April 2, 2024 - My Circle Story - Stories of Business, Fashion, Destination and Trends

April 2, 2024

Rakesh Sharma: Celebrating 40 Years of India’s Space Odyssey

As India commemorates the 40th anniversary of Squadron Leader Rakesh Sharma’s historic flight into space, the nation reflects on his monumental achievement and the enduring spirit of exploration that it represents. In an exclusive interview with NDTV’s Science Editor Pallava Bagla, Rakesh Sharma, now 75 years old, reminisced about his journey to space aboard a Soviet rocket. He expressed his desire to experience the awe-inspiring sights of Earth from space once again, this time as a tourist, relishing the opportunity to marvel at the wonders of the cosmos. Sharma’s iconic response to then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s question about how India appeared from space—“Saare jahan se accha”—captivated the nation and became a symbol of national pride. Reflecting on this momentous occasion, S Somanath, chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), praised Sharma’s journey as an inspiration for the nation and a testament to the limitless potential of human endeavor. The historic significance of Sharma’s mission resonates even today as India prepares for its maiden human space flight, Mission Gaganyaan. ISRO, buoyed by the success of past missions, looks back on Sharma’s pioneering flight with reverence and admiration. On April 3, 1984, Squadron Leader Rakesh Sharma made history as India’s first “Gaganyatri,” spending 7 days and 21 hours aboard the Soviet space station. His journey not only demonstrated India’s technological prowess but also fostered a sense of national pride and unity. As the nation celebrates this milestone, it is a moment to honor Sharma’s remarkable achievement and the lasting impact he has had on Indian space exploration. His legacy serves as a beacon of inspiration for future generations, reminding us of the power of human ingenuity and the boundless possibilities that lie beyond the confines of our planet.

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BTS Shines Bright at the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards

The 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards was a celebration of musical diversity, showcasing talents from across the globe. Among the standout performers were the members of BTS, who emerged as frontrunners, securing significant honors at the prestigious event held at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles on April 1. With the global spotlight increasingly focusing on K-pop, BTS led the charge, cementing their status as icons of the genre. Their achievements at the awards ceremony were nothing short of remarkable, with the group adding several coveted trophies to their collection. BTS, often hailed as prime torchbearers of the Hallyu Wave, have transcended geographical boundaries, captivating audiences worldwide with their music and performances. Their influence extends far beyond their roots in Seoul, South Korea, as they continue to captivate fans across continents. One of the hallmarks of BTS’ success at the iHeartRadio Music Awards has been their unwavering support from their dedicated fan base, affectionately known as the “ARMY.” Since 2018, BTS has consistently secured the Best Fan Army award, a testament to the immense love and loyalty of their fans. In addition to their perennial success in the Best Fan Army category, BTS expanded their winning streak by clinching new titles at the 2024 awards. They triumphed in categories such as Favorite On-Screen and Favorite Debut Album, further solidifying their versatility and appeal across various platforms. BTS’ journey of dominance at the iHeartRadio Music Awards began in 2018, marked by their inaugural victory in the Best Fan Army category. Since then, they have continuously elevated their presence on the global stage, breaking new ground with each subsequent win. A defining moment in BTS’ trajectory came in 2020 when they secured the Best Music Video award for their collaboration with Halsey on the hit song “Boy With Luv.” This milestone not only showcased their artistic prowess but also highlighted their ability to transcend cultural and linguistic barriers through music. The following years witnessed a continuation of BTS’ winning streak, with successive victories in the Best Music Video category for their chart-topping hits, including “Dynamite,” “Butter,” and “Yet To Come.” These accolades underscored BTS’ unparalleled ability to consistently deliver groundbreaking music videos that resonate with global audiences. BTS’ triumphs at the iHeartRadio Music Awards serve as a testament to their enduring impact on the music industry and their unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries and challenging conventions. As they continue to pave the way for future generations of artists, BTS remains at the forefront of shaping the landscape of contemporary music on a global scale.

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Priyanka chopra’s brother Siddharth Chopra and Neelam Upadhyaya’s Roka Ceremony: A New Chapter in the Chopra Family

Priyanka Chopra’s brother, Siddharth Chopra, has found love in Neelam Upadhyaya, and the couple recently shared glimpses of their intimate ‘roka’ ceremony, marking the beginning of their journey together. In a series of photos shared on Neelam’s Instagram handle on April 2, 2024, Siddharth and Neelam can be seen adorned in traditional attire, radiating happiness and love. Siddharth looked dashing in a floral kurta paired with a matching sleeveless jacket, while Neelam stunned in a sequinned purple-toned suit, complemented by soft dewy makeup and pin-straight hair. The joyous occasion was further celebrated with a four-tiered cake featuring pastel icing, adorned with purple and golden accents, and topped with their name initials and a ‘Just Rokafied’ tag. The images captured the essence of their love and commitment to each other. This momentous event marks a new chapter in Siddharth Chopra’s personal life. In 2019, Siddharth was engaged to Ishita Kumar, and their roka ceremony was celebrated grandly, with Priyanka Chopra warmly welcoming Ishita into the family. However, their wedding was called off shortly thereafter, leading Siddharth on a journey to find love once again. The Chopra family, known for keeping their personal lives away from media scrutiny, has graciously shared glimpses of this important milestone with Priyanka’s vast fan base, further endearing themselves to their well-wishers. As Siddharth and Neelam embark on this new journey together, their love story serves as a reminder of hope and resilience, inspiring others to believe in the power of love and second chances. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the happy couple and wish them a lifetime of love, happiness, and togetherness.

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Nikhil Chawla’s Father Falls Victim to “Swiggy Bank Fraud”: A Cautionary Tale

In a now-viral video, food influencer Nikhil Chawla shares a harrowing experience of how his elderly father became the victim of an online fraud perpetrated by individuals posing as representatives of Swiggy. Nikhil recounts how his father, aged 65, ordered breakfast from Swiggy while he was away in Kuala Lumpur. When the order failed to arrive, his father attempted to contact Swiggy’s call center. Unfortunately, he fell prey to a fraudulent number masquerading as Swiggy’s helpline. The scammers, through a UPI scam, managed to deceive Nikhil’s father into transferring ₹35,000. Subsequently, they gained access to his credit card and bank details, resulting in a loss of 2.5-3 lakh rupees. Nikhil emphasizes the importance of caution, especially for older individuals who may not be as tech-savvy. In response to the incident, Swiggy clarified that they do not have an official customer care number and advised using the in-app chat support for assistance. Additionally, they urged reporting such matters to cybercrime authorities. Following Nikhil’s video, Swiggy took action to remove the fraudulent site and provided warnings about online phishing and scams. However, Nikhil highlights the need for these warnings to be available in Hindi and regional languages to cater to a broader audience. This cautionary tale serves as a reminder to remain vigilant against online scams and to educate vulnerable individuals about cybersecurity measures. By sharing his family’s ordeal, Nikhil hopes to raise awareness and prevent others from falling victim to similar fraudulent schemes.

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Ian Garry Sets Sights on Colby Covington: A Clash of Titans Looms

Undefeated welterweight sensation Ian Garry is ready to elevate himself from top prospect to No. 1 contender, and “The Future” knows the fastest way to accomplish that goal is by taking out two-time title challenger Colby Covington, currently ranked three spots above Garry at No. 4 in the 170-pound weight class. Even if it means a plane ride to Miami. “Look, if Colby wants to fight in his back garden tomorrow, I will fly to Miami and fight him in his back garden,” Garry told MMA Fighting. “I don’t care when it is. I just want him as the opponent. I want him to be a man and step into the Octagon and face his fears. Face the man who he’s talked a lot of s*** about, and watch what happens when you get in there. God will be good. He will give me Colby Covington whenever, wherever I want him, and he will say, ‘Ian, have fun.’” Covington and Garry have spent the last few months trading insults on social media, though it’s unclear if the promotion has plans to pair them off in the immediate future. “Chaos” is coming off a unanimous decision loss to Leon Edwards at UFC 296 while “The Future” is not far removed from his judges’ nod over Geoff Neal at UFC 298. “I want to fight him because of the following he has, the respect on his name as one of the better fighters in this division and has been for a long time,” Garry continued. “I want to fight him because of all the s*** that he has talked about me and my family, and I’m going to make sure that he regrets every word he’s said. But I also know that even if it was the best Colby Covington we ever seen, he would never stand a chance against me. No matter how good Colby Covington ever could be or would be, he would never be able to beat me. I’m too elite. I’m too fast. I’m too technically brilliant. He just doesn’t stand a chance.”

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Maidaan: Unveiling the Final Trailer and Ajay Devgn’s Remarkable Transformation

After the box office success of his last film, Vikas Bahl’s home invasion drama Shaitaan, fans of Ajay Devgn can’t wait to see him in a completely new avatar in Maidaan. On the occasion of his 55th birthday, the makers unveiled the final trailer of Maidaan. The final trailer builds on the first one, released a couple of weeks ago. It starts with Priyamani’s character giving a pep talk to her husband Syed Abdul Rahim, played by Ajay. She lauds him for believing that India can achieve football glory in the imminent Olympics, back in the 1950s, in a newly independent nation. Against Gajraj Rao’s bureaucratic character, we see Ajay’s Syed Abdul Rahim pick young footballers from the margins, building India’s underdog team, player by player. However, as we see later in the trailer, Ajay and his team don’t only have to face formidable competition in the stadium, but also the boos of the stadium crowd and of the mob protesting outside, demanding India to “go back.” About Maidaan Talking about the film and his character of Syed Abdul Rahim, Ajay said in a statement, “Apart from being a great story, I never knew that something like that had happened in our country and football had reached its peak and only because of, I can’t say one man, but one man and these players who changed the course of football in the ‘50s and ’60s. In fact, I was shocked and surprised this would have happened and there is a person like him and that was the first thing that this story needs to be told.”

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Inside Arvind Kejriwal’s Routine in Judicial Custody: A Closer Look

The recent development of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal being sent to judicial custody till April 15 in connection with a money laundering case has sparked curiosity about his daily schedule behind bars. Let’s take a closer look at what Kejriwal’s routine might entail during his time in jail: Morning Routine:• Kejriwal, like other prisoners, wakes up at sunrise, around 6:30 am. • Breakfast is served around 6:40 am, consisting of tea and slices of bread. Legal Proceedings:• After morning routines, Kejriwal may head to court for hearings or meet with his lawyers to discuss his case. Midday Meals and Rest Period:• Lunch is served at 11 am, featuring dal, sabzi, rotis, and rice. • Prisoners are required to stay in their cells between 12 pm and 3 pm. Afternoon Activities:• Tea and biscuits are served at 3:30 pm, followed by meetings with lawyers at 4 pm. Evening Routine:• Early dinner is served, similar to lunch, and prisoners are locked in their cells around 7 pm. Leisure and Health Care:• Prisoners have access to television from 5 am to 11 pm, with limited channels available. • Medical staff are available 24/7 for emergencies, with regular checkups for Kejriwal due to his diabetes. • Kejriwal’s lawyers have requested dietary restrictions in consideration of his illness. • Family visits are permitted twice a week, with only pre-approved members allowed to visit. Kejriwal’s time in judicial custody will likely involve a balance between legal proceedings, personal routines, and health care needs. Despite the challenges, his commitment to his duties as Chief Minister and his ongoing legal battle will undoubtedly shape his experiences during this period.

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Empowering Curves: Lea Clothing Co.’s Impactful Pitch on Shark Tank India

In a recent episode of Shark Tank India Season 3, viewers witnessed an intriguing pitch from mother-daughter entrepreneur duo Lavanya Aneja and Kriti Anjea, the founders of Lea Clothing Co. Their brand, dedicated to celebrating women of all shapes and sizes, captured the attention of the Sharks and left a lasting impression on the audience. Lavanya and Kriti showcased their commitment to inclusivity by addressing the cultural stigma surrounding body image in India. They highlighted the disparity between European and Indian perspectives on curves, emphasizing their mission to empower Indian women to embrace their natural shapes with confidence. This bold vision resonated with the Sharks, setting the stage for a riveting negotiation. A key aspect of Lea Clothing Co.‘s pitch was its innovative approach to sizing, tailored specifically to Indian bodies. By offering sizes ranging from XS to 5XL, the brand aims to cater to the diverse needs of its clientele, ensuring that every woman feels comfortable and confident in their clothing. This dedication to inclusivity garnered praise from the Sharks and underscored the brand’s commitment to its core values. Additionally, Lavanya and Kriti introduced the Sharks to Lea’s sister brands, Saanjh by Lea and L’ange by Lea, which specialize in ethnic wear and swimwear/lingerie, respectively. This diversification showcased the brand’s versatility and potential for expansion in the competitive fashion market. One of the standout moments of the pitch was when Lavanya revealed Lea Clothing Co.‘s impressive financial performance. With a valuation of Rs 50 crore, the founders requested Rs 1 crore for a 2% equity stake, a figure that initially surprised the Sharks. However, as Lavanya delved into the brand’s sales figures and profitability, their jaws dropped in awe. The transparency and strategic vision displayed by Lavanya and Kriti further impressed the Sharks, who were intrigued by the brand’s rapid growth and solid business model. From breaking even within four months to achieving net sales of Rs 3 crore in the fiscal year 2022-23, Lea Clothing Co.’s success story captivated both the Sharks and the audience alike. Looking ahead, Lavanya outlined ambitious plans for the brand’s future, including investments in performance marketing, inventory expansion, and retail partnerships. The introduction of the ‘Lea virtual trial room’ highlighted the brand’s commitment to innovation and enhancing the shopping experience for its customers. In conclusion, Lea Clothing Co.’s impactful pitch on Shark Tank India exemplifies the transformative power of entrepreneurship and the importance of embracing diversity in the fashion industry. As the brand continues to empower women and challenge societal norms, it stands poised for even greater success in the years to come.

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CM Punk’s UFC Stint: A Tale of Ambition, Challenges, and Resilience

Phil “CM Punk” Brooks’ foray into the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) will forever be etched in the annals of mixed martial arts (MMA) history, albeit for reasons that may not align with his aspirations. The former World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) champion transitioned from the scripted world of professional wrestling to the unforgiving arena of UFC in late 2014, embarking on a journey that would test his mettle in more ways than one. Debuting against Mickey Gall at UFC 203 in September 2016, Punk found himself thrust into the spotlight as a complete novice in the realm of MMA. Despite his unwavering determination, Punk’s lack of experience proved to be his Achilles’ heel, succumbing to a rear-naked choke from Gall in just over two minutes—a humbling setback for the self-proclaimed “Voice of the Voiceless.” Undeterred by his initial defeat, Punk returned to the octagon two years later to face Mike Jackson in his hometown of Chicago, Illinois, at UFC 225. However, his preparation for the bout was marred by personal and legal challenges, including a contentious legal battle with fellow wrestler Scott “Colt Cabana” Colton. Despite the adversities, Punk displayed resilience and determination, making weight despite struggles with the cut. Although Jackson secured victory via a unanimous decision, the result was later overturned to a no contest following Jackson’s positive drug test for marijuana. Reflecting on his tumultuous UFC journey, Punk candidly shared his thoughts on The MMA Hour, expressing both pride and introspection. Despite the criticism and mockery directed towards him, Punk remains steadfast in his belief that stepping into the octagon was a testament to his ambition and courage. “I made the weight. I made the walk,” he asserted, underscoring his unwavering commitment to challenging himself in the face of adversity. Now back in the realm of professional wrestling and WWE, Punk views his UFC experience as a chapter in his life that ultimately led him back to where he belongs. While some may deride his UFC stint as a failure, Punk remains unapologetic, embracing the journey and the lessons learned along the way. His resilience, ambition, and willingness to embrace challenges serve as a reminder that success is not solely defined by victory but by the courage to pursue one’s dreams, regardless of the outcome. In the end, CM Punk’s UFC journey may be remembered for its trials and tribulations, but it also stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of a man who refused to back down in the face of adversity.

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The End of an Era: Mallikarjun Kharge’s Tribute to Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh

In a poignant letter addressed to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on his retirement from the Rajya Sabha, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge encapsulated the profound impact of Singh’s illustrious career on Indian politics and governance. Kharge commenced the letter by acknowledging Singh’s retirement as the “end of an era,” symbolizing the culmination of over three decades of dedicated service to the nation. He remarked that few individuals could claim to have served with as much dedication and devotion as Singh, underscoring his extraordinary contributions to India’s progress and development. Highlighting Singh’s pivotal role as Finance Minister in the Narasimha Rao government from 1991 to 1996, Kharge lauded his instrumental efforts in steering the country through economic reforms that laid the foundation for India’s emergence as a global economic powerhouse. Singh’s tenure as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014 further solidified his reputation as a statesman of unparalleled integrity and vision. Reflecting on their professional association, Kharge expressed gratitude for the privilege of serving in Singh’s cabinet, describing him as a beacon of wisdom whose counsel was invaluable. Despite the demands of his high office, Singh remained accessible and committed to the welfare of the Congress party, earning the admiration and respect of his colleagues. Kharge also acknowledged Singh’s role in championing inclusive policies, citing the implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) as a testament to his commitment to uplifting marginalized communities. The scheme, aimed at providing livelihood opportunities to rural households, was hailed as a landmark initiative that empowered millions of Indians and restored dignity to the rural poor. In a poignant tribute to Singh’s global stature, Kharge quoted former US President Barack Obama, who remarked, “Whenever the Indian Prime Minister speaks, the whole world listens to him.” This acknowledgment underscored Singh’s influence on the global stage and his role as a respected statesman whose words resonated far beyond India’s borders. As Singh bids farewell to the Rajya Sabha, Kharge’s letter serves as a fitting tribute to a towering figure in Indian politics—a leader whose unwavering commitment to public service and principled leadership left an indelible mark on the nation’s history. Singh’s retirement marks not only the close of a distinguished parliamentary career but also the end of an era characterized by integrity, humility, and a steadfast dedication to the ideals of democracy and inclusive growth.

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