On Wednesday, January 25, Himachal Pradesh proudly celebrated the state’s 53rd Himachal Day
Himachal Pradesh celebrated its 53rd Himachal Day on January 25 with great gusto. Therefore, Himachal Pradesh became the 18th state of India on this day in 1971.
Thus, the official Himachal Day was celebrated at the state level in the Hamirpur district, where Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu hoisted the flag and greeted the numerous delegations doing a march past. Speaking to the crowd on the 53rd anniversary of statehood in Hamirpur, the chief minister stated that strict steps were being taken to eradicate corruption following the government’s vow of zero tolerance for social evil.
Therefore, the state’s first chief minister, Dr. Y.S. Parmar, was able to lead the people with skill, and the kindness of the then-prime minister, Indira Gandhi, who paid particular attention to the state and its people, made it possible for the state to achieve full statehood. Thus, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed congratulations on the occasion. Celebrities like Yami Gautam expressed their gratitude towards the occasion via social media.
Nonetheless, in honoring the contributions made by the people to the state’s growth, deputy chief minister Mukesh Agnihotri stated that the current state administration is dedicated to the state’s overall development.
After Twitter disabled her account due to offensive remarks on the post-election violence in Bengal, Kangana Ranaut has regained her account
After nearly two years, Kangana Ranaut is back on Twitter after Twitter banned her account due to inappropriate tweets. She greeted the netizens last evening with her tweet, “Hello everyone, it’s nice to be back here.” However, her Twitter account does not have a blue tick yet.
In May 2021, Kangana’s account got banned due to some of her tweets that were linked to the violence in Bengal following the election. It caused a lot of controversies and became the reason for her ban.
Kangana Ranaut violated Twitter policy, mainly through “hateful conduct and abusive behavior” with her tweets. Thus, on Twitter, Kangana often shared offensive and unfiltered messages, many of which served as aggressive calls to action.
The actor tweeted behind-the-scenes footage of her next movie, “Emergency,” which is based on former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, after regaining account access.
Therefore, following Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter from former CEO Jack Dorsey, Kangana Ranaut joins a select group of individuals whose previously suspended accounts the social media platform has regained.
Not only Kangana, In November of last year, Twitter also reactivated the infamous account of former US President Donald Trump. Early in 2021, the Twitter platform disabled his account because he participated in a coup attempt against the US Capitol by his followers.
This year, the song Natu Natu and the documentary, Elephant Whisperers, both received nominations for Oscars in several categories
A great celebration for Indian cinema, as the song “Naatu Naatu” from the smash hit “RRR” has been nominated for an Oscar in the category of Original Song in 2023. Thus, “Naatu Naatu’s” third major nomination this year, following the Critics’ Choice and Golden Globe nominations, had created a great cause for celebration.
The two renowned accolades, the Critic’s Choice Award and the Golden Globe have already been won by the well-liked song from the hit movie “RRR,” directed by S. S. Rajamouli. Thus, “Natu Natu” triumphed against fierce competitors like Lady Gaga’s “Hold My Hand” from “Top Gun: Maverick,” Rihanna’s “Lift Me Up,” Taylor Swift’s “Carolina,” from the movie “Where the Crawdads Sing,” and “Ciao Papa” from “Pinocchio” by Guillermo del Toro.
On January 24, the nominees for the 2023 Academy Awards will be revealed live from Beverly Hills, California. The 95th Academy Awards will be presented on March 12 in Los Angeles.
RRR, Chello Show, The Elephant Whisperers, and All That Breathes are among the four Indian films nominated for Oscars in 2023. Thus, this news made a huge impact.
Google informed their employees of the layoffs earlier on Friday, blaming it on the difficult economic times
Google CEO Sundar Pichai stated on Tuesday that the company’s decision to lay off 12,000 employees. The sudden layoff was taken to avert “far worse challenges,” according to Bloomberg. Thus, Pichai allegedly stated that he “consulted with the company’s founders and board in reaching the decision for 6% cutbacks” during an internal meeting.
Nonetheless, Pichai informed his staff of the layoffs earlier on Friday, stating challenging economic conditions in the email. “I need to break some bad news to you. We’ve chosen to cut around 12,000 positions from our staff. Employees in the US who are impacted have already received a separate email from us. “Due to local laws and customs in other nations, this procedure will take longer,” his email stated.
Thus, to make sure that the employees’ and managers’ responsibilities are in line with the highest corporate goals, the statement added that the corporation has conducted a thorough evaluation and research of all product areas and functions.
As the IT industry underwent significant change, Google started to lay off staff. Other industry leaders like Microsoft, Amazon, Meta, and Twitter are all reducing staff.
Tvesha Singh, a young artist, displayed her paintings in the solo show “A Dream is Born.”
Art is defined as a way of living. Thus, it captures emotions and reflects the soul. Tvesha Singh, a young artist, shared her beautiful paintings in the solo show “A Dream is Born’ at the Alankar Art Gallery, Jawahar Kala Kendra, Jaipur. Akanksha reports…
Some of the artwork from “A Dream is Born.”
Tvesha’s paintings are filled with color, as her inspiration often comes from the places she visits. Her love and adoration for nature are reflected in her paintings. She finds nature to be more soothing, and it provides the subject for her vision. Using various vivid colors and creative settings, she explores the space between the subject outside reality and her inner sense of it.
Tvesha works on abstract landscapes that serve as a springboard for art lovers. The landscapes paint imagery and a story in the minds of the observers, and they travel to their conclusion. In conversations with Tvesha, she exclaimed, “Like the books, I like to provide an open perception for the observers.” She added, “I do not interfere with the observer’s imagery and listen to what they have to say.”
She started her journey with colors and painting from the very beginning. Always drawn toward art, she formed an inseparable bond.
Tvesha Singh with her artworks.
Like many artists, her inspiration came from impressionists like Claude Monet, Marie Bracquemond, and many more. Most of her abstract landscapes are vivid works of impressionism. One of her paintings, “Another Beginning,” was inspired by the Australian wildfire in 2019. However, as an artist, she leaves the perceptions to her observers.
Tvesha’s Army background provided her with broader aspects of imagination for her subjects. Tvesha stated, “The Army has helped a lot for my paintings, as I get the privilege to travel to different places like Leh Ladakh, the northeastern regions, and many more places like this.” Thus, her paintings are based on many themes, such as different valleys, water bodies, and diversified emotions.
On the other hand, she has never faced such difficulties in her artistic journey.
According to Tvesha, her family has always supported her passion and hard work. As a result, her artworks catch the eye and draw viewers in.
So many of the show’s elements, like her water concept, are pleasant and admirable.
There are a lot of other art pieces that engage the viewer’s emotions and reflect the soul. Tvesha’s solo show is not even half of her work, which embarks upon her talent. Thus, comes “A Dream is Born”, a soul-touching show which comprises an art-filled sojourn narrating the tale of canvass and colors blended with inspiration collected from nature and surroundings around…!
Javed Akhtar met with students of JECRC University in WOW 2023
JECRC University organized the literature festival, “Wonder of Words,” for the students. The festival focused on the importance and essence of literature in life. Many literary icons were invited to the event to meet and greet the students.
On the third day of the festival, Javed Akhtar, the profound and brilliant writer, novelist, and literary icon, graced the event with his presence. In the session, Javed Akhtar shared many aspects of writing and literature with the students.
Javed Akhtar shared his early life with the students. He shared his experiences and how he entered the entertainment industry. Firstly, he started as the spot boy, where he provided for the film during the production period. After 30 years, he found a keen interest in writing. He wrote many verses, and gradually he understood the method of writing.
While sharing his opinions with the students, he came across the topic “mizaj” and stated, “Writing comes from within.” Thus, if someone does not want to write, they can let it be. “There’s no point in writing without proper attention.”
He also gave his opinion on the relationship between children and parents. Thus, in a healthy relationship, a child tends to learn more.
While addressing the students, Javed Akhtar suggested, “One should find love in what they do.” One should always have a dedicated passion for their job. Thus, it will only enhance their work.
In the session, he also talked about rising misogyny in people. He exclaimed, “A man is someone who doesn’t objectify a woman as a servant.” The session was overflowing with enthusiasm from the students. They learned a lot from the legendary Javed Akhtar.
The new parliament building is being built in full force in preparation for the budget session on January 31
The new Parliament building, which is anticipated to serve as the site of the second half of the Budget session, has been shown by the administration, along with fresh inside images. Thus, according to rumors, the structure, whose construction is already in full throttle, will likely be opened in March.
The new Parliament building, being constructed by Tata Projects Limited as a part of the Central Vista project, will have larger halls, a library, plenty of parking, and committee rooms. Modern amenities are available in the hallways and offices.
The new Parliament will be four floors tall, with a seating capacity of 1,224 persons. The new building’s amenities will include bigger halls, a library, lots of parking, and committee rooms.
Alongside the current Parliament building, a new building is being constructed. The project’s original completion date was November 2022, however, it was postponed.
Compared to the current Lok Sabha hall, the new one will be three times larger. It is built on a peacock motif and will feature 888 seats.
Within the new parliament is a cutting-edge constitutional hall furnished with all contemporary conveniences.
Aditya Prakash gave a stirring Carnatic music performance during the opening of the second day of the 16th Jaipur Literature Festival at the Hotel Clarks Amer in Jaipur
Usha Uthup, one of India’s top pop superstars and playback singers, spoke with Srishti Jha, the translator of her biography, and journalist Sathya Saran during some of the festival’s closing sessions on the first day. Uthup described her road to becoming one of India’s top pop idols, saying, “… I was thrown out of class, and my music teacher, Ms. Davidson, said that she couldn’t fit me anywhere in the choir, but they all knew I had little music in me…so I said okay and I stood on the side, of course, my lips did twitch a little bit…actually, I realized very early in my life that it was not music that was my business but communication, and how better could I communicate with everybody while I am on the stage.”
Geetanjali Shree, winner of the International Booker Prize, and translator Daisy Rockwell were talking with Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar laureate Tanuj Solank.
Thus, the trio addressed the novel Maai by Geetanjali Shree, which was released roughly 30 years ago, as well as how a daughter’s perspective varies from others’ and how the book defies prejudices. Therefore, the irony that the people who have contributed the least to the climate crisis’ creation are its largest victims and suffer the most is one of the sad ironies of the situation. A distinguished expert panel, including Sanjoy K. Roy, managing director of Teamwork Arts and festival producer; Lakshmi Puri, recipient of the prestigious Eleanor Roosevelt Prize for Human Rights; Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator for India; Tshering Tashi, author; and Ugo Astuto, ambassador of the European Union, critically examined the future after COP27.
Public figures Javed Akhtar, a lyricist, poet, and playwright, and Shabana Azmi, an actor, and social activist, talked about the contrasts and similarities between their respective fathers, poets Jan Nisar Akhtar and Kaifi Azmi, and their viewpoints on love and passion. Akhtar discussed the All-India Congress Conference, which was presided over by Munshi Premchand, as the birthplace of the progressive writers’ movement. Akhtar talked about working with Rajesh Khanna in the well-known film Haathi Mere Saathi. Akhtar told a story from his life that illustrated the following: “We envy the freedom of a villain, we envy the freedom of a man eating a tiger somewhere… At the same time, we admire him… He has no moral binding. This power, this freedom is admired by normal human beings. So that is why, when I write them, I feel lighter, I am not carrying the baggage of morality.
The renowned journalist Ravish Kumar discussed “fear” and its significance in politics today with the editorial director of Rajkamal Prakashan, Satyanand Nirupam, and the publisher and co-founder of Speaking Tiger Books, Ravi Singh. The judges, the wealthy, and political prisoners—all of whom are terrified of the state—were topics that Kumar covered in detail. When discussing the contribution that individuals may offer to the nation, Ravish remarked, “It takes time.” Getting out of colonialism took a long time. “To get out of this too, it will take a lot of time… until the people change and become aware.”
In a chat with author Janice Pariat, biologist and author Merlin Sheldrake discussed his book Entangled Life and shed light on the fascinating world of fungi and how important they are to human existence. Sheldrake also spoke on the connections between the arts and sciences, as well as how both are fueled by a sense of wonder and surprise.
In an interview with Lakshmi Puri, Raja Mohan and Bibek Debroy talked about their most recent book, “Grasping Greatness: Making India a Leading Power.” A previous edition of the book, titled Getting India Back on Track, is a collection of articles. The post-Independence era of the Indian economy was briefly discussed by Mohan and Debroy. When discussing India’s evolving position, Mohan stated, “We have seen how India thinks about itself, and how India relates to the rest of the world have changed. “And this change has been facilitated by material resources on the economic front, and the willingness to think about the world differently, and our role differently.”
China and India’s relationship has had numerous ups and downs. from the conflict of 1962 until the calm preserved by agreements in the 1990s, before the current upheaval and turbulence. A panel of experts, including Manoj Joshi, a journalist, and author; Vijay Gokhale, A former foreign secretary and ambassador to China; Shyam Saran, a former ambassador to Myanmar, Indonesia, and Nepal; and Suhasini Haidar, a journalist, and expert in foreign policy, discussed the rising tensions at the unresolved LAC and what that means for the region.
A Poem a Day, a collection of Indian poetry chosen and translated by Gulzar, is one of the most renowned collections of scripts, filmmakers, and poets in India. Gulzar was speaking about it with an award-winning translator, writer, and literary historian, Rakhshanda Jalil. Gulzar Sahab remarked, “You will get the sense that Shayari is not something that can be kept in the textbooks.” It is as alive as you are, and the way you breathe, the poem breathes… “I am giving you 365 days so that I can present to you a new shayar and language every day and so that you can experience its breath.”
The Forest Department of Odisha submitted a Ten Pillar Strategy to mitigate Man-Elephant conflict in the state.
There are more than 2000 elephants in Odisha spread across the Bhitarkanika National Park, Similipal Tiger Reserve, Debrigarh Sancturay, and Satkosia Tiger Reserve. Today elephants are facing serious threats due to poaching, poisoning, electrocution, and road and train kill. They also indulge in human conflict due to loss of habitat. To bring in a solution and put an end to the human-elephant conflict, the Odisha Government has brought in a ten-point strategy.
Zone-based approach to be adopted
Three separate strategies for the following:
Protection
Prosecution
Enforcement
Strategy to improve elephant corridor
Strategy to replenish elephant habitats
People’s participation in spreading awareness
Habitat management that will consider increasing the forest productivity
Planting elephant food plants, bamboo plants
Replenish water sources
Solar fencing under Jana Surakya Gaja Rakhya Scheme
Control and prevention of forest fire
What is Zone based Approach?
The approach was adopted from the state of Karnataka. Under the approach, the elephant habitats are to be divided into four broad zones. They are as follows:
70% do not put down their phones even when in bed, which disturbs their mental health
In today’s world, everybody inclines towards the internet. The population of the planet has surpassed 8 billion. Thus, internet users make up 5.3 billion of those. China has the most active social media population compared to other countries. However, out of everyone on the globe, Indians use social media the most.
However, at least in this instance, Indians have exceeded the US and China by putting aside our needs for food, water, sleep, and relationships.
Indian smartphone users look at their devices for an average of 7.3 hours every day, according to the research firm RedSeer. They spend most of this time on social media.
Therefore, Chinese consumers watch 5.3 hours per day on average, compared to 7.1 hours per day for Americans. Indians utilize social networking applications the most overall. An individual has seven social media accounts on average in the US and the UK, compared to at least 11 for Indians.
According to research, people’s mental health deteriorates as their screen time increases. In addition to anxiety and despair, they experience numerous other, more severe mental health problems. As a result, excessive screen time may lead to social media addiction. 70% of people who are active on social media do not put their phones down even after going to bed, according to the scientific journal PubMed.
While utilizing social media, the dopamine hormone, a feel-good neurotransmitter, is released. It provides the user with the same sense of fulfillment and enjoyment as eating delectable cuisine, conversing with close friends, and forging connections. Users get reward points for comments, likes, and shares on their photographs, videos, and posts. One feels an odd sort of happiness as a result. Thus, the brain’s reward center is stimulated. As a result, users begin to spend more time on social media sites.
Social media deceives people into believing that everyone is content and that the world is a pleasant place. On social media, everyone shares images that appear flawless and joyful. It presents a false image of a joyful life to the public using Photoshop effects and other programs. Everyone strives to seem flawless, but in the process, people lose their mental health by being stressed or irritated.
Social media’s harmful effects grow so devastating that some individuals consider suicide. Unsettling information discovered during the Journal of Youth and Adolescents’ investigation of the suicide link to social media. Thus, it was discovered that the risk of self-harm increased when one spent more time on social media. Like adults, 13-year-old females who spent two hours each day on social media also had a very high risk of suicide.
FOMO (fear of missing out) is where social media addiction starts. The term “FOMO” refers to the dread of falling behind or of not being able to enjoy yourself. There are people who believe that their friends are taking advantage of social media and enjoying it while they are passing up possibilities because of FOMO. The mind is harmed when too much time is spent on social media and real life is given less priority. The study from Lancaster General Health Hospital in Pennsylvania shows that when likes and comments do not come as expected, dissatisfaction rises.
However, it is high time to invest more in our real lives than our social media lives. It is critical to distinguish between real life and life on the internet. As a result, it will eventually provide people with directions.
