Quarantined: Love in the time of Corona
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Quarantined: Love in the time of Corona

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. After the French Revolution, these immortal words have found a new meaning in today’s war against a killer virus, Corona. This war is shaping up a whole new world order – new Superpowers will emerge, new mega trends will evolve, the world economy will hardly remain recognisable, moreover, you and I will have a new life. The quarantine is thus a very unique event in our lives. Even generations who have seen the World Wars confess that it is most dangerous when the real enemy is not visible. The biggest tactical disadvantage that we have in this war against COVID 19 is that you can’t trust anyone. From a stranger to your co-passenger to your next-door-neighbour, just anyone can transmit the Corona virus to you. It is as if the virus is a shape shifter and can take any form or shape. And thus social distancing has become the grand narrative, and the only way to fight the war, break the chain of the spread of Corona. The quarantine has become a norm rather than an exception during this war against the killer virus. And even in these extreme times of extreme measure when the intensity of emotions and feelings are at an extreme. May be not in its conventional pristine form, but love sure blossoms in an unconventional grey or even dark form. The quarantine has irreversibly changed lives.  The world is no longer the same. But love has its sway even in the time of Corona!  During my quarantine, I wanted to explore lives of others who are my co-passengers in this ordeal. I wanted to know when our mechanised lives are forced to become human and we are forced to break our routines, forced to relook at our lives as well as our relationships, and last but not the least, forced to give time to things and people who really matter, that too unlimited, what happens? And for a writer, creativity is your only trusted friend. So I created these characters, these protagonists and put them in the same premise of the quarantine and watch them respond and react to different scenarios that I toyed with as a writer. And as they say, the beauty of a short story is that you can travel to the end of the word and can be back before dinner. So I did my share of travel and made it back before dinner, literally. So Dark Love has been my inspiration in penning these six stories. The first story is about an affair between two office colleagues, the second explores the story of a male escort, who indulges in multiple affairs with clients. The third is about two people hooking up in an airport while the fourth is a narrative about a couple-both who indulge in an illicit affair. The fifth showcases a doctor’s paternal love to a girl who reminds him of his daughter while the last explores the complexity of the relationship between three people. Quarantined: Love in the time of Corona was not planned. My third book of The Luxe Trilogy was launched in February this year, so I was taking a well-deserved break after launching the three books of the trilogy, Decoding Luxe, Dark Luxe and finally Luxe Inferno in three consecutive years. But then, COVID 19 happened and I was locked down at home, rather quarantined. So the idea came into my mind to write something that every person will be able to relate to. Thus I started writing the book on the second day of the lockdown with a target that I should be able to make it available to my readers while the quarantine and lockdown is still on. Thus in 10 straight days and 10 straight nights, the book was ready and on April 12th it was launched in a virtual literary festival, eLit. My wife Sabiya designed the cover. The same day the book was made available to readers across the globe on Kindle. Usually, I take a year to write a book, but this was an exception and with the extension of the lockdown, more and more readers can read Quarantined during their quarantine. It is hard to read a book or watch a film that exactly depicts the scenario that the reader or audience is in. Quarantined aims to provide its readers a scenario which is exactly their own, so that more and more readers can identify with the protagonists and are able to make sense of the recalibration of their minds during this lockdown in their homes, outside the comfort of their routines. Every creative person has his or her own way or medium of expressing feelings towards events that goes around. As an author I write to express myself. My readers, though they love luxury the way I do, also know that my writings are very unconventional with very fluid boundaries in terms of subject matter and genre so they will love the book. With ‘Quarantined’ I look forward to gaining more and more new readers across the globe, who are my co-passengers in this quarantined time. This is a very special time, a time to introspect, a time to give a hard look at your life. And when it comes to a question of existence, every equation that defines your life is modified. So this book at this very special time is a way to commemorate the undying spirit all the fighters in this war against COVID 19. By Dr. Mahul Brahma – Author Dr Mahul Brahma is a luxury commentator, columnist and author of The Luxe Trilogy and Quarantined. He is an award-winning communicator and heads CSR, Communciations & Branding in a Tata group company. He is an alumni of MICA, St Xavier’s College, IIM Calcutta and University of Cambridge Judge Business School. His short films have won several awards and was screened at Cannes Film Festival. He loves to play golf and

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World Book Day
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World Book Day

This World Book Day, Puffin Books is bringing a brand-new book for young readers by the legendary author Sudha Murty. It will be a simultaneous release of How the Onion Got its Layers in e-book and audiobook formats on 23rd April, 2020. Young readers are in for a sensory explosion with Penguin Random House India releasing India’s bestselling author Sudha Murty’s new book in e-book and audiobook formats. How the Onion Got Its Layers marks the first ever audio book by Mrs Murty, which will be released on World Book Day, 23 April 2020. Following the success of How the Sea Became Salty, the first book in the popular chapter book series by Mrs Murty, Puffin Books, the children’s imprint of Penguin Random House India, is proud to publish How the Onion Got Its Layers. The book, peppered with gorgeous illustrations accompanying a simple yet engaging narrative, is perfect for introducing emerging readers or beginners to the timeless works by the author. Referring to the current times and talking about the book, Sudha Murty comments, ‘During this time of lockdown, let’s stay safe and at home. Let’s use this time to do something new or even learn something. I am happy that my book, How The Onion got its Layers, is being released in its e-book and audio form for young children. I am hopeful that reading it might take them to a world of love and fantasy and bring joy to their little hearts. Happy Reading!’ Niti Kumar, SVP marketing, digital and communications, Penguin Random House India, says, ‘We are glad and fortunate to be able to do this with one of the most beloved and talented writers of our time, create a memorable moment for Sudha Murty’s fans where they can not only enjoy her written word but also cherish its oral narration, simultaneously. I have always believed that audiobooks have the potential to carve a unique place for themselves in our literary world. Bringing both e-book and audio book format will allow people to access this beautiful book in a safe and convenient manner.’ Sohini Mitra, Publisher – Children’s, Penguin Random House India, says, ‘The idea behind this series is to introduce Mrs Murty’s works to a younger audience. With its simple, accessible narrative and sumptuous artworks, this series will be a delight and collectible for young readers everywhere. We are excited to mark this World Book Day with the magic and power of stories—which becomes even more relevant in these uncertain times. We really hope young readers will enjoy this unique work by one of their favourite writers.’ Have you noticed how the onion has so many layers? And have you seen your mother’s eyes water when she cuts an onion? Here is a remarkable story to tell you why. India’s favourite storyteller brings alive this timeless tale with her inimitable wit and simplicity. Dotted with charming illustrations, this gorgeous chapter book is the ideal introduction to the world of Sudha Murty. Sudha Murty was born in 1950 in Shiggaon, North Karnataka. She did her MTech in computer science, and is now the chairperson of the Infosys foundation. A prolific writer in English and Kannada, she has written novels, technical books, travelogues, collections of short stories and non- fiction pieces, and six bestselling books for children. Her books have been translated into all the major Indian languages. Sudha Murty is the recipient of the R.K. Narayan Award for literature (2006), the Padma Shri (2006) and the Attimabbe Award from the government of Karnataka for excellence in Kannada literature (2011). World Book Day

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Travellers Can Still Explore America Via Gousa TV’s New Spring Lineup
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Travellers Can Still Explore America Via Gousa TV’s New Spring Lineup

Travellers are seeking content to transport them to new places. GoUSA TV leads the way with three original short-form programs: Trails & Trailblazers, California Pop, and Lucky in Love. Each week, GoUSA TV is rolling out new programming to help explorers continue travel dreaming while they stay at home. The premier travel entertainment streaming platform is available without a subscription, fees, or logins required. Its spring lineup brings fresh perspectives from real people across America as they provide a personalised look into its unique destinations. The new quick entertainment content includes three original shows, Trails & Trailblazers, California Pop, and Lucky in Love, as well as a licensed selection of Atlas Obscura videos, and a curated USA selection of Anthony Bourdain’s beloved No Reservations series. “Our interest in sharing unique stories from across the USA has always been based on inspiring the hearts of travellers from around the world. Now, in a time when we must channel our passion for exploration into new and inventive ways, these video series give viewers the opportunity to see diverse perspectives, hear fresh and engaging stories, and add new destinations to their bucket lists,” said Tom Garzilli, chief marketing officer, Brand USA. “Nothing can compare to the vast experiences the USA offers; that’s why we’ve dedicated an entire channel to sharing these stories and showing viewers what is waiting to be discovered.” This spring, viewers can stream the following programmes on GoUSA TV: Atlas Obscura (a selection of licensed videos) – April 16, 2020 From the World’s Largest Egg in Chicago to diving into a grits-filled pool at the World Grits Festival in St. George, South Carolina, a licensed selection of Atlas Obscura videos takes viewers to the USA’s most unusual places. The short-form video series will feature 15 new unique destinations across America, including Oʻahu’s majestic Koko Crater Trail, the surfing culture of Alaska’s bore tide, and a ghost town in Virginia City, Nevada that’s still very much alive. California Pop – April 23, 2020 This original five-episode series takes viewers on a road trip across California to experience the quirky undiscovered pop-culture landmarks of Northern and Southern California. In partnership with Visit California and produced by Saville Productions, the show combines innovative visual techniques with rich, character-based storytelling. Viewers follow two fun-loving and adventurous best friends, Anthony and Shikira, from Gold Country and the Central Valley to the Northern, Central, and Southern Coasts. During their journey, they meet a diverse cast of unforgettable characters—creators, purveyors, and stewards of pop culture—who have overcome different obstacles to create something unique in their own little corners of California. Each episode builds on the previous one, expanding the viewer’s understanding of California’s great diversity and the myriad of possibilities that can be explored in the state. Please click here to view the trailer. Lucky In Love – April 30, 2020 This three-part original series sends three international couples on a game of chance throughout the United States. The toss of a coin determines which partner will select the day’s activities as they set out to explore a new destination – pushing the duo outside of their comfort zone as they experience something entirely new. In the end, the couples learn something new about themselves – both independently and together. True relationships may be tested but also strongly forged. The series is filmed in Fort Worth, Texas; Washington, D.C.; and New Orleans, Louisiana. Trails & Trailblazers – Currently streaming Trails & Trailblazers is derived from Brand USA’s third documentary film, Into America’s Wild. The show follows an adventurous young pilot, Ariel Tweto, as she discovers new and unexpected places across the USA. Viewers will be taken to uncharted territories of Alaska’s landscapes and wildlife, virtually kite surf along Oregon’s scenic Columbia River Gorge, and even see what it is like to ride the bison on Antelope Island in Utah. Additional destinations include the Appalachian Trail in Florida, where viewers meet personalities such as Jennifer Pharr Davis, a National Geographic Adventurer of the Year, who set the record for completing the fastest Appalachian Trail hike by a woman. In San Antonio, Texas, viewers cruise along the San Antonio River, where they meet Emma Faye Rudkin, a deaf inspirational speaker who inspires disabled children around the USA to overcome obstacles. Tweto also makes stops in New York, Colorado, and New Mexico. This series is produced by the Academy Award-nominated producers at MacGillivray Freeman Films. Please click here to view the trailer. No Reservations – Currently streaming The late American celebrity chef, author, and travel documentarian Anthony Bourdain hits both familiar culinary hot spots, and out-of-the-way food stands in his global quest for the ultimate dining experience in No Reservations, which is now available for streaming. In true Anthony Bourdain style, he conveys an honest and realistic look into some of the fascinating destinations and people he meets along the way. Featured places include the snow-capped mountains and winding rivers of Montana, the vibrant and musical city of New Orleans, as well as quintessential restaurants in New York City and Hudson Valley, New York; Washington, D.C.; Maine; San Francisco, California; and the Midwest. GoUSA TV is available for streaming on YouTube, Roku, Amazon Fire, and Apple TV, or via the Apple iOS store and Google Play on smartphone devices. Because every place has a story. Imagine a channel that features a constant source of authentic, compelling, and entertaining travel stories from across the USA. GoUSA TV is the premier destination to discover all the possibilities the USA has to offer told from the diverse perspectives of real people. GoUSA TV is powered by Brand USA, the destination marketing organisation for the United States, and is available for download on your iOS or Android phone or on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire and YouTube. Brand USA, the destination marketing organisation for the United States, was established by the Travel Promotion Act as the nation’s first public-private partnership to promote the United States as a premier travel destination and to communicate U.S.

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7 things to do at home during Quarantine!
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7 things to do at home during Quarantine!

The world is going through a tough time but remember that we’re together. Some of us are in quarantine because of COVID-19, some are with their family while some of us are living alone in other cities or countries. While we’re all feeling stuck or bored, The Wedding Brigade, India’s only one-stop-platform for everything weddings: content, e-commerce, and services got you covered. Listing below a few amazing ideas to keep the spirits up and positivity going! 1. Skincare Session If you’re one of those lucky ones who get to spend time with their family then why not make the most of it? Now is the time to put that clay face mask that has been resting on your cabinet. Or you can whip up some DIY Face mask with ease from your kitchen ingredients. Ask your parents or sibling to join you in a skincare session. This will be a wonderful opportunity to bond with your loved ones. If you’re living alone then indulge, girl. Give yourself a break. 2. Paint Your Toes! How about honing your inner artist and creating some art on a canvas, I mean..toes and tips. You never know, you might discover the artist inside you. And if you’re a bride-to-be this is the best time to try out some cool nail art all by yourself. 3. Decor Decor Decor Trust me when I say this, you’re never going to put up those fairy lights. You’ve been avoiding it for a long but now’s the time! Put up those lights and artsy pieces and add a new life to your room. 4. Talk To Your Plants Did you know that there are a lot of studies that recommend this? Talking to your plants not only nurtures them but proves therapeutic to us as well. Studies also suggest that plants can respond to music as well. Interesting, right? 5. READ THAT BOOK A lot of us are guilty of buying a book, promising to read it and then eventually delaying it. Now is the time to blow the dust off from those books and escape into a wonderful world without leaving the room. If reading is not your thing, maybe it’s time for you to add a skill or two in your kitty by taking an online course you always were interested in. Think about it. 6. Dress Up! Wear that dress you’ve been meaning to wear. Most of us have been working from home which ensures that there’s a set timetable despite anything. Wear nice clothes instead of sitting in your pajamas and your mood will automatically lift. 7. Block Negativity With self-isolation, we’re all doing our bit. Don’t indulge in the news if it gives you anxiety, allow yourself a ‘worry period’. Worry about things to your heart’s content then concentrate on something for the rest of the day. If you are planning your wedding this is a good time to do research / incorporate all the fun ideas you didn’t have time to think about earlier 7 things to do at home during Quarantine!

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Nurturing Creative Solutions at Educational Institutes During Coronavirus
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Nurturing Creative Solutions at Educational Institutes During Coronavirus

The Coronavirus pandemic is straight out of the Hollywood movies that have raided our screens over the years. It has left the world paralysed and the grave scenario has put everyone under a blanket of melancholy. However, living it is a stark reality that everyone is facing on a daily basis. Everything seems to have come to a literal standstill. Businesses and educational institutes are relying heavily on the digital space for virtual meetings, classes and interactions. Technology is a boon during these times especially where face to face interactions are not possible. Making the most of the lockdown through creative and technological initiatives is a prolific design institute that is always ahead in its educational endeavors – JD Institute of Fashion Technology, Bangalore. The institute and its students are leading the way in adapting to the new situation alongwith participating in creative ideas to amp up their morale. Sitting at home is no party for the students as the faculties have ensured that classes remain on course through online streaming and assignments. Apart from working on class related projects, the final year students have been steadily prepping for the yearly extravaganza held by JD Institute – JD Annual Design Awards. The event is a platform provided to the students to present some innovative designs which go through a grueling short listing process by internal and external jury. Inorder to help students reach their optimum this time round, mentors are monitoring their students work online by providing them feedback to refine their work to help them save their time and spring into action as soon as the lockdown is called off. Student Work                            Faculty and students also got together to prepare an online collage to spread the message on staying at home inorder to stay safe. Observing the insufficiency of masks, Jeevitha Gowda, a Post Graduate Diploma in Fashion and Business Management, rolled on her sleeves and plunged into action to help prepare masks which she distributed to people in need. To keep their creative juices flowing, the students also participated in a weekly creative challenge #McQueenCreators posed by the renowned house of Alexander McQueen. The challenge required a presentation of creating 3D flowers with materials readily available at one’s homes. Students used steel spoons and foil, net, craft paper etc. to create the flowers. Whereas, Sushmitha Nagarkoti, a BSc. in Fashion and Apparel Design alumnus of JD Institute, participated in a juti design contest organised by Needledust. Her virtual collection incorporated mirror work detailing, beadwork and sea-shells with summer colours. #thestyle.world #coronavirus #covid19 #lockdown #AlexanderMcQueen #studyfromhome #sfh #workfromhome #wfh #jdinstituteoffashiontechnologybangalore #jdinstitute #globalleagueinstiute #artanddesign #needledust #jutis #alexandermcqueen #McQueenCreators Nurturing Creative Solutions at Educational Institutes During Coronavirus

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Wedding Planning in a Pandemic
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Wedding Planning in a Pandemic

Sanna Vohra, CEO & Founder, The Wedding Brigade, an end to end wedding service provider for both online/ offline platform where users can find the best wedding content, buy curated wedding fashion, and book verified vendors and services. While the world needs to heal, and we have to give it time. The article shares a few ideas from The Wedding Brigade, India’s only one-stop-platform for everything weddings: content, e-commerce, and services: On how to use your time productively when you are engaged to be wed, this is an exciting time in your life, and it should be relished as well amidst this pandemic Planning and executing a wedding is as stressful as it is exciting. From caterers to outfits to vendors, the list just does not end. Even just deciding who makes it to the guest list and who doesn’t can sometimes take ages! Now imagine a scenario where every task is finally complete, but last-minute the wedding is unexpectedly postponed – all that planning, effort, and time feels wasted. That is exactly what has happened due to the Corona virus, with millions of couples all over the world in bouts of anxiety over postponing their wedding day. The world needs to heal, and we have to give it time. But if you are engaged to be wed, this is an exciting time in your life, and it should be relished as well. Here are a few ideas on how to use your time productively from The Wedding Brigade, India’s only one-stop-platform for everything weddings: content, e-commerce, and services: Research Research! With plenty of time in your hands, look for what you want. The silver lining is, you now have bonus time to perfect and include everything in your wedding that you might have missed out on earlier. Look for options and explore different ideas for your decor, make up, sangeet, and more! New Designers? Now is the time to help out smaller businesses! India is brimming with talented garment and jewellery designers across the nooks and corners of the country. From Jaipur to Kolkata, look for fresh designers who can help you build your wedding trousseau. Not only will you be encouraging their art, but you can save a bit of money too! *kaching* Scenario Mapping with Family & Friends- Why not discuss various possibilities with family and friends and share the load, instead of freaking out and taking all that stress on your shoulders? Talk about your concerns with close friends and family members and ask them what’s on their mind. Maybe consider trimming down the guest list, or moving the wedding to your home town. Talking about it with your partner will definitely relieve stress and make you feel lighter. After all, you both are in this together! Review Paperwork- We recommend that all engaged couples review all official wedding paperwork. Read all your contracts carefully before you sign anything and if you have, reach out to your vendor and discuss your options. Ask for flexibility and understand mutually how you can best salvage the situation in the wake of a pandemic. Knowing your options will take away some uncertainty. Wedding Insurance – If your wedding is more than two months away, now is a good time to look into wedding insurance in case the coronavirus forces more weddings to be cancelled over the summer months. Don’t take chances! Wedding Planning in a Pandemic

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Romances that will sweep you off your feet
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Romances that will sweep you off your feet

Love Story by Erich Segal The 50th anniversary edition of Erich Segal’s seminal classic novella LOVE STORY. He is Oliver Barrett IV, a rich jock from a stuffy WASP family on his way to a Harvard degree and a career in law. She is Jenny Cavilleri, a wisecracking working-class beauty studying music at Radcliffe. Opposites in nearly every way. But they fell in love. This is their story. The record-breaking novel behind the blockbuster movie, which became the number one box office hit of 1970, was nominated for 7 Academy Awards and was named one of the 100 most romantic films of all time by the American Film Institute. 148pp | Rs. 199 Every Breath by Nicholas Sparks From the number one bestselling author of The Notebook and Two by Two comes an unforgettable tale of enduring love . . . Hope Anderson is at a crossroads. After six years with her boyfriend, she is no longer sure what she wants, and when her father becomes ill she heads to her family’s cottage at Sunset Beach in North Carolina to make some difficult decisions. Tru Walls has been summoned across an ocean from where he was born and raised in Zimbabwe by a letter from a man claiming to be his father. In journeying to Sunset Beach, Tru hopes to unravel the mystery surrounding his mother’s life, but the letter will lead him in an unexpected direction. When these two strangers’ paths cross, their chance encounter sets in motion a heart-breaking story – one that will transcend decades, continents and the workings of fate. 320pp | Rs. 399 Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell ‘Reminded me not just what it’s like to be young and in love, but what it’s like to be young and in love with a book’ – John Green Eleanor is the new girl in town, and she’s never felt more alone. All mismatched clothes, mad red hair and chaotic home life, she couldn’t stick out more if she tried. Park is the boy at the back of the bus, Black T-shirts, headphones, head in a book – he thinks he’s made himself invisible. But not to Eleanor…never to Eleanor. Slowly, steadily, through late-night conversations and an ever-growing stack of mix tapes, Eleanor and Park fall in love. They fall in love the way you do the first time, when you’re 16, and you have nothing and everything to lose. Set over the course of one school year in 1986, Eleanor & Park is funny, sad, shocking and true – an exquisite nostalgia trip for anyone who has never forgotten their first love. 336pp | Rs. 499 One Day by David Nicholls Twenty years, two people, ONE DAY. The multi-million copy bestseller that captures the experiences of a generation. ‘I can imagine you at forty,’ she said, a hint of malice in her voice. ‘I can picture it right now.’ He smiled without opening his eyes. ‘Go on then.’ 15th July 1988. Emma and Dexter meet for the first time on the night of their graduation. Tomorrow they must go their separate ways. So where will they be on this one day next year? And the year after that? And every year that follows? 448pp | Rs. 399 The Right Swipe by Alisha Rai Swipe right on this irresistible romcom! Rhiannon Hunter may have revolutionised romance in the digital world, but in real life she only swipes right on her career – and the occasional hookup. The cynical dating app creator controls her love life with a few key rules: – Nude pics are by invitation only – If someone stands you up, block them – Protect your heart Only there aren’t any rules to govern her attraction to her newest match, former sports star Samson Lima. The sexy and seemingly sweet hunk woos her one magical night… and then disappears. Rhi thought she’d buried her hurt over Samson ghosting her, until he suddenly surfaces months later, still big, still beautiful – and in league with a business rival. He says he won’t fumble their second chance, but she’s wary. A temporary physical partnership is one thing, but a merger of hearts? Surely that’s too high a risk… 400pp | Rs. 399 When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon The arranged marriage YA romcom you didn’t know you needed! Meet Dimple. Her main aim in life is to escape her traditional parents, get to university and begin her plan for tech world domination. Meet Rishi. He’s rich, good-looking and a hopeless romantic. His parents think Dimple is the perfect match for him, but she’s got other plans… Dimple and Rishi may think they have each other figured out. But when opposites clash, love works even harder to prove itself in the most unexpected ways. As joyfully refreshing as Rainbow Rowell, Jenny Han and Nicola Yoon, When Dimple Met Rishi is a frothy, funny contemporary romance told from the dual perspectives of two Indian American protagonists. While Dimple is fighting her family traditions, Rishi couldn’t be happier to follow in the footsteps of his parents – could sparks fly between this odd couple, or is this matchmaking attempt doomed to fail? 384pp | Rs. 399 A Match Made-in Heaven by Nandini Bajpai For fans of Eleanor & Park and When Dimple Met Rishi, comes a lighthearted novel about tradition, high school social hierarchy, matchmaking, and swiping right (or left!) Fifteen-year-old Simran “Simi” Sangha comes from a long line of Indian vichole — matchmakers — with a rich history for helping parents find good matches for their grown children. When Simi accidentally sets up her cousin and a soon-to-be lawyer, her family is thrilled that she has the “gift.” But Simi is an artist, and she doesn’t want to have anything to do with relationships, helicopter parents, and family drama. That is, until she realizes this might be just the thing to improve her and her best friend Noah’s social status. Armed with her family’s ancient guide

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Shine Your Light this Earth Day!
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Shine Your Light this Earth Day!

Catch Grammy Award Winner Ricky Kej and others in action this Earth Day. Ricky says, “My heart goes out to everyone who has been personally affected by COVID-19. Globally, we are casting aside our differences and working together to defeat this virus and prevail. During this critical time, it is an absolute honour for me to join forces with organisations such as WWF, United Nations Climate Change, UNCCD, UNICEF, UNESCO – MGIEP and the Earth Day Network to perform a mega-concert online to support the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Solidarity Response Fund.” This concert will be showcased live on multiple streaming channels on Earth Day, 22nd April. Ricky will be joined by 44 fantastic musicians from 6 countries and this includes 5 Grammy® Winners. During the concert, they will launch Ricky Kej’s new music video ‘Shine Your Light‘ dedicated to people around the world making a huge difference by being kind to one another during these dark times. In other news, before India went into lockdown, Ricky’s film “Wild Karnataka” premiered in the USA at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on March 3rd 2020 (World Wildlife Day). The film was played in the same historic building where world leaders have stood, and deliberated the future of our planet and species. I am so thrilled to have created the music for this epic natural history film. The screening was followed by a panel discussion and the audience reactions were overwhelmingly positive. The UN Environment is making constant efforts to make this world a better place for everyone and everything. Click here to register for free and be a part of this worldwide launch. Shine Your Light this Earth Day!

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Love Affair in times of Corona
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Love Affair in times of Corona

Veena Ashiya, shoe creator and founder of Monrow shoes, gets candid about her passionate love affair with shoes and how you can tend to your foot fetish, during these times when you’re at home due to the lockdown. If you’re the one who has an eternal love affair with your shoes, then this is the time to show them some love. Yes, I’m talking of love. Spending time with your loved ones, of course, but here I’m talking about our eternal love for shoes. With no place to go, this is the perfect time to take a walk into your shoe closet and spend some time remembering all the beautiful memories you had with your shoes and also show them some TLC. One fine afternoon I decided to shower some Tender love and care on my shoes. The idea was to let them breathe some fresh air. Do you know that our shoes end up carrying a lot of dirt and germs? So, this is good time to give them some deep cleanse. Few things to keep handy while cleaning your shoes. Divide your shoes into leather and non-leather as both need different kind of care. Leather shoes are best cleaned with any mild cream (body lotions, hand cream etc). Cream has good amount of oil which binds with dirt and can easily be whipped out with cotton cloth. Non-Leather shoes can be best cleaned with mild detergent solution (1 litre water with 1 tea spoon of mild detergent like hand wash liquid). Use a cleaning cloth wipe the shoes with the damp cloth using the solution. For soles of your shoes, it is best to use detergent solution and use separate cloth as soles need a bit more attention. Use an old toothbrush to scrape off dirt from grooves. Let them out in the sun for two to three hours, so that there is no moisture left on them. Once done wear them and ignite all the amazing memories you have. The memory that swept me off was that from Bali, wearing these lazy boy sandals from Monrow. It was full day of exploring the city of Ubud, wearing my boho jumpsuit with these navy blue super comfortable sandals. While plans of travel are far, but cherishing the memories are right here. Don’t be surprised if this process of cleansing your shoe closet actually turns out to be therapeutic. They say a good sole has good therapy for your soul. Love Affair in times of Corona

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Listen to the Legends Speak
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Listen to the Legends Speak

Following the success of the first edition of the ‘Legends on Unacademy’ series, these renowned personalities and celebrities will conduct Live Classes on Unacademy. Unacademy, India’s largest learning platform, announced the second edition of its popular program ‘Legends on Unacademy’. As part of this program, Live Classes will be hosted on the Unacademy platform by renowned author and former international diplomat Shashi Tharoor, retired IPS officer and Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry Kiran Bedi, ace cricketer Virat Kohli, and talented Bollywood actor and producer Anushka Sharma. Shashi Tharoor began his sessions on 13th April and will continue to take them every day at 4 PM till 17th April. His classes are focused on the subject International Relations as well as his stint at the United Nations. Additionally, he will be answering viewers’ questions at the end of each Live session. The first three Live classes by Shashi Tharoor were a huge success and more than 30,000 Learners attended each of them. During his classes, he has spoken about the origination of the United Nations as an organisation, the reasons behind the formation of such an organisation, its key operations, India’s entry in the UN, and its relations with other nations. He also shared some of his personal experiences pertaining to matters of international relations. The Live class by Kiran Bedi, the first female IPS offer, will be conducted on 17th April at 8:30 PM where Bedi will talk about one of the most crucial topics- crisis management. The joint Live Class by Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma will be conducted on 21st April at 6 PM. Virat and Anushka will talk to Unacademy learners about dreams and hardwork and the importance of staying motivated and focused to build a successful career. These Free Live Classes can be accessed by any Learner or individual by visiting the Unacademy platform and registering themselves. Each class will be 30 – 40 minutes long, and will bring out a lesser known aspect of the legends’ life and career. Commenting on the initiative, Karan Shroff, Vice President, Marketing at Unacademy, said, “With the current uncertainties that the world is facing, a little dose of positivity can go a long way. We aim to provide a unique learning experience to our learners through Live Classes by prominent personalities as a part of our Legends on Unacademy program. Learners are at the heart of Unacademy’s efforts, and we relentlessly strive to support their dreams. These interactive Live Classes will not only equip our learners with academic knowledge, but also empower them with extraordinary life skills, and help them hone their ability to overcome various challenges. We encourage all learners to continue staying motivated and make the most of these classes.” Earlier in March, Unacademy announced the commencement of the ‘Legends on Unacademy’ program with the idea of bringing legends from different industries to teach life lessons through Live Classes. The first edition included Live Classes from legendary cricketers such as Brian Lara, Bret Lee, Jonty Rhodes and Muttiah Muralidharan, through the association with Unacademy Road Safety World Series. Below is the schedule for the LIVE sessions: Educator  Date  Time Topic  Dr. Shashi Tharoor April 13 – 17, 2020 4:00 pm onwards International Relations Kiran Bedi April 17, 2020 8:30 pm onwards Crisis Management Virat and Anushka April 21, 2020 6:00 onwards Dreams, hard work, determination and motivation With over 10,000 Educators, more than 13 million Learners, and over 30 exam categories, Unacademy’s constant endeavour is to help Learners achieve their dreams. Listen to the Legends Speak

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