GemsBondIndia

14/03/2022

with .repost
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The pandemic has led to major changes in work styles and attitudes, as expressing one’s individuality through dressing becomes more acceptable in most professions, leading to a shift from structured tailoring to more relaxed cuts. And, there’s also a back-to-basics approach with pieces that are fuss-free, minimal and versatile. As Zoom calls are ditched for office desks, we assess the new rules of workwear. Read via the link in bio.

✒️ .raj.singh bector .official .clothing .street .dance.styleaway .gudwani

16/02/2022

Increased screen time has become the trickiest challenge for parents, especially of young children. Tricky because it first lures us into its trap of comfort... comfort of having a moment or two of our own, which swiftly turns out to be the proverbial Frankenstein for us parents. The Power of Make-Believe, a book about parenting through pretend play by tells us how not to succumb to it and keep your child engaged through many examples of pretend play. My favourite line from the book (which I will quote for many years to come) is that parenting is like folding a fitted bedsheet. No one knows the right way of doing it. So, the earlier you begin practicing it, the better.
The book is easy to read and follow, and kids love it. The pretend play are easy to set up at home and a great way to add value to your kid's day. I am glad that I have been doing some things the right way.

01/02/2022

This homegrown brand is using Japanese matcha tea to create clean beauty skincare products.

This homegrown brand is using Japanese matcha tea to create clean beauty skincare products.

15/01/2022

Shubh Makar Sankranti! May the changing course of Sun bring in better days...
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15/08/2021

Every year, we celebrate our independence and hope we remain free in true sense. This year, we pray and hope to be free of the pandemic and its aftershocks. Happy Independence Day! 🇮🇳
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10/08/2021

If you ever visit the State Bank of India Local Head Office in New Delhi, you will come across two statues each 12.5 feet in size. These might look like any other statues in meditative poses positioned to beautify a building, but a closer look will reveal that these artworks are made with all kinds of e-waste.
Designed and built by Jaipur-based artist Mukesh Kumar Jwala, the statues are called Tapasvi and Manasvi.
Inaugurated in February 2020, the artworks have been made using 400 computers, 2,000 microchips, 400 keyboards and over 200 discarded credit cards. Conceptualised by Vijay Ronjan, CGM, Delhi Circle, SBI, these artworks are a part of the Mother SBI series and mark the bank's commitment towards a sustainable world.
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07/08/2021

It's National Handloom Day. Our feed is filled with selfie in sari and kurta, women weaving on hathkargha in unidentified villages, and this map of our country depicting various handloom tradition of each state, with as the trending hashtag.
But this day also marks the first anniversary of abolishing of All India Handloom Board and All India Handicrafts Board, a platform of artisans to voice their thoughts, challenges, grievances and suggestions. According to the press statement, the step was in 'consonance with the Government of India vision of ‘Minimum Government and Maximum Governance’, a leaner Government Machinery and the need for systematic rationalization of Government bodies, the Government of India has abolished…'
While it remains to be seen what rational steps are being taken to make our nation's rich handloom culture bask in its glory in true sense.
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04/08/2021

Posted • Waste-Ed] You've swallowed 11.6 BILLION microplastics and another 3.1 BILLION nanoplastics by the time you've finished your morning cup of tea! 🤒 Most tea manufacturers make their tea bags with polypropylene (a sealing plastic) to keep the bags from falling apart, causing billions of microscopic plastic particles to be released into your tea when it's brewed. With 159 million cups of tea consumed every single day in the US and tea bags being preferred over loose leaves by 96% of tea drinkers, there's no doubt that most people are drinking plastic without even knowing it. What can you do? Avoid plastic tea bags and only purchase plant-based tea bags or loose-leaf tea! ☕️ 🍃
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FOLLOW - Waste-Ed] 🌎💪💪🏾💪🏼
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ℹ️ National Institute of Health

27/07/2021

Mimi
First thing first, the film begins where the trailer ends (I had expressed my displeasure over trailers becoming spoilers, but I was wrong, at least in this case. Not for Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan). The storyline is so less explored (concept has been explored before in Meghna Gulzar's ahead-of-its-time Filhaal) that you might like to overlook flaws, yo-yo pace of the film, some clichés and some unreasonable situations.
The film comes around the time of looming uncertainty around a ban on commercial surrogacy in India and Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill of 2019 that aims to regulate this industry (research published by Manya Gupta and Shiromi Chaturvedi in Women's Policy Journal).
As for the film, it is funny at places, an almost tear-jerker at others, the end is hopeful and the treatment is, well, Bollywood-ish.
Kriti Sanon's hard work shows, sometimes a little more than it should. Her honest bonding with the child comes through. She has really been trying to push boundaries as much as an artist with a rather conventional beginning can. She accepted a role like Mimi is an indication that she has taken a leap of faith.
Pankaj Tripathi was a big reason for me to watch Mimi. He shines throughout the film. His comic timing, ease of portraying a character and a palpable honesty are a treat. It's time for him to spread his wings and get roles that he truly deserves. Supriya Pathak is so cute, but she reminded me of Hansa Ben of Khichdi. Certain scenes and characters could have been given more screen time instead of songs and dance. AR Rahman... soothing as ever.
Kudos to the team for making a mainstream film around subject of surrogacy. Next on my watch list is Marathi film Mala Aai Vhhaychy! by Samruddhi Porey, which Mimi is a remake of.
Watch it or skip it? Watch it to take a peek into the other side of celebrity surrogacy narrative... and for Pankaj Tripathi.
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27/07/2021

Growing up, we were pretty oblivious to waste management. We knew we had to keep our table, our bed, our room, our home clean, but what happens after we throw out garbage out, was beyond us. Not anymore. I have seen my parents being as aware as us about slthe importance of waste segregation and disposal. Now that two generations have adopted a smart life, the younger generation is better informed, better tuned in to our waste trail. But are we too late to party?
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GemsBondGoesGreen

25/07/2021

Wonderful nature and it's masterstrokes! Humpback whales use a unique hunting technique called bubble netting or lunge netting.
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Posted • .tv
The geometry of whales 🐋
Information:
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Humpback whales use different hunting techniques. One of these techniques is called "Bubble-net feeding" and consists of creating bubble nets to trap the fish and prevent them from escaping.
The whales gather and get under the schools of fish and begin to draw spirals exhaling air. The bubbles end up forming a barrier that forces the prey to concentrate more and more.
As if it were a kind of synchronized swimming, little by little, the humpback whales sing and emerge in the same circumference.
Expert Brian Skerry, who has long observed whales in Alaska, assures that the specimens that participate in the bubble net are not related by blood. This indicates that they are individuals from different families, who meet every summer to hunt like old friends. Some of them have been doing it for more than 40 years. Skerry says that this behavior reveals a high biological intelligence and a wide inner life, which allows them to maintain affective relationships of this type for so long.

23/07/2021

14 Phere
The film begins with... argh let's forget it. Watch it (or not) for cute college romance and making senior girl-junior boy a normal thing. Cut to halfway through the film, the scenario seems so unattainable that you would like to look past the silliness of it, and wait for the next big scene, which it nearly eludes. It's comedy of errors, so there are too many characters coming through. A way too simple end to a rather layered storyline is what was a deal-breaker for me. (and reminded me of Tanu weds Manu climax? Just saying).
If only real life couples could get happy weddings and happier endings (or beginnings, if you will) in real life. Can this film drill some sense into families that guard their honour more than their children? May be not. Will it make some conversations easier for children to have with their family? Hope so. It's overall a happy-go-lucky film around a grim subject such as killing for honour of the family. Does it do justice? It's all about perspective. Vikrant Massey... I am officially in love with his craft. He is like water who dissolves in any role he is essaying and takes it's shape and colour. (And dances so well.) Gauhar Khan has attempted something novel, still her best work for me is Chand Bibi of Ishaqzaade.
The casting for a family from Bihar is nice and rituals have been nailed. Special mention: Priyanshu Singh (he appeared in a tv series called Nimki Mukhia... don't ask me how I know ) for keeping it funny with his one-liners and that perpetually perplexed expression.
Just the music wasn't here nor there, which could have been an added bonus.
Watch it or skip it? If you like simple films with a wedding (or two thrown in), on a weekend, watch it. For rest of you, there's always a room to join.
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20/07/2021

What is it about rain and us? Is it mystic? Is it misery? Is it respite? Is it anxiety? May be it's what we want it to be...
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16/07/2021

: Toofan
I was eagerly waiting for Toofaan's release. Sad to report that the film falls short by more than a whisker...A cliched plot on so many levels... disgraced sportsman, unbelievable comeback (complete with tradegies and weight gain), class divide, religion divide, adamant father, helpless lover, inspiring girlfriend/wife, biased landlords, a stupid mistake, an armchair villain, a shadow of a gang lord...
Farhan Akhtar is the only reason you might enjoy the film. He gets into the character of the boxer like a pro. His hard work shows (no pun intended). I just wish he was a little more convincing as Dongri ka local dada. Mrunal Thakur is different from her peers, which is refreshing. Paresh Rawal looks distant.
The film directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra (he too appears in the film to save the protagonist, more like saving the film, maybe), does include several events like foot overbridge accident of Mumbai, B.E.S.T Bus bomb blast, yet fails to make his characters have a long-term connect with the audience.
And what with the rude kids? Why are filmmakers across genres showcasing rudeness as an acceptable trait in children, be it in advertisements or films. Here we are, parents trying hard to keep our children humble, making them say their sorries and thank yous, and films show kids talking back to adults. Paresh Rawal actually suggests the little girl ti have some sweet. I know what he means.
A film based on sports now needs a makeover in India. We had gems like Bhag Milkha Bhag (Farhaan -Rakeysh duo), Paan Singh Tomar, Dangal, Iqbal, we need to go beyond that.
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10/07/2021

: How To Become A Tyrant?
The docuseries takes us back to the why and how world leaders turned into ruthless dictators. The series is narrated by Game of Thrones actor Peter Dinklage, whose baritone voice and humorous take keeps it interesting. It also clears puts across the importance of seizing the media for casting a larger net of propaganda.
The series, though at several occassions, try to tackle a world event just by scratching the surface. Playing it safe? May be. The series does unequivocally steers the viewers' mind towards piecing together some early signs in today's world leaders... narcissistic, megalomaniac, manipulative? Can you think of someone? 🤭
As for me, this 6 part docuseries reminded me so much of Netflix's History of Swear Words narrated by Nicolas Cage. But then he also appeared onscreen, a bonus... And he is Nicolas Cage (no offence to GOT fans).
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07/07/2021

Maishaa has introduced a sustainable fabric collection by British brand Clarke & Clarke. Available in rustic, soft colours, the fabrics from the Eco collection are made with recycled plastic bottles. According to the brand, recycling 90 plastic bottles on an average creates one metre of fabric. Read more on our website. Link in bio.
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06/07/2021

Posted • Arriving in style at the , Italy.

05/07/2021

The beginner’s guide to a zero-waste lifestyle: Start a backyard compost. While it sounds daunting, but beginning with small steps goes a long way.
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If you need a daily tip on the right way of composting, follow , the cutest, most beautiful diy compost queen on the Internet.
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Layer scraps, vegetable and fruit peels, and other organic materials over soil in a pit. Cover the compost pit. You can dump your kitchen scraps into it and let the soil do its thing, turning everything into humus. You can later use the compost for your flower beds, growing vegetables and fruits etc.
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04/07/2021

Posted • This happen when you are not allowed to go to the restaurant for so long by 🍷🍷
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03/07/2021

Haseen Dillruba is an excruciating journey towards a twist, but too late, too little. Haseen Dillruba was riding high on expectations, given a great pairing of Taapsee Pannu and Vikrant Massey, but begins slow, moves at a snail pace and flatlines before reaching the euphoria. The story is predictable and looses steam once the film reaches halfway through. There are too many loose ends that shows through the screenplay. The characters... parents, friend, neighbours keep vanishing throughout the film without a trace or convincing pretext. The most disturbing thing for me was the background score. It does nothing to the storyline, is too loud or plain miss. When Rani turns to mock the Police inspector, the music romanticises the grimness. There was a time when the police force could convincingly be shown as incompetent or lackadaisical, but not any more. We know how hard the police works. The story not only takes the police for granted, but also projects it in poor light. A blackmail that could be handled by the authorities.leads to gruesome crime... not convincing. Another rather unconvincing thing is how a man without any special skill can turn into a psychopath just by reading a crime novel is abke to chop hands and also swim unhurt in the mighty Ganga (the shoot is done in Haridwar) with one hand! The characters are so poorly crafted without any backstory that it becomes a burden to figure out their intension and background on our own. The saddest part of Haseen Dillruba is it takes the audience on an ill-driven ride, taking them for a fool. We love Vikrant Massey, but he tries so hard that it shows.
Warming: Film trailer and posters can be grossly misleading. (I also want Dinesh Pandit to be dragged to the police station!)
Watch or Skip? If you want your weekend to be dipped in a pool of predictible crime thriller, go ahead with a large bucket of popcorn (you need something fresh, right?) For others, there's always Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara on Netflix.
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02/07/2021

After 62 years of first stepping out in the sun, Barbie has now become eco-conscious. Mattel, Inc. recently introduced its new collection, Barbie Loves the Ocean, which is made from recycled, ocean-bound plastic. The body of three dolls as well as beach shack playset and acessories are made with plastic collected within 50km of waterways in areas where there is a lack of formal waste collection systems.
The collection is a part of brand's new campaign called, The Future of Pink is Green. The company intends to include 100% recycled, recyclable or bio-based plastic materials across all its products and packaging by 2030.
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27/06/2021

Ray
Ray, the Netflix anthology, takes us through the labyrinth of human mind, an organ so powerful that can push us into dark abyss or pull us back into light. Ray is dark, disturbing, but luminous too. Satyajit Ray's short stories have been moulded into visual treats. Decorated with a true ensemble cast, Ray presents some brilliant moments. Manoj Bajpayee can slip in and out of characters like an astute thespian. He has portrayed some remarkable, unforgettable roles in last couple of years. Gajraj Rao... how are you so adorable in every role? Ali Fazal has an engaging method of acting, very unique. Kay Kay Menon takes his character to a place of no return, quite literally. And how we love Chandan Roy Sanyal. He is one actor who perhaps never got his due. He is meant for bigger, better roles. We are waiting. Harshvardhan Kapoor is surprisingly good. He took a long pause after Bhavesh Joshi Superhero, but it did good to him.
Watch or Skip? If you are ready to be tad uncomfortable in your seat, well couch if you will, then watch Ray this weekend. For everyone else, there are reruns of your favourite shows.
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25/06/2021

Grahan
Every year, several films and documentaries are made in Europe about the holocaust... each year, consistently for over seven decades. It's a conscious effort to never forget the tragic history, so it's never repeated. It's unfortunate that only a handful of films have been made about the 1984 Sikh riots...even less as a mainstream film...even lesser that does justice to the horrors one community faced. Grahan, the web series, not only does justice to the unfortunate chapter of Indian history, but also keeps the storyline unfolding gradually, layer after layer, getting prickly and raw with each episode. It tells the tale from a perpetrator's point of view, but it needs to be told nevertheless. The inimitable Pavan Malhotra's portrayal breaks our heart, we can't hate him even if we want to. Actors Zoya Hussain (who played the lead in Mukkabaz) and Anshuman Pushkar (we saw him in Jamtara and Kathmandu Connection) have brought the characters alive in a way that they reach out to us. Wamiqa Gabbi refreshingly yoyos between being headstrong and vulnerable. Special mention: Her freckles! The casting, on-location shoot and on-point accents make the series close to reality. Great direction by A story to be watched and pondered over.
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24/06/2021

One of the first questions that I would invariably ask each time I visited Kanha National Park or Bandhavgarh was , how's the season? I wouldn't mean in term of tiger sightings, but I almost always received the answer around tigers. Who is the dominant male around an area, who's dethroned it's father, which playful cub has turned into a formidable tigress... Over the years, I fell hard and deep in love with the jungle. The jungle set in the tones of amber and juniper hues, sight of Rufous Treepie and Golden Oriole, the incessant sound of brown headed barbet, the gaze of an owlet, the rustle of boars in a bush, the spotted deers... always seconds away from being startled, the nonchalant bison herd crossing the dirt track, the antics of langoors and monkeys, the barking deers' alarm call as a tiger prowls nearby... And the rush of spotting fresh pug marks, the spine chilling wait for a tiger to appear from behind the bushes... And the feeling of hair rising on the back of the neck as a young tigress stops in her tracks to turn and give you the death stare... priceless. Please take me back to jungle.
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21/06/2021

Let Yoga just breathe... No politics, only Yoga!
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19/06/2021

We might just be standing at the threshold of an all-inclusive approach towards human form, and our very own achiever, is a part of it. As Victoria's Secret decides to drop its angels after years of critisism, it has collaborated with icons beyond the boundaries of shape, colour, size, or profession. The masterstroke might be how they converted a critic into an approver. It remains to be seen how it goes from here.
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Posted • Representation matters. It’s crucial for us to show everyone ALL over the world that they matter and are seen! As a founding partner of and advisor to the business this is exactly what I intend to do.

It’s been so incredible to see your reactions to yesterday’s announcement. It’s fuelled me further and I am excited to bring about meaningful change at one of the worlds most iconic brands. I’m so proud to be in the company of the Collective of incredible women that will helm this change ❤️




PS: Thank you to my dream team for always thinking big with me. For going on the wild rides I want to embark upon. And for fighting the big fights! Love you and am especially proud of you on this one!
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18/06/2021

Sherni
I think Sherni is the first honest film about human-tiger conflict, human infiltration into our jungles, the plight of tigers, the eye washing around those dependent on forests for their livelihoods, and the politics around it. Sherni shows how it feels when reality bites (no pun intended). It’s a tragic coincidence that one of news headlines today reads how a tiger was hit and killed on a highway in Madhya Pradesh. The film starts on a sombre notes and ends much the same way, but definitely delivers what it intends to. So, if you are looking for some tacky jungle thriller, please don’t watch it and then complain later. For those who love the wildlife or have been to Bandhavgarh and Kanha (my yearly ritual was to visit these national parks and write about it untill the pandemic hit), the film is a pleasure… thanks to on location shooting, the beautifully captured sights and sounds, the usual characters, the jungle vocabulary, and those two little tiger cubs. Enjoy the film for its brilliant cinematography. I just wish Vidya could fight back, but that’s our system. After Newton (Director Amit Masurkar’ film before Sherni) and Peepli Live, comes Sherni that clearly shows that how India is oblivious to Bharat. Kudos to filmmaker, producers and Vidya Balan for bringing a relevant script like this to us. Also loved how actors are introduced subtly throughout the film. Am I too convinced about the title of the film? Not really!
Amazon Prime Video Vidyabalan
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17/06/2021

You either fall into the category of house proud or you dont. And here's some news for those in the former category. Emery Studio, the bespoke lighting and home décor specialist, has brought to India a beautiful dinnerware and tabletop collection called Fortuny by L’Objet. It's a midsummer night's dream from Venice. Read about the collection on our website. (Link in bio)
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16/06/2021

There are a very few things that I haven't tried when it comes to skincare, but somehow I have always missed out on tea tree oil and products. On a constant quest to find a suitable skincare product for my pigments and clearer skin, I have been using Tea Tree Night Lotion for two weeks now.
The Feel: The thing about Tea Tree oil is that if you are using it for the first time, you are in for a surprise. It has a strong, distinct fragrance. It took me some time to get used to it. The lotion also leaves a tingling sensation on the skin, which gets better in a few seconds.
The Effect: The skin does feel better, smoother. The pigmentation has refused to budge, but may be it will take time to lighten. Rest my bffs would tell me if my skin looks better!
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15/06/2021

A purveyor of sustainable fashion, Stella McCartney's latest collection brings animals and their rights to the forefront. And the video is damn cool too!
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Posted • Autumn 2021 celebrates animals as our equals – shot as a nature mockumentary narrated by legendary British comedian , capturing a world where all species live in harmony. ​
Our most eco-friendly collection ever is available now, kinder to our fellow creatures and Mother Earth. Having never used leather, feathers, fur or skins since day one, join us in creating a cruelty-free society by signing 's petition.
Discover more about and sign the petition on Stella's World (link in bio).
Shot and directed by and