The Indian Panorama

Month: July 2022

  • New study finds out why Omicron variant is highly transmissible

    A study comparing four variants of SARS-CoV-2 shows how the Omicron variant is adept at entering cells and escaping neutralisation from existing vaccines or prior infection, potentially contributing to the variant’s high transmissibility. Published in journal ‘Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences’ (PNAS) on July 19, the study suggests that Omicron mutations increase the infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 virus-like particles and decrease antibody neutralisation. Researchers examined the virus using virus-like particles (VLPs) that imitate the SARS-CoV-2 proteins’ structural characteristics. VLPs of the B.1, B.1.1, Delta, and Omicron variants were evaluated against antisera samples from 38 COVID-19 survivors, both vaccinated and unvaccinated, by Jennifer Doudna, Melanie Ott, and colleagues.

    In contrast to the original B.1 strain, antisera from the same individual who had received two vaccinations were up to 15 times less effective at neutralising Omicron in vitro. Nevertheless, the in vitro neutralising activity against Omicron was significantly increased in sera from participants who had received a third mRNA vaccine within 16 to 21 days. The in vitro neutralising potency of four currently available monoclonal antibody therapies—casirivimab, imdevimab, sotrovimab, and bebtelovimab—was then assessed by the authors. They discovered that only bebtelovimab was significantly effective against Omicron. According to the findings, the authors hypothesise that Omicron may be particularly contagious in part because it is a harder strain to neutralise. The researchers also found an existing monoclonal antibody that might in vitro neutralise the variation.

    Effective vaccine and treatment development depends on an understanding of the molecular factors that influence severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) viral fitness. The advent of viral variations such as Delta and Omicron highlighted the need to evaluate infectivity and antibody neutralisation, although research on intact SARS-CoV-2 is being conducted slowly due to biosafety level 3 handling requirements.

  • Ghana confirms outbreak of deadly marburg virus

    West African nation of Ghana has confirmed first cases of the deadly Marburg virus from two people in the southern Ashanti region. According to World Health Organization (WHO), Marburg virus disease is a highly virulent disease that causes haemorrhagic fever, with a fatality ratio of up to 88 per cent.

    The Marburg virus can spread from infected animals, including bats. The viral illness hits sufferers suddenly, and its symptoms include high fever, internal and external bleeding and severe headaches.

    Human infection with Marburg virus disease initially results from prolonged exposure to mines or caves inhabited by Rousettus bat colonies, as per the WHO.

    Once an individual is infected with the virus, Marburg can spread through human-to-human transmission via direct contact (through broken skin or mucous membranes) with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected people, and with surfaces and materials (e.g. bedding, clothing) contaminated with these fluids.

    No treatment or vaccine exists for Marburg, which is almost as deadly as Ebola.

    You should be looking out for symptoms like high fever, severe headache, and severe malaise. Muscle aches and pains are said to be a common feature. You may experience severe watery diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and cramping. Nausea and vomiting are likely to begin on the third day. In fatal cases, death may occur between 8 and 9 days after symptom onset, usually preceded by severe blood loss and shock.

  • India start ODI series against West Indies with two world records in sight

    India start ODI series against West Indies with two world records in sight

    Port of Spain (TIP)- Shikhar Dhawan-led Team India is pitted as the favourites in the three-match ODI series against West Indies despite the absence of a number of their first-XI players including regular captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.  Apart from India’s recent performance in white-ball cricket – they beat England in both T20Is and ODIs in their own backyard – it has a lot to do with India’s dominance over West Indies across formats but in ODIs in particular. Take these numbers into account: India have won 11 consecutive bilateral ODI series against West Indies between 2007 and 2022. This is the joint most consecutive series wins against a team. Pakistan is the only other team to have won 11 consecutive bilaterals. They have done that against Zimbabwe. The last time India lost to West Indies in a bilateral ODI series was in 2006. If India manage to win the upcoming ODI series then they will be the sole record holder for the most back-to-back series wins against an opposition.

    India’s domination against the West Indies

    Touring West Indies was one of the difficult most tasks for India back in the 80s and 90s but in this century, India have dominated the contest winning 14 out of 27 matches in the Caribbean islands. Overall, India has registered 67 wins in 136 ODI games against West Indies and maintained an upper hand in the past two decades.

    India at Port of Spain

    India won’t have to wait for the series to end to create another record. All they need to do is beat West Indies in the series opener at the Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain on Friday. If they do the same, they will become the the team with best win/loss ration in an away venue since 2007. Currently India are tied with Afghanistan with a win/loss ratio of 4.5. Notably, India have a win/loss ratio of 4.5 in two different away venues – Harare in Zimbabwe and Port of Spain in the West Indies. If India manage to win on Friday, their win-loss ration will be 5 at Port of Spain, which will be the most by any team in an away venue since 2007. India’s 2 defeats at the venue since 2007 came against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in the 2007 World Cup. Since then, they have won all of their matches at the Queen’s Park Oval.

    West Indies in Port of Spain

    West Indies, on the other hand, have an entirely opposite record at the venue. West Indies have been going through a patch with a winless streak at the venue for the last 14 years as their last ODI win at this ground came in 2008 which came against Sri Lanka. The first time West Indies encountered the Indian cricket team in an ODI was in the 1979 World Cup. Outside the world cup, the first time these two teams encountered was at the Port of Spain in 1983, which was won by the home team by 52 runs while defending 215. The last time this venue hosted an ODI was also between West Indies and India in 2019.

      Source: HT

  • Ronaldo’s future uncertain at Manchester United

    Ronaldo’s future uncertain at Manchester United

    The weekly social media posts published by Cristiano Ronaldo this offseason typically have shown the soccer superstar half-dressed, muscles bulging, either working out or promoting one of his many brands. Remaining relevant and highly visible is clearly so important to the player who, along with Lionel Messi, is the greatest of his generation. That also extends to the final years of his career on the field, too. It’s why, for the 37-year-old Ronaldo, playing for Manchester United — still one of the world’s most famous sports teams, despite their recent trophy drought — just isn’t enough. He wants to be competing on the biggest stage, winning the biggest trophies while he can. Hence the current standoff with United, which is becoming more damaging and disruptive as the days go by and the new season looms. Publicly, Ronaldo has not yet returned to preseason training with the English club because of what has been described as “personal reasons.” The expectation, recently hired United manager Erik ten Hag repeats on an almost-daily basis, is that Ronaldo will be back before the Premier League begins and be a key member of the squad. The reality, it seems, is different. Ronaldo reportedly wants out after just one season back at Old Trafford, with United no longer in the Champions League or in shape to compete with the best teams in England like Manchester City and Liverpool. United finished sixth last season, 35 points behind first-place City.

    So, while the rest of the United squad has been on tour in Thailand and Australia, getting match-sharp and acquainted with ten Hag and his methods, Ronaldo has been back home in Portugal with his family while his agent, Jorge Mendes, shops around seeking a new club for his most famous client.

    Currently, there is no buyer. And the Premier League season starts in about two weeks. “I don’t know what Cristiano said to the club and to the manager,” said United midfielder Bruno Fernandes, who also plays alongside Ronaldo for Portugal. “I don’t know what’s going on in his head, if he wants to leave. I didn’t ask them that.

    Source: AP

  • Neeraj Chopra qualifies for maiden World Championships final with 88.39m throw

    Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra qualified for his maiden World Championships final with a stunning first attempt throw of 88.39m at Eugene. The 24-year-old Indian, hot favourite for a medal, opened the men’s javelin throw Group A qualification round and sent his spear to 88.39m for his third career-best throw,  on Thursday, July 21. The medal round will be held on Sunday (7:05am IST). Those who clear 83.50m or 12 best performers across two qualification round groups qualify for the final. Defending champion Anderson Peters of Grenada and another Indian, Rohit Yadav will compete in Group B. Chopra, who has a personal best of 89.94m, had competed in the 2017 London World Championships with the hope of at least making it to the finals but managed only 82.26m to fall short of the automatic qualification mark of 83m. He had also missed the 2019 World Championships in Doha as he was recovering from an elbow surgery.

  • Monsoon Destinations

    Monsoon Destinations

    Rains are magical in India. Though most travelers do not count this as a good time to travel, but there is a certain charm in vacations during downpour. With our list of spectacular monsoon destinations in India, you will certainly change your opinion about the glorious rainy season. These are the places where you can enjoy vacations for relaxing, sightseeing and adventure accompanied with gentle winds, light raindrops and that delicious smell of Earth. The season of bliss, beauty and relief, savor one vacation in India of such pleasures.

    Coorg, Karnataka

    One of the most beautiful monsoon destinations in India, Coorg is not just one of the most beautiful hill stations of Karnataka but also India. Blessed with gorgeous scenery dotted with vast coffee plantations, it is the perfect getaway in the monsoon. During the rains, the Abbey and Jog waterfalls flow in their full might, creating an impressive picture. Also, if you are into adventure sports, then embark on a trek to the highest peak of Tadiandamol, which is known for its wonderful scenery. Bylekuppe, Madikeri Fort, and other sights are equally pleasant. If you are lucky, you will get a glimpse of a rainbow.

    –              Famous for- Hill Stations, Waterfalls and Coffee Plantation

    –              Major Tourist Attractions – Raja’s Seat, Abbey Falls, Kaveri River, Madikeri Fort, Golden Temple, Nagarhole national park

    –              Temperature – Minimum 23°C and Maximum 26°C Maximum

    Shillong, Meghalaya

    Nestled in the abode of clouds, Shillong in Meghalaya is listed top among the best places to visit in India during monsoon. Known for its captivating beauty, the hill town looks all the more amazing during the monsoons. If you do not mind getting drenched, this place is a perfect getaway. Misty clouds, lush green everywhere and roaring waterfalls are the reasons for visiting.

    During the rainy season, you must visit Elephant Falls and the spread Eagle Falls. Both of these waterfalls fed by rains make for a remarkable sight. The blissful feel of the town relaxes your senses. Food, especially the local delicacies and the cheap drinks sets the pace for a pleasant holiday.

    –              Major Tourist Attractions – Mawlynnong, Umiam Lake, Elephant Falls, Shillong Peak, Don Bosco Museum, Mawsynram.

    –              Temperature – Minimum 12°C and Maximum 13°C

    Munnar, Kerala

    Munnar is truly a paradise in Kerala. This hill station is one of the must-visit monsoon destinations in India. Rains add magic and romance to the already beautiful hills of the Western Ghats, a prime tea-growing region carpeted in emerald-green tea plantations. Mist envelopes the mountain tops, seasonal waterfalls present amazing sights and the ambiance is soothing. The best thing about a monsoon vacation is, Munnar is crowd-free, hotels and resorts offer great discounts. Embark on trekking trails, marvel at natural bliss, walk through tea gardens, and gorge on delicious Kerala cuisine. Your monsoon holiday in Munnar will be undoubtedly memorable.

    –              Famous for- Hill Stations, Tea Gardens and Treehouse stay

    –              Major Tourist Attractions – Echo Point, Attukad Waterfalls, Tea Museum, Tea Gardens, Eravikulam National Park, Wonder Valley Adventure and Amusement Park, and Kundala Lake

    –              Temperature – Minimum 23°C and Maximum 29°C

    Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand

    The Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand is one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Monsoon is the best time to enjoy a visit, as the mountain flowers of every possible shade, bloom after the rain. Where else can you enjoy the beauty of more than 400 varieties of flowers in their full bloom? This valley is a part of the national park where you can reach only after a scenic easy trek. For a wonderful trekking adventure, the Valley of Flowers is an ideal destination. For the bliss of mountains, spectacular view of unique flowers in multiple shades, it is an amazing destination for a monsoon vacation.

    –              Famous for- Natural Beauty, Hill Stations, and Trekking

    –              Temperature – Minimum 13°C and Maximum 20°C

    Udaipur, Rajasthan

    Udaipur in Rajasthan is next on the list of best places to visit in India during monsoon. It receives one of the lowest rainfalls in the country, just enough rains for a pleasant climate. The city is snuggled in the lap of the Aravalis and is dotted with a number of lakes. Titled as one of the ‘most romantic destinations in India’, imagine the romance that is possible during the rains. Udaipur is also one of the top places for a destination wedding in India. Visit the famous Monsoon Palace, and Sajjan Garh, which offers a panoramic view of the city. Visit the scenic Lake Pichola and go for boat rides, and enjoy the popular sights and the royal hospitality.

    –              Famous for- Lake, Palaces, Temples, and Shopping.

    –              Major Tourist Attractions – Lake Pichola, City Palace, Fateh Sagar Lake, Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace, Bagore Ki Haveli Museum, and Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary.

    –              Temperature – Minimum 25°C and Maximum 35°C

    Alleppey, Kerala

    Alleppey is divine during the monsoon. ‘Gods’ Own Country’ Kerala is blessed during rains and Alleppey shares its bliss. The rain makes the backwaters all the more beautiful. To explore this spectacular place, you must embark on a backwater cruise through its lakes, river, and canals. Monsoon also enhances the benefits of Ayurveda. According to the ancient traditions of Ayurveda, the best time to undergo these treatments is during the monsoons. The weather is perfect, moist, cool, and dust-free, opening up the pores of our skin, making the therapy more effective. The cool salubrious monsoon weather also allows the body to recuperate in bliss.

    –              Famous for – Houseboats and Alleppey Beach

    –              Temperature – Minimum 23°C and Maximum 29°C

    Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu

    Kodaikanal, ‘The Gift of the Forest’ is a scenic beauty that further magnifies its charm during monsoon. The small hill town in Tamil Nadu creates a refreshing vacation. During the rains, Coaker’s Walk and Brynt Park offer picturesque trails while there are also serious treks to Dolphin Nose, Kurunji Andavar Temple, Pambhar Falls, Pillar Rocks, etc. Also, after the rains, the waterfalls are a sight worth seeing. You can also have a very lucky experience, a rare phenomenon called ‘Brachem Spectre’ where you actually see yourself in the clouds. Feel fresh as the rains in this picturesque hill station.

    –              Major Tourist Attractions – Kodaikanal Lake, Bear Shola Falls, Pillar Rocks, Thalaiyar Falls, Coakers Walk

    –              Things to do: Boating, sightseeing, trekking

    –              Temperature – Minimum 20°C and Maximum 28°C

                    Source: Indianholiday.com

  • Mangala Gauri fast

    Mangala Gauri fast

    All the Tuesdays in the month of Shravan, all fasts are called Mangla Gauri fast. This fast is called Mangla Gauri Vrat due to fasting on Tuesday. In the Hindu calendar, the month of Shravan is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Mata Gauri. The woman doing this fast during the month of Shravan or, from the beginning of the month of Shravan, decides to fast for the next sixteen weeks. Mangal Gauri fast is observed only by women. Women, mainly newly married women, perform this fast to obtain the blessings of Mother Gauri for a happy married life.

    Puja Vidhan of Fast

    In the morning, a white wash cloth should be spread on a checkpoint after taking a bath. Nine planets are made out of rice on white cloth and on red cloth, wheat is made of hexade mata. Put rice and flowers on one side of the chaki and establish the urn. Keep water in the urn. Four lamps of 16-16 wire are burnt by making a chamukhi lamp of flour. First of all, we worship Ganesha. After worshiping, offer water, roli, molly, sandalwood, vermilion, betel nut, cloves, betel leaf, rice, flowers, cardamom, bell-leaf, fruit, nuts and dakshina. After this, the Kalash is worshiped like Ganesh worship. Then by worshiping the nine planets and the Shodash Mata, they give the whole offering to the Brahmin. After this, making Mangala Gauri of the soil, bathing them with water, milk, curd etc., and wearing clothes, applying Roli, Chandan, Sindoor, rosemary and kajal. Sixteen types of flower leaves are garlanded. Five types of sixteen-sixteen nuts, betel nuts, cloves, rosemary, glass, comb and bangles are offered. Hearing the story, touching Sasuji’s feet is a law to eat one grain at a time. The next day Mangla dines after immersing Gauri.

    The story

    A story related to Mangala Gauri fast is also told, according to which a seth named Dharmapala is living happily with his wife in a city in the Oriental period. There was no lack of wealth in his life. But the only thing that bothered him was that he had no children. For which he used to do a lot of pooja recitation and charity. Pleased with his good deeds, by the grace of God, he received a son, but the son did not have much age, according to astrologers, his son will become a eraser of death due to snake bite in the sixteenth year.

    Knowing the young age of his son, his father was very hurt but who can change the fate, Atru, Seth left everything to God and after some time married his son to a worthy cult girl. Mother’s mother always worshiped the fast of Mangla Gauri. Atari, the girl born due to the effect of this fast was blessed with unbroken good luck, which resulted in the length of Seth’s son.

    Udyaapan Vidhi

    It should be used after fasting on Tuesdays of Shravan month. Food is prohibited in industry. Worshiping with henna should be done. Worship should be done with four Brahmins. On the four corners of a checki, four clams of bananas should be tied on the pavilion with an odor. Mangalagouri should be set in the bowl by placing a bowl on the urn. All the items of saree, nath and suhag should be kept. Aarti should be done after listening to the story after the Havan. Sixteen laddus of flour, rupees and sari in silverware should be given to Sasu ji to touch his feet. The pandits who perform the puja should also be given food and washed and washed.

    The next day, Sohal Brahmins should be given food including pairs, dhoti, angocha and Brahminis, suhag-pittari. In the Suhag plate, there are accessories and sarees of Suhag. After doing all this, you should eat yourself.

    Celebrations/ Rituals

    The idol of the Devi Mangala Gauri is placed on a wooden platform wrapped in a red cloth. A lamp consisting of 16 thick cotton wicks made of wheat flour is lit. Devi Mangala Gauri is worshipped by performing a pooja with Shodoroshopochar rituals. Take a holy bath on the auspicious day of Mangala Gauri Vrat. Make Navagrahas using rice and Shodash Goddess using wheat. The idol of Lord Ganesha is placed next to the Goddesses. Kalash Sthapana is performed. Haldi, kumkum, Akshata, water, sandalwood, vermillion, betel nuts, rice flowers, cardamom, Bael leaves, fruits, nuts, and alms are offered during Lord Ganesha Puja. After Ganesh Pujan, Navagraha Puja and Shodasha Goddesses Puja (puja to 16 Goddesses) are performed. Shodashopachar Puja is offered to Goddess Mangala Gauri. 16 types of flowers and fruits; mirror, comb, and bangles are offered to the Goddess. Mangala Gauri Vrat Katha is chanted during the end of the Vrat. On the last Tuesday of Shravan month, the next day, Wednesday, the idol of Mangala Gauri is immersed in the pond (Mangala Gauri Visarjan / Udyapana). Distribute prasad, Turmeric, Vermillion to other married women.

    Hariyali Amavasya

    Amavasya falling in the month of Sawan and Shravan is called Hariyali Amavasya. Hariyali Amavasya is considered a very auspicious day. The day of Hariyali Amavasya is important for Shiva devotees, hence Lord Shiva is worshiped on this day. Generally, Hariyali Amavasya falls three days before the famous Hariyali Teej.

    This day is called Hariyali Amavasya because there is greenery all around in the month of Sawan. That’s why this festival is called the festival of greenery. Apart from this, plants are also planted on this day for the fulfillment of various wishes. On this date, prosperity and prosperity can be obtained through plants.

    Donation, meditation and bathing have special significance on the day of Hariyali Amavasya.

    The festival of Hariyali Amavasya is famous by different names in India. It is very famous in the northern states of India like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Jammu Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh.

    In Maharashtra it is called ‘Gatari Amavasya’, in Andhra Pradesh it is ‘Chukkala Amavasya’ and in Orissa it is celebrated as ‘Chitlagi Amavasya’. As with the name, the customs and traditions differ in different parts of the country, but the spirit of the celebration remains the same.

    How to do Puja on Hariyali Amavasya

    –              Wake up on this day in Brahma Muhurta and retire from bathing.

    –              Sprinkle Ganga Jal or holy water all over the house.

    –              Shiva Linga should be consecrated with water etc.

    –              After Abhishek, Lord Shiva is pleased with Belpatra, Samitra, Doob, Kusha, Lotus, Neelkamal, Jawaphool Kaner, Rye flower etc.

    –              One should meditate on Lord Shiva.

    –              After meditation, worship Lord Shiva with ‘Om Namah Shivaya’. Do aarti and distribute prasad.

  • ADB lowers India’s GDP forecast for FY23 to 7.2%

    ADB lowers India’s GDP forecast for FY23 to 7.2%

    New Delhi (TIP)-Asian Development Bank (ADB) has lowered the economic growth forecast for India in the current to 7.2% from its earlier estimate of 7.5% due to the impact of Covid and the Russia-Ukraine war. The ADB also lowered the economic growth estimates for the 2021-22 fiscal to 8.7% from the earlier 8.9%. India’s GDP growth moderated to 4.1% in Q4 of the fiscal year ended March 2022 on disappointing growth in private consumption and a contraction in manufacturing, said the ADB in its supplement to the Asian Development Outlook (ADO) for 2022. “India has been hit by the omicron Covid variant and the economic impact of the war in Ukraine. Consequently, the GDP growth for 2021-22 is revised down from 8.9% to 8.7% and from 7.5% to 7.2% for 2022-23.

    “Although consumer confidence continues to improve, higher-than-expected inflation will erode consumer purchasing power,” the ADB Supplement released on Thursday, July 21,  said.

    Some of the impacts of this may be offset by a cut in excise duties, the provision of fertiliser and gas subsidies, and the extension of a free food distribution programme, it said. Private investment will soften due to the higher cost of borrowing for firms as the RBI continues to raise policy rates to contain inflation.For the South Asian region, it has lowered the growth forecast from 7% to 6.5% for 2022 and from 7.4% to 7.1% for 2023 mainly due to the economic crisis in Sri Lanka and high inflation and associated monetary tightening in India.

    Source: TNS

  • Microsoft, Google are latest tech giants to hit brakes on hiring

    Microsoft, Google are latest tech giants to hit brakes on hiring

    SAN FRANCISCO (TIP)- With recession fears mounting – as well as inflation, the war in Ukraine and the lingering pandemic taking a toll – many technology companies are rethinking their staffing needs, with some of them instituting hiring freezes, rescinding offers and even starting layoffs.

    TechCrunch reported earlier in July that more than 30,000 tech workers have been laid off in the last two months.

    Microsoft, Google and Lyft are some of the latest companies to pull back. Microsoft said on Wednesday (July 20) it was eliminating many job openings. Google is pausing hiring for the next two weeks, while Lyft is shutting down a division and trimming jobs.

    Here’s a look at the companies that are tapping the brakes:

    Alphabet

    Google’s parent company has been decelerating its recruiting efforts. Chief executive officer Sundar Pichai told staff this month that although the business added 10,000 employees in the second quarter, it will be slowing the pace of hiring for the rest of the year and prioritising engineering and technical talent. Alphabet had nearly 164,000 employees at end-March.

    Amazon.com

    The e-commerce giant said in April that it was overstaffed after ramping up during the pandemic and needed to cut back. Amazon is subleasing some warehouse space and has paused development of facilities meant for office workers, saying it needs more time to figure out how much space employees will require for hybrid work. The company had 1.6 million workers as at March, making it the biggest employer in the tech world.

    Apple

    The company is planning to slow hiring and spending at some divisions next year to cope with a potential economic slump, according to sources. But this is not a companywide policy, and the iPhone maker is still moving forward with an aggressive product release schedule. Apple had 154,000 employees in September last year.

    Lyft

    The ride-hailing firm told employees it was reining in hiring in May after its stock dropped precipitously. The company went further this week, announcing plans to shutter its car rental business and cut about 60 jobs. Lyft had about 4,500 employees in 2021.

    Meta Platforms

    The parent of Facebook has slashed plans to hire engineers by at least 30 per cent. CEO Mark Zuckerberg told employees that he was anticipating one of the worst downturns in recent history. The company had more than 77,800 employees at the end of March.

    Microsoft

    The company told workers in May that it was slowing down hiring in the Windows, Office and Teams groups as it braces for economic volatility. It had 181,000 employees in 2021. More recently, the software maker cut some jobs – less than 1 per cent of its total – as part of a reorganisation. This week, the company said it began eliminating many job openings – a freeze that will last indefinitely.

    Netflix

    The streaming giant has had several rounds of highly publicised layoffs since it reported the loss of 200,000 subscribers in the first quarter. It cut 150 employees in May and 300 in June. Last quarter, it reported US$70 million (S$97.5 million) in expenses from severance and shed an additional 970,000 subscribers. Netflix had 11,300 employees in 2021.

                    Source: BLOOMBERG

  • Bitcoin recovers after falling on news Tesla sold 75% of its holdings

    Bitcoin rebounded after a brief sell-off late on Wednesday sparked by news that electric carmaker Tesla Inc had sold about 75% of its holdings of the virtual token. Tesla Chief Executive Elon Musk cited concerns about his company’s “overall liquidity” as the reason for the sale. The world’s largest cryptocurrency was last up 1.04% at $23,494.57, after sliding as much as 0.5% to $23,268.92 on the news. Tesla sold $936 million worth of bitcoin in the second quarter, more than a year after the company bought $1.5 billion of the cryptocurrency at the peak of its massive growth and popularity. Musk has been an outspoken supporter of cryptocurrencies. His statements on the future of crypto and disclosures about his ownership of digital assets often boost the price of dogecoin and bitcoin.

    On Tesla’s earnings call, Musk said the primary reason for the sale was uncertainty about lockdowns due to Covid-19 in China, which have created production challenges for the company.

    “It was important for us to maximize our cash position,” Musk said. “We are certainly open to increasing our bitcoin holdings in future, so this should not be taken as some verdict on bitcoin. It’s just that we were concerned about overall liquidity for the company.” Musk added that Tesla did not sell any of its dogecoin, a meme-based cryptocurrency that he has touted. Rupee Gains Ground, A Day After Hitting An All-Time Low Of 80.06 Per Dollar

    The rupee gained a touch further early on Friday, July 22, a day after hitting its lowest ever of 80.06 against the dollar but closing out below the key psychological rate of 80. Bloomberg quoted the rupee at 79.8963 against the dollar early on Friday, with a trading range of 79.8750 to 79.9088, after opening at 79.8875. But PTI reported that the Indian currency fell 5 paise to 79.90 against the US dollar in early trade. In the previous session, the rupee had hit an all-time low of 80.0638, but closed out the day at 79.9538 against the greenback, according to Bloomberg.

    That was driven largely because of the Reserve Bank of India’s intervention in the spot and futures markets to limit the sharp decline in the Indian currency. What has helped the domestic currency is the impetus in Asian stocks and foreign portfolio investments (FPIs) in Indian capital markets rising to the highest since November 17 on Thursday. The net foreign fund inflows on Thursday jumped to over $1 billion. Fading recession fears on taming of expectations for a very aggressive rate hikes on slowing global economic growth, the dollar well of its recent multi-year highs and a fall in crude oil prices have helped that turnaround in foreign funds flow into Indian markets.

  • NASA’s James telescope reveals stunning images of Jupiter, its moon

    NASA’s James telescope reveals stunning images of Jupiter, its moon

    After releasing stunning coloured images of thousands of galaxies in our universe, NASA has now unveiled outstanding images of Jupiter and spectra of several asteroids taken by the James Webb Space Telescope. The data demonstrates Webb’s ability to track solar system targets and produce images and spectra with unprecedented detail, the US space agency said in a statement. New images show distinct bands that encircle Jupiter as well as the Great Red Spot, a storm big enough to swallow the Earth. “Combined with the deep field images released the other day, these images of Jupiter demonstrate the full grasp of what Webb can observe, from the faintest, most distant observable galaxies to planets in our own cosmic backyard that you can see with the naked eye from your actual backyard,” said Bryan Holler, a scientist at the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore. In one of the images, Jupiter’s moon Europa with a probable ocean below its thick icy crust is seen which is the target of NASA’s forthcoming Europa Clipper mission.

    “What’s more, Europa’s shadow can be seen to the left of the Great Red Spot. Other visible moons in these images include Thebe and Metis,” the space agency said.

    Scientists were especially eager to see these images because they are proof that Webb can observe the satellites and rings near bright solar system objects such as Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars.

    Scientists will use Webb to explore the question of whether we can see plumes of material spewing out of moons like Europa and Saturn’s moon Enceladus.

    Additionally, Webb easily captured some of Jupiter’s rings. That the rings showed up in one of Webb’s first solar system images is “absolutely astonishing and amazing”. Webb was designed with the requirement to track objects that move as fast as Mars, which has a maximum speed of 30 milliarcseconds per second.

                    Source: IANS

  • Heatwave forced Google and Oracle to shut down computers

    Heatwave forced Google and Oracle to shut down computers

    GETTY IMAGE

    As record temperatures hit much of the UK on Tuesday, tech giants Google and Oracle suffered outages as cooling systems failed at London data centres. Data centres are large highly secure buildings that hold banks of computers and are the powerhouses behind many online services.

    But the concentrated computing power generates heat so powerful that cooling is essential.

    Both companies say the problems have now been resolved. Oracle, a large American database software and technology business, reported overheating problems just before 16:00 BST. “Following unseasonably high temperatures in the UK south (London) region, two cooler units in the data centre experienced a failure when they were required to operate above their design limits,” the company wrote on a status page first spotted by The Register. “As a result, temperatures in the data centre began to climb, which caused some systems to shut down as a protective measure.” The company said the issue was resolved, in an update posted shortly after 10:00 BST on Wednesday. As Britain baked, overheating also hit a Google Cloud data centre location in London. Google Cloud lets other businesses do work on the company’s computers. Just after 18:00 BST, the company reported that “there has been a cooling-related failure in one of our buildings”.

    In order to prevent damage to machines and an extended outage, the firm said it powered down some of them.

    The problem was fixed by 07:00 BST on Wednesday and the company said that only a “small set of our customers” were affected. Because the data processed can be highly valuable to their customers, data centres are built with many back-ups, including plenty of cooling capacity.

    Experts the BBC spoke to on Monday doubted that modern data centres would experience difficulties, so the failures at big, well-resourced, companies like Google will have come as a surprise.

    But operators were wary of the unprecedented temperatures.

    Paul Hone, of Redcentric, which operates data centres in Harrogate, London, Reading and Cambridge, told the BBC that the firm had put its disaster recovery plan into action on Monday.

    Mr Hone added that while data centres are designed to withstand hot weather, the heatwave’s temperatures would be at the “upper end of design expectations for a lot of data centre operators”.

    In the end, for  Hone, Tuesday passed without incident. But additional cooling means additional electricity consumption, which in turn can mean increased carbon emissions.

    With climate scientists warning that very hot days will become more frequent, tech firms are exploring greener cooling solutions and computer systems that consume less power and generate less heat.

    Microsoft carried out an experiment with an underwater data centre off Orkney in 2020. Part of the attraction was the natural cooling provided by the surrounding seawater.

    Source: BBC

  • Apple agrees to pay $50 million to settle flawed ‘butterfly’ keyboards lawsuit

    Apple agrees to pay $50 million to settle flawed ‘butterfly’ keyboards lawsuit

    Apple has agreed to pay $50 million to settle the lawsuit over flawed “butterfly” keyboards in MacBooks in the US. A group of MacBook users in 2018 had filed a class-action lawsuit against Apple for the controversial butterfly keyboards, alleging that the new design failed when even tiny particles of dust accumulated around the switches. They alleged that the company concealed the fact that its butterfly keys were prone to failure. The lawsuit covered those who purchased an Apple MacBook with a butterfly keyboard in seven states: California, New York, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, Washington, and Michigan. Apple later launched an improved keyboard design in late 2019.

    Once the $50 million agreement is approved, those who replaced multiple keyboards can expect maximum payouts of $300 to $395 and people who replaced one keyboard can get $125 and those who replaced key ‘caps mat’ get $50, reports CNBC. Law firms Girard Sharp LLP and Chimicles Schwartz Kriner and Donaldson-Smith LLP can claim up to $15 million from the $50 million windfall to cover legal fees.

  • Draupadi Murmu- The first  tribal woman President of India

    Draupadi Murmu- The first  tribal woman President of India

    Former Governor of Jharkhand Draupadi Murmu scripted history to become India’s first tribal President. Ruling NDA’s Draupadi Murmu and Opposition’s Yashwant Sinha were pitted against each other in the contest, and in an expected outcome, Murmu grabbed the hot seat.  Murmu has come a long way to reach where she is today. India’s new President overcame several personal tragedies in her life. In just six years between 2009-2015, Murmu lost her husband, two sons, mother and brother. According to reports, it was then the tribal leader became a keen practitioner of the meditation techniques of the Brahma Kumaris, a movement she embraced after her personal losses. At 64, Murmu will be the youngest occupant of Rashtrapati Bhavan. She is younger by a month to the sixth President Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy who was 64 years and two months when he took office.

    Murmu will also become only the second woman to hold the First Citizen’s office after Pratibha Patil.

    However, Murmu is no stranger to being the first at something.

    First to attend college

    Murmu, 64, comes from a small village called Uperbeda, located some 20 kilometres away from Rairangpur in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha.

    With her ascension, she becomes the first President to be born after independence; she was born on 20 June 1958.

    She belongs to the Santhal tribe — the third largest scheduled tribe community in India after the Gonds and Bhils.

    She spent her childhood in Uperbeda, which today boasts of a population of 6,623 people. She still has her ancestral home here. The house belonged to Draupadi’s father and is now inhabited by her nephew, Dularam Tudu.

    It was from Uperbeda that she went to state capital Bhubaneshwar to college, making her the first from the village to attain higher education.

    At the time, her parents could afford to give her only Rs 10 as a monthly allowance, reports NDTV.

    Life of tragedy

    What is very appealing about Droupadi Murmu is how she rose above the many challenges that were thrown at her and achieved success.

    One can say her life is a story of resilience.

    In 2009, her 25-year-old son Lakshman died unexpectedly after attending a gathering in Bhubaneshwar. His death broke her and many believed that she would not be able to cope with the loss. Supriya Kumari, head of the Brahma Kumari ashram in Rairangpaur told The Print, “She was completely shattered. She wasn’t having any life within her to even talk.”

    However, she picked up the pieces of her life and started making changes, which included doing yoga and meditation. But, it was not meant to be and months later, she lost her younger son, Shipun, in a road accident. A year later, due to deep depression, her husband, Shyam Charan Murmu, died as well.

    Today, Murmu has only her daughter, Itishree, with her.

    She turned her personal tragedy into a positive by building a school in memory of her husband and sons — SLS Memorial School, named after her husband Shyam Charan and sons Lakshman and Shipun, in Pahadpur.

    Born into a Santhal family,

    Murmu is an excellent orator

    Born on June 20, 1958, Murmu was the first woman governor of Jharkhand. Murmu is also the first president to be born after Independence. “She has been through a lot of pain and struggle, but doesn’t get rattled by adversity,” former Odisha BJP president Manmohan Samal said. Born into a Santhal family, she is an excellent orator in Santhali and Odia languages, Samal said. He added that she had worked extensively to improve infrastructure such as roads and ports in the region. The tribal-dominated Mayurbhanj has been the focus of the BJP, which is eyeing a strong foothold in the state. The BJD snapped ties with the BJP in 2009 and has consolidated its hold over Odisha since then.

    First woman governor

    Murmu rose through the political ranks and in 2000, she was the minister of state (independent charge) for Odisha’s department of transport and commerce.

    She also assumed charge of the state’s animal husbandry department from 2002 to 2004, and the fisheries department in 2002.

    In 2015, she was given the position of Governor of Jharkhand and made history by becoming the first female governor of a state. She remained in the post until 2021.

    Officials and politicians recounting her tenure, describe her as a “compassionate and balanced” administrator who remained “accessible and down to earth”.

    Officials add that she was “never a rubber-stamp governor”, and an ardent advocate of tribal welfare.

    In fact, in 2017 she refused to give assent to a bill approved by the Assembly seeking amendments to the Chhotanagpur Tenancy Act, 1908, and the Santhal Pargana Tenancy Act, 1949.

    Some political insiders maintain that Murmu’s decision to not sign the bill was the reason why she wasn’t picked as the NDA’s Presidential candidate in 2017 and Ram Nath Kovind was finally nominated by them.

    Many believe that she will bring many fundamental changes in the running of the government in Rashtrapati Bhavan.

  • Kareena rubbishes pregnancy rumors

    Kareena rubbishes pregnancy rumors

    Rumor mills were rife that Kareena Kapoor Khan was pregnant with her third child with Saif Ali Khan. However, Kareena decided to shut them down. The actress took to her Instagram Stories and said that it was ‘pasta and wine’. Kareena wrote a hilarious post, “It’s pasta and wine guys…..Calm down… I am NOT pregnant… ufff… Saif said he has already contributed way too much to the population of our country… Enjoy… KKK.” Meanwhile, Kareena has been spending some quality time in London with Saif Ali Khan and their two sons, Taimur and Jeh. She has been keeping her fans updated by sharing glimpses from their vacation on social media. On the work front, she will next be seen in Laal Singh Chaddha.

  • Sushmita Sen has ‘gentle happy reminder’ for haters, check out what it is

    Sushmita Sen has ‘gentle happy reminder’ for haters, check out what it is

    After Lalit Modi announced dating Sushmita Sen, the actress has been a topic of discussion on social media and elsewhere. The actress was trolled for being a “gold digger” and has been in news thereafter for hitting back at those putting such kinds of labels on her. Amid all this, Sushmita shared a new photo of herself on Instagram and wrote a beautiful message for her fans. Sharing a selfie, Sushmita wrote, “#gentlehappyreminder I love you guys!!! #duggadugga #yourstruly. In the photo, Sushmita is all smiles, wearing her trademark oversized sunglasses.

    Although her fans showered the actress with love by sending compliments in the comment section, the sweetest one was from her daughter Renee, who wrote, “I love you mostestestest…end of discussion” accompanied by a string of emojis. Earlier, replying to the trolls, Sushmita had shared an Instagram post, replying to all the trolls’ who labelled her a “gold digger”. She put a photo of herself and captioned it, “Perfectly centred in my being & my conscience…I love how nature merges all its creation to experience oneness…and just how divided we are when we break that balance. It’s heartbreaking to see just how miserable & unhappy the world around us is becoming… The so-called intellectuals with their idiosyncrasies….the ignorant with their cheap & at times funny gossip The friends I never had & the acquaintances I’ve never met….all sharing their grand opinions & deep knowledge of my life & character…monetising the ‘Gold Digger’ all the way!!! Ah these geniuses!!!” She added, “I dig deeper than Gold…and I’ve always (famously) preferred Diamonds!! And yes I still buy them myself!!! I love the all-heart support my well-wishers & loved ones continue to extend. Please know, your Sush is ABSOLUTELY fine…cause I’ve never lived on the transient borrowed light of approval & applause. I am the Sun….perfectly Centred in my being & my conscience!! I love you guys!!!”

    For the unversed, earlier this month, Lalit Modi shared pictures on social media talking about returning from a global tour with his “better-looking partner” Sushmita Sen, thus making their relationship social media official.

                    Source: ANI

  • When Aishwarya Rai shut down a journalist for question on nudity

    When Aishwarya Rai shut down a journalist for question on nudity

    Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has always been one of the sassiest celebrities of Bollywood who makes it a point to put people in place if they cross a line. The actress is very confident when it comes to interviews and is always ready to shut down stereotypes no matter how controversial they get. A few years back, she was speaking to international media when she was asked if she is comfortable with n*udity in movies and the question did not go down well with the Josh star. For the unversed, Aishwarya has lately been gearing up for the release of her next magnum opus, Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1. The movie is based on a historic epic about the Cholas and has been directed by the critically acclaimed Mani Ratnam. The movie stars actors like Vikram and Trisha amongst others and has already been creating some crazy hype amongst the audience.

    For the unversed, Aishwarya has lately been gearing up for the release of her next magnum opus, Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1. The movie is based on a historic epic about the Cholas and has been directed by the critically acclaimed Mani Ratnam. The movie stars actors like Vikram and Trisha amongst others and has already been creating some crazy hype amongst the audience. In a segment of the clip, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is asked about her opinion on going n*de on screen and the actress found the question quite distasteful. Making it clear that she has no plans of exploring it, she said, “I’ve never, ever, explored and am not interested in exploring n*dity on celluloid.”

    In the very next second, the journalist seems to have been taken aback by Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s stern answer as he sort of fumbles on his next words. Aishwarya decided to address how uncomfortable the question was as she said, “I feel I’m talking to my gynac. I mean, who am I talking to? You’re a journalist, brother, stick to that.”

  • Brad Pitt battles assassins in action thriller ‘Bullet Train’

    Brad Pitt battles assassins in action thriller ‘Bullet Train’

    Hollywood star Brad Pitt fights off assassins on a high speed train travelling across Japan in action thriller “Bullet Train”, reuniting with his former stuntman turned director David Leitch. Pitt plays Ladybug, an unlucky assassin who wants to get a job done well before he finds himself battling a range of dangerous opponents, all with missions connected to his, on board the bullet train. Based on Kotaro Isaka’s 2010 novel, the film also stars Sandra Bullock, Zazie Beetz, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Joey King, Brian Tyree Henry, Michael Shannon and Hiroyuki Sanada.

    “Dave actually was my stunt man in ’98…We met on ‘Fight Club’ and he trained me for the fight and it worked so well,” Pitt told a news conference in Berlin on Tuesday, about Leitch.

    “We went on with that pairing till about ’04 with a bunch of other films, and then he left me to do other things, and now it’s come back full circle so it’s really nice for me to have him as the boss now.”

    The film features plenty of stunts and fight scenes as the assassins all seek to get hold of a briefcase.

    Leitch, who directed “Atomic Blonde”, “Deadpool 2” and “Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw”, said he sought to balance the film’s violence with comedy. “It’s always a balance of tone in a movie…I think creating a heightened world… allows us to get away with more things,” he said. “So we’re in this sort of comic book world, this escapist fantasy world and we can play with some of those darker ideas.”

    The film’s cast and crew are promoting “Bullet Train” in Europe this week ahead of its global release in early August.

    “I didn’t even realise it’s been like three years because we’ve been in lockdown and haven’t brought anything to a table in a while,” Pitt said of returning to the promotional trail.

    “It’s just nice. We all put everything we had into telling the story. It’s come together…and it’s really nice to now let it go, hopefully people will be enjoying it together in the theatre, laughing.”

                    Source: Reuters

  • Eddie Murphy to star in ‘Candy Cane Lane’

    Eddie Murphy to star in ‘Candy Cane Lane’

    Academy Award-nominee and Emmy-winner Eddie Murphy will star in Prime Video’s holiday comedy titled Candy Cane Lane. Reginald Hudlin will direct the project. Candy Cane Lane, which will premiere on Amazon Prime Video next year, is the first film falling under Murphy’s three-picture and first-look film deal with Amazon Studios. Formalizing Murphy’s relationship with the company, the deal came close on the heels of the huge success of Prime Video’s Coming 2 America. Director Reginald Hudlin says, “The holiday season is my favourite time of year—just ask my family about my nine-hour Christmas playlist. I‘m excited to be working again with Eddie Murphy, Brian Grazer and Amazon.” Meanwhile, plot details of the project are being kept under wraps as of now, and production will reportedly begin this winter in Los Angeles.

  • Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck ‘cried’ at their wedding

    Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck are officially a married couple, the singer-actor confirmed through her newsletter, On the JLo, on July 17. Jennifer and Ben tied the knot in a small ceremony in Las Vegas’s Little White Wedding Chapel. Now, a witness from Jennifer and Ben’s wedding ceremony said in a new interview that the couple was ‘emotional’, and cried as they read their wedding vows. As per reports, an excerpt of Jennifer’s newsletter said that the couple married with ‘the best witnesses you could ever imagine, a dress from an old movie and a jacket from Ben’s closet, we read our own vows in the little chapel and gave one another the rings we’ll wear for the rest of our lives.’ She also called it ‘the best possible wedding we could have imagined. One we dreamed of long ago and one made real (in the eyes of the state, Las Vegas, a pink convertible and one another) at very, very long last’.

    Now, Kenosha Portis, who watched Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck’s 10-minute ceremony, told Good Morning America the two were affectionate and ‘very sweet’. “It was so exciting. We were getting ready to close and we had a special guest arrive as a walk-in… I’m like, ‘Oh my god, this is Jennifer Lopez we’re getting ready to marry’. As they were reading each other vows, they were very sweet. They both were emotional. They cried to each other. Their kids were right there behind them,” Kenosha said.

    Jennifer and Ben have five children between them – she shares 14-year-old twins Emme and Max with ex-husband, Marc Anthony, while Ben and ex-wife Jennifer Garner are parents to Violet, 16, Seraphina, 13, and Samuel, 10.

    Kenosha also spoke about Jennifer’s wedding dress, and called it ‘beautiful’. “Everything was very sleek. She had a beautiful white bouquet and he had a boutonniere that matched that, as well,” she said. In addition to her note following the wedding, Jennifer also shared some photos and videos from the big night, including selfies with the groom. Jennifer and Ben met in 2001 on the set of their film Gigli, and got engaged the following year. However, just days before their 2003 wedding, the two called it quits. Since then, Ben married and divorced actor Jennifer Garner; while Jennifer married and divorced singer Marc Anthony and also dated Alex Rodriguez, former American baseball player. Jennifer and Ben officially rekindled their relationship in 2021.

    Source: HT

  • Birthday Horoscope-July 25 to July 31, 2022

    Birthday Horoscope-July 25 to July 31, 2022

    By Chirag Daruwalla – Son of Astrologer Bejan Daruwalla

     July 25

    Ganesha says the treasure in your possession is your luck line, which you must properly invest. Avoid engaging in negative office politics and gossip as it could damage your reputation at any time. Profits from joint ventures and corporate partnerships are expected to increase in the following year. It seems like lady luck will be on your side. Your spouse or partner would shower you with love, attention, and money. Even if you would do your best to meet all of your family’s standards, eventually they would make you feel unsatisfied with their growing expectations and goals.

    July 26

    Ganesha says you approach life with good vigor and optimism. Your current relationship might develop into a lasting affinity. The book should not be judged solely by its cover for those looking for arranged weddings. You make an effort to connect with those in your contact list, yet you can come up empty-handed. Your bad habits, such as drinking alcohol and other vices, won’t cause you any additional trouble if you practice meditation in addition to medical treatments. You might have to keep going back to see your health counselor. Maintain financial discipline because you could require it soon to do a task you’ve had on your bucket list.

    July 27

    Ganesha says because of your always expanding ideas, people will like your business. You always yearn for a respectable, prosperous existence and want to carve out a special place for yourself in both the job and society. Just as Rome was not built in a day, you must labor nonstop to achieve all of your life’s goals and aspirations. In terms of monetary and real estate matters, the upcoming year will be fortunate. Your possessions would rise as you added a second source of income or a family member to help you out. You will receive a respectable wage package in addition to being given a higher classification. Long-standing legal challenges will be resolved with the aid of strong networking.

    July 28

    Ganesha says you benefit when you combine prodigious luck with diligent work. People from all spheres like you because of your impeccable character and humble demeanor. Your brilliance is unimaginable to anyone. You are a maverick because of your propensity for coming up with original ideas, your analytical abilities, and your passionate nature. Prosperity won’t follow you, but the situation will be reversed. You will experience much-anticipated career advancement at work. You carefully considered the information before starting any activity, demonstrating your versatility. It’s time to start seeing a return on your long-term investment.

    July 29

    Ganesha says if you’re going to sign a contract, things will move along for you. Without a doubt, you succeed in anything you set out to do, by any means necessary. You will be about to embark on an adventure that has long been a dream of yours, one that will take you to new heights. For your business, you are a useful and profitable resource. No matter where you go, your employees will always be pleased with you. In dealing with your blood family, you must be open and expressive. All family resentments will be avoided by this action. Your practical and realistic outlook will serve as an example for others. You have a soft spot in your heart for destitute and underprivileged folks. a good moment for kids to succeed in their careers.

    July 30

    Ganesha says opportunities are created by your magical thinking for both you and other people. You must put your best foot forward in your profession. Energy prices are trending lower at the start of the year before abruptly rising. Your business plan’s ideas and opinions will probably make your pocket bigger. Be mindful of any additional costs you may incur. You’ll advance if you maintain a conversation about your company. There may be pressure on you to maintain your personal relationships. You’ve consistently believed in using your freedom to uplift and bless others.

    July 31

    Ganesha says your soul is filled with creativity, which causes you to flourish everywhere. Everyone will be charmed by your captivating personality. You should embrace any change that occurs in your life since it demonstrates your adaptability. Simply follow your doctor’s advice, and you’ll be able to recover quickly from all of your ongoing illnesses. Everyone wants to be healthy, so if you are obese, you need to take additional care of yourself. Your path will be found via love. Conflicts involving ego, love, and deception could all come from your family, so take caution.

  • Weekly Horoscope-July 25 to July 31

    Weekly Horoscope-July 25 to July 31

    By Chirag Daruwalla

    Aries

    This week, you’ll put your problems aside and start tackling them one at a time. Your conviction in people and in oneself will rise as a result of conquering your concerns. Begin believing optimistically since fear results from unfavorable thoughts. You can conquer your anxiety if you can manage your emotions. Believe that Lord will provide a remedy because he does. Keep in mind that your friends reflect your character back to you in a favorable way. Your financial situation makes it possible for you to grow your business. Everything is going well in your love life. To help someone seem special, all you need to do is spend some time with them sometimes. You will become dehydrated if you don’t consume sufficient liquid.

    Taurus

    You will have a long week this week and discover a lot of different things. Take benefit of the possibilities that present themselves since it is always too late to acquire new things and broaden your mind. Your capacity to reason coherently as well as to understand and value items will increase. You’re sociable enough to get on with others. You naturally have the capacity to put others at comfortable, which will help you in commerce. There may be difficulties in company, but if you approach your task rationally, fantastic results will result. Your relationship with your lover is stronger, which makes you seem more enticing.

    Gemini

    This week, you’ll show off your inventiveness. You have original concepts. You are devoted to knowledge for both oneself and other people, and your methods are original and precise. You would prefer to engage with others to gain than just indulging in self. If you don’t get your point, your steadfastness could turn into a dispute. The atmosphere outdoors affects your emotions. Given that you need a lot of personal space to consider matters out, you might be a little introverted. To be successful in your company, you must understand how to organize your time and finances. Your compassion for your loved one is one of your greatest attributes.

    Cancer

    You will be enjoying your beautiful week. You are considerate and would never intentionally hurt someone. You like interacting with others and are open-minded when encountering new individuals. You frequently express approval for how other individuals behave. If you’re in a situation of responsibility, you’ll learn how to subtly guide others in the correct direction. When you share your ideas and artistic flair, it has a positive effect. Although you get along well with the other team participants, this does not mean that you are obedient. Cognitively, you are strong enough to stand on your own tip toes. Your professional life will benefit from your aptitude to express yourself obviously. Venus will stick by you until your thoughts are solidified.

    Leo

    This week is likely to be an extremely fortunate one for you. Earlier hours risers may benefit from favorable character development this week. Commit to your normal programs with careful commitment. You’ll gain from timeliness in many different methods. People like you operate very quickly in this week’s aggressive atmosphere in order to turn a revenue. At no conditions let your cognitive focus slip. The prevalence of mind and effectiveness are intricately related. Your ability to complete things quickly and logically will help you produce high-quality output. Be alert to everything that may come your approach at all times. You must always keep your attention focused whether functioning or conversing with people.

    Virgo

    This week, you’re going to do anything to make your household happy. You’ve been a compassionate person who goes above and beyond to help people who are important to them. You have such a generous nature that you frequently serve for charitable causes upfront. You want to keep making people happy since you have already made a million of individuals happy. Your generosity is always admired, and it will help you develop professionally this week. Your generosity has given your business economic rewards. You need to take care of oneself since you don’t practice patience. You and your lover have a great bond, but you want to maintain your companion content. You will have some digestive issues; thus, it is better if you visit doctor this week.

    Libra

    This week will be one of epiphanies and advancement. This week, you will be made conscious of your shortcomings and offered the chance to make amends. Take an attempt to decipher the indications of the cosmos. You’ll start to worry more and more about things, which will lead you astray. The incorrect individual, who will cause you protracted ruin, will lure you in. Venus is on your favor this week. You’ll be equipped to accomplish your objectives while gaining an advantage over the remainder of your squad. Any misunderstandings between you and your business partner or supervisor must be cleared up in the latter half of the week. If your wellness isn’t a major concern this week, you may think about making a brief trip.

    Scorpio

    This week you’ll undergo intellectual growth and be able to let go of the former negative things Dear Scorpio. The main obstacles will be cleared this week, enabling you to accomplish all of your goals. A close friend or family member will try to deceive you. This week, long-resolved concerns will return, but your tenacious fortitude will help you fight them off. People who are married will likely fight briefly this week about a pointless issue. Your persistence will be appreciated by your colleagues. In a pinch, you may also use your presentation skills to salvage important deals. Your careless actions will cause a variety of health issues.

    Sagittarius

    Dear Sagittarius, this week, you’re probably going to receive a sophisticated reward as compensation for anything you invested funds in a long time back. You’ll think of creative solutions to the issues affecting your kids. Your aggressive actions may culminate in someone suffering significant damage. Exercise care since losing anything pricey and significant might be disastrous. Husbands and wives tend to get preoccupied with themselves. People who are in love will seize any chance to communicate their emotions and further their connection. You must embrace the proposal for a partnership that you most likely get. Your determination to exceed your rivals will ultimately reward dividends this week!

    Capricorn

    You will have an outstanding adventure this week, capping off a wonderful week. You’re about to go on an unusual trip. You should take full use of this week if you want to embrace yourself in an entire new way. This occurrence will positively affect your life and help you across all aspects.  You must preserve your vitality and use it to complete the full journey. You are connected to your relatives, and this week you will discover more of their secret characteristics. Because you only have one lifetime to share with the people you care about, capture the experiences you’re going to have in photos. Riches-wise, you’ll prosper in a significant manner this week.

    Aquarius

    There will be a chance for you to encounter somebody special this week. Your life will be dramatically changed by this person, who will also work wonders for you. Your desires have been answered; you’ve always wanted someone to lift your spirits. Your ability to adjust well to uncertainty will be to your advantage. Because you’ll make a terrific team when you ‘re united, the qualities you possess will be addressed. a pair that gets along well and has a lot of common communication. Avoid being too self-confident and losing this person over a pointless issue. You might not have the best of chances when it comes to wealth, but perseverance and tough work will surely make up for it.

    Pisces

    Your employment life will be challenging. You’ve always wanted the finest and the biggest achievements, but you’ll have to work harder to organize your future. Spend the time working because success has a price. Honesty is essential for creating a positive outlook on life. Making advantage of your smart beings can help you understand more and more quickly. You won’t be able to make any wise choices because of how severe your fiscal situation is. You and your partner are getting along well romantically, so you might choose to take extra time together to develop new bonds. Your tendency of eating junk food will be detrimental to your wellbeing in the long run hence take this week to form good habits.

  • NYC CELEBRATES 30 YEARS OF SUMMER RESTAURANT WEEK LAUNCHING ‘SAVOR NEW YORK’

    Union Square Café (Photo: Peter Garritano)
    Guantanamera Restaurant (Photo: Evan Angelastro, NYC & Company)
    Atlantic Grill (Photo: Evan Sung.)
    Hangawi. (Photo: Jose Alvarado, NYC & Company.)

    By Mabel Pais

    • OVER 650 RESTAURANTS REPRESENT 60 DISTINCT CUISINES
    • 85 NEIGHBORHOODS OFFER 30 DAYS OF DINING DEALS
    • TWO- & THREE- COURSE LUNCH & DINNER PRIX-FIXE MENUS
    • 15 PARTICIPANTS FROM INAUGURAL 1992 NYC RESTAURANT WEEK
    • LAUNCH OF ‘SAVOR NYC’ CULINARY PROGRAMMING
    • PRE-REGISTERED MC CARDHOLDERS GET SPECIAL STATEMENT CREDIT

    New York’s Restaurant Week®, 30th anniversary, was launched on July 18 by New York City Mayor Eric Adams and NYC & Company at Gage & Tollner, one of the original 1992 participants while announcing ‘Savor NYC’: a yearlong culinary celebration. Gage & Tollner is one of the oldest restaurants in New York city having first opened in 1879 and an original 1992 Restaurant Week partner. Mayor Eric Adams and NYC & Company also announced an initiative to double down on supporting and promoting every culinary corner of the five boroughs with a program titled, ‘Savor NYC.’ The year-long campaign will highlight monthly content including cuisines across all cultures, street carts, established restaurants, accessible cuisine, sustainable cuisines, culinary events and more across the five boroughs that make New York City the most celebrated dining destination in the world.

    PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS

    A full list of restaurants participating in NYC Restaurant Week is available at nycgo.com/restaurantweek.

    PRE-REGISTRATION WITH MC

    Mastercard cardholders can pre-register at priceless.com/shopping/product/176019/nyc-and-company-enrollment-page to receive an exclusive $10 statement credit on each transaction of $45 or more while dining on-site (for up to three (3) transactions, totaling a $30 rebate), when dining out through July 31.*

    “NYC Restaurant Week provides New Yorkers and visitors the ability to eat at hundreds of restaurants, in dozens of neighborhoods, across all five boroughs,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “This year’s Restaurant Week is bringing diners an array of flavors with amazing deals. No matter where you dine, there is no better time to support our city’s restaurants than NYC Restaurant Week.”

    “We are proud to celebrate 30 years of NYC Restaurant Week, marking three decades of exceptional deals to diners across the five boroughs,” said Fred Dixon, President and CEO of NYC & Company. “To continue celebrating the City’s world-class dining scene, we are pleased to announce the launch of ‘Savor NYC,’ a yearlong culinary initiative that will spotlight the culinary community across the City’s multicultural neighborhoods encouraging visitors to go deeper and explore more.”

    The dining program, running 30 days from July 18 through August 21, highlights more than 650 restaurants across all five boroughs with more than 60 different styles of cuisines in 85 neighborhoods. The program encourages locals and visitors alike to explore the City’s vast, diverse and accessible restaurant scene while helping to support small businesses, the industry and its workers.

    Running Monday through Friday (with the option to participate on Sundays), NYC Restaurant Week offers a multitude of options for dining enthusiasts to enjoy. Participating restaurants will be offering either a two-course lunch or three-course dinner prix-fixe menu of classic, favorite and new menu items. Check out www.nycgo.com/restaurantweek for inclusive price points for carefully crafted dishes depending on the restaurant. This pricing structure was created to ensure establishments from all five boroughs can participate, from neighborhood eateries to fine dining. More than 100 restaurants will also offer $30 bottles of wine to commemorate the 30th anniversary, available on participating menus.

    Diners can browse participating restaurants by filters including “location,” “cuisine,” “has menu,” “$10 Mastercard rebate,” “accessibility,” “ownership,” “weeks participating,” and “meals.” Collections will also be available at nycgo.com/restaurantweek to help consumers choose restaurants by interest, including “Restaurant Week Classics,” “Lunch Break,” “Summer Vibes,” “Impress Your Followers,” “Dress for the Occasion,” “James Beard

    Honorees,” “Wine Spectator Winners and lastly, “Make it a Stella,” a collection from Stella Artois, the official beer sponsor of NYC RestaurantWeek Summer 2022. “Bringing visitors and locals a meaningful way to experience world-class dining in New York City is truly Priceless,” said Rustom Dastoor, executive vice president of North America Marketing Communications at Mastercard. “Together with NYC & Company, we are excited to provide cardholders exclusive discounts during NYC Restaurant Week Summer 2022 as they explore their passion for food and travel.” In this landmark anniversary year, 15 of the original 1992 NYC & Company NYC Restaurant Week participants have returned, including: Barbetta, Carmine’s (Upper West Side), Dock’s Oyster Bar, Fraunces Tavern, Gage & Tollner, Gallagher’s Steak House, The Palm, Sardi’s, Shun Lee West, Sylvia’s, Tavern on the Green, Tribeca Grill, The Russian Tea Room, Union Square Café and Victor’s Café. NYC Restaurant Week is the original Restaurant Week created during the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in 1992, which has been replicated in cities nationally and globally.

    A true testimony to a savory milestone—NYC Restaurant Week’s 30th and Sylvia’s Restaurant’s 60th Anniversary. “As an inaugural participant and fan, I’m overjoyed to support the best restaurant city on the planet one plate at a Time,” said Trenness Woods-Black, co-chair of the NYC & Company Culinary Committee.

    “As an original participant in the 1992 program, I’m honored to be a part of the 30th anniversary of NYC Restaurant Week, a cherished tradition in New York City. NYC Restaurant Week has always been a way for people to experience new restaurants, including some of the best in the world at an affordable price. This special anniversary is the perfect time for people to reconnect and celebrate over a memorable meal,” said chef and restaurateur David Burke, co-chair of the NYC & Company Culinary Committee.

    NYC & Company has long been committed to championing the local business community, with NYC Restaurant Week at the forefront of those efforts. The continued success of NYC Restaurant Week is a key indicator of New Yorkers’ and visitors’ desire to explore the five boroughs through food.

    In honor of this milestone 30th anniversary and in support of local students’ pursuit of careers in restaurants and hospitality, NYC & Company has made a donation to the Food Education Fund. *See full terms and conditions available at nycgo.com/restaurantweek.

    NYC & Company

    NYC & Company is the official destination marketing organization and convention and visitors bureau for the City of New York, dedicated to maximizing travel and tourism opportunities throughout the five boroughs, building economic prosperity and spreading the positive image of New York City worldwide. For all there is to do and see in New York City, visit nycgo.com.

    Mastercard

    Mastercard is a global technology company in the payments industry with a mission to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere by making transactions safe, simple, smart and accessible. With connections across more than 210 countries and territories, Mastercard is building a sustainable world that unlocks priceless possibilities for all. To learn more, visit www.mastercard.us

    (Mabel Pais writes on Cuisine, Health & Wellness, The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, and Spirituality)

  • Velvety voice of the everyday citizen Bhupinder Singh bids goodbye to his fans

    Velvety voice of the everyday citizen Bhupinder Singh bids goodbye to his fans

    By  B B Nagpal

    ‘Naam gum jaayega, chehra yeh badal jaayege, meri awaaz hai pehchaan hai, gar yaad rahey” (My name will be lost, my face will be forgotten, but my voice will remain, if you remember it.)

    These words from a famous and emotional song from the 1977 film ‘Kinaara’ was sung as a duet by Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar who passed away earlier this year, and Bhupinder Singh who died earlier this week on July 18. And the lyrics by themselves convey that these two singers will never be forgotten and will live on through their songs. Bhupinder died of cardiac arrest at the age of 82 but was also suffering from covid and a suspected colon cancer. Bhupinder (6 February 1940 – 18 July 2022) was born in Amritsar in Punjab to Natha Singhji, a musician and his introducer to music. Bhupinder’s father was a stern teacher, and at one point, he detested music and its instruments.

    Bhupinder started his career as a casual artist for All India Radio under the direction of Satish Bhatia. He also worked at Doordarshan in Delhi. He learnt the guitar. In 1962, music director Madan Mohan heard him at a dinner hosted by Satish Bhatia in his honor (Satish Bhatia was Producer in AIR Delhi and Bhupinder was working under him as a guitarist) and called him to Mumbai then known as Bombay.

    His proficiency with the Hawaiian, Spanish and electric guitars also spread, and he became part of the famed R.D. Burman team. The Dum Maro Dum riff emerged from Mr. Singh’s instrument. “When Dev (Anand) sahib narrated the situation in his inimitable style, he said imagine smoke and clouds of heroin. Moved by his descriptions, I started playing a tune on my electric guitar, and R.D. said, this is it,” Mr. Singh once told this journalist.

    The melodious Bhupinder Singh.

    Bhupinder was given the opportunity to sing the very emotional song Hoke Majboor Mujhe Usne Bhulaya Hoga alongside Mohammed Rafi, Talat Mehmood and Manna Dey in the film Haqeeqat by Chetan Anand (eldest brother of Dev Anand). A song that brings tears to the listeners eyes, it is a scene of Indian soldiers who are convinced they will die as nobody knew their whereabouts during the India-China conflict of 1972 and so all the singers had to sing it with a tinge of despair and sadness. The actors included Jayant, Balraj Sahni, and Dharmendra, among others. Bhupinder was given a solo by the renowned Khayyam in the film Aakhri Khat and this brought him into notice by other music directors.

    Bhupinder’s slightly nasal voice was one of the most unique in playback singing and suited some of the actors of 1970s and 1980s. Apart from being a singer, he was an actor and a musician and played instruments in some of the iconic Hindi songs.

    The mid-1970s was also the time when the angry young man films had to compete with those of the average citizen. Bhupinder’s voice could convey the pain of the common man struggling to find a niche in the big city well. Most of his songs live on because they generate the same emotions as they did in the late 70s. Being a migrant himself, he could identify with the emotional dilemma expressed in Ek Akela Is Shehar Main ( Gharaonda) or the urge to embrace life in Zindagi Mere Ghar Aana ( Dooriyan).

    Outside the sublime world of Khayyam and Jaidev, Mr. Singh also struck a chord with Bappi Lahiri when he sang the irresistible ghazal, Kisi Nazar Ko Tera Intezar Aaj Bhi Hai ( Aetbaar) for him.

    He also started releasing private albums wherein his first LP had three self-composed songs and was released in 1968, a second LP of ghazals wherein he introduced the Spanish guitar, bass and drums to the ghazal style, released in 1978 and his third LP titled Woh Jo Shair Tha, for which the lyrics were written by the renowned lyricist Gulzar in 1980.

    He moved away from playback singing in the mid-1980s after his marriage with Bangladeshi singer Mitali Mukerji, and since then had been singing jointly for several albums and live concerts. Together they produced many ghazal and geet cassettes.

    Bhupinder and wife Mitali performing at a concert

    His famous film songs include “Dil Dhoondta hai”, “Do diwane shahar mein”, “Naam gum jayega”, “Karoge yaad to”, “Meethe bol bole”, “Kabhi kisi ko mukammal”, “Kisi nazar ko tera intezaar aaj bhi”, and “Ek akela is Shehar Mein”. Other songs include Duniya Chute Yaar Na Toote, Kahiya Kahan Se Aana Hua and Beete Na Bitaai Raina, Kisi Nazar Ko Tera Intezar Aaj Bhi Hai, “Thodi Si Zameen Thoda Aasman, Ek Akela Is Shaher Mein, Huzoor Is Kadar bhi na Itra ke Chaliye, Hothon Pe Aisi Baat, Karoge Yaad to Har Baat Yaad Aayegi, Kabhi Kisi Ko Mukammal Jahan nahi milta, and Zindagi Mere Ghar Aanaa. Aane Se Uske Aaye Bahar

    What Bhupinder lost because of competitors was made up by his songs. A large number of his songs listed above as a tinge of sadness or nostalgia in his voice, and the voice of every man’s heartache, and this made them so unique. At the same time, he gave romantic songs like Huzoor is kadar bhi na itra ke chaliye, Raat Banoo Mein Geet Bano Tum,

    Bhupinder and wife Mitali rehearsing.

    In addition, he and his wife together had around ten discs. Bhupinder also gained fame by playing the guitar in films like Dum maro dum, Ek Hi Khwaab, Waadiyaan Meraa Daaman, Chura liya hai, Chingari Koi Bhadke, Chalte, Mehbooba O Mehbooba, Ambar ki ek paak surahi, and Tum jo mil gaye ho. Mr. Singh won numerous awards but he was elated only when the Sangeet Natak Akademi conferred on him its award in the ‘sugam sangeet’ (light music) category. The year has seen the departure of many important personalities of the music world. Apart from Lata and Bhupinder, India lost the eminent santoor (Kashmiri string instrument)  player Shiv Kumar Sharma and Pandit Bhajan Sopori, music maestro Bappie Lahiri, playback singer Sandhya Mukherjee, and singer KK. In addition, India lost filmmaker Ravi Tandon (father of actress Raveena Tandon), filmmaker T Rama Rao, actor Ramesh Deo, and actor Salim Ghouse.

    ( The author is an eminent Film and TV critic. A Consultant for some media websites and print publications , he is also a visiting professor in several institutions on journalism, public relations, and cinema studies. He can be reached at bbnagpal@yahoo.com)

  • India Day Parade of Long Island on August 7

    HICKSVILLE, NY (TIP): IDP USA is organizing the 11th India Day Parade of Long Island on August 7. According to a press note issued by Parveen Chopra, Media Coordinator for IDP USA, “famous Bollywood actress Prachi Tehlan, singing sensation Shibani Kashyap and Hollywood/Bollywood actor Prashantt Gupta have been signed on to raise the EQ, entertainment quotient, of the parade celebrating the landmark 75thanniversary of India’s independence.”

    All the arrangements for holding a safe and successful parade in Hicksville on Sunday, August 7 are in place. The parade organizers are grateful to the full cooperation from the officials concerned of Nassau County and Town of Oyster Bay and the police department.

    The parade will originate from Hicksville Community Center on Carl Street West and culminate at 125 West John Street where the entertainment stage and vendor stalls will be set up. Children’s carnival and games area will be free. The raffle will have attractive prizes.

    The parade celebrates Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav with a focus on India’s culture and heritage. The two themes IDP adopted this time are: ‘Each One Plant One’ to combat global warming, and ‘Anekta Mein Ekta’ (Unity in Diversity).

    About the star attractions, Prachi Tehlan – Grand Marshal

    A renowned TV and film actress Prachi has played starring roles in both many films and TV series. She made her acting debut on television in Diya Aur Baati Hum on Star Plus in 2016. She made her movie debut in Punjabi film Arjan (2017) opposite Roshan Prince and after Malayalam movie Mamangam (2019), she has more exciting projects in her kitty. Prachi is a former Indian netball and basketball player who spearheaded the Indian Netball Team in the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

    Shibani Kashyap – Guest of Honor

    Bollywood playback singer Shibani has given hits like ‘Ho Gayi Hai Mohabbat’, ‘Sajna Aa Bhi Jaa,’ Zinda Hoon Main’, and ‘Kya Nazakhat Hai,’ Recipient of the best playback singer award at Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival, Shibani has rendered her voice for popular movies like ‘Waisa Bhi Hota Hai’, ‘Mr Ya Miss’, ‘Zindaa’, ‘The Great Indian Butterfly’, etc.

    Prashantt Guptha – Guest of Honor

    Prashantt Guptha was born in Queens and raised on Long Island. Shifting to Mumbai, he has played key roles in movies like Neerja, Irada, OTT series Aashram, and Regards and Peace. He is now a partner in a Hollywood company called Mulberry, and recently produced and starred in his first American film, A New Christmas.

    For more information: -Vimal Goyal, IDP USA President, Ph: 516 978 7125, VimKGoyal@yahoo.com.

    Parveen Chopra (Media Coordinator), 516 710 0508, Parveen.Chopra@gmail.com