"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."

- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

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FanCode Secures Exclusive Rights to Stream F1 in India for Next Two Seasons

FanCode, the leading Indian sports OTT platform, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Formula 1 (F1) to secure exclusive broadcast rights for the Indian market over the next two seasons. But what does this mean for Indian motorsports enthusiasts? Affordable Access to F1 Races on FanCode Gone are the days of expensive subscriptions and limited accessibility. FanCode promises to make F1 races more affordable and easily accessible to Indian fans. With a focus on delivering a world-class experience, FanCode aims to bring the excitement of F1 to millions of viewers across the country. Comprehensive Coverage for F1 Fans in India FanCode's coverage of F1 races will be extensive, ensuring that fans don't miss a single moment of the action. From practice and qualifying sessions to F1 Sprint events and Grands Prix, fans will have the flexibility to choose what they want to watch. Whether it's individual race passes or a season pass for all 24 races, FanCode has it covered. Multiple Device Compatibility for Viewing Convenience FanCode understands the importance of convenience in today's digital age. That's why they have made sure that F1 races can be streamed across multiple devices, including smart TVs, mobile phones, and tablets. This allows fans to enjoy the races wherever they are and whenever they want. Cost-Effective Pricing Options for F1 Viewing FanCode aims to make F1 races more accessible by offering cost-effective pricing options. A race pass will be available for just Rs 49, allowing fans to catch a single race without breaking the bank. For the ultimate experience, a season pass will be available for Rs 899. However, FanCode is offering an inaugural discount, making the season pass available for  Rs 599 for a limited time. FanCode's Commitment to Expanding F1's Reach in India Yannick Colaco, co-founder of FanCode, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, "Formula 1 is among the biggest sporting properties in the world, and we're thrilled to partner with them to bring all the exciting action to millions of fans in India." FanCode aims not only to provide a world-class experience but also to expand the reach of F1 to a wider audience throughout the country. F1's Transition from Disney Star to FanCode The exclusive partnership between FanCode and F1 comes after F1's decision to part ways with Disney Star, which previously streamed F1 events in India. F1 introduced its own streaming service, F1 TV, to cater to the region's audience. However, FanCode's collaboration with F1 is set to revolutionize the way Indians experience the premier motorsports event. FanCode's Track Record in Sports Broadcasting FanCode has already made a name for itself by broadcasting various sporting events and leagues to over 100 million sports fans in India. Their previous broadcasts include the Hockey World Cup, ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup, Rugby World Cup, FIFA Women's World Cup, FIBA Basketball World Cup, as well as cricket leagues such as the Caribbean Premier League, The Hundred, and Bangladesh Premier League. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in expanding the reach of F1 in India, and fans can now look forward to enjoying the thrill of F1 races like never before.

5 Mar 2024
Positive Reads

Good News

Uttarakhand Becomes First State to Clear Uniform Civil Code Bill

Uttarakhand has made history by becoming the first state to pass the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) bill. This landmark move has significant implications for the state and potentially for other states in the country. The UCC is a set of laws that applies uniformly to all Indian citizens, regardless of their religious affiliation, concerning matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption. Promoting Equality and Protecting Women's Rights The passage of the UCC bill in Uttarakhand is seen as a major step towards promoting equality and protecting women's rights. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed his gratitude to the people of Uttarakhand for giving his government the opportunity to pass this important legislation. He emphasized that the bill is not against any particular group but aims to ensure equal rights for all citizens, especially women. Implications for Other States Uttarakhand's success in passing the UCC bill may serve as an inspiration for other Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-ruled states to follow suit. Rajasthan has already expressed its intention to introduce a similar bill in the next assembly session. The move towards a uniform civil code across the country has been a long-standing demand, and Uttarakhand's achievement could pave the way for further legal reforms in other states. Opposition and Constitutional Considerations While the UCC bill received overwhelming support from the ruling party, the opposition raised concerns and called for the bill to be sent to a select committee for further scrutiny. Critics argue that the imposition of a uniform civil code could infringe upon an individual's religious freedom, as guaranteed by Articles 25 and 26 of the Indian Constitution. They stress the need to strike a balance between personal beliefs and fundamental rights. Governor's Consent and Future Amendments Once the UCC bill receives the consent of the Governor, Uttarakhand will become the first state in post-independence India to implement a common law governing marriage, divorce, land, property, and inheritance for all citizens, irrespective of their religious background. Chief Minister Dhami assured that the UCC can be amended in the future if specific clauses need to be added. It is important to note that the bill excludes population control measures and the Scheduled Tribes, constituting 3% of Uttarakhand's population. While it is a moment of celebration for proponents of a uniform civil code, concerns over religious freedom and the need for a balanced approach persist. The impact of this legislation on other states and its potential to shape the legal landscape of the country remains to be seen. As the nation progresses, the debate surrounding the Uniform Civil Code will undoubtedly continue, as different perspectives and interests come into play.

8 Feb 2024
Good News

Project Chetna: Wearable Tech with Heart!

Mumbai-based data engineer, Akshay Ridlan, has given wearable technology a heartwarming twist with "Project Chetna." These innovative pendants feature scannable QR codes, and they're not just any fashion accessory; they're a lifeline, especially for the elderly and those with special needs. "Project Chetna" harnesses cutting-edge QR technology to create wearable pendants that store essential personal, medical, and emergency information. Akshay Ridlan's mission goes beyond mere product creation; it's about fostering awareness and compassion within communities. The inspiration behind "Project Chetna" is deeply personal. Akshay's close friend's father, who had dementia, went missing, leaving their family in anguish. This incident fueled Akshay's determination to make a difference. He emphasizes, "Every year, close to one crore children go missing in India. These are reasons enough for me to create pendants with QR tags." This isn't Akshay's first foray into QR-based pendants; earlier, he introduced QR code tags for street dogs to help feeders keep track of them. The lockdown and digitalization sparked the idea of using QR codes for human safety. The pendants now come with an additional feature. When scanned, registered family members receive a notification with the pendant's scan details, including the IP address of the scanner.  Akshay elaborates, "These pendants are designed to be a lifeline in times of crisis. When scanned, they reveal vital personal details, medical history, and emergency contact information, streamlining the process of reuniting missing individuals with their families." His vision? To build a 'Surakshit Bharat' (Safe India). For now, Akshay charges only the making cost of the lockets, at ₹250. These oval-shaped, QR-coded lockets, not larger than an inch, are encased in a metal frame. "Project Chetna" is not just about technology; it's about bringing safety, compassion, and a touch of humanity to those who need it most. Akshay Ridlan's mission to make a difference in people's lives is a shining example of innovation with a purpose.

10 Oct 2023
Good News

Do You Know What Colour Codes in Weather Alerts Signify?

This year rains created havoc in many states in India and we often came across news where the IMD has issued a red alert or orange alert in certain places. However, many of us may not know what these different colours in alerts actually convey. Let us first understand what the colour-coded weather warning system means. It is a system used by the IMD to issue alerts to the public about the intensity of the predicted cyclones, floods, storms and winds so that people can take the necessary precautions. The colour system comprises of green, yellow, orange and red colours of which green is a low-risk one while red alert means the highest risk of severe conditions. Green colour: When a green alert is issued, there is no warning as such but it implies that people should stock essential items and make a contingency plan. Yellow colour: This colour means there is a possibility of danger from the impending natural calamity and people need to be aware of the possible adverse impacts of the change in weather. People should monitor weather conditions and pay heed to the IMD updates during a yellow warning. Orange colour: People need to be very cautious when IMD gives out an orange alert as it signifies a risk to people and property. The IMD asks people to be prepared to safeguard themselves, their family and property.  Red colour: We have often come across the words ‘red alert’ as this warning is the most important one which people should be aware of as it implies great risk to people and property and indicates that significant damage and disruption could take place. During red alert, IMD exhorts people in the area to take immediate action to protect their property and kin and, if required, move to safer locations. Now that the meaning of the colours in IMD alerts is known, people can take adequate and appropriate precautions to counter the changes in weather conditions.

5 Sep 2019
Good News

Global News

The First Known Writing in the History of Homo sapiens Now Deciphered

Messages as old as 25000 years found in Stone Age cave art have been understood and interpreted by an amateur archaeologist, Ben Bacon. Experts describe it as the first known writing in the history of Homo sapiens. The Times reported that Ben Bacon, who worked as a furniture restorer during the day, spent his evenings studying images of cave art. In a journal paper, it is stated that his hobby led to the "first particular reading of European Upper Palaeolithic communication." The code inscriptions that Bacon, 67, cracked can be found in up to 400 caves throughout Europe dating back up to 25,000 years. Since it was first uncovered some 150 years ago, the writing has baffled scientists. Bacon hypothesized that paleolithic hunters and gatherers would have used codes in the cave drawings of bulls, horses, aurochs, and stags to record information about the animals they had to kill to survive, detailing their breeding cycle based on the lunar cycle commencing in spring. Four dots or lines, for instance, would denote the fourth month after the start of spring if a line or dot were used to symbolize months. The journal article claims that a sign resembling the letter Y was then employed to denote "to give birth," and the placement of the Y among the dots or lines would indicate a due date. According to Professor Paul Pettitt of Durham, sharing knowledge of their prey's mating season would have been crucial information for the Stone Age hunters because it indicated that sizable herds of animals would be forming.

10 Jan 2023
Global News

Star Citizens

An Indian Solves the 2500-Year-Old Impossible and Baffling Panini Code!

Dr. Rishi Rajpopat, an  Indian Ph.D. student at the University of Cambridge has discovered a solution to a grammatical problem in Sanskrit that has eluded Sanskrit scholars for 2500 years. In his thesis, "In Panini, We Trust: Discovering the Algorithm for Rule Conflict Resolution in the Astadhyayi, Dr. Rajpopat summarizes the discovery he made by deciphering a rule taught by Panini, considered the father of linguistics. Dr. Rajpopat claims that Panini had a brilliant mind, and he created a machine that was unparalleled in human history. He didn't expect anyone to modify his regulations. He said that the more we tried to tinker with it, the more Panini’s grammar tends to evade us. Now that Dr. Rajpopat has managed to decode the algorithm, Panini's so-called "language machine" can be used correctly. Rajpopat's finding enables the use of Panini's renowned language machine, widely regarded as one of the greatest intellectual achievements in history, to "derive" any Sanskrit word and create millions of grammatically sound terms. Panini's system is designed to function as a machine. Once you enter a word's base and suffix, a step-by-step process should produce grammatically sound words and sentences. Rajpopat's finding has a significant impact because, since the algorithm that powers Panini's language is now known, it may be possible to teach computers how to use it. Dr. Rajpopat revealed that some of the most ancient wisdom of India has been produced in Sanskrit. He believes that the discovery will infuse students in India with confidence, pride, and hope that they too can achieve great things.

17 Dec 2022
Star Citizens

This Man Creates History by Introducing a Whole New Script for Arunachal Tribe

Wancho is a Tibeto-Burman language spoken in the eastern part of Arunachal Pradesh, and parts of Assam, Nagaland, and Myanmar. It uses the Roman script, but variation in pronunciations would lead to a change in meaning which bothered Banwang Losu. Banwang Losu was only seventeen years old when he was trying to translate a project on the socio-economic life of his tribe to Wancho. He encountered innumerable problems and strongly felt the need for an independent language which prompted him to create a script of new alphabets for his tribal language. Two Decade Long Journey Losu belongs to the Wancho tribe that resides in the Patkai hills of Arunachal Pradesh’s Longding district. He took up the arduous task of developing a script for Wancho - a tribal language that has 55,000 speakers in Longding district alone — from scratch. After his graduation in 2001, Losu began to collect all sounds in Wancho with the help of the knowledge that he had of the language as well as discussion with village elders. It took him many years of painstaking research to prepare a list of letters that he printed on an A4 size paper and showed his friends. The Wancho Cultural Society and Wancho Students’ Union were very impressed by his work and took up the project which further gained momentum. Hard Work Pays Off Losu published a book on the Wancho script in 2013 which was one of a kind. Today, the Wancho script has 44 letters: 15 vowels and 29 consonants. Many government schools in Arunachal Pradesh are now teaching it as a subject. The icing on the cake happened last week when the Wancho language was published in the international Unicode standard. This basically means that the script now has a digital identity and can be used to type on computers world over. Losu’s journey finally bore fruit and he was ecstatic as his lifelong dream was fulfilled. Image Courtesy: Atlas of Endangered Alphabets

16 Aug 2019
Star Citizens

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