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March 2024

In a concerning revelation for consumers and environmentalists alike, a new study conducted by the environmental NGO Toxics Link has found a significant presence of toxic chemicals in recycled plastic products available in Delhi’s markets. The report, titled “Is Plastic Recycling Safe?”, underscores the potential health hazards associated with using recycled plastic items, particularly those that come into direct contact with food or are used by children.

The Toxics Link team collected samples from 15 different types of recycled plastic products, ranging from non-branded food and drink containers to children’s toys, sourced from both formal markets and informal plastic recycling units across Delhi. Their findings showed that a vast majority of these items contained harmful substances, including phthalates, chlorinated paraffins, heavy metals, bisphenol A (BPA), and nonylphenol, known for their adverse effects on human health. Such effects can range from reproductive issues and pregnancy complications to respiratory problems, skin conditions, and even DNA damage.

Alarmingly, the study revealed that 86% of the toy samples and 67% of the food-contact plastic materials tested positive for one or more of these hazardous chemicals. Specific examples cited in the report include rubber ducks harboring high levels of single-chain chlorinated paraffins, cadmium, nonylphenol, and phthalates, and a mouth organ containing bisphenol A, nonylphenol, and an exceptionally high concentration of the DEHP phthalate.

Priti Banthia Mahesh, Chief Programme Coordinator at Toxics Link and lead researcher of the study, expressed concern over the findings, emphasizing the need to critically assess the safety of current plastic recycling practices. The investigation suggests that the contamination could occur during the recycling process or might be present in the original products being recycled. The addition of colors during recycling, for instance, has been identified as a potential source of heavy metal contamination.

The implications of these findings are significant, not only highlighting the potential health risks posed by recycled plastic products but also raising questions about the efficacy of recycling as a solution to plastic pollution. The study calls for strict regulatory oversight of plastic recycling in Delhi and across India, with Toxics Link’s associate director, Satish Sinha, advocating for a more cautious approach to plastic recycling, given the serious threat it poses to human health.

This study serves as a crucial reminder of the complexities involved in managing plastic waste and the importance of ensuring safety and sustainability in recycling practices. As consumers become increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their choices, the demand for stricter regulations and safer recycling methods is likely to grow, urging policymakers and industry stakeholders to take action.

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Akira Toriyama, the visionary artist behind the iconic Dragon Ball series, has died at the age of 68 due to an acute subdural hematoma. Toriyama’s death has left a void in the hearts of fans and fellow creators alike, marking the end of an era that revolutionized not just manga and anime, but also global pop culture.

Born in Nagoya, Japan, in 1955, Toriyama’s journey into the realm of manga began with his work at an advertising agency, designing posters. His passion for drawing propelled him to submit his work to Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine, leading to his first published piece, “Wonder Island,” in 1978. Despite initial setbacks, Toriyama’s persistence paid off with the success of “Dr. Slump” in 1980, a comedic series that earned him a prestigious Shogakukan Manga Award.

However, it was in 1984 that Toriyama introduced the world to “Dragon Ball,” a series that would become synonymous with his name and forever change the landscape of anime and manga. Over its eleven-year run in Weekly Shōnen Jump, “Dragon Ball” expanded into a massive franchise, including multiple anime adaptations, over 20 films, and a plethora of video games. The adventures of Son Goku and his quest for the magical dragon balls captivated audiences worldwide, drawing from Chinese folklore and action cinema to create a unique and enduring universe.

Toriyama’s influence extended far beyond the pages of his manga. Fellow manga artists Eiichiro Oda, creator of “One Piece,” and Masashi Kishimoto, creator of “Naruto,” have expressed their deep sorrow at the loss of Toriyama, recognizing him as an inspiration and a pioneer who demonstrated the global appeal of manga. Oda praised Toriyama for showing that “manga can be fun for both children and adults,” while Kishimoto shared how Toriyama’s work inspired him to pursue a career in manga.

Bird Studio, founded by Toriyama in 1983, released a statement expressing regret that the artist had several works still in progress, highlighting his relentless creativity and passion. The studio and fans alike mourn the loss of Toriyama’s “unique world of creation,” thankful for the 45 years of artistic innovation he shared with the world.

Akira Toriyama’s legacy is immortalized in the joy and inspiration he brought to countless fans and aspiring artists around the globe. As the manga and anime community comes together to mourn and celebrate his life, it’s clear that Toriyama’s work will continue to enchant and entertain for generations to come, a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and imagination.

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International Women’s Day (IWD), observed annually on March 8th, stands as a global beacon of the ongoing struggle for gender equality, the celebration of the achievements of women, and a reminder of the work that remains in the quest for gender parity. As we commemorate International Women’s Day in 2024, it’s crucial to reflect on both the strides made and the hurdles that persist in the journey toward an inclusive world where every woman and girl can exercise her freedoms and choices.

The Theme of International Women’s Day 2024

Each year, International Women’s Day is anchored by a theme that highlights specific challenges, achievements, or aspirations in the fight for gender equality. While the theme for IWD 2024 is yet to be announced, it will undoubtedly aim to inspire action, spotlight inequalities, and mobilize both individuals and communities to work together for a world where gender no longer dictates one’s opportunities in life.

Reflecting on Progress and Persistent Challenges

Over the decades, significant progress has been made in areas such as women’s rights, education for girls, and representation in political and corporate leadership. Women today are leaders and innovators in every field, from science and technology to arts and literature. However, despite these gains, the journey is far from over. Women and girls around the world still face gender-based inequalities, discrimination, and violence.

Economic disparities remain stark, with the gender pay gap persisting across industries and countries. Women’s participation in the workforce, especially in leadership positions, continues to lag behind that of men. Additionally, the global surge in gender-based violence and the rollback of women’s reproductive rights in various regions underscore the need for continued vigilance and action.

The Power of Collective Action

International Women’s Day serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when communities come together to fight for a common cause. It’s a day to celebrate the tireless work of activists who have fought for women’s rights, the achievements of women across sectors, and the ordinary women who perform extraordinary acts in their daily lives.

In 2024, let’s use International Women’s Day not just as a day of celebration, but as a day of action. We can all play a role, whether by supporting women-owned businesses, advocating for policies that promote gender equality, educating ourselves and others on gender issues, or simply amplifying women’s voices in our lives.

Looking Ahead

As we look to the future, let’s envision a world where International Women’s Day is not just an annual event, but a daily commitment to gender equality. A world where every girl grows up knowing she can achieve anything, without the barriers of discrimination or prejudice. Achieving this world requires the effort of all members of society, regardless of gender, to work together towards a more equitable and just society.

International Women’s Day 2024 is a call to action for everyone, everywhere, to double down on efforts to dismantle the barriers to gender equality. It’s a time to celebrate how far we have come and to forge ahead with renewed vigor towards the world we wish to see. Let’s embrace the spirit of IWD 2024 by committing to make a difference in our corners of the world, knowing that every step taken is a step closer to gender equality. Together, we can and will make a difference.

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Elon Musk, Tesla CEO and former co-founder of OpenAI, has taken an unconventional approach in his lawsuit against the artificial intelligence research lab. Musk, who filed the lawsuit against OpenAI and its CEO Sam Altman on March 1, accusing the organization of prioritizing profit over its original mission, has now offered to drop the legal action under one condition – a name change. Musk proposed that OpenAI change its name to ‘Closed AI.’

In a tweet posted on X (formerly Twitter), Musk stated, “Change your name to ClosedAI, and I will drop the lawsuit.” Following this offer, Musk took a further step by editing an image of Sam Altman wearing a guest ID card, replacing “OpenAI” with “ClosedAI” alongside the original logo.

The lawsuit alleges that OpenAI breached contractual agreements made during Musk’s involvement in the company’s early years. Musk co-founded OpenAI in 2015 but stepped down from the board in 2018. In response to Musk’s legal action, OpenAI released a series of private emails exchanged between Musk and the company, highlighting the complexities of their relationship.

OpenAI responded to Musk’s proposal, reiterating its commitment to its mission and sharing facts about its association with Musk. The company indicated its intention to dismiss all claims made by Musk.

The unusual turn of events has sparked widespread discussion in both the tech and legal communities, with many awaiting OpenAI’s response to Musk’s unique settlement offer.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is based on public statements and may be subject to updates and changes.

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A recent study conducted by emissions data analysis firm Emission Analytics has cast a shadow over the perceived environmental benefits of electric vehicles (EVs), revealing that they might emit more particle pollution than their petrol and diesel counterparts. This revelation comes at a time when the world is increasingly turning to EVs as a solution to combat climate change, driven by the belief that they offer a cleaner alternative to fossil fuel-powered vehicles.

The Weight of the Matter: Electric Vehicles Under Scrutiny

Central to the study’s findings is the significant particulate matter released from the brakes and tires of vehicles. Unlike petrol and diesel cars that have seen substantial improvements in exhaust filtration systems, EVs, with their heavier weight due to large batteries, exert more pressure on their brakes and tires. This increased wear and tear lead to a higher emission of toxic particles. According to Emission Analytics, the particulate matter released from the wear of brakes and tires in EVs could be as much as 1,850 times greater than that from modern gas-powered vehicles.

The Heavy Toll of EV Batteries

The study points to the hefty batteries that power EVs as a primary contributor to this environmental concern. With EVs like the Tesla Model Y and Ford F-150 Lightning featuring batteries that weigh around 1,800 pounds, the strain on tires and brakes intensifies, accelerating the degradation process and, subsequently, the emission of harmful particles. Specifically, tyre wear emissions from an EV with a half-tonne battery are suggested to be over 400 times higher than exhaust emissions from a contemporary petrol vehicle.

Rethinking Environmental Impact Assessments

While the automotive industry and environmental policy have largely focused on reducing tailpipe emissions in the transition to electric mobility, this study underscores the necessity of broadening the scope of environmental impact assessments. The findings highlight the importance of considering non-exhaust emissions, such as those arising from tire and brake wear, in the overall evaluation of a vehicle’s environmental footprint.

Implications for Future Mobility Solutions

The implications of these findings are significant, suggesting that the move towards electric mobility may not be as environmentally benign as previously thought. This calls for a reevaluation of strategies aimed at reducing the transportation sector’s impact on the planet. Innovations in vehicle design, such as lighter materials for batteries and improvements in tire composition, could mitigate these issues, ensuring that electric vehicles can truly deliver on their promise of cleaner transportation.

As the conversation around sustainable mobility evolves, it’s clear that a holistic approach to assessing environmental impact—beyond just tailpipe emissions—is essential. Only by addressing all sources of pollution can the dream of a truly green transportation future be realized.

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Global outage affecting users globally, Meta Platforms, the parent company of social media giants Facebook, Instagram, and messaging app WhatsApp, experienced service disruptions. The incident left millions of users unable to access their accounts, triggering concerns about potential cyber attacks and hacking.

Service Disruptions:
The outage, which began around 8:30 PM on Tuesday, impacted users in various parts of the world, including India. Users reported issues such as being logged out of their accounts, inability to refresh feeds, and prompts to change passwords. Meta’s status dashboard indicated problems with the WhatsApp Business API as well, with around 200 reported outages for WhatsApp.

Extent of Outage:
Outage tracking website Downdetector.com recorded over 300,000 outage reports for Facebook and more than 20,000 for Instagram. The disruptions raised alarm among users, many of whom took to social media platforms to express their frustration and speculate about potential cyber attacks.

Meta’s Response:
Meta spokesperson Andy Stone acknowledged the issues in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “We’re aware people are having trouble accessing our services. We are working on this now.” The company actively worked to address the disruptions and restore normal service.

Elon Musk’s Jest:
Notorious for his wit on social media, X owner Elon Musk took a humorous jab at Meta during the outage, posting, “If you’re reading this post, it’s because our servers are working.” Musk’s comment added a touch of humor to the situation, drawing attention from netizens.

User Concerns and Reactions:
As users grappled with the service disruptions, concerns about hacking and cyber attacks circulated. Many users on X expressed their worries about potential security breaches, with some changing passwords multiple times in an attempt to secure their accounts.

Global Impact and Memes:
The outage prompted a flurry of memes and comments on social media platforms, with some users poking fun at Meta owner Mark Zuckerberg. Memes related to Zuckerberg’s recent visit to India for a pre-wedding event hosted by Mukesh Ambani’s family added a humorous dimension to the situation.

Resolution and Service Restoration:
Meta took prompt actions to resolve the issues, and services were gradually restored around 10 PM on Tuesday. The company assured users that it was actively addressing the problems, emphasizing its commitment to providing a reliable and secure online experience.

The outage highlighted the widespread reliance on Meta’s platforms for communication and connectivity, underscoring the need for robust measures to prevent and address such disruptions in the future.

#instagramdown #facebookdown #metadown #socialmedia

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Google has issued a formal apology to the Indian government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi over misleading and unreliable responses generated by its AI platform, Gemini. The controversy emerged when Gemini was criticized for providing unsubstantiated information about Prime Minister Modi, raising concerns about the accuracy and bias within AI-generated content.

The Minister of State for IT & Electronics, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, disclosed that the Indian government had sought an explanation from Google regarding the discrepancies observed in Gemini’s outputs. In response, Google acknowledged the issues with Gemini, admitting the platform’s unreliability and extending an apology to Prime Minister Modi and the Indian authorities. This incident unfolds amid India’s tightened scrutiny over AI platforms, with the government indicating plans to introduce permits for AI operations within the country. Chandrasekhar stressed the importance of AI platforms adhering to the respect and legality due to Indian consumers, hinting at the legal consequences under IT and criminal laws for spreading false information.

Further complicating matters for Google, Gemini was accused of displaying racial bias and historical inaccuracies. A particularly contentious issue arose when the AI chatbot reportedly declined to generate images of white individuals and inaccurately portrayed historical white figures as people of color. These allegations have led to widespread criticism and calls for Google CEO Sundar Pichai’s resignation.

In the wake of the backlash, Google took immediate action to disable Gemini’s human image generation feature. Sundar Pichai described the error as “completely unacceptable” and committed to addressing the issues raised. Despite Google’s efforts to mitigate the situation, calls for Pichai’s resignation have intensified. Analysts Ben Thompson and Mark Shmulik have voiced their opinion on the necessity for leadership changes at Google, suggesting that overcoming these challenges may require new management direction, potentially implicating CEO Sundar Pichai himself.

Thompson highlighted the need for a transformative change within Google, advocating for a leadership overhaul to rectify past mistakes. Similarly, Shmulik questioned the current management team’s capability to steer Google through these tumultuous waters. As Google pledges to refine and improve its AI technologies, the company faces a critical juncture. The controversy underscores the broader challenges facing AI development, including ensuring accuracy, fairness, and the ethical use of technology in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

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Renowned life coach and inspirational speaker Jay Shetty, widely recognized for his motivational content and celebrity endorsements, is facing scrutiny following a detailed investigative report by journalist John McDermott. Shetty’s narrative, which includes claims of a transformative experience as a monk in India and his successful career as a life coach, is being challenged for alleged inconsistencies.

According to McDermott’s article in The Guardian, Shetty’s story of spending extended periods with monks in India during his school years has raised questions about its accuracy. Inconsistencies in Shetty’s age at the time and the duration of his stay in India have been highlighted, with former associates stating that he spent a significant portion of his supposed monk stint at an estate in London rather than in Mumbai.

The investigative report also delves into Shetty’s educational venture, the Jay Shetty Certification School, which offers a self-help course at a significant cost. McDermott points out issues related to accreditation claims, with discrepancies between the school’s assertions and statements from Ofqual, the UK government’s exam watchdog. The report suggests that the school’s accreditation may not be as robust as portrayed.

Moreover, Shetty has faced accusations of plagiarism, with multiple content creators claiming that he reposted their work on Instagram without permission or compensation. Allegations of Shetty’s reluctance to openly discuss his religious education within the Hare Krishna movement, known as ISKCON, have also surfaced, potentially tied to controversies surrounding the organization.

While the investigative report sheds light on these concerns, Shetty has not directly addressed the allegations. Despite the controversy, Shetty remains a prominent figure in the realm of personal development, leaving followers and industry observers to ponder the impact of these revelations on his reputation.

As discussions around authenticity, transparency, and ethical business practices continue, the outcome of these revelations may shape perceptions of Jay Shetty and the broader landscape of influencers in the self-help and motivational space.

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Sam Altman, the founder and CEO of OpenAI, has seen his net worth soar beyond $2 billion, as reported by the Bloomberg Billionaire Index. Interestingly, this substantial wealth accumulation is not directly linked to the success of OpenAI, the renowned AI research firm he oversees.

Altman’s burgeoning wealth is expected to experience further growth with the imminent initial public offering (IPO) of Reddit, where he stands as one of the largest shareholders. Despite OpenAI recently achieving an impressive valuation of $86 billion, Altman himself does not hold any shares in the company.

The primary source of the 38-year-old founder’s net worth lies in his strategic investments in various venture capital funds and startups, according to Bloomberg’s estimates. One notable investment is Altman’s contribution of $1.2 billion to several venture capital funds under the name “Hydrazine Capital.” Additionally, he has injected $434 million into the Apollo Projects fund, which focuses on ambitious and groundbreaking initiatives.

Altman’s involvement in Reddit, where he maintains an 8.7% stake through affiliated entities, is poised to make a significant impact on his net worth in the near future, according to reports.

While the specifics of Altman’s wealth accumulation remain somewhat elusive, his investments extend beyond high-profile ventures. Notably, he led a $500 million funding round for Helion Energy, a company dedicated to nuclear fusion technology. Altman also committed $180 million to Retro Biosciences, a startup with the mission of extending human lifespan by a decade.

As Altman’s financial portfolio continues to diversify through strategic investments and affiliations, his trajectory highlights the multifaceted nature of wealth generation in the dynamic landscape of technology and innovation.

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A thrilling MLS encounter: Inter Miami put on a scintillating display to thrash Orlando City 5-0 in a Florida derby that showcased the brilliance of Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez. The match, held at Inter Miami’s home ground, saw Suárez steal the spotlight with two goals and two assists, proving his worth as a key player for the team.

The game began with an explosive start as Suárez netted two goals within the first ten minutes, displaying clinical finishing and remarkable teamwork with his former Barcelona teammate Messi. Suárez’s performance was instrumental in securing a record margin of victory in the rivalry between the two clubs and marked Inter Miami’s biggest win in club history.

Despite Messi’s undeniable star power, it was Suárez who took center stage with his exceptional contributions to the team. His ability to find the back of the net and create scoring opportunities for his teammates showcased why he is considered one of the most influential players in the sport.

Following his impressive performance, Suárez received praise from both fans and teammates, with Messi acknowledging his teammate’s crucial role in the victory. The synergy between the two former Barcelona stars proved to be a potent force on the field, leaving Orlando City struggling to keep up with Inter Miami’s attacking prowess.

Suárez’s impact extended beyond his goals and assists, as he displayed his trademark passion and determination throughout the game. Despite some early-season criticism, Suárez silenced his critics with a commanding performance that reaffirmed his status as a top-class striker.

As Inter Miami continues its quest for MLS Cup glory, Suárez’s contributions are expected to play a vital role in the team’s success. With Messi adding glamour and global appeal to the club, Suárez’s winning mentality and goal-scoring prowess could be the missing piece needed to elevate Inter Miami to championship contention.

As the final whistle blew, Suárez was hailed by fans and teammates alike, cementing his place as a fan favorite and a crucial asset for Inter Miami’s future ambitions. With Suárez and Messi leading the charge, Inter Miami’s journey to MLS glory promises to be an exciting one for fans and neutrals alike.

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