Mortgage Calculator - An engaging website

 We come across various websites from time to time. As a kid, there were no computers, let alone laptops. During those days, I use to read a lot of books and play games through hand-held games or on TV by connecting the deck with the cartridge. Those were the days when PSP or X-Box was unheard of.  As and when the day progress, we see a shift in technology that has shrunk the world. This has made things that were considered impossible, possible.

We do not see handheld video games these days. Due to the cheaper prices for the Internet, the so-called "Internet Cafes" is almost extinct now. To recall, when the internet was first introduced, I use to connect to the internet through a dial-up connection. Then came the direct connection. I am an internet user right from when they were in 2G. Thankfully, we now have 5G. One can even download a movie in no time. As you could see, I have always loved playing games. When I use to wear Video Game watch to school in the 90s, I use to give it to my friends in my class as well.

When it comes to games, I loved various genres which include simulation games, games that involve money like Trade, and other fun games. This is when I stumbled across an excellent site that not only offered various games but also information on mortgages in general.

The name of the site is Mortgage Calculator. Let me share a couple of games that I liked the most of all. Firstly, it was Cash Back. So, you get to see an inquiry on the left side where the shopper purchases a product and you have to return the change. This is a time-bound game and the faster you play, the faster you earn. There are three levels - Easy, Medium, and Difficult.

As you could see on the top, I got out faster and I earned only $11 with 2 sales but on the next attempt, I scored $77 with 13 sales. This helps you to sharpen your brain and help you in making calculations faster. 

The next game is Cashier Simulator

In the above-mentioned game, you need to consider yourself a cashier. A shopper will come and buy a few products. We need to calculate and get the payment/make the payment. 

What I liked about these games:

1. Easy to understand and play.

2. Does not occupy much memory while you are playing and can be played on a basic laptop too.

3. Since these are online games, you need not have to download them.

4. Colorful visuals.

5. Nice music and it differs for each game.

Doesn't this sound interesting? I am sure you would like it since it has various games under various categories. Indulge yourself during your free time and do introduce the same to your family and friends.

How will I not mention the website which gave me so much pleasure and joy?

 Click Mortgage Calculator to go to the site.

Book Review - பயம் தேவையில்லாத மர்மங்கள்

 

Title - பயம் தேவையில்லாத மர்மங்கள்

Author - K. Chakravarthi 

Genre - Fiction

You would have come across books of various genres namely crime, thriller, fantasy, and sci-fi within the broader aspect called fiction/non-fiction but I am sure you wouldn't have come across a collection of short stories like this.

To start with, this book is a collection of 16 short stories. The approach taken by the author is a novel and noteworthy one. It's been a while since I read short stories and when I started reading this book, I was in awe. This was because of the approach mentioned earlier. Please be informed that this book is written in Tamil. If you are a lover of Tamil books/languages, this is something you wouldn't want to miss.

Well, what is the unique approach taken by the author?

The book tends to create interest in various day-to-day topics that we would encounter/face. It may be about parents suspecting their kids of having an affair, the arrival of a new family member, an old lover returning during the marriage making the bride think that he has come to blackmail, and much more.

The author has not made life complicated by using numerous characters in his stories. They were few which makes it easy to remember. When I say this, there is a story even on "remembering". This fresh approach makes all the stories more compelling and intriguing. When you were expecting something different as the outcome, that doesn't happen. As the title itself says, it is "Fear coupled with unwanted mystery". Though the author has used the posters from yesteryear movies, they do not have any connection with the story but was merely used since they were the title(Movie names) for each of the story.

If you are also having some unique ideas like the author and want to see your ideas take shape as a paperback, you may refer to the Walnut Publication page.

Author Info:

K. Chakravarthi is an engineer by profession who started writing in his early 40s. Although his passion is to write a full-length novel for a movie, he is currently focusing on short stories. With two books already under his belt, he is now working on his third. K. Chakravarthi is an avid reader and movie enthusiast, and he plans to spend more time on writing in the future.

Eat Right, Stay Fit with Saffola Fittify

 Life has become a fast-paced one. We hardly get time(at least during the weekdays) to prepare some good and healthy food or one that could complement it. What we eat may not give us all the nutrients essential for our daily life. This is where the renowned Saffola from Marico comes into the picture. I was browsing casually and was stunned to see that this popular FMCG company has launched so many products which would help us without compromising on taste and quality. I decided to try a few of their products, to start with.

We all need to have a quick and tasty breakfast in the morning. I usually prefer bread toast since it is easy to prepare and eat. Hence I ordered peanut butter. Even in this, there are few varieties and I zeroed in on Saffola Fittify Original - Omega 3 - Peanut Butter - Extra Crunchy and Saffola Fittify Tasty - Dark Chocolaty - Peanut Butter - Extra Crunchy flavors.

As we all know, peanuts are a rich source of protein. I must admit that it tasted really good. My day has begun with a healthy breakfast.

Then comes lunch. For this, I decided to have something which is rich in fiber. For this, I zeroed in on Saffola Fittify Hi-Protein Steel Cut Oats. I also added some dry fruits and cherries to it so that it tasted really good and delicious. Just make a note that it would be good if you soak these oats at least 30 minutes prior so that it becomes soft and helps you to cook with ease.

For the evening, I packed some salads. To make it more wholesome, I sprinkled some Saffola Aura Extra Virgin Olive Oil on top of it. Olive oil is a good source of various vitamins and has anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties.

I finally end my day by mixing the Saffola Immuniveda Golden Turmeric Milk Mix in a cup of milk. As we all know that turmeric is anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and has so many other goodnesses packed in it. 

I found my way to lead a healthy and happy life. You may check here to see the range of products Fittify has to offer that make you healthy as well.

Book Review - Never The Butterfly

 

Title - Never The Butterfly

Author - Ankur Ashta

Genre - Fiction

Publisher - Good Times Books P Ltd

ISBN - 938404385-0

A unique novel that gives importance to the language namely "English". Though the story may seem like a usual one, it isn't one. I loved reading this novel for the kind of approach route it has taken which I have not come across to date.

Mohan, the protagonist was an English wizard. Burkha Singh was his close friend. He initially falls in love with Saanjh but when he meets Aaradhya, whom he nicknamed "Ms. Beautiful Legs", he gets distracted. However, this was short-lived since Aaradhya moves out of the country, after the demise of her father.

Their first date at Bawaji Coffee Shop was so beautifully described that it would connect to many of us out there, who had fallen in love, at least once. The introduction of Mohan itself was unique.

A few English words that give a different meaning altogether, if not used in the right context are given below:

Crack Vs Crank

Amazed & Disgusted

Oxymoron. The plural is not Oxymorons.

Baklava Vs Balaclava

The scene of Mohan eating non-veg for the sake of Saanjh reminded me of the scene of Madhavan eating it in the movie "Minnale"

Emotions played a vital role in this novel. These were captured so vividly. Gestures and teasing would be much welcomed by the present generation, who I feel, is mostly in Love.

I wouldn't call this a triangular love story since Mohan was in love with Saanjh who in return was in love with Burkha but Aaradhya who Mohan liked initially was in love with him.

Who finally succeeds in getting who would have been a usual story line. This is where Ankur differs since the story has an unexpected ending. Pick your copy to know how the story unfolds. 

This book is available on Amazon

Chennai loves new book on Sivaji Ganesan's friend, actor Sanjeev Kumar

 

Maestro Sudha Raghunathan presided over a talk on author Reeta Ramamurthy Gupta's book 'Sanjeev Kumar- The Actor We all Loved' at Crossword Chennai. The discussion was around Sanjeev Kumar's deep personal connection with Chennai and the music of his films that lent him a perennial appeal across the country. A question posed by Sangita Kalanidhi Sudha Raghunathan was about  why Sanjeev Kumar is compared to Sivaji and not any other stalwart actor of his time – MGR, Gemini Ganesan, etc; 

To answer this, Gupta outlined several reasons; for eg., the Tamil film  Bharatha Vilas (1973) in which Sivaji Ganesan and  Sanjeev Kumar were seen together. To the delight of the audience, Sudha Raghunathan sang a line of the song 'Indhiya Naadu' from the movie and said, "Sanjeev Kumar's music continues to be loved in the South".  

Gupta added that Sanjeev Kumar's yin and yang with Sivaji Ganesan is well known.  Sanjeev Kumar enacted a character role in Ganesan's home production Gauri (1968) which was a remake of Ganesan's own Shanti (1965). Sanjeev Kumar's Mausam was remade in Tamil as Vasanthathil Oru Naal featuring Shivaji Ganesan. Both were super hits. Sivaji Ganesan's 'Avan Thaan Manithan' was remade as Shaandaar, and Gnana Oli was remade as Devata - both featuring Sanjeev Kumar. 

Further, in an article called 'Naan Sivajiyan Maanavan' ( I am a student of Sivaji's), written by Sanjeev Kumar, the late actor said, "I first met him when I was an extra on the sets of Gauri. One look at me and he said, ' In the future, you will be a very accomplished actor.' His words were like God's own words and he blessed my career. Whenever a Sivaji Ganesan movie had to be remade in Hindi, all of us actors would worry plenty. His prowess inspired fear. We would see the Tamil print, again and again, to observe his performance and learn! At a personal level, whenever I visited Chennai, I would seek his blessings. I am grateful for all the love he has given me. If he sees me as one of the finest actors in Hindi Cinema, it is my honor."

Sudha Raghunathan, a Padma Bhushan awardee who believes in the power or all art added, "they were different in their 'style' and yet the same in their ‘power.’ She also expressed that Sanjeev Kumar’s songs continued to be popular in Chennai as ringtones. 

Profile of author Reeta Ramamurthy Gupta

Reeta Ramamurthy Gupta is a prolific biographer, reviewer for Network18, and a bibliophile. She is credited with the acclaimed Red Dot Experiment, a decadal six-nation study on how culture impacts communication.  She has been a part of several public health campaigns such as "beti bachao beti padhao " and "Ek chammach Kam." A polyglot, she speaks five languages. In 2018, she wrote ‘Rescript Your Life’, a self-help autobiographical narrative. In 2021, she released ‘The Stranger In the Mirror’ the biography of BAFTA-nominated filmmaker Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra. Thereafter, 'Sanjeev Kumar- The Actor We All Loved was released in 2022.'  Her fourth book "Savitri and Fatima" is to launch in July 2023.

Social media handles: Instagram: @OfficialReetaGupta I Twitter: @OfficialReetaRG I LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reeta-ramamurthy-gupta-33774948/

Here's an extract from the book that testifies to the deep relationship between Sanjeev Kumar and the south.

The Southern Connections

In the late 1960's, a very important relationship in Hari's life started taking shape.

It was one of mutual respect with the legendary actor of Tamil cinema, Sivaji Ganesan. Hari was given a character role in Ganesan's home production Gauri (1968) which was a remake of Ganesan's own Shanti (1965).

An article of unknown provenance titled 'Naan Sivajiyan Maanavan' ( I am a student of Sivaji's),  obtained from Hari's family archives quotes him as follows.

I first met him when I was but an extra on the sets of Gauri. One look at me and he said, ' In the future, you will be a very accomplished actor.' His words were like God's own words and he blessed my career. Whenever a Sivaji Ganesan movie had to be remade in Hindi, all of us actors would worry plenty. His prowess inspired fear. We would see the Tamil print, again and again, to observe his performance and learn! At a personal level, whenever I visited Chennai, I would seek his blessings. I am grateful for all the love he has given me. If he sees me as one of the finest actors in Hindi Cinema, it is my honor.

The mutual admiration between Sivaji Ganesan and Hari and the latter's own quiet, easygoing nature eventually played a major role in Hari's success. When South Indian producers and directors wanted to remake their Tamil or Telugu films in Hindi, they often chose Hari. These remakes typically had long dialogues and demanded good histrionics and this further augmented Hari's 'actor' tag.

For example, Sivaji Ganesan's Avan Thaan Manithan was remade as Shaandaar, and Gnana Oli was remade as Devata - both featuring Hari. Among the Telugu films, Takkar was a remake of N.T. Rama Rao's Devudu Chesina Manushulu with Hari in the lead role. The winds blew the other way too. Hari's Mausam was remade in Tamil as Vasanthathil Oru Naal featuring Shivaji Ganesan.

The other important southern connection was L.V. Prasad. Hari scored a hat-trick of hits with him - Raja aur Runk (1968), Jeene Ki Raah (1969) and Khilona (1970).

Press Release - Japan considers India a natural ally. Our relations are closest in the world: Consul-General of Japan in Mumbai, Yasukata Fukahori

 

Japan considers India a natural ally. Our relations are closest in the world: Consul-General of Japan in Mumbai, Yasukata Fukahori

 

“India & Japan share the same values & culture” said Yasukata Fukahori

 

 

Mumbai, 24 February 2023: "Spiritual closeness between India and Japan is very deep. Indian people and Japanese people can understand each other. Relations between the two countries are the closest in the world. India and Japan are natural allies" said Yasukata Fukahori, Consul-General of Japan in Mumbai.

 

Yasukata Fukahori was speaking at the second edition of ABP Network’s “Ideas of India” Summit 2023, on the topic of “India and Japan, Seventy Years of Friendship.” The summit has brought together policymakers, cultural ambassadors, industry experts, celebrities, and business leaders to discuss the critical role of India during the global churn and changing dynamics.

 

Commenting on the future of Indo-Japanese economic ties, Fukahori, said, “I predict a bright future between India and Japan economically.”

 

He further added, “Achieving the 5 trillion yen investment target in India within the next five years seems attainable. There is optimism that investments will continue to flow into India, and the cultural closeness between the nations also aids in this endeavor,"

 

The second edition of ABP Network’s “Ideas of India” Summit is being held on the theme “Naya India: Looking Inward, Reaching Out.” Along with global leaders, 60 eminent national and international speakers will share the stage this time. The two-day event primarily addresses India’s stand as a burgeoning economy and global leader in shaping the future.

 

Press Release - Flipkart Electronic Sale Specials: Blaupunkt TV starting price of Rs 6,749

 

Flipkart Electronic Sale Specials: Blaupunkt TV starting price of Rs 6,749/- 

• Flipkart Electronics Sale is now Live: Sale offers up to 75% off on TV and appliances.
  
• Blaupunkt TV offers exclusive discounts and extra offers on Flipkart's Electronic Sales.
  

• The Sale is now live and runs till 28th February 2023.

• Recently launched Blaupunkt Sigma 3in1 24inch Smart TV series are now available in the sale.

• Flipkart’s Electronic  Sale Specials with an introductory price starting at Rs 6,749/-.

• The customers will get exclusive discounts on Blaupunkt TVs during the sale.

• Customers can avail of an extra instant 10% discount on ICICI and Punjab National Bank Debit and credit cards. 

New Delhi, 24th February 2023: Before the Flipkart Electronic Sale, Blaupunkt is now back in the sale with many more exciting deals in this giant Electronic Sale. The sale is now live and runs till February 28 in 2023. The start of the year is the ideal time to score fantastic savings on Blaupunkt TVs. Customers of Flipkart can receive an instant 10% discount on ICICI and Punjab National Bank, and up to 75% discount on TV and appliances. Fans of Blaupunkt can buy the Sigma 24-inch, recently launched 3-in-1 TV model as well as other fascinating items during this massive electronic sale. Moreover, Blaupunkt Smart TVs are heavily discounted during the event.

Flipkart's Electronic Sale's most popular TV, the Blaupunkt 24inch 3in1 TV model, and QLED with Google TV series will return with special discounts (FES). The five-day sale has begun and will run through 28th February. Customers of Flipkart can take advantage of easy EMIs, Flipkart pay later offers, and instant discounts on Kotak Mahindra and Citi Bank cards as part of the deal. These widely awaited TVs will be available for purchase on Flipkart's Electronic Sale Deals, with an initial price of Rs 7,499/-. At this massive electronic sale, Blaupunkt fans may also get the QLED with Goggle TV series, Sold out model of all time, as well as a number of other intriguing models.

In India, a German roots giant recently added a 24-inch Smart Premium TV to its line-up. Customers of Blaupunkt can get the newly released 24-inch Sigma, 3-in-1 model for Rs 6,799/- with a special discount just on Flipkart. Customers will love the personalized recommendations, top-notch sound system, and best-in-class content viewing experience of the smart Premium TV range. This TV boasts a 20-watt sound output with two bottom-firing built speakers, an HD Ready display, and surround sound technology. This model features Airslim designs to give an exquisite appearance. Moreover, it contains a chipset (CPU) called the A35*4 and 2.4 GHz WiFi. The brightness on the 24-inch smart TV is 300 Nits.

The largest 75-inch TV from Blaupunkt is also available for Rs 84,999, while the QLED series with Google TV, which is jam-packed with features, will be available in 50-inch TVs for Rs 35,999, 55-inch TVs for Rs 39,999, and 65-inch TVs for Rs 63,999. The Blaupunkt Google TV has 360-degree surround sound and 60W speakers with Dolby Atmos technology, which will change the living room and give you a home theatre experience. Additionally, it offers Far Field Voice Control with Google Assistant so that you can use voice commands to turn on and control your TV.

The Sale is also available on all the models of Blaupunkt 4K Smart TVs including  32-inch Cybersound LED Smart TV at Rs 9,999/- wherein the 40-inch Cybersound LED Smart TV for Rs 15,999/-. The 42-inch Cybersound LED Smart TV for Rs 16,999/-, the 43-inch Cybersound 4K LED Smart TV for Rs 24,999/-, the 43-inch Cybersound Ultra HD Smart TV, Rs 17,999/-, while coming up to 50-inch Cybersound 4K Android TV, Rs 27,999/-. The 55-inch Ultra HD 4K LED Smart Android TV for Rs 30,999/- with Dolby MS12 and the 65-inch Cybersound LED Smart TV for Rs 46,999/- for a Cybersound 4K LED Smart TV. These models include HDR technology to ensure that customers experience every image in fine detail and vibrant colors. Deep surround sound is produced by two speakers, a digital noise filter, and a 40-watt speaker output that supports surround technologies.

Press Release-“EVs will become mainstream in India” says Shashank Srivastava Senior Executive Officer (Marketing & Sales), Maruti Suzuki India Limited

 

“EVs will become mainstream in India,” says Shashank Srivastava Senior Executive Officer (Marketing & Sales), Maruti Suzuki India Limited

Mumbai, 24 February 2023: “EVs will become mainstream but when they will become that is unpredictable. The cost of the acquisition is one of the important factors impeding EV adoption in India, Maruti Suzuki India Limited Senior Executive Officer (Marketing & Sales), Shashank Srivastava said here today.

Speaking at the second edition of ABP’s Ideas of India Summit, he said, “If a normal car is 100 then EV is 160 due to the high cost of batteries. Maruti Suzuki is trying to bring down battery costs. Also, we will have six EVs in different segments by 2030. Our estimate is this market which is 1% today will be around 3% in 2024-25, and will be about 17% in 2030 which is about out of 6 million cars, 1 million will be EVs in 2030.”

Srivastava further added, “I think the attitude of trying to be better and that's also something we have learned from the Japanese system of Kaizen, which is you have to improve continuously and competition in one way helps that Kaizen and the desire to improve continuously and that is why we welcome the competition. One of the biggest strengths Suzuki has is its market share and we are looking forward to strengthening our SUV space.”

Speaking on the growth and market demand, Srivastava said, "Maruti is 60% by volume for the overall Suzuki Motor Corporation, it's a great achievement of India. It shows the upswing in the Indian economy. Our demography is very young. In consumption terms, We expect car consumption in India will continue to increase. Our projections show almost 6 million by 2030 from the current 3.8 million in 2022"

The ABP Network’s “Ideas of India” Summit 2023 was discussing the topic of “Brand India-Ready for the World.” The summit has brought together policymakers, cultural ambassadors, industry experts, celebrities, and business leaders to discuss the critical role of India during the global churn and changing dynamics. ABP Network is a leading multi-language channel reaching 535 million individuals in India therefore this summit provides one of the biggest platforms for the brightest minds across various sectors to express their views.

Press Release - India is in a very Fortunate Place Today: Surjit Singh Bhalla, IMF India

 

India is in a very Fortunate Place Today: Surjit Singh Bhalla, IMF India

 

The Former Executive Director of IMF and the Chief Economist at CRISIL were speaking at the second edition of ABP Network’s ‘Ideas of India’ summit

 

Mumbai, 24 February 2023: India will benefit from the changed globalization as the interest rates will come down, said Surjit Singh Bhalla, Former Executive Director, IMF, at ABP Network’s second edition of ‘Ideas of India’ summit. Speaking at the summit, he highlighted that the Monetary Tightening Policy has been India’s response to inflation for the past 30-40 years.

 

Elaborating on the topic, ‘Crisis in the Global Economy – India’s Survival Guide’, Surjit Singh Bhalla said, “Monetary Policy has precious little to do with supply shocks and I would say now the monetary policy has precious little to do with inflation”.

 

Speaking on rise of India as a strong, emerging economy, he said, “China, which was a threat to the global economy, is now diminishing. However, the decline of China comes at a time with the rise of India.” He also pointed out that the quality of education and how fast India deregulates its economy will determine how fast we rise.

 

The panel was further enlightened by the presence of Dharmakirti Joshi, Chief Economist, CRISIL. Commenting on the topic, he said, “The slowing down of Global economies will spill over to us. Our forecast is that the growth will come down from 7% in 2022-23 to around 6% next year.”

 

The CRISIL Chief Economist also said that the quality of labor was a constraint for India which needs to be addressed. He said, “50% of India's labor force is below Secondary School and they don't have any skills, so I think you can't fire the economy with such low skills.”

 

He emphasized climate change as one of the biggest risks to the Indian Economy, especially in the last 2-3 years. “From an agricultural perspective, India is probably one of the most vulnerable countries to this risk. We need to ensure that proper measures are in place to avert any supply shocks that may come our way due to climate change.”

 

India has been taking extensive measures toward the growth of the infrastructure and manufacturing industry. “As both these sectors are carbon intensive, the challenge for the Indian economy is to leave less carbon footprint while industrializing,” he added.

 

The summit promises an invigorating line-up of speakers with prominent figures from the world of business, politics, artists from the Hindi Film Industry, authors, and other eminent sectors. The two-day event primarily addresses India’s stand as a burgeoning economy and global leader in shaping the future.