Entertainment
The curious case of Chinese Toys
The globalised world market order has opened up new products markets to various countries. One of the major beneficiaries of this system is low cost, Chinese toy makers. Traditionally toy making has been a costly affair.
Introduction of low priced Chinese toys have given rise to a new consuming pattern all over the world. The trend in India is no different, but behind the alluring plastic toys lies a great danger. In 2007, according to the report of Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), every one of the 24 kinds of Chinese toys available in the market has been recalled from United States due to lead poisoning hazards and violations of lead safety standards. In 2011 May Greenpeace urged authorities in Hong Kong and China to ban dangerous chemicals that were detected in children’s toys. The toys contain plastic softening chemicals that have been banned in the United States and Europe. In tests carried out by an independent lab the toys were found to contain phthalates. These chemicals can cause hormone malfunction and reproductive problems.
The Chinese toys which are coated with inorganic paints are black listed globally for the toxic contents used in the paints. Some western countries banned Chinese toys as a remedy measure for the internal health security. Barak Obama in 2008 during his campaign in New Hampshire told voters “I would stop the import of all toys from China. Now, I have to say that that’s about 80 percent of toys that are being imported right now,” Chinese Foreign Ministry reacted saying that the comment was “unobjective, unreasonable and unfair,”
On January 2009 India banned imports of several types of toys from China for six months “in the public interest” but without giving further details of why. “The question of banning Chinese toys was on the grounds of public health and safety,” Commerce Minister Kamal Nath said after a conference. “It is a matter which is of public concern rather than commercial and public concern has to be given priority over commercial concern,” he added. After six months India lifted a ban on imports of Chinese toys after Beijing warned the move could seriously jeopardize bilateral trade ties. The trade ministry said Chinese toys could be imported but needed to be certified as safe according to international standards.
Due to the enormous power and influence of China on other countries Chinese toys are still easily available on the markets. Buyers in India now have the option of choosing between Indian and the Chinese toys. Because of the cheaper prices and new designs, Chinese toys become more popular in the Indian markets. The Indian toys made of organic dyes which are harmless to children are vanishing from the markets due to the competition with the cheaper Chinese toys. ‘yes, we are aware of the poisonous content in the Chinese toys, It is only due to the lack of demand that we replaced Indian toys with Chinese toys’ says Mr. Anil Kumar a salesman of a Chinese toys shop in Broadway, Cochin.
Many artisans in the Indian toy industry have now moved to the Chinese toy business because of the relatively high profit. 70 to 80 per cent of the toy shops have replaced Indian toys with Chinese toys. The middle men in the business are also promoting the Chinese toys due to the instant money. Thus the Chinese toys are now cheaper in the Indian markets than earlier. Indian buyers have a greater choice of toys and at lower prices. For the Chinese toy makers, this provides an opportunity to expand business. The opposite is true for Indian toy makers. They face losses, due to low market share.
What we need
We need to improve product testing and set standards for toxic chemicals like Phthalates and lead. We cannot trivialize our children’s health therefore apply mandatory standards for all domestic and imported toys. Setting up of strict testing systems under the initiative of Government to check that toys meet standards will help to take health-related product standards seriously.
Lead Effects in Children
Clinical evaluations indicate that the victim of lead poisoning is brain damaged rather than simply a less intelligent child.
Neuropsychological impairments decrease academic potential and impair activities of daily living.
Different deficit patterns in different children.
Health impacts of Phthalates
Exposure to Phthalates can damage the reproductive system — premature breast development in females and poor semen quality in men have been linked with phthalates.
Phthalates can trigger asthma and allergies and impair the lungs.
Linked with pre-term birth in humans.
Studies on mammals have also linked some phthalates with increased skeletal retardation and malformations.
Inorganic pigment
Generally it is the oxide, sulfide of metal, good heat resistance, light resistance, no transport property, strong hiding power, can be used in any kinds of plastic.
Shortcomings: Bright color and weak staining power cannot be used as toys of children. Our pigment can pass the standard of EN71-3.
Organic pigment
An organic dye or natural dye is created from sources that are found in nature, such as plant, wood and nuts.
Characteristics: Bright color, good transparency, strong staining power, excellent dispersion properties, and better transport property resistance.
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Popular Curtain Fabrics to Consider for Your Home
When it comes to decorating your home, curtains play a crucial role in shaping both the aesthetic and the functionality of a space. The fabric you choose can dramatically alter the atmosphere, offering anything from opulence to a laid-back vibe. Here’s a guide to some of the most popular curtain fabrics that can elevate the look and feel of your home.
1. Luxurious Velvet
Velvet curtains bring a sense of luxury and elegance. Known for their plush texture and rich appearance, velvet is perfect if you’re looking to add sophistication to a room. They not only provide excellent insulation but also block out light, making them ideal for bedrooms, home theaters, or any space where you want a cozy, private atmosphere.
Best for: Bedrooms, formal living rooms, and home theaters.
2. Airy Sheer
Sheer curtains offer a light, breezy aesthetic that lets natural light filter through. These curtains are made from translucent fabrics like chiffon or voile, creating a delicate and ethereal look. Sheers are perfect for rooms where you want to maintain privacy while still enjoying sunlight, such as living rooms, dining areas, or sunrooms.
Best for: Living rooms, dining rooms, and sunrooms.
3. Classic Cotton
Cotton is one of the most versatile curtain fabrics, known for its breathable and lightweight properties. Cotton curtains come in a wide variety of patterns and colors, making them easy to fit into any design scheme. They’re also low-maintenance and can be machine washed, which makes them practical for high-traffic areas in your home.
Best for: Bedrooms, kitchens, and casual living spaces.
4. Elegant Silk
For a luxurious and glamorous touch, silk curtains are the go-to fabric. Silk adds a glossy finish and drapes beautifully, exuding elegance and grandeur. However, they require extra care and are better suited for formal spaces. Silk curtains are often lined to protect them from sun damage and to provide additional body and privacy.
Best for: Formal dining rooms, master bedrooms, and sitting rooms.
5. Versatile Linen
Linen curtains offer a natural, textured look that blends well with both contemporary and rustic designs. Linen is a durable fabric that allows light to softly filter through, and it also has excellent temperature-regulating properties. It’s perfect for creating a relaxed and inviting atmosphere in any room.
Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms, and spaces with lots of sunlight.
6. Durable Polyester
If you’re looking for an affordable, low-maintenance option, polyester curtains are a great choice. They are resistant to wrinkling, shrinking, and stretching, making them a durable option for everyday use. Polyester curtains are available in a wide range of styles, colors, and patterns, giving you plenty of choices to suit your home’s décor.
Best for: High-traffic areas like living rooms, guest rooms, and children’s bedrooms.
7. Chic Satin
Satin curtains are known for their smooth, glossy surface, which reflects light and adds a subtle sheen to any room. They are often used in contemporary and modern designs to bring a sense of refinement and class. Satin works well for rooms that require a touch of glamour without being as heavy as velvet or silk.
Best for: Bedrooms, formal spaces, and accent rooms.
Choosing the right curtain fabric can have a significant impact on your home’s overall design. Whether you prefer the lushness of velvet or the breezy nature of sheer fabrics, the right curtains can create the perfect balance between style and function in your space. Consider the mood you want to create and the practical needs of each room to select the best fabric for your home.
Events
The L’Oréal Paris Show at Paris Fashion Week 2024
The L’Oréal Paris runway at Paris Fashion Week 2024 was a captivating spectacle, celebrating women’s empowerment, inclusion, and sisterhood under the theme “Walk Your Worth.” A star-studded lineup of global icons brought glamour to the stage.
Kendall Jenner stole the spotlight in a bold red mesh asymmetric dress, paired with a vibrant lip and striking bleach blonde hair. Alia Bhatt, making her much-anticipated debut at Paris Fashion Week, dazzled in a metallic silver bustier and black off-shoulder jumpsuit. Eva Longoria mesmerized in a sheer organza gown with a daring high slit, dripping in diamonds.
Other standout moments included Cara Delevingne rocking a red silk trench coat and high-waisted hot pants, while Jane Fonda exuded elegance in a shimmering silver trench, styled with metallic trainers. The event also featured appearances from Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Heidi Klum, and Simone Ashley, each bringing their unique flair to the runway.
Kendal Jenner
Eva Longaria
Aishwarya Rai
Anitta
Viola Davis and Simone Ashley
Jane Fonda
Heidi Klum
Andie MacDowell
Cara Delevingne
Belinda Peregrin
Bethenny Frankel
Aja Naomi King
Beatrice Vio
Samadhi Zendejas
Alia Bhatt
Camila Cabello
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Laapataa Ladies: Kiran Rao’s Social Satire Becomes India’s Official Entry for the 2025 Oscars
Kiran Rao’s delightful bride-swapping comedy-drama, *Laapataa Ladies*, has been selected as India’s official entry for the 2025 Oscars, the Film Federation of India (FFI) announced on Monday. FFI Chairman Jahnu Barua revealed that the film was chosen from a pool of 29 contenders. A 13-member jury evaluated 12 Hindi, six Tamil, and four Malayalam films to decide the country’s submission for Best International Feature Film. Among the notable competitors were Animal, Kill, Kalki 2898 AD, Srikanth, Chandu Champion, Joram, Maidaan, Sam Bahadur, Article 370, the National Award-winning Malayalam film Aattam, and Payal Kapadia’s Cannes-winning All We Imagine As Light.
Expressing her gratitude, Kiran Rao stated, “I am deeply honored and delighted that Laapataa Ladies has been chosen as India’s official entry to the Academy Awards. This recognition is a testament to the tireless work of my entire team, whose dedication and passion brought this story to life. Cinema has always been a powerful medium to connect hearts, transcend boundaries, and ignite meaningful conversations. I hope this film will resonate with audiences worldwide, just as it has in India.”
Laapataa Ladies, directed by Kiran Rao and produced by Aamir Khan, features a fresh ensemble cast including Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Shrivastav, and Chhaya Kadam, with a standout cameo by veteran actor Ravi Kishan. Released in theaters on March 1, the film garnered praise from critics and audiences alike, steadily gaining momentum through word-of-mouth.
Though it didn’t achieve massive box office numbers, Laapataa Ladies found a growing fanbase following its release on Netflix, where it reached a wider audience. The film, a social satire based on Biplab Goswami’s award-winning story, was brought to life with a screenplay and dialogues by Sneha Desai. It also earned recognition on the international stage, having been screened at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) last year.
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