THE MELON SYSTEM

Determined to find an uplifting moment every day, the Yorkshire photographer Rebecca Cole has been in search of images that bring spring to her family and friends in lockdown. She has been sharing a daily image with them via Blipfoto for the last six and a half years, but photographing nature has provided a particularly welcome escape in recent weeks

Cutting short our holiday to Cuba as Covid-19 took off, it was an eerie feeling transferring through an emptying Paris Charles de Gaulle airport in the middle of the day with the shutters down on duty free. I wasn’t sure what to expect when we got home but, while life felt uncertain, I knew my wildlife - my haven - would still be there. The countryside around Burley-in-Wharfedale, my home, has become my daily sanctuary, now more than ever.

The German Society for Nature Photography (GDT) has announced its Nature Photographer of the Year 2020. 

This year, for the first time in the GDT's history, voting was carried out online, due to the pandemic. 

The unprecedented health crisis, triggered by COVID-19, is perhaps a stark reminder that man should now learn to respect nature and not tinker with it, says Indian shuttler Sameer Verma. In India, the coronavirus pandemic has killed more than 500 people and infected over 17,000, forcing the government to lockdown the country till May 3 to contain the deadly disease. The global situation is worse as 1,65,174 deaths have been recorded so far and more than 24 lakh positive cases reported. "We have been running after materialistic things for so many years now and this lockdown period, whatever is happening globally at the moment, it has taught us a lot that we shouldn't tinker with nature," Sameer told PTI.

"I hope after the crisis is over, it will change people's outlook towards things. We should not do anything that harms nature," added Sameer, who is spending so much time at home after about 14 years. The shuttler also felt that the coronavirus-forced break is an opportunity to fix mental weakness and that a six-week training regime should be good enough to regain match-fitness after normalcy returns. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced Badminton World Federation (BWF) to suspend all tournaments till the end of July and forced countries across the globe to shut borders. "It is an opportunity for everyone to analyse their own game and work on them. When we play, there are moments where we have been mentally weak, so during this time, you can rectify that and come out mentally stronger. I think it is a good time to work on mental strength," Sameer said.

"This break brings everyone at same level. If someone was playing well then his rhythm will be broken and someone who was not in form, it gives a chance to regain that." The Tokyo Olympics also got pushed to 2021 due to the rapidly-spreading pandemic with the BWF freezing world ranking by backdating it to March 17, 2020 until the international tournaments start again. "When things become normal, I don't think people will straight away run after tournaments. It is same situation for everybody right now, so at least players will train for at least six weeks before turning up for tournament," Sameer said. The 25-year-old from Madhya Pradesh, who won three tournaments in 2018, was close to breaking into coveted top 10 bracket last year but a shoulder injury followed by a dip in form dented his chances.

"Last year I had shoulder injury after June-July but I couldn't perform much in the second half. Fortunately, I'm completely fit now, so was looking forward to this year. I played three events this year before everything was suspended," said Sameer, who slumped from world number 11 to 31. Asked how is he maintaining his fitness, he said: "We are doing some basic training like strengthen, agility, push ups, wall practice, standing shadows to maintain our basic fitness." Athletes across the globe have been stressing on the need to maintain mental health during his lockdown period and Sameer said working out physically regularly will keep all mental issues at bay. "If you are training or doing exercises or being in touch with the sport you love even in a small way then I don't think you will get affected mentally," he said. The 2018 World Tour Finals semifinalist was also not too worried about the financial implications of the pandemic. "Everyone will be affected, people will suffer loses but then life is important and once things get normal, you can recover from the losses," he signed off.

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Ahead of the Earth Day, actor Sara Ali Khan on Tuesday shared her love for mother Earth through a collage of beautiful throwback pictures with exotic natural beauty forming the backdrop.

The 'Simmba' star took to Instagram and shared a collage of pictures taken at different locations. In the first one, Sara is seen in the beautiful location of mountains and hills as she smiles while looking at the camera. The second picture features the 'Kedarnath' actor enjoying a camel ride, while the third seems to be caught when Sara was adoring two beautiful tigers in a forest.

 

 

 

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Happy Earth Day 🌍 🗺 ☮ï¸Ââ™»ï¸Â About Mother Nature what to say 💁🏻‍♀ï¸Â Snowflakes in December, Jungles in May ❄ï¸Ââ›„ï¸ÂðŸŒ³ðŸ¯ 🐅On the beach, where the hair can sway 🏝 🌊 In the mountains, on my sleigh 🏔🛷 In the desert, the camel leads the way 🏜 🌵🐪 But for now at home we must stay 🏠 And with gratitude and appreciation thank Mother Earth everyday 🙏🏻🙌🏻ðŸ¤Â— #stayhome #staysafe #staypositive

A post shared by Sara Ali Khan (@saraalikhan95) onApr 21, 2020 at 6:57am PDT

In the fifth picture, she is seen beside crystal clear water of a seacoast. The last picture features Sara in an ice-covered backdrop where she is packed in cold-resistant jackets while sitting on a sleigh posing for the camera.

Taking to the captions, the 24-year-old actor expressed her love for mother earth by the means of a poem in the caption that read, "Happy Earth About Mother Nature what to say. Snowflakes in December, Jungles in May. On the beach, where the hair can sway. In the mountains, on my sleigh. In the desert, the camel leads the way. But for now at home we must stay. And with gratitude and appreciation thank Mother Earth everyday #stayhome #staysafe #staypositive."

Ishaan Khatter commented and teased Sara on posting ahead of the Earth Day and wrote, "Maine Bhi yeh hi ghalti ki ..in one small detail the problem lay; Earth day is tomorrow, errbody thinkin we cray."

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On Earth Day, Richa Chadha made a video encapsulating a few things we can all practice to make a difference to nature. The video was simple and easy to understand for her fans of all ages. Admittedly, she's vegan because of the damage caused to the environment by large scale meat production. Here's hoping everyone can take a cue and learn to make basic changes to their lifestyles, so that the benefits of nature we're enjoying during this lockdown, can extend even when everyone gets back to work.

Richa's minute-long video explains simple tips and tricks to help save earth. It's not always about the larger things, small changes and differences can start at home. Her tips are easy to follow varying from making a small space to grow own basic produce like herbs at home or using recycled bottles of water instead of plastic or even avoid running tap water during brushing or segregating ones home waste or using kitchen scraps as compost for plants.

 

 

 

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A post shared by Richa Chadha (@therichachadha) onApr 21, 2020 at 11:06pm PDT

Richa says on her social media, "Made a video today for earth day. These things are simple enough even for a 6-year-old but sometimes we tend to forget even the basics that can help contribute. While everyone is busy sharing videos and images of peacocks on roads, dolphins in the sea, clear blue skies. We shouldn't forget that nature is healing and we must not get back to our old ways when the lockdown is relaxed".

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Appreciating the 'beauty of nature,' actor Alia Bhatt recited a poem on Wednesday to mark the golden jubilee of Earth Day. The 27-year-old actor took to Instagram and shared a video singing a poem dedicated to mother Earth.

 

 

 

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My attempt at writing a little something to celebrate earth day☀ï¸Â #EarthDayEveryDay

A post shared by Alia Bhatt ☀ï¸Â (@aliaabhatt) onApr 22, 2020 at 4:26am PDT

She said: "Hi guys, today is Earth Day and I was doing some writing and I dedicated writing a little poem, expressing the way I feel today and kind of every day." The 'Raazi' actor started reciting, "Today and every day, I'm grateful. For the sunrise and sunset. For the forests full of trees. The animals, the birds. The lakes, rivers and seas. I'm grateful for all we've built, Our bridges and our streets. I'm grateful for the love that binds us and the wind that sometimes knocks us off our feet.

"In these uncertain times, I'm grateful for those who put themselves in danger for us. Our saviours, the world's warriors! Today and everyday, promise to care for our planet and all it has to offer. I promise to value our home by doing better I choose to celebrate earth day Today and every single day!" The 'Highway' star captioned the post as, "Today and Everyday. My attempt at writing a little something to celebrate earth day[?] #EarthDayEveryDay."

Celebrity followers including Zoya Akhtar, Dia Mirza left their lovable comments on the post. Meanwhile, scores of leading ladies of the Bollywood industry took to social media to mark the golden jubilee of Earth Day.

Veteran actor Hema Malini tweeted: "Today is Earth Day. With the Coronavirus raging everywhere, time for us to reflect on how we have ravaged Mother Earth, stripping her of trees & vegetation & destroying the ozone layer."

Kajol tweeted: "The earth does not belong to man. Man belongs to the earth. If that has not been proved categorically to us at this time I don't think it ever will be. Happy #EarthDay2020 to all the remaining species."

Others including Dia Mirza, Shilpa Shetty, Madhuri Dixit, and Bhumi Pednekar also took a moment to appreciate nature and thank mother Earth in different ways.

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Unidentified persons allegedly tried to withdraw nearly Rs 26 crore through cheques by forging signatures of senior civic and health officials from Thane district in Maharashtra, police said on Sunday. However, their attempts were foiled by alert bank officials, a police spokesperson said.

Two banks informed the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) that some unidentified persons came to their branches in Pune and Chennai in the last few days carrying cheques worth around Rs 26 crore and bearing signatures of civic commissioner Sanjeev Jaiswal and health officer R T Kendre, the official said. They informed the TMC that these persons wanted to deposit the cheques in favour of some private organisations.

On cross-checking with the TMC about such high-value cheques, the banks got to know that those were not issued by the civic body, she said. Later, during verification, the cheques were found to be carrying forged signatures and stamps of the senior civic and health officials, she said.

Based on a complaint by the civic body, an offence was registered on Saturday against unidentified persons under various Indian Penal Code sections for forgery and cheating, the police spokesperson said. No arrest was made so far, she said, adding that a probe was underway in the matter.

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Dear Diana,
My wife often falls prey to idle gossip. She then gets worked up and questions me. I find this irritating. Last week, one of my distant relatives was in town. He told her that I was friendly with this girl during my college days and how she used to often drop in at home. As soon as I was back from work that day, she threw a fuss. She felt I had hidden this aspect of mine from her. She wanted me to confess if I was in touch with her. I was angry and told her to not believe such nonsense. Then again someone told her that they had seen me in Bandra with some people. Her mind got working again overtime. She felt I was hanging out and having fun while she was sitting alone at home. I have told her not to believe in idle talk, but she refuses to pay any heed. How do I knock sense into her head?
— Lokesh

Dear Lokesh,
Your wife is not only suspicious, but has a problem on hand. She seems to be suffering from a personality disorder. She needs help. You need to seek a counsellor. At the same time, you need to tell the people around to stop feeding her with constant information about you. They may be saying things for a lark without any meaning. But she gives their talk a whole new meaning which is agonising you. Talking about your college days friendship with a girl is of no consequence now. Your relative may have said it by way of casual talk, but your wife sees red. You need to calm her down and tell her not to react to everything see sees, hears or overhears. She also needs to be gainfully employed or pursue a hobby. As they say an empty mind is a devil's workshop and your wife is a classic case of it.

Treating fans with glamorous look and a picturesque valley, Bollywood's beauty queen Janhvi Kapoor on Tuesday shared a throwback picture clicked in the nature's lap. The star kid, who made her Bollywood debut with the hit flick 'Dhadak,' took to Instagram to post the picture in which she is wearing a yellow and white coloured off-shoulder gown.

 

 

 

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This is what my dreams look like these days #thegreatoutdoors #tbt

A post shared by Janhvi Kapoor (@janhvikapoor) onMay 5, 2020 at 2:29am PDT

In the picture, Kapoor is seen lying down at the top of a lush-green hill while the rest of the valley in the background with the hues of rainbow further added to the aesthetics of the picture. In the caption of the picture, the 23-year-old actor said that her dreams these days resemble the picture.

"This is what my dreams look like these days #thegreatoutdoors #tbt," she captioned the picture. Like all other Bollywood celebrities, Kapoor too is currently staying inside her house following the nationwide lockdown that was imposed to contain the spread of coronavirus.

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People who spend less free-time in nature were less likely to take actions that benefit the environment, such as recycling, buying eco-friendly products, and environmental volunteering.

Toward a decision-making framework for two of Africa’s transboundary basins.

New genetic signature combining specific maternal and fetal gene variants are associated with a higher risk of preeclampsia, reports a new study. The

Choreographer Shiamak Davar has recalled working with Madhuri Dixit and praised her humble nature and performances in movies.

“I congratulate Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau, President of the European Council Donald Tusk, and President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker on the signature of the Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA). The deal comes at a crucial time when slowing trade growth and low investment are contributing to the weakness of the global economy.

celand has been experiencing a tourism boom. The number of tourists visiting annually quadrupled between 2010 and 2016 and shows continued strength. The tourism sector is now the major export earner and is also creating new jobs and supporting new businesses.

Nat King Cole's 1948 hit made an unlikely celebrity of its back-to-nature songwriter, and established Cole's solo career - but, says Mike Hobart, it also lived through racial bigotry and legal action before covers by Sinatra, Bowie and Lady Gaga. Credits: The Restoration Project, Columbia Records, Interscope Records  

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He is a triple Olympic medallist for gymnastics - but new heartthrob Louis Smith has warned against underestimating the sport

Known for his rock hard abs, diamond-encrusted smile and questionable interview skills, Lochte has filed for ownership of the word in anticipation of a line of merchandise.

De Ligt became the most sought after youngster in the world after a huge breakthrough season with Ajax, and he has attracted heavy interest from the likes of Juventus and Barcelona.

A stunning picture of a hare standing in a field at dusk has won the German Society for Nature Photography's 2020 Nature Photographer of the Year contest.

The 43-year-old country star showed his softer side Monday on The Voice as he recalled the humble beginnings of his career after a contestant performed his signature song, Ol' Red.

Zenit St Petersburg manager Andre Villas-Boas is ready to battle with his former club Chelsea for the signature of Radamel Falcao, according to reports in Russia.

DOMINIC LAWSON: This was meant to be bad news, and in a way it is: Storm Ciara (easier to write than to pronounce) has swept across the United Kingdom.

The Duchess of Cambridge, 37, was the picture of elegance on Thursday as she arrived at Thomas's Battersea with William, 37, and their son George, six, for Charlotte's first day of school.

According to Bild, the move would likely have been completed sooner if not for the coronavirus outbreak but Dortmund remain confident of landing the talented 16-year-old.

The 1954 family card, which features a photo of the young royal couple with Prince Charles, five, and Princess Anne, two, topped a list on the most valuable living signatures in 2020.

Sofia Vergara flaunted her famous curves in her signature Sofia Jeans by Sofia Vergara denim bottoms, while indulging in some retail therapy at Saks Fifth Avenue in Beverly Hills on Thursday.

The fashion designer, 45, swapped her signature wide-legged trousers for a pair of spray-on black jeans, showcasing her lithe pins to perfection.

The fashion designer, 45, cut a stylish figure in a £520 lemon yellow polo neck from her the new season of her own collection as she posed for the snap.

'I was gutted when Madonna came along,' confesses Eighties icon Kim Wilde. 'It was awful - the worst time in my life. I just thought, "How am I ever going to compete with this?"'

The singer, 61, who is recovering from knee surgery, relied her signature cane as she left the Hotel Crillon in Paris on Tuesday.

MY SPORTING HERO BY CALUM CROWE: Growing up in Ayrshire, I was raised on a diet of Junior football and links golf. Both were in my blood from an early age and have stuck with me.

Instagramer Funky Matas became an internet sensation with his 225 tattoo signatures on his back. The signatures include ones from Will Smith, Chris Rock and Gerald Butler.

The sexy shoot was released as Kim premiered her documentary Kim Kardashian West: The Justice Project, documenting her advocacy for prison reform with #Cut50.