7, Nov 2023
India’s Biggest Pet Festival is Back – Get Ready for Pet Fed 2023!
New Delhi, Nov 7th,2023: – India’s most anticipated pet extravaganza, Pet Fed, is all set to make a grand return, promising an extraordinary experience for pet lovers and their furry companions. As the proud holder of the Limca World Record for the “Biggest Dog Carnival,” Pet Fed is gearing up for its 8th edition, and this year’s celebration is going to be bigger and better than ever before.
Pet Fed will be taking the festivities to six major cities across the country, creating a platform for pets and their humans to come together for a memorable celebration of their unique bond. Here’s the lineup:
● Bengaluru on 25th & 26th November at Jayamahal Palace Grounds
● Delhi on 16th & 17th December at NSIC Grounds, Okhla
● Mumbai on 13th & 14th January at Nesco Grounds, Goregaon
● Pune Express on 10th & 11th February at Westend Mall, Aundh
● Chandigarh on 24th & 25th February at Elante Mall
● Hyderabad on 16th & 17th March at DSL Virtue Mall
Get ready for an enchanting experience as Pet Fed promises to take you and your pets on an unforgettable journey filled with exhilarating activities, fun stalls, and enlightening workshops. With over 100 stalls showcasing the latest in pet products and services, along with numerous activities and workshops, you and your pets are in for a treat.
The festival spread across a magnificent 3-acre space, offers ample room for pets to frolic, play, and interact freely. Pet Fed is known for its inclusivity, welcoming not only proud pet parents but also those who have yet to welcome a furry friend into their lives. It’s a world filled with thousands of pets, where you can experience the joy, love, and boundless compassion that animals bring to our lives.
The visionary behind this pet phenomenon is Akshay Gupta, whose passion for pets has driven the growth and success of Pet Fed. He envisions Pet Fed as a haven for pet lovers and their beloved companions, providing meticulously planned, unique experiences that leave a lasting impact. Speaking about the upcoming event, Akshay Gupta said, “In our journey of growth over the years, we’ve not only expanded in scale but also in the quality of experiences we offer at Pet Fed. Every pet owner, pet enthusiast, and cherished furry companion who joins us at this festival holds a special place in our hearts. Our mission is to ensure they leave with unforgettable memories. With this upcoming edition of Pet Fed, we are poised to raise the bar even higher. We are excited to provide the ever-growing community of pet lovers and their beloved pets with the perfect haven to come together and partake in a series of meticulously planned, unique experiences.”
Get ready to witness incredible activities at Pet Fed, including a Police Dog Show, Training Masterclasses, Hygiene Masterclasses, Pet Keeping Masterclasses, Pet’s Got Talent, a Fashion Show, an International Cat Show, an Agility Area, a Kids Carnival Area, Free Microchipping for Cats, and Free Entry for Indie Pets.
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- By Rabindra
7, Nov 2023
Chingari App Introduces Live Astrology Consultations…
Connect with Expert Astrologers for Personalized Guidance
Bengaluru, 07 Nov 2023: Chingari, the popular social app announces its latest feature that will bring personalized astrology consultations to its users. In a move aimed at enhancing user experience and providing valuable services, Chingari has introduced Live Astrology Sessions on its platform.
This feature, designed to provide users with personalized insights and predictions, connects them with a network of over 1500 astrologers, tarot readers, numerologists, and Vastu experts. Chingari is committed to empowering its users with valuable insights related to marriage, love life, career, and health through this innovative platform.
Users interested in an astrology consultation can choose from a list of certified astrologers available on the Chingari app. Users can connect with their chosen experts for as low as Rs. 30 per minute, making expert guidance accessible to a wide range of individuals. To make things even more enticing, Chingari is offering the first three calls for free, allowing users to experience the benefits of this new feature without any cost.
In addition to enhancing the user experience, Chingari has set an ambitious revenue target of Rs. 25 crore by 2024 from just this feature alone. With its rapidly growing user base and the addition of this new feature, Chingari is well-positioned to achieve its financial objectives while continuing to provide innovative and engaging content to its community.
Sumit Ghosh, CEO and Co-Founder, Chingari said, “ Chingari has always been committed to providing engaging and valuable content to its users. With the introduction of Live Astrology Consultations, the platform is expanding its offerings to cater to the growing interest in astrology and spiritual guidance. This feature aligns with Chingari’s mission to empower users with meaningful and personalized experiences.”
7, Nov 2023
Delhi Public School, Hinjawadi, Mr. Siddharth Rajgarhia Explores and Shares Insights on Innovative Education in Singapore
Pune, 07th November 2023: Siddharth Rajgarhia, Director of Delhi Public School (DPS) campuses in Nashik, Varanasi, Lava Nagpur, and Hinjawadi, recently returned from a visit to Singapore schools, where he observed innovative teaching methods.
During his visit, Mr. Rajgarhia was captivated by the dynamic learning environments created for students of all ages in Singaporean schools. Notably, hands-on learning stations, such as the one where students crafted spaceships from unconventional materials like toilet paper, left a lasting impression, showcasing the power of creativity and immersive educational experiences.
He noticed that schools in Singapore put an emphasis on keeping records to help improve education. This documentation helps to understand what’s working and what needs to change.
The use of natural materials in schools not only connects students to nature but also sparks creativity. It helps students build a deeper connection with their environment. Singapore schools also have clear rules and paths for teachers and students, which Rajgarhia sees as important for growth.
Mr. Rajgarhia commended the clear organizational structure and well-defined career progression pathways within Singapore schools as a forward-thinking approach. Recognizing the importance of such clarity for both staff and students, he envisions implementing similar structures to foster a conducive environment for personal and professional growth within DPS.
While sharing his joy and excitement Mr. Siddharth Rajgarhia, Chief Learner and Director of Delhi Public School of Hinjawadi, Nashik, Lava Nagpur, and Varanasi said, “Cultivating innovation in education is a shared journey, and the insights gained from Singapore have illuminated the path towards a brighter future for Delhi Public School. I’m excited to bring these valuable lessons back to our campuses, fostering a dynamic learning environment for all our students.”
Expressing gratitude for the learning opportunity, Rajgarhia aims to integrate these innovative ideas into DPS’s educational approach, igniting a renewed spirit to elevate DPS to new heights of excellence. Mr. Rajgarhia eagerly anticipates future collaborations that enrich educational communities across DPS campuses, ensuring DPS remains a pioneer in educational innovation and excellence.
7, Nov 2023
NMIMS SOL Indore’s Samatva Garners Appreciation from Legal Luminaries for its Moving Street Act at MPSLSA’s Skill Enhancement Program
Indore, 07 November 2023: Prominent public legal aid body, the Madhya Pradesh State Legal Service Authority (MPSLSA) organized a ‘Skill Enhancement Program’ for Community Mediators on 28 October 2023 to mark the visit of Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Judge Supreme Court of India to the Madhya Pradesh High Court. Students from Samatva, NMIMS School of Law (SOL) Indore’s Legal Aid Society, participated in the event and enthralled the attendees with a performance of a Nukkad Naatak, a street play.
The street play by ‘Samatva’ was an energetic performance and addressed critical issues such as alcohol de-addiction, divorce, gender bias, women empowerment, family dispute mediation, and the role of Para Legal Volunteers (PLVs) in society. The performance mesmerized the high-profile dignitaries and received appreciation from them for their message of starting a conversation on sensitive issues.
Meanwhile, the program held for Community Mediators was aimed at enhancing their proficiency in conflict resolution and mediation, majorly in cases of family disputes. As part of the program, a skill development workshop was organized where legal experts guided Community Mediation Volunteers of the MPSLSA on mediation principles, communication techniques, legal aspects of family disputes, and women’s rights. The program emphasized the importance of empathy, active listening, and neutrality in mediation.
The program was presided over by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sanjay Kaul as the Chief Guest. Dignitaries from the Madhya Pradesh High Court and the MPSLSA also graced the occasion. The prominent guests attending the event included Hon’ble Mr. Justice Vivek Agarwal, Judge, MP High Court (Jabalpur) and Chairman, High Court Legal Services Committee, Jabalpur; Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sheel Nagu, Judge MP High Court (Jabalpur) and Executive Chairman, MP State Legal Services Authority (MPSLSA); Hon’ble Mr. Justice Rohit Arya, Judge, MP High Court (Gwalior) and Chairman, High Court Legal Services Committee, Gwalior; Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari, Administrative Judge, MP High Court (Indore) and Chairman, High Court Legal Services Committee, Indore; Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sujoy Paul, Judge, MP High Court (Jabalpur); Hon’ble Mr. Justice Achal Kumar Paliwal, Judge, MP High Court (Jabalpur); Hon’ble Mr. Justice Anil Verma, Judge, MP High Court (Indore); Hon’ble Mr. Justice Pranay Verma, Judge, MP High Court (Indore); Hon’ble Mr. Justice Subodh Abhyankar, Judge, MP High Court (Indore); Mr. Rajiv Karmahe, Member Secretary, MP State Legal Services Authority (MPSLSA); Mr. Bhagwati Prasad Sharma, Principal District and Sessions Judge, Indore; Mr. Asif Ahmed Abbasi, Secretary, District Legal Service Authority (DLSA); Mr. Sarvesh Chaturvedi, District Legal Aid Officer, Jabalpur and Mr. Mithilesh Deheria, District Legal Aid Officer, Indore.
Commenting on the success of the street play and thanking MPSLSA, Dr. Ashutosh Hajela, NMIMS SOL Indore, said, “Samatva has always been at the forefront of legal advocacy and infusing empowerment in the society. It was a moment of honour for NMIMS SOL Indore and its students to get the opportunity to attend such a prestigious event. It served as a platform for the students to interact and learn from nationally renowned legal luminaries and judicial officials and enhance their knowledge. The program provided students with a chance to advocate legal literacy through creative means like street plays. NMIMS SOL Indore expresses its deep gratitude to MPSLSA for providing us with the opportunity to be a part of such a significant event and looks forward to more such opportunities.”
6, Nov 2023
COLORS joins forces with the Ministry of Women and Child Development to support the ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ initiative
Mumbai, 6th November 2023: COLORS, India’s leading Hindi GEC, today announced its collaboration with the Ministry of Women and Child Development’s ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ initiative, to address the issue of girl child abandonment, through the launch of its new fiction show Doree. Television as a medium has played a huge role in holding a mirror to society and led to many women becoming agents of change.
With an aim to bring societal change and address the gender bias against girl child, through this association COLORS aims to raise awareness about the social evil of girl child abandonment. In addition to launching a primetime show on the subject, as part of this association, COLORS will promote the 24-hour emergency toll-free Childline India helpline number (1098) for those seeking assistance for any abandoned girl child across the nation. Doree, airing every Monday to Friday at 9:00 pm on COLORS, aims to generate popular conversation and thereby raise awareness on the issue of girl child abandonment.
Hon’ble Smt. Smriti Irani, Minister of Women and Child Development and Minority Affairs says, “Just as a nation’s progress is defined by how it treats its women and children, similarly entertainment’s impact is defined by how it can change mindsets. Under the guidance of our honourable PM Shri Narendra Modi, the Ministry of Women and Child Development has made great strides through the ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ initiative in changing the way a girl child is perceived. I’m glad that our country’s foremost entertainment channel COLORS has joined in this initiative to create a show, Doree on the important but often overlooked issue of girl child abandonment. The channel will be raising awareness of our Childline India 1098 helpline amongst viewers and provide the much-needed popular support to this initiative.”
Kevin Vaz, the CEO – of Broadcast Entertainment, Viacom18, says, “We are honoured to be partnering with the Ministry of Women and Child Development to raise awareness about the prevalent issue of girl child abandonment through our new show, Doree and the ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ initiative. As the country’s most-watched primetime entertainment destination, joining forces with the ministry to promote the Childline helpline number through our show is poised to catalyse meaningful behavioural change in society. We are hopeful that Doree will touch the lives of millions of viewers and bring focus on the social evil of girl child abandonment.”
The social drama revolves around a six-year-old Doree fighting against a patriarchal society for her rights and features popular television actors Amar Upadhyay as Ganga Prasad, Sudhaa Chandran as Kailashi Devi Thakur, and child actor Mahi Bhanushali as Doree.
Let’s pledge to bring a change in the society with ‘Doree’ premiering tonight at 9 pm and thereafter every Monday to Friday only on COLORS
6, Nov 2023
CYFIRMA launches India threat landscape report
Mumbai,6th November 2023: CYFIRMA, an external threat landscape management platform, has released the India Threat Landscape Report 2023 focusing on threats targeting India and strategies to counter them.
According to the report, India is the most targeted country, with 13.7% of all attacks followed by the US with 9.6%, Indonesia and China with 9.3% and 4.5% respectively. The number of cyberattacks on government agencies has increased significantly year-on-year. In the second half of 2022, there were 95% more cyberattacks on government agencies than in the same period in 2021. The number of state-sponsored cyber attacks in India increased by more than 100% in 2022 compared to 2021. India was the most targeted country in 2022 as attacks on government agencies more than doubled.
Healthcare is the most targeted sector by hackers followed by education, research, government, and military sectors. The data from the report shows that an organization in India was attacked 1,866 times per week on average in 2022.
The most common types of cyber attacks in India are /phishing attacks, malware attacks, and ransomware attacks. 78% of Indian organizations experienced a ransomware attack in 2021, with 80% of those attacks resulting in data encryption.
Kumar Ritesh, CEO & Founder, Cyfirma, says, “It comes as no surprise that India is the most targeted country in the world by threat actors. India’s growing prominence at the world stage and push from Western economies to favour India over other large countries, a young and tech-savvy population with low cybersec maturity has played a key role in hackers coming after critical assets, govt agencies with an intent to breach them and harm India’s strategic interests. While sectors like BFSI, healthcare and software companies have spent significantly on improving their security posture, there is an urgent need to understand the external threat landscape. We believe that unless you don’t know who to defend against, billions spent in cybersec will not yield expected results.”
India’s geo-political importance has never been greater than it is today. This has given way to threat actors uniting against India. A disturbing trend of North Korean threat actors collaborating with China and Russia has been observed with the former offering itself as a hacker as a service (HaaS) for financial gains.
Between Jan to July 2023, as part of the external threat landscape monitoring and analysis, CYFIRMA observed 39 campaigns targeting various industries in India. Known groups like FancyBear, TA505, Mission 2025, Stone Panda, and Lazarus Group are suspected to be behind these campaigns. Of these 39 campaigns, 14 have been orchestrated by China State-sponsored groups with the intent of espionage. 11 of these campaigns were planned by North Korea-backed hackers as part of HaaS. While 10 attacks originated from Russian threat actors, of which only 4 were state-sponsored.
Key trends and attack methods being used by threat actors:
Ransomware: Ransomware operators are continuously improving their techniques with the intent to intimidate and force victims to pay the ransom. At present, ransomware operators are suspected to follow a 4-layer approach of targeting organizations which includes:
1. Infiltrate into the target organization’s network.
2. Exfiltrate and encrypt data.
3. Demand ransom and “Name & Shame”.
4. Leave behind footprints in the targeted organizations to come back and attack again.
Crimeware- as-a-service: CaaS threats include SMS spoofing, phishing kit, custom spyware, hackers for hire, and exploit kit.
Carpet Bombing of SMEs: SMEs are not spared by cyberwar, businesses of all sizes are targeted.
Supply Chain disruption: Software supply chain will continue to be targeted
With the rising attacks, it is critical for the govts and Organizations to engage a comprehensive ETLM tool, which can take the intel gathered and relate it back to infrastructure, digital footprint, brand, industry, technology, and geolocation. Because when you unify different capabilities, you get a prioritized list of actions to prepare an effective response plan.
6, Nov 2023
1st Congress of the Indian Society of Aesthetic Medicine: COSCON 2023 inaugurated at New Delhi
The Indian Society of Aesthetic Medicine (ISAM) is proud to announce the inauguration of COSCON India 2023, the 1st Congress dedicated to the art and science of Aesthetic Medicine. This exciting event is set to take place on the 4th and 5th of November 2023 at the esteemed venue, The Grand Hotel, located in the vibrant heart of India, New Delhi.
The event will be graced by prominent personalities and dignitaries like Justice Talwant Singh – Delhi High Court Judge; Mr. Deepak Kedia – Inspector General of Police, Head of NSG; IRS Mr. Nagendra Yadav (Commissioner GST Delhi, Ministry of Finance; IFS Mr. Narain Singh, Ambassador of South Africa, MEA (Ministry of External Affairs) and Mr. Kamal Yadav, Chief of Corporate Relations Manager G.E (Great Eastern), India’s largest and oldest Shipping, Former APS to Mine Ministry, Government of India as Guest of Honour alongside many distinguished international speakers and delegates.
CosCon India 2023 promises to be a must-attend gathering, marking a significant milestone in the field of Aesthetic Medicine. The congress will bring together a diverse spectrum of professionals including surgeons, physicians, and experts from various related disciplines, creating an ideal platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and professional growth. Participants from India and around the world will converge to engage in discussions on the latest advancements, challenges, and breakthroughs in the field of healthcare.
The theme of the conference, “COSCON 2023: Aesthetics Beyond Borders,” underscores the constant evolution and global impact of Aesthetic Medicine on the healthcare landscape. This theme reflects the commitment of ISAM to foster collaboration, innovation, and excellence in the field. The conference promises an exceptional program, featuring renowned experts, workshops, panel discussions, and cutting-edge presentations that will equip attendees with the latest knowledge, techniques, and skills to excel in the ever-evolving world of Aesthetic Medicine.
“ISAM is grateful for the support and participation of all attendees, sponsors, and partners who have contributed to the success of COSCON India 2023. This congress represents a significant leap
forward in the advancement of Aesthetic Medicine and ISAM looks forward to continued growth, collaboration, and innovation in the years to come” said Dr. Ajay Rana, Founding President of ISAM and organizing Chairperson of CosCon India 2023.
Prominent keynote speakers who will bring their expertise and insights to the forefront of the Congress include Prof Dr. Kulwant S Bhangoo, USA, Prof Dr. Emanuele Bartoletti, Italy, Dr. Blanca Miller Kobisher, Mexico, Dr. Sergio Rada, Colombia, Dr. Alexandra Rada, Colombia, Prof. Dr. Andrzej Ignaciuk, Poland, Prof Dr. Oksana V. Vladimirova, Russia and many more esteemed professionals in the field.
The congress serves as a comprehensive platform to keep participants informed about the latest developments in aesthetic medicine. Attendees will gain insights into cutting-edge injectable procedures, energy-based technologies, advanced chemical peels, upgraded skin and hair care procedures, effective body contouring techniques, mesotherapy, and many more innovative practices.
CosCon India 2023 is the ideal setting to explore and share the most recent advances in the dynamic world of cosmetic medicine. This event is set to be a star-studded spectacle, with luminaries of the industry hailing from both India and abroad. These pioneers will share their experiences, knowledge, and the latest advancements in the ever-evolving field of aesthetic medicine. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to interact with these global influencers, forging new connections and expanding their horizons.
This congress is a unique platform for all delegates to engage in meaningful scientific discussions and exchange experiences, ultimately broadening the horizons of their clinical practice. This event aims to foster collaboration and catalyse innovations in the realm of Aesthetic Medicine.
4, Nov 2023
Manipal Academy of Higher Education Is Hosting an International Conference in Association with Konrad Adenaeur Stiftung (KAS) on Indo-Pacific; Garners Views of Experts on Regional Cooperation
Bengaluru, 4 November 2023 – Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), in association with Konrad Adenaeur Stiftung (KAS), is hosting an international conference on India and EU in the Indo-Pacific: Strategies, Opportunities, and Challenges on 3rd and 4th November in Manipal, Udupi. The conference, organized by the Manipal Centre for European Studies (MCES) and the Department of Geopolitics and International Relations (DGIR), brings together academicians, diplomats, policymakers, and researchers from India and Europe to deliberate on the role of India and the European Union (EU) in the changing geopolitical dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region.
“The expansion of economic and technological cooperation between the EU and India is mutually beneficial. However, Europe needs to explain its ambivalence in its policy towards China”, said Ambassador Rajiv Bhatia. Delivering the keynote address after inaugurating an International Conference on India and EU in the Indo-Pacific in Manipal, he added, the EU’s inclination to prioritize trade over security and strategy could pose difficulties in the future. He advocated the need for sustained deliberations on rules-based international order, maritime security, and potentials of sustainable development for mutually beneficial and deeper cooperation between the EU and India.
Prof M D Nalapat in his inaugural address echoed the thought: “In a way that benefits all our people, India and EU need to figure out a framework that creates successful collaborative networks.” He invoked the democratic ideals of Konrad Adenaeur, the first Chancellor of West Germany after the second World War, and stressed how such ideals are important in quelling predatory powers in this region.
As a region that accounts for sixty percent of the GDP of the world, the Indo-Pacific has emerged as a site of contestation and has drawn the attention of the global community to reflect on the possibilities of multilateral initiatives, security arrangements, and strategic partnerships. The inaugural session set the stage for the two-day event for discussions on the possibilities of cooperation between India and EU in the Indo-Pacific region to balance trade-dominated relations with geoeconomic and strategic interests along with addressing issues of climate change, biodiversity conservation, and quality healthcare.
The session was presided over by Vice Chancellor, MAHE, Lt Gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh, who observed the key role of universities to nurture and engage young minds to develop international relations and strategies. Fellow panellist, Ms. Simran Dhingra, Head of International Cooperation at KAS, underscored the imperative to bolster India-EU ties on issues of maritime security, defense partnerships, and counter-terrorism, especially since India is being increasingly perceived as a key actor in the Indian Ocean. Prof Neeta Inamdar, Head of the Manipal Center for European Studies (MCES), welcomed the gathering and further remarked, “I hope cooperation becomes the intent of this conference, and we can all look forward to what we can change to make the world a better place”. Prof K P Vijayalakshmi, Head of DGIR, concluded the event with a vote of thanks.
The conference hosts close to thirty delegates from across India and Europe. The sessions over the two days will deliberate on the strategic opportunities and challenges for improving regional cooperation in the Indo-Pacific focusing on issues such as trade and connectivity, climate change, healthcare infrastructure, technological innovation and growth, maritime security, and educational and cultural cooperation.
3, Nov 2023
The Beatles’ “Now And Then” Music Video Details And Global Premiere Plans Unveiled
London – November 3, 2023 – As announced last Thursday, October 26, the last Beatles song, “Now And Then” will be released this Thursday, November 2. Today, Apple Corps Ltd./Capitol/UMe are pleased to share the details and premiere plans for the song’s evocative new music video, which Peter Jackson has directed in his first foray into music video production.
The “Now And Then” music video will premiere worldwide this Friday, November 3 at 2 pm GMT / 10 am EDT / 7 am PDT on The Beatles’ YouTube channel. The poignant and humorous video invites viewers to celebrate The Beatles’ timeless and enduring love for one another with John, Paul, George, and Ringo as they create the last Beatles song.
Tune in HERE this Friday, November 3 at 2 pm GMT / 10 am EDT / 7 am PDT to join others from around the world to celebrate The Beatles’ “Now And Then” music video premiere.
Speaking about directing the music video, Peter Jackson says:
“When Apple asked me to make the music video, I was very reluctant – I thought my next few months would be a hell of a lot more fun if that tricky task was somebody else’s problem, and I could be like any other Beatles fan, enjoying the night-before-Christmas anticipation as the release of a new Beatles song and music video approached – in 1995, l loved the childlike excitement I felt as the release of Free As A Bird was inching closer.
I could have that experience once again – all I had to do was say no to The Beatles.
To be honest, just thinking about the responsibility of having to make a music video worthy of the last song The Beatles will ever release produced a collection of anxieties almost too overwhelming to deal with. My lifelong love of The Beatles collided into a wall of sheer terror at the thought of letting everyone down. This created intense insecurity in me because I’d never made a music video before, and was not able to imagine how I could even begin to create one for a band that broke up over 50 years ago, had never actually performed the song, and had half of its members no longer with us.
It was going to be far easier to do a runner.
I just needed a little time to figure out a good reason for turning The Beatles down – so I never actually agreed to make the music video for Now And Then (in fact I still haven’t to this day).
I told Apple how the lack of suitable footage worried me. We’d need to use a lot of rare and unseen film, but there’s very little … Nothing at all seemed to exist showing Paul, George, and Ringo working on Now And Then in 1995 … There’s not much footage of John in the mid-seventies when he wrote the demo … I grizzled about the lack of unseen Beatles footage from the ’60s … And they didn’t even shoot any footage showing Paul and Ringo working on the song last year.
A Beatles music video must have great Beatles footage at its core. There’s no way actors or CGI Beatles should be used. Every shot of The Beatles needed to be genuine. By now I really had no idea how anyone could make a Now And Then music video if they didn’t have decent footage to work with, and this was far from being a lame excuse. My fear and insecurity now had solid reasons why they should prevail and allow me to say no without looking too much like a chicken.
I knew The Beatles don’t take no for an answer if their minds are set on something – but they didn’t even wait for me to say no. I found myself swept along as they quickly addressed my concerns. Paul and Ringo shot footage of themselves performing and sent that to me. Apple unearthed over 14 hours of long forgotten film shot during the 1995 recording sessions, including several hours of Paul, George, and Ringo working on Now And Then, and gave all that to me. Sean and Olivia found some great unseen home movie footage and sent that. To cap things off, a few precious seconds of The Beatles performing in their leather suits, the earliest known film of The Beatles and never seen before, was kindly supplied by Pete Best.
Watching this footage completely changed the situation – I could see how a music video could be made. Actually, I found it far easier if I thought of it as making a short movie, so that’s what I did… My lack of confidence with music videos didn’t matter anymore if I wasn’t making one.
Even so, I still had no solid vision for what this short film should be – so I turned to the song for guidance.
After we had separated John’s voice on the demo tape over a year ago, Giles had produced an early mix of Now And Then. This had been sent to me back in 2022. I loved it. Since then I must have listened to Now And Then over 50 times, purely for pleasure.
Now I started listening to it intently for different reasons. I was hoping that ideas or inspiration for the short film would somehow float up from the music. And that began to happen. As I kept listening, it felt like the song was creating ideas and images that started forming in my head – without any conscious effort from me.
I teamed up with Jabez Olssen, my Get Back editor, to try and figure ways the new film footage could be used to support these wispy ideas. It was a very organic process, and we slowly started build little fragments, sliding pictures and music around in different ways until things began to click in.
We wanted the short film to bring a few tears to the eye, but generating emotion using only archive footage is a tricky thing. Fortunately, the simple power of this beautiful song did a lot of the work for us, and we finished the first 30 or 40 secs of the film fairly quickly.
Having done that, we jumped straight to the ending and tried to craft something that could adequately sum up the enormity of The Beatles’ legacy – in the last few seconds of their final recording. This proved to be impossible. Their contribution to the world is too immense, and their wondrous gift of music has become part of our DNA and now defies description.
I realized we needed the imagination of every viewer to do what we couldn’t and have each viewer create their own personal moment of farewell to The Beatles – but we had to gently steer everyone to that place. I had some vague ideas but didn’t really know how to achieve this.
Fortunately, Dhani Harrison happened to be visiting NZ at this time. I discussed the ending with him and described one vague idea I’d been toying with. His eyes immediately filled with tears – so that is the way we went.
Jabez and I now began thinking about the middle section. We could actually watch the beginning and end now, and quickly realised our initial plan of having similar emotional power continue through this middle section would be completely wrong. That was not who The Beatles were. At their core, they were irreverent and funny, and the middle section should capture that spirit. We needed to laugh at The Beatles, and laugh with them. They were always sending themselves up – and the more seriously other people took them, the more they would clown around.
Luckily we found a collection of unseen outtakes in the vault, where The Beatles are relaxed, funny, and rather candid. These become the spine of our middle section, and we wove the humour into some footage shot in 2023. The result is pretty nutty and provided the video with much-needed balance between the sad and the funny.
It was finally finished after WētāFX completed a few simple, but tricky VFX shots.
To be honest, while we hope we’ve given The Beatles a suitable final farewell, that’s something you’ll need to decide for yourselves when it’s finally released – only a few days from now.
Having got to the end, I’m very happy I’m not waiting for the release of somebody else’s Now And Then music video. I have genuine pride in what we made, and I’ll cherish that for years to come. A huge thanks to Apple Corps and the Fabs for giving me all the support I needed – and not allowing me to wriggle away.”
The music video’s global premiere will follow the worldwide release of The Beatles’ “Now And Then”/“Love Me Do” double A-side single this Thursday, November 2 at 2 pm GMT / 10 am EDT / 7 am PDT. “Now And Then” was written and sung by John Lennon, developed and worked on by Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, and now finally finished by Paul and Ringo over four decades later. The double A-side single pairs the last Beatles song with the first: the band’s 1962 debut UK single, “Love Me Do,” a truly fitting full-circle counterpart to “Now And Then.” Both songs are mixed in stereo and Dolby Atmos®, and the release features original cover art by renowned artist Ed Ruscha.
Premiering this Wednesday, November 1, ‘Now And Then – The Last Beatles Song’ is a 12-minute short film telling the story of how “Now And Then” was finally finished, almost five decades after it was originally written. This poignant short film, directed by Oliver Murray, tells the story behind the last Beatles song, with exclusive footage and commentary from Paul, Ringo, George, Sean Ono Lennon, and Peter Jackson. The short film will debut online for global viewing on The Beatles’ YouTube channel (7:30 pm GMT / 3:30 pm EDT / 12:30 pm PDT).
On November 10, The Beatles’ 1962-1966 (‘The Red Album’) and 1967-1970 (‘The Blue Album’) collections will be released in 2023 Edition packages by Apple Corps Ltd./Capitol/UMe. Since their first incarnations appeared 50 years ago, these albums have introduced successive generations to The Beatles’ music. Both collections’ track lists have been expanded for the new editions, with all the songs mixed in stereo and Dolby Atmos by Giles Martin and Sam Okell at Abbey Road Studios, aided by WingNut Films’ audio de-mixing technology. The UK single version of “Love Me Do” now kicks off 1962-1966 (2023 Edition) and “Now And Then” is featured on 1967-1970 (2023 Edition) to complete the career-spanning collections, which also include new essays written by journalist and author John Harris.
3, Nov 2023
Asha School Transforms Lives: Religare Enterprises and AWWA Collaborates to Modernise Asha School in New Delhi
New Delhi, 3rd November 2023- Religare Enterprises Limited (REL) and AWWA, today announced their long-standing commitment towards the welfare of specially-abled children through modernisation and holistic development of Asha Schools in New Delhi and elsewhere. 32 Asha Schools are run by AWWA across the country to nurture the potential of specially-abled children. Asha Schools are nurturing about 1200 children across various cities in India which includes 500 wards of serving personnel and veterans of the armed forces and 500 children from civil backgrounds. Furthermore, Religare announced that the company will support an additional 5 schools in Agra, Hissar, Mathura, Jalandhar, and Guwahati.
Through a significant collaboration initiated between REL and AWWA in December 2022 and April 2023, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed for the upgradation and modernization of Asha Schools by REL in New Delhi, Pune, Bengaluru, Lucknow, Secunderabad and Udhampur. Significant infrastructural enhancement has been undertaken by REL in less than a year for Asha School, Delhi for giving it a facelift. Considerable on-ground progress has been achieved in upgrading the schools in other cities as well.
This announcement comes after the successful completion of the first phase of the collaboration that witnessed the modernization of Asha School, Delhi. Replicating the module-based approach implemented at Delhi, REL offers holistic support through various interventions, including the development of the curriculum, infrastructure, and the faculty’s capabilities in other schools as well. Religare also intends to support these schools with the medical and nutritional requirements of the students in addition to provisioning transportation facilities, vocational guidance, and placement and internship assistance.
With the objective of making students financially independent, Religare plans for their gradual introduction to corporations by organizing internship and training opportunities. After their training, Religare will also offer employment within Religare Group companies spread over 100 locations in India.
Speaking about the initiative, Mrs Archana Pande, President AWWA said, “We are delighted to announce our long-term collaboration for six Asha Schools to begin with, which we are hopeful to expand to other Asha Schools as well. The progress made in this short period is a testament to the noble intentions of both partners. Asha Schools have been a beacon of hope and a sanctuary of learning for specially-abled children. Our commitment is to provide them with the best-in-class facilities and opportunities, enabling them to realize their potential and make their mark in society.” She highlighted the achievements of Asha Schools and the endeavours of AWWA and mentioned that the welfare of specially-abled children has always been the key focus area of the organization. REL has ably supported this initiative of AWWA and this collaboration will usher in a brighter future for these children.
Speaking about the initiative, Dr Rashmi Saluja, Executive Chairperson, Religare Enterprises Limited said, “We are pleased to be able to support the development of Asha Schools. At Religare, we believe in creating a positive impact on the communities we serve, and we see this initiative as an opportunity to contribute to the Asha schools’ endeavour to empower specially-abled children. The schools mentor and nurture children admirably, allowing them to reach their full potential. By supporting the education and well-being of these children, we hope to create a better future for them and our society. We aim to partner with all Asha Schools by next year.”
“Through our association, we are also setting an example for our peers in the industry, who can contribute towards building an inclusive society for the children.”
The collaboration that began in December 2022 with Asha School Delhi, has been extended to further cover schools in Pune, Bengaluru, Lucknow, Secunderabad, and Udhampur. There are plans to expand this partnership to other schools as well.
