Two major constituents of the Opposition’s INDIA bloc, the Congress and the Trinamool Congress (TMC), are at loggerheads over seat-sharing in West Bengal for the Lok Sabha elections. Reacting to reports that the TMC would spare only two seats for the Congress, state Congress president Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury has said that the grand old party would not ‘beg for seats’. His statement has elicited a sharp response from the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC, which has asserted that ‘badmouthing alliance partners and seat-sharing can’t go hand in hand’.
In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the TMC bagged 22 seats and was followed closely by the BJP (18). The Congress, which had won two seats, now wants a bigger piece of the pie. The party needs to adjust its aspirations to the ground reality. The Congress had drawn a blank in the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections, which saw the Trinamool retaining power with a thumping majority. In March last year, the Congress had won the Sagardighi bypoll; Left-supported candidate Bayron Biswas had stormed the ruling party’s bastion. The victory had prompted Chowdhury to comment that the Trinamool and Banerjee were not invincible in the state. However, Biswas had later switched over to the TMC. The INDIA bloc was formed a few months after the bypoll, but the Congress and the TMC continue to work at cross-purposes.
The Congress’ apparent reluctance to take its allies along was cited as a major reason by the TMC for the former’s poll debacle in the Hindi heartland states last month. The Congress might be the biggest party within INDIA in terms of Lok Sabha seats, but its shrinking national footprint in recent years has considerably weakened its standing. The party should engage pragmatically with its partners to finalize seat-sharing at the earliest. Prolonged bickering and one-upmanship will only play into the hands of the BJP.
The Apollo has a decades-long tradition of serving as a convener for its community as well as people from across New York City. That tradition continues as The Apollo partners with WNYC in our 18th annual celebration of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his enduring legacy on the culture.
This year’s presentation focuses on a renewed commitment to understanding the context, confronting the complexity, and elevating our collective consciousness in the face of injustice and discrimination.
NPR’s ‘Notes from America’ host, Kai Wright moderates the first hour of this year’s celebration. Music, spoken word and other forms of creative expression round out the afternoon. Check back for updates on this program.
In collaboration with March On Washington Film Festival.
Uptown Hall: The Inconvenient King is part of The Apollo’s Winter/Spring 2024 season.
TICKETS
Free tickets are available at ticketmaster.com/event/00005F9DCCE65133
There is an overall 4 ticket limit for this event.
ATTENDEE REQUIREMENTS
This is a free event but a ticket is required. Free tickets are also available at The Apollo box office. You must show your e-ticket at check in. Seating is by general admission, registration and or possession of a ticket does not guarantee entry. Doors open at 1PM. Tickets not scanned by 1:30PM on the day of the event will be released to patrons in the standby line.
This event will be recorded for broadcast and theater entry will confirm consent to be included in the recording.
Accessible Tickets
To better accommodate attendee needs, Apollo Theater has requested that special seating accommodations be solicited online and through their representatives. Contact Apollo Theater Box Office with questions at (212) 531-5305.
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APOLLO APPRENTICES PRESENT: MLK YOUNG CHANGEMAKERS
Young Changemakers 2024 logo (Credit / apollotheater.org)
This year’s ‘MLK Young Changemakers: The Beloved Community’ explores the roots of Dr. King’s activism and the everyday faith that powered his vision of a beloved global community. The discussion will focus on issues of climate change, global migration and voting rights.
Join The Apollo as the changemakers of tomorrow share their voices and resources to help the next generation become catalysts within their own beloved communities. With live performances and opportunities for direct action, this is THE space for youth on the National Day of Service. This event is curated by The Apollo’s Apprentices.
Uptown Hall: The Beloved Community is part of The Apollo’s Winter/Spring 2024 season.
This event will have ASL Interpretation.
Featured Panelists
DAVIDA PADI
Davida Padi is a Ghanaian-American storyteller studying Social Media Strategies and Legal Studies with an Environmental Studies Concentration. She works at the intersection of mental health, climate change, and technology. Davida has worked with the UN Foundation’s United To Beat Malaria, MTV, and the Biden-Harris White House Administration. Davida is a Gilman Scholar, Johnson & Johnson Scholar, and a 2021 Martin Luther King Observance Committee Scholarship Awardee. She has been featured in Teen Vogue 21 Under 21.
DR. NYLE FORT
Dr. Nyle Fort is a minister, activist, and scholar. He works with organizers, artists, students, educators, faith leaders, and community members to build what Dr. King described as the Beloved Community: a global society rooted in the principles of love, freedom, and justice. Nyle has studied, lectured, and organized across the United States, India, Belgium, The Netherlands, Britain, Palestine, and more. He is currently an Assistant Professor of African American and African Diaspora Studies at Columbia University and a faith-based organizer with the Dream Defenders.
AJANI STELLA
Ajani Stella is the founder and leader of Kids Fight Climate Change, a unique climate education group dedicated to teaching young people about the climate crisis. He is a 17-year-old climate activist living in New York City. He was named one of 30 under 30 worldwide for environmental education by the North American Association for Environmental Education. Ajani has been engaged with climate action since he spoke to the New York City Teachers Retirement Fund Board of Directors about divesting from fossil fuels when he was ten years old.
F.L.O.G.I.C.
F.L.O.G.I.C is a New York-based Christian duo composed of sisters Breanna and Taylour Dickerson. Born and raised on Long Island, New York, the sisters grew up singing and praise dancing in church, and their Pentecostal C.O.G.I.C. roots are the foundation for what they describe as “Worship Hip-Hop.” They were hand-selected for America’s Got Talent Season 14.
RANA ABDELHAMID
Rana Abdelhamid is an internationally acclaimed human rights organizer, 1st Degree Black Belt, public speaker, and social entrepreneur focused on the empowerment of marginalized communities. In 2022, she ran for election to the U.S. House of Representatives in New York’s 12th congressional district. Rana has been named a Truman Scholar and a Running Start Rising Political Star, and she has received a NYC Council Proclamation and an International Youth Advocate award from the UNAUSA Foundation.
BRENNAN BRINK
Brennan is the migrant shelter and immigration consultant at the Interfaith Center of New York (ICNY) as well as a 3rd year M.Div. student at Union Theological Seminary in New York City. At ICNY, Brennan helps to strengthen and unify the work of Houses of Worship as they respond to the Asylum Seeker Crisis in New York City.
FATOUMATA THAIM
Fatoumata, now the Civic Leadership Youth Coordinator at the Muslim Community Network NY (MCN), embarked on a transformative journey from Senegal to New York City in 2009. In 2018, she founded the Noko-Boku Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to providing educational resources annually to elementary schools in villages and rural areas. Now positioned at MCN, Fatoumata is poised to contribute significantly to the organization’s mission and the growth of youth leadership.
To learn more about each panelist, visit apollotheater.org/event/apollo-young-producers-presents-young-changemakers-2024
TICKETS
For Free tickets, visit apollotheater.org/event/apollo-young-producers-presents-young-changemakers-2024
(Mabel Pais writes on Social Issues, Spirituality, The Arts and Entertainment, Education, Health & Wellness, Cuisine, and Business)
This winter season of INDEPENDENT LENS, a Public Broadcasting Station’s subsidiary, presents two acclaimed, Oscar®-contender documentaries that will debut in January. ‘Beyond Utopia,’ the gripping story of families who risk everything escaping North Korea, and the documentary short ‘If Dreams Were Lightning: Rural Healthcare Crisis’ which explores the lives of people living in the rural South with limited or no access to healthcare, both recently made the shortlist for the 96th Academy Awards®.
‘Beyond Utopia’ will debut on January 9, 2024, at 10 p.m. ET on PBS and the
PBS App (pbs.org/pbs-app) – check local listings. They grew up believing their land was paradise. Now, they risk everything in escaping it. In an unforgettable documentary, follow families on a treacherous journey to defect from their homeland of North Korea, as the threat of severe punishment and possible execution looms over their passage, revealing a world many have never seen.
‘If Dreams Were Lightning,’ poster (Credit / pbs.org/independentlens)
‘If Dreams Were Lightning’ will be available to stream on January 10, 2024 on the PBS App and will also be accessible via PBS’s flagship YouTube Channel (youtube.com/PBS). Rural hospitals around America are closing at alarming rates, leaving communities without care. Oscar and Emmy-nominated director Ramin Bahrani visits Appalachia, where American communities are left with limited or no access to healthcare. Explore the rural healthcare crisis in the South through the eyes of those struggling in it and the dedicated doctors trying to reach them.
The films enter the Winter Slate on INDEPENDENT LENS, the award-winning PBS documentary anthology series presented by ITVS. The films cover a wide range of timely issues including racial tensions, gentrification, mental health, representation, and humanity through the lens of individuals, families, and tight-knit communities.
THE INDEPENDENT LENS WINTER SEASON Continues
Rounding out the slate includes two films chronicling the fights of two distinct Black American neighborhoods—’Racist Trees’ on January 22 and ‘Razing Liberty Square’ on January 29. Continuing on February 5 with the inspiring end-of-life story ‘Sister Úna Lived a Good Death,’ and on February 19 with the headline-making ‘Breaking the News,’ the season closes on March 25 with ‘Greener Pastures,’ an intimate look at farmers’ lives in the American Midwest.
For more information, visit pbs.org/independentlens
Independent Lens
Independent Lens is an Emmy® Award-winning PBS documentary series. With founding executive producer Lois Vossen, the series has been honored with 10 Academy Award nominations and features documentaries united by the creative freedom, artistic achievement, and unflinching visions of independent filmmakers. Stream anytime on the PBS App. For more visit pbs.org/independentlens.
ITVS
Independent Television Services (ITVS) is the largest co-producer of independent documentaries in the United States. For more than 30 years, the San Francisco nonprofit has funded and partnered with documentary filmmakers to produce and distribute untold stories. ITVS incubates and co-produces these award-winning titles and premieres them on its Emmy® Award-winning PBS series, Independent Lens. ITVS titles appear on PBS, WORLD, NETA, and can be streamed on various digital platforms including the PBS App. For more information, visit itvs.org.
(Mabel Pais writes on Social Issues, The Arts and Entertainment, Spirituality, Education, Health & Wellness, Cuisine, and Business)
Amid a raging debate over the role of Governors, the Supreme Court on Friday, January 5, said the Governor of a state had to act on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers.
A Bench led by Justice AS Oka dismissed an appeal against the Madras High Court’s order refusing to entertain a petition seeking sacking of V Senthil Balaji as a minister in the Tamil Nadu Government following his arrest in a money laundering case, saying no interference was called for under Article 136 of the Constitution under which the top court entertains special leave petitions.
“Prima facie, the high court is right that the Governor could not have dismissed the minister. The Governor has to act on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers. After having heard the petitioner in person and perusing the impugned judgment of the high court, we concur with the view taken by the high court,” the Bench said.
While referring to the Governor’s discretionary powers in such matters, the high court had said, “If the Governor chooses to ‘withdraw his pleasure’ in respect of a minister, he must exercise his discretion with the knowledge of the Chief Minister and not unilaterally. In the present case, the Chief Minister had never consented for the exercise of discretion by the Governor.”
Balaji was arrested on June 14, 2023, by the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case related to a cash-for-jobs scam when he was the Transport Minister in the AIADMK government. Balaji was divested of his portfolios in the current DMK Government following his arrest but continued to be a minister. Source: TNS
New Delhi (TIP) – Marine commandos, abbreviated to MARCOS, of the Indian Navy on Friday, January 5, chased and boarded a Liberian-flagged merchant vessel that was taken over by armed hijackers in the Arabian Sea, and rescued the 21-member crew, including 15 Indians.
The dramatic rescue came after the Indian Navy deployed a maritime patrol aircraft, drones and guided missile destroyer INS Chennai to assist MV Lila Norfolk, whose crew informed the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) on Thursday evening that five to six “unauthorised armed persons” had boarded the vessel 460 nautical miles east of Eyl in Somalia. All crew members of the merchant vessel were safely evacuated from a strongroom in which they had been sheltering to avoid being taken hostage. “Sanitisation by the marine commandos has confirmed absence of the hijackers,” a navy spokesperson said.
No pirates were found on board and the vessel was proceeding towards Bahrain. It was not immediately clear when or how the hijackers fled the merchant vessel.
Steve Kunzer, CEO of Lila Global, the operator of MV Lila Norfolk, confirmed the crew was rescued by the Indian Navy warship, and that the “vessel and crew are all safe”.
The attempted hijacking by pirates was “probably abandoned with the forceful warning” from the Indian Navy and the interception of the merchant vessel by INS Chennai, the navy spokesperson said. INS Chennai remained with MV Lila Norfolk and provided support to restore power generation and propulsion so that the vessel could proceed to its next port of call.
After Indian Navy helicopters issued a warning and helped “sanitise” the upper decks, the marine commandos from INS Chennai boarded MV Lila Norfolk and cleared the rest of the vessel. Predator MQ9B drones and the maritime patrol aircraft kept a close watch during the entire operation lasting several hours.
The operation began soon after the crew of MV Lila Norfolk reported the incident to the UKMTO, a facility run by Britain’s Royal Navy that tracks the movement of merchant shipping in strategic waterways. The Indian Navy also coordinated with other agencies and a multi-national force in the area. INS Chennai, which was diverted from an anti-piracy patrol in the region, intercepted MV Lila Norfolk at 3.15pm on Friday. Earlier, the patrol aircraft overflew the ship and ascertained that the crew was safe.
“The Indian Navy remains committed to ensuring safety of merchant shipping in the region along with international partners and friendly foreign countries,” the spokesperson said.
MV Lila Norfolk, a bulk carrier, was sailing from Brazil to Bahrain, according to websites that track merchant shipping. Kunzer thanked the agencies that assisted in the rescue operation, particularly the Indian Navy, Captain Rohit Bajpai, the director of the navy’s Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean Region, and officials of the directorate general of shipping. “We also want to thank the professionalism of our crew who reacted safely and responsibly under the circumstances,” he said in a statement. No group claimed responsibility for the hijacking. There have been growing concerns about shipping in regional waters following a string of attacks carried out by Yemen’s Houthi rebels in support of the Hamas. The region where the incident occurred is also where Somali pirates are known to operate.
The Indian Navy increased surveillance of the Arabian Sea after these attacks. It has currently deployed four destroyers — INS Kochi, INS Kolkata, INS Mormugao and INS Chennai — Talwar-class frigates and missile boats, and also used P-8I long-range patrol aircraft to ensure maritime security in the region.
Last month, the Indian Navy deployed a maritime patrol aircraft and a destroyer after the Malta-flagged MV Ruen was boarded by hijackers in the Arabian Sea. The navy subsequently evacuated an injured crew member of the vessel to Oman for treatment. Source: HT
New Delhi (TIP)- Leaders like Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose are “immortal” and do not need bestowing of a recognition through a judicial diktat, the Supreme Court said on Friday, January 5, refusing to entertain a public interest litigation (PIL) that sought a directive to declare Bose a “son of the nation” and an apology from the Congress for allegedly belittling his role in India’s freedom struggle and not revealing the truth about his disappearance or death.
According to the top court, judicial orders for a declaration to acknowledge Bose’s role in the country’s freedom struggle would be improper, for it may not be compatible with the stature of a leader like him to need a word of recognition from a court of law.
“Who does not know a leader like Netaji? Everyone in the country knows him and his contribution. You don’t need a declaration from the court of his greatness. Leaders like him are immortal,” said a bench of justices Surya Kant and KV Viswanathan.
The court was hearing a PIL by Cuttack-based Pinak Pani Mohanty, who sought a declaration from the court that independence from British rule was attained by Bose-led Indian National Army (Azad Hind Fauz). Mohanty’s petition questioned the Congress’s role in recognising Bose’s contribution, adding the political party chose to keep the files on Bose’s disappearance/death under wraps.
The PIL demanded that the Union government should declare Bose’s birthday on January 23 as a “national day” and the leader as a “son of the nation”.
The bench, during the hearing, told Mohanty that iconic freedom fighters like Bose did not have to wait for an order of a court to the authorities for a commendation of their role. “Leaders like him are in fact beyond the grant of recognition by any court. They are great people and not just us, the entire county owes to leaders like him,” said justice Kant, speaking in Hindi.
While Mohanty said that the court should issue notice to the government to grant recognition due to Bose, the bench responded that the declarations that the petitioner wanted were in the realm of policy decisions. “Besides, even the family may not take it as a matter of pride that a court had to intervene,” it added.
The bench also referred to the Supreme Court’s order in 1997 when a controversy over awarding Bharat Ratna “posthumously” to Bose had reached the top court. The petitioner in the case, Bijan Ghosh, had taken strong exception to the use of the word “posthumously” in the 1992 press communique intending to confer the highest civilian award on Bose, arguing the Government of India was yet to officially accept the alleged report of Bose’s death in an air-crash in Taiwan in August 1945. At the time, the family members of Bose had also conveyed to the government their unhappiness at the announcement and expressed their unwillingness to accept such an award.
In its judgment in 1997, the court took on record the Centre’s statement that in deference to the sentiments expressed by the public and by the members of the family of Bose, the government did not proceed further to confer the award and wrapped up the petition. The court had further refused to go into the issue as to whether there was enough material to conclude that Bose died either in the 1945 air-crash or at any time thereafter.
US Trade Representative Katherine Tai is scheduled to travel to New Delhi next week and will co-chair the ministerial-level meeting of the United States-India Trade Policy Forum with Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. Ambassador Tai will travel to India from January 12-14 and begin her trip with a meeting with Goyal. She is also scheduled to meet Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar later.
On January 13, Tai will meet with civil society representatives, business leaders and stakeholders to discuss the Biden-Harris Administration’s engagement and commitment to fostering closer ties between the two countries.
Tai’s visit marks the first trip to India in the new year by a senior Biden administration official.
Tai and Goyal will co-chair the 14th ministerial-level meeting of the United States-India Trade Policy Forum (TPF). During this year’s meeting, Tai and Goyal will “discuss a broad set of issues to enhance the resiliency of the trade relationship, including agriculture, industrial products, services, and the protection of intellectual property, among other topics,” a statement issued by the Office of the US Trade Representative said on Friday.
Last year, Goyal and Tai had co-chaired the 13th ministerial-level meeting of India-United States Trade Policy Forum in Washington DC on January 11. During his January 9-11 visit to the US last year, Goyal had also met with CEOs, addressed the Indian community and held roundtable meetings with business leaders and think-tanks in New York.
Kolkata (TIP)- A team of officers from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) attempting to raid the house of a local Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader in West Bengal was attacked by a hundreds-strong mob on Friday, January 5, morning, triggering a Centre vs state row and deepening cracks within the Opposition alliance.
At least three ED officers sustained injuries after they were chased by the mob and pelted with bricks and stones at Sandeshkhali in the North 24 Parganas district while trying to search the premises of Shahjahan Sheikh, the local TMC convener, in connection with a multi-crore ration distribution scam.
“Three officers have suffered grievous injuries as the mob has marched towards ED officials with an intention to cause death… other officers had to escape from the place of the incident without conducting search to save their lives as the mob became very violent,” ED said in a statement. The agency — which already arrested state food minister Jyotipriyo Mullickin October in connection with the case — said that the mob comprising 800-1,000 people attacked ED officials and 27 accompanying paramilitary personnel with sticks, stones and bricks, while shouting slogans against the agency and the central government. ED vehicles were also badly damaged, the statement added. Sheikh is an associate of Mullick.
“We are taking legal opinion,” said a senior ED official, adding that the Union home ministry was informed of the incident.
The unprecedented attack prompted a wave of condemnation, with state governor CV Ananda Bose summoning chief secretary BP Gopalika, home secretary Nandini Chakraborty and director general of police Rajiv Kumarseeking a report on the matter.
“The sole responsibility for the wanton violence lies with the (state) government. If government fails in its basic duty then the Constitution of India will definitely take its course. As governor, I reserve all my constitutional options for appropriate action at the appropriate moment,” Bose said in a video message.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said law and order was coming apart in the state on chief minister Mamata Banerjee’s watch. Addressing reporters in?Delhi, BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia said, “The ED officers, who were carrying out an investigation, came under attack by TMC goons and Rohingyas, who infiltrated Bengal. Jungle Raj is prevailing in West Bengal under the very nose of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.”
Union minister of state for home Nisith Pramanik termed the incident an attack on the Constitution and the nation’s federal structure. “I condemn what happened in Sandeshkhali. No issue could be more contemptuous than attacking a central agency going to a state. It’s not just an attack on the team of a central agency but on the entire Constitution,” he said.
He found surprising support from the Congress, an ally of the TMC as part of the 28-party Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA).
Senior Congress leader and leader of opposition in the Lok?Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury alleged that he would not be surprised if any official is “murdered” in the state in the future. “After the attack by goons of the ruling government on ED officials, it is clear that there is no law and order in the state. Today, they were injured, tomorrow they can be murdered. Such a thing would not come as a surprise to me,” he said.
New Delhi (TIP) – The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Friday, January 5, nominated Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chairperson Swati Maliwal to the Rajya Sabha, and renominated sitting parliamentarians Sanjay Singh and ND Gupta for second terms in the Upper House.
Singh is in jail for his alleged role in corruption linked to the Delhi excise policy 2021-22. He has denied all charges and the party has said the case, being investigated by both the Central Bureau of Investigation and the Enforcement Directorate, stems from “political vendetta”
The nominations to the Upper House were announced by the party’s political affairs committee chaired by Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, who is also the AAP’s national convener.
“DCW chairperson Swati Maliwal has been nominated for the first time. The PAC has decided to continue with Sanjay Singh and ND Gupta for their respective second term as Rajya Sabha members,” the party said in a statement. However, sitting Rajya Sabha MP Sushil Kumar Gupta — the AAP’s Haryana state president — has been dropped.
Delhi’s three Rajya Sabha seats, all held by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), will become vacant on January 27, when the MPs’ six-year terms end. Nominations for the seats began on Wednesday. January 9 is the last date for nominations; the scrutiny of nominations will take place on January 10; the last day for the withdrawal of candidatures will be January 12; and polling will take place on January 19 between 9am and 4pm.
Since the AAP has 62 of the 70 seats in the Delhi assembly, the party has sufficient number of MLAs in the assembly to ensure all three elections.
Delhi’s transport commissioner Ashish Kundra has been appointed as returning officer for the polls, while Delhi assembly deputy secretary Neeraj Aggarwal has been appointed as assistant returning officer. Hours after she was nominated to the Upper House, Maliwal resigned as DCW chief. In a post on X, she wrote, “Saw many ups and downs while here. Dedicated his every day to the welfare of Delhi and the country. The fight is not over, it is just beginning…”
Maliwal served as DCW chairperson since 2015, and it was not immediately known who will replace her. Meanwhile, Singh, who was taken into ED custody on October 4, on Friday sought permission from a Delhi court to sign his papers for renomination to Rajya Sabha, which was granted. Singh was among those involved in creating the AAP in 2012. He is also a member of the party’s political affairs committee.
There should be a review of how pitches are rated with India receiving undue criticism according to Test captain Rohit Sharma in the wake of his side’s seven-wicket win over hosts South Africa on a seaming surface with variable bounce at Newlands.
With variable bounce and sideways movement through the four-and-a-half, Rohit described the conditions as dangerous, but added he had no problem playing on such surfaces as long as it was accepted that Indian pitches will turn from Day 1.
“I don’t mind being on pitches like this as long as everyone keeps their mouth shut in India and no one is talking about the pitches there,” Rohit said. “Yes it is dangerous, but you come here (South Africa) to challenge yourself and you must face up to it.”
Rohit believes there is inconsistency in the way match referees rate pitches in different countries.
“In India, when it turns on Day 1, people say ‘Oh, there is a puff of dust’. We need to stay neutral, especially match referees. I would love to see how the pitches are rated. I still can’t believe the (Cricket) World Cup final pitch (in Ahmedabad) was rated below standard. A player (Australia’s Travis Head) got a hundred there. They must rate pitches based on what they see, not based on countries,” he said.
Rohit added there should be no difference in the rating of a pitch based on spin or seam on Day 1.
“We know pitches in India will spin but people don’t like it because it turns from ball one. But if it seams from ball one, that is OK? That is not fair,” he said.
Source: Reuters
CAPE TOWN (TIP)- India chased down a modest victory target of 79 to claim a seven-wicket win over hosts South Africa in the second Test at Newlands on January 4 and share the two-match series 1-1 after an extraordinary game finished inside five sessions.
India ended their second innings on 80/3 as they launched an assault to try and negate a difficult wicket that was still helping the bowlers.
Rohit Sharma finished not out on 16 and Shreyas Iyer on 4, with Yashasvi Jaiswal (28), Shubman Gill (10) and Virat Kohli (12) being the wickets to fall.
There will be plenty of scrutiny of the Newlands pitch with the match completed in 642 balls, the shortest ever Test in which there has been a winner, beating Australia’s 656-ball victory over South Africa in 1932.
“Obviously it’s a great feat, but having said that we had to learn from whatever mistakes we made (in the first test),” India captain Rohit Sharma said. “The bowlers still have to put the ball in the right areas and the boys got rewarded for it. When you come to this part of the world, it’s always difficult but we take pride in our performance outside of India.”
South Africa, who won the toss and elected to bat, will look back desperately on a poor first innings in which they were bowled out for 55 on a record-breaking opening day.
They gave themselves a fighting chance by dismissing India for 153 when the visitors lost six wickets for the addition of no runs, the first time that has happened in 147 years of Tests.
But India seamer Jasprit Bumrah took 6/61 as the tourists bowled South Africa out in their second innings for 176 on the stroke of lunch on the second day to set up the win.
Bumrah bowled a superb probing line but also profited from poor shot selection from the home batters, who seemed in a hurry to score runs on the tricky wicket.
South Africa opener Aiden Markram scored a quickfire 106 as he defied the conditions but lost partners at regular intervals, which forced him to try his hand.
Markram raced to his century in 99 balls but played one big shot too many as he skied a Mohammed Siraj delivery to Rohit Sharma at mid-off to end an innings of 17 fours and two sixes. “A tough one for us, we were positive coming into the game, but the first innings with the bat … India bowled well and used the conditions to a tee,” retiring South Africa captain Dean Elgar said. “It (the wicket) was a bit of a ripper, to the naked eye it looked a nice one, but it played different to what everyone thought it would play. I still don’t regret my decision to bat first but they outskilled us in the first session.” Source: Reuters
New Delhi (TIP)- Holding up banners reading ‘UWW, save our wrestling from these 3 wrestlers,’ young wrestlers from Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh voiced their grievances at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Wednesday, January 3. They chanted slogans against Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and Vinesh Phogat, whom they alleged were hindering their wrestling careers. The junior wrestlers claimed that protests held last year, over accusations of sexual harassment against Ex WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh have led to the loss of a crucial year in their sporting journeys.
The tumult in the wrestling fraternity stemmed from the suspension of the newly-elected wrestling body by the ministry, citing alleged improprieties linked to Brij Bhushan’s associate, Sanjay Singh. Amidst the turmoil, the Ministry of Sports has established an ad-hoc panel on December 27 to stir the sport.
Since January 2023, the wrestling landscape has been mired in a standstill, with national camps and competitions put on indefinite hold due to the WFI’s dual suspensions, the protestors claimed. Lakshmi from Mathura who has been practising the sport for the last 5 years said, “Senior wrestlers should support and foster promotion of the sport, instead they are discouraging it…No championships have taken place since last one year, do they expect us to reach the Olympics without participating in championships?”
“Wrestling has come to a halt since the protests last year. I was set to compete at the under-15 nationals, and many of us had diligently prepared for it. Why are they denying young wrestlers the opportunity?” asked 15-year-old Anushka Pandit, who joined the protest from Dadri, Uttar Pradesh.
The ad-hoc panel, managing wrestling affairs in the country, on Wednesday announced organisation of U15 and U20 National championships within six weeks, hours after junior wrestlers held a protest.
Source: The Indian Express
Located near the port of Veraval, Diu is a small island which was earlier a Portuguese colony and is now guarded by beaches all around. Diu takes up most popularity given the ample number of beaches, along with Gujarat’s southern coast such as the Nagoa beach, but has a lot more to offer too. Alcohol is legal in Diu
The Diu Fort, a primary imprint of the Portuguese on the area’s heritage and architecture makes up a popular tourist attraction. Another interesting place is the Vanakbara, a small fishing village whose charm has tints of colourful fishing boats and humming of day to day activity. This perfect add-on to a visit to Gujarat will complete your experience with interesting museums such as the Sea Shell Museum, temples and churches.
Naida Caves
Located outside the city wall of the Diu Fort, the Naida Caves are a group of interlinked caves constructed by the Portuguese. The caves are only a short distance away from the Diu town and they feature a big network of tunnels with square hewn steps that remain completely unexplored. Naida Caves is one of the most underrated tourist attractions of Diu but it is as wholesome for an explorer or a history buff as for a photographer.
Naida Caves got their shape eventually after the Portuguese ruled over Diu and broke down sections of a huge rock formation that they used for construction. Interestingly, these caves were formed due to geological irregularities and natural processes over time. Naida Caves is slowly being recognized as one of the most magnificent attractions since prehistoric times. The caves also have a natural opening that lets in sunlight, making it photogenic. During the 20th century, when the Portuguese were not ready to leave Diu, Operation Vijay was launched to seize control by the Indian Army and several soldiers were stationed at the Naida Caves during that time.
Nagoa Beach
Famous for its pristine beauty and swaying palm trees, Nagoa Beach in Diu is an ideal and a recommended place for tourists all over the world. The place is well connected with the resorts, hence it making it easy for the travellers to relax and explore its beauty at the same time. The beach is surrounded by beautiful palm trees swaying in the cool breeze which creates an exotic environment for the travellers to laze around. The serene beauty of the beach due to its white sands and quiet blue water is worth experiencing and enjoying.
The beach is located in the Nagoa hamlet of Bucharwada village and serves as an attraction for its Hoka trees which produces a unique kind of fruit. It is very much known for its water sports along with camel and pony riding. Sunbathing can turn out to be the most intoxicating experience at the Nagoa Beach. Shops and restaurants act as refreshments which are one of its kinds. The beach extends over an area of 2 km from one end to the other. A walk along the shore mixed with witnessing the sunrise and sunset is a great way to relax one’s mind.
Gangeshwar Mahadev Temple
Situated amidst serenity and scenic beauty, the Gangeshwar Temple is dedicated to the transformer of Hindu trinity, Lord Shiva. This ancient Hindu Temple is located 3 km away from Diu in the Fudam Village of Gujarat. Believed to have been built by the Pandavas, this temple is famous for its five Shiva Lingas, i.e. rocks in the shape of Lord Shiva which are present in the middle of the sea. Only the tip of these rocks can be seen whenever there is a high tide because the sea water submerges them.
Gangeshwar refers to Lord Shiva who is considered to be the Lord of River Ganga since it descended to earth starting from the tresses of Lord Shiva who is also the presiding deity of the Gangeshwar Mahadev Mandir.
Diu Fort
Fort Diu, located on the Western coast of Indian was built by Portuguese during their colonial rule and is now under the administration of Indian government. The fort- cum – castle, is known as ‘Praça de Diu’ in Portuguese, is situated on the southern tip of Gujarat and is at the mouth of the Gulf of Khambhat.
The Fort of Diu is a colossal structure that occupies a prominent place on the tourist’s list. The enchanting fort commands a magnificent view of the sea, and a jetty constructed on the northwestern coast is still underused and was once used to trade with Cambay, Broach and Surat in Gujarat. The lighthouse that one can climb leads to the highest point on the island and provides a spectacular view of the surrounding. Cannonballs litter the entire place, and the parapet has a fantastic array of cannons.
Along with the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa, Diu fort was listed as the seven wonders of Portugal but during their colonial rule. This new achievement further highlighted the importance of the fort and put it on the world tourism map. Diu fort forms a striking structure on the coast of the island.
Sunset Point
A beautiful hillock located near the Chakritirath beach in Diu, offers its visitors a mesmerizing view of sunset from here. The hillock and the surrounding areas have been beautifully landscaped and illuminated. Chakratirth Beach is centrally located and contiguous to the Diu Town. Visitors also go to the Khodidhar beach which is another sunset viewpoint.
Janaki Temple, the birthplace of goddess Sita, is located in Janakpur, Province No. 2 of Nepal. The temple is famous for Hindu Pilgrims all around the World. Lying in the heart of Janakpur, this temple of goddess Sita is evidence of the proud history of the kingdom of Janak on which several ancient stories are based. Ram Janaki Temple is one of the many UNESCO world heritage sites of Nepal.
The most important historical reference to Janakpur is the Ramayana. As mentioned in the first millennium BC text, present Janakpur was the capital city of the South Asian Kingdom Videha, founded by King Mathava Videgha with his priest Gotama Rahugana when they first crossed the Sadanira (Gandaki) river. They were believed to be the ancestor of King Janak, who also ruled in this Maithali Realm during the Ramayana period, nearly 7000 years ago.
Valmiki’s Ramayana says goddess Sita was found in a furrow while King Janak was plowing the field in his kingdom. Since King Janak had no children, he declared Sita as his daughter and thus, is also known as Janaki (daughter of King Janak). The temple was named after the goddess Sita as Janaki Mandir. Various remnants of 11th and 12th century AD can be found in this temple, and every corner of Janakpur reflects the story of Ram Sita.
The Janaki Mandir is also known as Naulakha Mandir (meaning nine lakhs) as the exact Nine Lakh Rupees was spent in building this temple and occupies an area of 4860 sq. km. It was built by Queen Brish Vanu of Tikamgarh, India, in 1910 AD. It is believed that in 1657, a golden statue of Devi Sita was discovered in the spot where the temple stands today.
This temple is not only the birthplace of Devi Sita but is also the place that carries the pureness of the marriage of Rama and Sita. Also, in this kingdom of King Janak lies where the fossilized portion of the broken bow exists. The bow was the divine of Lord Shiva and has a story related to Rama Sita Marriage. The bow was Shiva Dhanush, also referred to as ‘Pinaka,’ was crafted by Lord Vishwakarma.
Since Lord Shiva gifted Pinaka to King Devarratha of Mithila, who was the ancestor of King Janak, it was there in King Janak’s palace that no one except Sita could lift. Later, King Janak declared that whosoever could lift and string the Shiva Dhanush shall marry Sita.
Many princes from around the World attended Sita’s Swayambara to lift the Pinaka after King Janak’s declaration. None of the attendees were able to lift the bow but Lord Rama. However, the Pinaka was broken when he tried to string it, and people believe that the broken Pinaka’s fossils still lie in the Dhanushadham of Janakpur.
This is how Rama was able to marry Sita because of Shiva Dhanush. The competition of lifting the bow is believed to be held in Rangbhumi Maidan (or Barah Bigha), about 0.5 km away from the temple. Every Sunday in the month of Magh (Jan/Feb), a Makar Mela takes place in Dhanushadham.
Makar Mela is a tradition that has not been broken since the Vedic period, and thousands of devotees visit this place to attend the mela.
In the present, Janaki Mandir territory is the Vivah Mandap situated on the right side of the main temple, where the marriage of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita is said to happen. The vivah mandap shows the marriage ceremony of Rama and Sita in the form of statues.
The Mandap is built in Pagoda Style with four other small temples at each of its four corners. Surrounded by a beautiful garden, the Mandap has the footprints of Lord Rama and Sita.
Surrounded by Maithali arts and culture makes the temple is more special and beautiful. The story of Rajarshi Janak and his daughter Sita, Ram Sita’s marriage, is also portrayed in the Maithali Chitrakala format, which is a beautiful thing to view inside the temple.
The Janaki Temple is made in ‘Mughal’ form, an Indo-Islamic architectural design, and perfect artistry. The temple is in a three-storied structure made entirely with stones and marbles. Altogether, 60 rooms are there in the temple ornamented with colored glass, carvings, and paintings, as well as beautifully framed windows and turrets.
There is two entrance to the temple, east and north side. As one enters pass the 30-meter high arched gate, a shrine with the grand idol of goddess Sita can be seen in the central part of the temple, which is also known as Janaki Mahal. Behind the Janaki Mahal is the Janak Temple devoted to the father and mother of goddess Sita.
There are similar shrines in the temple complex called Sannadhis and have idols of Lord Rama and other statues of Sita, Lakshman, and Urmila. There’s a black stone called Saligram in Janaki temple that King Janak used to worship. Saligram is considered one of the highly powerful stones and is a direct symbol of God Vishnu. A cultural museum on the left side of the temple contains the ancient traditional Mithila dresses and jewelry.
The devotees from India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal visit the temple at various festivals like Ram Navami, Vivah Panchami, Chhat, Holi, and other festivals. The temple priest allows the visitors to offer prayers to gods and goddess idols inside the temple, and Saligram King Janaka worshiped. Source: Vedicfeed
United Nations (TIP)- India is projected to grow at 6.2 per cent in 2024, supported by robust domestic demand and strong growth in the manufacturing and services sectors, the United Nations has said. The UN World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) 2024 report, launched here on Thursday, January 4, said the gross domestic product in South Asia is projected to increase by 5.2 per cent in 2024, driven by a robust expansion in India, which remains the fastest-growing large economy in the world.
“Growth in India is projected to reach 6.2 per cent in 2024, slightly lower than the 6.3 per cent estimate for 2023, amid robust domestic demand and strong growth in the manufacturing and services sectors,” the report said.
India’s GDP is projected to increase to 6.6 per cent in 2025. The report notes that the economic growth in India is projected to remain “strong” at 6.2 per cent this year mainly supported by resilient private consumption and strong public investment.
While manufacturing and services sectors will continue to support the economy, erratic rainfall patterns will likely dampen agricultural output, it said. “Indian economy again outperformed its peers, not just this year but in the last few years,” Chief of the Global Eonomic Division Monitoring Branch, Economic Analysis and Policy Division (UN DESA) Hamid Rashid told reporters. He said India’s economic growth has consistently remained over six per cent and “we believe this will continue in 2024 and 2025 as well”. Rashid noted that although inflation was relatively high for India, it didn’t have to raise rates as much and inflation has come down quite a bit. In response to a question on factors holding back India’s economic growth, Director of the Economic Analysis and Policy Division Shantanu Mukherjee cited India’s GDP growth rates of four years from 2022-2025 and said: “I’m not sure that 7.7%, 6.3%, 6.2% and 6.6% is exactly holding something back.” Source: PTI
New York (TIP) – The top U.S. securities regulator has ruled that Apple and Disney cannot avoid shareholder votes about the use of artificial intelligence proposed by a labor group.
In a January 3 notice, the US Securities and Exchange Commission rejected a request by the iPhone maker and the entertainment giant to exclude from its upcoming annual meetings a call for reports on the use of AI.
Corporations have adopted new technology for its promised efficiencies. But this trend has raised fears that it will replace many creative and professional workers or unfairly take over their jobs, issues recently highlighted in Hollywood labor disputes and the recent New York Times lawsuit. Are. Similar shareholder proposals were filed by the pension trust of the largest US labor union federation, the AFL-CIO, which also has AI measures pending at four other technology companies. In Apple, the group asked for a report on the company’s “use of AI in its business operations and disclosure of any ethical guidelines the company has adopted regarding its use of AI technology.” In a similar request, it also asked Disney to report on its board’s role in overseeing the use of AI.
In its support statement at Apple, the AFL-CIO wrote that “AI systems should not be trained on copyrighted works, or the voices, likenesses, and performances of professional artists, without transparency, consent, and compensation to creators and rights holders. “
Brandon Reese, deputy director of the AFL-CIO’s investment office, said the SEC’s ruling could pave the way for settlements with Apple and Disney that would bring them in line with AI disclosures from other companies like Microsoft.
In contrast, Apple and Disney “haven’t even begun to grapple with these ethical issues” around AI, Rees said.
Apple and Disney did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Both companies had argued that the proposals could be removed from their ballots because they were related to “normal business operations”, such as the company’s choice of technologies.
The SEC disagreed. “In our view, the proposal goes beyond normal business matters and does not seek to micromanage the company,” the agency wrote in separate letters. Source: Reuters
Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries and Walt Disney have appointed law firms and started antitrust due diligence of their planned Indian media and entertainment merger, four people familiar with the matter said.
Reliance has appointed law firm Khaitan & Co and Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas, while Disney has roped in AZB & Partners, the people said.
The appointments are the latest sign of progress as Reliance and Disney, which each have a major streaming service as well as 120 television channels between them, look at merging into an entity to create an entertainment superpower in the world’s most populous nation. Reliance Industries is expected to have a majority stake in the entity.
A fifth source said senior Disney executives from Burbank headquarters and top Reliance officials from Mumbai travelled to London in late December and signed a non-binding term sheet on the deal. Reliance said it had “no comments to offer”, calling the story “speculative”, without elaborating.
Source: Reuters
Gautam Adani, Chairperson of the Adani Group of companies has overtaken Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani on the Bloomberg Billionaire’s Index (BBI), to become India’s and Asia’s richest man. While Adani has seen his worth climb into the top 12 on the world rankings, Ambani is just one rung below at 13. Both have moved up spots since last year.
Earlier in December 2023, the billionaire had climbed to the 15th spot, reaching within close distance of Ambani who was then at 14.
With a net worth of $97.6 billion, the Adani Group founder is now the world’s 12th richest person and the richest Indian and Asian on the list. He has gained $7.67 billion from the last list position and amassed $13.3 billion year-to-date (YTD). Earlier last year, Adani saw his net worth slide many spots amid the Hindenberg allegations.
In January 2023, Hindenburg Research, a New York-based short seller, accused the Adani Group of prolonged stock manipulation and accounting irregularities. These claims were refuted by the Adani Group. After these allegations, declines in the stock prices of Adani Group companies resulted in a staggering decrease of almost 60 percent in Adani’s fortune, plummeting by up to $69 billion.
Scientists have developed a pioneering 3D-printed device that could speed up patient access to new medicines and eliminate the need for animal testing. Thousands of animals are used in the early stages of developing medicines worldwide every year, yet many drugs tested on animals do not end up showing any clinical benefit. Now researchers at the University of Edinburgh have designed a groundbreaking “body-on-chip” that perfectly mimics how a medicine flows through a patient’s body. The plastic device means scientists can test drugs to see how different organs react without the need for live animal testing. The device invented in Edinburgh is the first of its kind in the world. Made using a 3D printer, the chip’s five compartments replicate the human heart, lungs, kidney, liver and brain. They are connected by channels that mimic the human circulatory system, through which new drugs can be pumped. The plastic device uses positron emission tomography (PET) scanning to produce detailed 3D images showing what is going on inside the tiny organs. “The PET imagery is what allows us to ensure the flow [of new drugs being tested] is even,” said Liam Carr, the inventor of the device. PET scanning involves injecting tiny amounts of radioactive compounds into the chip to transmit signals to an extremely sensitive camera, allowing scientists to better assess the effect of new drugs.
“This device is the first to be designed specifically for measuring drug distribution, with an even flow paired with organ compartments that are large enough to sample drug uptake for mathematical modelling. Essentially, allowing us to see where a new drug goes in the body and how long it stays there, without having to use a human or animal to test it.”
Carr added: “The platform is completely flexible and can be a valuable tool to investigate various human diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases and immune diseases.
“Because of this flexibility, the uses are bound only by the availability of these cell models, and the scientific questions we can think of.
“For example, we could have a fatty liver disease model in the device and use this to see how having a diseased liver affects other organs such as the heart, brain, kidneys, etc, and could even combine multiple diseased cell models to see how diseases can interfere with each other.”
Carr’s supervisor, Dr Adriana Tavares, of Edinburgh’s Centre for Cardiovascular Science (CVS), said linking five organs together on one device would help scientists effectively study how a new drug might affect a patient’s whole body.
“This is a really important area of medical research, as we continuously learn about how diseases traditionally perceived to be restricted to an organ or system can have diverse effects across other distant organs or different interconnected systems.
“Devices such as the body-on-chip platform are essential to unravel the mechanisms underlying systemic effects of local diseases as well as investigate off-target effects of drugs, which might be therapeutically useful or detrimental.”
She added: “This device shows really strong potential to reduce the large number of animals that are used worldwide for testing drugs and other compounds, particularly in the early stages, where only 2% of compounds progress through the discovery pipeline.”
Tavares said there were other benefits beyond simply eliminating the need for using animals in early drug development. “This non-animal approach could significantly reduce cost of drug discovery, accelerate translation of drugs into the clinic, and improve our understanding of systemic effects of human diseases, by using models that are more representative to human biology than animal models.” Source: The Gurdian
It’s no secret that smartphones are constantly evolving. Every smartphone brand across the globe invests heavily into their R&D to be able to innovate the next best phone for their users.
One important feature of these phones that has undergone major changes over the years is the camera. From a mere 0.1 MP in the first ever mobile phone camera, to the 200 MP smartphone cameras of today, camera technology has come a long way.
However, the latest innovation in camera technology has evolved further, with periscope cameras coming out as the shiny new feature in flagship phones. So as they grow in popularity, is it safe to assume that the desirability of a higher megapixel count in flagship phones is slowly dying?It’s a longstanding myth amongst smartphone users that the higher the number of megapixels in their camera, the better will be the output of images it’ll produce. More MP doesn’t necessarily equate to higher resolution. Interestingly, cameras with fewer MPs can sometimes produce better quality images than those with a higher MP count.
When it comes to flagship-level smartphone cameras, the quality of the pixels is generally more crucial than their quantity in a camera sensor. The impact on image quality from the size and caliber of the camera’s lens can be significant, often outweighing the effect of the sensor’s MP count. Another key point to keep in mind is how the camera’s image processor handles the photo data. Many cameras are designed to auto-sharpen the image, which can sometimes make the picture quality worse, especially if it’s already been hit by diffraction. So, it’s not surprising to see a 100 MP mid-range phone camera producing lower quality photos than a 50 MP flagship-level camera.
The quality of a picture is influenced by a combination of hardware, software, and personal preferences. Understanding the workings of smartphone cameras, their individual components, and how their performance is measured can shed light on why megapixels aren’t the sole determinant of camera quality. The f-stop value or aperture, which is the opening through which light reaches the sensor, is closely linked to the sensor size.
When it comes to zoom, most smartphone cameras typically offer Digital Zoom rather than Optical Zoom. While Optical Zoom involves actual lens movement, Digital Zoom relies on software algorithms to enlarge pixels. Image stabilisation in smartphones usually comes as Digital, which might result in minor video shakiness. In contrast, Optical Image Stabilisation, using small gyroscopes to move the camera lens, helps maintain image steadiness.
Until just last year, the main strategy for boosting image quality in premium-level smartphones was to ramp up the megapixel count. However, in the realm of high-end smartphones, the trend is now leaning more towards enhancing the overall image quality instead of just upping the number of pixels. Top smartphone brands are encouraging this by introducing the periscope camera in their newer frontrunners from this year. Source: IANS
ISRO’s commercial arm NewSpace India Ltd has announced plans to launch its communication satellite GSAT-20 onboard Elon Musk-owned SpaceX’s Falcon-9 rocket in the second quarter of 2024, to meet the broadband communication needs of the country. GSAT-20 (renamed as GSAT-N2) is a high throughput Ka-band satellite. Ka-band satellites deliver high-speed broadband internet connectivity and digital video and audio transmission. In a statement, the state owned NSIL said the bulk of the high throughput satellite (HTS) capacity onboard GSAT-20 satellite has already been secured by Indian service providers. GSAT-20 offers Ka-band HTS capacity with 32 beams having pan-India coverage including in Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep islands, it said. “NSIL is realising GSAT-20 satellite through ISRO and will be launched onboard Falcon-9 under a launch service contract between NSIL and SpaceX, USA. GSAT-20, weighing 4,700 kg, offers HTS capacity of nearly 48Gpbs. The satellite has been specifically designed to meet the demanding service needs of remote/unconnected regions,” the statement read. According to NSIL, it is mandated to build, launch, own and operate satellites in “demand-driven mode” for meeting service needs of the user. As part of this, NSIL successfully undertook its first demand-driven satellite mission, GSAT-24 in June 2022, wherein the capacity onboard the satellite was fully secured by satellite television service Tata Play. Source: PTI
Researchers have found a connection between pregnancy weight and certain blood markers in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The study, which revealed the potential for precision diagnostics in identifying diabetes during pregnancy, showed an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes.
The research highlighted the importance of a more nuanced approach to diagnosing GDM, as traditional treatments haven’t been shown to yield consistent outcomes.
Published in Nature Communications Medicine, the findings suggested that exploring non-glycemic markers such as insulin profiles and triglyceride levels could enhance the risk.
“In our full text screening of 775 studies, we found that only recently has there been a focus on clinical, biochemical, or sociocultural markers that could improve who is at greatest risk of poor outcomes, and on comparing clinical outcomes between different subtypes of GDM,” said Ellen C Francis, an assistant professor in the Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology at Rutgers School of Public Health.
The lead author of the study added, “The data from these studies indicate that in the future, we may be able to refine how we diagnose GDM by using anthropometric or biochemical information in combination with current diagnostic approaches.”
Francis underlined the need for further research to establish causal links between insulin resistance, higher triglycerides, and adverse outcomes in pregnancy. The findings revealed that future diagnostic approaches could integrate anthropometric or biochemical information with current methods.
Further research is recommended, including mechanistic studies on precision biomarkers, diverse population studies, and exploration of genetic and multi-omics data to understand heterogeneity within GDM and its outcomes, suggested the researchers.
Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure that can be safely and effectively carried out by an experienced surgeon where contour and proportion are improved when excess fat deposits are removed from specific areas of the body, which is the primary objective of liposuction. Your appearance is vital to who you are as they say only 5% of our communication is verbal hence, the way we present ourselves is often the first window to our personality for the external world.
Today, more than ever before, we look at ourselves as well as others, all thanks to social media and the flooding of images blurring the distinction between private and public and in the pursuit of self-confidence and well-being, modern medicine has granted us remarkable tools to get perfectly sculpted bodies and redefine our contours. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Anand K, Chief Consultant- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at SPARSH Hospital in Bangalore, insisted that despite its wide application, patients should be mindful of the advantages and downsides hence, he highlighted –
He added, “It’s imperative for individuals considering liposuction to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon, discussing their medical history and expectations. Open communication and a thorough understanding of the procedure contribute to a positive outcome. As with any surgery, individual responses can vary, so choosing a qualified professional and following pre- and post-operative guidelines are key to a successful liposuction experience.”
Delving into the world of liposuction, a transformative procedure that has empowered individuals to embrace their bodies with renewed vigor, Dr Sharmistha Bhattacharyya, MBBS, MS, MCh (AIIMS, New Delhi) and Consultant Plastic Surgeon in Delhi NCR, shared, “Liposuction, often termed as “lipo,” is a minimally invasive surgical procedure designed to remove excess fat deposits and sculpt specific areas of the body. Although sometimes marketed falsely or associated with concussion as a weight loss procedure, liposuction is a body contouring procedure, and not in any way of form a replacement for traditional weight loss procedures, e.g. bariatric procedures. Source: HT
When we think about trying to lower high blood pressure, we usually think of limiting salt and processed foods. But a heart-healthy diet is more than just lowering your sodium intake. The DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), which is specifically designed to help manage blood pressure, emphasizes eating many fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, and other fiber-rich foods. Incorporating many of these foods that lower blood pressure into your diet can be a great way to facilitate a healthier lifestyle. And, there are even foods that lower blood pressure quickly so you can get started on your journey to better health.
Low-fat or fat-free yogurt
Low-fat dairy products are a great source of calcium, which is one of the main compounds that help fight high blood pressure. Feller adds that potassium, protein, vitamins, and minerals from yogurt are great compliments to your diet as well. A 12-ounce serving of low-fat yogurt will give you about 30 percent of the recommended amount of calcium for the day.
Bananas
Bananas are rich in potassium, with one average-sized banana packing about 420 milligrams. That’s about nine percent of the recommended daily intake. Prest notes that potassium is great for blood pressure management and research has shown diets low in potassium are associated with higher blood pressure. Bananas are also rich in fiber and lend a natural sweetness to smoothies, baked goods, and frozen treats. Peel and freeze mushy bananas when they start to go bad.
Berries
Berries, but specifically blueberries, are packed with nitric oxide, a gas that helps increase blood flow, thus lowering blood pressure. A March 2015 study by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that even less than an ounce of blueberries a day can help significantly lower blood pressure.
Leafy greens
Leafy greens that include kale, spinach, collard greens, arugula, Swiss chard, beet greens, and romaine lettuce are excellent sources of potassium and magnesium. These work together to regulate blood pressure, Bland says. Think outside of the salad and glorify your greens in omelets, smoothies, and sandwiches.
Beets
Similar to blueberries, beets are high in blood pressure-reducing nitric oxide. Research has shown that drinking beetroot juice can help lower your systolic blood pressure by four to five mmHg. Try adding beetroot juice to your diet, and if you buy store-bought juice, make sure there isn’t added sugar.
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