Brief History of Hindi Cinema.

In the course of its long history, the Hindi Cinema has gone through constant evolutions and is still witnessing massive socio-cultural changes, however, from substantive and insular point of view; the Hindi Film Industry still retains its own unique and peculiar characteristics. Since the beginning, the Hindi Cinema has drawn its inspiration from the styles and aesthetics of the mega diverse Indian culture.

In general great emphasis has been put on classical Indian traditions over the years including Indian storytelling, epics, and poems and like. Although movies came to India in July 1896 as famous French Lumiere Brothers screened their short films in Watson Hotel, Mumbai, the first ever Indian film was ‘Raja Harishchandra’, a mythological film released in 1913 directed by Dada Saheb Phalke, who is often called as the father of Indian Cinema.

Film Poster of Raja Harishchandra, 1913.

Raja Harishchandra being a silent film had Hindi, Marathi and English interfiles. In 1905, filmmaker Hiralal Sen documented “Swadeshi Movement of India” and screened it at Town Hall, Calcutta on 22nd of September which is considered as India’s first political film. H.S. Bhatavdekar’s first movie and the first film by an Indian Filmmaker was shot in 1899 in which he shot a Wrestling Match in Mumbai’s Hanging Gardens. By the 1930s, the industry was producing 200 films per year and it was in 1931, the industry had its first sound film named ‘Alam Ara’ by director Ardeshir Irani which had a mixture of both Hindi and Urdu.

Alam Ara, India’s first Sound Film. (1931)

Since then the talkie films quickly were in high demand by the audience mostly in big cities and hence the industry permanently switched to sound films. The first ever Hindi color film was released in 1937 by Ardeshar Irani named “Kisan Kanya ”, however the colour films became popular among the audience only in late 1950s and early 1960s. The industry has also witnessed the breakdown of the studio system and complete on location shooting over the years. At present, Hindi Cinema produces over 1000 movies per year.

A still from Kisan Kanya (1937).

The Song and Dance Sequences

As mentioned earlier, the Hindi movies have always been a reflection of Indian culture and so hasn’t been any Hindi movie without a song till date. Two of the major characteristics of Hindi Cinema are songs and dance sequences. In fact, these two unique features are considered as the ‘peculiarities’ of Hindi Cinema which separates it from Hollywood or any other foreign film industry. In earlier times whenever there was a requirement of steamy scenes in movies, the protagonists, that is the hero and the heroine used to indulge into a song and dance sequel. The song and dance sequences pop up here and there according to necessary requirements and situations. The 1932 movie Indra Sabha was one of the first Indian movies with over 70 songs.

Film Poster of Indra Sabha (1932).

Truly, Hindi Cinema has entertained audiences worldwide for more than a century now. Informally and popularly known as Bollywood, Hindi Films will always have a special place in hearts of millions of Bollywood fans!

Drug Abuse.

Drug abuse is referred to the excessive use of psychoactive substances such as alcohol, stimulant, pain reliever etc in the amount that is detrimental to the physical, social as well as emotional well being of an individual. Case of drug abuse is increasing at an alarming rate among teenagers and adults under the age of 30 that affect people all across the globe and from all walks of life. In the United States, the annual death rate due to drug abuse is much more than the road traffic accidents and gunshots combined. Nearly 8% of the States population are trapped in this vicious cycle due to the majority of reasons, considering it as an easiest escape. Overuse of drugs not only affects the brain cells but also do heavy damage to the heart, nerves, limbs etc that often leads to seizure and paralysis, shutting the entire body followed by death eventually.

Cause of Drug abuse.

There are several reasons behind drug abuse among which the common causes are listed below.

  • Many people develop drug problems due to mental conditions such as depression, stress disorder, anxiety and other mental illness.
  • Low self-esteem, peer pressure of society, and a chaotic lifestyle are also common reasons.
  • At times, people try certain substances out of excitement that turns into a habit in no time because of its highly addictive nature.
  • Sometimes, prescribed medication usually barbiturates turned into drug addiction and cause serious health problems.

Apart from the aforesaid reason, there can be multiple reasons that lead to such substance abuse.

Types of Drugs:

  • Depressants: It is the most commonly used drug worldwide that works by suppressing the central nervous system and gives momentarily happiness while under the influence. Usage of such dopes develops various symptoms such as sleep, relaxation, drowsiness, anaesthesia, coma and even death.
  • Stimulant: Stimulants are class of drug that creates a sense of euphoria by making body alert and extra awake. It speeds up the brain’s receptive capacity that often leads to a panic attack, anxiety, seizures, aggression and paranoia when used in excess amounts.
  • Hallucinogenic: These are a diverse group of drugs that creates a hallucination and sensations leads to seeing things that seems real due to brain malfunction. People often use such pills to deal with stress or just to feel differently. Commonly used hallucinogenic drugs are LSD, Peyote, DMT etc.

There are millions of different variety of drugs available in the developing and developed world apart from these wide range of drugs mentioned above, that entraps countless youngsters every other day. Uprooting such menace isn’t as easy as we assume because of the withdrawal syndrome that is linked with it. That is why it is absolutely necessary to build up rehabilitation centres and promote drug education at the socio-economic strata.

Drug Abuse.

Drug abuse is referred to the excessive use of psychoactive substances such as alcohol, stimulant, pain reliever etc in the amount that is detrimental to the physical, social as well as emotional well being of an individual. Case of drug abuse is increasing at an alarming rate among teenagers and adults under the age of 30 that affect people all across the globe and from all walks of life. In the United States, the annual death rate due to drug abuse is much more than the road traffic accidents and gunshots combined. Nearly 8% of the States population are trapped in this vicious cycle due to the majority of reasons, considering it as an easiest escape. Overuse of drugs not only affects the brain cells but also do heavy damage to the heart, nerves, limbs etc that often leads to seizure and paralysis, shutting the entire body followed by death eventually.

Cause of Drug abuse.

There are several reasons behind drug abuse among which the common causes are listed below.

  • Many people develop drug problems due to mental conditions such as depression, stress disorder, anxiety and other mental illness.
  • Low self-esteem, peer pressure of society, and a chaotic lifestyle are also common reasons.
  • At times, people try certain substances out of excitement that turns into a habit in no time because of its highly addictive nature.
  • Sometimes, prescribed medication usually barbiturates turned into drug addiction and cause serious health problems.

Apart from the aforesaid reason, there can be multiple reasons that lead to such substance abuse.

Types of Drugs:

  • Depressants: It is the most commonly used drug worldwide that works by suppressing the central nervous system and gives momentarily happiness while under the influence. Usage of such dopes develops various symptoms such as sleep, relaxation, drowsiness, anaesthesia, coma and even death.
  • Stimulant: Stimulants are class of drug that creates a sense of euphoria by making body alert and extra awake. It speeds up the brain’s receptive capacity that often leads to a panic attack, anxiety, seizures, aggression and paranoia when used in excess amounts.
  • Hallucinogenic: These are a diverse group of drugs that creates a hallucination and sensations leads to seeing things that seems real due to brain malfunction. People often use such pills to deal with stress or just to feel differently. Commonly used hallucinogenic drugs are LSD, Peyote, DMT etc.

There are millions of different variety of drugs available in the developing and developed world apart from these wide range of drugs mentioned above, that entraps countless youngsters every other day. Uprooting such menace isn’t as easy as we assume because of the withdrawal syndrome that is linked with it. That is why it is absolutely necessary to build up rehabilitation centres and promote drug education at the socio-economic strata.

Paris Agreement and Climate Change

Introduction

The Paris Agreement is an international treaty on climate change which is legally binding. It was adopted on 12th December 2015 by 196 parties at the Conference of the Parties (COP) 21 and it came into force on 4th November 2016. The goal of this agreement is to limit global warming to almost 2 degrees Celsius but ideally 1.5 degrees Celsius, as compared to the pre-industrial levels. Every country creates an NDC (Nationally Determined Contributions) wherein the countries mention the actions they will take to reduce their Greenhouse Gas emissions. The Paris Agreement also recognizes the financial differences of the countries and says that the developed countries should take the lead when it comes to providing financial assistance and help the vulnerable countries. The progress of the agreement is being tracked by the creation of the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF), under which, starting from 2024, the countries will report on the actions taken and the progress, transparently.

COP 26

The 26th Conference of the Parties was originally scheduled from 9th to 19th November 2020 but due to COVID-19, it was postponed to 1st to 12th November 2021, in Glasgow, UK. Several unresolved issues from the Paris Agreement are to be resolved during this Conference, such as governing of carbon markets and the accountancy of climate finance. The developing nations pointed fingers at the rich nations to fulfil their promise of finance. They also highlighted the lack of urgency from the recent G7 and G20 summits.

COP 26 has to finalize the rulebook that implements the 2015 Agreement. The nations have to give the climate-vulnerable nations the $100 billion annually as promised in 2009. They have called for almost 50% of funding to be allocated towards future climate adaptation, plus a separate allocation for the loss and damage that has already been inflicted on the poor nations.   

Other Climate Change Agreements

Montreal Protocol, 1987 – This agreement is not aimed towards dealing with climate change however it is an important environmental agreement. This agreement required the countries which have ratified it, to stop producing products that damage the ozone layer, such as, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).

UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), 1992 – This is the first-ever global treaty that directly addresses climate change. This treaty established the annual forum named the Conference of the Parties (COP). Agreements such as the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement came into existence through these forums.

Kyoto Protocol, 2005 – It was adopted in 1997 and came into force in 2005, it is known as the first legally binding climate treaty. The goal of this treaty is to reduce emissions by an average of 5% below the 1990 levels although the treaty did not force developing countries.

Effects of Global Warming

  • Shrinking of Glaciers
  • Ice on rivers and lakes break earlier than usual
  • Plants and animal ranges have shifted
  • Trees flower sooner
  • Loss of sea ice
  • Accelerated rise of sea level
  • Intense heatwaves
  • More droughts
  • Changes in precipitation patterns
  • The frequency of cyclones will increase and will be more intense
  • The Arctic is likely to become Ice-Free

Conclusion

Heat Waves have been recorded in the United States of America and Canada this 2021. This is only just more proof of Global Warming and its effects. This will keep increasing if the countries don’t take the agreements like the Paris agreement seriously. More importantly, the rich countries need to finally start acting responsibly and fulfil their promises to save the planet.  

References

Paris Agreement and Climate Change

Introduction

The Paris Agreement is an international treaty on climate change which is legally binding. It was adopted on 12th December 2015 by 196 parties at the Conference of the Parties (COP) 21 and it came into force on 4th November 2016. The goal of this agreement is to limit global warming to almost 2 degrees Celsius but ideally 1.5 degrees Celsius, as compared to the pre-industrial levels. Every country creates an NDC (Nationally Determined Contributions) wherein the countries mention the actions they will take to reduce their Greenhouse Gas emissions. The Paris Agreement also recognizes the financial differences of the countries and says that the developed countries should take the lead when it comes to providing financial assistance and help the vulnerable countries. The progress of the agreement is being tracked by the creation of the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF), under which, starting from 2024, the countries will report on the actions taken and the progress, transparently.

COP 26

The 26th Conference of the Parties was originally scheduled from 9th to 19th November 2020 but due to COVID-19, it was postponed to 1st to 12th November 2021, in Glasgow, UK. Several unresolved issues from the Paris Agreement are to be resolved during this Conference, such as governing of carbon markets and the accountancy of climate finance. The developing nations pointed fingers at the rich nations to fulfil their promise of finance. They also highlighted the lack of urgency from the recent G7 and G20 summits.

COP 26 has to finalize the rulebook that implements the 2015 Agreement. The nations have to give the climate-vulnerable nations the $100 billion annually as promised in 2009. They have called for almost 50% of funding to be allocated towards future climate adaptation, plus a separate allocation for the loss and damage that has already been inflicted on the poor nations.   

Other Climate Change Agreements

Montreal Protocol, 1987 – This agreement is not aimed towards dealing with climate change however it is an important environmental agreement. This agreement required the countries which have ratified it, to stop producing products that damage the ozone layer, such as, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).

UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), 1992 – This is the first-ever global treaty that directly addresses climate change. This treaty established the annual forum named the Conference of the Parties (COP). Agreements such as the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement came into existence through these forums.

Kyoto Protocol, 2005 – It was adopted in 1997 and came into force in 2005, it is known as the first legally binding climate treaty. The goal of this treaty is to reduce emissions by an average of 5% below the 1990 levels although the treaty did not force developing countries.

Effects of Global Warming

  • Shrinking of Glaciers
  • Ice on rivers and lakes break earlier than usual
  • Plants and animal ranges have shifted
  • Trees flower sooner
  • Loss of sea ice
  • Accelerated rise of sea level
  • Intense heatwaves
  • More droughts
  • Changes in precipitation patterns
  • The frequency of cyclones will increase and will be more intense
  • The Arctic is likely to become Ice-Free

Conclusion

Heat Waves have been recorded in the United States of America and Canada this 2021. This is only just more proof of Global Warming and its effects. This will keep increasing if the countries don’t take the agreements like the Paris agreement seriously. More importantly, the rich countries need to finally start acting responsibly and fulfil their promises to save the planet.  

References

𝑴𝑬𝑴𝑶𝑹𝑰𝑬𝑺 𝑶𝑭 𝑴𝑰𝑹𝑹𝑶𝑹𝑺

“THE WORLD IS A GREAT MIRROR. IT REFLECT BACK TO YOU WHAT YOU ARE”

Well you see there was this magical substance during the time of the ancients known as “𝐖𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐑”, it coalesced in small or large pools, some greater than the size of hundreds of men, and into these mythical pools brave men would sometimes look in observation, only to be shocked as a perfect reproduction, spoiled only slightly by the waves of the pools magic looked back at them. Another option would be to use a melting sheet of ice or finely polished stones or crystals. Not until metals were smelted and polished could people see a clear and bright reflection. However, if the lighting conditions are just right, primitive people could have seen their reflection in each other’s or an animal’s eyes.

PURPOSE :

The purpose of this study is to consider the ancient history and early development of mirrors, because mirrors played a key role in refraction and magnification for an extended period of time before the invention of spectacles, including broad use in Roman times.

𝗨𝗦𝗘𝗦 𝗢𝗙 𝗠𝗜𝗥𝗥𝗢𝗥

everyday life, many people tend to avoid looking at themselves for more than a quick glance. They don’t want to activate their own critical thoughts about their appearance. We are socialized to compare our physical image with ideals and standards. That’s how we typically use 𝗠𝗜𝗥𝗥𝗢𝗥 But, whether we realize it or not, ‘mirrors and reflective’ surfaces also play an important role in our psychological and emotional functioning.

We use the mirror as we do face-to-face communication, to get feedback on who we are and what we are experiencing in the moment. A quick glance in the mirror reaffirms our sense of self. Mirrors help us regulate our emotions and sync up with ourselves and others. Mirrors simulate face-to-face contact with others. When we are in face-to-face interactions, we get feedback on what they are experiencing internally from others’ reactions to us. In fact, research finds that face-to-face contact is essential for developing 𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 in 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗱 and throughout life.

People with 𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝘅𝗶𝗲𝘁𝘆 often have an inability to recognize their own emotions. It’s reasoned that because they spend less time in social interactions, they miss the face-to-face feedback that would help them be more aware and better regulate their emotions.studies using mirrors and video technology to help people recognize their own emotions and teach them 🅢︎🅔︎🅛︎🅕︎ 🅜︎🅘︎🅡︎🅡︎🅞︎🅡︎🅘︎🅝︎🅖︎ to soothe themselves when they’re feeling 𝑺𝑬𝑳𝑭 𝑨𝑵𝑿𝑰𝑬𝑻𝒀 and others aren’t around to offer reflection and support.

Experiments that use mirrors to create visual anomalies show that our brains crave consistency between vision and proprioception.

Mirrors are essential to every home. They help us in our daily mundane lives, though we rarely ever really appreciate their usefulness. From the moment we get up at night to the time we ready ourselves for sleep, we almost always seek for a mirror to take a look at ourselves. Mirrors reflect to us how we look, how clothes fit us, and how things fit. People always love to know how things look on and with them. It gives us the chance to appreciate and be thankful. There is something to be said about how, after a day of straining our eyes, looking at everything else in the world, we know that we could always also look at ourselves with the help of a handy mirror. Everywhere you go, there are almost always mirrors present. There are clear mirrors that reflect perfectly the image of the thing or the person in front of them, and then there are also tinted mirrors that serve as either classy decors, or as a barrier for a bit of privacy. Mirrors are part of our daily lives without us even consciously recognizing them.

𝑴𝑬𝑴𝑶𝑹𝑰𝑬𝑺 𝑶𝑭 𝑴𝑰𝑹𝑹𝑶𝑹𝑺

“THE WORLD IS A GREAT MIRROR. IT REFLECT BACK TO YOU WHAT YOU ARE”

Well you see there was this magical substance during the time of the ancients known as “𝐖𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐑”, it coalesced in small or large pools, some greater than the size of hundreds of men, and into these mythical pools brave men would sometimes look in observation, only to be shocked as a perfect reproduction, spoiled only slightly by the waves of the pools magic looked back at them. Another option would be to use a melting sheet of ice or finely polished stones or crystals. Not until metals were smelted and polished could people see a clear and bright reflection. However, if the lighting conditions are just right, primitive people could have seen their reflection in each other’s or an animal’s eyes.

PURPOSE :

The purpose of this study is to consider the ancient history and early development of mirrors, because mirrors played a key role in refraction and magnification for an extended period of time before the invention of spectacles, including broad use in Roman times.

𝗨𝗦𝗘𝗦 𝗢𝗙 𝗠𝗜𝗥𝗥𝗢𝗥

everyday life, many people tend to avoid looking at themselves for more than a quick glance. They don’t want to activate their own critical thoughts about their appearance. We are socialized to compare our physical image with ideals and standards. That’s how we typically use 𝗠𝗜𝗥𝗥𝗢𝗥 But, whether we realize it or not, ‘mirrors and reflective’ surfaces also play an important role in our psychological and emotional functioning.

We use the mirror as we do face-to-face communication, to get feedback on who we are and what we are experiencing in the moment. A quick glance in the mirror reaffirms our sense of self. Mirrors help us regulate our emotions and sync up with ourselves and others. Mirrors simulate face-to-face contact with others. When we are in face-to-face interactions, we get feedback on what they are experiencing internally from others’ reactions to us. In fact, research finds that face-to-face contact is essential for developing 𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 in 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗱 and throughout life.

People with 𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝘅𝗶𝗲𝘁𝘆 often have an inability to recognize their own emotions. It’s reasoned that because they spend less time in social interactions, they miss the face-to-face feedback that would help them be more aware and better regulate their emotions.studies using mirrors and video technology to help people recognize their own emotions and teach them 🅢︎🅔︎🅛︎🅕︎ 🅜︎🅘︎🅡︎🅡︎🅞︎🅡︎🅘︎🅝︎🅖︎ to soothe themselves when they’re feeling 𝑺𝑬𝑳𝑭 𝑨𝑵𝑿𝑰𝑬𝑻𝒀 and others aren’t around to offer reflection and support.

Experiments that use mirrors to create visual anomalies show that our brains crave consistency between vision and proprioception.

Mirrors are essential to every home. They help us in our daily mundane lives, though we rarely ever really appreciate their usefulness. From the moment we get up at night to the time we ready ourselves for sleep, we almost always seek for a mirror to take a look at ourselves. Mirrors reflect to us how we look, how clothes fit us, and how things fit. People always love to know how things look on and with them. It gives us the chance to appreciate and be thankful. There is something to be said about how, after a day of straining our eyes, looking at everything else in the world, we know that we could always also look at ourselves with the help of a handy mirror. Everywhere you go, there are almost always mirrors present. There are clear mirrors that reflect perfectly the image of the thing or the person in front of them, and then there are also tinted mirrors that serve as either classy decors, or as a barrier for a bit of privacy. Mirrors are part of our daily lives without us even consciously recognizing them.

Brazilian economy is in a “jobless recovery” following a spike in inflation

According to a Reuters poll, the Brazilian economy will continue to experience a so-called “jobless recovery” following this year’s inflation spike, while forecasts for recovery in Mexico appear stronger amid concerns about a possibly tougher monetary policy in the United States.

On the outside, Brazil’s macroeconomic picture appears to have improved as consumers shake off the COVID-19 epidemic, firms experience a resurgence of M&A activity, and the agriculture industry flourishes on huge international demand. Recent increases in GDP estimates, however, are at conflict with a number of issues. Rising inflation, which is presently the major topic, is expected to be followed by consistently high levels of joblessness into next year’s national elections in Brazil.

Because the economy will need some more time to reabsorb people and restore jobs, average unemployment is estimated to stay in the double digits this year, reaching around 13.6 percent. The rising unemployment rate will restrain services inflation, which accounts for nearly 40% of the headline figure.

According to the median estimate of 20 economists surveyed between July 5 and July 13, Brazil’s average jobless rate for 2021 was projected at a record 14.2 percent in the Reuters survey. This is in contrast to a large increase in GDP estimates.

According to a larger group of 40 respondents, Latin America’s No. 1 economy is expected to grow 5.1 percent in 2021, considerably above the relatively moderate 3.2 percent growth rate recorded in April’s survey. Inflation forecasts have also risen, reaching 6.5 percent from 5.1 percent in the previous quarter.

Many Brazilians have lost their livelihoods as a result of the virus. Many also point the finger to President Jair Bolsonaro’s pro-business stance. Other figures suggest robust employment creation, according to the government.

Bolsonaro and his expected opponent, former center-left President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, have not formally announced their candidacies yet, despite the fact that the 2022 presidential election remains just a year away.

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador of Mexico, however, looks to be on a more solid foundation than his Brazilian counterpart. Although both are embroiled in corruption allegations, Lopez Obrador is under far less scrutiny. Similarly, Mexico’s economy is getting better, with stronger growth and relatively low inflation than that of Brazil. Mexico’s GDP and consumer pricing are anticipated to grow 5.9 percent and 5.1 percent this year, respectfully, compared to 4.7 percent and 3.9 percent in the April survey.

Mexicans are keeping a very close eye on the Federal Reserve of the United States’ intention to gradually phase off its massive assistance. Thus far, this has been welcomed positively from across the border, instead of as a hindrance to financial movements.

In contrast to a drop in Brazil’s anticipated growth in 2022 to 2.2 percent from 2.3 percent, the study predicts Mexico’s GDP would increase 2.9 percent next year, up from 2.5 percent in April.

Analysts at BBVA Mexico said in a statement that they have raised their 2022 GDP projection to 3.0 percent from 2.8 percent due to a better investment picture. This increase will most probably encourage formal private employment to return to pre-pandemic levels in 1Q22.”

Brazilian economy is in a "jobless recovery" following a spike in inflation

According to a Reuters poll, the Brazilian economy will continue to experience a so-called “jobless recovery” following this year’s inflation spike, while forecasts for recovery in Mexico appear stronger amid concerns about a possibly tougher monetary policy in the United States.

On the outside, Brazil’s macroeconomic picture appears to have improved as consumers shake off the COVID-19 epidemic, firms experience a resurgence of M&A activity, and the agriculture industry flourishes on huge international demand. Recent increases in GDP estimates, however, are at conflict with a number of issues. Rising inflation, which is presently the major topic, is expected to be followed by consistently high levels of joblessness into next year’s national elections in Brazil.

Because the economy will need some more time to reabsorb people and restore jobs, average unemployment is estimated to stay in the double digits this year, reaching around 13.6 percent. The rising unemployment rate will restrain services inflation, which accounts for nearly 40% of the headline figure.

According to the median estimate of 20 economists surveyed between July 5 and July 13, Brazil’s average jobless rate for 2021 was projected at a record 14.2 percent in the Reuters survey. This is in contrast to a large increase in GDP estimates.

According to a larger group of 40 respondents, Latin America’s No. 1 economy is expected to grow 5.1 percent in 2021, considerably above the relatively moderate 3.2 percent growth rate recorded in April’s survey. Inflation forecasts have also risen, reaching 6.5 percent from 5.1 percent in the previous quarter.

Many Brazilians have lost their livelihoods as a result of the virus. Many also point the finger to President Jair Bolsonaro’s pro-business stance. Other figures suggest robust employment creation, according to the government.

Bolsonaro and his expected opponent, former center-left President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, have not formally announced their candidacies yet, despite the fact that the 2022 presidential election remains just a year away.

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador of Mexico, however, looks to be on a more solid foundation than his Brazilian counterpart. Although both are embroiled in corruption allegations, Lopez Obrador is under far less scrutiny. Similarly, Mexico’s economy is getting better, with stronger growth and relatively low inflation than that of Brazil. Mexico’s GDP and consumer pricing are anticipated to grow 5.9 percent and 5.1 percent this year, respectfully, compared to 4.7 percent and 3.9 percent in the April survey.

Mexicans are keeping a very close eye on the Federal Reserve of the United States’ intention to gradually phase off its massive assistance. Thus far, this has been welcomed positively from across the border, instead of as a hindrance to financial movements.

In contrast to a drop in Brazil’s anticipated growth in 2022 to 2.2 percent from 2.3 percent, the study predicts Mexico’s GDP would increase 2.9 percent next year, up from 2.5 percent in April.

Analysts at BBVA Mexico said in a statement that they have raised their 2022 GDP projection to 3.0 percent from 2.8 percent due to a better investment picture. This increase will most probably encourage formal private employment to return to pre-pandemic levels in 1Q22.”

ALITA : BATTLE ANGEL

Movie review:

Introduction:
Alita, a female cyborg is revived by cyber medic expert Dyson Ido and she sets out to learn about her past and true identity. The main cast is Rosa Salazar as Alita, Christoph waltz as Dr. Ido and Keean Johnson as Hugo. It was directed by Robert Rodriguez and released on 8 February 2019 in India. It is based on the Japanese manga artist Yukito Kishiro’s 1990s series Battle Angel Alita and its 1993 original video animation adaptation, Battle Angel. Alita is a cyborg who awakens in a new body with no memory of her past and sets out to uncover her destiny. It belongs to the genre of science fiction. The movie was set 300 years after the fall or the big war.


In my opinion, the movie was good enough to be entertaining but not good enough to be talked about for a long period of time. Even though they claim it’s a sci-fi movie, there are a few scenes which would pass for a romantic movie. Alita has the need/drive to find her own self, her own identity but during the end, she aspires to avenge Hugo, her boyfriend who was brutally murdered by Nova, who resides in Zalem.


Alita is someone who is drawn to violence without any hesitation. She was alive even after the span of 300 years. Her brain was intact which shocked Dr. Ido and he realised that she is a warrior from United Republic of Mars (URM) who was considered the enemy and therefore he tried his best to keep her away from danger. Her mission was to end Nova from Zalem but she and her other team mates failed to do so and now, 300 years later, she swore to complete her mission.


In the iron city, where she resides, there’s a play called motorball which can get pretty rough and If one manages to win the final round or become the championship, they are sent to Zalem which the other people, the common citizens don’t even dare to imagine.


Nova isn’t someone who is used to losing, so he hired vector and a cyborg known as Grewishka to end Alita but she was strong enough as her technology was very advanced (URM Technology), so she emerged victorious.


The character I liked the most was Alita. How, even though she remembered nothing, she still longed to know where she belonged, who she was, her past and unraveling truths about her self. It shows how much important it is to have an identity for oneself and to be able to remember who you are.


I, also liked the character of Dr. Ido, who was hesitant to let her out into the real world at first but later realized that one cannot be kept from their destiny for long, no matter how much they try. He was from Zalem originally but never failed to show his humanity by helping Alita.

Conclusion:
I would recommend this sci-fi movie to an amateur or a beginner who developed new interest in sci-fi movies.
I rate this movie a 7.4/10

ALITA : BATTLE ANGEL

Movie review:

Introduction:
Alita, a female cyborg is revived by cyber medic expert Dyson Ido and she sets out to learn about her past and true identity. The main cast is Rosa Salazar as Alita, Christoph waltz as Dr. Ido and Keean Johnson as Hugo. It was directed by Robert Rodriguez and released on 8 February 2019 in India. It is based on the Japanese manga artist Yukito Kishiro’s 1990s series Battle Angel Alita and its 1993 original video animation adaptation, Battle Angel. Alita is a cyborg who awakens in a new body with no memory of her past and sets out to uncover her destiny. It belongs to the genre of science fiction. The movie was set 300 years after the fall or the big war.

In my opinion, the movie was good enough to be entertaining but not good enough to be talked about for a long period of time. Even though they claim it’s a sci-fi movie, there are a few scenes which would pass for a romantic movie. Alita has the need/drive to find her own self, her own identity but during the end, she aspires to avenge Hugo, her boyfriend who was brutally murdered by Nova, who resides in Zalem.

Alita is someone who is drawn to violence without any hesitation. She was alive even after the span of 300 years. Her brain was intact which shocked Dr. Ido and he realised that she is a warrior from United Republic of Mars (URM) who was considered the enemy and therefore he tried his best to keep her away from danger. Her mission was to end Nova from Zalem but she and her other team mates failed to do so and now, 300 years later, she swore to complete her mission.

In the iron city, where she resides, there’s a play called motorball which can get pretty rough and If one manages to win the final round or become the championship, they are sent to Zalem which the other people, the common citizens don’t even dare to imagine.

Nova isn’t someone who is used to losing, so he hired vector and a cyborg known as Grewishka to end Alita but she was strong enough as her technology was very advanced (URM Technology), so she emerged victorious.

The character I liked the most was Alita. How, even though she remembered nothing, she still longed to know where she belonged, who she was, her past and unraveling truths about her self. It shows how much important it is to have an identity for oneself and to be able to remember who you are.

I, also liked the character of Dr. Ido, who was hesitant to let her out into the real world at first but later realized that one cannot be kept from their destiny for long, no matter how much they try. He was from Zalem originally but never failed to show his humanity by helping Alita.

Conclusion:
I would recommend this sci-fi movie to an amateur or a beginner who developed new interest in sci-fi movies.
I rate this movie a 7.4/10

DARK HUMOR

BY: VAIBHAVI MENON

Black comedy, also known as black humor, dark humor, dark comedy, morbid humor, edgy humor, or gallows humor, is a style of comedy that makes light of subject matter that is generally considered taboo, particularly subjects that are normally considered serious or painful to discuss. Writers and comedians often use it as a tool for exploring vulgar issues by provoking discomfort, serious thought, and amusement for their audience. Thus, in fiction, for example, the term black comedy can also refer to a genre in which dark humor is a core component. Popular themes of the genre include death, violence, slavery, genocide, discrimination, disease, and human sexuality.

Black comedy differs from both blue comedy—which focuses more on crude topics such as nudity, sex, and bodily fluids and from straightforward obscenity. Whereas the term black comedy is a relatively broad term covering humor relating to many serious subjects, gallows humor tends to be used more specifically in relation to death, or situations that are reminiscent of dying. Black humor can occasionally be related to the grotesque genre. Literary critics have associated black comedy and black humor with authors as early as the ancient Greeks with Aristophanes. Does dark humor make you laugh? You know, all those jokes about painful or taboo subjects such as death, disease, deformity, or sexuality? Well, researchers say that if you appreciate or indulge in dark humor, also known as morbid humor, black comedy or gallows humor, you are probably not just a genius, but also show lesser aggression and are less negative. Not everyone has the nerves or intelligence for morbid humor. You need the nerves because you are making fun of taboo subjects, and getting others to laugh along with you. And intelligence, because understanding dark humor demands astuteness since it is not as easy to understand as your regular everyday jokes. It requires unraveling intelligent word play, and also demands better emotional control so that you can distance yourself from the content and enjoy the joke! When you try to unravel a single word’s multiple meanings, you are pitting your brain’s left and right hemispheres against each other. Top that with trying to disentangle complex emotions about taboo subjects, as well as laugh at them – and you are right out of your emotional comfort zone! From high profile comedians to teens on TikTok, dark humor is a form of comedy utilized across all media platforms. It can bring people together to make light of an unfortunate situation and it can isolate those at the brunt end of the joke. The idea of dark humor is controversial at its core, especially considering that its subjects are often disputed. The harsh and edgy jokes are meant to poke fun at otherwise not humorous situations. 

One of the biggest components of dark humor is the ability of the user to draw on personal experiences, especially difficult ones, to bring levity to it and connect with others that have similar experiences. Race- or gender-based jokes can be funny when made by a person within the demographic of which they are making fun.  When a joke is made at the expense of others, it crosses the line and becomes offensive. This includes using slurs to describe marginalized groups. When the use of a slur is the only punchline, it is best to rethink the joke.  A good way to judge whether a joke relies solely on insulting a group is whether or not the person would make the same comment in front of those they are describing. If there is any hesitance in whether one would want another to hear or see it, then the joke should not be made in the first place. When making edgy commentary about a friend or family member, it is important to check with them first. Losing relationships is not worth a few laughs at the expense of a loved one.

Star Wars V: Explained

The story picks up 3 years after the events of the last movie. With the Death Star destroyed the imperials are frantically looking for rebels bases. Dark Lord of the Sith Darth Vader commands one such fleet aboard his imperial star Destroyer, Vader is looking for the any signs of the rebel alliance lead by his daughter Leia Organa. Leia and Luke don’t know about their relationship to each other or the true identity of Darth Vader, they were separated at birth to keep them safe. Luke was sent to Tatooine and Leia was sent to Alderran. In the last movie Luke learns about his connection to the Force and uses it in order to destroy the Death star, but with no one around to help him learn his abelites he doesn’t reach his full potential.

The rebels are staioned on the ice planet of Hoth, Luke sets out to investigate a probe that landed on the planet. While investigating the probe, Luke is captured by a yeti like creature known as a Wampa. Luke defeats the Wampa using the Force but is about to succumb to Hypothermia, the Force ghost of his former mentor Oni-Wan Kenobi instructs Luke to go to Dagobah. Worried about Luke Han Solo sets out to locate Luke, he finds and saves Luke before he could die of Hypothermia. On returning to the base they are alerted about an incoming large scale attack.

The attack consists of large AT-AT walkers and a few TIE fighters, overwhelmed the rebels begin to evacuate. Luke defeats a squadron of AT-AT which help the other rebels escape. Han, Leia, Chewie and C3-PO escape aboard the Millennium Falcon but are forced to hide in an asteroid field due to a malfunctioning hyperdrive. Luke decides to seek out Grand Master Yoda on Dagobah along with R2-D2. Upon reaching the swampy planet of Dagobah Luke finds Yoda who refuses to accept Luke as an apprentice, this reluctance maybe due to how his previous apprentice Count Dooku turned out. After conferring with the Force ghost of Obi-Wan, Yoda accepts Luke as his apprentice and begins training him in the way of the Force.

Solos group manages to evade the imperial fleet and they decide to go to the cloud city of the planet Bespin for repairs. On touch down they are greeted by Han’s old friend and the previous owner of the Millennium Falcon Lando Calrissian. Unbeknownst to the group they were tailed by infamous bounty hunter Boba Fett, son to Jango Fett who served as the template for the clone armies. Fett relays the Falcons location to Darth Vader who then arrives and forces Lando to handover the rebels to guarantee the safety of his people. Vader intends to use the group as bait for Luke Skywalker, he intends to turn Luke to the dark side and fight the emperor for supremacy.

On Dagobah Luke has a premonition of Leia and others being in trouble, he abandons his training against the wishes of Yoda and Obi-Wan to go save his friends.

Vader intends to freeze Luke in carbonite if Luke doesn’t accept his offer to join him. Vader tests his method by freezing Han Solo in carbonite, the frozen Han is taken into custody by Fett on the behalf of mobster Jabba the Hut. Lando saves Leia and Chewie and they get onboard the Falcon to escape the city. Luke arrives on the planet and engages Vader in a duel, Vader being the stronger duelist easily defeats Luke and severs his right hand. Vader tries to convince Luke to join him but Luke persists thinking Vader to be his fathers murderer. Vader tells Luke the truth about himself which Luke refuses to believe, Luke jumps down the air shaft and hangs beneath the floating city.

Luke reaches out to Leia using the Force which prompts Leia to come back to the floating city and save Luke. The group escapes a squadron of TIE fighters when R2 repairs the Falcons Hyperrdrive. They join a rebel fleet for assistance. Luke is outfitted with a prosthetic hand to replace the one he lost, the severed hand is considered an irony by most. Anakin lost his right arm in a similar fashion, fighting the apprentice of Darth Sidious at that time Count Dooku or Darth Tyranus. Luke lost his arm fighting the current apprentice of Darth Sidious Darth Vader or Anakin Skywalker. Lando sets out with Chewie to find Han Solo, promising to right his wrongs.

This wraps the story of Episode V we shall pick up the next chapter soon. Until then may the Force be with you.

Star Wars V: Explained

The story picks up 3 years after the events of the last movie. With the Death Star destroyed the imperials are frantically looking for rebels bases. Dark Lord of the Sith Darth Vader commands one such fleet aboard his imperial star Destroyer, Vader is looking for the any signs of the rebel alliance lead by his daughter Leia Organa. Leia and Luke don’t know about their relationship to each other or the true identity of Darth Vader, they were separated at birth to keep them safe. Luke was sent to Tatooine and Leia was sent to Alderran. In the last movie Luke learns about his connection to the Force and uses it in order to destroy the Death star, but with no one around to help him learn his abelites he doesn’t reach his full potential.

The rebels are staioned on the ice planet of Hoth, Luke sets out to investigate a probe that landed on the planet. While investigating the probe, Luke is captured by a yeti like creature known as a Wampa. Luke defeats the Wampa using the Force but is about to succumb to Hypothermia, the Force ghost of his former mentor Oni-Wan Kenobi instructs Luke to go to Dagobah. Worried about Luke Han Solo sets out to locate Luke, he finds and saves Luke before he could die of Hypothermia. On returning to the base they are alerted about an incoming large scale attack.

The attack consists of large AT-AT walkers and a few TIE fighters, overwhelmed the rebels begin to evacuate. Luke defeats a squadron of AT-AT which help the other rebels escape. Han, Leia, Chewie and C3-PO escape aboard the Millennium Falcon but are forced to hide in an asteroid field due to a malfunctioning hyperdrive. Luke decides to seek out Grand Master Yoda on Dagobah along with R2-D2. Upon reaching the swampy planet of Dagobah Luke finds Yoda who refuses to accept Luke as an apprentice, this reluctance maybe due to how his previous apprentice Count Dooku turned out. After conferring with the Force ghost of Obi-Wan, Yoda accepts Luke as his apprentice and begins training him in the way of the Force.

Solos group manages to evade the imperial fleet and they decide to go to the cloud city of the planet Bespin for repairs. On touch down they are greeted by Han’s old friend and the previous owner of the Millennium Falcon Lando Calrissian. Unbeknownst to the group they were tailed by infamous bounty hunter Boba Fett, son to Jango Fett who served as the template for the clone armies. Fett relays the Falcons location to Darth Vader who then arrives and forces Lando to handover the rebels to guarantee the safety of his people. Vader intends to use the group as bait for Luke Skywalker, he intends to turn Luke to the dark side and fight the emperor for supremacy.

On Dagobah Luke has a premonition of Leia and others being in trouble, he abandons his training against the wishes of Yoda and Obi-Wan to go save his friends.

Vader intends to freeze Luke in carbonite if Luke doesn’t accept his offer to join him. Vader tests his method by freezing Han Solo in carbonite, the frozen Han is taken into custody by Fett on the behalf of mobster Jabba the Hut. Lando saves Leia and Chewie and they get onboard the Falcon to escape the city. Luke arrives on the planet and engages Vader in a duel, Vader being the stronger duelist easily defeats Luke and severs his right hand. Vader tries to convince Luke to join him but Luke persists thinking Vader to be his fathers murderer. Vader tells Luke the truth about himself which Luke refuses to believe, Luke jumps down the air shaft and hangs beneath the floating city.

Luke reaches out to Leia using the Force which prompts Leia to come back to the floating city and save Luke. The group escapes a squadron of TIE fighters when R2 repairs the Falcons Hyperrdrive. They join a rebel fleet for assistance. Luke is outfitted with a prosthetic hand to replace the one he lost, the severed hand is considered an irony by most. Anakin lost his right arm in a similar fashion, fighting the apprentice of Darth Sidious at that time Count Dooku or Darth Tyranus. Luke lost his arm fighting the current apprentice of Darth Sidious Darth Vader or Anakin Skywalker. Lando sets out with Chewie to find Han Solo, promising to right his wrongs.

This wraps the story of Episode V we shall pick up the next chapter soon. Until then may the Force be with you.

State of the Siege: Temple Attack

State of the Siege is a 2021 movie released on Zee5. It is an amazing thriller rescue. State of Siege: Temple Attack is a fictional story, not bearing deliberate resemblance to any events or persons, living or dead. But through the course of its first 30 mins, director Ken Ghosh tries every trick in the book to let you know that he has made a film about the 2002 Akshardham Temple attack in Gandhinagar. State of Siege begins on a promising note, with an opening sequence set in the picturesque hills of the Kupwara District in J&K, at a make-believe Indo-Pak border. Akshaye Khanna plays Major Hanut Singh, the man running a mission to extract a minister’s kidnapped daughter. There are some great visuals in this scene, some atmospheric sound design, and a slow-burn pace that steadily increases as the stakes rise. In more good news, the extras don’t act like they are in a TV commercial. The cinematography and the performances take a plunge when the action moves to the Gujarat temple. Acquaintances are made with characters that will potentially be captured or murdered. From the temple guide to the priest, to the woman visiting the temple with her entire family, not one character seems to belong to our planet. Absolutely everyone is acting extra-happy about their lives. Anyway, none of these gleeful people have been given much thought in the script, by William Borthwick and Simon Fantauzzo. The are all unimaginably decent, just in case you were wondering if they deserve to die. 

Hanut Singh is one of only two characters that are not written as uni-dimensional beings. When his mission from the opening sequence ends poorly, it gives him a reason to prove himself in whatever assignments follow. The other is Gautam Rode’s soldier #2, awaiting the birth of his first baby, but called to duty before he can see her face. Akshaye Khanna delivers a satisfying enough performance as the steely senior soldier, ridiculed by a junior only to ultimately earn his respect. However, it would be a stretch to say that he has been given his due. Someone of his calibre could have accomplished more had the writing been more complex. 

Story Line 

Major Hanut Singh is haunted by his past where he was injured badly in a terrorist attack and lost his colleague when they were close to completing a mission. The state of Gujarat has just calmed due to ongoing riots but a terrorist organization led by Aby Hamza plans to attack a temple in order to free their leader Bilal Naikoo. The terrorists enter the temple and start cross firing and killing whoever comes on their way but further they get orders from Abu Hamza to hold the civilians as captive and demands the government to free their leader Bilal Naikoo or every hour there will be a blood shed. Major Hanut Singh along with his team of NSG commandos decides to lead the mission but his senior’s ask him to back out when he does not follow the orders leading to cross firing between the terrorists and NSG Commandos.