The Indian Panorama

Year: 2023

  • Forbes’ billionaire list 2023: Elon Musk

    Forbes’ billionaire list 2023: Elon Musk

    • loses top spot to Bernard Arnault

    Bernard Arnault, chairman of French luxury goods company LVMH, became the world’s richest person, replacing Tesla boss Elon Musk, whose net worth slipped by about $39 billion in the past year to $180 billion, according to the Forbes’ annual ‘World’s Billionaire’s List 2023′. The French luxury goods tycoon estimated current net worth has increased by more than $50 billion in the past year to $211 billion. Arnault and Elon Musk frequently switch positions on Forbes’ list of ‘Real-Time Billionaires’.

    According to Forbes, Musk’s fortune has decreased since his $44 billion purchase of Twitter, which was financed with Tesla shares, concerning investors and causing Tesla stock to drop drastically last year. Tesla recovered a good portion of those losses this year but is still far lower than it was before Musk purchased Twitter.

    Tesla shares have decreased by 50% since Elon Musk took control of Twitter a year ago, according to Forbes. According to the magazine, SpaceX is a success for Musk because its valuation climbed by $13 billion to $140 billion over the previous year. LVMH boss Bernard Arnault had a good 2022 because of record-high profits at the luxury conglomerate, which comprises Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior and Tiffany & Co. Shares of LVMH have climbed 25% over the past year. Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, tumbled to third rank with a net worth of $114bn after losing $57bn, as his e-commerce giant’s share price fell nearly 40 per cent.

    More members of the Forbes list are Americans than citizens of any other country. The US (735 billionaires) is followed by China (495), India (169) and Germany (126).

  • IMF head expects less than 3% global economic growth in 2023

    IMF head expects less than 3% global economic growth in 2023

    The International Monetary Fund is not expected to downgrade its forecast for 2.7% growth in 2023, the head of the global lender said on Thursday, noting that concerns about an oil price spike had failed to materialize and labor markets remained strong. IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said 2023 would be another “tough year” for the global economy, and inflation remained stubborn, but she did not expect another year of successive downgrades like those seen last year, barring unexpected developments.

    “Growth continues to slow down in 2023,” she told reporters at the IMF’s headquarters in Washington. “The more positive piece of the picture is in the resilience of labor markets. As long as people are employed, even if prices are high, people spend … and that has helped the performance.” She added that the IMF does not expect any major downgrades. “That’s the good news.” Georgieva said the IMF expected the slowdown in global growth to “bottom out” and “turn around towards the end of ’23 and into ’24.”

    Georgieva said there was much hope that China – which previously contributed some 35% to 40% of global growth, but had “disappointing” results last year – would once again contribute to global growth, likely from mid-2023. But that depended on Beijing not changing course and sticking to its plans to reverse its zero-COVID policies, she said.

    She said the United States – the biggest economy in the world – was likely to see a soft landing, and would suffer only a mild recession, if it did enter a technical recession. But Georgieva said great uncertainty remained, including a significant climate event, a major cyberattack or the danger of escalation in Russia’s war in Ukraine, for instance through the use of nuclear weapons. “We are now in a more shockprone world and we have to be open-minded that there could be risk turn that we are not even thinking about,” she said. “That’s the whole point of the last years. The unthinkable has happened twice.” She cited concerns about growing social unrest in Brazil, Peru and other countries, and the impact of tightening financial conditions remained unclear. But inflation remained “stubborn” and central banks should continue to press for price stability, she added.

  • RBI keeps repo rate unchanged at 6.5%

    The Reserve Bank of India on Thursday, April 6,  announced an unchanged repo rate (basic interest rate) on the expectations of lower inflation in the coming months due to past six successive rate hikes since May 2022.

    The RBI expects the real GDP for ’23-24 to be 6.5 per cent. The current April to June period will deliver the fastest growth of 7.8 per cent followed by 6.2 per cent, 6.1 per cent and 5.9 per cent in the next three quarters of ’23-24.  This projection is slightly higher than the World Bank’s latest expectations of 6.3 per cent GDP growth and the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) forecast of 6.4 per cent.

    Terming the international situation as dynamic and fast evolving, RBI chief Shaktikanta Das warned that volatility in external markets will be a major risk factor for the health of the economy as well as stability of the rupee. “We are living in very volatile times. The sudden announcement of output cut by OPEC and the jump in crude prices is another evidence of this volatility,’’ he said while announcing the decision of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) which met for three days from April 3, the first time in this fiscal. The RBI chief said any further interest rate hike has been held back on the expectations of a modest inflation rate due to low prices in the Indian crude basket and a decent monsoon. Despite the elevated inflation seen in January and February due to sharp turnaround in food inflation, Das said the RBI expects the inflation rate to moderate to 5.2 per cent. The rate will be evenly spread over all the quarters with 5.1 per cent projection in April to June quarter. It will be 5.4 per cent, 5.4 per cent and 5.2 per cent in the next three quarters.

  • RBI proposes expansion of UPI digital payments system to allow credit

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is proposing expanding the reach of the popular Unified Payments Interface (UPI) digital payments system by allowing credit to be offered via pre-approved bank lines. “This initiative will further encourage innovation,” RBI governor Shaktikanta Das said on Thursday during the announcement of the central bank’s monetary policy decision. UPI is an instant real-time payments system that allows users to transfer money across multiple banks without disclosing bank account details. Its popularity is seen to have reduced the usage of cash and debit cards for daily transactions. In March 2023, UPI recorded 8.65 billion transactions, amounting to 14.05 trillion rupees, its highest-ever since inception, data from the National Payments Corporation of India showed. In a bid to boost digital payments, the RBI recently allowed RuPay credit cards to be linked to UPI. This was to enable customers to link their credit cards and pay via UPI

  • ‘Operation Cookie Monster’: International police action seizes dark web market

    ‘Operation Cookie Monster’: International police action seizes dark web market

    Washington/London (TIP)- International law enforcement agencies have seized a sprawling dark web marketplace popular with cybercriminals, Britain’s National Crime Agency (NCA) said on Wednesday, in a multinational crackdown dubbed “Operation Cookie Monster”. A banner plastered across Genesis Market’s site late on Tuesday said domains belonging to the organisation had been seized by the FBI. Logos of other European, Canadian and Australian police organisations were also emblazoned across the site, along with that of cybersecurity firm Qintel. “We assess that the Genesis is one of the most significant access marketplaces anywhere in the world,” said Rob Jones, the NCA’s Director General of Threat Leadership. The NCA estimated that the service hosted about 80 million credentials and digital fingerprints stolen from more than 2 million people.

    US Justice Department Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco said in a statement that many of the forum’s users were arrested on Tuesday. The investigation into Genesis is still ongoing.

    The US Treasury Department in a statement announcing sanctions against the market called it “one of the most prominent brokers of stolen credentials and other sensitive information.”

    British authorities said 17 countries were involved in the operation, which was led by the FBI and Dutch National Police and resulted in about 120 arrests, more than 200 searches and almost 100 pieces of “preventative activity.” Qintel did not immediately return messages seeking comment and Reuters could not immediately locate contact details for Genesis Market’s administrators, which the U.S. Treasury said were believed to operate from Russia.

    Genesis specialised in the sale of digital products, especially “browser fingerprints” harvested from computers infected with malicious software, said Louise Ferrett, an analyst at British cybersecurity firm Searchlight Cyber.    Source: Reuters

  • Prof to live 100 days in underwater hotel

    Prof to live 100 days in underwater hotel

    London (TIP)- As nightmares go, being trapped in a small box deep underwater is probably high on many peoples’ lists. But one US professor is doing this on purpose. Joe Dituri, a former US navy diver and expert in biomedical engineering has been living in a 55 square meter space 30 feet below the surface of the Florida Keys since March 1, and plans to stay for 100 days. If he manages this, he will break a record for most time spent in a habitat beneath the surface of the ocean. Dituri conducts research into the effects of hyperbaric pressure – when air pressure is greater than it would be at sea level – on the human body. He is hoping to use his time spent below the surface to examine what impact living in this high-pressure environment has on his health. Interestingly, Dituri’s endeavour will be very different from living on a submarine. Submarines are sealed when submerged and maintained at sea level pressure. This means there’s no significant difference in pressure, even when a submarine is at depths of hundreds of meters. But Dituri’s underwater habitat won’t have any solid hatches or air locks between the ocean and the dry living space, as a submarine does. Think of it like when a glass of water is turned upside down and pushed into a sink full of water. A pocket of air will still exist at the top of Dituri’s living space, with a pool of water in the floor of one room that comes from the ocean outside. This means that the air inside his habitat is squeezed by the ocean’s weight, increasing the air pressure around him. At a depth of 30 feet, the air pressure inside this habitat is about twice as much as what he’d be used to on land.

    Under pressure

    Little research has investigated what effect long-term exposure to hyperbaric pressure has on the body. As every certified diver is well aware, though, hyperbaric pressure can pose a very real threat to us. Our bodies have been adapted by generations of evolution for sea level conditions, where the two major gases involved in breathing (oxygen and carbon dioxide) are the only two that freely cross between our lungs and our blood. But as pressure increases, nitrogen in the air is forced across the delicate walls of our lungs and into our blood. This can cause a range of adverse effects. At depths of ten to 30 meters, this may cause mild euphoria and positive moods. After about 30 meters below sea level and beyond, it can lead to intoxicated-like behaviour – hence the name “narcosis”. Scientists don’t fully understand why this happens, but it could be due to changes in the way neurotransmitters signal between neurons in our brain. Fortunately, this won’t be a risk to Dituri, as he’s only at a depth of ten meters.

    Health changes

    But Dituri can expect to experience other physical changes while living in his underwater habitat. Although the habitat has large windows, Dituri will still only be exposed to half the amount of sunlight as on land. This could cause issues with his circadian rhythm – the internal “clock” that controls many body functions, including our sleep-wake cycle – which relies on daylight. This may mean disrupted sleeping. Another challenge for Dituri will be getting enough vitamin D. The skin must receive UV exposure to make this vitamin, and this typically comes from the sun. It’s likely that Dituri will not be exposed to enough vitamin D while living in his underwater environment.

    Source: IANS

  • iPhone 17 Pro may feature under-display Face ID tech

    The under-display Face ID technology will reportedly debut on Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro, which will become the first iPhone to feature such technology. According to display analyst Ross Young, the under-display ‘Face ID’ technology will still be accompanied by a circular cutout for the front-facing camera, reports MacRumors.

    This implementation is anticipated to last until 2027’s ‘Pro’ iPhone models, which will also integrate the camera under the display for a true ‘all-screen’ experience.

    Moreover, the report said that Young’s original roadmap, published in May 2022, differs from this forecast.

    Earlier, he predicted that the iPhone 16 Pro versions released in 2024 would be the first to include under-panel Face ID technology. Last month, Young said that this one-year delay was due to “sensor issues”.

    The two display cutouts that presently comprise the Dynamic Island will apparently remain unchanged across three successive ‘Pro’ iPhone generations.

    Young also stated that the standard iPhone 17 models will include ProMotion, which is presently only available on Apple’s high-end devices, according to the report.

    Meanwhile, Apple is reportedly working on a MacBook Air model which will feature a 13.4-inch OLED display.

    Ross Young claimed that the new model will come with a slightly smaller display as compared to the existing MacBook Air with a 13.6-inch LCD panel

  • Google’s new policy to let users delete their account data from app

    Google has introduced a new “data deletion policy”, which aims to empower users with greater clarity and control over their in-app data, requiring Android apps to allow users to delete their accounts from the app and on the web. “For apps that enable app account creation, developers will soon need to provide an option to initiate account and data deletion from within the app and online,” Google said in a blogpost. According to the company, the move aims to “better educate” users about their data control and to foster trust in both apps and the Play Store in general. Additionally, developers can provide users with more options — users, who do not wish to delete their entire account, can choose to delete only certain data (such as activity history, images, or videos). In cases where developers have a legitimate reason for retaining certain data, like security, fraud prevention, or regulatory compliance, they must clearly disclose those practices, the company said. The policy is taking effect in stages. The tech giant mentioned that creators have until December 7 to answer questions about data deletion in their app’s safety form. Google Play users will begin to see reflected changes in their app’s store listing in early 2024. Developers who need more time can file for an extension in Play Console until May 31, 2024, to comply with the new policy.

    Source: IANS

  • Eating disorders among teens have more than doubled during Covid, here’s what to watch for

    Eating disorders among teens have more than doubled during Covid, here’s what to watch for

    The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with worsening mental health among teens, including increasing numbers of patients with eating disorders. In fact, research indicates that the number of teens with eating disorders at least doubled during the pandemic.

    This is particularly concerning given that eating disorders are among the most deadly of all mental health diagnoses, and teens with eating disorders are at higher risk for suicide than the general population.

    While experts don’t know exactly why eating disorders develop, studies show that body dissatisfaction and desire for weight loss are key contributors.

    This can make conversations around weight and healthy behaviours particularly tricky with teens and young adults.

    As an adolescent medicine doctor specialising in eating disorders, I have seen firsthand the increases in patients with eating disorders as well as the detrimental effects of eating disorder stereotypes. I regularly work with families to help teens develop positive relationships with body image, eating and exercise.

    Understanding the signs of a possible eating disorder is important, as studies suggest that timely diagnosis and treatment leads to better long-term outcomes and to better chances of full recovery.

    Eating disorders, which often start in adolescence, include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, other specified feeding and eating disorders and avoidant restrictive food intake disorder.

    Each eating disorder has specific criteria that must be met in order to receive a diagnosis, which is made by a professional with eating disorder expertise.

    Research suggests that up to 10 per cent of people will develop an eating disorder in their lifetime.

    Source: PTI

  • Boosting anti-viral immune response could slow down aging: Study

    Boosting anti-viral immune response could slow down aging: Study

    Scientists have uncovered details regarding an immune response to a virus present in all human tissues, that kicks in the elderly and eliminates senescent, or aging, cells in the skin.

    Senescent cells are those that stop dividing but do not die, accumulating in the body over time, fuelling chronic inflammation and contributing to conditions such as cancer and degenerative disorders.

    Eliminating senescent cells from aging tissues has been found to restore tissue balance in mice, leading to an increased healthy lifespan. When a team of scientists, led by Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), US, found that the number of senescent cells in samples from old individuals did not increase as the individuals got older, they realised that there is some mechanism kicking in to keep the aging in check.

    The scientists have described their findings in the journal Cell.

    Experiments have proved that in the elderly, certain immune cells called killer CD4+ T cells keep senescent cells from increasing.

    Further investigating the procedure through which this happens revealed that aging skin cells express a protein, or antigen, produced by human cytomegalovirus, a pervasive herpesvirus that establishes lifelong latent infection in most humans without any symptoms.

    By expressing this protein, senescent cells become targets for attack by killer CD4+ T cells.

    “Most of us are infected with human cytomegalovirus, and our immune system has evolved to eliminate cells, including senescent cells, that upregulate the expression of cytomegalovirus antigens,” said senior author Shawn Demehri, director of the High Risk Skin Cancer Clinic at MGH.

    These findings, highlighting a beneficial function of viruses living in our body, could have a variety of clinical applications.

    “Our research enables a new therapeutic approach to eliminate aging cells by boosting the anti-viral immune response,” said Demehri. Demehri noted that the work may also lead to advances in cosmetic dermatology, for example in the development of new treatments to make skin look younger.     Source: PTI

  • Italian Chicken

    Italian Chicken

    Ingredients

    4 Pieces of Chicken Breast

    2 Eggs ½ cup Maida

    ½ cup Chicken Stock

    ½ cup White Wine

    3 Tbsp Lemon juice

    2 Tbsp Olive Oil

    2 Tbsp Unsalted Butter

    2 sprigs Parsley Salt

    Pepper to taste

    Method

    –              Whisk eggs in a bowl and season it with salt and pepper and let it rest.

    –              Place the flour on a large plate and season that with salt and pepper and set aside.

    –              In another bowl, combine together chicken stock, lemon juice and white wine.

    –              Coat the chicken breast in flour, dip it in beaten egg and shallow fry it on a sauce pan. Cook for about 3 minutes till it turns golden brown. Now that the bake chicken off the pan.

    –              And add the wine and stock mixture to the pan and let it cook for a few minutes until it reduces slightly and thickens, add some butter, parsley, salt and pepper, continue to cook. Now add the chicken breast back in the sauce and cook them together for just another minute. Serve it hot.

  • Listening to music can make your medicines more effective: Study

    Want your medicines to be more effective? Research suggests that turning up your favourite song while popping the pills may be of help soon. While previous studies have used music-listening interventions as a tool to treat pain and anxiety, a team from the Michigan State University in the US took a novel approach by studying the effects of music-listening interventions on chemotherapy-induced nausea.

    “Music-listening interventions are like over-the-counter medications,” said Jason Kiernan, Assistant Professor in the College of Nursing. “You don’t need a doctor to prescribe them.”

    “Pain and anxiety are both neurological phenomena and are interpreted in the brain as a state. Chemotherapy-induced nausea is not a stomach condition; it is a neurological one,” Kiernan said.

    The small pilot study, published in the journal Clinical Nursing Research, included 12 patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment who agreed to listen to their favourite music for 30 minutes each time they needed to take their as-needed anti-nausea medication.

    They repeated the music intervention anytime nausea occurred over the five days beyond their chemotherapy treatment. The patients in the study provided a total of 64 events.

    “When we listen to music, our brains fire all kinds of neurons,” Kiernan said.

    While Kiernan did see a reduction in the ratings of patients’ nausea severity and their distress (how much it bothered them to be nauseous), he cautions that it is difficult to isolate whether it was the gradual release of the medication doing its job or the increased benefit of the music.    Source: IANS

  • Promote growth and prevent hair loss

    Promote growth and prevent hair loss

    Sometimes, hair loss occurs because of factors that are beyond your control, such as hormonal problems, genetics, or illness. But other times, your hair can become brittle, damaged, and prone to breakage, leading to visible hair loss. You may be able to prevent some hair loss and damage by taking steps to keep your hair and scalp healthy, such as taking dietary supplements, healthy scalp treatment, altering your hair care regimen, or seeking professional help to promote healthy hair growth.

    Change Your Hairstyle

    Certain hair accessories — including hairpins, clips, and rubber bands — can cause extensive hair breakage when they are used to hold your hair tightly in place. Tight ponytails, cornrows, or braids can also create tension on your hair and cause it to break and appear thin. For healthy hair, experts recommend minimizing the use of hair accessories and not continuously wearing hairstyles that pull on your hair. And when you do use hair accessories, select hairpins with balled ends, clips with rubber padding, and fabric hair ties instead of rubber bands.

    Consume More Iron

    If your diet doesn’t include enough iron, it could cause your hair to fall out. Your doctor can check this with a blood test. If you are iron deficient, an easy fix to help prevent hair loss is to increase the amount of dietary iron you consume. Good sources of iron include organ meats, clams, oysters, iron-fortified cereals, beans, pumpkin seeds, and spinach. But don’t take an iron supplement without talking with your doctor — too much iron can be harmful.

    Limit Brushing for Healthy Hair

    Dermatologists say that vigorous grooming of your hair — such as following the old recommendation to brush it 100 strokes every night — can damage your hair and cause it to break off. If you excessively brush your hair and it appears thin or shaggy, try limiting how much you brush your hair. Often, the best way to improve the health of your hair is to leave it alone as much as possible.

    Let Your Hair Air-Dry

    High heat from blow dryers can be extremely damaging to your hair and leave it susceptible to breakage. When you hold a blow dryer close to your wet hair, it can actually boil the water in your hair shaft, which can cause your hair to be brittle. Rubbing wet hair vigorously with a towel can also lead to breakage and thinning. To reduce your risk of hair damage and help prevent hair loss, let your hair air-dry when possible, and limit your use of heated styling tools.

    Take Biotin Supplements

    Biotin is a B vitamin that is sometimes used to help reduce or prevent hair loss. Some people do not get enough biotin in their diet, resulting in biotin deficiency. Scientific evidence indicates that taking biotin supplements may help alleviate hair thinning if you have a biotin deficiency. Talk with your doctor if you suspect that you are deficient in biotin. He can assess your symptoms and determine whether biotin supplements may help you.

    Source: Everydayhealth

  • Try face oils for healthier skin

    Experts say that face oils are soft and light preparations that have natural oils like avocado, argan, olive, sesame etc, as their base along with therapeutic ingredients. According to dermatologists “We recommend argan, almond and olive oils for the face. These oils have mosituring properties, are used in many face products and are great for dry skins. Women who have oily, acne prone skin can use tea-tree oil — avoid applying on the entire face — use an ear bud to apply a drop of tea tree oil on the acne.”

    Why use face oils

    Face oils have many benefits thanks to the different ingredients.

    They are rich in antioxidants Many botanical oils, including argan, passion fruit etc are potent antioxidants. A few drops can be used under your sunscreen or foundation. It works as a moisturizer as well as a primer.

    Prevents inflammation

    Some oils like argan oil have anti-inflammatory properties and prevent inflammation caused by other active ingredients. Hence, they are ideal bases for skin formulations.

    Great hydrants

    These oils are lipophilic in nature and they penetrate through the lipid layer of the skin and prevent water or moisture loss. For example olive oil, coconut oil etc.

    Anti-ageing properties

    Since the oils are combined with anti-ageing ingredients like retinol, glycolic acid and vitamin C, they help in faster and deeper penetration of these molecules into the skin, thereby augmenting the anti-ageing benefits. It also counters the irritation caused by these molecules.

    Combats rosacea

    Certain aroma oils like orange, tea tree, peppermint etc actually help in reducing acne and rosacea. However this should be done after consultation with an expert.

    Anti blemish Rosehip oil is very useful for marks and blemishes on skin.

  • Are Reese Witherspoon and Tom Brady dating?

    Are Reese Witherspoon and Tom Brady dating?

    Ever since Reese Witherspoon split from Jim Toth, rumours about the actress dating former football player Tom Brady have been doing the rounds. The 47-year-old actress announced the news of her separation from Toth, who was her husband of around 12 years. The two announced their separation last month followed by her filing for divorce on March 30. Meanwhile, the 45-year-old NFL star and Brazilian model Gisele Bündchen finalized their divorce in 2022 after 13 years of marriage. Continue reading to find out if Witherspoon and Brady are dating and what the latest update about the rumours are.

    Witherspoon’s representative has now told People that the dating rumours are “completely false.” A representative for Brady has also responded and confirmed that the rumours are “completely untrue,” as per the portal. Sources reveal that the award-winning actress and the former football quarterback have not even met.

    Witherspoon and Toth, who is a talent agent announced their separation through a statement that said, “We have some personal news to share… It is with a great deal of care and consideration that we have made the difficult decision to divorce. We have enjoyed so many wonderful years together and are moving forward with deep love, kindness and mutual respect for everything we have created together.”

    They added, “Our biggest priority is our son and our entire family as we navigate this next chapter. These matters are never easy and are extremely personal. We truly appreciate everyone’s respect for our family’s privacy at this time.” The two have a 10-year-old son named Tennessee, while Witherspoon also has two kids with her former husband Ryan Phillippe, namely 23-year-old Ava Phillippe, and 19-year-old Deacon Phillipe.

    Meanwhile, Brady and Bündchen have two children namely, 13-year-old Benjamin, and 10-year-old Vivian. The retired football player also has a 15-year-old son, Jack, with his former girlfriend Bridget Moynahan. The model told Vanity Fair that their divorce was like the death of her dream. “You give everything you got to achieve your dream. You give a hundred per cent of yourself, and it’s heartbreaking when it doesn’t end up the way you hoped for, and worked for, but you can only do your part,” said Bündchen.

  • Priyanka teaming up with John Cena and Idris Elba for action flick

    Priyanka teaming up with John Cena and Idris Elba for action flick

    Priyanka Chopra is one of the popular Indian actresses who established herself as one of the most talented stars in the global cinema platform, with years of hard work and dedication. The versatile actress, who has been considered one of the finest performers in her league, never had an easy journey in her acting career. The actress is quite active on social media and enjoys a massive fan following as she keeps her fans updated about her whereabouts. Currently, the actress is busy promoting her upcoming show Citadel. Reportedly, the actress has joined hands with Amazon Studios to star in Heads of State opposite John Cena and Idris Elba.

    Priyanka is all set to star in Amazon Studios’ Heads of State that will also star John Cena and Idris Elba. The actress took to her Instagram handle to share the news with her fans and wrote, ‘On to the next.’ However, the details of the film is being kept under wraps, the shoot will begin in May. Directed by Ilya Naishuller, the film is being produced by Safran Company’s Peter Safran and John Rickard. Well, Priyanka’s global debut series Citadel was just about to get release that now fans have got another good news from his professional front. However, more details about Heads of State are yet to be revealed by the makers.

    The talented actress will be next seen in Citadel, the upcoming spy thriller series which is slated to be streamed on Amazon Prime Video, in April 2023. Priyanka Chopra is making a comeback to Bollywood with Jee Le Zaraa, the upcoming chick flick movie helmed by actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar.

  • Spiderman Across The Spiderverse Trailer: Miles Morales Sets Out For A New Mission

    For the first time in the history of Cinema in India, a much awaited and popular Hollywood franchise film is being released theatrically in 10 different languages. Not only has the Spider-Man franchise seen tremendous success at the Indian box office, but Spider-Man is also the country’s most-loved superhero, whose appeal cuts across the ages. Since Spider-Man has such passionate fans across the board in the country, the makers came up with a unique way of bringing him closer to all Indians, making it a Pan- India film and one of the most anticipated movies of 2023.

    Apart from English, ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ will release in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Gujarati, Marathi, Punjabi and Bengali. A release in 10 languages is a milestone on its own and will allow audiences to experience the movie in multiple languages, and as per their choice

  • Yami Gautam bags 2nd spot on IMDB most popular actor list

    Yami Gautam bags 2nd spot on IMDB most popular actor list

    Yami Gautam is being showered with love and praises with her string of success from ‘Lost’ to Chor Nikal Ke Bhaga. That’s not it! She has been ranked 2nd in the IMDB most popular actor list and there is no stopping her! In addition to Yami’s position on the IMDB list, the recent movie ‘Chor Nikal Ke Bhaga’ in which she appeared has also been trending and growing in popularity.

    Her Netflix release has become the most watched non English film across various platforms. Even at the global platform, the film is doing well in non English speaking countries. This is yet another huge feat. achieved by the Uri actress.

    Ranking 2nd on the list of IMDB’s popular actors and trending for weeks is a significant achievement. It clearly indicates that fans are raving about her and simply can’t stop adoring her . Recently the IMDB‘s social media handle tweeted, “Winning fans over with her performance in @NetflixIndia‘s #ChorNikalKeBhaga, Yami Gautam is #2 on IMDb’s Popular Indian Celebrities Feature!”

    The actress was seen showing gratitude towards the love and support she has been receiving. She says “This is for my fans, my audience .  This is my award & my reward !!! Grateful for this love”

    Yami Gautam is winning hearts as the lead actress in ‘Chor Nikal Ke Bhaga’ and is contributing to the film’s success. The heart of the movie is Yami’s performance, who holds the for strongly throughout the movie. It is difficult to think of another artist in the role with the intensity and commitment she has performed her part. Even last year her incredible performance in ‘A Thursday’ made the film one of the most liked film in the year 2022 across the OTT platforms.

    Overall, Yami’s performance has been a game-changer throughout and fans are eagerly waiting to see more of her in the future. The actress is undeniably winning over the audience’s hearts with her on-screen performances after delivering back-to-back successes with movies like “A Thursday,” “Lost,” “Dasvi,” and now “Chor Nikal Ke Bhaga. Spearheading to the top, she will next be seen in ‘Dhoom Dhaam’ along with Prateek Gandhi, and ‘OMG 2’ with Akshay Kumar.

  • Radhika Apte: Audience loves woman-oriented stories

    Radhika Apte: Audience loves woman-oriented stories

    Vaah! Life Ho Toh Aisi! actress Radhika Apte, who is seen playing Durga, a housewife and an undercover agent in the spy comedy ‘Mrs Undercover’, said she fell in love with her character the minute she heard the script.

    Radhika said that now-a-days, women-led films are getting more eyeballs from the viewers.

    She said: “I think the premise of the film was really exciting for me. We live in a country where there is a lot of patriarchy and so many women slog days and nights to keep their families happy, and yet go unnoticed so I think it did resonate with me and what I like about Durga is her innocence, her naivety, her clumsiness and even her journey of discovering herself. I think that was really good.”

    Radhika, who is known for ‘Raat Akeli Hai’, ‘Monica, O My Darling’, and an American film, ‘A Call To Spy’, said women-oriented subjects are liked by the audience. Directed and written by debutant director, Anushree Mehta, ‘Mrs Undercover’ features Radhika Apte in the lead role. It also stars Sumeet Vyas, Rajesh Sharma and Saheb Chatterjee.

    Source: IANS

  • Parineeti blushes as paparazzi tease her amid Raghav Chadha engagement rumours

    Parineeti Chopra is being regularly spotted at the airport amid rumours of her engagement with politician Raghav Chadha. She was once again spotted at the Mumbai airport Wednesday evening in a bright red sweater, black pants and boots. When the paparazzi enquired her about her plans, she said she was going to London and even offered to show them her boarding pass to make them believe her.

    A paparazzo account on Instagram shared a video of Parineeti from the Mumbai airport. She is seen smiling with her head down as photographers surround her. On being asked about her plans, she says, “London ja rahi hu. Main aapko dikhati hu boarding pass (I am going to London, I can show you the boarding pass).”

    The paparazzo claimed she is set to get engaged to rumoured boyfriend and Aam Aadmi Party MP Raghav Chadha on April 10. Fans teased the actor about Raghav in the comments section. A fan wrote, “Parineeti se Rajneeti tak ka safar (the journey of Parineeti to politics).”

    Parineeti and Raghav were spotted arriving together at the Mumbai airport this Sunday. Raghav smiled on seeing photographers and requested them to clear the path ahead. They did not answer any queries and left the airport in the same car. A few days back, Raghav also came to pick up Parineeti at the Delhi airport. Though the duo remain tight-lipped about their relationship status, Aam Aadmi Party leader Sanjeev Arora recently congratulated them on Twitter. He tweeted, “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to @raghav_chadha and @ParineetiChopra. May their union be blessed with abundant love, joy, and companionship. My best wishes!!!”

    Recently, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar also teased Raghav after his pictures with Parineeti went viral on social media. He said, “You occupied enough space in #socialmedia, this may be a day of silence for you.”

    Some reports suggest Parineeti and Raghav studied together at the London School of Economics and have been friends for a long time now. Parineeti and Raghav also follow each other on Instagram.

  • Guru Arjan: The embodiment of godly devotion, selfless service

    Guru Arjan: The embodiment of godly devotion, selfless service

    Guru Arjan Dev Ji is the fifth Master of the Sikhs. He stood against the Moghul rulers of the time for the human rights of the people of India. His birth anniversary in 2023 falls on April 12.

    Guru Arjan is the fifth Sikh Guru. He was the youngest son of Guru Ram Das. He was born in Goindwal, India. He breathed his last in Lahore, Pakistan where the Gurdwara of Dehra Sahib was established. His mother was Mata Bhani Ji. His wife was Mata Ganga Ji, They had only one son, Hargobind, who became Guru Hargobind Sahib.

    Guru Arjan completed the work of his father by finishing the construction of the Harimandir Sahib.

    Guru Arjan also undertook the tremendous task of creating the Adi Granth, which became the predecessor to the Siri Guru Granth Sahib. Recognizing that the Shabad Guru was the base of the Sikh practice, Guru Arjan created a compilation of sacred songs that included the songs of the previous Sikh Gurus, songs from Hindu and Sufi mystics, and his own sacred writings. As a master, Guru Arjan could hear whether a song was in the sound current of the Shabad – and those songs that clearly came from the Universal Teachings were incorporated into the work. Guru Arjan viewed the Adi Granth as holding the eternal, universal wisdom of the Shabad Guru. While working on the Adi Granth, he would keep the Adi Granth on his bed and himself sleep next to it on the floor – like a servant. The Adi Granth exemplified the Sikh Gurus’ teachings that the Word, itself, is the Teacher – not a human person.

    During this period of time, the community that surrounded Guru Arjan thrived and became very prosperous. Through a series of political intrigues, the sovereignty of Guru Arjan and his people were challenged by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir. To protect the independence of the community, Guru Arjan allowed himself to be tortured for five days and five nights. He was chained to a hot metal plate while his captors poured burning sand on his body. Guru Arjan smiled the entire time, for he saw the hand of the Divine behind it all. He saw the One Creator playing every part in the torture and recognized his Union with the Creator. After five days and nights, Guru Arjan was permitted to bathe in a nearby river. Guru Arjan dove into the water and dissolved into Light. His physical body was never seen again.

    Early life

    Guru Ram Das had envisioned heavenly qualities in his youngest son Arjan. From his earliest childhood the Guru had found him to be imbued with the Name, and immersed in tranquillity. Almost since his birth it seemed that the Guruship was destined to be bestowed upon Arjan. One day baby Arjan had crawled up onto the Divine throne of his grandfather, Guru Amar Das the third Guru, and sat there comfortably.

    Seeing this the Guru smiled and prophesied, “My maternal Grandson will ship the Name across.” But growing up Arjan was always well aware that despite his Grandfather’s prediction, it was the service to the Sangat, not their lineage that had bestowed Guruship on the previous preceptors, Guru Angad and Guru Amar Das. With this in mind, he indulged in Seva (service) most ardently.

    But his emotive intentions were always quite perceptible to his father, Guru Ram Das Ji and, all to apparent to his eldest brother, Prithi Chand, who suspecting the consequence of their Grandfather’s prophecy, indulged in numerous means to disrupt the life of Guru Arjan, that ended in bringing about what he had feared.

    Sent to Lahore to attend a wedding on behalf of his father, Arjan was kept there for a long time, by the cunning manipulations of his elder brother Prithi Chand, who had long worked to inherit the Guru Gaddi (Throne) himself. But by his interception and concealment of a series of letters that Arjan had sent to his father; (Majh M.5 G.G.S. Page 96) his duplicity, when it was discovered, ended with Arjan being installed as the fifth Guru.

    Despite his brother’s actions he showed no resentment to his elder brother and inundated him with reverence and honour. Guru Arjan Dev Ji was a born an apostle of peace. Although he ascended the throne of Guru Nanak at the age of 18, he was far more advanced in wisdom than normal for his years not to ention his angelic qualities. The letters he wrote to his father from Lahore, not then even a teen-aged boy, stand testimony to that fact.

    Completion of the Harmandar Sahib

    The Basics of the new religion had been defined by Baba Nanak, and the groundwork was carried out by three of his successors. Guru Arjan Dev Ji set upon a mission of putting it on a solid footing. As ordained by his predecessors, Guru Nanak through Guru Ram Das Ji, he took the task of the completion of the place where his father had constructed a clay tank of Nectar. In the true spirit of “I am neither Hindu, nor Muslim…” Guru Arjan Dev Ji invited Mian Mir, a Muslim Saint from Lahore to lay the cornerstone of the foundation of the Harmandar, the present Golden Temple. The doors on all four sides of the building signified its acceptance of all the four castes and every Religion. Contrary to the requests of the congregation, the floor of the Harmandar Saheb was kept lower than the surrounding area; as the water flows downward so would the seekers of God’s blessings. Along with God’s House came the existence of the City of Amritsar with all its reverence, amenities, and gaiety.

    The completion of the Adi Granth

    The preparation of the Holy Book is the most valuable achievement of Guru Arjan Dev Ji. With three things in his mind he initiated the compilation of the Holy Book, the present Guru Granth Sahib. Unfortunately the Hymns and teachings of the first four Gurus were being added to and even distorted by impostors. Seeing such things going on Guru Arjan wanted to preserve these original treasures. Not only fixing the path of the efforts of his predecessors, but also bestowing, on the Panth, an ever-lasting guiding light that was to serve as both a physical and spiritual phenomenon.

    And most of all he wanted to establish the credibility of the Sikh Religion as a casteless and secular society. Laced among the Hymns of the earlier Nanaks he added his own compositions as well as, the celestial utterances of Sheikh Farid and Bhagat Kabir, Bhagat Ravi Das, Dhanna Namdev, Ramannand, Jai Dev, Trilochan, Beni, Pipa and Surdas. All of whom belong to different times, beliefs, sects, and Castes from high and low.

    The poetic revelations of Guru Arjan are of the greatest aesthetic calibre. More than half of the Guru Granth Sahib is constituted of his own holy renderings. The Granth Sahib is not only a collection of the revelations but also it throws considerable light on the contemporary political and social life; the physical being and spiritual awareness are fused into one. Among his other equally important accomplishments are the creation of new cities at Kartarpur, Tarn Taran with its magnanimous Tank of Salvation and the construction of the Baoli at Lahore.

    Martyrdom of Guru Arjan

    On 16 June 1606, the Mughal Emperor Jahangir ordered that Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Sikh Guru be tortured and sentenced to death after the Guru had refused to stop preaching his message of God as started by Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The Guru was made to sit on a burning hot sheet while boiling hot sand was poured over his body. After enduring five days of unrelenting torture, Guru Arjan Dev Ji was taken for a bath in the river. As thousands watched he entered the river, never to be seen again.

    Accordingly, on the 16 of June of every year since 1606, the Sikhs commemorate the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Guru and the first Sikh Martyr. Before the arrest, torture, and martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev, the Sikhs had nothing to do with weapons or violence, as all the Sikh Gurus had taught the message of compassion, love, dedication, hard work, worship of one God, and the commitment to peace and harmony for all the people of the world.

  • Guru Tegh Bahadur: The ninth master of Sikhs

    Guru Tegh Bahadur: The ninth master of Sikhs

    Guru Tegh Bahadur ji is the ninth Master of the Sikhs who sacrificed his life to secure the right to practice one’s chosen faith. His birth anniversary in 2023 falls on April 11. Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, is often venerated as the ‘Protector of Humanity’ (Srisht-di-Chadar) by the Sikhs. Known as a great teacher, Guru Tegh Bahadur was also an excellent warrior, thinker, and poet, who wrote detailed description of the nature of God, mind, body, and physical attachments among other things spiritual. His writings are housed in the sacred text, ‘Guru Granth Sahib,’ in the form of 116 poetic hymns. He was also an avid traveler and played a key role in setting up preaching centers throughout the Indian subcontinent. During one such mission, he founded the town of Chak-Nanki in Punjab, which later became a part of Punjab’s Anandpur Sahib. In 1675, Guru Tegh Bahadur was forced by the then Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb to give up his faith and convert to Islam. When he refused, the Sikh Guru was beheaded on November 24, 1675, in Delhi.

    Early Life

    Guru Tegh Bahadur was born Tyag Mal on April 1, 1621, in Amritsar, Panjab. He was born to the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind, and his wife, Mata Nanaki. As a child, Tyag Mal learnt Sanskrit, Hindi, and Gurmukhi from the revered Sikh scholar, Bhai Gurdas. While horsemanship and archery was taught to him by Baba Buddha ji, Guru Hargobind taught him swordsmanship.

    When Tyag Mal was just 13 years old, he accompanied his father to a battle against the Mughals, who had laid siege to Kartarpur. Thanks to Guru Hargobind and Tyag Mal, Kartarpur was successfully defended by the Sikhs. For exhibiting great valor and military skills in the battle, Guru Hargobind bestowed upon his son the title ‘Tegh Bahadur,’ which literally means ‘brave sword wielder.’ Tyag Mal henceforth came to be known as Tegh Bahadur.

    In 1632, Tegh Bahadur got married to Mata Gujri. By now, Tegh Bahadur had begun to spend much of his time in meditation and had gradually secluded himself. In 1644, Guru Hargobind asked Tegh Bahadur to move to a village, Bakala, along with his wife and his mother. The next two decades saw Tegh Bahadur spend most of his time meditating in an underground room in Bakala, where he would later be recognized as the ninth Sikh Guru. During his stay in Bakala, Tegh Bahadur traveled extensively and even visited Delhi to meet Guru Har Krishan, the eighth Sikh guru.

    Guruship

    In 1664, Guru Har Krishan’s health was badly affected by smallpox, which ultimately led to his death on March 30, 1664. While on his death bed, Guru Har Krishan was asked who would be his successor to which he simply uttered the words ‘Baba’ and ‘Bakala,’ which implied that the next Guru would be found in Bakala. When the word about the next Sikh Guru spread, many imposters settled down in Bakala and claimed to be the next Guru for monetary and other trivial gains. This led to confusion among the Sikhs as it made the task of finding the real Sikh Guru very difficult.

    Meanwhile, a wealthy trader named Baba Makhan Shah Labana had once been caught in a powerful storm, which had almost capsized his ship. During the incident, Baba Makhan Shah felt helpless and hence prayed to God that he would offer 500 gold coins to the Guru, should he be saved from the storm. After being saved miraculously, Baba Makhan Shah went in search of Guru Har Krishan, when he was informed about the passing of the Guru. He was also informed that Guru Har Kishan had professed that the next Guru will be found in Bakala.

    When Baba Makhan Shah Labana arrived in Bakala on August 1664, he was surprised to see as many as 22 imposters claiming to be the ninth Sikh Guru. Baba Makhan Shah recalled his prayer and then started giving away two Dinars to every imposter. As expected, all the imposters walked away happily after receiving two Dinars. Baba Makhan Shah, who was disappointed for not having met the real Guru, was taken to Tegh Bahadur on August 10, 1664. Upon seeing Tegh Bahadur, Baba Makhan Shah placed two Dinars before him, for which Tegh Bahadur replied by saying, ‘why two when you pledged 500?’ Upon hearing those words, Baba Makhan Shah placed 500 gold coins before Tegh Bahadur and started yelling with excitement, ‘Guru ladho re’ (I have found the Guru). Henceforth, Tegh Bahadur was declared as the ninth Sikh Guru.

    Works

    Guru Tegh Bahadur started traveling to various parts of the country in order to preach the teachings of the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak. He also started spreading the message of Sikhism, while helping those in need. In 1664, Guru Tegh Bahadur visited Kiratpur thrice for three different reasons. During his first visit on August 21, 1664, the Guru met with Bibi Rup, the daughter of the seventh Sikh guru, who was mourning the death of her father as well as that of her brother. The second visit was prompted by the death of Bassi, the mother of the seventh Sikh guru, Guru Har Rai. The third visit marked the end of a long journey through the northwestern Indian subcontinent.

    On one of his visits to Bilaspur, Guru Tegh Bahadur met with Rani Champa of Bilaspur, who offered him a piece of land. The Guru insisted on paying her 500 rupees for the land, where he founded a city called Anandpur Sahib.

    Some of Guru Tegh Bahadur’s works are added in the ‘Guru Granth Sahib’ and cover a range of topics, including nature of God, mind, body, physical attachments, etc. In 1672, the Guru traveled through the North-West Frontier, where the persecution of non-Muslims was at its peak.

    Execution

    When the then Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb forced the Brahmin scholars of Kashmir to convert to Islam, the Brahmins approached Guru Tegh Bahadur for a solution. The Guru sent them back with a message to Aurangzeb, which stated that the Mughal emperor could convert the Brahmins if he succeeds in converting Guru Tegh Bahadur. A few days after his proclamation, Guru Tegh Bahadur was arrested along with a couple of his followers, namely Bhai Mati Das and Bhai Dayal Das. When the trio refused to convert to Islam despite being tortured, Aurangzeb ordered their execution. While Mati Das was sawn to death, Dayal Das was cast into a huge cauldron of boiling water. On November 24, 1675, Guru Tegh Bahadur was beheaded in Delhi for standing up against the Mughal ruler.

    Impact of the Execution

    Post Guru Tegh Bahadur’s execution, the Sikhs became more resilience than ever. Many Sikh temples were built in the memory of Guru Tegh Bahadur and his deceased followers. ‘Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib’ was built in Chandni Chowk, where the Guru was executed. After his execution, the severed head of the Guru was taken back to Punjab by one of his followers named Bhai Jaita. After cremating his head, another Sikh temple was built there. The Guru’s sacrifice continues to remind the followers of the Sikh religion to stay true to their faith.

    Legacy

    Upon Guru Tegh Bahadur’s execution, his son Gobind Singh became the tenth Sikh Guru and came to be known as Guru Gobind Singh. Guru Tegh Bahadur’s execution left an indelible impression on Guru Gobind Singh, who was just nine years old at that time. As a result, Guru Gobind Singh organized the Sikh group in such a way that it eventually became a distinct and symbol-patterned community. Also, the Sikhs began to focus more on aspects like bravery and self-defense, which gave rise to the ‘Khalsa.’

    A number of places, including educational institutions and hospitals have been named after Guru Tegh Bahadur. While many of these places are located in Punjab, there are several places in other parts of India, which have been named after Guru Tegh Bahadur. While Maharashtra has several educational institutions named after him, places like New Delhi and Uttar Pradesh too, have a number of schools and colleges that have been named after the great Sikh Guru.

    Source: CultureIndia

  • Easter: The celebration of the resurrection of Jesus

    Easter: The celebration of the resurrection of Jesus

    Easter, also called Pascha or Resurrection Sunday, is a Christian festival and cultural holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, described in the New Testament as having occurred on the third day of his burial following his crucifixion by the Romans at Calvary c. 30 AD. The day in 2023 falls on April 9.

    Easter is the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus from the tomb on the third day after his crucifixion. Easter is the fulfilled prophecy of the Messiah who would be persecuted, die for our sins, and rise on the third day (Isaiah 53). Remembering the resurrection of Jesus is a way to renew daily hope that we have victory over sin. According to the New Testament, Easter is three days after the death of Jesus on the cross.

    Easter follows a period of fasting called Lent, in which many churches set aside time for repentance and remembrance. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Good Friday, the day of Jesus’ crucifixion. The 40 day period was established by Pope Gregory 1 using the 40-day pattern of Israel, Moses, Elijah, and Jesus’ time in the wilderness. The week leading up to Easter is called The Holy Week, or “Passion Week”, and includes Palm Sunday (the day Jesus entered Jerusalem and was celebrated), Maundy Thursday (the “Last Supper” where Jesus met with his disciples to observe Passover), and Good Friday (when Jesus would be crucified on the cross).

    Easter is a very significant date within Christianity and is the foundation of the Christian faith. Jesus, the Son of God, fulfilled prophecy and through his death, has given the gift of eternal life in heaven to those who believe in his death and resurrection.

    Origin of Easter

    The earliest Christians celebrated the resurrection on the fourteenth of Nisan (our March-April), the date of the Jewish Passover. Jewish days were reckoned from evening to evening, so Jesus had celebrated His Last Supper the evening of the Passover and was crucified the day of the Passover. The origin of Easter started with early Christians celebrating the Passover worshiped Jesus as the Paschal Lamb and Redeemer.

    The origin of some of the Gentile Christians began celebrating Easter in the nearest Sunday to the Passover since Jesus actually arose on a Sunday. This especially became the case in the western part of the Roman Empire. In Rome itself, different congregations celebrated Easter on different days!

    Many felt that the date should continue to be based on the timing of the Resurrection during Passover. Once Jewish leaders determined the date of Passover each year, Christian leaders could set the date for Easter by figuring three days after Passover. Following this schedule would have meant that Easter would be a different day of the week each year, only falling on a Sunday once in a while. Others believed since the Lord rose on a Sunday and this day had been set aside as the Lord’s Day, this was the only possible day to celebrate His resurrection. As Christianity drew away from Judaism, some were reluctant to base the Christian celebration on the Jewish calendar. Constantine wanted Christianity to be totally separated from Judaism and did not want Easter to be celebrated on the Jewish Passover. The Council of Nicea accordingly required the feast of the resurrection to be celebrated on a Sunday and never on the Jewish Passover. Easter was to be the Sunday after the first full moon after the spring equinox. Since the date of the vernal equinox changed from year to year, calculating the proper date can be difficult. This is still the method used to determine Easter today, which is why some years we have Easter earlier than other years.

    Easter this Year?

    In 2023, Easter falls on Sunday, April 9th. Easter is celebrated on the Sunday following the first full moon, the Paschal full moon, after the vernal equinox. Since the vernal equinox date changed from year to year, calculating the proper date can be difficult. This is still the method used to determine Easter today, which is why some years we have Easter earlier than other years.

    What Does Easter mean?

    The origin of the word easter isn’t certain. The Venerable Bede, an eighth-century monk, and scholar suggested that the word may have come from the Anglo-Saxon Eeostre or Eastre – a Teutonic goddess of spring and fertility. Recent scholars haven’t been able to find any reference to the goddess Bede mentioned and consider the theory discredited.

    Another possibility is the Norse eostur, eastur, or ostara, which meant “the season of the growing sun” or  “the season of new birth.” The word east comes from the same roots. In this case, easter would be linked to the changing of the season.

    A more recent and complex explanation comes from the Christian background of Easter rather than the pagan. The early Latin name for the week of Easter was hebdomada alba or “white week,” while the Sunday after Easter day was called dominica in albis from the white robes of those who had been newly baptized. The word alba is Latin both for white and dawn.  People speaking Old High German made a mistake in their translation and used a plural word for dawn, ostarun, instead of a plural for white. From ostarun we get the German Ostern and the English Easter.

    Origin and History of the Easter Bunny

    What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Easter? As a Christian, the first image might be the cross or the empty tomb. For the general public, a blitz of media images and merchandise on store shelves makes it more likely that the Easter Bunny comes to mind. So how did a rabbit distributing eggs become a part of Easter?

    There are several reasons for the rabbit, or hare, to be associated with Easter, all of which come through pagan celebrations or beliefs. The most obvious is the hare’s fertility.  Easter comes during spring and celebrates new life. The Christian meaning of new life through Christ and a general emphasis on new life are different, but the two gradually merged. Any animals – like the hare – that produced many offspring were easy to include.

    The hare is also an ancient symbol for the moon. The date of Easter depends on the moon. This may have helped the hare to be absorbed into Easter celebrations.

    The hare or rabbit’s burrow helped the animal’s adoption as part of Easter celebrations. Believers saw the rabbit coming out of its underground home as a symbol for Jesus coming out of the tomb.  Perhaps this was another case of taking a pre-existing symbol and giving it a Christian meaning.

    The Easter hare came to America with German immigrants, and the hare’s role passed to the common American rabbit.  Originally children made nests for the rabbit in hats, bonnets, or fancy paper boxes, rather than the baskets of today. Once the children finished their nests, they put them in a secluded spot to keep from frightening the shy rabbit. The appealing nests full of colored eggs probably helped the customs to spread.

    Origin and History of Easter Eggs

    Next to the Easter bunny, the most familiar symbol is the Easter egg.  Like others, the egg has a long pre-Christian history.  Again there’s no certainty as to why it became associated with Easter. Many Ancient cultures viewed eggs as a symbol of life. Hindus, Egyptians, Persians, and Phoenicians believed the world begun with an enormous egg. The Persians, Greeks, and Chinese gave gifts of eggs during spring festivals in celebration of new life all around them. Other sources say people ate dyed eggs at spring festivals in Egypt, Persia, Greece, and Rome.  In ancient Druid lore, the eggs of serpents were sacred and stood for life.

    Source: Crosswalk

  • Good Friday: The crucifixion of Jesus Christ

    Good Friday: The crucifixion of Jesus Christ

    Good Friday is a Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus and his death at Calvary. The day in 2023 falls on April 7. Good Friday is a religious holiday observed by Christians around the world to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, his death, and his burial. It is observed on the Friday before Easter Sunday and marks the end of Holy Week. In 2023, Good Friday known by various names such as Holy Friday, and Easter Friday will be celebrated on April 7th this year as Easter falls on Sunday, April 9 2023. However, the date of Good Friday changes every year as it is calculated based on the lunar cycle. Good Friday is a day of solemnity and mourning for Christians, and it is observed by fasting, prayer, and attending church services. Many churches hold special services, such as the Stations of the Cross, which reflect on Jesus’ journey to the crucifixion. It is a time for reflection on Jesus’ sacrifice for humanity and the significance of his death and resurrection.

    In many countries, Good Friday is a public holiday, and businesses and schools are closed. Some traditions associated with Good Friday include the consumption of hot cross buns, which have a cross on top to symbolize the crucifixion, and the abstaining from meat in some Christian communities.

    History

    According to the holy book Bible, Jesus was arrested, and sentenced to death by crucifixion by the Roman authorities under the rule of Pontius Pilate, the highest form of criminal punishment at the time. Jesus’ crucifixion was a brutal and painful form of execution, which involved nailing the person to a wooden cross and leaving them to die slowly. The events leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion are recorded in the four Gospels of the New Testament. The Gospels tell of Jesus’ last supper with his disciples, his arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, and his trial before Pilate. They also record his death on the cross and his burial in a nearby tomb.

    Christians around the world commemorate Good Friday with special services, prayers, and devotions. Many churches hold processions, reenactments of the crucifixion, and veneration of the cross. In some countries, such as the Philippines, devotees even participate in self-flagellation and crucifixion to show their devotion to Christ.

    Good Friday is a solemn and reflective day for Christians, reminding them of Jesus’ sacrifice and the price he paid for their salvation. It is a time for prayer, fasting, and repentance, as well as a time to express gratitude for God’s love and mercy.

    Significance

    Good Friday, also known as Holy Friday or Black Friday, is a Christian holiday that commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. It is observed on the Friday before Easter Sunday and is a significant event in the Christian calendar. This year Good Friday will be celebrated on 7 April 2023.

    The significance of Good Friday lies in the belief that Jesus Christ willingly sacrificed himself on the cross for the forgiveness of sins. Christians believe that through his death and resurrection, Jesus Christ opened the way for humanity to be reconciled with God and receive eternal life.

    On Good Friday, many Christians participate in various forms of worship and reflection, such as attending church services, fasting, and engaging in acts of repentance and self-denial. Some traditions also include reenactments of the crucifixion, such as the Stations of the Cross. Good Friday is also a day of mourning and reflection on the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. It serves as a reminder of the love and mercy of God, and the importance of humility, sacrifice, and forgiveness in the Christian faith.

    In addition to its religious significance, Good Friday has also played a significant role in the history and culture of many countries. It is a public holiday in many nations, and is often marked by special events, processions, and traditions. Good Friday holds a significant place in the Christian faith as a solemn day of reflection on the sacrifice and love of Jesus Christ, and as a reminder of the importance of faith, forgiveness, and redemption.

    What is Good Friday?

    The name “Good Friday” may seem paradoxical, given that it commemorates the death of Jesus, but it is thought to have originated from the phrase “God’s Friday,” which over time evolved into “Good Friday.” The goodness of the day lies in the belief that Jesus’ death on the cross was a sacrifice that atoned for the sins of humanity, making it possible for people to be reconciled with God and receive eternal life.

    How is Good Friday observed?

    Many Christians attend church services on Good Friday, which typically include prayers, hymns, and readings from the Bible. Some churches hold a special service called the Stations of the Cross also called Way of the Cross, which involves walking through the events leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion, as depicted in 14 images or stations.

    In some countries, Good Friday is a public holiday, and businesses and schools may be closed. Many people choose to observe the day by fasting or abstaining from meat, as a sign of respect and solidarity with Jesus’ suffering. Other common traditions include the veneration of the cross, where a large cross is displayed and worshippers are invited to approach it and kneel or touch it. This practice is often accompanied by singing or chanting. In some cultures, there are also processions or reenactments of the crucifixion, where people dress up as biblical characters and walk through the streets, carrying crosses or statues of Jesus.

    Good Friday is a solemn and reflective day for Christians around the world, who seek to remember and honor the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, as they prepare for the celebration of his resurrection on Easter Sunday.

    Who was Jesus Christ?

    Jesus Christ is a central figure and founder of Christianity and is also considered to be the son of God. He is believed to have been born in Bethlehem in the first century AD to the Virgin Mary and Joseph, a carpenter. Christians believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the savior of the world, and that his teachings provide a path to salvation and eternal life.

    According to the Bible, Jesus spent his early life in Nazareth and began his public ministry at the age of 30. He traveled throughout Galilee and Judea, preaching about the kingdom of God and performing miracles such as healing the sick and feeding the hungry.

    Jesus’ teachings emphasized the importance of love, compassion, and forgiveness, and he often spoke in parables to convey his message. His teachings were controversial, and he was eventually arrested and sentenced to death by crucifixion. Christians believe that Jesus’ death on the cross was a sacrifice for the sins of humanity, and that he rose from the dead on the third day, thereby conquering death and offering the promise of eternal life to all who believe in him. This event is celebrated as Easter by Christians worldwide.

    Jesus’ life and teachings have had a profound impact on the world, shaping the beliefs and practices of millions of people across the globe. He is considered by many to be the most important figure in human history, and his message of love and redemption continues to inspire people of all faiths and backgrounds.

    Source: Indiatimes

     

  • XBB.1.16 variant accounting for 38.2% of Covid-19 infections in India: Report

    XBB.1.16 variant accounting for 38.2% of Covid-19 infections in India: Report

    New Delhi (TIP)- The newly emerged recombinant coronavirus variant XBB.1.16 has been observed in different parts of the country, accounting for 38.2 per cent of the infection till date, according to the latest INSACOG bulletin. The bulletin of March 27, which was released on Thursday, said among the samples collected till the third week of March 2023, XBB continued to be the most commonly circulating Omicron sublineages.

    Noting that Omicron and its sublineages continue to be the dominant variants in India, the bulletin said an increase in infection rate has been observed, especially in western, southern and northern parts of India.

    “A newly emerged recombinant variant XBB.1.16 has been observed in different parts of India, accounting for 38.2 per cent of the infection till date,” the bulletin said. The bulletin further said a few BA.2.10 and BA.2.75 sublineage was detected in some part of the country whereas XBB was the most prevalent sublineage of the Omicron variant.

    The INSACOG said globally, nearly 3.7 million new cases and 26,000 deaths have been reported in the last 28 days. During the week nine of the year 2023, there has been a continued increasing trend in the proportions of recombinant lineages globally, it said.

    India has logged 5,335 fresh coronavirus cases, the highest in 195 days, while the active cases have increased to 25,587, according to the Union health ministry data updated on Thursday, April 6.