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Oscar Pistorius released Blade Runner journey from Olympian to murderer

South African Paralympian Oscar Pistorius leaves the Pretoria High Court on June 15, 2016, after the third day of his resentencing hearing for the 2013 murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.
Oscar Pistorius will be sentenced on July 6 for the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, the judge in the High Court in Pretoria said Wednesday at the end of a three-day court hearing. / AFP / GIANLUIGI GUERCIA (Photo credit should read GIANLUIGI GUERCIA/AFP via Getty Images)

 

As quickly as South African paralympian star Oscar Pistorius gained notoriety—from being called the “definition of global inspiration” to being on the cover of Time magazine with the headlines “Man, Superman, Gunman”—he fell from grace.

The double amputee, who went by the moniker “Blade Runner” due to his prosthetic limbs, was out on parole on Friday following an eight-year prison sentence for the shockingly publicized killing of his lover.

Until the end of his prison term in 2029, Pistorius will be subject to parole restrictions and will not be considered a free man. This includes counseling sessions on gender-based violence and therapy on anger control.

Let’s look back at the events that transpired on that terrible Valentine’s Day night in 2013—from being a global icon in front of thousands of cheering fans during the 2012 Olympics to hearing jeers and heckling when he was released from prison.

Oscar Pistorius: Who Is He?

Pistorius, who was born in Johannesburg in 1986, had a difficult upbringing. Pistorius’s parents divorced when he was only six years old. Seven years later, his mother passed away.

At the age of eleven months, Pistorius’s parents made the decision to amputate his legs because he was born without calf bones. However, Pistorius continued to pursue a variety of activities, including contact sports like rugby.

A knee fracture put a stop to his rugby career. But this didn’t stop him from enjoying athletics, and after recovering, he developed a passion for jogging.

After that, Pistorius became a paralympic force to be reckoned with, and there was no turning back.

Oscar Pistorius (L) of South Africa and Albert Bravo (V) of Venezuela compete in the men’s 400-meter semi-final at the Olympic Stadium on August 5, 2012, during the London 2012 Olympic Games. (Image: Reuters)

At the 2004 Paralympics in Athens, Pistorius made headlines when he smashed the world record in the 200 meters. He won the 100-, 200-, and 400-meter sprint events at the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games four years later.

In 2012, Pistorius made history by becoming the first double amputee to compete in both the Olympics and Paralympics, defying expectations and accusations that his carbon-fibre prosthesis or blades provided him an advantage.

Despite not taking home a gold, he went on to become a global champion and advocate for athletes with disabilities.

The Murder That Rocked the World of Sports

A few months later, the Olympian was involved in his 29-year-old girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp’s murder. For three months, Steenkamp—a successful model and law graduate—had been seeing Pistorius.

Pistorius shot Steenkamp four times in the morning on February 14, 2013, through a bathroom door at his Pretoria home. The athlete allegedly did it out of rage after the couple got into a heated dispute, according to the prosecution. Pistorius, however, refuted the accusations, claiming he had mistook her for an intruder.

Pistorius said that after realizing his error, he used a bat to smash through the bathroom door and carried Steenkamp downstairs to get assistance. But she passed away in his arms.

Following a trial that attracted international attention, Pistorius was found guilty of manslaughter in 2014 and given a five-year prison sentence. Steenkamp’s family moved a higher court, and the conviction was increased to murder as a result of the moderate sentencing. Six years in prison was added to the original sentence.

Pistorius was compelled to sell his homes in order to keep paying for his attorneys at this time because the same sponsors who had fought to get him on board began to dump him.

The state government claimed the punishment was “unduly lenient” and that Pistorius had not demonstrated “genuine remorse,” therefore the Supreme Court enhanced his prison sentence to 13 years and five months in 2017. CNN reported on this development.

According to a provision that permits parole for prisoners who have completed half of their sentence and demonstrated good behavior, Pistorius became eligible for parole in March 2023. Eventually, on January 5, 2024, he was freed.

 

Forecasts indicate that India’s GDP will grow by 7.3% between 2023 and 2024.

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India’s GDP expanded by 7.2% in 2022–2023 and 8.7% in 2022–2022. (Symbolic)

With support from government expenditure and a rebound in manufacturing, India’s GDP is predicted to grow 7.3% in the current fiscal year that ends in March, the fastest rate among the major world countries, the National Statistics Office said on Friday.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) increased its growth projection last month to 7% from an earlier estimate of 6.5%, and these are the first advance estimates of the yearly gross domestic product.

The National Statistical Office (NSO) stated in a statement, “These are early projections for 2023/24,” adding that future modifications would depend on factors such as better data coverage, actual tax receipts, and state subsidy spending.

India’s GDP expanded by 7.2% in 2022–2023 and 8.7% in 2022–2022.

Manufacturing, which makes up roughly 17% of the GDP, is predicted to grow 6.5% year over year in 2023–2024, up from 1.3% the year before, while data indicated that building output would increase by 10.7%, up from 10% the year before.

However, the rise in farm output, which accounts for 15% of GDP, was observed to have slowed down to 1.8% in the current fiscal year from 4% in the previous one, which had an effect on salaries in rural areas.

After expanding 7.8% year over year in the previous quarter, India’s economy grew by 7.6% year over year in the September quarter, quicker than anticipated. This led several private economists to raise their annual projections.

S&P Global Ratings predicts that, among other things, India’s major economy will continue to grow at the quickest rate over the next three years, and that it would surpass Germany and Japan to become the third largest in the world by 2030.

On February 1, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will deliver the interim annual budget. It is anticipated that she will reduce the fiscal deficit from 5.9% of GDP in the current fiscal year and increase spending on infrastructure, aided by increased tax receipts.

Rohit Shetty remembers the occasion when Akshay Kumar pulled off a risky solo stunt and divulges the Khiladi actor’s workout secret.

Recently, Rohit Shetty recalled an instance in which Akshay Kumar pulled off a risky stunt without the use of a body double. The filmmaker revealed the fitness secret of the ‘Khiladi’ actor as well.
In an interview with comedians Bharti Singh and Haarsh Limbachiya for their podcast, Shetty disclosed that the younger generation frequently fails to recognize the nutritional value of whole foods.He underlined that basic and consistent eating habits are how Akshay Kumar, who is well-known for keeping his figure, does it. According to Shetty, Kumar trains regularly without using weights, choosing instead to climb an 80-story building and complete 50 pull-ups. Kumar also follows a strict schedule that includes eating at an early hour.

Shetty showcased Kumar’s physical strength by bringing up a scene from their 2021 movie “Sooryavanshi” in which Kumar was seen hanging from a helicopter without using a harness. Kumar was able to persuade the pilot to perform a complete rotation of the helicopter, even though Shetty had instructed the pilot to just maneuver the chopper up and down and not in circles.

Explaining the incident in detail, Shetty said that he had told the pilot not to rotate the helicopter since it was a safety shot and that Akshay Kumar was hanging from it unrestrained during the 2021 filming of a scene in Bangkok for their movie “Sooryavanshi.” Still, Kumar convinced the pilot to deviate from the original plan, so the chopper circled while he held on to it with his hand and his entire body weight. The pilot just pointed toward Kumar, indicating that it was at Kumar’s urging, as Shetty displayed irritation towards him.

The filmmaker praised Akshay Kumar for his grounded demeanor and decided to retain the shot in the movie’s final cut. “There is no powder, there is no showsha,” said Shetty.

‘Revelation’ in SA vs. IND The legendary Allan Donald of South Africa is impressed by Mohammed Siraj’s heart and approach.

Legendary South African Allan Donald praised Mohammed Siraj as a revelation following the pacer’s significant contribution to India’s victory in the Cape Town Test.

In the second Test at Newlands, Cape Town, against South Africa, Siraj gave an outstanding effort. With his superb bowling, which was marked by accurate length and line, he amassed career-best figures of 6–15 and destroyed the South African batting order for a pitiful 55 runs.

Siraj’s nine-over performance was crucial to India’s first-day domination and helped them to a historic victory. After seven attempts, his efforts were crucial in earning India’s maiden Test victory at Newlands, and he was named Player of the contest for the contest.

In an interview with Sportstar, Donald expressed his admiration for Siraj’s mindset and enormous heart, saying the Indian pacer never backs down.

“Yes, without a doubt. I’ve been very careful to watch India develop some young quicks, and Mohammed Siraj, who recently took six wickets for fifteen in the first test innings in Cape Town, is a revelation.”

“I thought it was impressive to watch how Siraj sprinted every single ball while I was in Bangladesh and during the Test series that India played in Dhaka. He has such a positive attitude, in my opinion. He has an enormous heart and amazing skill.”

We discuss this white line fever all the time, and this person, in my opinion, never goes backward.

Siraj and Bumrah’s collaboration is simply magnificent: Siraj

Donald continued, praising Siraj and Bumrah’s partnership as “absolutely sublime” following their respective six-wicket hauls in the Cape Town Test.

“And I believe that when they collaborate with Jasprit Bumrah, the two of them are simply amazing. I’m confident that more and more will emerge from India. Many are still knocking on doors and sitting at home. It’s amazing,” remarked Donald.

 

 

Biocrusts: Unseen protectors of the Great Wall of China

 

Erosion is a contemporary threat to the Great Wall of China, an engineering marvel and a representation of the tenacity of ancient people. But a surprising defender of this unique structure is emerging: a natural phenomena called biocrusts. An unexpected ally in the preservation of this landmark structure has come to light through a new study published in “Science Advances.”

The Great Wall’s ‘living skin’

A “living skin” of microorganisms and microscopic plants called biocrusts covers the Great Wall’s soil surfaces. These biocrusts are more than simply a surface layer; they are integral to the wall’s ability to withstand natural deterioration.
Researchers have found that 67% of the Great Wall’s examined portions are coated in biocrusts, a layer of living things that includes mosses, lichens, and cyanobacteria. The wall’s erodibility is decreased and its mechanical stability is greatly increased by these biocrusts. Sections covered with biocrust demonstrated increases in compressive strength, penetration resistance, shear strength, and aggregate stability of 37 to 321%, whereas porosity, water-holding capacity, erodibility, and salinity decreased by 2 to 48% when compared to bare rammed earth.

The Great Wall, which is 8851.8 kilometers long and primarily traverses dryland areas, was primarily constructed using rammed earth, which leaves it vulnerable to environmental problems including wind erosion and rainfall scouring.The significance of biocrusts in safeguarding this historical landmark cannot be overstated, as just 5.8% of its whole length remains intact. These biocrusts not only cover a large area of the wall, but their protective qualities also differ according to the characteristics of the biocrust, the climate, and the kind of building.

Biocrusts versus contemporary historic buildings

According to earlier research, biocrusts—especially lichen and moss—may be harmful to contemporary heritage stone constructions, which is why they were removed from several sections of the Great Wall. For earthen markers, though, the results of this new study paint a different picture. Communities of moss and cyanobacteria do not pose a hazard; rather, they enhance the stability and resilience to erosion of the Great Wall.

A thorough investigation

The Great Wall was constructed during the Ming Dynasty, and the research team looked at samples from more than 300 miles of it. They discovered that biocrusts cover more than two thirds of this area. The researchers found that the biocrust-covered samples were up to three times stronger when comparing the stability and strength of the biocrust-layered samples to those without.

The nature of biocrusts and their function

Algae, moss, lichen, cyanobacteria, and fungi comprise biocrusts. They make up around 12% of the Earth’s surface and have a major role in controlling the fixation of carbon and nitrogen, retaining more water in the soil, and stabilizing it. Their thick biomass blocks soil pores and absorbs nutrients to lessen the damage caused by salt, functioning as an anti-infiltration barrier. The network created by these secretions and structural layers collects soil particles, strengthening and stabilizing the Great Wall against erosion.

The role of biocrusts in protection

The protective role of a biocrust is influenced by structural kinds, biocrust types, and climate conditions. Sections of the Great Wall covered in biocrust had higher compressive strength, penetration resistance, shear strength, and aggregate stability, while lower porosity, water-holding capacity, erodibility, and salinity when compared to bare rammed earth.

Night Eating Syndrome Causes Symptoms Treatment

Night Eating Disorder: Do you eat too much at night? Know early symptoms |  Health - Hindustan Times

Although it is classified as an eating problem, Night Eating Syndrome is closely related to sleeplessness. A pattern of frequent episodes of eating throughout the night or waking up during the night to eat is what is known as “night eating syndrome (NES),” according to Dr. Nikhil Kulkarni, a consultant in internal medicine at S.L. Raheja Hospital in Mahim. Individuals who have NES frequently eat most of their daily caloric intake after dinner or when they wake up at least once in the middle of the night to eat.”

We will examine the causes, signs, and available treatments for Night-Eating Syndrome in this post.

What Is Night-Eating Syndrome? 

The symptoms of Night-Eating Syndrome are diverse and individual differences may occur.

Regarding this, Dr. Ruchi Jain, a consultant in the psychology division of Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre in Mumbai, stated: “Eating disorders known as Night-Eating Syndrome (NES) are those that cause frequent disruptions in sleep. Individuals who have NES may wake up multiple times during the night to feed. They worry that they won’t be able to sleep again if they don’t eat, and they could feel miserable or guilty about it. A large amount of the calories consumed by people with NES are usually consumed in the evening and at night.”

Causes Of Night-Eating Syndrome:

The chief of the department of nutrition and dietetics at Medica Superspecialty Hospital, Sanghamitra Chakraborty, stated, “There are a number of reasons, but the circadian rhythm is the primary one, which gets thrown off by irregular sleep patterns, night shift work, or regular routines. Stress, narcotics, or any other cause could be to blame.”

People who have trouble sleeping at night due to disruptions in their circadian cycle are more likely to develop this type of disorder. It is frequently associated with insomnia, which can be brought on by drug misuse, sleep disturbances caused by circadian rhythm disturbances, stress brought on by events such as depression or grief, or other related diseases. Menopause-related hormonal changes may also be involved, the speaker continued.

According to Sanghamitra, there are a number of causes for this ailment, and most commonly, individuals have an open want to eat at night, a condition known as hyperphagia. Whether it’s an early or late supper, this usually happens thereafter. Even after eating, that hunger doesn’t go away.

“Almost one third or one fourth of their daily calorie intake occurs during the night, between dinner and early morning,” Sanghamitra remarked, discussing how it contributes to obesity. Therefore, at this time, a lot of calories are ingested, which causes obesity and creates a cycle problem. Hormonal abnormalities brought on by obesity might aggravate the issue and perpetuate the cycle.”

The Symptoms Of Night- Eating Syndrome: 

Dr. Ruchi Jain went on to list the symptoms commonly seen in people sufereing from Night Eating Syndrome.

    • Waking up to eat: People with NES usually have insomnia.

 

    • Eating many calories at night: People with this disorder eat more  than 25% of their daily food intake at night. They may eat late at night before they go to bed, during the night or both. 

 

    • Decreased appetite during the day: Intense hunger and overeating  happens later in the evening and during the night. Some people don’t feel hungry until later in the afternoon. 

 

    • Depression and anxiety: Mental health conditions such as  depression and anxiety often occur along with NES.

 

Who Are Affected By Night-Eating Syndrome? 

In this regard, Dr. Ruchi Jain said the following:

    • One is more likely to have Night- Eating Syndrome if he/ she is  obese or has another eating disorder. 

 

    • A history of depression and anxiety 

 

    • History of substance abuse  

 

    • The age of onset is typically in early adulthood (spanning from late teenage years to late twenties) and is often long-lasting.

 

    • The prevalence of NES is higher in women than in men.

 

    • Individuals who have a history of dieting, especially restrictive diets, weight fluctuations and who are obsessively concerned about their weight are more susceptible to developing NES.

 

    • Psychological Factors: Emotional distress, stress, anxiety, and  depression can be linked to NES. People with NES may use night  time eating as a way to cope with emotional issues. 

 

    • Genetic and/ or biological factors may play a role in NES. Imbalances in hormones that regulate appetite and sleep patterns could also be involved. 

 

    • Certain environmental factors, such as erratic schedule, working  night shifts, or living in a home where eating at night is common, may contribute to the development of NES. 

 

Treatment Of Night-Eating Syndrome:

“The treatment involves identifying and addressing the underlying cause of insomnia,” stated Sanghamitra Chakraborty. A person’s body can detoxify while they sleep if they go to bed on time and don’t feel hungry at strange hours. The liver starts its cleansing and detoxifying process about 11:00 PM. This process takes place when someone is sleeping. But if they’re overindulging, their digestive system is overworked. People usually seek high-calorie foods and sweets when they are extremely hungry. This results in the consumption of excess and incorrect calories.”

Furthermore, Dr. Nikhil Kulkarni added, “To help create healthier eating patterns and handle any underlying emotional or psychological problems, treatment may comprise a combination of therapies, including cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), medication, and nutritional counselling.

Shubman Gill thinks he can help India at No.3: After Centurion’s setback, Rohit Sharma backs new batter

India captain Rohit Sharma has backed Shubman Gill to excel at No.3 in Test cricket after the young batter failed with the bat in the first Test against South Africa in Centurion. Gill’s performance in red-ball cricket has been underwhelming, making it challenging for him to find his rhythm in this new role.

“There is not much difference (on opening to batting at number 3). It takes just 1 ball for a number 3 to go in. And sometimes when an opener gets injured, a number 3 has to walk out and open the innings. I don’t see much difference there. Gill is smart and understands his batting pretty well,” Rohit Sharma told the reporters ahead of the second Test.

Shubman Gill struggled in Tests in 2023, having a tough time in his new batting position. After hitting a century in the Border Gavaskar Trophy, Gill failed to score a single fifty throughout the year. Shubman Gill left his opening slot to Yashasvi Jaiswal, who debuted during the West Indies series. Gill’s overall performance in 2023 was disappointing, scoring just 258 runs across 11 innings.

Ruhi Sharma, the captain of India, thinks Shubman Gill will do well at No.3 in Test cricket after the young batter failed with the bat in the first Test against South Africa in Centurion. The way Gill has played red-ball cricket has not been very good, which is making it hard for him to get used to his new job.

“There isn’t a big difference between batting first and batting third.” A number 3 can go in with just one ball. And if the starter gets hurt, the third batter has to step in and start the game. That doesn’t seem to be very different. “Gill is smart and knows how to bat pretty well,” Rohit Sharma told reporters before the second Test.

In 2023, Shubman Gill had a hard time in Tests because he was playing instead of bowling. Gill didn’t score another fifty all year after hitting a hundred in the Border Gavaskar Trophy. The starting spot was given to Yashasvi Jaiswal by Shubman Gill. Jaiswal made his debut during the West Indies series. In 2023, Gill had a disappointing season as a whole, getting only 258 runs in 11 innings.

“That number is better for him.” He has played around that spot in the Ranji Trophy at that number. He has played first in both Tests and limited overs, but he liked being at number 3. At that situation, he thinks he can do well for us. “How you think about certain positions is something that is unique to you,” Rohit said.

“This is what I think: I hated batting at number three.” You can either bat first or wait a little while and go down the order to bat fifth or sixth. “Ever since I started opening, from number 3 to number 7, I don’t think it’s the right spot for anyone,” Rohit said.

 

 

 

“He prefers that number. He has batted in the Ranji Trophy at that number around that position. He has opened in Test and limited overs game but the number 3 was his preference. He feels he can do well for us batting at that position. It is an individual things about how you think about certain positions,” Rohit added.

“I hated batting at number 3 and that is my opinion. Either you open the batting or you wait a little to go down the order to bat at number 5 or 6. Since I started opening, from 3 onwards till number 7 I don’t think it is the right position for anyone,” Rohit further added.

 

Siddharth Anand gets people excited about the movie “Fighter,” which stars Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone by saying, “We have given it all to this one.”

 

‘Fighter,’ directed by Siddharth Anand and starring Deepika Padukone and Hrithik Roshan, has been generating positive buzz and hot topics since its announcement.
The filmmaker, whose career began with the smash hit Pathaan last year, has stated his desire for the same enthusiastic reaction from audiences for his latest picture, Fighter.
The film’s action-packed teaser and popular songs have already sent it soaring in the charts, but the director added fuel to the fire by discussing his fond memories of 2023 and his eagerness to kick off the new year with Fighter.
I pause to reflect as the new year winds down,” Siddharth Anand posted on social media. That year, 2023, when my life took a dramatic turn. Anxiety and uneasiness were prevalent at the outset. Amidst a multitude of factors working against it, my film PATHAAN was set to release. During that time, the term “boycott Bollywood” referred to something extremely strange. It was thought that Hindi films would never be successful. Finally, the day arrived. January 25th. I was awake at seven in the morning. After the cast and crew screening at 3:30 in the morning, I went to bed at 3:30. Just woke up and felt dead. Just now, the first show had begun.

While waiting for the public reviews, Siddharth and Mama went to see their friend Jayu, as Siddharth put it further. The reviews began to roll in as we lounged on his deck. Everyone agreed it was a BLOCKBUSTER. I could no longer remain seated. It was decided to go to the theater and watch how people reacted. For the first time ever, I didn’t get to see the full film in the theater. I was able to feel the audience’s energy level for the first half an hour. It was really unique. Afterwards, the footage began to flood in. As the audience gets up and dances to Jhoome Jo Pathaan in the theater. A new era began. In the year 2023, Pathaan became an all-time blockbuster. Let the new year begin! Watch it at the theater! “On January 25.”
On January 25, 2024, “Fighter” will hit theaters.

Did you know Salman Khan’s first salary was less than Rs 100?

Among the most well-known figures in Bollywood, Salman Khan is a household name. Because of his perseverance and the obstacles he overcame in the beginning, he has accomplished incredible things. Millions of people now worship him, and it’s all down to his tremendous talent and perseverance.
Although he made his acting debut in the 1989 Bollywood film “Biwi Ho Toh Aisi,” it was “Maine Pyar Kiya” that catapulted him to stardom.Popular films that have brought Khan fame include “Partner,” “Dabangg,” the “Tiger” films, “Bajrangi Bhaijaan,” “Sultan,” and countless more.
Though he has since achieved great success, few people know that Salman Khan’s first profession was as a background dancer in Mumbai. The actor’s first work was as a background dancer at a Taj Hotel event, where he received a pitiful 75 rupees.
“My first salary was, I think, about Rs 75,” Salman told PTI honestly in an old interview. At the Taj Hotel, I was a dancer in a performance. Just for fun, my friend took me there because there was dancing. After that, the price of Campa Cola (a brand of soft drink) increased to Rs 750, and for an extremely long period, it was Rs 1,500. Afterwards, my initial payment for ‘Maine Pyar Kiya’ was Rs 31,000, and it was later enhanced to Rs 75,000.

Price, specs of Realme Note 50 4G rumored for India

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Soon, Realme Note 50 4G may launch in India. The corporation has not verified the model, but phone data have leaked online. A tipster predicts the phone’s launch in the country and leaks its pricing. Key specs of the alleged phone have been disclosed and spotted on certification sites. The Realme Note 50 may be an entry-level 4G phone.

PassionateGeekz reported that the Realme Note 50 4G was found on EEC and NBTC certification sites with model number RMX3834. The phone may launch in India and other markets soon. Reportedly, the phone may cost between Rs. 7,000 and Rs. 8,000 in India.

A Unisoc chipset, up to 8GB of RAM, 4GB of virtual RAM, and 64GB of onboard storage are expected in the Realme Note 50 4G. Likely to come with Realme T UI. A 6.67-inch HD+ LCD screen and dual back camera with a 13-megapixel primary lens and 0.8-megapixel secondary sensor are reported. The waterdrop notch front camera slot should hold a 5-megapixel sensor. The report offered no additional information.

Realme released the Realme C67 5G in India, priced at Rs. 13,999 for 4GB + 128GB and Rs. 14,999 for 6GB + 128GB. It is available in Dark Purple and Sunny Oasis colors. In Indonesia, the business released the Realme C67 4G variant.

The business has teased a new smartphone for India. Realme plans to unveil the new smartphone on January 3 in the country. It may be the Realme 12 Pro or 12 Pro+ and have a periscope lens.