Thesocialtalks

This year, when India experienced its longest ever heatwave, locals turned to cool drinks like never before. Gond katira, or tragacanth gum, is derived from more than 2,000 plant species of the Astragalus genus, found from Greece to southwestern Asia, with Iran and Turkey being the top producers. Incisions are made on the roots and bark of a plant, releasing gum in the form of a long curving string or ribbon that hardens rapidly. This dried gum is collected and processed into flakes and powder. One of its main components is tragacanthin, which is soluble in water and swells to form a gel-like structure. Because of this, tragacanth gum is widely used in the food industry as a thickener and emulsifier. Gond katira has also long been considered a herbal remedy. It has the ability to cool the body, improve skin and liver enzymes, and boost immunity. Next time you feel the need to cool down, make yourself a glass of lemonade with the tasteless and odourless jelly to cool you down. #Summers #SummerHeat #BeatTheHeat #India #TheSocialTalks #TalkSocialToUs

Six people were found in the room of a luxury hotel in central Bangkok. Police believe a member of the group poisoned themselves and others using cyanide. Traces were found in: * A tea flask * 6 cups * The blood of one of the dead men From police interviews with a relative, it is believed that the deaths could be related to a business dispute. Room service stated they only saw one of the six people, a 56-year-old woman, who told the staff there was no need to serve the tea. At 13:57, the tea was handed off. No one was seen coming out after 14:17. #News #TheSocialTalks #Thailand #WorldTalk #GlobalDevelopment

In a closely contested vote, Amazon workers at the Coventry warehouse have narrowly rejected union recognition by the GMB. With 50.5% voting against and 49.5% in favor, the bid for unionization fell short by just 28 votes. Key Points: Historic Vote: This could have been the first time Amazon recognized a union in the UK. Union's Fight: Despite fierce resistance and accusations of union-busting by Amazon, the GMB continues its campaign. Worker Sentiment: The vote reflects a divided workforce, with many immigrants from South Asia showing growing confidence in unionizing. Amazon's Stance: The company reiterates its commitment to direct communication with employees, emphasizing its investments in pay, benefits, and skills development. This vote marks a significant moment in the ongoing struggle for worker rights at one of the world's largest corporations. #Thesocialtalks #UnionVote #Amazon #WorkersRights #GMB #LaborMovement #UKNews

In a landmark case, self-exiled Chinese businessman Guo Wengui has been found guilty by a US court for orchestrating a billion-dollar scam. Convicted on nine counts, including racketeering, fraud, and money laundering, Guo's extravagant lifestyle was funded by defrauding his online followers. Key Points: * Conviction: Guo faces decades in prison, with sentencing scheduled for November 19. * Fraud: Raised over $1 billion from followers through investment and cryptocurrency schemes. * Lifestyle: Funds used for a 50,000 sq ft mansion, a $1 million Lamborghini, and a $37 million yacht. * Political Ties: Known for his criticism of the Chinese Communist Party and ties with ex-White House strategist Stephen Bannon. This case underscores the importance of vigilance in investment and the far-reaching consequences of financial fraud. Stay informed and protected! #Thesocialtalks #FraudAlert #LegalUpdate #Investment #FinanceNews #GuoWengui #USCourts

Grocery prices are no longer climbing as much as they did in the last two years, but many Americans are still frustrated by the cost of putting food on the table. One of the biggest snack makers reported a decline in sales this spring as shoppers became more sensitive to rising prices. The latest consumer inflation report shows grocery prices rose just over 1% in the last 12 months, a significant improvement from the nearly 5% increase the previous year and the double-digit surge the year before. However, leveling off is not the same as prices coming down, and the U.S. is still feeling the cumulative effect of those earlier increases. But there is a silver lining. As grocery inflation slows, wages are catching up. Over the last year, average wages have risen 3.9%, about three and a half times as fast as grocery prices. That's good news, even if for many Americans it doesn't feel that way. #HikePrices #Inflation #HighPrices #Grocery #TheSocialTalks

The UK remains Europe’s leading destination for tech sector venture capital investment, raising £7.4bn in the first half of the year—a 16% increase from 2023. This accounts for nearly one-third of all European venture capital funding, surpassing France and Germany combined. Significant investments include Wayve (£861m), Abound (£400m), and Highview Power (£300m). London leads European tech hubs, attracting £5.3bn, followed by Paris (£2.4bn) and Stockholm (£940m). Cambridge also saw substantial growth, raising £517m, with notable contributions from Luminance (£321m). Jeannette zu Furstenberg of General Catalyst noted Europe’s potential in AI-driven productivity and growth. The British Business Bank reported that the UK has overtaken India as the third-largest venture capital market globally, behind the US and China. The UK tech sector looks for continued support, particularly in attracting skilled migrants, to maintain its competitive edge and commercialize university research. #UKTech #VentureCapital #Tech #Thesocialtalks

A tragic mass stranding occurred on Orkney's Tresness Beach, resulting in the death of 77 pilot whales. The British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) found 12 whales alive but had to euthanize them after failed refloating attempts. The stranded pod included male, female, calf, and juvenile whales, some up to 22 feet long. Experts believe one whale may have encountered trouble, causing the pod to follow. This incident is the largest in Scotland since 1995. Previous notable strandings include 55 pilot whales on Lewis last year and up to 70 whales in Sutherland in 2011. Public access to the area is restricted as post mortem examinations are conducted. Discussions on body disposal are ongoing, with options including burial or relocation. Andrew Brownlow from the Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme highlighted the increasing frequency and scale of such events, raising concerns about potential hazards. #WhaleStranding #Orkney #MarineLife #EnvironmentalConcerns #PilotWhales #thesocialtalks

Understanding the Challenges of Protecting Workers: Insights from Colorado's Bird Flu Outbreak In a recent report by Reuters, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlighted concerning conditions faced by Colorado farm workers battling bird flu. Despite extreme heat and industrial fans hindering the use of protective equipment, several workers contracted the virus. Key Findings: * Extreme Temperatures: Workers faced 104°F temperatures, making it difficult to use masks and eye protection due to strong fans. * Health Risks: About 60 workers showed symptoms, emphasizing the occupational risks. * Safety Measures: This incident underscores the importance of robust safety measures in agricultural settings, even though the risk to the public remains low. The CDC continues its investigation into the outbreak’s origins. Stay informed about occupational health and safety developments to ensure workplace well-being. #OccupationalHealth #WorkplaceSafety #CDC #BirdFlu #AgricultureSafety #PublicHealth #TheSocialTalks

Polar caps are melting rapidly faster than scientists had predicted due to an undercurrent of heated water running underneath the polar ice…that coincidentally is called the Doomsday Iceberg. Rising sea levels and that could wash out coastal towns and cities - but we know this, right? Well, what you don’t know is that the planetary impact of humanity can be seen in the research that resulted in water redistribution causing the Earth’s axis of rotation to move. As well as carbon emissions causing shrinkage in the stratosphere. The melting of Antarctica and Greenland directly correlating to the impact on day length not only holds dire implications for time measurement but also for GPS and other technologies that dictate modern living. #ClimateCrisis #TheSocialTalks #News #GPS #GlobalDevelopment

Russian cybersecurity giant Kaspersky is pulling out of the US after a ban on its products by the Biden administration. The decision comes amid concerns over potential risks to US infrastructure posed by Moscow's influence. Key Points: * Kaspersky to wind down US operations starting July 20, 2024. * Ban impacts sales, software updates, and new business. * US Commerce Secretary cites significant security risks. Kaspersky, denying the allegations, plans to fight the ban through all legal channels. This move marks the end of two decades of the firm's operations in the US. #Thesocialtalks #CyberSecurity #Kaspersky #USBan #DataPrivacy #BusinessNews #TechNews