Crypto exchange giant Binance is charting a new course in response to heightened concerns over counterparty risk. The exchange is embracing the stability and security of Swiss banking institutions, a move that caters to the demands of its more prominent traders.

This may be a step in the right direction for Binance, which has been restructuring and adapting to global crypto regulations.

This pivot allows select traders the option to entrust their assets with renowned Swiss banks, such as Sygnum Bank and Flow Bank. This departs from the previous arrangement where Binance limited clients to storing assets directly on the exchange or with Ceffu, its exclusive institutional custody partner.

According to a recent FT report, one crypto hedge fund manager said they felt better about using a regulated institution:

Id much rather park my money with a Swiss bank than Binance.

Read more: Binance Review 2024: Is It the Right Crypto Exchange for You?

The inclusion of independent banks in the custodial process is a direct response to traders preferences for more regulated and secure banking options. This is especially true following the 2022 collapse of FTX, which lost $9 billion in funds.

Binance itself is on thin ice after a massive $2.7 billion dollar fine from the CFTC for derivatives trading violations. The exchanges former CEO, Changpeng CZ Zhao, is still embroiled in a battle with regulators. The court is set to carry out his sentencing in February.

Sygnum Bank, one of Binances counterparty custodians, recently had a successful funding round, amassing $40 million. This financial infusion is set to bolster Sygnums expansion and innovation, offering sophisticated, regulated products and services.

A press release provided additional details on the usage of the funds:

Proceeds from this financing round will be used to expand Sygnums geographic reach into new markets and accelerate the development of Sygnums fully regulated products such as its B2B (bank-to-bank) platform, which now powers the crypto offering of over 15 banks and financial institutions globally.

Read more: 7 Best Binance Alternatives in 2024

The banks growth and focus on secure crypto solutions also align with the markets direction towards more regulated trading ecosystems.

Binances strategy and Sygnum Banks growth mirror the crypto sectors trend towards more regulation, institutional involvement, and security. All in all, these developments signal a maturing market that prioritizes customer protection, compliance, and stability.

In adherence to the Trust Project guidelines, BeInCrypto is committed to unbiased, transparent reporting. This news article aims to provide accurate, timely information. However, readers are advised to verify facts independently and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content. This article was initially compiled by an advanced AI, engineered to extract, analyze, and organize information from a broad array of sources. It operates devoid of personal beliefs, emotions, or biases, providing data-centric content. To ensure its relevance, accuracy, and adherence to BeInCryptos editorial standards, a human editor meticulously reviewed, edited, and approved the article for publication.

Read more here:

Binance Touts Swiss Banks to Expand & Enhance Custody Security - BeInCrypto

The legal problems surrounding binance binance binance@miceneurol.com Centralised Exchange never seem to come to an end. The crypto exchange with an impending $4.3 Billion file to be paid to the CFTC, the Department of Justice, and other U.S. government agencies, is now under fire from regulators in Florida and Alaska.

After the ex-CEO, changpeng zhao changpeng zhao founder and ceo at Binance Changpeng Zhao is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Binance.His contribution to the enhancement of Binance made the platform worlds largest cryptocurrency exchange since its inception in 2017. Zhao launched the blockchain network Binance Smart Chain which has made a remarkable contribution to the development of the decentralized finance ecosystem. Whereas in 2019, he launched Binances US affiliate, Binance.US. He is commonly known as CZ, a Chinese-Canadian Business Executive who has been ranked 113th richest in the globe as of 2022. In the past, he founded Fusion Systems, a trading system for brokers famous for some of the fastest high-frequency trading systems for brokers. Zhao has served as a member of the team that developed Blockchain.info and played the role of Chief Technology Officer of OKCoin, a secure cryptocurrency exchange platform for Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin, and other crypto assets. EntrepreneurInvestorChief Executive Officer pleaded guilty to three counts in November, the State regulators have barred Binance.US from serving residents in Florida and Alaska.

In November 2023, a U.S. federal court accepted CZs guilty plea to Bank Secrecy Act violations. In December 2023, Binance.US underwent a rigorous settlement deal that not only imposed a hefty fine but also compelled the firm to operational changes.

CZs guilty plea triggered regulatory actions with Floridas Office of Financial Regulation, issuing an emergency suspension order against Binance.US.

This license restricted the platform from operating in the state. Regulators argue that CZs guilty plea, making him an 80% shareholder in Binance.US, raises questions about the competency of the firm to oversee operations catering to American crypto traders.

Also Read: Relief in Sight: JPMorgan Analysts Report Easing GBTC Sell-Off

According to a January 25 report, regulatory authorities in Florida and Alaska have informed Binance.US that the cryptocurrency exchange is no longer permitted to cater to their residents.

In January 2024, the Alaska Division of Banking and Securities declined to renew Binance.USs license. Additionally, Floridas Office of Financial Regulation took action by issuing an emergency suspension order against Binance.USs money transmitter license following CZs guilty plea.

While the U.S. governments actions have targeted the global exchanges U.S. operations, Binance.US has tried its best to reassure customers that it remains fully operational despite the legal troubles surrounding its founder.

Late last year, regulators in Arkansas, Illinois, and South Dakota reportedly reached agreements with Binance.US to allow its continued operation in those states, contingent on irreversible changes to CZs voting rights.

Despite CZs attempts to use his $4.5 billion stake in Binance.US as security for travel permissions, a recent court ruling denied his request. As CZ faces sentencing on February 23, 2024, with a potential 18-month prison term, the regulatory challenges surrounding Binance.US add another layer of complexity to the ongoing legal saga.

Binance.US finds itself in the regulatory crosshairs in Florida and Alaska, following the consequences of CZs guilty plea. Presently still tied in a lawsuit against the U.S. SEC, the fate of Binance.US remains uncertain, considering its tainted history of security and misappropriation of customer funds.

Read the original post:

Binance.US Still Suspended in Florida and Alaska Following CZs Guilty Plea - Coinpedia Fintech News

Open Paws is a groundbreaking nonprofit dedicated to using AI to make animal exploitation obsolete. Its core mission is to build open-source AI models for animal advocates, help animal rights charities and plant-based / vegan businesses implement AI in their workflows, and advocate for systemic consideration for animals in the wider AI industry.

We spoke to founder Sam Tucker, who spent 15+ years working in animal advocacy and now works at the intersection of AI safety and animal advocacy, striving to address the urgent and under-addressed challenge of speciesism in AI.

Through combining his expertise in animal advocacy and artificial intelligence, Sam developed VEG3, the worlds first AI assistant dedicated to helping both individuals and organisations be more effective in advocating for animals and navigating a vegan lifestyle, which led to the formation of Open Paws.

Could you introduce us to Open Paws and its core mission? How does it align with the principles of vegan economics and ethical AI development? Open Paws aligns with the principles of vegan economics by supporting the growth of vegan-oriented ventures and promoting ethical consumption. By developing accessible, open-source AI tools, Open Paws aims to advocate for animal liberation and sustain the expansion of the vegan and plant-based industries.

In terms of ethical AI development, Open Paws addresses the issue of speciesism in AI systems. We actively integrate the perspectives of animal welfare and rights into AI development, ensuring that future AI capabilities develop free from ingrained speciesist biases. By doing so, Open Paws sets a precedent for ethical considerations in technological innovation and supports the values of compassion and equality for all species.

What inspired you to start Open Paws, and what are the primary goals youre aiming to achieve with this open-source AI initiative? Open Paws was inspired by the growing body of research highlighting the urgent need to address speciesism in AI systems and the lack of specialized AI tools catering to the needs of vegan businesses and animal rights organizations. The primary goals of this open-source AI initiative are to develop AI models for animal advocates and vegan businesses, help animal rights charities and animal-friendly businesses implement AI in their workflows, and advocate for systemic consideration for animals in the wider AI industry.

In your pitch, you mentioned the issue of speciesism in AI systems. Could you explain and elaborate on how Open Paws addresses these biases and the implications for the vegan and plant-based industries? Open Paws aims to develop AI models and tools that are free from ingrained speciesist biases. By integrating the perspectives of animal welfare and rights into AI development, Open Paws ensures that AI capabilities are aligned with the values of compassion and equality for all species.

Eliminating speciesist biases in AI systems is crucial for the vegan and plant-based industries. By utilizing AI without speciesism, vegan businesses and industries can benefit in several ways.

Firstly, AI can help vegan businesses enhance their product development and innovation. With AI-powered analytics and machine learning algorithms, businesses can gain insights into consumer preferences, market trends, and emerging demands. This enables them to create and refine their products and services to better meet the needs and expectations of their target audience, ultimately driving growth and success in the vegan market. The more an AI understands veganism and the vegan market, the more effectively it will be able to do all of these things.

Eliminating speciesist biases in AI systems is crucial for the vegan and plant-based industries

Secondly, AI can play a crucial role in marketing and customer engagement for vegan businesses. By leveraging generative AI that is aligned with the business ethics and understanding of their target audience, vegan businesses can personalize their marketing campaigns, recommend relevant products, and provide tailored customer experiences. This level of customization and personalization can enhance customer satisfaction, loyalty, and brand advocacy within the vegan community.

Lastly, the open-source foundational AI model we will release can aid in the development of further AI-driven tools and platforms specifically designed for vegan businesses. These tools can assist with various business functions, such as recipe creation and optimization, ingredient sourcing and supply chain management, and even customer service and support. Because the foundational AI models we train will be open source, the potential for vegan businesses to develop or fine-tune it for any specific use case will be limitless.

Open Paws ensures that AI capabilities are aligned with the values of compassion and equality for all species

Overall, the integration of AI without speciesism can provide significant benefits for vegan businesses and industries. It empowers them to innovate, optimize operations, engage customers, and uphold their ethical principles, ultimately contributing to the growth and success of the vegan market as a whole.

Who are the members of your team at Open Paws, and how do your backgrounds contribute to the projects success? Are there any notable collaborations or partnerships that have been instrumental in your journey? At Open Paws, the team consists of:

The collaboration between these team members with diverse backgrounds and expertise is crucial for the success of Open Paws.

Considering that the development of Open Paws is an ongoing process, what are some of the key challenges you anticipate encountering in the future? Additionally, could you share any strategies or approaches you plan to use to navigate these challenges effectively? As an open-source not-for-profit initiative, the biggest challenge we face is securing sufficient funding to cover computing costs to train our AI. We are currently seeking funding from grant-makers and donors and we also have a separate for-profit business in the vegan AI space called VEG3, which is also currently seeking investment.

Encouraging adoption and engagement with our AI models among animal advocates and vegan businesses may also pose a challenge. We will address this by focusing on creating very user-friendly and accessible tools, providing comprehensive documentation and support, and actively engaging with our target audience through outreach and education.

How do you envision the impact of Open Paws on the broader food industry, for instance in areas like gastronomy, food production, marketing, and ethical consumption? In gastronomy, Open Paws AI models can help chefs and restaurants create innovative and delicious plant-based recipes, catering to the growing demand for vegan options. These models can assist in optimizing ingredient combinations, flavors, and textures, enabling the creation of enticing plant-based dishes.

Regarding food production, Open Paws AI can contribute to more sustainable and efficient practices. By analyzing data and patterns, AI models can identify opportunities to reduce waste, improve supply chain logistics, and optimize resource allocation in food production processes.

In marketing, Open Paws AI tools can assist vegan businesses in reaching and engaging their target audience effectively. AI-powered analytics can provide insights into consumer behavior, preferences, and trends, enabling businesses to tailor their marketing strategies and campaigns accordingly.

Open Paws aims to inspire positive change and contribute to a more compassionate and sustainable future

Moreover, Open Paws focus on ethical consumption aligns with the growing awareness and demand for ethically sourced and cruelty-free products. By promoting the use of AI systems that prioritize animal welfare and rights, Open Paws can contribute to a more ethical and compassionate food industry.

Overall, Open Paws initiatives can revolutionize the broader food industry by harnessing the power of AI to drive innovation, sustainability, and ethical considerations. Through collaborations, partnerships, and the dissemination of open-source AI tools, Open Paws aims to inspire positive change and contribute to a more compassionate and sustainable future for the food industry.

Continued here:

Open Paws: "AI Can Play a Crucial Role in Marketing and Customer Engagement for Vegan Businesses" - vegconomist - the vegan business...

Register for free to listen to this article

Thank you. Listen to this article using the player above.

Want to listen to this article for FREE?

Complete the form below to unlock access to ALL audio articles.

Scientists from the Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry measured the pupillary reaction of participants while they were solving a task. In healthy participants, the pupils dilated during the task in anticipation of a reward, but this reaction was less pronounced in participants with depression: "The reduced pupil reaction was particularly noticeable in patients who could no longer feel pleasure and reported a loss of energy," says Andy Brendler, first author of the study.

The feeling of listlessness is one of the most common symptoms of depression. "This finding helps us to better understand the physiological mechanisms behind listlessness," explains research group leader Victor Spoormaker. Amongst other things, the pupillary reaction is a marker for activity in the locus coeruleus, the brain structure with the highest concentration of noradrenergic neurons in the central nervous system.

Noradrenergic neurons react to the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, an important component in the stress response and the upregulation of arousal, in other words the activation of the nervous system. "The reduced pupillary response in patients with more listlessness indicates that the lacking activation of the locus coeruleus is an important physiological process that underlies the feeling of listlessness," says Spoormaker.

Subscribe to Technology Networks daily newsletter, delivering breaking science news straight to your inbox every day.

The study also found the pupil response to be weaker the more depressive symptoms participants had. This replicates the findings of a previous study by the same research group. The replicability of neuropsychiatric methods is more the exception than the rule, and demonstrates the reliability of pupillometry as a method.

Pupillometry could be used as a supplementary method for diagnosis. It could also contribute to the development of individualized treatment strategies for depression. For example, if a patient shows a significantly reduced pupil response, antidepressants that act on the noradrenergic system could be more effective than other medications. The medication dosage could also be optimized based on the pupil reaction. Considering that an estimated 30 percent of depressive patients do not improve using the currently available medication. Understanding the physiological mechanisms behind depression and fine-tuning diagnosis and treatment accordingly is urgently required.

Reference:Brendler A, Schneider M, Elbau IG, et al. Assessing hypo-arousal during reward anticipation with pupillometry in patients with major depressive disorder: replication and correlations with anhedonia. Sci Rep. 2024;14(1):344. doi:10.1038/s41598-023-48792-0

This article has been republished from the following materials. Note: material may have been edited for length and content. For further information, please contact the cited source.

Read the original:
Brain Imaging Shows Why Depression Saps Our Motivation - Technology Networks

Each twin pair was divided into different dietary regimes. One sibling followed a strict vegan diet, eliminating all meat, seafood, eggs, and dairy. In contrast, their twin consumed an omnivore diet, which included both plant-based foods and animal products. The findings of this study are quite significant. Over the course of eight weeks, the twins on plant-based diets showed remarkable health improvements. These supposedly included increased life expectancy, reduced visceral fat, a lower risk of heart disease, and even an enhanced sex drive. These results highlight the potential health benefits of a vegan diet, making a compelling case for considering a plant-based lifestyle.

The plant-based diet has become more and more popular over recent years. The Good Food Institute reported that, in 2021, the market for plant-based foods expanded at a rate triple that of the overall food industry. This study encompassed a variety of plant-based alternatives, including products like milk, eggs, cheese, meat, yogurt, butter, and creamers. The Harris Poll in 2016, 2019, and 2020 found that about 3% of Americans were vegan, but as of 2022, that increased to 5%.

Its no surprise that documentaries like You Are What You Eat are becoming more and more popular. But is there any truth to the claims? Is veganism really healthier for us than all other diets?

Max Lugavere, nutrition expert and author of Genius Foods, broke it down on X so people could really understand the context of this new documentary. The lead researcher behind the study is funded by Beyond Meat, he writes. Its right there in the paper. Thats a huge red flag as it is, but Lugavere was willing to give the program the benefit of the doubt until he discovered more.

The study proved there was a small decrease in LDL in the group of vegans. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is a type of cholesterol often referred to as bad cholesterol. It's composed of fat and protein, transporting cholesterol to various parts of the body. High levels of LDL can lead to the buildup of fatty deposits in arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis. This buildup narrows the arteries, reducing blood flow and potentially leading to heart diseases, such as heart attacks and strokes. Therefore, maintaining a healthy level of LDL is crucial for cardiovascular health, as elevated LDL levels significantly increase the risk of heart-related ailments. Managing LDL often involves diet, exercise, and sometimes medication.

Plant-based activists love to fixate on LDL and claim that the vegan diet significantly lowers it, but Lugavere points out that the decrease in LDL in this particular study was most likely because the vegan twins ate fewer calories and more fiber while also eating less saturated fat. You could easily achieve this with a diet that includes meat, he says.

An important factor that wasnt covered enough was the fact that there were different lifestyle factors between the twins, such as exercise habits and diet preferences. Its impossible to fully understand the context and impact of diet without also taking into account all the other lifestyle factors (even things like sleep and stress) that would affect someones overall health.

Overall, it was a short-term study (8 weeks), and the vegan diet did have drawbacks that are swept under the rug less protein, lower B12 intake, and lower dietary satisfaction, for example. We dont know how these changes would play out over the long term, Lugavere writes. We simply dont have enough information to make the broad claim that the vegan diet is best.

Viewers are also told that the beef and cattle industry is inherently evil and burning down the whole Amazon rainforest, all farmers are abusive to both the animals and land, and the fish you eat are parasitic and diseased. Of course, there may be some truth to these, but to claim that this is true across the board is obviously false. It may all seem harmless, but there are many women who are falling for the lies of veganism and its harming their health and fertility.

Miley Cyrus, a well-known animal enthusiast, has rescued numerous dogs and cares for a variety of animals at her properties in Nashville and Calabasas. A staunch advocate for animal rights, Miley has long been vocal about the ethical and health benefits of a vegan lifestyle. However, in a striking revelation during a 2020 interview on the Joe Rogan Experience, Miley announced that she had abandoned her vegan diet due to health concerns, particularly regarding her brain function.

Miley, who was 27 at the time, explained that despite being vegan from 2013 to 2019, she had to reintroduce fish and omega-3 fatty acids into her diet. My brain wasnt functioning properly, she confessed, indicating that the decision to alter her diet was not taken lightly. She acknowledged experiencing signs of malnutrition and felt that she was "running on empty," despite taking supplements and consuming protein shakes. Joe Rogan joked that Miley's departure from veganism might attract criticism from vegan activists. Miley responded with acceptance, indicating that her health was her priority over adhering to a diet that was not meeting her nutritional needs.

Miley's situation is not unique, as vegan diets can sometimes lead to various nutritional deficiencies. These can include low levels of vitamin B12, iron, and essential omega-3 fatty acids. By reintroducing fish and meat into her diet, Miley reported feeling sharper and more nourished.

Key nutrients that are often lacking in a vegan diet include zinc, iron, vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids, and iodine.

A recent caution from fertility experts also suggests that a vegan diet might pose challenges for women attempting to conceive. Grace Dugdale, a reproductive biologist, acknowledges the health benefits of a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and legumes. However, she warns that the growing trend of veganism might lead to nutrient deficiencies detrimental to women's fertility. Key nutrients that are often lacking in a vegan diet include zinc, iron, vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids, and iodine. These nutrients are crucial for reproductive health and are typically found in meat, oily fish, dairy, and white fish.

Dugdale, who advises infertile couples on nutrition, spoke at the Fertility Show in London, emphasizing the importance of adequate nutrition for conceiving. She understands the ethical and environmental motivations behind veganism but suggests that women with depleted nutrient levels might benefit from reintroducing a small amount of meat and fish into their diets. This advice is based on the fact that vegan diets, if not properly supplemented, can lead to low levels of vital nutrients necessary for the development of the baby.

Plant-based milks often lack iodine, a nutrient readily available in cow's milk. Similarly, while leafy green vegetables are a source of iron, the iron from these plants is not as easily absorbed by the body as the iron found in meat. Additionally, zinc and omega 3, both found in meat, are known to enhance men's sperm count and motility.

Rehan Salim, a consultant in gynecology and reproductive medicine at Imperial College Healthcare, also spoke at the Fertility Show. He advised women, especially those considering freezing their eggs, on the importance of protein in their diet, recommending the consumption of both meat and vegetables. Both Dugdale and Salim stress that men also require a balanced diet rich in these nutrients for the production of good quality sperm. Dugdale, along with Professor Adam Balen, has authored The Fertility Book, a guide to achieving a healthy pregnancy, which underscores the significance of proper nutrition in fertility for both men and women.

If someone insists on going vegan for ethical reasons, thats one thing, but its quite another to claim that the diet is healthier for everyone and will lead to better physical outcomes for us all. While there are certainly some people who do just fine on a vegan diet (at least temporarily), we have to figure out from an honest perspective whats best for ourselves, and that will rarely include an extreme elimination diet like veganism.

Support our cause and help women reclaim their femininity by subscribing today.

Read more from the original source:

The Latest Vegan Propaganda Just Dropped: You Are What You EatHere's What They Got Wrong - Evie Magazine

One of the best resolutions one can make, with regards to food choices in 2024 is that of the production and consumption of organic food items, such that your food becomes your medicine, as the Greek physician, Hippocrates (400 BC) rightly admonished mankind. But then we have to understand what organic food items are, their nutritional benefits to our bodies and the confessions of Dr. Olukemi Oyegbile whose ill health was saved by keying into organic foods. So, what is it really all about?

Organic food, also called ecological or biological food and drinks are produced using natural substances, without the use of synthetic chemicals, or genetically modified components. There is no use of man-made fertilizers, pesticides, growth regulators and livestock feed additives. There is avoidance of all artificial chemicals, hormones and antibiotics. There is mild exposure to heavy metals.

They are fresher, tastier, healthier, with outstanding flavour. They are more nutrient-dense and free of GMOs. And because they are nature-based and chemical-free they are more sustainable and preserve the environment. They promote heart health because they are truly rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, brimming full of vital vitamins and magical minerals. That explains why they are good for digestion and reduce the risk of cancer. They also reduce the risks of allergic diseases as well as reducing the risk of obesity.

All considered, it is interesting to note that the farming methods of our forebears in most parts of Nigeria, nay Africa are organic. They lived close to nature and studied and complied with its laws. They fed on largely natural food items. Are we, therefore, surprised that they lived much longer than we do these days? We should not put the key back into both the production and consumption of organic food items, similarly to what the Indians are currently practising.

To understand the impact that organic food has on ones health, let us learn from the true-life testimonies of Dr Olukemi Oyegbile, formerly a staff member of the United Nations Development Program UNDP, as she made at the Xtralarge Farms program to promote organic food, a few years back. In her words: This is the Lords doings and marvellous in our eyes. My Organic Food, My Medicine (Gen. 1 v. 29; PSM. 104 v. 14; Ezk. 47 v. 12, In Line With Gen 6:3. I was divinely led to see the gain from my pains of 40 years of allergic reaction to heat and dust in Nigeria on a Rescue Mission.

I was born a premature baby in the 50s but was fortunate that my mother who was born in 1920 had a Standard Six School Certificate. That was my saving grace that girl-child education made the then nurses who taught my mother did not understand English had to ensure that I was put in an incubator that was acquired 5 Days before I was born in the Mission Hospital.

So I did not have the opportunity to be breastfed with colostrum milk which should have conferred me with immuno globin to enable me to be desensitised from allergies. I started with childhood asthma. This stopped by itself at the age of 15 years. Thereafter, the allergic skin challenge started.

This was on for 40 years during which as a medical student back then in University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan in the 70s all was done to find a lasting solution. I was placed on steroids-based ointment that I could only use for a short period in order to avoid more serious side effects.

After my graduation as a medical doctor, I had opportunities to seek solutions in South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. The same solution of steroid-based ointments as was in UCH, Ibadan with the same advice that it should be for a short while.

In October 2009 the Holy Spirit convinced me with Psalm 104: verse 14 to use organic supplements and organic food. Listed are the improvements made: 1. The challenge improved by 65% with the first organic supplement which was from the USA so availability stopped in the first quarter of 2017.

2. It improved to 75% with the use of another organic supplement that was from the USA but is no longer available because of Government policy.*

3. Perfectly cleared and 100% desensitised with Xtralarge Farms Organic Food stuff and herbs within 15 months.

4. I am totally free from allergic skin reactions, particularly my right leg which was the last being closest to sand.

_Thus, it took 14 years to be perfectly cleared and desensitised to organic supplements and foods.

There is a need to apply the triple Cs of Commitment, Consistency and Confidence.*_

The Take Home Messages are : 1. Girl-child education is very important in reducing childhood mortalities.

2. Grandparents and parents who are caregivers to newborn babies to ensure that they are fed with *COLOSTRUM MILK* which is available only within 24 hours after birth.

3. Use of drugs to treat symptoms which is like cutting a branch of an Iroko tree compared to Organic Supplements and Foods that take longer time to be very effective which is like uprooting the Iroko tree health challenge, therefore, the application of 3Cs is very important.

This is why I am so passionate about authentic organic food and herbs from a reliable local source like Xtralarge Farms with 100% INTEGRITY. I do not need to look for dollars for these organic foods and herbs.

In conclusion, if you have any chronic ailment and you are looking for rescue like I was in 2009, you are cordially invited to join us in Xtralarge Farms. Contact Dr OLUKEMI OYEGBILE on 08023144160.

Having heard from the horses mouth, it is important to understand what organic food is all about, the nutritional value to your body and health and take that all-important first step now.

Happy and blessed New Year to you all, my dear readers.

Link:

2024: Back to Organic Foods - Businessday

GMs Pentala Harikrishna and Pavel Eljanov started with wins over GMs Arjun Erigaisi and Parham Maghsoodloo respectively in two high-pressure, error-prone games to share the lead with a point apiece after the first round of the Chennai Grand Masters 2023. Both players kept their nerves under check in a quicker time control which seemed to be the deciding factor of the day.

The other two encounters of the day between GMs Levon Aronian and Gukesh Dommaraju, and GMs Alexandr Predke and Sanan Sjugirov ended in almost uneventful draws.

The Chennai Grand Masters continues with round two on Saturday, December 16, at 4:45 a.m. ET/10:45 CET/3:15 p.m. IST.

Chennai Grand Masters Round 1 Results

The drawing of lots ceremony was held at the tournament venueThe Leela Palace Hotel, situated in the heart of Chennai but admirably away from the usual bustle, right at the mouth of the Adyar River, facing the vast expanse of the Bay of Bengal.

Such a location offers breathtaking views of the sea, the estuary, and the beach, even under the downcast sky of unseasonal rain, all making it an unusual venue for the tournament.

As is common in India, the tournament started with the lighting of the traditional lamp, in the presence of the organizers and officials of the provincial state government of Tamil Nadu, which has contributed the entire cost of the tournament.

When approached with the proposal to conduct the tournament, the minister of sports of the government of Tamil Nadu approved the event in about half an hour, and sanctioned an amount of Rs.1,77,00,000 (US $213,146 approximately). GM Srinath Narayanan one of the main organizers, gave us details about the birth of the event.

The organization brought in an unusual touch for the drawing of lots too, as the players got to choose between eight paintings done by the budding young artist Akhil Anand, son of former world champion Vishy Anand. The paintings were based on the theme of "Poikkal Kuthirai," (translated as "false-legged horse"), a folk dance of the state of Tamil Nadu.

The most entertaining part of the evening was when Aronian came up to pick his number, and Akhil ventured to help him.

One of the inevitable narratives of the tournament is the qualification targets for the FIDE Candidates Chess Tournament 2024 for Gukesh and Arjun (through the FIDE Circuit) and Maghsoodloo (through rating). It is anyone's guess whether this applies considerable pressure to them, and allows the others in the tournament to play with a more relaxed mindset.

Another major factor is the time control being followed, which is not very standard for a tournament of this stature: the entire game is played with 90 minutes for each player on the clock, with an increment of 30 seconds per move from the beginning. Appearing on the live commentary, GM Anish Giri called it "unusual" and proclaimed, "I have never played with this time control in my life!"

The arguments can be easily understood when we look at a couple of critical moments from both games.

After defending a difficult ending for a long time, Maghsoodloo had to find 51.Rb1! to salvage a draw here, which was probably made difficult by less time on the clock. He blundered with 51.Re3?? and Eljanov went on to win the game.

When asked about the lack of pressure on him to play for a specific target, Eljanov answered pretty straight-forwardly: "Yes, I was very relaxed. I didn't prepare much before the game. I slept very wellhelped me get over jet lag." It showed on the board too, as Eljanov looked to be steady throughout the game with no outward show of emotions.

Harikrishna confessed to not having prepared the specific simplistic opening variation of the day against Arjun, but was rewarded with a critical error from his opponent early in the game.

Here, a simple scheme like 15...Kf7 with further development of his pieces would have preserved equality, but Arjun erred with 15...Bxc3? overlooking the prosaic16.Rc1!, which gave Harikrishna an everlasting initiative in one of his favorite parts of the game, the endgame.

From his young days, Harikrishna's forte was his endgame ability. Hence, when an endgame with rooks and opposite-colored bishops came up on the board, it was expected that Hari would be able to convert his advantage. But with both players having under a minute on the clock, and both looking outwardly tense at the board, it was Hari's turn to overlook a simple tactic.

Harikrishna had to find 49.f5!, sacrificing the pawn, to facilitate the push of his h-pawn here, but he blundered with 49.Ra7??.After the further50.f5, Arjun seemed to have a simple tactic to secure the draw:

Arjun had to find 50...Rh1+ 51.Kd2 Rxh5 to level the game here, as the loss of White's h-pawn cannot be avoided. However, he blundered in turn with 50...Rxf5?? allowing51.a6and Harikrishna went on to win the game.

This fascinating encounter is our Game of the Day, analyzed by GM Rafael Leitao below.

The other two games ended in draws after short fights. The Aronian-Gukesh encounter was billed as the game of the day, but it never rose to high levels of excitement. Aronian confessed after the game that he was still not over jetlag and still missing his sleep.

How to watch the Chennai Grand Masters 2023

You can keep up with all the games and results of the tournament on our live events platform by following this link.

The Chennai Grand Masters 2023 is an 8-player all-play-all tournament in Chennai, India running December 15-21. The strongest classical invitational tournament ever held in India, it gives Gukesh, Arjun, and Maghsoodloo a chance to qualify for the 2024 Candidates tournament. The prize fund is $60,000, with $18,000 for first place.

Previous Coverage

Read more here:

Chennai Grand Masters Round 1: Harikrishna, Eljanov Start With Wins - Chess.com