The Indian Panorama

Month: July 2023

  • CELEBRATE INDIA’S INDEPENDENCE WITH THE FESTIVAL OF MUSIC

    CELEBRATE INDIA’S INDEPENDENCE WITH THE FESTIVAL OF MUSIC

    By Mabel Pais

    The IAAC Festival of Indian Music takes place for the 2nd year on three incredibly mesmerizing days of soulful melodies and rhythms celebrating India’s rich musical heritage. From August 11 to 13, New York City will resonate with the harmonious sounds of renowned artists, and pay homage to the late Pandit Vijay Kichlu, one of the greatest proponents of Indian classical music.

    PROGRAM – FESTIVAL OF INDIAN MUSIC

    DAY 1

    WHO:    LATE PADMA SHRI PT. VIJAY KICHLU

    WHEN:  August 11, 2023 @ 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time

    WHERE: The Consulate of India in New York,

    3 E 64th St, New York, NY 10065

    Tribute to the musical legacy of Late Padma Shri Pt. Vijay Kichlu with snippets from the film Raga Revelry

    The festival opens with a tribute to the esteemed Pandit Vijay Kichlu, whose contributions to the world of classical music are immeasurable. This emotional journey will be accompanied by exclusive screenings of snippets from the documentary Raga Revelry, shedding light on the extraordinary life and musical journey of Pandit Vijay Kichlu.

    Performer and musicologist Vijay Kichlu’s journey to create a permanent sanctuary for this valuable inheritance, transplants the viewer to the center of Indian spirituality and culture. Heart-felt performances and interviews from legendary musicians along with the joyful camaraderie between the artists, unfolds the Rasa, the essence or soul of this music.

    Vijay Kichlu was an Indian classical singer. He studied Dhrupad with the Dagar Brothers and Khayal with Latafat Hussain Khan, whose style had a strong connection with Dhrupad. He and his brother, Ravi Kichlu, formed a famous classical vocalist duo. Kichlu was the founder and head of the ITC Music Academy for 25 years. Kichlu founded Sangeet Research Academy for patronizing and nurturing upcoming talents in Indian classical music. In 2018, he was bestowed with the civilian award Padma Shri by the Government of India.

    Raga Revelry is a fun introduction to the centuries-old tradition of North Indian classical music, often referred to as Raga music. For thousands of years, musicians have dedicated their lives to preserving this unwritten heritage that evokes a vivid range of emotions and moods and invites the listener to go beyond a limited perspective of self-awareness.

    TICKETS

    For tickets, visit iaac.us

    Day 2

    WHO:    MALINI AWASTHI

    WHEN:  August 12, 2023

    WHERE: Merkin Hall, Kaufman Music Center

    129 West 67th Street, New York, NY 10023

    Padma Shri Malini Awasthi is an Indian folk singer. She sings in Bhojpuri, Awadhi and Hindi, She also presents Thumri and Kajri. The Government of India awarded her the civilian honor of the Padma Shri in 2016. She is known for her contribution in Bhojpuri music.

    Malini Awasthi is a regular performer at popular classical music festival, Jahan-e-Khusrau. She has a high pitch voice and is popular for rendition of thumari (style),Thaare Raho Baanke Shyam. She participated in Imagine’s junoon. She has been appointed as the brand ambassador by Election Commision for U.P elections 2012 and 2014. She sang the song “Sunder Susheel” in the 2015 film Dum Lage ke Haisha which had music by Anu Malik.

    Accompanied by:

    Anubrata Chatterjee – Tabla

    Monty Lalani – Dholak

    Brij Joshi – Keyboard

    Mayank Patel – Octopad

    Rohan Prabhudesai – Harmonium

    Prepare to be enthralled as Merkin Hall, Kaufman Music Center, plays host to the soul-stirring melodies of folk music sensation, Malini Awasthi. With her powerful voice and remarkable talent, Malini Awasthi effortlessly captures the essence of Indian folk music, transporting the audience to the culturally diverse landscapes of India. This unforgettable evening promises to be a celebration of the country’s rich folk traditions, showcasing the beauty of its regional music. She will present a collection of foot tapping songs in various languages – Hindi, Awadhi, Bhojpuri, Bundelkhandi & more. She will also present semi-classical compositions from her vast repertoire.

    TICKETS

    For tickets, visit

    kaufmanmusiccenter.org/mch/event/queen-of-folk-malini-awasthi-annual-festival-of-music/

    DAY 3

    WHO:    THREE GENERATION SAROD QUINTET

    WHEN:  August 13, 2023

    WHERE: Symphony Space Level, 2537 Broadway, New York, NY 10025

    The grand finale of the Music Festival will feature a breathtaking performance by the legendary Sarod Maestro Amjad Ali Khan, accompanied by his exceptionally talented sons, Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash. Joining them on stage will be Ayaan’s twin sons, Abeer Ali Bangash & Zohaan Ali Bangash, marking a truly remarkable display of three generations of musical brilliance.

    Symphony Space will reverberate with the captivating sounds of the sarod, enchanting the hearts of all music enthusiasts. It is an incomparable journey where the Guru leads you from the visible to the invisible, from the material to the divine, from the ephemeral to the eternal. A wonderful and strange mystery of Indian classical music is the fact that one can spend a lifetime trying to obtain knowledge and perfection and still feel that one has only touched a mere drop of an ocean. The learning never stops along the Journey of searching and discovering.

    Indian Classical music has indeed had a very spiritual and scientific development and growth. This was a phenomenon that existed from Vedic times.

    The Sarod Quintet concert will start with a solo presentation by Maestro Amjad Ali Khan. This will be followed by a Sarod duet by Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash. They present a traditional Raga of Indian Classical music set to various rhythmic time cycles. Keeping India’s ethos of traditions and legacies alive, Three Generation Quintet represents the 6th, 7th and 8th generation of musicians coming together on stage and performing together.

    This will be the third segment featuring Sarod Grand Master Amjad Ali Khan and his virtuoso sons Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash on Sarods. They will be joined by Ayaan’s 10 year old Twins Zohaan Ali Bangash and Abeer Ali Bangash. They present a Tribute to India’s ongoing 75th year of Independence celebration. Amit Kavthekar and Anubrata Chatterjee, two brilliant Tabla (Indian two-piece drums) players provide accompaniment for this concert.

    The family recently completed a five city tour in India.

    TICKETS

    For tickets, visit symphonyspace.org/events/vp-iaac-presents-the-sarod-quintet

    Sunny Thakkar, Music Festival Director, expressed his excitement for the event, saying, “After the grand success of last year’s star studded Festival of Music specially organized for India@75, we are thrilled to curate the festival again this year and continue to bring something special to the audiences in New York City. Our aim is to create an immersive experience that showcases the diversity and magnificence of Indian music. This year’s lineup promises to be an extraordinary journey through the realms of classical, folk, and inter generational performances.”

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

  • GROUNDBREAKING EVENT HIGHLIGHTING THE ARCHITECT OF THE NEW BJP

    GROUNDBREAKING EVENT HIGHLIGHTING THE ARCHITECT OF THE NEW BJP

    By Mabel Pais

    Impact Modi: a groundbreaking event dedicated to igniting change and transformation, takes place on Sunday, July 23, 2023 at the prestigious Upper Montclair Country Club, 177 Hepburn Rd Clifton NJ 07012. With a focus on empowering individuals and driving positive social impact, this event aims to inspire attendees to become agents of change in their communities. Impact Modi brings together veteran journalist and author Mr. Ajay Singh in conversation with Mr. Vikram J. Singh, former deputy assistant secretary of Defense for South and Southeast Asia. to discuss his book, ‘The Architect of the New BJP: How Narendra Modi Transformed The Party.’

    Anil Bansal, IAAC Board Member, stated, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi is acknowledged as a global phenomenon who has propelled India on the world stage as a major force for good. The program features two leading commentators who will provide deep insights into the man, his mission, and what his long-term impact on Indian polity will be.”

    Nirmal Mattoo, IAAC Chairman, commented, “Vikram Singh has occupied the highest offices in the US at a policy level dealing with security, defense, and aerospace. He will share his insights as to what the agreement between the US and India really means to both countries and people.”

    FOR ATTENDEES

    Attendees at the event will have the unique opportunity to engage in thought-provoking discussions. Whether one is an aspiring social entrepreneur, a corporate professional seeking purpose-driven initiatives, or simply an individual passionate about creating a better world, Impact Modi offers invaluable insights to learn, connect, and collaborate.

    THE BOOK

    In less than forty years of its existence, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has become the world’s largest political party and continues to go from strength to strength in Indian politics. Although its historic rise may seem organic to some, there is much internal deliberation and planning that has aided the growth of this 180-million-member organization.

    ‘The Architect of the New BJP’ uses in-depth research and concrete examples to explain how the BJP has transformed over the decades. It reveals lesser-known contributions, like Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s experiments with traditional methods of party-building, his keen eye for detail and the different innovative methodologies to expand the party. Ajay Singh not only examines the past of the party, including the vision of its founders, but also provides a glimpse into the future of the party. Based on extensive interviews with many party workers, leaders and observers, this is the story of how the veterans of this cadre-based party, appreciating its limitations, developed a unique Indian model that eventually transformed the BJP into the election-winning machine it is today.

    REGISTRATION & BOOK SIGNING

    To register and secure a spot, visit eventbrite.com/e/impact-modi-registration-675033672887

    Register early to avoid disappointment. Book sales will not happen, so bring your book if you’d like it signed.

    Club Dress Code Policy

    Appropriate denim attire includes jeans/ pants, jackets, proper length shorts, skirts, skorts, capris, and dresses. Denim must be neat and free of any rips, stains and excess wear. UMCC does not allow cut-offs, overalls, baggy jeans, bleached/acid washed or torn denim.

    Gentlemen must wear a collared shirt tucked in anytime on Club property, which must remain tucked in at all times. Please note the following clothing is prohibited at all times: shirts with slogans/pictures, hats/visors (in any active dining area and in Clubhouse), cargo shorts/pants, jogging/sweat shirts/suits, tee/athletic shirts.

    Jackets are required for all “Holiday” Events. Members are responsible to ensure their Guests comply with the UMCC Dress Code at all times. Children 14 years of age and older are subject to the UMCC Dress code. Children under 14 years of age should be appropriately dressed.

    The Indo-American Arts Council (IAAC):

    The IAAC supports all the artistic disciplines in classical, fusion, folk and innovative forms influenced by the arts of India. We work cooperatively with colleagues around the U.S. to broaden our collective audiences and to create a network for shared information, resources and funding. Its focus is to help artists and art organizations in North America as well as to facilitate artists from India to exhibit, perform and produce their work here. For more information, visit iaac.us.

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

  • PUNJABI FILM HONORS PRIDE COMMUNITY

    A scene from ‘Your Love.’ (Credit : jingomedia.com)

    By Mabel Pais

    ‘YOUR LOVE,’ queer, non-binary, Canadian-Indian actor/writer/director Sundeep Morrison’s (they/them) four-minute, cinematic love letter to the Queer South Asian elders and their forgotten and unfinished love stories, secures a coveted spot at OUTFEST Los Angeles LGBTQ+ Festival, the largest, most prestigious queer film festival in the world, on Friday, July 21, 2023, as part of its popular shorts programming. For more information, visit outfestla.org.

    This follows immediately after the film’s world premiere at Kashish Mumbai Queer Film Festival, the longest-running LGBTQIA+ festival in South Asia, in June (Pride Month), where Morrison was in attendance and was recognized as an emerging Indian filmmaker.

    “This feels like the universe conspiring to recognize and reward true love, the kind we see in films, more specifically, our short film,” said Morrison, waving their pride flag high. “I was raised by my maternal grandmother (Biji) and hearing her stories of hope and sacrifice is what inspired me to become a storyteller. Being out and open about your sexuality is a privilege that is not afforded to all. I wanted to share this inter-generational story celebrating queer love, which reinforces the fact that ALL LOVE is timeless.” Watch the trailer vimeo.com/831764119.

    Weaving in themes of ageism in the South Asian community, family pressure, and social constructs of what “queer love” should look like, ‘YOUR LOVE’ is especially relevant now because legislation for LGBTQIA+ rights is in limbo and somewhat non-existent in many parts of the world, including India. “Love may be universal, but it is universally under attack when it breaks the binary expectation of society,” said Morrison.

    SUNDEEP MORRISON

    Learn more about Morrison at sundeepmorrison.com.

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    HUMAN FIRST: BACK TO BASICS –  THEME OF NEWARK PRIDE FEST

    Newark Pride Festival Theme. (Credit : newarkpride.org)

    By Mabel Pais

    “HUMAN First: Back to Basics” is the theme of the 18th Annual Newark LGBTQ Pride Festival presented by Newark Pride, Inc. This year, coming to a critical point, the festival is taking place across New Jersey’s largest city, July 10 – 16. Last year’s overturning of Roe v. Wade set a disturbing precedent that put many other constitutional rights and freedoms in jeopardy. Recently, The Supreme Court’s recent decision to grant businesses open to the public the right to deny service to members of a protected class offers yet another devastating blow to the LGBTQ community.

    Newark Pride, Inc. President Sharronda Wheeler issued the following statement:

    “All throughout our nation, we are seeing legislation being introduced that will once again alienate, oppress, and essentially dehumanize members of the LGBTQIAA+ community. By strengthening the common threads that bind us all together, we will prevail over the forces that seek to divide.”

    In line with this year’s theme the organization is calling on all residents, local businesses, non-profits, Civil and Human Rights activists, allies, and LGBTQ resource agencies to stand in solidarity as we head into a week full of informative, empowering, and reflective programs.

    Newark Pride, Inc. Founder, June Dowell-Burton, echoed the sentiment stating, “Showing up as our authentic unapologetic selves in spaces, now more than ever, is an act of resistance. We are here and we will not be erased nor censured.”

    The City of Newark and the Office of Mayor Ras Baraka hosted the annual Progressive Pride Flag Raising Ceremony on Monday, July 10, 2023 at 6:00 PM inside the Newark City Hall Rotunda (920 Broad St).

    The week-long festivities will wrap with the annual Pride Parade that will begin at Lincoln Park, down Broad Street, onward to NJPAC on Sunday, July 16th from 11 AM until 1 PM, right before the park festival at NJPAC Chambers Plaza with featured appearances by CeCe Peniston and DJ Qua.

    For more information about Newark Pride Week activities and events, visit linktr.ee/NewarkPrideFestival or email info@newarkpride.org. Learn more about Newark Pride, Inc. @ newarkpride.org.

    ————————————

    REELABILITIES HONORS DISABILITY PRIDE WITH STREAM LAUNCH

    By Mabel Pais

    A scene from ‘Kills on Wheels.’ Credit : reelabilities.org

    The ReelAbilities Film Festival, starting Tuesday, July 11 has launched a pioneering streaming service, showcasing films by and about people with disabilities or “other” abilities.

    Honoring Disability Pride Month and the 33rd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, ReelAbilities Film Festival is thrilled to announce the highly-anticipated launch of ReelAbilitiesStream.org, a groundbreaking, accessible streaming platform dedicated to films that celebrate and explore the lives and experiences of people with disabilities. This innovative platform will offer a vast collection of films, drawing from the remarkable repertoire showcased at previous editions of the festival.

    With its official launch on July 11th, ReelAbilitiesStream.org will become the largest online hub for disability-themed films and ahead of the 33rd anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act, providing an unparalleled opportunity to appreciate and embrace these powerful stories with full accessibility.

    REELABILITIES STREAM

    Isaac Zablocki, the Director and Co-Founder of ReelAbilities Film Festival, expressed his enthusiasm for the launch: “Over the past fifteen years, our festival has amassed an incredible collection of films that deserve wider recognition. Unfortunately, many of these exceptional works have not been given the attention they deserve. With ReelAbilitiesStream.org, we are proud to establish the most comprehensive platform, amplifying these voices and providing a well-deserved spotlight for these highly demanded films.”

    ReelAbilitiesStream.org will feature an array of over 50 captivating films that encapsulate the diverse experiences within the disability community. Some of the highlighted films available on the platform include Tribeca Film Festival’s award winning ‘Keep the Change,’ a comedy following a program of young adults on the autistic spectrum, and the Hungarian Academy Award nominated ‘Kills on Wheels’ about wheelchair users who team up with a hitman. Also featured in the catalog are celebrated short films, including 4 Quarters of Silence, about a deaf high school football team; and Jmaxx and the Universal Language about an autistic young man who expresses himself through dance.

    PRICING

    Streaming is available on a pay-per-view model, nominally priced per film. For additional information about ReelAbilities’ new streaming site, visit www.reelabilitiesstream.org. To learn more about ReelAbilities Film Festival, visit www.reelabilities.org.

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

  • JAZZ @ LINCOLN CENTER, LCPA WELCOME MAHINDRA BLUES SPECIAL

    By Mabel Pais

    The Mahindra Blues Festival, situated in an iconic 70-year-old Bollywood Studio, is held annually in Mumbai, India and has become one of the most important blues events in the country.

    Lincoln Center NYC, Summer Stage. (Credit : lincolncenter.org)

    This year, Mahindra Blues Festival, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts (LCPA) join forces to present Mahindra Blues Special on Saturday July 15 at 6 pm & 7:30 pm, a one night only celebration of the many communities connected to the blues with performances at two special locations on the Lincoln Center campus. Both performances are FREE.

    First, at 6:00 pm, catch Indian-born Aayushi Karnik with NYC veterans Russell Hall on bass and Cameron MacIntosh on drums at The Dance Floor at Josie Robertson Plaza, playing original music fusing blues guitar and jazz harmony.

    At 7:30 pm, make your way to Damrosch Park to take in the incredible vocal stylings of Brianna Thomas and Ella Sang The Blues, followed by the Corey Harris Band, known for mixing New Orleans, Caribbean, and African influences into their eclectic sound.

    AAYUSHI KARNIK

    Aayushi Karnik, Blues performer. (Credit : lincolncenter.org)

    “Aayushi’s playing, writing, and singing speak directly to the universality of the blues. She is a natural with human concerns and insights that touch something deep inside all of us.” -Wynton Marsalis

    Description of set:

    1. Blues/Rock Trio music
    2. Original music that fuses with Songwriting traditions, Blues guitar playing and Jazz Harmony

    Learn more at aayushikarnik.com.

    BRIANNA THOMAS

    “She brings new meaning to, if it plays in Peoria, it will play anywhere.” President Bill Clinton.”

    Vocalist, composer, arranger Brianna Thomas is one of the most evocative and accomplished vocalists of her generation. Blessed with a sublime and soulfully syncopated soprano voice that scats, swoons, and croons at the speed of swing.

    Soulful vocalist Brianna Thomas reimagines Ella Fitzgerald’s ‘These are the Blues,’ the only all-blues album Fitzgerald ever released, performing tunes including “St. Louis Blues” and “Hear Me Talkin’ to Ya.”

    COREY HARRIS

    Corey Harris: ‘Insurrection Blues’ coming November 4 on M.C. Records

    Corey Harris can engage an audience, or draw crowds and acclaim around the world. But for Harris, the blues involves a deeper mission, and that includes weighing in when there is something timely that needs to be said. Insurrection Blues, Harris’ 20th album overall and first for M.C. Records, continues a blues journey that began with his debut album ‘Between Midnight and Day’ in 1995.

    He’s collaborated with the likes of B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Tracy Chapman, and Dave Matthews, and won honors including the MacArthur Fellowship’s “genius award” and an honorary music doctorate from his alma mater, Bates College in Maine.

    Lincoln Center’s Summer for the City

    The Mahindra Blues Special is presented as part of Lincoln Center’s Summer for the City (lincolncenter.org/series/summer-for-the-city) which began on June 14 and continues until August 12, the ultimate New York festival. This special summer event spans three summer months and features hundreds of events and thousands of artists, all in celebration of New York City.

    The Mahindra Blues special is a free, general admission event. For more information visit lincolncenter.org/series/summer-for-the-city.

    Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts

    The Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts (LCPA) is a cultural and civic cornerstone of New York City. Learn more at lincolncenter.org.

    LCPA presents hundreds of programs each year, offered primarily for free and choose-what-you-pay, including many specially designed for young audiences, families, and those with disabilities.

    MAHINDRA GROUP

    Learn more at mahindra.com.

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    ASIAN FILM FEST OF DALLAS

    By Mabel Pais

    Screening

    Among Shorts

    NEHA GAUTAM’s ‘Passenger Seat’

    And many more

    The Asian Film Festival of Dallas (AFFD) for its 22nd edition this year takes place, July 13-16. All screenings take place at the Angelika Film Center, Dallas (5321 E. Mockingbird Lane, #230).

    AFFD Executive Director Thomas Schubert, said, “AFFD has always been a signature event for Dallas film lovers, introducing exciting films and cinema to DFW, and this year we will continue to try new ways to add to the fun.”

    2023 ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL OF DALLAS LINEUP

    OPENING NIGHT SELECTION

    The Night Owl

    Dir: Tae-Jin Ahn l South Korea l 118m

    CLOSING NIGHT SELECTION

    Drive  

    Dir: Park Dong-hee l South Korea l 93m

    SPECIAL SCREENINGS

    The Accidental Getaway Driver     

    Dir: Sing J Lee l USA, Vietnam l 109m

    Waiting for the Light to Change     

    Dir: Linh Tran l USA l 89m

    ADDITIONAL NARRATIVE FEATURES

    Absence        

    Dir: Lang Wu l China l 100m

    Aporia

    Dir: Ju-hyoung Lee l South Korea l 120m

    Limbo

    Dir: Soi Cheang l Hong Kong l 118m

    Nakodo: Matchmakers        

    Dir: Naoki Maeda l Japan l 110m

    New Religion

    Dir: Keishi Kondo l Japan l 100m

    Next Sohee   

    Dir: July Jung l South Korea l 134m

    Night of the Assassin          

    Dir: Kwak Jeong-deok l South Korea l 101m

    Peafowl         

    Dir: Sung Bin Byun l South Korea l 115m

    Siren in the Shadows          

    Dir: Hidenori Inoue l Japan l 127m

    Stone Turtle  

    Dir: Ming Jin Woo l Malaysia l 91m

    The Childe    

    Dir: Park Hoon-jung l South Korea l 118m

    The Cord of Life       

    Dir: Sixue Qiao l China, Mongolia l 96m

    DOCUMENTARY FEATURES 

    Children of the Mist 

    Dir: Ha La Diem l Vietnam l 92m

    Seven Winters in Tehran    

    Dir: Steffi Niederzoll l France, Germany l 97m

    SHORT FILMS

    100 Dragonflies

    Dir: Kyle Michael McCloskey l Japan l 20m

    A Dawn at Minato City         

    Dir: Sergey Vlasov l Japan l 7m

    Ey You!         

    Dir: Nicola Fan l Hong Kong l 6m

    Passenger Seat        

    Dir: Neha Gautam l USA l 18m

    ‘Passenger Seat.’ (Credit : wildworkspr.org)

    Passenger Seat’ shows the truth of being a cabbie in NYC: taking on predatory loans, struggling with deregulation, and competing with the rise of rideshare apps. But we wanted to humanize the complexities of financial struggle by centering tenderness in daughter-father Desi immigrant relationships.

    Please Hold the Line

    Dir: Tan Ce Ding l Malaysia l 18m

    TICKETS

    To purchase badges, tickets and for updates, visit asianfilmdallas.com.

    The Asian Film Festival of Dallas (AFFD)

    The Asian Film Festival of Dallas (AFFD) is dedicated to celebrating and supporting emerging and established Asian and Asian-American filmmakers and sharing the rich diversity of Asian culture through the medium of cinema. Over the last 20+ years, the festival has provided opportunities for over 400 Asian and Asian-American filmmakers to share their vision, often providing the only venue for their films to be shown in Dallas. The films have also allowed festival goers a chance to experience other lives and cultures without leaving their seats.

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

     

  • New York City likely to hire close to 18,000 teachers to meet state mandated lower class sizes: Report

    New York City likely to hire close to 18,000 teachers to meet state mandated lower class sizes: Report

    The new staffing will cost between $1.6 billion and $1.9 billion each year over the next five years, according to an analysis by the Independent Budget Office

    NEW YORK CITY (TIP): Warning of potential unintended consequences ahead, a new report from the New York City Independent Budget Office estimated that the city will likely need to hire around 17,700 teachers in order to comply with a new state law to lower class sizes in public schools over the next five years, reports City & State.
    New York City’s class size restrictions have been the focal point of a fierce debate even after Gov. Kathy Hochul signed off on the measure in September. While the United Federation of Teachers and other supporters heralded the law’s approval, having long pointed to research suggesting smaller class sizes can boost student test scores and classroom engagement, the city has warned about the high costs of implementation and maintained there are more cost effective ways to improve education. The report, completed by IBO at the request of Sen. Robert Jackson, estimated that hiring the number of necessary teachers will likely eventually cost the city between $1.6 billion and $1.9 billion each year. That’s a higher number than the $1.3 billion sum released by the city this spring, although the city also estimated about $30 to $35 billion in additional expenses needed to build new schools or reconfigure old buildings.

    Starting this coming school year, the law requires the city to begin capping kindergarten through third grade classes at 20 students, fourth through eighth grade classes at no more than 23 students, and high school classes at 25. An additional 20% of classes will need to be in compliance every year until 2028 when the requirements are fully phased in, although some schools can be deemed exempt by the education department and the principals and teachers’ unions. The report reiterated what New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Schools Chancellor David Banks have said about how the city shouldn’t have any trouble meeting requirements in the first two years of implementation. About 39% of city classrooms already meet the new requirements. The trouble, they’ve said, would come down the line when leaders would likely need to make some difficult decisions about where to allocate funds. “For the next couple of years we are in good shape. We don’t think we are going to have any major issues in being able to comply with the law. By the time we hit the years three, four, and five, which the law allows for us to do, that’s when you are going to see a much greater cost,” Banks said in an interview with CBS New York last week. “We are going to have to build out new classrooms, new schools in order to be compliant … The cost that we are going to have to spend to do that are dollars we could use for other programs.”

    While lawmakers didn’t specifically tie any additional funding to the bill, state lawmakers and other supporters have adamantly pushed back on claims that the mandate is unfunded. They have pointed to huge increases in state education aid that they say can and should pay for reducing class sizes.

    Leonie Haimson, executive director of the group Class Size Matters, said it doesn’t seem like the education department has taken into account that some schools already have a high teacher to student ratio despite having large class sizes, meaning some schools could potentially reassign existing staff to classes without garnering additional costs. She criticized the city’s plan to eliminate currently vacant positions and urged Adams to swiftly hire additional teachers. “The conclusions of this brief reinforce the need for the city to start moving now on a realistic, effective class size reduction plan as quickly as possible, and to quickly reverse their planned shrinkage of teaching staff in order to meet the five-year timeline required in the law,” Haimson said in a statement.

  • Bank of America has been ordered to pay more than $100 million to customers

    Bank of America has been ordered to pay more than $100 million to customers

    NEW YORK (TIP): Bank of America has been ordered to pay more than $100 million to customers in New York and 37 other states. The bank was accused of “systematically double-dipping on fees imposed on customers with insufficient funds in their account, withholding reward bonuses explicitly promised to credit card customers, and misappropriating sensitive personal information to open accounts without customer knowledge or authorization,” according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Bank of America is headquartered in North Carolina, with branches and ATMs located in 38 states and the District of Columbia. Bank of America has 262 branches in over 100 different cities and towns across New York, including Long Island, New York City and the Hudson Valley. The bank also has over 3,500 more offices in thirty-seven states.

    The banking giant must refund $100 million to customers, pay $90 million in penalties to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and $60 million to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, according to federal officials.

    “Bank of America wrongfully withheld credit card rewards, double-dipped on fees, and opened accounts without consent,” said CFPB Director Rohit Chopra in a statement. “These practices are illegal and undermine customer trust.”

    The banking company has already refunded $23 million to customers who were denied rewards bonuses according to the CFPB, but owes another $80.4 million to people the bank charged “unlawful non-sufficient funds fees.”

    The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau said that customers don’t need to take action to receive a payment, as the burden is on the bank to either put funds back in consumer accounts or send a check. Full details, including the amount of refunds for individual customers and how exactly they will be paid, have not yet been released.

    The fees often came when customers had routine monthly transactions, like a gym membership. If a customer had too low a balance to cover the transaction, it would be declined and BofA would charge the customer a $35 fee. The business, who hasn’t been paid, often would recharge the customer’s account, resulting in another $35 non-sufficient funds fee.

    The bank ended this practice last year but will still have to repay customers who got charged before the policy was changed.

    Bank of America also offered people cash rewards and bonus points when signing up for a card, but the CFPB said the bank illegally withheld promised credit card account bonuses.

    In 2014 the CFPB ordered Bank of America to pay $727 million for illegal credit card practices. Last year it was ordered to pay a $10 million civil penalty over unlawful garnishments. Also in 2022, the CFPB and OCC fined Bank of America $225 million and required it to pay hundreds of millions of dollars in redress to consumers for botched disbursement of state unemployment benefits at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Birthday Horoscope-July 17 to July 23

    Birthday Horoscope-July 17 to July 23

    July 17

    Ganesha says today is a day for self-improvement and personal growth. You may find yourself drawn to new experiences that challenge your current understanding of the world. A new hobby or interest could spark your passion, leading to a profound sense of fulfillment. Your communication skills will be particularly strong today, making it an excellent time to express your thoughts and ideas. Whether it’s a personal project or a professional endeavor, your words will have a significant impact. Be open to new experiences, as they may lead to exciting opportunities. This could be anything from meeting new people to exploring new places.

    July 18

    Ganesha says today will be a time of introspection and self-discovery. You may find yourself questioning your current path and considering new directions. This could be in your personal life, your career, or your overall life goals. Don’t be afraid to take risks and step out of your comfort zone. It’s through these experiences that we grow the most. Your intuition will be your guide today, so trust your instincts. They will lead you in the right direction. Remember, it’s okay to make mistakes. They’re just steppingstones on the path to success.

    July 19

    Ganesha says, your creativity will be at an all-time high. Use this energy to explore new artistic pursuits or to inject some creativity into your work. This could be anything from painting to writing to cooking. Whatever it is, let your imagination run wild. Relationships will also be a focus today. You may find yourself forging new connections or deepening existing ones. This could be with friends, family, or romantic partners. Remember, relationships are a two-way street. Be sure to give as much as you take.

    July 20

    Ganesha says you’ll be more inclined towards personal relationships. You may find yourself wanting to spend more time with loved ones and less time on work or other obligations. This is a great day to focus on building strong, healthy relationships. Spend time with those who make you happy and uplift your spirit. Remember, it’s the quality of the relationships, not the quantity that truly matters. Take time to appreciate the people in your life and express your gratitude for their presence.

    July 21

    Ganesha says you’ll be filled with a desire to learn and grow. You may find yourself wanting to explore new ideas, learn new skills, or even travel to new places. This is a great day to embrace your adventurous side and try something new. Whether it’s picking up a new book, enrolling in an online course, or planning a trip to a place you’ve never been, today is the day to broaden your horizons. Remember, growth comes from stepping outside of your comfort zone.

    July 22

    Ganesha says you’ll find yourself more in tune with your emotions. You may find that you’re more sensitive to the feelings of others, and you may find yourself wanting to help others in any way you can. This is a great day to focus on empathy and understanding. Whether it’s lending a listening ear to a friend in need or volunteering your time to a local charity, your actions will have a positive impact on those around you. Remember, kindness is a gift that keeps on giving.

    July 23

    Ganesha says you’ll be more focused on your career and professional goals. You may find yourself working harder than ever but remember to take time for yourself. Balance is key today, so make sure to take care of your physical and mental health. Whether it’s taking a short walk during your lunch break or practicing mindfulness at the end of the day, it’s important to take care of yourself. Remember, success is a journey, not a destination. Enjoy the process.

  •  Weekly Horoscope-  July 17, 2023 to July23, 2023

     Weekly Horoscope-  July 17, 2023 to July23, 2023

    Aries

    Ganesha says you will be prepared to put your attention on the issues that have significance this week dear Aries. You will be able to speak with former acquaintances. You will be the one who introduces something fresh together with them. You will be able to wow your bosses at effort with the grade of your effort. Postgraduate learners will have an entirely novel area of work to enter. Reorganization of the organization is likely to happen this week. Your love connection will progress if you get to know your partner’s household. Others may not welcome you at first, but they will. You will not have any need to worry about your overall wellness, and you will be in excellent form.

    Taurus

    Ganesha says this week, you will gain expertise in a few novel domains. Because of your fervent enthusiasm, you will learn a lot quickly. You will get new knowledge, which will inspire fresh thoughts in your head. Employees in the healthcare profession will have a difficult time balancing their professional and personal obligations. persons will meet new persons in the corporate world with whom they may collaborate. You and your spouse will have a lot of good times together this week in terms of your love relationship, which will lead to a deeper knowledge of one another. In terms of your wellbeing, you will be capable of adhering to your freshly established timetable.

    Gemini

    Ganesha says you may set priorities right away that are acceptable. You will make plenty of bigger goals. With the help of your intelligence, you can overcome the challenges in your way. Your ability to progress professionally will be quite high. Entrepreneurs will purchase further, trade additional information, and trade more. Regarding your relationship life, you will be able to persuade your significant other that you should get wedded as soon as feasible. They will think about it for a while. This week, because your headaches will not be a concern, your well-being will be greater than it was previously. Keep your children out of it if you believe they have a bad effect on others.

    Cancer 

    Ganesha says, you will have multiple chances this week to have discussions that are crucial. You will be able to persuade others to share your viewpoint. You will correct the errors you were going to create this week in the proper way. Some purchases will make business leaders anxious. Companies will go out of their way to please individuals who operate for them. They will study many subjects in a friendly and pleasant environment. Individuals may experience the temptation to put their partners out of their minds so they may focus on other matters. Your health will not require any special attention, but you must continue to drink enough water often.

    Leo 

    Ganesha says this week, you will experience animosity because good individuals have left your world. Recognize that every individual serves a purpose and that not every individual is destined to stay in your life. You will be prepared to make personal goals for your career. You will get availability of initiatives that you have only ever dreamed about. Professionals in the culinary industry may anticipate a busy week. Be aware that having mental instability could have an impact on your job. People are going to devote more time with their closest companions while sparing time on their love connections. Making each other seem unique will be difficult for newlyweds.

    Virgo

    Ganesha says this week, you will go more deeply into the divine realm. You will advance personally as a result of your actions. In your working life, you are going to have to handle finances more carefully. If you operate alone, you will be able to accomplish those goals you have been wanting to achieve for a very long time. Because of sophistication, people in the corporate world are going to interact with agreements that are less effective. To avoid causing harm to your digestive tract, you must proceed with utmost prudence. After a difficult and stressful week this week, you will be able to make your significant other sense positivity about your relationship. At this point, it is not the time to worry; everything will turn out for the finest. in the end.

    Libra 

    Ganesha says  you will be able to accomplish all of your ambitions this week. You will want to make a difference, but you could be too harsh on yourself in the process. Regarding romantic relationships, you will be tolerant of your partner’s shortcomings and compassionate with them. If you are dating or married, you and your spouse must participate in some sort of spiritual activity this week. Your astute planning will enable you to outwit your coworkers. You will also be able to steer clear of issues this week. This week’s businesspeople must become familiar with the development. You will experience minor medical problems as a result of your ongoing discomfort.

    Scorpio 

    Ganesha says  you will have the capacity this week to change your world by rendering it a cheerful equilibrium. Since you will persuade people to address their difficulties similarly to how you do, your week will be happier. This week, you will demonstrate your managerial abilities in the workplace. You will be able to distribute your tasks fairly. You will be looking for new challenges to conquer to learn new skills. Individuals who are employed in an office setting have to stay for profitable chances at all times. This week, you will be able to woo the individual you want to have a passionate relationship with. Your partner’s assistance in achieving harmony will cause a change in your way of existence!

    Sagittarius 

    Ganesha says  this week will be occupied with the job that requires you to take benefit from others around you. You will have a lot of time for planning as well. Your dominant mindset will entice positive ideas to gravitate toward you. You will have the opportunity to choose fresh goals for your working life. Combining the work with knowledgeable individuals will also allow you to gain knowledge a lot. The economic market’s unpredictability will render this week difficult for business owners. On a personal level, your spouse will get acquainted with your group of friends and will learn more about you as a consequence. This week, you will be managing a slight ache in terms of your well-being. It’s essential that you take good care of yourself.

    Capricorn 

    Ganesha says  you are capable of achieving each and every one of the goals you set for yourself this week. Nothing will sway you from your course. Your unwavering tenacity will provide the key to success. You will begin making plans for the future in terms of your professional life and compile a list of contacts who might be of great assistance to you. Your professional behavior will substantially change, but you must remain true to who you are as an individual. On the romantic front lines, even the slightest actions will be sufficient to contribute to making your partner seem unique. You must ensure that you complete your cardiovascular workouts this week. Do not attempt anything on your own if the previous personal harm has not fully healed.

    Aquarius 

    Ganesha says  you will have a little solitude this week. You will keep an eye on your development. You will adopt a methodical approach and will not act before providing it with great thought. In the midst of the adulation the cosmos will bestow upon you, you will be astounded. You will work hard to improve your employment performance. It is going to require more work to do tasks that previously required less duration, but the superior quality of the result will be made worth it. Reaching choices promptly will be difficult for business owners. Those who are now dating will find the time to carry out their civic duties. The perfect person will come along for those hoping for a romantic connection, but it will merely serve for enjoyment.

    Pisces

    Ganesha says  the sunlight is drawing to a close this week, so you might feel a bit puzzled. You will start to feel a bit lost before Wednesday, but gradually everything will be fine. This week, be sure to take care of yourself and surround yourself with individuals who will not stop pushing you in the correct direction. You will not feel comfortable beginning any big tasks in the business world; you want to take care of little things. Entrepreneurs would be able to make money off  the initial proposal they got. On a level of emotion, your partner will be understanding of your confusion and will help you feel at ease with them. Your degree of stamina will become physically unbalanced.

  • Sikh History This Week- July 14, 2023, to july 20, 2023

    14th July

    1920 The British government issued a communique, expressing its intentions to withdraw from the management of the Golden Temple and make alternative arrangements in concultation with Sikh members of the reformed Legislative Council. This was actually done to put off the matter by a year. However, the government’s procastination provoked the reformists to step up their campaign for immediate resignation of Arur Singh, the government’s appointed Sarbarh. Demoralised at government’s tactics, Arur Singh appeared before the reformers at the Jalianwala Bagh Diwan with folded hands. He asked for forgiveness and announced his resignation. This convinced the authorities who now regarded it as a “decided victory for the party of reformers.”

    1948 Deputy Prime Minister of India, Vallabhbhai Patel, eliminated the Sikh rulers and established the Patiala and East Punjab States Union, PEPSU. EAST PUNJAB STATES: Patiala, Nabha, Jind, Faridkot, and Malerkotla were the Sikh states in the East Punjab before the integration of Indian States in 1948. The first four were the Sikh states under the sovereignty of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and were brought under British protection by the 1809 treaty of Amritsar. Patiala, Nabha, and Jind, also known as Phulkian states, share a common ancestor Phul, who was descendent of Baryam. The Emperor, in 1526, had granted Baryam, the office of revenue collection for the waste country south-west of Delhi. Emperor Shah Jahan continued Phul in this office. From his eldest son descended the families of Nabha and Jind while from his second son the Patiala family. The Faridkot family, founded in the middle 16th century sprang from the same stock as the Phulkians chiefs. The remaining two states were Kapurthala and Malerkotla. The Kapurthala rulers belonged to the Ahluwalia family. The real founder of this family was Raja Jessa Singh, a contemporary of Nadir Shah. The malerkotla rulers were Sherwani Afghans who traced their descent from Sheikh Sadruddin who had received 68 villages near Ludhiana in marriage gifts when he married the daughter of Sultan Bahlol Lodi.

    1973 Bhai Sahib Harbhajan Singh Yogi met with the Archbishop of Canterbury to protest English laws which discriminate against Sikhs, particularly the law requiring motorcycle helmets.
    15th July
    1775 Sikhs, under the leadership of Jai Singh, establish complete control over PahadGanj and JaiSinghPura, Delhi.
    1923 Bishan Singh Sandhara assaulted by the Babbar Akalis.
    1932 Rattan Singh Babbar of Rakkar killed in an encounter with the police.
    1934 Gandhi reiterated to the Khalsa darbar deputation that “no constitution would be acceptable to the Congress which did not satisfy the Sikhs.” He added, “Similarly, the Congress would not reject what the Mussalmans wanted, nor could it accept what Hindus or Sikhs reject.”
    1948 The Patiala and East Punjab States Union, PEPSU, was inaugurated.

    16th July
    1984 1st Shahedi Jatha, under the leadership of Dr. Rajinder Kaur, marched for the liberation of Sri Harimandir Sahib. This jatha was arrested near Sri Harimandir Sahib.

    1985 Harchand Singh Longowal wrote a letter to Rajiv Gandhi to find a solution to the Punjab problem.

    18th July

    1982 Amrik Singh and Baba Thara Singh were arrested under false implications. On this day, the police snatched a jeep belonging to Gurdwara at Chowk Mehta, arrested three men and snatched their belongings. The next day Amrik Singh went to the courts for their release. The police arrested them too. They were charged under flimsy causes. At this Jarnail Singh Bhindrawalae started an agitation for their release. The Sikhs started courting arrests every day. On July 25, 1982 the Akali party adopted the agitation.

    19th July

    1708 Guru Gobind Singh Ji arrived at Nandedh (Hazur Sahib) with his Sikh soldiers and set up his camp there near the Mughal camp. Here he met Banda Bairagi who became his devout disciple. The Guru was treacherously attacked by some Pathan agents of the Governor of Sarhind or the Mughal emperor. ABICHAL NAGAR – situated near Nandedh city in South India, on the banks of river Godawari, is the famous place where Guru Gobind Singh left his earthly body on Katak Sudi 5, sunmat 1765.

    1982 The police arrested two Sikhs from a bus and later they were killed (on July l9 and July 23 respectively) in fake encounters. These two were Amarjeet Singh of Daheru village and Baljeet Singh of Sultanpur (Kapurthala). The later was shaved after being murdered by the police.

    20th July

    1935 Muslims took control of Shaheed Ganj, Lahore.
    1950 Akali Dal Executives asks its legislatures to form a separate group in the Assembly.

  • India in history this Week- July 14, 2023, to july 20, 2023

    14 JULY

    1945 Technology veteran and country’s big industrialist Shiv Nadar was born on 14 July.
    1969 85 people killed in a train and passenger train collision in Jaipur.

    15 JULY
    1857 Indian Rebellion of 1857: Second massacre took place in Kanpur.
    1926 Buses were introduced for the first time in the Indian city of Mumbai.
    1955 First President Dr. Rajendra Prasad announced the award of the highest civilian award Bharat Ratna to the then Prime Minister of the country, Jawaharlal Nehru.

    1984 After the unrest of the Sikh community in Punjab, it was declared a terrorism affected area.
    1903 Kamaraj, the veteran politician and reformist leader, was born.
    1937 Well-known Hindi journalist Prabhash Joshi was born.
    1909 Durgabai Deshmukh, the first female leader of Andhra Pradesh, was born.
    1912 Mohammed Osman, a high officer of the Indian Army, was born. He was martyred in the First War of India and Pakistan (1947–48).
    2004 Indian medical scientist and family planning expert Bano Jahangir Koyaji passed away.
    2011 Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) successfully launched GSAT-12A from Sriharikota through PSLV C-17.

    16 JULY

    1909 Aruna Asaf Ali, who fought the freedom struggle, was born.
    1969 27 children died in the country due to food in school.
    1856 The remarriage of Hindu widows got legal recognition.
    17 JULY
    1948 Women in the country were declared eligible in any type of civil services including the Indian Administrative Service and the Indian Police Service.
    1950 India’s first plane crashed in Pathankot.

    18 JULY

    1927 Birthday of Ghazal Emperor Mehdi Hasan.
    1947 The Indian Independence Act Act received royal approval.
    2012 Indian films superstar Rajesh Khanna died in his bungalow Blessing.
    1857 Establishment of Bombay University.
    1955 Electricity produced from nuclear power was sold commercially for the first time.
    1980 ‘Rohini-1’ satellite built entirely in India, placed in the Earth’s orbit.
    2010 Joseph, a professor in Kerala, was attacked by eight people and cut off his hands, accusing them of insulting Islam.

    2002 Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was elected the 12th President of the country in 2002.
    2003 Venugopal Reddy became the new Governor of the Reserve Bank in 2003.

    2008 Indian-origin Salman Rushdie set a record for signing over a thousand books in 57 minutes during a 2008 promotion tour.
    19 JULY

    1827 The revolutionary Mangal Pandey was born in Faizabad district of Uttar Pradesh.
    1969 The Government of India took the decision in 1969 to nationalize 14 major banks of the country.

    2005 Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh addressed the US Congress.
    1975 The bones of Indian revolutionary Udham Singh were brought from London to New Delhi in 1974.
    1938 Indian physics scientist Jayant Vishnu Narlikar was born on 19 July 1938.
    20 JULY
    1997 Indo-Bangladesh agreement on Teesta river water sharing.
    1761 Madhav Rao became the first Peshwa.

    2017 Ram Nath Kovind was elected the 14th President of India in 2017.
    1965 India’s famous revolutionary Batukeshwar Dutt died on 20 July 1965.
    1982 Meera Ben, the daughter of a British military officer, died in 1982 and who promoted Khadi in the ‘Indian freedom struggle’ influenced by Mahatma Gandhi’s principles.

  • Kutch: The white desert of India

    Kutch: The white desert of India

    Virtually an island that resembles the shape of a tortoise, Kutch is an erstwhile princely state of India holding onto its grandeur nature from the past. Kutch is probably one of the most beautiful, yet surreal places in India with the vast expanses of the white salt desert. The place comes to life during the winters when the Rann Festival is held during December-February everywhere in which there are huge camp settlements with cultural programs, functions and adventure activities like hot-air ballooning.
    Kutch is also among the largest district of India with a terribly low population density. Also, Kutch lies on the India-Pakistan border and you can see parts of Pakistan from Kutch. Kutch is also famous for crafts and embroidery works, Flamingo Sanctuary and Wild Ass Sanctuary. Bhuj is an ideal starting point to visit the Rann of Kutch. Beautiful beaches of Mandvi near Bhuj are also totally worth visiting during your trip to Kutch. Don’t miss to see the ancient town of Dholavira.
    Places to visit
    Places like Bhuj. Mandvi, Dholavira, Gandhidham, and Anjar are amongst the best places to visit in Kutch region that people hardly know. Narayan Sarovar, one of the five holy lakes mentioned in Shrimad Bhagvad and many other Jain and Hindu pilgrimage sights are also located here. Bhuj, the Kutchi capital of yore, get the maximum attention but there are many other places that one should know.
    Places like Dholavira (an archaeological site that contains the ruins of the Harappan city), Aina Mahal and Parag Mahal in Bhuj, Than Monastery and Vijay Villas Palace of Mandvi are worth a visit for the history buffs. Other than the major historical travel destination, Mandvi is also a port city with an amazing shipbuilding yard. The coast and marshlands of Kutch attract many migratory and domestic birds including giant flocks of flamingos, pelicans and common cranes are often seen flying in the region.
    Kutch is a beautiful amalgamation of the sea and desert that can charm anyone with its beauty. One place that deserves a special mention in the Kutch is the charming white deserts of the Great Rann of Kutch. Spanning over an area of 7505 sq km, Great Rann of Kutch the world’s largest salt desert that remains covered with water during the monsoon season, and over the winters, the water evaporates, leaving a vast expanse of the dry hard mud, which dazzles like a diamond under the scorching sun and appears like an eerie under the bluish glow during the night hours. People who want to relish the view of the desert from a different angle should climb the Kalo Dungar (black hill), the highest point in Kutch. Top of the hill offers the splendid view of the Kutch region, Thar Desert and the Great Rann.
    During the winter season, this dramatic expanse of salt land is a magical wondered. Amidst the magical landscapes, a carnival of high-spirited gaiety, the Rann Utsav is marked by the excellent quality of folk dance, music, and art. Brimming with hospitality and traditional flavours, Rann Utsav is a grand extravaganza, which is celebrated every year for three months.
    Contrasting the beauty of the Great Rann of Kutch is the Little Rann of Kutch, a land that is just not meant for the faint-hearted people as this is the place where nature shows its harshest form. Barren land of the Little Rann is the abode of wild ass (locally called khur), as well as bluebells, blackbuck and chinkaras. In this part of Kutch, one can see people pumping up ground water and extracting the salt.
    Farming, sea and desert well represent the diverse culture of Kutch. The land is the abode of one of the most colourful people who spot gaudy dresses; a visit to Kutch is an inspirational experience. Many pastoral communities in Kutch are semi-nomadic herders of camel and sheep.
    All the major nomadic communities, namely rabaris and ahirs, are blessed with a creative intellect and often create finest handicrafts and popular textile techniques including block printing, tie-dye and weaving. Tribes of the sleepy villages like Hodko, Nirona, Mandvi and Bhujodi, makes gorgeous embroidered garments for wedding trousseau. The delectable surf embroidery, the geometric beauty of Khareek patterns, the dramatic spirit of pakoo’s tight square chain and double button stitch embroidery of the sodha Rajput, as well as the mirror work embroideries of Rabari and Ahir craftswomen- all find plenty of buyers. The Kutch region has been a melting point for many communities from across the borders- Sindh in Pakistan, Marwar region in Western Rajasthan and beyond- adding to the rich handicrafts offered in the region. One can experience the beauty of Kutch in myriad ways- walking on the beach of Mandvi, witnessing the art of the past at the beautiful palaces of Bhuj, and moreover, satisfying the shopping hunger by paying a visit to the local market.

  • Somvati Amavasya

    Somvati Amavasya

    Somvati Amavasya is a very important day in Hinduism. Amavasya which falls on Monday is called Somvati Amavasya. Somvati Amavasya falls only once or twice in a year. This fast is observed by married women. Somvati Amavasya fast is observed by married women for the long life of their husbands.
    Somvati Amavasya Vrat is also known as ‘Ashwath Pradakshina Vrat’ in the scriptures. ‘Ashwath’ means Peepal tree. Lord Vishnu resides on the Peepal tree. Therefore Lord Vishnu is also worshiped on the day of Somvati Amavasya. On this day, bathing and charity are considered to be the best of all. According to the words of sage Vyasa, on this day, by meditating, fasting, fasting, one gets the virtuous fruit of thousands of cows.
    It is believed that in the Mahabharata, Bhishma, explaining the importance of this day to Yudhishthira, said that a person who bathes in the holy rivers on this day will be prosperous, healthy and free from all miseries. It is also believed that taking a bath gives peace to the souls of the ancestors.
    Importance
    Somvati Amavasya is considered significant due to its occurrence on a Monday, the day of Lord Shiva, and hence people observe fast on this day. People also offer prayers to their ancestors on this particular day. So, Pitra puja is performed on the auspicious day of Somvati Amavasya. Additionally, one can pray for the peace of their ancestors’ souls after taking a dip in the holy river Ganga.
    The epic Mahabharata mentions Bhishma Pitamah narrating the significance of Somvati Amas to Yudhisthira, the eldest among the Pandava brothers. When the Kurukshetra war ended, Dharmaraaj Yudhisthira was stressed about the future of the Kuru-Pandava dynasty. To seek advice, he met Bhishma Pitamah and asked how to revive the dynasty so that upcoming generations could prosper. It was Bhishma Pitamah’s suggestion that Yudhishthira should observe the Somvati Amavasya Vrat. This way, they could get the blessings of noble children.
    Benefits
    The auspicious dip in the river is said to take away all sorrows and helps bring prosperity in one’s life.
    Worshipping Lord Shiva every Monday is deemed beneficial to fulfill one’s wishes.
    If one observes fast on this day, it will bring glory, luck, and a good reputation.
    A childless couple can be blessed with a child, and the poor can become wealthy.
    It reduces any sort of fear or pain from one’s life.
    Fasting by married women is deemed beneficial for their husband’s long life.
    Moon is the deity of this day and is greatly known to represent peace. Hence, one is blessed with peace of mind and relief in the heart.
    Puja Vidhi
    In Indian customs and rituals, the Peepal tree is revered as a sacred tree. Women should tie a sacred thread around the tree’s trunk for 108 times. This way, a parikrama of 108 times is done around the Peepal tree.
    Then, they should offer milk, flowers, sandal paste, and vermilion or sindoor to the tree.
    Fasting is carried out for the whole day.
    It is considered auspicious to donate things of white color or white food such as rice, curd, sugar, milk, etc. to the poor.
    Vrat Katha or Story
    There was a monk who used to stop by a moneylender’s home regularly. All the seven sons of the money-lender were married but not his daughter. The monk used to take alms from them and in return, he would bless all daughters-in-law to have a great marital life. But he never blessed the daughter about tying the marital knot and this saddened the girl and her mother. The anxious mother summoned a Pandit who could see the Kundali of the girl. The Pandit informed about the unfortunate Dosha wherein the girl could become a widow. To resolve this trouble, the daughter was asked to go to the island named Singhal where a washerwoman lived.
    The girl was asked to fetch Sindoor from that woman, which needed to be applied on her forehead. Additionally, observing the Somvati Amavasya fast was also required in order to nullify the unfavorable Yoga from her horoscope. The youngest son went with her to the island, and they reached the seashore. But there was a sea to be crossed ahead.
    Wondering how to cross the sea, they rested under a tree where a vulture lived with his female vulture and their babies. One fine day, when both male and female vultures had gone out to search food, a snake came near the babies. The girl and her brother saved the babies from that snake, after which the vulture duo offered help. They showed her a way to reach the washer woman’s house. The girl served the woman for months. The lady was pleased, and in return, applied vermilion or Sindoor on the girl’s forehead. The girl without drinking water left from there, and on her way back also observed the Somvati Amavasya fast. This way, her ill-fated Dosha got neutralized.
    Significance
    This is the main fast of women. Women observe this fast for the longevity of their husbands. On the day of Somvati Amavasya, charity should be given according to one’s ability. Women who cannot observe fast on every new moon should observe fast on Somvati Amavasya and circumambulate the Peepal tree 108 times by wrapping it in a thread. Peepal tree should be worshiped lawfully. By observing this fast one gets eternal good fortune. Monday is the day of the moon. On this day the Sun and the Moon remain in a straight line. Therefore, this festival is considered to be of special merit.

  • Wimbledon: Jabeur survives Sabalenka assault, enters final

    Wimbledon: Jabeur survives Sabalenka assault, enters final

    LONDON (TIP)– Ons Jabeur showed that it is sometimes better to float like a butterfly than sting like a bee as her wily artistry overcame the brutal hitting of Aryna Sabalenka to reach her second Wimbledon final with a 6-7 (5) 6-4 6-3 victory on July 13. Jabeur, who was beaten in last year’s final, looked destined to suffer more heartbreak on Centre Court when she lost the opening set, but her delicate strokeplay and clever angles eventually subdued the relentless power of Belarusian Sabalenka. The victory set up a final between the Tunisian sixth seed and unseeded Czech Marketa Vondrousova, the former French Open finalist who ended the hopes of Ukrainian Elina Svitolina earlier in the day. Jabeur, who also finished runner-up at last year’s US Open, lost a tense first set tiebreak and fell 2-4 down in the second, but roared back with two breaks to level the contest. She then got a decisive break to move 4-2 up in the third set and while the Tunisian passed up four match points, she finally got over the line with an ace.
    Vondrousova showed there was no room for any gushing sentiment as she ended the remarkable run of new mum Elina Svitolina with a 6-3 6-3 victory to reach the Wimbledon final for the first time. In the run-up to a first All England Club women’s semifinal featuring two unseeded players, Vondrousova said the Ukrainian was “incredible”, “amazing”, “a fighter” and “a super woman” for reaching the last-four of a Grand Slam nine months after giving birth to daughter Skai.But that did not stop Vondrousova from shattering Svitolina’s dreams and she now stands one win from completing her own phenomenal comeback story after two wrist surgeries following her runner-up finish at the French Open in 2019. “I didn’t play for six months last year and you never know if you can be at that level again. I’m just so grateful to be here and to be healthy and play again,” she said.
    Source: Reuters

  • first Test against West Indies

    first Test against West Indies

    Ashwin takes 33rd five-wicket haul to give India the upper hand

    Roseau (TIP)- The constant search for excellence has pushed Ravichandran Ashwin to new heights, but by his own admission, it has also been “incredibly draining”. Ashwin, the No. 1 Test bowler at the moment, put the disappointment of being dropped from the World Test Championship final with his 33rd five-wicket haul on the opening day of India’s first Test against West Indies on July 13.
    The 36-year-old also became the third Indian to reach the 700-wicket milestone in international cricket. With 702 wickets (479 in Tests, 151 in ODIs and 72 T20Is), Ashwin sits behind Anil Kumble (956) and Harbhajan Singh (711).
    After the close of play on Day 1, the wily off-spinner was asked about his long journey in international cricket and the ups and downs along the way, including the recent exclusion from the WTC final against Australia.
    “There is no cricketer or human being in this world that has gone through the highs without the lows,” Ashwin said. “When you have the lows, it gives you two choices, either you sulk or talk about it and then complain about it and go along with it and go down. Or you learn from it. So I’m someone who’s constantly learnt from my lows,” he added.
    “After this good day, I’ll have a good meal, talk to my family, go to bed and then forget about it. But even when you’ve had a good day, there are areas you can work on and get better. This constant search for excellence has held me in good stead, but it’s also been incredibly draining. It’s not a journey that’s been very easy,” he added.
    Ashwin, who was introduced into the attack as early as the ninth over, made full use of the bounce on offer at Windsor Park. The West Indies batters offered little resistance and Ashwin was too good for them. “There was some bounce from the wicket, especially from the pavilion end. The wicket had some slope also which gave us bounce. But we utilised the first session very well. The wicket had some moisture and it was coming off it very well,” he said. “It was turning more (in the second session), but the turn was very slow. But in the first session, there was bounce and pace, there was bite. We utilised it very well,” he added.
    Rohit, Jaiswal stand out with tons
    Roseau: Debutant Yashasvi Jaiswal showed remarkable temperament while skipper Rohit Sharma eschewed his natural flair as their twin tons in a record opening stand put India in complete control of the first Test against West Indies here today. India galloped to 245/2 at tea on the second day. Jasiwal (116 batting off 244 balls) and Rohit (103 off 221 balls) upped the ante in the post-lunch session. The India skipper was out immediately after scoring his 10th Test hundred. Shubman Gill’s first game as No. 3 didn’t start off well. The openers put up India’s best stand of 229 against West Indies, beating 201 set by Sanjay Bangar and Virender Sehwag back in 2001.

  • ICC announces equal prize money for men and women at its global events

    The ICC on July 13 announced equal prize money for men’s and women’s teams at its global events in a bid to bring in pay parity, ushering in a new era in world cricket. In the last 50 over men’s World Cup, champions England got USD 4 million and runners-up New Zealand received USD 2 million.
    “The International Cricket Council (ICC) today announced equal prize money for men’s and women’s teams at ICC events. The decision was taken at the ICC Annual Conference in Durban, South Africa and ensures the ICC Board fulfilled its commitment to reaching prize money equity by 2030 well ahead of schedule,” the ICC said in a statement. “Teams will now receive equal prize money for the equivalent finishing position at comparable events as well as the same amount for winning a match at those events,” it further stated.
    ICC Chair Greg Barclay said: “This is a significant moment in the history of our sport, and I am delighted that men’s and women’s cricketers competing at ICC global events will now be rewarded equally.
    “Since 2017 we have increased prize money at women’s events every year with a clear focus on reaching equal prize money and from here on in, winning the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup will carry the same prize money as winning the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup and the same for T20 World Cups and U19s too.” Barclay added, “Cricket is genuinely a sport for all and this decision from the ICC Board reinforces that and enables us to celebrate and value every single player’s contribution to the game equally.” BCCI secretary Jay Shah played an active role as the head of Financial & Commercial Affairs Committee (F&CA) in formulating the policy having done the same in his own board last year.
    “I thank the fellow Board members for their support in helping achieve this important endeavour. Let’s work towards a future where cricket continues to thrive across the globe.”
    Source: PTI

  • Elon Musk launches AI firm xAI as he looks to take on OpenAI

    Elon Musk launches AI firm xAI as he looks to take on OpenAI

    Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur, launched his long-teased artificial intelligence startup xAI on Wednesday, unveiling a team comprised of engineers from the same big U.S. technology firms that he hopes to challenge in his bid to build an alternative to ChatGPT.
    The startup will be led by Musk, already the CEO of electric car maker Tesla, CEO of rocket launch company SpaceX and owner of Twitter, who has said on several occasions that the development of AI should be paused and that the sector needed regulation. Musk has repeatedly voiced concerns about AI’s potential for “civilizational destruction.”
    In a Twitter Spaces event Wednesday evening, Musk explained his plan for building a safer AI. Rather than explicitly programming morality into its AI, xAI will seek to create a “maximally curious” AI, he said.
    “If it tried to understand the true nature of the universe, that’s actually the best thing that I can come up with from an AI safety standpoint,” Musk said. “I think it is going to be pro-humanity from the standpoint that humanity is just much more interesting than not-humanity.”
    Musk also predicted that superintelligence, or AI that is smarter than humans, will arrive in five or six years.
    Musk co-founded OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, in 2015, but stepped down from the company’s board in 2018.
    Microsoft is an investor in OpenAI.
    The website for xAI said it will hold a Twitter Spaces event on July 14.
    The team at xAI includes Igor Babuschkin, a former engineer at Google’s DeepMind; Tony Wu, who worked at Google; Christian Szegedy, who was also a research scientist at Google; and Greg Yang, who was previously at Microsoft.
    Musk in March registered a firm named X.AI Corp, incorporated in Nevada, according to a state filing. The firm lists Musk as the sole director and Jared Birchall, the managing director of Musk’s family office, as a secretary.
    Musk had said in April that he would launch TruthGPT, or a maximum truth-seeking AI to rival Google’s Bard and Microsoft’s Bing AI that tries to understand the nature of the universe.
    Generative AI caught the limelight with OpenAI’s launch of popular chatbot ChatGPT, which came in November last year, ahead of the launch of Bard and Bing AI.
    Dan Hendrycks, who will advise the xAI team, is currently director of the Center for AI Safety and his work revolves around the risks of AI.
    Musk’s new company is separate from X Corp, but will work closely with Twitter, Tesla and other companies, according to the website.xAI said it is recruiting experienced engineers and researchers in the San Francisco Bay Area.
    India not considering tax waivers for Tesla
    India’s finance ministry is not considering any duty waivers for U.S. automaker Tesla Inc, Revenue Secretary Sanjay Malhotra told Reuters on Thursday, July 13.
    Last month, Tesla CEO Elon Musk said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was pushing the car maker to make a “significant investment” in the country, adding that such an announcement was expected soon.In the past, talks between the U.S. carmaker and the Indian government have involved seeking customs duty waivers for importing its electric vehicles, which was rejected by India. Source: Reuters

  • Retail inflation in June rises to three-month high of 4.81%

    Retail inflation in June rises to three-month high of 4.81%

    New Delhi (TIP)- Retail inflation rose to a three-month high of 4.81 per cent in June, mainly on account of hardening prices of food, according to the government data.
    Inflation based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) stood at 4.31 per (revised upward from 4.25 per cent) in May and 7 per cent in June 2022.
    The inflation, however, remains within the RBI’s comfort level of below 6 per cent.
    The previous high CPI was in March at 5.66 per cent.
    The government has tasked the central bank to ensure retail inflation remains at 4 per cent with a margin of 2 per cent on either side. The central bank mainly factors in the CPI to arrive at its bi-monthly monetary policy decision. The next policy review is scheduled early next month. Inflation for the food basket was at 4.49 per cent in June, higher than 2.96 per cent in May. The food basket accounts for nearly half of the CPI. Last month, the Reserve Bank kept policy rates unchanged at 6.5 per cent and projected retail inflation for the current fiscal to average at 5.1 per cent, with June quarter inflation pegged at 4.6 per cent.

  • HCL buys German e-mobility tech proviXder for Rs 2,300 cr

    HCL Technologies has signed a pact to acquire 100% stake in ASAP Group, a German automotive engineering services provider, for about Rs 2,300 crore, according to a BSE filing. It aims to expand its capabilities in the automotive engineering services segment, particularly in e-mobility, autonomous driving and connectivity in Europe, Germany and other global markets, it stated.
    Adani raises Rs 1,250 cr through bond sale
    Gautam Adani’s flagship firm, Adani Enterprises, has raised Rs 1,250 crore through a local-currency bond sale. In a filing, Adani Enterprises said it has raised Rs 1,250 crore “by allotment of 1,25,000 secured, unrated, unlisted, redeemable, non-convertible debentures of the face value of Rs 1 lakh each on private placement basis”.

  • India-China trade shows first signs of slowdown

    The India-China trade, which in recent years rose sharply despite bilateral tensions over the border dispute, showed the first signs of a slowdown in years falling by 0.9 per cent in the first half of this year.
    This came as China’s overall foreign trade declined by about five per cent as its economy struggled to recover from COVID blues.
    China’s exports to India in the first half of this year totalled USD 56.53 billion compared to USD 57.51 billion last year registering a decline of 0.9 per cent, according to the data released by Chinese customs on Thursday, July 13.
    India’s exports to China during the same period totalled USD 9.49 billion compared to USD 9.57 billion last year. The trade deficit in the first half of 2023 too declined significantly to USD 47.04 compared to USD 67.08 billion last year.
    Last year was a bumper year for India-China trade as it touched an all-time high of USD 135.98 billion despite the continued chill in the bilateral ties over the military standoff in eastern Ladakh in May 2020. The total India-China trade in 2022 overtook the USD 125 billion mark a year earlier by registering an 8.4 per cent increase.
    New Delhi’s trade deficit with Beijing crossed for the first time a USD 100 billion mark despite frosty bilateral relations.
    The trade deficit for India stood at USD 101.02 billion in 2022 crossing the 2021 figure of USD 69.38 billion.

  • Scientists find evidence of world’s oldest glaciers in SA dating from 2.9 billion years ago

    Scientists find evidence of world’s oldest glaciers in SA dating from 2.9 billion years ago

    Scientists have discovered the traces of the world’s oldest known glaciers, dating from 2.9 billion years ago, in rocks sitting under the planet’s largest gold deposits in South Africa.
    The finding suggests the presence of continental ice caps in the past and that either the area was closer to the poles, or that parts of the Earth may have been frozen in a previously unknown “snowball Earth” period of extreme cold weather.
    The study, published in the journal Geochemical Perspectives Letters, found evidence from relative oxygen isotope concentrations in ancient rocks, as well as physical proof, showing firm evidence of glaciers, 2.9 billion years ago.
    “We found extremely well-preserved glacial deposits close to the gold fields of South Africa. This is one of the few areas which remain fairly intact and unchanged from the early Earth,” said Professor Ilya Bindeman from the University of Oregon, US.
    “These deposits are fossilised glacial moraines, which are basically the debris left by a glacier as it gradually melts and contracts. These are the oldest moraine deposits ever found,” Bindeman said.
    The researchers were also able to correlate this with analysis of oxygen isotopes from these rocks, which showed that the climate must have been cold when the rocks were deposited.
    They looked at relative amounts of three oxygen isotopes, 16O, 17O, and 18O. These are all types of oxygen but have very slightly different weights. “We found that these rocks had very low amounts of 18O, and very high amounts of 17O, indicating that they were formed at icy temperatures,” Bindeman said. “This means ice. Couple that geochemical evidence with the moraine evidence, and it means glaciers, the oldest glaciers yet found on Earth,” he added.

    The researchers put forward a couple of possible explanations: It may be that this area was close to the poles. Another possibility is that the whole Earth was in a “snowball Earth” period, when low atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide and methane led to a ‘reverse greenhouse effect’, causing much of the planet to freeze. “Scientists believe that this may have happened on a couple of occasions in the more recent past. If so, this would be the earliest such global cooling period recorded. Either possibility is scientifically interesting,” said Professor Axel Hofmann, from the University of Johannesburg, South Africa.
    “The largest sedimentary gold deposits in the world are found in slightly younger rocks sitting above the rocks we studied. It’s possible that a change from icehouse to greenhouse conditions may have aided in the formation of those gold deposits, but this needs to be confirmed and requires further work,” Hofmann added. Source: PTI

  • NASA’s perseverance rover diverse set of organic molecules on mars

    NASA’s perseverance rover diverse set of organic molecules on mars

    Nasa’s Perseverance rover has discovered diverse organic matter in the planet’s Jezero Crater. Organic molecules are the key building blocks of life on Earth that are made primarily of carbon and hydrogen and often other elements like oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulphur. The discovery, which was published in the journal Nature, has implications in the search for potential signs of life on the Red Planet, researchers said.
    ”The presence and distribution of preserved organic matter on the surface of Mars can provide key information about the Martian carbon cycle and the potential of the planet to host life throughout its history,” the authors wrote.
    Several different types of organic molecule have already been found in Martian meteorites on Earth as well as the Gale crater on the surface of the Red Planet. However, researchers are unable to rule out that the materials have a “biotic” origin or are the result of life on the planet. They also suggested a number of different explanations for the origins of organic matter on the red planet.
    The molecules might have been formed by the interactions between water and dust or having been dropped onto the planet by dust or meteors.
    “These potential organic molecules are largely found within minerals linked to aqueous processes, indicating that these processes may have had a key role in organic synthesis, transport, or preservation,” they wrote.
    Dr. Sunanda Sharma from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory said that there are multiple origin hypotheses for the presence of organic matter on Mars from meteorite and mission studies.
    Perseverance detected evidence of diverse types of organic compounds in the huge Jezero crater, which the rover has been exploring since it landed on Mars in February 2021.
    Signals of organic molecules were detected on all 10 targets that Sherloc observed in the Jezero crater floor. Notably, The Scanning Habitable Environments with Raman and Luminescence for Organics and Chemicals (Sherloc) instrument on the rover is the first tool to enable fine-scale mapping and analysis of organic molecules and minerals on Mars.

  • Google’s new note taking AI app is here

    Google has unveiled a new personalised AI-based note-taking app called NotebookLM to help people learn faster. The new app was first announced at the Google I/O event in May this year under the name Project Tailwind and is currently an experimental product from Google Labs. Google says it wants to reimagine what note-taking software could look like if it were designed from the ground up using a powerful language model. The new AI is only available for Google Docs at the moment, but the search giant promises to add new formats soon. NotebookLM is also only available to users in the US by signing up to a Google Labs waiting list.
    While introducing the new notes app in a blog post, Google wrote, “NotebookLM is an experimental product designed to use the power and promise of language models paired with your existing content to gain critical insights, faster. Think of it as a virtual research assistant that can summarize facts, explain complex ideas, and brainstorm new connections — all based on the sources you select.” With NotebookLM, Google aims to solve, or at least mitigate, the biggest problem associated with artificial intelligence systems such as ChatGPT and Bard: ‘hallucination’, the phenomenon where a large language model (LLM) generates incorrect information and confidently presents it as the correct answer. Google uses a process called ‘source-grounding’, which the company claims effectively creates a personalised AI that knows the information relevant to you. Source-grounding allows the language model to analyse your notes and sources for answers. However, Google warns against blindly trusting its application and urges users to check the AI’s answers against the original source material.

  • Study says ‘underground climate change’ threatening highrise buildings

    The ground beneath us is heating up, giving rise to the phenomenon of “underground climate change” and our civil infrastructure was not designed for it, scientists say. The continuous heat diffusion from buildings and underground transportation, seen in many urban areas around the world, causes the ground to warm at an alarming rate, found to be 0.1 to 2.5 degrees Celsius per decade by researchers.
    The heating up of ground leads to its deformation that includes both expansion and contraction, causing building foundations and the surrounding ground to move excessively and sometimes develop cracks, thereby impacting structures’ long-term performance and durability. “The ground is deforming as a result of temperature variations, and no existing civil structure or infrastructure is designed to withstand these variations,” said Northwestern University’s Alessandro Rotta Loria, an assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering, and who led the US-based study published in the journal Communications Engineering.
    Warmer temperatures caused swelling and expansion of the ground by as much as 12 millimetres and contraction and sinking (beneath the building’s weight) by as much as 8 mm, the researchers found using simulations on sensor-obtained temperature data of Chicago.

  • Start doing strength training for your overall health

    Start doing strength training for your overall health

    The basic essentials of a healthy lifestyle are a combination of diet and exercise. Both, working simultaneously, are needed in adequate amounts for the body to function optimally. One of the main aspects of exercise is increasing strength, which has several health benefits. Strength training, also known as resistance training or weightlifting, is a combination of various exercises, many of which involve using weights or resistance bands. Then there are others that simply use your body weight to push its limit and increase strength, reducing fat and increasing muscle mass.
    According to the study published in the journal Applied Physiology, resistance training led to a significant increase in muscle strength and mass across various populations, including older adults and individuals who have chronic conditions.Some forms of resistance training include squats, weight lifting, glute bridge and push-ups. Another study published in Bone and Mineral Research suggested that it significantly increased bone density at various skeletal sites.A randomised controlled trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that a one-year resistance training program increased bone mineral density in older men and women.Strength training like even doing basic kettle bells, wall push-ups, calf raises and mountain climbing can boost metabolism and increase the number of calories burned at rest.
    Research suggests that regular resistance training, combined with a balanced diet, can help with weight management by increasing lean muscle mass and promoting fat loss.
    Other benefits
    Increased insulin sensitivity
    Strength training improves insulin sensitivity, which is crucial for maintaining stable blood sugar levels. This can be beneficial for individuals with diabetes or those at risk of developing diabetes.
    Cardiovascular health improvements
    While aerobic exercise is often associated with cardiovascular health, research shows that strength training can help lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. Research published in the American Heart Journal showed that resistance training reduced blood pressure in individuals with hypertension.
    Enhanced mental well-being
    Engaging in regular strength training has been linked to improved mental health and well-being. It can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, enhance self-esteem, and improve cognitive function. Source: India Today

  • First ‘tooth regrowth’ drug to enter human clinical trials in 2024

    In a breakthrough, a team of Japanese scientists has developed a drug that can regenerate lost teeth in adults, an advance that is now moving towards human clinical trials. Scientists at Kyoto University and the University of Fukui focused on a protein called USAG-1, which, synthesised by a gene, was found to limit the growth of teeth. The antibody targeting USAG-1 could stimulate tooth growth in mice suffering from tooth agenesis, a congenital condition.
    Describing in a paper, published in the journal Science Advances, they said the ‘tooth regrowth’ drug, if successful, can aid people to grow a new set of teeth who lack them due to a congenital condition called Anodontia.
    It causes the growth of fewer than a full set of teeth, present in around 1 per cent of the population.
    According to Japan’s national daily news site, the Mainichi, the scientists will begin clinical trials in July 2024 and expect to roll out for general use in 2030.
    The study is the first to show the benefits of monoclonal antibodies on tooth regeneration and provides a new therapeutic framework for a clinical problem that can currently only be resolved with implants and other artificial measures.
    “We knew that suppressing USAG-1 benefits tooth growth. What we did not know was whether it would be enough,” said Katsu Takahashi, one of the lead authors of the study and a senior lecturer at the Kyoto.
    Takahashi explained the fundamental molecules responsible for tooth development have already been identified.
    “The morphogenesis of individual teeth depends on the interactions of several molecules including BMP, or bone morphogenetic protein, and Wnt signalling,” he noted.
    Guessing that targeting the factors that antagonise BMP and Wnt specifically in tooth development could be safer, the team considered the gene USAG-1. Source: IANS