Aditya Matta

[adityamatta]

GOOGLE ANNOUNCES NEW SEARCH UPDATES, INCLUDING IMPROVED CONTEXTUAL MATCHES AND SUBTOPICS

Google has announced a range of new updates for search, which provide varying levels of functionality for brands, and are worth noting within your SEO approach.

The main focus, of course, is on helping people find the information they need, so they’re not specifically aligned with brand queries. But some of them will be search considerations – here’s a look at each new element and what it could mean for marketers.

1. Spelling recommendation improvements

Spelling your query right will help provide you with more accurate search results, and Google says that it’s improved its spelling predictions to help users find better matches.

As explained by Google:

Understanding Your Audience to Build a Better Customer Experience

Learn how to decode the “voice of the customer” using advanced digital auditing across search and social.

“We’ve continued to improve our ability to understand misspelled words, and for good reason – one in 10 queries every day are misspelled. Today, we’re introducing a new spelling algorithm that uses a deep neural net to significantly improve our ability to decipher misspellings. In fact, this single change makes a greater improvement to spelling than all of our improvements over the last five years.”

From an SEO standpoint, this won’t be a significant consideration, given that it will only help users find the right query for their search. But, of course, you should ensure that your web pages are spell-checked.

It won’t be a make or break element, but incorrect spelling could lose you search opportunities.

2. Identifying passages of text

Google’s search algorithm will now also be able to index individual passages of text within web pages, in order to locate more specific information on a site relative to a user query.

Google’s been moving in this direction for a while, highlighting specific text matches in featured snippets, and even video segments, within some search queries. Now, this will be made more widely available.

“By better understanding the relevancy of specific passages, not just the overall page, we can find that needle-in-a-haystack information you’re looking for. This technology will improve 7% of search queries across all languages as we roll it out globally.”

Again, this is probably not a major SEO consideration, as it will be relative to each query – you should answer common questions as best you can in the hopes of matching audience demand. But it could change where your pages are ranked for each query, which could subsequently impact your performance stats.

And as Search Engine Land noted earlier in the year, it may also have an impact on ad placement.

“With this, searchers may skip down past ads and/or call to actions to jump directly to the relevant content. SEOs should take measures to track if your site is doing this in Google search, and possibly replace your ads/call to actions in a more appropriate location.”

That would be particularly relevant for high-volume pages seeing impacts from this update.

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3. Hum to search

Google’s also trying to do a bit of Shazam-type trick, with its audio algorithms now able to identify popular songs based on people humming or whistling to the search app.https://www.youtube.com/embed/DW61PpKJGm8

As Google explains:

“Starting today, you can hum, whistle or sing a melody to Google to solve your earworm. On your mobile device, open the latest version of the Google app, tap the mic icon and say “what’s this song?” or click the “Search a song” button. Then start humming for 10-15 seconds. On Google Assistant, it’s just as simple. Say “Hey Google, what’s this song?” and then hum the tune.”

Google’s algorithm will then identify potential song matches, based on your tune.

The SEO value of this one is very limited, though those in the music industry may find some interesting data based on hum/whistle based searches. Maybe, if people are searching by hum a lot for a certain track, they may need to consider re-naming the track for discoverability – which has already happened for some songs due to TikTok queries.

4. Subtopics in search queries

Google’s also adding subtopics for search queries – though how exactly they’ll appear is a little unclear at this stage.

“We’ve applied neural nets to understand subtopics around an interest, which helps deliver a greater diversity of content when you search for something broad. As an example, if you search for “home exercise equipment,” we can now understand relevant subtopics, such as budget equipment, premium picks, or small space ideas, and show a wider range of content for you on the search results page. We’ll start rolling this out by the end of this year.”

Based on this, it looks like Google is going to show users more subtopics as clickable options within search results, which could be an important SEO consideration, as you’ll need to match your listings to each relevant category, based on commonly used filters, terms, etc.

As Google notes, we’ll get more information on this soon, and it could be a key element to watch.

5. Key moments in videos

As noted, Google has been working on indexing certain sections of YouTube videos for some time, and it’s now looking to make this a more accessible option within search queries.

“Using a new AI-driven approach, we’re now able to understand the deep semantics of a video and automatically identify key moments. This lets us tag those moments in the video, so you can navigate them like chapters in a book. Whether you’re looking for that one step in a recipe tutorial, or the game-winning home run in a highlights reel, you can easily find those moments. We’ve started testing this technology this year, and by the end of 2020 we expect that 10% of searches on Google will use this new technology.”

This aligns with YouTube’s video chapters, which it rolled out to all creators back in May. With video chapters, creators are able to add in descriptions relative to each segment of their video via timestamps, which could help provide Google with more context as to the content in each part.

Though this also takes that capacity a step further – as Google notes, it’s using AI to automatically identify segments of videos as well, so in combination, it could actually develop a significant data bank of video segments for queries.

Even with Google’s AI doing its part, I would suggest that adding your own segment tags would be of benefit – you can learn how to do that here.

In addition to these five major updates, Google’s also adding new COVID-19 tools for businesses, which will display more specific information about opening hours, updated requirements, etc., as well as improved statistic searches, new tools for journalists, and – maybe of particular note for marketers – new AR search features for products, which are still in their early stages.

As noted, most of these won’t have a significant impact on general SEO approaches, though that does depend on how specific you’re focusing, and how sensitive your results are to variations. For some, these changes will have an impact on ranking, which may influence traffic flow, but they seemingly won’t lead to major shifts in performance.

But it’ll come down to your own monitoring – if you’re keeping a close eye on your search results, it’ll be worth honing in on variations over the next few months to determine the specific cause, and if/how you can better align your pages as a result.

For original version on mywordink visit: http://www.mywordink.com/google-announces-new-search-updates-including-improved-contextual-matches-and-subtopics/

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LOGITECH G LAUNCHES WIRELESS GAMING HEADSET IN INDIA

Logitech G, a sub-brand of Switzerland-based tech firm Logitech, on Monday introduced a new wireless gaming headset in the country.

The Logitech ‘G733 LIGHTSPEED’ headset is available on Amazon.in for Rs 15,495 in black colour.

“As gaming becomes a bigger part of pop culture, personal expression and style have become a huge part of a gamers’ identity. With that in mind, we set out to design a collection of high-performance gaming gear in a fun way,” said Ujesh Desai, general manager of Logitech G.

The wireless gaming headset fits with the users’ style and helps in making gaming experience more effective, the company said.

The new G733 wireless headset features new colourful and reversible suspension headbands and comes equipped with soft dual-layer memory foam ear pads.

“Investing in one’s surrounding environment to reflect inner expressions lends to a more immersive gaming experience, and Logitech G’s new wireless headsets will amplify that,” the company added.

For original version on mywordink visit: http://www.mywordink.com/technology/logitech-g-launches-wireless-gaming-headset-in-india/

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KNOCKING WITH ‘CLUB YOU TO DEATH’

A lockdown project, which she started in January and wrapped up in June this year, the recently released fiction title ‘Club You to Death’ by writer Anuja Chauhan (HarperCollins India) may not be gory, but it has all the elements of ‘cozy crime’.

“Just like the works of Agatha Christie or Dorothy Sayers, authors who I have always enjoyed reading. Set in Delhi, ‘Club You to Death’ is set in the heart of the Lutyens’ zone, in a posh club that everybody wants to be a member of, but very few people get to be. That’s the setting where the murder happens. It is slightly different from what I’ve written before and was an interesting write,” said the author who also wrote ‘The Zoya Factor’, which was adapted into a film starring Sonam Kapoor.

While several film and television production houses have already started showing interest in ‘Club You to Death’, the writer said that her focus is on the book at the moment. “There seems to be a lot of interest considering the fact that whodunits, like ‘Knives Out’ are so popular nowadays.”

Ask her if certain elements get lost during adaptations of her works for the screen, and she asserted that the same holds true for most books and not just hers. “Frankly, as a reader, I have always been disappointed. Whenever a favourite book is made into a movie, I wonder — ‘What is this’? If your first love is reading, then one is always going to be a little upset with the screen version.”

For someone who left a major advertising agency at the peak of her career to pursue full time writing, it was not really a tough call to make. “The creative bit is interesting, but as you move up the ladder, it means a lot of administration and HR work too. Considering I wanted to spend all my time writing, I felt it was better to just quit and then write full-time instead of having a fancy designation and not too much writing to do. The other thing is because in advertising and applied art, there’s always a lot of strategy, there’s a product to be sold, there’s a story to be told, and that can be a little limiting.”

Talking about her book ‘Baaz’, which had the 1971 war backdrop and has been taken up by Yash Raj Films, the writer says that while she researches for every work, this one involved reaching out to family members who were fighter pilots. “They introduced me to the people who had seen action. Also, it’s still easy to get hard facts, with my army background, I could get the soft material too.”

In a world where it is convenient to label and slot writers and artists, Chauhan, whose book ‘Those Pricey Thakur Girls’ is being adapted as a series for an OTT platform says that she prefers to ignore them for they make life poorer. “And you end up exploring a lot less. There are so many delightful surprises and discoveries, waiting out there. Sadly, we have labels everywhere, it is like saying that ‘Oh, you’re an actress, so don’t talk about politics’. We love putting people into little boxes, which is so absurd considering nobody lives in those spaces.”

Smiling that she does not really write for a ‘target audience’, Chauhan, who has written the screenplay for a film, a cross-border romance starring Arjun Kapoor, Rakul Preet Singh and Neena Gupta said that it is a much different process as compared to a book. “A screenplay is more collaborative. It’s always nice to work with people when you have been working alone on a book for too long. And the opposite holds true too.”

For original version on mywordink visit: http://www.mywordink.com/celeb/knocking-with-club-you-to-death/

[adityamatta]

BRIEF TWITTER OUTAGE HITS INDIAN USERS

Twitter users from different parts of the world, including in India, on Thursday evening reported problems using the micro-blogging platform.

Most of the problem have been reported by desktop users, followed by Android and iOS users, according to Downdetector which offers real-time status and outage information.

The problem started at around 7 p.m. India time, according to the users who were unable to upload and refresh tweets.

The cause of the outage was still not known as Twitter was yet to react.

The service, however, started acting normally for some users.

Twitter, however, not the only service that suffered outage on Thursday.

In the second major service outage hitting Microsoft in less than a week, Outlook online users worldwide reported facing problems accessing the service.

For original version on mywordink visit: http://www.mywordink.com/technology/brief-twitter-outage-hits-indian-users/

[adityamatta]

ACTOR SONU SOOD HONOURED BY UNDP

Actor Sonu Sood has been honoured with the prestigious SDG Special Humanitarian Action Award by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), for helping thousands of migrant workers reach home during lockdown.

“This is a rare honour. A UN recognition is very special. I have done whatever little I have done in my own humble way for my fellow countrymen without any expectations. However, to be recognised and awarded feels good. I fully support the UNDP in its endeavours to achieve SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) by 2030. Planet Earth and mankind will greatly benefit from the implementation of these goals,” Sonu said.

The award was presented to him via a virtual ceremony.

Apart from arranging transportation facilities for migrant workers to help them reach homes during lockdown, Sonu also looked after the educational needs of underprivileged students.

He recently launched an initiative to provide full scholarships for higher education to students facing financial challenges.

For original version on mywordink visit: http://www.mywordink.com/celeb/actor-sonu-sood-honoured-by-undp/

[adityamatta]

MY CHARACTERS COME FROM PERSONAL EXPERIENCES

The Varun Dhawan-Anushka Sharma starrer Sui Dhaaga released two years ago on this day. Director Sharat Katariya, opening up on his creative process, says the characters in his films come from his personal experiences.

The 2018 release “Sui Dhaaga” was Katariya’s third directorial after “10ml Love” (2010) and “Dum Laga Ke Haisha” (2015). He also contributed as a writer in films like “Bheja Fry” (2007) and “Titli” (2015).

Katariya, who also penned dialogues in “Fan” (2016) and “Befikre” (2016), has carved his niche for crafting critically acclaimed commercial entertainers that celebrate realism, as a writer and filmmaker.

“I was born in Delhi. The characters normally come from personal experiences of growing up. All these characters whether its Prem and Sandhya (Dum Laga Ke Haisha) or Mauji and Mamta (Sui Dhaaga) or other characters, like their parents, their family, their neighbours, whatsoever you write or you are influenced from, are people who you come across,” Katariya said.

“Most of these people in the films are the characters one has come across in life while growing up,” he added.

His films always make a subtle social commentary.

Asked if he tries to bring social change through his works, Katariya said: “When you write you are not thinking about all these things. You write what you feel for, that’s the primary thing. Anything that you feel for has a resonance to the social environment and it automatically reflects in the script.”

“One doesn’t start from there, one starts from an incident or something that inspires or moves you. That’s where is the beginning,” he added.

Citing the example of “Dum Laga Ke Haisha”, Katariya says the film’s genesis was seeing the character of a wife winning a championship.

“I was not thinking of social relevance or anything like that. I was thinking of a story, but when you are developing characters, a woman is overweight and a man is thin and it’s a marriage which is not working, then automatically all the social conflicts and stigmas will automatically come into the story,” he said.

“Because the characters grow up in real environment and they have their own prejudices and conflicts and hence the social commentary.”

He added that it was the same with “Sui Dhaaga”.

“I saw a man under a tree, who was working as a tailor to make ends meet and from there it began. These are the real people, these are the real heroes. For me, he is a superhero. Superheroes are not just about flying in the air. Superheroes are also about making their ends meet in the most difficult scenarios,” the filmmaker said.

“That’s how it came in and became social commentary. The idea is never to manipulate writing in a way that it becomes that,” he summed up.

For original version on mywordink.com visit: http://www.mywordink.com/movies/my-characters-come-from-personal-experiences/

[adityamatta]

WORLD’S FIRST FLOATING APPLE STORE TO OPEN THURSDAY IN SINGAPORE

The Cupertino-based iPhone maker on Tuesday announced to open Apple Marina Bay Sands, its first floating retail store with a glass dome that appears as a floating sphere and sits directly on the water.

To be thrown open for the public on Thursday, the store introduces a new retail experience at one of the most iconic locations in the country, the company said.

“We couldn’t be more excited to open the breathtaking Apple Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, building on our commitment to this special place that began more than 40 years ago,” said Deirdre O’Brien, Apple’s senior vice president of Retail + People.

The all-glass dome structure is fully self-supported, comprising 114 pieces of glass with only 10 narrow vertical mullions for structural connection.

Inspired by the Pantheon in Rome, an oculus located at the apex of the dome provides a flooding ray of light that travels through the space, according to Apple.

The interior of the glass is lined with custom baffles, each uniquely shaped to counter sun angles and provide a nighttime lighting effect.

With trees lining the interior of the dome, the green garden city of Singapore flows into the store, providing additional shading and soft shadows through the foliage.

Visitors can explore curated Apple products and accessories, receive personal technical support or simply take in the stunning view of Marina Bay.

“The Forum is centered around a Video Wall, which will serve as the stage for ‘Today at Apple’ sessions featuring Singapore’s artists, musicians and creators,” Apple said.

Nearly 150 employees speaking over 23 languages will welcome visitors to Apple Marina Bay Sands.

Apple opened its first store in Singapore at the Knightsbridge building along Orchard Road in 2017.

Its second store, located at Jewel Changi Airport, opened in July last year.

Apple Orchard Road was also the first Apple store to open in South-east Asia, according to reports. The new store is Apple’s 512th location worldwide.

For original version on mywordink.com visit: http://www.mywordink.com/technology/worlds-first-floating-apple-store-to-open-thursday-in-singapore/

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BIG B, SALMAN, PRIYANKA, ANIL KAPOOR EXTEND EID GREETINGS TO FANS

Celebrities including Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, Anil Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra Jonas took to social media to send love and wishes to fans on the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha on Saturday.

Sharing a picture of himself, Salman wrote: “Eid Mubarak!”

Veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan, who is currently admitted to hospital with Covid-19 infection, also extended his greetings. “Eid al Adha..Mubarak,” Big B tweeted.

Anil Kapoor wished for everyone’s happiness.

“Wishing you and your family joy, happiness, peace and prosperity! #EidMubarak,” he tweeted.

Priyanka Chopra tweeted: “EidMubarak to everyone celebrating all over the world. Hope it brings us blessings, happiness & peace.”

Filmmaker Farah Khan Kunder is missing celebrating Eid at grand level owing to the coronavirus pandemic.

“What do u mean NO EIDEE this year!??? N no BIGG EID LUNCH?? Awww man 2020 sucks.. anyway EID MUBARAK,” she wrote on Instagram along with a throwback picture of her children dressed in ethnic wear.

Sharing her Eid look, Aamna Sharif posted a few pictures on Instagram. She chose to wear an ethnic sharara suit for the occasion.

For original version on mywordink.com visit: http://www.mywordink.com/celeb/big-b-salman-priyanka-anil-kapoor-extend-eid-greetings-to-fans/

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PUMP UP THE PROTEIN AND VITAMINS IN YOUR DIET

As we face this global pandemic, it is important that we stay indoors. maintain physical distancing and focus on building a strong immune system which is a crucial shield against infections.

While we are confined to the house, it is important we maintain a regular routine which includes daily exercise, eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, maintaining good gut health, getting adequate sleep, and managing stress levels.

Our immune system works as the frontline defence mechanism against disease-causing microorganisms and protects us from all viruses and microbes that our body is exposed to. A healthy lifestyle along with a well-balanced diet containing all the essential macro and micronutrients is vital for optimal functioning and maintenance of the immune system.

Protein is a versatile macronutrient that sustains life and has a particularly important role to play in boosting immune function. Though we all know about the importance of protein, Indians are deficient in our protein intake. On an average an individual needs 0.8-1.0g of protein per kg Ideal body weight. Recommendations may vary depending on several factors such as physical activity, age, co morbid conditions like kidney disease etc. As per the General Consumer Survey (PRODIGY) conducted in 2015, 73 percent of our population is deficient in protein intake with 93 percent of our population being unaware about their daily protein requirements.

It is important to consume good quantity and quality of protein daily for the immune system to function at its best. A quarter of our plate at every meal must be protein.

A good quality first class protein is one with high digestibility and has all the essential amino acids required by the body. Sources: all animal products like eggs, meat, fish, poultry, milk, milk products like curd, paneer, whey. Proteins that are partially lacking in one or more essential amino acids eg, cereals and pulses are called incomplete protein.

Combinations of foods such as cereal pulse combination like idli, dosa, pongal, khichdi, dal rice etc. in 4:1 proportion helps improve the quality of protein in a vegetarian meal if you are unable to meet your protein requirements through diet alone, protein powders containing good quality protein can be included to bridge the gap. You can consult a qualified dietician to plan a diet tailor made to meet your protein and nutrient requirements.

vitamins which help boost immunity

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is an anti-inflammatory vitamin and plays a critical role in enhancing immunity. Beta-carotene is a precursor of vitamin A which when ingested is converted in the wall of the small intestine to vitamin A.

Sources of beta carotene-carrots, sweet potatoes, red and yellow peppers, tomatoes, dark green leafy veg, pumpkins, asparagus, mangoes, drumstick leaves.

Vitamin B6

Vit B6 plays an important role in supporting biochemical reactions of the immune system.

Sources: fish, poultry, nuts, chickpeas, dark green leafy veg, bananas, papayas.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is a vital nutrient in the formation of healthy red blood cells and DNA synthesis. Vitamin B12 along with folic acid plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy immune system.

Sources: fish, meat, poultry, eggs, milk, and milk products.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is the most powerful antioxidant known to boost immunity. It also helps in the regeneration of Vitamin E.

Sources: Indian gooseberry (amla), guava, orange, sweet lime, lemon, bell peppers, berries, red amaranth leaves, cashew fruit, kiwi, strawberry, broccoli, etc.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is essential to immune function and helps regulate the body’s immune response. You can get your dose of Vit D by standing in sunlight either on your terrace or balcony without sunscreen during the day preferably between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. If your levels of Vit D are low, consult your physician who may suggest a Vit D supplement.

Sources: Egg Yolk, cod liver oil, mushrooms, sardines, fatty fish

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a key role in regulating and supporting immune system function. It prevents oxidation of Beta Carotene and Vit A in the intestine.

Sources: nuts such as almonds, pistachios, seeds like sunflower seeds, flax seeds, garden cress seeds In addition to protein and vitamins, certain minerals like zinc, magnesium, selenium along with omega 3 fats play a key role in boosting immunity.

We can also give our immune system a boost by adding anti-viral foods easily available in our kitchen like garlic, fennel, ginger, cloves, tulsi, turmeric and coconut oil.

Making simple tweaks to your diet by including immune boosting nutrients to help to fight infections. Lastly, do not forget to maintain hygiene by washing hands regularly, wear masks when out maintain physical distancing.

(Sheryl Salis (RD, CDE, CPT, CISSN, ND, MDHA) is a Registered Dietician, Certified Diabetes Educator and Founder of Nurture Health Solutions)

For original version on mywordink.com visit: http://www.mywordink.com/health-fitness/pump-up-the-protein-and-vitamins-in-your-diet/

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JIM CARREY FEELS RENEE ZELLWEGER WAS HIS ‘LAST GREAT LOVE’

Actor Jim Carrey says actress Renee Zellweger was the love of his life.

The 58-year-old actor dated the 51-year-old actress for a year after meeting on the set of their 2000 release, “Me, Myself & Irene”.

In his new semi-autobiographical novel, “Memoirs And Misinformation”, he called her his “last great love”.

Now, while talking to Howard Stern on SiriusXM, Carrey said Zellweger was very special to him, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

“That’s true and she was special to me, very special. I think she’s lovely,” he said.

He also opened up about his relationship with singer Linda Ronstadt, who he dated before he made it big in Hollywood.

He said: “I do appreciate the people that have come through my life for the good that they gave me and that’s why (Ronstadt) has a special place in the book… Because, you know, it may have seemed like some… boy-toy kind of situation to some people looking at it from the outside but she treated me with incredible respect.”

Meanwhile, Carrey recently admitted he struggles with fame and didn’t appreciate his anonymity until he lost it.

He said: “I tripped along for a long time. No one understands the value of anonymity until they lose it. You could say, ‘Well, that’s what you asked for.’ Yes, but it’s what a child asks for before they become an adult and understands what something means. I’m not saying it’s a bad thing, but it’s an odd thing and it keeps you in the house.”

For original version on mywordink.com visit: http://www.mywordink.com/celeb/jim-carrey-feels-renee-zellweger-was-his-last-great-love/

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GANESHOTSAV TO TURN ‘AROGYAUTSAV’ AT LALBAUGCHA RAJA

First time in its 86-year history, the famed and iconic Lalbaugcha Raja Ganesh idol will not be established during the upcoming 11-day Ganeshotsav, officials said here on Wednesday.

Instead, the 11-day fest at the traditional marquee in Lalbaug area of south-central Mumbai will be transformed into a mammoth but unique ‘Arogyautsav’ (health fest), marking another first in the 127-year-old history of Ganeshotsav in the state, starting on August 22.

The visible differences in 2020 will be in adherence to Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray’s appeal to celebrate Ganeshotsav 2020 with more devotion and less pomp in the wake of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“During the ‘Arogyautsav’ we shall have 11-days of blood and plasma donation camps, help families of the soldiers martyred in the recent India-China border skirmish, Maharashtra Police personnel who lost their lives in the ongoing war against virus and other Covid-19 warriors,” Sudhir Salvi, Secretary, Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal (LRSGM) told mediapersons.

The decision to cancel the celebrations was taken at the AGM of LRSGM late on Tuesday when it was also decided to donate Rs 25 lakh to the CM Relief Fund for Covid-19 aid, he said.

To a query whether there will be token celebrations with a small idol, Salvi replied in the negative but added: “People have tremendous faith in Lalbaugcha Raja, so they may still come, we have to ensure physical distancing, besides following all the health and hygiene norms.”

Following Thackeray’s plea last week, all Ganeshotsav Mandals in the state took a voluntary decision to restrict the height of Ganesha idols to less than four feet, unprecedented in over four decades since the trend of gigantic idols started.

The normal imposing, 15-feet plus tall idol of Lalbaugcha Raja, Ganesh Gullycha Raja, Andhericha Raja and other popular mega-idols in Mumbai, Pune and other cities will be conspicuous by their absence in the Maharashtra Ganeshotsav celebrations.

A majority of the mandals have decided to have subdued, no-frills celebrations with small, manageable idols as there will be no huge processions or the elaborate immersion ceremonies at seafronts or other water bodies, as decided by the government.

The tradition of celebrating Ganeshotsav as a public festival was started in a modest way by Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak in Pune in 1893. This year, the smaller idols would mean thinner crowds, lesser decorations, fewer VVIPs like the CM, union or state ministers, top business personalities and film stars, said BrihanMumbai Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samanvay Samiti President Naresh Dahibhavkar.

Given the current crisis, all mandals would now concentrate on social activities related to the pandemic and make arrangements for online “aarti”, “puja” or “darshan” to the devotees to avoid crowds, he pointed out.

For original version on mywordink.com visit: http://www.mywordink.com/news/ganeshotsav-to-turn-arogyautsav-at-lalbaugcha-raja/

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KABIR KHAN, IMTIAZ ALI, RIMA DAS, ONIR JOIN HANDS FOR A FILM

Filmmakers Kabir Khan, Imtiaz Ali, Rima Das and Onir have teamed up for a film titled “My Melbourne”.

The quartet will work with selected Victorian filmmaking teams to mentor and then shoot short films on the themes of race, disability, sexuality and gender.

The shorts will be compiled into one film entitled “My Melbourne”, which will premiere at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) next year.

“This exciting initiative gives Victorian screen practitioners a once in a lifetime opportunity to work with some of the world’s best filmmakers and also develop relationships with them. I am delighted and thrilled that IFFM has secured four of India’s most diverse voices of independent cinema for these workshops and the creation of four short films on the core values of IFFM – diversity and inclusivity,” said IFFM Festival Director Mitu Bhowmick Lange.

The festival is now calling for authentic migrant experience story ideas. Each of the four selected teams will be assigned a budget to create an original script, striving for creativity, originality and pure storytelling.

Kabir, Imtiaz, Rima and Onir will workshop and develop the selected stories and oversee pre-production with the teams via zoom. Once travel restrictions are lifted, the four filmmakers will travel to Melbourne to shoot the films.

Imtiaz said: “The last few months have been full of life lessons for all of us. Viewing stories of identity in the context of the diverse society that we are all a part of is quintessential for us to chart our path ahead. I am looking forward to meeting a new set of people and understanding their life stories for the screen.”

Onir feels the role of a filmmaker is to trigger a dialogue. “The world we are living in calls for fresh discussions on inclusivity and diversity to reiterate strong value systems for our audiences. I am glad for the opportunity and hope it’s a step in the right direction,” he said.

Rima considers it as an honour to receive this invitation. “It’s essential for filmmakers to examine the world around them from the prism of its socio-political context. The short film will allow us to bring in authentic lived-in stories that often get lost in popular culture,” she said.

Kabir feels that celebration of “our diversity is a dialogue that should be fostered in current times. In the post-pandemic world, being one with each other in a community should be the single most important takeaway. The virus has shown us the futility of everything else. I am excited at the opportunity presented by IFFM and looking forward to the experience”.

For original version on mywordink.com visit: http://www.mywordink.com/movies/kabir-khan-imtiaz-ali-rima-das-onir-join-hands-for-a-film/

[adityamatta]

HAD TO SWALLOW MY PRIDE

Actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas says the first thing she had to do when she tried to make a career in the US was to swallow her pride.

After garnering fame in Bollywood, Priyanka started her journey in Hollywood about eight years ago.

“When I got the opportunity to come to America and get representation, I remember the first thing that I had to do was swallow my pride,” variety.com quoted Priyanka as saying.

“I had to explain who I was and what I wanted to do. There have been some incredibly prolific Indian actors that have worked in American movies and have done incredible work — like Irrfan Khan, Tabu, Anupam Kher, Amitabh Bachchan — and outside of Indian Americans like Mindy Kaling and Aziz Ansari, there was no precedent for having someone who was an Indian immigrant from outside of the American culture to come in and break global entertainment,” she added.

She made her US debut as a voice actor in Disney’s animated “Planes”. In 2015, she landed the starring role in the TV series, “Quantico”.

The actress recalls when she was a teenager watching Sarah Michelle Gellar in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”, and seeking inspiration from the character.

“I was like, ‘That’s who I want to be’. She was an amazing teenage idol. But what if at 13, I had seen someone who looked like me? The only person that I saw at that time who was culturally representative of me was Apu from ‘The Simpsons’, and he was played by a white guy, which I found out much later, obviously. But as a teenager, I didn’t see representation of myself in American pop culture or even global pop culture outside of the stereotypical caricatures of South Asians,” she said.

Now, the actress has signed a two-year multimillion-dollar first-look television deal with Amazon.

She is also collaborating with Amazon on two television projects: “Sangeet” an unscripted series co-produced with her husband, Nick Jonas, based on the Indian pre-wedding tradition in which the families of the bride and groom compete against each other in song and dance, and “Citadel”, Anthony and Joe Russo’s spy series in which she will star with Richard Madden. “

My quest really is to be able to tell female stories, work with creators from around the world and create a cross-pollination of storytelling,” said the actress, adding: “Amazon is such a great partner to do that because their reach and outlook is so global. My Amazon television deal is a global deal, so I can do Hindi language, I can do English language, I can do whatever language I want.”

According to variety.com, a report published in May, research firm Media Partners Asia forecast that Amazon will reach 17 million subscribers in the country in 2020, just behind market leader Disney+ Hotstar, with 18 million.

The actress is also leading “Sheela”, a feature based on the Netflix docu-series “Wild Wild Country”. She will star as Ma Anand Sheela, assistant to guru Bhagwan Rajneesh. She will next be seen in Netflix’s “We Can Be Heroes” with director Robert Rodriguez, as well as “The White Tiger”. She is also shooting for “The Matrix 4”, which recently resumed filming after production was halted by the coronavirus pandemic.

For original version on mywordink.com visit: http://www.mywordink.com/movies/had-to-swallow-my-pride/

[adityamatta]

INDIA BANS 59 CHINESE APPS OVER NATIONAL SECURITY CONCERNS

The Indian government on Monday banned nearly 59 Chinese apps including TikTok, WeChat and UC Browser and Xiaomi’s Mi Community over national security concerns as India-China bilateral relations remain strained after the death of 20 Indian soldiers in the Galwan Valley clash with Chinese PLA troops in eastern Ladakh.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has issued a list of 59 Chinese apps that are now banned in the country.

“These measures have been undertaken since there is credible information that these apps are engaged in activities which are prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order,” said a MeitY statement.

The ministry received complaints from various sources including several reports about misuse of some mobile apps available on Android and iOS platforms for stealing and surreptitiously transmitting users’ data in an unauthorised manner to servers which have locations outside India.

“The compilation of these data, its mining and profiling by elements hostile to national security and defence of India, which ultimately impinges upon the sovereignty and integrity of India, is a matter of very deep and immediate concern which requires emergency measures,” the statement read.

The MeitY said the move will safeguard the interests of crores of Indian mobile users.

“There have been raging concerns on aspects relating to data security and safeguarding the privacy of 130 crore Indians. It has been noted recently that such concerns also pose a threat to sovereignty and security of our country,” said the government.

Other Chinese apps in the banned list are Club Factory, SHAREit, Likee, Mi Video Call (Xiaomi), Weibo, Baidu, Bigo Live and more.

Earlier this month, Indian intelligence agencies red flagged these Chinese apps over safety and privacy issues of users.

The government needs to either block access to these apps or advise people to stop their use, according to the intel inputs, said the agencies.

The report comes amid growing chorus from Indian activists to boycott Chinese products due to the border tensions between the two countries in Ladakh.

The recommendations of the intelligence agencies have backing of the National Security Council Secretariat which determined that certain China-linked applications could be detrimental to the country’s security, said the report citing an unnamed government official.

For original version on mywordink.com visit: http://www.mywordink.com/whats-new-online/india-bans-59-chinese-apps-over-national-security-concerns/

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KANGANA ACCUSES TOP STYLIST OF MAKING MONEY WITH HER PICS DESPITE BANNING HER FROM MAGAZINE

Kangana Ranaut has called out renowned costume stylist Anaita Shroff Adajania, who is Fashion Director at Vogue India, for using her pictures and “promoting themselves” despite banning her.

A tweet posted by Kangana’s team also mentioned “@VogueIndia has banned Kangana” because “@Anaita_Adajania (their style editor & now Fashion Director) is very close to Karan Johar”.

Kangana said in a statement: “During my movie �Fashion’ release in 2008 Vogue did a cover with Priyanaka Chopra and refused to put me on their cover they said I am not an A-lister, in 2014 Vogue approached me for a cover but Anaita refused to style me she sent her assistant and they shot it in Mukesh mills ( Mumbai-based ruined mill ),”

Kangana claimed that after her success in “Queen”, she was asked to do covers with them.

“In 2015 post my sudden ascend to the top position they said if I want to do covers with them then I must attend their beauty awards I requested like other film stars I too want to shoot outdoors for a cover story with Vogue, I requested that Anaita styles me, they promised but again they shot my cover in Mukesh mills same location they did the last cover and when I asked for clothes fitting they said �if you want Anaita to style you she will directly come to location no fittings for you’, this was shocking behaviour,” Kangana added.

“I felt so humiliated, those are the only two covers I did with them.”

The actress said after that she was “openly banned”.

“But during �Manikarnika’, I spoke to their head Alex and told him I need to promote my film I wished to do a cover with them, they asked for few favours like attend their beauty award and shoot a cover for their upcoming magazine but they refuse to shoot the promised Vogue cover story with me for any of my movie promotions, but I see that they keep using my pictures and videos to promote themselves, is this fair ? Isn’t it supposed to be beneficial for both the parties involved?”

Kangana’s team on social media has blamed Anaita for banning the actress and still using her old videos to “keep making money”.

A tweet from the handle Team Kangana Ranaut shared an article from the magazine Vogue titled” Kangana Ranaut takes us inside her Mumbai home’s sprawling walk-in closet”.

“@VogueIndia has banned Kangana, (her last cover with them was 5 years ago), because @Anaita_Adajania (their style editor & now Fashion Director) is very close to Karan Johar, but is it fair for them to keep using her old videos to keep making money?” the tweet read.

For orignal version on mywordink.com visit: http://www.mywordink.com/celeb/kangana-accuses-top-stylist-of-making-money-with-her-pics-despite-banning-her-from-magazine/

[adityamatta]

ABHISHEK AND PRAGYA KAPOOR’S CHARITY TRIBUTE TO SUSHANT SINGH RAJPUT

Filmmaker Abhishek Kapoor and his wife Pragya Kapoor will honour the memory of late actor Sushant Singh Rajput by feeding 3400 impoverished families.

“It’s our way of honouring him and his craft, everything he has done and achieved, to celebrate him and everything he stands for. As friends it gives us something to hold on to,” Pragya said.

Sushant made his Bollywood debut as an actor in the Abhishek Kapoor-directed “Kai Po Che” (2013), and the actor-filmmaker duo also collaborated on “Kedarnath” in 2018.

Abhishek and Pragya were present at Sushant’s funeral ceremony, which took place on June 15.

Mourning the demise of Sushant, Abhishek took to social media, calling him “interstellar”. He wrote: “I am shocked and deeply saddened by the loss of my friend. We made two very special films together. He was a generous and fabulous actor, who worked very hard to breathe life into his characters. I pray for his family, whose loss is unmeasurable. He was a huge Science buff and what consumed by what lay beyond in the universe. I’m going to miss you brother. Stay interstellar.”

The charity gesture initiated in Sushant’s honour will be conducted via Pragya’s NGO Ek Saath: The Earth Foundation.

Sushant breathed his last on June 14. He was found hanging at his home in Mumbai.

For original version on mywordink.com visit: http://www.mywordink.com/news/abhishek-and-pragya-kapoors-charity-tribute-to-sushant-singh-rajput/

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AJAY DEVGN TO PRESENT BILINGUAL CRIME THRILLER SERIES ‘LALBAZAAR’

Actor-producer Ajay Devgn will be presenting an upcoming bilingual crime-thriller web series, “Lalbazaar”.

“While the web series talks about crimes committed and solved, it also focuses on the human side of the lives of the police squad and allows the audience to get a glimpse into the lives of those who protect them 24/7. It gives me immense pleasure to introduce you all to the world to ‘Lalbazaar’,” said Devgn.

“I have always enjoyed playing characters where good triumphs evil. It is not easy to emulate the lives of our brave police force and I consider myself lucky to have had the opportunity of playing roles in the uniform. Especially during the lockdown, the sheer hard-work and perseverance that the police force is putting in is highly commendable. They have my utmost respect,” he said.

The Zee5 show is set against Kolkata’s iconic police headquarters building, Lalbazaar. It features Koushik Sen, Sabyasachi Chakrabarty, Hrishitaa Bhatt, Dibyendu Bhattacharya, and Subrat Dutta among others, and is directed by Sayantan Ghosal.

For original version on mywordink.com visit:  http://www.mywordink.com/movies/ajay-devgn-to-present-bilingual-crime-thriller-series-lalbazaar/