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What is World Photography Day and how to celebrate it?

by Staff Reporter August 19, 2023

written by Staff Reporter

Join the global family of photographers today in the celebration of the art of photography.

Every year, on the 19th of August, photographers from around the world come together to weave the magic of photography. The World Photography Day celebrates the essence of photography in our lives and transformation it has brought into the world by enabling them to capture precious moments of our lives and the world in general.

While this may sound as a celebration exclusive to professionals alone it is an event for anyone who understands what a single image can convey – emotions, stories, and preserving fleeting moments.

Origin and essence of World Photography Day

The roots of World Photography Day trace back to the Daguerreotype process, developed by Louis Daguerre in 1837. It was a monumental milestone in the recognition and journey of photography. Following that, on August 19, 1839, the French government introduced it to the world as a gift to chronicle their lives and all that transpired around them. In doing so, they birthed ‘Photography’ and the tradition of celebrating the ‘World Photography Day’.

The World Photography Day is about embracing a universal language of images, one that transcends all borders – cultural, linguist, mental and others. It is in celebrating the fact that photography can express feelings, share experiences, and convey messages that words often struggle to.

To be frank, photographs can help trigger memories and relive them, initiate virtual dialogues, and unveil a spectrum of diverse perspectives.

Global trends and events

In today’s digital era, photography is accessible like never before. Smartphones, equipped with sophisticated cameras, enable everyone to instantly capture and share moments. On this day, social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter turn into digital galleries showcasing personal visual narratives. Several photography clubs, groups, and institutions hold photography contests, exhibitions, and workshops, celebrating the creativity of photographers worldwide.

Photography has also undergone an evolution in trends over the years. The spectrum of photography ranges from candid street captures to breathtaking landscapes, from experimental abstracts to impactful photojournalism and much more.

How can you celebrate World Photography Day?

Document a day in your life: Capture snippets of your daily routine – from your morning tea to your leisurely strolls, or your daily cherished moments with loved ones, offering a personal glimpse of your little world.

Try exploring new photography perspectives: Why not try experimenting with angles, lighting, and compositions? and while you are at it, why not delve into unfamiliar viewpoints, unveiling novel facets of your subjects, people, places or things? Try out new perspectives of photograhy to evolve as a photographer.

Pay homage to classics

Draw inspiration from iconic photographs or influential photographers. Try to recreate a timeless image in your unique style of photography as a way to pay homage to the righ history of photography.

Share stories that your photographs hold in them

Reveal the stories behind your most cherished photographs – unveiling the situation, emotions, experiences, and moments that had led to capturing them. You will be surprised to see that many would be just waiting to engage into such sparking conversations.

Host a virtual exhibition

The digital realm allows for virtual photography exhibitions. Share your best photographs across all your social media handles. Create an online portfolio or collaborate with fellow photographers, to present a diverse tapestry of images through both online and offline platforms.

Join workshops and webinars

Enhance your skills through photography workshops and webinars. Try to explore and learn about novel techniques, new equipment, and emerging editing tools, taking your photography to new heights.

So you see, the World Photography Day is a celebration for all visual storytellers who manage to freeze instants, encapsulate emotions, and provide windows into distinct realms in their unique styles. This day reminds us that every image carries a narrative, and every photographer offers a distinctive viewpoint of things happening around us.

So, just pick up your camera or smartphone and just step out, even if its just you. Celebrate the World Photography Day in your very small world that you have built around you and be part of the global celebration of photography.

Happy clicking!

August 19, 2023 0 comments

Panvel police to monitor city with 44 newly-installed CCTV cameras

by Staff Reporter August 13, 2023

written by Staff Reporter

These cameras will help the police maintain law and order and handle traffic efficiently.

The Panvel police Station recently deployed 44 CCTV cameras across Panvel. These cameras have been installed at strategic locations that will help monitor the city round the clock.

MLA Prashant Thakur inspected the CCTV control room and on Saturday and appreciated the endeavour. He further discussed the growing need of traffic management in busy areas like the Chilli Gali and Saraf Bazar.

One of the other pressing points that was discussed was the upcoming festival season, and the overwhelming traffic situation it would bring.

The Panvel traffic police will be holding a meeting soon to present a plan to handle the traffic situation during the festivals.

August 13, 2023 0 comments

Featured Global Global News

Peru’s ‘Aliens’ are nothing but gold mining gangs: Peru officials

by Staff Reporter August 13, 2023

written by Staff Reporter

Local villagers had been terrorised by flying, armoured ‘aliens’, eating out faces of their victims

Even as news of ‘7-foot-tall aliens’ attacking villagers of a small village is spreading like wildfire, law enforcers in Peru claim that these ‘hooded beings’ are nothing more than an organised gang mining gold in the local territory, as reported in Wion.

Residents of a small Peruvian village were reportedly being terrorised by flying, armoured aliens who were also said to have attacked a handful of people in the village.

These aliens were also reported to have been unaffected by bullets fired by one of the locals during one such confrontation.

What seemed to have escalated the situation was deep-rooted superstition of the Peruvian people which centres around the ‘los Pelacaras’, or ‘Face Peelers’.

A clip taken by a local village girl also showed a jetpack in action over the village skies.

Peru officials however, have refuted this story, and have claimed it to be nothing more than an elaborate plan of an illegal gold mining syndicate who are instilling fear among the villagers with the sole purpose of keeping them away from their gold pits.

As per officials, these were highly likely to be one or more of drug cartels like Brazil’s ‘O Primeiro Comando da Capital,’ Colombia’s ‘Clan del Golfo,’ FARC. These were said to have ravaged Latin America for many decades in the past.

Peru’s National Prosecutor’s Office said that these jetpacks were first used by these gangs while exploring the forest surrounding the Nanay river in Peru, in search of gold.

A small population of Ikitu who lives in rural Alto Nanay, are surrounded by dense forest. This is where gold is said to be deposited on the riverbeds along the tributaries of the Nanay river, flowing into the Amazon.

The Ikitu members had informed reporters that the siege by the aliens had begun in 11 July. They claimed that a 7-foot-tall creature, dressed in dark-coloured hood had kept attacking them for days.

One of the Ikitu leaders informed that the creature had survived being shot by him twice. He also informed that the community was now in fear of the aliens.

In another incident, a school teacher claimed to have seen eerie beings flying from the ground with the aid of propellers and high-tech equipment.

August 13, 2023 0 comments

Featured Global

International Youth Day 2023: Green skills for young minds

by Staff Reporter August 12, 2023

written by Staff Reporter

The world gets together to discuss and celebrate the youth and ways to empower them to create a sustainable better future for all

The International Youth Day, which is observed annually on 12 August, holds a rather rich history dating back to the year 1965 when the UN General Assembly began considering and prioritizing the notion of youth empowerment. The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), endorsed the recommendation made by the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth on 17 December 1999, and established the World Youth Day. In the following year, on 12 August 2000, the first ever youth day was celebrated.

Significance of the International Youth Day 2023

The International Youth Day recognises and appreciates contributions made by the youth to society, highlighting the active involvement of the youth in social causes. It also talks about their commitment and efforts to develop the communities they live in. The challenges faced by the young, like poverty and illiteracy are also discussed. Though all of this it calls for immediate action for the well-being of the youth.

Theme for the International Youth Day 2023

The theme of the International Youth Day this year is titled ‘Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World’, in a bid to leverage the dire need to empower young minds with the required knowledge and abilities to advocate and lead environmental causes successfully. It is named so in a bid to ignite young minds to create an environment-friendly and sustainable future for all.

The theme is derived from the broader goal of the United Nations for sustainable development which also includes the involvement of the youth in creating an eco-conscious world.

How is the International Youth Day 2023 being celebrated

Today, on 12 August 2023, various events, seminars and workshops are being conducted globally to start a dialogue with the youth of the world and learn about their approach towards global issues, social change and sustainable development. Institutions will also be celebrating the many accomplishments of the youth in their respective areas.

August 12, 2023 0 comments

Lifestyle Pets

A day for the felines: International Cat Day 2023

by Staff Reporter August 8, 2023

written by Staff Reporter

Hello there my fellow cat lovers! On this ‘furry pawsitive’ day dedicated to the enigmatic furballs that have us wrapped around their little paws.

Let us talk a bit about why the world celebrates a day dedicated to cats and why we actually need one.

Origin of International Cat Day:

International Cat Day originated in 2002, owing to the collaborative efforts of animal rights organisations, including the International Fund for Animal Welfare. This day was conceived to celebrate our feline companions and raise awareness about their welfare. Since its inception, it has gained widespread recognition, with cat lovers across the globe joining in to honour these enigmatic and beloved creatures.

Essence of International Cat Day:

International Cat Day is more than just an opportunity to share adorable cat photos on social media (although that’s a delightful part of it). It’s a day to acknowledge the profound connection we share with cats. From their charmingly aloof demeanours to their unanticipated displays of affection, cats enrich our lives in ways that are both heartwarming and amusing. The essence lies in celebrating these furry friends as integral members of our families and advocating for their well-being.

Trends on International Cat Day:

In recent years, the celebration of International Cat Day has taken on an increasingly digital dimension. Social media platforms are flooded with cat-centric content, from heart-melting videos to hilarious memes. Cat influencers have emerged, boasting substantial online followings that are equally fascinated by their captivating antics. This day has also become a platform for fundraising and spreading awareness about issues such as responsible pet ownership, adoption, and the importance of spaying/neutering to control feline populations.

Looking Forward:

As International Cat Day continues to grow in popularity, its influence extends beyond the virtual realm. Shelters and animal welfare organisations often host events, adoption drives, and educational workshops to mark the occasion. The day has evolved into an opportunity for cat lovers to contribute to causes that benefit not only their beloved pets but also the broader feline community. With each passing year, International Cat Day becomes a stronger voice in advocating for the rights, welfare, and celebration of cats everywhere.

August 8, 2023 0 comments

International Sport Sports Uncategorized

Pakistan cricket team to visit India for ICC World Cup 2023

by Staff Reporter August 7, 2023

written by Staff Reporter

The neighbouring country’s team will be visiting despite India’s decision to pull out of the Asian Cup 2023.

The Foreign Ministry of Pakistan has confirmed their cricket team’s visit to India to play their matches fixed for the ICC World Cup 2023, which will start in October, 2023, a Mint report said.

The decision may come as a surprise to many cricket fans who had thought that Pakistan would opt out as a befitting reply to India’s pulling out of the Asia Cup 2023.

The Foreign Minister of Pakistan informed sent out a press release informing about their decision and emphasised on how their country had consistently strived to ‘not mix sports with politics’.

It further read out how they as a country have had a responsible approach as compared to India’s unwillingness to keep sports and politics separate.

It also remarked how sports between the two countries should not suffer the same fate as the two countries’ bilateral relations.

The ministry has also raised concerns about the safety of the Pakistan cricket team and has urged the ICC and the Indian authorities to ensure maximum security for the players during their visit.

Pakistan will be playing a total of 9 matches in 5 cities, and will be clashing with India on 14 October, instead of 15 October as scheduled earlier.

The nail-biting match will be played in the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

August 7, 2023 0 comments

Featured Global News

Hiroshima Day: a reminder for all

by Staff Reporter August 6, 2023

written by Staff Reporter

Let’s understand what the ‘Hiroshima Day’ signifies and the message it sends to the global population.

As the world celebrates the International Friendship Day, some take a moment to remember those slain the bombing in Hiroshima during World War II. On 6 August 1945, a devastating bomb was dropped on the Japanese city of Hiroshima, an act that changed the course of the global war.

While the World War abruptly ended on the Japanese front, it scarred the nations for generations to come – a lesson that changed their approach towards life.

Today, 77 years after the devastating incident, Japan stands out as a harmonious, peace-loving and one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world, much to the awe of all.

Promoting peace and anti-nuclear advocacy:

The observance of Hiroshima Day plays a crucial role in promoting global peace and advocating the need to abolish nuclear weapons. On this day, many global organizations, peace activists, and governments get vocal to raise awareness about the destructive power of nuclear wars and the growing dangers of nuclear proliferation globally, especially among the first nations. They unanimously call for the disarmament of weapons and signing of agreements among different nations.

Remembering the Victims of Hiroshima:

This day serves as a global event platform to remember and honor the many victims of the atomic bombing, including the survivors who suffered for many years from exposure to the radiation caused by the bombing. It encourages people to be empathetic and understanding of the immense suffering that was caused to millions by just one act of war.

Need for diplomatic ways to resolve conflicts:

The events of Hiroshima Day starkly remind us of the many horrors of war and the devastating consequences of using nuclear weapons. It emphasises on the fact that every global conflict should be resolved in a diplomatic manner rather than resorting to violence and destruction, which cripples generations.

Advocating Global Cooperation:

This day also presses on the need for international cooperation to prevent the recurrence of such a catastrophic event in future. It calls nations to work together towards creating a world free from nuclear threats.

(Header image sourced from Wikipedia.org)

August 6, 2023 0 comments

Featured Festivals & Traditions Global News

Interesting facts about International Friendship Day

by Staff Reporter August 6, 2023

written by Staff Reporter

Celebrated as a day for friends, this is one of the most popular global celebrations

As the world celebrates ‘Friendship Day’ on Sunday, 6 August, we get into some interesting facts and details related to this popular day.

For those who are unaware, the ‘International Friendship Day’, also popularly known as the ‘World Friendship Day’, was first proposed by the ‘World Friendship Crusade’, an international civil organization, in 1958. The organisation advocated fellowship and friendship among fellow human beings, irrespective of their race, colour, or religion.

Originally meant to be celebrated on the 30th of July, the celebration was moved on to the first Sunday of August.

In 2011, the United Nations had officially declared 30th July as the ‘International Day of Friendship’, with the sole aim to a culture of peace, tolerance, and understanding among nations and individuals, and fostering friendly bonds between people from across diverse backgrounds.

However, many countries across the globe, including India, celebrate the International Friendship Day on the first Sunday of August, and despite the difference in dates, the spirit of the celebration remains the same.

This year the International Friendship Day, which is being celebrated on 6 August, coincides with the ‘Hiroshima Day’, a very significant day which marks the 77th anniversary of the devastating atomic bombing of the Japanese city of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, during World War II. This historic day stands as a remider of the destructive power of nuclear weapons and the catastrophic impact they can have on civilian populations across the world. In a way, it emphasises on the importance of global friendship for a better future for all.

Today, the ‘International Friendship Day’ enjoys a global observance and is enthusiastically celebrated in various countries across the world. For millions this day provides with an oppourtunity to express their love and appreciation for their friends.

This day is celebrated in unique ways and styles in different cultures and communities, with the popular ones being the exchanging of gifts, organizing of fun events, and spending of quality time with friends. together.

Following into the digital age the celebrations of ‘International Friendship Day’ spreads across the social media like wildfire. On this day, like in the case of many other such celebrations, the internet gets flooded with people sharing messages of friendship, photos and memorable moments with their friends.

All online platforms are filled with friendship hashtags like #InternationalFriendshipDay, #WorldFriendshipDay, #FriendshipDay, #BestFriendsForever and the likes.

On a different level, many people also encourage to take the spirit of friendship beyond their loved friends and into the world of strangers who may not be lucky enough to have good friends or friends in general.

Many charitable campaigns and events flag off on the International Friendship Day and continue strong for years. If nothing else, then some kind souls share their kindness and goodwill with strangers, if only for a day.

Many look at this day as an opportunity to reignite lost friendships and make up for the past as an act of friendship and forgiveness.

Whatever the reason, and whatever the way, the ‘International Friendship Day’ helps spread the strong message of friendship, understanding, compassion and the natural bond that binds us all as humans.

Happy Friendship Day to all of you!

August 6, 2023 0 comments

NMMC to install state’s first “floating solar power’ plant

by Staff Reporter July 12, 2023

written by Staff Reporter

The 100 MW solar power project on Morbe Dam will help harness solar energy, reduce algal bloom in the dam and cut down carbon emissions among other things

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) will be developing the state’s first floating solar power project on Morbe Dam. The 100 MW capacity solar power plant will tag along a 1.5 MW hydropower project.

The tender for both projects has been floated and work will commence once the work order is released. The solar plant is stipulated to be operational in a year’s time post approvals.

There had been participation by renowned power companies like Tata Power, Power Corporation of India. Even companies from as far as Singapore had bid for for both the solar plant project and the hydropower project.

NMMC’s floating solar power project will be built on a BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) basis, and completed in three phases. The first phase will see the development of a 40 MW solar power installation.

Also read: NMMC installs experimental smart poles in two spots in Navi Mumbai

The NMMC will not have to shell out any money for the project owing to its BOT model.

Once operational, the project will be capable enough to provide electricity to the NMMC for less than Rs. 4 per unit.

The NMMC also informed that some of the buildings owned by them have already started adopting solar energy as a feasible power option.

The floating solar power plant of Morbe will be nothing less than a milestone for the NMMC and a leap towards energy conservation and low carbon emissions.

Details about NMMC’s Floating Solar Power project

Project name: Morbe Solar Power Plant

Conception: 2011 (more than a decade ago)

Capacity of Solar plant: 100 MW/ Hydropower Plant: 1.5 MW

Capacity of Hydropower Plant: 1.5 MW

Site of Solar plant: Morbe Dam, Khalapur, Raigad

Project Type: BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer)

Type of partnership: Public-Private-Partnership (PPP)

Competing companies: 19Phases of work: 3 phases (40 MW plant to be finished first)

Phases of work: 3 phases (40 MW plant to be finished first)

Benefits: Electricity at Rs. 4 per unit to NMMC, minimised carbon emissions, harnessing of abundant solar energy, reduced water evaporation and algal blooming at the dam and improved water quality. It is estimated that the NMMC will be able to save over Rs. 20 crores annually using the power harnessed from both the projects.

The NMMC has been actively adopting new technologies and methodologies to transform Navi Mumbai into a greener, safer and progressive city.

Residents are hopeful that the corporation will also priortise tackling the “pollution crisis” of Navi Mumbai which is escalating slowly, day by day.

July 12, 2023 0 comments

Featured Kharghar News

Picnickers flock at Pandavkada waterfall, Owe Dam and Kharghar Hills, despite ban

by Staff Reporter July 11, 2023

written by Staff Reporter

Monsoon lovers have been ignoring the official order that has prohibited visiting these places, and others, from 11 June to 30 September 2023.

Picnickers and revellers have started visiting the Pandavkada waterfall, the Owe Dam, the Owe Hills and other such spots in Kharghar as the monsoon has finally set in. These areas have been overflowing thanks to the continuous rainfall in the city since a couple of days, enough to draw in monsoon lovers.

The Kharghar police had issued a public order banning visit to a number of places, especially the risky Pandavkada waterfall, starting 11 June till 30 September 2023.

However, just like every year, the plea has fallen on deaf ears and people have been blatantly ignoring the order.

The ban is a regular occurrence during the monsoons due to many past incidents where people had lost their lives by drowning in the overflowing water, either after slipping or getting drifted away by strong currents. In one such tragic incident in 2019, four people had drowned.

The list of prohibited spots in Kharghar this year carries the names of places like Pandavkada waterfall – the most ill-fated spot, the Driving Range waterfall, the Owe Dam and Hill, the Taloja Jail Pond and the Hill around it and some other spots that either have water flowing through or have accumulated waterbodies.

Noticeboards informing picnickers about the prohibition and the fines that follow if they are caught visiting these places, have been placed at all the entrances leading to such spots.

The Kharghar police have deployed constables at the Pandavkada waterfall’s main entry point near the Kharghar Gurudwara and at the entrance of the Owe Village which leads to the Owe Dam area.

However, revellers have been finding ways to visit these spots and others making use of the hilly terrain and multiple possible entries from other spots, which are impossible to be manned round the clock.

“We stop people from venturing into these places but they find different and isolated routes to sneak in,” a constable posted at one of the spots informed.

Many of these revellers happen to be youngsters who either go early during the mornings when there aren’t many constables around or simply take routes that are not monitored.

In the past there have been many incidents where people had gotten lost along the routes they had taken or simply got stuck in water-filled spots.

There was a much-talked about incident in July 2021 when as many as 116 picnickers had to be rescued by the fire department, after being stranded at the Kharghar Hills area for hours. The return route was cut off by an overflowing stream. Among the stranded were many women and children too.

These spots also get a good number of drunkards who make merry and throw away broken beer bottles around. Small incidents involving scuffles after drinking, falling down on the way back due to intoxication have been reported in the past.

A good number of people have also been hiking the Owe Hills area since a week. While families and youngsters usually hike here on weekends, the rains have been drawing in more people than ever.

Advocate Shelly Pandya, a local Kharghar resident, shares, “While locals visit under the ‘false belief’ of knowing everything about the area, many come in from places outside Mumbai and are unaware of the prohibition until they reach these spots. Once here, they consider it a waste of time to go back without doing anything and end up visiting these places in any way possible.”

“The irony is in the fact that the order issued by the police under CrPC section 144 has not succeeded in discouraging people from visiting these spots and putting their lives and that of their loves once at risk,” she adds.

The Kharghar police have been doing their best to make people aware of the risks involved but it is a matter of personal responsibility. If people cannot understand and abide by the rules then it becomes their own responsibility and liability.

July 11, 2023 0 comments

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