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May 2024

New Delhi: Today marks the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, a significant festival in Hindu culture celebrated with great reverence and joy. Known as Akha Teej, Akshaya Tritiya holds special importance as it falls on an ‘abooja muhurat’, a time when any auspicious activity can be conducted without consulting the almanac. According to the Hindu calendar, Akshaya Tritiya is observed on the third day of the bright half of the Vaisakha month.

The term ‘Akshaya’ translates to ‘that which never diminishes’, symbolizing everlasting prosperity and success. On this day, purchasing gold, silver, and other valuables is considered highly auspicious as it is believed to bring continuous growth and prosperity. Devotees also perform worship and seek blessings from Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu for happiness, wealth, and abundance in life.

This year, Akshaya Tritiya holds extraordinary significance as it coincides with the rare and auspicious alignment of planetary yogas such as Gajakesari Yoga, as well as Dhana, Shukra-Aditya, Ravi, Shash, and Sukarma yogas, occurring together after a span of 100 years.

According to ancient scriptures, Akshaya Tritiya marks the beginning of the Treta and Satyuga eras, making it a pivotal moment in Hindu mythology. It is believed that Lord Parashurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, was born on this day. Additionally, sage Ved Vyasa commenced the writing of the epic Mahabharata in collaboration with Lord Ganesha on Akshaya Tritiya.

Observing Akshaya Tritiya, devotees rise early, take a holy bath, and offer prayers to the Sun God. The most auspicious time for purchasing and conducting rituals is from 5:33 AM to 12:18 PM today. Devotees adorn yellow attire, offer prayers, and perform rituals with devotion to seek the blessings of the divine.

While Akshaya Tritiya is traditionally celebrated with fervor and devotion, this year’s unique celestial alignments add to its significance, making it an opportune time for spiritual growth and prosperity.

As devotees partake in the festivities and rituals of Akshaya Tritiya, they seek the blessings of the divine for eternal prosperity and well-being.

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New Delhi: Indulging in a diet rich in packaged snacks, fizzy drinks, and other ultra-processed foods could significantly shorten your lifespan and increase the risk of early death, a 30-year-long study published in The BMJ journal has revealed.

The study, conducted by an international team of researchers spanning the US, Brazil, and China, tracked the health outcomes of 74,563 female registered nurses and 39,501 male health professionals over three decades. Participants had no history of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, or diabetes at the study’s onset.

Ultra-processed foods, laden with colors, emulsifiers, flavors, and additives, are often high in energy, added sugar, saturated fat, and salt while lacking essential vitamins and fiber. Overconsumption of these foods has been linked to poor health outcomes, including obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and an elevated risk of cardiovascular diseases and cancer.

The study found that individuals consuming an average of 7 servings per day of ultra-processed foods faced a 4% higher risk of total mortality and a 9% higher risk of mortality from non-communicable diseases. Particularly concerning was the 8% higher risk of neurodegenerative deaths observed in this group.

Further analysis revealed that ready-to-eat meat, poultry, and seafood products posed the greatest risk of premature death, followed closely by sugar-sweetened and artificially sweetened beverages, dairy-based desserts, and ultra-processed breakfast foods.

While the study underscores the correlation between ultra-processed food consumption and adverse health outcomes, it is important to note that the research is observational, and causal relationships cannot be definitively established. Nonetheless, the findings offer compelling evidence supporting the need to limit the intake of certain ultra-processed foods for long-term health and well-being.

Moving forward, researchers advocate for improved classification of ultra-processed foods and further studies to validate these findings across diverse populations. As awareness grows regarding the impact of dietary choices on health, individuals are encouraged to adopt balanced diets rich in whole foods to promote longevity and vitality.

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After much anticipation, Google has officially introduced the Pixel 8a smartphone in India and other global markets, marking the latest addition to its acclaimed ‘A’ series lineup. Packed with cutting-edge features and powered by innovative technology, the Pixel 8a promises an enhanced user experience for tech enthusiasts.

Price and Availability:
The Pixel 8a is priced at ₹52,999 for the 8GB RAM/128GB storage variant, while the 8GB RAM/256GB storage variant comes at ₹59,999. Indian consumers can now pre-order the device on Flipkart, with sales commencing at 6:30 AM on May 14. To sweeten the deal, Google is offering a ₹4,000 instant discount for SBI Bank Credit Card holders, along with attractive No-Cost EMI options and a generous ₹9,000 exchange bonus for select devices. Additionally, early birds pre-ordering the Pixel 8a will have the opportunity to purchase the Pixel Buds A series at a discounted price of just ₹999.

Specifications Overview:
The Pixel 8a boasts a stunning 6.1-inch Full HD+ OLED HDR display with an impressive 120Hz refresh rate, delivering vibrant visuals with a peak brightness of 2,000 nits and Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection.

Under the hood, the device is powered by Google’s advanced Tensor G3 chipset, offering seamless performance alongside up to 8GB of LPDDR5X RAM and up to 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage. Running on the latest Android 14 operating system, Google assures users of 7 years of OS updates and security patches, ensuring long-term reliability.

In the photography department, the Pixel 8a features a versatile dual-camera setup on the rear, comprising a 64MP primary sensor with OIS and a 13MP ultra-wide-angle lens. For selfie enthusiasts, there’s a high-resolution 13MP front camera capable of capturing stunning self-portraits and facilitating smooth video calls. The device supports impressive video recording capabilities, allowing users to shoot up to 4K 60fps videos from the rear cameras and 4K 30fps from the selfie shooter.

Equipped with a robust 4,492mAh battery, the Pixel 8a ensures lasting endurance, with support for 18W fast charging and wireless charging. Boasting an aluminium frame, rounded edges, and IP67 rating for water and dust resistance, the device exudes durability and style. It will be available in four captivating color options: Obsidian, Porcelain, Bay, and Aloe.

With its powerful specifications and enticing launch offers, the Pixel 8a sets a new benchmark for premium midrange smartphones, offering a compelling proposition for discerning consumers seeking top-notch performance and value.

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In a revealing blog post, Daniel McKinnon, a former Google employee now working as a product manager at Meta, sheds light on the contrasting work cultures and opportunities for career advancement between the two tech giants.

McKinnon, who boasts eight years of industry experience and has had stints at both Meta and Google, provides valuable insights into the work dynamics at these companies. According to him, while both Meta and Google appear similar on the surface, each offers distinct advantages depending on one’s career aspirations and priorities.

At the heart of McKinnon’s observations is the dichotomy between career growth and work-life balance. He asserts that Meta is conducive to rapid career advancement, making it an ideal choice for individuals seeking exponential growth in their respective fields. On the other hand, Google, renowned for its emphasis on work-life balance and job security, appeals to those prioritizing stability and personal well-being.

Delving into compensation structures, McKinnon highlights the transparency at Meta compared to Google. At Meta, new product managers are offered a comprehensive package comprising salary, bonus targets, and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) that vest evenly over four years. Moreover, Meta provides annual refresher grants, ensuring consistent financial growth over the initial tenure.

In contrast, Google follows a front-loaded RSU model, with a significant portion of stocks allocated in the first two years. While Google also offers attractive signing bonuses, McKinnon notes that Meta’s compensation structure may offer greater financial rewards in the long run, particularly for those prioritizing sustained growth.

McKinnon’s insights shed light on the internal communication dynamics at both companies as well. He highlights Meta’s transparent approach, with crucial company information readily accessible through open workplace groups. Conversely, Google’s communication primarily relies on emails and chats, potentially limiting discoverability for employees.

As tech professionals navigate career choices in a competitive industry, McKinnon’s firsthand experiences provide valuable guidance for those weighing the pros and cons of working at Meta versus Google. Whether prioritizing career growth or work-life balance, McKinnon’s analysis offers nuanced perspectives to inform individuals’ decision-making processes.

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Moscow, Russia: President Vladimir Putin has been inaugurated for his unprecedented fifth term as the leader of Russia, marking a significant moment in the country’s political landscape. The ceremony, held at the Kremlin, witnessed Putin reaffirming Russia’s stance on international relations, particularly with the West, amidst a backdrop of diplomatic tensions.

At 71, Putin’s enduring influence over Russian politics remains palpable, with his tenure spanning more than two decades, either as president or prime minister. Amidst accusations from Western nations regarding Russia’s involvement in Ukraine and concerns over domestic political freedoms, Putin emphasized the need for dialogue but on equal terms.

Addressing Russia’s political elite, Putin extended a message of unity and resilience, declaring, “Together we will overcome all obstacles, we will bring to life everything we have planned. Together we will be victorious.”

The inauguration ceremony unfolded against the backdrop of a diplomatic boycott by the United States and several Western nations, citing concerns over the fairness of Russia’s electoral process. Notably, key figures like Alexei Navalny, a prominent critic of Putin, have faced imprisonment or exile, underscoring the challenges to dissenting voices within Russia.

Despite tensions with the West, Putin’s allies maintain that his leadership brings stability to Russia, a sentiment echoed by Sergei Chemezov, a close associate of Putin, who highlighted the importance of continuity in governance.

However, the ceremony occurs amidst heightened nuclear tensions between Russia and the West, with both sides engaged in a war of words and military posturing. Russia’s announcement of tactical nuclear weapons deployment as part of a military exercise underscores the gravity of the situation.

Looking ahead, Putin faces critical decisions regarding Russia’s foreign policy, including the renewal or replacement of the New START agreement, which limits strategic nuclear warheads. The outcome of the upcoming U.S. presidential election is poised to influence Putin’s approach towards Ukraine and broader international relations.

In accordance with Russia’s constitution, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin’s government has resigned at the outset of Putin’s new term, paving the way for the formation of a new cabinet, expected to maintain continuity in leadership.

As Putin embarks on his fifth term, the world watches closely, navigating through a complex geopolitical landscape shaped by competing interests and diplomatic maneuvering.

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Amidst corporate restructuring and a strategic focus on innovation, Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk has extended an intriguing invitation to billionaire investor Warren Buffett, suggesting that it’s time for Berkshire Hathaway to consider investing in Tesla.

The call for investment comes in the wake of Tesla’s recent overhaul in senior management and subsequent layoffs, reflecting the company’s efforts to navigate through a period of declining sales. Notably, key executives including Rebecca Tinucci, senior director of Tesla’s Supercharger business, and Daniel Ho, head of new products, have been relieved of their roles. Musk has emphasized a significant downsizing, including approximately 500 employees associated with the Supercharger division.

Responding to a suggestion on social media advocating for Buffett to divest from Apple and turn towards Tesla, Musk termed it as an “obvious move.” Musk’s pitch underscores his confidence in Tesla’s future trajectory and its potential for long-term growth, despite recent challenges.

Meanwhile, Musk’s recent unannounced visit to China has sparked speculation about further developments, particularly surrounding the rollout of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) software and discussions on data-transfer permissions.

In parallel, Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway, known for its prudent investment strategy, recently reduced its stake in Apple following the tech giant’s quarterly earnings report. While Apple remains Berkshire Hathaway’s largest holding, Buffett has expressed a pragmatic approach towards portfolio diversification.

As the dynamics of the investment landscape evolve, Musk’s call for Buffett to consider Tesla highlights the shifting tides within the automotive and technology sectors, setting the stage for potential strategic realignments in the investment realm.

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As the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 progress, the nation gears up for the third phase of polling scheduled for Tuesday, May 7. Across 11 states and union territories, 93 Lok Sabha constituencies are poised for electoral action, with a total of 1,351 candidates vying for victory, as announced by the Elections Commission of India.

While the original count was slated at 94 constituencies across 12 states and Union Territories, the BJP has already secured the Surat seat in Gujarat uncontested. Additionally, the voting for the Anantnag-Rajouri seat in Jammu and Kashmir has been postponed to May 25. Conversely, Betul in Madhya Pradesh, initially planned for the second phase on April 26, will now witness polling during the third phase on May 7.

Among the highlights of the third phase are the full spectrum of Gujarat’s 25 Lok Sabha seats, alongside crucial constituencies in other states:

  • Assam: Voting in 4 out of 14 seats, including Kokrajhar, Dhubri, Barpeta, and Guwahati.
  • Bihar: 5 seats out of 40, encompassing Jhanjharpur, Supaul, Araria, Madhepura, and Khagaria.
  • Chhattisgarh: 7 out of 11 seats, spanning Surguja, Janjgir-Champa, Korba, Bilaspur, Durg, Raipur, and Raigarh.
  • Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu: All 2 seats.
  • Goa: Both seats, including North Goa and South Goa.
  • Karnataka: 14 out of 28 seats, covering constituencies such as Chikkodi, Belgaum, Bagalkot, and Shimoga.
  • Madhya Pradesh: 9 out of 29 seats, including Morena, Gwalior, Bhopal, and Betul.
  • Maharashtra: 11 out of 48 seats, featuring Solapur, Raigad, Baramati, Latur, Satara, and Kolhapur.
  • Uttar Pradesh: 10 out of 80 seats, encompassing regions like Agra, Firozabad, Mainpuri, and Bareilly.
  • West Bengal: 4 out of 42 seats, including Maldaha Uttar, Maldaha Dakshin, Jangipur, and Murshidabad.

With each phase marking a significant step towards the culmination of the electoral process, voters are urged to exercise their democratic right responsibly. The Lok Sabha Elections 2024, spanning seven phases, are set to declare results on June 4, shaping the future trajectory of the nation’s governance.

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In a thrilling encounter between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2024, fans witnessed a moment of shock as the legendary MS Dhoni was dismissed for a golden duck by PBKS pacer Harshal Patel. The match, held on Sunday, saw CSK facing a major setback after Patel’s magical yorker caught Thala Dhoni off-guard, leaving fans and teammates stunned.

Harshal Patel, who has been delivering consistent performances in IPL 2024 and currently shares the top spot in the highest wicket-takers list with MI’s Jasprit Bumrah, addressed Dhoni’s dismissal in the post-match presentation. Patel humbly stated that he refrained from celebrating Dhoni’s wicket excessively out of immense respect for the cricketing legend.

PBKS continued their dominance in the match, particularly through their bowling attack. Pacer Arshdeep Singh initiated the assault by claiming the early wicket of Ajinkya Rahane. Despite a solid partnership between CSK’s Ruturaj Gaikwad and Daryl Mitchell, PBKS struck back with Patel and spinner Rahul Chahar dismissing Gaikwad and Shivam Dube in quick succession.

Chennai’s batting lineup faced further setbacks as Mitchell and Moeen Ali were also sent back to the pavilion. However, Ravindra Jadeja emerged as a beacon of hope for CSK with a resilient 43-run innings, showcasing his prowess with the bat. Yet, Arshdeep Singh’s crucial breakthrough dismissed Jadeja, leaving Mitchell Santner and Shardul Thakur to struggle against PBKS’s bowling attack.

The anticipation heightened as MS Dhoni stepped onto the field, but the mood quickly shifted when Harshal Patel executed a remarkable yorker to dismiss the CSK captain on the very first ball he faced. The unexpected turn of events left CSK fans in disbelief, as Dhoni’s rare golden duck dealt a blow to the team’s batting lineup.

Despite the setback, CSK managed to post a total of 167/9 at the end of their innings, showcasing their resilience amidst the challenging circumstances of the match. The electrifying encounter between PBKS and CSK served as a testament to the unpredictable nature of IPL cricket, keeping fans on the edge of their seats until the last ball was bowled.

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Since its recent release, Llama-3 has rapidly gained traction, amassing an impressive 648,460 downloads on Hugging Face within just a few weeks. Developed by Meta and backed by compute from Crusoe Energy, Llama-3 has captivated developers and enthusiasts alike, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with natural language processing (NLP) models.

Here are 10 groundbreaking examples showcasing the versatility and ingenuity of Llama-3:

  • Llama-3 8B Gradient Instruct 1048k: This model, developed by Gradient, extends Llama-3 8B’s context length from 8k to over 1048K. Leveraging techniques like NTK-aware interpolation and Ring Attention, it efficiently manages long contexts with minimal training, demonstrating state-of-the-art performance in handling extensive data.
  • RAG App with Local Llama-3: Empowering users to harness Llama-3’s capabilities without an internet connection, developers have built a RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) app that runs locally on computers. With simple setup instructions, users can leverage Llama-3’s power for various tasks, from information retrieval to content generation, all within a user-friendly interface.
  • Agri Vertical Dhenu 1.0: KissanAI’s Agri Vertical Dhenu 1.0 model, fine-tuned on Llama-3 8B for 150K instructions, offers a specialized solution for India’s agricultural sector. Tailored to address local challenges and opportunities, this model is freely available for download, enabling stakeholders to explore its capabilities, provide feedback, and drive innovation in agrotech.
  • Tool Calling Champion: GroqInc’s Llama-3 70b emerges as a tool-calling champion, combining speed, efficiency, and affordability. Excelling in benchmarks and tests, this model showcases unparalleled performance, making it a formidable contender in the AI landscape.
  • Lightning-fast Copilot in VSCode: Integrating Llama-3 with VSCode via GroqInc’s CodeGPT extension unleashes the full potential of this AI as a copilot for developers. With seamless connectivity and intuitive features, developers can enhance productivity and streamline coding processes with ease.
  • Advanced Function Calling with Hermes 2 Pro: Nous Research introduces Hermes 2 Pro, leveraging Llama-3’s dedicated tokens for tool call parsing tags to streamline function calling and structured output. Surpassing previous benchmarks, this model demonstrates superior performance across various evaluation metrics.
  • TherapistAI Powered by Llama3-70B: Harnessing the prowess of Llama3-70B, TherapistAI.com delivers an enhanced conversational experience akin to GPT-4. With refined responses and improved memory capabilities, Llama-3 elevates the platform’s problem-solving prowess, offering personalized interactions and actionable insights.
  • AI Coding Assistant: Transforming coding workflows, an AI coding assistant built with Llama-3 enhances productivity and efficiency. By integrating Llama-3 via Ollama and leveraging VSCode extensions, developers can streamline coding tasks and unlock new levels of efficiency.
  • Superfast Research Assistant: By harnessing Llama-3 models on Groq, researchers can develop a superfast research assistant capable of generating comprehensive reports on complex topics. Leveraging Llama-3’s capabilities, this assistant accelerates information retrieval and synthesis, revolutionizing the research process.
  • Building RAG Capabilities for Accessing Private Data: Subtl.ai pioneers RAG capabilities for accessing private data, offering accelerated information retrieval while maintaining data security. By securely processing and recalling sensitive data, Llama-3 enables AI-enhanced access to private information, driving efficiency and data protection.

As Llama-3 continues to inspire innovation across diverse domains, its transformative impact on AI applications promises to reshape industries and revolutionize user experiences. With its remarkable versatility and performance, Llama-3 heralds a new era of AI-driven solutions, propelling humanity towards a future of boundless possibilities.

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In a strategic move aimed at cost reduction and organizational restructuring, Google has initiated layoffs affecting nearly 200 employees from its “core team.” The tech giant has reportedly terminated at least 50 roles within its engineering division based at the company’s headquarters in California, opting to relocate some positions overseas, particularly in India and Mexico.

The decision to streamline its workforce comes amidst Google’s ongoing efforts to optimize operations and enhance efficiency. According to internal documents obtained by CNBC, the company intends to fill vacancies in high-growth global workforce locations, aligning its operations closer to key partners and developer communities.

The layoffs were announced last week via an email from Asim Husain, Vice President of Google Developer Ecosystem. Husain acknowledged that this reduction marked the largest workforce cut within his team, emphasizing the company’s commitment to maintaining a global presence while expanding in strategic regions.

“We intend to maintain our current global footprint while also expanding in high-growth global workforce locations so that we can operate closer to our partners and developer communities,” stated Husain in the email.

Addressing concerns regarding the impacted employees, a Google spokesperson assured that affected workers would have the opportunity to apply for other open roles within the company. The spokesperson emphasized Google’s focus on fostering innovation and prioritizing key initiatives while streamlining organizational structures to reduce bureaucracy and layers.

This recent round of layoffs adds to Alphabet’s ongoing workforce reductions initiated in early 2023. At that time, the parent company of Google announced plans to cut approximately 12,000 positions, constituting roughly 6% of its total workforce. The move underscores Alphabet’s broader strategic objectives to optimize operations and drive sustainable growth in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.

As Google navigates these organizational changes, industry observers closely monitor the company’s trajectory, anticipating how these initiatives will shape its future direction and competitive positioning in the global market.

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