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Google, Microsoft CEOs to Discuss AI Issues at White House as Concerns Rise Over Risks

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Google, Microsoft CEOs to Discuss AI Issues at White House as Concerns Rise Over Risks


The chief executives of Alphabet’s Google, Microsoft, OpenAI and Anthropic will meet with Vice President Kamala Harris and top administration officials to discuss key artificial intelligence (AI) issues on Thursday, said a White House official.

The invitation seen by Reuters to the CEOs noted President Joe Biden‘s “expectation that companies like yours must make sure their products are safe before making them available to the public.”

Concerns about fast-growing AI technology include privacy violations, bias and worries it could proliferate scams and misinformation.

In April, Biden said it remains to be seen whether AI is dangerous but underscored that technology companies had a responsibility to ensure their products were safe. Social media had already illustrated the harm that powerful technologies can do without the right safeguards, he said.

The administration has also been seeking public comments on proposed accountability measures for AI systems, as concerns grow about its impact on national security and education.

On Monday, deputies from the White House Domestic Policy Council and White House Office of Science and Technology Policy wrote in a blog post about how the technology can pose a serious risk to workers.

The Thursday meeting will be attended by Biden’s Chief of Staff Jeff Zients, Deputy Chief of Staff Bruce Reed, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, Director of the National Economic Council Lael Brainard and Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo among others, said the White House official who did not wish to be named.

The companies did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

ChatGPT, an AI program that recently grabbed the public’s attention for its ability to write answers quickly to a wide range of queries, in particular has attracted U.S. lawmakers’ attention as it has grown to be the fastest-growing consumer application in history with more than 100 million monthly active users.

“I think we should be cautious with AI, and I think there should be some government oversight because it is a danger to the public,” Tesla Chief Executive Elon Musk said last month in a television interview.

© Thomson Reuters 2023


The Vivo X90 Pro has finally made its debut in India, but is the company’s flagship smartphone for 2023 equipped with enough upgrades over its predecessor? We discuss this and more on Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast. Orbital is available on Spotify, Gaana, JioSaavn, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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Honor 300 Series Launch Set for December 2; Teased to Run on Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Chipset

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Honor 300 Series Launch Set for December 2; Teased to Run on Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Chipset


Honor 300 series China launch date has been officially revealed. The Chinese smartphone vendor has announced the launch of its new lineup through its social media channel. The Honor 300, Honor 300 Pro, and Honor 300 Ultra will debut as the successor to the Honor 200 series that launched in India in July. The lineup is teased to run on MagicOS 9 out of the box and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. The vanilla model is confirmed to be available in five colourways, while the Pro model will be released in three shades.

Honor 300 Series Will Bring Three Models

Honor has announced December 2 as the launch date of the Honor 300 series through its Weibo account. The launch event will be held in China. The handsets are confirmed to come with MagicOS 9 operating system and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. They will feature a 50-megapixel periscope telephoto camera.

The brand has also started accepting pre-reservations for the Honor 300 series through its official website in China. The Honor 300 Pro is listed in Ink Rock Black, Tea Kaji, and Starlight Sand (machine translated) colourways while the Honor 300 is listed in Ink Rock Tea, Chaka Sapphire, Dragon Snow, Smoky Purple and Mountain Ash colourways. The colour options of the Ultra model are still under wraps.

The Honor 200 and Honor 200 Pro were unveiled in China in May this year. They arrived in the Indian market in July with an initial price tag of Rs. 34,999 for the Honor 200 and Rs. 57,999 for the Honor 200 Pro.

The vanilla Honor 200 runs on Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 SoC, while the Honor 200 Pro is powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset. They have 50-megapixel triple rear cameras and 50-megapixel selfie shooters. The handsets run Android 14-based MagicOS 8.0 and boast a 5,200mAh battery with support for 100W wired fast charging. The Honor 200 has a 6.7-inch full-HD+ OLED curved display, while the Honor 200 Pro features a slightly larger 6.78-inch screen.


Anurag Kashyap`s controversial debut film `Paanch` to release in 2025

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Anurag Kashyap`s controversial debut film `Paanch` to release in 2025



Anurag Kashyap`s controversial debut film `Paanch` to release in 2025

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap is known for directing films like `Black Friday`, `Gangs Of Wasseypur`, `No Smoking`, `Dev D`, `Mannmarziyaan` among others. He has been a champion of the new wave of cinema in India and has always backed cinema he believes in. Unfortunately, his directorial debut titled `Paanch` never saw the light of the day in 2003 when it was made. The film landed in much controversies after it faced objections from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). But now, after await of over two decades the film will be released. 

Producer Tutu Sharma who backed Kashyap`s directorial debut told Bollywood Hungama that his film `Paanch` will be released in 2025. “Paanch is definitely coming next year. I plan to release it in cinemas within six months. The film was banned and the negatives have slightly deteriorated. The process of restoring them has already started. As soon as it`s ready, we’ll release Paanch.”

“The issues were resolved. But then we faced some more challenges and hence, the film was lying on the cans. Also, the trend of re-runs is here now. So, one can imagine the potential of Paanch. That’s a very encouraging sign. Also, the times are such that such films are being watched and they have an audience,” he said talking about the issues with the censor board that led to the film getting shelved. 

About Paanch

The crime thriller is loosely based n the 1976-77 Joshi-Abhyankar serial murders in Pune. The film narrates the tale of a kidnapping that goes wrong when four friends plan to kidnap their own friend, who is accidentally killed. The film never got a theatrical or home-video release due to objections by CBFC. The Central Board of Film Certification raised objections due to the film`s violence, depiction of drug abuse, and use of strong language. After some cuts, the film was cleared by the Central Board of Film Certification in 2001. Despite protests by the first time director, the film was not allowed for release. `Paanch` was later screened at film festivals. 

Sharma believes that it is Kashyap`s best film to date. The film stars Kay Kay Menon and Tejaswini Kolhapure in pivotal roles. `Paanch` also stars Aditya Srivastava, Vijay Maurya, Joy Fernandes, Sharat Saxena and Vijay Raaz. The music of the film is composed by Vishal Bhardwaj.


Windows 12 Release Date Possibly Leaked by Intel: All You Need to Know

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Windows 12 Release Date Possibly Leaked by Intel: All You Need to Know


Windows 12 release date might have been leaked recently and could arrive on computers in the coming months. Microsoft’s purported successor to Windows 11 is expected to be the next major refresh after Windows 11 was released in October 2021 with visual changes elements like the taskbar, Windows Explorer, as well as support for widgets. It’s worth noting that Microsoft is yet to officially reveal any details of plans to launch the next version of its Windows desktop operating system.

A transcript of a recent fireside chat at the Citi 2023 Global Technology Conference reveals that Intel CFO David Zinsner might have leaked the release date for Windows 12. “We actually think ’24 is going to be a pretty good year for client, in particular, because of the Windows refresh,” the transcript quotes Zinsner as saying. Microsoft regularly issues updates and patches for its operating system, so a refresh of Windows suggests a new version is on the way.

“And we still think that the installed base is pretty old and does require a refresh and we think next year maybe the start of that, given the Windows catalyst. So, we’re optimistic about how things will play out beginning in ’24,” Zinsner adds, in response to a question about whether Intel expects its gains to continue after the company recently started to gain back market share. 

It is interesting to note the timing of the Intel executive’s mention of the Windows “refresh” and “catalyst” come soon after the company unveiled its Intel Core Ultra processors that will arrive on December 14. Intel’s Meteor Lake chips, unlike their Raptor Lake predecessor, will be aimed at laptops. However, with the purported arrival of Intel’s Arrow Lake-S CPUs — with up to 24 cores — expected in 2024, Intel could have new desktop CPUs ready in time for the next version of Windows.

Intel’s new Meteor Lake chips are the first processors from the chipmaker to be equipped with a dedicated neural processing unit (NPU) for improved on-device AI performance. The new chiplet design also includes the first integrated NPU AI engine. Meanwhile, the Windows 11 23H2 update is already introducing new AI features such as Windows Copilot, and Microsoft is likely to double down on the AI features and technology it is working on, if it plans to release the next version of Windows in the coming months.


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Lucky Baskhar OTT release date: When and where to watch Dulquer Salmaan film

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Lucky Baskhar OTT release date: When and where to watch Dulquer Salmaan film


Nov 25, 2024 05:57 PM IST

Lucky Baskhar marked Dulquer Salmaan’s third film in Telugu. It was directed by Venky Atluri. 

Director Venky Atluri’s Dulquer Salmaan and Meenaakshi Chaudhary-starrer Lucky Baskhar will soon be released on OTT. On Monday, Netflix India officially announced that Lucky Baskhar will be released on the streaming platform with a premiere date of November 28. (Also read: Dulquer Salmaan has a ball at Diljit Dosanjh’s Dil-Luminati India Tour in Hyderabad with friends. Watch)

Dulquer Salmaan in a still from Lucky Baskhar.
Dulquer Salmaan in a still from Lucky Baskhar.

Lucky Baskhar OTT release date

On Monday, Netflix India shared the poster of Lucky Baskhar on their Instagram account with the caption, “Luck doesn’t knock twice… unless you’re Baskhar. Watch Lucky Baskhar on Netflix, out 28 November in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada and Hindi!”

In Lucky Baskhar, Dulquer plays the role of a banker named Baskhar who wants to provide a better life for his family and sets off on an offbeat path, willing to risk anything for money. In an interview with Hindustan Times, he said, “The character is fictional, but the story, which takes place over a span of three years (1989 onwards), is inspired by real-life incidents and scams. The director, Venky Atluri, has done a lot of research, and it’s detailed well, as you can see with the use of financial terminology, banking procedures, etc.”

More details

Lucky Baskhar, also starring Meenakshi Chaudhary, was released in theatres on October 31 and received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. The film performed well at the box office and collected over ₹ 80 crore nett in India.

It marked Dulquer’s third Telugu film. The actor’s first film in Telugu was the 2018 film Mahanati, directed by Nag Ashwin and starring Keerthy Suresh as Savitri. He played Gemini Ganeshan in the biopic, which also starred Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Vijay Deverakonda. His second film in the language was the 2022 film Sita Ramam, directed by Hanu Raghavapudi and starring Mrunal Thakur. Bothfilms were massive hits.

Dulquer will next appear in Suriya’s next film, directed by Sudha Kongara of Soorarai Pottru fame. The film will also star Vijay Varma and Nazriya Nazim Fahadh.


Honor 300 Series Launch Set for December 2; Teased to Run on Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Chipset

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Honor 300 Series Launch Set for December 2; Teased to Run on Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Chipset


Honor 300 series China launch date has been officially revealed. The Chinese smartphone vendor has announced the launch of its new lineup through its social media channel. The Honor 300, Honor 300 Pro, and Honor 300 Ultra will debut as the successor to the Honor 200 series that launched in India in July. The lineup is teased to run on MagicOS 9 out of the box and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. The vanilla model is confirmed to be available in five colourways, while the Pro model will be released in three shades.

Honor 300 Series Will Bring Three Models

Honor has announced December 2 as the launch date of the Honor 300 series through its Weibo account. The launch event will be held in China. The handsets are confirmed to come with MagicOS 9 operating system and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. They will feature a 50-megapixel periscope telephoto camera.

The brand has also started accepting pre-reservations for the Honor 300 series through its official website in China. The Honor 300 Pro is listed in Ink Rock Black, Tea Kaji, and Starlight Sand (machine translated) colourways while the Honor 300 is listed in Ink Rock Tea, Chaka Sapphire, Dragon Snow, Smoky Purple and Mountain Ash colourways. The colour options of the Ultra model are still under wraps.

The Honor 200 and Honor 200 Pro were unveiled in China in May this year. They arrived in the Indian market in July with an initial price tag of Rs. 34,999 for the Honor 200 and Rs. 57,999 for the Honor 200 Pro.

The vanilla Honor 200 runs on Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 SoC, while the Honor 200 Pro is powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset. They have 50-megapixel triple rear cameras and 50-megapixel selfie shooters. The handsets run Android 14-based MagicOS 8.0 and boast a 5,200mAh battery with support for 100W wired fast charging. The Honor 200 has a 6.7-inch full-HD+ OLED curved display, while the Honor 200 Pro features a slightly larger 6.78-inch screen.


Find the best hooded sweatshirts for men under Rs 999 for a cozy vibe only on Myntra

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Find the best hooded sweatshirts for men under Rs 999 for a cozy vibe only on Myntra


No man’s wardrobe is complete without hooded sweatshirts or simply ‘hoodies’. The perfect hoodie should be completely comfortable and stylish, ideal for casual outings, gym sessions or even just relaxing at home. And the best part? Which will not leave any hole in your pocket. Here’s a guide to the best hooded sweatshirts for men under Rs. 999 which offers a really comfortable ambiance and great value for money.

Best hooded sweatshirts for men under Rs 999
Best hooded sweatshirts for men under Rs 999

Many people, especially men, are fond of their comfort and versatility when it comes to style. Sweatshirts have gone from being mere sportswear to becoming the current highest fashion item – suitable for use in any season. From lounging around the house to going out, from casual outfits to dressing up for cold days, the right hooded sweatshirt can blend chic with comfort quite effortlessly.

This blog will cover the best hooded sweatshirts on Myntra today representing every taste and need. From sporty designs to comfortable oversized fits and premium fabrics, there’s a hoodie for everyone. Read on to find your next favorite piece

Top picks for men’s hooded sweatshirts under Rs 999

Be sure to check out the products listed below:

Stay warm and in style with the Cook N Keech Comfy Edge Relaxed Hoody Sweatshirt. This is one of the best hooded sweatshirts. It’s comfort-focused with soft cotton blend material and a comfortable fit, ideal for casual outings and lounging on the couch. The concise design adds functionality, so you can wear it instantly with jeans or joggers. The hood provides adjustable practicality, and the kangaroo pocket keeps your essentials at an arm’s length. The relaxed and restrained style is suitable for those who want it in their wardrobe.

key features Description
Material cotton blend
Suitable relaxation
design minimalist, solid colors

With the Stylecast x Revolte Men’s Colorblocked Hoody Sweatshirt, you’ll show off that bold style. It’s a comfortable cotton blend to wear all day long and features an eye-catching color-blocked design. With its regular fit, it is comfortable as well as easy to wear. It keeps you warm, hence very comfortable. It’s fun to match with neutral pants or joggers while still showing off the vibrant hoodie. Be it for a casual outing or an urban streetwear look, these great hooded sweatshirts ensure that you make a statement wherever you go.

key feature Description
Material cotton blend
Suitable Regular
design color blocked

Rigo Men Typography Printed Hood Front-Open Sweatshirt. Stay warm and stylish with this hooded front-open sweatshirt featuring a premium wool blend. Warmth and softness on cold days, with an open-front design that easily layers over tees or tanks to complete a chic, trendy look thanks to its bold typography print. The regular fit of the best hooded sweatshirts guarantees comfort without affecting the style, and the hood adds a layer of comfort. It’s perfect for an urban casual look or a weekend hangout, seamlessly combining practicality with style.

key features Description
Material wool blend
Suitable Regular
design Typography print, front open

One of the best hooded sweatshirts is 100% pure cotton, making it comfortable and breathable. This vibrant printed design adds a vibrant touch to casual outfits and is great for casual outings and indoor days. The pull-over sweatshirt is easy to wear, and its relaxed fit suits every body type. This sweatshirt offers functionality and aesthetics. Wear it with jeans for an effortless look or joggers for a sporty look.

key features Description
Material pure cotton
Suitable relaxation
design printed, sweater style

The House of Koala Unisex Typography Printed Cotton Hoody Sweatshirt is made from relaxed fit, breathable 100% cotton, making it a very versatile addition to any wardrobe. In bold typography print, it offers a unique edge to casual meetings, lounging or everyday wear. This hoodie combines functionality with aesthetic appeal and is designed for both men and women. The pullover design and adjustable hood come together to promise convenience and comfort, where effortless fashion becomes your favourite. Try wearing a great hooded sweatshirt with joggers or denim for a trendy look.

key features

Description

Material 100% cotton
Suitable relaxation
design Typography Printed, Sweater

Cook N Keech’s athletic vibe embroidered hooded sweatshirt gives a new twist to your sporty style. Made from super soft cotton blend, this oversized hoodie guarantees comfort and exudes an urban edge that’s always trendy. Embroidered detailing adds a touch of sophistication, ensuring ease of movement and is updated, fitting a larger size. Great for gym days or a casual hangout, this sweatshirt will definitely keep you warm and stylish. Pair it with joggers or slim-fit jeans for a flawless, seamless finish.

key features Description
Material cotton blend
Suitable big size
design Embroidered, sporty vibe

The Stylecast x Revolte Men’s Printed Hoody Sweatshirt is one of the best hooded sweatshirts on this list. Make a bold statement with this hoodie from StyleCast x Revolte. It features a unique printed design combining contemporary style and comfort. Made from super-soft cotton blend material, it is a regular fit to wear for everyday activities. The presence of a hood and kangaroo pockets add functionality, while the vibrant print makes it stand out in your wardrobe. It’s ideal for streetwear enthusiasts or a casual night out, as it looks great with joggers or distressed denim without compromising on comfort and staying on trend.

key features Description
Material cotton blend
design printed, hooded style
ideal for streetwear, casual wear

Stay warm and on trend with the Rigo Men’s Printed fleece pullover hooded sweatshirt. This sweatshirt is perfect for the fall season, featuring an engraved print that breathes life into your best hooded sweatshirt collection. Its soft fleece guarantees warmth and coziness in addition to a comfortable fit, making it an effortless clothing piece to wear for casual outings or lounging around the house. It can be easily paired with sneakers and joggers for an effortless, sporty look.

key features Description
Material wool blend
Suitable relaxation
design printed, sweater style

The Rigo Solid pullover hooded sweatshirt is an excellent choice for minimalist fashionistas. It has soft warmth as it is made of premium wool. Then, its core design in a solid color twist creates a timeless and versatile classic that can be easily matched with a variety of outfits. Whether rushing to work or staying in, simplicity meets style in this hoodie among other great hooded sweatshirts.

key features Description
Material wool blend
Suitable Regular
design solid, pullover style

Stay warm this winter with the trendy-style Rigo Men Printed fleece pullover hooded sweatshirt. A bold printed design adds a stylish touch of comfort and warmth, while the pullover style offers relaxed fit functionality, making it ideal for your casual lifestyle. Whether meeting friends or staying indoors, this is one of the best hooded sweatshirts to keep you comfortable and fashionable. Match it with jeans and sneakers for a casual look that stands out and goes anywhere.

key features Description
Material wool blend
Suitable relaxation
design printed, sweater style

Also read: Top 10 Hoodies in Casual Style for College Going Boys

conclusion

Here is your list of best hooded sweatshirts under Rs. 999 hooded. Buy sweatshirts that don’t compromise on fashion, comfort and quality. Each of the sweatshirts above has something unique to offer – from functionality mixed with fashion appeal, to sporty, minimalist looks perfect for bold prints and oversized silhouettes. These are the ultimate cozy vibes while getting ready for a casual outing or just feeling cozy at home without burning a hole in your pocket.

Its affordability and style will work wonders on your winter apparel, so invest in one of these exciting sweatshirts and stay warm and fashionable while keeping your wallet happy.

Also read: 10 Best Wrist Watches for Men: Stylish and Affordable Options for Every Occasion

FAQ: Find the Best Hoody Sweatshirts for Men

  • What is the best material for a hooded sweatshirt?

    It depends on what fabric the hoodie is made of and whether it can be comfortable, durable, and suitable for different weather conditions. Cotton offers breathability and softness, perfect for mild winters or layering. Wool is warm and has a warm feel, recommended for cool days. Polyester blends are long-lasting and moisture wicking, making them popular for active wear. Wool or cashmere offers luxurious warmth with great style. Always check the composition of the fabric to make sure it suits your needs, such as warmth or ease of maintenance.

  • What are the top trends in the best hooded sweatshirts?

    The top trends in the best hooded sweatshirts are: – Solid colors: Basics that won’t go out of style and can be paired with any outfit. – Printed or graphic designs: Perfect for making a casual outing fun or dressy. – Typography or logo: Great for those who want to make a statement or showcase their favorite brand. – Colorblocking: This modern trend adds an interesting visual appeal to your style.

  • What should you consider when buying a hooded sweatshirt?

    Functionality had a lot to do with how well the hoodie would meet all your daily needs. Look for pockets to keep hands warm or hold essentials like keys and the phone. Make sure the hood is adjustable using the drawstring; Therefore, it can be tightened and loosened instantly. Look for zippers and closures; Full-zip hoodies are more convenient to take on and off, and pullovers provide better warmth.

  • What type of sweatshirt is best for different weather conditions?

    The type of hoodie you should wear depends on your local climate. – Use lightweight cotton or jersey fabric for mild weather. – In cold weather, a more insulating fleece-lined or woolen hoodie will work better. – Water-resistant clothing or tight hooded hoodies are standard during rainy weather. To stay comfortable and stylish year-round, choose a hoodie that’s eco-friendly.

  • Where is the best place to buy the best hooded sweatshirts?

    Myntra is undoubtedly the best platform to buy hooded sweatshirts. Visit the platform and shop from our top recommendations now!

Also read: Level up your style game with essential pullovers for men from Myntra: Top 10 picks

Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay updated with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a share of the revenue when you make a purchase. We will not be liable for any claims under applicable laws including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 in relation to the Products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.


Guru Pradosh Vrat 2024: Know Date, Time, Significance, And Rituals

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Guru Pradosh Vrat 2024: Know Date, Time, Significance, And Rituals


Guru Pradosh Vrat, observed on the thirteenth day (Trayodashi) of the lunar fortnight dedicated to Lord Shiva, holds immense significance among devotees. Falling on a Thursday, the day is doubly auspicious as it combines the spiritual energy of Pradosh with the positive vibrations of Guruvar (Thursday), associated with Lord Vishnu and the planet Jupiter. In 2024, Guru Pradosh Vrat offers a profound opportunity for spiritual seekers to attain blessings, prosperity, and liberation from negative karma.

Guru Pradosh Vrat 2024: Date and Time

The Pradosh Vrat timings are critical for those who wish to observe the fast and perform rituals. According to drik panchang, Guru Pradosh Vrat will be observed on November 28, 2024. 

Margashirsha, Krishna Trayodashi

Begins
– 06:23 AM, Nov 28

Ends – 08:39 AM, Nov 29

 

Significance of Guru Pradosh Vrat

Guru Pradosh Vrat is considered a powerful day to seek the divine grace of Lord Shiva, enhancing wisdom, wealth, and spiritual growth. It is believed that:

Lord Shiva’s Blessings: Observing the vrat with devotion helps in removing obstacles, resolving financial issues, and gaining success in endeavors.

Spiritual Growth: The influence of Guruvar magnifies the benefits, aligning devotees with higher spiritual energies and Jupiter’s positive influence.

Karmic Purification: The vrat is an opportunity to absolve sins, cleanse the mind, and cultivate virtues.

Health and Prosperity: Devotees pray for robust health, family well-being, and long-lasting happiness.

Rituals and Observance of Guru Pradosh Vrat

Devotees observing the vrat follow these rituals with utmost devotion:

Morning Rituals:

Begin the day with a sacred bath and wear clean, preferably white or yellow clothes.

Clean the puja space and set up a Shivling or Lord Shiva’s idol.

Fasting:

A strict fast is observed, with some devotees consuming only fruits and milk. Others practice a waterless fast.

Abstain from consuming grains, pulses, or tamasic foods.

Pradosh Kaal Puja:

During the Pradosh period (approximately two hours after sunset), light a ghee lamp and perform Shiva Abhishek with water, milk, honey, curd, and ghee.

Offer Bilva leaves, white flowers, incense, and prasad. Chant mantras like “Om Namah Shivaya” and recite the Shiva Chalisa.

Some devotees also perform aarti and meditate on Lord Shiva’s divine form.

Charity:

Donate food, clothes, or money to the needy, as this enhances the vrat’s spiritual merit.

Key Benefits of Guru Pradosh Vrat

Attracts prosperity, happiness, and peace in family life.

Promotes mental clarity and helps in decision-making.

Alleviates the malefic effects of planetary doshas, especially related to Jupiter.

Strengthens faith and devotion, fostering inner peace and spiritual awakening.

May Lord Shiva’s grace illuminate your life on this sacred occasion. Om Namah Shivaya!


Xbox Games Showcase Time and Streaming Details Revealed; Starfield Direct Will Air Right After

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Xbox Games Showcase Time and Streaming Details Revealed; Starfield Direct Will Air Right After


Microsoft will host its Xbox Games Showcase on June 11 — as confirmed before — and ahead of the event, the company has dropped timings and other details for the same. The showcase will be held live across Xbox’s official YouTube and Twitch channels, at 10:30pm IST in India/ 10am PT in the US. The event will showcase some ‘new surprises and first-looks’ from Xbox’s internal and third-party studios and will be followed by a ‘Starfield Direct’ event, immediately after. The news comes in the wake of multiple major publishers, including Xbox, opting out of the annual E3 exhibition, which led to its cancellation, in March.

It also goes without saying that since Redfall — out now on PC, Xbox Series S/X, and Xbox Game Pass — was received poorly by critics and fans alike, the company, which has been scrutinised for its lacklustre exclusive slate, needs to step up its game during the June presentation. The cartoonish rhythm game Hi-Fi Rush was the last big break for Xbox, dropping without any marketing and endearing fans, but was shrouded in industry-wide rumours that it failed to meet sales expectations. Aaron Greenberg, VP, of Xbox Games Marketing, then responded to the claims, stating that Hi-Fi Rush was a ‘break out hit’ and that the team couldn’t be happier with developer Tango Gameworks’ work.

As mentioned before, the Starfield Direct event will be streamed right after the Xbox Games Showcase on June 11, promising tons of new gameplay, developer interviews, and some behind-the-scenes content. The space-set RPG marks Bethesda’s first newly-crafted universe in 25 years, throwing players into the year 2330 as a space miner, who joins the Constellation, a group of explorers who seek rare artefacts across the galaxy. In what director Todd Howard describes as ‘Skyrim in space,’ Starfield leans heavily on character customisation and adds a Persuasion system to conversations, where you spend points on specific traits. Again, just like The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, it can be played in both first and third-person perspectives, and has you fight space pirates, collect resources, and even build outposts.

Microsoft also has a follow-up stream planned for June 13 at 10:30pm IST/ 10am PT, featuring in-depth interviews focused on the titles that debut at the Xbox Games Showcase. Normally, any publisher showcases were held adjacent to E3, but the event got cancelled when major publishers like PlayStation, Nintendo, and Xbox themselves pulled out. While no official reason was given, we can assume it had to do with the large amounts publishers had to pay in order to secure a physical booth at E3. As the COVID-19 pandemic came along, industry giant Geoff Keighley took over the reins, to host his own version of the event, albeit in a digital format. Dubbed ‘Summer Game Fest,’ the festival soon grew to be the epicentre of all gaming news and announcements, proving that online-only events are a viable way to market games.

The Xbox Games Showcase is scheduled for June 11 at 10:30pm IST in India/ 10am PT in the US. The Starfield Direct event will be streamed right after.


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Google Pixel 9a Colourways, Dimensions Leak Online; May Get Slightly Taller Design With Four Shades

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Google Pixel 9a Colourways, Dimensions Leak Online; May Get Slightly Taller Design With Four Shades


Google’s Pixel 9a is expected to go official in May next year. Initial leaks and early photos over the past few weeks suggested a visor-free design for the device with thicker bezels. Now the exact dimensions and colour options of the mid-range smartphone have surfaced on the Web. The Pixel 9a will be reportedly available in four shades like its predecessor. The colour options could include a new shade called ‘iris’. The Pixel 9a is expected to be thinner than the Pixel 8a.

Pixel 9a Could Be Available in Four Colours

As per a report by Android Headlines, Google Pixel 9a will be released in four colours — porcelain (white), iris (blueish purple), obsidian (black), and peony (pink). The Pixel 8a was launched in Aloe, Bay, Obsidian, and Porcelain shades and Google appears to be ditching the Aloe and Bay shades for peony and iris. The recently launched Pixel 9 is also available in Peony shade.

The Pixel 9a is said to be around 2mm taller and a millimetre wider than its predecessor. The upcoming model will reportedly have a taller, wider and thinner build with dimensions of 154x73x8.5mm, compared to the 152.1x 72.7×8.9mm dimensions of the predecessor. It is likely to come with a smaller battery.

Google Pixel 9a: What We Know So Far

The leaked CAD renders for the Pixel 9a suggested a flat camera housing sipping Google’s signature camera visor. It appears to have dual rear cameras arranged in a pill-shaped module that sits almost flush with the rear panel. It is expected to debut with Android 15 and get seven years of updates like its predecessor. It could run on the Tensor G4 chipset.

Google usually announces its Pixel A-series phones at its annual Google I/O keynote, in May every year. Therefore, the Pixel 9a is expected to break covers in May 2025.