The tickets for the Coldplay Ahmedabad concert on January 25, 2025, went live at 12 PM on Saturday. The queue for the ticket ran into lakhs and the show was sold out within minutes. Repeating what had happened during the Mumbai concert ticket sales, BookMyShow announced another show in Ahmedabad on January 26, 2025. “Due to unprecedented demand, a 5TH SHOW has been added in India for Coldplay! Music Of The Spheres World Tour 2025 now on the 26th of JANUARY at Narendra Modi Stadium,” they wrote on X. Due to unprecedented demand, a 5TH SHOW has been added in India for Coldplay! 🎤🌌Music Of The Spheres World Tour 2025 now on the 💚 26th of JANUARY ❤ at Narendra Modi Stadium.-Waiting room for the second show goes live at 12.45 PM IST -Early access to the waiting room… pic.twitter.com/NIf6GitAUq — BookMyShow.Live (@Bookmyshow_live) November 16, 2024 The queue for the second show opened at 12:45 PM and the tickets went live at 1:00 PM. However, the queue quickly ran into lakhs, leaving fans disappointed. Many fans took to X to share screenshots of their queue numbers. Coldplay India concert dates and venues January 18, 19, 21 – D.Y. Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai January 25, 26 – Narendra Modi Stadium, Mumbai About Coldplay ‘Music of the Spheres World Tour’ Since kicking off in March 2022, the Music Of The Spheres World Tour has sold over 10 million tickets across Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, making it the most highly attended tour by a group of all time. The tour is also travelling to Abu Dhabi, Seoul and Hong Kong between January and April of 2025. The set list for the band includes tracks like ‘Yellow’, ‘The Scientist’, ‘Clocks’, ‘Fix You’, ‘Viva La Vida’, ‘Paradise’, ‘A Sky Full Of Stars’ and ‘Adventure Of A Lifetime’ into the spectacular stadium show bursting with lasers, fireworks and LED wristbands. This is the second time that Coldplay, which consists of vocalist and pianist Chris Martin, guitarist Jonny Buckland, bassist Guy Berryman, drummer and percussionist Will Champion, will be performing in India. They last visited the country in 2016 when they performed in Mumbai as a part of the Global Citizen Festival.
16 November,2024 02:05 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe first day of the two-month-long festival season at the famed Sabarimala temple opened in the wee hours of Saturday, with pilgrims thronging the temple for darshan of Lord Ayyappa. The temple doors were opened at 3 a.m. by Arun Nampoothiri, the chief priest of the temple who has taken charge of the temple for the next one year. The maximum number allowed for a day (70,000 pilgrims) have booked online for darshan on Saturday. Every day only 10,000 pilgrims will be allowed darshan through spot booking at the foothills of the temple town. The temple which opened at 3 a.m will close at 1 p.m. and open again at 3 p.m. and then close at 11 p.m. Pilgrims started to arrive from Friday evening and were seen standing in the queue according to the timing of the darshan that they booked. The officials of the Travancore Devasom Board (TDB), which manages several temples, including Sabarimala, in the southern districts of the state have been staying in the temple town for the past few days and on Saturday, State Minister of Devasoms V. N. Vasavan will chair a review meeting at the shrine located at the top of the hill. Situated on the mountain ranges of the Western Ghats at an altitude of 914 metres above sea level, Sabarimala temple is four kilometres uphill from Pamba in the Pathanamthitta district, which is around 100 km from the state capital. The temple, which bars the entry of women who have attained puberty, is accessible only on foot from the Pamba River. As per practice, before setting off to the holy shrine, a pilgrim normally undertakes an intense 41-day penance where he does not wear footwear, wears a black dhoti, and sticks to strict vegetarian food. Every pilgrim carries on his head 'lrumudi', a prayer kit which contains coconuts which are broken just before climbing the 18 steps, and without it, no one is allowed to step onto the holy 18 steps at the 'Sannidhanam'. Also in this season, the TDB has decided to provide free insurance coverage for the pilgrims and through it, the kin of any pilgrim who passes away during the pilgrimage will get a sum of Rs 5 lakh and the authorities will also make arrangements for conveying the mortal remains to the pilgrim's hometown. This season, a record close to 14,000 police officials, along with volunteers, will be on security duty and give a helping hand to the pilgrims. The parking facility for pilgrims has now been increased to 10,000 parking slots, besides, there will be rate cards in various south Indian languages on display at all the restaurants in and around the temple town. The healthcare facilities in and around the temple town will also have state-of-the-art facilities for the pilgrims. The present two-month-long season will continue till the last week of December and then the shrine closes for a few days and will open again to close in the third week of January. Since several years now, the temple opens for a few days at the beginning of every Malayalam month for a few days. Previously, the temple was open only for two months starting November. Also Read: Kedarnath Dham closes its doors for the winter season This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
16 November,2024 01:36 PM IST | Sabarimala | IANSEarlier this year, Indian rock fans and more particularly those from Kerala knew they were in for a treat when 13AD announced that they would be making a comeback after 28 years. While they had made one earlier in 2008, this one sounds different, especially at a time when India is experiencing an upward surge in indie music and bands making their own music now more than ever before. Around the time that India was seeing some of its most iconic rock bands like Parikrama in Delhi and Indus Creed (formerly known as Rock Machine) in Mumbai, rock music fans in Kerala were being treated to 13AD. It was a five-piece band that was formed in 1977 in Kochi and instrumental in pioneering rock music in the southern state as it explored blues rock, hard rock and heavy metal while creating original music. They released Ground Zero (1990) and Tough on the Streets (1993). The band has undergone quite a few changes over the years. Their current line-up has George Peter on vocals, Eloy Isaacs on lead and rhythm guitars, Jackson Aruja on keyboards, Floyd Libera on drums, and Paul K J on bass. While they are yet to release their first single this year, they have been performing their new material at concerts this year. If that's anything to go by, then their performance at Mahindra Independence Rock 2024 is going to be no different. They will be performing on Day 1 of the two-day iconic rock music festival at 5:35 pm . In an exclusive interview with mid-day.com , the band's lead vocalist George Peter dives into the inspiration for their reunion. He also talks about the evolution of rock music in Kerala and their own tunes, especially after their reunion. Here are edited excerpts: What can fans expect you to perform? George: Fans can expect a mix of our classic rock from our albums, along with some new material we’ve been working on since reuniting. Performing at Mahindra I-Rock feels incredible, and we’re excited to be a part of it.What inspired you to make a comeback after 28 years? The comeback was the result of a mix of nostalgia, passion, and the realisation that our music still resonated with people. Over the years, we kept hearing from fans who missed the sound of 13AD, and that sparked something in us. In all these years, how have you seen rock music evolve in Kerala? Rock music in Kerala has come a long way since we started. Back then, it was a small scene with just a handful of bands and limited platforms. But now, there’s a whole community, festivals and the like. Local bands are blending rock with regional music, creating something unique. It’s amazing to see how the genre has grown here. How has the band evolved over the years?When we started, we were heavily influenced by classic rock bands, and our sound reflected that raw, energetic style. But as we grew and experienced different things in life, our lyrics and arrangements became more complex. We've explored new sounds and ideas, blending our original rock with modern music while staying true to what makes 13AD unique. Reuniting now, we're bringing those experiences to our music. While 13AD was on a hiatus, did all of you meet often and compose music? What has kept you all busy? During our hiatus, we were spread across different parts of the world, but we always stayed in touch. We didn’t often get the chance to meet up and compose, but music remained central to our lives. Some of us were freelancing, others worked as session musicians, so we were still creating, just in different ways. Those years added new experiences to our lives, which we’re now bringing back into 13AD. How have you seen the evolution of Indian independent bands switching from covers to making original music? Back in the 80s and 90s, original rock music from Indian bands was rare; most bands stuck to covers. We were among the few who wanted to make original music and really connect with audiences on that level. Now, there’s a huge shift—more bands are writing their own music and are getting the support to release it. The indie scene has grown massively, with platforms like streaming services and festivals such as I-Rock, that encourage this original work. You performed your new single 'Nothing Has Changed' earlier this year. Can old and new fans expect an album in the near future? Where do you perform next? The single is yet to be released. However, we've started performing new material for our concerts. We intend to release them as singles periodically. Our next performance will be in Bengaluru. Also Read: Farhad Wadia: Live music venues have grown but the challenges too have grown exponentially
16 November,2024 11:06 AM IST | Mumbai | Nascimento PintoColdplay fans in the country (especially those who missed out on the tickets for the Mumbai concert) were in for a treat as the British band recently announced another show in India. Being claimed as their biggest-ever show, Coldplay will perform on January 25 at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. The tickets for the concert will go live on Saturday, November 16. While the excitement to see your favourite band perform live is always high, it also gives way to illegal and unethical activities preying on fans’ love for the artists and their willingness to pay high costs to get access to these concerts. The recent Coldplay tickets debacle is proof. Apart from ticket scalping, which was a major issue, many fans fell prey to cyber fraudsters selling fake tickets. One such incident was reported at the Chunabhatti police station, where a college student claimed to have purchased 24 tickets for himself and his friends, approximately worth Rs. 2.2 lakhs. He later found out that the tickets were fake and the confirmation e-mail he received was from a fake ID, resembling the official BookMyShow domain. Also Read: Mumbai: College youth duped with fake Coldplay tickets When tickets for popular shows and concerts are sold, the fans’ anticipation gives birth to a breeding ground for such activities. But why do people fall prey? Nirali Bhatia, cyber psychologist, psychotherapist and founder of Cyber B.A.A.P. (an anti-cyberbullying organisation), explains, “These cyber criminals target an innate trait of humans – greed. We all want to be the first ones, the best ones, get the best deals, be a part of what’s trending, fight the FOMO, etc. For scamsters, this is an opportunity to make quick money. They think they’ll always find someone who will be in a rush to get the tickets and will fall prey.” Scams to be careful of There are various ways in which a cyber fraudster can target fans. Cyber crime investigator Ritesh Bhatia informs, “Even though there was only one authorised ticket seller for Coldplay’s Mumbai concert, ticket scalping was a major issue. That is a problem on a larger level when someone takes advantage of the situation.” Discussing specific scams that one must be aware of, he says, “There might be several unauthorised websites reselling the tickets, whose authenticity is not known. Fake websites may claim to sell tickets at a cheaper price or offer other deals. These may have domain names resembling the official ticketing website and fans often don’t notice the difference in a rush. Phishing is a major issue.” “Additionally, scamsters can also target people through ads on social media. So, people must be careful not to fall prey to all this,” he adds. How to protect yourself from cyber scams while purchasing tickets In these situations, one must know how to protect themselves from such scams. Verifying information is the most important step towards accomplishing that. “In an online world, we cannot act on impulse. We have to read everything carefully. Because of this fast-moving multimedia content, we have shifted from reading to only scanning. That is what scamsters take advantage of. If they make the page look like the official website visually, not many might pay attention to minute details through which they will be able to differentiate between the fake one and the actual one. So, slow down and verify everything before taking any action,” suggests Nirali. Speaking of a broader thought process that might help people stay away from cyber scams, she says, “We need to avoid the rush, the FOMO, the drive to be with the trend. These are the vulnerabilities that scamsters exploit.” Ritesh shares the following tips: Buy tickets only from the official website. Don’t trust the ads you see on social media or elsewhere. Always verify the official handles and domain names of the authorised vendor. Don’t ever enter your credit card or other financial information on random sites. They are not trustworthy. General guidelines to follow while making online purchases One can stay protected from cyber fraud by following some simple guidelines. Advocate Prashant Mali, a cybersecurity, cyber law and data protection expert, and author, suggests the following: Purchase only from official sources or authorised ticket vendors. Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true. Check for “https://” and a padlock icon in the URL. Use secure payment methods like credit cards or trusted digital wallets. Avoid using public Wi-Fi for transactions. Be cautious of phishing emails and fake links. Check reviews and ratings of platforms or sellers before purchasing. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on accounts linked to payments. Monitor your bank statements for any unauthorised charges. Also Read: Lights, sound, action! Tracing the dynamics of concert culture in India
16 November,2024 09:15 AM IST | Mumbai | Raaina JainMumbaikars are experiencing the best time as they enjoy a variety of music festivals in the city. It only gets better because every major Indian and international act is visiting in the next few months with bigger and better concerts. As the debate around venues, tickets and lineups heats up this music festival season, the Independence Rock music festival, popularly known as I-Rock, will return this weekend at Bayview Lawns. Being one of the earliest rock festivals in the city, it will see fans not only from the financial capital but also around the country come together to experience rock music. Started by Mumbaikar Farhad Wadia in 1986, it is one of the few music festivals that has stood the test of time to celebrate its 30th edition this time. Evolution of live music concertsIn all this time, Wadia has seen independent music evolve in the country and with that the live music concert scene. He shares, "The music scene in India has changed drastically especially with the advent of the Internet and the growth of Indian bands writing and singing original music in all languages. Previously, bands did covers and in English." However, he says today bands are mostly doing original music and maybe a few covers. "Bands are also exploring different genres of music and singing in local languages," adds Wadia, who started the festival after rock bands were not allowed to perform at Malhar, the St Xavier's College annual festival. While it was held on August 14-15 every year, the new avatar relaunched in 2022 has been taking place in November. Interestingly, I-Rock was first famously held at Rang Bhavan – a much-loved Mumbai venue that fans have boasted of many performances over the years. Unfortunately, the iconic open theatre was shut down in 2003, and Wadia was right in the middle of the attempt trying to revive it. In the meantime, the festival was also held at Chitrakoot Grounds. While it was converted into a state cultural centre in 2013, there have been a lot of changes in music venues since then. More concerts are being hosted at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Stadium, more popularly known as NSCI Dome, today in Worli, NESCO in Goregaon, and undoubtedly Bayview Lawns at Princess Docks, which has been the venue for I-Rock in the last three years including 2024. Challenges for music concerts While Rang Bhavan was always a favourite and the latter the new venue, it is not only the live music scene but also the venues that have now made it possible for people to attend more concerts. What has been the kind of change that the US-based Mumbaikar has seen over time? He explains, "The venues available have grown but the challenges too have grown exponentially. Their costs have soared and hiring a venue and setting up a decent production/experience can cost anything between 75 lakhs to 1 crore,and the multiple permissions required, security arrangements put a hefty price tag. You could hire Rang Bhavan for Rs 3,000 a day, and adjusted for inflation even if it was Rs 50,000 today, it would still be a fantastic option strictly because of the location, vibe and magic that it had, and the permanent stage and tiered venue style that it offered." At a time when so many concerts have sprung up in the city with not only Indian but also international acts, are there still challenges for organisers? Wadia says there are multiple. "In the current scenario, events in a city like Mumbai face challenges with affordable venues, existing infrastructure, traffic management, government permissions and high entertainment taxes," he adds. Also Read: Music for all: How inclusive and accessible are Mumbai's concert venues? However, the workings look like it will change, especially because of the growing number of music festivals being held in Mumbai and India at large. Wadia believes music festivals not only work for the audience but also the organisers and more importantly musicians. He further adds, "As audiences grow, the commercial opportunities to exploit this growth is a natural process. I personally believe that the more festivals that mushroom, the scene grows as audiences experience the different offerings and different genres and thus ticket sales grow across the board for everyone. Also, more bands get opportunities to ply their craft and reach audiences that might not have heard them." The two-day festival will see a stellar lineup that not only includes some of India's most iconic rock bands but also features the future of rock. From Motherjane and 13AD to Swarathma and Bloodywood, and even About Us and Skrat among others and Wadia hopes it can last 50 years, and he is there to see it happen. "Rock music to me is a way of life. Independence Rock was born at a time when there were no concerts or festivals or platforms for Indian bands. There will always be concerts and then there is only one Independence Rock," he concludes. Also Read: Parvaaz’s Khalid Ahamed on the rise of rock music in Indian languages
15 November,2024 05:23 PM IST | Mumbai | Nascimento PintoMillennials born during 1981-1996, especially in India, grew up around the time of globalisation, witnessing the arrival of cable TV, early internet, and flip phones and were shaped by cultural shows and channels such as Shaktimaan and Doordarshan. Gen Alpha, which is considered to the children born after 2010, were surrounded by tablets, smartphones, and social media from day one itself. This Children's Day, on November 14, mid-day.com dives into the debate to reveal how culture, technology, and social norms evolved over the years, giving a glimpse into how each generation's unique experiences shape their values and outlooks. Here’s a look at how two Millennials, Judson, 29, and Deidre, 28, and two 13-year-old Gen Alpha kids, Samson and Ruah, reflect on their childhood experiences. Childhood games and activities For Judson and Deidre, childhood meant spending hours outdoors. Judson recalls playing cricket, pakda-pakdi (catch catch), lock and key, lagori as a kid. We did not have a favourite spot as such.” Deidre had similar outdoor adventures and even enjoyed performing with friends: “I enjoyed playing games such as land and water, hide and seek, and chor police. One of my favourite activities was putting on dance shows with my friends for our parents. We even called it Nach Baliye, inspired by the popular dance show at the time! We’d perform in the corridors of our building and usually gathered to play in the chawl courtyard.” In contrast, Samson and Ruah had a mix of outdoor games with digital games. Samson says, “I like to play COD, FF, football, Minecraft, GTA, cricket & basketball. All three of them [outdoor, online, and mobile] because some friends are not in the country.” Ruah prefers traditional outdoor games: “I like playing outdoor games like badminton, chor police, and running games,” showing how Gen Alpha balances physical and screen-based play. Staying in touch with friends Image for representational purposes only (Pic: iStock) Millennials like Judson and Deidre had a simpler way of keeping up with friends. Judson recalls, “We would visit them in their homes or when they used to come to play,” while Deidre remembers using a telephone for more distant friends and connecting on SMS and Facebook only after finishing class 10. “Most of my friends lived in the same building, so staying in touch was easy — we’d just meet up in person,” she said. Gen Alpha, however, has more options to connect with their friends. Samson explains, “We text, play online games, or meet in-person depending on who is in the country.” Ruah enjoys talking with friends over the phone but also values face-to-face playtime. “I like to talk to my friends over the phone, but if we have time, we will meet to play and have fun. Normally, we like to go out and play and talk.” This flexibility to stay connected through multiple platforms is a distinct feature of Gen Alpha’s childhood. Favourite snacks Childhood foods are nostalgic for Judson and Deidre. Judson fondly recalls having Milk Bikis biscuit while Deidre’s favourites bring back memories of local flavours: “I loved eating puri bhaji from a small joint in the Nagpada bazaar, seekh kebabs from Sarvi, and samosas from A1 in Sion.” Samson and Ruah’s favourites are just as relatable but more modern. Samson says, “I eat French fries regularly, and my mom gives me potato fries.” Ruah loves Indian staples: “I like rice and dal and biryani and brownies,” reflecting how Gen Alpha blends traditional and modern tastes. What do the generations like to listen to? Deidre was a big music fan, often organising mini dance parties with friends. She remembers, “As a child, I had a CD with songs from my favourite artists like Vengaboys, NSYNC, Backstreet Boys, and Aqua. Some of the songs that I listened to on loop were ‘Barbie,’ ‘Doctor Jones,’ ‘Shalala Lala.’ I’d invite all my friends over, and we’d dance to their songs together.” Judson, on the other hand, wasn’t much of a music fan. For Gen Alpha, streaming means endless options. Samson says, “No particular band; I listen to sad & funky songs the most.” Ruah prefers faith-based music: “My favourite songs are those Christian songs like one of the Bible stories which is called Superbook. I like those songs and some movie songs as well.” Family Time Judson’s family gatherings were usually limited to special events: “We wouldn’t get much time...Only when we had birthdays or any other social event.” Deidre, however, spent more time with her extended family: “I spent almost all my holidays at my cousins' house. One of my favourite memories is from a time when my cousin and I snuck away during his party, opened all his gifts, and started playing with the toys!” Image for representational purposes only (Pic: Pexels) Gen Alpha’s Samson and Ruah also value family time. Samson says, “Yes, a lot, and I like to watch movies with them.” Ruah enjoys laughing and sharing stories: “I like to spend a lot of time with my extended family. I like their company. My favourite thing to do with them is tell jokes and laugh and also play many board games.” This shows that over the years the emphasis on family connections hasn’t changed. TV shows and internet For Millennials, technology was a gradual addition to their lives. Judson remembers his first internet experience in class 6. “When I was in class 6, I first used the internet, and it was for a school project. Other than that, I only used computers for playing Road Rash.” Deidre remembers fond visits to her dad’s office just to use the computer: “One of my favourite websites as a child was barbie.com.” TV shows like Bob the Builder, Pokemon, and Bollywood classics like Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham were millennial staples. Judson recalls, “Watching our fav TV shows was a must since we didn’t have YouTube to go and re-watch it. If we missed an episode today, we didn’t know when it’d be replayed again.” Deidre on the other hand remembers watching Indian serials growing up, “I enjoyed watching TV shows and have fond memories of watching serials like Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki with my grandparents. Other shows I loved were Small Wonder, Full House, and Hum Paanch. My favourite cartoons were Sesame Street, Clifford the Big Red Dog, and Baby Looney Tunes. I vividly remember watching Pokemon every day at 4:30 p.m. after school. Some of the movies I watched over and over were Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, and Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham.” For Gen Alpha, screens are an essential part of daily life. Samson says, “I started using it [tablet] when I was 10. I use it to play games, call my friends, and for entertainment.” Ruah uses her tablet mainly for studies but also enjoys movies and cartoons: “I like to watch Kaun Banega Crorepati and movies. I like those Disney movies and Disney cartoons like DuckTales and Doraemon, so I watch them from my TV but sometimes I watch them from the tab.” Reflections on childhood When asked whether their childhoods have shaped who they are today, both Millennials and Gen Alpha shared heartfelt reflections. Millennials like Judson and Deidre reflect fondly on a simpler, more adventurous childhood. Judson says, “Playing in the open grounds with friends” remains a cherished memory. He goes on to say how their generation were truly able to enjoy life, “Ability to enjoy life by undertaking adventures. In our childhood, we used to try to climb small walls, in case our cricket ball got lost. We fell many times, but we still used to do it. Secondly, We didn't have much access to the internet back then, so we were forced to come up with solutions on our own” Deidre credits family bonds and early tech exposure with shaping who she is today: “Spending so much time with family and friends really shaped who I am today. I learned the value of relationships and being part of a close-knit community. Growing up with technology and the internet made me more curious and open to learning new things.” Samson and Ruah also sense the difference in their experiences. Samson loves visiting his village, saying, “My favourite childhood memory is my village. I’ll go there every year.” Ruah, who spends time with friends on Fridays at prayer meetings, believes these memories will shape her future: “I am not sure, but I think the good memories of my childhood will help me to become more confident and probably have a little courage, and I think I have the love of my family to help me in the future.”
14 November,2024 12:27 PM IST | Mumbai | Joy ManikumarIn a first for space novels, British author Samantha Harvey won the prestigious Booker Prize 2024 on Tuesday for her short novel ‘Orbital’, which follows six astronauts as they contemplate Earth from the International Space Station. Harvey was announced the winner from a shortlist of six authors, out of whom five were women – a historical feat in the award’s legacy. "I was not expecting that," Harvey said upon learning of her win, the first by a woman since Atwood was recognised in 2019 for ‘The Testaments’ alongside Bernardine Evaristo for ‘Girl, Woman, Other’. Who is Samantha Harvey? Harvey is a UK-based author who has written six books till now, including the Booker Prize winner ‘Orbital’. While she primarily writes fiction, her only non-fiction novel ‘The Shapeless Unease’ recounts her experience with insomnia. Her debut novel ‘The Wilderness’ released in 2009. Since then, her work has been nominated for and won several literary prizes. Novels written by Samantha Harvey 1. The Wilderness – This novel is written from the perspective of a man who develops Alzheimer’s Disease. 2. All Is Song – This novel has a philosophical tone as it examines subjects like morality through the story of two brothers. 3. Dear Thief – Harvey’s third novel is written in the form of letter from one friend to another, exploring the consequences of a love triangle. 4. The Western Wind – Deviating from her usual genres, this novel is a detective story where a priest unravels a murder in the village. 5. The Shapeless Unease – Harvey’s only non-fiction book explores her experiences with insomnia. 6. Orbital – Spanning the course of a single day, the story tracks astronauts from Japan, Russia, the United States, Britain and Italy as they observe and reflect on their home planet, touching on themes of mourning, desire and the climate crisis. About Orbital Just 136 pages long, ‘Orbital’ is the second-shortest novel to win the award and the first to be set in space, according to the Booker Prize Foundation. Edmund de Waal, chair of the judges, described it as "a book about a wounded world" with "everyone and no one" as the subject. "With her language of lyricism and acuity Harvey makes our world strange and new for us," he added. Harvey described her work as a "space pastoral" in an interview with prize organisers after she was named to the Booker longlist. "I wanted to write about our human occupation of low earth orbit for the last quarter of a century -- not as sci-fi but as realism," she said. "Could I evoke the beauty of that vantage point with the care of a nature writer? Could I write about amazement? Could I pull off a sort of space pastoral? These were the challenges I set myself," she added. About Booker Prize 2024 shortlist A record five women were in the running for the prize, which was announced at a ceremony in London. The others were Rachel Kushner for "Creation Lake", Anne Michaels for "Held", Yael van der Wouden for "The Safekeep" and Charlotte Wood for "Stone Yard Devotional". Percival Everett rounded out the shortlist with his novel "James". (With inputs from AFP) Also Read: Mumbai LitFest returns to NCPA: Get ready for a weekend of culture, books and stories
13 November,2024 08:12 PM IST | London | mid-day online correspondentWith AI-driven transformation, India is projected to increase its workforce from 423.73 million in 2023 to 457.62 million by 2028, a net gain of 33.89 million workers, according to a report on Wednesday. Emerging technology will transform talent across India’s key growth sectors, generating 2.73 million new tech jobs by 2028, according to new research by AI platform for business transformation, ServiceNow. The research, commissioned from the world’s leading learning company, Pearson, showed that the retail sector is set to lead employment growth, requiring an additional 6.96 million workers to fuel its expansion. This is followed by manufacturing (1.50 million jobs), education (0.84 million jobs) and healthcare (0.80 million jobs) sectors. “AI will be a key catalyst for job creation across India’s growth engines, particularly in roles requiring advanced technical skills. This strategic emphasis will not only create more high-value opportunities for professionals but will also empower them to build enduring digital careers,” said Sumeet Mathur, SVP and Managing Director, ServiceNow India Technology and Business Center. Tech-related jobs are growing across industries and leading this trend are software application developers, with an expected increase of 109,700 positions. Other notable roles include systems software developers (48,800 new jobs) and data engineers (48,500 new jobs). Web developers, data analysts and software testers are also on the rise, with projected additions of 48,500, 47,800, and 45,300 roles, respectively. Additionally, roles such as data integration specialists, database architects, data scientists and computer and information systems managers are expected to see increases ranging from 42,700 to 43,300 positions, the report mentioned. “Key tech roles were evaluated at a task level to explore how the impact of emerging technologies differs across them. Among these, Systems Administrators will experience the largest shift, with 6.9 hours of their weekly tasks automated or augmented by emerging technologies,” said the report. AI Systems Engineers will also benefit significantly from Gen AI, with half of the total tech impact on this role coming directly from AI technologies. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
13 November,2024 12:19 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSSocial media is a double-edged sword for everyone, more so for children. The debate on whether or not children should be allowed to use social media has often gained prominence among parents and educators. Acting on this, the Australian government, in a landmark decision, recently announced their intention to ban the use of social media for children below the age of 16. "Social media is doing social harm to our young Australians and I am calling time on it. The safety and mental health of our young people has to be a priority," Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told reporters. Can this ban be effective? According to Mumbai-based psychologist Riddhi Doshi Patel, this move can have several benefits. “Banning social media for children under 16 could shield them from exposure to harmful content, cyberbullying and unrealistic portrayals of life that can negatively impact their self-esteem and mental health,” she says. “Adolescents are at a crucial stage of emotional and social development; limiting social media use can reduce the pressure to fit in or seek validation through likes and comments. What they can and need to focus is more on real-life interactions, hobbies and outdoor activities, which will lead to healthier development,” she further explains. According to a PTI report, such a ban found favour among Indian parents. “Parents argue that social media including Instagram, YouTube, and X are addictive in nature and impact children's decision-making, self-perception and time management and also expose them to the risk of cyberbullying,” it stated. However, the move also comes with potential drawbacks. “A complete ban may feel too restrictive, especially in a world where digital communication is integral to how young people connect. It could lead to feelings of isolation, especially if their peers are active online. Additionally, social media platforms can offer educational content, creativity outlets and opportunities for self-expression. A blanket ban might prevent children from learning how to navigate the online world responsibly, which is a critical skill in today’s technology-driven society,” informs Patel. What are the alternatives? While the move is being considered important to protect children from the harms of social media, its potential drawbacks can’t be ignored. According to Patel, a balanced approach may be more effective. She suggests, “Instead of a strict ban, parents and educators can adopt a more balanced approach. Setting screen time limits, using parental controls or designating tech-free zones in the house can help regulate usage. Educating children about digital etiquette, online safety and the impact of social media on mental health can empower them to make wiser decisions. Encouraging and involving them in offline activities like sports, reading, or family time can also promote a healthier relationship with technology, helping children understand moderation rather than complete avoidance.” However, she stresses, “The parental controls need to be stricter and smarter so that children cannot find a loophole.” Should India also adopt such restrictions? As Australia takes this pioneering decision, it is only natural for other countries to assess its effectiveness in their social and cultural environments. Would such a ban be effective in India? No entirely, feels Patel. She says, “In India, where there is a blend of traditional values and modern technology, a blanket ban may not be the most effective approach. Instead, promoting digital literacy among both parents and children would be more beneficial. Educating families about healthy social media habits, setting boundaries and encouraging open conversations about the online world can create a safer environment.” Also Read: How social media addiction has given rise to popcorn brain in young adults
12 November,2024 04:26 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentReturning for its 15th edition, Literature Live! The Mumbai LitFest 2024 is set to be held from November 15-17 at the NCPA in Nariman Point with over 125 writers, speakers, thinkers and performers from 13 countries. The three-day literary festival promises to once more regale audiences with lively and stimulating sessions across a wide variety of subjects ranging from poetry to business, history to conservation, society to travel, science fiction to entertainment, and beyond. This year’s stellar line up will include Arundhathi Subramaniam, Christopher Merrill, Farrukh Dhondy, Gautam Bhatia, Gulzar, Huma Qureshi, Hussain Zaidi, Ila Arun, Jane Goodall, Jane Ohlmeyer, L Subramaniam, Lavanya Lakshminarayan, Marcus du Sautoy, Mohinder Amarnath, Murzban Shroff, Pavan K Verma, Prajakta Koli, Pico Iyer, Ranjit Hoskote, Shahu Patole, Subhash Ghai, William Dalrymple. The festival highlights of The Great Debate, the prestigious Lifetime, Poet Laureate and Literary Awards, Book in Focus, book launches and daily dramatic performances will continue to feature. The Rotary Writing for Peace Award, the Sultan Padamsee Awards for Playwriting and the Binod Kanoria Awards for Children’s Literature will be announced. The keenly awaited book swap, daily workshops and campus outreaches for college students will also be held. Every year the Litfest mounts a new experience for its visitors. This year’s is a specially created Virtual Reality installation, that places the viewer right in the middle of Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis. The book is also this year’s Book in Focus at the Festival, to commemorate the author’s 100th death anniversary. The Little Festival, a special Litfest for children of ages 8 to 14 from city schools and NGOs, will be held simultaneously on Friday 15 and Saturday 16 November at the NCPA in collaboration with the H T Parekh Foundation, presenting children’s books by Indian and international writers. Unique features will be bilingual sessions, the moderation of discussions by children, a Literary Zone for storytelling, and nature walks. Celebrating this landmark year, festival co-director Amy Fernandes said, “The Literature Live! Mumbai Litfest was started by Anil Dharker, ably supported by Shashi Baliga. in 2010, both of whom tragically left us in 2021. Every year we bring to Mumbai a memorable cast of world-class thinkers, writers, and speakers in almost every field of human thought and action. As we reach the milestone of 15 unbroken years, we are proud of having kept the Festival running even through the pandemic years by going online, then hybrid. We are grateful to our presenting sponsor Godrej Industries for their support in sustaining this vital cultural endeavour, and to NCPA, Kotak and all our partners who have steadfastly supported us on this journey”. Quasar Thakore Padamsee, festival co-director said, “I have been associated with Literature Live! The Mumbai Litfest since its inception and consider it a privilege to have participated in and witnessed its journey to the iconic status it has justifiably achieved. Over the years we have held a series of fantastic literary events, and most critically have built a vital platform of diversity, inclusivity, and innovation. In a convenient turn of numbers, this is a double celebration year as art management company QTP (of which I am a part), who produce the Festival, is celebrating its silver jubilee. I hope this most fitting and happy association continues well into the future.” Nadir Godrej, chairperson, Godrej Industries Group, said, “Godrej Industries Group is pleased to associate with Literature Live! The Mumbai LitFest as the presenting sponsor. Our commitment to supporting and nurturing the literary arts aligns with our belief in the power of conversations and culture to inspire and connect communities. We look forward to fostering creativity, dialogue, and a deeper appreciation for literature through this cherished partnership.” Some past participants are A C Grayling, Adil Jussawalla, Alexander McCall Smith, Anita Desai, Amitabh Bachchan, Amitav Ghosh, Amy Tan, Anthony Horowitz, Christophe Jaffrelot, David Baldacci, Geetanjali Shree, Germaine Greer, Gieve Patel, Irwin Allan Sealy, Indra Nooyi, Javed Akhtar, Jeffrey Archer, Mahesh Elkunchwar, Margaret Drabble, Mark Tully, Marlon James, Miriam Margolyes, Neena Gupta, Neil Gaiman, Nick Hornby, Raghuram Rajan, Ramachandra Guha, Roger Penrose, Ruskin Bond, Salman Rushdie, Shashi Tharoor, Siddhartha Mukherjee, Steven Pinker, Sudha Murty, T M Krishna, Thomas Friedman.
12 November,2024 02:36 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFamous Bengali theatre personality Manoj Mitra, known for writing and directing farces and fantasies to highlight social and political issues, died at a hospital here on Tuesday due to old-age related ailments, family sources said. Mitra was 86. According to a doctor, Mitra breathed his last at around 8.50 am on Tuesday. "He was admitted to the hospital on November 3 with several illnesses. His condition kept on deteriorating and today at around 8.50 am he left us," the doctor told PTI. The octogenarian was earlier admitted to hospital on September 20 with breathing issues, imbalance of sodium and potassium among other health-related issues, doctors said. He was discharged from the hospital on September end. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her grief over the passing away of Mitra and described it as an irreplaceable loss to Bengali cinema and theatre. "Saddened by the demise of the famous actor, director and playwright, 'Banga Bibhushan' Manoj Mitra today morning," she posted on X. "He had been a leading personality in our theatre and film worlds and his contributions have been immense. I convey my condolences to his family, friends and admirers," she added. Famous for his stellar performance in Tapan Sinha's film 'Banchharamer Bagan', Mitra has also acted in the legendary director Satyajit Ray's classics such as 'Ghare Baire' and 'Ganashatru'. Bancharamer Bagan was based on Mitra's play 'Sajano Bagaan'. Known for his comedy and antagonist roles, Mitra has also acted in films of Buddhadeb Dasgupta, Basu Chatterjee, Tarun Majumdar, Shakti Samanta and Goutam Ghose This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
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