News & Politics

Diwali 2023: Things To Do This Diwali

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Diwali is one of the biggest festivals in India and Hindus specifically. Hindus around the world eagerly wait for the Amavasya of Kartik month of the Hindu calendar. Since Amavasya is the darkest night, people celebrate the festival with lights. It is for this reason that Diwali is also called the festival of light.

Here’s the significance of Diwali in Hindu religion

1. Reception of Lord Ram in Ayodhya

When Lord Ram returned to Ayodhya after completing their 14-year-long exile or vanvasa, the people of Ayodhya welcomed their favorite prince with lights. They lit earthen lamps on the road leading to Ayodhya to show their devotion to Lord Ram.

2. Victory of good over evil

Diwali is the celebration of the victory of good over evil. Lord Ram returned to Ayodhya after killing the demon Ravana, the king of Sri Lanka. It strengthens our belief that truth always prevails. It proves that demons can be defeated by good deeds.

3. Appearance of Goddess Laxmi

Sagar Manthan (churning of the cosmic ocean) brought Goddess Laxmi to the world. And with the goddess came all wealth, prosperity, and happiness to make life happy and fulfilling on earth. On Diwali, Hindus welcome Goddess Laxmi to their homes and seek her blessings.

4. Diwali brings prosperity

Worshipping Goddess Laxmi brings prosperity to life. She is the goddess of financial power and for this reason, Diwali Puja becomes more important for businesses. In India and across the world, Hindu businessmen perform a special Puja on Diwali. Homeowners also perform Laxmi Puja at their homes.

5. Shopping

Shopping is also a way of celebrating Diwali. People buy new clothes, ornaments, sweets, and gifts for their family members, friends, associates, colleagues, neighbors, and everyone they know. In … Read the rest

Devotional Spiritual

Dhanteras 2023: Seek Blessings Of Goddess Lakshmi On This Dhanteras     

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The 13th lunar day of the Krishna Paksha of the Kartik month of the Hindu calendar is called Dhanteras. In Hindi, “Dhan” means wealth, and “teras” means thirteenth. So, this day is celebrated as the day of wealth, prosperity, and happiness. Also, it marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali festival that concludes on “Bhai Dooj”.

by Shalini Agrawal

Why We Celebrate Dhanteras?

Mythology relates Dhanteras to the churning of the cosmic ocean (Sagar Manthan) by Gods and Devils. All worldly things were emerging from Sagar Manthan and on this day, Goddess Lakshmi emerged to bless the world with wealth and prosperity. From that day, “Dhanteras” is celebrated to get the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi.

Another story relates Dhanteras to the birth of Lord Dhanvantari, the God of Ayurveda and health. Dhanvantari blesses devotees of health and well-being. People also worship Lord Kubera, the treasurer of the gods, on Dhanteras. It is believed that celebrating Dhanteras brings wealth and prosperity.

How To Celebrate Dhanteras?

Dhanteras is celebrated by shopping for gold and silver ornaments and worshipping Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kubera, and Lord Dhanvantari at their homes and offices. People buy new clothes, vehicles, properties, and other assets on this day and believe that buying goods will please Goddess Lakshmi and bring wealth and prosperity to their lives.

For Lakshmi Puja, people light earthen lamps in their homes, especially on their doors. It is to welcome the Goddess Lakshmi. Also, they offer sweets to the goddess and seek her blessings. Since it is the beginning of Diwali, the festival of light, people light their homes with decorative lights.

Auspicious Time Of Lakshmi Puja On Dhanteras In Your City

New Delhi: 05:47 PM to 07:43 PM

Mumbai: 06:20 PM to 08:20 PM… Read the rest

International

Anzac Day: City Breakdown of Dawn Service Schedule & Timing

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The Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) men who fought in Gallipoli during World War I are remembered on ANZAC Day, which is observed as a national day of commemoration in both countries. Every year on April 25, the day is recognized, and a number of activities are held to commemorate it, such as dawn services, marches, and wreath-laying ceremonies.

The Last Post is usually played, there is a moment of silence, and wreaths are laid during ANZAC Day celebrations, which usually begin in the early morning. Dawn services are an important element of these events. These commemorative events take place all around Australia and New Zealand, as well as in other nations where ANZAC soldiers have served, such Turkey.

It is significant to note that depending on the region and the particular year, the specifics and preparations for ANZAC Day services might change. For the most precise and recent information, it is preferable to verify with authoritative sources.

Melbourne:

People who live in Melbourne can go to the yearly Dawn Service that takes place at the Shrine of Remembrance. It starts at 5:30 am.

After the service, there is an annual Anzac Day march that will starts at 9am on Princes Bridge. It goes to the Shrine of Remembrance, where there is another commemorative service.

Sydney:

The commemorative Anzac Day Dawn Service will commence at 4:20am at The Cenotaph located in Martin Place. No tickets will be necessary for members of the public wishing to attend the two designated areas on George Street and between Pitt Street and Castlereagh Street. These areas will be open to the public until they reach their full capacity.

The Anzac Day march will commence at 9am along Elizabeth Street in … Read the rest

International

Jill Scott – Soulful Songstress and Grammy Award-Winning Artist

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Jill Scott: A Soulful Songstress Who Touches Hearts and Minds

Jill Scott is an American singer-songwriter, poet, and actress known for her powerful voice, soulful melodies, and empowering lyrics. Born on April 4, 1972, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Jill grew up in a family that valued music, literature, and education. Her father was a jazz musician and her mother was a teacher, which inspired her love for creativity and learning. Today, Jill is considered one of the most influential artists in the neo-soul and R&B genres, with a career spanning over two decades.

Early Life and Career

Jill Scott was raised by her mother and grandmother in North Philadelphia, where she attended the Philadelphia High School for Girls. After graduating, she enrolled at Temple University to study secondary education. However, she dropped out after three years to pursue her passion for music and poetry. In the early 2000s, Jill gained recognition for her collaborations with artists like The Roots and Will Smith. In 2000, she released her debut album, “Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1,” which was a critical and commercial success. The album featured hit songs like “A Long Walk” and “Gettin’ in the Way,” and earned Jill three Grammy nominations.

Musical Style and Themes

Jill Scott’s music is known for its fusion of jazz, soul, R&B, and hip-hop elements. Her lyrics often explore themes of love, self-acceptance, and social justice. She has been praised for her ability to connect with listeners on a deep emotional level, and for her empowering messages that inspire people to be their authentic selves. Jill’s music has been described as a “soulful therapy session,” as she uses her voice to heal and uplift her audience.

Social Media Presence

Jill Scott is … Read the rest

News & Politics

Who is Matt Hancock? A Comprehensive Look at the British Politician and Former Health Secretary

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Matt Hancock is a British Conservative politician who has held a number of prominent positions in the UK government. Despite his high-profile roles, he has also been involved in a number of controversies throughout his career.

Early Life and Career

Matt Hancock was born in Chester, England in 1978. He attended Oxford University, where he earned a degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE). After graduating, he worked as an economist for the Bank of England and later for the Conservative Party.

Rising through the Ranks

In 2010, Hancock was elected to parliament as the Member of Parliament (MP) for West Suffolk. Over the next decade, he rose through the ranks of the Conservative Party, holding a number of key positions in the government.

Ministerial Roles

Hancock held a number of ministerial roles in the government, including Minister of State for Skills, Minister for the Cabinet Office, and Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. In 2018, he was appointed Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, a position he held until his resignation in 2021.

Controversies

Despite his success in politics, Hancock has been involved in a number of controversies throughout his career. Here are some of the most notable:

COVID-19 Response

As Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Hancock was responsible for the UK’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. While he received some praise for his handling of the crisis, he was also criticized for a number of missteps, including a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontline workers and a delayed response to the emergence of new variants of the virus.

Affair

In 2021, Hancock was embroiled in a scandal after he was caught on camera kissing an aide in his … Read the rest

International Technology

Twitter’s Revenue Down By 40% Reports Platformer Reporter

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Twitter has been losing its revenue since its takeover by billionaire Elon Musk. The Tesla CEO has employed many ways to make the micro-blogging website a fruitful business but he needs some more time to set the house in order.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Twitter’s revenue falls by 40% according to independent reports

Who Reported Twitter’s Falling Revenue?

Twitter’s Falling Revenue

The report is a tweet from a Platformer reporter’s Twitter account. It claims that the micro-blogging site has been losing its revenue faster and that the revenue has been down by 40% just a week before the billionaire owner’s first giant interest payment on the company is due at the end of January. The tweet was published on Tuesday.

Source:- https://bit.ly/3HaipGe… Read the rest

International Sports

Ukraine Beats Russia In Australian Open And Gets Its Flag Banned As Well

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Taking cognizance of a complaint by the Ukraine ambassador to Australia, Tennis Australia banned the flags of Russia and Belarus at the ongoing Australian Open. Russian and Belarus players were already playing under a neutral flag but the audiences were allowed to bring the flags. But now there is a total ban on Russian and Belarus flags.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Tennis Australia bans Russian and Belarus flags onsite at the tournament
• Earlier fans were allowed to bring the flags but couldn’t display
• On Monday, a Russian flag was sighted by the Ukrainian ambassador to Australia

What Action Did The Ukrainian Ambassador Demand On Sighting A Russian Flag In The Australian Open?

Ukraine Beats Russia In Australian Open And Gets Its Flag Banned

Russian and Belarus tennis players competed under a neutral flag but fans were allowed to bring them with the condition that the flags won’t be used for disruption. But on Monday, Ukraine’s ambassador to Australia and New Zealand, Vasyl Myroshnychenko called on Tennis Australia and demanded strict action against Russia and Belarus after seeing the red, white, and blue stripes of Russia at an ongoing match between Ukraine’s Kateryna Baindl and Russia’s Kamilla Rakhimova on day one.

He demanded Tennis Australia enforce its ‘neutral flat policy’ with immediate effect. Last week he urged Tennis Australia to ban Russia and Belarus entirely. Belarus is – the latter for supporting the Russian invasion of Ukraine. While Tennis Australia didn’t bar Russia and Belarus from the tournament, it barred their flags onsite.

Why Tennis Australia Didn’t Bar Russia And Belarus From The Tournament?

Last year Wimbledon barred Russian and Belarusian players but it stripped the tournament of its ranking points by tennis’s governing bodies.

What Happened To The Russia And Ukraine Match?

Ukrainian player Baindl won the match 7-5, 6-7, (8/10), … Read the rest

International

The US Begins Expanded Combat Training For Ukrainian Forces On German Soils

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The US is providing expanded combat training to about 500 Ukrainian soldiers in Germany. The training started on Sunday and will continue for the next five to eight weeks. Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said that the US wanted Ukrainian troops to fight the Russians and get back their land.

HIGHLIGHTS

• About 500 Ukrainian soldiers are taking expanded combat training in advanced weapons
• The objective of the training is to equip the Ukrainian forces with all incoming weapons and equipment

What Is Expanded Combat Training Of Ukrainian Forces?

US Begins Expanded Combat Training For Ukrainian Forces

The Ukrainian soldiers began their training on a full set of weapons and equipment in Grafenwoehr, Germany on Sunday. They will hone their skills including movement and coordination with their companies – and battalion-size units in battle. The training involves combined artillery, armor, and ground forces.

What Is The Objective Of The Training?

Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is visiting the Grafenwoehr on Monday to see the Ukrainian forces being trained on advanced weapons. He said that the objective of the training was to equip the Ukrainian forces to counter any surge in Russian attacks and to get back the territory captured by Russia in the 11-month-old battle.

Milley said that the training was important, especially when the new weapons, artillery, tanks, and other vehicles were heading to Ukraine. He said that the training would help Ukrainian forces to use all incoming weapons and equipment. He said that the new forces would be ready to combat before the spring rains show up.

Source:- https://bit.ly/3XDjtrH… Read the rest

International Technology

Buy Tesla’s Bestselling EV Cars At 20% Less Price In The US And Europe

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Tesla will reduce the price of its best-selling electric vehicle (EV) models in the coming days. The electric car maker said that the prices of its cars would be dropped up to 20% in the US and Europe.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Tesla announced a price cut of up to 20% on its best-selling EV models for the US and Europe
• The price cut is announced amid the tough competition Tesla is facing in the growing EV market

Why Is Tesla Reducing The Prices Of Its Bestselling EV Models?

Tesla started a price war with rivals, especially GM and Ford to retain its market share in the EV market. The price cut was announced on Friday and it had its impact on Tesla shares which fell as much as 4.5% in early trading on Friday. Though some were recovered later in the day. But overall Tesla’s shares have plummeted for more than a year.

Tesla Reducing The Prices Of Its Bestselling EV Models

What Do Experts Say About Tesla’s Price Cut?

The Wall Street Journal said in a report that the discount made that possible for buyers of Tesla’s US-built Model Y to take advantage of a tax credit in the US by bringing the price of the car below a $55,000 cap.

But Analyst Dan Ives of Wedbush Securities has a different opinion on Tesla. He said that that was no secret that demand for Tesla was starting to see some cracks in the global slowdown for 2023.

Dan Ives called the price cut the “right move” and “a clear shot across the bow at European automakers and US stalwarts (GM and Ford) that Tesla was not going to play nice in the sandbox.

Source:- https://bit.ly/3ZM9aDw… Read the rest

Business Technology

Investors Pushed Apple Inc. To Cut The Pay Package Of CEO Tim Cook To Over 40%

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Apple Inc. has accepted the request of its Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook to cut his compensation by more than 40% in 2023. He took this step after the company drew criticism from investor forums that Cook’s stock would continue to vest post-retirement.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Tim Cook’s compensation is reduced from $99.4 million to $49 million on his request and demand of investor forums
• Apple Inc. was under criticism from investor forums for rewarding Tim Cook with more stocks

How Much Compensation Was Tim Cook Drawing?

In 2021, Tim Cook’s total pay package was $98.7 million. But Apple Inc. raised his compensation to $99.4 million in 2022. It includes $3 million in base salary, about $83 million in stock awards, and a bonus.

Mr Cook will draw a package of $49 million including the $3 million salary and $6 million bonus, as well as an equity award value of $40 million. His equity award value in 2022 was $75 million. But how much Cook draws as compensation would base on the company’s stock performance.

Cut The Pay Package Of CEO Tim Cook To Over 40%

The 62-year-old CEO has pledged to give away his wealth to charitable causes.

The percentage of stock units awarded to Cook and tied to Apple’s performance would increase to 75% in 2023 from 50%, as well as in future years, said Apple Inc. in a regulatory filing Thursday.

The company said that his latest compensation was based on “balanced shareholder feedback, Apple’s exceptional performance, and a recommendation from Mr. Cook. The iPhone maker also plans to “position Mr. Cook’s annual target compensation between the 80th and 90th percentiles relative to their primary peer group for future years.

Why Were Investor Forums Criticizing Mr Cook’s Compensation?

Institutional Shareholder Services complained that Cook’s stock would continue to … Read the rest