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The demand for inclusivity in sports drives the development of adaptive technologies, enabling athletes with disabilities to compete at higher levels and ensuring equal opportunities for all.

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The desire to relive cherished moments from their youth fosters a shared cultural identity and provides an escape from contemporary challenges.

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This resurgence highlights a fundamental human need for comfort, connection, and a sense of belonging. As societal pressures and uncertainties grow, these generations turn to familiar cinematic experiences to evoke positive memories and emotional safety.

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Increasing trend of re-releasing classic Bollywood films in theaters

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Increasing trend of re-releasing classic Bollywood films in theaters

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The article "Bollywood Re-Releases: Theatrical Trend, Future, and Business" discusses the increasing trend of re-releasing classic Bollywood films in theaters, highlighting its implications for the industry and audiences. Industry experts note that re-releases are cost-effective, benefiting all stakeholders involved, as they incur lower marketing and production costs compared to new films. However, there are concerns that this trend could overshadow new releases, leading to a potential imbalance in the film market. The article emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to re-releases to maintain excitement and avoid oversaturation, suggesting that iconic films with strong fan followings could thrive in this model while ensuring new content continues to be produced.

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Explained: Business and future of the trend of Bollywood re-releases

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Bollywood is witnessing a surge of theatrical re-releases. We explore what the trend means - the business associated with it and whether it could be a threat to new releases.

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Movie Re-Release Calendar 2024 & 2025: Your Guide to Movies Back In Theaters

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Movie Re-Release Calendar 2024 & 2025: Your Guide to Movies Back In Theaters

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If you love catching re-releases of classic films in theaters on the big screen (whether you're watching for the first time or the 50th), 2024 has been a boon year unlike any before it. Due to a strike-disrupted release schedule and lack of tentpole action, studios and theaters have been banking on nostalgia and novelty re-releasing beloved movies nationwide, to tempt audiences back to the multiplex.

Continue on for the full calendar of upcoming movie re-releases for the rest of 2024 and into 2025.

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Movie Re-Release Calendar 2024 & 2025: Your Guide to Movies Back In Theaters

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Catch all the re-releases, whether you're watching for the first time or the 50th!

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Upendra Re-release: The 1999 Classic Expected To Stay Strong In 2nd Week

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Upendra Re-release: The 1999 Classic Expected To Stay Strong In 2nd Week

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Upendra Re-release: The 1999 Classic Expected To Stay Strong In 2nd Week - News18

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The 1999 Upendra movie was re-released in theatres on September 20, last week, after 25 years of its original release.

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This revival reflects a fundamental human need for stability and reassurance amid rapid societal and technological changes. As individuals face uncertainty and upheaval in various aspects of life, turning to retro trends offers a sense of familiarity, emotional security, and connection to the past.

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PVR INOX to make 'Movie Re-Release' a major part of its business model

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PVR INOX to make 'Movie Re-Release' a major part of its business model

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PVR INOX to make ‘Movie Re-Release’ a major part of its business model

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Lack of content, demand fuels movie re-releases

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'Tumbbad' Re-release box office: The Sohum Shah starrer mint ..

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'Tumbbad' Re-release box office: The Sohum Shah starrer mint ..

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Read more at:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/113726346.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst

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It's the season of re-releases with films like Hum Aapke Hai Kaun!, Laila Majnu, and Veer-Zaara returning to theaters, but none have performed as well as Sohum Shah and Rahi Anil Barve's Tumbbad, which saw only a slight drop in collections during its second week.

Tum Bin Secrets FINALLY Revealed: Raqesh Bapat, Sandali Sinha & Himanshu Malik EXCLUSIVE On ETimes

During its original release the film met with limited success but when the film dropped on OTT it connected with audiences in a big way and on many occasions the film would trend on social media with fans asking for the sequel.

Cashing on the trend of old films being re-released and the amazing goodwill Tumbbad had generated, the film was released in theaters once again and the audiences lapped it up. The film went on to earn Rs 13.15 crore in the first week and in the second week the film added another 11.35 crore, taking the two week total of the film to Rs 24.50 making it one of the most successful re-releases of all times.

Sonakshi Sinha, Zaheer Iqbal Unfiltered I Private Jokes, Love Affair And KHAAMOSH! | INTERVIEW

Tumbbad will remain one of those rare films which earned more money in its re-release than it ever did during its first run. Actor-producer Sohum Shah has now announced a sequel for the film, but director Rahi Anil Barve has bowed out of it has he already has his hands full with multiple projects like Gulkanda Tales with Pankaj Tripathi, Kunal Kemmu and Abhishek Banerjee which is being backed by Raj and DK. Also some time back he announced his next project which is Rakht Brahmand which reportedly has Aditya Roy Kapoor, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Ali Fazal and Wamiqa Gabbi also backed by Raj and DK.

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'Tumbbad' Re-release box office: The Sohum Shah starrer mints Rs 11.50 crore in its second week | Hindi Movie News - Times of India

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Tumbbad's re-release has been more successful than its original run, earning Rs 24.50 crore in two weeks and outperforming other re-releases like Hum

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Laila Majnu, Tum Bin, Taal: Are re-releases a growing trend or now an overkill?

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Laila Majnu, Tum Bin, Taal: Are re-releases a growing trend or now an overkill?

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Laila Majnu, Tum Bin, Taal: Are re-releases a growing trend or now an overkill?

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What began as a noble idea of nostalgia with films like Laila Majnu and Rockstar, the re-release trend is being overused with a new announcement every other day

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Celebrating Doremons Birthday... influence of cartoon 

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Celebrating Doremons Birthday... influence of cartoon 

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what is interesting?
A cartoon character is much more celebrated than real life heros.

Human behavior- People are more connected to fictional characters than real life.

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Happy Birthday Doraemon!❤️ pic.twitter.com/8hNtcNgkVg
— RVCJ Media (@RVCJ_FB) September 3, 2024

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Bollywood movies are re-releasing in theatres by the dozen. Is it nostalgia or slim pickings?

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Bollywood movies are re-releasing in theatres by the dozen. Is it nostalgia or slim pickings?

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Our nostalgia for old films might be about more than just returning to the comfort of a certain joyful, simpler time in our own lives

Rekindling a teenage crush on R Madhavan was not on my 2024 bingo card. But there I was, feeling that familiar blush creep up my cheeks as I sat in a Noida movie hall by myself, watching Maddy creep up behind Reena (a fresh-faced Dia Mirza). We're at a pivotal moment somewhere in the middle of Gautham Menon's 2001 film Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein. She fusses about with a glass of fresh juice in the kitchen. He stands too close. She turns to him, all aquiver. They want to do things, but like good sanskari Indian people, they resist. Instead, we get a dream sequence pulsing with electric desire set to the beautiful, utterly moving ballad 'Zara Zara'.

I feel my breathing turn shallow as the camera pans along Madhavan's still-dripping-from-a-shower back (and wonder for a hot second if he's the reason why I have an enduring affinity for the dad bod). Some rows ahead, five viewers who appear to be younger than the film itself sing along loudly in chorus. In a corner, a middle-aged couple cuddles tightly, perhaps reliving their own youthful romance. 23 years after Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein was released-and flopped-it's back in theatres all over India, and even though it's available to watch on three streaming platforms, it is doing brisk business.

"I don't know what to make of it," a bemused Madhavan, now in his fittest and most successful, said in a recent interview. A section of social media shares in his bafflement, not just at this middling film's second wind, but at the larger trend of old Bollywood movies re-releasing in cinema halls and multiplexes. And seeing surprising success at that.

From blockbusters like Sooraj Barjatya's 1989 film Maine Pyar Kiya re-appearing to commemorate the film's 35th anniversary to Imtiaz Ali's cult hit Rockstar (2011) surfing the wave of its online fandom and the much-less-appreciated Laila Majnu perhaps banking on Triptii Dimri's stardom to give it a second chance-it's an odd assortment of retro movies playing in theatres. Other Bollywood movies re-releasing in cinemas this month are Veer Zaara (2004), Tumbbad (2018), Taal (1999), Pardes (1997) and Tujhe Meri Kasam (2003).

Industry pundits and multiplex owners have pegged this strategy on a vacuum of new releases as well as the failure of multiple Hindi movies to command big box office numbers. Sure, Stree 2 has hit 600 crores, but it's a rare monster hit in a year that saw major star-led vehicles like Kalki 2898 AD, Maidaan and Fighter failing to leave a mark.

"Is all that's left of the Hindi film industry? Nostalgia?" A popular influencer wrote in an Instagram caption along with a post of Mumbai's Regal Cinema, whose facade sported a poster of Ramesh Sippy's Sholay (1975), re-released for a single day. Some commenters under the post agree; others inform readers that the event was a result of the Film Heritage Foundation's work with preserving lost film reels, and this screening was important because the film was being presented in its original format. Later that day, Amitabh Bachchan tweeted: "I had never thought of watching movies on mobile, nor am I thinking of it now... who knows whether the old was gold or the gold became old".

Clearly, nostalgia's potency cannot be underestimated, certainly not at this time when whole worlds and timelines mosh with each other in that great big arcade called the Internet. Y2K fashion refuses to die. Brad Pitt is bringing bell bottoms back on the Venice red carpet. Every '90s boy band has crawled out from their million-dollar caves for revival tours. Even the curmudgeonly brothers of cult rock band Oasis want to put their differences aside and cash in.

Nostalgia powers much of what we see on screen today. What else can explain the endurance of the Twilight saga in pop culture or the fact that Netflix just greenlit an animated series based on Midnight Sun? Or that Mean Girls turned up yet again last year, even if it was as an unwatchable musical? Or that Christopher Nolan has publicly said that "magical thinking, nostalgia and daydreaming" is "the only sound business plan" when it comes to movies? Or that some of the most watched "documentaries" on Indian screens are The Romantics and Angry Young Men, both hagiographies of powerful and iconic figures in the Hindi film industry?

If 'nostalgia', a term that's been around since the 17th century thanks to German philosopher Johannes Hofer, is linked to the idea of "homecoming", then film-based nostalgia might be about returning to the comfort of a certain joyful, simpler time in one's own life. But maybe it also has something to do with the very experience of going to the theatre to watch them-those special occasions, those community-based experiences. It's probably why a generation mourns the loss of single-screen theatres, filmmakers continue to lionise the old way of doing things and audiences pedestalise the people who strive to preserve them.

In another Noida multiplex, I buy a ticket for Anurag Kashyap's Gangs of Wasseypur (2012), which has been re-released for a week. A gaggle of boys push each other around as they recite lines from the film. Later, inside the hall, they also jump into the aisles and sing and dance to 'Tain Tain To To' as the 50 of us in attendance wait for the film to roll. I can't help but think of the double screening, 12 years ago, at the now-defunct Osian Film Festival-a major event for Delhi's cultural landscape that year, evident from the over-crowded auditorium at Siri Fort. It was so crowded, in fact, that the doors wouldn't close and if you found a place to park your rear, on pleather or carpet, you dared not leave.

I remember the red plastic chairs that studded the aisles of both cinema halls in small-town Bihar, where I lived in 1995 when Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge came through-and how the scramble for those chairs became a ritual for every Shah Rukh Khan film thereafter. I remember the front row wooden benches of Sathyam cinema in Chennai-and every other cinema hall too-which were easier on our wallets than our butts, but from where we watched and wolf-whistled at SRK and Deepika Padukone in Om Shanti Om (2007). And then the mind drifts to an early morning show of Pathaan last year: housefull, joyful and noisy enough to drown out that sceptical voice in one's head-the one that finds this conviviality just a shade too manufactured.

There were only about 70-odd people watching Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein in the theatre last week. Absolutely no one, it's safe to say, is under the impression that they're watching a great piece of cinema. Someone shouts " cringe!" when Maddy declares "that's my style!". The dialogue elicits sniggers, Dia Mirza's line delivery becomes a joke, Saif Ali Khan's clothes, dance moves and fight sequences trigger raucous laughter.

Some of us older folk in the audience are taken by that particularly Indian Y2K aesthetic in a country that had just opened its doors to the world-the loud American logos, the orange cargo pants, the cutesy DVD shop, the in-your-face burgers and pizzas in frames, the view from Bandra Fort before the Sea Link road came into existence. A lot of us now judge Reena for the choices she makes in the end (and ourselves for letting them define our idea of the "happily ever after").

But we are all here 100%, for the music-a fantastic soundtrack by composer Harris Jayaraj that was permanently embossed on our millennial brains by Radio Mirchi and Radio City, the first private radio stations to begin operating that same year; and that have stayed in heavy rotation in the streaming era too. And really, to feel, at least for a few minutes in that black box, that it is still possible to escape reality. To allow oneself to think that, yes, all it takes for a man like R Madhavan to fall in love is to watch a woman frolic in the rain with childlike abandon. To suspend one's disbelief.

Also read:
The Romantics on Netflix explores how Yash and Aditya Chopra successfully steered Bollywood towards love So much of Salim-Javed's Angry Young Men is actually about gentle, introspective women The Oasis reunion is like Charli XCX and Lorde working it out on the remix-but for men

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Bollywood movies are re-releasing in theatres by the dozen. Is it nostalgia or slim pickings?

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Our nostalgia for Bollywood movies re-releasing might be about more than just returning to the comfort of a certain joyful, simpler time in our own lives.

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Nostalgia Strikes Back: Mars Revives 'Marathon' Name for Snickers to Captivate a Multi-Generational Audience

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Nostalgia Strikes Back: Mars Revives 'Marathon' Name for Snickers to Captivate a Multi-Generational Audience

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underlying Concept- The revival illustrates how brands use nostalgia as a marketing strategy to forge emotional connections with consumers and enhance brand loyalty.

Human Behavior- Consumers are exhibiting a desire for familiar, nostalgic products, indicating a trend where emotional associations with brands influence purchasing decisions.

Demographics- The campaign targets both older generations who remember the Marathon brand and younger consumers curious about retro products, appealing across a wide age range.

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Depending on your age and resistance to change, potentially it never went away, but 34 years after the shock Snickers rebrand the Marathon bar is making a comeback in the UK.

The decision to drop the British name for the treat caused uproar back in 1990 and some diehard fans have been complaining about it ever since. So, with this nostalgic audience in mind, Mars has announced it is making a "special Marathon retro edition".

The confectionery company said the revival was to mark a milestone for its UK business.

"We're excited to bring back the Marathon bar branding for a limited period," said the senior brand manager Steve Waters. "It's a great way to celebrate over 90 years of Mars making chocolate in the UK. We hope fans of Snickers, who remember when it was called Marathon, will enjoy picking it up in store."

The Snickers brand is actually the much older of the two, with the bar - nougat topped with caramel and peanuts and encased in milk chocolate - first going on sale in the US in 1930. According to Marathon lore, the company chose a different name for the UK launch because of concerns that Snickers rhymed with "knickers".

The Marathon era ran from 1967 until 1990, when Mars decided that it wanted universal names for all its products, so it changed the by then established brand name to match its American cousin.

Whether you are team Snickers or Marathon there is no doubt that it is a nostalgic reference that ages you. In one episode of the hit TV series Unforgotten, a Marathon wrapper in a victim's pocket was seen as a big clue that they might have been dead for a long time.

Sometimes companies underestimate the depth of loyalty consumers have for their brands, with, for example, last year's decision by Nestlé to axe the 60-year-old Caramac bar met with dismay.

However, the tale brought hope for fans of other defunct chocolate bars and biscuits (Nestlé also recently shelved the Breakaway) as come the summer it was back in stores. Calls for its return were "heard loud and clear", said Lisa Butterworth, the chocolate classics brand manager for Nestlé UK & Ireland, with the limited run giving people the "opportunity to savour and stock up on Caramac".

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It is not the first time that the Marathon name has been revived, with Mars also producing a limited edition several years ago. This time round the bars are being sold exclusively in the supermarket chain Morrisons.

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Mars brings Marathon name back in UK as nostalgia rises for retro sweets

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Rebrand to Snickers in 1990 caused uproar but special edition will have limited run in Morrisons stores

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All ‘Harry Potter’ Movies to Get Theatrical Re-Releases in China

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All ‘Harry Potter’ Movies to Get Theatrical Re-Releases in China

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Hogwarts fans in mainland China will be treated to a wide re-release of all eight " Harry Potter " films starting in mid-October.

Warner Bros. Pictures, the studio behind the franchise, said that the films will pay in some 3,400 theaters across 295 cities in China. The series will kick off Oct. 11, with "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone." The seven other titles will drop on a weekly basis through October and November.

They will be available in standard 2D versions as well as multiple premium formats, including in CINITY/IMAX/Dolby Cinema.

"This release marks a significant milestone for the 'Harry Potter' film series, as it is the first time all eight films will be available consecutively at such a large scale in any territory," the studio said.

Hollywood films have struggled in China since the beginning of the pandemic era, as Chinese local films have become stronger in terms of craft and budget and as filmmakers have tapped into stories that are more relevant to Chinese audiences. The market share for all foreign-language films dipped to 15% in China last year.

The "Harry Potter" universe, however, holds a lofty and unique place in the annals of Chinese film industry development, representing one of the most-beloved and innovative film series from the west to arrive in Chinese cinemas. They were produced between 2001 and 2011, at a time when multiplexes were new to China and the country's production, distribution and exhibition sectors were all evolving rapidly. For many Chinese audiences they were the first western fantasy-drama movies they saw in comfortable, modern screening conditions.

"There is a whole generation of Chinese audiences, however, which have not had the chance to enjoy the 'Harry Potter' movies in theaters," said Kurt Rieder, head of theatrical distribution, APAC, at Warner Bros. Discovery. He was speaking Thursday at the APOS media and entrainment conference in Indonesia.

The films will be among the first Hollywood titles to release in Chinese cinemas after the Oct. 1 or National Day holidays, which run for a week from next Tuesday. The period is one of the peak film-going seasons and is traditionally dominated by Chinese tentpole titles across a variety of genres.
Cinema box office in China this year is lagging some 22% below 2023 levels and cinema operators could do with a fillip from a familiar and mass-market franchise.

Harry Potter Re-release schedule in China

Oct. 11 - "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone"
Oct. 18. - "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"
Oct. 25 - "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban"
Nov. 1 - "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire"
Nov. 8 - "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix"
Nov. 15 - "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince"
Nov. 22 - "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1"
Nov. 29 - "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2"

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Warner Bros. Pictures to Re-Release Theatrically All 'Harry Potter' Films in China (EXCLUSIVE)

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All eight movies in the 'Harry Potter' universe are to get a rerelease in mainland Chinese cinemas.

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Explained: Business and future of the trend of Bollywood re-releases

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Explained: Business and future of the trend of Bollywood re-releases

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Explained: Business and future of the trend of Bollywood re-releases

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Bollywood is witnessing a surge of theatrical re-releases. We explore what the trend means - the business associated with it and whether it could be a threat to new releases.

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Bollywood’s revival of cult classics casts a new spell at box office......

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Bollywood’s revival of cult classics casts a new spell at box office......

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Read more at: https://english.mathrubhumi.com/movies-music/news/bollywood-classics-re-release-box-office-hits-1.9927672

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Bollywood’s revival of cult classics casts a new spell at box office

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Nostalgia reigns supreme as Bollywood cult classics like `Tumbbad` and `Rockstar` are re-released in theaters, proving that timeless stories never fade.

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Re-released films receive thumbs up from audiences, exhibitors and producers

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Re-released films receive thumbs up from audiences, exhibitors and producers

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Mumbai, With a host of new films, including star-led biggies, tanking at the box-office, older ones are being re-released on the big screen to surprising success from the 2012 hit "Gangs of Wasseypur" full of blood, gore and revenge to the romantic "Laila Majnu" that had a lacklustre run when it was first released in 2018.

Re-released films receive thumbs up from audiences, exhibitors and producers

According to trade experts and exhibitors, this is a good way to fill up the halls and recover money as those who loved watching these movies or missed them at the time of their release seem keen for the big screen experience.

"It's beneficial for exhibitors, and whoever holds the right to the film also earns money. For instance, when 'Laila Majnu' and 'Rockstar' were released, they didn't do well but this generation loved these films.

"The average occupancy for 'Laila Majnu' was 40 per cent all over India. In some properties in Mumbai, it registered over 80 per cent occupancy," trade analyst Atul Mohan told PTI, adding that he is confident that "Gangs of Wasseypur" will be immensely loved.

While "Stree 2" is doing well at the box office with earnings crossing over ₹600 crore globally, the year was not that good for big budget, star-led vehicles like "Fighter", "Maidaan", "Bade Miyan Chote Miyan", "Sarfira", and "Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha". "Kalki 2898 AD", "Munjya", "Stree 2" and "Crew" were other handful exceptions to the poor run of Hindi cinema in theatres.

This month alone has witnessed a wave of re-releases of films, some of which are already available on streaming platforms. The films returning to theatres include romance dramas like Salman Khan's "Maine Pyar Kiya" , "Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein" and two-part revenge drama "Gangs of Wasseypur".

Movies like "Rockstar", "Jab We Met", "Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani", "Chak De! India" and "Hum Aapke Hain Koun...!" also made a return to theatres for a while.

Imtiaz Ali-presented "Laila Majnu" earned ₹6.15 crore in 14 days . The Triptii Dimri and Avinash Tiwary-starrer didn't do well in 2018 despite good reviews.

Nitin Datar, President of Cinema Owners and Exhibitors Association of India, told PTI: "The response to re-released films has been generally good. I hope this trend continues because it's helping the exhibition industry to engage with the audience differently. Exhibitors are reeling under losses as the newly-released films are not appealing to people."

Jaipur-based senior distributor and exhibitor Raj Bansal said there has been a marginal rise in their business because of this trend.

But the trend of re-releasing films is not new to Bollywood, he said, adding that it was quite prevalent in the '70s, '80s and '90s when films like "Mother India", "Mughal-E-Azam", "Sholay", and Govinda's "Aankhen" made a successful return to theatres a year after their theatrical release due to public demand.

"During those days, the business was at least 20 to 25 per cent more than what it is today. Now, multiplexes have no choice but to release old films. The business is not that great but it's just that cinema houses are not running empty because we've to bear the expenses of staff, electricity, etc. When cinema lovers come to watch movies, we earn some money via ticket prices, popcorn, parking, etc. The occupancy for such films is 20 to 40 per cent," Bansal told PTI.

Ashish Kanakia, CEO of MovieMax Cinemas, emphasised that re-released films do not always generate huge profits but for them, it's all about bringing audiences to theatres.

"Re-released films represent a different kind of investment. They help us maintain a balance between showing new and old films, which helps keep our audience numbers steady," Kanakia told PTI.

"Usually, the occupancy for re-released films hovers around 30 per cent, but it's about more than just the numbers. It's about giving people the opportunity to relive the nostalgia and magic of the big screen experience. Besides, the success of re-releases shows that people still have a strong desire to experience their favourite films in theatres," he said.

But why are people paying and watching old films in theatres when they are available on streaming platforms?

Binita Bhimani, 30, said she watched "Rockstar" for the first time when it was re-released in May and immensely enjoyed the experience.

"I wanted to see 'Rockstar' in a theatre since I had not seen it on the big screen when it was released earlier. I loved the songs of the film, I wanted to experience it. I enjoyed it," Binita told PTI.

Imtiaz Ali called the re-release of his past movies a "people-led movement" in a recent interview with PTI.

"They first asked for 'Rockstar', and then 'Laila Majnu'. I'm thankful to the audience that they've started this new trend that the film is permanent and the fact that it can always be brought back to the theatre."

"I'm glad that people can return to my films whenever they want, just as I return to many of my favourite films by other filmmakers again and again," said Ali, who revisits movies of Raj Kapoor, Bimal Roy, Vijay Anand, Shyam Benegal's "Junoon" and "Sholay".

In September, there are a handful of films awaiting release including Kangana Ranaut-starrer "Emergency", Hansal Mehta-directed "The Buckingham Murders" featuring Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Siddhant Chaturvedi's "Yudhra".

Trade analyst Taran Adarsh said there's a "scarcity" of new theatrical releases and noted that re-releasing old films is proving to be beneficial in urban India.

"Now, we've got a scarcity of movies in theatres, so films that have cultivated a strong base or perhaps didn't get the due over the years, are being re-released like 'Laila Majnu', 'Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein', which is great.

"However, you can't expect every film to be a gold mine after being re-released. This is mainly targeted at urban centres. In the interiors, I don't think they will be interested in watching a repeat unless it's a 'Sholay', 'Deewar', or 'Amar Akbar Anthony'," Adarsh told PTI.

Amit Sharma, MD, Miraj Entertainment Limited emphasized that re-releasing old films ensures a steady flow of content for multiplexes.

"Multiplexes need a steady flow of content to keep audiences coming back. When we don't have enough new releases, re-releases offer a way to keep theatres full and give audiences something to enjoy on the big screen. Re-releasing old films can be beneficial, but it varies from film to film," Sharma told PTI.

"Generally, when we re-release a film, it might start slow, but it can pick up in the second or third week as more people hear about it. So, it's not just about a single week's performance; we often plan these re-releases over several weeks to give them a chance to build momentum," he said.
This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.

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Re-released films receive thumbs up from audiences, exhibitors and producers

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Re-released films receive thumbs up from audiences, exhibitors and producers | Bollywood

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Skinny Jeans Make a Surprising Comeback: Gen Z's Nostalgic Embrace of Millennial Trends Reflects Fashion's Cyclical Nature and Evolving Aesthetics

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Skinny Jeans Make a Surprising Comeback: Gen Z's Nostalgic Embrace of Millennial Trends Reflects Fashion's Cyclical Nature and Evolving Aesthetics

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1. Summary

The article highlights the unexpected resurgence of skinny jeans, once criticized by Gen Z, now being embraced as a fashion staple by influencers and designers. Major brands like Miu Miu and Balenciaga are featuring skinny jeans in their collections, with social media platforms buzzing with styling tips. This trend reflects a nostalgic revival linked to the "indie sleaze" aesthetic of the early 2000s.

2. Underlying Concept

The article explores the cyclical nature of fashion, illustrating how trends re-emerge after being labeled outdated. It suggests that evolving aesthetics and micro-trends significantly influence modern fashion choices, demonstrating a shift back to form-fitting styles amid a recent preference for relaxed fits.

3. Husman Behavior

The behavior reflects nostalgia and the tendency for individuals to seek comfort in familiar styles while adapting them for contemporary wear. The interest in skinny jeans, driven by social media and influencers, indicates a desire to blend past trends with modern fashion sensibilities.

4. The Demographics

The article primarily targets Gen Z and Millennials, highlighting their influence on fashion trends. It resonates with young adults who have lived through the evolution of denim styles and are now revisiting their predecessors with a modern twist.

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Gen Z Is Bringing Back Another Millennial Fashion Trend — Whether You Like It Or Not

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**Skinny Jeans: The Comeback No One Saw Coming**

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Google Gemini Sparks Ethical Dilemma: Balancing AI Innovation and Human Creativity in Content Creation

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Google Gemini Sparks Ethical Dilemma: Balancing AI Innovation and Human Creativity in Content Creation

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Underlying Concept:

The core concept explores the balance between AI capabilities and human creativity in content creation. It delves into ethical concerns regarding AI-generated content, the need for human oversight, and the risks of over-reliance on AI for producing media that shapes public perception.

Human Behavior:

1. Creativity and expression: Humans have long valued creative work as a unique skill. With AI stepping into the creative arena, many feel their work is being devalued or replaced.

2. Trust and authenticity: People tend to trust content that reflects human effort, believing that human-created content carries more emotional weight, authenticity, and ethical responsibility.

3. Adaptation to new tools: There's a growing need to adapt to AI as a tool in various fields, but there is resistance when it appears that AI will fully replace human input rather than complement it.

Phenomena:

1. Automation anxiety: The increasing role of AI in content creation has led to anxiety about job security, particularly among professionals in the creative and advertising industries.

2. Ethical AI: The debate over how to ensure ethical AI use has gained momentum. Many argue that AI should be used as an assistive tool, not a replacement, to preserve human creativity and maintain moral standards.

3. Blurred lines of authorship: There’s growing concern about the transparency of AI-generated content, especially when consumers can no longer distinguish between human and AI creators.

Demographics:

Professionals in the creative industries: Writers, artists, marketers, and content creators who are directly impacted by AI-generated content.

Tech enthusiasts and AI developers: Individuals interested in the advancement and application of AI, often advocating for technological integration.

General public and consumers: The wider audience consuming content, concerned about the quality and authenticity of what they see.

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Google Gemini ad controversy: Where should we draw the line between AI and human involvement in content creation?

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Google’s recent ad controversy brings up key questions about the preservation of human skills, and the ethical and social implications of integrating generative AI tools into everyday tasks.

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AI-generated cat content, like the character Chubby, captivates a diverse audience by blending humour, emotion, and surrealism, reflecting a profound shift in internet culture and the influence of technology on human engagement.

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AI-generated cat content, like the character Chubby, captivates a diverse audience by blending humour, emotion, and surrealism, reflecting a profound shift in internet culture and the influence of technology on human engagement.

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There have been many famous internet cats, but no internet cat may have made more people cry than Chubby. Depictions of Chubby vary, but he is always rotund, ginger and AI-generated. He is almost always involved in a deeply sad or peculiar situation. And he has baffled, outraged and won over millions of people.

The demographics for the AI-generated cat videos, like Chubby and Chubby Jr., span a broad audience. Viewers include teens to middle-aged adults, especially those active on platforms like TikTok and YouTube Shorts. These users are drawn to emotional content, engaging with videos that elicit compassion, humour, or surprise, even though they are AI-generated. The trend also appeals to younger viewers, as seen with viral videos of toddlers reacting emotionally. This wide appeal taps into digital culture's long-standing love of cats and internet meme culture.

Human behaviour in the rise of AI-generated cat videos, like Chubby on TikTok, reflects a deep fascination with digital content that blends humour, emotion, and surrealism. These videos tap into nostalgia, empathy, and the absurdity of modern internet culture, as people form emotional connections with AI-generated stories of hardship and tragedy, even knowing they're artificial. The phenomenon highlights how social media algorithms, AI technology, and user engagement are intertwined, driving both the creation and consumption of emotionally charged, viral content despite its artificial origins.

What interests me about this article is how AI-generated content, particularly involving cats like "Chubby," taps into human emotions and reflects a broader shift in internet culture. It highlights the power of algorithms and technology to influence what we engage with, blending humour, sadness, and surrealism in ways that captivate massive audiences. The combination of AI's imperfections with emotional storytelling raises intriguing questions about the future of online content and the evolving relationship between humans and machines.

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Tearjerker videos of AI-generated cats earned millions of views and a devoted following, blurring the line between spam and art. Is it the algorithm, or is this what the internet wants?
There have been many famous internet cats, but it's possible no internet cat has made more people cry than Chubby. Depictions of Chubby vary, but he is always rotund, ginger and AI-generated. He is almost always involved in a deeply sad or peculiar situation. And he has baffled, outraged and won over millions of people.

Content creators on TikTok and YouTube Shorts tell stories about Chubby and his family in wordless slideshows of AI-generated pictures. A recent video by the TikTok account @mpminds opens with Chubby and his child, Chubby Jr, dressed in tatters. Chubby holds a cardboard sign that reads "Will Purr Fro Eood" (AI image generators can churn out impressive graphics, but they're notoriously bad at rendering text). In the next images we see Chubby shoplifting from a grocery store, getting arrested by the police and leaving a distraught Chubby Jr to an uncertain fate. The last image shows Chubby behind prison bars, dreaming wistfully of his son. The video has over 50 million views and 68,000 comments, written in several different languages.

Chubby is far from alone. Similar content has flooded social media in recent months. In March, reports emerged that bizarre AI-generated images of Jesus made out of shrimp exploded on Facebook, baffling observers and racking up millions of views. The posts were so popular that many speculated the social media engagement was coming from networks of bots programed to pose as humans. But with this new genre of cat videos, it's clear the internet has turned a corner. There's no question that Chubby and his AI-generated feline friends are capturing real people's attention and emotions, en masse. It's raising new questions about the meeting of art and technology, and perhaps offering a vision of the internet's future.

Most videos place the cats in depressing human situations. Chubby Jr faces schoolyard bullying. Chubby is addicted to cigarettes. The cats get drafted and go to war. And for the past three months, the videos have almost all been soundtracked by an AI-generated cover of Billie Eilish's What Was I Made For, with the lyrics swapped out for meows. Before that, the standard song was a meowed AI cover of Sia's Unstoppable.

"can't let gang know i teared up to this" reads one typical comment on a TikTok by @relatablecutecats (160,000 followers) about Chubby Jr failing a test at school. "Out of all things happening in this world this is what I get sad at," comments another viewer on a video about Chubby Jr getting abducted by a pigeon while eating McDonald's with his father.

The AI-generated cat stories are objectively weird. They are also wildly popular, and more than a little controversial. But whether or not Chubby is what people are looking for when they go online, this is the content the internet is giving us - at least for now. The only question is why?

Whether they're grumpy, keyboard playing or " Nyanning", cats have always been at the heart of digital culture. Jessica Maddox, professor at the University of Alabama and author of The Internet Is for Cats: How Animal Images Shape Our Digital Lives, says cat content is a hit not just because it's cute, but because "images of cats can be malleable... we can make cat images mean whatever we want them to mean". In the Victorian era, Maddox says, "people wrote letters to each other in their cats' voices and printed off photo-plates of their cats to share with friends".

Cats were a natural fit as meme culture took root online. And as technology advances, pet lovers have moved from photos of cats to generating them with artificial intelligence. The debut of free-to-use and widely available AI generators like Midjourney, ElevenLabs and DALL-E has changed the look, feel and landscape of the web. By putting powerful tools into the hands of anybody with an internet connection and a sufficient amount of chutzpah, these AI generators catalysed a rapid bloom of new genres of online content.

Images of cats can be malleable. We can make cat images mean whatever we want them to mean - Jessica Maddox

"I began in January 2024", says Charles, the creator behind the popular @mpminds account who asked to withhold his full name to protect his professional reputation. "I saw another account which made AI-generated pictures of cats, not the same content, but kind of the same vibe. I remixed it to make stories, and created the characters of Chubby and Chubby Jr. So it was maybe sketched out a bit before me, but I took the road and customised things to make it what it is today."

Many creators have followed the same path, using AI tools to remix existing culture the way other internet users riff on movies, music, politics and all else. "I knew there was potential to make money on TikTok, and I saw that AI-generated content was quite popular," says Charles, who works in the finance business in France. "I experimented with different ideas before the cat videos, and it was the cat videos that really took off, so I stuck with that."

"A lot of people don't realise how AI has become so baked into social media, both in terms of features and shareable content. Someone might be sharing a popular social media post that is AI without realising it", Maddox says. But as more and more AI-generated content appears online, there is also more and more "pushback", she says.

Users and researchers have noted an increase in what's come to be known as "AI slop", low-quality content manufactured in large amounts by people using AI generators. The most famous example is probably the "Shrimp Jesus" study from early 2024, in which researchers at Stanford and Georgetown documented networks of AI-generated spam accounts on Facebook. These accounts posted surreal AI-generated images dozens of times a day, garnering hundreds of millions of likes and views. One AI-generated post was reportedly among the top ten most-viewed posts on the entire platform in the third quarter of 2023.

By enrolling in the monetisation programs of the platforms or directing viewers to external links and services, users creating this kind of content can make money. There's also money to be made in teaching others to generate content with AI. As reported in the Washington Post, AI cat stories creators sell courses that instruct students in how best to gain a following and make money.

"AI made it possible to do this at scale, so why not try?" says Renée DiResta, the former research director at Stanford who ran the Shrimp Jesus study. The volume and speed that AI generators allow spammers to post at means they have more shots at the moving target of virality. According to DiResta, spammers and scammers using generative AI also take advantage of social media algorithms which are better at recommending content than evaluating its accuracy or relevance. In 2023, at the same time as AI-generated tools enabled spammers to easily produce high volumes of content, Facebook reportedly tinkered its algorithms so they served users more content from accounts they had not previously interacted with. Paired with an inadequate system for labelling AI-generated content, this created a perfect storm.

Sad videos generate more engagement because they elicit the compassion of viewers - Charles of @mpminds

One way to read the rise of AI-generated content is to see it as a consequence of social media algorithms themselves. Algorithms like Facebook's or TikTok's filter billions of data points per day and evaluate that content through automated programs (many of which involve AI). In addition to managing the flows of content across vast networks, the preferences of these algorithms actively shape those flows, determining what goes viral and what doesn't. AI-generated content can succeed by strategically playing to the preferences of algorithms first and human audiences second. "Machines are making content for machines," DiResta says.

But the machines still require some creative input from real people. "I believe AI-generated content can be art," Charles says. An AI image generator may be doing the bulk of the work compared to the efforts of a human illustrator, but it's on creators like Charles to come up with ideas and themes, and he says it still takes about an hour to make just one cat story video. And by any metric, Charles has been dramatically successful, both in terms of likes and views and the emotional response of his audience. "The person generating the AI content has a significant role in the outcome," he says.

"My initial reaction was mostly, 'what is this? Why is this?'" says Daniel Chartier, a painter who first encountered the AI cat stories on his TikTok For You page. "I kinda went through the five stages of grief and then finally landed on acceptance. It upsets me how actually sad I find them."

For Chartier, whose art often focuses on animals, imperfection is a key part of the AI cat stories aesthetic. Chubby and the other cats are rarely consistent between images: costumes and fur patterns change, backgrounds alter dramatically. But despite the inconsistencies and occasional hallucinations of the AI generators, he says the cat stories remain compelling because of how "devastating" they are. "I just love that I can invest in these characters while everything else is so goofy. It seems like it would not be emotional, the way you could create anything that looks like this, but it's successful sometimes. The contrast is great," Chartier says.

Charles agrees. "A good cat video is one with a tragic ending, a devastating one. The reason is, firstly, because I wanted to amuse myself; to put the cats in crazy situations. I also saw that sad videos generate more engagement because they elicit the compassion of viewers."

The whiplash of feeling a genuine emotional response from a clearly AI-generated video seems to be one of the main reasons people want to watch bad things happen to Chubby. In the comments on many AI cat stories, users report being brought to the videos by another even more viral video in June by TikTok user @b.ajasiii which shows a toddler watching AI-generated cat videos and weeping.

The video received 173 million views and a repost by Billie Eilish, whose song is used in many AI cat stories. And it sparked a trend of other TikTokers filming their toddlers' reactions to the cat stories. "That was a key moment [for the AI cats trend]," Charles says. "I was already viral before that. But [that video] made my account explode even more."

But many aren't thrilled with the trend. A creator who goes by the name Tommy Guacamole was one among many who made a video mocking people's responses to the cat videos. It's funny how easily these cat posts are able to manipulate our emotions, but "I think AI content is trash and genuinely ruining the internet", he says.

The AI cat stories are not trying to hide the fact that they are made using AI. TikTok and YouTube both require creators to label AI-generated content as such, and the cat content accounts usually comply with this rule. Several even brand themselves as AI accounts in their usernames and bios. But the fact that they are AI-generated does not seem to stand in the way of the audience's heart strings.

"I'm not sure where the project is going," says Charles, "For now, I'm going to keep posting the content as it is and see what happens."
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Meet Chubby, the bizarre AI-generated cat who could be the future of the internet

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Tearjerker videos of AI-generated cats earned millions of views and a devoted following, blurring the line between spam and art.

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https://artsandculture.google.com/story/12-songs-created-by-ai-barbican-centre/VwVhbAD7QslgLA?hl=en

New Technologies

AI-Generated Music: The story features songs created using AI, where machine learning algorithms analyze vast amounts of music data to compose original pieces. This demonstrates the intersection of art and artificial intelligence.

Collaborative Tools: AI tools used by musicians enhance their ability to create, pushing the boundaries of what is possible with technology in the music industry.

Human Interaction

The project highlights collaboration between humans and machines, where musicians guide AI systems by setting parameters, creating a hybrid creative process. The AI augments human talent by exploring new musical possibilities, while artists maintain control over the final product, blending creativity with computational precision.

Demographics

The target audience for this project includes both tech-savvy individuals and creative professionals, including musicians, artists, and enthusiasts interested in the future of AI in the arts. The AI-generated songs also appeal to those curious about innovative applications of machine learning in music and culture.

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AI: More Than Human is a major exhibition exploring creative and scientific developments in AI, demonstrating its potential to revolutionise our lives. The exhibition takes place at the Barbican Centre, London from 16 May-26 Aug 2019.

Part of Life Rewired, our 2019 season exploring what it means to be human when technology is changing everything.

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12 songs created by AI - Google Arts & Culture

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The global Microsoft outage disrupted various sectors, including airlines, retail, financial institutions, and business services, affecting millions of users and highlighting society's dependency on technology.

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The global Microsoft outage disrupted various sectors, including airlines, retail, financial institutions, and business services, affecting millions of users and highlighting society's dependency on technology.

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The global Microsoft outage impacted diverse demographics across various sectors, including business professionals, airline passengers, retail consumers, and financial institutions worldwide. Major airlines like Air India, Delta, and Ryanair faced operational challenges, while retail stores in Australia and banks such as National Australia Bank experienced payment failures. Millions of Windows users encountered critical errors, and businesses relying on Microsoft services like Teams and Azure faced significant disruptions.

The event exposed society's reliance on technology, triggering frustration and helplessness among users experiencing issues like the "Blue Screen of Death." However, it also demonstrated adaptability, with businesses activating backup systems and people seeking alternative solutions. Social media became a tool for collective coping, as users sought information and shared frustrations. Throughout the crisis, the importance of trust in institutions like Microsoft was highlighted, with people expecting swift resolution and transparency.

I chose the Microsoft outage news because it was a significant global event that directly impacted you as well. It was striking to see how widespread the effects were, with entire industries and millions of people being disrupted. Despite the challenges, it was interesting to observe how people reacted, including some who found humour in the situation by joking about the unexpected breaks or "holidays" caused by the outage. This mix of seriousness and humour in a global crisis captured your attention.

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Reuters

The global Microsoft outage is causing widespread disruptions across various sectors, from flights and, the stock market, to banking operations.

Social media users also reported long queues at Australian stores such as Woolworths due to payment system failures, as well as difficulties accessing financial institutions like the National Australia Bank.

Global airlines affected due to Microsoft outage

Microsoft experienced a global outage that had widespread repercussions, including significant disruptions to air travel. Major airlines such as India's Akasa, IndiGo, Air India, Vistara and SpiceJet faced operational challenges. Additionally US' low-cost carriers like Frontier Airlines, Allegiant, and SunCountry also reported issues affecting their services.

Delhi airport also reported that some services have been affected. "Due to the global IT issue, some of the services at the Delhi Airport were temporarily impacted. We are closely working with all our stakeholders to minimise the inconvenience to our flyers. Passengers are requested to be in touch with the airline concerned or the help desk on ground for updated flight information. We regret the inconvenience caused to our passengers," they said in a statement.

Foreign airlines

1. American Airlines

2. Delta Airlines

3. United Airlines

4. Frontier Airlines

5. Allegiant

6. Sun Country Airlines

7. Ryan Air

8. Air France

9. Cathay Pacific

10. Eurowings

11. KLM

12. Scandinavian Airlines

13. Vueling

List of Airports

Individual users

Millions of Windows users globally are encountering the Blue Screen of Death, leading to unexpected computer shutdowns or restarts. In some instances, computers are repeatedly restarting, causing users to lose unsaved data and valuable time.

The screen displays a message: "Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart. We're just collecting some error info, and then we'll restart for you."

These Blue Screen errors, also referred to as black screen errors or STOP code errors, occur when a critical problem forces Windows to shut down or restart unexpectedly.

Cloud services disruption

Microsoft's cloud services, particularly Azure, faced issues beginning around 6 pm ET on Thursday, leading to widespread service interruptions. The company is investigating the root cause of these disruptions, which affected various sectors and essential services.

Impacted Microsoft services

Microsoft said the impacted services include:

PowerBI: Users may notice that their service is in read-only mode while we address impact.

Microsoft Fabric: Users may notice that their service is in read-only mode while we address impact.

Microsoft Teams: Users may be unable to leverage Microsoft Teams functions including presence, group chats, and user registration.

Microsoft 365 admin center: Admins may be intermittently unable to access the Microsoft 365 admin center and any action may be delayed if accessible.

Microsoft Purview: Users will see a delay in events being processed in Microsoft Purview.

Viva Engage: Users may be unable to access Viva Engage.

Microsoft's response

Microsoft has acknowledged the issues with its Azure services and Microsoft 365 apps. "Our services are still seeing continuous improvements while we continue to take mitigation actions," the company said in a post on social platform X.

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Microsoft Outage: Airlines, banks, stock market, here's list of services affected due to CrowdStrike blue screen error

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Microsoft experienced a global outage that had widespread repercussions, including significant disruptions to air travel. Major airlines such as Indias Akasa, IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet faced operational challenges. Additionally US low-cost carriers like Frontier Airlines, Allegiant, and SunCountry also reported issues affecting their services.

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Generative AI and the Expansion of the Solitary Human Imagination by Shalin Hai-Jew

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Generative AI and the Expansion of the Solitary Human Imagination by Shalin Hai-Jew

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Generative AI, often known as genAI, encompasses several forms of artificial intelligence (AI) that has the ability to create unique text, images, video, or audio content. This particular iteration of artificial intelligence acquires knowledge of patterns and data arrangement from its training data, enabling it to produce novel outputs that possess similar statistical characteristics.

Generative AI has a diverse range of applications, and each task requires a specialized deep-learning architecture to effectively capture the unique patterns and traits found in the training data. Generative AI models encompass various types, including generative adversarial networks (GANs), variational autoencoders (VAEs), transformers, diffusion models, normalizing flow models, and hybrid models.

The configuration of a generative AI model is contingent upon the particular task and domain, encompassing elements such as the neural network's architecture, training approach, loss function, and evaluation metrics. The primary objective of generative AI is to develop autonomous systems capable of generating content that is indiscernible from information created by humans.

This encompasses the production of written content, visual graphics, audio recordings, and interactive visual components. Attaining this objective would facilitate a diverse array of applications, encompassing enhanced human-computer interactions and assisting in the advancement of endeavors such as art and storytelling.

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Targeted Demographic Analysis

The tool tailors tweets to resonate with specific audience segments, using insights like age, interests, and preferences.

AI-Driven Tweet Optimization

By leveraging AI, the tool creates tweets that optimize engagement, analyzing trends, popular hashtags, and user behavior.

Human-AI Collaboration

Users input their ideas, while the AI refines and aligns the content with the intended audience, ensuring relevance and effectiveness.

Simplifying Social Media Strategy

The tool helps marketers and individuals craft tweets that efficiently enhance their social media presence, saving time and effort.

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Generate unique, creative, and engaging tweets with our free AI Tweet Generator. Create content on-the-go with our easy-to-use tool.

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The Intersection of Politics and Belief - black magic continues to influence societal perceptions and behaviors in the current period.

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The Intersection of Politics and Belief - black magic continues to influence societal perceptions and behaviors in the current period.

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The suspension of Maldives Minister Ahmed Mahloof for allegedly using black magic against President Mohamed Muizzu highlights the interplay between cultural beliefs and political dynamics. This incident illustrates how traditional practices can influence perceptions of power and governance in a modern context.

My interest in this topic lies in its implications for political integrity and societal norms. The fusion of politics and superstition raises questions about accountability and the impact of cultural beliefs on public discourse in the Maldives.

Demographically, this situation resonates within a society where traditional beliefs still influence certain communities. Understanding the cultural context is essential to grasp how such allegations affect political behavior and public perception in the region.

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Agencies

Maldives Minister Fathimath Shamnaz Ali Saleem was fired from her job after being detained on suspicion of practicing witchcraft on Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu alongside her two brothers.

State minister Shamnaz of the Ministry of Environment was detained on June 23 along with two other suspects and placed under a seven-day remand. The Environment Ministry of the Maldives removed her from her position on Wednesday.

Shamnaz, who was formerly listed on the Environment Ministry's website as a political appointee, is no longer on the list. Rather, her name was added to the list of former political appointees, according to the sources.

Shamnaz had previously served on the Male City Council alongside President Muizzu when he was the city's mayor. Following Muizzu's election to power last year, Shamnaz resigned from the council and was appointed state minister at Muliaage, the president's official house. She was eventually reassigned to the Environment Ministry.

Shamnaz's ex-husband, Adam Rameez, a Minister in the President's Office, has also been suspended.

[With TOI inputs and agencies]

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Who is Maldives minister who got suspended for 'black magic' on President Muizzu?

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Fathimath Shamnaz Ali Saleem was fired from her job in Maldives after being detained for practicing witchcraft on President Mohamed Muizzu with her brothers. Her ex-husband, Adam Rameez, a Minister in the President's Office, was also suspended as a consequence.

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A Chinese mother sought justice for her intellectually disabled son, who was scammed into undergoing breast augmentation surgery, highlighting the exploitation of vulnerable job seekers amid rising youth unemployment and economic distress in China.

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A Chinese mother sought justice for her intellectually disabled son, who was scammed into undergoing breast augmentation surgery, highlighting the exploitation of vulnerable job seekers amid rising youth unemployment and economic distress in China.

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A Chinese mother went on television to seek justice for her 19-year-old intellectually disabled son after scammers tricked the desperate jobseeker into having breast augmentation surgery, in an incident that has sparked widespread outrage.

The demographics involved in this incident primarily include young Chinese job seekers, particularly students and fresh graduates, who are vulnerable to scams amid China's economic challenges. With youth unemployment hitting a record high of 21.3%, scammers increasingly target this group with false job offers, loan traps, and exploitative schemes, like the case of the 19-year-old intellectually disabled teenager tricked into breast augmentation surgery. This demographic faces heightened financial stress and uncertainty as China's economic slowdown exacerbates its difficulties in finding stable employment.

Human behaviour, in this case, reflects vulnerability to exploitation, particularly among marginalized groups like the intellectually disabled, amid economic stress. Scammers preyed on a young jobseeker's desperation, exploiting false promises of financial gain and societal pressures related to online fame. Public outrage on platforms like Weibo highlights a societal response rooted in empathy, anger at the erosion of ethical standards, and growing concern over increasing scams in a faltering economy. The incident underscores broader anxieties around youth unemployment and societal disillusionment in the face of economic hardship.

What interests me in this story is how it highlights the exploitation of vulnerable individuals, especially in a challenging economic environment. The incident reflects broader social issues, such as the desperation of job seekers, the rise of scams targeting youth, and the ethical concerns in modern societies where financial motives often override humanity. It also touches on the impact of unemployment and economic instability on young people, making it a revealing case of how systemic issues manifest in personal tragedies.

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BEIJING, Aug 16 (Reuters) - A Chinese mother went on television to seek justice for her 19-year-old intellectually disabled son after scammers tricked the desperate jobseeker into having breast augmentation surgery, in an incident that has sparked widespread outrage.

The teenager hoping for a job at a cosmetic surgery clinic in the central city of Wuhan was told the procedure would help him earn money, by winning followers through livestreaming.

The clinic even convinced him to borrow 30,000 yuan ($4,180) to pay for the surgery, his mother told a television station last week.

"For the sake of money, one can give up one's humanity," said one of more than 2,600 comments on China's Weibo social media platform where posts on the boy's plight have drawn more than 27 million views.

"Worse than beasts!" said another.

The mother managed to get the loan cancelled, with the help of the TV station and lawyers, but the breast surgery had already been done.

Scams such as recruitment for non-existent jobs, false advertising and loan traps are growing in China as the economy falters, with the top legal prosecuting agency saying last year that crooks were targeting more students and fresh graduates.

A record 11.79 million students graduated this summer, as the world's second-largest economy grapples with one crisis after another, from a trade war and the aftermath of COVID-19 to a prolonged property crisis and cautious consumer spending.

A job crisis among the young could test the economic leadership of the ruling Communist Party, which has repeatedly urged people to "listen to the party".

Finding jobs for young people is a top priority, President Xi Jinping said this year, as he expressed concern about their employment prospects.

FALSE PROMISES

Youth unemployment hit a record high of 21.3% in June last year, prompting China to halt publication of the closely watched benchmark, saying students still enrolled should be excluded.

There is no way to track all job seekers among those aged 16 to 24, but a spokesperson for the National Bureau of Statistics said last year that 33 million of them were seeking employment.

"The pressure on employment still exists," Liu Aihua, a spokesperson for the statistics bureau, told a press conference on Thursday, after data showed China's overall jobless rate rose to a four-month high in July.

"Key groups still face pressure (in finding work)."

In another scam that made headlines last month, a college student seeking a part-time job in food delivery was persuaded to sign a year-long contract to rent an electric bicycle.

A staffer at a bike rental shop who pretended to be a recruiter for popular food delivery service Meituan told the student that he had to rent a bike before starting the job.

A few weeks later, the student realised his earnings were far below the "tens of thousands" promised by the "recruiter" and he was barely able to scrape together the monthly rental.

"It's hard enough to find a job, and now we need to be careful about scams too," said one Weibo poster.

Authorities say the darkening outlook for jobs has prompted some students to become scammers themselves.

The first 10 months of 2023 saw an annual rise of 68% in the number of those younger than 18 who were prosecuted for phone and internet scams, the prosecuting agency said last November.

The incidents of young graduates with advanced college degrees joining scam syndicates also increased, it added in a report.

The Wuhan teenager's trauma was worsened by having to go under the knife a second time to remove the breast implants, his mother said on television.

"It pains me to see the two scars under my son's chest," she added.

($1=7.1735 Chinese yuan renminbi)

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Reporting by Ethan Wang and Ryan Woo; Additional reporting by Qiaoyi Li; Editing by Clarence Fernandez

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Scammers prey on young Chinese desperate for jobs in bleak economy

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A Chinese mother went on television to seek justice for her 19-year-old intellectually disabled son after scammers tricked the desperate jobseeker into having breast augmentation surgery, in an incident that has sparked widespread outrage.

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Cultural Shift in Mayong- Belief in the supernatural (mysticism) and taboo over it

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Cultural Shift in Mayong- Belief in the supernatural (mysticism) and taboo over it

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The Indian Express article explores Mayong, Assam, a region historically associated with black magic. Residents are reclaiming their identity by preserving their magical heritage and challenging negative stereotypes through community events like magic festivals, fostering pride and cohesion.

This topic is intriguing as it highlights how communities adapt their historical narratives in the face of modernity. The resilience of Mayong's people reflects their desire to balance tradition with tourism potential, raising questions about cultural commercialization and authenticity.

Demographically, Mayong faces the challenge of an aging population of traditional practitioners, emphasizing the need to pass down knowledge to younger generations. The region's diverse ethnic groups enrich its cultural landscape, while educational institutions play a crucial role in promoting and preserving local heritage.

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On Sunday, the indoor stadium of the provincial Mayang Anchalik College in college was lined with photographs of some of the renowned bezes (magic practitioners) of Mayong practising their famous mantras: from the petor bih jara mantra (to cure a stomach ache) and the kachaka jara mantra (to cure a sprained ankle), to the hat chalan mantra (to help find stolen belongings).

Sitting below them in yellow kurtas with phulam gamusas (a traditional symbol of respect) on their shoulders were the remaining bez and bezenis (women magic practitioners) of Mayong, waiting to interact with visitors to the one-day 'magic festival' organised by the district administration.

Mayong, a region in Central Assam's Morigaon district, has long been associated with mysticism and 'magic' practices, including 'magical healing' and folk medicine. The region is an amalgam of its residents, neighbours and influences, including Nath-Yogis, Tantrism, Vaishanavim, tribal Tiwas and Karbi, and more recently Nepalis and Bengali-Muslims. The region has long had a reputation of being a cradle of 'black magic' that locals insist - and emphasise - is "no longer practised" there.

Phani Bhushan Nath, the former principal of Mayang Anchalik College, one of the academics who delivered lectures on magical tradition at the festival, recalled an experience from around three decades ago. "I was travelling from Madras (now Chennai) to Guwahati. There were two families from Nalbari (another district in Assam) in my compartment. During our introductions, they discovered that I was from Mayong... After dinner, I retired to my berth and assuming that I was asleep, the patriarch of the families told the girls, 'He is from Mayong. Be careful and don't talk to him.' I felt really hurt that day because that was the idea of Mayong among the people, even among the Assamese people."

Sitting at the festival with his family's mantra puthi (manuscript) was Bishnu Nath. The handwritten words in the puthi, written by his grandfather, are fading, but the pages are bound in a fresh hardcover. This, he said, was done a couple of years ago by Utpal Nath, a teacher at the college who is one of the locals from Mayong working towards making the region a "living museum of traditional magic".

Over the years, Mayong residents have been working to preserve the cultural artefacts of the region's tradition of 'magic', beginning with a small museum in a rented house that has now grown with support from the Assam chapter of INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage). The museum's collection now includes 60 mantra puthis from the 13th to the 19th century, written on traditional material like the xasi pat (parchment made of the bark of the agar tree) in Kaitheli and Brajavali scripts that are no longer in use. That is how manuscripts like Bishnu Nath's, which are still in their homes, have been catalogued and preserved. While the preservation of artefacts is an ongoing effort, the idea of a 'magic festival' in Mayong was floated both to boost tourism and take the cultural preservation efforts forward.

Utpal Nath, who has been among those leading the effort of cultural preservation, says, "If a historical tradition of knowledge on the basis of which Assam was built and a civilization was born can be preserved in a living form somewhere, rather than in a museum, it will be a centre of attraction for the entire world. This is an endeavour that us locals have been working on for a long time. Our District Commissioner ( DC) had the idea to have a big festival here, centred on tourism. The village is a living museum in the field of magic tradition."

Stating that the administration does not aim to "promote superstition", Morigaon DC Devashish Sharma says it hopes to create new opportunities for tourism instead and to "keep Mayong's magical heritage alive". While the day was dedicated to an exhibition and lectures on Mayong's traditions and meeting the bezes, the festival was capped off in the evening with a different kind of magic display: a stage magic show. The district administration hopes to expand the one-day festival into a week-long affair, drawing magicians from across the country to build Mayong as a tourist destination.

Locals say the manuscripts and traditional knowledge have historically been passed on from generation to generation. Debeshwar Nath, who says that he is around 70, says he began practising around 20 years ago and that he learnt the art from his father. Saying that his great-grandfather was a famous bez known as Jatadhari Bez, Debeshwar says his sons - one works with a private company and the other is active in student politics - are uninterested in the tradition.

"For now, I am practising it alone. I hope to get a good candidate to pass on my knowledge before I die," he adds.

While most bezes at the college on Sunday were elderly, there was also Xurobh Nath, 34, who completed his BA from the college in 2013. Stating that his grandfather was "very powerful", he claims, "He could turn people into goats."

Xurobh says he was taught by his uncle before he died a few years back. He says, "We have mantra puthis written by our ancestors at home. Since I don't know the script but still wanted to carry the tradition forward, he (my uncle) taught me orally."

Now, Xurobh says, he stays home on Tuesdays and Saturday for visitors seeking him out, while working on his business of making bamboo structures on other days of the week.

Utpal Nath says he has grappled with the question of why 'tantra-mantra' should be preserved at all. "It is already dying out but there is a section of practitioners who are still alive today. They continue to practise this tradition in the same way we practise Bihu and lokogeet (folk singing) - as a tradition...We are not superstitious people, we are progressive minded. However, our forefathers raised us in a particular tradition and we want to keep that existent in a living form," he says.

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A grandpa who turned people into goats and other stories: How Assam's 'black magic' village is working to break old taboos

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Mayong, a region in Central Assam's Morigaon district, has long been associated with mysticism and 'magic' practices, including 'magical healing' and folk medicine.

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Rethinking Rakhi: Celebrating Gender Equality and Camaraderie Beyond Traditional Norms.

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Rethinking Rakhi: Celebrating Gender Equality and Camaraderie Beyond Traditional Norms.

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The act of tying a rakhi should not be confined to the patriarchal notion that a woman is weaker and seeks protection from a male sibling. Instead, the , the festival should be marked by strong camaraderie among individuals, regardless of gender, reflecting the spirit of gender, reflecting the spirit of Shankara's Advaita — there is no room for duality—and protecting the right values to ensure that humanity continues to thrive.

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Raksha Bandhan has gradually transformed from a traditional celebration of the bond between brothers and sisters into a broader symbol of unity among diverse faiths. The ritual of tying a rakhi not only acknowledges the divine Shakti inherent in everyone but also embodies the festival's gender-neutral essence. It transcends the conventional roles of women tying rakhis to men, instead celebrating the richness of human relationships and recognizing the divine presence in all beings.

As millions of our readers in America and Europe celebrate Raksha Bandhan, this article from Speaking Tree explores the evolution of Raksha Bandhan and its powerful message of inclusivity and love.
Raksha Bandhan is an occasion to celebrate strong bonds and to protect each other from negativity. Traditionally, the festival is marked by sisters tying rakhis to their brothers, who, in return, promise to protect them in difficult times. According to a legend, Draupadi tore a piece of cloth from her dress to tie around Krishna's bleeding finger after he cut it while flying a kite. Moved by Draupadi's gesture, Krishna promised to protect her from evil and fulfilled this vow when Dusshasan, one of the Kauravas, attempted to disrobe her in Hastinapur.

In modern times, Rabindranath Tagore suggested that Raksha Bandhan should not only create strong bonds between brothers and sisters but also foster camaraderie between Hindus and Muslims, especially in the aftermath of the partition of Bengal in 1905. To Tagore, Raksha Bandhan symbolised not just a brother's promise to protect his sister but also a connection between people of different faiths, embodying the spirit of unity.

The act of tying a rakhi acknowledges the divine Shakti in everyone. Thus, in its true spirit, the festival is gender-neutral. It is not confined to a woman, sister, tying a rakhi to a man, brother, seeking a promise of protection. Rather, it celebrates human relationships and recognises the Divine in all beings.
Both brothers and sisters should tie rakhis to each other. A sister can tie a rakhi to her sister, and a brother should also tie one to his sister, acknowledging that the sister embodies shakti and has the strength to protect her brother if necessary. In modern times, sisters care for their brothers just as much as brothers care for their sisters. There are many instances of sisters protecting their brothers from disease and harm. Most recently, a 21-year-old woman in Navi Mumbai donated a sizeable part of her liver to save her 17-year-old brother.

In the Indic pantheon, many goddesses were created to protect the devas from asuras, representing evil tendencies. One of the strongest asuras, Mahishasura, could only be sublimated by a woman. To defeat him, Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, and other devas combined their energies to create Durga, who embodies the shakti of the male deities and serves as a source of their strength. Durga's victory over Mahishasura symbolises righteousness prevailing over destructive and negative tendencies.

Tying the sacred thread is a reminder to maintain the purity of the Self and a promise to live by the right values. Anyone can tie a rakhi to anyone, regardless of gender. According to the Brahma Kumaris, the most significant battles we face are not external but internal-our weaknesses, racing thoughts, and inner turmoil that disturb our peace. Therefore, the key rituals of Raksha Bandhan, such as applying a tilak on the forehead and tying a rakhi, are meant to remind us that we are Atman and to pledge to recognise our true, pure nature.

Thus, the act of tying a rakhi should not be confined to the patriarchal notion that a woman is weaker and seeks protection from a male sibling. Instead, the festival should be marked by strong camaraderie among individuals, regardless of gender, reflecting the spirit of Shankara's Advaita -that there is no room for duality-and protecting the right values to ensure that humanity continues to thrive.

City girls tie rakhi to their pet brothers

The Surprising Side of Krishna: Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 4, Verse 9

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In Its True Sense, Raksha Bandhan Is Gender-neutral - Times of India

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US News: Raksha Bandhan has gradually transformed from a traditional celebration of the bond between brothers and sisters into a broader symbol of unity among .

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Bollywood’s revival of cult classics casts a new spell at box office.

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Bollywood’s revival of cult classics casts a new spell at box office.

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Read more at: https://english.mathrubhumi.com/movies-music/news/bollywood-classics-re-release-box-office-hits-1.9927672

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Bollywood’s revival of cult classics casts a new spell at box office

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Nostalgia reigns supreme as Bollywood cult classics like `Tumbbad` and `Rockstar` are re-released in theaters, proving that timeless stories never fade.

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A study of over 2,000 baby stool samples in the UK identified three distinct gut microbiome profiles, revealing beneficial and potentially harmful bacteria that may influence infants' health.

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A study of over 2,000 baby stool samples in the UK identified three distinct gut microbiome profiles, revealing beneficial and potentially harmful bacteria that may influence infants' health.

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Scientists have studied more than 2,000 samples of poo from babies in the UK to get a clearer idea of which types of bacteria first colonise a newborn's gut. Researchers say they were surprised to find baby poo fell into three distinct microbiological profiles, with different "pioneer bacteria" being abundant in each. Preliminary tests suggest that one in particular, called B. breve, could help babies make the most of nutrients in breast milk and ward off bugs. Another type could be harmful and put babies at greater risk of infection, the early work, published in Nature Microbiology, shows.

This study highlights the importance of early gut microbiome development in infants, influenced by demographic factors such as maternal health and breastfeeding practices, and underscores the potential impact of these findings on infant health, prompting interest in how human behaviours and dietary choices can shape gut health from birth.

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Gut health: Baby poo study helps map newborn microbiome

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Scientists work out which bacteria populate babies guts first - and what it could mean for their health.

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Efforts to expand the use of carbon credits for offsetting emissions are faltering, raising concerns that companies may abandon or scale back their net-zero targets due to stricter validation and lack of government support for clean technologies.

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Efforts to expand the use of carbon credits for offsetting emissions are faltering, raising concerns that companies may abandon or scale back their net-zero targets due to stricter validation and lack of government support for clean technologies.

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Stalled efforts to expand companies' use of carbon credits to offset greenhouse gas emissions are raising the prospect that some will backtrack or abandon targets to shrink their carbon footprint.

Auditor SBTi sees little scope for emissions offsetting

Lack of clarity on possible rule changes to hamper offset demand

More companies could row back on climate pledges

The Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), is a non-profit organisation, which audits companies' emissions targets.

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Auditor SBTi sees little scope for emissions offsetting

Lack of clarity on possible rule change to hamper offset demand

More companies could row back on climate pledges

LONDON, Aug 13 (Reuters) - Stalled efforts to expand companies' use of carbon credits to offset greenhouse-gas emissions are raising the prospect that some will backtrack or abandon targets to shrink their carbon footprint.

Since 2015, when governments agreed in Paris to try to keep the world from warming more than 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit), more than half of the world's largest 2,000 publicly listed companies have announced targets to cut their emissions to zero on a net basis by 2050.

But environmental advocates are expressing concerns that companies are falling behind on those targets. Companies are in turn complaining that clean technologies are not being rolled out on time and that government policies are not doing enough to support the transition away from fossil fuels.

Proponents of carbon offsets argue they can help companies meet their targets when efforts to slash their emissions fall short. Companies buy the offsets, which are generated by projects that absorb carbon or reduce emissions, such as reforestation and switches to cleaner fuels for domestic cookstoves.

The Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi), however, dealt a blow late last month to efforts to expand the use of offsets. The non-profit, which audits companies' emissions targets, said its research found that carbon offsets are largely ineffective in reducing emissions because their climate benefits cannot always be verified. It delayed a final decision to 2025 on whether to allow companies to use offsets to meet emissions targets.

This represented a U-turn for the SBTi, whose board of trustees had said in April it wanted to allow companies greater use of offsets in target-setting. It currently allows companies to use offsets only after their targets have been met by directly reducing their emissions.

Nearly 6,000 companies use the SBTi to validate emission targets. More than 2,000 companies have committed to getting their targets validated going forward.

The SBTi is the largest independent, third-party validator of corporate net-zero plans and considered by many to be the gold standard given its focus on ensuring any strategy aligns with climate science.

Some companies are likely considering paring back their net-zero ambitions if they are not allowed to use carbon offsets more widely, said Tommy Ricketts, CEO of carbon-ratings agency BeZero Carbon.

"There are a lot of companies out there going, 'we can't deliver against our targets. We have two options. We look for another way of doing it or we quietly leave the building,'" Ricketts said. He declined to name specific companies.

An SBTi survey, opens new tab of companies published this year suggested cutting emissions from a company's supply chain was the biggest barrier to setting a net-zero plan.

An SBTi spokesperson declined to comment on the impact of not allowing carbon offsets toward meeting targets and said its review of them was ongoing. "(The current framework) will remain unchanged until the revision process is fully complete next year," the spokesperson said.

John Lang, who tracks net-zero goals for research group the Energy & Climate Intelligence Unit said that, as a result of the SBTi's stance on carbon offsets, he expected more companies will pare back their near-term emission targets. They may, however, focus more on realistic actions to cut emissions, he said.

"Recalibrating targets doesn't necessarily mean regressing on ambition."

Thomas Day, an analyst at non-profit climate research group NewClimate Institute, said companies that are scaling back their efforts are often just abandoning unsubstantiated "lofty-sounding ambitions".

LIMITED MARKET

Offsets can come in particularly handy when it comes to companies' supply-chain emissions, referred to as Scope 3. They make up the largest part of a company's carbon footprint and are hard to slash, because companies often do not have control or influence over vendors and customers.

Broader use of carbon offsets could expand the market to $100 billion a year by 2030 from $723 million last year, according to carbon-offset broker, project developer and consultant South Pole.

South Pole CEO Daniel Klier said the lack of near-term clarity on validation could lead to carbon offset volumes stagnating.

"The fact (SBTi officials) say we may get some clarity in 2025 is a major problem, because that means there's probably a year without investment in nature and carbon removals. Nobody will do anything until they have guidelines," Klier said.

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Reporting by Simon Jessop and Susanna Twidale Editing by Greg Roumeliotis and Rod Nickel

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles., opens new tab

Simon leads a team tracking how the financial system and companies more broadly are responding to the challenges posed by climate change, nature loss and other environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues including diversity and inclusion.

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Carbon offset setback risks corporate backtrack on climate goals

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Stalled efforts to expand companies' use of carbon credits to offset greenhouse-gas emissions are raising the prospect that some will backtrack or abandon targets to shrink their carbon footprint.

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Shift in the medical industry through early machine detecting of tough to cure diseases

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Shift in the medical industry through early machine detecting of tough to cure diseases

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A proactive approach to detecting cancer at an early stage can make treatments more effective, with fewer side effects and improved long-term survival. In the future, advances in sensors, contrast agents, molecular methods, and artificial intelligence will help detect cancer-specific signals in real time. To reduce the burden of cancer on society, risk-based detection and prevention needs to be cost effective and widely accessible.

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Authors and Affiliations

1. Early Detection Programme, Cancer Research UK Cambridge Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK

Rebecca C. Fitzgerald

2. Centre for Cancer Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Public Health & Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK

Antonis C. Antoniou

3. Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK

Ljiljana Fruk

4. Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre, Cambridge, UK

Nitzan Rosenfeld

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Rebecca C. Fitzgerald.

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The future of early cancer detection - Nature Medicine

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A proactive approach to detecting cancer at an early stage can make treatments more effective, with fewer side effects and improved long-term survival. However, as detection methods become increasingly sensitive, it can be difficult to distinguish inconsequential changes from lesions that will lead to life-threatening cancer.

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Vietnamese Pig Farmer Adapts to Health Challenges and Information Reliability Amid Rapid Weather Changes.

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Vietnamese Pig Farmer Adapts to Health Challenges and Information Reliability Amid Rapid Weather Changes.

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Quang Doan Hong is a busy person. The accountant, who lives with his family in Hưng Yên, Vietnam, also owns a farm with about 600 pigs. He’s had to learn quickly about pig health, from which vaccines are effective to when to use antibiotics. “When the weather changes, I give the pigs antibiotics,” Mr Hong says. In his experience, rapid changes between sunny and rainy weather make it necessary to administer antibiotics for respiratory and diarrhoeal diseases. Mr Hong has also had to learn which sources of information are reliable. He’s joined farming groups and done online research, although he’s realised that some information on Facebook, for instance, isn’t reliable. “I need to filter it,” he explains. As his operation has grown, Mr Hong has become reluctant to have veterinarians visit. He worries about the risk of disease transmission from people who come into contact with animals at many different sites. Some large farms require animal health workers to quarantine for several days before visiting.

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Animal welfare: In Vietnam digital systems are helping farmers

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In Vietnam farmers are being encouraged to track the use of antibiotics and monitor disease.

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Matilda Welin's Journey: A Long-Distance Cycle from London to Sweden as a Sustainable Alternative to Flying.

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Matilda Welin's Journey: A Long-Distance Cycle from London to Sweden as a Sustainable Alternative to Flying.

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Looking for alternatives to flying, Matilda Welin embarked on a long-distance cycle from London to Sweden. Here's what she learned. Before the advent of fossil fuel-powered transport, travellers crawled across the planet's surface slowly. Back then, the world was bigger; getting anywhere at all was an adventure. The emissions released by aeroplanes mean flying in them is among the most carbon-intensive things most people are likely to ever do. Cycling is one of the greenest and cheapest ways to travel short distances. Longer-distance cycle touring, meanwhile, remains a popular holiday option.

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Looking for alternatives to flying, Matilda Welin decided to embark on a long-distance cycle from London to Sweden. Here's what she learned.

Before the advent of fossil fuel-powered transport, travellers crawled across the surface of the planet slowly. The world, back then, was bigger; getting anywhere at all was an adventure in itself. Today, the world is small. I can live my life in London, UK, and still attend family events in Sweden, where I'm from, several times a year. I can have my cake and eat it.

That is, if it weren't for one thing: the climate. The emissions released by aeroplanes mean flying in them is among the most carbon-intensive things most people are likely to ever do. Trying to avoid these emissions, I have experimented with ferry and train travel between the UK and Sweden for over a decade. But plane is almost always the cheapest option. So what about cycling?

Cycling is one of the greenest and cheapest ways to travel short distances. Longer distance cycle touring, meanwhile, remains a popular holiday option, even gaining new levels of fame as so-called dotwatching enables onlookers to follow "bikepacking" races from their own sofas. But most would consider it impractical to travel the kind of distances covered by planes.

To test out whether it really could be a long-distance travel option for me, in June 2024 I cycled 1,500km (930 miles) from London to Sweden over the course of 17 days.

Matilda's path from London, UK and Trelleborg, Sweden which took her 17 days to cycle and included multiple ferries (Credit: BBC)

My bike trip started on the sofa. Normally when I go back home to Sweden, I simply check in at the airport and sit back on board the plane as the pilot whizzes me above forests, towns and mountain ranges. This time, I'd cross every junction, bridge and hillock by myself.

While there are excellent trail networks for those who want well-planned itineraries ready-made, I enjoyed making my own. Night after night, as my partner slept, I poured over outdoor planning apps, cycle apps, Facebook discussion groups and Google Street View. Which sights and cities did I want to see? Which were the safest roads, and - key for a larger person like me - the ones with the least hills? I booked lodgings some 100km (62 miles) apart along the way, cancellable in case of changing plans, and scheduled in two rest-and-catchup days.

'I don't want to go,' I said to my partner from under the duvet

Next: the gear. I already owned a bike, obtained through the UK government's cost-reducing bike-to-work scheme, and £20 ($26) cycle-friendly, padded Lycra shorts, which I paired with the same sports bra and top I'd wear to the gym.

In small panniers I bought on sale for around £50 ($65), I placed my rain jacket, my rain trousers (doubling as rest-day wear), an extra top to sleep in, a fleece jumper and a pair of gloves.

Then came toiletries, a first-aid kit, bike repair tools and my credit card, phone and passport. Once my partner had added a small pink heart as a good-luck token, my budget luggage was complete.

As my departure date drew closer, I did lots of Pilates to pre-empt shoulder and arm fatigue, and I also went on a three-day test ride. The last thing on the to-do list was the scariest: I needed to learn how to fix a flat tyre. Daunted by complicated mechanics, I normally hand my bike in for the simplest of fixes, something that both loses me money and makes me feel like a cliché of an untechnical woman. Now, I spent £85 ($110) on a three-hour bike maintenance course at the London Bike Kitchen. It was expensive, but worth it: afterwards, I changed two punctured inner tubes on my bike all by myself. I was ready to set off.

On departure day, my alarm went off at 06:00.

"I don't want to go," I said to my partner from under the duvet. "Maybe we could just stage pictures of me with German and Dutch backgrounds? No-one needs to know!"

The early morning streets were quiet. I cycled along one of my usual routes downtown, but this time it was different: I wasn't just riding to see a friend, to a dinner or to a work event - I was riding to Sweden.

Soon I passed our closest train station, and then a museum I had visited and a venue where I'd taken a course. There was the pub I had been to a few times with friends, and the park we went to once for my birthday. The last outpost of the city I knew was a friend's house far out in the eastern outskirts of London. As the familiar, white building passed on my right-hand side, I looked at the road climbing up a hill ahead. From now on, I was covering new ground.

As I pedalled, I felt I was experiencing the true distance of the journey I take so casually and so often with a plane

Over the next 16 days, my life settled into a pleasant rhythm. I cycled across seven countries, passing the English Channel, rivers and straits by boat and train. I acquired unusual tan lines where my bike gloves covered my hands and spent a whole week trying (and failing) to out-cycle rain clouds chasing me across northern Germany. I stayed in cheap hotels, in a Dutch castle, and in people's homes.

In southern Belgium, I rented a room from local man Pasquale, who lived with his dog, cat and chickens. As I walked around Pasquale's garden, the two of us used a translation app to cobble French, Dutch, Swedish and English into a functioning conversation. In southern Denmark, an elderly woman rented out rooms in her dreamy country house. As I awoke to pouring rain, she invited me to stay for a few extra hours and made me a jam sandwich which I ate sitting under a woollen blanket, an open window letting in the sound and smell of water on greenery.

Every morning, I stopped for breakfast at small cafes along the route, and every evening, I hand washed my one set of cycling clothes in the sink. Most of my lodgings cost £20-40 ($26-$52), and I had planned for a daily maximum of £50 ($66) on top of that for food and necessities. But when most of your day is taken up by cycling, you don't have much time to spend money. Frequently, I went under budget.

Not everything was easy, of course. I was intimidated, harassed by motorbikes and, twice, treated to the cycling-in-traffic hallmark of being shouted at by lads in passing cars. The best defence to any of this, I found, is to know the local bike laws, both so you can stand up to unfair aggression and to be able to join traffic without obstructing it.

On the second to last day of the ride, I suddenly got increasingly fatigued - a lack of glucose known in cycling circles as bonking (no sniggering in the back!). When I finally arrived in the next town and sat down to eat, I texted my partner to tell him what had happened. "You could just stay where you are overnight," he suggested. But in the end, I kept going.

Safely home again, I tried to calculate my emissions. It is a tricky estimate to make. Should I include the life cycle analysis of the building of my bike, the roads I travelled on, the hotels I slept in and the food I ate to propel myself forward? I asked several experts, but none could give me a simple answer.

"There is quite a lot of data out there that looks at life cycle emissions of different types of urban transport modes," says Dana Yanocha, senior research manager at the Institute for Transport and Development Policy (ITDP) in the US. Shorter journeys of 20km (12 miles) or less within a city by bike, bus, taxi, car or motorbike can be compared at a passenger kilometre level, she explains. But the measurements aren't necessarily expandable to my 17-day ride.

But not all environmental benefits are measurable in emission units. "The bigger picture takeaway [with a long-distance ride] would be getting the conversation in people's minds," Yanocha says. "You would automatically think 'oh, I'm just going to fly', [but] actually you could do this on a bike."

Cycling helps us appreciate nature, says Brandi Horton, vice president of communication at the US non-profit Rails to Trails Conservancy. "When you're zooming around in your car or you're on the train or you're on a plane, you are not going slow enough to notice what lives [around] you. When you're off the highway... you suddenly see something entirely different."

Long-distance cyclists, Horton says, can also help raise the demand for cycle trails that locals can use, too. "We cannot meet our [pollution] target if we don't get people out of their cars more often. And the only way we're getting people out of their cars more often is to create the infrastructure that makes it safe and convenient for them to do that."

During my trip, one thing affected my view of long-distance transport more than anything else. As I pedalled, I felt I was I experiencing the true distance of the journey I take so casually and so often with a plane. The world around me changed slowly.

English became French, and French became Dutch. Dutch was replaced by German, Danish and Swedish. During the first days of my ride, old people outside cafes stopped to stare at me in awe. But as I rolled into northern German town Bremen in the pouring rain, I was no longer special: here everyone cycled, in ponchos or full-body waterproof gear.

The big town squares of northern France and southern Belgium gave way to well-planned German cities and Danish towns. The landscape changed from canal-streaked flat Atlantic plains to the mountainous Bergisches Land, then Danish forests. Never before had I internalised what a massive amount of energy my two-and-a-half-hour plane journey really needed.

Sooner than I wanted, I arrived in the southern Swedish town of Trelleborg, just south of Malmö. Did my ride benefit the planet and save me money? In hard terms, neither. I did save on a plane journey, but once I had met up with my mum for a few hours, I had to fly myself and my bicycle straight back to London to get back to the office. So in the end I used an aeroplane anyway and didn't really have time to hang out with my family at all. My total spend while on the road was around £1,400 ($1,830) - much more than a plane ticket at around £100 ($130) or a train one at £350 ($460) or so.

On the other hand, this price also included an unforgettable journey. And replacing train journeys with cycling ones certainly doesn't have to mean picking a trip as long as this one. Next time, I may take a few days to cycle from London to Burnley, or from Stockholm to my dad's house a few dozen miles north of town. I know now it is possible, as long as you prepare yourself well.

My trip also changed my view of how the transport we use shrinks the world. As Horton told me, when you cycle or walk, you experience the world around you "at human speed". When I was cycling, the world was big again.

For more science, technology, environment and health stories from the BBC, follow us on Facebook and X.

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'When I was cycling, the world was big again': What it takes to replace a flight with a long-distance bike ride

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Looking for alternatives to flying, Matilda Welin decided to embark on a long-distance cycle from London to Sweden. Here's what she learned.

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Increase in consciousness of goods ingested in daily life 

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Increase in consciousness of goods ingested in daily life 

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food, health

hb- adulteration

The study identified various forms of microplastics, including fibres, pellets, films, and fragments, in all salt and sugar samples. The size of these microplastics ranged from 0.1 mm to 5 mm. Iodised salt was found to have the highest concentration of microplastics, particularly in the form of multi-coloured thin fibres and films.

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Agencies
Salt and Sugar

All Indian salt and sugar brands, whether packaged or unpackaged, contain microplastics, according to a study published by Toxics Link, an environmental research organization. The study, titled " Microplastics in Salt and Sugar," examined 10 types of salt and five types of sugar sourced from online and local markets. The findings reveal a pervasive presence of microplastics across all samples tested, a PTI report stated.

Microplastics Detected in All Sugar, Salt Brands Samples
The study identified various forms of microplastics, including fibres, pellets, films, and fragments, in all salt and sugar samples. The size of these microplastics ranged from 0.1 mm to 5 mm. Iodised salt was found to have the highest concentration of microplastics, particularly in the form of multi-coloured thin fibres and films.

Ravi Agarwal, founder-director of Toxics Link, told PTI, "The objective of our study was to contribute to the existing scientific database on microplastics so that the global plastic treaty can address this issue in a concrete and focused manner." He emphasized the need for policy action and research on technological interventions to reduce microplastic exposure risks.

Satish Sinha, associate director of Toxics Link, highlighted the urgency of addressing the issue, saying, "Our study's finding of substantial amounts of microplastics in all salt and sugar samples is concerning and calls for urgent, comprehensive research into the long-term health impacts of microplastics on human health."

Findings on Microplastic Concentrations
The concentration of microplastics in salt samples ranged from 6.71 to 89.15 pieces per kilogramme. Iodised salt had the highest concentration at 89.15 pieces per kilogramme, while organic rock salt had the lowest at 6.70 pieces per kilogramme. In sugar samples, the concentration ranged from 11.85 to 68.25 pieces per kilogramme, with non-organic sugar showing the highest levels of microplastics.

" Back to recommendation stories

Microplastics Become Global Concern
Microplastics have become a growing global concern due to their potential harm to both health and the environment. These tiny plastic particles can enter the human body through food, water, and air. Recent research has detected microplastics in human organs, including the lungs, heart, breast milk, and even in unborn babies.

Salt and Sugar Daily Consumption Risks
Previous studies indicate that the average Indian consumes 10.98 grams of salt and around 10 spoons of sugar daily, which is significantly higher than the World Health Organization's recommended limits. The presence of microplastics in such commonly consumed products raises further concerns about potential health risks.

(Inputs from PTI)

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Your salt and sugar packets contain harmful microplastics: Iodised salt has the highest, rock salt lowest, study finds

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A study by Toxics Link found that all tested Indian salt and sugar brands contain microplastics. The research revealed various forms of microplastics across different salt and sugar samples, with iodised salt showing the highest levels. The study aimed to raise awareness and encourage policy changes to address this growing concern.

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Global coffee prices are surging due to a combination of climate-related crop failures, market dynamics, depleted stockpiles, and farmers in Vietnam switching to more profitable durian cultivation.

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Global coffee prices are surging due to a combination of climate-related crop failures, market dynamics, depleted stockpiles, and farmers in Vietnam switching to more profitable durian cultivation.

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The cost of unroasted beans traded in global markets is now at a "historically high level", says analyst Judy Ganes.

Experts blame a mix of troubled crops, market forces, depleted stockpiles - and the world’s smelliest fruit. In 2021, a freak frost wiped out coffee crops in Brazil, the world's largest producer of Arabica beans - those commonly used in barista-made coffee. This bean shortfall meant buyers turned to countries like Vietnam, the primary producer of Robusta beans, that are typically used in instant blends.

But farmers there faced the region’s worst drought in nearly a decade. And then Vietnamese farmers pivoted to a smelly, yellow fruit - the durian.

The article explains how various economic and environmental factors, including climate change and farmers in Vietnam switching from coffee to the highly lucrative durian fruit, are driving up coffee prices globally. Demographically, rising coffee demand in major urban areas like London and New York, along with market volatility, is contributing to price increases. Human behavior, such as farmers reacting to market shifts and opting for more profitable crops, plays a key role. I found it interesting how climate challenges and market forces are intertwining to affect such a staple commodity like coffee.

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How the world’s smelliest fruit is making coffee more expensive

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A “perfect storm” of economic and environmental factors in coffee-producing regions is pushing up prices.

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Processed meat raises type2 diabetes.- consumers awarness on packaged and processed food 

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Processed meat raises type2 diabetes.- consumers awarness on packaged and processed food 

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The article discusses the increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes from consuming processed meats. Studies have linked the consumption of items like sausages, bacon, and cold cuts to a higher likelihood of the disease due to the high levels of sodium, preservatives, and saturated fats in these products.

Human Behavior- This reflects how dietary choices, influenced by convenience and taste preferences, contribute to chronic health conditions.

Demographics- The article likely addresses adults, particularly those with diets rich in processed foods, and individuals concerned about diabetes.

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Eating processed meats raises type 2 diabetes risk – DW – 08/26/2024

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Two slices of ham a day are enough to raise type 2 diabetes risk by 15%, according to a new study. Meanwhile high-fat diets could increase the numbers of a toxic molecule known to cause the disease.

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Increase in misuse/unethical use of AI through image generation of child sexual abuse by online offenders

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Increase in misuse/unethical use of AI through image generation of child sexual abuse by online offenders

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hb- unethical use of AI

A new study has found a clear desire among online offenders to learn how to create child sexual abuse material.

Research published by Anglia Ruskin University said evidence showed a growing demand for AI-generated images of child sexual abuse on the dark web.

Researchers Dr Deanna Davy and Prof Sam Lundrigan analysed chats that had taken place in dark web forums over the past 12 months.

Members of these forums have been actively teaching themselves how to create AI-generated child sexual abuse by accessing guides and videos online and sharing advice and guidance amongst themselves, the study found.

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A study has highlighted the threat that emerging technologies pose to children

A new study has found a clear desire among online offenders to learn how to create child sexual abuse material.

Research published by Anglia Ruskin University said evidence showed a growing demand for AI-generated images of child sexual abuse on the dark web.

Researchers Dr Deanna Davy and Prof Sam Lundrigan analysed chats that had taken place in dark web forums over the past 12 months.

Members of these forums have been actively teaching themselves how to create AI-generated child sexual abuse by accessing guides and videos online and sharing advice and guidance amongst themselves, the study found.

Forum members have 'hope'

Analysis also showed that forum members have been using their own supply of non-AI content in order to learn how to make the images.

Some of the members referred to those creating AI-imagery as "artists" while others shared hopes that the technology would evolve to make it easier to create material.

Dr Davy said AI-produced child sexual abuse material was a "rapidly growing problem" and added: "We need to understand a great deal more about precisely how offenders are creating it, how widely it is being shared and the impact it is having on offender pathways.

"There is a misconception that AI-generated images are 'victimless', and this could not be further from the truth.

"We found that many of the offenders are sourcing images of children in order to manipulate them, and that the desire for 'hardcore' imagery escalating from 'softcore' is regularly discussed."

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Growing demand on the dark web for AI abuse images

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Anglia Ruskin University researchers say forum members are teaching themselves using non-AI images.

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Drinking beer can attract mosquitos - increasing risk of  diseases and influencing people's consumption

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Drinking beer can attract mosquitos - increasing risk of  diseases and influencing people's consumption

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Drinking beer can make you more vulnerable to mosquitos bites, according to a study by the department of biodefence medicine at the Medical and Pharmaceutical Toyama University in Japan. Maybe it’s the increased body temperature, or increased sweating, or an increased amount of carbon dioxide exhaled by the drinker. Also the CO2 that fizzes out when a beer is opened can attract mosquitos towards the drinker.
What is interesting- CO2 generated from beer attracts mosquitoes thta attack mammals.

Demographics- Beer consuming people.

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Cookist Wow on Instagram: "Did you know that 𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐬? 🦟🍺

🤓 Drinking beer can make you more vulnerable to mosquitos bites, according to a study by the department of biodefence medicine at the Medical and Pharmaceutical Toyama University in Japan. Maybe it’s the increased body temperature, or increased sweating, or an increased amount of carbon dioxide exhaled by the drinker. Also the CO2 that fizzes out when a beer is opened can attract mosquitos towards the drinker.

Do you usually drink #beer? What is your favorite? 🍻

#cookistwow #cookistrecipe #beer #internationalbeerday #beerday #learnwithcookistwow"

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17K likes, 205 comments - cookistwow on August 19, 2024: "Did you know that 𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐬? 🦟🍺

🤓 Drinking beer can make you more vulnerable to mosquitos bites, according to a study by the department of biodefence medicine at the Medical and Pharmaceutical Toyama University in Japan. Maybe it’s the increased body temperature, or increased sweating, or an increased amount of carbon dioxide exhaled by the drinker. Also the CO2 that fizzes out when a beer is opened can attract mosquitos towards the drinker.

Do you usually drink #beer? What is your favorite? 🍻

#cookistwow #cookistrecipe #beer #internationalbeerday #beerday #learnwithcookistwow". 

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Cultural Shift in Mayong- Belief in the supernatural (mysticism) and taboo over it

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Cultural Shift in Mayong- Belief in the supernatural (mysticism) and taboo over it

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The Indian Express article explores Mayong, Assam, a region historically associated with black magic. Residents are reclaiming their identity by preserving their magical heritage and challenging negative stereotypes through community events like magic festivals, fostering pride and cohesion.

This topic is intriguing as it highlights how communities adapt their historical narratives in the face of modernity. The resilience of Mayong's people reflects their desire to balance tradition with tourism potential, raising questions about cultural commercialization and authenticity.

Demographically, Mayong faces the challenge of an aging population of traditional practitioners, emphasizing the need to pass down knowledge to younger generations. The region's diverse ethnic groups enrich its cultural landscape, while educational institutions play a crucial role in promoting and preserving local heritage.

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On Sunday, the indoor stadium of the provincial Mayang Anchalik College in college was lined with photographs of some of the renowned bezes (magic practitioners) of Mayong practising their famous mantras: from the petor bih jara mantra (to cure a stomach ache) and the kachaka jara mantra (to cure a sprained ankle), to the hat chalan mantra (to help find stolen belongings).

Sitting below them in yellow kurtas with phulam gamusas (a traditional symbol of respect) on their shoulders were the remaining bez and bezenis (women magic practitioners) of Mayong, waiting to interact with visitors to the one-day 'magic festival' organised by the district administration.

Mayong, a region in Central Assam's Morigaon district, has long been associated with mysticism and 'magic' practices, including 'magical healing' and folk medicine. The region is an amalgam of its residents, neighbours and influences, including Nath-Yogis, Tantrism, Vaishanavim, tribal Tiwas and Karbi, and more recently Nepalis and Bengali-Muslims. The region has long had a reputation of being a cradle of 'black magic' that locals insist - and emphasise - is "no longer practised" there.

Phani Bhushan Nath, the former principal of Mayang Anchalik College, one of the academics who delivered lectures on magical tradition at the festival, recalled an experience from around three decades ago. "I was travelling from Madras (now Chennai) to Guwahati. There were two families from Nalbari (another district in Assam) in my compartment. During our introductions, they discovered that I was from Mayong... After dinner, I retired to my berth and assuming that I was asleep, the patriarch of the families told the girls, 'He is from Mayong. Be careful and don't talk to him.' I felt really hurt that day because that was the idea of Mayong among the people, even among the Assamese people."

Sitting at the festival with his family's mantra puthi (manuscript) was Bishnu Nath. The handwritten words in the puthi, written by his grandfather, are fading, but the pages are bound in a fresh hardcover. This, he said, was done a couple of years ago by Utpal Nath, a teacher at the college who is one of the locals from Mayong working towards making the region a "living museum of traditional magic".

Over the years, Mayong residents have been working to preserve the cultural artefacts of the region's tradition of 'magic', beginning with a small museum in a rented house that has now grown with support from the Assam chapter of INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage). The museum's collection now includes 60 mantra puthis from the 13th to the 19th century, written on traditional material like the xasi pat (parchment made of the bark of the agar tree) in Kaitheli and Brajavali scripts that are no longer in use. That is how manuscripts like Bishnu Nath's, which are still in their homes, have been catalogued and preserved. While the preservation of artefacts is an ongoing effort, the idea of a 'magic festival' in Mayong was floated both to boost tourism and take the cultural preservation efforts forward.

Utpal Nath, who has been among those leading the effort of cultural preservation, says, "If a historical tradition of knowledge on the basis of which Assam was built and a civilization was born can be preserved in a living form somewhere, rather than in a museum, it will be a centre of attraction for the entire world. This is an endeavour that us locals have been working on for a long time. Our District Commissioner ( DC) had the idea to have a big festival here, centred on tourism. The village is a living museum in the field of magic tradition."

Stating that the administration does not aim to "promote superstition", Morigaon DC Devashish Sharma says it hopes to create new opportunities for tourism instead and to "keep Mayong's magical heritage alive". While the day was dedicated to an exhibition and lectures on Mayong's traditions and meeting the bezes, the festival was capped off in the evening with a different kind of magic display: a stage magic show. The district administration hopes to expand the one-day festival into a week-long affair, drawing magicians from across the country to build Mayong as a tourist destination.

Locals say the manuscripts and traditional knowledge have historically been passed on from generation to generation. Debeshwar Nath, who says that he is around 70, says he began practising around 20 years ago and that he learnt the art from his father. Saying that his great-grandfather was a famous bez known as Jatadhari Bez, Debeshwar says his sons - one works with a private company and the other is active in student politics - are uninterested in the tradition.

"For now, I am practising it alone. I hope to get a good candidate to pass on my knowledge before I die," he adds.

While most bezes at the college on Sunday were elderly, there was also Xurobh Nath, 34, who completed his BA from the college in 2013. Stating that his grandfather was "very powerful", he claims, "He could turn people into goats."

Xurobh says he was taught by his uncle before he died a few years back. He says, "We have mantra puthis written by our ancestors at home. Since I don't know the script but still wanted to carry the tradition forward, he (my uncle) taught me orally."

Now, Xurobh says, he stays home on Tuesdays and Saturday for visitors seeking him out, while working on his business of making bamboo structures on other days of the week.

Utpal Nath says he has grappled with the question of why 'tantra-mantra' should be preserved at all. "It is already dying out but there is a section of practitioners who are still alive today. They continue to practise this tradition in the same way we practise Bihu and lokogeet (folk singing) - as a tradition...We are not superstitious people, we are progressive minded. However, our forefathers raised us in a particular tradition and we want to keep that existent in a living form," he says.

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A grandpa who turned people into goats and other stories: How Assam's 'black magic' village is working to break old taboos

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Mayong, a region in Central Assam's Morigaon district, has long been associated with mysticism and 'magic' practices, including 'magical healing' and folk medicine.

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Controversy Surrounds IOC's Decision to Allow Disqualified Boxers to Compete in Women's Division at Paris Olympics.

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Controversy Surrounds IOC's Decision to Allow Disqualified Boxers to Compete in Women's Division at Paris Olympics.

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A frenzied debate has raged over the International Olympic Committee clearing the duo to compete in the women's boxing in Paris, despite them having been disqualified from last year's Women's World Championships for failing to meet eligibility criteria. We do know that the process of sex determination starts when a foetus is developing. Most females get two X chromosomes (XX), while most males get an X and a Y chromosome (XY).

Chromosomes influence a person's sex. But hormones are important too, before birth - as well as later on during puberty. While the baby is still growing in the womb, hormones help the reproductive organs develop.

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Images of the Algerian boxer Imane Khelif and Taiwan's Lin Yu-ting on the medal podium in Paris will go down as some of the most unforgettable of the 2024 Olympics.
A frenzied debate has raged over the International Olympic Committee clearing the duo to compete in the women's boxing in Paris, despite them having been disqualified from last year's Women's World Championships for failing to meet eligibility criteria.

Amid the heat, science is shedding increasing light on our different chromosomal make-ups and what advantages they may bring to sport.

But the research is ongoing and even among the experts who spend their professional lives working on it, there are differing interpretations on what the science tells us.

We do know that the process of sex determination starts when a foetus is developing. Most females get two X chromosomes (XX), while most males get an X and a Y chromosome (XY).

Chromosomes influence a person's sex. But hormones are important too, before birth - as well as later on during puberty. While the baby is still growing in the womb, hormones help the reproductive organs develop.

However, at some point through the pregnancy some babies' reproductive organs don't develop in the way most people's do.

This is known as DSD: differences of sex development.

They are a group of about 40 conditions involving genes, hormones and reproductive organs that develop in the womb. It means a person's sex development is different from that of most other people's.

These chromosome abnormalities are rare - but they have come into sharp focus because of the boxing row at the Olympics.

So what do we know about the two boxers at the heart of the gender row?

The International Boxing Association chief executive Chris Roberts told BBC Sport that after both athletes had agreed to medical tests, XY chromosomes were found in "both cases".

But it's not that simple.

Because these genetic variations are so many and so varied, some experts say it's impossible to establish that everyone with a Y chromosome is a male and everyone without a Y chromosome is a female.

"Just looking at the presence of a Y chromosome on its own does not answer the question of whether someone is male or female," says Prof Alun Williams, who researches genetic factors related to sport performance at the Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport.

"It's obviously a very good marker, as most people with a Y chromosome are male...but it's not a perfect indicator."

For some people with DSD, the Y chromosome is not a fully formed typical male Y chromosome. It may have some genetic material missing, damaged or swapped with the X chromosome, depending on the variation.

When it comes to being male or female, what is usually crucial is a specific gene called SRY - which stands for 'sex-determining region of the Y chromosome'.

"This is what is called the make-male gene. It's the master switch of sex development," says Dr Emma Hilton, a developmental biologist who studies genetic disorders. She is also a trustee of the Sex Matters charity, which argues Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting shouldn't be competing until further testing is done.

There are some people born with XY chromosomes who have lost what Dr Hilton calls the "make-male" gene.

"These people don't make testosterone. They develop a very typical female anatomy," Dr Hilton says.

So a test that identifies XY chromosomes does not offer a complete picture. And in the case of Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting, the IBA has not disclosed details of the way they were tested.

However, Dr Hilton also says that in most people with XY chromosomes, the SRY "make-male" gene is present.

These people usually have testicles which are often inside the body.

"When they hit puberty they start producing testosterone - which is what underpins male advantage in sports," says Dr Hilton.

The most famous example is Caster Semenya - a double Olympic gold medallist and three-time world champion over 800m, though Dr Alun Williams says there is not direct evidence that DSD athletes have the same advantage as typical males.

The roadblock is in a gene required to generate external genitalia - which boys need in order to grow a penis. Anyone with the same condition as Caster Semenya has a mutation within that gene that stops it functioning normally.

In the womb, they will develop a male anatomy until the final stage of growing a penis - and when they are not able to, then they'll start developing a vulva and a clitoris.

But they don't develop female reproductive organs: they don't have a cervix or a uterus.

These people don't have periods and they can't get pregnant. Having sex with males can be difficult.

Discovering you have this kind of genetic mutation can be a shock.

"The most recent woman we diagnosed with having XY chromosomes was 33," says Claus Højbjerg Gravholt - an endocrinology professor at Aarhus University who spent the past 30 years dealing with DSD.

His patient came to see him because she had no idea why she couldn't get pregnant.

"We discovered she didn't have a uterus, so she would never be able to have a baby. She was absolutely devastated."

Prof Gravholt says the implications that come with questioning one's gender identity can be destabilising - and he often refers his patients to a psychologist.

"If I showed you her photo, you would say: that's a woman. She has a female body, she is married to a man. She feels like a female. And that is the case for most of my patients."

When Prof Gravholt asked her why she didn't consult a doctor about not getting periods, she said there was another older woman in her family who never menstruated - so she thought it wasn't abnormal.

There is another genetic mutation Prof Gravholt has come across.

He has diagnosed males who have XX chromosomes - which are normally found in females. "These men are infertile. They look like normal males, but their testes are smaller than average and don't produce sperm. It's always devastating when they find out. As they grow older, they stop producing testosterone in the way most men do."

In some cultures, talking openly about periods and female anatomy is not culturally acceptable. In some parts of the world, women may lack the education to understand that there's something atypical going on in their bodies.

And that's why experts believe that many DSDs are never diagnosed - which means that comprehensive data is scarce.

But Prof Gravholt points to figures from Denmark as a good indicator.

"Denmark is probably the best country in the world at collecting this data - we have a national registry with everyone who has ever had a chromosome examination."

He says that XY chromosomes in females are very rare - in Denmark it's about one in 15,000.

But he believes that when adding these many genetic conditions together, about one in 300 people are affected.

"We are learning that these variations are more common than we thought," Prof Gravholt says. "A lot of patients are being diagnosed later in life. The oldest person I diagnosed was a male in his 60s."

Will the gender controversy change things at the Olympics?

Do people with differences of sex development have an unfair advantage in sport? The short answer is that there is not enough data to reach a definitive conclusion.

"It wouldn't surprise me if some people with a type of DSD had some physical advantage over women," says Prof Alun Williams. Those advantages could include larger muscle mass, as well as bigger and longer bones and larger organs such as lungs and heart.

He says they may also have higher levels of blood haemoglobin that lead to improved oxygen delivery to where it's needed in working muscles.

"Some people with some types of DSDs might have advantages in some or all of those elements, ranging from 0-100%, depending on the type of DSD and its precise genetic cause."

He believes his opinion is representative of the experts in his field, but that more evidence is needed.

When it comes to Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting, we don't have enough information to know if they have a DSD that would need to be regulated.

Regulating elite sports, which typically rely on male-female binary categories in competition, is complicated because the biology of sex itself is complex and not exclusively binary.

Dr Shane Heffernan has a PhD in molecular genetics in elite sports and is currently working on a paper on what athletes think about competitors with a DSD.

He says it's all about the nuance of the individual's genetic condition.

For example, females with a DSD known as androgen insensitivity syndrome have XY chromosomes; they produce testosterone; but their bodies aren't equipped to process it. So they don't get any of the benefits from that testosterone, like males do.

Dr Heffernan says that there aren't enough known and studied athletes with a DSD to make a valid scientific conclusion as to whether they definitely have an advantage, and as to whether they should be eligible or ineligible to compete in the female category.

He believes that the International Olympic Committee is not basing its eligibility criteria on the best available science.

"This is worrying. The IOC makes an 'assumption of no advantage' - but there is no direct evidence for this, nor that there is a performance advantage with DSD athletes solely because of their genetic variations.

"We simply don't have enough data. Many people hold an emotional position when it comes to inclusion in the female category, but how can the IOC justify this position - without the data to support it?"

He is one of many people who are urging the Olympics committee, international federations and funding councils to invest in research on athletes with a DSD - but he appreciates it's difficult, because there can be a lot of stigma towards the individual athletes when it comes to these conditions.

Some are calling for mandatory sex testing at the next Olympics - including Reem Alsalem, the UN's special rapporteur on violence against women and girls.

"Screening DNA is now a piece of cake," Dr Emma Hilton says. "A simple cheek swab would be sufficient, and it's minimally invasive."

She says swabs should happen when athletes first register for their first affiliated competition - before they start winning medals and the spotlight hits them, so as to avoid what happened with Imane Khelif.

But there's disagreement on that among scientists.

"A cheek swab wouldn't allow you to reach a robust conclusion on someone's sex and potential advantage in sport," says Prof Williams.

He argues a comprehensive sex test would have to include these three categories:

1. Genetics (including looking for a Y chromosome and the SRY "make-male" gene).

2. Hormones (including, but not limited to, testosterone).

3. The body's responsiveness to hormones like testosterone. Some people might have a Y chromosome, but be completely insensitive to testosterone.

He believes this is currently not being done because it's expensive, it requires people with very specific expertise - and there are ethical concerns about the testing procedure.

"This assessment can be humiliating. It includes measurements of the most intimate parts of anatomy, like the size of your breast and your clitoris, the depth of your voice, the extent of your body hair."

One thing is certain: this controversy is not going away.

For now, science is not yet able to offer a definitive view on how people with differing chromosomal make-ups should be categorised for the purposes of elite sport. For those who spend their lives trying to make sense of the science, their hope is that this latest row will propel much-needed research.
BBC InDepth is the new home on the website and app for the best analysis and expertise from our top journalists. Under a distinctive new brand, we'll bring you fresh perspectives that challenge assumptions, and deep reporting on the biggest issues to help you make sense of a complex world. And we'll be showcasing thought-provoking content from across BBC Sounds and iPlayer too. We're starting small but thinking big, and we want to know what you think - you can send us your feedback by clicking on the button below.

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What does science tell us about boxing's gender row?

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Research is shedding light on different chromosomal make-ups and what advantages they may bring to sport.

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New York City's Sewage Covers: A Global Supply Chain Story with 'Made in India' Engraving Sparks Mixed Reactions.

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New York City's Sewage Covers: A Global Supply Chain Story with 'Made in India' Engraving Sparks Mixed Reactions.

# data[].attributes.body
I came across an interesting photo shared by Unfiltered by Samdish that shows sewage system covers in New York City with "Made in India" engraved on them. At first, I felt a sense of pride knowing that our manufacturing capabilities are recognised globally. But then, I started wondering if this is something we should be proud of or if it's just another example of being part of the global supply chain.

Link - https://news.abplive.com/states/manhole-covers-made-in-india-export-kolkata-howrah-dasnagar-foundy-cast-iron-to-america-new-york-europe-italy-1609550

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Made in India Sewage System Covers in New York

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UK ICO Launches Consultation on Ethical and Legal Concerns of "Consent or Pay" Data Tracking Model.

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UK ICO Launches Consultation on Ethical and Legal Concerns of "Consent or Pay" Data Tracking Model.

# data[].attributes.body
It is an increasingly common message from websites: browse for free - if you allow us to track your data and target you with personalised ads - if you don't, hand over some cash. The model is known as "consent or pay" and, while it may be becoming increasingly common, questions remain over whether it is ethical or even legal. The UK data regulator, the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has launched a consultation on the practice - it will report its findings later this year.

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It is an increasingly common message from websites: browse for free - if you allow us to track your data and target you with personalised ads - if you don't, hand over some cash.

The model is known as "consent or pay" and, while it may be becoming increasingly common, questions remain over whether it is ethical or even legal.

The UK data regulator, the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has launched a consultation on the practice - it will report its findings later this year.

"In principle, data protection law does not prohibit business models that involve 'consent or pay,'" the ICO says on its website.

But it continues: "However, any organisation considering such a model must be careful to ensure that consent... has been freely given and is fully informed, as well as capable of being withdrawn without detriment."

At issue are several competing demands.

Regulators, like the ICO, want to make sure people remain, as far as is possible, in charge what happens to their personal data.

Websites, meanwhile, are wary of the shifting sands of online advertising - and fearful of losing revenue to more upstart parts of the online world, such as influencers.

"Fundamentally it comes down to an argument between a right to do business and a right to privacy," says Philippa Donn, a partner at DPN Associates, a consultancy which advises on data protection issues.

You are the product

There's a common way to understand internet business models: "If you're getting it for free, you are the product."

What that means in practice is websites give away their content away for free and in return you feed them with your personal data.

They then sell that information so you can be targeted with ads more personal to you - and more lucrative for them.

But, since 2018, there has been a threat to that model: websites in the UK have had to ask for explicit consent to use cookies and similar tracking technologies.

Everyone has become familiar with the pop-up when you visit a site, asking you to "accept all" or reject nonessential cookies.

The problem for websites is that if you reject tracking they gather less information, which means advertisers pay them less because they as less confident about how well directed their ads are.

Which is where "consent or pay" comes in - it is an attempt by websites to make up for the money they lose if you say no to your data being collected and sold.

Budget black hole

One of the industries this particularly affects is the print media, which is largely funded by advertising and paywalls online.

But online advertisers have taken their spending elsewhere - on social media sites, influencers and brand deals - leaving a black hole in newspaper budgets.

Newspapers such as MailOnline, The Sun, The Independent and The Times have all recently brought in "consent or pay" models.

"It's basically saying, 'We're giving people a choice. They can either pay and get ad-free access to our articles, or they can be tracked, or they can walk away and not read it,'" Philippa Donn says.

This question being considered by the ICO and others is - is that a fair choice?

The idea of freely-given consent has to meet a "very high bar," says Eva Lu, associate at law firm Stephenson Harwood.

For Ms Lu, it comes down to whether the user has "a genuinely free choice to how their personal data should be used by the organisation."

This means that whether or not the model is allowed may come down to a case-by-case basis.

The amount users have to pay for privacy may be taken into account.

Another factor considered will be the size of the company and if there is an alternative option for users.

"If you can't read a certain article, you might just choose not to and you can go read about it somewhere else," says Ms Lu.

But for other industries, such as film and TV streaming, "it could be a lot harder to justify," she adds.

"From a user's perspective, if I want to watch a film or a TV show and it's only available on that streaming service or platform, then that the alternative may not be there elsewhere."

The question has been tested on social media in the EU, where Meta put a "pay or consent" policy on Instagram and Facebook.

Under this model, Facebook and Instagram still track your behaviour on their apps in order to feed the recommendation alogrithm.

But that data is not used to target ads at you.

In general in the EU, the tech giants such as Meta are held to higher standards than smaller companies when it comes to regulation.

In July, the European Commission informed Meta that preliminary findings suggest its "pay or consent" model is against EU law.

Meta now has the right to review the evidence gathered by the EU and mount a defence.

Meta maintains it is acting within the law and "subscriptions as an alternative to advertising are a well-established business model across many industries".

The company is currently in discussions with the ICO, the UK data regulator, about bringing the model to the UK in the future.

A company spokesperson says they are "engaging constructively" and will share more information in the future. No decisions have been made yet.

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Should you have to pay for online privacy?

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Some websites have started introducing paywalls which can be lifted with data rather than cash.

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Treading the line of ethics through digital trickery

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Treading the line of ethics through digital trickery

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film

hb- gaining attention to their work, even if the line of ethics is crossed

how much is too much in entertainment?

One of its characters, Rook, is a robot who looks and sounds almost exactly like Ash, a robot played by Ian Holm in the first Alien. The twist is that Holm died four years ago, so his doppelganger in Alien: Romulus is a remarkable combination of puppetry and digital imagery.

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Alien: Romulus – Why people are so upset about its surprise cameo

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The new Alien film has enraged many with the re-appearance of an actor from the 1979 original – brought back from the dead using digital trickery. Is such anger justified?

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Disruption of 20 railway stations in United Kingdom due to security breach.

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Disruption of 20 railway stations in United Kingdom due to security breach.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Cyber attack disrupts 20 UK railway stations, sparks security fears

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A cyberattack disrupted services at 20 UK railway stations, exposing security flaws in public transport infrastructure and raising public anxiety over data breaches.

# data[].attributes.headline
Disruptions of air and sea transport services due to ransomware attack on the Port of Seattle.

# data[].attributes.subject
Disruptions of air and sea transport services due to ransomware attack on the Port of Seattle.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Port of Seattle shares details of a cyber-attack

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Port of Seattle has isolated critical systems after the port identified system outages consistent with a cyberattack last month.

# data[].attributes.headline
Global Freight forwarder JAS experienced logistics disruption due to ransomware attack.

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Global Freight forwarder JAS experienced logistics disruption due to ransomware attack.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Global freight forwarder confirms malware attack for ‘technical disruptions’

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Atlanta-based JAS Worldwide, a global freight forwarder, confirmed Tuesday that it was targeted by a ransomware attack after experiencing technical disruptions, which affected its ability to operate and service its

# data[].attributes.headline
Egg Freezing: A Growing Trend in Modern Family Planning and Assisted Reproductive Technology

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Egg Freezing: A Growing Trend in Modern Family Planning and Assisted Reproductive Technology

# data[].attributes.body
Individuals increasingly seek control over their reproductive choices, often influenced by societal pressures, career aspirations, and advancements in reproductive technology. This trend illustrates a broader cultural shift towards prioritizing personal and professional goals, allowing individuals to delay parenthood while still preserving their fertility.

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Abstract

Oocyte cryopreservation is a boon for women undergoing assisted reproductive technology. With the evolution in the technique of cryopreservation over the last three decades, there has been an exponential rise in the number of oocyte cryopreservation cycles for diverse indications. Apart from cancer patients, it has also been promoted as a mode of fertility insurance to overcome the age-related decline in fertility as well as post-surgical decline following endometriosis surgery. The objective of the review is to evaluate its clinical applications, ideal age at freezing, optimal oocyte number, freezing method of choice, efficacy, safety and recent advances. In the last decade, vitrification has surpassed slow freezing for oocyte cryopreservation. Although closed system of vitrification provides the aseptic environment, open vitrification is commonly followed in practice. Early to mid-thirties is a reasonable age group for planned oocyte cryopreservation, although it might be recommended at a younger age, in patients with diminished ovarian reserve. The patients should be motivated to preserve around 14-20 mature oocytes for successful live birth. Various studies have shown comparable fertilisation and pregnancy rates between Intracytoplasmic sperm injection with fresh and frozen-thawed oocytes. The available evidence has shown no increase in the incidence of congenital abnormalities in babies born through vitrified oocytes. In the future, image analysis using artificial intelligence, and spindle visualisation using poloscope may further enhance the outcome of oocyte cryopreservation.

KEYWORDS: Fertility preservation, oocyte cryopreservation, social egg freezing

INTRODUCTION

Oocyte cryopreservation is a boon in the field of assisted reproductive technology (ART). Since the first birth from frozen oocyte in 1986,[ 1] it took three decades to be offered as a successful ART option, with acceptable pregnancy outcome. Its availability has improved the safety and efficacy of ART cycles. The slow progress in the evolution of this technique was mainly related to technical concerns, due to the unique structure of mature oocyte including its large size, low surface area to volume ratio and single-cell number. Mature oocytes are thought to be more cryo-susceptible due to intracellular ice formation, membrane damage, depolymerisation of microtubules and hardening of zona pellucida.[ 2] The success rate has improved by replacing slow freezing with ultra-rapid vitrification and utilisation of Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) for fertilising frozen-thawed oocytes.

Oocyte cryopreservation has led to a novel era of ART. It is exponentially being used for different medical, social, ethical and legal indications. Oocyte freezing was initially exclusively attempted for fertility preservation in women with cancers planned for gonadotoxic chemotherapy or radiotherapy. It was in the experimental stage until 2013 when the American society for reproductive medicine (ASRM) approved its use for fertility preservation in oncology patients.[ 3] Since then, it has been widely used for various medical indications such as donor egg banking and social egg freezing to overcome age-related decrease in fertility potential. Recently in 2018, the ASRM practice committee accepted social egg freezing as ethically permissible and termed it as "planned oocyte cryopreservation" ("Planned OC").[ 4] Our fertility centre has been one of the earliest clinics in the country to introduce oocyte cryopreservation using vitrification into clinical practice.[ 5, 6, 7]

Oocyte cryopreservation is a key milestone in assisted reproduction. The present review is conducted to evaluate its clinical applications, preferred technique of freezing, appropriate age at Planned OC and the optimal number of mature oocytes to be frozen for an acceptable live birth outcome. The efficacy and safety of ICSI with vitrified oocytes in terms of oocyte survival, as well as obstetric and neonatal outcome, is also reviewed. The latest advances in the field are documented as well to further improve the outcome of oocyte cryopreservation.

METHODS

We conducted a literature search using online databases such as PubMed, Medline, Cinahl, Embase and Google Scholar for relevant publications in the English language up to September 2021 to evaluate oocyte cryopreservation. The keywords searched were "oocyte cryopreservation," "oocyte freezing," "fertility preservation," "social egg freezing," "vitrification," "slow freezing," "open vitrification," "closed vitrification" and "artificial intelligence." All relevant published studies so far including meta-analysis, systematic reviews, randomised controlled trials (RCTs), prospective and retrospective studies, observational studies and review articles were assessed [ Figure 1 ].

DISCUSSION

Oocyte cryopreservation has been revolutionary in ART. The present review highlights its indications, freezing technique, ideal age, optimal oocyte number and outcomes in terms of efficacy and safety, recent advances and future implications.

CLINICAL APPLICATIONS OF OOCYTE CRYOPRESERVATION

Oocyte cryopreservation is offered for expanding medical and non-medical indications as shown in Figure 2 . Oocyte banking has been an important breakthrough, for preserving fertility in post-pubertal unmarried females suffering from cancer. The incidence of malignancy in women of reproductive age group is about 10%.[ 8] The demand for this oncofertility preservation method has increased due to the improvement in survival rate following cancer treatment. Cancer or its therapy might be detrimental to female fertility due to surgical oophorectomy or the use of cytotoxic drugs which may decrease the ovarian reserve. Most of the chemotherapy agents are gonadotoxic, resulting in follicular depletion. Radiation therapy can also damage the ovaries, decreasing the follicular count.[ 4] Mature oocyte freezing is the most promising strategy for fertility preservation before such gonadotoxic treatment. A major constraint is a 2-3-week delay due to conventional follicular phase Controlled Ovarian Stimulation (COS). This can be solved by 'random-start ovarian stimulation' in which the patient need not waste her crucial time in waiting for her next menstrual period, for commencing COS.[ 9] Ovarian stimulation can be started randomly on any day of the menstrual cycle, without reduction in oocyte yield and without compromising the urgency and safety of cancer treatment.

Dual stimulation (Duo stim) is another novel protocol which can be used in such patients to increase the frozen oocyte pool in a short period, thus increasing the cumulative live birth rates, later on in life.[ 10, 11] Retrieval of immature oocytes followed by in-vitro maturation is an effective alternative to further shorten this delay.[ 12, 13] Embryos can be formed later on with thawed oocytes whenever the women are in remission and are planning pregnancy.

Women with breast cancer gene mutation mutation, who are planning prophylactic bilateral oophorectomy to prevent ovarian cancer, can be offered oocyte cryopreservation, if either childbearing is not completed or the women is not ready for conception, at the time of surgery.[ 14] Women at risk of ovarian insufficiency due to genetic conditions such as Fragile X premutation, Turner syndrome and X chromosome deletion are suitable candidates for egg freezing before ovarian failure ensues.[ 15, 16]

It is also an option for patients with medical conditions such as endometriosis planned for surgery, autoimmune diseases planned for gonadotoxic therapy, diminished ovarian reserve and those undergoing gender reassignment surgery. Oocyte cryopreservation in endometriosis (Endo-fertility) is being increasingly utilised for fertility preservation in women with severe endometriosis.[ 17]

Oocyte cryopreservation acts as a salvage procedure when there is the inability to obtain sperms on the day of oocyte retrieval. The partner may be either unavailable or unable to give the semen sample or there may be a failure to retrieve sperms during testicular sperm extraction (Tese) or microsurgical testicular sperm extraction (m-Tese) procedure in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia, especially when the couple is not willing for sperm donation.[ 18]

Autologous egg freezing with pooling can also be done in poor responders patients with non-obstructive azoospermia male partner. In such patients, multiple oocyte retrieval cycles followed by oocyte freezing may be done.[ 19] This can be followed by surgical testicular sperm retrieval later when sufficient number (~10-12) of mature oocytes are available for insemination. This can prevent multiple testicular surgeries on the male partner.

Egg banking is an asset in donor oocyte programmes for women with poor ovarian reserve, multiple in vitro fertilisation (IVF) failures and postmenopausal women seeking pregnancy. Donor oocyte banking simplifies ART cycle logistics due to minimal coordination, as synchronisation between the recipient and donor menstrual cycles is not needed. It allows quarantine of oocytes, thereby providing time for infectious disease screening, especially for HIV 1 and 2. Egg banking potentially reduces oocyte donation cycle cost through efficient oocyte allocation to many recipients from a pool of donors and decreases the time to pregnancy. Frozen donor oocytes can be easily transported from one centre to other, thus simplifying the procedure.[ 20] In a prospective study, performed to compare the outcome of fresh and vitrified donor oocyte cycles, there was no significant difference in fertilisation rate (80.7% vs. 78.2%) and clinical pregnancy rate (40.8% vs. 33.3%), between the two groups of patients.[ 21]

Elective fertility preservation (EFP) or Planned OC has been an important milestone in ART providing reproductive autonomy to women. It gives choices to women, wishing to delay motherhood and to focus on their career without compromising their future fertility. There has been a rising trend in women, starting their families at a later age, when fertility is already declining due to reduced follicular quantity and quality. Oocytes can be cryopreserved, before the biological clock starts ticking, allowing women to use their own oocytes for future pregnancy. This fertility insurance option is being increasingly used, by a number of women, at a younger age, referred to now by the ASRM, as Planned OC.[ 22]

Oocyte Cryopreservation is also the only option for women unable to cryopreserve embryos due to ethical, religious or legal concerns. In some countries like Italy, embryo freezing is prohibited by law.[ 23] Oocyte cryopreservation is an option in hyper-stimulated patients with supernumerary oocytes. Moreover, in egg freezing, unlike embryo freezing, the genetic material is obtained from a single individual, thereby avoiding the controversy for the ownership of the embryos, in case of future separation or divorce.

Oocyte cryopreservation may also be useful in certain conditions threatening future fertility such as planned female-to-male transition, traumatic injury or unanticipated future events like the death of an existing child, divorce or remarriage.[ 24]

OOCYTE CRYOPRESERVATION TECHNIQUES

Cryopreservation refers to the storage of cells and tissues at sub-zero temperature for extended periods. Oocytes can be cryopreserved either by the process of controlled freezing (slow freezing) or ultrarapid freezing (vitrification). The first live birth using frozen oocytes was reported in 1986, using the technique slow freezing.[ 1] In equilibrium cooling or slow freezing, extracellular ice formation drives cellular dehydration. Cryoprotectants (CPAs) are used to prevent ice crystal formation, thereby reducing cryodamage. During cryopreservation, various permeating (e.g., glycerol, dimethyl sulfoxide or DMSO, 1,2 propanediol, PROH,) and nonpermeating (e.g., glucose, sucrose, fructose, trehalose) CPAs can be used. Cells are exposed to a low concentration of CPA with slow reduction in temperature.[ 25]

The first birth, following vitrification of oocytes, was reported in 1999.[ 26] Vitrification is a non-equilibrium rapid cooling method, which involves utilisation of high concentrations of permeating CPA, forming non-crystalline intracellular amorphous solids, when subjected to rapid fall in the rate of temperature gradients, ranging from 12,000 to 24,000 degrees centigrade/minute. Due to the toxic properties of CPAs, the oocytes are exposed to them, for a very short period (5-15 min at a concentration of 7.5% weight by volume followed by 60-90 s at a concentration of 15% weight by volume). These oocytes are then placed on a carrier system and then plunged into liquid nitrogen. This ultra-rapid cooling gives protection against intracellular ice crystal formation. The oocytes are stored in liquid nitrogen at −196° centigrade.[ 27] Vitrification causes minimal damage to the oocyte spindle and the resultant chromosome alignment. Vitrification can involve either direct (open vitrification) or indirect (closed vitrification) contact with liquid nitrogen.

Cryobiology has always struggled to find the answer to the pros and cons of slow freezing and Vitrification. In a meta-analysis conducted to compare the pregnancy outcomes after IVF, using slow freezing oocytes versus using fresh oocytes, the fertilisation rates and live birth rates were found to be lower in the slow freezing oocytes cycle.[ 28] Subsequently, various studies have shown better outcomes with vitrification as compared to slow freezing. In a study, comparing the outcomes of vitrified donor egg cycles with previous fresh donor cycles of the same donor, the fertilisation rate, implantation rate and pregnancy rates were found to be similar.[ 29] In a prospective randomised study, comparing oocyte survival, embryo development and fertilisation rate of ART cycles using fresh and frozen oocytes of the same donor, no significant difference was noted in the outcomes.[ 30] In a meta-analysis on oocyte cryopreservation cycles, including 10 studies, there were higher oocyte survival and fertilisation rates with vitrification (85% and 79%) compared to slow freezing (65% and 74%).[ 31] In 2014, Cochrane review of two RCTs with 106 participants comparing oocyte vitrification with slow freezing, has shown a higher clinical pregnancy rate with vitrification.[ 32] The human oocyte preservation experience registry established by Nagy et al., evaluating oocyte cryopreservation techniques has shown higher live birth rate with vitrification of donor oocytes (52%) as compared to slow freezing (25%).[ 33] National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines recommends, vitrification for oocyte cryopreservation over slow freezing, if the necessary expertise and equipment are available.[ 34] Since almost a decade, vitrification is the dominant method of oocyte cryopreservation worldwide.

Another important technical point that has been investigated and researched at length, is the comparative performance of the open versus closed method of vitrification. Conventionally, open vitrification system was used in most of the studies, demonstrating similar success rates between ICSI with fresh and frozen oocytes.[ 35] Recently, concerns have been raised for open vitrification due to the risk of cross-contamination and disease transmission via liquid nitrogen. This has led to the introduction of closed vitrification system.[ 36] However, the closed system might result in less efficient oocyte freezing, due to their decreased cooling rates. A decade-old study has shown better preservation of oocyte ultrastructure with the open system as compared to the closed system.[ 37] Another study has found decreased fertilisation and clinical pregnancy rates with closed system.[ 38] Contrary to these studies, a prospective study of sibling donor oocytes frozen with both techniques has concluded that except survival rate (82.9% vs. 91.0%,), there was no statistically significant differences in the clinical pregnancy (36.0% vs. 28.0%) and live birth rate (36.0% vs. 24.0%) rates between the closed and open groups. Moreover, the closed system provides an aseptic alternative for oocyte vitrification.[ 39] In 2018, a meta-analysis was conducted including 12 studies comparing open and closed vitrification and found comparable cryosurvival, clinical pregnancy and live birth rates.[ 40] Further well-designed prospective studies are required to conclude that closed vitrification system could be a substitution for open system.

THE IDEAL AGE AT FREEZING AND OOCYTE NUMBER FOR ELECTIVE EGG FREEZING

Oocyte cryopreservation has evolved over the years. Its success depends on diverse factors such as the age of the patients at the time of freezing, indication, total number of oocytes frozen and method of cryopreservation.[ 41] Age at freezing is the most critical factor. Although there is no clear recommendation, 'the younger the better'. Doyle et al., have estimated the efficiency of live birth per thaw oocyte and has shown it to reduce with increasing age (7.4% for <30 years, 7.0% for 30-34 years, 6.5% for 35-37 years and 5.2% for ≥38 years).[ 42] Although oocyte freezing at a younger age may maximise the oocyte quantity and quality, they are less likely to be utilised by the patient, in the future. Freezing at advanced age requires a greater number of oocyte retrieval cycles, thereby increasing physical, mental and financial burden on the patient. It may also require an increased number of lower quality oocytes to be frozen for achieving comparable live birth rates. There should be a balance between the desired benefits and cost-effectiveness in deciding the ideal age at which elective egg freezing should be offered. Nagy et al. studied women undergoing Planned OC and found that live birth rates at <35 years was significantly greater than at 35 years (23.8% vs. 12.0%).[ 33] This study had a number of limitations including small sample size, selection bias and lack of data verification. One model-based study concluded that egg freezing was less beneficial at ages 25-30 years, with maximum benefits at ages 32-37 years.[ 43] To conclude early to mid-thirties would be a reasonable age group for considering Planned OC, although it might be recommended at a younger age in selected patients with diminished ovarian reserve or who are at risk of Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI).

Another crucial factor influencing the success of EFP is the number of mature (Metaphase 2) oocytes frozen. The optimum number of frozen oocytes for the recently promoted fertility insurance varies with age. Freezing too few oocytes would limit our success, whereas freezing too many might cause unnecessary expenditure, adverse health effects, increased occupancy of liquid nitrogen container storage space and oocyte wastage if left unutilised. Rienzi et al. in 2012, concluded that more than eight oocytes should be frozen to improve future pregnancy rates.[ 44] Doyle et al. in 2016, recommended to cryopreserve 15-20 mature oocytes in women <38 years of age (70%-80% chance of at least one live birth) and 25-30 mature oocytes in age more than 38 years (65%-75% chance of at least one live birth).[ 42] In summary, patients should be motivated to preserve around 20 mature oocytes for successful live birth.[ 2]

Recently, concerns were raised about the effect of duration of oocyte freezing on pregnancy outcome. Whiteley et al. in 2021 analysed 530 cycles utilising autologous frozen thaw oocytes. There was no adverse effect of the duration of oocyte freezing on live birth rate using thaw oocytes.[ 45] The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority allows the storage of frozen oocytes for 10 years, which can be extended under special circumstances.[ 46] At present, there is no such regulation in India.

EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF OOCYTE CRYOPRESERVATION

With the rise in elective egg freezing the efficacy and safety of oocyte cryopreservation should be continuously assessed for better patient counselling. Various studies have been conducted over the years, showing excellent clinical outcomes with frozen oocytes as given in Table 1 . In 2010, Cobo et al. prospectively studied the outcome of fresh and frozen-thawed donor oocyte cycle and found no significant difference in the fertilisation and on-going pregnancy rate (41.7% vs. 43.7%).[ 47] Rienzi et al. in 2010, prospectively randomised sibling eggs obtained from infertile patients to IVF/ICSI with fresh or frozen oocytes and found no significant difference in embryo development outcome.[ 50] In 2013, Garcia-Velasco et al. published a 5-year retrospective, observational study reporting an on-going pregnancy rate of 30.7% per warming, cycle, using frozen oocytes of women undergoing planned OC.[ 51] Potdar et al. in 2014 conducted a meta-analysis of 17 studies comparing fertility outcomes with vitrified and fresh oocytes. There was no significant difference in fertilisation, cleavage and clinical pregnancy rate between both the groups.[ 52] Although the on-going pregnancy rate per thaw oocyte was reduced in the vitrified oocyte group (4.6%) as compared to fresh oocytes (5.3%), interpretation was limited mainly due to immense heterogeneity between studies. In 2015, Doyle et al. conducted a retrospective cohort study comparing the outcomes of autologous embryo transfer cycles of frozen-thaw oocytes with fresh oocytes. The fertilisation rate in the vitrified-warmed oocyte group was equivalent to the fresh oocyte cycle (69.5% vs. 71.7%). Although the implantation rate per embryo transferred (43% vs. 35%) and clinical pregnancy rate per transfer (57% vs. 44%) were significantly more with frozen-thaw oocytes than fresh oocytes, there was no statistically significant difference in live birth/ongoing pregnancy rate (39% vs. 35%).[ 42] In 2017, Pai et al. conducted a retrospective observational study at our centre comparing outcomes of ICSI with fresh and frozen donor oocytes. The oocyte survival rate was 96.4% and there was no significant difference in fertilisation (83.4% vs. 86.2%) or clinical pregnancy rate (60.5% vs. 63.6%) between fresh and vitrified oocytes.[ 49] In 2017, Domingues et al. published a retrospective observational study comparing the outcome of fresh versus frozen donor oocyte cycle and found similar fertilisation and pregnancy rates in both groups.[ 48] In contrast, a retrospective analysis of SART (Society for ART) data from 2013 to 2015 reported significantly more live birth rate with fresh as compared to vitrified oocytes (51.1% vs. 39.7%).[ 53] The major limitation of this study was that it was based on aggregate outcome data without control of confounding variables. It raises the need for more high-quality studies to further compare the live birth outcomes using fresh and frozen donor oocytes. However, the available evidence recommends cryopreserved donor oocytes as a reasonable alternative to fresh donor oocytes making commercial donor egg banking practically possible.[ 54]

Table 1

Study

Study design and population

Study group (n=cycles)

Fertilization rate (%)

IR/CPR (%)

LBR/OPR (%)

Doyle et al., 2016[ 42]

Retrospective cohort study
Autologous ICSI cycles

Vitrified-warmed oocyte ( n=128)

69.5

43 (IR)
57 (CPR)

39

Fresh oocyte ( n=2963)

71.7

35 (IR)
44 (CPR)

35

Cobo et al., 2010[ 47]

Prospective randomised study
Donor oocyte cycles

Vitrified oocyte ( n=295)

74.2

55.4 (CPR)

43.7 (OPR)

Fresh oocyte ( n=289)

73.3

55.6 (CPR)

41.7 (OPR)

Domingues et al., 2017[ 48]

Retrospective observational study
Donor oocyte cycles

Frozen thaw oocyte ( n=426)

77.4

59 (CPR)

-

Fresh oocyte ( n=78)

74.5

60.9 (CPR)

-

Talreja et al., 2020[ 49]

Retrospective observational study
Donor oocyte cycles

Vitrified oocyte ( n=226)

86.2

63.6 (CPR)

Fresh oocyte ( n=374)

83.4

60.59 (CPR)

Oocyte cryopreservation had initially raised safety concerns in terms of obstetric and neonatal outcomes. There were assumptions that it might be associated with altered meiotic spindle integrity, resulting in chromosomal abnormalities in the children, born through this ART procedure. However, various studies have shown no such association. Noyes et al. in 2009, formed a database for children born after oocyte freezing and reviewed 58 reports (1986-2008) including 609 live-born babies (308 from slow freezing, 289 from vitrification and 12 from both methods).[ 55] There was no significant difference in congenital anomalies in children born through oocyte freezing as compared to natural conception. In 2012, Forman et al. conducted a randomised study on 588 mature oocytes and found no significant difference in aneuploidy rates in embryos obtained from frozen oocytes (29.1%) as compared to embryos derived from fresh oocytes (26.4%) in young women undergoing ART cycle with self-eggs.[ 56] In 2014, Cobo et al. studied the outcome of children born using frozen oocytes (1027 from 804 pregnancies) and fresh oocytes (1224 from 996 pregnancies). There was no significant difference in the rate of obstetric (pregnancy-induced hypertension, diabetes, anaemia or preterm birth), or neonatal (birth weight, gestational age at birth, birth defects, admission to neonatal intensive care unit or perinatal mortality) outcomes.[ 57] In 2017, Chamayou et al., reported comparable aneuploidy rates among Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy tested blastocysts formed from vitrified and fresh oocytes (57.5% in vitrified vs. 59.2% in fresh oocytes).[ 58] With the rising trend of this novel option more long-term follow-up studies are required to further emphasize the safety of the procedure.

There are very few follow-up studies evaluating EFP. Blakemore et al. recently conducted a 10-15 year follow-up study of women undergoing Planned OC. The utilisation rate was 38.1%, no-use rate was 58.9% and live birth rate using frozen thaw oocytes was 33.8%.[ 59] Practitioners should be encouraged to conduct more such studies which might help in proper patient counselling. Since 2007 we have frozen mature oocytes, for various indications, with successful pregnancy outcomes, following thawing of the frozen oocytes, subsequent fertilisation and embryo transfer. We have conducted a retrospective observational study (unpublished data) at our centre to study the outcome of frozen oocytes in autologous ICSI cycles from 2016 to 2021. The majority of women were in the age of 35-37 years freezing 1738 mature oocytes. Out of 221 women 59 returned to use vitrified oocytes for pregnancy. The fertilisation rate was found to be 61.3% and pregnancy rate per transfer was 47.61%.

BENEFITS OF OOCYTE CRYOPRESERVATION

The practice of oocyte cryopreservation has been increasing worldwide. It is the preferred method of fertility preservation in onco-fertility due to its simplicity and feasibility.[ 4] Moreover, it provides reproductive autonomy to women and helps them to organize their personal and professional life and overcome the age-related decline in fertility.[ 21] Donor egg banking expands the available choices of donor eggs, decreases cost, negates the need of synchronisation between donor and recipient cycle, shortens the time to pregnancy and makes quarantine of eggs feasible for infectious disease screening. It avoids wasting extra oocytes in situations where embryo freezing is not possible.[ 25]

RISKS OF OOCYTE CRYOPRESERVATION

Oocyte cryopreservation exposes women to the risks associated with COS and surgical egg retrieval. ICSI is mandatory to achieve fertilisation with vitrified egg. Planned OC might give false sense of security to women delaying motherhood for personal reasons, as fertility decreases with age.[ 5] There is also a theoretical risk of infectious disease transmission with open vitrification methods. However, it has not been observed so far.[ 27]

RECENT ADVANCES IN OOCYTE CRYOPRESERVATION

Artificial intelligence is recently proposed to predict the outcome of oocyte cryopreservation. It is a non-invasive novel innovative technology which applies artificial intelligence for the prediction of fertilisation and live birth rates from frozen oocytes.[ 60] Oocyte grading is done from the images of mature oocytes retrieved which are compared to a large database of previously cryopreserved eggs that could successfully form blastocyst. Thus, the probability of an oocyte forming blastocyst after fertilisation and live birth rate can be predicted.

Automated vitrification is another upcoming technique which might overcome the diverse outcomes of oocyte cryopreservation in fertility clinics worldwide.[ 61]

The assessment of oocyte quality before cryopreservation can be done by visualisation of spindles in metaphase II oocytes[ 62] or measuring the spindle size using polarisation microscope (Poloscope).[ 63] It can improve the prediction of embryo development potential and pregnancy outcome of ICSI cycles using frozen-thawed oocytes. Polar body biopsy before oocyte cryopreservation can also be used for the prediction of euploid embryos and future pregnancy outcomes. Oocytes with the euploid first polar body have more chances of forming blastocyst.[ 64]

Limitation

The current review has identified certain limitations in the available data on oocyte cryopreservation. The limited number of women have followed up to utilize their frozen oocytes for future pregnancy. Thus, we have less data for the long-term pregnancy outcome of frozen oocytes. Moreover, the technology for oocyte freezing has evolved over time, making it difficult to generalize the results from oocytes preserved many years ago by slow freezing and to predict the outcomes from recently vitrified oocytes. Very few prospective good-quality studies are available regarding neonatal outcomes after using frozen oocytes. There is an immense need to conduct long-term prospective randomised study to evaluate the fertilisation rate, live birth rate and long-term effect on children born through oocyte cryopreservation.

CONCLUSIONS

Oocyte cryopreservation has evolved over the past three decades into a well-established technology. Despite increasing fertility awareness, the services still remain underutilised. Improved multidisciplinary coordination between oncologists and fertility specialists and widespread availability of oocyte freezing services is the need of the hour. In the past decade, vitrification is the dominant method of oocyte cryopreservation, worldwide. Although closed system of vitrification provides the aseptic environment, open vitrification is most commonly utilised. Early to mid-thirties seem to be a reasonable age group for considering Planned OC. It might be recommended, at a younger age, in selected patients with diminished ovarian reserve, who may be at risk of primary ovarian insufficiency (POI). The patients should be motivated to preserve around 15-20 mature oocytes for successful live birth.[ 2] Various studies have shown acceptable fertilisation and pregnancy rates with frozen-thawed oocytes. The available evidence, although limited, has shown no association with birth defects. More long-term randomised prospective studies should be conducted, including the large number of subjects, evaluating live birth rates. National and international registries should ideally be established to monitor oocyte cryopreservation.

There is an need for long-term adequately powered prospective studies. Thus in the future image analysis using artificial intelligence, spindle visualisation using poloscope and polar body morphology and genetic analysis using Next-Generation Sequencing can further enhance the outcome of oocyte cryopreservation by predicting the fertilisation and live birth rates from the frozen-thawed oocytes, thereby guiding the required number of elective oocyte retrievals.

Financial support and sponsorship

Nil.

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest.

REFERENCES

2. Gardner DK, Weissman A, Howles CM, Shoham Z. 4th ed. Boca Raton: Pathenon Publishing Group; 2012. Textbook of Assisted Reproductive Techniques. [ Google Scholar]

12. Khalili MA, Shahedi A, Ashourzadeh S, Nottola SA, Macchiarelli G, Palmerini MG. Vitrification of human immature oocytes before and after [[ in vitro maturation: A review. J Assist Reprod Genet. 2017;34:1413-26. PMC free article] [ PubMed] Google Scholar]

13. Creux H, Monnier P, Son WY, Tulandi T, Buckett W. Immature oocyte retrieval and [ in vitro oocyte maturation at different phases of the menstrual cycle in women with cancer who require urgent gonadotoxic treatment. Fertil Steril. 2017;107:198-204. [ PubMed] Google Scholar]

18. Virant-Klun I, Bacer-Kermavner L, Tomazevic T, Vrtacnik-Bokal E. Slow oocyte freezing and thawing in couples with no sperm or an insufficient number of sperm on the day of [[ in vitro fertilization. Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2011;9:19. PMC free article] [ PubMed] Google Scholar]

34. NICE. London: 2013. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Fertility: Assessment and Treatment for People with Fertility Problems. [ Google Scholar]

42. Doyle JO, Richter KS, Lim J, Stillman RJ, Graham JR, Tucker MJ. Successful elective and medically indicated oocyte vitrification and warming for autologous [ in vitro fertilization, with predicted birth probabilities for fertility preservation according to number of cryopreserved oocytes and age at retrieval. Fertil Steril. 2016;105:459-66.e2. [ PubMed] Google Scholar]

46. Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority. 8th ed. London: 2015. Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority. Code of Practice. [ Google Scholar]

52. Potdar N, Gelbaya TA, Nardo LG. Oocyte vitrification in the 21[ st century and post-warming fertility outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Reprod Biomed Online. 2014;29:159-76. [ PubMed] Google Scholar]

54. Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine Electronic address: asrm@asrmorg. Evidence-based outcomes after oocyte cryopreservation for donor oocyte [ in vitro fertilization and planned oocyte cryopreservation: A guideline. Fertil Steril. 2021;116:36-47. [ PubMed] Google Scholar]

Articles from Journal of Human Reproductive Sciences are provided here courtesy of Wolters Kluwer -- Medknow Publications

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Oocyte Cryopreservation - Current Scenario and Future Perspectives: A Narrative Review

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Oocyte cryopreservation is a boon for women undergoing assisted reproductive technology. With the evolution in the technique of cryopreservation over the last three decades, there has been an exponential rise in the number of oocyte cryopreservation cycles ...

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Late-age pregnancies - Changing Perspectives on Parenthood and Maternal Health

# data[].attributes.subject
Late-age pregnancies - Changing Perspectives on Parenthood and Maternal Health

# data[].attributes.body
Deepika and Ranveer are expecting their first child together. They announced her pregnancy in February. In an Instagram post, the couple said the baby is due in September. "September 2024," read the picture embossed with baby shoes and clothing. Deepika and Ranveer, both 38, tied the knot in an intimate wedding ceremony in 2018 at Lake Como, Italy.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The actor on Monday took to Instagram to post several pictures from her latest maternity shoot.

In the black and white pictures, Deepika is flaunting her belly, and in a few she is seen sharing a happy moment with Ranveer. In one image, Deepika is seen cradling her baby bump, while in one she is wearing a bra along with pants looking at her belly with compassion and a smile on her face.

In one image, Ranveer is seen holding her belly from behind, and kissing her on her shoulder, while in one, they are seen laughing together. In several images, Deepika is seen in outfits in which her belly is visible, as she poses with a huge smile.

She kept her caption short and sweet while sharing the images, as she posted an evil eye emoji along with white heart and infinity emoji.

Fans rejoice

The sweet and intimate moments captured in the pictures have left everyone in awe, with fans and followers unable to help but go "aww" over the couple's joyful celebration of their upcoming arrival.

"Welcome baby ranveer," wrote one, while another shared, "Mommaaaaa".

"Congratssss," one wrote, and one exclaimed, "Omg".

One user shared, "The cutest", while one posted, "Love and Blessings".

"Coolest mommy alive," expressed one user, with another sharing, "IT'S MOTHER MONTH YOU ALL".

"Best looking baby on his/her way," posted one user, with one mentioning, "Goddess". "Where are the haters???? Omg Finally," read one comment.

About the pregnancy

Deepika and Ranveer are expecting their first child together. They announced her pregnancy in February. In an Instagram post, the couple said the baby is due in September. "September 2024," read the picture embossed with baby shoes and clothing. Deepika and Ranveer, both 38, tied the knot in an intimate wedding ceremony in 2018 at Lake Como, Italy.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Pregnant Deepika Padukone is a beauty to behold in new maternity shoot with Ranveer Singh. See pics

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
It is being reported that Deepika Padukone, who is expecting her first baby with her husband and actor Ranveer Singh, will deliver on September 28 in Mumbai. | Bollywood

# data[].attributes.headline
Reproductive Autonomy and Modern Family Planning-(demographic shift in how women are approaching fertility and family planning in modern times.)

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Reproductive Autonomy and Modern Family Planning-(demographic shift in how women are approaching fertility and family planning in modern times.)

# data[].attributes.body
Events like "egg-freezing parties" are becoming popular, where women gather to discuss the benefits of preserving their eggs as a means to delay motherhood while pursuing personal and professional goals. The article features personal stories, who openly shared the experience on social media. The trend reflects a cultural shift in India, with more women feeling empowered to make informed decisions about their reproductive health, supported by families who are increasingly accepting of these choices.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Egg-freezing | A growing choice for young mums

# data[].attributes.headline
Prediction- Women will be single by 2030. - change in societal norms - women changing prioritizing career over social norms

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Prediction- Women will be single by 2030. - change in societal norms - women changing prioritizing career over social norms

# data[].attributes.body
what is interesting- Social norms being questioned due to women prioritising career.

Human Behavior- Women are delaying their biological clock as they know they have differents treatments and options to facilitate child bearing. hence they are prioritising career.

demographics- women of age 25-44.

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news on Instagram: "The study by Morgan Stanley predicts that nearly half of women aged 25-44 will be single by 2030. This shift is largely due to changes in societal norms, with women prioritizing their careers, education, and personal lives over early marriage and childbearing. The increased availability of birth control and Infertility treatments has also reduced the pressure to marry for the sake of having children

. Follow us(@dailylatestnews ) to know what happened in India in Last 24hr

#trending #viral #meme #news #dailylatestnews #daily #explore"

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
44K likes, 756 comments - dailylatestnews on August 25, 2024: "The study by Morgan Stanley predicts that nearly half of women aged 25-44 will be single by 2030. This shift is largely due to changes in societal norms, with women prioritizing their careers, education, and personal lives over early marriage and childbearing. The increased availability of birth control and Infertility treatments has also reduced the pressure to marry for the sake of having children

. Follow us(@dailylatestnews ) to know what happened in India in Last 24hr

#trending #viral #meme #news #dailylatestnews #daily #explore". 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.embed_code
View this post on Instagram

A post shared by news (@dailylatestnews)

# data[].attributes.headline
Oahu public transportation targeted in Honululu in a ransomware cyber attack.

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Oahu public transportation targeted in Honululu in a ransomware cyber attack.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Oahu public transportation targeted in cyber attack

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Transportation Services director Roger Morton said it was evident that an outside actor entered the Oahu Transit Services system. “That’s clear,” Morton said, “whether it wa…

# data[].attributes.headline
Flipkart Apologises After Promotional Video Calling Husbands Aalsi, Bewakoof Sparks Outrage- responsible marketing 

# data[].attributes.subject
Flipkart Apologises After Promotional Video Calling Husbands Aalsi, Bewakoof Sparks Outrage- responsible marketing 

# data[].attributes.body
The underlying concept of this news revolves around the importance of responsible marketing. Flipkart's promotional video, which used negative stereotypes to describe husbands, sparked outrage as it offended many viewers. The public backlash highlighted the sensitivity of content that might be seen as disrespectful or perpetuating harmful stereotypes. This incident demonstrates how brands need to be mindful of their messaging to avoid offending their audience and maintain positive relationships with consumers.

# data[].attributes.headline
Late-age pregnancies - Changing Perspectives on Parenthood and Maternal Health

# data[].attributes.subject
Late-age pregnancies - Changing Perspectives on Parenthood and Maternal Health

# data[].attributes.body
Deepika and Ranveer are expecting their first child together. They announced her pregnancy in February. In an Instagram post, the couple said the baby is due in September. "September 2024," read the picture embossed with baby shoes and clothing. Deepika and Ranveer, both 38, tied the knot in an intimate wedding ceremony in 2018 at Lake Como, Italy.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The actor on Monday took to Instagram to post several pictures from her latest maternity shoot.

In the black and white pictures, Deepika is flaunting her belly, and in a few she is seen sharing a happy moment with Ranveer. In one image, Deepika is seen cradling her baby bump, while in one she is wearing a bra along with pants looking at her belly with compassion and a smile on her face.

In one image, Ranveer is seen holding her belly from behind, and kissing her on her shoulder, while in one, they are seen laughing together. In several images, Deepika is seen in outfits in which her belly is visible, as she poses with a huge smile.

She kept her caption short and sweet while sharing the images, as she posted an evil eye emoji along with white heart and infinity emoji.

Fans rejoice

The sweet and intimate moments captured in the pictures have left everyone in awe, with fans and followers unable to help but go "aww" over the couple's joyful celebration of their upcoming arrival.

"Welcome baby ranveer," wrote one, while another shared, "Mommaaaaa".

"Congratssss," one wrote, and one exclaimed, "Omg".

One user shared, "The cutest", while one posted, "Love and Blessings".

"Coolest mommy alive," expressed one user, with another sharing, "IT'S MOTHER MONTH YOU ALL".

"Best looking baby on his/her way," posted one user, with one mentioning, "Goddess". "Where are the haters???? Omg Finally," read one comment.

About the pregnancy

Deepika and Ranveer are expecting their first child together. They announced her pregnancy in February. In an Instagram post, the couple said the baby is due in September. "September 2024," read the picture embossed with baby shoes and clothing. Deepika and Ranveer, both 38, tied the knot in an intimate wedding ceremony in 2018 at Lake Como, Italy.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Pregnant Deepika Padukone is a beauty to behold in new maternity shoot with Ranveer Singh. See pics

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
It is being reported that Deepika Padukone, who is expecting her first baby with her husband and actor Ranveer Singh, will deliver on September 28 in Mumbai. | Bollywood

# data[].attributes.headline
Perfumes for dogs- evolution in pet care market - a necessity or a luxry

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Perfumes for dogs- evolution in pet care market - a necessity or a luxry

# data[].attributes.body
Underlying Concept

The underlying concept revolves around luxury branding and the trend of pampering pets, illustrating how high fashion extends its influence into the pet care market.

Human Behavior

The product taps into the human behavior of treating pets as family members, reflecting the growing market for luxury pet products as owners seek to indulge and showcase their pets' status.

Demographics

The article targets affluent pet owners who prioritize luxury and exclusivity in their purchases, particularly those interested in designer brands and willing to invest in high-end pet accessories.

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Dolce & Gabbana have launched a new perfume – but it’s not for humans | CNN

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Not content with dressing the top dogs of the music scene, from Beyoncé and Usher to Christina Aguilera, Dolce & Gabbana now has its sights on making actual dogs that bit more stylish.

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'Very demure, very mindful' - are we missing the joke of viral trend?

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'Very demure, very mindful' - are we missing the joke of viral trend?

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In recent weeks, thousands of videos showing us how to refine our etiquette have popped up on TikTok, all off the back of the "very demure, very mindful" trend. The satirical idea started as poking fun at the stereotypical ideas of femininity, but it has since taken on a life of its own. While half of the internet is using the phrase ironically, others are concerned that the trend is just another way of setting unrealistic standards for women.

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If brat described our wild and unapologetically messy summers, then exemplary manners, politeness and being a stickler for rules is what's taking us into autumn.
In recent weeks, thousands of videos showing us how to refine our etiquette have popped up on TikTok, all off the back of the "very demure, very mindful" trend.

The satirical idea started out as poking fun at the stereotypical ideas of femininity, but it has since taken on a life of its own.

While half of the internet are using the phrase ironically, others are concerned that the trend is just another way of setting unrealistic standards for women.

So, is anyone actually trying to be demure, or is this just a massive in-joke that's been blown out of proportion?

The seemingly harmless catchphrase was coined by content creator Jools Lebron, who posted a TikTok earlier this month on her demure work outfit and mindful make-up.

"You see how I do my make-up for work? Very demure, very mindful," she told her millions of followers.

"A lot of you girls go to the interview looking like Marge Simpson and go to the job looking like Patty and Selma. Not demure."

Allow TikTok content?

and

She also reminds us that when dressing for the office, her shirt "only has a little chi-chi out, not my cho-cho", adding: "You should never "come to work with a green cut crease".

After achieving overnight fame with her videos, the internet sensation has quit her checkout job, appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and updated fans that she's now able to finance her gender transition.

Not only have content creators and celebrities been jumping on the trend, but even companies like Nasa have joined the bandwagon.

"You see how Earth looks in space? It's very demure, very mindful. Earth looks very cutesy in the solar system," the space agency posted on X.

Demure has also made its way into our fashion - content creator Ambika Dhir says being "demure and mindful in outfits is about well-crafted quiet luxury, chic outfits and a strong personal style that grabs attention without being shouty".

Similarly, Isa Lavahun, a social media strategist, says she interprets Lebron's demure catchphrase as the "embodiment of subtle self-love - knowing that as long as you carry yourself with grace and empathy, no other opinion matters".

But, not everyone sees it like that.

One Tik Toker, Sabrina Thulander, says she's "always interpreted demure as a negative thing, like how a Victorian era man wants his wife to act. It all feels very trad wife to me".

But some women have been leaning into the trad wife trend, which has risen in popularity due to the artistic portrayal of women in shows like Bridgerton and Downtown Abbey who are demure and mindful.

Author Gershom Mabaquiao explains that the trend started off being about "the unseriousness of self-presentation", but since it has become bigger than social media and permeated society, it's being interpreted in a "very literal way".

The fact some people are posting about being demure, cutesty and mindful in a serious way shows "how nuances are lost when messages travel from the high-context in-groups to the low-context outgroups", he says.

"The sarcasm and deliberate 'double standards' of the joke has gotten lost."

Nöel Wolf, a cultural and linguistic expert, says the word demure dates back to the 1600s, and was used a lot in the 1800s to describe young women who were modest and reserved".

The recontextualisation of the word now shows "how old language can take on a new life in the hands of the younger generations".

As TikTok trends come and go at an increasingly rapid pace, it's hard to know which word or phrase will be the next big thing.

A former English teacher and now content creator who goes by the name of ExemplaryPotato, shares new words every week on the platform.

In response to demure, he has shared a video explaining the meaning of vituperative, an antonym to demure.

Wolf says the phrases that Gen Z have used this year are unexpected and obscure, like raw dogging, rizz and bed rotting.

He added that demure isn't the "only archaic word making a comeback this year" as Inside Out 2 brought "ennui" back into fashion, while Taylor Swift's Tortured Poets Department re-popularised the word "tryst".

"There's a tendency for online trends to yo-yo: we moved from the clean girl aesthetic to brat summer as a rejection of that, and now to "demure", so, there's a good chance that whatever the next trend is, it'll be far from demure."

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Very demure, very mindful - but are we missing the joke?

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A demure TikTok has gone viral, but is it an ironic joke or does it set unrealistic standards for women?

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40 million votes hacked- Technology not used for benefit of society.

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40 million votes hacked- Technology not used for benefit of society.

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Personal details of millions of UK voters were left "vulnerable to hackers" because passwords were not changed and software not updated, the UK's data privacy watchdog has found.

The Electoral Commission, which oversees UK elections, has been formally reprimanded by the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) over the security lapse.

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Personal details of millions of UK voters were left "vulnerable to hackers" because passwords were not changed and software not updated, the UK's data privacy watchdog has found.

The Electoral Commission, which oversees UK elections, has been formally reprimanded by the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) over the security lapse.

Beginning in August 2021 cyber-attackers were able to access computers containing the Electoral Registers, which hold details of voters including millions of those not available publicly.

The Electoral Commission said it regretted that sufficient protections were not in place to prevent the cyber-attack.

"As the ICO has noted and welcomed, since the attack we have made changes to our approach, systems, and processes to strengthen the security and resilience of our systems and will continue to invest in this area," it said in a statement.

The investigation did not find any evidence that personal data was misused, or that any direct harm has been caused by the attack.

The ICO said hackers had access to the Electoral Commissions' systems for over a year.

It was only spotted when an employee reported that spam emails were being sent from the commission's own email server.

The hackers were eventually booted out in 2022.

The UK government has formally accused China of being behind the attack on the commission, claims the Chinese embassy rejected as "malicious slander".

'Basic steps'

The ICO's investigation found the Electoral Commission did not have appropriate security measures in place to protect the personal information it held.

To carry out the attack, hackers impersonated a legitimate user account and exploited a number of publicly known security weaknesses in software used by the commission.

Software updates which fixed these security holes had been available for months before the attack, but the Electoral Commission had failed to apply them.

The commission also did not have an "appropriate" policy in place to ensure employees were using secure passwords.

Investigators found 178 active email accounts were still using passwords identical or similar to those set by the organisation's IT service desk when an account was created or reset.

ICO deputy commissioner Stephen Bonner said if the Electoral Commission had "taken basic steps" to protect its systems, it was "highly likely" the data breach would not have happened.

"By not installing the latest security updates promptly, its systems were left exposed and vulnerable to hackers," he said.

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Poor security let hackers access 40 million voters' details

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The UK data watchdog says weak passwords and unpatched software were responsible for the hack.

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The underlying desire for validation and belonging among individuals, particularly younger generations, as they navigate their self-concept and aspirations through the lens of social media and celebrity culture.

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AI-generated cat content, like the character Chubby, captivates a diverse audience by blending humour, emotion, and surrealism, reflecting a profound shift in internet culture and the influence of technology on human engagement.

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AI-generated cat content, like the character Chubby, captivates a diverse audience by blending humour, emotion, and surrealism, reflecting a profound shift in internet culture and the influence of technology on human engagement.

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There have been many famous internet cats, but no internet cat may have made more people cry than Chubby. Depictions of Chubby vary, but he is always rotund, ginger and AI-generated. He is almost always involved in a deeply sad or peculiar situation. And he has baffled, outraged and won over millions of people.

The demographics for the AI-generated cat videos, like Chubby and Chubby Jr., span a broad audience. Viewers include teens to middle-aged adults, especially those active on platforms like TikTok and YouTube Shorts. These users are drawn to emotional content, engaging with videos that elicit compassion, humour, or surprise, even though they are AI-generated. The trend also appeals to younger viewers, as seen with viral videos of toddlers reacting emotionally. This wide appeal taps into digital culture's long-standing love of cats and internet meme culture.

Human behaviour in the rise of AI-generated cat videos, like Chubby on TikTok, reflects a deep fascination with digital content that blends humour, emotion, and surrealism. These videos tap into nostalgia, empathy, and the absurdity of modern internet culture, as people form emotional connections with AI-generated stories of hardship and tragedy, even knowing they're artificial. The phenomenon highlights how social media algorithms, AI technology, and user engagement are intertwined, driving both the creation and consumption of emotionally charged, viral content despite its artificial origins.

What interests me about this article is how AI-generated content, particularly involving cats like "Chubby," taps into human emotions and reflects a broader shift in internet culture. It highlights the power of algorithms and technology to influence what we engage with, blending humour, sadness, and surrealism in ways that captivate massive audiences. The combination of AI's imperfections with emotional storytelling raises intriguing questions about the future of online content and the evolving relationship between humans and machines.

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Tearjerker videos of AI-generated cats earned millions of views and a devoted following, blurring the line between spam and art. Is it the algorithm, or is this what the internet wants?
There have been many famous internet cats, but it's possible no internet cat has made more people cry than Chubby. Depictions of Chubby vary, but he is always rotund, ginger and AI-generated. He is almost always involved in a deeply sad or peculiar situation. And he has baffled, outraged and won over millions of people.

Content creators on TikTok and YouTube Shorts tell stories about Chubby and his family in wordless slideshows of AI-generated pictures. A recent video by the TikTok account @mpminds opens with Chubby and his child, Chubby Jr, dressed in tatters. Chubby holds a cardboard sign that reads "Will Purr Fro Eood" (AI image generators can churn out impressive graphics, but they're notoriously bad at rendering text). In the next images we see Chubby shoplifting from a grocery store, getting arrested by the police and leaving a distraught Chubby Jr to an uncertain fate. The last image shows Chubby behind prison bars, dreaming wistfully of his son. The video has over 50 million views and 68,000 comments, written in several different languages.

Chubby is far from alone. Similar content has flooded social media in recent months. In March, reports emerged that bizarre AI-generated images of Jesus made out of shrimp exploded on Facebook, baffling observers and racking up millions of views. The posts were so popular that many speculated the social media engagement was coming from networks of bots programed to pose as humans. But with this new genre of cat videos, it's clear the internet has turned a corner. There's no question that Chubby and his AI-generated feline friends are capturing real people's attention and emotions, en masse. It's raising new questions about the meeting of art and technology, and perhaps offering a vision of the internet's future.

Most videos place the cats in depressing human situations. Chubby Jr faces schoolyard bullying. Chubby is addicted to cigarettes. The cats get drafted and go to war. And for the past three months, the videos have almost all been soundtracked by an AI-generated cover of Billie Eilish's What Was I Made For, with the lyrics swapped out for meows. Before that, the standard song was a meowed AI cover of Sia's Unstoppable.

"can't let gang know i teared up to this" reads one typical comment on a TikTok by @relatablecutecats (160,000 followers) about Chubby Jr failing a test at school. "Out of all things happening in this world this is what I get sad at," comments another viewer on a video about Chubby Jr getting abducted by a pigeon while eating McDonald's with his father.

The AI-generated cat stories are objectively weird. They are also wildly popular, and more than a little controversial. But whether or not Chubby is what people are looking for when they go online, this is the content the internet is giving us - at least for now. The only question is why?

Whether they're grumpy, keyboard playing or " Nyanning", cats have always been at the heart of digital culture. Jessica Maddox, professor at the University of Alabama and author of The Internet Is for Cats: How Animal Images Shape Our Digital Lives, says cat content is a hit not just because it's cute, but because "images of cats can be malleable... we can make cat images mean whatever we want them to mean". In the Victorian era, Maddox says, "people wrote letters to each other in their cats' voices and printed off photo-plates of their cats to share with friends".

Cats were a natural fit as meme culture took root online. And as technology advances, pet lovers have moved from photos of cats to generating them with artificial intelligence. The debut of free-to-use and widely available AI generators like Midjourney, ElevenLabs and DALL-E has changed the look, feel and landscape of the web. By putting powerful tools into the hands of anybody with an internet connection and a sufficient amount of chutzpah, these AI generators catalysed a rapid bloom of new genres of online content.

Images of cats can be malleable. We can make cat images mean whatever we want them to mean - Jessica Maddox

"I began in January 2024", says Charles, the creator behind the popular @mpminds account who asked to withhold his full name to protect his professional reputation. "I saw another account which made AI-generated pictures of cats, not the same content, but kind of the same vibe. I remixed it to make stories, and created the characters of Chubby and Chubby Jr. So it was maybe sketched out a bit before me, but I took the road and customised things to make it what it is today."

Many creators have followed the same path, using AI tools to remix existing culture the way other internet users riff on movies, music, politics and all else. "I knew there was potential to make money on TikTok, and I saw that AI-generated content was quite popular," says Charles, who works in the finance business in France. "I experimented with different ideas before the cat videos, and it was the cat videos that really took off, so I stuck with that."

"A lot of people don't realise how AI has become so baked into social media, both in terms of features and shareable content. Someone might be sharing a popular social media post that is AI without realising it", Maddox says. But as more and more AI-generated content appears online, there is also more and more "pushback", she says.

Users and researchers have noted an increase in what's come to be known as "AI slop", low-quality content manufactured in large amounts by people using AI generators. The most famous example is probably the "Shrimp Jesus" study from early 2024, in which researchers at Stanford and Georgetown documented networks of AI-generated spam accounts on Facebook. These accounts posted surreal AI-generated images dozens of times a day, garnering hundreds of millions of likes and views. One AI-generated post was reportedly among the top ten most-viewed posts on the entire platform in the third quarter of 2023.

By enrolling in the monetisation programs of the platforms or directing viewers to external links and services, users creating this kind of content can make money. There's also money to be made in teaching others to generate content with AI. As reported in the Washington Post, AI cat stories creators sell courses that instruct students in how best to gain a following and make money.

"AI made it possible to do this at scale, so why not try?" says Renée DiResta, the former research director at Stanford who ran the Shrimp Jesus study. The volume and speed that AI generators allow spammers to post at means they have more shots at the moving target of virality. According to DiResta, spammers and scammers using generative AI also take advantage of social media algorithms which are better at recommending content than evaluating its accuracy or relevance. In 2023, at the same time as AI-generated tools enabled spammers to easily produce high volumes of content, Facebook reportedly tinkered its algorithms so they served users more content from accounts they had not previously interacted with. Paired with an inadequate system for labelling AI-generated content, this created a perfect storm.

Sad videos generate more engagement because they elicit the compassion of viewers - Charles of @mpminds

One way to read the rise of AI-generated content is to see it as a consequence of social media algorithms themselves. Algorithms like Facebook's or TikTok's filter billions of data points per day and evaluate that content through automated programs (many of which involve AI). In addition to managing the flows of content across vast networks, the preferences of these algorithms actively shape those flows, determining what goes viral and what doesn't. AI-generated content can succeed by strategically playing to the preferences of algorithms first and human audiences second. "Machines are making content for machines," DiResta says.

But the machines still require some creative input from real people. "I believe AI-generated content can be art," Charles says. An AI image generator may be doing the bulk of the work compared to the efforts of a human illustrator, but it's on creators like Charles to come up with ideas and themes, and he says it still takes about an hour to make just one cat story video. And by any metric, Charles has been dramatically successful, both in terms of likes and views and the emotional response of his audience. "The person generating the AI content has a significant role in the outcome," he says.

"My initial reaction was mostly, 'what is this? Why is this?'" says Daniel Chartier, a painter who first encountered the AI cat stories on his TikTok For You page. "I kinda went through the five stages of grief and then finally landed on acceptance. It upsets me how actually sad I find them."

For Chartier, whose art often focuses on animals, imperfection is a key part of the AI cat stories aesthetic. Chubby and the other cats are rarely consistent between images: costumes and fur patterns change, backgrounds alter dramatically. But despite the inconsistencies and occasional hallucinations of the AI generators, he says the cat stories remain compelling because of how "devastating" they are. "I just love that I can invest in these characters while everything else is so goofy. It seems like it would not be emotional, the way you could create anything that looks like this, but it's successful sometimes. The contrast is great," Chartier says.

Charles agrees. "A good cat video is one with a tragic ending, a devastating one. The reason is, firstly, because I wanted to amuse myself; to put the cats in crazy situations. I also saw that sad videos generate more engagement because they elicit the compassion of viewers."

The whiplash of feeling a genuine emotional response from a clearly AI-generated video seems to be one of the main reasons people want to watch bad things happen to Chubby. In the comments on many AI cat stories, users report being brought to the videos by another even more viral video in June by TikTok user @b.ajasiii which shows a toddler watching AI-generated cat videos and weeping.

The video received 173 million views and a repost by Billie Eilish, whose song is used in many AI cat stories. And it sparked a trend of other TikTokers filming their toddlers' reactions to the cat stories. "That was a key moment [for the AI cats trend]," Charles says. "I was already viral before that. But [that video] made my account explode even more."

But many aren't thrilled with the trend. A creator who goes by the name Tommy Guacamole was one among many who made a video mocking people's responses to the cat videos. It's funny how easily these cat posts are able to manipulate our emotions, but "I think AI content is trash and genuinely ruining the internet", he says.

The AI cat stories are not trying to hide the fact that they are made using AI. TikTok and YouTube both require creators to label AI-generated content as such, and the cat content accounts usually comply with this rule. Several even brand themselves as AI accounts in their usernames and bios. But the fact that they are AI-generated does not seem to stand in the way of the audience's heart strings.

"I'm not sure where the project is going," says Charles, "For now, I'm going to keep posting the content as it is and see what happens."
For timely, trusted tech news from global correspondents to your inbox, sign up to the Tech Decoded newsletter, while The Essential List delivers a handpicked selection of features and insights twice a week.

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Meet Chubby, the bizarre AI-generated cat who could be the future of the internet

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Tearjerker videos of AI-generated cats earned millions of views and a devoted following, blurring the line between spam and art.

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The demand for cheap and accessible products drives unethical practices in food production and distribution.

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'New Scam In Bengaluru?' Bengaluru Man Alarmed by Marriage Proposal for Allegedly Underage Girl After Unexpected Door Visit.

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'New Scam In Bengaluru?' Bengaluru Man Alarmed by Marriage Proposal for Allegedly Underage Girl After Unexpected Door Visit.

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A Woman Knocking Door With Her 15-Year-Old Daughter and asks money for her marriage. A man residing in Bengaluru has expressed apprehension over a woman knocking on his door regarding her daughter's marriage—whom he believes is just 15 years old. The Reddit user enjoyed his weekend by having chicken biryani for lunch and binge-watching. The Reddit user, who goes by the name "Kvak95," dozed off while watching and was awakened by continuous doorbells from a woman in her 40s, who started speaking to him as soon as he opened the door.

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‘New Scam In Bengaluru?’ A Woman Knocking Door With Her 15-Year-Old Daughter And Then.....

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He shared the ordeal on his Reddit account and asked social media users if they thought this was a new scam in Bengaluru, asking for money for an urgent marriage. He also sought advice from users, asking if he should file a complaint considering the girl was a minor., Viral News - Times Now

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The demand for engagement and creativity, as users seek innovative ways to connect and express themselves in the digital landscape often leading to risky stunts for attention.

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Congress Alleges SEBI Chief Madhabi Puri Buch Earned ₹36.41 Crore from ICICI Bank and ICICI Prudential Between 2017-2024

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Congress Alleges SEBI Chief Madhabi Puri Buch Earned ₹36.41 Crore from ICICI Bank and ICICI Prudential Between 2017-2024

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Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera alleges SEBI chief Madhavi Buch has been drawing hefty income from ICICI Bank between 2017-2024 & also received income from ICICI Prudential. She had drawn over ₹12 crore in salary from ICICI Bank between 2017 and 2024. Additionally, Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera claimed that Madhabi Puri Buch also received an income of ₹22.41 crore from ICICI Prudential during the same period and received ESOP worth over ₹2 crore from ICICI bank.

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#Flash: Congress spokesperson  Pawan Khera alleges SEBI chief Madhavi Buch has been drawing hefty income from ICICI Bank between 2017-2024 & also received income from ICICI Prudential

@INCIndia @SEBI_India #madhabipuribuch #icicibank #iciciprudential #PawanKhera

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#Flash: Congress spokesperson  Pawan Khera alleges SEBI chief Madhavi Buch has been drawing hefty income from ICICI Bank between 2017-2024 & also received income from ICICI Prudential

@INCIndia @SEBI_India #madhabipuribuch #icicibank #iciciprudential #PawanKhera https://t.co/p3USPb4ZeP

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#Flash: Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera alleges SEBI chief Madhavi Buch has been drawing hefty income from ICICI Bank between 2017-2024 & also received income from ICICI Prudential@INCIndia @SEBI_India #madhabipuribuch #icicibank #iciciprudential #PawanKhera pic.twitter.com/p3USPb4ZeP
— The New Indian (@TheNewIndian_in) September 2, 2024

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Aiding small businesses through AI to generate podcast adverts

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Aiding small businesses through AI to generate podcast adverts

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entertainment

hb- finding ways to automate the most direct of jobs

A start-up has won £50,000 to create a way for small businesses to make computer-generated podcast adverts.

Klaxon AI, based in Peterborough, was granted funding from the UK's innovation agency to make an advert-generator.

The new system should be up and running in January and will let companies make 30-second ads for podcasts in just a few minutes.

Arup Biswas, Klaxon AI's co-founder, said he was "over the moon" to get the Innovate UK funding.

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Arup Biswas said the system would be an "incredibly cheap" alternative to making podcast adverts from scratch

A start-up has won £50,000 to create a way for small businesses to make computer-generated podcast adverts.

Klaxon AI, based in Peterborough, was granted funding from the UK's innovation agency to make an advert-generator.

The new system should be up and running in January and will let companies make 30-second ads for podcasts in just a few minutes.

Arup Biswas, Klaxon AI's co-founder, said he was "over the moon" to get the Innovate UK funding.

'Incredibly cheap'

He said: "We've had quite a lot of interest already from small businesses who can't afford podcast advertising."

Mr Biswas said the system would be an "incredibly cheap" alternative to making an advert with professional recording equipment and would take "less than five minutes".

Companies would tell the computer a few words about their business, or provide the exact wording they want, with AI producing the audio advert.

Klaxon AI currently generates podcasts using technology that turns what customers submit into a script and voicing it.

It will cost about £50 for businesses to download their advert, or they can have it for free and pay for it to be featured on Klaxon AI's own network of podcasts.

The funding came from Innovate UK, a government-backed agency, which is investing £30m in "high potential businesses" in the creative sector.

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Peterborough artificial intelligence start-up wins £50,000 grant

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The artificial intelligence company is working on a platform that makes podcast adverts "in minutes".

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Smartphone companies rapidly increasing AI integration for regular smartphone users in daily life

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Smartphone companies rapidly increasing AI integration for regular smartphone users in daily life

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Google has made a significant push into the Indian smartphone market, unveiling its latest AI-powered Pixel 9 series devices, expanding its after-sales service network, and broadening its retail presence across the country.

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Google has made a significant push into the Indian smartphone market, unveiling its latest AI-powered Pixel 9 series devices, expanding its after-sales service network, and broadening its retail presence across the country.
Pixel 9 Series
At the heart of Google's announcement lies the Pixel 9 series, featuring the standard Pixel 9 and two Pro variants: the Pixel 9 Pro (6.3-inch) and the Pixel 9 Pro XL (6.8-inch). These phones boast an elevated design philosophy inspired by Gemini, Google's latest design language. The iconic Pixel camera bar takes centre stage, showcasing Google's commitment to delivering exceptional mobile photography experiences.

The Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL stand out with their stunning Super Actua displays, offering vibrant colours and impressive brightness. The new 42MP front camera guarantees sharper and brighter low-light selfies, a significant upgrade from previous Pixel models.

The standard Pixel 9 also boasts a best-in-class 6.3-inch Actua display, offering a 35% increase in brightness compared to its predecessor, the Pixel 8. The camera system has received a substantial upgrade, inheriting the same main and ultrawide lenses found in the Pro models. Additionally, the front camera now features auto-focus, ensuring sharper selfies. Perhaps most impressive is the Pixel 9's battery life, offering approximately 20% more juice during active use compared to the Pixel 8.

Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL will be priced at Rs 79,999, Rs 1,09,999, and Rs 1,24,999 respectively in India.

The launch offers for these Pixel phones are:

Up to 1 year of Google One AI Premium subscription with Pixel 9 devices
Bank offer of up to INR 10,000, and 12 months of no-cost EMI, available with ICICI Bank cards
Interest-free affordability offers up to 18 months, available on Bajaj finance
Tensor G4
Powering the entire Pixel 9 family, including the highly anticipated Pixel 9 Pro Fold, is Google's new Tensor G4 chip. This powerful processor is Google's most efficient to date, designed to enhance everyday tasks such as opening apps and browsing the web.

Created in collaboration with Google DeepMind, the Tensor G4 is optimised for advanced AI models and is the first to run Gemini Nano with Multimodality. This innovative technology allows the Pixel 9 series to understand and process text, images, and audio simultaneously, opening up a new world of possibilities for AI-powered features.
Gemini Live
Google is also introducing Gemini Live, available on the Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. This groundbreaking feature enables natural, hands-free conversations with Google's AI assistant, Gemini, directly from your phone or Pixel Buds. Whether you need help planning your day, making repairs, or brainstorming ideas, Gemini Live offers a new level of intuitive, conversational assistance.
Pixel 9 Pro Fold
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold joins the Pixel 9 lineup, offering Google's largest phone display in an incredibly thin foldable form factor. Combining Google's hardware and software prowess, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold boasts a sleek design, an advanced camera system, and the power of the Tensor G4 processor.

The camera system is particularly noteworthy, featuring an ultra-thin triple rear camera setup and earning the title of the best camera on any foldable phone. The ultrawide camera supports Macro Focus for great close-ups, and both front cameras support Face Unlock for added convenience.

Pixel 9 Pro Fold will be priced at Rs 1,72,999 in India.
Pixel Buds Pro 2
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are Google's latest wireless earbuds, built specifically to harness the power of Gemini. Equipped with a custom-designed Tensor A1 chip, these earbuds deliver exceptional audio performance and seamless integration with Google's AI assistant.

The Pixel Buds Pro 2 features redesigned ergonomics for maximum comfort and a secure fit. Active Noise Cancellation with Silent Seal 2.0, powered by the Tensor A1 chip, cancels up to twice as much noise as its predecessor. With Gemini integration, users can enjoy a hands-free, eyes-free virtual AI assistant at their fingertips.

Pixel Buds Pro 2 will be priced at Rs. 22,900 in India.
Pixel Watch 3
Google's flagship smartwatch, the Pixel Watch 3, has also received significant updates, boasting a larger display, improved battery life, and a comprehensive suite of fitness and recovery tools. The Pixel Watch 3 comes in two sizes - 41mm and a new 45mm option - catering to a wider range of wrist sizes.

Both models showcase advanced Actua displays that are twice as bright as the previous generation, offering a peak brightness of 2,000 nits for exceptional outdoor visibility. The displays are also larger thanks to smaller bezels, with the 45mm model featuring 40% more screen and the 41mm offering 10% more screen compared to the Pixel Watch 2.

Battery life has also been significantly improved thanks to the more efficient displays, Wear OS 5, and a power-efficient hybrid architecture. A new Battery Saver Mode extends battery life up to 36 hours without sacrificing health and fitness tracking or essential safety features.

ixel Watch 3 41mm will be priced at Rs 39,990 and the all-new Pixel Watch 3 45mm will be priced at Rs 43,990. Only the WiFi versions will be available in India.
Expanding the Pixel Experience in India
Beyond the new devices, Google is making a concerted effort to enhance the Pixel experience for Indian consumers. The company announced the opening of three Google-owned Walk-in Centers in collaboration with Flipkart's service arm, F1 Info Solutions and Services Private Limited. These centres, located in Delhi, Bengaluru, and soon Mumbai, will provide Pixel owners with exceptional service and support, offering repairs, replacements, and assistance with queries.

To further expand its reach, Google is partnering with Croma and Reliance Retail to bring its Pixel devices to offline locations. Starting with the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL, consumers will be able to experience and purchase Pixel products at approximately 150 Croma and Reliance Retail stores across 15 cities in India.

With the launch of the AI-powered Pixel 9 series, expanded after-sales support, broader retail presence, and price reductions on previous Pixel models, Google is signalling its strong commitment to the Indian smartphone market.

The Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL, which will go on sale starting 22 August. While Flipkart remains the company's online retail partner, Google will bring its family of Pixel devices to offline locations for the many who prefer experiencing products in real life before purchasing. Pixel products will be present in about 150 Croma and Reliance Retail stores in over 15 cities across India.

Google also announced a reduction in prices of its earlier generation of Pixel phones:

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Google unleashes AI powerhouse Pixel 9 series, expands after-sales support and retail presence in India

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At the heart of Google's announcement lies the Pixel 9 series.

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'Carnivore diet' latest trend followed by influencers speculated to do more harm than good in the long run

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'Carnivore diet' latest trend followed by influencers speculated to do more harm than good in the long run

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Weight loss is one of the huge benefits that people who follow the carnivore diet claim they’ve experienced since adding more animal-based products to their diet. This is likely because the eating pattern also cuts down on carbs, says Dr. Walter Willett, a professor of epidemiology and nutrition at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

“It’s possible that some people who have been eating a lot of refined starch and sugar may get better in the short run,” with the carnivore diet, Willett says. “But this sounds like a diet that is going to be very unhealthy in the long run.”

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Fitness influencers swear by the ‘carnivore diet’—it’s ‘basically a terrible idea,’ doctor says

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Influencers swear by beef, butter, bacon and eggs for a “carnivore diet.” Here’s what experts say about the diet’s safety and sustainability.

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bollywood vs hollywood- Social media influencing number of flowers.

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bollywood vs hollywood- Social media influencing number of flowers.

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Shraddha's Instagram rise

Shraddha has now overtaken Priyanka Chopra, who has 91.8 million followers. Shraddha is basking in the blockbuster success of her latest release Stree 2, which opened to good reviews and went on to shatter box office records. A few days ago, Shraddha edged out Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has 91.3 million followers on the platform.

Virat Kohli is the most followed Indian star on Instagram, with a staggering 270 million followers. After Shraddha and Priyanka, some of the most followed stars from the film industry are Alia Bhatt- with 85.2 million, and Deepika Padukone- with 79.9 million followers.

Shraddha often shares pictures and behind the scenes stills of her film promotion looks, candid snaps from her daily life, and brand promotions.

More details

The horror-comedy film Stree 2 is the follow-up to the 2018 release Stree, which revolved around a female ghost, who was wronged in her mortal life, its follow-up focuses on a headless villain called Sarkata with a connection to the eponymous character. The Amar Kaushik-directed sequel also stars Rajkummar Rao, Abhishek Banerjee and Pankaj Tripathi. Stree 2 tells the story of the people of Chanderi being terrorised by an evil entity called Sarkata. They use Stree's help to bring him to task. Akshay Kumar and Varun Dhawan have special cameos in the film.

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Shraddha Kapoor overtakes Priyanka Chopra to become second-most followed Indian star on Instagram

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Stree 2 star Shraddha Kapoor has now edged out desi girl Priyanka Chopra to become the second-most followed Indian star on Instagram. | Bollywood

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Suicide of an EY woman employee due to enormous stress as a result of long working hours.

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Suicide of an EY woman employee due to enormous stress as a result of long working hours.

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Working women get only 7-10 hours for rest every day, due to work at both office and home.

The Data Point published on Monday showed how professional Indian women work the most number of hours globally. Young Indian women in professional jobs such as auditing, Information Technology, and media work more than 55 hours a week, which translates to 9-11 hours of work every day depending on whether it was a six-day or five-day work week.

The Data Point was published after the death of Anna Sebastian Perayil, a Chartered Accountant. According to her mother, Anna, 26, lost her life because of “work stress” at Ernst & Young. The letter addressed to the company’s India chairman went viral, leading to discussions on the increasing workload of professionals in India.

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EY employee death: Working women get only 7 to 10 hours of rest in a day, data shows

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Professional Indian women work long hours, balancing demanding jobs with extensive household responsibilities, leading to high stress levels.

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Employees overtime in MNCS- need for update in labor laws of 1948

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Employees overtime in MNCS- need for update in labor laws of 1948

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India's outdated labor laws, particularly the Factories Act of 1948, fail to protect white-collar workers in multinational corporations (MNCs), who often work up to 14 hours a day without overtime pay. Companies exploit loopholes, classifying employees as "executives" to bypass overtime compensation. The shift to remote work has further blurred personal-professional boundaries. Despite India's economic growth, lax regulations and the decline of union representation since the 1990s allow firms to sidestep worker rights, creating exploitative work environments.

Human Behavior- employers exploit workers by taking advantage of outdated labor laws. Multinational corporations classify employees as "executives" to avoid paying overtime, pushing them to work excessively long hours. This exploitation is facilitated by the lack of legal protection for modern working conditions, such as remote work, which blurs the line between personal and professional life. The behavior demonstrates how, without proper regulation, businesses prioritize profit over worker well-being, resulting in widespread worker exploitation.

Demographics- Indian employees of MNCS.

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India’s archaic labor laws allow firms to exploit workers – DW – 09/03/2024

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Major international companies, including big tech firms, are exploiting India’s labor laws and skirting overtime payment, say workers.

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Bajaj finance worker commits suicide after "mental torture" from seniors.

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Bajaj finance worker commits suicide after "mental torture" from seniors.

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Bajaj Finance worker dies by suicide after seniors ‘mentally torture’ him; family alleges he had to pay from own pocket if failed to meet targets

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A 42-year-old manager at Bajaj Finance allegedly committed suicide due to work pressure, citing mental torture by senior colleagues and high recovery targets. His family claims he faced abuse in meetings and was threatened with financial liability for unmet targets. Authorities are investigating the claims.

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Increasing number of social media health influencers increasing confusions and health trends in health conscious people .

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Young McKinsey consultant commits suicide due to 'work pressure'

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Young McKinsey consultant commits suicide due to 'work pressure'

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Young McKinsey consultant commits suicide due to ‘work pressure’

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The issue of mental health in management consulting has yet again come to the fore following the tragic news of a consultant in India who has committed suicide due to suspected “immense pressure” at

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Young McKinsey consultant commits suicide due to ‘work pressure’

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Young McKinsey consultant commits suicide due to ‘work pressure’

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Young McKinsey consultant commits suicide due to ‘work pressure’

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The issue of mental health in management consulting has yet again come to the fore following the tragic news of a consultant in India who has committed suicide due to suspected “immense pressure” at

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Humans putting their own life at risk in hopes of creating a viral video, how far is too far to go viral?

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Humans putting their own life at risk in hopes of creating a viral video, how far is too far to go viral?

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Shiva Raju, who had learnt snake-handling from his father, captured the cobra after a local found it. On Thursday, he filmed himself handling the snake, including a risky stunt where he placed the cobra's head in his mouth. During the stunt, the cobra bit Raju.

He returned home and informed his family, who immediately took him to a regional hospital. Despite medical treatment, Raju succumbed to the snake bite.

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Video: 20-year-old puts cobra in mouth for social media views, dies after bite

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The man had learnt snake-handling from his father and captured the cobra after a local found it.

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The Impact of Social Media and Influencer Culture on Fast Fashion Consumption

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The Impact of Social Media and Influencer Culture on Fast Fashion Consumption

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A try-on haul is a video where an influencer showcases and tries on a collection of clothing items or accessories they have recently purchased or received from a brand. During the video, the influencer discusses each item, provides their honest opinions, and demonstrates how to style the pieces

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H&M jeans try on haul #shortfeed #minihaul

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The Influence of Gambling Culture on Entertainment and Consumer Behavior.

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The Influence of Gambling Culture on Entertainment and Consumer Behavior.

# data[].attributes.body
The evolving landscape of professional sports reflects athletes' increasing desire for autonomy, financial independence, and brand-building opportunities, particularly through initiatives like NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness).

The article discusses key trends affecting athletes, such as NIL policies, unionization efforts, the rise of online betting, streaming services, and advancements in sports technology. Understanding these trends is crucial for athletes to maximize their potential earnings and navigate challenges.

The insights are particularly relevant for college and professional athletes, especially those in high-profile sports. It appeals to young athletes looking to leverage their personal brands and those interested in the financial implications of their careers.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
2024 Trends in Professional Sports and How Athletes Can Capitalize on Them

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
It’s a whole new ballgame. Here’s what athletes and their representatives need to keep an eye on.

# data[].attributes.headline
50 commonly used drugs reported to be spurious & substandard.

# data[].attributes.subject
50 commonly used drugs reported to be spurious & substandard.

# data[].attributes.body
More than 50 drugs being sold in the market that are prescribed for common conditions such as high blood pressure, acid reflux and erectile dysfunction have been found to be not-of-standard quality by Central Drug Standards Control Organisation (CDSCO) in its latest survey. CDSCO, the apex body responsible for approval of new drugs and clinical trials, has issued an alert saying such drugs are being freely sold in the market.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
50 commonly used drugs found substandard, companies say products spurious, not theirs | India News - Times of India

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
India News: The Central Drug Standards Control Organisation (CDSCO) has flagged more than 50 drugs for common conditions like high blood pressure and acid reflux

# data[].attributes.headline
Processed meat raises type2 diabetes.- consumers awarness on packaged and processed food 

# data[].attributes.subject
Processed meat raises type2 diabetes.- consumers awarness on packaged and processed food 

# data[].attributes.body
The article discusses the increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes from consuming processed meats. Studies have linked the consumption of items like sausages, bacon, and cold cuts to a higher likelihood of the disease due to the high levels of sodium, preservatives, and saturated fats in these products.

Human Behavior- This reflects how dietary choices, influenced by convenience and taste preferences, contribute to chronic health conditions.

Demographics- The article likely addresses adults, particularly those with diets rich in processed foods, and individuals concerned about diabetes.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Eating processed meats raises type 2 diabetes risk – DW – 08/26/2024

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Two slices of ham a day are enough to raise type 2 diabetes risk by 15%, according to a new study. Meanwhile high-fat diets could increase the numbers of a toxic molecule known to cause the disease.

# data[].attributes.body
Growing surveillance and data collection methods are compromising individual freedoms, highlighting the need for stronger protections to safeguard civil liberties in the digital age.

# data[].attributes.headline
Drones to target civilians- technology used for destroying

# data[].attributes.subject
Drones to target civilians- technology used for destroying

# data[].attributes.body
Russian drone attacks in Ukraine have increasingly targeted civilians, especially near the frontline in cities like Beryslav. Since late 2023, more than 100 attacks resulted in numerous civilian casualties. The drones, such as First Person View (FPV) models, are highly precise and have been used indiscriminately, potentially constituting war crimes.

human behaviour- It shows the aggression and conflict where soldiers are attacking the civillians withoiut, having no ethicall boundaries.

interest- use of advanced technology for destructive and defensive purpose.

Demography- all

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Russia: Targeting civilians in Ukraine with drones – DW – 08/27/2024

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
For months, Russian drone operators have terrorized civilians living near the frontline in Ukraine. Some of these attacks may amount to war crimes. DW Investigations sought to identify potential perpetrators.

# data[].attributes.headline
40 million votes hacked- Technology not used for benefit of society.

# data[].attributes.subject
40 million votes hacked- Technology not used for benefit of society.

# data[].attributes.body
Personal details of millions of UK voters were left "vulnerable to hackers" because passwords were not changed and software not updated, the UK's data privacy watchdog has found.

The Electoral Commission, which oversees UK elections, has been formally reprimanded by the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) over the security lapse.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Personal details of millions of UK voters were left "vulnerable to hackers" because passwords were not changed and software not updated, the UK's data privacy watchdog has found.

The Electoral Commission, which oversees UK elections, has been formally reprimanded by the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) over the security lapse.

Beginning in August 2021 cyber-attackers were able to access computers containing the Electoral Registers, which hold details of voters including millions of those not available publicly.

The Electoral Commission said it regretted that sufficient protections were not in place to prevent the cyber-attack.

"As the ICO has noted and welcomed, since the attack we have made changes to our approach, systems, and processes to strengthen the security and resilience of our systems and will continue to invest in this area," it said in a statement.

The investigation did not find any evidence that personal data was misused, or that any direct harm has been caused by the attack.

The ICO said hackers had access to the Electoral Commissions' systems for over a year.

It was only spotted when an employee reported that spam emails were being sent from the commission's own email server.

The hackers were eventually booted out in 2022.

The UK government has formally accused China of being behind the attack on the commission, claims the Chinese embassy rejected as "malicious slander".

'Basic steps'

The ICO's investigation found the Electoral Commission did not have appropriate security measures in place to protect the personal information it held.

To carry out the attack, hackers impersonated a legitimate user account and exploited a number of publicly known security weaknesses in software used by the commission.

Software updates which fixed these security holes had been available for months before the attack, but the Electoral Commission had failed to apply them.

The commission also did not have an "appropriate" policy in place to ensure employees were using secure passwords.

Investigators found 178 active email accounts were still using passwords identical or similar to those set by the organisation's IT service desk when an account was created or reset.

ICO deputy commissioner Stephen Bonner said if the Electoral Commission had "taken basic steps" to protect its systems, it was "highly likely" the data breach would not have happened.

"By not installing the latest security updates promptly, its systems were left exposed and vulnerable to hackers," he said.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Poor security let hackers access 40 million voters' details

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The UK data watchdog says weak passwords and unpatched software were responsible for the hack.

# data[].attributes.headline
Luna's Comeback: Balancing Nostalgia and Innovation in a Competitive EV Market to Capture Millennial and Gen Z Audiences

# data[].attributes.subject
Luna's Comeback: Balancing Nostalgia and Innovation in a Competitive EV Market to Capture Millennial and Gen Z Audiences

# data[].attributes.body
concept- The article highlights the tension between leveraging a brand's nostalgic heritage and innovating to stay relevant in a competitive market.

Human Behavior- Consumers may be drawn to nostalgic branding, but modern purchasing decisions often favor practicality, technology, and contemporary values over sentimentality.

Demographics- Luna's strategy targets nostalgic older consumers familiar with the original brand and younger first-time buyers seeking affordable electric options.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Is nostalgia enough to fuel Luna’s journey back to prominence?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The brand has re-entered the two-wheeler market after two decades of absence in an EV avatar. Will the veteran carve a niche?

# data[].attributes.headline
Facial Recognition vs. Privacy: Clearview AI Sparks Debate Over Surveillance, Civil Liberties, and Data Control

# data[].attributes.subject
Facial Recognition vs. Privacy: Clearview AI Sparks Debate Over Surveillance, Civil Liberties, and Data Control

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Nation

Liz Mineo

6 min read

Reporter examines secretive firm whose product allows law enforcement, others to uncover your identify based on picture

Tech reporter Kashmir Hill has written about the intersection of privacy and technology for more than a decade, but even she was stunned when she came across a legal memo in 2019 describing a facial recognition app that could identify anyone based on a picture. She immediately saw the potential this technology had to become the stuff of dystopian nightmare, the "ultimate surveillance tool," posing immense risks to privacy and civil liberties.

Hill recalled this incident to Jonathan Zittrain, the George Bemis Professor of International Law and Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society director, as part of a conversation Wednesday at Harvard Law School about her new book, "Your Face Belongs to Us: A Secretive Startup's Quest to End Privacy as We Know It."

The work chronicles the story of Clearview AI, a small, secretive startup that launched an app in 2017, using a 30-billion-photo database scraped from social media platforms without users' consent. The company, led by Australian computer engineer Hoan Ton-That, has been fined in Europe and Australia for privacy violations.

"I'd say that Clearview made an ethical breakthrough, not a technological one," said Hill, who wrote the first major story about the technology in 2020, sparking backlash from tech companies and privacy advocates. "They were willing to do what other companies like Google and Facebook hadn't been willing to do ... Tech companies had all agreed that the one thing that no one should do is build an app that you can just take a picture of a stranger and then find out who they are."

Hill spoke of the need to come up with regulations to safeguard users' privacy and rein in social media platforms that are profiting from users' personal information without their consent. Some states have passed laws to protect people's right to access personal information shared on social media sites and the right to delete it, but that is not enough, she said.

"It's a little bit of a Wild West, and I worried that we're not doing enough about it," said Hill. "We have privacy laws, but we don't have anything at the federal level that addresses what Clearview has done."

"Tech companies had all agreed that the one thing that no one should do is build an app that you can just take a picture of a stranger and then find out who they are."
Kashmir Hill, author of "Your Face Belongs to Us"

Clearview's software is used in crime investigations and has been used by law enforcement to identify Jan. 6 rioters, said Hill. Facial-recognition technology can also be used to intimidate or harass investigative journalists, government officials, or political opponents, she said. It can also lead to wrongful arrests, and she said measures should be put in place to regulate its use.

"If we are going to use facial recognition in policing, do we want to use a database like Clearview that's looking through 30 billion faces, including probably all of us in this room, to find a match to a shoplifter in New Orleans?" said Hill.

Zittrain, who criticized Clearview's practices in a 2020 Washington Post column, said measures to protect user privacy are long overdue, but he acknowledged that it's not an easy debate with law enforcement in favor and privacy advocates against.

During the book talk, Zittrain asked the audience whether they would have favored using Clearview to identify rioters who took part in the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol or to identify Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine to be returned to their families. "How many people think that is a salutatory, good use of Clearview?" asked Zittrain. "It's the kind of thing that does complicate the story."

To demonstrate how instant facial recognition works, Hill and Zittrain showed the audience an app called PimEyes, which offers several pricing plans and uses the same technology as Clearview. After Hill uploaded a photo of herself on the app, it delivered more than a dozen other pictures of her with links to where they had been published.

"You see here," said Hill, "it only found photos of me. It didn't even have any doppelgangers. These are all me ... When I uploaded my photo, it analyzed my face and came up with a biometric identifier, and then looked through its database. You can see it works pretty well."

With 2.8 billion faces in their database, PimEyes has not drawn as much attention as Clearview, said Hill.

Headquartered in the UAE and with legal offices "somewhere in the Caribbean," the company is run by a man who lives in the country of Georgia. After Hill wrote an article about threats to children from AI, PimEyes blocked searches of minors' faces, she said. There are several facial-recognition apps in the market that are Clearview copycats.

"PimEyes hasn't gotten as much attention, even though it's out there, and anyone can use it," said Hill. "You can pay $30 a month, and you could use it on people in this room right now."

Even though facial recognition technology can be used for good purposes such as criminal investigations, the dangers it poses to privacy rights could outweigh its benefits, said Hill. Both the right to privacy and users' right to control their personal information shared on social media platforms should be protected, she added. New laws to protect those rights should be modeled after regulations that made wiretapping, or the recording of communications between parties without their consent, illegal.

Recent privacy laws in Europe restrict how personal data is collected and handled by social media platforms. And in 2008, Illinois passed the Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA), an initiative led by the ACLU of Illinois, which guarantees that individuals are in control of their own biometric data (i.e., fingerprints, iris scans, DNA) and prohibits private companies from collecting it unless they inform users and obtain their written consent. Technology is not going to slow down, so the law needs to catch up and regulate its uses, said Hill.

"I don't believe that just because a technology exists and is capable of doing this, we just have to accept it," said Hill. "Part of why I wrote this book was because I am worried that this is just getting out there and we're not doing enough to choose the world that we want to live in. We're letting the technology dictate it."

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How facial-recognition app poses threat to privacy, civil liberties - Harvard Gazette

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
New York Times tech reporter examines case of face-recognition software firm, repercussions for privacy, civil liberties, particularly involving law enforcement, social media.

# data[].attributes.headline
AI and tech innovations at Paris 2024: A game changer in sport

# data[].attributes.subject
AI and tech innovations at Paris 2024: A game changer in sport

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
In a groundbreaking initiative, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) launched the Olympic AI Agenda in April 2024, setting out the envisioned impact that AI can deliver for sport. The Paris Games will witness the first examples of implementation.

The IOC will use AI at the Olympic Games Paris 2024, in different areas. A very important one is safeguarding from cyber abuse, since we expect about half a billion social media posts during these Games. AI will also be used to create highlights videos in multiple formats and languages during these Games. We are also using AI to make the Olympic Games more sustainable, through a very sophisticated first-ever data capture and energy management system. AI is also opening up new ways for talent identification, and this project will be launched by us globally in 2025 to live up to the commitment we made that AI in sport must be accessible to everybody.

The development of the Olympic AI Agenda was supported by Worldwide Olympic Partners Alibaba, Deloitte, Intel and OMEGA and Media Rights-Holders, including Warner Bros. Discovery and NBC.

We will see some pioneering concepts at Paris 2024. We are taking a measured approach for now, to test and evaluate how AI can be used to enhance the Olympic Games and have them future-ready.

Athletes at the heart of the Games
The AI-powered monitoring system designed to protect athletes from online abuse was already announced earlier this year by the IOC. It will use AI to monitor hundreds of thousands of social media accounts and flag abusive messages for intervention by the relevant platforms.

In addition, says Corna, athletes, who are at the heart of the Olympic Games, will also be able to test drive a new chat service that the IOC is providing in partnership with Intel, on the Athlete365 platform.

He adds: "For accredited athletes at the Games, the service is designed to provide easy and quick answers to Frequently Asked Questions on topics such as social media guidelines, anti-doping rules, and Rule 50 regulations."

Efficient planning through digital twinning
There are also behind-the-scenes applications of AI that will pave the way for more efficient planning of the Olympic Games in the future. The energy consumption at Paris 2024 will be monitored in real time, and the captured data will be used to inform future planning.

"We started gathering various operational data as far back as 2020, to look at how we can make the management of the Olympic Games more efficient," explains Corna.

"For planning, we are now working with our Partner Intel using the concept of digital twinning, or digital representations of venues so we can foresee, for example, where we would need power, where we would need to place cameras, and if there could be any accessibility issues - all without needing to be on site every time. Using these digital twins of the Games venues, we can change the way we organise the Games.

The Olympic Movement's Worldwide Information Technology Partner Atos will coordinate a team of 15 technology partners comprising over 2,000 experts, all working to make the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024 fully connected, secure and digitally enabled.

Broadcast and engagement
In collaboration with the IOC's commercial and broadcast partners, AI will also be used by Olympic Broadcasting Services during Paris 2024 to improve internal workflows, enhance the viewer experience, enrich storytelling and better explain certain sports events.

This includes collaborating with Worldwide Olympic Partner Alibaba to provide a record number of multi-camera replay systems with AI-powered, high-quality reconstruction in the cloud, to create three-dimensional models and mapping of additional viewpoints across 21 sports and disciplines. This will deliver more compelling replays from more camera angles.

To drive better efficiency for broadcasters, Alibaba Cloud launched OBS Cloud in conjunction with OBS in September 2018, and supported the broadcast coverage of Tokyo 2020 and Beijing 2022.

The implementation of OBS Cloud provides an alternative to heavy investment for Media Rights-Holders and the host cities, as Olympic Games-related content can be transmitted over the cloud, effectively reducing the carbon footprint.

At the Olympic Games Paris 2024, OMEGA will act as the Official Timekeeper for the 31st time. Working with OMEGA, OBS will unlock the power of AI to deliver faster, more relevant, and insightful data during the Olympic Games. For example, intelligent stroboscopic analysis across diving, athletics and artistic gymnastics will enable viewers to better understand the movements and biomechanics of the athletes. In addition, in diving, OBS and OMEGA will use AI to generate enhanced data graphics, providing a new set of data on each athlete's performance in the air and when entering the water. AI-based motion tracking technology will also help commentators and viewers keep track of athletes' positions during canoe sprint, marathon, race walks, cycling road (road race and time trial), cycling mountain bike, marathon swimming, rowing, sailing and triathlon.

As the Official AI Platform Partner for Paris 2024, Intel will introduce innovative AI experiences to help transform the Olympic experience for fans, organisers, athletes and viewers across the globe. Automatic Highlights Generation will be introduced, which will automatically compile key moments from 14 sports and disciplines into tailored highlights reels, based on Media Rights-Holders' preferences, to personalise their content and further engage their digital and social media audiences.

The automatic highlights inference engine is based on AI models that have been trained with use of the Intel Geti AI software tools, specialising in AI-supported visual content processing. The models have been trained sport by sport with content that was retrieved from the vast Olympic sports video archive.
High-tech Opening Ceremony
Samsung, as the official Wireless Communication and Computing Equipment Partner of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, will equip Galaxy S24 Ultra smartphones on each country's boat during the historic Opening Ceremony on the River Seine to offer a closer connection with this first-of-its-kind celebration by sharing on-board footage via an exclusive 5G network powered by Orange, the official mobile network provider of Paris 2024.

This technology integration will also be used during the Olympic sailing competition to bring fans closer to the athletes, and the action on the water, than ever before.

The Olympic AI Agenda is available here.
The IOC's Paris 2024 Marketing Guide is available here.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
AI and tech innovations at Paris 2024: A game changer in sport

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
With applications ranging from athlete safeguarding to enhanced broadcast experiences and efficient energy management, artificial intelligence (AI) and technology innovations are set to transform some aspects of the Olympic Games Paris 2024, paving the way for future editions.

# data[].attributes.headline
Facial Recognition vs. Privacy: Clearview AI Sparks Debate Over Surveillance, Civil Liberties, and Data Control

# data[].attributes.subject
Facial Recognition vs. Privacy: Clearview AI Sparks Debate Over Surveillance, Civil Liberties, and Data Control

# data[].attributes.body
Summary:

The article discusses the privacy risks and civil liberties threats posed by facial recognition apps like Clearview AI. The technology can identify individuals from vast databases of photos scraped from social media without consent. While it aids in law enforcement, it also raises concerns about misuse, such as surveillance, harassment, and wrongful arrests. The article advocates for stricter privacy regulations to safeguard personal data.

Underlying Concept:

Balancing technological advancements in surveillance with the protection of privacy and civil rights.

Human Behavior:

1. Surveillance concerns: Increased anxiety over personal privacy and being monitored.

2. Regulatory challenges: Society grapples with implementing laws to keep up with technological innovations.

3. Trust and consent: People seek greater control over their data and digital footprint.

Phenomena:

1. Erosion of privacy: Growing use of facial recognition without user consent.

2. Surveillance state: Concerns about government and corporate use of personal data for control.

3. Technological overreach: The unregulated use of biometric data for commercial and law enforcement purposes.

Demographics:

Privacy advocates: Individuals concerned with civil liberties and digital privacy.

Law enforcement and security professionals: Using AI for crime-fighting, often favoring its effectiveness.

General public: Consumers of social media and online platforms whose data is often used without explicit consent.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Nation

Liz Mineo

6 min read

Reporter examines secretive firm whose product allows law enforcement, others to uncover your identify based on picture

Tech reporter Kashmir Hill has written about the intersection of privacy and technology for more than a decade, but even she was stunned when she came across a legal memo in 2019 describing a facial recognition app that could identify anyone based on a picture. She immediately saw the potential this technology had to become the stuff of dystopian nightmare, the "ultimate surveillance tool," posing immense risks to privacy and civil liberties.

Hill recalled this incident to Jonathan Zittrain, the George Bemis Professor of International Law and Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society director, as part of a conversation Wednesday at Harvard Law School about her new book, "Your Face Belongs to Us: A Secretive Startup's Quest to End Privacy as We Know It."

The work chronicles the story of Clearview AI, a small, secretive startup that launched an app in 2017, using a 30-billion-photo database scraped from social media platforms without users' consent. The company, led by Australian computer engineer Hoan Ton-That, has been fined in Europe and Australia for privacy violations.

"I'd say that Clearview made an ethical breakthrough, not a technological one," said Hill, who wrote the first major story about the technology in 2020, sparking backlash from tech companies and privacy advocates. "They were willing to do what other companies like Google and Facebook hadn't been willing to do ... Tech companies had all agreed that the one thing that no one should do is build an app that you can just take a picture of a stranger and then find out who they are."

Hill spoke of the need to come up with regulations to safeguard users' privacy and rein in social media platforms that are profiting from users' personal information without their consent. Some states have passed laws to protect people's right to access personal information shared on social media sites and the right to delete it, but that is not enough, she said.

"It's a little bit of a Wild West, and I worried that we're not doing enough about it," said Hill. "We have privacy laws, but we don't have anything at the federal level that addresses what Clearview has done."

"Tech companies had all agreed that the one thing that no one should do is build an app that you can just take a picture of a stranger and then find out who they are."
Kashmir Hill, author of "Your Face Belongs to Us"

Clearview's software is used in crime investigations and has been used by law enforcement to identify Jan. 6 rioters, said Hill. Facial-recognition technology can also be used to intimidate or harass investigative journalists, government officials, or political opponents, she said. It can also lead to wrongful arrests, and she said measures should be put in place to regulate its use.

"If we are going to use facial recognition in policing, do we want to use a database like Clearview that's looking through 30 billion faces, including probably all of us in this room, to find a match to a shoplifter in New Orleans?" said Hill.

Zittrain, who criticized Clearview's practices in a 2020 Washington Post column, said measures to protect user privacy are long overdue, but he acknowledged that it's not an easy debate with law enforcement in favor and privacy advocates against.

During the book talk, Zittrain asked the audience whether they would have favored using Clearview to identify rioters who took part in the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol or to identify Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine to be returned to their families. "How many people think that is a salutatory, good use of Clearview?" asked Zittrain. "It's the kind of thing that does complicate the story."

To demonstrate how instant facial recognition works, Hill and Zittrain showed the audience an app called PimEyes, which offers several pricing plans and uses the same technology as Clearview. After Hill uploaded a photo of herself on the app, it delivered more than a dozen other pictures of her with links to where they had been published.

"You see here," said Hill, "it only found photos of me. It didn't even have any doppelgangers. These are all me ... When I uploaded my photo, it analyzed my face and came up with a biometric identifier, and then looked through its database. You can see it works pretty well."

With 2.8 billion faces in their database, PimEyes has not drawn as much attention as Clearview, said Hill.

Headquartered in the UAE and with legal offices "somewhere in the Caribbean," the company is run by a man who lives in the country of Georgia. After Hill wrote an article about threats to children from AI, PimEyes blocked searches of minors' faces, she said. There are several facial-recognition apps in the market that are Clearview copycats.

"PimEyes hasn't gotten as much attention, even though it's out there, and anyone can use it," said Hill. "You can pay $30 a month, and you could use it on people in this room right now."

Even though facial recognition technology can be used for good purposes such as criminal investigations, the dangers it poses to privacy rights could outweigh its benefits, said Hill. Both the right to privacy and users' right to control their personal information shared on social media platforms should be protected, she added. New laws to protect those rights should be modeled after regulations that made wiretapping, or the recording of communications between parties without their consent, illegal.

Recent privacy laws in Europe restrict how personal data is collected and handled by social media platforms. And in 2008, Illinois passed the Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA), an initiative led by the ACLU of Illinois, which guarantees that individuals are in control of their own biometric data (i.e., fingerprints, iris scans, DNA) and prohibits private companies from collecting it unless they inform users and obtain their written consent. Technology is not going to slow down, so the law needs to catch up and regulate its uses, said Hill.

"I don't believe that just because a technology exists and is capable of doing this, we just have to accept it," said Hill. "Part of why I wrote this book was because I am worried that this is just getting out there and we're not doing enough to choose the world that we want to live in. We're letting the technology dictate it."

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How facial-recognition app poses threat to privacy, civil liberties - Harvard Gazette

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
New York Times tech reporter examines case of face-recognition software firm, repercussions for privacy, civil liberties, particularly involving law enforcement, social media.

# data[].attributes.headline
Gear up for gold: these 5 innovative companies are elevating athletic performance

# data[].attributes.subject
Gear up for gold: these 5 innovative companies are elevating athletic performance

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Gear up for gold: these 5 innovative companies are elevating athletic performance

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Tech companies bring innovation to the forefront to enhance sports and athletic performance. Here’s five examples.

# data[].attributes.headline
Revolutionizing Athletic Performance: The Cloudboom Strike Spray-On Sneakers Appeal to Eco-Conscious Athletes Through Innovation and Competition.

# data[].attributes.subject
Revolutionizing Athletic Performance: The Cloudboom Strike Spray-On Sneakers Appeal to Eco-Conscious Athletes Through Innovation and Competition.

# data[].attributes.body
underlying concept-innovation in sportswear through advanced technology and sustainability in manufacturing processes.

human behaviour- focus on high-performance gear reflects a human tendency to seek competitive advantages in sports, underscoring the inter

section of technology and athleticism.

demographics- The primary audience includes competitive athletes, sports enthusiasts, and eco-conscious consumers interested in cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices.

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Marathon-winning ‘spray-on’ running shoes could shake up Olympics | CNN

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We’ve seen spray-on hair, a spray-on dress and now — marathon-winning spray-on shoes.

# data[].attributes.headline
Lex Gillette's testing of a new app for blind athletes highlights how technology enhances independence, performance, and inclusivity for individuals with disabilities.

# data[].attributes.subject
Lex Gillette's testing of a new app for blind athletes highlights how technology enhances independence, performance, and inclusivity for individuals with disabilities.

# data[].attributes.body
Five-time Paralympic long jumper Lex Gillette tests a new app to help blind athletes navigate the Games. Deployed at the Team USA training camp, just outside of Paris, the technology uses indoor mapping and audio cues to deliver step-by-step directions.

The new app being tested by Paralympic long jumper Lex Gillette, which uses indoor mapping and audio cues for navigation, impacts various demographics. Blind and visually impaired athletes, spanning a wide age range, may benefit from enhanced training and competition experiences. Coaches and trainers, typically aged 30-60, view it as a valuable tool for improving athlete independence. Paralympic Games organizers, aged 35-65, support the app for its alignment with accessibility goals, while technology developers and the assistive tech community see it as a significant innovation. The general public and sports fans, across various ages, are likely to appreciate the advancements in inclusivity and accessibility that the app represents.

Human behavior in Lex Gillette’s use of a new app for blind athletes illustrates adaptation, innovation, and inclusivity. Gillette’s engagement with the app reflects his proactive approach to overcoming challenges through technology, driven by the motivation to maintain and improve his performance. The app represents an innovative solution aimed at making training environments more accessible, showcasing a commitment to inclusivity by addressing the specific needs of athletes with disabilities. The positive response from Gillette and others highlights how adaptive technologies can enhance performance and foster equal opportunities in sports.

What intrigues me about Lex Gillette testing the new app for blind athletes is how technology can significantly enhance independence and performance for individuals with disabilities. This development highlights a human-centered approach to innovation, addressing specific needs and promoting empowerment through improved navigation and confidence. For athletes, it means greater autonomy and optimized training, while for developers and sports organizations, it underscores a commitment to inclusivity and effective problem-solving. The integration of such technology not only supports athletes but also sets a precedent for future advancements in accessibility.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Five-time Paralympic long jumper Lex Gillette tests a new app to help blind athletes navigate the Games. Deployed at the Team USA training camp, just outside of Paris, the technology uses indoor mapping and audio cues to deliver step-by-step directions.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How new tech helps Paralympians navigate the Games

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A new app uses indoor mapping and audio cues to deliver step-by-step directions to Paralympians.

# data[].attributes.headline
Assistance in operation theatres using Augmented Reality - ARAV (Augmented Reality Aided Vertebroplasty)

# data[].attributes.subject
Assistance in operation theatres using Augmented Reality - ARAV (Augmented Reality Aided Vertebroplasty)

# data[].attributes.body
The paper discusses the integration of Augmented Reality (AR) technology into clinical practice, focusing on its application in preoperative diagnostics, intraoperative navigation, and postoperative follow-up. Despite significant research over the past two decades, there remains a lack of clinical studies demonstrating AR technology in real-world clinical settings.

Key points from the paper include:

1. Current Challenges: While AR has shown promise in various aspects of surgical and diagnostic procedures, its adoption as a standard tool in clinical workflows is still limited.

2. ARAV Project: The paper details the ARAV - Augmented Reality Aided Vertebroplasty project, which aims to address this gap. The project focuses on developing an AR system that integrates a stereo video see-through head-mounted display, which will be permanently available in the operating room.

3. Strategies and Results: The paper outlines the strategies employed in the ARAV project and presents intermediate results. These include the design and implementation of the AR system and its integration into the operating room environment.

4. Goals: The ultimate goal of the ARAV project is to make AR technology a standard, readily available tool in the operating room, improving surgical planning and navigation through enhanced visualization and real-time data integration.

The paper highlights the ongoing efforts to bring AR technology into routine clinical use, with a focus on enhancing its practicality and effectiveness in real surgical environments.

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Increasing consumption of processed foods linked to increasing mortality risks.

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Increasing consumption of processed foods linked to increasing mortality risks.

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High Consumption Of Ultra-Processed Foods Linked To Greater Mortality Risk

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A diet with higher amounts of ultra-processed foods were around 10% more likely to die earlier than those who followed a balanced diet.

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Systematic study to establish cause and effect in context of processed foods and health effects.

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Systematic study to establish cause and effect in context of processed foods and health effects.

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Frontiers | Ultra-processed foods consumption and health-related outcomes: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials

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IntroductionThe increase in ultra-processed foods (UPFs) intake has raised concerns about its impact on public health. Prospective observational studies have…

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The intersection of political dynamics and human belief in cult practices underscores the need for greater awareness, critical thinking, and societal protection against manipulation and exploitation.

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Eating ultra processed foods may increase the risk of death by 10%

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Eating ultra processed foods may increase the risk of death by 10%

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Ultra-processed foods may increase risk of death by 10%

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A diet heavy in ultra-processed foods such as hot dogs, sausages, and sweetened drinks may increase the risk of death among older Americans, according to new research.

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Hungama celebrates the birthday of Shin Chan.

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Hungama celebrates the birthday of Shin Chan.

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DreamDTH Forums - Television Discussion Community

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Hungama celebrating birthday of Shinchan

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DreamDTH Forums (DDF) is India’s Most Popular DTH, Digital Cable, Television, Satellites & Entertainment Discussion Community!

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The rise of AI-generated content highlights a core human need for efficiency, creativity enhancement, and entertainment while sparking concerns about authenticity, ethical boundaries, and the role of human creativity. As AI tools like Google Gemini and AI-generated characters captivate audiences, they reflect a shift in how humans engage with technology to expand their imagination, yet also raise dilemmas over control, originality, and the potential misuse of AI in content creation.

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Disney's Xmen '97 revives the classic 90's X-men series, in 2024

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Disney's Xmen '97 revives the classic 90's X-men series, in 2024

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The return of retro themed toys for kids in 2024.

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The return of retro themed toys for kids in 2024.

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7 Nostalgic Toys Making a Comeback in 2024

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7 Nostalgic Toys Making a Comeback in 2024

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Report on the civil rights implications by the use of facial recognition by federal authorities in the United States.

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Report on the civil rights implications by the use of facial recognition by federal authorities in the United States.

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U.S. Commission on Civil Rights Releases Report: The Civil Rights Implications of the Federal Use of Facial Recognition Technology

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WASHINGTON-Today, the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights (Commission) released the report The Civil Rights Implications of the Federal Use of Facial Recognition Technology, which examines concerns about the federal government's use of Facial Recognition Technology (FRT) and recommendations for regulations and best practices.

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The series of global transportation disruptions caused by tech breaches, from ransomware attacks on ports and public transit to outages affecting airlines and logistics, exposes a critical human need for robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard essential services. These incidents reveal society's growing dependency on technology and the urgent need for diversified and resilient security strategies to prevent large-scale disruption of everyday life.

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These cultural shifts highlight a growing need for justice, equality, and identity affirmation as societies challenge traditional norms and power dynamics amid rapid global changes.