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PM Modi leaves for 3-day US visit, all set to attend Quad Summit hosted by Biden

By
Alina Khan
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PM Modi
PM Modi

In a significant diplomatic engagement, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has departed for a three-day visit to the United States. PM Modi is all set to discuss the Indo-US bilateral talks as well.

The centrepiece of his trip is the fourth Quad Leaders’ Summit, scheduled for September 21 in Wilmington, Delaware, the hometown of US President Joe Biden.

The Quad, short for Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, is a strategic alliance comprising India, the United States, Japan, and Australia. This summit marks a crucial juncture for the group, which has increasingly positioned itself as a counterbalance to growing tensions in the Indo-Pacific region.

PM Modi leaves to attend 3-day Quad Leaders’ Summit

“I look forward to joining my colleagues President Biden, Prime Minister Albanese and Prime Minister Kishida for the Quad Summit. The forum has emerged as a key group of like-minded countries to work for peace, progress and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. My meeting with President Biden will allow us to review and identify new pathways to further deepen the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership for the benefit of our people and the global good,” the Prime Minister tweeted.

The Quad, or Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, comprises India, the US, Japan and Australia.

“I am eagerly looking forward to engaging with the Indian diaspora and important American business leaders, who are the key stakeholders and provide vibrancy to the unique partnership between the largest and the oldest democracies of the world,” he added.

Here’s PM Modi’s itinerary for his US visit

Following the Quad Summit, PM Modi’s itinerary includes addressing the ‘Summit of the Future’ at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 23. This platform will allow the Indian leader to articulate his vision on global challenges and India’s role in addressing them.

The Prime Minister’s visit also encompasses engagements with the Indian diaspora and prominent US business leaders. These meetings aim to strengthen people-to-people ties and explore collaborations in cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, semiconductors, and biotechnology.

Will India host next Quad Summit?

India’s hosting of the next Quad Summit further cements its pivotal role in this strategic partnership. As geopolitical dynamics continue to evolve, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, international observers will closely watch the outcomes of this US visit and the Quad Summit.

What does PM Modi’s visit signify?

This trip represents a significant opportunity for India to reinforce its position as a key global player and to advance its strategic interests on the world stage.

As Prime Minister Modi engages with world leaders and addresses critical global forums, the international community will be keenly observing the implications for regional stability, technological cooperation, and the future of multilateral partnerships in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.

Nihal is not satisfied with his game ; Aims to Improve

By
Dhruv
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India has delivered an outstanding performance at the Chess Olympiad in Budapest, remaining unbeaten through eight rounds. Arjun Erigaisi and D Gukesh have been instrumental in leading the team, which boasts an average Elo rating of 2755.

India, seeded second, was expected to perform well, and it’s hard not to draw comparisons with the 2022 Olympiad in Chennai. At that time, players like Arjun, Gukesh, and R Praggnanandhaa were still rising stars, and the tournament offered a glimpse into their potential future success.

For the most part, these predictions have been accurate. While Arjun, Gukesh, and Praggnanandhaa have made significant strides, Nihal Sarin has not quite kept pace. In 2022, Gukesh shone, winning gold as the best individual Board 1 player with 9/11 points and a 2867 rating performance. Nihal, too, impressed as the top performer on Board 2, scoring 7.5/10 points with a performance rating of 2774. He seemed poised for a breakthrough.

However, things have not unfolded as expected for Nihal, something he acknowledges. In 2018, at just 14, he crossed the 2600 Elo mark, becoming the third-youngest player to do so. Now, in 2024, his classical chess rating stands at 2668, with his progress in the classical format being far from smooth. “I’m not happy with where my game is at the moment,” Nihal told HT in an interview. “I’ve had some good tournaments, but this year I’ve also had rough ones. I lost a bit of rating and have been stuck in this range for a while.”

Despite these challenges, Nihal has gained a unique perspective on the success of his peers, Arjun and Gukesh. “They’re incredibly strong, focused, motivated, and hardworking,” Nihal remarked. “When you’re getting good results, it boosts your confidence, and everything seems to flow more easily. They’ve also managed the tricky balance of risk management exceptionally well.”

Arjun, in particular, has impressed with his ability to handle unbalanced positions, a skill he displayed during the 2023 Chess World Cup and continues to demonstrate in the Olympiad. “One of the hardest things to do is consistently dominate lower-rated but still strong players, like those rated between 2650-2700. Arjun has mastered that.”

The success of others can serve as inspiration. Arjun stopped obsessing over ratings and focused on playing, while Gukesh admitted that the pressure to become the youngest Grandmaster overwhelmed him at one point, but both have now found their paths. Is a similar shift coming for Nihal? “Ideally, you shouldn’t care about rating,” Nihal said. “But it’s easier to let go of that when your rating is rising rather than falling. When it becomes a source of stress, it can be a real problem.”

As the final rounds of the Olympiad approach, the Indian team will be feeling the pressure. Nihal believes that keeping nerves in check will be crucial. “The Indian teams are performing incredibly well,” Nihal said. “In a tournament like this, it’s essential for all players to be at their best, and that’s been the case for India so far. If they can hold their nerves, it could be a historic achievement.”

He added, “Chess is a game where everything can change in a single move. Unlike sports like badminton, where a comfortable lead gives you some security, in chess, one mistake can turn a winning position into a loss. Focus is critical until the very last moment.”

NIA Conducts Raids Across Punjab in Terror Probe Connected to Gurpatwant Singh Pannun

By
Dhruv
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The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted raids at four locations in Punjab on Friday as part of an ongoing investigation into a terror conspiracy involving designated Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun and his banned group, Sikhs For Justice (SFJ).

According to a statement from the agency, NIA teams searched premises in Moga, two locations in Bathinda, and one in Mohali, linked to suspects in the case. Various incriminating materials, including digital devices, were seized and are currently being examined.

The investigation relates to a broader conspiracy led by Pannun and other SFJ members to incite violence and promote terror activities.

The NIA registered the case on November 17, 2023, under several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967.

In a statement, the agency confirmed, “On Friday, the NIA conducted searches at four locations in Punjab in connection with the promotion of terror-related activities and violence by SFJ leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.”

Pannun, SFJ’s self-styled general counsel, had posted video threats on social media on November 4, 2023, cautioning Sikhs against flying on Air India flights from November 19, claiming there was a security risk. He also threatened to disrupt Air India’s global operations.

In his video, Pannun warned that New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), one of the world’s busiest, would be “shut down” on November 19, 2023.

These threats led to heightened alerts and investigations across India, Canada, and other countries where Air India operates. The NIA noted that Pannun has been spreading a false narrative about Punjab, aiming to incite conflict between Sikhs and other communities in India.

His latest threat, the NIA added, continues his pattern of trying to disrupt vital transportation systems, including railways and thermal power plants across India.

Veer-Zaara Manages to Cross ₹100 Crore Upon re-release

By
Dhruv
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Twenty years after its release, Yash Chopra’s 2004 romantic epic Veer-Zaara continues to carry forward the late filmmaker’s legacy. Starring Shah Rukh Khan and Preity Zinta, the film has now surpassed ₹100 crore at the global box office following its re-release last week.

Veer-Zaara Re-release Box Office Collection
According to trade analyst Taran Adarsh, Veer-Zaara collected ₹20 lakh on Friday (September 13), ₹32 lakh on Saturday, ₹38 lakh on Sunday, ₹20 lakh on Monday, ₹18 lakh on Tuesday, ₹15 lakh on Wednesday, and ₹14 lakh on Thursday, bringing its total domestic earnings after the re-release to ₹1.57 crore. Adding ₹0.23 crore from overseas markets, the film’s total for the September re-release stands at ₹1.80 crore. Earlier this year, the film earned ₹0.30 crore during its February re-release.

Originally, Veer-Zaara grossed ₹61 crore domestically and ₹37 crore internationally, bringing its total to ₹98 crore. Over the years, the film accumulated an additional ₹2.50 crore from 2005 to 2023. With both re-release collections included, the film’s global box office now totals ₹102.60 crore, crossing the significant ₹100 crore milestone. Given National Cinema Day’s discounted ticket prices of ₹99 on September 20, the film is expected to see a further boost in earnings.

About Veer-Zaara
Produced by Yash Raj Films, Veer-Zaara marked Yash Chopra’s third collaboration with Shah Rukh Khan after Darr (1991) and Dil To Pagal Hai (1997). The film also stars Preity Zinta, Rani Mukerji, Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini, Manoj Bajpayee, Boman Irani, Kirron Kher, Anupam Kher, and Divya Dutta.”

Delhi Govt Set to Conduct Psychological Tests to Find Gifted Children

By
Dhruv
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New Delhi: Approximately 6,000 students from government schools in Delhi, selected from classes six and nine based on their academic performance, are set to undergo psychological testing under “Project Abhishikt” to identify gifted students, an official announced on Friday.

The first round of testing, scheduled for September 28, will involve the Culture Fair Intelligence Test (CFIT), which measures intellectual ability non-verbally, according to the official.

“Students who score above 80% in the CFIT will advance to the second round, which involves an Intelligence Quotient (IQ) test,” the official said. Those who pass the IQ test will be transferred to 15 specially designated schools across various districts in Delhi, where they will receive specialized theoretical and practical instruction, the official added.

These students will study a variety of subjects based on the NCERT curriculum, including English, Hindi, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Domestic Sciences, Social Studies, Computer Science, Physical Education, Sanskrit, and Fine Arts, the official informed PTI.

Under “Project Abhishikt,” the Delhi government will conduct two intelligence tests to identify “gifted children,” including those with special needs, and nurture their talents through a tailored curriculum. The official said these students would also have access to additional resources, such as free materials for science experiments, museum visits, field trips, and village tours. To further develop their writing skills, students will be assigned projects related to their excursions.

The project also aims to expand students’ horizons through various field activities, focusing on communication, life experiences, and skill development. “By taking them to local markets, assigning tasks like purchasing vegetables or fruits, and encouraging interaction with different people, we aim to help these students ‘open up’ and reach their full potential,” the official explained.

Teachers involved in the program have received special training, and an advanced curriculum has been developed for the students, the official noted. The overall goal of the project is to unlock the untapped potential of students who demonstrate exceptional abilities.

FedEx Warns Slow Progress; Concerns for Global Economy

By
Dhruv
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FedEx Corp. issued a warning that its business would slow down in the coming year, reporting a quarterly profit that fell short of expectations—an unsettling indicator for the US economy. The company was impacted by a reduction in priority services as customers opted for cheaper shipping alternatives, a trend that Chief Executive Officer Raj Subramaniam described as part of a “challenging quarter.” Although cost-cutting efforts made some progress, they only partially offset these challenges, the Memphis-based company said on Thursday.

Several equity analysts, including those from JPMorgan, Susquehanna, and Stifel, lowered their price targets for FedEx following the report. Morgan Stanley’s Ravi Shanker also downgraded the stock’s price target and rating, warning that FedEx’s issues may be more structural than cyclical, suggesting these challenges might persist for a while. During the latest quarter, FedEx saw customers becoming more price-sensitive, downgrading to slower, cheaper shipping options—a trend that also impacted UPS earlier this year. US domestic shipping volumes in FedEx’s Express segment dropped by 3% due to weaker demand from business-to-business customers, according to Chief Customer Officer Brie Carere.

Expectations for increased revenue and profits from premium services in the US also fell short, as Chief Financial Officer John Dietrich noted. Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Lee Klaskow added that the urgency to pay extra for faster shipping has diminished, typically a sign of tougher economic conditions when people are looking to cut costs.

FedEx now projects adjusted full-year earnings of $20 to $21 per share, down from its previous forecast of up to $22 per share. The midpoint of this new range aligns with the $20.53 average of analyst estimates compiled by Bloomberg. As an economic bellwether, FedEx is closely watched due to its vast exposure across industries like retail and manufacturing. The company is currently integrating its Ground and Express delivery networks as part of broader cost-reduction measures, and Subramaniam affirmed that the company is on track to achieve $2.2 billion in savings this fiscal year.

For the quarter ending August 31, FedEx reported adjusted earnings per share of $3.60, falling well below analyst expectations of $4.77 and last year’s $4.37. Revenue totaled $21.6 billion, slightly under the $21.9 billion analysts had forecast. TD Cowen analyst Jason Seidl noted that FedEx’s results “fell well short of our estimate and consensus expectations,” citing trade-downs and weak demand as ongoing pressures on the parcel market.

This was the first quarter FedEx reported under its new consolidated structure, combining its Express, Ground, and Services divisions on June 1.

India Decides to Extend Emergency Aid to Maldives

By
Dhruv
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India has renewed its emergency financial assistance to the Maldives by extending its subscription to Maldivian government treasury bills worth $50 million for another year, marking the second instance of such aid in 2024. This move indicates a potential easing of tensions between the two nations, which had deteriorated when Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu came to power last year on an “India Out” campaign and demanded the withdrawal of over 85 Indian military personnel stationed to operate three aircraft in the Maldives.

The State Bank of India (SBI) subscribed to the Maldivian treasury bills for $50 million from the maturity date of the previous subscription on September 19, 2024, according to a statement by the Indian High Commission in Male. Earlier in May 2024, the SBI had also subscribed to treasury bills worth $50 million at the Maldivian government’s request as part of emergency financial assistance. The statement noted that India’s continued support is reflected not only in the current subscription but also in the extension of a special export quota for essential commodities to the Maldives for another year.

India emphasized the Maldives’ importance as a key maritime neighbor and a significant partner under its “Neighbourhood First” policy. Maldivian tourism minister Ahmed Adeeb thanked India in a post on X for the “crucial budgetary support,” noting that it strengthened the bond between the two countries and aided the Maldives’ pursuit of economic stability and growth.

The Maldives is currently facing a severe economic crisis, with revenues and foreign currency reserves hit by the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Under former President Ibrahim Solih, the Maldives borrowed from private lenders and India, pushing the national debt to nearly $8 billion by 2023.

However, relations between India and the Maldives began to improve after Muizzu attended Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s swearing-in ceremony in June, with Muizzu expected to make a bilateral visit to India soon. Maldivian foreign minister Moosa Zameer recently acknowledged that bilateral ties had faced challenges during the early days of Muizzu’s government but said misunderstandings had since been resolved after India withdrew its military personnel, replacing them with civilian experts earlier this year.

No More Waiting: Your iPhone 16 is 20 mins away, Thanks to Blinkit, Bigbasket…

By
Alina Khan
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iPhone 16
iPhone 16

Hold onto your grocery lists, folks! The iPhone 16 has hit the streets, and it’s not just tech stores feeling the buzz. In a plot twist worthy of a Silicon Valley sitcom, your favourite quick-commerce apps are now delivering the hottest gadget faster than you can say “5G.”

Get your iPhone 16 in just 20 minutes with these Apps

Picture this: It’s 8:00 AM in Bengaluru, and while most of us are still debating between cornflakes and idli for breakfast, one savvy shopper is unboxing their brand-new iPhone 16. Thanks to BigBasket, this lucky customer went from tapping “order” to tapping on their new phone in just seven minutes flat. Talk about express delivery!

But wait, there’s more! Blinkit and Zepto have joined this high-tech party, turning the iPhone launch into a delivery dash that would make even pizza joints jealous. Forget camping outside stores; the new cool is camping on your couch, refreshing your app until that coveted “iPhone 16 available” notification pops up.

Here’s what Blinkit’s CEO said:

Blinkit CEO Albinder Dhindsa, clearly excited about playing tech Santa, announced they’re zipping iPhones across Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Pune, and Bengaluru faster than you can decide which filter to use for your unboxing selfie. And because waiting for anything these days is so 2022, they’re promising delivery in a mere 10 minutes. That’s faster than most of us take to decide which emoji best expresses our FOMO!

But here’s the kicker – it’s not all models, all the time. If you’re eyeing the Pro versions or dreaming of terabytes of storage, you might still need to brave the queues. The quick-commerce apps are starting with the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, 128GB editions – perfect for those who like their tech like their coffee: standard but delivered at lightning speed.

And because no tech launch is complete without a side of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out on Offers), there are deals to be had. Swipe with the right credit card, and you could be looking at Rs 5000 cashback. It’s like your phone is paying you to buy it!

Bizarre blend of Produce & Processors?

This bizarre blend of produce and processors, where your bananas and iPhones can coexist in the same delivery bag, is redefining convenience. It’s a world where “I’m just popping out for some milk and a new iPhone” is a perfectly normal sentence.

So, as the queues snake around Apple Stores worldwide, a new breed of tech enthusiasts is emerging – the couch-queue warriors, armed with apps and lightning-fast fingers, ready to snag the latest iPhone between ordering lunch and scheduling a laundry pickup. Welcome to the future, where your next big tech purchase might just arrive with your groceries. Just remember to tip your delivery person – they’re not just carrying your dinner anymore!

UTIs: Not Just from Bathrooms, But Your Fridge Too! – Here’s how…

By
Alina Khan
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UTI
UTI

A recent US study has unveiled a surprising connection between contaminated meat and the rising incidence of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs), shedding new light on a widespread health issue affecting millions of women worldwide.

What is UTI?

It’s a common type of infection that affects any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Most UTIs affect the lower urinary tract — the bladder and urethra — but more severe cases can spread to the kidneys.

Why UTI is caused?

Some of the factors, which lead to cause can be when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and begin to multiply in the bladder. The bacteria E coli, which normally resides in the intestines, is responsible for most of these infections. Factors such as poor hygiene, sexual activity, and certain health conditions can increase the risk of developing the infection.

UTIs, which afflict 60% of women at least once in their lifetime, have seen a dramatic 70% increase in cases between 1990 and 2019. This surge has prompted researchers to investigate potential causes beyond the well-known risk factors

How do refrigerators cause UTIs?

The 2023 study reveals a startling statistic: approximately 500,000 UTIs in the US annually may be linked to Escherichia coli (E. coli) contaminated meat. Even more alarming, between 30% and 70% of meat products sold in stores reportedly contain E. coli.

Dr. Tripti Raheja, lead consultant in obstetrics and gynaecology at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, explains, “Consumption of E. coli-contaminated meat can introduce these bacteria into the intestines, from where they may travel to the urinary tract, causing infection.”

However, the scientific community urges caution in interpreting these results. Dr. Matthew Sims, director of infectious diseases research at Corewell Health, emphasizes that the study shows an association, not necessarily causation.

The widespread use of antibiotics in livestock farming has emerged as a significant concern, potentially contributing to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in humans. This resistance complicates UTI treatment, making infections harder to manage.

Dr. Deepika Aggarwal, director of obstetrics and gynaecology at CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, warns about the dangers of untreated UTIs: “Serious side effects of kidney infections include irreversible kidney damage and sepsis, a potentially life-threatening response to infection.”

Is UTI the lone disease caused by stored meat or food?

While the meat-UTI connection is still being debated, experts agree that multiple factors contribute to the rise in UTI cases. Dr. Jennifer Wider, a women’s health specialist, points to “higher rates of diabetes, an ageing population, and the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria” as additional contributors.

Dr. Tarun Singh, a urologist at Sharda Hospital, Delhi, highlights anatomical factors: “In women, the shorter urethra allows bacteria easier access to the bladder.” He also notes that sexual activity and certain contraceptives can increase the risk of UTIs.

How UTI can be prevented?

Prevention remains key in combating UTIs. Experts recommend maintaining good hygiene, staying hydrated, and being cautious about antibiotic use. For those experiencing recurrent UTIs, consulting with a healthcare professional is crucial to identify underlying causes and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

The study’s findings have broader implications for public health and food safety. Consumers are advised to be vigilant about food handling and preparation, with thorough cooking of meat and proper hygiene practices helping to mitigate the risk of E. coli transmission.

As research continues, the medical community remains vigilant in monitoring the evolving landscape of UTIs and their potential causes. This study serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between our diet, environment, and health, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to UTI prevention and treatment.

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Reported under Suicide Watch

By
Dhruv
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Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is reportedly under suicide watch as he awaits trial at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn, according to People.

Sources indicate that Combs is under heightened supervision following his arrest at a Manhattan hotel on Monday, September 16. He faces multiple charges, including sex trafficking, racketeering, and transporting individuals for prostitution.

The indictment alleges that Combs orchestrated and coerced victims into participating in “freak offs,” which prosecutors describe as “elaborate and staged sexual performances.” His attorney, Marc Agnifilo, confirmed that Combs is being held in a special housing unit with “extra security.”

The U.S. Department of Justice’s National Institute of Corrections defines suicide watch as requiring frequent observation of inmates considered at risk. On September 17, after pleading not guilty and being denied bail twice, Combs was remanded to MDC. While it is unclear if Combs is actively suicidal, People reported that the suicide watch was implemented as a precaution due to his shock over the bail denials and concerns about his mental state.

The case draws parallels to Jeffrey Epstein, who was under suicide watch at a New York City jail before taking his own life in August 2019. Despite a previous suicide attempt, Epstein was left unattended with extra bed linens, and most of the surveillance cameras in his unit were not recording.

In 2023, the Department of Justice’s watchdog concluded that negligence, misconduct, and poor job performance at the federal Bureau of Prisons contributed to Epstein’s death.

Combs’ attorney has requested his transfer to a facility in Essex County, New Jersey, citing concerns over conditions at MDC, where four inmates have died by suicide in the past three years. The lawyer argued that MDC’s conditions are “unfit for pre-trial detention.”

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