WORLD

Jul282023 by TheStateLineNo Comments

Japan is currently experiencing a severe heatwave

SOUTH ASIA, SPECIAL, SPORTS, TOP STORIES, WORLD

Tokyo: Japan is currently experiencing a severe heatwave, with intense heat persisting in various regions. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued forecasts of temperatures reaching 38 degrees Celsius or higher in the Kanto, Tokai, Kansai, and Kyushu regions. Furthermore, the mercury is expected to soar to 39 degrees in the western prefectures of Kyoto and Oita, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.As the day progresses, temperatures are anticipated to rise even further, with daytime highs reaching 39 degrees in Kyoto City and 36 degrees in central Tokyo, according to the JMA.The situation is concerning, with officials warning that the risk of heatstroke is extremely high. To highlight the severity of the heatwave, 40 out of the total 47 prefectures in Japan have been pla...

Jul272023 by TheStateLineNo Comments

8th batch of Google startups accelerator India

INDIA, SOUTH ASIA, SPECIAL, SPORTS, TOP STORIES, WORLD

New Delhi: Google has announced that the eighth batch of its Google for Startups Accelerator: India program is now open for applications. The accelerator program is designed for AI-first startups in India that are in the Seed to Series A stage. It is a three-month, equity-free program that provides selected startups with access to Google's resources, including programs, products, experts, and technology, particularly focusing on AI/ML (Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning).Google is seeking Indian AI-first startups from various sectors that are addressing complex problems and tackling industry challenges through their AI-based solutions. The application window for the program is open until August 22.Eligible startups should be based in India and must have AI as a core component...

Jul272023 by TheStateLineNo Comments

US economy exhibited stronger growth than expected in the second quarter

SPECIAL, SPORTS, TOP STORIES, WORLD

New York: According to a CNN report, the US economy exhibited stronger growth than expected in the second quarter. The Commerce Department reported that the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the broadest measure of economic output, grew at an annualized, seasonally adjusted rate of 2.4% from April to June.This growth rate was faster than the previous three months and surpassed economists' predictions, who had expected a 1.8% rate, according to Refinitiv. The GDP figures are adjusted for inflation, as mentioned in the CNN report.The second-quarter economic expansion was primarily driven by business investment, government purchases, inventory investment, and consumer spending, although the pace of consumer spending was significantly weaker compared to the first quarter.Consumer spend...

Jul242023 by TheStateLineNo Comments

Galaxy users can now access digital IDs, docs from Samsung Wallet

INDIA, SOUTH ASIA, SPECIAL, SPORTS, STATE'S, TOP STORIES, WORLD

Samsung has introduced a new feature called Samsung Wallet for Galaxy smartphone users, offering convenient and secure access to digital IDs, documents, and vaccination certificates. With this update, users can also enjoy various travel and mobility features, combining the capabilities of Samsung Pay and Samsung Pass.Samsung Wallet enables users to store their Co-WIN vaccination certificates securely on their phones, making it easier to access and present them whenever needed. Additionally, the wallet offers seamless card Tap and Pay, UPI payments, and bill payments experiences, enhancing the overall convenience of using Galaxy smartphones.The new travel features within Samsung Wallet allow users to recharge and check their FASTag accounts, save flight boarding passes for quick acc...

Jul242023 by TheStateLineNo Comments

Animal Welfare Board of India advisories that prohibit the use of glue traps in Lakshadweep

INDIA, SOUTH ASIA, SPECIAL, SPORTS, STATE'S, TOP STORIES, WORLD

Following an appeal from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India, a significant move has been made to protect animals in the union territory of Lakshadweep. A circular has been issued to animal husbandry units across the islands, instructing them to adhere to Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) advisories that prohibit the use of glue traps.The circular cites The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act of 1960, which strictly prohibits causing unnecessary pain and suffering to animals. In light of this, the notification urges the adoption of humane methods for rodent control.It also emphasizes that any individual found using glue traps could face fines and/or imprisonment, in accordance with the AWBI's guidelines. Competent authorities have been directed to rai...

Jul242023 by TheStateLineNo Comments

Twitter blue bird logo has been replaced with a new ‘X’ logo on the platform’s web version

INDIA, SOUTH ASIA, SPECIAL, SPORTS, STATE'S, TOP STORIES, WORLD

The Twitter blue bird logo has been replaced with a new 'X' logo on the platform's web version.Elon Musk, the owner of Twitter, had been hinting at a significant change on the platform through a series of tweets starting on Sunday. He mentioned bidding farewell to the Twitter brand and gradually removing all references to birds.Now, the Twitter blue bird logo has been replaced with a new 'X' logo on the platform's web version. Musk also changed the official account's name on Twitter to 'X' and updated the profile picture accordingly. He even shared an image of Twitter's headquarters with the new logo displayed and captioned it, "Our headquarters tonight."On Sunday, Musk revealed that "X.com" now directs to "twitter.com". He seemed intrigued by the letter 'X' and found subtle cl...

Jul242023 by TheStateLineNo Comments

Two buildings in Moscow were hit by drone strikes

SOUTH ASIA, SPORTS, TOP STORIES, WORLD

Moscow: In the early hours of the morning on July 24, two buildings in Moscow were hit by drone strikes. The Mayor of Moscow, in a Telegram post, confirmed that there were no serious casualties or significant damage from the strikes, which occurred around 4 a.m.The Russian Defence Ministry issued a statement claiming that the drone strikes were carried out by "two Ukrainian drones" and asserted that both were "suppressed" and "crashed" within Moscow's territory. The Ministry further referred to the incident as an attempted terrorist attack orchestrated by the Kiev regime.According to reports, one of the drones hit a high-rise business center on Likhacheva Avenue in Moscow, while drone debris was discovered on Komsomolsky Avenue. Law enforcement agencies and emergency services are o...

Jul232023 by TheStateLineNo Comments

Electric vehicles make up only 0.8% of the total vehicles registered in India

INDIA, SOUTH ASIA, SPECIAL, SPORTS, STATE'S, TOP STORIES, WORLD

As of July 14, 2023, electric vehicles (EVs) make up only 0.8% of the total vehicles registered in India. Out of over 34 crore vehicles registered on the road transport ministry's e-vahan portal, only around 27 lakh vehicles were registered as electric vehicles.Delhi leads all Indian states in terms of the highest number of electric vehicles registered, with 2.71% of the total vehicles in the state being electric. Assam and Tripura are the only two other states with more than 2% of electric vehicles out of the total vehicles registered there.Despite the growing number of electric vehicles, there is a shortage of public charging infrastructure. As of June 30, 2023, there are only 8,738 operational public charging stations in the country to support over 27 lakh electric vehicles....

Jul232023 by TheStateLineNo Comments

Afghanistan: death toll from flash floods has risen to 26

SOUTH ASIA, SPECIAL, SPORTS, TOP STORIES, WORLD

Kabul: The death toll from flash floods in Afghanistan has risen to 26, with 44 people injured and 36 others reported missing. The floods occurred due to rainstorms that swept through parts of eastern Wardak province late Saturday. Additionally, four people were killed in the Paghman district outside Kabul and another person in the eastern Khost province over the past three days due to the heavy rains and floods. The disaster has also caused significant damage to property and livelihoods, with at least 250 cattle killed, 400 houses partially or completely destroyed, and extensive farmland submerged in floodwaters. The Natural Disaster Management Authority is actively responding to the situation and providing support to the affected communities.

Jul232023 by TheStateLineNo Comments

Apple ‘iPhone SE 4’ may not launch in 2024

SOUTH ASIA, SPECIAL, SPORTS, TOP STORIES, WORLD

According to research notes from Barclays analysts Blayne Curtis and Tom O’Malley, the launch of the iPhone SE 4 in 2024 may be delayed. The device was expected to feature an Apple-designed 5G modem, but it seems the plans have been postponed. Apple has been working on its own modem since 2018 and purchased Intel’s smartphone modem division in 2019 to support these efforts. However, it appears that Qualcomm will continue to be Apple's modem provider for both the iPhone SE and the iPhone 16 series into next year, as Apple's modem is not yet ready.In February, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo stated that the next iPhone SE would be similar to the normal iPhone 14, with a 6.1-inch OLED display, Face ID, and flat corners. However, due to the apparent delay, Apple's plans for the smartphone may c...