I don't think it would actually work, but it is an innovative way of reskinning buildings

A species of wasp discovered in Thailand has been named for evil spirits invented by J. K. Rowling in her Harry Potter books.

The obvious goodness of pairing pedal assist electric bikes with a bike sharing infrastructure is one of these great ideas whose time has come. In Tokyo, Sanyo recently installed 100 of their eneloop battery powered e-bikes at a "community" bike share

Architects usually keep their proprietary research locked up and closely held. Perkins + Will has done the opposite and made it a public service. Launched at Greenbuild the Precautionary List is a compilation of available data on chemicals and

Seattle architect Mike Eliason describes what he learned about their housing policies.

Creating romantic, shabby chic dresses to elegant, layered European-inspired pieces, designer Jacquie Tsang transforms boring thrift store clothing into something unique and stylish.

The classic daily newspaper box gets updated by a New York artist.

Children. Alone in the forest. At night.

Demand for quinoa in developed countries means agrarian people in Bolivia and Peru can't afford the one-time staple crop. Is that entirely bad news? The answer is complicated.

It would be hard to find a cooler looking vacation home than one of these cabins...

Previously titled "4 reasons why heat pumps are not going to save the planet" which was mean to heat pumps.

The system will also help reduce the spread of disease in rural villages.

The company should really be called 'Eggland's Worst,' based on how these poor animals are treated.

Finally, Net Zero done right.

It is hard keeping up with the latest ideas in green building, but things are changing fast.

Could it be that more efficient lighting means less coal being dug to power it?

Starting in 1936 they wired the entire country, the houses, the tools and the farms, changing America. It is time to think big and do it again.

Lloyd Alter would be so proud.

Many vegans don't realize that there's 'meat' in their electricity supply.

Making sure the water you're about to drink is free from pathogens is a snap with this portable UV Purifier.

A new cheap, lightweight sponge-like gel can quickly and efficiently disinfect drinking water for disaster victims.

One solution for purifying water in remote off-grid areas comes in the form of a wagon, complete with solar panel and water purification system.

It's why we have to reduce demand as well, with radical efficiency.

When you create a law to regulate something, there's always the danger that people will drive a truck through the loopholes, adhering to the letter of the law but not its spirit.

Using ceramics and metal nanoparticles, a non-profit organization from University of Virginia is making these simple but effective purifiers that can eliminate up to 99.9% of waterborne pathogens.

XEROX/PARC Spiral Water Filtration Technology A typical water-treatment plant is very big and very expensive. XEROX's Palo Alto Research Center (PARC) has come up with a new technology that could make the whole process cheaper and simpler, potentially

This simple, innovative solar still purifies water without electricity or filters.

But hey, it's all in the interest of national security; Americans have to be ready to defend themselves from Canada.

Emulating the same processes naturally found in rainforests, this prototype filters and cleans water of harmful pollutants.

Who says loos have to be boring and utilitarian?

At yök we do not only work hard to save energy, but also water. According to Airbnb, guests in Europe renting a home use 45% less water than when staying in a hotel. But there is more to a bathroom than saving water; materials also play an important role

Don't be intimidated by flea markets and thrift stores. Here are three easy ways to start finding affordable vintage fashion now.

It's cheap, funky, and recycled. You really can't go wrong with second-hand shopping.

A supercell thunderstorm in Argentina delivered shockingly huge hailstones to the heavily populated city of Villa Carlos Paz.

Researchers are urging policy makers to recognize the critical values of intact, undisturbed native forests.

"This is not a situation where you can go to the American people and say, 'How many lives are you willing to lose to reopen the economy?' We don't want to lose any lives," Cuomo said.

It will be difficult for U.S. President Donald Trump to backtrack on the U.S.-China "phase one" trade deal after previously lauding it as "the best deal ever made", says Jeffrey Kleintop of Charles Schwab, adding that March trade data shows a pickup in U.S. exports to China.

Cramer warned that the U.S. economy may be too weak to handle another trade spat with China and discouraged Trump from imposing new tariffs.

Circular No. 138/08/2020-GSTCBEC-20/06/04-2020 -GSTGovernment of IndiaMinistry of FinanceDepartment of RevenueCentral Board of Indirect Taxes and CustomsGST Policy W

General Circular No. 20/2020F.No. 2/4/2020-CL-VGovernment of IndiaMinistry of Corporate Affairs5th Floor, ‘A&rs

Clarification in respect of residency under section 6 of the Income-tax Act, 1961Section 6 of the Income-tax Act, 1961 (the Act) contains provisions relating to residency of a person. The status of an individual as to whether he is resident in India ...

A weekday lunch of braised chickpeas, a savoury brunch porridge and a grown-up take on rice pudding

The world has seen more than its fair share of closed doors lately – shops, restaurants, the barber, your neighbours’ – but that has, in turn, led to the opening of some others.

And if there is one door that has swung wide open in recent weeks, it’s the one that leads into the kitchen. From the keenest of cooks to the humblest of beginners, the kitchen has provided us all with the one thing we’ve been missing the most: freedom.

There are many hazards in this world, and appropriately there are many ominous signs that speak the language of fear. You never know it there could be some hidden mine shaft or risk of monkey attack. Whether they're warning of some totally extreme danger or their scary in their own right, it's usually best to pay attention to spooky signs.

Daribha Lyndem at her Powai home, which she has styled with curated second-hand furniture. Pics/Sameer Markande

When Daribha Lyndem, 31, isn't busy contending with suspicious baggage at the Mumbai airport, she indulges in one of her passions, her home. As you step into her Powai apartment, in a quarters provided by the government, you are welcomed by her feline friends (Chomsky and Furnando), ample sunlight, Art Nouveau prints and the strong whiff of Mad Men.

As Lyndem, deputy commissioner with the Indian Revenue Services' customs department, gives us a tour of her house, it is evident that while the dominant aesthetic is mid-century modern, there are other elements, such as industrial fittings, that are thrown in for an eclectic mix. Mid-century modern, which roughly lasted from the mid-1930s to the 1960s, is best exemplified by sleek lines, minimal ornamentation and chic comfort. In recent years, we have seen this style make a comeback in a huge way, from international auctions to IKEA, from original vintage pieces to knock-offs.

Four such dining chairs from Oshiwara

However, Lyndem has cracked a formula, for sourcing mid-century-inspired faux pieces and other knick-knacks, but that come for less than half the price than those at leading furnishing stores. And, that's how we got to know Lyndem first — through her Instagram account @daribhagram, and her Twitter account, where she tweeted, some months ago, that she was happy to offer tips on how to furnish your house without causing a dent in your pocket.

1. Design your own cosy art wall
The greatest struggle for our homes could be the question on what art to put up. With the Lyndem method, you can do the following: salvage prints from dying books, such as an old map of the fictional world of Malgudi. Your favourite Dickens quote, like hers from Great Expectation. Sift through Chor Bazaar for vintage prints, such as Alphonse Mucha's. And, if you have some talent, then make your own, such as Lyndem's Warholesque rendering of cacti. Married to writer and stand-up comic, Adhiraj Singh, her wedding card also features as one of the framed prints. If it looks cool, it's only because the couple chose a template available online at Vistaprint.
16 framed art prints: Rs 5,000

Study table and chair from Oshiwara

2. Weekly pilgrimage to Oshiwara
Oshiwara's famed furniture markets have yielded several pieces for Lynden's living room, and also a study table unit. Four second-hand chairs have now settled comfortably around a custom-made dining table. When she moved into the house about a year ago, Lyndem decided to make frequent visits to Oshiwara. "Here, you need to have patience. You will have to scour the shops and be prepared to not find anything on certain days. I used to go there once a week to have a look," she says. The good news is that Oshiwara's shopkeepers will upholster and paint furniture according to your needs. Distressed finish or matte? You've got it.
Study table and chair: Rs 6,000
Lamp: Rs 1,000
Four dining chairs: Rs 2,400

Armoire from Oshiwara and second-hand chest from Chor Bazaar

3. Hit the highway for some great steals
Previously, Lyndem was posted in Kalyan, and would travel the state highway passing through Kon Gaon as part of her daily commute. Here, she says, it is easy to find roadside shops that sell rejects from online furnishing stores. A chair in her living room was thus bought, with a prominent stain, but upholstered and fixed to perfection. "There was also a two-seater couch that caught my eye, which I thought would be a great addition to the bedroom. But, the next day, it was gone," she says. But, three side-tables travelled the highway to her house.
Side table: Rs 800
Chair: Rs 2,500

4. Keep Mumbai always in mind
The practicality of mid-century modern is that at the time at which it gained popularity, it was suited for small post-war homes in the USA. Our Mumbai homes could benefit from its lightweight and streamlined properties, and Lyndem puts that to test at her house. She got a glass-fronted teakwood armoire made, which she uses as a bookshelf. "While I like the idea of open bookshelves, that's not a great idea for Mumbai, given its dust and humidity. Closed bookshelves are more suitable, and you should opt for height rather than breadth. That way, you get more floor space," she says. One useful tip to keep in mind, while you are sourcing second-hand furniture, is to have a discerning eye about what's repairable and what isn't. Don't try salvaging termite-ridden furniture, no matter how much you want them.
Custom teakwood armoire: Rs 15,000

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Eminent industrialist Ratan Tata, on Sunday took to Instagram to call out a fake news article and a quote which was attributed to him. Taking to the gram, the 82-year-old business veteran shared a picture of a news clipping that read, "Ratan Tata's message: 2020 is the year of survival, don’t worry about profit and loss."

A screengrab of Ratan Tata's Instagram story

While sharing a story on Instagram, Ratan Tata wrote, "The following article has not been written or said by me. He also shared a picture of the article with 'Fake News' written on the newspaper cutting. Urging people to always verify news sources, Ratan Tata said, "I will endeavour to call out fake news whenever I can."

Talking about the fake article which has a quote attributed to him, Ratan Tata stated, "My picture alongside a quote does not guarantee me having said it, a problem that many people face." The business magnate also called out the fake news and shared it with his 8.5 million followers on Twitter.

I’m afraid this too, has not been said by me. I will endeavour to call out fake news whenever I can, but would encourage you to always verify news sources. My picture alongside a quote does not guarantee me having said it, a problem that many people face. pic.twitter.com/pk0S75FxPA

— Ratan N. Tata (@RNTata2000) May 3, 2020

Since being shared online, Ratan Tata's tweet has garnered over one lakh likes and about 25,000 re-tweets and counting. This isn't the first time that the senior statesman has taken on fake news circulating under his name. Earlier, Mr. Tata had shared another fake article attributed to him and which spoke about the impact of coronavirus on the economy.

In the spirit of solidarity pic.twitter.com/1Svx5JZ0Vb

— Ratan N. Tata (@RNTata2000) April 5, 2020

While sharing that the article was fake, the industrialist stated that if he has to say something, he would say it on his official social media channels. Debunking the false article, Mr. Tata urged people to stay safe and take care of themselves amid the coronavirus crisis.

Nearly a month ago, Ratan Tata shared a beautiful picture of India's COVID-19 warriors. While sharing the picture with his followers, Mr. Tata urged people across the country to unite in the battle against the global pandemic.

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What started as an effort to get treatment for his diabetic father suspected to have contracted COVID-19 soon turned into a horror story for a 29-year-old who discovered bodies wrapped in plastic on beds in Sion hospital's emergency and COVID-19 ward, while his breathless father was made to share the bed with other patients. A video of the man's experience on April 20 went viral on social media and BJP leader Nitesh Rane tweeted it late on Wednesday.

The video shows bodies wrapped in black-coloured plastic kept on beds right next to patients and their relatives in what is supposed to be a ward in Sion hospital, which has set up a committee to probe the matter.

Screenshot of video taken by kin showing wrapped bodies

The Chembur resident had taken his 63-year-old father to Lokmanya Tilak Municipal General Hospital (commonly known as Sion hospital) after he complained of fever and weakness. "My father was having difficulty breathing. I did not want to take him to a government hospital but I had no choice except to go to Sion hospital," he said.

At 1.30 pm at Sion hospital, the man was asked to take his father to the emergency ward. "After an X-ray, the doctor said my father has pneumonia and they were almost certain that he had COVID-19. They cleared a bed and asked him to lie on it. Soon, another woman was told to lie next to him and a senior citizen was told to sit near his feet," the man said. His father was given an oxygen mask to help him breathe.

The video went viral on social media on Wednesday and was tweeted by BJP leader Nitesh Rane

Just when the man was certain he did not want to keep his father at the hospital, he noticed a bed behind a curtain. A closer look revealed a body covered in plastic on the bed. "I was horrified and my father started to panic. The doctors kept saying that they will admit him and shift him to another ward but nothing was happening. Then, a friend of mine arranged a bed at Seven Hills Hospital," he said.

The man was asked to go to ward no. 5 — supposed to be a COVID-19 ward — to sign discharge papers. "Patients' relatives were inside with them in the ward, which is not allowed. I saw at least three beds with bodies piled on them and patients being treated right next to them. We had always heard about how bad government hospitals are. But I never imagined this," he said.

The man took his father to Seven Hills in an ambulance at 6.45 pm, where he is currently being treated and was taken off ventilator support on Wednesday.

Rane has also complained to Maharashtra's Governor and said the hospital has admitted the video is authentic. "The enquiry is pointless since the hospital is aware of what it is doing. This enquiry is a farce. Hospital authorities say that relatives are not collecting bodies and they have no idea about proper disposal of COVID-19 affected bodies. The state has failed to deal with the situation and the Centre should step in," said Rane. He added that the issue is arising from the lack of proper guidelines on the disposal of bodies of COVID-19 patients.

BJP leader Kirit Somaiya complained to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on Thursday. "Currently, bodies are being wrapped in plastic due to the shortage of bags for disposal. Relatives and not ready to take the bodies due to which they are kept in the ward. I have asked ICMR to address this issue," he said.

'Enquiry to verify'

Dr Pramod Ingle, acting dean of Sion hospital said, "From the look of the tiles and hallway, it seems like Sion hospital. However, an inquiry will have to verify. A local committee of Sion hospital officials has been set up on Thursday and they have been given 24 hours to submit a report," said Dr Ingle.

Mayor Kishori Pednekar said that the bodies were accumulating since relatives of patients were delaying in collecting them.

"Relatives are not taking bodies. However, if they give permission, the corporation will dispose of the bodies. But now, the bodies will be stored outside the wards," she said.

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Bollywood star Irrfan was admitted in Mumbai's Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani hospital with a colon infection on Tuesday and passed away on Wednesday April 29, 2020 at the age of 53. 

Many stars from the Indian sports fraternity took to social media to pay tribute to the late actor Irrfan Khan. From the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli and Virender Sehwag, to Saina Nehwal and Sunil Chhetri, here are some of the heartfelt posts shared on Twitter.

"Sad to hear the news of #IrrfanKhan passing away. He was one of my favorites & I've watched almost all his films, the last one being Angrezi Medium. Acting came so effortlessly to him, he was just terrific. May his soul Rest In Peace. Condolences to his loved ones," tweeted cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar.

Sad to hear the news of #IrrfanKhan passing away. He was one of my favorites & I’ve watched almost all his films, the last one being Angrezi Medium. Acting came so effortlessly to him, he was just terrific.
May his soul Rest In Peace. 🙏🏼
Condolences to his loved ones. ☹ï¸Â pic.twitter.com/gaLHCTSbUh

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) April 29, 2020

Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli tweeted: "Saddened to hear about the passing of Irrfan Khan. What a phenomenal talent and dearly touched everyone's heart with his versatility. May god give peace to his soul"

Saddened to hear about the passing of Irrfan Khan. What a phenomenal talent and dearly touched everyone's heart with his versatility. May god give peace to his soul 🙏

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) April 29, 2020

"Khan sahab, you were brilliant at what you did and that will always live on. Thank you for bringing your art to us the way you did. Strength to those grieving," said Indian football captain Sunil Chhetri.

Khan sahab, you were brilliant at what you did and that will always live on. Thank you for bringing your art to us the way you did. Strength to those grieving.

— Sunil Chhetri (@chetrisunil11) April 29, 2020

"A great actor and a great talent. Heartfelt Condolences to his family and well - wishers #IrfanKhan," said former India batsman Virender Sehwag.

A great actor and a great talent. Heartfelt
Condolences to his family and well - wishers #IrfanKhan

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) April 29, 2020

"Saddened to hear the passing away of #IrfanKhan. Condolences to the entire family. An actor of great caliber! You will be cherished by us until eternity. RIP," tweeted fast bowler Mohammed Shami.

Saddened to hear the passing away of #IrfanKhan. Condolences to the entire family. An actor of great caliber! You will be cherished by us until eternity. RIP. pic.twitter.com/wLTWUz8w6Z

— Mohammad Shami (@MdShami11) April 29, 2020

Badminton star Saina Nehwal tweeted a picture of herself and Irrfan. "With the legend during one ad shoot ... great memories sir #RIPIrrfanKhan," she said.

With the legend during one ad shoot ... great memories sir 🙏🙏 #RIPIrrfanKhan pic.twitter.com/GOKyVjqAoR

— Saina Nehwal (@NSaina) April 29, 2020

The actor had been ailing ever since he was diagnosed with neuroendocrine tumour a while back, and has been under medical attention for the same. He even went abroad for treatment.

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The Indian economy has suffered a major setback due to the Coronavirus pandemic and the underprivileged section of the society has to be taken care of financially. Amid this catastrophe, it was reported a few days ago that Bollywood Superstar Aamir Khan distributed money in wheat bags to help the needy. And there were a lot of reports doing the rounds about his donation.

Additionally, the video mentions that within each packet of flour, there was Rs 15,000 hidden in cash and that the truck was sent by Aamir Khan. However, the actor has taken to his Twitter account to clarify once and for all that he was not the one behind these donations and stated that maybe the real Robin Hood doesn't want to reveal himself.

This is what he wrote- "Guys, I am not the person putting money in wheat bags. Its either a fake story completely, or Robin Hood doesn't want to reveal himself!
Stay safe.
Love.
a." (sic)

Have a look right here:

Guys, I am not the person putting money in wheat bags. Its either a fake story completely, or Robin Hood doesn't want to reveal himself!
Stay safe.
Love.
a.

— Aamir Khan (@aamir_khan) May 4, 2020

Last night, on May 3, he, however, did participate in the I for India concert to raise money for the unsung heroes who are fighting the pandemic. Accompanying him was his wife Kiran Rao and one of the actor's fan-clubs posted on its Instagram account to share the video of them singing together. Have a look:

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

Aamir khan ve eÅŸi kiran yapılan baÄŸıÅŸ için ÅŸarkı söylediler... 😍. @_aamirkhan #aamirkhan .#india #covid19 #iforindia #kiranrao . @give_india Very good ! 👌 .MASALLAH HER KONUDA YETENEÄžİ VAR ...😍😍 .#laalsinghchadha #bolywood #zairawasim #katrinakaif #salmankhan #akshaykumar #saraalikhan #aliabhat #hritiroshan #parinetichopra #priyankachopra #kareenakapoor #ranbirkapoor #imrankhan #kajol #sidharthmalhotra #varundhawan #dishapatani #shaidkapoor #shahrukhan #amitabhachan #kritisanon #aliabhat #preityzinta #salmankhan #akshaykumar #love #shradhhakapoor

A post shared by AAMIR KHAN FAN 😍 14 mart 1965 (@aamirkhanfaneda92) onMay 3, 2020 at 10:09am PDT

As soon as the lockdown ends, Khan will get busy with the shooting of Laal Singh Chaddha, which is slated to release this year on Christmas and also stars Kareena Kapoor Khan.

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Bollywood actor Rahul Bose has been foraying the digital entertainment space with a couple of projects lately, and he says his parameter as an actor to give his nod to a story has not changed. For him, it is important that the story should have the essence of humanism and not the glorification of hatred. "Honestly speaking, my rules of saying yes to a project do not change. For me, the story matters and not the length of my character. I think by now people know that. I am not the person running after fame or concern about how many people are watching my work. For me, the story has to be important enough to engage, as an actor and as an audience," Rahul told IANS.

The actor has worked in the Netflix original "Bulbul", besides the web series "Bombay Begums" directed by Alankrita Srivastava. He is also a part of the much-awaited web series, "Baahubali: Before The Beginning". Rahul's film choices have been as varied as "Mr And Mrs Iyer", "Jhankaar Beats", "Chameli", "Shaurya", "The Japanese Wife", "I Am", and "Dil Dhadakne Do". There is an important element he looks for in a film, before committing to it.

"In past, there were films and projects that have been offered to me and I said no to them. You see, the story has to have some amount of humanism. You can show a character as the biggest evil (person) of the world and still can come up with the right message -- not one that is destructive or negative. A message cannot glorify hatred, and if it does, I do not want to be part of that. Of course, my character can be the villain but not the overall message of the film," Rahul said.

He explained: "In the recent past I am offered a film that shows a very, very narrow view of nationalism and it was quite a jingoistic story. I can never be part of that. I am the same actor who was part of a film like "Shaurya" that sent out an absolutely right message -- that is, no matter which religion, caste or region you are from, when you are a man in a uniform, all you are upholding is the security of your country."

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