Ranchi (TIP)- The Indian women’s hockey team fought with determination but lost its nerves in the most crucial phase of the penalty shootout, going down to Germany in the second semifinal of the FIH Olympic Qualifier on January 18. The match was stretched to a penalty shootout, which Germany won 4-3 in sudden death, after the teams were tied at 2-2 in regulation time. With this win, Germany secured a berth in the Paris Olympics. India will have another chance to seal a berth if they beat Japan in the third place match tomorrow. World No. 5 Germany will take on the USA in the final.
Deepika (15th minute) and Ishika Chaudhary (59th) were the goal-scorers for India in the regular time, while Germany’s both goals were scored by Charlotte Stapenhorst (27th, 57th).
As expected, the Germans came out attacking from the onset and exerted continuous pressure on the Indian defence on a foggy night, where visibility was a problem. Just 55 seconds from the end of the first quarter, India secured their first penalty corner and Deepika slammed home with a powerful drag-flick to stun the Germans. Lack of coordination from the Indian midfield and inability to clear loose balls cost the hosts dearly as Germany equalised three minutes from half-time when Stapenhorst scored from a field effort.
The Germans continued their relentless efforts after the change of ends but the Indian defence stood tall. Eventually, it became too much to handle for the Indian defence as Stapenhorst scored her second goal to stun the capacity crowd. The Indians, however, did not give up and secured back-to-back penalty corners in the 59th minute, the second of which was put into the goal by Ishika from a rebound, forcing the match into the shootout.
“We will discuss it again. We need to give time to the disappointment,” India coach Janneke Schopman said. “We have to rest tomorrow morning and I know they will be ready. Some of them are already ready but we need some time,” she added.
“They get a little bit impatient and when they get impatient… but I can’t always blame them for it. It was great that we could manage a large part of the game today. I know we can play but we have to show up and have to keep fighting. We don’t have a guarantee tomorrow. Japan also wants to go to Paris, so we have a fight in our hands,” she added.
Source: PTI
Tag: Apple News
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India shot down by Germany, to face Japan for Paris berth
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Asian cup: Uzbekistan hammer India 3-0
Bereft of ideas, a lacklustre India’s woes were compounded by their defensive lapses, resulting in a 3-0 drubbing by a dominant Uzbekistan in the AFC Asian Cup at Doha on January 18. This was India’s second successive defeat in Group B, having started their campaign with a 0-2 loss to title contenders Australia. In their opener, India’s spirited performance earned them plaudits. However, against the central Asian nation, India’s performance was a far cry from their display against the Socceroos.
Uzbekistan scored through Abbosbek Fayzullaev (4th minute), Igor Sergeev (18th) and Nasrullaev (45th+3rd) to register their first win in the competition after being held to a stalemate by Syria in their tournament opener. Hoping to start on a positive note barely days after their promising show against Australia, India, instead, found themselves on the back foot straightaway and conceded a soft goal early on.
The lightning quick Fayzullaev, placed in a favourable position, found the target with a header past the hapless Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. Ranked 102 in the world as against their 68-ranked opponents, Igor Stimac’s men found the going tough as Uzbekistan looked to rattle the Indian defence with their attacking play. In a mood to stamp their authority further, Uzbekistan again benefitted from sloppy defending from their opponents. Rahul Bheke gave the ball away at the halfway line. Akash Mishra’s clearance hit the post before returning to the field of play, and Sergeev did the rest to put his side 2-0 ahead. -
Ajmer: The abode of saint Muin-ud-din Chishti
Surrounded by Aravali ranges, the city of Ajmer is most famous for the Ajmer Sharif Dargah of saint Muin-ud-din Chishti. This makes Ajmer one of the most significant places of Islamic pilgrimage in the world. Located at a distance of 130 km from Jaipur and 14 kms from Pushkar in Rajasthan, the city is firmly bound by its traditions and culture. Ajmer has a unique charm that lies in the ethos and craftsmanship practised over centuries.
Visit Ajmer to witness the exquisite Mughal architecture set in an aura of spirituality. The city is also a renowned religious spot for Jains because of Golden Jain Temple. During the festival of Urs, commemorating the death anniversary of Saint Moinuddin Chishti, believers from across the globe throng the city. A lot of travellers visiting Pushkar stop by Ajmer and make a day trip. Ajmer has also been selected as one of the heritage cities for the HRIDAY (Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana) scheme of the Government of India.
Apart from Ajmer Sharif Dargah and the Jain Temple, there are some other tourist attractions in Ajmer as well. Adhai Din ka Jhopra, Ana Sagar Lake, Foy Sagar Lake, Ajmer Government Museum and Taragarh Fort are some of them. Ajmer is also home to Mayo College, one of the most prestigious boarding schools in India.
Ajmer Sharif Dargah
Ajmer Sharif Dargah, also known as Ajmer Dargah, is the tomb of Moinuddin Chishti is one of the holiest places of worship in India not only for the Muslims but followers of every faith. Being the final resting place of the Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chisti, it has had an enormous contribution in spreading the ethical and spiritual values of Islam amongst masses.
Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chisti was a great Sufi Saint and dedicated his entire life to the upliftment of the poor and downtrodden. The shrine is visited by millions of people every year, as it is considered very sacred by people of all religions. Ajmer Sharif was built by the Mughal Emperor Humayun, hence justifying the rich Mughal Architecture. The Dargah has various constituents like tombs, courtyards and Daalaans. The major among these structures are- Nizam Gate, Buland Darwaza, Jama Masjid, Aulia Masjid, Dargah Shrine, Mehfilkhana and about a dozen of other prominent establishments.
One can spot two huge cauldrons in the inner courtyard of the shrine. These containers have a capacity of 2240 kg and 4480 kg and are used during special occasions to cook sweet delicacies like Kheer.
Ana Sagar Lake
The gorgeous Ana Sagar Lake is a magnificent artificial lake that is located in the city of Ajmer in Rajasthan, India. This lake is best visited during the sunsets when the views are extraordinarily marvellous to look at. The sight of the lake from the nearby temple is particularly enchanting. Do not forget to take a camera to capture the fantastic and heavenly views that you behold here. However, the lake may dry up during the summers.
The Ana Sagar Lake is surrounded by Daulat Bagh Gardens, which is a splendid garden full of vast open spaces and lush greenery, and the Khobra Behroon temple- two popular attractions of Ajmer that tourists prefer to visit along with a day trip to the beautiful lake. The lake is only 13 kilometres away from the main city of Ajmer. An island can be spotted in the centre of the lake. Tourists love to indulge in boating or water scooter rides here. The lake is about 4.4 metres deep and spreads over an area of 12 kilometres.
Akbar’s Palace
Akbar’s palace, constructed in 1570AD is the place where he and his troops stayed in at Ajmer whenever he visited the Ajmer Sharif Dargah. It is well known for the museum which portrays the age-old military weapons and exquisite sculptures, paintings and other artefacts of the Mughal era. The museum showcases various aspects of the Rajput and Mughal style of living and fighting. The large black marble statue of Goddess Kali situated in the palace is quite famous.
Ajmer Jain Temple
Ajmer Jain Temple or Soniji Ki Nasiyan is a Digambar Jain temple dedicated to Lord Rishabhdev (Agnidev), the first of the 24 Tirthankara of Jainism. The temple is made of red sandstone which is why it is also called the Red Temple. The main attraction of the temple is the main chamber, known as the Swarna Nagari “City of Gold”, which has several gold-plated wooden figures, depicting several figures in Jainism. -
Red Sea unrest is bad news for world’s fragile food supply
Chaos in the Red Sea is starting to disrupt shipments of produce from coffee to fruit — and threatening to halt a slowdown in food inflation that brought some relief to strained consumers. Vessels loaded with foodstuffs are among those avoiding Houthi attacks in the key waterway by sailing around Africa, a longer and costlier route. But unlike gas, oil and consumer goods cargoes that have also been affected, lengthier shipping times risk making perishable foods unsellable. That’s spooking the industry. Italian exporters fear kiwi and citrus fruits will spoil on the way, Chinese ginger is getting pricier and some African coffee cargoes were briefly delayed. Grain is being diverted from the Suez Canal and a livestock carrier bound for the Middle East has changed course.
While the impact is so far limited, it’s a reminder of how fragile food supply chains can be. If disruptions worsen, they could stall the slump in food-commodity costs that had started to filter through to cheaper grocery bills.
“Everyone is a loser here,” said Nitin Agrawal, managing director of Euro Fruits, a major Indian grape exporter. The company usually ships to Europe via the Red Sea, but now uses the longer route that’s more than quadrupling freight costs and doubling transit times.
That means grape quality will suffer, and most European importers have agreed to higher prices of Indian grapes, which will make them more expensive for consumers, Agrawal said. The European Union generally relies on India for about a seventh of its table grapes, and more than 35% at the crop’s peak in March-April, according to European fresh produce association Freshfel. Italian exporters, which sell about $4.4 billion of agricultural produce to Asia, are worried that going around Africa will hurt freshness and add to costs for fruit like apples, kiwi and citrus, said Massimiliano Giansanti, president of farm group Confagricoltura.
It’s also a headache for farmers who could have to cut their prices to make up for higher shipping costs. “We have to sell even if prices fall as we can’t prolong the harvesting period,” said Sandeep Dagu Sandhan, a grape grower in India’s state of Maharashtra, where harvesting has started in some areas. “Exporters always manage to cover their costs. It will be our losses if prices crash.”
Source: Bloomberg -
Apple overtakes Samsung as top seller of smartphones
Apple ended Samsung Electronics’ 12-year run as the largest seller of smartphones in the world, after commanding a 20% market share in 2023, according to a report from International Data Corp. Samsung ended the year with a 19.4% share, followed by China’s Xiaomi, Oppo and Transsion, preliminary data from IDC’s Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker showed. The change in ranking comes after a tough year that saw consumers going slow on smartphone upgrades and choosing cheaper handsets due to high inflation and economic uncertainties. A slower-than-expected recovery in China, the world’s largest smartphone market, also weighed on overall phone sales.
Apple and Transsion, which sells Tecno, Infinix and itel brands, were the only two of the top five smartphone vendors to record sales growth last year, even though the overall market declined 3.2% to 1.17 billion units and hit a decade low.
“While we saw some strong growth from low-end Android players like Transsion and Xiaomi in the second half of 2023, stemming from rapid growth in emerging markets, the biggest winner is clearly Apple,” said Nabila Popal, research director at IDC’s Worldwide Tracker team. Phone shipments from Samsung were down 13.6%, while iPhone shipments were up 3.7% last year, according to IDC data.
Samsung focused on the mid- to high-end segment for profitability but lost share in the low-end segment, said Amber Liu of research firm Canalys.
Apple, however, is facing pressure in China from a resurgent Huawei as well as from budget Chinese brands. The iPhone maker is offering discounts of as much as 5% on some models in the country to attract customers.
Microsoft on Friday overtook Apple as the world’s most valuable public company, as Wall Street grew more concerned over the demand for its iPhones and other high-end gadgets. Source: Reuters -
Akasa Air says ‘confident’ about Boeing, orders 150 MAX aircraft
India’s Akasa Air said on Thursday, January 18, it had ordered 150 Boeing 737 MAX narrowbody planes, showcasing its confidence in the troubled planemaker as the budget carrier seeks to fly to more destinations at home and abroad. This is the first major order announcement for Boeing’s MAX jetliner programme since a mid-air cabin panel blowout in the United States early this month, although Akasa’s order does not include the 737 Max 9 version which is in the spotlight after the incident.
The order was announced at the “Wings India” air show in the southern city of Hyderabad, which has attracted planemakers, airlines and government officials as they make the most of India’s travel boom, with a greater focus on international routes. “We feel very confident about the aircraft type that we have … even seeing Boeing’s commitment to the way they’ve handled this problem,” Priya Mehra, Akasa’s chief legal, regulatory and strategic relations officer, said. Akasa’s order for 737 MAX 10 and MAX 8-200 does not include the MAX 9 version, which has been largely grounded over the Alaska Airlines cabin panel blowout incident. Mehra said the airline was not looking at diversifying its fleet. Source: Reuters
India to grow at 7% in FY25: RBI
Indian economy should record a growth rate of 7% in the next fiscal and inflation is likely to ease further, RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das said on Wednesday, January 17.
He also credited the government for structural reforms undertaken in recent years, saying they have boosted the medium and long-term growth prospects of the Indian economy. He said amid a challenging global macroeconomic environment, India presents a picture of growth and stability. Speaking at a CII session on ‘High growth, low risk: The India story’ here during the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, Das said recent information on the global economic front has been reassuring with inflation falling, though growth remains low. -
Inauguration of Ayodhya Ram Mandir: Astro-numerological significance of January 22
The inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on January 22, 2024, is a historic event that is being celebrated by millions of Hindus around the world. The date of the inauguration holds special significance as per various astro-numerological factors. Let us have a look at the divine forces at play on this auspicious day as per the Hindu tradition.
Pausha Hindu Month
The inauguration of the pious Ram Temple is being held during the Pausha month, which is the tenth month in the Hindu lunar calendar and is considered highly auspicious in Hindu traditions. This month holds special significance due to various religious, cultural, and spiritual events that are organised during this period, such as the Kumbh Mela and the Mahakumbh.
Makar Sankranti and Uttarayana
January 22 falls just after Makar Sankranti, a significant Hindu festival that marks the Sun’s northward movement into Capricorn (Makar). Uttarayana, as this period is known, is considered a time of auspiciousness, growth, and new beginnings. It is an ideal time for undertaking auspicious tasks like inaugurating the Ram Mandir.
Dwadashi Tithi of Shukla Paksha
The choice of an auspicious date for the inauguration of the Ayodhya Ram Temple, particularly during Shukla Paksha and Dwadashi Tithi, adds a layer of divine favour and positivity to this historic occasion. Shukla Paksha is the waxing phase of the moon. It is associated with the increasing illumination of the moon and symbolises growth, prosperity, and positive energy. Shukla Paksha is considered highly auspicious for beginning new ventures, projects, or ceremonies. In addition, the Dwadashi Tithi is associated with Lord Vishnu, the preserver in the Hindu Trinity. Inaugurating the Ayodhya Ram Temple on this Tithi is symbolic of invoking the divine presence of Lord Vishnu, seeking his blessings for the success and sanctity of the temple. Lord Rama is believed to be the seventh and the most popular avatar of Lord Vishnu.
Moon in Mrigashirsha Nakshatra
On January 22, the Moon will be in Taurus sign in Mrigashira Nakshatra. Taurus is a fixed earth sign associated with stability, security, and material wealth. This is a positive sign for the inauguration of the Ram Mandir, as it suggests that the temple will be a stable and prosperous institution. On this day, the Moon will be placed in Mrigashira Nakshatra. It’s seen as a powerful nakshatra for undertaking new ventures and achieving success. It is ruled by the fiery and energetic planet Mars, signifying the beginning of life.
Sun in Uttara Ashadha Nakshatra
The Sun will be in Uttara Ashadha Nakshatra and Capricorn sign on January 22nd. Uttara Ashadha is a Nakshatra associated with leadership, strength, and success. This is a highly auspicious sign for the inauguration, as it suggests that the temple will project India as a global spiritual leader.
Sarvartha Siddhi and Amrita Siddhi Yoga
Both these yogas are considered highly auspicious astrological combinations in Hindu tradition, and their presence on January 22nd, 2024, further enhances the significance of the Ram Temple inauguration in Ayodhya. They represent longevity, prosperity, and the attainment of blessings. They are also associated with good health, abundance, and divine grace.
Importance of Numbers
The day number, derived from the day of the month, is 22. In numerology, 22 is referred to as the “Master Builder” or the “Master Teacher” number. It symbolises the ability to turn dreams into reality, manifesting ideas on a grand scale. Individuals associated with the number 22 are believed to possess a strong sense of purpose and the capability to bring about positive change in the world. Further, the total sum of the date (22 + 1 + 2024) is 31, which is further reduced to 4 (3 + 1). Number 4 is associated with stability, practicality, and building strong foundations. It is considered a number of hard work, diligence, and the manifestation of goals through disciplined efforts.
January 22 and Manifestation
With the reduced total sum being 4, the numerological energy of January 22, 2024, encourages grounded and practical manifestations. It’s a day where attention to detail, organisation, and methodical planning can lead to tangible and enduring outcomes. Additionally, the vibration of 4 suggests a focus on building not just in the material sense but also in terms of personal and spiritual growth. It’s a day where individuals may find strength and support in their spiritual pursuits.
Completion and Foundation
Considering that the total sum of the date is 4, it also carries the essence of completion and laying a strong foundation. The number 4 is often associated with completion. In numerology, it represents a sense of wholeness and the conclusion of a cycle. It suggests that a certain phase or aspect of life is coming to an end, and it’s time to take stock of the achievements and lessons learned during that period. Additionally, the number 4 is linked to the concept of building a solid foundation. This implies that after completing a cycle, it’s an opportune time to lay the groundwork for future undertakings. This could involve reflecting on past experiences, understanding the challenges faced, and using the gained wisdom to establish a strong base for future success.
(The author, Neeraj Dhankher, is Vedic Astrologer, Founder – Astro Zindagi)
Source: HT -
Oldest black hole is ‘eating’ its host galaxy to death
Researchers have discovered the oldest black hole ever observed, dating from the dawn of the universe, and found that it is ‘eating’ its host galaxy to death. The research, published in the journal Nature, used the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to detect the black hole, which dates from 400 million years after the Big Bang, more than 13 billion years ago. That this surprisingly massive black hole—a few million times the mass of our sun—even exists so early in the universe challenges the assumptions about how black holes form and grow, the researchers said. Astronomers believe that the supermassive black holes found at the centre of galaxies like the Milky Way grew to their current size over billions of years. However, the size of this newly-discovered black hole suggests that they might form in other ways. According to standard models, supermassive black holes form from the remnants of dead stars, which collapse and may form a black hole about a hundred times the mass of the Sun. If it grew in an expected way, this newly detected black hole would take about a billion years to grow to its observed size. However, the universe was not yet a billion years old when this black hole was detected. “It’s very early in the universe to see a black hole this massive, so we’ve got to consider other ways they might form,” said lead author Roberto Maiolino, Professor at Cambridge University, UK.
Source: PTI -
Google removes 17 ‘underutilised’ features from its Assistant app
Google has announced that it is removing some underutilised features in Google Assistant “to focus on delivering the best possible user experience”. As per the list shared by the company, Google will be removing 17 features.
Starting January 26, the company said when users ask for one of the removed features, they may get a notification that it won’t be available after a certain date. “As we continue to make Google Assistant more helpful, we’re prioritising the experiences you love and investing in the underlying technology to make them even better — which means that some underutilised features will no longer be supported.”
Some features being removed include — the functionality that allows users to use their voice to send an email, video, or audio message. Users will also not be able to use their voice to perform tasks such as making a reservation, sending a payment, or posting on social media. Users also will not be able to manage a stopwatch on Smart Displays and Speakers. Voice control for activities will no longer be available on Fitbit Sense and Versa 3 devices. Calls made from speakers and Smart Displays will not show up with a caller ID unless you’re using Duo. Moreover, the tech giant said that it is bringing a more consistent experience within the Google app.
According to the company, the microphone icon will now trigger Search results in response to your queries. This change won’t let you use the Search bar microphone to do things like turn on the lights or send a message.Google said that Pixel devices will also be affected, as the microphone in the Pixel Search bar will now activate Voice Search instead of Assistant.
Meanwhile, Google has confirmed that it has cut several hundred jobs across hardware, core engineering and Google Assistant teams.
The layoffs will impact employees in Google’s hardware and central engineering teams, as well as workers across Google Assistant, reports CNBC.
Google introduces Circle to Search on Android
Google has been experimenting with ways to search on smartphones since the dawn of Android and the latest attempt involves drawing circles. Circle to Search allows users to draw a circle around information on their device screen to search for the highlighted item. While the feature is officially called Circle to Search, you can also highlight text and scribble on items instead of drawing oval shapes to trigger the new search option.
Circle to Search works anywhere on your device but you’ll have to long press the home button or the navigation bar for those using gestures to activate the feature before you start circling items. Google is advertising this feature as more convenient alternative to switching between various apps like screenshotting items and then using Google Lens. -
Soon, watch videos on mobile without SIM card or Internet connection
Mobile users may soon be able to stream videos without a SIM card or an internet connection as Direct-to-Mobile broadcasting could become a reality in the near future.
Addressing a Broadcasting Summit, Information and Broadcasting Secretary Apurva Chandra said trials of the home-grown Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) technology would soon be held in 19 cities and made a strong pitch for reserving the 470-582 MHz spectrum for this emerging technology.
Chandra said a 25-30 per cent shift of video traffic to D2M would unclog the 5G networks, accelerating the nation’s digital evolution and democratising content delivery.
Last year, pilot projects to test the D2M technology were carried out in Bengaluru, Kartavya Path and Noida. Chandra said the D2M technology would help reach nearly 8-9 crore “TV Dark” homes across the country. Of the 280 million households in the country, only 190 million have television sets.
He said there were 80 crore smartphones in the country and 69 per cent of content accessed by users was in the video format. Chandra said heavy use of video led to the clogging of mobile networks, which resulted in the buffering of content. Developed by Saankhya Labs and IIT Kanpur, the D2M broadcasting technology leverages terrestrial telecommunications infrastructure and public broadcaster-assigned spectrum to transmit video, audio, and data signals directly to compatible mobile and smart devices.
With the potential to reach over a billion mobile devices, the adoption of D2M technology promises transformative benefits, including cost reductions in data transmission and access, improvements in network efficiency and resilience, and potentially leading to the establishment of a nationwide emergency alert system. Source: PTI -
Novel contact lenses to diagnose glaucoma developed
Researchers have developed new contact lenses to diagnose glaucoma, an eye condition that can cause irreversible loss of vision if not treated. Glaucoma effects around 70 million people worldwide, but around half of those living with the condition are not aware of it.
Usually developing slowly over time, many cases of glaucoma are only picked up during routine eye tests, by which time lasting damage may already have been caused, the researchers said.
The new contact lens developed by researchers at the Northumbria University in UK, and Bogazici University in Turkey, can detect changes in eye pressure, which signals possible glaucoma.
Glaucoma occurs when the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain, becomes damaged, usually by a build-up of fluid in the front part of the eye, which increases pressure inside the eye—known as Intra-Ocular Pressure (IOP). The new contact lenses contain micro-sensors that monitor changes in IOP over a period of several hours, sending the data collected wirelessly so it can be analysed by an ophthalmologist and a diagnosis given, the researchers said.
The research, published in the journal Contact Lens and Anterior Eye, sets out the findings from an initial pilot study of six participants. Having determined that the technology works successfully, the researchers now plan to carry out a further study with a larger group of participants, which would take place over the next year. The lenses would then be made commercially available through their spin-off company GlakoLens, they said.
One of the benefits of using the GlakoLens contact lenses to diagnose glaucoma instead of carrying out a traditional examination is that measurements can be taken more easily over a longer period of time, giving a more accurate diagnosis, according to the researchers. Source: PTI -
First human trial for deadly Nipah virus vaccine begins in UK
Scientists at the University of Oxford in the UK have launched the first-in-human clinical trial to test a vaccine to protect people against deadly Nipah virus. Fifty-one people aged 18 to 55 will participate in the trial of the ChAdOx1 NipahB vaccine, developed by researchers at the University of Oxford’s Pandemic Sciences Institute, the varsity said in a statement. Nipah virus is a devastating disease that can be fatal in around 75 per cent of cases. Outbreaks have occurred in countries in South-East Asia, including Singapore, Malaysia, Bangladesh and India, with a recent outbreak in Kerala, India in September 2023.
Despite the first outbreaks of Nipah virus occurring 25 years ago in Malaysia and Singapore, there are currently no approved vaccines or treatments.
“Nipah virus was first identified in 1998, and yet 25 years on the global health community still has no approved vaccines or treatments for this devastating disease,” said Professor Brian Angus, the trial’s Principal Investigator and Professor in the varsity’s Nuffield Department of Medicine.
“Due to the high mortality rate and the nature of Nipah virus transmission, the disease is identified as a priority pandemic pathogen. This vaccine trial is an important milestone in identifying a solution that could prevent local outbreaks occurring, while also helping the world prepare for a future global pandemic.”
The Nipah virus, which is recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a priority disease requiring urgent research, belongs to the same family of paramyxoviruses as more well-known pathogens like measles. Source: IANS -
Obesity may raise risk of blood cancer by over 70 percent: Study
Researchers find that obesity may increase the risk of developing multiple myeloma — a blood cancer of the plasma cells — by more than 70 percent. Smoking habits and exercise may also impact one’s likelihood of developing multiple myeloma, said the team from Massachusetts General Hospital in the US.
The research published in Blood Advances revealed that individuals with obesity are more likely to have monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) — a benign blood condition that often precedes multiple myeloma.
“While significant advancements have been made in therapeutics for multiple myeloma, it remains an incurable disease, often diagnosed after patients have already experienced end-organ damage,” explained David Lee, from Massachusetts General Hospital.
The team enrolled 2,628 individuals from across the US who were at elevated risk of developing multiple myeloma, based on self-identified race and family history of hematologic malignancies, between February 2019 and March 2022.
They found that being obese was associated with 73 per cent higher odds of having MGUS, compared to individuals with normal weights. This association remained unchanged when accounting for physical activity.
However, highly active individuals (defined as doing the equivalent of running or jogging 45-60 minutes per day or more) were less likely to have MGUS even after adjusting for BMI class, whereas those who reported heavy smoking and short sleep were more likely to also have detectable levels of MGUS.
MGUS, characterised by an abnormal protein produced by plasma cells, is a known precursor to multiple myeloma. Most people with MGUS exhibit no significant symptoms and are not immediately ill. Rather, the presence of MGUS serves as a warning to monitor for the potential development of more critical conditions, like multiple myeloma, that MGUS can turn into.
“These results guide our future research in understanding the influence of modifiable risk factors, such as weight, exercise, and smoking, on cancer risk,” explained Lee.
“Before we can develop effective preventative health strategies to lower the risk of serious diseases like multiple myeloma, we first need to better understand the relationship between MGUS and potentially modifiable risk factors like obesity.” Source: IANS -
Honey Chicken
INGREDIENTS
600 gm chicken, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 2 tablespoon butter, 2 tablespoon virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1/2 cup honey
Method
– Firstly, wash the chicken under running water and place it over a chopping board. Cut the chicken into pieces. Now, place a frying pan over medium flame and pour virgin olive oil in it. Once the oil is sufficiently hot, add the chicken pieces and fry for 4-5 minutes and keep them aside in a roasting pan.
– Next, place a saucepan over medium flame and add butter and honey into it. Once the butter is melted, turn off the flame. Now add lemon juice and salt in the same pan and mix well. Now, put the roasting pan into the oven and baste the chicken with butter-honey mixture. Then, bake the chicken at 200-250 degree Celsius for 45 minutes. Baste the chicken thoroughly at separate intervals. Serve hot! -
Skincare tips inspired by celebrities
Celebrities are renowned for their flawless and radiant skin, setting beauty standards that captivate audiences worldwide. Inspired by their skincare secrets, here are some tips to help you achieve a Bollywood-worthy glow. From hydration rituals to natural remedies, these practices promise to elevate your skincare routine to star-studded perfection.
Hydration is the Key
Celebrities swear by the importance of staying hydrated for healthy and glowing skin. Drinking an ample amount of water helps flush out toxins from the body, leaving your skin looking refreshed and radiant. Make it a habit to carry a water bottle with you throughout the day to ensure you stay hydrated.
Natural Ingredients for Skincare
Many stars emphasize the use of natural ingredients for their skincare routines. Incorporate ingredients like aloe vera, turmeric, honey, and cucumber into your skincare regimen. These natural remedies are known for their soothing and nourishing properties, promoting a natural glow.
Sunscreen, Always
Celebrities understand the significance of protecting their skin from harmful UV rays. Regular use of sunscreen is a non-negotiable step in their skincare routine. Choose a sunscreen with a high SPF to shield your skin from the sun’s damaging effects and prevent premature aging.
Cleansing is Crucial
A clean canvas is the foundation of any skincare routine. Stars stress the importance of cleansing to remove makeup, dirt, and impurities. Use a gentle cleanser suitable for your skin type to maintain clear and healthy skin.
Adequate Sleep for Radiant Skin
Celebrities know that beauty sleep is not just a saying but a reality. Ensure you get enough restful sleep each night to allow your skin to repair and regenerate. Lack of sleep can lead to dullness and dark circles, so prioritize a good night’s sleep for a natural glow.
Minimal Makeup for Maximum Impact
Divas often opt for minimal makeup to let their natural beauty shine. Embrace a simple and light makeup routine that enhances your features without clogging your pores. This approach not only keeps your skin healthy but also exudes a fresh and youthful appearance.
Regular Exfoliation
Exfoliation is a key step to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover. Bollywood celebrities incorporate exfoliation into their skincare routines to achieve smooth and glowing skin. Use a gentle exfoliator once or twice a week to reveal a brighter complexion.
Healthy Diet, Healthy Skin
Celebrities maintain a balanced and nutritious diet to keep their skin radiant from within. Include fruits, vegetables, and foods rich in antioxidants in your meals. A healthy diet supports your skin’s health and contributes to a natural, lit-from-within glow. Source: TOI -
Groom your eyebrows at home
How many times have you missed going to the salon right before an office party, only to dread partying with undone eyebrows? But worry not, we tell you ways you can do it yourself at home.
Tweeze after you shower
While we all know that tweezing can be a real pain in the butt, there’s a way to make the whole process a lot less painful. After taking a hot shower, grab your favorite pair of tweezers, and pluck your eyebrows. The warm water helps open up the follicles, which allows the hair to be pulled out much easier.
Align your brows with your face shape
When it comes to your brows, there are a few set of rules you should be aware of before you pluck away your arches: Use a brow pencil as a guide to help you find the beginning, end, and arch of your eyebrows. The beginning of your brow should start right where your nostril begins. Hold the pencil vertically against the bridge of your nose and on top of your nostril to help you find the starting point. (Essentially you want the inside edges of your brows to match the outer bridge of your nose.) To find your arch, place the pencil on the tip of your nose and angle it straight across your pupil. Ladies and gentlemen, that’s where your natural arch lies should be.
Finally, to find the end of your brow, simply take the pencil, at an angle, and place it against the end of your nose and eye. If the tail end of your brow hits the place where the pencil ends, then your eyebrows are the perfect length. If your brow is too long, then tweeze some of those hairs away.
Tweeze with good lighting
If there’s one thing you need to make sure to have before you tweeze your eyebrows, it’s really, really good lighting. The worst thing you can do is try to pluck your eyebrows in a dimly lit bathroom, where you’re pretty much asking for a beauty disaster. If you can, take advantage of natural light. Bring a handheld mirror to the most lit area in your home so you can see all those tiny hairs you need to pluck.
Tweeze in the direction of your hair growth
If you see a tiny black hole where you just tweezed, it means you didn’t pluck the whole hair follicle. To prevent this next time, tweeze in the direction of your hair growth so you can capture the whole strand with ease.
Fill in the spaces
If you’re one of the lucky few who naturally wakes up with Cara Delevingne brows, then I praise you. But if not, to get the best brows possible you want to fill those puppies in—but not too much. First, find a color that complements your brows. Use this guide if you’re unsure on how to find the perfect shade. -
Twinkle Khanna graduates from UK’s Goldsmith College; husband Akshay Kumar calls her ‘super woman’
Twinkle Khanna has completed a master’s programme in fiction writing from Goldsmiths, University of London, and the actor-turned-author has said her graduation ceremony was ‘even more perfect’ than she ever imagined. Khanna, who recently came out with the novel ‘Welcome To Paradise’, shared a video from the event on her official Instagram account on Tuesday. ‘And it’s here. Graduation day. My first day at Goldsmiths feels like it was both yesterday and years ago. A sunny day, a pretty sari, and having my family with me make this day even more perfect than I ever imagined,’ she wrote. Khanna, a former actor known for films such as ‘Barsaat’, ‘Baadshah’, ‘Jodi No.1’ and ‘Mela’, enrolled at the UK-based college in 2022. ‘There comes a stage when the easiest way to grow is horizontally, but we have to push ourselves to grow in myriad other ways,’ she further said in the post.
Khanna’s husband, actor Akshay Kumar accompanied her to the graduation ceremony.
In a post on X, Kumar congratulated his wife, whom he described as a ‘super woman’.
‘Two years ago when you told me you wanted to take up studies all over again, I wondered if you meant it. But the day I saw you work so hard and perfectly manage a full-fledged student life along with home, career, me and kids, I knew I had married a super woman. Today on your graduation, I also wish I had studied a bit more to know enough words to tell you how proud you make me, Tina. Congratulations and all my love,’ the actor wrote.
Khanna, 50, and Kumar, 56, are celebrating their 23rd wedding anniversary. The couple are parents to son Aarav and daughter Nitara.
Bollywood celebrities showered Twinkle Khanna with best wishes in the comment section. Preity Zinta wrote, “Wow Tina, you’re a true rock star! Congratulations, my witty one. You are beautiful and aspirational. More power to you,” accompanied by clapping hands and red hearts emojis. Bobby Deol posted clapping hands and a red heart emoji. Karisma Kapoor said, “Congratulations.” Comedian Kiku Sharda commented, “Awesome, congratulations,” with clapping hands emojis. Saba Pataudi posted, “Congratulations,” with clapping hands and a black heart emoji. Jackie Shroff’s wife, Ayesha Shroff said, “Congratulations!!!!” with clapping and red heart emojis. Ayushmann Khurrana’s wife, writer Tahira Kashyap said, “Amazing amazing amazing! My Wonder Woman,” along with red heart emojis. Phew! -
Vidyut Jammwal and Nora Fatehi turn up the heat with sizzling hot chemistry
Vidyut Jammwal teams up with Nora Fatehi for a sizzling romantic number, Dil Jhoom, from their upcoming film, Crakk- Jeetega Toh Jiyegaa. Set in breathtaking and exotic international locales, the soulful rendition is sung by Vishal Mishra and Shreya Ghoshal, the song is a beautiful remake of Ali Zafar’s hit number Jhoom. Recently, Ali took to social media expressing his emotions on his song being remade by such loved artistes creating a huge stir on social media. The soft romantic number beautifully captures the essence of the film’s romantic narrative with Vidyut and Nora setting it apart with fresh chemistry.
Talking about why he chose Jhoom to be a part of his film, Vidyut says, “Jhoom has been a constant on my romantic playlist. The melody feels just right, resonating with pure emotion.” -
Sofia Vergara opens up about her high-profile divorce from Joe Manganiello
Sofia Vergara recently opened up about navigating her public divorce from Joe Manganiello. During an interaction with CBS Sunday Morning, the actress disclosed that she anticipated the media frenzy that ensued at the time when the news of their separation surfaced in June 2023. “You’re out there (in the public eye) and people know that’s part of being a celebrity,” Vergara said. “I knew it was gonna happen. You can’t hide those things,” she explained.
When questioned about how she managed to navigate the public scrutiny surrounding their divorce, the actress credited her ability to endure it, partly, to the nature of the media coverage it received.
Vergara shared that she was surprised by the “type of media coverage” her divorce got. She’d thought that the press would add and invent things while reporting their split but “They kind of just said what it was and, and that was it,” she said.
In July 2023, the couple issued a joint statement, revealing their “difficult decision” to opt for a divorce after seven years of marriage. The statement, emphasizing their mutual love and care, urged privacy during the transitional period in their lives. Two days later, Manganiello officially filed for divorce, citing “irreconcilable differences” as the reason. The divorce documents obtained by People specified the date of separation as July 2.
Having overcome that challenging phase, Vergara shared that she has redirected her attention to living her best life in the present and future. In the CBS interview, she mentioned, “And, you know, I’ve been moving on.” The Modern Family alum has been spotted on numerous dates in recent months with orthopedic surgeon Justin Saliman. Meanwhile, Manganiello has entered spending time with actress Caitlin O’Connor. “I’m looking forward to the upcoming TV show,” she mentioned, referring to her Netflix limited series, Griselda. In the forthcoming miniseries directed by Andrés Baiz, produced by Eric Newman and Sofía Vergara, the actress takes on the role of Griselda Blanco. Griselda Blanco, known as the Godmother of Cocaine, was a significant figure in the cocaine-based drug trade and the Miami underworld during the 1980s. Source: HT -
Brad Pitt would go ‘longest without showering’: Ex-roommate Jason Priestley
Actor and filmmaker Jason Priestley was Brad Pitt’s roommate and he revealed the Hollywood star’s shocking hygiene habit. According to the Beverly Hills, 90210 alum, Pitt wasn’t huge on hygiene back then. “We used to play this game to see who could go the longest without showering,” Jason said. “I think about it now and I’m like, ‘Dude, how disgusting. What were you thinking?’”
As for who would win? “Brad,” Priestley shared. “Always Brad.” However, the 54-year-old noted that it’s unlikely Brad has stuck with the same routine. “I don’t think he does that anymore,” Priestley said “but back then he could go a long time without showering.” Jason and Brad, 60, were roommates back in the ‘90s when they were both up-and-coming actors. The duo lived in a two-bedroom apartment located in what Jason called the “really crappy part” of Los Angeles alongside a third friend.In his 2015 memoir, the Tru Calling actor recalled that the pair were basically “broke” as they struggled to find acting work.
“We lived on Ramen noodles and generic beer—the kind that came in white cans labelled ‘beer,” Jason wrote in the book, “and Marlboro Light cigarettes.” But after Priestley was cast in Beverly Hills, 90210 and Pitt shot to fame in Thelma and Louise, the two lost contact with each other. Still, Jason has nothing but fond memories of the Oscar winner. Source: IANS -
Jacob Elordi calls it quits with Olivia Jade for second time
Actor Jacob Elordi reportedly has ended his romantic relationship with Olivia Jade for the second time. It was reported that the actor portraying Nate Jacobs on ‘Euphoria’ and the former ‘Dancing with the Stars’ season 30 contestant broke up following their alleged first split in 2022. The news was revealed by Us Weekly. The media outlet confirmed that the 26-year-old actor and the 24-year-old daughter of fashion designer Mossimo Giannulli and actress Lori Loughlin have decided to go their separate ways. However, the former couple has not said anything about the alleged breakup. The report came a few days after Jacob and Olivia sparked split rumours. Earlier in January, a number of social media users noticed that she had stopped following the “Priscilla” actor on Instagram. Meanwhile, he notably does not follow anyone on the social media platform. The ‘Saltburn’ actor and the YouTube content creator were romantically linked for the first time back in December 2021.
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Bhakshak teaser: Bhumi Pednekar plays an investigative journalist
Inspired by true events, Netflix India’s upcoming crime drama Bhakshak premieres on February 9. The film is a Red Chillies Entertainment production, directed by Pulkit and produced by Gauri Khan and Gaurav Verma. It stars Bhumi Pednekar, Sanjay Mishra, Aditya Srivastava and Sai Tamhankar in pivotal roles. The makers released the teaser of the film on Thursday, January 17.
Bhakshak explores the journey of an unwavering woman’s quest to seek justice. Bhumi Pednekar as Vaishali Singh portrays the role of an investigative journalist who wants to bring to light a heinous crime, laying bare the ground reality of crimes against women. While the teaser doesn’t reveal much, it features Bhumi back in a deglamourised avatar after her urban comedy Thank You For Coming last year.
At the end of the teaser, Bhumi is seen telling a girl, “Bachchon ke adhikar ke liye lad rahe hain hum, samajh rahi ho? (We’re fighting for girls’ rights, do you get it?)” In a statement, director Pulkit echoed the thoughts. “Our aim was to shed light on the harsh realities of society and spark conversations that lead to meaningful change. I’m looking forward to more people joining this important dialogue,” he said.
Red Chillies Entertainment, the production house owned by Shah Rukh Khan, has been busy making the superstar’s last two global blockbusters, Atlee’s crime thriller Jawan and Rajkumar Hirani’s Dunki, which released in cinemas last year. Bhakshak marks the banner’s first digital release in a couple of years. Its last digital output was Jasmeet K Reen’s 2022 dark comedy Darlings, which was a co-production with lead actor Alia Bhatt’s Eternal Sunshine Productions, and also released on Netflix India.
Gaurav Verma, Producer at Red Chillies Entertainment, said in a statement, “We believe in storytelling that not only entertains, but also enlightens. Source: HT -
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal refuses to appear before ED, says BJP targeting him ahead of polls
New Delhi (TIP)- Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday, January 18, skipped summons from the Enforcement Directorate, calling them illegal, and alleging they were part of a conspiracy to stop him from campaigning for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
Later in the afternoon, he left for Goa, where he is assessing the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP’s) preparedness in the state for the general elections. ED had asked Kejriwal, who is also the AAP national convenor, to appear before it in connection with its money laundering probe into alleged irregularities in Delhi’s 2021-22 excise policy. This was the fourth time Kejriwal skipped summons by ED — he previously failed to appear before the agency on November 2, on December 22, and on January 3. Kejriwal and his party have repeatedly objected to the summons saying it is not clear whether he was asked to appear as a witness or suspect; as chief minister or as AAP chief; and that the agency has not made available any details of its line of questioning. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), meanwhile, accused Kejriwal of “evasive behaviour”. In response to a question about the summons, he said, “ED sent me fourth notice asking me to appear on January 18 or 19. All the four summonses are illegal and invalid. Different courts have termed such general, non-specific ED summons illegal and have quashed them. I have written to ED multiple times on why the ED notices are illegal, but ED has not responded.” Alleging that the notices are part of a political conspiracy, Kejriwal added, “The probe (in the excise case) is going on for two years, but they have found nothing. The courts have asked them how much money was recovered and what other things such as cash, gold were recovered… Two months before Lok Sabha polls, I have been summoned. BJP leaders are saying that I will be arrested. How the BJP knows that I will be arrested? It is because the BJP is running ED… The purpose of the summons is to arrest me before polls and stop me from campaigning.” People aware of the matter said Kejriwal was also upset by the language used by ED in a communication dated January 12, that was addressed to the chief minister. According to the people, Kejriwal objected to the use of the phrases “excuse”, “extraneous reasons”, “camouflage your real motive”, and “intentionally disobeying your summons” in the ED communication, and in response, wrote to the central agency, stating that its “bias and prejudice against me are apparent from various innuendos hurled at me”.
AAP has accused ED of dropping or stalling investigations of leaders the moment they become associated with BJP. Claiming that the agency was acting in a “blatantly biased” manner, a senior party official, on condition of anonymity, said, “Narayan Rane was being investigated by ED in a ?300 crore money laundering case. After joining BJP in 2019, no raids or further investigation has taken place.”
Meanwhile, the BJP accused Kejriwal of making excuses to skip the ED summons.
“Kejriwal may make excuses, but he will have to honour the ED summons and the law will take its course. Kejriwal has to answer a lot of questions related to the excise policy,” said Delhi BJP secretary Harish Khurana.
ED likely to issue 5th summons to Kejriwal
With Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal skipping his fourth summons in connection with a money laundering probe stemming from the investigation into alleged irregularities in the Delhi excise police 2021-22, Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials said their case is now left in limbo, even as they are deliberating on their next steps. People familiar with the developments said a fresh, fifth summon is likely to be issued to Kejriwal, but a call on the same is yet to be taken. “A call is yet to be taken on the next steps. But the Delhi CM has once again disregarded our summons to join investigations,” said an officer, who didn’t want to be named.
Source: HT -
Assam Police file case against Rahul Gandhi-led Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra
Jorhat (TIP)- An FIR has been lodged against the ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’ and its chief organizer KB Byju for reportedly straying from the approved route within Jorhat town, Assam, on Thursday, January 18, PTI reported citing police sources. According to an official statement, the march took an unauthorized direction in the town, deviating from the permitted KB Road route, causing a “chaotic situation” in the area.
“Some people fell due to the sudden rush of people and a stampede-like situation was created. A suo motu FIR has been registered at Jorhat Sadar Police Station against the Yatra and its chief organiser,” he added. As per the official, the FIR states that the Yatra failed to adhere to the norms set by the district administration and violated road safety regulations. In response, Leader of the Opposition Debabrata Saikia informed PTI that the FIR is a strategic move aimed at generating unwarranted obstacles for the Yatra. “There was no police manning the traffic diversion at the PWD point. The assigned route was too small and we had a huge gathering. So, we took a detour for just a few metres. Himanta Biswa Sarma is scared of the Yatra’s success on the first day (in Assam) and now wants to derail it,” he added. Furthermore, Congress’ Bharat Jodo Nyaya Yatra reached Assam’s Majuli. Party leader Jairam Ramesh said, “No rules have been broken. Assam Chief Minister is making all attempts to stop people from joining the Bharat Jodo Nyaya Yatra. No one can stop this yatra. We are in Assam for the next 7 years. Let them arrest us, we accept the challenge.” Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi in a post on X said, “The Chief Minister of Assam is the most corrupt Chief Minister of India, whose only work is to loot public money under the guise of hatred.” The Assam segment of the march is scheduled to persist until January 25, covering a distance of 833 km across 17 districts. The Yatra, under the leadership of the Congress MP, began its journey from Manipur on January 14 and is slated to conclude on March 20 in Mumbai.’’ -
Trinamool’s Mahua Moitra vacates Delhi bungalow days after eviction notice
Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra vacated her government-allotted Delhi bungalow on Friday, January 19. Moitra, who was expelled as a Lok Sabha MP in December last year, had received an eviction notice from the Directorate of Estates (DoE) on Tuesday. According to Mahua Moitra’s representative, she had fully vacated the bungalow by 10 am on Friday morning and the possession was handed over by her lawyers to the Directorate of Estates. On January 18, Moitra failed to get any relief from the Delhi High Court, which refused to stay the DoE notice and asked her to vacate the government bungalow.
Justice Girish Kathpalia said no specific rule had been brought before the court which dealt with the eviction of MPs from government accommodation after they cease to be lawmakers.
Moitra was expelled from Lok Sabha after an ethics panel held her guilty of “unethical conduct” for allegedly accepting gifts from businessman Darshan Hiranandani and sharing her user ID and password of the Parliament website with him. The panel had initiated a probe based on a complaint filed by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey who accused Moitra of asking questions in the Lok Sabha to target the Adani Group and Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the behest of businessman Darshan Hiranandani in exchange for gifts.