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  • NB.1.8.1 COVID Variant Explained: Razor Blade Throat Symptom, Spread, Risks & Prevention Tips

    NB.1.8.1 COVID Variant Explained: Razor Blade Throat Symptom, Spread, Risks & Prevention Tips

    Razor Blade Throat? The Painful New Symptom Linked to NB.1.8.1 COVID Variant

    If you’ve recently had a severe sore throat that felt sharp or “razor-like,” you’re not alone—and it could be a sign of a new COVID-19 variant: NB.1.8.1.

    This subvariant of the Omicron lineage, first detected in China in January 2025, is now being tracked globally by health agencies including the World Health Organization (WHO). While classified as low-risk at the moment, experts warn that NB.1.8.1 spreads faster and may evade immune defenses more effectively than earlier strains.

    What Is NB.1.8.1?

    • A direct evolution of the LP.8.1 Omicron variant
    • Accounts for 37% of new COVID-19 cases in the U.S. as per CDC’s Nowcast (May 25–June 7)
    • Second only to LP.8.1 (38%)
    • Other circulating variants: XFG (8%), XFC (7%), LF.7.9 (4%)

    What Is ‘Razor Blade Throat’?

    One of the distinctive and alarming symptoms reported with NB.1.8.1 is a severe sore throat—described by patients as:

    • “Swallowing razor blades”
    • Starts scratchy, worsens rapidly
    • Makes eating, sleeping, and talking painful

    Doctors are seeing this symptom more frequently compared to earlier variants.

    Other Symptoms (Common & Severe)

    While the CDC hasn’t released an official symptom list, patients have reported:

    Common symptoms:

    • Fever & chills
    • Dry cough
    • Fatigue
    • Runny nose
    • Congestion
    • Headaches
    • Loss of taste or smell
    • Body aches
    • Nausea or upset stomach

    Severe symptoms (seek medical help):

    • Chest pain or tightness
    • Difficulty breathing
    • Bluish lips or nail beds
    • Confusion or disorientation

    How to Protect Yourself

    The CDC and WHO continue to recommend vaccination and precautions, especially for:

    • Adults over 65 years old
    • Pregnant individuals
    • People in long-term care facilities
    • Those who are immunocompromised

    The 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine is proven effective in reducing severity and hospitalization due to NB.1.8.1.

    Final Word

    While NB.1.8.1 is not currently classified as high risk, its rapid spread and distinct throat pain symptom have drawn global attention. Stay informed, follow public health guidelines, and if you experience symptoms—especially “razor blade throat”—consider testing and consulting a doctor promptly.

  • Rahul Gandhi Turns 55: A Journey of Education, Leadership & Birthday Wishes from Across the Aisle

    Rahul Gandhi Turns 55: A Journey of Education, Leadership & Birthday Wishes from Across the Aisle

    Rahul Gandhi Turns 55

    India marks the 55th birthday of Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition and a prominent figure in Indian politics. With heartfelt wishes pouring in from across the political spectrum, even Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his greetings:

    “Birthday greetings to the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Shri Rahul Gandhi. May he be blessed with a long and healthy life.” — PM Modi on X

    This rare public wish highlights the evolving political decorum in India’s democratic landscape.

    Rahul Gandhi’s Global Academic Footprint

    Born into India’s foremost political family, Rahul Gandhi’s academic journey reflects his deep-rooted passion for learning and public service.

    • Early Schooling:
      He attended St. Columba’s School in New Delhi and later, the prestigious Doon School in Dehradun—alma mater to his father Rajiv Gandhi.
    • Bachelor’s Degree:
      Rahul pursued his undergrad in Liberal Arts at Rollins College, Florida (Class of 1994). The college has verified his graduation.
    • Master’s at Cambridge:
      In 1995, he earned an M.Phil. in Development Studies from Trinity College, University of Cambridge—one of the world’s top academic institutions. The course focused on public policy, poverty, and sustainable development—areas he frequently advocates in Parliament today.

    Politics With Perspective

    His educational background has shaped his leadership style—analytical, grassroots-focused, and centered on inclusive growth, decentralisation, and social justice. His speeches often echo the development models and democratic values rooted in his academic foundations.

    On this milestone birthday, Rahul Gandhi continues to stand as a unique blend of legacy and intellect, shaping Indian politics with insight and conviction.

  • FIR Filed Against Kesari Chapter 2 Makers for Distorting Bengal’s Freedom Legacy

    FIR Filed Against Kesari Chapter 2 Makers for Distorting Bengal’s Freedom Legacy

    FIR Filed Against Kesari Chapter 2 Makers for Distorting Bengal’s Freedom Legacy

    West Bengal’s ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) has filed an FIR against seven producers of the Akshay Kumar-starrer Kesari Chapter 2, accusing the film of deliberately distorting Bengal’s role in India’s freedom struggle and insulting Bengali revolutionaries

    What sparked the controversy?

    In a courtroom scene on OTT, Kesari Chapter 2 reportedly mislabels iconic revolutionaries Khudiram Bose and Barindra Kumar Ghosh as “Khudiram Singh” and “Birendra Kumar from Amritsar,” prompting outrage from the TMC

    Official reaction & FIR details

    TMC leaders—including Kunal Ghosh and Arup Chakraborty—called it a “deliberate insult” meant to erase Bengal’s historical significance

    They also questioned how the film passed censorship without detection . Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee echoed the outrage, labeling the film’s misrepresentation a broader attempt to undermine Bengali heritage

    Legal implications

    An FIR has been lodged under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at the Bidhannagar South police station. The charges include “intentional insult” and circulating misleading statements

    About the film

    Directed by Karan Singh Tyagi, Kesari Chapter 2 features Akshay Kumar as advocate C. Sankaran Nair, R. Madhavan, and Ananya Panday, and is inspired by The Case That Shook The Empire

    With accusations of historical distortion, a FIR in motion, and TMC calling for censorship scrutiny, this controversy is reigniting debates on the responsibility of filmmakers to respect historical accuracy.

    Share your thoughts below!

  • RBI Locker Agreement Deadline: Sign Before Closure! Final Notice for Bank Locker Holders

    RBI Locker Agreement Deadline: Sign Before Closure! Final Notice for Bank Locker Holders

    RBI Bank Locker Alert: Sign New Agreement or Risk Locker Closure—Final Notice Issued

    If you have a bank locker, you could be at risk of losing it.

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued an urgent directive to all locker holders: sign the new rental agreement immediately or face potential locker sealing. Multiple banks have already started sending final reminders and are even seeking permission from the RBI to seal lockers of customers who continue to ignore the requirement.

    RBI Monitoring Compliance

    According to a report by The Economic Times, banks are under pressure as the RBI has begun monitoring compliance. Some banks are requesting official permission to send final notices and take action, including sealing lockers.

    Despite repeated SMS/email reminders, many locker holders have still not signed the mandatory updated agreement. Bank officials express concern that non-compliant customers are creating risks, especially for financial institutions.

    RBI Locker Agreement Timeline

    • August 2021: RBI issues mandate for updated locker agreements
    • January 1, 2023: Original compliance deadline
    • Extended twice due to low participation
    • New Deadline Proposal: Banks are now requesting an extension to December 2025

    Why You Must Act Now

    Banks are actively urging locker holders to visit their branches and sign the agreement, failing which locker access may be denied and the locker may be sealed.

    If you have a locker, check with your bank today and complete the formalities to avoid losing access to your valuables.

    Bank Locker Charges in India (2025)

    Locker rent varies by bank, location, and size. Here’s a general estimate:

    Locker SizeApprox. Annual Rent (INR)
    Small₹1,200 to ₹4,000
    Medium₹2,500 to ₹9,000
    Large₹4,000 to ₹15,000
    Extra-Large₹10,000 to ₹22,000

    City branch lockers usually cost more than those in towns or rural areas.

  • Microsoft Layoffs 2025: After 6,000 Job Cuts, More Layoffs Loom Amid $80 Billion AI Investment

    Microsoft Layoffs 2025: After 6,000 Job Cuts, More Layoffs Loom Amid $80 Billion AI Investment

    Microsoft Layoffs 2025: More Job Cuts Coming After 6,000 Employees Let Go, AI Push Intensifies

    Microsoft is preparing for a fresh round of job cuts in 2025, following the dismissal of over 6,000 employees earlier this year. The move is part of a broader trend among tech giants like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft as generative AI continues to disrupt traditional job roles.

    Global Tech Layoffs Reach Over 62,000 in 2025

    According to the latest data from Layoffs.fyi, more than 62,832 tech professionals have already lost their jobs in 2025. Companies are restructuring teams, particularly in sales and operations, to cut costs and integrate AI-driven workflows.

    Microsoft is reportedly focusing its next round of layoffs on its sales division, as per a report from Bloomberg. While exact numbers are unknown, sources indicate that the upcoming round may impact thousands more.

    AI Investment Over Workforce Expansion

    Microsoft’s renewed focus on artificial intelligence is driving this shift. With AI-powered agents and tools replacing some human tasks, the company is doubling down on its AI infrastructure investment. The tech giant has allocated a staggering $80 billion (₹6.6 lakh crore) in capital expenditure this financial year.

    A large chunk of that budget is being funneled into building new data centers, which are essential to meet the rising demand for AI services, including Azure AI, Copilot, and OpenAI integrations.

    Amazon & Google Echo Similar Trends

    Microsoft isn’t alone. Amazon CEO Andy Jassy recently warned that the advancement of Gen AI will shrink the workforce, noting that “AI agents will redefine how work gets done.”

    Google, too, has silently downsized multiple teams while shifting talent towards AI research, robotics, and cloud-based AI services.

  • IMD Issues Thunderstorm and Rain Alerts for Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu: What to Expect in Next 72 Hours

    IMD Issues Thunderstorm and Rain Alerts for Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu: What to Expect in Next 72 Hours

    IMD Weather Alert: Thunderstorms, Heavy Rain Forecast for Andhra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu Over Next 72 Hours

    The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued high-alert weather warnings for parts of Southern India, including Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds in the next 72 hours.

    ⚠️ States on Alert

    • Andhra Pradesh (especially coastal areas): Risk of thunderstorms with gusty winds up to 50 km/h and lightning
    • Karnataka (Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, Chikkamagaluru): Landslides, flooding, and traffic disruption reported due to heavy rainfall
    • Tamil Nadu & Puducherry: Combination of high humidity and scattered thunderstorms expected
    • Andaman & Nicobar Islands: Gusty winds and maritime warnings in place

    Fisherfolk have been strictly advised to avoid sea travel, with rough sea conditions and high wave activity reported.

    ☀️ Hot and Humid Conditions Persist

    While rainfall offers temporary relief, hot and humid daytime temperatures continue to grip parts of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, adding to discomfort, especially in urban and low-lying regions.

    🌧️ Other Regions Impacted

    Elsewhere across the country:

    • Jharkhand and Northeast India are under extreme rainfall alerts
    • Central India, particularly Madhya Pradesh, is dealing with thundersqualls, high winds, and dust storms

    📢 IMD Advisory

    Residents across all affected regions are urged to:

    • ❌ Avoid non-essential travel during heavy rainfall hours
    • ⚡ Stay indoors during lightning alerts
    • 📱 Regularly check IMD updates through official apps and bulletins
    • ⛑️ Follow local administration and disaster management advisories

    With the southwest monsoon intensifying, more alerts are expected in the coming days.

  • IndiGo Flight to Leh Returns Mid-Air to Delhi After Technical Glitch, 180 Onboard Safe

    IndiGo Flight to Leh Returns Mid-Air to Delhi After Technical Glitch, 180 Onboard Safe

    IndiGo Delhi-Leh Flight Returns Mid-Air After Technical Snag, 180 Passengers Safe

    New Delhi, June 20, 2025:
    An IndiGo flight (6E 2006) en route to Leh from Delhi was forced to return mid-air due to a technical glitch. The flight, operated by an Airbus A320, took off at 6:30 AM and was expected to land in Leh by 7:50 AM, but it was diverted and landed safely back at Delhi’s IGI Airport.

    🔧 What Went Wrong?

    The flight encountered a technical issue shortly before reaching Leh, prompting the pilot to initiate a precautionary return. The plane was airborne for over two hours before safely touching down in Delhi. Around 180 people, including crew, were onboard.

    IndiGo released a statement:

    “Flight 6E 2006 from Delhi to Leh was returned due to operational limitations caused by a technical issue. The aircraft is undergoing maintenance and another aircraft was arranged for passengers.”

    🧳 Alternate Arrangements Made

    The airline ensured minimal disruption by arranging an alternate aircraft, allowing passengers to continue their journey to Leh later in the day. There were no injuries or emergencies reported onboard.

    ⚠️ Growing Concerns Over Air Travel Safety

    This incident follows a series of mid-air diversions and emergency landings in recent weeks, both on domestic and international routes. Passenger anxiety has risen following the tragic Air India Flight AI-171 crash on June 12, which claimed 241 lives when the aircraft crashed into a hostel in Ahmedabad, leaving only one survivor.

    🧠 Final Word

    While no harm was caused in this case, the string of aviation incidents is triggering new safety concerns among Indian flyers. Authorities may need to revisit maintenance protocols to rebuild passenger trust.