Author: Asian Lite Newsdesk

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Bollywood Interview Lite Blogs

MSD Enters The World Of Entertainment

Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Sakshi Dhoni. (File Photo: IANS)
Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Sakshi Dhoni. (File Photo: IANS)

Former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his wife Sakshi plan to score in a very different game than cricket. They are foraying into OTT space with a web series….Sakshi Dhoni speaks with Simran Sethi.

Sakshi and MSD launched their banner Dhoni Entertainment in 2019 with the documentary “Roar Of The Lion”. Now, they are coming up with a web series, which is an adaptation of an unpublished book written by a debutant author.

Sakshi spoke on the Dhonis’ decision to venture into the entertainment world,

“I have paid more attention to the process of putting a thought and idea into creative action. The joy of seeing a concept being brought to life on screen keeps me engrossed, and we ensure the process is quality driven. When we were developing ‘Roar Of The Lion’, we thought it was the perfect time to venture into the entertainment industry,” she explained.

“The new project is exceptionally well written and the world created by the author is an adventure we are waiting to get to your screens, (it is) magical realism. It is a mythological sci-fi that explores the journey of a mysterious Aghori’,” she reveals about their forthcoming web series.

Interestingly, Dhoni is called Alpha and Sakshi is called Alpha 1 of the company.

“Mahi’s love for the Army is a well known fact. We thought of tweaking the designations and adding a quirky touch by giving ranks instead. It is an extension of our respect and admiration for the Armed Forces,” Sakshi explained.

Sakshi also opened up on life amid pandemic and how she keeps her five-year-old daughter Ziva entertained at home.

“I also gotten in touch with facets of myself that were dormant. I feel like, instead of my parenting style evolving, I am getting schooled with Ziva with all the online classes I attend with her. The need of the hour during lockdown was to find innovative techniques to make children do their homework, and that was my method as well,” she explained.

Sakshi Dhoni

“The bond with my family and our dogs became stronger with the ample amount of quality time I got with them. Also, botany and organic farming piqued my interest during this period, resulting in me starting my company,” she added.

During the lockdown, Sakshi explored writing, too.

“I got a lot of me-time to explore aspects of my personality. I am an expressive person by nature and writing poems became a hobby through which I could emote. The topic could be anything, from the happenings around the world to just conveying some motherly love. Writing now comes naturally to me and is a practice I thoroughly enjoy,” she shared.

Sakshi, who got a lot of time with Dhoni during lockdown, is now missing him as he is currently in the UAE for the Indian Premier League (IPL).

“I am not really missing it (attending IPL in a stadium) as I am following it diligently on TV, but I miss my husband. Honestly, it would’ve been difficult for Ziva and me to be in the bubble for over two months,” Sakshi said.

Also Read-Newness In Modern Bridal Wear

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-Top News UAE News

UAE, Cyprus discuss EastMed disputes

Sheikh Abdullah conveyed the UAE’s greetings on the Independence Day of Cyprus and reiterated determination to advance cooperation to a higher level in various fields…Reports Asian Lite News

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and Nikos Christodoulides, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, have reviewed the prospects of advancing cooperation at the economic, investment, energy and education levels.

This came as the UAE top diplomat met his Cypriot counterpart on Thursday where they exchanged views over a number of issues of concern, primarily the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The two ministers underscored the robust and privileged relations between the two countries and their leadership’s determination to grow bonds across various fronts to the best interests of their peoples.

The global fight against COVID-19 and international efforts to develop a vaccine to the disease were discussed during the meeting which also occasioned a review of the peace accord recently signed by the UAE and Israel and its role in establishing peace and security in the region.

Sheikh Abdullah conveyed the UAE’s greetings on the Independence Day of Cyprus and reiterated determination to advance cooperation to a higher level in various fields.

Also read:UAE, US, Israel to establish strategic energy partnership

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Fashion Lifestyle Lite Blogs

Newness In Modern Bridal Wear

Wedding postponed? Take care of your wedding ensemble.
The New-Age Bride (Photo: Unsplash)

Lockdown may have forced the Big Fat Indian Wedding to become a leaner affair but a bride’s approach to fashion is more discerning than ever. Of course there will always be a feeling of tradition when it comes to bridal fashion, but brides also want their dress to feel special, unique and something that speaks of them- good bridal fashion always marries tradition with modernity…writes Sujata Assomull.

Over the last month or so designers from Tarun Tahiliani to Gaurav Gupta unveiled their new bridal collections via the digital medium. Designed at a time when we were learning how to co-exist with Covid-19, and after the time when the forced pause caused an upheaval wherein many socio-political issues came to the surface.

The New-Age Bride (Photo: Unsplash)

MESSAGE IN A BRIDAL OUTFIT
Fashion has always been driven by politics and social issues, but of late, consumption seems to have forced it to forget its voice. The pandemic is a reminder to fashion that it does drive change-and designers are now talking issues-even in their bridal collection.

Gaurav Gupta opened India Couture Week with a fashion film called, ‘Name is Love’; on the runway were a diverse cast- trans-female, non-binary, same sex, plus size and darker hued models. His presentation spoke of Gaurav’s own beliefs as a known campaigner for issues such as LGBTQ rights, Gupta was an active spokesperson during the #Metoo movement. “Brides today know what’s happening in the world, they just don’t want pretty clothes. They want to wear something that is more than that.”

As more Indian designers realise they have a readymade platform to address issues; brides-to-be will turn to designers whose messages speak to them. So if it’s conscious living, Anita Dongre might be your choice, if it’s issues of new age feminism perhaps Masaba Gupta is the designer for you, or if you’re looking to address issues of diversity and are a non-conformist, then Gaurav Gupta is the designer for you.

The New-Age Bride (Photo: Unsplash)

COMFORT COUTURE

Gone are the days where brides wanted to be weighed down with embroidery, heavy silks and adorned with rows of necklaces. Today’s bride wants to dance the night away, feel easy, yet be the belle of the ball. Which means there is a new lightness that has come into fashion-be it Tarun Tahiliani, JJ Valaya or Rahul Mishra this has been a common to all fashion shows of late, and explains the popularity of thread embroidery and lighter emblishment techniques such as chikankari and aari.

In fact one of Mishra’s most popular looks has been an easy fit hand embroidered A-line silk-organza circular gown-it talks of a bride who does not want to give into the convention of Indian bridal dressing. Says Mishra, “I remember the time when ‘Organza’ as a fabric was never used for Indian occasion-wear and it always took us an extra effort to sell our sheer hand embroidered jackets. Fast forward to today, ‘Organza’ is celebrated by everyone as ‘the’ fabric for lehengas and bridal wear in India.” Diaphanous fabrics such as organza, chiffon and light crepes are now preferred over brocades, charmeuse satins and velvets. This also points to a new practicality that has come into bridal wear.

READY TO RE-WEAR

Brides now longer want an outfit that hangs in their wardrobe as a memory-they want to be able to rewear their bridal outfit.

The New-Age Bride (Photo: Unsplash)

As fashion becomes more conscious and value driven, no one wants to spend on an outfit that they cannot wear again. Especially when it comes to the lehenga, which remains as the most popular choice for the actual wedding day outfit. So blouses from a bridal lehenga can be reworn with a plain saree for formal functions, dupattas can be thrown over a silk outfit for a first Diwali or Karva Chauth, and the lehenga skirt can be teamed with a shirt as a fusion option for a friend’s wedding.

Says Mishra, “Many brides order separate crop tops with their lehengas to re-wear for a different kind of an occasion or style their blouses with a pair of jeans later.” Designers no longer design a wedding outfit as a one-time ensemble but as a piece that can be mixed and matched. It is something that newer entrants into the bridal fashion market such as Amit Aggarwal and Nachiket Barve are very conscious off, and reflects in their design approach. “Nothing pains me more than a lehenga sitting in a mothball lined trunk or stashed away for decades,” says Barve.

It does seem that there is a newness and refreshing change coming into bridal wear.\

Also Read-Unique Combo Retains Heritage Of Hospitality

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UAE News

Burj Khalifa to bear Mahatma’s image

Images of Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of India’s freedom movement, will be displayed on Dubai’s Burj Khalifa on Friday as a tribute on his 151st birth anniversary.

The Indian Consulate in Dubai in a tweet said it would telecast live through its social media pages a special programme on “Relevance of Gandhi’s message in the 21st century” at 7 p.m., followed by a LED projection on Burj Khalifa at 8.15 p.m.

On Gandhi Jayanti in 2018, a special LED show on the Burj Khalifa marked the commencement of the two-year line up of programmes of 150 years of Gandhian ideologies in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The show was jointly organised by the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, the Consulate and Emaar Properties.

Images of Gandhi and the Indian flag were beamed on the world’s largest LED-illuminated facade once again on the same day in 2019.

Meanwhile, Consulate officials is also holding a cleanliness drive in the premises of the mission.

With the support from the Indian community, 151 trees will be planted on different sites to mark the occasion.

The annual debate for students, held under the patronage of the mission at GEMS Our Own Indian School, will be organised online due to Covid-19.

Essay writing and drawing competitions are also being organised for students.

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-Top News USA

Trump wants no change to debate rules

Trump campaign announces second term agenda.

“Why would I allow the Debate Commission to change the rules for the second and third debates when I easily won last time?” said Trump…Reports Asian Lite News

US President Donald Trump has opposed possible changes to the format of the two remaining presidential debates with his Democratic rival Joe Biden after the first one on September 29 quickly escalated into chaos.

Taking to Twitter on Thursday, the President said: “Why would I allow the Debate Commission to change the rules for the second and third debates when I easily won last time?

“I won the debate big, based on compilation of polls etc. Thank you.”

His tweet came a day after the Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD) said that they were mulling changes to the format in an effort to ensure that the remaining two encounters were less chaotic.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, CPD said: “Last night’s debate made clear that additional structure should be added to the format of the remaining debates to ensure a more orderly discussion of the issues.”

It further said that it was “carefully considering the changes that it will adopt and will announce those measures shortly”, without elaborating further.

  • Trump, Biden trade early jabs in first presidential debate.

During their first 90-minute presidential debate on Tuesday night which took a chaotic turn, insults such as “clown”, “liar”, “just shush for a minute” and “keep yapping” took centre-stage as the two rivals tore into each other in the presence Fox News anchor and moderator Chris Wallace.

The President frequently interrupted and heckled Biden, ignoring repeated pleas from Wallace, for Trump to stick to his allotted time, CNN reported.

Following the heckling, at one point, told the President: “Will you shut up, man?”

Trump campaign announces second term agenda.

Also on Thursday during a call with reporters, the President’s campaign manager Bill Stepien, said: “Joe Biden is a creature of this city. He’s been cozying up to this city’s wheelers, dealers and insiders for the last half-century. And lo and behold, that’s exactly who runs this commission,” NBC News reported.

Campaign spokesman Jason Miller calling them “permanent swamp monsters”.

Also read:Trump, Melania Test Covid-19 Positive

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Lifestyle Lite Blogs

Unique Combo Retains Heritage Of Hospitality

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and The Oberoi Group in strategic alliance. (Photo Courtesy: Oberoi Hotels & Resorts)
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and The Oberoi Group in strategic alliance. (Photo Courtesy: Oberoi Hotels & Resorts)

The Oberoi Group and The Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, today announced a long-term strategic alliance that will see the two jointly collaborating across a range of initiatives.

This global alliance between the two historic, multi-award-winning hotel groups has been designed to appeal to the loyal guests of both brands. The unique partnership creates a platform for the two organisations to work more closely together while retaining each brand’s unique heritage and identity.

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and The Oberoi Group in strategic alliance. (Photo Courtesy: Oberoi Hotels & Resorts)

By working together across all facets of the guest experience, the two groups will curate new and exclusive experiences, available at Oberoi and Mandarin Oriental hotels. The alliance increases the global reach of both groups, providing guests with increased choice across the globe and in India…reports Asian Lite News.

“We are delighted to launch this innovative partnership with The Oberoi Group, setting the stage for us to push the boundaries of luxury hospitality. The Oberoi Group has a long established history and a wealth of expertise in providing exemplary service and I am confident that by working together both organisations will grow and create further differentiation in the industry that our guests will value. We look forward to working with The Oberoi Group to continue to develop and deepen this special partnership.” said James Riley, Mandarin Oriental’s Group Chief Executive.

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and The Oberoi Group in strategic alliance. (Photo Courtesy: Oberoi Hotels & Resorts)

Members of Fans of M.O. and Oberoi One, the brands’ respective recognition programmes, will have privileged access to over 50 luxury hotels in sought after destinations, where they will receive superior recognition, exclusive experiences and offers, as well as invitations to bespoke events.

Tapping into the expertise of both brands, the alliance will work together to create unique culinary and wellness experiences and will also collaborate on innovation, sustainability and colleague learning and development? Joint efforts across these areas will provide synergies for both brands enabling both to further evolve the meaning of luxury hospitality.

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and The Oberoi Group in strategic alliance. (Photo Courtesy: Oberoi Hotels & Resorts)

“We have long been fans’ of Mandarin Oriental,” said Vikram Oberoi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of EIH Limited, the flagship company of The Oberoi Group. “Our brands complement each other extremely well as do our organisations values and culture. This exciting alliance will allow guests to experience new destinations and experiences in the legendary styles for which both companies are renowned.”

Also Read-Brexit breach: EU begins legal action against UK

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Business India News

India’s merchandise exports grow over 5% in Sep

Union Minister of Railways and Commerce, Piyush Goyal (Photo: Kuntal Chakrabarty/IANS)

Amid a push for a self-reliant India and growth of domestic industries, the country’s merchandise exports registered a 5.27 per cent growth in September on a year-on-year basis, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said on Thursday.

Total merchandise exports from India stood at $27.40 billion last month, compared to $26.02 billion in September 2019.

In a tweet, the minister cited the growth in exports as another indicator of the recovery of Indian economy amid the pandemic.

“Make in India, Make for the World: Indian merchandise exports grow 5.27 per cent in Sep 20 as compared to last year. Another indicator of the rapid recovery of Indian economy as it surpasses pre-COVID levels across parameters,” he tweeted.

Also Read: India’s Steel Exports To China Hit New Highs

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Bollywood Films

Adah Needs Important Role In Plot

Actress Adah Sharma, who is set to make her debut in the web space with a series titled "The Holiday", has got her hair coloured in three layers -- purple, pink and orange.
Actress Adah Sharma, who is set to make her debut in the web space with a series titled “The Holiday”, has got her hair coloured in three layers — purple, pink and orange.

Actress Adah Sharma wants her characters to be of importance in a script, even if she plays a demure girl running around the trees.

“I would love to be running around trees and I love to play the demure girl, which I have played in a few of my south films. My point was even if I am a demure girl or running around trees, I want that to be important in the script,” Adah told IANS.

Hyderabad: Aactress Adah Sharma. (File Photo: IANS)

“Whatever I am doing I want that to be important to the script. So, for me picking a role is not (about) sweet girl or bad girl,” she explained.

What does she for while taking up a script? “I want it (the character) to be important to the plot. If you take away the character from the story, will the story still work? Sometimes I do movies where, yes, if you remove the character the story would still work. but take the effort to make my character a memorable one,” she said.

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-Top News Asia News EU News

EastMed ‘provocations’: EU warns Turkey of sanctions

“We expect that Turkey from now on abstains from unilateral actions. In case of such renewed actions by Ankara the EU will use all its instruments and options available” said Ursula von der Leyen…Reports Asian Lite News

The European Union (EU) has said it could impose sanctions on Turkey over “provocations and pressures” in a row with Greece over energy resources and maritime borders.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called on Ankara to “abstain from unilateral actions” in the eastern Mediterranean. She spoke early on Friday during a meeting of EU leaders in Brussels.

Earlier, Turkey and Greece set up a military hotline to try to reduce the risk of clashes in the region.

Tensions rose earlier this year when Turkey sent a ship into a disputed area to search for potentially rich oil and gas deposits.

Von der Leyen told reporters that the EU wanted “a positive and constructive relationship with Turkey and this would be also be very much in Ankara’s interest”.

“But it will only work if the provocations and pressures stop,” she said. “We therefore expect that Turkey from now on abstains from unilateral actions. In case of such renewed actions by Ankara the EU will use all its instruments and options available. We have a toolbox that we can apply immediately.”

After their late-night meeting, EU members agreed to review Turkey’s behaviour in December and impose sanctions if “provocations” had not stopped.

Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, posting on Twitter after the meeting, said: “The EU issues a clear threat of sanctions against Turkey should it continue to violate international law.”

European Council President Charles Michel said the EU was offering Turkey closer relations on trade and other areas but holding out the threat of sanctions if tensions in the Mediterranean did not de-escalate.

The European Union and Turkey have long held a fragile relationship.

Turkey has been a long-term candidate for membership of the EU but efforts have stalled. EU leaders have criticised Turkey’s record on human rights and the rule of law, in particular in the wake of the 2016 failed military coup.

Despite the strains, Turkey remains an important partner for the EU. Turkey hosts millions of migrants and struck a deal with the EU that limited the numbers arriving in Greece.

Greece and Turkey are both Nato members, but have a history of border disputes and competing claims over maritime rights.

Tensions flared in August when Ankara sent the research ship into an area south of the Greek island of Kastellorizo which is claimed by Greece, Turkey and Cyprus.

Also read:Turkey expresses interest in resource sharing dialogue

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Sport

Rohit Sharma becomes third in IPL to cross 5K runs

Rohit Sharma

Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma has become the third batsman in Indian Premier League (IPL) history to score 5,000 runs.

He achieved the feat during Mumbai Indian’s emphatic 48-run win over Kings XI Punjab on Thursday night at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium.

Batting first, Mumbai posted a monstrous total of 191/4, in which Rohit contributed with 70 off 45 deliveries. In reply, Kings XI could muster 143/8 in their allotted 20 overs.

Rohit is currently placed at the third position in the list of highest run-scorers in IPL. He has so far scored 5,068 runs in 192 IPL matches, including a hundred and 38 half centuries.

Suresh Raina and Virat Kohli are the other two players to cross the 5000-run mark in the cash-rich league. Kohli has scored 5,430 runs in 180 matches for the Royal Challengers Bangalore. Raina, on the other hand, has scored 5,368 runs in 193 games (4,527 for Chennai Super Kings in 164 games and 841 runs in 29 games for Gujarat Lions). David Warner (4,793 runs in 129 matches) and Shikhar Dhawan (4,648 runs in 162 matches) complete the top five.

Mumbai Indians, currently placed at the top of the points table in IPL 2020, are slated to next take on SunRisers Hyderabad on Sunday in Sharjah.

Also Read: Mumbai Indians Dominate the Show