Meta-owned WhatsApp is introducing a new voice chat feature that will be a less disruptive method to connect with large groups on the platform. Voice chats allow you to instantly talk live with members of a group chat while still being able to message in the group. Now, once you start the voice chat, group members will receive a push notification to join instead of a call. There will also be an in-chat bubble they can tap to join.
You can see who has joined the voice chat in a banner on the bottom of the screen.
“Voice chats will end automatically once everyone has left the chat. They’ll also end if no one joins the first or last person in the chat for 60 minutes,” the messaging platform said in an update.
Voice chats are available for groups of 33 to 128 people and this feature is only available on primary devices, said the company. “Group members not in the voice chat can see the profiles of those in the voice chat from the chat header and the Calls tab,” said WhatsApp. Currently, the voice call on WhatsApp is available with up to 32 participants. Once a voice chat is underway, call controls will be accessible from the top of a chat without hindering your ability to send text messages at the same time. Voice chats will be rolling out on iOS and Android in the coming weeks.
Year: 2023
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WhatsApp rolling out new voice chat feature with large groups
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Short sleep, shift work may raise risk of high BP: Study
Short sleep lengths, daytime napping, shift work and even long sleep lengths have been linked to an increased risk of elevated blood pressure and cardiovascular disease, according to a new study. The study, published in Nature Communications, is the first study to demonstrate that independent of other factors including age, sex and Body Mass Index (BMI), circadian rhythm-disrupting behaviours, including shift work, have an adverse effect on blood pressure regulation.
“We found that compromised sleep health or night shift work are associated with elevated blood pressure in both males and females and across all age groups,” said lead author Morag Young, Associate Professor from the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute in Melbourne.
“What we’ve found is that having circadian rhythms out of sync even slightly has an adverse impact on blood pressure,” Young added. The study found that permanent night shift workers who slept less than five or six hours were most at risk, but those working mixed shifts also showed elevated blood pressure. Interestingly, sleeping for too long a period also had a disruptive effect on circadian rhythms, Young said.
“Seven hours of sleep was found to be the optimal length of sleep for maintaining healthy blood pressure,” Young said. “We found that too little sleep (less than seven hours) and too much sleep (anything more than seven hours) for adults also had a negative impact. “Permanent night shift workers showed the greatest elevation in blood pressure, but those people working rotating shifts also showed elevated levels, although not as significant as permanent night shift workers.
“Our data also show that short sleep plus shift work has an additive negative effect on blood pressure.”
The body’s circadian clock governs almost all processes in the human body, including metabolic function, cognition, heart rate and sleep-wake behaviour. Disruptions to the body’s normal biological rhythms can leave the body out of sync, creating circadian strain, and thus negative consequences.
“Challenges that disrupt anticipation to daily light-dark cycles, food intake, and activity cues that are induced by non-traditional behavioural and lifestyle factors, like shift work, can adversely impact maintenance of normal biological rhythms at the systemic and cellular level, thereby compromising organ function,” Young said. Source: PTI -
Quitting smoking can lower diabetes risk by 30-40%: WHO
Quitting smoking can lower the risk of developing type-2 diabetes by 30-40 per cent, according to a new brief jointly developed by the WHO, the International Diabetes Federation and the University of Newcastle.
Evidence suggests that smoking influences the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels, which can cause type-2 diabetes, the WHO said in a statement.
Type-2 diabetes is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases worldwide, accounting for over 95 per cent of all diabetes cases, the UN agency said.
However, it is often preventable, and factors that contribute to developing type-2 diabetes include being overweight, not getting enough exercise, and genetics, according to the WHO.
The IDF estimates that 537 million people have diabetes, a number that continues to rise making diabetes the ninth highest cause of death globally, the statement said. The IDF is a non-profit umbrella organisation of more than 240 national diabetes associations in 161 countries and territories.
Smoking also increases the risk of diabetes-related complications such as cardiovascular disease, kidney failure and blindness, in addition to delaying healing of wound and enhancing the risk of lower limb amputations, WHO’s statement said.
“The International Diabetes Federation strongly encourages people to stop smoking to reduce their risk of diabetes and, if they have diabetes, help avoid complications.
“We call on governments to introduce policy measures that will discourage people from smoking and remove tobacco smoke from all public spaces,” said Akhtar Hussain, president of the IDF. Quitting smoking also reduces the risk of diabetes complications, the UN agency said in its statement.
“Health professionals play a vital role in motivating and guiding individuals with type-2 diabetes in their journey to quit tobacco.
“Simultaneously, governments must take the crucial step of ensuring all indoor public places, workplaces and public transport is completely smoke-free.
“These interventions are essential safeguards against the onset and progression of this and many other chronic diseases,” said Ruediger Krech, WHO’s Director of Health Promotion. Source: PTI -
Your coronary calcium scores too can predict risk for heart disease
While high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes and smoking are well known heart disease risks, not everyone who has a heart attack has them. A new study finds that these patients had one thing in common: they all tended to have high levels of coronary calcium.
Previous research showed that 14 per cent to 27 per cent of heart attack patients have none of the standard risk factors high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes and smoking.
The new study by researchers at Intermountain Health in the US show that scans that detect this kind of plaque buildup should be considered as part of their standard care, even in the absence of the four standard modifiable risk factors, so that these patients can be diagnosed and treated before their first heart attack event occurs. “Measuring coronary calcium could have a major impact on how we identify who is at risk for heart disease,” said lead author Jeffrey L. Anderson, research physician at Intermountain Health.
“We need to go beyond just the four major modifiable risk factors because there are risk factors we don’t yet recognise or understand about what’s causing increased risk of heart attack in these patients,” he added. The findings were presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2023 in Philadelphia, US.
In the study, researchers identified 429 heart attack patients who also had coronary artery calcium scans. Of those, 369 had standard modifiable risk factors (SMuRF), like a diagnosis or treatment of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and or smoking; and 60 did not (SMuRF-less). Researchers examined these patients’ calcium artery scan scores, and then also major adverse cardiovascular events, like another heart attack, stroke, or death, at 60-days and long term.
Researchers found that SMuRF-less patients had high rates of, and higher percentile of, coronary calcium scores. They also found that 77 per cent of these patients met their criteria for preventative therapy, like statins and/or aspirin. Patients with SMuRF, as expected, also had high CAC scores and percentiles.
Outcomes were more favourable overall for SMuRF-less patients and for those patients with lower coronary artery calcium scores. While coronary artery calcium scans are becoming more common and affordable, they’re still not part of guideline-directed standard of care.
“We’re missing about a quarter of people who are at risk for heart attack events because we’re still relying on just the standard risk factors,” said Dr Anderson.
“We haven’t been doing scans in low-risk patients that don’t have these common risk factors, but that may need to change given our findings, so that we can identify these seemingly low-risk patients who care not, and provide preventive therapy.” Source: IANS -
Coconut Chicken
Ingredients
1 kg chicken, 200 ml cream, 100 ml coconut milk, 200 gm onion, cut into small pieces, 2 tsp garlic paste, 1 tsp ginger paste, 1 tsp turmeric powder, Salt to taste, 1 tsp garam masala, 100 gm butter/refined oil, 1 tsp red chilli powder.
Method
– Add chicken, garlic and ginger paste, turmeric powder, salt, garam masala, salt and chilli powder and mix well. Keep the marinated chicken for two hours.
– Then place the pan on fire and put the oil/butter and fry the onion till golden brown.
– Add the marinated chicken to the pan and fry on a low flame adding coconut milk slowly till the chicken is cooked properly.
– Then mix the cream slowly
– Add 1/2 tsp of sugar (optional)
– Now the chicken is ready to eat
– Serve with roti/rice. -
Lemon Chicken
Ingredients
6 chicken thighs without skin, 3-4 Tbsp refined oil, 2 tsp cumin seeds, 2 onions julienned, 6 cloves garlic chopped, 1/2 inch ginger chopped, 3-4 hot green chillies, 3/4 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp coriander powder, Salt to taste, 1 cup fresh lemon juice, 1/2 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup fresh sugarcane juice, Fresh coriander to garnish.
Method
– Heat a heavy cooking vessel on a high heat and once its hot, add the refined oil and swirl the pan to coat the base evenly. Once the oil is nice and hot, add the cumin seeds and saute them until crackling and fragrant.
– Now add the onions, garlic and ginger and sauté them gently until they take on a light golden brown color. Turn up the heat and then add the spice powders. Toast the spices on a high heat until they are intensely aromatic and well toasted. Then add a little water and bhuno the base ingredients repeatedly until the oil rises to the top and the masala is well cooked out.
– Add some salt and mix well, then add the chicken thighs to the pan. Turn up the heat and fry the chicken in the masala until it is evenly coated with the flavor of the base and is a very light yellowy golden brown in color.
– Now add the lemon and orange juice to the chicken and deglaze the pan well, scraping up the flavor packed pan deposits on the base of the pan. Stir everything together well to combine, then add a little sugarcane juice to balance the acidity of the lemon juice.
– Bring the chicken to a boil, then turn the heat to low, cover the pan and let the chicken simmer away until it is cooked to perfection and almost falling off the bone.
– Once the chicken is cooked, uncover the pan and simmer the light gravy until slightly reduced and concentrated in flavor. Turn off the heat, then garnish with fresh coriander and serve with hot rotis or rice. -
Coffee for Skin Care
Coffee is usually associated with waking people up in the morning, but it can also perk up your skin. The caffeine in coffee has a number of benefits for your skin, from treating redness and inflammation, to reducing the appearance of under-eye circles, to getting rid of cellulite. By incorporating caffeine into your skin care routine, you can reveal evenly toned, smooth skin all over your body.
Reduces Inflammation
Caffeine has potent anti-inflammatory properties that make it ideal for reducing inflammation and redness in your skin. In a 1981 study performed at the Seoul National University, researchers found that caffeine is able to reduce inflammation almost as well as aspirin in rats; in a 1978 performed at the University of Tennessee, researchers found that adding caffeine to anti-inflammatory creams significantly increased their effectiveness.
Helps get rid of under-eye circles
Dark under-eye circles can be caused by a number of factors, including dehydration, allergies, lack of sleep or genetics. Although caffeine cannot completely erase hereditary dark circles, applying caffeine under your eyes will reduce the puffiness and inflammation associated with dark circles. Additionally, caffeine reduces the build-up of blood under your eyes which contributes to dark shadows. Several eye creams contain caffeine, or you can apply moist tea bags to your eyes for five minutes to reduce puffiness and give you a more alert appearance.
Gets rid of cellulite
Caffeine can also reduce the appearance of cellulite. In a 2008 study performed at the University of São Paulo, researchers found that an application of skin cream containing caffeine to cellulite reduced the size of cellulite fat cells by 17 percent. In addition, a study has found that caffeine cream applied to cellulite decreased the hip’s diameter in almost 70 percent of participants. -
Use coconut, argan oil for smooth lips
Winter can be a brutal time of the year for your lips. During the cold winter season, there are various skin problems which emerge like dry cracked lips and skin. Besides drinking water it is important to use coconut and argan oil based products like lip balms, scrubs, lipsticks with the natural oils as its base to save your lips from chapping, suggest experts.
Don’t lick your lips
This common practice is quite harmful for your lips as when you put saliva on the lips, it dries out and make our lips even more dry.
Use coconut oil
Coconut oil is very good for lips as it acts as a good nourishing moisturiser and will give you cracked free lips. For a deep hydrating result we recommend butterstick lip treatment which has coconut oil and lemon butter and comes with SPF.
Use argan oil
The thin skin of your lips loses moisture rapidly, especially in the winter. So make sure lips are covered with lip balm as often as possible. Argan oil is your lips best friend. Make sure you use lipsticks with argan oil or shea butter so that your lips don’t crack in the cold.
Try lip scrub
Our lips are not protected by hair or sebaceous glands (oil glands), so they start to chap, therefore weekly exfoliation is a must. Lip scrub works great to gently exfoliate dry lips. For a homemade lip scrub, mix brown sugar and honey and gently scrub lips until the sugar crystals melt. Wash and pat dry.
Keep a gloss handy
If you’re a matte enthusiast, and your lips begin to feel dry, always keep a gloss handy. Start your make-up routine by moisturising your lips for which you can use the good old Vaseline. Keep it on for a minute, blot the excess and go ahead with the lipstick application.
Use a lip balm
This will lock in the moisture and help to heal cracks and splits in the skin. Look for a healing ointment that contains petrolatum, essential oils or glycerin. Another important ingredient is sunscreen — there still is sun in the winter.
Avoid lip balms containing camphor, eucalyptus and menthol. These substances actually dry out your lips and make the problem worse. In response, you apply more of this kind of lip balm, and the cycle continues.
Avoid brushing or rubbing your lips when they are flaky or peeling. “It’s better not to scrub your lips or pick the peeling skin off with your teeth or your fingers. That just creates cracks and sores on your lips and can make things worse,” Dr. Piliang says. “Instead, apply a very heavy ointment-based balm that will be soothing and help to heal your lips.”
Treat cracks right away
If you let them go, they can become worse and possibly get infected or lead to a cold sore. At night, apply lip balm before you go to bed. Many people sleep with their mouths open. Eight hours of breathing in and out through your mouth can dry your lips, Dr. Piliang says. Also consider using a humidifier at night if the air in your house is dry because of being heated. -
Jennifer Aniston shares Matthew Perry’s text message, ‘you always made my day’
Actress Jennifer Aniston is reflecting on the loss of her longtime friend Matthew Perry. For the first time since Perry, 54, died from an apparent drowning on October 28, Aniston has spoken out about her ‘Friends’ co-star and his enduring legacy after his death.
Aniston’s Instagram tribute for Perry featured a photo of the pair on set together alongside their loving text exchange containing the same image, reports People magazine.
Additionally, she included a scene of the duo during the sitcom’s 2004 series finale, where their characters Rachel Green and Chandler Bing expressed their love for one another. “Oh boy this one has cut deep … Having to say goodbye to our Matty has been an insane wave of emotions that I’ve never experienced before,” began the actress, 54. “We all experience loss at some point in our lives. Loss of life or loss of love. Being able to really SIT in this grief allows you to feel the moments of joy and gratitude for having loved someone that deep. And we loved him deeply. He was such a part of our DNA.”
She further mentioned in her note, quoted by People: “We were always the 6 of us. This was a chosen family that forever changed the course of who we were and what our path was going to be. For Matty, he KNEW he loved to make people laugh. As he said himself, if he didn’t hear the ‘laugh’ he thought he was going to die. His life literally depended on it. And boy did he succeed in doing just that. He made all of us laugh. And laugh hard.”
Noting how she’s continued to process this loss, Aniston said that she had been looking back on their many text conversations, even sharing one of them in her second slide.
“In the last couple weeks, I’ve been poring over our texts to one another. Laughing and crying then laughing again. I’ll keep them forever and ever. I found one text that he sent me out of nowhere one day. It says it all. (See the second slide…),” she said. “Matty, I love you so much and I know you are now completely at peace and out of any pain. I talk to you every day… sometimes I can almost hear you saying ‘could you BE any crazier?” she added.
The message from Matthew was: “Making you laugh just made my day. It made my day:)”
“Rest little brother. You always made my day,” she concluded. Source: IANS -
Zendaya and Tom Holland win hearts as they sign Spider-Man posters for charity
Power couple Tom Holland and Zendaya often keep their relationship low-key and rarely make public appearances. However, the 27-year-old Marvel stars recently gave fans a glimpse at a sweet moment they shared together. Over the weekend, Holland and the Euphoria star were spotted signing Spider-Man posters for a charity organisation The Brothers’ Trust. While giving out autographs, Zendaya affectionately held onto Holland’s arm. The adorable moment was captured in a video, which went viral soon after it was shared on social media. Fans were left amazed at their public display of affection, calling them “couple goals.”
In the video shared on X, formerly Twitter, the duo can be seen joking and smiling while signing several posters side-by-side. Social media users flooded the platform with comments on their gesture and the strong bond they have developed over the years. One user wrote, “It’s heartwarming to see Tom Holland and Zendaya using their Spider-Man magic for a good cause. Acts like this are what make them real-life superheroes!”
Another X user commented, “It’s great to see Tom Holland and Zendaya using their platform to support charitable causes, such as signing ‘Spider-Man’ posters for The Brothers Trust.” One more user said, “The way she holds him & just behaves like a child around him- why’re they so adorable.” Yet another user commented, “The Brothers Trust, founded by Tom Holland and his brothers, aims to raise funds and awareness for various charitable causes around the world.”
For their charity work, Zendaya kept her look casual, wearing a grey sweater with minimal to no make-up while Holland donned a black pullover with glasses over his head. The fan-favourite couple is no stranger to charity work as this comes after their visit to British charity Battersea Cats and Dogs Home in London. Zendaya shared a picture of herself holding a little puppy in her hands on her Instagram story, leaving fans gushing. She wrote “puppy heaven” on the picture, in which she can be seen beaming with joy.
Source: HT -
Kim Kardashian, Lauren Sanchez recall fighting over dress at auction
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. -
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)