The United States Army Research Laboratory is experimenting to see whether OpenAI’s generative AI solutions can help battle planning, but within a military video game.
The New Scientist on Wednesday reported how US Army researchers are using OpenAI’s GPT-4 Turbo and GPT-4 Vision models to provide information about simulated battlefield terrain and details on friendly and enemy forces, as well as military lessons on attacking and defending. They also used two other AI models based on older technology. After that, they gave the AI assistants a mission to destroy all enemy forces and seize an objective point.
The AI assistants immediately outputted many courses of action, at which point, a user playing the role of a commander asked the model to refine that output. While OpenAI’s GPT models worked better than the other two models, they also caused more casualties while carrying out mission objectives.
The use of generative AI is just one small part of the US Army’s push to take full advantage of artificial intelligence in their strategy. Project Maven, the US Department of Defense’s flagship AI effort, has located rocket launchers in Yemen and surface vessels in the Res Sea and helped narrow targets for strikes in Iraq and Syria, reported Bloomberg in February.
But this potential use of AI on battlefields also raise many ethical concerns. The prospect of leaving decisions that could potentially kill people to machines is more reminiscent of the Terminator series of movies than that of a bright future espoused by AI evangelists. But that has not stopped the military. The Pentagon asked US lawmakers for billions of dollars to develop its artificial intelligence and networking capabilities, reported DefenseScoop in March. It has also established a Chief Digital and AI Officer positions to help use and spread the technology across the department.
ChatGPT-maker OpenAI confronting a mountain of legal challenges
After a year of basking in global fame, the San Francisco company OpenAI is now confronting a multitude of challenges that could threaten its position at the vanguard of artificial intelligence research. Some of its conflicts stem from decisions made well before the debut of ChatGPT, particularly its unusual shift from an idealistic nonprofit to a big business backed by billions of dollars in investments.
It’s too early to tell if OpenAI and its attorneys will beat back a barrage of lawsuits from Elon Musk, The New York Times and bestselling novelists such as John Grisham, not to mention escalating scrutiny from government regulators, or if any of it will stick.
Month: March 2024
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US army experimenting with generative AI chatbots in war games: Report
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Russia wants to put a nuclear plant on the moon; China plans to help it
As the modern-age lunar race picks up pace, Russia and China are setting their sights on the moon with plans to establish a nuclear power plant. The power plant is expected to be established on the lunar surface between 2033 and 2035. Yuri Borisov, the head of Russia’s space agency Roscosmos, revealed this ambitious project in a statement, highlighting a significant collaboration between the two nations in advancing lunar exploration.
Borisov, who has a background as a former deputy defense minister, emphasised the collaborative efforts between Russia and China in a joint lunar program. He pointed out Russia’s valuable contribution with its expertise in “nuclear space energy,” marking a pivotal step towards sustainable lunar habitation.
The initiative aims to overcome the limitations of solar panels, which Borisov noted would not be enough for the electricity demands of future lunar settlements. Instead, nuclear power emerges as a viable solution to fuel these extraterrestrial habitats.
The complexity of delivering and installing a power unit on the lunar surface was acknowledged by Borisov, who stressed the importance of automating the process to avoid human presence during the initial stages.
This approach points to the challenges and risks associated with deploying nuclear technology in space.
Further expanding on Russia’s vision for space innovation, Borisov discussed the development of a nuclear-powered cargo spaceship, dubbed a “space tugboat.” This vessel, described as a “huge, cyclopean structure,” would leverage a nuclear reactor and high-power turbines to transport large cargoes between orbits, collect space debris, and fulfill other critical functions.
Despite the resolution of most technical questions surrounding the project, cooling the nuclear reactor remains a significant hurdle yet to be overcome. Russia’s lunar ambitions have been marred by setbacks, including the failure of its first moon mission in 47 years last year when the Luna-25 spacecraft crashed after spinning out of control.
However, Moscow remains undeterred, with plans for further lunar missions and explorations of a joint Russian-China crewed mission and even a lunar base. This comes as China announces its goal to send the first Chinese astronaut to the moon before 2030, signaling a competitive yet collaborative race to lunar colonisation. Amidst international concerns over the militarization of space, Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed US warnings about Russia’s intentions to deploy nuclear weapons in space. -
Earth to witness fourth mass coral reef bleaching event
The world stands on the brink of witnessing its fourth mass coral bleaching event, a phenomenon that threatens to hit a vast expanses of tropical reefs, including significant portions of Australia’s iconic Great Barrier Reef.
This dire prediction from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has marine biologists on high alert following a series of record-breaking ocean temperatures driven by climate change and the El Niño climate pattern.
Derek Manzello, the coordinator of NOAA’s Coral Reef Watch, expressed grave concerns about the impending crisis. “It’s looking like the entirety of the Southern Hemisphere is probably going to bleach this year,” he stated, emphasising the unprecedented scale of the potential disaster. “We are literally sitting on the cusp of the worst bleaching event in the history of the planet.”
Coral bleaching, a stress response triggered by elevated sea temperatures, leads to corals expelling the symbiotic algae that give them their vibrant colors. This loss not only leaves the corals pale and weakened but also jeopardizes the rich biodiversity they support. -
OSCAR 2024 NOMINEE FROM INDIA GETS NOTICED
By Mabel Pais
TO KILL A TIGER
BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE nominee for the 2024 OSCARS
REOPENS: March 8 at BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music), more Cities to follow
“How a father’s love for his daughter challenged India’s ‘rape culture’” –
The Guardian – Saeed Kamali Dehghan
“A powerful portrait of a family’s strength. A masterfully observant film, in which one family’s fight for justice becomes a larger parable about a pressing human rights issue.” – Pat Mullen, POV Magazine
Dir/Co-Prod/Writ: Nisha Pahuja; Co-Prods: Cornelia Principe & David Oppenheim; 2022; Documentary; Hindi with Eng/subs; 2h 5m
Exec.Prod: Mindy Kaling, Dev Patel, Rupi Kaur alongside AC Films Inc’s Andy Cohen, NFB’s Anita Lee, Atul Gawande, Andrew Dragoumis, Anita Bhatia, ShivHans Pictures’ Shivani Rawat, Deepa Mehta, Minor Realm’s Samarth Sahni & Priya Doraswamy.
In a small village in Jharkhand, India, 2017, a farmer becomes embroiled in conflict when he and his wife report to the police a horrific crime — after a family wedding, three village men dragged their 13-year-old daughter into the woods and raped her. According to government data, a woman is raped every 16 minutes in India, and conviction rates are less than 30 percent. Village leaders launch a campaign not for justice, but for the father to drop charges and marry his daughter off to one of her arrested rapists—an “honorable” solution to preserve the community’s dignity. Watch the trailer – youtu.be/Tgu2k1e8sUs
With intimate access to both father and daughter through the years long ordeal (emotional, legal, financial), along with candid interviews with neighbors, the village ward, and NGO activists, Pahuja reveals a riveting story of one family’s inspiring, courageous battle, and the survival instincts of a society entrenched in toxic patriarchy.
“The story is heart-wrenching but triumphant, and stays with you long after you’ve seen it. TO KILL A TIGER shows you not only the power of a father’s love but the strength of a young woman who faced the unimaginable, and chose to fight,” Mindy Kaling said in a statement.
Dev Patel called TO KILL A TIGER a “David and Goliath story to the highest extent,” as well as “one of the most important in modern Indian history. In a culture where submission is commonplace, to challenge a centuries old system that has silenced the voices of victims is revolutionary. Despite threats against the family and being ostracized in their community, they remained unflinching in their resolve.”
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INDIAN FILMMAKER’S 1988 WORK RESTORED
Calypso Rose (Credit :kinolorber.com) By Mabel Pais
ONE HAND DON’T CLAP
“Kavery Dutta Kaul’s vivid and engaging documentary moves and shakes with inimitable music.” – Luis Francia, The Village Voice
“Seductively rhythmic and poetic…not just a documentary about music and musicians, but an examination of cultures co-existing as if in parallel universes.” – John Anderson, New York Newsday
Opens March 8 in New York City, April 8 in several theaters in Los Angeles
Dir: Kavery Dutta Kaul; USA; English; Color; 1h 32m
ONE HAND DON’T CLAP captures the vibrant story of calypso and the emergence of soca, through the eyes of two legendary artists, Lord Kitchener, the Grandmaster of the music and Calypso Rose, the first woman to break through in a traditionally male arena.
Forging onscreen the connections between American communities and where families come from, the documentary leads audiences from New York recording studies to the awesome magic of Carnival in Trinidad & Tobago. The film features artists across the 20th century whose songs reflect regional and global themes that continue to resonate. The many generations in ONE HAND DON’T CLAP trace the evolution of a musical style whose infectious rhythms and exhilarating irreverence have found their way to ever-broadening audiences worldwide.
ONE HAND DON’T CLAP is an important and unique piece of work that does just that. Its vivid colors and imagery bring creative expression of this appealing but perhaps unfamiliar music to a global audience. Kavery’s film plays a pioneering role in the recognition bestowed upon this art form in more recent times. The energy of calypso music combined with the film’s character-driven, informative and entertaining story telling style reaches across borders.
Capturing the audacity and authenticity of its subjects, ONE HAND DON’T CLAP represents momentous perspectives on the music and politics of Caribbean nations and the West Indian-American community. This powerful musical force from the Caribbean combines witty English lyrics with an explosive beat that has burst out in Buster Poindexter’s ‘Hot, Hot, Hot’ and Lionel Richie’s ‘All Night Long’. ONE HAND DON’T CLAP also reflects the legacy of a vast West Indian-American population, the surprising entrepreneurial growth of their music industry in the US and the iron going ties to the traditions that flourish in the islands they come from. It lends voice to what it means to be American. Awarding the film four stars as “seductively rhythmic and poetic”, John Anderson wrote in New York Newsday, “You might ask yourself halfway through the film why calypso music hasn’t become a bigger part of the American musical culture. When it’s over, you might ask yourself how your concept of the American musical culture could have been so narrow?
DIRECTOR KAVERY KAUL
Director/producer Kavery Kaul makes documentaries that take audiences to places they may not know, to meet people who introduce them to a new experience, a fresh world view.
“Carnival season — that period from the New Year till Ash Wednesday — makes Trinidad one of the greatest film sets in the world. It also poses immense logistical difficulties from a production standpoint”, Kavery recalls. “The challenge was to keep all that out of the film and put the focus on Kitchener, Rose, the other performers, and the story of their music.”
(Mabel Pais writes on Social Issues, The Arts and Entertainment, Spirituality, Education, Cuisine, Health & Wellness, and Business)
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SOCIALLY RELEVANT™ FILM FEST NY CELEBRATES WOMEN FILMMAKERS
By Mabel Pais
The 11th Edition of the SR Socially Relevant™ Film Festival, NY (ratedsrfilms.org) opens March 13 at the Maysles Documentary Center, then on March 14 at MRHS, and continues March 15-17 at Cinema Village, and finally March 18 at the National Arts Club for the Awards Ceremony.
International Women’s History Month
On the occasion of International Women’s History Month, SRFF celebrates the Women Filmmakers of 2024 with a dedicated program of films, a webinar, and a screening followed by a panel discussion at NGO CSW’s 68th UN Forum.
The in-person events are preceded by two webinars respectively on March 8, with all the women filmmakers of SRFF 2024 (26 in total representing 50% of the Official Selection), and on March 11, when SRFF participates with two films made by women and about women, followed by a panel discussion, as a partner organization in NGO CSW’s (the Committee on the Status of Women) 68th annual UN Forum. The two films are Lego Oma, by Karina Sturm (Germany), and Women on the Move, by Alice Lemkes (UK). Details and registration links may be found on the SRFF website – ratedsrfilms.org/2024scheduleandvenues
Social Issues
SR Socially Relevant™ Film Festival, NY covers a broad range of social issues. Totaling (ratedsrfilms.org) 53 films, the Official Selection, including the short films lineup, can be found on the festival’s website under the 2024 Program – (ratedsrfilms.org/2024program). The main themes are 100 Years of Armenian Cinema, Black History Month, BIPOC films, Aging and Disability, Women, LGBTQI+, and more. A special in-person program was presented on February 26, on the occasion of Black History Month at MRHS, one of the festival venues (ratedsrfilms.org/2024scheduleandvenues).
Most of the line-up films stream online starting March 19. The Festival’s YouTube Channel (youtube.com/channel/UCTSz55oZhoPPlhJos82RoSw) streams ‘Meet the Filmmakers’ live interviews, and the trailers of the selected films can be viewed there.
AWARDS
The SRFF 2024 competition award categories are The Vanya Exerjian – Empowering Women and Girls Award, Best Narrative Feature, Best Documentary Feature, Best Narrative Short, Best Documentary Short, Best Actor, Best Actress and the Vision Award by festival partner IndiePix. The Finalist Screenplay Awards are sponsored by InkTip and NetworkISA.
“Eleven years have gone by quickly. We’re proud to have had the opportunity to present 700 socially relevant films from 40 countries over the past 10 years. The work of talented and dedicated filmmakers has offered us the bonus of learning about the human condition, filmmaking, and ways of engaging an audience, as the first steps towards raising awareness of social issues.” Festival Founding Artistic Director Nora Armani said.
TICKETS
For a limited time only, Early Bird Tickets, Trio Tickets are available at discount prices at filmfreeway.com/SRFF24/tickets.
Full price tickets are also available.
Press and Media are invited.
The SR Socially Relevant™ Film Festival, NY
Website – ratedsrfilms.org
Email – ratedsrfilms@gmail.com
SRFF was founded by Actress/ Filmmaker Nora Armani in 2013 as a response to the proliferation of violence and violent forms of storytelling in media and entertainment. Following a family tragedy that cost the lives of two of her dearest and nearest, namely her cousin Vanya, and uncle Jack Exerjian, Armani founded the festival to commemorate them in a meaningful way.
SRFF believes in the power of the film medium in raising awareness of social issues and promoting positive social change. This new edition deals with topics such as Climate Change, Family and Adoption, LGBTQ Rights, Home and Health, Disability, Incarceration and Freedom, New York City, Racism, and BIPOC cultures.
The Mission of the SR Film Festival is to shine the spotlight on filmmakers who tell compelling, socially relevant, human-interest stories across a broad range of social issues without resorting to gratuitous violence and violent forms of storytelling.
(Mabel Pais writes on Social Issues, The Arts and Entertainment, Spirituality, Education, Cuisine, Health & Wellness, and Business)
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CELEBRATE ST. PADDY’S DAY WITH TRINITY DANCE FEMALE EMPOWERMENT
By Mabel Pais
Spend St. Paddy’s Day at NJPAC?
The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) welcomes the Trinity Irish Dance Company to perform on Sunday, March 17, 2024 at 7 p.m. on the Prudential Hall stage.
There’s no better way to spend St. Patrick’s Day than with the Trinity Irish Dance Company at NJPAC. It is Irish step dancing with a rebellious spirit—featuring a troupe of high-energy performers with incredible athletic prowess and precision footwork. Trinity is a modern take on the traditional art form, set to music ranging from Irish fiddle to electric guitar. Founded in Chicago in 1990, this uniquely Irish-American company was the birthplace of progressive Irish dance, opening new avenues of artistic freedom that led directly to commercial productions such as “Riverdance.”
This Saint Patrick’s Day celebration showcases breathtaking displays of athleticism through high-energy performances and modern takes on a timeless, traditional art form.
Under the lead of Mark Howard, founding artistic director/choreographer – and recent inductee into the 2023 Irish American Hall of Fame –the internationally-renowned Trinity Irish Dance Company brings world premiere work to NJPAC!
“Sophisticated and commanding” (Los Angeles Times), the Trinity Irish Dance Company (TIDC) is the birthplace of progressive Irish dance, an innovative movement genre that “ushered in a new era for Irish step dance” (Chicago Tribune).
FUSION DANCE
The Trinity Irish Dance Company (TIDC) creates a thrilling fusion of customs and innovation. Imagine Irish fiddle meets electric guitar, with explosive choreography that ignites the stage and sends your heart racing. It is a breath of artistic fresh air, but still guaranteed to leave you breathless.
The Trinity Irish Dance Company (TIDC) prides itself in its mission to preserve the integrity and ancestral roots of Irish dancing. Trinity Irish Dance Company stands apart in a world saturated with showy, cliche Irish dance productions. They prioritize artistic exploration and push the boundaries of the form in its natural state. Michelle Dorrance, the renowned choreographer of their show ‘American Traffic,’ defines them as “the cutting edge of Irish dance,” achieving a “powerful combination of cultural depth, innovation, and artistry.”
FEMALE EMPOWERMENT
From its inception over 30 years ago, TIDC has been more than just a dance troupe; it has been a beacon for female empowerment and inclusivity. Their stage serves as a platform for powerful women to bring the thunder and shatter stereotypes, redefining the landscape of Irish dance. With every step and captivating performance, TIDC continues to carve a path for equality and artistic freedom. They are unapologetically feminist, unafraid to break down barriers and challenge the status quo.
With a unique blend of uncompromising power and grace, Trinity sends a consistent message of female empowerment with a repertory that is elevating and evolving the art form for nearly three decades.
PROGRAM
Ushering in St. Patrick’s Day with their unique vision to fuse vibrant Irish traditions with ever-evolving American innovation, their mixed repertory program will include two world premiere works:
‘TAKING THE MICK,’ choreographed by Mark Howard and Associate Artistic Director Chelsea Hoy, takes the versatility of these artists to a new level through multi-genre vignettes of rapid-fire footwork, theatrics, and twisted traditions. Drawing upon the American Vaudeville era and its place in Irish step dance history, ‘Taking the Mick’ blends commentary and innovation through a movement that is at once whimsical and fierce.
‘P.O.V.’ is a new work by elusive, renowned choreographer Harrison McEldowney, who has come out of retirement specifically for Trinity Irish Dance Company with a concept that brings a unique “point of view” to audiences who constantly ask, “What is it like to be a Trinity Irish dancer?” A collaboration between two Chicago dance community stalwarts, ‘P.O.V.’ provides the audience with a unique “lens” into TIDC’s fast-paced movement genre. Each performance is unique to its audience and venue – you must be there to believe what you see!
TICKETS
For tickets to see the performance, visit NJPAC.org or the box office or call 888. GO.NJPAC (888.466.5722).
The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC)
Visit NJPAC.org or call 888.GO.NJPAC (888.466.5722) for more information.
Follow NJPAC Online:
Website: njpac.org
Twitter: @NJPAC
Instagram: @NJPAC
Hashtag: #NJPAC
Facebook: facebook.com/NJPAC
YouTube: NJPACtv
Follow NJPAC’s Standing in Solidarity Series Online:
Website: njpac.org/takeastand
Hashtag: #NJPACTakeAStand
Youtube: Standing in Solidarity playlist
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NJYC PRESENTS TIMELESS SONGS, FAVORITE MOVIE THEMES, INSPIRING MUSIC
NJYC choirs (Credit : WhartonArts.org) By Mabel Pais
Three ensembles from the New Jersey Youth Chorus (NJYC) presents ‘Songs from Our Childhood’’ on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. at the JCC MetroWest located at 760 Northfield Avenue in West Orange.
NJYC’s Primo Coro led by Trish Joyce, Coro Vivo led by Dan Malloy, and Sola Voce led by Joanna Scarangello, will weave a story that includes timeless songs, favorite movie themes, and inspiring music. Choral selections include ‘This Old Man,’ ‘There Was an Old Woman’ ‘Who Swallowed a Fly,’ ‘You’ve Got a Friend in Me,’ ‘The Fox,’ ‘Red Light,’ ‘Green Light,’ and ‘Touch the Sky,’ among others.
“Our NJYC choristers are excited to present this program, which will not only feature several selections from each chorus ensemble, but also hand clapping songs, favorite Disney and Wizard of Oz songs, and traditional camp songs. The audience is invited to raise their voices with the choir in this trip down memory lane. It will truly be a program that all ages can enjoy!” said NJYC Founder and Director Trish Joyce.
Wharton Arts, The New Jersey Youth Chorus
Learn more at WhartonArts.org.
(Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Spirituality, Education, Cuisine, Health & Wellness, and Business)
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How gut health helps in improving bone density among women
On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate the strength and resilience of women worldwide yet, amidst the hustle and bustle of their daily lives, women often overlook a crucial aspect of their health: the gut. Recent research has unveiled a fascinating connection between gut health and bone density, especially among women. With women at a greater risk of developing osteoporosis than men, understanding how a healthy gut can be a game-changer for women’s bone health is important.
In an interview with Zarafshan Shiraz of HT Lifestyle, Dr Debojyoti Dhar, Co-Founder and Director at Leucine Rich Bio, shared, “The gut is home to trillions of microorganisms, collectively known as the gut microbiota. This complex ecosystem plays a pivotal role in various physiological functions, including immune regulation, nutrient absorption, and even bone health. Recent studies have shed light on the intricate relationship between gut health and bone density, particularly in women. Several studies have shown that gut microbiota play an important role on bone metabolism (the intricate balance between bone formation and bone dissolution).”
Talking about Gut Dysbiosis and the role of Short-Chain Fatty Acids, she said, “Disbalance in the microbiota profile in the gut is called dysbiosis. Research has shown that dysbiosis in the gut can lead to loss of bone density. One of the key mechanisms through which the gut microbiota influences bone health is the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). SCFAs are byproducts of the fermentation of dietary fiber by gut bacteria. These compounds have been shown to enhance calcium absorption, reduce inflammation, and promote bone formation. Research indicates that higher levels of SCFAs are associated with increased bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women. This underscores the importance of maintaining a healthy gut microbiota to support optimal bone health.”
Revealing why bone density is important, Dr Debojyoti Dhar said, “BMD is a measure of the amount of minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus, present in bone tissue. Higher BMD indicates greater bone strength and density, reducing the risk of fractures and osteoporosis. Maintaining a healthy BMD is crucial for overall bone health and mobility, especially as women age and face hormonal changes that can affect bone density.”
Did you know menopause affects bone health? Dr Debojyoti Dhar informed, “Menopause is a critical period in a woman’s life when hormonal changes can significantly affect bone health. Estrogen, a hormone that declines during menopause, plays a crucial role in maintaining bone density. As estrogen levels decrease, women become more susceptible to bone loss and osteoporosis. However, emerging evidence suggests that the gut microbiota may modulate estrogen metabolism, potentially influencing bone health during menopause.”
Talking about gut microbiome profiling, she said, “Given the profound impact of gut health on bone density, knowing one’s gut microbiota offers scope for the management of bone-related issues. One way to gain insights into the composition and diversity of the gut microbiota is through gut microbiome profiling tests like BugSpeaks. These tests analyse the genetic material of gut microbes, providing valuable information about the overall health of the gut microbiota. By identifying any imbalances or deficiencies in the gut microbiota, women can take proactive steps to improve their gut health and, in turn, support their bone density. This may include dietary modifications, probiotic supplementation, and lifestyle changes that promote a healthy gut environment.”
On this Women’s Day, let’s recognise the significant impact of gut health on women’s bone density and overall well-being. By taking charge of gut health, understanding their gut microbiome through profiling and adopting gut-friendly habits, women can maintain strong bones throughout their lives. Source: HT -
Sleeping for just 3 to 5 hours daily may increase Type 2 diabetes risk: Study
People who sleep for only three to five hours daily may be at a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, according to a study. The research, published in journal JAMA Network Open, also shows that chronic sleep deprivation cannot be compensated by healthy eating alone. “I generally recommend prioritising sleep, although I understand it is not always possible, especially as a parent of four teenagers,” said Christian Benedict, associate professor at Uppsala University and lead researcher behind the study.
The team examined the link between Type 2 diabetes and sleep deprivation. Type 2 diabetes affects the body’s ability to process sugar (glucose), hindering insulin absorption and resulting in high blood sugar levels. “I generally recommend prioritising sleep, although I understand it is not always possible, especially as a parent of four teenagers,” said Christian Benedict, associate professor at Uppsala University and lead researcher behind the study.
The team examined the link between Type 2 diabetes and sleep deprivation. Type 2 diabetes affects the body’s ability to process sugar (glucose), hindering insulin absorption and resulting in high blood sugar levels.
The researchers used data from one of the largest population databases in the world, the UK Biobank, in which nearly half a million participants from the UK have been genetically mapped and responded to questions on health and lifestyle.
They followed the participants for over 10 years and found that a sleep duration of between three and five hours was linked to a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. In contrast, healthy eating habits led to a lower risk of developing the disease, but even people who ate healthily but slept less than six hours a day were still at higher risk of Type 2 diabetes.
“Our results are the first to question whether a healthy diet can compensate for lack of sleep in terms of the risk of Type 2 diabetes. They should not cause concern, but instead be seen as a reminder that sleep plays an important role in health,” Benedict added. Source: PTI -
Eating too much protein could harm your heart
Eating too much protein could cause heart problems, according to researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. In a study, published in Nature Metabolism, involving people, mice, and cells, consuming over 22% of daily calories from protein was linked to immune cell activation, contributing to the formation of plaque in the arteries, a condition called atherosclerosis. The amino acid leucine, found in animal products like beef and eggs, played a significant role in this molecular process.
Senior author Babak Razani warned against increasing protein intake blindly, saying it might harm arteries. He said that this study could encourage discussions about tweaking diets for better health.
“Our hope is that this research starts a conversation about ways of modifying diets in a precise manner that can influence body function at a molecular level and dampen disease risks,” he said in a statement.
The study also questioned the popular belief that more protein is always better. Based on a 10-year survey of average American diets, a lot of daily calories come from protein, mostly from meat.
This aligns with the idea that protein is crucial for health, but studies, including this one, suggest too much might not be good for long-term health. Razani and metabolism expert Bettina Mittendorfer collaborated for a deeper understanding. The study spanned different models, from cells to mice to humans. Initial experiments with healthy people guided the timeline for immune cell activation.
Simulations in mice and human cells showed that eating more than 22% of daily calories from protein can harm macrophages, cells that help clear debris, leading to plaque buildup in arteries. -
Working long hours ups depression risk in women
Women who work more than 55 hours a week are at a higher risk of depression, according to study which found that the same is not true for men. The study of over 20,000 adults found that after taking age, income, health and job characteristics into account, women who worked extra-long hours had 7.3 per cent more depressive symptoms than women working a standard 35-40 week.
Weekend working was linked to a higher risk of depression among both sexes, according to the researchers from Queen Mary University of London and University College London in the UK. Women who worked for all or most weekends had 4.6 per cent more depressive symptoms on average compared to women working only weekdays.
Men who worked all or most weekends had 3.4 per cent more depressive symptoms than men working only weekdays.
“This is an observational study, so although we cannot establish the exact causes, we do know many women face the additional burden of doing a larger share of domestic labour than men, leading to extensive total work hours, added time pressures and overwhelming responsibilities,” said Gill Weston, a PhD candidate at UCL.
“Additionally women who work most weekends tend to be concentrated in low-paid service sector jobs, which have been linked to higher levels of depression,” said Weston.
The research showed that men tended to work longer hours in paid work than women, and having children affected men’s and women’s work patterns in different ways: while mothers tended to work fewer hours than women without children, fathers tended to work more hours than men without children.
Two thirds of men worked weekends, compared with half of women. Those who worked all or most weekends were more likely to be in low skilled work and to be less satisfied with their job and their earnings than those who only worked Monday to Friday or some weekends.
Researchers analysed data from 40,000 households across the UK since 2009. Information about working hours, weekend working, working conditions and psychological distress was collected from 11,215 working men and 12,188 working women between 2010
and 2012.
Depressive symptoms such as feeling worthless or incapable were measured using a self-completed general health questionnaire.
“Women in general are more likely to be depressed than men, and this was no different in the study,” Weston said.
“Independent of their working patterns, we also found that workers with the most depressive symptoms were older, on lower incomes, smokers, in physically demanding jobs, and who were dissatisfied at work,” she said.
“We hope our findings will encourage employers and policy-makers to think about how to reduce the burdens and increase support for women who work long or irregular hours—without restricting their ability to work when they wish to,” she added. -
How your daily routine damages your hair
We all have bad hair habits, most likely because we didn’t know any better, but after reading some of the common bad habits many are guilty of below, you won’t have an excuse to continue doing these any more.
Using Old Combs & Brushes
Don’t let your hair pile up in your hair brush, this can be a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. Make sure to clean the hair out every week, and deep clean your hair brush once a month.
Tip: Clean your hair brush or comb with baking soda and water, this will remove oil and product that builds up over time.
Applying Too Many Chemicals
Artificial chemicals are bad for your body, and your hair is no exception. If you’re coloring, getting keratin treatments, or relaxing your hair more often than you should, you are probably doing more damage than good. Make sure to keep any chemical processes or treatments down to a minimum, and your hair will begin to look and feel better and stronger.
Tip: If you have to get chemical treatments, establish a routine that involves preemptive care, like applying a hair mask a couple days before your treatment. You can also use a hair cover up on your roots so you don’t have to get your hair colored as often!
Going Too Long Without A Haircut
If you want healthy hair, make sure you’re getting regular trims to avoid split ends. Split ends can move up the hair shaft until you not only have split ends but a completely damaged hair shaft, which eventually leads to weakened locks and even hair thinning.
Tip: The right trim is ½ inch each month, or every other month if you are trying to grow your hair longer. -
Malai Kofta
Ingredients
4 Large Potatoes, boiled, 250 Gram Paneer (cottage cheese), 50 Gram Maida, 1 Tbsp Coriander leaves (chopped), 3 Onion, 1 Tbsp Ginger-garlic paste, 2 Tomatoes, 200 Ml Malai or cream, 2 Tbsp Raisins and cashew nuts, 50 Gram Cashew nuts paste, 1/2 tsp Haldi, 1/2 tsp Red chilli powder, 1/2 tsp Kitchen king masala, 1 Tbsp Kasuri methi (dry fenugreek), To taste Salt, 1 Tbsp Sugar
Method
– Refrigerate the boiled potatoes for 4 to 6 hours as this makes it easy to cook koftas.
– Mash the boiled potatoes and paneer along with maida. The mix should not be too hard or too soft. Add salt, chopped coriander leaves and mix well.
– Cut the raisins and cashew nuts into very small pieces and add 1/2 teaspoon of sugar to the mix.
– Heat up the oil for deep frying.
– Roll out the balls from the dough you prepared and stuff the dry fruit mix in the center.6.Fry the koftas and if they break in hot oil then dust them with dry maida before putting them in.
– Fry some onion, ginger-garlic paste and tomato paste.
– Mix the cashew nut paste with 2 tablespoon of warm milk and pour it into the paste.
– Except for kasuri methi, add all the dry masala into the paste and saute till the oil separates itself.
– Add half a cup of water and simmer the gravy till it’s done.
– Add cream/malai along with a tablespoon of sugar and kasuri methi.
– Simmer the gravy till the oil starts separating and once it’s done, put the fried koftas into the gravy.
– Serve hot with chapatis. -
Lindsay Lohan ‘excited to work with’ Jamie Lee Curtis on Freaky Friday sequel
Lindsay Lohan shared she is excited to once again work with the Academy Award-winning actress Jamie Lee Curtis in the sequel of their popular 2003 film Freaky Friday. Lindsay said the upcoming film is “in the process,” but did not say when the shooting would commence or if there even is a completed script.
The 37-year-old actress said that she was “just excited to work with Jamie again and see how much further we can take it. Because we talk almost every other day in general, so I think we’re going to have a lot of fun with this.” Lindsay said on Andy Cohen Live that a Freaky Friday sequel is still happening and added that she and the 65-year-old star are “both excited”. -
Cameron Diaz in talks to star alongside Keanu Reeves in Outcome
Cameron Diaz is in talks to star alongside Keanu Reeves and Jonah Hill in the upcoming dark comedy, titled Outcome. Helmed by Jonah, Outcome will feature Keanu as Reef, a damaged Hollywood star who must “dive into the dark depths of his past to confront his demons and make amends after he is extorted with a mysterious video clip from his past.” Details of Cameron’s role are still under wraps. This is not the first time Cameron will feature in the comedic space.
She has previously featured in films such as The Mask, My Best Friend’s Wedding, There’s Something About Mary, Bad Teacher, Charlie’s Angels and Shrek franchises. The actress took a step back from Hollywood in 2018 to put more focus toward her endeavours as a bestselling author and entrepreneur.
She also has Back in Action opposite Jamie Foxx in the Netflix action comedy by the same name, which marks her “un-retirement”. -
The Idea of You: Anne Hathaway falls for a much younger guy in new rom-com
Who can resist falling love with Anne Hathaway? Surely not even young rockstars. The first trailer for Prime Video’s upcoming romantic comedy The Idea of You is out. It stars Anne Hathaway (41) with Nicolas Galitzine (29). Anne plays an art manager who falls for Nicolas’ gentle rockstar. They meet at Coachella and it is love at first sight. He follows her to her workplace, clearly smitten but she is apprehensive about their age difference. But the fire in their hearts is already lit.
The official synopsis of the movie reads: Based on the acclaimed, contemporary love story of the same name, The Idea of You centers on Solène (Anne Hathaway), a 40-year-old single mom who begins an unexpected romance with 24-year-old Hayes Campbell (Nicholas Galitzine), the lead singer of August Moon, the hottest boy band on the planet. When Solène must step in to chaperone her teenage daughter’s trip to the Coachella Music Festival after her ex bails at the last minute, she has a chance encounter with Hayes and there is an instant, undeniable spark. As they begin a whirlwind romance, it isn’t long before Hayes’ superstar status poses unavoidable challenges to their relationship, and Solène soon discovers that life in the glare of his spotlight might be more than she bargained for.
The film is directed by Michael Showalter and also stars Ella Rubin, Annie Mumolo, Reid Scott, Perry Mattfeld, Jordan Aaron Hall, Mathilda Gianopoulos, Raymond Cham Jr., Jaiden Anthony, Viktor White, Dakota Adan.
The film marks Director Michael Showalter’s return to the SXSW Film Festival after six years where he debuted and presented numerous projects such as Hello My Name is Doris (2015) and The Big Sick (2017), both of which won the Audience Award at the festival. Source: HT -
Gal Gadot announces birth of fourth child
Wonder Woman star Gal Gadot has revealed that she has given birth to her fourth child with husband Jaron Versano. The Israeli actor, who resides in Los Angeles, made the announcement on her Instagram account on Wednesday. It was not widely known that Gadot was pregnant. It is the fourth girl for the couple, who are already parents to Alma (12) Maya (six) and Daniella (two).
“My sweet girl, welcome. The pregnancy was not easy and we made it through,” Gadot wrote in the post.
The actor said they have named the newborn ‘Ori’, which means ‘my light’ in Hebrew, but didn’t disclose when and where she gave birth.
“You have brought so much light into our lives, living up to your name, Ori, which means ‘my light’ in Hebrew.
“Our hearts are full of gratitude. Welcome to the house of girls.. daddy is pretty cool too,” the 38-year-old captioned a photo of her holding the baby in her arms in the hospital. -
Richa Chadha talks about women working behind the scenes in Bollywood
Actor-producer Richa Chadha says she wants to work towards empowering women in traditionally male-dominated areas of the film industry, such as spot and lighting departments.
The 37-year-old actor, known for films like Gangs of Wasseypur, Fukrey franchise, said for her debut home production, Girls Will be Girls, they trained and hired women in the lighting department.
Directed by Shuchi Talati, the film follows the journey of Mira, a 16-year-old girl whose rebellious awakening is intertwined with her mother’s unfulfilled coming-of-age experiences.
“Intentionality matters, and we have to try and do something. I turned producer with Girls Will Be Girls. The director is a woman. There was a sexuality thing in the film, so she wanted an all-female team.
“In the lighting department, there are no women in India. We thought of doing a training programme for it. A company called Light and Light sent a trainer. They spent time with girls teaching (them) storytelling through lightning, using technology, etc. We hired one of them on our set,” Chadha said during a panel discussion at FICCI Frames on Tuesday evening.
The actor said while there has been “progress” in the representation of women in front of and behind-the-camera, a lot of work still needs to be done.
Condemning the recent incident of a Spanish woman’s gang-rape in Jharkhand’s Dumka district, Chadha said such “horrible” instances create a fear of “unsafe” atmosphere for women.
“We have made some progress. Every year it is better than last year. But then, it’s taking two steps forward and one step back. When something horrible happens in society, whether it’s in Manipur, Jharkhand, it sets people (back in time) because then parents are like, ‘It’s unsafe for you to study and work’. We are not in a decision-making position in society,” she said.
Chadha and Ekta Kapoor were part of a panel discussion at FICCI Frames, called Trailblazers in entertainment: Celebrating Women’s Contribution in Films and Shows’.
Kapoor said it is easier to make “misogynistic” films than a movie that celebrates womanhood.
“It has become far tougher since Covid-19 because it is easier to make a slightly misogynistic film, or a more machismo kind of film than celebrating womanhood or feminism. The word feminism is a taboo in movies. It is so scary as, we as women producers, want to support stories, and we will be at it,” the producer said. Source: PTI -
Janhvi Kapoor to star alongside Ram Charan in tentatively titled RC 16
On Janhvi Kapoor’s 27th birthday on Wednesday, it was announced that the actress will be featuring alongside star Ram Charan in the tentatively titled pan-India film RC 16. Production company Mythri Movie Makers welcomed the actress on board on X and wished her a happy birthday.
“Welcoming the celestial beauty on board for #RC16. Happy Birthday to the mesmerising #JanhviKapoor #RamCharanRevolts Global Star @AlwaysRamCharan @BuchiBabuSana @arrahman @RathnaveluDop @artkolla @vriddhicinemas @SukumarWritings.” The entertainer, which is directed by Buchi Babu Sana, who made his debut with Uppena, is presented by Mythri Movie Makers and produced under the banner of Vriddhi Cinemas and Sukumar Writings. The music is given by AR Rahman. Source: IANS -
Alia Bhatt to headline Spy Universe film
The speculations about actor Alia Bhatt joining the YRF Spy Universe have finally come to an end as Yash Raj Films’ CEO Akshaye Widhani confirmed this exciting news. Alia is all set to team up with Sharvari Wagh in the yet-to-be-titled film. Reportedly, they will play super-agents in the action entertainer.
Sharing the new development within the YRF Spy Universe, Akshaye said, “I’ll share the worst kept secret in the industry, which is, that Alia Bhatt is headlining a Spy Universe film and that the schedule starts later this year. But you know, talking about this spy universe, we are just so thrilled and excited about having this IP in the studio.”
He added, “I think the YRF Spy Universe is a financial and cultural juggernaut. And as one of the most prized IPs, we take a lot of pride in it. So there’s a lot of stuff that’s going to come on the spy universe, we’re going to see more and more films getting made under it. But of course, not going to share everything here. But we will talk about it at a more opportune time. But for now, I can just say that Alia Bhatt is headlining a spy universe film.”
Meanwhile, Alia is gearing up for her upcoming film Jigra. Helmed by Vasan Bala, Jigra will be co-produced by Karan Johar and Alia herself. The film is all set to hit the theatres on September 27. Director Vasan Bala previously helmed films like Monica O My Darling, a crime thriller film Peddlers and Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota. Jigra was announced last year in September. The announcement video showed the film is a tale of a sister’s love for her brother and how she would do anything to protect him. Source: ANI -
Aamir Khan, Darsheel reunite 16 yrs after Taare Zameen Par
Actors Aamir Khan and Darsheel Safary reunited 16 long years after starring in the 2007 film Taare Zameen Par. Darsheel took to his Instagram to share an ad that sees Aamir play his grandfather.
“Join #AamirKhan as he goes on an adventure through time with Charged by Thums Up,” wrote Darsheel, sharing the ad on his Instagram page. In it, Aamir can be seen playing his ‘dadu’, someone who finds a solution to all his life’s problems. On Tuesday, March 5, Darsheel had shared a set of pictures of Aamir, writing, “It is Aamir’s multiverse, and we’re all just living in it. 3 days to go. #mrperfectionist #masterclass #versatileactor.” -
Rahul Gandhi to contest from Wayanad again
Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi will again contest from Kerala’s Wayanad, sources said. Rahul Gandhi’s name was cleared in the first meeting of Congress party’s Central Election Committee (CEC) held at party headquarters in national capital on March 7 evening, they said.
Rahul Gandhi, also a member of CEC, joined the meeting virtually from Gujarat. Rahul had won Wayanad in 2019 and by a record margin. He had, however, lost Amethi, the erstwhile Congress bastion in Uttar Pradesh, to BJP leader Smriti Irani.
The Communist Party of India (CPI), the second-largest coalition partner in Kerala’s ruling Left Democratic Front, has fielded senior party leader Annie Raja from the Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency.
Since candidates from Amethi were not discussed, hence it remains unclear whether or not Rahul will contest from Amethi again or Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will be fielded or not from Rae Bareli- both seats in UP. -
Cabinet panel clears new indigenous stealth fighter project in defence push
New Delhi (TIP)- The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has approved a highly anticipated project for the design and prototype development of an indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter, or the advanced medium combat aircraft (AMCA), at a cost of around Rs 15,000 crore, officials aware of the matter said on March 7. It is perhaps the most significant military project to be cleared by the government before India’s general elections due in April-May.
The project will involve the design and development of five twin-engine AMCA prototypes, with the stealth fighter likely to go into production only after a decade, the officials said, asking not to be named.
The Indian Air Force’s (IAF) modernisation map envisages the deployment of around 120 stealth fighters (six squadrons) 2035 onwards, with the advanced planes forming an important element of future air combat.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Aeronautical Development Agency and state-run plane maker Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will be involved in the AMCA project, which will be developed in two phases, as previously reported by HT. The first two squadrons will consist of the Mk-1 version of AMCA powered by the American F-414 engines, while the remaining four squadrons will have the more advanced Mk-2 version equipped with an even more powerful engine to be built in India with foreign collaboration. Source: HT -
Modi visits Srinagar, first since Kashmir autonomy removed in 2019
Srinagar (TIP)- India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made his first official visit to the main city of Indian-administrated Kashmir since New Delhi scrapped the disputed region’s semi-autonomy in 2019. Addressing a crowd in a football stadium in Srinagar, Modi on March 7 announced development projects and said previous governments had misled people over the region’s special status.
Modi’s government stripped the Muslim-majority territory of its special constitutional status, splitting the former state into two territories – Ladakh, and Jammu and Kashmir – directly ruled from New Delhi. Inherited protections on land and jobs given to the Indigenous residents were also removed.
The move, widely welcomed across India, angered many in the densely militarised territory. Rebels in the Himalayan region have waged a rebellion since 1989, seeking independence or a merger with Pakistan, which controls a smaller part of the Kashmir region and, like India, claims it in full.
“The success story of Jammu and Kashmir will be the centre of attraction for the world,” he said, adding the region has prospered since the 2019 move. “This new Jammu-Kashmir has the courage to overcome any challenge,” he said. “The country is seeing these smiling faces of yours … [and] feeling relieved to see you all happy.”
Although Modi’s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is not a key player in Kashmir, the visit is seen as a signal to its voters that the party has fulfilled a core promise to end Kashmir’s special status.
The event was also a part of Modi’s campaign ahead of national election scheduled in April and May, the first since the region lost its autonomy. The last election for the region’s legislative assembly was held in 2014, but the government was dismissed in 2018.
Modi did not mention plans to hold elections in the region or to restore its statehood, both demanded by Indian-administered Kashmir’s pro-India political parties. His close aide and federal Home Minister Amit Shah has repeatedly promised that the region would be regain statehood after elections.
In December, India’s Supreme Court upheld the 2019 decision and asked the government to conduct state polls by September.
Modi’s government claims New Delhi’s direct rule of Kashmir brought about a new era of “peace and development” in the region, but critics and many residents say it heralded a drastic curtailment of civil liberties and press freedom.
For security, thousands of armed police and paramilitary forces in flak jackets were deployed, and new checkpoints were set up across Srinagar. The forces laid razor wire as they patrolled all the roads leading to the football stadium and randomly frisked residents and searched vehicles.
Navy commandos in motorboats patrolled the Jhelum river that snakes through the city. Most schools in the city are shut for the day, and the authorities have called on government employees to attend the rally.
Omar Abdullah, a former chief minister of Indian-administered Kashmir, accused the government of organising buses to bring in crowds to attend the rally, alleging that “almost none” would be attending willingly. -
PM Modi announces LPG cylinder price cut by Rs 100 on Women’s Day
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a reduction of Rs 100 in cooking gas cylinder prices on Friday on the occasion of International Women’s Day. This will significantly ease the financial burden on millions of households across the country, especially benefiting “Nari Shakti” (women power), he said in a post on X.
“By making cooking gas more affordable, we also aim to support the well-being of families and ensure a healthier environment. This is in line with our commitment to empowering women and ensuring ‘Ease of Living’ for them,” he said. In a related decision, the government on Thursday announced the extension of Rs 300 per LPG cylinder subsidy to poor women under the Ujjwala Yojana for the next fiscal starting April 1.
The government in October last year hiked the subsidy from Rs 200 per 14.2-kg cylinders for up to 12 refills per year to Rs 300 per bottle. The Rs 300 per cylinder subsidy was for the current fiscal, which ends on March 31. -
CBI busts network sending Indians to Ukraine war zone
Beijing (TIP)- The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday, March 7, said it has busted major human trafficking networks operating across India that targeted young people with promises of lucrative jobs abroad, including in Russia and Ukraine, but sent them off to people who then forced them to fight on the front lines of the war between those countries. The agency conducted searches at 13 locations in Delhi, Thiruvananthapuram, Mumbai, Ambala, Chandigarh, Madurai and Chennai. It identified at least 35 instances of victims sent abroad by the alleged traffickers.
“These traffickers have been operating as an organised network and were luring Indian nationals through social media channels like YouTube etc, and also through their local contacts or agents for highly paid jobs in Russia,” a CBI spokesperson said. “Thereafter, the trafficked Indian nationals were trained in combat roles and deployed at front bases in the Russia-Ukraine war zone against their wishes, thus putting their lives in grave danger.”
Some victims were grievously injured in the war zone, the spokesperson said.
At least two Indian nationals are known to have been killed while serving with the Russian army. The Indian embassy in Moscow confirmed the death of Indian national Mohammed Asfan in a post on X on March 6. The 30-year-old from Hyderabad travelled to Russia late last year and reports have said he was seriously injured along with two other Indians in hostilities in a conflict zone last month.
Earlier, 23-year-old Hemal Ashwinbhai Mangukiya, a resident of Surat in Gujarat, was killed in a Ukrainian air strike while serving as a “security helper” with the Russian Army at Donetsk, a part of Ukraine occupied by Russia. Mangukiya travelled to Russia last December.
CBI registered a case on Wednesday against private visa consultancy firms, agents and others engaged in trafficking Indians to Russia under the guise of employment, the spokesperson said. “So far around 35 instances of victims sent abroad have been established. The identity of more trafficking victims are also being established. Investigation is continuing.”
Four accused consultancies or agents were named: 24×7 RAS Overseas Foundation and its director Suyash Mukut; OSD Bros Travels and Visa Services Pvt Ltd. and its director Rakesh Pandey; Adventure Visa Services Pvt Ltd and its director Manjeet Singh; and Baba Vlogs Overseas Recruitment Solutions Pvt Ltd. and its director Faisal Abdul Mutalib Khan, also known as Baba. Cash amounting to over ?50 lakh, incriminating documents, electronics and CCTV footage were recovered during Thursday’s raids, the spokesperson said.
The agency appealed to the public not to fall for false job promises from dubious recruitment agencies and agents. Indian authorities have stepped up efforts to bring back all Indians serving with the Russian military, though the actual number remains unclear, with some reports suggesting it could be around 100. Last month, India’s external affairs ministry confirmed that 20 Indian nationals serving with the Russian military had approached the Indian mission in Moscow seeking help with their discharge, and several were discharged after Indian authorities took up their cases in Moscow and New Delhi.