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Automobile
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Hero Motorsports and TVS Racing Emerged as Triumphant Forces at the Dakar 2024

0 When the word “rallying” echoes, the Dakar Rally takes center stage in our minds. This grueling and challenging odyssey spanning 8000km across the vast landscapes of Saudi Arabia came to a thrilling conclusion on January 19. This year’s Dakar Rally held special significance for India, as the tricolor flag proudly fluttered multiple times on the winner’s podium. Embarking on a two-week-long adventure that kicked off at Alula in the heart of the Arabian Desert and traversed through the challenging terrains until Shubaytah, the rally finally wrapped up back in Yanbu. The race featured diverse categories such as Bikes, Cars, Trucks, and Quads, unfolding across 12 stages, each averaging about 600km. An official timekeeper diligently recorded the times for every participant, adding an extra layer of intensity to the competition. In the Bike category, India was represented by two formidable teams: Hero Motorsports Team Rally and Sherco TVS Rally Factory. The Hero Motorsport Team Rally, with riders like Ross Branch, Joan Barreda Bort, Sebastian Buhler, and Joaquim Rodrigues, showcased stellar performances. Ross Branch, in particular, shone brightly, consistently securing top 10 positions in multiple stages and claiming the top spot on Rally stage 10. This stellar performance propelled Hero Motorsports to a commendable second place overall in the fiercely contested Bike category. While Hero Motorsports carved its niche in Rally 1 Class, TVS Racing made waves in Rally 2 Class. Backed by TVS Racing, Harith Noah demonstrated unwavering consistency throughout the season. His triumph in stage 10 marked a historic moment for Indian motorsport, as he became the first Indian rider to clinch a stage in the Dakar Rally. Harith Noah then took charge in Rally 2 Class during stage 12, ultimately securing victory and etching his name as the first Indian to conquer Rally 2 Class. In the Bike category, he finished a commendable 11th overall. As the dust settles on the Dakar 2024, Hero Motorsports and TVS Racing stand tall as flag bearers of Indian motorsport excellence, leaving enthusiasts eagerly anticipating the next thrilling chapter in the world of rallying.

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Automobile
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A ‘MINI’ Saga: From Timeless Design to Luxury Icon

0 In the intriguing world of automobiles, Alec Issigonis, the visionary mind behind MINI, once boldly declared, “In two years, your car will become outdated, much like a lady’s clothing. My car will remain in vogue even beyond my lifetime.” Little did he know that these words would echo through time, encapsulating the fascinating journey of MINI, a brand that evolved into an icon spanning generations. The tale of MINI commences against the backdrop of the infamous Suez Canal Crisis, a pivotal moment in history that led Great Britain to ration petrol. Faced with this challenge, the British motoring industry yearned for a solution—enter Alec Issigonis, commissioned by the British Motor Corporation (BMC) to craft a fuel-efficient, nimble, and stylish car for four. Legend has it that Alec sketched the initial Mini design on a humble napkin tissue in a hotel, envisioning a timeless, boxy aesthetic distinct from the prevailing curvy bubble-style cars like the Fiat 500. In 1959, the Mini made its grand entrance with an 850cc engine borrowed from the Morris Minor, boasting a top speed of 116kmph. Crafted with custom tires from Dunlop for small-sized rims, exposed door hinges, and a surprisingly spacious boot, the Mini quickly became a sensation. Yet, its introduction coincided with the resolution of the Suez Crisis, compelling BMC to pivot and recalibrate strategies for market relevance. The plot thickens with the arrival of John Cooper, principal of the renowned John Cooper Works F1 team, who collaborated with Mini to birth the iconic Mini Cooper. Enhanced engines, suspensions, and chassis catapulted the Mini Cooper to victory in prestigious races like the Rallye de Monte Carlo, establishing MINI as a force in motorsport. Transitioning from a fuel-efficient family car to a style statement, the Mini found favour among celebrities like The Beatles and even graced the screens in popular shows and films like Mr. Bean and the Italian Job. However, success came at a cost, as BMC faced financial woes with every Mini sold, leading to bankruptcy and eventual acquisition by the BMW Group. Under the stewardship of BMW, the original Mini production ceased, making way for the grand unveiling of the new and luxurious Mini Cooper in 2002. The pivot proved successful, and today, Mini stands tall as a premium brand within the BMW Group. While larger in size (Contradicting the name and initial intention of Mini), Mini has seamlessly transitioned into the realm of luxury, offering a diverse lineup including models like the Countryman, Cooper, Cooper SE, and JCW.

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Automobile
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McLaren 750S Unleashed on Indian roads

0 When McLaren is uttered, the mind instantly conjures images of raw performance and a legacy etched in the victories of Formula 1 and Le Mans. In 2022, India experienced the arrival of McLaren’s prowess with the launch of the 720S, GT, and Artura. Now, breaking fresh ground, McLaren has brought the thunderous McLaren 750S to the Indian automotive stage. Making its global debut in April last year, the introduction of the McLaren 750S to Indian roads adds an exciting new chapter to the country’s supercar narrative. Beneath the hood, this automotive masterpiece is propelled by a four-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, delivering an astounding 750PS and a torque of 800Nm – hence the moniker 750S. As the lightest McLaren series production car, weighing a mere 1389kg, it promises an exhilarating and agile ride. The performance metrics of the McLaren 750S read like a thrilling saga. Accelerating from 0 to 100kmph in a mere 2.8 seconds, reaching 200kmph in just 7.2 seconds, and boasting a top speed of an impressive 332kmph, it stands as a testament to McLaren’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of speed and agility. Yet, in the realm of high-performance vehicles, tremendous power necessitates precision control. The 750S features a braking system that is a work of art – equipped with carbon ceramic brakes boasting six-piston aluminium callipers in the front and four-piston aluminium callipers in the rear. This configuration ensures a jaw-dropping stopping distance from 100kmph to 0 in a mere 30 meters. Essentially succeeding the acclaimed 720S, the McLaren 750S arrives in India in both Spider and Coupe variants. For those ready to embrace the allure of this powerhouse, the base model of the McLaren 750S comes with a price tag that will set you back by Rs 5.91 Crore. Positioned as a direct rival to the Ferrari 296 GTB, the McLaren 750S beckons automotive enthusiasts to revel in the epitome of speed, craftsmanship, and technological prowess.

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Travel
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Thrilling Wildlife Safari Destinations In India To Explore This Winter

0 India, with its diverse landscapes, stands out as a mesmerising home of wildlife. From majestic Bengal tigers to numerous species of birds and reptiles, the wildlife safari continues to thrill adventurers from all over the world. When everything is charmingly soaked in winter spell, these parks pave the way for thrillingly unforgettable experiences. Here’s a list of wildlife safari destinations to explore in this fantastical winter. Gir National Park, Gujarat  Gir National Park, located in the Western Gujarat, is a breathtaking sanctuary that spreads over an area of 1412 Square kilometres. This sprawling park with its carpeted floor of grass, hills and harmonious river, is a haven of wide varieties of mammals like sloth bears, wild boars, chinkara ,sambar deer etc…The majestic Asiatic lion is the greatest treasure of this Park. Sunderban National Park, West Bengal This UNESCO World Heritage Site stands out as the world’s largest mangrove forest. Sundarban situated in West Bengal, is a mysteriously captivating environment brimming with mangroves and waterways, and the whimsical sounds of nature wrap one in the warmth of meditative feeling.  There’s nothing more magnificently thrilling than spotting big cats. Sundarban is best known for being the abode of Bengal tigers. Mudumalai National Park, Tamil Nadu Mudumalai nestled in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu is another magnificently thrilling destination that offers both jeep and elephant safaris. Amid the valleys and grasslands, one can spot Bengal tigers to wide varieties of birds. From floor carpeted in orchids to tall teak trees, this place also serves an abode of around 600 species of plants.  Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand Jim Corbett is a breathtaking destination for adventure enthusiasts where one can experience jeep safari to spot from the majestic Bengal tigers to birds. Visitors can also embark on a unique journey by hopping on a giant elephant to witness the treasures of Jim Corbett. From wild eagles to colourful parrots, the park is a perfect place for bird watchers.  Periyar National Park, Kerala  Periyar National Park nestled in the district of Idukki and Pathanamthitta of Kerala is such a picturesque destination that offers both jungle and boat safari. The Periyar lake, the main attraction of this park, makes it an adrenaline-inducing experience for visitors. The place serves as a home of elephants, tigers, sambar deer, Indian bison and numerous species of birds and reptiles. 

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Entertainment
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“Frankenstein” to “It Ends With Us”: Most Anticipated Book-to-Movie Adaptations Coming in 2024

0 If you’re a book geek, there’s nothing more delightfully exciting than seeing your favourite book coming to life. Literature, the fountain of ideas, has been inspiring movies to garner enormous success for years. From the classic gothic Frankenstein to contemporary romance It Ends With Us, this year is set to storm with the most anticipated book-to-screen adaptations. Here’s a list of movies to add to your watchlist. Frankenstein Frankenstein, a classic gothic written by Marry Wollstonecraft Shelley in 1818, is about an ingenious scientist named Victor who gave life to a humanoid. Unfortunately, the humanoid turned out to be a horrifyingly hideous creature to everyone including Victor rather than the perfect specimen he imagined to make. Taking this gothic as an inspiration, Zelda Williams has carved a movie titled Lisa Frankenstein with a blend of horror and romance. The movie revolves around the protagonist’s spooky adventure with her crush who’s a reanimated corpse.  Release Date: 9 February 2024 Orion And The Dark Orion And The Dark by Emma Yarlett is a children’s book about a boy named Orion who lives in a box full of irrational fears from fear of bees to waves. The story thrills readers when Orion gets visited by his worst fear “dark” to embark on a wonderful adventure. This book is adapted into a movie by Sean Charmatz, exciting the readers all around the world to see the animated, coloured version of words.  Release Date: 2 February 2024 The Idea Of You The Idea of you,  a contemporary romance by Robinne Lee published in 2017, tells an emotional tale of an age-gap relationship, blended with pathos and humour. The story highlights the aching reality of aged women’s position in society and the dark side of being a celebrity. Michael Showalter’s yet-to-release The Idea of You  starring Nicholas Galitzine and Anne Hathaway is based on this book. Release Date: 2 May 2024 It Ends With Us  It Ends With Us is a contemporary hit by Colleen Hoover published in 2016. From growing up in an abusive atmosphere to being trapped in another doomed romance, the book portrays the theme of toxic relationships, and the protagonist’s struggle to break the vicious circle of domestic violence. The yet-to-release movie starring Blake Lively as Lily, Justin Baldoni as Ryle and Brandon Sklenar as Atlas is being directed by Justin Baldoni. Release Date: 21 June 2024

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Technology
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Chrome M121: Three Generative AI Features for Easy Browsing

0 Google has unveiled pathbreaking AI features with the latest release of Chrome M121. These experimental AI features not only pave the way for easy and smooth browsing but also make it compellingly personalised. Tab Organiser, AI-Generated Themes and Help Me Write are the three cutting-edge features uncovered by Google in its fierce competition against the tech giant like Safari. This trio of AI-infused features will be initially available for US users’ Chrome (for Macs and Windows PCs). Tab Organiser and AI Generated themes will arrive within a few days, but Help Me Write will be available from next month only. Inorder to get access to these features,  one must go to the Settings page and manually flip on the “Experimental AI”.  Tab Organiser  With Tab organiser, you don’t have to feel overwhelmed with too many tabs open when  juggling with different things. This new feature will suggest and help you sort tabs into groups. All you need to do is click “Organise similar tabs”, and it’ll organise tabs based on topics. For example, all open tabs related to planning trips might come together, and Chrome might even suggest a name like “Holiday Planner” or emoji of map, making it easy for you to go back later. AI-Generated Themes This AI-Generated Themes feature was already introduced in Android 14 and Pixel 8 devices. This year, Google is extending this feature to Chrome with an aim to make it compellingly personalised while browsing. All you need to do is to visit the “Customise Chrome” side panel, select “Change Theme”and click “Generate with AI”. Users can instruct AI to generate themes by selecting the subject and other details from colour to style.  Help Me Write This feature will help users draft text from writing product reviews to formal and informal emails. Users can right-click on any text box or field anywhere on any site and click “Help Me Write”. Just typing a few words about what you are looking forward to writing will kickstart the AI writing process for you. This Help Me Write feature will make writing effortless as well as help users save time. 

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Travel
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Haunting Places In India You Should Visit (If Only You’re Brave Enough!) 

0 India is also a home to mysticism where the tales of spirits and ghosts continue to scare the daylights out of people. From Bhangarh Fort to Dow Hill, the wind spreads eerie tales of spine-chilling experiences. If you’re someone looking for a ghostly adventure, here’s a list of spooky places to visit. Bhangarh Fort, Rajasthan  This 16th century Fort is believed to be haunted by the curse of a tantrik who fell in love with an exceptionally beautiful princess but failed. Visitors are not allowed to visit the place after sunset. The place is said to be blanked with terrifying gloominess and hollowness. From strange noises to feeling like being watched, eerie tales are being shared by the locals.  Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad  Ramoji Film City stands out for being the largest film studio in the world, but the place holds  a paranormally intriguing tale. According to some reports, this film city was built on a ground that was once a battlefield where soldiers died. Chandeliers falling from the ceiling, crew members feeling like someone’s pushing them when no one is around, food getting half eaten when kept for a long time are some of the paranormal incidents reported here. Agrasen Ki Baoli, New Delhi  Agrasen Ki Baoli, built in the 14th century, is a famous haunting destination for mystic enthusiasts. Baoli is a stepwell used by the people in mediaeval times to store water. This baoli is believed to hold a hypnotising power as it makes people feel like drowning. The last suicide attempt happened in 2007. The water level just being around 5 feet makes it hard to believe, but the place will definitely send shivers down your spine.  Dow Hill, West Bengal Dow Hill is popular for the tales of paranormal occurrences. Death Road, the road between Dow Hill road and the forest office is the most blood-curdling thing about Dow Hill. A headless spectre of a boy walking and vanishing into the darkness, the feeling of being watched and followed, red eyes shining in the pitch darkness, a woman spectre in grey being spotted amidst the mist are some of the tales revolving around this haunted place. Eerie tales around famous haunting places are also claimed to be mere rumours though some locals deny this. Whether it’s a rumour or not, what matters the most is the spine-chilling aura.

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Food
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Rat Snacking: Unconventional Combinations of Food for Joyful Snacking 

0 Social media, the platform of fads, continues to be a tech guardian of Gen Z. From “what to wear” to “how to eat”, each year unwraps excitingly tempting trends, and you’re expected to walk as fast as your legs would carry you. So here’s all you need to know about rat snacking, the new food storm.  What is Rat Snacking? Rat snacking is all about breaking the rules and swaying to your unconventional culinary desire. Raiding and crafting “unhinged” snacks out of whatever is left in your pantry or refrigerator. In other words, a DIY mash up with weird pairings of food to satisfy one’s hunger pangs.  Origin Of Rat Snacking  Last year, it was “Girl Dinner”, but this year “Rat Snacking” is hitting the Internet with more than 12 million views under #ratsnack hashtag. Though this Tik Tok fuelled fad was warned by experts for the presence of ultra processed food, they’re also encouraged because it makes a basic snack healthy when it’s weirdly combined with other healthy food. Rat snacking breaks the traditional three meals a day rule and encourages replicating the rodent-behaviour of eating,  where you are free to scavenge through whatever is left in your pantry. This bizarre snacking not only saves time but also your money. Abbey Sharp, a dietician popular on Tiktok, posted a video of “rat snack” backed with apple, cinnamon,  butter, brown sugar and cheese slices, along with the caption, “When your InstaCart Shopper throws in an unexpected pack of processed cheese, you turn it into a budget-friendly ‘rat snack’ with whatever else you have in the fridge”. Sharp’s rat snack attracts more attention, especially from Gen Z, and becomes a super hit. According to Bustle, Abbey Sharp said, “Now people aren’t interested in hyper-stylized content, they want what’s genuine, they want relatability. These rat snacks are becoming more popular because people often don’t see themselves making the smoothie bowls that they see on Instagram,  but they can pull together a piece of cheese and a pickle with a pinch , because they have it on hand too, you know” Some of the popular rat snacking combos include topping Ritz crackers with chocolate, mixture of chocolate and hummus, combination of cauliflower, cheese and sauce, Ketchup over Pringles and pickles and Cheddar cheese.

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Technology
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Second-Hand Gadgets You Shouldn’t Buy Before Giving A Second Thought 

0 As the prices of gadgets are skyrocketing, the option to have a preloved gadget can tempt you. From safety hazards to security threats, there are risks veiled inside the beautiful boxes of fantastic deals. So before you purchase a second-hand gadget, give it a second thought. Here are a few used gadgets you should probably avoid buying.  Earbuds Earbuds can get easily contaminated with bacteria, paving the way for ear infection. Even if the earbuds look crystal clean and brand new, there’s a possibility that it’ll contain the invisible presence of bacteria to sticky earwax. Advanced sanitising is necessary before you put in to sway your head to the beat of music.  Headphones  Headphones like earbuds come up with hygiene issues. The earpads and headband can soak up one’s sweat to odour. It’s better to invest in a new one than using a total stranger’s sweat-soaked up headphones. Sanitising is a must thing but it is difficult to have it properly cleaned. Smart Home Devices Smart home devices like smart door to camera come with security threats. The pre owner might get the access, track you and even leak your private videos to conversations.  Of course there are measures to ensure safety before you leap to fix them in your house. Stay aware of the security threats and keep your home safe. Baby Monitors Baby monitors are dangerous.  Even the brand new ones are criticised for the security threats they caused.  Many cases of hacking and leaking of nude kids were reported. So if you’re planning to have a second-hand baby monitor,  you definitely need to give it a second thought.  Electric Toothbrush  Getting a second-hand toothbrush at a fraction of its actual price is tempting. But have you ever tried to imagine that brush being held by a total stranger and their savila splashing all over the brush and being soaked up? Buying a used electric brush paves the way for germs to get transferred. It’s better to invest in a new one than risk your dental hygiene.  Hair Removal Devices Hair removal devices like epilators and razors can put you in more trouble rather than giving you the kind of splendiferous skin you long for. It’s not worth buying unless you are ready for skin irritation and skin infection. 

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Travel
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Wanna Track Your Flight? 5 Best Flight Tracking Apps to Download

0 Trips often thrash one with anxious thoughts about flight, especially if the weather is unpleasant. From getting delayed to being cancelled, things can be exasperating to passengers. As winter is still up, the cold spell continues to hit North India. So here are a few flight tracking apps to calm your nerves. FlightRadar24 FlightRadar24 shines in the category of flight tracking app with more than 200,000 flights being tracked per day. This free app can be easily downloaded on both iOS and Android devices. It helps one with real-time information of flight as well as the weather. FlightRader24 has already got its name engraved in history with the final flight of the late Queen Elizabeth from Edinburgh to London. According to Reuters, more than 4 million people tracked the flight online.  FlightAware The app is available for both iOS and Android. Passengers can track flights by flight numbers, origin and destination. It’ll also alert you with notifications about the status of flight, arrival and departure. Misery map in FlightAware lets you know about the delays and cancellation in flights caused mostly by inclement climate.  Planes Live Planes Live is a free app available on both Android and iOS. They let you track flights, notify you when there’s a change in flight schedule and even let you know about the live flight information of friends and family when they travel. Planes Live helps you spot nearby Planes in your location and also comes up with weather forecasts. FlightStats FlightStats can be installed in both iOS and Android. They make it easy for you to track almost any flight across the world. Flight details like arrival and departure, airport conditions, airport delays, weather, historical flight status, flight alerts are provided. It is also compatible with the Apple watch.  Flighty  Flighty is a flight tracker for iOS users. The app ensures stress-free travel with all flight related information from flight route to alerting you when there’s a delay or cancellation. Flighty comes with a unique feature called “flighty friends” that lets you track your friend’s or family’s live flight information.  Plane Finder, ADSB Flight Tracker, App in the Air, Live Flight Status are some of the other flight tracking apps that provide flight information to warm your shivery thoughts about flight in this winter. 

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