With ‘Menstrual Health and Hygiene day’ round the corner, here is the story of two women entrepreneurs who are trying to carve safe spaces for women’s health. Breaking this stereotype are Khushali Samriya and Uttara Seshu, who have been working in different areas of women’s health such as Menstrual Health, Maternal Health to be able to explore voices and needs of women in the remotest parts of the country. Together, they co-founded Kara, a women’s health initiative that works to create safe spaces for women to talk about their reproductive health issues.

Breaking the glass ceiling

Delhi based Khushali Samriya, has been working in the space of women’s health for half a decade and has been the soul of the initiative. Samriya started her journey as an entrepreneur when she was just 24 and has worked in rural hinterlands of India. An experienced individual with a knack of solving complex and unnoticed problems around women’s health. With her engineering background, she aims to bridge the gap between voices of women and technology. ” From digital health tools to artificial intelligence, we can revolutionize the landscape of women’s health, championing progress with every keystroke. At Kara we aim to bring women’s health and technology together to ensure that no woman in this world ever loses her life because of basic life events like menstruation, pregnancy.” asserts Khushali.

US-based Uttara Seshu, is currently pursuing a doctorate in Public Health at Penn State University and has been extremely passionate about women’s health issues. The 29-year old has half a decade of experience in rural parts of Bihar, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh amongst others and is currently also working as a Graduate Research Assistant on pregnancy outcomes post COVID-19 in Pennsylvania, US. With her interdisciplinary background she aims to highlight the always neglected women’s health issues. She says, “Our aim is to ensure a life of dignity for women and girls by providing them reproductive knowledge and a platform such as Kara to voice their health issues.” 

Time is ripe to explore uncharted territories in women’s health such as Menstruation

Women’s health and related issues have systematically suffered owing to years of ignorance. It is only after all these years that these issues are being given their due attention. Hence, Khushali and Uttara launched a campaign #Haqhai (in the picture) through their organization to tackle some of the issue of Period Leaves, that has made headlines over the last few months owing to the Petition filed in the Supreme Court of India. #Haqhai emphasizes the idea of period leave as a necessity. Khushali believes,”We need to start talking about Period leaves, there are studies that suggest the discomfort and pain women undergo during periods. Our campaign aims to normalize the conversation around period pain as we believe that a policy like this will give women the space the voice their opinion.” The campaign aims at mobilizing organizations across the country to be advocate for Period Leaves as a policy in India. This, they believe will create a needed space for women to speak which is ultimately what inhibits them the most to seek any healthcare knowledge or care. They believe, it is time that women stop popping pills to prove to the world their worth at the workplace or home!

Netflix has released a new series that has caught the attention of viewers everywhere. “FUBAR” marks Arnold Schwarzenegger’s first venture into small-screen storytelling, proving that he is still a master of action. With its nostalgic appeal and classic formula, the show is bringing back the beloved era of Dadcore television.

Plot, Characters, and Production

In the eight-part series available for streaming on Netflix, Arnold Schwarzenegger, the renowned Austrian actor and former Governor of California, takes on the role of Luke Brunner, a veteran CIA operative. Luke has successfully hidden his true profession from his family throughout his entire career, posing as the co-owner of Merry Fitness. Now approaching retirement, he sets out to win back his ex-wife Tally (played by Fabiana Udenio) through “Operation Life-With-Wife,” offering a chance to sail around the world on a yacht confiscated during his CIA missions. However, his colleagues at the agency doubt the ease of this endeavor, given the challenges that lie ahead.

Under the creative vision of James Cameron, known for his blockbuster movies like “Avatar” and “Titanic,” FUBAR showcases a thrilling and adventurous narrative. The series follows Luke Brunner and his team on a series of 52-minute escapades, combining action, humor, and a touch of family dynamics. Schwarzenegger’s portrayal of Luke, along with Monica Barbaro as his daughter Emma Brunner, captures the essence of the ’90s syndicated action TV era while infusing a modern twist.

The Return of Dadcore TV

FUBAR brings back the essence of ’90s syndicated action television, often referred to as Dadcore TV. This genre captivated audiences with its straightforward plots, easy-to-digest content, and absence of complex moral dilemmas. The simplicity of the shows, featuring well-known lead actors and entertaining sidekicks, offered weekly adventures tied to an overarching story. FUBAR adopts this winning formula, reminiscent of popular series like “Adventure Inc.,” “Jack of All Trades,” and “Relic Hunter.”

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s contribution to FUBAR plays a significant role in its success. He effortlessly delivers witty lines, exemplifying his expertise in light action comedy. Luke and Emma Brunner’s dynamic mirrors that of John and Jenny Matrix from “Commando,” but with a grown-up twist as they embark on thrilling missions akin to “True Lies.” With a blend of cutting-edge technology, exciting action sequences, and Arnold’s timeless charm, FUBAR offers a delightful viewing experience for fans of the genre.

The Potential Impact

FUBAR’s release on Netflix marks a potential turning point in the landscape of television. As viewers reminisce about the ’90s syndicated action TV era, the show’s popularity suggests a renewed interest in Dadcore television. Its straightforward and entertaining nature, reminiscent of comfort food, provides a respite from the complexity of modern prestige television. If FUBAR’s success continues, it may pave the way for the revival of similar nostalgic genres and further blur the lines between traditional and streaming platforms.

In conclusion, FUBAR has become the talk of the town with its revival of Dadcore TV. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s involvement, along with the series’ adherence to the beloved formula, has captivated viewers seeking lighthearted action and adventure. As the era of ’90s syndicated action television makes a comeback, FUBAR stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of this timeless genre.

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Concerns over China’s expanding capabilities, especially in the area of hypersonic missile technology, have been raised as the country keeps on gaining fast military modernization and scientific achievements. World’s focus on China’s military policy has shifted to hypersonic missiles, which can travel faster than Mach 5. The development of hypersonic missiles by China poses a serious threat to the world’s superpower, the United States’ ability to keep military dominance in the Pacific, where it has long maintained its power. In order to quickly catch up to the United States, China has made impressive progress in developing hypersonic missile technology. 

As a representation of its military power and a crucial element of its capacity to project power across the Pacific, the United States has long relied on aircraft carriers, however, these are seriously threatened by China’s hypersonic weapons. In a May 2023 scientific journal article, Chinese researchers claimed that the nation’s hypersonic missiles could ‘certainly’ destroy a U.S. carrier group. This capacity raises the possibility of altering the strategic balance of power, sidelining American aircraft carrier groups in the Pacific, and leaving the United States with few alternatives for aiding Taiwan in the case of a Chinese invasion. Due to the extraordinary speed and manoeuvrability of hypersonic missiles, conventional missile defence systems like Aegis may not be able to intercept them. The US’s historical hegemony is deeply threatened by China’s capacity to target aircraft carriers.

Before moving forward, let us understand what hypersonic missiles are.

The hypersonic vehicle is one that travels substantially faster than the speed of sound, which is 663 mph (1,067 kph) at 35,000 feet (10,668 metres). Passenger planes travel at just under 600 mph (966 kph), while hypersonic systems are capable of 3,500 mph (5,633 kph) or more. The maximum speed of each intercontinental ballistic missile in the nuclear arsenals of the world is approximately 15,000 mph (24,140 kph), or 4 miles (6.4 km) per second. Launched atop smaller rockets, the new generation of hypersonic missiles has its reach within the upper atmosphere. 

The Pacific region’s power balance will be significantly impacted by China’s development of hypersonic missiles. These missiles give China a reliable deterrence against future enemies, giving it more confidence to assert its territorial claims. A hypersonic missile threat could deter US partners in the region from taking a strong stance against China because they are concerned about the possible repercussions of a military clash. This might cause the US’s power and supremacy in the Pacific to gradually decline. 

The United States and China are now engaged in a technological arms race as a result of China’s achievements in hypersonic missile technology. The US has also increased its own attempts to build hypersonic weapons because of the necessity to maintain its military edge. In addition to placing pressure on defence spending, the rush to develop and use hypersonic weapons raises concerns about the possibility of misunderstanding and escalation between the two giants.

The US supremacy in the Pacific is imperilled by China’s development of hypersonic missiles. These state of art weapons pose a threat to US aircraft carriers, as China increases its capacity to intimidate potential rivals and press its territorial claims more forcefully, the balance of power in the area is shifting. By making investments in cutting-edge missile defence systems, strengthening regional partnerships, and retaining a lead in hypersonic technology, the United States must combat this new threat. The Pacific area is experiencing an intensifying power struggle, and the conclusion will determine the destiny of both the region and the world.

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As the United States experiences a surge in semiconductor manufacturing, fueled by substantial government investments, semiconductor manufacturers are grappling with a crucial challenge – finding a sufficient workforce to staff the new plants being constructed across the country. While President Biden’s funding initiative aims to generate thousands of well-paying jobs, the pressing question remains: Will there be an adequate number of skilled workers to fill these positions?

The Shortage Looms

The imminent semiconductor boom, empowered by billions of dollars from the federal government, necessitates the attraction of more workers to meet the demands of the expanding industry. However, concerns about the availability of a skilled workforce persist. Shari Liss, the executive director of the SEMI Foundation, a nonprofit organization representing electronics manufacturing companies, emphasized the potential significant consequences of not addressing this issue promptly: “The impact could be really substantial if we don’t figure out how to create excitement and interest in this industry.”

Government Initiatives and Industry Expansion

With the intention of transforming the United States into a semiconductor powerhouse and reducing dependency on foreign countries for critical chips powering various devices, lawmakers passed the 2022 CHIPS Act. This legislation allocated $39 billion for the construction of new semiconductor facilities and expansions, prompting numerous manufacturers to announce projects nationwide. According to the Semiconductor Industry Association, more than 50 new facility projects have been unveiled, accompanied by private companies committing over $210 billion in investments.

Labor Market Challenges

Despite the influx of investments, the semiconductor industry now faces the most severe labor market constraints in recent years. Employers nationwide are struggling to find workers, primarily due to limited awareness of the industry and an insufficient number of students pursuing relevant academic fields. This difficulty in recruitment extends to critical positions such as construction workers for building plants, technicians operating equipment, and engineers designing chips.

Projected Shortage

A Deloitte report suggests that the U.S. semiconductor industry could encounter a workforce shortage of approximately 70,000 to 90,000 workers over the next few years. Additionally, McKinsey has projected a shortfall of about 300,000 engineers and 90,000 skilled technicians in the United States by 2030.

Hiring Challenges and Immigration Restrictions

Semiconductor manufacturers face hurdles in hiring more employees, partly due to a scarcity of skilled workers and competition with large technology firms for engineering talent. Many graduates with advanced engineering degrees in the United States were born abroad, but the complexities of immigration rules make obtaining work visas challenging.

Efforts to Address the Workforce Demand

Recognizing the urgency to meet the labor demand, the Biden administration recently announced plans to establish five initial “work force hubs” in cities like Phoenix and Columbus, Ohio. These hubs aim to provide training opportunities for women, people of color, and other underrepresented workers in industries like semiconductor manufacturing. Additionally, both administration and company officials have advocated for reforms to better retain foreign-born STEM graduates. However, the contentious nature of immigration in Washington limits optimism for immediate progress.

Embracing Training Programs

While some industry leaders view technology, such as automation and artificial intelligence, as potential remedies to workforce shortages, most companies are placing their faith in training programs. Federal officials have shown support for these initiatives, highlighting that funding from the CHIPS Act can be utilized for workforce development.

Industry Case Study: Intel

Intel, a prominent player in the semiconductor industry, has unveiled plans to invest $20 billion in two new chip factories in Arizona and another $20 billion in a chip manufacturing complex in Ohio. To address the labor demand, Intel has already established partnerships with community colleges and universities, investing millions in training programs and expanding relevant curriculum. Gabriela Cruz Thompson, the director of university research collaboration at Intel Labs, foresees the creation of 6,700 jobs.

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Music lovers across the globe are in shock as the news of the popular singer Tina Turner went viral on social media platforms. Aged 83, the Queen of Rock n Roll passed away after battling a long  illness. She took her last breath at her residence in Zurich, Switzerland.  The passing away of Tina Turner has prompted her fans to write countless messages of condolences on a plethora of social media platforms. Not just fans, several eminent personalities from all walks of lives have also paid their condolences to the eminent singer. 

Born Anna Mae Bullock on 26 November 1939, in Nutbush, Tennessee, Turner rose to prominence performing with her husband Ike Turner in the 1960s before overcoming the abusive marriage to become a chart-topping solo artist. Over her six-decade-long career, Turner sold more than 180 million albums and won 12 Grammy Awards. She was known for her riveting live performances and iconic songs such as “Private Dancer”, “The Best”, “What’s Love Got to Do With It” and “Proud Mary”.

Stars from all around the world paid tribute to the music legend, including Mick Jagger, Barack Obama, Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, and Christina Aguilera. Jagger shared on Twitter his memorable moments with Turner and how she helped him when he was young. Obama praised Turner’s raw and unapologetic talent, while Mariah Carey admired her as a survivor and inspiration to women everywhere. President Biden lauded Tina’s personal strength and her remarkable rise in the music industry despite adversity and abuse. 

Lauding Tina’s rise in the world of music despite all odds, President Biden added, “Tina’s personal strength was remarkable. Overcoming adversity, and even abuse, she built a career for the ages and a life and legacy that were entirely hers. Jill and I send our love and prayers to her husband Erwin, the rest of the Turner family, and fans around the world who are mourning today for the woman they agree was “simply the best.”

Iconic rapper, Nicki Minaj wrote, “Omg, I just saw that Tina Turner passed. Legend and Icon and that don’t even scratch the surface. May she rest in perfect peace and may her legacy of brilliance and resilience live on forever.”

With her passing, the music world has lost a true icon and a role model. Tina Turner’s legacy of brilliance and resilience will continue to inspire generations to come.

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(New Delhi, May 25, 2023): On Thursday Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually flagged off Vande Bharat Express, Uttarakhand’s first semi-high-speed train that will be connecting Dehradun with the National Capital, New Delhi. While PM Modi was inaugurating the sixth Vande Bharat Express train, he congratulated citizens of Uttarakhand and said that people in both cities will now be able to travel at a faster pace. He also added that apart from making the travel time less, the train will make the whole experience more convenient and comfortable with all the facilities available. 

While speaking on his recent travels to other countries, the prime minister stated, “The entire world is currently discussing India and how it diligently is facing various issues. A lovely state like Uttarakhand should make full use of the amenities offered by the Vande Bharat Express train at this time. The PM then added, “This decade will be Uttarakhand’s and I think Dehradun can quickly establish itself as a top tourist destination for the entire world.

Later, he posted on Twitter that he was ‘delighted’ to flag off the Delhi-Dehradun Vande Bharat Express. It will guarantee ‘Ease of Travel and give the residents more comfort. This will be the sixth Vande Bharat connecting several routes to Delhi. The national capital is currently connected to Amb Andaura, Katra, Bhopal, Varanasi, Ajmer, and Varanasi by Vande Bharat Express.

According to the railways’ website, the regular run of the Delhi-Dehradun Vande Bharat Express would begin on May 29. 302 kilometres will be travelled by train in 4 hours, 45 minutes. The train will run every day of the week except for Wednesday. A chair car with air conditioning will cost Rs 1,065 while an executive chair car will cost Rs 1,890. There will be eight coaches on the train, providing passengers with a comfortable range of transportation alternatives. The train will have stoppages in Roorkee, Haridwar, Saharanpur, Muzaffarnagar, and Meerut City.

Typhoon Mawar, described as potentially “catastrophic,” is on a collision course with Guam, posing the most powerful storm threat to the US territory in decades. The National Weather Service office in Guam warns that the typhoon presents a triple threat, including deadly winds equivalent to at least a Category 4 hurricane, exceptional storm surge, and torrential rainfall. The storm’s intensity has rapidly increased, and it is expected to strike the island, potentially making a direct landfall on Wednesday afternoon, local time.

As of early Wednesday, Typhoon Mawar’s center was approximately 80 miles from Guam, with conditions deteriorating rapidly as its outer bands moved through the area. With maximum sustained winds of 140 mph, equivalent to a Category 4 hurricane, Mawar’s strength decreased slightly from its super typhoon status earlier. However, fluctuations in strength remain possible, and the storm is anticipated to maintain its intensity as it moves west and northwest over Guam in the coming days.

The slow forward movement of the typhoon, currently at 6 mph, raises concerns about prolonged impacts from powerful winds and substantial rainfall. The National Weather Service in Guam has warned of devastating effects from Typhoon Mawar, with the island facing the brunt of the storm’s strongest winds and highest storm surge if it makes a direct landfall.

While Guam is situated in an area prone to powerful tropical cyclones, a storm of this magnitude making a direct hit is exceedingly rare, occurring only approximately eight times in the last 75 years. The small size of the island, spanning just 30 miles, adds to the challenge of a storm center passing over it.

If Typhoon Mawar strikes with sustained winds exceeding 140 mph, it could be the strongest storm to directly impact Guam since at least 1976. The last storm of similar intensity was Super Typhoon Karen in 1962, which caused widespread devastation with sustained winds of 172 mph.

Scientists have noted that human-caused climate change contributes to the likelihood of intense storms like Typhoon Mawar. Rising ocean temperatures and other climate factors create favorable conditions for rapid intensification, leading to more severe and rapidly strengthening tropical cyclones.

The potential impacts of the typhoon include significant damage to structures lacking concrete reinforcement, extensive roof damage, and the risk of projectiles propelled by powerful winds. The National Weather Service in Guam has warned of prolonged electricity and water unavailability, snapped or uprooted trees, and potential erosion from an exceptional storm surge of up to 25 feet. Flash flooding is also a concern, with rainfall estimates of 10 to 15 inches and the possibility of higher amounts if the storm slows down.

As the ground becomes saturated, landslides may become likely, particularly in hilly terrain where the soil becomes unstable. The situation in Guam remains critical as Typhoon Mawar threatens to unleash its destructive force upon the island, prompting authorities and residents to take necessary precautions and heed official warnings.

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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is set to kick off his bid for the Republican presidential nomination in a groundbreaking move, opting for a live interview on Elon Musk’s Twitter. The event, scheduled for Wednesday, represents a departure from traditional campaign launch methods, showcasing DeSantis’ intention to run a unique campaign and cater to a specific group of supporters.

By selecting Twitter as his platform of choice for his initial campaign announcement, DeSantis signals his alignment with a more assertive style of conservatism prevalent on social media in recent years. The interview on Twitter’s live broadcast platform known as Spaces will grant him direct access to Musk’s extensive fan base, which primarily consists of conservatives, following his acquisition of the platform and his efforts to amplify conservative voices.

While Elon Musk has not declared any endorsements “at this time,” he has previously expressed support for DeSantis and publicly revealed his intention to interview him. This move by DeSantis not only serves as a strategic political manoeuvre to solidify his position as a prominent contender against his chief rival, former President Donald Trump, but also emphasises his determination to dominate the online sphere of the 2024 presidential race.

The event, moderated by tech entrepreneur David Sacks, will take place at 6 p.m. ET and promises to offer real-time questions and unscripted answers. The decision to make the announcement on Twitter Spaces is a direct response to the former president’s utilisation of the platform, which ultimately led to his banishment. Trump later established his own social media platform, Truth Social. By opting for Twitter as his platform of choice, DeSantis aims to amplify his voice and captivate Musk’s attention.

DeSantis’ selection of Twitter Spaces for his campaign launch has drawn criticism from Trump’s super PAC, who described it as “one of the most out-of-touch campaign launches in modern history.” Nonetheless, DeSantis’ team is planning an unconventional and aggressive campaign strategy, intending to swiftly engage thousands of primary voters and draw distinctions between him and his older rivals, Trump and President Joe Biden.

Expected to file the necessary paperwork with the Federal Election Commission this week, DeSantis will formally announce his candidacy in his Florida hometown of Dunedin next week. His upcoming interview with Elon Musk on Twitter signifies his determination to make a lasting impression and pave a unique path to secure the Republican presidential nomination in 2024.

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Pankaj Pandey, a youth leader who has influenced the lives of thousands of Jharkhand youths through his “Yuva Ko Jodo” campaign, stated that he started the campaign following the first wave of Corona. At the time, the youth were concerned and troubled. Many people had obtained bank loans to start their businesses and were unsure of what to do next or how to repay their loans. Meanwhile, he launched this campaign, through which 1084 WhatsApp groups were established across Jharkhand to provide a platform for all the youth to be guided on all other important things, including government schemes, in order to re-establish their businesses. Mr. Pandey stated that he began assisting the youth for free via a YouTube channel, but after the first wave of Corona, messages from the youth began to pour in, in which everyone expressed how the difficulties in their lives were increasing. Many young people had become financially helpless, resulting in depression and suicidal ideation. In response to this, he said, the “Yuva Ko Jodo” campaign was launched, with the goal of reaching every Jharkhand youth who wanted to improve their economic situation.

Following the success of the “Yuva Ko Jodo” campaign, Pankaj Pandey has launched the “Yuva Ko Puchho” campaign, which focuses on youth employment in Jharkhand. Using modern techniques, the youth of each panchayat will be asked for their input on government schemes, particularly those concerning employment, and all of these inputs will be compiled and forwarded to the government. He also stated that the government should consider the youth’s suggestions in those schemes that are directly related to the issue of youth employment, such as developing and implementing government schemes based on wealth and resources found in every area. This will reduce the youth’s reliance on government jobs and encourage them to pursue self-employment.

Talking about the government jobs of Jharkhand, Mr. Pandey stated that if the “Niyojan Niti” is also made after consulting with the youth, then perhaps that policy will be prepared in a better way in the interest of Jharkhand, which is also the basic spirit of our constitution in which “for the public” and “by the public” has been mentioned. In Jharkhand’s opinion, it is imperative that the youth be included in the decision-making process for government orders and schemes affecting the youth. He further said that it will be our best effort to make the voice of the youth reach the government, in this whole program we will take the help of the village government and social organizations along with technology, but in any case the voice of the youth should reach the government. so that better use of government equipment can be done.

The G7, also known as Group of Seven, successfully wrapped up their three-day mega gathering in Hiroshima (Japan), vowing to escalate economic sanctions against Russia amidst the Russia-Ukraine war. Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian President, huddled with some of his biggest world leaders as the Group of Seven (G7) summit closed in Japan’s Hiroshima on Sunday, building a big momentum for his Ukraine’s war effort even as Russia under Vladimir Putin claimed a symbolic victory on the ground.

Zelensky’s in-person appearance highly underscored the focus of the war for the G7 bloc of rich and vivid democracies. The summit also stole much of the focus from other global issues and priorities, including numerous security challenges in Asia and outreach to the developing world, that the world leaders focused on at the 3-day gathering held in Japan.

Fumio Kishida, the Japanese Prime Minister stated “G7 reaffirmed our commitment to continue our strong backing for Ukraine from every possible dimension,” Zelensky held two major rounds of meetings on the last day of the summit along with holding one-on-one talks with several of the world leaders.

The Sunday talks were majorly around the Russian claim of the Wagner mercenaries and Russian Armed Forces holding the seizure of the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut. The long-eight month battle of Ukraine’s eastern city- seen as a major symbolic prize by both Russia and Ukraine- has been the longest and bloodiest battle of the ongoing war.

Zelensky, earlier on Sunday, in English, stated that the Russian side had indeed finally taken control of the city. However, the Ukrainian President and other senior officials later cast doubt on the assessment. Zelensky later changed his statement and stated “Bakhmut is not occupied by the Russian Federation as of today.”

Joe Biden, the US President, announced a new mega military support worth $375 million for the war-torn Ukraine, stating that the United States of America would provide ammunition and upgraded armoured vehicles. This pledge came just after the U.S. agreed to allow training on American-made F-16 fighter jets, laying the groundwork for their eventual transfer to Ukraine. US President Joe Biden stated “We have Ukraine’s back and we’re not going anywhere.”

The G7 or Group of Seven comprises 7 developed nations like the US, Britain, Italy, France, Germany, Canada and Japan. Leaders from South Korea, Brazil, Australia, Vietnam, Indonesia, India, Comoros, Cook Islands and some international organisations were invited to the three-day mega gathering held at Hiroshima in Japan.

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