is a great teacher who appears at the right time to elevate us to the destined purpose and path we are to tread successfully. “Our greatest glory is, not in never failing, but in rising every time we fall.”
49Jul - Aug 2022
Rs. 49,090 (Approximately) Android v12 6.67 inches (16.94 cm) Display 64 MP + 8 MP + 2 MP Primary Camera 20 MP Front Camera 8 GB RAM 128 GB Internal Storage 4700 mAh Battery Capacity Rs 11,990 (Approximately) Android v12 6.58 inches (16.71 cm) Display 50 MP + 2 MP + 2 MP Primary Camera 8 MP Front Camera 4 GB RAM 64 GB Internal Storage 5000 mAh Battery Capacity POCO F4 GT Vivo T1x 4G GADGETS 50 Jul - Aug 2022
Rs 31,390 (Approximately) Android v12 6.67 inches (16.94 cm) Display 54 MP + 50 MP + 2 MP Primary Camera 32 MP Front Camera 8 GB RAM 256 GB Internal Storage 4800 mAh Battery Capacity Rs 6,499 (Approximately) Android v10 (Q) 6.5 inches (16.51 cm) Display 8 MP Primary Camera 5 MP Front Camera 2 GB RAM 32 GB Internal Storage 4000 mAh Battery Capacity Honor 70 5G Tecno Pop 5X 51Jul - Aug 2022
Dr. Elizabath Chacko, MD-Kalpana International Mob: 9388618112
Fruits are wonderful for both our health and appearance. All fruits keep us healthy and provide significant skin hydration. They act as a natu ral stimulant, especially fruits with wonderful health advantages such as apple, pomegranate, orange, ba nana,Pomegranateetc. is a fruit that is widely utilised in Ayurveda to treat a variety of ailments. It is fortified with folic acid, antioxidants, miner als, fibre, and vitamins A, C, and E. It is a super fruit because it has therapeutic qualities and contains three times as many antioxidants as greenFurthermore,tea. it is delicious in addition to being loaded with health benefits. It is frequently used in cooking, salad garnishing, juice blends, smoothies, and drinks. Pomegranate consumption can have amazing effects on your skin and overall wellbeing. Pomegran ates have a wide range of advan tages, and you may take advantage of them all. Let's go through it.
Your skin needs more atten tion and care when summer ap proaches. Sun damage and tan ning are two summertime issues that are frequently encountered. Pomegranate's deliciousness helps to fight it. Your skin will be able to combat free radicals brought on by sun exposure with its addition to your skincare routine.
RevitalisesthatThePomegranateIdealNature’sCandyReplenishesandYourBeauty 52 Jul - Aug 2022 BEAUTY
Stops Sun Damage
Treats Hair That Is Dry And Frizzy When it comes to treating coarse, frizzy, and tangled hair, pomegranate oil for hair has many advantages. Given that environmen tal toxins and bad lifestyle choices fully destroy your hair follicles, get ting a hot oil massage at least once a week has become essential. Your scalp and hair shaft are deeply con ditioned with pomegranate oil, giving the appearance of smooth, manage able, and healthy hair. Pomegran ate juice can also be applied to your scalp every other day because it soothes and moisturises the exces sively dry and irritated scalp.
Pomegranate peels can effec tively treat acne, pimples, and rashes due to their therapeutic qualities. The peels' high antioxidant content aids in warding off diseases and germs. Your body's hormonal imbal ance is the primary reason for acne. Vitamin C, found in abundance in pomegranates, controls the produc tion of sebum, an oily material re leased by the skin that is the primary factor in acne. Pomegranates also aid in bettering digestion and blood circulation.Pomegranate can be applied topically along with other skin care products to repair and revitalise your skin. Your skin care products should ideally contain natural fruit extracts. Pomegranate peel should not be thrown away because it offers many benefits as a fruit. It is a well-kept beauty enhancer that maintains your skin glowing and flawless. Healthy!
Stay
Stay Beautiful! 53Jul - Aug 2022
Makes Hair Follicles
Pomegranate seeds contain punicic acid, which is believed to strengthen hair follicles and provide healthy blood flow to the scalp. By bringing out your hair's natural oils and reducing hair breakage, it pro motes hair development. Addition ally, the high antioxidant levels en courage hair development and stop hair loss. To enhance the general health of your hair, you can either apply pomegranate seed oil to your scalp and hair or just eat a moder ate number of pomegranate seeds each day. Minimises Wrinkles Anti-aging benefits can be found in pomegranates. It is excellent for protecting the skin because it con tains bioflavonoids. Pomegranate oil has an SPF of eight, according to re search. It is a component of organic sunscreen.
Stronger
Combat Acne, Pimples And Rashes
The cultural fusion of Eastern and Western elements in this former French colony is reflected in the design of many of Hanoi's wonders.architectural
54 Jul - Aug 2022
TRAVELOGUE
55
Hanoi - The city that will stimulate all of your sens es, from the stunning French colonial architec ture to the mouthwatering Vietnam ese cuisine. You won't want to miss out on any of the activities in Hanoi because it is both the capital of Viet nam and one of the oldest cities in the Theworld.abundance of history in Ha noi, which dates back more than a thousand years, is mind-boggling. Temples, imperial citadels from the past, distinctive theatres, and breathtaking wildness just outside the city all make for enjoyable days in Vietnam's capital. The cultural fusion of Eastern and Western ele ments in this former French colony is reflected in the design of many of Hanoi's architectural wonders. Some of these treasures that tourists can find are exceptionally well-preserved colonial structures, distinctive museums, the largest mosaic in the world, and historic pagodas. A Visit to Temple of Literature Vietnam's first university is housed in the architectural Temple of Literature. It offers a fascinating look at the history and architecture of Vietnam. Away from the tumult of Hanoi, it is a scene that must be seen. One of the first things to do in Hanoi is to visit the Temple of Lit erature. For a better understanding of Vietnamese history and culture, getting an audio guide or tour guide is advised. Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum Pay your respects for the muchadmired liberator of Vietnam who has been preserved for all time in a potent formaldehyde concoction à like Lenin and Mao. Inside, pho tography is strictly prohibited, and during the busiest holiday times, the lines can be extremely lengthy, so arrive early and be ready to wait. For a less intense experience, you can visit the Ho Chi Minh Mu seum nearby for a slightly embel lished look into Uncle Ho's life and the emergence of revolutionary so cialism in Vietnam, or you can ob serve the daily changing of the guard outside the mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, which is in and of itself quite a spectacle.
According to legend, the father less monarch who had a dream about an enlightened Avalokitesh vara gifting him a baby boy who was sleeping on a lotus had inspired the construction of the One Pillar Pago da in Hanoi. Therefore, Emperor Ly Thai ordered the construction of the One Pillar Pagoda to be done in the shape of this lotus blossom, which is also regarded as the Buddhist em blem of enlightenment. Jul -
The Mystical City in Vietnam - Hanoi
Hoan Kiem Lake Hoan Kiem Lake, however small er than West Lake, is located in the centre of Hanoi's cultural and his torical district. One of the tranquil tourist attractions in Hanoi, this lake is well known for its clear waters that reflect the lovely city lights. It is not only the oldest location in Hanoi, but it also has a storied past. Luc Thuy, which means "Green water" in English, was another name for this lake. At dusk and night, this lake appears breathtaking. Here, you may see softshell turtles on the lake and take advantage of the opportu nity to take beautiful pictures of this popular tourist destination.
Aug 2022
One Pillar Pagoda
Vietnamese water puppetry is a centuries-old art form that is hon oured and preserved by the Water Puppet Theatre in Hanoi. There are many theatres where visitors can enjoy this particularly Vietnam ese interpretation of Asia's puppet history. Water puppetry itself has a historical association with Hanoi.
The Thang Long Puppet Thea tre is the city's first and most highly recognised theatre. A large group of puppet masters are hidden behind a screen while puppets dance and glide gracefully across the liquid stage. The famous Legend of the Restored Sword of King Le, which narrates the story of Hoan Kiem Lake and the gigantic tortoise, is also included in the majority of pro grams. The Perfume Pagoda
It is thought that the Perfume Pagoda, a striking temple complex in Hanoi, was first constructed in the
56 Jul - Aug 2022
TRAVELOGUE
Water Puppet Theatre
The Old Quarter of Hanoi is a fascinating part of the city where tourists may admire numerous exquisite specimens of colonial architecture crammed along little lanes. You can visit this location to see this lovely pagoda, but you must ad here to a dress code. When visiting the Pagoda, always carry a scarf and wear clothing that covers your legs, shoulders, and chest. This pagoda is one of Hanoi's important emblems because of its warm culture, hearttouching history, and distinctive structure.
The Old Quarter of Hanoi is a fascinating part of the city where tourists may admire numerous ex quisite specimens of colonial archi tecture crammed along little lanes. Vietnamese food is sold for cheap amid endless packs of scooters, mo torbikes, bicycles, vehicles, and sell ers selling fruit and gifts. All tourists to the capital city of Vietnam are strongly encouraged to explore the Old Quarter on foot as it brings to life the image that many people have of Hanoi.
Hanoi Old Quarter
15th century. This collection of Bud dhist temples is built into a moun tain range in a labyrinth of rock-cut alleyways with lush vegetation and bubbling streams all around.
57Jul
The largest marketplace of its kind in Hanoi is Dong Xuan. This ex pansive complex, housed in a fourstory Soviet-style building, provides a wide range of clothing, accessories, and mementos at some of the finest prices in the neighbourhood. It is fascinating to watch the lo cal vendors come and go, and there is a wet market on the ground floor where the sights and scents of exotic produce overpower the senses, even if you have no interest in printed Tshirts or cheap eyeglasses.
Dong Xuan Market
Soak in the Beauty of Hanoi Street life is what defines Ha noi. The majority of daily activities are carried out outside, as you'll see as you stroll around Hanoi. On the sidewalk, women prepare meals and wash dishes. People utilise the street as a place to eat or drink cof fee. They'll dine or drink with their companions while seated on tiny plastic
Thesestools.are just a handful of the most fascinating details about Hanoi, the well-known capital of Vietnam. So why are you still waiting? Pack your bags and travel to a wonder ful city, which has an amazing food scene, vibrant nightlife, and every thing lovely.
The travel to the temple, which is in the Son Mountains about 60 kilometers south of Hanoi, is an ad venture in and of itself. Before taking a boat to the base of the Alps, you must first go by vehicle or bus for two hours.
Aug 2022
Happy traveling !! -
AUTO REVIEW 58 Jul - Aug 2022
The C300d has a claimed fuel efficiency of 20.37kmpl and yet can do 0-100kmph in 5.7 secs. It has plenty of grunts and the car feels like it has a big V6 under the hood. Tap the throttle and the twin-turbo diesel can build up speeds rapidly. The Mercedes C-class has been the stepping stone to the Merc range for a long time and it’s not surprising why it always had the baby Merc tag linked to it. Yes, nowadays, there are smaller models like the A-class and GLA that allow you to have the Merc badge but to really drive and feel like a Mercedes, you have to get a C-class. This new one is supposedly so good that Mercedes has decided to call it the Baby S-class. But is it, really?For one, the styling is very similar. The C-class has always been styled to mimic the S-class and this new W206 is even more so. The sides and rear are so similar, especially around the wedge-shaped tail lamp area. The front end is different for the C300d AMG line model we are driving, and it looks all the more aggressive for it. The inverted front grille and the sleeker headlamps are a big departure from the lastgen. The classic rear wheel drive sedan proportions are well encapsulated even in the standard model, but the body kit on this adds a lot of sportiness. The wheels are 18 inches and have a thicker lip that reduces
Vivek Venugopal is one of India’s top automotive writers with over a decade’s experience in road-testing and reviewing cars. He is currently the Editor of Quarter Mile magazine and a columnist in several leading magazines and newspapers. He is also a highly sought after consulting engineer and market analyst for many automobile manufacturers.
Mercedes C-Class their inner diameter. Step inside and apart from the squaricle vents, it is very much shaped like that of an S-class. There is a massive 11.9-inch floating touchscreen in portrait layout taking centre stage and it’s fantastic. The display is very clear, the layout is very clean, it supports 3D maps, biometric authentication to select driver profiles, has a Burmester surround system, various connected car features and wireless Apple Car play support. The system allows various Mercedes Benz cars to communicate with one another and share traffic alerts, rain and road conditions, etc. The AC controls are touch operated and will show at the bottom of the screen at all times. The sunroof is touch operated and so are the seats, which take a second to start moving and there is no feedback from the buttons either. The steering is thick and nice to hold and has more capacitive buttons. The driver gets his own 12.3-inch display which is hugely customizable.Wherethe C class feels leagues ahead of its competition is in the cabin ambience. The swanky dashboard, the scooped-out door pads, the shapely seats and the choice of materials used for all of that – it makes a 3 series look like the Thelast-gen.front seats are large and have good bolstering, especially on the sides. There is plenty
59Jul - Aug 2022
of space and the controls are perfectly positioned. The rear seats are better than the last-gen car with 21mm more legroom, but they are a bit low and are best suited for two. The twin sunroof arrangement makes the cabin feel airy.The C300d is the engine to have if performance and driving pleasure are important. It produces 265bhp and 550Nm from a 2.0L inline-four. Other engine options include the same 2L engine in 220d form with 200bhp and 440Nm and a 1.5 litre petrol in C200 form with 204bhp and 300Nm. All engines get a mild hybrid system that can provide 20bhp and 200Nm on top of that and this bumps efficiency a lot. The C300d has a claimed fuel efficiency of 20.37kmpl and yet can do 0-100kmph in 5.7 secs. It has plenty of grunts and the car feels like it has a big V6 under the hood. Tap the throttle and the twin-turbo diesel can build up speeds rapidly. The 9-speed automatic is very refined and quick in Sport mode. The engine is reasonably refined that it’s only intrusive near the redline. Another area where the C300d impressed us is in its handling. It feels tighter and much more agile than the outgoing gen. The chassis feels nimbler and there is plenty of grips. The steering is very accurate and has enough feedback to easily correct it when all that torque comes gushing in to break traction at the rear. The ride quality is on the firm side by Merc standards, but even this 18-inch version doesn’t feel unsettled on bad roads. The brakes are fantastic and have immense stopping power for the performance on offer. The styling may be evolutionary, but the new C class feels a big step up from the previous generation in the way it feels and drives. The cabin quality and tech have gone to another level where it will have competition worried. The C300d is a gem of a motor where you can have your cake and eat it too. It is expensive, but that’s the way with most new cars
60 Jul - Aug 2022 AUTO REVIEW
Major is an Indian biographical action drama film directed by Sashi Kiran Tikka. The mov ie, which was concurrently shot in Telugu and Hindi, is about Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, a military officer who died in the 2008 Mum bai attacks. Adivi Sesh, who is making his Hindi film debut, not only plays the title role but also wrote the screenplay and story. Prakash Raj, Sob hita Dhulipala, Saiee Manjrekar, Revathi, Murali Sharma, and Anish Kuruvilla also appear in the movie. Despite adopting the standard formulaic framework, this strong, skillfully made, and com pelling patriotic action thriller nevertheless suc cessfully manages to leave a lasting impression throughout its running duration. All of the action scenes had gorgeous designs and were quite capti vating. You clench your seats in anticipation of the following scene after scene. 'Major' is an excellent tribute to the legend "Sandeep" and shouldn't be missed. The film may be mostly an action drama where guns and bombs become the standard after a certain run-time. Major does an excellent job of choosing a personal tone over a jingoistic one, even though the latter may have been easier.
Director Vishnu G. Raghav's Malayalam court drama film Vaashi is a drama movie. The leading characters in the film are played by Keer thy Suresh, Tovino Thomas, Kottayam Ramesh, and Maya Vishwanath. The story is about two law yers, Ebin Mathew and Madhavi, who are looking for a professional break. Both fight frequently yet end up falling in love with one another. When they find themselves on opposite sides of a mat ter that will affect their futures, things become difficult. The chemistry between the duo is also undeniable. The original idea has been cleverly modified, especially with the gender roles of the lawyers switched, making the situation simultane ously more interesting and tolerable. Vaashi is a commendable effort by a first-time director. The technical aspects are sufficient, the cinematog raphy is appealing, and the music fits the story effectively. Overall, "Vaashi" makes an effect on us and gives us some time to reflect on the situation without pressuring the audience to think about it.
MOVIE REVIEW Major Vaashi 62 Jul - Aug 2022
Jugjugg Jeeyo Vikram 63Jul - Aug 2022
Vikram is an Indian Tamil-language action thriller film written and directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj. The film stars Kamal Haasan, Vijay Sethupathi, and Fahadh Faasil in pivatol roles. Kalidas Jayaram, Narain and Chemban Vinod Jose play supporting roles while Suriya makes a cameo appearance. The film serves as the sequel in the Lokesh Cinematic Universe. The plot continues from Kaithi (2019) and follows an undercover police officer who pursues a mystery group of masked men who have declared war on the system and are guarding a dangerous drug lord after a string of murders of police officers. The plot of this movie moves quickly and occasionally causes goosebumps. The audience needs a respite from the intense pressure, steam, and stress, which is provided by the lighthearted comedic moments. In general, Vikram is a fast-paced action thriller with lots of unexpected twist and turns. The cinematic experience and chic performances from the key actors make it a must-see in a theatre. Despite being expertly planned, the action scenes never leave us in a hurry. But in a movie with many of action heroes, the strongest crowd reaction occurs during a stunt scene involving a woman.
Raj Mehta is the director of the family comedydrama movie Jugjugg Jeeyo. Raj Mehta makes his feature film debut with the movie, which also stars Neetu Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Varun Dhawan, Kiara Advani, Manish Paul, and Prajakta Koli in pivotal roles. The story is when Kuku and Naina, an estranged couple, know that there is an even larger stunner waiting for them back home when they travel to India from Canada planning to an nounce their imminent divorce after the big giant desi wedding in the house. There is nothing preachy about JugJugg Jeeyo, which is a true family enter tainer that promotes choosing connections above selfishness. JugJugg Jeeyo is a clean comedy drama because no crude jokes or slapstick humour is used to make the audience laugh. Maniesh Paul is hu morous, exactly like he is on television, and he looks good on a big screen. He throws some of the best punches in the film along with Anil Kapoor. Overall, the film is a family entertainer while also bringing attention to the imperfect marriages that we all tend to brush aside rather than attempting to improve.
The Hotel Nantucket
The House Across the Lake
:
The Hotel Nantucket is a domestic fiction penned by Elin Hilderbrand.
Written by Riley Sager
'The House Across the Lake' is a psychologi cal thriller novel. A newly widowed actress goes to her family's lake cottage in Vermont after having a very public breakdown. Casey kills time by spying on her wealthy neighbour Tom and his stunning wife Kather ine, a former model, who live across the lake. When Casey and Kather ine become friends, she finds their marriage isn't as perfect as she had thought, and when Katherine vanishes, she grows even more suspicious.
Author Riley Sager Hilderbrand
Price : `1969 (Paperback) Author : Elin
Price : `1340 (Paperback)
Riley Sager's The House Across the Lake will astound readers until the very last page with its signature blend of witty characters, psychological tension, and jaw-dropping twist and turns.
Lizbet Keaton is eager to start over at a recently renovated Gilded Age hotel after ending a relationship. Lizbet is eager to win over the hotel's millionaire owner and the well-known Instagram influencer who will be spending the summer there. As she tries to uphold the hotel's reputation and sort out her own love life, Lizbet has her job cut out for her with a charismatic staff with murky pasts and the ghost of a previous chamber maid haunting the corridors. The Hotel Nantucket is a gripping summer drama that provides something for everyone. It is full of the emotional depth and numerous points of view that distinguish Hilderbrand's novels as well as a splash of roaring twenties history.
64 Jul - Aug 2022 BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW 66 Jul - Aug 2022
Author Linda Holmes
:
Flying Solo These Impossible Things
Price : `2,210 (Hardcover)
Flying Solo by Linda Holmes is a humorous fiction. After her cancelled wedding, Laurie Sassalyn returns to her Maine hometown to set tle her great-aunt’s estate. Digging through her aunt’s house, Laurie is surprised to find an old love letter with a strange signoff and a gorgeous carved wooden duck. When the duck disappears under suspicious cir cumstances, Laurie dives into her great-aunt’s secrets and discovers what it means to make a life for yourself. Featuring a cast of lovable characters and a heroine you'll root for right away 'Flying Solo' is a lovely summer romance full of hilarious antics about finding yourself in your midlife.
In order to emphasise that marriage is not for everyone, Holmes' novel mainly relies on the idea of an alternate happily ever after.
:
These Impossible Things is a coming-of-age story written by Salma El-Wardany. The story is about Malak, Kees, and Jenna who battled as children to balance their desires with what was expected of them as Muslim women. However, as kids become older, it gets more difficult to handle the tension between religion and disobedience. One night will drastically alter their entire lives as their college careers come to an end and push the three of them in various directions. El-Wardany has a way of writing that instantly takes you to the scene where the characters are. The conclusion was heartbreakingly lovely. For a first, the narrative style is distinctive and impressive. It's typical for authors to enhance a character's story by revealing what has transpired over time, but I was impressed by Salma El-Wardany's ability to convey what was happening over space in just one sentence.
Author Salma El-Wardany
Price : `1,470 (Hardcover)
Printed On 09/ 07/ 2022 RNI Reg No. KERENG/2011/42633
