As a believer in the recuperating power of nature, I was super-excited to hear about the emergence of Dolphins in the canals of Venice after decades, owing to the reduction in pollution levels post-lockdown. This breaking news spread like wildfire across the social media platforms. Such was its positive impact that I decided to have the story told from the point-of-view of two pigeons. This avian couple, not having seen Dolphins before, assumes that they are nothing but upgraded versions of Gondolas. The pigeons also unknowingly reveal that their sole purpose of existence is to crap, and crap a little more 😬😬😬

Alas, this entire episode turns out to be another fake news... However, given the noticeable reduction in human activities across the world (no tourism activities, work from home, fewer aeroplanes taking off, etc.), I believe it's only a matter of time before this 'fake' news actually becomes a reality. The incidence from Singapore, where otters have decided to leave the water and visit the Merlion, has kept my hopes floating. Keeping my fingers sanitised, and crossed!!!

With the human population locked inside, animals and birds are reappearing. And with vigour!!! They are getting adventurous and expressing themselves on the streets, sidewalks, canals, and maybe at our favourite tourist spots!!! Recent sightings of Sambar deers, Gaurs (Indian Bison), and Leopards, among others, in different parts of India prompted us to develop this (Source: https://theprint.in/opinion/pov/animals-have-come-home-covid-19-lockdown-gives-control-back-into-natures-hands/395218/). I just hope none of the incredible actors get offended by this 🤐🤐🤐

Also, our Goa trip this month got cancelled 😭😭😭😭

Amidst the chaos in the human world, there’s some good news from the animal kingdom. Unlike the news of Dolphins making a comeback into the Venice canals, this piece of news seems genuine.

Given the significant drop in human activities (tourists, fishing boats and trawlers, etc.) along the beaches of Odisha, Olive Ridley turtles have made a strong comeback this season!!! The unusual lock-down has provided a peaceful nesting time for this species in Gahiramatha and Rushikulya beaches. If reports are to be believed, around 70,000 turtles have showed up so far, and have laid over 60 million (6 crores) eggs.

Usually, the beaches along the Indian coastline buzz with frantic human activities throughout the year. The influx and cacophony of tourists ensure that the exotic marine fauna is either driven away or found caught in the fishing nets. But this time, it’s the animal kingdom that seems to be on vacation mode. If anybody says tourism is down this quarter, tell him/her that “Nope, it’s just that the profile of tourists has changed”.

For more details, visit:
https://www.businessinsider.in/…/e…/articleshow/74822132.cms

Need of the hour: We Indians need to show a bit of discipline out there. Now of all times, at least!!! I mean, come on!!! There's a virus out there that works 24x7 and doesn't discriminate at all. Breaking lines to get to the front will only make its work easier!!!

Disclaimer: Any resemblance to anything remotely political is purely coincidental.

Many say that Bollywood and its dialogues and theatrics are fantastical, over-the-top, and too far-fetched, without any speck of reality. Well, not so!!!

​Here you see completely believable characters in a perfectly plausible, real-world setting, interacting in masala-movie lingo, and going about their lives rather well...