via http://the-wiretap.com/

via http://the-wiretap.com/

It all began in 2004 when the late Pandit Chitresh Das, credited with having played an instrumental role in taking kathak to the US and establishing it amongst the Indian diaspora there, joined hands with Emmy-winning tap dancer Jason Samuels Smith. The result was a collaborative performance, India Jazz Suites, which paved the way for artistes practising the two dance forms, continents and ages apart, to unite to celebrate them in the years to come.

Speak – Rhythm in Feet is a performance that carries forward the legacy of Pandit Das, and iconic tap dancers Dr Jimmy Slyde and James Buster Brown. Choreographed by Rina Mehta and Rachna Nivas — disciples of the former and founders of Los Angeles-based Leela Dance Collective — and acclaimed international tap dancers Michelle Dorrance and Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards, it premiered in San Francisco in 2017. On its maiden tour of India, it will debut in Mumbai tonight, followed by shows in Kolkata and Gurugram.

Edwards and Dorrance perform to the beats of the tabla and drums

"Rhythm, music and dance are universal languages. So, we share a lot of common ground, which allowed us to create a performance of this kind. Also, both Pandit Das and Jason Samuels Smith were keen on seeing women artistes come to the forefront; something we felt strongly about, too," Mehta tells us, before heading to a rehearsal in Andheri. She adds that they are particular about not calling this a fusion performance."It is not a gimmick. The idea is to let the two dance styles come together, but stay true to their essence," says Mehta.

Dorrance shares that though rhythm reigns supreme in kathak and tap dance; their time signatures — notations to specify the number of beats contained in each measure — vary. "One of the compositions sits inside a time signature that has nine and a half beats. I have never tried this in tap dance," she says. These challenges, however, have long been overcome. For, one of the highlights of the show is a "sawaal jawaab with tap and tabla", where Dorrance and Edwards respond to the beats of the tabla with corresponding tap footwork. The sitar, piano, bass and drums are the other musical accompaniments.

In this coming together of the similarities and differences between kathak and tap dance, however, there is a deeper message. "The world is becoming increasingly polarised. But we feel that what makes it a beautiful place is this diversity, of people and art forms. The way we could come together is to find a common ground, and celebrate what makes us unique at the same time."

ON Tonight, 7 pm
AT Royal Opera House, Mama Paramanand Marg, Girgaum 
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Thane Crime Branch Unit I on Wednesday arrested a man along with two others for allegedly procuring the Call Detail Records (CDR) of his wife's phone while the couple's divorce case is on. The victim has also alleged that a police officer has been helping her husband get the call records of her and her friend's phones.

According to the police, Ketan Bundela married Surjit Kaur in 2011, and filed for a divorce in the same year. He later began harassing Kaur, who sought help from her friend Vishal Patane. Bundela was also aided by his brother Kunal and brother-in-law Farooq Shaikh in harassing Kaur.

Bundela and Kaur worked together in a well-known company, where the two fell in love and decided to get married. "My nightmare began right from the second day of our marriage. They made me participate in some horrible rituals. My husband also asked me to maintain relations with his brother Kunal. I soon left that house and returned to Mumbai from Pune. He then sent me a divorce notice. He also influenced my lawyer which is why the case is still on," said Kaur.

Along with her friend Patane, Kaur recently caught hold of Shaikh's phone when they found the CDR and thus approached the Crime Branch. "We have arrested the accused and secured their custody. There is so far no involvement of any police officer," said a Crime Branch officer.

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Call it red-tape or over-sensitivity about allowing non-essential shops to remain open in Mumbai amid the COVID-19 pandemic, but government agencies, especially the BMC, were apprehensive through most of Monday about allowing liquor shops to resume business even as thousands lined up for their favourite tipple since early morning.

The state government issued orders on Sunday that standalone retail liquor shops could do business in red, orange and green zones excluding containment areas between 10 am and 6 pm from Monday.

Following the state order, the State Excise Department's Mumbai city and suburban superintendents and district collectors came up with joint notifications a few hours before the 6 pm deadline and a little after 3.30 pm, some liquor shops opened, with some of them allowing only one bottle per customer.

A man with his liquor stock in Sion on Monday. Pic/Pradeep Dhivar

However, the BMC hadn't made any announcement till 5 pm. Some of its assistance commissioners tweeted early morning that non-essentials shops (including liquor shops) should not be opened without the BMC nod.

Municipal Commissioner Praveen Pardeshi did not respond to text messages. When told about the chaos, Chief Secretary Ajoy Mehta assured to look into the matter. A senior BMC official said in the two video-conferences that Pardeshi held with state government bureaucrats, liquor shops were not discussed.

Meantime, Principal Secretary Bhushan Gagrani, in-charge of media relations for state government's COVID-19 mitigation, said in a press conference online that local authorities like municipal commissioners and district collectors are authorised to overrule the state's common guidelines under the powers vested in them by the Epidemic Diseases Act. But he said local authorities were told to issue separate orders elucidating the reasons behind stalling the state guideline. Nagpur and Aurangabad Collectors have specifically told state bosses that they won't allow liquor shops to reopen. Whereas, other collectors, who thought of allowing the measure, were prompt in circulating orders to retailers and other stakeholders.

A senior excise department official told mid-day that Greater Mumbai's case was different. "Here at least four agencies are involved in decision-making. We followed the state's orders and issued our own notifications that would also go to licensed retailers. BMC and city police are the other two agencies which have been working jointly in COVID-19 mitigation and they know the fight and its nuances for taking any further decisions," the officer said.

By late afternoon, some Excise Department officials had reached BMC headquarters to hand over the department's order and also seek information on containment areas. "It's a tricky situation that needs to be tackled in a foolproof process. Such decisions don't happen very quickly. The other side is that the shop operators might have their own difficulties like deputing healthy staff (50 per cent of the total strength) on counters. Shops might not have inventory and require new stock from wholesalers," he said, adding the business was likely to resume smoothly in a day or two, provided that the BMC gives a green signal.

6PM
Time by which liquor shops must shut

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Late actor Irrfan Khan's wife Sutapa Sikdar took to social media to pen a healtfelt message for the actor, who passed away on Wednesday. She updated her Facebook display picture with an adorable picture of herself hugging Irrfan and captioned: "I have not lost I have gained in every which way...."

Reacting to the post, several users paid condolences to her and her sons, Babil and Ayan. "You are strong. Love," a user commented. Another user wrote: "Super salute to you."

Sutapa and Irrfan met each other during their college days at National School of Drama, Delhi where they fell in love with each other and later tied the knot in 1995.

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The brilliant Irrfan Khan passed away on April 29, 2020, after battling neuroendocrine cancer for over two years. The actor has left behind a huge void in the lives of his family, friends and fans. Irrfan Khan is survived by his wife, Sutapa Sikdar, and his sons Babil and Ayaan.

In an official family statement, Irrfan's wife Sutapa and sons have asked us to think of this as a gain, not a loss. The family writes, "How can I write this as a family statement when the whole world is taking it as a personal loss? How can I begin to feel alone when millions are grieving with us at the moment? I want to assure everyone that this is not a loss, it is a gain. It's a gain of the things he taught us, and now we shall finally begin to truly implement it and evolve. Yet, I want to try to fill in the things that people don't already know."

The statement further read, "It's unbelievable for us but I would put it in Irrfan's words, 'it's magical' whether he is there or not, and that's what he loved; he never loved one-dimensional reality. The only thing I have a grudge against him is - he has spoiled me for life. His strive for perfection doesn't let me settle for ordinary in anything. There was a rhythm which he always saw in everything, even in cacophony and chaos, so I have learnt to sing and dance to the music of that rhythm, even with my tone-deaf voice and two left feet."

"Funnily, our life was a masterclass in acting, so when the dramatic entry of the "uninvited guests" happened, I had by then learnt to see harmony in the cacophony. The doctor's reports were like scripts which I wanted to perfect, so I never miss any detail that he sought for in his performance. We met some amazing people in this journey and the list is endless, but there are some whom I have to mention, our oncologist Dr. Nitesh Rohtogi (Max hospital Saket) who held our hand in the beginning, Dr. Dan Krell (UK), Dr. Shidravi (UK), my heartbeat and my lantern in the dark Dr. Sevanti Limaye (Kokilaben hospital). It's difficult to explain how wondrous, beautiful, overwhelming, painful and exciting this journey has been."

I find these two and a half years to have been an interlude that had its own beginning, middle and culmination with Irrfan helming the role of the orchestra conductor, separate from the 35 years of our companionship. Ours was not a marriage, it was a union. I see my little family, in a boat, with both my sons Babil and Ayaan paddling it forward, with Irrfan guiding them, "wahan nahi, yahan se modo". But since life is not cinema and there are no retakes, I sincerely wish my children sail this boat safely with their father's guidance in mind and rockabye through the storm. I asked my children, if possible, if they could sum up a lesson taught by their father that has been important to them...

Babil: Learn to surrender to the dance of uncertainty and trust your faith in the universe.
Ayaan: Learn to control your mind and to not let it control you."

"Tears will flow as we plant a raat ki rani tree, his favourite, in the place where you have put him to rest after a victorious journey. It takes time but it will bloom and the fragrance will spread and touch all the souls whom I won't call fans but family for years to come."

The Angrezi Medium actor was admitted to Mumbai's Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani hospital with a colon infection, where he passed away. Irrfan's most memorable works include Salaam Bombay!, Maqbool, The Namesake, A Mighty Heart, Paan Singh Tomar, Life of Pi, The Lunchbox, Haider, Gunday, Piku, Talvar, and Hindi Medium, amongst others.

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In 1996, when lyricist Nitin Raikwar dropped by on the set of Aamir Khan's Ghulam, on the recommendation of actor and filmmaker Neeraj Vora, it was to craft gimmicky dialogues for Khan's next film, Sarfarosh. "They wanted me to write funny shayaris for one of the characters in the film," he says. The shoot was at Sanpada in Navi Mumbai, and due to a technical snag, the crew had plenty of time to kill. "I noticed that Aamir was relatively free at that point, so I went up to him and requested that he give one of the songs I had written a listen. He heard it, and immediately called director Vikram Bhatt. They both thought the song was unusual but nice," recalls Raikwar. That song was Aati Kya Khandala, eventually sung by Khan himself, becoming a number that would make it to every Bambaiyya Hindi song list after.

Nitin Raikwar, sought to capture the mood of Goa. Pic/Satej Shinde

Raikwar went on to continue to use the slang in some of his memorable songs including Apun Bola Tu Meri Laila from Josh (2000), Excuse Me Kya Re from Style (2001) and the iconic Khallas from Ram Gopal Varma's Company (2002). Raikwar has also worked on children's films, and penned lyrics for Chota Chetan (1998), Jajantaram Mamantaram (2003) and others like Pyar Tune Kya Kiya (2001), Aankhein (2002) and Main Madhuri Dixit Banna Chahti Hoon (2003). "I think what worked for me at that point was the novelty factor. People dig variety. For instance, we may love our vada pav, but when the burger made an entry in early 2000, we started queuing up for it. It's the same with songs," he says. These days, Raikwar is working on his debut album for which he has collaborated with Shrikant Ahire, one of Maharashtra's foremost shadow dancers. He plans to release a single from it next month. The song is called Khan Sahab Apne Ladke Ko Sambhal. "I thought I'd write in a manner that people identify with. I can't write in a flowery and larger-than-life way. It's not me."

Apun Bola from Josh, which was written by Nitin Raikwar

Writing in tapori language was a skill that Raikwar developed after he moved to Mumbai from Pune in 1987. By then, he had already tried his hand at singing in orchestras, something his father wanted him to do since he was a successful show organiser. "But I didn't see myself singing in orchestras all my life. I was aware of the risk and struggle involved in Bollywood, but I was adamant to make it," he says. With little money to spend, Raikwar's story reads like that of so many others who move to Mumbai from smaller towns to try their luck. "When a man is struggling, he spends time with people who are like him. So I would sit at chai tapris and talk to rickshawallas, drivers and daily wage labourers. Because I'm talkative and an extrovert by nature, I could strike up a conversation with just about anyone. That's how I picked up the slang," he says. Even when he didn't have projects, Raikwar would write and seek feedback from his friends, some of whom were already working in the film industry as supporting actors. And it's through their assistance that he finally met Anil Kapoor on the sets of Ladla. "I consider that the turning point in my life.

Anil Kapoor felt I had potential and introduced me to directors and filmmakers," he says. Raikwar's first song was Teri Tirchi Nazar Main Hai Jaadoo for Anil Kapoor-starrer Loafer in 1996. But it was Aati Kya Khandala that earned him fame like no other. In fact, it helped him bag a Shah Rukh Khan film soon after. "I remember writing Apun Bola in 15 minutes after I heard the script. I wanted it to reflect Goan culture so I included words like kokum curry. You'll also find words like 'hoinga' and 'karenga', just the way a Catholic aunty would say them," he says.

In 2014, Raikwar had to put all work on the backburner for two years due to an illness. It began with bouts of headache, and he was later diagnosed with subdural hematoma of the brain. "The clots had to be removed through surgery. For a long time, I couldn't work because of the illness. I'm fine now, and hope to get back to what I do best," he says.

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Last year, the tax burden in OECD countries reached its highest level recorded, at 34.2 percent of gross domestic product, up 20 basis points on 2016, largely due to increasing taxes on personal consumption and companies.

Last year, the tax burden in OECD countries reached its highest level recorded, at 34.2 percent of gross domestic product, up 20 basis points on 2016, largely due to increasing taxes on personal consumption and companies.

And when it comes to adapting to climate change, knowledge is power, which is why a new programme to gather continent-wide information on water could be a game-changer.

As we mark World Water Day, experts and communities alike will be sharing messages on water scarcity under climate change, emphasizing the need to use this precious resource judiciously. ‘Don’t take more than you need,’ they’ll advise.

And when it comes to adapting to climate change, knowledge is power, which is why a new programme to gather continent-wide information on water could be a game-changer.

As we mark World Water Day, experts and communities alike will be sharing messages on water scarcity under climate change, emphasizing the need to use this precious resource judiciously. ‘Don’t take more than you need,’ they’ll advise.

Following a proper hand washing procedure can prevent a wide range of hospital-related infections, reports a new study. The findings of the study are

Face masks may protect Livestock workers like those who work on hog farms from a resistant form of staph bacteria. Even the family members of these farmers

By participating more effectively in the global production of goods and services, Africa can transform its economy and achieve a development breakthrough, according to the latest African Economic Outlook, released at the African Development Bank Group’s Annual Meetings.

Kevin Hart has just got a major burden released from his shoulders. Reportedly, the actor and comedian has had his $60 million sex tape lawsuit dismissed.

The poem describes the majestic ruler who bravely fought in the war fields, riding on his Chetak (horse) and Ramprasad (the elephant) killing all this opponents with his sword, the symbol of Rana Prathap's power.

On the 480th anniversary of Maharana Pratap, we look back at the life of this great king who has become one of the greatest figures in Indian history.

By participating more effectively in the global production of goods and services, Africa can transform its economy and achieve a development breakthrough, according to the latest African Economic Outlook, released at the African Development Bank Group’s Annual Meetings.

This paper compares Finland’s benefit system with two benefit reform scenarios: a uniform benefit for all ("basic income") and a universal tapering rule ("universal credit").

Hoje, a OCDE lança no Brasil, e na presença da lenda do futebol Pelé, o Índice para uma Vida Melhor totalmente em português. Este é o sexto idioma em que o site está disponível e a tradução permite que a OCDE alcance mais de 240 milhões de falantes de português ao redor do mundo.

Greece could save its businesses hundreds of millions of euros a year and improve their competitiveness by reducing administrative burdens, according to a new OECD report.

Imports Intra Eu - Woven Fabrics,Tuft Textile, Lace & Tapestries in the United Kingdom decreased to 9.01 GBP Million in February from 9.84 GBP Million in January of 2020. Imports Intra Eu - Woven Fabrics,Tuft Textile, Lac in the United Kingdom averaged 11.25 GBP Million from 1996 until 2020, reaching an all time high of 17.98 GBP Million in November of 2001 and a record low of 4.86 GBP Million in August of 2009. This page includes a chart with historical data for the United Kingdom Imports of Intra EU - Woven Fabrics,tuft Textile,.

Imports of Intra EU - Man-made Staple Fibres in the United Kingdom decreased to 12.19 GBP Million in February from 12.41 GBP Million in January of 2020. Imports of Intra EU - Man-made Staple Fibres in the United Kingdom averaged 23.29 GBP Million from 1996 until 2020, reaching an all time high of 45.81 GBP Million in June of 1997 and a record low of 9.26 GBP Million in August of 2019. This page includes a chart with historical data for the United Kingdom Imports of Intra EU - Man-made Staple Fibres.

Imports - Woven Fabrics,Tufted Textile, Lace & Tapestries in the United Kingdom decreased to 16.48 GBP Million in February from 23.62 GBP Million in January of 2020. Imports - Woven Fabrics,Tufted Textile, Lace & Tap in the United Kingdom averaged 18.81 GBP Million from 2000 until 2020, reaching an all time high of 27.20 GBP Million in March of 2017 and a record low of 11.68 GBP Million in August of 2009. This page includes a chart with historical data for the United Kingdom Imports of Woven Fabrics,tufted Textile, Lace & T.

Imports of Video Tape Recorders & The Like in Japan increased to 27305.76 JPY Million in March from 19325.59 JPY Million in February of 2020. Imports of Video Tape Recorders & The Like in Japan averaged 24745.18 JPY Million from 2014 until 2020, reaching an all time high of 35566.86 JPY Million in December of 2019 and a record low of 16917.62 JPY Million in August of 2016. This page includes a chart with historical data for Japan Imports of Video Tape Recorders & The Like.

Imports of Synthetic Staple Fibers, Not Processed in Mexico increased to 14025 USD THO in March from 13526 USD THO in February of 2020. Imports of Synthetic Staple Fibers, Not Processed in Mexico averaged 16264.93 USD THO from 2014 until 2020, reaching an all time high of 21814 USD THO in October of 2018 and a record low of 12741 USD THO in November of 2016. This page includes a chart with historical data for Mexico Imports of Synthetic Staple Fibers, Not Processed.

Imports of Sewing Thread of Manmade Staple Fibers in Mexico increased to 1024 USD THO in March from 1009 USD THO in February of 2020. Imports of Sewing Thread of Manmade Staple Fibers in Mexico averaged 2445.49 USD THO from 2014 until 2020, reaching an all time high of 4259 USD THO in October of 2014 and a record low of 884 USD THO in January of 2020. This page includes a chart with historical data for Mexico Imports of Sewing Thread of Manmade Staple Fibers.

Imports of Woven Fabrics, Synthetic Staple Fibers in Mexico increased to 4202 USD THO in March from 3689 USD THO in February of 2020. Imports of Woven Fabrics, Synthetic Staple Fibers in Mexico averaged 5117.18 USD THO from 2014 until 2020, reaching an all time high of 7572 USD THO in August of 2017 and a record low of 2324 USD THO in January of 2017. This page includes a chart with historical data for Mexico Imports of Woven Fabrics, Synthetic Staple Fibers.

Imports - Woven Fabrics Of Synthetic Staple Fibers in Mexico decreased to 5138 USD THO in March from 5751 USD THO in February of 2020. Imports - Woven Fabrics Of Synthetic Staple Fibers in Mexico averaged 7302.92 USD THO from 2014 until 2020, reaching an all time high of 11991 USD THO in July of 2015 and a record low of 4452 USD THO in December of 2017. This page includes a chart with historical data for Mexico Imports of Woven Fabrics of Synthetic Staple Fibe.

Imports - Woven Fabrics Of Artificial Staple Fibers in Mexico decreased to 2071 USD THO in March from 2758 USD THO in February of 2020. Imports - Woven Fabrics Of Artificial Staple Fiber in Mexico averaged 2928.23 USD THO from 2014 until 2020, reaching an all time high of 5564 USD THO in October of 2018 and a record low of 1072 USD THO in September of 2014. This page includes a chart with historical data for Mexico Imports of Woven Fabrics of Artificial Staple Fib.

Imports of Records, Tapes & Disks in the United States decreased to 57.55 USD Million in March from 65.90 USD Million in February of 2020. Imports of Records, Tapes & Disks in the United States averaged 89.92 USD Million from 1989 until 2020, reaching an all time high of 317.02 USD Million in August of 2007 and a record low of 2.20 USD Million in November of 2014. This page includes a chart with historical data for the United States Imports of Records, Tapes & Disks.

Imports - Radios, Phonographs, Tape Decks & Oth.(Census Basis) in the United States decreased to 364.47 USD Million in March from 416.17 USD Million in February of 2020. Imports - Radios, Phonographs, Tape Decks & Oth.(C in the United States averaged 592.20 USD Million from 1989 until 2020, reaching an all time high of 1043.66 USD Million in February of 2005 and a record low of 323.27 USD Million in February of 2009. This page includes a chart with historical data for the United States Imports of Radios, Phonographs, Tape Decks & Oth.

The Canadian rapper’s surprise mixtape flunks out with ill-advised guest-star choices

Transport group also expects its Greyhound bus service to receive US financial support

Coronavirus package aims to protect economy and fend off looming hunger crisis

Energy, water and other utility groups keep services going despite lockdowns and cuts

Aircraft maker says strong demand for offering has removed need for government funding

Fortnite is typical of the new business model, renting access to a platform

Founders hunting down capital in the middle of this pandemic may feel like they’re on a fool’s errand, but some investors are still offering financing, even if the terms might not be as good as they once were. One avenue that appears to remain open: corporate venture capital. The corporate route offers its own set […]

Founders hunting down capital in the middle of this pandemic may feel like they’re on a fool’s errand, but some investors are still offering financing, even if the terms might not be as good as they once were. One avenue that appears to remain open: corporate venture capital. The corporate route offers its own set […]

Fifth-biggest lessor approaches Bank of China to snare greater share of sector

Founders hunting down capital in the middle of this pandemic may feel like they’re on a fool’s errand, but some investors are still offering financing, even if the terms might not be as good as they once were. One avenue that appears to remain open: corporate venture capital. The corporate route offers its own set […]

Almost 70 per cent of people have concerns about their jaw and chin. Alice Smellie teamed up with aesthetic doctor Mervyn Patterson to give verdict on the latest tightening treatments.

Amy Tapper has shown off her slimmer figure after shedding a staggering three stone in just 12 weeks.

Amy admitted that it has taken her years to learn how to change her routine and added that she still has a 'long way to go' as she wants to take her journey slowly.

Tumble judge Louis Smith allegedly has a secret sex-tape which he made for a model three years ago. The footage has now reportedly been sold by her.

On Saturday it emerged that a secret solo sex tape of Louis Smith is allegedly doing the rounds. And now Pascal Craymer has confirmed their fledgling romance is no more.