Imagine having less stress and more time. Picture getting the help you need before you have to ask. In the era of mobile AI, the freedom to focus on what matters most to you isn’t a dream, it’s reality — and it’s coming soon to Galaxy.

A few weeks ago, we launched the One UI 7 beta program. It marked the start of a new era with the first AI-integrated operating system, a true AI platform that vastly improves mobile experiences for users through unprecedented personalization.

Galaxy’s approach to AI personalization, from our launch of the first AI phone to our continuous innovation of on-device AI, is to never compromise on privacy. We know you want the benefits of mobile AI that truly understands you. You want a phone, tailored to your lifestyle, that adds to what you can do while removing everyday barriers — all with no risk of personal information being misused.

In anticipation of the next standard-setting Galaxy S series smartphones, we’re giving Galaxy users greater peace of mind alongside greater personalization. That’s why we’ve created the Personal Data Engine, a powerful privacy advancement that ensures on-device, cross-app personal data protection.

Personalized data is stored in a secure space, carefully safeguarded by an encryption key that’s managed by Knox Vault. That’s the same trusted platform used to secure the most sensitive information on your smartphone, such as your biometric data. And as an added layer of protection, post-quantum cryptography future-proofs the security of your data against rising quantum computing threats.

On this fortified foundation of privacy, we’re opening up more possibilities for mobile experiences tailored to your life, only with Galaxy.

One defining element of One UI 7 is Now Bar, which gives personalization a new meaning by seamlessly integrating your everyday actions and most-used apps into your lock screen. It’s where you’ll control your entertainment, time your next personal best workout, get directions to your next meeting or start communicating in other languages.

Now Bar will also be an access point for the most comprehensively insightful experiences ever on Galaxy. Now, your phone won’t just ping you, it will power your lifestyle.

Imagine you’re packing for a trip from Seoul, Korea, to San Jose, California. While you get ready, your phone offers a prompt to create a folder of your essential apps for quicker access. So you don’t miss your flight, it lets you know when it’s time to leave for the airport. It even provides a curated travel playlist to set the mood for your long flight.

With a single swipe, you can access the weather forecast — no need to search or check various apps. Throughout your trip, your phone captures the magic of each moment, and as each day winds down, it helps you relive the highlights.

Morning and night, Galaxy AI will keep you both informed and inspired with actionable tips and recommendations uniquely tailored to your life. Game-changing personalization with privacy you can always trust. This is the next evolution of Galaxy AI.

India, the land of festivals, is currently celebrating Makar Sankranti, an occasion that reflects the rich cultural diversity of the country and is known by a number of names across the country, including Pongal, Bihu, Maghi, or Magh Bihu. India celebrates four winter harvest festivals: Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Lohri, and Magh Bihu.

Makar Sankranti, one of the most auspicious holidays, in honor of the Hindu sun god Surya. The Vedic writings, especially the Gayatri Mantra, a revered Hindu hymn found in the Rigveda, are where Surya’s significance may be traced. This celebration marks the beginning of spring, a significant juncture in the agricultural and astronomical cycles. Celebrated with great fervor throughout India, the festivities include kite flying, traditional feasts, and holy river bathing.

The Story tells, Makar(a) Sankranti is the only Hindu holiday that is based on the solar calendar rather than the lunar one. Makar Sankranti is regarded as an auspicious time of year, commemorating the sun’s journey from the Southern to the Northern Hemisphere. Sankranti means “transition,” while Makar means “Capricorn.”

New harvests are revered and joyfully shared throughout the celebration, which also signifies the start of the harvest season. It marks the official end of winters and the beginning of the Sun’s transition from the Dakshinayana (South) to the Uttarayana (North) hemispheres, which signals a change in season. This unique celebration marks the end of winter and the start of a new harvest season.

In addition, the day emphasizes dedication and charity, and the joyful mood is enhanced by traditional foods like khichdi and sesame-jaggery laddus. On this day, kite flying is a popular ritual that symbolizes vivid vitality.

Pongal

Tamils celebrate Pongal, a multi-day Hindu harvest festival. Tamil people claim that the Hindu holiday, known by a variety of regional names across the Indian subcontinent, is devoted to Surya, the solar deity of Hinduism. Bhogi, Surya Pongal, Mattu Pongal, and Kanum Pongal are all observed on consecutive days during the three or four-day celebration.

It is a festival that celebrates the bounty of nature, the importance of agriculture, and the spirit of togetherness. The festive atmosphere, the delicious food, and the vibrant colours make Pongal a truly memorable occasion. In Tamil, Pongu means ‘to boil over,’ and it is from this term that Pongal was derived.

The harvest festival of Lohri is celebrated with a lot of fanfare and ceremony. This Punjabi celebration honors the success of agriculture as well. As the days grow longer than the nights, this celebration signals the end of winter. Since it signifies the end of winter and the harvest of the rabi crops, the celebration of Lohri is quite important. The people give thanks to the fire and the sun for the bountiful harvest and worship them. Every community observes the day under a different name.

According to the mythology of Lohri, a dacoit named Dulla Bhatti lived during the reign of Emperor Akbar in the sixteenth century. He became a hero to the common people because of his reputation for robbing the wealthy and aiding the underprivileged. As a result, on the day of Lohri, he is still honored with folk melodies.

Magh Bihu

Magh Bihu, the annual harvest festival, was celebrated with traditional zeal in Assam. People burned Meji bonfires, which were composed of dried banana leaves, hay, green bamboo, and firewood. Elders bestowed blessings on young people, strengthening ties throughout the family. The happy celebrations were marked by the holding of traditional sports throughout the state, including Tekeli Bhanga, egg-breaking competitions, cockfights, and buffalo battles.

This also known as Bhogali Bihu, marks the conclusion of the harvest season around the middle of January. Following the yearly harvest, the community gathers for feasts during this event, which is celebrated with enthusiasm and customs.

President Droupadi Murmu conveyed her warmest greetings on the festive occasions of Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Pongal, and Magh Bihu to people both domestically and overseas.

The President posted on X, “On the auspicious occasion of Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Pongal and Magh Bihu, I extend my heartfelt greetings to all Indian people living in the country and abroad. These festivals are a symbol of our rich cultural heritage and unity in diversity. These festivals celebrated in different regions of India express respect for nature. These festivals related to agriculture are also opportunities to express gratitude to our farmers for their tireless hard work. I wish that this holy festival brings happiness and prosperity in the life of every person.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the country with joy as they celebrated the holidays of Makar Sankranti and Magh Bihu, which represent heavenly changes and agricultural plenty. He shared his thoughts in a post on X, ‘Best wishes on Magh Bihu. We celebrate nature’s bounty, the joy of harvest, and the spirit of togetherness. May this festival enhance happiness and unity.‘

The Indira Gandhi Stadium in New Delhi will host the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup on January 13, 2025. As Kho Kho, a sport with Indian origins, takes center stage on a global scale, this event is a historic occasion for the sport. There will be 20 men’s and 19 women’s teams in the first-ever kho kho competition, which is supported by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).

On the fringes of the 1936 Berlin Olympics, Kho Kho was showcased among other native Indian sports like Mallakhamb and Kabaddi. At the Kho Kho World Cup 2025, the men’s and women’s competitions will start with group stages and end with eliminations. On January 19, the finals will take place.

The Indian women’s team is in Group A with the Islamic Republic of Iran, Malaysia, and the Republic of Korea, while the Indian men’s squad is in Group A with Nepal, Peru, Brazil, and Bhutan. Each group’s top two teams will advance to the quarterfinals.

With both men’s and women’s competitions, the tournament will run until January 19 with the goal of establishing Kho Kho as a globally recognized sport. This first championship will feature 39 countries, including host India.

India will play Nepal in the first men’s match after the opening ceremony on January 13. There are five teams in each of the four groups in the men’s competition.

Format of the Men’s Kho Kho World Cup 2025
There will be 20 teams competing in the Men’s Kho Kho World Cup 2025. There will be a round-robin phase first, followed by knockout matches. Each of the four groupings of teams consists of five teams.

Have a look in Group-wise:

Group                        Teams
Group A                 India, Nepal, Peru, Brazil, Bhutan
Group B                South Africa, Ghana, Argentina, Netherlands, Iran
Group C                Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, South Korea, United States, Poland
Group D                England, Germany, Malaysia, Australia, Kenya

Each team will play one match against every other team in its group during the group stage. The top two teams from each group will move on to the quarterfinals following the group stage. The competition will then proceed in a knockout fashion, with the victorious teams advancing to the semifinals and, eventually, the championship match. Elimination will occur after one knockout stage loss. The first-ever Kho Kho global champions will be the team that advances to the final.

Timing
The Men’s Kho Kho World Cup 2025 bouts will begin at a number of different times, from 10:00 AM IST to 8:30 PM IST every day. Both the semi-finals and the quarterfinals will take place starting at 05:45 PM IST and 11:45 AM IST, respectively.

At 8:15 PM IST, the championship game will take place. Let’s review the complete schedule, including the times, fixtures, and outcomes of each match.

Except for Group A, which consists of just four teams, the women’s competition is divided into four groups, each of which consists of five teams.
Nineteen teams will compete in the Women’s Kho Kho World Cup 2025.

Have a look in Group-wise:
Group                                Teams
Group A                  India, South Korea, Malaysia, Iran
Group B                  England, Australia, Kenya, Netherlands, Uganda
Group C                  Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Germany, Bangladesh
Group D                 New Zealand, Poland, Peru, South Africa, Indonesia

Format of the Women’s Kho Kho World Cup 2025
After a round-robin round, the Women’s Kho Kho World Cup 2025 will proceed to knockout competitions. Except for Group A, which has only four teams, the teams are split up into four groups, each of which has five teams.

Each team will play one match against every other team in its group during the group stage. The top two teams from each group will move on to the quarterfinals following the group stage.

The competition will then proceed in a knockout fashion, with the victorious teams advancing to the semifinals and, eventually, the championship match. Elimination will occur after one knockout stage loss.

The first-ever Women’s Kho Kho global champions will be the team that advances to the final.

Timing
Every day, the Women’s Kho Kho World Cup 2025 bouts will begin at a different time, from 10:00 AM IST to 8:30 PM IST. Starting at 11:45 AM IST, the quarterfinals will take place, and starting at 05:45 PM IST, the semi-finals.

Women’s Kho Kho World Cup 2025 match schedule, fixtures, results and match times

The Netherlands, Britain, Finland, Australia, Canada, the US, and China were among the countries with documented HMPV cases in 2023. China is currently dealing with a spike in Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases, a respiratory virus, five years after the Covid-19 pandemic.

Five confirmed cases have been reported from India, two from each of the states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka and one from Ahmedabad. Bengaluru schools have put surveillance systems in place and are warning parents not to take their kids to school if they show any signs. The virus appears to be spreading quickly throughout the nation, according to a number of media reports and social media posts. The inflow of patients is overwhelming hospitals and crematoriums, according to some.

What is HMPV?
Human Metapneumovirus, or HMPV, is a virus that can affect people of all ages and cause both upper and lower respiratory illnesses. Those with compromised immune systems, elderly individuals, and young children are especially at risk to severe disease from the virus. The Avian metapneumovirus (AMPV) subgroup C is closely related to this negative-sense single-stranded RNA virus, which is a member of the Pneumoviridae family.

A member of the Pneumoviridae family, which also contains Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), HMPV was discovered in 2001. Nonetheless, serological research indicates that the virus is widespread and has been in humans for more than 60 years.

All ages can be affected by HMPV, although young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems are more susceptible to upper and lower respiratory illnesses.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that shortness of breath, fever, coughing, and nasal congestion are typical symptoms. HMPV is transmitted by respiratory droplets, physical contact (e.g., handshakes), or contact with contaminated objects, according to Li Tongzeng, a top physician at Beijing You’an Hospital. Three to five days are needed for the virus to incubate.

Wearing masks, washing your hands frequently, and increasing your immunity are all preventive strategies.

Signs and symptoms of HMPV
The respiratory system is usually impacted by HMPV, and frequent symptoms include fever, coughing, sore throat, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath. In extreme situations, it may result in bronchiolitis or pneumonia, necessitating hospitalization and oxygen treatment. Adults over 65 who have flu-like symptoms like fever, sore throat, runny nose, and shortness of breath are frequently afflicted with HMPV.

Is HMPV similar to other viruses that cause colds?
HMPV can cause more severe symptoms in susceptible groups, including newborns, elderly people, and those with compromised immune systems, even though it shares features with other respiratory viruses like the flu or RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus).

Does the HMPV virus resemble the Covid-19 virus?
Although both HMPV and SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19 virus) are respiratory diseases, their virologies, modes of transmission, and effects on public health are very different. Both can result in symptoms like fever, coughing, and dyspnea and are transmitted by respiratory droplets and contaminated surfaces. Covid-19, on the other hand, has a greater risk of systemic problems and a wider variety of symptoms, such as loss of taste and smell.

What have health organizations, professionals, and the WHO said about HMPV?
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have not issued any serious warnings regarding HMPV. Despite being contagious, experts say the virus does not now represent a pandemic threat.

The former WHO chief scientist Soumya Swaminathan said, “Nothing to panic about HMPV, don’t jump at detection of every pathogen, we should all take normal precautions when we have a cold: wear a mask, wash hands, avoid crowds, consult a doctor in case of severe symptoms.”

Renowned paediatrician Dr Krishna Chugh said, “Those who have a respiratory infection, whether they’re adults or somewhat older children aged three, four, or five years, should be isolated for 1 to 3 days till they show improvement.”

Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, chairman of the Kerala State IMA Research Cell, said, “HMPV is very common in young children and there is no vaccine or antiviral treatment recommended. The HMPV or the Human Metapneumovirus is not a killer virus. It is not a virus that causes severe pneumonia or causes deaths like Covid did in the first part of the pandemic. In fact, this virus is so common among young children that nearly 100 per cent of younger children would have become infected by the age of four or five years.”

Gautam Menon, Dean, Research, at Ashoka University, said, “An HMPV infection results typically in a cough, fever, a blocked nose, and some shortness of breath. A small fraction, between 5 and 10 per cent of all respiratory infections during the flu season everywhere are caused by this virus. The symptoms are usually mild but the very young and the very old may be susceptible to more severe disease.”

“There is no need to worry specifically about HMPV”.

Indian authors who write in English have been increasingly well-known internationally as well as nationally in recent years for their insightful narratives and distinctive viewpoints.

These well-known English-language works by Indian authors cover a wide range of topics and provide a unique flavor of India’s literary excellence. These works of literature will undoubtedly make a lasting impression on your heart and intellect, regardless of your level of passion for reading.

These writers have enormous fan bases, and their books have devoted readers all around the world.

1. Death in the Deccan by Aditya Sinha

The last thing Inspector Mona Ramteke, who is in Hyderabad undergoing ACP training, wants is to be drawn into a high-profile inquiry during a deadly pandemic that is at its height nationwide. However, Mona is called upon to “crack the case as soon as possible” after it is abruptly revealed that four illustrious employees of a major media company have perished in their office cabins on the same day, at almost the same hour.

Mona gets caught up in business strife, media-generated conspiracy theories, political feuds, and information leaks, as if the mystery surrounding the killings wasn’t enough. The case starts to appear murkier than any she has ever had to solve when perplexing connections between the crimes and cricket and a temple dedicated to Ayn Rand emerge.

Before it’s too late and additional bodies start to turn up, will Mona be able to solve the complex mystery?

Author BIO
Aditya Sinha
Since February 1987, Aditya has been a journalist. He has served as the chief editor of both Daily News and Analysis (DNA) and The New Indian Express. The biographies Farooq Abdullah: Kashmir’s Prodigal Son (1996) and Death of Dreams: A Terrorist’s Tale (2000) are among his published works. Aditya Sinha is a journalist and writer.

His earlier works include The Spy Chronicles: RAW, ISI and the Illusion of Peace, which he co-authored with former Inter-Services Intelligence Chief Asad Durrani and former Research and Analysis Wing Chief A.S. Dulat, and Kashmir: The Vajpayee Years. At the moment, Aditya serves as the features editor (India) for rt.com, the website of Russia Today.

2.“Serious Men” by Manu Joseph

Among the ten hidden gems of Indian authors’ English-language works, Manu Joseph’s “Serious Men” stands out. The book explores the lives of Ayyan Mani, a Dalit personal assistant who must negotiate the intricate web of social strata in the busy metropolis of Mumbai. Joseph’s story reveals the complexities of a hierarchical society in a humorous and perceptive manner.

Readers find “Serious Men” to be a hidden classic because of its sharp comments and gripping narrative. This novel stands out as a major addition to the canon of Indian writing in English because of Joseph’s skill at incorporating humor into a story that addresses important societal themes. Journalist Manu Joseph wrote the drama-fiction book Serious Men in 2010. The narrative centers on Ayyan Mani, a middle-aged Dalit who works at the Institute of Theory and Research in Mumbai as a Brahmin astronomer’s assistant. He, his wife, and their son reside in a slum.

At the Institute of Theory and Research, Ayyan Mani, one of the hundreds of dalit (untouchable caste) men confined to Mumbai’s slums, serves as the director’s humble assistant. The director is a smart, self-assured astronomer. Ayyan, who is always cunning and ambitious, spins two stories: one about his young boy and his wife who is hooked to soap operas, and the other about his knowledge of an extramarital affair between his married boss and the institute’s first female researcher. Even as the Brahmin scientists fight over the issue of extraterrestrial life, Ayyan soon discovers that his lies are becoming more and more entwined. The complexities of this complicated world are deftly dissected by Manu Joseph in his debut novel, which also chronicles the defeated director acting as guru to his former colleagues and offers funny perspectives on preaching nuns.
This is both a humorous depiction of men’s irrational egos and ambitions and a poignant description of love and its peculiar mechanisms.

Author Bio
Manu Joseph

Manu was raised in Chennai after being born in Kottayam, Kerala. Joseph Madappally, his father, is a filmmaker. At the moment, he resides in Delhi. Serious Men (2010), his first book, was the recipient of both the PEN/Open Book Award and the Hindu Literary Prize. Sudhir Mishra made a feature film adaptation of it with the same name. Decoupled, an Indian comedy web series in English that debuted on Netflix, was written and produced by Manu.

The riddle of familial ties is explored in Manu Joseph’s much anticipated new book: how can we comprehend the people we love? ‘Serious Men’ was translated into Tamil and earned the Sahaitya Academi Award, one of India’s most distinguished literary honors. He is one of the most well-liked and despised pundits in India, he is a former columnist for The New York Times.

3. “The Shadow Lines” by Amitav Ghosh

“The Shadow Lines” by Amitav Ghosh is a gripping story that deftly blurs the lines between the past and present while traveling through the cities of Kolkata and London. This book deftly examines the complex web of interpersonal relationships against the backdrop of important historical occurrences.

The poem’s central theme is the child’s excitement and delight with his own shadow. The youngster is intrigued and questions how everyone’s shadows are always shifting. He begins to notice everything about his shadow because he is impressed by it.

Ghosh skillfully blends the sociopolitical environments of India and abroad with the lives of his characters in “The Shadow Lines.” The outcome is a literary voyage that stays with the reader long after the final page is turned because it strikes a chord with both emotional depth and a sharp historical awareness. “The Shadow Lines” is a literary masterwork that transcends time and boundaries because of Ghosh’s skillful blending of the individual with the collective, the past with the present. It is the core of the poem and frequently expresses the poet’s feelings, ideas, or observations regarding a certain topic. To get the poem’s general content and tone, attentively read it.

Author Bio
Amitav Ghosh

One of the most well-known authors in India is Amitav Ghosh. Among his works are Incendiary Circumstances, The Glass Palace, Dancing in Cambodia, The Calcutta Chromosome, The Circle of Reason, The Shadow Lines, In An Antique Land, and The Hungry Tide. Sea of Poppies, his most recent book, is the first installment of the Ibis Trilogy.

In 1956, Amitav Ghosh was born in Kolkata. He attended Oxford, Alexandria, Dehra Dun, and New Delhi for his education. His first employment was at the Indian Express newspaper in New Delhi. Before he authored his debut novel, which was released in 1986, he obtained a degree from Oxford. Ghosh’s narratives offer readers deep insights into the intertwined destinies of its characters and the nations through a masterful blending of the enormous and the personal, they call home. The book turns out to be a hidden treasure, illuminating subtle emotional undertones and offering a sophisticated understanding of historical settings.

4. It Happens for A Reason by Preeti Shenoy

In addition to giving up her promising modeling career, Vipasha, who is 18 years old and unmarried, decides to deliver her baby. She ends up severing her relationship with Ankush, the man she believed she was in love with, as well as her family. After sixteen years, she now has two odd jobs: she is a gym instructor and the owner of a dog-boarding business. Aryan aspires to find her Prince Charming, which is precisely what her best friend Suchi has in store for her, and believes she is the coolest mother in the world. However, Vee harbors feelings for the eccentric veterinarian Saurabh.

Then Ankush unexpectedly reappears in their lives.

But can a lifelong partnership be built on a decision made at the age of eighteen, when one was more overcome by lust than love? Do Ankush and Vee have a future? Ankush, Vee, and Aryan are about to have the time of their lives. Full speed, no seat belts, and an extremely rough journey ahead.

The protagonist of the book is Vee, a single mother who works two jobs to support her son: she has a dog-boarding business and teaches at a gym. Beginning on the day her child is born, it jumps ahead sixteen years to the present, followed by a flashback to her time in school and college, when she first met her child’s father, Ankush, fell in love, and went on to become a model.

The people in her life are also presented to us. Aryan, her kid, is enrolled at one of the top schools. She is the most amazing mother in his eyes. They include her best friend Suchi, who is determined to find her her Prince Charming, and Jamu Kaka, who assists her in running the dog-boarding facility Paw-Factor. And Dr. Saurabh, the eccentric veterinarian who assists her with the pets. All of the lives involved are in for a wild trip when Ankush returns, sixteen years after he left the mother-son pair.

Every character felt genuine, and there was something to admire or dislike about them. Vee’s character is strong enough to have the child despite her family’s disapproval and at the expense of her profession.

Author Bio
Preeti Shenoy

One of the most well-known authors in India is Preeti Shenoy. “It Happens For A Reason,” her most recent book, marks her return. I have read all of her books, and she has a talent for holding readers’ attention throughout the story. I hoped that hadn’t changed when I picked up her most recent book. Preeti Shenoy is listed on Forbes’ longlist of India’s most influential celebrities and is one of the country’s top five best-selling writers. In India, she is the best-selling female author. Numerous languages have translated her work.

She is special since she is the only woman in the best-selling league, according to India Today. She received the Brands Academy’s 2017 “Indian of the Year” award in recognition of her literary contributions. Additionally, the New Delhi Institute of Management presented her with the Academia award for Business Excellence.

5. Ladies’ Tailor by Priya Hajela

This is the tale of Gurdev and his group of friends, who fled Pakistan after Partition and headed east. As the world burns around them, it is a story of coming together and falling apart. Will Gurdev’s latest venture, producing clothing for ladies, succeed? After his wife and kids leave him, will he find love again? Here, there is unwavering hope despite the uncertainty. As Ladies’ Tailor captivates you with all its romance, adventure, and one man’s unwavering resolve to not only survive but flourish with fresh starts, take a trip back in time and feel the spirit of the refugees.

Author Bio
Priya Hajela

Ladies’ Tailor, a book written by Priya, was released by Harper Collins India. Priya Hajela is a fiction writer who resides in Pune, Goa, and New York. She has two small but fierce dogs and an entrepreneurial husband. Her daughter is a college student in the United States, still unsure of her career path, while her son works as an investigative journalist. After twenty-two years in the corporate world and an MBA from Vanderbilt University (Owen School) in 1992, Priya earned an MFA in Creative Writing from Goddard College in Vermont in 2017.

She worked for multiple telecoms majors in the US before starting her professional career. In India, she stayed on the telecom route until 2015, when she made the decision to return to school and pursue a career in writing. She has authored and published a number of short pieces, including Daughters’ Revenge in Kitaab, The Tattoo Artist in Live Encounters, An Affair in Indian Ruminations, and The Storyteller in Muse India.

6. Zeba: An Accidental Superhero by Huma S Qureshi

Meet Zeba.
An irreverent girl on the verge of becoming an improbable superhero, she is spoiled, wealthy, and content to do nothing but relax on the terrace of her luxurious apartment in New York and take long, heavy drags of her favorite cannabis.

When Zeba visits the far-off country of Khudir and learns that the holy spring Zsa Zsa is the source of her superpowers, her cozy life takes an unexpected turn. Against her better judgment, she must save the world she loves from the grasp of The Great Khan, a ruthless tyrant with the most shaitani intentions. As she gets ready for the battle of her life—a battle to save not only her family but the entire dang world—can she defeat her inner demons?

As relatable as she is unique, Zeba, a brilliant beacon of freedom, empowerment, and tenacity, is a feisty heroine with an odd cape choice, written by Huma S. Qureshi. It is a gripping story of bravery, metamorphosis, and eventually the triumph of the human spirit in the face of hardship. It is full of enchantment and written with great passion.

Author BIO
Huma S Qureshi
In the glamorous realm of Bollywood, Huma S. Qureshi is the perfect example of an outsider who has achieved success. Over the course of her ten years in the business, her name has come to represent stardom. Her journey from Delhi’s backstreets to the opulence of the Indian film business is truly remarkable. Huma has a distinctive voice that she boldly uses to establish herself. She has carefully mapped out her own career path, appearing in international films, streaming platform series, Hindi and regional (now Pan India) films, and more. Huma’s ability to fluidly move between platforms and mediums is what makes her unique. Huma started her own production company in 2022, marking the beginning of a new chapter in her life. This is her first book as an author, continuing her groundbreaking path.

Are you ready to immerse yourself in the exciting world of internet shopping? It is a digital landscape overflowing with limitless possibilities, with huge e-commerce behemoths meeting the requirements of millions of Indian customers. The biggest eCommerce websites in India have made significant investments in automation and technology to better meet the needs of their customers. This enables them to process consumer orders faster and deliver products more efficiently.

Whether you’re an experienced online shopper or a beginner to the digital marketplace, get ready to examine the top ten e-commerce firms in India for 2024, which will provide you with vital insights to improve your shopping experiences. When starting a new ecommerce business, several elements must be examined, including the best ecommerce platform, payment gateway integration, product photography, social media strategy, customer acquisition, customer retention, search engine optimization, and so on.

As you negotiate this dynamic landscape, consider this question: What does the future hold for India’s e-commerce industry in the face of a rapidly growing internet user base and widespread smartphone access?

You’ll get the hang of it once you’ve taken the first step of selecting the appropriate platform. Here are top 5 e-commerce platforms listed below.

1. Flipkart

Flipkart is well-known for its affordable pricing, regular sales events, and reliable delivery network. Walmart purchased Flipkart in 2018, consolidating its position as the main player in the Indian e-commerce business. There’s nothing like offering insane deals to entice buyers, and Flipkart has done it correctly. The company’s initial narrative is marked by many acquisitions. Soon after its start in 2007, Flipkart bought prominent book-selling companies such as WeRead, Mime360, and Chakpak, increasing its popularity.

Flipkart began the ecommerce arena in the same way that Amazon did: by selling books. Since then, it has quickly evolved to include various additional retail areas under its umbrella. Flipkart is a household name in India and the country’s largest e-commerce enterprise. The company has a huge product inventory that includes apparel, technology, household appliances, furniture, and much more.

It is well-known in the ecommerce business for offering extremely low-cost electronic things such as mobile phones and household appliances. Flipkart’s ‘Big Billion Days’ is one of the largest and most anticipated discount events in the Indian ecommerce business, with prices lowered up to 90%!

However, the company experienced unprecedented growth after acquiring another ecommerce storefront, Myntra, in 2012. Since then, it has reached a 62% GMV market share and is Amazon’s main competitor.

Flipkart today has over 100 million customers and operates in 20+ countries around the world. Flipkart also offers large promotional events on a regular basis, such as the Big Billion Days, during which you may save up to 80% on products. They also provide a Flipkart Plus Program, which rewards customers with points for every transaction they make.

Founded: 2007
Founded By: Binny Bansal, Sachin Bansal (Parent Organisation – Walmart)
Head Office: Bangalore, India

2. Amazon India

Amazon, a well-known global brand, started a foothold in India in 2008 and has since emerged as a tough competitor to Flipkart. Amazon India sells a large range of products across all categories, including its own private label brands.The corporation is well-known for its Prime membership program, which includes special bargains, free one-day delivery, and access to streaming services.

Amazon India, a subsidiary of the worldwide retail behemoth, first welcomed Indian customers in June 2013, and there has been no going back since. The firm is known for its super-fast same-day and next-day delivery, which is ideal for today’s frequent shoppers.

It is also the preferred site for many high-demand businesses to showcase their latest products, such as televisions and mobilephones. Amazon India has grown in popularity in recent years, with only a few competitors able to match it. A major portion of this is due to the affordable prices and free shipping it provides.

Amazon includes a user review section at the bottom of each product page, which reinforces customer trust. With the launch of Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Music, and Amazon Pay, the corporation has entered the entertainment and payment industries.

Founded : 2013
Founded By: Jeff Bezos
Head Office: Hyderabad, India

3. FirstCry

FirstCry is India’s leading online retailer for mom, baby, and children’s supplies. The portal sells a wide variety of items, including clothing, toys, diapers, feeding supplies, and nursery furnishings. FirstCry caters to parents’ individual requirements, offering expert guidance and carefully curated product choices.

Until a few years ago, there was hardly no ecommerce business in India that sold baby clothes solely. FirstCry was the first firm to enter this area and has subsequently become the category leader. What began as a carefully curated assortment of baby clothing has since expanded to include a variety of things relating to children and babies. They include feeding supplies, picture books, bed protectors, baby food, nursery decor, prenatal care products, and more.

It offers a wide range of products and features some of the most popular brands on its site, including Hopscotch, Babyhug,Spunkies, and others. Its main opponent is Hopscotch, which is ranked second in the category.

Founded : 2010
Founded By: Supam Maheshwari, Amitava Saha, Prashant Jadhav, Sanket Hattimattur (Parent company – Mahindra Group)
Head Office: Pune, India

4. Meesho

Meesho’s revolutionary social commerce strategy has dominated the Indian e-commerce sector. Individuals can become resellers by distributing product catalogs and earning commissions on sales made through their social networks. Meesho’s emphasis on affordability, as well as its strong presence in tier 2 and tier 3 cities, have helped drive its quick growth. Meesho is one of the most rapidly expanding e-commerce platforms in India. The site allows all users to shop and resell. They provide a wide choice of high-quality products that ensure their clients’ satisfaction.

Meesho is a rapidly developing eCommerce company in India that has quickly established a devoted customer base in the industry. It is a socially conscious consumer brand that aims to empower India’s non-metro youth who are becoming increasingly internet aware.

The company has a website and a mobile app that allow customers to easily place orders and check the status of their goods. Meesho does not charge its merchants a fee to register on the site, nor does it take a share of their earnings. Its main source of revenue is in-app and website seller advertisements.

Founded : 2015
Founded By: Vidit Aatrey, Sanjeev Barnwal
Head Office: Bengaluru, India

5.OLX

OLX is a free website where vendors can post listings for new and used things. Buyers can review the listing, communicate with the seller, and finish the purchase. This model was designed to modernize yard sales in Western countries.

Due to the popularity of second-hand products in India, OLX swiftly became a popular marketplace for a variety of product categories such as electronics, furniture, autos, and so on. Given the success of its automotive listings, OLX has established the OLX Auto program. It has set up stores in various regions where verified vehicles may be purchased and sold.

The platform’s success is due to the local merchants that used it to enter the e-commerce arena in their own markets.

Founded : 2006
Founded By: Fabrice Grinda, Alec Oxenford
Head Office: Gurugram, India

Conclusion

In India’s rapidly changing and technologically advanced eCommerce market, we highlight the top five eCommerce websites. These top e-commerce platforms have transformed millions of Indian consumers’ purchasing habits and become an integral part of their everyday lives. People all around India now have access to these websites because to improved internet and smartphone connectivity.
These platforms provide everything you need on a daily basis, including gadgets, clothing, fashion, home decor, beauty, health, fitness, and food. Even they provide fast shipping, secure payment gateways, high-quality products, and customized solutions to foster client relationships and loyalty.

We all enjoy cricket. This is true that an estimated millions of cricket balls are sold in India each year. Even yet, selecting the appropriate cricket ball for the upcoming match appears to be a daunting undertaking. The appropriate equipment is essential for a fun game, whether it’s gully cricket or practicing matches. We rarely search about the manufacturing companies who makes the criclet balls.
Check out some of the best cricket ball brands in India for optimal performance on the field.

1. Kookaburra

Kookaburra Sport was founded in Melbourne by Alfred Grace (AG) Thompson in 1890. AG Thompson was born in St. Ives, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, in 1863. After 130 years, Kookaburra Sport is still owned and operated entirely by Australian families. Fourth and fifth generation Thompson family members continue to work in the Melbourne headquarters, with other offices in India, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, as well as a South African agency, employing over 200 people worldwide.

Kookaburra purchased Alfred Reader & Co, a 200-year-old British cricket ball maker, in 2002 to improve its cricket ball position in the English market while continuing to provide Kookaburra cricket balls around the world.

Kookaburra is a well-known company in the sporting goods business, offering high-quality equipment and gear. The company was founded in the 1980s and works with hockey and cricket governing bodies around the world.

The Red cherry Kookaburra cricket balls are among the best in India. The exterior shells of the balls are constructed of the highest quality leather, which is both robust and durable. The balls have 68-70 delicate linen stitches with four strands of thread, and the core is of high quality. The balls are available in various hues.

2. SG

SG (Sanspareils Greenlands) Cricket, founded in 1932, has been at the forefront of cricket expertise for decades. Our consistent dedication to quality, innovation, and the spirit of cricket has earned us a reputation as a trusted brand among cricket players throughout the world.

Today, under the leadership of CEO Paras Anand and Director Puneet Anand, the company has 850+ dealers in India and around the world. SG is also gaining a strong foothold in retail, expanding its product line from cricket playing and protective equipment to footwear and sportswear.

No one can compete with SG as one of India’s most trusted cricket equipment makers. The company meets the demand for some of the most popular cricket equipment in the Indian market, such as cricket balls, bats, protective clothing, guards, and more. SG balls are constructed of high-quality, alum-tanned leather.

They feature a high-quality center construction encased in premium Portuguese cork wound with pure wool.

3.COSCO

COSCO (India) Limited founded in 1980, is India’s largest sports, fitness, and lifestyle brand. We are a public company listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). COSCO has built a solid heritage over four decades, with numerous accomplishments, strong associations, international approvals, and national and state-level affiliations.

COSCO has been manufacturing sports balls and other sporting equipment since its inception in the 1980s. The company has developed to become a global powerhouse and one of the world’s leading makers of sporting equipment.

4.DSC 

DSC began as a sports products manufacturing company in the 1970s. Today, the company manufactures some of India’s highest-quality sports apparel and equipment, which is exported around the world.
The balls are produced with alum-tanned skin and a monobloc rubber core. The balls’ seams are conspicuous and neatly stitched, resulting in stronger swing and spin. Portuguese cork, combined with high-quality rubber, delivers a higher bounce to the balls. It is also waterproof, made from high-quality materials, and has a good finish.

DSC has developed to become one of the world’s most respected cricket companies by producing high-quality cricket gear for three generations and embracing a new design approach that captures the essence of the current game.

5. Vicky 

Vicky is a sports accessories brand that also sells tennis balls and footballs. Vicky goods are available in a variety of colors and weights. Vicky Sports is a household name among millions of Indians, thanks to its diverse line of high-quality and reasonably priced products. The company was founded in 1978 at Meerut’s Sports Complex, which was designed to promote the country’s indigenous athletic goods.

Vicky Sports is now working on strategies to direct distribute its high-quality items abroad. Vicky Sports’ competent and well-trained workforce has contributed to the company’s objective of supplying high-quality products at reasonable prices.

When brand new, the cricket ball shall weigh no less than 5.5 ounces (155.9 g) and no more than 5.75 ounces (163 g), with a circumference of no less than 8.81 inches (22.4 cm) and no more than 9 inches (22.9 cm). These parameters are for cricket leather balls, and given the sporting background in India, the demand will simply be higher than it is presently.

Whether you’re playing on your street or in a stadium, you’ll need high-quality cricket balls to enjoy the game. In this post, we’ve compiled a list of the greatest cricket balls in India based on size, weight, stitching, and other factors.

According to a study, the ability to hire employees from spatially dispersed locations may help to promote more balanced geographical development while also alleviating various types of pressures on major metropolitan areas in India.

According to the study, titled ‘Work-from-Home: Benefits and Costs: an Exploratory Study in the Indian Context’, Covid has resulted in many alternative systems, with work from home being a prominent outcome that is changing the employment landscape.

Since then, numerous businesses have implemented remote and hybrid work techniques.

The analysis concluded that the new approach has resulted to moderate savings in office leasing expenses and enabled a moderate decrease in expenditures involved in meeting and working with clients.

A limited amount of adjustments in employee compensation structures have been made possible by the savings in employee commuting and accommodation costs. Employee stress related to commuting has been decreased, which boosts their energy levels.

Nevertheless, the study also discovered that remote working hinders teamwork and has resulted in less effective communication.

It implies that working remotely may make it more difficult for organizational culture to emerge and persist. Regarding the costs and advantages for workers, respondents believed that remote work was especially advantageous for caretakers and parents of small children.

It has also been noted that employee productivity has increased somewhat. However, the study noted that some respondents had trouble distinguishing between their personal and professional lives, which resulted in higher levels of stress.

Additionally, a lot of workers don’t have a dedicated, uncluttered office at home. Furthermore, scheduling flexibility might provide significant challenges for people who struggle with self-control.

The study also found that attendance tracking and other conventional supervisory techniques had lost some of their effectiveness. Performance-based monitoring has significantly changed as a result of remote working. Furthermore, in order to guarantee employee success, remote working has made a greater reliance on trust vital.

According to the study, remote labor has significantly reduced the carbon footprint of the corporation and helped organizations achieve their ESG (environment, social, and governance) objectives.

Even if working from home has clear advantages for both employers and workers in the short term, there may be some long-term drawbacks. According to the study, these losses could be intangible and have to do with building and maintaining human, emotional, and social capital.

Hormonal changes caused by pregnancy or the use of oral contraceptives, as well as a longer life expectancy, are among the reasons why women have a higher incidence of strokes than males, according to experts on World Stroke Day on Tuesday.

Stroke is a leading cause of disability and mortality among all individuals globally. However, it is the third biggest cause of mortality in women, killing more women than men, according to the American Stroke Association.

Dr. Atul Prasad, Principal Director & Head of Neurology at BLK – MAX Super Speciality Hospital, told IANS that higher life expectancy, hormonal aspects caused by pregnancy and childbirth, oral contraceptives, and menopause.

Other key risk factors include hypertension, cardiac problems such as atrial fibrillation (an abnormal heart rhythm), and pollution.

“Women with a history of migraine with aura are more likely to have a stroke, particularly if they smoke or use oral contraceptives. Another is preeclampsia, a prenatal condition that doubles the risk of stroke afterward but is rarely evaluated.” Dr. Sumit Singh, Chief-Neurology at Artemis Hospitals

According to the experts, women frequently exhibit atypical or lesser-known stroke symptoms such as fatigue, general weakness, confusion or disorientation, nausea, or vomiting, which adds to delayed identification and treatment.

“Slurred speech, abrupt weakness, and facial drooping are common symptoms in both genders; however, women’s symptoms are frequently masked as dizziness, weariness, nausea, and even hiccups. Such unusual symptoms frequently cause a delay or misdiagnosis, and they have a significant role in deteriorating the outcome,” Singh said.

While the treatment and prevention of ischemic stroke are largely comparable in men and women, post-stroke rehabilitation programs for women must be more gender tailored.

“Women have worse outcomes, with depression and cognitive decline occurring more frequently and taking longer to recover than males. As a result, stroke recovery must be treated more holistically, with mental health care, social integration, and tailored physical therapy,” the doctor stated.

The primary strategies for preventing ischemic stroke are the same for men and women: control blood pressure, manage cholesterol, quit smoking, and live a healthy lifestyle.

Prasad did, however, emphasize the importance of women monitoring their stroke risk on a regular basis whether they are on birth control pills or undergoing hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Women with a history of preeclampsia require long-term follow-up.

According to former WHO Chief Scientist Soumya Swaminathan, the primary causes of increased abdominal obesity in India are unhealthy diets and physical inactivity.

Swaminathan, who is currently the Principal Advisor for the Health Ministry’s tuberculosis programme, advocated for increased access to healthy meals and exercise spaces in the country to combat obesity, which is already a global health concern.

Obesity is known to be a risk factor for diabetes, hypertension, and cancer, all of which are on the rise in India and around the world.

“Abdominal obesity – unhealthy diets and physical inactivity are driving this unhealthy trend,” Swaminathan wrote on X.

“More awareness, nutrition literacy, expanded access to healthier diets, and exercise spaces are required,” she said, citing a recent study on abdominal obesity published in the journal The Lancet Regional Health.

The study, headed by researchers from IIHMR University in Jaipur and Johns Hopkins University’s Bloomberg School of Public Health in the United States, used data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) conducted in 2019-21.

The findings revealed that abdominal obesity is more common among women (40%) than men (12%).

Approximately 5-6 out of every 10 women aged 30 to 49 are abdominally fat.

Women who are elderly or non-vegetarian are more likely to have abdominal fat. While abdominal obesity is more common in cities, the study found that it is also increasing in rural regions and is affecting lower and medium socioeconomic groups.

In India, BMI has traditionally been used to assess obesity. For the first time, the NFHS-5 measured abdominal obesity using the waist circumference of 6,59,156 women and 85,976 men (ages 15 to 49).

The study discovered that some women with a healthy BMI also have abdominal obesity.

Kerala (65.4%), Tamil Nadu (57.9%), Punjab (62.5%), and Delhi (59%) all had a high incidence of abdominal obesity, while Jharkhand (23.9%) and Madhya Pradesh (24.9%) had lower rates.

Aside from showing a “emerging health risk for Indian women,” the study revealed “a double burden of malnutrition” in the country.

The researchers advised the government to take proactive steps “to design targeted interventions for the groups who have high abdominal obesity, particularly for women in their thirties and forties”.