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A thrilling display of athleticism and speed – American teenager Sam Watson set a new world record in the relatively new Olympic event of sport climbing. On Tuesday, Watson clocked an astonishing 4.75 seconds in the speed climbing qualification rounds at the Paris Olympics, breaking his own previous record of 4.79 seconds, which he set earlier this year at a World Cup event in China. This incredible feat also earned him the distinction of the fastest time ever recorded in a timed Olympic sport.

Sport climbing, which made its Olympic debut in Tokyo 2021, is still a novel event for many spectators. It was initially introduced as a combined event featuring three distinct disciplines: bouldering, lead climbing, and speed climbing. Bouldering involves climbing short, technical routes without a rope, lead climbing requires athletes to clip a rope to protection points along the way, and speed climbing focuses purely on how quickly climbers can ascend a 15-meter wall.

For the Paris Games, sport climbing has been restructured into two separate medal opportunities: one combining bouldering and lead climbing, and the other dedicated solely to speed climbing. This change came in response to criticism from athletes and fans who felt that the combined event in Tokyo did not adequately showcase the unique skills required for each discipline. Many argued that forcing climbers to compete across all three specialities created an unfair “circus” that diminished the technical aspects of the sport.

In speed climbing, athletes compete head-to-head, racing to the top of the wall in a bracket-style elimination format. The climbers with the slowest times are progressively eliminated until one victor emerges. This high-octane format not only tests raw speed but also the mental fortitude and composure of the athletes under intense pressure.

Watson, an 18-year-old from Texas, has been a standout in the sport, consistently pushing the boundaries of what is possible. His latest record-breaking performance has cemented his status as a rising star in the climbing world. In the quarterfinals of the men’s speed event, Watson will face New Zealand’s Julian David, with the eyes of the world watching to see if he can maintain his blistering pace.

The restructuring of sport climbing into distinct disciplines for the Paris Olympics has been widely praised, allowing athletes to demonstrate their expertise in their preferred specialities. This move has also brought more clarity and excitement to the sport, with spectators able to appreciate the unique challenges and skills involved in each event.

Sam Watson’s record-breaking achievement not only highlights his incredible talent but also underscores the growing popularity and competitive spirit of sport climbing. As the sport continues to evolve, athletes like Watson are sure to inspire the next generation of climbers to reach new heights.

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In a dramatic turn of events, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has resigned and fled the capital Dhaka as violent clashes erupted, with vast crowds of protesters demanding her resignation. The intensity of the situation escalated quickly, leading to an unprecedented political crisis in the country.

Prime Minister Forced to Flee

Sheikh Hasina and her sister have reportedly left the Prime Minister’s official residence, Ganabhaban, seeking refuge in a safer location. The sudden departure highlights the severity of the unrest that has gripped the nation. According to a source, the Prime Minister intended to address the nation but was unable to do so due to the chaotic circumstances.

Protests Turn Violent

The streets of Dhaka have been engulfed in turmoil as protesters, fueled by frustration and anger, clashed with security forces. The demand for Hasina’s resignation has been a rallying cry for many who are dissatisfied with her leadership. The scenes of unrest have brought the city to a standstill, with reports of injuries and widespread property damage.

Political Crisis Deepens

The resignation of Sheikh Hasina marks a significant moment in Bangladesh’s political landscape. As a prominent figure who has led the country for many years, her departure amid such chaotic circumstances raises questions about the future stability of the nation. The opposition and civil society groups have intensified their calls for a change in leadership, reflecting a deep-seated desire for political reform.

International Concerns

The international community is watching the developments in Bangladesh closely. The violent clashes and political instability have raised concerns about the potential for further escalation. Diplomatic efforts are likely to be mobilized to encourage a peaceful resolution to the crisis and to support the restoration of order.

A Nation in Flux

As Bangladesh navigates this period of uncertainty, the road ahead remains unclear. The resignation of Sheikh Hasina, driven by intense public pressure and violent unrest, signifies a turning point. The country’s leaders and its people must now work towards rebuilding trust and establishing a path forward that ensures stability and democratic governance.

The resignation of Sheikh Hasina amidst violent protests marks a watershed moment in Bangladesh’s political history. As the nation grapples with the immediate aftermath, the focus will be on restoring peace and charting a course for a stable and democratic future.

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The Middle East is teetering on the edge of a full-scale conflict as tensions between Israel and Iran escalate. The recent assassinations of key militant leaders and subsequent military actions have heightened fears of an all-out war, prompting urgent diplomatic efforts from Western nations led by the United States to defuse the situation.

Assassinations Ignite Tensions

The region has been on high alert following the assassinations of Hezbollah commander Faud Shukr in Lebanon and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Israel has admitted responsibility for Shukr’s death but remains ambiguous about its involvement in Haniyeh’s assassination. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has vowed revenge, escalating threats of retaliation through Hezbollah targeting deep inside Israel.

Diplomatic Efforts Amid Rising Hostilities

The United States has stepped up its diplomatic efforts to prevent a broader conflict. General Michael Kurilla, commander of US forces in the Middle East, is visiting regional powers to mobilize support for Israel and prepare for potential escalations. Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi is also set to meet Iranian leadership to discuss the fast-moving developments, signaling a broader regional push to prevent further violence.

Escalating Violence

The violence continues to spiral, with Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah rocket launchers in southern Lebanon in response to overnight rocket attacks. Meanwhile, Israeli and Palestinian militants are locked in a deadly exchange. Israeli strikes in Gaza’s Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital have resulted in civilian casualties, including children, while a Palestinian stabbing attack in Holon claimed the lives of two elderly Israeli citizens.

International Repercussions

The rising threat of war has prompted several countries to take precautionary measures. France and Sweden have urged their citizens to leave Lebanon, joining the United States and the United Kingdom in advising nationals to evacuate. The Indian Mission in Israel has also issued a safety advisory to its citizens, emphasizing vigilance and adherence to safety protocols.

Humanitarian Concerns and Global Response

The humanitarian impact of the escalating conflict is severe. Civilian casualties and displacement are mounting as airstrikes and attacks continue. The international community is calling for restraint and a return to negotiations to prevent further loss of life and regional destabilization.

Conclusion

As the Middle East stands on the brink of a potentially devastating conflict, the urgent need for diplomatic intervention and de-escalation is more critical than ever. The world watches closely, hoping that cooler heads will prevail to avert a war that could have catastrophic consequences for the region and beyond.

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OpenAI, the San Francisco-based AI startup and leader in the artificial intelligence sector, is facing significant financial challenges. According to a report by The Information, OpenAI is projected to incur a staggering $5 billion loss in 2024, despite expected earnings of between $3 billion and $4.5 billion. This alarming projection indicates that OpenAI could run out of cash within the next 12 months, raising concerns about the sustainability of its current operations and future ambitions.

Massive Expenditures on Cloud Infrastructure

A significant portion of OpenAI’s financial strain is attributed to its high capital expenditure on cloud infrastructure, essential for training and running its advanced AI programs, including the widely popular ChatGPT. OpenAI relies heavily on Microsoft for its computing infrastructure, a partnership that began with Microsoft’s $1 billion investment three years before ChatGPT’s launch.

The AI giant operates around 350,000 Nvidia A100 chips, with 290,000 dedicated to running ChatGPT. Microsoft rents these servers to OpenAI at $1.3 per hour, resulting in an estimated expenditure of $4 billion on servers alone in 2024. Additionally, OpenAI plans to spend $3 billion on training its AI models and another $1.5 billion on salaries for its 1,500 employees.

Revenue Streams and Financial Deficit

Despite generating approximately $2 billion in revenue through ChatGPT and another $1 billion by providing access to its large language model, OpenAI’s financial outlook remains bleak. The projected earnings of $3 billion to $4.5 billion in 2024 fall short of covering the massive expenses, leading to a $5 billion deficit. This shortfall underscores the urgent need for OpenAI to secure fresh funding to sustain its development pace and achieve its ambitious goal of developing Artificial General Intelligence (AGI).

The Path Forward

To navigate this financial turmoil, OpenAI must explore new revenue streams, optimize expenditures, and potentially raise additional capital. The company’s ability to innovate and maintain its leadership in the AI sector will be critical in attracting investors and securing the necessary funds to continue its groundbreaking work. As OpenAI strives to push the boundaries of AI technology, its financial strategies will play a pivotal role in determining its future trajectory and success.

In conclusion, while OpenAI stands at the forefront of AI innovation, its financial challenges present a daunting hurdle. The coming months will be crucial in determining how the company addresses its cash burn and deficit, ensuring it remains a pioneering force in the AI landscape.

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In a significant diplomatic engagement, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar met in Vientiane on July 25, 2024. The high-level talks underscored the importance of China and India, two neighboring giants with ancient civilizations, in navigating the complex international landscape and addressing global challenges together.

Wang Yi emphasized the need for China and India to enhance dialogue, foster mutual understanding, and build trust. He highlighted that both nations, as major developing countries and emerging economies, should responsibly handle differences and focus on mutually beneficial cooperation. This, he said, would not only promote stable and sustainable bilateral relations but also serve broader global interests.

“China-India relations have a significant impact beyond the bilateral scope,” Wang Yi remarked. “Improving our relations should reflect the strategic vision of our nations as major emerging economies. We must handle our differences with political wisdom and tackle global challenges with solidarity and cooperation.”

Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar echoed these sentiments, noting the shared history and interests of the two countries. He stressed that maintaining stable and predictable bilateral relations is crucial for regional peace and the promotion of a multipolar world. “India and China, with our vast populations and rich histories, have broad converging interests despite the challenges posed by the situation in the border areas. We are committed to taking a strategic and open perspective to find solutions and return our relations to a positive track,” Jaishankar said.

Both sides agreed on the importance of maintaining peace and tranquility in the border areas and pledged to make progress in consultations on border affairs. They also expressed their readiness to enhance communication within various multilateral frameworks, including the East Asia cooperation platform, SCO, G20, and BRICS, to jointly practice multilateralism and uphold the rights and interests of developing countries.

This meeting marks a significant step in fostering cooperation between China and India, two pivotal players on the global stage, as they navigate through shared challenges and work towards a more stable and prosperous future.

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Washington D.C., July 21 — In a surprising political move, U.S. President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race, paving the way for Vice President Kamala Harris to become the Democratic candidate of choice. Although it remains unclear whether other senior Democrats will challenge Harris for the party’s nomination, Biden has endorsed her as the preferred candidate.

The India Connection

Kamala Harris, who made history in 2020 as the first Indian-American and African-American woman to become Vice President, now aims to achieve another milestone by running for President. If she secures the Democratic nomination, Harris will be seeking to become the first Indian-American and African-American woman to hold the highest office in the United States.

Harris’s Indian roots trace back to her mother, Shyamala Gopalan Harris, a cancer researcher and civil rights activist from Tamil Nadu. Raised by her single mother, Harris often speaks about the significant influence her Indian heritage has had on her life and values.

Family Ties and Cultural Roots

Kamala Harris’s maternal uncle, Gopalan Balachandran, a former consultant at the Institute of Defence Studies and Analysis (IDSA) in Delhi, and her grandfather, P.V. Gopalan, who worked on refugee rehabilitation in India and later served as an advisor to the Zambian President, have both contributed to her deep connection with India. Her grandfather’s wife, Rajam, was also known for her social work.

Harris’s visits to Chennai, where she immersed her mother’s ashes in the sea according to Hindu traditions, and her fond memories of walks with her grandfather discussing Indian freedom fighters, highlight her strong ties to her Indian heritage.

Celebrating Indian Culture

During her vice-presidential campaign in 2020, Harris often reminisced about her mother’s love for good idli, an Indian dish, and even participated in cooking masala dosas with Indian-origin actor Mindy Kaling. These moments underscored her pride in her Indian roots and her desire to honor her heritage.

A Celebrated Victory

Harris’s ancestral village of Thulasendrapuram in Tamil Nadu celebrated her 2020 victory alongside Biden with traditional festivities, including bursting crackers, distributing sweets, and drawing colorful kolams. Special pujas were performed at the Sri Dharma Sastha Temple to thank the deity for answering their prayers for her success.

As Kamala Harris steps into the spotlight as a potential presidential candidate, her journey reflects a blend of rich cultural heritage and a commitment to public service, drawing inspiration from both her Indian and American identities.

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Microsoft Windows users worldwide, including those in India, Australia, Germany, the United States, and the UK, are experiencing a persistent blue screen issue on their laptops. This issue has led to systems restarting or shutting down automatically. Dell Technologies has identified a recent update from CrowdStrike as the root cause of the crashes.

The outage began on Thursday evening, primarily affecting Microsoft’s Central US region, and has significantly disrupted essential systems for numerous airlines. Among the affected airlines are American Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Allegiant, and Sun Country in the US, as well as IndiGo and other carriers in India.

Unclear Scope of Outages

It remains uncertain whether all reported outages are directly linked to the CrowdStrike issue or if there are additional underlying problems contributing to the widespread disruptions.

Understanding CrowdStrike

CrowdStrike is a prominent cybersecurity platform that offers security solutions for both individual users and businesses. The platform uses a single sensor and a unified threat interface to provide comprehensive protection. One of its key features, Falcon Identity Threat Protection, stops identity-driven breaches in real time by correlating attacks across endpoints, workloads, and identities.

The recent problematic update has caused CrowdStrike’s Falcon Sensor to malfunction, leading to conflicts with the Windows operating system.

CrowdStrike’s Response

Acknowledging the error, CrowdStrike has stated, “Our engineers are actively working to resolve this issue, and there is no need to open a support ticket.” The company has committed to updating users once the issue is resolved.

Microsoft’s Azure Outage

Microsoft confirmed that the Azure outage was resolved early Friday. However, the disruption has highlighted the potential risks associated with heavy reliance on cloud services. The outage has impacted various sectors, including airlines, banks, supermarkets, media outlets, and other businesses.

What is the Blue Screen of Death?

The Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) is a critical error screen that appears on Windows operating systems when the system encounters a severe issue that prevents it from operating safely. This error forces the computer to restart unexpectedly, often resulting in the loss of unsaved data.

In this specific case, the BSOD error message states, “Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart. We are just collecting some error info, then we will restart for you.” This issue has been observed across Windows, Mac, and Linux systems.

The recent Microsoft outage and the ensuing blue screen issue serve as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure and the far-reaching impact of software updates gone awry.

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Ashadi Ekadashi, also known as Devshayani Ekadashi or Padma Ekadashi, is a deeply significant day for Hindus, observed on the eleventh day (Ekadashi) of the waxing fortnight (Shukla Paksha) in the Hindu lunar month of Ashadha (June-July). This year, Ashadi Ekadashi will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 17, 2024.

What is Ashadi Ekadashi?

Ashadi Ekadashi heralds the beginning of Chaturmas, a four-month period during which Lord Vishnu is believed to enter a deep, meditative sleep known as Yog Nidra. During this time, Hindus refrain from undertaking major life events such as weddings, adhering to strict religious observances.

Fasting and Celebration

On Ashadi Ekadashi, devotees of Lord Vishnu engage in a rigorous fast, abstaining from grains, certain vegetables, and other specific foods. The day is dedicated to prayer, meditation, and performing puja (worship rituals), seeking Lord Vishnu’s blessings. The fast is traditionally concluded the next day, on Dwadashi Tithi, during a specific Parana time, which varies by location.

Significance of Ashadi Ekadashi

Ashadi Ekadashi is imbued with profound spiritual significance. Observing the fast is believed to bestow good health, wealth, prosperity, and ultimately, Moksha (liberation). Devotees seek the divine blessings of Lord Vishnu, aiming for a life filled with happiness and prosperity.

The Vrat Katha (Fasting Story)

Hindu mythology recounts that a king once faced a devastating drought that brought great suffering to his kingdom. A wise sage advised the king to observe Ashadi Ekadashi with sincere devotion. Following this guidance, the king diligently fasted and prayed to Lord Vishnu. Pleased with the king’s devotion, Lord Vishnu blessed the kingdom with abundant rains, restoring prosperity and joy.

Ashadi Ekadashi in 2024

  • Date: Wednesday, July 17, 2024
  • Parana Time (Fast Breaking Time): To be determined (Varies based on location; consult your local Panchang for specific timings)
  • Significance: Marks the start of Chaturmas, a period of religious observances. Fasting is believed to bring Lord Vishnu’s blessings.

Ashadi Ekadashi is a revered day for millions of Hindus around the world. Through fasting and adherence to tradition, devotees seek the divine blessings of Lord Vishnu, ensuring a life of happiness, health, and prosperity. This observance underscores the importance of spiritual discipline and devotion in Hindu life.

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In a shocking turn of events, former US President Donald Trump was struck in the ear in an apparent assassination attempt during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The 78-year-old Republican candidate was addressing a large, enthusiastic crowd when a gunman opened fire. The incident, captured live on news channels, showed Trump with visible blood on his face as Secret Service agents quickly intervened, whisking him offstage to safety.

Ivanka Trump, daughter of the former president, expressed profound gratitude for the outpouring of support and concern following the violent incident. In a statement released shortly after the shooting, she praised the swift actions of the Secret Service and law enforcement, highlighting their critical role in preventing further tragedy.

“Thank you for your love and prayers for my father and for the other victims of today’s senseless violence in Butler, Pennsylvania,” Ivanka Trump stated. “I am grateful to the Secret Service and all the other law enforcement officers for their quick and decisive actions today. I continue to pray for our country. I love you Dad, today and always.”

The rally, attended by thousands of Trump supporters, erupted in chaos as the gunfire rang out. As the bullet struck his ear, Trump was seen ducking while Secret Service agents surrounded him. An audio feed from the stage captured Trump saying, “Let me get my shoes,” as he was escorted to a safe location. Despite the chaos, he was seen pumping his fist to the crowd, signaling his resilience.

This alarming incident is likely to heighten concerns about security and stability as the 2024 US presidential election approaches.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set for a pivotal three-day visit to Moscow and Vienna, focusing on the Ukraine war, green fuel, and clean energy. During his visit, PM Modi will engage in private dinners with Russian President Vladimir Putin on July 8 and Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer the following day, aiming to bolster India’s energy security and acquire green technologies from both nations.

The visit to Moscow is particularly significant as India seeks to strengthen its energy ties with Russia amidst Europe’s procurement of energy supplies from West Asia at higher prices due to the Ukraine conflict. PM Modi will also explore alternative routes, including the Arctic, for evacuating energy from Russia and consider increased investment in the Russian energy sector.

PM Modi will be physically conferred with the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle the First-Called, the highest state decoration by the Russian Federation. The key discussion between Modi and Putin will center on the ongoing Ukraine war, which continues to destabilize global markets and security. Armed with insights from the recent G-7 summit in Italy, PM Modi will urge President Putin to return to the negotiating table, emphasizing the futility of prolonging the conflict.

Additionally, Modi will discuss halting the recruitment of Indians to fight in the Ukraine war and seek to enhance cooperation with Russia in space and nuclear energy. India aims to activate Kudankulam Reactors III and IV with Russian assistance in the next two years and commence work on Reactors V and VI. Further cooperation on India’s Gaganyaan space mission and the future establishment of a space station will also be on the agenda.

Following his engagements in Moscow, PM Modi will travel to Vienna for a private dialogue with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer on July 9. This marks the first visit by an Indian PM to Vienna since 1983, highlighting Austria’s historical ties with India, including contributions by Indologist Joseph Tieffenhaler.

The Ukraine war will also be a key topic of discussion in Vienna, with both India and Austria positioned to play a role in resolving the conflict, which has significant economic implications for the Global South. Austria’s expertise in clean and green technologies, such as converting used cooking oil into green fuel, will be a focal point of the visit. Austrian companies are notably involved in Indian infrastructure projects, including tunneling through challenging terrains in northern India.

Overall, PM Modi’s visit to Russia and Austria will address critical issues of energy security, the Ukraine conflict, and the advancement of green technologies, reflecting India’s strategic priorities on the global stage.

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