Month: January 2021

Categories
-Top News Arab News USA

US aircraft carrier to stay in Gulf amid Iranian threats

“The USS Nimitz will now remain on station in the US Central Command area of operations. No one should doubt the resolve of the United States of America,” Miller added in the statement…reports Asian Lite News

The Pentagon said that US aircraft carrier USS Nimitz would remain in the Middle East waters due to “threats from Iran”, reversing a previous decision to order the warship to return home.

“Due to the recent threats issued by Iranian leaders against President (Donald) Trump and other US government officials, I have ordered the USS Nimitz to halt its routine redeployment,” Xinhua news agency quoted Acting Defence Secretary Chris Miller as saying in a statement late Sunday night.

“The USS Nimitz will now remain on station in the US Central Command area of operations. No one should doubt the resolve of the United States of America,” Miller added in the statement.

The statement was contrary to a decision made by the Acting Defence Secretary just three days ago, in which he ordered the aircraft carrier to transit directly home to complete a nearly 10-month deployment.

The latest move also came Iran marked the the first death anniversary of former Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani, who was killed on January 3. 2020, in an American airstrike near the Baghdad International Aiport.

The drone strike triggered an escalated regional conflict between Iran and the US.

The year-long tensions were reignited recently as Washington and Tehran were escalating a war of words over a rocket attack targeting the US Embassy compound in Baghdad on December 20, 2020.

President Trump blamed the attack on Iran, but Tehran denied the allegation.

On December 30, 2020, the US military sent two B-52H strategic bombers to the region as a show of force.

“Instead of fighting Covid in US, @realDonaldTrump & cohorts waste billions to fly B52s & send armadas to our region,” Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted in response.

“Iran doesn’t seek war but will openly & directly defend its people, security & vital interests,” he added.

Also read:Pelosi re-elected as US House Speaker

Categories
Australia World News

Bushfires menace lives in Western Australia

Several large bushfires threatened lives and homes in Western Australia (WA) on Monday, with warnings issued for state capital Perth.

The state’s Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) issued warnings for the areas of Spectacles, Orelia, Medina, Naval Base, Postans, Kwinana Beach and Hope Valley in the city of Kwinana, reports Xinhua news agency.

An industrial rubbish dump was impacted by one of the fires, resulting in hazardous fumes which officials feared could pose a threat to public health.

Residents who remained in the immediate path of the blaze to the south of Perth were asked to remain indoors and take shelter, while those who could were instructed to evacuate.

“It’s too late to leave, leaving now would be deadly. Hazardous fumes are in the air from a rubbish tip fire,” the DFES said in a statement.

“People in the area should remain inside, out of the smoke or fumes, with doors and windows closed. Air-conditioners should also be switched off.”

Residents in nearby areas were told to watch and act for developments as the fires burned to the south and southeast of Perth’s greater metropolitan area.

Making firefighters job more difficult was a severe weather warning issued for parts of the Perth Metropolitan and Great Southern.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) forecasted damaging winds averaging 50 to 60 km/h with peak gusts of up to 90 km/h.

“A strong high pressure system to the south of the state will result in a surge of strong easterly winds across the Darling Escarpment and foothills,” the BoM said in a statement.

Earlier last month, bushfires scorched more than half of the World Heritage listed Fraser Island, locate off .Queensland state’s east coast, after spreading from an illegal campfire.

The Fraser Island bushfire was one of the most significant blazes Australia witnessed since the 2019-20 “Black Summer” fire season which destroyed thousands of homes and claimed 33 lives, including nine firefighters.

Nearly 3 billion animals were also killed or displaced, and the fires harmed many threatened species and ecological communities.

Also Read-Pelosi re-elected as US House Speaker

Read More-Putin Urges Biden To Step Up Russia-US Relation

Categories
Business Economy India News

Reliance Seeks Govt Intervention to Stop Vandalism

Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), through its subsidiary Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited (RJIL), in a petition mentioned to be filed in the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Monday, has sought the urgent intervention of Government authorities to bring a complete stop to the illegal acts of vandalism by miscreants.

These acts of violence have endangered the lives of thousands of its employees and caused damage and disruption to the vital communications infrastructure, sales and service outlets run by its subsidiaries in the two states, RIL said.

“The miscreants indulging in vandalism have been instigated and aided by vested interests and our business rivals. Taking advantage of the ongoing farmers’ agitation near the national capital, these vested interests have launched an incessant, malicious and motivated vilification campaign against Reliance, which has absolutely no basis in truth,” the statement said.

“The falsehood of the campaign becomes crystal clear from the following irrefutable facts, which we have placed before the High Court. These facts establish that Reliance has nothing whatsoever to do with the three farm laws currently debated in the country, and in no way benefits from them. As such, the sole nefarious purpose of linking the name of Reliance to these laws is to harm our businesses and damage our reputation,” it added.

“Reliance Retail Limited (RRL), Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited (RJIL), or any other affiliate of our parent company, i.e., Reliance Industries Limited have not done any ‘corporate’ or ‘contract’ farming in the past, and have absolutely no plans to enter this business,” RIL said.

“Neither Reliance nor any of our subsidiaries has purchased any agricultural land, directly or indirectly, in Punjab/Haryana or anywhere else in India, for the purpose of ‘corporate’ or ‘contract’ farming. We have absolutely no plans to do so”, it added.

As per the statement, Reliance Retail is an unmatched leader in organised retail business in India. It retails products of all categories including food grains and staples, fruits and vegetables, items of daily use, apparel, medicines, electronic products of various brands belonging to independent manufacturers and suppliers in the country. It does not purchase any food grains directly from farmers. It has never entered into long-term procurement contracts to gain unfair advantage over farmers or sought that its suppliers buy from farmers at less than remunerative prices, nor will it ever do so, RIL said.

“We at Reliance have immense gratitude and the greatest respect for India’s ‘kisans’, who are the ‘ANNA DATA’ of 1.3 billion Indians. Reliance and its affiliates are committed to doing everything to enrich and empower them. As customers of their services, we believe in building a strong and equal partnership with Indian farmers on the basis of shared prosperity, inclusive development and an equitable New India”, RIL added.

Therefore, Reliance and its affiliates fully share and support the aspiration of Indian farmers to get a fair and profitable price on a predictable basis for what they produce with exemplary hard work, innovation and dedication. Reliance seeks significant augmentation of their incomes on a sustainable basis, and pledges to work towards this goal.

“Indeed, we shall insist on our suppliers to strictly abide by the Minimum Support Price (MSP) mechanism, and/or any other mechanism for remunerative price for farm produce, as may be determined and implemented by the government,” RIL said.

Far from hurting the interests of Indian farmers, the businesses of Reliance have actually benefited them and the Indian public at large. It said Reliance Retail has built India’s largest organized retail business by investing in economies of scale and creating world-class technology-enabled supply chains, which has brought significant gains to both Indian farmers and consumers.

Jio’s fully 4G network has provided world-class data connectivity to every single village in India at the most affordable rates anywhere in the world, thus bringing the benefits of the Digital Revolution to crores of Indian farmers. In just four short years, Jio has become India’s largest digital service provider, with 40 crore loyal customers.

As of October 31, 2020, Jio has more than 140 lakh subscribers in Punjab (approximately 36 per cent subscribers in the state) and 94 lakh in Haryana (approximately 34 per cent subscribers in the state). “Unlike the vested interests, Jio has not resorted to any coercive or unlawful measures to win over customers”, RIL statement said.

Also Read-World’s Largest Vaxx Drive Set to Begin in India

Read More-‘Nations against UN Rohingya resolution could play better role’

Categories
Asia News Bangladesh India News

‘Nations against UN Rohingya resolution could play better role’

On December 31, 2020, the UNGA plenary adopted the resolution by a recorded vote of 130 in favour to nine against, with 25 abstentions…reports Sumi Khan

Bangladesh Foreign Minister Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen said that the countries, including Russia and China, which voted against a resolution recently adopted by the 75th UN General Assembly (UNGA) on the human rights situation of the Rohingya refugees, “could play a better role”.

On December 31, 2020, the UNGA plenary adopted the resolution by a recorded vote of 130 in favour to nine against, with 25 abstentions.

Besides China and Russia, the other countries that voted against the resolution are Belarus, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, Vietnam and Zimbabwe.

“Those countries could play a better role which voted against the resolution. We don’t have any displeasure against them,” Momen told reporters at his office on Sunday.

“It’s a strategic decision. We’re happy with the results,” he added.

“We’re happy that they talked to us before the decision,” the Foreign Minister said explaining why the countries wanted to remain neutral in the UN to use their leverage on Myanmar in finding a solution to the Rohingya crisis.

China is trying to work with Myanmar and Bangladesh to find a solution through tripartite discussions.

Momen said the Rohingya issue remains a big challenge and expressed his optimism over resumption of the repatriation process in this year, adding: “It’s our expectation.”

The Foreign Minister said he wrote to his counterpart at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Myanmar on January 1 touching upon overall issues.

“I’ve conveyed to my counterpart in Myanmar that we want the process to start. You repeatedly told us that you will take them back after verification and provide safety and security. It’s our demand that you will provide it what you promised,” he said, adding that creating a conducive environment for voluntary repatriation has to be in place as promised.

He said Myanmar is a friendly country and Bangladesh is trying to solve the Rohingya issue through discussion with the former bilaterally, apart from exploring other ways.

Responding to a question, the Foreign Minister said China is trying to discuss the issue through a trilateral mechanism with Myanmar and Bangladesh.

“We’re ready. We’ll sit once a date is fixed for the next round of discussions.”

He said Bangladesh also requested Japan as they have leverage on Myanmar.

“Japan assured us of extending their help. We’re yet to take a decision on how the framework will be designed.”

Bangladesh thinks the Rohingya will “jeopardise regional and international security” if the 1.1 million refugees were left unattended and not given an opportunity to return to their homeland.

“Development is not possible without peace,” he said.

Two repatriation attempts turned futile as Myanmar “failed to remove trust deficit” among the Rohingya and there was “lack of conducive environment” in Rakhine state for their return.

Bangladesh and Myanmar signed the repatriation deal on November 23, 2017.

Refugees in the Kutupalong Rohingya Refugee Camp in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, in July, 2018. (Photo: UN/IANS)

On January 16, 2018, the two countries signed a document on “Physical Arrangement”, which was supposed to facilitate the return of the Rohingya to their homeland.

More than three years ago, the Myanmar army “targeted, killed, and raped” the Rohingya and burned their villages, with the UN saying it was an “ethnic genocide”.

Over 800,000 Rohingya fled the “genocidal violence” and Bangladesh is now hosting over 1.1 million refuees.

Bangladesh is trying in multiple ways, bilaterally, multilaterally, trilateral and through the judicial system, to find a lasting solution to the Rohingya crisis.

It has proposed deployment of non-military civilian observers from Myanmar’s allies, including Japan, China, Russia, India and the ASEAN member states.

Myanmar however, is yet to respond to the proposal.

Meanwhile, the problem of Rohingya Muslim refugees is a big one and unless they return to Myanmar, the problem will remain for India and other countries, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Director General Maj Gen Shafeenul Islam said here on Friday after the five-day meeting with his Border Security Force (BSF) counterpart Rakesh Asthana.

Islam said that Rohingya Muslims are not only found in India, they are found across the world including countries like Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia.

“The Rohingya Muslim refugee problem would be solved when they would go back to their country, Myanmar, at the earliest otherwise the problem would remain for India and other countries,” the BGB DG said.

He said: “We are regularly nabbing the Rohingyas at the border, escaping from the Cox’s Bazar camps. There are Rohingya settlements as well. They also have UNHCR cards. They always try to get inside… To meet their relatives in the Bangladesh camps.”

Asthana said that Rohingya Muslims are being occasionally caught in different parts of the country by the state security forces.

“Both BSF and BGB are committed to stop their infiltration and exfiltration and we are taking action not only against the Rohingyas, but also against all illegal trespassers,” the BSF head said.

A senior BSF officer said that in the all important five-day Border Coordination Conference (BCC), BSF chief Asthana led the 12-member delegation while the 11-member BGB team was headed by Islam. The DG level meeting or the BCC between the BSF and BGB was held first time outside the national capital.

Rohingyas from refugee camps in southeastern Bangladesh often enter into the northeastern states of India illegally in search of jobs or get trapped in human trafficking.

According to the security officials, at least 35 Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar, including women and children, have been detained in the past one month for illegally entering into northeast India.

Over 7,38,000 Rohingyas from Rakhine in western Myanmar have taken shelter in the camps in Cox’s Bazar since the beginning of the ethinic troubles on August 25, 2017, following a wave of violence and persecution, which has been described by the United Nations as attempted ethnic cleansing.

Four northeastern states – Arunachal Pradesh (520 km), Manipur (398 km), Nagaland (215 km) and Mizoram (510 km) – share 1,643 km unfenced borders with Myanmar while Tripura (856 km), Meghalaya (443 km), Mizoram (318 km) and Assam (263 km) share 1,880 km borders with Bangladesh.

Also Read-UK logs another 54,990 Covid cases, 454 deaths

Categories
-Top News COVID-19

World’s Largest Vaccine Drive Set to Begin in India

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKA5CaH751k

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday lauded the efforts of the Indian scientists involved in developing the vaccine for Covid-19, and said India is soon going to start the largest vaccination programme in the world.

Modi made the remarks after inaugurating the National Metrology Conclave virtually and also dedicated the National Atomic Timescale and Bharatiya Nirdeshak Dravya to the nation.

He also laid the foundation stone for the National Environmental Standards Lab.

Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said, “The new year has brought with it a new achievement. Indian scientists have not developed just one, but two Covid vaccines.”

He said, “We are on the threshold of starting the ‘largest vaccination programme in the world’. The entire country is indebted to all scientists and technicians,” he said.

The Prime Minister also urged the scientists of CSIR to discuss and converse with the students of the educational institutions in the entire country and share their experiences with the next generation.

“This would help in developing the next generation of young scientists,” he said.

The Prime Minister further said the quality of services and products in our country, both in the public or private sector, will determine India’s strength in the world.

“No research is complete with comparing and calculating. We also need to calculate our achievements as well,” he said.

He said, “We have to ensure that there is not only global demand but also global acceptance of ‘Make in India’ products. We have to strengthen brand India on the basis of quality and credibility.”

On Sunday, the Central Licensing Authority granted permission to Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech to manufacture ‘Covaxin’ for sale and distribution, after the indigenous coronavirus vaccine received regulatory approval for emergency use.

On Sunday, Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) V.G. Somani announced that Bharat Biotech’s ‘Covaxin’ has been approved for “restricted use in emergency situation”.

The approval has also been given to Serum Institute of India’s ‘Covishield’ vaccine.

The Centre plans to vaccinate nearly 30 crore people in the first phase of drive. The vaccine will be offered to one crore healthcare workers, along with two crore frontline and essential workers and 27 crore elderly, mostly above the age of 50 years with comorbidities.

Covid Cases Drop

India on Monday recorded 16,504 fresh cases, while 214 more people succumbed to the virus in 24 hours, pushing the overall tally to 1,03,40,469 and toll to 1,49,649 since the outbreak in January, said the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

This is the third time that daily count has remained within the 16,000 bracket after June 23 and December 28.

The total active cases in the country is 2,43,953. The total recovery stands at 99,46,867.

While the fatality rate stands at 1.45 as per cent, the recovery rate stands at 96.16 per cent.

Maharashtra continues to be the worst-hit state till date. The maximum mnumber of cases are from Kerala, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh among others.

Five states — Kerala, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Chhattisgarh contribute 62 per cent of the total active cases.

Also Read-UK logs another 54,990 Covid cases, 454 deaths


Categories
Arts & Culture Lifestyle Lite Blogs

‘FRIN/GE’: Unpacking The Ideas And Feelings

‘FRIN/GE’, an ongoing group show presented by Vadehra Art Gallery and curated by Shaleen Wadhwana, unpacks the ideas and feelings that govern norms, behaviours and actions leading to the creation of an exclusion or periphery, which serve as foundational undercurrents for contemporary realities…writes Siddhi Jain.

It features a total of 25 artworks across a wide range of all-encompassing media, from paintings, to AI technology, to photographs and videos, by artists Afrah Shafiq, Ruby Chishti, Anju Dodiya, Atul Dodiya, Sharbendu De, Renuka Rajiv and Avril Stormy Unger, Juul Kraijer, Ashim Purkayastha and Mithu Sen.

For Wadhwana — an independent arts educator and cultural heritage professional, whose curatorial practice explores meta-narratives in global history and artistic responses to contemporary social issues — the formation of a fringe begins with a marginalised idea — a discomfiting feeling underneath a normative structure that supports systems, which keep something or someone ‘out’ whilst allowing another ‘in’.

This fringe is supplemented with a history of decisions made to appease, exclude, prosecute, nominally include, dismiss, or completely abandon. In evaluating the protagonists of the mainstream, and the structures that uphold the mainstream as such, Wadhwana is interested in exploring the unnerving fissures of cultural conversation in places where such conversations are rarely held.

“Whose stories are not being recorded in history? Who is not at the table? What ideas are we unwilling to accept? It is necessary to reflect if you and I are part of the invisible architecture that creates this “fringe”. This premise is represented by the slash “/” delineating the majority alphabets F, R, I, N from G, E, allowing us to think about where we would occupy a position, and what we are willing to do about it,” says Wadhwana, as she invites viewers to learn and reflect on their potential oblivious involvement in the creation and perpetuation of the fringes.

“An already challenging question became even more nuanced as we witnessed the spread of Covid-19. The artistic dialogue and the impetus of my curatorial concept widened to incorporate the developing realities of 2020 as the world rearticulates its responses to this ongoing global pandemic,” adds Wadhwana.

In the show, Chishti highlights the disparate impact of the pandemic in the USA, which is coupled with Rajiv and Unger’s documentation of a changing Bangalore in India. They mirror the same concern — that receiving healthcare is not an equal human right.

Shafiq uses an A.I. bot to unpack lesser known narratives and make them accessible, while Sen Builds a lasting relationship with the viewer through her never-ending QR code artwork.

These are in tandem with intrapersonal ecosystems depicted through Purkayastha’s recognition that inner demons are common to us all and the inward, self-explorative journey by Anju Dodiya is crucial in understanding the unseen, unknown parts of ourselves. In trying to contextualise the marginalised ‘other’, Atul Dodiya showcases the historical imprints of social discrimination against the Indian Muslim identity, as does De through his meditative homage to the Lisu tribal identity, says the gallery.

The final contemplation is through Kraijer’s melodious intersection of nature and humanity, wondering: who is this world being built for?

While the show is on view at the gallery, where the gallery says it is undertaking strict health, sanitization and social distancing measures to ensure the safety of visitors, the show has been made a virtual possibility as well via a new immersive 3D digital technology experience.

Also Read-Watershed moment in the battle against virus

Categories
-Top News World News

‘Global Covid cases cross 85mn’

The US is the worst-hit country with the world’s highest number of cases and deaths at 20,626,686 and 351,453, respectively, according to the CSSE…reports Asian Lite News

The overall number of global coronavirus cases has surpassed the 85 million mark, while the deaths have surged to more than 1.84 million, according to the Johns Hopkins University.

In its latest update on Monday morning, the University’s Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed that the current global caseload and death toll stood at 85,083,468 and 1,842,492, respectively.

The US is the worst-hit country with the world’s highest number of cases and deaths at 20,626,686 and 351,453, respectively, according to the CSSE.

India comes in second place in terms of cases at 10,323,965, while the country’s death toll soared to 149,435.

The other countries with more than a million confirmed cases are Brazil (7,733,746), Russia (3,203,743), France (2,712,975), the UK (2,662,698), Turkey (2,241,912), Italy (2,155,446), Spain (1,928,265), Germany (1,783,896), Colombia (1,675,820), Argentina (1,640,718), Mexico (1,448,755), Poland (1,318,562), Iran (1,243,434), Ukraine (1,107,137), South Africa (1,100,748), and Peru (1,018,099), the CSSE figures showed.

Brazil currently accounts for the second highest number of fatalities at 196,018.

The countries with a death toll above 20,000 are Mexico (127,213), Italy (75,332), the UK (75,137), France (65,164), Russia (57,730), Iran (55,540), Spain (50,837), Colombia (43,965), Argentina (43,482), Peru (37,773), Germany (34,596), South Africa (29,577), Poland (29,119), Indonesia (22,734) and Turkey (21,488).

Also read:UK logs another 54,990 Covid cases, 454 deaths

Categories
Fashion Lifestyle Lite Blogs

Tips To Style Your Ethnic Wears

New Year’s eve – a time to dress up and dance the night away into 2021. Even if you are planning a small party at home to welcome the New Year with minimal guests, looking great should be your priority…writes Puja Gupta.

Anuj Mundhra, Chairman & MD at JaipurKurti.com shares a few tips on comfortable yet stylish ethnic outfits to try out:


Layer ’em up
Layering is as important in ethnic wear as it is in western outfits. A layer over your normal kurtis can elevate the entire look in a snap. If you are bold enough, try out capes over kurtis or over a crop top. Go for sheer net capes, neat cotton capes or elegant printed capes. Adding a cape or jacket makes for a stylish change.

Be specific about colour and prints

To keep the mood festive avoid wearing earthy tones, instead, opt for pastels and vibrant jewel tones. If it’s a day celebration try pastels or soft and light colours. Incorporate some shine in evening wear, but don’t overdo it. Drape your dupatta and scarf with belt or a bejewelled broach. Small elegant prints can flatter any body type. Try to stay away from huge floral and paisley motifs.

Replace the churidar with Palazzo

Instead of going with age old churidars and salwars, opt for palazzos or cigarette pants for contemporary style. Pair your long kurtas with skirts. Don’t opt for a stark contrast, as it doesn’t look good if coordinated incorrectly.

Wear crop tops with ethnic skirts

Experiment by teaming western crop tops with ethnic skirts for a fusion look. If your skirt is solid choose a beautiful zardozi, brocade, drape or embroidered top.

Statement Dress
A statement dress always look very classy and elegant. Go for lengthy, asymmetric, shawl collars or printed dresses. If you feel cold pair it with a leather jacket for that added spunk.

Also Read-Fashion Trends For 2021

Read More-Watershed moment in the battle against virus

Categories
-Top News UK News

UK logs another 54,990 Covid cases, 454 deaths

It was the sixth day in a row that daily new cases have topped 50,000 in Britain…reports Asian Lite News

Another 54,990 people in Britain have tested positive for Covid-19, bringing the total number of coronavirus cases in the country to 26,54,779, according to official figures released on Sunday.

It was the sixth day in a row that daily new cases have topped 50,000 in Britain.

Another 454 have died within 28 days of a positive test, bringing the total number of coronavirus-related deaths in Britain to 75,024, the Xinhua news agency reported.

Earlier Sunday, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said regional restrictions in England are “probably about to get tougher” in the coming weeks to curb rising coronavirus infections.

British medical experts have warned that tougher days are still ahead due to the spread of the new virus strain, which is said to be 70 per cent more transmissible.



“This new variant is definitely more infectious and is spreading across the whole of the country. It seems very likely that we are going to see more and more cases, wherever people work in the UK, and we need to be prepared for that,” Andrew Goddard, president of the Royal College of Physicians, told the BBC on Saturday.

London and many other parts of England have already been under the highest Tier Four restrictions, which require residents in the areas to stay at home, with limited exemptions.

In the Tier Four areas, people are also urged to work from home when they can, and should not enter or leave those areas. People should also not mix with anyone outside their own household, apart from support bubbles.

The British government’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) has urged all regions of England to be placed in Tier Four restrictions.

Also read:UK scraps tampon tax

Categories
Bollywood Films Lite Blogs

‘Nothing Surprises Me’

He courted limelight and controversy posing in the nude with then girlfriend Madhu Sapre, wrapped by a python, for a shoe commercial in the nineties, and did much the same again nearly three decades later when he ran in his birthday suit on a Goa beach to celebrate his 55th birthday last month. Milind Soman, model and fitness freak, always lives up to his sex symbol tag with aplomb, and says the definition doesn’t bother him…writes Sugandha Rawal.

“The tag of sex symbol doesn’t bother me. I will tell you why — because, for a man to be regarded as a sex symbol is great. Men are very happy to be regarded as sex symbols because that is something extra for them,” Milind told IANS.

However, he acknowledges the gender disparity in this context. “When a woman is regarded as a sex symbol, it might be everything that she is seen for, which is not a good thing,” he observed.

The actor explained: “That is part of the whole discrimination on the part of the way we see women. Women have been objectified to that extent. Men have not been objectified to that extent that it (being a sex symbol) is all that they stand for.”

The actor feels things are changing for the better.

“I think it is going away. I see it becoming a little bit more equal. The whole thing can’t change at once but different aspects, especially gender equality, will change quicker than other aspects,” he added.

Recently, Milind caused a stir when he posted a nude picture of himself running on the beach on his 55th birthday. While the actor was lauded by many for the viral image, he was booked by South Goa district police for obscenity.

Asked if the reactions and response to his birthday suit picture surprised him, Milind laughed and said: “Nothing surprises me.”

“Okay, on social media, nothing surprises me. I’ve been here for more than 30 years. People’s opinions are important. But what they tell you is how our society is growing, how our values are changing and how our culture is evolving. It doesn’t mean that something is good or bad, or that’s not what it tells me. I can decide what is good or bad, but what it (the reactions) tells me is about society. (Now), more people are getting more exposed, and more people are able to express their ideas. That is interesting — what ideas they come up with and how they change over time,” he added.

Tell him he looks good in the birthday picture, and his response is: “A lot of people who saw it have told me the same thing.”

At the moment, Milind is seen in the role of a eunuch in new web series “Paurashpur”. The series traces the story of a medieval city that is fraught with crime, corruption, abuse of power, misogyny, rape and love. It is set against the backdrop of 18th century India.

“Paurashpur” also features Shilpa Shinde, Kashish Rai, Annu Kapoor, Shaheer Sheikh, Flora Saini, Anant Joshi, Asmita Bakshi, Harshita Kasyap and Sahil Salathia. The show is directed by Sachindra Vats and has premiered on ALTBalaji and Zee5.

Also Read-Fashion Trends For 2021