Researchers have discovered the oldest black hole ever observed, dating from the dawn of the universe, and found that it is ‘eating’ its host galaxy to death. The research, published in the journal Nature, used the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to detect the black hole, which dates from 400 million years after the Big Bang, more than 13 billion years ago. That this surprisingly massive black hole—a few million times the mass of our sun—even exists so early in the universe challenges the assumptions about how black holes form and grow, the researchers said. Astronomers believe that the supermassive black holes found at the centre of galaxies like the Milky Way grew to their current size over billions of years. However, the size of this newly-discovered black hole suggests that they might form in other ways. According to standard models, supermassive black holes form from the remnants of dead stars, which collapse and may form a black hole about a hundred times the mass of the Sun. If it grew in an expected way, this newly detected black hole would take about a billion years to grow to its observed size. However, the universe was not yet a billion years old when this black hole was detected. “It’s very early in the universe to see a black hole this massive, so we’ve got to consider other ways they might form,” said lead author Roberto Maiolino, Professor at Cambridge University, UK.
Source: PTI
Month: January 2024
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Oldest black hole is ‘eating’ its host galaxy to death
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Google removes 17 ‘underutilised’ features from its Assistant app
Google has announced that it is removing some underutilised features in Google Assistant “to focus on delivering the best possible user experience”. As per the list shared by the company, Google will be removing 17 features.
Starting January 26, the company said when users ask for one of the removed features, they may get a notification that it won’t be available after a certain date. “As we continue to make Google Assistant more helpful, we’re prioritising the experiences you love and investing in the underlying technology to make them even better — which means that some underutilised features will no longer be supported.”
Some features being removed include — the functionality that allows users to use their voice to send an email, video, or audio message. Users will also not be able to use their voice to perform tasks such as making a reservation, sending a payment, or posting on social media. Users also will not be able to manage a stopwatch on Smart Displays and Speakers. Voice control for activities will no longer be available on Fitbit Sense and Versa 3 devices. Calls made from speakers and Smart Displays will not show up with a caller ID unless you’re using Duo. Moreover, the tech giant said that it is bringing a more consistent experience within the Google app.
According to the company, the microphone icon will now trigger Search results in response to your queries. This change won’t let you use the Search bar microphone to do things like turn on the lights or send a message.Google said that Pixel devices will also be affected, as the microphone in the Pixel Search bar will now activate Voice Search instead of Assistant.
Meanwhile, Google has confirmed that it has cut several hundred jobs across hardware, core engineering and Google Assistant teams.
The layoffs will impact employees in Google’s hardware and central engineering teams, as well as workers across Google Assistant, reports CNBC.
Google introduces Circle to Search on Android
Google has been experimenting with ways to search on smartphones since the dawn of Android and the latest attempt involves drawing circles. Circle to Search allows users to draw a circle around information on their device screen to search for the highlighted item. While the feature is officially called Circle to Search, you can also highlight text and scribble on items instead of drawing oval shapes to trigger the new search option.
Circle to Search works anywhere on your device but you’ll have to long press the home button or the navigation bar for those using gestures to activate the feature before you start circling items. Google is advertising this feature as more convenient alternative to switching between various apps like screenshotting items and then using Google Lens. -
Soon, watch videos on mobile without SIM card or Internet connection
Mobile users may soon be able to stream videos without a SIM card or an internet connection as Direct-to-Mobile broadcasting could become a reality in the near future.
Addressing a Broadcasting Summit, Information and Broadcasting Secretary Apurva Chandra said trials of the home-grown Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) technology would soon be held in 19 cities and made a strong pitch for reserving the 470-582 MHz spectrum for this emerging technology.
Chandra said a 25-30 per cent shift of video traffic to D2M would unclog the 5G networks, accelerating the nation’s digital evolution and democratising content delivery.
Last year, pilot projects to test the D2M technology were carried out in Bengaluru, Kartavya Path and Noida. Chandra said the D2M technology would help reach nearly 8-9 crore “TV Dark” homes across the country. Of the 280 million households in the country, only 190 million have television sets.
He said there were 80 crore smartphones in the country and 69 per cent of content accessed by users was in the video format. Chandra said heavy use of video led to the clogging of mobile networks, which resulted in the buffering of content. Developed by Saankhya Labs and IIT Kanpur, the D2M broadcasting technology leverages terrestrial telecommunications infrastructure and public broadcaster-assigned spectrum to transmit video, audio, and data signals directly to compatible mobile and smart devices.
With the potential to reach over a billion mobile devices, the adoption of D2M technology promises transformative benefits, including cost reductions in data transmission and access, improvements in network efficiency and resilience, and potentially leading to the establishment of a nationwide emergency alert system. Source: PTI -
Novel contact lenses to diagnose glaucoma developed
Researchers have developed new contact lenses to diagnose glaucoma, an eye condition that can cause irreversible loss of vision if not treated. Glaucoma effects around 70 million people worldwide, but around half of those living with the condition are not aware of it.
Usually developing slowly over time, many cases of glaucoma are only picked up during routine eye tests, by which time lasting damage may already have been caused, the researchers said.
The new contact lens developed by researchers at the Northumbria University in UK, and Bogazici University in Turkey, can detect changes in eye pressure, which signals possible glaucoma.
Glaucoma occurs when the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain, becomes damaged, usually by a build-up of fluid in the front part of the eye, which increases pressure inside the eye—known as Intra-Ocular Pressure (IOP). The new contact lenses contain micro-sensors that monitor changes in IOP over a period of several hours, sending the data collected wirelessly so it can be analysed by an ophthalmologist and a diagnosis given, the researchers said.
The research, published in the journal Contact Lens and Anterior Eye, sets out the findings from an initial pilot study of six participants. Having determined that the technology works successfully, the researchers now plan to carry out a further study with a larger group of participants, which would take place over the next year. The lenses would then be made commercially available through their spin-off company GlakoLens, they said.
One of the benefits of using the GlakoLens contact lenses to diagnose glaucoma instead of carrying out a traditional examination is that measurements can be taken more easily over a longer period of time, giving a more accurate diagnosis, according to the researchers. Source: PTI -
First human trial for deadly Nipah virus vaccine begins in UK
Scientists at the University of Oxford in the UK have launched the first-in-human clinical trial to test a vaccine to protect people against deadly Nipah virus. Fifty-one people aged 18 to 55 will participate in the trial of the ChAdOx1 NipahB vaccine, developed by researchers at the University of Oxford’s Pandemic Sciences Institute, the varsity said in a statement. Nipah virus is a devastating disease that can be fatal in around 75 per cent of cases. Outbreaks have occurred in countries in South-East Asia, including Singapore, Malaysia, Bangladesh and India, with a recent outbreak in Kerala, India in September 2023.
Despite the first outbreaks of Nipah virus occurring 25 years ago in Malaysia and Singapore, there are currently no approved vaccines or treatments.
“Nipah virus was first identified in 1998, and yet 25 years on the global health community still has no approved vaccines or treatments for this devastating disease,” said Professor Brian Angus, the trial’s Principal Investigator and Professor in the varsity’s Nuffield Department of Medicine.
“Due to the high mortality rate and the nature of Nipah virus transmission, the disease is identified as a priority pandemic pathogen. This vaccine trial is an important milestone in identifying a solution that could prevent local outbreaks occurring, while also helping the world prepare for a future global pandemic.”
The Nipah virus, which is recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a priority disease requiring urgent research, belongs to the same family of paramyxoviruses as more well-known pathogens like measles. Source: IANS -
Obesity may raise risk of blood cancer by over 70 percent: Study
Researchers find that obesity may increase the risk of developing multiple myeloma — a blood cancer of the plasma cells — by more than 70 percent. Smoking habits and exercise may also impact one’s likelihood of developing multiple myeloma, said the team from Massachusetts General Hospital in the US.
The research published in Blood Advances revealed that individuals with obesity are more likely to have monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) — a benign blood condition that often precedes multiple myeloma.
“While significant advancements have been made in therapeutics for multiple myeloma, it remains an incurable disease, often diagnosed after patients have already experienced end-organ damage,” explained David Lee, from Massachusetts General Hospital.
The team enrolled 2,628 individuals from across the US who were at elevated risk of developing multiple myeloma, based on self-identified race and family history of hematologic malignancies, between February 2019 and March 2022.
They found that being obese was associated with 73 per cent higher odds of having MGUS, compared to individuals with normal weights. This association remained unchanged when accounting for physical activity.
However, highly active individuals (defined as doing the equivalent of running or jogging 45-60 minutes per day or more) were less likely to have MGUS even after adjusting for BMI class, whereas those who reported heavy smoking and short sleep were more likely to also have detectable levels of MGUS.
MGUS, characterised by an abnormal protein produced by plasma cells, is a known precursor to multiple myeloma. Most people with MGUS exhibit no significant symptoms and are not immediately ill. Rather, the presence of MGUS serves as a warning to monitor for the potential development of more critical conditions, like multiple myeloma, that MGUS can turn into.
“These results guide our future research in understanding the influence of modifiable risk factors, such as weight, exercise, and smoking, on cancer risk,” explained Lee.
“Before we can develop effective preventative health strategies to lower the risk of serious diseases like multiple myeloma, we first need to better understand the relationship between MGUS and potentially modifiable risk factors like obesity.” Source: IANS -
Honey Chicken
INGREDIENTS
600 gm chicken, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 2 tablespoon butter, 2 tablespoon virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1/2 cup honey
Method
– Firstly, wash the chicken under running water and place it over a chopping board. Cut the chicken into pieces. Now, place a frying pan over medium flame and pour virgin olive oil in it. Once the oil is sufficiently hot, add the chicken pieces and fry for 4-5 minutes and keep them aside in a roasting pan.
– Next, place a saucepan over medium flame and add butter and honey into it. Once the butter is melted, turn off the flame. Now add lemon juice and salt in the same pan and mix well. Now, put the roasting pan into the oven and baste the chicken with butter-honey mixture. Then, bake the chicken at 200-250 degree Celsius for 45 minutes. Baste the chicken thoroughly at separate intervals. Serve hot! -
Skincare tips inspired by celebrities
Celebrities are renowned for their flawless and radiant skin, setting beauty standards that captivate audiences worldwide. Inspired by their skincare secrets, here are some tips to help you achieve a Bollywood-worthy glow. From hydration rituals to natural remedies, these practices promise to elevate your skincare routine to star-studded perfection.
Hydration is the Key
Celebrities swear by the importance of staying hydrated for healthy and glowing skin. Drinking an ample amount of water helps flush out toxins from the body, leaving your skin looking refreshed and radiant. Make it a habit to carry a water bottle with you throughout the day to ensure you stay hydrated.
Natural Ingredients for Skincare
Many stars emphasize the use of natural ingredients for their skincare routines. Incorporate ingredients like aloe vera, turmeric, honey, and cucumber into your skincare regimen. These natural remedies are known for their soothing and nourishing properties, promoting a natural glow.
Sunscreen, Always
Celebrities understand the significance of protecting their skin from harmful UV rays. Regular use of sunscreen is a non-negotiable step in their skincare routine. Choose a sunscreen with a high SPF to shield your skin from the sun’s damaging effects and prevent premature aging.
Cleansing is Crucial
A clean canvas is the foundation of any skincare routine. Stars stress the importance of cleansing to remove makeup, dirt, and impurities. Use a gentle cleanser suitable for your skin type to maintain clear and healthy skin.
Adequate Sleep for Radiant Skin
Celebrities know that beauty sleep is not just a saying but a reality. Ensure you get enough restful sleep each night to allow your skin to repair and regenerate. Lack of sleep can lead to dullness and dark circles, so prioritize a good night’s sleep for a natural glow.
Minimal Makeup for Maximum Impact
Divas often opt for minimal makeup to let their natural beauty shine. Embrace a simple and light makeup routine that enhances your features without clogging your pores. This approach not only keeps your skin healthy but also exudes a fresh and youthful appearance.
Regular Exfoliation
Exfoliation is a key step to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover. Bollywood celebrities incorporate exfoliation into their skincare routines to achieve smooth and glowing skin. Use a gentle exfoliator once or twice a week to reveal a brighter complexion.
Healthy Diet, Healthy Skin
Celebrities maintain a balanced and nutritious diet to keep their skin radiant from within. Include fruits, vegetables, and foods rich in antioxidants in your meals. A healthy diet supports your skin’s health and contributes to a natural, lit-from-within glow. Source: TOI -
Groom your eyebrows at home
How many times have you missed going to the salon right before an office party, only to dread partying with undone eyebrows? But worry not, we tell you ways you can do it yourself at home.
Tweeze after you shower
While we all know that tweezing can be a real pain in the butt, there’s a way to make the whole process a lot less painful. After taking a hot shower, grab your favorite pair of tweezers, and pluck your eyebrows. The warm water helps open up the follicles, which allows the hair to be pulled out much easier.
Align your brows with your face shape
When it comes to your brows, there are a few set of rules you should be aware of before you pluck away your arches: Use a brow pencil as a guide to help you find the beginning, end, and arch of your eyebrows. The beginning of your brow should start right where your nostril begins. Hold the pencil vertically against the bridge of your nose and on top of your nostril to help you find the starting point. (Essentially you want the inside edges of your brows to match the outer bridge of your nose.) To find your arch, place the pencil on the tip of your nose and angle it straight across your pupil. Ladies and gentlemen, that’s where your natural arch lies should be.
Finally, to find the end of your brow, simply take the pencil, at an angle, and place it against the end of your nose and eye. If the tail end of your brow hits the place where the pencil ends, then your eyebrows are the perfect length. If your brow is too long, then tweeze some of those hairs away.
Tweeze with good lighting
If there’s one thing you need to make sure to have before you tweeze your eyebrows, it’s really, really good lighting. The worst thing you can do is try to pluck your eyebrows in a dimly lit bathroom, where you’re pretty much asking for a beauty disaster. If you can, take advantage of natural light. Bring a handheld mirror to the most lit area in your home so you can see all those tiny hairs you need to pluck.
Tweeze in the direction of your hair growth
If you see a tiny black hole where you just tweezed, it means you didn’t pluck the whole hair follicle. To prevent this next time, tweeze in the direction of your hair growth so you can capture the whole strand with ease.
Fill in the spaces
If you’re one of the lucky few who naturally wakes up with Cara Delevingne brows, then I praise you. But if not, to get the best brows possible you want to fill those puppies in—but not too much. First, find a color that complements your brows. Use this guide if you’re unsure on how to find the perfect shade. -
Twinkle Khanna graduates from UK’s Goldsmith College; husband Akshay Kumar calls her ‘super woman’
Twinkle Khanna has completed a master’s programme in fiction writing from Goldsmiths, University of London, and the actor-turned-author has said her graduation ceremony was ‘even more perfect’ than she ever imagined. Khanna, who recently came out with the novel ‘Welcome To Paradise’, shared a video from the event on her official Instagram account on Tuesday. ‘And it’s here. Graduation day. My first day at Goldsmiths feels like it was both yesterday and years ago. A sunny day, a pretty sari, and having my family with me make this day even more perfect than I ever imagined,’ she wrote. Khanna, a former actor known for films such as ‘Barsaat’, ‘Baadshah’, ‘Jodi No.1’ and ‘Mela’, enrolled at the UK-based college in 2022. ‘There comes a stage when the easiest way to grow is horizontally, but we have to push ourselves to grow in myriad other ways,’ she further said in the post.
Khanna’s husband, actor Akshay Kumar accompanied her to the graduation ceremony.
In a post on X, Kumar congratulated his wife, whom he described as a ‘super woman’.
‘Two years ago when you told me you wanted to take up studies all over again, I wondered if you meant it. But the day I saw you work so hard and perfectly manage a full-fledged student life along with home, career, me and kids, I knew I had married a super woman. Today on your graduation, I also wish I had studied a bit more to know enough words to tell you how proud you make me, Tina. Congratulations and all my love,’ the actor wrote.
Khanna, 50, and Kumar, 56, are celebrating their 23rd wedding anniversary. The couple are parents to son Aarav and daughter Nitara.
Bollywood celebrities showered Twinkle Khanna with best wishes in the comment section. Preity Zinta wrote, “Wow Tina, you’re a true rock star! Congratulations, my witty one. You are beautiful and aspirational. More power to you,” accompanied by clapping hands and red hearts emojis. Bobby Deol posted clapping hands and a red heart emoji. Karisma Kapoor said, “Congratulations.” Comedian Kiku Sharda commented, “Awesome, congratulations,” with clapping hands emojis. Saba Pataudi posted, “Congratulations,” with clapping hands and a black heart emoji. Jackie Shroff’s wife, Ayesha Shroff said, “Congratulations!!!!” with clapping and red heart emojis. Ayushmann Khurrana’s wife, writer Tahira Kashyap said, “Amazing amazing amazing! My Wonder Woman,” along with red heart emojis. Phew! -
Vidyut Jammwal and Nora Fatehi turn up the heat with sizzling hot chemistry
Vidyut Jammwal teams up with Nora Fatehi for a sizzling romantic number, Dil Jhoom, from their upcoming film, Crakk- Jeetega Toh Jiyegaa. Set in breathtaking and exotic international locales, the soulful rendition is sung by Vishal Mishra and Shreya Ghoshal, the song is a beautiful remake of Ali Zafar’s hit number Jhoom. Recently, Ali took to social media expressing his emotions on his song being remade by such loved artistes creating a huge stir on social media. The soft romantic number beautifully captures the essence of the film’s romantic narrative with Vidyut and Nora setting it apart with fresh chemistry.
Talking about why he chose Jhoom to be a part of his film, Vidyut says, “Jhoom has been a constant on my romantic playlist. The melody feels just right, resonating with pure emotion.” -
Sofia Vergara opens up about her high-profile divorce from Joe Manganiello
Sofia Vergara recently opened up about navigating her public divorce from Joe Manganiello. During an interaction with CBS Sunday Morning, the actress disclosed that she anticipated the media frenzy that ensued at the time when the news of their separation surfaced in June 2023. “You’re out there (in the public eye) and people know that’s part of being a celebrity,” Vergara said. “I knew it was gonna happen. You can’t hide those things,” she explained.
When questioned about how she managed to navigate the public scrutiny surrounding their divorce, the actress credited her ability to endure it, partly, to the nature of the media coverage it received.
Vergara shared that she was surprised by the “type of media coverage” her divorce got. She’d thought that the press would add and invent things while reporting their split but “They kind of just said what it was and, and that was it,” she said.
In July 2023, the couple issued a joint statement, revealing their “difficult decision” to opt for a divorce after seven years of marriage. The statement, emphasizing their mutual love and care, urged privacy during the transitional period in their lives. Two days later, Manganiello officially filed for divorce, citing “irreconcilable differences” as the reason. The divorce documents obtained by People specified the date of separation as July 2.
Having overcome that challenging phase, Vergara shared that she has redirected her attention to living her best life in the present and future. In the CBS interview, she mentioned, “And, you know, I’ve been moving on.” The Modern Family alum has been spotted on numerous dates in recent months with orthopedic surgeon Justin Saliman. Meanwhile, Manganiello has entered spending time with actress Caitlin O’Connor. “I’m looking forward to the upcoming TV show,” she mentioned, referring to her Netflix limited series, Griselda. In the forthcoming miniseries directed by Andrés Baiz, produced by Eric Newman and Sofía Vergara, the actress takes on the role of Griselda Blanco. Griselda Blanco, known as the Godmother of Cocaine, was a significant figure in the cocaine-based drug trade and the Miami underworld during the 1980s. Source: HT -
Brad Pitt would go ‘longest without showering’: Ex-roommate Jason Priestley
Actor and filmmaker Jason Priestley was Brad Pitt’s roommate and he revealed the Hollywood star’s shocking hygiene habit. According to the Beverly Hills, 90210 alum, Pitt wasn’t huge on hygiene back then. “We used to play this game to see who could go the longest without showering,” Jason said. “I think about it now and I’m like, ‘Dude, how disgusting. What were you thinking?’”
As for who would win? “Brad,” Priestley shared. “Always Brad.” However, the 54-year-old noted that it’s unlikely Brad has stuck with the same routine. “I don’t think he does that anymore,” Priestley said “but back then he could go a long time without showering.” Jason and Brad, 60, were roommates back in the ‘90s when they were both up-and-coming actors. The duo lived in a two-bedroom apartment located in what Jason called the “really crappy part” of Los Angeles alongside a third friend.In his 2015 memoir, the Tru Calling actor recalled that the pair were basically “broke” as they struggled to find acting work.
“We lived on Ramen noodles and generic beer—the kind that came in white cans labelled ‘beer,” Jason wrote in the book, “and Marlboro Light cigarettes.” But after Priestley was cast in Beverly Hills, 90210 and Pitt shot to fame in Thelma and Louise, the two lost contact with each other. Still, Jason has nothing but fond memories of the Oscar winner. Source: IANS -
Jacob Elordi calls it quits with Olivia Jade for second time
Actor Jacob Elordi reportedly has ended his romantic relationship with Olivia Jade for the second time. It was reported that the actor portraying Nate Jacobs on ‘Euphoria’ and the former ‘Dancing with the Stars’ season 30 contestant broke up following their alleged first split in 2022. The news was revealed by Us Weekly. The media outlet confirmed that the 26-year-old actor and the 24-year-old daughter of fashion designer Mossimo Giannulli and actress Lori Loughlin have decided to go their separate ways. However, the former couple has not said anything about the alleged breakup. The report came a few days after Jacob and Olivia sparked split rumours. Earlier in January, a number of social media users noticed that she had stopped following the “Priscilla” actor on Instagram. Meanwhile, he notably does not follow anyone on the social media platform. The ‘Saltburn’ actor and the YouTube content creator were romantically linked for the first time back in December 2021.
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Bhakshak teaser: Bhumi Pednekar plays an investigative journalist
Inspired by true events, Netflix India’s upcoming crime drama Bhakshak premieres on February 9. The film is a Red Chillies Entertainment production, directed by Pulkit and produced by Gauri Khan and Gaurav Verma. It stars Bhumi Pednekar, Sanjay Mishra, Aditya Srivastava and Sai Tamhankar in pivotal roles. The makers released the teaser of the film on Thursday, January 17.
Bhakshak explores the journey of an unwavering woman’s quest to seek justice. Bhumi Pednekar as Vaishali Singh portrays the role of an investigative journalist who wants to bring to light a heinous crime, laying bare the ground reality of crimes against women. While the teaser doesn’t reveal much, it features Bhumi back in a deglamourised avatar after her urban comedy Thank You For Coming last year.
At the end of the teaser, Bhumi is seen telling a girl, “Bachchon ke adhikar ke liye lad rahe hain hum, samajh rahi ho? (We’re fighting for girls’ rights, do you get it?)” In a statement, director Pulkit echoed the thoughts. “Our aim was to shed light on the harsh realities of society and spark conversations that lead to meaningful change. I’m looking forward to more people joining this important dialogue,” he said.
Red Chillies Entertainment, the production house owned by Shah Rukh Khan, has been busy making the superstar’s last two global blockbusters, Atlee’s crime thriller Jawan and Rajkumar Hirani’s Dunki, which released in cinemas last year. Bhakshak marks the banner’s first digital release in a couple of years. Its last digital output was Jasmeet K Reen’s 2022 dark comedy Darlings, which was a co-production with lead actor Alia Bhatt’s Eternal Sunshine Productions, and also released on Netflix India.
Gaurav Verma, Producer at Red Chillies Entertainment, said in a statement, “We believe in storytelling that not only entertains, but also enlightens. Source: HT -
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal refuses to appear before ED, says BJP targeting him ahead of polls
New Delhi (TIP)- Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday, January 18, skipped summons from the Enforcement Directorate, calling them illegal, and alleging they were part of a conspiracy to stop him from campaigning for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
Later in the afternoon, he left for Goa, where he is assessing the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP’s) preparedness in the state for the general elections. ED had asked Kejriwal, who is also the AAP national convenor, to appear before it in connection with its money laundering probe into alleged irregularities in Delhi’s 2021-22 excise policy. This was the fourth time Kejriwal skipped summons by ED — he previously failed to appear before the agency on November 2, on December 22, and on January 3. Kejriwal and his party have repeatedly objected to the summons saying it is not clear whether he was asked to appear as a witness or suspect; as chief minister or as AAP chief; and that the agency has not made available any details of its line of questioning. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), meanwhile, accused Kejriwal of “evasive behaviour”. In response to a question about the summons, he said, “ED sent me fourth notice asking me to appear on January 18 or 19. All the four summonses are illegal and invalid. Different courts have termed such general, non-specific ED summons illegal and have quashed them. I have written to ED multiple times on why the ED notices are illegal, but ED has not responded.” Alleging that the notices are part of a political conspiracy, Kejriwal added, “The probe (in the excise case) is going on for two years, but they have found nothing. The courts have asked them how much money was recovered and what other things such as cash, gold were recovered… Two months before Lok Sabha polls, I have been summoned. BJP leaders are saying that I will be arrested. How the BJP knows that I will be arrested? It is because the BJP is running ED… The purpose of the summons is to arrest me before polls and stop me from campaigning.” People aware of the matter said Kejriwal was also upset by the language used by ED in a communication dated January 12, that was addressed to the chief minister. According to the people, Kejriwal objected to the use of the phrases “excuse”, “extraneous reasons”, “camouflage your real motive”, and “intentionally disobeying your summons” in the ED communication, and in response, wrote to the central agency, stating that its “bias and prejudice against me are apparent from various innuendos hurled at me”.
AAP has accused ED of dropping or stalling investigations of leaders the moment they become associated with BJP. Claiming that the agency was acting in a “blatantly biased” manner, a senior party official, on condition of anonymity, said, “Narayan Rane was being investigated by ED in a ?300 crore money laundering case. After joining BJP in 2019, no raids or further investigation has taken place.”
Meanwhile, the BJP accused Kejriwal of making excuses to skip the ED summons.
“Kejriwal may make excuses, but he will have to honour the ED summons and the law will take its course. Kejriwal has to answer a lot of questions related to the excise policy,” said Delhi BJP secretary Harish Khurana.
ED likely to issue 5th summons to Kejriwal
With Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal skipping his fourth summons in connection with a money laundering probe stemming from the investigation into alleged irregularities in the Delhi excise police 2021-22, Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials said their case is now left in limbo, even as they are deliberating on their next steps. People familiar with the developments said a fresh, fifth summon is likely to be issued to Kejriwal, but a call on the same is yet to be taken. “A call is yet to be taken on the next steps. But the Delhi CM has once again disregarded our summons to join investigations,” said an officer, who didn’t want to be named.
Source: HT -
Assam Police file case against Rahul Gandhi-led Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra
Jorhat (TIP)- An FIR has been lodged against the ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’ and its chief organizer KB Byju for reportedly straying from the approved route within Jorhat town, Assam, on Thursday, January 18, PTI reported citing police sources. According to an official statement, the march took an unauthorized direction in the town, deviating from the permitted KB Road route, causing a “chaotic situation” in the area.
“Some people fell due to the sudden rush of people and a stampede-like situation was created. A suo motu FIR has been registered at Jorhat Sadar Police Station against the Yatra and its chief organiser,” he added. As per the official, the FIR states that the Yatra failed to adhere to the norms set by the district administration and violated road safety regulations. In response, Leader of the Opposition Debabrata Saikia informed PTI that the FIR is a strategic move aimed at generating unwarranted obstacles for the Yatra. “There was no police manning the traffic diversion at the PWD point. The assigned route was too small and we had a huge gathering. So, we took a detour for just a few metres. Himanta Biswa Sarma is scared of the Yatra’s success on the first day (in Assam) and now wants to derail it,” he added. Furthermore, Congress’ Bharat Jodo Nyaya Yatra reached Assam’s Majuli. Party leader Jairam Ramesh said, “No rules have been broken. Assam Chief Minister is making all attempts to stop people from joining the Bharat Jodo Nyaya Yatra. No one can stop this yatra. We are in Assam for the next 7 years. Let them arrest us, we accept the challenge.” Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi in a post on X said, “The Chief Minister of Assam is the most corrupt Chief Minister of India, whose only work is to loot public money under the guise of hatred.” The Assam segment of the march is scheduled to persist until January 25, covering a distance of 833 km across 17 districts. The Yatra, under the leadership of the Congress MP, began its journey from Manipur on January 14 and is slated to conclude on March 20 in Mumbai.’’ -
Trinamool’s Mahua Moitra vacates Delhi bungalow days after eviction notice
Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra vacated her government-allotted Delhi bungalow on Friday, January 19. Moitra, who was expelled as a Lok Sabha MP in December last year, had received an eviction notice from the Directorate of Estates (DoE) on Tuesday. According to Mahua Moitra’s representative, she had fully vacated the bungalow by 10 am on Friday morning and the possession was handed over by her lawyers to the Directorate of Estates. On January 18, Moitra failed to get any relief from the Delhi High Court, which refused to stay the DoE notice and asked her to vacate the government bungalow.
Justice Girish Kathpalia said no specific rule had been brought before the court which dealt with the eviction of MPs from government accommodation after they cease to be lawmakers.
Moitra was expelled from Lok Sabha after an ethics panel held her guilty of “unethical conduct” for allegedly accepting gifts from businessman Darshan Hiranandani and sharing her user ID and password of the Parliament website with him. The panel had initiated a probe based on a complaint filed by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey who accused Moitra of asking questions in the Lok Sabha to target the Adani Group and Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the behest of businessman Darshan Hiranandani in exchange for gifts. -
Five Manipur civilians die in fresh clashes
GUWAHATI (TIP) – Five civilians were killed and three Border Security Force (BSF) personnel were injured in fresh violence that spread through several districts in Manipur on Wednesday, January 17, night and Thursday morning. This comes a day after two police personnel were killed and six others injured in an attack by armed militants in Tengnoupal on Wednesday morning, taking the toll over the two days to seven dead and nine injured. Across Thursday, there were violent protests in several parts of the state that continued to be tense, with security personnel and the administration struggling to put a lid on violence that has now lasted eight months.
Senior police officials confirmed that in Bishnupur district, four people, all Meiteis, were killed by armed miscreants at Ningthong Kha Khunou around 2pm on Thursday. The deceased have been identified as Ningthoujam Nabadeep (40), Oinam Bamonjao (63), Oinam Manitomba (37) and Thiyam Somen (56). “Four persons were killed in an attack by armed miscreants on Thursday afternoon. We have managed to recover all the bodies and sent them to Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal for postmortem and other formalities,” Meghachandra Singh, Bishnupur superintendent of police said.
The four killed were reportedly tilling a farm when they came under attack, and after the deaths, there were protests that erupted in several places in parts of the Imphal Valley. In a separate incident earlier in the morning, a gunfight broke out between armed village volunteers at Kangchup in Imphal West district, where a 23-year-old identified as Takhelambam Manoranjan, a Meitei, was killed.
Since May 2023, Manipur has been in the throes of ethnic violence between the majority Meitei community and the tribal Kukis, with other communities increasingly sucked into the violence that has continued unabated. Over the past eight months, at least 207 people have lost their lives, and over 50,000 people have been displaced. The fallout of the long-running ethnic hostilities has meant that the Meiteis, who live largely in the plains of the Imphal valley, and the Kukis, who predominantly live in the hills, have withdrawn to their respective strongholds. In response, security forces have created buffer zones in different border districts, which have also been divided on ethnic lines. They have also set up camps and are posted on the highway to ensure that the groups remain separated, do not enter each other’s districts, and trigger violence. But often, militants from both groups use the hills and the jungle area to cross into other districts and attack each other, according to security officials. The sweeping ethnic violence has also led to the creation of community based armed defence volunteers, underlining how faultlines have deepened beyond the Meitei-Kuki divide, pitting different communities and groups against each other.
Thursday’s incidents come after a violent Wednesday night, when three BSF personnel sustained bullet injuries after a mob attacked security forces and police installations in Thoubal. “An irate mob targeted the 3rd Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) in Khangabok, Thoubal district. Security forces repelled them using minimum necessary force,” said a statement issued by Manipur Police around 1am on Thursday. The statement added that the mob attempted to breach Thoubal police headquarters and that armed miscreants from among the mob fired with live rounds. “As a result, three personnel from BSF sustained bullet injuries namely constable Gourav Kumar, ASI Sobram Singh, and ASI Ramji. The injured security forces have been evacuated to Raj Medicity for treatment,” the statement said. Source: HT -
12 students, 2 teachers die as boat capsizes in Gujarat’s Vadodara
Vadodara (TIP) – At least 14 people – 12 schoolchildren and two teachers – were killed after a seemingly overcrowded boat carrying a school group on a picnic overturned into the Harni lake in Gujarat’s Vadodara on Thursday, January 18, evening, local officials said.
Rescuers from National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) looked for survivors and bodies late into the evening as darkness fell, with 13 children having been rescued.
Initial investigations suggested that the boat was loaded far beyond its capacity and that there were no life-jackets on board, senior government officials said.
“The incident took place around 5pm when children from New Sunrise School located on Waghodia Road in Vadodara were out for a picnic. The children were from Class 1 to Class 6. The maximum capacity of the boat is around 14 passengers, but more than 31 people were crammed on it at the time of the accident besides the four operators,” local officials, who did not wish to be identified, said. Videos taken shortly after the incident showed rescuers on inflatable boats trying to guide at least half a dozen divers look for survivors or bodies. The lake was re-developed by the Vadodara civic body for recreational purposes. This is the deadliest boating accident in the city since August 11, 1993, when 22 people were killed after an overloaded boat capsized in the Sursagar lake, which is also maintained by the Vadodara civic body. A first information report, or FIR, has been filed against five individuals, including the promoters of the company operating the boats. The state government has also initiated a high-level inquiry into the matter, to be headed by the Vadodara district magistrate. A comprehensive report is to be filed within the next 10 days in this regard.
The contract for operating the boat was with a firm called Sri Kotiya Project, which was promoted by a person named Paresh Shah, Anupam Singh Gahlaut, commissioner of police, Vadodara said. “We have booked the owners of the boat and its management under various sections, including section 304 of the Indian Penal Code (punishment for culpable homicide not amounting to murder),” Gahlaut said.
“So far, we have recovered 12 bodies of schoolchildren and two of teachers… NDRF officials and others are still carrying out search operations. The water level is about 25 feet deep. The students had gone on the boat in batches and the accident happened with the final batch. There were 27 students, four teachers and four operators in the boat that sank,” said Gahlaut, adding that based on early estimates, all students appeared to be accounted for. An investigation has been initiated into the incident, Gehlaut said, adding that while their immediate focus was on rescue efforts, they will also probe the role of the school management for negligence. -
EAM S Jaishankar takes up pullout of troops with Maldives
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday, January 18, held a “frank conversation” with his Maldivian counterpart Moosa Zameer in Kampala, days after Maldives’ President Mohamed Muizzu asked India to withdraw all the Indian military personnel from the island nation by March 15. Zameer said the ongoing “high-level discussions” on the withdrawal of Indian military personnel figured in his talks with Jaishankar, adding Male is committed to further strengthening and expanding bilateral cooperation. The meeting between the two ministers took place on the sidelines of a ministerial meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in the Ugandan capital.
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Birthday Horoscope- January 15 to January 21
January 15
Ganesha says today, you might find yourself buzzing with a unique blend of energy and creativity. This is an excellent day to tackle complex projects, especially those requiring out-of-the-box thinking. At work, your innovative ideas could lead to significant breakthroughs, setting the stage for future success. In personal relationships, your ability to communicate openly and honestly will deepen connections. Embrace leadership roles as your confidence is at a high. However, remember to balance your professional ambitions with personal relaxation to maintain overall well-being. Unexpected opportunities may arise, so be ready to seize them. This day is about embracing change and stepping into uncharted territories with confidence.
January 16
Ganesha says collaboration is key today. Working closely with colleagues or friends will bring about fruitful outcomes and strengthen bonds. A chance encounter, possibly in a social or professional setting, might open doors to exciting new ventures or meaningful connections. Embrace different viewpoints and ideas, as they will enrich your experiences and broaden your horizons. It’s a day to value teamwork and shared efforts, both in your career and personal life. Your ability to cooperate and harmonize with others will lead to success and fulfillment.
January 17
Ganesha says your intuition is your guiding star today. Trusting your gut feelings, especially in financial or career decisions, will lead you towards positive outcomes. It’s crucial to balance your professional life with personal interests and relationships. Overemphasis on work can lead to neglecting important personal connections. Listen to your inner voice; it’s steering you towards choices that truly resonate with your core values and long-term goals. This day is about aligning your actions with your inner wisdom.
January 18
Ganesha says a wave of creativity washes over you today, making it an ideal time for artistic pursuits or innovative problem-solving. Your imagination is a powerful tool, capable of producing unique and effective solutions. In relationships, showing your affectionate and playful side will bring joy and laughter. It’s a day to express yourself creatively, whether through art, writing, or simply in the way you approach daily tasks. Embrace your creative spirit and let it guide your actions.
January 19
Ganesha says today calls for introspection and reflection. Take time to consider your life goals, aspirations, and the path you’re currently on. It’s a good day to plan for the future, setting realistic and achievable targets. Communication with loved ones will be deep and meaningful, providing an opportunity to share your innermost thoughts and feelings. This introspective journey will lead to a deeper understanding of yourself and strengthen your relationships.
January 20
Ganesha says you’re filled with a robust and dynamic energy today. It’s the perfect day to tackle challenging tasks and take on responsibilities that you’ve been hesitant about. Your ability to handle complex issues is enhanced, and you’ll find yourself efficiently navigating through tough situations. Socially, you’re likely to be the life of the party, bringing energy and enthusiasm to any gathering. Enjoy this vibrant day, making the most of your interactions and spreading positivity.
January 21
Ganesha says a sense of calm and harmony envelops you today. It’s an excellent time for reconciliation and mending any recent conflicts or misunderstandings. Professionally, the hard work and dedication you’ve shown are starting to yield visible results. Take a moment to celebrate your achievements and share your success with those who have supported you along the way. Today is about appreciating the balance and stability in your life, recognizing the efforts you’ve made, and enjoying the fruits of your labor.
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Weekly Horoscope- January 15 to January 21, 2024
By Chirag Daruwalla – Son of Astrologer Bejan Daruwalla Aries
You’ll have a very busy week so make sure you have your priorities straight this week. This week you will need to work very carefully on your fitness and money as you will have a lot of workload and will also have to face some health-related problems. You need to remain calm because this week you will have to face many unhappy people. This week something important will happen in your business which will keep you busy throughout this week.
Taurus
This week you will be more efficient and more disciplined than in the last few days. This is a difficult week for you in a very positive way as learning and growth happen at the strangest of times. You will achieve a lot. You will have a pleasant time with your family in shopping and entertainment and the arrival of guests in the house will create an atmosphere of excitement. Your loved ones staying safe and healthy is the most important thing you will be concerned about this week.
Gemini
This week you will be successful in making a big investment. Chances are you will rush the process and skip the analysis and formulation part, which could ruin all the profit you have made from the new prospect. You have to listen to your money advisor and take your time. This week your love relationships will be better than before. If you have been trying to attract the attention of a specific person for some time now, luck will be on your side this week. Live in the present and try not to let things destroy you. Take care of your love life partner’s health.
Cancer
Your fitness is getting much better than in the last few days. This week you will feel like a new person because this week you will be full of strength and passion. Your health and fitness have finally recovered from the consequences of all your bad habits over the past few years. This week a lot of achievements will happen in your professional and personal life. This will take you far in life and also in your career.
Leo
You will feel a vague restlessness that will inspire you to consider new career options this week. You won’t be tempted to eliminate it completely, but you may want to take some kind of step in a completely different direction. Your business will be very good for you this week. Your loved ones will shower you with acknowledgment and gratitude for everything you have done to reach this point.
Virgo
This week you may attract partners who are more concerned with originality than pairing, or who seem too extravagant. A plan for some family religious events will also be made. There will be momentum in import-export-related business. Your creative mind will be at its best this week. The new ideas, opportunities, and determination you develop will be appreciated at your workplace this week.
Libra
This week you’ll see the world from a strange new perspective. If you focus on the small, good things that happen throughout this week, then you will not be bothered by all the negativity that comes this week. This week your business will give you happiness. This week you have time to improve yourself and work on things you wanted to do to develop your skills. Trust timing and practice patience. Don’t waste this week worrying about the lack of new moments.
Scorpio
Expect some arguments with coworkers who are jealous of you because of the fame you’ve gained this week. As you have been communicating in the past, you need to focus more on your work and not on those who want to drag you down in life. You also need to share information about your work publicly. There is a need to be extra careful about information. Field because it can be used against you to pull you down from the position you currently hold. You have to overcome these people by making reactive efforts to not let them ruin your week.
Sagittarius
You will be dissatisfied with the lack of attention and support you are getting from your partner. At the beginning of this week, you will feel a lot of trouble in your love relationship. But as the days pass by, by the end of the week you and your spouse are likely to develop a much better relationship and understand each other. This week you will be a powerful person in terms of work. Your navigation skills will help you overcome any obstacle without much effort. This will be a good week to reflect and reflect on your achievements.
Capricorn
Your partner’s attitude towards you may be good which will solve the problems this week. When it comes to your love life you will try your best and show your patient approach to maintain a calm life this week. Things will become easier for you this week as your destiny will give you strength and create an area of favorable facilities for you. This feature will take your life a lot further and you will realize it this week.
Aquarius
This week, you will give expected results in your thoughtful actions in your business. You just have to make sure that you are ready to move forward without making any impulsive decisions as this can seriously harm you this week. This week you will be provided with ample opportunities to prove yourself at the workplace, which can also lead to progress in your field. If you are single, you may have some deep realizations this week, which will make you more confident and sociable. Sort yourself out this week and try to find things you are passionate about and people who make you happy this week. If you are looking for a life partner, Venus is strong in your zodiac sign this week and will help you in all matters related to love and relationships.
Pisces
This week you will experience a lot of brightness in your life. Whatever you are trying to achieve, you may get it this week. A sense of peace guides you throughout the week. Your fitness is going great. This week is the week you should decide to make it even better. In your regular activity, do plenty of dancing and physical activity, drink plenty of water, and increase your intake of fruits and vegetables. Also, exercise regularly and go for long walks every week because this week you need physical activity to improve your physical and mental health. Professionally, this week you have a lot of work that you have to complete and hence you need to be physically, mentally, and emotionally prepared and capable for it.
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Virginia Giuffre claims she got $15,000 from Epstein for having sex with Prince Andrew when she was 17 years old
Giuffre’s first experience with the royal took place at Ghislaine Maxwell’s residence in London
NEW YORK (TIP): In a recent development in the ongoing legal battle surrounding the allegations against Prince Andrew, court documents have been released shedding light on Virginia Giuffre’s claim that she was paid thousands of dollars by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein for a sexual encounter with the royal when she was 17 years old. The documents, part of Giuffre’s civil defamation case against Epstein’s ex-girlfriend and associate Ghislaine Maxwell, revealed a series of questions posed to Giuffre regarding her interactions with Prince Andrew in 2001. According to reports by Sky News, she was specifically asked if she had received $10 to $15,000 from Epstein for having sex with Prince Andrew, to which Giuffre responded, “Yes, I did receive $15,000.” She also admitted to not paying taxes on the money. Prince Andrew, who has consistently denied any wrongdoing, faced accusations from Giuffre that her first experience with him took place at the Maxwell’s residence in London. Maxwell, currently serving a 20-year sentence for her role in sex trafficking alongside Epstein, has denied the allegations. Giuffre’s deposition further added her claims of being forced to have sex with Prince Andrew three times between 1999 and 2002 in locations including London, New York, and a private Caribbean island owned by Epstein. She also spoke about an undated visit to a club with Prince Andrew, where he allegedly ordered “clear drinks” containing alcohol. Prince Andrew withdrew from frontline royal duties in 2019 amid public outrage over his association with Epstein. He settled a US civil case brought by Giuffre in February 2022, wherein she claimed he sexually assaulted her when she was 17. Following the settlement, the late Queen Elizabeth II stripped Prince Andrew of his honorary military titles and patronages, effectively removing him from royal life.
