The Indian Panorama

Year: 2023

  • Margao: The cultural capital of Goa

    Margao: The cultural capital of Goa

    Being the commercial and cultural capital of Goa, Margao, also known as Madgaon, is the largest city of Goa by population. Margao is the centre of administration for the Salcete as well as the district of South Goa. Since the construction of the Madgao Railway Station, Margao has become a focal point for travellers as everyone who wishes to arrive in Goa by train has to enter through Margao.
    The origin of Madgaon’s name has various stories. Some say that it is derived from Sanskrit word Mathagram which would mean village towards the east and some say that Mathagram was the name due to the Vaishnavite Matha (cloister) located in the area. But a clear picture to the former name of Matha Gram was due to the Nine Mathas in the town. Raiders, however, destroyed these Mathas along with the Damodar Temple where the Holy Spirit Church now stands. The whole of Margao is a repository for the stories and history of Goa.
    With structures like the Braganza House, Fernandes House and Sat Burzam House that are nearly as old as the town itself, there is history in every old nook and corner of Margao. The Goa Chitra Museum will introduce you to the authentic traditions and culture of Goa. The Rachol Fort will transport you back in time to the battles between Vijayanagara and Bijapur Sultans. The Municipal Gardens are the pitstop for every traveller’s Imagination before continuing the journey into the festivities of the Sao Joao feast of St. John the Baptist Church.
    With all such heritage to keep its travellers indulged, Margao has earned its place as the Cultural capital of Goa. The shopping scene in Margao offers everything from local street markets to signature shopping malls. There are many restaurants and cafe’s that satisfy your hunger pangs, such as the Cinnamon, Pepper’s, Martin’s, Mircho-Go that serve multiple cuisines. The nightlife in Margao, however, is dull compared to North Goa as there are no pubs or bars that stay open until late in the night.
    Church of the Holy Spirit
    Margao’s whitewashed main church was first built in 1565, on the site of an important Hindu temple. Before demolition started on the temple, local Hindus managed to rescue the statue of the god Damodara, to whom the building was dedicated. It was secretly moved to a new site in the village of Zambaulim, around 30km southeast, where there is still a large temple today.
    However, the new church didn’t last long and was burned to the ground by Muslim raiders the same year it was built. It was soon replaced and a seminary was established, but both were subsequently destroyed, again by Muslim forces, after which the seminary was moved to Rachol, to the northeast.
    The present church, built in 1675, remains in use as a parish church and is finely decorated inside. The impressive reredos (ornamental screen) is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, rising from ground level to the high ceiling, made more distinguished by the gilded and carved archway that stands in front of it. The church doors are usually unlocked throughout the day, and access is via the side entrance on the northern side.
    Municipal Library
    On the west side of the canary-yellow Secretariat Building, you’ll find respite from the sun in the prim Municipal Library, which houses some good books about Goa. Don’t miss the library’s newspaper reading room, in which you’re required to collect your newspaper at the counter and then sit in the seat designated only for readers of that particular paper – it’s popular enough that it’s often full.
    Secretariat Building
    At the southern end of the Municipal Gardens, this grand building houses the Municipal Library.
    Sat Burnzam Ghor
    The most famous of the traditional old Portuguese mansions in Largo de Igrejais is the grand 1790 Sat Burnzam Ghor. Originally, as its name suggests, there were seven of the distinctive high-peaked gables, of which only three remain, though it remains an impressive edifice. It’s currently not open to the public. Built by Sebastiao da Silva, private secretary to the viceroy, it sports an especially beautiful private chapel, dedicated to St Anna, and noteworthy for being the first private chapel in which a Goan family was permitted to privately perform Mass.
    Mount Church
    Located about 500m southeast of Sat Burnzam Ghor and a fair climb up Monte Hill, Margao’s only hill, Mount Church is a simple whitewashed building, faced by a similarly diminutive cross. A detour up here is worth it for the view, all the way out to Colva.

    Largo de Igreja
    Largo de Igreja, the area around the Church of the Holy Spirit, features a number of traditional old Portuguese mansions, in various states of decay or repair. The most famous is the grand 1790 Sat Burnzam Ghor.
    GOMANT VIDYA NIKETAN
    This is yet another living legacy near the town center on Faria Road. In the year 1910, when Portugal became a republic, it marked the end of religious discrimination in Goa. The residents of Margao used the newfound liberty to establish Gomant Vidya Niketan. It started off as a humble library known as Saraswat Brahman Samaj 1912 and then diversified. The library continues on the ground floor with an amphitheater upstairs. It grew to its peak as an epicenter of all cultural activities (primarily Konkani and Marathi language) for later half of the 20th century, hosting various talks, exhibitions and classical music concerts. Though Ravindra Bhavan, given its size and modern amenities, is now the new address for most of the large scale events in Margao, Gomant Vidya Niketan continues to enthrall its audience with regular performances and events of national significance. Housed in a multi-storeyed this site, right at the northern end of Market bus terminal, it now also hosts private events such as weddings and receptions.
    MARUTI MANDIR
    Maruti is another name for Lord Hanuman, the legendary God from the Hindu epic Ramayana. Also known as Mahavira or the mighty warrior, this Vayuputra (the son of God of Wind) is believed to the symbol of strength and energy. Lord Maruti was blessed that his followers will be safe from the wrath of Mangal and Shani, the personification of planetary powers of Mars and Saturn. Hence, Tuesdays and Saturdays are observed as special days for the worship of this deity. Millions follow him as the ‘one who removes fears’.Built in the last century, this Maruti Mandir stands out in Margao’s backyard. From the Market bus terminal, walk 10-15 minutes southwest towards Pedwada and watch a saffron flag emerge in the sky atop the colorful temple’s spire. Cross the railway track on Margao-Benaulim Road and turn left to enter the two-storey elevated premises. Observe how the temple’s arches and pillars are painted in signature Goan style with its colors in contrast to those of the walls. The elevated entrance, bright orange structural pillars, and the long ventilated hall is unique. The main carved wooden door, the ceiling and the pillars inside are decorated artfully.

  • Ahoi Ashtami Vrat

    Ahoi Ashtami Vrat

    Ahoi Ashtami is an auspicious festivals of Hindus. This is widely celebrated in North India by Hindu women. The fast is observed for the good health and longevity of children. Ahoi Ashtami is also known as Ahoi Aathe. The festival of Ahoi Ashtami is celebrated on Ashtami Tithior eighth day of Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik.
    This year, Ahoi Athe fast will be observed on November 5, 2023.
    Just like Karwa Chauth the celebrations of Ahoi Ashtami is very widespread in the whole of northern India. This day is dedicated to worshipping Goddess Ahoi or Ahoi Mata. Ahoi ashtami vrat is observed only by Mothers, as the vrat is kept for the long life and well being of their children and also to be blessed with more children.
    Rituals during Ahoi Ashtami
    On Ahoi Ashtami, the mother of boy observes a strict fast all through the day for their child’s well-being. They spend the day even without drinking a drop of water. The fast is broken after sighting the stars, during twilight. In some places, the observer of the Ahoi Ashtami fast break their fast after sighting the moon, however it might be difficult as the moon rises late on the Ahoi Ashtami night.
    Women get up early and take a bath. Following this they take a ‘sankalp’ that is a pledge to keep the fast for the whole day for their children’s well-being. The preparations for the puja are done before the sunset.
    Women draw the image of Ahoi Mata on a wall. The image drawn should have ‘Ashtha Koshthak’ or eight corners. Along with other images, the picture of ‘Sei’ (hedgehog with its children) is drawn close to Goddess Ahoi. If the image cannot be drawn then the wallpaper of Ahoi Ashtami can also be used. The image also depicts the seven sons with the daughter-in-laws as mentioned in the Ahoi Ashtami katha.
    The place of worship is cleaned and an ‘Alpana’ is drawn. An earthen pot known as ‘karwa’ is filled with water and covered with a lid and kept near the place of worship. The nozzle of this karwa is blocked with a special grass known as ‘Sarai Seenka’. This shoot of grass is also offered to Ahoi Mata during the puja rituals. The actual puja of Ahoi Ashtami is performed during sandhya time, that is, just after sunset. All the women in the family get together for the puja. After the rituals the women listen to the Ahoi Mata vrat katha. In some communities the devotees use Ahoi made from silver. This silver form is known as ‘Syau’ and is worshipped with milk, roli and akshata during the puja. After the puja, this ‘Syau’ is woven in a thread with two silver pearls and worn by women around their neck.
    Special food offerings are prepared that includes puri, halwa and pua. 8 of all these are offered to the Goddess and then given to some elderly lady or even a Brahmin. The puja is terminated by performing the ‘Ahoi Mata aarti’ at the end.
    Significance of Ahoi Ashtami
    Ahoi Ashtami fast is undertaken by mothers of boys for the long life and happiness of their sons. They worship Goddess Ahoi on this day with full devotion and fervour. On this day women observe a fast for their sons. The time for sighting the stars and moonrise can be seen in the Ahoi Ashtami Puja timings in the Hindu panchang.
    It is believed that women who face miscarriage or have problems in conceiving should perform the Ahoi Ashtami puja and vrat to get blessed with a baby boy. For this reason, it is also known as ‘Krishnashtami’. This day is therefore significant for childless couples. On this occasion, couples take a holy dip in the ‘Radha Kunda’ at Mathura. Devotees from all over the country come and throng the place during this time.
    Ahoi Ashtami Vrat Katha
    According to the story of Ahoi Ashtami, long time ago, a moneylender lived in a city. He had seven sons. Once, when only seven days were left for Diwali, the family was engaged in cleaning the house. For renovation of their house, the moneylender’s wife went to collect mud from an open pit mine near the river. Unaware that a hedgehog has build its den in the mine, the moneylender’s wife started digging for mud. While doing so, her hoe hit a hedgehog cub killing it instantly. Seeing this, the moneylender’s wife felt very sad. Heartbroken she returned to her home. A few days after due to the curse of the hedeghog mother, the woman’s eldest son died, then the second son died, and likewise the third child was no more and in one year all their seven sons died.
    Due to the death of all her children, the woman started living very sad. One day, while crying, she told her sad story to one of her elderly neighbours and confessed that she did not commit the sin on purpose and that the cub was killed unknowingly and that it was after the incident her seven sons died. On hearing this, the old lady comforted her and said that half of her sin has been redeemed by her repentance. The woman also suggested that, on the day of Mata Ahoi Ashtami, with recourse to Goddess Bhagwati, by drawing a picture of hedgehog and its cubs, worshiping them and apologizing for her act, she will be benefited. The woman also said that doing so, by the grace of God, all her sins will be cleansed. The moneylender’s wife obeyed the old woman and worshiped Mother Ahoi. Fasting on the eighth day of the Krishna Paksha of Kartik month, she started doing this regularly every year and with time, she got seven sons. It is since then the tradition of Ahoi Ashtami vrat has started.
    Ahoi Mata Puja
    The best time to perform Puja is during Sandhya (evening) time just after sunset. During Puja Ahoi Mata is worshipped with all rituals.
    Usually women perform Ahoi Ashtami Puja along with the other female members of the family. During Puja women narrate the story of Ahoi Mata. There are several versions of Ahoi Ashtami legend but most of them describe how female devotee of Ahoi Mata got blessed by seven sons even after getting cursed for accidently killing the offsprings of Sei. Sei is also worshipped along with Ahoi Mata and seven grass shoots along with Halwa is offered to Sei.
    In some communities, for the occasion of Ahoi Ashtami, Ahoi of silver is also made. Silver Ahoi is known as Syau and worshipped with Akshata, Roli and the milk during the Puja. Later it is worn in the neck as a pendant with the help of a thread along with two silver pearls.
    Aarti of Ahoi Ashtami is performed at the end of the Puja.
    Stars or Moon worship
    Women either give Argha to the stars or the moon depending on the family tradition before breaking the fast. The time when the stars get visible in the sky and the time of moonrise on Ahoi Ashtami can be checked at Ahoi Ashtami Puja Timings.
    Both Karwa and Kalash are used for giving Argha to the stars or the moon after the Puja. The water of big Kalash is used during the morning bath of Roop Chaudas which is also known as Narak Chaturdashi.
    Association with Krishnashtami
    Women who have difficulties in conceiving, have miscarriage or don’t have a boy child also perform Puja on the day of Ahoi Ashtami.
    In this context, the day of Ahoi Ashtami is known as Krishnashtami. This day is very significant for those couples who don’t have any children. On the very same day couples take dip in the Radha Kunda at Mathura, perform Puja and make offering of the Kushmanda. Devotees from far-flung places throng to Radha Kunda to take a holy dip in the sacred pond during Arunodaya i.e. just before the sunrise.

  • Adani buys remaining 51% stake in Quintillion Business Media

    Billionaire Gautam Adani’s group has acquired the remaining 51% stake in Quintillion Business Media Pvt Ltd to take full control of the Raghav Bahl-curated digital business news platform for an undisclosed amount. Adani Enterprises Ltd, the ports-to-energy conglomerate’s flagship firm, in a stock exchange filing, said its subsidiary AMG Media Networks Ltd “has executed a share purchase agreement for the acquisition of remaining 51% stake in QBML”, the firm which operates the business and financial news digital media platform BQ Prime. AMG Media had previously bought a 49% stake in Quintillion Business Media Ltd (QBML) for Rs 47.84 crore.
    BQ Prime was earlier known as Bloomberg Quint, a former joint venture between US-based financial news agency Bloomberg Media and Bahl’s Quintillion Media. Bloomberg exited that agreement in March last year.
    “The SPA records the terms of the agreement and inter-se rights and obligations and other connected matters in respect of the acquisition of remaining 51% equity shares of QBML by AMNL from Quintillion Media Ltd (QML),” Adani said.

  • Govt allows direct overseas listing of Indian companies

    In a significant move, the government has permitted Indian companies to list on foreign exchanges, subject to certain conditions. The corporate affairs ministry has notified the relevant section under the companies law in this regard.
    Currently, overseas listings by local listed entities are carried out through American Depository Receipts (ADRs) and Global Depository Receipts (GDRs). “In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (2) of Section 1 of the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2020 (29 of 2020), the Central Government hereby appoints the 30th day of October 2023 as the date on which the provisions of Section 5 of the said Act shall come into force,” the ministry said in a notification on October 30. The rules for direct overseas listing of Indian companies are yet to be notified. On October 13, a senior government official said the ministry was looking at various aspects, including the possible eligibility criteria, to prepare the rules for the direct overseas listing of companies.

  • Fed keeps rates unchanged, Powell hedges on possible end of tightening campaign

    Fed keeps rates unchanged, Powell hedges on possible end of tightening campaign

    Washington (TIP) -The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady on Wednesday as policymakers struggled to determine whether financial conditions may be tight enough already to control inflation, or whether an economy that continues to outperform expectations may need still more restraint. Fed Chair Jerome Powell said the situation remained something of a riddle, with U.S. central bank officials willing to raise rates again if progress on inflation stalls, wary that a rise in market-based interest rates may begin to weigh on the economy in a significant way, and trying not to disrupt, any more than necessary, an ongoing dynamic of steady job and wage growth.
    In a press conference after the end of a two-day policy meeting, Powell said the better course of action for now, given the uncertainties, was to maintain the Fed’s benchmark overnight interest rate in the current 5.25%-5.50% range, and see how job and price data evolve between now and the next policy meeting in December.
    Roughly 20 months into the Fed’s aggressive tightening of monetary policy, Powell said it remained unclear whether overall financial conditions were yet restrictive enough to tame inflation that he still considers to be far above the central bank’s 2% target.
    “We’re not confident that we haven’t, we’re not confident that we have” reached that sufficiently restrictive plateau, Powell told reporters. “Inflation has been coming down, but it’s still running well above our 2% target … A few months of good data are only the beginning of what it will take to build confidence.” Annual inflation, based on the Fed’s preferred measure, was 3.4% in September for the third month in a row. Excluding volatile food and energy costs, it was 3.7%, little changed from August.
    Asked if the Fed maintained a bias towards hiking rates versus keeping policy on hold, Powell responded “that’s the question we’re asking. Should we hike more?”
    But the Fed chief also acknowledged that a recent market-driven rise in Treasury bond yields, home mortgage rates and other financing costs could have their own impact on the economy as long as they persist, and Fed officials will be watching those effects closely as they consider whether to hike the central bank’s policy rate again.
    “These higher Treasury yields are showing through to higher borrowing costs for households and businesses. Those higher costs are going to weigh on economic activity to the extent this tightening persists,” Powell said, taking particular note of 30-year fixed-rate home mortgages that are nearing 8%, close to a 25-year high. Powell’s comments elaborated on a policy decision and statement that, while leaving the Fed’s benchmark rate unchanged for the second consecutive meeting, also took stock of what he called the “outsized” 4.9% annual pace of U.S. economic growth in the July-September period after a surge of consumer spending.
    “Economic activity expanded at a strong pace in the third quarter,” the U.S. central bank said in its statement after policymakers unanimously agreed to leave rates unchanged. The language marked an upgrade to the “solid pace” of activity the Fed saw as of its September meeting.
    U.S. stocks climbed after the release of the policy statement and closed higher on the day, while the U.S. dollar pared gains and ended flat against a basket of currencies. U.S. Treasury yields fell and traders of short-term U.S. interest rates added to bets the Fed was done raising its policy rate and would start cutting rates by June of next year. “The statement leans to the dovish side,” said Peter Cardillo, chief market economist at Spartan Capital Securities. “The fact that they left rates unchanged for the second time in a row suggests the Fed might leave rates unchanged in December. And if they do, that means the Fed is done.” Though markets think the Fed’s rate-hiking campaign may be finished, data pointing to a stronger-than-expected economy and labor market have kept the prospect of another hike on the table.
    Source: Reuters

  • Disney to buy remaining 33% stake in Hulu from Comcast

    Disney to buy remaining 33% stake in Hulu from Comcast

    New York (TIP)-Walt Disney on Wednesday, November 1, formally began the process of buying Comcast’s one-third stake in Hulu, a deal that will give Disney full ownership of the streaming service and freedom to incorporate it into the Disney streaming service.
    NBCUniversal parent Comcast agreed in 2019 to sell its stake to Disney, which controls the service. Under terms of that agreement, either NBCU or Disney could initiate the transaction as soon as Nov. 1 – a timetable that was accelerated from the initial date of January 2024.
    The Burbank, California-based entertainment conglomerate gained a controlling interest in Hulu as part of its $71 billion acquisition of 21st Century Fox’s film and television assets. The transaction gave the studio a competitive leg up in the streaming wars.
    Under the terms of the arrangement, Disney expects it will pay NBCU about $8.61 billion by Dec. 1 for. This represents NBCU’s percentage of the $27.5 billion guaranteed floor value for Hulu set in 2019, minus the anticipated outstanding capital call contributions payable by NBCU to Disney. Hulu’s equity fair value will be assessed as of Sept. 30, 2023, under agreed terms. If the value is determined to be greater than the guaranteed floor value, Disney will pay NBCU the difference, Disney said. Bankers representing each party will assess Hulu’s fair market value, according to regulatory filings. While the timing of the appraisal process is uncertain, Disney anticipates it to be completed in 2024. In remarks at a Goldman Sachs conference this fall, Comcast CEO Brian Roberts called Hulu a “scarce kingmaker asset” that is “way more valuable today” than when the deal was initially struck.
    Hulu had 48.3 million subscribers at the end of Disney’s third quarter, compared with 28 million paid subscribers for Comcast’s Peacock streaming service at the end of Comcast’s third quarter. Source: Reuters

  • Microsoft releases major Windows 11 update with new features

    Microsoft releases major Windows 11 update with new features

    Microsoft has started rolling out major updates to its Windows 11 PC operating system with new features. The main change in the updates (known as Windows 11, version 23H2) includes the change of name from Microsoft Teams to Chat.
    “Chat is now Microsoft Teams (free) and is pinned by default to the taskbar,” VP of programme management for Windows servicing and delivery, John Cable, said in a blogpost.
    “When you click to launch Microsoft Teams, you will discover a mini communication experience that makes it possible to chat, call, meet, and create a space for community groups to come together, organize, and share ideas in just a click or two,” he added.

    The Windows 11 2023 update also brings some improvements to app management. System components in Windows 11 now have a ‘system’ label and are segregated into a new section in settings. The Microsoft Store, Game Bar, Phone Link, and Tips apps are all included, and it appears that Microsoft is getting ready to let Windows 11 customers remove these system components at some time. “This update continues the annual Windows 11 feature update cadence, with new feature updates released in the second half of the calendar year. This updated version resets the 24 months of support for Home and Pro editions and 36 months of support for Enterprise and Education editions,” Microsoft said.
    Moreover, the tech giant noted that the select features and enhancements initially shipped disabled by default in version 22H2 would be shipped on by default in version 23H2, including Copilot in Windows. Source: IANS

  • Webb’s pictures show Crab Nebula in new light 1000 years after the star exploded

    Nasa’s James Webb Space Telescope has recently captured unprecedented images of the Crab Nebula, a supernova remnant located 6,500 light-years away from Earth that was first recorded by Japanese and Chinese astronomers nearly 1,000 years ago. The new images reveal exquisite details that are helping scientists unravel the nebula’s complex history.
    The Crab Nebula is the aftermath of a supernova explosion recorded by 11th-century astronomers in 1054 CE. Since then, it has been a subject of continuous study as scientists strive to understand the conditions, behavior, and after-effects of supernovae. The Crab Nebula, being relatively close, serves as an ideal example for this research.
    A team led by Tea Temim at Princeton University used Webb’s Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam) and Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) to delve into the origins of the Crab Nebula.
    “Webb’s sensitivity and spatial resolution allow us to accurately determine the composition of the ejected material, particularly the content of iron and nickel, which may reveal what type of explosion produced the Crab Nebula,” explained Temim.

  • Elon Musk plans XWire to take on news distribution platforms

    Elon Musk plans XWire to take on news distribution platforms

    Elon Musk is reportedly planning to launch his news distribution service called XWire which will rival existing platforms for disseminating company PR news and press releases.
    In an all-hands meeting with employees addressed by both Musk and X CEO Linda Yaccarino, the news wire initiative was discussed, reports Bloomberg.
    “The duo also referenced ambitions to create a news wire service called XWire, which would rival Cision’s PR Newswire,” the report mentioned.
    Musk and Yaccarino did not divulge much on how X would better compete with platforms that distribute company news and press releases.
    As Instagram Threads was moving away from news, X would double up on news and even incentivise journalists posting original content and asked users to become citizen journalists.
    Betting big on making X Corp a trusted news platform, Musk said last week that the platform was an “open source news” and whatever was relevant in legacy media was already available on X. “When fake news spreads on CNN, MSNBC, or in The New York Times or Washington Post, they get the final say and can double down on their false narrative,” the X user posted.
    Musk said “yes,” adding that X was an open source news platform. “That is the right way to think about it. Anything relevant in legacy media is reposted here anyway,” he added.
    Musk last month encouraged people to do citizen journalism on X.
    “Please encourage more citizen journalism! You can do live video easily from your phone. More on-the-ground reporting from regular citizens will change the world,” he said.
    In August, Musk invited journalists to publish directly on X and earn a higher income.
    The company has also set its sights on competitors like YouTube and LinkedIn in terms of both video and hiring with @XHiring account. X’s value falls to $19 billion, lower than Elon Musk’s $20 billion estimate and $44 billion that he paid for it
    Elon Musk’s X, formerly known as Twitter, has seen its value drastically fall under the tech mogul – by over half of what he paid last year, as per a Bloomberg report. Musk shelled out a hefty $44 billion for the social media site in 2022. Now, restricted stock units awarded to employees value the company at just $19 billion or $45/share.
    It can be noted that while buying the company, Musk had tried to tune down the price tag citing market conditions, but Twitter executives sued and held the Tesla chief to his initial word. As per an internal email in March, Musk himself had said the company was worth $20 billion. However, this figure too is a whole $1 billion lower than the assessed value.

  • ChatGPT Plus subscribers can upload, analyse files in latest beta

    ChatGPT Plus subscribers can upload, analyse files in latest beta

    ChatGPT Plus members can now upload and analyse files in the latest beta, along with using modes like Browse with Bing without manually switching, allowing the chatbot to decide when to use them. In its new beta for ChatGPT Plus members, Sam Altman-run OpenAI has added more useful features. “With the new update, you can upload an image and ask to modify it. All in one prompt, 30 seconds. Goodbye Photoshop,” posted one ChatGPT Plus subscriber on X.
    Users will not have to select modes like Browse with Bing from the GPT-4 dropdown, reports The Verge. The chatbot isn’t limited to only text files, according to the report.
    “This full-model version of GPT can directly chat about PDFs. You can also chat with data files and other document types,” posted another ChatGPT Plus member on Threads.
    “No longer requires selecting a model. It automatically chooses to start a web browser, run Python code or use DALL-E to generate images based on the description’s requirements within a conversation,” the user added. ChatGPT Plus was available for $20 a month, and subscribers get general access to ChatGPT, even during peak times, faster response times and priority access to new features and improvements. Meanwhile, Microsoft-backed OpenAI has formally launched its internet-browsing feature to generative AI chatbot ChatGPT. Browse with Bing was now out of Beta and was officially available to all Plus and Enterprise subscribers.
    “Browsing, which we re-launched a few weeks ago, is moving out of beta. Plus and Enterprise users no longer need to switch the beta toggle to use browse, and are able to choose Browse with Bing from the GPT-4 model selector,” the company said in an update this month. OpenAI has also integrated DALL-E 3 with ChatGPT, allowing it to respond to user requests with images.

  • Trying to lose weight? These mini meals can help in portion control

    Trying to lose weight? These mini meals can help in portion control

    When trying to lose weight, many people tend to skip meal(s) thinking that will help them in their journey. However, this is not what helps in weight loss. As per Anjali Mukerjee, a nutritionist, eating frequent and small meals throughout the day help achieve the goal.
    While people follow different diets and hacks like intermittent fasting and calorie counting, experts believe that portion control is one of the most popular and effective ways to keep your weight in check. Defined as “the process of making sure that the amount of food you eat for each meal is not too large, especially when you are trying to lose weight,” portion control can help you with your weight loss journey.
    As per Anjali, studies have shown that eating frequent mini-meals spread throughout the day prevents the metabolism from slowing down, reduces hunger pangs, optimally fuels your body, and has a positive impact on cholesterol and insulin levels.
    Stressing the importance of portion control, Anjali wrote, “In the world of nutrition, it is a known fact that you should burn more calories than you consume to lose weight and fat. And how can one achieve this? By portion control and optimal meal frequency.”
    “Portion size is a key driver of energy intake and also impacts the weight of a person. Therefore, measuring and controlling the portion size has become very crucial to control (and not gain) weight,” Dr Garima Goyal, a nutritionist, told indianexpress.com previously.
    Anjali suggested a few easy mini meals options that one can try and include in their diet routine when they are trying to lose weight.
    – 1 cup soya milk with almonds.
    – Half a sandwich made with 1 slice of whole wheat bread with either of the following fillings– shredded chicken, cucumber, tomato with chutney or paneer.
    – 1 bowl of moong sprouts with salad.
    – A handful of peanuts with chana in a ratio of 1:1.
    – Substitute your rotis with wheat bran rotis and reduce the number of rotis to half of your regular intake.
    – 1 toast with 2 egg whites omelette or one full egg omelette.
    – One fruit either an apple, orange, sweet lime, 20 cherries, or 1 bowl of watermelon.
    – A bowl of dal or curd with salad.
    Source: Indian Express

  • Whole genome sequencing personalising TB therapy: Expert

    Whole genome sequencing personalising TB therapy: Expert

    A new technique that uses whole genome sequencing can help personalise drug therapy in tuberculosis (TB) patients and ensure complete treatment for the disease, according to a biotechnologist. Anirvan Chatterjee, founder & CEO of HaystackAnalytics, a start-up incubated at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, noted that the method provides a means for conclusively ascertaining drug resistance in a TB patient. Complete treatment of TB patients is significant as being a transmissible disease; TB presents the risk of spreading and evolving into a superior drug-resistant version of itself. Caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), TB is an infectious disease that spreads through the medium of air when people with lung TB cough, sneeze, or spit. The symptoms include prolonged cough, chest pain, weakness or fatigue and fever.
    “Currently every TB patient undergoes a Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) as the primary screening for confirmation of TB and detection of resistance to 1 or few drugs. If found resistant, the patient is advised more tests to get the complete drug-resistance profile,” Chatterjee told PTI in an interview. NAAT is a molecular test that detects the DNA of the TB-causing bacteria in a patient’s sputum or other respiratory sample. Leveraging whole genome sequencing (WGS), a method for analysing entire genomes, on a TB positive patient’s sample can eliminate this need for multiple tests and provide a comprehensive drug resistance profile against all the drugs currently prescribed by the World Health Organization (WHO), according to Chatterjee. “In case a WGS report is available for a TB patient, the therapy can be fully personalised while adhering to the drug combinations determined by the WHO,” he said.
    The WGS testing process involves sequencing the entire DNA of the TB-causing bacteria in the patient’s sample. Then, by analysing data from about 4.5 million data points on the genome using bioinformatics and machine learning technologies, the resistance of the bacteria to any of the 18 antibiotics is ascertained in under two weeks once the sample has reached the lab. “For the report, we analyse the (bacterial) strain type, depth of sequencing, coverage of the genome, drug resistance mutations which have been validated to be associated with in-vitro resistance, phylogenetic association with global strains,” said Chatterjee, who was a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Oxford, UK, when he developed this technology. Source: PTI

  • Simple blood test can help diagnose bipolar disorder accurately: Study

    Researchers have developed a simple blood test that in combination with an online psychiatric assessment provides an improved diagnosis of bipolar disorder.
    The team at the University of Cambridge in the UK found that the blood test on its own would diagnose up to 30 per cent of patients with bipolar disorder, but it was effective when combined with a digital mental health assessment. Incorporating biomarker testing could help physicians differentiate between major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder, which have overlapping symptoms but require different pharmacological treatments.
    Although the blood test was still a proof of concept, the study published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry found that it could be an effective complement to existing psychiatric diagnosis and can help researchers understand the biological origins of mental health conditions.
    Bipolar disorder affects approximately one per cent of the population – as many as 80 million people worldwide – but for nearly 40 per cent of patients, it is misdiagnosed as major depressive disorder. “People with bipolar disorder will experience periods of low mood and periods of very high mood or mania,” said study first author Jakub Tomasik, from Cambridge’s Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology.
    “But patients will often only see a doctor when they are experiencing low mood, which is why bipolar disorder frequently gets misdiagnosed as major depressive disorder,” Tomasik said.
    The most effective way to get an accurate diagnosis of bipolar disorder was a full psychiatric assessment. However, patients often face long waits to get these assessments, and they take time to carry out. “Psychiatric assessments are highly effective, but the ability to diagnose bipolar disorder with a simple blood test could ensure that patients get the right treatment the first time and alleviate some of the pressures on medical professionals,” said Tomasik.
    The researchers used samples and data from the Delta study, conducted in the UK between 2018 and 2020, to identify bipolar disorder in patients who had received a diagnosis of major depressive disorder within the previous five years and had current depressive symptoms. Source: PTI

  • Make your hair super silky

    Make your hair super silky

    You know silky hair when you see it: shiny, healthy, and free of tangles. But if you, like me, put your hair through the ringer, styling it with hot tools, using tons of product, and coloring it regularly, silkiness seems only but a dream. Luckily, with the right products, you can improve the look and feel of our hair in just a few weeks—especially since silky hair relies on the health and condition of the cuticle (the outside layer).
    The surface of your hair is kind of like shingles on a roof. When all of those shingles lay downward and smooth from roots to ends, that’s when your hair looks and feels smooth and shiny—not knotty and tangled; it’s also when it reflects the most light.
    Be mindful when shampooing
    When shampooing, the tendency is to pile your hair on top of your head, and wash the entire length of your strands. This technique not only creates tangles, but also dries out the ends of the hair, which already lack moisture—especially of those with curly hair.
    With naturally straight hair, oil from the scalp can go from roots to ends very quickly because gravity will pull it down. But with curly hair, the oil has to travel around the coiled shaft, so the oil doesn’t get there as quickly. What this means is that people with curly hair don’t need to shampoo their hair as often. And, when it is time to wash, consider swapping out your regs shampoo with a cleansing conditioner to keep from stripping your hair of its necessary natural oils.
    Comb when wet, brush when dry
    Most people are not delicate enough when brushing, which can prevent your hair from looking its best. If you’re raking through wet hair with a paddle brush, that detangling noise that you’re used to hearing is actually the sound of your hair ripping. Instead of smoothing the cuticle, this action is causing damage to the outside layer. A gentler way to detangle hair? Using a comb when it’s wet (or a brush designed for use on wet hair), and only using a brush when your hair is dry. Work through the knots and tangles by starting at the ends before moving to the middle and roots, rather than working from roots to ends, which could worsen the problem.
    Use a T-shirt to dry your hair
    Somewhere along the way, we wrongly learned to “rough dry” hair by rubbing a towel back and forth against it. This action creates friction, which fluffs up the cuticle. And when the cuticles are fluffed up, they catch on one another, cause knots and breakage, and result in frizz. The number one key to having smooth hair is no friction. When someone’s hair gets super tangly, it’s usually because the cuticle is open. The tighter the cuticle, the more resistant it is to opening, and the smoother the hair is overall. So, switch out your fluffy friction-causing towel for a smoother cotton T-shirt. And instead of rubbing your head, wrap the ends in the shirt and squeeze all the water out, working it down to the ends.
    Sleep on silk pillowcases
    If you’re currently using a cotton pillowcase, that very well might be the cause of your frizzy or tangled hair. Makes sense if you think about it: a silky smooth pillowcase leads to silky smooth strands. Cotton absorbs all the moisture from your strands, while silk or satin maintains the oils necessary for nourished hair.

  • Things you need to do for healthy skin at any age

    As you get older, your diet, lifestyle and hormones take a toll on your skin. Wrinkles, loss of elasticity, dark circles and blemishes can be a shock when you look in the mirror. Therefore, you need to give your skin a little more care in your 50s than you did in your 20s or 30s. Here are some useful tips to ensure glowing, vibrant skin after 50.
    Balance the hormones
    The hormones in our body act like messengers. With ageing, these hormones become unbalanced and we can see the changes following menopause. Due to this, women experience dry skin or oily skin and even adult acne. When these hormones are well-balanced, we feel and look energetic, healthy and vibrant. As we age, it is important to know the interplay between hormone, health and beauty. There are superfoods like berries, walnut, avocado and turmeric when combined with proper diet and a healthy regime can give us glowing skin.
    High insulin is bad
    High levels of insulin can increase wrinkling of the skin. Our body gets an excess of insulin when we indulge in sugary foods like bakery items, packed juices, and other sweet items. If you go for sugar-laden eats, it’s not only bad for the waistline, you are also likely to have a dull complexion and damaged skin. The high level of insulin manifests as excess hair growth and dark patches on the neck and body folds. Try to avoid sugar in your diet.
    Prefer more probiotics foods
    Reach out for foods that are high in antioxidants as well as probiotics, which are naturally occurring and good-for-your-gut bacteria. Probiotics help in creating a healthy gut, so less toxins are absorbed into the bloodstream.Toxins obstruct the absorption of important vitamins, minerals and nutrients in our body. Consuming probiotics will promote better moisture absorption and help in delaying the signs of aging. Lactic acid helps reduce wrinkles and tighten pores.

  • Rogan Josh

    Rogan Josh

    Ingredients
    1 Kg Meat, 1 Cup Mustard/refined oil, 3 tsp Red chili powder, 3 tsp Fennel powder, 2 tsp Ginger powder, 2 tsp Cumin powder, 3 tsp Brown cardamom powder, 1 tsp Asafoetida, 4 Pieces Green cardamom, 2 Cinnamon sticks, 2 Bay leaves, 2 Cloves, 1/3 tsp Saffron (optional), 1 Cup Curd, A pinch of Salt.
    Method
    – Wash the meat properly. Heat oil in a pressure cooker.
    – Put cinnamon, bay leaves, green cardamom, cloves, a teaspoon of salt, asafoetida, and meat together.
    – Fry meat till it turns brown. Once browned, pour a cup of water. Add the red chili powder and saffron into the meat. Keep stirring for about a minute.
    – Mix the curd nicely in the mixer and pour it into the pressure cooker. Keep on stirring till you get a reddish tinge.
    – Add 2 cups of water, fennel powder, ginger powder, and pressure cook for 2 minutes.
    – Check if the meat is tender. Peel and grind green and brown cardamom and add to the meat dish.
    – Finally sprinkle cumin powder and simmer for a minute and serve.

  • Hrithik, Deepika finally wrap Siddharth Anand’s ‘Fighter’ shoot

    Hrithik, Deepika finally wrap Siddharth Anand’s ‘Fighter’ shoot

    Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone have joined forces for the very first time for ‘Fighter’. Helmed by Siddharth Anand, the movie is one of the most-anticipated projects of next year. Now the makers of the film took to social media and announced the final schedule wrap of ‘Fighter’. On November 1, Siddharth Anand took to Instagram to announce the completion of the ‘Fighter’ shoot. Sharing a picture of a camera, he captioned, “And it’s a film shoot wrap on #FIGHTER (sic).”
    Hrithik Roshan also took to his Instagram handle to repost the picture.
    Earlier in October, a BTS picture of the cast of ‘Fighter’, from Italy, surfaced on social media. Actor Afreen Khan took to Instagram on October 3 to share a behind-the-scenes photo of Deepika and Hrithik along with Siddharth and his wife Mamta Anand, choreographer Bosco Martis and others. In the photo, they seem to be taking a coffee break in between their shots. The selfie was clicked by Hrithik Roshan. Hrithik Roshan will be seen playing an Air Force officer for the first time in ‘Fighter’. Deepika Padukone is also expected to have some high-octane action sequences in the film. The film also stars Anil Kapoor in a pivotal role. Directed by Siddharth Anand, ‘Fighter’ is set to release on January 25, 2024.

  • Dunki teaser: SRK brings comedy and drama to immigrant dreams

    Dunki teaser: SRK brings comedy and drama to immigrant dreams

    On Shah Rukh Khan’s 58th birthday on Thursday, November 2, the teaser for his third film of the year after the blockbusters Pathaan and Jawan, Dunki, was unveiled. The eagerly-awaited Dunki teaser gave the best look yet the at film that marks the first collaboration between Shah Rukh and filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani. Dunki also features Taapsee Pannu in the lead role alongside Shah Rukh. Vicky Kaushal also features in the film.
    Dunki is backed by Red Chillies Entertainment, Rajkumar Hirani Films and Jio Studios. Dunki will hit theatres in India on December 22. Dunki will clash with Prashant Neel’s Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire at the box office. The film stars Prabhas in the lead.
    Last year, Shah Rukh Khan had spoken about the title of his upcoming film Dunki, and explained how it actually meant donkey. As he attended the Red Sea International Film Festival in Saudi Arabia in December 2022, Shah Rukh spoke about Dunki during an interview with Deadline.
    The actor had said, “In English, my film would be called Donkey, it is Donkey. But the way a part of the country pronounces donkey in India, it is ‘dunki’. The Punjabis say it (donkey) like dunki… How much to tell you about the story… It is a film directed by one of the most brilliant filmmakers we have had in our country, Mr Raju Hirani. It is written by a very fantastic writer, Abhijat Joshi. It is a story of people, who want to come back home… when you finally get the calling.” The actor had further said about Dunki, “It is a comic film. His (Rajkumar Hirani) films are always a mix of comedy and a lot of emotions about the country. So, it is a big journey film, and the film goes through different areas around the world and finally comes back home to India.” Shah Rukh Khan has had the most successful year of his career in 2023. He started the year with Siddharth Anand’s Pathaan, also starring Deepika Padukone and John Abraham, and recently had the biggest hit of the year with Atlee’s Jawan, which also starred Vijay Sethupathi, Nayanthara and Deepika. SRK’s films in 2023 have grossed over Rs 2100 crore worldwide and it remains to be seen if Dunki can match up to the success of Pathaan and Jawan. Rajkumar Hirani, who has made films like 3 Idiots, PK, and the Munna Bhai series, has never had a flop at the box office. The film marks his return to direction after 2018’s Sanju, which was also a blockbuster.

  • Bobby reveals how Salman helped him get movies during his struggling days

    On the second episode of Karan Johar’s popular chat show ‘Koffee with Karan Season 8’, actor Bobby Deol talked about superstar Salman Khan’s relationship with the ‘He-Man’ of Bollywood Dharmendra. Bobby graced the ‘Koffee’ couch with his brother Sunny Deol.
    During a conversation with KJo, Bobby said, “Salman has always been there. He is completely in love with my dad. The bond they share is just amazing, he has so much respect for him. He has this obsessive love for my dad and my family. He is one guy who has got no insecurity.”
    Bobby also revealed how Salman helped him during the period when he was struggling and how ‘Race 3’ happened to him.
    Bobby shared, “One day Salman told me ‘When my career was struggling I climbed on your brother (Sunny Deol) and Sanjay Dutt’s back and moved forward, So I told him ‘Mamu (what Salman and I call each other), let me climb on your back’. So then he remembered that and then after a couple of years after that I got a phone call from him and he said Mamu will you be willing to take your shift off? Then I said Mamu I would do anything, so that’s how I got ‘Race’.”
    Bobby also spoke about how Red Chillies Entertainment has always given him ‘good stuff.’ He said, “I had to work hard. It doesn’t mean things will happen easily. Like Class of 83 is a subject, I always wanted to do those kind of subjects, but I never used to get them. When I got that, I think I have a relationship with Red Chillies. It started with Class of 83 and now Aryan’s show. And then I did Love Hostel. They have always given me good stuff.” (Sic)
    On the work front, Bobby will next be seen in the film Animal. Helmed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, Animal also stars Ranbir Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna and Anil Kapoor.

  • Sophie Turner seen cosying up to British heir in Paris

    Sophie Turner seen cosying up to British heir in Paris

    Sophie Turner, 27, was spotted kissing an English heir in Paris on Saturday, amid her divorce from Joe Jonas, 34, reported by the UK Sun. The ‘Game of Thrones’ actress was spotted in an affectionate moment with Peregrine ‘Perry’ John Dickinson Pearson, a 29-year-old who holds the title of heir to the 4th Viscount Cowdray, a region in Sussex.
    The outlet published a photo that allegedly shows the pair locking lips on the street, but their faces are not clear in the image. An eyewitness told the outlet that they saw them at the Gare du Nord railway station, where they seemed to be in a good mood.
    “They arrived together at the chauffeur pickup location outside of the station. It looked like they might have both come on the Eurostar from London,” the report says.“He then took his hat off and leaned in to give her a big kiss. After the kiss, they parted ways.”
    The woman in the photo wore a red baseball cap, black sunglasses, a long black coat, patent leather loafers and a teal Louis Vuitton bag. He was dressed in gray jeans, Adidas sneakers, a black peacoat, a brown scarf, and sunglasses.

  • Meg Ryan returns to Rom-Coms after 14 years

    Meg Ryan returns to Rom-Coms after 14 years

    Meg Ryan is making her long-awaited rom-com comeback with the upcoming film What Happens Later alongside David Duchovny, and fans finally got a first look at the 61-year-old reclaiming her throne when the trailer hit their inboxes.
    In true rom-com fashion, the movie starts with the perfect meet-cute between exes Willa (Meg) and William (David), who find themselves snowed in at a regional airport—their first encounter since their breakup 20 plus years ago.
    And when only their flights are indefinitely delayed Willa and William once again find themselves facing the same issues as when they dated decades prior. As the night goes on, the two rediscover that Willa is still independent with no ties holding her down, stating that kids just “wasn’t in the cards” for her, while William is navigating how to maintain relationships with his ex-wife and daughter. Of course, the “what ifs” start trickling in, sparking the age-old thought of what could have been between the former flames.
    The trailer also includes nods to the loyal romance fans, like when William goes to plug in his phone and unplugs a movie poster that reads: “Rom Com coming this summer. Fall in love with love again.”
    And although it’s been quite a bit since we’ve been sleepless in Seattle, What Happens Later officially marks 14 years since Meg’s last rom-com in 2009, Serious Moonlight, also starring Kristen Bell and Timothy Hutton.
    But despite her time away the You’ve Got Mail star—who also co-wrote and directed the upcoming movie—still knows how to tug at our heartstrings.
    “Sometimes there’s a question of: Will they be together? Will they not be together?” Meg teased to Entertainment Weekly Aug. 29. “For that reason, What Happens Later sort of evolves the rom-com genre just a little bit. It’s also about old people, and it’s still romantic and sexy.” And perhaps the film’s leading man was brought to Meg by the fate of the universe, as David’s portrayal of her love interest was exactly what the When Harry Met Sally actress was looking for. “My character, Willa, is a magical thinker and David’s character, Bill, is a catastrophic thinker,” Meg continued to the outlet. “These rom-coms really work when the two characters are somehow opposites and yet have a rhythm of intellect and humor and dialogue and banter that sort of indicates their compatibility.”
    She added, “So, it’s just been really fun to see David embrace this guy who I don’t think is anything really like David. Whereas the Willa thing I can really relate to. To see him dive into every single scene in the fullest way, he’s funny, and he’s smart, and he’s dear, and irresistible.” Source: Eonline.com

  • Ben Affleck bumps his luxury car after chatting with ex-wife Jennifer Garner

    Hollywood star Ben Affleck has bumped his luxury Mercedes-Benz into a car on a recent outing. He was involved in the accident after he was caught on camera chatting with his former wife Jennifer Garner. The 51-year-old Oscar-winning actor was spotted out and about in Santa Monica, California. In pictures making their rounds online, it could be seen that he accidentally backed his Mercedes-Benz into a white car, which was parked behind his luxury vehicle, reports aceshowbiz.com. Shortly before the incident, Affleck was spotted having a sweet interaction with Jennifer. In the photos, they were captured having a seemingly fun conversation while they were attending a Halloween celebration at their children’s school. At one point, Affleck was pictured placing one of his hands on Garner’s arm as they talked to each other. In the meantime, she was seen looking at him and frowned. She later let out a smile as she looked in another direction.
    For the day out, the ‘Argo’ actor looked clean in an ivory ribbed top that came with a high neck design, unbuttoned long-sleeved beige blazer with two big pockets and a pair of long blue pants. He completed the look with a pair of colorful Nike sneakers with white laces and a wedding ring. Throughout the outing, he was carrying a cup of coffee.
    In the meantime, Garner opted to wear an all-black ensemble. The actress of ‘The Adam Project’ donned a long-sleeved Moncler sweater under a matching insulated vest that came with a zipper. She covered her eyes with a pair of matching sunglasses. She let loose her shoulder-length hair and parted it in the middle. Similar to Ben, she was holding a glass of drink in one of her hands.
    Affleck and Garner tied the knot in 2005 before separating in 2015. Their divorce was finalised in 2018. The former couple share three children, 17-year-old Violet Anne, 14-year-old Seraphina Rose and 11-year-old Samuel. Later on, he married singer Jennifer Lopez in July 2022.

  • Stop calling me ‘My Lord’ and I will give you half of my salary: SC judge to senior advocate

    A Supreme Court judge has voiced unhappiness at being repeatedly addressed as “My Lord” and “Your Lordships” by lawyers during judicial proceedings.
    “How many times you will say ‘My Lords’? If you stop saying this, then I will give you half of my salary,” Justice P S Narasimha, who was sitting on the bench with senior presiding judge Justice A S Bopanna, told a senior lawyer during the hearing of a regular matter on Wednesday, November 1.
    Lawyers, during arguments, invariably address judges as “My Lord” or “Your Lordships”. Those opposed to the practice often call it a colonial-era relic and a sign of slavery.
    “Why don’t you use ‘Sir’ instead,” Justice Narasimha said, adding otherwise, he will start counting as to how many times the senior lawyer uttered the expression “My Lords”.
    In 2006, the Bar Council of India had passed a resolution deciding no advocate will address judges as “My Lord” and “Your Lordship” but it was not followed in practice.

  • Now, devotees can take along langar ration to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur

    Now, the devotees going to pay obeisance at Gurdwara Sri Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan will be able to take ration and other goods for langar (community food) from the Indian side.
    Christened as “Langar Rasad Guru Nanak Dev Ji Hut”, an exclusive store for ration has been opened at the Kartarpur corridor at Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur.
    On the first day today, the devotees purchased vegetables, pulses and handkerchiefs from this store. The Kartarpur corridor was constructed by India and Pakistan for visa-free access to Indian pilgrims from Dera Baba Nanak to Kartarpur in Pakistan’s Narowal district where Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism, had spent the last leg of his life.
    Since the inauguration of the corridor in November 2019, the devotees, during the initial months, used to carry ration for langar along with them, but this practice was discouraged after the Pakistan Rangers raised objections over it with their Indian counterparts.
    As the new store has opened after the intervention of the Centre, the devotees can now “officially” contribute in the langar of Gurdwara Kartarpur shrine kitchen.

  • Furnish data of all electoral bonds in 2 weeks: SC to EC

    NEW DELHI (TIP): The Supreme Court on Thursday, November 2, reserved the pleas challenging the validity of Central government’s electoral bond scheme, directing the Election Commission to provide within two weeks all data on donations that political parties received through the scheme till September 30 this year.
    A five-judge constitution bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud said the electoral bonds scheme for funding political parties should not become a tool for “legitimisation of quid pro quo” between power centres and people who are benefactors of that power, stressing the need for reducing the cash component in the electoral process.
    After hearing for three days the pleas against the Centre’s scheme introduced in 2017, the bench also comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna, B R Gavai, J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra reserved its verdict on a batch of pleas filed by Congress leader Jaya Thakur, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and NGO Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), among others.
    During the hearing, the bench also said that at this stage, it will not ask the State Bank of India to reveal the identity of the donors, but it would like to know about the quantum of bonds subscribed.
    A major contention of the petitioners was that the identity of the donors could never be known to the public.
    Source: ENS