Posted by Victoria Strauss for Writer Beware®

In a super-crowded, hyper-competitive marketplace, one of the main challenges for book authors is to stand out. And where there's a need, there are always unscrupulous operators waiting to take advantage. The internet is awash in worthless schemes and outright scams designed to profit from authors' hunger for publicity and exposure.

I've written about a number of these--Hollywood book-to-screen packages, the hugely marked-up PR options offered by Author Solutions, the plague of marketing scams originating in the Philippines. Others to watch out for include book fair display packages (publishing industry expert Jane Friedman has a good article on why these are not worth your money), pay-to-play book review services, and what I'm going to talk about in this post: vanity radio.

What's vanity radio? In the "writer beware" context, it's radio air time that you, the program guest, have to pay for. Such schemes have been around forever in various forms, aimed at experts and creatives of all kinds, from services that explicitly sell pay-to-play interviews, to show hosts that charge interview fees to defray the fees they themselves have to pay their platforms.

The main selling point is the promise that your interview will be heard by a large and eager audience, giving wide exposure to you and your book (see the pitches that I've pasted in below). But vanity radio is primarily online radio, delivered via platforms like Blog Talk Radio and Spreaker, and streaming services like iTunes, iHeart Radio, and SoundCloud. Online radio listenership is steadily rising, but unless there are subscriber lists (as on YouTube, for instance), there's usually no way to determine the audience for any given host or show--or to authenticate any listenership claims the show may make. Lots of people may be tuning in...or no one at all.

As a result, the only verifiable benefit authors may receive for their money is an audio or audio-and-video clip that they can post to their websites and social media accounts. Whether that's worth it when it costs $99 or $150 or $200 is debatable enough. But when the price tag is four figures?

As always in the realm of junk marketing aimed at writers, Author Solutions has been both the pioneer and the primary practitioner. All its imprints sell vanity radio in some form: here's AuthorHouse's offering, for instance (just $1,099!). iUniverse's is identical. Xlibris and Trafford currently sell teasers rather than interviews (for significantly more money), but through 2017 they too hawked interviews.

Recently, however, AS's leadership in the realm of predatory marketing services has been challenged by a flood of scammy imitators. These copycat ripoff factories have adopted vanity radio in a big way, and they aggressively hawk it to authors, both on its own and as part of costly publishing and marketing packages. Here, for instance, is an offer from Book Vine Press (cost: $1,500):

From Author Reputation Press (cost: £1,500):


From Parchment Global Publishing (cost: $1,499):


The copycats re-sell the services of a number of show hosts (there's a list below), but the three personalities noted above--Kate Delaney with America Tonight Radio, Ric Bratton with This Week in America, and Al Cole with People of Distinction--make the most frequent appearances on the copycats' websites and in their email solicitations. Delaney and Bratton have substantial, legit resumes in TV and radio; Cole is a bit harder to research, but he too seems to have a sizeable track record as a talk show host.

What, if anything, do they know of the reputation and tactics of the copycats that are re-selling their services? I contacted all three for comment last week. Cole's assistant responded in email that "Al Cole knew nothing about this....Our office will certainly look into this." As of this writing, I haven't heard back from Delaney or Bratton.

Given that the copycats routinely charge an enormous markup on products they re-sell (see, for instance, this warning from the Combined Book Exhibit, whose book fair exhibit packages many of the copycats re-sell for hugely inflated prices; the copycats also seriously jack up the fees for paid book reviews such as Kirkus Indie and BlueInk Reviews), it seems a fair bet that the interviews' hefty price tags are substantially inflated as well.

Apart from the question of such interviews' value for book promotion, that seems like reason enough to avoid them.


Author Solutions copycats that sell interviews from the individuals mentioned above:

BookVenture, ReadersMagnet, Maple Leaf Publishing, Parchment Global Publishing, Rustic Haws, Branding Nemo, Creative Titles Media, Paradigm Print, Stampa Global, Books Scribe, Matchstick Literary, PageTurner Press, EC Publishing, WestPoint Print and Media: Ric Bratton

LitFire Publishing, Author Reputation Press, ReadersMagnet, BookTrail Agency, Book-Art Press, Box Office Media Creatives, IdeoPage Press, Book Agency Plus: Kate Delaney


ReadersMagnet, Author Reputation Press, Rustik Haws, URLink Print & Media, Workbook Press, Parchment Global Publishing, BookWhip: Al Cole


BookTrail Agency: David Serero

BookTrail Agency, Book Agency Plus: Angela Chester


UPDATE 1/9/19: Parchment Global has added the disclaimer in red to its solicitations for Al Cole interviews (it might want to do some proofreading):


I don't know if this was at Mr. Cole's behest (remember, he's the only vanity radio host who responded--if not very expansively--to my request for comment) or is just CYA by Parchment Global itself, but hey--it lets me know that the scammers are still reading my blog.

Do I believe Parchment Global has stopped taking a cut? What do you think?

Hey there! I am pleased to announce that I have a new album out! It is instrumental metal and is about our oncoming climate apocalypse. Check it out below, and if you like what you hear, feel free to purchase a copy!

Beeps!

A sinkhole that has opened up near the Pantheon offers a chance for researchers to examine travertine slabs that date back to Roman antiquity.

Continue reading Sinkhole near the Pantheon shines a light on ancient slabs at The Wild Hunt.

American Revolution 2.0, which presents itself as bipartisan, has been assisted by far-right individuals – some with extremist links

Leaked audio recordings and online materials obtained by the Guardian reveal that one of the most prominent anti-lockdown protest groups, American Revolution 2.0 (AR2), has received extensive assistance from well-established far-right actors, some with extremist connections.

Related: Armed protesters demonstrate against Covid-19 lockdown at Michigan capitol

Continue reading...

When someone believes their own BS a little too hard, their ego starts to spiral out of control and before you know it, this ridiculous individual believes they're a genius. Maybe they're still riding a developmental achievement like being an "early reader" or they just took a bogus online test that told them their IQ is a thousand. Either way the internet is swimming with absurd individuals who believe they're geniuses and they're here to ruin jokes and brag about themselves.

Coffee has been linked to changes on our DNA that affect how active certain genes are. The finding may help explain some of coffee's touted health benefits

Scotland’s Valerie Anderson (bedeckedbeads) has played and played with Sonya Girodon’s free tutorial. With this latest brooch, Valerie puts her own spin on the process with deep watery colors. And if you look at the side view you’ll see how her curved strips add another departure. When you put your own “stink” on a technique […] Read more

On Thursday, the country reported its largest one-day increase in new cases of 11,231 — yet President Putin already has his eyes on reopening.

The Foreign Secretary says the prime minister will outline what steps the UK "can responsibly take over the following weeks."

#354 — May 6, 2020 Read on the Web Postgres Weekly pgModeler: A Postgres Database Modeler — An easy way to create and edit database models in a visual way. It’s packaged up as a paid product but is also open source so you can build your own. Raphael Araújo e Silva The Best Medium-Hard Data Analyst SQL Interview Questions — This article begins with a quote: “The first 70% of SQL is pretty straightforward but the remaining 30% can be pretty tricky.” True! This article focuses on the tricky ‘medium-hard’ area that few tutorials venture into. Zachary Thomas Monitor Custom Postgres Metrics in Real-Time with Datadog — Monitor and visualize Postgres performance in context end-to-end alongside the rest of your stack. Create custom, drag-and-drop dashboards to quickly view analytics on any Postgres metric. Try Datadog free. Datadog sponsor My Favorite PostgreSQL Extensions: Part Two — The second part of a series we linked to last week. This time, Nawaz takes a look at pgAudit, pg_repack, and HypoPG. Nawaz Ahmed Backup Manifests and pg_verifybackup in Postgres 13 — Postgres 13 will introduce two features to enhance the automated validation of physical backups: backup manifests and a new tool called pg_verifybackup. Gabriele Bartolini arm64 Packages Now on apt.postgresql.org — If you’re running ARM64 hardware and Debian or Ubuntu, you can now install Postgres via apt. Christoph Berg Speeding Up count(*): Why Not Use max(id) - min(id)? — A warning tale in case you decide to take this shortcut. While you might be able to estimate or fudge a number that’s close, you can’t guarantee sequences will give you an exact, correct answer here. Hans-Jürgen Schönig Using Postgres for JSON Storage — With JSON and JSONB types and associated advanced ways to query such columns, using Postgres as a store for JSON data is pretty simple. This is the briefest of overviews but leads into an interactive online tutorial. Steve Pousty How to Migrate From Inheritance-Based Partitioning to Declarative Partitioning — Partitioning was introduced in Postgres 10 and Postgres 11 improved the declarative partitioning support. This article demonstrates a move from inheritance based partitioning to declarative partitioning using the native features found in Postgres 11+. Caterina Magini Free eBook: How to Get a 3x Performance Improvement on Your Postgres Database — Learn our best practices for optimizing Postgres query performance for customers like Atlassian and how to reduce data loaded from disk by 500x. pganalyze sponsor How to Backup Multiple Tablespaces with pg_basebackup Ahsan Hadi ▶  Security and Compliance with Postgres — A recorded webinar that 2ndQuadrant ran recently. Boriss Mejías Oracle to PostgreSQL: ANSI Outer Join Syntax in Postgres — The latest in a series of blog posts about migrating to Postgres from Oracle which looks at what Postgres offers in place of Oracle’s join operators. Kirk Roybal An Interview with 2ndQuadrant's Jimmy Angelakos — The latest ‘PostgreSQL Person of the Week’ to face questions about his experiences with Postgres. Andreas Scherbaum dadbod.vim: A Modern Database Interface for Vim — A Vim plugin for interacting with numerous databases, including Postgres. Tim Pope ???? Upcoming Online Events Postgres Pulse - weekly at 11am ET each Monday. Weekly Zoom-based sessions with folks like Bruce Momjian, Vibhor Kumar, and other people at EnterpriseDB. ???? Postgres Vision 2020 on June 23-24. A full attempt at an online Postgres conference across multiple days with multiple tracks. ???? – requires e-mail address or registration ???? – costs money to participate

Coronavirus is throwing many birth plans up in the air and leading some health trusts to increase home births.

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

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

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

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

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India and Delhi Capitals batsman Ajinkya Rahane won't mind playing the IPL in empty stadiums if it ensures the safety of the fans. Speaking in an Instagram Live session arranged by Delhi Capitals, Rahane said: "COVID-19 pandemic has taught everyone that unexpected things can happen, therefore we need to be happy about what we are doing, and should value what we have. "As for IPL or any other sport, I feel it could be played without spectators. All of us have played domestic cricket in almost empty stadiums, so that's an experience all cricketers are used to."

"Of course we are nothing without our fans, and that's why their safety is of utmost importance. Even if they get to watch some Live action from home, I am sure that will be an enjoyable experience as well. The safety of fans is key, and if we need to play in empty stadiums for that, we are open to do it," Rahane said. IPL 2020 has been indefinitely postponed due the COVID-19 pandemic but there is a possibility that it is played behind closed doors in September.

peaking on how he has been spending time during the nationwide lockdown, India's Test specialist said he is enjoying bonding with his wife and daughter. "I'm trying to be as positive as possible during this lockdown, and staying at home with my wife and daughter. It's given me an opportunity to bond with them, and I am also able to help my wife in cooking and cleaning.

"I'm also trying to revive my karate skills, something I pursued as a child. It helps in maintaining my agility and fitness, and I am enjoying it a lot," he said. The experienced middle-order batsman was bought by Delhi Capitals last year before the IPL Auction, and says he is really excited about playing for the franchise.

"It is something I've really been eager about, and it has stemmed in because of the things I've heard about the team from the likes of Ishant, Shikhar, and Shreyas. They've told me that it's like a huge family where everyone is always backing each other, and enjoying each other's successes," he said.

Talking about his excitement on playing under head coach Ricky Ponting, Rahane said he has always admired the Australian legend. "My idols growing up were definitely Rahul Sir and Sachin Sir, but I've always admired Ricky Sir also."

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The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad has arrested a man in connection with an alleged ISIS-inspired group that wanted to carry out mass attacks at big events using poisonous chemicals, police said on Sunday. The arrest was made on Saturday from Mumbra in neighbouring Thane district and a laptop, tablet computer, hard disk, pen drives, router, mobile phones and diaries were seized from his residence, an ATS official said.

The ATS had earlier arrested eight people, and detained a minor, from Aurangabad and Thane after several teams carried out searches through January 21-22, an official said. They were charged under Indian Penal Code section 120B (criminal conspiracy) and relevant provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Bombay Police Act. This group, during interrogation, had named the accused who was arrested Saturday, he added. He will be produced in a court on Sunday, the official
informed.

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While women sit devoutly, the male attitude has tended to be: let us spray. Representation pic

Bangkok's malls have thousands of people. And people tend to pee, which is partly why they're called peeple. So malls have dozens of men's and women's toilets. Being Bangkok, city of fragrances and aroma oils, they really hate bad smells, so the lavatories generally smell like boudoirs.

In a hurry recently, and finding all the cubicles in the Men's occupied, I looked left and right, then darted into the Women's toilet, which happened to be woman-free at that moment, and locked myself into a booth there. Man's gotta do what a man's gotta do. Emerging, visibly relieved, I noticed two things: there were no cleaning ladies in the women's toilet; and there was no pee smell there either.

The adjacent men's toilet had two cleaners toiling away with mops and buckets of perfumed disinfectants, but you could also detect the fouler odour they were masking: the stink of uric acid and ammonia from male piss. While women sit devoutly, the male attitude has tended to be: let us spray. I know, I know. We don't talk about such things in polite society. It's like the 13th floor in a skyscraper: you can't get rid of it, but you pretend it's not there. Never say "I would like to urinate, be right back". Better go with, umm, Have to see a man about a dog, or Going to make the bladder gladder, or Excuse me while I drain the dragon. Or, if a lady, Pardon me while I take a quick tinkle.

Say it how you wish, amigo, but here's the bottom line - India has fewer malls than Bangkok, but billions more, erm, happy pissers to whom the world is a urinal. Urinary odors were so much a part of childhood that I always assumed that toilets would always smell like, well, toilets. And it's true - a men's toilet in Chicago or Piccadilly will reek just like one of the 71 million apparently built so far by the Swacch Bharat Abhiyan.

What can I say? Piss smells. But Bill Gates, who loves poking his nose where things don't smell right, commissioned a worldwide study and found that usage of freshly minted toilets slopes off after six months. Respondents cited "dirty and smelly toilets" as reasons why they preferred the fields. Gates started the Reinvent the Toilet initiative in 2011, and began working with Firmenich, a Swiss company that makes bad smells better. They identified the four stinky molecules in toilets as indole, butyric acid, p-cresol and dimethyl tri-sulfide, and came up with a fragrance that blocks the nose's receptors that detect these. You could be up s**t creek, so to speak, and not smell a thing.

Like pretending the 13th floor doesn't exist even as you pass it. But you know me. The man with the humble opinion. While Gates would like to block your nose, I think I'd like to block the stink itself. After all, women seem to have it figured out - they sit when they tinkle, so they don't sprinkle. So - men should stand to pee why?

Toledo University's 18-month study found three causes of toilet odors - Missing the target. Face it, not all men are born snipers. The average Indian pissoir is haloed by a wet ring of failed attempts to hit the superbowl.

Uric acid, from men who pissed, but missed and dribbled on floors and walls (and their own shoes) instead, causing smelly bacteria build-up. Splashes - even when the target has been successfully met, a fine aerosol of uric acid lands on nearby surfaces. Urine in the cracks: Urine is absorbed into grout, ponging over time. I'd add poorly paid municipal cleaners and maybe a faint inherited attitude that only untouchables clean toilets. Splashing a bucket of water in a Swachh Shauchalay only spreads the urine evenly across the floor.

Research from the Dutch Leiden University Medical Centre says sitting down to pee helped men suffering from lower urinary tract disease symptoms to pee with greater force.

The stand-up guy activates a host of discreet muscles in the pelvis and spine, which prevent proper urination. More acute in public toilets where certain muscles might be clenched to suppress nether blasts while peeing.

As always, I didn't think of it first. In 2012, the Swedish Left party of Sormland Country Council put forward a motion that all male employees should sit down like well brought up girls when open their sluice gates. Taiwan and Japan have begun advising their men to sit down to pee - or else. And since a real man is clean, courteous, considerate and utterly lazy, a squat over the pot should suit him right to a, well, P. Believe me, I'm a recent convert. Want better reasons? Listen to Larry David from Curb Your Enthusiasm. http://tinyurl.com/ycqa6q3g

Here, viewed from there. C Y Gopinath, in Bangkok, throws unique light and shadows on Mumbai, the city that raised him. You can reach him at cygopi@gmail.com Send your feedback to mailbag@mid-day.com

Catch up on all the latest Mumbai news, crime news, current affairs, and also a complete guide on Mumbai from food to things to do and events across the city here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates

I began my Monday by first casting my vote and returned with both my index fingers inked at Municipal School No 1, Pratiksha Nagar.

I reached the polling station at 7.15 am and joined the queue there, but due to some technical snag, it took half an hour for the proceedings to start. Four voters who cast their votes before me were inked on their right-hand index finger and the official there wanted to do the same with me too.

Election 2019: Prominent personalities, other Mumbaikars come out to caste vote!

I informed him that the correct way was to mark the left index finger. He insisted on marking my right hand though and when I requested meeting his senior official to confirm, his colleagues told him that it was indeed the left-hand index finger that must be marked. When he realised his mistake, he wanted to ink my left index finger to rectify his error.

I tried to reason with him saying it was okay now that he had marked my right hand, but he wouldn't budge. While he was ultimately satisfied at having done his job, I had to roam around with two fingers inked.

Salman Khan, SRK, Ranveer Singh, Kangana, Bachchans step out for voting

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Dear Diana,
I have been going around with this guy for the last five months. As I am quite a chirpy person, I have lots to tell him. I keep jabbering about everything and anything. He has been giving me a patient hearing. But to my dismay, I have now realised that he has been telling his friends that I talk too much. He tells them that he needs to stuff cotton wool in his ears for peace and tranquility. Some common pals have been telling me that what he is doing is wrong. I find this behaviour of his irritating. Why should he be talking about my inadequacies? I may be a chatterbox, but if he has a problem, he needs to tell me, and not others. I find it strange that he listens to whatever I say and then goes around telling tales behind my back.
— Shreela

Illustration/Uday Mohite

Dear Shreela,
This guy is not telling you anything, but revealing his discomfort to his pals. This is strange, if you two are in a relationship and are serious about each other. It is wrong of him to go around blurting out whatever you tell him to common pals. You have every right to be upset with him. You may be of a cheerful disposition, but he cannot go around talking about your inadequacies to friends. He is ridiculing you and having a hearty laugh with his gang of pals. If you are talking about your personal life, you need to be cautious. You never know what he has been telling others and might blurt out personal details too. At the same time, you need to tell him to refrain from doing it. You need to explain to him that you are telling him stuff in confidence. A relationship is based on trust. If he refuses to change, it is better you go your way.

Under a canopy of yellow fairy lights that throw a reflection on the white pebbles as a musician doles out soft jazz tunes, the mood is set for brunch. Bartender Manish Solanki has created a line of beer cocktails, marrying clove and coriander notes with the orangy finish of Hoegaarden. We try the first one, a crispy wheat beer with lychee. One sip and we are sold. We stop only when we try another variation with chamomile tea. The final frontier is a beer sangria with a mix of passion fruit, elderflower and chopped fruits.

"The Mexicans love their chilled beer in the warm weather, but they also popularised the Michelada [made with beer, lime juice, and assorted sauces and peppers], inspired by the Bloody Mary. Indians, of course, have long consumed the German-inspired Shandy, mixing lemonade with beer," says Solanki.

A beer cocktail is a concoction that carries mixed notes of mixers, other alcohol and ingredients, with beer dominating the taste. Last month, Bandra's Olive Bar & Kitchen hosted a brunch in collaboration with Hoegaarden. To match steps with the beer cocktails, executive chef Rishim Sachdeva created a menu executing his favourite techniques of fermenting, curing, cooking at low temperatures, flash cooking, smoking, pickling, etc. "For the brunch, we incorporated orange, coriander and wheat in the menu.

For a fried chicken, we soaked the meat in a 2 per cent salt and orange brine; the dressing had fermented coriander stalks for acidity and bitterness to cut through the sweetness from beetroot crumbs. The orange-cured snapper dish was served with kombu and bunito dashi to bring out the umami. To this, we added coriander oil to enhance its flavour profile. And finally, we glazed the fish with sweet-sour orange butter," says Sachdeva, adding that his focus was on ensuring the food did not fall flat in front of the fizzy drink. According to Binny Dhadwal, founder of Drinq Barmen & Academy, beer cocktails haven't quite found a fan following yet.

"Consumption of any cocktail is a trend that's barely a few years old in India. It's most likely beer lovers who will be the first to head to a bar and order a beer cocktail,"
he says. To help you get ahead of the trend, we went drinking across bars to bring you the best beer cocktails to add to your bucket list.

Bourbon Beer Sour

The deep, pungent notes of bourbon meet the exotic kaffir lime leaf, topped with wheat beer. A road less
travelled, and distinctly different from any sour we have tried, this one should be savoured at leisure.
Cost: Rs 550
At: Dishkiyaoon, The Capital, Block BKC, Bandra Kurla Complex Road

Herbed Beer

This cocktail has the strong flavour of lager, with a light taste of apple. The ginger gives it a stronger effect and the cinnamon twist brings in some balance.
Cost: Rs 275
At: Lighthouse Cafe, Sunville Building, Love Grove Flyover, Siddharth Nagar, Worli

Thanda Garam

A bartender prepares Thanda Garam at Tamasha. Pic/Shadab Khan

Not for the weak-hearted, this one has vodka, tequila, mint leaves, triple sec and green apple. If you are looking for a night to forget, this one will see you through. While the alcohol packs in a punch, the mint and green apple make it a fruity experience we are likely to repeat.
Cost: Rs 695
At: Tamasha, ground floor, Victoria House, Lower Parel

Whiskey Sour

A bartender making Jacks Whiskey Sour at Agent Jack, Andheri. Pic/Satej Shinde

We take a stiff classic Whiskey Sour lover to try this one. Local Kingfisher beer joins the purist glass, and the first sip is orange, whiskey and the crispy, bubbly familiar comfort of beer. The drink is downed, and all we get is a nod. Don't go looking for a classic experience here. Enjoy this version when you are looking for variety.
Cost: Rs 420
At: Agent Jacks Bar, DE Mall, Veera Desai Road, Andheri (West)

Lager Passion

Ketan SS Gohel prepares the Lager Passion at Brewbot Eatery and Pub Brewery. Pic/Tanvi Phondekar

Golden yellow and cloudy haze, this cocktail has it all — vodka, passion fruit puree, peach schnapps, lime, salt and paprika in a Hefeweizen craft beer (Floating Head). What you get is a base taste of a wheat malt profile with banana, peach and accents of clove. The vodka cuts the bitterness from the beer, making it an aromatic drink that is easily palatable.
Cost: Rs 395
At: Brewbot Eatery and Pub Brewery, off New Link Road, Andheri (West)

Kaapi Stout and Gin Zen

When Navin Mittal, founder of Gateway Taproom. was in Prague, Czech Republic, three years ago — known for the highest per capita consumption of beer in the world, and as home to Pilsner — he tried a cocktail featuring a light and dark beer. "The malty sweet taste of dark combined with the crispy bitter of the light, offered the perfect balance. At Gateway, he offers a mean, frothy Kaapi Stout, spiked with the oatiness of Jim Beam bourbon. For those who want a lighter sip, the Gin Zen, which carries the natural taste of clove and banana, has a 30-ml shot of hard liquor.
Cost: Gin Zen Rs 480; Kaapi Stout Rs 540
At: Gateway Taproom, Godrej One, BKC

It's new, and it's pink
Last week, Barry Callebaut, Zurich-based manufacturer of chocolate and cocoa products, revealed Ruby chocolate, which is made using the Ruby cocoa bean sourced from Ecuador and Brazil. Slated to hit the shelves by early next year, the chocolate has an intrinsic sweet-and-sour berry-like flavour and pink colour derived from the bean's reddish hue. The fourth type of chocolate (others are dark, milk and white) comes 80 years after Nestlé's white chocolate.

Illustration/Ravi Jadhav

Pink pavlova ice cream
alyssa chesson,
Co-founder, Bono Boutique Ice Cream
'I would create a creamy and smooth pink chocolate ice cream. It would be studded with crushed marshmallows and [French] meringue, which would enhance the chocolate's berry-like flavour.

This would go perfectly with a glass of Rose.'

Cardamom and ruby chocolate shahi Tukda
Ranveer brar,
Celebrity chef
'The idea is to enhance the richness of the Indian Shahi Tukda. I would use brioche bread as the base and instead of traditional custard, I would make crème anglaise with cardamom and Ruby chocolate. The dessert would be presented as a tiered gateau, topped with a crumble of nankhatai, featuring a liquid Ruby chocolate ganache centre that would add texture to it.'

Ruby mochi
jahan bloch,
Co-founder, The Omakase Kitchen
'Reports suggest that Ruby chocolate's flavour profile is along the lines of berries. Assuming that, I would pair it with flavours like vanilla and citrus, which go well with tangy taste.

Currently, I am obsessed with trying different versions of mochi, the traditional Japanese dessert that we serve at The Omakase Kitchen. So, I would create a Ruby Mochi, with Ruby chocolate ganache and candied yuzu strips encased within the chewy and sticky rice cake.'

Ruby fraisier cake
sanjana Patel,
Founder and creative head, La Folie India
'On my recent visit to the US, I tried Ruby chocolate with chef Jean-Marie Auboine in his factory. It tastes naturally of berries and has great acidity, so it's less sweet and more premium than white chocolate. I would use it to reinvent the classic Fraisier cake with strawberries. Ruby chocolate's flavour is also more pronounced when paired with cream cheese and fruits. If launched in India by February, I'll create a Valentine's Day special with the chocolate and pair it with champagne.

I already know chefs around the world who are planning to create champagne-flavoured pâte de fruit and coating it with Ruby chocolate. However, consumers will need to shell out more since the chocolate's production is at a nascent stage, with more demand than supply.'

A 3D rendering of what The Bank will look like when complete

This is a scenario that's all too familiar to most millennials: it's the end of the month, and a colleague's farewell party comes up. The next morning, you realise you don't have enough money to last you till your next pay cheque. Turns out, two budding entrepreneurs from the city have a solution - a pub called The Bank.

Harsh Mav and Shaunak Mukherjee

"The concept is born out of the understanding of what being broke towards the end of the month feels like," begins Harsh Mav, who, along with childhood friend Shaunak Mukherjee, is launching a space where you can drink on a loan and repay it in EMIs, among other things. And they've just started a crowdfunding campaign so you can help turn their dream into reality.

Ajit Dhumal at BBC's first outlet in Goregaon. Pic/Sneha Kharabe

Jumping through hoops
"We have been frequenting different pubs in the city for a while, and we realised that most places serve alcohol at prices that are unaffordable to people like us. So, we started thinking of new ways in which bars could make money while keeping it affordable for customers. That's when we thought, 'Why not do this ourselves?'" says Mav.

Right off the bat, they faced a series of hurdles. They were turned down by banks for a loan, and investors weren't keen on the project due to the duo's lack of experience in the industry. Mav finally mortgaged his family home for R90 lakh, while Mukherjee managed to acquire a loan of Rs 43 lakh. They even found a space in Lower Parel's bustling Mathuradas Mills. That's when things took a turn for the worse.

"We had put down the deposit, paid three months' rent, and started work on the interiors. Then, suddenly, the BMC put a halt to everything, claiming there was a stay order on the property, a detail the landlord had failed to mention," says Mav.

Furthermore, the landlord refused to return their money, which meant they were back to where they had started - with nothing. "We're going to take legal action to recover the money, but for now, we want to get the project going. That's why we opted for crowdfunding," says Mav.

Moving forward
Needless to say, not all the funds will come from the Ketto campaign. Opening an eatery in the city requires a far larger sum than the Rs 10 lakh the duo is trying to raise. "Right now, we have most of what we need to get the pub going - food and beverage suppliers, staff, and brand tie-ups. We're looking to gather funds for the interiors," says Mav.

What do you get if you contribute to the campaign? Plenty of rewards, it appears, ranging from free drinks to getting double the return on your investment. The search is now on for a new space, and the campaign has already started catching the attention of interested investors, who, Mav and Mukherjee hope, will look beyond their inexperience and give them a fair chance.

Log on to: ketto.org/fundraiser/thebank

Twinkle Khanna, Hema Malini, Bhumi Pednekar, Kim Sharma, Surbhi Jyoti and many other Bollywood celebrities took it upon themselves to grow their own vegetables. Many have taken to home gardening and decided to grow some veggies and other plants during the lockdown.

The coronavirus outbreak has put many lives and businesses on halt, but people have decided not to give up and find a different way to help each other. Twinkle Khanna grew green veggies in her garden, and sharing the picture, she wrote, "What you sow, you shall reap and I planted a love for gardening in the hearts of my children. This is my harvest-their help in digging, watering and this large bowl of Ceylon Palak. It grows like a weed and is easily propagated by planting the stem back after taking out the leaves. Thank you @merliynjoseph for helping me with this a few years ago. It is a gift that keeps giving in so many ways. #greenthumb [sic]"

 

 

 

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A post shared by Twinkle Khanna (@twinklerkhanna) onMar 26, 2020 at 12:13am PDT

Kareena Kapoor Khan, Saif Ali Khan and their tiny tot Taimur Ali Khan have been waiting for the tomatoes they planted to sprout. Kareena, who made her Instagram debut on March 1, 2020, shared, "My boys doing their bit! Together, let's make the world a better place for us all.
Play your part... #StayHome #StaySafe #JantaCurfew [sic]"

 

 

 

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A post shared by Kareena Kapoor Khan (@kareenakapoorkhan) onMar 22, 2020 at 12:34am PDT

Bhumi Pednekar too shared the new members of her family, "After months of tender love & care, we present to you #PednekarKePed #homegrown #GharKiKheti #sustainableliving [sic]"

 

 

 

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A post shared by BhumiâÂœ¨ (@bhumipednekar) onApr 25, 2020 at 2:56am PDT

Kim Sharma, who also enjoys gardening, wrote on Instagram, "Weekend chores #day4 [sic]"

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kim Sharma (@kimsharmaofficial) onMar 28, 2020 at 3:38am PDT

Madhuri Dixit-Nene also posted an Instagram story, which showed figs and pomegranates from her home garden. Isn't this truly inspiring? Take a look!

"Ye dekho... Mera naya kaam... preparing beds for methi, kothmir and planted tomatoes! abhi dekhte hain kya hota hai [sic]" wrote Juhi Chawla on her Instagram.

 

 

 

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A post shared by Juhi Chawla (@iamjuhichawla) onApr 11, 2020 at 10:56pm PDT

It's good to see public figures taking up the initiative to grow their own food and showing people how it's done! Home gardening can never get better, or more fun, than this!

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Ace producer Ekta Kapoor shared a close bond with her family - dad Ravi Kapoor, aka Jeetendra, mum Shobha and brother Tusshar. Ekta recently shared a lovely throwback family photo, which features the four in their younger days, but looking awfully distracted!

Sharing the photo on Instagram, Ekta wrote, "Well well! We have come a long way! Guess wat my dad is thinking."

 

 

 

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Well well! We have come a long way! Guess wat my dad is thinking 😹😹😹😆

A post shared by Erk❤️rek (@ektarkapoor) onMay 4, 2020 at 6:28am PDT

Well, can you guess what veteran actor Jeetendra is thinking about in the photo?

Several of Ekta's industry friends and Insta followers commented on the post. Ronit Roy wrote, "Wow! Yes a loooong looooong way," while Akshay Dogra said, "Well all that matters is happiness on point here too!" while Rahul Dev commented, "She's got 'the look'."

While in lockdown, Ekta Kapoor has been entertaining her fans with some throwback memories. She recently shared a video of her dancing with close friends Anita Hassanandani and Krystle D'Souza.

 

 

 

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Not@on tik tok but got coerced into this cray video by two of my mad frns ! Since d lockdown is throwing out all old madness let it all be out there 👀😂 credit: @anitahassanandani... Girls just wanaaa have fun! #ThrowBack Merriii cuties @ektarkapoor @krystledsouza

A post shared by Erk❤️rek (@ektarkapoor) onMay 3, 2020 at 5:41am PDT

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Flaunting her gardening skills, actor and writer Twinkle Khanna on Wednesday treated all the nature lovers with a picture of her perfectly organised and well-groomed garden.

The actor with the 'green thumb' took to Instagram to post the picture and also described how she is clumsy at all other chores like cooking, but has spectacular gardening skills.

 

 

 

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I am inordinately clumsy and butterfingers could be my middle name but my thumb is a spectacular green. Can’t cook, can’t dance, can’t even make small talk, but give me a tiny piece of land and I will give it so much love that it can’t help but love me back. #BrownGirlWithAGreenThumb

A post shared by Twinkle Khanna (@twinklerkhanna) onMay 6, 2020 at 12:45am PDT

"I am inordinately clumsy and butterfingers could be my middle name but my thumb is a spectacular green," Mrs Funnybones wrote in the caption.

"Can't cook, can't dance, can't even make small talk, but give me a tiny piece of land and I will give it so much love that it can't help but love me back. #BrownGirlWithAGreenThumb," she added.

The picture featured a nicely kept garden with greenery spilling from every corner.

The central attraction of the green nest was the sitting area that had a wooden table with a big plant on it and chairs kept around the table.

The garden further had fresh flowers fallen from the trees all around on the ground adding to the perfect natural aesthetics.

Twinkle has shared pictures of her garden several times on her Instagram account.

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April 29, 2020, is going to be one of the darkest days for all Irrfan Khan fans and Hindi cinema. His untimely demise has shaken one and all, especially the people from the fraternity who worked with him and knew him as a person and not just an actor. The actor was undergoing treatment for Neuroendocrine cancer and was admitted at Mumbai's Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital due to a colon infection. The actor's last rites were performed on the same day in the presence of his family, close relatives and friends. Irrfan is survived by his wife Sutapa and sons, Babil and Ayaan.

Soon after news of Irrfan's death broke on the internet, social media was flooded with messages from fans and celebrities expressing their grief. Filmmaker Anees Bazmee mourned his death by sharing a throwback picture with Irrfan from the sets of their film ‘Thank You’. The picture shows Anees explaining a scene to Irrfan. Sharing the picture, he wrote, "I still can't believe he is no more with us, my heart sinks thinking about it. We have lost one of this generation's greatest actor. To work with @irrfank was a magical and special privilege. #FlashbackFriday (sic)".

 

 

 

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I still can't believe he is no more with us, my heart sinks thinking about it. We have lost one of this generation's greatest actor. To work with Irrfan was a magical and special privilege. #FlashbackFriday

A post shared by Anees Bazmee (@aneesbazmee) onMay 7, 2020 at 10:00pm PDT

On April 28, the Piku actor was admitted to Mumbai's Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani hospital with a colon infection and was in the Intensive Care Unit. In 2018, Irrfan was diagnosed with neuroendocrine tumour and was undergoing treatment for the same.

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Divyanka Tripathi has amassed a huge fan following for herself over the last few years and fans look forward to her work. She made her debut on the OTT platform with Rajeev Khandelwal in Coldd Lassi Aur Chicken Masala. Her claim to fame was the massively successful show, Yeh Hai Mohabbatein with Karan Patel that recently went off air after running on television for over six years.

Fans are now hoping to see the two actors on the screen again as their chemistry was immensely loved. However, there's some heartbreaking news. She said to Pinkvilla, "As of now, I haven't signed for anything else. There was one project with Karan which I think is not happening anymore. I am sorry guys. I know a lot of people were waiting for his project of ours. I am not sure, there might a technical reason but I think it is my responsibility to inform people that it may not happen."

And given the response that Cold Lassi received, will there be a season 2 and will the story continue? She spoke, "Coming to Cold Lassi, its next season is supposed to come this year but I think it will be pushed further. But, I am waiting for a really good project. I won't shy away from saying that I am waiting for some challenging character to come my way. I am itching to do something different."

Fans! Hope that you all get to see the chemistry between Karan and Divyanka soon!

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US business associations say the Philippines' proposed sugar-sweetened beverage tax may infringe World Trade Organization rules and would dent the country's competitiveness.

Representational picture

A recent study conducted in the US revealed that although men think about sex nearly 24 times a day, women are not that far behind. The research showed that the average woman thinks about sex around 18 times a day.

Also, women think about getting naughty between the covers once every hour. The study was conducted by a team of researchers, during which, 283 college students aged between 18 and 25 were asked about various things, including food, sleep and sex over the course of the week.

The female mind during sex
Another study revealed that, a Hollywood hunk, ex-lovers, a blue film scene and even what to buy in a grocery store are some of the many things that women think of while having sex. They even think of men they secretly fantasise of.

Thinking their way to sexual climax?
Scientists have long been intrigued by the claims of some women who insist that they can 'think themselves to orgasm' even when they are completely alone, with no physical touch involved. And now, they have confirmed that for women, at least, it’s all in the mind.
- With inputs from agencies 

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When it comes to making a romantic night out, a glass of red wine or a bottle of champagne fits best in this category. If you believe in the old school of thought, that drinking alcohol before can worsen things on bed, then it is time for you to think otherwise. The smooth sips of alcoholic drinks can spice up things underneath the sheets. Here are 5 such alcoholic drinks that are believed to be strong enough to improve your sexual performance.

1. Red Wine: The drink makes both men and women horny by increasing their sexual arousal. While drinking two glasses of red wine can boost sex drive in women, drinking one glass is sufficient to increase testosterone in men. However, do not consume the drink in excess. Limit yourself to two glasses and experience the spice on bed, which you may not have felt otherwise. The passion drink does wonders to your cosy cuddly moments under the sheet.

2. Beer: Taking sips from chilled bottles will enhance your performance on bed. Studies have found that few pints of beer overloads a man’s body with phytoestrogens, which are proven to delay orgasm and make men last longer in the act. Dark beers are found to create intense and frequent erection and increase blood circulation in the penis. So, men can definitely go for few pints to satisfy his ladylove for a longer time on bed.

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3. Champagne: The froth and fizz of this ‘elite drink’ is blessed with an amazing property, and i.e. it enhances sex drive. Having a glass of champagne before sex is said to turn the night more romantic and exciting. It increase duration of foreplay, the number of positions and total duration of intercourse. Drink your favourite champagne and make it to the bedroom like never before. Even if the drink makes you high, you will be loaded with energy to make the night more romantic and the act more intense. That is the wonder of champagne.

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4. Brandy Alexander: This is more of a milk chocolate drink right from the other and not the actual brandy, and chocolate does spice up your sex life. Have a glass of this smooth creamy drink and get set for an out-of-the-world sexual intercourse. Rather than spending time on researching, simply take the drink and experience the difference. The clock might move slowly and steadily!

5. Tequila: Tequila shots will definitely make your sleeves fall of quickly, especially for women. Tequila shots will gear up your sex drive and bring kind of a euphoric effect, when you are all set to go wild on bed, floor, or bathroom. While tequila shots do wonders to a men’s sex drive, it is more beneficial for women. Few shots and they will be ready to slip through the body of their man, gently, warmly and passionately.

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Which of these drinks are you going to sip together for a great session under the moonlit sky?

The Union Health Ministry on Saturday said 4,291 or about 30 per cent of the Coronavirus cases in the country have been traced to the Tablighi Jamaat congregation in Delhi. In Delhi, 63 per cent of the reported 1,707 cases are linked to the same gathering.

The total number of confirmed cases in India is 14,792. So far, 488 people have succumbed to the disease. The mortality rate of COVID-19 is 3.3 per cent. Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary Health Ministry, said that 4,291 cases are epidemiologically linked to the Nizamuddin Markaz event. "These cases are spread across 23 states and Union Territories, which include most of the high-degree burden cases. There are 84 per cent cases in Tamil Nadu, 63 per cent in Delhi, 91 per cent in Assam, 61 per cent in Uttar Pradesh and 83 per cent in Andaman & Nicobar.

"If lockdown and social distancing norms are not followed, then the entire country would have to face the consequences," said Agarwal. He also added that 47 districts in 23 states have shown positive trends in the fight against the outbreak in the country. "One district each in Puducherry and Karnataka has not reported a positive case yet. Along with this, 22 new districts, split across various states, have also not reported new cases in the last 14 days," added Agarwal.

Probe in Tablighi funding
The role of money exchanger RM & RM Associates based in Delhi's Nizamuddin and a chartered accountant working with Tablighi Jamaat is being scrutinised by Crime Branch sleuths of Delhi Police to ascertain foreign remittance received by the Jamaat, a senior IPS officer said.

The role of RM & RM Associates was flagged by senior police officers in the case against Tablighi Jamaat. Deputy Commissioner of Police Joy Tirkey has been directed to probe the financial aspects in the case. Senior officers have issued directions to Tirkey to question owners and employees of RM & RM Associates. "They should be thoroughly questioned about the amount of remittance received from foreign countries by the Tablighi Jamaat," the direction stated.

Medical supplies flown
The Centre on Saturday said that under the Lifeline Udan initiative, 274 flights have transported around 463.15 tonnes of medical supplies across the country till April 17. "About 274 flights have been operated under Lifeline Udan by Air India, Alliance Air, IAF and private carriers. Cargo transported till date is around 463.15 tonnes," the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) said in a statement on Saturday.

GoM may enlist retired docs
A Group of Ministers' meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday reviewed the situation in the wake of lockdown. The meeting examined suggestions received to enlist services of retired doctors and medical students in the final year of their graduation.

Plasma Therapy in Gujarat
After Kerala, Gujarat has become the second state to have started Convalescent Plasma Therapy from Saturday to treat patients. An oral nod from the concerned Central Government agencies has been obtained and the state has started the preparations to commence the treatment of patients in two of the Ahmedabad hospitals. Jayanti Ravi, principal secretary, Health and Family Welfare Department, Gujarat, said, "We have obtained the Drug Controller General of India's (DCGI) approval over phone."

Punjab cop succumbs
Assistant Commissioner of Police (North) Anil Kohli, who was posted in Ludhiana city, on Saturday succumbed to the virus. The 52-year-old officer was diagnosed positive on April 13. The officer was on ventilator in a private hospital in Ludhiana since April 11, Civil Surgeon Rajesh Bagga said.

In a first-of-its-kind clinical use of convalescent plasma therapy in the state, doctors on Saturday decided to try to cure him by using plasma of another young volunteer patient. Doctors said he died due to multiple organ failure.

Railways makes contactless cubicles for COVID-19 doctors in Karnataka

The South Western Railway (SWR) zone's Hubballi workshop has produced a contactless doctors' cubicle to treat patients without direct contact, an official said on Saturday. "SWR Hubballi workshop has come out with an innovative idea by creating contactless cubicles so that doctors checking suspected patients do not come in direct physical contact with them," a SWR spokesperson said in a statement. Looking like a telephone booth of yesteryears, the transparent cubicle will enable a doctor to put his hands out through two flexible glove-like protrusions to reach the patient.

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A prolonged lockdown may possibly push millions of Indians into the "margins of subsistence", former RBI Governor Duvvuri Subbarao said on Sunday while expecting a 'V' curved recovery once the COVID-19 crisis ends and the turnaround in India to be faster than some economies.

He was participating in a webinar on 'History repeats but differently – Lessons for the post Corona World', organised by the Manthan Foundation, in which former deputy governor of RBI, Usha Thorat took part.

"Because most analysts believe that this year India will actually have negative growth or growth will contract. We must remember that even ahead of the crisis two months ago our growth slowed. Now it has completely stopped. Last year growth was five per cent. Just imagine, five per cent growth last year and we are going to negative or zero growth this year, a decline of five per cent growth," he said. "It is true that India is going to perform in this crisis better than most other countries. But that is no consolation.... Because we are a very poor country and if the crisis persists and if the lockdown is not lifted soon enough, it is quite possible that millions of people will be pushed into the margins of subsistence, he said when asked about his views on the present situation.

Subbarao said that as predicted by analysts, India will have a V shaped recovery which is far better than most of the other countries. "And why do we expect a 'V' shaped recovery? Because unlike in a cyclone or in an earthquake, this is not a natural disaster constraint. No capital has been destroyed. Factories are standing. Our shops are still standing. Our people are ready to work as soon as the lockdown is lifted. So it is quite possible the recovery will be V shaped and while we have a V shaped recovery, I think India has a better chance than most of the countries," he opined.

According to him, India's recovery was faster than many other countries after the 2008 global financial crisis. On IMF's prediction that India may grow at 1.9 per cent during the current year against about five per cent in the last fiscal, Subbarao said many analysts feel that the
prediction is outdated and the growth in GDP may slip into negative. Agencies

826
Total no. of deaths due to the virus in India

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Popular K-Pop band BLACKPINK member Lisa has been accused of plagiarising choreography of a black choreographer named Cierra Nichols.

Lisa posted a video of her performing a dance style to the number "Mushroom Chocolate" before Nichols accused her of stealing her choreography, reports aceshowbiz.com.

In the K-pop star's video, Lisa could be seen performing while lying on the floor, she later got back up and continued her routine, reports aceshowbiz.com.

In Cierra's video, which was uploaded a month before Lisa's, she mostly danced laying on the floor.

When Cierra got to know about Lisa's choreography, she took to Instagram to call her out saying: "In today's episode of 'Let's Steal from Black People' a Korean singer gets 7.8 million views in a day using most of your choreography. Love that for us."

Cierra then took to Twitter and wrote: "Convinced people can't read. I know to credit someone if I clearly pulled from it. I seen the inspiration the girl looks great."

"It's okay, though doesn't look s**t like when I did it anyway."

Cierra even responded to a social media user who watched her video after looking at Lisa's: "Because of Lisa and her choreographer using my moves."

In another post, she insisted: "It's not about the drama girl I could care less but it's clear where the beginning got its inspiration. It's clear there not doing anything like mine. That's why I'm fine."

Lisa has not replied to the accusations yet.

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Singer Katy Perry, who is expecting a baby with fiance Orlando Bloom, says she misses drinking alcoholic beverages during pregnancy. The 35-year-old star made the comment while filming a Facebook Live video, reports dailymail.co.uk.

She told fans: "I'm not complaining, but I can't drink because I'm pregnant. Some of you already have a cocktail getting ready or you have your favourite IPA. Or your favourite rye whiskey or your favourite white wine or rosé or whatever your favourite drink is. I mean, honestly, just Bud Light with a little lime, I'm very excited for the future when that can happen. Which will be years, probably."

During the chat, she also admitted she probably wasn't going to be able to have a baby shower due to the coronavirus pandemic.

"I know not everyone does a babymoon or a baby shower. But I'm not sure I'm gonna be able to do any of that," she said.

She continued: "I'm just taking it one day at a time. But I'll be grateful. I mean, I'm grateful now, but there's a lot going on."

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The Bihar police and the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad have detained a 19-year-old from Chakan on Thursday, after his name was revealed by two other youth arrested last week with a list of serving defence and paramilitary officers. ATS officials have found sensitive documents in his possession and claim that he recruited people for a terrorist group.

The police have identified the detained youth as Shariyat Mandal from West Bengal. Bihar police last week arrested two youth from Patna junction, named Kairul Mandal and Abu Sultan, both Bangladeshi nationals. From the duo investigative agencies procured a list of defence and para military personnel and where they are posted. The duo later revealed the name of Shariyat.

An ATS official said, "Shariyat was detained from MIDC's Chakan where he was working as a labourer at a construction site with a fake name. He was given the task of recruiting cadres for the terrorist group Islamic State of Bangladesh. He is an Indian and hails from West Bengal."

On Thursday, the Bihar police approached a Pune court to get Shariyat's transit remand, based on which he will be taken to Bihar for further investigation. Sources said Shariyat and the arrested duo are members of the banned organisation Jamat-Ul-Mujahedin Bangladesh (JMB) and Islamic State of Bangladesh (ISBD).

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The death of a young child can be one of the most painful experiences for any parent. Director Shonali Bose, who suffered a similar loss in her life, is now back with THE SKY IS PINK, based on the life of a motivational speaker, Aisha Chaudhary, who passed away at the age of 19. The team of the film has promised that it stands out as it focuses on celebrating the life of the deceased person instead of living through the sorrow of him or her not being there anymore. So does THE SKY IS PINK emerge as a touching and uplifting film? Or does it fail to strike a chord with the viewers? Let’s analyse. <img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1028860" src="https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/The-Sky-Is-Pink-4.jpg" alt="" width="750" height="450" /> THE SKY IS PINK is the story of a family facing a crisis over a period of nearly two decades. Niren Chaudhary (Farhan Akhtar) from Chandni Chowk marries Aditi Chaudhary (Priyanka Chopra), a South Delhi girl and also his childhood love, in 1986. They have a son, Ishaan (Rohit Saraf) after a few years. Aditi also gives birth to a daughter, Tanya, but she passes away in 6 months. That’s because both Aditi and Niren have a rare faulty gene. They again try for a baby and on March 27, 1996, Aisha (Zaira Wasim) is born. Sadly, just like Tanya, Aisha too gets affected due to rare faulty genes of her parents and develops a condition called Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID), an immune deficiency order. They move to London for her treatment and even manage to raise double the funds needed for her treatment. At the age of 6 months, Aisha gets a bone narrow transplant but as a side effect of this treatment, she develops a serious illness of the lungs called pulmonary fibrosis. This condition comes to the fore when Aisha is 13, at a time when the Chaudharys were hoping all her problems are history and she’ll lead a normal life. Moreover, the doctors make it clear that she won’t survive for more than 5 years. What happens next forms the rest of the film. Shonali Bose and Nilesh Maniyar's story is very promising and could have made for the most touching film of the year. Shonali Bose and Nilesh Maniyar's screenplay works only in parts. A few scenes are exceptional but in some sequences, the writing doesn’t have the desired impact. The film constantly goes into various flashback modes and it might be difficult to keep a track of the same. Juhi Chaturvedi and Nilesh Maniyar's dialogues are okay. A few one-liners work well and are witty. But some of the dialogues misfire, especially the narration of Aisha penned by Nilesh. The humour in the dialogues looks forced, especially the constant hammering of Aditi and Niren’s sex life. Shonali Bose's direction is strictly okay. She had a great subject in hand but she fails to do full justice. The film gets too long at 149 minutes and should have been way shorter. At the same time, a few details are skipped and ideally should have been focused, at least briefly. Aisha was inspirational speaker but this bit is touched only for a few seconds. Ishaan in a scene also exclaims that Aditi’s video has worked wonders on the internet. The audiences would have loved to see what Aisha spoke as motivational speaker, considering that she had a great sense of humour. Similarly, Niren is revealed to have a band and that surprises viewers as this part too never gets mentioned even once until the pre-climax. Shonali tries to make the situation light so that the film doesn’t get too heavy. Hence, she adds humour and in one crucial tragic scene, a funny background score is played and this decision completely fails to impress. On the positive side, she handles a few scenes with élan. One of the most beautiful aspects in the film is the bond Aisha has with her brother Ishaan. It’ll be unanimously loved. <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Priyanka Chopra: “The Sky Is Pink is About Celebrating People’s Lives Instead Of…” | Farhan Akhtar</span> <iframe id="jwiframe" class="playerFrame" src="https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/videos/celeb-interviews/priyanka-chopra-the-sky-is-pink-is-about-celebrating-peoples-lives-instead-of-farhan-akhtar/?jwembed=1" width="800" height="340" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> THE SKY IS PINK commences in the year 2015. The sad faces of Aditi and Niren indicate that things are not right between them. The story then goes on a flashback mode and keeps viewers engaged as Aisha gets conceived and her treatment takes them to London. A few scenes stand out here like Niren having the suspicion that Ishaan is not his son, Aditi blasting Niren for helping a lady called Sonia and Niren giving a surprise visit to Aditi in London. However, there’s too much back and forth happening as the film jumps across timelines. The emotional touch is also missing in the first half. In the second half, a few scenes are very moving and make the impact. But on the flipside, the long length plays spoilsport, among other factors. The subject, treatment, content and even the title is such that it’ll appeal only to select urban audiences. Priyanka Chopra delivers a great performance and carries most of the film on her strong, able shoulders. She has a very difficult part to essay but she effortlessly succeeds. Zaira Wasim puts up a confident act. The story is about her but her childhood portions dominate most of the first half. As a result, she makes an entry very late, though her voiceover plays from the first scene. She looks convincing as a happy-go-lucky person suffering from a terminal illness. Farhan Akhtar has a restrained performance and gives his best shot. Sadly, he gets a raw deal as the narrative focuses more on Priyanka and Zaira. Rohit Saraf looks dashing and shines in some important scenes in the second half. Gurpal Singh (RJ Arjun Gill) gives a heartfelt performance. Rajshri Deshpande (Anita Tandon), who made an impact with SACRED GAMES, has blink-and-miss appearances throughout the film. Ishan Jotshi (Karan; Aisha’s crush) is decent. Sudhavna Deshpande (Dr. Nirvick), Puja Sarup (Mohini), Sunil Chitkara (Niren’s father) and Nirupama Verma (Niren’s mother) are passable. Pritam's music is average. <em>'Dil Hi Toh Hai'</em> is the best of the lot and is very well shot. <em>'Nadaaniyaan'</em> and <em>'Zindagi'</em> are not very memorable. <em>'Pink Gulabi Sky'</em> is played in the end credits. Mikey Mccleary's background score is a bit theatrical and works only in some scenes. Kartik Vijay and Nick Cooke's cinematography is appropriate. The locales of Andaman and Nicobar Islands are well captured. Aradhana Seth's production design are realistic and yet appealing. Eka Lakhani's costumes are straight out of life and not over the top. Manas Mittal's editing could have been tighter. On the whole, THE SKY IS PINK has a great plot but falters on the account of a flawed execution and a lengthy runtime. At the box office, it will only appeal to a thin section of the niche audience in select metros.

Bandra Worli Sea Link

The eternal monument to love, the Taj Mahal in Agra and the Rajiv Gandhi Bandra Worli Sea Link in Mumbai figure among the Top 10 TripAdvisor's Travellers' Choice awards of 2018 for most visited and popular tourist landmarks, it was announced here on Tuesday.

The other top Indian monuments in the list of awards include: Amber Fort in Jaipur, Golden Temple of Amritsar, the Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb, Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple, and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib in New Delhi, Agra Fort, and Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur.

The award winners were decided using an algorithm that took into account the quantity and quality of reviews and ratings for landmarks worldwide over a 12-month period.

This year's TripAdvisor awards recognize 759 monuments spread in 68 countries globally, said the company's Country Manager Nikhil Ganju.

"India's landmarks as as diverse at its heritage and are among some of the most iconic structures in the world. The list presents fantastic gems ranging from poignant memorials to sheer architectural marvels that are great options for travelers," he added.

Mumbai's sole entry to the list, the RGBWSL is one of its most prominent modern landmarks and an infrastructure marvel of a cable-stayed bridge cutting through the Arabian Sea to connect Bandra with Worli.

The top 10 Travellers Choice Landmarks of Asia include: Angkor Wat in Cambodia, Taj Mahal and the Golden Temple in India, Wat Pho or Temple of Reclining Buddha in Thailand, Mutianyu Great Wall of China, Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine of Japan, Shwedagon Pagoda in Myanmar, Petronas Twin Towers in Malaysia, and the Cu Chi Tunnels in Vietnam.

Similarly, the Top 10 landmarks worldwide are: Angkor Wat, Plaza de Espana in Spain, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre in UAE, St. Peters Basilica of The Vatican, Mesquita Cathedral de Cordoba in Spain, Taj Mahal, Duomo di Milano in Italy, Alcatraz Island and Golden Gate Bridge both in US, and the Parliament of Hungary.

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How do I convince my mother that my girlfriend is perfect for me? She keeps thinking I will find someone better, just because she doesn't understand her very well. I want the two of them to get along, because they are both important to me. How do I make this happen?
She won't understand her until the two of them spend some time together and make an attempt to. To begin with, ask your mother if she wants to understand your girlfriend, and explain to her why she must try. You can't understand another person until you are open enough to give another point of view an opportunity. Speak to them both and tell them why this is important to you.

My boyfriend was great during the first year we were together, but something has changed over the past couple of months. He is now openly abusive, which came as a shock to me because he was always polite and well-behaved before. He now abuses me the minute we have an argument and, when I ask him to stop saying stuff like that and behave himself, he abuses me even more. A week ago, he almost slapped me. I saw him raise his hand and then pull back, because he must have seen my reaction. He apologised the next day, but it didn't seem like a genuine apology. I am afraid of him now, because his temper is out of control. I don't want to be with someone abusive, who doesn't respect me and actually threatens me with physical violence. Is this reason enough for me to end this relationship?
It is. End it today. Don't spend a minute with anyone who doesn't respect you. If he threatens you with violence again, please walk into the nearest police station and file a complaint against him. Don't allow anyone to get away with this sort of behaviour. Relationships work only when there is mutual respect, and you deserve to be with someone who understands that.

The inbox is now open to take your most carnal and amorous queries. Send your questions on email to lovedoc@mid-day.com

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Fast bowler Ishant Sharma said that he can't pick between his seven-wicket haul at Lord's in 2014 and the fifer he took in India's maiden pink ball Test against Bangladesh in November 2019.

"Both of them are equally memorable," Ishant said in a video tweeted by his Indian Premier League side Delhi Capitals. "Taking seven wickets at Lord's is obviously something I can't forget. And taking those five wickets with the pink ball also I can't forget because after 12 years I had taken a five-wicket haul."

Ishant's 7/74 was crucial in India recording a historic win at Lord's over England in 2014. It was the first time in 28 years that India had won a Test at the famous stadium.

Ishant's career went through many troughs after that before he resurfaced and became an integral part of the fierce pace battery that Virat Kohli's team now possesses alongwith Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami.

In the pink ball Test against Bangladesh at the Eden Gardens, Ishant blew the opposition away in the first innings and ended up with figures of 5/22. It was his first fifer at home since 2007.

Ishant last played for India at Wellington in their first Test against New Zealand before his ankle injury resurfaced. He was expected to play for Delhi Capitals in the 2020 edition of the IPL but it has been postponed indefinitely due to the coronavirus pandemic.

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Over the years Ajinkya Rahane has faced several bowlers on different surfaces across the globe, but playing against England speedster James Anderson in his home country has been the most challenging task for the India Test vice-captain. While insisting that every bowler in international cricket is challenging, facing Anderson in English conditions was the toughest for Rahane by his own admission.

"(But) especially talking about one particular bowler - James Anderson in England is really challenging. He knows the conditions well. He (Anderson) is the one," said Rahane on an Instachat live chat orgainsed by his employer 'Indian Oil' on Tuesday. Rahane, who has amassed over 4000 runs in Test cricket and has a century in England, the West Indies apart from India, emphasised on the need to be mentally fit during the coronavirus-forced lockdown period.

"(At) this point of time, it is important to be positive mentally. Mentally, I'm visualising my cricketing stuff, batting. As an international athlete, cricketer, it is important to be mentally fit," said Rahane, who revealed that he is a Black belt holder judoka. Sporting activities across the globe, including cricket has come to a grinding halt because of the pandemic. Even this year's cash-rich Indian Premier League has been postponed indefinitely due to the deadly disease, which has claimed nearly 1,78,000 lives globally and more than 640 in India.

Even though he is disturbed by the suffering of people, Rahane looked at the positive side of the lockdown. "First of all, definitely this is a sad thing, which is happening. But, looking at the positive side, I'm getting time to spend with my daughter and family. My daughter is six-and-a-half months old, I'm lucky to be with her," the right-handed batsman said. He also said that batting legend Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and tennis ace Roger Federer are his role models and meeting the multiple-time Grandslam champion at the 2015 Australian Open was a fanboy moment for him.

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India all-rounder Hardik Pandya has joked that a cup of coffee proved too costly for him and he now drinks green tea instead in an Instagram live chat with wicket-keeper Dinesh Karthik. Pandya was referring to the controversy he landed in due to his comments on the television show Koffee With Karan in early 2019.

"I don't drink coffee, I drink green tea instead. I drank coffee only once and proved to be too expensive for me. I can bet that Starbucks would not have such an expensive coffee. Since then I stay away from coffee," he said in the live chat which also featured his brother and fellow all-rounder Krunal.

Pandya was caught in a maelstrom of controversy in early 2019 due to his remarks on the chat show in which he had appeared with teammate KL Rahul. It led to both being briefly suspended from the Indian team.

Pandya has since got engaged and while his return to the Indian team has been hampered by injuries and the ongoing coronavirus lockdown, he is expected to play for the team at the T20 World Cup later in the year should it go through.

He also said that he would be okay with the 2020 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) being played behind closed doors. The season has been postponed after the Indian government extended the ongoing lockdown in the country to May 3 amid the coronavirus pandemic.

"It will be different. We are used to playing in front of them as the feeling of competition comes with the crowd," said Pandya in an Instagram live chat with Dinesh Karthik.

"I've played in the Ranji Trophy without crowds, and it feels different. To be honest, if that [IPL behind closed doors] happens, it will be a smarter option. At least people will be entertained at home," he said.

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Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar are undoubtedly the finest batsmen Indian cricket has ever produced. Virat Kohli is also closing in on Sachin's ODI record of most centuries. The most discussed topic which has been a debate is will Virat Kohli every overtake Sachin Tendulkar's record of 100 international centuries? Well, this former Australian pacer thinks it is possible.

On a special two-part episode of Star Sports' show Cricket Connected that airs on April 25th, 2020, former Australia fast bowler Brett Lee has hinted that Team India captain Virat Kohli could surpass Sachin Tendulkar’s tally of 100 centuries.

Brett Lee spoke about Virat Kohli’s chances of passing Sachin Tendulkar’s 100 centuries, "We are talking about phenomenal numbers here. Give it another 7-8 years of cricket and the way he is going currently, Kohli can definitely knock it off easily. However, it comes down to three things. One thing that I would like to eliminate is his talent as a batsman. He definitely got that, so we eliminate that.

Picture Courtesy/ Brett Lee's Instagram

Brett Lee continued, "The second will be his fitness. Kohli has surely had that, because for me it’s all about fitness. Last would be the mental strength and the capacity to get through the hard games and being away from home. I believe he has all these three-components to go past Sachin, but again we are talking about Sachin and how can somebody go past God. So, we just have to wait and watch."

Brett Lee also took to Instagram to wish his former on-field rival-turned-friend Sachin Tendulkar as the latter celebrated his 47th birthday on April 24, 2020. Take a look at Brett's post below.

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

Happy birthday legend @sachintendulkar Even though that the battles on the cricket field have now ceased, the friendships will last forever! Stay safe mate and have a wonderful celebration 🎉

A post shared by Brett Lee (@brettlee_58) onApr 24, 2020 at 2:44am PDT

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Virat Kohli's Indian team still has a long way to go before it is spoken of in the same breath as Australia of 2000s, feels former India pacer Ashish Nehra. Under Kohli's leadership, India earned its maiden series victory in Australia in 2018-19, achieving the feat after trying for seven decades. However, it can't be discounted that absence of Steve Smith and David Warner due to ball tampering ban turned out to be an important factor.

"This Indian team has to still cover a lot of distance in order to match up with that Australia team (led by Steve Waugh and then Ricky Ponting)," Nehra said during an interaction with ex-player Aakash Chopra on his show 'Aakash Vani'. "You are talking about an Australian team which won three consecutive World Cups and before that reached the final in 1996, won 18-19 Test matches in home and away conditions," Nehra added. He also did not appreciate the fact that every now and then team combination is being tinkered with. "It's not like this Indian team can not reach there but I believe the core group is very important. A person gets confused after watching many dishes on the table and so it's important to have fewer but better dishes," Nehra made his displeasure clear. He the went on to cite how team management had handled Rishabh Pant's career so far.

"KL Rahul is playing on the fifth position and Pant, the person you were preparing to succeed M.S. Dhoni, is serving drinks," the left-arm fast bowler, known for his straight forward views, said. Thanks to his inconsistency, Pant had lost his place in the Indian team in white-ball cricket to Rahul. "I know he (Pant) has missed his chances and there is no doubt about it but then you have kept him in the team because you saw the potential in him at 22-23 years," Nehra said.

Ashish Nehra

"There are a lot of talented players but they should be backed for a longer duration. Today also when we talk about the number five and six slots in Indian ODI side, then we are not sure about it," Nehra said. Nehra, who played 17 Tests, 120 ODIs and 27 T20 Internationals, feels Kohli's captaincy is still a work in progress. "Virat Kohli as a player needs no recognition as his career graph tells the entire story. Kohli as a player has done amazingly well. In captaincy, I still feel he is a work in progress. I can say he is a little bit of an impulsive captain," said the 41-year-old.

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The Trump administration has initiated talks on winding down the White House Task Force on COVID-19 and gradually delegating its responsibilities to the relevant federal agencies, US Vice President Mike Pence said on Tuesday. Pence leads the task force.

"As I have said before, as we continue to practise social distancing and states engage in safe and responsible reopening plans, I truly believe — and the trend lines support it — that we could be in a very different place. And by late May and early June — and that probably represents the timetable for our agencies."

President Donald Trump also confirmed the news. Asked why is now the time to wind down the task force if there could be a recurrence, he said, "Because we cannot close our country down for the next five years. The administration has learned a lot." The president noted that health experts believe there could be a recurrence but they would need to "put it out". Over 71,000 Americans have died more than 12 lakh have been infected from COVID-19 so far.

Infection rate rising
Meanwhile, the infection rate outside of New York is rising even as states move to lift their lockdowns, an Associated Press analysis found Tuesday.

New confirmed infections per day in the US exceed 20,000, and deaths per day are well over 1,000, according to figures from Johns Hopkins University.

And public health officials warn that the failure to flatten the curve and drive down the infection rate in places could lead to perhaps tens of thousands of deaths as people are allowed to venture out and businesses reopen. "Make no mistakes: This virus is still circulating in our community, perhaps even more now than in previous weeks" said Linda Ochs, director of the Health Department in Shawnee County, Kansas.

HCQ warnings ignored
Fired vaccine expert Dr Rick Bright has alleged that the US ignored the concerns of doctors over the import of hydroxychloroquine from "uninspected" factories in India and Pakistan and flooded the US with the unproven and potentially dangerous drug to treat COVID-19 patients.

Italy claims to have made vaccine that neutralises COVID-19

Italian biotech firm Takis has claimed that they have developed a vaccine that neutralises COVID-19 in human cells. According to reports, the tests conducted on mice at Rome's Lazzaro Spallanzani National Institute for Infectious Diseases showed that the vaccine generated antibodies in mice that could work on human cells too. "This is the most advanced stage of testing of a candidate vaccine created in Italy. We believe this will also happen in humans," Takis CEO Luigi Aurisicchio said.

Pak becomes 29th country with over 500 COVID-19 deaths

With a surge in the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths in the past week, Pakistan has now become the 29th country in the world where over 500 deaths have been reported. The Executive Director of National Institute of Health (NIH), Maj Gen Prof Dr Aamer Ikram said things would start improving for Pakistan in June, Dawn reported. But as things stand, he said the total number of cases in Pakistan could go up to 1,50,000. Pakistan's cabinet has given a nod to relax the lockdown restrictions after May 9.

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The European Commission and the Swiss Federal Council have each approved proposals to link their emissions trading systems, meaning formal signature of a new agreement could take place by the end of the year.

The European Council on November 10 authorized the signing of an agreement with Switzerland to link their emissions trading systems.

The Swiss Federal Council is consulting on proposed changes to the CO2 Ordinance, which would link the Swiss and EU emissions trading systems.

Switzerland and the EU are to link their emissions trading systems from next year, after the Swiss Federal Council approved revisions to the country's Ordinance on the Reduction of CO2 Emissions.