Google to Develop Cybersecurity Software for Australian Infrastructure Protection

Adler MorisLeave a comment

Collaboration to Strengthen Cyber Defense

Google and Australia’s national science agency, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), are teaming up to develop digital tools aimed at automatically detecting and addressing software vulnerabilities. This initiative targets operators of critical infrastructure, such as hospitals, defense organizations, and energy suppliers, in response to a growing wave of cyberattacks.

Tailored Solutions for Australian Infrastructure

The software developed through this partnership will be customized to align with Australia’s regulatory framework. “Software supply chain vulnerabilities are a global issue, and Australia has led the way in legislative measures to control and combat the risks,” stated Stefan Avgoustakis, head of security practice for Google Cloud in Australia and New Zealand. This collaboration reflects Australia’s proactive stance in imposing stricter requirements on critical infrastructure operators to report and prevent cyberattacks, especially after recent breaches exposed personal information affecting half of the country’s 26 million residents.

Leveraging Cutting-Edge Technology

The partnership will combine Google’s open-source vulnerability database and artificial intelligence services with CSIRO’s advanced research methods. This blend of resources is expected to produce powerful cybersecurity tools that are specifically designed to meet Australia’s unique regulatory needs. The findings from this research will be made publicly available, ensuring that critical infrastructure operators have easy access to valuable information.

A Broader Commitment to Australia

Google’s involvement in this project is part of a broader five-year commitment to invest A$1 billion ($675 million) in Australia, announced in 2021. This commitment comes at a time when relations between Australia and global tech firms, including Google, have faced challenges due to the country’s push for tougher regulations.

Enhancing Local Compliance and Trust

CSIRO’s project lead, Ejaz Ahmed, emphasized that developing cybersecurity software locally will ensure better alignment with Australia’s regulations, fostering greater compliance and trustworthiness. By making the project’s findings public, the partnership aims to bolster the cybersecurity resilience of Australia’s critical infrastructure, providing long-term benefits in the fight against cyber threats.

Trump Holds First Outdoor Rally Since Last Month’s Assassination Attempt

Adler MorisLeave a comment

Introduction

In his first outdoor rally following last month’s assassination attempt, Donald Trump took the stage in North Carolina, addressing national security concerns. This event is part of a broader effort to shift attention away from the Democrats and their ongoing national convention.

Rally Highlights in North Carolina

During the rally at the North Carolina Aviation Museum & Hall of Fame, Trump confidently declared, “Seventy-six days from now, we’re going to win this state and we’re going to win the White House.” Speaking from behind a podium surrounded by bulletproof glass, Trump was visibly well-protected. Additional security measures included stacked storage containers around the perimeter and snipers positioned on nearby rooftops.

The rally venue featured old aircraft as a backdrop, with a large American flag prominently displayed, underscoring the event’s focus on national security. This rally is one of many in Trump’s weeklong counterprogramming effort against the Democratic National Convention, which is currently being held in Chicago.

Allies Urge Policy Focus Over Personal Attacks

Trump’s allies have been pushing him to focus more on policy rather than personal attacks, especially as he now faces Vice President Kamala Harris, following President Joe Biden’s exit from the race. On Tuesday night, the Democratic Convention saw a powerful display of support for Harris, with former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama taking direct aim at Trump.

Michelle Obama criticized Trump’s narrow worldview, while Barack Obama mocked Trump’s obsession with crowd sizes and his ongoing grievances. “It’s been a constant stream of gripes and grievances,” Obama said, suggesting Trump is increasingly worried about the prospect of losing to Harris.

Running Mate and Battleground States

Trump was joined at the rally by his running mate, Senator JD Vance of Ohio. Vance attacked Harris as a candidate chosen by power brokers rather than voters and criticized her vice-presidential pick, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Vance accused Walz of embellishing his military service and questioned his retirement from the Army National Guard before his unit’s deployment to Iraq.

This rally in North Carolina marks Trump’s second visit to the state in a week, highlighting its importance as a key battleground in the 2024 election. North Carolina, a state Trump won comfortably in 2016, remains a crucial target for his campaign.

Supporters Remain Optimistic

The crowd at the rally expressed strong support for Trump. Edna Ryan, a retired flight attendant, and private pilot, voiced her optimism but emphasized the need for strength in the upcoming election. Lisa Watts, a retired business owner from Hickory, North Carolina, attending her fifth Trump rally, expressed confidence in Trump’s chances against Harris. Watts suggested that the current hype around Harris would eventually fade.

Conclusion

Trump’s rally in North Carolina demonstrated his determination to regain the White House. With national security as the centerpiece of his speech, he continues to solidify his base and challenge his Democratic opponents in this critical election year.

Iran Hints at Delay in Threatened Strike on Israel

Adler MorisLeave a comment

Iran Weighs Response to Haniyeh Killing Amid Gaza Cease-Fire Talks

Cautious Response to Haniyeh’s Assassination

Iran has signaled that any retaliation against Israel for the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh will be carefully measured. This stance marks a shift from the earlier, more urgent rhetoric promising a “devastating” response. Iranian officials, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), have emphasized that the timing and scale of any retaliation will be deliberate, potentially deferring action to avoid jeopardizing ongoing Gaza cease-fire negotiations.

Internal and External Pressures

The assassination of Haniyeh in Tehran last month was a significant blow to Iran’s security forces, creating a dilemma for the nation’s leadership. With a new reformist president, Masoud Pezeshkian, focused on economic recovery, Iran is balancing domestic challenges with the potential international fallout from a military escalation. The government is also mindful of the economic and political stability risks that a conflict with Israel could pose.

Balancing Retaliation with Diplomacy

Despite the earlier vow for revenge, Iran’s leadership, including the supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has urged caution in response to perceived psychological warfare from its adversaries. U.S. officials have noted that the new Iranian administration may be influencing the country’s restrained approach, as Pezeshkian’s government seeks to manage both international relations and domestic stability.

Potential for Strategic Surprise

While Iran has not ruled out retaliation, the form it may take remains uncertain. Past actions, such as April’s missile and drone attacks on Israel, suggest that Iran might opt for a different or more significant response this time. The Iranian mission to the United Nations hinted that any retaliation would be meticulously planned to catch Israel by surprise, potentially combining various forms of attack to maximize impact.

Regional and International Repercussions

The assassination of Haniyeh and the subsequent caution from Iran highlight the complexities of the Middle Eastern geopolitical landscape. The ongoing cease-fire talks in Gaza, spearheaded by the U.S., have provided Iran with a strategic pause, allowing the country to weigh its options while considering the broader implications of its next move.

Raygun’s Journey to the Olympics: The Controversial Path That Split the Breaking World

Adler MorisLeave a comment

Introduction: A Shocking Turn in Paris

When Rachael Gunn, known as Raygun, stumbled in her Olympic debut, the repercussions rippled through the Australian hip-hop community. On flight day 20 of NASA’s Artemis I mission, Orion’s optical navigation camera looked back at the Moon as the spacecraft began its journey home. The surprise from Paris had an unexpected impact on the Sydney breaking scene, far removed from the grandeur of the Olympics.

The Event: A Shockwave Hits Down Under

In a repurposed Sydney warehouse, breakers prepare for a critical Red Bull BC One World Finals qualifier. Their warm-up routines are intense, and their moves on the floor are intricate. The event is significant, but the shadow of Raygun’s Olympic performance looms large.

“I feel like it’s just pushed our scene in Australia into the Dark Ages,” lamented Australian hip-hop pioneer Spice to the BBC. Raygun’s loss, marked by her unconventional moves like the sprinkler and kangaroo hop, became a viral sensation for all the wrong reasons.

Raygun’s Journey: From Local Dancer to Olympic Hopeful

Raygun’s path to the Olympics was anything but straightforward. Initially trained in jazz, tap, and ballroom, it was her husband and coach Samuel Free who introduced her to breaking. Despite early struggles and feelings of inadequacy, Gunn rose to become a leading B-girl in Australia. Her dedication culminated in her victory at the Oceania qualifiers, securing her spot in Paris.

Breaking’s Olympic Dilemma: A Controversial Choice

Breaking’s inclusion in the Olympics was a bold move, designed to attract younger audiences. Originating from the Bronx in the 1970s, breaking has evolved from street art to global sport. The Olympic experiment was met with mixed reactions, with critics questioning whether it could truly capture the essence of breaking.

The Fallout: Online Backlash and Public Criticism

From the moment the Olympic B-girl final concluded, Raygun’s performance was the center of intense scrutiny. Rumors and criticisms spread rapidly online, with Gunn facing a barrage of abusive messages and an anonymous petition demanding an apology. Accusations of manipulation and cultural insensitivity followed, compounding the controversy.

Australian fact-checkers and the national breaking body, AUSBreaking, sought to clarify the situation, emphasizing that the judging panel for the Oceania qualifiers was impartial and that Raygun’s qualification was legitimate.

Support and Defensiveness: Standing Up for Raygun

Despite the backlash, many within the breaking community defended Raygun. Te Hiiritanga Wepiha, a judge on the Oceania panel, praised her courage, while other prominent figures, including Australian Olympic Committee officials, condemned the baseless petition and public hostility.

Gunn herself expressed her commitment to the sport and her disappointment in the negative reaction. She had aimed to bring creativity to her performance but found herself overwhelmed by the backlash.

Community Reactions: A Divided Scene

The Australian hip-hop community is deeply divided. Some feel Raygun’s performance did not reflect the high standards expected at the Olympics, while others are appalled by the extent of the abuse. Young dancers face harassment, and the scene’s reputation suffers.

Spice, a veteran of the Australian hip-hop scene, criticized the response but acknowledged the need for high standards at such prestigious events. Tinylocks, another B-girl, expressed concern over the impact of the controversy on local dancers and questioned whether Raygun had been set up for success.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Australian Breaking

The controversy surrounding Raygun highlights broader issues within the Australian breaking scene, including its size and isolation. Despite these challenges, there is hope that the increased attention could lead to greater resources and support for the sport.

Steve Gow of AUSBreaking and others remain optimistic that the exposure could ultimately benefit the scene. The goal is to ensure that breaking is understood and appreciated on its own terms, and that future athletes receive the support they need.

Conclusion: A Silver Lining in the Storm

While Raygun’s Olympic journey may have ended in disappointment, it has sparked a crucial conversation about breaking’s place in the global arena and the challenges faced by the Australian scene. The hope is that the increased attention will lead to positive changes and greater recognition for the sport.

As the dust settles, the community is left to reflect on the impact of this Olympic episode and to look forward to a future where breaking can thrive on its own merits.

Jupiter’s Great Red Spot Continues to Diminish

Adler MorisLeave a comment

Introduction: The Enigma of Jupiter’s Iconic Storm

Jupiter’s Great Red Spot, the largest storm in our solar system, has been shrinking over the decades. New research published in the September 2024 issue of Icarus offers fresh insights into why this colossal windstorm is diminishing. According to the study, a decrease in the number of storms feeding into this anticyclone is responsible for its reduced size.

Understanding the Great Red Spot

A Colossal Storm

The Great Red Spot, a prominent feature in Jupiter’s southern hemisphere, is an immense anticyclone with a reddish-orange hue. It spans over 10,000 miles—about 1.3 times the width of Earth. With wind speeds reaching over 200 miles per hour, and even more than 400 mph at its edges, this storm has captivated astronomers for centuries.

Despite extensive research, many aspects of the Great Red Spot remain shrouded in mystery. Key questions about its origin, formation, and the reason for its distinct color remain unanswered.

Historical Observations and Shrinking Trends

A Century of Change

For nearly a century, the Great Red Spot has been steadily shrinking, with a noticeable acceleration over the past 50 years. While its latitudinal position remains stable, its longitudinal extent has contracted. In the late 19th century, the Spot was located at about 40 degrees latitude, but by the time NASA’s Juno spacecraft observed it in 2006, it had moved to approximately 14 degrees latitude.

New Research Findings

Storm Interactions and Their Impact

A recent study by researchers from Yale, North Carolina State University, and the University of Louisville utilized the Explicit Planetary Isentropic-Coordinate (EPIC) model to explore the effects of smaller Jovian storms on the Great Red Spot. This atmospheric model, developed by Timothy Dowling in the 1990s, was used to simulate interactions between the Great Red Spot and various smaller storms.

The simulations revealed that these smaller storms, by feeding into the Great Red Spot, had historically contributed to its expansion. In contrast, the absence of these smaller storms in the simulations led to a reduced size of the Great Red Spot.

Implications for Earth’s Weather Systems

Comparing with Earth’s Heat Domes

The researchers drew parallels between Jupiter’s storm systems and Earth’s high-pressure systems, known as heat domes. On Earth, these blocks of high pressure can influence extreme weather events such as heatwaves and droughts. The study suggests that similar interactions on Jupiter might have once sustained and amplified the Great Red Spot.

Future Research Directions

Refining Our Understanding

Ongoing and future modeling efforts will help refine these findings and provide deeper insights into the formation and evolution of Jupiter’s Great Red Spot. By understanding these dynamics, scientists hope to gain a better grasp of the mechanisms behind this iconic storm and its changing nature.

The study not only sheds light on Jupiter’s atmospheric phenomena but also enhances our understanding of high-pressure systems on Earth, linking the dynamics of distant planets with familiar weather patterns on our own planet.

Decoding ‘Mercury in Retrograde’: What It Really Means

Adler MorisLeave a comment

The Enigma of Mercury Retrograde

From August 5th to 27th, the phenomenon known as Mercury retrograde will make its appearance once again. For those who follow astrology, this period is often blamed for a host of everyday issues: flight delays, electronic malfunctions, and even relationship troubles. But how can a small planet like Mercury, the tiniest in our solar system, exert such a significant influence from afar?

The Truth Behind the Illusion

The short answer is that Mercury doesn’t actually cause these disruptions. What we experience as Mercury retrograde is an optical illusion created by the planet’s motion relative to Earth. Unlike the consistent paths of the stars, planets occasionally appear to move backward in the sky—a phenomenon rooted in the mechanics of their orbits.

Historical Perspectives on Retrograde Motion

The concept of retrograde motion has intrigued humanity for millennia. The first recorded observations date back to 700 BCE, when Babylonian astronomers meticulously documented celestial movements on clay tablets. Ancient cultures often attributed these unusual planetary motions to divine influence. In ancient Greece, for instance, Mercury (or Hermes) was considered the messenger of the gods, overseeing various domains such as commerce and fertility. Frederic Bertley, president of the Center of Science and Innovation, explains, “Mercury ruled over commerce, wealth, good fortune, thievery and fertility. A disruption in the God Mercury was believed to manifest as disturbances across these areas.”

The Evolution of Astrological Beliefs

Astrology held significant sway in medieval Europe, guiding royal decisions and military conquests. With the advent of the printing press in the 15th century, astrology gained broader appeal. However, as scientific understanding advanced, astronomy and astrology diverged. Today, astronomy is a rigorous scientific discipline, whereas astrology lacks empirical support and is considered pseudoscience.

Despite this, astrology remains popular, with about 25% of Americans believing in it to some extent. This enduring fascination often leads people to attribute ordinary events to Mercury’s retrograde motion.

The Science of Retrograde Motion

Mercury’s apparent retrograde motion is a predictable cosmic event. Contrary to the belief that the planet moves backward, it actually follows its orbit around the Sun as usual. The illusion of retrograde occurs when Mercury, moving at a different speed, seems to reverse direction against the backdrop of distant stars. “It’s similar to driving in the fast lane and overtaking a car in the middle lane. The overtaken car appears to move backward relative to your own motion, even though it’s moving forward,” Bertley explains.

This retrograde effect is not unique to Mercury. All planets experience retrograde motion at some point due to their varying orbital speeds. According to Kepler’s Third Law, planets farther from the Sun move more slowly in their orbits. Thus, from Earth’s vantage point, even Mercury’s rapid orbit can produce this backward illusion.

The Broader Astrological Context

Astrology extends this concept to all planets, attributing various influences to their retrograde phases. However, it’s essential to recognize that these celestial movements are governed by the laws of physics, not personal destinies. So, the next time you read about Mercury retrograde impacting your life, remember it’s merely a natural phenomenon, not a cosmic cause for your troubles.

Archaeologists Uncover Ancient Gold Coin Hoard Tied to Mercenaries

Adler MorisLeave a comment

Archaeologists have unearthed a trove of gold Persian coins at the ancient Greek city of Notion in Turkey. These coins, dating back approximately 2,600 years, were likely the salary of an unknown mercenary. This significant find was made by the Notion Archaeological Project in July 2023, with the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism granting permission for its public release.

What Are Darics?

The discovered coins are Persian darics, characterized by the depiction of a kneeling archer. Issued by the Persian Empire, darics were minted in Sardis, about 60 miles northeast of Notion. Christopher Ratté from the University of Michigan notes that the hoard’s significance lies in its potential to refine the historical timeline of Persian darics.

Ratté highlights the rarity of such finds: “No one ever buries a hoard of precious metal coins without intending to retrieve them. Only the gravest misfortune could explain their preservation,” he said.

Historical Significance and Context

Darics were produced from the late 6th Century BCE until Alexander the Great’s conquest of Persia in 330 BCE. The design remained consistent with only minor stylistic changes over time. This newly discovered hoard is crucial as it provides a definitive date for the coins, aiding in the chronology of Achaemenid gold coinage.

Andrew Meadows, former curator of coins at the British Museum, views the discovery as pivotal: “If the archaeological context can be accurately established, it will refine the chronology of Achaemenid gold coinage. This is a spectacular find of the highest importance.”

Excavation Details

The coins were found in a small pot buried beneath a Hellenistic-era house in Notion. The city, which saw its peak during the Hellenistic period (3rd to 1st centuries BCE), also showed evidence of earlier occupation from the 5th Century BCE. The hoard’s location, discovered in a room’s corner, suggests it was stored for safekeeping and never recovered.

Ratté explained, “The hoard was likely intended for safekeeping but was not retrieved for unknown reasons. Xenophon’s accounts suggest a single daric was equivalent to a month’s soldier’s pay.”

The Role of Notion in Historical Conflicts

Notion’s strategic importance is highlighted by its shifting control between Persian and Athenian forces. The city was part of the Persian Empire in the mid-6th Century BCE, briefly liberated in the early 5th Century BCE, and reabsorbed into the empire before Alexander’s conquest in 334 BCE.

Historian Thucydides recorded the city’s complex political landscape. In the early 5th Century BCE, Notion was under Athenian control despite Persian influence. Conflicts involving Persian sympathizers and Athenian forces are noted, including a significant naval battle in 406 BCE and military activities during the Great Satraps’ Revolt in the 360s BCE.

Future Research and Preservation

The discovered coins are now under the care of the Ephesus Archaeological Museum in Turkey. Ongoing excavations at Notion aim to provide additional context for this remarkable find. Researchers are hopeful that further studies will shed light on the circumstances surrounding the hoard’s concealment and its historical implications.

OpenAI Co-Founder John Schulman Departs for Rival Anthropic

Adler MorisLeave a comment

Schulman’s Departure Marks a New Chapter in AI Alignment

John Schulman, a co-founder of the artificial intelligence giant OpenAI, announced his departure from the company in a post on the social media platform X late Monday. Schulman, a key figure behind the development of ChatGPT, has joined rival AI firm Anthropic. In his announcement, Schulman explained that his decision was motivated by a desire to deepen his focus on AI alignment and to return to hands-on technical work.

“This choice stems from my desire to deepen my focus on AI alignment, and to start a new chapter of my career where I can return to hands-on technical work,” Schulman shared in his post.

Leadership Changes at OpenAI

Schulman’s exit comes amid a series of significant leadership changes at OpenAI. Greg Brockman, the company’s President and another co-founder, also announced that he is taking a sabbatical through the end of the year, as mentioned in his own X post on Monday.

Adding to the shakeup, Peter Deng, a product manager who joined OpenAI last year, has also left the company, as first reported by The Information. These departures follow other notable exits, including AI safety leader Aleksander Madry, who was reassigned to a different role in July, and chief scientist Ilya Sutskever, who left the company in May. Another founding member, Andrej Karpathy, departed in February and has since launched an AI-integrated education platform.

Elon Musk Revives Legal Battle Against OpenAI

The news of Schulman’s departure and the broader leadership changes at OpenAI come at a time when the company is also facing external challenges. Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who co-founded OpenAI but left the company three years later, has revived a lawsuit against the firm and its CEO, Sam Altman. Musk alleges that OpenAI has prioritized profits and commercial interests over the public good.

As OpenAI navigates these internal and external challenges, Schulman’s move to Anthropic signals a shifting landscape in the competitive AI industry.

ByteDance Challenges OpenAI’s Sora with New AI Video App Launch

Adler MorisLeave a comment

ByteDance Enters Competitive AI Video Market

BEIJING, Aug 6 (Reuters) – ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, has launched a new software tool that can generate videos from text prompts, marking its entry into a rapidly growing market. This move places ByteDance among a group of Chinese tech companies racing to develop AI-driven video creation tools, a market also targeted by OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT.

Since OpenAI, supported by Microsoft, introduced its text-to-video model Sora in February, although it remains inaccessible to the public, Chinese firms have quickly developed and released their own versions of similar tools.

Jimeng AI: ByteDance’s Latest AI Innovation

ByteDance’s new text-to-video app, Jimeng AI, was developed by its subsidiary, Faceu Technology. The app is now available on the Apple App Store for users in China, following its earlier release on Android on July 31. This launch is part of a broader trend among Chinese tech companies to release similar models, with ByteDance joining the likes of Kuaishou and Zhipu AI.

Kuaishou, a leading Chinese video app, recently made its Kling AI text-to-video model available to a global audience. Meanwhile, Zhipu AI introduced its Ying video-generating model last month, followed closely by the launch of the Vidu app by another startup, Shengshu.

Faceu Technology operates under ByteDance’s Jianying business unit, known for the popular video editing app CapCut. Jimeng AI offers subscription plans starting at 69 yuan ($9.65) per month, with options for a single month or an annual subscription, allowing users to generate up to 168 AI videos per month.

Growing Competition in AI Video Creation

As Chinese tech companies continue to develop and release AI-powered video creation tools, the competition in this emerging market is intensifying. ByteDance’s entry with Jimeng AI signals its commitment to expanding its AI capabilities and keeping pace with its rivals.

Google Antitrust Ruling Could Put Apple at $20 Billion Risk

Adler MorisLeave a comment

Antitrust Case Forces Apple to Reconsider Search Engine Deals

The current agreement between Apple and Google, which is set to run until September 2026, may soon face significant changes due to ongoing antitrust scrutiny. According to reports, Apple holds the right to extend the pact for an additional two years. However, the Department of Justice’s antitrust case against Google could disrupt this arrangement.

Analysts from Evercore ISI suggest that the likely outcome will involve the court ruling that Google can no longer pay for default search engine placement. Alternatively, companies like Apple may be required to prompt users to actively choose their search engine rather than setting a default option. This shift could significantly impact how consumers interact with search engines on Apple devices.

Market Reactions and Expert Insights

On Tuesday, Apple’s stock showed little movement, lagging behind the broader market’s recovery after Monday’s global selloff. Alphabet’s shares also remained stable after experiencing a 4.5% decline in the previous session. Herbert Hovenkamp, a law professor at the University of Pennsylvania, emphasized the implications of the case, noting that companies with dominant market positions should avoid exclusive agreements that restrict consumer choice.

Potential Legal and Strategic Outcomes for Apple

The legal proceedings surrounding this case could extend into 2026, with potential appeals to higher courts. If the partnership with Google is terminated, Apple has several alternatives. These include offering customers options like Microsoft Bing or even introducing a new search product powered by OpenAI.

Industry analysts believe this ruling could accelerate Apple’s transition towards AI-powered search services. Apple has already announced plans to integrate OpenAI’s ChatGPT into its devices, signaling a shift away from exclusive deals that attract regulatory scrutiny. Additionally, Apple is in discussions with Google to incorporate the Gemini chatbot and other AI models into its ecosystem.

Apple’s AI Integration: A Strategic Pivot

Apple is also enhancing Siri with advanced AI capabilities, enabling the virtual assistant to manage complex tasks like drafting emails and handling messages more efficiently. While these innovations may not generate significant revenue in the short term, they position Apple to leverage emerging AI technologies in the future.

Gadjo Sevilla, an analyst at Emarketer, views the situation as a potential turning point for Apple. Despite the financial benefits of the Google search deal, the antitrust ruling could present Apple with an opportunity to pivot towards AI-driven search solutions, aligning with the broader trend towards artificial intelligence in the tech industry.

This article is based on reporting by Aditya Soni, with additional contributions from Priyanka G and Kenrick Cai. Edited by Sayantani Ghosh and Anil D’Silva.