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.

Despite rising coronavirus case numbers, the US state of Mississippi is moving out of lockdown and reopening parks, restaurants and other non-essential shops. Oliver Laughland went to the resort of Biloxi to see how residents were responding

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The US southern state of Mississippi is the country’s poorest. It went into the coronavirus crisis with high levels of poverty and poor health outcomes. But following the period of lockdown and orders for residents to stay at home, the state’s governor Tate Reeves has eased restrictions - despite evidence that the rate of infections has not yet hit its peak.

The Guardian’s Oliver Laughland travelled to the Mississippi coastal resort of Biloxi where he tells Mythili Rao he found the lockdown has hit hardest those working in low paid jobs in the tourism industry. One restaurant worker describes how the loss of work meant he has had to rely on the charity of his neighbours and local food banks. But despite growing numbers of cases, people are flocking back to the beach and increasingly breaching recommendations of minimum social distancing. The state is reopening, but at what cost?

"Don't worry, I'm from tech support...Just lemme get a closer look."

Well...it seems like these cats are more interested in all those mouses and cookies hiding in your computer.  

We could all use a daily dose of uplifting these days. And when we think of the word "uplifting," many things come to mind such as; cats, cats, cats, and more cats. 

But if we places that aside we also think of @TheLatestKate, the Instagram Queen of positivity through beautiful animal illustrations. 

If you're in need of a pick-me-up, take a moment and read through these lovely inspirational messages. And if you need even more, you can also follow @TheLatestKate on Instagram for daily motivation. 

Cat gifs are the gifts that keep on giving! When in doubt, just take a moment to catch up on your daily cat gifs to lift you up! 

Trust us, we've been doing it for awhile and can confirm this. 

Did you need some proof? Just scroll down and let the good times roll! 

The incredible benefits of strength training are only just becoming apparent. That's good timing, when working out indoors is beneficial to everyone's health

The NI Executive says agreeing how to relax measures is the most crucial decision it will ever make.

It was in March 2018 that we had first written in these pages about Awestrung, a monthly gig series held at a Lower Parel mall. But after that, all information about subsequent editions had dried up. The reason is that the organisers had temporarily shelved the property because they felt that they needed to refresh the format, and come back with something bigger and better. And that's exactly what's happening this weekend when Awestrung returns on an unprecedented scale, with 50 artistes from diverse genres sharing the stage.

This comeback was orchestrated after Artists Aloud — the indie wing of a major music company — approached the folks at High Street Phoenix, the mall where the concert is held, with a proposition. Soumini Sridhara Paul, VP of Artists Aloud, tells us, "When we started speaking [to the mall authorities], we told them that we have a format where, in 2012, we had brought in 50 artistes to perform together on stage. We said, 'Why not replicate that model for Awestrung?' They replied, 'Let's do this.' And that's how we came to be partners."

Soumini Sridhara Paul

She adds that the line-up is curated in such a way that the emphasis is on independent artistes making original music. So, you have a Hindi rock band like the Delhi-based Faridkot. There's local electro-rock act Laxmi Bomb. Manganiyar mainstay Mame Khan is on the bill, too, as is rapper ACE of the crew Mumbai's Finest. Then there are electronic producers, singer-songwriters and Sufi acts, among others who complete the list of performers. In short, name it and chances are that you will have an act playing a genre you like.

Each outfit will get a maximum of 10 minutes on stage so that things keep moving, with a compère, Mihir Joshi, keeping the audience entertained in the interim. Mame Khan is the penultimate performer, before Smokey, a Mumbai-based DJ, brings the show to an end. She tells us, "Imagine, I am closing the festival. So, all the focus will be on me and there's thus a bit of both, nervousness and excitement. But I'll keep my set chilled, so that it's a nice goodbye for everyone." Which is just as well, because after the gamut of music that will be on offer, a mellow note is possibly the best way to end this massive, eight-hour concert.

ON March 22, 2 pm
AT High Street Phoenix, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel
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There's no doubt that the fifth victim of the Ghatkopar plane crash, architect Govind Dubey, 32, was in the place at the wrong time. But his family is not willing to accept mere bad luck as explanation for his death — they want to know whom to blame. After the family embarked on a sit-in at Rajawadi hospital, refusing to take Govind's body, MLA Jitendra Awhad assured them of compensation and investigation in the matter. With these assurances, the Dubeys finally claimed the body last evening.

Govind was merely passing by when the plane came hurtling down on him. He died on the spot with 100 per cent burns. Due to the extent of his injuries, he was identified only yesterday with the help of his half-burnt wallet. The last location update on his phone also confirms that he was at the spot. The architect hailed from Uttar Pradesh, from where his family has come to collect his body. To his brother's surprise, though, not a single government official has contacted them to assure compensation or action against the culprits.

Arvind Dubey, Govind's brother

“It has been over 24 hours since I lost my brother in the incident. It was my brother's bad luck that he at the spot when it happened. But isn't it the responsibility of the government to come forward to give us justice?” said Arvind Dubey, Govind's brother. He added, “We have decided to file a police complaint against the aircraft company for the accident. The government must conduct an inquiry and imprison the person at fault.”

MLAspeak
“The victim comes from an economically weaker section. Hence, I have requested Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to consider his case for compensation,” MLA Awhad told mid-day.

Also Read: Ghatkopar plane crash: Aircraft was 10 miles away when it went off radar

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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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Thane: A day after six people on election duty were rescued from a lift at a school in Maharashtra's Thane district, three more poll staffers got stuck in the same elevator as it malfunctioned again on Monday, an official said.

The three poll staffers were using the lift in Sahakar Prasarak Mandal School at Kalwa town in the morning when it got stuck on the building's fourth floor after developing a technical snag, Thane civic body's regional disaster management cell chief Santosh Kadam said. The fire brigade personnel rushed to the spot and managed to rescue those stuck in the lift after around 15 minutes, he said. The lift was being used by the poll staff to reach the classrooms where the election material was kept, Kadam said. On Sunday, six poll staffers got stuck in the school's lift for around 40 minutes before being rescued, he said.

An average 18.39 per cent voter turnout was recorded in the first four hours in Maharashtra's 17 seats on Monday as polling for the fourth and last phase of Lok Sabha elections in the state was underway. Polling began at 7 am and long queues were seen outside many booths, some of which were decorated with balloons and 'rangolis'. So far, Nandurbar Lok Sabha seat recorded highest polling at 24.59 per cent while Kalyan constituency saw the lowest voter turnout of 13.91 per cent, according to an official statement. The voting figures till 11 am in other constituencies are as follows: Dhule- 18.26 per cent, Dindori - 21.06 per cent, Nashik- 17.22 per cent, Palghar- 21.46 per cent, Bhiwandi- 17.25 per cent, Thane-17.43 per cent, Mumbai-North- 19.46 per cent, Mumbai-North West 17.64 per cent, Mumbai-North East-18.39 per cent, Mumbai-North Central- 16.21 per cent, Mumbai-South Central-16.80 per cent, Mumbai- South 15.51 per cent, Maval- 18.23 per cent, Shirur- 18.65 per cent and Shirdi 20.55 per cent.

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For a few days now, this paper has been reporting about Indians who have been stranded overseas and are unable to fly out to their home country because of the lockdown.

India now has a plan in place to bring back lakhs of Indians stranded overseas. The evacuation aircraft will be bringing Indians back from overseas today. For many, their ordeal may thankfully be ending. For others who have not got that much-awaited call from Indian Commissions overseas, it is still wait and hope for the best.

mid-day had reported about an older couple from Mazagaon, who are stranded in New Jersey, because of the lockdown. They were finding it very expensive to continue living in the USA, and to compound problems, finding medication was difficult too.

An entrepreneur from Mumbai has been stranded in Nepal. A family of four from Dahisar has been marooned in Sri Lanka, and have very similar problems to that of the New Jersey couple. There are several seafarers from Tamil Nadu in Sri Lanka begging to come home.

One does understand governmental constraints and all the difficulties of managing a mammoth population.

Yet, it would be good if High Commission officials at least make themselves available to answer queries.

If there are genuine problems like acquiring life-saving or absolutely necessary medication, our officials need to see how Indians can procure these, so that they are at least out of that predicament, which seems very dire. What they need most is the reassurance that they are counted, their fate matters and that they will be evacuated in the end. People are struggling in foreign lands, many extremely lonely and living on little more than hopes and prayers, the authorities must demonstrate that they are there and they care.

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Dear Diana,
I have been with this guy for six months. I am not yet sure if he is the right guy for me. He keeps springing surprises and splurges me with gifts. He seems to have already made up his mind that I am the girl for him. I don't know why I am not yet convinced about him. At the same time, the way he is going about, I don't know how to tell him to go slow. I do not want to break his heart. He thinks I also like him and that we are made for each other. My guy gets carried away too fast. He is all out to prove that he cares for me. Often, I find this irritating. How do I tell him to go slow? I dread to think that if I feel he is not the guy for me, he will be devastated. It is not that I an leading him on. He is going too fast, too soon. On the other hand, I prefer to be cautious and slow in my approach.
— Naina

Illustration/Uday Mohite

Dear Naina,
Your guy has made up his mind and you also need to take a decision soon. If you want time, you need to tell him clearly. It appears that this man is busy planning a future with you, while you do not even know if he will exist in your scheme of things. He is impulsive and a happy-go-lucky individual while you want to be safe, rather than be sorry. You may not be leading him on, but at least you can tell him to go slow. For starters, stop him when he goes on an overdrive buying gifts for you. This is his way of making you happy and you seem to be enjoying it. At the same time, if you two sit down and talk things out, he will have a clear picture of what is going on in your mind. It is time you were honest and forthright with him as he is with you.

Representational Picture

Don't know what to buy your best friend for her birthday? Indulge in different kind of jewellery pieces like three finger rings or a delicate pendant, suggest experts.

Aakash Barmecha, Creative Director at Yoube Jewellery and Radhika Jain, designer at MiRA, have listed a few options:

* Diamond jewellery clubbed with rubies, south sea pearls, and sapphires will always be a safe bet. You could opt for three finger rings, ear cuffs, necklaces, bracelets and earrings.

* Feminine flower, heart and butterfly motifs in the form of jewellery is an option for the feminine touch.

* You can customise jewellery as per the design and requirements you think would best define your friend. Gift a personalised chain or mini bracelet with the initial of the name perhaps.

* A single thin silver chain with a small hoop of triangle, or bars, or two layer chains long short will go with any outfits.

* You could always opt for chokers which are available in different materials.

* Pearls are said to be woman's best friend. You can invest in a string of pearls, elegant drops or a bracelet.

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This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Except for the change in headline, the story has been provided "AS-IS," "AS AVAILABLE, without any verification or editing from our side. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

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Lewis Hamilton

F1's Lewis Hamilton has said that he has gradually moved to veganism over the past two years after TV documentary inspired him to do so to improve his health and avoid harming the planet.

Mercedes driver, Hamilton said he had changed his habits after watching a documentary about the environmental impact of the meat industry.

"It is something I have been going towards anyway. I stopped eating red meat two years ago," he told the BBC.

"This year I stopped eating chicken and then kind of went back to it and now I've stopped again. So I have generally been pescatarian for the majority of the year and then I cut out fish too."

He added: "I have actually eaten plant-based food for the last two days and it has been amazing. So far, I don't feel as if I have been missing out. I don't know how easy it is going to be when I get home. That is going to be a real test."

Also see: Ex-cricketers in their current jobs: Uber driver, bus stand cleaner

Jacqueline Fernandez, who is spending her quarantine time with Salman Khan at his farmhouse in Panvel, recently shared a picture of the superstar from his workout session on her Instagram profile. A shirtless Salman looks all bulked up in the picture as he sweats out at his gym.

Sharing the picture on her Instagram account, the Kick actress wrote, "Gifted or just very hard-working?? I feel he's grateful for everyday and respects the position the Almighty has given him @beingsalmankhan to all the Salman Khan fans, there’s a lot more to come, stay tuned, stay safe! #lockdown #pyaarkarona (sic)".

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jac’kill’ine Fernandez (@jacquelinef143) onMay 1, 2020 at 5:43am PDT

Recently, Salman posted a photograph on Instagram where Jacqueline can be sneakily seen clicking his picture as he was busy with his workout. "Jacky got caught taking a pic chori chori Chupke chupke... she took one more after that which she will post on her own," Salman wrote with the image.

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

Jacky got caught taking a pic chori chori Chupke chupke... she took one more after that which she will post on her own! @jacquelinef143

A post shared by Salman Khan (@beingsalmankhan) onApr 28, 2020 at 10:30pm PDT

In a recent interview, Jacqueline talked about her days of quarantine and how she has been spending time at the place. She said, "At the farm, I ride horses, swim, run and do yoga to keep myself fit. Being amidst nature has never felt so good. This lockdown has helped me devote more time to activities that I enjoy. This includes reading, too."

And just like any other actor, she is also missing her closest friends and family, she says, "Earlier, I wouldn't be so much in touch with them, but lately, I have been spending a lot of time with them, though virtually."

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The thought of Valentine’s Day gifts make all love birds scratch their heads. Flowers, chocolates, teddies, heart shaped pillows, what exactly to purchase for her. Years have passed and we all are grown up adults, but the idea of Valentine’s Day is still the same. Not to mention here that gifting flowers, teddies, heart shaped cushions and chocolates have become passe. Today’s generation is focused more on gifting branded perfumes, swanky handbags, movie tickets or gift cards from branded stores. If you are a 'tall young handsome' gentleman caught in a Valentine's -Day gift dilemma, then here is a list of some exclusive gifts that you plan buy for your lady love on this Valentine’s Day.

1. Take her for a shopping date: Girls are big time shopaholics and probably there is no day in a year when she will deny to go for shopping. You may hate walking from one end of teh shopping mall to another with her, but Valentine’s Day is a special eve after all.  Enlighten her love for shopping on Valentine’s Day. Gift her a gorgeous dress, a swanky handbag, a fruity scented perfume or a silver jewellery. If your lady love is brand conscious, then gift her a shopping voucher from her favourite brand or store. She would love to shop with that special gift.



2. Gift her a romantic spa session: Gift a romantic spa session: Girls at time are finicky about their crockery and kitchenware. However, Valentine’s Day is all about love so gifts like frying pans and hand blenders can be kept aside for some other occasions. Why not show some care and affection and gift her something romantic that she can least expect? A spa session voucher can do wonder to your gifting idea. Make her feel relaxed, rejuvenated, and pampered at a good spa outlet on this Valentine’s Day. The session can turn more romantic if you also join your lady love. Couple Spa brings lots of spark to a relationship!

3. Make her happy with an opera ticket: To go for an opera show, you do not need to take permission for leaves from their bosses.  So, if you are planning for a short trip to your favourite destination but are tied between office and work, then head for a romantic evening at an opera house. Enjoy the moments of togetherness and make the evening more special. She will surely enjoy watching the show with you



4. Do not give gifts that make her feel uncomfortable: You may be longing to see your beloved in a cocktail dress with a plunging neckline on V-Day. While she may accept the gift, do not expect her to wear it and go out with you on the same day. Unless she is comfortable to dress up for you, do not force her or make her feel awful for not wearing your 'special gift' on this romantic occasion. She might surprise you with the beautiful dress on some other occasions.

5. Bake a cake or her favourite dish: Almost every girl loves chocolates and are foodies by heart. However, instead of buying her chocolates or taking her to a restaurant, make her test your culinary skills. Bake a cake for her or surprise her by preparing her favourite dish. Do not be scared of the taste, because ‘everything is fair in love and war’.

(With inputs from agencies)

With few more days to go, lovebirds are already sinking in the thought of what to gift their valentines. Online shopping, running across gift shops, and scratching heads for ideas, Valentine’s Day is all about expressing love to the man and woman of your life. Teddies and red roses have turned out to be cliché Valentine’s Day gifts. The emergence of online shopping sites and personalized gift shops have taken Valentine’s Day gifting idea to a different level. This time gift something unusual, something unique and something your better half would have never imagined: Here are some ideas!

1. Bottle of beer to him and gin to her: Take a break from the romantic champagne or red wine and opt for an out-of-the world idea of purchasing a bottle of beer for your Mister and a bottle of gin for your Miss.

  

2. Satin lingerie to her and personalised boxers to him: Girls go ‘wowww’ over a pair of bright colour satin lingerie. Underpants or boxers are a boy’s favourite section in his wardrobe. Instead of gifting each other a regular pair of lingerie or boxer, try out a gifting a lacy hot looking satin one. Ladies, personalize the boxer with our cutest photo and a love message to turn your man wild.



3. Pack of maggi to each other: Both a foodie and a non-foodie is a fan of Maggie noodles. Plan your budget and gift each other some packs of maggi noodles along with extra tastemaker masala. Share the noodles from one plate to make the simple gift a romantic and precious one.

4. Imported lighter to him and bottle opener to her: Boys who smoke would love to get a classy imported lighter as a Valentine’s Day gift. A bottle opener on the other hand is an essential in the kitchen. So, this time rather than gifting a passé coffee mug or ashtray, gift a lighter and a bottle opener. 

5. Spa coupon to each other: Gift a couple spa voucher to your better half and enjoy a romantic rejuvenating evening together. Low lit light, herbal products and gentle massage will de-stress and reward you with the most romantic Valentine evening.

6. Wine glass holder to him and cup holder to her: While boys have a craze for setting up a super-duper fully equipped bar counter in their homes, girls look for the perfect trendy and durable cup holder for their kitchens. To fulfil each other’s wish, boys can buy their ladylove a cup holder and girls can surprise their prince charming with a durable wine glass holder.

7. Cocktail guide to him and recipe book to her: While your prince charming can surprise you with a homemade cocktail, you can bake a cake for him or cook his favourite dish. Buy each other a cocktail handbook and recipe booklet, and make a perfect drink and dine ambience at home.

8. Mouse pad to him and cosmetic organizer to her: Girls want to keep their cosmetic section updated at home. Boys, look out for a stylish mouse pad to make their gaming session more interesting and engaging. A mouse pad and cosmetic organizer may seem to be the most unusual Valentine’s gift, remember that it will fulfil both your purposes.

9. Woody scented perfume to him and fruity one to her: Boys are more inclined towards woody rugged or chocolate scented perfumes while girls favour soft fruity body mists. Know the choice and brand preference of your better half and surprise them with a nice perfume bottle.

10. Shaving kit to him and electric epilator to her: Shaving is a regular task for men so is waxing for women. Why to run to the salon every week and waste time when you gift your Valentine a shaking kit and an electric epilator?

The Coronavirus outbreak has infected millions of people across the globe and claimed many lives prompting governments to issue lockdown orders. The order has forced offices to provide facilities for working from home. Now with professionals working from home and attending meetings through video conferences, they have resorted to wearing casual clothes. But what if a last-minute video conference is planned? One has to rush to change into work clothes and attend the meeting. A man has come up with an instant solution to this problem which men can use, which has impressed industrialist Anand Mahindra.

The chairman of Mahindra and Mahindra group took to Twitter to post about this man's tutorial video about 'instant suit', with the hashtag #WhatsappWonderbox. The industrialist says in the post, "I'm going to ship this gentleman a lungi, so that he can complete his outfit by wearing it under his 'instant suit."

So I see that creating a new Video conference dress code is a global obsession. I’m going to ship this gentleman a lungi, so that he can complete his outfit by wearing it under his ‘instant suit.’ 😊 #whatsappwonderbox pic.twitter.com/pMWB7DYBV9

— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) April 15, 2020

The post shared by the Mahindra on Wednesday garnered more than 126,400 views with over 7,800 likes and was retweeted more than 1,100 times, with hilarious reactions in the comments.

Is this for real?? Well, necessity is the mother of invention!

— $hilp_$aaz (@ar_shilpz) April 15, 2020

😆👍
Actually Lungi Coat combination looks quite decent 😂😂
👇 pic.twitter.com/ZPetaY3ni3

— Dr Charuhas (@charuhasmujumd1) April 15, 2020

May be Half of half kurta too 😆

— Sanjay (@Sanjay87911567) April 15, 2020

I would totally buy a female equivalent thing 😂

— rujuta (@ObliqueRays) April 15, 2020

Ha Ha ... Lungi & Gamucha would be a deadly combination with relaxation too.

— LUV â™»ï¸ÂðŸ’¯ðŸ”™ (@luvv_agarwall) April 15, 2020

Make sure it is a chequered lungi with red and yellow squares please 😋. 🙏

— Conphucious 🇮🇳 (@Conphucious1) April 15, 2020

What do you think about the video?

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Former Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Raghuram Rajan on Thursday said that unemployment numbers are really worrying and India needs to be "cleverer" about lifting the lockdown. Rajan's remarks came during his interaction with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, via video conference, on the economic crisis due to ongoing lockdown which is scheduled to end on May 3. "The numbers are really worrying. If you look at CMIE, virtually another 100 million more people have been put out of work as a result of COVID. 50 million through unemployment and 60 million through leaving the labour force," he said while responding to Rahul's query that India has a high level of unemployment, that is now going to be massive.

"I think it says, we need to open up in a measured way but as fast as possible so that people start having jobs. We don't have the capacity to support people across the spectrum for too long. Being a relatively poor country, people start out with significantly lower reserves," he said. "But we have to be cleverer about opening up. Perhaps do mass testing. Take a mass sample, say 1000 samples and check in mass, if there is any sign of the virus in those mass samples. If you do find it, then go deeper into the sample and check who it might be. This way it would reduce the burden on our test infrastructure and can allow us to try and vet much more. We have to be cleverer since we simply cannot wait till we have that kind of testing," the economist said.

Rajan said that it is all too easy to cover a lockdown forever, but obviously that is unsustainable for the economy. On the opening of the economy, he said: "It has to be sequencing. First, places where you can maintain distancing. It is not just distancing in the workplaces, but also distancing to and fro, from the workplace."

"So, a lot of work needs to be done both on creating the structures, as well as ensuring that the workplace is relatively safe. As well as ensuring that if there are accidents, if there are fresh cases, how do we isolate quickly without having to go to a second or a third lockdown? Those will be devastating if we have to go there," he added.

When asked about finances of the agricultural sector and the workers, migrant workers, Rajan said that the government should to find ways of getting both money as well as food through PDS to as many of these people.

"This is where the efforts we have made in Direct benefits transfer (DBT) need to be realised at this point. All the ways we transfer to relatively poor people, we need to take a call on that. We have different ways of accessing - through widow pensions, MGNREGA Rolls. And we need to say that look these are people who don't have a job, who don't have a livelihood and for the next 3-4 months while the uncertainty is on, we are going to support them," he said.

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A 58-year-old assistant sub- inspector of police has died of coronavirus in Maharashtras Solapur district, an official said on Thursday. With this, five police personnel from the state have so far succumbed to the viral infection. The assistant sub-inspector, posted at Solapur MIDC police station, was admitted to the civil hospital there on Tuesday after he tested positive for coronavirus. He died while undergoing treatment at the hospital on Wednesday, the official said.

The victim, who was set to retire after four months, was on duty till last week, he said. Maharashtra Police expressed grief over the personnel's demise. "DGP and all ranks of Maharashtra Police offer their condolences to the bereaved family, the state police said in a tweet.

Constable Amit from @DelhiPolice succumbed to Coronavirus. Shri. Amit was serving the state of Delhi in these troubled times. May his soul rest in peace.

DGP and all ranks of Maharashtra Police offer their condolences to his family.

— Maharashtra Police (@DGPMaharashtra) May 7, 2020

Last month, three personnel of Mumbai Police and one of Pune Police died of COVID-19. So far, 456 police personnel, including 42 officers, have tested positive for coronavirus in the state.

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Taylor Swift won millions of hearts with her performance of hope at the virtual concert One World: Together At Home where she performed Soon You'll Be Better.

According to E! Online, the Grammy winner musician didn't use words but the lyrics of her song and her music to do the talking while she expressed gratitude towards the frontline workers during the show.

The singer was seen spreading a ray of hope as she sang, "Soon you'll be better, cause you have to."

Over 70 artists and celebrities from across the globe had joined the WHO's initiative of the online concert to thank and celebrate the healthcare workers fighting the pandemic.

Some of the artists that were a part of the show are Elton John, Lizzo, Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga, Madonna, Priyanka Chopra, Shah Rukh Khan, Celine Dion, and the Rolling Stone.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the virtual concert raised over USD 127 million for the relief efforts of COVID-19.

The show was hosted by the most popular hosts Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, and Stephen Colbert.

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Known for belting out hits like "Love story", "Blank space" and "Look what you made me do", singer Taylor Swift is spending her lockdown hours cooking, sipping wine and listening to old classic numbers. "I love spending a full evening cooking a meal while sipping a glass of wine and listening to old music," Swift told People, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

She had earlier told the portal SiriusXM that she has been watching old films that she had not seen before. "A lot of people have been watching lots and lots of TV in this time of quarantine. I have actually been going back and watching old films that I hadn't seen before. I went and watched - I actually hadn't seen 'Rear Window' and if you haven't seen that film go check it out. It's got Grace Kelly, it's phenomenal, it's (by) (Alfred) Hitchcock," she said.

Recently, the singer lashed out at Big Machine Records after it was revealed that they were releasing an album of live performances of Swift's old songs. Earlier this month, Swift participated in pop star Lady Gaga's COVID-19 relief concert "One World: Together at Home", which raised almost $128 million in the US.

The two-hour event also saw the participation of Bollywood stars Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra, besides international stars as Gaga, Stevie Wonder, Paul McCartney, Elton John and Lizzo among others.

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SIFAR (Emptiness) – depicts the journey of Ayesha; an author with a dark past. The story is narrated by the female protagonist – Ayesha. The narration is done while she is in discussion with her therapist. The therapist, Dr. Roy, is interested to delve into Ayesha’s past and during one of the sessions requests Ayesha to tell him about the most positive aspect of her life - what follows is a narration of a beautiful love story between a dreaded gangster and a prostitute. SIFAR – is an adaptation of The Gift of the Magi by O Henry.

American supermodel Gigi Hadid has revealed she injured her arm while training with tennis star Serena Williams for a virtual charity tennis tournament. The Stay at Home Slam is set to be streamed on Facebook Gaming and on the tennis Facebook page of IMG on Sunday. While taking tips from Serena ahead of the online celebrity match, Gigi, who is expecting her first child with singer boyfriend Zayn Malik, said she pulled her entire arm the first time she practised on swing mode.

During an appearance on Jimmy Fallon's The Tonight Show, Gigi said: "I've been practising a lot because if anyone's more competitive than me, it's Serena. We're playing controller version, but the first night I played, I practised on swing mode and fully pulled my entire arm. The next day, I couldn't lift my arm. I couldn't do anything."

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Nifty PE : Valuations Standards Below 14 = Extremely Undervalued Between 14 to 18 = Undervalued Between 18 to 22 = Failrly Priced Above 22 = Over Valued Current PE is 26.44 , As per above standards Nifty is over valued (1) Nifty 50 Stocks - Some stoc..

A video of an elderly man tearing up after receiving a gift from his caregiver has melted hearts online and the story behind it is extremely emotional. Ken Bembow, a British war veteran has been staying in a elderly assisting  facility and one of the care givers there noticed that he sleeps with his late wife’s photograph.

As she realized that sleeping next to a picture in a glass frame can hurt him, caregiver Kia Mariah Tobin came up with an idea to give Bembow a unique gift. She gifted him a pillow with his wife’s photo printed on it. The precious moment of Bembow tearing up while receiving the gift was captured on camera and was shared on Facebook that has touched hearts.

The care home where Bembow stays shared the video on their Facebook page, with the caption that reads, “We know our residents are missing their loved ones at this time but let’s not forget those who sadly aren’t here with us anymore.” The caption further detailed how Tobin presented him the pillow.

The video posted last week garnered over 4 lakh views on Facebook with more than 7,000 likes and was shared over 5,200 times. The users commenting on the video lauded the caregiver for giving Bembow a thoughtful gift.

A user said, “What a lovely thing to do, I’m sure lots of residents in isolation would appreciate one. What a wonderful reaction, bless him.” Another user said, “Such a beautiful moment. I can’t stop watching it.” One user said, “Absolutely beautiful!  So thoughtful and so special. What an angel Kia is, and wonderful to see the bond between  her and Ken.”  A user said, “ I cried watching this absolutely beautiful, amazing young lady, she should be so so proud of herself and to the boss, you have a diamond working for you, an absolute diamond.”

What do you think about the video?

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Belgian Prime Minister Sophie Wilmes has announced a detailed plan to gradually lift the country's coronavirus restrictions, the media reported on Saturday.

After hours of discussions on Friday, Prime Minister Wilmes announced a timetable to gradually end the country's lockdown, which began on March 12, reports the BBC. The first businesses to open will be fabric shops on May 4 in order to help people comply with new regulations requiring all Belgians aged 12 or over to wear masks on public transport. Other shops will reopen a week later.

Schools will return from May 18, but no more than 10 children will be allowed in each class. Cafes and restaurants will not be permitted to open before June 8. But Wilmes warned that "nothing is set in stone". At least 44,293 people have tested positive for the virus in Belgium as of Saturday, according to the Johns Hopkins University tally.

A total of 6,679 deaths have been recorded in the nation of 11.4 million - the highest rate per capita in Europe. More than half the fatalities have been in care homes. A number of other European countries have already announced measures to ease their lockdowns, the BBC reported. On Friday, the Czech Republic ended restrictions on free movement which had been put in place to help halt the spread of coronavirus.

Sme shops have already reoopened in Germany and schools will gradually reopen from May 4, although bars, cafes, restaurants, cinemas and music venues will all remain closed. Meanwhile, Poland's Health Minister Lukasz Szumowski called for a two-year delay to the presidential election - due to take place in two weeks' time - saying it was the safest situation given the pandemic.

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Sensex, Nifty Live News Today: SBI Cards and Payment Services, Adani Gas, Shree Cement, Procter & Gamble Hygiene & Health Care, Reliance Power, Reliance Infrastructure, Reliance Home Finance, Reliance Capital among others will be reporting their March quarterly results today

Stock specific action was seen in index heavyweight Reliance Industries gained 3.43% to Rs 1,558 on BSE after PE firm Vista Equity Partners said it would invest Rs 11,367 crore into Jio Platforms at an equity value of Rs 4.91 lakh crore and an enterprise value of Rs 5.16 lakh crore.

The move lifts the overhang of a warning letter for a plant that Dr Reddy's had been dealing with for long. Now all their plants have become USFDA compliant

The Malaysian tax agency on December 1 released guidance on whether gifts provided for no consideration can be excluded from the goods and services tax net.

US congressman Peter DeFazio (D-OR) has introduced legislation designed to amend the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act so that incentives for US corporations to shift income and production overseas are reduced.

On March 27, 2020, the United States Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service issued a notice which extends COVID-19-related filing and payment relief to federal gift and generation-skipping taxes.