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">
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<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>
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<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>
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However, some supported the court ruling.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<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>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
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>
<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">
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;

&nbsp;

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>
</div>
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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;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
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>
<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>

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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>
<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>

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;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
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>
<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>

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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&nbsp;

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

&nbsp;

By Jennifer Lavers &amp;&nbsp;Fiona<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/fiona-kerslake-416927" rel="author"> </a>Kerslake*

Valentine&rsquo;s Day means saying it with flowers. Last year Australians imported more than 5.22 million rose stems between February 1 and 14, mostly from Kenya. Assuming typical bouquets of 24 roses, that&rsquo;s 217,500 bouquets sold in two weeks.

The problem is that our pursuit of goodwill and affection towards humanity through the giving of cut flowers is hurting the number-one lady in all of our lives: Mother Nature. If those 217,500 bouquets were each wrapped in 75cm of plastic cellophane, that adds up to more than 163km of plastic wrapping used in a two-week period &ndash; just for roses, just in Australia.

But facts about cellophane probably won&rsquo;t win over your sweetheart. So with Valentine&rsquo;s Day just around the corner, let&rsquo;s consider making smarter, more sustainable flower purchases.

Petal power

In Australia alone, there are more than 900 flower farms intensively cultivating 4,470 hectares in order to supply almost 2,000 florists. However, the majority of cut flowers sold in Australia actually originate overseas, with imports from Ecuador alone valued at A$1.9 million in 2015. If you&rsquo;re asking yourself &ldquo;why are delicate flowers shipped halfway around the world?&rdquo; this is a great question.

<figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/205445/original/file-20180208-180826-w5hiex.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/205445/original/file-20180208-180826-w5hiex.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" /></a>

<figcaption>For a sustainable take on the floral Valentine, try a banksia bouquet. <a class="source" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ejorpin/16973929135/in/photolist-rRVPLB-6fBVXG-7A6Rhv-y2Ljcf-eemL4f-eeg37p-D19rp">Emily Orpin/Flickr</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/">CC BY-NC</a></figcaption>
</figure>

&nbsp;

Countries near the Equator, like Ecuador, benefit from good growing conditions, including 12 hours of daylight all year round. In these regions, the contribution of the flower industry to the economy of small or less developed countries is often significant.

In eastern Africa, for example, flowers account for more than 10% of total exports, second only to tea.

Lower wages in countries like Ecuador and Kenya also contribute to the economics of flying cut flowers around the world. Unfortunately, this often comes at a cost for local growers and pickers, who experience poor working conditions.

The thorny carbon issue

In the United States, the roughly 100 million roses grown, shipped and purchased on a typical Valentine&rsquo;s Day produce some 9,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions, from field to florist.

But, as with most things in our complex and busy world, the question of a flower&rsquo;s carbon footprint isn&rsquo;t as straightforward as it might seem. The Netherlands is one of the world&rsquo;s <a href="http://www.academicjournals.org/article/article1380546520_Kargbo%20et%20al.pdf">biggest exporters of cut flowers</a>, where the majority are grown in heated or refrigerated green houses.

Maintaining the controlled environmental conditions inside these buildings requires artificial light, heat and cooling, so each rose grown in The Netherlands contributes an average of around 2.91kg of CO₂ to the atmosphere. In contrast, a single rose grown on a farm in Kenya contributes only 0.5kg.

This is largely because Kenyan hot houses do not use artificial heating or lighting, and most farm workers <a href="https://www.amystewart.com/books/flower-confidential/">walk or cycle to work</a>. As a result, flowers grown in tropical regions are sometimes considered low-carbon (of course, this doesn&rsquo;t always factor in international transport).

Pesky pesticides

As flowers are not an edible crop, they are typically exempt from regulations on pesticide use. As a result, the cut flower industry is one of the biggest consumers of pesticides <a href="http://www.academicjournals.org/article/article1380546520_Kargbo%20et%20al.pdf">worldwide</a>.

In Kenya and other countries, chemicals such as methyl bromide (and others that are banned in countries like the US) are regularly imported in significant quantities by flower growers for pest control.

Worryingly, methyl bromide is an ozone-depleting substance. In some cases, run-off of these chemicals from growing fields adjacent to water bodies, such as Kenya&rsquo;s Lake Naivasha, has resulted in the collapse of fish stocks that are crucial to local communities.

So what can you do?

We don&rsquo;t want to be responsible for a downturn in expressions of love (or a corresponding uptick in conflict), and the good news is that there are plenty of eco-friendly ways to show your devotion.

The best option is to grow your own flowers to give as gifts. You can also give a living plant that can grow in your garden for years to come, reminding you of that special person and day. This is a rule in both of our households, and one our husbands are happy to accommodate &ndash; our gardens have never looked so good!

<figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/205446/original/file-20180208-180844-1nyczte.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/205446/original/file-20180208-180844-1nyczte.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" /></a>

<figcaption>
Anthurium aren&rsquo;t Australian natives but their pretty heart-shaped flowers make them a perfect living Valentine. <a class="source" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jcapaldi/9084553309/">Jim, the Photographer/Flickr</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">CC BY</a>

&nbsp;
</figcaption>
</figure>

If growing or giving living plants isn&rsquo;t an option, go for locally grown organic flowers, as this means fewer &ldquo;flower miles&rdquo;. Native species or hardy breeds like lilies and birds of paradise require fewer resources and survive for longer in transport, meaning there&rsquo;s less wastage.

If you decide to buy imported flowers, look for Green Labels like FairTrade and MPS Florimark indicating that suppliers are members of regulatory schemes.

It&rsquo;s also worth asking (or insisting) that your local florist switch from plastic cellophane wrapping to butcher&rsquo;s paper (or similar).

To get you on your way, here are some sustainable flower growers in different corners of the globe:

Australia:

<ul>
	<li>
	<a href="http://www.lindseymyra.com/flower-farm/">The </a>Little<a href="http://www.lindseymyra.com/flower-farm/"> </a>Flower<a href="http://www.lindseymyra.com/flower-farm/"> </a>Farm (Melbourne)
	</li>
	<li>
	Organically certified flowers from Byron Bay, so pure they&rsquo;re actually sold as an edible product
	</li>
	<li>
	Give a (living) gift that keeps on giving for months or years to come, from companies such as Growing<a href="https://growinggifts.com.au/"> </a>Gifts
	</li>
</ul>

Europe &amp; the Americas:

<ul>
	<li>
	Florverde<a href="http://www.florverde.org/"> </a>Sustainable<a href="http://www.florverde.org/"> </a>Flowers (based in Colombia) provide social programs for their workers and implement a range of environmental standards, including rainwater collection and air pollution filters. Florverde are a major exporter to Europe, so look for their label in this region
	</li>
	<li>
	For 15 years, Organic<a href="https://www.organicbouquet.com/"> </a>Bouquet (based in Florida) has helped to convert more than 8,000ha of land to organic and sustainable horticulture
	</li>
	<li>
	<a href="https://ecostems.ca/green-cred">Eco</a>-stems<a href="https://ecostems.ca/green-cred"> </a>Flower<a href="https://ecostems.ca/green-cred"> </a>Shop (based in Toronto) doesn&rsquo;t just pride themselves in sustainable flower supply, but takes things a whole lot further. All furniture and fixtures are reclaimed/recycled in store, they only use 100% energy efficient lighting, waste water is collected and re-used, delivery vehicles are hybrid, etc. These guys are definitely going the extra mile!
	</li>
</ul>

Fiona<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/fiona-kerslake-416927" rel="author"> </a>Kerslake is Research Fellow in viticulture and fermentation, University of Tasmania

This article was originally published on <a href="http://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/sustainable-shopping-your-guilt-free-guide-to-flowers-this-valentines-day-91387">original article</a>.

You can also give a living plant that can grow in your garden for years to come, reminding you of that special person and day.

By Jennifer Lavers & Fiona Kerslake* Valentine’s Day means saying it with flowers. Last year Australians imported more than 5.22 million rose stems between February 1 and 14, mostly from Kenya. Assuming typical bouquets of 24 roses, that’s 217,500 bouquets sold in two weeks. The problem is that our pursuit of goodwill and affection towards humanity through the giving of cut flowers is hurting the number-one lady in all of our lives: Mother Nature. If those 217,500 bouquets were each wrapped in 75cm of plastic cellophane, that adds up to more than 163km of plastic wrapping used in a two-week period – just for roses, just in Australia. But facts about cellophane probably won’t win over your sweetheart. So with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, let’s consider making smarter, more sustainable flower purchases. Petal power In Australia alone, there are more than 900 flower farms intensively cultivating 4,470 hectares in order to supply almost 2,000 florists. However, the majority of cut flowers sold in Australia actually originate overseas, with imports from Ecuador alone valued at A$1.9 million in 2015. If you’re asking yourself “why are delicate flowers shipped halfway around the world?” this is a great question. For a sustainable take on the floral Valentine, try a banksia bouquet. Emily Orpin/Flickr, CC BY-NC Countries near the Equator, like Ecuador, benefit from good growing conditions, including 12 hours of daylight all year round. In these regions, the contribution of the flower industry to the economy of small or less developed countries is often significant. In eastern Africa, for example, flowers account for more than 10% of total exports, second only to tea. Lower wages in countries like Ecuador and Kenya also contribute to the economics of flying cut flowers around the world. Unfortunately, this often comes at a cost for local growers and pickers, who experience poor working conditions. The thorny carbon issue In the United States, the roughly 100 million roses grown, shipped and purchased on a typical Valentine’s Day produce some 9,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions, from field to florist. But, as with most things in our complex and busy world, the question of a flower’s carbon footprint isn’t as straightforward as it might seem. The Netherlands is one of the world’s biggest exporters of cut flowers, where the majority are grown in heated or refrigerated green houses. Maintaining the controlled environmental conditions inside these buildings requires artificial light, heat and cooling, so each rose grown in The Netherlands contributes an average of around 2.91kg of CO₂ to the atmosphere. In contrast, a single rose grown on a farm in Kenya contributes only 0.5kg. This is largely because Kenyan hot houses do not use artificial heating or lighting, and most farm workers walk or cycle to work. As a result, flowers grown in tropical regions are sometimes considered low-carbon (of course, this doesn’t always factor in international transport). Pesky pesticides As flowers are not an edible crop, they are typically exempt from regulations on pesticide use. As a result, the cut flower industry is one of the biggest consumers of pesticides worldwide. In Kenya and other countries, chemicals such as methyl bromide (and others that are banned in countries like the US) are regularly imported in significant quantities by flower growers for pest control. Worryingly, methyl bromide is an ozone-depleting substance. In some cases, run-off of these chemicals from growing fields adjacent to water bodies, such as Kenya’s Lake Naivasha, has resulted in the collapse of fish stocks that are crucial to local communities. So what can you do? We don’t want to be responsible for a downturn in expressions of love (or a corresponding uptick in conflict), and the good news is that there are plenty of eco-friendly ways to show your devotion. The best option is to grow your own flowers to give as gifts. You can also give a living plant that can grow in your garden for years to come, reminding you of that special person and day. This is a rule in both of our households, and one our husbands are happy to accommodate – our gardens have never looked so good! Anthurium aren’t Australian natives but their pretty heart-shaped flowers make them a perfect living Valentine. Jim, the Photographer/Flickr, CC BY If growing or giving living plants isn’t an option, go for locally grown organic flowers, as this means fewer “flower miles”. Native species or hardy breeds like lilies and birds of paradise require fewer resources and survive for longer in transport, meaning there’s less wastage. If you decide to buy imported flowers, look for Green Labels like FairTrade and MPS Florimark indicating that suppliers are members of regulatory schemes. It’s also worth asking (or insisting) that your local florist switch from plastic cellophane wrapping to butcher’s paper (or similar). To get you on your way, here are some sustainable flower growers in different corners of the globe: Australia: The Little Flower Farm (Melbourne) Organically certified flowers from Byron Bay, so pure they’re actually sold as an edible product Give a (living) gift that keeps on giving for months or years to come, from companies such as Growing Gifts Europe & the Americas: Florverde Sustainable Flowers (based in Colombia) provide social programs for their workers and implement a range of environmental standards, including rainwater collection and air pollution filters. Florverde are a major exporter to Europe, so look for their label in this region For 15 years, Organic Bouquet (based in Florida) has helped to convert more than 8,000ha of land to organic and sustainable horticulture Eco-stems Flower Shop (based in Toronto) doesn’t just pride themselves in sustainable flower supply, but takes things a whole lot further. All furniture and fixtures are reclaimed/recycled in store, they only use 100% energy efficient lighting, waste water is collected and re-used, delivery vehicles are hybrid, etc. These guys are definitely going the extra mile! Fiona Kerslake is Research Fellow in viticulture and fermentation, University of Tasmania This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.

Opinion: On Valentine's Day, what flowers to gift your valentine

For those looking for an alternative to the cliche Valentine`s Day `dinner date`, a short romantic getaway can be a great option. A travel and restaurant website company, TripAdvisor, has shared the romantic roll call of its Travellers` Choice awards for hotels - perfect for spending some quality time with your partner on a day that celebrates love.

So pack your bags for a great date before you hit the road! Here are the top five hotels for a romantic&nbsp;getaway: 
 
The Oberoi Vanyavilas, Rajasthan, Sawai Madhopur District, Rajasthan:&nbsp;One of the most luxurious jungle resorts, Oberoi Vanyavilas is picture-perfect with a beautiful watercourse and sun-kissed decks. &nbsp;Besides the quintessential safari, couples can enjoy the spectacular views, delicious food and stroll around the torch-lit pathways in the evenings.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/oberoi%20vanyavilas-20180212064720.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
The Oberoi Vanyavilas (Others)
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

Taj Lake Palace Udaipur, Udaipur, Rajasthan: Built in 1746, this four-acre magnificent palace showcases marble work and majestic architecture. Located in the midst of Lake Pichola, couples can enjoy breathtaking views of the City Palace and Aravalli Hills while devouring delectable local cuisine.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/ta%20lak%20palace%20udaipur-20180212064901.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur (Others)
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

Chanoud Garh, Rajasthan, Pali, Rajasthan: Chanoud Garh is a splendid 300-year-old property from where guests will leave with unforgettable memories. This delightful property provides a fascinating insight into the daily lives of the villagers and offers guests an experience of the quaint village life along with luxury.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/chanoud%20garh-20180212065031.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
Chanoud Garh, Rajasthan, Pali (Others)
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

Hotel Pleasant Haveli, Rajasthan, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan: Situated in the heart of &quot;Golden City of the Thar Desert&quot;, Pleasant Haveli is at a distance of 500 meters from Jaisalmer Fort. Couples can enjoy one of the most beautiful sunsets which offers a magnificent view over the whole city and the fort.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/hotel%20pleasant%20haveli%20jaisalmer%2001-20180212065221.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
Hotel Pleasant Haveli, Rajasthan, Jaisalmer (Others)
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

Old Harbour Hotel, Kerala, Kochi, Kerela: One of the oldest properties in Kerala, the Old Harbour is a beautifully restored and very well-maintained hotel. Couples can enjoy the soothing sounds of sitar players on the restaurant terrace and the beautiful garden in the heart of Fort Kochi.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/old%20harbour%20day-20180212065359.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
Old Harbour Hotel, Kerala (Others)
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

&nbsp;

For those looking for an alternative to the cliche Valentine`s Day `dinner date`, a short romantic getaway can be a great option

For those looking for an alternative to the cliche Valentine`s Day `dinner date`, a short romantic getaway can be a great option. A travel and restaurant website company, TripAdvisor, has shared the romantic roll call of its Travellers` Choice awards for hotels - perfect for spending some quality time with your partner on a day that celebrates love. So pack your bags for a great date before you hit the road! Here are the top five hotels for a romantic getaway: The Oberoi Vanyavilas, Rajasthan, Sawai Madhopur District, Rajasthan: One of the most luxurious jungle resorts, Oberoi Vanyavilas is picture-perfect with a beautiful watercourse and sun-kissed decks. Besides the quintessential safari, couples can enjoy the spectacular views, delicious food and stroll around the torch-lit pathways in the evenings. The Oberoi Vanyavilas (Others) × Taj Lake Palace Udaipur, Udaipur, Rajasthan: Built in 1746, this four-acre magnificent palace showcases marble work and majestic architecture. Located in the midst of Lake Pichola, couples can enjoy breathtaking views of the City Palace and Aravalli Hills while devouring delectable local cuisine. Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur (Others) × Chanoud Garh, Rajasthan, Pali, Rajasthan: Chanoud Garh is a splendid 300-year-old property from where guests will leave with unforgettable memories. This delightful property provides a fascinating insight into the daily lives of the villagers and offers guests an experience of the quaint village life along with luxury. Chanoud Garh, Rajasthan, Pali (Others) × Hotel Pleasant Haveli, Rajasthan, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan: Situated in the heart of "Golden City of the Thar Desert", Pleasant Haveli is at a distance of 500 meters from Jaisalmer Fort. Couples can enjoy one of the most beautiful sunsets which offers a magnificent view over the whole city and the fort. Hotel Pleasant Haveli, Rajasthan, Jaisalmer (Others) × Old Harbour Hotel, Kerala, Kochi, Kerela: One of the oldest properties in Kerala, the Old Harbour is a beautifully restored and very well-maintained hotel. Couples can enjoy the soothing sounds of sitar players on the restaurant terrace and the beautiful garden in the heart of Fort Kochi. Old Harbour Hotel, Kerala (Others) ×

Udaipur, Ranthambore, Kochi: 5 getaways to take your partner to this Valentine's Day

It&#39;s the perfect song to define the giddy feelings of being in love. Pehla Nasha from Aamir Khan&#39;s Jo Jeeta Wahi Sikander may have released two decades back, but the song remains a favourite till date for people.&nbsp; 
 
Since the trend of recreating old Bollywood songs for present generations refuses to die down, makers of Kuchh Bheege Alfaaz have decided to recreate the iconic track for the film which is set to release two days after Valentine&#39;s Day.&nbsp; 
 
We should be fair, here. It is not a bad recreation of the song. Singers Jubin Nautiyal and Palak Muchhal sing the breezy lines to perfection, setting the mood just right for the upcoming Valentine&#39;s Day. The original song was sung by Sadhna Sargam and Udit Narayan and composed by Jatin-Lalit. The reprised version has been created by&nbsp;Anshuman Mukherjee.

<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iaSDB8ReYUU" width="560"></iframe> 
 
Directed by Onir, Kuchh Bheege Alfaaz has National Award winning actress Geetanjali Thapa pairing up with debutant &nbsp;Zain Khan Durrani for a very contemporary love story of an RJ and a Meme artist. The film will be releasing in theatres on 16th February.

&nbsp;

The new version has been sung by Jubin Nautiyal and Palak Muchhal for Onir's Kuchh Bheege Alfaaz.

It's the perfect song to define the giddy feelings of being in love. Pehla Nasha from Aamir Khan's Jo Jeeta Wahi Sikander may have released two decades back, but the song remains a favourite till date for people. Since the trend of recreating old Bollywood songs for present generations refuses to die down, makers of Kuchh Bheege Alfaaz have decided to recreate the iconic track for the film which is set to release two days after Valentine's Day. We should be fair, here. It is not a bad recreation of the song. Singers Jubin Nautiyal and Palak Muchhal sing the breezy lines to perfection, setting the mood just right for the upcoming Valentine's Day. The original song was sung by Sadhna Sargam and Udit Narayan and composed by Jatin-Lalit. The reprised version has been created by Anshuman Mukherjee. Directed by Onir, Kuchh Bheege Alfaaz has National Award winning actress Geetanjali Thapa pairing up with debutant Zain Khan Durrani for a very contemporary love story of an RJ and a Meme artist. The film will be releasing in theatres on 16th February.

This recreated version of Pehla Nasha song will set your mood for Valentine's Day

Pakistan has banned events marking Valentine&#39;s Day, and media coverage of them, for the second year in a row after a court ruled the holiday un-Islamic.

The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) issued an advisory on Wednesday warning television and radio stations against any Valentine&#39;s Day celebrations.

&quot;No event shall be held at the official level or at any public place,&quot; Pemra said.

The ban was introduced by Islamabad High Court last year after a petition by a citizen who said the Feb. 14 holiday was a cultural import from the West and &quot;against the teachings of Islam&quot;.

More than 60 percent of the population of the Muslim-majority nation is aged under 30. Many young people and commercial establishments have in recent years embraced Valentine&#39;s Day hearts, flowers and chocolates.

But the country of 208 million has also seen a wave of ultra-religious political activism that has brought a backlash against such celebrations, which some call immoral.

Parties including the Taliban-linked Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam parties have in recent years held rallies to denounce the holiday.

&quot;We&#39;re Muslims. Our religion forbids things like Valentine&#39;s Day,&quot; said Taufeeq Leghari, who was waiting for transport close to a florist&#39;s stall in Rawalpindi, adjacent to Islamabad.

Flower seller Salman Mahmod took a different view.&quot;I don&#39;t know what danger these Islamists would face if I earn a little more from selling flowers and someone can have a chance to celebrate something,&quot; he said.

Young people are not too afraid of the ban.

&quot;I will celebrate,&quot; said 21-year-old university student Abid Ansari in Islamabad. &quot;This is my choice.&quot;

Young people are not too afraid of the ban

Pakistan has banned events marking Valentine's Day, and media coverage of them, for the second year in a row after a court ruled the holiday un-Islamic. The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) issued an advisory on Wednesday warning television and radio stations against any Valentine's Day celebrations. "No event shall be held at the official level or at any public place," Pemra said. The ban was introduced by Islamabad High Court last year after a petition by a citizen who said the Feb. 14 holiday was a cultural import from the West and "against the teachings of Islam". More than 60 percent of the population of the Muslim-majority nation is aged under 30. Many young people and commercial establishments have in recent years embraced Valentine's Day hearts, flowers and chocolates. But the country of 208 million has also seen a wave of ultra-religious political activism that has brought a backlash against such celebrations, which some call immoral. Parties including the Taliban-linked Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam parties have in recent years held rallies to denounce the holiday. "We're Muslims. Our religion forbids things like Valentine's Day," said Taufeeq Leghari, who was waiting for transport close to a florist's stall in Rawalpindi, adjacent to Islamabad. Flower seller Salman Mahmod took a different view."I don't know what danger these Islamists would face if I earn a little more from selling flowers and someone can have a chance to celebrate something," he said. Young people are not too afraid of the ban. "I will celebrate," said 21-year-old university student Abid Ansari in Islamabad. "This is my choice."

Love is in the air, but not on airwaves as Pakistan bans Valentine's Day

If you&rsquo;d asked someone to be your Valentine before the 14th century, they&rsquo;d probably have looked at you as if you were mad. And checked you weren&rsquo;t holding an axe.

There were two saints by the name of Valentine who were venerated on February 14 during the Middle Ages. Both Valentines were supposedly Christian priests who fell foul of Roman officials keen on decapitation. But there&rsquo;s little in the early legends of either saint to suggest a highly successful posthumous career as assistant Cupid. So I wouldn&rsquo;t go to them for tips.

It was probably Geoffrey Chaucer who got the Valentine&rsquo;s ball rolling. In his Parliament of Fowls, Chaucer imagined the goddess Nature pairing off all the birds for the year to come on &ldquo;Seint Valentynes day&rdquo;.

First up is the queenly eagle. She&rsquo;s wooed at great length by noble birds-of-prey, much to the annoyance of the ducks and cuckoos and other low-ranking birds (eager to get on with getting it on):

<blockquote>
&lsquo;Come on!&rsquo; they cried, &lsquo;Alas, you us offend! 
When will your cursed pleading have an end?&rsquo;
</blockquote>

<figure class="align-center "><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/110848/original/image-20160209-12577-1p5xyso.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" />
<figcaption>It&rsquo;s lurve. Rick Carey/Shutterstock</figcaption>
</figure>

&nbsp;

Amid impatient squawks rivalling our very own Prime Minister&rsquo;s Questions (&ldquo;Kek kek! kokkow! quek quek!&rdquo;), the she-eagle can&rsquo;t decide which suitor most deserves her love. So she resolves to keep &rsquo;em keen till the following year.

But why on earth did Chaucer pick a date in February for his avian assembly? England&rsquo;s birds aren&rsquo;t exactly in full voice at this time of year, even with global warming. Perhaps he was thinking of an obscure St Valentine celebrated in Genoa in the month of May. But the Valentines f&ecirc;ted on February 14 were better-known, and that was the date that stuck. Of course, when it comes to matters of the heart, we can hardly expect reason to triumph.

Fiction to fact

Murky origins didn&rsquo;t matter for too long, however. By the turn of the 15th century, fictional lovebirds weren&rsquo;t the only ones singing their hearts out on Valentine&rsquo;s day.

According to its founding charter, a society known as the &ldquo;Court of Love&rdquo; was set up in France in 1400 as a distraction from a particularly nasty bout of plague. This curious document stipulates that every February 14: &ldquo;when the little birds resume their sweet song&rdquo; (sure about that, guys?), members should meet in Paris for a splendid supper. Male guests were to bring a love song of their own composition, to be judged by an all-female panel. More effort than Tinder demands, then. But if you want to make an effort&hellip;

<figure class="align-center "><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/110636/original/image-20160208-2589-73fm2l.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" />
<figcaption>Detail of a 15th-century miniature depicting an allegorical court of love (Royal 16 F II, f. 1) British Library</figcaption>
</figure>

&nbsp;

There&rsquo;s no evidence that the Court of Love convened as often as planned (its charter provided for monthly meetings in addition to February 14 festivities). But nor does it seem to have been pure poetic fiction. Eventually totalling 950 or so, participants represented quite a cross-section of society, from the king of France to the petite bourgeoisie. Valentine&rsquo;s day romance was no longer just for the eagles.

Today&rsquo;s February 14 love-fest, then, is perhaps the result of a group of medieval men and women making life imitate art. If so, their mimicry wasn&rsquo;t necessarily na&iuml;ve. By staging the most poetic of avian courtship rituals, Chaucer&rsquo;s Parliament of Fowls prompts its audiences to ponder the differences between their &ldquo;artistic&rdquo; courtship and the birds&rsquo; &ldquo;natural&rdquo; one. Texts like this one helped medieval audiences understand their identities as the product of cultural artefacts. And in this regard they can still help us today.

Four medieval tips

<figure class="align-right "><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/110631/original/image-20160208-2637-wf8bv1.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=237&amp;fit=clip" />
<figcaption>On this 14th-century coffret, a man surrenders his heart to Lady Love. <a class="source" href="http://www.metmuseum.org">The Metropolitan Museum of Art (www.metmuseum.org)</a></figcaption>
</figure>

&nbsp;

On a more practical note, medieval literature can be of assistance if you&rsquo;re yet to find a gift for a special someone this Valentine&rsquo;s day. Forget about flashy jewellery; here are some love tokens suitable for every budget:

<ul>
	<li>Looking to reignite that spark in your relationship? In his 12th-century Art of Courtly Love Andreas Capellanus suggests buying your partner a washbasin. Who needs expensive perfume when a good wash may do the trick?</li>
	<li>How about personalising some of your beloved&rsquo;s clothes? Add fasteners only you know how to undo and you&rsquo;ve got yourself an instant chastity belt. (See the 12th-century tales by Marie de France for examples of suitable garments.)</li>
	<li>Alternatively, upcycle one of your lover&rsquo;s old shirts by sewing strands of your hair into it. To judge by Alexander&rsquo;s reaction in the 12th-century romance of Clig&eacute;s by Chr&eacute;tien de Troyes, they&rsquo;ll never want to wear anything else. (Hand-wash only.)</li>
	<li>And if the above just don&rsquo;t seem heartfelt enough, you could always take a leaf out of Le Chastelain de Couci&rsquo;s book, who (according to his 13th-century biography) literally gave his heart to his lover. (Beware unwanted side effects.)</li>
</ul>

Top tip: provide a little literary and historical context with the above gifts and there&rsquo;s even a chance your Valentine won&rsquo;t look at you as if you&rsquo;re holding an axe.

&nbsp;

This article was originally published on <a href="http://theconversation.com" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" target="blank">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/some-top-tips-for-valentines-day-from-medieval-lovers-54198" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" target="blank">original article</a>.

Forget about flashy jewellery; here are some love tokens suitable for every budget, culled from medieval literature.

If you’d asked someone to be your Valentine before the 14th century, they’d probably have looked at you as if you were mad. And checked you weren’t holding an axe. There were two saints by the name of Valentine who were venerated on February 14 during the Middle Ages. Both Valentines were supposedly Christian priests who fell foul of Roman officials keen on decapitation. But there’s little in the early legends of either saint to suggest a highly successful posthumous career as assistant Cupid. So I wouldn’t go to them for tips. It was probably Geoffrey Chaucer who got the Valentine’s ball rolling. In his Parliament of Fowls, Chaucer imagined the goddess Nature pairing off all the birds for the year to come on “Seint Valentynes day”. First up is the queenly eagle. She’s wooed at great length by noble birds-of-prey, much to the annoyance of the ducks and cuckoos and other low-ranking birds (eager to get on with getting it on): ‘Come on!’ they cried, ‘Alas, you us offend! When will your cursed pleading have an end?’ It’s lurve. Rick Carey/Shutterstock Amid impatient squawks rivalling our very own Prime Minister’s Questions (“Kek kek! kokkow! quek quek!”), the she-eagle can’t decide which suitor most deserves her love. So she resolves to keep ’em keen till the following year. But why on earth did Chaucer pick a date in February for his avian assembly? England’s birds aren’t exactly in full voice at this time of year, even with global warming. Perhaps he was thinking of an obscure St Valentine celebrated in Genoa in the month of May. But the Valentines fêted on February 14 were better-known, and that was the date that stuck. Of course, when it comes to matters of the heart, we can hardly expect reason to triumph. Fiction to fact Murky origins didn’t matter for too long, however. By the turn of the 15th century, fictional lovebirds weren’t the only ones singing their hearts out on Valentine’s day. According to its founding charter, a society known as the “Court of Love” was set up in France in 1400 as a distraction from a particularly nasty bout of plague. This curious document stipulates that every February 14: “when the little birds resume their sweet song” (sure about that, guys?), members should meet in Paris for a splendid supper. Male guests were to bring a love song of their own composition, to be judged by an all-female panel. More effort than Tinder demands, then. But if you want to make an effort… Detail of a 15th-century miniature depicting an allegorical court of love (Royal 16 F II, f. 1) British Library There’s no evidence that the Court of Love convened as often as planned (its charter provided for monthly meetings in addition to February 14 festivities). But nor does it seem to have been pure poetic fiction. Eventually totalling 950 or so, participants represented quite a cross-section of society, from the king of France to the petite bourgeoisie. Valentine’s day romance was no longer just for the eagles. Today’s February 14 love-fest, then, is perhaps the result of a group of medieval men and women making life imitate art. If so, their mimicry wasn’t necessarily naïve. By staging the most poetic of avian courtship rituals, Chaucer’s Parliament of Fowls prompts its audiences to ponder the differences between their “artistic” courtship and the birds’ “natural” one. Texts like this one helped medieval audiences understand their identities as the product of cultural artefacts. And in this regard they can still help us today. Four medieval tips On this 14th-century coffret, a man surrenders his heart to Lady Love. The Metropolitan Museum of Art (www.metmuseum.org) On a more practical note, medieval literature can be of assistance if you’re yet to find a gift for a special someone this Valentine’s day. Forget about flashy jewellery; here are some love tokens suitable for every budget: Looking to reignite that spark in your relationship? In his 12th-century Art of Courtly Love Andreas Capellanus suggests buying your partner a washbasin. Who needs expensive perfume when a good wash may do the trick? How about personalising some of your beloved’s clothes? Add fasteners only you know how to undo and you’ve got yourself an instant chastity belt. (See the 12th-century tales by Marie de France for examples of suitable garments.) Alternatively, upcycle one of your lover’s old shirts by sewing strands of your hair into it. To judge by Alexander’s reaction in the 12th-century romance of Cligés by Chrétien de Troyes, they’ll never want to wear anything else. (Hand-wash only.) And if the above just don’t seem heartfelt enough, you could always take a leaf out of Le Chastelain de Couci’s book, who (according to his 13th-century biography) literally gave his heart to his lover. (Beware unwanted side effects.) Top tip: provide a little literary and historical context with the above gifts and there’s even a chance your Valentine won’t look at you as if you’re holding an axe. This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.

Opinion: Valentine's Day made special with a gift of Washbasin, Chastity belt, strands of hair

Surprisingly, David Beckham won&#39;t be attending one of the biggest clashes, Real Madrid vs PSG of Champions League which is scheduled for February 14 because he would go out for a date with his wife Victoria Beckham as it is Valentine&#39;s day too.

In a recent interview, he mentioned that &quot;I&#39;m planning on going to the second game of the league.&quot;

Beckham has connections with both the clubs as he had spent four years at the Bernabeu and spent five months at PSG before retiring.

The former England captain said to the French sports channel beinSPORTS, &quot;loved both clubs with so much passion.&quot;

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⚽ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChampionsArena?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChampionsArena</a> 
???? Beckham : &quot;Le PSG ou le Real Madrid ? J&#39;aime ces deux clubs avec autant de passion&quot; <a href="https://t.co/B0X1xryAR7">pic.twitter.com/B0X1xryAR7</a>
&mdash; beIN SPORTS (@beinsports_FR) <a href="https://twitter.com/beinsports_FR/status/959890893758066688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

&quot;It&#39;s too difficult to choose, I like both clubs with so much passion. I spent four superb years in Madrid,&quot; the former PSG star said.

&quot;I did not spend a lot of time at PSG. But clearly, winning the Championship was huge,&quot; he said.

I love this club with a passion. People, fans, they are incredible. Same thing for Real Madrid,&quot; the 42-year old said.

&quot;It&#39;s Valentine&#39;s Day. Take my wife to see a match that day, I do not think it works,&quot; the former Manchester United player revealed.

Though, he will not be present at Santiago-Bernabeu stadium but surely can see the live stream or the highlights.

David Beckham won't be attending Real Madrid vs PSG of Champions League match as he has other Valentine's plans with wife Victoria

Surprisingly, David Beckham won't be attending one of the biggest clashes, Real Madrid vs PSG of Champions League which is scheduled for February 14 because he would go out for a date with his wife Victoria Beckham as it is Valentine's day too. In a recent interview, he mentioned that "I'm planning on going to the second game of the league." Beckham has connections with both the clubs as he had spent four years at the Bernabeu and spent five months at PSG before retiring. The former England captain said to the French sports channel beinSPORTS, "loved both clubs with so much passion." ⚽ #ChampionsArena ???? Beckham : "Le PSG ou le Real Madrid ? J'aime ces deux clubs avec autant de passion" pic.twitter.com/B0X1xryAR7 — beIN SPORTS (@beinsports_FR) February 3, 2018 × "It's too difficult to choose, I like both clubs with so much passion. I spent four superb years in Madrid," the former PSG star said. "I did not spend a lot of time at PSG. But clearly, winning the Championship was huge," he said. I love this club with a passion. People, fans, they are incredible. Same thing for Real Madrid," the 42-year old said. "It's Valentine's Day. Take my wife to see a match that day, I do not think it works," the former Manchester United player revealed. Though, he will not be present at Santiago-Bernabeu stadium but surely can see the live stream or the highlights.

Valentine's day foils David Beckham 'other' plans

You may have unconditional love for your partner, but you don&rsquo;t need to put all of that out on display to the world. And before you mistake us for an anti-PDA (Public Display of Affection) brigade, let us clear that out. We are neither intending to celebrate Valentine&rsquo;s Day by preaching healthy relationships nor we expect you to abstain yourself from expressing feelings to your partner in public. In fact, the idea here is to remind couples of tech etiquette, which is usually found missing in modern-day relationships. And what other day could be better than Valentine&rsquo;s Day to put together such dos and don&rsquo;ts?

1. We understand that you want to be up to date with what&rsquo;s happening in your partner&rsquo;s life, but it&rsquo;s not a good idea to snoop on his online activities.&nbsp; Because you have passwords to all his accounts, doesn&rsquo;t mean you should log in to them every now and then. Believe it or not, it could prove to be unhealthy for relationships in a long run.

2. No one is going to come and tell you that you need to cut down on your lovey-dovey posts and mushy pictures on social networks. It&rsquo;s you who need to understand that everything between a couple doesn&rsquo;t need to go out. Of course, it&rsquo;s your account and you are free to use it the way you want, but don&rsquo;t forget, it&rsquo;s a public platform too. Do you really want to take people to your bedroom?

3. A healthy sign of a successful relationship is the respect for each other&rsquo;s personal space. You must be an understanding partner and giving your better half the much-needed space in life. But have you ever thought about digital space? With most of us spending a lot of time online, it&rsquo;s imperative to understand that the space in digital life matters as much as the space in real life. 
 
For instance, you don&rsquo;t need to know all online activities of your partner on social networks. A lot of inside jokes go into conversations with friends and colleagues on social platforms and you may not understand all of them. So, it&rsquo;s better that you don&rsquo;t bother yourself and annoy your partner with unnecessary questions.

4. PDA on social networks is fine, but its overdose isn&rsquo;t. A carefree person like you might not mind people talking about you getting into excessive PDA, but make sure that you are not spamming their news feeds with things not of their interest. So, it&rsquo;s better that you keep an eye on when you go overboard with things on public platforms. In fact, it makes more sense to have personal conversations in a private space. And for that matter, you can keep them limited to instant messengers. After all, that is what messengers are for. 
 
5. No matter how vindictive you feel, we suggest that you don&rsquo;t send messages to your ex or your partner&rsquo;s ex. You have no idea what all it could snowball into and how badly it could backfire you. &nbsp; 
 
6. We don&rsquo;t encourage your habit of peeping into your partner&rsquo;s screen. You are a companion and not an FBI agent assigned with a task to keep a track of someone&rsquo;s movements. Your partner might not object to it explicitly, but it could be uncomfortable for the other person to be monitored all the time. Or what if she is planning a surprise for you? We are sure you wouldn&rsquo;t want it to be ruined. 
 
7. Most importantly, if you can&rsquo;t keep yourself from going overboard with your love life on social media, make sure you share the post breakup scenario too. You can&rsquo;t leave your audience hanging. After showing us the entire movie, you can&rsquo;t keep us away from the climax. So isn&rsquo;t it better to be in control of your moves from the beginning?

(WION)

&nbsp;

A list of dos and don'ts for you to keep the tech spices in your relationship in check

You may have unconditional love for your partner, but you don’t need to put all of that out on display to the world. And before you mistake us for an anti-PDA (Public Display of Affection) brigade, let us clear that out. We are neither intending to celebrate Valentine’s Day by preaching healthy relationships nor we expect you to abstain yourself from expressing feelings to your partner in public. In fact, the idea here is to remind couples of tech etiquette, which is usually found missing in modern-day relationships. And what other day could be better than Valentine’s Day to put together such dos and don’ts? 1. We understand that you want to be up to date with what’s happening in your partner’s life, but it’s not a good idea to snoop on his online activities. Because you have passwords to all his accounts, doesn’t mean you should log in to them every now and then. Believe it or not, it could prove to be unhealthy for relationships in a long run. 2. No one is going to come and tell you that you need to cut down on your lovey-dovey posts and mushy pictures on social networks. It’s you who need to understand that everything between a couple doesn’t need to go out. Of course, it’s your account and you are free to use it the way you want, but don’t forget, it’s a public platform too. Do you really want to take people to your bedroom? 3. A healthy sign of a successful relationship is the respect for each other’s personal space. You must be an understanding partner and giving your better half the much-needed space in life. But have you ever thought about digital space? With most of us spending a lot of time online, it’s imperative to understand that the space in digital life matters as much as the space in real life. For instance, you don’t need to know all online activities of your partner on social networks. A lot of inside jokes go into conversations with friends and colleagues on social platforms and you may not understand all of them. So, it’s better that you don’t bother yourself and annoy your partner with unnecessary questions. 4. PDA on social networks is fine, but its overdose isn’t. A carefree person like you might not mind people talking about you getting into excessive PDA, but make sure that you are not spamming their news feeds with things not of their interest. So, it’s better that you keep an eye on when you go overboard with things on public platforms. In fact, it makes more sense to have personal conversations in a private space. And for that matter, you can keep them limited to instant messengers. After all, that is what messengers are for. 5. No matter how vindictive you feel, we suggest that you don’t send messages to your ex or your partner’s ex. You have no idea what all it could snowball into and how badly it could backfire you. 6. We don’t encourage your habit of peeping into your partner’s screen. You are a companion and not an FBI agent assigned with a task to keep a track of someone’s movements. Your partner might not object to it explicitly, but it could be uncomfortable for the other person to be monitored all the time. Or what if she is planning a surprise for you? We are sure you wouldn’t want it to be ruined. 7. Most importantly, if you can’t keep yourself from going overboard with your love life on social media, make sure you share the post breakup scenario too. You can’t leave your audience hanging. After showing us the entire movie, you can’t keep us away from the climax. So isn’t it better to be in control of your moves from the beginning? (WION)

Valentine's Day: Tech etiquette for modern-day relationships

Indonesian Muslim school students staged a protest against Valentine&#39;s Day on Monday, denouncing what they said was a Western celebration that encourages casual sex.

While teenagers in many countries treat the day as an occasion to declare love for their classmates, in the Indonesian city of Surabaya it was a different story as students from one school held a noisy demonstration.

&quot;Say no to Valentine!&quot; chanted the students, who were aged between 13 and 15 and included many girls wearing headscarves.

It was the latest expression of anger at Valentine&#39;s Day in the world&#39;s most populous Muslim-majority country, where Islamic clerics and some pious Muslims typically use the occasion to target what they see as Western decadence.

&quot;This protest was organised as we have seen on television that Valentine&#39;s Day tends to be associated with free sex,&quot; said Pandu Satria, organiser of the demonstration that was attended by scores of students. &quot;That makes us afraid.&quot;

Ida Indahwati Waliulu, headmaster of the school which is run by an Islamic organisation, added: &quot;There is a certain pride about this positive action carried out by the students.&quot;

Several cities across the country also banned people from celebrating the occasion.

In neighbouring Malaysia, which is also a Muslim-majority country, a group called The National Muslim Youth Association urged females to avoid using emoticons and an excessive amount of fragrance in a pre-Valentine&#39;s Day message.

The group also set out guidelines about how people could reject the annual celebration of romance by making anti-Valentine posters and not wearing Valentine-themed outfits.

Despite some objections, many in Indonesia and Malaysia mark the occasion, particularly in major cities where cards and chocolates are widely available.&nbsp;

In 2015, Indonesia&#39;s Islamic clerical body threatened to issue a fatwa against the sale of condoms following reports they were being sold together with chocolate to mark Valentine&#39;s Day.

(AFP)

'Say no to Valentine!' chanted the students, who said this was a Western celebration that encourages casual sex

Indonesian Muslim school students staged a protest against Valentine's Day on Monday, denouncing what they said was a Western celebration that encourages casual sex. While teenagers in many countries treat the day as an occasion to declare love for their classmates, in the Indonesian city of Surabaya it was a different story as students from one school held a noisy demonstration. "Say no to Valentine!" chanted the students, who were aged between 13 and 15 and included many girls wearing headscarves. It was the latest expression of anger at Valentine's Day in the world's most populous Muslim-majority country, where Islamic clerics and some pious Muslims typically use the occasion to target what they see as Western decadence. "This protest was organised as we have seen on television that Valentine's Day tends to be associated with free sex," said Pandu Satria, organiser of the demonstration that was attended by scores of students. "That makes us afraid." Ida Indahwati Waliulu, headmaster of the school which is run by an Islamic organisation, added: "There is a certain pride about this positive action carried out by the students." Several cities across the country also banned people from celebrating the occasion. In neighbouring Malaysia, which is also a Muslim-majority country, a group called The National Muslim Youth Association urged females to avoid using emoticons and an excessive amount of fragrance in a pre-Valentine's Day message. The group also set out guidelines about how people could reject the annual celebration of romance by making anti-Valentine posters and not wearing Valentine-themed outfits. Despite some objections, many in Indonesia and Malaysia mark the occasion, particularly in major cities where cards and chocolates are widely available. In 2015, Indonesia's Islamic clerical body threatened to issue a fatwa against the sale of condoms following reports they were being sold together with chocolate to mark Valentine's Day. (AFP)

Indonesian school students protest Valentine's Day

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