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Trump calls on countries to send warships to protect Strait of Hormuz, but brings no commitments

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Trump calls on countries to send warships to protect Strait of Hormuz, but brings no commitments

Cairo: US President Donald Trump on Sunday called on China, France, Japan, South Korea, Britain and other countries to send warships to keep the Strait of Hormuz “open and safe” as oil prices soared during the Iran war, but he made no commitments.Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told CBS that “many countries have approached Tehran” seeking safe passage for their ships and “that will be decided by our military.” He said a group of ships from “different countries” had been allowed through, but gave no details.Iran says one-fifth of the world’s oil exports normally pass through the strait, which is open to all except the United States and its allies.“We don’t see any reason why we should be talking to the Americans” about finding ways to end the war, Araghchi added. He pointed out that Israel and the United States launched a coordinated attack during indirect talks between the United States and Iran on Iran’s nuclear program on February 28, starting the war. Araghchi also said Tehran had “no plans to recycle” the enriched uranium that fell into ruins after U.S. and Israeli attacks last year.Countries wary of Trump’s call U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright told NBC that he had been “conversing” with some of the countries Trump mentioned and said he expected China to be a “constructive partner” in reopening the strait.But countries made no commitments.Liu Pengyu, spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in the United States, said that “all parties have the responsibility to ensure stable and smooth energy supply” and that China will “strengthen communication with relevant parties” to ease the situation.“We are looking very closely with our allies at the steps that can be taken because reopening the Channel is very important,” British Energy Secretary Ed Miliband told Sky News, adding that ending the war was the “best and most reliable” way.South Korea’s foreign ministry said it “took note” of Trump’s call and would “closely coordinate and carefully review” the situation with the United StatesExpectations are high that Trump will ask Japan directly when he meets Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae at the White House on Thursday.France has previously said it was working with countries – President Emmanuel Macron mentioned partners in Europe, India and Asia – on a possible international mission to escort ships through the strait, but stressed it would have to be done after “the situation allows” and the fighting subsides.German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, who was not mentioned in Trump’s call, told ARD television: “Are we going to be an active participant in this conflict anytime soon? No.” Meanwhile, the International Energy Agency said on Sunday that emergency oil stockpiles “will soon begin flowing to global markets” and described the “largest yet” collective price cuts. It updated the 400 million barrels of production announced last week to nearly 412 million barrels. Asian members plan to release stockpiles “immediately”, while reserves in Europe and the Americas will be released “from the end of March.” More missile and drone attacks reported Gulf Arab states including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain reported new missile or drone attacks after Iran called for the evacuation of three major Emirati ports, the first time the country has threatened non-U.S. ports in neighboring countries. assets.Tehran accused the United States of carrying out an attack on Friday from the United Arab Emirates on Khag Island, home to Iran’s main oil terminal, but provided no evidence. It threatened to attack “petroleum, economic and energy infrastructure” linked to the United States if its oil infrastructure was attacked.The U.S. Central Command said it had no response to Iran’s claims, while Anwar Gargash, the UAE presidential foreign affairs adviser, denied it. Gulf states that host U.S. bases deny allowing their land or airspace to be used for military operations against Iran.Iran launched hundreds of missiles and drones at its Arab Gulf neighbors during the war, causing heavy damage and disrupting the economy, although most were intercepted. Tehran says it is targeting U.S. assets, although Iranian attacks have been reported on civilian sites such as airports and oil fields.War casualties continue to rise across the region The Iranian attack killed at least a dozen civilians in the Gulf state, mostly migrant workers.The International Committee of the Red Cross says more than 1,300 people have been killed in Iran. Iran’s Ministry of Health said 223 women and 202 children were among the dead, Mizan, the official news agency of Iran’s judiciary, reported.The Iranian government showed reporters on Sunday buildings damaged in Friday’s attack in Tehran. A police station was hit and surrounding buildings were damaged. Some apartments have had their facades removed.“God have mercy on us all,” said resident Elham Movagghari. Other Iranians are leaving the country.In Israel, Iranian missile strikes killed 12 people and injured many others, including three on Sunday. At least 13 members of the U.S. military have been killed, six of them in a plane crash in Iraq last week.At least 820 people have been killed in Lebanon since attacks by Iran-backed Hezbollah on Israel, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry, and Israel has responded with attacks and sent additional troops to southern Lebanon. In just 10 days, more than 800,000 people (nearly one in seven Lebanese residents) were displaced.More Iranian missiles attack Israel Israel says it will continue to attack Iran. Iran fires missiles at Israel.Multiple attacks occurred in central Israel and Tel Aviv, causing damage to 23 locations and causing small fires. Video released by the Israeli relief agency Magen David Adom showed a large crater in the street and an apartment building damaged by shrapnel.The Israeli military says Iran is firing cluster bombs that can evade some air defense systems and spread submunitions across multiple locations.

Voting for eight parliamentary seats will take place on April 9 and April 4. twenty three

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New Delhi: Polling for eight assembly seats – two each in Maharashtra and Karnataka and one each in Goa, Gujarat, Nagaland and Tripura – will be held on April 9 and April 23. European Community said Sunday. CEC Gyanesh Kumar said bypoll voting in Goa, Karnataka, Nagaland and Tripura will be held on April 9; remaining constituencies in Gujarat and Maharashtra will be held on April 23. Counting of votes will take place on May 4 in all eight constituencies.

‘Aim is to win IPL trophy’: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi targets glory for Rajasthan Royals

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'Aim is to win IPL trophy': Vaibhav Sooryavanshi targets glory for Rajasthan Royals
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi of Rajasthan Royals (PTI Photo)

U-19 World Cup star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who first hit the headlines at the age of 14, now turns his attention to the Indian Premier League with the aim of delivering a title-winning season to the Indian Premier League rajasthan royals.Sooryavanshi, who wowed fans as the youngest centurion in the tournament during IPL 2025, helped India win the U-19 World Cup in Harare for the sixth time with a stunning 80-ball 175 in the final against England earlier this year.Speaking on the sidelines of the BCCI Naman Award, the young batsman said his priority is clear: “The goal this IPL season is to win a trophy for the team as it is a very important thing. I want to do well and my performance will help the entire team. That is my goal – to contribute to RR’s victory and win a trophy for the team.”Sooryavanshi also expressed his joy at being reunited with his U-19 teammates at the award ceremony. “It feels really good. Winning a trophy for India in the World Cup. It’s great to see my teammates and coaches here again because of this awards ceremony,” he said.In 2024, Rajasthan Royals signed the Bihar-born youngster for Rs 110 crore when he was just 13 years old, making history as the youngest signed player in the IPL. Recalling the early days, Sooryavanshi said, “RR had been following me during my domestic and U-19 matches when I was making my domestic debut. Their scouting team had been following me for a long time. I felt I could go to RR as my trials with them were going well. I am very happy to work with RR because my life has improved a lot while playing for them. “He also praised learning from seniors and legends on the team Rahul Dravid In his initial IPL experience. “The first IPL training camp is always interesting for any youngster and it was the same for me. Rahul (Dravid) sir was there at that time, so I learned a lot from him. There were a lot of senior players in the team and I had a good learning experience from them in the first training camp as well as during the first IPL,” he said.As the IPL 2026 season approaches, all eyes will be on Sooryavanshi as he looks to convert his prodigious talents into glory for the team.

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Robots that can tow 500kg: Dubai deploys AI drones and water rescue robots on beaches to enhance coastal safety

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Robots that can tow 500kg: Dubai deploys AI drones and water rescue robots on beaches to enhance coastal safety
Drones, robots to patrol Dubai beaches in major safety upgrade

Dubai is once again leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance public safety, this time along its coastline. For the first time in the region, authorities are introducing water rescue robots and aerial water rescue drones at public beaches to assist lifeguards and respond to maritime emergencies faster. The move reflects the emirate’s wider strategy to combine artificial intelligence and robotics with traditional security systems to protect residents and tourists enjoying its popular beaches.The system is part of a new technology-driven coastal safety framework that integrates advanced robots, drones, surveillance tools and trained lifeguards into a single response network designed to prevent drowning incidents and improve rescue efficiency.

Dubai’s water rescue robot: first in the region

Authorities described the initiative as the first deployment in the field middle Eastmarking an important milestone in the use of artificial intelligence technology to ensure beach safety. At the heart of the new system is a remotely controlled water rescue robot designed to swim far faster than human lifeguards can swim. The device is self-propelled and capable of operating in rough sea conditions while towing the victim safely back to shore. The robot can travel five times faster than traditional lifeguard rescues, significantly shortening response times in emergencies. Equally impressive is its strength. The machine has a towing capacity of up to 500kg, allowing it to assist multiple swimmers or support rescue teams when performing complex maneuvers in the water. For lifeguards, this means dangerous rescues can now begin without immediately putting human rescuers in danger.

Meet “Fly” lifebuoy‘: Dubai’s aerial water rescue drone

Complementing water robots are aerial water rescue drones, sometimes referred to as “flying lifebuoys.” Drones act as eyes in the sky for beach security teams. Equipped with a live camera, it can quickly fly over large coastal areas, identify swimmers in distress, and transmit live video to lifesaving stations.Once a potential emergency is detected, the drone can:

  • fly directly to the victim
  • land on water
  • Provides immediate floating support

By giving swimmers something to hold on to until rescuers arrive, drones can buy valuable time and ultimately potentially save lives. An aerial view can also help lifeguards more accurately assess situations, allowing them to coordinate rescue operations more precisely.

Dubai Integrated Smart Security System

Rather than replacing lifeguards, robots and drones are designed to support and augment human rescue teams. Dubai’s new system integrates multiple elements into a coordinated network:

  • water rescue robot
  • Aerial surveillance and rescue drones
  • Teams of lifeguards stationed along the beach
  • Centralized monitoring system

This comprehensive model enables authorities to monitor vast coastal areas and respond quickly to emergencies – even during the peak tourist season when beaches are crowded. Officials say the technology is particularly valuable in complex rescue situations where time is of the essence and sea conditions could pose risks to rescuers.

Technology serving Dubai’s public safety

Dubai Municipality officials said the initiative reflects a proactive approach to security driven by innovation. Authorities stressed that the goal was not only to speed up rescues but also to conduct preventive surveillance. Real-time aerial surveillance helps lifeguards detect potential hazards early, including:

  • strong current
  • Swimmer drifts too far from shore
  • Swimming area is too crowded

This system can significantly reduce accidents by identifying risks before they escalate into emergencies.

Protecting one of Dubai’s most popular attractions

Dubai’s beaches attract millions of visitors every year, making it one of the emirate’s most important leisure destinations. Municipally managed public beaches include popular locations such as:

  • Umm Suqim beach at night
  • Jumeirah Beach area
  • Amazha Beach Park

These attractions are open year-round and are especially busy during holidays, weekends, and the winter tourist season. With thousands of people entering the water every day, maintaining high safety standards is vital to the city’s tourism industry and overall public welfare.

Part of Dubai’s smart city vision

The deployment of rescue robots and drones is fully in line with Dubai’s long-term vision to become one of the most technologically advanced cities in the world. Over the past decade, the UAE has invested heavily in smart technology in public services, including:

  • Artificial Intelligence Powered Traffic Management
  • Smart police station
  • Autonomous delivery robot
  • Drone-assisted emergency response

Beach safety is the latest area to benefit from digital transformation. By integrating robotics into daily services, Dubai aims to create future-proof public spaces that prioritize safety, efficiency and quality of life.

Global trend: Technology saves lives

Dubai is not the only country exploring robotic solutions for water rescue. Around the world, coastal safety authorities have begun trialling robotic lifeguards and rescue drones to improve response times. Some devices can get to victims faster than traditional methods and can operate in hazardous conditions where human rescuers might become stranded. However, Dubai’s new system stands out because it combines multiple technologies into an integrated beach safety network, rather than deploying separate tools separately. For lifeguards, the technology offers several advantages. Robots can reach swimmers in distress before lifeguards enter dangerous waters. Drones can quickly spot emergencies and guide rescue teams to the exact location. Live video allows lifeguards to assess the situation before launching a rescue operation. Large areas of coastline can be monitored more effectively.Simply put, this technology provides additional protection for swimmers and rescuers. The authorities believe the new system will significantly improve the safety of Dubai’s beaches while reinforcing the emirate’s reputation as a global leader in innovation. By combining human expertise with robotics and artificial intelligence, Dubai is creating a next-generation coastal safety model that could influence beach management strategies around the world.

‘Bhai isko abhi delete kar de’: Shivam Dube’s off-guard reaction to camera goes viral – Watch

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'Bhai isko abhi delete kar de': Shivam Dube's off-guard reaction to camera goes viral - Watch

Shivam Dube has recently caught the attention of his fans on social media after his funny interaction with the paparazzi outside his residence in Mumbai went viral. This brief moment gave us a glimpse of the relaxed and playful side of the Indian all-rounder off the cricket field.The incident occurred outside Dube’s upscale apartment complex in Andheri West, which is home to several people from the sports and entertainment industry. In the viral video, the cricketer is seen talking on the phone near the reception area when a paparazzi approaches him with a camera. Although a little surprised at first, Dube acknowledged the photographer and greeted him politely.In the video, Dube, wearing a maroon sleeveless shirt, appears surprised as paparazzi greet him excitedly. “Bhai aapko dekh liya hum log ne (Brother, we have seen you),” the man can be heard saying in the video before asking the cricketer how he was doing.“Badiya bhai (I am great),” Dube replied with a thumbs up and the man said, “Humara desh ka naam roshan kar diya aap ne (You have made our country proud).”The moment became funnier when the all-rounder realized that he was being filmed and jokingly said “Bhai isko abhi delete kar de”.Dube’s popularity rose significantly after India’s victory in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The all-rounder played a vital role throughout the tournament and emerged as one of the unsung heroes in the title-winning run.Dube, who had already contributed to India’s successful campaign in 2024, stepped up again in 2026 and made an even greater impact. In eight innings, he scored 235 runs at a strike rate of 169.06, played a key role in several games and continued to provide momentum in the most important moments.

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Has the White House received a tornado warning? Latest weather updates, Washington, D.C. braces for dangerous storm outbreak

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Washington, D.C., is bracing for a potentially dangerous outbreak of severe weather as a powerful storm system sweeps across much of the eastern United States on Monday.

Washington, D.C., is bracing for a potentially dangerous severe weather outbreak on Monday. (no splash)
Washington, D.C., is bracing for a potentially dangerous severe weather outbreak on Monday. (no splash)

AccuWeather senior meteorologist Tyler Royce warned that “continuous snowfall, high winds and severe weather” will “impact the eastern half of the United States.”

He added, “Whether it’s gusty winds from the squall line, blizzards or snow, or just winds from the storm, you’re going to see several major airports being impacted.”

The Storm Prediction Center has classified the Washington area as being at moderate risk (Category 4 out of 5) of severe thunderstorms, a classification considered rare in the region.

The upgraded warning indicates that damaging winds, large hail, heavy rainfall could lead to flooding and there is a greater chance of some tornadoes, but tornadoes are not expected to be a major threat.

Also read: 4 potential tornadoes cause severe damage in Indiana, Illinois, leaving 2 dead and thousands without power

WTOP meteorologist Mike Stinneford explained that the models consistently pointed to this setup.

“It’s basically telling us that the models are pretty clear that we’re going to see an outbreak of severe weather on Monday afternoon,” Steenford said.

There may be multiple rounds of storms throughout the day. Stinneford noted that discrete super cells could form as early as noon to 2 p.m., particularly in the western suburbs. These can pose serious dangers in isolation and then form more organized threat lines.

“I do believe this will impact the metro area around the first half of Monday afternoon’s rush hour,” Stingford said. “This squall line could produce damaging winds, large hail, and even some tornadoes.”

Most concerning, a strong squall line is expected to move into the metro area between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.

“Especially in the lead-up to peak time, we could see some real negative impacts, some high winds, some hail, risk of tornadoes and some very heavy rainfall that could cause flooding on regional roads,” he said.

The threat of severe weather is expected to abate by Monday night, but lingering showers could mix with wet snow as temperatures drop into the 30s. Sunshine should return on Tuesday, but winds and chills will remain throughout Wednesday, with temperatures rising into the 50s by Thursday.

Has the White House received a tornado warning?

In reports circulating on social media, some users claimed White House A tornado warning was in effect as of Sunday evening. However, as of 6 p.m. ET on Sunday, the Washington, D.C., area, including near the White House, had not received such a warning.

UAE offers free Fazaa membership during Year of the Family 2026: Who can apply

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UAE offers free Fazaa membership during Year of the Family 2026: Who can apply
Huge discounts coming: UAE announces free Fazaa membership for families

The UAE has announced that resident households will receive free Fazaa membership as part of the national “Year of the Family 2026” initiative, which aims to enhance social cohesion and improve the quality of life for families across the emirate. Launched in partnership between the Ministry of Families and Fazaa Initiatives, the program recognizes the contribution of families living and working in the country, while giving them access to a wide range of lifestyle benefits and discounts.The initiative reflects the UAE’s broader strategy to place families at the center of social development. The authorities hope to enhance a sense of community, support family stability and reduce the cost of daily living by extending welfare programs that were previously largely restricted to specific sectors to residential households.

What UAE’s new initiative for free Fazaa membership offers

Under the programme, eligible households will receive a free discounted Fazaa membership valid throughout 2026, giving them access to a wide network of services and offers across the UAE and internationally. Key benefits provided to members include:

  • Discounts available at over 34,000 retail stores in the UAE and abroad
  • Fazaa store offers special offers on 28,000 food and consumer products
  • Offer travel and accommodation discounts to over 500,000 hotels worldwide through the Fazaa Amakin platform
  • Enjoy up to 70% off entertainment and activities with the Fazaa mobile app

These benefits cover many areas of daily life, from shopping and dining to travel, healthcare and leisure, making membership a potentially valuable tool for families looking to manage living costs more effectively.

Who can apply for free Fazaa membership in UAE

Free membership is open to resident households in the UAE with at least one child, ensuring the program’s focus is on families rather than individuals. Eligible families can apply online through the official Fazaa platform, submit the necessary documents and activate their digital membership card. The authority has also set up technical support channels to assist applicants and answer questions about the process.Once approved, membership will remain active for the duration of the family year and will expire at the end of 2026. Officials say the initiative has a deeper message beyond financial benefits. According to government representatives, the program aims to express gratitude to the families who have chosen the UAE as their home, while reinforcing the idea that strong families are the foundation of a stable and prosperous society.The UAE’s development model has long emphasized social cohesion and community integration, especially given the diversity of the country’s citizens and expatriates. The authority aims to enhance a sense of belonging and shared responsibility by providing benefits to resident families.

What are the plans for Fazaa in the UAE?

The Fazaa program itself is one of the most recognized social support programs in the UAE. The program was originally designed to benefit government employees and specific professional groups, providing members with discounts, services and financial benefits across multiple sectors.These benefits often include:

  • Reduced shopping and dining prices
  • Discounts on travel and hotel bookings
  • Special Healthcare Offers
  • Save on entertainment and lifestyle services
  • Transportation and rental discounts

The wider aim of the scheme is to help members manage the cost of living while encouraging community involvement and economic activity. The free membership program goes hand-in-hand with the UAE’s declaration of 2026 as the Year of the Family. This nationwide campaign aims to highlight the importance of family stability, well-being and social cohesion as pillars of national development. The program is also in line with the country’s long-term social policy that focuses on strengthening families and supporting the next generation.Within this framework, initiatives ranging from community programs to lifestyle benefits are expected to be rolled out throughout the year to support families and encourage closer connections within society. The Fazaa membership program also reflects a wider trend in the UAE, where government agencies and private organizations regularly launch programs aimed at improving the quality of life for residents.A number of community initiatives have emerged across the country in recent weeks, from free entry to major attractions to special discounts on leisure and hospitality experiences for residents. These programs are designed to encourage families to spend time together and make daily activities easier to carry out. Such initiatives tend to be quickly embraced by residents, underscoring the strong need for family-oriented programs that combine social participation with financial savings.Early indications are that the free Fazaa membership program could be very popular. Long queues of residents trying to apply for membership formed online shortly after the announcement, reflecting strong interest from families eager to benefit from the discounts and services offered by the scheme. For many families, especially those with children, membership can provide significant savings on travel, entertainment and everyday shopping.

Strengthening the UAE’s social model

In addition to the direct economic benefits, the initiative reflects the UAE’s broader social philosophy of building a community where residents, regardless of nationality, are seen as active participants in the country’s development. By extending programs like Fazaa to residential households, the government is reinforcing the message that the well-being of society begins with the well-being of every family in the country. This approach has been a hallmark of the UAE’s governance model, which often combines economic growth with policies aimed at improving residents’ quality of life.As the Year of the Family begins, more initiatives aimed at supporting families are expected to emerge across the UAE. The free Fazaa membership program is likely to be just the beginning of a wider set of policies aimed at strengthening families, encouraging social cohesion and ensuring residents continue to see the UAE as a place where they can build long-term, stable lives.For thousands of families across the emirate, this initiative represents both a practical benefit and a symbolic gesture, underscoring the country’s ongoing commitment to community, inclusion and shared prosperity.

VRChat Server Down: What Happened to Steam Video Games Today? Official update here

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VRChat, one of the most popular social VR experiences on Steam, is currently experiencing a major outage, affecting thousands of users around the world. Players were unable to log in, join worlds, or access core features, with many players reporting persistent connection errors and API glitches.

VRChat was unavailable for several users on Sunday (Steam)
VRChat was unavailable for several users on Sunday (Steam)

The service outage began around 19:19 UTC on Saturday, March 15, when VRChat’s official status page first acknowledged the issue. In an initial update, the team said: “We are currently experiencing a large number of delays and bugs in the API system.”

VRChat provided further updates as the situation worsened. At 21:03 UTC, they noted: “We are continuing to investigate the issue causing the ongoing outage. There is currently no estimate for a fix.” Less than 30 minutes later, at 21:26 UTC, the company gave a slightly more promising message: “Update – We have identified the issue and are working with the provider to resolve our outage as soon as possible.”

The root cause appears to be related to VRChat’s API system, which handles user authentication, world loading, and real-time interaction across platforms. This resulted in many users being stuck at loading screens or unable to connect at all.

Social media users’ reactions

“vrchat is down and I’m stuck and alone,” one user complained on the X (formerly Twitter) platform.

“Yeah I’ve been down for over 24 hours,” another person added.

What VRChat players can do

While the team works on the fix, players are advised to:

Check the official VRChat status page for live updates.

Restart the game, client and router.

Try switching networks or using a wired connection.

Avoid repeated login attempts as this can sometimes exacerbate temporary account issues.

There’s no confirmed estimated time for full recovery, but the latest update suggests the team has isolated the issue and is coordinating with external providers.

Inclusion of ‘suspicious voters’ in rolls will be subject to judge’s order: CEC

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NEW DELHI: The Calcutta High Court holds the key to whether nearly 4.5 million “suspicious voters” will be able to contest the Bengal assembly elections – their cases being decided by judicial officers based on the Supreme Court’s February directive. According to reports, of the 6 million “suspicious elector” cases, 1.5 million have been adjudicated so far. CEC Gyanesh Kumar on Sunday said the “learned bench” working on the directions of the HC will publish the supplementary list approved for inclusion in the state electoral roll, after which the EC will add them back to the final roll. The additional voters are eligible to vote in the state’s upcoming polls. Kumar praised the SIR and termed it a “massive democratic exercise” and said it had provided a pure electoral roll under Article 326, “the cornerstone of democracy”. However, an EC official said the rules require the voter list to be frozen on the last date for nominations, with additions to the list not allowed until 10 days before then, with the remaining time available for possible appeals. There is a provision for a two-point appeal process against the final registration entry, firstly to the District Magistrate and secondly and finally to the Chief Electoral Officer of the concerned State or Union Territory. This means that the rolls of 152 seats in Bangladesh’s parliamentary constituencies that will be voted in the first phase of voting on April 23 may be frozen on March 27, and the 142 seats originally scheduled for voting on April 29 may be frozen on April 1.

Meet Aman Gottumukkala: Indian-origin founder joins xAI after building a million-dollar startup with a team of just three | World News

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Meet Aman Gottumukkala: The Indian-origin founder joins xAI after building a million-dollar startup with a team of just three

The rapid rise of artificial intelligence has given rise to a new generation of founders building powerful tools with very small teams. One of them is Indian-born software engineer Aman Gottumukkala, who recently announced that he has joined xAI to work on advanced coding artificial intelligence systems. Gottumukkala attracted attention after founding Firebender, an AI-powered coding assistant for Android developers, which reportedly generated millions of dollars in revenue from a team of just three people. By moving to xAI, he becomes part of a growing community of engineers working on the next generation of artificial intelligence systems.

this million dollar startup Built by Aman Gottumukkala

Gottumukkala is best known as the creator of Firebender, a development tool designed to help programmers write and manage Android code more efficiently. The software acts as an AI coding assistant integrated into developer environments such as Android Studio and JetBrains IDE.Firebender has quickly gained traction among developers and engineering teams and is widely used to automate coding tasks and increase developer productivity. Despite the small team size, the startup has reportedly scaled into millions of dollars in revenue, underscoring the growing ability of AI tools to enable small teams to build highly profitable products.

Engineering and startup background

Prior to launching Firebender, Gottumukkala worked as a software engineer at Paradigm, focusing on technology projects related to cryptocurrency and the technology ecosystem.He was also selected as a KP Fellow, a highly competitive fellowship program that connects talented engineers and founders with leading venture capital firms in Silicon Valley. The scholarship often serves as a launch pad for entrepreneurs to establish new technology start-ups.

Education and Early Academic Pathways

Gottumukkala studied computer science at Texas A&M University and completed his bachelor’s degree between 2017 and 2021. Before attending college, he attended the Texas Math and Science Academy, a selective early college program designed for students who excel in science and mathematics.He also attended Klein Oak High School in Texas. His academic path reflects his strong focus on engineering and technical disciplines from early on.

Join xAI to create the future of coding AI

Gottumukkala announced on Sunday that he will join xAI, the artificial intelligence company founded by Elon Musk. The company focuses on developing advanced artificial intelligence models and systems and aims to compete with leading artificial intelligence laboratories around the world.Gottumukkala said his work at xAI will focus on building the next generation of coding artificial intelligence, tools designed to aid developers and automate complex programming tasks. His statement also mentioned collaborations with teams associated with SpaceX, reflecting xAI’s broader interest in combining artificial intelligence with real-world technology.

A sign of the changing entrepreneurial environment

The story of Gottumukkala and Firebender highlights a major shift in the technology industry. AI-driven tools enable very small teams to build products that previously required large engineering organizations.Startups that once required dozens of developers can now launch complex platforms with just a handful of engineers. As artificial intelligence models continue to improve, founders like Gottumukkala are helping shape a new generation of development tools designed to speed up building software.His move to xAI also reflects the growing competition among AI companies to recruit talented engineers who have proven they can build successful AI products.