Mayank Vikash

It’s billed as a biopic of theoretical physicist J Robert Oppenheimer, dubbed the “father of the atomic bomb”. But “biopic” seems too small a word to contain the ambition and scope of Christopher Nolan’s formidable if occasionally unwieldy latest. Oppenheimer is a dense and intricate period piece, playing out in a tangle of timelines. It weaves together courtroom drama, romantic liaisons, laboratory epiphanies and lecture hall personality cults. But perhaps more than all of this, Oppenheimer is the ultimate monster movie. Cillian Murphy’s Oppenheimer is an atomic-age Frankenstein, a man captivated by the boundless possibilities of science, realising too late that his creation has a limitless capacity for destruction. Ultimately, however, the monster in this story is not Oppenheimer’s invention but the appetite for annihilation that it unleashes in mankind. It’s a realisation that plays out, inexorably, in Oppenheimer’s hollow, haunted face as the film unfolds. Murphy’s far-seeing ice-c...

 In scorching Beijing, “facekinis” are the hottest new fashion as surging temperatures shatter records. With the air temperature rising above 35C (95F) and the ground surface temperature soaring as high as 80C in some parts of the country, residents and visitors have taken to carrying portable fans and covering themselves up to avoid getting burnt. Some hats even have fans built in. Facekinis – full-face masks with holes for the wearer’s eyes and nose – separate sleeves to cover arms, as well as wide-brimmed hats and lightweight jackets made out of UV-resistant fabric, have become especially popular. “Compared to before the pandemic, two or three years ago, this year is much, much better than previous years. Sales volume is definitely up a lot this year,” said a salesperson, who gave her surname as Wang, who works in a shop that sells hats. Many female consumers in east Asia favour fair skin, and sun protection products are also popular in neighbouring countries such as South Korea...

 The heatwave engulfing Greece is expected to be the longest in the country’s history, with temperatures forecast to reach a 50-year high for July this weekend. Kostas Lagouvardos, the director of research at the Athens National Observatory, told ERT television: “According to the data, we will probably go through 16-17 days of a heatwave, which has never happened before in our country.” Greece defines a heatwave as a period when temperatures reach or exceed 39C (102F). The past week has seen extreme heat hit southern Europe, the US and north Africa. Italy experienced its third heatwave of the summer and temperatures are forecast to spike in Spain on Sunday when national elections are being held. People watch wildfires burn near the village of Pournari, about 25km south-west of Athens, Greece.  How deadly are these heatwaves – and how hot will they get? Read more In the US, Phoenix has had 70 days where temperatures have not dipped below 32C, including a three-week stretch wher...

 Tens of thousands of Israelis opposed to a judicial overhaul sought by the prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, marched to Jerusalem on Saturday as pressure mounts on his rightwing government to scrap a bill that would curtail the supreme court’s powers. Carrying Israeli flags, a long column of protesters hiked up the winding highway to Jerusalem under a scorching summer sun, to the sounds of beating drums and anti-government chants and cheers. The government’s attempt to change Israel’s judiciary has plunged the country into one of its worst political crises, sparking nationwide protests, denting the economy and stirring concern among western allies. Israeli police use a water cannon to disperse demonstrators during a protest in Tel Aviv Israel: Netanyahu announces delay to judicial overhaul plan Read more Protesters have been walking for days through a heatwave, camping out overnight and met by local people offering food and drink, with their numbers swelling as they reached the ...

A retired police officer in Canada has been arrested and is facing rare charges under the country’s national security laws, police said on Friday. William Majcher, 60, “allegedly used his knowledge and his extensive network of contacts in Canada to obtain intelligence or services to benefit the People’s Republic of China”, the Royal Canadian Mounted police said in a news release. Canadian lawmaker says China targeted his family for harassment Read more Majcher is alleged to have “contributed to the Chinese government’s efforts to identify and intimidate an individual outside the scope of Canadian law”. Majcher is head of EMIDR, a Hong-Kong based cybersecurity company. According to his biography with a public speaking firm, Majcher worked as a money-laundering expert for nearly two decades, “successfully infiltrat[ing] a major Colombian cocaine cartel at the height of their power” and “expos[ing] Caribbean-based banks established by the Russian mafia to facilitate all manner of criminal...

 Sameera Khan, the Director of People Success at Infeedo recently posted on Twitter about her experience of interviewing a Gen Z intern. Her post has sparked a debate on Twitter about the work-life balance sought by Gen Z professionals. Ms Khan in her now-viral post mentioned that she was interviewing a Gen Z intern who was looking for a work-life balance and not work more than five hours. "I was interviewing a GenZ intern today and he says he is looking for work-life balance with not more than 5 hours of work," she wrote. The intern also mentioned that he doesn't like MNC culture and wanted to work at a startup. "Doesn't like the MNC culture so wants to work at a startup. Also, wants a 40-50k stipend. God bless the future of work." See the post here: Gen Z's demands sparked a debate among social media users. A user commented, "5 hours of daily work at a start-up? Cool....cool" "He needs to work 100 hours a week for 5 years and get to a se...

  Everyone in the business world expects people to arrive on time; however, some individuals who feel they have the upper hand believe they are exempt from this rule. One person who went to appear in an interview felt similar lethargy from the employer, and he walked out of the interview after waiting for some time. The incident was posted on Reddit, where it was shared by the individual, creating a forum for discussion. "I walked in the front door of the facility at 2:30 today, exactly when I was due to meet the director in the front lobby. I spoke with an employee who paged him, and I was told that he'd be right over "in just a minute." "At 2:45, I just walked out and left. 15 minutes. I know our industry, and there's no good reason for me to wait more than a few minutes. All I see is a giant red flag waving: "This company is testing your patience because they want to be sure that the candidate is desperate because they're going to abuse them....

  A photo of a Bengaluru bus driver being issued a challan (fine) for taking an incorrect turn has gone viral on social media and sparked hilarious reactions from internet users.  It all started when the school bus driver was taking a wrong U-turn on a busy road near the Garudacharpalya metro station in Bengaluru. A Twitter handle named "FixBangalorePls" shared a video of the bus taking the wrong turn. "@ChrysalisHigh Your school bus full of students is driving down wrong way under Garudacharpalya metro station from Brigade Metropolis. Bus number KA53AA6189 . @blrcitytraffic please impose severe fine, being school bus and endangering life of so many kids is not done," the user wrote.  In another tweet, the Twitterati shared the video of the school bus doing a dangerously sharp U-turn again. "This is today, despite the complain, the same bus. what action is taken?" they wrote in the caption.  This is when the unexpected twist unfolded as the traffic police ...

In a significant move towards green energy growth and transition, India is set to achieve 50 percent non-fossil installed capacity by 2030, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday. Virtually addressing the G20 energy ministers via meeting, PM Modi highlighted the importance of energy in shaping the future, sustainability, growth, and development of both individuals and nations. He expressed that despite different realities and pathways for energy transition, the ultimate goal of every country remains the same. With India being the world’s most populated nation and the fastest-growing large economy, the country is making commendable strides in fulfilling its climate commitments. PM Modi proudly revealed that India has surpassed its non-fossil installed electric capacity target nine years ahead of schedule and has now set even higher ambitions for itself. “We are among the global leaders in solar and wind power," the Prime Minister stated, citing India’s significant progress i...

In fields of dreams, she wanders free, A gentle soul, a sight to see, Her laughter fills the air with glee, A beacon of joy for you and me. Her kindness, like a soothing balm, In troubled times, it brings us calm, With every step, a graceful charm, A precious gem, a rarest palm. Oh fairest lady, pure and bright, You are a star in the darkest night, In this world, you shine so right, A source of love, a guiding light.

As the name INDIA was discussed for the opposition in front at the Bengaluru conclave on Tuesday, one leader who needed some convincing was Nitish Kumar. After the meeting, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge announced that the alliance of opposition parties planning a joint strategy to take on the ruling BJP in 2024 would be called "INDIA" - an acronym for Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance. During the discussions, Nitish Kumar reportedly questioned how an opposition alliance could be named INDIA. He also expressed reservations about an acronym with the letters 'NDA' in it and about both names sounding similar. Someone pointed out to him that there was an "I" in the NDA. The Bihar Chief Minister had suggested names like - India Main Front and India Main Alliance. Left leaders were also reportedly hesitant and suggested different alternatives like "Save India Alliance" and "We for India". As most parties seemed to approve ...

The Belgian city of Antwerp may be known as the world’s diamond trading hub, while most rough stones are mined in Russia or Africa. But some 150 miles north of Mumbai, India, lies a lesser-known gem capital: Surat, where around 90% of all the planet’s diamonds are cut. Now, the city in Gujarat state has a record-breaking building to house its mammoth industry. The newly-opened Surat Diamond Bourse is billed as a “one-stop destination” for over 65,000 diamond professionals, including cutters, polishers and traders. Featuring a succession of nine rectangular structures spilling out from — and interconnected via — a central “spine,” the sprawling 15-story complex has been built across more than 35 acres of land. The trading center’s architects say it comprises over 7.1 million square feet of floor space, which would mean it has surpassed the Pentagon as the world’s largest office building. The project is set to welcome its first occupants in November after four years of construction work,...

Age may be "just" a number for the world, but in China, for those over 35, it can become the basis for "discrimination" and rejection from jobs and even hostels. Recently, taking to Xiaohongshu, a social media platform that has been described as "China's answer to Instagram" a consumer complained about hostels rejecting bookings from those in their late 30s. This has sparked a debate on China's "35-year-old crisis", with some labelling this discrimination towards a particular age demographic. However, others are of the opinion that this is justified. Here's all you need to know. A dearth of hostels In a now-viral post, a user complained that many youth hostels in the Chinese capital Beijing are refusing accommodation to customers over 35 years of age. The user alleged that he faced quite a struggle looking for hostels without such restrictions. Apparently, he was informed of the age restriction over the phone and hostel owners defende...

Once upon a time, in a small village nestled amidst towering mountains, lived a young boy named Ethan. The village was known for its lush green meadows, sparkling rivers, and a wise old librarian named Mr. Gregory. Ethan was an inquisitive soul, always yearning for knowledge. His hunger for learning led him to spend countless hours at the village library, immersed in books that revealed the secrets of the world. Mr. Gregory, impressed by the boy's thirst for knowledge, became his mentor, guiding him through the vast expanse of wisdom contained within the library's shelves. One day, news arrived that a formidable dragon was terrorizing nearby villages, bringing fear and destruction wherever it went. The villagers were helpless and sought refuge in the village square, sharing tales of the dragon's wrath. Ethan listened intently, his mind brimming with curiosity and a desire to help his fellow villagers. Determined to confront the dragon, Ethan approached Mr. Gregory for guida...

"Tradition is an obstacle to progress." Here are arguments from both perspectives: For the statement: 1. Resistance to Change: Tradition often resists change and innovation, creating a barrier to progress. People may adhere rigidly to outdated practices and beliefs, preventing the adoption of new ideas and advancements that could lead to positive change. 2. Stagnation: Following traditions blindly can lead to stagnation, where societies or individuals fail to adapt to evolving circumstances. Progress requires adaptability and the ability to question and challenge existing norms, which can be hindered by a strict adherence to tradition. 3. Inequality and Discrimination: Many traditions are rooted in the past and reflect outdated social norms and prejudices. These traditions can perpetuate inequality and discrimination, hindering progress toward a more inclusive and equal society. 4. Limiting Creativity and Innovation: Tradition often prescribes set rules and practices that lea...

Looking back at the last six years of my life, I am amazed at the transformative events that have played a significant role in shaping my personality. These experiences have molded me, teaching me valuable lessons, and guiding me towards personal growth and self-discovery. One pivotal event was my decision to study abroad. Leaving the familiarity of my home country and immersing myself in a different culture was a transformative experience. It challenged me to step out of my comfort zone, adapt to new surroundings, and embrace diversity. This exposure broadened my perspective, fostering empathy and understanding, and nurturing my appreciation for different cultures and ways of life. Another profound moment was my involvement in a community service project. Volunteering my time and skills to help others in need opened my eyes to the realities of those less fortunate. Witnessing the resilience and strength of individuals facing adversity inspired me to develop compassion, kindness, and a...

The sun shone brightly in the clear blue sky as my friends and I embarked on a delightful picnic near the tranquil lakeside. The gentle breeze whispered through the trees, carrying the scent of freshly cut grass and wildflowers. Laughter filled the air as we relished the idyllic setting, oblivious to the impending twist of fate that awaited us. As we sat on the picnic blankets, enjoying the delicious spread of food, an adventurous spark ignited within us. The lake, glistening like a sapphire, beckoned to us, enticing us with its mysterious depths. With unanimous excitement, we decided to venture onto the water, setting sail on a small sailboat. As we pushed off from the shore, the sails billowed with the wind, propelling us into the calm embrace of the lake. Joy radiated from our faces as we cruised across the glassy surface, the boat slicing through the water like a graceful swan. However, nature's whims are often unpredictable. Dark clouds rolled in from the horizon, transforming...

As I take a leisurely stroll in this enchanting garden, a symphony of colors and fragrances greets me at every turn. The air is filled with the delightful aroma of blooming flowers, carried by a gentle breeze that rustles the leaves of the surrounding trees. To my left, a vibrant bed of roses dances in harmony, their velvety petals ranging from soft blush pink to fiery crimson. The sweet scent of their blossoms intoxicates the air, drawing me closer to admire their intricate beauty. Bees buzz happily from one bloom to another, their hum adding a melodic touch to the garden's symphony. Moving forward, I encounter a tranquil pond shimmering under the warm sunlight. Lily pads float serenely, adorned with elegant white and pink blossoms that create a picturesque scene. The soft murmur of water trickling from a small stone fountain provides a soothing melody, inviting me to pause and bask in the peaceful ambiance. As I continue my exploration, a pathway lined with lavender bushes unfold...

In an extremely rare astronomical event, a French woman was hit by a meteorite while having coffee on the terrace with her friend,Newsweek reported. The incident happened on July 6 when the woman, whose identity has not been revealed, was seated on an outdoor terrace engaged in conversation with her friend. Suddenly, a mysterious pebble struck her in the ribs.  "I heard a big 'Poom' coming from the roof next to us. In the second that followed, I felt a shock in the ribs. I thought it was an animal, a bat! We thought it was a piece of cement, the one we apply to the ridge tiles. But it didn't have the colour, '' the woman told French newspaper Les Dernières Nouvelles d'Alsace. To understand what happened, she got the rock checked by a local roofer. The roofer told her that it was not made from cement but that it looked like a meteorite. She also showed the mysterious object to geologist Thierry Rebmann who confirmed its extra-terrestrial origins. The geologi...

 

He was the funniest boy I had ever met. He would make everyone laugh with his quick wit, infectious laughter, and endless repertoire of jokes. His name was Max, but behind his cheerful façade was a life shadowed by sadness. I first encountered Max during a school talent show. As the nervous participants took turns on stage, their hands trembling and voices faltering, Max seemed unaffected by the pressure. He stepped up to the microphone with a confidence that hid the pain within. "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen!" Max exclaimed, his voice filled with forced exuberance. "I've got a joke that's guaranteed to tickle your funny bone!" The room fell silent, anticipation hanging in the air. Max launched into his joke, delivering it flawlessly as laughter erupted like a temporary reprieve from reality. It was in that moment that I sensed something deeper beneath his laughter, a vulnerability masked by humor. As we spent more time together, I glimpsed fragments o...

He was the funniest boy I had ever met. He would make everyone laugh with his quick wit, infectious laughter, and endless repertoire of jokes. His name was Max, a mischievous young soul with a twinkle in his eyes that hinted at the mischief brewing within. I first encountered Max during a school talent show. As the nervous participants took turns on stage, their hands trembling and voices faltering, Max seemed unaffected by the pressure. He stepped up to the microphone with a confidence that radiated from every pore of his being. "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen!" Max exclaimed, his voice filled with exuberance. "I've got a joke that's guaranteed to tickle your funny bone!" The room fell silent, anticipation hanging in the air. With impeccable timing, Max unleashed his joke, and laughter erupted like a joyous symphony. From that moment, I knew I had discovered a kindred spirit, a friend who could brighten even the dullest of days. As we spent more time to...

For the statement: 1. Stress and Pressure: Competition can create an environment of intense stress and pressure among students. Constantly striving to outperform others can lead to anxiety, burnout, and mental health issues, hindering their overall development. 2. Negative Self-esteem: In a competitive setting, students often compare themselves to their peers and may develop low self-esteem if they feel they are constantly falling short. This can undermine their confidence and hinder their personal growth. 3. Unhealthy Prioritization: When competition becomes the sole focus, students may prioritize winning over their holistic development. They may neglect other important aspects such as creativity, collaboration, and personal interests, limiting their overall growth. 4. Lack of Cooperation: Competitive environments can breed a "win at all costs" mentality, discouraging cooperation and collaboration among students. These skills are essential in the real world, where teamwork a...

Once upon a time in a small coastal village named Seaview, there lived a young and adventurous girl named Lily. Her heart was filled with curiosity, and her spirit longed for excitement. She had an insatiable desire to explore the world beyond the shores of her humble home. One sunny morning, as Lily strolled along the golden beach, she stumbled upon an ancient, weathered map. Its faded parchment was embellished with intricate drawings, indicating a hidden treasure buried on a nearby island named Forbidden Reef. Lily's eyes sparkled with delight as she imagined the untold wonders that awaited her there. Driven by an irresistible sense of adventure, she embarked on a small fishing boat with her loyal companion, a mischievous parrot named Squawk. As the pair set sail towards the forbidden island, a foreboding mist engulfed the horizon. The wind whispered eerie tales, warning of the treacherous creatures lurking in the waters surrounding the reef. Undeterred by the ominous tales, Lily...

 

 

An Indian Spider-Man is making waves this summer as he swings onto screens in a dhoti (sarong-like garment), gold cuffs and an enviable mop of jet black hair, spouting cultural lessons for his guests from across the multiverse. He appears in Sony Pictures' Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse - which has spent recent weeks breaking box office records in India. It grossed $2.8m (£2.17m) in its opening weekend alone - the highest debut for an animated film in the country. That might not come as a surprise, given the popularity in India of Spider-Man - one of the few characters from the West's comic book universe to make an impact in a country where pop culture is largely dominated by the Hindi film industry. The superhero's films have been among the top-grossing Hollywood films in India since 2007, spawning numerous local knock-offs. This includes a love song, whose funny lyrics - "Spider-Man, tune churaya mere dil ka chain" (Spider-Man, Spider-Man, you stole my hear...

 

 

 

Punjab province in cash-strapped Pakistan has decided to hoist the country's national flag on a 500-foot-tall flag mast on August 14. This exercise would cost around PKR 40 crore. The government in Pakistan's Punjab province has declared to hoist its national flag on a 500-foot-tall flag mast, costing around PKR (Pakistani rupee) 40 crore on August 14 to mark its 76th Independence Day. This comes after Pakistan secured a bailout package from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to contain its crumbling economy. Punjab province in cash-strapped Pakistan, which reportedly needs at least Rs 2,000 crore in the next two years to pay back foreign loans (with interest), will hoist the flag at Liberty Chowk in Lahore. Six years ago, in 2017, Pakistan unfurled a 400-foot tall flag, the highest in South Asia, at the Attari-Wagah border. The 120x80 feet flag was the largest in the seven-decades-old history of Pakistan. The decision by the Pakistani authorities came days after the IMF app...

Hong Kong police searched the family home of exiled pro-democracy activist Nathan Law on Tuesday morning, taking relatives away for questioning, the city’s public broadcaster RTHK reported, citing sources. It came just a week after police placed HK$1 million bounties on information leading to the arrest of Law and seven other prominent activists in self-imposed exile wanted for national security offenses, in a move strongly condemned by rights groups and Western governments. National security police visited the Tung Chung housing estate where Law’s family live, and took away his parents and elder brother for questioning to find out whether they provided financial assistance to Law, RTHK reported, citing police sources. They were later released, according to RTHK. In a statement provided to CNN, Hong Kong police said its national security department took away two men and a woman for investigation Tuesday morning, without identifying them. “They are suspected of assisting persons wanted ...