Dera Sacha Sauda&nbsp;chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, an Indian 'godman' and convicted rapist who is serving a 20-year sentence, walked out of jail yet again on furlough on Tuesday (Aug 13) after petitions against it were dismissed. Singh will be out for 21 days.

He is serving jail for the rape of two women disciples at his ashram in Sirsa.

Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh was released from Sunaria prison in Rohtak, a city in the northern state of Haryana, at 6.30 am local time, according to media reports.

He will spend time at an Ashram of Dera Sacha Sauda at Baghpat in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, the reports said.&nbsp;

Significantly, his release took place two months ahead of the local assembly elections in Haryana.

Ram Rahim has been out of jail on parole or furloughs several times in the past since his conviction for rape in 2017. These temporary releases were often opposed in court, but failed.

The last plea was filed by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee or SGPC.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court asked the prisons department to take a call, without &nbsp;“arbitrariness or favouritism”, while dismissing the petition.&nbsp;

<h2>Who is Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh?</h2>

Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh is the chief of the spiritual group Dera Sacha Sauda, which is seen by many as a cult. At the height of his fame, the 56-year-old had hundreds of thousands of disciples, and was also an actor and film producer, with his followers claiming that the movies amassed 1 billion rupees.

He also released several music albums and music videos, which had gone viral at the time.

He was famous for his outlandish dressing style, as well as stunts including driving heavy bikes.

He was seen as a social reformer and organised massive medical camps for blood donation, and free check-ups. He is also known for mega drives for cleanliness and sanitation.

The Dera chief, who also called himself MSG, apparently short for Messenger of God, was sentenced to 20 years in jail for raping two of his followers at his ashram in Sirsa.

<h2>Ram Rahim Singh rape case</h2>

Since the early 2000s, several of Ram Rahim's female disciples had accused him of rape and molestation, but complaints by two women were the most prominent.&nbsp;

After a lengthy probe by Central Bureau of Investigation, a CBI court convicted Ram Rahim on 25 August 2017 of rape.

Soon, his followers went on a rampage in Haryana and several other northern cities, blocking traffic and setting public property and vehicles on fire. The violence spread even to the Indian capital New Delhi&nbsp;and the National Capital Region or NCR, and left several dead.

Police raided his ashram and found that he lived a palatial house, the videos of which went viral.

Ram Rahim was sentenced to 20 years in prison on 28 August 2017.

<h2>Ram Rahim's run-ins with law</h2>

In a separate case, in January 2019, Singh was convicted of the murder of journalist Ram Chander Chhatrapati and sentenced to life imprisonment. Chhatrapati had been writing about the death of a Dera Sauda former manager Ranjit Singh, and was shot dead in 2002.

Ram Rahim was an accused in the killing Ranjit Singh in 2002, but the Punjab and Haryana High Court acquitted him and four others.

Ram Rahim&nbsp;is also reportedly accused of ordering forced castrations on 400 of his followers.

(With inputs from agencies)

Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, an Indian 'godman' and convicted rapist who is serving a 20-year sentence, walked out of jail yet again on furlough on Tuesday (Aug 13) after petitions against it were dismissed.

Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, an Indian 'godman' and convicted rapist who is serving a 20-year sentence, walked out of jail yet again on furlough on Tuesday (Aug 13) after petitions against it were dismissed. Singh will be out for 21 days. He is serving jail for the rape of two women disciples at his ashram in Sirsa. Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh was released from Sunaria prison in Rohtak, a city in the northern state of Haryana, at 6.30 am local time, according to media reports. He will spend time at an Ashram of Dera Sacha Sauda at Baghpat in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, the reports said. Significantly, his release took place two months ahead of the local assembly elections in Haryana. Ram Rahim has been out of jail on parole or furloughs several times in the past since his conviction for rape in 2017. These temporary releases were often opposed in court, but failed. The last plea was filed by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee or SGPC. The Punjab and Haryana High Court asked the prisons department to take a call, without “arbitrariness or favouritism”, while dismissing the petition. Who is Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh? Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh is the chief of the spiritual group Dera Sacha Sauda, which is seen by many as a cult. At the height of his fame, the 56-year-old had hundreds of thousands of disciples, and was also an actor and film producer, with his followers claiming that the movies amassed 1 billion rupees. He also released several music albums and music videos, which had gone viral at the time. He was famous for his outlandish dressing style, as well as stunts including driving heavy bikes. He was seen as a social reformer and organised massive medical camps for blood donation, and free check-ups. He is also known for mega drives for cleanliness and sanitation. The Dera chief, who also called himself MSG, apparently short for Messenger of God, was sentenced to 20 years in jail for raping two of his followers at his ashram in Sirsa. Ram Rahim Singh rape case Since the early 2000s, several of Ram Rahim's female disciples had accused him of rape and molestation, but complaints by two women were the most prominent. After a lengthy probe by Central Bureau of Investigation, a CBI court convicted Ram Rahim on 25 August 2017 of rape. Soon, his followers went on a rampage in Haryana and several other northern cities, blocking traffic and setting public property and vehicles on fire. The violence spread even to the Indian capital New Delhi and the National Capital Region or NCR, and left several dead. Police raided his ashram and found that he lived a palatial house, the videos of which went viral. Ram Rahim was sentenced to 20 years in prison on 28 August 2017. Ram Rahim's run-ins with law In a separate case, in January 2019, Singh was convicted of the murder of journalist Ram Chander Chhatrapati and sentenced to life imprisonment. Chhatrapati had been writing about the death of a Dera Sauda former manager Ranjit Singh, and was shot dead in 2002. Ram Rahim was an accused in the killing Ranjit Singh in 2002, but the Punjab and Haryana High Court acquitted him and four others. Ram Rahim is also reportedly accused of ordering forced castrations on 400 of his followers. (With inputs from agencies)

Who is Dera Sacha Saudia's Ram Rahim Singh, Indian 'godman' and rape convict who walked out of jail again?

Dera Sacha Sauda&nbsp;chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, an Indian 'godman' and convicted rapist who is serving a 20-year sentence, walked out of jail yet again on furlough on Tuesday (Aug 13) after petitions against it were dismissed. Singh will be out for 21 days.

He is serving jail for the rape of two women disciples at his ashram in Sirsa.

Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh was released from Sunaria prison in Rohtak, a city in the northern state of Haryana, at 6.30 am local time, according to media reports.

He will spend time at an Ashram of Dera Sacha Sauda at Baghpat in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, the reports said.&nbsp;

Significantly, his release took place two months ahead of the local assembly elections in Haryana.

Ram Rahim has been out of jail on parole or furloughs several times in the past since his conviction for rape in 2017. These temporary releases were often opposed in court but failed.

The last plea was filed by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee or SGPC.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court asked the prison department to take a call, without &nbsp;“arbitrariness or favouritism”, while dismissing the petition.&nbsp;

<h2>Who is Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh?</h2>

Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh is the chief of the spiritual group Dera Sacha Sauda, which is seen by many as a cult. At the height of his fame, the 56-year-old had hundreds of thousands of disciples, and was also an actor and film producer, with his followers claiming that the movies amassed 1 billion rupees.

He also released several music albums and music videos, which had gone viral at the time.

He was famous for his outlandish dressing style, as well as stunts including driving heavy bikes.

He was seen as a social reformer and organised massive medical camps for blood donation, and free check-ups. He is also known for mega drives for cleanliness and sanitation.

The Dera chief, who also called himself MSG, apparently short for Messenger of God, was sentenced to 20 years in jail for raping two of his followers at his ashram in Sirsa.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/disgraced-indian-godman-ram-rahim-acquitted-in-2002-ranjit-singh-murder-case-726220">Also read |&nbsp;Disgraced Indian godman Ram Rahim acquitted in 2002 Ranjit Singh murder case</a>

<h2>Ram Rahim Singh rape case</h2>

Since the early 2000s, several of Ram Rahim's female disciples had accused him of rape and molestation, but complaints by two women were the most prominent.&nbsp;

After a lengthy probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation, a CBI court convicted Ram Rahim on 25 August 2017 of rape.

Soon, his followers went on a rampage in Haryana and several other northern cities, blocking traffic and setting public property and vehicles on fire. The violence spread even to the Indian capital New Delhi&nbsp;and the National Capital Region or NCR, and left several dead.

Police raided his ashram and found that he lived a lavish life in a palatial house, the videos of which went viral.

Ram Rahim was sentenced to 20 years in prison on 28 August 2017.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/here-is-what-ram-rahims-guest-house-looked-like-after-he-was-convicted-4530">Watch |&nbsp;Here is what Ram Rahim's guest house looked like after he was convicted</a>

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&nbsp;

<h2>Ram Rahim's run-ins with law</h2>

In a separate case, in January 2019, Singh was convicted of the murder of journalist Ram Chander Chhatrapati and sentenced to life imprisonment. Chhatrapati had been writing about the death of a Dera Sauda former manager Ranjit Singh, who was shot dead in 2002.

Ram Rahim was accused in the killing of Ranjit Singh in 2002, but the Punjab and Haryana High Court acquitted him and four others.

Ram Rahim&nbsp;is also reportedly accused of ordering forced castrations on 400 of his followers.

(With inputs from agencies)

Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, an Indian 'godman' and convicted rapist who is serving a 20-year sentence, walked out of jail yet again on furlough on Tuesday (Aug 13) after petitions against it were dismissed. Singh will be out for 21 days. He is serving jail for the rape of two women disciples at his ashram in Sirsa. Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh was released from Sunaria prison in Rohtak, a city in the northern state of Haryana, at 6.30 am local time, according to media reports. He will spend time at an Ashram of Dera Sacha Sauda at Baghpat in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, the reports said. Significantly, his release took place two months ahead of the local assembly elections in Haryana. Ram Rahim has been out of jail on parole or furloughs several times in the past since his conviction for rape in 2017. These temporary releases were often opposed in court but failed. The last plea was filed by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee or SGPC. The Punjab and Haryana High Court asked the prison department to take a call, without “arbitrariness or favouritism”, while dismissing the petition. Who is Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh? Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh is the chief of the spiritual group Dera Sacha Sauda, which is seen by many as a cult. At the height of his fame, the 56-year-old had hundreds of thousands of disciples, and was also an actor and film producer, with his followers claiming that the movies amassed 1 billion rupees. He also released several music albums and music videos, which had gone viral at the time. He was famous for his outlandish dressing style, as well as stunts including driving heavy bikes. He was seen as a social reformer and organised massive medical camps for blood donation, and free check-ups. He is also known for mega drives for cleanliness and sanitation. The Dera chief, who also called himself MSG, apparently short for Messenger of God, was sentenced to 20 years in jail for raping two of his followers at his ashram in Sirsa. Also read | Disgraced Indian godman Ram Rahim acquitted in 2002 Ranjit Singh murder case Ram Rahim Singh rape case Since the early 2000s, several of Ram Rahim's female disciples had accused him of rape and molestation, but complaints by two women were the most prominent. After a lengthy probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation, a CBI court convicted Ram Rahim on 25 August 2017 of rape. Soon, his followers went on a rampage in Haryana and several other northern cities, blocking traffic and setting public property and vehicles on fire. The violence spread even to the Indian capital New Delhi and the National Capital Region or NCR, and left several dead. Police raided his ashram and found that he lived a lavish life in a palatial house, the videos of which went viral. Ram Rahim was sentenced to 20 years in prison on 28 August 2017. Watch | Here is what Ram Rahim's guest house looked like after he was convicted × Ram Rahim's run-ins with law In a separate case, in January 2019, Singh was convicted of the murder of journalist Ram Chander Chhatrapati and sentenced to life imprisonment. Chhatrapati had been writing about the death of a Dera Sauda former manager Ranjit Singh, who was shot dead in 2002. Ram Rahim was accused in the killing of Ranjit Singh in 2002, but the Punjab and Haryana High Court acquitted him and four others. Ram Rahim is also reportedly accused of ordering forced castrations on 400 of his followers. (With inputs from agencies)

Who is Dera Sacha Sauda's Ram Rahim Singh, Indian 'godman' and rape convict who walked out of jail again?

AI or Artificial intelligence has been the buzzword in technology for the past few years. Some argue that it can be misused, while others think of it as a boon for various fields, from medicine to science to creative industries. Does AI really pose an existential threat to humanity? No, according to a large study that conducted thousands of experiments on Large Language Models or LLMs, which are at the heart of AI apps like ChatGPT.

<h2>How the research was conducted</h2>

The research team from Bath University in UK and Technical University of Darmstadt in Germany demonstrated through these experiments that a combination of LLMs' ability to follow instructions, memory and linguistic proficiency can account for both the capabilities and limitations exhibited by LLMs.

Also watch |&nbsp;AI model tested against US air force pilot in a simulator battle

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The experiments were aimed at testing the ability of LLMs to complete tasks that the models have never come across before. These are called emergent abilities.

It has been seen in past research that LLMs can answer questions about social situations without ever having been explicitly trained or programmed to do so.&nbsp;

This was thought to be a result of these models ‘knowing’ about social situations. But the researchers showed that "it was in fact the result of models using a well-known ability to complete tasks based on a few examples presented to them, known as ‘in-context learning’ or ICL," Bath University said in a release.

What the study found is that while LLMs have "a superficial ability" to follow instructions and might have excellent language proficiency, they still have no potential "to master new skills without explicit instruction."

This means they remain inherently controllable, predictable and safe," said the release, leading to the conclusion that LLMs are not an existential threat to humanity.

"The research team concluded that LLMs – which are being trained on ever larger datasets – can continue to be deployed without safety concerns, though the technology can still be misused," it said.

While in future, these AI models might be able to 'speak' and write more sophisticated language, and follow more detailed prompts, they "are highly unlikely to gain complex reasoning skills," the researchers concluded.

“The prevailing narrative that this type of AI is a threat to humanity prevents the widespread adoption and development of these technologies, and also diverts attention from the genuine issues that require our focus,” said Dr Harish Tayyar Madabushi, computer scientist at the University of Bath and co-author of the study.

"Our study shows that the fear that a model will go away and do something completely unexpected, innovative and potentially dangerous is not valid," the release quoted him as saying.

“While it's important to address the existing potential for the misuse of AI, such as the creation of fake news and the heightened risk of fraud, it would be premature to enact regulations based on perceived existential threats,” he said.

The study was published as part of the proceedings of the 62nd Annual Meeting of the Association for Computational Linguistics on Monday (Aug 12).

(With inputs from agencies)

AI or Artificial intelligence has been the buzzword in technology for the past few years. Some argue that it can be misused, while others think of it as a boon for various fields, from medicine to science to creative industries.

AI or Artificial intelligence has been the buzzword in technology for the past few years. Some argue that it can be misused, while others think of it as a boon for various fields, from medicine to science to creative industries. Does AI really pose an existential threat to humanity? No, according to a large study that conducted thousands of experiments on Large Language Models or LLMs, which are at the heart of AI apps like ChatGPT. How the research was conducted The research team from Bath University in UK and Technical University of Darmstadt in Germany demonstrated through these experiments that a combination of LLMs' ability to follow instructions, memory and linguistic proficiency can account for both the capabilities and limitations exhibited by LLMs. Also watch | AI model tested against US air force pilot in a simulator battle × The experiments were aimed at testing the ability of LLMs to complete tasks that the models have never come across before. These are called emergent abilities. It has been seen in past research that LLMs can answer questions about social situations without ever having been explicitly trained or programmed to do so. This was thought to be a result of these models ‘knowing’ about social situations. But the researchers showed that "it was in fact the result of models using a well-known ability to complete tasks based on a few examples presented to them, known as ‘in-context learning’ or ICL," Bath University said in a release. What the study found is that while LLMs have "a superficial ability" to follow instructions and might have excellent language proficiency, they still have no potential "to master new skills without explicit instruction." This means they remain inherently controllable, predictable and safe," said the release, leading to the conclusion that LLMs are not an existential threat to humanity. "The research team concluded that LLMs – which are being trained on ever larger datasets – can continue to be deployed without safety concerns, though the technology can still be misused," it said. While in future, these AI models might be able to 'speak' and write more sophisticated language, and follow more detailed prompts, they "are highly unlikely to gain complex reasoning skills," the researchers concluded. “The prevailing narrative that this type of AI is a threat to humanity prevents the widespread adoption and development of these technologies, and also diverts attention from the genuine issues that require our focus,” said Dr Harish Tayyar Madabushi, computer scientist at the University of Bath and co-author of the study. "Our study shows that the fear that a model will go away and do something completely unexpected, innovative and potentially dangerous is not valid," the release quoted him as saying. “While it's important to address the existing potential for the misuse of AI, such as the creation of fake news and the heightened risk of fraud, it would be premature to enact regulations based on perceived existential threats,” he said. The study was published as part of the proceedings of the 62nd Annual Meeting of the Association for Computational Linguistics on Monday (Aug 12). (With inputs from agencies)

AI models do not pose existential threat to humanity, says researchers who conducted thousands of experiments

Sebi chief Madhabi Buch and Adani vs Hindenburg row:&nbsp;An independent judicial panel should probe the alleged links between Adani group and Sebi chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch, said former finance ministry secretary EAS Sarma, who had written to the finance minister after fresh allegations were made by Hindenburg Research, in an exclusive chat with WION on Tuesday (Aug 13).&nbsp;

Hindenburg Research alleged that Securities and Exchange Board of India chairperson Madbhabi Buch and her husband had investments in an offshore fund that was linked to Adani, even as Sebi under her leadership&nbsp;was probing earlier allegations made by the US-based activist short-seller firm.&nbsp;

Questions are being raised about whether Buch properly disclosed her investments to Adani-linked funds. In two separate statements, Buch and her husband defended their investment record.

"The Sebi chairman, or any member, if they make any disclosure, that should be to the ministry of finance...and cabinet committee on appointments which appoints them. She cannot give a clean chit to herself," Sarma told WION. "This is a matter that requires further enquiry".

"Did she make a disclosure to the Ministry of Finance? Was the cabinet committee on appointments and the cabinet made aware of all this? This is much more important."

<h2>Sarma explains his reasons for seeking a judicial probe into Madhabi Buch-Adani links</h2>

"Once there is a doubt like this, somebody has to investigate," Sarma said. "Can Sebi do that? No, it can't," he said, pointing out that regulatory authorities have recently been "compromised," and their integrity was under scrutiny. "People are losing credibility in some of these institutions."

Sarma suggested an independent judicial commission, whose head should be nominated by the Chief Justice of India, to conduct the probe in a time-bound manner and submit the report to parliament.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hindenburg-vs-sebi-chief-saga-hindenburg-allegations-invoke-chandra-kochars-case-749589" target="_blank">Watch |&nbsp;Hindenburg vs SEBI Chief Saga: Hindenburg allegations invoke Chandra Kochar's case</a>

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<h2>'Shadow economy of offshore shell companies flourishing'</h2>

Sarma pointed out that the larger issue here is the shadow economy of shell companies flourishing in the absence of regulation.

"I have written many times to the finance minister...about a shadow economy actually flourishing outside India. Many overseas shell companies have been set up. Some of these business houses are cashing their illicit wealth in these overseas shell companies," Sarma told WION.

"They're using them to evade taxes... and also probably to manipulate the stock market."

He pointed out that there's&nbsp;no proper definition of a shell company available in India, unlike in the US and Europe, which led to a legislative gap.

"In the companies act, in the prevention of money laundering legislation and in Sebi regulations, everywhere you should define it...I think they appointed a task force but it never saw the light of the day. They've deliberately left a legislative gap that has given a cover for these overseas shell companies to operate."

Noting that there was a 2014 regulation that foreign portfolio investors should reveal 'beneficial ownership' of their funds, he said that in 2018, "for very strange reasons," Sebi relaxed it, "making it easy for FPIs to hide their beneficiary owners."

He pointed out there were some investigations into Adani-linked companies in the past after the first Hindenburg report. "We don't know what really happened."

Sarma highlighted in 2022, the Department of Economic Affairs issued an order further relaxing how shell companies operate. "It literally made it easy for people to stash money in these companies and then round-trip it via third countries to India."

He pointed out that a former chairman of Sebi joined the board of the Adani group,&nbsp;which had raised eyebrows.

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Hindenburg vs SEBI: 'The accusations made against the chairperson of SEBI are only accusations, they are not yet proven' 
 
I have written many times to the finance minister and others about the shadow economy flourishing outside India. Many overseas shell companies have been set… <a href="https://t.co/ROpYYbotwb">pic.twitter.com/ROpYYbotwb</a>
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<h2>Sarma's letter to Finance Minister Sitaraman</h2>

Sarma's exclusive comments to WION came after he wrote a letter to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman seeking a&nbsp;judicial probe into claims made&nbsp;by Hindenburg Research against Sebi chief Madhabi&nbsp;Buch.&nbsp;

In the letter, Sarma highlighted Buch's 'conflict of interest' concerning Adani, adding that Sebi should conduct an impartial probe into the previous allegations made by Hindenburg too.

"If the accusations made by Hindenburg are factually found to be correct, all investigations conducted during the last few years by the stock market regulator on external manipulation of stock market indices by a few corporate entities through their benami agencies need to be subject to a re-investigation," said Sarma in the letter.

"Such accusations should wake up the powers that be to refrain from interfering with the independence of any statutory institution for that matter, as such interference will erode public trust and credibility of that institution," he added.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/hindenburg-report-ex-finance-ministry-official-urges-nirmala-sitharaman-to-probe-sebi-chief-madhabi-buch-749633">Also read |&nbsp;Hindenburg report: Ex-Finance Ministry official urges Nirmala Sitharaman to probe SEBI chief Madhabi Buch</a>

<h2>Madhabi Buch- Adani link: Oppn leader Rahul Gandhi demands probe; petition filed in Supreme Court</h2>

Earlier, Rahul Gandhi, India's Leader of Opposition, demanded a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) inquiry into the claims made by Hindenburg. 
 
He asked who would be held responsible if investors were to lose their hard-earned money. “Is the Prime Minister of India responsible? Is Madhabi Buch responsible, or is Mr Adani responsible? It’s slowly becoming crystal clear why PM [Narendra] Modi is against a JPC looking into this matter,” said Gandhi.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/wholl-watch-the-watchdog-did-sebi-chief-madhabi-buch-fail-to-disclose-adani-links-recuse-from-probes-749348" target="_blank">Also read |&nbsp;Who'll watch the watchdog? Did SEBI chief Madhabi Buch fail to disclose Adani links, recuse from probes?</a>

On Tuesday (Aug 13), a petition was filed in the Supreme Court, asking it to direct the completion of a&nbsp;probe into Adani that it had ordered after Hindenburg made the first allegations. The petition said the claims by Hindenburg create&nbsp;an ‘atmosphere of doubt’.&nbsp;

The petitioner, advocate Vishal Tiwari, highlighted that the apex court had on January 3 given Sebi three months to complete 24 probes into Hindenburg’s earlier report accusing the Adani Group of stock price inflation and other violations of securities law.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Sebi chief Madhabi Buch and Adani vs Hindenburg row: An independent judicial panel should probe the alleged links between Adani group and Sebi chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch, said former finance ministry secretary EAS Sarma, who had written to the finance minister after fresh allegations were made by Hindenburg Research, in an exclusive chat with WION on Tuesday (Aug 13).

Sebi chief Madhabi Buch and Adani vs Hindenburg row: An independent judicial panel should probe the alleged links between Adani group and Sebi chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch, said former finance ministry secretary EAS Sarma, who had written to the finance minister after fresh allegations were made by Hindenburg Research, in an exclusive chat with WION on Tuesday (Aug 13). Hindenburg Research alleged that Securities and Exchange Board of India chairperson Madbhabi Buch and her husband had investments in an offshore fund that was linked to Adani, even as Sebi under her leadership was probing earlier allegations made by the US-based activist short-seller firm. Questions are being raised about whether Buch properly disclosed her investments to Adani-linked funds. In two separate statements, Buch and her husband defended their investment record. "The Sebi chairman, or any member, if they make any disclosure, that should be to the ministry of finance...and cabinet committee on appointments which appoints them. She cannot give a clean chit to herself," Sarma told WION. "This is a matter that requires further enquiry". "Did she make a disclosure to the Ministry of Finance? Was the cabinet committee on appointments and the cabinet made aware of all this? This is much more important." Sarma explains his reasons for seeking a judicial probe into Madhabi Buch-Adani links "Once there is a doubt like this, somebody has to investigate," Sarma said. "Can Sebi do that? No, it can't," he said, pointing out that regulatory authorities have recently been "compromised," and their integrity was under scrutiny. "People are losing credibility in some of these institutions." Sarma suggested an independent judicial commission, whose head should be nominated by the Chief Justice of India, to conduct the probe in a time-bound manner and submit the report to parliament. Watch | Hindenburg vs SEBI Chief Saga: Hindenburg allegations invoke Chandra Kochar's case 'Shadow economy of offshore shell companies flourishing' Sarma pointed out that the larger issue here is the shadow economy of shell companies flourishing in the absence of regulation. "I have written many times to the finance minister...about a shadow economy actually flourishing outside India. Many overseas shell companies have been set up. Some of these business houses are cashing their illicit wealth in these overseas shell companies," Sarma told WION. "They're using them to evade taxes... and also probably to manipulate the stock market." He pointed out that there's no proper definition of a shell company available in India, unlike in the US and Europe, which led to a legislative gap. "In the companies act, in the prevention of money laundering legislation and in Sebi regulations, everywhere you should define it...I think they appointed a task force but it never saw the light of the day. They've deliberately left a legislative gap that has given a cover for these overseas shell companies to operate." Noting that there was a 2014 regulation that foreign portfolio investors should reveal 'beneficial ownership' of their funds, he said that in 2018, "for very strange reasons," Sebi relaxed it, "making it easy for FPIs to hide their beneficiary owners." He pointed out there were some investigations into Adani-linked companies in the past after the first Hindenburg report. "We don't know what really happened." Sarma highlighted in 2022, the Department of Economic Affairs issued an order further relaxing how shell companies operate. "It literally made it easy for people to stash money in these companies and then round-trip it via third countries to India." He pointed out that a former chairman of Sebi joined the board of the Adani group, which had raised eyebrows. Hindenburg vs SEBI: 'The accusations made against the chairperson of SEBI are only accusations, they are not yet proven' I have written many times to the finance minister and others about the shadow economy flourishing outside India. Many overseas shell companies have been set… pic.twitter.com/ROpYYbotwb — WION (@WIONews) August 13, 2024 × Sarma's letter to Finance Minister Sitaraman Sarma's exclusive comments to WION came after he wrote a letter to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman seeking a judicial probe into claims made by Hindenburg Research against Sebi chief Madhabi Buch. In the letter, Sarma highlighted Buch's 'conflict of interest' concerning Adani, adding that Sebi should conduct an impartial probe into the previous allegations made by Hindenburg too. "If the accusations made by Hindenburg are factually found to be correct, all investigations conducted during the last few years by the stock market regulator on external manipulation of stock market indices by a few corporate entities through their benami agencies need to be subject to a re-investigation," said Sarma in the letter. "Such accusations should wake up the powers that be to refrain from interfering with the independence of any statutory institution for that matter, as such interference will erode public trust and credibility of that institution," he added. Also read | Hindenburg report: Ex-Finance Ministry official urges Nirmala Sitharaman to probe SEBI chief Madhabi Buch Madhabi Buch- Adani link: Oppn leader Rahul Gandhi demands probe; petition filed in Supreme Court Earlier, Rahul Gandhi, India's Leader of Opposition, demanded a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) inquiry into the claims made by Hindenburg. He asked who would be held responsible if investors were to lose their hard-earned money. “Is the Prime Minister of India responsible? Is Madhabi Buch responsible, or is Mr Adani responsible? It’s slowly becoming crystal clear why PM [Narendra] Modi is against a JPC looking into this matter,” said Gandhi. Also read | Who'll watch the watchdog? Did SEBI chief Madhabi Buch fail to disclose Adani links, recuse from probes? On Tuesday (Aug 13), a petition was filed in the Supreme Court, asking it to direct the completion of a probe into Adani that it had ordered after Hindenburg made the first allegations. The petition said the claims by Hindenburg create an ‘atmosphere of doubt’. The petitioner, advocate Vishal Tiwari, highlighted that the apex court had on January 3 given Sebi three months to complete 24 probes into Hindenburg’s earlier report accusing the Adani Group of stock price inflation and other violations of securities law. (With inputs from agencies)

Hindenburg vs Adani: Sebi chief Madhabi's links need judicial probe, ex-official EAS Sarma tells WION

Use of humour by parents has a very positive impact on their relationship with children, according to a new study that highlighted the importance of laughing with your kids.

The pilot study led by Penn State University in the US had two major findings: That parents who used humour had a better relationship with their kids, and that children of parents with good humour sense considered their relationship more positively when they grew up.

"Humour can teach people cognitive flexibility, relieve stress, and promote creative problem solving and resilience," ScienceDaily quoted Benjamin Levi, the lead author of the study, as saying.

"My father used humour and it was very effective. I use humour in my clinical practice and with my own children," said Levi, a professor of paediatrics at Penn State College of Medicine. "The question became, how does one constructively use humour?"

<h2>How the study was done</h2>

For the study published in PLOS One journal, the researchers surveyed 312 respondents aged between 18 and 45.&nbsp;

Over 50 per cent of respondents said their parents used humour. And 71.8% agreed that humour can be an effective parenting tool. Most respondents do or plan to use humour with their children and believe that it has more potential benefit than harm,&nbsp;

Among the children who grew up with humourous parents, 50.5% said they had a good relationship with them, and 44.2% reported they felt their parents did a good job raising them, said ScienceDaily in a report on the study.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-do-i-need-it-underconsumption-core-trends-on-tiktok-749276">Do I need it? 'Underconsumption core' trends on TikTok</a>

This was in stark contrast to those whose parents did not use humour. Out of those who responded that their parents didn't use humour, only 2.9% reported a good relationship with them later in life. Only 3.6% of these respondents said they thought their parents did a good job raising them.

"My hope is that people can learn to use humour as an effective parenting tool, not only to diffuse tension but develop resilience and cognitive and emotional flexibility in themselves and model it for their children," Levi said.

Also watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/cancer-rates-among-under-50s-risen-24-since-1995-why-are-so-many-young-adults-getting-the-disease-728246">Cancer rates among under 50s risen 24% since 1995, why are so many young adults getting the disease?</a>

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"There's an interesting parallel between business and parenting, which are both hierarchical. In business, humour has been shown to help reduce hierarchies, create better environments for collaboration and creativity and diffuse tension," said first author of the study Lucy Emery.&nbsp;

"While parent-child relationships are more loving than business relationships, stressful situations happen a lot when parenting. Humour can help diffuse that tension and hierarchy and help both parties feel better about a stressful situation."

(With inputs from agencies)

Use of humour by parents has a very positive impact on their relationship with children, according to a new study that highlighted the importance of laughing with your kids.

Use of humour by parents has a very positive impact on their relationship with children, according to a new study that highlighted the importance of laughing with your kids. The pilot study led by Penn State University in the US had two major findings: That parents who used humour had a better relationship with their kids, and that children of parents with good humour sense considered their relationship more positively when they grew up. "Humour can teach people cognitive flexibility, relieve stress, and promote creative problem solving and resilience," ScienceDaily quoted Benjamin Levi, the lead author of the study, as saying. "My father used humour and it was very effective. I use humour in my clinical practice and with my own children," said Levi, a professor of paediatrics at Penn State College of Medicine. "The question became, how does one constructively use humour?" How the study was done For the study published in PLOS One journal, the researchers surveyed 312 respondents aged between 18 and 45. Over 50 per cent of respondents said their parents used humour. And 71.8% agreed that humour can be an effective parenting tool. Most respondents do or plan to use humour with their children and believe that it has more potential benefit than harm, Among the children who grew up with humourous parents, 50.5% said they had a good relationship with them, and 44.2% reported they felt their parents did a good job raising them, said ScienceDaily in a report on the study. Also read: Do I need it? 'Underconsumption core' trends on TikTok This was in stark contrast to those whose parents did not use humour. Out of those who responded that their parents didn't use humour, only 2.9% reported a good relationship with them later in life. Only 3.6% of these respondents said they thought their parents did a good job raising them. "My hope is that people can learn to use humour as an effective parenting tool, not only to diffuse tension but develop resilience and cognitive and emotional flexibility in themselves and model it for their children," Levi said. Also watch: Cancer rates among under 50s risen 24% since 1995, why are so many young adults getting the disease? "There's an interesting parallel between business and parenting, which are both hierarchical. In business, humour has been shown to help reduce hierarchies, create better environments for collaboration and creativity and diffuse tension," said first author of the study Lucy Emery. "While parent-child relationships are more loving than business relationships, stressful situations happen a lot when parenting. Humour can help diffuse that tension and hierarchy and help both parties feel better about a stressful situation." (With inputs from agencies)

Want better relationship with your kids? Use more humour, says new study

If a new study is to be believed, cats show signs of grief after a fellow pet in the household dies, even if it is a dog. The study published in Nature Journal was based on a survey&nbsp;of hundreds of people who own a cat and at least one other pet that died recently.&nbsp;

The pet owners were asked a set of questions about the behaviour of their cats after a fellow pet died. The researchers found that the signs of grief in the cats were not significantly different even if the fellow pet that died was a dog.

<h2>How the cats behaved after death of a fellow pet</h2>

The felines showed signs of confusion or fearfulness after the death of a cat or dog in the household, ScienceAlert said in a report on the study.

They often went into hiding or were seen sniffing out the dead pet's favourite spots, it said.

"Our results are consistent with the idea that cats may experience the loss of companion animals in ways similar to what dogs experience despite having evolved from a less social ancestor," wrote the authors of the study, psychologists Brittany Greene and Jennifer Vonk of Oakland University.

"Cats did not respond significantly differently to the loss of a companion dog or another cat," wrote the researchers Greene and Vonk.

They concluded that it could be a sign of missing a lost friend or "an interspecific 'preferred associate'."

A similar study in 2016 found that for six months into the death of a fellow pet, cats and dogs showed signs of sadness, like eating less or increasing their vocalisations.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-will-you-buy-it-dolce--gabbana-launches-luxury-dog-perfume-at-this-whopping-price-748512">Watch |&nbsp;Will you buy it? Dolce &amp; Gabbana launches luxury dog perfume at this whopping price</a>

<h2>How the study was done</h2>

The study was done through an online survey of 412 owners of cats in whose households a dog or cat had died recently.&nbsp;

They said the cats that were alive showed changes in behaviour, like more frequent vocalisations. They also were seen searching for the fellow pet that had died or sniffing for it.

The cats also showed less interest in eating, playing or sleeping.

The show of 'grief' appeared to be more in cases where the cats had spent more time with the diseased fellow pet.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/cats-are-problematic-invasive-species-study-cats-feed-on-everything-in-their-environment-wion-669218">Watch |&nbsp;Cats are problematic invasive species: Study; 'Cats feed on everything in their environment</a>

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<h2>But there is a catch</h2>

The researchers put a caveat that there is a likelihood that the owners may be projecting their own emotions onto their living pets when answering the questionnaires.

Those pet owners who were themselves grief-stricken by the loss of their pet&nbsp;tended to report more that their cats were showing signs of sadness.

In other words, some of the survey answers could be biased as they may be seeing their own grief in the pets.

At the same time, it has to be noted that pet owners generally know how their cats and dogs are behaving, and could make out minute changes in the same over time.

(With inputs from agencies)

If a new study is to be believed, cats show signs of grief after a fellow pet in the household dies, even if it is a dog. The study published in Nature Journal was based on a survey of hundreds of people who own a cat and at least one other pet that died recently.

If a new study is to be believed, cats show signs of grief after a fellow pet in the household dies, even if it is a dog. The study published in Nature Journal was based on a survey of hundreds of people who own a cat and at least one other pet that died recently. The pet owners were asked a set of questions about the behaviour of their cats after a fellow pet died. The researchers found that the signs of grief in the cats were not significantly different even if the fellow pet that died was a dog. How the cats behaved after death of a fellow pet The felines showed signs of confusion or fearfulness after the death of a cat or dog in the household, ScienceAlert said in a report on the study. They often went into hiding or were seen sniffing out the dead pet's favourite spots, it said. "Our results are consistent with the idea that cats may experience the loss of companion animals in ways similar to what dogs experience despite having evolved from a less social ancestor," wrote the authors of the study, psychologists Brittany Greene and Jennifer Vonk of Oakland University. "Cats did not respond significantly differently to the loss of a companion dog or another cat," wrote the researchers Greene and Vonk. They concluded that it could be a sign of missing a lost friend or "an interspecific 'preferred associate'." A similar study in 2016 found that for six months into the death of a fellow pet, cats and dogs showed signs of sadness, like eating less or increasing their vocalisations. Watch | Will you buy it? Dolce & Gabbana launches luxury dog perfume at this whopping price How the study was done The study was done through an online survey of 412 owners of cats in whose households a dog or cat had died recently. They said the cats that were alive showed changes in behaviour, like more frequent vocalisations. They also were seen searching for the fellow pet that had died or sniffing for it. The cats also showed less interest in eating, playing or sleeping. The show of 'grief' appeared to be more in cases where the cats had spent more time with the diseased fellow pet. Watch | Cats are problematic invasive species: Study; 'Cats feed on everything in their environment × But there is a catch The researchers put a caveat that there is a likelihood that the owners may be projecting their own emotions onto their living pets when answering the questionnaires. Those pet owners who were themselves grief-stricken by the loss of their pet tended to report more that their cats were showing signs of sadness. In other words, some of the survey answers could be biased as they may be seeing their own grief in the pets. At the same time, it has to be noted that pet owners generally know how their cats and dogs are behaving, and could make out minute changes in the same over time. (With inputs from agencies)

Cats show signs of grief when fellow pets die, even if it is a dog: Study

There has been a disturbing 400 per cent rise in 'GPS spoofing', and even more concerning is that&nbsp;hackers can use this malicious activity to change the clocks on airlines, which means they can 'hack time'.

<h2>What is GPS spoofing?</h2>

GPS stands for Global Positioning System, a modern satellite-based navigation system used by multiple industries across the world, including aviation and defence. According to an article in antivirus maker McAfee's website, GPS spoofing "is a malicious technique that manipulates" the GPS data, thereby misleading a GPS receiver about its actual location.&nbsp;

"This could potentially cause significant disruptions, as it can misdirect navigation systems, mislead delivery vehicles, or even trick smartphone apps," it noted.&nbsp;

GPS signals are&nbsp;easy to block or distort, and GPS spoofing has been used to throw missiles and drones off course.

Now, this mode of digital attack has been used against commercial airliners, which has seen a 400 per cent rise according to aviation advisory body&nbsp;OPSGROUP.

These attacks were carried around conflict zones too.

<h2>Recent examples of GPS spoofing</h2>

“We're starting to see reports of the clocks on board airplanes during spoofing events start to do weird things," a Reuters report quoted security expert Ken Munro as saying.

In April, Finnair temporarily paused flights to the eastern Estonian city of Tartu due to GPS spoofing. Estonia blamed Russia for the attack.

Munro said clock&nbsp;on board a Western airline's plane was moved forward by years in a GPS spoofing attack, "causing the plane to lose access to its digitally-encrypted communication systems."

Munro, founder of British cybersecurity company Pen Test Partners, said the plane was grounded for weeks while engineers manually reset its onboard systems, Reuters reported.

Munro, who was speaking at the Def Con cybersecurity conference in Las Vegas this past weekend, declined to identify the airline or aircraft.

“We think too much about GPS being a source of position, but it's actually a source of time,” &nbsp;Munro told the convention on Saturday (Aug 10).

<h2>Will GPS spoofing cause a plane crash?</h2>

While Munro said it is not going to make a plane crash, GPS spoofing can lead to a chain reaction of events that could end up being serious.

“What it does is, it just creates a little confusion. And you run the risk of starting what we call a cascade of events, where something minor happens, something else minor happens, and then something serious happens," the Reuters report&nbsp;quoted him as saying.

(With inputs from agencies)

 
&nbsp;

There has been a disturbing 400 per cent rise in 'GPS spoofing', and even more concerning is that hackers can use this malicious activity to change the clocks on airlines, which means they can 'hack time'.

There has been a disturbing 400 per cent rise in 'GPS spoofing', and even more concerning is that hackers can use this malicious activity to change the clocks on airlines, which means they can 'hack time'. What is GPS spoofing? GPS stands for Global Positioning System, a modern satellite-based navigation system used by multiple industries across the world, including aviation and defence. According to an article in antivirus maker McAfee's website, GPS spoofing "is a malicious technique that manipulates" the GPS data, thereby misleading a GPS receiver about its actual location. "This could potentially cause significant disruptions, as it can misdirect navigation systems, mislead delivery vehicles, or even trick smartphone apps," it noted. GPS signals are easy to block or distort, and GPS spoofing has been used to throw missiles and drones off course. Now, this mode of digital attack has been used against commercial airliners, which has seen a 400 per cent rise according to aviation advisory body OPSGROUP. These attacks were carried around conflict zones too. Recent examples of GPS spoofing “We're starting to see reports of the clocks on board airplanes during spoofing events start to do weird things," a Reuters report quoted security expert Ken Munro as saying. In April, Finnair temporarily paused flights to the eastern Estonian city of Tartu due to GPS spoofing. Estonia blamed Russia for the attack. Munro said clock on board a Western airline's plane was moved forward by years in a GPS spoofing attack, "causing the plane to lose access to its digitally-encrypted communication systems." Munro, founder of British cybersecurity company Pen Test Partners, said the plane was grounded for weeks while engineers manually reset its onboard systems, Reuters reported. Munro, who was speaking at the Def Con cybersecurity conference in Las Vegas this past weekend, declined to identify the airline or aircraft. “We think too much about GPS being a source of position, but it's actually a source of time,” Munro told the convention on Saturday (Aug 10). Will GPS spoofing cause a plane crash? While Munro said it is not going to make a plane crash, GPS spoofing can lead to a chain reaction of events that could end up being serious. “What it does is, it just creates a little confusion. And you run the risk of starting what we call a cascade of events, where something minor happens, something else minor happens, and then something serious happens," the Reuters report quoted him as saying. (With inputs from agencies)

GPS spoofing that disrupts aircraft rose by 400 per cent. Will it cause a serious accident?

After the Hindenberg allegations, questions are being asked if SEBI chief Madhabi Puri Buch failed to disclose her links to Adani Enterprises. The specific issues at stake are: whether she fully and unequivocally disclosed her investments in a fund that had inflated&nbsp;the stock prices of Adani group firms in the past, and why she didn't recuse&nbsp;herself from recent SEBI investigations into Adani when she was chairperson.

Buch, the chief of the Indian stock market regulator Securities and Exchanges Board of India, or SEBI, is at the eye of a storm after the activist short-selling firm Hindenberg Research made fresh claims about her alleged&nbsp;links to the Indian conglomerate Adani.

<h2>Why it's important to make disclosures</h2>

From a retail investor upwards, one is expected to make disclosures to their employers on stock market investments that could involve a conflict of interest or potential insider trading. Several financial organisations, for instance, would require their staff to disclose the stocks they've invested in.

Ideally, this should apply all the way up to the top of the food chain.

SEBI chairperson, being the head of a government agency, is supposed to make such disclosure to the government. Buch is the first private sector person, and woman, to be made SEBI chief, a post she assumed in 2022 for a three-year term.

While Buch, being a private sector person and not a civil servant, has the right to own shares of, or be in the board of, various companies or related entities, each of these investments - directly or indirectly- should have been known to the government to avoid potential future conflict of interest.

<h2>Why is the issue of recusal important for SEBI chairperson?</h2>

In simple terms, it's mandatory that if a SEBI official has a direct or indirect interest or stake in a company or person being investigated by SEBI, the official should reveal so and excuse him/herself from such investigations. There is precedent to this: former chairperson CB Bhave recused himself when the SEBI board was discussing the issue of National Securities Depository Limited's lack of oversight over a depository participant because Bhave was the managing director of NSDL at the time.&nbsp;

A former SEBI board member told the paper that&nbsp;there had been an instance in the past when the chairperson recused himself over what could be seen as a conflict of interest.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sebi-chief-vs-hindenburg-hindenburg-links-sebi-chief-to-adani-report-749185" target="_blank">Watch |&nbsp;SEBI chief vs Hindenburg: Hindenburg links SEBI Chief to Adani report</a>

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sebi-chief-vs-hindenburg-hindenburg-links-sebi-chief-to-adani-report-749185/embed" width="560"></iframe>

It should be noted that Adani had been investigated by SEBI just last year, following earlier allegations by Hindenburg, and was given a clean chit. Buch was at the helm of SEBI at the time. Her conduct as a whole-time member or the chairperson of SEBI, when Adani-related complaints or investigations came to her desk, is at issue here, Indian Express (IE) newspaper cited a former SEBI chief as saying. "Did she recuse herself?”

A SEBI official who once investigated a stock exchange scam told IE&nbsp;that he was told not to send his probe files to the SEBI chairman at the time because there were allegations against him too. “In the present case too with allegations of a conflict of interest being thrown around, the chairperson could and maybe should have recused herself from the Adani investigation,” IE quoted him as saying.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/hindenburg-report-alleges-market-regulator-chief-her-spouse-held-stake-in-adani-groups-offshore-funds-749068" target="_blank">Also read |&nbsp;Hindenburg report alleges market regulator chief, her spouse held stake in Adani Group's offshore funds</a>&nbsp;

<h2>What is SEBI chief Buch and husband Dhaval Buch's link to Adani?</h2>

 
It has been alleged&nbsp;that Buch and her husband Dhaval Buch had direct or indirect interest in Adani-related stocks or global funds. In its latest report, Hindenburg Research has accused the couple of having a stake in offshore funds that had artificially inflated shares of Adani Group companies in the past. Buch said she had invested in a global fund in 2015 that had Adani-linked stocks before she became a whole-time member of SEBI in 2017. That investment was redeemed in 2018, she said.

For their part, Madhabi Puri Buch and Dhaval Buch said in a statement, “SEBI has strong institutional mechanisms of disclosure and recusal norms as per the code of conduct applicable to its officers. Accordingly, all disclosures and recusals have been diligently followed, including disclosures of all securities held or subsequently transferred.”

In her statement, Madhabi Buch also said that after her husband was appointed as Senior Advisor to Blackstone Group, the company was added to SEBI's recusal list for her. 
 
The point to note however is that her time in SEBI since 2017 overlaps with its probe into 13 offshore entities which held stake in Adani group companies, the IE report&nbsp;quoted another former SEBI chief as saying, who cited public domain information.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/her-response-now-confirms-hindenburg-claps-back-at-madhabi-buch-after-sebi-chief-issues-clarification-749330">Also read |&nbsp;'Her response now confirms...': Hindenburg claps back at Madhabi Buch after SEBI chief issues clarification</a>

<h2>SEBI under scrutiny: Who will watch the watchdog?</h2>

Being a government-appointed, independent regulator of Indian markets, SEBI is not further investigated by other government agencies like the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC). Notably, CVC can investigate probe agencies like the Central Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement Directorate, but not SEBI.

Former Chief Vigilance Commissioner Pradeep Kumar was quoted by IE as saying, “The SEBI is an independent market regulatory body and the CVC has a limited role in its supervision, if at all.&nbsp; There is certainly no superintendence of the CVC over the SEBI, say, as it has over the CBI and the ED.”

The SEBI board consists of members from the finance ministry and the Reserve Bank of India, the country's central bank, which in itself is seen as self-regulation. Also, SEBI orders can be further questioned at the Securities Appellate Tribunal, which is another oversight mechanism.

(With inputs from agencies)

After the Hindenberg allegations, questions are being asked if SEBI chief Madhabi Puri Buch failed to disclose her links to Adani Enterprises. The specific issues at stake are: whether she fully and unequivocally disclosed her investments in a fund that had inflated the stock prices of Adani group firms in the past, and why she didn't recuse herself from recent SEBI investigations into Adani when she was chairperson.

After the Hindenberg allegations, questions are being asked if SEBI chief Madhabi Puri Buch failed to disclose her links to Adani Enterprises. The specific issues at stake are: whether she fully and unequivocally disclosed her investments in a fund that had inflated the stock prices of Adani group firms in the past, and why she didn't recuse herself from recent SEBI investigations into Adani when she was chairperson. Buch, the chief of the Indian stock market regulator Securities and Exchanges Board of India, or SEBI, is at the eye of a storm after the activist short-selling firm Hindenberg Research made fresh claims about her alleged links to the Indian conglomerate Adani. Why it's important to make disclosures From a retail investor upwards, one is expected to make disclosures to their employers on stock market investments that could involve a conflict of interest or potential insider trading. Several financial organisations, for instance, would require their staff to disclose the stocks they've invested in. Ideally, this should apply all the way up to the top of the food chain. SEBI chairperson, being the head of a government agency, is supposed to make such disclosure to the government. Buch is the first private sector person, and woman, to be made SEBI chief, a post she assumed in 2022 for a three-year term. While Buch, being a private sector person and not a civil servant, has the right to own shares of, or be in the board of, various companies or related entities, each of these investments - directly or indirectly- should have been known to the government to avoid potential future conflict of interest. Why is the issue of recusal important for SEBI chairperson? In simple terms, it's mandatory that if a SEBI official has a direct or indirect interest or stake in a company or person being investigated by SEBI, the official should reveal so and excuse him/herself from such investigations. There is precedent to this: former chairperson CB Bhave recused himself when the SEBI board was discussing the issue of National Securities Depository Limited's lack of oversight over a depository participant because Bhave was the managing director of NSDL at the time. A former SEBI board member told the paper that there had been an instance in the past when the chairperson recused himself over what could be seen as a conflict of interest. Watch | SEBI chief vs Hindenburg: Hindenburg links SEBI Chief to Adani report It should be noted that Adani had been investigated by SEBI just last year, following earlier allegations by Hindenburg, and was given a clean chit. Buch was at the helm of SEBI at the time. Her conduct as a whole-time member or the chairperson of SEBI, when Adani-related complaints or investigations came to her desk, is at issue here, Indian Express (IE) newspaper cited a former SEBI chief as saying. "Did she recuse herself?” A SEBI official who once investigated a stock exchange scam told IE that he was told not to send his probe files to the SEBI chairman at the time because there were allegations against him too. “In the present case too with allegations of a conflict of interest being thrown around, the chairperson could and maybe should have recused herself from the Adani investigation,” IE quoted him as saying. Also read | Hindenburg report alleges market regulator chief, her spouse held stake in Adani Group's offshore funds What is SEBI chief Buch and husband Dhaval Buch's link to Adani? It has been alleged that Buch and her husband Dhaval Buch had direct or indirect interest in Adani-related stocks or global funds. In its latest report, Hindenburg Research has accused the couple of having a stake in offshore funds that had artificially inflated shares of Adani Group companies in the past. Buch said she had invested in a global fund in 2015 that had Adani-linked stocks before she became a whole-time member of SEBI in 2017. That investment was redeemed in 2018, she said. For their part, Madhabi Puri Buch and Dhaval Buch said in a statement, “SEBI has strong institutional mechanisms of disclosure and recusal norms as per the code of conduct applicable to its officers. Accordingly, all disclosures and recusals have been diligently followed, including disclosures of all securities held or subsequently transferred.” In her statement, Madhabi Buch also said that after her husband was appointed as Senior Advisor to Blackstone Group, the company was added to SEBI's recusal list for her. The point to note however is that her time in SEBI since 2017 overlaps with its probe into 13 offshore entities which held stake in Adani group companies, the IE report quoted another former SEBI chief as saying, who cited public domain information. Also read | 'Her response now confirms...': Hindenburg claps back at Madhabi Buch after SEBI chief issues clarification SEBI under scrutiny: Who will watch the watchdog? Being a government-appointed, independent regulator of Indian markets, SEBI is not further investigated by other government agencies like the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC). Notably, CVC can investigate probe agencies like the Central Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement Directorate, but not SEBI. Former Chief Vigilance Commissioner Pradeep Kumar was quoted by IE as saying, “The SEBI is an independent market regulatory body and the CVC has a limited role in its supervision, if at all. There is certainly no superintendence of the CVC over the SEBI, say, as it has over the CBI and the ED.” The SEBI board consists of members from the finance ministry and the Reserve Bank of India, the country's central bank, which in itself is seen as self-regulation. Also, SEBI orders can be further questioned at the Securities Appellate Tribunal, which is another oversight mechanism. (With inputs from agencies)

Who'll watch the watchdog? Did SEBI chief Madhabi Buch fail to disclose Adani links, recuse from probes?

A global outage in Microsoft's Windows operating system caused massive disruption in airlines, financial firms, banks, media, infrastructure, and other industries in July. CloudStrike, a cyber security company, was widely blamed, as a software update from this company had gone wrong, apparently leading to the outage.

Now, the company has been given an award for 'epic fail' this past weekend. The president of CloudStrike was in attendance to receive the Pwnie Award, which is given out annually to celebrate and mock achievements&nbsp;and failures in the security industry.

Michael Sentonas took home a Pwnie for Most Epic Fail at Def Con, the hacking community event in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The Pwnies are a well-organised award, and come at the end of a nomination process. But the organisers said the award this year for CrowdStrike was a last-minute switch, "because… how could CrowdStrike not win?,"&nbsp;TechCrunch said in a report.

While he said this was definitely not the award to be proud of receiving, Sentonas was still cool about it.

In his 'acceptance speech', Sentonas said he would take the award back to CrowdStrike headquarters in Austin, Texas, and display it in a prominent place to remind that “our goal is to protect people, and we got this wrong, and I want to make sure everybody understands these things can’t happen.”&nbsp;

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CrowdStrike accepting the <a href="https://twitter.com/PwnieAwards?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PwnieAwards</a> for “most epic fail” at <a href="https://twitter.com/defcon?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@defcon</a>. Class act. <a href="https://t.co/e7IgYosHAE">pic.twitter.com/e7IgYosHAE</a>
— Dominic White 👾 (@singe) <a href="https://twitter.com/singe/status/1822324795645575263?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 10, 2024</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

“I think the team was surprised when I said straightaway that I would get it...Because we got this horribly wrong, we’ve said this a number of different times, and it’s super important to own it when you do things well, it’s super important to own it when you do things horribly wrong,” he said.

<h2>What is CrowdStrike and how did it cripple global internet?</h2>

The irony is that CrowdStrike is a firm specialising in cyberattack response, threat intelligence and endpoint&nbsp;security.

The faulty update it issued on 19 July caused a worldwide outage that hit air travel, banking, broadcasting, and even power plants and transport services. It led to so-called 'blue screen of death' errors across displays using Windows operating system of Microsoft. It took a couple of days for Microsoft to fix the issue.&nbsp;

An estimated 8.5 million computer systems running on the Windows operating system crashed or went into freeze mode, with the business cost of the outage thought to be at least $10 billion.

(With inputs from agencies)

A global outage in Microsoft's Windows operating system caused massive disruption in airlines, financial firms, banks, media, infrastructure, and other industries in July.

A global outage in Microsoft's Windows operating system caused massive disruption in airlines, financial firms, banks, media, infrastructure, and other industries in July. CloudStrike, a cyber security company, was widely blamed, as a software update from this company had gone wrong, apparently leading to the outage. Now, the company has been given an award for 'epic fail' this past weekend. The president of CloudStrike was in attendance to receive the Pwnie Award, which is given out annually to celebrate and mock achievements and failures in the security industry. Michael Sentonas took home a Pwnie for Most Epic Fail at Def Con, the hacking community event in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Pwnies are a well-organised award, and come at the end of a nomination process. But the organisers said the award this year for CrowdStrike was a last-minute switch, "because… how could CrowdStrike not win?," TechCrunch said in a report. While he said this was definitely not the award to be proud of receiving, Sentonas was still cool about it. In his 'acceptance speech', Sentonas said he would take the award back to CrowdStrike headquarters in Austin, Texas, and display it in a prominent place to remind that “our goal is to protect people, and we got this wrong, and I want to make sure everybody understands these things can’t happen.” CrowdStrike accepting the @PwnieAwards for “most epic fail” at @defcon. Class act. pic.twitter.com/e7IgYosHAE — Dominic White 👾 (@singe) August 10, 2024 × “I think the team was surprised when I said straightaway that I would get it...Because we got this horribly wrong, we’ve said this a number of different times, and it’s super important to own it when you do things well, it’s super important to own it when you do things horribly wrong,” he said. What is CrowdStrike and how did it cripple global internet? The irony is that CrowdStrike is a firm specialising in cyberattack response, threat intelligence and endpoint security. The faulty update it issued on 19 July caused a worldwide outage that hit air travel, banking, broadcasting, and even power plants and transport services. It led to so-called 'blue screen of death' errors across displays using Windows operating system of Microsoft. It took a couple of days for Microsoft to fix the issue. An estimated 8.5 million computer systems running on the Windows operating system crashed or went into freeze mode, with the business cost of the outage thought to be at least $10 billion. (With inputs from agencies)

CrowdStrike, company behind Microsoft global outage, accepts award for ‘epic fail’ - Watch

Amid the furore over the Hindenburg Research report alleging that Sebi chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch and her husband had stakes in an offshore fund linked to Adani group, global investors have started calling for her to resign.

Hindenburg Research, an activist short-seller firm, had alleged citing whistleblower documents that the fund in which the Sebi chief and her husband had held stakes was also used by associates of Vinod Adani, brother of Adani group chairman Gautam Adani, who allegedly used it to inflate Adani stocks in the past.

Speaking to WION on the Hindenburg vs Adani row, veteran global investor Mark Faber said the Sebi chief should resign.

"Some people associated with SEBI have a conflict of interest. We have to assume that these allegations are true. If they are true then the people involved have to resign, there is no question about this," said Faber, the publisher of ‘The Gloom, Boom &amp; Doom Report’.

He added, "How the stock market moves is not always reflective of actual economic conditions."&nbsp;

Meanwhile, economist and tech analyst&nbsp;Daniel Geltrude also suggested that Buch should resign, warning that corruption involving offshore funds can erode foreign inflows.&nbsp;

"I think there's a real concern here because if the chair [of Sebi] is actually linked to this situation, it's going to destroy investor confidence in India," Geltrude told WION.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sebi-chief-vs-hindenburg-hindenburg-links-sebi-chief-to-adani-report-749185" target="_blank">Watch |&nbsp;SEBI chief vs Hindenburg: Hindenburg links SEBI Chief to Adani report</a>

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He added: "So to have a situation here where there appears to be some improprieties... and when we are talking about offshore accounts that always raises a red flag. The people are going to be sceptical."

"If you have a scandal involving the chair of the security exchange board, well that's something we have to &nbsp;take very very seriously and the question becomes, is resignation in order here?"

In his comments to WION, Faber pointed out that India’s Sebi as well as the SEC in the US were formed to protect the interests of small investors, but alleged that they instead shield big business groups, investment banks and brokers.

"They are not interested in the interest of the small investors at all, but it is presented to the public as if they have the interest of the public in mind."

While pointing out that, being a global investor, he could not verify all the authenticity of the report by Hindenburg, Faber added: "But let's assume that it's correct, of course, the member of Sebi that essentially violated securities law, they would have to be taken into account."

"The first step would have to be that they resign," Faber said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/wholl-watch-the-watchdog-did-sebi-chief-madhabi-buch-fail-to-disclose-adani-links-recuse-from-probes-749348">Also read |&nbsp;Who'll watch the watchdog? Did SEBI chief Madhabi Buch fail to disclose Adani links, recuse from probes?</a>

<h2>Madhabi Buch, husband issue second statement, Hindenburg digs heels on allegations</h2>

The investors' comments came even as Hindenburg doubled down on its allegations and responded to a second, more detailed statement from Madhabi Puri Buch and her husband Dhaval Buch.&nbsp;

The couple categorically denied claims by Hindenburg, while sharing more details about their investments.&nbsp;

In its response, Hindenburg posted on X that the couple's new statement includes "several important admissions” and raises “numerous new critical questions". &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Amid the furore over the Hindenburg Research report alleging that Sebi chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch and her husband had stakes in an offshore fund linked to Adani group, global investors have started calling for her to resign.

Amid the furore over the Hindenburg Research report alleging that Sebi chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch and her husband had stakes in an offshore fund linked to Adani group, global investors have started calling for her to resign. Hindenburg Research, an activist short-seller firm, had alleged citing whistleblower documents that the fund in which the Sebi chief and her husband had held stakes was also used by associates of Vinod Adani, brother of Adani group chairman Gautam Adani, who allegedly used it to inflate Adani stocks in the past. Speaking to WION on the Hindenburg vs Adani row, veteran global investor Mark Faber said the Sebi chief should resign. "Some people associated with SEBI have a conflict of interest. We have to assume that these allegations are true. If they are true then the people involved have to resign, there is no question about this," said Faber, the publisher of ‘The Gloom, Boom & Doom Report’. He added, "How the stock market moves is not always reflective of actual economic conditions." Meanwhile, economist and tech analyst Daniel Geltrude also suggested that Buch should resign, warning that corruption involving offshore funds can erode foreign inflows. "I think there's a real concern here because if the chair [of Sebi] is actually linked to this situation, it's going to destroy investor confidence in India," Geltrude told WION. Watch | SEBI chief vs Hindenburg: Hindenburg links SEBI Chief to Adani report He added: "So to have a situation here where there appears to be some improprieties... and when we are talking about offshore accounts that always raises a red flag. The people are going to be sceptical." "If you have a scandal involving the chair of the security exchange board, well that's something we have to take very very seriously and the question becomes, is resignation in order here?" In his comments to WION, Faber pointed out that India’s Sebi as well as the SEC in the US were formed to protect the interests of small investors, but alleged that they instead shield big business groups, investment banks and brokers. "They are not interested in the interest of the small investors at all, but it is presented to the public as if they have the interest of the public in mind." While pointing out that, being a global investor, he could not verify all the authenticity of the report by Hindenburg, Faber added: "But let's assume that it's correct, of course, the member of Sebi that essentially violated securities law, they would have to be taken into account." "The first step would have to be that they resign," Faber said. Also read | Who'll watch the watchdog? Did SEBI chief Madhabi Buch fail to disclose Adani links, recuse from probes? Madhabi Buch, husband issue second statement, Hindenburg digs heels on allegations The investors' comments came even as Hindenburg doubled down on its allegations and responded to a second, more detailed statement from Madhabi Puri Buch and her husband Dhaval Buch. The couple categorically denied claims by Hindenburg, while sharing more details about their investments. In its response, Hindenburg posted on X that the couple's new statement includes "several important admissions” and raises “numerous new critical questions". (With inputs from agencies)

Hindenburg vs Adani: Global investors say Sebi chief Madhabi Buch should resign to restore confidence

Animal genomes are known to be a storage space of memories. Perhaps the phrase 'etched in memory' had a real meaning after all. A new study has found that genomes of birds have markers that store the memories of the cataclysm that caused the extinction of their dinosaur ancestors. These genetic markers helped them evolve and survive over millennia, and flourish into more than 10,000 species.

The University of Michigan study found that the mass extinction of dinosaurs paved the way for rapid changes in bird genomes.

<h2>How the study was done</h2>

Published in Science Advances, the study found evidence of 'genomic fossils' in bird DNA that will help shed light on how birds evolved.

"By studying the DNA of living birds, we can try to detect patterns of genetic sequences that changed just after one of the most important events in Earth’s history,” said lead author Jake Berv, referring to the asteroid strike 66 million years ago that's thought to have wiped out the dinosaurs.

“The signature of those events seems to have imprinted into the genomes of the survivors in a way that we can detect tens of millions of years later,” Berv said.

According to the researchers, the mass extinction of dinosaurs sparked shifts in nucleotide composition in the genomes of birds.

These shifts "seem to be connected to the way birds develop as babies, their adult size and their metabolism," said a release from Michigan University.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chinas-wetland-parks-welcome-hundreds-of-swans-other-migratory-birds-700074">Watch |&nbsp;China's wetland parks welcome hundreds of swans &amp; other migratory birds</a>

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After the so-called 'end-Cretaceous mass extinction event' 66 million years ago caused by the asteroid strike, surviving bird lineages tended to develop smaller body sizes.&nbsp;

Their development also changed, showing an 'altricial' pattern. An altricial animal is "very embryonic when they hatch, need their parents to feed them, and can take weeks to fledge," Berv said. This is opposed to 'precocial', referring to species that are ready to fend for themselves the moment they're born, like chickens and turkeys.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/light-pollution-entrapping-migrating-birds-in-cities-leading-to-their-death-en-masse-study-666380">Also read |&nbsp;Light pollution entrapping migrating birds in cities, leading to their death en masse: Study</a>

The study stresses how extinction events can influence the biology of organisms by altering important aspects of how genomes evolve.

“This work furthers our understanding of the dramatic biological impacts of mass extinction events and highlights that the mass extinction that wiped out the giant dinosaurs was one of the most biologically impactful events in the entire history of our planet,” said Daniel Field, professor of vertebrate palaeontology at the University of Cambridge and co-author of the study.

(With inputs from agencies)

Animal genomes are known to be a storage space of memories. Perhaps the phrase 'etched in memory' had a real meaning after all. A new study has found that genomes of birds have markers that store the memories of the cataclysm that caused the extinction of their dinosaur ancestors.

Animal genomes are known to be a storage space of memories. Perhaps the phrase 'etched in memory' had a real meaning after all. A new study has found that genomes of birds have markers that store the memories of the cataclysm that caused the extinction of their dinosaur ancestors. These genetic markers helped them evolve and survive over millennia, and flourish into more than 10,000 species. The University of Michigan study found that the mass extinction of dinosaurs paved the way for rapid changes in bird genomes. How the study was done Published in Science Advances, the study found evidence of 'genomic fossils' in bird DNA that will help shed light on how birds evolved. "By studying the DNA of living birds, we can try to detect patterns of genetic sequences that changed just after one of the most important events in Earth’s history,” said lead author Jake Berv, referring to the asteroid strike 66 million years ago that's thought to have wiped out the dinosaurs. “The signature of those events seems to have imprinted into the genomes of the survivors in a way that we can detect tens of millions of years later,” Berv said. According to the researchers, the mass extinction of dinosaurs sparked shifts in nucleotide composition in the genomes of birds. These shifts "seem to be connected to the way birds develop as babies, their adult size and their metabolism," said a release from Michigan University. Watch | China's wetland parks welcome hundreds of swans & other migratory birds × After the so-called 'end-Cretaceous mass extinction event' 66 million years ago caused by the asteroid strike, surviving bird lineages tended to develop smaller body sizes. Their development also changed, showing an 'altricial' pattern. An altricial animal is "very embryonic when they hatch, need their parents to feed them, and can take weeks to fledge," Berv said. This is opposed to 'precocial', referring to species that are ready to fend for themselves the moment they're born, like chickens and turkeys. Also read | Light pollution entrapping migrating birds in cities, leading to their death en masse: Study The study stresses how extinction events can influence the biology of organisms by altering important aspects of how genomes evolve. “This work furthers our understanding of the dramatic biological impacts of mass extinction events and highlights that the mass extinction that wiped out the giant dinosaurs was one of the most biologically impactful events in the entire history of our planet,” said Daniel Field, professor of vertebrate palaeontology at the University of Cambridge and co-author of the study. (With inputs from agencies)

Bird genes 'store' memories of dinosaur extinction: Here is how

Spending just eight minutes on TikTok is enough for young women to question their own body image, according to a controlled study that highlighted the scourge of content harmful to youngsters on the video-sharing platform.

The study titled '#ForYou? the impact of pro-ana TikTok content on body image dissatisfaction and internalisation of societal beauty standards' was co-authored by Madison R Blackburn and Rachel C Hogg.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-what-is-angelman-syndrome-the-condition-that-colin-farrells-son-suffers-from-748624">What is Angelman Syndrome? The condition that Colin Farrell's son suffers from</a>

Researchers created two focus groups, one of which showed TikTok content on dieting, weight loss and exercise. This is&nbsp;broadly known as 'pro-ana' or pro-anorexia content which glorifies disordered eating practices.

The aim of the study was to find out the link between time spent on TikTok and disordered eating behaviours.

<h2>How the study was done</h2>

A group of 273 women in the 18–28 age group were divided into two groups. One group was given pro-anorexia content, while the other was given neutral content from TikTok.

Then the women were made to answer questionnaires to find out what they thought about their bodies after watching the content.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-will-you-buy-it-dolce--gabbana-launches-luxury-dog-perfume-at-this-whopping-price-748512">Will you buy it? Dolce &amp; Gabbana launches luxury dog perfume at this whopping price</a>

"Women exposed to pro-anorexia content displayed the greatest decrease in body image satisfaction and an increase in internalisation of societal beauty standards," said the study published in PLOS One journal. "Women exposed to neutral content also reported a decrease in body image satisfaction."

The study found that those categorised as high and extreme daily TikTok users reported greater average disordered eating behaviour than participants with low and moderate use.

Participants who used TikTok for over two hours per day "reported more disordered eating behaviours than less frequent users," the authors&nbsp;said but pointed out that this was not statistically significant.

The pro-ana videos had shown young content creators in the so-called 'fitspiration' category showing how they cut on their diets and give fitness, workout and food tips and advice. The hacks like juice cleanses for weight loss were included in the content.

<h2>What is content internalisation?</h2>

Besides having the biggest fall in body image satisfaction, those who watched pro-ana content also 'internalised' the beauty standards more.

While watching potentially harmful content does not necessarily lead to harm, it is the 'internalisation' of this content that is dangerous, according to the study. Internalisation happens when someone accepts and identifies with external beauty standards, it pointed out.

There is a multitude of habits and hacks being pushed on TikTok, like detoxing with juices, and clean or limited diets in the name of wellness, with hashtags like #GymTok and #FoodTok. Disorderly eating content included binge eating, laxative use or excessive exercise, said the study.

(With inputs from agencies)

Spending just eight minutes on TikTok is enough for young women to question their own body image, according to a controlled study that highlighted the scourge of content harmful to youngsters on the video-sharing platform.

Spending just eight minutes on TikTok is enough for young women to question their own body image, according to a controlled study that highlighted the scourge of content harmful to youngsters on the video-sharing platform. The study titled '#ForYou? the impact of pro-ana TikTok content on body image dissatisfaction and internalisation of societal beauty standards' was co-authored by Madison R Blackburn and Rachel C Hogg. Also Read | What is Angelman Syndrome? The condition that Colin Farrell's son suffers from Researchers created two focus groups, one of which showed TikTok content on dieting, weight loss and exercise. This is broadly known as 'pro-ana' or pro-anorexia content which glorifies disordered eating practices. The aim of the study was to find out the link between time spent on TikTok and disordered eating behaviours. How the study was done A group of 273 women in the 18–28 age group were divided into two groups. One group was given pro-anorexia content, while the other was given neutral content from TikTok. Then the women were made to answer questionnaires to find out what they thought about their bodies after watching the content. Also Read | Will you buy it? Dolce & Gabbana launches luxury dog perfume at this whopping price "Women exposed to pro-anorexia content displayed the greatest decrease in body image satisfaction and an increase in internalisation of societal beauty standards," said the study published in PLOS One journal. "Women exposed to neutral content also reported a decrease in body image satisfaction." The study found that those categorised as high and extreme daily TikTok users reported greater average disordered eating behaviour than participants with low and moderate use. Participants who used TikTok for over two hours per day "reported more disordered eating behaviours than less frequent users," the authors said but pointed out that this was not statistically significant. The pro-ana videos had shown young content creators in the so-called 'fitspiration' category showing how they cut on their diets and give fitness, workout and food tips and advice. The hacks like juice cleanses for weight loss were included in the content. What is content internalisation? Besides having the biggest fall in body image satisfaction, those who watched pro-ana content also 'internalised' the beauty standards more. While watching potentially harmful content does not necessarily lead to harm, it is the 'internalisation' of this content that is dangerous, according to the study. Internalisation happens when someone accepts and identifies with external beauty standards, it pointed out. There is a multitude of habits and hacks being pushed on TikTok, like detoxing with juices, and clean or limited diets in the name of wellness, with hashtags like #GymTok and #FoodTok. Disorderly eating content included binge eating, laxative use or excessive exercise, said the study. (With inputs from agencies)

Just 8 minutes on TikTok can lead to negative body image for young women: Study

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