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When it is about washing fruits and vegetables, simply rinsing them under the tap may not be enough to remove all the harmful chemicals they might have been exposed to during the growing process. Nutritionist suggests a "detoxing" routine to ensure that produce is thoroughly cleaned before consumption. Even fresh fruits and vegetables should be washed as they may still be handled and exposed to potential dirt. Labels such as " washed and ready to eat " can be misleading, as the produce may have been treated with chemicals during processing. The method for detoxing produce involves filling a clean sink with fresh water and adding apple cider vinegar or baking soda to create a cleaning solution. The produce is then soaked in this solution, gently brushed with a vegetable brush, and finally rinsed. Delicate items like berries should be soaked for a maximum of five minutes to avoid becoming mushy. After washing, the produce is dried, preferably using a tea towel, and transferred to glass containers for storage in the refrigerator. This thorough cleaning process helps to minimize exposure to any potential contaminants, ensuring that the produce is safe to consume.

Lava , an Indian tech company, has launched the   Blaze X 5G smartphone,  marking its entry into the 5G market. The smartphone is available in three configurations: Feature Details Display 6.67-inch full-HD+ curved AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate Processor MediaTek Dimensity 6300 Camera Dual rear camera with 64-megapixel main sensor Operating System Android 14 Battery 5,000mAh with 33W fast charging SIM Dual SIM (nano) Connectivity Options Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS, OTG, USB Type-C Security In-display fingerprint scanner The phone also supports dual SIM (nano) and includes connectivity options like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS, OTG, and USB Type-C. For security, it has an in-display fingerprint scanner, making it easy and safe to unlock. With these features and competitive pricing, the Lava Blaze X 5G is set to attract users looking for advanced technology at affordable prices. The phone is scheduled for release on July 20.

Amazon Pay India, the digital payments arm of e-commerce giant Amazon India, aims to expand its presence in offline payments during this fiscal year. This expansion involves introducing new payment methods and enhancing safety and security measures. The chief executive, Vikas Bansal, shared that Amazon Pay will offer various payment options such as  Unified Payment Interface (UPI) , credit cards, and wallets, rather than focusing on a single segment. In addition, to the collaboration with ICICI Bank Ltd for credit cards, Amazon Pay is exploring more partnerships with banks and opportunities with the government's Open Network for  Digital Commerce (ONDC) . Moreover, Amazon Pay has received a prepaid payment instrument license and a payment aggregator license from the Reserve Bank of India, indicating its commitment to strengthening its consumer and merchant payments business. Despite Amazon's smaller market share compared to competitors such as Google Pay, PhonePe, and Paytm. The company sees great potential in smaller towns. The Amazon Pay-Kearney report highlighted the increasing adoption of digital payments in tier-two and three cities. This shift presents an opportunity for Amazon Pay to expand credit offerings in these areas, where the use of credit is currently lower compared to metro cities. According to the report, the growth in digital payments in India is largely driven by online channels, with a smaller percentage of consumers opting to pay with cash. Furthermore, alternative payment modes such as wearables, voice-activated assistants, and 'buy now, pay later' (BNPL) plans are gaining popularity among consumers. The next step of growth in digital payments will be fueled by increasing digital penetration among consumers in lower-income groups and smaller towns, indicating the need the encourage new payment methods like  UPI Lite  and UPI Lite X in these consumer segments.

Reliance Jio has introduced three new ' True Unlimited Upgrade add-on plans in response to recent backlash over tariff hikes and the removal of popular, affordable prepaid plans. The new plans offer unlimited 5G data for users on the Jio True network. These new add-on plans require an existing plan and provide unlimited 5G data for users with 5G-compatible devices connected to the Jio True 5G network. When the network switches to 4G, the data is limited based on the plan details. Here are the specifics of the new plans: - ₹151 Plan: 9GB high-speed 4G data and unlimited high-speed 5G data - ₹101 Plan: 6GB high-speed 4G data and unlimited high-speed 5G data - ₹51 Plan: 3GB high-speed 4G data and unlimited high-speed 5G data It's important to note that only users with prepaid plans providing 2GB of data per day or more will be eligible for unlimited 5G data. Plans with 1.5GB data per day or less will have to adhere to their data limits. The recent tariff hikes by Reliance Jio, Airtel,  and  Vodafone Idea  have resulted in up to a 25% price increase on all prepaid, postpaid, and data plans. Annual plans have experienced the most significant price increases. This has led to discontent among telecom users, with some expressing their dissatisfaction through trends such as 'BoycottJio' and 'BSNL ki ghar wapsi.'

Zomato's recent 16th-anniversary celebration has been making waves, with Paytm CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma sharing Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal's celebratory ad as a gesture of solidarity. In the ad, Goyal expressed gratitude for everyone who has been part of Zomato's journey, while Sharma congratulated the Zomato team on their milestone. Zomato also announced a special offer of an exclusive  Zomato Gold membershi for ₹30 for six months as a token of appreciation for its user, valid for today only. The celebratory ad featured key members of Zomato's executive team, highlighting their contributions to the company's success. The online food delivery market in India has been on the rise, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic, with projected revenues of $43.78 billion in 2024 according to Statista. Notably, Zomato has surpassed the US-based DoorDash in terms of growth, with its food delivery adjusted revenue outpacing that of DoorDash in the same period.

Apple is getting ready to introduce Apple Intelligence , featuring a redesigned interface and advanced integration with features like ChatGPT, focusing on enhancing user engagement through AI technology. Apple is getting ready to introduce Apple Intelligence this fall, featuring a redesigned interface and advanced integration with features like ChatGPT, focusing on enhancing user engagement through AI technology. Alongside this, Apple is also rumoured to launch an enhanced version of Siri with iOS 18.4  n ext spring, following a beta phase starting in January. The revamped Siri is expected to revolutionize user interaction by allowing seamless app control and context-aware functionalities, leveraging on-screen content for intelligent command execution. In addition, new iterations of Apple's flagship wearables, the Apple Watch Series 10  and Apple Watch Ultra 3 ,  are expected to feature a new processor surpassing last year's S9 chip, setting the stage for future AI capabilities. It's worth noting that while Apple Intelligence will not be integrated into the new Apple Watch models upon launch, there are plans for broader implementation in the Vision Pro headset next year. The Apple Watch Series 10 is also rumored to feature a significantly larger display compared to its predecessors, with internal codenames hinting at two size variants, offering an enhanced usability and visual experience for users. Apple continues to push boundaries in technology innovation, with ongoing developments focused on redefining user interaction and setting new benchmarks in wearable technology and AI integration.

Whether due to pent-up aggression from being cooped up at home or just a symptom of the weather, calm down a heated body and mind with these routines: Breathing is an essential, but often overlooked, function of our bodies. It connects our minds to our bodies and plays a crucial role in our overall well-being. We are often not fully aware of the power of our breath - it has the ability to calm us down or increase our energy levels as needed. Additionally, specific breathing exercises, known as pranayamas, can help calm both the body and the mind. Inhale & Exhale Image source Unsplash One effective breathing exercise is the nose to mouth breathing. To practice this, sit comfortably with a straight spine, close your eyes, and take deep breaths to centre your mind. Inhale slowly through your nose, hold your breath for a second or two, and then exhale through your mouth. This technique is useful for calming down in tense or aggressive situations. Sitkari Image source Unsplash Another breathing exercise is Sitkari. This involves sitting with a straight spine, opening your mouth, clenching your teeth, and inhaling with a hissing sound through the gap between your teeth. This breath acts as a natural coolant for the body and should not be practised in cold weather. Ujjayi Breath Image source Chopra The Ujjayi breath, also known as the victorious breath, is another beneficial practice. Sit with a straight spine, close your mouth, and inhale while slightly constricting the muscles in the base of your throat. This breath can help calm the mind, and detoxify the body, and is often compared to the sound of ocean waves or Darth Vader's breathing. Repeating each of these breathing exercises at least 10-15 times can yield the best results, helping you to achieve a sense of calm and well-being..

The Oura Ring is a popular choice among fitness trackers for those in the acting industry due to its efficiency, sleek design, and the convenience of being worn as a ring. This sensor-loaded titanium ring originated in Finland and has gained a loyal following for its compact size, aesthetic appeal, and user-friendly bio-tracking capabilities. The popularity of Oura Ring has even motivated tech giants such as Apple and Samsung to develop their own versions of smart rings. Image source Vogue India India is considered the world's largest smartwatch market according to data from market research firm Counterpoint in 2022, the idea of tracking one's health statistics has gained widespread traction. This has led to the emergence of numerous startups, including Noise,  Ultrahuman, and Pi Ring , which offer affordable smart rings like the one offered by BoAt within 24 hours of its launch in August 2023. Image source TechCrunch The new generation of wearable devices focuses on ensuring the continuous gathering of data. The sensors are concealed inside smart rings made of titanium and are capable of monitoring heart rate, oxygen levels, and sleep patterns, relaying the collected data to accompanying apps without frightening users with unnecessary notifications and alerts. Moreover, Continuous glucose monitors, including Ultrahuman,   amiciCare, and Contour Plus, allow individuals to track their blood sugar levels over extended periods through a tiny sensor implanted under the skin. This advancement is particularly beneficial for individuals with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, an increasingly prevalent condition among young adults in India. Aman Gupta, the co-founder of BoAt, predicts that the concept of the quantified self, which emphasizes a quantitative approach to understanding one’s body and wellness, will continue to gain momentum in the 21st century. As people become more conscientious about their well-being, there is a natural inclination to seek out tools and technologies that can track and enhance their health metrics. These advancements underscore the prevalence of a self-tracking culture, with individuals utilizing devices like the Apple Watch , which is FDA-approved, to monitor various aspects of their well-being. For example, Aditi Chauhan, the goalkeeper of the Indian national football team, relies on the Apple Watch to track not only her physical activity but also her resting heart rate and sleep patterns, using the insights gained to make informed decisions about her health and fitness. Furthermore, Coutinho highlights the need for scepticism regarding the accuracy and certification of most wearable devices in the Indian market. He encourages individuals to rely on their instincts, live in harmony with nature, and stay attuned to their bodies when using wearable technology for wellness purposes. According to Coutinho, the future of wellness wearable technology looks promising as long as it is acquired with genuine intent and a focus on improving one's well-being rather than simply for the sake of trendiness.

In 2019, Instagram introduced the option to hide the number of likes on posts. We want people to worry less about how many likes they are getting and spend more time connecting with the people they care about. This decision followed a wave of scientific studies revealing the detrimental impact of social media on our mental well-being. Usage of social media has been linked to decreased self-esteem and the potential development of eating disorders. Seeking engagement, such as likes, comments, and shares, which serves as a crucial form of validation for most social media users, can be particularly harmful or triggering for young women. (That being said, social media also has its merits, including helping individuals find a sense of community when they feel isolated. \ The recent update seems like a significant regression in the effort to alleviate the pressures associated with social media. A Meta revealed, "We recently launched share counts on feed posts and hope this is a helpful measure in understanding what resonates with others using Instagram. This change aligns with the approach to how reels are displayed and will soon be implemented globally. However, the Meta noted that akin to the 2019 option to hide likes, users can elect to hide shares by accessing their Instagram settings, clicking or tapping "Like and share counts" (under the "What you see" section ), and selecting " Hide like share and share counts ." If Meta is committed to advancing their digital well-being initiatives (bearing in mind they have an entire site dedicated to this cause), introducing additional data related to the "success" of a post does not seem aligned with this objective.

Apple has introduced Game Porting Toolkit 2.0, allowing developers to smoothly bring Windows games to macOS , iPhone , and iPad . This updated toolkit translates DirectX graphics to Metal and supports game controller, Spatial Audio,  and HRD video capabilities. Originally launched to facilitate the adaptation of Windows games for macOS, the toolkit has now been extended to include iPhones and iPads. The Game Porting Toolkit provides a robust framework for translating Windows games into native macOS applications, allowing developers to assess the feasibility of porting their games to Mac and then make detailed including game controller support, Spatial Audio, and HDR video capabilities. The toolkit enhanced graphic performance, expanded software compatibility, and supported advanced features such as ray-tracing on compatible hardware and the AVX2 instruction set with the introduction of macOS Sequoia. The most significant advancement in Game Porting Toolkit 2.0 is its new support for iOS 18. This development allows developers to port a Windows game to macOS and subsequently to iPhone and iPad. Once a game is optimized for macOS, transitioning to iOS becomes straightforward, thanks to shared SDK , which ensures consistent support for features such as game controller support and graphics rendering across platforms. This streamlined porting process is expected to attract more game developers to Apple's ecosystem, allowing them to reach a wider audience across multiple Apple devices with minimal additional effort. Game Porting Toolkit 2.0 is currently in beta for developers, promising to expand the gaming possibilities on Apple platforms.

The food services market in India is projected to expand significantly, reaching ₹9 trillion by 2030 from the current ₹5.5 trillion. This growth is allocated to factors like increasing affluence, growing digitization, and evolving lifestyles. The emergence of fast-food chains has witnessed substantial changes in the past decade, including the emergence of fast-food chains and the importance of food delivery platforms. It is expected that the love for dining out and ordering in among Indians will escalate in the coming years. Image source LinkedIn According to the report, nearly doubling of the market for eating out and ordering in, reaching ₹9 trillion by 2030. The growth is driven by an increasing number of customers, more consumption opportunities, and an increase in the presence of new restaurants in the industry. The online food delivery sector is expected to accelerate, with an estimated compound annual growth are (CAGR) of 18%, making up 20% of the total food services market by 2030. Image source ET source As per the report, the frequency of eating out in India is expected to increase from the current average of 5 times per month to 7–8 times by 2030, indicating a shift in the way eating out is perceived – from special occasions to a matter of convenience, with opportunities for new occasions and greater access. Image source CLH News Lastly, the report notes that the market for eating out has evolved over time, with online aggregators driving the shift to home deliveries, and an increase in fine-dining chains catering to wealthy consumers. The data points to the fact that, on average, customers order more than three cuisines from over six restaurants across the online platforms in a year, signifying their interest in diverse dining experiences across different occasions. There is also significant potential for growth on the supply side, with an opportunity to open more restaurants across the country.

Recently, a leaked image of  Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Buds 3 Pro has been making the sounds, generating excitement among tech enthusiasts. The leaked photo, shared by renowned leaker Evan Blass, unveils a revamped design for the wireless earbuds. This image though partially obscured with a mosaic filter, portrays the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro in a sleek silver color, featuring a stem design similar to Apple's AirPods series and silicone ear tips, in line with previous rumours. The renewed look is believed to initiate improvements in battery longevity and call quality, aligning with earlier reports of a dual-driver setup and Bluetooth 5.4 compatibility.  The earbuds are expected to support high-fidelity audio transmission through the Samsung Seamless Codec Hi-Fi,  promising superior sound quality. Additionally, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are rumoured to boast an IP57 rating for dust and water resistance, along with potential features such as ' Blade Lights, '  Adaptive ANC , Adaptive EQ, and  Ambient Sound,   offering an impressive battery life of up to 30 hours on a single charge. Advertisement Anticipation is high for the official unveiling of the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, with many expecting them to be a strong contender in the wireless earbuds market, blending innovative design with advanced audio technology. The leaked image has sparked a range of reactions from netizens, with some sharing humorous responses to the earbuds' resemblance to Apple's AirPods.