Tag: Apple News
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Bhagavad Gita Jayanti
The Bhagavad Gita is the most sacred and significant Hindu script influencing many people, and Gita Jayanti is Bhagavad Gita’s birthday. That’s the reason it is known as Bhagavad Gita Jayanti too. This day falls in the month of Shukla Ekadashi. This festival takes place in November or December, according to the English calendar. It’s this holy day Lord Krishna sent Arjuna in Kurukshetra the everlasting letter. This day is celebrated by followers of Lord Krishna around the world.
Gita Jayanti is celebrated by reading The Bhagavad Gita and talking about how it has benefited mankind even today with educated priests and scholars. Lord Krishna’s followers also fast on Ekadashi, and many songs of dedication are sung as they dance together. Puja is performed, and sweets are distributed, and people wish each other Happy Gita Jayanti. Gita Jayanti’s main aim is to remember and incorporate in our everyday lives the words of Gita. It enables people and families to lead both a brave and positive active life.
History Behind Bhagavad Gita Jayanti
Gita Jayanti in Dwapara Yuga was that auspicious day when Sri Krishna, the Lord Vishnu Incarnation, asked his friend and companion Arjuna to come back from Kurukshetra’s battlefield by giving him the knowledge of Gita. The Hindu community has since regarded Srimad Bhagavad Gita as the most sacred text.
According to Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna’s teachings have given humanity a new path. So on Mokshada Ekadashi day, Gita Jayanti will be celebrated.
Gita Jayanti Puja Vidhi
According to Shastras, people worship Lord Krishna, Maharishi Ved Vyas, and Shrimad Bhagavad Gita on the day of Mokshada Jayanti and also observe fast. There are some rituals that have been prescribed for observing fast and performing worship. Let us begin with the Puja Vidhi of the auspicious Mokshada Ekadashi Vrat.
– A day prior to the Ekadashi fast, i.e. Dashami Tithi, you have to eat just once in the afternoon. And remember to resolve to fast on Dashami by avoiding taking any food at night.
– Wake up on Ekadashi’s Day before sunrise and resolutely fast with a pious heart.
– After firmly resolving to fast on Ekadashi day, worship Lord Krishna and offer him Dhoop, Diya, Naivedya, etc.
– On Ekadashi night, you need to observe the practice of worshipping Lord Krishna and Jagran.
– Worship and serve the needy or give donations after the Ekadashi Day has passed and before the Muhurat Parana Dwadashi. Once that is over, do Parana or end up quickly by eating.
Rituals Of Gita Jayanti
This day is celebrated with great enthusiasm by the Temples dedicated to Lord Krishna that includes doing puja with special prayers.
On this day, devotees from various parts of India and abroad would like to go to Kurukshetra and take a bath in the sacred pools.
In addition to a holy bath, Lord Krishna’s puja may end with aarti being performed at home.
Since Ekadashi is celebrated, it is vital that devotees who fast on this day eat no grains like rice, wheat or barley.
Many planned celebrations were carried out to teach today’s young people the importance of Dharma by explaining Gita on this special day.
Things To Remember
On Gita Jayanti, there are certain things you need to remember:
– With a pious heart, you need to acknowledge Srimad Bhagavad Gita on Gita Jayanti Day, and also perform LORD Krishna’s Darshan.
– Pray for intelligence to him afterwards.
– Whenever necessary, implement the Shlokas in life to receive their essence. You can get ideas from Shlokas that can easily eradicate numerous problems in your life.
– According to belief, worshipping Conch along with Mokshada Ekadashi Vrat on the Gita Jayanti day is also beneficial. The sound of the conch eliminates the harmful vibrations after worship and allows Maa Lakshmi to appear. It is believed that after being satisfied, Lord Vishnu showers his grace.
– You can also perform an authentic Vishnu Puja online to get blessings from the Lord.
– On this day, it is considered holy to worship the gigantic form of Lord Krishna. Those who do the same will achieve peace, and all their pending works will be successfully resolved.
– Whichever family has differences, on the day of Gita Jayanti, the members must start reciting the Path of Gita.
Significance Of Mokshada Ekadashi
There was a king called Vaikhanasa, who governed the city of Gokul, according to mythological beliefs. He once dreamed that his dad had suffered in hell after his death, and the king prayed for his improvement. The King was afraid to see his father’s awful state.
The king invited learners to his kingdom immediately and asked for his dream secret. The Brahmins recommended that he go to Muni’s Ashram, called Parvat and ask him for his father’s remedy.
The king went to Muni’s Ashram and told him everything about his dream. The Muni responded that his dad was in hell due to his previous life’s ill deeds. In this pretext, Mokshada Ekadashi’s fast to deliver his father from hell had to be observed by the king.
The king observed fast, devoted himself to due rituals, donated and did everything else as Muni instructed. As a result, his father quickly came to Moksha. -
Bikaner: The desert town
Located in the midst of Thar Desert, Bikaner is a “cultural paradise and a traveller’s haven”. Bikaner with its magnificence in architecture, art and culture is filled with colour, festivity and cultural marvels.The city will mesmerize you with the camels sauntering the beautiful sand dunes, its ancient palaces and forts. Rightly called as one of the three great desert kingdoms of Rajasthan, the dazzling city boasts of old-world charm, opulent havelis and depicts a pleasing bygone era of the Rajputs. Best known as the “camel country” for breeding some best-known riding camels, Bikaner also happens to house one of the only two models of the biplane used by the British in World War 1.
Sand Dunes and the Desert Safari are among major attractions. Bikaner is also famous for hosting the international Camel festival which draws tourists from the world over. Other attractions here include experiencing delicacies such as Thandai, Bhujias, shopping for the fascinating Ivory and Lacquer items or simply witnessing the immense heritage taking the form of wall paintings and arts and crafts in the area.
Junagarh Fort
The Junagarh Fort of Bikaner is a magnificent structure around which the city of Bikaner grew up. The fort was initially called Chintamani and later renamed the Junagarh or Old fort in the 20th century. The foundations of the Junagarh fort was built in 1478 by Rao Bika. However, it existed just as a stone fort then. The present grand structure was inaugurated on 17th February 1589.
The palaces inside the fort, the gardens, balconies, kiosks, etc., depict a composite architectural style influenced by the different rulers’ cultural differences and foreign inspirations.
The unique monuments on display in the fort represent 16 generations of rulers in Bikaner starting from the late 16th century.
Karni Mata Temple
The Karni Mata Temple, also popularly known as the Nari Mata Temple or ‘Rat Temple’, is a 600-year-old temple located around 30 km from Bikaner in a small town of Deshnoke in Rajasthan. What is unique about this temple is the fact that 25,000 black rats live, and are worshipped, in the temple. Infact, the food that is eaten by them is considered to be holy and is later served as ‘prasad’.
These holy rats are known as kabbas, and people from all over the world travel great distances to come and visit the temple to pay their respects to these rats. Numerous tales and legends are associated with the temple and the rats that live here, but no one knows the exact history of this unique shrine.
The Karni Mata Temple is also noteworthy for its architecture that has been influenced by the Mughal style of construction. The beautiful temple is adorned with a fantastic marble facade and marble carvings that further add to the charm of this place. While the entire concept of this temple may seem as gross or weird to some, it is a unique experience altogether and is something you should not miss out.
Lallgarh Palace
Lallgarh Palace, a breathtaking Rajasthani Palace, is located in the beautiful city of Bikaner, Rajasthan in India. It was constructed for the Maharaja of Bikaner, Maharaja Ganga Singh, between 1902 and 1926. The palace built in European architecture style has now been opened up for tourists as a Heritage Hotel and the entire estate comes under the National Heritage Trust. The estate also houses a museum named Shri Sadul Museum, where you can find traces of Rajasthani Royalties and get an insight into their extravagant lifestyle.
Built with red sandstone bought from the Thar Desert, the colours of the beautiful structure when they change shades as the day progresses. If you wish to stay at the Lallgarh Palace Hotel, you’ll be amazed at the massive size of the rooms you’ll be living in and the regal hospitality you’ll be receiving. One of the estate wings has been maintained only for the Royal family of Bikaner. The other two wings are for The Lalgarh Palace Hotel and the Lakshmi Niwas Hotel.
Gajner Palace
Gajner Palace is located in the city of Bikaner on the banks of Gajner Lake. This regal palace was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh as a hunting lodge for him and his family but was converted to a hotel in 1976. Gajner Palace offers you a variety of leisure activities from boat rides to desert safaris. Built as a traditional Rajasthani Palace, it is an architectural beauty that now is modernised to host guests. The entire vicinity is filled with lush green trees while the glorious palace itself offers recreational activities like billiards, lawn tennis, cycling, bird watching and wildlife safaris.
National Research Centre On Camel
Identified as one of the important tourist place of Bikaner, National Research Centre On Camel is open for tourists during afternoon. Tourists can see the camel of different breeds and their behavior.
A camel museum is available to apprise them of the developmental and research aspects of the camel in the desert ecosystem. Facilities of camel riding, safari and video/photography are also available. Special attraction of the centre is Camel milk parlour and you can have unique value added camel milk products like ice-cream, hot and cold beverages. There are many shops within the premises too.
Rampuriya Haveli
Among all other havelis like Rikhji Bagri ki Haveli, Haveli of Bhairondan, Daga Chowk Havelis and Sampatlala Agarwal Haveli, Rampuria group of Havelis are known for their more than 400 years old architecture splendour. With intricate details of jharokhas and carvings, havelis are no less than palaces. Source: Holidify.com -
Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh’s aide wins WFI poll, Sakshi Malik quits wrestling
New Delhi (TIP)- Rio Olympic bronze medallist Sakshi Malik on Thursday, December 21, announced her retirement from the sport, protesting against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh loyalist Sanjay Singh winning the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) election for the top job, here. Sanjay, a close associate of outgoing WFI chief Brij Bhushan became the new WFI president with his panel winning 13 of the 15 posts in the elections here on Thursday, December 21. “We fought from our heart, but if a man like Brij Bhushan, his business partner and a close aide is elected as the president of WFI, I quit wrestling,” said a teary-eyed Sakshi, and kept her shoes on the table in a dramatic announcement. “We wanted a female president but that did not happen,” the 31-year-old, who is also a CWG gold medallist, added.
Ahead of the elections, Oylmpic medal-winning grapplers Bajrang Punia and Sakshi had repeatedly requested Sports Minister Anurag Thakur to stop anyone associated with Brij Bhushan from contesting the WFI polls. Consequently, neither Brij Bhushan’s son Prateek nor son-in-law Vishal Singh entered the fray. Bajrang and Vinesh Phogat, who addressed media after elections, did not say whether they will retire from the sport.
“It’s unfortunate that government did not stand by its word that no Brij Bhushan loyalist will contest WFI election,” Bajrang said.
“Upcoming women wrestlers will also face exploitation,” Vinesh added. Source: PTI -
Samson, Arshdeep help India seal series against South Africa
Paarl (TIP)- Sanju Samson’s mature maiden ODI hundred and wiliness of a young set of bowlers on a sticky surface formed a heady concoction in India’s 78-run win over South Africa in the third and final match Thursday, December 21. India, thus, bagged the rubber 2-1, their second series triumph on these shores since 2018. Samson’s measured 108 (114 balls) and Tilak Varma’s patient 52 (77 balls), his first fifty in this format, guided India to a competitive 296 for eight. Their 116-run alliance for an enterprising fourth wicket stand was a treat to watch. South Africa challenged the tourists through a fifty by Tony de Zorzi (81, 87 balls) but were eventually bowled out for 218 in 45.5 overs. Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh marshalled Indian bowlers with a satisfactory haul of four for 30.
South Africa made a bright beginning to their chase with De Zorzi and Reeza Hendricks (19) adding 59 runs in just 8.2 overs as the former took a heavy toll on pacer Mukesh Kumar in the power play. However, Arshdeep elicited an edge from Hendricks to activate KL Rahul behind the stumps, signalling the end of the opening partnership. Left-arm spinner Axar Patel castled Rassie van der Dussen with a ball that came along his arm to reduce the hosts to 76 for 2.
But it followed a period of stability as De Zorzi and captain Aiden Markram (36) added 65 runs for the third wicket to keep India at bay. De Zorzi’s footwork was precise and he used the depth of the crease wisely to gather runs, especially against spinners Axar and Washington Sundar. But just as the partnership was blooming, Washington, who replaced Kuldeep Yadav for this match, dislodged Markram. Markram’s attempt to reverse sweep Washington brought disaster as Rahul snaffled the ballooning ball behind the wicket. South Africa’s hopes of adding flesh to the chase suffered an even bigger jolt when Arshdeep won a leg-before appeal against De Zorzi via the DRS.
The left-armer jagged the ball into the Protea opener and the low-ball thudded onto his front pad as the Indian camp went up in appeal, which eventually brought the desired result. Heinrich Klaasen (21, 22 balls) failed to negotiate a climbing ball from pacer Avesh Khan and he played it with hard hands. Sai Sudharsan completed a super acrobatic catch inside the ring to dismiss Klaasen, reducing the Proteas to 174 for five in the 33rd over. With the asking rate mounting ever so steadily, even David Miller could not carry South Africa past the target.
Earlier, Samson found a perfect sidekick in Varma to place India in a position of strength. Samson and Varma came together when India were slightly wobbling at 101 for three after being asked to bat first.
But the pair showed excellent situational awareness and sussed up the conditions to a nicety. Their partnership was all about pragmatism without letting go of any oppo rtunity to unfurl a big shot.
Usually a free-flowing hitter, Samson shelved his macho intentions for a large part of his innings, concentrating on singles and twos as the Boland Park deck had this slight bite on it. But the right-hander intermittently brought out his T20 avatar into play when he smashed pacer Nandre Burger for a six over mid-wicket or while executing an exquisite inside-out loft over cover off left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj for a four. Source: PTI -
India on song as Vastrakar exploits variable bounce
Seamer Pooja Vastrakar and off-spinner Sneh Rana showed enough craft to exploit a pitch offering variable bounce to bundle out Australia for a modest 219 in their first innings on the opening day of their one-off Test in Mumbai on December 21.
In their first essay, India raced to 98/1 at stumps as openers Smriti Mandhana (43 not out) and Shafali Verma (40) added 90 runs at the Wankhede Stadium. But India’s march to ascendancy began through Vastrakar (4/53) who teamed up with Rana (3/56) and Deepti Sharma (2/45) to halt Aussies’ innings in 77.4 overs despite a fifty by Tahlia McGrath.
However, Australia made a poor start as they lost opener Phoebe Litchfield in the first over itself after a mix-up with her partner Beth Mooney. Four deliveries later, Vastrakar produced a peach of a delivery to remove Ellyse Perry (4) and reduced Australia to 7/2 inside the first two overs. Vastrakar beat the defence of star all-rounder Perry by getting the ball move and disturb the stumps. But McGrath (50) came out firing on all cylinders to put pressure back on India, making most of the errors in line and in the field. McGrath was hard on anything that had width, racing to her third fifty in five Tests with eight fours while also utilising two lifelines in the form of dropped catches when she was on 18 and 45.
Source: PTI -
Patent dispute: Apple to halt sales of its newest watches in US
If two of the latest Apple Watches are on your holiday shopping list, don’t dawdle for much longer because the devices won’t be available to buy in the US later this week if the White House doesn’t intervene in an international patent dispute.
Apple plans to suspend sales of the Series 9 and Ultra 2 versions of its popular watch for online US customers beginning Thursday afternoon and in its stores on Sunday. The move stems from an October decision by the International Trade Commission restricting Apple’s watches with the Blood Oxygen measurement feature as part of an intellectual property dispute with medical technology company Masimo. The White House had 60 days to review the ITC order issued on Oct 26, meaning Apple could have kept selling the two affected models in the US through Christmas. But the Cupertino, California, company said in a Monday statement that it is pausing sales early to ensure it complies with the ITC order. If the ITC’s sales ban isn’t overturned, Apple pledged to “take all measures” to resume sales of the Series 9 and Ultra 2 models in the US as soon as possible.
The Apple Watch SE, which lacks the Blood Oxygen feature, will remain on sale in the US after Christmas Eve. Previously purchased Apple Watches equipped with the Blood Oxygen aren’t affected by the ITC order. Source: AP -
UK inflation falls by more than anticipated to 2-year low of 3.9% in Nov
London (TIP)- Inflation in the UK as measured by the consumer prices index eased back to its lowest level in more than two years, official figures showed on December 20, in a development that is likely to bolster speculation that the Bank of England may start cutting interest rates sooner than expected.
The Office for National Statistics said inflation dropped to 3.9 percent in the year to November, its lowest level since September 2021, from 4.6 percent the previous month. That decline was bigger than anticipated in financial markets.
The agency said the biggest driver for the fall was a decrease in fuel prices after an increase at the same time last year. Food price inflation also contributed to the decline.
Last week, the Bank of England left its main interest rate at a 15-year high of 5.25 per cent, where it has stood since August following the end of nearly two years of hikes. Bank Gov. Andrew Bailey said interest rate policy would likely have to remain restrictive for an extended period of time.” The Bank of England has managed to get inflation down from a four-decade high of over 11 per cent but still has a way to go to get to its target of 2 per cent.
Higher interest rates targeted a surge in inflation, first stoked by supply chain issues during the coronavirus pandemic and then Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which pushed up food and energy costs.
While the interest rate increases have helped in the battle against inflation, the squeeze on consumer spending, primarily through higher mortgage rates, has weighed on growth in the British economy. There are growing worries that rates will stay high for too long, unnecessarily damaging the economy.
Samuel Tombs, chief UK economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics, said November’s surprisingly sharp fall in inflation reinforces the likelihood that the central bank will begin to reduce interest rates in the first half of 2024, far earlier than it has been prepared to signal so far. -
Google is paying $700 million to settle antitrust charges over Play Store
Google has agreed to pay $700 million and offered several other concessions to nearly 102 million customers in the US as part of an antitrust payout over fees the tech giant charged through its app store. Most of that money will be given to people who purchased something through Google’s Play Store. Google also committed to changing how apps are downloaded and paid for on Android phones.
Although the tech giant struck the deal with state attorneys in September, the settlement’s terms were revealed late on Monday. As per settlement terms, Google will deposit $630 million into a fund that will dole out compensation to the US customers funnelled into a payment processing system that state attorneys general alleged drove up the prices for digital transactions within apps downloaded from the Play Store, Washington Post reported. Google will place an additional $70 million into a separate fund that the states will use to take care of penalties and other costs, the report further said.
According to the court filing, about 70 million consumers, or more than 71% of those covered by the settlement will receive at least $2 and may get additional payments based on their spending on the Play Store between August 16, 2016 and September 30, 2023. The estimated 102 million US consumers who made in-app purchases during that time frame are supposed to be automatically notified about various options for how they can receive their cut of the money.
The tech giant also agreed to make it easier for consumers to download and install Android apps from other outlets besides its Play Store for the next five years and will refrain from issuing security warnings, or “scare screens,” when alternative choices are being used. “We brought this lawsuit because it is illegal to use monopoly power to drive up prices and limit consumer choice,” Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser said in a statement, per the Post.
Google, for its part, seems to be taking the development in stride. “We’re pleased to resolve our case with the states and move forward on a settlement that includes … growing our commitment to app store choice,” among other improvements, Wilson White, the company’s VP for government affairs and public policy, wrote on Monday in a blog post. The deal still has to get the green light from US District Judge James Donato.
Source: Livemint -
RBI introduces card tokenisation facility at bank level
The RBI has introduced a Card-on-File (CoF) token facility at the level of banks and other institutions to provide convenience for cardholders to get tokens created and linked to their existing accounts with various e-commerce applications.
At present, a CoF token can only be created through the merchant’s application or webpage. For a CoF, a token is a 16-digit number unique for a combination of card, token requestor and merchant. Through tokenisation, the actual card details are replaced with token credentials that can be used only with the intended merchant. “It has been decided to enable Card-on-File Tokenisation (CoFT) directly through card-issuing banks/institutions also. This will provide cardholders with an additional choice to tokenise their cards for multiple merchant sites through a single process,” the RBI said in a circular. Generation of CoF tokens for a card, through the card issuer, can be enabled through mobile banking and internet banking channels.
In October, the RBI had said tokenisation has improved transaction security and transaction approval rate. The RBI introduced CoFT in September 2021 and began implementation from October 1 last year. Source: PTI -
US business activity picks up in December: S&P Global survey
U.S. business activity picked up in December amid rising orders and demand for workers, which could further help to allay fears of a sharp slowdown in economic growth in the fourth quarter.
S&P Global said on Friday that its flash U.S. Composite PMI Output Index, which tracks the manufacturing and services sectors, increased to a five-month high of 51.0 this month from 50.7 in November. A reading above 50 indicates expansion in the private sector.
All the improvement came from the services sector, with manufacturing activity declining further. The survey followed upbeat news on the labor market in November. The holiday shopping season also got off to a strong start, with retail sales outperforming expectations in November, data showed on December 21.
The run of better-than-expected data prompted the Atlanta Federal Reserve to boost its gross domestic product growth estimate to a 2.6% annualized rate from a 1.2% pace. The economy accelerated at a 5.2% rate in the third quarter.
“The early PMI data indicate that the U.S. economy picked up a little momentum in December,” said Chris Williamson, chief business economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence. “Looser financial conditions have helped boost demand … and have also helped lift future output expectations higher.” Source: Reuters -
Microsoft Copilot now lets you create personalized songs with simple prompt
Microsoft has partnered with Suno, a leader in artificial intelligence (AI)-based music creation, to bring their capabilities to its AI-powered chatbot Copilot, allowing you to create personalised songs with a simple prompt. “Through this partnership, people will have at their fingertips the ability, regardless of musical background, to create fun, clever, and personalised songs with a simple prompt,” Microsoft said in a blogpost. “Suno has been a leader in AI music technology, pioneering the ability to generate complete songs – lyrics, instrumentals, and singing voices – from a single sentence,” it added. To create your music, open Microsoft Edge, visit copilot.microsoft.com and ensure you’re signed in with your Microsoft Account, then enable the Suno plugin or click on the Suno logo that says, “Make music with Suno”.
After that ask Copilot to create a song for you such as, “Create a pop song about adventures with your family”. “We believe that this partnership will open new horizons for creativity and fun, making music creation accessible to everyone,” Microsoft said.
This experience has now started to roll out, and the company said it will ramp up in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, Microsoft has announced a number of new features which will be added to its Copilot service soon, including OpenAI’s latest models.
The company said soon Copilot will get support for GPT-4 Turbo, alongside an updated DALL-E 3 model.
Source: IANS -
AI in healthcare ‘double-edged sword’, can fool clinicians with data
AI models in health care are a double-edged sword, with models improving diagnostic decisions for some demographics, but worsening decisions for others when the model has absorbed biased medical data, suggests a study.
Given the very real life and death risks of clinical decision-making, researchers and policymakers are taking steps to ensure AI models are safe, secure and trustworthy — and that their use will lead to improved outcomes. However, the new study, published in JAMA, finds that even with provided AI explanations, clinicians can be fooled by biassed AI models.
“The problem is that the clinician has to understand what the explanation is communicating and the explanation itself,” said Sarah Jabbour, doctoral candidate in computer science and engineering at the College of Engineering at the University of Michigan. The team studied AI models and AI explanations in patients with acute respiratory failure. “Determining why a patient has respiratory failure can be difficult. In our study, we found clinicians baseline diagnostic accuracy to be around 73 per cent,” said Michael Sjoding, Associate Professor of internal medicine at the varsity’s Medical School. “During the normal diagnostic process, we think about a patient’s history, lab tests and imaging results, and try to synthesise this information and come up with a diagnosis. It makes sense that a model could help improve accuracy,” he added.
The team designed a study to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of 457 hospitalist physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants with and without assistance from an AI model.
Each clinician was asked to make treatment recommendations based on their diagnoses. Half were randomised to receive an AI explanation with the AI model decision, while the other half received only the AI decision with no explanation.
Clinicians were then given real clinical vignettes of patients with respiratory failure, as well as a rating from the AI model on whether the patient had pneumonia, heart failure or Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
In the half of participants who were randomised to see explanations, the clinician was provided a heatmap, or visual representation, of where the AI model was looking in the chest radiograph, which served as the basis for the diagnosis.
The team found that clinicians who were presented with an AI model trained to make reasonably accurate predictions, but without explanations, had their own accuracy increase by 2.9 percentage points. When provided an explanation, their accuracy increased by 4.4 percentage points.
Source: IANS -
Google Play Store’s new option lets you delete apps from other Android devices
Google is adding a new option in Play Store, which will let users uninstall apps from their other Android devices remotely. According to the Google System Updates changelog, the Play Store is now rolling out a new option for removing apps from “other connected” Android devices, reports 9to5Google. Google only provides a brief explanation, but it does state that it is supported across all instances of Android (Auto, PC, Phone, TV, and Wear). “(Auto, PC, Phone, TV, Wear) New feature to help you uninstall apps on connected devices,” Google said. Google’s new remote uninstall feature is hidden beneath the surface of the Play Store’s version 38.8 (which has not yet been widely distributed).
After enabling the feature, the Play Store’s “Manage Apps” section can display apps installed on a different Android device from the one you’re currently using, and the app can be deleted from the other device from that UI, the report explained. The feature also allows you to arrange the list of apps installed on your other devices by storage used, the report added. Meanwhile, Google has introduced more repair features for Pixel devices that will give users peace of mind if their phone needs to be fixed. The tech giant released a tool to help users diagnose problems with their Pixel phones. Users can launch the app by dialling #*#7287#*#, which allows users to check whether their phone is working properly before or after a repair. -
Myntra’s MyFashionGPT predicts the clothes you need, runs on Microsoft Azure
Online fashion retailer Myntra has revealed more about its collaboration with Microsoft, which helped integrate generative AI into its shopping app in an attempt to change the way Indians shop for clothes. The new feature, MyFashionGPT, allows shoppers to search using natural language instead of keywords, opening up new possibilities for product discovery.
Powered by Microsoft’s Azure OpenAI Service, MyFashionGPT understands open-ended questions like “show me clothes for a beach vacation” and returns relevant items spanning categories of beachwear, hats, sunglasses and more. This unshackles shoppers from the limitations of conventional search that relies on matching specific keywords already present in a product catalogue. Myntra revealed that it had organised a hackathon in February to explore how it could harness generative AI to solve this “unsolved search problem” in online fashion. ChatGPT’s generative AI tech quickly emerged as the top candidate.
Azure OpenAI Service gave the team the flexibility to compare different large language models and choose the best fit for Myntra’s use case. Myntra says that over the next few weeks, multiple teams refined the backend systems and user interface ahead of the launch alongside the platform’s End of Reason Sale in May. Seamless integration with existing Azure infrastructure accelerated deployment. -
Natural ways to increase your glutathione levels
Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that’s made up of three amino acids — cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine. As we age, our body’s ability to produce complex compounds like Gutathione can slow down and become weaker. The solution is to consume more foods that are rich in Glutathione.
Sulfur-Rich Foods
Sulfur can be found in several amino acids like methionine and cysteine which are necessary for the production of Glutathione. These foods include poultry, grains like rice, bread, pasta, and vegetables like broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kale, watercress.
Foods with Vitamin C
Our favorite water-soluble vitamin does a fantastic job of protecting cells from oxidative damage, but studies have also shown a link between increased Vitamin C intake and Glutathione levels, since they attack the damaging free radicals first, which prevents Glutathione from getting wasted in the process. Citrus fruits like oranges, kiwis, cauliflower, strawberries, papayas, and potatoes should all do the trick.
Selenium-Rich Foods
The best foods for the same include the delicious cottage cheese, beans, sunflower seeds, mushrooms, brown rice, and Brazilian nuts.
Herbs and Spices
Commonly found and easy-to-use herbs are the easiest way to add a dose of Glutathione-rich foods to your diet. Milk Thistle, for example, is a great source. Known for its antioxidant properties, it contains three active compounds, collectively known as silymarin, which are beneficial for your body. Then there’s always Turmeric! It’s a common Indian spice used in everyday life, and thankfully for us, studies have shown that turmeric and curcumin extracts help increase Glutathione levels in your body. -
JN.1 variant has high immune-escaping capability: Lancet
Compared to BA.2.86, the JN.1 variant has high immune-escaping capability that made it dominant in France, a new research published in The Lancet journal has stated.
Titled ‘Fast evolution of SARS-CoV BA2.2.86 to JN.1 under heavy immune pressure’, the study revealed that JN.1 contained spike mutation L455S that turned BA.2.86 into a heavy immune evasive variant (JN.1). Immune escape is a phenomenon when the immune system is incapable of responding against an infectious agent. The research claims that high ACE2 (acts as a door for Covid to infect cells) binding affinity and distinct antigenicity could enable BA.2.86 to escape immune evasive mutations and high transmission capability. It states that JN.1 has inherited BA.2.86 antigenic capabilities. Antigenicity refers to the capacity of viruses to bind to specific antibody molecules.
JN.1 is a new sub-lineage of BA.2.86, also known as Pirola. The research also underscores the importance of monitoring strains with high antigenicity in the light of evolutionary patterns of BA.2.86 to JN.1 and BA.2.875 to CH.1.1 and XBB.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Tuesday classified the JN.1 coronavirus strain as a “variant of interest” and said current evidence shows risk to public health was low from the strain.
At least two experts told Reuters that while the strain can evade the immune system and transmit more easily than other currently circulating variants, it has not shown any signs of more severe disease. While there might be more cases with the variant, JN.1 doesn’t pose a greater risk, said Andrew Pekosz, a virologist at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
JN.1 was previously classified a variant of interest as part of its parent lineage BA.2.86, but WHO has now classified it as a separate variant of interest.
WHO said current vaccines would continue to protect against severe disease and death from JN.1 and other circulating variants of the Covid-19 virus.
The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said earlier this month the subvariant JN.1 makes up about an estimated 15% to 29% of cases in the United States as of December 8, according to the agency’s latest projections. -
Fruits for weight loss and digestion in winter
Winter is the perfect opportunity to shed those pesky kilos as the metabolism during the season naturally speeds up due to which one is able to burn more calories. Unlike the sweaty summers, you are able to exercise for a longer duration in winter and this can work in favor of your weight loss goals. However, cold weather can also make you lethargic and indulge in high-calorie comfort food. Adding the right foods to your diet can keep you full and also energise you. Eating fruits is a delicious and healthy way to add the much-required fibre and essential vitamins and minerals to your diet. Being a low-calorie snacking options, fruits can help satiate cravings and support in your weight loss journey. A storehouse of antioxidants, fruits can also help boost immunity against winter illnesses.
Dr. Neeti Sharma, Chief Nutritionist at Marengo Asia Hospitals in Gurugram shares best fruits for weight loss during the winter season.
Apples
Apples are versatile and fibre-rich fruits that can aid digestion and promote a feeling of fullness. Their natural sweetness satisfies cravings, making them an excellent snacking choice for those watching their weight. Enjoy a fruit smoothie, add them to your salad, or pair them with peanut butter for a satisfying snack.
Berries
Packed with antioxidants, berries like blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are not only delicious but also low in calories. These fruits can be added to yoghurts, salads, or enjoyed on their own for a satisfying and guilt-free treat. A storehouse of nutrients and phytochemicals, berries boost health and prevent various chronic diseases.
Pears
High in dietary fibre, pears contribute to improved digestion and help control appetite. Their low-calorie content makes them an ideal choice for weight-conscious individuals looking to maintain a healthy balance in their diet.
Grapefruit
Known for its metabolism-boosting properties, grapefruit is an excellent choice for those focusing on weight loss. Its unique combination of enzymes and antioxidants may help reduce insulin levels and encourage the body to burn fat more efficiently.
Oranges
Rich in Vitamin C and fibre, oranges are not only refreshing but also contribute to a healthy weight loss journey. The fibre content aids in digestion, while the Vitamin C supports the immune system during the winter months.
Kiwi
Packed with nutrients and low in calories, kiwi is a powerhouse of Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and dietary fibre. Its vibrant green flesh adds a burst of flavour to salads and snacks without compromising on health goals.
Pomegranates
Bursting with antioxidants, pomegranates offer a sweet and tangy flavour while supporting weight loss efforts. The seeds can be sprinkled over salads or enjoyed on their own for a nutritious and satisfying snack.
“These fruits not only contribute to weight loss but also provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are vital for overall health,” says Dr Sharma. Source: HT -
Mughlai Chicken
Ingredients
500 gms Chicken1 cup Hung Curd2-3 Green Chillies (Chopped)Salt as per taste2 tbsp Ghee2 small Tomato (Chopped)1 tbsp Ginger-Garlic paste1 tsp Cumin Powder1/2 tsp Garam Masala2 medium Onion (Roughly Sliced)4-5 Soaked Almonds1 tsp Red Chilli Powder1 and 1/2 tsp Coriander Seeds1 tsp Sugar
Method
– Start by heating ghee/oil in a handi or a large bottomed pan. Then add roughly chopped onion, fry until they turn golden and brown.
– Once done, add in the ginger garlic paste and fry again for a few mins or until the raw smell disappears.
– Now add in the chopped tomatoes, green chillies and continue frying until the tomatoes turn soft and mushy.
– Then add the dry masalas- chilli powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, salt and half of the crushed coriander seeds mix and stir fry for 2-3 mins.
– Add in the chicken pieces and mix everything well with the masala.
– Continue stirring for 3-4 mins. The chicken will slowly start releasing water. Now cover and cook the chicken for 15-20 minutes on medium heat.
– When the chicken is almost cooked reduce the heat to low.
– Add in the whisked hung curd, nut paste, sugar, kasoori methi and the rest of the coriander seeds and mix everything well.
– Add garam masala powder and give it a good stir. Check the seasoning, add salt and sugar if required. Cook for another 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently.
– Sprinkle some coriander leaves on the top and serve it hot with rice, roti or any bread of your choice. -
Interior decor tips to design a high-end home
Defining the Style
The first step is to define the purpose of the home. Is it a maximalist paradise, a minimalist retreat, or does it embrace the latest trends, or perhaps something more timeless and established? While some clients opt for an inward-looking design that creates a sanctuary within, like Kendall Jenner’s 6,625-square-foot Spanish-style Malibu mansion, others prefer merging indoors and outdoors seamlessly, blurring the lines between nature and luxury—similar to Dakota Jonhson’s serene getaway estate in LA, designed by architect Carl Maston. It is essential to understand the occupant’s taste by pinpointing the critical elements that shape near-ordinary spaces into exceptional homes.
Scale and Dynamic Design
High-end homes are not just about opulence; they are dynamic and engaging. We must design with scale in mind. Whether a cosy reading nook or a grand dining hall, each room should tell a distinct, engaging story that amplifies the space’s dynamism and contributes to the narrative.
Circulation for Lifestyle
The layout and circulation within the home should be tailored to the homeowner’s lifestyle. High-end homes demand distinction. However, such homes require privacy but often require accessibility for staff and guests as well. This balance is essential to ensure the space is functional and comfortable.
Creative Distinction
High-end homes are designed to stand out. To achieve the delicate balance between privacy and accessibility, featured spaces with iconic pieces as placeholders are encouraged. This could be a unique sculpture, a one-of-a-kind chandelier, or even a custom-designed piece of furniture, creating multiple focal points within a space that define the ubiquitousness of a high-end celebrity.
Harmonious Fusion
What makes these homes exceptional is combining an unusual mix of interior elements-furniture, lighting, art and rugs-into an eclectic blend of exclusivity while maintaining harmony. Each piece contributes to a unified, intriguing atmosphere.
Source: HT -
Avoid bad hair days this holiday season
A holiday season in full swing means parties, dinners, outings and soirees. Everyone wants to stand out. Nevertheless, that pretty dress or on-point make-up won’t help much if your hairstyle is staid and boring.
“Experimenting with hairstyles and hair colors has been the go-to trend leading to the holiday season. Interestingly, more people now seek fun and innovative hairstyles that require minimal commitment and zero effort. With trend-hoppers becoming more conscious of hair products, they are getting creative about styling their hair,” says Jitendra Sharma, founder and CEO, Hair Originals, a premium human hair extensions company. Sharma breaks down the popular trends for the season.
Color cues
According to Sharma, one of the most popular highlights for the festivities has been ‘caramel melt balayage’. Balayage is the technique of free-hand painting highlights onto the hair, creating a soft and natural gradation of lightness towards the ends. “Balayages, in general, are exceptional for adding depth and dimension to natural tresses while creating a sun-kissed appearance. This holiday season, blending caramel tones with balayage highlights is quite popular,” says Sharma.
Another color that has caught everyone’s imagination is ‘sunlit honey blonde’. “Going blonde has been an undefeated trend for several years. However, this season, you may go with warm sunlit honey-blonde hair colour to add a touch of radiance to tresses that complement your skin tone,” says Sharma.
Another color that has caught everyone’s imagination is ‘sunlit honey blonde’. “Going blonde has been an undefeated trend for several years. However, this season, you may go with warm sunlit honey-blonde hair colour to add a touch of radiance to tresses that complement your skin tone,” says Sharma.
Of course, coloured hair streaks remain an evergreen hit. “Many prefer clip-in hair streaks to ensure they have fun with colours without hampering their natural hair’s health,” adds Sharma.
The long and short of it
Few people these days have the time to wait for their hair to grow naturally. “Instead, they prefer going from short to long in 60 seconds with trendy hair clip-ons. These clip-ons help achieve long and voluminous hair with zero effort, making them popular, particularly around this time of the year,” explains Sharma.
Curly tales
Natural curls or soft waves are all the rage currently. “The hairstyle is great for adding texture to one’s hair and creating a playful vibe that suits every special occasion. However, not everyone likes getting blowouts, chemical treatments or heat-based styling to create the perfect wave. Instead, some go for heat-friendly curly hair extensions, which can withstand heat styling and do not damage their natural hair,” he says.
How low can you go?
Another hairstyle that has seen a revival this season is the classic low ponytail. “The best thing about this versatile hairstyle is that it can be dressed up or down, depending on one’s mood and event. Those with short hair can try ponytail extensions for a long and voluminous look,” says Sharma.
Bang bang
Bangs are back. “From curtain bangs to Birkin bangs to the very-much-in-trend Barbie bangs, this hairstyle has been everywhere. Getting a bang might seem like a bold step for many, but they can still achieve in-trend looks by trying clip-on bangs without committing to it fully,” says Sharma.
A welcome mess
The messy bun has always been a favourite for those who gravitate towards low-maintenance and chic hairstyles during the festive season. “Regardless of your hair length, you can flaunt a messy bun look at this year’s holiday gatherings. The hack is simply to get 100 per cent natural hair extensions or messy bun clip-ons to up the hairstyle,” he says.
Source: India Today -
Shreyas Talpade discharged from hospital days after heart attack
Actor Shreyas Talpade’s wife Deepti Talpade has shared a post informing his fans and followers that he has been discharged from the hospital. Taking to Instagram on Wednesday, December 20, Deepti shared several pictures of herself and Shreyas. She also wrote short notes thanking family, friends and fans. Deepti, along with the pictures, wrote, “My life. Shreyas, is back home… safe and sound. I would argue with Shreyas saying I don’t know where to put my faith in. Today I know the answer to my question, God Almighty. He was with me that evening when this drastic event happened in our lives. I don’t think I’II ever question his existence henceforth.”
She also wrote, “I wish to take a moment and thank the good samaritans of our city. That evening I called for help, sought a hand and I got 10 of them. While Shreyas lay inside the car, they didn’t know who they were helping–yet they came running. To all those people, you were God incarnate that evening for us. Thank you. I hope my message reaches you. Please know that I shall be eternally grateful to you from the core of my being. That’s the spirit of this great city Mumbai. That’s what makes Mumbai. We were not left to fend for ourselves. We were taken care of.” -
Merry Christmas: Katrina Kaif-Vijay Sethupathi’s date takes a wrong turn
Attention folks, the much-awaited trailer of Merry Christmas is out and it is everything one could have asked for this holiday season. The Sriram Raghavan directorial, bringing together Katrina Kaif and Vijay Sethupathi for the first time, is about a Christmas eve date gone wrong. The trailer opens to two strangers, Katrina Kaif and Vijay Sethupathi, out on a date on Christmas Eve. The two seem to hit it off right away as they take a stroll on the street, attend (what it seems) like a carnival together and end the night drinking and dancing joyously. But there is obviously much more to what meets the eye. Their dreamy outing quickly turns dark as the characters start talking in riddles. The clip ends with Katrina Kaif sitting in a theatre with Vijay in her vicinity moments before she disappears into the thin air leaving Vijay all alone. The scene is set to a rendition of Silent Night. The trailer also features Sanjay Kapoor and Vinay Pathak among others. The trailer was shared by Katrina Kaif on her Instagram feed alongside the caption which read, “Presenting the #MerryChristmasTrailer – Tamil. In cinemas on 12th Jan.” The posters of Merry Christmas released on social media earlier this year inviting reactions from the fans and followers. “People are loving the poster,” read a comment. “What a beautiful poster this is,” added another. A third added, “Loved the poster. Then I read director’s name and I am not surprised. Genius Sriram Raghvan. Looking forward for this movie.” “Wow vintage,” read another comment.
Merry Christmas has been filmed in both Hindi and Tamil and marks Katrina Kaif and Vijay Sethupathi’s first project together. Produced by Ramesh Taurani, Sanjay Routray, Jaya Taurani & Kewal Garg, and directed by Sriram Raghavan, Merry Christmas will be released on January 12.
Source: NDTV.com -
Cameron Diaz ‘angry’ over rumors that Jamie Foxx was ‘crazy’ on Netflix film set
Cameron Diaz appeared on a recent episode of the “Lipstick on the Rim” podcast and pushed back against rumors that Jamie Foxx was “crazy” on the set of their Netflix movie “Back in Action” (via People). Foxx was in the midst of production when he was hospitalized for a medical emergency. Diaz said reports surfaced afterwards saying Foxx was “making everyone miserable and that I was never gonna make another movie again because of him.”
“I really hate all of the things that were being said about our set at the time,” Diaz continued. “You just want to scream at the top of your lungs, like, ‘What are you talking about?’ … Jamie is, like, the cheerleader for the entire crew. Everybody loves him. We have so much fun on the set with him and he’s just a professional on every level.”
Diaz said she “had a blast” working with Foxx on “Back in Action,” which is notable for being her first leading role in nearly a decade.
“Jamie is the best. I love that guy so much. He’s such a special person and he’s so talented, so much fun,” Diaz said. “The hiccups that happened throughout production are the natural kinds of things that happen. But nothing got delayed other than, obviously, toward the end. And that’s something that is not my place to speak about.” Diaz declined to discuss Foxx’s medical incident, but she said that the Oscar-winning actor is “thriving” now. “When I see and hear people trying to take another person down like that … [Jamie is] so classy. He’s like, ‘Nope. Just let them [talk],’” Diaz added. “Still, it just really made me angry.”
“Back in Action” reunites Diaz and Foxx, who worked together on 1999’s sports drama “Any Given Sunday” and 2014’s “Annie” remake, which was Diaz’s final film role until now. Seth Gordon (“Horrible Bosses”) is directing the movie from a script he wrote with Brendan O’Brien (“Neighbors”). The film is expected to be released in 2024.
Source: Variety.com -
George Clooney says ‘Friends’ didn’t bring joy to Matthew Perry
Actor George Clooney says Mathew Perry wasn’t happy while being on ‘Friends’.
In an interview, George shared what Mathew was like off camera as he reflected on their friendship.
“I knew Matt when he was 16 years old. We used to play paddle tennis together… And he was a great, funny, funny, funny kid,” George revealed to Deadline. George, who made an appearance as Dr. Michael Mitchell on the hit sitcom, shared that Matthew would tell him how much he wanted to be on a sitcom when hanging out with fellow actors Richard Kind and Grant Heslov.
“I just want to get on a sitcom, man. I just want to get on a regular sitcom and I would be the happiest man on earth,” Mathew said, according to George.
Despite that, the ‘Ocean’s Eleven’ star noted that Matthew didn’t feel content even when he landed the role of the funny pal on ‘Friends’, which also starred Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow, Courteney Cox, David Schwimmer and Matt LeBlanc.
“He got on probably one of the best ever,” George said of the show, reports aceshowbiz.com.
“He wasn’t happy. It didn’t bring him joy or happiness or peace.”
The ‘ER’ alum continued: “And watching that go on on the lot-we were at Warner Brothers, we were there right next to each other-it was hard to watch because we didn’t know what was going through him. We just knew that he wasn’t happy.”
When it comes to Matthew’s addiction struggles, George said: “I had no idea he was doing what, 12 Vicodin a day and all the stuff he talked about, all that heartbreaking stuff.”
He added: “It also just tells you that success and money and all those things, it doesn’t just automatically bring you happiness. You have to be happy with yourself and your life.” Prior to his death in October due to the acute effects of ketamine, Mathew once said that he didn’t want to be remembered just as a ‘Friends’ star.
The Los Angeles County medical examiner’s office said in an autopsy report last week that Perry, who publicly struggled with drinking and drug use for decades, died from the “acute effects” of ketamine, an anesthetic with psychedelic properties.
Perry was found unresponsive in a hot tub at his home in Los Angeles on Oct. 28. He was 54. The medical examiner’s office said that drowning, coronary artery disease and the effects of an opioid, buprenorphine, had contributed to his death.
But the autopsy ascribed his death primarily to “the acute effects of ketamine.” Ketamine is a powerful anesthetic that has become increasingly popular as an alternative therapy for depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and other hard-to-treat mental health problems. It is also used recreationally.