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New Delhi, March 16 (IANS) External Affairs Minister (EAM), S Jaishankar, will embark on a three-nation tour to Singapore, the Philippines, and Malaysia from March 23 - 27 to strengthen bilateral relations.

The visit to the Southeast Asian nations will provide an opportunity for engagement on regional issues of mutual concern, a Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) release said on Saturday.

Focused on enhancing bilateral relations, the visit comes just after EAM Jaishankar's trip to Japan to take stock of bilateral ties and explore ways to transform the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between the two countries.

Dr Jaishankar last visited Singapore in October 2023 to deepen the Strategic Partnership between the two countries, where he met President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan.

At the invitation of Dr Jaishankar, then Malaysian Foreign Minister, Zambry Abdul Kadir, paid an official visit to India in November 2023, to co-chair the sixth India-Malaysia Joint Commission Meeting in New Delhi.

In June 2023, EAM Jaishankar and Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the Philippines, Enrique A. Manalo, co-chaired the fifth meeting of the Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation at Hyderabad House in New Delhi.

The two leaders held wide-ranging and substantive discussions on regional and international issues of mutual concern, according to an MEA release.

Acknowledging that both countries have a shared interest in a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region, the two nations underlined the need for peaceful settlement of disputes and adherence to international laws.

--IANS

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Kolkata, March 15 (IANS) The 2019 Lok Sabha elections saw too many 'unique developments' in West Bengal, which was not the case in the previous polls.

The first was in the results, which virtually marked the beginning of the emergence of the BJP as the principal opposition force in the state, replacing the CPI(M)-led Left Front and the Congress to a large extent.

In 2019, the BJP ended up winning 18 out of the 42 Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal, marking a big jump from its tally of 2 seats in 2014, and a single seat in 2009.

Besides the impressive tally, what was more noticeable was the sharp penetration of the BJP in the rural pockets of the state, which have a sizeable backward class and tribal population.

A dedicated vote bank for the CPI(M)-led Left Front for nearly three decades, these areas started strengthening the base for the Trinamool Congress since 2009, when for the first time signs of the collapse of the Red fort in West Bengal started to become evident.

Another major development in the 2019 elections was the Left drawing a blank in West Bengal for the first time since Independence. While Congress somehow saved its face to some extent by winning two seats, the Trinamool Congress ended with 22 seats, 12 less than its 2014 tally of 34.

However, this time the BJP’s central leadership is hopeful of increasing its tally further in West Bengal, with some surveys already making projections on similar lines.

Incidentally, a day before the announcement of election results in 2019, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had claimed "42 out of 42" seats for the Trinamool.

Probably having learnt a lesson from the 2019 results, the Trinamool leadership, including the Chief Minister, has refrained from announcing any figures in its favour so far this time.

The 2019 elections were also unique in terms of different poll-related arrangements.

The state had voted in all seven phases last time, just like Uttar Pradesh which has far more Lok Sabha seats (80) as compared to West Bengal (42).

Sensing that the number of phases will be the same this time as well, if not more, the Trinamool leadership has already started raising demands for holding single-phase polls in the state.

In 2019, a total of 350 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) were deployed in West Bengal, much higher than the previous two elections.

This time, the Election Commission of India has already announced the deployment of 920 companies of CAPF, the highest among all Indian states. Interestingly, the deployment of CAPF in 2019 in West Bengal started only after the poll dates were announced and the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) came into force.

However, this time the deployment started much before the election dates were announced. Already, 150 companies of CAPF have been deployed in West Bengal with the announcement of poll dates scheduled on Saturday.

The Trinamool has also raised objections to the early deployment of CAPF in the state. According to the ruling party, the CAPF personnel deployed in advance are occupying several educational institutions, affecting the academic process there.

--IANS

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London, March 7 (IANS) Men with Covid-19 infection are more likely to experience an increase in heart rate and breathing rate, as well as a high skin temperature, than women, according to a study that used data from wearable devices.

Men’s breathing rate and heart rate were also found to be significantly higher levels during the recovery period as compared to women.

The study, published in the open-access journal PLOS ONE, showed that men and women experience different physiological responses to Covid infections, and it may explain why mortality among men was higher during the pandemic.

“The sex-specific biological responses to Covid infection may be linked to the higher mortality and hospitalisation rates observed in male Covid-19 patients,” said researchers from the University of Basel, Switzerland.

“A better understanding of sex-specific trajectories in these physiological changes could support the early detection and treatment of Covid-19,” they added.

In the study, the team collected data on 82 people with the Ava wearable medical device. More than 1.5 million hours of physiological data were recorded and included in the new analysis during the study period, spanning 2020 and 2021.

Further, the team also tested BMI, age, hypertension, and alcohol and drug use, and found no impact of these variables on the associations between sex and physiology during infection.

However, they could not account for hormonal changes across the menstrual cycle among female participants.

The researchers called for more work to fully understand the biological underpinning of these sex differences.

--IANS

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Lucknow, March 7 (IANS) A grand ‘Rangotsav’ will mark Holi this year in the Braj region in Uttar Pradesh.

The Uttar Pradesh Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad (UPBTVP) and culture department have started preparations for the event in Mathura.

According to the minister of culture and tourism, Jaiveer Singh: “Holi in Mathura and Vrindavan is a lively celebration, deeply woven into the fabric of the region’s cultural and religious history. Rooted in the tales of Lord Krishna’s early life spent in Vrindavan, the festivities here are a kaleidoscope of unique rituals and joyous gatherings that attract people from around the globe.”

He said that the state government has established basic facilities in Mathura, Vrindavan and Barsana to attract domestic and international tourists. The aim is to draw maximum tourists from across the world to watch Holi celebrations in Mathura-Vrindavan and Barsana.

The festival spans 40 days, but the true enthusiasm builds up a week before Holi. The festivities begin with Barsana’s Laddu Holi and Lathmar Holi where women beat men with sticks.

The minister said that the Holi of Braj had special significance as it was associated with Lord Krishna. The Braj region, including Mathura, Vrindavan, Govardhan, Gokul, Nandgaon and Barsana, was known for its unique Holi celebrations which would be showcased by the department to attract tourism.

He said a large number of foreign tourists visit the region to witness colourful Holi celebrations. “We will make sure that they get a once-in-a-lifetime experience which will make them want to come back year after year,” he added.

--IANS

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New York, Feb 26 (IANS) Antidepressant use rose sharply in adolescents and young adults, particularly among girls, after the Covid-19 pandemic began, according to a new study.

The findings, published in the journal Pediatrics, showed the rate of antidepressant use rose nearly 64 per cent faster after March 2020 in young people aged 12 to 25.

“Antidepressant dispensing to adolescents and young adults was already high and rising before March 2020. Our findings suggest these trends accelerated during the pandemic,” said lead author Kao Ping Chua, a paediatrician and researcher at University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children's Hospital in the US.

Importantly, the increase in the antidepressant dispensing rate during the pandemic was driven by females: 130 per cent faster among girls aged 12-17 years and 60 per cent faster among females aged 18-25 years.

“Multiple studies suggest that rates of anxiety and depression among female adolescents increased during the pandemic,” Chua said. “These studies, coupled with our findings, suggest the pandemic exacerbated a pre-existing mental health crisis in this group.”

In contrast to females, the antidepressant dispensing rate changed little among male young adults after March 2020 and declined among male adolescents, which Chua found surprising.

“It’s hard to believe this decline reflects improved mental health,” he said.

This could be because male adolescents may have skipped physicals and other health care visits during the pandemic, decreasing opportunities to diagnose and treat anxiety and depression, the researchers said.

Chua said the overall rise in antidepressant dispensing to adolescents and young adults may not only be related to worsened mental health. Long waitlists for psychotherapy, for example, may have also played a role.

“In my primary care clinic, I often heard from patients and families that they were facing 6-9 month wait lists for therapy during the pandemic. In those situations, it didn’t make sense to withhold antidepressants and recommend a therapy-only approach,” he said.

--IANS

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New York, Feb 26 (IANS) US researchers have found a drug that is commonly used to treat asthma patients and can also help children with food allergies.

According to a new study led by scientists at the Stanford University and Johns Hopkins University, regular use of omalizumab can protect people from severe allergic responses, such as difficulty breathing, if they accidentally eat a small amount of a food they are allergic to.

Omalizumab, which the US Food and Drug Administration originally approved to treat diseases such as allergic asthma and chronic hives, is an injected antibody that binds and deactivates all types of immunoglobulin E, or IgE, the allergy-causing molecule in the blood and on the body’s immune cells.

Based on the new research, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the FDA, last week, approved omalizumab for reducing risk of allergic reactions to foods.

“Patients impacted by food allergies face a daily threat of life-threatening reactions due to accidental exposures. The study showed that omalizumab can be a layer of protection against small, accidental exposures,” said lead author Robert Wood, Professor of paediatrics at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

For the study, the team included 177 children with at least three food allergies each, of whom 38 per cent were 1 to 5 years old, 37 per cent were 6 to 11 years old, and 24 per cent were 12 or older.

Two-thirds of the children were randomly assigned to receive omalizumab injections, and one-third received an injected placebo; the injections took place over 16 weeks.

Re-test between weeks 16 and 20 showed that 79 patients (66.9 per cent) who had taken omalizumab could tolerate at least 600 mg of peanut protein, the amount in two or three peanuts, compared with only four patients (6.8 per cent) who had the placebo.

Similar proportions of patients showed improvement in their reactions to the other foods in the study.

About 80 per cent of patients taking omalizumab were able to consume small amounts of at least one allergy-triggering food without inducing an allergenic reaction, 69 per cent of patients could consume small amounts of two allergenic foods and 47 per cent could eat small amounts of all three allergenic foods.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Feb 26 (IANSlife) Nestled in the Indonesian archipelago, Bali has truly earned its nickname "Island of the Gods." This captivating destination offers something for everyone - from serene beaches kissed by turquoise waters to majestic temples steeped in history. No wonder for years, travellers have sought its shores to restore and revitalise their spirits.

So what sets Bali apart from the other sought-after spots in the world? CRED Escapes invites guests to take a trip down these bustling, narrow streets to find out.

Tracing the history

The history of the Balinese people reflects a series of migrations. Thousands of years ago, people from nearby islands like Java and Kalimantan sailed over to Bali and made it their home. In the 15th and 16th centuries, as Islam gained prominence in Java, many Hindus, including both nobles and commoners, sought refuge in Bali. This mix of people and beliefs over time shaped Bali's unique culture, visibly evident in Bali's architecture, traditions, and even daily life.

The Present Landscape

Bali's rich history shapes its vibrant cultural scene today, with numerous temples dotting the island's landscape. From grand landmarks to intimate household shrines, these temples symbolize resilience and community spirit. Balinese culture is renowned for its warm hospitality, providing a refreshing contrast to the hustle and bustle of contemporary living.

Before ending a trip to Bali, don’t miss out the chance to witness the centuries-old traditions at Tirta Empul's water cleansing ritual, join a family-hosted cooking class and learn the art of creating authentic Balinese dishes. Savour the flavours of these vibrant markets and check out the ancient art of Batik, a renowned dyeing technique. Participate in a hands-on workshop, learn from local artisans, and you can even create your personalised souvenir.

IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in

--IANS

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New Delhi, Feb 9 (IANS) Indian middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer is likely to miss the remaining three Test matches against England due to an injury, says report.

Iyer has complained of stiffness in the back and pain in the groin area and he Iyer will be sent to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bangalore for further tests, an Indian Express report said.

While the entire squad's playing kits for the second Test were flown directly from Vizag to Rajkot, the venue of the third Test which starts on February 15, Iyer's equipment was specifically sent to his home in Mumbai.

"Iyer has informed the Indian team management and the medical staff that his back gets stiff after playing more than 30 balls and he feels pain in his groin while playing forward defence. Post surgery, he is facing this issue for the first time so he has been advised to rest for a few weeks. He will head to NCA later," a source told The Indian Express.

Iyer has recorded the scores of 35, 13, 27, 29 across the first two Tests played in Hyderabad and Vizag.

The selection committee is expected to announce the India squad for the remaining matches of the five-match series on Friday. If Iyer is indeed excluded, the selectors will need to decide on his replacement.

Team India, which is on a short break, has been expected to assemble in Rajkot on February 11 with training likely to resume the following day.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Feb 9 (IANS) Bollywood star Akshay Kumar has heaped praise on 'Uri' helmer Aditya Dhar's upcoming film 'Article 370' starring Yami Gautam Dhar. After watching the film's trailer, he commented that it "looks full of passion."

Kumar, who played a patriot and hero in several films, including 'Holiday' and 'Baby', also reiterated that Kashmir is an integral part of the country.

"Kashmir was, is, and will always be a part of India #Article370Trailer looks full of passion!," the 'Special 26' star wrote in Hindi on X. The original in Hindi read: "Kashmir Bharat ka hissa tha, hai aur hamesha rahega."

The actor also extended his best wishes to Yami. "All the best, Jai Hind! @yamigautam @jiostudios," he wrote on the micro-blogging site.

Notably, in December last year, the Supreme Court had upheld the abrogation of Article 370 by Parliament on August 5, 2019. The film's trailer, which also has as Priyamani of 'Family Man 2' fame, offers glimpses of how Article 370, which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir, was abrogated in response to the dire situation of Kashmir.

The trailer showcases Yami's character reflecting on the state of Kashmir, pained by the events in the region. The viewers are soon thrown into the action set-piece consisting of blasts and violence and separatists making inflammatory speeches.

Priyamani essays the role of an officer with the PMO; the trailer shows Yami's character being appointed by the NIA to round up potential threats in the Valley in order to ensure there's no trouble after the Act of Parliament.

Produced by Jyoti Deshpande, Aditya Dhar and Lokesh Dhar, the film is slated to release on February 23.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Feb 9 (IANS) 'Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya' marks a refreshing departure from conventional cinema, delving into the complexities of human emotions and the evolving relationship between man and machine.

Directed by the dynamic duo of debutante filmmakers Amit Joshi and Aradhana Sah, this film presents a thought-provoking narrative that challenges societal norms and explores the blurred lines between humanity and artificial intelligence (AI).

At its core, 'Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya' revolves around the unlikely romance between Aryan (played with charm and depth by Shahid Kapoor), a talented robotic engineer, and SIFRA (portrayed with grace and nuance by the radiant Kriti Sanon), a humanoid android created by Aryan's aunt (superbly portrayed by the veteran actress Dimple Kapadia).

As their relationship blossoms, the film navigates the intricacies of love, acceptance, and the consequences of crossing boundaries in the pursuit of happiness.

Shahid Kapoor delivers a captivating performance as Aryan, effortlessly transitioning from moments of humour to moments of vulnerability as he grapples with his feelings for SIFRA.

Kriti Sanon shines as SIFRA, infusing the character with a perfect blend of innocence and curiosity, captivating audiences with her portrayal of an AI discovering the complexities of human emotions.

Beyond their individual performances, Kapoor and Sanon share a natural rapport that translates seamlessly onto the screen. Their chemistry feels organic and unforced, allowing viewers to immerse themselves fully in the story and root for their characters' relationship to blossom.

Whether they're sharing a heartfelt conversation or stealing glances across a crowded room, every interaction between Kapoor and Sanon feels genuine and heartfelt, adding depth and dimension to their characters' journey.

They are supported by a stellar ensemble cast, including the legendary Dharmendra as Aryan's wise and supportive grandfather, and the charismatic Dimple Kapadia as his aunt, and Rakesh Bedi, Anubha Fatehpuria, Rajesh Kumar, Grusha Kapoor, Brijesh Shukla and Raashul Tandon adding layers of depth to the narrative with their memorable performances.

'Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya' is a testament to the power of storytelling and the ability to challenge preconceived notions. The film's pace is breezy and it has fun-filled moments throughout, making it a laughter riot, with an unpredictable, supremely entertaining, cinematically beautiful, hair-raising climax.

The film's novel concept and engaging screenplay is refreshing. Amit Joshi and Aradhana Sah should be commended for their bold vision and willingness to explore themes rarely seen in mainstream cinema with a potent and well-intended climax.

The music of the film is already a fan favourite with hits such as 'Laal Peeli Akhiyaan', 'Akhiyaan Gulaab', 'Tum Se' and the evergreen title song 'Teri Baaton Mein'.

'Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya' is a delightful blend of romance, comedy and social commentary, offering audiences a unique cinematic experience that lingers long after the final credits roll.

With its stellar performances, compelling storyline, and timely exploration of the ethics of AI, this film is a must-watch for anyone seeking something fresh and thought-provoking at the movies.

A Maddock Film's production, the film has been produced by Dinesh Vijan, Jyoti Deshpande and Laxman Utekar.

Movie Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya (Playing in theatres)

Duration 143 minutes

Directors Amit Joshi and Aradhana Sah

Cast Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, Dharmendra, Dimple Kapadia, Rakesh Bedi, Anubha Fatehpuria, Rajesh Kumar and Raashul Tandon

IANS Rating ****

--IANS

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