New Delhi (TIP) – The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Friday, January 5, nominated Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chairperson Swati Maliwal to the Rajya Sabha, and renominated sitting parliamentarians Sanjay Singh and ND Gupta for second terms in the Upper House.
Singh is in jail for his alleged role in corruption linked to the Delhi excise policy 2021-22. He has denied all charges and the party has said the case, being investigated by both the Central Bureau of Investigation and the Enforcement Directorate, stems from “political vendetta”
The nominations to the Upper House were announced by the party’s political affairs committee chaired by Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, who is also the AAP’s national convener.
“DCW chairperson Swati Maliwal has been nominated for the first time. The PAC has decided to continue with Sanjay Singh and ND Gupta for their respective second term as Rajya Sabha members,” the party said in a statement. However, sitting Rajya Sabha MP Sushil Kumar Gupta — the AAP’s Haryana state president — has been dropped.
Delhi’s three Rajya Sabha seats, all held by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), will become vacant on January 27, when the MPs’ six-year terms end. Nominations for the seats began on Wednesday. January 9 is the last date for nominations; the scrutiny of nominations will take place on January 10; the last day for the withdrawal of candidatures will be January 12; and polling will take place on January 19 between 9am and 4pm.
Since the AAP has 62 of the 70 seats in the Delhi assembly, the party has sufficient number of MLAs in the assembly to ensure all three elections.
Delhi’s transport commissioner Ashish Kundra has been appointed as returning officer for the polls, while Delhi assembly deputy secretary Neeraj Aggarwal has been appointed as assistant returning officer. Hours after she was nominated to the Upper House, Maliwal resigned as DCW chief. In a post on X, she wrote, “Saw many ups and downs while here. Dedicated his every day to the welfare of Delhi and the country. The fight is not over, it is just beginning…”
Maliwal served as DCW chairperson since 2015, and it was not immediately known who will replace her. Meanwhile, Singh, who was taken into ED custody on October 4, on Friday sought permission from a Delhi court to sign his papers for renomination to Rajya Sabha, which was granted. Singh was among those involved in creating the AAP in 2012. He is also a member of the party’s political affairs committee.
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AAP picks Maliwal for RS, Sanjay Singh renominated
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Pitch-imperfect? Rohit bats for pitches back home
There should be a review of how pitches are rated with India receiving undue criticism according to Test captain Rohit Sharma in the wake of his side’s seven-wicket win over hosts South Africa on a seaming surface with variable bounce at Newlands.
With variable bounce and sideways movement through the four-and-a-half, Rohit described the conditions as dangerous, but added he had no problem playing on such surfaces as long as it was accepted that Indian pitches will turn from Day 1.
“I don’t mind being on pitches like this as long as everyone keeps their mouth shut in India and no one is talking about the pitches there,” Rohit said. “Yes it is dangerous, but you come here (South Africa) to challenge yourself and you must face up to it.”
Rohit believes there is inconsistency in the way match referees rate pitches in different countries.
“In India, when it turns on Day 1, people say ‘Oh, there is a puff of dust’. We need to stay neutral, especially match referees. I would love to see how the pitches are rated. I still can’t believe the (Cricket) World Cup final pitch (in Ahmedabad) was rated below standard. A player (Australia’s Travis Head) got a hundred there. They must rate pitches based on what they see, not based on countries,” he said.
Rohit added there should be no difference in the rating of a pitch based on spin or seam on Day 1.
“We know pitches in India will spin but people don’t like it because it turns from ball one. But if it seams from ball one, that is OK? That is not fair,” he said.
Source: Reuters -
India win shortest Test in cricket history
CAPE TOWN (TIP)- India chased down a modest victory target of 79 to claim a seven-wicket win over hosts South Africa in the second Test at Newlands on January 4 and share the two-match series 1-1 after an extraordinary game finished inside five sessions.
India ended their second innings on 80/3 as they launched an assault to try and negate a difficult wicket that was still helping the bowlers.
Rohit Sharma finished not out on 16 and Shreyas Iyer on 4, with Yashasvi Jaiswal (28), Shubman Gill (10) and Virat Kohli (12) being the wickets to fall.
There will be plenty of scrutiny of the Newlands pitch with the match completed in 642 balls, the shortest ever Test in which there has been a winner, beating Australia’s 656-ball victory over South Africa in 1932.
“Obviously it’s a great feat, but having said that we had to learn from whatever mistakes we made (in the first test),” India captain Rohit Sharma said. “The bowlers still have to put the ball in the right areas and the boys got rewarded for it. When you come to this part of the world, it’s always difficult but we take pride in our performance outside of India.”
South Africa, who won the toss and elected to bat, will look back desperately on a poor first innings in which they were bowled out for 55 on a record-breaking opening day.
They gave themselves a fighting chance by dismissing India for 153 when the visitors lost six wickets for the addition of no runs, the first time that has happened in 147 years of Tests.
But India seamer Jasprit Bumrah took 6/61 as the tourists bowled South Africa out in their second innings for 176 on the stroke of lunch on the second day to set up the win.
Bumrah bowled a superb probing line but also profited from poor shot selection from the home batters, who seemed in a hurry to score runs on the tricky wicket.
South Africa opener Aiden Markram scored a quickfire 106 as he defied the conditions but lost partners at regular intervals, which forced him to try his hand.
Markram raced to his century in 99 balls but played one big shot too many as he skied a Mohammed Siraj delivery to Rohit Sharma at mid-off to end an innings of 17 fours and two sixes. “A tough one for us, we were positive coming into the game, but the first innings with the bat … India bowled well and used the conditions to a tee,” retiring South Africa captain Dean Elgar said. “It (the wicket) was a bit of a ripper, to the naked eye it looked a nice one, but it played different to what everyone thought it would play. I still don’t regret my decision to bat first but they outskilled us in the first session.” Source: Reuters -
Junior wrestlers protest in Delhi, blaming Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik for halting their careers
New Delhi (TIP)- Holding up banners reading ‘UWW, save our wrestling from these 3 wrestlers,’ young wrestlers from Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh voiced their grievances at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Wednesday, January 3. They chanted slogans against Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and Vinesh Phogat, whom they alleged were hindering their wrestling careers. The junior wrestlers claimed that protests held last year, over accusations of sexual harassment against Ex WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh have led to the loss of a crucial year in their sporting journeys.
The tumult in the wrestling fraternity stemmed from the suspension of the newly-elected wrestling body by the ministry, citing alleged improprieties linked to Brij Bhushan’s associate, Sanjay Singh. Amidst the turmoil, the Ministry of Sports has established an ad-hoc panel on December 27 to stir the sport.
Since January 2023, the wrestling landscape has been mired in a standstill, with national camps and competitions put on indefinite hold due to the WFI’s dual suspensions, the protestors claimed. Lakshmi from Mathura who has been practising the sport for the last 5 years said, “Senior wrestlers should support and foster promotion of the sport, instead they are discouraging it…No championships have taken place since last one year, do they expect us to reach the Olympics without participating in championships?”
“Wrestling has come to a halt since the protests last year. I was set to compete at the under-15 nationals, and many of us had diligently prepared for it. Why are they denying young wrestlers the opportunity?” asked 15-year-old Anushka Pandit, who joined the protest from Dadri, Uttar Pradesh.
The ad-hoc panel, managing wrestling affairs in the country, on Wednesday announced organisation of U15 and U20 National championships within six weeks, hours after junior wrestlers held a protest.
Source: The Indian Express -
Diu: Land of Scenic Beauty
Located near the port of Veraval, Diu is a small island which was earlier a Portuguese colony and is now guarded by beaches all around. Diu takes up most popularity given the ample number of beaches, along with Gujarat’s southern coast such as the Nagoa beach, but has a lot more to offer too. Alcohol is legal in Diu
The Diu Fort, a primary imprint of the Portuguese on the area’s heritage and architecture makes up a popular tourist attraction. Another interesting place is the Vanakbara, a small fishing village whose charm has tints of colourful fishing boats and humming of day to day activity. This perfect add-on to a visit to Gujarat will complete your experience with interesting museums such as the Sea Shell Museum, temples and churches.
Naida Caves
Located outside the city wall of the Diu Fort, the Naida Caves are a group of interlinked caves constructed by the Portuguese. The caves are only a short distance away from the Diu town and they feature a big network of tunnels with square hewn steps that remain completely unexplored. Naida Caves is one of the most underrated tourist attractions of Diu but it is as wholesome for an explorer or a history buff as for a photographer.
Naida Caves got their shape eventually after the Portuguese ruled over Diu and broke down sections of a huge rock formation that they used for construction. Interestingly, these caves were formed due to geological irregularities and natural processes over time. Naida Caves is slowly being recognized as one of the most magnificent attractions since prehistoric times. The caves also have a natural opening that lets in sunlight, making it photogenic. During the 20th century, when the Portuguese were not ready to leave Diu, Operation Vijay was launched to seize control by the Indian Army and several soldiers were stationed at the Naida Caves during that time.
Nagoa Beach
Famous for its pristine beauty and swaying palm trees, Nagoa Beach in Diu is an ideal and a recommended place for tourists all over the world. The place is well connected with the resorts, hence it making it easy for the travellers to relax and explore its beauty at the same time. The beach is surrounded by beautiful palm trees swaying in the cool breeze which creates an exotic environment for the travellers to laze around. The serene beauty of the beach due to its white sands and quiet blue water is worth experiencing and enjoying.
The beach is located in the Nagoa hamlet of Bucharwada village and serves as an attraction for its Hoka trees which produces a unique kind of fruit. It is very much known for its water sports along with camel and pony riding. Sunbathing can turn out to be the most intoxicating experience at the Nagoa Beach. Shops and restaurants act as refreshments which are one of its kinds. The beach extends over an area of 2 km from one end to the other. A walk along the shore mixed with witnessing the sunrise and sunset is a great way to relax one’s mind.
Gangeshwar Mahadev Temple
Situated amidst serenity and scenic beauty, the Gangeshwar Temple is dedicated to the transformer of Hindu trinity, Lord Shiva. This ancient Hindu Temple is located 3 km away from Diu in the Fudam Village of Gujarat. Believed to have been built by the Pandavas, this temple is famous for its five Shiva Lingas, i.e. rocks in the shape of Lord Shiva which are present in the middle of the sea. Only the tip of these rocks can be seen whenever there is a high tide because the sea water submerges them.
Gangeshwar refers to Lord Shiva who is considered to be the Lord of River Ganga since it descended to earth starting from the tresses of Lord Shiva who is also the presiding deity of the Gangeshwar Mahadev Mandir.
Diu Fort
Fort Diu, located on the Western coast of Indian was built by Portuguese during their colonial rule and is now under the administration of Indian government. The fort- cum – castle, is known as ‘Praça de Diu’ in Portuguese, is situated on the southern tip of Gujarat and is at the mouth of the Gulf of Khambhat.
The Fort of Diu is a colossal structure that occupies a prominent place on the tourist’s list. The enchanting fort commands a magnificent view of the sea, and a jetty constructed on the northwestern coast is still underused and was once used to trade with Cambay, Broach and Surat in Gujarat. The lighthouse that one can climb leads to the highest point on the island and provides a spectacular view of the surrounding. Cannonballs litter the entire place, and the parapet has a fantastic array of cannons.
Along with the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa, Diu fort was listed as the seven wonders of Portugal but during their colonial rule. This new achievement further highlighted the importance of the fort and put it on the world tourism map. Diu fort forms a striking structure on the coast of the island.
Sunset Point
A beautiful hillock located near the Chakritirath beach in Diu, offers its visitors a mesmerizing view of sunset from here. The hillock and the surrounding areas have been beautifully landscaped and illuminated. Chakratirth Beach is centrally located and contiguous to the Diu Town. Visitors also go to the Khodidhar beach which is another sunset viewpoint. -
Ram Janaki Temple – The Birthplace of Goddess Sita
Janaki Temple, the birthplace of goddess Sita, is located in Janakpur, Province No. 2 of Nepal. The temple is famous for Hindu Pilgrims all around the World. Lying in the heart of Janakpur, this temple of goddess Sita is evidence of the proud history of the kingdom of Janak on which several ancient stories are based. Ram Janaki Temple is one of the many UNESCO world heritage sites of Nepal.
The most important historical reference to Janakpur is the Ramayana. As mentioned in the first millennium BC text, present Janakpur was the capital city of the South Asian Kingdom Videha, founded by King Mathava Videgha with his priest Gotama Rahugana when they first crossed the Sadanira (Gandaki) river. They were believed to be the ancestor of King Janak, who also ruled in this Maithali Realm during the Ramayana period, nearly 7000 years ago.
Valmiki’s Ramayana says goddess Sita was found in a furrow while King Janak was plowing the field in his kingdom. Since King Janak had no children, he declared Sita as his daughter and thus, is also known as Janaki (daughter of King Janak). The temple was named after the goddess Sita as Janaki Mandir. Various remnants of 11th and 12th century AD can be found in this temple, and every corner of Janakpur reflects the story of Ram Sita.
The Janaki Mandir is also known as Naulakha Mandir (meaning nine lakhs) as the exact Nine Lakh Rupees was spent in building this temple and occupies an area of 4860 sq. km. It was built by Queen Brish Vanu of Tikamgarh, India, in 1910 AD. It is believed that in 1657, a golden statue of Devi Sita was discovered in the spot where the temple stands today.
This temple is not only the birthplace of Devi Sita but is also the place that carries the pureness of the marriage of Rama and Sita. Also, in this kingdom of King Janak lies where the fossilized portion of the broken bow exists. The bow was the divine of Lord Shiva and has a story related to Rama Sita Marriage. The bow was Shiva Dhanush, also referred to as ‘Pinaka,’ was crafted by Lord Vishwakarma.
Since Lord Shiva gifted Pinaka to King Devarratha of Mithila, who was the ancestor of King Janak, it was there in King Janak’s palace that no one except Sita could lift. Later, King Janak declared that whosoever could lift and string the Shiva Dhanush shall marry Sita.
Many princes from around the World attended Sita’s Swayambara to lift the Pinaka after King Janak’s declaration. None of the attendees were able to lift the bow but Lord Rama. However, the Pinaka was broken when he tried to string it, and people believe that the broken Pinaka’s fossils still lie in the Dhanushadham of Janakpur.
This is how Rama was able to marry Sita because of Shiva Dhanush. The competition of lifting the bow is believed to be held in Rangbhumi Maidan (or Barah Bigha), about 0.5 km away from the temple. Every Sunday in the month of Magh (Jan/Feb), a Makar Mela takes place in Dhanushadham.
Makar Mela is a tradition that has not been broken since the Vedic period, and thousands of devotees visit this place to attend the mela.
In the present, Janaki Mandir territory is the Vivah Mandap situated on the right side of the main temple, where the marriage of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita is said to happen. The vivah mandap shows the marriage ceremony of Rama and Sita in the form of statues.
The Mandap is built in Pagoda Style with four other small temples at each of its four corners. Surrounded by a beautiful garden, the Mandap has the footprints of Lord Rama and Sita.
Surrounded by Maithali arts and culture makes the temple is more special and beautiful. The story of Rajarshi Janak and his daughter Sita, Ram Sita’s marriage, is also portrayed in the Maithali Chitrakala format, which is a beautiful thing to view inside the temple.
The Janaki Temple is made in ‘Mughal’ form, an Indo-Islamic architectural design, and perfect artistry. The temple is in a three-storied structure made entirely with stones and marbles. Altogether, 60 rooms are there in the temple ornamented with colored glass, carvings, and paintings, as well as beautifully framed windows and turrets.
There is two entrance to the temple, east and north side. As one enters pass the 30-meter high arched gate, a shrine with the grand idol of goddess Sita can be seen in the central part of the temple, which is also known as Janaki Mahal. Behind the Janaki Mahal is the Janak Temple devoted to the father and mother of goddess Sita.
There are similar shrines in the temple complex called Sannadhis and have idols of Lord Rama and other statues of Sita, Lakshman, and Urmila. There’s a black stone called Saligram in Janaki temple that King Janak used to worship. Saligram is considered one of the highly powerful stones and is a direct symbol of God Vishnu. A cultural museum on the left side of the temple contains the ancient traditional Mithila dresses and jewelry.
The devotees from India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal visit the temple at various festivals like Ram Navami, Vivah Panchami, Chhat, Holi, and other festivals. The temple priest allows the visitors to offer prayers to gods and goddess idols inside the temple, and Saligram King Janaka worshiped. Source: Vedicfeed -
Fastest-growing large economy in world, India projected to grow at 6.2% in 2024: UN
United Nations (TIP)- India is projected to grow at 6.2 per cent in 2024, supported by robust domestic demand and strong growth in the manufacturing and services sectors, the United Nations has said. The UN World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) 2024 report, launched here on Thursday, January 4, said the gross domestic product in South Asia is projected to increase by 5.2 per cent in 2024, driven by a robust expansion in India, which remains the fastest-growing large economy in the world.
“Growth in India is projected to reach 6.2 per cent in 2024, slightly lower than the 6.3 per cent estimate for 2023, amid robust domestic demand and strong growth in the manufacturing and services sectors,” the report said.
India’s GDP is projected to increase to 6.6 per cent in 2025. The report notes that the economic growth in India is projected to remain “strong” at 6.2 per cent this year mainly supported by resilient private consumption and strong public investment.
While manufacturing and services sectors will continue to support the economy, erratic rainfall patterns will likely dampen agricultural output, it said. “Indian economy again outperformed its peers, not just this year but in the last few years,” Chief of the Global Eonomic Division Monitoring Branch, Economic Analysis and Policy Division (UN DESA) Hamid Rashid told reporters. He said India’s economic growth has consistently remained over six per cent and “we believe this will continue in 2024 and 2025 as well”. Rashid noted that although inflation was relatively high for India, it didn’t have to raise rates as much and inflation has come down quite a bit. In response to a question on factors holding back India’s economic growth, Director of the Economic Analysis and Policy Division Shantanu Mukherjee cited India’s GDP growth rates of four years from 2022-2025 and said: “I’m not sure that 7.7%, 6.3%, 6.2% and 6.6% is exactly holding something back.” Source: PTI -
US regulator denies Apple, Disney bids to skip votes on AI
New York (TIP) – The top U.S. securities regulator has ruled that Apple and Disney cannot avoid shareholder votes about the use of artificial intelligence proposed by a labor group.
In a January 3 notice, the US Securities and Exchange Commission rejected a request by the iPhone maker and the entertainment giant to exclude from its upcoming annual meetings a call for reports on the use of AI.
Corporations have adopted new technology for its promised efficiencies. But this trend has raised fears that it will replace many creative and professional workers or unfairly take over their jobs, issues recently highlighted in Hollywood labor disputes and the recent New York Times lawsuit. Are. Similar shareholder proposals were filed by the pension trust of the largest US labor union federation, the AFL-CIO, which also has AI measures pending at four other technology companies. In Apple, the group asked for a report on the company’s “use of AI in its business operations and disclosure of any ethical guidelines the company has adopted regarding its use of AI technology.” In a similar request, it also asked Disney to report on its board’s role in overseeing the use of AI.
In its support statement at Apple, the AFL-CIO wrote that “AI systems should not be trained on copyrighted works, or the voices, likenesses, and performances of professional artists, without transparency, consent, and compensation to creators and rights holders. “
Brandon Reese, deputy director of the AFL-CIO’s investment office, said the SEC’s ruling could pave the way for settlements with Apple and Disney that would bring them in line with AI disclosures from other companies like Microsoft.
In contrast, Apple and Disney “haven’t even begun to grapple with these ethical issues” around AI, Rees said.
Apple and Disney did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Both companies had argued that the proposals could be removed from their ballots because they were related to “normal business operations”, such as the company’s choice of technologies.
The SEC disagreed. “In our view, the proposal goes beyond normal business matters and does not seek to micromanage the company,” the agency wrote in separate letters. Source: Reuters -
Reliance, Disney edge closer to mega India merger deal
Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries and Walt Disney have appointed law firms and started antitrust due diligence of their planned Indian media and entertainment merger, four people familiar with the matter said.
Reliance has appointed law firm Khaitan & Co and Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas, while Disney has roped in AZB & Partners, the people said.
The appointments are the latest sign of progress as Reliance and Disney, which each have a major streaming service as well as 120 television channels between them, look at merging into an entity to create an entertainment superpower in the world’s most populous nation. Reliance Industries is expected to have a majority stake in the entity.
A fifth source said senior Disney executives from Burbank headquarters and top Reliance officials from Mumbai travelled to London in late December and signed a non-binding term sheet on the deal. Reliance said it had “no comments to offer”, calling the story “speculative”, without elaborating.
Source: Reuters -
Adani overtakes Mukesh Ambani as India’s richest man, both climb spots on world rich list
Gautam Adani, Chairperson of the Adani Group of companies has overtaken Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani on the Bloomberg Billionaire’s Index (BBI), to become India’s and Asia’s richest man. While Adani has seen his worth climb into the top 12 on the world rankings, Ambani is just one rung below at 13. Both have moved up spots since last year.
Earlier in December 2023, the billionaire had climbed to the 15th spot, reaching within close distance of Ambani who was then at 14.
With a net worth of $97.6 billion, the Adani Group founder is now the world’s 12th richest person and the richest Indian and Asian on the list. He has gained $7.67 billion from the last list position and amassed $13.3 billion year-to-date (YTD). Earlier last year, Adani saw his net worth slide many spots amid the Hindenberg allegations.
In January 2023, Hindenburg Research, a New York-based short seller, accused the Adani Group of prolonged stock manipulation and accounting irregularities. These claims were refuted by the Adani Group. After these allegations, declines in the stock prices of Adani Group companies resulted in a staggering decrease of almost 60 percent in Adani’s fortune, plummeting by up to $69 billion. -
3D-printed chip showing body’s reaction to drugs could end need for animal tests
Scientists have developed a pioneering 3D-printed device that could speed up patient access to new medicines and eliminate the need for animal testing. Thousands of animals are used in the early stages of developing medicines worldwide every year, yet many drugs tested on animals do not end up showing any clinical benefit. Now researchers at the University of Edinburgh have designed a groundbreaking “body-on-chip” that perfectly mimics how a medicine flows through a patient’s body. The plastic device means scientists can test drugs to see how different organs react without the need for live animal testing. The device invented in Edinburgh is the first of its kind in the world. Made using a 3D printer, the chip’s five compartments replicate the human heart, lungs, kidney, liver and brain. They are connected by channels that mimic the human circulatory system, through which new drugs can be pumped. The plastic device uses positron emission tomography (PET) scanning to produce detailed 3D images showing what is going on inside the tiny organs. “The PET imagery is what allows us to ensure the flow [of new drugs being tested] is even,” said Liam Carr, the inventor of the device. PET scanning involves injecting tiny amounts of radioactive compounds into the chip to transmit signals to an extremely sensitive camera, allowing scientists to better assess the effect of new drugs.
“This device is the first to be designed specifically for measuring drug distribution, with an even flow paired with organ compartments that are large enough to sample drug uptake for mathematical modelling. Essentially, allowing us to see where a new drug goes in the body and how long it stays there, without having to use a human or animal to test it.”
Carr added: “The platform is completely flexible and can be a valuable tool to investigate various human diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases and immune diseases.
“Because of this flexibility, the uses are bound only by the availability of these cell models, and the scientific questions we can think of.
“For example, we could have a fatty liver disease model in the device and use this to see how having a diseased liver affects other organs such as the heart, brain, kidneys, etc, and could even combine multiple diseased cell models to see how diseases can interfere with each other.”
Carr’s supervisor, Dr Adriana Tavares, of Edinburgh’s Centre for Cardiovascular Science (CVS), said linking five organs together on one device would help scientists effectively study how a new drug might affect a patient’s whole body.
“This is a really important area of medical research, as we continuously learn about how diseases traditionally perceived to be restricted to an organ or system can have diverse effects across other distant organs or different interconnected systems.
“Devices such as the body-on-chip platform are essential to unravel the mechanisms underlying systemic effects of local diseases as well as investigate off-target effects of drugs, which might be therapeutically useful or detrimental.”
She added: “This device shows really strong potential to reduce the large number of animals that are used worldwide for testing drugs and other compounds, particularly in the early stages, where only 2% of compounds progress through the discovery pipeline.”
Tavares said there were other benefits beyond simply eliminating the need for using animals in early drug development. “This non-animal approach could significantly reduce cost of drug discovery, accelerate translation of drugs into the clinic, and improve our understanding of systemic effects of human diseases, by using models that are more representative to human biology than animal models.” Source: The Gurdian -
Is Megapixel era over? Periscope Lens taking over flagship phone cameras
It’s no secret that smartphones are constantly evolving. Every smartphone brand across the globe invests heavily into their R&D to be able to innovate the next best phone for their users.
One important feature of these phones that has undergone major changes over the years is the camera. From a mere 0.1 MP in the first ever mobile phone camera, to the 200 MP smartphone cameras of today, camera technology has come a long way.
However, the latest innovation in camera technology has evolved further, with periscope cameras coming out as the shiny new feature in flagship phones. So as they grow in popularity, is it safe to assume that the desirability of a higher megapixel count in flagship phones is slowly dying?It’s a longstanding myth amongst smartphone users that the higher the number of megapixels in their camera, the better will be the output of images it’ll produce. More MP doesn’t necessarily equate to higher resolution. Interestingly, cameras with fewer MPs can sometimes produce better quality images than those with a higher MP count.
When it comes to flagship-level smartphone cameras, the quality of the pixels is generally more crucial than their quantity in a camera sensor. The impact on image quality from the size and caliber of the camera’s lens can be significant, often outweighing the effect of the sensor’s MP count. Another key point to keep in mind is how the camera’s image processor handles the photo data. Many cameras are designed to auto-sharpen the image, which can sometimes make the picture quality worse, especially if it’s already been hit by diffraction. So, it’s not surprising to see a 100 MP mid-range phone camera producing lower quality photos than a 50 MP flagship-level camera.
The quality of a picture is influenced by a combination of hardware, software, and personal preferences. Understanding the workings of smartphone cameras, their individual components, and how their performance is measured can shed light on why megapixels aren’t the sole determinant of camera quality. The f-stop value or aperture, which is the opening through which light reaches the sensor, is closely linked to the sensor size.
When it comes to zoom, most smartphone cameras typically offer Digital Zoom rather than Optical Zoom. While Optical Zoom involves actual lens movement, Digital Zoom relies on software algorithms to enlarge pixels. Image stabilisation in smartphones usually comes as Digital, which might result in minor video shakiness. In contrast, Optical Image Stabilisation, using small gyroscopes to move the camera lens, helps maintain image steadiness.
Until just last year, the main strategy for boosting image quality in premium-level smartphones was to ramp up the megapixel count. However, in the realm of high-end smartphones, the trend is now leaning more towards enhancing the overall image quality instead of just upping the number of pixels. Top smartphone brands are encouraging this by introducing the periscope camera in their newer frontrunners from this year. Source: IANS -
ISRO to use Musk’s SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket to launch communication satellite in 2024
ISRO’s commercial arm NewSpace India Ltd has announced plans to launch its communication satellite GSAT-20 onboard Elon Musk-owned SpaceX’s Falcon-9 rocket in the second quarter of 2024, to meet the broadband communication needs of the country. GSAT-20 (renamed as GSAT-N2) is a high throughput Ka-band satellite. Ka-band satellites deliver high-speed broadband internet connectivity and digital video and audio transmission. In a statement, the state owned NSIL said the bulk of the high throughput satellite (HTS) capacity onboard GSAT-20 satellite has already been secured by Indian service providers. GSAT-20 offers Ka-band HTS capacity with 32 beams having pan-India coverage including in Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep islands, it said. “NSIL is realising GSAT-20 satellite through ISRO and will be launched onboard Falcon-9 under a launch service contract between NSIL and SpaceX, USA. GSAT-20, weighing 4,700 kg, offers HTS capacity of nearly 48Gpbs. The satellite has been specifically designed to meet the demanding service needs of remote/unconnected regions,” the statement read. According to NSIL, it is mandated to build, launch, own and operate satellites in “demand-driven mode” for meeting service needs of the user. As part of this, NSIL successfully undertook its first demand-driven satellite mission, GSAT-24 in June 2022, wherein the capacity onboard the satellite was fully secured by satellite television service Tata Play. Source: PTI
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Study finds better ways to diagnose diabetes during pregnancy
Researchers have found a connection between pregnancy weight and certain blood markers in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The study, which revealed the potential for precision diagnostics in identifying diabetes during pregnancy, showed an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes.
The research highlighted the importance of a more nuanced approach to diagnosing GDM, as traditional treatments haven’t been shown to yield consistent outcomes.
Published in Nature Communications Medicine, the findings suggested that exploring non-glycemic markers such as insulin profiles and triglyceride levels could enhance the risk.
“In our full text screening of 775 studies, we found that only recently has there been a focus on clinical, biochemical, or sociocultural markers that could improve who is at greatest risk of poor outcomes, and on comparing clinical outcomes between different subtypes of GDM,” said Ellen C Francis, an assistant professor in the Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology at Rutgers School of Public Health.
The lead author of the study added, “The data from these studies indicate that in the future, we may be able to refine how we diagnose GDM by using anthropometric or biochemical information in combination with current diagnostic approaches.”
Francis underlined the need for further research to establish causal links between insulin resistance, higher triglycerides, and adverse outcomes in pregnancy. The findings revealed that future diagnostic approaches could integrate anthropometric or biochemical information with current methods.
Further research is recommended, including mechanistic studies on precision biomarkers, diverse population studies, and exploration of genetic and multi-omics data to understand heterogeneity within GDM and its outcomes, suggested the researchers. -
Is liposuction safe? Risks and side effects of this cosmetic procedure
Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure that can be safely and effectively carried out by an experienced surgeon where contour and proportion are improved when excess fat deposits are removed from specific areas of the body, which is the primary objective of liposuction. Your appearance is vital to who you are as they say only 5% of our communication is verbal hence, the way we present ourselves is often the first window to our personality for the external world.
Today, more than ever before, we look at ourselves as well as others, all thanks to social media and the flooding of images blurring the distinction between private and public and in the pursuit of self-confidence and well-being, modern medicine has granted us remarkable tools to get perfectly sculpted bodies and redefine our contours. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Anand K, Chief Consultant- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at SPARSH Hospital in Bangalore, insisted that despite its wide application, patients should be mindful of the advantages and downsides hence, he highlighted –
He added, “It’s imperative for individuals considering liposuction to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon, discussing their medical history and expectations. Open communication and a thorough understanding of the procedure contribute to a positive outcome. As with any surgery, individual responses can vary, so choosing a qualified professional and following pre- and post-operative guidelines are key to a successful liposuction experience.”
Delving into the world of liposuction, a transformative procedure that has empowered individuals to embrace their bodies with renewed vigor, Dr Sharmistha Bhattacharyya, MBBS, MS, MCh (AIIMS, New Delhi) and Consultant Plastic Surgeon in Delhi NCR, shared, “Liposuction, often termed as “lipo,” is a minimally invasive surgical procedure designed to remove excess fat deposits and sculpt specific areas of the body. Although sometimes marketed falsely or associated with concussion as a weight loss procedure, liposuction is a body contouring procedure, and not in any way of form a replacement for traditional weight loss procedures, e.g. bariatric procedures. Source: HT -
Mozzarella Sticks
INGREDIENTS
– 300 gm mozzarella
– 1/2 cup chickpeas flour
– 1 cup sunflower oil
– 1/2 cup all purpose flour
– 1/2 cup crushed breadcrumbs
Method
– Cut the cheese into 1/2-1 inch sticks and keep aside.
– Mix the maida and besan flour in a bowl. Add enough water and mix to a thick batter.
– Spread the breadcrumbs on a plate. Dip the cheese sticks in the batter and roll them in the breadcrumbs.
– Place them on a parchment paper and keep it in the fridge for 2 to 3 hours or overnight.
This is to ensure the cheese does not melt while frying and it has a crispy coating.
Heat oil in a deep frying pan. Fry the mozzarella sticks until light golden brown.
Remove and drain excess oil. Serve with a dipping sauce of choice. -
Use raw milk on your face to get skin of your dreams
Milk is beneficial for your health, because it’s packed with vitamins, biotin, potassium, calcium, lactic acid, magnesium, selenium, and protein. But did you know raw milk can do wonders for your skin too? Yes it’s true, milk can keep you fit, inside and out.
There are various reasons why raw milk is the perfect home remedy for youthful and glowing skin. It helps to protect skin from free radicals, fades spots and marks, brightens your skin, enhances hydration, slows down wrinkles, fine lines, and the ageing process, and also promotes skin elasticity. What’s more, it can give you radiant skin.
You can use raw milk in many ways. Let’s find out how:
– It can be used a cleanser. Milk drives out all the dirt and dead skin cells from the clogged pores, preventing further blackheads and acne. It also removes fats from the oily areas and moisturises dry skin areas.
– Use: Dab a clean cotton ball in milk, apply it all over the face and massage in circular motion for five minutes. Wash with warm water.
– Milk is good for dry and flaky skin. It helps replenish lost oils making the skin smooth and moisturised throughout the whole day.
– Use: Dip a cotton ball in milk and dab all over the face. Allow it to stand for 20 minutes and wash with cold water. For best results, apply a mixture of mashed banana and milk on face, wash after half an hour.
– Exfoliating scrub: Milk is naturally rich in AHA (alpha hydroxyl acid) — a compound found in expensive beauty products. It mildly removes excess dead cells off the skin’s surface, thus revealing a soft and radiant skin.
– Use: Add milk to honey to create a natural scrub. Massage gently and wash with warm water after 15 minutes to get a glowing skin naturally.
– Lightens tans: If you want to get rid of toners laced with chemicals, milk is the best option available. Milk has high lactic acid which contains skin lightning properties.
– Use: Make an equal mix of milk and green tea. Dip a cotton cloth and apply it all over the tanned skin. Wash after 15 minutes. Use it thrice a week before bath for best results.
– Soothes sun burn: Cold milk relieves sun burns and inflammations. It creates a thin protein film that protects the skin and cools off burning sensation.
– Use: Apply full cream milk on the affected area as it contains healthy fats that soothes and lubricates skin.
– Foot spa: Milk softens cracked feet and toes by removing dead skin cells, making it clean and moisturised.
– Use: Soak your feet in warm milk-water mixture for some time and relax. Rub the cracked area with pumice stone and dry with a towel. Get soft and clean feet. -
Slim down your face with hair contouring
Hair color contouring can make your face look slimmer, wider, rounder, or more defined—it’s like Photoshop for your hair, and it’s your secret weapon to a fab look without the daily makeup grind.
What is it about?
Hair contouring a process of high-lighting and low-lighting certain parts of your mane to either enhance or subdue certain features. Similar to how face and body contouring works, one may use colour techniques to create the hair contouring effect. Highlighting and shading certain parts of the hair can create an illusion of a different face shape, depending on what you want to accentuate. Puja Singh, hair professional explains, “Like with any art form, light shades are for highlighting and darker shades are for creating a shadow effect, similarly to adopt this technique in hair contouring with colours, one might follow these simple guidelines.
Be Aware
Using healthier, natural hair-safe products are essential to avoid side effects. It is also advisable that every individual reads the ingredients list to be sure of the products being used on themselves.
Your hair color and cut can
define your face
The way you cut and colour your hair can really change your personality. The right colour and cut can make you look not just younger but also slimmer than you are.
Helpful tips
– A very short haircut will make you face appear wider.
– A mid-length, layered haircut can make it look slimmer.
– A side fringe can make your face appear thinner, even if you have a short haircut or bob.
– Long hair that covers your cheekbones looks stylish and gives your face a lean look.
– Light colored hair falling on your cheeks can make your face look wide..
– Get low lights or darker shades in the front hair that covers your cheeks and keep highlights or lighter colours for the crown.
– Coloring can enhance your face colour too, and can really add a lot of character to your face.
How does it work
Hair contouring is about applying highlights and lowlights in certain parts of your hair, to create an illusion of a different face shape.
This technique of colouring the hair can give your cheekbones a visual depth.
Hair contouring suits everyone because it is customised to your face shape and your hair colour tone.
It uses the freehand colouring method and is a low-maintenance style.
It is a pretty intensive act and one has to be clear about the basic rules and guidelines. However, depending upon the face cut and contouring requirement, it may take around one to two hours. -
Gypsy Rose eyes Kim Kardashian for prison reform partnership
Gypsy Rose Blanchard, fresh out of prison, has her sights set on a powerful ally in the realm of prison reform – none other than Kim Kardashian. While they haven’t sat down for a chat just yet, Gypsy is eager to glean insights from Kim’s experience in the justice system and her impactful work on prison reform.
Back in November, Gypsy reached out to Kim on Twitter from behind bars, expressing gratitude for recommending an HBO documentary about her case. In her tweet, Gypsy floated the idea of teaming up with Kim to bring about tangible change in the justice system.
Now that she’s out, Gypsy still sees Kim as a potential partner in her mission. She believes that Kim’s expertise can help her navigate the social media landscape and amplify her advocacy for prison reform.
Despite the shoutout on social media, there’s been no direct communication between Gypsy and Kim post-Gypsy’s release. However, the door is wide open for a future collaboration. -
DiCaprio, Cameron Diaz among Hollywood stars named in Jeffrey Epstein court documents
Amid great hype, a new batch of previously secret court documents was unsealed late Wednesday, January 3, related to Jeffrey Epstein, the jet-setting financier who killed himself in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges.
The new documents include a bunch of names from Hollywood. Stars such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Cate Blanchett, Cameron Diaz, Bruce Willis and Kevin Spacey have been name dropped. However, simply their mention doesn’t not imply that they have been party to any wrongdoing. One of the witnesses claimed that Epstein “would be on the phone a lot at that time, and one time he said, ‘Oh, that was Leonardo, or that was Cate Blanchett or Bruce Willis. That kind of thing.” The person then added that they had indeed not even met Leonardo DiCaprio.
Social media has been rife in recent weeks with posts speculating the documents amounted to a list of rich and powerful men who were Epstein’s “clients” or “co-conspirators.” There was no such list. The first 40 documents in the court-ordered release largely consisted of already public material revealed through nearly two decades of newspaper stories, TV documentaries, interviews, legal cases and books about the Epstein scandal. Still, the records — including transcripts of interviews with some of Epstein’s victims and old police reports — contained reminders that the millionaire surrounded himself with famous and powerful figures, including a few who have also been accused of misconduct. The documents being unsealed are related to a lawsuit filed in 2015 by one of Epstein’s victims, Virginia Giuffre. She is one of dozens of women who sued Epstein for abusing them at his homes in Florida, New York, the U.S. Virgin Islands and New Mexico. This suit was against Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s former girlfriend who is now serving a 20-year prison term for helping recruit and abuse his victims.
Even before the documents were released, misinformation about what was in them abounded. Social media users wrongly claimed that late-night host Jimmy Kimmel’s name might appear in the documents, spurred by a crack New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers made Tuesday on ESPN’s The Pat McAfee Show. Kimmel said in a response on X that he had never met Epstein and that Rodgers’ “reckless words put my family in danger.” -
The Bachelorette star Rachel Lindsay, Bryan Abasolo heading for a divorce
After finding love on “The Bachelorette” and four years of marriage, Marquette University Law School graduate Rachel Lindsay and her husband Bryan Abasolo are heading for divorce.
Abasolo filed for divorce from Lindsay in the Los Angeles County Superior Court, according to USA Today. The former couple has been separated since Sunday, the filing states.
Abasolo lists “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for his split from Lindsay. “Many of you know me as a chiropractor, and also a husband, my proudest role so far,” Abasolo said in a statement he shared on Instagram Tuesday. “After more than 4 years of marriage, Rachel and I have made the difficult decision to part ways and start anew … Sometimes loving yourself and your partner means you must let go.”
He asked for respect of their space “as we figure out our next steps.”
While Lindsay hasn’t directly addressed the matter on social media, earlier this week, she called this past year “one of the hardest” of her life in an Instagram post. The post included a video compilation in which Abasolo was included and tagged.
Lindsay finished third on Waukesha native Nick Viall’s season of “The Bachelor.” When Lindsay was named “The Bachelorette” in 2017, she became the first Black lead in the franchise’s history. Abasolo would end up proposing to Lindsay in Spain during the finale of the show to the dismay of fans on social media, who largely rooted for runner-up Peter Kraus, according to USA Today reports.
The couple tied the knot in August 2019 in Mexico, and opted to not have it televised.
Lindsay has appeared on other reality shows, including “The Bachelor Winter Games” and “Ghosted: Love Gone Missing.” And, she’s become a fixture in the entertainment news industry, hosting the popular “Higher Learning” podcast. She recently left her correspondent position at the entertainment news show “Extra.”
According to the divorce petition, Abasolo is seeking spousal support, though an amount is not specified, a USA Today report said. Additionally, Abasolo requested to terminate the court’s ability to reward spousal support to Lindsay.
Abasolo is also seeking ownership rights for his shared properties with Lindsay, which include a residence in North Hollywood. -
Janhvi Kapoor calls dating actors ‘chaotic’
The upcoming episode of Koffee with Karan Season 8 is gearing up for an enticing debut, promising a candid conversation with the Kapoor sisters, Janhvi and Khushi. The promo hints at an episode filled with sizzling moments and fiery revelations, with a spotlight on Janhvi Kapoor sharing insights into both her personal and professional life. In a sneak peek into the episode, Janhvi Kapoor delves into her experiences with dating actors, revealing the chaotic nature of relationships within the industry. Host Karan Johar prompts Janhvi to share her perspective on navigating relationships with fellow actors, to which she candidly responds, “It is chaotic for sure. Vanity is such a big part of this profession. I am extremely vain; this profession is where you need to be obsessed with yourself at all times. It consumes you.” Highlighting the challenges of dating actors, Janhvi emphasizes the competitive and peculiar dynamics that often arise in such relationships. She acknowledges the importance of being with someone comfortable enough to let you have your moments but expresses reservations about the inherent tension that comes with dating actors. Janhvi shares, “But I find with actors, they get very competitive and very weird.” When Karan queries if she would consider dating an actor given her current comfort level, Janhvi candidly admits that the tension in such relationships is something she finds challenging to handle, specifically within the demanding realm of the film industry.
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Deepika opens up about wanting to become a mother, starting family with Ranveer
Deepika Padukone spoke about how she and actor-husband Ranveer Singh ‘hope to inculcate the same values in their children’ that her parents have brought her up with. In an interview with Vogue Singapore, the actor reflected on her how her parents Prakash Padukone and Ujjala Padukone raised her sister Anisha Padukone and her. She also discussed starting her own family with Ranveer.
Deepika Padukone praised her parents, saying, “When I meet the people I have grown up with — my aunts, uncles, family friends — they always mention how I haven’t changed one bit. That says a lot about our upbringing… In this industry, it’s easy to get carried away by fame and money. But no one treats me like a celebrity at home. I am a daughter and a sister first. I don’t want that to change. My family keeps me grounded and Ranveer and I hope to inculcate the same values in our children.”
When asked if becoming a mother ‘is something she looks forward to then’, Deepika Padukone said, “Absolutely. Ranveer and I love children. We look forward to the day when we will start our own family.”
Last year in November, Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone were in Belgium as they celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary. Ranveer and Deepika tied the knot on November 14, 2018 at Italy’s Lake Como after dating for six years. They first met on the sets of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s romantic film Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela. They later also starred in Bajirao Mastani and Padmaavat.
Deepika will be seen soon in the sci-fi action film Kalki 2898 AD opposite Prabhas. She also has director Siddharth Anand’s aerial action film Fighter opposite Hrithik Roshan, which will be released on January 25, 2024. She will also be seen in Rohit Shetty’s Singham Again. Ranveer will also be seen in the action film. -
Aamir Khan’s daughter Ira marries long-time partner Nupur
Superstar Aamir Khan and film producer Reena Dutta’s daughter Ira Khan on Wednesday tied the knot with her long-time partner Nupur Shikhare. Ira, who is the founder and CEO of a mental health support organisation, registered her marriage with Nupur, a celebrity fitness trainer, at a five star hotel in suburban Bandra.
The marriage was attended by their close family members, including Aamir, his ex-wives Reena Dutta and Kiran Rao, among others. The ceremony was followed by a reception at the same hotel.
Ahead of the wedding, Nupur, who is in his 30s, was seen jogging from his residence in Santacruz to the wedding venue, wearing an athleisure outfit. He later danced along with his friends to dhol beats outside the venue.
Videos from the ceremony circulating on social media showed Nupur and Ira signing the marriage documents, surrounded by their families and friends, while the guests cheered for them.
Ira, 26, was dressed in a traditional outfit. The couple will have another wedding ceremony in Udaipur on January 8, followed by a grand reception in Mumbai on January 13. -
Ranbir puts on police uniform, shoots an ad with Rohit Shetty
What are the chances that fans can get to see Ranbir Kapoor in a Rohit Shetty cop film? The actor surprised fans dressed in a cop uniform and sporting a moustache as he shot for an advertisement with the director. Ranbir’s look has impressed fans, who commented on the possibility of him doing a film where he plays a police officer. Several pictures of Ranbir dressed as a police officer emerged on social media, which were posted by his fan accounts on X (formerly Twitter). In one of the pictures, he was seen sitting on a chair waiting for a shot. In one shot, the actor looked handsome as he was seen walking towards the set in a pair of black shades. A third picture saw Ranbir do a fist bump with director Rohit Shetty.