Latest news with #Nicobar
Mint
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
Floral prints in the office: Tips from experts to refresh your work wardrobe
When it comes to formalwear, men prefer to stay away from floral prints instead opting for checks and stripes. But over the years, many corporate firms have eased their dress codes, allowing people some freedom to experiment with colours and prints. If your workplace offers a scope for Casual Everyday, or even just a Friday, why not move out of your comfort zone and ditch the tried and tested in favour of something fun and playful? Good news is many brands are offering menswear with micro floral prints that can be easily worked into one's work wardrobe. Many brands, for instance, have peppered spread collar shirts with hibiscus and foliage prints that can easily be worked into office wear with some clever styling tweaks. Also read: How the military has defined menswear fashion How to choose the right print Stylist Isha Bhansali suggests picking micro prints in dark colours, like brown or burgundy. 'Perhaps a coffee brown shirt with tiny flowers on it. Balance it with solid separates. For a Casual Friday, one can embrace bolder prints," she says. "A floral print blazer works for a fun outing like a Saturday brunch with colleagues. If one works in fashion retail, then one can definitely get creative at outings like a firm function. However, a sector like banking definitely demands different dressing etiquettes. Perhaps accessorise with a floral print tie works or a bloom printed pocket square." Actor Shahid Kapoor's recent look, which included a floral printed suit by Anita Dongre worn over a white shirt, is a great reference point for a work trip with colleagues. It will help you stand out and look polished. Another great example of floral wear done right is Ranveer Singh's monochrome look, which included a floral blazer, at Red Sea Film Festival last year—a smart way to dial down the print is to go for tonal layering. It's all about balance Print on print is a timeless summer trend but it's a tricky combination to pull off. Keshav Gupta, owner and lead designer at the brand Jorah Men, suggests sticking to a common colour palette while experimenting with different patterns in prints. 'Go for something geometrical or abstract with something busy like florals or tropical," he says. "When it comes to formal wardrobes, the best way to add florals is through the right accessories. A tone-on-tone floral printed tie or pocket square can go a long way. If you're feeling bold, try to match socks with a toned floral printed version." Florals in soft cotton or linen are the perfect choice for summer—light, breathable and versatile. Aparna Chandra, co-creative director, at the label Nicobar, believes florals work best when subtle in breathable fabrics like cotton, with small-scale or tonal prints that feel easy and versatile. "They work great for layering, letting you play with colour and pattern for statement dressing. For evenings, deeper tones like indigo, charcoal, or forest green transition seamlessly when styled with tailored trousers or pleated pants," she says. Manish Mishra is a Delhi-based writer and content creator. Also read: How to pack a capsule wardrobe for a trekking holiday
New Indian Express
11-06-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Why patriotism is no substitute for morality
Articulating such issues in the language of everyday ethics is not easy. However, with the use of metaphor and storytelling, our moralists need to do so. Democracy, in that sense, is always a futuristic framework which has to be built into the choices we make today. Every choice now is one for the future. India, if it wishes to remain democratic and survive beyond majoritarianism, must consider a more supple, unconventional and innovative democracy. Let's take an example. The great Nicobar project has been a source of tremendous controversy. Indian environmentalists and journals have assembled a formidable critique of it. Yet, after the Pahalgam incident, these environmentalists are treated as anti-social and antinational. Today, within the national security state, not only have external and internal security been combined, but also war and development. The Great Nicobar project is now viewed as a military initiative aimed at countering China. It is China, more than Pakistan, that is a threat to democracy. China has even fewer problems with genocide. One has to open up new dialogues and perspectives on China. One of the most critical and urgent problems we will face is a set of dams China is building above the Northeast. These dams can annihilate the economy of the Northeast and become a tool for ecocide. The challenge is how to dialogue with China on such a critical issue that involves the life, livelihood and fate of marginal groups on both sides of the border. The question is about handling such issues democratically. The problemsolving faces new problems of the future that we have not thought about as a polity. In this context, one has to rethink the importance of peace and Gandhian thought. Gandhi did not spend time thinking about either the concentration camp or the atomic bomb—those are the limits his idea of satyagraha has to meet. We are facing not just mechanical obsolescence, but more a genocidal exuberance. India has to rework itself as a civilisation. Reinvent itself as a democracy. Its current frameworks, though successful thus far, may not survive in the future. We need to talk to China differently. We need to create a politics that transcends the Trumps. We need to create a vision of South Asia that goes beyond the current frameworks of the United Nations. Peace can no longer be a restricted, passive word—it has to invent possibilities, alternatives that go beyond the immediacy of war. This is democracy's greatest challenge: to invent a future where peace remains central to the visions of South Asia and the world. Shiv Visvanathan is a social scientist associated with the Compost Heap, a group researching alternative imaginations. (Views are personal) (svcsds@
News18
03-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- News18
World Environment Day 2025: Sustainable Brands That Redefine Daily Living
Last Updated: Choosing sustainable brands isn't just about eco-friendly packaging; it's about supporting businesses that prioritize ethical production, low-impact design, and better practices. As we celebrate World Environment Day each year, it's a timely reminder that every choice we make—big or small—has an impact on our planet. From the clothes we wear to the food and beverages we indulge in, conscious consumption is no longer a trend; it's a responsibility. Choosing sustainable brands isn't just about eco-friendly packaging or materials; it's about supporting businesses that prioritize ethical production, low-impact design, and better practices. This World Environment Day, make choices that reflect your commitment to the planet and explore these five standout brands that are redefining everyday essentials with sustainability at their core. Whether you're refreshing your wardrobe, enjoying a mindful drink, or seeking alternatives to plastic, these eco-conscious labels are paving the way toward a greener tomorrow. Blending the elegance of tea with the celebratory fizz of sparkling drinks, Copenhagen Sparkling Tea offers a refined, non-alcoholic pour crafted from organic ingredients. Whether you're hosting an intimate gathering, planning a wellness-focused celebration, or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, this beautifully crafted, alcohol-free sparkling tea adds elegance and sophistication to any occasion. Copenhagen Sparkling Tea is the result of an innovative fusion between Nordic craftsmanship and Asian tea traditions. Each bottle is brewed from up to 13 organic teas, ranging from white and green to black and oolong. With sustainability woven into its sourcing and production, this is the perfect guilt-free indulgence for the environmentally aware. Delhi: The Oberoi, The Leela, Taj Palace, Taj Mansingh, Inja, Bo-Tai, Swan Nicobar – Timeless Fashion, Responsibly Made Nicobar creates thoughtfully designed clothing and lifestyle pieces that marry contemporary aesthetics with ethical practices. With an emphasis on natural fabrics, low-waste production, and enduring style, Nicobar proves that fashion can be both beautiful and sustainable. From totes and pouches to lunch bags and more, EcoRight combines function, flair, and environmental responsibility. Made from organic cotton and recycled materials, their bags are crafted in ethical facilities with a strong focus on reducing carbon footprint. Perfect for those who want their accessories to speak louder than words. Neemans – Comfort Meets Conscious Footwear Redefining comfort and style through eco-innovation, Neemans creates shoes from sustainable materials like recycled PET bottles, natural wool, and castor beans. Lightweight, breathable, and responsibly made, these shoes are designed to leave a lasting impression—without leaving a mark on the planet. Almitra Sustainables – Daily Essentials, Reimagined in Bamboo From toothbrushes and cutlery to home essentials, Almitra Sustainables crafts everyday alternatives using biodegradable bamboo. Durable, stylish, and planet-friendly, each product replaces plastic with purpose—one sustainable swap at a time.
The Hindu
23-05-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
Review of The Search for India's Rarest Birds
Rarity is a magnet,' writes ornithologist Aasheesh Pittie in The Search for India's Rarest Birds, 'for both charlatans and connoisseurs.' What makes a bird rare? Why do we covet the thing that is rare? These are some of the questions this engaging book tries to unpack as it draws portraits of birds that are rare and possibly extinct (such as the bird on the cover, the Jerdon's courser, and the Pink-headed duck), or are rare but relatively abundant in their habitats (Nicobar scops owl, Mrs. Hume's pheasant). What makes this book, edited by Shashank Dalvi and Anita Mani, different is that it approaches the subject of rarity and vulnerability not through tedium and doom, but through a sense of wonder and exploration. The 12 chapters have a selection of birds that have been chosen through different forms of observation: the Pink-headed duck chapter by Pittie talks about how the bird was formally described based on a painting of Indian specimens; art led to science. Ornithologist Pamela Rasmussen studiedtaxidermiedforest owletsin the U.K. and the U.S.;shepursuedthe birdin the forests of Maharashtra; and a strangetaxidermiedmodel led tothe rediscovery ofthe real bird. End is priceless 'Twitchers [birdwatchers who collect sightings of rare birds] are a possessed soul – we act first and think later,' writes birder Atul Jain. 'Having an understanding partner who gives you a hard time for every single crazy, last-minute trip but always relents in the end is priceless,' he writes. Jain's chapter is like a manual for how to set about a network for birding — how to prepare logistically and mentally for finding a rarity. 'Waiting, sweating' In his chapter on Nicobar scops owl, wildlife biologist Dalvi introduces the reader to a similar premise – a lot of the work for birding starts before the actual fact. 'For years I had been chatting about my birding plans with one of my close friends James Eaton, because quite simply, that is what birders do.' He adds: one has to do homework, hard work and have a good prediction of habitat and timing. In another chapter set in the Nicobar islands, journalist Radhika Raj writes evocatively on the Nicobar megapode, an endangered bird that builds huge mounds where it lays eggs. Found only in India, the megapode has huge feet that check the temperature of the mound. This wasn't an easy bird to see, especially as the group got attacked by sandflies. There was lots of 'waiting, sweating and nothing'. Things changed though, as she saw it on the very last day of a three-week wait. 'The seemingly ordinaryjungli murgi… won us over.' When I opened this book, I expected to find historical records of white men and their shikar in South Asia. It is enriching to find instead a book that is modern. Most importantly, though the birds are coveted, they are not trophies — each piece wraps fondness and field work for the avian object of affection in a manner that suggests care, not conquest. This gives hope that we are a long way away from the days of hunting birds so they could be stuffed and laid in drawing rooms. You might come away learning some bird and birder idiosyncrasies in this book; you may even come away fledging from a reader to a birder. The Search for India's Rarest Birds Edited by Shashank Dalvi, Anita Mani Indian Pitta/Juggernaut ₹499 The reviewer is a conservation biologist and author of Wild and Wilful-Tales of 15 Iconic Indian species
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Can Dire Wolf Scientists Bring Back the Dinosaurs, Woolly Mammoth & Dodo Bird?
Now that a "de-extinction" company says it has revived the dire wolf species that was extinct for over 10,000 years, could dinosaurs and the woolly mammoth be next? What about the dodo bird? The answer may be found in the methods that Colossal Biosciences used to bring back the dire wolf and whether there is genetic material available for the other extinct species. In fact, according to CNN, the company is trying to resurrect other extinct species. Colossal Biosciences has been "working toward resurrecting the mammoth, dodo, and Tasmanian tiger since 2021," wrote CNN. The company confirmed this on its website, writing, "The dire wolf isn't the only animal that Colossal, which was founded in 2021 and currently employs 130 scientists, wants to bring back. Also on their de-extinction wish list is the woolly mammoth, the dodo, and the thylacine, or Tasmanian tiger. Already, in March, the company surprised the science community with the news that it had copied mammoth DNA to create a woolly mouse, a chimeric critter with the long, golden coat and the accelerated fat metabolism of the mammoth." Colossal Biosciences has an entire page devoted to its efforts to resurrect the woolly mammoth. "Colossal's landmark de-extinction project will be the resurrection of the woolly mammoth - or more specifically a cold-resistant elephant with all of the core biological traits of the woolly mammoth," the website notes. "It will walk like a woolly mammoth, look like one, sound like one, but most importantly it will be able to inhabit the same ecosystem previously abandoned by the mammoth's extinction." In January, The Washington Post reported that a scientist was trying to bring back the dodo bird. A 2024 article by BBC Wildlife noted that, in 2022, a geneticist "decoded the dodo's genome. Scientists at Colossal are now determining the sequences which they will edit into cells collected from the dodo's closest living relative, the Nicobar pigeon. Then, just as for the passenger pigeon, the edited cells will be used to create adult birds that create dodo sperm and eggs." As for dinosaurs, according to Listverse, "The consensus is that dinosaurs cannot be resurrected because their fossils are simply too old to provide any useful tissue." But who knows? Listverse lists saber-tooth tigers and woolly mammoths as other species scientists want to resurrect. The Natural History Museum described the difficulties in bringing back dinosaurs in depth. For starters, dinosaur DNA would have to be obtained. "We do have mosquitos and biting flies from the time of the dinosaurs and they do preserve in amber. But when amber preserves things, it tends to preserve the husk, not the soft tissues. So you don't get blood preserved inside mosquitos in amber," Dr. Susie Maidment, a dinosaur researcher, said in that article. "DNA breaks down over time. The dinosaurs went extinct around 66 million years ago and with so much time having passed, it is very unlikely that any dinosaur DNA would remain today," The Natural History Museum concluded. "While dinosaur bones can survive for millions of years, dinosaur DNA almost certainly does not." But the site added: "Some scientists continue to search for it - just in case." But Colossal Biosciences says the dire wolf is back. "These two wolves were brought back from extinction using genetic edits derived from a complete dire wolf genome, meticulously reconstructed by Colossal from ancient DNA found in fossils dating back 11,500 and 72,000 years," the company wrote on X. "This moment marks not only a milestone for us as a company but also a leap forward for science, conservation, and humanity. From the beginning, our goal has been clear: 'To revolutionize history and be the first company to use CRISPR technology successfully in the de-extinction of previously lost species,'' the company added. "By achieving this, we continue to push forward our broader mission on—accepting humanity's duty to restore Earth to a healthier state. But this isn't just our moment—it's one for science, our planet, and humankind. All of which we love and are passionate about. Now, close your eyes and listen to that howl once more. Think about what this means for all of us," Colossal Biosciences wrote. "Our team took DNA from a 13,000-year-old tooth and a 72,000-year-old skull and made healthy dire wolf puppies," the company noted.
