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The Legend of Malik Ambar: From Slave to Kingmaker

Aditya Saikrishna
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The Legend of Malik Ambar: From Slave to Kingmaker

INDIA: In the early 17th century, Malik Ambar, a slave, rose to become one of the most powerful rulers in India. His story is one of perseverance, intelligence, and strength in adversity.

Malik Ambar was born in Ethiopia in the late 16th century. Arab slave traders captured him when he was still a child. 

They sold him to a merchant in Baghdad before being taken to the Deccan region of India, where he was sold to the local ruler of the kingdom of Ahmednagar. 

Ambar was given the name “Malik” by his new owner, which means “king” in Arabic.

Despite being a slave, Malik Ambar received an education in Islamic studies and military tactics, which would prove invaluable later in his life. 

He also became a skilled horseman and warrior and quickly rose through the ranks of the Ahmednagar army.

In 1595, Malik Ambar was freed from slavery by the new ruler of Ahmednagar, who recognized his intelligence and military skill. 

He became a trusted advisor and commander in the army and played a critical role in defeating the Mughal Empire in a series of battles.

Malik Ambar’s power and influence grew continuously, and he eventually became the de facto ruler of Ahmednagar. 

He introduced several reforms, including constructing a new capital city and improving the agricultural system. He also built a powerful army that many adversaries feared throughout India.

Malik Ambar was not content with just ruling Ahmednagar, however. He also sought to expand his influence and power throughout the Deccan region. 

He formed alliances with other local rulers and launched a series of successful campaigns against neighboring kingdoms.

In 1610, the Mughal Empire finally defeated Malik Ambar in battle. 

He had to flee to another kingdom but still played a significant role in the politics of the Deccan region until he died in 1626.

Malik Ambar is known for his intelligence, military prowess, and rise from slavery to become a kingmaker.

Also Read: Alcatraz: Looking Back at the Closure of America’s Most Infamous Prison

NASA’s ShadowCam Sheds Light on Lunar South Pole with Latest Photograph

Aditya Saikrishna
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NASA’s ShadowCam Sheds Light on Lunar South Pole with Latest Photograph

SOUTH KOREA: NASA’s ShadowCam has captured a stunning image of a crater rim near the lunar south pole, illuminating the darker regions of the moon with unprecedented detail.

The camera is 200 times more sensitive than those on NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and has detected faint reflected light to reveal the dimly lit, permanently shadowed regions, or PSRs. 

The latest image, taken on Feb. 28, shows differences in the lighting of craters inside and outside the rim of the 2.85-mile-diameter Marvin crater. 

The differences in lighting were due to the scattered light being reflected off nearby mountains, making ShadowCam an ideal tool to shed light on the moon’s PSRs.

The ShadowCam is operating aboard the Korea Aerospace Research Institute’s Danuri spacecraft, which entered lunar orbit in December 2022. 

ShadowCam can provide high-resolution images that could help researchers study lunar evolution and water trapped as ice in shadowed regions and assist in site selection for crewed Artemis missions.

The new image of Marvin crater has significant implications for lunar exploration. 

The crater, named after pioneering planetary geologist Ursula Marvin, is in permanent shadow, making it a prime target for study by ShadowCam. 

The camera’s sensitivity allows it to detect faint light in PSRs, revealing details never seen before. 

With ShadowCam’s super-sensitivity, researchers can detect scattered light from nearby mountains that illuminate the crater’s interior, providing clues about the direction of lighting experienced by nearby craters.

NASA has hailed ShadowCam’s capabilities, saying that the high-resolution images it collects could provide essential information for lunar exploration. 

The data could help researchers understand lunar geology, locate water trapped as ice in shadowed regions, and select suitable landing sites for crewed Artemis missions.

While ShadowCam is at the forefront of lunar exploration, Danuri has also been busy deploying its other payloads. 

The spacecraft has returned images from its primary camera, providing valuable data on the lunar surface. 

With ShadowCam’s unprecedented capabilities, researchers can unlock a treasure trove of information about our celestial neighbor.

Also Read: NASA Receives $27.2 Billion Budget for Scientific Exploration in 2023–24

Himiway Launches Three New Electric Bicycle Models for 2023

Aditya Saikrishna
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Himiway Launches Three New Electric Bicycle Models for 2023

UNITED STATES: Electric bicycle brand, Himiway, has announced the launch of three new models for 2023 – the Pony, Rambler, and Rhino.

Himiway has focused mainly on the North American and European markets and can price its bikes competitively due to its Chinese suppliers for specific parts and components.

Himiway adds 3 new e-bicycles to its lineup

The Pony is the smallest of the three, and the engineers designed it with accessibility and ease of use in mind.  The Himiway bike features a pair of 20-inch wheels and a small, compact frame that can accommodate a full-sized adult despite its size. 

The Pony blurs the lines between an e-bike and an e-scooter with no pedals or chain. It features a 300-watt output hub motor and a top speed of 20 miles per hour. 

The bike weighs just 35 pounds and has two battery options – a 180-watt-hour battery pack that can supply power for about 11 miles of range or a larger 360-watt-hour unit that’s good for twice that. The Pony starts at USD 499.

Himiway
Photo Credit: Twitter/HIMIWAYBIKE

The Rambler, the midway e-bike of the range, is designed primarily for city use. It features a 500-watt motor – either a mid-drive or hub-mounted unit – and a 48-volt, 15-ampere-hour battery pack. 

The bike can cover 55 miles on a single charge on the lowest pedal assist setting. The Rambler is a no-frills, do-it-all e-bike that you can hop on and go for a ride. 

The entry-level model with a hub motor retails for $1,299, while the mid-drive model with hydraulic brakes costs USD 2,199. The Rhino is the most purpose-built e-bike of the range, designed as a heavy-duty electric mountain bike. 

The Rhino comes in two variations – standard and Pro. The standard Rhino features a 1,000-watt hub-mounted motor and a pair of 48-volt, 15-amp-hour battery packs, giving it a total capacity of 1,440 watt-hours. 

It can travel up to 100 miles on a single charge. The Rhino Pro boasts similar specs but has a mid-drive Bafang system instead of the hub motor. The standard Rhino is priced at USD 2,999, while the Pro costs USD 3,999.

Himiway’s new models offer customers a range of options depending on their needs and preferences. 

The Pony is a compact and affordable option for those who want an e-bike that is easy to transport, while the Rambler is a reliable and versatile e-bike for city riders. 

The Rhino is the best option for those looking for an off-road electric bike built to handle rough terrain.

Also Read: Brixton Motorcycles Unveils Felsberg 125 FT: Bike to Debut in Europe

Sergio Perez Surprised Red Bull with Victory over Verstappen in Jeddah

Aditya Saikrishna
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Sergio Perez Surprised Red Bull with Victory over Verstappen in Jeddah

SAUDI ARABIA: Sergio Perez’s impressive performance in Jeddah last weekend, which saw him match the pace of Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen, may have caught the World Champion’s team off guard, according to F1 pundit Martin Brundle.

Sergio Perez led the race for most of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and maintained a five-second gap to Verstappen in the closing stages, matching the Dutchman’s faster lap times when the team instructed both drivers to drive at the same pace. 

Although Verstappen took the bonus point for the fastest lap on the final lap, Perez’s speed was surprising, even to Verstappen’s support team.

Brundle explains that Perez matched his teammate Verstappen’s race pace and won the race on merit and in “fine style.” 

Sergio Perez’s win was his fifth, with four of those on street circuits, but more importantly, it was his first when Verstappen finished second. 

Brundle suggested that the team might have been surprised by Perez’s pace, given that Verstappen’s qualifying car issue prevented him from setting a new record of 16 victories in 21 races.

Verstappen’s father, Jos, made a sly dig at Sergio Perez by suggesting he doesn’t get the opportunity to fight for wins very often. 

However, if Perez can continue to perform the same way as he did in Jeddah, there is no reason to suggest he cannot take the fight to his teammate more often this season.

Both drivers seem eager for the challenge of an in-team fight for glory this season, with Verstappen stating that the drivers were allowed to race. “The best one will finish in front,” he said.

When asked about his teammate’s claims, Perez said it would be “fantastic news” for the team since they would be far ahead of the rest of the field.

Although it may be too early to conclude what a title fight might look like, it is clear that Red Bull’s dominance in the first two rounds of the year means it could end up being an in-team battle for glory this season.

Also Read: Sergio Perez Wins Saudi Arabian GP Despite Max Verstappen’s Charge

Sergio Perez Calls for Review of Red Bull’s Communications after Saudi Arabian GP

Aditya Saikrishna
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0
Sergio Perez Calls for Review of Red Bull’s Communications after Saudi Arabian GP

SAUDI ARABIA: Red Bull’s Sergio Perez has demanded a review of the communications given to himself and teammate Max Verstappen during the closing stages of the Saudi Arabian GP. 

The Mexican driver won the race by just over five seconds, with Verstappen taking second place after starting from 15th due to a driveshaft failure in qualifying. 

The pair had spent the second half of the race trading fastest times as they pulled away from the rest of the field.

Perez had questioned the radio instruction to maintain his lap time, asking if the team had given the same to Verstappen. 

The saga occurred around the same time that Verstappen reported feeling vibrations from his driveshaft. 

Verstappen then asked about the fastest lap, only to be told that the team was “not worried about that.” He promptly took the fastest lap point away from Perez on the very last lap.

Perez explained afterward that he felt the team had given different information to himself and Verstappen, with the fastest lap point being the only differentiator between the two Red Bull drivers after the first two races of the championship. 

He also expressed concern about the risk that Red Bull took in allowing them to continue racing for the win until the checkered flag, given the failure of the RB19 on Saturday.

After taking the fastest lap point, Verstappen said it was a standard question to ask, given that an extra point was up for grabs. 

He added that it was quite a standard question to ask about the status of the fastest lap, especially when it was just between the two cars.

The incident highlights the importance of clear and consistent communication in motorsport. 

With so many variables to consider, any miscommunication can have significant consequences. 

Red Bull will undoubtedly look at their communication processes to ensure they are as effective as possible in the future.

The incident also illustrates the intense competition between Perez and Verstappen as they battle for supremacy within the Red Bull team. 

With both drivers pushing hard for every advantage, tensions will be high throughout the season. Fans can expect more thrilling battles between the two drivers as the championship progresses.

Also Read: Sergio Perez Wins Saudi Arabian GP Despite Max Verstappen’s Charge

Elden Ring Celebrates First Anniversary; Claims Death of over 9 Billion Players

Aditya Saikrishna
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0
Elden Ring Celebrates First Anniversary; Claims Death of over 9 Billion Players

UNITED STATES: Bandai Namco has released a morbid yet amusing infographic to celebrate the first anniversary of Elden Ring.

According to the chart, players have died over 9 billion times since the game’s release.

https://twitter.com/Ziostorm1/status/1637807011034198017

The infographic breaks down the causes of in-game deaths into four categories, with enemy and NPC attacks accounting for 69% of deaths.

The chart reveals that players attempted to fight Malenia, one of the game’s bosses, 329 million times without indicating how many players successfully defeated her. 

Similarly, players attempted to fight Margit the Fell Omen, Limgrave Tree Sentinel, Radagon of the Golden Order, and Starscourge Radahn millions of times.

The second-leading cause of death in the game is status effects, with poison, scarlet rot, blood loss, frostbite, sleep, madness, and death blight accounting for 15% of player deaths. 

Falling to death is the third-leading cause of player fatalities, accounting for 14% of deaths, while player-versus-player deaths are the least common, with only a 2% chance of happening.

The release of the infographic comes shortly after FromSoftware’s announcement that Elden Ring’s first major expansion, Shadow of the Erdtree, is in the works. The company has not yet revealed when it will be released.

Elden Ring is an action-role-playing game developed by FromSoftware and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. The game hit the stores on February 25, 2022, for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and Microsoft Windows.

The game has received critical acclaim for its gaming mechanics, level design, and world-building. It is known for its high difficulty level, with players needing to master the game’s mechanics to progress.

The infographic released by Bandai Namco serves as a testament to the game’s difficulty and the perseverance of its players. 

Despite the high number of deaths, Elden Ring has managed to captivate and entertain players worldwide, cementing its place as one of the most challenging and rewarding games of recent years.

Fans of Elden Ring are undoubtedly eagerly anticipating the release of the game’s first expansion, which promises to add even more challenges and content to an already vast and immersive world. 

Until then, players can continue to hone their skills and test their mettle against the game’s formidable bosses and enemies.

Also Read: India’s Gaming Industry on the Rise as Developers Aim for AAA Games

Ferrari Investigates Cybersecurity Event after Ransom Demand, Customer Details Leaked

Aditya Saikrishna
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Ferrari Investigates Cybersecurity Event after Ransom Demand, Customer Details Leaked

ITALY: Luxury car manufacturer Ferrari is investigating a cybersecurity incident after a subsidiary received a ransom demand for customer contact information. 

Ferrari SpA, the company’s Italian affiliate, promptly started an inquiry with a third-party cybersecurity firm and notified the appropriate officials. 

While the incident is regrettable, the company’s CEO Benedetto Vigna attempted to alleviate concerns by stating that the attacker could not steal sensitive payment information or details of owned or ordered Ferrari cars.

The incident involved a threat actor who gained access to a limited number of systems in the company’s IT environment, which exposed specific customer contact information, including names, addresses, email addresses, and telephone numbers. 

The company verified the data dangled before it by whoever demanded the ransom. The carmaker has informed customers about the potential data exposure and the nature of the incident, but it will not pay any ransom requests.

ferrari
Photo Credit: Twitter/Ferrari

The message and declaration do not refer to ransomware, only that the perpetrator has requested a ransom. However, papers do not rule out the possibility of ransomware, stating that the breach did not impact the company’s operational functions. 

Cybercriminals are increasingly transitioning from ransomware and information exfiltration to pure blackmail. As technological fixes for malware become more common, some have resorted to threatening to reveal clients and vendors.

Ferrari stated that it is working with third-party experts to reinforce its systems, regardless of where the data originated from. Additionally, the Italian carmaker has engaged the services of a “leading global third-party cybersecurity firm” and notified the appropriate authorities.

The incident could be a wake-up call for Ferrari, as even the most basic Ferrari costs more than $200,000. As a result, the attacker involved in the incident as access to information on wealthy people and how to reach them, making the stolen data valuable to criminals. 

Ferrari apologized for the data breach and assured customers it would do everything to regain their trust. The incident serves as a reminder that even high-end companies are not immune to cybersecurity incidents. 

Cybersecurity should be a top priority for businesses, and they should take all necessary measures to protect their data and their customer’s information. 

The incident could also lead to increased scrutiny of Ferrari’s cybersecurity practices, with customers and investors closely monitoring the carmaker’s response to the incident.

Also Read: Aston Martin’s Unique “Slidepods” Take F1 by Storm after Bahrain GP Success

Alcatraz: Looking Back at the Closure of America’s Most Infamous Prison

Aditya Saikrishna
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Alcatraz: Looking Back at the Closure of America’s Most Infamous Prison

UNITED STATES: On March 21st, 1963, the notorious Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, located on an island in San Francisco Bay, closed its doors for the last time. 

The prison, which had gained a reputation as the most secure and escape-proof facility in the United States, had been in operation since 1934 and had housed some of the country’s most dangerous and notorious criminals.

The decision to close Alcatraz was not easy, but a combination of factors led to the prison’s eventual demise. 

The maintenance cost for the aging facility had become prohibitively expensive, and the island’s harsh and isolated location made it increasingly difficult to attract and retain staff. 

In addition, the prison’s reputation as a “supermax” facility designed to house the country’s most dangerous criminals had come under scrutiny as reports of inmate mistreatment and abuse began to surface.

Despite its controversial history, Alcatraz had become an iconic symbol of American justice and a popular tourist attraction. 

Visitors would take boat tours of the island, which offered stunning views of San Francisco and the Bay and could even tour the prison itself, including the notorious “hole,” a pitch-black cell used for punishment.

Mixed reactions followed the closure of Alcatraz. Many people saw it as a necessary step towards modernizing the country’s prison system and improving conditions for inmates. 

Others mourned the loss of a piece of American history and feared that the closure would lead to increased crime.

In the years following its closure, Alcatraz remained vacant and fell into disrepair. It wasn’t until the late 1960s that the island gained new notoriety, this time as the site of a Native American occupation. 

In 1969, a group of Native American activists occupied the island, demanding to turn it into a cultural center and museum. 

The occupation lasted for 19 months, garnered widespread media attention, and shined a spotlight on issues of Native American sovereignty and land rights.

Today, Alcatraz is a National Historic Landmark and a popular tourist destination, attracting over 1 million visitors annually. 

The prison has been preserved and restored to its original condition, giving visitors a glimpse into what life was like for its inmates. 

The island also houses a thriving wildlife community, including seabirds, sea lions, and harbor seals.

Looking back on the closure of Alcatraz in 1963, it’s clear that the prison played a significant role in American history. 

While its closure marked the end of an era, it paved the way for a more modern and humane prison system. 

While the island no longer houses prisoners, it continues to serve as a reminder of the complexities and challenges of the American criminal justice system.

Also Read: United Airlines Boeing 777 Descends to 775 Feet above Pacific Ocean

South African Investigator Shot Dead Along with Son while Probing State Corruption Allegations

Aditya Saikrishna
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South African Investigator Shot Dead Along with Son while Probing State Corruption Allegations

SOUTH AFRICA: Cloete Murray, a 50-year-old South African investigator appointed to investigate state corruption allegations, was shot dead along with his son by unknown assailants in Johannesburg on Saturday.

Murray was driving in the city with his 28-year-old son Thomas when the incident occurred.

While Thomas succumbed to his injuries on the spot, emergency services took Murray to the hospital, where he passed away, according to police officials cited in media reports.

Murray held a significant position as a liquidator for the Bosasa company, which was involved in numerous government contract scams. 

In his position, he looked closely at the company’s affairs and helped recover assets or report any criminality linked with them. 

Bosasa was concluded to have been involved in scams related to government contracts, according to the Zondo Commission, which was set up in January 2018 by former president Jacob Zuma to investigate state corruption allegations and fraud in South Africa’s public sector.

The commission reported that the company bribed influential politicians and state officials to get government contracts during Zuma’s nine-year presidency from 2009 to 2018. 

However, Zuma refuted all the claims of foul play at the time. Bosasa was also a donor to current South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s leadership campaign, and the company has allegedly received lucrative contracts.

With Bosasa’s corruption links, Ramaphosa said he would repay $35,000 (£27,300) in donations that Bosasa made to his campaign. 

Ramaphosa faces many other accusations in addition to the Bosasa corruption charges. 

Murray was also looking into a company linked to the Gupta brothers, Ajay, Rajesh, and Atul, who attempted “state capture” during Zuma’s leadership with the aid of political favors, according to the commission’s report.

The Gupta brothers moved from India to South Africa in 1993 and enjoyed favors from the government and public companies. 

South Africa is striving to have the Gupta brothers deported from the UAE, where they were arrested and are currently facing trial. 

The killing of Murray and his son has raised concerns about the safety of those investigating corruption allegations in the country.

South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his condolences to the Murray family and called for a thorough investigation into the matter. 

The African National Congress (ANC) also condemned the killing and urged law enforcement agencies to leave no stone unturned in bringing the culprits to justice.

The killing has sent shockwaves across the country, with many people taking to social media to express their concerns about the state of corruption and violence in the country. 

The incident has also highlighted the need for urgent measures that the government must take to protect those investigating corruption allegations in the country.

Also Read: 12 South African Cheetahs to Be Translocated to India’s Kuno National Park

Hyundai Launches Fourth-Generation Verna with Futuristic Design and Advanced Features

Aditya Saikrishna
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0
Hyundai Launches Fourth-Generation Verna with Futuristic Design and Advanced Features

INDIA: Hyundai Motor India Limited has launched the fourth-generation Verna, a famous name in the Indian automobile market. 

The sedan has been redesigned with a futuristic look and advanced features, aiming to take on competitors in the c-segment sedan space.

The new Verna draws inspiration from the larger Elantra, featuring a full LED light bar on the nose, a bulky grille, and headlamps. 

The silhouette of the new-generation Verna looks appealing in the design sketches revealed. The 2023 Hyundai Verna will sport larger dual-tone alloy wheels and a sharp tail design using a parametric design theme.

The interior of the new Verna gets a significant upgrade, featuring a Mercedes-Benz-inspired dual-display, a two-spoke steering wheel, and a high-set center console. 

The sedan will offer a more spacious and comfortable cabin than its predecessor. 

The 2023 Hyundai Verna’s features include a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, a 10.25-inch instrument cluster, a wireless phone charger, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, automatic climate control, an 8-speaker Bose sound system, ambient lighting, an electric sunroof, an electronic parking brake, powered seats, and three driving modes. 

The new Verna is 4,535 mm long and the widest car in its segment at 1,765 mm. With a maximum height of 1,475 mm from the ground, the car will be the lowest in terms of height. 

The wheelbase, at 2,670 mm, is the best in the class, like the 528-liter trunk volume.

Hyundai has done away with the diesel engine this time and will offer just two petrol engine choices: the 1.5L NA petrol and the 1.5L turbo-petrol. 

The NA petrol is the existing powertrain setup that develops 115 PS and 140 Nm of torque. The car is available with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a CVT gearbox. The new turbo-petrol unit will push out 160 PS and 253 Nm and comes with either a 6-speed MT or a 7-speed DCT.

The 2023 Hyundai Verna will compete with other famous names in the C-segment sedans in India, namely the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, Honda City, Volkswagen Virtus, and Skoda Slavia. 

Hyundai expects the sedan to bring in more sales for the brand and breathe new life into this dying segment.

Market experts expect the starting price of the 2023 Hyundai Verna to be Rs 10.50 lakh, ex-showroom. 

The top-spec trim could retail for as much as Rs 18–19 lakh, ex-showroom. The fourth-generation rendition of the Hyundai Verna will capture the imagination of Indian car buyers, offering a new and exciting option in the sedan segment.

Also Read: Investors and Unions Pressure Hyundai to Address Child Labour at U.S. Suppliers

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