Best printers for Home

Best Mixer Grinder

Best wired Earphones

Best 43 Inch TV in India

Best Wi Fi Routers

Best Home Theatre in India

Smart Watch under 5000

Best Laptops for Education

Best Laptop for Students

<keyword id="20528925" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Amish-Tripathi" source="keywords">Amish Tripathi</keyword>, the celebrated author behind the best-selling <em><keyword id="22444346" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Shiva-trilogy" source="keywords">Shiva Trilogy</keyword> </em>and <em>Ram Chandra </em>series, has made headlines once again for his recent acquisition in Mumbai’s elite <keyword id="22444347" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Upper-Worli-district" source="keywords">Upper Worli district</keyword>. The author, known for his retelling of Indian myths, has invested a staggering Rs 13.65 crore in a luxurious apartment located within the prestigious <keyword id="22444348" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="World-One-project" source="keywords">World One project</keyword> by the <keyword id="20178245" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Lodha-Group" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Lodha Group" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Lodha Group">Lodha Group</keyword>.<br /><br />Situated in one of Mumbai's most coveted locales, Tripathi's new abode spans approximately 251 square metres of sheer opulence. Boasting interiors designed by the renowned <keyword id="22444349" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Armani/Casa" source="keywords">Armani/Casa</keyword>, the residence offers a blend of sophistication and comfort. Further, Lodha’s World One project, renowned for its exclusivity and panoramic views of the Arabian Sea, boasts some of the tallest residential buildings in India.<br />    <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111582880" title="How did Delhi-NCR and Mumbai housing prices surge by nearly 50% in five years?" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Nestled in the heart of <keyword id="20161525" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="South-Mumbai" source="keywords">South Mumbai</keyword>, Worli boasts a vibrant mix of cultural attractions and recreational avenues. Some notable destinations include the picturesque <keyword id="22444350" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Worli-Sea-Face" source="keywords">Worli Sea Face</keyword>, a favourite among joggers and evening strollers, to the iconic Bandra-Worli Sea Link, which connects the island city to its northern suburbs. Moreover, the area's upscale dining establishments, boutique shops, and cultural venues ensure that residents are never far from the pulse of Mumbai's dynamic lifestyle.<br /><br />Worli in South Mumbai has long also been a magnet for celebrities and prominent personalities seeking luxury and convenience. Known for its stunning sea views and proximity to Mumbai's business districts, Worli counts several Bollywood stars, industrialists, and sports icons among its residents. Notable personalities that reside here include Shahid Kapoor, Rohit Sharma, Yuvraj Singh, <keyword id="6354486" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="virat-kohli" source="Orion">Virat Kohli</keyword>, Anushka Sharma, Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia D'Souza.<br />    <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111663953" title="Is the cost of rent finally going down in Bengaluru&amp;#39;s IT corridors like Koramangala and Whitefield?" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Even with 7 million books sold worldwide, Tripathi continues to expand his creative horizons. In collaboration with Immortal Studios, Wakaoo Films, and Casa Media, the author has ventured into film production, aiming to bring his novel <em>Legend of Suheldev: The King Who Saved India </em>to life on screen. His latest documentary, <em>Ram Janmabhoomi: Return of a Splendid Sun, </em>delves into the historical and cultural facets of Ram Janmabhoomi and the life of Lord Ram.<br />

Shiva trilogy author Amish Tripathi buys Mumbai apartment worth Rs 13.65 crores in one of India’s tallest towers

On Tuesday, Neeraj Chopra—the defending Olympic champion in <keyword id="6426496" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Javelin" source="Orion">javelin</keyword> throw—delivered a dazzling performance during the qualification rounds at the Paris Olympics. Competing at the Stade de France, Chopra unleashed a throw of 89.34 metres, topping the qualification round and clinching his spot in the final. This impressive feat not only demonstrated his skill, but also reaffirmed his status as one of the top athletes in the sport.<br /><br />As Chopra carries the weight of a nation's hopes, he aims to secure another gold medal following his historic triumph at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. His remarkable performances have made javelin throwing a focal point for crores of Indians, capturing their collective imagination.<br /><br />This renewed interest in javelin throwing brings into focus the sport's rich history. The evolution of the javelin throw—from its origins as a primitive hunting tool to its elevation as a modern Olympic event—tells a compelling story of human ingenuity, athleticism and cultural evolution. Let's dive into this captivating journey and see how the javelin has transformed through the ages.<br /><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Origins: Prehistoric hunting tool and a weapon in warfare" comment="subhead" text="Origins: Prehistoric hunting tool and a weapon in warfare"><span data-til="noop">Origins: Prehistoric hunting tool and a weapon in warfare</span></cmsannotation><br />The word ‘javelin’ comes from Middle English and it derives from Old French ‘javelin’, a diminutive of ‘javelot’, which meant spear. And javelins are precisely that—light-weight spears.<br /><br />Their origins can be traced back to prehistoric times, when early humans used long, pointed wooden sticks for hunting. These early javelins were crucial for survival, enabling hunters to strike prey from a safe distance and avoid close encounters with dangerous animals. This essential skill laid the groundwork for what would ultimately become a competitive sport.<br /><br />As civilisations advanced, the javelin evolved into a weapon of warfare. Ancient Greeks and Romans utilised javelins in military tactics, with soldiers known as skirmishers using them to disrupt enemy formations before close combat ensued. This use underscored the javelin’s importance in distance and accuracy, marking it as a significant element of ancient military strategy.<br /><br />The main difference between ancient and modern javelins is the use of a thong—a permanently-attached leather strap that formed a loop at the javelin's centre of gravity. It improved the grip and allowed throwers to impart a spin, enhancing both precision and distance.<br /><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="The birth of competitive throwing" comment="subhead" text="The birth of competitive throwing"><span data-til="noop">The birth of competitive throwing</span></cmsannotation><br />The <keyword id="19934351" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="javelin-throw" source="keywords">javelin throw</keyword> gained prominence in ancient Greece, becoming a key event in the Olympic Games around 708 BC as part of the pentathlon. Athletes competed not just for personal glory, but to showcase their physical prowess.<br /><br />In ancient Greek society, the javelin throw was more than a sport—it reflected cultural values that celebrated strength, skill and competition. Victories were seen as triumphs of civic pride, with athletes representing their city-states and contributing to communal celebrations.<br />  <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112009818" title="From sunbeams to Olympic dreams: How a simple mirror creates the legendary Olympic flame" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Following the fall of the Roman Empire, however, the javelin throw's popularity waned, with limited activity recorded until the 19th century. It was the establishment of the modern pentathlon in 1840, which included javelin throwing, that led to the sport’s revival. This resurgence also paved the way for the sport’s formal recognition.<br /><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Standardisation and modernisation" comment="subhead" text="Standardisation and modernisation"><span data-til="noop">Standardisation and modernisation</span></cmsannotation><br />By the late 19th century, javelin throwing gained momentum in track and field events across Europe and the United States. The 1908 London Olympics marked its debut on the Olympic stage—a significant milestone in its history. The inclusion of women’s javelin throw in the 1932 Olympics further broadened the sport’s appeal and inclusivity.<br /><br />The 20th century saw considerable advancements in javelin design. The 1980s brought modifications to the javelin’s centre of gravity, resulting in steeper trajectories and safer landings. Early wooden javelins with steel tips evolved into modern versions made from lightweight metals and carbon fibre, engineered for optimal aerodynamics and balance.<br /><br />These innovations have significantly enhanced throwing distances and performance, transforming javelin throw into a highly technical and competitive sport.<br />  <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112097005" title="Bite-sized tradition: Why do Olympic winners bite their medals?" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>All in all, the javelin throw’s evolution from a prehistoric tool to an Olympic event showcases the dynamic interplay between necessity and competition throughout human history. As professional javelin throwers continue to push the boundaries of athletic performance, they will keep honouring this sport’s ancient roots while inspiring future generations of competitors.<br />

Javelin throw evolution: From an ancient hunting and warfare technique to a modern Olympic Sport

Before we knew the astronomical phenomenon that eclipses were, most cultures had their own explanations for them. In a weird twist of fate, however, these stories often ended up as a celestial buffet for some mythical creature or another — leading to these cultures considering the event as a bad omen. For instance, the Sun is eaten by a demon in Hinduism, a dragon in ancient Chinese cultures, and a wolf according to Norse mythology. Now, imagine telling all these anxiety-struck people that we were planning to artificially induce an eclipse.<br /><br />The European <keyword id="41531" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="space" source="Orion">Space</keyword> Agency (<keyword id="191401" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="esa" source="Orion">ESA</keyword>) is set to embark on an unprecedented mission this autumn: the launch of Proba-3, the world's first man-made eclipse machine. This revolutionary project involves two satellites working in tandem to create a prolonged, man-made <keyword id="6699518" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="solar-eclipse" source="Orion">solar eclipse</keyword> in space, a feat that has never been achieved before.<br /><br />Proba-3 is composed of two satellites that will fly in close formation, maintaining a precise distance of 144 metres apart. This alignment will allow one satellite to cast a shadow onto the other, effectively creating an <keyword id="22055746" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="artificial-solar-eclipse" source="Orion">artificial solar eclipse</keyword> for the other satellite. However, if you were expecting a massive difference on Earth, it is unlikely we'll see the eclipse we're used to.<br /><br />The reason this mission is so crucial is because the Sun is somewhat of a massive attention-seeker. The star’s brilliant beams are so all-encompassing that they wash out everything in their path, making it hard to discern specific waves of radiation. Imagine how difficult it would be to spot a firefly while a massive forest fire burns behind it.<br /><br />Proba-3’s primary scientific goal is to study the Sun's corona, the faint outer atmosphere usually obscured by the Sun's intense light. By blocking out the Sun's bright face, Proba-3 will provide a rare and sustained view of the corona. Interestingly enough, the mission will be launched using the PSLV-XL rocket, operated by the Indian Space Research Organisation (<keyword id="6358064" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="isro" source="Orion">ISRO</keyword>).<br /><br />Formation flying requires an extraordinary level of precision, akin to maintaining the configuration of a 'large rigid structure' in space. This is achieved through a sophisticated blend of guidance and navigation technologies. Proba-3 will demonstrate these capabilities by conducting rendezvous experiments and maintaining its formation for up to six hours at a time.<br /><br />The primary instrument aboard Proba-3 is an external coronagraph, designed to study the Sun's corona closer to the solar rim than ever before. By providing a clear and extended view of this region, scientists hope to gain insights into solar phenomena such as coronal mass ejections and solar winds, which have significant impacts on space weather and, consequently, on Earth's technological infrastructure<br /><br />According to the ESA, both <keyword id="6375764" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="spacecraft" source="Orion">spacecraft</keyword> will orbit the Earth every 19.7 hours, at a maximum height of 60,530 kilometres. The coronagraph spacecraft will weigh 340 kg, while the one casting the shadow will weigh 200 kg. The mission antenna will be stationed on the Santa Maria island in Portugal, with a ground station in Redu, Belgium.<br />

ESA, ISRO to soon launch Proba-3, which will create the world’s first man-made solar eclipse

<ul class="summary-list"><li>I <a href="https://www.insider.com/things-first-time-cruisers-should-never-do-ship-employee-2022-10">worked for two cruise lines</a> in six years, so I've been to some amazing warm-weather ports. </li><li>San Juan, Key West, and Cozumel are gorgeous places to explore.</li></ul><p>As a <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-you-should-never-do-on-cruise-former-crew-member-2022-10">former crew member</a> on cruise ships who spent six years working for two different cruise lines, I've seen my fair share of beachside ports. </p><p>Here are <a href="https://www.insider.com/top-caribbean-islands-visit-2018-4">my five favorites</a>, based on the variety and quality of experiences I had during my visits.</p><h2>San Juan, Puerto Rico, has a historic district that sets it apart from other ports</h2><p>San Juan's cobblestone streets and <a href="https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/san-juan-architecture-tour">colonial architecture</a> draw tourists to the Puerto Rican capital. It's also home to historical forts, beautiful beaches, and a vibrant culture. </p><p>If you're interested in learning how to surf, you'll probably have an opportunity to do so in San Juan, whereas some other Caribbean ports don't have enough waves. But for me, the historical and cultural attractions outweigh the pull of the beaches and other water sports.</p><div type="image" title="san juan puerto rico colorful buildings" height="1738" width="2317" msid="95323595" hostid="261" sizebytes="220092"></div><p>I recommend <a href="https://www.insider.com/best-walkable-cities-for-pedestrians-2019-6">taking a historical walking tour</a> of Old San Juan or signing up for a culinary tour. The Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery is remarkable and one of the most impressive cemeteries I've ever visited. </p><p>Get a taste of everyday life by purchasing a kite and flying it on the rolling green lawns by the fort of San Felipe del Morro Castle. Then, take a walk along a gorgeous promenade called the Paseo de la Princesa, watch people dance in the street, and sample food from the local market.</p><p>Just be aware that if you head to the popular Fortaleza Street in Old San Juan, you'll run into Instagrammers posing underneath the umbrellas that are suspended above the street.</p><h2>Cozumel, Mexico, offers incredible marine life, archaeology, and beaches</h2><p>Cozumel, an <a href="https://www.insider.com/moving-from-us-to-mexico-what-surprised-me-2021-7">island off the coast of the Yucatán Peninsula</a>, is a very popular cruise destination. </p><p>People come here for the incredible beaches, marine biodiversity, and water sports. There are also plenty of shops, restaurants, and beach bars. </p><div type="image" title="Quiet oceanfront restaurant in cozumel" height="2448" width="3264" msid="95323597" hostid="261" sizebytes="279620"></div><p>Cozumel isn't far from mainland Mexico, so many cruises offer <a href="https://www.insider.com/famous-landmarks-everyone-should-visit-2019-2">tours of the Mayan ruins</a> in Tulum or Chichén-Itzá. I've never had the opportunity to visit the latter, but the ruins in Tulum are incredible. </p><p>The island is a great place to try snorkeling, scuba diving, or other marine sports. Affordable dive schools offer snorkel and scuba lessons for all levels. The marine life is beautiful, and the instructors teach you everything you need to know.</p><p>You also can't go wrong with getting a day pass to a beach resort or checking out the low-key beachside bars along the coast.</p><p>Just think twice before renting a scooter unless you have extensive experience riding them. I've heard many stories about people who rented scooters in port and have yet to hear one with a happy ending.</p><h2>Key West, Florida, is a blast to explore by bike</h2><div type="image" title="author in key west" height="1070" width="1429" msid="95323600" hostid="261" sizebytes="167932"></div><p>Key West's architecture, quaint shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues make the scenic, vibrant town a <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-to-do-in-florida-planning-a-trip-2019-4">great holiday destination</a>.  </p><p>The beaches here aren't the best, in my opinion, but Key West is still a good place for catamaran rides, snorkeling, parasailing, or glass-bottom boat excursions. If you've never ridden a jet ski or wave runner before, Key West is a great place to do it. </p><p>Of course, you can do these activities in other ports, but it's the Old Town, the historic district, that makes Key West special. </p><div type="image" title="author on a bike in key west florida" height="1836" width="2448" msid="95323602" hostid="261" sizebytes="396924"></div><p>Guided tours enable you to experience Old Town's history, architecture, and culture. You can take <a href="https://www.conchtourtrain.com/?phta=cttcpc&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwh4ObBhAzEiwAHzZYUw0veYHTybDmb1nke3e9Ur5KQb7fvRGnu_bM3frEC5sEDd9xm-j8ohoCT80QAvD_BwE">the Conch Tour Train</a> or <a href="https://www.trolleytours.com/">the Old Town Trolley Tour,</a> but I'd personally opt for a bicycle tour. I believe the best way to experience Key West is to rent a bike and explore the Old Town on your own. If you're traveling with another person, you can even rent a tandem bike.</p><p>There's so much to do and see in Key West. The <a href="https://keywestbutterfly.com/">Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory</a> is one of the better butterfly gardens I've visited. However, I don't think it's worth waiting in the long line of people waiting to take photos in front of the Southernmost Point Buoy, which marks the southernmost point of the continental US.</p><h2>Nassau, Bahamas, attracts a lot of tourists, but there's also plenty to do away from the crowds</h2><div type="image" title="atlantis on the bahamas nassau" height="2448" width="3264" msid="95323603" hostid="261" sizebytes="509248"></div><p>Although the Bahamas are <a href="https://www.caribbeanislands.com/bahamas/">technically part of the North Atlantic Ocean and not the Caribbean</a>, this nation's ports are often included in Caribbean cruise itineraries. </p><p>Nassau, probably the <a href="https://www.insider.com/the-bahamas-things-to-never-do-according-to-local-photos-2022-7">most well-known Bahamian port</a>, is a great place for snorkeling, a catamaran experience, or a day at the beach. It has Atlantis, which has a casino, aquarium, and fun water park.</p><div type="image" title="cabbage beach" height="1829" width="2439" msid="95323605" hostid="261" sizebytes="186386"></div><p>If you're looking to cut costs during your trip, head to Cabbage Beach on Paradise Island, just a short drive from Nassau. It's a beautiful public beach with no entry fees or pass requirements. Just bear in mind that it offers no facilities or public bathrooms. </p><p>To <a href="https://www.insider.com/best-surprising-tourist-destinations-2019-2">avoid the Atlantis crowds</a>, consider visiting the Graycliff Hotel. It doesn't seem to get as many visitors, is located right by the ocean, and has a beautiful pool and a cigar factory. Built <a href="https://www.graycliff.com/graycliff-history/">in the 18th century</a>, Graycliff has a rich history involving <a href="https://www.nassauparadiseisland.com/five-fun-facts-about-graycliff">pirates, royalty, and celebrities</a>. </p><h2>Philipsburg, Sint Maarten, is packed with adventure — from plane-watching to horseback riding</h2><p>This Caribbean island is split into two sides: Sint Maarten, a Dutch territory, and Saint Martin, a French territory. So if you're <a href="https://www.insider.com/best-things-to-do-st-martin-according-to-local-2021-6">trying to experience as many cultures as possible</a> on your trip, this island can help you kill two birds with one stone.</p><p>Cruise ships usually dock in Philipsburg, the capital of the Dutch side. It's known for its cobblestone streets, brightly colored buildings, and expansive beaches.</p><p>One of the island's most visited attractions is Maho Beach. It's located right by the Princess Juliana International Airport, so people line up to watch the planes fly close to the ground right before they land. And while you're in Sint Maarten, horseback riding in the ocean is another experience worth having.</p><div type="image" title="the writer riding a horse through the ocean" height="1602" width="2136" msid="95323607" hostid="261" sizebytes="121584"></div><p>If you're a "Star Wars" fan, you'll get a kick out of <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/2016/07/19/star-wars-st-maarten-yoda-nick-maley/87279222/">The "Yoda Guy" movie exhibit</a>, a small museum started by Nick Maley, a <a href="http://nickmaley.com/">special-effects makeup artist</a> who helped bring Yoda to the screen. </p><p>Tourists looking for some healthy competition shouldn't miss an excursion <a href="https://www.12metre.com/12-metre-regatta/">with 12 Metre Regatta</a> aboard America's Cup race yachts. You learn to sail as you race against another team of novices around the course. It ended up being more fun than I expected, which might be due to the fact that my team won.</p><p>Honestly, I can't think of any experiences that I wouldn't redo here.</p>

I worked on cruise ships for 6 years. Here are the 5 best warm-weather ports with beaches.

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Activists in <keyword id="6355117" type="LOCATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="south-africa">South Africa</keyword> <a href="https://obs.org.za/ocas-open-letter-to-mckenzie-scott-former-wife-of-jeff-bezos-and-the-third-richest-woman-in-the-world-with-a-net-worth-of-53-billion-04-may-2021/">asked MacKenzie Scott</a> to help them block <keyword id="18635" type="CITY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Amazon">Amazon</keyword> from building on sacred lands.</li><li>Indigenous <keyword id="4578871" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="khoi">Khoi</keyword> leaders say Amazon's planned Africa headquarters would have harmful environmental and cultural impacts.</li><li>The group also wrote to Amazon CEO <keyword id="191583" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Jeff-Bezos">Jeff Bezos</keyword>, but said he hasn't responded.</li></ul><p>Barely two years after Amazon faced backlash over its elaborate public search for a "second" headquarters, the company's plans to build its Africa headquarters in <keyword id="33769" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="cape-town">Cape Town</keyword>, South Africa, are coming under fire.</p><p>This time, indigenous activists and other local community groups have <a href="https://www.iol.co.za/capetimes/news/concept-approval-for-r4bn-river-club-development-a-slap-in-the-face-for-indigenous-people-cd20aac9-fde3-4c28-a971-95271891d5cc">criticized Amazon's plans</a> to set up its new campus on land that is environmentally and culturally sacred to the first nation Khoi people.</p><p>One of those groups, the Observatory Civic Association, is turning to a high-profile source for help in their fight to block the Amazon-led development: <keyword id="9662074" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="mackenzie-scott">MacKenzie Scott</keyword>, who divorced Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos in 2019.</p><p>"We appeal to you to intervene to bring Amazon to its senses," OCA chairperson Leslie London wrote in an <a href="https://obs.org.za/ocas-open-letter-to-mckenzie-scott-former-wife-of-jeff-bezos-and-the-third-richest-woman-in-the-world-with-a-net-worth-of-53-billion-04-may-2021/">open letter to Scott</a>, adding: "If you wish to assist our struggle for justice in the courts, we will welcome your financial assistance."</p><p>London said the group, which has partnered with more than 60 Khoi and other NGOs and civic groups, also wrote to Bezos, but that he didn't respond.</p><p>Scott and Bezos could not be reached, and Amazon did not respond to a request for comment.</p><p>The backlash concerns a planned mixed-use development in Cape Town called The River Club, which would span roughly 37 acres, with Amazon set to be the main tenant, according to <a href="https://www.iol.co.za/capetimes/news/concept-approval-for-r4bn-river-club-development-a-slap-in-the-face-for-indigenous-people-cd20aac9-fde3-4c28-a971-95271891d5cc">South African news site IOL</a>. While Cape Town city officials approved an initial concept for the project, it has faced fierce criticism from many native Khoi groups, according to the OCA's letter and various media reports.</p><p>London wrote in her letter the proposed development disregards the history of the land, where the Khoi fought against colonial expeditions and land grabs by the Portuguese and Dutch.</p><p>"We think [Scott] can influence Bezos and Amazon to avoid making the biggest business mistake of their lives. Amazon will forever and irrevocably be associated with modern-day colonial dispossession," <a href="https://www.iol.co.za/weekend-argus/news/plea-to-mackenzie-scott-ex-wife-of-jeff-bezos-to-save-river-club-land-b5d45a83-09d4-4bab-9095-d3fc8383a42f">London told IOL</a>.</p><p>Other tech billionaires, such as Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, have faced criticism for attempts to acquire land originally occupied by <keyword id="584766" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="indigenous-people">indigenous people</keyword>, with critics calling such moves examples of "<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/jan/23/mark-zuckerberg-hawaii-land-lawsuits-kauai-estate">neocolonialism</a>."</p><p>But the OCA said Amazon's proposed headquarters also poses serious environmental concerns and would violate Cape Town's established climate resilience policies, since it would involve pouring 150,000 square metres of concrete into a flood plain. (Concrete infilling can exacerbate the flood damage caused by heavy storms, for example, like what happened in Houston, Texas, during <a href="https://projects.propublica.org/graphics/harvey-reservoirs">Hurricane Harvey</a>).</p><p>The proposal as it currently stands, London wrote, "must surely be of deep concern to anyone who believes in a world where environmental protection, justice and heritage, particularly for First Nation groups, should be adequately considered in development decisions."</p>

Activists ask MacKenzie Scott to help fund their efforts to stop Amazon from building its Africa headquarters on sacred native land

<ul class="summary-list"><li>A whole lot of hype has built up around the <keyword id="11121339" type="General" weightage="60" keywordseo="metaverse" source="Orion">metaverse</keyword>, and Wall Street is getting excited about its money-making potential.</li><li>A piece of land in <keyword id="12166193" type="General" weightage="60" keywordseo="the-sandbox" source="Orion">The Sandbox</keyword> sold for $4.3 million, while buyers are rushing to get a plot near Snoop Dogg's virtual mansion.</li></ul><p>Noone knows what the metaverse is going to look like. Or even it's really going to become a thing.</p><p>The fuzzy term refers to virtual worlds in which people create avatars to play games, work, build things, or watch virtual events. Big beasts <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/facebook-new-name-meta-rebrand-metaverse-zuckerberg-apps-2021-10">such as Facebook</a> want in, but <keyword id="2721952" type="General" weightage="60" keywordseo="crypto" source="Orion">crypto</keyword> developers are currently making the running.</p><p>Either way, there's a lot of hype about it. The Wall Street crowd <a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/metaverse-investing-wall-street-jefferies-land-sales-sandbox-crypto-nfts-2021-12">is getting very excited</a> about its money-making potential.</p><p>Nothing has driven that hype more than the <a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/currencies/metaverse-virtual-land-sales-record-last-week-sandbox-decentraland-2021-12">huge property transactions</a> that are taking place, with parcels of virtual land changing hands for millions of dollars.</p><p>Right at the centre of the virtual land boom is The Sandbox, a blockchain-based decentralized metaverse. A tract of virtual land inside sold <a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/currencies/metaverse-property-sandbox-virtual-real-estate-deal-record-4-million-2021-11">for $4.3 million</a> in November, even though it's yet to fully launch.</p><p>As the virtual world develops next year, people will be able to build and sell items, play games to earn tokens, trade property, and more.</p><p><strong>Sandbox has seen $211 million of land sales</strong></p><p>Sebastien Borget co-founded The Sandbox gaming company in 2012, and is now its chief operating officer. He said virtual land sales have exploded in recent months, and that total sales between 2019 and today amount to $211 million.</p><p>Crypto enthusiasts, creators and gamers alike have been drawn in. The <a href="https://www.coingecko.com/en/coins/the-sandbox">'sand' cryptocurrency</a> is up more than 9,000% in the last year.</p><p>"So far the reception has been good and we have thousands of users playing simultaneously [in the alpha version]," Borget told Insider earlier this month. Yet he added: "It's still very early on."</p><p><em><strong>Read more: </strong><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/virtual-real-estate-decentraland-sandbox-metaverse-nft-digital-assets-crypto-2021-12?r=US&amp;IR=T">More than $100 million of metaverse land was sold in the last week alone. The co-founder of a virtual real estate company breaks down why the opportunity in digital properties could rise ​200x in 16 months.</a></em></p><p>He envisions it becoming a digital economy with virtual concerts, art galleries, museums, and architectural practices.</p><p>Borget has been very excited by the arrival of legendary rapper Snoop Dogg into The Sandbox, with the Doggfather set to perform virtual shows. Someone <a href="https://fortune.com/2021/12/09/snoop-dogg-rapper-metaverse-snoopverse/">coughed up $450,000</a> for a piece of land near Snoop's mansion earlier in December — likely the most expensive land sale by square metre so far.</p><p><strong>Crypto tech 'allows user ownership'</strong></p><p>Early metaverses such as The Sandbox and Decentraland are rooted in <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-is-blockchain?r=US&amp;IR=T">decentralized crypto technology</a>, with transactions denominated in digital tokens.</p><p>But why must metaverses be based on crypto technology? Couldn't they just be written using normal computer code?</p><p>Borget said blockchain technology is hugely useful for allowing users to own the content they create in The Sandbox, because it lets them mint it onto non-fungible tokens, or <keyword id="902592" type="General" weightage="60" keywordseo="nfts" source="Orion">NFTs</keyword> — a sort of unique crypto collectible.</p><p>It also allows complex networks to exist without any one entity having overall control. For example, the amount of land in The Sandbox is finite, Borget said, and is governed by a so-called smart contract written onto the blockchain.</p><p>"I'm working to grow the decentralized part of the metaverse where we enable users to truly own their identity and be self-sovereign," he said.</p><p><strong>Metaverse are drawing in big brands</strong></p><p>Yet that's not to say the crypto metaverse is some kind of socialist state. Companies like The Sandbox are out to make money through numerous fees on users. The Sandbox takes a chunky 5% each time anyone buys or sells anything with the sand token, for example.</p><p>The Sandbox believes deals with major brands are key to creating a vibrant economy within the metaverse and drawing in users. Museums and art galleries may be a way off but so far The Smurfs, Care Bears, and The Walking Dead have signed up.</p><p>It speaks to Borget's vision of the metaverse, a quirky place where fun is paramount.</p><p>"Avatars ... will have access to very diverse culturally diverse experiences," he said. "And that makes it a compelling place to be."</p>

A co-founder of The Sandbox explains what on earth is going on in the metaverse — where land is selling for millions and Snoop Dogg is hanging out

Nepals Ministry of Culture, <keyword id="20048" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="tourism">Tourism</keyword> and Civil Aviation has put a ban on taking and circulating pictures, videos and filming of <keyword id="10904473" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="other-climbers">other climbers</keyword> or members of expedition teams on Mt Everest other than of oneself starting this season.<br /><br />Issuing a notice on Wednesday, the <keyword id="254034" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="department-of-tourism">Department of Tourism</keyword> put the ban, saying that each climber can take, share and make images and videos of their group or of oneself but they will face action if they take, make and share photos of other climbers without the department's consent.<br /><br />In the wake of a picture that went viral on May 20i9 about the "traffic jam" on Mt Everest taken by one record holder climber, Nirmal Purja, Nepali officials have been facing other similar kinds of criticism by the international media over threat to the <keyword id="6426894" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Himalayan">Himalayan</keyword> eco-system. <br /><br />The mountaineering community and some international media have criticized the hollow management of the Nepal government in managing the expedition on Mt Everest after the photo, "traffic jam in Everest" went viral. <br /><br />Later, several other climbers took pictures of other climbers, filming at the top of Mt Everest and circulated them on the Internet. <br /><br />Officials said some other attempts were made to defame Mt Everest's tourism management by circulating the pictures like piling of garbage at <keyword id="1061461" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Everest-base-camp">Everest base camp</keyword>, an avalanche in Everest during the earthquake in 2015.<br /><br />"Such activities have given negative publicity about the Everest so we decided to put a ban on taking pictures, movie and filming in the Everest by others," Mira Acharya, an official at Nepal's Tourism Department told the Nepali media, "to stop these kinds of negative publicity, we have come up with the new guideline that includes <keyword id="10904474" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="other-mountains">other mountains</keyword> in the country as well". <br /><br />Nepal has eight mountains whose heights are higher than 8,000 metres and Nepal witnesses a huge rush of mountaineers during the climbing season that generally falls in mid-May. <br /><br />Similarly, the new guideline also stated that any climber should have appropriate medical and health conditions for climbing the mountains. <br /><br />In the past, due to some climbers, who did not have the appropriate health and medical conditions to climb the mountains, emergency rescue operations had to be mounted.<br /><br />"We honour the personal freedom of climbers but that does not mean they can post images and videos of others without their consent. Either through commercial cameras or mobile sets, all such activities have been banned," Acharya told the Nepali media here. <br /><br />If anyone intends to disseminate still photographs and videos of people, avalanches and even dead bodies on the mountain among other things, they must secure consent from the Department of Tourism, the government agency that issues Everest climbing permits, the <keyword id="18568" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="kathmandu">Kathmandu</keyword> Post quoted the official. <br /><br />According to Ang Tsering Sherpa, former president of Nepal Mountaineering Association, though, it would not be possible to prevent the dissemination of videos or photos taken on Everest because millennials stand out for their use of technology, and even the older generation has embraced<br /><br />digital life.<br /><br />"You make a click here and in an instant, your photo goes around the world," he told the newspaper. <br /><br />A total of 6,507 mountaineers have climbed Everest from the Nepal side since Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and New Zealander <keyword id="134414" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Edmund-Hillary">Edmund Hillary</keyword> first set foot atop the world's highest peak in May 1953.<br /><br />The year 2019 was significant in terms of records set on the world's tallest peak. On May 22 and 23, a total of 223 and 212 climbers reached the summit, which has been recorded as the highest and the second-highest number of climbers on the top of Everest on any particular day.<br /><br />There were no expeditions last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which caused Nepal loss of millions in revenue, while thousands of people in the Himalayan region were rendered jobless. <br /><br />Foreigners pay $11,000 for a permit to climb Everest and spend anywhere between $40,000 and $90,000<br /><br />for the entire expedition.<br /><br /><br /><strong>SEE ALSO:<br /><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/checkout-review-of-oppo-fitness-band-related-to-design-performance-price-and-battery-life/articleshow/81423414.cms">Oppo Band Style review – getting the basics right with a twist of flair</a><br /><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/international/news/narendra-modi-joe-biden-yoshihide-suga-and-scott-morrison-are-set-to-meet-for-the-first-ever-quad-leaders-summit-on-march-12/articleshow/81424117.cms">The first-ever leaders summit of the QUAD may be another signal that it's ready for something more formal</a><br /><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/how-to-check-share-allotment-status-of-mtar-technologies-ipo/articleshow/81424102.cms">MTAR Technologies IPO: Here is how to check share allotment status</a><br /></strong><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/enterprise/news/tcs-cfo-explains-how-the-role-of-a-finance-head-has-been-changed-by-the-pandemic/articleshow/81423884.cms"><strong>EXCLUSIVE: TCS CFO explains how the role of a finance head has been changed by the pandemic</strong></a><br />

Nepal's is banning Mount Everest climbers from taking pictures and videos of 'others' without consent

<keyword id="43945" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Chhattisgarh">Chhattisgarh</keyword> may not be high on most lists of must-go-to travel destinations, but that also means it’s a state waiting to be explored by intrepid travellers.<br /><br />In just three days, you will be able to cover everything from tribal villages to waterfalls to some fascinating ancient architectural marvels. It is believed that at least ten of the fourteen years Lord Ram spent in exile was in Chhattisgarh and in a bid to attract tourists, the government <a href="https://www.financialexpress.com/lifestyle/travel-tourism/follow-lord-rams-footprints-in-dandakaranya-8-sites-to-be-developed-under-chhattisgarhs-ram-vangaman-path-plan/1772200/">plans</a> to develop eight sites as a part of Lord Shri Ram Vangaman Path.<br /><br />Business Insider reached out to author, travel writer, food critic, and columnist, Puneetinder Kaur Sidhu who co-authored several Lonely Planet guides on Chhattisgarh to share her experience. Here’s what she had to say: "My most abiding memory of Chhattisgarh is that of a verdurous land populated with friendly, easygoing folk. A revisit, when it happens, will be spurred on foremost for these reasons alone. Which is not to say it offers little else; au contraire! Its expansive countryside is dotted with natural, spiritual and architectural assets. Were the history buff in me to pick just one, <keyword id="358742" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sirpur">Sirpur</keyword>, on the banks of Mahanadi, would easily count as an attractive package of all three.”<br /><br /><strong>Sirpur</strong><br /><br />Once an inconspicuous little town, Sirpur is now an internationally recognised tourist spot. Buddha himself is thought to have meditated here, and that’s why the Dalai Lama visits Sirpur annually. “Excavation digs have revealed ancient settlements, and a large (now) restructured Buddhist footprint,” Puneetinder said.<br /><br />                                <div type="image" title="Dalai Lama &amp;amp; Sirpur (1) (1)" msid="80192362" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;sub&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/sub&amp;gt;Dalai Lama in Sirpur&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div><br /><strong>Must-do in Sirpur:</strong> “To my mind, the sculpted-brick Laxman Temple there, the backdrop to the National Dance &amp; Music Festival (2019), is the most striking monument of its time," according to Puneetinder. <br /><br />                                          <div type="image" title="Laxman Temple Sirpur_Chhattisgarh Tourism Board" msid="80192367" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Laxman Temple, Sirpur&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div><br /><br /><strong><keyword id="6009753" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Chitrakote-Falls">Chitrakote Falls</keyword>:</strong> Around 260 kilometres from the capital <keyword id="45327" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Raipur">Raipur</keyword> is home to Chhattisgarh's crowning glory, the magnificent Chitrakote Falls. Spanning 300 metres in width, it is the broadest waterfall in India. This horseshoe-shaped fall is at its roaring best just after the rains, but beautiful all year round. <br /><br />                              <div type="image" title="Chitrakot Waterfall (1)_Chhattisgarh Tourism Board" msid="80192370" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Chitrakot Waterfall &amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div><br /><em><strong>Stay</strong>: You can stay at the Chitrakote Log Hut. A peaceful place to stay, it features some fancy tents and modern cabins (some with fantastic views of the falls). </em><br /><br /><strong>Tribal life in <keyword id="68723" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bastar">Bastar</keyword>: <br /></strong><br />While the Bastar region is primarily known for its tumultuous Naxal (far-left communist) activities, the current state government <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/naxal-activities-confined-to-few-pockets-in-chhattisgarh-minister/articleshow/79741172.cms">claims</a> that this has been confined to very few pockets and assures that the problems will soon be done away with altogether.<br /><br />“I got the chance to visit Chhattisgarh around 5-6 times, to cover the annual Bastar Dussehra for around 40 of the 70 days, researching the role of Gurmayis (women priests) for a fellowship and studying the tattoo culture of different tribals in the state,” says Supriya Sehgal, a Mumbai-based travel and children's book author and the co-founder of a digital marketing and production house, The Content Lab.<br /><br />                                          <div type="image" title="Bastar Dussehra.36_Chhattisgarh Tourism Board" msid="80192392" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Bastar Dussehra&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div><br />Sehgal was fascinated to be privy to centuries-old traditions at such close quarters. “It was more sublime than superlative - meeting the only surviving women priests, interviewing the oldest fully tattooed lady from the <a href="https://www.sahapedia.org/ramnami-community-chhattisgarh">Ramnami community</a>.” Considered untouchables, this community found a rather ingenious way to combat the caste system. Since they were not allowed to enter temples, they tattooed their entire bodies with the name of ‘Nirgun Ram’.<br /><br />                              <div type="image" title="A Ramnami lady with her &amp;#39;ram-ram&amp;#39; shawl and tattoos" msid="80192418" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;A Ramnami lady with her &amp;#39;Ram-Ram&amp;#39; shawl and tattoos&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div><br />“Another unforgettable experience was seeing the Bastar Dusherra's animal sacrifices and other traditional practices. I also found a strange palate for ant chutney and mahua at the many <em>haats </em>during my visits.” - Supriya Sehgal.<br /><br /><strong>Places to visit within Bastar<br /></strong><br /><strong><keyword id="3490771" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Danteshwari-Temple">Danteshwari Temple</keyword>:</strong> Situated in <keyword id="48720" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Dantewada">Dantewada</keyword> town in Bastar District is the ancient Danteshwari Temple. The temple is one of the 51 <em>Shakti Peethas</em> where, it is believed, Goddess Sati’s tooth fell. What is a Shakti Peetha? You can read it <a href="https://www.indiatoday.in/travel/festivals/story/navratri-durga-puja-51-shakti-peeths-shiva-sati-amarnath-kamakhya-kolkata-kalighat-lifetr-1050105-2017-09-23">here</a>.<br /><br />                              <div type="image" title="Danteshwari Devi  (1)_Chhattisgarh Tourism Board" msid="80192474" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Danteshwari Devi&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div><br />The presiding deity of Danteshwari is the Kuldevi (family goddess) of Bastar state. This is also where the famous Bastar Dussehra takes place where, every year, thousands of tribals from surrounding villages and jungles gather to pay homage to the goddess. Her idol is taken out of the Danteshwari temple and then taken around the city in an elaborate procession.<br /><br />                            <div type="image" title="Bastar Dussehra.24_Chhattisgarh Tourism Board" msid="80192533" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Bastar Dussehra&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div><br /><strong><keyword id="10598436" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rajiv-Lochan-Mandir">Rajiv Lochan Mandir</keyword>:</strong> Forty-five-kilometers from Raipur, is a town called Rajim that harbours some fantastic ancient temples, notably the 8th-century Rajiv Lochan Mandir, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Situated on the right bank of Mahanadi, the expansive campus hosts temples to various deities, but the main attraction is the temple dedicated to ‘Rajiv Lochan’ (the one with beautiful eyes) that is Lord Vishnu. It is <a href="https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/zee-hindustan/religion-astro/rajim-shrine-is-like-prayag-of-chhattisgarh-visit-rajiv-lochan-mamdir-here-in-malamas/754362">believed</a> that Lord Ram prayed to Ishta Devata Mahadev and Suryadev here while he was in exile. It is also said that when the world was being created the lotus that came out Lord Vishnu’s navel landed here. The annual <keyword id="1573748" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rajim-Kumbh">Rajim Kumbh</keyword> also takes place here. Devotees from far and wide come to wash away their sins at the holy confluence of the Mahanadi, Pairi and Sondur Rivers (also called the Triveni Sangam of Chhattisgarh).<br /><br />                            <div type="image" title="Rajim Kumbh (4) (1)" msid="80192513" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Rajim Kumbh &amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div><br /><strong>Getting around:</strong> Connectivity within the State is more-or-less limited to roads, but you can easily take an air-conditioned Volvo bus from Raipur to your choice of destination, or better still, hire a cab. The roads are in excellent condition and incredibly scenic.

Travel buffs tell you where to veer off the highway in Chhattisgarh to find some lesser-known gems

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><p class="source"><span>Ubisoft</span></p><p class="caption">If you're looking to watch a bunch of armed white men dragging women by their feet as prisoners, "Far Cry 5" is the game for you.</p></div><p></p></div></div></p><ul><li><strong>A major new blockbuster game, "Far Cry 5," launched on Tuesday, March 27.</strong></li><li><strong>In "Far Cry 5," you play as a sheriff's deputy attempting to take down a violent religious cult.</strong></li><li><strong>"Far Cry 5" is full of imagery and dialog that feels absurdly out of place in the modern day United States.</strong></li></ul><p><br />Last weekend, hundreds of thousands of protesters all over the United States - mostly teenagers - participated in the March for Our Lives rallies.</p><p>The protest's goal was simple: "To demand that a comprehensive and effective bill be immediately brought before Congress to address these gun issues."</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><p class="source"><span>Associated Press/Alex Brandon</span></p><p class="caption">Looking west away from the stage, the crowd fills Pennsylvania Avenue during the "March for Our Lives" rally in support of gun control, Saturday, March 24, 2018, in Washington.</p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p>The March for Our Lives protests, and similar protests prior to this past weekend, were a direct response to the February 14 school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, where a 19-year-old gunman killed 17 students and staff members with a legally purchased AR-15 rifle. </p><p>There's no way that video game publisher Ubisoft could've known that its latest blockbuster game, "Far Cry 5," would arrive at such a contentious moment in the ongoing US gun control debate. The game comes out today, March 27, and it's hard to imagine a piece of media that's more tonally and thematically out of place in time.</p><p>Here's a brief summary: You play as a small-town sheriff's deputy in Montana, where a violent religious cult has taken over. Your job is to take down the religious cult, and you do this by exploring the game's massive open world and systematically dismantling their bureaucracy.</p><p>More simply: You shoot <em>a lot</em> of people, and make a lot of things explode. It's <em>very</em> similar to previous "Far Cry" games in this respect and, on paper, it sounds harmless.</p><p>In practice, "Far Cry 5" is a ham-fisted mess of American stereotypes and wink-wink/nudge-nudge jokes about gun violence. It feels like the wrong time to make this joke about an AR-15 considering that's the gun that was used in the Parkland school shooting:</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><p class="source"><span>Ubisoft</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p>And that's the basest foundation of the kind of tone "Far Cry 5" takes with regard to American culture.</p><p>Much of the game's dialog and characters are poorly done caricatures of American stereotypes: The sheriff, the preacher, the conspiracy theorist, etc. They've all got something vaguely obvious to say, often with a subtle hint of current culture being referenced. It's all stuff that would feel right at home in a "Grand Theft Auto 5" side mission - a game that came out in 2013. </p><p>But it's 2018, and the United States is more divided than ever. White nationalists are holding rallies, teenagers are marching in the streets for gun control, and the White House seems particularly unstable. </p><p>Maybe it's not the best time for this kind of imagery?</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><p class="source"><span>Ubisoft</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p>Or this:</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><p class="source"><span>Ubisoft</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p>Or this:</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><p class="source"><span>Ubisoft</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p>Maybe I'm just too precious of a snowflake, but that seems unlikely given my interests. I love many violent games, and I've <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/video-games-gun-violence-2018-3">argued passionately before</a> that playing violent video games doesn't cause real-life violence. I wouldn't argue that "Far Cry 5" is an exception.</p><p>It is, however, a tasteless game from bottom to top - from weapon descriptions, to character types, to dialog to imagery. And not <em>the good kind of tasteless</em> that has something to say, but the juvenile kind that s--tposts on Reddit for fun.</p><p>Given the current state of the United States, "Far Cry 5" feels like something made for an alternate reality where mass shootings aren't common, where there isn't a raging culture war between so-called Red and Blue states, where there isn't yet another misinformed scapegoating of violent video games unfolding.</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><p class="source"><span>Ubisoft</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p>It's a tremendous shame, because the actual game parts of "Far Cry 5" - the shooting, the sneaking, the progression system, etc. - are excellent. But when yet another bad guy rhapsodizes about the collapse of society and it sounds like a presidential campaign rally, it's hard to not be repulsed.</p><p>Previous games in the series applied the same open-world, first-person shooter formula to fictional worlds full of overblown stereotypes. "Far Cry 5" went all-in on US culture as its setting, and it stands out as one of the most anachronistic games I've ever played.</p> <p class="tagline">Get the latest Microsoft stock price<a href="http://markets.businessinsider.com/stock/MSFT-Quote"> here.</a></p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/nemos-garden-is-an-underwater-greenhouse-heres-how-it-works-italy-father-son-2018-3">A father and son are growing fruit and vegetables 8 metres below the surface of the Mediterranean Sea - here's why</a></h3>        <div>                    </div>    </div>

Amidst an ongoing gun debate and the March for Our Lives protests, 'Far Cry 5' couldn't feel more out of place

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><p class="source"><span><a href="https://www.comparably.com/companies/facebook">Facebook</a></span></p><p class="caption">Former Facebook employees (not pictured) described a cult-like atmosphere at the company.</p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p>Good morning! This is the tech news you need to know this Wednesday.</p><ol><li><strong><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/facebook-company-culture-like-cult-2019-1?r=US&amp;IR=T">Former Facebook employees reportedly say the corporate culture is like a cult where you have to be happy all the time</a>.</strong> More than a dozen former Facebook staffers spoke to CNBC, and put much of the blame on Facebook's biannual peer-review system, where employees are "stack-ranked" and assigned a grade by management.</li><li><strong><a href="https://motherboard.vice.com/en_us/article/nepxbz/i-gave-a-bounty-hunter-300-dollars-located-phone-microbilt-zumigo-tmobile">A Motherboard investigation found US phone companies sell customers' data in real time, allowing bad actors to potentially track their location to within a few hundred metres</a>.</strong> The investigation found data sold to firms like credit checkers can end up on the black market.</li><li><strong><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mark-zuckerberg-new-years-resolution-tech-society-2019-1?r=US&amp;IR=T">Mark Zuckerberg's New Year's resolution is to host public debates about the effects of tech on society</a>.</strong> Every year Zuckerberg poses himself a challenge, and this year he pledged to talk with "leaders, experts, and people in our community from different fields," every few weeks.</li><li><strong><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tim-cook-brings-back-it-just-works-in-interview-with-cnbc-2019-1?r=US&amp;IR=T">Tim Cook appeared on "Mad Money" and repeated one of Steve Jobs' favorite sayings to defend Apple during its slump</a>.</strong> Twice Cook repeated the phrase "it just works" - one of late Apple CEO Steve Jobs' mantras.</li><li><strong><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/uber-ceo-dara-khosrowshahi-says-company-may-not-ipo-in-2019-2019-1?r=US&amp;IR=T">Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi says there's a chance the company may not IPO in 2019 after all</a>.</strong> Khosrowshahi told The Wall Street Journal in an interview published Tuesday that he and investors would be "disappointed" if there was no IPO but that "the company would be just fine."</li><li><strong><a href="https://www.theverge.com/2019/1/8/18172082/google-assistant-connect-vs-alexa-interpreter-mode-maps-features-devices-ces-2019">Google made a heap of announcements about its AI-powered "Google Assistant" at CES</a>.</strong> Among other things it showed off "Interpreter mode," letting people talk to each other in different language while the virtual assistant translates.</li><li><strong><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/google-will-lease-west-los-angeles-2019-1?r=US&amp;IR=T">Google is moving in to a former Los Angeles shopping mall to open a massive new 584,000-square-foot office</a>.</strong> Dubbed "One Westside," the offices will take up part of what is today the Westside Pavilion mall.</li><li><strong><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-much-does-fortnite-make-on-iphone-2019-1?r=US&amp;IR=T">"Fortnite" made nearly half a billion dollars on just Apple devices in 2018, according to a new report</a>.</strong> In December 2018 alone, the game reportedly made just under $70 million on Apple devices.</li><li><strong><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ellie-overwatch-women-esports-2019-1?r=US&amp;IR=T">A gamer tried to go pro by pretending to be a woman in a scandal that exposed an ugly truth about esports</a>.</strong> "Overwatch" is one of the most successful esports titles in the world, with the Overwatch League and other events supporting more than 200 professional players.</li><li><strong><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/far-right-group-britain-first-facebook-ads-mosque-ban-2019-1?r=US&amp;IR=T">Facebook cleared political ads for a British far-right group it banned just 8 months ago</a>.</strong> Facebook allowed political ads for far-right British political group Britain First to run on its platform in December, which ran for several days in late December.</li></ol><p>Have an Amazon Alexa device? Now you can hear 10 Things in Tech each morning. Just search for "Business Insider" in your Alexa's flash briefing settings.</p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/north-korea-kim-jong-un-scariest-dictators-2016-1">North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un is 35 - here's how he became one of the world's scariest dictators</a></h3>        <div>                    </div>    </div>

You Searched For "metre culture" and got 10 results

Shiva trilogy author Amish Tripathi buys Mumbai apartment worth Rs 13.65 crores in one of India’s tallest towers

BI India Bureau

Javelin throw evolution: From an ancient hunting and warfare technique to a modern Olympic Sport

Kunal Kambli

ESA, ISRO to soon launch Proba-3, which will create the world’s first man-made solar eclipse

Ankush Banerjee

I worked on cruise ships for 6 years. Here are the 5 best warm-weather ports with beaches.

Sharon Waugh

Activists ask MacKenzie Scott to help fund their efforts to stop Amazon from building its Africa headquarters on sacred native land

Tyler Sonnemaker

A co-founder of The Sandbox explains what on earth is going on in the metaverse — where land is selling for millions and Snoop Dogg is hanging out

Harry Robertson

Nepal's is banning Mount Everest climbers from taking pictures and videos of 'others' without consent

IANS

Travel buffs tell you where to veer off the highway in Chhattisgarh to find some lesser-known gems

Kavita Majumdar

Amidst an ongoing gun debate and the March for Our Lives protests, 'Far Cry 5' couldn't feel more out of place

Ben Gilbert

10 things in tech you need to know today

Isobel Asher Hamilton,Isobel …

Popular Keywords

Buying Guides