NJYS December Signature Concert collage. Photo : Wharton Arts
By Mabel Pais
The New Jersey Youth Symphony (NJYS) returns to the Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) on Sunday, December 11 at 4:00 p.m. to celebrate music, dance, and the holiday season with Danzon, Tango and Bugler’s Holiday! Don’t miss this uplifting show that explores dance rhythms across the world and shares the stories behind the music that are universal to the human experience.
The NJYS Youth Symphony, led by Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Helen H. Cha-Pyo, will share the stage with special guests Francis Goya, Romantic guitarist and multi-platinum artist; soprano saxophonist Tim Egan; and tango dancers Carolina Jaurena and Juan Alessandrini. Works by Astor Piazzola, Arturo Marquez, Francis Goya, and Leroy Anderson will be featured in this community celebration for all ages.
Jaurena and Alessandrini said, “We are excited to be part of this concert and collaborate with the New Jersey Youth Symphony. We are certain it will be a unique experience and we look forward to sharing our love and passion for tango with the audience.“
“This is my first time performing with the New Jersey Youth Symphony, although several of my friends were members of NJYS in high school,” said Egan. “As a saxophonist, I was always jealous that they got to play in (an) orchestra! I have been a Teaching Artist at the Paterson Music Project since 2021 and this year I had the opportunity to coach the NJYS Clarinet Trio. I look forward to many more years of collaboration with this life-changing performing arts education organization.”
TICKETS
Tickets are available at ucpac.org/event/nj-youth-symphony-danzon-tango-and-buglers-holiday.
Wharton Arts
Wharton Arts’ mission is to offer accessible, high quality performing arts education that sparks personal growth and builds inclusive communities. Wharton Arts is located in Berkeley Heights, New Providence, and Paterson, NJ and reaches students from 12 counties. All of Wharton Arts’ extraordinary teaching artists, faculty members, and conductors hold degrees in their teaching specialty and have been vetted and trained to enable their students to achieve their personal best. Learn more at whartonarts.org
(Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Health & Wellness, Cuisine and Spirituality)
Wednesday, December 7, 2022 @ 8PM @ Prudential Hall
Stirling’s unique interpretation of beautifully nostalgic holiday music will be more dynamic than ever – intertwining dance, trapeze, lyra, and aerial all while delivering an impeccable violin performance. Lindsey’s new Christmas album Snow Waltz is out October 7th via Concord. Featuring eight classic covers and five original tracks, Snow Waltz delivers Stirling’s immersive arrangements and mesmerizing melodies but with a seasonal twist, featuring songs that promise to be the perfect soundtrack for the holiday season. Learn more at lindseystirling.com.
NEIL DEGRASSE TYSON
Thursday, December 8, 2022 @ 7:30PM @ Prudential Hall
Spend a thought-provoking evening with astrophysicist, professor and New York Times best-selling author Neil deGrasse Tyson of the Hayden Planetarium. The author of the new book ‘Starry Messenger: Cosmic Perspectives on Civilization’ will discuss how having a “cosmic perspective” profoundly influences what we think and feel about science, culture, politics and life itself. Take a journey to the far reaches of the universe in this cosmically fascinating conversation. Learn more at haydenplanetarium.org/tyson
MATT FRASER
Friday, December 9, 2022 @ 8PM @ Prudential Hall
Join psychic medium Matt Fraser for an incredible event! The star of the E! TV series ‘Meet The Frasers’ and best-selling author of ‘When Heaven Calls’ will make you gasp, laugh and cry as he performs uncanny live readings. You’ve seen him bring healing and hope to A-list celebrities, TV audiences and regular people around the world. Now, prepare for a roller coaster of emotions as Matt reveals unknowable secrets, reconnects members of our audience to their lost loved ones, and turns skeptics into true believers.
RECYCLED PERCUSSION
Friday, December 9th, 2022 @ 7PM @ Victoria Theater
The turbo-charged drummers of Recycled Percussion create their own unique brand of high-energy “junk rock” by transforming everyday objects into percussive instruments. This mind-blowing, immersive show expands the boundaries of modern percussion by incorporating items like power tools, ladders, buckets, trash cans and a whole lot more, turning them into incredibly expressive musical instruments. And at every performance, you get a drumstick and an unusual instrument so you can join in the fun. Learn more at recycledpercussion.com
THE TEMPTATIONS & THE FOUR TOPS
December 10, 2022 @ 8PM @ Prudential Hall
The Temptations & The Four Tops. Photo : Courtesy NJPAC
We “heard it through the grapevine” that The Temptations and The Four Tops are headed to NJPAC for one night only! Put a smooth groove in your step with these two Motown supergroups. Backed by a tight rhythm section and blazing brass ensemble, every song is a solid gold hit. Bring your sweetie, bring your grandkids—you’re guaranteed to smile and sing along ’til it’s time to go home! Learn more at temptationsofficial.com
FRAN LEBOWITZ
December 11, 2022 @ 3PM @ Prudential Hall
Fran Lebowitz. Photo : Courtesy NJPAC
In a cultural landscape filled with endless pundits and talking heads, Fran Lebowitz stands out as one of today’s most insightful social commentators. In essays, interviews and live appearances, she’s always wickedly entertaining and unapologetically opinionated. Most recently, Fran starred in the Emmy-nominated Netflix documentary series ‘Pretend It’s a City,’ directed by longtime pal Martin Scorsese (who also directed Public Speaking, Fran’s 2010 HBO documentary). Join NJPAC for an evening of wit and wisecracks with the raconteur herself.
LIGHTWIRE THEATER PRESENTS: A VERY ELECTRIC CHRISTMAS
Tuesday, December 13, 2022 @ 7PM @ Victoria Theater
Light up the holidays with this magical family show! Lightwire Theater’s ‘A Very Electric Christmas’ is performed in complete darkness with electroluminescent costumes, puppets and scenery. Kids and adults will both be dazzled by the glow-in-the-dark stagecraft, as the North Pole comes to life with soaring birds, dancing toy soldiers and a sparkling Christmas tree. This story of family, friendship and hope is set to timeless holiday hits, from classic (The Nutcracker) to contemporary (Mariah Carey).
TICKETS
For more Information and Tickets to any performance, visit njpac.org.
NJPAC
Follow The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) Online:
Website: njpac.org
Twitter: @NJPAC
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Hashtag: #NJPAC
Facebook: facebook.com/NJPAC
YouTube: NJPACtv
Follow NJPAC’s Standing in Solidarity Series Online:
Website: njpac.org/takeastand
Hashtag: #NJPACTakeAStand Youtube: Standing in Solidarity playlist
Dir/Writ: Pan Nalin l Gujarati w/Eng subs l 1h 51m
India’s Official Submission for Best International Feature Filmat the 95th (Year 2022) Academy Awards
Last Film Show. (Photo : lastfilmshow.net)
“A nuanced discourse about the art of filmmaking… Sonawane’s mesmerizing cinematography pays tribute to the ghosts of the greatest filmmakers of all time.” – Film Threat, Swapnil Dhruv Bose
“Paying homage to everyone from Sergio Leone to Satyajit Ray, this coming-of-age story is an ethereal take on the magic of movies.”
– Indiewire, David Ehrlich
Samay, a 9-year-old boy living with his family in a remote village in India discovers films for the first time and is absolutely mesmerized. Against his father’s wishes, he returns to the cinema day after day to watch more films, and even befriends the projectionist, who, in exchange for his lunch box, lets him watch movies for free. He quickly figures out that stories become light, light becomes films, and films become dreams. Samay and his wild gang of friends move heaven and earth to catch and project light to achieve a 35mm film projection. But little do they know that soon they’ll be forced to make heartbreaking choices as an era is approaching to annihilate everything they love about their 35mm dreams…
Opening: In select theaters December 2, followed by digital release December 9
FOUR SAMOSAS
Dir/Writ/Prod: Ravi Kapoor l 2022 l USA l English l 1h 20m
World Premiere – 2022 Tribeca Film Festival
Set entirely in LA’s “Little India” in a world of sari places, curry restaurants, Indian amateur-dramatic groups and South-Asian revolutionaries, ‘Four Samosas’ is a love letter to all the “Little India’s” around the world, and a celebration of re-discovering your voice and finding your crew.
When wannabe rapper Vinny discovers that his fatalistic ex-girlfriend Rina is now engaged to a goat-shit recycler named Sanjay, Vinny decides to disrupt her future wedding by stealing her dowry diamonds from her father’s grocery store. Crewing up with an actor who longs to go to Bollywood, a resourceful do-gooding newspaper editor and a malcontent immigrant engineer, Vinny and his gang somehow pull off the heist despite their obvious ineptitude. But will the theft get Vinny and Rina back together again or lead to more misery? And will Vinny ever finish a song?
Amplify Voices Award – 2022 Toronto International Film Festival
Special Jury Prize for Innovative Spirit – 2022 Sundance Film Festival
Leonor Will Never Die. (Photo : leonorwillneverdie.com)
‘Leonor Will Never Die’ is the story of Leonor Reyes. She was once a groundbreaking figure in the Filipino film industry during its ragtag action cinema glory days, but now she struggles with old age, mounting bills, and the untimely death of her son. While revisiting an unfinished script about a fearless protagonist trying to avenge his brother’s murder, Leonor is struck on the head by a falling television set and knocked into a coma. As she lies unconscious in the hospital, fantasy and reality begin to blur when Leonor finds herself awake inside her script, becoming the hero of her own story. An innovative blend of pulpy action homages, playful comedy, and touching family drama, ‘Leonor Will Never Die’ is a wonderfully imaginative tribute to the art of filmmaking.
Opening: Currently running in New York city, expanding to cities nationwide, December 2 onwards
COME FIND ME
Dir: Daniel Poliner l 2021 l USA l 1h 44m
‘Come Find Me’ is a story about a mother and daughter facing major life changes and how their love challenges and sustains them. The daughter, Christina, is a young attorney rising toward partnership in a large firm with no other partners who look like her. The first half of the movie follows Christina and then it jumps forward two years and we watch her wedding from the point of view of her mother, Gloria, a recently retired and widowed public school principal.
Opening: Dec 2 in Chicago, on VOD January 13
LONG LINE OF LADIES
Dirs: Rayka Zehtabchi & Shaandiin Tome l 2022 l USA l English l 22m
WORLD PREMIERE – 2022 Sundance Film Festival
SXSW, Jury Award Winner
Seattle International Film Festival, Jury Award Winner
San Francisco International Film Festival, Golden Gate Award Winner
Long Line of Ladies, poster. (Photo : longlineofladies.com)
‘Long Line Of Ladies’ intimately observes the months-long process of one girl and her tight-knit Karuk community as they come together to prepare for her Ihuk, the coming-of-age ceremony for girls which went dormant for over 120 years due to the violence and destruction brought on by the Gold Rush. In the weeks leading up to her Ihuk, Ahty learns traditional dances and songs and mentally and physically prepares to spend four days blindfolded and fasting. Meanwhile, the women and men around her work tirelessly to pass down knowledge, prepare regalia, tools and food, and above all, to promote the continued revitalization of their traditions.
Opening: Currently running on The New York Times OpDocs
CROSSING
Dir/Writ: Arthur Ian l 2019 l Armenia/USA/Russia l Russian w/Eng subs l
1h 18m
‘Crossing’ begins at the end of the Cold War with a dream and delivers us to the United States, 20 years later where those dreams are in jeopardy. It marks the feature directorial debut of Arthur Ian who wrote the script as well. In the final years of the Cold War, a Soviet family splinters along East/West lines. Andrei (Tsaghikyan), a free-spirited teenager, leaves the USSR to follow his dream of becoming a successful businessman in the United States. Ultimately, Andrei’s (Martin) dreams come to a halt 20 years later when his new world is shattered by the Great Recession. Forced to reunite with his family, including his eccentric mother (Sirtis), and caught between struggles both present and past, Andrei reexamines the values from the life that he left behind.
Opening: December 2 worldwide on multiple digital platforms including iTunes/AppleTV and Amazon.
(Mabel Pais writes on Social Issues, The Arts and Entertainment, Health & Wellness, Cuisine and Spirituality)
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): As part of a broader effort to increase security, the Internal Revenue Service and the Security Summit partners today reminded taxpayers they could get extra protection starting in January by joining the agency’s Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN) program.
Anyone who has a Social Security number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) and is able to verify their identity is eligible to enroll in the IP PIN program. More than 6.6 million taxpayers are now protecting themselves against tax-related identity theft by participating in the IP PIN program. Last year, the IRS made changes to the program to make it easier for more taxpayers to join. The fastest and easiest way to receive an IP PIN is by using the Get an IP PIN tool, which will be available in January.
Today’s reminder marks the fourth day of National Tax Security Awareness Week, which runs through Dec. 2. The Security Summit sponsors this annual observance as part of a larger effort between the IRS, the state tax agencies as well as the nation’s tax software and tax professional industries.
The Security Summit was established in 2015 to protect taxpayers and the nation’s tax system against tax-related identity theft. This unique collaboration between the public and private sectors has increased mutual defenses against criminals trying to file fraudulent tax returns and steal refunds.
One of the critical features of the IRS system involves an IP PIN, which is a six-digit number assigned to eligible taxpayers to help prevent the misuse of their Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number on fraudulent federal income tax returns.
An IP PIN is known only to the taxpayer and the IRS. Initially designed for confirmed victims of tax-related identity theft, the IP PIN program was expanded in 2021 to include any taxpayer nationwide who wants the additional protection and security of using an IP PIN to file tax returns with the IRS. “Preventing someone from filing a tax return under another person’s name is the main reason we want people to have this special code,” said IRS Acting Commissioner Doug O’Donnell. “We encourage people to apply for the code when the system opens up in January. This step provides an extra line of protection for taxpayers – and their tax return.” An IP PIN helps the IRS verify a taxpayer’s identity and accept their federal income tax returns, regardless of whether they are filing electronically or on paper. The online Get an IP PIN tool at IRS.gov/IPPIN displays the taxpayer’s IP PIN. Any participating taxpayer will use the tool in each subsequent year to obtain a new number.
The IRS urges any IP PIN applicant previously rejected during the identity authentication process to try applying again in 2023. The authentication process has been refined and improved, enabling many taxpayers screened out in the past to have a better chance of passing the authentication process. The Electronic Tax Administration Advisory Committee, or ETAAC, earlier this year highlighted the importance of the IP PIN to taxpayers and tax professionals. “The IP PIN is the number one security tool currently available to taxpayers from the IRS,” the independent advisory group said in its annual report to Congress. “This tool is the key to making it more difficult for criminals to file false tax returns in the name of the taxpayer. In our view, the benefits of increased IP PIN use are many.”
The ETAAC also recommended the IRS continue to highlight and promote the IP PIN through a public awareness effort. As part of this effort, the IRS is highlighting the IP PIN as part of National Tax Security Awareness Week. The IRS also continues to raise awareness of special items including Publication 5367, IP PIN Opt-In Program for Taxpayers, in English and Spanish, so that tax professionals can print and share the IP PIN information with clients. Special posters are also available in English and Spanish.
Key points about the IP PIN program
Before applying, keep these key points in mind about the IP PIN program:
For 2023, the Get an IP PIN tool is scheduled to launch on Jan. 09, 2023. It’s the fastest and easiest way to get an IP PIN. It is also the only option that immediately reveals the IP PIN to the taxpayer. Therefore, the IRS urges everyone to try the Get an IP PIN tool before pursuing other options.
No identity theft affidavit is required for taxpayers opting in. Anyone who voluntarily applies for an IP PIN does not need to file Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit, with the IRS. The IP PIN is valid for one year. This means that each January, any participating taxpayer must obtain a newly generated IP PIN. Be sure to enter the IP PIN on any return, whether it is filed electronically or on paper. This includes any amended returns or returns for prior years. Doing so will help avoid processing delays or having the return rejected by the IRS.
Anyone with a Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) who can verify their identity is eligible for the IP PIN opt-in program. Any eligible family member can get an IP PIN. This includes the primary taxpayer (the person listed first on a tax return), the secondary taxpayer (on a joint return, the person listed second on the return), or any of their dependents.
Never reveal an IP PIN to anyone. The only exception is a taxpayer who uses a trusted tax professional to file their return. Even then, only share the IP PIN with the trusted tax pro when it is time to sign and submit the return. The IRS will never ask for an IP PIN. Remember to watch out: Phone calls, emails and texts requesting an IP PIN are scams. Third parties offering to assist taxpayers to establish or re-gain access to IRS online accounts and asking for the taxpayer’s personal information including address, Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification number (ITIN) and photo identification use this information to sell to others, or file fraudulent tax returns, open credit accounts and more. Identity theft victims should still fill out an ID theft affidavit. Any confirmed tax-related identity theft victim still needs to file Form 14039 with the IRS if the agency rejects their e-filed tax return due to a duplicate SSN filing. The IRS will then investigate their case. Once the fraudulent tax return is removed from their account, the IRS will automatically mail an IP PIN to the confirmed victim at the start of the following calendar year. Because of security risks, confirmed identity theft victims cannot opt-out of the IP PIN program.
Options for people who can’t pass the online authentication process
Two options are available for people who cannot pass the IRS online identity authentication process. One involves filing Form 15227, and the other requires a visit to an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC). Unlike the online option, both of these options involve, for security reasons, a delay in receiving an IP PIN.
Form 15227: For processing year 2023, individuals with an adjusted gross income of $73,000 or less and those filing jointly with an adjusted gross income (AGI) of $146,000 or less with access to a telephone can complete Form 15227 and either mail or fax it to the IRS. An IRS representative will then call them to verify their identity with a series of questions. Taxpayers choosing this option who pass the identity authentication process will generally receive their IP PIN in about a month. IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers: Any taxpayer who is ineligible to file Form 15227 may make an appointment to visit an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC). Anyone using this option must bring two forms of picture identification. Because this is in-person identity verification, an IP PIN will be mailed to the taxpayer after their visit. Usually, allow three weeks for delivery. To find the nearest TAC, use the IRS Local Office Locator online tool or call 844-545-5640.
For more details and to learn more about this year’s National Tax Security Awareness Week’s efforts, visit IRS.gov/securitysummit
NEW YORK (TIP): Infiflex, launched in 2010 as a small services provider in India with modest dreams, has evolved into a global firm with 200-plus employees, more than 7,000 clients and a footprint spanning India, Singapore and the United States. Already a top-three Google Premier Partner, a Microsoft Tier-1 Gold Partner and AWS Advanced Tier Partner, Infiflex has expanded its flagship platforms over time to create GIFFY, the rapid app development tool and CHEKIN, the secure authentication app. It has started to create a stronghold in the US market. According to Infiflex US marketing leader, Juan Botero, “Our vision is to build a United States headquarter. It’s huge because we live in an era where companies are leaving the US, looking for reduction in human resource cost.” To lead this expansion, the company partnered with tech veterans Greg Forrest, Ron Cole & Botero. Their combined talents of Corporate Development, Sales Leadership and knowledge of Digital Transformation provide the foundation to build a strong national US presence.
Today, Infiflex’scurrent aims include establishing new investments, remaining active in corporate development and working alongside partners as frequently as possible. “Whatever technology you need to support your company’s growth, you can deploy with GIFFY,” said Botero, noting it can also be run in Microsoft Azure and AWS environments. “There are no limitations. And that’s great news for small businesses.”
With GIFFY and CHEKIN, Infiflex is seeking to simultaneously help midmarket businesses scale and protect themselves as necessary. Using the GIFFY framework, businesses can develop applications in short duration with minimal-to-no coding. CHEKIN, meanwhile, offers secure authentication to reduce login burden. The software lets customers sign in using their Google accounts, while including IP restriction, user bypassing, OU-based restrictions, signature setup and device registration features, among others.
“I was a software developer before starting Infiflex,” recalled founder and president Jude Mohanty. “I noticed developers do the same work over and over and not work to make complex tasks simple. That’s why I created Infiflex. We make things simple. The name of our company comes from ‘Infinite Flexibility,’ and that is what we accomplish for our customers.” As smaller firms emerge from COVID-19, Infiflex believes it is uniquely positioned to capitalize on its two-channel strategy:
Direct Channel – Targeting firms with more than 10 employees that use Google Workspace for their operations, across various sectors.
Indirect Sales – Seeking independent sales professionals, the partner channel and smaller developer companies with fewer than 10 staff that fall short against no-code and low-code offerings.
“That’s happening a lot,” said Botero, regarding stifled developers. “Your traditional developer’s shop is competing with no-code/low-code solutions, and small developer shops struggle because they have an overhead. They have to keep a rate that is not competitive in the market. Using GIFFY, they can lower the rate and become more competitive.” As businesses in the US and beyond continue to struggle with increased costs and hard to find talent, the introduction to low code is allowing them to automate their businesses. It is allowing them to simplify how they work and make processes more sustainable. Infiflex through its multiple entry points with customers allows us to meet the businesses where they are in the digital transformation journey. Whether it starts at Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace or building a website for lead capture to a fully customized workflow management platform, Infiflex can provide a solution for any small business to enterprise customer. And, as it pertains to the channel, opportunities likewise abound.“These are the people who are leveraging their professional network, and they’re offering solutions to the companies that trust in them,” said Botero. “We think that GIFFY and CHEKIN would be interesting offerings. CHEKIN, especially, because of the emphasis that we now have on security, user identity, access and validation management, which area few of the most important things to keep your network safe. They can each be an interesting addition to the portfolio of an independent sales professional here in the United States.” Moving forward, Infiflex plans to introduce a support specialist team for the US, a pre-sales group for helping partners approach clients and dedicated support tools.“They don’t have to be technology experts to sell or use our products,” explained Botero. After all, Infiflex represents stream-lined options for helping smaller companies run IT infrastructure as if they were a larger firm.
Gita Jayanti is a very important day for Hindus. On this day, the holy book of Hindus, Bhagavad Gita was born, ie Gita Jayanti is the day when Lord Shri Krishna told the Gita to Arjuna. It is celebrated on Shukla Ekadashi on the 11th day of Margashirsha month of the Hindu calendar. The Bhagavad Gita was described by Lord Krishna himself before the Mahabharata war began. It is believed that in the Mahabharata, the seeds of the Pandavas and the Kauravas had decided to go to war even after every possible reconciliation effort.
The ‘Bhagavad Gita’ was revealed by Krishna himself to Arjuna at the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Now this place is called Kurukshetra in the Indian state of Haryana. Kurukshetra is the holy and main religious place of Hindus. This book is written by a third person. Which was narrated by Sanjay to King Dhritarashtra, because the Gita was described between Lord Krishna and Arjuna. Sanjay was blessed and empowered by his teacher, Ved Vyas, that he could see the events in the battlefield from a distance.
The festival of Gita Jayanti is celebrated all over the world by all the devotees (followers of Sanatana Dharma) of Lord Krishna. The Gita contains about 700 verses that provide knowledge to many humans about many important aspects of life. Those who want to progress spiritually study the Gita.
Most people also fast on this day because it is the day of Ekadashi (Ekadashi fasting is the eleventh day of the moon and Amavasya) – it occurs twice every lunar month. On this day, bhajans and pujas are organized. In places where this festival is celebrated grandly, stage play and Gita chanting competitions are organized to show children as a way to encourage their interest to read Gita. Yogis, monks and learned scholars give talks and organize this sacred book. Letters, booklets and books containing the essence of the Gita are distributed to the public. Distributing free copies of the Gita on this holy day is particularly auspicious.
Gita jayanti 2022 date
According to Hindu Panchang, Gita Jayanti is celebrated with great fanfare on Mokshada Ekadashi of Shukla Paksha of Margashirsha month. This year, Gita jayanti will be celebrated on 3 December.
Gita Jayanti: Significance
The Bhagavad Gita is the most sacred and significant Hindu script. This day is celebrated by followers of Lord Krishna around the world. That’s the reason it is known as Bhagavad Gita Jayanti too. It is regarded as Shrimad Bhagavad Gita and considered it as one of the most sacred text in Hindu religion.
The Bhagavad Gita was described in Dwapar Yuga by Lord Krishna himself to his dear friend Arjun at the battle field of Kurukshetra. Now this place is called Kurukshetra in the Indian state of Haryana. Kurukshetra is the holy and main religious place of Hindus. It was written by Veda Vyas. It is mentioned that when Lord Krishna was giving knowledge of Gita to Arjuna to come back from Kurukshetra’s battlefield then the whole gyan was narrated by Sanjay to King Dhritarashtra because Sanjay was blessed by his teacher Ved Vyas and had an ability that he could see the events in the battlefield from a distance.
Gita Jayanti celebration
Devotees recite Bhagwad Gita on this auspicious day of Gita Jayanti. Gita contains about 700 verses that provide knowledge to many humans about many important aspects of life. Those who want to progress spiritually study the Gita. On this day, bhajans and pujas are organised and sweets are distributed. People organise stage play and Gita chanting competitions to show children as a way to encourage their interest to read Gita. Yogis and Monks give their speech and explain its deep meaning to the mass. Letters, booklets and books containing the essence of the Gita are distributed to the public. It enables people and families to lead both a brave and positive active life.
Rituals
The day is celebrated with great enthusiasm by the devotees in all Lord Krishna Temples and perform puja and special prayers. On this day, devotees from various parts of India and abroad would like to go to Kurukshetra and take a bath in the sacred river – Sannihit Sarovar and Brahma Sarovar. Some people even organise Bhagwad Gita Paath at home. People can get rid of Pitra Dosha by reading Bhagwad Gita. On the auspicious day of Ekadashi, devotees do not eat grains like – rice, wheat or barley those who observe fast. Many celebrations takes place to teach today’s young people the importance of Dharma by explaining Gita on this special day.
Located 95 km from Srinagar at a height of 7200 ft, Pahalgam, known as the ‘Valley of Shepherds’, is a famous hill station in Jammu and Kashmir where many films have been shot. Standing at the confluence of Lidder river and the Sheshnag lake, Pahalgam is surrounded by thickly wooded pine forests, breathtaking vistas of meadows and the snow-clad Himalayan mountains. Serving as the base camp during the Amarnath Yatra, the Pahalgam-Chandanwati-Amarnath route is preferred by tourists trying to reach the mountain cave of Lord Shiva. The town also holds an amazing two-day long Snow Festival that showcases winter sports like skiing, snow-sledging and many more which tourists can participate in. Other activities that tourists can indulge in are golf, trekking and angling. Apart from being a pilgrimage site, Pahalgam is also a treat for adventure junkies and is the starting point for several treks. However, the highlight of the activities available for tourists is the white water rafting facility winding down the Lidder River through the forests and down the rapids.
While shopping in Pahalgam, remember that there are only three banks with ATM machines (SBI, HDFC and J&K) and hawkers will ask for five times the rate of the product, so don’t forget to bargain. However, the Kashmiri shawls, carpets and clothing with chain-stitch embroidery are beautiful and a must buy.
BETAAB VALLEY
Betaab Valley was known as Hagan Valley until the blockbuster movie Betaab, starring Sunny Deol and Amrita Singh, was shot here. About 15 km away from Pahalgam, this place falls en route Amarnath yatra. This picture-perfect destination, featuring snow-clad mountains and lush pine trees, comes straight from the movies. It is home to mouth of the River Sheshnag and a wide variety of birds. A beautiful green-coloured bridge is built across the river that takes tourists to the pine tree valley. Resting between two major mountain ranges, Pir Panjal and Zanskar, Betaab Valley acts as a base for trekking to other major mountain ranges. While here, you can also explore nearby tourist places like Tulian Lake and Baisaran.
ARU VALLEY
Aru is one of the most scenic and quiet attractions of Kashmir and is therefore loved by artists and nature lovers. Vast meadows surrounded by the mist-covered mountains covered with pine trees add to the beauty of this valley. It acts as a base camp for Kolhoi Glacier, Tarsar Lake, Lidderwat, Vishansar-Kishansar, and Kangan. A lot of tourists choose to camp here for a night and sink in the quiet of the nature. Aru is surrounded by many beautiful alpine lakes and meadows and is therefore home to many hotels and restaurants, if you do not want to camp and stay longer. Activities like horse riding, trout fishing, trekking and photography can be enjoyed here.
BAISARAN
Surrounded by immensely wooded forests of pine, Baisaran is a beautiful valley straight out of Yash Chopra’s movies. Popularly known as mini Switzerland of India, this meadow is only 5 kilometres away from Pahalgam and can be easily reached by pony. It also acts as a base for trekkers visiting Tulian Lake. The way to Baisaran provides a perfect photo opportunity as the ponies take you through crisscross paths, lined by pine trees, up to the valley. There are not many food joints up there but small size tapries, where they sell exceptionally good tea. It’s ideal for picnicking and a must-visit attraction in Pahalgam.
CHANDANWARI
Chandanwari is the starting point of pilgrimage to one of the holiest shrines of Hindus, Amarnath Temple. Easily accessible by road, this place has been a part of several Bollywood movies, the most famous of which is Betaab. Also a wonderful picnic spot, Chandanwari offers sledding opportunities for adventure enthusiasts. Unless you are extremely unfortunate, you are bound to find snow here. Gum boots are available on rent from the nearby stalls and locals running the sledding camps will tip you on the dos and don’ts of sledding.
MAMLESHWAR TEMPLE
As per legend, it was Mamleshwar Temple where Lord Ganesh stood as a doorkeeper for her mother and didn’t allow Lord Shiva to enter its premises. Consequently, Lord Shiva cuts his head off without knowing that he was his own son and following his mother’s order. Dating back to 400 AD, this impressive stone edifice is about a kilometre away from Pahalgam, resting amid mist-covered mountains. The complex is lush green and is situated across the Kolahoi stream, which is another beautiful attraction of the region.
The government on Thursday, December 1, slashed to less than half the windfall profit tax on domestically produced crude oil and also reduced the levy on diesel. The tax on crude oil produced by firms such as ONGC has been reduced to Rs 4,900 per tonne from the existing Rs 10,200 per tonne. The government also cut the rate on export of diesel to Rs 8 per litre from Rs 10.5 per litre. The new rates will be effective from December 2. The tax on crude oil produced by firms such as state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has been reduced to Rs 4,900 per tonne from the existing Rs 10,200 per tonne, as per a government notification issued on Thursday.
In the fortnightly revision of windfall profit tax, the government cut the rate on export of diesel to Rs 8 per litre from Rs 10.5 per litre. The levy includes Rs 1.5 per litre as road infrastructure cess.
The special additional excise duty on petrol continues to remain nil and that on aviation fuel ATF at Rs 5 a litre.
When the levy was first introduced, a windfall tax on export of petrol alongside diesel and ATF (Aviation Turbine Fuel) too was levied. But the tax on petrol was scrapped in subsequent fortnightly reviews.
New Delhi (TIP)- India’s real (inflation adjusted) gross domestic product (GDP) grew 6.3% in the July-September quarter, far slower than 13.5% in the previous quarter, official data released by the ministry of statistics and programme implementation showed. Gross value added, which strips out the subsidies and indirect taxes, grew 5.6% year-on-year in the second quarter, compared with 12.7% in the first quarter, the data showed. In 2021-22, GDP growth was 8.4% in the July-September quarter. GDP is the sum of all goods and services produced in an economy and is taken to be the widest measure of incomes generated. Among key economic sectors, agricultural growth increased 4.6% while manufacturing fell 4.3%. The construction sector saw a 6.6% annual increase in economic activity, the data showed. The mining sector shrunk 2.8%, compared to a growth of 6.5% in the previous three months. Nominal GDP, at current prices in the second quarter FY22, was estimated at Rs 65.31 lakh crore, as against Rs 64.95 lakh crore in the previous quarter, according to the data. The government’s capital spending increased more than 40% as the Centre stepped up expenditure on infrastructure from roads to railways.
Data released separately showed the growth rate in the production of eight key sectors slowed down to 0.1% in October against 8.7% in the same month last year. In September, the core sectors’ output growth stood at 7.8%.
The Tata Group announced the consolidation of its airlines – Vistara and Air India. Air India will be the country’s leading domestic and international carrier with a combined fleet of 218 aircraft and India’s largest international carrier and second-largest domestic carrier, the group said in a statement. Vistara will merge with Air India after all the requisite approvals come in, the company said. As part of the merger transaction, SIA will invest Rs 2,059 crore in Air India and following the consolidation, SIA will hold a 25.1 per cent shareholding in Air India, it added.
The transaction is estimated to be completed by March 2024. “The merger of Vistara and Air India is an important milestone in our journey to make Air India a truly world-class airline. We are transforming Air India, with the aim of providing a great customer experience, every time, for every customer. As part of the transformation, Air India is focusing on growing both its network and fleet, revamping its customer proposition, enhancing safety, reliability, and on-time performance,” N Chandrasekaran, the chairman of Tata Sons, said in a statement. “We are excited about the opportunity of creating a strong Air India which would offer both full-service and low-cost service across domestic and international routes,” he added. Tata Sons acquired a 100 per cent stake in Air India on January 27, 2022, through its fully-owned subsidiary, Talace Private Limited. Vistara, which is a 51-49 joint venture between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines, is a full-service carrier with international operations to the Middle East, Asia and Europe.
The Government eMarketplace (GeM), the six-year-old public procurement website, is closing in on e-commerce giants Amazon and Walmart-owned Flipkart in terms of gross merchandise value (GMV). Prashant Kumar Singh, chief executive officer of GeM, recently said the portal would be the largest e-commerce platform in India by the end of the current financial year, crossing Amazon and Flipkart. Singh pegged the FY23 GMV target for GeM at Rs 2 trillion (around $25 billion). In FY22, GeM recorded a GMV of $14.2 billion, as against Amazon India’s $17 billion and Flipkart’s $23 billion. GeM is time-efficient as the turnaround time for award of contract on the platform is significantly lower than state-specific portals. This has reduced the share of cancelled tenders to single digit in several states. The portal also saves cost in the range of 8-10 per cent of GMV. If GeM manages to achieve the Rs 2-trillion target by FY23-end, it will save around Rs 20,000 crore to the public exchequer and public sector undertakings. The average order value per day has witnessed a six-fold jump, and the average number of orders per day has almost doubled in FY23 compared to FY21.
Washington (TIP)- US consumer spending elevated solidly in October, whereas inflation moderated, giving the financial system a strong enhance in the beginning of the fourth quarter because it navigates a excessive rate of interest surroundings. Consumer spending, which accounts for greater than two-thirds of US financial exercise, jumped 0.8% after an unrevised 0.6% enhance in September, the commerce division mentioned on Thursday. October’s acquire was in line with economists’ expectations.
Spending final month was boosted by wage good points amid labor market resilience, one-time tax refunds in California, which noticed some households receiving as a lot as $1,050 in stimulus checks, and value of residing changes for meals stamp recipients. The Federal Reserve is in the midst of what has turn into the quickest price-mountaineering cycle because the Nineteen Eighties, because it battles excessive inflation, elevating the dangers of a recession subsequent 12 months. Fed Chair Jerome Powell mentioned on Wednesday the US central financial institution might reduce the tempo of its price will increase “as soon as December.” That intention was supported by a moderation in the inflation development final month. The private consumption expenditures (PCE) worth index rose 0.3 after advancing by the identical margin in September. In the 12 months via October, the PCE worth index elevated 6.0% after advancing 6.3% in September. Excluding the unstable meals and power parts, the PCE worth index rose 0.2% after gaining 0.5% in September. The so-known as core PCE worth index climbed 5.0% on a 12 months-on-12 months foundation in October after growing 5.2% in September.
The Fed tracks the PCE worth indexes for its 2% inflation goal. Other inflation measures have proven indicators of slowing. The annual consumer worth index elevated lower than 8% in October for the primary time in eight months. The Fed has raised its coverage price by 375 foundation factors this 12 months from close to zero to a 3.75%-4.00% vary. News on the labor market remained upbeat, although demand for employees is slowing.
A separate report from the Labor Department on Thursday confirmed preliminary claims for state unemployment advantages dropped 16,000 to a seasonally adjusted 225,000 for the week ended Nov. 26. That unwound some of the surge in the prior week, which had boosted claims. While some of the rise mirrored a surge in layoffs in the expertise sector, claims additionally are usually unstable in the beginning of the vacation season as corporations quickly shut or sluggish hiring.
A Rolls-Royce hydrogen-fueled aircraft engine is tested at Boscombe Down in the UK. Flying is one of the most difficult industries to decarbonize, and hydrogen-powered aircraft are still years away from carrying a plane over long distances. Britain’s Rolls-Royce said it has successfully run an aircraft engine on hydrogen, a world aviation first that marks a major step towards proving the gas could be key to decarbonising air travel.
The ground test, using a converted Rolls-Royce AE 2100-A regional aircraft engine, used green hydrogen created by wind and tidal power, the British company said. Rolls and its testing programme partner easyJet are seeking to prove that hydrogen can safely and efficiently deliver power for civil aero engines. They said they were already planning a second set of tests, with a longer-term ambition to carry out flight tests. Hydrogen is one of a number of competing technologies that could help the aviation industry achieve its goal of becoming net zero by 2050.
Planemaker Airbus is working with French-US engine maker CFM International to test hydrogen propulsion technology. It said in February it planned to fit a specially adapted version of a current generation engine near the back of an A380 superjumbo test plane. The aircraft manufacturer however told the European Union in 2021 that most airliners will rely on traditional jet engines until at least 2050. A switch to hydrogen-powered engines would require a complete redesign of airframes and infrastructure at airports.
Eric Schulz, chief executive of SHZ Consulting, said in July that the changes in design are so massive it would take more than one generation of aircraft to get there. Other technologies backed by companies such as Rolls-Royce include electric engines, which would be initially suitable for short flights, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
Engines that are already in service can use a mixture of SAF and conventional fuels, but it is only currently produced in miniscule levels. It could eventually be produced by combining carbon captured from the air with green hydrogen, but the process is energy intensive and not yet available on a large scale.
A Talon robot, one of the models in the SFPD robot lineup.
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors has voted to allow the San Francisco Police Department to use lethal robots against suspects, ushering the sci-fi dystopia trope into reality. As the AP reports, the robots would be remote-controlled—not autonomous—and would use explosives to kill or incapacitate suspects when lives are at stake. The police have had bomb disposal robots forever, but the Pandora’s box of weaponizing them was originally opened by the Dallas Police Department. In 2016, after failed negotiations with a holed-up active shooter, the DPD wired up a disposal robot with explosives, drove it up to the suspect, and detonated it, killing the shooter. The SFPD now has the authority to make this a tactic.
The police equipment policy being drafted details the SFPD’s current robot lineup. The SFPD has 17 robots in total, 12 of which are currently functioning. The AP says that the police department doesn’t have any “pre-armed” robots yet and “has no plans to arm robots with guns” but that it could rig up explosives to a robot. Some bomb disposal robots do their “disposal” work by firing a shotgun shell at the bomb, so in essence, they are already rolling guns. Like most police gear, these robots have close ties to the military, and some of the bomb disposal robots owned by the SFPD, like the Talon robot, are also sold to the military configured as remote-controlled machine-gun platforms. For now, though, the SFPD is focusing on exploding robots, and SFPD spokesperson Allison Maxie told the AP, “Robots equipped in this manner would only be used in extreme circumstances to save or prevent further loss of innocent lives.” The San Francisco Public Defender’s office sent a letter to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors saying “the ability to kill community members remotely” is “dehumanizing and militaristic” and that “the streets of San Francisco are neither a battlefield nor a war zone.” The letter also notes that most other jurisdictions have rejected the idea of police with killer robots—Virginia, Maine, and North Dakota have banned weaponized robots, and Oakland backed away from an armed robot program after public backlash. Source: Arstechnica
Kim Kardashian and Kanye West officially separated after the SKIMS founder filed for a divorce from the rapper in February 2021. Kimye’s divorce settlement comes with an order for the Donda artist to pay Kim $200,000 monthly in child support, as per reports. The court documents reportedly also state that the former couple will get joint custody with “equal access” to their four kids, North, Saint, Chicago, and Psalm. Meanwhile, now a source has disclosed how Kardashian really feels about all this drama. As per HollywoodLife, a source close to Kim Kardashian has told the outlet that her divorce from Kanye West finally coming to a settlement is a “massive relief” for her. “Kim has been praying that Kanye would finally agree to settle this divorce, it’s been such a struggle with him. So, of course, this is a massive relief, she’s so ready to step into this new chapter of her life,” the insider claimed. “There’s sadness as well though, she does wish that things could have been different. She feels like she doesn’t even recognize the person that Kanye has turned into, it’s upsetting beyond belief,” the source added. They also said despite Kim Kardashian being “upset and angry” will still have a “connection” with Kanye West. “He’s the father of her children, she has to find a way to keep the peace with him for her kids’ sake. The fact is her kids love their dad, and she wants them to have a good relationship with him, and she goes above and beyond to facilitate that,” the insider said. Meanwhile, as per the divorce settlement, Kim Kardashian will be getting most of their properties, including her and Kanye West’s four homes in Hidden Hills, three in Idaho, one in Malibu, and more.
Zoe Saldaña is trying to get un-stuck from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. After spending over a decade in the MCU, the “Guardians of the Galaxy” star revealed she felt “stuck doing these franchises” for years.
“I’m very grateful for the opportunities that they provided, from collaborating with amazing directors and getting to meet cast members that I consider friends and getting to play a role that fans, especially children, love,” Saldaña told WWD. “I feel that for the last 10 years of my life, I’ve been just stuck. I felt stuck doing these franchises.”
Saldaña continued, “It also meant that I felt artistically stuck in my craft of not being able to expand or grow or challenge myself by playing different sorts of genres and different roles.”
The actress is reprising her blockbuster “Avatar” role for sequel “Avatar: The Way of Water,” out December 16.
“But today, now that I’m 44, I’ve been able to have these opportunities, and I took control over my aging and I took control over my voice and how I consider myself as a woman,” the “From Scratch” star and producer said. “I’m so happy that I’m able to collaborate with filmmakers and producers and people in this industry that want that for women, that want women to be ageless and who don’t fetishize women’s youth. And so it’s interesting. It’s really interesting.” Earlier this year, Saldaña hinted at a more permanent exit from Marvel. “I can never say no to anything, but that green makeup? I wouldn’t be upset if it didn’t happen again,” she told Variety. “I miss Gamora, but I don’t miss 3:30 a.m. calls and five-hour makeup sessions and trips to the dermatologist afterwards.”
Saldaña added, “Every time that, you know, that 8-year-old or that dad and mom or those generational fans that remind me that what I did was special to them, it makes me not be cynical about Marvel. It makes me understand that younger audiences should stop being overlooked. They have feelings too and if something impacts them, just because we consider it stupid or immature or cheeky, doesn’t mean it’s not special.”
Fellow MCU co-star Elizabeth Olsen previously said she became “frustrated” with contractural obligations from Marvel. Olsen, who has played Wanda Maximoff aka the Scarlet Witch in MCU installments since 2014, told The New York Times, “I had this job security but I was losing these pieces that I felt were more part of my being. And the further I got away from that, the less I became considered for it.”
Fans have been eagerly waiting for an update on Pirates Of The Caribbean 6. If one recalls, the initial plan was to create a spin-off with a female in lead. Margot Robbie was roped in and everything seemed to have been working well. Cut to, Johnny Depp winning the defamation trial and fans began demanding his return and Disney was under immense pressure. Amidst it all, has the upcoming film been scrapped for once and all?
It was just last month that Margot broke her silence and confirmed that POTC spin-off is currently on the back burner. She mentioned how the idea was to come up with a female-led project but it seems Disney isn’t enthusiastic about it anymore. Many even speculated that Warner Bros may be contacting Johnny and offering him a comeback and that is why the spin-off had been shelved.
But a new report by Fandomwire via Insidethemagic.com claims Disney has permanently scrapped Pirates Of The Caribbean 6. It is neither happening with Johnny Depp or Margot Robbie. The decision has been made taking into consideration multiple roadblocks that have been faced ever since the evolution of the project.
Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, one of the most loved on-screen jodis in Bollywood, stole everyone’s attention at the ongoing Red Sea Film Festival. On Thurday December 1, night, Shah Rukh and Kajol attended the film festival as their blockbuster ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’ was the opening film. Several pictures and videos from the first day of the festival have surfaced online, and undoubtedly it’s a treat for SRK and Kajol’s fans to see the duo gracing the stage with their charming presence. In one of the clips, SRK is seen singing ‘Tujhe dekha toh’ song from ‘DDLJ’ for Kajol. He also delivered his famous dialogue from ‘Baazigar’ for the film’s leading lady. Both actors were twinning in black for the special screening of their film. SRK also received a special honour at the Red Sea Film Festival.
“I am truly honoured to receive this award from the Red Sea International Film Festival. It’s wonderful to be here among my fans from Saudi and the region who have always been huge supporters of my films. I’m looking forward to celebrating the region’s talent and being a part of this exciting film community. Film is a unifier because it transits shared human experiences across cultures. You like a film because it stirs your emotions, be it in whatever language or culture it is from. And Thank God for subtitles. It brings all that is human to the fore and it shows perhaps better than any other art, how despite the immense diversity of the world we live in, our basic pursuits and emotions are the same,” he said after receiving the award.
“Cinema celebrates diversity. It doesn’t stop short of fully exploring differences. And doing so, in the most beautiful fashion, it teaches us to not be afraid of those differences,” SRK added.
Apart from Shah Rukh and Kajol, AR Rahman and Priyanka Chopra were also amongst the other attendees at the opening ceremony of the film festival. Source: ANI
Bollywood actress Urvashi Rautela and Indian cricketer Rishabh Pant, who were once rumoured to be dating, got into a ward of words on social media after the actress alleged that the latter waited for her in a hotel hobby for almost 10 hours. While the feud seemingly ended a few months ago, Urvashi still gets trolled online.
The Hate Story 4 actress spoke about the negative things written about her. During an interview with Hindustan Times, Urvashi clarified that RP stands for her co-star Ram Pothineni. “I was not even aware that Rishabh Pant is also known as RP,” she said. The actress added, “People just assume stuff and write about it. And to those believing in such rumours, I’d say they need to analyse a little. If you haven’t seen anything, or just because some Youtuber or for that matter anyone is saying something, how can you simply believe it?”
The actress said that cricketers are loved and respected by people because they play for the country but “actors as well have done so much.” She said that she has also represented the country many times and shpuld to be respected. Talking about the viral video where fans were seen shouting her and Pant’s names, she called those out who behave like ‘gali-mohalle ke log.’
Actors Vicky Kaushal and Shehnaaz Gill reunited on the sets of the latter’s upcoming chat show and left fans excited with bated breaths. On Wednesday, November 30, Shehnaaz posted a bunch of pictures with Vicky, who is currently busy promoting his upcoming film ‘Govinda Naam Mera’. Alongside the pictures, Shehnaaz wrote, “Very seldom you meet a star who makes you feel you are one of them. Very seldom do you get this feeling that you know this person for ages and is family. Very seldom, in your second meeting, do you feel that you know this person like he is family. I guess this is what a true star is. @vickykaushal09 I’m delighted to have met you once again and today’s chat was more than just conversations… I wish you nothing but success, good health, and positivity always. All the best for #GovindaNaamMera Waheguru Mehar Kare. Tuhadi movie superhit Hove (sic).”
Re-sharing the pictures on his Instagram Story, Vicky penned a sweet note for Shehnaaz. He wrote, “Such a pleasure meeting and chatting with you Shehnaaz. Such a pure soul you are! I wish only the best for you in life. Vicky x Shehnaaz,” accompanied with a bunch of white heart emoticons. Source: ANI
Kriti Sanon has finally addressed rumours of her dating Prabhas. In an Instagram post, Kriti said that the “rumours are absolutely baseless.” She also pulled up her Bhediya co-star Varun Dhawan for adding fuel to such reports.
On the sets of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, Varun had given the names of a few eligible single women from the Hindi film industry. He omitted Kriti’s name from the list and when Karan Johar asked him for the reason the actor responded, “Kriti ka naam isiliye nahi tha kyunki Kriti ka naam kisi ke dil me hai. Ek aadmi hai jo Mumbai me nahi hai, vo iss waqt shooting kar raha hai Deepika (Padukone) ke saath. Varun’s remarks led to a strong buzz that Kriti is dating Prabhas. She wrote, “It’s neither pyaar (love), nor PR.. our Bhediya just went a little too wild on a reality show. And his fun banter led to some Howl-arious rumours (woman facepalming emoji).” Kriti added, “Before some portal announces my wedding date-let me burst your bubble. The rumours are absolutely baseless! (folded hands and shrug emoji).” She put a ‘fake news’ sticker.
With renewable energy becoming cheaper, there’s a growing impetus to find ways of economically storing it. Batteries can handle short-term fluxes in production but may not be able to handle longer-term shortfalls or seasonal changes in power output. Hydrogen is one of several options being considered that has the potential to serve as a longer-term bridge between periods of high renewable productivity.
But hydrogen comes with its own issues. Obtaining it by splitting water is pretty inefficient, energy-wise, and storing it for long periods can be challenging. Most hydrogen-producing catalysts also work best with pure water—not necessarily an item that’s easy to obtain as climate change is boosting the intensity of droughts.
A group of researchers based in China has now developed a device that can output hydrogen when starting with seawater—in fact, the device needs to be sitting in seawater to work. The key concept for getting it to work will be familiar to anyone who understands how most waterproof clothing works.
Apple released a minor software update for iPhones today. Unlike many of its other iOS updates, the new iOS 16.1.2 was not released in tandem with updates to Apple’s other operating systems like macOS or watchOS.
iOS 16.1.2 primarily does two things, per Apple’s release notes: it improves compatibility with unspecified wireless carriers, and it optimizes the Crash Detection feature on the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max.
Apple hasn’t gone into detail about what kinds of optimizations we’re talking about. Crash Detection is a newly introduced feature that can notify emergency services when the phone’s internal sensors have detected that you’ve been in an automobile accident. Apple developed algorithms that look at a variety of data from the phone’s sensors (such as the accelerometer and G-force sensors) and other factors like microphone activity to attempt to accurately detect crashes. Some users have complained that non-car-crash scenarios—specifically, rollercoaster rides at amusement parks—trigger the algorithm. But it’s not clear whether the optimizations in iOS 16.1.2 address those issues or if they are simply meant to refine the algorithm in other scenarios.
The next iOS update is expected to be much more significant. iOS 16.2 will implement sports scores with Live Activities, allowing users to see live score updates for certain sports games either on the lock screen or in the iPhone 14 Pro’s Dynamic Island. It will also include Apple’s new Freeform visual note-taking app, lock screen widgets for sleep and medication tracking, additional always-on lock screen customizations for the iPhone 14 Pro, and support for 5G in India.
Android OEMs still don’t provide the six years of updates you get with Apple phones, but some manufacturers are trying to close that gap. OnePlus is adding an extra year to its smartphone update promise and is now offering four years of major OS updates and five years of security updates. Timeline-wise, this plan matches Samsung’s, though Samsung offers monthly security updates and OnePlus doesn’t. The company is still only promising security updates every other month, so it can’t do too much bragging. Android-maker Google—who you’d think would have the best update plan—is in a distant third, with only three years of OS updates and five years of security updates. There’s still the timing of updates to consider. Execution-wise, OnePlus is faster than Samsung, as it took OnePlus just one month to ship Android 13 to its latest flagship, whereas Samsung took two months. Google wins here, as it’s still the only Android company that offers an Apple-like update experience with day-one updates.
The first phone to get this treatment will probably be the OnePlus 11, which is due out in the next few months. OnePlus is going through a rocky merger with BBK sister company Oppo, a move that brought major negative changes to OnePlus’ Android skin. OnePlus used to ship an excellent lightweight-yet-customizable build of Android, but after the Oppo merger, the skin looks like a clunky iOS copy.
New Delhi (TIP)- A 35-year-old woman was allegedly stabbed to death by her live-in partner in west Delhi’s Tilak Nagar, police said on December 2. Rekha Rani’s body had stab wounds and was recovered from her rented house in Ganesh Nagar where she was living with her 16-year-old daughter for 15 years, they said.
Police said her live-in-partner Manpreet Singh (45) was arrested from Punjab on Friday evening for killing her. The daughter told police that her mother and the man used to fight over money. Officers at the Tilak Nagar police station received a call at 12.38 pm and a team was sent to the house, police said. The team found the door to be locked and when they opened it, they found Rani’s body, they said.
In her statement, the victim’s daughter said she was sleeping in her room after taking medicine as she was unwell.
Unaware that her mother had already been killed, she called Rani on her phone thinking she might be in another room, a police officer said. When Rani did not answer, she looked for her in the house but found Singh. When she asked him about her mother, she was told that Rani had gone out and she was also told to go out of the house, the officer said.
The officer said after Rani’s daughter went out of the house, Singh locked the door and left.
It has been revealed that the woman suffered two injuries from a sharp weapon — one to her jaw and neck and the other to her hand, Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) Ghanshyam Bansal said.
He said a case under Indian Penal Code sections 302 (murder) and 201 (causing disappearance of evidence of offence, or giving false information to screen offender) has been registered on the victim’s daughter’s complaint.
It was in 2015 that Singh met Rani and soon after they started living together at Ganesh Nagar, police said.
“Gradually, Rekha felt insecure about Singh and she stopped him from contacting his family members. Singh felt frustrated and planned to kill her,” Special CP (Crime) Ravindra Yadav said. Singh, who was arrested from Patiala on Friday, is named in six criminal cases, including kidnapping for ransom and attempt to murder, he said.
Source: PTI
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