World Bank Lowers Bangladesh’s Growth Forecast Citing Political Instability

The World Bank has revised Bangladesh’s economic growth projection for the fiscal year 2024-25, lowering it to 4%, down from an earlier estimate of 5.2%. This adjustment comes in response to the political unrest that has shaken the country, creating significant economic and political uncertainty.

In its South Asia Development Update for October 2024, the World Bank emphasized how the political turmoil of July and August has disrupted the nation’s economic performance, directly impacting its gross domestic product (GDP) growth. Supply chain disruptions and investor hesitancy have further contributed to the economic slowdown.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) also recently cut its growth forecast for Bangladesh, revising it to 5.1% for the current fiscal year. The ADB cited similar concerns, noting that the political unrest over the past few months has created challenges for Bangladesh’s supply chains, adding pressure to its economic outlook.

Bangladesh and the Maldives stand out as the only two South Asian countries where the World Bank has downgraded growth forecasts. This reflects the unique political and economic hurdles facing both nations. Inflationary pressures are also expected to rise, while the broader South Asian region shows more positive economic trends.

Recovery Potential 

Despite these setbacks, the World Bank remains cautiously optimistic about Bangladesh’s long-term economic prospects. The global lender foresees a gradual recovery, underpinned by key reforms in the financial sector, improved business conditions, expanded trade, and greater domestic resource mobilization.

The recent political changes in Bangladesh, including the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the appointment of an interim government following student-led protests in August, have further added to the country’s economic uncertainty. However, the World Bank’s projections for 2025-26 suggest that Bangladesh has the potential to rebound and achieve strong growth in the coming years.

While the near-term outlook for Bangladesh is clouded by political instability, the World Bank believes that with the right reforms, the nation can bounce back. Implementing structural changes in the financial sector, boosting investment, and strengthening domestic industries will be critical to ensuring long-term growth and stability.

 

India’s Forex Reserves Decline Slightly But Stay Above $700 Billion

India’s foreign exchange reserves remained above $700 billion for the second straight week, according to data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released on Friday. As of October 4, the reserves stood at $701.18 billion, marking a decline of $3.71 billion from the previous week.

India’s forex reserves, which are at an all-time high, rank as the fourth-largest globally, following China, Japan, and Switzerland. The reserves had surged by nearly $35 billion over the past seven weeks, demonstrating robust growth.

According to the RBI’s Weekly Statistical Supplement, the decline in reserves was primarily due to a reduction in Foreign Currency Assets (FCAs), which fell by $3.51 billion to $612.6 billion. Gold reserves also dipped slightly by $40 million, bringing them to $65.76 billion. Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) dropped by $123 million to $18.43 billion, while the reserve position in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) saw a marginal decrease of $71 million, standing at $4.3 billion.

Despite geopolitical uncertainties, investor confidence in India’s economic potential remains high. Last week, India’s forex reserves exceeded $700 billion for the first time, reaching $704.89 billion, marking the largest weekly increase since mid-July 2023, with a surge of $12.59 billion.

India has now joined an exclusive group of countries with over $700 billion in reserves, alongside China, Japan, and Switzerland. Foreign inflows into India this year have exceeded $30 billion, underscoring the country’s attractiveness to global investors.

Looking forward, experts predict continued growth in India’s forex reserves, which will further solidify the nation’s economic position on the global stage. A strong forex reserve not only boosts investor confidence but also strengthens India’s ability to attract foreign investments and support domestic trade and industry.

Industry analysts also highlight that the combination of strong forex reserves and a sound monetary policy is providing reassurance to both the business community and international investors, even in the face of global geopolitical challenges.

Regulatory Warning Sends Jitters Among Suzlon Investors, Share Price Down 5%

Suzlon Energy, a prominent renewable energy solution provider, has recently been under the market’s microscope due to a significant drop in its share price. The company’s shares took a 5% hit after receiving an ‘advisory cum warning’ letter from the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE). This development has sparked concerns among investors and market observers, leading to a downward trend in the company’s stock for six consecutive sessions.

The advisory cum warning letter was issued in response to issues raised by a resigning independent director. The director highlighted that Suzlon Energy’s corporate governance standards did not meet expectations. After reviewing the responses and documents received from the company, the exchanges identified instances where better corporate governance practices could have been followed.

Corporate Governance Concerns and Market Reaction

The exchanges warned Suzlon to exercise due caution in the future and initiate corrective steps to avoid recurrence of such lapses. They emphasized that any future non-compliance would be taken seriously. This warning has had an immediate negative impact on the share price, reflecting investor concern.

Despite this setback, Suzlon Energy responded by stating that the advisory cum warning letter does not have any material impact on its financial, operational, or other activities. The company acknowledged the concerns but also conveyed confidence that the issue would not hinder its regular operations.

Technical Outlook and Investor Sentiment

The current market sentiment for Suzlon Energy shares appears bearish following the receipt of the advisory cum warning letter. Technically, the stock is considered bearish on daily charts, with a support level mentioned around Rs 79-78. A close below this zone could lead to further downside. However, if the stock can decisively close above Rs 83, it might see an upside towards Rs 86. These levels are crucial for investors and traders to watch for potential trading signals.

The long-term implications of this development would depend on how Suzlon Energy addresses the concerns raised and whether it can restore investor confidence through improved governance practices. If Suzlon Energy implements corrective measures effectively and maintains transparency, it could mitigate any lasting damage to its reputation and investor trust.

Historical Precedents and Future Outlook

Historically, similar events have occurred in the corporate world where companies have faced regulatory scrutiny due to governance issues. For instance, in 2019, Infosys, one of India’s largest IT companies, faced a whistleblower complaint alleging unethical practices by its top management. The company’s shares plummeted following the news, but it managed to restore investor confidence by conducting a thorough investigation and taking corrective measures.

US Dockworker Strike Paralyzes 36 Ports; Impact and Possible Future Scenarios

The United States is currently in the throes of the largest dockworker strike in nearly half a century. The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), representing 45,000 port workers from Maine to Texas, has initiated a significant stoppage. The first of its magnitude since 1977, the strike has resulted in long lines of container ships queuing up outside major U.S. ports, threatening shortages of everything from bananas to auto parts.

The strike was triggered by a breakdown in negotiations for a new six-year contract between the ILA and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX), the employer group representing the port owners and shipping companies. The ILA is seeking a significant pay raise and commitments to halt port automation projects, which the union believes will lead to job losses. The USMX had offered a 50% pay increase, but the ILA considers this insufficient.

As the strike entered its third day, at least 45 container vessels that had been unable to unload had anchored up outside the strike-stricken East Coast and Gulf Coast ports. This was a significant increase from just three before the strike began. Many vessels seem to have decided to wait it out, possibly hoping for a prompt resolution to the strike action.

The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) has halted the U.S. supply chain with the largest dockworker strike in nearly half a century. As port workers from Maine to Texas walk off the job, the reverberations are already being felt, and the stakes are growing.

Immediate Impact: A Deepening Logjam

In just three days, the number of container ships anchored outside East Coast and Gulf Coast ports has skyrocketed, with 45 vessels now stranded, a sharp rise from the pre-strike three. This figure is expected to double before the week’s end, creating a cascading backlog that could take months to untangle.

Goods ranging from fresh produce to essential auto parts are stalled, with no immediate resolution in sight. While West Coast ports remain an option, rerouting through the Panama Canal is costly and time-consuming, further exacerbating global shipping delays.

Retailers have been bracing for impact. The U.S. economy could see a chilling effect as the $5 billion daily cost of the strike piles up. Although economists suggest companies front-loaded key imports in anticipation of labor unrest, a prolonged disruption would ignite supply shortages, especially for food and perishable goods.

The National Retail Federation, already warning of “devastating consequences,” is pushing for immediate federal intervention.

Political Calculations: Biden Walks a Tightrope

With the strike happening under the watch of a pro-labor president, the Biden administration finds itself in a precarious spot. While the president has aligned with the union, urging employers to sweeten their offer, political ramifications loom large.

The administration’s reluctance to use federal authority to break the strike, citing long-term economic recovery goals and labor support, could alienate business leaders and voters grappling with inflation.

Yet, invoking the Taft-Hartley Act, which would force workers back to the docks, carries risks. Such a move, particularly ahead of the November election, could harm Democratic support among labor groups. The balance between addressing immediate economic concerns and long-term political calculations remains razor-thin.

The Ripple Effect: Supply Chain and Consumer Prices

If the strike drags on, the economy could face another inflationary wave, particularly in food prices. While some sectors remain insulated by preemptive shipping, others will not be so fortunate. A prolonged stoppage would hike shipping costs, which could be passed down to consumers already weary of high living expenses.

Economists are cautious about drawing parallels to previous disruptions, as the strike now hits during a period of heightened inflationary pressures. Consumer sentiment, already fragile, could suffer if essentials become more scarce and expensive, setting the stage for a political and economic standoff.

What’s Next: Automation or Appeassement?

The strike raises key questions about the future of labor relations in the U.S. economy. Automation has emerged as a flashpoint in negotiations, and with the ILA calling for a halt to port automation projects, the outcome could define the scope of labor’s influence on technological advancements.

For now, the supply chain stands at a crossroads. If no deal is reached, the possibility of intervention, economic fallout, and a lasting labor standoff could leave scars that extend well beyond the ports.

Whether the ILA and USMX find a middle ground or continue to dig in will determine the scale and scope of the economic damage. One thing is certain: the stakes are high, and the clock is ticking.

Quick Analysis: What’s Middle East Conflict’s Potential Impact on Global Economy? 4 Possible Future Scenarios

Wall Street’s main indexes opened lower on Wednesday after escalation in geopolitical tensions in the Middle East though markets are likely not to come under sway. Here’s the impact visible so far and the possible future scenarios:

  • Israeli Retaliation: Iran’s missile strike on Israel, involving 180 ballistic missiles, significantly raises the chances of an Israeli counterattack. A likely target could be Iran’s Kharg Island facility, which handles 90% of the country’s oil exports.
  • Economic Risk: If Israel strikes and Iran responds by restricting access to the Strait of Hormuz—through which 20% of the world’s daily oil supply passes—crude oil prices could surge above $100 per barrel, similar to the 2022 spike following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
  • Central Bankers on Edge: The U.S. Federal Reserve and European Central Bank (ECB) are closely monitoring these developments. Energy price hikes from a prolonged conflict could derail plans to reduce interest rates, potentially reigniting inflation that central banks have worked hard to control.
  • Energy Supply Shock: Despite current stability—due to minimal casualties and Israel’s potential focus on Hezbollah in Lebanon rather than direct strikes on Iran—a severe disruption in oil exports would trigger energy supply shocks. Saudi Arabia’s ability to increase oil production could soften the blow, but sustained tensions could strain global supplies.
  • Inflation Dilemma: Central banks, especially in the U.S. and Europe, struggled to manage energy shocks during the 2022 power crisis, which led to inflation spiking to high-single-digit levels. A similar surge, along with other inflationary factors like the U.S. longshoremen strike, could force central bankers into a tough choice: either continue rate cuts and risk further inflation or pause/raise rates and push the economy toward recession.
  • Investor Sentiment: As of now, markets seem unaffected by these risks. In Europe, traders expect the ECB to cut rates again on October 17, while U.S. derivative prices suggest the Fed’s rates could fall to 3% by October 2025 from the current 4.9%.
  • Geopolitical Ripple Effect: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed Iran would pay for the attack, while Tehran warned of “vast destruction” in case of retaliation, signaling the possibility of a wider regional conflict. Any involvement by Israel’s allies could lead to a broader confrontation, further unsettling global markets.
  • Immediate Market Impact: Oil prices have already risen by 5%, with Brent crude trading at $75.3 per barrel amid concerns about escalating tensions.

Possible Future Scenarios

  1. Surge in Oil Prices: A direct strike on Iranian infrastructure, or a disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, could send oil prices soaring above $100 per barrel. This would have immediate inflationary consequences for the global economy, forcing central banks to reconsider planned interest rate cuts.
  2. Inflationary Pressures: A prolonged Middle East conflict could trigger another energy crisis, worsening inflation in the U.S. and Europe. Central banks may be forced to halt or reverse rate-cutting plans, risking a global economic slowdown or recession.
  3. Geopolitical Instability: Any military escalation between Israel and Iran could lead to broader regional conflict, drawing in global powers and further disrupting oil supplies. This could amplify investor fears and market volatility.
  4. Delayed Monetary Easing: If inflation spikes due to rising energy costs, the U.S. Federal Reserve and ECB may delay or slow down their plans for monetary easing, prolonging high borrowing costs and hindering economic recovery efforts. Even RBI might delay its decision to ease interest rate cuts now.

Under Currents of RBI Flagging Irregularities in Gold Loans

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently raised concerns over deficiencies in gold-lending practices, urging gold lenders to review their policies and practices and implement corrective measures within a three-month timeframe. This directive comes in the wake of a review conducted by the RBI, which revealed several irregularities in the gold loan sector.

Gold loans, which are granted against a pledge of gold ornaments and jewellery, have come under the RBI’s scrutiny as they defy the lending norms of other assets and often fail to contribute to overall growth.

The review, as well as the findings of the onsite examination of select supervised entities by the RBI, indicated several irregular practices in this activity. The major deficiencies include shortcomings in the use of third parties for sourcing and appraisal of loans, valuation of gold without the presence of the customer, inadequate due diligence, and lack of end-use monitoring of gold loans.

RBI’s Advisory Too Late?

The RBI has pointed out the lack of transparency during the auction of gold ornaments and jewellery on default by the customer, weaknesses in monitoring of loan-to-value, and incorrect application of risk-factors, among others. These irregularities were observed across various supervised entities, including commercial banks, small finance banks, urban cooperative banks, and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs).

In response to these findings, the RBI has advised lenders to comprehensively review their policies, processes, and practices on gold loans to identify gaps and initiate appropriate remedial measures in a timebound manner. The central bank has also emphasized the need for close monitoring of gold loan portfolios, especially in light of significant growth in the portfolios in certain entities.

The RBI’s directive also highlighted the need for entities to ensure that adequate controls are in place over outsourced activities and third-party service providers. The central bank has warned that non-compliance with regulatory guidelines will be viewed seriously and will attract supervisory action by the RBI.

Impact on the Gold Loan Sector

This warning on gold loan practices follows a similar caution issued by the RBI in August 2024, highlighting issues with home equity or top-up housing loans such as non-adherence to loan-to-value (LTV) ratios and lack of end-use monitoring. The RBI Governor, Shaktikanta Das, had then noted that such loans may lead to funds being deployed in unproductive segments or for speculative purposes.

The RBI’s advisory to gold lenders also highlighted several specific cases of irregularities or deficiencies with respect to gold loans being granted. These included instances where gold loans were given through partnerships with fintechs and business correspondents (BCs), and practices such as valuation of gold being carried out in the absence of the customer, credit appraisal and valuations being done by the BC itself, and gold being stored in the custody of BC.

The review also revealed a lack of a robust system for periodical LTV (loan-to-value) monitoring with instances of breach of regulatory LTV ceilings observed in some entities. In other instances, the application of risk weights was at variance with the prudential regulations. The end use of funds was also usually not verified for non-agriculture loans and there was a lack of proof or proper documentation obtained and retained in respect of agriculture gold loans.

The RBI’s directive has likely led to a negative impact on the share prices of major gold financing companies, as indicated by mentions of stocks slipping for companies like Muthoot Finance and Manappuram Finance. These companies would have to review and potentially tighten their practices, which could involve increased costs and possibly affect their short-term business operations. The directive also suggests increased regulatory scrutiny, which might lead to a more cautious approach by investors in the sector.

Otherwise, the RBI’s directive serves as a wake-up call for gold lenders to tighten their practices, lest the RBI may tighten the rules to  maintain the stability of the financial system. Certainly, the directive is going to impact on gold loans segment of many banks and NBFCs.

Gold as Crisis Saver

Whether Covid-19 or Forex crisis, over the period gold remained the single instrument to save the nations to sustain and India stands to benefit from the gold as a reserve, as the case with many other central banks across the globe. From a low of 7% seen in CY20, the share has improved significantly to 26% at present.

As per World Gold Council report, Central Bank of Turkey was the largest buyer, followed by People’s Bank of China and Reserve Bank of India. This may be on account of attaching greater weight to gold’s value in crisis response, diversification of portfolio and credibility on account of store-of-value. But the value erodes when the asset changes hands from the owners to the lenders. Here, the RBI is quite cautious.

Jaishankar on 3-nation tour to Singapore, Philippines, Malaysia

India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar is set to undertake a diplomatic tour to Singapore, the Philippines, and Malaysia from March 23 to 27, aiming to bolster bilateral ties.

According to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued on Saturday, the visit to these Southeast Asian nations will serve as a platform for discussions on shared regional concerns.

This tour follows closely on the heels of Minister Jaishankar’s recent visit to Japan, where efforts were made to strengthen the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between the two nations.

Jaishankar’s previous visit to Singapore in October 2023 was focused on deepening the Strategic Partnership between the two nations, during which he held meetings with President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan.

S Jaishankar

In November 2023, then Malaysian Foreign Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir visited India at Jaishankar’s invitation to co-chair the sixth India-Malaysia Joint Commission Meeting in New Delhi.

Furthermore, in June 2023, Jaishankar and Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the Philippines, Enrique A. Manalo, chaired the fifth meeting of the Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation in New Delhi. Discussions during this meeting encompassed various regional and global issues of mutual interest, as highlighted by the MEA.

Both India and the Philippines stressed their commitment to a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region during these discussions, emphasizing the importance of resolving disputes peacefully and upholding international law.

 

‘Misplaced, Misinformed, Unwarranted’: India Rebuffs US Remarks on CAA Implementation

India has rejected the US State Department’s “concerns” regarding the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), and termed it as “misplaced, misinformed, and unwarranted.”

In a press briefing, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, emphasized that the CAA primarily aims at granting citizenship rather than revoking it. Jaiswal dismissed critiques from those with limited comprehension of India’s diverse traditions and the historical context following partition.

Addressing concerns raised by the US State Department and others, Jaiswal reiterated that India views the criticism as unfounded. He urged international partners to acknowledge the goodwill underlying the enactment of the CAA, framing it as consistent with India’s inclusive ethos and enduring commitment to human rights.

The Citizenship Amendment Act 2019 provides refuge to persecuted minorities, including Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Parsis, and Christians from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, who arrived in India before December 31, 2014.

Jaiswal contended that there are no justifiable grounds for apprehension or mistreatment of minorities, cautioning against allowing political considerations to influence perceptions of a commendable initiative aiding distressed individuals.

India’s assertive response followed comments from US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller expressing concern over the notification of CAA rules and signaling close scrutiny of its implementation.

The Central government implemented the CAA on Monday, offering a pathway to citizenship for undocumented non-Muslim migrants from neighboring countries who entered India before December 31, 2014.

Critics argue that the law undermines the secular principles enshrined in the Indian Constitution by excluding Muslims from its provisions.

Women may experience different PCOS or PCOD symptoms depending on where they live

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in Alabama may be more likely to have excessive hair growth and insulin resistance, whereas women with PCOS in California may be more likely to have higher testosterone levels, according to new research published in the Endocrine Society’s Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.

PCOS affects 7–10% of women of childbearing age and is the most common cause of infertility. In the United States, an estimated 5 to 6 million women have PCOS, but the disorder is still underdiagnosed. Women are diagnosed with PCOS if they have two of the following criteria: androgen excess (excess male sex hormones such as testosterone), ovulatory dysfunction and polycystic ovaries.

“Our study found geographical differences in PCOS in black and white women, suggesting there are both genetic and environmental influences on how this disease manifests,” said Margareta D. Pisarska, M.D., of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, Calif. “Ongoing research is needed to identify modifiable risk factors for PCOS that may be race and ethnicity-specific to bring precision medicine to the management of this disease.”

PCOS/en.wikipedia.org

The researchers compared data from 1,620 back and white women with PCOS in Alabama and California. They found regional differences in the way these women met criteria for the diagnosis of PCOS and in symptoms associated with PCOS, with some variations among black and white women.

Overall, there were many similarities among the races. Women with PCOS in Alabama were more likely to have excessive hair growth and insulin resistance, whereas women with PCOS in California were more likely to have higher levels of testosterone.

When comparing black women with PCOS in Alabama and California, the average body mass index (BMI) did not differ between the locations, whereas in white women with PCOS, the average BMI was higher in Alabama than California.

“Since we have now identified that there are geo-epidemiologic differences, we intend to do follow up studies comparing black and white women with PCOS, controlling for geo-epidemiologic differences,” Pisarska said. “Furthermore, we are trying to look at factors that are contributing to these differences in order to tailor treatments based on specific needs for improvements in care for all women with PCOS.”

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How the mother’s mood influences her baby’s ability to speak

Up to 70 percent of mothers develop postnatal depressive mood, also known as baby blues, after their baby is born. Analyses show that this can also affect the development of the children themselves and their speech. Until now, however, it was unclear exactly how this impairment manifests itself in early language development in infants.

In a study, scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences in Leipzig have now investigated how well babies can distinguish speech sounds from one another depending on their mother’s mood. This ability is considered an important prerequisite for the further steps towards a well-developed language. If sounds can be distinguished from one another, individual words can also be distinguished from one another. It became clear that if mothers indicate a more negative mood two months after birth, their children show on average a less mature processing of speech sounds at the age of six months.

The infants found it particularly difficult to distinguish between syllable-pitches. Specifically, they showed that the development of their so-called Mismatch Response was delayed than in those whose mothers were in a more positive mood. This Mismatch Response in turn serves as a measure of how well someone can separate sounds from one another. If this development towards a pronounced mismatch reaction is delayed, this is considered an indication of an increased risk of suffering from a speech disorder later in life.

“We suspect that the affected mothers use less infant-directed-speech,” explains Gesa Schaadt, postdoc at MPI CBS, professor of development in childhood and adolescence at FU Berlin and first author of the study, which has now appeared in the journal JAMA Network Open. “They probably use less pitch variation when directing speech to their infants.” This also leads to a more limited perception of different pitches in the children, she said. This perception, in turn, is considered a prerequisite for further language development.

The results show how important it is that parents use infant-directed speech for the further language development of their children. Infant-directed speech that varies greatly in pitch, emphasizes certain parts of words more clearly – and thus focuses the little ones’ attention on what is being said – is considered appropriate for children. Mothers, in turn, who suffer from depressive mood, often use more monotonous, less infant-directed speech. “To ensure the proper development of young children, appropriate support is also needed for mothers who suffer from mild upsets that often do not yet require treatment,” Schaadt says. That doesn’t necessarily have to be organized intervention measures. “Sometimes it just takes the fathers to be more involved.”

The researchers investigated these relationships with the help of 46 mothers who reported different moods after giving birth. Their moods were measured using a standardized questionnaire typically used to diagnose postnatal upset. They also used electroencephalography (EEG), which helps to measure how well babies can distinguish speech sounds from one another. The so-called Mismatch Response is used for this purpose, in which a specific EEG signal shows how well the brain processes and distinguishes between different speech sounds. The researchers recorded this reaction in the babies at the ages of two and six months while they were presented with various syllables such as “ba,” “ga” and “bu.

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Ashwini Ponnappa embarks on new Mixed Doubles journey with gold in National Games

Ever since she broke into the big league, the lissome Ashwini Ponnappa is used to being in the spotlight. But when she stepped into the badminton court earlier this week at the PDDU Indoor Stadium, she knew that the attention from the Indian badminton community would be even more intense.

After all, the Women’s Doubles’ specialist was embarking on a new journey as a Mixed Doubles player. Her first partner: her own Karnataka statemate K Sai Prateek in the 36th National Games.

On Thursday, she took a successful first step, beating Delhi’s Rohan Kapoor and Kanika Kanwal in straight games to win the gold.

“I am very happy that we started with the National Games title,” 33-year-old Ashwini said after wrapping up their victory. “Incidentally, this is my first gold in the National Games,” she pointed out.

Ashwini has without doubt been one of the finest doubles players in India, having successfully partnered with left-handers Jwala Gutta and N Sikki Reddy in her distinguished career.

After coming through a test by fire in the semifinals against Tamil Nadu’s VR Nardhana and Hariharan Amsakarunan, Ashwini Ponnappa and Sai Prateek were more at ease in the final with a 21-15, 21-13 victory.

Analysing the partnership in its early days, Ashwini said Prateek looks a very confident player.  “He hits the shuttle powerfully. He has a strong defence and has good court coverage. It is all about learning one another’s game and finding the right balance. Prateek is a quick learner,” she said.

The 33-year-old admitted the pair needs to be patient. “We don’t know one another’s styles yet and we didn’t have too much preparation. This gold will give us confidence,” she said.

Ashwini played the role of senior partner admirably. “I tell him to remain positive on court. We held our nerves. It was not easy. It was our first tournament and, being the top seeds, there was pressure. He dealt with it well. This is what makes a player stronger,” she said, hopeful of forging a strong combination with Sai Prateek.

On his part, 22-year-old Sai Prateek is intent on making the most of the experience of playing with Ashwini. “I have so much to learn from her. I believe she is the best mixed doubles player,’’ he said “I grew up admiring her game. I am now lucky enough to play alongside her. She is always calm on court.”

Talking about her career, Ashwini said her best moments as a doubles player was with Jwala Gutta. “We didn’t think or plan for any game. There was no match preparation as such. We just went into a match with a positive frame of mind. We were confident about one another’s game. It was a different experience. Jwala was a go-getter and very gutsy,” she said.

Ashwini said her partnerships with Sikki and Satwiksairraj Rankireddy were different. “We had to work on our game. It did not come easily. I tend to open up quickly. Now, I have become smarter with my game. I think I have been physically and mentally motivated in the last couple of years. In fact, I’m excited about my new partnership with Prateek.”

36th National Games update: Aakarshi, Sai Praneeth take home badminton crowns

Second-seeded Aakarshi Kashyap (Chhattisgarh) dominated top-seeded Malvika Bansod (Maharashtra) to win the Badminton Women’s Singles gold in the 36th National Games at the PDDU Indoor Stadium in Surat on Thursday.

B Sai Praneeth (Telangana) justified his top billing by taking the Men’s Singles gold after an intense battle with Mithun Manjunath (Karnataka). He eventually won 21-11, 12-21, 21-16 in 63 minutes.

Aakarshi, who has a 1-1 head-to-head record this year against Malvika, won 21-8, 22-20 in three-quarters of an hour, beating back a late attempt by the left-hander to take the match into the third game.

In Rajkot, a Diving gold through Surajit Rajbansi on the 1M Springboard helped Services take their tally of gold to 41 so far. With 26 silver and 25 bronze for a total of 92 medals, the defending champions have stood head and shoulders above all States and UTs.

Though Haryana have 25 gold and are in the second place on the table, Maharashtra are right behind them with 24 gold at the time of writing. Maharashtra are in the race for 100 medals too.

36th National Games

The fancied N Sikki Reddy and Pullela Gayatri Gopichand expectedly won the Women’s doubles title for Telangana, making it a happy outing for the State with three gold to show from the Badminton competition.

Telangana had more reason to celebrate when their Women’s Basketball team prevented a Tamil Nadu double in Bhavnagar. Telangana beat Tamil Nadu 67-62 in a thriller, after leading 35-31 at half-time. Coming on the heels of their 3×3 side’s gold, this win meant that Telangana women would complete the golden double in the National Games. The formidable Tamil Nadu Men’s squad beat Punjab 97-89 after holding a 46-42 lead at the break to take the crown.

At the Sardar Patel Swimming Complex in Rajkot, the experienced Surajit Rajbansi and H London Singh earned the top two medals for Services. With good execution of his routines, Surajit Rajbansi tallied 275.35 points, relegating team-mate London Singh who logged 254.75 points. This was the third successive 1-2 for Sevices in Men’s Diving.

“I’m feeling good today. At the recent National Championships in Guwahati, I was not in the best of form and only won silver. I wanted to better my performance and succeeded,” said the 23-year-old who took the help of a mind trained to settle his nerves. It helped as this time he was able to overcome his fears and give off his best.

Yet, it was Aakarshi Kashyap’s victory over Malvika Bansod in the Women’s Singles final that was the highlight of the morning session. The Chhattisgarh player was quick and meant business with her well-placed strokes that wrong-footed an error-prone Malvika. The Maharashtra star regrouped in the second game but Aakarshi was up to speed.

“It was tough. There were two long rallies and she had a lucky point through a net cord to take the second game into extra points. But I held my nerves to win the next two points,” Aakarshi Kashyap said.

The 30-year-old Sai Praneeth faced a tough contest against Mithun. “Any gold medal is good for any player. I’m happy I could get my first-ever National Games gold,” the Telangana star said, adding that he was happy with the way he played, staying calm when Mithun gained the upper hand in the second game and riding on his greater endurance to claim gold.

Ashwini Ponnappa and K Sai Prateek made a perfect start to their journey as a mixed doubles pair, eking out a 21-16, 21-13 victory over Rohan Kapoor and Kanika Kanwal (Delhi). Ashwini Ponnappa was all praise for her 22-year-old partner. “He played a strong game. He hit hard and covered the court well. I’m very happy to win my first ever National Games gold,” she said.

The results (finals)

Aquatics

Diving

1M Springboard: Surajit Rajbansi (Services) 275.35 points; 2. H London Singh (Services)

254.75; 3. Anuj Shah (Maharashtra) 227.60 points.

Archery (Recurve)

Men

Individual Bronze medal play-off: Tarundeep Rai (Services) beat Gaurav Trambak Lambe (Maharashtra) 7-3.

Team Bronze medal play-off: Maharashtra beat Jharkhand 5-4.

Women

Individual Bronze medal play-off: Simranjeet Kaur (Punjab) beat Avani (Haryana) 6-2.

Team Bronze medal play-off: Gujarat beat Assam 5-4.

Mixed Team Bronze medal play-off: Jharkhand beat Rajasthan 5-3.

Badminton

Men

Singles: B Sai Praneeth (Telangana) beat Mithun Manjunath (Karnataka) 21-11, 12-21, 21-16; Bronze medals: M Raghu (Karnataka) and Aryamann Tandon (Gujarat).

Doubles: PS Ravikrishna and Udaykimar Sankarprasad (Kerala) beat Hariharan Amsakarunan and R Ruban Kumar (Tamil Nadu) 21-19, 21-9; Bronze medals: HV Nithin and Vaibhaav (Karnataka) and Shyam Prasad and S Sunjith (Kerala)

Women

Singles: Aakarshi Kashyap (Chhattisgarh) beat Malvika Bansod 21-8, 22-20; Bronze medals: Aditi Bhatt (Uttarakhand) and Tanya Hemnath (Uttarakhand).

Doubles: N Sikki Reddy and Pullela Gayatri Gopichand (Telangana) beat Shikha Gautam and K Ashwini Bhat (Karnataka) 21-14; 21-11. Bronze medals: Kavya Gupta and Khushi Gupta (Delhi) and Mehreen Riza and Arathi Sara Sunil (Kerala).

Mixed Doubles: K Sai Pratheek and Ashwini Ponnappa (Karnataka) beat Rohan Kapoor and Kanika Kanwal (Delhi) 21-15, 21-13. Bronze medals: Hariharan Amsakarunan and VR Nardhana (Tamil Nadu) and S Sunjith and TR Gowrikrishna (Kerala).

Basketball (5×5)

Men: Tamil Nadu beat Punjab 97-89 (Half-time 46-42); Bronze medal play-off: Services beat Karnataka 94-67 (40-31).

Women: Telangana beat Tamil Nadu 67-62 (35-31); Bronze medal play-off: Kerala beat Madhya Pradesh 75-62 (33-32).

Other results:

Football

Men

Group A: Kerala beat Manipur 3-2 (Half-time 0-1).

Women

Group B: Assam beat Maharashtra 2-0 (1-0)

Hockey

Men

Group A: Haryana beat Gujarat 7-0 (Half-time: 3-0).

Water Polo

Men

Kerala beat Maharashtra 7-6; Punjab beat Manipur 8-7.

Women

Karnataka beat Manipur 13-2; Bengal beat Kerala beat 10-8.

PM Modi shares glimpses of Mysuru Dasara celebrations

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has shared glimpses of the Mysuru Dasara celebrations and lauded the commitment of the people of Mysuru to preserving their culture and heritage in a beautiful way. The Prime Minister recalled fond memories of his visit to Mysuru, the most recent one on the occasion of 2022 Yoga Day.

Quoting a tweet by a citizen, the Prime Minister tweeted;

“Mysuru Dasara is spectacular. I commend the people of Mysuru for preserving their culture and heritage so beautifully. I have fond memories of my Mysuru visits, the most recent one being during 2022 Yoga Day.”

Mysuru-Dasara-2022

 

 

Mother’s ultra-processed food intake linked to obesity risk in children; Unlikely during peripregnancy

A mother’s consumption of ultra-processed foods appears to be linked to an increased risk of overweight or obesity in her offspring, irrespective of other lifestyle risk factors, suggests a US study.

Researchers suggest that mothers might benefit from limiting their intake of ultra-processed foods, and that dietary guidelines should be refined and financial and social barriers removed to improve nutrition for women of child bearing age and reduce childhood obesity.

According to the World Health Organization, 39 million children were overweight or obese in 2020, leading to increased risks of heart disease, diabetes, cancers, and early death.

Ultra-processed foods, such as packaged baked goods and snacks, fizzy drinks and sugary cereals, are commonly found in modern Western style diets and are associated with weight gain in adults. But it’s unclear whether there’s a link between a mother’s consumption of ultra-processed foods and her offspring’s body weight.

To explore this further, the researchers drew on data for 19,958 children born to 14,553 mothers (45% boys, aged 7-17 years at study enrollment) from the Nurses’ Health Study II (NHS II) and the Growing Up Today Study (GUTS I and II) in the United States.

pregnant lady/Commons.wikimedia.org

The NHS II is an ongoing study tracking the health and lifestyles of 116,429 US female registered nurses aged 25-42 in 1989. From 1991, participants reported what they ate and drank, using validated food frequency questionnaires every four years.

The GUTS I study began in 1996 when 16,882 children (aged 8-15 years) of NHS II participants completed an initial health and lifestyle questionnaire and were monitored every year between 1997 and 2001, and every two years thereafter.

In 2004, 10,918 children (aged 7-17 years) of NHS II participants joined the extended GUTS II study and were followed up in 2006, 2008, and 2011, and every two years thereafter.

A range of other potentially influential factors, known to be strongly correlated with childhood obesity, were also taken into account. These included mother’s weight (BMI), physical activity, smoking, living status (with partner or not), and partner’s education, as well as children’s ultra-processed food consumption, physical activity, and sedentary time.

Overall, 2471 (12%) children developed overweight or obesity during an average follow-up period of 4 years.

The results show that a mother’s ultra-processed food consumption was associated with an increased risk of overweight or obesity in her offspring. For example, a 26% higher risk was seen in the group with the highest maternal ultra-processed food consumption (12.1 servings/day) versus the lowest consumption group (3.4 servings/day).

In a separate analysis of 2790 mothers and 2925 children with information on diet from 3 months pre-conception to delivery (peripregnancy), the researchers found that peripregnancy ultra-processed food intake was not significantly associated with an increased risk of offspring overweight or obesity.

This is an observational study, so can’t establish cause and the researchers acknowledge that some of the observed risk may be due to other unmeasured factors, and that self-reported diet and weight measures might be subject to misreporting.

Other important limitations include the fact that some offspring participants were lost to follow-up, which resulted in a few of the analyses being underpowered, particularly those related to peripregnancy intake, and that mothers were predominantly white and from similar social and economic backgrounds, so the results may not apply to other groups.

Nevertheless, the study used data from several large ongoing studies with detailed dietary assessments over a relatively long period, and further analysis produced consistent associations, suggesting that the results are robust.

The researchers suggest no clear mechanism underlying these associations and say the area warrants further investigation.

Nevertheless, these data “support the importance of refining dietary recommendations and the development of programs to improve nutrition for women of reproductive age to promote offspring health,” they conclude.

Also Read:

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Neanderthal gene in modern women helps give birth to more children, says study

Frozen embryo transfers linked with high blood pressure risks in pregnancy; What is sibling comparison?

Sound reveals ‘Ocean giants’ dance with wind to find food

A study by MBARI researchers and their collaborators published today in Ecology Letters sheds new light on the movements of mysterious, endangered blue whales. The research team used a directional hydrophone on MBARI’s underwater observatory, integrated with other advanced technologies, to listen for the booming vocalizations of blue whales. They used these sounds to track the movements of blue whales and learned that these ocean giants respond to changes in the wind.

Along California’s Central Coast, spring and summer bring coastal upwelling. From March through July, seasonal winds push the top layer of water out to sea, allowing the cold water below to rise to the surface. The cooler, nutrient-rich water fuels blooms of tiny phytoplankton, jumpstarting the food web in Monterey Bay, from small shrimp-like krill all the way to giant whales. When the winds create an upwelling event, blue whales seek out the plumes of cooler water, where krill are most abundant. When upwelling stops, the whales move offshore into habitat that is transected by shipping lanes.

“This research and its underlying technologies are opening new windows into the complex, and beautiful, ecology of these endangered whales,” said John Ryan, a biological oceanographer at MBARI and lead author of this study. “These findings demonstrate a new resource for managers seeking ways to better protect blue whales and other species.”

CREDIT:Image: Goldbogen Lab/Duke Marine Robotics and Remote Sensing Lab (NMFS Permit 16111)

The directional hydrophone is a specialized underwater microphone that records sounds and identifies the direction from which they originate. To use this technology to study blue whale movements, researchers needed to confirm that the hydrophone reliably tracked whales. This meant matching the acoustic bearings to a calling whale that was being tracked by GPS. With confidence in the acoustic methods established, the research team examined two years of acoustic tracking of the regional blue whale population.

This study built upon previous research led by MBARI Senior Scientist Kelly Benoit-Bird, which revealed that swarms of forage species—anchovies and krill—reacted to coastal upwelling. This time, researchers combined satellite and mooring data of upwelling conditions and echosounder data on krill aggregations with the acoustic tracks of foraging blue whales logged by the directional hydrophone.

“Previous work by the MBARI team found that when coastal upwelling was strongest, anchovies and krill formed dense swarms within upwelling plumes. Now, we’ve learned that blue whales track these dynamic plumes, where abundant food resources are available,” explained Ryan.

Blue whales recognize when the wind is changing their habitat and identify places where upwelling aggregates their essential food—krill. For a massive animal weighing up to 150 tonnes (165 tons), finding these dense aggregations is a matter of survival.

While scientists have long recognized that blue whales seasonally occupy Monterey Bay during the upwelling season, this research has revealed that the whales closely track the upwelling process on a very fine scale of both space (kilometers) and time (days to weeks).

“Tracking many individual wild animals simultaneously is challenging in any ecosystem. This is especially difficult in the open ocean, which is often opaque to us as human observers,” said William Oestreich, previously a graduate student at Stanford University’s Hopkins Marine Station and now a postdoctoral fellow at MBARI. “Integration of technologies to measure these whales’ sounds enabled this important discovery about how groups of predators find food in a dynamic ocean. We’re excited about the future discoveries we can make by eavesdropping on blue whales and other noisy ocean animals.”

Also Read:

Giraffes, parrots, oak trees, cacti among many species facing extinction

How songbirds’ striking, unique colors put them at risk [Details]

Scientists sequence world’s largest pangenome to help unlock genetic mysteries behind finer silk

PM Narendra Modi greets everyone on Vijaya Dashami

The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has greeted everyone on the occasion of Vijaya Dashami. Shri Modi also wished that may this auspicious occasion brings courage, restraint and positive energy in everyone’s life.
The Prime Minister tweeted;
“सभी देशवासियों को विजय के प्रतीक-पर्व विजयादशमी की बहुत-बहुत बधाई। मेरी कामना है कि यह पावन अवसर हर किसी के जीवन में साहस, संयम और सकारात्मक ऊर्जा लेकर आए।”

PM greets everyone on Vijaya Dashami

PM Narendra Modi to interact with winners of National Awards to Teachers on 5th Sep 2022

Health: Which grains you eat can impact your risk of getting heart disease earlier

In one of the first studies to examine the relationship between different types of grain intake and premature coronary artery disease in the Middle East, researchers found a higher intake of refined grain was associated with an increased risk of premature coronary artery disease in an Iranian population, while eating whole grains was associated with reduced risk.

According to the researchers, previous epidemiological studies have reported an association between different types of grain intake with the risk of coronary artery disease. The current study evaluated the association between refined and whole grains consumption and risk of PCAD in an Iranian population.

Premature coronary artery disease (PCAD) refers to atherosclerotic narrowing of coronary arteries in males under 55 years old or in females under 65 years old. It is often asymptomatic early in the course of the disease but may lead to chest pain (angina) and/or heart attack with progressive development of narrowing (stenosis) or plaque rupture of the arterial wall. Risk factors for PCAD include smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes.

Millets-Grains

“There are many factors involved in why people may be consuming more refined grains as opposed to whole grains and these cases differ between people, but some of the most important factors to consider include the economy and income, job, education, culture, age and other similar factors,” said Mohammad Amin Khajavi Gaskarei, MD, of the Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Center and Cardiovascular Research Institute at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in Isfahan, Iran, and the study’s lead author. “A diet that includes consuming a high amount of unhealthy and refined grains can be considered similar to consuming a diet containing a lot of unhealthy sugars and oils.”

Whole grains are defined as containing the entire grain, while refined grains have been milled—ground into flour or meal—to improve shelf life but they lose important nutrients in the process. The 2019 ACC/American Heart Association Guideline on the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease recommends a diet that emphasizes the intake of vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains and fish to decrease heart disease risk factors.

The study recruited 2099 individuals with PCAD from hospitals. Participants were given a food frequency questionnaire for dietary assessments to evaluate dietary behaviors and evaluate the association between whole grain and refined grain intake and the risk of PCAD in individuals without a prior diagnoses of heart disease. After adjusting for confounders, a higher intake of refined grains was associated with an increased risk of PCAD, while whole grain intake was inversely related to reduced risk of PCAD.

“As more studies demonstrate an increase in refined grains consumption globally, as well as the impact on overall health, it is important that we find ways to encourage and educate people on the benefits of whole grain consumption,” Khajavi Gaskarei said. “Tactics to consider include teaching improved dietary choices in schools and other public places in simple language the general population can understand, as well as on television programs and by continuing to do high level research that is presented at medical conferences and published in medical journals. Clinicians must also be having these conversations with each other and their patients.”

Meal timing may influence mood vulnerability; Daytime eating benefits mental health

 

Last date to submit application for National Means cum Merit Scholarship scheme extended till 15th October, 2022

The last date for submission of application for ‘NMCMSS for the year 2022-23 extended till 15th October, 2022’ Under the ‘National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme’ scholarships are awarded to meritorious students of economically weaker sections to arrest their drop out at class VIII and encourage them to continue their education at secondary stage. One lakh fresh scholarships are awarded to selected students from class IX every year and their continuation / renewal in classes X to XII for students studying in State Government, Government-aided and local body schools. The amount of scholarship is Rs. 12000/- per annum.

The National Means cum Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) is boarded on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) – a one stop platform for scholarship schemes given to students. NMMSS scholarships are disbursed directly into the bank accounts of selected students by electronic transfer through Public Financial Management System (PFMS) following DBT mode. This is a 100% centrally sponsored scheme.

Students whose parental income from all sources is not more than Rs. 3,50,000/- per annum are eligible to avail the scholarships. The students must have minimum of 55% marks or equivalent grade in Class VII examination for appearing in the selection test for award of scholarship (relaxable by 5% for SC/ST students).

The last date of INO level (L1) verification is 31st October, 2022 and of DNO level (L2) verification is 15th November, 2022

National Scholarship Portal: Home

 

 

NASA-Built ‘Weather Sensors’ Capture Vital Data on Hurricane Ian

A pair of microwave radiometers collected data on the storm as they passed over the Caribbean Sea aboard the International Space Station.

Two recently launched instruments that were designed and built at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California to provide forecasters data on weather over the open ocean captured images of Hurricane Ian on Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2022, as the storm approached Cuba on its way north toward the U.S. mainland.

COWVR (short for Compact Ocean Wind Vector Radiometer) and TEMPEST (Temporal Experiment for Storms and Tropical Systems) observe the planet’s atmosphere and surface from aboard the International Space Station, which passed in low-Earth orbit over the Caribbean Sea at about 12:30 a.m. EDT.

Ian made landfall in Cuba’s Pinar del Rio province at 4:30 a.m. EDT, according to the National Hurricane Center. At that time, it was a Category 3 hurricane, with estimated wind speeds of 125 mph (205 kph).

From aboard the International Space Station, NASA-built instruments Compact Ocean Wind Vector Radiometer (COWVR) and Temporal Experiment for Storms and Tropical Systems (TEMPEST) captured wind and water vapor data from Hurricane Ian as the storm neared Cuba. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

The image above combines microwave emissions measurements from both COWVR and TEMPEST. White sections indicate the presence of clouds. Green portions indicate rain. Yellow, red, and black indicate where air and water vapor were moving most swiftly. Ian’s center is seen just off of Cuba’s southern coast, and the storm is shown covering the island with rain and wind.

PM Modi congratulates Giorgia Meloni for leading in Italian General Elections

The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has congratulated Giorgia Meloni for leading her party Fratelli d’Itaia in Italian General Elections.

The Prime Minister tweeted;

“Congratulations @GiorgiaMeloni for leading your party @FratellidItalia to victory in the Italian general elections. We look forward to working together to strengthen our ties.”