Brussels (TIP): The leaders of the 27 European Union (EU) countries sealed a deal on February 1 to provide Ukraine with a new 50-billion-euro (USD 54 billion) support package despite Hungary’s weeks of threats to veto the move. European Council President Charles Michel announced the agreement about only an hour into the leaders’ summit in Brussels. “We have a deal,” Michel said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. He said the agreement “locks in steadfast, long-term, predictable funding for Ukraine,” and demonstrated that the “EU is taking leadership and responsibility in support for Ukraine; we know what is at stake.”
It was not immediately clear if any concessions were made to secure Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s approval. He raised staunch objections to the financial aid package in December and in the days leading up to Thursday’s summit in Brussels.
On their way into their meeting, several fellow leaders had lashed out at Orban, accusing him of blackmail and playing political games that undermined support for Ukraine and the country’s war-ravaged economy.
Almost two years after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the war has ground to a halt and Ukraine’s economy desperately needs propping up. But political infighting in the EU and in the United States has held up a long-term source of funding. Concern has mounted that public support to keep pouring money into Ukraine has started to wane, even though a Russian victory could threaten security across Europe. “There is no problem with the so-called Ukraine fatigue issue. We have Orban fatigue now in Brussels,” Polish PM Donald Tusk told reporters Thursday. — AP
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EU agrees to $54 bn assistance for Ukraine
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Israel pounds Gaza as Hamas studies ceasefire plan
Gaza (TIP) : Israeli forces pounded areas in northern and southern Gaza on January 31 after Hamas said it had received and was studying a new proposal for a ceasefire and release of hostages held in the Palestinian enclave. The proposal, presented to the Palestinian militant group by mediators after talks with Israel, appeared to be the most serious peace initiative for months in the Israel-Hamas war. Gaza health authorities said 26,900 Palestinians had been killed, including 150 over the past 24 hours. Relations between Tehran and Washington are also tense after the deaths of three US soldiers in a drone strike in Jordan that US officials blame on Iran-backed militants. (Agencies)
19 killed after bus, trailer collide in Mexico
Mexico City (TIP): At least 19 people were killed after a double-decker passenger bus collided with a trailer on the Mazatlan-Culiacan Highway in northern Mexico, Sinaloa state Attorney General Sara Bruna Quinonez Estrada confirmed. In a message posted on social media platform X, the head of the Sinaloa State Attorney General’s Office said on January 30: “So far, according to the expert work that is still being carried out in that area, 19 lifeless bodies have been registered” at the site of the accident in the municipality of Elota. “We still do not have the total number of people who were travelling; we are in the process of comparing it with the (bus) company’s list,” she added as quoted by Xinhua news agency report.
The bus burst into flames following the impact and bodies were burnt beyond recognition, so it will take time “to verify the identification” of the fatal victims, she said.
In a later statement, Sinaloa’s government said the bus was travelling between Guadalajara and Los Mochis when the accident occurred at 5:15 a.m. local time on Tuesday.
The trailer overturned on the road when the bus drove into it, leading both vehicles to catch fire. The cause of the accident has not been verified, according to local media. (IANS) -
Hong Kong begins work on National Security Law to curb dissent
Hong Kong (TIP): Hong Kong began public consultation on a local National Security Law on January 30, more than three years after Beijing imposed a similar law that has all but wiped out dissent in the semi-autonomous city. The new law could expand the government’s ability to prosecute residents for offenses like collaborating with foreign forces to influence legislation or “publish misleading statements”, and to close down civil society organisations.
Some of its provisions threaten criminal prosecutions for acts committed anywhere in the world. Hong Kong’s mini-constitution, the Basic Law, calls for the city to enact a national security law, but it’s been delayed for decades because of widespread public opposition based on fears it would erode civil liberties. In 2003, an attempt to pass a version of the law sparked street protests that drew half a million people, and the legislation was shelved. (PTI) -
China’s Xi Jinping ready to ‘break new ground’ for France after Emmanuel Macron inks big defence deals with India
Beijing (TIP): Chinese President Xi Jinping has offered to “break new ground” to give a fillip to the China-France ties, days after French President Emmanuel Macron’s high-profile visit to India during which the two countries unveiled an ambitious defence roadmap besides intensifying cooperation in the strategic Indian Ocean and the Indo-Pacific region.
Macron’s visit to India also coincided with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France. In his message on the occasion, Xi said, “As today’s world is once again at a critical crossroads, China and France should jointly open up a path of peace, security, prosperity and progress for human development.”
Xi said China attaches great importance to the development of bilateral ties and he stands ready to work with Macron to take the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations as an “opportunity to uphold fundamental principles, break new ground, build on past achievements, open up a new future, and make China-France comprehensive strategic partnership more solid and dynamic,” the official media reported.
China has offered to step up French imports to the country, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said.
“We will continue to unleash consumer and investment market demand, continue to expand the import of high-quality products and services from France,” he said and hoped that France, too, would provide Chinese companies with a fair, just and predictable business environment. China is prioritising ties with France as Macron is pushing Europe to become a third bloc, a balancing force between the US and China. Hailing China-France ties, Chinese official media has called for stepping up cooperation in high-tech areas.
“Scientific and technological cooperation between France and China has been a cornerstone of their relationship. From aerospace and the nuclear industry to renewable energy, the two countries have made significant strides in joint research and development”, state-run China Daily said in its editorial. (PTI) -
Varanasi: India’s spiritual epicenter
One of the oldest cities in India, Varanasi is a prime sacred center in the country for the followers of many religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Kashi and Banaras are other names by which the dazzling city of Varanasi is known. It is believed that the city was created by Lord Shiva himself and so the people living here are reckoned to be the greatest admirers of him.
Varanasi is one of those places that find mentions in the Hindu epics of the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The culture, traditions, and beliefs of Varanasi are also closely related with the River Ganges which flows through the city. For years, the sacred city has been one of the popular places in India to achieve salvation through various spiritual practices.
Varanasi is a perfect blend of history, spirituality, culture and traditions and has therefore become one of the destinations in India that you must visit in your lifetime. The festivities of Diwali and Chhat Puja in Varanasi take place in such a fascinating manner that you definitely do not want to miss.
The city remains packed with people, locals as well as tourists, throughout the year and is one of the most-visited tourist destinations in India. The city has many Ghats or river banks with steps leading to the water, which hold religious values, and hence are always dotted with devotees. At the Ghats you can see people offering homage to their forefathers, devotees taking a holy dip in the river and kids diving around in the water.
The Temples of Varanasi
The holy city of Varanasi is famed for its Hindu temples, being a popular pilgrimage site. With an abundance of it, you can find temples on almost every street.
The most famous among them is the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas among the country and is dedicated to the Hindu God, Shiva who is worshiped in the form of Vishwanath, the ruler of the universe. The temple is even mentioned in the Vedas and Puranas.
The is Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is another popular temple at Varanasi but this one is dedicated to the Hindu God Hanuman, a disciple of Lord Rama. Sankat Mochan translates to reliever of troubles. The temple was founded by Tulsidas, a Hindu poet and philosopher most commonly known for his Ramcharitmanas, and is located on the banks of the river Assi.
The Tulsi Manas Temple in the city is dedicated to Lord Rama and built in honor of the Hindu poet and philosopher, Tulsidas. The temple is a marble structure with verses of Tulsidas Ramcharitmanas written on its walls. The stories from the epic are also depicted throughout the temple through an ensemble of pictures, paintings and sculptures.
Dedicated to the Goddess Durga is the Durga Temple at Varanasi. The exquisite architecture of the temples exterior is made of multiple layers of sikhara whereas the red color of the structure is to match the Goddess idol inside the temple. The idol, according to the locals, existed by itself and the temple was later made around it.
Varanasi and its Gangetic Ghats
The Ghats or the stepped banks of the river at Varanasi are equally important to the city as its temples. The ghats along the holy river of Ganges are a site for various Hindu rites and rituals, each with its own significance.
One of the things that you must experience at the ghats is the Ganga Aarti that takes place every evening and is truly a captivating sight. The Ganga Aarti takes place at the Dashashwamedh Ghat near the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The worship of the Ganges river with chants, prayers and the beautiful multi-tiered lamps create a wonderfully spiritual atmosphere that will be hard to forget.
Another ghat where you can witness the ganga aarti is at the Assi Ghat. Here, the worship of the River Ganges happens early in the morning and is called the Subah-e-Banaras. Apart from the aarti, visitors get to witness vedic chants, morning performances of classical music, and yoga. Since the aarti at the Assi Ghat takes place early in the morning, there are fewer crowds as compared to the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat but it is equally mesmerizing and the perfect way to start the day.
The Manikarnika Ghat at Varanasi is another ghat that holds significance in the life of devotees of Hinduism. The ghat is a cremation ground and is a prominent one among all the ghats of the city. It is believed that the bodies that are cremated here attain salvation as Lord Shiva himself guides their souls to the other side and leads them to salvation by speaking the Taraka Mantra to them. Visiting Manikarnika ghat is sure to evoke some emotions and remind you of the vanity of this journey called life.
Historic Sites of Varanasi
As established, Varanasi is a major site for Shiva devotees and people in search of salvation. Besides the temples, the city also has numerous historic sites and museums that display the rich culture and heritage of Varanasi and India.
A site with equal importance in history and religion lays Sarnath. It is a revered site for the followers of Buddhism due to it being the place where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. The Deer Park at Sarnath where the sermon was held is a popular tourist spot today. Along with being a pilgrimage site, Sarnath is also known for its historic importance due to the presence of The Ashoka Pillar and the Dhamek Stupa which were built centuries ago.
Sarnath is also significant for followers of Jainism too for its Digambar Jain Temple also called the Shreyansnath Jain Temple, built in honor of the 11th Jain Tirthankara Shreyansnath. Tirthankara in Jainism are spiritual leaders who have attained complete enlightenment through a life of asceticism and are highly revered among the devotees.
Located within the campus of the Banaras Hindu University is the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum and houses various archaeological artifacts. It also houses a collection of beautiful miniature paintings of the Mughal era. The museum also show India’s fine arts through its display of decorative art, sculptures, and textiles. -
Mauni Amavasya
Mauni Amavasya, also known as Mauna Amavasya, is a significant Hindu observance celebrated on the no moon day (Amavasya) of the Magha month in the Hindu lunar calendar. This day holds great spiritual importance and is observed with various rituals, prayers, and acts of self-discipline.
The date of Mauni Amavasya varies each year as per the Hindu calendar. In 2024, Mauni Amavasya falls on Feb 9-10. The day is particularly auspicious, as it aligns with the cosmic positions that enhance the spiritual energy on Earth.
The term “Mauni” is derived from the word “Mauna,” which means silence or observing silence. Therefore, Mauni Amavasya is often associated with the practice of Mauna Vrata, or the vow of silence. Devotees, especially those inclined towards spiritual pursuits, consider observing silence on this day as a means of internal purification and focus on self-realization.
Mauni Amavasya Rituals:
On the day of Mauni Amavasya, worshippers rise early to take a sacred bath in the Ganges at daybreak. If a person is unable to travel to any pilgrimage site on this day, they must add a small amount of Ganga “jal” to their bathwater. It is a common misconception that one must keep quiet while having a bath. On this day, worshippers of Lord Brahma also recite the “Gayatri mantra” and worship him. The bathing procedure is completed, and after that, the devotees sit down to meditate. Concentration and inner serenity can be attained via the practice of meditation.
Any improper behavior must be avoided on the day of Mauni Amavasya. On the day of Mauni Amavasya, some devotees maintain complete “mauna,” or stillness. To reach a state of oneness with themselves, they refrain from speaking during the day and solely engage in meditation. This ritual is called “Mauna Vrat.” If someone is unable to observe mauna vrat for the entire day, they must remain silent until all of the puja rites have been performed. Thousands of Hindu devotees and “kalpavasis” meditate the remainder of the day on Mauni Amavasya after taking a sacred plunge in Prayag’s sangam.
The Hindu holiday known as Mauni Amavasya is also suitable for purging pitru dosh. To obtain the forgiveness and blessings of their “pitrs,” or ancestors, people offer “tarpan” to them. People feed the dog, crow, cow, and kusht rogi on this day. Another significant daytime ritual is giving to charity. In the Hindu calendar, the month of “Magha” is significant. People provide food, clothing, and other necessities to the poor and in need on this day. Offering sesame (til) oil to Shani Dev is another tradition.
Significance
The Hindu faith views practicing stillness, or “mauna,” as an essential component of spiritual discipline. The word “mauni” is derived from the Hindi word “muni,” which refers to a “sanyasi” (saint) who observes quietly. Thus, the term “mauna” accurately denotes achieving oneness with oneself. In the past, prominent Hindu guru Adi Shankaracharya said that one of the three primary characteristics of a saint is “mauna.” Ramana Maharshi, a Hindu guru, promoted the use of silence as a spiritual practice in modern times. According to him, silence is more potent than thought or conversation and it helps people connect with themselves.
Mauni Amavasya must be practiced in order to soothe an anxious mind. Hindu devotees attach great importance to the ritual of bathing in the sacred waters. According to Hindu traditions, it is thought that the Ganges River’s holy water transforms into nectar on the auspicious day of Mauni Amavasya. As a result, on this day, worshippers from all over the world bathe in the sacred Ganga River. Not only that, but the entire month of “Magha,” from Paush Purnima to Magha Purnima, is excellent for the bathing ritual. However, the day of Mauni Amavasya is the most significant.
The Story behind the Mauni Amavasya
The most popular story about Mauni Amavasya is the one with Brahmin Devaswami. Once lived a Brahmin named Devaswami, with his wife Dhanvati, his sons and a virtuous daughter in Kanchipuri. All his sons were married and he was left with an unmarried daughter eligible for marriage. He began to search for an eligible groom for his daughter and sent his eldest son with his daughter’s kundali to the city to search for a suitable groom. His son showed his sister’s horoscope to an expert astrologer who told him that the girl would become a widow after marriage.
When Devaswami heard about his daughter’s fate he got worried and asked the astrologer for a remedy. The astrologer suggested requesting a washerwoman Soma in Sinhaladweep to conduct a special “pooja” and that if the lady agreed to perform the “pooja” at his house, then his daughter’s horoscope dosha shall be removed. Devswami headed to Soma’s house but he had to cross the ocean to reach there. When he got tired, hungry and thirsty, he thought of having some rest under a banyan tree.
On the same tree lived a vulture’s family. The vulture asked Devaswami about his problem and he told them his whole story. Then the vulture assured him that he would help him reach Soma’s house and guided him throughout the journey. Devaswami brought Soma to his house and asked her to perform the pooja (worship) with all the rituals.
After the pooja, his daughter Gunvati got married to a suitable groom. Even after all this, her husband died. Then Soma, being a kind-hearted woman donated her good deeds to Gunavati. Her husband got his life back and Soma returned to Sinhaladweep. As she had donated all her virtuous deeds to Gunavati, her husband, her son and her son-in-law died. Soma went through a deeply saddened phase and began to worship Lord Vishnu sitting under a peepal tree at the bank of the river and circumambulated the Peepal tree 108 times. Pleased with her true worship, Lord Vishnu gave back life to her husband, her son and her son-in-law. And ever since the fast of Mauni Amavasya is practised. -
Oil buoyed higher by US rate cut expectations
Oil prices edged higher on Thursday, Feb 1, boosted by the U.S. Federal Reserve signalling a possible start to interest rate cuts in coming months. Brent crude futures were up 61 cents at $81.16 a barrel at 11:23 a.m. EST (1623 GMT). U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures were up 62 cents to $76.47.
There was limited immediate price impact after two OPEC+ sources said the group would decide in March whether or not to extend voluntary oil production cuts in place for the first quarter, after a ministerial panel meeting made no changes to the group’s output policy. OPEC+ currently has 2.2 million barrels per day (bpd) of voluntary oil production cuts, announced last November.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on Wednesday said interest rates had peaked and would move lower in coming months, with inflation continuing to fall and an expectation of sustained economic growth. Lower interest rates and economic growth help oil demand.
Powell declined to promise that rate cuts would come as early as the Fed’s March 19-20 meeting, as investors had hoped.
The U.S. also released on Thursday, Feb 1, data showing worker productivity grew faster than expected in the fourth quarter, keeping unit labour costs contained and giving the Fed another boost in the fight against inflation. U.S. manufacturing stabilized in January amid a rebound in new orders, but inflation at the factory gate picked up. The Institute for Supply Management (ISM) said on Thursday, February 1, that its manufacturing PMI increased to 49.1 last month, while economists polled by Reuters had forecast the index dipping to 47.0.
“Data from ISM came in stronger than expected, which is good for oil demand and supportive for prices,” said Phil Flynn, analyst with Price Futures Group.
In China, the world’s second-biggest economy, leaders revealed new support measures to help to reduce fallout from the liquidation of property developer Evergrande (3333.HK), opens new tab.
Analysts at JPMorgan said they expected China to remain the single largest contributor to global oil demand growth in 2024, forecasting that Chinese demand would increase by 530,000 bpd, having jumped by 1.2 million bpd last year.
Source: Reuters -
India Inc hails Interim Budget but rues absence of big bang announcements
New Delhi (TIP)- India Inc welcomed the Interim Budget but regretted the absence of any big bang announcement. Even though the government failed to present the Medium-term Expenditure Framework Statement, which charts the economic trajectory for the next few years, CII Director General Chandrajit Banerjee said a $7 trillion economy is achievable even before 2030.
FICCI president Anish Shah said the Interim Budget was “a clear and outcome-based continuum towards Viksit Bharat” as it brings together growth, climate and social empowerment while maintaining a careful balance between current investment rate and fiscal discipline.
SBI Chairman Dinesh Khara said the heartening news was that the anticipated tax buoyancy in fiscal 24 excluding the outlier pandemic year was the highest in seven years. The Interim Budget has also laid out reinforced architecture of big possibilities, he said.
Financial analyst Madhavi Arora felt the Interim Budget was short of any big bang announcements, but the policy prerogatives and spirit had not been derailed. PHF Leasing’s CEO Shalya Gupta said it was good to see the government continuing its thrust on the EV sector. “With a robust ecosystem in place, the financing solutions become easier to implement with the risk of default decreasing. We are hoping that in the full Budget to be presented after the elections, the new government will continue with its policy thrust on job creation through opportunities presented by the electric light commercial vehicle segment,” he added.
Bourses unimpressed, close lower on Budget day
The Interim Budget failed to galvanise the stock markets which ended lower on Thursday, Feb 1, as many indices ended the session on a weak note.
The BSE Sensex ended 106.81 points lower at 71,645.30 points and the NSE Nifty also moved in tandem, ending at 21,697.45 points.
Notable exceptions to the weak trend were shares of bank and financial services companies, which underwent a hammering in previous trading sessions. Among the stock that fell during the day were those of Grasim, L&T, Ultratech Cement, Dr Reddy’s and JSW Steel. Apart from banks, some other Nifty gainers were Maruti Suzuki, Power Grid, Cipla, SBI Life and Eicher Motors.
Stocks of companies related to the railways gave up initial gains and ended lower on Thursday, February 1 after the presentation of the Interim Budget. Shares of IRCON International declined 3.69 per cent, Rail Vikas Nigam went lower by 3.49%, Indian Railway Finance Corporation fell by 2.85% and Jupiter Wagons skidded 1.93% on the BSE. -
Red Sea disruption hits UK manufacturing at start of 2024: PMI
British manufacturing started 2024 on a weak footing, recording an 18th consecutive month of contraction as orders fell and disruption to Red Sea shipping delayed deliveries, a survey showed on Thursday, February 1. The S&P Global Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for manufacturing rose to 47.0 in January from 46.2 the month before, a two-month high but below an earlier preliminary estimate of 47.3 which had been the highest since April 2023. Readings below 50 represent a fall in activity.
Manufacturing has been persistently weaker than Britain’s service sector, which recorded moderate growth in January according to preliminary PMI data.
“Companies linked lower output to weaker new work inflows, efforts to reduce inventory holdings and disruption caused by supply chain delays,” S&P Global said.
Businesses reported that delays to deliveries increased at the fastest pace since November 2022, as ships rerouted around the Cape of Good Hope rather than travel via the Red Sea, where they are at risk of attacks from Iran-backed Houthis.
Deliveries from east Asia were taking at least 12-18 days longer as a result, manufacturers said.
So far economists have forecast relatively little economic impact in Britain from the conflict. The Bank of England, which is monitoring the situation, is due to publish new quarterly inflation forecasts at 1200 GMT along with its latest interest rate decision.
Many economists expect British consumer price inflation – which was 4% in December – to be below the BoE’s 2% target by April or May.
However, Thursday’s survey showed manufacturers’ input costs rose at the fastest pace since March 2023, after the biggest month-on-month jump in the index since September 2022. Output prices rose by the most since September, as manufacturers began to pass on the increased costs to customers.
New orders fell due to weaker demand domestically and from customers in the United States, China, the European Union, Canada and the Middle East.
“There were … reports of low customer confidence, order cancellations and client destocking all negatively impacting new work inflows,” S&P Global said. -
Users can now bring GPTs into any conversation in OpenAI’s ChatGPT
OpenAI is promoting GPTs, third-party apps powered by AI models, by enabling its AI chatbot ChatGPT users to invoke them in any chat. ChatGPT users can use GPTs in conversations by typing “@” and selecting one from the list. The GPT chosen will understand the full conversation, and different GPTs can be “tagged in” to meet different needs and use cases. “You can now bring GPTs into any conversation in ChatGPT – simply type @ and select the GPT,” OpenAI posted on X on January 30. “This allows you to add relevant GPTs with the full context of the conversation,” it added.
It comes weeks after ChatGPT launched the GPT Store, a marketplace for GPTs accessible through the dashboard to make GPTs more discoverable.
To access the GPT Store, users must be subscribed to one of OpenAI’s premium ChatGPT plans ChatGPT Plus, ChatGPT Enterprise or the newly-launched ChatGPT Team.
The Sam Altman-run company also announced it will start a revenue-sharing programme with GPT creators in the first quarter of the year.
Since announcing the GPT Builder programme in November, OpenAI said that more than three million GPTs have been created by users. Source: IANS -
Apple’s Vision Pro is new, but big tech’s fascination with face computers is not
There is excitement and skepticism surrounding Apple Vision Pro, the tech giant’s first new product in over a decade. With the mixed-reality headset going on sale on February 2, Apple will be judged on how developers respond to the $3,500 device and whether those developers see potential in creating apps for the Vision Pro. The headset is launching at a crucial time when Cupertino is under pressure to look beyond the iPhone and open new avenues of growth. Critics are watching to see how Apple’s gamble with immersive experiences pays off.
But more than technology, it is user behaviour that will decide whether Apple’s Vision Pro is a success or not. History shows that tech companies have had trouble mainstreaming face computers on the lines of smartphones and PCs. Much of the problem lies in getting average people to get used to a headset that is bulky and looks weird when strapped onto their face.
The criticism is valid and Apple is no exception. The Vision Pro is marketed as a new type of “spatial computer” that is worn on your face. Instead of looking at the screen as you do on your smartphone, the output is beamed directly in front of your eyes using two high-resolution displays not too far from you. A device like the Vision Pro transforms your physical space into a giant screen floating in the air. Additionally, Apple ditches the traditional control mechanisms like a keyboard, mouse, or touchscreen, and instead tracks your eyes and hands for inputs.
The tech industry’s fascination with face computers dates back to the 1960s when American computer scientist Ivan Sutherland introduced the first head-mounted display with the help of his student Bob Sproull. That head-mounted virtual reality display system was so heavy that it had to be suspended from the ceiling. The device was primitive both in terms of graphics and realism, but it laid the foundation for Virtual Reality, VR as it is commonly known, where users interact in a three-dimensional space around them. The development of VR sped up in research labs since then, and the technology began to be heavily marketed through Hollywood movies.
By the 80s and 90s, companies like Sega and Nintendo started to launch dedicated VR gaming systems with a focus on 3D gaming, but none of the devices were able to bring virtual reality into mainstream conversations. The Sega VR, heavily promoted at the Consumer Electronics Show in 1993, had head tracking, stereo sound, and LCD screens in the visor. Sega intended to commercially release the headset at a price point of $200, but technical difficulties led to the project’s cancellation, and the wrap-around glasses remained a prototype and were never released. Source: The Indian Express -
Twitterrific’s team is back with Tapestry, an app for tracking social media, news
The Iconfactory, the maker of a popular third-party Twitter client, Twitterrific, that was among those killed off by Twitter under Elon Musk’s management, is hoping to recover from its losses with a new app that combines your social media, news feeds and alerts into one experience. The app, dubbed “Project Tapestry” as it launches on Kickstarter, will support Twitter/X alternatives like Bluesky, Mastodon and Tumblr, and possibly Instagram Threads when its developer API becomes available. However, it won’t support X itself due to the company’s ban on third-party apps. A working prototype of Project Tapestry has already been developed and if The Iconfactory is able to raise $100,000 in funding through Kickstarter it will further develop the app to be launched to the public.
As described, Project Tapestry is meant to organize today’s fragmented online media into one interface, by allowing users to follow a variety of sources in one place. For instance, you could track your favorite blogs, news sites, social networks and webcomics, as well as critical updates that used to come via Twitter, like weather alerts or earthquake warnings.
This would involve working with any site that offers an RSS feed, which most blogs and news sites (without a paywall) already do. It would also integrate with the startups that are offering Twitter alternatives, like Bluesky, powered by the new AT Protocol, and Mastodon, which will be powered by another emerging web standard, ActivityPub.
Other planned sources include Tumblr, Micro.blog, USGS Earthquakes, NOAA Satellite and GO Comics. Facebook and Instagram will not be available, though.
After setup, Tapestry would organize all your updates into one feed, displayed in chronological order. Plus, the app could remove duplicates to cut down on the clutter — like when someone posts a link to multiple social networks at once. In the new app, those mentions could be combined, so you only see the post one time. -
New AI-based test to detect ovarian cancer early with 93% accuracy
Scientists have combined machine learning with information on blood metabolites to develop a new test able to detect ovarian cancer with 93 per cent accuracy. For over three decades, a highly accurate early diagnostic test for ovarian cancer has eluded physicians.
Ovarian cancer is often referred to as the silent killer because the disease is typically asymptomatic when it first arises — and is usually not detected until later stages of development, when it is difficult to treat. According to John McDonald, Professor in the School of Biological Sciences at Georgia Institute of Technology, US, the new test’s accuracy is better in detecting ovarian cancer than existing tests for women clinically classified as normal, with a particular improvement in detecting early-stage ovarian disease in that cohort.
The new test, published in the online issue of the medical journal Gynecologic Oncology, uses a patient’s individual metabolic profile to assign a more accurate probability of the presence or absence of the disease. “This personalised, probabilistic approach to cancer diagnostics is more clinically informative and accurate than traditional binary (yes/no) tests,” McDonald said.
“It represents a promising new direction in the early detection of ovarian cancer, and perhaps other cancers as well.” McDonald said that while the average five-year survival rate for late-stage ovarian cancer patients, even after treatment, is around 31 per cent — but that if ovarian cancer is detected and treated early, the average five-year survival rate is more than 90 per cent. “Clearly, there is a tremendous need for an accurate early diagnostic test for this insidious disease,” McDonald said.
And although development of an early detection test for ovarian cancer has been vigorously pursued for more than three decades, the development of early, accurate diagnostic tests has proven elusive.
Because cancer begins on the molecular level, McDonald said, there are multiple possible pathways capable of leading to even the same cancer type.
“Because of this high-level molecular heterogeneity among patients, the identification of a single universal diagnostic biomarker of ovarian cancer has not been possible. “For this reason, we opted to use a branch of artificial intelligence — machine learning — to develop an alternative probabilistic approach to the challenge of ovarian cancer diagnostics.” The researchers developed their integrative approach by combining metabolomic profiles and machine learning-based classifiers to establish a diagnostic test with 93 per cent accuracy when tested on 564 women from Georgia, North Carolina, Philadelphia, and western Canada. Source: IANS -
Sepsis, tropical fever most common causes for community-acquired acute kidney injury in India
Sepsis and tropical fever were found to be the most common causes of community acquired-acute kidney injury (CA-AKI) in India, whereby kidneys fail to filter waste from the blood, according to a new research published in The Lancet Regional Health-Southeast Asia journal.
While sepsis refers to the presence of pus-forming bacteria or their toxins in the blood or tissues, tropical fever is the infection characterised by fever and unique to or prevalent in tropical or subtropical regions.
Conducted across nine tertiary care centres in India, the study also found that the most common comorbidities in these CA-AKI patients included hypertension and diabetes.
The team of scientists, including those from Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Uttar Pradesh, and Madras Medical College, Tamil Nadu, observed that presenting CA-AKI patients to tertiary care units was associated with high mortality.
They also found that a significant number of these patients progressed to developing chronic kidney disease (CKD).
The findings underscored the high mortality risk among patients from most deprived socio-economic groups, the researchers said, urging for immediate attention for targeted interventions. Previous evidence has found CA-AKI to be common in India and other low and middle-income countries (LMICs). For the study, the team included 3,711 CA-AKI patients older than 12 years and admitted to either the inpatient or emergency departments of the participating hospitals. They defined CA-AKI as “AKI occurring outside the hospital setting – typically in the community or home setting”. AKI recently replaced the term “acute renal failure”.
The researchers constructed the participants’ clinical, demographic, and socioeconomic profiles, along with collecting data regarding their risk factors and causes, comorbidities, complications and patient outcomes. Source: PTI -
80% of glaucoma cases go undetected in India, say experts
A whopping 80 per cent cases of glaucoma — the third most common cause of blindness — goes undetected in India, said experts here on Wednesday. Glaucoma is a disease that affects the optic nerve. January is national glaucoma awareness month, a time to spread awareness about the disease. Glaucoma is also known as the “sneak thief of sigh”, because there are no early symptoms. It is also the leading cause of irreversible blindness, affecting more than 80 million people worldwide. “Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, leading to progressive vision loss. It typically presents with no symptoms in its early stages, making regular eye examinations crucial for early detection,” Ikeda Lal, Senior Cornea, Cataract and Refractory Surgery Specialist, at Delhi Eye Centre and Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi told IANS. Lal explained that as the condition progresses, one may experience blurred vision, difficulty adjusting to low light, reduced peripheral (side) vision, and seeing halos around lights. Few patients may even experience eye pain and headache.
“If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to see an eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam,” the doctor said.
Approximately, 11.2 million people aged 40 years and older have glaucoma in India but only 20 per cent of them know they have it. It is because the disease initially has no symptoms.
Although glaucoma primarily affects the middle-aged and the elderly, it can affect people of all ages, according to experts.
“Vision loss in glaucoma is caused by damage to the optic nerve which is responsible for carrying images from the eye to the brain. Vision loss or impairment may be associated with reduced quality of life and decreased ability to perform activities of daily living, including loss of independence, restricted mobility, depression, and anxiety,” Rohit Saxena, R P Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, AIIMS, New Delhi, told IANS.
Source: IANS -
Egg Curry
Ingredients
6 hard-boiled eggs, 5 tbsp. cooking oil (vegetable, canola, or sunflower), 2 medium-sized onion (cut into quarters), 3 medium-sized tomatoes (cut into quarters), 2 green chilies, 2 tsp. garlic paste, 2 tsp. ginger paste, 2 tsp. coriander powder, 1 tsp. cumin powder, 1 tsp. garam masala powder, 1/2 tsp. turmeric powder, 1/2 tsp. red chili powder, Salt to taste, Optional: 2 potatoes cut into 1-inch cubes.
To Garnish: Chopped fresh coriander leaves.
To Garnish: 2 green chilies, slit lengthwise
Method
– Heat 2 tbsp. of the cooking oil in a deep pan and when hot, add the onions.
– Fry till slightly golden. Turn off the fire. Use a slotted spoon to remove the onions from the pan and put them in a food processor.
– Grind the onions, tomatoes, and green chilies into a smooth paste.
– Try not to add water while grinding, if possible.
– Heat the remaining oil in the same pan and add the paste you just made.
– Fry for 2 to 3 minutes.
– Add the ginger and garlic pastes, all the dry spices (coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala powder, turmeric powder, and red chili powder) then mix and fry till the oil begins to separate from the masala (onion-tomato-spice mix).
– Add 2 cups of warm water to this masala and bring to a boil on a medium flame.
– If adding potatoes to the curry, add them now and cook till half done. Half slit the boiled eggs vertically and add them gently to the gravy. Simmer the flame and cook for 10 minutes or till the gravy has thickened or reduced to about 3/4 of the original quantity (before you added the water). If you have added potatoes they should ideally be cooked by now. Turn off the fire and garnish with chopped coriander leaves. -
Women tend to gain weight in high demand jobs
Women who face heavy psychological pressures at work are more likely to gain weight, a study claims. The study, published in the journal International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, included data from over 3,872 participants in Sweden.
“We were able to see that high job demands played a part in women’s weight gain, while for men there was no association between high demands and weight gain,” said Sofia Klingberg, a researcher at University of Gothenburg in Sweden.
The participants in the study were investigated on three occasions over a 20-year period with respect to such variables as body weight and demands and control at work. They were followed either from age 30 to 50 or from 40 to 60.
To estimate the level of job demands, the respondents were asked about their work pace, psychological pressures, whether there was enough time for their duties and how often the demands made were contradictory.
The questions about control at work covered such matters as how often they learned something new; whether the job called for imagination or advanced skills; and whether the respondent was personally able to choose what to do and how to do it.
The results show that the respondents with a low degree of control in their work more frequently gained considerable weight, defined as a weight gain of 10 percent or more, in the course of the study. This applied to women and men alike. -
How to apply lipstick like a makeup pro
Finding the perfect lipstick that suits you is a task, no doubt. But, what’s even more of a hassle is finding the right one and not knowing how to apply lipstick perfectly. While one might think that the whole application process is easy and breezy, it takes more than a steady hand to make the most out of your lip makeup products. Follow along to find out how to put on lipstick like a pro.
Prep Your Lips
This first step how to apply lipstick perfectly is crucial if you want your lips to look smooth and soft when the lip colour is applied. Always exfoliate your pout with a gentle scrub (you can even use coffee grounds or sugar) –– this prevents it from looking flakey, patchy, or uneven and textured. Soon after washing it off and patting your lips dry, make sure you top it off with a hydrating and nourishing lip balm. This also increases the longevity of your lipstick, lip gloss or liquid lip, especially if you’re using a matte lipstick.
Prepare The Base
The next step in how to apply lipstick is that you need a clean and clear canvas in order for you to paint away, right? So, go ahead and set that base. If you’ve got discoloured dark lips or dual-toned lips, make sure you add a concealer or foundation to even it out and lighten your lips a little. This way you’ll get the true colour of your lipstick and won’t be left surprised when the bullet doesn’t match the colour on your lips.
Line Away
It’s always a good idea to line your lips before going in with lipstick. Apply a lip liner on the entire base of your lips, instead of just a line around it. This step of how to apply lipstick properly helps increase the longevity of your lipstick set colour and helps guide you when you top it off with your actual lipstick.
Go With The Flow
Always go with the natural shape of your lips. When overdrawing them, make sure the line is slightly higher than your natural lip line. Remember to just overdraw your cupid’s bow and the more plumper parts of your bottom lip. Lighter hues will make your lips appear bigger. If you want your pout to appear smaller, then use a darker colour when lining your lips and make sure you match the line of your natural lips to the liner.
Precise Application
If you’re looking for a more precise approach (or you have a shaky hand) feel free to use a lip brush to apply your lip product. This is especially important for lipsticks that are being shared by a couple of people, as it prevents cross-contamination of bacteria. This is another tip on how to apply lipstick perfectly.
Conceal Away
Made A Mistake? No problem. Simply use a brush and a concealer to erase those errors.
Always Blot
Whether you apply a liquid lipstick or a bullet one, always remember to blot to set your colour. You can do this by keeping a tissue between your lips while you purse them. This also removes any excess product on your lips and prevents it from bleeding or spilling outside the natural lip line. -
Bhansali’s Heeramandi starring Manisha, Sonakshi, Aditi will take you back to another era
First look of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s highly-anticipated Netflix series, Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, is out. Heeramandai features Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha and others in pivotal roles. On Thursday, the cast and makers dropped Heeramandi’s first look, and it is as grand, enticing and dramatic, as is expected from Sanjay Leela Bhansali, known for films such as Devdas, Bajirao Mastani and many others.
With Heeramandi, Sanjay Leela Bhansali brings his majestic signature flair to stories of love and betrayal in the lives of courtesans in pre-independence India. The series explores the cultural reality of Heeramandi, a dazzling district, through the stories of courtesans and their patrons set against the tumultuous backdrop of the Indian freedom struggle of the 1940s.
The series stars Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sharmin Segal, and Sanjeeda Sheikh in the lead roles. The official streaming date of the show is still awaited. However, the series is expected to drop on Netflix in 2024. Sharing the first look on Instagram, Netflix India wrote in the caption, “Here’s your first look at legendary Indian creator Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s first series EVER: Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar!”
The makers in a recent statement described the show as ‘a mix of love, betrayal, succession, and politics in the kothas (house of courtesans)’. They said, “Heeramandi promises Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s signature style of larger-than-life stories, intricate and soulful characters, and rippling dynamics of a world rife with conflict during a defining time period for India. Like all of the auteur’s creations, Heeramandi will have unique compositions and music that linger with the audience, just like his stories.”
In a statement last year, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who has created the series, told ANI, “Heeramandi is an important milestone in my journey as a filmmaker. This is an epic, first-of-its-kind series based on the courtesans of Lahore. It is an ambitious, grand and all-encompassing series; therefore I am nervous yet excited about making it. I am looking forward to my partnership with Netflix and bringing Heeramandi to audiences all over the world.”
Source: HT -
Bhakshak trailer: Bhumi Pednekar’s investigative journalist goes all out to expose crimes at girls’ shelter
The trailer for Bhumi Pednekar’s next film, Bhakshak (literally translating to predator) was released on January 31. In the film, Bhumi will be essaying the role of an investigative journalist, who is out to expose those involved in a case of sexual assault of girls at a shelter home. Bhakshak is directed Pulkit. The trailer for Bhakshak introduces the dark side of a girl’s shelter home, run by Aditya Srivastava, aka Bansi Sahu. Bhumi takes up the case to expose the truth, going against everyone’s advice. The film is inspired by true events.
Bhakshak also stars Sanjay Mishra, Sai Tamhankar and Surya Sharma. It is backed by Gauri Khan and Gaurav Verma under the banner of Red Chillies Entertainment. Sharing the trailer, Shah Rukh Khan wrote on Instagram, “A story of resilience that needs to be told. Bhakshak, a film inspired by true events, releasing on 9th February, only on Netflix.”
Talking about the film, Bhumi recently told news agency ANI about her experience of stepping into the shoes of a journalist. She said, “Journalism is a difficult career…it needs a lot of courage to ask the right questions, especially to the people who are in power. To ask questions fearlessly definitely needs a lot of courage… I salute the journalists out there for doing their job with integrity and fearlessness. I have learned a lot by working on this film. I feel honoured.”
“Working on Bhakshak was quite challenging as it is based on a sensitive and hard-hitting topic. The film asks questions at a core level that is bound to shake one’s conscience. I hope the film sparks conversations that lead to meaningful change. The film sheds light on the crimes against the children,” she also added. ‘Bhakshak,’ is inspired by the events of the Muzaffarpur Women’s Shelter Case of 2020. Aditya Srivastava portrays Bansi Sahu, a character inspired from Brajesh Thakur, the mastermind of the real-life case.
The case first came into light when the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) presented a report to the Bihar government on May 26, 2018, bringing to attention the alleged sexual abuse of minor girls in the shelter home for the first time. -
Amy Jackson engaged to Gossip Girl star Ed Westwick
Actor Amy Jackson is now engaged. She took to social media and shared the good news. She dropped a couple of romantic pictures with her beau Ed Westwick. In the images, Ed Westwick can be seen proposing to Amy in Switzerland on a bridge. The first picture showed Ed on his knees as Amy clasped her mouth. “Hell, YES,” Amy captioned the post, adding a ring emoji. The post is flooded with heartfelt wishes from fans, friends and members of the film industry. Back in 2022, Amy made her relationship with Ed Westwick Instagram official. Ed is also an actor. He is best known for his role in Gossip Girl.
Amy earlier dated George Panayiotou for quite some time. The two got engaged in 2019 and welcomed their son in September of the same year. Reportedly, the couple parted ways in 2021. Source: ANI -
Milly Alcock soars into James Gunn’s DCU as the new Supergirl
Milly Alcock, known for her role as Rhaenyra Targaryen in HBO’s Game of Thrones prequel series House of the Dragon, has been cast as Kara Zor-El, Superman’s cousin, in the upcoming film Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. The announcement was made by DC Studios Co-CEO James Gunn on Instagram, where he confirmed the news. Gunn is also reported to be writing and directing Superman: Legacy.
Alcock, a native of Sydney, is a proud graduate of Newtown High School of the Performing Arts. Opting to follow her passion for acting, she made the decision to leave high school during her final year to fully pursue a career in acting.
She gained recognition as part of the cast of the 2019 Australian drama series Upright, where she portrayed the character of Meg alongside Tim Minchin. Alcock’s most recent performance was on the London’s West End stage, where she took on the role of Abigail Williams in the National Theatre’s production of The Crucible. -
Sophie Turner makes her relationship with beau Peregrine Pearson Insta-official
The well-recognized ‘Queen of the North’ Sophie Turner of Game of Thrones fame is making the most of the chilly winter. On January 29, the 27-year-old actress pinged with a new update surrounding her new rumored romance.
Taking to Instagram, she shared a few pictures of the recently undertaken ski trip. In this thread of six snaps, her potential boyfriend aka the British aristocrat Peregrine Pearson is also featured alongside the actor’s friends.
This new update has emerged amidst Turner’s divorce with Joe Jonas, also a member of the pop band Jonas Brothers. Sophie has been linked to the fourth Viscount Cowdray heir since the latter half of October 2023.
The first pic in the Sophie Turner ski trip Instagram thread post captioned “Jagerbomb anyone?” drives the attention to a group of four people. Although the quartet is fully covered in heavy winter gear as they take a ride on the ski ride, Sophie tagged her pals as well as her rumored beau. She’s seen sitting right beside Pearson, while her friends Amadea Kimmins and Rupert Gorst take the other side.
Other photos in the carousel post also reveal them landing at the snowcapped mountain’s top. Yet another snap lends us a blurred insight into the friend circle having a jolly time and dancing at what possibly appears to be an intimate pub. Visuals of a ski chalet and other solo Sophie pics also made it to the post. The location of the vacation spot wasn’t revealed.
The Emmy-nominated actor Sophie Turner has recently been in the news after she parted ways with Jonas in September following their four years of marriage. The two share two daughters and have since then been to court regarding their heated custody issues. Sophie had even filed a case against Joe for allegedly not letting their daughters return to England earlier. An Instagram post even addresses Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas’s decision to split. -
Nia Long to play Michael Jackson’s mom in his biopic
Actress Nia Long has been roped in to essay a crucial role in late pop singer Michael Jackson’s biopic. Nia will essay the role of Michael Jackson’s mother, Katherine Jackson, in director Antoine Fuqua’s upcoming biographical drama.
On having Nia on board, Fuqua said, “Nia has delivered iconic performances throughout her career. I’ve been a fan for a long time because her characters stay with you. I’m excited to now work alongside her as she pours all of that into Katherine Jackson: a woman who was the glue, the rock, and the heart of the Jackson family during its best and its most turbulent times.” Michael is currently in production and slated to hit theatres on April 18, 2025.
Source: ANI -
Shilpa Shetty honored with Champions of Change Award 2023
It’s a moment of pride for actor Shilpa Shetty Kundra, as she was honoured with the Champions of Change Award in Maharashtra. Taking to Instagram, Shilpa shared the exciting news with her fans and posed with her award. Shilpa received the special award from Justice KG Balakrishnan and Justice Gyan Sudha Misra. Sharing the photo, she wrote, “Immensely grateful and honoured to be awarded the ‘Champions of Change 2023’ award by Hon’ble Justice KG Balakrishnan and Hon’ble Justice Gyan Sudha Misra ji in Maharashtra. As a #ProudIndian, I take immense pride in my work and feel humbled that I can play catalyst in a small, positive way through entertainment or awareness for one’s health and wellness.” As soon as the picture was uploaded, fans and industry members congratulated the actor. Champions of Change is an Indian award for promoting Gandhian values, community service and social development. It was founded in 2011.
Source: ANI