Lifestyle

New Delhi, Jan 10 (IANS) One of Asia's largest literature festivals, the Kerala Literature Festival (KLF) will be held at Kozhikode beach from January 12 to 15.

From Nobel laureates to Booker Prize-winning writers, and senior politicians to historians, journalists, film and theatre personalities, performers and artists, and diplomats, the sixth edition promises to host a spectacular list of delegates.

KLF is part of the tourist calendar of the region with participation from across India and from other parts of the world. The state Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan would inaugurate the four-day festival.

With a footfall of 3 lakh in the previous years, the sixth edition has also launched its own app. With the festival growing every year in huge numbers, a surge to 40,000 registrations is expected this year.

The app will allow the passing of information to a larger audience. Along with the basic features such as viewing schedules, and speakers list, the app will also allow the public to register for the literature festival, update regarding session changes, run contests and news pertaining to the literature festival.

Nearly 400 speakers from 12 countries are expected to attend the event to be held in six venues spread across the Kozhikode beach. They include Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Palanivel Thiagarajan, 2022 Booker Prize winner Shehan Karunatilaka, International Booker Prize winner Geetanjali Shree, Noble Laureates Ada Yonath and Abhijit Banerjee, American Indologist Wendy Doniger, Piyush Pandey, authors Jeffrey Archer, Francesc Miralles, Shobhaa De, Tushar Gandhi, MT Vasudevan Nair, Jerry Pinto, Shashi Tharoor, T. Padmanabhan, K. Satchidanandan, M. Mukundan, K.R. Meera and Sudha Murthy, historians Ramachandra Guha, William Dalrymple, and Manu S. Pillai, and Remo Fernandes. Film personalities Emily Perkins and Prakash Raj, politician Kapil Sibal, entrepreneur Kris Gopalakrishnan, and economist Sanjeev Sanyal, among others will also be present.

Invitees from Turkey, Spain, the US, Britain, Israel, New Zealand, the Middle East, the Far East, and other parts of the world will also be present.

The sessions at KLF, aim to map literature through discussions on aspects of science and technology, art, cinema, politics, music, environment, literature, pandemic & its impact, business and entrepreneurship, health, art and leisure, travel and tourism, gender, economy, culture genomics, history and politics, and various facets that shape human consciousness.

Fireside chats at night, music concerts and classical, theatre, and performing artists will make up the entertainment quotient at the festival.

--IANS
sukant/khz/

By IANSlife
New Delhi, Dec 25 (IANSlife) Bring in this festive season with cocktails sure to lift your spirits, especially with the upcoming Christmas and New Year events. congratulate one another on a fantastic year and the impending end-of-year festivities. It's time to get dressed up, celebrate, and enjoy a private soiree with friends and family. Add some interesting Glenmorangie, Hennessy, Belvedere, and Ardbeg Wee Beastie cocktails to your at-home drinking repertoire this year!



Hot Cacao Cocktail

Ingredients:

30 ml - Belvedere Pure
120 ml - Oat Milk
15 ml - Honey Water
2 tsb - Raw Cacao Powder
1 pinch - powdered cinnamon
60 ml - Coconut cream
Grated nutmeg to garnish

Method:

Add first five ingredients to Nespresso steamer/milk jug and steam to combine until warmed through. Pour warm mixture into a teacup. Shake Coconut Cream to aerate and layer on top of drink. Garnish with nutmeg

Belvedere Bloody Sour

Ingredients:

40 ml - Belvedere Vodka
30 ml - Italian Bitter Liqueur
25 ml - Fresh Lemon Juice
20 ml - Honey Water
1 egg white
2 dashes - Angostura Bitters

Method:

Add all ingredients to a shaker without ice and dry shake to froth egg white. Add ice and shake for a second time. Double strain into a coupe glass and garnish with either blackberries or cherries.

A Ginger Lemon Hot Toddy

Ingredients:

30 ml (1oz) Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban 14 Years Old
10 ml (1/3 oz) ginger syrup
10 ml (1/3oz) honey
10 ml(1/3oz) lemon juice
3 dashes aromatic bitters
125 ml (4oz) apple juice
Apple slices and 1 cinnamon stick, to garnish

Method:

Bring real warmth to this cocktail by heating the apple juice gently. As it warms through (don't let it boil), bring everything else together in a glass mug and stir to dissolve the honey, then top the glass up when the apple juice is done. To make it look as good as it tastes, add fanned apple slices and a cinnamon stick at the finish.

Mulled Morangie

Ingredients:

30 ml Glenmorangie Lasanta
100 ml red wine
50 ml pressed apple juice
Mulling spices - cinnamon stick, cloves, anise, vanilla.
1 slice (wheel) of orange halved
1 dessert spoon Demerara Sugar (adjust to taste)

Method:

Pour ingredients into a saucepan and bring to a simmer on low heat. Do not allow to boil. Pour into a heat proof cup or mug

Bloody Rob Roy

Ingredients:

50 ml Ardbeg Wee Beastie
20 ml Sweet Vermouth
2 dashes Angosutra Bitters
Orange Twist
Cherry

Method:

Add all liquid ingredients to a mixing glass, stir for dilution. Strain into a coupe glass, garnish and serve.

Shortie's Dirty Daiquiri

Ingredients:

Shortie's Dirty Daiquiri
50 ml Ardbeg Ten Years Old
20 ml Cloudy Apple Juice
20 ml Fresh Lime Juice
10 ml Vanilla Syrup

Method:

Shake all ingredients over ice before straining into a chilled coupe.

Warm Tea Cocktail

Ingredients:

30 ml Hennessy V.S
30 ml Velvet Falernum
10 ml Fresh Lemon juice
150 ml Hibiscus tea (hot)
1 Lemon Wheel
1 Cinnamon stick

Method:

Add all ingredients to a heat proof glass mug.
Stir to combine.
Garnish with a lemon wheel and a cinnamon stick, serve.

A Long Night In Madrid Cocktail

Ingredients:

40 ml Hennessy Very Special
25 ml Madeira
8 ml grape A maple syrup
4 dashes Angostura bitters™
1 egg white
1 Coco nib shavings, or dark chocolate

Method:

Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker and shake without ice to activate egg white.
Then add ice and shake to chill.
Strain into a Coupe or Martini glass and shave coco nibs or dark chocolate over the top.

Daniel Gomes, the Beverage Manager at Westin Gurgaon, shows you how to make some Christmas favourites.

THE GRINCH

Ingredients:

Lime Wedges - 4-6 pcs
Midori - 45 ml
Vodka - 15 ml
Ginger Ale - To top up

Glass : Rock

Method : Muddled and Build Up

Garnish : Melon flavoured sugar rimmed glass.

EGG NOGG

Ingredients:

Bailey's - 30 ml
Cognac - 30 ml
Condensed Milk - 90 ml
Milk - 120 ml
Nutmeg - 1 Bar spoon
Maple Syrup - 2 Bar spoon
Raw Egg - 1 pcs (optional)

Glass : Cocktail Glass

Method : Blended

Garnish : Choco Shavings and Cinnamon powder sprinkle.

MULLED WINE

Ingredients :

Red Wine - 150 ml
Star Anise - 4 pcs
Cloves - 4 buds
Cinnamon Sticks - 3 sticks
Cardamom - 2 buds
Green Apple - 1 slice
Red Apple - 1 slice
Orange Slice - 2 slices

Glass : Wine Glass

Method : Cook to simmer

Garnish : Orange, Apple Slices and burnt Cinnamon Stick.

(IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in)

--IANS
ianslife/tb

Melbourne, Dec 25 (IANS) An Indian-origin biotechnologist has been appointed to the Australian government's expert panel to boost diversity and increase women's participation in STEM sectors.

Associate Professor Parwinder Kaur, a University of Western Australia Public Policy Institute Fellow, who hails from Nawanshahr, Punjab, will draw on years of experience as a scientist, academic and immigrant to support diversity in Australia's STEM sectors.

"Being a woman and immigrant navigating academia and industry I have deep lived experience of the biases and invisible hurdles that are out there which we all need to work on to not only increase participation in STEM but also retention," Kaur said in a University of Western Australia statement.

The three-member panel for the Pathway to Diversity in STEM Review has been appointed by Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic, and it will report its findings and make recommendations to the government in late 2023.

Kaur will serve alongside chair Sally-Ann Williams, a leader in the technology and entrepreneurial space, and Mikaela Jade, a Cabrogal woman of the Dharug-speaking nations of Sydney.

Kaur, who is currently the Director of DNA Zoo Australia, also leads cross-disciplinary biotechnology research investigating Earth's biodiversity and natural environments to ensure sustainable futures.

She was recognised in 2013 for her substantial contributions to biotechnology and scientific excellence by the prestigious 'Science and Innovation Award' by the Australian Academy of Sciences.

In 2019, she won the Microsoft's AI for Earth award, and was a finalist in Western Australia's Innovator of the Year in 2022.

--IANS
mi/uk/

Aizawl/Shillong/Kohima, Dec 24 (IANS) After celebrating Christmas either behind closed doors or in a restricted manner due to Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, the festivities began since earlier this week with great enthusiasm in the northeastern region. Pre-Christmas celebrations, shopping, decorations of churches and other places were witnessed in many places across the region.

Christmas celebrations across the northeastern region in 2020 and 2021 were relatively low key due to the various Covid-related restrictions.

However, this year, exchange of advance Christmas greetings and mini celebrations have started two days ago in different government, non-government offices and localities in most of the eight northeastern states.

All the thoroughfares and shopping malls at Police Bazar, Shillong's main commercial hub, wore a heavy crowded look as men and women busy buying their favourite items ahead of Christmas.

Wishing the people on the occasion, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio tweeted: "God be thanked for loving us and sending His only begotten son. He is the Light of the world, the Light that fills us with love, faith and hope. I wish you all a Merry Christmas."

In Kohima, the Planning and Coordination Department has requested the people to celebrate a sustainable and environment-friendly Christmas.

Tagging some photographs of Christmas decorations, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma tweeted: "Moolamylliang village in East Jaintia Hills district, Meghalaya take Christmas decorations to a whole new level ! Every year they lead by example to show how the community can come together to make Christmas season beautiful & meaningful."

Mizoram Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati has sanctioned Rs 4 lakh from his discretionary fund to 40 orphanages and homes across the state covering all 11 districts.

Assam Rifles troopers have arranged various events and decorated some places to share the Christmas favour among the people.

Over six million Christians live in Mizoram, Nagaland, and Meghalaya while there are significant numbers in the other northeastern states of Manipur, Tripura, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim.

--IANS
sc/pgh

New Delhi, Dec 24 (IANS) TV star Rupali Ganguly of 'Anupamaa' fame shared a video of her dancing to the tune of 'Jingle Bells'.

With her curled hair, Christmas cap, and red top, the actress made her fans go gaga with her dance moves. She was seen enjoying the music and ringing in the yuletide spirit with full gusto.

The 45-year-old actress wrote in the caption: "Time of the year to go lil extra dancing, as the Santa comes with his bag full of joy and makes us happier!! Merry Merry Christmas.."

After her post, many of her fans admired her dance moves and shared their best wishes. One of her fans commented: "Rupali Santa looks too cute" Another fan reiterated: "Looking so cute..."

Rupali is known for her TV shows such as 'Sarabhai vs Sarabhai', 'Baa Bahoo Aur Baby', 'Parvarrish – Kuchh Khattee Kuchh Meethi', 'Sanjivani', and many more. She has become a household name with her titular role in the show 'Anupamaa'.

--IANS
ila/kvd

By IANSlife
New Delhi, Dec 23 (IANSlife) Johnnie Walker Gold Reserve, a scotch synonymous with irreverent luxury from Diageo India, recapitulates its #PourofGold narrative in collaboration with one of the leading designers of the country, Abhinav Mishra, to celebrate the finest moments of life with a hint of gold.


The Johnnie Walker Gold Reserve X Abhinav Mishra collaboration showcased endearing celebratory moments with Johnnie Walker Gold Reserve to bring alive the storytelling of the liquid, whether intimate or grandeur. The association saw Mishra design and curate an entire celebration experience through a contemporary statement bar, bar trolley, and delightful gifting packs suited for those precious moments in life. Embracing the endless possibilities of celebrations, Abhinav Mishra with his use of mirror work and light created not just a great-looking experience but one that reflects and reminds us to commemorate even the smaller milestones.

The unveiling of the celebratory experience took place on the 18th of December 2022, shining a little bit of light to every celebration, turning them all brilliant, as the globe embraces more complex events to celebrate.

Expressing his excitement for the association, Designer Abhinav Mishra said: "In 2022, ceremonial occasions took on a new code with intimate, meaningful, and more curated get-togethers. A soiree that is intimate yet meaningful creates memories. As part of the association, I was very thrilled to curate a bespoke experience that goes beyond what we wear. The whole experiential is inspired by Johnnie Walker Gold Reserve, capturing the essence of celebrations in the finest possible way."

"Johnnie Walker Gold Reserve has always been adding a touch of self-expression at luxury celebrations. The collaboration highlights ceremonial affairs for consumers who seek occasions that resonate with their identity, belief, and values. We are excited to ally with designer Abhinav Mishra whose exquisite artwork blends in beautifully with the #PourOfGold thereby adding light to every celebration," added Shweta Jain, CBDO: Luxury, Reserve & Craft - India & South Asia at Diageo.

(IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in)

--IANS
ianslife/tb

By IANSlife
New Delhi, Dec 23 (IANSlife) The 2022-2023 holiday season is a great time to explore New York City, according to NYC & Company, the convention and visitors bureau and official destination marketing agency of New York City. As one of the most well-known holiday destinations, NYC will once more provide merry dining, shopping, cultural, and entertainment experiences and events in all five boroughs.


New Years Eve Times Square Ball Drop

December 31 - January 1 Times Square, Manhattan

The Waterford Crystal Times Square New Year's Eve Ball will sparkle in Times Square all season, but watching its descent in person on New Year's Eve is a spectacular, once-in-a-lifetime way to ring in the New Year. Millions view the broadcast event in NYC and around the globe along with spectators in Times Square on December 31. Guests can also stop by the New Year's Eve Confetti Wishing Wall from December 1 on to submit (in person and online here) a wish for the New Year on a piece of official NYE confetti that will be dropped at midnight as the ball drops. Guests can also look out for details (at TSQ.org) about the arrival of the official numerals ('2' and '3' for 2023) that will be in Times Square before ascending to the top of One Times Square to be lit as we welcome the New Year.

A Christmas Carol, a one-man show on Broadway

Till January 1 Midtown Manhattan

In this astonishing Broadway adaptation, Tony Award-winning actor Jefferson Mays tackles more than 50 roles in this season's limited run of A Christmas Carol at the Nederlander Theatre. The beloved Dickens story featuring notable characters-Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim and the four ghosts-will be making its return for the first time since 2019 and will enchant theatergoers with its redemptive story.

Holiday Train Show at New York Botanical Garden

Till January 16 Bedford Park, The Bronx

The Holiday Train Show-a favourite holiday tradition-has been making memories for over 30 years. Visitors will see model trains zip through an enchanting display of more than 190 replicas of New York City landmarks, each delightfully re-created from natural materials such as birch bark, lotus pods and cinnamon sticks.

Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights

Till January 8 Bronx Park, The Bronx

With more than 360 lanterns representing nearly 90 animal and plant species, Bronx Zoo's family-centric holiday lights festival will connect visitors with real wildlife and wild places. During the evenings, the park comes to life with holiday cheer as immersive light displays, custom-designed animal lanterns (with some life-size, some larger-than-life-size) and animated light shows sparkle across the zoo. The celebration is complete with seasonal treats, classic holiday music and other festive entertainment. The beloved tradition is sure to enchant visitors of all ages, making it the perfect way to kick off the holidays this year.

The Rink at Rockefeller Center

Throughout the holiday season Midtown Manhattan

The world-famous ice-skating rink will return for the holiday season for visitors to skate under the iconic Christmas tree, a quintessential NYC experience. In collaboration with Coach, Rockefeller Center will unveil this year's activations, including a bespoke holiday gift shop, custom hospitality cart serving special treats, and live onsite patch customization for a curated line of Coach products. Santa will join visitors on the ice in December.

City Cruises Holiday-Themed Cruises

Throughout the holiday season Manhattan

Enjoy a NYC Christmas Eve, Christmas Day or New Year's dining cruise, among others, featuring festive decor, meals and stunning views of the City while sailing across the East and Hudson Rivers from the glass-enclosed deck.

NYC Hotel Week: Give the Gift of an NYC Hotel Stay this Winter

On sale Citywide

NYC & Company's second iteration of NYC Hotel Week will return for 2023 alongside signature programs, NYC Restaurant Week, NYC Broadway WeekSM and NYC Must-See WeekSM. On sale from mid-November, shoppers can give the gift of New York City with a 23% off discount. Valid for stays over January 3-February 12, 2023.

Flagship Store Shopping

Available now throughout the holiday season | Midtown Manhattan

Locals and visitors alike are invited to various flagship stores, such as Macys, Bloomingdale, Bergdorf Goodman, Cartier, Saks Fifth Avenue and more, to find this season's most brilliant holiday presents for friends and family.

DREAM BIG: Big Apple Circus Returns to Lincoln Center for 45th Anniversary

November 9-January 1 Upper West Side, Manhattan

The Big Apple Circus is back for its 45th anniversary season and invites visitors to experience the excitement of its dazzling newest extravaganza: DREAM BIG! For eight weeks only, Big Top at Lincoln Center will be home to astonishing wonders and daring acrobatics, setting imaginations soaring to the most astounding, awe-inspiring heights.

NYC Winter Lantern Festival: Journey to the East

Till January 8 St. George, Staten Island

The NYC Winter Lantern Festival is back for its fourth year to transform a new venue, SIUH Community Park in Staten Island, into an immersive world of light. Visitors will enjoy over eight acres of luminescence in addition to a live DJ, projection mapping, food vendors and more.

(IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in)

--IANS
ianslife/tb

Canberra, Dec 20 (IANS) A growing number of young Australians feel isolated and left out in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, a new government survey revealed on Tuesday.

The survey by Headspace, the government's youth mental health support agency, found that 60 per cent of respondents, all of whom were aged between 12 and 25, reported lacking companionship, while 62 per cent said they feel left out, reports Xinhua news agency.

Despite Australia's strict coronavirus lockdowns ending more than 12 months ago, Headspace chief executive Jason Trethowan said the social isolation and stay-at-home orders have had a lasting impact.

"We're finding many young people are still feeling cut off from the world and struggling to re-establish relationships," he told the local media.

According to the national mental health organisation Beyond Blue, one in seven Australians, or 3.2 million people, is experiencing an anxiety condition at any given time and one in 16 are suffering from depression.

In the lead up to the Christmas period, suicide prevention service Lifeline has made more crisis support workers available to respond to 4,000 calls and messages every day.

"The idea of togetherness traditionally associated with holidays can also exacerbate the intense loneliness many people feel," chief executive Colin Seery said.

The survey's release came a eek after the federal government drew criticism for cutting the number of psychologist visits it will subsidise.

At the start of Covid-19 lockdowns, the then sitting government had increased the number of psychologist visits it subsidised in a year from 10 to 20 for every Australian.

Earlier this month, Health Minister Mark Butler said that the number would return to 10 per year from January 1, 2023.

The Australian Association of Psychologists, a national peak body, described it as a bitterly disappointing decision that would deny people the care they need.

--IANS
ksk/

By Dr Kuldeep Dole
New Delhi, Dec 20 (IANSlife) You probably already know how important it is to keep blood sugar levels within the recommended range if you or a loved one has diabetes. Major, long-term health issues like vision loss, heart disease, and renal disease can be avoided or delayed with proper management of blood sugar, HbA1c, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure.



Diabetes can have a serious negative impact on the eyes, which can result in blindness or visual impairment. This is due to the fact that high blood sugar can destroy the capillaries in the eye's most delicate tissues, which transmit signals to the brain and enable clear vision. A permanent loss of vision may result from this retinal damage brought on by high blood pressure.

However, there is hope. One can avoid major eye damage by monitoring and regulating the blood sugar levels as per their doctor's recommendation.

The following five actions can help safeguard vision during diabetes.

Understand Numbers

When blood sugar levels rise, the delicate blood vessels that nourish the most delicate areas of the eyes are often the first to sustain damage. High blood sugar specifically harms the retina. The thin tissue that makes up around 65 per cent of the back of the eye is called the retina. Many light-sensitive cells reside there, allowing the eyes to communicate visual information to the brain via the optic nerve.

The blood vessels that supply the retina are harmed when blood sugar levels rise. Vision blurring may result from this, either temporarily or permanently. Diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts are three distinct eye conditions that are quite common in people with diabetes. Timely detection and interventions can minimize such complications. By keeping track of the blood sugar levels one can reduce the risk for these sight-stealing conditions.

Stop Smoking

Every physiological system is harmed by smoking, but diabetics are particularly vulnerable. Smoking harms the veins, arteries, and capillaries in the body, aggravating diabetes-related eye damage already present. Whether you're a smoker and have tried to quit, or want to quit for the first time, don't give up. Talk to your doctor about your options.

Moving It

Exercise benefits all physical systems in the same way that smoking does, so get moving! After lunch, go for a couple laps around the block. Take a few extra steps and park at the far end of the parking lot. Regular exercise can reduce your risk of developing diabetic eye disease since it lowers blood sugar levels. Put it on your calendar each week to remind you to make time for this appointment with yourself that will improve your life. Before beginning any workout regimen, discuss it with your doctor to find out the exercises they advise.

Focus on Eating Healthily

You are what you eat, we've all been told since we were young. Healthy eating leads to healthy eyes. Eat a diet that is well-balanced and contains meals that provide your body with good nutrients to safeguard diabetic eyes. Vitamins A, C, E, beta-carotene, lutein, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and zeaxanthin are some of them. Consuming a diet high in leafy greens, fatty fish like salmon, tuna, or mackerel, nuts like walnuts and almonds, beans, lentils, and mushrooms will help you reach this goal. Maintaining a low glycemic diet is important to manage blood sugar levels.

Yearly Dilated Eye Examination

The finest tip is reserved for last: get a full dilated eye exam from your ophthalmologist once a year, or more frequently if advised, to make sure that your efforts to control blood sugar are aiding in maintaining the health of your eyesight. A screening for cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy may be performed at this visit. Your pupils enlarge as your eyes dilate, allowing your ophthalmologist to inspect the retina, macula, and optic nerve up close. Your doctor can identify diabetic retinopathy in its early stages long before you have any symptoms by looking at these sensitive tissues.

(Dr. Kuldeep Dole, Medical Director - PBMA's H.V. Desai Eye Hospital An Orbis Partner Hospital)

(IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in)

--IANS
Dr Kuldeep Dole/tb