The Weekly Focus Edition 60
Sports in India
India is a large country with a growing population and growing working-class numbers. Most people in India opt to get a traditional degree and a decent job, and then work for the next 30-35 years. But, a few talented individuals have pursued sports; I am referring to the people pursuing sports excluding cricket because let's be honest here, cricket hogs the limelight in India. It's the only sport where teams travel first class all the time, have modern training facilities and resources at their disposal. Unless you're the best of the best, this won't happen to you if you play any other sports. This is obviously because cricket has more viewership, which attracts more sponsors. Most of the population are fighting for their lives on a daily basis, so sports is put extremely low on the priority list. If there's one advantage India holds, it's our population. We have a lot of people, out of which some are bound to be talented. Once a big part of India becomes financially secure, they will be able to pursue these sports and shine for India. My prediction is, as India develops, we will grow as a dominant country in not just cricket, but dozens of other sports as well, with more people opting to pursue sports, leading to more viewership, and the dominos keep falling until India becomes a global sports power. Australia, a country with a population just over the city of Mumbai alone, is a world leader in many sports, and this is because their country invests heavily in sports. The population lives and breathes the sport. If Australia can do it, so can we, and I think that by the 2040 Olympics, India will be able to get more than 10 gold medals, but at the moment it is a distant dream.
Apple iPhone 13 Leaks
Apple's new iPhone 13 line-up is expected to launch in India in September. According to Wedbush Securities analyst Daniel Ives, the new series could be launched in the third week of September. The starting price for iPhone 13 Pro Max is expected to be Rs 89,990. Most likely Apple will upgrade the existing 512GB storage and offer a 1TB option for this model.
There could be four models in the iPhone 13 range - iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 13 Mini. According to Wedbush Securities, all iPhone 13 models must be equipped with LiDAR (Light Detection and Evaluation) scanning technology. Currently, it's only available on iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro Max. On the other hand, market research firm TrendForce opposes Wedbush, saying that the LiDAR sensor will only be limited to the Pro model of the iPhone 13 series.
The iPhone 13 series can reach 90-100 million units compared to the iPhone 12 series, reaching production of 80 million units, this was also confirmed by Bloomberg.
The new models will come with 6GB RAM + 64GB, 6GB RAM + 128GB, and 6GB RAM + 256GB internal storage options. Apple may launch this phone model in Black, Pearl, and Sunset Gold colours. The powerful Hexa Core processor (3.1 GHz, Dual-Core, Firestorm + 1.8 GHz, Quad-Core, Icestorm) enables seamless performance while accessing multiple applications and playing graphical games. The battery can have a capacity of 3850mAH. The devices will run on the iOS v14 operating system.
According to MacRumors, all four iPhone 13 models will feature an improved Ultra-Wide camera lens with a wider F/1.8 aperture, compared to F/2.4 on the iPhone 12 models. The wider aperture allows the camera to capture more light, greatly increasing low-light performance.
It may also have sensors such as light sensor, proximity sensor, accelerometer, barometer, compass and gyroscope.
The Galileo Project
Recently, a Harvard-led team launched a project called “The Galileo Project”. The main aim of The Galileo Project is to investigate evidence of Extra-terrestrial Technological Civilisations (aka the ETCs). The team, led by Harvard astronomy professor Avi Loeb, is currently setting up various telescope systems around the world. Instead of searching for electromagnetic signals, the team behind The Galileo Project has decided to look for objects linked to extraterrestrial technological equipment also known as techno signatures. After the data from the telescopes is collected, AI algorithms will be made to search for Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP), interstellar objects and potential ETC satellites.
Other news
The USA donates a further 25 million$ towards India's vaccination drive.
The USA has completed over 95% of the troop pull-out, as the final NATO forces prepare to leave America.
CEOs of Google, Apple plead to the government to make a citizenship path for the children of illegal immigrants
Investment tycoon Rakesh Jhunjhunwala set to launch a low-cost airline by year-end
Tencent and other Chinese tech companies lose huge amounts of value after a Chinese crackdown on Tech Companies
India lose the T20i series against Sri Lanka 2-1
Prithvi Shaw, Suryakumar Yadav was called to England as replacements for Shubhman Gill and Washington Sundar.
Novak Djokovic's Gold Slam Attempt was put to rest after Alexander Zverev beat the world Number 1 in the semi-finals of the Olympics.
6 time World Champion Mary Kom out of the Olympics, many criticize judges over unfair decisions.
India secured a second medal as Lovalina, Sindhu advanced to the semi-finals.
Runaway Twin by Peg Kehret
As a twin myself, this one hits home (even though the story isn't something I've experienced). Separated at birth, two twins lead lives far far away from each other, and far far different from each other. The protagonist decides to leave her foster house along with her dog in search of her sister whose address she finds in a not giving away location. On her way, she loses her money, her sanity and almost her life- only to end up at the doorstep of a not-so-excited sister- and one that turns out to be not so perfect as well…
On 25th July 1943, Benito Mussolini was dismissed as Italy’s leader under the command of King Victor Emmanuel III
On 26th July 1945, Japan was demanded to surrender by the US, Britain and China.
On 27th July 1999, Tony Hawk becomes the first skateboarder in history to land a ‘900’.
On 28th July 1914, the first war of WWII commenced after Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia.
On 29th July 1921, Hitler became the leader of the Nazi party which was then known as the National Socialist German Workers Party.
On 30th July 1930, Uruguay beat Argentina 4-2 in the first FIFA World Cup Final.
On 31st July 1961, Israel welcomed their 1 millionth immigrant.
Over 300 languages are spoken in London!
Written by Vivaan Dharamshi
Edited by Nirvaan Zaveri
Article 2 by Krishnav Bubna
Article 3 by Nirvaan Zaveri
Review by Dia Makhecha
This Week in History by Nirvaan Zaveri