Mithun Da to be honoured with ‘Dadasaheb Phalke Award’, PM Modi extends wishes

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September 30, 2024

International Coffee Day, celebrated annually on October 1, is a global tribute to the world’s most popular beverage. From the bustling cafes of New York to the quaint coffee shops of Tokyo, coffee has become more than just a morning ritual; it’s a cultural phenomenon. This year, the coffee world is buzzing with exciting trends and innovations that are redefining the way we enjoy our daily cup.

International Coffee Day 2024: Trend-Setting Year for Coffee

Plant-Based Coffee Alternatives: As the demand for sustainable and ethical products grows, plant-based coffee alternatives like oats, almonds, and soy milk are gaining popularity. These options offer a delicious and environmentally friendly way to enjoy your coffee.
Cold Brew Craze: The cold brew craze continues to gain momentum, with coffee lovers appreciating its smooth, less acidic flavour. Cold brewing involves steeping ground coffee in cold water for an extended period, resulting in a concentrated and refreshing beverage.
Coffee-Infused Cocktails: Coffee is no longer just a morning drink. Mixologists are experimenting with coffee-infused cocktails, creating unique and flavorful concoctions that are perfect for a night out. From espresso martinis to cold brew-based cocktails, there’s a coffee-infused drink for every palate.
Sustainable Coffee Initiatives: The coffee industry is increasingly focused on sustainability and ethical sourcing. Many coffee brands are supporting fair trade practices, organic farming, and initiatives to reduce their environmental impact.

Quotes from Coffee Experts

“Coffee is more than just a beverage; it’s a way of life. It’s a ritual, a comfort, and a social lubricant.” – Unknown
“The best coffee is made with love, passion, and a little bit of magic.” – Unknown
“Coffee is the elixir of life. It’s what keeps us going, one cup at a time.” – Unknown

Celebrating Coffee’s Rich History

While the coffee world is constantly evolving, it’s important to acknowledge its rich history and traditions. Coffee’s origins can be traced back to Ethiopia, where legend has it that a goat herder discovered the energizing properties of coffee beans. From there, coffee spread to Arabia and eventually made its way to Europe, where it quickly became a popular and sought-after commodity.

Coffee Recipes to Try at Home

Dalgona Coffee: This South Korean coffee trend has taken the internet by storm. It involves whipping instant coffee, sugar, and hot water until it becomes a fluffy foam, which is then poured over cold milk.
Vietnamese Iced Coffee: This classic Vietnamese drink is made by dripping hot water over finely ground coffee, which is then served over ice with sweetened condensed milk.
Affogato: A simple yet indulgent dessert that consists of a scoop of ice cream topped with a shot of espresso.
Cold Brew Latte: A refreshing and flavorful drink made by combining cold brew coffee with milk and ice.

International Coffee Day is a celebration of a beloved beverage that has brought people together for centuries. Whether you prefer a classic espresso or a trendy cold brew, there’s a coffee experience out there for everyone. So, grab your favourite mug, brew a cup of coffee, and join the global community in celebrating this delicious and versatile drink.

Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg Joins $200B Club, Becomes World’s Third Richest

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September 30, 2024

In a dizzying ascent that would make even the most seasoned Silicon Valley roller coaster engineers jealous, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has rocketed into the stratospheric $200 billion net worth club.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerburg enters $200 Billion Club

This exclusive cosmic gathering now boasts a trio of tech titans, with Zuckerberg joining Amazon‘s interstellar explorer Jeff Bezos and Tesla’s Martian colonizer Elon Musk.

While Musk still reigns supreme with a galactic fortune of $265 billion, and Bezos trails with a mere $216 billion space station, Zuckerberg’s meteoric rise has left earthbound billionaires in his stardust.

His 13% stake in Meta, the mothership of social media platforms, has propelled him past former tech luminaries like Oracle’s Larry Ellison and Microsoft’s dynamic duo, Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer.

When does Meta stock get hiked?

Meta’s stock has been performing like a well-oiled rocket, soaring nearly 60% since January and reaching escape velocity at over $560 per share.

This stellar performance has investors salivating, with Meta trading at 24 times forward earnings – a ratio that would make even the most hardened Wall Street traders weak in the knees.

Mark Zuckerburg at Meta Connect 2024 event

At the recent Meta Connect 2024 event, Zuckerberg, donning his captain’s hat, proclaimed, “We’re nearing 500 million monthly active users, and we haven’t even launched in some of the major markets like those in the European Union.” One can almost hear the cash registers chiming in anticipation of Meta AI’s impending world domination.

But Zuckerberg isn’t the only tech mogul enjoying the view from the financial stratosphere. Nvidia’s Jensen Huang and Oracle’s Larry Ellison have also seen their bank accounts swell faster than a supernova, with gains of $62.2 billion and $58.6 billion respectively.

As mere mortals, we can only watch in awe as these tech demigods continue to rewrite the laws of financial physics. One thing’s for certain: in the high-stakes game of billionaire hopscotch, the sky is no longer the limit – it’s just the beginning.

SpaceX Capsule Ready to Save Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore Reaches ISS

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September 30, 2024

SpaceX has launched a two-person crew to the International Space Station (ISS), marking the beginning of a mission to bring back two NASA astronauts stranded in orbit after traveling on Boeing Co.’s Starliner spacecraft.

NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov lifted off from Cape Canaveral, Florida, aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon just after 1 p.m. on Saturday. The Crew-9 capsule docked with the ISS around 5:30 p.m. Eastern time on Sunday, and Hague and Gorbunov entered the station about 90 minutes later.

Two empty seats were reserved for NASA astronauts Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Sunita “Suni” Williams, who will occupy them when the spacecraft returns to Earth next year.

Originally, the Crew-9 mission was intended to carry four crew members, but NASA removed two astronauts to make space for Wilmore and Williams after technical issues arose with Boeing’s Starliner. Astronauts Zena Cardman and Stephanie Wilson gave up their spots to ensure their colleagues could safely return home.

“We will find new missions for them,” said Ken Bowersox, NASA’s associate administrator for space operations, during a Friday press briefing. “We deeply appreciate their willingness to step aside and wait a bit longer for their chance.”

Wilmore and Williams have been aboard the ISS since June 6, having arrived via Starliner. During their docking, Starliner experienced several technical issues, including helium leaks and thruster failures, which led NASA to determine it was too risky to bring them back on the same spacecraft. As a result, NASA and Boeing opted to return Starliner without crew on September 6, landing safely under parachutes in New Mexico.

“When Starliner landed safely, it was great to see it return,” Wilmore said during a September 13 press briefing from the ISS.

SpaceX’s crewed missions for NASA typically last about six months, with this particular Crew Dragon scheduled to return in February. Wilmore and Williams’ original flight on Starliner was only intended to last about a week.

“We always miss our families. I miss my two dogs; I miss my friends,” Williams shared earlier this month. “The messages we receive from Earth make us feel connected and at home, even up here in space.”

Haryana BJP expels 8 leaders for 6 years ahead of Assembly polls, here’s why…

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September 30, 2024

In a significant political development, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Haryana has expelled eight prominent leaders, including former state minister Ranjit Singh Chautala, for six years.

This expulsion by Haryana BJP comes in the wake of these leaders’ decisions to contest the upcoming October 5 state Assembly polls as independent candidates.

Leaders expelled by Haryana BJP?

According to the media reports, Haryana BJP chief Mohan Lal Badoli announced the immediate expulsion of Chautala along with seven others.

The list of the other seven candidates – Sandeep Garg (Ladwa), Zile Ram Sharma (Assandh), Devender Kadian (Ganaur), Bachan Singh Arya (Safidon), Radha Ahlawat (Meham), Naveen Goel (Gurugram), and Kehar Singh Rawat (Hathin).

Was Ranjit Singh Chautala an independent MLA?

Taking notes from this latest development, Chautala’s expulsion is particularly noteworthy as he had recently joined the BJP after resigning from his Assembly seat.

His decision to quit the party and contest independently came after being denied a ticket from the Rania constituency, which he previously represented as an independent MLA.

Is Congress taking similar actions in Haryana?

Moreover, this move by the BJP mirrors a similar action taken by the Haryana Congress, which expelled 13 of its leaders on Friday for “anti-party activities” related to their independent candidacies.

Notably, several leaders of both the BJP and the Congress were upset over being denied tickets to contest the Assembly polls, but the parties have managed to pacify most of them.

What does this expulsion underscore?

The 90-member Haryana Assembly elections are scheduled for October 5, with vote counting set for October 8. As the BJP aims for a third consecutive term in power, these expulsions highlight the party’s strict stance against dissent and its efforts to maintain party discipline in the run-up to the crucial polls.

France Makes Final Bid for India’s 26 Rafale Marine Jet Deal

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September 30, 2024

The deal, aimed at bolstering India’s maritime strike capability, would see these jets deployed on the INS Vikrant aircraft carrier and various bases. Last week, a French team visited New Delhi to finalize discussions, underscoring the importance of this agreement.

What is India’s deal with France for Indian marines?

The timing of this offer is strategic, as it precedes the India-France Strategic Dialogue where Doval is set to meet his French counterparts in Paris.

This high-level meeting provides an opportunity to discuss the deal’s finer points.

Here’s what sources said:

According to ANI reports, a defence source stated the best and final price offer has been submitted to the Indian authorities by the French side for the project. A significant price reduction has been given after tough negotiations in the proposed contract.

India has requested several customizations, including integrating the indigenous Uttam radar and domestic weapons such as the Astra beyond visual range missiles and Rudram anti-radiation missiles.

However, sources indicate that integrating the Uttam radar could extend the timeline by about eight years and incur significant additional costs.

Is France providing Rafale fighter jets to IAF?

The pricing structure for this deal is reportedly based on the previous agreement for 36 Rafale fighter aircraft for the Indian Air Force, factoring in agreed-upon inflation rates, ahead of Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval’s scheduled visit to the country. The package also includes extras like 40 drop tanks and workstations for the aircraft.

Moreover, India stands to receive an increased number of long-range air-to-air Meteor missiles and anti-ship weaponry as part of this deal, which is slated for conclusion before the end of the current financial year.

What does this deal signify?

This deal represents a significant step in India’s efforts to modernize its naval capabilities and strengthen its strategic partnership with France in the defence sector.

Further, they revealed to ANI that the French side has presented their “best and final price offer” to Indian authorities, noting that “a significant price reduction has been given after tough negotiations in the proposed contract.”

New Study Presents Breakthrough Treatment for Anxious Dogs With No Harmful Effects

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September 28, 2024

A significant study conducted at Spain’s Universidad de las Palmas de Gran Canaria, published in Veterinary Research Communications, has revealed a groundbreaking treatment for dogs with anxiety. Researchers found that a low dose of LSD can serve as a safe treatment for dogs, showing no adverse side effects. This psychedelic compound has emerged as a promising option for addressing anxiety issues in dogs, particularly those suffering from separation anxiety disorder. Specifically, a low dose of 1cp-LSD may effectively alleviate anxiety symptoms and help calm affected dogs.

Promising Outcomes for Treating Dog Anxiety

The study centered on a 13-year-old dog named Lola, who faced severe separation anxiety. Lola exhibited distress and destructive behaviors, such as excessive barking, due to her extreme anxiety. After administering the psychedelic drug, she was monitored for over five hours, during which she encountered typical anxiety triggers, including her owners leaving her.

Dogs with separation anxiety often experience profound fear and anxiety when apart from their owners. Remarkably, Lola’s behavior showed a substantial improvement just two hours after receiving the drug. She appeared much calmer, even in anxiety-provoking scenarios like her owners’ departure, and did not display her usual anxious barking.

What distinguishes this psychedelic treatment is the complete absence of side effects in Lola. Notably, she did not experience any psychedelic effects, indicating that the treatment is effective without altering her mental state as such drugs typically do in humans. The study confirmed that Lola did not encounter any harmful side effects and returned to her normal behavior after five hours.

This breakthrough presents new avenues for treating canine anxiety. Conventional medications such as antidepressants and benzodiazepines often fall short and may carry adverse side effects. With nearly 20% of dogs, especially those with separation anxiety, suffering from anxiety, there is an increasing demand for effective treatment options that minimize potential side effects.

Hezbollah Confirms Hassan Nasrallah Death Following Israel Airstrikes

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September 28, 2024

FILE PHOTO: Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah gives a televised address, Lebanon, September 19, 2024, in this screenshot taken from a video. Al-Manar TV via REUTERS/File photo

Lebanon’s Hezbollah confirmed on Saturday that its leader, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, was killed in an Israeli airstrike, pledging to continue its fight against Israel.

The confirmation came shortly after France’s foreign ministry stated that its information indicated Nasrallah’s death.

“The security and protection of civilians, including French citizens in the region, remain our priority,” the French foreign ministry emphasized.

This followed Israel’s announcement that it had killed the Hezbollah leader in a strike on Beirut’s southern suburbs the previous day.

Nasrallah’s death deals a significant blow to Hezbollah and its regional ally, Iran. As a prominent figure within the Tehran-backed “Axis of Resistance,” Nasrallah was instrumental in expanding Iranian influence across the Middle East.

The Israeli military reported that it had killed Nasrallah in a “targeted strike” on Hezbollah’s underground headquarters beneath a residential building in Dahiyeh, a Hezbollah stronghold in southern Beirut. The strike also reportedly killed senior Hezbollah leader Ali Karaki and several other commanders.

Lebanese security sources stated that Friday’s airstrike left a 20-meter-deep crater and shook the Lebanese capital.

Despite Nasrallah’s death, Hezbollah continued its cross-border rocket fire into Israel, triggering sirens and forcing northern Israeli residents into shelters.

The escalating conflict has heightened fears of a broader regional confrontation involving Hezbollah’s backer, Iran, and possibly the United States.

Israeli military officials have maintained a heightened state of alert, expressing hope that Nasrallah’s death might influence Hezbollah’s actions, though they remain cautious.

“We hope this will change Hezbollah’s behavior,” Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani said during a media briefing, noting it would take time to weaken Hezbollah’s capabilities.

“We’ve seen Hezbollah attack us consistently over the past year. It’s reasonable to assume they will continue or attempt further attacks against us,” he added.

Would Messi Play in Argentina’s FIFA World Up Qualifiers? Martino Reveals

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September 28, 2024

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni received encouraging news from Inter Miami manager Tata Martino regarding the availability of his star player, Lionel Messi. Messi has not played for Argentina since their Copa America 2024 final victory against Colombia in July, where he left the field in the second half due to an ankle ligament injury.

Messi has since returned to action for Inter Miami, playing in three matches. In his first game back, he scored twice in a 3-1 win over Philadelphia Union, bringing his season tally to 14 MLS goals and 14 assists.

Due to his injury, Messi missed the September international window. On Friday, Martino commented, “In addition to the games with us, he has games with the Argentinian national team.”

Martino expressed confidence in Messi’s fitness for the MLS playoffs, stating, “Leo is going to improve as he plays more 90-minute matches.”

“Leo doesn’t need extra physical work in training, but he does need competitive rhythm. With the games with us and the Argentinian national team, we believe he will enter the playoffs in excellent shape.”

Miami currently leads the Eastern Conference and the Supporters’ Shield standings with 64 points in 30 matches, and they are on track to break the MLS record for the most points in a single season.

“We are in a crucial position this week to try and secure the top spot overall,” Martino said. “We will assess how the games unfold and address our needs accordingly. Our main focus is achieving our objective, especially since after these three games, the FIFA international break will allow us a week of recovery for most of the team, while some players will continue competing.”

Govt Considering Setting Dedicated Team to Monitor Airfare Surge

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September 28, 2024