Category: Lite Blogs

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Arts & Culture Lite Blogs

The Art of Unlearning

Too often, we attribute our professional challenges to external factors—the current workplace culture, our managers, or the industry itself. Yet, true growth requires introspection and a willingness to unlearn ingrained behaviours that no longer serve us…writes Prasad Shejale

As seasoned professionals, we often pride ourselves on our expertise and accumulated knowledge. However, what if some of that knowledge is holding us back? What if the habits we’ve developed over decades are actually hindering our progress rather than propelling us forward? My own journey in unlearning, particularly through the lens of my experience with swimming, sheds light on the importance of breaking free from ingrained habits and embracing change in our professional lives.

Allow me to share a personal anecdote that resonates deeply with the concept of unlearning. Despite my passion for swimming, I found myself struggling to improve for over four decades. It wasn’t because of a lack of effort or determination, but rather because I had learned the wrong techniques at an early age. Swimming alongside friends in a river, I absorbed habits that stuck with me throughout my life, hindering my progress despite my best intentions.

Finally acknowledging the need for change, I enrolled in a beginner’s swimming course. The process of unlearning was arduous; it required me to confront not only physical challenges but also the mental resistance to change. Watching others progress while I struggled to undo years of ingrained habits was a humbling experience. Yet, with perseverance and dedication, I began to see incremental improvements.

The parallels between my swimming journey and professional life are striking. Just as I had unknowingly absorbed detrimental habits in swimming, so too can we pick up negative behaviours in our careers. Our first job, our initial experiences with bosses and colleagues—they all shape our professional identity. Yet, over time, some of these habits can become obstacles to growth and success.

Too often, we attribute our professional challenges to external factors—the current workplace culture, our managers, or the industry itself. Yet, true growth requires introspection and a willingness to unlearn ingrained behaviours that no longer serve us. It’s about challenging the status quo, breaking free from the comfort of familiarity, and embracing the discomfort of change.

Unlearning is not a one-time event but an ongoing process—one that demands resilience, humility, and self-awareness. It requires us to confront our own limitations and biases, to question long-held assumptions, and to embrace new perspectives and ways of working. It’s about recognizing that the path to success is not always linear, and that failure is an essential part of the learning process.

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, the ability to unlearn and relearn is more critical than ever. The skills and knowledge that brought us success in the past may not be sufficient to navigate the challenges of tomorrow. By embracing the art of unlearning, we open ourselves up to new possibilities, innovation, and growth.

Business leaders, I urge you to reflect on your own professional journey. What habits and beliefs are holding you back? What do you need to unlearn in order to reach your full potential? Embrace the discomfort of change, for it is through unlearning that we truly evolve and thrive in an ever-changing world.

ALSO READ-Santanu and Sunita Dinda’s Artistic Ode to Indianness

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Food Lifestyle Lite Blogs

Herbarium Drinks Unveils Distillation 8 – Floral Herbs: A Refreshing, Alcohol Free Botanical Spirit

Not just another non-alcoholic beverage; this new botanical creation stands out for its subtle warmth and citrus finish and offers a symphony of botanical wonders gently distilled to perfection. It is a testament to Herbarium Drinks’ unwavering commitment to purity and what’s more, it’s vegetarian, vegan-friendly, gluten-free, and contains no sugars, sweeteners or calories, catering to diverse dietary preferences. A feature by columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International

Alcohol-free pioneers, Herbarium Drinks craft exceptional botanical spirits and following the success of their widely acclaimed distillation 29 – Spiced Juniper, they proudly introduce the launch of their latest 0.0% spirit: Herbarium Distillation 8 – Floral Herbs.

Steve and Andrew, the masterminds behind Herbarium Drinks, personally hand-distill a curated selection of botanicals in small batches using traditional copper pot stills. This ensures that each sip is an authentic journey through nature’s bounty, with no shortcuts, no flavourings, (even those labelled natural) and no alcohol used in the process at any stage.

Andrew expressed his dedication, stating, “It would be all too easy to acquire flavourings to speed up the process but that is not our way. At Herbarium, we are committed to a 100% natural alcohol-free product. Using only natural botanicals is challenging and time-consuming, but Distillation 8 is not mimicking anything. It is simply unique in flavour and offers a great natural alternative.”

Tasting Notes

Herbarium Distillation 8 – Floral Herbs tantalises the tastebuds with a delicate blend of distilled floral herbs, including rosemary, lemongrass, and hints of lavender, culminating in a completely refreshing experience. Its subtle pink peppery spice and warming citrus finish make it an ideal choice for pairing with your favourite premium tonic. For a twist, try it with rose lemonade for an effortlessly elegant aperitif.

In a world where discerning consumers seek authenticity and quality in every sip, Herbarium Distillation 8 – Floral Herbs emerges as a beacon of excellence, offering a natural alternative that delights and satisfies in equal measure.

About Herbarium Drinks

Herbarium Drinks is a pioneering brand dedicated to crafting exquisite, alcohol-free botanical spirits. With a relentless pursuit of purity and authenticity by harnessing and extracting flavour from natural ingredients using the art of distillation, their drinks use no alcohol in the process and combine tradition with innovation to create unparalleled alcohol-free beverages that redefine the art of indulgence.

ALSO READ: Mamalù: Extraordinary Italian Cuisine In London

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Lite Blogs Travel

Sustainable Escapes

The tropical paradise of Seychelles is known for its crystal-clear waters thriving with marine life and unique flora and fauna. To preserve the sanctity of its ecosystem, the country has taken monumental steps such as preserving its flagship tree Coco de Mer, which is known to yield the biggest fruit in the world…reports Asian  Lite News

As our planet grapples with the challenges of global warming and climate change, sustainable living and eco-friendly practices have become increasingly crucial. Here are 6 destinations that seamlessly blend sustainability with tourism and hospitality.

Thailand

The Land of Smiles and Hospitality is home to countless alluring experiences and attractions that make it an ideal destination for vacations, weddings, honeymoons, and bleisure trips. To blend tourism and sustainability, the country has implemented numerous initiatives including ocean conservation, wildlife rehabilitation and ecological restoration efforts. In the hospitality space, Krabi’s ultra-luxury beachside resort – Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve stands as an epitome of sustainability. The property utilises reusable bamboo straws and glass bottles instead of plastic tableware. Its in-room amenities are packaged with sustainable materials, such as beeswax. Striving for authenticity, it sources its drinking water from a natural spring in the Naga Mountains and incorporates local produce and ingredients from the Chef’s Garden in its culinary creations. The festive decorations in the resort are also exclusively made of natural and reusable materials, such as coconut shells, driftwood, leaves, and recycled glass bottles. Moreover, Phulay Bay encourages its patrons to contribute towards elephant conservation under the Help the Herd program at the Krabi Elephant House Sanctuary. 

Seychelles

The tropical paradise of Seychelles is known for its crystal-clear waters thriving with marine life and unique flora and fauna. To preserve the sanctity of its ecosystem, the country has taken monumental steps such as preserving its flagship tree Coco de Mer, which is known to yield the biggest fruit in the world. They have also made significant efforts to save Dudongs, a rare and vulnerable marine life found at Aldabra Atoll, from extinction. The archipelago has also implemented the BIOPAMA-funded project to set up biosecurity measures preventing invasive alien species from overriding the endemic flora and fauna on Aldabra. Pre-pandemic, the archipelago collaborated with the University of Oxford for the Aldabra Clean-Up Project to remove human-made waste, like plastic litter from the sea that harmed aquatic creatures and the ecosystem. Through these nuanced efforts, Seychelles strives to be an eco-conscious destination that prioritises sustainability and promotes positive tourism experiences.

Oman

  Defined by age-old culture and innovation, Oman strives to achieve a net-zero future and preserve its ecosystem by encouraging sustainable practices. In Oman’s Capital, Muscat, the grand five-star resort, Shangri-La Al Barr Jissah, has taken steps to realise this vision. As one of five turtle nesting sites in the country, its beaches welcome hundreds of turtles every year, serving as a safe sanctuary for these creatures to proliferate. Guests are invited to witness hatchings and watch daily Turtle Talks at the hotel’s Eco Centre to initiate the young generation into learning about biodiversity. Protecting the natural habits of critically endangered sea creatures is a priority for the team at the resort and so their Turtle Care Project aims to protect the rare hawksbill and green turtle species through supervision and protection. The resort is actively working towards eliminating the use of single-use plastic and has adopted ways like using refilled bottles, drinking water fountains across the property, and replacing plastic straws with metallic ones. 

Vietnam 

In recent years, Vietnam has taken many steps to balance the surge in tourism with the need to conserve its natural and cultural resources, including eco-friendly accommodations, energy-efficient transportation, and effective waste management systems. The Anam Mui Ne, a luxury resort located on the pristine Ham Tien beach in Phan Thiet perfectly embodies Vietnam’s hospitality and sustainability efforts. An easy commute from Ho Chi Minh City, the five-star resort with 1.2 hectares of spectacular oceanfront has banned single-use plastics and taken several measures to reduce its carbon footprint.  It uses solar power and utilises locally sourced and in-house ingredients to render scrumptious cuisines. The Anam Mui Ne also repurposes laundry water to nurture its gardens and offers biodegradable straws, bags, and bathroom amenities. Even the resort’s key cards are made of wood sourced from sustainably managed forests.

Kenya 

Home to stunning landscapes and untamed wildlife, Kenya is one of the best destinations for nature lovers and adventurers. It is home to scores of wildlife sanctuaries like the Amboseli National Park which is known for accommodating thousands of African animals, birds and reptile species, in addition to the Maasai tribe. The best way to immerse into Amboseli is to book a stay at Ol Tukai Lodge, an elegant eco-rated lodge that offers stunning views of glacier-capped Mount Kilimanjaro and the wetlands of the park outside. Being at the heart of nature, the lodge demonstrates its dedication to promoting vegetation and animals by undertaking activities like reforestation. Planting trees in areas that have been deforested contributes to combating climate change to fostering biodiversity. As a result of this Ol Tukai Lodge started a tree planting project with various stakeholders. To celebrate National Tree Planting Day last year, Ol Tukai Lodge collaborated with Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to plant over 1,300 trees around the park. This was in line with Kenyan President Ruto’s ambitious goal of planting 15 billion trees by 2030. 

Sri Lanka 

Basking in the diversity of Sri Lanka’s natural attractions, Teardrop Hotels promotes sustainability and community wholeheartedly. Based across seven distinct locations across the country, each property embodies a unique part of Sri Lanka from the serenity of the southwest coast to the frondescence of the south-central region. These hotels are built into heritage buildings and vintage tea bungalows carefully chosen for their character and diligently restored to preserve their original features. Teardrop Hotels also believes in giving back to the local community while also aiming for zero food miles. For this reason, they use vegetables and ingredients cultivated in-house and buy seafood from local fishermen to incorporate in their delicious cuisines. All packaging in the hotel is plastic-free, and refillable water bottles are used to minimise waste.

ALSO READ-87% of Indian Travelers Prioritize Sustainable Travel

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Food Lite Blogs Recipes

Baking Day for Kids and Couples Alike

Cookies with chocolate chip on parchment paper napkin on wooden table.

Kids with no playdates? Spend a day getting messy together in the kitchen baking peanut butter cookies and cake.  Couples can spend whip  up a storm and top it off with sinful alcohol infused dessert.
 
Cocoa Cellar is a patisserie based out of Mumbai delivers alcohol infused dessert. Their menu features options like Sacher Torte, Kahula & Coffee Macarons, Amarula & Dark chocolate cupcake and Whisky & Cashew Cookies. Devashree Muni, Owner, Cocoa Cellar who has trained at Le Cordon Bleu in Sydney, Australia, has designed and created these goodies

Here are two recipes by  Cocoa Cellar in which you can choose to include or exclude the alcohol. Both versions taste equally great.


Madeira Cake

INGREDIENTS

Unsalted Butter         180 g

Castor Sugar            180 g

Orange Zest              1 no.

Lemon Zest               1 no.

Eggs                         165 g

Cake Flour                100 g

Corn Flour                100 g

Almond Meal              80 g

Baking Powder            5 g

Salt                           pinch

Lemon Juice             1 no.

Sour Cream               50 g

Orange Juice            1 no.

Citron                         50 g

 
METHOD

 Line a 1/2kg cake tin.

Cream the butter, sugar until light and aerated. Add the zest and eggs.

Sift all the dry ingredients.

Add lemon juice, orange juice and sour cream. Mix it well and whip.

Gently fold all the ingredients through the butter mix.

Bake at 180 °C for 30 minutes or until cooked.


Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie

INGREDIENTS

Flour                      315g

Baking Soda          1 tsp

Salt                     3/4 tsp

Butter                   225 g

Peanut Butter       370 g

Brown Sugar       160 g

Castor Sugar        160g

Eggs                      2 no.

Vanilla Extract       2 tsp

Chocolate Chips   320 g

METHOD

Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy

Add vanilla extract and eggs and beat well

Sift the dry ingredients in a bowl and add it to the egg mix. Add the salt and mix.

Stir in the chocolate chips.

Refrigerate the dough.

Form dough balls with a spoonful of peanut butter in each ball in the centre

Bake at 180 °C for 12 minutes

ALSO READ-Recipe: Easter Simnel Cake

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Films Hollywood Lite Blogs

Deadpool & Wolverine: Ultimate Showdown Unleashed

The following sequences in the trailer show the frenemies fighting between themselves and the common enemy with a healthy dose of Deadpool constantly ‘punching’ the fourth wall to break it open…reports Asian Lite News

The ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ trailer is here, and the two titular superheroes of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with the greatest healing powers, promise an absolute carnage of epic proportions at the box office.

The 2-minute and 38 seconds-long trailer begins with Hugh Jackman’s character of Logan asking for a drink at a bar when Ryan Reynolds’s Deadpool interrupts him and asks him to come along with him. Logan, not one bit impressed with the unwelcome interference, politely asks him to leave until things start to escalate and claws start to draw out only to be treated with the barrel of Deadpool’s gun resting on Logan’s forehead. The interior scene then cuts to the vast expanse of the snow-capped landscape where the ruins lay.

Deadpool reveals that his world is at stake. But, Wolverine flatly refuses to be of any help until Deadpool counters with his dialogue, “Is that what you said when your world went to s****?”

The viewers are then treated with the visuals of both of them engaging in a fight drawing out each other’s blood. But, since both can heal from practically anything (remember Wolverine once regenerated from a single drop of blood, in the comic book universe), the sheer volume of blood spilled hardly makes any difference.

The following sequences in the trailer show the frenemies fighting between themselves and the common enemy with a healthy dose of Deadpool constantly ‘punching’ the fourth wall to break it open.

For the fans of core Hindi cinema, imagine ‘Karan Arjun’ but in fancy superhero suits as they constantly try to one-up each other yet have a gala time-fighting in the field when they join forces.

The Merc with a mouth and Weapon X promise to arrive in cinemas in slow motion and high-speed heroic shots on July 26, 2024.

ALSO READ-Dive into India’s Rich History with These Must-Watch Shows and Films

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Food Lite Blogs Recipes

Healthy Spinach Crepes

Ingredients

  1. Spinach – 1 cup
  2. Ground Rolled Oats – 1 cup
  3. Egg – 1
  4. Cumin Seeds – ¼ tsp
  5. Ginger – 1/4tsp [roughly chopped]
  6. Salt – as per your taste

Ingredients for filling

  1. Capsicum – ¼ cup [thinly sliced]
  2. Carrot – 2 tbsp [grated]
  3. Beetroot – 2 tbsp [grated]
  4. Paneer – 100gms [crumbled]
  5. Cabbage – 2 tbsp [sliced]
  6. Soya Sauce – ½ tsp
  7. Schezwan Sauce – ½ tsp
  8. Pepper Powder– ½ tsp
  9. Salt – as per your taste
  10. Mayonnaise – to spread

Method for crepe

  1. Take a blending jar add the spinach, oats, egg, ginger, cumin seeds and salt. Blend into a smooth paste adding some water.
  2. Heat a non – stick pan or tawa and spread some butter, pour a ladle full of batter in the centre of the pan and spread it out to form a circle.
  3. Cook it till it becomes crispy. Pour few drops of oil or butter. Flip the crepe and cook it for a few seconds. Transfer to a plate and keep aside.

Method for filling

  1. Stir – fry the vegetables on low flame with some oil or butter for 5 mins.
  2. Add the crumbled paneer. Next add the schezwan sauce, soya sauce, pepper powder, salt and mix everything well. Switch off flame

Method for assembling

  1. Spread mayonnaise on the crepe.
  2. Add the stir- fried vegetables on the crepe.
  3. Roll the crepe to form a wrap and serve.

ENJOY YOUR CREPE!

ALSO READ-Recipe: Easter Simnel Cake

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Arts & Culture Lite Blogs Music

Embracing a Timeless Legacy of Arts at SIFAS Festival of Arts 2024

Established in 1949, SIFAS has been a cornerstone of Indian cultural heritage in Singapore, fostering art and cultural appreciation through its diverse disciplines…reports Asian Lite News

As the Singapore Indian Fine Arts Society (SIFAS) commemorates its 75th year of enriching Singapore’s cultural landscape, the much-anticipated SIFAS Festival of Arts, continues to captivate audiences till May 1, 2024, in Singapore.

The celebration by SIFAS is jointly organised with SIFAS Productions Limited (SPL) and will feature enthralling performances by leading Indian classical artistes Ranjani and Gayatri (RaGa Sisters), Jayateerth Mevundi, Abhishek Raghuram and dance drama by Kalakshetra Foundation in collaboration with SIFAS.

Established in 1949, SIFAS has been a cornerstone of Indian cultural heritage in Singapore, fostering art and cultural appreciation through its diverse disciplines.

2024 marks SIFAS’ Diamond Jubilee, a significant milestone for the non-profit organisation committed to nurturing talent and promoting Indian fine arts in the region. As Singapore transitions into a global arts hub, SIFAS continues to uphold its mission of preserving and promoting Indian cultural heritage while embracing multiculturalism. 

The SIFAS Festival of Arts 2024, an iconic event in SIFAS’ cultural calendar, celebrates the institution’s legacy as the heart and hub of Indian arts in Singapore. Themed ‘Virasata: Celebrating a Timeless Legacy of Arts,’ this year’s festival also serves as a curtain-raiser to SIFAS’ 75th anniversary celebrations that will extend throughout the year.

With over 75 programmes of classical Indian music, dance, and visual arts, the festival promises a mesmerising journey through the rich tapestry of Indian arts. From traditional Kathak and Bharatanatyam performances and soul-stirring renditions of Hindustani and Carnatic vocals and instrumentals to a visual arts exhibition and arts and craft workshops, the festival showcases the depth and diversity of Indian cultural heritage.

“We are thrilled to present the SIFAS Festival of Arts as a tribute to SIFAS’ illustrious journey over the past 75 years,” said K V Rao, President, SIFAS. “This festival not only celebrates our heritage but also embraces the future of Indian arts, showcasing the talents of both emerging artists and iconic maestros.”

“The 75th Anniversary milestone is being celebrated with SIFAS collaborating with organisations as well as leaders in the arts industry, both locally and globally, especially from India,” said Menaka Gopalan, Executive Director, SIFAS. “We have also made a conscious effort with our outreach towards different communities, including the underrepresented, to promote arts and mental well-being.”

Scheduled at the SIFAS Stage and Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, the festival promises an unforgettable experience for art enthusiasts of all ages. Through its immersive programmes and vibrant performances, the SIFAS Festival of Arts 2024 invites audiences to celebrate the enduring legacy of Indian arts and culture in Singapore. Air India is the official carrier for the SIFAS Festival of Arts, enhancing the cultural journey for attendees from around the world.

In addition to the milestone anniversary, SIFAS also celebrates 20 years of the SIFAS Festival of Arts this year. The SIFAS Festival of Arts has been an eminent platform for showcasing the best in Indian fine arts in Singapore. Evolving with each year since 2003, they have collaborated with Esplanade since 2005 to bring both internationally renowned and emerging local talent to the forefront. This year, the festival marks two decades of cultural brilliance and community engagement. Through the festival, a year-long celebration from May 19, 2024, to May 19, 2025, and a series of events and activities, SIFAS aims to underscore its enduring legacy and its vision for the future of Indian fine arts in Singapore.

ALSO READ-Santanu and Sunita Dinda’s Artistic Ode to Indianness

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Health Lifestyle Lite Blogs

Stress Takes Toll on Mental and Physical Health

The doctor noted that stress can disrupt sleep patterns leading to difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, which can lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, heart disease and stroke…reports Asian Lite News

Stress may not only affect you mentally but is also detrimental to your physical health, said doctors here on Tuesday.

April is known to be the stress awareness month.

In today’s fast-paced world, people of all ages are facing unprecedented levels of pressure and stress, leading to a surge in mental and physical health challenges.

“In addition to impacting mental well-being, stress can have profound effects on the body, contributing to various health conditions and diseases,” Vipul Gupta, Director of Neurointervention and Co-Chief of the Stroke Unit at Artemis Hospital, Gurugram, told.

The doctor noted that stress can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, which can lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, heart disease and stroke.

“Chronic stress triggers a cascade of physiological responses, including elevated levels of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can disrupt normal bodily functions.

“Digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and gastritis are also linked to stress, as it can disrupt gut motility and exacerbate inflammation. Furthermore, prolonged stress may contribute to hormonal imbalances, leading to reproductive issues in both men and women, the doctor said.

A December 2023 study by ICICI Lombard General Insurance unveiled that every third person in India is grappling with stress. The report said that 77 per cent of Indians experience at least one symptom of stress regularly.

Coping mechanisms such as mindfulness practices, healthy lifestyle habits, regular exercise, maintaining social connections, etc, play crucial roles in managing stress.

Divya Mohindroo, a Counselling Psychologist suggested exploring mindfulness, meditation, and deep breathing to manage stress.

She also emphasised the therapeutic value of journaling and harnessing the power of nature.

“Explore the benefits of spending time outdoors for stress management. This highlights a natural approach to stress reduction that connects with the concept of awareness,” she told.

The experts also stressed the importance of seeking help when needed.

“Recognising when stress becomes overwhelming and seeking professional help is paramount. Visiting a doctor or mental health professional is necessary when symptoms persist, interfere with daily functioning, or lead to physical ailments. Stress awareness month serves as a timely reminder to prioritise mental well-being and seek support when needed,” Vipul said.

ALSO READ-Bridging Beauty with Mental Health

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Bollywood Lite Blogs

SRK Accepts Mohanlal’s Dance Challenge

SRK took to his X account on Tuesday and re-shared a video from an award function where Mohanlal can be seen dancing to ‘Zinda Banda’…reports Asian Lite News

Malayalam megastar Mohanlal on Tuesday took to X to invite Shah Rukh Khan to groove on ‘Zinda Banda’ from the blockbuster ‘Jawan’ over a meal (actually, from dinner to breakfast!).

SRK took to his X account on Tuesday and re-shared a video from an award function where Mohanlal can be seen dancing to ‘Zinda Banda’.

Sharing the video, SRK wrote that he was eagerly waiting for dinner with the veteran actor. He wrote, “Thank u @Mohanlal sir for making this song most special for me now. Wish I had done it half as good as you. Love u sir and waiting for dinner at home as and when. You are the OG Zinda Banda.”

Mohanlal humbly replied to SRK’s tweet with these words: “Dear @iamsrk, nobody can do it like you! You are and always will be the OG Zinda Banda in your classic, inimitable style. Thanks for your kind words. Also, just dinner? Why not groove to some Zinda Banda over breakfast, too?”

Seeing one of his favourite actors respond with such warmth, SRK replied, “Done sir. Your place or mine?”

ALSO READ-Malayalam Cinema’s Unique Journey Amid OTT Landscape

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Lite Blogs

Moderate Alcohol Intake in Pregnancy Linked to Birth Deficits

Early pregnancy is a critical period for the formation of organs in the developing fetus, making it a particularly vulnerable window for alcohol exposure, Bakhireva said…reports Asian Lite News

Researchers have found that low to moderate alcohol use by pregnant patients may contribute to subtle changes in their babies’ prenatal development. The study was published in the journal, ‘Alcohol Clinical and Experimental Research’.

“In exploratory analyses, the effect on gestational age was more pronounced in male infants, and for birth length, it actually was stronger in females,” Bakhireva said. She cautioned that these effects should be interpreted with caution because of the study’s limited statistical power to conduct sex-specific analyses and the challenges of accounting for other contributing factors.

There is a good deal of research on the prenatal effects of heavy alcohol use, usually defined as 14 drinks per week, or binge drinking, defined as four drinks or more per occasion, Bakhireva said. “We know quite a bit from these earlier studies of heavy alcohol use about the effect on prenatal outcomes, especially preterm delivery and growth restriction, as well as neurodevelopmental outcomes, but we specifically focused on more moderate alcohol exposure because it’s much more prevalent,” she said. Early pregnancy is a critical period for the formation of organs in the developing fetus, making it a particularly vulnerable window for alcohol exposure, Bakhireva said.

“Almost everybody drinks before they know they are pregnant, and risky drinking before pregnancy is predictive of drinking later on,” she said. “That’s a unique aspect of the study. We carefully looked at the patterns of drinking around conception and early pregnancy.” Most of the participants substantially reduced their drinking or stopped altogether once they learned they were pregnant, Bakhireva said. Even with reduced alcohol, there were some deficits seen in both male and female infants, however. She emphasizes that larger studies that combine samples across the country are needed to replicate the findings and examine sex-specific effects further. (ANI)

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