Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has strongly rebutted Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s claims regarding the 2024 Indian elections, labelling them "factually incorrect." Zuckerberg, in a recent appearance on the Joe Rogan podcast, suggested that most incumbent governments globally, including India's, lost in the 2024 elections due to post-Covid dissatisfaction. However, the Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) won a decisive third term in India, securing the trust

On Friday, Nicolas Maduro was sworn in for a third six-year term as Venezuela's president, despite widespread accusations of election fraud and a growing wave of international opposition. Having served as president since 2013, Maduro has weathered numerous crises, including a collapsing economy, US sanctions, and ongoing protests. His controversial victory in the July 2024 elections was followed by violent crackdowns, which saw over 2,400 people arrested and at least 28 killed. This marks

During the winter months, colder temperatures and reduced physical activity can lead to weight gain and higher levels of bad cholesterol (LDL). However, by incorporating certain cholesterol-lowering foods into your diet, you can help manage your cholesterol levels effectively. These foods work by reducing cholesterol absorption, improving HDL (good cholesterol), and promoting overall heart health. In this article, we share 10 foods that can help lower cholesterol and support a heart-healthy w

Expansion of China's Trade-In Scheme China is extending its consumer trade-in program, originally launched in March 2024, to help stimulate demand in the struggling household sector. The scheme now includes additional home appliances such as microwave ovens, dishwashers, and rice cookers. In an effort to boost the digital goods market, subsidies are also being offered for products like smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches. Consumers who trade in old products can receive subsidies

A recent study by researchers at the University of Coimbra in Portugal highlights the potential health benefits of regular coffee consumption, suggesting it could extend a person's healthy lifespan by an average of 1.8 years. The research, which was supported by the Institute for Scientific Information on Coffee (ISIC), reviews over 50 previous studies to assess the impact of coffee on longevity. Published in the journal Ageing Research Reviews, the study explores how coffee'

For heart patients, protein plays a crucial role in maintaining muscle mass, repairing tissues, and promoting overall cardiovascular health. It helps regulate blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation, and manage weight—key factors in preventing further heart complications. However, not all protein sources are equally beneficial. Lean proteins and plant-based options should be prioritized over those rich in saturated fats, such as red and processed meats, which can increase cholesterol le

Infosys, the major IT company, has postponed its annual salary hike for the fourth quarter of FY 2024-25, following the last increase in November 2023. This delay highlights the ongoing uncertainties within the domestic IT sector. One of the key reasons cited for the slowdown is the lack of increased IT spending from clients, influenced by macroeconomic factors, including potential tariffs under the upcoming Donald Trump administration. Infosys is not alone in this move, as other large IT com

A court in Bangladesh has issued a second arrest warrant for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, accusing her of enforced disappearances during her time in power. The new charges, which were announced by the chief prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), Tajul Islam, involve Hasina, her military adviser, and several law enforcement officials. Over 500 people were allegedly abducted by Bangladesh's security forces under her regime, with some of them detained in secret locati

The U.S. Surgeon General's office has issued a significant report revealing that alcohol consumption is the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the United States, after tobacco and obesity. Alcohol increases the risk of at least seven types of cancer, including breast, liver, and colorectal cancers, contributing to 100,000 cancer cases and 20,000 cancer deaths annually. This alarming figure surpasses the deaths caused by alcohol-related traffic crashes, highlighting the urgent ne

A case of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) has been detected in Bengaluru, India, with an eight-month-old child testing positive for the virus, according to reports . The child is receiving treatment at a private hospital in Bengaluru and has no travel history. The Karnataka Health Department has confirmed the case.   HMPV is similar to COVID-19 and can cause respiratory disease in people of all ag

Improves Digestion: Papaya is rich in papain, a digestive enzyme that helps break down proteins, easing digestion and preventing issues like bloating and constipation. Eating papaya in the morning ensures smoother digestion throughout the day. Supports Weight Management: Low in calories and high in fiber, papaya help

As respiratory illnesses surge in China, concerns are mounting about the spread of human metapneumovirus (HMPV), a respiratory virus also affecting other parts of Asia. With reports of overwhelmed hospitals and strained healthcare systems, health experts are particularly worried about the rapid transmission of HMPV across northern China, where the outbreak is most severe. The virus, which can affect people of all ages, primarily targets children, intensifying publ

Pupil Size May Reveal Memories Relived in Dreams, Study Suggests A groundbreaking study has explored the relationship between pupil dilation and memory processing during sleep. Published in the journal Nature and conducted by researchers at Cornell University, the study, titled "Sleep Microstructure Organizes Memory Replay," reveals that pupil size during sleep may indicate the type of memories being relived in dreams. Using cutting-ed

The University of Hyderabad (UoH) has opened applications for the 2025-27 MBA programme. Interested candidates can apply via the official websites acad.uohyd.ac.in and uohyd.ac.in. The deadline for submission is January 15, 2025. Applicants must have a minimum of a three-year first-class Bachelor's degree, with 60% marks or equivalent, and must have appeared for CAT 2024. Shortlisted candidates will undergo a Grou

Impact of Alcohol on Blood Sugar Levels: Alcohol does not cause blood sugar spikes; instead, it can lower blood sugar levels. The body metabolizes alcohol as a toxin, prioritizing its breakdown over other processes. To metabolize alcohol, the body uses glucose, which leads to a decrease in blood sugar levels. However, if you consume alcoholic drinks mixed with sugary mixers

In a bold move to improve air quality, Milan, Italy has introduced the country's toughest smoking ban, effective January 1. This ban prohibits smoking on city streets and crowded public areas, aiming to reduce airborne particulates and create a healthier environment for residents and tourists.   Fines for Non-Compliance

In 2024, the collective wealth of the world’s top 500 billionaires surged to a staggering $10 trillion, marking an unprecedented milestone. The year saw tech giants Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jensen Huang dominate the wealth rankings, with their fortunes significantly boosted by a rally in US technology stocks. Tesla, Meta, and Nvidia stocks performed exceptionally well, contributing heavily to the increase in wealth. Musk, the wealthiest individual, saw his fortune soar to $442.1

The Airport Authority of India (AAI) has launched its recruitment drive for 89 Junior Assistant (Fire Services) positions across India. Candidates interested in applying for these positions must meet the educational qualifications, which include being a 10th pass with a three-year approved diploma in Mechanical, Automobile, or Fire disciplines, or having completed their 12th standard (regular study). The online registration for the recruitment will close on January 28, 2025, and applicants ca

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has officially announced the date for the SSC CPO 2024 Paper 2 examination. Scheduled for March 8, 2025, Paper 2 will be an essential part of the selection process for Sub-Inspector (SI) positions in Delhi Police and the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). Candidates are advised to regularly check the SSC official website for any updates or changes to the exam schedule. The SSC CPO selection process consists of four stages: Paper 1, Physical Stan

The highly anticipated OnePlus Watch 3 is expected to launch soon as the successor to the OnePlus Watch 2, which debuted at MWC 2024. Recent reports have revealed several features of the smartwatch, but a new update has introduced the possibility of a Pro variant. According to a report, the "OnePlus Watch 3 Pro" was discovered in the source code of the OHealth app, alongside the Oppo Watch X2 series monikers. This suggests that the OnePlus Watch 3 Pro and Oppo Watch X2 could share s