Russians took a ride on a Ferris wheel in Moscow on Saturday to find themselves a date for Valentine's Day. Dozens of men and women had just one ride - or seven minutes - to find a match on the eve of the day of love celebrated across the world on February 14.

In the Russian capital, women waited inside the heated cabins while men had to swap after each ride.

After a complete round, each participant secretly marked their picks on a form with organisers promising to put the matching couples in touch.

This never seen before speed dating found many takers with participants giving thumb up to the method. Especially with the unforgiving Russian winter taking the country in its grips, those seeking a special someone to spend the Valentine's Day with had a reason to smile.

'Navalny is love'

Valentines Day in Russia this year assumes political overtones as well. With the most prominent Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny behind bars, his supporters and allies came out to celebrate what can be called a Navalny themed Valentine.

People gathered outside their homes for 15 minutes on the evening of Valentine's Day. They planned to shine their mobile torches and arrange candles in the shape of hearts. 
"Putin is fear. Navalny is love. That's why we will win," Leonid Volkov, Navalny's close ally tweeted, urging people to join the demonstrations.

Russians took a ride on a Ferris wheel in Moscow on Saturday to find themselves a date for Valentine's Day. Dozens of men and women had just one ride - or seven minutes - to find a match on the eve of the day of love celebrated across the world on February 14.

Russians took a ride on a Ferris wheel in Moscow on Saturday to find themselves a date for Valentine's Day. Dozens of men and women had just one ride - or seven minutes - to find a match on the eve of the day of love celebrated across the world on February 14. In the Russian capital, women waited inside the heated cabins while men had to swap after each ride. After a complete round, each participant secretly marked their picks on a form with organisers promising to put the matching couples in touch. This never seen before speed dating found many takers with participants giving thumb up to the method. Especially with the unforgiving Russian winter taking the country in its grips, those seeking a special someone to spend the Valentine's Day with had a reason to smile. 'Navalny is love' Valentines Day in Russia this year assumes political overtones as well. With the most prominent Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny behind bars, his supporters and allies came out to celebrate what can be called a Navalny themed Valentine. People gathered outside their homes for 15 minutes on the evening of Valentine's Day. They planned to shine their mobile torches and arrange candles in the shape of hearts. "Putin is fear. Navalny is love. That's why we will win," Leonid Volkov, Navalny's close ally tweeted, urging people to join the demonstrations.

Valentine's Day: Russians speed-date on a Ferris wheel in Moscow

Saint Valentine's Day may now be celebrated worldwide but traditions are often very different -- and sometimes have nothing at all to do with romance.

While in Europe it's all about couples cosying up, in the US it's more about schoolchildren celebrating friendship while in Japan women give chocolates to their bosses.

Yet in Muslim countries, it has a subversive edge.

From pagan festival to a marketing ploy, we look at the rich Valentine's mix:

- All whipped up -

Valentine's Day was once a rather violent affair. Its origins are thought to go back to the Roman purification festival of Lupercalia when naked young men would whip young ladies to make them more fertile.

Down the centuries that evolved into only slightly less raucous lotteries that paired young men off with young women at medieval carnivals.

- Martyr to his heart -

The day is also, of course, associated with the cult of third century Roman Christian martyr Saint Valentine.

He literally lost his head over love -- decapitated on the orders of the Emperor Claudius, they say, for secretly performing weddings.

According to the legend, Valentine cured his jailer's blind daughter and the day before his death slipped her a note signed "Your Valentine".

Unfortunately there was no happy ending.

- Love letters -

In England the exchange of messages known as "valentines" on February 14 developed with the rise of the postal service in the 19th century, with the sender often signing off "Your Valentine". &nbsp;

- Love spoons -

They did things differently across the border in Wales. Their festival of love is held on January 25 and celebrates a fourth century Welsh princess called Saint Dwynwen.

Unlucky in love, broken-hearted Dwynwen sought solace in religion and became a nun, praying for others to find true love.

Among the gifts traditionally exchanged between lovers, and would-be ones, are carved Welsh wooden love spoons.

- My darling Galentine -

The celebration took a commercial turn in the mid-19th century in the United States, with the invention of mass produced greeting cards.&nbsp;

Promoters quickly got the idea to extend the "tradition" beyond lovers, with schoolchildren now expected to bring a Valentine card for every one of their classmates.

Today it has become a 20-billion-dollar business and has even spawned Galentines Day, when "gals" go out together and eat waffles.

- Hot choc -

The Japanese Valentine tradition began after World War II when confectionery makers thought up the wheeze of having women offer chocolates to their bosses and boyfriends on February 14.

A half-century later, the practice has began an annual ritual, with millions of Japanese women giving pralines or ganaches to show affection, friendship or professional respect.

But not any chocolate will do. The "giri choco", for example, are standard chocolates reserved for work colleagues while the superior "honmei choco" are the sign of true love.

Not in public&nbsp;

Valentine's is less loved in some parts of the world however, with some Muslim countries including Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia taking a dim view.

Although the day is very popular in Iran, people have to show their affection modestly. The sale of heart-shaped balloons, for example, is rather frowned upon by traditionalists.

Saint Valentine's Day may now be celebrated worldwide but traditions are often very different -- and sometimes have nothing at all to do with romance. While in Europe it's all about couples cosying up, in the US it's more about schoolchildren celebrating friendship while in Japan women give chocolates to their bosses.

Saint Valentine's Day may now be celebrated worldwide but traditions are often very different -- and sometimes have nothing at all to do with romance. While in Europe it's all about couples cosying up, in the US it's more about schoolchildren celebrating friendship while in Japan women give chocolates to their bosses. Yet in Muslim countries, it has a subversive edge. From pagan festival to a marketing ploy, we look at the rich Valentine's mix: - All whipped up - Valentine's Day was once a rather violent affair. Its origins are thought to go back to the Roman purification festival of Lupercalia when naked young men would whip young ladies to make them more fertile. Down the centuries that evolved into only slightly less raucous lotteries that paired young men off with young women at medieval carnivals. - Martyr to his heart - The day is also, of course, associated with the cult of third century Roman Christian martyr Saint Valentine. He literally lost his head over love -- decapitated on the orders of the Emperor Claudius, they say, for secretly performing weddings. According to the legend, Valentine cured his jailer's blind daughter and the day before his death slipped her a note signed "Your Valentine". Unfortunately there was no happy ending. - Love letters - In England the exchange of messages known as "valentines" on February 14 developed with the rise of the postal service in the 19th century, with the sender often signing off "Your Valentine". - Love spoons - They did things differently across the border in Wales. Their festival of love is held on January 25 and celebrates a fourth century Welsh princess called Saint Dwynwen. Unlucky in love, broken-hearted Dwynwen sought solace in religion and became a nun, praying for others to find true love. Among the gifts traditionally exchanged between lovers, and would-be ones, are carved Welsh wooden love spoons. - My darling Galentine - The celebration took a commercial turn in the mid-19th century in the United States, with the invention of mass produced greeting cards. Promoters quickly got the idea to extend the "tradition" beyond lovers, with schoolchildren now expected to bring a Valentine card for every one of their classmates. Today it has become a 20-billion-dollar business and has even spawned Galentines Day, when "gals" go out together and eat waffles. - Hot choc - The Japanese Valentine tradition began after World War II when confectionery makers thought up the wheeze of having women offer chocolates to their bosses and boyfriends on February 14. A half-century later, the practice has began an annual ritual, with millions of Japanese women giving pralines or ganaches to show affection, friendship or professional respect. But not any chocolate will do. The "giri choco", for example, are standard chocolates reserved for work colleagues while the superior "honmei choco" are the sign of true love. Not in public Valentine's is less loved in some parts of the world however, with some Muslim countries including Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia taking a dim view. Although the day is very popular in Iran, people have to show their affection modestly. The sale of heart-shaped balloons, for example, is rather frowned upon by traditionalists.

Valentine's Day: Flowers, chocolates or a good whipping?

Come Valentine's Day, lovers across Bangkok will be heartbroken as city officials have declared on Wednesday that all of the Thai capital's 50 districts will be banned from issuing marriage licenses. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The holiday, immensely popular across the kingdom, is also typically considered an auspicious day for couples to tie the knot resulting in large queues at marriage registration offices across the city. &nbsp;

The most popular district is Bang Rak, which translates as 'district of love' in Thai. &nbsp;

But the hopes of eager-to-wed couples have been dashed. &nbsp;

"Bangkok's 50 district offices will refrain from providing marriage license registration service on this Valentine's Day," Thailand's Public Relations Department said on Twitter. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"The cancellation aims to prevent the spread of #Covid19." &nbsp;&nbsp;

The announcement also said Chinese New Year festival, which usually involves a raucous parade in Bangkok's Chinatown, will not go on. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Last year, Bang Rak district had scores of couples dressed in matching outfits or formal wear lining up before dawn to register for licenses, helped by pink-shirted civil servants wearing 'love' headbands. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Little fanfare has been made among the city's malls and businesses compared to previous years, though that hasn't stopped some restaurants for punting out Valentine's Day-themed meal offerings. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Burger King Thailand has debuted 'Black and Pink burgers' for Valentine's Day, featuring a pink salmon patty with rose-colour buns. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Last year, Thailand was faring well in handling the pandemic but infections have climbed to more than 23,000 cases after a new wave hit in December. &nbsp;

This has led to a partial lockdown in Bangkok, with authorities banning bars and alcohol sales in restaurants.

Come Valentine's Day, lovers across Bangkok will be heartbroken as city officials have declared on Wednesday that all of the Thai capital's 50 districts will be banned from issuing marriage licenses.

Come Valentine's Day, lovers across Bangkok will be heartbroken as city officials have declared on Wednesday that all of the Thai capital's 50 districts will be banned from issuing marriage licenses. The holiday, immensely popular across the kingdom, is also typically considered an auspicious day for couples to tie the knot resulting in large queues at marriage registration offices across the city. The most popular district is Bang Rak, which translates as 'district of love' in Thai. But the hopes of eager-to-wed couples have been dashed. "Bangkok's 50 district offices will refrain from providing marriage license registration service on this Valentine's Day," Thailand's Public Relations Department said on Twitter. "The cancellation aims to prevent the spread of #Covid19." The announcement also said Chinese New Year festival, which usually involves a raucous parade in Bangkok's Chinatown, will not go on. Last year, Bang Rak district had scores of couples dressed in matching outfits or formal wear lining up before dawn to register for licenses, helped by pink-shirted civil servants wearing 'love' headbands. Little fanfare has been made among the city's malls and businesses compared to previous years, though that hasn't stopped some restaurants for punting out Valentine's Day-themed meal offerings. Burger King Thailand has debuted 'Black and Pink burgers' for Valentine's Day, featuring a pink salmon patty with rose-colour buns. Last year, Thailand was faring well in handling the pandemic but infections have climbed to more than 23,000 cases after a new wave hit in December. This has led to a partial lockdown in Bangkok, with authorities banning bars and alcohol sales in restaurants.

Covid Cupid shoots down Valentine's Day marriages in Bangkok

SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk reportedly brought shares of Tesla Inc worth as much as $10 million on February 14.

As per a filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, Musk's purchase of Tesla shared raised his holding to around 18 per cent, roughly 34 million.

The shares were purchased roughly at an average of $767 each.&nbsp;On Wednesday, Tesla's shared closed at a record high of $917.42.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-calls-facebook-lame-and-urges-people-to-delete-it-279969">Elon Musk calls Facebook 'lame' and urges people to 'delete' it</a>

Last Thursday, Tesla Inc announced plans to raise $2 billion in a stock offering as the electric-car maker taps into an astronomical jump in its share price in the past few months.

Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk has repeatedly assured investors that the company will not need to raise more money. As recently as last month, Musk said, "It doesn't make sense to raise money. Diluting the company to pay down debt doesn't sound like a wise move."

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/elon-musk-just-dropped-his-edm-track-dont-doubt-ur-vibe-278151">Elon Musk just dropped his EDM track 'Don't Doubt Ur Vibe'&nbsp;</a>

The company said it would offer 2.65 million shares, of which Musk himself will buy up to $10 million in shares. Board member and Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison will purchase $1 million Tesla shares, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk reportedly brought shares of Tesla Inc worth as much as $10 million on February 14. As per a filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, Musk's purchase of Tesla shared raised his holding to around 18 per cent, roughly 34 million.

SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk reportedly brought shares of Tesla Inc worth as much as $10 million on February 14. As per a filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, Musk's purchase of Tesla shared raised his holding to around 18 per cent, roughly 34 million. The shares were purchased roughly at an average of $767 each. On Wednesday, Tesla's shared closed at a record high of $917.42. Also read: Elon Musk calls Facebook 'lame' and urges people to 'delete' it Last Thursday, Tesla Inc announced plans to raise $2 billion in a stock offering as the electric-car maker taps into an astronomical jump in its share price in the past few months. Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk has repeatedly assured investors that the company will not need to raise more money. As recently as last month, Musk said, "It doesn't make sense to raise money. Diluting the company to pay down debt doesn't sound like a wise move." Also read: Elon Musk just dropped his EDM track 'Don't Doubt Ur Vibe' The company said it would offer 2.65 million shares, of which Musk himself will buy up to $10 million in shares. Board member and Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison will purchase $1 million Tesla shares, news agency Reuters reported.

On Valentine's day, Musk brought $10 million of Tesla shares

Beijing flower shop owner Cai Xiaoman wraps bouquets while wearing a face mask and gloves, and throws something extra into the arrangement before it is sent off for delivery - a small bottle of hand sanitiser.

Beijing flower shop adds hand sanitiser to Valentine's Day bouquets

Just in time for the international day of love. 100,000 condoms are being given out in Mexico City on Thursday (February 13) as part of the city's new safe sex campaign ahead of Valentine's Day. The free condoms were handed out at the capital's bustling metro stations in a bid to raise awareness on sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Safe sex this Valentine's Day as Mexico City gives out free condoms

Some 3,000 students gathered on Friday (February 14) in Thailand's Ayutthaya province to send Valentine hearts to China, as the country faces an ongoing coronavirus epidemic.

Thai students, elephants send jumbo Valentines to virus-hit Wuhan

Valentine's Day: 'Gaekkebrev', 12 days of love, mass weddings and other strange ways to celebrate day of love

Love has a special place in a Lisbon cemetery that launched an original romantic tour on Tuesday prior to Valentine's Day.

Lisbon's Dos Prazeres Cemetery, the capital's largest, located in the western part of the city, is the final resting place of many great Portuguese artists, authors and historical figures and it has launched what it calls a "Till death do us part" Saint Valentine's Day tour.

"Here is where everything ends, but also where it all begins," history expert and official cemetery guide Licínio Fidalgo said as he readied to share his graveyard account of romance, tragedy and immortal love to smitten couples from around the world.

Dos Prazeres is well worth a stroll down its spotless avenues, flanked by cypresses and monumental funerary monuments, regardless of the fact that most of Licinio's romantic characters are not actually buried in the graveyard.

With breathtaking views of Lisbon's 25th of April bridge across the Tagus River, Dos Prazeres takes its name from a nearby parish, close to Campo de Ourique's former farmlands that became a quiet neighbourhood laden with beautiful late-19th-century buildings, Art Nouveau, and somewhat less decorous 20th-century architecture.

One of the first stops on the tour is a tomb covered with rocks and trees, crowned by a cross, that belongs to Elise Hensler, a Swiss-American who later became the second wife of King Ferdinand II of Portugal (1816-1885).

He was a German prince of the House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha-Koháry who became widowed and was crowned king of Portugal after the death of his royal wife, Queen Maria II of Portugal (1819-1853).

Hensler was an opera singer and a single parent to her daughter Alice.

This romantic relationship was not well seen in Lisbon's royal court, so Ferdinand II had to wait for his son Pedro V's coming of age and rise to the throne, before marrying Hensler in 1869, who was then bestowed with the German title of Countess of Edla.

"They were twin souls. All the romanticism that pervades the Serra de Sintra hills is due to them," Licinio said.

After Fernando's death, Elise moved to Lisbon with her daughter "who thought she was her auntie," he adds.

"Only on her deathbed did she reveal she was Alice's mother," Licinio said.

They remained together till death, though Fernando was buried alongside his Portuguese royal first wife Queen Maria II in the royal pantheon of Alcobaça.

Another romantic story that became universal was that of Francisca, the "Fanny Owen" of Agostina Bessa-Luís' eponymous novel which was later adapted to the silver screen by Manoel de Oliveira.

Owen was the daughter of Colonel Hugh Owen, an English combatant during the Peninsular War, who settled in Portugal after marrying the daughter of a wealthy Port wine merchant and was educated at the Portuguese royal court of Carlota Joaquina.

One year later, she died of tuberculosis followed by her husband a few months later.

"He was very fond of opium," explains Licinio as he drops a bombshell. "A doctor said that Fanny died a virgin. What happened there? There are many versions," the cemetery guide added.

HIstory notes that the two friends were José Augusto de Magalhães, a poor and mediocre poet who was Owen's kidnapper, while the other Camilo Castelo Branco, who went on to become one of the greatest writers of the Portuguese language.

Licínio has his own theory that he cannot confirm: "It was a dramatic love till the end," he concluded.

Another drama-laden romance was María Severa Onofriana, a beautiful gypsy with a prodigious voice who was regarded as the first fado singer.

Onofriana fell in love with the 13th Count of Vimioso, an aristocratic, bohemian socialite who paraded her around Lisbon until she contracted tuberculosis and he abandoned her.

She died young, poor and alone.

"Don´t bring me flowers. If they did not respect me in life, don't respect me in death," Licinio assures were her last words.

Another illustrious Portuguese who does not share his final resting place with his impossible love is the writer, Fernando Pessoa, whose remains were removed from Dos Prazeres before they buried the love of his life, Ofelia Queiroz.

Licinio shrugs: "Separated both in life and in death," and, quoting Pessoa, he added: "Romantic love is a road to disillusionment."

Love has a special place in a Lisbon cemetery that launched an original romantic tour on Tuesday prior to Valentine's Day. Lisbon's Dos Prazeres Cemetery, the capital's largest, located in the western part of the city, is the final resting place of many great Portuguese artists, authors and historical figures and it has launched what it calls a "Till death do us part" Saint Valentine's Day tour.

Love has a special place in a Lisbon cemetery that launched an original romantic tour on Tuesday prior to Valentine's Day. Lisbon's Dos Prazeres Cemetery, the capital's largest, located in the western part of the city, is the final resting place of many great Portuguese artists, authors and historical figures and it has launched what it calls a "Till death do us part" Saint Valentine's Day tour. "Here is where everything ends, but also where it all begins," history expert and official cemetery guide Licínio Fidalgo said as he readied to share his graveyard account of romance, tragedy and immortal love to smitten couples from around the world. Dos Prazeres is well worth a stroll down its spotless avenues, flanked by cypresses and monumental funerary monuments, regardless of the fact that most of Licinio's romantic characters are not actually buried in the graveyard. With breathtaking views of Lisbon's 25th of April bridge across the Tagus River, Dos Prazeres takes its name from a nearby parish, close to Campo de Ourique's former farmlands that became a quiet neighbourhood laden with beautiful late-19th-century buildings, Art Nouveau, and somewhat less decorous 20th-century architecture. One of the first stops on the tour is a tomb covered with rocks and trees, crowned by a cross, that belongs to Elise Hensler, a Swiss-American who later became the second wife of King Ferdinand II of Portugal (1816-1885). He was a German prince of the House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha-Koháry who became widowed and was crowned king of Portugal after the death of his royal wife, Queen Maria II of Portugal (1819-1853). Hensler was an opera singer and a single parent to her daughter Alice. This romantic relationship was not well seen in Lisbon's royal court, so Ferdinand II had to wait for his son Pedro V's coming of age and rise to the throne, before marrying Hensler in 1869, who was then bestowed with the German title of Countess of Edla. "They were twin souls. All the romanticism that pervades the Serra de Sintra hills is due to them," Licinio said. After Fernando's death, Elise moved to Lisbon with her daughter "who thought she was her auntie," he adds. "Only on her deathbed did she reveal she was Alice's mother," Licinio said. They remained together till death, though Fernando was buried alongside his Portuguese royal first wife Queen Maria II in the royal pantheon of Alcobaça. Another romantic story that became universal was that of Francisca, the "Fanny Owen" of Agostina Bessa-Luís' eponymous novel which was later adapted to the silver screen by Manoel de Oliveira. Owen was the daughter of Colonel Hugh Owen, an English combatant during the Peninsular War, who settled in Portugal after marrying the daughter of a wealthy Port wine merchant and was educated at the Portuguese royal court of Carlota Joaquina. One year later, she died of tuberculosis followed by her husband a few months later. "He was very fond of opium," explains Licinio as he drops a bombshell. "A doctor said that Fanny died a virgin. What happened there? There are many versions," the cemetery guide added. HIstory notes that the two friends were José Augusto de Magalhães, a poor and mediocre poet who was Owen's kidnapper, while the other Camilo Castelo Branco, who went on to become one of the greatest writers of the Portuguese language. Licínio has his own theory that he cannot confirm: "It was a dramatic love till the end," he concluded. Another drama-laden romance was María Severa Onofriana, a beautiful gypsy with a prodigious voice who was regarded as the first fado singer. Onofriana fell in love with the 13th Count of Vimioso, an aristocratic, bohemian socialite who paraded her around Lisbon until she contracted tuberculosis and he abandoned her. She died young, poor and alone. "Don´t bring me flowers. If they did not respect me in life, don't respect me in death," Licinio assures were her last words. Another illustrious Portuguese who does not share his final resting place with his impossible love is the writer, Fernando Pessoa, whose remains were removed from Dos Prazeres before they buried the love of his life, Ofelia Queiroz. Licinio shrugs: "Separated both in life and in death," and, quoting Pessoa, he added: "Romantic love is a road to disillusionment."

Portugal launches St Valentine's graveyard tour featuring moving love stories

A Pakistani university is rebranding Valentine's Day as "Sister's Day", and debating marking the holiday widely seen as a Western import by handing out headscarves and shawls to its female students.

The University of Agriculture in Faisalabad (UAF), in central Punjab province, said the change was taken to promote "eastern culture and Islamic traditions among the youth".

"In our culture, women are more empowered and earn their due respect as sisters, mothers, daughters and wives," UAF vice chancellor Zafar Iqbal is quoted as saying on the institution's website.&nbsp;

"We were forgetting our culture, and Western culture was taking root in our society," he continued.&nbsp;

"UAF was mulling a plan to distribute scarves, shawls and gowns printed with the UAF insignia among female students" on February 14, the statement on the website added.&nbsp;

University spokesman Qamar Bukhari told AFP Monday that UAF is seeking donations as it aims to give headscarves to at least 1,000 of its 14,000 female students.

"These scarfs will be distributed by the university administration and not their fellow male students," he added, saying that the goal is to ensure respect for women.&nbsp;

Valentine's Day is increasingly popular among younger Pakistanis, with many taking up the custom of giving cards, chocolates and gifts to their sweethearts to mark the occasion.&nbsp;

But the country remains a deeply traditional Muslim society where women have long struggled for their rights, and many disapprove of the holiday as a Western import.

Pakistan's President Mamnoon Hussain told a crowd of students in 2016 that the day had no place in the Muslim-majority nation and urged young people to focus on their studies instead.

A rising Pakistani social media star, Qandeel Baloch, responded by posing in a plunging scarlet dress and posting a video message refuting his call. Baloch, whose provocative selfies deeply polarised Pakistan, was murdered by her brother later that year.

In 2017, the Islamabad High Court prohibited Valentine's celebrations in public spaces and government offices across the country, while last year the country's media regulator warned TV and radio stations against promoting the holiday.

On social media many rejected the UAF initiative -- some joking that "Sister Day" could also be seen as a reference to the Hindu festival of Raksha Bandhan, in which brothers vow to protect their sisters.

Pakistan sees neighbouring India, where Hinduism is the dominant religion, as its arch-enemy.

A Pakistani university is rebranding Valentine's Day as "Sister's Day", and debating marking the holiday widely seen as a Western import by handing out headscarves and shawls to its female students.

A Pakistani university is rebranding Valentine's Day as "Sister's Day", and debating marking the holiday widely seen as a Western import by handing out headscarves and shawls to its female students. The University of Agriculture in Faisalabad (UAF), in central Punjab province, said the change was taken to promote "eastern culture and Islamic traditions among the youth". "In our culture, women are more empowered and earn their due respect as sisters, mothers, daughters and wives," UAF vice chancellor Zafar Iqbal is quoted as saying on the institution's website. "We were forgetting our culture, and Western culture was taking root in our society," he continued. "UAF was mulling a plan to distribute scarves, shawls and gowns printed with the UAF insignia among female students" on February 14, the statement on the website added. University spokesman Qamar Bukhari told AFP Monday that UAF is seeking donations as it aims to give headscarves to at least 1,000 of its 14,000 female students. "These scarfs will be distributed by the university administration and not their fellow male students," he added, saying that the goal is to ensure respect for women. Valentine's Day is increasingly popular among younger Pakistanis, with many taking up the custom of giving cards, chocolates and gifts to their sweethearts to mark the occasion. But the country remains a deeply traditional Muslim society where women have long struggled for their rights, and many disapprove of the holiday as a Western import. Pakistan's President Mamnoon Hussain told a crowd of students in 2016 that the day had no place in the Muslim-majority nation and urged young people to focus on their studies instead. A rising Pakistani social media star, Qandeel Baloch, responded by posing in a plunging scarlet dress and posting a video message refuting his call. Baloch, whose provocative selfies deeply polarised Pakistan, was murdered by her brother later that year. In 2017, the Islamabad High Court prohibited Valentine's celebrations in public spaces and government offices across the country, while last year the country's media regulator warned TV and radio stations against promoting the holiday. On social media many rejected the UAF initiative -- some joking that "Sister Day" could also be seen as a reference to the Hindu festival of Raksha Bandhan, in which brothers vow to protect their sisters. Pakistan sees neighbouring India, where Hinduism is the dominant religion, as its arch-enemy.

Pakistan university rebrands Valentine's Day as 'Sister's Day'

Reese Witherspoon`s upcoming film ''Legally Blonde 3'' has an official release date.

MGM Studios announced on Twitter that the third film would hit the big screens on Valentine`s Day 2020.

"Back in Pink in 2020! #LegallyBlonde3" read the tweet.

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Back in Pink in 2020! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LegallyBlonde3?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LegallyBlonde3</a> <a href="https://t.co/KP1l6R0zTU">pic.twitter.com/KP1l6R0zTU</a>
— MGM Studios (@MGM_Studios) <a href="https://twitter.com/MGM_Studios/status/1004802020060979200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">7 June 2018</a></blockquote>
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The ''A Wrinkle In Time'' star, had confirmed the news on Thursday that the film is actually happening.

"It`s true... #LegallyBlonde3," she had tweeted.

Meanwhile, ''Legally Blonde'' (2001) was a success, raking in 141 million US dollars at the global box-office on an 18 million US dollars budget, with its sequel - which released in 2003 - bringing in 124 million US dollars on a 45 million US dollars budget.&nbsp;

MGM Studios announced on Twitter that the third film would hit the big screens on Valentine's Day 2020

Reese Witherspoon`s upcoming film ''Legally Blonde 3'' has an official release date. MGM Studios announced on Twitter that the third film would hit the big screens on Valentine`s Day 2020. "Back in Pink in 2020! #LegallyBlonde3" read the tweet. Back in Pink in 2020! #LegallyBlonde3 pic.twitter.com/KP1l6R0zTU — MGM Studios (@MGM_Studios) 7 June 2018 × The ''A Wrinkle In Time'' star, had confirmed the news on Thursday that the film is actually happening. "It`s true... #LegallyBlonde3," she had tweeted. Meanwhile, ''Legally Blonde'' (2001) was a success, raking in 141 million US dollars at the global box-office on an 18 million US dollars budget, with its sequel - which released in 2003 - bringing in 124 million US dollars on a 45 million US dollars budget.

'Legally Blonde 3' to hit theaters in 2020

All those <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/dating-apps-usage-to-spike-on-valentines-day-32809">who are single on Valentine&#39;s Day</a>, do not despair, according to a study most believe in gifting themselves on the day of love as an expression of&nbsp;&quot;self-love&quot;.

The study revealed 76% people in the age group of 25-28 and 58 per cent people in the over 33 category&nbsp;were ok with the experience of &quot;gifting themselves&quot;&nbsp;on Valentine&#39;s Day.

The study found Pune more open to the idea of embracing &quot;self-love&quot;&nbsp;with 76 per cent of people willing to gift themselves, Delhi came a close second with 68 per cent.

Beyond just meeting people, in Bangaluru 50 per cent respondents were &quot;open&quot; to meeting a prospective life partner.

And of course, &quot;sense of humour&quot; was&nbsp;highlighted as the &quot;most desirable trait&quot; in a partner with 20 per cent respondents in the 18-28 bracket choosing &quot;sense of style&quot; as an important trait.

Everyone loves surprises, the survey found over 90% of the respondents look&nbsp;forward to &quot;surprises&quot;&nbsp;on Valentine&#39;s Day.

As far as PDAs are&nbsp;concerned, 78% people said Valentine&rsquo;s Day is a good occasion to show love, like all PDA floating around on social media with 68 per cent people in Delhi-NCR more comfortable with it than Mumbaikars who averaged 58 per cent.

Also, 18 to 24 year-olds were most comfortable about expressing &quot;love online&quot;, the study found.

The study found Pune more open to the idea of embracing "self-love" with 76 per cent

All those who are single on Valentine's Day, do not despair, according to a study most believe in gifting themselves on the day of love as an expression of "self-love". The study revealed 76% people in the age group of 25-28 and 58 per cent people in the over 33 category were ok with the experience of "gifting themselves" on Valentine's Day. The study found Pune more open to the idea of embracing "self-love" with 76 per cent of people willing to gift themselves, Delhi came a close second with 68 per cent. Beyond just meeting people, in Bangaluru 50 per cent respondents were "open" to meeting a prospective life partner. And of course, "sense of humour" was highlighted as the "most desirable trait" in a partner with 20 per cent respondents in the 18-28 bracket choosing "sense of style" as an important trait. Everyone loves surprises, the survey found over 90% of the respondents look forward to "surprises" on Valentine's Day. As far as PDAs are concerned, 78% people said Valentine’s Day is a good occasion to show love, like all PDA floating around on social media with 68 per cent people in Delhi-NCR more comfortable with it than Mumbaikars who averaged 58 per cent. Also, 18 to 24 year-olds were most comfortable about expressing "love online", the study found.

Valentine's Day: 68 per cent people in Delhi-NCR believe in PDA, finds study

&quot;Vaise to hu mai sakth launda, par 14th February ko pigal jata hu,&quot; my feelings on being excluded from the love club on the year&rsquo;s most romantic day, Valentine&#39;s Day.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

If you&#39;re single, the option left is to be at home, scoff a whole can of Pringles with some liquor and collapse in a heap.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

But trust me, inside, nobody wants it to be like this.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Who would mind to hang out or dine with a beautiful girl or a handsome man of their age? Hold each other&#39;s hands and have a real conversation, discussing their future or telling them how much they value to each other.

&nbsp;

But the point is is it so important to have a partner and for what. Need to give it a thought.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In the past few years what I have realised is &#39;it pays to be single&#39;.

&nbsp;

The realisation is further perceived when people keep on asking why don&#39;t find someone and get in love.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The statement seems similar to buying food from market, &quot;bhaiya 2 kg pyaar karne wala partner dena.&quot;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Even the bouncers standing at the any club&#39;s gate refuse to give you an entry. And the worst part is that &#39;no entry&#39; board is only for boys.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

On V-day, if you roam around without a girl, you are considered a lonely man and that lonely man if tries to get into a Restro Bar, just to have a drink or to have a nice meal, is assumed to be a stalker by some.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The bouncer&#39;s decision of not giving entry is as firm as Amitabh Bachchan&#39;s dialogue in movie Pink, &#39;no means no&#39;.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

And the only reason they have to give you is its Valentine&#39;s Day special.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Their answer is equal to rubbing salt on one&rsquo;s wound because the only thing he wants you to know is &#39;no woman means no entry.&#39;

&nbsp;

Imagine you are going to a foreign location for a holiday with all bags packed and when you arrive at the airport you realise you forgot your passport.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Another thing is, over the years having a Boyfriend or a Girlfriend is no more related to emotions but a trend being followed blindly.

&nbsp;

The world, especially the younger generation, is accustomed to settling with anything, just to say they have something.&nbsp; &nbsp;

&nbsp;

Sometimes it does hurt, not being single but of the fact, that will such people ever understand the real meaning of &#39;love&#39;.

&nbsp;

Many of them won&#39;t be knowing why exactly Valentine&#39;s Day is celebrated.&nbsp; &nbsp;

&nbsp;

Another trend the people have adopted is to end the relationship if not happy.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The &#39;not being happy&#39; part isn&#39;t related to any sort of torture or harassment but they get irritated over little things, a clear sign of how week the acceptance level among people is right now.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

It is so obvious, that as two people get to know each other more, problems start to accept their imperfect side. And that is exactly what being in love is, accepting the person the way he or she is.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

But they prefer to part ways by ending things on a so-called good note than sitting and discussing the problems in order to make it work.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

And in a world like such, it takes a strong person to remain single.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

There is wait and patience to find my kind of a person than settling for anything and later regretting it.

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

There is wait and patience to find my kind of a person than settling for anything and later regretting it.

"Vaise to hu mai sakth launda, par 14th February ko pigal jata hu," my feelings on being excluded from the love club on the year’s most romantic day, Valentine's Day. If you're single, the option left is to be at home, scoff a whole can of Pringles with some liquor and collapse in a heap. But trust me, inside, nobody wants it to be like this. Who would mind to hang out or dine with a beautiful girl or a handsome man of their age? Hold each other's hands and have a real conversation, discussing their future or telling them how much they value to each other. But the point is is it so important to have a partner and for what. Need to give it a thought. In the past few years what I have realised is 'it pays to be single'. The realisation is further perceived when people keep on asking why don't find someone and get in love. The statement seems similar to buying food from market, "bhaiya 2 kg pyaar karne wala partner dena." Even the bouncers standing at the any club's gate refuse to give you an entry. And the worst part is that 'no entry' board is only for boys. On V-day, if you roam around without a girl, you are considered a lonely man and that lonely man if tries to get into a Restro Bar, just to have a drink or to have a nice meal, is assumed to be a stalker by some. The bouncer's decision of not giving entry is as firm as Amitabh Bachchan's dialogue in movie Pink, 'no means no'. And the only reason they have to give you is its Valentine's Day special. Their answer is equal to rubbing salt on one’s wound because the only thing he wants you to know is 'no woman means no entry.' Imagine you are going to a foreign location for a holiday with all bags packed and when you arrive at the airport you realise you forgot your passport. Another thing is, over the years having a Boyfriend or a Girlfriend is no more related to emotions but a trend being followed blindly. The world, especially the younger generation, is accustomed to settling with anything, just to say they have something. Sometimes it does hurt, not being single but of the fact, that will such people ever understand the real meaning of 'love'. Many of them won't be knowing why exactly Valentine's Day is celebrated. Another trend the people have adopted is to end the relationship if not happy. The 'not being happy' part isn't related to any sort of torture or harassment but they get irritated over little things, a clear sign of how week the acceptance level among people is right now. It is so obvious, that as two people get to know each other more, problems start to accept their imperfect side. And that is exactly what being in love is, accepting the person the way he or she is. But they prefer to part ways by ending things on a so-called good note than sitting and discussing the problems in order to make it work. And in a world like such, it takes a strong person to remain single. There is wait and patience to find my kind of a person than settling for anything and later regretting it. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: It pays to be single on Valentine's Day

Valentine&#39;s Day opened up to a barrage of happy news from the Bollywood folks -- as Imtiaz Ali and Ekta Kapoor <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-laila-majnu-imtiaz-ali-ekta-kapoor-to-make-film-on-classic-romance-see-poster-inside-32829" target="_blank">announced</a> a movie on the classic romance of Laila Majnu, Salman Khan<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-salman-khan-says-happy-valentines-day-with-loveratri-poster-of-aayush-sharma-warina-hussain-32801" target="_blank"> shared poster </a>of Loveratri starring his brother-in-law Aayush Sharma and Warina Hussain and now, Varun Dhawan sharing a short teaser for his film October.&nbsp;

October, helmed by Shoojit Sircar stars&nbsp;Varun Dhawan and female debutante Banita Sandhu.

While we are sure there is a lot to explore in the film, the teaser lays emphasis on Avik Mukhopadhyay&#39;s incredible cinematography. The teaser plays has no dialogues but plays with lights, shadows and topography.&nbsp;

Sharing the teaser, Varun tweeted, &ldquo;A movie very close to my heart #October. Here&rsquo;s the October feeler #ValentinesWithOctober @ShoojitSircar @BanitaSandhu @ronnielahiri http://bit.ly/WorldOfOctober .&rdquo;

Watch the teaser here:&nbsp;

<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/A3SFb3WcqKE" width="970"></iframe>

&nbsp;

Varun Dhawan shared the first teaser of his upcoming film, October, directed by Shoojit Sircar

Valentine's Day opened up to a barrage of happy news from the Bollywood folks -- as Imtiaz Ali and Ekta Kapoor announced a movie on the classic romance of Laila Majnu, Salman Khan shared poster of Loveratri starring his brother-in-law Aayush Sharma and Warina Hussain and now, Varun Dhawan sharing a short teaser for his film October. October, helmed by Shoojit Sircar stars Varun Dhawan and female debutante Banita Sandhu. While we are sure there is a lot to explore in the film, the teaser lays emphasis on Avik Mukhopadhyay's incredible cinematography. The teaser plays has no dialogues but plays with lights, shadows and topography. Sharing the teaser, Varun tweeted, “A movie very close to my heart #October. Here’s the October feeler #ValentinesWithOctober @ShoojitSircar @BanitaSandhu @ronnielahiri http://bit.ly/WorldOfOctober .” Watch the teaser here:

Watch October teaser: Varun Dhawan's Valentine's Day gift to fans is melodious!

There will be no big Valentine`s Day celebration for one husband and wife figure skating pair, who are choosing rest and relaxation over champagne and roses on Wednesday as another day of competition looms.

The duo in question are 26-year-old Alexa Scimeca Knierim and her 30-year-old husband Chris Knierim, two-time U.S. pairs champions making their Olympic debut, who started skating together in 2012 and were married four years later.

The two embraced and kissed after finishing their short programme on Wednesday, with Chris gently running a hand over his wife`s hair.

&quot;It`s Valentine`s Day and I think we showed how much we love each other and love to skate with each other during the programme,&quot; Chris told reporters after the pair finished 14th to just about qualify for the free skate.&nbsp;

Just two years ago, Alexa developed a rare gastrointestinal illness that saw her weight plummet to 36 kg (80 lb) before several abdominal surgeries solved the life-threatening issue.

Her absence took months off their training schedule as she was forced to learn the basic skating moves from scratch until her strength returned.

&quot;It makes this journey so much different and possibly more special than anyone who hasn`t experienced the super lows of life,&quot; Alexa said.

&quot;We`re just feeding off each other and reminding each other how lucky we are to be here. It`s keeping us humble and happy.&quot;

The two helped the U.S. figure skating team win bronze in the team competition earlier this week but struggled on Wednesday after she touched the ice with her hand in a throw triple flip.&nbsp;

Asked how they planned to celebrate making it into the top-16 pairs advancing to Thursday`s free skate, they both said they would rest.

&quot;We have another programme tomorrow and that will be the last of our Olympic journey,&quot; Chris said. &quot;So we`re just going to rest, recover and get ready for tomorrow morning.&quot;

The two embraced and kissed after finishing their short programme

There will be no big Valentine`s Day celebration for one husband and wife figure skating pair, who are choosing rest and relaxation over champagne and roses on Wednesday as another day of competition looms. The duo in question are 26-year-old Alexa Scimeca Knierim and her 30-year-old husband Chris Knierim, two-time U.S. pairs champions making their Olympic debut, who started skating together in 2012 and were married four years later. The two embraced and kissed after finishing their short programme on Wednesday, with Chris gently running a hand over his wife`s hair. "It`s Valentine`s Day and I think we showed how much we love each other and love to skate with each other during the programme," Chris told reporters after the pair finished 14th to just about qualify for the free skate. Just two years ago, Alexa developed a rare gastrointestinal illness that saw her weight plummet to 36 kg (80 lb) before several abdominal surgeries solved the life-threatening issue. Her absence took months off their training schedule as she was forced to learn the basic skating moves from scratch until her strength returned. "It makes this journey so much different and possibly more special than anyone who hasn`t experienced the super lows of life," Alexa said. "We`re just feeding off each other and reminding each other how lucky we are to be here. It`s keeping us humble and happy." The two helped the U.S. figure skating team win bronze in the team competition earlier this week but struggled on Wednesday after she touched the ice with her hand in a throw triple flip. Asked how they planned to celebrate making it into the top-16 pairs advancing to Thursday`s free skate, they both said they would rest. "We have another programme tomorrow and that will be the last of our Olympic journey," Chris said. "So we`re just going to rest, recover and get ready for tomorrow morning."

Olympics: Figure skating pair put Valentine's Day on ice to rest and relax

As the hi-pitched, blockbuster V-DAY gets ready to freak out lovers of every shape, size and colour across Youngistan, the purists and old-fashioned brigade, zonked, continue to ask questions, has the innocent fun and gaiety, once shared by family and friends been totally overwhelmed by crass carnival-style commercialism?&nbsp; Is every festival &ndash; or Day &ndash; in recent times perceived as market-friendly opportunities by shrewd Event-Managers and choreographed in appropriately seductive manner, to hawk goods and services of every FMCG kind?&nbsp; Are these very special days on the annual calendar, nothing more than hi-end glam windows where tradition and religion tango with fun, food, fashion, masti and music in true Bollywood style?

&nbsp;

If &ndash; like the oldies and purists &ndash; you feel a cardiac coming on, you are forgiven!&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Fact is, there has indeed been a paradigm shift in the way our festivals pan out today in the public domain.&nbsp; It&rsquo;s a different blueprint.&nbsp; Unknown and little-known festivals &ndash; and Days &ndash; are suddenly crashing through the woodwork, raising their hands to be counted and gaining startling momentum.&nbsp; Regional ones are going Pan-India and the traditional biggies, such as Puja, Diwali, Dussehra, Holi, Christmas are veritable blockbusters!&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Ashish Nandy, the renowned and respected Behavorial Scientist quips, in amused fashion &ldquo;Festivals seem to get manufactured &ndash; or revived &ndash; each day, like FMCG products.&nbsp; The scale, variety and accompanying appendages are mind-bending.&nbsp; Even weddings seem to have entered this glam zone, frequently resembling showbiz events instead of dignified and austere, ritual &amp; ceremony.&rdquo;

&nbsp;

Nandy is right &ndash; and the reasons are there for all to see. We live in totally consumerist times where perception is reality and Brand, the new god!&nbsp; Also, the fact that India has more festivals than the rest of the world must be considered.&nbsp; In this scenario, the way they are presented &ndash; and consumed &ndash; remains the key factor in today&rsquo;s &#39;dikhawa&#39; universe. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

Sociologists believe that they can well indicate &ldquo;new-age markers with which to delineate contemporary history and economic life along with the shifting sands colouring society and culture.&rdquo; One of the biggest reasons, perhaps, lies in the character of today&rsquo;s cities, with its cosmopolitan nature where free mingling of people of different regions living and working in residential complexes is a given. So, over time, region-specific festivals, such as Puja, Onam, Lohri, Rakhee, Diwali, Pongal become open-ended affairs with everyone enjoying every festival, full-on! In some fashion, the celebrations help the uprooted, urban migrant bond, mingle and strengthen human relationship, something so critical in today&rsquo;s self-centred and self-absorbed times.&nbsp; It offers a sense of community oneness.

&nbsp;

Unlike sociologists, economists, however, worry that beyond identity and cultural values, festivals ultimately define big bucks and blatant, aggressive consumerism drive these events.&nbsp; &ldquo;Why. For chrissake, would festivals ever be conceived, built and presented around malls?&rdquo; enquires respected sociologist Shiv Vishwanathan &ldquo;and why do Pujas have celebrity, judges, special routes, pandals &amp; big-ticket Corporate sponsorship&rdquo; ask others. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

It&rsquo;s a complete designer and customised affair with all the paraphernalia in place. Created to woo the purchasing power of the gullible, glam-struck, new-age consumer who are bred and buttered on tradition and ritual influenced by the likes of Karan Johar and gang.&nbsp; Little wonder that today many of these non-North Indian festivals, for instance, Sangeet, Mehendi have gone solidly pan-India.&nbsp; While festivals get more assertive and pronounced, there seems to be a tendency of fusing trend with tradition, making them seem more like fashion statements than a reflection of values.

&nbsp;

However, everything considered, the fact is while festivals become carnivals, ramp-shows and sponsored programmes, muting the spiritual and religious content, it makes sense to do a reality check and realise that it&rsquo;s clearly a sign of the times we live in.&nbsp; In this scheme of things, cynics, critics and sceptics have no place. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

Besides, if this is the way today&rsquo;s generation wish to pray, eat and love, why shove something un-cool down their throat?&nbsp; They&rsquo;ll throw up!

&nbsp;

So what&rsquo;s the takeout?&nbsp; Simple.&nbsp; In today&rsquo;s non-negotiable, consumerist world, chill, go with the flow, groove &hellip; or move! &nbsp;

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

While festivals become carnivals, ramp-shows and sponsored programmes, muting the spiritual and religious content, it makes sense to do a reality check and realise that it’s clearly a sign of the times we live in.

As the hi-pitched, blockbuster V-DAY gets ready to freak out lovers of every shape, size and colour across Youngistan, the purists and old-fashioned brigade, zonked, continue to ask questions, has the innocent fun and gaiety, once shared by family and friends been totally overwhelmed by crass carnival-style commercialism? Is every festival – or Day – in recent times perceived as market-friendly opportunities by shrewd Event-Managers and choreographed in appropriately seductive manner, to hawk goods and services of every FMCG kind? Are these very special days on the annual calendar, nothing more than hi-end glam windows where tradition and religion tango with fun, food, fashion, masti and music in true Bollywood style? If – like the oldies and purists – you feel a cardiac coming on, you are forgiven! Fact is, there has indeed been a paradigm shift in the way our festivals pan out today in the public domain. It’s a different blueprint. Unknown and little-known festivals – and Days – are suddenly crashing through the woodwork, raising their hands to be counted and gaining startling momentum. Regional ones are going Pan-India and the traditional biggies, such as Puja, Diwali, Dussehra, Holi, Christmas are veritable blockbusters! Ashish Nandy, the renowned and respected Behavorial Scientist quips, in amused fashion “Festivals seem to get manufactured – or revived – each day, like FMCG products. The scale, variety and accompanying appendages are mind-bending. Even weddings seem to have entered this glam zone, frequently resembling showbiz events instead of dignified and austere, ritual & ceremony.” Nandy is right – and the reasons are there for all to see. We live in totally consumerist times where perception is reality and Brand, the new god! Also, the fact that India has more festivals than the rest of the world must be considered. In this scenario, the way they are presented – and consumed – remains the key factor in today’s 'dikhawa' universe. Sociologists believe that they can well indicate “new-age markers with which to delineate contemporary history and economic life along with the shifting sands colouring society and culture.” One of the biggest reasons, perhaps, lies in the character of today’s cities, with its cosmopolitan nature where free mingling of people of different regions living and working in residential complexes is a given. So, over time, region-specific festivals, such as Puja, Onam, Lohri, Rakhee, Diwali, Pongal become open-ended affairs with everyone enjoying every festival, full-on! In some fashion, the celebrations help the uprooted, urban migrant bond, mingle and strengthen human relationship, something so critical in today’s self-centred and self-absorbed times. It offers a sense of community oneness. Unlike sociologists, economists, however, worry that beyond identity and cultural values, festivals ultimately define big bucks and blatant, aggressive consumerism drive these events. “Why. For chrissake, would festivals ever be conceived, built and presented around malls?” enquires respected sociologist Shiv Vishwanathan “and why do Pujas have celebrity, judges, special routes, pandals & big-ticket Corporate sponsorship” ask others. It’s a complete designer and customised affair with all the paraphernalia in place. Created to woo the purchasing power of the gullible, glam-struck, new-age consumer who are bred and buttered on tradition and ritual influenced by the likes of Karan Johar and gang. Little wonder that today many of these non-North Indian festivals, for instance, Sangeet, Mehendi have gone solidly pan-India. While festivals get more assertive and pronounced, there seems to be a tendency of fusing trend with tradition, making them seem more like fashion statements than a reflection of values. However, everything considered, the fact is while festivals become carnivals, ramp-shows and sponsored programmes, muting the spiritual and religious content, it makes sense to do a reality check and realise that it’s clearly a sign of the times we live in. In this scheme of things, cynics, critics and sceptics have no place. Besides, if this is the way today’s generation wish to pray, eat and love, why shove something un-cool down their throat? They’ll throw up! So what’s the takeout? Simple. In today’s non-negotiable, consumerist world, chill, go with the flow, groove … or move! (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Valentine's Day and ways millennials wish to pray, eat and love

As technology revolutionises everything how can our love life remain untouched.

Today as millennials celebrating Valentine&#39;s Day are mostly single and without a&nbsp;date, several dating apps have come to their rescue.

Earlier, finding a&nbsp;date in cafes and parties was a natural thing, however, not it has now been replaced with the advent of apps.&nbsp;

In 2017, Dating app Tinder saw 20% rise in its&nbsp;usage on Valentine&#39;s day and the trend is expected to continue this year as well, though it should not come as surprise as markets, restaurants, malls are busy promoting couples and the Valentine&#39;s Day &quot;magic&quot;.

The age group of people turning to dating apps on these days reportedly is&nbsp;reportedly&nbsp;between of 18 to 30 years.

In fact, in America, reports show&nbsp;that from Thanksgiving,&nbsp;New Years to Valentine week the app usage spikes as high as 30 to 50%.

In India Tinder has also become a major hit. In&nbsp;2016, Tinder&nbsp;had&nbsp;said India is their third largest market in Asia with the app getting over 14 million swipes each day.

 
&nbsp;

In fact, in America, there were reports that showed that from Thanksgiving to New Year to Valentine week the usage spikes as high as 30 to 50%

As technology revolutionises everything how can our love life remain untouched. Today as millennials celebrating Valentine's Day are mostly single and without a date, several dating apps have come to their rescue. Earlier, finding a date in cafes and parties was a natural thing, however, not it has now been replaced with the advent of apps. In 2017, Dating app Tinder saw 20% rise in its usage on Valentine's day and the trend is expected to continue this year as well, though it should not come as surprise as markets, restaurants, malls are busy promoting couples and the Valentine's Day "magic". The age group of people turning to dating apps on these days reportedly is reportedly between of 18 to 30 years. In fact, in America, reports show that from Thanksgiving, New Years to Valentine week the app usage spikes as high as 30 to 50%. In India Tinder has also become a major hit. In 2016, Tinder had said India is their third largest market in Asia with the app getting over 14 million swipes each day.

Valentine's Day: Now, Indians find a date through apps

Pakistan has once again banned Valentine Day&#39;s celebrations and its media coverage after the Islamabad High Court ruled the holiday as &quot;un-Islamic&quot;.

The Voice of America reported that in order to comply with the court ruling, Pakistan`s Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) imposed guidelines to its TV and radio licenses to remind them of the ban.

&quot;Respondents are directed to ensure that nothing about the celebrations of Valentine`s Day and its promotion is spread on the Electronic and Print media. No event shall be held on an official level and at any public place. PEMRA is directed to ensure that all the TV channels shall stop the promotion of Valentine`s Day forthwith,&quot; the PEMRA said in a statement.

The judgment also prohibited any advertising or the sale of merchandise associated with Valentine`s Day.The Islamabad High Court on Tuesday issued a judgment on a petition claiming that Valentine`s Day was spreading &quot;immorality, nudity and indecency&quot; in the society.

The court also prohibited its celebrations in public places and government offices in Islamabad.

It further instructed PEMRA to &quot;ensure that nothing about the celebration of Valentine&#39;s Day and its promotion is spread&quot;.

The ruling has also affected many businesses across the country.

In a similar ban last year, flower vendors and shops selling Valentine`s Day-related items reported a huge drop in sales.In recent years, Pakistan has been observing Valentine`s Day on February 14th every year.

Most youths use the symbolic day to exchange cards, chocolates and gifts with their loved ones.However, owing to the conservative society, public displays of love and affection are not allowed, since it is considered &quot;a violation of Islam and Pakistani culture.

&quot;Many religious groups and political parties such as Jamaat-e-Islami have openly supported the ban of Valentine`s Day celebrations in the country.In 2016, Valentine`s Day celebrations were prohibited by local authorities in Kohat, a city in the northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Also, Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain had warned citizens to refrain from celebrating Valentine`s Day as it was &quot;not a part of Muslim tradition, but of the West.

However, some Twitter users expressed displeasure with the court ruling by posting on the micro-blogging site using the hashtag #ValentinesAndIslam.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
My question: 
Can Muslims celebrate Valentine&#39;s Day? 
I&#39;m not asking if it is shirk ,as in, Is it shirk for a Muslim to celebrate Valentine&#39;s Day?. Instead, I am asking if it is permissible to celebrate Valentine&#39;s Day.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ValentinesAndIslam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ValentinesAndIslam</a>
&mdash; Arsim CH (@ArsimTariq) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArsimTariq/status/963457497569914880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ValentinesAndIslam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ValentinesAndIslam</a> 
 
Love is not haram .....what u do with that love is haram....
&mdash; Abdullah Ali (@Abdulla58741293) <a href="https://twitter.com/Abdulla58741293/status/963458061489852419?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

However, some supported the court ruling.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
It is not permissible for a Muslim to get caught up in the valentine&rsquo;s un-Islamic environment and mood.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ValentinesAndIslam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ValentinesAndIslam</a>
&mdash; Hania Tariq (@haniachoudhry) <a href="https://twitter.com/haniachoudhry/status/963461304206921728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Islam clearly forbids people to stop &#39;Behayai&#39; &amp; the modern trend of Valentines means Behayi. Stop Behayi you dont need to follow western cultures to Love someone! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ValentinesAndIslam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ValentinesAndIslam</a>
&mdash; Mehmood Hassan (@iMehmoodHassan) <a href="https://twitter.com/iMehmoodHassan/status/963458666086260738?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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It is not permissible for a Muslim to get caught up in the valentine&rsquo;s un-Islamic environment and mood.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ValentinesAndIslam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ValentinesAndIslam</a>
&mdash; احسن لاکھا (@AhsanLakha178) <a href="https://twitter.com/AhsanLakha178/status/963485451226091521?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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The Voice of America reported that in order to comply with the court ruling, Pakistan`s Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) imposed guidelines to its TV and radio licenses to remind them of the ban

Pakistan has once again banned Valentine Day's celebrations and its media coverage after the Islamabad High Court ruled the holiday as "un-Islamic". The Voice of America reported that in order to comply with the court ruling, Pakistan`s Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) imposed guidelines to its TV and radio licenses to remind them of the ban. "Respondents are directed to ensure that nothing about the celebrations of Valentine`s Day and its promotion is spread on the Electronic and Print media. No event shall be held on an official level and at any public place. PEMRA is directed to ensure that all the TV channels shall stop the promotion of Valentine`s Day forthwith," the PEMRA said in a statement. The judgment also prohibited any advertising or the sale of merchandise associated with Valentine`s Day.The Islamabad High Court on Tuesday issued a judgment on a petition claiming that Valentine`s Day was spreading "immorality, nudity and indecency" in the society. The court also prohibited its celebrations in public places and government offices in Islamabad. It further instructed PEMRA to "ensure that nothing about the celebration of Valentine's Day and its promotion is spread". The ruling has also affected many businesses across the country. In a similar ban last year, flower vendors and shops selling Valentine`s Day-related items reported a huge drop in sales.In recent years, Pakistan has been observing Valentine`s Day on February 14th every year. Most youths use the symbolic day to exchange cards, chocolates and gifts with their loved ones.However, owing to the conservative society, public displays of love and affection are not allowed, since it is considered "a violation of Islam and Pakistani culture. "Many religious groups and political parties such as Jamaat-e-Islami have openly supported the ban of Valentine`s Day celebrations in the country.In 2016, Valentine`s Day celebrations were prohibited by local authorities in Kohat, a city in the northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Also, Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain had warned citizens to refrain from celebrating Valentine`s Day as it was "not a part of Muslim tradition, but of the West. However, some Twitter users expressed displeasure with the court ruling by posting on the micro-blogging site using the hashtag #ValentinesAndIslam. My question: Can Muslims celebrate Valentine's Day? I'm not asking if it is shirk ,as in, Is it shirk for a Muslim to celebrate Valentine's Day?. Instead, I am asking if it is permissible to celebrate Valentine's Day.#ValentinesAndIslam — Arsim CH (@ArsimTariq) February 13, 2018 × #ValentinesAndIslam Love is not haram .....what u do with that love is haram.... — Abdullah Ali (@Abdulla58741293) February 13, 2018 × However, some supported the court ruling. It is not permissible for a Muslim to get caught up in the valentine’s un-Islamic environment and mood.#ValentinesAndIslam — Hania Tariq (@haniachoudhry) February 13, 2018 × Islam clearly forbids people to stop 'Behayai' & the modern trend of Valentines means Behayi. Stop Behayi you dont need to follow western cultures to Love someone! #ValentinesAndIslam — Mehmood Hassan (@iMehmoodHassan) February 13, 2018 × It is not permissible for a Muslim to get caught up in the valentine’s un-Islamic environment and mood.#ValentinesAndIslam — احسن لاکھا (@AhsanLakha178) February 13, 2018 ×

Pakistan bans Valentine Day's celebrations after High Court ruling

A new twist to the lovey-dovey Valentine&#39;s Day is tending with the confectioners - death-themed confections.

Small businesses are putting out macabre looking chocolates and other bakery items to poke a fun at the Hallmark holiday, according to The Guardian.

It has come to light that a bakery in Pennsylvania, has been selling out black, heart-shaped box of chocolates called &#39;Fatally Yours&#39; for Valentine&#39;s Day.

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Be3SQRdBY6M/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">&ldquo;Put me down, put me out of misery I&#39;m fatally yours...&rdquo; @matttskiba ???????? Nearly sold out, a handful left in stock and that&rsquo;s it.</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/vegantreats/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Vegan Treats, Inc.</a> (@vegantreats) on <time datetime="2018-02-06T17:38:00+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Feb 6, 2018 at 9:38am PST</time>
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&nbsp;

This year&#39;s chocolate box has been modelled after an Ouija board and features white chocolate skeletal hands, among other creepy looking chocolate treats.

The bakery is named Vegan Treats by Danielle Konya and is one of the biggest sellers for Valentine&#39;s Day confectionaries in the area.

Konya, the founder of Vegan Treats, said, &quot;On a holiday that survived on stuffed bears and roses, it satisfies the black heart in all of us. When I think of a black heart, it&#39;s the adversary to the traditional red heart symbol of love. The black heart is complex . occasionally feels a little dead on the inside and listens to sad songs&quot;.

It has come to light that a bakery in Pennsylvania, has been selling out black, heart-shaped box of chocolates called 'Fatally Yours' for Valentine's Day.

A new twist to the lovey-dovey Valentine's Day is tending with the confectioners - death-themed confections. Small businesses are putting out macabre looking chocolates and other bakery items to poke a fun at the Hallmark holiday, according to The Guardian. It has come to light that a bakery in Pennsylvania, has been selling out black, heart-shaped box of chocolates called 'Fatally Yours' for Valentine's Day. “Put me down, put me out of misery I'm fatally yours...” @matttskiba ???????? Nearly sold out, a handful left in stock and that’s it. A post shared by Vegan Treats, Inc. (@vegantreats) on Feb 6, 2018 at 9:38am PST × This year's chocolate box has been modelled after an Ouija board and features white chocolate skeletal hands, among other creepy looking chocolate treats. The bakery is named Vegan Treats by Danielle Konya and is one of the biggest sellers for Valentine's Day confectionaries in the area. Konya, the founder of Vegan Treats, said, "On a holiday that survived on stuffed bears and roses, it satisfies the black heart in all of us. When I think of a black heart, it's the adversary to the traditional red heart symbol of love. The black heart is complex . occasionally feels a little dead on the inside and listens to sad songs".

New twist to Valentine's Day: Death-themed confections

The Internet sensation&nbsp;Priya Prakash Varrier is back with a new teaser flirting with her male classmate in a still from upcoming Malayalam film Oru Adaar Love (A Superb Love).

In the new teaser of the film, the two can be seen exchanging flirtatious glances while attending a lecture in their classroom. As the teacher is busy writing on the blackboard, the supposed on-screen couple Priya Prakash Varrier and Roshan Abdul Rahoof carry on with their romance -- Priya loads a gun (made using her two fingers) with a kiss and aims for Rahoof, to which Rahoof acts as attacked and sighs with such innocence.&nbsp;

Watch the latest video here:&nbsp;

<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pC2yUlN2kMU" width="970"></iframe>

Speaking to WION, the 18-year-old actress said:&nbsp;&quot;Didn&#39;t expect it to go viral and reach the&nbsp;international audience. The fame is too much for me to handle. All this is surreal, I am still trying to cope with it, trying to consume it.&quot; Read the full interview <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/priya-prakash-varrier-on-being-the-internets-latest-crush-the-fame-is-too-much-for-me-to-handle-32767" target="_blank">here</a>.&nbsp;

The Malayali actress got famous for her vivid facial expressions -- wink, smile -- while flirting with her classmate. She became an <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-meet-priya-prakash-varrier-internets-latest-crush-32591" target="_blank">overnight success</a> owing to the clip that went viral from her movie.&nbsp;

<iframe allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="476" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fhutiyacasm%2Fvideos%2F224440061443687%2F&amp;show_text=0&amp;width=476" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" width="476"></iframe>

This success has even translated to her social media presence --&nbsp;becoming the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-priya-prakash-varrier-internets-latest-crush-now-creates-record-on-instagram-32709" target="_blank">third highest gainer of social media followers on Instagram</a>. In a single day, she acquired more than 606 thousand followers. Speaking about this, Priya said&nbsp;that she now has a verified Instagram profile and that people won&#39;t anymore be confused with the multiple accounts that have had sprang up ever since her clip went viral.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-priya-prakash-varrier-co-star-roshan-abdul-rahoof-profile-32755" target="_blank">Also Read:&nbsp;Meet Roshan Abdul Rahoof, the boy who we all relate to in the Priya Varrier video</a>

The latest internet's sensation got famous for her recently released song in which she is seen winking playfully at her classmate

The Internet sensation Priya Prakash Varrier is back with a new teaser flirting with her male classmate in a still from upcoming Malayalam film Oru Adaar Love (A Superb Love). In the new teaser of the film, the two can be seen exchanging flirtatious glances while attending a lecture in their classroom. As the teacher is busy writing on the blackboard, the supposed on-screen couple Priya Prakash Varrier and Roshan Abdul Rahoof carry on with their romance -- Priya loads a gun (made using her two fingers) with a kiss and aims for Rahoof, to which Rahoof acts as attacked and sighs with such innocence. Watch the latest video here: Speaking to WION, the 18-year-old actress said: "Didn't expect it to go viral and reach the international audience. The fame is too much for me to handle. All this is surreal, I am still trying to cope with it, trying to consume it." Read the full interview here. The Malayali actress got famous for her vivid facial expressions -- wink, smile -- while flirting with her classmate. She became an overnight success owing to the clip that went viral from her movie. This success has even translated to her social media presence -- becoming the third highest gainer of social media followers on Instagram. In a single day, she acquired more than 606 thousand followers. Speaking about this, Priya said that she now has a verified Instagram profile and that people won't anymore be confused with the multiple accounts that have had sprang up ever since her clip went viral. Also Read: Meet Roshan Abdul Rahoof, the boy who we all relate to in the Priya Varrier video

Priya Prakash 'wink' Varrier has a Valentine's Day gift: Flying kiss!

As is the case every year, the Bajrang Dal has once again approached the pubs and restaurants in Hyderabad, asking them to boycott Valentine&#39;s Day celebrations on February 14.

They even visited colleges in the city asking them not to take part in the celebration, which is apparently destroying the Indian tradition and culture.

Subhash Chander, Bajrangdal, State Co-Convener, told ANI, &quot;Our country is rich in culture and due to Valentine&#39;s Day, our youth are getting spoiled. We visited various pubs and colleges and asked them to not to be a part of this day.&quot;

Another member Mahesh Kumar said that they will counsel the students if they are caught celebrating the day.

They even visited colleges in the city asking them not to take part in the celebration, which is apparently destroying the Indian tradition and culture.

As is the case every year, the Bajrang Dal has once again approached the pubs and restaurants in Hyderabad, asking them to boycott Valentine's Day celebrations on February 14. They even visited colleges in the city asking them not to take part in the celebration, which is apparently destroying the Indian tradition and culture. Subhash Chander, Bajrangdal, State Co-Convener, told ANI, "Our country is rich in culture and due to Valentine's Day, our youth are getting spoiled. We visited various pubs and colleges and asked them to not to be a part of this day." Another member Mahesh Kumar said that they will counsel the students if they are caught celebrating the day.

Shun Valentine's Day: Telangana Bajrang Dal to pubs

Today is the sixth <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/google-doodle-second-day-doodle-features-another-lucky-symbol-of-korea-32383">Olympic Doodle </a>by Google of their 17 doodle series, but today&#39;s doodle was little special as it was with&nbsp;Valentine&#39;s twist.

The doodle shows two grebes ice-skating together and making the shape of a heart at the ice skating ring.

The official statement of Google reads, &quot;It looks like these great Grebes grab glory today! Birds of a feather skate together, and these graceful Grebes have shown that two can be even better than one.&quot;

Google is showcasing one 17 google doodle for each day till the winter Olympics last.

These doodles are running from February 9 to February 25.

 
&nbsp;

The doodle shows two grebes ice-skating together and making the shape of a heart at the ice skating ring

Today is the sixth Olympic Doodle by Google of their 17 doodle series, but today's doodle was little special as it was with Valentine's twist. The doodle shows two grebes ice-skating together and making the shape of a heart at the ice skating ring. The official statement of Google reads, "It looks like these great Grebes grab glory today! Birds of a feather skate together, and these graceful Grebes have shown that two can be even better than one." Google is showcasing one 17 google doodle for each day till the winter Olympics last. These doodles are running from February 9 to February 25.

Olympic Google Doodle also marks Valentine's day

&ldquo;Will you be my Valentine?&rdquo;

People all across the country say those words in the run-up to February 14 and the Valentine&rsquo;s Day holiday. Whether you&rsquo;re asking a brand new paramour or a long-term partner, the question can evoke feelings both of romantic uncertainty and possibility.

But for the well-being of ourselves and our relationships, &ldquo;Will you be my Valentine?&rdquo; is the wrong question. Instead, the more important question to ask yourself is &ldquo;Should you be my Valentine?&rdquo;

Relationships can be one of the most important sources of happiness in your life, with social connections serving as a key provider of happiness and meaningfulness. Not surprisingly, human beings have a very powerful drive to form and maintain relationships. After all, the future of humankind depends on people coupling up to conceive and raise the next generation. Because forming relationships is such a powerful motivator, being in any relationship can seem better than being alone. A variety of factors can lull us into relationship complacency &ndash; compatibility, friendship, shared interests, inertia, fear of being single or low expectations. The drive to be paired off may lead you to settle for the relationship you have, instead of the relationship you deserve.

Figuring out whether your relationship is thriving or merely surviving is daunting. In the hunt for &ldquo;the one,&rdquo; how can you know for sure if your partner is the type of person who&rsquo;s best for you and your long-term happiness? Thankfully, scientists who study relationships know a lot about factors to consider when weighing whether your partner should be your Valentine, this year and beyond.

<figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/110693/original/image-20160208-2602-mephfr.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/110693/original/image-20160208-2602-mephfr.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" /></a>

<figcaption>Is there a better Valentine prospect for you out there? <a class="source" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/vintagehalloweencollector/3196479757">Dave</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/">CC BY-ND</a></figcaption>
</figure>

<h2>&nbsp;</h2>

The problem of greener grass

No one wants to settle. We all want to be with the best possible partner. In your relationship, how often do you find yourself wondering if you could do better? Are there preferable partners out there whom you&rsquo;d find more interesting, enjoyable, smarter or funnier? Does your current partner pale in comparison with what else might be out there?

Researchers call these perceptions of other possible partners your quality of alternatives. Psychologists measure your perceived quality of alternatives by assessing responses to statements such as &ldquo;If I weren&rsquo;t dating my partner, I would do fine &ndash; I would find another appealing person to date.&rdquo;

Agreeing with this kind of statement and believing you have high-quality alternatives may sound desirable because you have confidence in yourself and your ability to attract a good partner. However, thinking about and monitoring other partner options can undermine your present relationship&rsquo;s stability. This type of decreased commitment to whom you&rsquo;re currently with increases negative behaviors like cheating.

Ultimately, you should be in a relationship where you don&rsquo;t even notice any other greener grass because you&rsquo;re with someone whom you think is the best for you, and who thinks you&rsquo;re the best for him or her.

Building a better you

Relationships provide a lot of benefits. Someone to share your Netflix account with, to talk with about your day, to take care of you when you&rsquo;re not feeling well. Our social relationships positively affect our physical health, including buffering against high blood pressure and heart disease, and improving mental health by decreasing depression, anxiety and substance abuse. It all adds up to building a healthy, meaningful life together with someone.

<figure class="align-left zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/110692/original/image-20160208-2625-12qb4z9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/110692/original/image-20160208-2625-12qb4z9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=237&amp;fit=clip" /></a>

<figcaption>
Does your Valentine help make you a better you? <a class="source" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/vintagehalloweencollector/3233736009">Dave</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/">CC BY-ND</a>

&nbsp;
</figcaption>
</figure>

A good relationship also provides a partner who helps you become a better person. Researchers refer to this experience as self-expansion. It&rsquo;s your relationship&rsquo;s ability to provide you with opportunities for self-growth. Whether you learn new photography skills, develop a new perspective on politics, gain a new identity such as &ldquo;organic gardener&rdquo; or simply feel like a better, more capable person, self-expansion has benefits.

Relationships that include more self-expansion are more satisfying, more committed, have higher levels of passionate love, experience less boredom, and have partners who are less likely to pay attention to other potential partners and less likely to cheat. (If you&rsquo;re wondering how much of this valuable quality you have in your relationship, check out the self-expansion quiz.)

Given the potential consequences of being stuck in a rut, less passionate love and more cheating, if your partner is not helping build a better you, it is time for a better partner.

Check with your peeps

Who is the best judge of your relationship&rsquo;s future? You, or your friends and family?

To investigate, researchers asked people in romantic relationships to predict their relationship&rsquo;s future and compared their predictions to those made by their roommate and mom. The daters thought their own relationship would last two to three times longer than what their friends and family anticipated. And people rated their own relationships as significantly better than how others saw them from the outside.

Parents, perhaps because their own longer relationship experiences gave them insight into what to look for, were most likely to identify problems. Friends made the most accurate predictions, but it was the person in the relationship who was most confident in the assessment they made about their own relationship.

<figure class="align-right zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/110694/original/image-20160208-2634-1wp0ets.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/110694/original/image-20160208-2634-1wp0ets.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=237&amp;fit=clip" /></a>

<figcaption>Romeos and Juliets are more optimistic and confident about their relationships&rsquo; prospects. <a class="source" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/vintagehalloweencollector/3212945820">Dave</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/">CC BY-ND</a></figcaption>
</figure>

&nbsp;

Consider that for a second &ndash; it&rsquo;s not a good combination. When thinking about our own relationship, this research suggests that we are highly confident in our predictions, which are often inaccurate.

Give your friends and family some credit, because this research shows that they have unique insights into your relationship. After all, they&rsquo;re looking out for your best interests and have a greater ability to see the relationship clearly and objectively without getting swayed by the heady mix of feelings and attraction you likely have for your partner. When in doubt, ask the people in your life who care about you whether your partner really should be your Valentine.

Knowing whether you are with the best possible partner for you is difficult. While many of us get driver&rsquo;s education and sex education in high school, we don&rsquo;t get &ldquo;relationships ed.&rdquo;

<img alt="The Conversation" height="1" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/54137/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" width="1" />But learning what science has to say about what makes for a good relationship can help. Being informed ultimately helps us make better decisions about whether to stay or go. After all, not being part of a sappy couple during the chocolates-and-flowers Valentine&rsquo;s hoopla is hardly the end of the world &ndash; especially if it means you&rsquo;re ready to find the relationship you should have, according to science.

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

This article was originally published on <a href="http://theconversation.com" rel="nofollow" target="blank">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/should-you-be-my-valentine-research-helps-identify-good-and-bad-romantic-relationships-54137" rel="nofollow" target="blank">original article</a>.

You should be in a relationship where you don’t even notice any other greener grass because you’re with someone whom you think is the best for you, and who thinks you’re the best for him or her.

“Will you be my Valentine?” People all across the country say those words in the run-up to February 14 and the Valentine’s Day holiday. Whether you’re asking a brand new paramour or a long-term partner, the question can evoke feelings both of romantic uncertainty and possibility. But for the well-being of ourselves and our relationships, “Will you be my Valentine?” is the wrong question. Instead, the more important question to ask yourself is “Should you be my Valentine?” Relationships can be one of the most important sources of happiness in your life, with social connections serving as a key provider of happiness and meaningfulness. Not surprisingly, human beings have a very powerful drive to form and maintain relationships. After all, the future of humankind depends on people coupling up to conceive and raise the next generation. Because forming relationships is such a powerful motivator, being in any relationship can seem better than being alone. A variety of factors can lull us into relationship complacency – compatibility, friendship, shared interests, inertia, fear of being single or low expectations. The drive to be paired off may lead you to settle for the relationship you have, instead of the relationship you deserve. Figuring out whether your relationship is thriving or merely surviving is daunting. In the hunt for “the one,” how can you know for sure if your partner is the type of person who’s best for you and your long-term happiness? Thankfully, scientists who study relationships know a lot about factors to consider when weighing whether your partner should be your Valentine, this year and beyond. Is there a better Valentine prospect for you out there? Dave, CC BY-ND The problem of greener grass No one wants to settle. We all want to be with the best possible partner. In your relationship, how often do you find yourself wondering if you could do better? Are there preferable partners out there whom you’d find more interesting, enjoyable, smarter or funnier? Does your current partner pale in comparison with what else might be out there? Researchers call these perceptions of other possible partners your quality of alternatives. Psychologists measure your perceived quality of alternatives by assessing responses to statements such as “If I weren’t dating my partner, I would do fine – I would find another appealing person to date.” Agreeing with this kind of statement and believing you have high-quality alternatives may sound desirable because you have confidence in yourself and your ability to attract a good partner. However, thinking about and monitoring other partner options can undermine your present relationship’s stability. This type of decreased commitment to whom you’re currently with increases negative behaviors like cheating. Ultimately, you should be in a relationship where you don’t even notice any other greener grass because you’re with someone whom you think is the best for you, and who thinks you’re the best for him or her. Building a better you Relationships provide a lot of benefits. Someone to share your Netflix account with, to talk with about your day, to take care of you when you’re not feeling well. Our social relationships positively affect our physical health, including buffering against high blood pressure and heart disease, and improving mental health by decreasing depression, anxiety and substance abuse. It all adds up to building a healthy, meaningful life together with someone. Does your Valentine help make you a better you? Dave, CC BY-ND A good relationship also provides a partner who helps you become a better person. Researchers refer to this experience as self-expansion. It’s your relationship’s ability to provide you with opportunities for self-growth. Whether you learn new photography skills, develop a new perspective on politics, gain a new identity such as “organic gardener” or simply feel like a better, more capable person, self-expansion has benefits. Relationships that include more self-expansion are more satisfying, more committed, have higher levels of passionate love, experience less boredom, and have partners who are less likely to pay attention to other potential partners and less likely to cheat. (If you’re wondering how much of this valuable quality you have in your relationship, check out the self-expansion quiz.) Given the potential consequences of being stuck in a rut, less passionate love and more cheating, if your partner is not helping build a better you, it is time for a better partner. Check with your peeps Who is the best judge of your relationship’s future? You, or your friends and family? To investigate, researchers asked people in romantic relationships to predict their relationship’s future and compared their predictions to those made by their roommate and mom. The daters thought their own relationship would last two to three times longer than what their friends and family anticipated. And people rated their own relationships as significantly better than how others saw them from the outside. Parents, perhaps because their own longer relationship experiences gave them insight into what to look for, were most likely to identify problems. Friends made the most accurate predictions, but it was the person in the relationship who was most confident in the assessment they made about their own relationship. Romeos and Juliets are more optimistic and confident about their relationships’ prospects. Dave, CC BY-ND Consider that for a second – it’s not a good combination. When thinking about our own relationship, this research suggests that we are highly confident in our predictions, which are often inaccurate. Give your friends and family some credit, because this research shows that they have unique insights into your relationship. After all, they’re looking out for your best interests and have a greater ability to see the relationship clearly and objectively without getting swayed by the heady mix of feelings and attraction you likely have for your partner. When in doubt, ask the people in your life who care about you whether your partner really should be your Valentine. Knowing whether you are with the best possible partner for you is difficult. While many of us get driver’s education and sex education in high school, we don’t get “relationships ed.” But learning what science has to say about what makes for a good relationship can help. Being informed ultimately helps us make better decisions about whether to stay or go. After all, not being part of a sappy couple during the chocolates-and-flowers Valentine’s hoopla is hardly the end of the world – especially if it means you’re ready to find the relationship you should have, according to science. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.

Opinion: Should you be my Valentine? This is how you find out

Ahead of Valentine&#39;s day, Lucknow University has issued an advisory for the students restricting their movement inside the premises of the university for February 14.

The advisory asked the students not to roam inside the premises of the university on Valentine&#39;s Day.

It also warned&nbsp;that disciplinary action will be taken against anyone&nbsp;who violates the advisory.&nbsp;

The university authority has declared February 14 as a holiday for Maha Shivratri.&nbsp;

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Lucknow University issues advisory to its students to not to roam inside the premises of the university on Valentine&#39;s Day (14.2.2018). Disciplinary action will be taken against whosoever is found violating the advisory. <a href="https://t.co/dQ8cdESICK">pic.twitter.com/dQ8cdESICK</a>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/963252872887619585?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Students call Lucknow University&#39;s advisory on Valentine&#39;s Day, &#39;an example of chhoti soch,&#39; add that, &#39;You&#39;ve declared a holiday on that day, but telling students to not enter university premises isn&#39;t right at all. If we won&#39;t enter the university, then who will?&#39; <a href="https://t.co/AkqjtstKpr">pic.twitter.com/AkqjtstKpr</a>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/963286607188189184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, the state chief minister Yogi Adityanath said that law and Order in Uttar Pradesh is under control and crime against women is minimal. The chief minister said&nbsp;that in the 10-month rule of the BJP government, the state did not witness &quot;any riot or curfew&quot;.&nbsp;

Yogi Adityanath was addressing a press meet in the poll-bound state Tripura.&nbsp;

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Law &amp; Order in Uttar Pradesh is under control. Crime against women is minimal. No riots have been reported under the 10 month rule of BJP. No curfew has been imposed in the state: Yogi Adityanath, UP CM in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tripura?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tripura</a> <a href="https://t.co/gn06Dw3aZy">pic.twitter.com/gn06Dw3aZy</a>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/963267464112066560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Protests against Valentine&#39;s day were also seen in Hyderabad where members of Bajrang Dal visited pubs and presented memo to the pub owners for restricting&nbsp;any special events on 14th February.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hyderabad?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hyderabad</a>: Members of Bajrang Dal visit pubs &amp; presents a memo to their owners to not to organise any special events on the occasion of Valentine&#39;s Day. <a href="https://t.co/KPV9rU32r8">pic.twitter.com/KPV9rU32r8</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/963274855935299584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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It also warns that disciplinary action will be taken against someone who violates the advisory

Ahead of Valentine's day, Lucknow University has issued an advisory for the students restricting their movement inside the premises of the university for February 14. The advisory asked the students not to roam inside the premises of the university on Valentine's Day. It also warned that disciplinary action will be taken against anyone who violates the advisory. The university authority has declared February 14 as a holiday for Maha Shivratri. Lucknow University issues advisory to its students to not to roam inside the premises of the university on Valentine's Day (14.2.2018). Disciplinary action will be taken against whosoever is found violating the advisory. pic.twitter.com/dQ8cdESICK — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) February 13, 2018 × Students call Lucknow University's advisory on Valentine's Day, 'an example of chhoti soch,' add that, 'You've declared a holiday on that day, but telling students to not enter university premises isn't right at all. If we won't enter the university, then who will?' pic.twitter.com/AkqjtstKpr — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) February 13, 2018 × Meanwhile, the state chief minister Yogi Adityanath said that law and Order in Uttar Pradesh is under control and crime against women is minimal. The chief minister said that in the 10-month rule of the BJP government, the state did not witness "any riot or curfew". Yogi Adityanath was addressing a press meet in the poll-bound state Tripura. Law & Order in Uttar Pradesh is under control. Crime against women is minimal. No riots have been reported under the 10 month rule of BJP. No curfew has been imposed in the state: Yogi Adityanath, UP CM in #Tripura pic.twitter.com/gn06Dw3aZy — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) February 13, 2018 × Protests against Valentine's day were also seen in Hyderabad where members of Bajrang Dal visited pubs and presented memo to the pub owners for restricting any special events on 14th February. #Hyderabad: Members of Bajrang Dal visit pubs & presents a memo to their owners to not to organise any special events on the occasion of Valentine's Day. pic.twitter.com/KPV9rU32r8 — ANI (@ANI) February 13, 2018 ×

Don't roam around inside premises: Lucknow University's advisory to students on Valentine's Day

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