ISSUE 6

1st THE TEEN ISSUE 6
November TRIBUNE

2020 WEEKLEE.WOKELEE.YOURS TRULEE.

Questioning its The biggest spook

existence Did we grow up of your life
Fitting in or standing
Fear. An emotion too fast? out? As teens, we face
we're all very well this issue of identity
acquainted with.
Let's look at it from a crises everyday as we
different perspective?
A positive perspective grapple to find out
maybe?
What's really scary about who we are and
PAGE 19
Halloween as a teen whether that's okay.
today.
PAGE 17

A nightmare: Halloween
CSK's IPL
costumes during a
performance
pandemic
MS Dhoni and Chennai
Yes we know we're 24
Super Kings have found hours late but in the
midst of a pandemic
themselves in when every day feels
like a weekend, why
unchartered territories PAGE 2 can't it be Halloween
everyday too??
in the ongoing IPL 2020. Check out some easy
and fun Covid-
A sight for RCB's sore friendly costume
eyes but a tragedy for ideas!
cricket fans globally.
PAGE 15
PAGE 13

From the 1st November 2020
Editor's Desk
02

Unpopular Opinions: Halloween Rysha Sultania

Did we grow up too fast? When did we stop On 3rd September 2004, Mean Girls caused
believing in Bloody Mary, the ghost and start fashion icons to turn in their graves as it
slurping Bloody Mary, the drink? Was the real introduced the idea of a ‘ Hot Halloween’. Kids my
scary part of halloween when you realized that age were being lead to believe that Halloween was
your costume had to look sexy instead of freaky? no longer a competition to see how innovative one
I live in a gated community that it famous for its could be in revamping their mom’s soon-to-be-
“Halloween celebrations” that involve dressing dusting-cloth saree into a Witch outfit but was
up ‘slightly’ inappropriately, hanging out at the now a test to see how much skin one could show
one place open during the pandemic (sit staring as a ‘Sexy ______’ (fill in the blank, you think it and
at your phone, taking lots of pictures for there’s a costume for it, trust me). Not only is this
Instagram and then posting said pictures) and a really stressful situation as an Indian girl, it’s
then disbanding, supposedly claiming that this also just really uncomfortable to research and
was the best night of your teenage life. And then execute.
it repeats.Every.Damn.Year.
I’m not hating on the people who want to be
So why did I bother telling you the real-life Tempting Twix bars or whatever but when it
Halloween horror story that exists in my teenage becomes an expectation of you to wear a costume
circles? Because it’s slowly becoming normal. As a completely inappropriate for the October winds,
teenager, we hear things like peer pressure every can you blame me for being a little miffed?
single day but we never really acquaintance
ourselves with that scary phrase. To me,it still I know as an Indian kid we’ve heard our parents
feels like a lame quote on a poster I’ll never read say with exasperation, “ Why do you celebrate
and definitely something I’m immune too. But Halloween and all, it’s an American scam to
that’s the thing about it, it’s become so increase dentist sales”, and I agree. It’s an insanely
normalised that you don't even recognise it smart promotion by Eclairs to become the #1
happening to you. That’s why instead of chasing distribution choice if you don’t want kids
candy on the last day of October, you chase bothering you since you have rather undesirable
Instagram Likes and random follow requests. candy. But it’s also something continuously fed to
us as kids who study the SATs more than NCERT,
devour Krispy Kreme over Balushahi and live the
American dream sitting in #145, Bommanahalli,
Bengaluru.

03 From the Editor's Desk

Initially I could proudly say we integrated
our beliefs into the spooky culture,
distributing Badam instead of M&Ms and
dressing up as Rahul from Kuch Kuch Hota
Hai instead of Extra #6 from Riverdale. But
just as is human nature, we kids got
greedy. We turned a holiday nobody knew
about into a matter of self and bit off a lot
more of the Big Apple than we could chew.

I miss the days from 2010 when we would
compare the amount of candy we collected
in our Big Bazaar packets that served as our
faux treasure bags for the evening instead
of comparing the amount of cleavage
shown in our costumes. I miss the days
when I ran around in chappals scouring
every house for a sighting of Dairy Milk
instead of only going to the picture worthy
spots on my aching stilettos. I miss the
days I’d watch a horror movie followed by
My Little Pony without the fear of ending
up on my friend’s embarrassing Insta story.
Mostly, I miss my childhood that went by
too fast and too quiet, I didn’t even get a
chance to mourn it.

Maybe the really scary part about
Halloween is that Karnataka Rajyotsava
has been reduced to just the day after
Halloween. Maybe it’s that we fear
standing out rather than just fitting in. But
maybe it’s that we don't know just when
we grew up and it's unlikely we’ll ever
really know.

1st November 2020

What's good in the 1st November 2020
neighbourhood ?
04

India test-fires air launched version of BrahMos Update: Bihar Elections
supersonic cruise missile, hits with remarkable
Speaking at Bihar on Monday, Prime
accuracy. Minister Narendra Modi said that it is
clear after the first phase of voting
The Indian Air Force on Friday successfully test-fired an air that Nitish Kumar will form the
launched version of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile government again. The BJP is in
from a Sukhoi fighter aircraft in the Bay of Bengal, official alliance with Kumar's JD(U) in the
sources said. poll-bound state.

The missile hit a sinking ship with deadly accuracy and the Commencing from Chapra, RJD
test-firing produced desired results, they said. supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav's bastion
in Bihar, Prime Minister Narendra
The aircraft, belonging to Thanjavur-based Tigersharks Modi plans to address four rallies in
squadron, took off from a frontline airbase in Punjab and it was the poll-bound state today. Lalu had
refuelled mid-air before the missile was released, they said. commenced his political career from
Chapra after winning the Lok Sabha
The test firing of the missile came in the midst of India's seat at the age of 29. Apart from
bitter border standoff with China in eastern Ladakh. Chapra, Modi will visit Motihari and
The missile was fired after the Su-30 MKI aircraft travelled Bagaha, along with CM Nitish Kumar.
for over three hours covering a "significantly long distance",
the officials said.

Union Minister Smriti Irani tests Positive For Covid :

Shares meme

"I've tested positive for #COVID and would request those who came in
contact with me to get themselves tested at the earliest," Smriti Irani
announced.

1st November 2020 Elsewhere in the

05 world...

Amid growing cases, UK Michelle Menezes
to return to Lockdown
France searches for the Islamist attacks'
sources and connections

England will enter a second French President Emmanuel Macron told Al-Jazeera Saturday
coronavirus lockdown beginning on he understood Muslim anger at cartoons of the Muslim
Thursday that is scheduled to run
until early December, Prime Minister Prophet Muhammad but violence was unacceptable and he’d
Boris Johnson said Saturday. defend his nation’s freedoms. He spoke as France faced
terrorist attacks at home and boycott calls in Muslim
All pubs and restaurants will close countries.
along with nonessential retail shops,
and different households will be Macron’s interview with the Arab broadcaster came days after
banned from mixing indoors. In a Tunisian migrant killed three people at a southern French
addition, outbound international church. The president told Al-Jazeera he wanted to clear
travel will be prohibited, except for misconceptions about his role and fiercely secular country,
work, while schools and universities where public displays of Islam, such as halal sections in
will remain open. grocery stores, have become a flash point.

Obama says that Trump Moscow pulled in in the the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
has failed to take the to assist Armenia against Azerbhaijan
pandemic and presidency

seriously.

Good-government advocacy groups
are concerned that the President’s
repeated calls for his supporters to

monitor the polls may lead to
widespread voter intimidation.

President Donald Trump has
accused American doctors of
profiteering from Covid-19

deaths. Sick no?

1st November 2020

Celeb Cents 06

Celebrities Urge People To Sir Sean Connery Passes Anika Singh
Away at 90
Vote
Sir Sean Connery has died at the age
For the 2020 American Presidential of 90 at his home in the Bahamas
election, many celebrities have in his sleep. Being the first actor to
been vocal about encouraging portray the role of British fictional
people to vote. Recently, Lady Gaga spy James Bond on the big screen,
fashioned some of her iconic looks he went on to portraying the spy in
from over the years in a video to seven Bond films. His fame in the
spread the message for people to film industry only grew from there,
cast their ballot. Stevie Wonder is notable for starring in Indiana Jones,
set to campaign in Detroit with Joe The Untouchables, The Murder on
Biden and Barack Obama to get the Orient Express among other
African-American voters to polls major motion pictures. Connery
for the Democrat. Apart from was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2000. After receiving the
showing support for either of the American Film Institute’s Lifetime Achievement Award, he
candidates, the primary focus now retired from acting. From a backstage helper at the King’s
is getting the message out there for Theatre, Connery went on to becoming an esteemed performer
every person to vote, since every with an Oscar, two BAFTA awards and three Golden Globes to his
single vote counts. name. With an acting career spanning decades, his death will
certainly leave a mark on the film industry for years to come.

Neha Kakkar Ties the Knot- Golden Gift

Neha Kakkar and Rohanpreet Harry Styles blessed his fans with a new music video for his
Singh have officially tied the knot song Golden. The
with lavish wedding festivities. picturesque music
The ceremony was close-knit with video shot in Italy
the couple’s family and close was like a
friends in attendance for the Rom-Comcome to
festivities. Following the wedding, life with the singer
the couple headed to Punjab for a graciously running
grand reception. down streets and
driving through mountains mesmerizing viewers. The song
was the first track for his album, Fine Line, encapsulating the
European dream in the music video.

1st November 2020 Inception Alert

07 This Halloween, let’s dive into the
alluring world of CRISPR...
First of all, what is CRISPR?
Divya Vijay
You asked for it. Clustered
regularly interspaced short When you hear the word CRISPR, what comes to your
palindromic repeats. I know- that’s mind? A bag of crispy potato chips? That’s what I thought
a mouthful. A CRISPR, also known of when I first heard the term. What if I told you that
as a CRISPR array, is a type of DNA CRISPR-Cas9, a gene-editing system proposed in 2012 by
sequence present in bacteria. Jennifer Doudna and Emmanuel Charpentier, is a means
When a virus attacks the bacteria, of editing, deleting, or adding specific sequences to a
a part of the virus’s DNA sequence specific site in your genome? That it has the potential to
is captured and used to make a cure many genetic diseases, and possibly cure cancer? I do
CRISPR array. When the same virus not know about you, but I am definitely intrigued. But
attacks again, the viral DNA first, let’s take a step back.
sequence of that specific virus
which is already stored in the Jennifer Doudna and Emmanuel Charpenier
CRISPR array is utilized to make a
specialized unit to attack the virus.

How does this work for humans?!

This same concept is utilized for humans Who knows what CRISPR-Cas9 can do in the future?
to edit genes. Scientists create synthetic Indeed, the creators of CRISPR won the Nobel Chemistry
RNA in a lab, which is attached to a prize 2020 in recognition of their efforts. There is still so
protein called cas9, which has the ability much that can be improved on! Probably, 1000 years in the
to cut DNA. Along with these molecules, future, there would be “CRISPR” cafes where people would
a “healthy” version of the DNA can also drop by to get a “quick fix”( this would definitely make a
be transported to the site. So that once it good theme for a dystopian novel). The imagination really
is cut, this DNA can take its place. This is soars thinking about the possibilities! But to ensure this
putting it very simply- there are many tool’s longevity, it should only be employed for people who
factors involved in the process. need it the most.

08 Inception Alert

CONSPIRACY THEORY: PERPETUAL

SCAM PRODUCT OBSOLESCENCE SCAM

Rysha Sultania

“Skyler, don’t you understand? I’m not in danger, I AM….”
BEEP BEEP! UPDATE 8.9453842040 OUT!!!! BEEP BEEP!
I roll my eyes, click ‘remind me later’ for the 1000 th time that week and resume my Netflix
surfing. If you are one of those people who clicks ‘Update Now’ the minute you get the pop-up
screen, I suggest you go register yourself in the same club as those who eat Idli and Ketchup.

However the inherent laziness we have to update our systems may actually not be as
unfounded as we presume.

Planned obsolescence or built-in obsolescence in industrial design and economics is a policy of
planning or designing a product with an artificially limited useful life, so it will become obsolete(that

is, unfashionable or no longer functional) after a certain period of time. The rationale behind the
strategy is to generate long-term sales volume by reducing the time between repeat purchases
(referred to as 'shortening the replacement cycle').

To put things in layman terms, anyone who has had to update several versions of an Operating
System or erratic iTunes may attest to the fleeting thought that software companies may be

deliberately planting errors or sabotaging their software so that the user is compelled to install
their new products. This phenomenon is exactly what is referred to as ‘perpetual product

obsolescence’ in the technical world. It is no secret that iTunes and MS Office applications can
be highly eccentric all of a sudden, causing users to be left confused and exasperated to say the

least. It has been widely speculated that iPhone IOS is often made to work slower and
erratically when a new phone is being released so that users feel that in order to have a
satisfying product experience they must purchase the newer model as theirs is outdated. Often
certain programs only work if you have downloaded a series of other affiliated software
rendering their prime purpose completely useless. In such situations, it is common for the user
to not only feel cheated but also helpless and as if backed in a corner, with no alternate options

to choose from.
Of course as stated above, a consumer could resort to using alternate competitors however this
becomes increasingly challenging in the OS and other application sector since several
companies are subsidiary to 2 or 3 main brands which exercise complete control over the
market.
Luckily, today with growing awareness and need for transparency, it is a lot more tricky for
these horrendous strategies to stay out of public eye for too long. So the next time you click
‘remind me later’, tell yourself you aren’t lazy, you’re just careful!

1st November 2020

1st November 2020

Ka-Ching!!! 09

Devansh Mathur Economic Revival- ‘Rebirth’

Over the last few months, we have seen the entire globe
come under one umbrella to battle the pandemic. The
pandemic has spared no economy, the rich, developed,
and emerging have all been adversely affected. Every
country's economy and stability is linked with its
containment strategy. Learning from Germany can
offer vital insights into trends of shaping economic
recovery. It is also important how their containment
strategy never let the economy dry up completely.
Germany opted for a contact ban rather than a full-
blown lockdown. This meant quite a few economic
activities could still be carried out as regular. Germany
also aimed at digitalising processes wherever possible.
A supplementary budget was immediately framed and
adopted which was estimated at a value of 5% of their
national income.
It covered all the main points of concern in today's
time such as making protective equipment and
COVID vaccine research. This plan includes helping
firms retain workers by creating regulations for
shorter hours for safety reasons and covering some of
the worker’s loss of income. This strategy known as
Kurzarbeit in German gained worldwide appreciation
by economists. With respect to trade, a smart
approach has been established, as Germany aims to
aid as well as benefit by targeting countries close to
their border. This means the cost of exporting is low
and they are one of the few countries making a profit
via trading.
Coming to our motherland, India, the economic
revival has just begun and small but significant steps
have already been taken. On May 12th, Aatmanirbhar
Bharat Abhiyaan was established by PM Modi. The
main focus was on making policy reforms and taking
monetary measures to help business individuals cope
with the situation that has risen. A mega package of
20 lakh crore was announced.

10 Ka-Ching!!!

Budget 2020-21 An area that the government has addressed very well is
Preparation Kickstarted that of creating employment. Unemployment rose and
created a problem as a major part of the rural informal
Amongst the problems created by sector stopped contributing to the economy. To bring
the COVID-19 pandemic, the back employment opportunities the Pradhan Mantri
finance ministry kicked off the Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyan was established which
preparation of the Annual Budget aims at creating 125 days of employment. The
for 2021-22. There has been an government also exempted the rural population from
urgency to push economic growth certain restrictions which allowed them to carry out
and focus on cutting costs in their activities as they normally would. This decision
various areas. The coming year’s could be the one that could boost the economy, as an
budget will be a tricky one to frame estimation says India will produce a record of 299
as it will have to help and deal with million tonnes of foodgrains in the coming agricultural
the impact of the pandemic on all season. These commendable measures bring us to the
segments of the economy, including point that the policies largely emphasize the
revenue collection and exports that unorganised rural sector and the formal urban sector.
have been under a big impact.The These leave out the informal urban sector such as small
International Monetary Fund, after private set-ups. Thus, not all sectors are involved in
multiple surveys and estimations, economic revival. This is an issue that needs to be
believes that the Indian economy is addressed in the coming months as these sectors will
projected to reduce by a shocking struggle to grow without the necessary support.
10.3 percent. According to the RBI,
the economy is expected to shrink
by 9.5 percent.Meetings for the
Revised estimate for 2020-21 and
Budget Estimate 2021-22 will be a
draining month-long exercise and is
expected to conclude in November.
The budget is likely to be presented
during the first week of February.

1st November 2020

1st November 2020

This House Believes 11

The world is just taking a petty revenge against China

for Covid Sanjana Satish

""China holds a fair reputation for the most absurd meat diet"? Well, actually China holds a better
reputation at holding a grudge against the world. The whole blame game is just a revenge play, and
DON'T DENY IT.

It's not the meat, it's the QUALITY of meat
That’s it! That's the point. The whole world is aware of the hygiene problems concerning meat
consumption and Covid just shed a spotlight to what already prevailed. It's true-The Yulin dog
festival is heartless but bringing up only what occurs in China by veiling what the rest of the world
eats isn't helping. Whether or not a dog meat carnival should exist is a different controversial
topic, irrespective of which country it's held in. What we need to discuss at this point is about the
level of sanitation one maintains during any food carnival. This isn't the first time we've come
across a virus due to unhygienic poultry farming. My next point brings light to that.

Remember H1N1? Of course you do! Remember where it started? Of course you don't
Sad that I had to Google where the swine flu originated but everybody knew where Covid19 did
before it was even a pandemic. The answer is Mexico- in case you were wondering. When H1N1
was a big deal, I sure as hell don't remember anyone bringing up Mexico into the picture. Is this not
racism? Why is it that the people who hold China
responsible for COVID-19 don't know that an
equally deadly virus originated in Mexico, let
alone blame the country? Whether Mexico was
held responsible for swine flu or not is not as
controversial as China being responsible or not for
COVID-19 is? What is this if it isn't racism?

Cut the poor country some slack
now c'mon, are you actually telling me that the country had to own up
to something it wasn't even sure about? We won't know what it's like
unless we try on China's shoes. Even today, people are confused about
what the virus does, how it spreads an.d whether or not to visit a
hospital. Take just one moment and imagine what it was like to be a
country with the world's biggest population and to have a new virus
potential of a pandemic in hand. China was obviously scared and I don't
blame them for it, nor should you.

12 This House Believes

Yes, it shut down the national transportation systems before the international and that's just because they
were looking out for themselves. And quite honestly, I think we all would have done the same, had it been
us in their place. Besides, they weren't even aware that most cases are asymptomatic yet. The first case
was registered on December 27th and the news was reported on December 31st. Now what if China had
reported to the world on the same day without proper investigation? It would have received hate for false
alarms.
Did WHO really help in China's redemption?
I don't mean to start a whole new controversy about
WHO's stance on the stage. But if a country so full of
people is having problems with maintaining meat
hygiene, is it not ideal to bring WHO into the picture
for not doing (slightly) more than it had ?
The whole thing is a debate only because the picture paints China. There are some stereotypes that we
have developed over the past few years- it's not racism, but it certainly isn't any better. After the virus
started spreading, China owed nobody anything- its only responsibility lied towards its people and it did a
fair job in containing the pandemic within its territory. During April, my mother asked one of her friends
from Hong Kong about the situation there and this was the response :

Now don't tell me China played a huge role in the epidemic portion. China's Cold War with the world has
become its Achilles Heel. The blame game has become a bigger deal because our big brother, the USA took
part in it. This needs to stop. We know us Indians and Americans- we have a thing against China. All that's
the dirty political game, but to blame them the first chance we get is just being petty and unreasonable.

1st November 2020

1st November 2020

Be a Sport! 13

IPL News Prithvi B

DC and RCB Struggling for that Final Win CSK Sadness

DC and RCB both currently stuck at 14 points For the first time in the history of IPL, CSK is not
need one more win to secure their place in the going to be able to qualify for the playoffs. Each
playoffs. DC who were the leaders of the pack year
have required just 1 win for the last 4 of their they’ve shown us that consistency and experience
matches was their key to success but this year they
to seal their qualification but they’ve struggled weren’t able to show any of them. Why? Is it
with the bat and ball, losing 4 in a row. Shikhar possible that the absence of Suresh Raina has
Dhawan who was in form and scored 2 centuries made
in a row has now scored 0 runs in the last 2 such a big impact? Raina in his IPL career has
matches getting duck out twice. Kagiso Rabada scored 5368 runs in 193 matches at a strike rate of
who was miles ahead of any bowler in the race 137.14, the second highest runs by any batsmen in
for their IPL career. His contribution to the team
the purple cap has been wicket- less the last 2 even in the field cannot be matched. As Raina was
matches. RCB has also lost the last 3 matches ruled out off the IPL, CSK were forced to play
when another strong batsmen to cover up the loss and
they’ve required just 1 win to qualify. Tomorrow this batsmen chosen was often an overseas
at 7:30 pm these teams will be playing their player.
most Due to this, the inclusion of an overseas bowler in
important match against each other and the their XI , in this case possibly Imran Tahir who is
winner will not only be assured a spot in the also a game changer and won the purple cap last
playoffs year was also effected as a team can only play 4
but will finish second on the table giving them a overseas players. The absence of Raina seems to
huge advantage in the playoffs. Don’t forget to have made a huge impact on the balance of the
watch these teams battle it out in what is team’s playing XI.
expected to be a very intense match.

14 Football Be a Sport!

Siddharth K As of today each team has played 13 matches and each
has one last game to give it their best. Until
ISL 2020 journey begins now the only team that has secured their position in
the playoffs is MI and the only team that’s not
The authorities of the AIFF have confirmed the in the run for the remaining 3 spots is CSK. The
ISL matches fixtures and dates.The players and remaining 6 teams all have a chance to qualify based
on the results of the upcoming matches.
the board members are now excited and are Today:
looking forward to the upcoming games At 03:30- CSK vs KXIP
At 19:30- KKR vs RR
wherein 11 teams compete against each other in
the league matches.The games are said to
commence from 20th November 2020.

Ronaldo tests negative for Coronavirus

The famous legend Cristiano Ronaldo tests
negative for the Coronavirus.Initially he was
tested positive and was in quarantine in Turin
and was isolated from his national team and
Juventus.He did miss many games due to the
quarantine regulations and will be soon back

on his next fixture.

Pulisic withdrawn from the starting XI UFC

The 22 year old attacking midfielder was Khabib Nurmagomedov retires
removed from the playing XI as he suffered The well known UFC champ announced retirement
injury during the warm up session against after his victory over Justin Gaethje, breaking down
Burnley at Turf Moor.He was diagnosed with a while announcing this decision. Needless to say, this
hamstring injury in the pre match warm up revelation by the 32 year old surprised everyone.
session and was replaced with Timo Werner.

Ist November 2020

Runway 1st November 2020

Halloween @ Home 15

Tavishi Mukherjee

It is FINALLY that time of the Among Us Rain On Me
year. With Christmas sneaking It’s obvious that the game has been Simple enough to recreate with the iconic
around the corner, it’s finally getting a lot of attention lately, with eyeliner, which caused a mass make up
spooky szn!!! The only a worldwide player base. The movement earlier this year, this definitely is
difference is that this year, we’re costume is super easy to make, with one of the most gorgeous outfits on our list.
all going to have to celebrate a matching hoodie, tracks, and a Any simple purple top and skirt should make
from our homes. If any of you helmet!!! To add to the effect, add the stitch. Pair this with the signature Ariana
are planning to go trick or either some red paint, carry a plant, High ponytail, and you are raring to go!!
treating this year, I request you or a red beanie!!
to re-think! Just because we Trouble, but make it double
can’t go about celebrating the This one is for the pair of besties that wanna
usual way, does not mean we match even over the distance!! Take any
can’t make some new iconic look from the 90s- Clueless, Friends,
traditions!!! Let’s keep the Harry Potter, and you can do a FAB job.
spooky spirit roaring!!There are These outfits are extremely easy to recreate,
several ways we can still enjoy but are easy to recognize and stand out well!!
Halloween, despite the obvious
setbacks. Who says we can’t still
dress up in our favorite
costumes and celebrate
virtually!!Here are the top 3
easy, affordable costume ideas
you can rock this 31st!!

1st November 2020

16 Livin' the good life

Get your spook on!

Raghavi V

The Spooky season is officially here! Hence, I
present to you 4 Halloween themed (or at least
exercises named after spooky stuff) exercises you
can try at home. These are simple yet effective
methods to burn those calories.

1.It’s Alive! Teens gettin' freaky !!!
Lie on your back with your hands above your head.
Slowly lift your upper body off the floor, hands up
in the air.

2. The werewolf pounce
Sumo squat with your hands shaped like claws,
fingertips touching the floor. Then pounce up
while extending your arms and leap into the air.
While landing, go back into the squat posture.

3. The vampire is awake
Stand with feet hip-width apart, holding
dumbbells in front of the body, palms facing
inward. Step out laterally with your right foot,
opening both arms to perform a reverse fly. Bring
your right foot back to the starting position and
repeat on the opposite side, stepping out with your
left foot.

4. The vampire slayer
Stand with feet hip-width distance apart, holding
a 5-pound dumbbell (or a half/fully filled water
bottle) in your left hand. Extend left arm overhead,
aligning wrist above the shoulder. Step back with
your left foot while simultaneously lowering your
left arm. Bend both knees, performing a reverse
lunge while lowering the dumbbell toward the
ground. Reverse the movement bringing your left
foot back to the starting position.

1st November 2020

Miss Futuristic 17

HOW NOT TO FIT IN.. Vartica George

Last week I wrote about self worth - and as I reviewed the published
version with a co-worker, it was suggested that perhaps I share my take
on the pressure of trying to fit in and its hardships. However, we
couldn’t think of any boons.

Let’s begin with the premise that you can run and hide from everyone but
yourself. Hence, it’s usually a good idea to stay true to yourself. You can
jump through every hoop to make everyone happy and it still might not
work.

Try a different approach and just concntrate on making yourself happy.

Usually, making yourself happy starts with knowing what you want. But don’t despair if you don’t,

there’s hope yet. .

What I have seen work is the reverse; figure out what you don’t want, where you draw the line, what
you stand for, the deal breaker, the non-negotiable. Perspectives can become clearer by comparison.
A word on external validation: The moment you decide to be who you are and not a twisted version
of what the world wants you to be, you suddenly belong. Think about that for a minute... The
moment you belong, instead of fitting in, you take the pressure off yourself. You belong the moment
you own what you love. Own it regardless of the judgment. Finding your tribe also helps. There are
people in this world who will accept you, warts and all. You just have to look a little and squinting
your eyes usually helps ;) Bad joke aside, the problem with pleasing a crowd is you could get lost in it.

While I was studying, I was introduced to the concept of ‘locus of control’. A locus of control is
loosely translated to a seat of power. Hence, it could be internal, from within you or external- from
outside of you. Eg: You lose weight because you want to or someone else wants you to. More often
than not, results last longer when the locus of control is internal vis-a-vis external.

Move to an internal locus of control and watch the drama, neediness
and negativity disappear. Thinner, fatter, shorter, taller, fairer, darker,
smarter...Be seen and heard for what you are. There’s beauty in
imperfection, you just need to learn to see it.

1st November 2020

18 The Brain Gym

I feel attacked

Nila Mahesh

We all know, and many experience panic attacks. People tend to confuse the
two, but there is a difference between panic attacks and anxiety attacks.

Anxiety attacks happen mainly due to the stressors in our life, where we feel
out of breath or fearful, but it lasts only for a short while. Panic attacks are
unprovoked and unpredictable and can last longer. The people who have
experienced it always reported that it is more scary than it sounds. There is a

general feeling of free-fall, where you feel out of control and unable to
change what is happening to you at the moment. Your body becomes captive
to the attack and there's nothing much you can do but try to calm down by
doing some breathing exercises, going for a walk and avoiding caffeine. The

severity and impact of panic attacks are underestimated. It’s one of the
things for which many times there is no cure and which can be controlled by
trying to change your regimen and hope it comes less frequently. We should

always try to be there for the people who may need our help during these
times or if you experience it yourself, seek help so each day goes by a little

better than the last.

To my sleepless nights

We've all seen relatable memes, blogs and write-ups where people post stuff like:

"I don't understand. People go to bed and just fall asleep almost immediately?! It takes me
atleast 100 positions and an imaginary roleplay".

Sleeping should not be hard. It's the time when we take rest to recharge our mind and
body. But sleeping does not come easily all the time. It becomes a real problem when
you're not able to sleep for consecutive days and you're missing out on scheduled rest
time. It could be due to caffeine intake, anxiety, stress or mental health disorders. Sleeping
should not be a chore. By staying active throughout the day, sticking to a sleep schedule
and taking fewer naps we can fall asleep faster and have a good night’s rest. These tips do
help, especially when you know you're tired and need rest but are unable to get any. So try
inculcating these methods, and maybe you can limit sacrificing your sleep to the Gods
who are unfortunately temperamental.

The Brain Gym 19

Questioning its existence

Pehal Kothari

Halloween. The festival of fear.
Absurd isn't it? We humans who have
innumerable frights and fears have set aside

an entire day to celebrate them.

I’ve often wondered how different life
would be if there was no concept of ‘fear’.
We could walk without the fear of someone
following us in the dark. Look straight into a
tiger’s eye or snitch on someone as though it
was all the same. Wouldn’t life be a whole

lot
easier without fear? And if so, what do you think is the reason behind its existence?

Google says fear is “an unpleasant feeling triggered by the perception of
danger, real or imaginary”. I think fear is the essence of the entire human
civilization. It’s the element which makes us human. Which makes us feel,

think and act the way we do in situations.

Perhaps fear is not “an unpleasant feeling”. Maybe fear is the reason we
analyze a situation before we speak, think before we act, pause before we
jump and question the unknown. It’s the instinct to survive, be safe and do

all it takes to sleep peacefully in bed.
If we really think about it, fear is what’s most needed. Maybe we
need to look behind to make sure there’s no one following us, we

need to worry about what would happen if we snitched on someone
and we need to fear getting eaten up by a tiger in the wild.

So maybe it’s a good thing that we’re all a little afraid.

And lastly, no fears would mean no halloween. And who’d want to
live in a world with no halloween!

1st November 2020

1st November 2020 WOKELEE.

20

Macron and Islamist Separatism

Michelle Menezes

Separatism is defined as the advocacy of segregating and separating based on ethnicity, culture and religion.
Islamist Separatism is separating on the basis of Islamic ethnicity, culture and religion.

France has the majority of the Islamic Population in Western Europe. Emmanuel Macron, the President of
France, believes that the conservative and radical morals of the Islamic religion should not get in the way of
French historical value and secularism. He has promised to diminish the discriminative Islamic separatism
that thrives in France. While Macron makes sure that Islam is not discriminated against or driven out of
France, he has imposed a number of measures to ensure secularism, namely, the implementation of stricter
supervision of sports organisations and other associations so that they do not become a front for Islamist
teaching, to cease the system of imams being sent to France from abroad, improvement of monitoring over
the financing of mosques and restriction of homeschooling for Islamic children.

Macron has promised to provide socio-economic help for the discriminated society, namely the liberal
Islamic community. He has also vowed to make sure the radical Islamists can change their ways into
becoming liberal Islamists, thereby reducing the heavy amount of discrimination and increasing the respect
and raise the fallen dignity of the Islamic community that had been destroyed in the twisted maze of

History.

Taste the Magic 1st November 2020

21

Spiced Pumpkin Latte! Halloween Special Bloody Mary - the cocktail

Preksha Tyagi and origin and history Shriya Ravi

Ingredients: We’ve all come across the weird, eerie and goose-bump inducing
1. 5 Tablespoons Sugar ghost “Bloody Mary” and multiple ways to “call her spirit”.As a
2Tbsp Pumpkin Puree first-grader, I heard the most useless manner to call this
½ Brewed Pumpkin Pie spice spirit,and even though I was terrified for days, this theory never
½ cup Brewed coffee fails to make people laugh. So the theory went somewhat like
½ cup Milk this- “You get into the bathroom at the dead of the night like
around 12 am or 3 am (a very convenient time for witches) and
Method: then you flush the toilet sink three times and run around yelling
.Add all the above mentioned “Bloody Mary” 6 times.” Although this theory never worked, it
ingredients in a saucepan and heat has been the most hilarious spooky prank.
them.After they are heated well, take
the pan off the stove and cool.Serve in a Well, modern experiences apart, let me serve you the origins of
glass with some whipped cream and this drink.
cinnamon powder for the garnish and Back in the 16th century, Queen Mary I of England was feared for
some added aesthetic appeal!This latte her whimsical orders. In merely five years of her reign, she burnt
will bring warmth to your soul on a over 3000 innocent Protestants (A sect in Christianity).
cold winter evening! Ciao!

The Queen was also well-known to swear at her subjects, which
earned her the title of “Bloody Mary”. Although we see only the
citizen’s side of her crazy whims, we might never know the
complete truth to the reasons behind this lady being called
Bloody Mary, so we cannot assume that she was a horrible
human, as women were also heavily objectified and her own
mother was a pawn in her father’s hand.

Well, coming over to the cocktail, it contains alcohol (You guys are
teens, reading about this makes you aware, you won’t get drunk
reading an article on alcohol.) The drink consists of vodka, as the
primary alcoholic ingredient. The other ingredients in this drink are
some citrus juice (primarily lemon or lime), some fresh cracked
pepper and celery salt. This drink also doesn’t get a person drunk, so
it is a safe bet (elderly advice: just read, don’t plot ways to drink, you
smart sloth!)
The drink is usually served in a hurricane glass and garnished with
some celery leaves and lemon slices. This Halloween you could try
some virgin (no alcohol) Bloody Mary!

1st November 2020 Let's be Judge-y

22

Hirkani - (Historical Drama)

Language- Marathi Shriya Ravi

Based on the life of a milkmaid in the Maratha empire

who displayed extreme bravery and determination in

a trying situation placed in front of her.

Teen Friendly:
Plot Conviction:
Performance Conviction :
Authenticity:
Director: Prasad Oak

Based on the incident in the Maratha empire, this movie covers the life of a milkmaid (Hira) who delivers
milk to Chhatrapati Shivaji’s royal fort. Her life as a newly married woman, and then a new mother who

leaves her child with her mother-in-law who is gradually showing symptoms of old age.

Its focus event is the day Hira leaves her child in the afternoon at home and delivers milk in the fort for a
festival that’s being celebrated. She loses track of time and is forced to stay behind the fort which is locked till

day-break of the following day. Hira’s fierce motherly side takes over a rather naive lady and she daringly
climbs down the shortest fort wall facing a cliff. The rest is history and Hira’s bravery has been an inspiration
for everyone, with the Chhatrapati recognizing her by naming a watchtower after her as the Hir-Kani Burz.

The cast and crew have been extremely good with the accuracy of the plot, costumes and visuals, and the
message was subtle but very clear. While most actors glam up to portray historical characters, the lead actor
here (Sonalee Kulkarni), has elegantly moulded into Hira and the rest of the cast also looked their part. The

movie although slow-paced never digressed the major event of the story.
The movie deserves way more than what it has received. Hirkani is a must-watch for all the people who wish
to know more in history and films in general. There’s a lot more to be said, but I’ll leave you to develop your

own opinions

Final Verdict

Some movies do not require a language to convey what they want. The
plot’s exact depth is brought out by the actors who have given the plot

the best life it could get. Hirkani is one such movie.

Let's be Judge-y 23

Paranormal Activity - The first Shriya Ravi

of the franchise!

Overall:

For Halloween, most of us prefer watching
spooky movies and staying up all night
wondering whether spirits might catch
us!Paranormal Activity is a wonderful example of
one of these movies. It will leave you absolutely
sleepless.The movie is based on a young married
couple, Katy and Micah. The story shows that a
demon has been following Katy since her
childhood (watch part 3 for more sleepless nights
;)To pacify his wife, Micah sets up a camera
which records all the evidence to the story. While
the story goes forward, we see weird shreds of
evidence supporting Katy’s statements. The
contrasting nature of the couple aggravates the
demon’s presence and takes a turn for the
worst.While this movie isn’t excitingly scary(for
the horror movie fans), it’s mundane nature and
the naturally recorded plot makes the audience
feel like they’re inspecting the evidence of a
“haunted house”, which is the charm of this
movie.The dialogues, backgrounds and general
path of the movie are very natural and makes the
movie seem realistic.

1st November 2020

1st November 2020 You Do You.

24

The Storm

Preksha SM

As soon as one enters the room, they are blindsided by the sunny yellow wall on the left. Though dusty and
slightly worn out, the room is comfortable. It has a colourful range of cracked book spines thick and thin
on a floating bookshelf along with a couple of other artifacts and glossy photo frames. A violet dream-
catcher hanging on a wall wavers in the breeze created by the ceiling fan.
The room’s features were overly familiar to the figure sitting on the bed. The girl is lost in the way everyone
is, but she is also confused. About her identity, her future, and her desires. She tries to articulate this as best
she can to the boy making himself home on her mahogany study table. The textbooks and notes on the
table are pushed aside, a reflection of her academic worries. She speaks fervently, gesticulating, while the
boy nods periodically, but she is unsure if he is even listening.
It doesn’t matter that much- the stream of words on her mind has started pouring out of her mouth, and
she doesn’t think she can stop it. They both glance at the window as a streak of lightning illuminates the
scene beyond. Trees sway desperately as the rain becomes heavier and the winds become more violent. The
pale moon was visible an hour before but now hides behind the furious skies. The temporary distraction
passes, and the girl catches her breath for a second before rambling on.

After she finally runs out of thoughts and worries to voice, there are a few moments of quiet, but they are
not silent as the storm rages on. She falls back on her sea blue blanket and stares at her soft board of bright,
square post-it notes, waiting patiently for the boy’s advice. He tells her to relax. That she doesn’t have to
figure out everything at that moment, to take it day by day. That only time will reveal everything and
worrying will get her nowhere. She agrees and smiles gratefully at him, hoping he doesn’t see through the
lie. His words don’t help her, but she appreciates the effort.As the winds blow the rain against her window,
she plays some music to drown out the water drops drumming on its surface. The boy changes topics and
starts prattling on about the latest movie he saw. She’s not listening as she hums to the music, trying to
calm the storm in her mind.

***

A mother sits on the marble floor outside the room, hearing her daughter list her worries to no one. The
doctors say she will get better one day, but the mother isn’t so sure. Her daughter falls silent, but the
mother stays there and taps out the beat of the songs. When the floor becomes too cold, she gets up to find
her peach sweater. She then peeks into the room and realises her daughter has fallen asleep despite the
music playing. She enters and covers her child with a blanket and closes the dull green curtains to block
the bright rays of sunshine.

Loony Toons!! 1st November 2020

By our in-house cartoonist Riti Bhatwal!! 25