Sant Kabir Das (1440-1518 circa) was a famous poet, saint and social reformer of India. His writings have greatly influenced the Bhakti movement. Kabir Panth which is a religious community recognizes him as its founder and its members are known as Kabir Panthis, the followers of Saint Kabirdas.
His writings include Bijak, Sakhi Granth, Kabir Granthawali and Anurag Sagar. The major part of Kabir’s work was collected by the fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arjan Dev, and incorporated into the Sikh scripture Guru Granth Sahib. The hallmark of Kabir’s work consists of his two line couplets, known as Kabir Ke Dohe.
About Kabir Das
Sant Kabir Das was born in the city of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. He was brought up by a Muslim couple who were weavers by profession.
He was a renowned saint, poet and social reformer of India who lived during the 15th century. His esteemed works and poems describe the greatness and oneness of the Supreme Being. Sant Kabir Das was a proponent of Bhakti Movement.
The legacy of Kabir Das still remains through a sect referred to as Panth of Kabir, a spiritual community that considers him as the founder. Kabir Panth is not a separate religion, but a spiritual philosophy.
In his poems, Kabir calls himself a julaha and kori. Both mean weaver, belonging to a lower caste. He did not associate himself completely with either Hindus or Muslims.
Kabir did not undertake any formal education. He was not even trained as a weaver. While his poems abound with weaving metaphors, his heart was not fully into this profession. He was on a spiritual journey to seek the truth, which is clearly manifested in his poetry.
Sant Kabir Das’ early life was in a Muslim family. He was brought up by a family of Muslim julahas or weavers, but he was strongly influenced by Vaishnava Saint Swami Ramananda (his teacher), the Hindu bhakti leader.
Some of his famous writings include ‘Sakhi Granth’, ‘Anurag Sagar’, ‘Bijak’ and ‘Kabir Granthawali’. His great writing, Bijak, has a huge collection of poems.
The writings of Kabir Das were mainly based on the concept of reincarnation and karma.
After being an illiterate he had written his poems in Hindi mixing with Avadhi, Braj, and Bhojpuri. The poems are called variously as ‘Dohe’, ‘Saloka’ and ‘Sakhi’.
Sant Kabir Das was best known for his two-line couplets, referred to as ‘Kabir Ke Dohe‘.
The major part of his work was collected by the fifth Sikh guru, Guru Arjan Dev.
The verses of Kabir Das are found in Sikhism’s scripture Guru Granth Sahib.
Kabir’s works were mainly written in the Hindi language.
In the 15th century, when Persian and Sanskrit were predominant North Indian languages, he chose to write in colloquial, regional language.
His poetry is a mixture of Hindi, Khari Boli, Punjabi, Bhojpuri, Urdu, Persian and Marwari.
Contribution of Sant Kabir Das to Bhakti Movement
Sant Kabir Das got fame all over the world because of his influential traditions and culture. He was prejudiced by the existing religious mood of that time like Hinduism, Tantrism as well as personal devotionalism.
Kabir Das tried to coordinate the religions by giving a universal path which could be followed by all human beings. According to him, every life has a relationship with two spiritual principles (Jivatma and Paramatma). His view about the moksha is that it is the process of uniting these two divine principles.
He simply followed the oneness of God. In the Dabistan of Mohsin Fani and Ain-i-Akbari of Abul Fazl, he is mentioned as a ‘Muwahid’ (Believer in one God).
He always opposed the idea of worshipping the idols and showed clear confidence in Bhakti and Sufi ideas.
He composed poems in a concise and simple style, resonating the admiration for the factual guru.
He tried to interpret the meaning of the true religion of human beings that one should follow. This has helped the common people to understand his message very easily. He was against the caste system imposed by the Hindu community. Not just caste, Kabir also criticised the rites, rituals and customs which he thought were futile. From Khajinat al-Asafiya, we find that a Sufi Pir, Shaikh Taqqi was also the teacher of Kabir. Sufi-influence is also quite apparent in Kabir’s teaching and philosophy.
Sant Kabir’s teachings revolved around the concept of the formless God and rejected the traditional beliefs and rituals of both Hinduism and Islam. Kabir emphasized the importance of devotion, love, and meditation to attain spiritual enlightenment. He believed that every human has a spark of the divine and should strive to connect with it. He particularly criticized the caste system, social inequality, and emphasized the equality of all humans. Sant Kabir’s works have inspired millions of people to seek spiritual enlightenment and a connection with the divine.
Sant Kabir’s works include verses, couplets, and hymns that reflect his teachings and ideas. He wrote in Hindi and drew inspiration from both Hindu and Muslim traditions. One of his most popular works is the “Bijak,” a compilation of couplets that reflect his philosophy. His works were simple yet profound and inspire people to this day.
Sant Kabir’s teachings embody the spirit of love, devotion, and universal brotherhood. His philosophy transcended the boundaries of castes, religion, and nationality and aimed to connect all humans with the divine. The influence of his teachings can be found in several Indian religions, including Sikhism and Hinduism. His influence is widely felt in the field of literature, music, and spirituality.
Month: June 2024
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Sant Kabir Das Jayanti
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Ooty: The mesmerizing hill station
She is charming, she is classy, she is unique – she is the Queen of Hill Stations in India. Udhagamandalam, popularly known as Ooty is a hill station that will surely mesmerise you with its beguiling beauty. A chain of misty hills spread across a lush green carpet – with plenty to see, enjoy and experience. Ooty is much more than a visitor’s paradise. It lends a piece of itself to its guests that they will be thrilled to take back. One of the most beautiful hill stations in India, Ooty nestles in the Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu. An erstwhile summer resort of the British Raj in India, Ooty has transformed over the years into one of the most sought-after tourism destinations in Tamil Nadu.
With a cool and soothing climate almost all year round, Ooty welcomes tourists from far and wide. It’s not just about the mountains and hills, Ooty offers much more to discerning travellers who drive up the winding roads to reach the pinnacle. Lakes, gardens, parks, peaks, waterfalls and simply amazing accommodation options. No wonder Ooty is called the ‘Switzerland of India’, of such grandeur is the scenic beauty the destination is so well acclaimed for. If you would love to relax over a cup of tea, sitting back and gazing at the vastness of nature, Ooty is indeed the place to be. Besides that, the Nilgiri biosphere is rich in flora and fauna, allowing you to escape into the depths of mystic jungles and explore once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Also, you just can’t afford to miss the Toy Train ride from Mettupalayam to Ooty, which is the only daily operational meter-gauge, rack railway in India, providing you with mesmerising views of the Nilgiris.Top Attractions Botanical Garden
The Government Botanical Garden in Ooty, spread over 55 acres, is a mesmerizing tourist site that has been attracting visitors for years. Situated about 2400 – 2500 mts above sea level, the botanical garden was established by Marquis of Tweedale in 1897 with William Graham McIvor as the architect.
The Ooty Government Botanical Garden has a lot to offer for Nature lovers with its 600 varieties of plant species cultivated and exhibited here. The verdant lawns and the exotic varieties of flora are pleasing to the eye because they are very well maintained by the Tamil Nadu Horticulture Department. The mighty Doddabetta peak can be viewed from the garden.
Some of the enticing attractions here are the Cork tree, which is probably one of the very few of its kind in India, the paperbark tree, monkey puzzle tree, the majestic 20-million-year-old fossil tree trunk and the Toda mund or Toda hill.
There is a garden built in Italian pool-style by the Italian prisoners of war from the First World War. It is remarkable for its many varieties of colourful annuals and the lily pond where aquatic plant species are grown.
Ooty Lake
The picturesque Ooty Lake, also known as the Ooty boat house, is a much sought-after tourist attraction located in the midst of serene greenery. The Ooty Lake is an artificially constructed lake, built by John Sullivan in 1824.
Surrounded by the majestically-tall eucalyptus trees and dotted with green bushes along the shores, the Ooty Lake is an impressive spot in Nilgiris district. The Lake, spanning over 65 acres, was originally constructed for fishing. It was later transformed into a tourist park when the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation took over it in 1973. There are many fun activities that tourists can indulge in when they are at the Ooty Lake. Cycles are available for rent to ride around the Lake. Boating is another attraction. A tranquil ride through the waters is an attractive pastime as it lets one take in the entire beauty of the Lake. Paddle boat-, motor boat- and rowing boat services are also available. The ride offers a view of the serene greenery around and also of the distant hills.
Pine Forest
A journey of just 15 minutes from Ooty town centre will take you to the famed Pine Tree Forests of Ooty. These scenic woodlands, obscured in a fleeting veil of mist, offer a delightful experience to all travellers.
Deer Park
Spread over 22 acres in Udhagamandalam town is another tranquil spot near the Ooty Lake, that is home to a vast number of deer. About six acres of the lake have been used to develop the park. The park was inaugurated in 1986 and is maintained by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department. Although the name suggests that the park is exclusively for deer, the Deer Park is also home to a wide variety of birds and rabbits. This is one of the high-altitude animal parks in India and is easily accessible by road.
The Sambar and Chital species of deer can be found in the park. The Deer Park in Ooty is a haven for Nature lovers as it is wrapped in a chilly climate and surrounded by enticing flora and fauna.
Avalanche Lake
Hidden away from the commotions of urban jungles is the Avalanche Lake, a natural, crystal blue freshwater body. Nestled between the green slopes of the Nilgiris, the Avalanche Lake is a picture-perfect location set just over 20 km from Ooty town. The lake, with its refreshing blue waters and soothing greenery of the surrounding woods, is a treat for anyone in search of a getaway destination to escape the fatigue of mundane life. The lake has some of the best views of the Nilgiris, overlooking the undulating hills draped in perfectly aligned tea shrubs and the opulent greenery of the woods, all in the background of a picturesque lake always veiled in a white fog. The Avalanche Lake and its surroundings are a pristine tract of the Western Ghats, immaculately maintained with the help of local tribes. The Avalanche Lake will be an enthralling experience for anyone who wants a getaway spot to escape into the raw beauty of Nature and be lost and undisturbed in its serenity. Avalanche Lakeshore is one of the best camping spots in Ooty. -
India becomes third-largest domestic airline market
Driven by robust growth in the aviation sector in the last decade, India is now the third-largest domestic airline market in the world, up from 5th position 10 years ago.
Ten years ago, India was the smallest market with around 8 million seats, followed by Indonesia at 4th and Brazil at 3rd place, and the US and China occupying the top two positions.
Today, the US and China remain the largest domestic aviation markets.
“However, India is surpassing the Brazilian and Indonesian domestic markets to become the third-largest domestic market with airline capacity of 15.6 million seats in April 2024,” according to OAG data.
India’s capacity growth rate of seats over a 10-year average is the highest, growing at 6.9 per cent annually.
“India is the fastest growing market across all five domestic markets we considered. China was close behind with annual growth of 6.3 per cent between 2014 and 2024, and there is a much smaller growth rate in the US and Indonesia,” according to the data.
According to the OAG report, another interesting metric to consider across these large domestic markets is low-cost carrier (LCC) capacity share.
In April 2024, LCCs accounted for 78.4 per cent of domestic airline capacity in India, the highest LCC share of any of these five domestic markets.
“In the last 10 years, IndiGo has almost doubled their market share, from 32 per cent of capacity in 2014 to 62 per cent today. While the rest of the market has barely grown, averaging just 0.7 per cent a year, IndiGo has a domestic capacity growth rate of 13.9 per cent annually,” the report mentioned.
On November 19 last year, airlines in India flew 4,56,910 domestic passengers. This was the highest single-day air traffic since the pandemic hit, marking a remarkable 7.4 per cent surge above pre-Covid averages, as per the Civil Aviation Ministry’s data. According to the government, the number of airports in the country has increased to 157 from 74 in the last 10 years. Source: IANS -
ADB sanctions USD 170 mn loan to reinforce India’s health infrastructure
New Delhi (TIP)- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a USD 170 million policy-based loan aimed at enhancing the country’s health system.
According to ADB, the loan, part of the Strengthened and Measurable Actions for Resilient and Transformative Health Systems (SMART Health) Subprogram 1, is designed to support the Indian government’s National Health Policy 2017. This policy seeks to provide high-quality healthcare services to all citizens, ensuring readiness to tackle future health crises.
The USD 170 million loan from ADB will play a crucial role in addressing gaps in India’s health system and enhancing its capacity to respond to future pandemics.
Sonalini Khetrapal, ADB Senior Health Specialist, said, “The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us valuable lessons and adoption of several innovative practices that would significantly strengthen pandemic preparedness and response capacities if consolidated, sustained, and institutionalized. ADB has been working with the Government of India to strengthen its health system and adopt transformative solutions.”
She added, “This policy-based loan will help fill the gaps in policy, legislative, and institutional governance and structures and contribute to India’s goal of providing universal access to quality and affordable health care services to strengthen pandemic preparedness and response.”
The program will establish comprehensive disease surveillance systems to effectively respond to public health threats.
It will set up laboratory networks for infectious disease surveillance at various levels, including state, union, and metropolitan areas, ensuring a robust and coordinated response to emerging health threats.
The initiative will support the development of robust data systems to monitor and coordinate national health programs, particularly for vulnerable groups such as the poor and women. These data systems will facilitate better governance and decision-making in health service delivery. ADB will assist in implementing policy reforms to ensure an adequate and competent health workforce.
This includes legislation to regulate and maintain standards for education and professional conduct of nurses, midwives, allied health workers, and doctors.
The program will also support public health teams in various states, enhancing their capacity to deliver essential health services.
The loan will facilitate the management of integrated public health laboratories in five states and districts, enhancing services for infectious diseases and critical care.
District critical care hospital blocks will be improved to provide better services for managing critical illnesses and health emergencies.
The initiative will assist in establishing green and climate-resilient healthcare facilities through the support of an intersectoral governing body and a multisector task force.
This will ensure that health infrastructure is sustainable and can withstand climate-related challenges.
ADB will support the adoption of innovative solutions to enhance health service delivery, ensuring that the health system is responsive and adaptive to changing needs.
Source: ANI -
Fitch raises India’s FY25 growth forecast to 7.2%
New Delhi (TIP)- Fitch Ratings on Tuesday raised its growth estimates for India by 20 basis points to 7.2 percent — same as that of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) — citing positive economic outlook driven by recovering consumer confidence and increased investment.
“Investment will continue to rise but more slowly than in recent quarters, while consumer spending will recover with elevated consumer confidence. Purchasing managers survey data point to continued growth at the start of the current financial year. Signs of the coming monsoon season being more normal should support growth and make inflation less volatile, though the recent heatwave poses a risk,” the rating agency said in its latest Global Economic Outlook (GEO).
The Indian economy grew at an impressive rate of 8.2 per cent in FY24, driven by a stronger-than-expected expansion of 7.8 per cent in the fourth quarter.
Fitch said growth in later years may slow and approach its medium-term trend estimate. “We forecast real GDP growth of 6.5 per cent in FY25/26 (unchanged from March), and 6.2 per cent in FY26/27, driven by consumer spending and investment,” it added.
While highlighting the decrease in retail inflation, Fitch acknowledged persistent high food price inflation. “We expect headline inflation to continue declining to 4.5 per cent by calendar year-end, and average 4.3 per cent in 2025 and 2026, staying slightly above the mid-point of its target range,” the rating agency said.
Fitch said it expects the RBI to cut its policy rate this year, but only once, to 6.25 per cent. “In the March GEO, we expected 50bp of cuts this year. We then expect 25bp of cuts in both 2025 and 2026,” it added.
At its latest meeting in May, the RBI maintained the policy rate at 6.5 per cent and confirmed its hawkish stance of “withdrawal of monetary accommodation” and the need to bring down inflation towards the 4 per cent target.
The World Bank last week maintained India’s growth forecast at 6.6 per cent for FY25, affirming the country’s position as the fastest-growing economy among major economies. Meanwhile, the RBI raised its growth projection for FY25 to 7.2 per cent from an earlier estimate of 7 per cent in its last monetary policy review. -
Earth’s inner core ‘unambiguously’ slowing down, could change day’s length
A new study has provided “unambiguous evidence” that the Earth’s inner core began to slow down its rotation in 2010, compared to the planet’s surface.
Researchers said that the slowing down could change the length of one day on the Earth by fractions of a second.
The Earth’s inner core, a solid sphere made of iron and nickel, is suspended within the liquid outer core (made of molten metals) and anchored in its place by gravity. Together, the inner and the outer core, form one of the planet’s three layers—the other two being mantle and crust.
Being physically inaccessible, researchers usually study the core by analysing the recordings of waves sent out by earthquakes—seismograms.
“When I first saw the seismograms that hinted at this change, I was stumped,” said John Vidale, a professor of Earth Sciences at the University of Southern California, US.
“But when we found two dozen more observations signalling the same pattern, the result was inescapable. The inner core had slowed down for the first time in many decades,” said Vidale, also the corresponding author of the study published in the journal Nature. The slowing down of the inner core is hotly debated in the scientific community, with some studies even suggesting that it rotates faster than the Earth’s surface.
It is known that the spin of the inner core is influenced by the magnetic field generated in the outer core and the gravitational effects within Earth’s mantle. However, it is considered that the inner core is reversing and backtracking relative to the surface, because of rotating slower than the mantle for the first time in about 40 years. “Other scientists have recently argued for similar and different models, but our latest study provides the most convincing resolution,” Vidale said. A study published earlier this year, in the journal Nature, had found that climate change-driven melting of ice in Greenland and Antarctica was affecting global timekeeping by slowing down Earth’s rotation. Source: PTI -
Apple watch to get ability to change default ringtones with watchOS 11 update: Report
Apple’s latest watchOS 11 update will finally let users change the default ringtone on their Apple Watch, according to a report. The Cupertino-based tech giant unveiled watchOS 11 – the latest operating system for its smartwatches at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024 on June 10. The key highlights included a new Vitals app and more Smart Stack widgets. One of the features which Apple did not advertise but is said to be making its way to the Apple Watch is the ability to change the default ringtone.
Change ringtones with watchOS 11
At present, Apple Watch users have only one ringtone without any option to change it. According to a 9to5Mac report, that is set to change with the upcoming update. With the watchOS 11 developer beta update, users can choose from eight different ringtones, including the two original ones: Pebbles (Cellular ringtone), Focus, Jingle (original ringtone), Nighthawk, Transmit, Twirl, Windup, and Wonder.
In addition to changing ringtones, users are also reported to have the option to set tones for different alerts, notifications and reminders for text messages, emails, and more.
While changing ringtones has now become possible, the report speculates that it still does now allow setting a specific ringtone for a user on the Apple Watch.
With watchOS 11, Apple is also reportedly bringing automatic sleep tracking to the Apple Watch. Prior to the update, Apple Watch tracked the sleep activity only when the Sleep Focus mode was toggled. Moreover, it is also said to bring a new Smart Stack widget for Shazam. Although the app was already available to Apple users via the App Store or through Siri, this new shortcut could potentially allow for even quicker music searches. Source: NDTV -
Google releases Android 15 beta 3 phase with improved UI for passkeys
As Android 15 gets ready, Google is a step closer to releasing the new operating system. Today, Google announced that it will be releasing Android 15’s third beta. The update indicates that it has reached platform stability. This means that the developer APIs and all app-facing behaviours are now final for testers to review and integrate into their apps, and apps targeting Android 15 can be made available on Google Play. While Android 15 Beta 3 has not changed much since the last update, there are a few interesting pin-pointers that have been unveiled with this update. In the blog, Google brings attention to one significant change to the passkey UI.
Android 15: Improved passkey UI
The Android 15 Beta 3 update uses a passkey with biometric authentication that happens in one step rather than two. Users will be able to sign-into apps that target Android 15 using passkeys in a single step, either with facial recognition, fingerprint, or screen lock.
If they accidentally dismiss the prompt to use a passkey to sign-in, they will be able to see the passkey or other Credential Manager suggestions in autofill conditional user interfaces, such as keyboard suggestions or drop-downs.
As the final release is close, Android expert Mishaal Rahman dug out that it might be able to identify when a biometric model is not working well. According to the expert, in this case, it will automatically delete it and prompt the user to redo it.
Other Highlights of Android 15 Beta 3
Apart from the improved passkey UI, Google also shares that the Android 15 Beta 3 update will have other new features as well.
Private Space Feature: Similar to Samsung’s Secure Folder, this allows locking certain apps behind extra authentication. Developers may need to adjust profile logic, and custom launchers must be updated to hide these apps from the home screen and app drawer.
Force-Close Changes: When an app is force-closed, it is stopped indefinitely until relaunched. Widgets for such apps will be grayed out.
Memory Page Size Support: Android 15 now supports devices with a maximum memory page size of up to 16KB, up from the usual 4KB, allowing for phones with larger RAM capacities.
Predictive Back Animations: Enabled by default, incentivising developers to support the feature.
While Google has not announced the release date of the final product, the rumour has it that Android 15 might be released around October 2024, following the launch of the Pixel 9 series. Last year, Google also launched Android 14 with the Pixel 8 series. The latest Pixel phones are generally the first to come with the final version of the new Android iteration. Source: India Today -
Suffering from high BP, blood sugar? Avoid these supplements
If you’re managing high blood pressure (BP) and blood sugar, you’re likely prioritising a healthy lifestyle. But what about those supplement bottles lining the shelves? While some vitamins and minerals can be beneficial, others can interact with medications or worsen your condition.
Here’s a guide to supplements you should avoid with high BP and blood sugar, according to Dr Srinivas Kandula, Consultant Endocrinologist, CARE Hospitals, Nampally, Hyderabad.
Sodium-Containing Supplements
Why Avoid: Sodium can elevate blood pressure. Many supplements, especially those marketed for muscle building or hydration, may contain high levels of sodium, said Dr Kandula.
Licorice Root
– Why Avoid: Licorice can increase blood pressure and cause fluid retention, which is problematic for both high blood pressure and diabetes.
Caffeine and Stimulant-Based Supplements
Why Avoid: Caffeine can increase blood pressure and cause rapid heart rates, which are detrimental for individuals with hypertension. Some weight loss and energy supplements contain high levels of caffeine or other stimulants, Dr Kandula explained.
Ephedra (Ma Huang)
Why Avoid: Ephedra is a powerful stimulant that can raise blood pressure and heart rate, posing risks for those with hypertension and heart disease.
Ginseng
Why Avoid: While ginseng may have some benefits, it can also interfere with blood pressure control and blood sugar regulation, leading to potential complications.
Calcium Supplements
Why Avoid: High doses of calcium supplements have been linked to increased risk of cardiovascular events. It’s better to get calcium from dietary sources under medical guidance.
High-Dose Vitamin D
Why Avoid: While Vitamin D is important, excessively high doses can cause calcium buildup in the blood, potentially leading to heart and kidney problems.
Always consult your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you have high BP, blood sugar, or take medications. This ensures they avoid potential interactions with their condition or medications and receive personalized advice based on their health needs.
Source: The Indian Express -
High levels of stress can give you a pot belly
High levels of stress can give you a pot belly
Stress plays a crucial role can the accumulation of belly fat. High levels of stress trigger the release of cortisol, a hormone that, when chronically elevated, can lead to fat deposition in the abdominal area.
This pot belly not only affects your appearance but also increases the risk of various health issues.
When you’re stressed, your body releases cortisol as part of the “fight or flight” response. Studies have shown that elevated cortisol levels can lead to increased appetite and cravings for high-calorie foods, particularly those high in sugar and fat.
This pot belly not only affects your appearance but also increases the risk of various health issues.
When you’re stressed, your body releases cortisol as part of the “fight or flight” response. Studies have shown that elevated cortisol levels can lead to increased appetite and cravings for high-calorie foods, particularly those high in sugar and fat.
Cortisol also promotes fat storage in the abdominal area, which is more metabolically active and associated with higher health risks, including type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Even exercise and diet cannot help much with belly fat if stress is elevated.
“We underestimate how stress causes fat accumulation, especially visceral fat. And we just keep on focusing on exercise and diet,” wrote dietitian Deepta Nagpal on X.
Visceral fat, also known as belly fat, is the fat that surrounds your liver, intestines, and other internal organs beneath your abdominal muscles.
Some of this fat is stored in the omentum, a layer of tissue under the muscles. As more fat is added, this tissue becomes harder and thicker, making your waistline bigger. Source: India Today -
Blood test can detect rare forms of dementia, neurological diseases
Scientists said they have devised a new method to detect rare forms of dementia as well as other neurological diseases through blood tests. The blood markers can spot frontotemporal dementia (FTD) as well as neurological diseases amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), said the team from the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE).
FTD, ALS and PSP form a spectrum of neurodegenerative diseases with overlapping symptoms characterised by dementia, behavioural symptoms, paralysis and muscle wasting, movement impairment and other serious impairments.
The findings, published in the journal Nature Medicine, are based on the measurement of certain proteins in the blood, which serve as biomarkers. The study also involved the University Hospital Bonn and other research institutions in Germany and Spain.
“As yet, there is no cure for any of these diseases. And, with current methods, it is not possible to reach a conclusive diagnosis of the molecular pathology of these diseases during a patient’s lifetime, since brain tissue must be examined,” explained Professor Anja Schneider, a research group leader at DZNE.
The researchers showed that PSP, behavioural variant of FTD and the vast majority of ALS cases with the exception of a particular mutation can be recognised by blood testing. This also applies to their underlying pathology.
“Our study is the first to find pathology-specific biomarkers. Initially, application is likely to be in research and therapy development. But in the long term, I consider it realistic that these biomarkers will also be used for diagnosis in medical routine,” said Schneider, who is also affiliated with the University of Bonn.
The results were based on data and blood samples from study collectives in Germany and Spain with a total of 991 adults. Source: IANS -
Personal care products harmful for children
Personal care products like shampoo, lotion, nail polish and cologne may send one child to the hospital every two hours due to poisoning and chemical burns, according to a study.
Researchers found that 64,686 children younger than five years of age were treated in US emergency departments for injuries related to personal care products.
The study, published in the journal Clinical Pediatrics, found that most injuries from these products occurred when a child swallowed the product (75.7 per cent) or the product made contact with a child’s skin or eyes (19.3 per cent).
These ingestions and exposures most often led to poisonings (86.2 per cent) or chemical burns (13.8 per cent), researchers said.
“When you think about what young children see when they look at these products, you start to understand how these injuries can happen,” said Rebecca McAdams, a senior research associate at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
“Kids this age can’t read, so they don’t know what they are looking at. They see a bottle with a colourful label that looks or smells like something they are allowed to eat or drink, so they try to open it and take a swallow.
“When the bottle turns out to be nail polish remover instead of juice, or lotion instead of yogurt, serious injuries can occur,” McAdams said.
The top three product categories leading to injuries were nail care products (28.3 per cent) hair care products (27.0 per cent), and skin care products (25.0 per cent), followed by fragrance products (12.7 per cent).
Nail polish remover was the individual product that led to the most number of visits to the emergency room (17.3 per cent of all injuries).
Of the more serious injuries that required hospitalisation, more than half were from hair care products (52.4 per cent) with hair relaxers and permanent solutions leading to more hospitalisations than all other products.
Also of concern, is the ease of access to these products, researchers said.
“Children watch their parents use these items and may try to imitate their behaviour. Since these products are often stored in easy-to-reach places and are not typically in child-resistant containers, it can be easy for kids to get to and open the bottles,” said McAdams. -
Kadai chicken
INGREDIENTS
– 1 kg chicken, washed, cleaned and cut into big pieces
– 4 tablespoons oil
– 1/2 cup onion, sliced
– 1 1/2 cups tomatoes, peeled and sliced
– 2 tablespoons fresh coriander leaves, chopped,
– 1 tablespoon ginger paste
– 1 tablespoon garlic paste
– 4 teaspoons garam masala powder
– 2 bay leaves
– 4 whole red chilies
– 2 teaspoons coriander seeds
– 1 teaspoon red chili, powder, salt
Method
– Grind corriander seeds and whole red chillies into a coarse powder.
– Heat oil in a kadai.
– Add bay leaves.
– After about 30 seconds, add onions and saute till they turn light golden brown.
– Add ginger-garlic paste.
– Saute for 2 minutes on medium flame.
– Add the above coarse powder.
– Stir well.
– Add tomatoes and cook till they are fully cooked.
– Add chicken pieces, salt to taste and red chilli powder.
– Mix well.
– Cover the kadai.
– Cook till the chicken becomes tender.
– Sprinkle garam masala powder over the chicken.
– Garnish with corriander leaves and onion rings.
– Serve hot with rotis or parathas. -
Why cleaning your makeup brushes is so important
There are a few reasons to clean your makeup brushes. The first, and most important is bacteria. Bacteria, dead skin cells and any dirt or oil that may be on your face is now in your brushes. Over time, this collects and not only fills your brushes with bacteria, which you are then rubbing all over your face and your makeup products each time you use that brush but this can in turn cause blemishes and irritate the skin.
All of that build-up can also affect the way your makeup applies. When you have a fresh clean brush, you are more likely to get a smoother, more flawless application versus when your brushes have gone one too many days (or weeks, or months) without having a good clean. You might find that your foundation just doesn’t look as good as it could, or your blush starts to look a little patchy. You might be having what I call a ‘bad skin day,’ or you might just need to give your brush a good cleanse.
Clean your brushes weekly
Remember the gross residual makeup, dirt, and oil we just talked about? That disappears after a good brush cleaning. If you’re a makeup artist or just someone who wears a significant amount of makeup regularly, brush should be cleaned after each use.
A step-by-step brush cleaning method
– Squeeze a dollop of gentle shampoo into a glass/mug and fill with warm water
– Swirl your brushes in the water and gently massage the bristles to further remove the gunk
– Rinse with clean water and carefully squeeze the water out
– Lay flat to dry
– Pour a small amount of the blue liquid into a small cup and dip your brush to saturate
– Gingerly swirl the brush on a paper towel which will absorb the cleanser, taking the dirt with it.
Bacteria can settle on brushes,
which are not clean
When you are not particular about hygiene and don’t wash your brushes, they become a breeding ground for bacteria and dirt from the environment around them. This can lead to breakouts and a serious acne problem.
Dirty brushes won’t give you
the desired look
Application of makeup involves using brushes to blend it in properly so that you can achieve a flawless, even look. However, dirty brushes make it difficult to achieve that. If you have a lot of residual makeup on brushes, it may not pick the right colour of the product that you are using. Hence, it will alter the shade and look you are working at. It also affects the overall look as it can look patchy and streaky.
Save money
If you take care of your brushes, and clean them regularly, they will last longer. You won’t have to keep spending money on purchasing new makeup brushes, and will end up saving money in the long run. -
Will Smith books next movie with Sony’s ‘Resistor’
Will Smith is in talks to star in Resistor for Sony Pictures, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed. The project that hails from Escape Artists is an adaptation of the 2014 novel Influx from New York Times bestselling author Daniel Suarez, although specific plot details have not been shared. The book focuses on a government agency that locks away inventors in a secretive prison and hijacks their work.
A director is not yet attached for the film, which is currently in development. Screenwriter Zak Olkewicz (Bullet Train) penned the first draft, and the latest version is from Academy Award-nominated writer Eric Warren Singer (Top Gun: Maverick, American Hustle).
Producers include Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, Steve Tisch, Tony Shaw and Dave Wilson, alongside Westbrook’s Smith and Jon Mone. Heather Washington is executive producing.
Smith and Black have previously collaborated on the Sony films Seven Pounds, The Pursuit of Happyness and Emancipation.
The news follows Smith’s return to his position as a top box office earner following his controversial confrontation with Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars ceremony. His Sony film Bad Boys: Ride or Die, which hit theaters earlier this month and co-stars Martin Lawrence, has surpassed $100 million at the domestic box office after 10 days of release.
Ride or Die — the fourth installment in the action-comedy movie franchise that began with 1995’s Bad Boys — marked the first movie of this summer to come in significantly ahead of tracking at the box office.
THR previously reported that Smith’s representatives at CAA had recently been contacting studio production executives for the first time since the controversial Academy Awards moment to explore potential projects in hopes of riding his Bad Boys momentum. -
JLo’s extreme ‘love and sex addiction’ failed her marriage with Ben Affleck
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck are heading to divorce because of JLo’s “love addiction”. The latest episode of ‘TMZ Investigates,’ titled ‘JLo & Ben: Missed Warning Signs,’ featured film producer Jon Peters and Dr. Drew Pinsky discussing the possibility that Lopez might be obsessed with romance.
“She’s a love and sex addict, look at the men she’s been with,” Peters, 79, commented, pointing to the fact that the 54-year-old superstar has been divorced three times and has had an additional broken engagement.
“She can’t be alone. She needs a man in her life, she has never spent any real time developing herself. And her career is in the [censored]. And she’s talented,” he added.
Dr. Drew Pinsky, a well-known TV personality and addiction specialist, concurred with Peters’ assessment, noting that “there are actually thousands of people engaged in 12-step programs who identify as love addicted.” “The features of that include not having great boundaries, they tend to get sucked into relationships readily and easily, they fall hard for people, and once they go in they can’t get themselves out.”
Earlier this year, Lopez announced the cancellation of her ‘This Is Me… Live Tour,’ which was set to begin on June 26. “I am completely heartsick and devastated about letting you down. Please know that I wouldn’t do this if I didn’t feel that it was absolutely necessary,” she expressed in a newsletter. The cancellation fueled speculation that it was due to both low ticket sales and her ongoing issues with Affleck.
Reports indicate that the couple has been living separately while trying to determine the future of their relationship. They have also listed their $60 million marital home for sale.
An insider suggested that “Jennifer had started ramping up her work commitments and prepping for her tour. She’s very focused on work and overextends herself”, and this stems from their opposing lifestyles.
Us Weekly also reported last month that Ben “checked out” as their “honeymoon phase has worn off” due to their very different lifestyle. “Of course Jenny is sad, she loves Ben, but they are just too different, there is no give and take, there was no blending, they are just on separate tracks,” a source told the Daily Mail earlier. Source: HT -
Angelina Jolie wins 1st Tony amid family drama
Angelina Jolie’s expanding horizons as an actor and entrepreneur has culminated in a new milestone, namely with her bagging a Tony win. Not many know that Angelina’s nascent journey in Broadway was actually sparked by her daughter Vivienne. Though the actor was acquainted with the book and film adaptation of The Outsiders, she was yet to experience it on Broadway. Going for a show with Vivienne then, served as a game changer on many counts. Angelina’s Tony victory however, still stands against the looming shadow of her personal life which has eternally been in the spotlight since 2016 owing to her shocking fallout with Brad Pitt.
Hollywood royalty, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt made each other’s acquaintance in the summer of 2004 while filming their spy thriller Mr. and Mrs. Smith. The two eventually came around to admitting that they fell in love right there on the sets — something which to date has been a controversial admittance owing to the fact that Brad was still married to actor Jennifer Aniston at the time. Angelina and Brad eventually tied the knot on August 14, 2014. 2 years and 6 children later, the duo announced their decision to divorce in September 2016.
While Angelina requested for physical custody of their 6 children — Maddox, 21, Pax, 19, Zahara, 18, Shiloh, 17 and twins Knox and Vivienne, 14, Brad gunned for both legal as well as physical guardianship. It was also around this time that Brad was being investigated by the FBI and LAPD for reportedly lashing out at the family on a flight ride, accusations he was eventually cleared of. Within the year, the two end up agreeing on a temporary custody arrangement. -
Nothing in ‘Hamare Baarah’ movie against Muslim community: HC
The Bombay High Court on June 18 said it watched actor Annu Kapoor-starrer “Hamare Baarah” movie and found nothing objectionable in it that was against the Quran or the Muslim community, and observed that the film is in fact aimed at the upliftment of women.
It also said that the Indian public was “not gullible or silly”.
A division bench of Justices BP Colabawalla and Firdosh Pooniwalla said the film’s first trailer was objectionable, but that has been removed and all such objectionable scenes have been deleted from the movie.
The court noted that it was in fact a “thinking movie” and not the sort where the audience is expected to “keep their brains at home” and only enjoy it.
“The movie is in fact for the upliftment of women. The movie has a Maulana misinterpreting the Quran and in fact one Muslim man objects to the same in the scene. So this shows that people should apply their mind and not blindly follow such Maulanas,” the high court said. A bunch of petitions were filed in the high court earlier this month seeking a ban on the movie claiming that it was derogatory towards the Muslim community and had distorted what the Quran says.
While initially the high court postponed the release of the movie, it later permitted the release after the makers said the objectionable portions would be deleted as directed by the Central Board for Film Certification (CBFC). Source: PTI -
Sonakshi Sinha teams up with Riteish Deshmukh, Saqib Saleem for ‘Kakuda’
Bollywood actress Sonakshi Sinha, who is all set to tie the knot with Zaheer Iqbal, has an upcoming streaming film ‘Kakuda’ on the horizon. The actress will be seen sharing the screen with Riteish Deshmukh and Saqib Saleem in the horror-comedy film.
The film is set in the curse-inflicted village of Ratodi in Uttar Pradesh’s Mathura district. Every house in the district has two similar doors, one that is of a normal size and another which is smaller than the other. The film revolves around a peculiar ritual that demands the opening of the smaller door of each house every Tuesday at 7:15 pm. Failure to comply with this rule invites the wrath of Kakuda, who punishes the man of the house.
The film is directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, who is known for ‘Zombivili’, and the recent box-office miracle ‘Munjya’.
Talking about the movie, Aditya Sarpotdar said, “As a filmmaker and a fan of the horror-comedy genre, I find it incredibly fascinating to explore the delicate balance between fear and laughter. It’s a challenging task to make viewers simultaneously scared and amused, but with ‘Kakuda’, I am confident that we have hit the right chord yet again. I am thrilled to have worked with an exceptionally talented cast, including Riteish Deshmukh, Sonakshi Sinha, Saqib Saleem and Aasif Khan who have supported the narrative brilliantly by adding humour and emotions to the story.”
He further mentioned, “Their spotless comic timing and the way they portray genuine emotions have made my job as a director much easier. Together, we have crafted a unique and engaging story that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating every twist and turn. ‘Kakuda’ is an experience that will take the audience on a rollercoaster ride of emotions.”Produced by RSVP, ‘Kakuda’ will soon drop on ZEE5. Source: IANS -
Singer Alka Yagnik reveals she has a ‘rare hearing loss’
Veteran Bollywood singer Alka Yagnik has revealed that she has been diagnosed with a ‘rare hearing loss’ due to a viral attack, and hence was missing in action.
Alka Yagnik, one of the most prominent singers of the 1990s in Bollywood, took to Instagram and shared the news. She posted a picture of herself and wrote, “To all my fans, friends, followers, and well-wishers – a few weeks ago, as I walked out of a flight, I suddenly felt I was not able to hear anything.”
The 58-year-old singer said she mustered some courage in the weeks following the episode. “I want to break my silence now, for all my friends and well-wishers who have been asking me why I’m missing in action. It has been diagnosed by my doctors as a rare sensory neural nerve hearing loss due to a viral attack. This sudden, major setback has caught me completely unawares. As I attempt to come to terms with it, please keep me in your prayers.”
She is known for her iconic songs such as Ek Do Teen, Choli Ke Peeche, among others. -
Shraddha makes relationship with Rahul Mody official
Shraddha Kapoor just confirmed her relationship with Rahul Mody. The actor took to Instagram Stories and posted a selfie with Rahul. The two have been dating for a while now, after they reportedly got close while working on Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar.
In the new picture, Shraddha and Rahul twinned in white and looked directly into the camera. Shraddha held Rahul’s arm and smiled, whereas Rahul made a goofy expression. In the caption, Shraddha said, “Dil rakh le, Neend toh vaapis de de yaar (Take away my heart, but at least return my sleep) (smiley face and red heart emoticons).”
Shraddha and Rahul made an appearance together when they were spotted by the paparazzi and fans in Jamnagar, where they attended Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s pre-wedding festivities. They were also photographed post a dinner rendezvous in Mumbai last year. Source: HT -
Punjab CM Mann orders transfer of 10,000 cops over nexus with drug peddlers
Chandigarh (TIP)- Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has ordered the transfer of at least 10,000 police personnel in an unprecedented move to crack down on the drug menace in the state. Chief Minister Mann said that the transfers were made because several police personnel were part of the drug pedlar nexus.
He said that because of the nexus, many of the accused have been let off the hook, and the complaints against them had been ignored for many years. “Many of the Moharrir head constables (MHC), station house officers (SHO), and constables have been stationed at the same police station for many years and have formed a nexus with the drug smugglers there. They manipulate the procedures to save the accused. I have asked the Director General of Police (DGP) to immediately order mass transfers,” Bhagwant Mann said.
A major rejig within the police department left the cops fuming. Speaking with India Today, former Punjab DGP (Prisons) Shashi Kant said that the state government’s decision can backfire as merely transferring the cops will not solve the reigning drug menace in the state.
“While there is no denying the fact that there are black sheep within the police force, all cops are not corrupt. Similar action was required in the jails, which have become dens of drugs. The government should have first identified the tainted cops before ordering the transfers,” Shashi Kant said.
While confirming the transfer orders, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Border Range Rakesh Kaushal said that linking the transfers with the drug problem is wrong.
“The decision to order transfers was made in 2020 but was delayed and is now being implemented. These transfers are administrative and not related to the alleged involvement of cops in drug smuggling,” said Rakesh Kaushal.
Meanwhile, Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav has said that the police seized the properties owned by drug smugglers worth Rs 200 crore in the last two years.
Apart from identifying the 750 hotspots, DGP Gaurav said that the State Task Force (STF) and the intelligence wing have prepared a list of 9,000 street-level pedlars.
Despite the Punjab Police’s claims of taking strict action against drug smuggling, criminals have expanded their networks. Using drones and sea routes, smugglers are increasing drug supplies within the state. Addressing the media, Bhagwant Mann stated that drugs were coming from Gujarat, which is under investigation.
In 2023, the BSF and Punjab Police downed or recovered 107 drones used for drug transport. Drug seizures in Punjab have increased fivefold over the past seven years, from 179 kg in 2017 to 1,346 kg in 2023. Source: India Today -
Won’t do any personal work of Muslims, Yadavs: Sitamarhi MP-elect
Patna (TIP)- The Janata Dal (United)’s MP-elect from the Sitamarhi Lok Sabha seat, Devesh Chandra Thakur, on June 17 reiterated that Muslims and Yadavs did not vote for him, and he will not do their “personal work”.
Two days ago, while speaking at a function in Sitamarhi, Thakur had said that the two communities voted for Lalu Prasad’s Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). “How can I do their work? All my Yadav and Muslim brothers are welcome for tea, but don’t talk about work. I will not do your work,” he had said. His comments created a flutter in Bihar’s political circles.
Speaking to The Hindu, Thakur said he will not do any work for the communities in his personal capacity. “Yes, I will not do any personal work of Muslims and Yadavs. I will offer them tea and sweets, and chat with them if they visit my residence. I have been doing their personal work for more than 30 years. But this election, I am really hurt by the way they did not vote for me. However, I will keep on doing public work.”
Asked if the statement will hamper his public image, Thakur replied, “What will hurt me more than what they have done to me this time? Not even five percent of voters from the two communities voted for me. I have done the maximum work for them.”
Thakur said his assessment of the voting pattern is based on “figures received from booth-level workers”. Hailing from the Brahmin community, Mr. Thakur secured 5,15,719 votes, beating the RJD’s Arjun Ray who got 4,64,363 votes.
Muslims and Yadavs are considered the core voters of the RJD and have helped party supremo Lalu Prasad to be at the helm for 15 years in Bihar. This Lok Sabha election, RJD got 22.14% votes, the highest vote share, but won only four seats.
In Sitamarhi, the Muslims and Yadavs make up 6 lakh voters. According to the caste-based survey, Muslims account for 17.70% whereas the Yadavs are 14.27 % of the population, the biggest voter base among the OBCs.
Party insiders said Thakur had helped develop religious structures of both the communities and was expecting their support this election. “The Bagahi Dham in Sitamarhi is considered the Mecca for the Yadav community. In 2017, following efforts by Thakur, the State government sanctioned Rs 24 crore for the structure. He personally gave Rs 50 lakh. But he hardly got any votes there. Another Rs 11 crore was sanctioned by the government for the KanhwaMadarsa in Sitamarhi due to his efforts. He had personally contributed a handsome amount,” said a leader. The RJD lashed out at Thakur saying the MP-elect insulted 32% of Bihar’s population.
“His statement is a violation of the Constitution and his oath to the post. Ruling by creating division in the society is the real character of the State’s third largest party, the JD(U), and such people are the important members of Nitish Kumar’s kitchen Cabinet. These narrow-minded casteist people always look at 70% of the State’s population with hatred,” the party wrote on X.
Source: The Hindu -
HC ends 65% quota hike for jobs, colleges in Bihar
Patna (TIP)- The Patna high court on Thursday, June 20, struck down Bihar’s decision last year to raise caste-based quotas to 65%, underlining that merit could not be completely sacrificed at the altar of reparations in a verdict that delivered a blow to the state government and will have sweeping political and social ramifications.
Bihar had last year raised the quota for scheduled castes (SCs), scheduled tribes (STs), extremely backward classes (EBCs), and other backward classes (OBCs) in educational institutions and government jobs from 50% to 65% after a caste survey showed that these groups formed roughly 84% of the state’s population.
But the court noted that not only were backward communities adequately represented in public employment, the government had also attempted no in-depth study or analysis before enhancing reservation beyond the limit set by the Supreme Court in the landmark 1992 Indira Sawhney judgment. “We set aside the Bihar Reservation of Vacancies in Posts and Services (for Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes) Amendment Act, 2023 and the Bihar Reservation (in Admission to Educational Institutions) Amendment Act, 2023 as ultra vires the Constitution and violative of the equality clause under Articles 14, 15, and 16,” held the bench of chief justice K Vinod Chandran and justice Harish Kumar, allowing a bundle of writ petitions that had challenged the 2023 law.
The court said the enhancement of reservations beyond the 50% limit – as set by a nine-judge bench of the Supreme Court in 1992 – was “bad in law” as well as opposed to the principles of equality emanating from the Constitution because the state failed to demonstrate any extenuating circumstance that could enable it to breach the 50% norm.
“The fact remains that backward communities are adequately represented in public employment, by virtue of reservation and also merit; which is an indication of one or other caste or community having reaped the benefits of reservation and the various beneficial welfare schemes implemented by the State; in achieving an element of social capital. There is no requirement for an enhancement of reservations, as adequate representation now exists and there is no valid ground for breach of 50% rule; which in any way is not permissible,” noted the court.
The state government said it will appeal the judgment in the Supreme Court. “The Bihar government will challenge the high court order before the Supreme Court,” said deputy CM Samrat Choudhury.
The Opposition attacked the government. “I am aghast at the judgement. The BJP had been trying to scuttle the caste survey, which provided the basis of hiked quotas. It is no surprise that such a verdict has come within days of the party’s return to power at the Centre,” said Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav.
Source: HT -
EC sets the ball rolling for J-K polls, electoral roll to be published by Aug 20
The Election Commission on Thursday, June 20, wrote to the chief electoral officers of poll-bound states and Union Territories, including Jammu and Kashmir, to complete the special summary revision (SSR) of the electoral roll by August 20, setting the stage for holding Assembly elections after that.
According to EC sources, the poll panel wrote to the state CEOs, including those of Haryana, Jharkhand, and Maharashtra, on Thursday initiating the process of updating the electoral roll. The publication of the final electoral roll would be done by August 20, as per the schedule, EC sources said. They added that the cut-off date for enrolling as an elector in these states and UT would be July 1.
The poll panel has also started the process for holding 47 by-polls that are due across the country, they said.
In addition to the SSR, the EC is holding training for officials of the poll-bound states in Delhi this week. While upholding the abrogation of Article 370, the Supreme Court had last year ordered the EC to hold Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections by September 30. Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said earlier this month that the poll panel would start the process of conducting the elections “very soon”.
Source: The Indian Express