Category Archives: GENERAL

World Food Programme gets 2020 Nobel Prize for Peace

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The World Food Programme, the world’s largest humanitarian organisation addressing hunger and promoting food security, was awarded 2020 Nobel Prize for Peace.

In 2019, the WFP provided assistance to close to 100 million people in 88 countries who are victims of acute food insecurity and hunger. In 2015, eradicating hunger was adopted as one of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. The WFP is the UN’s primary instrument for realising this goal. In recent years, the situation has taken a negative turn. In 2019, 135 million people suffered from acute hunger, the highest number in many years. Most of the increase was caused by war and armed conflict.

The coronavirus pandemic has contributed to a strong upsurge in the number of victims of hunger in the world. In countries such as Yemen, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, South Sudan and Burkina Faso, the combination of violent conflict and the pandemic has led to a dramatic rise in the number of people living on the brink of starvation. In the face of the pandemic, the World Food Programme has demonstrated an impressive ability to intensify its efforts. As the organisation itself has stated, “Until the day we have a medical vaccine, food is the best vaccine against chaos.”

“We will never achieve the goal of zero hunger unless we also put an end to war and armed conflict,” said the citation. The Norwegian Nobel Committee said it wishes to emphasize that providing assistance to increase food security not only prevents hunger, but can also help to improve prospects for stability and peace.

The World Food Programme has taken the lead in combining humanitarian work with peace efforts through pioneering projects in South America, Africa and Asia. The World Food Programme was an active participant in the diplomatic process that culminated in May 2018 in the UN Security Council’s unanimous adoption of Resolution 2417, which for the first time explicitly addressed the link between conflict and hunger.

The Security Council also underscored UN Member States’ obligation to help ensure that food assistance reaches those in need, and condemned the use of starvation as a method of warfare.

With this year’s award, the Norwegian Nobel Committee wishes to turn the eyes of the world towards the millions of people who suffer from or face the threat of hunger. The World Food Programme plays a key role in multilateral cooperation on making food security an instrument of peace, and has made a strong contribution towards mobilising UN Member States to combat the use of hunger as a weapon of war and conflict.

The organisation contributes daily to advancing the fraternity of nations referred to in Alfred Nobel’s will. As the UN’s largest specialised agency, the World Food Programme is a modern version of the peace congresses that the Nobel Peace Prize is intended to promote.

The work of the World Food Programme to the benefit of humankind is an endeavour that all the nations of the world should be able to endorse and support.

Trump Down With Coronvirus: Surprising Similarities with Spanish Flu Startle Many

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US President Donald Trump is diagnosed with Coronavirus just a month before the US Presidential election denting his chances further to an easy win. Similar to the Spanish Flu that had wreaked havoc from 1918 to 1920 in the US, the startling political developments have raised many eye brows to the fact that history repeats itself.

What Happened 100 Years Ago

In 1919, then US President Woodrow Wilson was affected by the global pandemic Spanish flu and more than 675,000 Americans died from the contagious disease.

Even in 1918, Wilson’s personal secretary was affected by the influenza, along with his eldest daughter, while many Secret Service members also caught the virus, including sheep grazing on the White House lawn.

Woodrow Wilson was a victim of the Spanish fluin 1920 while Donald Trump is facing similar fate now in 2020

Woodrow Wilson was in France for the Paris Peace Conference negotiating with the French at the end of World War I and after flu, he reportedly “yielded to several French demands that he had previously said were nonnegotiable.”

Wilson fell ill on April 3, 1919 and according to A. Scott Berg’s 2013 biography, “Wilson,” the president excused himself from a meeting with the Council of Four and returned to his room. His doctor, Cary T. Grayson, found the president suffering from severe pains in his back and head, severe coughing spells and a temperature of 103 degrees, Berg wrote.

Wilson’s condition deteriorated so quickly that Grayson even thought the president had been poisoned. In his mail to President’s chief of staff in Washington, Grayson wrote:”I was able to control the spasms of coughing but his condition looked very serious.” However, he told reporters that the president was suffering from a cold caused by the “chilly and rainy weather” in Paris.

Though Wilson had a full recovery, he suffered a collapse on Sept. 25, 1919, in Pueblo, Colorado, while speaking on his idea of the United States joining the League of Nations. Wilson returned to the White House, where he suffered a severe stroke on Oct. 2, 1919. His wife Edith apparently steered the government until Warren G. Harding took over formally as President in 1921.

What’s Happening Now

Hundred Years after, in March 2020 When the novel coronavirus gripped the world, US President Donald Trump brushed it aside as another flu outbreak that would go away once the summer sets in. When it reached an uncontrollable pandemic proportion, his disdain for a mask prompted his staff in the White House refrain from wearing a mask despite pleas to contrary by the CDC.

As in the case of Wilson, Trump’s close aide Hope Hicks tested positive for the coronavirus after spending time in close proximity to the president in the entire week preceding the diagnosis. Soon, President Donald Trump tweeted confirming that he and first lady Melania Trump tested positive for Covid-19.

Unlike in 1920 when President Wilson was not in Presidential race due to his illness, Trump is very much in the hectic campaign finishing the first round of Presidential Debates just a week before the diagnosis on October 2, that may defer the second debate slated for October 15, 2020.

Return to Normalcy

Though many world leaders have successfully returned to duties after suffering from the bouts of Covid-19 infection, Trump’s age has pushed him into the most vulnerable age group at 74 years. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advisory issued on Sept. 11, 2020, “people in their 60s or 70s are, in general, at higher risk for severe illness than people in their 50s.”

In June 2020, Trump weighed 244 pounds. For his height at 6 feet 3 inches, with a body mass index of 30.5, he is technically obese and as per the CDC, obese individuals are three times more likely than others to suffer severe symptoms of Covid-19. However, Trump does not have prominently high blood pressure, nor any cancer, kidney disease, or diabetes.

If Trump returns to normal health and wins the election, he may have rewritten the history of pandemic deja vu in the history of US or else, it would be a lesson for all the future presidents to learn and make the nation prepared for any pandemic.

Glitch or Cyberattack Behind Tokyo Stock Exchange Breakdown?

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Citing a hardware breakdown, the Tokyo Stock Exchange halted trading for the entire day Thursday, Oct. 1, 2020 with serious rippling effect on exchanges in Sapporo, Nagoya, and Fukuoka as well. Japan Exchange Group Inc., which operates the TSE, said it would announce any updates on resumption of trade on Friday later. All buying and selling has been frozen on the first day of the new quarter.

The impact is likely to stem the positive investor sentiment created following a buoyant U.S. stock market performance overnight and closures in other major markets in the region, including China, Hong Kong, South Korea and Taiwan.

Moreover, the shutdown of stock exchange will dent the investor confidence in the Japanese markets system.  Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato, the top Japanese government spokesman, said the disruption was “extremely regrettable.”

3rd Largest stock Exchange 

There were no indications that the outage was related to hacking, said the operator of the $6.15 trillion stock market that is the third-largest in the world behind the U.S. and China. Its daily turnover has averaged about $22 billion over the past year.

But glitches are common to Tokyo stock exchange since 2000. Its president resigned in mid-2000s over such computer issues and eventually the faster Arrowhead system, developed by Fujitsu was introduced in 2010. However, a glitch halted trading in 241 securities in 2012 and another a year later.

As of now, Fujitsu spokesman Takeo Tanaka made no comment on details of the present glitch though he denied that it was a cyberattack. The glitch has raised many eyebrows since a cyber attack in New Zealand spurred trading halts for over four days in August.

 

Ayush Ministry to conduct clinical study of Vasa and Guduchi for Covid-19 treatment

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In view of the need for accelerated solutions for Covid-19, the Ministry of AYUSH has taken up a clinical study to assess the role of Vasa Ghana, Guduchi Ghana and Vasa-Guduchi Ghana in therapeutic management of symptoms in Covid-19 positive cases.

The trials will be a “randomized, open label three armed” study, and will be conducted at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi, in collaboration with the IGIB unit of CSIR.

The detailed proposal with methodology including outcome measures, clinical and laboratory parameters, the logistics of the research has been prepared. The study will use a unique Case Report Forum (CRF), suitable for Ayush mode research.

VASA  is an ayurvedic classical medicine. It is a herbal decoction (kashayam) with Vasa and Guduchi as its main ingredients, used to treat liver disorders. It is believed to reduce the aggravation of pitta in the body.

Study Protocol

The CRF and study protocol has also been peer reviewed by experts from different domains including modern medicine and their suggestions have been incorporated. The study will be undertaken subject to the required approvals like that of the Institutional Ethics Committee (IEC).

The project would look into the following specific considerations:

  1. The efficacy/action of mono-herbal formulations of whole extracts of Vasa and Guduchi respectively, and polyherbal formulation of Vasa-Guduchi whole extract on therapeutic management of SARS-CoV2 positive asymptomatic and/ or mild Covid-19 symptomatic cases. The impact of the said formulations on the speed of viral replication.
  2. Whether the said mono-herbal and polyherbal formulations can alter the expression profiles of key bio markers associated with Covid-19 disease.

Vasa and Guduchi are time tested herbs in Indian healthcare traditions, used in a variety of disease conditions. The outcome of this study would therefore be of considerable interest to the entire Ayush Sector.

 

What Has Changed on Jupiter from 2006 to Now? Hubble captures all in detail

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This (above) latest image of Jupiter was captured by Hubble Space Telescope on 25 August 2020, when the planet was 653 million kilometres from Earth, giving clues on updated weather report on the monster planet’s turbulent atmosphere. A remarkable new storm is brewing, and a cousin of the Great Red Spot is changing colour again. The tiny new image is Jupiter’s icy moon Europa.

Hubble’s new snapshot appears at mid-northern latitudes as a bright, white, stretched-out storm moving at 560 kilometres per hour. This single plume erupted on 18 August 2020 and another has since appeared.

Unlike other common storms in this region, this particular disturbance appears to have more structure behind it than observed in the past storms. Trailing behind the plume are small, counterclockwise dark clumps also not seen in the past, which could mean the beginning of a longer-lasting northern hemisphere spot, perhaps to rival the legendary Great Red Spot that dominates the southern hemisphere.

Great Red Spot

Hubble shows that the Great Red Spot, rolling counterclockwise in the planet’s southern hemisphere, is ploughing into the clouds ahead of it, forming a cascade of white and beige ribbons, while its current exceptionally rich red colour, with its core and outermost band, is appearing deeper red.

Researchers say the Great Red Spot now measures about 15 800 kilometres across, big enough to swallow the Earth. The super-storm is still shrinking, as noted in telescopic observations dating back to 1930, but its rate of shrinkage appears to have slowed though the reason for its dwindling size remains a  mystery.

The NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope is giving astronomers their most detailed view yet of a second red spot emerging on Jupiter. For the first time in history, astronomers have witnessed the birth of a new red spot on the giant planet, which is located half a billion miles away (about 800 thousand kilometres). The storm is roughly one-half the diameter of its bigger and legendary cousin, the Great Red Spot. Researchers suggest that the new spot may be related to a possible major climate change in Jupiter’s atmosphere.
Credit: NASA, ESA, A. Simon-Miller (NASA/GSFC), and I. de Pater (University of California Berkeley)

Researchers are noticing that another feature has changed: the Oval BA, nicknamed by astronomers as Red Spot Jr., which appears just below the Great Red Spot in this image. For the past few years, Red Spot Jr. has been fading in colour to its original shade of white after appearing red in 2006. However, now the core of this storm appears to be darkening to a reddish hue. This could hint that Red Spot Jr. is on its way to reverting to a colour more similar to that of its cousin.

Hubble’s image shows that Jupiter is clearing out its higher-altitude white clouds, especially along the planet’s equator, which is enveloped in an orangish hydrocarbon smog.

Jupiter’s icy moon Europa is visible to the left of the gas giant. Europa is already thought to harbour a liquid ocean beneath its icy crust, making this moon one of the main targets in the search for habitable worlds beyond Earth.

Water vapour

In 2013 it was announced that the Hubble Space Telescope discovered water vapour erupting from the frigid surface of Europa, in one or more localised plumes near its south pole. ESA’s JUpiter ICy moons Explorer, a mission planned for launch in 2022, aims to explore both Jupiter and three of its largest moons: Ganymede, Callisto, and Europa.

Hubble also captured a new multiwavelength observation in ultraviolet/visible/near-infrared light of Jupiter on 25 August 2020, which is giving researchers an entirely new view of the giant planet. Hubble’s near infrared imaging, combined with ultraviolet views, provides a unique panchromatic look that offers insights into the altitude and distribution of the planet’s haze and particles. This complements Hubble’s visible-light picture that shows the ever-changing cloud patterns.

Sony PS5: Priced at $400, India launch on Nov 19, Pre-Order from Sept 18

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Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) on Thursday announced November 12 as the launch date for its highly anticipated next-generation videogame system, PlayStation 5, which will be priced $399.99 or ¥39,980. SIE also revealed new updates to the PS5 game portfolio, including Final Fantasy XVI, Fortnite, Hogwarts Legacy, and a new God of War title.

On November 12, PS5 will be launched in seven key markets — the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and South Korea. The global rollout, including India, will be on November 19, including Europe, Middle East, South America, Asia and South Africa.

The PS5 Digital Edition will be available for $399.99/¥39,980/€399.99, and PS5 with an Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive will be available for $499.99/¥49,980/€499.99. Pre-orders will be available starting Thursday, Sept. 17 at select retailers, said Sony in a statement.

4K high-fidelity graphics 

Both PS5 models use the same custom processor with integrated CPU and GPU for high-fidelity graphics up to 4K, besides the same ultra-high speed SSD with integrated I/O that will deliver lightning-fast loading. Both PS5 models offer a deepened sense of immersion through the DualSense wireless controller and 3D audio capabilities, enabling players the same transformative gameplay experience regardless of which PS5 they choose, said Sony.

Sony launches PS5 Thursday and pre-order begins Friday, Sept 18, 2020 (SIE)

“Since we first announced our next generation console last year, we have received astounding support from developers and gaming fans all around the world, and it’s truly humbling,” said Jim Ryan, president and CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment.

“Now we are just a couple of months away from launching PS5, which will offer a new generation of experiences that go beyond players’ expectations of how games can look, feel, sound, and play. We can’t wait for our fans to experience for themselves the incredible speed, the heightened immersion and the breathtaking games on PS5 when we launch this November.”

New Games on PS5

In addition, Sony has also unveiled several new games coming to PS5, including:

  1. Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition (Capcom)
  2. Final Fantasy XVI (Square Enix)
  3. Five Nights at Freddy’s Security Breach (Steel Wool Studios and ScottGames)
  4. Hogwarts Legacy (Warner Bros. Games)
  5. A new God of War title (Santa Monica Studio)

 

With titles such as Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, and Demon’s Souls, exclusive titles from SIE Worldwide Studios will be priced at launch from US$49.99 to US$69.99 (RRP) on PS5. However, to support the PlayStation4 community as they transition to the next generation when they’re ready, SIE will launch PS4 versions of a few exclusive titles:

Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales,
Sackboy A Big Adventure, and
Horizon Forbidden West.

While these three games were designed to take advantage of PS5 and its unique next-gen features like the ultra-high speed SSD and DualSense controller, PS4 owners will also be able to enjoy these experiences when they launch. The PS4 digital versions of launch games include a free upgrade on both PS5 consoles, while the PS4 disc versions of these games include a free upgrade on the PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-Ray disc drive.

In addition, Sony has revealed the PlayStation Plus Collection, a curated lineup of PS4 games that defined the generation, which will be available to PS Plus members to download and play on PS5. The PS Plus Collection features critically acclaimed games, including Batman Arkham Knight, Bloodborne, Fallout 4, God of War, Monster Hunter: World, Persona 5 among others.

NCB arrests Rhea after 3 days of grilling in Sushant Singh Rajput Suicide Case

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After three days of grilling, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on Tuesday arrested Bollywood actress Rhea Chakraborty in connection with her alleged role in the drugs angle into the June 14 death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput.

Sushant’s girlfriend Rhea has been charged under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act and quickly whisked away for a mandatory medical test at the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation’s LTMG Sion Hospital. Rhea has pleaded innocence throughout, though.

She will be presented by the NCB before a court for her remand. Rhea’s lawyer Satish Maneshinde termed the arrest a “travesty” of justice. “Three central agencies hounding a single woman — just because she was in love with a drug addict, suffering from mental health issues for several years under the care of five leading psychiatrists in Mumbai, who ended up committing suicide due to consumption of illegally administered medicines and used drugs,” he said.

Earlier, Rhea filed an FIR at the late actor’s sister Priyanka Singh and Dr Tarun Kumar of RML Hospital in New Delhi among others alleging forged medical prescriptions under the Indian Penal Code and the NDPS Act, and as per the Supreme Court orders, the case has been transferred to the CBI for investigation.

Rhea’s arrest came three days after her brother Showik Chakraborty, Sushant’s home manager Samuel Miranda, and his house helper Dipesh Sawant were arrested and sent in NCB custody till September 9 (Wednesday), besides two other drug peddlers Abdel Basit Parihar and Zaid Vilatra, who are also in NCB custody.

The NCB said the arrests would help it to “uproot the drugs citadel in Bollywood and Mumbai” amidst talk of several other Bollywood personalities involved in it. Rhea was grilled several times by the Central Bureau of Investigation and the Enforcement Directorate, and even the Mumbai Police, but was finally arrested by the NCB, nearly 11 weeks after Sushant was found dead in his Bandra home.

Rhea, however, remained calm and composed as she stepped out of the NCB office post-arrest to proceed for a medical test. She did not seek any anticipatory bail either so far, said her lawyer Maneshinde, who is likely to seek bail soon in this case following the arrest.

 

Taj Hotel Attack: Harvard learns new lesson in Tata’s recruitment style

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Taj Hotel terror attack has become a massive psychology case study in Harvard. Not one Taj employee abandoned the hotel during the attack but stayed right through the tragedy. They helped the guests escape and, in the process, many employees died.

The attack on Nov. 26, 2008 by a group of terrorists struck a dozen targets in Mumbai, including the iconic, 103-year old Taj Palace Hotel. The siege at the hotel  lasted two days and three nights and was covered extensively by international media.

Hemant Oberoi, head chef of the Taj Mahal Palace & Towers, whose staff kept over a hundred guests safe in the exclusive Chambers lounge, though seven of his staff were shot in the kitchen. “If I had not moved on, my team wouldn’t have. If they would see their leader shattered and broken, they would have given up,” Oberoi told India Today 10 years later, recollecting the events.

Oberoi, with 17 of his staff members, rescued and took care of at least 150 guests during three nights of seige. “We went out three times to call the cops to protect us and thereby help us take out the guests,” he said. “But they didn’t have orders.”

Taj Hotel Mumbai

Remembering the scene he said that there was no electricity but blood stains, mobiles and shoes were vivdly seen around. How he held it together in such a crisis? “We have become so selfish that we want to save our lives and not others. I strongly believe that karma comes back to you,”he says.

Harvard Study

There is an amazing, inspirational back story about the heroic actions of the Taj staff couched in the culture of the Taj Hotels company. What can the staff, who saved lives while endangering their own, teach American companies about ethical behaviour? It confounded psychologists who studied their resolve.

Finally, they pin pointed 3 recruitment strategies :

1) Taj Hotels did not recruit from big cities , they recruited from smaller cities where traditional culture still holds strong;
2) They did not recruit toppers, they spoke to school masters to find out who were  most respectful of their parents, elders , teachers and and others;
3) They taught their employees to be ambassadors of their guests to the organisation not ambassadors of the company to their guests.

The results are stupefying. Listen to this TED talk by Rohit Deshpande that focussed on the employees of the Taj during the 26/11 attack:

 

 

Telugu actor Jayaprakash Reddy dies of heart attack amid Covid-19 pandemic

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Telugu actor Jaya Prakash Reddy, best-known for his comic and villainous roles, died on Tuesday, aged 74. The actor suffered a cardiac arrest at his residence in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh. The actor was last seen in Mahesh Babu starrer Sarileru Neekevvaru (2020).

Jaya Prakash Reddy’s death has left the Telugu film industry in a shock and several condolence messages started pouring in on Twitter from all actors who worked with him in several films. Known for friends and film industry as JP, he acted as the villain in more than a hundred films and also played the comic roles in some films.

Born on Oct. 10, 1946 in Sirivella, Kurnool district, he came to limelight with his role in ‘Samarasimha Reddy’ as Veera Raghava Reddy.

Here’s a list of his filmography:

Year Title Language Role
1988 Brahma Puthrudu Telugu
1990 Shatruvu Telugu Mayor
1990 Lorry Driver Telugu Bank manager
1990 Bobbili Raja Telugu Tribal
1991 Chitram Bhalare Vichitram Telugu Phani
1993 Jamba Lakidi Pamba Telugu Hijra
1997 Preminchukundam Raa Telugu Veerabadrayya
1999 Samarasimha Reddy Telugu Veeraraghava Reddy
2000 Jayam Manade Raa Telugu Narasimha Naidu
2000 Vijayaramaraju Telugu
2001 Narasimha Naidu Telugu
2001 Anandam Telugu Sub-Inspector of Police Cameo appearance
2002 Seema Simham Telugu Kulashekar Rao
2002 Avunu Valliddaru Ista Paddaru Telugu Constable
2002 Sontham Telugu Gulabi Thief
2002 Chennakeshava Reddy Telugu Venkat Reddy
2003 Palnati Brahmanayudu Telugu Narsinga Naidu
2003 Swetha Naagara Kannada Sarpa Kaadu Dhorey simultaneously shot in Kannada and Telugu languages
2003 Swetha Naagu Telugu Sarpararanya Dhora simultaneously shot in Kannada and Telugu languages
2003 Nijam Telugu Sidda Reddy
2003 Seetayya Telugu Rama Naidu
2003 Anjaneya Tamil Jaya Prakash
2003 Kabaddi Kabaddi Telugu Head Constable
2004 Shiva Shankar Telugu
2005 Evadi Gola Vaadidi Telugu Banda Reddy
2005 Chatrapati Telugu Municipal Commissioner
2005 Aaru Tamil Reddy (Nathan’s enemy)
2005 Chinna Tamil china’s ex boss
2005 Nuvvostanante Nenoddantana Telugu JP
2005 Narasimhudu Telugu Local MLA
2006 Kithakithalu Telugu Soundarya’s father
2006 Dharmapuri Tamil MLA Konda Mookan
2006 Vikramarkudu Telugu Home Minister
2007 Julayi Telugu Reddy
2007 Thiru Ranga Tamil Reddy
2007 Dhee Telugu Pedhananayana
2007 Godava Telugu
2008 Ready Telugu Chitti Naidu
2008 Siddu From Sikakulam Telugu Obul Reddy
2008 King Telugu Appaji
2008 Satya in Love Kannada Veda’s Father (Telugu Factionist)
2008 Krishna Telugu Jakka’s uncle
2008 Parugu Telugu Sub-Inspector
2008 Citizen Kannada Home minister of Karnataka
2009 Raju Maharaju Telugu
2009 Maa Nanna Chiranjeevi Telugu
2009 Anjaneyulu Telugu Babulal
2009 Bangaru Babu Telugu
2009 Kick Telugu Police Officer
2009 Kasko Telugu JP
2010 Seeta Ramula Kalyanam Lankalo Telugu Veera Pratap’s father
2010 Prasthanam Telugu Bangaru Raju
2010 Uthama Puthiran Tamil Chinnamuthu Goundar, Also dubbed his own voice for his character in Tamil
2010 Namo Venkatesa Telugu Bhadrappa’s grandfather
2010 Bindaas Telugu Seshadri Naidu
2011 Madatha Kaja Telugu JP
2011 Oosaravelli Telugu Sarkar
2011 Seema Tapakai Telugu Venkatappa
2011 Kandireega Telugu Rajanna
2012 Betting Bangaraju Telugu Police Officer
2012 Gabbar Singh Telugu Police Commissioner
2013 Naayak Telugu Babji’s Paternal Uncle
2013 Baadshah Telugu Aadhi’s father
2013 Shadow Telugu Home Minister Naidu
2013 Adda Telugu Cameo appearance
2013 Masala Telugu Eddulodu
2014 Legend Telugu MP
2014 Race Gurram Telugu IG J.P.
2014 Manam Telugu Home Minister J.P.
2014 Jump Jilani Telugu Veera Puli Reddy
2014 Rabhasa Telugu Peddi Reddy alias Pedayya
2014 Autonagar Surya Telugu Corporater Indra
2015 Pataas Telugu Central Minister JP
2015 Akhil Telugu Kishore’s father
2015 Temper Telugu Home Minister of A.P.
2015 LOL Telugu Somyayajulu
2015 Mosagallaku Mosagadu Telugu Kaushik
2015 Shivam Telugu Bhoji Reddy’s brother-in-law
2015 Bruce Lee – The Fighter Telugu Fight Master Dangerous David & Police Inspector G. Ramji Dual Role
2015 Tripura Telugu
2016 Sarrainodu Telugu Bhoopathi
2016 Supreme Telugu M.L.A.
2016 Hyper Telugu Party President
2016 Meelo Evaru Koteeswarudu[8] Telugu
2017 Khaidi No. 150 Telugu Commissioner Krishna Murthy
2017 Radha Telugu Acharya Deva
2017 Nene Raju Nene Mantri Telugu Jailor
2017 Jai Lava Kusa Telugu Sravani’s father
2017 Raja the Great Telugu Devaraj’s henchmen
2018 Inttelligent Telugu Sathya Murthy
2018 Jai Simha Telugu Central Minister JP
2018 Jamba Lakidi Pamba
2018 MLA Telugu Indu’s father
2018 Chethilo Cheyyesi Cheppu Baava Telugu
2018 Pantham Telugu Health Minister
2018 Nela Ticket Telugu C.P. Ranjith Kumar
2018 Lover Telugu Goon
2018 Silly Fellows Telugu Jacket Janakiram
2018 Amar Akbar Anthony Telugu WATA chairman
2019 Crazy Crazy Feeling Telugu Dream father
2020 Sarileru Neekevvaru Telugu Nagendra’s Father

 

Africa declared free from wild polio; Will South Asia be Next?

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The World Health Organization has declared Africa free of wild polio as no new cases of wild poliovirus have been recorded on the continent since 2016, but other types of the virus persist

The Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Harsh Vardhan administering the polio vaccine drops to children under-five years to mark the World Polio Day, in New Delhi on October 24, 2014. (PIB)

The continent’s last case of wild polio was recorded four years ago in northeast Nigeria. There are now just just two countries on Earth where the virus remains endemic — Afghanistan and Pakistan, both part of South Asia.

However, Africa’s fight against polio isn’t over as in rare cases, infections can be caused by the oral polio vaccine. These vaccine-derived polio strains can spread in areas where many children have not been immunized, so vaccination must continue.

The Africa Regional Certification Commission, an independent body overseeing the eradication of polio, has certified that all 47 countries in the WHO’s Africa Region have eradicated the virus after a long program of vaccination and surveillance.

Since there is no cure for the disease, which can cause irreversible paralysis and can be fatal if breathing muscles are affected, but vaccination can protect people for life. The certification is a “historic” achievement, says Pascal Mkanda, coordinator of the polio-eradication program at the WHO Regional Office for Africa in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo.

A region is certified as free of wild polio after three years have passed without the virus being detected in any of its countries. Africa’s last case of wild polio was recorded four years ago in northeast Nigeria. As recently as 2012, the country accounted for more than half of all polio cases worldwide.

Chima Ohuabunwo, an epidemiologist at Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia, who coordinated a project to support polio eradication in Nigeria, says that engaging with traditional and religious leaders was crucial in the effort to persuade parents to vaccinate their children.

Infographic: Polio today: Map showing worldwide polio cases recorded between August 2010 and 2020.
Source: WHO

Despite the eradication of wild poliovirus, Africa’s fight against polio isn’t over. In many countries, vaccination is done with oral drops containing a weakened form of the poliovirus, which sometimes mutates into a strain that can spread in under-immunized communities and cause paralysis.

Vaccine-Derived Polio Cases

Since August 2019, more than 20 countries worldwide have reported cases of vaccine-derived polio (see ‘Polio today’). Because these outbreaks can usually be brought under control with further immunization, countries should continue to vaccinate as many people as possible, Ohuabunwo says.

Wild polio cases have decreased globally by more than 99% since 1988, but the virus is still endemic in Afghanistan and Pakistan, which have reported dozens of cases annually. Unless the two neighbours in South Asia focus on peace-building, reducing vaccine hesitancy, and boosting basic medical services and routine immunizations, it will be difficult to eradicate it here, said Zulfiqar Bhutta, a public-health researcher at Aga Khan University in Karachi, Pakistan.  “Polio anywhere is polio everywhere,” he reminded.

Pranab Da is no more, country mourns; ‘End of an Era’

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Former President Pranab Mukherjee died on Monday evening, his son Abhijit Mukherjee said in a tweet. He was admitted at the Army Research and Referral Hospital 21 days ago after his condition deteriorated following a brain surgery.

Abhijit Mukherjee tweeted: “With a Heavy Heart, this is to inform you that my father Pranab Mukherjee has just passed away in spite of the best efforts of Doctors of RR Hospital and prayers, duas and prarthanas from people throughout India! I thank all of You.”

Pranab Mukherjee was admitted to the hospital at 12.07 p.m. on August 10 in a critical condition. The veteran Congress leader was on life support for nearly three weeks. His former party colleagues along with former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi paid rich tributes to the 84-year-old leader.

The Prime Minister, Mr Narendra Modi greeting the President, Mr Pranab Mukherjee, on the occasion of New Year, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on January 01, 2017 (PIB Photo)

Known as Pranab Da for many, he was President of India from 2012 to 2017. He was conferred the Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award, in 2019 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2008.

“With great sadness, the nation receives the news of the unfortunate demise of our former President Pranab Mukherjee. I join the country in paying homage to him. My deepest condolences to the bereaved family and friends,” Rahul Gandhi tweeted.

‘End of an Era’

The Congress on its official Twitter handle, said: “We are deeply pained by the passing of Pranab Mukherjee. Former President of India and one of the tallest leaders of the Congress Party, Pranab Mukherjee will always be remembered for his integrity and compassion. Our prayers are with his family, followers and the nation.”

Congress national media in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala, said the death of the veteran Congress leader, said, “An era has come to an end. Your thoughts, memories and sense of commitment to the party, the people and the nation lives on… Rest in Peace Pranab Da,” Surjewala tweeted.

“Deeply saddened at the demise of former President of India, Pranab Mukherjee. The nation has lost a great leader, thinker and statesman. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the nation. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and supporters. May his soul rest in peace,” another veteran Congress leader and Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot tweeted.

 

South Asian Americans Upbeat Over Biden’s Selection of Kamala Harris as VP running mate

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By Osman Siddique

The gravity of the current economic, political, and pandemic situations cannot be sufficiently underscored. Collectively, they set the bar impossibly high for Joe Biden in the selection of his vice presidential running mate. Fortunately, he cleared it with Sen. Kamala Harris, the right choice for this momentous decision.

The broad appeal that Biden has amongst the electorate is special. The added excitement and vigor Harris brings to the ticket will be invaluable. Her Jamaican and Indian background will electrify people of all color and ethnicity, inspiring them to vote even if they have not done so in the past. She is experienced, tough, and reflects the diverse aspirations of all Americans.

Tumultuous Period

This presidential election will be contentious, tribal, ugly, and, in all likelihood, challenged. Biden could have no better person by his side during this tumultuous period. Trump’s base may be monolithic, but it was not only his base that got him elected in 2016. He was helped by crossover independents, wavering Democrats, confused Republicans, and those who simply were never thrilled by Hillary Clinton. Harris has an opportunity to make inroads with all of these groups, the people Pete Buttigieg lovingly called “future former Republicans.”

Osman Siddiqui

Her qualifications are remarkable. Harris is a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs, and the Senate Judiciary Committee. The nation saw her hard-nosed interrogation and dynamic performance during both the Kavanaugh hearings and President Trump’s impeachment trial.

As a former prosecutor and attorney general of California, she fought for the rule of law without any
fear or favor. She took on big oil and big banks and fought against their predatory policies. Critics of her on the left and right may disapprove of certain policies and oppose her stand on some specific issues, but no one can question her integrity and independence rooted in a belief in justice for all.

Kamala Harris has been a leading voice against the Trump administration’s policy of separating children at the border, personally joining protests at immigration shelters. During her campaign as a presidential candidate, she advocated using executive powers to reinstate and expand DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals).

Kamala’s Policies

Kamala Harris supports background checks for gun purchases, a ban on the sale of assault weapons, and the closing of loopholes as a sensible approach toward gun control without impairing our Second Amendment rights. She is opposed to using tariffs as a pressure tactic against countries and supports the goal of containing China, but with a changed approach. She has not only fought to defend the Affordable Care Act, but to and expand and improve it as well.

As a senator from tech-heavy California, Harris has been critical of social media companies’ handling of hate speech and misinformation. In March of this year, she walked for the last time shoulder to shoulder with the late congressman John Lewis across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama commemorating the 55th anniversary of his epic march with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Daughter of Immigrants

Today is a red banner day for all America. How beautiful it is to see the daughter of an immigrant father from Jamaica and an immigrant mother from India poised to be the next Vice President of the United States of America. How fulfilling it is to see that this nation, built on the strength of our Constitution and the principles laid out by our Founding Fathers, has made one more giant step toward that “perfect union.”

For me, a South-Asian immigrant from Bangladesh, who had the proud distinction of carrying the U.S. flag for our nation and being the first U.S. ambassador of the Muslim faith to serve anywhere as Chief of Mission, this moment is doubly gratifying. The world will look to Harris as an example of what is possible in America.

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(Ambassador M. Osman Siddique served as the U.S. Ambassador to Fiji, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Nauru under President Bill Clinton (1999-2001). Currently, he is active in the Biden presidential campaign as a senior advisor to “South Asians for Biden,” and a member of “Ambassadors for Biden.” His just-released memoir Leaps of Faith is available on Amazon and other book stalls.)

S P Balasubrahmanyam, the legendary singer, passes away after battling Covid-19

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Renowned Indian singer and legendary S.P. Balasubrahmanyam, 74, who worked predominantly in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Hindi and Malayalam passed away in Chennai on Friday at 13:04 Hrs, after battling coronavirus for over a month.

Balasubramanyam tested positive for COVID-19 and was admitted to a private hospital in Chennai early in August and his condition deteriorated by August 13. He was shifted to the ICU in a critical state and was kept on ventilator support till now. He was declared to be in “extremely critical” stage by Chennai-based MGM Hospital  on Thursday, Septemeber 24, 2020 and he was declared dead today.

 

 

Legend in Telugu

Balu, as he is known in the film fraternity, has recorded over 40,000 songs in 16 Indian languages and holds the Guinness World Record for recording the highest number of songs by a singer.

He received six National Film Awards for Best Male Playback Singer for his works in four different languages; Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi; 25 Andhra Pradesh state Nandi Awards for his works towards Telugu cinema, numerous other state awards from Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

In 2016, He was honored with the Indian Film Personality of the Year consisting of a Silver Peacock Medal and he received civilian awards such as Padma Shri (2001) and Padma Bhushan (2011) from the Government of India.

Early Life

Born on June 4, 1946 in Nellore, Balasubrahmanyam developed an interest towards music at an early age, studied notations and learned music. He enrolled at JNTU College of Engineering Anantapur for engineering but discontinued his studies due to typhoid and joined as an Associate Member of the Institution of Engineers, Chennai.

He started his singing career in 1966 with the Telugu film Sri Sri Sri Maryada Ramanna and he held the the rare distinction of rendering the most songs on a single day by any singer — recording 21 songs in Kannada for the composer Upendra Kumar in Bangalore from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm on 8 February 1981 and 19 songs in Tamil, 16 songs in Hindi in a day which is a notable achievement and a record.

 

 

Aamir Khan’s Laal Singh Chaddha set for Christmas 2021 release, not this year

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Aamir Khan’s much awaited movie Laal Singh Chaddha that was initially headed for a Christmas 2020 release has now been shifted to Christmas 2021 due to delays with the ongoing pandemic and its adverse effects on most anticipated movies.

Aamir Khan has a long standing association with Christmas. All his movies released during Christmas have been super successful, be it 3 Idiots, PK, Dhoom 3, Dangal and more. His latest movie, Laal Singh Chaddha which is based on Tom Hanks ‘Forrest Gump, has already shot a few parts in Chandigarh and Kolkata before the nationwide lockdown was implicated. While the situation in the country remains to be crucial, the actor is recently in Turkey to do recce for the movie.

Ever since the makers dropped the first look of Aamir as a Sikh man fans went berserk over it. Keeping the current scenario in mind, Aamir and makers have announced a new release date and shifted it from this december to next December as the movie deserves a grand release.

Viacom 18 studio presents Aamir Khan productions’ Laal Singh Chaddha stars Aamir Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan in the lead and Mona Singh in a pivotal role. It is adapted by Atul Kulkarni and is directed by Advait Chandan. The music is by Pritam and lyrics by Amitabh Bhattacharya.

Vijay Devarakonda’s ‘Fighter’ heroine Ananya Panday is back shooting on the sets

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The entire world came to a halt when the pandemic hit us. While with each passing day, we are trying to live the new normal, actors have begun shooting following all safety norms. The new name in the list is Ananya Panday who got onto the sets and gave us a glimpse.

All excited and chirpy, the actress took to her social media handle to announce about resuming work and back at being on set. Having missed the camera and the glamour, we could only imagine how happy and enthralled she is to be back at work.

Ananya is undertaking all necessary precautions amidst this ongoing COVID. She shared an image on her social media story showing the crew members dressed in protective gear and PPE uniforms. The caption read as,” Back at it #SafetyFirst” followed by emoticons.

On the work front, Ananya will next be seen in Khaali Peeli opposite Ishaan Khatter. She will also be seen in Shakun Batra’s next alongwith Deepika Padukone and Siddhant Chaturvedi and in Fighter opposite Vijay Deverkonda.

Nani’s next film V to be released direct on Amazon Prime on Sept 5

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Directed and written by Mohana Krishna Indraganti, the Telugu thriller stars Nani in lead, along with Sudheer Babu, Nivetha Thomas and Aditi Rao Hydari in prominent roles. Amazon Prime members in India and in 200 countries and territories can stream the digital premiere of Telugu title V, releasing September 5, exclusively on Amazon Prime Video.

Amazon Prime Video today announced the global premiere of Telugu action packed thriller V. Directed and written by Mohana Krishna Indraganti, the film stars ‘Natural Star’ Nani in the lead, along with Sudheer Babu, Nivetha Thomas and Aditi Rao Hydari essaying pivotal roles. Prime members in India and in 200 countries and territories can stream the first star-studded Telugu film V on the streaming service starting September 5, 2020.

Announcing the arrival, Amazon Prime Video shared, “#VOnPrime, Sept 5!”

Taking to his social media, Nani posed a note for his fans and wrote, “V is coming home Red heart. September 5th.. The Hunt is On! @PrimeVideoIN #VOnPrime”

Global Premiere of V

V is an action thriller about a cop falling in love with a crime writer. When everything is going great, his life turns upside down when a killer challenges him with a puzzle to solve. Produced by Dil Raju, Shirish and Harshith Reddy, V is directed by Mohana Krishna Indraganti with music composed by Amit Trivedi. The gritty action-thriller stars Nani, Nivetha Mohan, Sudheer Babu and Aditi Rao Hydari.

Nani said, “I personally enjoy watching gripping action-thrillers and V is one such title that delivers thrills, drama and fast-paced action. The cat-and-mouse game between Sudheer Babu’s and my character is what drew me the most to this project. I am very excited about the Global Premiere of V – the movie marks my 25th in the film industry.”

Vijay Subramaniam, Director and Head, Content, Amazon Prime Video India, said, “Telugu cinema has delivered block-buster hits that have not just entertained audiences but also conveyed important social messages.”

Producer Dil Raju recalled earlier response to his films such as Jaanu, Maharshi and Sarileru Neekevvaru, that are available to watch world-wide on Amazon Prime Video. … We are thrilled to take our association a step further with the global premiere of V. The film is an action-packed thriller with none other than Nani in the lead along with the talented cast Sudheer Babu, Nivetha Mohan and Aditi Rao Hydari, and we are certain that the story will cut across geographies and will be enjoyed by all audiences.”

 

 

Virat Kohli’s most admirable person in childhood was Hrithik Roshan

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It may seem a while ago, but a page was recently shared by Virat’s childhood friend on his social media account, which stated that during his early days as a kid, Virat Kohli’s most admired person was Hrithik.

Apparently, the page was a part of the scrapbook that Virat had filled for one of his friends. Shalaj Sondhi, Virat’s friend took to his social media to upload  the page and captioned it, “Look what I found bro @virat.kohli some old good memories.”

One of the users commented asking if by Hrithik he meant Hrithik Roshan and his friend replied saying yes. This looks like even the captain was a fanboy when it came to Hrithik Roshan. We believe the admiration was owing to the superstar’s talent and his dedication towards his work.

Ever since this has been posted, fans of both Virat and Hrithik, have been sharing this on other social media platforms and mention how glad they are that there is a common factor between Virat and his fans. Hrithik enjoys unparalleled fame and admiration, and it’s unsurprising that his celebrity fan list is increasing day by day.

It’s interesting how we keep hearing one story after the other on how achievers are fans of Hrithik Roshan and this being the biggest so far.

Jacqueline Fernandez working on video podcast show with her look-alike Amanda Cerny

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Jacqueline Fernandez and her lookalike Amanda Cerny have been roped in to do a video podcast together. Jacqueline Fernandez of Bollywood fame has a following of well over 90 million on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Amanda Cerny is one of the most popular social media stars with over 45 million followers across YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.

Launching later this summer, “Feels Good”, with Amanda and Jacqueline, brings together these two “lost sisters” from different sides of the world to give weekly inspiring news story updates from around the globe, along with reviews and unexpected guests.

Jacqueline Fernandez and her lookalike Amanda Cerny have been roped in to do a video podcast together — PR Handout

Conversations will revolve around about dating, wellness and culture, while delivering to audiences all that ‘feels good’.“We love what we do and to have a new platform to curate insightful conversations about wellness, culture, dating, inspiring news stories along with the occasional unexpected guest and all that…well… Feels Good,” Jacqueline and Amanda said in a joint statement.

The announcement that a deal has been inked with the two celebrities was made by podcast platform PodcastOne.

Jacqueline Fernandez is one of the most sought after names in the industry, known for her great body of work and not just commercially successful films but also, the actress has carved a niche in the brands circuit as well.

The actress who is a perfect amalgamation of beauty and poise, has served as an inspiration to everyone with her positive approach and hence, is hailed as the ‘Sunshine’ of the industry.

‘Shakuntala Devi’ shot at real locations to maintain authenticity

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The biopic of Shakuntala Devi has caught the attention of the audience like no other and gave a whole different perspective on the journey. The way the two-hour film has shown the life of Shakuntala Devi is so beautiful with so many raw and real emotions attached to it.

Apart from the story line, one of the things that audiences have really enjoyed are the beautiful aesthetics and all the locations that the film has been shot at- which the makers wanted to keep real to maintain authenticity.

The producer says, “Director Anu Menon has the most commendable aesthetic sense. She had a clear vision of the kind of spaces her script demanded and chose her locations accordingly, never once compromising on the same.”

Vidya Balan in Shakuntala Devi promo

Speaking about the result the producer further added, “The result was a myriad of the most spectacular locations in the UK and Mumbai. From the rolling green hills of High Canons to the 1940s classic hotel Marin Plaza providing a beautiful view of our classic Marine Drive. We even got to shoot in the historic Alexandra Palace, the very first home of the British Broadcasting Company back in the 1950s.”

The picturesque background have been a treat for the audience which have made the film visually more appealing and enjoyable for every single viewer.

The film is already streaming on Amazon Prime Video and is directed by Anu Menon. Shakuntala Devi is produced by Sony Pictures Network Productions and Vikram Malhotra and released across 200 countries and territories on the 31st of July 2020.

Apart from Vidya Balan, the film also stars Jisshu Sen Gupta, Sanya Malhotra and Amit Sadh in pivotal roles.

What happens when weakening magnetic field creates 3 poles, instead of 2 on Earth?

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NASA has taken it seriously as this unique phenomenon will finally result in weakening the earth’s magnetic field and eventually affects the protective field that shields us from solar flares, and disrupts satellite communication.

Already, over South America and the southern Atlantic Ocean, this unusually weak spot in the field – called the South Atlantic Anomaly, or SAA – allows these particles to dip closer to the surface than normal. Earth’s magnetic field acts like a protective shield around the planet, repelling and trapping charged particles or solar flares from the Sun.

Currently, the SAA has shown no visible impact on daily life on earth but some recent observations and forecasts show that the region is expanding westward and continuing to weaken in its intensity, making NASA to study the phenomenon.

The South Atlantic Anomaly is also of interest to NASA’s Earth scientists who monitor the changes in magnetic strength there, both for how such changes affect Earth’s atmosphere and as an indicator of what’s happening to Earth’s magnetic fields, deep inside the globe. Instead of two poles, what happens if the earth has many more poles or even three poles?

The future remains unimaginable but a certainty that geophysicists are wary of. See the NASA video here:

How SAA affects satellites?

In order to understand how the SAA and to prepare for future threats to satellites, the Godard team of NASA is assessing the current state of the magnetic field using data from the European Space Agency’s Swarm constellation, previous missions from agencies around the world, and ground measurements.

The geo-dynamo models are unique in their ability to use core physics to create near-future forecasts, said Andrew Tangborn, a mathematician in Goddard’s Planetary Geodynamics Lab. “This is similar to how weather forecasts are produced, but we are working with much longer time scales,” he said. “This is the fundamental difference between what we do at Goddard and most other research groups modeling changes in Earth’s magnetic field.”

One such application is the International Geomagnetic Reference Field, or IGRF — used for a variety of research from the core to the boundaries of the atmosphere, collecting candidate models made by worldwide research teams that describe Earth’s magnetic field and track how it changes in time.

As of now, the changing SAA poses a great challenge to researchers on earth’s dynamics influence other aspects of the Earth system, by tracking this slowly evolving “dent” in the magnetic field.