The worldwide popular song, “Natu Natu,” has added another glory to its name by winning an Oscar in the best song category. The makers of the well-received song are getting appreciation from many A-listers. While talking about the Oscars, a conversation between the musical maestro A.R. Rehman and violinist L. Subramanian is becoming the talk of the town.
In the conversation, the Oscar-winning music composer A.R. Rehman not only congratulates the makers of “Natu Natu” but also appreciates the efforts that go into making such songs. He says that to achieve an accomplishment worth worldwide recognition, one has to keep their shoulder on the wheel. The video shows A.R. Rehman exclaiming “Jai ho to you” after the great accomplishment of bringing the Oscars home.
While having the conversation, the video extends to the point where L. Subramaniam asks Rehman about his Oscar-winning song, ‘Jai Ho, and how he changed his musical to reach the Oscars. Rehman explained that he had changed a lot of techniques in his music that made him great. He shared his experience while making ‘Jai Ho, where he chose performers and an orchestra with the help of technology to benefit his music style. In addition, he stated, composing songs for a movie takes 8 songs; however, Rehman’s jingle background pushed him to compose 18 songs. In the making of songs, Home Studio helped a lot in the enhancement of Rehman’s music, giving it more finesse.
A.R. Rehman suggests that artists should always evolve in their art, which will bring them to greater heights.
The Foundation for Critical Choices for India, The Netherlands, is organizing the INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE United Nations Reforms for the Changing World with Special Focus on United Nations Security Council.
Event Date: 3rd May 2023
Venue: Kasteel de Wittenburg, Landgoed de Wittenburg 1,2244 BV, Wassenaar, The Netherlands. Foundation for Critical Choices for India (FCCI) is a think tank and focal point for initiating and implementing studies and programs on issues of strategic importance to India in social, political, economic fields by mobilizing the resources of non resident Indians (NRIs) / persons of Indian origin (PIOs).
Background & Themes
The United Nations (UN) is a 77 year-old world organisation representing 193 Member States. In today’s world, the UN intends to act on the issues confronting humanity in the 21st century. Such issues are a) maintaining international peace & security, b) protecting human rights, c) delivering humanitarian aid, d) promoting sustainable development, and e) upholding international law. In today’s highly multipolar, nationalistic, globalised world, the UN is facing critical issues such as a) power imbalance, b) non-equitable representation of member states, c) lack of democratic principles in decision-making and d) dependency of the UN for funds on its member states. Several new global challenges are emerging (especially in relation to peace & security) that require co-ordinated actions. Thus, the incremental structural reforms at both UN and UNSC levels are vital for building reconciliation amongst the member states to make these institutions more relevant and effective. FICCI have conducted a systematic study through several brainstorming sessions, and through a legitimate literature survey came up with some new suggestions in terms of framework guidelines dealing with mechanisms to empowering the UN through its ‘One World’ approach of collective governance. A special focus is given to UNSC reforms. Here, The Foundation (FCCI) has come up with several innovative inclusive guidelines to make UNSC more equitable representation and impart democratic principles in decision-making. Additionally, a mechanism has been proposed for making the UN financially independent for its effective global governance.
The main aim of this international conference is to present FICCI’s findings, exchange views, and openly discuss much-needed UN reforms with the representatives of several UN member states, representatives from veto-holding nations, G-4, G-20, C-10 nations, EU, and other stakeholders. This international conference is the first major step to push further UN reforms without any biased approach and start the challenging journey to build consensus amongst the UN member states. The programme will be highly interactive and includes speakers and panellists from different backgrounds such as experts on UN affairs, diplomats, representatives from the corporate world & experts on international law.
Lenskart, the largest eyewear retailer in Asia, has signed definitive documents for a USD 500 million investment from a wholly owned subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA).
The investment will be made via a purchase of both primary and secondary shares and will result in ADIA becoming one of the largest shareholders in Lenskart. Completion is subject to receipt of statutory and regulatory approvals. Upon completion of the transaction, Lenskart will have attracted close to USD 750 million capital over the last 12 months including recent fund-raising activities, making it one of the largest such growth stage financings globally.
Lenskart continues to deepen its penetration in India while rapidly scaling its international presence in Asia and the Middle East. The company now has 2,000+ stores of which 1,500 are in India with the balance in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Its new factory, which will play a significant role in manufacturing the 20 million pairs of eyewear that the company plans to ship next year, will also be ready to launch soon. Lenskart grew revenue by 60% for the second year in a row and is now profitable.
Speaking on the transaction, Peyush Bansal, Founder & CEO of Lenskartsaid, “It is still Day 1 at Lenskart. Vision Correction remains a big problem, and Myopia rates continue to grow rapidly, touching levels of as high as 80-90% in some parts of Asia. Hence, we are still very early in our journey and have a lot of work to do to continue to make our desired impact in this area of critical need. And ADIA, with its patient and long-term approach to investing, is a perfect partner for us as we embark on the next phase of our journey.
The next phase at Lenskart is a journey of 10 to 100 where we are focusing on building a diverse culture that enables innovation and execution at scale while solving a large bottleneck hindering high quality vision for all. I hope we can continue to work hard with the same level of humility and dedication and transform the lives of a billion people eventually.”
Hamad Shahwan Al Dhaheri, Executive Director, Private Equities Department, ADIA said, “Lenskart has rapidly established itself as one of the largest and most innovative eyewear companies globally. Given its unique technology-enabled and vertically integrated business model, we believe the company remains well positioned to build on its leadership position. This investment is a continuation of our strategy of investing in highly differentiated, market leading businesses in Asia linked to the region’s consumption-driven growth and rapid technological advancement.”
Avendus Capital was the exclusive financial advisor to Lenskart and its shareholders on the transaction.
EY acted as ADIA’s advisors on accounting and tax matters, while AZB & Partners and Allen & Overy acted as legal advisors to ADIA.
KPMG and PwC acted as advisors on accounting and tax matters, while Rajaram Legal & Khaitan & Co. acted as legal advisors to the Company and its shareholders.
Microorganisms live in their own world. Thus, anywhere that bacteria live, viruses called bacteriophages can be discovered. These bacteria are among the most numerous and varied species of organisms on earth, and they have a major impact on bacterial population control in a variety of habitats.
However, the P74-26 bacteriophage distinguishes itself among them owing to its distinct structure and characteristics.
According to a recent study, this bacteriophage Rapunzel has a very long tail.
The tail structure is almost one micrometer long and resembles some spider silk in terms of breadth. Its tail structure is necessary for host attachment and identification, which are important for productive infections.
Thus, the P74-26 bacteriophage is the most stable phage and has a very long tail, which enables it to dwell in and infect bacteria that are found in hot springs. However, given that the majority of phages are unable to survive in these surroundings’ hard circumstances and high temperatures, this makes it distinct from other phages.
Nonetheless, the P74-26 bacteriophage’s structure was investigated by scientists using high-power imaging methods and computer simulations.
The P74-26 bacteriophage tail may be compared to Lego bricks in terms of its component parts. These building blocks have the ability to change shape or conformation when they are put together, and this behavior is essential for the building blocks to fit together properly. The reason P74-26 needs half as many building blocks to construct the stacking rings that make up the tail is that the researchers believe that an ancient virus merged its building pieces into one protein. The P74-26 bacteriophage is even more intriguing to researchers because of its distinctive properties.
For the first time ever in IR, has a trans tea stall been opened in a Railway Station
In a bid to empower Transgenders, a trans tea stall has been opened at Guwahati Railway station today which will be fully managed by the Transgender community. This initiative by N. F. Railway is a first of its kind over the Indian Railways. It has been done with active collaboration of All Assam Transgender Association.
The Government of India has approved a comprehensive empowerment scheme for Transgenders named “Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise” which includes a sub-scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Welfare of Transgender Persons.
This is a first ever such initiative in Indian Railways. Northeast Frontier Railway plans to operate more such Trans Tea Stalls at more Railway stations in the region.
The Cricket team of India’s largest PR consultancy firm, Adfactors United emerged winners of the Public Relations’ Premier Cricket League (PRPCL) 2023, West Edition, organized by the Public Relations Consultants Association of India (PRCAI) on 11th March 2023 at Khar Gymkhana, Mumbai.
In the first match of the tournament, Adfactors United set a new record in the history of PRPCL, by scoring 131 runs in just six overs. The team entered finals with a positive net run rate of +4.77 and also, maintained the highest net run rate throughout the tournament with a difference of +2.
SatveerKhairaliya, who scored 248 runs overall, was declared the Man of the Series while also receiving 2 Man of the Match awards. Sushil Mhadgut also picked up the Man of the Match title, while Karthik Bangera was awarded the Fighter of the Match in the semifinals.
Commenting on the win, Nijay N. Nair, CEO, Adfactors PR, said, “For us, sports is very deeply integrated into the cultural fabric of Adfactors PR. Be it our internal development programs or our representation in all industry-level competitions, we take the sportsperson spirit seriously. To bring the trophy home fills our hearts with pride and joy. We will continue to support our people to pursue sports just as they pursue work – with focused effort, love, and perseverance.”
Expressing his delight, Omkar Jalgoankar, Captain of Adfactors United, said, “It is a proud moment for Adfactors PR and for all of us to win the PRPCL trophy. Our team put in a lot of hard work and effort to reach this stage, and it is an incredible feeling to emerge as winners.”
The PRPCL was an exciting event that brought together India’s best PR firms from the west region and showcased their cricketing talents. Adfactors United’s victory is a testament to their teamwork, dedication, and passion for cricket. The team is already looking forward to defending their title next year.
Amazon announced on Tuesday that it will launch its first internet satellites into orbit in the first half of 2024 and conduct early commercial testing shortly after.
The company is getting ready to compete with Elon Musk’s SpaceX and other providers for the right to deliver broadband internet globally.
Later this year, Project Kuiper, an Amazon subsidiary that develops satellite internet, will start mass-producing the satellites, the firm announced. Those are the first of more than 3,000 satellites that the internet giant aims to put into low-Earth orbit over the following few years.
The 2024 deployment goal would put Amazon on schedule to meet a legal need to launch half of its 3,236-satellite Kuiper network by 2026. Limp, who is in charge of Amazon’s consumer products division, said the firm intends to produce “three to five” satellites daily to meet that objective.
Amazon intends to use a new rocket from the Boeing-Lockheed joint venture United Launch Alliance to launch two test satellites early this year. It is anticipated that the 2024 launch, which carried the first batch of manufactured satellites, will be the first of many in a quick deployment campaign utilizing rockets Amazon bought in 2021 and 2022.
Many Indian start-up entrepreneurs who held accounts at the ailing Silicon Valley Bank (SVB). Thus, it was a lengthy wait. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) asked businesses with accounts containing more than $250,000 to contact a toll-free hotline. It is more than what US regulators, who shut down the bank, said would be covered by them.
Thus, the tech sector is SVB’s largest client, with many Indian start-ups having accounts at the bank, particularly in the SaaS (software as a service) market that caters to American clients.
Therefore, California authorities shut down the troubled lender on Friday. However, placing it under the supervision of the US Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). Thus, overnight shock followed another steep 60% decrease in premarket trading for SVB’s stock as anxious depositors hurried to withdraw money, which caused the dip.
Nonetheless, SVB Financial Group’s demise and FDIC takeover may have taken place in a matter of days, Experts claimed the bank was a victim of persistently high interest rates and worries about more rate increases in 2023.
During a time of historically low interest rates during the epidemic, global central banks, led by the US Federal Reserve, began rapidly hiking key rates to combat inflation. Thus, this has affected the businesses of lenders who specialize in technology and start-ups, including SVB, and reduced investor sentiment.
However, it is due to the fact that investors dislike taking risks when the money they have available to them becomes costly owing to increasing interest rates. Investors in technological start-ups, who make up the majority of SVB’s clientele, became less willing to take chances as a result of the increased interest rates.
A Sara Ali Khan walks the ramp during Lakme Fashion show by Fashion Designer PUNIT BALANA during Lakmé Fashion Week 2023 at Jio gardens in Mumbai, India on 11th March 2023.Photo : Perfect Shadows / FDCI x Lakme Fashion Week / RISE WorldwidePhoto : Perfect Shadows / FDCI x Lakme Fashion Week / RISE Worldwide
Rajasthan’s favourite fashion designer, Punit Balana, presented his ‘Utsav’ collection, which is a multi-seasonal celebration of folklore, culture and joy. Punit’s latest collection evokes luminosity and an idea of celebration and joy through its timeless designs.
Brought to life through bright hues of surkhlaal and gulaabi gulaal and a bold shade of kacha aam, this collection is a symphony of embroideries in marodi, resham, gota, mirror and coin and a step ahead in the world of Punit Balana’s prints.
Walking the ramp for Punit for his Lakmé Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI show was none other than Bollywood’s sweetheart, Sara Ali Khan. Speaking about the collaboration with Punit and Utsav collection in general, she says, “I am thrilled to be walking for Punit Balana and showcasing his stunning ‘Utsav’ collection, which stays true to its meaning of ‘celebration’ or ‘celebration of a joyous occasion’, Utsav highlights textures inspired by the Kalbelia community of Rajasthan, their folklore, literature and the culture that not only binds the Indian state of Rajasthan but one that also acts as a bridge between this state and Indian culture in a larger context.”
Sara Ali Khan walks the ramp during Lakme Fashion show by Fashion Designer PUNIT BALANA during Lakmé Fashion Week 2023 at Jio gardens in Mumbai, India on 11th March 2023. Photo : Perfect Shadows / FDCI x Lakme Fashion Week / RISE Worldwide Photo : Perfect Shadows / FDCI x Lakme Fashion Week / RISE Worldwide
The audience was treated to an exhilarating live performance by Kalbelia dancers, which beautifully captured the essence of the ‘Utsav’ collection.
With block prints inspired by Rajasthani history, particularly that of the Kalbelia community, and bandhani, Utsav represents masterful craftsmanship in terms of silhouettes, ranging from classic Punit Balana outfits to new, contemporary ones – reimagined lehengas and peplum sets, heavily embellished kurtas for men and many more to suit the effortless sartorial sensibilities of the modern woman and man.
Speaking about the collection and his show at Lakme Fashion week, ace designer, Punit Balanasays, “For me, what’s most important while designing a new collection are my roots, my surroundings. I never have to look beyond Jaipur and Rajasthan for inspiration. There’s so much about our history that remains untapped and I really hope that one collection after another, I can show people how contemporary our culture can truly be.”
“Happiness, song and dance are a huge part of the Kalbelia community, and they make sure that their culture, their folklore is passed onto generations. They take immense pride in it. I want the Punit Balana women and Men to also feel the same kind of pride when they own and wear an outfit from Utsav, something that will hold meaning for decades to come,” he adds.
The designs showcased on the ramp were styled along with stunning jewellery pieces from JKJ Jewellers in Jaipur, which complemented each ensemble from the ‘Utsav’ collection perfectly.
Bringing to life an array of womenswear and menswear, each piece designed for this collection is an ode to joy. These aren’t just outfits that you smile with, but those that you laugh in. A burst of colour, Utsav has been brought to life keeping in mind the idea of longevity and the unsaid Indian custom of passing on joy, from one generation to another, by a way of passing on clothes. You perhaps want to wear a saree your grandmother had worn on her wedding day. Utsav is just that – a collection that transcends age, one that has something for everybody, one that can boast of being a part of family heirlooms.
‘The Elephant Whisperers’ which is the Oscar winning short documentary was shot in the Theppakadu Elephant Camp at the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve in the Nilgiri Mountains in Tamil Nadu.
Established 105 years back, the Theppakadu Elephant Camp is the oldest elephant camp in Asia and is situated on the banks of river Moyar.
It presently has 28 elephants. A dedicated bunch of Mahouts is providing training and care to these elephants.
The Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, of which the Theppekadu Elephant camp is part of, has a good population of the indigenous Kattunaykan tribes.
The Theppakadu Elephant Camp rehabilitates rogue elephants that enter human habitations and enter into conflict with people. These elephants are trained at these camps and converted to Kumki elephants.
Mahouts Kirumaran and Wasim have trained two rogue elephants Moorthy and Easwaran into good formidable animals that have become much gentler.
Moorthy had killed 22 people as a wild Tusker and has been captured and rehabilitated at the Theppakadu Camp. Kirumaran said that Moorthy however now has turned so gentle that he lets his grand children play with the elephant these days.
Meanwhile Wasim, the Mahout of Easwaran, sounded a word of caution and said that he had suffered injuries thrice while handling Easwaran
Kartiki Gonsalves, the director of the movie, had stayed in the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve for five long years to shoot the documentary and it has paid off taking her to an Oscar victory.
The movie, which is of 41 minutes duration, explores the tentative and precious bond between an orphaned elephant Raghu and his caretakers, a mahout couple, Bomman and Bellie.
