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                                                         Samsung S24 Ultra: A Game-Changer in Photography: A few weeks ago, I went on a short trip to Goa with my friends, excited to capture all the beautiful moments. I had been using my old phone since 2019, which I had bought during an Amazon flash sale. Despite being a four-year-old phone, it had served me well for daily tasks. However, I realized too late that it was not the best choice for photography. Throughout the trip, I used my phone to take pictures of the stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and unforgettable experiences. But since the battery drained quickly, I had to carry power banks everywhere. This became a hassle, but I didn’t think much of it at the time. However, when I got back home and checked my photos, I was extremely disappointed. Most of t...

UNEXPECTED JOY OF DURABLE SHOES (AND HOW THEY SAVED MY DAY)         I am in real sense a finick for shoes. It has to be the right pair with the appropriate color and shade for the specific occasion to match perfectly with the dress. Hence, I do have a decent collection at home that occupy considerable space, much to the annoyance of my family. Surely, we all do have this tendency to store at least one pair of shoe that is considered the ‘special one’ for certain specific occasions where one would like to flaunt the same. This however, at times might become an anti-climax as it happened with me.        So here I was in Jodhpur for a marriage, enjoying my stay at a luxurious hotel, at the heart of the city. I had brought the pair of my ‘special shoes’ having matched it with my traditional Indian dress suited for the wedding and was eager to flaunt it in the evening function. After all it had been a year since I last used it. Finally, the moment ...

Social media: A toxic environment As everyone is aware, for the past five years, people have been shifting and developing social media addictions. Not just children but even senior citizens. Additionally, kids of days are so engrossed in smartphone culture that they never even eat without one. Parents make mistakes when they don't have the time to raise their kids or when they prioritize their own needs over those of their kids. For example, they offer their kids cell phones, so why do they have kids in the first place? Returning to social media, there are numerous platforms such as Instagram, Twitter (X), SnapChat, WhatsApp, and many more. Whatsapp is a messaging program that is only harmful when it comes to downloading false information. However, if we discuss Instagram , that platform is a poison that is becoming more and more deadly in our society. Even yet, Instagram served a variety of functions when it first entered the market. It was a ...

The Baadshah of Bollywood , SRK He demonstrated once more why he is king. Born in Delhi on November 2, 1965, Shah Rukh Khan  began his career in 1989 with the TV series Fauji . 1992 saw him make his Bollywood debut in Deewana alongside Rishi Kapoor and Amrish Puri, following six years of his profession. His Bollywood career took off like magic with the release of his first picture. He had villainous roles in films like as Baazigar, Anjaam, and Darr between 1993 and 1994, which somewhat altered his image, yet he gained recognition for these roles. However, it was not until the release of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge that SRK truly became a star. 1995 saw the release of the film. Following that, he worked on other critically acclaimed films, including Dil Toh Pagal Hai and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. A number of his best films, including Devdas, Mohabbatein, Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham, Veer Zaara, Main Hoon Naa, Om Shanti Om, Chak de India, My name is Khan, etc., w...

Assembly Elections 2023 Results   After voting in the 119-seat Telangana assembly concluded, exit polls for the states—Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Mizoram, and Telangana—were released. The predictions suggest a mixed outcome for the BJP and Congress. The aggregate of exit polls indicates the BJP is likely to maintain power in Madhya Pradesh and potentially form the government in Rajasthan. Congress is expected to have an advantage in Chhattisgarh and Telangana. Meanwhile, Mizoram witnesses a close competition between Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) and Mizo National Front (MNF). Expressing gratitude for the unwavering support, Prime Minister Narendra Modi claimed that this triumphant streak is a precursor to a 2024 hat-trick. He credited the victories in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan to the public's endorsement of the BJP's commitment to good governance and development. In Telangana, the Congress disrupted K Chandrashekar Rao's attempt at a thir...

                                                 “Chandramukhi 2” "Chandramukhi 2," a highly anticipated Indian Tamil-language comedy horror film, finally hit the screens with packed audiences. It's a sequel to the 2005 movie "Chandramukhi" and features Raghava Lawrence, Kangana Ranaut, and Lakshmi Menon in leading roles. The film is written and directed by P. Vasu and produced by Subaskaran Allirajah's Lyca Productions. The film's journey began when it was officially announced in June 2022, followed by principal photography starting in July and wrapping up by mid-August 2023. The movie boasts music by M. M. Keeravani, with cinematography handled by R. D. Rajasekhar and editing by Anthony. It was released on September 28th, 2023. "Chandramukhi 2" targets a family audience and brings back the renowned comedian Vadivelu, reprising his rol...

  “UNVEILING THE SPLENDOUR:-Ganesh Chaturthi-A Celebration of Wisdom and Unity.   Ganesh Chaturthi also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is one of India’s most beloved and widely celebrated festival….It is very dear to each and every individual who is from Maharashtra,irrespective of his cast or creed.It brings energy,excitement,ray of hope,belief,faith,happiness and new beginnings during this festive season.For them bappa is not only divine but also a part of their life with whom they can share their problems,they can laugh,they can chat and they believe that he always responds to them in his unique manner.     THE SIGNIFICANCE OF GANESH CHATURTHI :-     Ganesh Chaturthi, is typically observed in August or September…It marks the birth of Lord Ganesha..He is revered as the remover of obstacles,It was first celebrated when Rashtrakuta,Satavahana and Chalukya ruled between 271 BC and 1190 AD. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj realised the importance o...

"Celebrating Ganapathi Festival: An Atheist's Observations and Reflections" As an atheist, I wish to offer my perspective on the Ganapathi festival, a significant celebration in the state of Maharashtra. As a newcomer to Mumbai, I have a deep appreciation for exploring diverse religions and languages. In my hometown of Tamil Nadu, Ganpati Chaturthi typically warrants just a single day off, but here in Maharashtra, the extended five to six days of holiday fervor is truly fascinating.   One notable aspect of this festival is the remarkable enthusiasm displayed by the people in celebrating it, which I find truly admirable. I took the opportunity to visit various locations adorned with clay idols of Lord Ganesh, beautifully decorated with gold, currency, flowers, and more, all for public appreciation. These idols serve as a focal point for people to come together and express their profound affection for Lord Ganesh.   On September 29, 2023, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corp...

  THE PARKING CONUNDRUM MUMBAI Wonder how many of us ever planned a trip in Mumbai without considering the parking aspects for the vehicle we own. Be it a weekday or weekend, a holiday or a working day, if a dinner or lunch has to be planned out, the parking space availability or valet services form an integral part of the decision making process. A quick movie with family or friends or a visit to the market would also lead to a quick search or revision of the available parking facilities. Even a Sunday visit to a relative’s residence, (though such concepts are receding fast in the emerging social order) a quick phone call to the concerned person to enquire availability of the Visitor Parking area might not be out of order. Finally, what emerges out of these situations, is the mode of travel or transport which in most cases would be “ lets take a cab/bus/train ”. Hence even with all the latest brands of automobiles, the space to park or move freely on the roads in Mumbai is fast ...

In India, people celebrate Ganesha Chaturthi. However, the manner of celebrating in Mumbai is very dissimilar. There is nothing like the vibes here. You get chills at the thought of love, dedication, happiness, excitement, décor, dance, and the enormous Ganesh ji murtis.  Ganesh Chaturthi (19 September this year) and Anant Chaturdashi (28 September this year) are the first and last days of this ten-day festival, respectively. But due to "Bappacha Aagman," the festival in Mumbai begins one week before Ganesh Chaturthi. Where all of Mumbai's notable and illustrious murthis have their separate pandals installed. The day of Ganesh Chaturthi is then when "Sthapana" occurs. The celebration ends with "Visarjan," which is on the tenth day after sthapana, which is on anant chaturdashi. Last year, I went to Lalbaugcha Raja, the most well-known of them. I spent more than three hours in line. But as soon as I laid eyes on Lord Ganesh Ji's murthi, I was enthral...

  THE KALI PEELI OF MUMBAI   Mumbai city boasts of its Public Transport System, even with all the flaws during the wet and confusing monsoons and the same ‘copy pasted’ news articles and cameras focusing on the waterlogged roads. With all the minor flaws, the Mumbai Public Transport is arguably the best, managing effectively the ever increasing population densities and complexities. I remember the time during my graduation in the mid 90s, in the pre-digital era, how convenient the cab network used to be, as a second tier support system for us students, who wanted to take a break from the BEST busses and travel in the cab ‘luxury’ with a tenner in pocket or max, a twenty rupee note. Since there were no UPI IDs, the circulation of liquid cash in the economy was comparatively more and there used to be an easy supply of cash change. In fact, it used to be expected that a shopkeeper or a cab driver would have small change with them while transacting their daily business. The ...

  Indian Express Flim Cub: Screening of  the movie "Afwaah" A Cinematic Dive into the World of Rumors   Introduction On the evening of September 12th, against the glittering backdrop of Mumbai's National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), the Indian Express Film Club treated its audience to a special screening of "Afwaah." This thought-provoking film, directed by the maestro Sudhir Mishra, stars the illustrious Nawazuddin Siddiqui and the immensely talented Bhumi Pednekar. "Afwaah" graced the silver screen on May 5th, 2023. Despite not receiving a resounding welcome in all corners of the theater world, this film has etched an indelible mark on the collective consciousness of society. In this blog post, we embark on a journey into the heart of "Afwaah" to unravel why it resonated so profoundly with its captivated audience.  The Meaning of "Afwaah"   The title itself, "Afwaah," translates to "rumor." This...

"THE PRECIOUS WATERS OF MUMBAI LAKES" Imagine a life without water for a day. What if we get up one fine morning to the stark reality of a bizarre situation of this life supporting element vanishing totally. Here on, myriad questions sprout up. How to wash, what to drink, how to cook, how to clean and above all how to survive. It is a fact that one can survive for a few days without grains but not without water. How ironical then it is to see this ‘Golden’ resource not getting the value it deserves. What is worse is to see its virtual, blatant exploitation today. The 2023 Monsoons and Underground Water Levels . Monsoons this year, have been sketchy which would further impact the agriculture produce but what is more worrisome is the impact of constant depleting water levels. Has anyone considered how would the produce yield without the water. We need to rise up with the rhetoric of ‘it is a government responsibility’. Well, the government is not divine, they are mortals like u...

"Surviving Mumbai's Monsoon Adventures: A New Mumbaikar's Tale" As a newcomer to the bustling city of Mumbai, I've quickly realized that adjusting to its ever-changing weather, particularly the monsoon rains of 2023, is like stepping into a whole new world. This experience has taught me valuable survival skills and an unwavering appreciation for the resilience of Mumbaikars. My current residence is in the serene enclave of Royal Palm, Mayor Nagar, Goregaon East. To navigate this vibrant city, I rely on Bus No. 452, which conveniently departs from the eastern side of Goregaon Railway Station. However, my recent adventure on September 10th, a rainy Sunday, was anything but ordinary. On that day, my agenda included a grocery shopping trip, followed by a swift return home. Little did I know that Mumbai's unpredictable weather had a surprise in store. Suddenly, a torrential downpour turned the streets into makeshift rivers, creating scenes reminiscent of a flood di...