Ancient Trade Symbols on Cylinder Seals: Key to Proto-Cuneiform and the Roots of Writing

Researchers studying the roots of writing have highlighted the role of ancient trade symbols found on cylinder seals in Mesopotamia as key influencers of early script development. A recent study by Kathryn Kelley and Mattia Cartolano from the University of Bologna suggests that engravings on these cylindrical seals, used for marking clay in trade exchanges, may have evolved into signs used in the earliest form of writing, known as proto-cuneiform. Dating to around 4400 B.C., these seals show motifs linked to the movement of goods like textiles and jars, indicating a trade-based origin for written symbols.

From Trade Marks to Proto-Cuneiform

The study notes that cylinder seals, rolled across clay tablets, left impressions that likely authenticated transactions, laying the groundwork for a system of recording information. The seals examined include symbols predating formal writing by more than a millennium. These motifs—such as those depicting structures or vessels—likely became foundational signs in proto-cuneiform, used in early Mesopotamian cities like Uruk around 3100 B.C. These seals may thus represent a bridge between symbolic trade records and the more formalised proto-cuneiform, marking a significant cognitive shift from imagery to systematic writing.

Link to Sumerian Cuneiform Script

Developed by the Sumerians, cuneiform script is widely regarded as the world's first known writing system. Created with a stylus that imprinted wedge shapes into clay, this system evolved to record spoken language. Later adopted by the Akkadians and maintained for nearly two millennia, cuneiform was used extensively across Mesopotamian empires, from the Babylonians to the Assyrians, creating a lasting legacy.

Diverse Academic Perspectives on Symbolic Origins

The study's findings have garnered support and scepticism. Holly Pittman from the University of Pennsylvania noted that similar ideas she proposed in the past were dismissed but have now gained validation through this research. Anthropologist Gordon Whittaker from the University of Göttingen remains cautious, pointing out that the association between seal motifs and writing symbols may lack clear causality.

The researchers hope that their findings will further help in decoding of proto-cuneiform and deepen understanding of the transition from trade symbols to structured script—a milestone in the development of human communication.

 

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Android 16 Release Date Leak Hints at a Much Sooner Rollout Than Previous Updates: Report

Android 16 is the next operating system (OS) from Google expected to arrive as a successor to Android 15, which debuted in September. While Google has confirmed a timeline of the update's release, an exact date is yet to be revealed. However, a recent report suggests that Android 16 could be released for devices much sooner than previous updates, with the summer of next year being tipped as the most likely period for its launch.

Android 16 Release Date

According to an Android Headlines report, Android 16 will be moved to the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) on June 3. It will also reportedly be made available as an over-the-air (OTA) update for Google Pixel devices, which are usually the first in the market to get the latest Android updates, on the same day.

Notably, AOSP is a source code repository which contains the core of the Android OS. When Android 16's source code is made available on this platform, developers will be able to create custom variants of the OS catering to their respective devices and port it for the release.

Google has already confirmed that it will have a major Android release in Q2 2025, followed by a minor release in the fourth quarter. This is in contrast to the typical Q3 launch window where the latest Android OS is usually rolled out. The company says it wants the software to be released for eligible devices at a faster rate and its decision was made to “better align with the schedule of device launches”.

Android 16 Features

Previous reports suggest that Android 16 could let third-party developers access Rich Ongoing Notifications, which is the OS' own version of Dynamic Island. It enables them to add custom text, background colours, and icons to the status bar chips. However, its capability must first be integrated within the apps before end users can see it on their devices.

The update is also reported to have a new “bubble anything” feature that might allow users to use any app in a floating window on smartphones and tablets for an improved multitasking experience.

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Fabulous Lives vs Bollywood Wives Star Shalini Passi On What MF Hussain Said Before Designing Her Wedding Card: "I'll See The Girl And Then I'll Paint"

Shalini Passi, married to businessman Sanjay Passi, has become the new Internet sensation, courtesy Netflix's reality show Fabulous Lives vs Bollywood Wives. In an interview with India Today, Shalini Passi revealed her customized wedding card was designed by the legendary artist MF Hussain. She told the publication, "Hussain sahab has been very close to my husband's family. My husband's family approached him to make the wedding cards, and he said, 'First, I'll see the girl and then I'll paint'. Then he saw me and said, 'This is a Radha-Krishna jodi', and he painted a set of four beautiful wedding cards. One was for the Mata Ki Chowki, one was for the Sangeet, one for the wedding and one for the reception."

Shalini, who showcased her luxurious lifestyle on the show, also revealed she carries vegetables, wherever she travels in the world. She said, "We carry our goat curd wherever they don't have it. We carry our sprouts. And obviously, we carry our vegetables to Bombay. Even the lemons there aren't good. We try to send our recipes to chefs wherever we're traveling to."

Shalini Passi is New Delhi based art colleactor and philanthropist. She has been married to Sanjay Passi. In 2021, Shalini Passi and spouse Sanjay Passi donated Rs 10 crore to Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams. Fabulous Lives Of Bollywood Wives is a Netflix series based on the lives of four star-wives - Seema Sajdeh (previously married to Sohail Khan), Maheep Kapoor (Sanjay Kapoor's wife), Bhavana Pandey (wife of Chunky Pandey) and Neelam Kothari (married to Samir Soni). The series showcases the decade-old friendship of Neelam, Maheep, Seema and Bhavana. The series is an amalgamation of fact and fiction that contribtutes to the drama. In the second season, Gauri Khan had an extended cameo. Needless to say, she is also a dear friend of these star-wives. The third season has three new entrants - Shalini Passi, Riddhima Kapoor Sahani and Kalyani Saha Chawla. 

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Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 Box Office Collection Day 5: Kartik Aaryan's Film Is At Rs 137 Crore And Counting

Kartik Aaryan's Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 is retaining its consistency at the box office. However, the film has been witnessing a dip on weekdays. After minting rupees 18 crore on its first Monday of release, the film managed to earn rupees 13 crore on Tuesday. The gross earnings of the film now stand at rupees 137 crore, per Sacnilk. The film had 16.66 bookings in the morning shows, 30.97% afternoon shows, 36.38% occupancy in the evening shows and 41.89% in the night shows, per Sacnilk.

According to film critic Taran Adarsh, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 passed the Monday test with flying colours. He wrote in his X post, "Following the #Diwali holidays, expectations were that #BhoolBhulaiyaa3 might see a drop on the first working day [Monday]... However, #BB3 has proven all predictions wrong.#BhoolBhulaiyaa3 shows excellent hold on the make-or-break Monday... Given the current trends, an impressive Week 1 score seems well within reach.#Mumbai, #Delhi, #NCR, #WestBengal and parts of central #India continue to dominate the biz, significantly contributing to its total."

He added, "With no major release/s slated for the upcoming weekend, #BB3 is expected to consolidate its status and deliver a solid total. #BhoolBhulaiyaa3 [Week 1] Fri 36.60 cr, Sat 38.40 cr, Sun 35.20 cr, Mon 17.80 cr. Total: ₹ 128 cr." Take a look:

Following the #Diwali holidays, expectations were that #BhoolBhulaiyaa3 might see a drop on the first working day [Monday]... However, #BB3 has proven all predictions wrong.#BhoolBhulaiyaa3 shows excellent hold on the make-or-break Monday... Given the current trends, an… pic.twitter.com/2d4axaiU9i

— taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) November 5, 2024

In his review for NDTV, film critic Saibal Chatterjee wrote, "It is evident that Kartik Aaryan has got the hang of the weird and disorienting house of mirrors that is Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3. His star turn is a repeat act that promises a box-office outcome that could be on par with what Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 yielded."

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Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3: Kartik Aaryan Is Happy Because "Mummy Ko Bhi Nahi Mill Rahi Tickets"

Kartik Aaryan recently shared a light-hearted moment about his mother, Mala Tiwari, struggling to secure tickets for his latest release, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3.

On Sunday, Kartik posted an adorable video of his mom trying to book tickets on BookMyShow, but she hadn't managed to get a seat yet. Sharing the amusing clip, Kartik wrote in the caption, “Mummy ko bhi nahi mil rahi tickets. So happy to have this problem.”

In the video, Kartik's mom is seen sitting on a couch, telling him about her difficulty getting tickets. She humorously says, “I feel like posting ‘hey Bhagwan meri aankhein taras gayi hai yeh film dekhne ko.'” Kartik then playfully asks, “Ab tickets kaha se book kare?”

Meanwhile, the Dhamaka actor has been sharing fun videos with his co-stars Madhuri Dixit and Vidya Balan on social media, adding to the buzz around the film. Directed by Anees Bazmee, “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3” was released in theatres on November 1. The horror-comedy clashed with Rohit Shetty's cop drama, “Singham Again” at the box office.

The horror-comedy has received mixed reactions from audiences. Film critic Taran Adarsh reported that “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3” earned Rs 36.60 crore on its opening day, marking Kartik's biggest opener to date. Adarsh tweeted, “KARTIK AARYAN VS KARTIK AARYAN: 'BB3' TAKES MASSIVE LEAD... Day 1 biz... 2024: #BhoolBhulaiyaa3 Rs 36.60 cr, 2022: #BhoolBhulaiyaa2 Rs 14.11 cr, 2020: #LoveAajKal Rs 12.40 cr, 2023: #SatyaPremKiKatha Rs 9.25 cr (Thursday), 2019: #PatiPatniAurWoh Rs 9.10 cr, 2019: #LukaChuppi Rs 8.01 cr, 2015: #PyaarKaPunchnama2 Rs 6.80 cr, 2023: #Shehzada Rs 6 cr, 2024: #ChanduChampion Rs 5.40 cr.”

Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 is the third installment in the franchise. The original film, released in 2007, starred Akshay Kumar and Vidya Balan, while Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 introduced Kartik Aaryan, Kiara Advani, and Tabu in key roles.

The latest film also stars Madhuri Dixit, Sanjay Mishra and Rajpal Yadav. The latest film also stars Madhuri Dixit, Sanjay Mishra, Triptii Dimri, and Rajpal Yadav, among others.

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Lucky Baskhar Box Office Collection Day 2: Dulquer Salmaan's Film Is Nearing Rs 15 Crore Mark

Dulquer Salmaan's Lucky Baskhar is nearing the ₹15 crore mark at the box office. On its second day, the movie collected Rs 6.25 crore across all languages, according to industry tracker Sacnilk. The film recorded an overall 43.56 percent Telugu occupancy on its first Friday. So far, the crime thriller has amassed Rs 13.6 crore, the report added. Directed by Venky Atluri, Lucky Baskhar also features Meenakshi Chaudhary, Ayesha Khan, Hyper Aadi, P. Sai Kumar and Ramki in key roles. The film follows an ordinary bank cashier, played by Dulquer Salmaan, who enters a risky investment scheme in hopes of becoming a millionaire, only to find himself entangled in the world of money laundering. The film is produced by Sai Soujanya and S Naga Vamsi under the banners of Fortune Four Cinema, Srikara Studios and Sithara Entertainments. In the northern markets, Lucky Baskhar is up against tough competition from Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 and Singham Again.

Ahead of Lucky Baskhar's release, Dulquer Salmaan opened up about his medical condition caused a delay in the movie's shooting schedule. The actor said, “I don't like gaps. This year, I was supposed to do a couple of films. One got cancelled, and one didn't work out at the last minute. Then, I had health issues. We (the Lucky Baskhar team) had delays because of that. My producer, director and everyone were so supportive. Once, when we were shooting and if I was in some kind of pain, they would say, 'Sir, we'll stop now. Don't do this. Go home and take some time off. We will come back and shoot,'" in an interview with TV9 Entertainment. 

He continued, “A huge set was erected for Lucky Baskhar. If I insisted on continuing the shoot, they'd say that they don't want to see me in pain. They were so supportive."  

Dulquer Salmaan will be next seen in L2: Empuraan (E.M.P.U.R.A.A.N), also called L2E, an upcoming action thriller, directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran. 

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iOS 18.2 Update for iPhone With Image Playground, ChatGPT Integration to Release Earlier Than Expected: Report

Apple introduced the iOS 18.1 update last week that brought Apple Intelligence, the company's suite of artificial intelligence (AI) features, to iPhone and other devices. Now, a report suggests that the next batch of Apple Intelligence features, including ChatGPT integration in Siri and a new Image Playground app, will arrive with the iOS 18.2 update for iPhone earlier than expected. The release timeline of other iOS 18 updates, along with the improvements they might carry, has also been suggested.

iOS 18.2 Update Release Timeline

Apple has previously confirmed that the iOS 18.2 update with more Apple Intelligence features would be released in December. Release trends of similar past updates suggest it could take place in the second week of the month. However in his Power on newsletter, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman claimed that iOS 18.2's release could take place earlier than scheduled. It could be rolled out in the week of December 2.

This update is reported to introduce Apple Intelligence in more English locales than just English American.

Furthermore, Gurman suggested that the “next major update to Apple Intelligence” will arrive with the iOS 18.4 update. This is reportedly scheduled to launch sometime in April 2025 and will bring improvements to Siri, including being able to access the user data and alter its query responses based on it.

iOS 18.2 Update Features (Expected)

Apple's iOS 18.2 update is expected to introduce several key Apple Intelligence features. This includes a new Image Playground app, which leverages generative AI to create images based on text-based prompts. It also bundles Genmoji which does the same for emojis instead of images. Users can share these images and emojis in apps like Messages, Notes, and Keynote. Furthermore, it also includes an Image Wand feature which can transform a rough sketch into an image using descriptive prompts.

Apple has also brought ChatGPT integration to Siri with its latest update. Its voice assistant can now take advantage of the capabilities of OpenAI's AI chatbot to provide users with more in-depth responses to queries. They can now ask for ChatGPT via Siri directly to get improved answers. With iOS 18.2, ChatGPT also becomes a part of Writing Tools. The feature requires optional sign-in, and iPhone users with a paid ChatGPT account can use their account for access to more powerful OpenAI models.

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