#mrs india 2021

[simply-ivanka]

Trump Was Good for America’s Alliances

He pushed NATO to spend more on defense, expanded the Quad and facilitated the Abraham Accords.

By Alexander B. Gray Wall Street Journal April 3, 2024

Foreign-policy experts are predictably fretting over Donald Trump’s re-election campaign. They fear that the former president threatens the alliances and partnerships that have sustained global peace since 1945. Should Mr. Trump return to the White House, the thinking goes, he will be unconstrained by the guardrails that prevented him from torpedoing America’s alliances in his first term and will permanently damage both U.S. security and the international order.

This narrative concedes a point that undermines its premise: The U.S. alliance system didn’t crumble during Mr. Trump’s first term. On the contrary, the Trump administration strengthened relations with partners in the Indo-Pacific, Central and Eastern Europe and the Mideast. Anyone who believes that Mr. Trump was once bound by conventional wisdom but won’t be again—and will wreak havoc on the global order he ostensibly detests—hasn’t been paying attention.

To understand Mr. Trump’s record, recall what he inherited. The Obama administration’s disastrous “red line” in Syria, its ill-conceived Iranian nuclear deal, its failure to deter or respond adequately to Russia’s 2014 aggression against Ukraine, its toleration of Chinese malign activity in the South and East China seas, and its promise of a “new model of great-power relations” with Beijing had brought U.S. relations with allies and partners like Japan, Taiwan, Israel, the Gulf Arab states and much of Eastern Europe to a historic low point. Much of Mr. Trump’s tenure was spent not simply repairing those relationships but expanding them in innovative ways.

Mr. Trump appalled many foreign-policy veterans, who thought his rhetoric threatened the world order. In one sense, that fear was absurd: Nearly every American administration has publicly scolded North Atlantic Treaty Organization member countries for shirking their defense-spending commitments. Mr. Trump did likewise—and, perhaps unlike his predecessors, was seen as willing to take decisive action to secure change. Through public and private cajoling—also known as diplomacy—he secured a commitment from NATO members to beef up their contributions. From 2017 through 2021, nearly every signatory raised defense spending, contributing substantially to the alliance’s ability to respond to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

These efforts resulted in a significant redistribution of U.S. forces from legacy bases in Germany to facilities in Poland and the Baltic states, where they are far better positioned to deter Moscow. Along with NATO allies, Mr. Trump provided long-sought Javelin antitank missiles to Ukraine, imposed sanctions against malign Russian actors, and worked with partners to stop the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which would have increased European allies’ energy dependence on Russia. These weren’t the acts of a retrograde isolationist; they were the work of a pragmatist seeking novel solutions to 21st-century challenges.

The administration’s goal of strengthening America’s standing in the world bore fruit, including the Abraham Accords between Israel and several Arab states, a significant upgrade to the Quad alliance among the U.S., India, Australia and Japan, stronger diplomatic relations with Taiwan thanks to unprecedented cabinet-level visits and record arms sales, and an unexpected deal between Serbia and Kosovo.

At each step, Mr. Trump asked his staff to think of creative ways to resolve issues that had bedeviled their predecessors for decades. Doing the same things over and over and expecting different results rightly struck the president as insane.

After three years of press adulation over America’s supposed return to the world stage under President Biden, one might ask: What have Americans and the world gotten from a supposedly more alliance-friendly U.S. president? So far, a catastrophic withdrawal from Afghanistan, the failure of American deterrence in Ukraine, an Iranian nuclear breakout inching ever closer, and an accelerating Chinese threat toward Taiwan. Allies in the Mideast, Eastern Europe, and Asia have begun to chart their own course in the face of an uncertain U.S. trumpet.

The global foreign-policy elite is sowing needless fear around the world by willfully misrepresenting Mr. Trump’s first term and scare-mongering about a second. Should Mr. Trump return to the White House, there will doubtless be sighs of relief among officials in friendly capitals who remember his time in office. It isn’t difficult to understand why: Mr. Trump’s language may make diplomats uncomfortable, but his actions strike fear among those who matter most to American security: our adversaries.

Mr. Gray is a senior fellow at the American Foreign Policy Council. He served as chief of staff of the White House National Security Council, 2019-21.

[beardedmrbean]

Police in India arrested a man after doctors removed nearly 80 needles he allegedly inserted into a young woman’s head to treat her ill health.

The 19-year-old woman from India’s eastern Odisha state is under observation and authorities have ruled out psychological problems at the moment. An investigation is ongoing.

The teen was admitted on Thursday to the state’s Bhima Bhoi Medical College and Hospital with a severe headache. A CT scan revealed multiple needles embedded in her head.

Despite the initial removal of eight needles, her condition did not improve, prompting her referral to Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR), where an additional 70 needles were removed during two surgeries.

Director of the institute, Bhabagrahi Rath, was quoted as saying by the Press Trust of India: “So far, 77 needles have been retrieved from the girl’s head in two surgeries. Fortunately, the needles have not caused any bone injuries, but there are soft tissue injuries on her head.”

Mr Rath also said that the patient was under observation and would be checked for other issues for which she visited the quack doctor, identified as one Tejraj Rana.

Mr Rath also noted that it was premature to assume the problems were psychological.

Since her mother’s death four years ago, the teen had reportedly been frequently ill and sought help from the man in 2021, PTI reported.

The girl’s family stated that they visited Mr Rana when no treatment was providing her relief. The specifics of her illness were not disclosed.

The family said Mr Rana used to take her inside a room to provide “treatment”. They only recently discovered the needles when the girl began complaining of pain.

The Times of India reported that the reason behind the needles being inserted remains unclear at the moment.

Mr Rath told the outlet: “The surgery began around 2 am and lasted for one and a half hours.” He added that “thankfully, none of the needles pierced the skull”.

[madamlaydebug]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RACHEL TRUE!

Born November 15th, we celebrate the 57th birthday of Rachel India True (November 15, 1966 in New York City, NY); an African-American actress. She is best known for her roles in such films as The Craft (1996), Nowhere (1997), and Half Baked (1998). True is also known for her role as Mona Thorne on the UPN sitcom Half & Half, which ran from 2002 to 2006.

True was the middle of three children. Her father is of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, whereas her mother is of African American heritage. Her younger sister, Noel, is also an actress. True attended New York University.

True made her television debut in 1991 on the Cosby Show episode "Theo's Final". In 1993, she moved to Los Angeles and made her feature film debut playing Chris Rock's character's girlfriend in the comedy CB4. On television, she appeared in episodes of Hangin' with Mr. Cooper, Beverly Hills, 90210, Getting By, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Family Matters, Dream On and well as made-for-television movies Moment of Truth: Stalking Back (1993) and A Walton Wedding (1995). In 1995, she had supporting role in the erotic horror film Embrace of the Vampire starring Alyssa Milano.

In 1996, True landed her breakthrough role as Rochelle Zimmerman in the supernatural horror film, The Craft, where she played a member of a teenage coven. True stated that she had to "fight" to audition for the part and was actively going up against her future co-stars Fairuza Balk, Neve Campbell and Robin Tunney. Her role was originally written for a white actress, but that didn't deter her from auditioning. In 1997, she starred in the comedy-drama film, Nowhere alongside James Duval, the film received mixed reviews from critics. The following year, True starred as Dave Chappelle's romantic interest in the comedy film, Half Baked. Also from 1997 to 1998, she also had the recurring role of Janet Clemens on The Drew Carey Show. From 1999 to 2000, she appeared in the ABC drama series, Once and Again.

True appeared in a number of independent movies, include With or Without You (1999), The Big Split (1999), and Groove (2000). She starred alongside Monica and Essence Atkins in the 2000 romantic drama film Love Song. From 2002 to 2006, True starred with Essence Atkins in the UPN comedy series, Half & Half, as paternal half-sisters who barely knew each other until becoming adults. She returned to film, playing the supporting role in the 2007 comedy The Perfect Holiday. The following years, she appeared in a number of smaller and made-for-television films, include The Asylum productions Social Nightmare (2013), Blood Lake: Attack of the Killer Lampreys (2014), Sharknado 2: The Second One (2014), and Sharknado: Heart of Sharkness (2015). In 2017, True worked as a tarot-card reader in Echo Park.

True released her book, True Heart Intuitive Tarot, Guidebook And Deck in 2020. She appeared in horror films Agnes and Horror Noire in 2021. The following year, she joined the cast of the second season of Amazon Prime Video comedy series, Harlem. Also that year, True was cast in Half Baked 2, the sequel to the 1998 cult comedy, reprising her role as Mary Jane Potman.

[saddayfordemocracy]

Rosalind Fox Solomon, “The Forgotten” (1974 to 2019)

Rosalind Fox Solomon is reflecting on her sprawling, decades-long career. The American photographer has documented momentous events in our world’s social history, such as postwar Cambodia, apartheid in South Africa, and Northern Ireland during the Troubles. She has captured devastating natural disasters and unfathomable global poverty.

Mrs Fox Solomon began taking photographs in 1968, while living in the American South. Throughout her vast career, she has photographed people’s resilience; relationships with one another in both joy and pain. Her interest in culture and people underpins the images that we see today.

‘Mexico, 1985’ from The Forgotten (MACK, 2021),

‘Port-au-Prince, Haiti, 1987′  from The Forgotten (MACK, 2021),

‘Belfast, Northern Ireland, 1990′ from “The Forgotten” (Mack, 2021)

‘South Africa, 1995′ from “The Forgotten” (Mack, 2021),

‘Mexico, 1985’ from The Forgotten (MACK, 2021),

‘Israel, 1999′ from The Forgotten (MACK, 2021),

‘Auschwitz, Poland, 2003′ from The Forgotten (MACK, 2021),

‘South Africa, 1988′ from The Forgotten (MACK, 2021),

‘South Africa, 1989 ‘ from The Forgotten (MACK, 2021),

‘India, 1981′ from The Forgotten (MACK, 2021).

Courtesy the artist and MACK

[dracothelizard]

Nine People

Tagged by @sweveris and also @fpwoper

Last Song: Listened to: Edsilia Rombley - Hemel en Aarde (Our 1998 Eurovision entry! You may remember Edsilia from co-hosting Eurovision in 2020 and 2021!

Liked on Spotify: Nanowar of Steel - Norwegian Reggaeton

Last Movie: That I finished watching: HollyBlood, a very silly and surprisingly fun Spanish movie about a teenage boy pretending to be a vampire because his love interest is really into the Twilight rip-off but then OH NOES a real vampire shows up!!

I also started Prey for the Devil but that one was boooooring.

Currently Watching: What We Do In The Shadows, and I am here for the chaos this season, with Laszlo doing SCIENCE on Guillermo while Nandor stews jealously. 10/10.

Also watching Mr. Midnight: Beware The Monsters, a YA show from Singapore about some teens investigating supernatural goings-on in their hometown. There is, of course, an evil rich developer because you have to have that.

Watched the first episode of Tooth Pari, a show from India where a female vampire falls in love with a human dentist.

Currently Reading: Susanna Clarke's Piranesi which has been on my nightstand for over a year and so far, so ??? What is going on, Clarke??? and Richard Hammond's On The Edge, which I found in one of those little free library bookcases a few days ago, because I never read it while I was in Top Gear fandom. Especially curious to see how much of his brain trauma recovery is gonna make me go 'yep, same' even if I didn't go upside down in a jetcar.

Currently Craving: IDK some water I guess.

Last Thing I Searched For Writing: Whether it's possible to crochet a scarf (it is!)

Three Ships: Ed/Stede obv, no one's surprised. Also Laszlo/Guillermo based on their sneaky scientific research, and then Nandor/Guillermo because they should bang. (pay no attention to my Nandor/Guillermo WIP languishing on AO3)

IDK whoever wants to can do this one.

[felipeandletizia]

Felipe and Letizia retrospective: November 10th

2003: 30th Latin American Chamber of Commerces Assembly in Seville

2004: Inauguration of the Technological Center of Research, Development and Innovation of Systems and Components for Automobiles of Ficosa International & Opening night for “84 Sharing Cross Road” the new play of “My Life Without Me” Isabel Coixet, at Teatro Romea, Barcelona.

2009: Visited India and inaugurated a Cervantes Institute (1, 2)

2010: FLOTEX-2010 Exercise of the Navy

2011: Military audiences

2014: Funeral of the 14 victims of a bus accident which happened at Juan Valera pavilion in Bullas, Murcia

2015: Delivered the Spanish Flag to the National Police in Avila (1, 2)

2016: “Francisco Cerecedo Awards 2016” at the Ritz Hotel in Madrid, Spain. (1, 2).

2020: Meeting at the Royal Board on Disability headquarters; Celebration of the 75th anniversary of the UN Charter & 37th King of Spain International Journalism Awards and the 16th “Don Quijote” Journalism Awards

2021: Delivered the Sociology and Political Sciences awards 2019 and 2020; Audience with Mr. Mauricio Claver-Carone, President of the Inter-American Development Bank & Event organized by the BBVA Microfinance Foundation (FMBBVA) “Connected by the digital opportunity”

2022: Audience with congressmen from the US participating in the “Transatlantic Capital to Capital Exchange” Congress & Dinner of the 54th edition of the annual Conference of the International Committee of Museums and Collections of Modern Art (CIMAM)

F&L Through the Years: 1082/??

[whitegownsandflowercrowns]

Saw this thing on this website (all credits to the OP) saying to list your 9 favorite characters and to let people guess what the qualifications are for being one of your favorite characters. So here are mine:

(From top to bottom, left to right): Evie Allen & Phia Saban as Helaena Targaryen in House Of The Dragon (2022-); Mia Wasikowska as India Stoker in Stoker (2013); Kodi Smit-McPhee as Peter Gordon in The Power Of The Dog (2021); Murray Bartlett as Armond in The White Lotus (2021-); Annaleigh Ashford as Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street (2023-2024); Sadie Sink as Max Mayfield in Stranger Things (2016-); Kyle MacLachlan as Dale Cooper in Twin Peaks (1990-1991; 2017); Emily Carey & Olivia Cooke as Alicent Hightower in House Of The Dragon (2022-); Jane Widdop as Laura Lee in Yellowjackets (2021-)

[spectrahr23]

"Washaway"

Washaway Group has experienced remarkable growth in recent years within the Indian market.

Under the business name "Washaway - Your Garment Care Experts," it have established itself as a premier provider of top-tier laundry and dry cleaning services.

Their journey began in 2021 when it was founded Washaway - Your Garment Care Experts' with the aim of becoming a comprehensive clothing care specialist. They have consistently offered a wide range of laundry solutions, including professional dry cleaning and specialized fabric treatments. Its operational headquarters are strategically located in Yeshwantpur, Karnataka, India.

Washaway - Your Garment Care Experts has emerged as one of the leading large-scale commercial laundries in India. Its commitment to service excellence is evident through their operations seven days a week. It firmly believes that convenience and customer satisfaction are at the core of its mission to serve their valued clientele.

Recently, the Human Resources department, under the leadership of Mr. Churiwala, conducted a recruitment drive to address staffing shortages resulting from increased workload demands.

Regrettably, these recruitments were expedited and carried out without due diligence, leading to the hiring of individuals with inadequate skills. Additionally, the training procedures were rushed during this period.

Tragically, an unfortunate incident occurred due to an employee's oversight, resulting in a dryer malfunction that led to the fatality of one of their workforce and left two other employees with severe burn injuries.

Task Description:

As the HR Manager of Washaway, you are tasked with addressing the following critical matters:

1. Compensation for the Family of the Deceased and Injured Employees:

• Formulate a comprehensive compensation plan for the family of the deceased employee and those who suffered injuries in the recent incident.

• Ensure that the compensation is fair, compassionate, and in line with legal requirements and ethical standards.

2. Explanation for the Ignorance Leading to Unskilled Workforce:

• Provide a detailed justification for the circumstances that resulted in the hiring of an unskilled workforce.

• Analyze the factors and processes contributing to this oversight and propose corrective actions to prevent such occurrences in the future.

3. Defense Strategy for the HR Department:

• Develop a strategy for defending the HR department's actions in the aftermath of the incident.

• Outline the steps taken to investigate the incident, improve recruitment and training processes, and reinforce safety measures.

Deliverables:

Prepare a professional PowerPoint presentation consisting of 6 to 8 slides to address the above-mentioned tasks. The presentation should adhere to the following guidelines:

• Each slide should be well-structured, concise, and include key points and visual elements to enhance clarity and engagement.

• Include data, evidence, and best practices to support your proposed solutions and defense strategy.

Deadline: 12:30 PM

Submissions must be made to this email: spectra23.hr@gmail.com

[thorntonkrell-blog-blog]

It's been a very rainy/indoorsy week down here in Charlotte so today we're getting oudda house. We're going to Birkdale to see Asteroid City, the latest Wes Anderson extravaganza.

I'm not a huge fan of Anderson. My three favorite Anderson movies are; "The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou", "The Royal Tenenbaums", and "Fantastic Mr. Fox"

Anderson has a loyal and hip fan base. I am neither lyal nor hip so there's the first problem. Fortunately I probably won't have to put up with the over exaggerated in theater response from his fand who love to siganl how much they "get it" as I imagine our theater will be almost empty.

Asteroid City looks like another yet another aesthetic collision of idiosyncratic characters cast symetrically against an oddly saturated color palette who seem to be speaking in a coded language meant to suggest comedic subtlety.

Anderson illustrates one of the liabilities of the autueur theory. When we notice too many directorial touches, that stylization can come at the expense of the film most partiuclarly in terms of characterization and story telling. This lack of depth in characterization is part and parcel of ensemble casting and the cast for Asteroid City is about as attractive, eccentric and idiosyncratic as it can get in these days of cinematic decline. Let me drop a few names; Tom Hanks, Bryan Cranston, Margot Robbie, Steve Carell, Edward Norton, Jason Schartzman, Jeff Goldblum and Tilda Swanson. All we need for a complete carnival would be the addition of Bill Murray, Owen Wilson, Gwyneth Paltrow and or Adrian Brody. Thank God for semi-discipline.

So yeah, we're gonna give it a try.

Wes Anderson is a highly regarded American filmmaker known for his distinct visual style, meticulous attention to detail, and offbeat storytelling. Here are some notable films directed by Wes Anderson:

"Bottle Rocket" (1996): Anderson's directorial debut, a quirky comedy about a group of friends who plan and execute small-scale heists.

"Rushmore" (1998): A coming-of-age comedy-drama centered around an eccentric high school student named Max Fischer, played by Jason Schwartzman, and his friendship with a wealthy industrialist, played by Bill Murray.

"The Royal Tenenbaums" (2001): A dysfunctional family comedy-drama featuring an ensemble cast that includes Gene Hackman, Gwyneth Paltrow, Ben Stiller, Anjelica Huston, and Luke Wilson.

"The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou" (2004): A comedic adventure film about an oceanographer, played by Bill Murray, who sets out to exact revenge on a mythical shark that killed his partner.

"The Darjeeling Limited" (2007): A visually stunning comedy-drama that follows three estranged brothers, played by Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody, and Jason Schwartzman, as they embark on a train journey across India.

"Fantastic Mr. Fox" (2009): An animated adaptation of Roald Dahl's children's book, featuring the voices of George Clooney, Meryl Streep, and Bill Murray. It tells the story of a cunning fox and his efforts to outwit three evil farmers.

"Moonrise Kingdom" (2012): A nostalgic coming-of-age film set in the 1960s, revolving around two young lovers who run away from their New England town, prompting a search party to find them.

"The Grand Budapest Hotel" (2014): A whimsical comedy set in a fictional European hotel, following the misadventures of a legendary concierge, played by Ralph Fiennes, and his apprentice.

"Isle of Dogs" (2018): Another stop-motion animated film by Anderson, set in a dystopian future Japan where a young boy searches for his lost dog on an isolated trash island.

These films showcase Wes Anderson's distinctive visual style, symmetrical compositions, vibrant color palettes, and eccentric characters. His work often blends comedy with poignant moments and explores themes of family, love, and the human condition.

what are his more current filmsChatGPT

As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, Wes Anderson's most recent film was "The French Dispatch" (2021). However, please note that there may have been subsequent releases or announcements since then that I'm not aware of. "The French Dispatch" is a comedic anthology film set in the fictional French city of Ennui-sur-Blasé. It features an ensemble cast including Bill Murray, Tilda Swinton, Frances McDormand, Owen Wilson, and many others. The film tells various stories published in the eponymous magazine, each presented as a separate article. It encapsulates Anderson's signature visual style and storytelling approach.

why some people aren't fans of WesChatGPT

While Wes Anderson has a dedicated fan base and is highly regarded by many, it's important to acknowledge that not everyone may appreciate his films or become fans. Here are a few reasons why some people might not be fans of Wes Anderson:

Quirky and idiosyncratic style: Wes Anderson's distinct visual style, meticulous compositions, and eccentric characters can be polarizing. Some viewers may find his aesthetic choices, such as symmetrical framing or exaggerated color palettes, to be too stylized or artificial, which may detract from their enjoyment of his films.

Slow pacing and dry humor: Anderson's films often have a deliberate pacing and dry humor that might not resonate with everyone. The emphasis on dialogue-driven storytelling and subtle comedic moments may not appeal to those who prefer fast-paced, action-packed narratives or more overt humor.

Lack of relatability or emotional connection: Some viewers may find it challenging to emotionally connect with Anderson's characters or find them relatable. His films often feature idiosyncratic and quirky characters that can be seen as detached or emotionally distant, which may make it difficult for certain audiences to engage with the story on a deeper level.

Repetitive themes and stylistic choices: Critics argue that Wes Anderson's films can be formulaic, with recurring themes, visual motifs, and character archetypes. While this consistency is appreciated by many fans, others may feel that his work lacks innovation or becomes predictable over time.

Overemphasis on style over substance: Detractors of Wes Anderson sometimes claim that his meticulous attention to visual detail and stylization can overshadow the substance or depth of his storytelling. They argue that his films can prioritize style and aesthetic choices at the expense of character development or thematic exploration.

It's essential to remember that personal preferences in film are subjective, and not every filmmaker or style will resonate with everyone. While Wes Anderson has a dedicated following, it's natural that some individuals may not connect with his films for various reasons.

[sportwizbynavneetoberoi]

BCCI’s Lollipop to the IOC - Turning Cricket into a Global Sport

Cricket, a sport with a staggering fan base of 2.5 billion people worldwide (According to Sport Pledge) is making significant strides towards Olympic inclusion. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has been actively pushing for cricket's inclusion in the Olympic Games, with the ambition to debut at the LA28 Games. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), led by Jay Shah, has played a pivotal role in this endeavor. The Sportwiz explores the journey of cricket towards becoming a global sport, driven by the aspirations of the ICC and the strategic efforts of the BCCI.

source - IOC

Cricket has been making notable appearances in various multi-sport events, such as the Birmingham Commonwealth Games in 2022 and the Asian Games in 2010, 2014, and the upcoming 2023 edition in Hangzhou, Even this years African Games hosted in Ghana will consist of cricket where it will be played in the T20 format. These inclusions highlight the growing recognition and acceptance of cricket as a global sport.

source - ICC

The question arises: Does the Olympics need cricket, or does cricket need the Olympics? Cricket's immense popularity, with a fan base of 2.5 billion people and its status as the second most-watched sport globally, demonstrates the sport's strength and appeal. However, Olympic inclusion would provide an unparalleled platform for cricket to reach new audiences and further boost its global recognition.

source - business today

The ICC's bid for Olympic inclusion emphasized the massive viewership cricket attracts. The 2022 T20 World Cup garnered a staggering 1.2 billion unique viewers globally. Additionally, the 2020 Women's World Cup saw 89 million viewers tuning in, showcasing the increasing popularity of women's cricket. These statistics exemplify cricket's potential as a major draw for broadcasters, sponsors, and fans alike.

India's significance as a cricket powerhouse cannot be overlooked. The country accounts for a substantial portion of cricket's global viewership, with 76% of the 113.5 million viewing hours recorded during major tournaments coming from India. The BCCI, backed by India's massive cricket market, has offered the International Olympic Committee (IOC) a chance to tap into this unique viewership, potentially elevating the Olympic Games' viewership in the Indian subcontinent.

source - InsideSport.in

The BCCI's main revenue stream, broadcasting rights, presents a compelling proposition for the IOC. Currently held by JIO and Viacom 18 for $31 million, these rights contribute to the ongoing profits of the Olympics. If cricket is included in the Olympics, the ICC estimates potential revenue of $130-260 million. These figures highlight the financial gains that could be achieved through cricket's Olympic participation.

The number $31 million USD is larger than the previous years in terms of Olympics in India but if we compare it to a similar number showcasing the money that’s involved in cricket, in the next financial cycle of the BCCI the Pakistan Cricket board ( PCB ) who hold a share of 5.75% is approximately valued at $34.5 million USD.

PCB Chairperson Mr Najam Sethi

source - The Express Tribune

Cricket's economic value has witnessed a remarkable surge, as evidenced by the 300% increase in media rights value for ICC and IPL. The media rights for ICC and IPL soared from ₹16,347 crores to a staggering ₹48,390 crores. This exponential growth further solidifies cricket's position as a lucrative sporting asset.

source - Sportskeeda

With the Indian Premier League (IPL) now ranked as the second most valued sporting league globally, cricket's future looks promising. The IPL's substantial viewership of 380 million domestic TV viewers in the 2021 season and cumulative viewership of 383 billion minutes for the 2020 campaign across TV and digital platforms indicate cricket's enormous potential according to Jay Shah. As cricket continues to captivate audiences, its inclusion in the Olympics could propel the sport to new heights.

The bid to include cricket in the Olympics is anticipated to be decided in the final session of the IOC, scheduled to take place in Mumbai in October. Brisbane 2032 Olympics presents a realistic opportunity for cricket's inclusion, given Australia's cricketing heritage. Surprisingly, Los Angeles may also be a potential host, thanks to the approval of the bid by former Mayor Eric Garcetti, now the US Ambassador to India, fostering stronger relations between India and the USA.

BCCI Secretary Jay Shah ( left ) with US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti ( right )

Source - @USAmbIndia/Twitter

Cricket's journey towards becoming a global sport is gaining momentum, with the ICC and BCCI leading the way. The sport's immense viewership, economic value, and potential for growth make it an attractive addition to the Olympic Games. As the IOC contemplates cricket's inclusion, the world awaits a decision that could redefine the sport and pave the way for a future where cricket becomes truly global.

By Navneet Oberoi

Sources -

ICC

The Economic Times

Espncricinfo

Sports Pro Media

The Guardian

Crictracker

Sawera Pasha

[newstfionline]

Sunday, April 9, 2023

Joyous Holy Week celebrations around the world (AP) From dressing as Roman soldiers in Antigua, Guatemala, to carrying palm fronds on the streets of Lagos, Nigeria, Christians around the world are celebrating Holy Week. For millions of Christians, the week between Palm Sunday and Easter, known as Holy Week, is the most sacred time of the year. It’s the week Christians commemorate the passion of Jesus Christ. The week began with Palm Sunday, where mass at the Vatican was celebrated by Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square the day after he was discharged from the Agostino Gemelli University Hospital in Rome, where the Vatican said he was treated for bronchitis. In Bolivia’s highland region, artists gathered for an annual event where they built sand sculptures based on Bible stories. Members of the faithful in Brazil wore tunics and hoods to take part in the Procession of Souls in Goiás state. And in Managua, Nicaragua, a child dressed as an angel during an event observing Good Friday. In recent years, Holy Week has been scaled back due to COVID-19 restrictions that require precautions such as social distancing and mask use. However, this year many of the faithful gathered in celebrations reminiscent of the era before the virus changed the nature of religious observance.

Stabbing of Cash App Creator Raises Alarm, and Claims of ‘Lawless’ San Francisco (NYT) The fury erupted within hours, as word spread that the 43-year-old man who had been stabbed to death this week in an enclave of high-rise condominiums near the Bay Bridge was Bob Lee, a well-known tech executive. The leaders of “lawless” San Francisco had Mr. Lee’s “literal blood on their hands,” Matt Ocko, a tech entrepreneur and venture capitalist in Palo Alto, Calif., tweeted. “I hate what San Francisco has become,” added Michael Arrington, the founder of the industry blog TechCrunch. “Violent crime in SF is horrific,” Elon Musk, the chief executive of Twitter and Tesla, chimed in. The drumbeat has built since then in the liberal city that only last year recalled its progressive district attorney amid calls for law and order and deepening frustration over the city’s homelessness crisis. While city officials agree that the murder is a terrifying tragedy and a signal that San Francisco has work to do on public safety, they’re also clashing with powerful figures in the tech sector over the nature and severity of the city’s problems with crime. The tension comes at a precarious time, as the tech industry implodes with layoffs and San Francisco itself struggles to bring visitors, conventions and legions of remote workers back to the too-quiet area in and around its downtown.

Resurgent remittances in Mexico (Foreign Policy) Flows of money sent to Mexico from abroad are at historic highs. This February, total remittances to the country accounted for 11 percent more than they did in February 2022, according to Mexico’s central bank. In 2021, Mexico surpassed China to become the country that receives the second-largest amount of remittances in the world. (India is no. 1.) The high tallies may reflect the post-pandemic economic recovery in the United States, where the bulk of the Mexican diaspora lives, the Economist reported.

Deadly Attack Exposes Growing Threat in Mexico: the Military (NYT) Gustavo Ángel Suárez Castillo, an American citizen from San Antonio, piled six friends, including two brothers, into his white pickup truck with Texas plates just before dawn, having spent the night celebrating the news that he was going to be a father. Suddenly, four vehicles filled with armed men began chasing and firing at them. The pickup truck crashed and as the passengers tumbled out, the armed men threw some to the ground, shooting one in the back, survivors told The New York Times. One recounted how he watched his brother slowly stop breathing while the assailants blocked medics from arriving. When it ended, five of the men, including Mr. Suárez, were dead and the other two severely injured. The attackers? Uniformed Mexican soldiers. The shooting in the city of Nuevo Laredo in the early hours of Feb. 26 has been called a coldblooded execution by the survivors and a top government official. So far, four of the 21 soldiers involved in the encounter have been arrested and the case is under investigation by civilian prosecutors and the military. The episode has deepened concerns about the growing footprint of Mexico’s armed forces, which has not only been put in charge of domestic security, but has also been given a rapidly expanding portfolio of businesses, like a new international airport and a major rail line.

Sweden Says State Actor Blew up Nord Stream Pipeline (AP) According to a new statement by Swedish investigators, it’s most likely that a state actor was behind the explosions that took out the Nord Stream gas pipelines late last year. “Our hope is to be able to confirm who has committed this crime,” said the public prosecutor leading the investigation, though he warned that “it should be noted that it likely will be difficult given the circumstances.” While Ukraine and some in the U.S. have blamed Russia for the attacks, investigations have returned a mixed bag of suspects: the New York Times has suggested that a pro-Ukrainian group was behind the attacks, while German media pinned them on a yacht operated by a pro-Ukraine Polish company. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Seymour Hersh also released a report blaming the U.S. for the explosions, though Washington and the U.S. media have dismissed him.

Kremlin says its strategic aim in Ukraine is to create a ‘new world order’ (Guardian) Moscow wants any Ukraine peace talks to focus on creating a “new world order”, the French press agency Agence France-Presse (AFP) quotes Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov as saying. “Any negotiation needs to be based on taking into account Russian interests, Russian concerns. It should be about the principles on which the new world order will be based.” According to the agency, he added that Russia rejects a “unipolar world order led by ‘one hegemon’.” Russia has long said it was leading a struggle against US dominance over the international stage, and argues the Ukraine offensive is part of that fight. The Kremlin said this week it had no choice but to continue its offensive, seeing no diplomatic solution.

Facing critical ammunition shortage, Ukrainian troops ration shells (Washington Post) The artillery shells were stored in a shallow mud dugout, covered with a black plastic tarp to keep them safe. Just 14 rounds remained—evidence of a critical ammunition shortage that has the Ukrainians scrambling for ways to conserve supply until their Western allies can produce or procure more. The artillery platoon, with the 59th Motorized Brigade in eastern Ukraine, used to fire more than 20 or 30 shells per day with their Soviet-era howitzer. Now, they typically shoot one or two, or none at all. The ammunition that has pounded parts of Ukraine daily for more than a year has become a precious resource in the artillery war with Russia—and which side conserves shells and rearms faster could turn the tide on the battlefield. Even amid a shortage, Ukraine is firing some 7,700 shells per day, or roughly one every six seconds. Russia, which may also be running low, is firing more—by some estimates triple that amount.

China flies fighter jets near Taiwan after leader’s US trip (AP) China sent warships and dozens of fighter jets toward Taiwan on Saturday, the Taiwanese government said, in retaliation for a meeting between the U.S. House of Representatives speaker and the president of the self-ruled island democracy claimed by Beijing as part of its territory. The Chinese military announced the start of three-day “combat readiness patrols” as a warning to Taiwanese who want to make the island’s de facto independence permanent. The People’s Liberation Army gave no indication whether they might include a repeat of previous exercises with missiles fired into the sea, which disrupted shipping and airline flights. On Saturday, eight warships and 42 planes were detected near Taiwan, 29 of which crossed the middle line of the strait that separates the island from the mainland, the island’s Ministry of Defense said.

A Historic Handshake (1440) Saudi Arabia and Iran formally reestablished diplomatic relations On Thursday, a significant milestone in the relationship between two of the largest powers in the Middle East. The pair cut off ties seven years ago after Saudi embassies in Iran were attacked following the Saudi execution of a popular Shia cleric. Saudi Arabia and Iran have been engaged in a regional power struggle for decades, exacerbated by the differing sectarian religious views—Saudi is roughly 90% Sunni Muslim, while Iran is about 90% Shia Muslim. The regional conflict has also become a proxy for greater world powers, with Saudi Arabia generally working with the West and Iran forging close ties with Russia and China. Notably, the deal was brokered by China, marking one of the country’s biggest diplomatic moves in modern geopolitics.

Tesla workers shared sensitive images recorded by customer cars (Reuters) Tesla assures its millions of electric car owners that their privacy “is and will always be enormously important to us.” The cameras it builds into vehicles to assist driving, it notes on its website, are “designed from the ground up to protect your privacy.” But a Reuters Special Report shows that between 2019 and 2022, groups of Tesla employees privately shared via an internal messaging system sometimes highly invasive videos and images recorded by customers’ car cameras, according to interviews with nine former employees. One ex-employee described a video of a man approaching a vehicle completely naked. Also shared: crashes and road-rage incidents. One crash video in 2021 showed a Tesla driving at high speed in a residential area hitting a child riding a bike, according to another ex-employee. Two ex-employees said they weren’t bothered by the sharing of images, saying that customers had given their consent or that people long ago had given up any reasonable expectation of keeping personal data private. Three others, however, said they were troubled by it. “I’m bothered by it because the people who buy the car, I don’t think they know that their privacy is, like, not respected … We could see them doing laundry and really intimate things. We could see their kids.”

‘I’ve Lost a Lot of Flesh and Bone,’ Jeremy Renner Says, Recalling Snow Plow Accident (NYT) The actor Jeremy Renner, who was severely injured on Jan. 1 when a heavy snow plow ran over him, said in a TV interview on Thursday night that the truck had hit him as he was trying to save his nephew, an accident that broke more than 30 of his bones and upended his life. Mr. Renner, an Oscar-nominated actor who is perhaps best known for his role as Hawkeye in the Marvel Avengers movie and TV franchise, spoke publicly at length about his frightening experience and arduous recovery for the first time in an interview with ABC News. “I’ve lost a lot of flesh and bone in this experience,” Mr. Renner told the journalist Diane Sawyer. “But I’ve been refueled and refilled with love and titanium.” Doctors interviewed by ABC News said that Mr. Renner’s good physical shape and health had probably helped him survive. About 10 weeks after the accident, Mr. Renner is beginning to regain enough strength to walk with a cane. When asked in the interview if he sees the same face when looking in the mirror, Mr. Renner replied, “I see a lucky man.”

[2023-chaos-crafting]

Settle in for a long story….

We lost our sweet pupper, Friday, last week (Jan 21, 2023). It was sudden and unexpected. She was fine, then all of a sudden she wasn’t. We took her to the emergency vet in the early morning and by noon she was gone.

It turned out she had a tumor/growth in her intestines that blocked her digestive track and eventually ruptured. She had internal bleeding by the time we realized there was something wrong. We were able to be with her at the end, but it was a close thing.

When we lost our other pupper, Mr. Smith, in 2020, the only way to console my overwhelming grief (he was my first baby) was to build him an over the top, gaudy, flashy, shrine. We ordered an actual shrine from India in a beautiful blue (his favorite color). There is an offering tray we leave treats on. His urn is inside the shrine, but outside are his favorite toys, flowers, candles. It’s very dramatic—as he was a very dramatic dog.

So I never really gave a thought to what we’d do for Friday when she passed. I assumed another shrine but in a different color.

Now that she’s gone, I was thinking and thinking of what to do since a repeat of Mr. Smith’s setup wasn’t feeling right.

Over the weekend, I realized her shrine needed to be a princess bed. We bought one. She needs a floating shelf that’s pretty and pink. We bought one. One last thing needs to be settled, though….

Friday has a lamb chop collection that numbers on 20+. We needed something to house her favorite toys. My spouse came up with the idea to have a hanging basket with lamb chops. Her shrine will be more vertical instead of Mr. Smith’s that is very horizontal.

I found a crochet pattern for hanging baskets and it’s perfect!

I made a 14 inch basket and I’m not overly thrilled with the outcome, so I’m going to try again. Either way, I think this will be the perfect solution.

More details on the baskets in another post.

[beardedmrbean]

India has stopped issuing visas to Canadian citizens amid an escalating row over the killing of a Sikh separatist on Canadian soil.

India said the temporary move was due to "security threats" disrupting work at its missions in Canada.

Tensions flared this week after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said India may have been behind the 18 June killing.

But Mr Trudeau said on Thursday he was not looking to provoke India with the allegation.

India has angrily rejected the allegation, calling it "absurd".

Speaking to reporters in New York, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Mr Trudeau said: "There is no question that India is a country of growing importance and a country we need to continue to work with."

He said Canada was not looking to provoke India or cause problems with the allegation but is unequivocal about the importance of the rule of law and protecting Canadians.

Relations between the countries - key trade and security partners, and US allies - have been strained for months. Analysts say they are now at an all-time low.

India's government swiftly made clear the suspension of visa services also "applies to Canadians in a third country".

"There have been threats made to our high commission [embassy] and consulates in Canada," a foreign affairs ministry spokesman in Delhi said. "This has disrupted their normal functioning. Accordingly [they] are temporarily unable to process visa applications."

He said: "India is looking for parity in rank and diplomatic strength between the diplomatic missions of the two countries. This is being sought because of Canadian diplomatic interference in our internal affairs."

Hours earlier Canada had announced it was reducing its personnel in India, saying some diplomats had received threats on social media.

"In light of the current environment where tensions have heightened, we are taking action to ensure the safety of our diplomats," a statement said.

Canada's visa services remain open in India.

The two countries have historic close ties - and much is at stake.

How India-Canada ties descended into a public feud

Why are some Sikhs calling for a separate state?

Canada has 1.4 million people of Indian origin - more than half of them Sikhs - making up 3.7% of the country's population, according to the 2021 census. India also sends the highest number of international students to Canada - in 2022, they made up 40% of total overseas students at 320,000.

According to Indian government statistics, about 80,000 Canadian tourists visited India in 2021, behind only the US, Bangladesh and UK.

The row burst into the open on Monday after Canada linked India with the murder of separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen who was shot dead in his vehicle by two masked gunmen outside a Sikh temple in British Columbia.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Canada's intelligence agencies were investigating whether "agents of the government of India" were involved in the killing of Nijjar - who India designated a terrorist in 2020.

India reacted strongly, saying Canada was trying to "shift the focus from Khalistani terrorists and extremists" who had been given shelter there. The Indian government has often reacted sharply to demands by Sikh separatists in Western countries for Khalistan, or a separate Sikh homeland.

On Thursday, Mr Trudeau was pressed by journalists about what evidence there was that suggested India was linked to the murder.

He did not share further details, but said "the decision to share these allegations was not done lightly".

"It was done with the utmost seriousness," Mr Trudeau said, urging Indian officials to cooperate with the investigation into the killing.

A spokesperson for the Indian foreign ministry said Canada has not shared specific information with India on Nijjar's murder.

"We have conveyed this to the Canadian side, made it clear to them that we are willing to look at any specific information that is provided to us," said Arindam Bagchi on Thursday. "But so far we have not received any such specific information."

The Khalistan movement peaked in India in the 1980s with a violent insurgency centred in Sikh-majority Punjab state.

It was quelled by force and has little resonance in India now, but is still popular among some in the Sikh diaspora in countries such as Canada, Australia and the UK.

[ashishaggarwalacubeventures]

7 Facts You Must Know Regarding Startups In 2023

You are saying that you have a burning inkling that you think could transform the world in any way? Oh, you are desiring about earning millions or even billions of dollars by launching a business around this boiling idea? Then you could probably be the father of a Startup.

Industry professional, Ashish Aggarwal, CEO of Acube Ventures insinuates that Startups are prominent business prototype that steers invention and economic promotion across the world. An exotic set of products and services are established by startups each year. They are the articulation of imaginative and ambitious entrepreneurs who have remarkable ideas.

India has evolved to be the third-largest startup ecological community in the world after the US and China. The first Unicorn was seen in India in 2011, and almost after a decade in 2022, India crossed the mark of 100 Unicorns. The bragging of 100 Unicorns is not an ordinary affair, and that is why the startup ecosystem is flinging in joy and bulging with dignity.

"Startups in India have grown remarkably over the last six years.

The number of newly recognised startups around the world has heightened to over 14,000 in 2021-22 from only 733 in 2016-17, a survey said.

When someone says the word “startup”, we usually instantly think of diverse triumph stories and exponential business expansion. However, in actuality, not all startups are prosperous. We usually only hear about the winners, and that is one-sided information that doesn’t tell the entire story. Everyone wants to listen to favourable achievement anecdotes, but you need to know all of the details if you want your startup to prosper.

Mr Ashish Aggarwal, an Industry Expert and Consultant has laid out 7 most crucial details about startups, including statistics, facts, and trends that will help you give a decent awareness of the universal startup landscape:

1. Dispersion of startups worldwide as per industry - 7.2% of the startups in the world function in the Fintech industry which is followed by the healthcare sector with 6.9%, Artificial intelligence with 4.9%, Gaming industry with 4.7%, Adtech commerce with 3.2%, and Edtech sector with 2.9%. Even though there isn’t entirely accurate data about enterprise dispersion, it’s clear that contemporary startups gravitate more towards the online network, cyberspace, the internet and digital technologies. With this information, we can also discern which industry is adequate for startups at the moment.

2. The valuation of E-Commerce revenues globally is approximately $3.5 trillion - E-Commerce is one out of the most prominent industries for young startups with rapid growth expected in the future. The next enterprise in line is “FinTech” i.e. Financial technology. Another huge focus of new startups is cybersecurity. These companies realize how crucial online security will be in the future. FoodTech combines food and technology and is another famous enterprise for startups. With over $16 billion of investments in 2018, EdTech is coming to be another outstanding startup industry that provides educational technology remedies to people worldwide.

3. Over 68% of startup businesses started as home businesses - The idea has to commence somewhere and form posture. Even though maximum startups don’t have the integral allocation at the onslaught to insulate office expenses, they can launch their operations from home.

4. The ‘sharing economy market' is expected to cross a total revenue of $335 billion by 2025 - In just a matter of a few years, sharing economy startups namely, Airbnb and Uber have grown exponentially and solidified a global existence. At the moment, Airbnb is valued at $24 billion, and Uber is worth $50 billion. In 2014, the total revenue of market sales was $17 billion, which means that in just eight years, the projected earnings of this market grew more than 20 times.

5. AI is presently the most profitable innovation technology -Over 63℅ of entrepreneurs agree that AI, not just presently but for at least the next 10 years is the most prominent technology. The tracts of this technology with the highest potential are autonomous transportation and huge data. Even though these two sectors are already making strides, it’s anticipated that they will flourish substantially in the close future.

6. ByteDance is valued at over $350 billion - The most profitable unicorn company in the world, ByteDance (China) is a tech company that owns Tiktok. There are presently 1000+ Unicorn companies around the world. However, the maximum of them is tracked down in China or the United States.

7. 95% of entrepreneurs that establish startups have at least a bachelor’s degree - Many people claim that education isn’t significant. They talk about Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk as instances. However, the majority of the people who birthed the world’s most triumphant startups have a higher education.

Ashish Aggarwal aspires to watch numerous Indian Startup Parents succeed in their entrepreneurial endeavours, which is why he shares his invaluable insights about startups. According to him, The startup industry will persist to be the driving component for global innovation and business development for many years. Nonetheless, companies must learn how to adapt to trends while being endurable and productive so that more startups can withstand the dynamic business environment.

[zakubabbles]

I posted 5,744 times in 2022

That's 1,791 more posts than 2021!

774 posts created (13%)

4,970 posts reblogged (87%)

My Top Posts in 2022:

#5

Supplies

Tried to make a list of some supplies I use for my twitch stream and thought I'd share. ----------

A lot of my supplies and/ or equipment are old and I've forgotten where I bought them, but I will do my best to link to what I can remember.

TRADITIONAL

Pentel Fude Brush Pen Extra Fine

Faber Castell Pens

Sakura Micron Pens

Prismacolor Double Ended Markers

Prismacolor Premier Colorpencils

Copic Sketch Markers

Dr. P.H. Martin's India Ink

Elmer's Paint Markers

Grumbacher Watercolors

Winsor & Newton Watercolors

TOYS/ MINIATURES/ DOLLS

Prismacolor Watercolor Pencils

Mungyo Soft Pastels

Rembrandt Soft Pastels

Citadel

Army Painter

Green Stuff World

Acrylics Vallejo

Reaper Miniatures, Master Series

Tamiya Paints

Mr. Hobby Mr. Super Clear

DIGITAL

Adobe Photoshop

Manga Studio

Fire Alpaca*

Krita*

See the full post

42 notes - Posted December 11, 2022

#4

I wanna talk dolls with someone.

But I have nothing to say or show.

Hmm.

57 notes - Posted February 19, 2022

#3

I like g3 Frankie, but I also cannot not see them like this in all their dolls so far.

62 notes - Posted September 20, 2022

#2

Me buying all the dolls: I'm gonna make so many customs!

Me after buying all the dolls: . . .

76 notes - Posted June 30, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

Like many, I didn't care for the Skullector Dracula doll. I didn't necessarily want to redesign the doll, but I still wanted to draw something within the limitations of feminine and Dracula's outfit.

Is this any better than the doll? I don't know. Did I enjoy myself and get to draw? Yeah. Success?

But if this were a doll you bet your butt she'd have decent fabric and hemming and top stitching and lining and painted details gdi.

134 notes - Posted June 9, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

[thetalentedmrkashyap]

B-2 : Why Indians Need to Watch Frank Capra’s Movies?

If you're a fan of Old Hollywood, you can realize the significance of Frank Capra (1897-1991) in the American Film Industry. An Italian by origin, he spent 89 years in the United States. His life story was that of a "rags to riches" one - an ideal example of achieving the American Dream. He also served in the United States Army during the Second World War - and made several war documentaries. One can learn about it in the Netflix series Five Came Back - with Guillermo del Toro narrating his story. Capra has influenced many directors of the post-World War II era (from Indian directors like Satyajit Ray & Raj Kapoor to foreign directors like Akira Kurosawa, Steven Spielberg, & Francois Truffaut). But what is it that makes Capra's work evergreen?

Before I start, I wish to talk about my rendezvous with Capra. I first heard about him when he attended the 1972 Oscars to co-present the Best Director Award with Natalie Wood (to William Friedkin for The French Connection). I watched six of Capra's movies between December 2021 and July 2022. They are:

It Happened One Night (1934)

Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936)

You Can't Take It with You (1938)

Mr. Smith s Goes to Washington (1939)

Meet John Doe (1941)

It’s A Wonderful Life (1946)

(1) Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert in It Happened One Night

(2) Raj Kapoor and Nargis in Chori Chori

I loved every single picture. While watching It Happened One Night, I found it similar to the 1956 Raj Kapoor-Nargis starrer Chori Chori (not to mention their final collaboration). The screwball comedy got remade in several Indian languages - even the 1991 movie Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin (with Aamir Khan and Pooja Bhatt). The key themes the movie exhibits are the class and socio-economic differences between the two lead characters - along with love, freedom, poverty, unemployment, etcetera.

It would also be interesting to know that It Happened One Night was the first of the three movies to win the "Big Five" awards at the Oscars: Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Screenplay. The other two movies are One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest (1975) and Silence of The Lambs (1991).

Below are the heroes of Capra:

(1) Gary Cooper in Mr. Deeds Goes to Town

(2) James Stewart in Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

Mr. Deeds and Mr. Smith grabbed my attention because of the themes discussed in the two (like corruption, misuse of power, beliefs in democracy, patriotism, etcetera). The most significant element is the depiction of the ideal 'American Hero' - which one can see in Gary Cooper and James Stewart, respectively. However, the hero is something that every nation wishes to have - including ours. Mr. Deeds Goes to Town got remade in Bengali (Raja-Saja of 1960 with Uttam Kumar) and Tamil (Nallathambi of 1949 with S. Krishnan). Whereas Mr. Smith Goes to Washington did not have an Indian adaptation.

However, Mr. Smith reminded me of how the English tried to suppress such movements during the freedom struggle. Scenes like 'young boys printing newspapers and citizens launching movements to prove a man's innocence & bureaucrats and politicians trying to stop it' remind us of such events. One must remember that it got released less than three years before Gandhiji launched the Quit India movement of 1942. Even after independence, now and then, we come across news headlines featuring similar happenings.

(3) Gary Cooper and Barbara Stanwyck in Meet John Doe

(4) Amitabh Bachchan and Shabana Azmi in Main Azaad Hoon

Meet John Doe is about a "grassroots" political campaign created unwittingly by a newspaper columnist with the involvement of a hired homeless man and pursued by the paper's wealthy owner. The renowned Indian adaptation of the film is the Amitabh Bachchan-Shabana Azmi starrer Main Azaad Hoon (1989). It's one of the rarest movies where Bachchan has not fought the corrupt violently.

Although John Doe survives in the end, Azaad kills himself to stay true to the words of the reporter's fictional character. Azaad could have avoided it - but he did not do it so that the people's anger and urge to fight the corrupt system never cool down. Azaad also leaves a message for his supporters and appeals that Azaad should evolve in them. Capra claimed that he never found a satisfying ending for Meet John Doe. However, Main Azaad Hoon provides a finale that suits the main character's commonality and mythic stature.

(5) Lionel Barrymore, James Stewart, Jean Arthur, and Edward Arnold in You Can’t Take It with You    

And finally, You Can't Take It with You (for which he won his third Directing and second Best Picture Oscar) has a similar theme to It Happened One Night. It's a love story of a successful banker's son and his stenographer. In several Bollywood movies, we see romances between a rich boy and a poor girl (and vice versa) - but they are not like the romances between Capra's characters.  

(6) Donna Reed, Stewart, and Karolyn Grimes in It’s A Wonderful Life

This article would be incomplete without talking about It's a Wonderful Life (his first movie after leaving the Army) - which gives an important lesson about the significance and beauty of human life. It teaches us that our work can impact the people we come across - and those with friends are never lonely.

But that's not all!

We live in his world. It is the "Capra Universe" - where demons of society have surrounded us - and all we need is a "hero" to fight against them. Indeed, there are various Indian movies with similar themes (and distinct from Capra's plots). However, one can the difference only after watching them. Capra has taught us that you can be a rebel or an "angry young man" - without having a gun or a weapon to fight the system and beating up the bad guys. All you must do is to believe in yourself and the moral principles of society. He gave complex social and economic problems a human face - showing unemployment and vast concentrations of economic power.

Elaborating on the themes expressed in Capra's most famous works, two of the most reoccurring subjects are selflessness and a familial sense of community. That's why there is always strong support for the lead characters.

The only difference between Capra's movies and the Indian versions is the inclusion of songs - a standard Indian Cinema formula.

With themes depicted in them and the problems we see around us, Indians must watch some of Capra's movies. There have been directors who have remade them in the Indian context (and there will be in the future, no doubt). However, they won't have the exact authenticity as those of Capra's movies.