The Indian Panorama

Month: February 2022

  • Jennifer Lawrence gives birth to first child with husband Cooke Maroney

    Jennifer Lawrence has reportedly welcomed her first baby with her husband Cooke Maroney. As reported by TMZ, the actress welcomed her first child in Los Angeles County, as seen in public records. The birth date and gender of the baby are yet to be revealed. This is Lawrence’s first child with Maroney, whom she tied the knot with in October 2019.

    The Don’t Look Up star and her art gallery owner husband Cooke Maroney began dating in 2018 and were reportedly introduced by Lawrence’s close friend. The couple later tied the knot in a gorgeous ceremony at Belcourt of Newport mansion in Rhode Island. The wedding was attended by several of Lawrence’s friends including Amy Schumer, Emma Stone and Ashley Olsen. Also, Kris Jenner and her boyfriend Corey Gamble had attended the wedding.

    In December 2021, Jennifer was busy promoting her film Don’t Look Up alongside Leonardo DiCaprio and also made a stunning red carpet appearance as she flaunted her baby bump. During her appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert to promote her film, Lawrence was asked about how she spent her quarantine time amid the pandemic and the actress had joked saying, “I just had a ton of sex.” In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Jennifer had gushed about her relationship with Maroney and said, “Well, he’s just the best person I’ve ever met in my whole life. It was a very, very easy decision” while speaking about saying yes to him during the time of their engagement.            Source: Pinkvilla

  • Raveena Tandon and Sanjay Dutt reunite for romantic comedy Ghudhchadi

    The 90s Bollywood stars, Raveena Tandon and Sanjay Dutt have come together for a romantic comedy, titled Ghudhchadi. The film, helmed by debut director Binoy Gandhi, is said to be a mix of romance and drama. It went on floors on Wednesday, Feb 23. The makers announced the film with a small teaser that flashed the names of its cast members. Besides Raveena and Sanjay, the film also stars Aruna Irani and Khushalii Kumar (daughter of Gulshan Kumar). It will also mark the Bollywood debut of Kasautii Zindagi Kay actor Parth Samthaan. T-Series shared the announcement teaser with the caption, “When the hit duo from 90s will meet the newage sweethearts, a fun ride will unfold. #Ghudchadi a rom-com drama goes on floors today.” The production house also shared a couple of photos with the film’s team as they began shooting for it. However, it seems Raveena hasn’t yet started working on the film as she was missing from pictures shared by T-Series.

  • Urvashi Rautela demands apology for news article about her ‘love bite’

    Bollywood actress Urvashi Rautela is always under the radar. Sometimes it’s her fashion looks or some bizarre action that ends up grabbing eyeballs. The actress was recently spotted at the airport but a portal claimed that the red mark on her neck is a possible love bite. As expected, a controversy has now been stirred. As most know, Urvashi was spotted at the airport early this February. The actress opted for a sequined red top and paired it up with a black skater skirt. She completed her look with black boots and a pair of shades. One could notice her hair tied in a sleek pony and bold red lipstick.

    A leading portal recently created news on a visible red mark On the Pagalpanti actress’ neck. The headline furthermore went on to question if it was a lovebite. The report caught the eyeballs of Urvashi Rautela, who slammed the publishers for their insensitive contect.

    Urvashi Rautela took to her Twitter handle and wrote, “Ridiculous!!!!! Its my red lipstick which spread from my mask. Its hard to maintain red lips ask any girl. Cant believe they can write anything to harm anyone’s image specially girls. Why dont you guys write about my achievements than spreading fake news for your own benefits.”

  • Sikh girl asked to remove turban in Bengaluru college amid hijab row

    Bengaluru (TIP)-Amid crisis related to wearing of hijab in classrooms, an Amritdhari (baptised) Sikh girl was asked to remove her turban in the reputed Mount Carmel PU College here in accordance with the February 10 High Court’s interim order. Some parents of the college also complained of being targeted after their daughters were asked to remove the hijab. The authorities are now crossing their fingers over the turn of events on Thursday, as the sensitive issue could spread more and to other colleges as well in the state capital.

    Though colleges across the state witnessed widespread agitations, protests regarding denial of permission to attend classes with hijab, the agitations so far had not touched Bengaluru in a major way. The Special bench of the High Court has made it clear on Wednesday that no religious symbols are allowed in the classrooms in PU as well as graduation colleges until the matter is disposed of.

    Parents of college students who were asked to remove hijab by the authorities have demanded that the order of the High Court must be implemented equally to all students. The problem started when G. Sriram, deputy director of PU Education, who was inspecting the college during practical exams on Monday, directed two students to remove their hijab as per the court order. This led to outrage among the students and more students strongly protested against it.

    The college authorities conducted a series of meetings and asked the students to follow orders, demanding that they should be treated equally. Though the college authorities successfully convinced the majority of the students, a few insisted that if they were to remove hijab, others should also not be allowed to wear any religious symbols.

    Meanwhile, the college authorities of Mount Carmel PU College asked the 17-year-old Sikh girl student to remove her turban to follow the High Court order. The authorities also mailed about it to her father. The girl was asked to remove her turban on February 16, but she did not agree. However, after G. Sriram, deputy director of PU Education visited the college and asked students not to wear hijab, they demanded that others who were wearing religious symbols too should not be allowed.

    The school authorities informed the father of the Sikh girl about the situation and her family informed the college that she would not take off her turban and they would seek a legal opinion on the issue. The education department maintains that the High Court interim order does not talk about turbans.

                    Source: IANS

  • Punjab polls: Psephologists predict fractured mandate amid decline in voter turnout

    Chandigarh (TIP)-Adrop in voter turnout of more than five per cent in nearly all 117 assembly constituencies in Punjab has given rise to various speculations.Three leading Punjab-based psephologists were asked some questions like – why the political parties failed to mobilise the voters despite many favourable conditions like deferred poll date, eased covid restrictions, abundance of issues like farmer agitation, sacrilege, failures of Congress government besides the attractive freebies.

    Also, could it be that a multi-cornered contest confused the voters? Will the unfulfilled poll promises cost dear to Congress? Why did the freebie bait fail to lure the voters? Whether the poll results will lead to a fractured mandate?

    Here’s what the psephologists said:

    On decline in voter turnout

    Voter turnout is witnessing a downward trend in Punjab. The poll percentage which was 78.2 percent in 2012 came down to 76.8 per cent in 2017 and further dropped to 72 per cent in 2022 .

    Half of the South Malwa seats (14) which proved an AAP bastion in 2017 witnessed over five percent drop in voter turnout.Hub of dalit politics Doaba region also witnessed a six per cent drop in voter turnout.

    Experts like professor Pramod Kumar, who heads the Institute for Development and Communication (IDC), says the decline simply means AAP’s undercurrent was limited.

    “We heard there was an AAP undercurrent as they sought votes for a change. Why did AAP fail to mobilise voters in its bastion (South Malwa)? Our data also shows that AAP’s vote share declined in these constituencies” says Prof Pramod Kumar, adding that AAP may annex more seats to its kitty but the so-called wave was missing in the state.

    Another Psephologist, Professor Gurmeet Singh of Panjab University, also doubts AAP’s undercurrent as the bumper voting did not take place.

    “Decline in poll percentage is more worrisome for the Aam Aadmi Party than its rivals.AAP emerged stronger in the Malwa belt but failed to mobilise the voters.This means that the wave or undercurrent was limited to some rural pockets” says Prof Gurmeet Singh.

    According to professor Pramod Kumar, there was crowding of the electoral space as the contests were five cornered. There were choices before the voters but they were confused. More than five per cent of voters, as compared to 2017, confined themselves to their homes.

    Psephologists say Congress’s overall vote share is also likely to be affected by the anti-incumbency it faced this time. Professor Pramod Kumar estimates the vote share loss at around five per cent.

    Source: India Today

  • UP polls: Voting for 4th phase ends, Pilibhit among highest voting districts

    UP polls: Voting for 4th phase ends, Pilibhit among highest voting districts

    Pilibhit (TIP)-The fourth phase of Uttar Pradesh’s assembly election ended at 6 pm on February 23. Voting began at 7 am in each of the 59 assembly constituencies, with over 600 candidates in the fray. Earlier, the Pilibhit district had one of the highest turnout rates. Pilibhit district had 61.42 per cent of the vote as of 5 pm, while Lakhimpur Kheri had 62.45 per cent.

    Pilibhit, also known as the ‘city of flute, saw a high turnout at polling stations beginning early in the morning.

    Local artists and musicians, including Dinesh Yadav, who spoke to India today, urged voters to turn out in large numbers and exercise their democratic rights to elect a new stable government that can work for them.

    One of the district villages, Imiliya, however, boycotted voting, claiming that the authorities and government were not addressing local issues. Only 125 of the village’s 579 voters had cast ballots till 11 am, with the remaining declaring their intention not to vote.

    Naresh Kumar, a local villager from Pilibhit district said, “the underpass built to connect our villages is flooded throughout the year, and we are unable to take our children to school. Sometimes the situation becomes vulnerable even during a medical emergency. “Despite our complaints, no one addresses the situation, so we will not vote until our issues are resolved,” he said. After the 2017 elections, when the ruling party slept on all assembly constituencies in the district, Pilibhit became known as the BJP’s bastion. Surprisingly, the BJP member of parliament from Pilibhit, Varun Gandhi, has turned out to be a rebel against his own party-led central government over farm laws. Even in recent days, he has frequently launched attacks on the government on a variety of issues. During his campaign for the UP polls, audio clips surfaced accusing Varun Gandhi of instructing a close aide to transfer votes to rival parties. Source: India Today

  • Dialogue, diplomacy best way forward to defuse Ukraine crisis: India

    New Delhi (TIP)- External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday night held separate telephonic conversations with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, insisting that dialogue and diplomacy are the best way forward to defuse the Ukraine crisis. As Russia’s full-scale attack on Ukraine triggered widespread condemnation and fears of a wider conflict, India has been in touch with all parties concerned as part of overall global efforts to bring down the tensions. In his talks with Lavrov, Jaishankar conveyed to the Russian foreign minister that “dialogue and diplomacy” are the best way forward to defuse the crisis.

    “Just spoke to Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov of Russia on the Ukraine developments. Underlined that dialogue and diplomacy are the best way forward,” the External Affairs Minister tweeted.

    Jaishankar is also understood to have apprised Lavrov of the importance India attached to the safe evacuation of around 16,000 Indians from Ukraine. In another tweet, Jaishankar said the discussion with Blinken was on the ongoing developments in Ukraine and its implications. “Appreciate the call from @SecBlinken. Discussed the ongoing developments in Ukraine and its implications,” he said. The US State Department said Blinken spoke with Jaishankar to discuss Russia’s “premeditated, unprovoked, and unjustified” attack on Ukraine.

  • Ukrainian airspace closed; Air India plane en route to Kyiv called back

    New Delhi (TIP)-An Air India plane that took off for Kyiv in Ukraine on Thursday morning to bring back Indians from the eastern European nation is returning to Delhi due to the closure of Ukrainian airspace amid the Russian military offensive. After the Air India flight had departed from Delhi on Thursday, Feb 24, morning, the Ukrainian authorities issued a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen), which stated that flights of civil aircraft within Ukraine “are restricted due to potential hazard for civil aviation”. Air India and the central government then decided to call back the plane to Delhi, officials said, adding that the plane took an about turn in the Iranian airspace to return to Delhi. An airline spokesperson said the Air India flight AI 1947 is returning as a NOTAM has been issued at Kyiv. The flight started from the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) here at around 7.30 am for Boryspil International Airport in Kyiv.

  • India records 302 more Covid deaths, 13,166 new cases

    New Delhi (TIP)-India logged 13,166 new coronavirus infections, taking the total tally of Covid cases to 4,28,94,345, while the active cases declined to 1,34,235, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Friday, Feb 25.

    The death toll climbed to 5,13,226 with 302 fresh fatalities, the data updated at 8 am said.

    The daily Covid cases have remained less than one lakh for 19 consecutive days. The active cases comprised 0.31 per cent of the total infections, while the national recovery rate had further improved to 98.49 per cent, the ministry said.

    A reduction of 14,124 cases has been recorded in the active Covid caseload in a span of 24 hours. The daily positivity rate was recorded as 1.28 per cent while the weekly positivity rate was recorded as 1.48 per cent, according to the ministry. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 4,22,46,884 while the case fatality rate was recorded as 1.2 per cent.

    The cumulative doses administered in the country so far under the nationwide Covid vaccination drive has exceeded 176.86 crore.

    The 302 new fatalities include 212 from Kerala and 19 each from Maharashtra and Karnataka.

    A total of 5,13,226 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 1,43,675 from Maharashtra, 64,803 from Kerala, 39,885 from Karnataka, 37,997 from Tamil Nadu, 26,115 from Delhi, 23,446 from Uttar Pradesh and 21,165 from West Bengal.

    Source: PTI

  • India in history this Week-February 25, 2022, to March 3, 2022

    25 February

    1894: Meher Baba, Indian mystic, was born

    1948 – Danny Denzongpa, Indian actor, was born

    1974 – Divya Bharti, Indian actress, was born

    1981 – Shahid Kapoor, Indian actor, was born

    2008 – Hans Raj Khanna, Indian judge, died

    26 February

    1966: Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, Indian politician, passed away

    1908 – Leela Majumdar, Bengali author, was born

    1937 – Manmohan Desai, Indian producer and director, was born

    2004 – Shankarrao Chavan, 4th Chief Minister of Maharashtra, died

    27 FEBRUARY

    2002       59 people died due to fire in train Sabarmati Express in Godhra. Due to these deaths communal violence spread in Gujarat.

    1931       Revolutionary and freedom fighter Chandrashekhar Azad shot himself in 1931 to avoid arrest in an encounter with the British police at Alfred Park, Allahabad.

    2009       Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee handed over the succession of his Lok Sabha seat to senior party leader Lal G. Tandon.

    1990       There were voting in Pondicherry and eight other states.

    1996       The Vote on Account Rail Budget was introduced by Suresh Kalmadi.

    28 FEBRUARY

    1580       Fatehpur Sikri came to the court of Akbar, the first Christian missionary from Goa.

    1712       Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah I died in Lahore.

    1928       CV Raman invented the Raman effect for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize.

    1936       Jawaharlal Nehru’s wife Kamala Nehru died in Switzerland.

    1943       Kolkata’s Howrah bridge (Ravindra Setu) started.

    163         The first President of India, Rajendra Prasad passed away.

     

    01 MARCH

    1983       Mary Kom was born to make the country proud by winning medals in the Olympic and Commonwealth Games.

    1928       In 1928, Indian scientist CV Raman  presented his research on diffraction of light to the world.

    2009       In 2009, President Pratibha Patil announced Chawla to be the next Chief Election Commissioner.

    2010       Former Prime Minister of India Manmohan Singh made an extradition treaty between the two countries during his visit to Saudi Arabia on 1 March 2010. With this, 10 signed in many fields including sci-tech and business.

    2010       India beat Pakistan in the first match of the Hockey World Cup on 1 March 2010. India defeated Pakistan 4–1 in this match.

    1872       The world’s first Yellowstone National Park was established in 1872.

    02 MARCH

    1930       Gandhiji wrote a letter to Britsh Vissercy on Salt Law.

    1982       Indira Gandhi inaugurated the Mahatma Gandhi Road Bridge.

    1984       Mother Teresa University was inaugurated in Tamil Nadu.

    1994       Presidential rule in J&K was extended.

    1997       The first indigenous HIV detection kit was built in Bangalore in 1997.

    1986       The great painter Kashinath Ghanekar died in 1986.

    03 MARCH

    1885       The Indian Appropriation Rule was implemented by the Congress Party on this day in 1885.

    1930       The movement started by Harijans to enter the Kala Rama Temple.

    1931       Delhi Pact was signed by Mahatma Gandhi and Viceroy Irving.

    1967       The International Space Treaty was signed by India in Moscow.

    1993       Sharad Pawar was elected as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra.

    1839       World famous businessman (Jamsetji Tata) was born.

  • Development journalism to get a fillip with the launch of Blitz India

    NEW DELHI / NEW YORK(TIP): Blitz India-“India’s first Weekly Chronicle of Development News”, as the publishers claim,  is expected to give a fillip to Development journalism. The Indian Panorama carried a brief news about the launch of the unique weekly in the February 18 edition, with a note that the detailed story on the launch will be published in the February 25 edition. Here we are then,  bringing to the readers the story of the inauguration of Blitz India.

    In his opening remarks, Blitz India Chairman & Editor-in-Chief Deepak Dwivedi rued the loss of credibility of the present-day media and explained why it’s time now for course correction. He promised that with its sustained coverage to ideas, policies, and activities that lead to improvement in the life of people, Blitz India will be a catalyst in the nation-building efforts. In the process, he said, it will also attempt to restore the lost credibility of the media.

    India Story needs tobe spread, says Kant

    A screenshot of NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant delivering his special message at the online launch of Blitz India

    The following is the gist of a special message delivered by Amitabh Kant, CEO, NITI Aayog:

    It gives me great pleasure to be at the launch event of Blitz India, a weekly newspaper with development news as its focus area. It’s a laudable initiative and I extend my best wishes for its success.

    India has seen phenomenal transformation across a wide spectrum of areas during the last few years. The country’s growth in the areas of infrastructure, healthcare, science, technology, digitalization and clean energy is the success story of massive proportions. We have surely come a long way in all the key areas of human development but we know that this is work in progress.

    Media has a critical role to play in not only spreading the India’s Story around the world but strengthening it in every possible way. I’m happy that Blitz India has shouldered this responsibility and I am hopeful that will remain true absolutely true to its tagline, which is ‘building a new nation’.

    A new genre of journalism

    I think it’s a great occasion today that Blitz is being brought back to life after a very long interval and I would like to congratulate and compliment Mr Deepak and his team for having so committedly looked at this whole revival. I’m also very excited as I heard from him and I saw some notes about the kind of journalism that is about to be launched.

    So far, journalism was all about finding faults and picking holes. Well, they should; it’s always good to keep the governments on their toes and on the alert. But we also need the kind of journalism that talks about the good things that the governments do.

    With the kind of mandate that Mr. Dwivedi has given to Blitz India, I’m absolutely certain that it is a new genre of journalism that’s on the anvil and I’m sure that it will change the landscape in many ways. Mr Dwivedi, to you and your team, I extend my heartiest compliments and my warm greetings to everyone who is associated with you!

    Spotlight on SDGs

    Hyun Hee Ban

    As UNICEF representative, I’m very pleased to hear that Blitz India will be spotlighting the issues of Sustainable Development Goals, putting them on the forefront. I congratulate you for this excellent initiative.

    Rotary plays key role in nation building

    Shekhar Mehta, President, Rotary International

    As we celebrate Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, the 75 years of Independence of our wonderful country India, I’m so happy that Blitz India is coming out with its inaugural issue and Rotary is an integral part of it.

    Over the years, Rotary has played its important role in building our nation. It has worked hand in hand with the Government as a responsible unit of the civil society. For 75 years, Rotary, has worked in different areas whether it is health, education, empowering people, environment or literacy. But our biggest program has been polio eradication. In India polio got eradicated in the year 2011 and Rotary played its share in it. This was our contribution in saving the lives of children of India and thus helping to give our share in the nation-building process.

    A path-breakingInitiative

    AK Sharma, Chief Advisor, Blitz India

    I would like to congratulate the entire team of Blitz India for coming out with a weekly newspaper devoted exclusively to development journalism. It’s a path-breaking initiative and I’m confident that all stakeholders of an emerging New India will support it wholeheartedly. .

    I have been a close follower of India’s journey since Independence and am proud to say that it has been a wonderful journey and can relate closely with my 34 years journey in the Indian Police Service.

    India today is a power to reckon with and its development story is being applauded across the world. I’m sure that Blitz India will become a catalyst in disseminating and strengthening the India Story.

    Creating platformfor new ideas

    Prof. Sachin Chaturvedi, DG, RIS

    Congratulations, Deepak jee! It’s most appropriate that on the occasion of Basant Panchami, you have thought of this extremely important initiative to be launched.

    I think we require a very different kind of journalism now and with this beginning, probably we would create platform for the new ideas on economic development thinking that for last couple of years we are witnessing in this country.

    We required new platforms to be generated to respond to the opportunities and the new challenges of our analytical capabilities that journalism requires and from that point of view I think revival of Blitz and its focus on development is something definitely deserves huge applause and appreciation.

    Playing the role ofa public educator

    Rahul Chhabra, Ex-Secretary, Economic Relations, Ministry of External Affairs

    It is my distinct privilege to be able to felicitate the entire team of Blitz on this very special occasion. Having worked closely with the media across the world, and particularly intimately while posted at Headquarters, I fully appreciate the critical role played by the ‘Fourth Estate’. A vibrant and independent media, discussing issues is the hallmark of a thriving democracy.

    I salute the clear desire expressed by Blitz to focus on constructive journalism, chronicling the ideas and programs that have moved the country forward. In this manner, they are well placed to play the role of media as a public educator.

    Participants from across the world. The Indian Panorama Chief Editor Prof. Indrajit S Saluja is second from left in the lower row. Simran Kohli, second from left in the first row anchored the event. Top left is Blitz India Chairman & Editor-in-Chief Deepak Dwivedi
  • Did We Provoke Putin’s War in Ukraine?

    Did We Provoke Putin’s War in Ukraine?

    By Patrick J. Buchanan

    “President Joe Biden almost hourly promises, “We are not going to war in Ukraine.” Why would he then not readily rule out NATO membership for Ukraine, which would require us to do something Biden himself says we Americans, for our own survival, should never do: go to war with Russia?”

    “Whatever we may think of Putin, he is no Stalin. He has not murdered millions or created a gulag archipelago. Nor is he “irrational,” as some pundits rail. He does not want a war with us, which would be worse than ruinous to us both. Putin is a Russian nationalist, patriot, traditionalist and a cold and ruthless realist looking out to preserve Russia as the great and respected power it once was and he believes it can be again.”

    When Russia’s Vladimir Putin demanded that the U.S. rule out Ukraine as a future member of the NATO alliance, the U.S. archly replied: NATO has an open-door policy. Any nation, including Ukraine, may apply for membership and be admitted. We’re not changing that. In the Bucharest declaration of 2008, NATO had put Ukraine and Georgia, ever farther east in the Caucasus, on a path to membership in NATO and coverage under Article 5 of the treaty, which declares that an attack on any one member is an attack on all. Unable to get a satisfactory answer to his demand, Putin invaded and settled the issue. Neither Ukraine nor Georgia will become members of NATO. To prevent that, Russia will go to war, as Russia did last night.

    Putin did exactly what he had warned us he would do. Whatever the character of the Russian president, now being hotly debated here in the USA, he has established his credibility. When Putin warns that he will do something, he does it. Thirty-six hours into this Russia-Ukraine war, potentially the worst in Europe since 1945, two questions need to be answered:

    How did we get here? And where do we go from here?

    How did we get to where Russia — believing its back is against a wall and the United States, by moving NATO ever closer, put it there — reached a point where it chose war with Ukraine rather than accepting the fate and future it believes the West has in store for Mother Russia?

    Consider. Between 1989 and 1991, Mikhail Gorbachev let the Berlin Wall be pulled down, Germany be reunited and all the “captive nations” of Eastern Europe go free. Having collapsed the Soviet empire, Gorbachev allowed the Soviet Union to dissolve itself into 15 independent nations. Communism was allowed to expire as the ruling ideology of Russia, the land where Leninism and Bolshevism first took root in 1917. Gorbachev called off the Cold War in Europe by removing all of the causes on Moscow’s side of the historic divide. Putin, a former KGB colonel, came to power in 1999 after the disastrous decadelong rule of Boris Yeltsin, who ran Russia into the ground. In that year, 1999, Putin watched as America conducted a 78-day bombing campaign on Serbia, the Balkan nation that had historically been a protectorate of Mother Russia.

    That year, also, three former Warsaw Pact nations, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland, were brought into NATO.

    Against whom were these countries to be protected by U.S. arms and the NATO alliance, the question was fairly asked.

    The question seemed to be answered fully in 2004, when Slovenia, Slovakia, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Romania and Bulgaria were admitted into NATO, a grouping that included three former republics of the USSR itself, as well as three more former Warsaw Pact nations. Then, in 2008, came the Bucharest declaration that put Georgia and Ukraine, both bordering on Russia, on a path to NATO membership. Georgia, the same year, attacked its seceded province of South Ossetia, where Russian troops were acting as peacekeepers, killing some.

    This triggered a Putin counterattack through the Roki Tunnel in North Ossetia that liberated South Ossetia and moved into Georgia all the way to Gori, the birthplace of Stalin. George W. Bush, who had pledged “to end tyranny in our world,” did nothing. After briefly occupying part of Georgia, the Russians departed but stayed as protectors of the South Ossetians.

    The U.S. establishment has declared this to have been a Russian war of aggression, but an EU investigation blamed Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili for starting the war.

    In 2014, a democratically elected pro-Russian president of Ukraine, Viktor Yanukovych, was overthrown in Kyiv and replaced by a pro-Western regime. Rather than lose Sevastopol, Russia’s historic naval base in Crimea, Putin seized the peninsula and declared it Russian territory. Teddy Roosevelt stole Panama with similar remorse.

    Which brings us to today.

    Whatever we may think of Putin, he is no Stalin. He has not murdered millions or created a gulag archipelago.

    Nor is he “irrational,” as some pundits rail. He does not want a war with us, which would be worse than ruinous to us both. Putin is a Russian nationalist, patriot, traditionalist and a cold and ruthless realist looking out to preserve Russia as the great and respected power it once was and he believes it can be again.

    But it cannot be that if NATO expansion does not stop or if its sister state of Ukraine becomes part of a military alliance whose proudest boast is that it won the Cold War against the nation Putin has served all his life.

    President Joe Biden almost hourly promises, “We are not going to war in Ukraine.” Why would he then not readily rule out NATO membership for Ukraine, which would require us to do something Biden himself says we Americans, for our own survival, should never do: go to war with Russia?

    (The author is a former White House Communications Director. Visit Buchanan.org to read his  articles and books)

  • Birthday Horoscope-February 28 to March 6, 2022

    Birthday Horoscope-February 28 to March 6, 2022

    Shree Ganeshaya Namah!!!

    By Astro Friend Chirag – Son of Astrologer Bejan Daruwalla

    February 28

    Ganesha says today you will have a positive yet emotional day. This day may bring lots of opportunities for you. You will feel extraordinarily motivated today. You may plan to travel today. Today you are likely to use your creativity to start renovating your house or office. Your focus on your blessings will be good today. At work, you may meet some new people and with the help of that, you are likely to get a big order in terms of business and work.

    March 1

    Ganesha says little gestures made by your loved one will keep you happy and satisfied throughout the day. Your health is on its way to improve as well today. Try to relax as much as you can. Meditation and yoga will help you a lot today. Luck is on your side if you follow your intuitions today. A very positive day for you today. Today will be simple yet serene.

    March 2

    Ganesha says your love life will enter into a beautiful phase today. You will experience a positive shift in your emotions as you will meet your partner’s extended family and friends today which will make you fall in love with your partner’s entire existence. A very positive day for you today. Today will be simple yet serene. No new exciting prospects or projects will arise, but you’ll fall in love with your work and fall in even more love with your work partner today.

    March 3

    Ganesha says you will come across a lot of kind people today and make valuable relationships with them. Today is all about quality for you. All in all, except for work you will have a great day today. You will feel a lot of love and care coming towards you from family friends as well as your partner. Your day will be a tough one today but you will feel supported and cared for in all ways, at the end of the day you will feel very satisfied with where you are in your life currently.

    March 4

    Ganesha says huge celebrations await you today. You will receive a lot of compliments from your partner, friends and family because you have been working hard on your business. You will be able to celebrate to the fullest today because your health will be amazing today, you will feel like you’re extremely energized and ready to dance the day away today.

    March 5

    Ganesha says today at work, you may meet some new people and with the help of that, you are likely to get a big order in terms of business and work. You may get a chance to surprise people with your creative ideas. You may impress your colleagues with your great personality and communication skills. Today you are likely to focus on your emotional side and prioritize your relationship over everything else. You may be filled with happiness upon completion of your duties to fruition. The new possibility may open up today.

    March 6

    Ganesha says this is going to be a favorable day for you. You may wish to spend quality time with loved ones and execute plans on the professional front. Today you may help someone in the family in choosing a career path or some course. Your partner will be a bit possessive and demanding today. You should avoid expressing your emotion today and try to understand the feeling of your partner. Avoid planning anything in the evening.

  • Weekly Horoscope-February 28to March 6, 2022

    Weekly Horoscope-February 28to March 6, 2022

    Shree Ganeshaya Namah!!!

     Aries

    Ganesha says you will be in the process of a week of reflection and contemplation. You will discover the source of an issue that is affecting your lifestyle. This week, you’ll resolve to concentrate on that issue and move it out of the way of your achievement. Something is obstructing your advancement and development. Everything that happens in your life will make you doubt it. You’ll be in the mood to whine about everything and everything in the first half of this week.Your partner will make you feel better about everything that has been bothering you. You will try your best to make things better on new domestic facades this week. Although your health will demand a little bit of attention you will panic over my new things. Try to keep yourself calm this week.

    Taurus

    This week, you’ll be the inaugural individuals to give rise to the occasion. You will seize any chance that comes your way. At work, you will have a very effective week this week. This week, you’ll find out what kind of manager you are. This week, your outspoken attitude will attract positive endeavors and cooperation. You’ll be rude and belligerent in the middle of the week. Controlling your temper may be tough this week due to Rahu’s adverse influence. If you are married or engaged, the position of Venus in your 7th house will make your connection fresh and will sow the seeds of love in your relationship. People who are single and desperately looking for love we’ll have to wait a little longer. This week you might face issues related to stomach therefore take good care.

     Gemini

     This week, your fellow mates will assist you in determining the best job route for you. You are surrounded by energy and enthusiasm. This week, focus your efforts on making new contacts. Maintain a clear goal in mind and strive toward it. By the end of the week, you will have received wonderful news. This week you will make a good amount of money from your share market transactions. People who have been waiting to pitch their project in front of investors must choose Wednesday or Friday to be the best time. On your romantic facades, you and your partner will have a nice time discussing your career and future together. Your health will have to be taken care of in the first half of the week but the second half of the week will bring easiness.

     Cancer

     This week, you’ll be calm and strained. You will maintain your concentration during work. You’re going to have a good week at the workplace. Everything will proceed just as planned. This week, your body and intellect will be in sync. You and your sibling will have a fight. For the next few days, the debate will continue. Instead of exploding this week, try addressing your concerns with your sister and finding alternatives.Using social media excessively will make you expect a lot from your partner and this will create minor issues in a new relationship. Don’t blind yourself to the influence of social media and try to keep your feet grounded in your relationship. In the latter half of the week, migraine issues will bother you a little bit.

     Leo

     On all fronts, you will have a pleasant and rewarding week this week. You will enjoy a cheerful and tensionless days this week. This week, you’ll enhance your bonds with your loved ones. You will undoubtedly go on a family outing this week. Your work experience has just taken a turn for the worst, and you will have to deal with the fallout of your previous acts this week.As suggested by Venus, this week your relationship will thrive. people who are single will find a compatible partner for themselves and will jump to the next step of life this week itself. Your health will also be sailing in a pink pot this week. Just take good care of your children.

     Virgo 

    This week, you’ll listen to your mind and make some significant job judgments. You’ll be able to finally be your own boss. Your choices will be advantageous to you. This week, success will pound on your gate. This week, you’re concentrating on yourself. It will be tough for you to express your thoughts or feelings. Your vanity will rule your judgment process. Definitely seek counsel from your elders and maintain a level of clarity. This week you will have to be very choosy regarding most of the things including the person you’re pouring your heart and feelings on. Your romantic life will go through minor issues this week. Your fitness and well-being will not at all be affected by anything negative this week.

     Libra

     This week, philosophical shifts will take center stage. You will finally recognize your merits and dedication. You’ll begin your quest to bettering your consciousness. The modification will be reflected in your work. For your efforts, you will be rewarded. This week, your coworkers will admire you. You will be faced with a multitude of work you receive at work, but stay focused on accomplishing everything. This will demonstrate your abilities. By the middle of the week, you’re almost guaranteed to be exhausted. The support of your partner or spouse will push you to be a better person. They will take charge of your well-being and they will also address your mental health issues. Try to be health conscious this week as your unhealthy eating habits will get you into a problem in the latter half of the week.

     Scorpio

     You’ll spend quality time with your family and friends this week. Surprising visitors will pay you a visit to brighten your week. You will receive answers to your inquiries, and everything will go as planned. You’ll actually break something valuable. You’ll be OK if you deal with things cautiously. Maintain your composure and calmness when interacting with your coworkers in particular. This week, your romantic fronts will be highly influenced by the conjunction of sun and Venus in your 7th house. You will spend quite a lot of time with your partner this week. It is a really fortunate week to plan out any religious ceremony. Your health will demand just a little bit of attention in the first half of the week as you will have minor back pains. 

    Sagittarius

     This week, your legal troubles will be resolved. All of the difficulties and troubles will be fixed. Your field of expertise will take a leap forward. You’ll be able to keep going because of your good attitude. Your ambitions and desires will be realized. This week, you’ll move a step closer to accomplishing them. Someone may try to manipulate you and offer you unreasonable expectations; don’t fall for it and focus your attention on your well-wishers instead. This week your relationship will suffer minor setback. Your partner will find it difficult to understand your situation and will demand more time from you. Although you will try your hard to make ends meet, you might have to walk away from them for a little while. Your health will be fine, just try to keep your thought process in control this week.

     Capricorn

     This week, you will become aware of your errors, which will aid you in charting a course for growth. Make things as simple as possible in order to do them quickly. This week, you will hold yourself in higher regard. When your family members have disagreements about intestate succession, attempt to work out a solution and put an end to the battle. Keep a clear head and don’t allow disputes to influence you. This week, your spouse will bring good news to the family. Little issues which have been bothering your love life or your married life will come to an end as Rahu will set aside from a malicious position. Your health will be all smooth and set but you will have to be careful regarding your Children’s Health.

     Aquarius

     Your week will start off on a great note. Your learning outcomes will be met. If you have any examinations coming up, you will excel. A colleague with whom you have lost contact will make an attempt to reconcile with you. In the next few days, you will meet new individuals who will be beneficial to your mental health. This week, you’ll find yourself in a tough circumstance. It will be difficult to get out of this scenario. Emphasizing over the problem isn’t the best method to deal with it. This week, your partner will be a little bit of self-indulged and will hardly spare time for you or your relationship. You feel stand like a rock and support them in all the possible ways and this will make your relationship flourish. Your health will not need any kind of attention this week.

     Pisces

     You’ll be in the finest spiritual shape of your lifethis week, to be exact. This week, you’ll have to deal with a challenging circumstance. You will make the best professional decision possible. You will be able to find work in other countries. Good vibes and ideas will pervade this week. This week, some of your plans will fall through. It will be a vexing and difficult scenario. This week, it will be tough for you to express your thoughts or feelings.Your relationship might suffer due to this and hence, try to be more expressive and speak your heart out with your partner. You will also get a chance to make things better in your marital life. Your health will not need any attention as such but if you’re already suffering from any liver or kidney-related issues you must take good care of yourself this week.

  • Ryan reacts to fans who claim to have spotted Deadpool in Doctor Strange sequel

    Ryan reacts to fans who claim to have spotted Deadpool in Doctor Strange sequel

    As soon as Marvel dropped the second trailer for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness during the Super Bowl, fans were quick to look for clues that could confirm the presence of other Marvel superheroes in the film. While many claimed to find Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool in the new poster for the film, the actor denied the same. The fans looked for clues in the new Doctor Strange poster and were sure of finding a reflection of Deadpool in one of the shards of broken glass.

    When Ryan was asked about the same at the screening of his Netflix film, The Adam Project, the actor told Variety, “I’m really not in the movie.” On being asked if was lying, he again replied, “I’m promising, I’m not in the movie.”

    The second trailer for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness included a peek at Elizabeth Olsen’s Scarlet Witch potentially breaking bad, and a brief audio cameo from what sounded like Patrick Stewart reviving his role as Professor X from the X-Men series.

    The new trailer sees Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) waking up from a nightmare and dealing with the aftermath of his spell in Spider-Man: No Way Home that resulted in the multiverse being opened up.          Source: HT

  • Hollywood actor Zachary Horwitz jailed for 20 yrs for $650 million fraud

    Hollywood actor Zachary Horwitz jailed for 20 yrs for $650 million fraud

    An American actor who swindled $650 million in a huge Hollywood ponzi scheme, using it to finance a lavish lifestyle of yachts, jets and fast cars, was jailed on Monday, Feb 14,  for 20 years.

    Zachary Horwitz created fake contracts that he told investors were with OTT giants to trick them into handing over vast sums of money, which he splurged on private flights, top-of-the-range autos and a luxury Los Angeles mansion, complete with a wine cellar.

    “Horwitz portrayed himself as a Hollywood success story,” prosecutors said, according to the Department of Justice.

    “He branded himself as an industry player, who… leveraged his relationships with online streaming platforms like HBO and Netflix to sell them foreign film distribution rights at a steady premium.”

    “But, as his victims came to learn, (Horwitz) was not a successful businessman or Hollywood insider. He just played one.”

    Horwitz, who acted in small-time horror films under the name Zach Avery, told investors he was buying foreign distribution rights for US movies, and then selling them to streaming platforms.

    The 35-year-old gave each victim a note promising a handsome profit six or 12 months later.

    Over seven years he kept the scheme going by using new investors’ money to repay the old ones.

    By the time it all fell apart, more than $230 million had vanished.

    He admitted security fraud in October and acknowledged that he had never bought any film rights, or secured any distribution contracts.

    It would be “difficult to conceive a white-collar crime more egregious,” prosecutors said in a memo to the judge, noting he started his life of crime by swindling university friends, according to the Los Angeles Times.

    “He began by betraying the trust of his own friends, people who lowered their guard because they could not possibly imagine that someone they had known for years would unflinchingly swindle them and their families out of their life savings,” they wrote.

    Horwitz was jailed for 20 years, and ordered by Judge Mark Scarsito to repay $230 million to his victims.

                    Source: PTI

  • Lock Upp trailer: Kangana says ‘My Jail, My Rules!’

    Actress Kangana Ranaut on Wednesday, Feb 15,  finally dropped the trailer of her upcoming reality show ‘Lock Upp’. Since the announcement by Ekta Kapoor, the show has been in the limelight for its tentative list of contestants and Kangana’s role as the host. the actress will take the reigns of a reality show for the first time and her fans are excited. The show’s trailer features the feisty host Kangana Ranaut decked in a shimmery, glittery golden dress, holding a shiny but sinister baton in her hands and sporting a stare that can melt hearts looks like she is ready to start the game. “Living here is no less than a dream… a bad one, though!” Walking through the jail corridor, Kangana states how dangerous the ‘Lock Upp’ world is, and it will be a nightmare! 16 controversial celebrities will be put together in Lock Upp for months and stripped of their amenities. Forget about fulfilling their high demands, and the contestants will be locked up in show’s prison with people they can’t see eye-to-eye. To avoid eviction, the celebrity contestants have no option but to reveal their dark secrets to the entire world, which will take the excitement level a notch higher.

    Source: IndiaTV

  • Shahid Kapoor’s ‘Jersey’ books April 14 release, to clash with ‘KGF: Chapter 2’

    Actor Shahid Kapoor on Tuesday, Feb 15,  announced that his sports drama “Jersey” is set to release theatrically on April 14.

    The announcement was made minutes after Aamir Khan Production announced that they have postponed their much-awaited “Laal Singh Chaddha”, from April 14 to August 11. “Jersey”, which was delayed multiple times in the past, will now clash at the box office with the multilingual actioner “KGF: Chapter 2”.

    Kapoor took to Twitter and wrote, “So so happy to announce that our beloved film #Jersey will be releasing worldwide in theatres on the 14th of April 2022. See you in the theatres”. Also starring Mrunal Thakur, “Jersey” is produced by South film producers Allu Aravind, Dil Raju and Aman Gill. Directed by Gowtham Tinnanuri, who also helmed the original, “Jersey” chronicles the story of a talented but failed cricketer (Kapoor), who decides to return to the field in his late 30s driven by the desire to represent the Indian cricket team and fulfill his son’s wish for a jersey as a gift. The film was earlier pulled from its theatrical release days before it was scheduled to open on December 31, due to a surge in the coronavirus cases in the country.

    Source: PTI

  • Tiger is back! Salman Khan drops new video from his Delhi shoot

    Bollywood actor Salman Khan has resumed the shoot for the next schedule of his upcoming action-drama Tiger 3. As per media reports, the team “will be filming for around 10-12 days.” On Wednesday (February 16), the actor treated his fans and followers with an exciting video from the shoot location. Salman looked dapper as he gave a stylish walk on the theme song of the film Tiger. He can be seen wearing his signature ripped jeans, and leather jacket. The superstar and actress Katrina Kaif were snapped at the Kalina airport as they jetted off to Delhi on Tuesday (February 15).  Earlier in the day, Katrina Kaif also shared a picture from the shoot location. In the caption, she wrote, “Winter sun,” with a snowflake emoji. Previously, the Delhi schedule was expected to commence on January 12 but it was later postponed, given the surge of COVID cases across India, including the national capital. The upcoming action thriller has been majorly shot across several countries including Turkey, Russia and Austria.

  • WhatsApp may allow users to add cover photo to profile

    WhatsApp may allow users to add cover photo to profile

    The Meta-owned instant messaging application WhatsApp is reportedly planning to add a new Facebook-like cover image.

    The feature has recently been spotted by WhatsApp development tracker WABetaInfo. “When the feature is enabled for beta testers, there will be some changes in your Business profile settingsa, said WABetaInfo.

    According to the screenshot shared by the WABetaInfo, WhatsApp is planning to introduce a camera button in user’s Business Settings. In this, users can select a photo or take a new one use as a cover photo. When any other user from the contact list will visit your business profile, they will be able to see your newly-set cover photo along with the profile photo and status.

    The ability to set cover photos is currently under development for WhatsApp Business Accounts.

    Meanwhile, WhatsApp is also working towards releasing the ‘Community’ feature in a future update.

    Community is a private place where group admins will have more control over some groups on WhatsApp.The report said that WhatsApp Community is like a group chat and group admins are able to link other groups in the Community.

                    Source: IANS

  • Google to bring privacy sandbox to Android that limits data sharing for ads

    Google said it would bring its Privacy Sandbox initiative to Android phones, vowing to chart a less “blunt” path than rival Apple Inc., whose push to protect users’ personal information has dinged the digital advertising market. The Alphabet Inc. company, which relies on ads for most of its revenue, said it can protect phone users’ data while giving advertisers and appmakers new technology to offer relevant promotions and track outcomes. The proposed tools for the Android mobile operating system would limit appmakers’ ability to share a person’s information with third parties, and ban data tracking across multiple applications, Anthony Chavez, vice president of product management for Android Security & Privacy, wrote Wednesday in a blog post. Google said it planned a beta launch of the tools by the end of 2022 and “scaled testing” in 2023. Chavez said in an interview that the best path forward is an approach “that improves user privacy and a healthy mobile app ecosystem. We need to build new technologies that provide user privacy by default while supporting these key advertising capabilities.” Google is trying to balance the rising demands of privacy-conscious consumers and regulators with the financial needs of developers and advertisers. The company is seeking input on the proposal, similar to the way its Privacy Sandbox initiative is slowly developing a new privacy standard for web browsing. The company’s first proposal attracted derision from UK regulators and peers, and Google has since suggested that it would serve ads based on topics a web user is interested in that are deleted and replaced after three weeks.              Source: Bloomberg

  • NASA’s new space telescope sees 1st starlight, takes selfie

    NASA’s new space telescope sees 1st starlight, takes selfie

    Nasa’s new space telescope has captured its first starlight and even taken a selfie of its giant, gold mirror. All 18 segments of the primary mirror on the James Webb Space Telescope seem to be working properly one and half months into the mission, officials said Friday.

    The telescope’s first target was a bright star 258 light-years away in the constellation Ursa Major. “That was just a real wow moment,” said Marshall Perrin of the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore. Over the next few months, the hexagonal mirror segments — each the size of a coffee table — will be aligned and focused as one, allowing science observations to begin by the end of June.

    The $10 billion infrared observatory — considered the successor to the aging Hubble Space Telescope — will seek light from the first stars and galaxies that formed in the universe nearly 14 billion years ago. It will also examine the atmospheres of alien worlds for any possible signs of life.

    NASA did not detect the crippling flaw in Hubble’s mirror until after its 1990 launch; more than three years passed before spacewalking astronauts were able to correct the telescope’s blurry vision.

    While everything is looking good so far with Webb, engineers should be able to rule out any major mirror flaws by next month, Feinberg said.

    Webb’s 21-foot (6.5-meter), gold-plated mirror is the largest ever launched into space. An infrared camera on the telescope snapped a picture of the mirror as one segment gazed upon the targeted star.

    “Pretty much the reaction was ‘Holy Cow!’,” Feinberg said.

    NASA released the selfie, along with a mosaic of starlight from each of the mirror segments. The 18 points of starlight resemble bright fireflies flitting against a black night sky.

    After 20 years with the project, “it is just unbelievably satisfying” to see everything working so well so far, said the University of Arizona’s Marcia Rieke, principal scientist for the infrared camera.

    Webb blasted off from South America in December and reached its designated perch 1 million miles (1.6 million kilometers) away last month.             Source: AP

  • Facebook renames its News Feed to Just ‘Feed’

    Facebook renames its News Feed to Just ‘Feed’

    Meta has renamed the Facebook News Feed to just ‘Feed’. The brand is making the change because the mention of ‘news’ in ‘News Feed’ was apparently confusing for some. The ‘news’ label has led some to believe that there are only news stories in the mainstream.

    “Starting today, our News Feed will now be known as ‘Feed’,” announced the company on Twitter. “Happy scrolling!” The ‘News Feed’ name had been in place since the feature was first introduced more than 15 years ago.

    In a statement, a Facebook spokesperson said the new moniker was meant “to better reflect the diverse content people see on their Feeds.” The company added that the new name won’t change how the feature works in the app.

    Meanwhile, Facebook lost daily users globally, reporting lower-than-expected ad growth that sent its stock plunging nearly 20 per cent.

    The massive stock drop instantly wiped out roughly $200 billion in its market value. The Meta-owned Facebook platform registered 1.929 billion daily users in the fourth quarter of 2021 — from 1.93 billion in the previous quarter. Facebook’s monthly active users (MAUs) were 2.91 billion as of December 31, 2021, an increase of 4 per cent year-over-year.

    Meta still made nearly $40 billion in profit in 2021, mostly from advertising.          Source: IANS

  • Lakshadweep: One hundred thousand islands

    Lakshadweep: One hundred thousand islands

    Formerly known as Laccadive Islands, Lakshadweep translates to ‘one hundred thousand islands’ in Malayalam. Home to a few of the most beautiful and exotic islands and beaches of India, Lakshadweep lies 400km off the southwest coast of the Arabian Sea. The smallest union territory of India has only 36 islands having a total area of 32 sq. kilometres. It’s made up of 12 atolls, 3 reefs and 5 submerged banks out of which ten Islands are inhabited.

    Lakshadweep is typically accessed from Kochi (Kerala) and a permit is required to visit Lakshadweep for all tourists (including Indians). After permit, Indians are permitted to visit all islands, however, even after permit, foreigners are permitted to just visit Agatti, Bangaram and Kadmat Islands. Permits can be obtained from Kochi itself.

    Perhaps the charm of Lakshadweep islands lies in their remoteness. Far off the beaten track, they attract no hordes of merrymakers to their shores. The islands, though all equally mystical and beautiful, each offers a unique blend of tourist spots. Some islands have been promoted for diving and water sports, still, others have been developed so that people enjoy the charm of relaxation.

    Must Visit Places

    Minicoy Island

    One of the 36 small islets of Lakshadweep group of Islands, Minicoy, also known as Maliku in the local language is one of the best-kept secrets of India. It is located amidst the vast expanse of Arabian Sea, just 398 km or 215 nautical miles from the shores of Cochin.

    The small island encompasses the total area of 4.801 sq. km and is exclusively known for its vibrant coral reefs, quaint white-sand beaches and the freshwater of the infinite ocean. The Minicoy Island is the second-largest island of the Lakshadweep and is one of the few inhabited islands of the group. It is best known for its luxury beach resorts that are an ideal destination for the travellers seeking tranquillity.

    This picturesque destination is a popular tourist spot and has gained immense popularity due to activities like tuna canning, tuna fishing and the presence of pristine palm-fringed beaches. Tourists can enjoy some of the most memorable moments here during winters and the onset of summer, as the weather here is ideal during those months.

    Agatti Islands

    Agatti Islands is considered another jewel from the Lakshadweep group of islands in India. The island is situated on one of the coral isles of Lakshadweep islands and is few of the islands from the Lakshadweep group that is inhabited by people. One may explore the island on foot or rent a two-wheeler to commute. Every corner of the island is rich with natural vegetation and beautiful geographical formations.

    The beautiful Agatti island stretches over an area of 8 kilometres, and it is sparsely populated with around 8000 inhabitants. With a total area of a little over 3 square kilometres, the island may be small compared to many other islands but it is nothing but a sheer paradise for beach lovers and offbeat travellers.

    Agatti Island is the only island belonging to the Lakshadweep group with its airport that makes the island extremely accessible from major parts of the world.

    Bangaram Island

    Bangaram Island is a beautiful tiny island in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep, India. The Bangaram Island encompasses an area of 1.234 km2 and is the largest island in the chain of islands in the region (also known as an atoll) with a beautiful lagoon. With a population of only 10 and just one beach resort, it is an apt destination for people who want to disconnect entirely from the fast-paced world.

    The beach resort on the island was inaugurated in 1974, and it became more accessible for tourists after the Agatti Aerodrome was commissioned and the frequency of commercial flights from Kochi increased. The Government of India is also promoting tourism on the Island and is projecting it to be a major destination for international tourism.

    Kalpeni Island

    Also known as Koefaini, Kalpeni islands is a group of three islands and is one of the most picturesque areas of Lakshadweep. Cheriyam, Pitti and Tillakkam are the islands which together forms the Kalpeni islands.

    These islands are inhabited and are frequently visited by tourists. Kalpeni is famous for its beautiful lagoon surrounding the island and is highly rich in Coral life. Naturally, this place is among the must-see places in Lakshadweep. This is also a great spot to enjoy water sports including Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Reef walking, canoeing, kayaking and sailing yachts.

    Kavaratti Islands

    Kavaratti is a small island spread across an area of 3.93 sqm km and one of the most beautiful gems from the Lakshadweep islands. The island is home to 12 atolls, five submerged banks, and three coral reefs. The spectacular views of the Arabian sea, the sparkling white-sand beaches offer solace amidst the tranquil nature.

    Kavaratti is best known for its coconut trees, a vast expanse of marine life, beautiful sceneries and the enthralling water sports. Kavaratti lies 360 km from the shores of Kochi. It doesn’t have its airport and Agatti is the nearest airport to the island. Under the mission to develop smart cities, Kavaratti has been chosen to be developed into a smart city in the years to come.              Source: Holidify.com

  • Shiva and Shakti: Divine union of consciousness energy

    Shiva and Shakti: Divine union of consciousness energy

    In the Tantric cosmology, the whole universe is perceived as being created, penetrated and sustained by two fundamental forces, which are permanently in a perfect, indestructible union. These forces or universal aspects are called Shiva and Shakti. The tradition has associated to these principles a form, respectively that of a masculine deity and that of a feminine one. Accordingly, Lord Shiva represents the constitutive elements of the universe, while Shakti is the dynamic potency, which makes these elements come to life and act. From a metaphysical point of view, the divine couple Shiva-Shakti corresponds to two essential aspects of the One: the masculine principle, which represents the abiding aspect of God, and the feminine principle, which represents Its Energy, the Force which acts in the manifested world and life itself.

    Shakti here stands for the immanent aspect of the Divine, that is the act of active participation in the act of creation. This Tantric view of the Feminine in creation contributed to the orientation of the human being towards the active principles of the universe, rather than towards those of pure transcendence.

    Therefore, Shiva defines the traits specific to pure transcendence and is normally associated, from this point of view, to a manifestation of Shakti who is somewhat stronger (such as Kali and Durga), personification of Her own untamed and limitless manifestation.

    Owing to the fact that in a way, Shakti is more accessible to the human understanding (because this regards aspects of life that are closely related to the human condition inside the creation), the cult of the Goddess (DEVI) has spread more forcibly.

    Shaktism on Shiva and Shakti

    Shaktism’s focus on the Divine Feminine does not imply a rejection of Masculine or Neuter divinity. However, both are deemed to be inactive in the absence of Shakti. As set out in the first line of Adi Shankara’s renowned Shakta hymn, Saundaryalahari (c. 800 CE): “If Shiva is united with Shakti, he is able to create. If he is not, he is incapable even of stirring.” This is the fundamental tenet of Shaktism, as emphasized in the widely known image of the goddess Kali striding atop the seemingly lifeless body of Shiva.

    Broadly speaking, Shakti is considered to be the cosmos itself – she is the embodiment of energy and dynamism, and the motivating force behind all action and existence in the material universe. Shiva is her transcendent masculine aspect, providing the divine ground of all being. “There is no Shiva without Shakti, or Shakti without Shiva. The two […] in themselves are One”.

    The 5 Powers of Shakti

    There are many aspects, forms and names of shakti who is the mother of all. In creation she distinguishes herself, or through the will of Siva, into three basic aspects:

    para-shakti (transcendental energy), apara-shakti (immanent energy) and para-apara-shakti ( an intermediary energy).

    In the texts of Shaivism we also find a reference to five supernatural powers of shakti, awakened in himself by Siva. Their permutation, combination, concealment and manifestation is believed to be responsible for the multiplicity, plurality, diversity and duality of the beings and objects and their forms and shapes in the manifested worlds. The five aspects of shakti manifested by Siva are:

    chit-shakti or the power of consciousness,

    anada-shakti or the power of bliss consciousness,

    iccha-shakti, the power of desire or will,

    kriya-shakti the power of action and

    jnana-shakti or the power of knowledge

    Siva unleashes these five powers in the beginning of creation and withdraws them back into himself at the time of dissolution. In between he employs these energies for the purposes of creation (srishti), preservation (sthithi), samhara (destruction or modification), concealment (tirobhava) and revelation (anugraha).

    Shiva Shakti Story

    The legend of the marriage of Shiva and Shakti is one the most important legends related to the festival of Mahashivaratri. The story tells us how Lord Shiva got married for the second time to Shakti, his divine consort. According to legend of Shiva and Shakti, the day Lord Shiva got married to Parvati is celebrated as Shivaratri – the Night of Lord Shiva.

    The Legend goes that once Lord Shiva and his wife Sati or Shakti were returning from sage Agastya’s ashram after listening to Ram Katha or story of Ram. On their way through a forest, Shiva saw Lord Rama searching for his wife Sita who had been kidnapped by Ravana, the King of Lanka. Lord Shiva bowed his head in reverence to Lord Rama. Sati was surprised by Lord Shiva’s behavior and inquired why he was paying obeisance to a mere mortal. Shiva informed Sati that Rama was an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Sati, however, was not satisfied with the reply and Lord asked her to go and verify the truth for herself.

    Using her power to change forms, Sati took the form of Sita appeared before Rama. Lord Rama immediately recognized the true identity of the Goddess and asked, “Devi, why are you alone, where’s Shiva?” At this, Sati realized the truth about Lord Ram. But, Sita was like a mother to Lord Shiva and since Sati took the form of Sita her status had changed. From that time, Shiva detached himself from her as a wife. Sati was sad with the change of attitude of Lord Shiva but she stayed on at Mount Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva.

    Later, Sati’s father Daksha organised a yagna, but did not invite Sati or Shiva as he had an altercation with Shiva in the court of Brahma. But, Sati who wanted to attend the Yagna, went there even though Lord Shiva did not appreciate the idea. To her great anguish, Daksha ignored her presence and did not even offer Prasad for Shiva. Sati felt humiliated and was struck with profound grief. She jumped into the yagna fire and immolated herself.

    Lord Shiva became extremely furious when he heard the news of Sati’s immolation. Carrying the body of Sati, Shiva began to perform Rudra Tandava or the dance of destruction and wiped out the kingdom of Daksha. Everybody was terrified as Shiva’s Tandava had the power to destroy the entire universe. In order to calm Lord Shiva, Vishnu severed Sati’s body into 12 pieces and threw them on earth. It is said that wherever the pieces of Shakti’s body fell, there emerged a Shakti Peetha, including the Kamaroopa Kamakhya in Assam and the Vindhyavasini in UP.

    Lord Shiva who was now alone, undertook rigorous penance and retired to the Himalayas. Shakti took a re-birth as Parvati in the family of God Himalaya. She performed penance to break Shiva’s meditation and win his attention. It is said that Goddess Parvati found it hard to break Shiva’s meditation but through her devotion and the persuasion by sages and devas, Parvati, also known as Uma, was finally able to lure Shiva into marriage and away from asceticism. Their marriage was solemnized a day before Amavasya in the month of Phalgun. This day of union of God Shiva and Shakti is celebrated as Mahashivratri every year.

    There is no Shiva without Shakti and yoga is a realization of the unity of all things. That is not to say that everything in tantrik texts is figurative; many describe practices which are said to bring about this realization.               Source: Templepurohit.com