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Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Key things first-time voters must keep in mind

The dates of the much anticipated Lok Sabha elections 2024 have been announced. The Election Commission of India announced the dates on March 16. India is set to vote in seven phases from April 19 to June 1. The voting results will be announced on June 4.  The voting for the first phase will be held on April 19 followed by the second phase on April 26, third on May 7, fourth on May 13, fifth on May 20, sixth on May 25, and the seventh on June 1. In an official statement released by the EC, nearly 96.8 crore people will be casting their votes at over 12 lakh polling stations. Further, over 1.85 crore of them belong to the 18-19 age group and are set to cast their vote for the first time. For all the firs-time voters, here are key factors to keep in mind:  First-time voters must register on the official website of the Election Commission of India (ECI) to be able to cast their votes. To get registered, it is crucial to fill the Form 6 online by visiting the National Voters' Service Portal.  They can also enrol offline by applying to the Electoral Registration Officers or Assistant Electoral Registration Officers. Once the application process is done, voters should check if their names appear in the electoral roll of the constituency where they reside. This can be done by visiting the Electoral Registration Officer of their area or the ECI website. They then need to check which polling booth they have been allocated.  Voters must follow the general voting procedure that includes the following steps: 1. On the day of voting, visit the allocated polling booth, and show your identity documents to the First Polling Officer.  2. Next, head to the Second Polling Officer to get your left forefinger marked with the ink. 3. Finally, sign or give their thumb impression in the Register of Voters and press the blue candidate button of the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM), on the Balloting Unit against the name and symbol of the candidate they wish to vote for. On pressing the button the red lamp will glow against the name and symbol of the candidate you voted for.A beep sound will be heard indicating the vote being recorded.  4. After the voting is done, you will be provided with a slip confirming that the vote has been cast.  Additionally, if any voter has any grievance or complaints relating to the electoral roll or any other election-related subject, they can reach out to the presiding officer at the polling station. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections in India, the BJP secured a landslide victory, winning 303 seats out of the total 542 contested seats. On the contrary, Congress faced a bitter defeat for the second consecutive time with only 52 seats in its hat. 

18 March,2024 06:07 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
As a part of our fortnightly series, Mid-day.com chose to sit down with Dharmesh Kandhor to dive into his bookstall’s history and how Mumbai’s reading community has evolved over the years. Photo Courtesy: Aakanksha Ahire

Mid-Day Premium “In the coming years, there won’t be many roadside bookstalls”

For the uncountable things that Mumbai is known for, the city also boasts a huge number of bookstalls sitting in quaint streets and busy roads. However, these bookstalls might just cease to exist a few years from now, believes Dharmesh Khandor, owner of the 45-year-old Sheetal Book Centre.   “The young generation today prefers to work in offices or proper shops rather than working for or setting up a bookstall on the footpath. Running a bookstall on the road is perceived as lowly nowadays,” says the bookseller.   He highlights, “Today, you won’t see any young lad running such a bookstall. Ours’ will probably be the last generation to do so.” The reason, he says, is an improved understanding of the quality of life among the younger generation, easy accessibility of education and diverse career options and fields.   Dharmesh is a father of two. His son is a chartered accountant and his daughter is a student pursuing her bachelor’s degree in psychology. When asked if either of his children has plans of carrying forward the business of selling books, Dharmesh smiles and says, “I don’t think they will. Why will they, when they have accomplished higher educational degrees? They have their own goals and aspirations.”  Also Read: Shelf-Life with Mid-Day: Penchant for reading led this South Mumbai bookseller to sell books The bookseller goes on to add that another reason why the young won’t step into the business of selling books is because it will take a lot of money to purchase or even rent a simple, small shop. The rent of even a small store in Mumbai today costs Rs 70,000-75,000. The profit margin is extremely low. Why would anyone set up a new store?   Sheetal Book Centre nestles amidst a cluster of other bookstalls at Matunga’s King Circle area. It is located right outside the famous Cafe Mysore. As a part of our fortnightly series, Mid-day.com chose to sit down with Dharmesh Kandhor to dive into his bookstall’s history and how Mumbai’s reading community has evolved over the years.  Surviving on Mumbai's streets Dharmesh’s father, Mansukhlal Khandor shifted from Gujarat’s Kutch to Mumbai in search of a living. He set up the Sheetal Book Centre in Matunga about 45 years ago. Presently, Dharmesh prefers keeping over 3,000 books at the stall and the stock in the warehouse that holds a massive collection of 20,000 books. This includes novels, self-help books, biographies and auto-biographies, vintage magazines and comics.  The price of books at this stall starts at Rs 50 and can go up to Rs 500 depending on the book you buy. To keep readers coming back to the stall, Dharmesh also accepts books in return at an exchange rate of Rs 50 or half the price of the book. There is no time limit within which you must return the book.  Also Read: Shelf-Life with Mid-Day: 'My dream to meet Salman Khan brought me to Mumbai', says Bandra bookstore owner The Matunga-based bookseller has been running the bookstall for the past 20 years. He is a graduate of Mumbai University with a bachelor’s degree in commerce. When asked if he struggles to make book sales like most of the other booksellers in the city, he says, ‘Not at all.’  “You need to have that business acumen. You must know how to run the business. Always give customers everything they want, keeping their requirements and convenience in mind. Sometimes I don’t have the books my customers ask for. It is my duty to place an order for those books and make them available to my customers.”  According to the Mumbaikar, understanding your customers is the key to keeping your business alive. Staying abreast with the recent buying behaviour, pricing strategies, technology, etc. goes a long way.  From offline to online With such a knack for business, he is ten steps ahead of his counterparts when it comes to selling books and building customer loyalty. Dharmesh has an online reading community of over 500 members. While he caters to reader’s needs at the bookstall, he also accepts purchase orders online and delivers across India using social networking sites like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook.  Taking the help of Indian Post for delivering books, Dharmesh sells books at the same price with an added delivery fee as charged by the postal department. The duration of delivery depends on the location of the customer.  When asked how he came up with this idea Dharmesh says, “I have people from Kashmir, Meghalaya, Kerala, and Kanyakumari placing orders. They are old customers. I thought from their perspective. People these days don’t prefer putting in more effort to come down to the store and buy books first-hand. They prefer convenient and doorstep services. This made me think, ‘Why not give them what they want?’” This strategy seems to have worked well for this bookseller as for most of the conversation, he was busy coordinating with his customers over WhatsApp chat and catering to their queries.   This strategy of accepting orders online worked wonders for him during the Covid-19 lockdown. “I was operating from my warehouse. Yes, there were a lot of protocols that I had to follow since my mode of delivery was Indian Post. However, my business was running.”  Orders during the lockdown were particularly high, says Dharmesh. “People were bored, honestly. They needed to engage themselves in reading.”   Also Read: Shelf Life with Mid-Day: How this tech-savvy Mumbaikar is infusing new life into his 35-year-old bookstore Getting to know the customerThe bookseller has always had an interest in reading and calls himself an avid reader too. He enjoys reading non-fiction books and is currently reading ‘Autobiography of a Yogi’. According to him, “Children and young adults must develop a habit of reading. Today, the younger generation is more into movies and web series. While it is a good source of entertainment, reading I believe is an essential life-habit. It helps you shape your mind and leads to personal  development.”  Besides having the needed business acumen, Dharmesh also seems to have mastered the knack of making perfect book recommendations for his customers. His innate liking for reading can be an added benefit. He says, “I cannot directly recommend books to my customers. There is a trick.” Dharmesh asks the writer what she is currently reading and the book she read before that. Based on that, the Mumbaikar went on to recommend her a few books she might like. “I first ask my customers which books they have read in the past and liked. Based on their reading history, I gauge what they might and might not enjoy reading.”   Dharmesh’s smart strategies have also got many celebrities too, buying books from him regularly but chooses to remain tight-lipped about how he has done that just like how a magician never reveals his secrets. Presently, Sheetal Book Centre receives around 30 to 40 customers regularly across all age groups.  Believing in the love for books“I like my business. I enjoy selling books, but sometimes I do face challenges due to the advancement in technology,” says Dharmesh. He says, “Earlier, books were the primary source of knowledge for all. Now, information is available to all on one single device. People read and learn using Google.”  While Dharmesh believes that the internet has affected the business a bit, he also stands firm on his opinions that people still love reading books and nothing the replace the joy of holding a book in the hand and losing yourself in a good novel. For this same reason, he also says that while e-books might be compact and convenient, people will always prefer a hard copy.   

16 March,2024 07:30 PM IST | Mumbai | Aakanksha Ahire
Ed Sheeran will be performing in Mumbai on March 16 at the Mahalaxmi Racecourse this weekend. Photo Courtesy: Mid-day file pic

Ed Sheeran India Tour 2024: Top songs to listen to before you attend the concert

English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran is in Mumbai ahead of his concert at the Mahalaxmi Racecourse on March 16. While he is busy soaking in the culture and meeting Bollywood’s biggest superstars, Indian fans from all over India are excited for his arrival.  While some of them have been lifelong fans, there are others who have only been introduced to him more recently. Either way, this weekend is going to be an absolute party for all Ed Sheeran fans.  As every die-hard fan already knows the lyrics of every song, there is still time to listen and learn the lyrics of the songs before you attend the performance. The performance will include many of his songs that are his personal favourites and loved by people around the world.  With over seven studio albums, there are many songs that fans will be wanting to listen to but it is going to be difficult especially because of the time-constraint, however, there are some that we know will definitely make it. Here are some songs that we feel will definitely feature in his set list this weekend and you should definitely know to sing along and have a good time. The A Team From his debut album '+ (Plus)', this 2011 single was an instant hit for which he won the Brit Award for Best British Male Solo Artist and British Breakthrough Act. The absolutely melodious song is a folk ballad about a sex worker addicted to crack cocaine, which he wrote after visiting a homeless shelter and spoke to the people and heard their stories.  Thinking Out Loud By the time ‘Thinking Out Loud’ from the album ‘x (Multiply)’ released, it was impossible to ignore the voice of Ed Sheeran, as everybody was plugged in to listen to him and the entire album, that earned him the Album of the Year at the 2015 Brit Awards. The song also went on to make him receive his first Grammy Awards in 2016 for Song of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance. The accompanying video was also a complete hit and was replicated at almost every wedding not only in India but around the world and continues to happen till today.   Shape of You 'Thinking Out Loud' was followed by another hit two years later with 'Shape Of You', which was a part of the '÷ (Divide)’ album, which was the bestselling album in the world in 2017. The peppy song was on the US Billboard Hot 100, UK Singles charts, the same year. In 2018, it became the first song to hit 2 billion streams on Spotify. The song also won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Solo Performance in 2018. Perfect With a string of hits, Ed Sheeran’s ‘Perfect’ also became an instant hit from the same 2017. It was the fourth single from the album and became popular like ‘Thinking Out Loud’ and a popular couples’s dance number at weddings around the world. It came 4th on the UK Singles Chart in 2017 and the official music video received three nominations in the 2018 MTV Video Music Awards.  ShiversAmong his new hits, ‘Shivers’ is a newer version of Ed Sheeran’s music over the last decade and was released in 2021. It was part of his fifth studio album ‘= (Equal)’ that had four more singles including 'Bad Habits', 'Overpass Graffiti', 'The Joker and the Queen' and ‘2step’. The peppy song peaked at four on Billboard Hot 100 chart and has become quite popular since then. 

15 March,2024 02:57 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Bill Gates

Bill Gates traces nostalgic tech journey with a CD post on Instagram

Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft, recently took to Instagram to post an image commemorating the storage capacity of a Compact Disk-Read Only Memory (CD-ROM). Thirty years ago, Gates and his team decided to visually demonstrate the amount of information that a CD could store. The team set up two several meters-high stacks of papers, almost as tall as the trees in the background. These stacks represented the bytes of data that a CD-ROM could carry. On top of the stack, young Gates can be seen seated, holding a CD-ROM in his hand. To ensure safety, Gates was secured with a harness belt.             View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Bill Gates (@thisisbillgates) The throwback image had the caption: "Thirty years ago, we wanted to show just how much information a single CD-ROM could hold. The team decided a visual demonstration was necessary!" which garnered 209,450 likes and mixed reactions.  For millennials and boomers, CDs hold a special place in their hearts. In the 1990s, CDs were cherished possessions for many kids, housing a myriad of games, music and movies in their circular disks. However, with rapidly evolving technology and the advent of pen drives and cloud storage systems, CDs have become obsolete now. The post depicts more than just a nostalgic journey. It brings to light the ever-evolving world of technology, where the cutting-edge inevitably succumbs to obsolescence, overtaken by newer innovations. This shows how self-destructive technology can be in the pursuit of a better version of itself. In today's world, new forms of storing data include cloud storage solutions, utilising vast remote servers accessible via the internet. Additionally, solid-state drives (SSDs) offer faster and more reliable data storage compared to traditional hard disk drives. Emerging technologies like DNA storage explore the potential of using DNA molecules to store vast amounts of digital information. Also Read: How education will witness massive transformation by 2030 Apart from his contributions to technology, Gates is known for his philanthropic endeavours through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. With a visionary approach, Gates has significantly shaped the landscape of modern computing and continues to advocate for global health initiatives and sustainable development efforts worldwide.

15 March,2024 12:51 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
More people are going sailing in Mumbai to try out some offbeat activities in the city. Photo Courtesy: Shaun Dsouza

Mid-Day Premium Sailing the high seas: Why more people in Mumbai are indulging in sailing

Last week, Misha Paul embarked on her first-ever sailing experience. “It was an incredible experience,” she reacts, continuing, “We sailed from Mumbai to Mandhwa and the vastness of the sea coupled with the quietness of it all, was mind-blowing. I also love trying out new experiences.” It is this very experience that made Shaun Dsouza, a city-based entrepreneur, who used his past knowledge of the events and experiences space in India that he has been in since 2017, to start The Bombay Gypsea, a sailing events and experiences company in December 2022. The 28-year-old co-founder says, “We started during the Covid-19 pandemic because I used to get a lot of calls since I was associated with sailing before that. People are always looking to experience something new in Mumbai and sailing is not something that you have to go far away because it is done in the city. Even when you go, it is a two-hour getaway while you are in the city because it is completely silent.” While they started doing private gigs initially because families wanted to get out of their houses during that time, it has now evolved into something more. Curating unique experiencesWith the growing demand, Dsouza got 35-year-old Rohit Babhania, the co-founder, and they started hosting experiences. He explains, “People don’t realise how accessible the sea is to them. Many of them go internationally and experience musicians performing on the boat. I was in New York in 2022 and happened to see this experience and thought to myself, ‘Why isn’t this happening in Mumbai when the sea is a major part of it when you can see the sunrise and the sunset?’” Intending to make the boat a venue and bust the myth that it is expensive, they started curating different experiences. Also Read: Daring to drive: How Mumbai’s female rickshaw drivers are beating the odds He says, “If you go to a restaurant in Mumbai, you shall easily spend Rs 2,000.” Today, they charge Rs 3,000 for two hours on the boat where they host different types of musicians, historians and even a meditation expert for different kinds of events. While they do a historical sail off Colaba as early as 7 am on Sunday, they also do a maritime sail in the morning. On the other hand, the evenings have the musicians who perform and even get a DJ onboard, which are usually three-hour sails. While there is one hour of cruising, they anchor in the centre and the musician plays as people eat and drink and enjoy themselves. Interestingly, they have not only hosted families and friends but also have corporate groups coming to unwind right in the middle of the water.  While it seems like it is best for groups, Dsouza says it can be done alone and by anybody who wants to indulge in the experience. The interesting part about the experience is that it is also quite sustainable. He explains, “Most of the sailboats run on wind so there is no real noise around you except for the waves hitting the boat.” Through this, Colaba-based Dsouza says he wants to remove the notion that sailing is meant only for the rich or the elite because it can be done by just anyone. Being in the events and experiences business for close to seven years, Dsouza says he has seen a lot more people taking to sailing. He shares, “In 2017, there weren’t a lot of people who were interested in exploring the city. Over the years it has changed so much, more people want to explore their neighbourhood.” While achieving considerable success, now they have expanded to Goa, and tourists can always reach out to them for sailing near Britona in the sunshine state. Art, maritime and waterIn Mumbai, he has collaborated with the likes of Daniel Sequiera, whose family has been running the Karfule art deco petrol pump in Ballard Estate for over 80 years now, to share Mumbai’s history with people; this is while people indulge in food by chef Heena Punwani’s city-inspired Maska Bakery. D’souza has also brought Art and Wonderment, run by Mumbaikars Alisha Sadikot and Nishita Zachariah, on board to tell people about Mumbai and its art. It doesn’t stop there. Imagine learning about the city’s maritime history while you are sailing in the sea. That is what Anita Yewale, a city-based maritime history and heritage enthusiast, engages people with as they sit with rapt attention; this experience is happening this weekend. Also Read: Crazy for karaoke: How Mumbai’s bars, jockeys and enthusiasts turn up the volume for karaoke The experiences are conducted on different types of sailboats including a four-seat and a 30-seater sailboat or even 12 or 40-seater power yachts, which are slightly more expensive at Rs 3,500 per person. The season for sailing is from October to May, says Dsouza, and with climate change, sometimes even that becomes shorter because of rains during October. However, they navigate them perfectly like they do the waters, and see a lot of demand during November and December. With summer in its early days here, it is probably the best time to go sailing before it gets hotter. However, Dsouza says it isn’t too harsh. He explains, “Once the monsoons end, we usually start in October-November, and then we get more people in December-January-February. Even during the summer in the evenings, it is not that hot and is cool. However, the demand tends to get lesser during April as people think it is hot but once you are on the boat, it is not that hot.” Indulge in the experienceLike Paul, Pragya Goyal chanced upon sailing two years ago and hasn’t looked back ever since as she goes sailing at different times. Now she has become a regular for sailing experiences hosted by D’souza off Colaba. She shares, “I have always liked the water, sea and beaches because I was born and brought up in Mumbai and that’s why I think it is built. I even go for walks on the beach often.” So, it was only natural for the water baby in her to get pulled towards the water at the first opportunity she got within the city. “While I had gone sailing once before, I enjoyed the time I went sailing with my family to celebrate my sister’s first wedding anniversary.” The 26-year-old says she has observed more people go sailing only in the last few years compared to the last decade. “Even if it was there earlier, people didn’t know much about it but now with social media, it is more known and out there. Even if they did, it was considered expensive,” adds the city-based pastry chef. Also Read: How 1982 ‘Gandhi’ film inspired Bombay Sarvodaya Mandal to start the Gandhi Book Centre in Grant Road Ever since she experienced the beauty of the experience of sailing, the Juhu-based resident has been going frequently during November-December and early summer. It is also what leads her to note, “People always go abroad and do sailing there and think why it is not there in India, but it is quite there.” Apart from family, Goel also goes with her cousins and friends as they indulge in different kinds of experiences including those that inform her more about the city. She adds, “I went for one experience that told us about Mumbai’s artworks inspired by the sea and its history. So many of us living in Mumbai, do not know many things about the city. This a good way to experience it because after two or three times, you may not want to go sailing but with experiences, it has something new to offer every time.” The Mumbaikar, who has attended a Holi bash, says she wouldn’t even mind if there was a meditation experience, as it would be something new for people who like to indulge in different activities in the city. It is also why Goyal believes that more people should experience it because many people have the misconception that sailing is expensive. Goel believes it is quite affordable and worth the experience, especially because you don’t have to go anywhere outside of Mumbai to do it, with the number of organisers growing over the years. “I once went for a New Year sail, after sleeping at 3 am. I woke up at 5 am and went for the sail,” she concludes, adding to the excitement about the building enthusiasm around the offbeat experience in Mumbai.   

15 March,2024 10:30 AM IST | Mumbai | Nascimento Pinto
Image for representational purposes only. Photo Courtesy: iStock

Virtual revolution: How education will witness massive transformation by 2030

The field of education is poised for a seismic shift as we approach 2030. The rise of the metaverse, the immersive virtual world, presents a unique opportunity to reshape the learning experience. This introduction explores the metaverse classroom's potential and how it may change access, engagement, and understanding in the coming decade. Immersing yourself in virtual and augmented reality's immersive possibilities can reveal a future where classrooms transcend physical boundaries, foster deeper connections with knowledge, and fuel a passion for lifelong learning. Education has played a crucial role in transforming human society and shaping our world. Over time, it has evolved from a traditional rote learning method to a modern online education accompanied by virtual reality simulations. As technology innovation takes place rapidly, the education sector is at a very interesting cusp of development, which suggests the integration of the metaverse to accelerate progress in the sector. It deals with virtual reality and other immersive technologies and can elevate the entire learning and teaching experience. Nitin Viijay, the Founder and CEO of Motion Education, delves into some key transformations that the metaverse can bring in the education sector in the next five years. Personalised learning experience: Emerging technologies like Metaverse can personalise the learning experience by providing individuals with customized content and tailored pathways. Employing adaptive learning technologies can modify instruction to meet the individual interests, learning styles, and progress of an individual. This personalised approach can enhance engagement, motivation, and student learning outcomes. Continuous learning and adapting new skills: In today's fast-paced world, constant learning and adapting to new skills is the key to success. Technology is central to enabling individuals to continue their lifelong learning, ensuring students keep up with industry trends, acquire new skills, and advance their careers. Technology is democratising education by providing accessible and flexible learning opportunities in a day. Metaverse supports immersive and continuous learning and significantly contributes to skills-based education that enables individuals to adapt to the ever-changing demands of the modern workplace and thrive in today's dynamic world. Empowering teachers for resilient infrastructure: Looking at the wide range of benefits that technology offers, it can contribute immensely to revolutionising the sector. Regular faculty training is a primary step to building a robust education infrastructure and subsequently shaping students' future. The introduction of automation of basic repetitive tasks and paperwork can reduce teachers' heavy workloads. Technology that provides additional time to explore innovative teaching pedagogies helps improve understanding and acceptance among students. At the same time, allowing teachers to do a lot of research to identify the gaps in the industry paves the way for coming up with ingenious solutions to make the classroom more interactive and productive. Nitin concludes, "As the metaverse continues to evolve, it has the potential to reshape the educational landscape fundamentally. Harnessing the benefits of personalised education, collaboration opportunities, and immersive simulation can immensely empower students to navigate unpredictable workplace challenges with sheer ingenuity. Developing the necessary skills contributes to the students' efficiency by equipping them with the advanced technologies to excel in the digital age." Also Read: Rising cases of child abuse in schools: How to ensure student safety? This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

14 March,2024 06:44 PM IST | New Delhi | IANS
Image for representational purposes only. Photo Courtesy: iStock

Love music? Dive into the melodies of India at this event in Mumbai

As the weekend approaches, it’s time to unwind. While Friday nights are reserved for sipping on refreshing cocktails and mocktails with friends, this Friday, try something new. If you are a music enthusiast who loves to explore new forms of Indian music, an event that celebrates India’s folk music will be a perfect way to destress and start your weekend with a bang.   Lokdhuncafe by Supriya Joshi, is all set to proudly present an evening immersed in the resplendent tapestry of Folk Melodies of Bharat. Nestled in the heart of Mumbai, India, this event marks a tribute to the diverse folk traditions that resonate across the length and breadth of the country. Aficionados and enthusiasts alike can partake in this musical journey that pays homage to India's rich cultural heritage. Also Read: Sonu Nigam to Ed Sheeran: Five music performances to look forward to in Mumbai in March Set against the illustrious backdrop of the Nehru Centre Auditorium in Mumbai, the stage is set for an enchanting evening on March 15, 2024, Friday, commencing at 7:30 pm. As the curtains rise, attendees will be transported on a melodic odyssey, guided by the expert curation of Supriya Joshi, an artist specialising in Indian folk music. With an unwavering commitment to preserving and propagating the indigenous musical traditions of the nation, Joshi crafts an experience that transcends temporal and spatial boundaries, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in the timeless rhythms and evocative melodies that define the soul of Bharat. Also Read: Rising cases of child abuse in schools: How to ensure student safety? At Lokdhuncafe, every note resonates with the echoes of history, every lyric weaves a narrative of cultural lineage, and every performance is a testament to the enduring legacy of India's folk heritage. Through a meticulously curated repertoire, attendees will have the opportunity to traverse the geographical and cultural landscape of the country, encountering a kaleidoscope of musical styles, from the haunting ballads of the Himalayas to the exuberant rhythms of the Gangetic plains.Whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or a curious newcomer, Lokdhuncafe promises an evening of unparalleled auditory delight, where the boundaries between performer and audience dissolve, and the spirit of Bharatiya folk artistry reigns supreme. The event is all set to celebrate the enduring legacy of Indian folk music and revel in the enchanting melodies that have echoed through the corridors of time. Experience the magic, embrace the rhythm, and immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of Folk Melodies of Bharat.Also Read: Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre presents new contemporary Indian art exhibition

14 March,2024 11:35 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Entry to students of fine arts, children below the age of 7 and senior citizens will be free. Photo Courtesy: Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre

Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre presents contemporary Indian art exhibition

The Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre is set to present ‘Liminal Gaps’, a contemporary Indian art exhibition exploring the transitional and expanding boundaries of Indian culture and identity. Curated by Mafalda Millies Kahane and Roya Sachs with executive production by Elizabeth Edelman Sachs from TRIADIC, it is the Centre’s first exhibition to exclusively showcase Indian artists.  The four acclaimed conceptual artists and art groups included in the show are Ayesha Singh, Raqs Media Collective, Asim Waqif, and Afrah Shafiq. ’Liminal Gaps’ will open at the Art House on March 31, 2024 and remain on view through June 9, 2024. The unique group art show explores transitional spaces and transformational phases that are either physical, emotional or metaphorical. The exhibition is about thresholds, ultimately inviting audiences into new ways of looking at the familiar. Sprawling across all four floors of the Art House – the Cultural Centre’s dedicated visual art space – a multigenerational group of artists explores liminal gaps in architecture, time, space, nature, and technology. The experience is immersive, engaging the visitor through site-specific installations, interactive sonic experiences and video games. “Liminal Gaps will encourage audiences to further explore Indian culture, inspired by the perspectives of some of the most masterful artists working today,” comments Isha Ambani. “As NMACC approaches its first anniversary, we felt it was important to host an exhibition that exclusively showcases Indian artists and carries on the Centre’s mission to elevate Indian culture on the global stage.” ‘Liminal Gaps’ marks TRIADIC’s second show in the space. Last summer, TRIADIC curated and produced ‘RUN AS SLOW AS YOU CAN,’ a captivating and immersive site-specific art installation by the creative studio TOILETPAPER, led by Maurizio Cattelan and Pierpaolo Ferrari. Other past exhibitions at the Art House include ‘Sangam/Confluence’ and ‘POP: FAME, LOVE AND POWER,’ the first-ever comprehensive exhibition of Pop Art in India. “We are delighted to return to NMACC with Liminal Gaps after the success of TOILETPAPER: RUN AS SLOW AS YOU CAN,” say the TRIADIC founders. “We are inspired to be working with a group of Indian artists who are thought-provoking, boundary-pushing and masters of their craft. It is also rare to be able to offer an artist an entire floor in a group show, so in many ways, the density of this exhibition feels like four solo shows.”  The first floor presents work by Delhi-based artist Ayesha Singh (b. 1990), who explores how architecture embeds power dynamics, reveals political nuances in nation-building, and shapes identity and behaviour. Singh’s presentation at the Cultural Centre is her largest commission to date. A three-dimensional drawing, Hybrid Drawings (2024) collapses the rules of architecture through the re-imagining of India’s distinctive skylines. Inspired by her experience living in Delhi, a nexus of identities and cultures, her sculpture depicts past, present, and future as dislocated and ephemeral fragments that open and flatten as audiences meander through the gallery. Also Read: Shelf-Life with Mid-day: Despite internet impact on business, book lovers stay true to traditional reading experiences The second floor invites viewers into a temporal universe created by Raqs Media Collective, the dynamic trifecta of multimedia artists, who’ve worked collaboratively since 1992. They will present five unique works that each meditate on the human experience of time. The central work, Escapement (2008), is a collection of 27 almost identical clocks, each allocated to a city (real or imaginary), with the hands set to their respective time zones. In a twist, the clock faces are marked with emotions rather than hours, underscoring the fragile mechanics of our daily lives. Their installation continues into the staircases with the work Nerves (2018), which acts as the underbelly and passageway from one artist’s space to another.  On the third floor, Asim Waqif (b. 1978) takes an organic and metamorphic approach to liminality through the lens of contemporary urban design. Chaal (2023) is a labour-intensive and handwoven bamboo installation, examining notions of ecology and anthropology. Chaal celebrates Indian craftsmanship and invites viewers in through a sonic symphony of nature triggered by participants’ movements and interactions.  The fourth and final presentation offers an interactive, multimedia experience by Goa-based artist Afrah Shafiq (b. 1989). Sultana’s Reality (2017) explores the relationship between women and the colonial education movement in India using archival imagery, women’s writing, and history. Drawing its title from the 1905 science-fiction short story of feminist utopia, by Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossein, the work explores the inner lives of the first generation of women to be educated in pre-independent India. The installation follows an Alice in Wonderland-style adventure, drawing visitors into a liminal space that feels entirely in digital flux, as though one is inside in a computer game. Performance artist Brendan Fernandes (b. 1979) will also be creating a series of movement-based interventions in the space during the opening and over the course of the show. Fernandes was born in Nairobi, Kenya to a Goan, Indian family, whose multidisciplinary practice examines issues of cultural displacement, migration, labour, queer subjectivity, and collective agency. For ‘Liminal Gaps,’ the artist will be dissecting the concept of the ‘spaces in between,’ by using the installations as his canvas to shift eight performers through the floors of the Art House. Further complementing the exhibition, the Cultural Centre will offer an array of programming designed to inspire creativity, including morning yoga sessions, evening musical experiences, treasure hunts, and more. As part of the Cultural Centre’s initiative of making art accessible to all – entry to students of fine arts, children below the age of 7 and senior citizens will be free. Tickets to the exhibit start at INR 299.   Curators:  Roya Sachs & Mafalda Millies Kahane Executive Producer: Elizabeth Edelman Sachs Creative Producer: Antonia Jolles

11 March,2024 05:50 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Image for representational purpose only. Photo Courtesy: istock

Polyglot's brain works differently with native language: Study

The brains of polyglots -- people who speak five or more languages -- work differently when it comes to their native language, said researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) on Monday. The study, published in the journal Cerebral Cortex, showed that polyglots' language processing network in the brain, located primarily in the left hemisphere, responds more when they hear any of the languages. However, the response is stronger when hearing their native language. The findings suggest that the brains of polyglots take “comparatively little effort when processing their native language.” In other words, their brains need not work very hard to interpret it. “Something makes it a little bit easier to process -- maybe it’s that you’ve spent more time using that language -- and you get a dip in activity for the native language compared to other languages that you speak proficiently,” said Evelina Fedorenko, Associate Professor of neuroscience at MIT. “As you increase proficiency, you can engage in linguistic computations to a greater extent, so you get these progressively stronger responses. But then if you compare a really high-proficiency language and a native language, it may be that the native language is just a little bit easier, possibly because you've had more experience with it,” Fedorenko said. For the study, the researchers recruited 34 polyglots, each with at least some degree of proficiency in five or more languages but were not bilingual or multilingual from infancy. Sixteen of the participants spoke 10 or more languages, including one who spoke 54 languages with at least some proficiency. They underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) as they listened to passages read in eight different languages. The results also showed that polyglots' brain language networks also lit up when they listened to languages that they didn't speak, but could understand. Further, the multiple-demand network of the brain that becomes active when performing a cognitively demanding task also gets turned on when listening to languages other than one’s native language. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.

11 March,2024 03:04 PM IST | New York | IANS
Representational image. Pic/iStock

The destiny of a female driver in India

Women today are taking on tough tasks, breaking down gender preconceptions, and making a name for themselves in a variety of professional fields. We are seeing a rise in women's leadership across industries, as well as an increase in the number of women in jobs where they have never before participated. One such prominent job is that of cab driver, with unwavering persistence and excitement the number of female drivers, both in urban regions and in tier 2 cities has seen its momentum. As we celebrate International Women's Day let's hear the remarkable journeys of these women, amplifying their voices, and recognising their pivotal role in challenging and reshaping gender norms. These women come from a variety of backgrounds, including single mothers, IIT graduates, entrepreneurial side hustlers, primary breadwinners for their families, and more. What is it like to be a female driver in India?Shivani, Delhi: Being a female driver in India has been an enriching experience for me. Every day, I meet riders who are surprised to see a female driver. While there is some negative feedback, most of the interactions with riders are positive and encouraging. Neelam, Delhi: As an Uber driver in India is an empowering experience. In recent years, more and more women have joined the profession, indicating a positive shift within the industry. I have noticed a growing number of women driving various vehicles, including buses and ambulances, which is inspiring to see. Ammu G, Bangalore: To be a female driver in India has its challenges, but it is also rewarding. I joined this profession due to the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, but I continue to work as it offers me financial freedom. I believe I have become more confident in my life. What motivated you to pursue this career? Can you share with us an anecdote of your experience vs expectations?Shivani, Delhi: After the loss of my husband, I needed a stable income to support my children financially. With the help of an NGO, I was introduced to Uber and connected with other women drivers associated with the platform. Initially, I had doubts about whether I could pursue this career, but the positive feedback I received from my fellow women drivers motivated me to continue. Ammu G, Bangalore: I was motivated to pursue this career primarily for financial reasons. Uber offered me a chance to earn a decent income while also providing the flexibility to balance work and personal life, which is important for me as a single woman. Is the system designed to defend the rights of female drivers? What modifications in the regulation do you believe should be made? Shivani, Delhi: In terms of safety and rights, while there are measures in place, I believe more can be done to ensure the protection of female drivers. As for making the driving industry more inclusive, sharing the stories and experiences of other women drivers can encourage more women to consider driving as a viable career option. Neelam, Delhi: I believe some modifications can be made to ensure increased safety for women drivers, especially during night shifts. While some safety measures are in place, I believe additional regulations are needed to further increase the protection of female drivers, considering that many safety measures rely on mobile technology, which may not always be accessible in emergencies. Ammu G, Bangalore: I have never faced any safety challenges, but a few of my fellow drivers have faced some issues with drunk passengers and shared their experiences. I believe some more measures can be implemented to ensure the safety of female drivers. If you had to call an Uber yourself, would you feel safer with a female or male driver? Neelam, Delhi: If I were to call an Uber for myself, I believe I would feel safer with a female driver, and I have had many female passengers express the same sentiment. Being a female driver helps create a sense of security for passengers, especially women traveling alone. Ammu G, Bangalore: If I had to call an Uber myself, I would not necessarily feel safer with a female or male driver. Safety is not determined by gender but rather by the individual driver's professionalism and behaviour. How do you think the driving industry can become more inclusive and supportive of female drivers?Neelam, Delhi: To make the driving industry more inclusive and supportive of female drivers, education plays a vital role. Many women are unaware of the opportunities available in this profession. By sharing our stories and experiences, we can inspire more women to consider driving as a viable career option. Ammu G, Bangalore: Providing training on gender sensitivity and implementing policies to address safety concerns can go a long way in creating a more welcoming environment for female drivers. In your opinion, what role can women play in shaping the future of transportation and driving technologies? Shivani, Delhi: I believe women have a significant role to play in shaping the future of transportation and driving technologies. We are already seeing more women driving buses, cabs, and autos. As the industry evolves, I am hopeful that more opportunities will open up and we will see increased women participation. Neelam, Delhi: Women are already playing a significant role in shaping the future of transportation. I believe that with more encouragement and support, more women will have the courage to enter this field and contribute to its evolution. Ammu G, Bangalore: Women can play a significant role in shaping the future of transportation and driving technologies by actively participating in the industry, advocating for their rights, and contributing their unique perspectives and experiences to the development of new technologies and policies. How do you maintain a work-life balance during irregular hours?Shivani, Delhi: Gig work offers flexibility, allowing me to work whenever suits me best. This flexibility has helped me maintain a healthy work-life balance and care for my children while earning a living. It's crucial to amplify the voices of female drivers in India while recognizing their contributions. Through shared experiences, education, and policy reforms, we can see a silver lining to pave the way for more women in shaping the future of transportation. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

11 March,2024 12:29 PM IST | New Delhi | IANS
American wrestler-turned-actor John Cena recreated a spoof of the Oscars in 1974 where a streaker appeared on stage. Photo Courtesy: AFP

Bizarre! Oscars 2024: Why John Cena appeared naked on stage

Every year, the Oscars manages to have a viral moment that goes down in history as some of the most iconic moments from the awards shows. This year was no different as the 79th Academy Awards saw American wrestler-turned-actor John Cena run onto the stage naked to present the Best Costume Design award.  It happened after host Jimmy Kimmel asked the Oscars audience after remembering an infamous moment. "I said, can you imagine if a nude man ran across the stage today? Wouldn't that be crazy?" Kimmel was clearly hinting at something that was about to happen on stage. That's when a shirtless John Cena popped his head out from the corner of the stage. Cena told Kimmel, "I changed my mind. I don't want to do the streaker bit. I just don't feel right about it. It's an elegant event, you know, you should feel shame right now for suggesting such a tasteless joke." SEE PHOTOS: From Cillian Murphy to Billie Eilish, here are the top Oscars 2024 winners However, Kimmel theatrically replied that it was supposed to be a joke, and that found him getting a hilarious response from Cena, who said, "The male body is not a joke".  Being supported by Kimmel, Cena went on to present the award with only the envelope with the winners's name covering his private parts, recreating a spoof of an earlier Oscars ceremony.  Interestingly, the on-stage act was reference to the Oscars in 1974 when a streaker came on to the stage behind presenter David Niven. The streaker was Robert Opel, who was an American photographer and art gallery owner. While he apparently got entry as a journalist, he came onto the stage and flashed a peace sign while Niven was introducing Elizabeth Taylor.  Today, Opel, who was shot dead in 1979 by two armed robbers, is known as the 1974 Oscars streaker. (With inputs from ANI)

11 March,2024 12:01 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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