Fitbit’s co-founders, James Park and Eric Friedman, were among the senior Fitbit executives let go by Google. Google is also letting go of staff members in the Devices and Services divisions, which are in charge of producing products like Nest, Fitbit, and Pixel, according to a statement the tech behemoth provided to 9to5Google.

Fitbit as we know it may come to an end because of this. Fitbit was purchased by the tech behemoth in November 2018 for approximately $2.1 billion. Google has fired hundreds of workers from the Augmented Reality division, indicating that the company may cease developing its own AR hardware, though the Pixel team appears to be the least affected.

Formerly, these departments operated as independent groups and focused on a range of projects, including software, hardware engineering, design, and user interface. Working on wearables, smart homes, and smartphones, the company’s hardware division was akin to a mini-business.

It appears that Google is rearranging, according to a recent 9to5Google report. The company is moving toward a more functional organizational model, with one team focusing on hardware development to produce products like Fitbit, Pixel, and Nest. Furthermore, it appears that just one person will be in charge of all the hardware projects Google is working on, though it is unclear whether this will harmonize the company’s diverse array of products.

Fitbit executives departing from Google

Interestingly, the layoffs follow the resignations of Fitbit executives James Park, Eric Friedman, and other co-founders. Their departure coincides with Google’s intentions to restructure the Devices & Services divisions in charge of Fitbit, Pixel, and Nest devices.

Google is implementing a functional organization model as part of its reorganization, which means that one team under one leader will handle hardware engineering for all Google hardware products, including Pixel, Nest, and Fitbit. Apple has centralized organizations for Software Engineering, Services, Hardware Technologies, and Hardware Engineering, adhering to a similar organizational structure.

Regarding the layoffs, Google has been causing anxiety among its staff members about job security since announcing a large-scale layoff that affected 6% of its 12,000 employees worldwide in January 2023. As part of its restructuring plan, the tech giant proceeded with smaller job cuts throughout the year after this.

Nonetheless, Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai announced the mass layoffs; however, this year, the lower-level executives informed the teams directly of the layoffs.

A dark comedy adorned with murder and mayhem, served with a side order of “paya” soup and a dream platter of Manoj Bajpayee and Konkona Sensharma? When I learned about Abhishek Chaubey’s upcoming web series, “Killer Soup,” for 2024, I thought, “Sign me up already.” It pains me to say it, but this mixture, which held out so much promise in terms of flavour and freshness, only partially materialized for me.

A twisty story with a cast of dubious characters and dubious deeds would be ideal in this picturesque setting of Mainjur, a small town near Madurai. Husband and wife team Prabhakar aka Prabhu Shetty (Manoj Bajpayee) and Swathi (Konkona Sensharma) are trapped in what seems like an endless fight; she is dreaming of opening her restaurant, while he is trying to figure out how to escape a multi-crore “ghapla.” With his art-loving daughter Apeksha, aka Apu (Anula Navelkar), tightly gripped by her father Arvind Shetty (Saiyaji Shinde), Prabhu’s older brother, is no help at all. He is streetwise and foul-mouthed, and he won’t let her follow her passion. Knowing where the skeletons are buried, Arvind’s longtime factotum, the gravelly-voiced Lucas (Lal), keeps past secrets.

Watch Here: Killer Soup on Netflix

There seems to be a lot of potential for a fly in the soup. or multiple. A happy private investigator pulls out a camera and takes embarrassing pictures. There’s a hint of blackmail. Manoj Bajpayee plays Prabhu’s double, Umesh Pillai, a squint-eyed masseuse who appears at the wrong place and time. The bodies begin to pile up. When beady-eyed senior Inspector Hassan (Nasser), burly constable Asha (Shilpa Mudbi), and enthusiastic rookie Thupalli (Anbuthasan) show up, they stir things up. Who is that enigmatic burkha-wearing woman? The camera is missing; where is it? Whose remains are in that grave where the fireflies are swarming?

Although it may sound like a lot, these plot points—which are ostensibly based on a real-life case—dissipate for eight 45–50-minute episodes in writing that are primarily straightforward and sporadically complex. Quirk works best when it is ingrained in the characters and enhances the narrative; however, in this instance, it seems forced. As I watched this, I couldn’t help but think of the endearingly absurd details in Chaubey’s “Ishqiya” and “Dedh Ishqiya”—were there too many cooks in this place?

Hanu Man Movie Review: A Grounded Take on Mythological Might

A black “comedy” is supposed to be funny and make you laugh despite yourself, but I was waiting for the jokes to start here. I was also waiting for shockers, which are another crucial element of black comedy, but everything moves along quite nicely. Is there an urgency? or the stress? Why is the “khansama” from Hyderabad so inflated? Actually, why is there such a fixation on shoddy “paya” soup? In reality, we never learn. Most importantly, why do the extraordinarily gifted Bajpayee and Sensharma not click? They had every right to blow up the screen.

Certain details do matter, particularly when fresh faces appear. It’s a great touch that so many of the characters speak Tamil as they would naturally. When Kirtima (Kani Kusruti, very good) arrived to demand her pound of flesh, which weakened when confronted by her low-backed blouses, I also sat up. For example, there is a startling note that lingers too long when the strong-willed Apu, portrayed by a convincing Navlekar, lashes out at her abusive father who is unable to speak without hurting his mothers and sisters. Shinde and Bajpayee collaborated more successfully in the 1999 police drama “School.”

Just by being there, the most excellent Nasser kept pulling me back into the thick of things. It’s a joy to watch his vintage police officer who never stops, knows when to give a slap, and can precisely meet a plank while measuring his length on the ground. He is the highlight of this boring broth because he is sharp and droll just as needed.

The cast of Killer Soup

Jasir, Rajeev Ravindranathan, Anbuthasan, Vaishali Bisht, Shilpa Mudbi, Konkona Sensharma, Nasser, Sayaji Shinde, Kani Kusruti, Lal, Anula Navlekar, Manoj Bajpayee, and lal

Director of Killer Soup: Abhishek Chaubey

Every year, the 15th of January is celebrated as Army Day in India. On this day, people celebrate the succession of the Indian Army over the British Army. Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa succeeded British Commander-in-Chief General Francis Butcher as the first native Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army on January 15, 1949. This year in 2024 Indian Army Day is celebrated in Lucknow. 

Indian Army Day Celebration

General Manoj Pandey, the current commander-in-chief of the Indian Army, will accept the salute this year. The Parade used to take place annually at Delhi Cantonment’s Cariappa Parade Ground. It is being observed this year outside of the nation’s capital to encourage more people to participate and be motivated by the Army personnel’s contribution. The rich military history of Lucknow is another factor in the decision to hold Army Day celebrations there in 2024. Additionally, Army Day inspires young people in the country to be more patriotic. After China, Russia, and the United States, the Indian Army ranks fourth in the world’s armed forces.

Theme

“In Service of the Nation” will be the theme for Indian Army Day in 2024. The core principles of the Army are the subject of the 2024 theme. It also clarifies that our country’s soldiers stand for unwavering professionalism, dedication, and commitment. This year’s theme is similar to the Indian Army’s motto, “Service Before Self.” This indicates that Army officials always put the safety and security of the country first and encourage young people to love and respect it. 

Significance

Indian Army Day is a day for reflection and remembrance as well as celebration. It’s a day to honor the innumerable gallant warriors who have given their lives in defense of the country, to acknowledge the steadfast devotion of those who guard our borders, and to recognize the sacrifices made by their families. 

PM Modi wrote a greeting message on his Twitter to wish the Indian Army, “On Army Day, we salute the extraordinary courage, unwavering commitment and sacrifices of our Army personnel. Their relentless dedication to protecting our nation and upholding our sovereignty is a testament to their bravery. Our soldiers are the pillars of strength and resilience.” The honorable President of India and the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces Shri Draupadi Murmu also extend her warm felicitations to the Indian Army. 

This is a game-changer for the cryptocurrency industry, which has been trying for over a decade to launch a product like this. On Wednesday, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that track the price of bitcoin.

Since 2013, the SEC has rejected numerous applications from asset managers seeking to create bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs), citing concerns about potential market manipulation. However, a court ruling in August ordered the SEC to reconsider its decision to deny Grayscale Investments’ application for a bitcoin ETF.

The SEC approved applications on Wednesday, including those from Fidelity, BlackRock, and ARK Investments. The following describes how the products function and the significance of the approval.

What Is The ETF Suitcase?

The NYSE, CBOE, and Nasdaq will all list them. They will own physical bitcoin that they have bought from cryptocurrency exchanges and stored with custodians such as Coinbase Global.

The goods follow a benchmark set by Bitcoin. Some follow an index that collects trading data from several Bitcoin-USD markets run by major cryptocurrency exchanges and is supplied by CF Benchmarks, a division of the cryptocurrency exchange Kraken.

With Coinbase, the biggest cryptocurrency exchange in the United States, Nasdaq, and CBOE have established a market surveillance mechanism in response to the SEC’s concerns regarding manipulation. The fees that issuers intend to charge fall well below the average of the broader ETF market, ranging from 0.20% to 0.8%.

Is This Different From Outright Bitcoin Buying?

Indeed. Investors can get exposure to the price of bitcoin without the hassles and hazards of direct bitcoin ownership by purchasing a spot bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF). These include creating accounts with cryptocurrency exchanges and wallets, some of which have a history of weak cyber security and are vulnerable to hacking.

The sector has also seen several scandals and bankruptcies, such as the collapse of the cryptocurrency exchange FTX, whose founder Sam Bankman-Fried was convicted of fraud. While other exchanges have been charged with violating US securities laws, the largest cryptocurrency exchange in the world, Binance, recently entered a guilty plea to violating US anti-money laundering laws. Due to all of this, many investors remain cautious.

zkSynk: The Cryptography Tool of the Future

Why Does It Change From The Current Bitcoin Futures ETF?

Bitcoin futures ETFs, which track agreements to buy or sell bitcoin at a pre-agreed price, were approved by the SEC in 2021. Unfortunately, many investors find those products less appealing because they don’t accurately track price movements and the expense of rolling over futures contracts can reduce returns.

This Action Could Further Demystify the Crypto Industry

For many retail investors, the recently approved spot Bitcoin ETFs will also help demystify the market. Therefore, according to Bob Ras, co-creator of Sologenic, “will likely suck in a lot of capital for traditional investors, including 401(k)s and pensions funds.”

In general, he continued, these recently released products will help to improve the rest of the industry by facilitating exposure to Bitcoin for those who might find it difficult to set up their wallets.

What amount of money could a Bitcoin ETF make?

It’s not clear. Approximately $1 billion worth of shares were traded on the first day of the ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF, the first bitcoin futures ETF approved by the SEC in 2021. Some experts estimate a spot bitcoin ETF could make three times that amount on its first day of operation. Experts predict that amount could soar to $55 billion in just five years. Although bitcoin has increased in value by 70% since the Grayscale ruling, analysts were unsure of how much more could be gained; some predicted that interest rates would become more significant.

Nevertheless, it goes beyond money

A spot bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) is a major victory for the cryptocurrency sector, as it raises the industry’s profile and advances bitcoin adoption.

Furthermore, it occurs in a larger struggle between the SEC, which has been clamping down on the cryptocurrency industry, and the industry itself. For now, the industry can declare victory in this particular battle.

On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that he would start an 11-day “anushthan” (ritual) that would last from today until January 22, which is the day of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony for the new idol of Ram Lalla in the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

On January 22, the sanctum sanctorum of the future Ram Temple in Ayodhya will host the Pran Pratishtha ceremony for the new idol of Ram Lalla. It is scheduled for PM Modi to conduct the ceremony.

Despite his busy schedule and obligations, Prime Minister Modi declared that he has decided to strictly adhere to all the customs. He has therefore started an 11-day anushthan.

PM Modi went on to say that he feels privileged to be present at the event.

This is a sensation I have never experienced before in my life. I am experiencing a different kind of devotion. This emotional voyage, or bhav yatra, is not so much an expression as a realization for me. Its depth, prevalence, and intensity are beyond words for me to describe. You are capable of comprehending my predicament. The PM continued, “I have the chance to realize the dream that many generations have lived.”

The scriptures describe the consecration of a deity’s idol as a thorough and involved procedure that requires observance of rules several days before the consecration. One way to describe Dev Pratishtha is as the ceremony of imbuing an earthly idol with divine consciousness. The scriptures have prescribed guidelines for fasting before the ritual.

“It is my good fortune that I am starting my 11-day ritual from Nashik Dham-Panchavati,” stated the prime minister. The holy place of Panchavati is where Lord Ram spent a great deal of time. Our scriptures also state that to worship God and perform Yagya, we must awaken divine consciousness within ourselves. The scriptures have prescribed fasts and stringent guidelines for this, which must be adhered to before consecration. 

As a result, I am beginning a unique ritual that will last for 11 days starting today, based on the advice I have received from some ascetic souls, notable spiritual travelers, and the Yama-Niyams they have recommended.

At the feet of God, I offer prayers on this holy occasion. I ask the people, who embody God, to bless me while I reflect on the virtues of the sages and ascetics. so that my thoughts, words, and deeds are complete,” he stated.

“Hanu Man,” the latest film from director Prasanth Varma, is a captivating entertainer that perfectly integrates drama, emotions, VFX, and mythology. The ambitious story is filled with goosebump-inducing moments, culminating in an amazing finale that captivates viewers. T

The performances in “HanuMan” are outstanding, with Teja Sajja delivering a believable depiction that anchors the plot. Varalaxmi Sarathkumar creates an unforgettable imprint, while Vinay Rai plays with a terrifying intensity. In excellent form, Samuthirakani adds another layer of brilliance to the ensemble cast. However, despite producing an excellent performance, Vennela Kishore is given insufficient screen time.

Hanu Man Plot

Hanumanthu (Teja Sajja) is a streetwise young guy from Anjanadhri, a village haunted by the evil Gajapathi (Raj Deepak Shetty). He juggles caring for his devoted sister, Anjamma (Varalaxmi Sarathkumar), and stealing to make ends meet, all while passionately in love with the lively Meenakshi (Amritha Aiyer).

Gajapathi poses as Anjanadhri’s defender against bandits while secretly manipulating their lives. Sparks ignite when Meenakshi fearlessly defies his dictatorship, placing her in risk. Caught in the crossfire, Hanumanthu discovers a hidden power that changes his life in an instant.

However, great power comes with great responsibility. Will Hanumanthu, our former thief, embrace his newfound abilities and become the champion Anjanadhri so desperately needs? Can he decipher the mysteries of the mystical stone and reach his full potential? And how does the mysterious Micheal (Vinay Rai) fit into this incredible puzzle?

Upcoming movies

Hanu Man Review

Unlike other contemporary film adaptations of Indian mythology, such as Adipurush and Ram Setu, HanuMan does not seek spectacular spectacle. Instead, it provides a straightforward story laced with known aspects from the Ramayana and different Hanuman mythology. Director Prasanth Varma expertly ties these threads together, resulting in a drama that pays homage to the original material while remaining fresh and interesting.

To be clear, HanuMan isn’t just a religious film, despite the impassioned chanting of Jai Shri Ram and lyrics influenced by popular bhajans. Instead, it emerges as a superhero story that deftly blends mythology and religious components with parts of science and spirituality. The references are effortlessly integrated, with tributes to pop culture figures such as Spider-Man, Superman, Baahubali, Pushpa, and Rajinikanth’s iconic superhero persona. The film emanates self-awareness, occasionally humorous breaching of the fourth wall, delivering an engaging and delightful viewing experience.

Sensitivity and reverence characterize Varma’s approach. He avoids grandiose interpretations in favor of a subtle portrayal that captures the essence of Hanuman’s character and actions without being too respectful. This balanced approach enables him to create a riveting story that touches the audience emotionally and spiritually.

Hanu Man carves its own way in the terrain of legendary cinema by emphasising character and narrative over visual grandeur. It’s a grounded yet compelling look at faith, heroism, and the lingering legacy of legends.

HanuMan is a great starting point for Prasanth Varma, a filmmaker known for his experimental filmmaking or, at the very least, a predilection for dabbling in several genres. The film is the first installment in a franchise, and if it is successful, the filmmaker will have more leeway in terms of scale and finance. I, for one, am looking forward to seeing what else he has in store for us following this.

Valentines Day is a day honoring love. It continues to be a day for passionate love declarations. On February 14th, people around the world celebrate it with great fanfare, extending their love to their partners and interests in a variety of ways. People of all ages and nationalities watch this day with curiosity, but young people of both genders celebrate it as a festival of love with great enthusiasm.

Valentine’s Day is a set day on the calendar that was once confused with Lupercalia, an ancient Roman holiday observed in mid-February. Some historians think this is how the holiday came to symbolise love. Lupercalia was a fertility celebration that might have involved pairing men and women by drawing names out of a jar. The marriage of the god Zeus and the goddess Hera was celebrated in the middle of winter in ancient Greece.

History of Valentines Day  

Chaucer lived in the Middle Ages, the height of courtly love, when love was expressed in poetry, songs, paintings, and other wide, romantic declarations that honoured a partnership. Poetry and songs of the time began to use the term “valentine” to refer to a lover by the end of the fifteenth century, and in England, a book titled The Young Man’s Valentine Writer was published in the eighteenth century. Valentine’s Day as we know it began in the middle of the 1800s when mass-produced paper cards were being produced (though homemade card ideas are still worthwhile to try).

Celebrating Love and Cuddles: Teddy Day Explained

Why do we celebrate Valentine’s Day?

Valentine’s Day is linked to several legends. Among them is the fact that Saint Valentine is the person for whom Valentine’s Day is named. The legend says that there is not much love in the story of this day of love. It tells the story of a confrontation between a cruel king and a saint Valentine. In the third century, Saint Valentine was a priest in Rome. Claudius II was a ruthless monarch during the period.

It is said that he disapproved of marriage and romantic relationships. He felt that soldiers lose sight of their objectives when they fall in love or get married, and married men are constantly concerned about what will happen to their families when they pass away. He can’t focus on the battle entirely because of this worry. In light of this, King Claudius declared that no soldier in his realm would get married and that those who disobeyed him would face dire consequences. Though the king’s decision dissatisfied the soldiers, a saint named Valentine in Rome disagreed with the monarch’s choice. By running away from the king, he began marrying the soldiers. When the news reached King Claudius,

Another legend has it that Saint Valentine wrote himself the first “Valentine” greeting and sent it to his sweetheart. Valentine fell in love with a young girl during those days as he awaited his death on February 14th. She was Asterius’s jailer’s daughter. He signed the letter “From Your Valentine” that he wrote to the jailer’s daughter before he passed away. Even now, people still remember these words. Though the legends surrounding Valentine’s Day are unknown, the recognition is not entirely dissimilar. It makes sense that Valentine was one of the most venerated saints in England and France up until the Middle Ages.

What enjoyable activities are available on Valentines Day?

The Day of Love can be observed any way you please, even if that means focusing solely on loving yourself. Some concepts that might motivate you are:

• Arrange a wonderful dinner.
• Take in a romantic film (at home or in a theatre).
• Prepare a delicious, romantic dinner at home (or just a delicious dessert for Valentine’s Day).
• Throw a party on Valentine’s Day.

Bottom Line

Valentines Day is celebrated globally as a day to show appreciation for love. The most widely used symbols of the day are pictures of pink or red hearts and Cupid, the god of love. Individuals show their life partners and lovers how much they care by greeting them personally, giving them gifts and flowers, going out with them, and hosting lavish feasts. Millions of exquisitely and uniquely designed Valentine’s Day cards are sent and received by individuals in romantic relationships worldwide, as sending cards has become a hugely popular pastime.

According to senior Railway officials, three coaches of the Chennai-Hyderabad Charminar Express derailed on Wednesday morning at Hyderabad’s Nampally Railway Station in Telangana, injuring at least six passengers.

The South Central Railway reports that the incident happened this morning at approximately 9:15 a.m. Wheelchair-riding railroad workers were observed removing the injured people from the station to transport them to hospitals. Officials have been instructed by Telangana Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar to make sure the injured receive the best care possible.

How did the Mishap occur? 

The Charminar Express terminates at Nampally. But the mishap happened when the train veered off course and collided with the side wall on platform number five. As a result, three bogies were derailed. Teams from the Disaster Response Force (DRF) hurried over to the train terminal.

According to South Central Railway (SCR) officials, the train was traveling slowly when it arrived at the station and missed the last mark, which resulted in the derailment of the S2, S3, and S6 coaches. The officials added that six passengers were hurt as a result of the derailment’s jerk.

Approximately 9:15 am was when the incident happened. At this train station, trains come to an end at a terminal. The train went over the finish line even though it was supposed to stop sooner. The train derailed, resulting in three coaches being destroyed. The incident resulted in minor injuries to those standing close to the train’s doors. South Central Railway CPRO Rakesh stated, “They are receiving treatment at the Railway Hospital.”

After leaving Chennai on Tuesday night, the train had arrived in Hyderabad. According to the official, an investigation will be carried out to determine what caused the incident. 

The scent of love is in the air! And once Valentine’s Week arrives, you can feel that. In February, it’s common to see couples strolling hand in hand as they express their love and work to make each other feel unique. Teddy Day, which is observed annually on February 10th by lovers, is the fourth significant day of Valentine’s Week. To show their sweetheart how much they care and how romantic they are, people give teddy bears on this day. Your significant other or partner will feel special and the allure of an adorable teddy bear will create the ideal romantic atmosphere.

Love, warmth, and caring are emotions that are ideally captured by a teddy bear. It has also been the perfect gift for anyone you love, including parents, kids, and romantic partners. This has to be the cutest day of Valentine’s Week, even though every day has something unique to offer.

Why do we celebrate Teddy Day?

Couples celebrate Teddy Day all over the world by giving their significant other a cuddly, fluffy teddy bear as a way to express their genuine feelings. In addition to being the epitome of romanticism, a it gives your significant other the warmth of your affection and serves as a memento for them to hold in their arms while you are apart.

Celebrating Rose Day, Roses For Your Loved Ones

Bears’ historical background

“Teddy” Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States, is the inspiration behind the name of the plush toy. Several assistants and dogs accompanied the former president on a bear-hunting excursion in the Mississippi town of Onward in 1902. The untamed animal was tied to a willow tree after the hunting dogs were able to track down and corner a black bear. Roosevelt declined the offer to shoot the hurt bear, claiming it would be “unsportsmanlike”.

The story caught the attention of a cartoonist who decided to add a satirical touch, and it was widely disseminated by the press at the time. Morris Mitchom, the owner of a toy store in New York, and his wife Rose were inspired by the political cartoon after it was published in newspapers. Teddy’s Bear is the name given by the couple to the stuffed animal they had made.

Significance

Giving someone a teddy bear can make them smile right away. Teddy bears have evolved from being soft toys into a universally recognized symbol of love. Lovers embellish the stuffed animal with hearts or add a personal message on Teddy Day. Thus, don’t be afraid to give that special someone a teddy bear if you want to leave a lasting impression this Valentine’s Week.

On Tuesday, January 9, 2024, residents of the Jhanjra neighborhood in Dehradun were evacuated due to a chlorine gas leak that left several complaining of dyspnea. A senior police official stated that the residents had been relocated to safe locations and that no casualties had been reported.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and other security forces hurried to the scene as soon as they learned about the incident, according to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Dehradun, Ajay Singh.

According to Mr. Ajay Singh, the senior superintendent of police in Dehradun, the NDRF and other security forces hurried to the scene as soon as they learned of the significant incident. “On receiving information about people facing difficulty in breathing due to leakage in the chlorine cylinder kept in the empty plot in the Jhanjra area of Prem Nagar police station in Dehradun, Police, NDRF, SDRF, and fire team reached the spot and are taking action for safe disposal,” he further added.

Sehdev Singh Pundir, the MLA for Shaspur, said to the media representatives, “Seven chlorine cylinders were lying at an empty plot here for some quiet time.” There was leaking and it had the potential to become a major catastrophe, but the authorities and security forces worked together to control the situation.