Being one of the most widely worshipped Gods in Hinduism, Lord Shiva is also referred as Tryambaka Deva (Three-eyed lord) for the third eye placed on his forehead. The sun is said to be his right eye, the moon is said to be the left eye while fire is this third eye. While the other two eyes indicate his activity in the physical world, the third eye stands as a symbol of wisdom, free from “Maya” (illusion) and duality of life. It looks beyond the obvious happenings with clear perception, and shows one what is known to be true. This eye of Lord Shiva is known as the “Spiritual eye” which stands for deeper consciousness and allows us to see the real world for the world as we see it is an illusion.
As per the modern spirituality, the third eye is a symbol of enlightenment. It is often referred to as “Gyananakashu” (the eye of knowledge). In the Indian and East Asian iconography, the third eye is the “Ajna chakra” (the sixth chakra). It is also known as brow chakra or brow center.
This third eye of Lord Shiva is also famous for emitting flames that destroy the vie and the evil. It is believed that Lord Shiva has only opened the third eye in extreme cases, when there no more space for forgiveness was left and no question of granting another chance existed. It was his third eye, which gave him the name of the destroyer; when the eye opened it destroyed the person who befell for the vision.
History saw instances where Lord Shiva opened his third eye, yet there are no evidences on how many times, this event took place. The Shiv Purana lays down a few instances when Mahadeva opened his third eye. We have jotted down a few of such popularly known instances.
Sati and the Burning of Kamadeva
Daksha Prajapati, Lord Brahma’s wish-born son, was entrusted with the duty to populate the Universe. He with his wife, Prastuti, had many daughters who were married off to gods and sages. Sati, his youngest daughter, was his favourite. Sati was the reincarnation of Ardhashakti, or the better half of Lord Shiva which he had sacrificed to maintain the balance in the Universe and was thus, destined to marry Lord Shiva. Sati then appeases Lord Shiva and marries him against the wishes of her father, Daksha. He then organizes a yagna (fire-sacrifice) and invites all his sons-in-law except Shiva, to participate in the ritual. Angry at the exclusion of her husband, Sati rushes into the sacrificial precinct and confronts her father, who mocks Shiva’s ascetic ways in front of all the assembled guests. Unable to bear this humiliation in front of the other Devas, Sati kills herself by jumping into the sacrificial fire thereby causing the Yagna to stop.
Lord Shiva was furious after learning about Sati’s death at the Yagna. Unable to control his anger, he brought forth superior beings Virabhadra (a fierce warrior) and Bhadrakali (the female fierce warrior) to behead Daksha. Although many gods tried to defend Daksha, Virabhadra and Bhadrakali destroyed his army and beheaded him.
Lord Brahma pleaded to Lord Shiva for his son’s life and asked for forgiveness for his behaviour. Lord Shiva calmed down, and revived Daksha by replacing his head with a goat’s head. He placed Goddess Sati’s body on his shoulder and started walking through the Universe, neglecting his duties. Lord Vishnu attempted to pacify Shiva, who was left in deep grief upon seeing the half-burned corpse of his beloved wife, Sati. To bring Lord Shiva out of his grief, Lord Vishnu uses his sudarshan chakra (a celestial weapon) to cut Sati’s body to pieces, which fell on earth. Sati’s body was cut into a total of 52 pieces that fell on different places on the earth, each of which have evolved into Shakti Pithas (Shakti Temples). There is a Kali or Shakti temple in each of these 52 places.
Lord Shiva then returned to Mount Kailash to meditate and mourn his wife’s death, cleansing himself of all anger and pain rejecting all worldly things. Much later, Sati is reborn as the daughter of Himavath (the king of mountains). The couple name her Parvati and showed immense devotion towards Lord Shiva. She tries her best to please him to marry her. Although Lord Shiva remains impassive, disappointing both her and the Devas who are eager to get Lord Shiva married. The Devas were informed that the demon, Taraka, who got them in trouble was destined to be killed by Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati’s son. So, they decide to help Parvati please Lord Shiva by sending Lord Kama (the god of love & lust) to Mount Kailash. While Lord Shiva is seen meditating, Kamadeva raises his sugarcane bow, pulls his bowstring buzzing with bees and shoots flowery darts of kama (desire) into Shiva’s heart.
The result was not something the Devas expected it would be. Instead of opening his eyes and expressing his desire for Parvati, Lord Shiva opens a third eye. It is in the centre of the forehead and blows out a missile of fire that sets Kamadeva aflame. Right infront of Parvati, Kamadeva is reduced to a pile of ashes in no time. It is then that Shiva gets the name destroyer. Such is the power of the third eye of Lord Shiva. Through this incident, the third eye has been accompanied by emotions of rage and anger.
The birth of Andhaka
As the Shiv Purana narrates, once playfully Parvati closes the eyes of Lord Shiva with her hands from behind. As soon as Mahadeva’s eyes were thus covered, all the regions became dark and life seemed to be extinct everywhere in the universe. All living creatures became cheerless and filled with fear. Birds froze in the air mid-flight. Cows became living statues while grazing in their lush green fields. The tiger about to pounce on her prey was rooted to her hiding spot while the deer was fastened to his feeding ground. All life became still and quiet. When the eyes of the lord of all life forms were closed, the universe seemed to become sunless. Soon, overspreading darkness disappeared. A mighty and powerful flame of fire started to radiate from Mahadeva’s forehead. A third eye, resembling another sun, appeared on his forehead. This eye provided light to the world when his other two eyes were closed.
While covering Lord Shiva’s eyes, Goddess Parvati’s hands started perspiring. The sweat filled with the power of Shiva (heat) and Shakti (water) transformed into a child – a blind child. It sang, cried, laughed, danced, put out its tongue like a serpent and thundered fiercely. The couple named this child – Andhaka. At this time, there was an asura (demon) named Hiranyaksha who had no sons. He then prayed to Lord Shiva and pleased by his devotion, the couple decided to offer him with Andhaka, to raise him as his son.
Andhaka went on to become the kind of Hiranyaksha’s kingdom. Later, Andhaka gets blessed with a boon from Lord Brahma. Andhakasura asked him for victories throughout his life and immortality. Lord Brahma granted him the first boon but asked him how he wanted die, as death was inevitable. To this, Andhakasura replies that he would be killed by his own father if he ever decides to marry a woman who was like a mother to him. Empowered by this boon, he went on to conquer all the three worlds. During his invasion, he meets Parvati and gets aroused by her beauty. He then decided to make her his queen. As he chased her, Lord Shiva who came to Parvati’s rescue and struck Andhaka by his trident. After being suspended on Lord Shiva’s trident for over thousand years, Andhakasura realised his mistake and sought forgiveness form Lord Shiva. This story narrates the dark side of the third eye. When desire is destroyed, then all divisions fall apart – there is no right side or left side, nothing good or nothing bad. It metaphorically illustrates that the physical world, blinds one to worldly realities. Andhaka means the `blind one’, so blind that he does not even distinguish between mother and wife.
Source: Templepurohit.com
Year: 2023
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Third eye of Lord Shiva
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Destinations to embark on a boat ride in Kerala backwaters
Kerala is a unique south Indian state with a labyrinthine web of canals, lagoons, lake and estuaries. Whenever we hear Kerala, our imagination places us in a houseboat in the famous backwaters, drinking coconut water and eating in a plantain leaf. In the backdrop are the tall coconut trees and lush green nature. Going on a houseboat cruise in the backwaters of Kerala is a dream which requires little effort to make it a reality. Kerala Backwaters being the largest freshwater source for Kerala are a rich bed of marine flora and fauna that also embodies a variety of boating options.
Let’s ease your task and list the best backwaters destinations in Kerala that are too beautiful to be missed:
Alappuzha
Often likened to Venice, Alappuzha, also known as Alleppey, in central Kerala, is the most popular entry point into the backwaters around Vembanad Lake. There’s a pretty beach with an old pier and lighthouse, but the real draw is the network of canals which can be explored on luxury houseboats, speedboats and ferries.
Alappuzha is at its festive best during the Nehru Boat Snake Boat Race, generally held on the second Saturday of August every year. The regatta takes place on the Punnamada Lake, and also features ceremonial processions and magnificent floats. The highlight of the event is the synchronised rowing of traditional 30-metre-long snake-boats or ‘chudan valloms’, which have a raised prow resembling a snake.
Kumarakom
Part of the Kuttanad region, picturesque Kumarakom is an archipelago scattered on the eastern edge of the Vembanad Lake. This area’s natural splendour and way of life were vividly described in Arundhati Roy’s Man Booker Prize-winning, ‘The God of Small Things’. Kumarakom has a string of luxury resorts including the Coconut Lagoon, Kumarakom Lake Resort and Vivanta by Taj – Kumarakom, located right on the backwaters and guests can rove about the canals on boating and fishing trips. The 14-acre Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is an ornithologist’s paradise and home to egrets, darters, herons, herons, waterfowls and kingfishers. The sanctuary also welcomes seasonal guests including the elusive Siberian stork, between the months of November and May.
Kollam
The backwaters around Kozhikode are also not as touristy and consequently much less crowded. Houseboats can be hired at the pier near the Purrakkattiri Bridge on the Ullery-Perambra road, 10 kilometres outside Kozhikode. The prettiest routes wind along the Canoly Canal, Kallai River and Elathur. An excursion to the scenic Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary, set amidst hillocks and by an estuary, is highly recommended. The sanctuary comprises of a group of small isles where the Kadalundi River meets the Arabian Sea, and is home to over 100 species of native birds and 60 kinds of migratory birds.
Kozhikode
Less-known than the backwaters of central Kerala, the backwaters around Kozhikode are also not as touristy and consequently much less crowded. Houseboats can be hired at the pier near the Purrakkattiri Bridge on the Ullery-Perambra road, 10 kilometres outside Kozhikode. The prettiest routes wind along the Canoly Canal, Kallai River and Elathur. An excursion to the scenic Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary, set amidst hillocks and by an estuary, is highly recommended. The sanctuary comprises of a group of small isles where the Kadalundi River meets the Arabian Sea, and is home to over 100 species of native birds and 60 kinds of migratory birds.
Valiyaparamba
The northern backwaters in Valiyaparamba are the quietest of the lot. Around 30 kilometres away from Bekal, Valiyaparamba is located in the Kasaragod district of north Kerala. Fed by four rivers, this sprawling backwater has several small and scenic islands. For a short visit, take a Kerala State Water Transport Development ferry from Kotti near the town of Payyannur, towards Ayitti Jetty.
The comfortably furnished Bekal Boat Stay offers one of the few overnight houseboat trips to the area.
You can also stay at the Valiyaparamba Retreat, which has two rooms and two bungalows sandwiched between a pristine beach and the backwaters. It is located 15 kilometres north of the town of Payyannur, and also organises excursions on motor boats and country canoes. -
Dutch want to rock India in last dance
Netherlands are far from intimidated by the prospect of finishing their ODI World Cup campaign on Sunday with a game against India, the tournament’s only unbeaten team, all-rounder Teja Nidamanuru said.
The Dutch side, who came through the qualifiers, upset South Africa and beat Bangladesh to register two wins from their eight matches so far.
“I think to play arguably the best team in the competition at the top of the table is something that we’re very excited by and it’s another opportunity for us,” Nidamanuru said. “Every time we step on the park, we’re trying to showcase our skills and do the best that we can, especially being at the World Cup and coming through the journey that we’ve done.”
This is the first time the Dutch managed two wins at a World Cup but Nidamanuru felt their performances have been inconsistent.
“We haven’t put together the ideal game yet, if I’m really honest,” he said.
A middle-order batter who bowls off spin, Nidamanuru said limited resources back home made it difficult to compete at the top level.
“And then you’re thrust onto the ICC World Cup scene, or the qualifiers, and then you’re facing quality bowlers who are bowling 135-plus km/h turn the ball and bowl it long and effectively,” he said.
Despite the gulf in resources at the World Cup, Nidamanuru said the Dutch could improve significantly with more exposure against top teams and cited the example of Afghanistan, who managed just one win at the last two World Cups but stunned three former champions in the current edition.
“We see this as a learning block, but we’re out there to compete,” he said. Source: Reuters -
New Zealanders scripts crushing win over Sri Lanka, put one foot in semis
BENGALURU (TIP)- New Zealand returned to winning ways at the World Cup following a four-match slump as they defeated Sri Lanka by five wickets at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium today and all but secured their place in the semifinals. Opening batsmen Devon Conway (45) and Rachin Ravindra (42) got fourth-placed New Zealand’s chase of 172 off to a fast start and Daryl Mitchell (43) took them close before they crossed the finish line in 23.2 overs. Victory left New Zealand on 10 points, in pole position to claim the last semifinals spot and join India, South Africa and Australia. Pakistan will now need to beat England by an almost impossible margin to leapfrog New Zealand on net run-rate.
Afghanistan, who also had slim hopes of qualifying for the knockouts, find themselves in a similar position as their Asian neighbours before their clash with South Africa.
“Really good performance,” said New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson. “The early wickets and spin was a challenge through those middle overs. The pitch really slowed down later. “The guys showed some good intent later with the chase, so great performance overall. We thought there was going to be some weather later but there wasn’t any. Hard to read such things.”
Earlier, seamer Trent Boult and off-spinner Mitchell Santner landed timely blows as Sri Lanka limped to 171 all out after an early blitz by Kusal Perera (51) and a defiant late effort by Maheesh Theekshana (38 not out). “Nice to get a bit of success at the top. A must-win game, the pleasure is about getting the result,” said Player of the Match Boult, who went past 600 international wickets. Barring an unlikely miracle in Pakistan’s last game, New Zealand will take on hosts India in the semifinals.
“Everyone wants a piece of the strong home nation,” Boult said. “We’re looking forward to it. It’ll be exciting to face India in the semifinals. They’re playing phenomenal cricket.”
Williamson’s decision to bowl after winning the toss paid off early, as Boult (3/37) and Tim Southee (1/52) tore through the Sri Lankan top-order to leave them in some trouble at 32/3 inside five overs.
Perera, who was dropped on zero by Tom Latham in the second over, punished New Zealand with a 22-ball fifty but lost another partner when Boult trapped Charith Asalanka lbw to turn up the heat on the 1996 champions. A fit-again Lockie Ferguson (2/35) struck in his second over to dismiss the aggressive Perera as Sri Lanka collapsed to 70/5 and eventually folded in the 47th over for a modest total after Santner (2/22) and Ravindra (2/21) joined the party.
End of road for Pakistan?
To surpass New Zealand’s NRR, Pakistan have to beat England by at least 287 runs. If they bowl first, Pakistan will have just 3.4 overs to chase down the target if they can restrict England to 150. Afghanistan must beat South Africa by at least 438 runs. -
Why India looks unstoppable
Virat Kohli mania has been driving much of the Indian fans’ interest in the Cricket World Cup. First, will India’s star batter get 49 centuries and equal Sachin Tendulkar’s record? Now that he has, will he get to 50? Then, what about 51… and so it will go on. The figures are mind-boggling. Indian batters in ODI cricket occupy the top slots among century-makers, with captain Rohit Sharma third with 31.
On Nov 5, India beat South Africa, the second-placed team in the league, by 243 runs, dismissing them for just 83. Is that really the difference between India and the rest? Or is that merely what happens when 11 players perform at their peak, everything coming together on a single day at a single venue with a single purpose? Can they do it two more times?
Kohli mania might have pushed into the background the terrific work of some others. Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah’s 15 wickets, for instance, have come at an average of just over 15; and batters have not managed to score off 70% of his deliveries. In the powerplay (first 10 overs), the percentage of dot balls – balls bowled without a run – rises to 83. This is any bowler’s dream – to both take wickets and keep the runs down. Bumrah puts the opposition under pressure from the start.
His skipper Rohit Sharma does the same with the bat, hitting out straight away. The tactic has worked well. The South Africa match saw the best of this as India made 91 in the powerplay. Sharma made just 40 off 24 balls but saw his team pass 60 in the sixth over, thus giving Kohli and Shreyas Iyer time to settle down and add 134. Sharma and Shubman Gill picked Marco Jansen, until then the most successful bowler in the powerplay, for special attention. There was method in the mayhem.
Rohit Sharma and coach Rahul Dravid deserve credit for the strategy, while the Indian top order deserves praise for carrying it through. This is India’s dream team.
India have never dominated a World Cup, perhaps any tournament, in the manner in which they are doing now. Each element – the seamers, the spinners, the openers, the middle order – has performed with casual confidence and gusto. There have been centuries, five-wicket hauls, excellent wicketkeeping, fabulous catches.
India’s greatest fast bowling team in a World Cup – Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj – is meshing well with its most effective spin duo, both left armers, one a finger spinner (Ravindra Jadeja) and the other a wrist spinner (Kuldeep Yadav). You can’t ask for more in a World Cup played at home. As they await the semi-finals in Mumbai, there are just two areas of concern: the fact that India play only five bowlers, and that the team hasn’t been tested in a close match. Source: BBC -
Domestic demand to sustain India’s growth, says Moody’s
New Delhi (TIP)- Moody’s Investors Service on Thursday, November 9, retained India’s economic growth forecast for 2023 at 6.7% and said strong domestic demand will likely sustain the growth in the near term.
With exports remaining weak against an unfavourable global economic backdrop, Moody’s in its Global Macroeconomic Outlook 2024-25 said sustained domestic demand growth is propelling India’s economy.
“We expect India’s real GDP to grow about 6.7% in 2023, 6.1% in 2024 and 6.3% in 2025,” Moody’s said.
India’s real GDP rose 7.8% year-over-year in June quarter, up from 6.1% in March quarter and bolstered by a 6% increase in household consumption and solid capital expenditure and service sector activity.
Moody’s said high-frequency indicators show that the economy’s strong June quarter momentum carried into July-September as well.
“Robust goods and services tax collections, surging auto sales, rising consumer optimism and double-digit credit growth suggest urban consumption demand will likely remain resilient amid the ongoing festive season.
However, rural demand, which has shown nascent signs of improvement, remains vulnerable to uneven monsoons that could lower crop yields and farm income,” Moody’s said.
On supply side, expanding manufacturing and services PMIs and healthy core industries’ output growth add to evidence of solid economic momentum, it said.
“With exports remaining weak amid an unfavourable global economic backdrop, strong domestic demand will likely sustain growth in the near term. Domestic demand dynamics beyond the festive season will depend on the trajectory of inflation and the lagged impact of the RBI’s monetary policy tightening,” it said.
Headline inflation in September eased to 5% from 6.8% in the month prior, dropping back within the RBI’s target range. Source: PTI -
World’s biggest bank forced to trade via USB stick after hack
New York (TIP) – On Thursday, November 9, trades handled by the world’s largest bank in the globe’s biggest market traversed Manhattan on a USB stick.
Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd.’s US unit had been hit by a cyberattack, rendering it unable to clear swathes of US Treasury trades after entities responsible for settling the transactions swiftly disconnected from the stricken systems. That forced ICBC to send the required settlement details to those parties by a messenger carrying a thumb drive as the state-owned lender raced to limit the damage.
The workaround — described by market participants — followed the attack by suspected perpetrator Lockbit, a prolific criminal gang with ties to Russia that has also been linked to hits on Boeing Co., ION Trading U.K. and the U.K.’s Royal Mail. The strike caused immediate disruption as market-makers, brokerages and banks were forced to reroute trades, with many uncertain when access would resume.
The incident spotlights a danger that bank leaders concede keeps them up at night — the prospect of a cyber attack that could someday cripple a key piece of the financial system’s wiring, setting off a cascade of disruptions. Even brief episodes prompt bank leaders and their government overseers to call for more vigilance.
The workaround — described by market participants — followed the attack by suspected perpetrator Lockbit, a prolific criminal gang with ties to Russia that has also been linked to hits on Boeing Co., ION Trading U.K. and the U.K.’s Royal Mail. The strike caused immediate disruption as market-makers, brokerages and banks were forced to reroute trades, with many uncertain when access would resume.
The incident spotlights a danger that bank leaders concede keeps them up at night — the prospect of a cyber attack that could someday cripple a key piece of the financial system’s wiring, setting off a cascade of disruptions. Even brief episodes prompt bank leaders and their government overseers to call for more vigilance. “This is a true shock to large banks around the world,” said Marcus Murray, the founder of Swedish cybersecurity firm Truesec. “The ICBC hack will make large banks around the globe race to improve their defenses, starting today.”
As details of the attack emerged, employees at the bank’s Beijing headquarters held urgent meetings with the lender’s U.S. division and notified regulators as they discussed next steps and assessed the impact, according to a person familiar with the matter. ICBC is considering seeking help from China’s Ministry of State Security in light of the risks of potential attack on other units, the person said.
Late on Nov 9, the bank confirmed it had experienced a ransomware attack a day earlier that disrupted some systems at its ICBC Financial Services unit. The company said it isolated the affected systems and that those at the bank’s head office and other overseas units weren’t impacted, nor was ICBC’s New York branch. The extent of the disruption wasn’t immediately clear, though Treasury market participants reported liquidity was affected. The Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association, or Sifma, held calls with members about the matter on Nov 9. Source: Bloomberg -
Adani’s Colombo port terminal project to get USD 553 million funding from US DFC
The US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) will provide USD 553 million financing to Colombo West International Terminal Pvt Ltd – a consortium of India’s largest port operator Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd, Sri Lanka’s leading enterprise John Keells Holdings (JKH) and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority.
DFC is the US government’s development finance institution.
Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ) in a statement said that the US fund will support the development of a deep-water shipping container terminal in the Port of Colombo. “(It) will facilitate private sector-led growth and attract crucial foreign exchange to Sri Lanka to aid in its economic recovery,” it added.
According to the statement, the US, Sri Lanka and India will foster an enduring legacy of cooperation in the development of sustainable infrastructure, like smart and green ports.
DFC partners with the private sector to finance solutions to the most critical challenges facing the developing world. It invests across sectors, including energy, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture and small business and financial services. -
Apple suffers setback in fight against EU’s $14 bn tax order
Apple might end up on the hook after all for billions of Euros in back taxes to Ireland in the latest twist in a long-running European Union dispute, following a legal opinion on Thursday, November 9, from an adviser to the bloc’s top court. A decision by a lower court that the US tech giant doesn’t have to repay the 13 billion Euros ($13.9 billion) in taxes “should be set aside,” Advocate General Giovanni Pitruzzella said in his opinion to the European Court of Justice.
The case drew outrage from Apple when it was opened in 2016, with CEO Tim Cook calling it “total political crap.” Then US President Donald Trump referred to European Commissioner Margrethe Vestager, who spearheaded the campaign to root out special tax deals and crack down on big US tech companies, as the “tax lady” who “really hates the US.” In its 2020 ruling, the European Union’s General Court disagreed with the European Commission, which had accused Apple of striking an illegal tax deal with Irish authorities so that it could pay extremely low rates.
Pitruzzella advised the European Court of Justice that it should “set aside the judgment and refer the case back to the General Court for a new decision on the merits.” Source: AP -
ISRO’s Aditya L1 captures first high energy X-ray glimpse of solar flares
ISRO’s maiden solar mission, Aditya L1, has captured its first high energy X-ray glimpse of solar flares. During its first observation period from approximately October 29, the High Energy L1 Orbiting X-ray Spectrometer (HEL1OS) on board Aditya-L1 spacecraft has recorded the impulsive phase of solar flares, the space agency said in a statement. A solar flare is a sudden brightening of solar atmosphere. The recorded data is consistent with the X-ray light curves provided by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES). “Commissioned on October 27, 2023, HEL1OS is currently undergoing fine-tuning of thresholds and calibration operations. The instrument is set to monitor the Sun’s high-energy X-ray activity with fast timing and high-resolution spectra,” it said. HEL1OS data enables researchers to study explosive energy release and electron acceleration during impulsive phases of solar flares.
HEL1OS was developed by the Space Astronomy Group of the U R Rao Satellite Centre, ISRO, Bengaluru, the agency added. HEL1OS, the hard X-ray spectrometer on Aditya-L1 Solar Mission by ISRO, is the harbinger of flaring activities on the Sun, with the ability to capture the early impulsive phase of the solar activity.
According to ISRO, flares produce enhanced emission in all wavelengths across the electromagnetic spectrum – radio, optical, UV, soft X-rays, hard X-rays and gamma-rays. Flare emission consists of emissions from accelerated particles and hot plasma.
Aditya-L1 spacecraft is designed for providing remote observations of the solar corona and in-situ observations of the solar wind at L1 (Sun-Earth Lagrangian point), which is about 1.5 million kilometres from the Earth. -
Euclid space telescope sends back first color images of cosmos from ‘dark universe’ mission
The first images sent back by the Euclid space telescope from its “dark universe” mission have been revealed. On Tuesday, November 7, astronomers hailed the powerful space telescope, which captured detailed colour images of the cosmos. The Euclid telescope’s initial release includes five space observations made from its orbital home, 1 million miles or 1.5 million km away from the Earth. Before unveiling the pictures Euclid project scientist René Laureijs said, “We have never seen astronomical images like this before, containing so much detail.”
“They are even more beautiful and sharp than we could have hoped for, showing us many previously unseen features in well-known areas of the nearby universe,” Laureijs added. Back in July, the European Space Agency first launched the Euclid telescope, calling it their “dark universe detective.” According to the ESA, Euclid will observe the shapes, distances, and motions of billions of galaxies spanning over 10 billion light-years over the next six years. This will lead to the creation of the largest cosmic 3D map ever made with the primary goal of observing dark matter and dark energy in the cosmos.
ESA’s director of science Carole Mundell said before revealing the high-quality pictures, “I’m absolutely delighted to say that is the point where we say that we have reached all of our engineering milestones for the mission and we’re now able to move into the science phase.” In a never-seen-before series of pictures, the striking Perseus Cluster and its 1,000 galaxies, along with its 100,000 additional distant galaxies in the background can be seen in an unfathomable detail. The space telescope also observed spiral galaxy IC 342 a.k.a “The Hidden Galaxy.” -
Instagram to allow users to disable read receipts in DMs
Mark Zuckerberg recently announced that Instagram is testing a new feature that will let users disable read receipts in DMs (Direct Messages), The Verge reported.
While Zuckerberg did not share any details on when the feature will be available to everyone, Instagram head Adam Mosseri shared a screenshot of the upcoming read receipts toggle on his broadcast channel. A similar feature is already available on the Meta-owned messaging platform WhatsApp, which lets users disable read receipts for reading messages privately. Also, Zuckerberg and Mosseri did not mention if that option will be coming to Messenger, which also forces users to use read receipts with no way to disable them. Meanwhile, Instagram is planning to come up with a Threads application programming interface. This will help developers to create different apps and experiences around Threads, TechCrunch reported. Source: ANI -
El Nino likely to last till April, push temperatures up globally: WMO
The ongoing El Niño event is expected to last at least until April 2024 contributing to further spike in global temperatures on land and the ocean, the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has warned. The result could be a record warm year in 2024, close on the heels of 2023, which is set to be the warmest ever. For India, the impact could be a warm winter, more fog, and summer heat waves, an expert said.
“E Niño impacts on global temperature typically play out in the year after its development, in this case in 2024. But as a result of record high land and sea-surface temperatures since June, the year 2023 is now on track to be the warmest year on record. Next year may be even warmer. This is clearly and unequivocally due to the contribution of the increasing concentrations of heat-trapping greenhouse gases from human activities,” said WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas.
As of mid-October 2023, sea surface temperatures and other atmospheric and oceanic indicators in the central-eastern tropical Pacific are consistent with El Niño, the warm phase of El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO), the agency said. The El Niño developed rapidly during July-August, and reached moderate strength by September, 2023 and is likely to peak as a ‘strong; event in November – January 2024. There is a 90% likelihood it will persist throughout the upcoming northern hemisphere winter/southern hemisphere summer, WMO added. Based on historical patterns and current long-range predictions, it is expected that El Nino will gradually diminish around April.
El Niño occurs on average every two to seven years, and typically lasts nine to 12 months. It is a naturally occurring climate pattern associated with warming of the ocean surface in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. HT reported on November 2 that ocean and land temperatures continued their record-breaking spree in October. Sea surface and land temperatures have been at record highs for seven and five months respectively, according to data maintained by University of Maine’s Climate Reanalyzer. October was the warmest on record, Europe’s climate monitor said.
The trend started in April, a result of an intensifying El Nino in addition to global warming. Copernicus Marine’s data said that as of 20 October, sea surface temperature anomalies reached peaks of +3 to +5°C at various locations in the Mediterranean Sea. September was the warmest September in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA’s) 174-year global climate record, NOAA said in a statement on October 13. “Extreme events such as heatwaves, drought, wildfires, heavy rain and floods will be enhanced in some regions, with major impacts. That is why WMO is committed to the Early Warnings for All initiative to save lives and minimize economic losses,” said Taalas.
The previous warmest year on record was 2016 due to a “double whammy” of an exceptionally strong El Niño and climate change.
Since May 2023, monthly average sea surface temperature anomalies in the central-eastern equatorial Pacific have warmed significantly, rising from about 0.5 °C above average in May, 2023) to around 1.5 °C above average in September, 2023. Source: HT -
Diwali health tips: Sugar alternatives to savour festive treats
Festive treats have long been synonymous with sweetness but this Dhanteras, Diwali or Bhai Dooj, it is time we redefine what that sweetness means. Discovering sugar alternatives like – wild honey, jaggery, gulkand, coconut sugar and date syrup is not just a culinary exploration; it’s a journey towards healthier celebrations and there’s no better time than this festive season to begin.
Jaggery: A timeless traditional favourite for Indian households and especially our dadis everywhere, jaggery is a natural sweetener that stands as an excellent alternative to white sugar. Packed with a multitude of micronutrients, it provides a healthier sweetness option, perfect for the festive season. It also blends in seamlessly with homemade Indian sweets such as ‘gulab jamun,’ ‘laddoos,’ ‘rasogulla’, ‘sandesh’ and ‘payasam, pretty much every Indian sweet really.
Dates: These dried fruits not only introduce a rich, natural sweetness to your dishes but also offer a substantial source of iron and various other essential micronutrients. Dates can be finely chopped and used as a sweetener in your desserts. They can also be the star ingredient in date and nut laddoos, another great option would be to mix in dates with almonds, cashews, pistachios or blend in shakes as well. Dates can also be stuffed with nuts or coconut for an exotic sweet dish, this is also a quick, easy and healthy dessert to top off a festive meal.
Fresh Fruits: Fruits like Bananas: Including fresh fruits like bananas in your festive treats brings a double benefit. They contribute a natural sweetness while also delivering a significant dose of fiber, potassium, and prebiotic properties. This adds a healthy touch to your celebratory spread. Banana slices can be added to sweet rice dishes, they can be blended into a creamy smoothie or shakes, or even a delicious banana-based halwa. Another quick recipe would be banana chips which are made by cutting raw banana into thin wafer strips and frying them.
Raisins, dried grapes, are a delightful and guilt-free way to enhance the flavour of your gluten-free creations. Raisins in every bite would bring forth an exquisite fusion of flavours that harmonise seamlessly with ingredients like pistachios, honey, almonds, cashews, and mixed seeds. Dark chocolate infused with raisins is high in micronutrients and anti-oxidants, with a low glycaemic index.
Source: HT -
Record 7.5 million people globally diagnosed with TB in 2022: WHO
7.5 million people were diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) in 2022, the highest recorded since World Health Organization (WHO) began global TB monitoring in 1995, according to a report featuring data from 192 countries and areas. The WHO 2023 Global Tuberculosis Report also shows that globally, an estimated 10.6 million people fell ill with TB in 2022 from 10.3 million in 2021. The report underscores a significant worldwide recovery in the scale-up of TB diagnosis and treatment services in 2022. It shows an encouraging trend to reverse the detrimental effects of COVID- 19 on TB services. The increase in diagnosis is attributed to good recovery in access to and provision of health services in many countries, WHO said.
India, Indonesia and the Philippines, which together accounted for over 60 per cent of the global reductions in the number of people newly diagnosed with TB in 2020 and 2021, all recovered to beyond 2019 levels in 2022, it said.
“For millennia, our ancestors suffered and died with TB, without knowing what it was, what caused it, or how to stop it,” said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General in a statement.
“Today, we have knowledge and tools they could only have dreamed of. We have political commitment, and we have an opportunity that no generation in the history of humanity has had, the opportunity to write the final chapter in the story of TB,” Ghebreyesus said.
Geographically, in 2022, most people who developed TB were in the WHO Regions of South-East Asia (46 per cent), Africa (23 per cent), and the Western Pacific (18 per cent), with smaller proportions in the Eastern Mediterranean (8.1 per cent), the Americas (3.1 per cent), and Europe (2.2 per cent).
The total number of TB-related deaths (including those among people with HIV) was 1.3 million in 2022, down from 14 million in 2021, according to the report.
However, during the 2020-2022 period, COVID-19 disruptions resulted in nearly half a million more deaths from TB. It continues to be the leading killer among people with HIV, it said. Source: PTI -
Britain’s health service rolls out breast cancer prevention pill
Thousands of women at increased risk of breast cancer are set to benefit from a risk-reducing drug to be offered by Britain’s National Health Service (NHS) after it was licensed for use to help prevent the disease, the state-funded health service has announced.
Anastrozole, which has been used for many years as a breast cancer treatment, has today been licensed by the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) as a preventive option which it is hoped could help prevent thousands of breast cancer cases in England. The drug, which is off-patent, has been shown in trials to reduce the incidence of the disease in post-menopausal women at increased risk of the disease by almost 50 per cent. “Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, so I’m delighted that another effective drug to help prevent this cruel disease has now been approved,” said UK Health Minister Will Quince.
“We’ve already seen the positive effect Anastrozole can have in treating the disease when it has been detected in postmenopausal women and now we can use it to stop it developing at all in some women. This is a great example of NHS England’s innovative Medicines Repurposing Programme supporting the development of new ways for NHS patients to benefit from existing treatments,” he said.
Around 289,000 women at moderate or high risk of breast cancer could be eligible for the drug, and while not all will choose to take it, it is estimated that if 25 per cent do, around 2,000 cases of breast cancer could potentially be prevented in England, while saving the NHS around GBP 15 million in treatment costs.
“This is the first drug to be repurposed though a world-leading new programme to help us realise the full potential of existing medicines in new uses to save and improve more lives on the NHS. Thanks to this initiative, we hope that greater access to anastrozole could enable more women to take risk-reducing steps if they’d like to, helping them live without fear of breast cancer,” said NHS chief executive Amanda Pritchard.
The treatment is taken as a 1mg tablet, once a day for five years. Anastrozole is an aromatase inhibitor, which works by cutting down the amount of the hormone oestrogen that a patient’s body makes by blocking an enzyme called “aromatase”.
The most common side effects of the medicine are hot flushes, feeling weak, pain/stiffness in the joints, arthritis, skin rash, nausea, headache, osteoporosis, and depression. Anyone who suspects they are having a side effect from this medicine is encouraged to talk to their doctor, pharmacist or nurse and report it directly to the MHRA’s Yellow Card scheme.
“The extension of anastrozole’s licence to cover it being used as a risk-reducing treatment is a major step forward that will enable more eligible women with a significant family history of breast cancer, to reduce their chance of developing the disease,” said Baroness Delyth Morgan, chief executive at the Breast Cancer Now charity. Source: PTI -
Beauty routine for a flawless skin
Who doesn’t like the idea of clear, soft and glowing skin? In the quest for good skin, we women have done everything from buying expensive products to parlour sessions. But, are you treating your skin right? Here are 6 tips that you must follow to get that good skin:
Morning water
Forget your morning cup of tea or coffee, the first thing you need to do is drink water. When we wake up, our body is dehydrated and that’s why you should drink water first.
Double Cleansing
Korean women known for their flawless skin swear by this technique. Double Cleansing is a way of cleansing your face twice. First, it is advised to clean your face using an oil cleanser sans water. Next, wash it off with a warm cloth, this helps to remove all the grime and make-up. The second step involves using a regular cleanser to remove all the dirt and sweat.
Use a toner
If you’re skipping the toner, then you’re missing a big skincare step. Toners help to maintain the pH level of the skin and even shrink the pores. You should stay away from alcohol-based toner and look for natural ingredients. You can also use gulab jal (rose water) as a toner.
Always moisturise
The key to healthy skin is moisturising. Even if you have an oily skin texture, you must moisturise using a gel-based cream. By keeping your skin hydrated, you will fight away the signs of ageing.
Use a serum
Growing up comes with a lot of responsibilities and skin issues. That’s one of the reasons, you should invest in a specific serum for your skin issues. Be it dark spots, dry skin or pigmentation, a specific serum at night will give your skin all the pampering it needs.
Don’t forget to scrub
With time our skin tends to get dull. That’s why you must maintain your skin by weekly sessions. Depending on your skin type, you can exfoliate 2-3 times a week. This will buff away the dead skin cells and give your skin that extra glow. Never exfoliate your skin at night, as this can make your skin extra prone to tanning the next day. -
Ways to get rid of smelly armpits
Body odor is normal, but smelly armpits can sometimes get out of hands. Even regular baths, good amount of perfumes can’t seem to solve this issue. We all know that that the underarm odour can be embarrassing. To solve this discomforting issue, we have listed 6 ways you can get rid of smelly armpits.
Anti-bacteria body wash
It’s the bacteria that smells and not the perspiration. Look for body washes with Benzoyl Peroxide, which can help to reduce bacteria and prevent the body odour.
Apple cider vinegar
You can also apply some apple cider vinegar to fight off the bacteria. It will help to reduce the odour by balancing the pH level of the skin. Don’t worry about the smell of apple cider vinegar, as it fades out when dry. Avoid this hack on days you have recently shaved or waxed.
Always dry before applying anything
Not drying properly before applying antiperspirant or deodorant can also trigger the bad odour. Make sure you dry yourself properly before applying the stick.
Try a different brand
A lot of times, a specific deodorant or antiperspirant doesn’t blend with our skin. If you feel that your stick or spray is not making the cut, then you must change your brand or product. Sometimes the chemistry of your skin and fragrance doesn’t work and makes you smell bad instead. -
Mutton Kofta
Ingredients
500 gm minced mutton, 1 teaspoon ginger powder, 2 pinches asafoetida, 6 tablespoon vegetable oil, 2 tablespoon gram flour (besan), 1 cup water, 4 clove, 1 1/2 teaspoon red chilli powder, 3 teaspoon aniseed, 3 tablespoon yoghurt (curd), 3 crushed black cardamom, 3 pinches salt, 1/2 teaspoon garam masala powder, 2 bay leaf
Method
– For preparing this yummy mutton recipe, take a large bowl and add minced mutton in it along with the spices – red chilli powder, ginger powder (1/4 teaspoon), aniseed powder (1 teaspoon), asafoetida (1 pinch), yoghurt (1 tablespoon), oil (2 tablespoons), black cardamom seeds, gram flour or besan and half of the salt. Knead well with your hand till the spices are well blended and the mixture starts to grease your hands.
– Make 15 equal portions of the mixture. On a flat greased surface, roll each portion gently into round ball. Put these aside.
– Next, put a kadhai on medium flame and heat 4 tablespoons of oil in it. On the other hand, mix red chilli powder and yoghurt together and make a paste of it. When the oil is hot enough, add the yoghurt paste and stir briskly. When the oil separates, add the water and stir again.
– Add the remaining ginger powder, aniseed powder and garam masala powder, asafoetida, cloves, bay leaves, black cardamom skins and the remaining salt into the pan. Cook till the gravy comes to a boil.
– Carefully slide in the koftas, one at a time and cook on high flame till the gravy starts to thicken. Lower the flame and cook, stirring gently till the oil separates. When the mutton kofta is cooked completely, serve it hot with rice or butter naan. -
Bharuchi Dal
Ingredients
250 gm urad dal, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric, 2 medium tomato, 2 medium onion, 1/2 tablespoon dried ginger powder, 1/2 tablespoon chilli powder, 1/2 teaspoon garam masala powder, 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds, 1/2 teaspoon red chilli powder, salt as required, 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
Method
– Take a chopping board and chop one onion in cubes and chop tomatoes. Cut the other onion into thin slices.
– ow take a pressure cooker and add cleaned dal and cubed onions into it. Cook until the dal and onions become soft and tender.
– Now, put a saucepan on medium flame and add ghee in it. When the ghee is hot enough, add the sliced onion pieces into it and saute until light brown. Next add all the spices: green cardamom, cinnamon, jeera, cloves, mace powder, and fry until the jeera turns a little brown and the essence starts coming. Once the spices leave their aroma, add the fresh methi leaves in the pan.
– Then add the chopped tomatoes in the saucepan along with turmeric, chilli powder, red chilli powder, dried ginger powder along with garlic powder. Let the tomato absorb all the spices and saute for a minute or two until the oil begins to separate.
– Now add the dal and onions mixture into the pan and mix well. Cover with a lid and let them cook for about 7-8 minutes. Once the dal is cooked, stir nicely and add the garam masala and salt as required.
– You can serve this delicious dal with hot chapati or steamed rice. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves. -
Sanya Malhotra-starrer ‘Mrs’ selected for Critics’ Pick Competition
Actress Sanya Malhotra’s upcoming film Mrs. has been selected for the 27th edition of POFF — the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival. The film also stars Nishant Dahiya and Kanwaljit Singh in key roles. Additionally, the film has also secured a spot in the esteemed Critics’ Pick Competition category at the festival.
The festival is currently being held in Estonia’s capital city of Tallinn. Mrs. has been directed by Arati Kadav, who is known for films like Cargo and The Astronaut and His Parrot.
The film presents an empowering narrative taking audiences on Richa’s (Sanya Malhotra) journey, as she embarks on a pursuit to discover her identity while navigating the demands of the kitchen and the household.
About the film, Sanya Malhotra said, “I am overjoyed to share the news of Mrs. being selected for the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival. This film is very close to my heart, as it is a reminder that women have the strength to shatter the chains of patriarchal norms. My character’s determination as an aspiring dancer in the face of patriarchal expectations reflects the resilience of women.”
She added, “Working with Arati Kadav (the director) was an incredible experience, her vision and direction brought this story to life in a powerful way. I hope this film sparks important conversations and resonates with audiences as we present it on such a prestigious platform.”
Presented by Jio Studios in association with Baweja Studios, the films has been produced by Jyoti Deshpande, Pammi Baweja and Harman Baweja.
Source: IANS -
Mean Girls trailer out: Regina George and The Plastics return with new twists
The highly-anticipated Mean Girls trailer brings back The Plastics and the Burn Book but with a brand new twist. On Wednesday, November 8, Paramount Pictures dropped the first look into their new Mean Girls story reintroducing Regina George, the undisputed leader and Queen Bee of the mean trio famously labeled The Plastics in school. The upcoming film is an adaptation of the 2018 Broadway musical based originally on Tina Fey’s 2004 teen comedy. Actress and singer Renee Rapp reprises her role as Regina George from the Broadway show, while Angourie Rice plays the new student Cady Heron this time.
The trailer begins with a fierce disclaimer, “This isn’t your mother’s ‘Mean Girls,’” as Cady manoeuvres through the halls and classrooms of her high school steering clear of the infamous cliquey group of girls. But things take a sudden turn when Cady falls for Aaron Samuels, played by Christopher Briney of The Summer I Turned Pretty fame. Aaron happens to be Queen Bee Regina’s ex-boyfriend and his equation with Cady seems awkward, fresh, and heart-fluttering all at the same time. Cady attempts to get along with the cliques of her new school but to no avail.
A hilarious scene of her eating lunch alone in the bathroom shows her desperate attempt to get away from the high school drama. “We’re concerned you’re either doing drugs or having a toilet baby,” says Damian (Played by Jaquel Spivey), who is an outcast like Janis (Played by Auli’i Carvalho). Cady, Damian, and Janis soon become friends. The trio is developing plans to help Cady become a member of The Plastics, which includes an insecure Gretchen (Played by Bebe Wood) and sweet yet dimwitted Karen (Played by Avantika Vandanapu).
With Olivia Rodrigo’s Get Him Back playing in the background, one of the highlights became the iconic Halloween scene from the original film. Cady’s scary look frightens The Plastics, who begin to school her about sluttish Halloween looks. Cady’s plan was first to become a member of the Plastics but towards the end, she is seen taking desperate measures to take Regina down. The trailer takes viewers on a rollercoaster ride of laughter with hilarious scenes of cliche high school kisses and sex education sessions preaching about abstinence and protection. In brevity, the new Mean Girls aptly retains the essence of its original version by introducing a new generation almost 20 years after the movie hit the theaters. The Paramount Pictures’ revised tale is scheduled to be released in January 2024. Source: News18 -
Sharon Stone accuses former Sony executive of sexual harassment
Actress Sharon Stone has claimed that a former head of Sony exposed himself to her during a meeting in the 1980s.
Stone did not name the executive, but she said the encounter was “not the last of many weird experiences” throughout her long career. Sony Pictures did not immediately return a request for comment from the BBC.
The Oscar-nominated 65-year-old talked about the incident during a podcast with US talk show host Kelly Ripa.
She says she was called to the office of the former “head of Sony” for a meeting when she first moved to Los Angeles in the 1980s. Stone claims the executive told her: “It’s true what they say about you and you’re the most gorgeous. We haven’t seen anyone like you in decades. Everybody’s talking about you, and look at you. You’re the most articulate. You’re so smart and beautiful – and that hair”.
“Then he went, came walking right up in front of me, and he said, ‘But first,’ and he took his penis right out in my face,” she said. Source: BBC -
Megan Fox reveals ‘horrific’ experiences with ‘very famous people’
Megan Fox has opened up about her past abusive relationships with some very famous people that she has kept secret. ‘Jennifer’s Body’ actress has written a book of poetry called Pretty Boys Are Poisonous, where she explores themes of abuse and toxicity in her relationships.
She spoke to Good Morning America on Tuesday and said that she had been in at least one physically abusive relationship and several psychologically abusive ones in her life.
“I have only been publicly connected to a few people, but I shared energy with, I guess we could say, who were horrific people. And also very famous — very famous — people,” Fox said.
“But no one knows that I was involved with those people.”
Fox is engaged to musician Machine Gun Kelly, and has three children with her ex-husband Brian Austin Green.
She told GMA that her fiancé encouraged her to write a poetry book. She also said that she did not publish some of the poems she wrote because they were too revealing for a known person.
“Some of it is too much when you’re a known person,” she said. “If I had the freedom of just being a poet and people not really wanting to dig too much into my personal life, I would have included more entries like that.”
One of the poems in Pretty Boys Are Poisonous, titled “oxycodone and tequila”, describes a scene of domestic violence. She writes about being hit, spit on and choked by a man who is “delusional and possessed”.
She writes, “you hit me / again / and again / i recognize the familiar taste of blood on my tongue.” She also writes about being covered in scratches and bite marks, and being trapped by the man who falls asleep on top of her. “you fall asleep on top of me so that i can’t call my family or the police,” she writes.
Fox, who also writes about having a miscarriage in the book, said that some of her poetry is literal and some is allegorical, but “all of it is something women can relate to.”
She said that relationships are not pretty, but are complicated and sometimes a war. She said that through a wound, there is a chance to grow and become stronger and more whole.
She announced the book in August and said: “I’ve spent my entire life keeping the secrets of men, my body aches from carrying the weight of their sins.” Source: HT -
Kareena Kapoor back in blazing new avatar as Avni Bajirao in ‘Singham 3’
Bollywood star Kareen Kapoor is now back with fire as she will be making her return as Avni Bajirao in superstar Ajay Devgn’s upcoming ‘Singham 3′. Superstar Akshay Kumar also revealed the poster and wrote: “Avni Bajirao Singham returns…mess at your own risk!”
Revealing the poster of her character, director Rohit Shetty wrote: “Meet the strength behind Singham…Avni Bajirao Singham…”
He added: “We first worked together in 2007…3 blockbuster films till now. ‘Golmaal Returns, ‘Golmaal 3′, ‘Singham returns… And now we are working on our fourth project…’Singham Again’. 16 year long association. Nothing has changed, Bebo is still the same, simple, sweet, and hardworking.” In ‘Singham Returns’, Kareena played the character who was Bajirao Singham’s love interest and in ‘Singham 3′ she will now be playing his wife as the movie takes place 10 years after the previous film. A powerful woman in her own right, Kareena’s poster sees her in a bright flaming light with shades of dark, as her character is blazing with collected confidence.