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Strengthening Indo-French bilateral relations through Cultural Exchange

Grant for lens-based practitioners in South Asia

Strengthening Indo-French bilateral relations through Cultural Exchange
 

In a quest to strengthen regional cooperation on the foundation of the strong Indo-French bilateral relations through cultural exchange, Serendipity Arts Foundation and Les Rencontres d’Arles announced today the biggest photography, video and new media grant, supported by the Embassy of France in India, named the Serendipity Arles Grant, with the shared purpose of promoting cultural practices in South Asia. The grant of 12,00,000 rupees (approximately 15,000 euros) will support lens-based practitioners from South Asian countries, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The initiative seeks not only to empower artists from the region, but also further a spirit of regional cooperation and representation.

The open call for entries had begun from the 15th of April 2020, through the social media handles of the Serendipity Arts Foundation, Les Rencontres d’Arles and the Embassy of France in India, will close the process of receiving applications on the 7th of July 2020. The valid applications for the grant received within this deadline will be shortlisted by a distinguished jury. 

Acknowledging the Foundation’s position as a portal into South Asia’s cultural landscape, representing some of the best artists from the region, Sunil Kant Munjal, Founder Patron, Serendipity Arts Foundation, said, “Serendipity Arts Foundation was set up to energize the arts, spur creativity and to empower artists. Besides hosting the impactful and path-breaking Serendipity Arts Festival, the Foundation has supported the arts and artists of South Asia through residency programmes and grants. The collaboration with Rencontres d’Arles will strengthen our resolve to back and support artists from the region and help promote their work on a global platform”.

Highlighting the importance of this collaboration Sam Stourdzé, Director, Rencontres d’Arles, said, “Rencontres d’Arles is delighted to team up with the Serendipity Arts Festival, a major player on India’s art scene. Today our festival would like to acknowledge that India and the South Asia region have become a breeding ground of creation. Each year, 10 young photographers and a winner will be selected, funded and their work exhibited, strengthening the ties between our countries and, especially, shining a spotlight on the artists”.  

The largest of its kind, the grant will be awarded in two stages. Upon receipt of applications for the grant within this deadline will be shortlisted by a distinguished jury comprising artists, authors, Foundation directors, and eminent personalities from diverse artistic domains, will review the proposals and shortlist 10 artists. The first stage will recognize and support 10 artists with a grant of 70,000 rupees (approximately 800 euros). Along with receiving a part of the grant, these ten shortlisted candidates will also be given the opportunity to showcase their work at the upcoming edition of the Serendipity Arts Festival, scheduled to take place in February 2021 in Goa, India.  

Finally, at the festival in February 2021, the same jury will unanimously declare the finalist, from amongst the ten previously shortlisted artists, who would then receive a grant of 12,00,000 lakh rupees (approximately 15,000 euros) to develop the project and show the final presentation at Rencontres d’Arles, France, in 2022.

Tanishq brings Akshaya Tritiya online this year

Tanishq brings Akshaya Tritiya online this year

The brand is focusing on e-commerce platform through an advance online booking process

Tanishq builds a new contactless way of selling through technology

Tanishq, from the house of Tata  announced its plans of taking Akshaya Tritiya online this year.

Tanishq will start its Akshaya Tritiya Offer from 18th-27thApril 2020 on its e-commerce platform; www.tanishq.co.in

Once the situation returns to normalcy and services resume, the customers can either opt to go to the store and pick up their jewelery or get it delivered to their doorstep.

Speaking on the importance of the occasion, Ajoy Chawla, CEO, Jewelery Division at Titan Company Limited, says “We decided to celebrate e Akshaya Tritiya this year in a unique way. Not only it celebrates the promise of prosperity, it also celebrates resilience, courage, & strength in these uncertain times. We are reaching out to customers to put out collective belief and hope in the tradition for a new beginning, and usher in a brighter tomorrow.”

He further adds, “Gold is always a safe haven as compared to other instruments. For Indians, gold is beyond an adornment metal. It is a symbol of security. So it symbolizes beauty with the purpose of appreciating returns. Akshaya Tritiya is the time when a lot of customers buy wedding jewellery and we want those customers to consider us as their trusted wedding jeweller”

In his conclusion, “Contactless shopping experience throughout will be a new experience for us and for our customers as well. We have trained our retail team in the process. They are prepared to deal with our customers in the virtual world. We have launched new technology initiatives such as video calling feature, live assisted chat on our website and setting up of a remote war room to resolve any customer query in real-time to name a few. Creating unique experiences and superior customer services for our customers are at the heart of Tanishq.”

This Akshaya Tritiya Tanishq is offering Up To 25% off* on Making Charges of Gold and on Diamond Jewellery Value. Tanishq is also bringing a Gold Rate protection scheme, where customers can purchase gold coins at the prevailing gold rate and by doing so, they are entitled to exchange the coins at any store without any loss on making charges of coins for Jewellery purchase during the redemption period until end Nov 2020.

Skip the Cool – Stay Safe from COVID-19

 This summer, strive to beat the heat without cooling aids, if you want to build your immunity against the dreaded Corona-virus. New research into lifestyle and behavior patterns from Publicis Groupe’s Indian division has said that the measures to keep ourselves safe from the COVID-19. These steps include skipping cooling foods and beverages, air-conditioned environments and other factors.

The report, ‘Reboot to the new normal’ examines changes in national consumption patterns following the COVID-19 outbreak and the nationwide lockdown, which is now in place till May 3. Specifically, it examines how these changing patterns will impact the relationship between consumers and brands.

Research Analyst and Indoor Air Quality expert Mansoor Ali has linked these findings to the results of his studies into Coronavirus cases from Europe and the US. Ali, the founder for AMFAH India, said, “Our very lives have changed in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic, including the way we communicate, eat and stay safe from virus strains. These safety measures include avoiding conditions which would lead to sneezing, coughing and sore throats and these will hold for the sweltering summers around the corner.”

Ali, who recently shared his findings with the Maharashtra government, believes that avoiding cold items is an important prevention measure against the Corona-virus pandemic. 

 

Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray had recently advised the public to avoid cold beverages and foods and consume hot items to stay safe from the virus.

“This is not a simple home remedy. Frozen foods, cold beverages and poor air humidity act as irritants which make people more inclined towards flu-like symptoms or catching the virus from human transmission or through infected surfaces. I would suggest people to avoid consuming these colder items till the danger of COVID-19 outbreak subsides,” he further added.

The current Indian frozen foods market, was earlier expected to reach $309.98 billion by 2021. However, the preventive measures to stay safe will also adversely impact these businesses.

Photo caption: Research Analyst and Indoor Air Quality expert Mansoor Ali

Melting pot of Culture & Contrast hues, that is Rajasthan

Melting pot of Culture & Contrast hues, that is Rajasthan

Vibrance of  Pushkar

INSPIRATION

The Pushkar collection is inspired from the dramatic collage of diversified pictures that bring alive the century old sprawling festivities of the Pushkar Mela.

Pushkar is an important pilgrimage destination which hosts the largest camel fair of India drawing tourists from across the globe. The abundance of colorful cultural themes from the mela, have inspired Ethnicity’s Pushkar Collection, making it a visual delight.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Splashes of yellow, pink, teal and orange that showcases the gradient of colors, reflecting the glorious state of Rajasthan
  •  The floral designs, mirror work and embroideries in the range, pay homage to Rajasthani culture and gives  an essence of the vibrancy Pushkar has to offer.

Availability

Ethnicity’s Pushkar Collection at Ethnicity stores and www.ethnicity.in

A Live Online Program International Spy Museum, Washington DC

A Live Online Program

International Spy Museum, Washington DC invites all for Spy School 101:

FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2020 at 9.30 PM IST

TICKETS: FREE! REGISTRATION REQUIRED

 

The International Spy Museum at Washington, DC brings interactive programmes for young and adult detectives!
Do you have what it takes to be a spy? Explore the shadow-world of espionage through the stories, artifacts, and tradecraft that only the Spy Museum can uncover.

Families will participate in various tradecraft activities and test their spy skills during this 45-minute presentation.

NOTE: *Geared for Grades; 3-6.

To register please log onto: https://www.spymuseum.org/calendar/detail/curator-s-corner-robert-hanssen-an-inside-view/2020-04-23/

For any further questions, please e-mail educators@spymuseum.org

International Spy Museum hosts interactive exhibitions and installations, the foremost collection of spy artifacts in the world, and first-person accounts from top intelligence officers and experts. The Museum places visitors in the shoes of the spies.

 Source: The International Spy museum Website  

FASHION-TRENDS-JEWELRY BARE – SS’20 Collection by Varnika Arora

The cleanest lines ever translate this season to gold scaffolding dotted sparingly with vibrant marshmallow, raven, air, and cider semi-precious jewels.
 INSPIRATION
 
This season is dip-dyed in the modernness of Art deco. From stained glass in Parisian churches through to decorative arts in Vienna, here’s a collection re-imagined in gold with bold lines mapped onto our most-loved stones.
 
 HIGHLIGHTS
 
Art deco motifs shine through in gilded bracelets, flat hoops with jagged lines, and statement rings that are every bit as novel as they are timeless. These are ultra-pretty jewels that skirt wrists and nestle comfortably along all sorts of necklines; borrowing liberally from a ubiquitous art movement. Statement jewels cast in bronze and plated with fine 22k gold, you’ll find this line pairs well with everything. Marigold blooms in tousled hair, through to silken hemlines that graze pavement and shore alike, this line is meant to go wherever you go. You’ll find citrine, white mop, black onyx, and pink quartz (among others) peeking through timeless folds of gold. Architectural hoops, sculpted gold rings that entwine around the fingers, to delicate tiered necklaces, they designed this line for the everyday extraordinary. This season cements our love for minimal design in statement jewelry; recurring patterns that will surface years on end as little love note from them to you. Welcome to VA’s summer of gold.

Haviland launches Tableware – Brought to India by Emery Studio

Haviland launches Tableware

Brought to India by Emery Studio

The Ocean Bleu collection brings the wonders of the world on a plate, through enchanting paintings.The splendorous hues of the ocean, combined with pristine white create a mesmerizing visual. A touch of gold further adds a dash of glamour to the articles. The collection consists of bread and butter plate – Jellyfish; bread and butter plate– Ray; Ocean Bleu under plate; Ocean Bleu pasta plate; dessert plate, dinner plate; Ocean Bleu bowl; set of four dessert plates;set of four coffee cups and saucers; set of four tea cups and saucers; Ocean Bleu mini mug;tart platter; salad bowls – medium and small, and more.

 Availability:

Emery Studio

Shakuntla Farm, Ghitorni

New Delhi – 110030

Design& Décor-New Launches New Vintage Furniture Range

Ashley Furniture Home Store launches a new collection of vintage furniture, brought to India by Dash Square. It is an eclectic collection that fuses vintage casual style with contemporary mores to create a sweet nostalgic vibe.

 Features

  • The Johnelle dining table with a distressed weathered gray finish. Its sturdy frame with pedestal base is complemented by chairs and bench in elegant upholstery and stylish nail head trimexuding comfort and conviviality.
  • The Farouh sofa and loveseat is a perfect match with its European charm. The time-honored profile and pleated roll arms hark back to tradition, while the linen-weave upholstery is decidedly relaxed. Exposed feet with faux wood finish and nailhead trimming further accentuate its vintage style. The sofas in a neutral shade are decorated with patterned cushions adding to its aesthetic features.

Availability:

Address– 2-76/12/3, GHMC Serilingampally Circle, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, Telangana – 500032

Household items that can be used as Gym equipment

Household items that can be used as Gym equipment

By – Hitesh Chhabria – Assistant Technical Training Head, Gold’s Gym IndiaThese days it’s like a season of home workouts and if you failed to stock the home gym equipment’s, don’t worry – there are plenty of items in your home that can double as equipment’s.
Lots of household items can be used as exercise equipment, as long as you use your imagination.

  1. Water Bottles: A one liter water bottle weighs approximately 2.2 pounds, so you can use one in each hand for some lighter weight arm workouts.

Workouts Names:
Bicep curls
Bicep hammer curls
Side lateral raises
Shoulder front raises
Shoulder overhead presses
Bent over rows
Triceps kickbacks

  1. Backpack:To add some extra poundage to the bodyweight moves, a backpack can be used and filled with cans and bottles or anything heavy and make workouts more challenging for yourself.

Workout names:
Squats
Step ups
Lunges
Pushups
Deadlifts
Bent over rows
Plank

  1. Water gallon: The big 5-gallon water bottles for water coolers works the best. Many of these have handles too. They weigh in at 40 lbs when full, so, definitely a substantial amount of weight. The size of them makes them ideal for a lot of exercises of heavy lifting.

Workout names:
Deadlifts
Both arm bent over rows
Sumo squats
Stiff legged deadlifts
Shoulder overhead presses

  1. Bucket: Bigger the bucket, the heavier it can be made. You can use a pole for a handle and secure the bucket to each end. Or you can lift the buckets by the handle for independent movement on each side.

Workout names:
Squats
Bicep curls
Reverse Bicep curls
Hammer curls
Shoulder front raises
Deadlifts
Shrugs
Triceps overhead extensions

  1. Suitcase: Suitcases are great because they have handles! They are also designed to carry quite a bit of weight. Fill with books, clothes, water bottles, cans, etc.

Workout names:
Deadlifts
Squats
Overhead squats
Split lunges
Bent over rows
Incline/Decline pushups
Hip thrusts

STAY HOME, STAY SAFE &REMAIN HEALTHY

Take a little more care this National Public Health Week with these quick recipes

In the current time when health has become one of the prime concerns, it becomes inevitable for us to consider the diet we intake. While the nation quarantines and is in the “Netflix and binge” mode, it is important to ensure that we have some healthy snack binge list to pick from! To ease that worry out, Del Monte brings quick and easy recipes this National Public Health Week. You can now watch your favorite series with while you stay home, stay safe and remain healthy.

Caesar Salad

Ingredients-

 

  • 3 Cup Lettuce
  • ¼ Cup Soft Cheese In Cubes
  • 2 Cups Bread Croutons
  • ½ Cup Del Monte Mayonnaise
  • ¼ Cup Del Monte Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • TBSP Lemon Juice
  • TBSP Finely Minced Garlic
  • TBSP Worcestershire Sauce
  • ½ TBSP English Mustard Paste
  • Salt to Taste

 

Method-

  • To make bread croutons, remove the sides of stale bread slices.
  • Cut the bread slices into equal size small cubes.
  • Brush the cubes with melted butter.
  • Bake at 175 degrees C for 15 minutes or until browned. Let cool.
  • To make the salad dressing, combine Del Monte Mayo, garlic, sauce, mustard paste and lemon juice in a bowl.
  • Whisk nicely until well combined. Now slowly pour the Del Monte Olive Oil while continuously whisking. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Arrange lettuce leaves in a salad bowl. Add bread croutons and cheese cubes.
  • Pour dressing over the salad. Sprinkle some parmesan shavings if you like.
  • Serve Caesar Salad with toasted bread on the side.

 

Orange Cranberry Salad With Rockets and Almonds

Ingredients-

  • 3 Oranges
  • ½ Cup Del Monte Dried Cranberries
  • 1 Onion
  • ¾ Cup Rocket Leaves
  • 1/3 Cup Almonds
  • Some Mint Leaves
  • Some Salt and Black Pepper, As Per Taste
  • ½ TSP Dried Basil

Method-

  • Let’s begin by adding orange slices, cranberries, onion rings, sliced almonds, lemon juice, dried basil, salt and pepper to a large bowl.
  • Gently toss the ingredients in the bowl to blend in the flavors well. Throw in rocket leaves and gently mix it once.
  • Chill it for an hour and your salad is ready to be served.

Corn Salad

Ingredients-

  • 1 Can Del Monte Whole Corn Kernels
  • ¼ Cup Red Onion (Fine Chopped)
  • ¼ Cup Cherry Tomato (Cut Into Halves)
  • 1 Avocado (Sliced Or Cut Into Small Chunks)
  • 2 TBSP Soft Cheese (Crumbled)
  • 2 TBSP Del Monte Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1-2 TBSP Salt & Pepper To Taste
  • 1-2 TBSP Fresh Parsley (Fine Chopped)
  • 1 Lemon (For Lemon Juice)

 

Method-

  • Prepare the salad dressing first by combining Del Monte olive oil, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper. Whisk nicely.
  • Combine corn kernels, tomato, onion and avocado in a bowl. Pour dressing over the salad.
  • Add cheese, gently toss and serve the corn salad.