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188 jili apps iOS 18.2 drops a huge number of new features onto the iPhone. The second major iOS 18 update, expected Monday, will expand the capabilities of Apple Intelligence — and add plenty of goodies for everyone else, too. Keep reading or on the new features awaiting iPhone owners in iOS 18.2. Although Apple showcased as the iPhone 16 lineup’s marquee feature, the AI-powered fun (and productivity) has barely started. The first Apple Intelligence features, which arrived in in October, seemed skimpy. The second batch of Apple Intelligence features in iOS 18.2 prove much more promising. And new non-AI features will make your iPhone more useful as well. iOS 18.2 runs on all the same devices as iOS 18: iPhone XS, XR, 11, 11 Pro, second-generation iPhone SE and newer. Apple Intelligence features, however, require a much newer device: the iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max or any model. (Note: Not all Apple Intelligence features will arrive in all regions. They will be .) After the update is released, you will be able to install it in . Image Playground Image Playground is an Apple Intelligence feature that lets you . It’s available inside Messages or as a standalone app. You can create an image by typing in a prompt, picking a person you know or any picture from your photo library. You can add additional tags to add more detail to your image, by picking a setting or clothing accessory, or by typing in something specific. The results look far from the state-of-the-art images created by AI services like Midjourney. However, because it all happens on-device, you can make as many images as you want. Apple integrated a related feature, Image Wand, into apps like Notes. You can use it to circle a drawing and replace it with an Image Playground version of that drawing. Or, based on the context of a note, you can use Image Wand to create a related image from scratch. Genmoji If you’ve ever been irritated because you can’t find the right emoji for the occasion, in iOS 18.2. Just bring up the emoji keyboard and tap to the right. You can keep things simple, using prompts like “ostrich” or “shovel.” Or, you can be highly specific, like “Bernese mountain dog” or “African gray parrot.” (Genmoji works wonders with animals.) Alternatively, you can type in the name of someone in your Photos library and create an emoji-fied version of them smiling, laughing or frowning, and with a variety of gestures and expressions. Swipe through the generated emoji for different options — Genmoji makes four at a time. You can use these in Messages as emoji, tapbacks and stickers. Visual Intelligence Exclusive to iPhone 16 users, iOS 18.2’s new feature lets you look things up using the device’s camera. Click and hold the to launch Visual Intelligence; click it again to take a picture and analyze what’s in the image. Tap to send the picture to ChatGPT. OpenAI’s chatbot might be able to explain what you’re looking at, and you can ask it follow-up questions for more information. Tap to do a Google reverse-image search that can identify an object or look up a product. Other Visual Intelligence features are more context-dependent: Point the camera at something with event information on it and you might be able to quickly add that event to your calendar. Popular events like concerts or live shows might be matched online and filled in with additional details. Take a picture of a restaurant or store and Visual Intelligence will use your GPS location along with data from to give you information like the business’ hours, phone number, website and menu. ChatGPT integration In iOS 18.2, Siri gains ChatGPT integration. Sometimes, if you ask Siri a question it doesn’t know the answer to, instead of showing you Google results, it’ll ask if you want to pass your question along to ChatGPT. Tap to get the answer. You also can ask ChatGPT what you’re looking at on your iPhone. If you ask Siri “What is this?” while you’re looking at a photo, reading an article, browsing the web or watching a video, it’ll send ChatGPT a screenshot. The chatbot will analyze the info and offer its best guess. Daily sudoku puzzles If you subscribe to , in addition to the and , you can play a daily sudoku puzzle after you upgrade to iOS 18.2. Actually, you will find daily sudoku puzzles: easy, moderate and challenging. (Harder puzzles start with fewer revealed numbers on the board.) If you don’t know how to play sudoku, there’s a tutorial that teaches you the rules. The interface is pretty similar to other iOS sudoku apps. Tap on a square to select and tap on a number below to mark it. You can also write notes about possible solutions. The eraser clears a square. Without any squares on the board selected, tap on a number to highlight all instances of that number. When you have a number in every square, its key on the keyboard turns gray — so you know you’re done with it. If you get stuck, or if you find out you made a mistake, a few tools offer help. You can highlight all the conflicts on the current board, mark all the incorrect numbers, or if you want to give up, you can reveal the answers. Like all the Apple News+ games, it logs your statistics — your fastest time, average time, daily streak and win percentage. You can share your results and compete with your friends on . Share a lost item with an AirTag If you need help finding a lost item with an , like your luggage or a bag, you can temporarily get help from other people around you — employees at an airport or friends and family, for instance. Unlike , this new “Lost mode” is temporary, so it’s not like Doug who works at Chicago O’Hare will be able to see where your purse is forever. To use this new feature in iOS 18.2, open the app, tap , and then tap on the AirTag in question. You will see a new section. lets you pick a username or email address that people can use to find you if they find your item. gives someone else the ability to see where your bag is. Maybe if the item is in an employees-only area you don’t have access to, you can share it with someone who can get it for you. New email categories in Mail app In iOS 18.2, Apple’s Mail app automatically sorts your inbox into different categories: holds your personal emails and conversations with other people. shows your confirmation emails and order updates for shopping. is for notifications from online services. is for mailing lists, newsletters and other mass emails you subscribe to. You can tap on one of the icons to select the category and filter your mail; tap on the current category to deselect it and show in one unified list. This feature can make sorting through your inbox much easier. The new Mail categories feature only works on the iPhone. It’s not on the Mac — which is slightly understandable, since Macs run on a completely different code base — but weirdly, it’s not on the iPad, either. (It doesn’t appear on the , either, in case anyone cared.) Share quoted text in Safari If you want to send someone an article in Safari — but you want them to read a bit halfway down the page, one specific section, or even just a single quote — a new feature in iOS 18.2 brings a new, easier way. In Safari, first select a sentence. Then, from the pop-up menu, swipe over and tap . You can paste the link in Messages, Mail, Notes or in any other app. When someone opens the link, they’ll see your highlight. Improvements to Camera Control The iPhone 16 lineup’s gains three new settings in iOS 18.2. You can enable a focus and exposure lock, kind of like clicking and holding the shutter button on a traditional camera. Go to and enable . Then, when you hold down the Camera Control, it’ll lock the focus on whatever is in the middle of the frame. In , you will find a new setting for the Camera Control. With the setting enabled, when your iPhone is locked, clicking the Camera Control will wake it up; clicking it a second time will open the camera. Disable this setting if you want a single click of the Camera Control to launch the camera straight away. You can adjust the speed of the Camera Conrol’s double-click gesture. You can make it slow or much slower. Go to to set it how you want. Record a multitrack demo in Voice Memos If you own an iPhone 16 Pro, you can capture a multitrack recording in the after you update to iOS 18.2. This can come in handy if you want to record a quick music demo, laying down multiple parts that play at once. You can self-harmonize a cappella like a barbershop quartet or layer multiple instruments. To use the new multitrack feature, after recording the first track, tap the button to the left (with the icon of a waveform). Tap the to the right to add a second layer; hit whenever you’re ready. If you don’t like one of the takes, you can rewind to the beginning, toggle between 1 and 2, and tap to do it over. Tap in the upper left to adjust the mix between Track 1 and Track 2. Tap and you can save the new multilayer track over the original or as a new recording. You can import your recording into Logic Pro on a Mac for advanced editing. New settings and miscellaneous features in iOS 18.2 Here’s a lightning round of new settings and minor features: In the , you can now type in a specific change you want to make using a text prompt. You also can generate text from scratch with ChatGPT. You can put a volume slider on your iPhone’s Lock Screen to control the volume on-screen with your phone locked. To enable this, go to and turn on . If you like using but you find the “double tap the Home bar” shortcut keeps triggering accidentally, iOS 18.2 gives you another option: You can add a toggle in Control Center. With this enabled, you can disable in . iOS 18.2 also brings an easier, all-in-one interface for choosing default apps to act as your web browser, password manager, email client and more. Go to . Some of the categories don’t offer any alternatives yet. However, as Apple is legally compelled in different parts of the world to make iOS more modular, this user interface will become more useful over time. You can set a volume limit for your iPhone’s speaker. This only affects content like music, podcasts and videos; alarms and phone calls will still be able to use the maximum output. You can turn it on in by enabling and adjusting the slider. In , you can now press or to migrate your browsing history, bookmarks, extensions and passwords to and from a different web browser. This comes in handy if you want to . In iPadOS, you can customize the items in the top navigation bar with shortcuts to your favorite sections. Apple Intelligence now supports regional dialects of English for Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa and the United Kingdom. If you live in the European Union, you can delete more stock Apple apps from your phone. You can now remove Photos, Safari, Messages, Camera and the App Store. More new features in iOS 18 If you aren’t caught up on the other recent updates, check out the and the .

Efforts by US antitrust regulators to break up Alphabet by forcing a sale of its Google Chrome browser and other proposals to limit its search dominance are likely to run into legal challenges on grounds the remedies are extreme. After a ruling in August that Google illegally monopolized the search market, US Department of Justice prosecutors argued to a judge on Wednesday that the company must sell Chrome, share data and search results with rivals and possibly sell its Android smartphone software. Alphabet shares fell as much as 7%, on track for their biggest daily percentage decline since January 31. The proposals are part of a landmark case aimed at reshaping how users find information. But a new pro-business administration of President-elect Donald Trump next year could change that effort and legal proceedings could last years, experts said. "It would strike me as an over-ask," said Kevin Walkush at Jensen Investment Management, which holds Google stock and is skeptical a Chrome divestiture will happen. "You ask for everything possible, not necessarily with an eye towards what would be probable and proportional, and then see what sticks." The DOJ sought and won a breakup of Microsoft in the early 2000s after alleging it illegally monopolized the web browser market. That ruling was overturned by an appeals court, and Microsoft and the DOJ eventually settled. Walkush expects the Google case to take years to play out as the company appeals. "The wheels of justice do not turn quickly," he said. Google called the DOJ's approach "unprecedented government overreach that would harm American consumers, developers, and small businesses," giving as examples diminished user privacy and less funding for companies such as browser maker Mozilla when they feature Google search. The case could also face challenges from Trump. While Trump's administration originally filed the search case against Google during his first term, he indicated in October he might not break up the company because it could hurt the American tech industry at a time competition is heating up with China in areas including AI. Representatives for Trump did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 'SUBSTANTIAL HEADWINDS' Chrome, the most widely used web browser, is a pillar of Google's business, providing the company with valuable user data that helps it target ads. The search ads business brought in more than half of Alphabet's total revenue of $88.3 billion in the latest quarter. The value of Chrome, estimated to hold about two-thirds of the global browser market, diminishes sharply as a standalone browser. "The reason why it's valuable to Google is because Google uses it to enhance its ad business and its search business," said Megan Gray, former general counsel at search rival DuckDuckGO who has also worked as an attorney at the Federal Trade Commission. "If you don't have those, then Chrome would just be a data broker." A forced sale would not address several key issues raised in the DOJ lawsuit, including a search monopoly, critics say. US antitrust enforcers, who are also pursuing Apple and Amazon in other monopoly cases, would have to approve any potential Chrome buyer. "DOJ will face substantial headwinds with this remedy," because Chrome can run search engines other than Google, said Gus Hurwitz, senior fellow and academic director at University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School. "Courts expect any remedy to have a causal connection to the underlying antitrust concern. Divesting Chrome does absolutely nothing to address this concern." The DOJ proposed a blanket ban on Google offering incentives to give its search engine preferential treatment. That would include Google's lucrative partnership with Apple, where it pays the smartphone maker billions of dollars annually to make Google Search the default on Apple smartphones. Evercore analysts called the proposed curbs "draconian." Given Google Search's popularity, Apple is likely to continue with Google as the default search engine even without any agreement or payments, Hurwitz said. DOJ's proposals also include demands for Google to license search results at a nominal cost and share the user data it gathers with competitors for free. DA Davidson analyst Gil Luria said it was harder to ascertain the impact of Google having to open up its search data until the terms are clearer. The Center for Journalism & Liberty said Google licensing its search data would be "transformative" for news publishers because it would help them better understand their audiences. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The right frame can freeze a moment in time, creating meaning for the masses from a fist pump over a bloodied ear , a bridge crumbled by a ship , towns shredded by nature , and a victory sealed with an on-field kiss . In 2024, photographers across the U.S. captured glimpses of humanity, ranging from a deeply divisive presidential election , to hurricanes and fires that ravaged communities, to campus protests over the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The gallery from The Associated Press illustrates a new chapter of political history — the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump , the moment President Joe Biden announced he would no longer run again , the campaign sprint by Vice President Kamala Harris in Biden’s place, and the raw emotion from voters during a grueling contest ultimately won by Trump . Related Articles National News | Today in History: December 7, Japan attacks Pearl Harbor National News | Connecticut court upholds $965 million verdict against Alex Jones in Sandy Hook National News | USDA orders nationwide testing of milk for bird flu to halt the virus National News | More than a million oven gloves are being recalled after consumers report 92 minor burns National News | Here’s where police are being investigated for excessive force, discrimination and other allegations Hurricanes whipped through the country with devastating imagery, leaving a path of wreckage and death from Florida to Appalachia . After Hurricane Helene , Lake Lure in North Carolina was shown in a jarring photo covered in shards of debris thick enough to hide the surface of the water. Hurricane Milton ripped apart the roof of Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, home to Major League Baseball’s Tampa Bay Rays. The scale of destruction experienced in some corners of the country in 2024 was hard to capture and might have been harder to fathom. That was the case when a container ship slammed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, causing it to collapse and crumple around the vessel, killing construction workers on the bridge. As flames torched the landscape in California , another image captured firefighters and sheriff’s deputies pushing a vintage car away from a burning home. Elsewhere in California , one photo is aglow with bright orange flames, broken up only by the subtle features of an animal running through them. But hope also persevered in the face of devastation. In Helene’s aftermath , an image from Crystal River, Florida, shows Dustin Holmes holding hands with his girlfriend, Hailey Morgan, as they sloshed through floodwaters with her 4- and 7-year-old children to return to their flooded home. And in Manasota Key, Florida, a family was lit up by the glow of flashlights as they walked to check on their home damaged by Milton. Other photos from 2024 also grabbed the darkness and shadows to emphasize light: among them, a rocket liftoff and a total solar eclipse . And, yes, eclipse glasses were back in style for a shared moment of skygazing. But many other photos delivered a blast of color, from the spectrum of the northern lights across a Maine sky to a crew of workers wading into the deep-red of a Massachusetts cranberry bog . And, once again, Taylor Swift captured the country’s attention, even as a part of the crowd. She rushed down from the stands to kiss her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, after the Chiefs won the AFC Championship , en route to another Super Bowl win. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Click to share on X (Opens in new window) Most Popular Hampton’s superintendent just got a massive raise. Here’s how it compares. 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Murad advises IBA graduates to lead with empathy, integrity, social responsibility Sindh Chief minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, as patron of the IBA Karachi, presided over its convocation ceremony on Saturday, celebrating the achievements of the Class of 2024. Addressing the gathering, he said true leadership extends beyond personal success. Shah congratulated the graduating class and commended their hard work, resilience, and dedication. “Today, we celebrate your academic accomplishments and the perseverance that brought you here and this moment is a testament to your talent and the support of your families,” he stated. The CM also highlighted a historic milestone that the IBA Karachi would achieve next year, marking 70 years of excellence in education, leadership, and innovation. “Seventy years of nurturing talent and shaping leaders is a legacy few institutions can claim,” he said and added that this milestone reflected the dedication and vision of the IBA’s faculty, administration, and students. Moreover, the commitment of the IBA Karachi to academic excellence was a focal point of the event. With 67 per cent of its faculty holding PhD degrees, the institute continues to foster a rigorous academic environment and produce graduates prepared to navigate the challenges of an evolving global landscape. He emphasised the critical role of institutions like the IBA Karachi in shaping the nation’s future. “As graduates, you must embrace advancements in artificial intelligence, data science, and digital transformation,” he said and added that Pakistan’s vibrant youth and its growing technological ecosystem hold immense potential to contribute meaningfully on the global stage. The influential alumni network of the IBA Karachi, consisting of over 18,000 individuals, was also recognised as a significant asset. Alumni have made notable contributions across various sectors and serve as role models for the graduating class. In his closing remarks, CM Shah encouraged graduates to lead with empathy, integrity, and social responsibility. “True leadership extends beyond personal success. The knowledge and skills you have gained here should be used to create positive change and uphold the highest standards of integrity,” he said. The convocation marked a proud moment for graduates and their families as they prepared to embark on new journeys. The event also set the stage for IBA Karachi’s upcoming 70th-anniversary celebrations, reflecting on its rich legacy and continued impact on education and leadership in Pakistan. Executive Director IBA Dr Akbar Zaidi thanked the CM for his valuable time in attending the event. Clad in a convocation robe, the chief minister presented medals and degrees to the position holders. He applauded the graduating students on achieving this remarkable milestone which is a testament to their dedication and perseverance. Dr Zaidi stated, “Today is particularly special as we celebrate the largest graduating class in IBA’s history.” He added, “This day also marks the beginning of a momentous year as we look forward to celebrating IBA’s 70th Anniversary—a testament to our legacy of excellence and transformation.” At the convocation held at the main campus, 1,353 graduates were conferred degrees in several disciplines. The graduating batch included 990 graduates from six undergraduate programmes, 362 graduates from 11 postgraduate programmes, and one PhD graduate. The convocation ceremony featured the position holders in various degree programmes, who were awarded medals, shields, and merit certificates. Rowing Champion, Syeda Manahil Hussain (Class of 2024), was awarded the 'Excellence in Sports’ Award.None

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Sam Reinhart and Sam Bennett were named to Team Canada for the upcoming NHL 4 Nations Face-Off tournament which will take place in February. It is the first time the two Florida Panthers have been teammates together for Team Canada since before they were drafted. Both were part of the 2013 World Junior team. Although Reinhart being named to Team Canada was a mere formality, Bennett was considered to be on the bubble. Winning the Stanley Cup with the Panthers in June — and starting his season with 13 goals in his first 25 games — certainly helped his cause. “He is pretty unique in his game,’’ Florida coach Paul Maurice said about Bennett making Team Canada. “There are not a lot of people who play at a very high level who are as physical and intense in their play. He is a big part of what we do here. “There are not a lot of Sam Bennetts out there. He does not hit the ice looking to score goals. He just plays as hard as he can. And, he happens to have the ability to make plays and score goals.’’ No Code Necessary The Panthers will have eight players representing the four countries taking part on the 4 Nations tournament. Matthew Tkachuk was previously named to Team USA; Sasha Barkov, Anton Lundell, Eetu Luostarinen, and Niko Mikkola will represent Finland; Gus Forsling will play for Sweden. Bennett and Reinhart, obviously, will be on Team Canada. “It is a big deal for all of us,” Maurice said. “The number of people we have going to the tournament is pretty exciting. There is a sense of organizational pride here. “Having Sam Bennett go shows that people appreciate what we’re doing here and there is more than just points, goals, assists.’’ The 4 Nations Face-Off will have the United States, Canada, Finland, and Sweden participating in a round-robin format which will replace All-Star Week this year. Seven games will be played from Feb. 12-20. The tournament will start in Montreal — each country will get three games — with the semifinals and championship held in Boston. All games will be played with NHL rules. This article first appeared on Florida Hockey Now and was syndicated with permission.

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Please enable JavaScript to read this content. Former Limuru MP Peter Mwathi, Azimio co-principal Kalonzo Musyoka and other opposition leaders at the SKM Command Centre in Nairobi on Nov 30, 2024. [Boniface Okendo, Standard] Former Limuru lawmaker Peter Mwathi has now says he lied that he “loved” President William Ruto’s government to escape death in the hands of his alleged abductors. Mwathi says he spent several horrific hours with the abductors who are yet to be arrested. Speaking at a press briefing in Nairobi yesterday, Mwathi said the abductors’ questions revolved around his perception about Ruto’s administration. He said he was abducted on his way home after fleeing for his life following chaos that erupted at a funeral he had attended in Limuru in the company of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. “My taxi car was intercepted by two unmarked vehicles on my way to Flyover. One of the vehicles of a Subaru make askewed my taxi from the front and another blocked us from behind,” Mwathi said. “Two guys came out and pulled me from the taxi and bundled me into the car in front. I was then sandwiched between two hooded and masked men who had short guns. The guy in front had a walkie-talkie.” Upon reaching Flyover, Mwathi said he was driven to a thicket in Thika where he was further questioned on what he posts on social media. “I post normally as other Kenyans and general issues they discuss,” the former MP says he responded to abductors, insisting that he has never made any controversial post on his social media accounts that undermines the State. “When they asked: You like the government? I said yes. I lied to save my life . I tried to convince them that I hold nothing against the government,” he said. From there, Mwathi said, the vehicle took off towards Narok and once again stopped at a thicket where he was told “hapa ndiyo mwisho,” (this is the end). Here, he narrated that his heart palpitated to levels he had never experienced “I did not know whether we got to the end of the road or the end of my life. I tried to plead with them to spare my life but I was shut down. They said they were at work and that I had no freedom to speak,” he said, adding he knew his life was over after the abductors took the Ngong Forest route. All this while, Mwathi says, the abductors used coded language to communicate with the last word he heard being “yes sir, copied.” The former MP said he was dropped on the Southern Bypass at the wee hours of the night where he luckily got a bodaboda to Kilimani and picked a taxi to his home. The police, however , denied responsibility for the abduction saying, “we wish to clarify that the National Police Service did not arrest Hon Peter Mwathi, and he is not a person of interest to the police.” Stay informed. Subscribe to our newsletter According to Mwathi, his role in championing for a political coalition between Gachagua and other opposition parties was the reason behind his abduction. The former lawmaker said the goons attacked the VIP tent immediately he mentioned that he was spearheading talks that would see an emergence of a “formidable” force to face President William Ruto in 2027 polls. He hinted that the talks would involve Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, who was present at the press briefing yesterday, DAP-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa and former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i. Mwathi says he was abducted together with Bibirioni ward MCA Christopher Ireri on Thursday after chaos broke out, forcing mourners to scamper for safety.

Nandkumar M. Kamat The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the coronavirus SARS-COV- 2 created a new lexicon- lockdown, social distance, brain fog, long COVID, etc. Following a public vote in which over 37,000 people had their say, Oxford University announced that the Oxford Word of the Year for 2024 is ‘brain rot’. Defined as the “supposed deterioration of a person’s mental or intellectual state” caused by the overconsumption of trivial online content, brain rot reflects a growing anxiety about the psychological and cognitive toll of excessive internet use. In an era where digital engagement dominates daily life, the phrase encapsulates a societal reckoning with the unintended consequences of our reliance on technology for information, entertainment, and social interaction. While the internet offers unprecedented access to knowledge and connectivity, overindulgence in low-quality digital content poses significant risks to mental well-being, intellectual capacities, and physical health. Although ‘brain rot’ has surged in popularity recently, the concept is not new. The phrase dates back to American philosopher Henry David Thoreau, who, in his 1854 memoir ‘Walden’, warned against the intellectual stagnation that arises from society’s preference for superficial engagement over meaningful reflection. In the 21st century, the term has been repurposed to describe the cognitive decline attributed to overindulgence in digital distractions. The rise of platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube has provided fertile ground for this phenomenon. Their algorithms encourage endless scrolling through bite-sized, visually engaging, and often trivial content. This environment is particularly influential among Generation Z and Generation Alpha, who have grown up immersed in a digital ecosystem that prioritises immediate gratification and rapid consumption. The resurgence of ‘brain rot’ as a cultural concern is underscored by its staggering 230% increase in usage between 2023 and 2024. The term encapsulates behaviours such as ‘doomscrolling’, where users compulsively consume distressing or meaningless online material. While often framed humorously by younger users, the term reflects a genuine awareness of how digital habits can erode mental focus, critical thinking, and overall well-being. The effects of brain rot extend beyond humour and cultural memes. Psychologists and neuroscientists have highlighted how excessive screen time and overexposure to trivial digital content can lead to a range of cognitive and psychological issues. One of the most visible effects is a decrease in attention span. Research indicates that platforms offering short-form content, like TikTok, condition users to expect constant stimulation, making it challenging to focus on longer or more complex tasks. This fragmented attention undermines the brain’s ability to engage in deep, meaningful thought — a phenomenon Nicholas Carr described in his book ‘The Shallows: What the Internet Is Doing to Our Brains’. Carr argued that “the internet is chipping away our capacity for concentration and contemplation”. Another significant concern is the impact on mental health. The phenomenon of social comparison, exacerbated by the curated and often idealised content on social media, can lead to feelings of inadequacy, reduced self-esteem, and even depression. Users are frequently bombarded with unattainable images and lifestyles for the average person, fostering a pervasive sense of dissatisfaction. Coupled with the compulsive nature of doomscrolling, these behaviours create a feedback loop that reinforces anxiety and stress. Beyond cognitive and emotional issues, brain rot is linked to physical health problems. Excessive screen time has been shown to cause digital eye strain, neck pain (‘tech neck’), and disrupted sleep patterns due to prolonged exposure to blue light. Sleep disturbances, in turn, exacerbate cognitive decline, impair decision-making, and contribute to mental health challenges. Despite widespread concerns, some researchers caution against overgeneralising the impact of digital consumption. Critics argue that the association between screen time and cognitive decline is often correlational rather than causative. A study from UNSW Sydney found that while excessive screen time correlates with certain negative outcomes, it is difficult to establish direct causation. Moreover, the phenomenon known as the Flynn Effect—where average IQ scores have risen over the past century—suggests that cognitive abilities are not necessarily deteriorating despite increased digital engagement. These findings highlight the complexity of understanding how technology shapes the brain, indicating that individual outcomes may vary based on content quality, user habits, and personal resilience. Addressing the challenges posed by brain rot requires a multi-faceted approach that empowers individuals to regain control over their digital consumption. One effective strategy is the practice of digital detoxing, where individuals intentionally disengage from digital devices for specified periods. Activities like reading, spending time in nature, or participating in face-to-face social interactions provide meaningful alternatives that promote cognitive and emotional well-being. Mindful consumption is another crucial strategy. Users can mitigate the adverse effects of trivial digital engagement by curating online content to include educational, substantive, and enriching material. Setting time limits for social media use and avoiding addictive design features like infinite scrolling can also foster healthier habits. For younger generations, parental guidance is essential. Encouraging screen-free activities, setting clear boundaries for device use, and fostering open discussions about the impact of social media can help children develop a balanced relationship with technology. Educational initiatives also play a pivotal role in addressing brain rot. Schools and universities can incorporate digital literacy programmes that teach students about the risks of excessive digital consumption and the importance of critical thinking in navigating online content. These initiatives not only equip individuals to make informed choices but also help create a broader cultural shift toward healthier digital habits. The recognition of ‘brain rot’ as a cultural phenomenon in 2024 reflects a pivotal moment in the relationship between humanity and technology. As digital platforms evolve, the potential for cognitive and psychological harm will likely increase unless proactive measures are taken. Integrating artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and other emerging technologies into everyday life could amplify the risks of overconsumption and mental stagnation. Nicholas Carr’s warning in ‘The Shallows’ remains relevant: “As we rely on computers to mediate our understanding of the world, it is our intelligence that flattens into artificial intelligence.” The future of brain rot also raises questions about societal priorities. Will pursuing digital convenience and entertainment continue to overshadow the importance of intellectual growth and mental health? Or will society embrace a more balanced approach that prioritises mindfulness, education, and well-being? The answers to these questions will shape not only individual lives but also the trajectory of human culture in an increasingly digital world. As we move forward, it is imperative to foster a critical dialogue about the role of technology in our lives and to cultivate habits that support sustained cognitive and emotional health. In doing so, we can harness the benefits of the digital age without succumbing to its pitfalls. For the youth and students of Goa, the challenges of brain rot are especially pertinent. Social media addiction and the constant influx of trivial digital content threaten to undermine this tech-savvy generation’s intellectual and creative potential. Goa’s rich heritage, natural beauty, and vibrant community offer opportunities to counter these risks. Young Goans must balance their digital lives with activities that foster deeper connections, intellectual growth, and a sense of purpose.

Topline President-elect Donald Trump’s Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth told Megyn Kelly on Wednesday that concerning allegations against him are a “ridiculous narrative” and said he would not drink if confirmed to the position, as Trump is reportedly considering replacing Hegseth in the wake of a sexual assault allegation and new claims of heavy drinking habits, which Hegseth has denied. Timeline Get Forbes Breaking News Text Alerts : We’re launching text message alerts so you'll always know the biggest stories shaping the day’s headlines. Text “Alerts” to (201) 335-0739 or sign up here . What To Watch For Hegseth, or any cabinet nominee that requires Senate approval, can afford to lose only three Republican votes to be confirmed for the job as the GOP will hold a slim 53-47 majority beginning next year. Other GOP senators have expressed support for Hegseth, including Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., who told Politico after meeting with him that he is a “strong nominee” who “pledged that the Pentagon will focus on strength and hard power—not the current administration’s woke political agenda.” How Were The Sexual Assault Allegations Against Hegseth Made Public? The sexual assault allegations first surfaced in a memo sent to Trump’s transition team from a woman who said she was friends with the accuser. The memo was obtained by multiple news outlets several days after Hegseth was nominated by Trump on Nov. 12. What Are The Allegations About Hegseth’s Drinking? In addition to the NBC News report Tuesday in which his former Fox News colleagues raised concerns about his drinking—with two of them saying they smelled alcohol on him at least a dozen times before he went on air— The New Yorker published an article Sunday alleging he had been intoxicated at work in the past. The article alleged there was a whistle-blower reporter from when Hegseth was president of Concerned Veterans for America that said he was “repeatedly intoxicated while acting in his official capacity,” and that he had to be restrained at least once. The whistle-blower report also mentioned an incident in which Hegseth allegedly drunkenly chanted “Kill All Muslims!” while on an official tour in Ohio. Three people with knowledge of Hegseth’s time at CVA told The New Yorker he was forced to step down from his role there in part because of his abuse of alcohol on the job. What Is Hegseth’s Response To The Sexual Assault Allegations? Hegseth has firmly denied the allegations through his lawyer, Timothy Parlatore, who said Hegseth paid the woman a settlement in 2020 as part of a nondisclosure agreement. Parlatore said Hegseth entered into the agreement when he learned the woman and her husband hired a lawyer and told other people she planned to file a lawsuit against him. Hegseth told police he was intoxicated that night and did not know why the accuser returned to his hotel room with him, but that they had consensual sex, according to the police report. He said the woman, who was staying at the hotel with her husband, “showed early signs of regret” the next morning, and he assured her that he would not tell anyone about the encounter, the report states. Has Hegseth Been Charged With A Crime? No. Police recommended the case to the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office for review, but charges were never filed. What Are Hegseth’s Views On The Military? Hegseth—who served in the National Guard—has intensely criticized military leadership, castigating their handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal. He has also drawn controversy for criticizing diversity initiatives within the military, and calling for the dismissal of military leaders he believes are connected to “woke” policies. He has publicly and privately advocated for members of the military accused of war crimes. Meanwhile, The Guardian reported Hegseth wrote in his 2020 book “American Crusade” that if President Joe Biden won the election, the military and police would be “forced to make a choice” and that there would be “some form of civil war.” Trump has previously suggested he would use the military to go after domestic political opponents, which he described as “the enemy from within.” What Has Hegseth Said About Women In The Military? In his 2024 “The War on Warriors,” recapped by The Guardian , Hegseth wrote that only men should serve in combat roles. “If we’re going to send our boys to fight—and it should be boys—we need to unleash them to win,” he wrote, adding they need “to be the most ruthless” and “the most uncompromising. The most overwhelmingly lethal as they can be.” Hegseth reiterated his stance in a recent podcast, telling host Shawn Ryan on Nov. 7 “I’m straight up just saying we should not have women in combat roles. It hasn’t made us more effective.” What Has Trump Said About Hegseth? Trump called Hegseth a “warrior” and “a true believer in America First” in a statement announcing the nomination on Nov. 12. The statement touts his service in the Army National Guard and his deployments to Guantanamo Bay, Iraq and Afghanistan, along with his eight years as a Fox News host. A spokesperson for Trump’s transition team told the Associated Press in response to the police report being made public that it “corroborates what Mr. Hegseth’s attorneys have said all along: the incident was fully investigated and no charges were filed because police found the allegations to be false.” The police report does not say whether officials made a determination about the allegations. Further Reading New Sexual Assault Allegation Details Against Pete Hegseth Emerge: Here’s What To Know As Trump Defends Defense Secretary Nominee (Forbes) Police Report Details 2017 Sexual Assault Allegation Against Pete Hegseth (Forbes) Trump’s Defense Secretary Pick Pete Hegseth Named In 2017 Sexual Assault Probe (Forbes)NEW YORK, Nov. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Leading securities law firm Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP announces that a lawsuit has been filed against Dentsply Sirona Inc. XRAY and certain of the company's senior executives for potential violations of the federal securities laws. If you invested in Dentsply, you are encouraged to obtain additional information by visiting https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/dentsply-sirona-inc . Investors have until January 27, 2025, to ask the Court to be appointed to lead the case. The complaint asserts claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 on behalf of investors in Dentsply stock. The case is pending in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York and is captioned North Collier Fire Control and Rescue District Firefighters' Retirement Plan v. Dentsply Sirona Inc., et al. , No. 24-cv-09083. What is the Lawsuit About? Dentsply manufactures professional dental products. On December 31, 2020, Dentsply paid $1.04 billion to acquire Byte, a manufacturer of affordable, "doctor-directed," clear dental aligners. The complaint alleges that, during the relevant period, Dentsply touted the growth in Byte's business as well as Dentsply's ability to profitably generate revenue by converting members of Byte's "target demographics" into new patients. In truth, the complaint alleges that Dentsply targeted low-income people with underlying dental issues that were ineligible for treatment and Dentsply sold Byte aligners to contraindicated patients. The complaint further alleges that Dentsply knew that its Byte aligners were causing severe patient injuries but did little to investigate and had no systems in place to notify the FDA, contrary to regulation. As a result, Dentsply materially overstated the goodwill value of Byte. On October 24, 2024, Dentsply announced the "voluntary suspension of sales and marketing of its Byte Aligners and Impression Kits while the company conducted a review of certain regulatory requirements related to these products." Dentsply also disclosed that it "expects to record non-cash charges for the impairment of goodwill within the range of $450-$550 million" for its Orthodontic and Implant Solutions segment, with the decline in fair value for the Orthodontic Aligner Solutions reporting unit "driven primarily by adverse impacts from recent state regulatory trends pertaining to the Company's direct-to-consumer aligner business." During a "Byte business update call" CEO Campion gave more context about the Byte suspension: "[I]n connection with our ongoing discussions with FDA, we have determined that our patient onboarding workflow may not provide adequate assurance that certain contraindicated patients do not enter treatment with Byte Aligners." As a result of this news, the price of Dentsply stock fell more than 4%, from a closing price of $24.41 per share on October 24, 2024 to a closing price of $23.31 per share on October 25, 2024. Then, on November 7, 2024, Dentsply reported its financial results for the third quarter of 2024 during which it disclosed it had "recorded a non-cash charge for the impairment of goodwill of ($495) million net of tax within the Orthodontic and Implant Solutions segment." Dentsply also revised its 2024 outlook, with expected organic sales of "(3.5%) to (2.5%) (previously (1%) to flat)" and adjusted EPS of "$1.82 to $1.86 (previously $1.96 to $2.02)." CEO Campion disclosed that although Dentsply was "not at a point in our analysis to make a definitive decision concerning Byte," the company was "thoroughly evaluating strategic options, which may include a discontinuation of some or all of this business." This news caused the price of Dentsply stock to fall $6.72 per share, or more than 28%, from a closing price of $23.98 per share on November 6, 2024, to a closing price of $17.26 per share on November 7, 2024. Click here for more information: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/dentsply-sirona-inc . What Can You Do? If you invested in Dentsply you may have legal options and are encouraged to submit your information to the firm. All representation is on a contingency fee basis, there is no cost to you. Shareholders are not responsible for any court costs or expenses of litigation. The firm will seek court approval for any potential fees and expenses. Submit your information by visiting: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/dentsply-sirona-inc Or contact: Ross Shikowitz ross@bfalaw.com 212-789-3619 Why Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP? Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP is a leading international law firm representing plaintiffs in securities class actions and shareholder litigation. It was named among the Top 5 plaintiff law firms by ISS SCAS in 2023 and its attorneys have been named Titans of the Plaintiffs' Bar by Law360 and SuperLawyers by Thompson Reuters. Among its recent notable successes, BFA recovered over $900 million in value from Tesla, Inc.'s Board of Directors (pending court approval), as well as $420 million from Teva Pharmaceutical Ind. Ltd. For more information about BFA and its attorneys, please visit https://www.bfalaw.com . https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/dentsply-sirona-inc Attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. 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