Reality TV star Kim Kardashian went head-to-head with Lauren Sanchez, who recently got engaged to Jeff Bezos, at an auction for a dress.
In a joint interview with Lauren, Kim said, “I’m a big auction girl, and my strategy was to come in at the last minute. I called ‘We’ll share it!’ (across the room). I thought, ‘You wear it once, I’ll wear it once, it’ll be so cute.’”
In the end, two dresses were made, and both women paid $200,000 and travelled to Paris together for the fitting.
Meanwhile, Kim went on to add that she and Lauren are always in touch with each other via their DMs and described the bride-to-be as a “girl’s girl”.
She said, “Lauren and I are always sending DMs building each other up. Every time there’s a look that we like, she’ll say, ‘Wow,’ or, ‘OMG you look amazing.’ She’s such a girl’s girl!”
In August, the couple held a lavish engagement party with a select group of friends aboard the billionaire’s $500 million super yacht.
Month: November 2023
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Kim Kardashian, Lauren Sanchez recall fighting over dress at auction
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Zoya Akhtar reveals why she picked Suhana, Khushi for ‘The Archies’
Director Zoya Akhtar, who is all set to release her next film Archies on Netflix, addressed the reason for casting newbies in the film. In an exclusive chat with India Today. in, the Gully Boy director revealed the reason for not casting A-listers in her much-awaited film.
The Archies is an adaptation of the popular comic book series of the same name. The film features Agastya Nanda, Suhana Khan, Khushi Kapoor, Mihir Ahuja, Vedant Raina, Aditi ‘Dot’ Saigal, and Yuvraj Menda. Now speaking about casting these young actors, Zoya told IndiaToday. in, “We were always very clear that we would cast newcomers. See, Archies is a very iconic comic. The characters are iconic. So if we have to take a known actor, I feel somewhere that actor’s image or past image or baggage or whatever you know, would come in there. That was one reason we wanted them to be completely new. So they really had to embody these characters and the audience had to believe that they are these characters. The second thing was we wanted them to be 17 years old looking. So we needed very young actors and they had to be newcomers. It had to be them.”
Further divulging details about the casting, Zoya said that all the actors had to audition for every character: “They’re all newcomers, so you don’t know what to expect. So what our casting directors did is they put everyone on tape for everything because one thing is the physicality of it, but the other thing is that you want to get a sense of the person, what the makeup of that person is, their personality, their essence, and does that resonates with a particular character. So we had to put them on tape, to see what are they feeling like, besides the fact that they can act and all that. So it takes time. It was a long process.”
When asked who is her favorite character from the film, Zoya smiled and said, “I oscillate between Betty and Veronica.”
The Archies will be released on Netflix on December 7.
Source: India Today -
Priyanka Chopra in talks for Don 3: Sources
Actor Priyanka Chopra Jonas was recently in India, and she used the chance to meet people from the industry to decide her next move in the Hindi film industry. And we hear the Don franchise is on her mind. After making the official announcement about Ranveer Singh taking forward the Don franchise in the upcoming sequel instead of actor Shah Rukh Khan, filmmaker Farhan Akhtar has turned all his attention to Don 3. It is also because the journey of Jee Le Zara has been slow, with date issues turning out to be a big hiccup.
According to a source, Akhtar is now working towards reuniting with his Dil Dhadakne Do co-stars.
“The team of Don 3 has indeed approached Priyanka Chopra to revisit her character. In fact, the first few meetings also took place when Priyanka came to India recently for another professional commitment. She used her time in India to align the talks and figure out her next project in the Hindi film industry,” says a source.
In the Don franchise, Chopra featured as Roma Bhagat, also known as Junglee Billi. The insider adds, “Priyanka has a very close bond with Farhan, and is trying to make it work and checking her schedule. Her return might also become a reality as Shah Rukh is no longer associated with the project”. -
Katrina’s ‘Merry Christmas’ to now release on Jan 12
Filmmaker Sriram Raghavan’s upcoming directorial ‘Merry Christmas’ has a new release date of January 12, the makers announced on Thursday, November 16. The Katrina Kaif-Vijay Sethupathi starrer has been delayed multiple times and it was last slated to come out in theatres on December 12 this year.
Presented by Tips Films and Matchbox Pictures, the upcoming film is described as “a genre-defying tale” shot in Hindi and Tamil with a different set of supporting actors, according to a press release.
In a statement, the film’s team expressed their deep love for the project and their unwavering commitment to delivering a truly exceptional cinematic experience.
“We have made this film with a lot of love & passion like every filmmaker does however with the back to back movie releases and packed last two months of 2023, we have taken the decision to extend the season of joy and bring our film to the theatres on 12th January 2024,” they said.
While the Hindi version of ‘Merry Christmas’ co-stars Sanjay Kapoor, Vinay Pathak, Pratima Kannan, and Tinnu Anand, the Tamil iteration has Radhika Sarathkumar, Shanmugaraja, Kevin Jay Babu, and Rajesh Williams in the same roles.
The film also introduces Pari, a child actor.
Produced by Ramesh Taurani, Jaya Taurani, Sanjay Routray and Kewal Garg, the film also features cameos by Ashwini Kalsekar and Radhika Apte. Source: PTI -
Will launch movement if Bihar not given special category status: CM Nitish Kumar
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday announced that he will launch a state-wide movement if the Centre does not grant special category status to the state “at the earliest”.
The JD(U) leader, who has been demanding special status for many years, said the state needs this in order to move forward.
“If the Centre does not grant special status to Bihar at the earliest, we will launch a state-wide movement… The demand for a special status will be heard in every nook and corner of the state during the movement,” he said while speaking at a function here.
Those who do not support the demand are not interested in the development of the state, Kumar said.
He said the Bihar legislature recently cleared bills to hike the quota for deprived castes from 50 per cent to 65 per cent in government jobs and educational institutions, taking the overall reservation to 75 per cent, on the basis of the caste survey, conducted by the state government.
“We have planned a number of welfare initiatives for the economically weaker sections of the society and it would cost a poor state like Bihar several crores of rupees. We will have to spend it in over five years.
“If the demand for special status to Bihar is fulfilled, we will be able to provide all benefits to the people concerned within two and a half years. Therefore, Bihar needs the status immediately,” the chief minister said. -
Deeply concerned: MEA on fighting between Myanmar’s military and anti-junta groups near border with India
India on Thursday, Nov 16, called for cessation of fighting between Myanmar’s military and anti-junta groups near the Indo-Myanmar border that has triggered an influx of Myanmarese refugees to Mizoram.
There have been mounting hostilities between Myanmar’s anti-junta groups and government forces in several key towns and regions near the border with India in the last few weeks, fuelling concerns in the Indian military establishment about the possible spillover effect.
At his weekly media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi expressed deep concerns over the incidents of violence close to the Indo-Myanmar border.
“As a result of the fighting, in the Rihkhawdar area in Chin State, opposite Zowkhathar in Mizoram on the India-Myanmar border, there has been movement of Myanmar nationals to the Indian side,” he said. -
Governor Purohit prorogues Budget Session of Punjab Vidhan Sabha, gives assent to FRBM Bill
Chandigarh (TIP)- After the tussle between Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann reached the Supreme Court, the former on Thursday prorogued the Budget Session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha. Governor Purohit has also given his consent to the Punjab Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (Amendment) Bill (FRBM), 2023. The Bill is to be presented in the Winter Session of the Vidhan Sabha, which is proposed to be held in the last week of November.
With this, all three money Bills that the government wanted to be tabled in the Vidhan Sabha have been given the nod by the Governor. The other two money Bills — The Punjab Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2023, and the Indian Stamp (Punjab Amendment) Bill, 2023 — were given the nod on October 31.
However, no decision has been taken on the four Bills passed by the Punjab Vidhan Sabha in its two-day special sitting held on June 19-20. These Bills include the Sikh Gurdwaras (Amendment) Bill, 2023; the Punjab Universities Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2023; the Punjab Police (Amendment) Bill, 2023; and the Punjab Affiliated Colleges Amendment Bill, 2023. Though the Governor had termed the special sitting of the Vidhan Sabha in June invalid, the apex court, on November 10, had declared the sitting as valid and asked the Governor to decide on the fate of these Bills. It may be mentioned that the Punjab Government had approached the Supreme Court last month against the decision of the Governor declaring the October 20 special sitting as invalid and his refusal to give consent to the Money Bills.
The Governor had been objecting to the extension of the session after its adjournment and convening special sittings of the House without getting it prorogued. Source: TNS -
‘BJP transfers money into Adani’s pockets’: Rahul Gandhi in poll-bound Rajasthan
Churu (TIP)- Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Thursday hit out at the Bharatiya Janata Party, accusing it of transferring money into the pockets of industrialist Gautam Adani.
“Narendra Modi had said – if black money is not erased, hang me…During Corona, Narendra Modi told you – turn on your mobile phone torches, clang utensils. People were dying across the country, there was no oxygen or medicines. Narendra Modi came and said that COVID is here, people are dying, clang your utensils now,” Gandhi said at a rally in poll-bound Rajasthan’s Churu.
“On the other hand, here was Bhilwara model. Utensils were being clanged here and food packet was being distributed to houses in Rajasthan; medicines were being distributed and patients were being saved. Why? Because we run a government of the poor, farmers and workers…Congress party’s work is to transfer money into the pockets of the poor. They transfer money into the pockets of Adani,” he added.
During the rally, Gandhi invoked GST implementation and 2016 demonetisation move to attack the prime minister. “Here, we run a government of the poor, we protect you. Narendra Modi implemented GST. For the first time in India, farmers have to pay taxes. He did demonetisation and finished all small businessmen.”
“Wherever you see, Adani is doing some or the other business – airports, ports, cement plants, roads are all his. So, he works for the rich. He helps Adani, Adani earns money and that money is used abroad. Foreign companies are purchased,” he added.
Hailing the incumbent Ashok Gehlot-led Congress government in the state, Rahul Gandhi said,”State Government has worked for you a lot…Remember one thing, if BJP Government is formed here, whatever we did – be it a pension scheme, health scheme, ?500 gas cylinder or ?10,000 for women – will all be scrapped by them and they will once again start helping billionaires. If you vote for Congress, the poor, farmers and small businessmen will be benefitted”.
Gandhi said that the party was united and would sweep the Rajasthan assembly polls next week amid murmurs of infighting within the state unit. “We aren’t just seen together. We are together and will be together,” Gandhi said in capital Jaipur, in the presence of Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and former deputy and rival Sachin Pilot.
The Congress leader made the remarks before leaving for Tara Nagar in Churu to address a rally. Gehlot, Pilot and Rajasthan Congress chief Govind Singh Dotasra accompanied Rahul Gandhi.
Rahul Gandhi’s comments assume significance amid speculation over a truce between Gehlot and Pilot. In 2020, Pilot, who was then Deputy Chief Minister, and 18 Congress MLAs loyal to him led a revolt against Gehlot. -
India not ruling out probe into Canada’s allegations over Khalistani separatist Nijjar, but wants evidence: Jaishankar
London (TIP)- External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said that India is not ruling out an investigation into Canada’s allegations about the involvement of the Indian government’s agents in the killing of a Khalistani separatist in that country but wants it to provide evidence to back its claims. Jaishankar made the comments on Wednesday in response to questions during a conversation with veteran journalist Lionel Barber titled ‘How a Billion People See the World’ here.
“If you have a reason to make such an allegation, please share the evidence because we are not ruling out an investigation,” Jaishankar, who is here on a five-day official visit to the UK, said while responding to a question.
He emphasised that Canada has not shared any evidence with India to support its allegations.
The ties between India and Canada came under severe strain following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations in September of a “potential” involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on June 18 in British Columbia. India had designated Nijjar as a terrorist in 2020.
India has rejected Trudeau’s allegations as “absurd” and “motivated”.
Jaishankar said that freedom of speech and freedom of expression come with a certain responsibility and the misuse of those freedoms and the toleration of that misuse for political purposes would be very wrong, referring to the pro-Khalistani activities in Canada.
Jaishankar said that he was in touch with his Canadian counterpart Melanie Joly on the issue.
He recalled the attacks on the High Commission of India in Canada, or smoke bomb attacks on the High Commission and Consulate General, and said Indian diplomats were intimidated in public, with no action from the Canadian authorities against culprits.
Last week, Prime Minister Trudeau underlined that a “fight” with India was not something Canada wanted to be having right now but reiterated his allegations and said Ottawa wanted to “work constructively” with New Delhi on this “very serious matter”.
Source: PTI -
Modi unveils Rs 24k-cr tribal welfare plan
Ranchi (TIP)- Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a Rs 24,000 crore mission aimed at benefiting 2.8 million people from particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTGs) across 220 districts, marking a mega push by the government to reach out to India’s tribal communities just months ahead of general elections.
Launching the mission in Jharkhand’s Khunti district on the birth anniversary of tribal icon and freedom fighter Birsa Munda, Modi also underlined his government’s commitment to the development of the poor and marginalised communities, and explained what secularism meant to his administration.
“Modi has made the deprived his priority… I have come to this land of Bhagwan Birsa Munda to repay the debt that I owe to the deprived,” he said. “I assure the women, young and the poor that it is a guarantee that Modi’s guarantee would be delivered. Social justice is now a generic term. Modi is now looking at adivasi nyay (justice for tribals).”
He also inaugurated and laid the foundation of projects worth Rs 7,200 crore, including those to widen the 52-km stretch of the Mahagama-Hansdiha section of National Highway-133 and the 45-km stretch of Basukinath-Deoghar section of National Highway-114A; the KDH-Purnadih coal handling plant; and a new academic and administrative building of the Indian Institute of Information Technology-Ranchi.
“True secularism comes only when all possibilities of discrimination against any citizen of the country are eliminated,” Modi said, adding that social justice was ensured only when the benefits of government schemes reach everyone in the same measure. This is the spirit behind the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra which he flagged off on Wednesday. “In this journey, the government will go to every village of the country in mission mode and will make every poor and deprived person a beneficiary of government schemes,” Modi added.
Officials said that under the PVTG mission, basic facilities such as road and telecom connectivity, electricity, safe housing, clean drinking water and sanitation, improved access to education, health and nutrition and sustainable livelihood opportunities will be provided to PVTG habitations, which are mostly remote, scattered and inaccessible.
“Today we are launching the PM Jan Man (PM PVTG) mission to reach out the last person standing among the most primitive of tribes. We have identified 75 PVTGs across over 22,000 villages who are in lakhs. We will provide them everything required for their mainstreaming and pasting them fruits of development,” Modi said.
Tribal communities form 8.6% of the country, according to the 2011 census. They hold sway in a number of states across broad swathes of central and eastern India, and the North-East, and 47 of the 543 Lok Sabha seats are reserved for the communities. The PM’s announcement mark an outreach by the BJP to these communities in a manner similar to the party’s efforts to attract Dalits into its fold ahead of the 2019 general elections.
Tribal communities also form a key demographic in the ongoing elections in five states — especially in the heartland provinces of Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, where 29 and 45 assembly seats are reserved for the community.
Earlier in the day, Modi visited Birsa Munda’s birthplace Ulihatu and paid floral tributes to him on his birth anniversary, which is celebrated as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas since 2021. Modi, the first PM to visit Ulihatu, was accorded a warm welcome with local residents dancing to the tunes of traditional instruments. He was accompanied by chief minister Hemant Soren, governor CP Radhakrishnan and Union tribal affairs minister Arjun Munda.
“It was during the Vajpayee government that a separate ministry (for tribal welfare) was put in place. Today, the budget for that department has increased sixfold,” said Modi.
He released ?18,000 crore as part of the 15th instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) and hailed the administrative record of his government. -
Appeal process in case involving 8 Indians on death row in Qatar under way: India
India on Thursday, Nov 16, said the appeal process against the death sentence handed down to eight former Indian Navy personnel by a Qatari court is under process and it was hopeful of a positive outcome from it. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said India is engaged with the Qatari authorities on the matter and that the government will continue to extend all legal and consular assistance to the Indian nationals.
“The case is currently in a legal process there. As we mentioned, an appeal has been filed in Qatar’s Court of Appeal. We are also engaged with the Qatari authorities on the matter and we will continue to extend all legal and consular assistance (to them),” Bagchi said.
“I would again urge everyone not to engage in speculation considering the sensitive nature of the case,” he said.
The judgement in the entire process has been made confidential by the Qatari side. “The appeal process is underway and we would hope for a positive outcome,” Bagchi said, replying to a question on the matter at his weekly media briefing.
He also described as “factually incorrect” some reports that suggested the appeal in the case has been adjudicated. -
Birthday Horoscope-November 20 to November 26
November 20
Ganesha says today might be a good day for you to create new contacts that will benefit your career. Additionally, you would experience unexpected career advancements. If you go out and participate in clubs and other social activities, you would be quite successful socially. Compared to the previous several years, your income would be significantly higher. Even if they can be possessive at times, your loved one would be supportive and helpful. Minor health issues like backaches, stiff necks, or body aches will cause a lot of trouble.
November 21
Ganesha says although you are very talented, you need to learn to control your occasionally domineering and haughty behavior. This time, businessmen would diversify their operations into new, lucrative directions. Dealing in real estate might be quite profitable for you, but you should anticipate some partner resistance. Make the most of it since for some people, this is a new romance. Yoga and meditation should be practiced for both physical and spiritual benefits. Your children will likely have some exciting news to share.
November 22
Ganesha says you are a person who is ambitious, competent, organized, sober, and straightforward. Slow projects would pick up steam. If there are any disagreements, they will be resolved and you will feel relieved. Coworker romances could blossom, but they would be very fleeting. You would keep ahead of others thanks to your competitive spirit, which would also make you well-liked by your fellow students. Friends will be supportive yet obstinate.
November 23
Ganesha says many people’s financial situations get better, and some people even inherit property. Your confidence will increase as business prospers and you make money. The legal issues that have been weighing on your mind will be resolved to your satisfaction. For some, promotions and pay raises are likely. However, romance won’t be enjoyable because you’ll constantly be thinking about your regular conflicts and disagreements. Both academically and athletically, students will do incredibly well.
November 24
Ganesha says the highlight today will be starting new employment and assignments. Transfers and promotions for select staff. Long-term returns on property investments will be favorable. You will travel frequently and successfully, earning money along the way, and you will develop enduring relationships. Your relationships with people of the opposite gender will get stronger, giving your life a new and exciting direction. Your mood will improve after hearing some thrilling news from kids. Anxiety and tension may be brought on by an increase in your medical costs due to your parents’ health.
November 25
Ganesha says the upcoming season is favorable for launching new businesses. Projects that have been lagging up until now would pick up steam. If there are any disputes, they will be resolved and you will feel relieved. Coworker romances might start to grow, but they would be quite fleeting. You would keep ahead of others thanks to your competitive spirit, which would also make you well-liked by your peers. Friends will be supportive but also demanding.
November 26
Ganesha says your ability to sway a sizable population is very strong. You are in the spotlight because of your modern, revolutionary beliefs, but you need to curb your occasionally stubborn and envious behavior. You would have a lot of energy this year, and if you used it well, you would achieve great success. Financially, it appears to be a good time to purchase property and equities, but all purchases should be made with the long term in mind. Later in the year, a far-off trip looks likely, probably to attend a fortunate event.
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Weekly Horoscope-November 20 to 26, 2023
AriesGanesha says this week you will be very busy with household work. Married people will now be able to get out of the problems of family life a little and heave a sigh of relief. People living a love life will experience some problems. There may be some distance between you and your family, and some ideological differences may arise. Try to remove these in time, so that the relationship can run well. There will be some household expenses now. Your responsibilities will attract your attention. Meanwhile, you will try to maintain coordination in your work. Both your home and office will need you. Things will get sorted out only if you manage well. Time will be good for employed people. Your hard work will continue. People belonging to the business class will get relief from some problems. You will move forward in business with new energy. Be careful of your opponents. Talking about students, you will have to work hard now. Now they will also work hard, which will also benefit them. From a health point of view, you will have to take care of your health now. It will be important to control your eating habits. The beginning of the week is good for travel.
Taurus
Ganesha says this week will be better for you. However, the domestic life of married people may be full of conflicts, so be careful. This time will be very good for your love life. Romance will increase in your relationship and understanding with each other will also improve. You will also meet some new people, which will increase your circle of friends. Religious thoughts will come to mind. You would like to do good to people. You will triumph over your opponents. He will not be able to harm you even if he wants to. You will be successful in court-related matters. Your hard work will be successful for you, and you will achieve success in expanding your business by connecting with people doing business in remote areas and states or contacting foreign countries. Talking about students, at this time their minds will be focused on studies. You can get success in competition. From a health point of view, you will have to take care of your health now. The beginning to the middle of the week will be a good time for travel.
Gemini
Ganesha says this week will be good for you. You will be busier with your family activities. In the family, you will have to take care of your mother’s health, because she may fall ill now. This time will be better for my love life. You will enjoy your love life openly. You will gradually get success in removing the tension that has persisted till now. This time will be much better for married life. You may get a big benefit because of your spouse. At this time, you will get every kind of support in your business, and you will progress. Your income will also improve. You will benefit from many sources. Luck will be on your side, which will get things done. You will have to pay some attention to your job. Instead of bringing here and there things in your mind, concentrate on your work. Talking about students, they will have to concentrate on their studies. If you do not pay attention to your studies, then you may have to face problems. From the health point of view, there will be some improvement in your health as compared to before, but you will have to pay attention to your eating habits. Except for the last two days of the week, the rest of the time is favourable for travel.
Cancer
Ganesha says this week will be good for you. Your relations with friends will remain good right now. There will be less stress in marital life and love life will also improve. You should think carefully about your relationship. Your self-confidence will also be strengthened, which will lead to success in work. You can get tremendous benefits by applying for any government tender. Working in stock market or real estate will also prove to be very beneficial for you. At this time, you will be successful in earning good money. This time will be favourable from a job point of view. Your boss will also seem happy with you. They will test your abilities by watching you tackle challenges. Talking about students, at this time they will need solitude for their studies. take care of it. From a health point of view, your health will be good at the moment. However, you have to take care of your diet. Some days in the middle of the week will be good for traveling.
Leo
Ganesha says this week will be moderately fruitful for you. Now your expenses will be higher. There may be some lack of coordination with family members. The health of an elder in the family may also deteriorate, so be careful at this time. There can also be a function at home, in which many people will come. However, there is a possibility of some discord with siblings. There will be definite chances of profit from the government. Your enemies will be defeated, and you will get a one-sided victory over them. If you are standing in any election, then you may get a good chance of winning. Time is favourable for the job, continue working hard and pay more attention to your work. People doing business will work hard in their work. You will become so engrossed in work that you may even lose your senses. But take some breaks in between and eat good food. Do not ignore your health, only then you will be able to stay fit. Talking about students, this is a good time for technical and management students. They will be able to perform better. The beginning of the week will be good from a health point of view.
Virgo
Ganesha says this week will be good for you. Your confidence will also increase significantly, due to which you will be successful in your work. However, suddenly you will feel feelings of both love and separation from love. On the one hand, you will feel that you should separate from this material world, and on the other hand you will start desiring all the material pleasures. In such a situation, there will be conflict in your mind, which may affect your friends. Whether you are married or enjoying a love life, this time will be full of ups and downs. You will have to make efforts yourself to improve it. Your income will be good. The bank balance will increase. There will be a reduction in expenses, which will make the time favourable from the financial point of view. Your position in the job will remain strong. You will seem satisfied with your work, and you may also get some new deals in business from your superiors, which will increase your confidence. Talking about students, they will now be able to concentrate completely on their studies. This will also give them proper results. From a health point of view, there is no major problem visible at present, but there are not even minor problems. The beginning of the week is good for travel.
Libra
Ganesha says this week will be good for you. You will be successful in maintaining a balance between your family life and personal life. Married people will also feel the increasing tension between love and intimacy in their domestic life. Your behaviour may irritate them a bit. Time will be better for your love life, but you will have to control your anger. Now there will be a sudden increase in expenses, which may surprise you, but you will have to spend. There will be some expenditure on luxuries too, so you have to understand that it should not be heavy on your pocket. Time is good for business. Some new tasks will come before you, in completing which you will use all your strength, yet ultimately victory will be yours. Talking about students, they will be very positive about their studies and will work hard. You will be successful in the job. From the health point of view, there may be ups and downs in your health at this time. You may have a high fever, so be careful. Be alert about the weather. The beginning of the week is good for travel.
Scorpio
Ganesha says this week will be good for you. Married people can organize a party to forget the stress of family life. We will try to make the relationship lighter and stronger through mutual dialogue. At present, luck will favor you, which will give you a chance to move forward. This will get your work done. Situations at the workplace will gradually move towards favourability, but you will have to maintain a good rapport with the people you work with, otherwise, you may get into trouble. Take special care of this. The week will be beneficial for those doing business. You should expect to get good profits from your hard work. You will also try to invest. Talking about students, time will be favourable for them also. From a health point of view, you will have to take care of your health now. Control your diet and follow your daily routine. The beginning and middle of the week is a good time for travel.
Sagittarius
Ganesha says this week will prove to be mixed for you. There will be some lack of happiness and peace in family life. There will be discord in the family over some issues and there will be a lack of mutual coordination. Your family’s happiness will decrease. Right now, you will be away from home for a long time due to work, due to which you will feel a lack of happiness, yet you will remain very emotional. You will suddenly do something that will surprise your family. You will get support from friends. Will feel less interested in work. You will be successful in business. Married people will live their family life to the fullest, but they may also have arguments with their spouses. Time is not very good for love life so try to remain calm and take time. Talking about students, time is good for them. You will get results for the hard work you have done. This week will be full of ups and downs for you from a health point of view. Take care of yourself. The time after the first two days of the week will be good for travel.
Capricorn
Ganesha says this week will bring favourability for you. Relationship with spouse will be good. There will be intensity in the relationship. You can plan to travel somewhere with your loved ones. Family life will be full of satisfaction. Father’s health may decline. Your confidence will increase as your position becomes stronger. People will come to you for advice. Your hard work in business will increase and it will take some time to get the final results. However, you keep trying. Will surely succeed. Luck will favor you. Religious sentiments will increase. Health will improve. Talking about students, they will get good results in the field of fine arts. From the health point of view, there will be some improvement in your health. The first day of the week will be good for traveling and the last two days of the week will also be good for traveling.
Aquarius
Ganesha says this week will be moderately fruitful for you. There may be mild tension in the domestic life of married people. Time is good for a love life. You will be more vocal about your relationship and will accept the relationship openly. This week there will be a lot of expenses and the income will be moderate, so you will have to pay a little attention so that the situation does not get worse. Time will be good for employed people. You will consider your work as worship and will work hard, which will give you positive results. Your colleagues will also support you but stay away from laziness. This is a good time for business. Most of your time will be spent on travel and during this time you will get a chance to meet some new people. You can also get benefits from the government sector or avail the benefits of any government scheme. Talking about students, time will be good for them. From the health point of view, there may be ups and downs in your health at this time, so take care of your health.
Pisces
Ganesha says this week is going to be very good for you. The domestic life of married people will be very happy. Your spouse will openly express his/her feelings to you, which will make your relationship sweet and move forward in the right way. Those who are in love life should enjoy this time. Now you will get relief from the problems going on in your relationship. You may be on a trip at the beginning of the week. In this journey, you will also take your close people along with you, due to which the journey will be completed in a very beautiful manner. Now your income will increase, which will strengthen your financial position. What could be better than getting support from friends? Talking about students, at this time their minds will be focused on studies. This will give you success in your studies. From a health point of view, your health will also be better now. You will be successful in your work.
By Chirag Daruwalla – Son of Astrologer Bejan Daruwalla
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LITERARY FEST IN BIG APPLE ASSURES RENAISSANCE WEEKEND
- By Mabel Pais
Over 60 writers and poets light up New York City to celebrate the Indo-American Arts Council (IAAC.us) spectacular Renaissance Weekend November 18-19! The Literary Festival (iaac.us/books) will feature over 60 of the world’s most acclaimed Indian authors, influencers, and luminaries. Bring your family and friends to one of the biggest gatherings in North America. The Indo-American Arts Council (IAAC)’s 2023 Literary Festival, takes place on November 18th and 19th at the Hotel Conrad New York Downtown, 102 North End Ave, New York, NY 10282. The Literary Festival is FREE to the public.
This year’s festival is set to be an extraordinary Renaissance Weekend, a celebration of literature, culture, and intellectual discourse. Rub elbows with Pulitzer Prize winners and New York Times bestsellers at the largest gathering of celebrated global Indian talent in North America. Hear inspiring ideas, enjoy illuminating discussions, and make personal connections that will stay with you for a lifetime.
Among the distinguished lineup of authors and thought leaders, IAAC has the privilege of hosting Jose Thomas, recipient of IAAC’s 2023 Trail Blazer Award, who will discuss his biography ‘By Choice’. Additionally, the festival will feature Pulitzer Prize winner Vijay Seshadri, National Book Award finalist Sarah Thankam Mathews, Grammy-nominated artist, humanitarian, and author Chandrika Tandon and the accomplished actor and Lambda Literary Award winner, Maulik Pancholy amongst 60+ other luminaries from the literary world. In continuation of its honored tradition, IAAC will also host a live Poetry Panel led by poetry curator, Dr. Ravi Shankar. Prabha Khaitan Foundation will be co-presenting two sessions.
“As the Literary Festival Director, my passion is to weave stories and conversations that not only inspire but also highlight the rich fabric of human experiences.”, said Preethi Urs, Literary Festival Director.
This literary feast promises to be a weekend of engaging discussions, thought-provoking conversations, and a celebration of literature. For the complete Festival schedule and session details, visit iaac.us/books.
RSVP
RSVP is required, although all sessions of the event are FREE to attend.
GALA
The weekend culminates in the Annual Gala on November 19th – an appropriate celebration of the holiday season! The event starts at 6 pm at the same venue.
All of the Literary Festival authors and moderators will be attending this gala.
IAAC bids a farewell to its Chief Patron Consul General Randhir Jaiswal before he departs for his new post in India. Trailblazer businessman Jose Thomas will be honored as the 2023 IAAC honoree.
And that’s not all – direct from India, the legendary Queen of Indian Pop, Usha Uthup will ignite the stage and get you on your feet with her irresistible music and energy! An evening of dining, dancing, and delight!
TICKETS
Purchase tickets to the Gala at iaac.us/annual-gala-2023.
The Indo-American Arts Council (IAAC)
Learn more at iaac.us.
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CHOREOGRAPHIC AUTEUR RETHINKS JUNGLE BOOK
Jungle Book dancers (Credit : lincolncenter.org) - By Mabel Pais
AKRAM KHAN, choreographic auteur rooted in the Kathak dance tradition (akramkhancompany.net) who has had a two-decade relationship with Lincoln Center producing a half-dozen masterpieces, brings us yet another reinvention.
His latest work, a rethinking of the Rudyard Kipling classic ‘The Jungle Book,’ updates the original’s colonizer-centric perspective to tell the story of the young girl Mowgli as a refugee child stranded by the cruel realities of climate change. This family-friendly and narrative-driven production features an original score by BAFTA and Olivier Award-winning composer Jocelyn Pook, a cast of ten international dancers, and a stage bursting with state-of-the-art animation and visual projections. This is a Jungle Book retold with nuanced beauty and devastating immediacy that expresses a universal need for connection and a deep respect for the natural world.
WHAT: JUNGLE BOOK REIMAGINED
WHERE: Lincoln Center’s Rose Theater
WHEN: November 16-18, 2023 at 7:30 pm
FOR WHOM: Ages 10+
RUN TIME: 2 hours, approximately
KEY CREDITS:
Creative Team
Director/Choreographer: Akram Khan
Creative Associate/Coach: Mavin Khoo
Writer: Tariq Jordan
Dramaturgical Advisor: Sharon Clark
Composer: Jocelyn Pook
HEALTH & SAFETY
For health and safety protocols, visit lincolncenter.org/series/lincoln-center-presents/jungle-book-reimagined
TICKETS
To make the arts more accessible, tickets are available on a Choose-What-You-Pay basis. Learn more at lincolncenter.org/series/lincoln-center-presents/jungle-book-reimagined
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LEGENDARY EMPRESS OF SOUL PERFORMS IN NJ
Gladys Knight (Credit : njpac.org) - By Mabel Pais
Gladys Knight, the Empress of Soul-seven-Time Grammy Award winner, performs live at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) on Sunday, November 12th, at 7:00 p.m. Gladys Knight never disappoints by putting on a high-energy show performing all of her hits that stand the test of time and the songs that everyone knows and loves like ‘Midnight Train to Georgia,’ ‘Heard it Through The Grapevine,’ ‘That’s What Friends Are For,’ and so much more.
Knight is one of the most influential soul and R&B voices of all time. Gladys Knight and the Pips joined the famous Motown Records label in 1966 and won three Grammy Awards, and she garnered four more Grammy Awards as a solo artist. Gladys Knight was bestowed with the National Medal of the Arts for her contributions and influences on American culture. This is the highest honor given to artists and art patrons by the United States Government.
Knight was born in Atlanta and rose to fame as the lead singer of ‘Gladys Knight & the Pips,’ later establishing herself as a famous solo artist. Knight has two No. 1 Billboard singles, ‘Midnight Train to Georgia’ and ‘That’s What Friends Are For,’ which she recorded in 1986 with Elton John, Stevie Wonder, and Dionne Warwick — along with 11 No. 1 R&B singles and six No. 1 R&B albums, the Deseret News reported.
TICKETS
For Tickets to see Gladys Knight, visit the NJPAC Box Office or NJPAC.org or call 888.GO.NJPAC (888.466.5722)
The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC)
Learn more at njpac.org.
(Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Spirituality, Education, Cuisine, Health & Wellness, and Business)
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NOVEMBER LINEUP OF MPAC EVENTS
- By Mabel Pais
DJ ARJUN PERFORMS BOLLYWOOD HIP HOP, WORLD MUSIC
and more
Celtic Thunder: Odyssey
Friday, November 10, 2023 at 8 pm
‘Odyssey’ is a fascinating exploration of Irish music and culture, firmly grounded in Celtic Thunder’s impressive history, while ambitiously forging new paths.
The Beach Boys
Saturday, November 11, 2023 at 8 pm
As The Beach Boys mark more than a half century of making music, the group continues to ride the crest of a wave unequalled in America’s musical history.
Limited Tickets
Theatre of Light
Sunday, November 12 at 5 pm
(Morristown) – The universal symbol of light will illuminate the rich cultural diversity of Morristown’s community when Mayo Performing Arts Center transforms the Vail Mansion Plaza into a “Theater of Light” on Sunday, November 12 at 5 pm.
Theatre of Light, a free MPAC Arts in the Community event, takes place Sunday, November 12 at the Vail Mansion Plaza, adjacent to MPAC, from 5 pm – 8 pm.
“Theatre of Light is an opportunity to bring together our diverse community and to inspire, engage and connect people from all backgrounds through the magic of the arts,” said Allison Larena, President & CEO, MPAC.
The fourth annual Theatre of Light event has been expanded from previous years. A curtain of stars and lights will welcome the community onto the Vail Plaza. Specially lit magical winged dancers will perform while enchanted creatures and puppets roam about in dazzling colors. There will be music, dance, ice carving and craft making. Keep a lookout for Ellie the Elephant.
This year’s event will include participation and/or performances from the following community artists:
Lighting by BML Blackbird
Live Henna Painting by Mehndikalogie
Live Ice carving by Okamoto Studio
MPAC Performing Arts Company
Unity Steppers – Morristown Neighborhood House
LED Winged Dancers with LED juggler via Fluxion Entertainment
DJ Arjun – Bollywood- Hip Hop, World Music and more
During Theatre of Light, stop by the “Visit the Star” selfie station and the ‘Wishing on a Star’ table where you can write your individual wishes that will become an integral part of the evening’s light display! Make your own light crown at the crafts area. You can also visit the Morristown/Morris Twp. Library between now and November 12 and write your thoughts at the Theatre of Light display in the library. In addition, refreshments will be available for purchase.
“Theatre of Light is truly a celebration of community,” added Kadie Dempsey, MPAC’s Community Engagement Director and Principle, Core Creative Placemaking. “We believe that by engaging community in the process, the event takes on a deeper and more meaningful experience for participants and the community.”
The event will be held rain, or shine. Rain site will be St. Peter’s Parish Hall.
MPAC’s Theatre of Light is being coordinated by CORE Creative Placemaking. CORE’s principles, Morristown residents Kadie Dempsey and Dan Fenelon, create experiences that Inspire, engage and connect.
Legends of Country Rock: Firefall, Pure Prairie League and Richie Furay
Saturday, November 18, 2023 at 8 pm
Enjoy an evening of the best in classic country rock, featuring Firefall (“You Are the Woman,” “Just Remember I Love You”), Pure Prairie League (“Amie”) and Richie Furay, founder of Buffalo Springfield and Poco (“Crazy Love,” “Heart of the Night”).
Judy Collins and Madeleine Peyroux (rescheduled from Sept. 21)
Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at 7:30 pm
Folk and jazz icons share the stage for an unforgettable double bill of songs and stories. Judy Collins has thrilled audiences with her unique blend of interpretive folk songs, sublime vocals and bold songwriting for six decades. Madeleine Peyroux has become one of the most acclaimed jazz singers of her generation since arriving on the scene in 1996.
Manhattan Comedy Night
Friday, November 24, 2023 at 8 pm
Enjoy some laughs with our popular stand-up series showcasing the rising stars of comedy. Mature content, language. Adults only.
70s vs 80s: The Battle of the Decades
Featuring The Discoteks vs 80’s Revolution Saturday, November 25, 2023 at 7:30 pm
Two bands. Two decades. One great party! Disco vs new wave…Donna Summer vs Madonna…Michael Jackson vs. Michael Jackson. The Discoteks play the best of the 70s. The 80’s Revolution perform your favorites from that era. The audience decides which decade has the best music!
A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage
Sunday, November 26, 2023 at 2 pm and 5 pm
A Charlie Brown Christmas. (Credit : mayoarts.org) Everyone’s favorite TV holiday classic comes to life onstage as Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, and the rest of the Peanuts characters uncover the true meaning of Christmas. Adapted from Charles M. Schulz’s Emmy and Peabody award-winning story, and featuring the unforgettable music of Vince Guaraldi, there’s no better way for families to discover the magic of the season!
Derek Hough: Symphony of Dance
Thursday, November 30, 2023 at 7:30 pm
EMMY® award winning dancer Derek Hough’s first national tour in four years features all-new high-energy choreography, stunning stage production, astounding versatility and, as always, Derek’s magnetic stage presence. Fans will journey through a true fusion of dance and music, as Derek explores styles ranging from ballroom and tap to salsa and hip-hop and everything in between. Featuring Hayley Erbert (So You Think You Can Dance).
LIMITED TICKETS
Guest Attraction:
New Jersey Ballet: A Night on the Town
Friday, November 17, 2023 at 7:30pm
‘A Night on the Town’ will feature Jerome Robbins’ Fancy Free, his first collaboration with Leonard Bernstein, which was the inspiration for the full-length musical On the Town, and George Balanchine’s Rubies, which sends dancers racing across the stage to reflect Igor Stravinsky’s jazz-inflected piano with movements that incorporate sassy style and sharp attack. Plus additional works.
TICKETS
For Tickets to each of the performances or events, visit mayoarts.org or the box office or call 973 539 008. All Programs are Subject to Change.
The Mayo Performing Arts Center (mayoarts.org) – MPAC
Connect with MPAC:
Mayo Performing Arts Center
100 South St., Morristown, NJ 07960
box office (973) 539-8008
online: mayoarts.org
Facebook: facebook.com/MayoPerformingArtsCenter
Instagram: instagram.com/mayopac
Twitter: twitter.com/MayoCenter
YouTube: youtube.com/user/MayoCenter
(Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Spirituality, Education, Cuisine, Health & Wellness, and Business)
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Third eye of Lord Shiva
Being one of the most widely worshipped Gods in Hinduism, Lord Shiva is also referred as Tryambaka Deva (Three-eyed lord) for the third eye placed on his forehead. The sun is said to be his right eye, the moon is said to be the left eye while fire is this third eye. While the other two eyes indicate his activity in the physical world, the third eye stands as a symbol of wisdom, free from “Maya” (illusion) and duality of life. It looks beyond the obvious happenings with clear perception, and shows one what is known to be true. This eye of Lord Shiva is known as the “Spiritual eye” which stands for deeper consciousness and allows us to see the real world for the world as we see it is an illusion.
As per the modern spirituality, the third eye is a symbol of enlightenment. It is often referred to as “Gyananakashu” (the eye of knowledge). In the Indian and East Asian iconography, the third eye is the “Ajna chakra” (the sixth chakra). It is also known as brow chakra or brow center.
This third eye of Lord Shiva is also famous for emitting flames that destroy the vie and the evil. It is believed that Lord Shiva has only opened the third eye in extreme cases, when there no more space for forgiveness was left and no question of granting another chance existed. It was his third eye, which gave him the name of the destroyer; when the eye opened it destroyed the person who befell for the vision.
History saw instances where Lord Shiva opened his third eye, yet there are no evidences on how many times, this event took place. The Shiv Purana lays down a few instances when Mahadeva opened his third eye. We have jotted down a few of such popularly known instances.
Sati and the Burning of Kamadeva
Daksha Prajapati, Lord Brahma’s wish-born son, was entrusted with the duty to populate the Universe. He with his wife, Prastuti, had many daughters who were married off to gods and sages. Sati, his youngest daughter, was his favourite. Sati was the reincarnation of Ardhashakti, or the better half of Lord Shiva which he had sacrificed to maintain the balance in the Universe and was thus, destined to marry Lord Shiva. Sati then appeases Lord Shiva and marries him against the wishes of her father, Daksha. He then organizes a yagna (fire-sacrifice) and invites all his sons-in-law except Shiva, to participate in the ritual. Angry at the exclusion of her husband, Sati rushes into the sacrificial precinct and confronts her father, who mocks Shiva’s ascetic ways in front of all the assembled guests. Unable to bear this humiliation in front of the other Devas, Sati kills herself by jumping into the sacrificial fire thereby causing the Yagna to stop.
Lord Shiva was furious after learning about Sati’s death at the Yagna. Unable to control his anger, he brought forth superior beings Virabhadra (a fierce warrior) and Bhadrakali (the female fierce warrior) to behead Daksha. Although many gods tried to defend Daksha, Virabhadra and Bhadrakali destroyed his army and beheaded him.
Lord Brahma pleaded to Lord Shiva for his son’s life and asked for forgiveness for his behaviour. Lord Shiva calmed down, and revived Daksha by replacing his head with a goat’s head. He placed Goddess Sati’s body on his shoulder and started walking through the Universe, neglecting his duties. Lord Vishnu attempted to pacify Shiva, who was left in deep grief upon seeing the half-burned corpse of his beloved wife, Sati. To bring Lord Shiva out of his grief, Lord Vishnu uses his sudarshan chakra (a celestial weapon) to cut Sati’s body to pieces, which fell on earth. Sati’s body was cut into a total of 52 pieces that fell on different places on the earth, each of which have evolved into Shakti Pithas (Shakti Temples). There is a Kali or Shakti temple in each of these 52 places.
Lord Shiva then returned to Mount Kailash to meditate and mourn his wife’s death, cleansing himself of all anger and pain rejecting all worldly things. Much later, Sati is reborn as the daughter of Himavath (the king of mountains). The couple name her Parvati and showed immense devotion towards Lord Shiva. She tries her best to please him to marry her. Although Lord Shiva remains impassive, disappointing both her and the Devas who are eager to get Lord Shiva married. The Devas were informed that the demon, Taraka, who got them in trouble was destined to be killed by Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati’s son. So, they decide to help Parvati please Lord Shiva by sending Lord Kama (the god of love & lust) to Mount Kailash. While Lord Shiva is seen meditating, Kamadeva raises his sugarcane bow, pulls his bowstring buzzing with bees and shoots flowery darts of kama (desire) into Shiva’s heart.
The result was not something the Devas expected it would be. Instead of opening his eyes and expressing his desire for Parvati, Lord Shiva opens a third eye. It is in the centre of the forehead and blows out a missile of fire that sets Kamadeva aflame. Right infront of Parvati, Kamadeva is reduced to a pile of ashes in no time. It is then that Shiva gets the name destroyer. Such is the power of the third eye of Lord Shiva. Through this incident, the third eye has been accompanied by emotions of rage and anger.
The birth of Andhaka
As the Shiv Purana narrates, once playfully Parvati closes the eyes of Lord Shiva with her hands from behind. As soon as Mahadeva’s eyes were thus covered, all the regions became dark and life seemed to be extinct everywhere in the universe. All living creatures became cheerless and filled with fear. Birds froze in the air mid-flight. Cows became living statues while grazing in their lush green fields. The tiger about to pounce on her prey was rooted to her hiding spot while the deer was fastened to his feeding ground. All life became still and quiet. When the eyes of the lord of all life forms were closed, the universe seemed to become sunless. Soon, overspreading darkness disappeared. A mighty and powerful flame of fire started to radiate from Mahadeva’s forehead. A third eye, resembling another sun, appeared on his forehead. This eye provided light to the world when his other two eyes were closed.
While covering Lord Shiva’s eyes, Goddess Parvati’s hands started perspiring. The sweat filled with the power of Shiva (heat) and Shakti (water) transformed into a child – a blind child. It sang, cried, laughed, danced, put out its tongue like a serpent and thundered fiercely. The couple named this child – Andhaka. At this time, there was an asura (demon) named Hiranyaksha who had no sons. He then prayed to Lord Shiva and pleased by his devotion, the couple decided to offer him with Andhaka, to raise him as his son.
Andhaka went on to become the kind of Hiranyaksha’s kingdom. Later, Andhaka gets blessed with a boon from Lord Brahma. Andhakasura asked him for victories throughout his life and immortality. Lord Brahma granted him the first boon but asked him how he wanted die, as death was inevitable. To this, Andhakasura replies that he would be killed by his own father if he ever decides to marry a woman who was like a mother to him. Empowered by this boon, he went on to conquer all the three worlds. During his invasion, he meets Parvati and gets aroused by her beauty. He then decided to make her his queen. As he chased her, Lord Shiva who came to Parvati’s rescue and struck Andhaka by his trident. After being suspended on Lord Shiva’s trident for over thousand years, Andhakasura realised his mistake and sought forgiveness form Lord Shiva. This story narrates the dark side of the third eye. When desire is destroyed, then all divisions fall apart – there is no right side or left side, nothing good or nothing bad. It metaphorically illustrates that the physical world, blinds one to worldly realities. Andhaka means the `blind one’, so blind that he does not even distinguish between mother and wife.
Source: Templepurohit.com -
Destinations to embark on a boat ride in Kerala backwaters
Kerala is a unique south Indian state with a labyrinthine web of canals, lagoons, lake and estuaries. Whenever we hear Kerala, our imagination places us in a houseboat in the famous backwaters, drinking coconut water and eating in a plantain leaf. In the backdrop are the tall coconut trees and lush green nature. Going on a houseboat cruise in the backwaters of Kerala is a dream which requires little effort to make it a reality. Kerala Backwaters being the largest freshwater source for Kerala are a rich bed of marine flora and fauna that also embodies a variety of boating options.
Let’s ease your task and list the best backwaters destinations in Kerala that are too beautiful to be missed:
Alappuzha
Often likened to Venice, Alappuzha, also known as Alleppey, in central Kerala, is the most popular entry point into the backwaters around Vembanad Lake. There’s a pretty beach with an old pier and lighthouse, but the real draw is the network of canals which can be explored on luxury houseboats, speedboats and ferries.
Alappuzha is at its festive best during the Nehru Boat Snake Boat Race, generally held on the second Saturday of August every year. The regatta takes place on the Punnamada Lake, and also features ceremonial processions and magnificent floats. The highlight of the event is the synchronised rowing of traditional 30-metre-long snake-boats or ‘chudan valloms’, which have a raised prow resembling a snake.
Kumarakom
Part of the Kuttanad region, picturesque Kumarakom is an archipelago scattered on the eastern edge of the Vembanad Lake. This area’s natural splendour and way of life were vividly described in Arundhati Roy’s Man Booker Prize-winning, ‘The God of Small Things’. Kumarakom has a string of luxury resorts including the Coconut Lagoon, Kumarakom Lake Resort and Vivanta by Taj – Kumarakom, located right on the backwaters and guests can rove about the canals on boating and fishing trips. The 14-acre Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is an ornithologist’s paradise and home to egrets, darters, herons, herons, waterfowls and kingfishers. The sanctuary also welcomes seasonal guests including the elusive Siberian stork, between the months of November and May.
Kollam
The backwaters around Kozhikode are also not as touristy and consequently much less crowded. Houseboats can be hired at the pier near the Purrakkattiri Bridge on the Ullery-Perambra road, 10 kilometres outside Kozhikode. The prettiest routes wind along the Canoly Canal, Kallai River and Elathur. An excursion to the scenic Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary, set amidst hillocks and by an estuary, is highly recommended. The sanctuary comprises of a group of small isles where the Kadalundi River meets the Arabian Sea, and is home to over 100 species of native birds and 60 kinds of migratory birds.
Kozhikode
Less-known than the backwaters of central Kerala, the backwaters around Kozhikode are also not as touristy and consequently much less crowded. Houseboats can be hired at the pier near the Purrakkattiri Bridge on the Ullery-Perambra road, 10 kilometres outside Kozhikode. The prettiest routes wind along the Canoly Canal, Kallai River and Elathur. An excursion to the scenic Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary, set amidst hillocks and by an estuary, is highly recommended. The sanctuary comprises of a group of small isles where the Kadalundi River meets the Arabian Sea, and is home to over 100 species of native birds and 60 kinds of migratory birds.
Valiyaparamba
The northern backwaters in Valiyaparamba are the quietest of the lot. Around 30 kilometres away from Bekal, Valiyaparamba is located in the Kasaragod district of north Kerala. Fed by four rivers, this sprawling backwater has several small and scenic islands. For a short visit, take a Kerala State Water Transport Development ferry from Kotti near the town of Payyannur, towards Ayitti Jetty.
The comfortably furnished Bekal Boat Stay offers one of the few overnight houseboat trips to the area.
You can also stay at the Valiyaparamba Retreat, which has two rooms and two bungalows sandwiched between a pristine beach and the backwaters. It is located 15 kilometres north of the town of Payyannur, and also organises excursions on motor boats and country canoes. -
Dutch want to rock India in last dance
Netherlands are far from intimidated by the prospect of finishing their ODI World Cup campaign on Sunday with a game against India, the tournament’s only unbeaten team, all-rounder Teja Nidamanuru said.
The Dutch side, who came through the qualifiers, upset South Africa and beat Bangladesh to register two wins from their eight matches so far.
“I think to play arguably the best team in the competition at the top of the table is something that we’re very excited by and it’s another opportunity for us,” Nidamanuru said. “Every time we step on the park, we’re trying to showcase our skills and do the best that we can, especially being at the World Cup and coming through the journey that we’ve done.”
This is the first time the Dutch managed two wins at a World Cup but Nidamanuru felt their performances have been inconsistent.
“We haven’t put together the ideal game yet, if I’m really honest,” he said.
A middle-order batter who bowls off spin, Nidamanuru said limited resources back home made it difficult to compete at the top level.
“And then you’re thrust onto the ICC World Cup scene, or the qualifiers, and then you’re facing quality bowlers who are bowling 135-plus km/h turn the ball and bowl it long and effectively,” he said.
Despite the gulf in resources at the World Cup, Nidamanuru said the Dutch could improve significantly with more exposure against top teams and cited the example of Afghanistan, who managed just one win at the last two World Cups but stunned three former champions in the current edition.
“We see this as a learning block, but we’re out there to compete,” he said. Source: Reuters -
New Zealanders scripts crushing win over Sri Lanka, put one foot in semis
BENGALURU (TIP)- New Zealand returned to winning ways at the World Cup following a four-match slump as they defeated Sri Lanka by five wickets at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium today and all but secured their place in the semifinals. Opening batsmen Devon Conway (45) and Rachin Ravindra (42) got fourth-placed New Zealand’s chase of 172 off to a fast start and Daryl Mitchell (43) took them close before they crossed the finish line in 23.2 overs. Victory left New Zealand on 10 points, in pole position to claim the last semifinals spot and join India, South Africa and Australia. Pakistan will now need to beat England by an almost impossible margin to leapfrog New Zealand on net run-rate.
Afghanistan, who also had slim hopes of qualifying for the knockouts, find themselves in a similar position as their Asian neighbours before their clash with South Africa.
“Really good performance,” said New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson. “The early wickets and spin was a challenge through those middle overs. The pitch really slowed down later. “The guys showed some good intent later with the chase, so great performance overall. We thought there was going to be some weather later but there wasn’t any. Hard to read such things.”
Earlier, seamer Trent Boult and off-spinner Mitchell Santner landed timely blows as Sri Lanka limped to 171 all out after an early blitz by Kusal Perera (51) and a defiant late effort by Maheesh Theekshana (38 not out). “Nice to get a bit of success at the top. A must-win game, the pleasure is about getting the result,” said Player of the Match Boult, who went past 600 international wickets. Barring an unlikely miracle in Pakistan’s last game, New Zealand will take on hosts India in the semifinals.
“Everyone wants a piece of the strong home nation,” Boult said. “We’re looking forward to it. It’ll be exciting to face India in the semifinals. They’re playing phenomenal cricket.”
Williamson’s decision to bowl after winning the toss paid off early, as Boult (3/37) and Tim Southee (1/52) tore through the Sri Lankan top-order to leave them in some trouble at 32/3 inside five overs.
Perera, who was dropped on zero by Tom Latham in the second over, punished New Zealand with a 22-ball fifty but lost another partner when Boult trapped Charith Asalanka lbw to turn up the heat on the 1996 champions. A fit-again Lockie Ferguson (2/35) struck in his second over to dismiss the aggressive Perera as Sri Lanka collapsed to 70/5 and eventually folded in the 47th over for a modest total after Santner (2/22) and Ravindra (2/21) joined the party.
End of road for Pakistan?
To surpass New Zealand’s NRR, Pakistan have to beat England by at least 287 runs. If they bowl first, Pakistan will have just 3.4 overs to chase down the target if they can restrict England to 150. Afghanistan must beat South Africa by at least 438 runs. -
Why India looks unstoppable
Virat Kohli mania has been driving much of the Indian fans’ interest in the Cricket World Cup. First, will India’s star batter get 49 centuries and equal Sachin Tendulkar’s record? Now that he has, will he get to 50? Then, what about 51… and so it will go on. The figures are mind-boggling. Indian batters in ODI cricket occupy the top slots among century-makers, with captain Rohit Sharma third with 31.
On Nov 5, India beat South Africa, the second-placed team in the league, by 243 runs, dismissing them for just 83. Is that really the difference between India and the rest? Or is that merely what happens when 11 players perform at their peak, everything coming together on a single day at a single venue with a single purpose? Can they do it two more times?
Kohli mania might have pushed into the background the terrific work of some others. Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah’s 15 wickets, for instance, have come at an average of just over 15; and batters have not managed to score off 70% of his deliveries. In the powerplay (first 10 overs), the percentage of dot balls – balls bowled without a run – rises to 83. This is any bowler’s dream – to both take wickets and keep the runs down. Bumrah puts the opposition under pressure from the start.
His skipper Rohit Sharma does the same with the bat, hitting out straight away. The tactic has worked well. The South Africa match saw the best of this as India made 91 in the powerplay. Sharma made just 40 off 24 balls but saw his team pass 60 in the sixth over, thus giving Kohli and Shreyas Iyer time to settle down and add 134. Sharma and Shubman Gill picked Marco Jansen, until then the most successful bowler in the powerplay, for special attention. There was method in the mayhem.
Rohit Sharma and coach Rahul Dravid deserve credit for the strategy, while the Indian top order deserves praise for carrying it through. This is India’s dream team.
India have never dominated a World Cup, perhaps any tournament, in the manner in which they are doing now. Each element – the seamers, the spinners, the openers, the middle order – has performed with casual confidence and gusto. There have been centuries, five-wicket hauls, excellent wicketkeeping, fabulous catches.
India’s greatest fast bowling team in a World Cup – Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj – is meshing well with its most effective spin duo, both left armers, one a finger spinner (Ravindra Jadeja) and the other a wrist spinner (Kuldeep Yadav). You can’t ask for more in a World Cup played at home. As they await the semi-finals in Mumbai, there are just two areas of concern: the fact that India play only five bowlers, and that the team hasn’t been tested in a close match. Source: BBC -
Domestic demand to sustain India’s growth, says Moody’s
New Delhi (TIP)- Moody’s Investors Service on Thursday, November 9, retained India’s economic growth forecast for 2023 at 6.7% and said strong domestic demand will likely sustain the growth in the near term.
With exports remaining weak against an unfavourable global economic backdrop, Moody’s in its Global Macroeconomic Outlook 2024-25 said sustained domestic demand growth is propelling India’s economy.
“We expect India’s real GDP to grow about 6.7% in 2023, 6.1% in 2024 and 6.3% in 2025,” Moody’s said.
India’s real GDP rose 7.8% year-over-year in June quarter, up from 6.1% in March quarter and bolstered by a 6% increase in household consumption and solid capital expenditure and service sector activity.
Moody’s said high-frequency indicators show that the economy’s strong June quarter momentum carried into July-September as well.
“Robust goods and services tax collections, surging auto sales, rising consumer optimism and double-digit credit growth suggest urban consumption demand will likely remain resilient amid the ongoing festive season.
However, rural demand, which has shown nascent signs of improvement, remains vulnerable to uneven monsoons that could lower crop yields and farm income,” Moody’s said.
On supply side, expanding manufacturing and services PMIs and healthy core industries’ output growth add to evidence of solid economic momentum, it said.
“With exports remaining weak amid an unfavourable global economic backdrop, strong domestic demand will likely sustain growth in the near term. Domestic demand dynamics beyond the festive season will depend on the trajectory of inflation and the lagged impact of the RBI’s monetary policy tightening,” it said.
Headline inflation in September eased to 5% from 6.8% in the month prior, dropping back within the RBI’s target range. Source: PTI -
World’s biggest bank forced to trade via USB stick after hack
New York (TIP) – On Thursday, November 9, trades handled by the world’s largest bank in the globe’s biggest market traversed Manhattan on a USB stick.
Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd.’s US unit had been hit by a cyberattack, rendering it unable to clear swathes of US Treasury trades after entities responsible for settling the transactions swiftly disconnected from the stricken systems. That forced ICBC to send the required settlement details to those parties by a messenger carrying a thumb drive as the state-owned lender raced to limit the damage.
The workaround — described by market participants — followed the attack by suspected perpetrator Lockbit, a prolific criminal gang with ties to Russia that has also been linked to hits on Boeing Co., ION Trading U.K. and the U.K.’s Royal Mail. The strike caused immediate disruption as market-makers, brokerages and banks were forced to reroute trades, with many uncertain when access would resume.
The incident spotlights a danger that bank leaders concede keeps them up at night — the prospect of a cyber attack that could someday cripple a key piece of the financial system’s wiring, setting off a cascade of disruptions. Even brief episodes prompt bank leaders and their government overseers to call for more vigilance.
The workaround — described by market participants — followed the attack by suspected perpetrator Lockbit, a prolific criminal gang with ties to Russia that has also been linked to hits on Boeing Co., ION Trading U.K. and the U.K.’s Royal Mail. The strike caused immediate disruption as market-makers, brokerages and banks were forced to reroute trades, with many uncertain when access would resume.
The incident spotlights a danger that bank leaders concede keeps them up at night — the prospect of a cyber attack that could someday cripple a key piece of the financial system’s wiring, setting off a cascade of disruptions. Even brief episodes prompt bank leaders and their government overseers to call for more vigilance. “This is a true shock to large banks around the world,” said Marcus Murray, the founder of Swedish cybersecurity firm Truesec. “The ICBC hack will make large banks around the globe race to improve their defenses, starting today.”
As details of the attack emerged, employees at the bank’s Beijing headquarters held urgent meetings with the lender’s U.S. division and notified regulators as they discussed next steps and assessed the impact, according to a person familiar with the matter. ICBC is considering seeking help from China’s Ministry of State Security in light of the risks of potential attack on other units, the person said.
Late on Nov 9, the bank confirmed it had experienced a ransomware attack a day earlier that disrupted some systems at its ICBC Financial Services unit. The company said it isolated the affected systems and that those at the bank’s head office and other overseas units weren’t impacted, nor was ICBC’s New York branch. The extent of the disruption wasn’t immediately clear, though Treasury market participants reported liquidity was affected. The Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association, or Sifma, held calls with members about the matter on Nov 9. Source: Bloomberg -
Adani’s Colombo port terminal project to get USD 553 million funding from US DFC
The US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) will provide USD 553 million financing to Colombo West International Terminal Pvt Ltd – a consortium of India’s largest port operator Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd, Sri Lanka’s leading enterprise John Keells Holdings (JKH) and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority.
DFC is the US government’s development finance institution.
Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ) in a statement said that the US fund will support the development of a deep-water shipping container terminal in the Port of Colombo. “(It) will facilitate private sector-led growth and attract crucial foreign exchange to Sri Lanka to aid in its economic recovery,” it added.
According to the statement, the US, Sri Lanka and India will foster an enduring legacy of cooperation in the development of sustainable infrastructure, like smart and green ports.
DFC partners with the private sector to finance solutions to the most critical challenges facing the developing world. It invests across sectors, including energy, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture and small business and financial services. -
Apple suffers setback in fight against EU’s $14 bn tax order
Apple might end up on the hook after all for billions of Euros in back taxes to Ireland in the latest twist in a long-running European Union dispute, following a legal opinion on Thursday, November 9, from an adviser to the bloc’s top court. A decision by a lower court that the US tech giant doesn’t have to repay the 13 billion Euros ($13.9 billion) in taxes “should be set aside,” Advocate General Giovanni Pitruzzella said in his opinion to the European Court of Justice.
The case drew outrage from Apple when it was opened in 2016, with CEO Tim Cook calling it “total political crap.” Then US President Donald Trump referred to European Commissioner Margrethe Vestager, who spearheaded the campaign to root out special tax deals and crack down on big US tech companies, as the “tax lady” who “really hates the US.” In its 2020 ruling, the European Union’s General Court disagreed with the European Commission, which had accused Apple of striking an illegal tax deal with Irish authorities so that it could pay extremely low rates.
Pitruzzella advised the European Court of Justice that it should “set aside the judgment and refer the case back to the General Court for a new decision on the merits.” Source: AP -
ISRO’s Aditya L1 captures first high energy X-ray glimpse of solar flares
ISRO’s maiden solar mission, Aditya L1, has captured its first high energy X-ray glimpse of solar flares. During its first observation period from approximately October 29, the High Energy L1 Orbiting X-ray Spectrometer (HEL1OS) on board Aditya-L1 spacecraft has recorded the impulsive phase of solar flares, the space agency said in a statement. A solar flare is a sudden brightening of solar atmosphere. The recorded data is consistent with the X-ray light curves provided by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES). “Commissioned on October 27, 2023, HEL1OS is currently undergoing fine-tuning of thresholds and calibration operations. The instrument is set to monitor the Sun’s high-energy X-ray activity with fast timing and high-resolution spectra,” it said. HEL1OS data enables researchers to study explosive energy release and electron acceleration during impulsive phases of solar flares.
HEL1OS was developed by the Space Astronomy Group of the U R Rao Satellite Centre, ISRO, Bengaluru, the agency added. HEL1OS, the hard X-ray spectrometer on Aditya-L1 Solar Mission by ISRO, is the harbinger of flaring activities on the Sun, with the ability to capture the early impulsive phase of the solar activity.
According to ISRO, flares produce enhanced emission in all wavelengths across the electromagnetic spectrum – radio, optical, UV, soft X-rays, hard X-rays and gamma-rays. Flare emission consists of emissions from accelerated particles and hot plasma.
Aditya-L1 spacecraft is designed for providing remote observations of the solar corona and in-situ observations of the solar wind at L1 (Sun-Earth Lagrangian point), which is about 1.5 million kilometres from the Earth.