News & Politics

Diwali 2023: Things To Do This Diwali

admin_HT

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     

admin_HT

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

admin_HT

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

admin_HT

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

admin_HT

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

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

HT News

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

Top Celebrities

It’s going to be the most amazing interview ever: Kate Winslet To A Young Reporter

HT News

Kate Winslet blessed a young reporter, Martha, with her star power when the latter approached her for an interview during the ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ promotion and told her that it was her first interview. Ms Winslet encouraged Martha to do well.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Kate Winslet’s encouragement to a young reporter is winning hearts
• Ms Winslet is playing Ronal in ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’
• ‘Avatar’ sequel has crossed the 1 billion USD in global box office collection

What Happened During The Interview?

Martha wanted to interview the Oscar-winning star Ms Winslet for the German TV network ZDF during a promotional event for ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’. The young reporter approached the dynamic star and politely disclosed to the star that she was interviewing for the first time. And what happened afterward was simply unbelievable.

Kate Winslet To A Young Reporter

Variety reported that Ms Winslet paused the interview and leaned closer to Martha to say some words of encouragement. Ms Winslet said “Ok, well guess what? When we do this interview, it’s going to be the most amazing interview ever. And do you know why? Because we’ve decided that it’s going to be. So, we’ve decided right now, me and you, that this is going to be a really fantastic interview.”

“You can ask me anything that you want, and you don’t have to be scared. Everything is going to be amazing. Ok? You’ve got this. Ok, let’s do it!” added Ms Winslet.

How Is the Internet Reacting To Ms Winslet’s Gesture?

The Oscar-winning star is winning hearts with her friendly gesture to a young reporter. “The most adorable thing you have seen today” tweeted one and “She is the best,” wrote another.

The new Avatar sequel has now become a … Read the rest

Top Celebrities

Kylie Jenner And Travis Scott Separated For The Second Time For This Reason

HT News

The Kylie Cosmetics founder Kylie Jenner has separated from her rapper husband Travis Scott for the second time. They were reunited in February 2020 but separated over Christmas last December. They share two children – a daughter Stormi and a nearly one-year-old son.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Kylie and Travis were supposed to spend the Christmas holidays together
• Kylie spent her holidays in Aspen with her family and friends
• Before separation, Kylie supported Travis during his Miami performance last December

What Is The Reason Behind Their Separation?

US Weekly reported the separation of 25-year-old Kylie Jenner and 31-year-old rapper Travis Scott. The magazine quoted a person close to the couple as saying that they were supposed to spend holidays together but Kylie went to Aspen to be with her family and friends up there. The person further said that that had happened so many times before. There were known to be on again and off again, but always remained friends and great co-parents. The reality star went to Aspen with her kids but without the rapper.

Kylie Jenner And Travis Scott Separated

On January 1, Kylie shared a video on her Instagram story featuring her daughter Stormi but with the caption “We are on a serious adventure right now.” But Elle magazine shows a different view of their relationship. It said that Kylie look very affectionate to Travis during his December 2022 performance in Miami.

How Did Their Relationship Start?

The world came to know about their relationship in February 2018 when they welcomed their daughter Stormi Webster after a year of publicly dating. But they separated soon. In 2020, they again came together after the reality star was found attending the rapper’s concerts. In February 2022, they welcomed their son but separated over Christmas the … Read the rest

Football Sports

Manager Fernando Santos Benched Cristiano Ronaldo For This Reason

HT News

Portugal won its Round of 16 match against Switzerland by a comfortable 6-1 margin and marched into the quarter-finals with flying colors. But all wasn’t well with the winning team. Portuguese manager Fernando Santos sent Cristiano Ronaldo to the bench for the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 game.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cristiano Ronaldo was sent to the bench by his manager Fernando Santos
• Earlier the managers of Juventus and Manchester United had made the similar decision

What Went Wrong Between Portuguese Captain And Manager?

It would have been tough for Fernando Santos to make the big call of dropping Cristiano Ronaldo to the bench in an important knockout match but the decision made no impact on the team’s performance. And it wasn’t the first time that Ronaldo was sent to the bench.

What Football Pundits Have To Say About Ronaldo’s Dropping?

Manager Fernando Santos Benched Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo was earlier dropped by Juventus and Manchester United managers. The latest incident was with Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag. It was said that Erik Ten Hag tried to make a move on Ronaldo. The manager tried to establish his authority over Ronaldo.

Neville, who has played alongside Ronaldo for a brief period at Manchester United, said on ITV that was Jeventus manager wrong. Was Manchester United’s manager wrong? Was Portugal’s manager wrong? He blamed Ronaldo’s indifferent attitude towards Santos for the incident.

But the former Manchester United player also tried to defend Ronaldo by saying that Ronaldo’s long-term legacy was set. He called Ronaldo one of the great all-time players. He further said that in the short term, Ronaldo had got to do a lot better. He said that the three managers did the same thing with Ronaldo and all couldn’t be wrong.

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

Football Sports

FIFA Shares Stunning Facts About Stadium 974

HT News

Stadium 974 in Doha has been in news well before the FIFA World Cup shared 360-degree footage of Stadium 974 on its Twitter page. Qatar built seven stadiums in the run-up to the sporting event and Stadium 974 is one of them.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Stadium 974 is made completely with recycled shipping containers
• It is the first-ever re-purpose built stadium in the history of the FIFA World Cup
• It will be fully dismantled and re-purposed post-World Cup

What Did FIFA Want To Show With 360-Degree Footage Of Stadium 974?

FIFA Shares Stunning Facts About Stadium 974

It is for the first time that FIFA World Cup has been held in the Middle East. And the desert country is ready for the sports extravaganza. Qatar built seven stadiums including Stadium 974 but used only recycled containers in building this facility. Also, it is named 974 which is the international dialing code of the desert nation. Also, all containers shipped from Gulf use 974 as a code.

Located in Ras Abu Aboud in the portside area of Doha, Stadium 974 is the only non-air-conditioned stadium in the desert country. And it is exciting to know why it isn’t made air-conditioned. The cool breezes coming from the Arabian Gulf keep it cool.

Stadium 974 has a sitting capacity of 44,089 audiences. The website tells that it will be used for seven matches with the last match played on December 5. Brazil v/s South Korea was the last World Cup match in this stadium after which this superstructure will be reused.

A waterfront development with high-end amenities … Read the rest