By Eliza Mcphee for Daily Mail Australia

Published: 5:35 AM EDT, March 22, 2024 | Updated: 5:39 AM EDT, March 22, 2024

A young Australian fed up with social media has put up a poster of himself across Sydney in the hope of making ‘real friends’.

The poster was spotted on walls around Sydney, including City Hall, Chinatown and Redfern, and was the brainchild of 18-year-old Cooper.

Cooper told Daily Mail Australia he was confronted with the idea earlier this month while scrolling through his social media accounts at 1.30am.

‘I was just up and scrolling on my phone. I thought, ‘Man, this is so boring. I wish I was doing something else,'” Cooper said.

‘So I decided to make that poster. I told myself, if I still think it’s a good idea in the morning, I’ll post it.’

The full-time student printed 35 copies of the poster which he described as “some graphic designers’ worst nightmare.”

He titled the creation ‘I’m tired of online friends, let’s be friends in real life’ and called on Aussies aged 17 to 24 who weren’t ‘bigots’ to get in touch.

‘In the rise of social media I say: f**k it! If you want to be friends (or enemies) CALL ME TODAY!!!” he wrote.

Cooper said he received an overwhelming response to his poster, with more than 50 different people calling or texting him.

He explained that of the 55 comments, some made encouraging comments, and a small number were trolls, but the “vast majority” were people who genuinely wanted to make friends.

“Now I have plans from this week to next week for trips, places to go and people to see, and that’s fun,” Cooper said.

Cooper believes the best way to connect with others is through comedy. He wrote “little funny things” on the poster so people would laugh and be more likely to text him.

“I think someone who is really funny and can really make people laugh is a real treasure for social circles and humanity,” Cooper said.

“So the whole idea [of the poster] was to make it so sexy and so that it was about being good again.”

On the poster, Cooper posted a photo of himself and mentioned his interests and qualities he brings to a friendship.

He described himself as the “go-to guy” for complaining, a great movie watcher, a talker and a listener, someone who would text random thoughts at noon and a person who would invite himself over to your house to boil eggs.

He added: “I’m actually very charming and funny.”

The Gen Zer, who studies psychology and counseling at the Australian College of Applied Professions, said he used the poster to highlight how young Aussies are stuck socializing via social media.

“I feel like the younger generation relies too much on social media,” Cooper said.

‘Nowadays the number of depression and loneliness is increasing. We feel so isolated by our devices because we are more connected than ever, but in a way that is socially isolating.

‘People don’t put themselves out there. They don’t bother talking to people. I’m pretty sure the right people will look, see the poster and speak to me.’

He urged young Aussies to let go of their phones and encouraged them not to be afraid to put themselves out there.

“You only live once and you have to make sure you know this is the prime of your life,” Cooper said.

‘You don’t live it by being on your phone. You have to go out and experience life yourself.”

Web agency Updated: Mar 20, 2024 10:41 IST

The vibrant gateway to Northeast India, Guwahati is an amazing city on the banks of the Brahmaputra River. Combining a rich cultural heritage with beautiful scenery and delicious cuisine, Guwahati serves up tradition and modernity on one exciting platter! Here’s a handy guide to 8 essential things you need to know before you visit:

1. Gate to the northeast

Strategically located in Assam, Guwahati provides the easiest entry point to explore the surrounding northeastern states. Its excellent connectivity by air, rail and road makes it the perfect base camp for unlocking the diversity of the Seven Sisters borderlands. From the one-horned rhinos of Kaziranga to the rolling hills of Meghalaya, Guwahati is the ideal launching pad for epic adventures in the region!

Fun facts:

• Distance to major cities:
  • 950 km from Calcutta
  • 1,500 km from New Delhi
• Major airports:
  
  • Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport
  • Handles 8 million passengers per year
• Gateway to States:
  • Arunachal Pradesh
  • Meghalaya
  • Mizoram
  • Manipur
  • Nagaland
  • Sikkim
  • Tripura

2. Temples and pilgrimages

The ancient temples and shrines of Guwahati welcome devotees from all over. Marvel at the mystical Kamakhya Temple, one of India’s 51 Shakti Peethas, dedicated to the goddess Kamakhya. Visit the iconic Umananda Temple on Peacock Island in the Brahmaputra River or explore the Navagraha Temple dedicated to nine heavenly deities. Lose yourself amid magical architecture, devotional chants and profound spirituality.

Fun facts:

• Popular temples:
  • Kamakhya Temple
  • Umananda Temple
  • Navagraha Temple
  • Basistha Ashram Temple
• Legends of origin:
  • Shakti Peetha
  • Battlefield of Banasura and Lord Krishna
• Major pilgrimages:
  • Ambubachi Festival (700,000 visitors)
  • Shivaratri celebrations

3.Brahmaputra River Cruises

Float gently atop the mighty Brahmaputra on scenic river cruises and reveal the soul of Guwahati. Watch fertile islands and distant hills pass by as you cruise along the waterway. Catch golden sunsets over the glittering waves. Spot the endangered Ganges River dolphins frolicking in the current. Cruise through the heart of the city amidst natural beauty and natural surprises!

Fun facts:

• River length: 2,900 km
• River width in Guwahati: 1-2 km
• Main tributaries:
• Islands:
  • Peacock Island (Umananda)
  • Bengal Island (Bhasmacala)
• Wild animals:
  • Gangetic dolphins
  • Gharials
  • Turtles

4.Assamese cuisine

Food in Guwahati celebrates the untamed flavors of the border. Enjoy aromatic Assam tea, harvested from local plantations. Enjoy tender fish in spicy curries, puree pitika potato snacks or snap bamboo shoots fresh from the jungle. Don’t miss the native desserts such as pitha pancakes, doi curd and larus sesame candies. For authentic tastebud magic, delve into Guwahati’s incredible local markets, packed with spices, herbs, pickled goods and more!

Fun facts:

• Famous dishes:
  • Masor Tenga (spicy fish curry)
  • Khar (alkaline dish)
  • Poitabhat (spicy fried duck)
• Ingredients:
  • Bamboo shoots
  • Banana flower
  • Fern leaves
  • Colocasia stems
• Candy:
  • Laru (Sesame & Rice Candy)
  • Pitha (sweet pancakes)
  • Doi (yogurt)

5. Nature reserves

Guwahati is teeming with an abundance of wildlife and biodiversity thanks to its protected parks and sanctuaries. One-horned Indian rhinos roam the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, visible during jeep safaris and elephant rides. Discover bird species, from vibrant kingfishers to migratory birds, at the Deepor Beel Wetland Reserve. For nature and animal lovers, the Gugwaahti wilderness offers rare opportunities for wildlife encounters!

Fun facts:

• Major animal reserves:
  • Pobitora Nature Reserve
    • Indian rhinos, leopards, wild buffalos
  • Deepor Beel Bird Sanctuary
• Rare wildlife:
  • One-horned rhinoceros
  • Asian elephants
  • Wild water buffalo
  • Golden Langurs
  • Gangetic dolphins

6. Crafts and shopping

Guwahati delights shopaholics with its wealth of local handicrafts and traditional arts. Spend your money on fine Assam silk sarees, vibrant with intricate designs, showcasing the state’s mastery of sericulture. Hone your haggling talents at Pan Bazaar with handwoven Assamese mekhela chadars, designer jewelery and wicker woven furniture. Don’t miss the Assam State Emporium for authentic handicraft finds!

Fun facts:

• Famous textiles:
  • Assam Silk
  • Golden Muga silk
  • Eri Silk
  • Gamocha cotton towels
• Reed and Bamboo Crafts:
  • Jewellery
  • Baskets
  • Furniture sets
• Terracotta and pottery items
• Bell and metal crafts
  • Xorai (traditional bell)
  • Joha Rice Sieve

7. Best time to visit

Guwahati enjoys a humid, subtropical climate with scorching summers and mild, pleasant winters. From October to March there are blue skies and comfortable climates, perfect for city explorations. In April, the mercury and humidity begin to rise, until the monsoon months of June to September are heavy with atmospheric rain showers (and mosquitoes!) Visit Guwahati from late autumn to spring to enjoy it at its best!

Fun facts:

• Average annual precipitation: 1,500-2,000 mm
• Average maximum temperatures:
  • Summer (April June): 30 C to 35 C
  • Monsoon (July September): 25 C to 30 C
  • Winter (November): 22 C to 27 C
• Best time to visit: late October to early March

8.Assamese culture and festivals

Enjoy Guwahati’s community spirit and distinctive cultural identity by participating in vibrant local celebrations. Bihu Festival welcomes Assamese New Year in April with celebrations, dances and optional buffalo races! Experience the mystical Ambubachi Mela with ritual prayers and offerings at the Kamakhya Temple. Through smiles, stories and hospitality, discover what makes heritage-rich Assam so special.

Fun facts:

• Major festivals:
  • Bihu (harvest celebrations)
  • Ambubahci Mela
  • Jonbeel Mela
  • Raasfestival
• Traditional dance forms:
  • Bihu dance
  • Bhortal dance
  • Ojapali folk music
• Kitchens:
  • Assamese
  • Mishing
  • Karbi
  • Dimasa
  • Bodo
  • Bengali
  • Nepali

There you have it! From temples to markets to cruises, Guwahati is an incredible gateway to the adventures of Northeast India. Visit with respect for the environment, culture and communities that shape the essence of this region. Travel responsibly, sustainably and consciously. And prepare to fall in love with vibrant Guwahati, the “City of Eastern Light”

live

Breaking News LIVE Updates: In the latest update, Donald Trump and Joe Biden have continued to solidify their lead in the race for delegates after the primaries.

Latest news LIVE updates: Former US President Donald Trump has won the Republican primary in Illinois, The Hill reported, citing Decision Desk headquarters. However, Trump has already reached the required delegate threshold he needs to clinch the Republican nominations, and his victory in Illinois adds to his winning streak on the Republican Party side. According to a tracker from Decision Desk headquarters, The Hill, there are 64 GOP delegates up for grabs in Illinois. Earlier in 2020, President Joe Biden defeated Trump in Illinois by nearly 17 points, and Trump lost the state in 2016 to former Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton.

Notably, this year, Biden has emerged as the Democratic pick and will win a whopping 147 state delegates as both head toward a presidential election rematch, The Hill reported.
Trump won the Republican nomination for president on March 13, while Biden won the Democratic nomination a day earlier.

Check out all the latest breaking news updates from around the world here

So you think you can dance right Maks Chmerkovskiy is a parenting professional, just like him and his wife Peta Murgatroyd get ready to welcome baby no. 3, and he shares his best-kept hacks with Us.

“Screen time is important because it is his time. I think [in] 2024, you can fight this, but you’re going to lose because he’s going to do that [learn] what we want him to do, which is socialization,” 44-year-old Chmerkovskiy said recently We weekly while we are talking about the eldest son Shai. “So he has a huge schedule after school, we kind of look back at it and say, ‘We need to adjust for next year because his play dates are the minimum.’ It’s because it’s this class, it’s that class. We take you there, so it means you do this, this and that. So we try to balance it. So when he gets home he says, ‘Do I now my time? Have I earned it?’ I said, ‘Yes, you did. Just do it.'”

Chmerkovskiy and Murgatroyd, 37, share sons Shai, 7, and Rio, 7 months. Murgatroyd is also currently pregnant with the couple’s third baby. Because Shai has reached different milestones than his siblings, there are certain rules that only apply to him for now, especially regarding screen time.

“My deal, though, is that it has to be informative and he has to learn something new,” Chmerkovskiy noted, adding that Shai gets to play Minecraft. “At first I thought, ‘I’m not sure about that.’ But then my friend, who also has young children, said, “This is the best way to program.” I was like, ‘Done. Here we go.’ You know what I mean? Because when I was seven, I didn’t know how to operate a screen, open it, close it, [say], ‘Dad, I’m trying to use WiFi.’ He’s seven. I didn’t know he could read all that.’

The professional dancer continued, “I didn’t know anything about this. So how am I going to look at it and say, ‘It’s to his detriment, he should be playing in the field and planting trees?’ Frankly, we are entering VR, or have already entered it [and] flying situations. I can’t take it back to tractor days. You know what I mean? You can’t avoid it. That’s how I treat it.”

While Chmerkovskiy sees the value in allowing Shai (and eventually Rio and baby No. 3) to use electronic devices, running their own social media pages is out of the question.

“I manage that. I mean, I want to have an account, [and] we are the type of family he can definitely benefit from,” Chmerkovskiy said Us. “So the accounts we have now are Shai and Rio’s… and I’m going to publish it. The only reason I do this is because for me it is a low maintenance approach so he can have it early on.”

Chmerkovskiy noted that when his boys “come of age,” he will transfer the accounts so they don’t have to “start all over again” and build a profile.

“That has value in my opinion,” he noted. “If I’m wrong, it’s very easy to delete it. It’s just two clicks and it’s out. What I’m absolutely against is him having a phone with all that on it. …I know he’s smart enough to get a device that we can learn to use both ways, but it won’t be [a] device that TikTok will be on, that’s for sure.”

Watch the video above for more of Chmerkovskiy’s best parenting tips and tricks.

With reporting by Christina Garibaldi

Earlier in January, the company had acquired Shamli Steel for an enterprise value of Rs 160 crore in a share swap deal.

New Delhi: Delhi-based recycling giant Vikas Ecotech has informed the stock exchanges that its board has issued and allotted 38,03,50,000 equity shares of the company of face value of Re 1 on preferential basis to the existing shareholders of Shamli Steels Private Limited. According to a stock exchange filing, the shares have been allotted at an issue price of Rs 4.20 per equity share. This includes a premium of Rs 3.20.

“Issue of shares on preferential issue basis… to the existing shareholders of Shamli Steels Private Limited… to exchange the shares in the ratio of 20:1 (i.e. every 20 (twenty) equity shares of Vikas Ecotech Limited to be exchanged for one ( 1 ) Equity Share) of Shamli Steels Private Limited, towards acquisition of 100% stake in Shamli Steels Private Limited, at the enterprise value of Rs 160 crores,” the company said in a statement.

Earlier in January, the company had acquired Shamli Steel for an enterprise value of Rs 160 crore in a share swap deal.

Meanwhile, Vikas Ecotech Limited has completed the process of acquiring 100 percent stake in the Polymeric Plasticizer Manufacturing company M/s Vikas Organics Pvt Ltd with transfer of the final consideration of Rs 270 million, which will enable payment of the total sale price of INR is completed. 320 million.

The company also said it will invest another Rs 150 million in the expansion and retrofit of the plant and generate about another Rs 300 million thereafter. towards working capital requirements in respect of the new additions to the product portfolio, taking the total investment to Rs 750 million.

SHOPPERS are shouting “It’s a shame” after a supermarket today stopped a key service at a branch with “helpful staff”.

The Tesco store in the Kent town of Tenterden has lost its Tesco Mobile branch.

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Locals who use Tesco Mobile will now have to travel over ten miles to the telephone provider’s kiosk in Ashford.

Last month there was a sign that read: ‘This Telephone Shop closes on Sunday March 17th.

‘The nearest phone shop is Ashford Park Farm.’

Local residents shared on Facebook their disappointment upon hearing the news.

One user said: “That’s a shame. I bought my phone there last year.”

“Very helpful and knowledgeable staff.”

“It’s a shame for the staff who work there,” said another.

A third user exclaimed: “Oh no.”

“I often drop by to solve a problem, oh dear,” someone else added.

A fourth user said: “I used it to get a phone last month and found the staff helpful.”

A spokesperson for Tesco Mobile said: “Following an extensive review, we have made the difficult decision to close Tenterden Phone Shop due to low customer demand.”

“We will continue to serve the local community through our Ashford Park Farm Phone Shop, which remains open and ready to help.”

Tesco has already gone through a difficult period in recent months.

The retailer sold its banking business to Barclays for £600m after running it for 27 years.

Barclays will give Tesco an annual income for using its brand.

We’ve also seen quite a few Tesco store closures in recent weeks.

Tesco confirmed the closure of two stores in Chippenham and Armthorpe.

The Chippenham store has been a key part of the Emery Gate shopping center since 2008, when it signed a 15-year lease on the largest premises in the building.

What happens to the main street?

Several other retailers have struggled to make ends meet in recent years, especially since the pandemic.

Energy costs have risen and more consumers than ever are choosing to order online instead of going to the store.

This leaves some retailers struggling with budgets and having no choice but to close stores to cut costs.

Struggling fashion brand Superdry has said it is exploring various “cost-cutting options” as it considers a major restructuring including store closures and job cuts.

Boots revealed it would close 300 stores over the next year as part of plans to develop its brand.

The Body Shop is currently entering administration and has announced plans to close half of its 198 stores, seven of which were closed last week.

WHSmith told The Sun it has no plans to open any more high street stores as it wants to focus on the travel side of its business.

Major banks have also announced the closure of several branches.

Barclays will begin pulling down the shutters at fourteen locations in England, three in Wales and three in Scotland from April.

Even thrift stores are having a hard time Oxfam confirmed last year that it would close eight of its UK stores.

Here you can stay informed about all major store closures this month.

By David Southwell for Daily Mail Australia

Published: 1:16 AM EDT, March 16, 2024 | Updated: 03:49 EDT, March 16, 2024

Managing Director and CEO of Bank of Baroda said the launch of the Bob Earth Green Term Deposit Scheme offers depositors the dual benefits of stable and secure financial returns and the opportunity to contribute to a greener planet.

Bank of Baroda recently introduced BOB Earth Green Term Deposit Scheme to generate funds for eco-friendly projects. Investors can open a Green Deposit account with any Bank of Baroda branch in India.

“The Bank has made great strides in embedding sustainability into its operations, including our approach to risk management, governance, social responsibility and environmental impact,” said Debadatta Chand, Managing Director & CEO of Bank of Baroda, according to Mint.

He stated that the launch of the Bob Earth Green Term Deposit Scheme offers savers the dual benefits of stable and secure financial returns and the opportunity to contribute to a greener planet.

“As one of India’s leading banks, Bank of Baroda is committed to advancing its ESG mandate and strengthening its green finance portfolio,” he added.

Important things to know about Bob Earth Green term deposits

This scheme offers attractive interest rates on various tenors and also helps the country in its mission to have a green and sustainable economy.

Bob Earth Green Term Deposits Interest Rates

This scheme has interest rates of up to 7.15% per year. Investors such as the general public, NRIs, resident Indians and high net worth individuals (HNIs) can invest in the BOB Earth Green Term Deposit Scheme.

BOB Earth Green Term Deposit Tenors Amount

The tenor amount starts from ₹5,000 and one can invest up to ₹2 Crore or less

The Bob Earth Green term deposit scheme: interest rate range

Interest rates

• For 1 year i.e. 12 months is 6.75
• For 1.5 years i.e. 18 months is 6.75
• For 777 days this is 7.15
• For 1111 days this is 6.40
• For 1717 days this is 6.40
• For 2201 days this is 6.40

Bob Earth Green Term Deposit Unique ownership rights

The bank has come up with a number of unique property rights that recall the planet’s climate and sustainability goals, such as

1. A term of office of one and a half years means that the global temperature increase must be limited to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
2. Tenure 1717 days focuses on the United Nations’ goal of 17 sustainable development goals.

IT is an important Mother’s Day gift.

But flowers often don’t last long, especially if you get a bunch of tulips.

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However, one flower expert has revealed a clever hack to make them last even longer – and you’ll probably have everything you need in the kitchen cupboard.

“Tulips are a Mother’s Day must-have and are extremely popular all spring long,” says Alex Biggart, Brand Manager at 123 Flowers.

“It can be difficult to maintain their vibrancy, but our tips and tricks should ensure tulips last for a few weeks after Mother’s Day.”

First, Alex suggests using a toothpick.

“Take a toothpick to make a small hole under the flour,” he explained.

“This allows air to escape as the flower drinks water so they don’t hang up.”

You should also change the water in the vase every two to three days.

And to give the flowers an extra boost, add ice cubes and a teaspoon of sugar to the water.

“Tulips thrive in cold water and sugar provides much-needed nutrients,” says Alex.

If you put the tulips in water, be sure to “use a knife to cut the stems diagonally at a 45-degree angle to maximize the surface area to absorb water.”

“You should also remove any leaves below the waterline as these will die and allow bacteria to build up,” Alex added.

If you see any soggy stems, you can carefully cut off the bottoms. Keep a close eye on them and check them every few days.

And don’t be tempted to overfill the vase.

“A few inches of water is usually fine for tulips so they don’t drink too much,” he said.

Positioning is also important: keep the vase away from heating appliances and do not press it against the window.

“These steps can help you get the most out of your beautiful bouquet of tulips and enjoy them for longer,” concludes Alex.

It’s no surprise that flowers are one of the most popular Mother’s Day gifts.

According to Google trend data collected by the founders of RISE coffeethere has been an increase in the number of search results for ‘Mother’s Day flowers’ by 1250%.

“Flowers are a classic Mother’s Day gift for a reason, and an arrangement of her favorite blooms is sure to put a smile on her face,” they said.

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