Wednesday 6 November 2024

Ancient Trade Symbols on Cylinder Seals: Key to Proto-Cuneiform and the Roots of Writing

Researchers studying the roots of writing have highlighted the role of ancient trade symbols found on cylinder seals in Mesopotamia as key influencers of early script development. A recent study by Kathryn Kelley and Mattia Cartolano from the University of Bologna suggests that engravings on these cylindrical seals, used for marking clay in trade exchanges, may have evolved into signs used in the earliest form of writing, known as proto-cuneiform. Dating to around 4400 B.C., these seals show motifs linked to the movement of goods like textiles and jars, indicating a trade-based origin for written symbols.

From Trade Marks to Proto-Cuneiform

The study notes that cylinder seals, rolled across clay tablets, left impressions that likely authenticated transactions, laying the groundwork for a system of recording information. The seals examined include symbols predating formal writing by more than a millennium. These motifs—such as those depicting structures or vessels—likely became foundational signs in proto-cuneiform, used in early Mesopotamian cities like Uruk around 3100 B.C. These seals may thus represent a bridge between symbolic trade records and the more formalised proto-cuneiform, marking a significant cognitive shift from imagery to systematic writing.

Developed by the Sumerians, cuneiform script is widely regarded as the world's first known writing system. Created with a stylus that imprinted wedge shapes into clay, this system evolved to record spoken language. Later adopted by the Akkadians and maintained for nearly two millennia, cuneiform was used extensively across Mesopotamian empires, from the Babylonians to the Assyrians, creating a lasting legacy.

Diverse Academic Perspectives on Symbolic Origins

The study's findings have garnered support and scepticism. Holly Pittman from the University of Pennsylvania noted that similar ideas she proposed in the past were dismissed but have now gained validation through this research. Anthropologist Gordon Whittaker from the University of Göttingen remains cautious, pointing out that the association between seal motifs and writing symbols may lack clear causality.

The researchers hope that their findings will further help in decoding of proto-cuneiform and deepen understanding of the transition from trade symbols to structured script—a milestone in the development of human communication.

 



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Tuesday 5 November 2024

Amaran OTT Release Date: When and Where to Watch it Online?

The Tamil war drama Amaran recently is set to premiere on Netflix later in the month of November. The movie, which showed some strong promise at the box office, will soon be available on the popular OTT platform. Reports indicate that the streaming giant acquired the film's digital rights for the war-drama movie. Following its theatrical success, Amaran will arrive on OTT in late November, providing wider access for audiences who missed its initial release.

As per a report by Filmibeat, the movie might be releasing on the popular OTT platform Netflix in third or fourth week of November. The report highlights that the OTT rights were sold to the popular streaming platform for Rs. 60 crore. That said, there is no official confirmation about the OTT release of Amaran, so you might have to wait a bit longer to know the final release date. 

Official Trailer and Plot of Amaran

The plot of Amaran centres around the courageous actions of Major Mukund Varadarajan, a decorated officer of the Indian Army's Rajput Regiment, who was awarded the Ashok Chakra posthumously. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of his final mission, a counterterrorism operation in Jammu and Kashmir with the 44th Rashtriya Rifles. The trailer, launched before the film's theatrical debut, offers a glimpse into the film's intense battle sequences and emotional depth. Audiences can expect a high-stakes story that highlights real-life bravery and sacrifice.

Cast and Crew of Amaran

Directed by Rajkumar Periyasamy, Amaran stars Sivakarthikeyan as Major Mukund Varadarajan, alongside Sai Pallavi in a prominent role. G.V. Prakash Kumar's musical compositions add to the film's atmosphere, while Sony Pictures International Productions and Raajkamal Films International serve as the production powerhouses behind the film. Legendary actor Kamal Haasan is among the film's producers, along with R. Mahendran and co-producer Vakil Khan, whose collective backing has amplified the movie's reach.

Reception of Amaran

Amaran has witnessed a promising start at the Tamil Nadu box office, with early figures suggesting it could reach Rs 125 crore in regional earnings alone, potentially surpassing Rs 150 crore globally. The film has reportedly garnered strong reviews, with audiences particularly praising its performances and the compelling depiction of military courage. This encouraging reception suggests a positive trajectory as Amaran heads towards its digital release on Netflix, where it aims to expand its viewership further.

 



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Monday 4 November 2024

"I'm A Product Of Poverty": Cardi B Slams Elon Musk Over 'Puppet' Remark

As the U.S. presidential election approaches, Grammy-winning rapper Cardi B has publicly criticized Elon Musk after he called her a "puppet" supporting Democratic candidate Kamala Harris. Musk, an avid Donald Trump supporter, took a swipe at Cardi B, responding to a Trump fan account's post featuring a clip of her at a rally in Milwaukee for Harris. 

"Another puppet who can't even talk without being fed the words," Mr Musk said in a quote tweet, referring to a teleprompter malfunction that caused Cardi B to stall until she was handed her speech notes on a phone.

Cardi B quickly responded, "I'm not a puppet, Elon. I'm a daughter of two immigrant parents who worked hard to provide for me!" She continued, "I'm a product of welfare, section 8, poverty, and the reality of a system that's set up against you... But you wouldn't know anything about that. You don't understand the American struggle. PS fix my algorithm."

Musk, who was born in South Africa to wealthy parents, including his father Errol Musk, who reportedly held a stake in a Zambian emerald mine, has faced criticism for his remarks on socioeconomic issues.

At the rally, Cardi B delivered a powerful speech on women's rights, condemning Donald Trump's alleged sexism. "Just like Kamala Harris, I've been the underdog, underestimated and discredited. Women have to work ten times harder to prove themselves, and still, we're questioned. I can't stand a bully, and like Kamala, I'll always stand up to one."

The 2024 U.S. presidential election is set for November 5.



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Spoke Of Reunification Under India: Sources On Lalduhoma's Viral Old Speech

A speech given by Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma in the US nearly two months ago on reunification of the Zo people, which has gone viral now, has no element of controversy as the Chief Minister spoke about reunification under India, sources in the Mizoram government told NDTV.

Lalduhoma made the comment at an event to celebrate Mizo Day in Maryland on September 2. At the outset, the Chief Minister said he came to the US after taking permission from the Ministry of External Affairs, and he shared his itinerary with them.

Lalduhoma in his address on September 2 said, "... The main objective of [the] ZORO Movement in 1988 was Zo-Reunification within India. Can the 'Zo' people in India, Burma and Bangladesh today, aspire to be re-united under India? Looking at the geopolitical realities of our time, it may not be so farfetched to think this could be a possibility one day. Perhaps, fate has this reunification in store for us in the future..."

The full text of the September 2 speech is available on the website of the Mizoram government's Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR).

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The Mizoram Chief Minister gave another speech on September 4, this time in Indianapolis, where he said his people have been "unjustly divided." It is this September 4 speech which has triggered a massive controversy.

READ"We Can't Stop Border Fencing, But Will Oppose It": Mizoram Chief Minister

In his address to the Zo diaspora in the US, Lalduhoma said: "... As I approach the end of my speech, I want to let everyone here know that the primary reason I accepted the invitation to visit the United States is to seek a path towards unity for all of us.

"We are one people - brothers and sisters - and we cannot afford to be divided or apart from one another. I want us to have the conviction and confidence that one day, through the strength of God, who made us a nation, we will rise together under one leadership to achieve our destiny of nationhood.

"While a country may have borders, a true nation transcends such limitations. We have been unjustly divided, forced to exist under three different governments in three different countries, and this is something we can never accept.

"We are fortunate that we are still connected through our lands and that there are no pretenders to insert themselves in our midst and cause division - this truly is a blessing from God..."

The full text of the September 4 speech is also available on the Mizoram government DIPR's website.

READSheikh Hasina Alleges Plot To Carve Out Christian Country From Bangladesh: Report

From politicians to academics, many have raised concerns over Lalduhoma's speech in Indianapolis, with questions varying from what the law says about how an elected person should conduct themselves abroad to the wildly conspiratorial claim by ousted Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina that a certain nation wants to "carve out a Christian country" by taking parts of Myanmar and Bangladesh.

"Can someone who has taken an oath of allegiance to the Indian Constitution speak in a way that suggests breaking India apart? Do the Mizoram Council of Churches and other church bodies across India support Lalduhoma's communal, divisive, and anti-national stance? Is Lalduhoma speaking for himself? Or for the external powers who want to reshape South Asia's geopolitical scene?" former two-time BJP MP Balbir Punj said in a post on X.

Dr Arambam Noni, associate professor of political science at DM University Manipur, said ethnocentric accumulation of people for a homeland will disturb the overlapping demographic spaces.

"He seems to be sort of trying to aggravate the relationship between overlapping multiethnic demographic spaces, which can lead to conflict. He is trying to signal as if demography is going to play a big role in the making of a homeland," Dr Arambam, who has been speaking in public forums on northeast issues especially those concerning Mizoram's neighbour Manipur, told NDTV.

'Demography Is Dated Politics'

"Demography is dated politics and is sectarian in some sense. The problem with the idea of transnational, territorial and ethnic unification in post-colonial states is that no mechanisms exist to do this. The modern state system cannot entertain such an idea simply because it contravenes the historically established territorialities. However, there is no problem in developing a cultural affinity," Dr Arambam said.

"He (Lalduhoma) is saying that colonialism divided and dispersed their people in three different countries. But at the same time he is using the idioms of colonial culture to reunify the same people. This culture that he is using to connect people was an invention of colonialism," Dr Arambam said.

"Interspace tranquillity must also be kept in mind while vouching for pan ethnic homeland," he added.

Lalduhoma became Chief Minister after his Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) defeated the Mizo National Front (MNF) headed by former Chief Minister Zoramthanga in the assembly election in December 2023. The MNF, which won 26 seats in the 2018 state election, won only 10 in the December polls.

The ZPM was registered as a political party in 2019. The party won 27 seats - up from 8 seats in the 2019 polls - in the election that propelled Lalduhoma to the top post.



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All-New Royal Enfield Flying Flea Electric C6 Motorcycle Revealed

The first ever electric Royal Enfield has landed and it is called the Flying Flea C6. All future electric motorcycles will be launched under the 'Flying Flea' brand, dedicated purely to EVs. The new Flying Flea brand is inspired from the original Royal Enfield Flying Flea motorcycle of the 1940s, which was purpose-built for use during WWII when these machines were airdropped via parachute to provide lightweight and easy-to-use mobility across different terrain. The lightness and agility on the motorcycles of the old is what is said to be offered on the Flying Flea electric motorcycles.

Also Read: Royal Enfield Bear 650 Scrambler Revealed 

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The Flying Flea C6 is a retro-futuristic motorcycles, replete with a round LED headlight and girder forks up front, a piece of equipment that hasn't been used in two-wheelers for a while now. What is interesting is the fact that the overall design and presence of the RE electric bike is diminutive, unlike their petrol-powered motorcycles. Something that is confirmed by the skinny 17-inch tyres on the bike. There is a forged Aluminium frame in play as well. 

Latest and Breaking News on NDTV

This can only mean that RE wants this motorcycle to be an urban modern classic electric motorcycle with decent range, that can take on the current crop of electric two-wheelers in the market. The seat height seems to be low, and the rider triangle seems to be comfy and apt for daily commuting.   

Latest and Breaking News on NDTV

There will be a two-seater version of the Flying Flea C6 as well. Then you also see the round TFT display as well. The EV also gets cornering ABS and traction control. We expect the Royal Enfield's EV to have a fixed battery, with a range of up to 100-150 km. Expect the motorcycle to have decent power and torque output. All specifications will be revealed at a later date.

Latest and Breaking News on NDTV

India too has a few electric motorcycles on sale such as the Revolt RV 400, Matter Aera 5000, Oben Rorr, Ola Roadster, Raptee T30, Tork Kratos and so on and it will be interesting to see how the Flying Flea C6 is priced, compared to other electric motorcycles in India.



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Upcoming Electric Scooters in India: Honda Activa EV, TVS Jupiter EV, and More

The electric two-wheelers segment is gaining quite a lot of traction this year. We have seen multiple brands launching their EV scooters in the country at different price points. That said, major bike makers are also eyeing this segment. We have brands like Honda, TVS, and Suzuki, reportedly working on EV vehicles that might launch in the first half of 2025. And with the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 right around the corner, one might expected announcements of multiple electric scooters for the Indian market. That said, in this article, we will focusing majorly on three electric two-wheelers, which are also one of the most anticipated launches in the upcoming months. So, without further ado, let's begin. 

Honda Activa EV 

Honda Motors is reportedly working to launch its first electric scooter for the Indian market in March 2025.

Specifications

Honda Activa EV could share similarities with Activa 110. The two-wheeler might sport two Honda Mobile Power Packs, which could be detachable and swappable. The scooter might also come loaded with an on-board fully digital touchscreen instrumental console, keyless start and stop feature. It is expected to have a range of 100+ km when fully charged.

Expected Price in India

The upcoming EV is expected to be priced somewhere around Rs 1 Lakh (ex-showroom). The scooter could be a direct competitor of Ola S1, TVS iQube and Ather 450. Honda Activa EV is expected to make its global debut at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo in January in New Delhi next year.

TVS Jupiter EV 

TVS is also reported to launch two eletric vehicles in India in the next six months. As per multiple reports, the brand might launch one electric vehicle for B2B market and another could be an electric version of its popular scooter, TVS Jupiter. 

Specifications

The Jupiter EV is anticipated to be a mass-market product which will be targeted to everyday commuters. The two-wheeler is expected to have a range of 70-80 km on a single charge.

Expected Price in India 

The scooter is expected to be priced below the Rs 1 Lakh mark (ex-showroom).

Suzuki Burgman EV 

As per Gaadiwaadi, the Japanese automobile maker's first electric scooter could be none other than the Burgman EV. The scooter is expected to enter production in December 2024. Suzuki has also reportedly set a annual sales target of 25,000 units for Burgman EV.

Specifications

The two-wheeler is expected to get a fixed battery pack rather than the detachable battery which was claimed earlier in spy images. Not much is revealed about the two-wheeler at the moment.

Expected Price in India

Codenamed as XF091, the scooter is expected to make its debut at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 in January next year. Nothing is revealed about the price of the vehicle.



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Sunday 3 November 2024

Delhi Air On Brink Of Turning "Severe", Most Polluted In India

Delhi's air quality was on the brink of the 'severe' category on Sunday with an overall AQI reading of 382 - the worst recorded in the country for the day.

Fifteen monitoring stations of the city recorded air quality levels in the 'severe' zone, having AQI readings over 400, data showed.

The city also recorded its lowest nighttime temperature so far, as thick smog and haze shrouded it in a dense cover during the morning and evening hours.

The minimum temperature recorded on Sunday was 16.5 degrees Celsius, 1.2 degrees above normal, according to the weather department.

The national capital's 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI), recorded at 4 pm every day, stood at 382, worsening from 316 the previous day.

The locations where air pollution levels reached the 'severe' zone are Anand Vihar, Ashok Vihar, Bawana, Dwarka, Jahangirpuri, Mundka, NSIT Dwarka, Najafgarh, Nehru Nagar, Okhla Phase 2, Patparganj, Punjabi Bagh, Rohini, Wazirpur and Vivek Vihar.

Despite the temporary relief provided by the winds, Delhi saw a spike in pollution levels following Diwali, with a noticeable jump recorded on Sunday.

Elsewhere in the country, several places recorded AQI levels in the 'very poor' category, though still better than the national capital. Bahadurpura, in Telangana, recorded an AQI of 335, Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar 302, Noida 313 and Haryana's Sonipat 321.

An AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', 401 and 450 'severe' and above 450 'severe plus'.

The maximum temperature was recorded at 33.2 degrees Celsius, 2.7 degrees above normal, according to the weather department.

The humidity level fluctuated between 64 and 95 per cent during the day.

The weather office forecast said shallow fog was likely on Monday morning, with maximum and minimum temperatures expected to settle at 34 and 17 degrees Celsius, respectively.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)



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Ancient Trade Symbols on Cylinder Seals: Key to Proto-Cuneiform and the Roots of Writing

Researchers studying the roots of writing have highlighted the role of ancient trade symbols found on cylinder seals in Mesopotamia as key i...