Latest news with #RohitMehta
Time of India
2 days ago
- Climate
- Time of India
Duststorm hits Gurgaon, uproots trees, 14 flights diverted from IGIA
Gurgaon: A duststorm swept through the city on Sunday afternoon, and brought with it strong winds, thunderstorms and light rain. The storm began around 4.15pm, with wind speeds reaching 40 to 50 kmph, accompanied by lightning and a light drizzle. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Due to adverse weather in Delhi, 14 flights were diverted — two were to Chandigarh, two to Amritsar, seven to Jai pur, one each to Ahmedabad, Dehradun and Lucknow. The flights were diverted between 4.30pm and 6.10pm. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a bulletin earlier in the day, around 3pm, warning of moderate thunderstorms with wind speeds of 40 to 60 kmph and lightning across several parts of southern Haryana, including Gurgaon. The alert also covered areas such as Mahendragarh, Rewari, Jhajjar, Bhiwani, and Faridabad. As the sky darkened and heavy clouds appeared, many trees fell in multiple localities and led to precautionary power cuts in some areas. "It was like a wall of dust suddenly hit us. Visibility dropped within minutes, and the wind was so strong it shook the windows," said Monika Sharma, a resident of Sector 56. "A large tree near our apartment collapsed onto a parked car. No one was hurt, but it was a close call," said Rohit Mehta, a resident of Sector 83. According to IMD, Gurgaon recorded 14.5 mm of rainfall between 8.30am and 5.30pm on Sunday. The minimum temperature dropped slightly to 24.8 degrees Celsius, 0.6 degrees lower than the previous day, offering brief relief from the recent heat. The maximum was at 36.2 degrees Celsius, which was 1.3 notches lower than the previous day. IMD attributed the weather disturbance to a cyclonic circulation over Haryana and neighbouring regions, embedded in an east-west trough extending from Punjab to Bangladesh. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Moisture from both the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal is feeding into the system, intensifying the weather activity. Authorities urged residents to stay indoors during such events and report fallen trees or power disruptions to the helpline. According to IMD forecasts, Gurgaon and surrounding areas are likely to experience more dust storms over the coming days, with a yellow alert issued from June 1 to 3. Experts attribute this trend to hot, dry winds from Rajasthan and the increasing urban heat island effect in Delhi-NCR. The storm impacted traffic and left many areas waterlogged in the capital too. The storm's intensity, with squally winds reaching 96km/hr at Palam, knocked down trees and disrupted po wer supply in some areas. "This year has seen an unusually high number of western disturbances that bring moisture to north India," said an IMD official.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Dark Pattern Guidelines: Govt warns E-Commerce platforms to comply or face action
Rohit Mehta is an Indian blogger, author and entrepreneur. He owns a blog named Digital Gabbar which is Available in English & Hindi. Rohit has been in the digital marketing and IT sector for over 10 years. He can be reached at Facebook, Instagram or Twitter (@bloggermehta). LESS ... MORE India's digital economy is booming, but so are deceptive online practices. To combat manipulative design tactics, the Indian government has issued a strong warning to e-commerce and digital service platforms: follow dark pattern guidelines or face legal action. This marks a major move by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs to ensure fair trade practices and protect Indian consumers from digital deception. What are dark patterns? Dark patterns are deceptive user interface designs intended to mislead or manipulate users into actions they might not take otherwise. These include tactics like: False urgency : Creating fake time pressure (e.g., 'only 1 left!'). Basket sneaking : Adding items or services to a shopping cart without explicit consent. Bait and switch : Promoting one offer and then replacing it with another. Drip pricing : Revealing additional charges only at the final step of checkout. Subscription traps : Making it hard to cancel or opt-out of subscriptions. Such practices have now been officially categorised as unfair trade practices under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. Government mandate: Audit and submit reports Union Minister Pralhad Joshi announced that all digital platforms must audit their apps and websites for these manipulative elements. The audit reports must be submitted to the Department of Consumer Affairs. To enforce compliance, the government will form a joint working group that will monitor digital platforms and take necessary actions if violations are found. 'If they do not follow the guidelines, action will be taken as per the law,' — Pralhad Joshi Dark pattern guidelines by CCPA In November 2023, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) issued a comprehensive framework to curb dark patterns. These guidelines aim to ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability in digital transactions. Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare shared that: The CCPA has issued 11 notices for dark pattern violations. Over 400 notices have been issued for broader unfair trade practices. Quick-commerce and ride-hailing platforms are now under closer scrutiny. Sectors under the scanner Dark patterns are not limited to e-commerce alone. Several sectors have come under the government's radar: Ride-hailing apps Education & streaming platforms Govt launches Jagriti App for consumers To empower consumers, the Ministry has launched the Jagriti App and Dashboard, enabling users to: Report dark pattern practices Understand their digital rights Stay updated on government actions The bigger picture: Accountability in the digital age With over 50+ digital platforms already being addressed, India's latest move signals a robust push for ethical design, transparent pricing, and consumer-first policies in online services. The warning is clear—manipulative designs have no place in India's digital future. Final thoughts The introduction and enforcement of dark pattern guidelines is a major step toward creating a safe and trustworthy digital environment in India. E-commerce, streaming, ride-hailing, and education platforms must now prioritise ethical user experience design or be prepared to face legal consequences. As the government strengthens consumer protection measures, platforms must shift their focus from manipulation to genuine value creation. If you're a consumer and notice suspicious app behavior, report it through the Jagriti App today. Awareness is your first shield against digital deception. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Time of India
AI in education: How to use AI to transform learning
Rohit Mehta is an Indian blogger, author and entrepreneur. He owns a blog named Digital Gabbar which is Available in English & Hindi. Rohit has been in the digital marketing and IT sector for over 10 years. He can be reached at Facebook, Instagram or Twitter (@bloggermehta). LESS ... MORE Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming industries across the globe, and education is no exception. From smart tutoring systems to automated grading and personalized learning experiences, AI is reshaping how students learn and how teachers teach. In this article, we'll explore how to use AI in education and the many ways it is changing the future of learning. What is AI in education? AI in education refers to the use of artificial intelligence technologies to enhance teaching and learning experiences. It includes everything from machine learning algorithms that personalize lesson plans to chatbots that assist with homework. How to use AI in education: Top applications Personalized learning AI can analyze a student's learning habits, strengths, and weaknesses to tailor educational content to their specific needs. Platforms like Khan Academy and DreamBox Learning use AI to adjust difficulty levels and recommend topics based on performance. Benefits: Adapts to each student's pace Fills learning gaps effectively Increases engagement and motivation Smart content creation AI tools can automatically generate content like quizzes, flashcards, and even entire lessons. Some platforms use natural language processing (NLP) to convert textbooks into digital, interactive study materials. Example tools: Quizlet (AI-powered flashcards) Socratic by Google (explains concepts using AI) AI tutors and virtual assistants AI-powered chatbots and virtual tutors provide students with 24/7 support outside the classroom. These tools can answer common questions, explain complex concepts, and provide extra practice problems. Popular tools: ChatGPT for Education IBM Watson Tutor Duolingo's AI Language Coach Automated grading AI can save teachers time by automating the grading of multiple-choice tests, fill-in-the-blank quizzes, and even short answers using NLP. This gives teachers more time to focus on student engagement and lesson planning. Advantages: Speeds up assessment process Reduces grading bias Provides instant feedback to students Predictive analytics for student performance AI systems can predict which students are at risk of failing by analyzing attendance, participation, and past performance data. This allows educators to intervene early and offer support. Use cases: Student retention programs in universities Early warning systems for K-12 schools AI-powered language learning Language apps now use AI to track pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary. These apps offer real-time corrections and personalized practice based on performance. Popular tools: Duolingo Rosetta Stone AI Elsa Speak Enhanced accessibility AI helps make education more accessible for students with disabilities. Tools like speech-to-text, real-time captions, and screen readers improve learning experiences for everyone. Examples: Microsoft Immersive Reader Google's Live Caption for transcription Pros and Cons of Using AI in Education Pros Cons Personalized learning experiences Requires strong internet infrastructure Saves time for teachers High cost of implementation Improves student engagement May reduce human interaction Enables 24/7 support Data privacy concerns Future of AI in education As AI continues to evolve, we can expect even more advanced applications in the classroom. Virtual reality (VR) combined with AI will create immersive learning environments, while AI-driven analytics will guide curriculum development. Final thoughts The use of AI in education is no longer a distant dream—it's happening now. From personalized learning to AI tutors and automated grading, schools and institutions are embracing technology to improve outcomes and make learning more engaging. While challenges exist, the benefits of using AI in education far outweigh the drawbacks. If you're an educator, parent, or student, it's time to explore the potential of AI to enrich the learning journey. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
Indian Express
30-04-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Gold sales shine on Akshaya Tritiya despite high prices
Jewellers across the city reported a strong response from buyers this Akshaya Tritiya, with many customers turning up early to purchase gold and silver, undeterred by rising prices. Rohit Mehta, 64-year-old manager at Mehta Jewels, said, 'This Akshaya Tritiya, we've seen a very positive response. Customers have been coming in since morning, and many are buying both gold and silver, especially coins and light jewellery. The festive mood is strong, and with gold prices high—24-carat is at Rs 96,250 and 22-carat around Rs 88,600—people are still investing with faith. It's tradition and trust that drive these purchases, not just price.' Sunita Deshmukh, a 48-year-old customer at Mehta Jewels, said, 'Every year, we buy a small gold coin or jewellery on Akshaya Tritiya—it's something we never miss. Even if prices are high, it feels lucky, and it's our way of saving for the future too.' Vivek Kulkarni, sales head at Anandi Jewellers, said, 'Compared to last year, we're seeing more footfall today. Most customers are buying lightweight pieces or coins. Some are going for small investment bars as well. Silver items, especially coins, are also in demand.' Jewellers said the day remained busy, and purchases were steady throughout. Traditional buyers and those purchasing for weddings contributed significantly to the sales. Fatehchand Ranka, owner of Ranka Jewellers, said, 'There hasn't been any change in customer buying trends. In fact, this year's gold purchases have surpassed last year's. We've observed a stronger buying pattern overall. Many are buying bullion in keeping with Marathi traditions, along with jewellery, whether heavy or lightweight. Sales have been far better than expected.' Omkar Shinde from PNG Exclusive said, 'Purchases are being made out of tradition. Customers are primarily opting for lightweight jewellery and bullion, and the flow of buyers has remained steady.' Atul Ashtekar, partner at KRA Jewellers, said, 'Besides gold, silver coins and bullion are also seeing good demand. Gold is being purchased mainly from an investment perspective, and with the wedding season approaching, there's been a rise in customised jewellery orders. The current rates are Rs 96,203 for 24-carat gold, Rs 88,583 for 22-carat gold, and Rs 19,200 for silver bullion.'
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Investigational data presented at Heart Rhythm Society demonstrates promising multi-sensing capabilities of SANSA home sleep apnea test
SAN DIEGO, April 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Huxley Medical unveiled promising investigational data from the company's SANSA monitoring platform at the Heart Rhythm Society meeting, held in San Diego from April 24-27. In the observational study, investigators evaluated the feasibility of SANSA to simultaneously assess sleep apnea, arrhythmia, and activity patterns. The study highlights the high burden of unrecognized sleep apnea in electrophysiology populations and the breadth of insights the SANSA multi-sensing platform is capable of generating from a single use. With continued development, researchers believe SANSA could simplify diagnostic workflows for complex patients and enhance cross-specialty collaboration between cardiology, electrophysiology, and sleep medicine. Key findings from the research: Previously unrecognized sleep apnea was detected in 67% (20/30) of electrophysiology patients being monitored for arrhythmias SANSA revealed sleep apnea during a daytime nap as well as overnight sleep, highlighting how typical overnight-only home sleep apnea testing may miss the full burden of disease and not capture valuable information about patients' circadian sleep patterns Simultaneous collection of ECG alongside oximetry, motion, and respiration provided valuable context to understand relationships between arrhythmia burden, sleep, and activity level The research team leading the study suggested that unifying the assessment of sleep-disordered breathing and cardiac arrhythmias could provide valuable insight into disease states and inform clinical management of complex patients. Rohit Mehta, MD, cardiac electrophysiologist at the Sanger Heart and Vascular Institute and Professor of Medicine at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, said, "A key unmet need in current diagnostic assessments is the ability to contextualize when disease occurs and to identify how different disease states influence one another. This is particularly true for frequently comorbid conditions like various arrhythmias and sleep apnea. A unified assessment could help tailor disease management for the patient and allow more specific and appropriate therapies to be provided. This study suggests promising potential for SANSA to help address this need and motivates continued clinical research and validation." Samuel Sears, PhD, ABPP, professor of cardiovascular sciences and psychology at East Carolina University and division chief of innovation and research for the East Carolina Heart Institute, added "Keeping patients active and understanding how their heart responds to physical activity is one of the most critical things we can do for our cardiac patients. Devices like SANSA that provide this level of information alongside standard Holter data could become the standard." Researchers also highlighted the promise of SANSA to streamline workflows and strengthen how different clinical specialties work together to provide care. Douglas Kirsch, MD, Medical Director of Sleep Medicine at Atrium Health and Clinical Professor of Neurology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, said, "Siloed workflows create complexity for patients and hamper inter-specialty collaboration. Devices with muti-diagnostic capabilities, like SANSA, may enable faster and more efficient approaches to patients where both sleep and cardiac disorders are suspected." About Huxley Medical Huxley Medical, Inc. is a privately held medical technology company on a mission to develop diagnostic solutions that streamline care for any patient anywhere. The company has received funding from the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, Georgia Research Alliance Venture Fund, Invest Georgia, Georgia Tech Foundation Research Impact Fund, and Duke Capital Partners to translate its growing technology portfolio. To learn more, visit or email info@ Research abstract: "Simultaneously Monitoring Patterns of Arrhythmia, Sleep Apnea, and Activity with a Single Chest-worn Device" Media Contact: Brennan Torstrick Chief Scientific Officer Huxley Medical View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Huxley Medical, Inc. Sign in to access your portfolio
