Author: sureshzmc07

NEW DELHI: Hungarian Grandmaster Richard Rapport, one of the few to secure a draw against the relentless D Gukesh in the Chess Olympiad, admires India’s remarkable chess growth.
He, however, refrained from naming the young talent as a clear favorite for the world title.
The caution stems from the unique challenge posed by the highly anticipated match in November-December, and Gukesh’s experienced opponent, Ding Liren.
Presently, 18-year-old Gukesh is reveling in India’s first-ever Olympiad gold in Budapest. He was the campaign star, finishing unbeaten with eight wins and two draws.
Rapport, who first halted Gukesh in his dominant run, praised the youngest world title challenger while speaking to news agency PTI. They are likely to meet again next month in the Tech Mahindra Global Chess League (GCL) in London.
In the previous GCL season, Rapport defeated Gukesh when they faced each other.
“When I played him in GCL last season, he was a different player, may be not a different player but in different form. I didn’t play a particularly interesting game against him in the Olympiad. I played a very straight game,” said Rapport, who became Hungary’s youngest GM when he achieved the title at 13 years of age after taking up chess to improve his grades in mathematics.
“I didn’t really push him to his limits (in the Olympiad) but others have done that and he stood his ground. That’s super impressive. I am very much looking forward to playing him (in GCL).
“I like to be challenged by the strongest players on the planet even though it’s going to get more difficult with this young Indian generation coming up. But I am not entirely depressed,” he quipped.
Gukesh and Rapport drew their sixth-round game in the Olympiad after 44 moves. Uzbekistan’s Abdusattorov Nodirbek was the only other player to draw against Gukesh.
Rapport, like many in the chess community, eagerly anticipates the world championship. Last year, he supported Ding Liren as his second when the Chinese GM won the title by defeating Russia’s Ian Nepomniachtchi.
According to the Hungarian, Gukesh faces a tough challenge in the November 20 to December 15 match due to Liren’s significant experience.
“…if you look at the last event (the Olympiad), Gukesh is supposed to be favourite but that match is very different and Ding has experience and I think may be there would a new champion. But I would not put the numbers in favour of anybody. It’s way too difficult than any tournament ever.
“Experience is a huge advantage for anyone. I expect a very close (match) and I expect a big fight. I hope to see some good ideas, worthy of a world championship, which I think the last match definitely delivered,” he said.
Rapport also commended the Indian women’s team, which won gold at the Olympiad, making it a clean sweep for India.
“The ladies team was actually surprising. We are all focussing on the Open team but in that team you had two players (Gukesh and Arjun Erigaisi) who were playing just unbelievably. If you have (even) one player, you have a very good chance of winning a tournament but you had two,” he pointed out.
“But in the ladies team, it was very tight competition. They stood their ground and played really well, that’s really impressive. I mean, look at Kazakhstan, they had a very strong ladies team but, I don’t want to insult anyone, an unremarkable team in the men’s section. I mean decent players but not top players,” he said.
“…(but) your country is up there when it comes to chess.”
Rapport, who briefly switched allegiance to Romania due to feeling ignored by his home country, returned to play for Hungary before the Olympiad after feeling more valued by the national chess body.
At the GCL, his teammates will include Norwegian ace Magnus Carlsen and Indian prodigy R Praggnanandhaa.
“For me, if I was not playing, this league would be something that I would be watching. In a way it kind of succeeded in that regard,” he said of the league that starts on October 3.

WWE is one of the most happening places in the world of professional wrestling, and everyday something or the other takes place. From wrestlers joining to health updates about existing wrestlers on the roster, there’s a lot that fans get to catch up on.
So, here’s a quick roundup of some of the major happenings in WWE over the past few days, including health updates, contract statuses and more.

Everything that happened in the WWE last week

1) Charlotte Flair return delayed

WWE Superstar Charlotte injured herself badly in December 2023 with a torn ACL, MCL and Meniscus and has been out of action since then. Despite showing promise in terms of recovery, the wrestler has still not been cleared to return to the ring, and will be out of action for even longer duration. While it’s unclear when she’ll be returning to the ring, fans remain hopeful and have been praying for her speedy recovery.
Also read:WWE Women’s Superstar Charlotte Flair’s Return Delayed: Latest Status Update

2) WWE files new trademark related to Stone Cold

Stone Cold Steve Austin was one of the most celebrated wrestlers in the Stamford-based promotion. Recently, the company filed a new trademark for the phrase Austin 3:16, something that has been associated with Stone Cold Steve Austin ever since he’s been associated with the company. Following this trademark, there are rumors that Stone Cold might be making a comeback to the promotion, but that’s just speculation for now.
Also read:WWE Files New Trademark Related to Stone Cold Steve Austin

3) Jimmy Uso’s health update

Jimmy Uso has been absent from WWE programming for a while now, after being ousted from the Bloodline unceremoniously, after Solo Sikoa took over the throne of the Tribal Chief from Roman Reigns. Last week, Rikishi sparked an outrage after he asked everyone to pray for Jimmy. While Sean Ross of Fightful Select confirmed that the wrestler was hale and hearty, it did send the entire wrestling community into a frenzy.
Also read: Is Jimmy Uso returning during WWE Bad Blood?

4) Lucha Bros sign multi-year WWE deal

Lucha Bros have been a prominent face in the AEW and have contributed to some of the most popular matches in the promotion. However, the tag-team has finally made his way to the WWE and will be seen in the ring shortly. Although there’s no set date for their debut yet, the two of them have signed a multi-year contract with the Stamford-based promotion and will be wrestling here for the coming years.
Also read:Lucha Brothers Reportedly Sign Multi-Year WWE Deal, Preparations for Debut Underway

5) Kevin Owens left speechless over Rhodes-Reigns alliance

Kevin Owens has had immense history with both Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns over the years, and ever since the Bloodline has been feuding with the American Nightmare, K.O. has been constantly at Rhodes’ side. However, last week, Rhodes and Reigns formed an alliance, which has significantly affected the Canadian wrestler. There’s a chance that he’d be turning heel either on or after Bad Blood 2024, but it’ll be making up for a wonderful storyline for sure.
Also read:Bad news for K.O. fans as heartbreaking update on the Canadian grappler surfaces

Till a few years back, the idea of Chinese automakers leading the charge in automotive technology would have seemed like science fiction. Yet, today, the reality is strikingly different. Two Chinese electric vehicle (EV) companies, Nio and XPeng, have secured prominent positions in Gartner Digital Automaker Index 2024. The study claims to have evaluated 22 automakers across nine categories, analyzing a vast dataset of 13,919 data points.
The latest ranking of auto groups’ digital performance shows only three legacy carmakers — Ford, General Motors and BMW — in the top 10 while the rest are dominated by Nio, Xpeng and BYD from China and US start-ups including Tesla, Rivian and Lucid.
The Shanghai-based EV maker Nio and XPeng follow Tesla with 71.2 percent and 66.8 percent respectively, both improving from last year. Among the top ten, BYD, Rivian and XPeng reportedly saw the biggest increases.
General Motors registered the biggest drop (13.3 per cent) and the 9th place in the ranking. Volkswagen registered the sharpest decline and saw its score fall 18 per cent to 35.2 per cent. Toyota rests third from the bottom, down 7 percent from 2023.
While Tesla maintained its top spot, Nio and XPeng registered significant growth, outpacing many established global automakers

Source: Gartner Digital Automaker Index 2024

US ahead, but China catching up fast

In terms of geography, China’s EV revolution is evident in the rapid rise of Nio and XPeng. Both companies have made substantial strides in areas such as connectivity, software, and overall digital capabilities.
The Gartner index illustrated that US automakers are still ahead of Chinese automakers in the race for software supremacy. However, the margin between the two countries is decreasing fast. China is catching up — and very fast.
As per rankings, Europe is a distant third with South Korea right behind. Japan’s performance, meanwhile, has gone down.

Finding the right laptop can be overwhelming with so many options on the market, but the latest 13th-generation laptops stand out for their impressive performance and features. Whether you need a laptop for work, college, or entertainment, these laptops are designed to handle it all. With powerful processors, slim designs, and long-lasting battery life, they offer a combination of speed and efficiency that makes multitasking easy. Plus, many come with advanced graphics and display technologies, perfect for gaming or creative work.
These laptops also include features like enhanced video calling, noise reduction, and some excellent pre-installed software, making them convenient for professionals and students alike. Our article offers you some of the best 13th-gen laptops that are built to adapt to your demands, offering a lightweight body and portability without compromising on performance. If you’re looking for the best, these laptops on our list will provide everything you need for your daily tasks, all in a compact, high-performing package.

Here is a comparison table for the best 13th gen laptop:

Some handpicked options to make your search easier:

Popular’s pick:Acer Swift Go 14 Intel i5 13th Gen
User’s pick:Samsung Galaxy Book4 i5 13th Gen
Value for money:Acer Aspire 7 Intel 13th Gen RTX 2050

The Acer Swift Go 14 Intel i5 13th Gen is one of the best 13-gen laptops to manage multiple tasks and enjoy a smooth, heavy-duty performance. This one comes preloaded with Windows 11 and MS Office, making it perfect for professionals. For high-quality video conferences, it has a 1440p QHD camera that delivers clear images even in low light. For easy access and safety, it has a fingerprint sensor lock. Plus, its lightweight design makes it easy to carry, combining power and portability in one sleek device.
Key Features:

The HP Pavilion Intel Core i5 13th Gen 1340P makes it to our list of best 13th-gen laptops in India because of its powerful processor and great value for money. It’s perfect for anyone who needs performance without breaking the bank. You can enjoy high-quality video calls because of its TNR technology which also reduces background noise for a better experience. Plus, it has an Eyesafe display that protects your eyes by reducing blue-light emissions making it ideal for long work or study hours. To sum up, this laptop offers solid performance, eye protection, and a great video-calling experience at an affordable price.
Key Features:

If you are a fanatic of the Samsung ecosystem and its user-friendly interface, this laptop is an ideal choice. This Samsung Galaxy Book4 i5 13th Gen allows you to connect your devices with ease, helping you stay productive and creative. It also has Dolby Atmos speakers for a rich audio experience. If you love the camera on your Galaxy phone, you can use it for video chats and enjoy the excellent display of the Book4. Quick Share and Phone Link make file sharing between your PC and phone simple. With 1 TB of storage, you’ll have enough space for all your files, photos, and videos. This laptop is the gold standard of the best i5 13 gen laptops that you will find in India.
Key Features:

If you’re a dedicated gamer and need a laptop that can do it all, we recommend the Acer Aspire 7 Intel 13th Gen RTX 2050 from our list. This gaming laptop offers strong performance with sleek portability. It comes with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 for amazing graphics, making your games more immersive. The 8GB DDR4 RAM and 512 GB SSD ensure fast load times and plenty of storage. Its 15.6-inch FHD display with a 144 Hz refresh rate gives you smooth, clear visuals. Plus, the RGB backlit keyboard adds style to your gaming studio. Available with Windows 11, they are optimised for games and creative enthusiasts who require powerful performance in a compact body.
Key Features:

The Lenovo LOQ Intel is another great choice for gamers and editors. It features a stunning display that brings your games and videos to life with amazing graphics. You can expand the memory up to 32 GB, so you have plenty of space for all your files and programs. While it’s not the lightest laptop, it is portable enough to take with you wherever you go. The keyboard is customizable, as the keys are swappable, allowing you to create your own style. Plus, it comes pre-installed with Windows 11 and MS Office, so you’re ready to enjoy top performance right away.
Key Features:

The HP Victus 15 Intel Core i5 13th Gen is definitely one of the best laptops for gaming. It lets you multitask smoothly, with fast startup and quick loading times. It has NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 graphics, which are great for high-end gaming and rendering of big files. The 15.6-inch Performance Blue display gives you clear and bright visuals which makes it perfect for gaming and watching videos. With Windows 11 as the operating system, it is well-equipped for modern applications. This laptop is a great choice for gamers and people doing heavy-duty tasks like editing. It is a strong and reliable system to improve their experience.
Key Features:

The Acer Aspire 7 Intel 13th Gen RTX 3050 is one of our top picks for the best 13th-gen laptops because of its powerful Intel Core i5 13420H processor, which gives great performance. It also has an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 graphics card, offering stunning visuals for an immersive gaming experience. With 16 GB of RAM and a 512 GB SSD, it handles multitasking easily and provides plenty of storage. The backlit keyboard is useful, especially in low light. Pre-installed with Windows 11, this laptop is perfect for both young gamers and working professionals due to its sleek design and strong performance.
Key Features:

You’ve already read about the Samsung Book4 with an i5 processor on our list earlier, but if you’re looking for an upgrade, consider the Samsung Book4 with an i7 processor for more efficiency. With expandable SSD storage of up to 1 TB, this laptop provides plenty of space for your files and photos, while the Intel Xe graphics enhance your entertainment. What makes it special is its sleek new Steel Gray 15.6-inch design and its lightweight body, weighing just 1.55 kg, making it easy to carry around. Its multi-connect feature also makes working smoother and easier. If you want the best 13th-generation laptop with a stylish design and powerful features, this one is for you.
Key Features:

Laptops with i7 processors typically offer better performance, responsiveness, and overall system experience compared to i5 processors. However, it depends on what you need it for, as both can handle heavy tasks. If you’re looking for the best i7 13 gen laptop then consider the Acer Swift Go 14 Intel i7 13th Gen. This laptop features 100% DCI-P3 vivid color accuracy, deep blacks, and ultra-crisp image quality, providing an amazing viewing experience. Its lightweight and slim body makes it easy to carry anywhere. Whether you’re attending video calls or enjoying entertainment, this laptop will deliver smooth performance and vibrant visuals for every task. And, it comes pre-installed with Windows 11 Home & MS Office for instance performance.
Key Features:

Other related stories that you might like:
Best i5 12 generation laptops: Best Picks for Performance & Value
Best Laptop for Video Editing: Best Picks for High-Quality Display Precision
DISCLAIMER: At TOI, we keep you informed about the newest trends and products. The products listed have been well studied and researched, and are also in line with customer ratings. TOI is part of an affiliate partnership, meaning we may receive a portion of the revenue from your purchases. The product prices mentioned in the article are subject to change, as per retailers’ deals

NEW DELHI: Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday responded to accusations of “victim shaming” as the opposition criticised her remarks on the death of 26-year-old chartered accountant. Anna Sebastian Perayil reportedly died due to extreme work pressure at Ernst & Young (EY). Reacting to Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi’s accusation, Sitharaman clarified that “in no way victim shaming was done nor intended, even remotely”.
As the outrage over Sitharaman’s remarks at an event in Tamil Nadu grew, Chaturvedi took to X and accused Sitharaman of insensitivity. “Dear Nirmala Sitharaman ji, Anna had inner strength to handle the stress that came with pursuing a gruelling Chartered Accountancy degree. It was the toxic work culture and long work hours that took away her life, which needs to be addressed. Stop victim shaming and at least try to be a little sensitive,” she wrote.

Sitharaman clarified that she had “specifically mentioned that after clearing a demanding and rigorous examination such as CA, the stress on her was unbearable”.
“I referred to this matter in a talk at a deemed university near Chennai. I specifically mentioned that after clearing a rigorous examination like CA, the stress became unbearable for her. No names were taken, neither of the lady nor the firm. I was speaking about the importance of building inner strength for students in such demanding environments,” she explained on X.
She also emphasised that her comments were about the need for institutions and families to offer better support to young professionals. “With a sense of grief over the tragic loss, I highlighted the importance of institutions and families to support children, and in no way was victim shaming done nor intended,” Sitharaman wrote.

She further noted that the Union labour ministry had already assured a thorough investigation into the alleged exploitative work culture at EY, which is said to have contributed to Anna’s untimely death.
Anna’s death sparked a debate on work-life balance after a letter written by her mother to the company went viral.
Anna’s father, Sibi Joseph, also spoke about the challenging work conditions his daughter faced at EY. “She had to work late into the night, and even after reaching her PG (paying guest accommodation), she had to continue with additional work that wasn’t even related to her job,” he said. He revealed that Anna struggled to sleep and eat due to the intense work pressure and often cried during phone calls, saying she couldn’t handle the overwhelming stress.
Despite her family urging her to resign, Anna chose to continue at EY, citing the valuable exposure she was gaining. However, tragedy struck on July 21 when she collapsed in her room and died.

NEW DELHI: The Union health ministry on Monday issued a show cause notice to the company that allegedly supplied adulterated ghee to Tirupati’s Sri Venkateswara temple after it failed the quality test.
According to the ministry, it received samples from 4 companies, out of which adulteration was found in one company’s sample.
Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the allegations about the adulteration of Tirupati Prasadam (laddus).
“We are forming a Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising officers of IGP and above posts. The SIT will submit a report to the government and we will take action based on that report so that such things are not repeated,” Naidu said.
Andhra Pradesh CM Naidu further stated, “I am taking three angles, first, purification, according to traditions. I am ordering an inquiry at the IGP level. Only those who have beliefs will be there in the management committee. Finally, we will prepare standard operating procedures for all the temples.”
This comes almost a week after Telugu Desam Party cited a laboratory report supporting the claims made by Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu regarding the use of animal fat in the preparation of the renowned Tirumala laddu during the tenure of the previous government led by YS Jagan Mohan Reddy of the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP).
A lab test report confirmed the presence of animal fat in the ghee used to prepare the famous Tirumala laddu during the term of the previous YSRCP government led by YS Jagan Mohan Reddy.
According to the report, fish oil, beef tallow and lard were found in the sample of the prasad during the examination.
Earlier, Andhra Pradesh CM Naidu accused the previous YSRCP government of mixing animal fat in the ghee used to prepare the prasad during its term.
“They (YSRCP govt) have spoiled the quality of the free food service and did not even leave Lord Venkateswara’s laddu by using substandard ingredients,” he said.
Naidu said that he was astonished to find that poor-quality material was used to prepare Lord Venkateswara’s ‘prasadam.’

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently convened a roundtable meeting with a group of top global tech CEOs, including Google’s Sundar Pichai and Nvidia‘s Jensen Huang. During the meeting, Huang lauded Modi as “an incredible student” for his keen interest in technology and AI.
“I’ve enjoyed so many meetings with the Prime Minister. He’s such an incredible student and every time I see him, he wants to learn about technology, artificial intelligence, the potential and opportunity for India, and the impact on India, society and industry.And so I was delighted to be here to talk about it,” Huang told the media, expressing his admiration for PM Modi.

“This is India’s moment”

Artificial intelligence (AI) presents a great chance and “this is India’s moment. You have to seize the opportunity”, Nvidia chief executive officer (CEO) Jensen Huang has said after meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New York.
The CEO of Nvidia, the company that specialises in AI chips and accelerated computing, noted that India is home to the world’s greatest computer scientists.
“AI really democratises computing, and this is India’s moment. You have to seize the opportunity, said Huang, adding that the company is looking forward to partnering with India on AI.
“India, as you know, is also home of some of the world’s greatest computer scientists. So this is a great opportunity. Artificial intelligence is also a new industry, a new manufacturing industry that’s very important and so I’m looking forward to partner with India in a very deep way to make that possible,” said Huang.
Huang also talked about India’s startup ecosystem
“For all of the startups. India is the home of the third largest startup economy and so this new generation of startups are all based on AI and in order to do so, you have to have AI infrastructure, just the number of partnerships we have all over India,” said Huang.
He also said that Nvidia is partnering with many companies, startups, and IITs across India.
Google CEO Pichai of Google, Adobe’s Shantanu Narayen and IBM’s Arvind Krishna were among the tech bosses to attend the roundtable at the Lotte New York Palace Hotel with Modi on September 22.

NEW DELHI: India on Monday reported its first case of Monkeypox (Mpox) Clade 1 in Kerala‘s Malappuram district. The patient, a 38-year-old man who recently returned from the UAE, is infected with the strain that led WHO to declare a public health emergency.
“India reports first MPOX Clade 1 case, which was reported from Kerala Malappuram last week. The patient is a 38-year-old man who travelled from the UAE; this is the strain after which WHO declared a public health emergency,” sources told news agency ANI.
“The man had a fever and rash similar to chickenpox on his body, after which doctor get suspicious and sent sample for testing,” they added.
Earlier last week on Wednesday, the 38-year-old man undergoing treatment in Malappuram was confirmed with Mpox infection after showing symptoms of the disease, following his return from Dubai, the State health department said.
The State health minister Veena George had said that the man had taken precautionary measures by isolating himself from his family after noticing symptoms of monkeypox.
Earlier, the first Mpox case was detected in the national capital, Delhi, on September 11, when a 26-year-old resident of Hisar, Haryana, tested positive for the virus. The individual was then admitted to the Delhi government-run LNJP Hospital for treatment.
The first suspected case of Mpox (monkeypox) had been verified as a travel-related infection. Laboratory testing has confirmed the presence of Mpox virus of the West African Clade2 in the patient. All 31 Mpox cases identified in the country since 2022 have been attributed to the Clade 2 strain.

What is Mpox Clade 1 strain

The World Health Organisation declared Mpox a public health emergency of international concern for the second time due to the emergence of the Clade 1 strain and its spread in African nations on Aug 14.
The organisation said that the virus spreads “mainly through sexual networks and its detection in countries neighbouring the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is especially concerning of the public health emergency of international concern (PHIC).”
Clade 1, historically found in the Congo Basin in central Africa, is generally more severe, with higher rates of complications such as encephalitis, pneumonia, respiratory distress, and secondary bacterial infections.
The Democratic Republic of Congo is currently witnessing a surge in Mpox cases, driven by two distinct strains of Clade 1. The WHO’s decision to issue its highest level of emergency alert was largely influenced by the rapid spread of Clade 1b and its detection in neighboring countries.

NEW DELHI: Lieutenant Commanders Dilna K and Roopa A will embark on their extremely challenging sailing expedition to circumnavigate the globe next week, which will see the duo cross the equator at least twice and go round the three `great capes’ during their over 21,600 nautical miles voyage.
The “Navika Sagar Parikrama-II” of the two young women officers onboard the indigenously built 17-metre-long sailing vessel INSV Tarini will be flagged off from Goa on Oct 2, Navy vice chief Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan said on Monday.
Dilna and Roopa are all gung-ho about their grueling odyssey, which will require physical and mental strength of an extremely high order. “It will be an incredible journey, which will take around eight months. We have been training for almost three years and are well prepared,” Roopa, who hails from Pondicherry, said.
Dilna, who belongs to Calicut, in turn, said, “We will have to sail at least 21,600 nautical miles (40,100 km) without any external assistance, relying solely on wind power. The voyage will include going round the three great capes – Cape Leeuwin (Australia), Cape Horn (South America) and the Cape of Good Hope (South Africa).”
Vice Admiral Swaminathan described Navika Sagar Parikrama-II as a journey of “empowerment, innovation, and commitment to India’s maritime heritage”, which will chart new paths for a brighter and empowered future.
The circumnavigation will underline the exceptional valour, courage and perseverance of the two officers, who will face rigours of the high seas and extreme weather conditions, pushing them to the limits of human endurance, he added.
The inaugural Navika Sagar Parikrama, the first ever Indian circumnavigation of the globe by an all women crew of six officers, was successfully conducted in 2017. This time it will only be Roopa and Dilna, who have undergone rigorous training, notching up around 38,000 nautical miles of sailing experience.
They have also been mentored by ace circumnavigator and Golden Globe Race hero Commander Abhilash Tomy (retd), a Kirti Chakra and Nao Sena Medal awardee. The two women officers were part of the six-member crew that participated in a trans-oceanic expedition from Goa to Rio de Janeiro, via Cape Town, and back last year.
Thereafter, they undertook a sailing expedition from Goa to Port Blair and back in ‘double-handed’ mode’. Further, they successfully undertook a sortie from Goa to Port Louis in Mauritius again early this year.