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India suffered a lamentable 10-wicket loss to England in the semi-final of the T20 World Cup and millions of cricket fans in India were left heartbroken. Though winning and losing is a part of the game, and the men in blue have a history of making the nation proud, the fans did take this loss with a heavy heart.

As fans took to twitter to express their ire against the loss – the weekend was flooded with tweets and memes on the match. Now as that wasn’t disturbingly entertaining enough, it was not just the match that was mocked but the troll ball had hit the newsrooms this time – and for the right reasons.

What was worth a laugh was that in a leading news channel’s prime time show ’11 Jyotish Batayenge, Hum Cup Laenge’ which roughly translates to ‘11 astrologers will tell you that we’ll get the world cup’. The channel aired the show one day before the match – with a format that invited 11 astrologers to sit and predict India’s fate at the match.

As the show went on for 2 hrs and 30 mins, the anchor dressed in a cricket jersey took 11 opinions on India’s destiny. What’s funnier is the fact that all 11 declared India’s victory! Are news channels supposed to fan and blow with the wind? Isn’t this symptomatic of what they have become in their daily news coverage ?

News Channel and its Astro-fact checkers truly left the viewers confused. Inspite of the channel’s own tremendous credibility, let me ask who was responsible- the news channel with no domain expert being on the show or the astrologers’ getting carried away to give a populist view or rather incompetence of some astrologers that took a group to be wrong.

The show’s live-stream on YouTube invited comments that read, ‘I do not feel sorry for India’s defeat, I feel sorry that there are such astrologers in our country’. And on a lighter note, ‘I was searching some funny and laughter video and accidentally clicked on it and now I’m enjoying it’.

Well, this is not the first time the channel came up with an astrological show which looked almost like most channels’ prime time debates – baseless. Just a few days back the channel ran a show ‘Chandragrahan 22 Jyotisho Ke Sang’ and took another 22 opinions on the impact of lunar eclipse.

The two shows might be the only time the news channel took so many opinions on an issue, so patiently. It is interesting to note that this news channel as well as s many leading news channels have stayed away from astrological shows or depending on astrologers for predictions mostly, but I guess the mood of the nation took over.

Jokes apart, this was not only a carelessly carved concept for a prime time show but even a treat for the illegal acts of betting. Such live-streaming and telecasting astrological predictions are a nudge to the betters. What invites such ‘creative’ concepts to these shows? It’s the TRP race and quick ratings to lure potential viewers and by that corollary advertisers.

The game to make market friendly content or click bait content has made the media business tough. But is this the only way to gain viewership? Well the live stream comments clearly suggested that this is not what the viewers want to know. In fact, this leading news channel normally has very credible content and has been doing very bold news coverage which is honest and credible.

The creative directors of the show could have considered calling industry experts instead of astrologers to give their take on the match which would have definitely been more reliable. In fact, there should be proper guidelines by NBDA to regulate such shows which lack scientific temper and promote betting similar to the election commission’s guidelines to prohibit telecasting of estimated poll results while the polling is still going on. The viewers are intellectual enough to yearn for fact based news and it’s high time for channels to adopt a scientific temper.

Such impetuous shows not only invite disgrace to the pitiful state of media but even disbelief in the science of astrology. Spirituality plays a great role in the ability to have intuitions to make predictions and it cannot be achieved only by getting dressed in saffron clothes like a sadhu.

Astrological predictions work only in a pure space with belief in the supreme power and meditation rather than studios with huge lights and cameras. The astrological rules of prediction even prohibit forecasts after sunset. Such occurrences are purely publicity based and not with an astrological motive.

Astrology is a profession bound by social service and is not entertainment. It is to mend the issues of those in trouble. The use of astrological predictions for cricket matches, stock market, crypto are not only unethical but a mockery of the sanctity of astrology. Astrology is meant to be practised spiritually in a personal space. The predictions are not scripted texts that can be prepared and spelt on the sound of lights, camera and action. Reducing the pure science of astrology to an ostentatiously attractive program for show business is seriously antithetical to its true meaning.

News Channel created a circus ring with 11 astrologers lip syncing the script with no dignity. Was it the channel’s lack of faith in astrologers that it had to call not just a few but a huge trail of eleven? The show killed the viewers’ faith and astrology’s prestige. The question to be asked is –who is accountable for the misinformation spread by the show? The 11 astrologers or the News Channel editor? The channel owes an apology to its viewers and practitioners of astrology.

Published In:  www.exchange4media.com

If you are considering consulting an astrologer, then you do not perhaps, know this. Oftentimes people opt for astrological counselling influenced by others. Little do they know what they are actually looking for and whether the astrologer they’re meeting is reliable or not. Today, when most of our actions are influenced either by targeted advertisements or by hearsay, it is of utmost importance to be cautious about the consequences, especially about something as crucial as meeting an astrologer. Here are seven things that one should keep in mind, before planning an appointment with a fortune teller:

* Astrological Method:

To choose the astrological method is the first step in looking for a suitable astrologer. Different astrological methods have different significance. If you are looking to consult an astrologer for your home related queries, then a Vastu expert is the perfect choice. In case you are aware of your birth chart accuracy and other details, then a horoscope reader can guide you. If you do not have accurate information about your date of birth and other details, then a palmist can help you better. So first, you must decide whether you are looking for palmistry, numerology, Vastu or horoscope reading.

Educational background:

Do you ever blindly visit a doctor without a professional degree or relevant expertise? Then why visit an astrologer to get your life treated when the person has no professional validation for his knowledge. The educational background of an astrologer is as important as that of any other professional. You cannot rely on someone with no knowledge of Vedic Astrology to legitimise their prediction. In India there are various prominent universities like Gurukul Kangri, Haridwar and BHU in Varanasi that offer professional courses and qualification degrees in astrology.

*Spirituality:

Spirituality and religiosity is as important as the educational background of the person, as it plays a great role in his or her ability to have intuitions to make predictions. An astrologer who has belief in the supreme power and meditates, is a pure soul and is thus, able to give accurate predictions and solutions. A personal astrologer’s ritualistic practices and intuition acquired by years of sadhna can never be attained by a machine or AI- driven applications.

*Credibility:

Yes, astrology is a service and not a business, but it is inclined more towards being a social service rather than a commercial service. Being heavily dependent on word of mouth, credibility of an astrologer is inseparable from astrology. However, in today’s age, most people end up being fooled by astrologers with superficial experiences. You must always make a background check and be aware of the experiences of the astrologer’s clientele before trusting him or her.

*Privacy Aspect:

Just the way your CA knows all about your money and your doctor knows all about your health, your astrologer is aware of every intimate aspect of your life – both personal and professional. Of course, you wouldn’t wish to share it with someone who cannot maintain and respect client privacy. Online astrology applications require you to fill in a lot of personal details that are misused for the sake of business – be it online applications or the self-made astrologers behind the screen. It is the user who is conned with inaccurate information and personal data theft.

*Accessibility & Availability:

An astrologer is someone whom you sometimes approach in emergencies and need an immediate connection with. It is only in difficult situations in life when you think of dialling your astrologer. What if he never responds? Imagine being stuck in the eventualities of life and really needing astrological and personal guidance and your astrologer not being there for your help. Well, that’s like one of the worst situations. The accessibility and availability of your astrologer guide is a major factor in choosing one. This is one of the most dubious characteristics of online astrology and it is very painful to not be able to connect with the astrologer who was consulted in the past.

*Commercial aspect:

The practice of duping clients in the name of a remedy is a general practice. There are two streams of astrology – predictive and remedial. Remedial astrology is where the fraud begins. Most astrologers manipulate vulnerable clients by threatening them about a bleak future that can only be remedied by shelling out money for certain remedial rituals. At times clients are lured by ‘free consultation’ or ‘zero consultation fee’ offers and end up spending thousands and thousands of rupees for precious gemstones, various yantras like Shree Yantra, Laxmi Yantra, Kuber Yantra etc. and expensive Pooja ceremonies thereafter, to undo the Pitra dosha, Kaal Sarp dosh, Manglik dosh etc. etc. and such other afflictions.

Most importantly, before consulting an astrologer one must understand that astrology cannot change fate, but can only forecast it. A supreme remedy to terminate the ill effects of your “karma” done in any incarnation is “Charity”. To help the deserving and right people and institutions is the key to receiving material and spiritual blessings as per Vedic scripture. Charity and philanthropy are always good for everyone.

Published In:  www.businessworld.in

Metaverse is a new artificial intelligent universe created within the realm of our physical world. It is an extension of the real world. With the creation of the metaverse, virtual reality and augmented reality is not just changing lives but also the way we experience the world now. Metaverse is a 3D environment that enables people to enter and interact with one another through their digital avatars. It creates a new virtual space of interconnected spherical worlds.

Metaverse has had rapid acceptance and is drawing the attention of tech enthusiasts. The experience is so immersive that a couple from India’s Tamil Nadu ended up hosting their wedding reception on metaverse. The world of the metaverse is so fascinating that Punjabi pop singer, Daler Mehndi, bought his virtual land on the made-in-India metaverse platform, PartyNite, and named it ‘‘Balle Balle Land’. Metaverse is also getting governmental acceptance as Dubai announces the world’s first-ever economic summit – the Investopia Investment Summit – on Metaverse.

While there have been celebrations and summits on metaverse, some instances of crimes have also been reported. Yes! Crimes as heinous as rape have stepped into the lawless lands of the virtual world. Nina Jane Patel, Co-founder and Vice-president of metaverse research at Kabuni Ventures, faced gang rape on metaverse. Virtual reality has been designed in such a way that the mind and body can’t differentiate digitally virtual experiences from the real world. Thus, Nina’s physiological and psychological response was as if it had happened in reality. This is a reason why a celebration can become a horrifying experience for someone else.

Evidently, the metaverse is not all fun and games. Like any other technology, it comes with its own cons. The metaverse is destined to separate people from the physical world. We are all aware of the addiction that social media has afflicted us with. Imagine such an addiction to a virtual world. We may never want to escape from it to return to reality. Apart from the potential dangers of potential self-depreciation and social destruction, this creation of unreal avatars shall lead to demeaning humanity.

The most alarming feature of the metaverse is the intensity with which it can track not just our data but also our persona. We are all aware of the way social media platforms use our data to target consumer behaviours and garner revenue from advertisers. Imagine how convenient it would be to track our behavioural patterns, choices, interests and actions. Metaverse will enable us to do everything virtually from playing games to shopping for virtual assets and even meeting new people. All this data can be conveniently used to create detailed and nuanced models of us for targeted advertising.

*Future of Metaverse

Tech-giants have already begun to make mega announcements about the rise of the metaverse. Facebook recently announced its new company Meta Platforms while Microsoft announced a virtual reality update for Teams. Apple Inc. is going to release its first mixed or virtual reality headset, allowing people to interact virtually. Sportswear brands like Nike and Adidas have also joined the early adopters’ club by securing trademarks for their digital products to protect their products in virtual worlds.

*Karma on Metaverse

सर्वे कर्मवशा वयम्। sarve karmavaśā vayam (we all are under karma).
Karmas of digital avatars are quite evident on the Metaverse. From getting married to committing crimes, all actions have been found in the virtual world of the Metaverse. There is no denying the fact that while the world of metaverse is virtual, the karmas of avatars are as real as the humans operating the genie. The real life karmic actions are channelised via the avatars in metaverse which would reflect the consequences. Consequences of karma are the same, whether meta formed in the material world, physical world or in the virtual world. The physiology of crime is unique in every sphere and the punishment of karma identical in every world.

We create our own karma. Karma is the result of the choices that we make every moment of every day.

Published In:  www.businessworld.in

In a world where the richest man, Bill Gates, seeking separation after 27 yrs of marriage and Kim Kardashian’s multiple relations, isn’t a shocker, the thoughts of break-ups are unavoidable. The news of severing relations also doesn’t make any headlines in Bollywood too, be it Hrithik and Susanne’s parting with after 14-years. Who doesn’t know about the Ambani brothers’ phenomenal split. Another break-up which surprised the world was of the – The Beatles. But the history is full of hurts of separations in every strata.

Nobody wishes for break-ups somewhere inside, the mess is more when relations meet business and the conflict in one leads to the end of another but we all still hope it may never occur. It would be to demean the emotions to say that the separations in either do not impact us, especially if it’s about broken relations. We all have insecurities about the thought of losing our relations.

Relations are born by destiny and we have to constantly nurture them – this is what we all accept as truth but we often forget that the companionship has to be furthered by us. In life, relations are a string of unremitting ups and downs which can be managed only by a positive and wishful communication.

Can we ever change things? Can things be different and positive always? The thoughts of separation are horrific but wish for reunion is indelible. There are not any manuals explaining steps to get reunited in all severed relations, but there are always certain means and ways in life that could be in our control.

A vibrant relation is the foundation of any successful matrimony or business growth; nothing breaks a relation more quickly than the lack of trust. The desire to reconcile without taking action is meaningless and makes relations more vulnerable. Forgiveness could be the strongest glue to affix knots of troubled relations.

To forgive does not mean assent but the opportunity to not allow the differences to rule your heart, mind and future. Forgiveness and tolerance are two powerful gifts in any relationship; however, with the anticipation of tolerance one must also accept that there are no guarantees for reconciliation accept the unconditional forgiving. No matter how the situation unfolds it is important to maintain dignity and respect.

Beside physical, emotional, mental and spiritual ways of amending the relations there is a powerful way of reconciliation is Astrological remedies

What Astrology induces reunions in relations?

Vedic astrology helps us understand the working of planets in our lives and their influence in shaping our horoscope.

Before contemplating upon relations, it is essential to know ourselves. The ability to know and understand oneself helps in recognising the traits that attract and repel people around us. Astrology provides a safe way to discover our personal selves. Astrology promotes self-awareness and nudges us into the direction of not just accepting our best self but also realising what makes us flawed. This can help a great deal in building and nurturing relations. If only you know enough about yourself, you can make your partner realise what you want.

If people become increasingly aware and conscious of their astrological calculations then unwarranted conflicts in relations can be avoided. A competent astrologer can help evade complications and mend broken ties. If the astrologer’s advice is abided by, any relation can be made deeper and long lasting.

Planets responsible for successful relations and reunion

Mercury: Mercury rules our mind and brain and the communication between relations. Ironically it governs connection, conflict and resolves to amend any relation also. Thus the placement of mercury in horoscope decides our relations, separation and reunion.

Moon: “Candrama manaso jatascakṣoḥ” The moon dominates our emotions and psyches, and our emotions play crucial role in relations weather it is love, matrimony, business, partnership etc. Evidently it is paramount to consider the placement, degree and combinations with different planets in birth chart for the outcome of our relations.

Venus: Venus is a very powerful but strange planet in astrology which impacts almost every aspect in relationships. Its decide what we wish, wants and expect in relations. Also our definition of beauty, love, attraction, affection, lust, luxury and progress are determined by Venus. Obviously its placement in the birth chart is of paramount value.

Saturn: Need not to say that people are deeply obsessed with planet Saturn and have a great apprehensive fear for it. And it is not for nothing, as Saturn really impacts us negatively and positively also in every situation of life. So the planet Saturn and its placement in horoscope are vital for long term relationship and in modern context in long distance relationship too. Evidentially the planets make our relations, partnerships and business and success thereon. I have many cases in my diary of clients who have reunited in relations and improvised their business with success. Vedic astrology is a boon for seeking relationship remedies.

Published In:  www.bwwellbeingworld.businessworld.in

In the past few decades, the introduction of modern-day technology has massively contributed to astrology’s increasing popularity. It is very unfortunate that astrology is now devoid of the human touch. These days, fortune tellers regularly use ready reckoner kundli-making computer software and smartphone apps, which lead to inaccuracies and failure. So in the business of astrology only money is growing and not science.

Think for yourself, if you are sick, would you rather visit a doctor for consultation or rely on online websites offering fallacious treatments? Or Would you rather prefer a zoom call date or an intimate screen-less meetup? The choice is obvious. We can’t deny the importance of physical presence and personal touch associated with it which the remotely working astrology applications cease to offer.

Beware of Data theft. Protect your privacy.

Online astrology applications require you to fill in a lot of personal details that are misused for the sake of business. This narrows down the user to a data point in the mystical version of big tech. The apps that claim ‘Free astrology consultation’ come at the cost of your privacy. Data theft has become another major concern while using these apps. Be it online applications or the self-made astrologers behind the screen, it is the user who is conned with inaccurate information and data theft. They sell your data to advertisers and generate revenue. So what is claimed as free is rather a way to cash you in!

Reliable. Really?

As with any other discipline, mastering astrology takes years of learning and practice. One never knows the face behind their screens. Thus, the problem also lies in the accuracy of these online astrology apps. Though astrology is a form of advanced mathematics, a soul and spirit can never be dealt with hypothetical data. A personal astrologer’s intuition acquired by years of sadhna or ritualistic looks can never be possessed by a machine or AI driven applications. These AI crafted horoscopes are a no match to private consultation with your astrologer who scrutinizes and derives the implications of your past and present to draw conclusions.

Was your online astrologer educated in astrology?

As information has proliferated online, the actual expertise someone is expected to have when identifying themselves as an astrologer or positioning them as an authority on the subject has gotten somewhat murky. One never knows the face behind their screens. The assessment of the online astrologer’s experience in the field and education is impossible. Thus, the problem often lies in the accuracy of these online astrologers. Think for yourself, would you rather trust algorithm based derivations for your life or an astrologer who studies your birth chart in detail in accordance with your past experiences and present problems?

Reduced to commercialisation

A personal astrologer is seen as a confidante, mentor and an emotional support. Unfortunately, online astrology applications have reduced your astrologer to a machine that deals with codes. For these applications, you are a mere client who pays per minute. The lack of personal touch and emotion replaced by transaction lay the fundamentals of online astrology business. Astrology is analogical and symbolic thus, best dealt with a personalized approach. Thus, astrology has been reduced to commercialisation in today’s age.

The new normal of hybrid consultations with personal astrologers tells us a lot about the balance. The world is not all virtual; humans are social animals and will always yearn for physical interaction. The ‘personal’ from Astrology is as inseparable as humans from the urge to fall back on astrologers.

Published In:  www.businessworld.in