Alzheimer’s risk may increase with light pollution, new study finds

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Exposure to outdoor light at night could put people at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD), according to a new study published in Frontiers in Neuroscience.

“We show that, in the U.S., there is a positive association between AD prevalence and exposure to light at night, particularly in those under the age of 65,” first author Dr. Robin Voigt-Zuwala, an associate professor at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, said in a press release.

“Nightly light pollution, a modifiable environmental factor, may be an important risk factor for AD.”

SHINGLES INFECTION LINKED TO RISK OF COGNITIVE DECLINE, SAYS STUDY: ‘LONG-TERM IMPLICATIONS’

Some common sources of artificial light include streetlamps, vehicles, illuminated signs, office buildings and other lighted structures.

Exposure to outdoor light at night could put people at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, according to a new study. (iStock)

In the study, researchers analyzed light pollution maps across the country, ranking each state’s “nighttime intensity data.” They then looked at the corresponding levels of Alzheimer’s disease.

For people 65 and older, light pollution was a greater risk factor than obesity, depression, alcohol abuse and chronic kidney disease, the researchers found.

Other risk factors, however — such as high blood pressure, diabetes and stroke — outweighed the risk of light pollution for that age group.

DEMENTIA ADVICE: HERE ARE 16 SAFE THINGS TO SAY TO YOUR LOVED ONE

Those under 65 years old, however, appeared to be more sensitive to nighttime lighting exposure, which increased their Alzheimer’s risk more than any other risk factor.

“Certain genotypes,  which influence early-onset AD, impact the response to biological stressors, which could account for increased vulnerability to the effects of nighttime light exposure,” Voigt-Zuwala said in the release. 

City lights

Previous studies have shown that light pollution is increasing by around 10% each year, causing the night sky to become brighter and reaching approximately 80% of the global population. (iStock)

“Additionally, younger people are more likely to live in urban areas and have lifestyles that may increase exposure to light at night.”

Risks of light pollution

Previous studies have shown that light pollution is increasing by around 10% each year, causing the night sky to become brighter and reaching approximately 80% of the global population.

Light pollution has been shown to disrupt the circadian rhythm and reduce production of the hormone melatonin, which can lead to sleep problems.

ALZHEIMER’S AND OTHER DEMENTIA DIAGNOSES CAN VARY BY ZIP CODE, NEW STUDY FINDS

Insufficient sleep, in turn, is a proven risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

One recent study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that getting only five hours of sleep per night can raise the risk of dementia by 30% for people 50 and older.

Among adults who have sleep-related movement disorders, the likelihood of dementia is nearly four times higher, the same study found.

“Constant light exposure disrupts the circadian rhythm and limits the amount of time the brain is in the deeper, restorative stages of sleep.”

Dr. Earnest Lee Murray, a board-certified neurologist at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital in Jackson, Tennessee, was not involved in the study, but spoke with Fox News Digital about the environmental factors that can affect the prevalence of dementia like Alzheimer’s. 

“We have known for some time that the lack of quality sleep has detrimental health effects, and this includes an increased risk of developing cognitive difficulties later in life,” he said.

City map lights

Researchers analyzed light pollution maps across the country, ranking each state’s “nighttime intensity data.” They then looked at the corresponding levels of Alzheimer’s disease. (iStock)

The brain relies on a circadian rhythm to restore itself during sleep, the doctor added.

“Constant light exposure disrupts this circadian rhythm and limits the amount of time the brain is in the deeper, restorative stages of sleep,” Murray said.

Ways to reduce light exposure

Based on the findings, the researchers recommend people take steps to reduce their exposure to light pollution.

“Awareness of the association should empower people — particularly those with risk factors for AD — to make easy lifestyle changes,” said Voigt-Zuwala. 

Sleep mask

“Easy-to-implement changes include using blackout curtains or sleeping with eye masks,” the researchers said. “This is useful especially for those living in areas with high light pollution.” (iStock)

“Easy-to-implement changes include using blackout curtains or sleeping with eye masks. This is useful especially for those living in areas with high light pollution.”

Although the study only examined outdoor light exposure, the researchers also suggested making changes indoors, such as installing dimmers, using blue light filters and swapping to warm lightbulbs instead of cool.

Some have pushed for regulations to control outdoor lighting exposure.

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“The legislation against light pollution is usually very weak and/or not well implemented,” Fabio Falchi, Ph.D., a researcher at the Light Pollution Science and Technology Institute in Italy, told Fox News Digital.

“It is time to start putting limits on this pollutant, too, as with the rest of the other common pollutants.”

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The study did have some limitations, the researchers acknowledged.

The data was gathered from a subset of the U.S. population, they stated, and individual outcomes may vary based on how long someone lived in an area with high light exposure.

Man sleeping at computer

“It can clearly be implied that exposure to constant light from devices can lead to cognitive issues later in life,” a neurologist told Fox News Digital. (iStock)

“The study only looked at outdoor light pollution and did not include any type of data from indoor light pollution, such as from cellphones or televisions,” Murray noted.

“However, it can clearly be implied that exposure to constant light from devices can lead to cognitive issues later in life, reinforcing the importance of limiting nocturnal light exposure from cell phones and other devices.”

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health

The researchers called for more studies into the association between light pollution and Alzheimer’s.

Fox News Digital reached out to the study authors requesting comment.

Food Dye Used In Doritos May Help See Through Your Skin: Study

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In a latest study, scientists at the Stanford University found that the food colour used in a packet of Doritos may make your skin see-through. The researchers experimented on mouse skin and published the findings in the journal Science. As per multiple reports, this experiment was conducted to find better ways to see tissues and organs in the human body, without the need for invasion.

Zihao Ou, currently a professor at the University Of Texas in Dallas and the lead author of the study, shared, “For those who understand the fundamental physics behind this, it makes sense; but if you aren’t familiar with it, it looks like a magic trick,” as per the University website.

What Is The Link Between Doritos And Skin Transparency?

According to a report in USA Today, the researchers applied a mixture of water and tartrazine to the skin of live mice, which eventually turned transparent. Tartrazine is a common bright yellow-orange food colour, used in Doritos and various other packaged foods, drugs, and cosmetic products. For the unversed, this food dye has the characteristics of absorbing blue and ultraviolet lights that make it easier for light to pass through the skin.

A report in the Guardian states that the researchers smeared the yellow dye on a mouse’s underbelly, making the abdominal skin see-through and revealing its intestines and organs. In another experiment, they applied dye on the mouse’s shaved head and, with a technique called laser speckle contrast imaging, saw blood vessels in its brain.

The Bottom Line:

A report in Fox News Digital said that while the study has only been conducted on animals, it can have a positive effect on human skin, but for a short period. This could offer a range of benefits in health diagnosis and biology experiments. The researchers also believe that this can be “the first non-invasive approach” to achieving visibility of a living being’s internal organs.

About Somdatta SahaExplorer- this is what Somdatta likes to call herself. Be it in terms of food, people or places, all she craves for is to know the unknown. A simple aglio olio pasta or daal-chawal and a good movie can make her day.

Collection of Xi's articles on education published

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A collection of articles by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, on education has been published ahead of the country’s Teachers’ Day, which falls on September 10.

The collection, titled “On Education,” was published by Central Party Literature Press. It contains 47 articles, including some that were made public for the first time.

Xi’s discourses on education are of great significance for guiding education development and the cultivation of a new generation of capable young people with sound moral grounding, intellectual ability, physical vigor, aesthetic sensibility and work skills to advance the socialist cause.

(Cover: A picture taken at Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, central China’s Hubei Province, September 7, 2024. /CFP)

How to Remove Cat Litter Smell From a Room: 8 Vet-Verified Tips & Tricks

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The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

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Cat owners love their cats; there’s no denying that. But not one has ever remarked how much they love the smell associated with owning cats.

There’s nothing worse than the scent of cat litter taking over your home. If your cat’s litter box stinks up your spaces, you need to reevaluate the litter box system, placement, and cleaning regimen you have in place. Read on to find nine helpful tips and tricks for ensuring your home doesn’t smell like cats live there.

The 8 Tips on How to Remove Cat Litter Smell From a Room

1. Choose the Right Litter Box

While it might seem that litter and waste make your cat’s box smell, it could actually be due in part to the box you’re using. Cats are incredibly finicky creatures, especially when it comes to their toileting habits. A box that’s too small can result in messes and behavioral issues, like eliminating in other places around your home and spreading the odor everywhere.

The litter box should be sized appropriately to accommodate your kitty comfortably. A good rule of thumb is to choose a box at least 1.5 times the length of your pet and as wide as your kitty is long. This ensures you’re not only managing the litter and waste odors but also keeping your cat comfortable.

Himalayan Cat and tabby cat on litter boxes
Image Credit: Mesa Watthanaphichai, Shutterstock

2. Scoop Litter Daily

We don’t leave our toilets unflushed all day long, as it’s not only gross, but it’ll get smelly, too. The same applies to your cat’s litter.

Make it a point to scoop the litter in the morning and before bed. This will cut back on odors and make your cat happier, as they’re much more likely to use a fresh litter box than one filled with clumps of old pee and poop.


3. Replace the Litter Often

Unfortunately, scooping away the waste and adding fresh litter on top of the old stuff isn’t an effective way to manage odors. You’ll need to completely replace the litter in your kitty’s box at least once weekly to reduce the smells.

When the box is emptied, clean it thoroughly with a soapy solution and warm water.

Pouring bentonite clumping filler into the litter box toilet for the cat
Image Credit: Garna Zarina, Shutterstock

4. Avoid Using Harsh Chemicals or Heavily Fragranced Cleaners

Cats are very sensitive to smells, so avoid using any chemical or heavily fragranced cleaner on their litter box. An overpowering chemical scent may make them less likely to return to the box to do their business. Use a cleaner that is not overwhelming. A great tip is to clean the box with a non-scented enzymatic spray cleaner after the wash. This will ensure there is no lingering smell left behind.


5. Use a Litter Additive

Litter additives are an excellent tool for controlling litter box scents. They’re typically formulated with active charcoal or baking soda that helps to absorb and remove the unwanted scents, and since some are fragrance-free, they won’t just mask the odor with an artificial scent. There are litter additives that work with all types of litter, regardless of whether you use traditional clay style, crystal, corn, non-clumping, etc.

owner adding new absorber granules to the litter box
Image Credit: Strigana, Shutterstock

6. Bypass Scented Litters

While it might seem as if a scented litter will be the answer to keeping your cat’s litter box smelling fresh, these aren’t the best types to use. Most cats don’t like strong scents, which may make them more likely to avoid using their box if you’re using heavily scented litter.


7. Reconsider Your Litter Box Placement

Where you place your litter boxes in your home can have a significant effect on how well the scents carry throughout your spaces. It’s especially true to consider your litter box placement when you have multiple cats.

The ideal place for the box is somewhere with good ventilation. There should be one box on every level of your home so they have access regardless of where their day’s adventures take them.

You might need to put your litter box in an area you can block off or keep doors shut, such as a laundry room or garage. You’ll need to install a kitty door so they still have access, though.

Try to avoid areas with heavy foot traffic or excess noise to ensure your cat feels safe and comfortable when doing their business.

Pro Tip:

Keep the litter box far away from where your cat eats and drinks as they don’t like to eliminate in their drinking and eating spaces.

cat outside the litter box
Image Credit: Jennifer McCallum, Shutterstock

8. Store Used Litter Properly

How you dispose of your cat’s used litter can have a significant impact on the odors in your home. Scooping it directly into your garbage can may not only cause awful scents to linger, but the weight of the waste can poke holes in your bag. This may mean you end up with litter particles sitting in the bottom of your can, smelling up your home.

Instead, scoop the litter into garbage or compost bags and tie the ends in a knot. Take them immediately to your outside trash bin.

You can also invest in a litter disposal system, like the Litter Genie. They come in multiple sizes and can hold up to 4 months’ worth of litter.

divider 2 cats

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing worse than walking into someone’s home and knowing immediately that they have cats, thanks to that tell-tale litter scent. With our eight tips above, you can not only ensure your home won’t fall into that category, but you can also keep your cat healthy and happy with proper litter box hygiene and a regular cleaning schedule.


Featured Image Credit: Robert Petrovic, Shutterstock

Bengaluru residential real estate soars amid high demand and limited inventory

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Bengaluru’s residential real estate market is experiencing notable price hikes, driven by rising demand and a shortage of inventory. As buyers and investors increasingly look northward, areas such as Bagaluru and Hennur are seeing a spike in demand. Additionally, areas like Whitefield and Varthur-Sarjapur are witnessing substantial price increases.

This price surge is attributed to the pent-up demand from a pandemic, with over 94 per cent of new supply in the mid and premium segments.

Additionally, the scarcity of ready-to-move-in inventory is exacerbating the situation. “The shortage of ready-to-move-in inventory in key micro-markets is one reason causing the hike in demand, explained Shivam Agarwal, Vice President Strategic Growth, Sattva Group.

High-demand areas such as Whitefield, Varthur-Sarjapur areas, areas of North Bengaluru, etc., witnessed prices shoot up drastically, told Viswa Prathap Desu”, COO of Residential, Brigade Group.

A recent report by real-estate consultancy firm ANAROCK highlights that Bagaluru in North Bengaluru has experienced the most significant price appreciation, with residential property values soaring by 90 percent, from ₹4,300 per sq. ft. in 2019 to ₹8,151 per sq. ft. in the first half of 2024.

Sarjapur Road recorded a 58 per cent jump in prices with a new supply of approximately 36,150 units, of which 74 per cent was in the mid and premium segments and 18 per cent in the luxury category. The average prices rose from ₹5,870 per sq. ft. in 2019 to ₹9,300 per sq. ft. in the first half of 2024.

Whitefield noticed 18,600 launched this year, 66 per cent in the mid- and premium segments and 34 percent in the luxury category.

However, this trend of rising prices has not affected sales, according to Desu. He attributes this stability to steady interest rates and a strong economy.

Affordability Challenges

With rising property prices, affordability is becoming a major concern, particularly for first-time buyers. This year, Whitefield saw 18,600 new launches, but no new affordable housing units were introduced. In Sarjapur, out of 36,150 new units, only 8 percent were classified as affordable housing.

“First-time buyers may opt for smaller homes or properties located farther from the city center where prices are more affordable”, observed Abhishek Raj, Founder, CEO, Jenika Ventures.

Additionally, renting in Bengaluru is becoming more expensive with rental prices increasing approximately by 5-8 per cent over the past year. This upward trend is fuelled by the growing demand for rental properties, primarily in sought-after neighbourhoods close to work centres and amenities. Besides, the escalating costs of homeownership are prompting more people to choose renting as a more feasible option, he added.

Future Outlook

Bengaluru real estate is expected to remain strong led by residential and commercial spaces guided by the city’s growing IT sector and ongoing infrastructure projects, such as the metro expansion.

“There is still considerable potential for further price increases, as the market is only three years into a seven to ten-year upcycle”, said B S Nesara, Chairman, Concorde.

Developing areas are likely to experience a steady increase in property prices, reflecting their rising popularity and improved connectivity, notes Raj of Jenika Ventures.

Nove Ugg tenisice oduševile su mnoge: “Zaljubila sam se”

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Pri kreiranju rubrike Index Shopping nastojimo izdvajati odlične proizvode koji se i nama sviđaju te odlične akcije i popuste. Ne objavljujemo proizvode koje i sami ne bismo kupili ili smatramo da njihova promocija nije u skladu s profesionalnim standardima. Neki proizvodi u rubrici Index Shopping mogu biti sponzorirani.

DOLASKOM rujna mnogi počinju planirati i kupovati odjeću za jesensku garderobu. Ove sezone već je poznato da će smeđe jakne od brušene kože biti vrlo popularne, kao i razne čizme – od visokih iznad koljena do motorističkih modela. Kada su u pitanju tenisice, ove će jeseni dominirati razni stilovi, a posljednjih dana na TikToku sve su popularnije Ugg Lowmel tenisice.

Videozapisi s ovim tenisicama broje milijune pregleda – dok se neki hvale svojim ulovom, drugi prikazuju kako ih uklapaju u savršene jesenske kombinacije.

“Želim ih jako”

“Slatke su”, “Želim ih jako”, “Ne znam sviđaju li mi se ili ne”, “Trebaju mi”, “Zaljubila sam se”, “Sviđaju mi se”, “Volim ih”, “Kupila sam ih”, samo su neki od komentara ispod videa s njima u prvom planu na TikToku. 

Ove tenisice je Ugg ranije ove godine ponovno lansirao za jesen 2024. godine. Lowmel model, temeljen na kultnim Neumel čizmama, spaja tenisice i čizme, pružajući višestruke koristi Ugg obožavateljima koji su stalno u pokretu.

Model ima gornji dio od antilopa i tekstila, koji se spaja s mekanom unutarnjom podstavom za dodatnu udobnost. Velike vezice s upečatljivim uzorcima i prozračna mrežica sprijeda čine tenisice pogodnima i za toplije vrijeme. Debeli potplati nalik platformama upotpunjuju izgled tenisica i imaju gumene dijelove koji sprječavaju klizanje.

Čini se da je najpopularnija nijansa Chestnut

Prethodno lansiranim bojama Black i Sand sada su se pridružile tri nove nijanse – Chestnut, Hickory i Antilop. Ove tenisice prodaju se za 180 eura, a unatoč visokoj cijeni, brojevi se vrlo brzo rasprodaju.

Čini se da je najpopularnija nijansa Chestnut, koja je gotovo rasprodana na službenoj stranici – ostao je dostupan samo broj 36. Međutim, Ugg Lowmel tenisice stigle su i u trgovine obućom kod nas, a u nijansi Chestnut našli smo ih u Office Shoesu po cijeni od 169.95 eura. 

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Imate važnu priču? Javite se na [email protected] ili klikom ovdje. Atraktivne fotografije i videe plaćamo.

Injuries prove costly for Rams in overtime loss to Detroit Lions

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It is way too early to know, but another possible opportunity could loom in January for Matthew Stafford.

The Rams star quarterback has twice returned to Ford Field — where he played 12 seasons for the Detroit Lions — and came up just short both times.

A one-point defeat last season in an NFC wild-card game was a crusher.

On Sunday night, Stafford gave the Rams the lead with one of his patented fourth-quarter drives but could not close out the game in regulation.

A remade Rams defense that stifled the high-powered Lions for much of the game finally broke on the first possession in overtime. Quarterback Jared Goff drove his team 70 yards in eight plays and running back David Montgomery scored on a one-yard touchdown to send the Rams to a 26-20 defeat before 66,530.

Rams coach Sean McVay looked for positives for one of the NFL’s youngest teams.

“This is a real learning opportunity,” said McVay, who is 6-2 in season openers.

It was a costly defeat for the Rams in more ways than one.

Wide receiver Puka Nacua and offensive lineman Steve Avila left because of knee injuries, and offensive lineman Joe Noteboom sustained an ankle injury. Right guard Kevin Dotson exited the locker room on crutches with his left foot and ankle in a protective boot.

McVay provided no updates and did not specify whether Nacua’s injury was to the same knee that was injured during a joint practice with the Chargers in training camp.

The rash of injuries in the opener harkens to 2022. That’s when the defending Super Bowl-champion Rams lost several offensive linemen during a season-opening rout by the Buffalo Bills, the beginning of the Rams’ historic Super Bowl hangover.

The Rams went into Sunday night short-handed because of left tackle Alaric Jackson’s suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy, and veteran right tackle Rob Havenstein being sidelined because of an ankle injury.

Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (17) injured his knee in the first half against the Lions and was unable to continue.

(NurPhoto / NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Noteboom started at left tackle, Warren McClendon Jr. at right tackle. But Noteboom was carted from the sideline to the locker room in the second quarter and Avila, who started at right guard, did not play after halftime. That forced center Jonah Jackson to move to guard, rookie Beaux Limmer to take over at center and AJ Arcuri, who was promoted this week from the practice squad, to play left tackle.

A holding penalty against Arcuri nullified a touchdown and forced the Rams to settle for a field goal to pull within 17-13, but Stafford praised the offense’s effort.

“Tough environment to play in,” said Stafford, who completed 34 of 49 passes for 317 yards and touchdown, with an interception. “A bunch of linemen going down, starting receiver going down, and our guys never blinked.”

Stafford lamented his missed opportunities. The Lions intercepted his pass into the end zone with less than a minute left in the second quarter. After throwing a go-ahead touchdown pass to Kupp with less than five minutes left, the Rams got the ball back less than a minute later.

Stafford’s third-down pass intended for Kupp was high and fell incomplete, however, giving the Lions a chance to kick a game-tying field goal. Stafford walked to the sideline frustrated, with his hands on the top of his helmet.

“I had a chance to win it,” he said. “Every game, there’s plays you want back, and that’s definitely one of them. I’d like to think I could hit that throw a bunch of times in a row.”

Said Kupp, who caught 14 passes for 110 yards: “We need to find a way to ideally close the game out there. … We do that and overtime doesn’t matter.”

Goff, for whom Stafford was traded in 2021, outdueled him again, completing 18 of 28 passes for 217 yards, with an interception.

The Rams defense, playing without retired Aaron Donald for the first time since 2015 and under the direction of new coordinator Chris Shula, neutralized the Lions’ high-powered offense for much of the game.

After the Lions won the overtime coin toss, however, the Rams could not stop them. The Lions ran the ball six times during the game-winning drive, with Montgomery carrying five times.

“Just hand it to D-mo, man, a battering ram,” Goff said. “Just hand it to him and he did the rest, and it was fun. It was fun watching him — kind of catch that second wind there in that overtime, and our O-line the same way.”

Rams outside linebacker Michael Hoecht said the Rams competed to the end.

“When you go toe to toe with a team that went to the NFC championship game, and it comes down to a coin toss, it sucks,” he said. “But it stings a little less.”

Rookie Jared Verse and second-year pro Byron Young each had a sack.

“We stood our ground — we came up short a little bit,” Young said, adding, “It’s a lot to learn from. I see a bright future for us.”

Infinix Hot 50 5G launched at Rs 9,999 – Check full specs here

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Infinix Hot 50 5G Price in India: Infinix has added one more device to its Hot Series – the Infinix Hot 50 5G. According to the company, it is the slimmest and most reliable 5G smartphone in the segment. 

The Hot 50 5G has a slim 7.8mm profile has a refreshed camera deco. The device also comes with features like an IP54 splash-proof rating and Wet Touch Support.

The new Hot 50 5G is available in Sleek Black, Vibrant Blue, Sage Green, Dreamy Purple (Two-Tone Leather) colour variants.

At the heart of the Hot 50 5G lies the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 5G processor. The device comes in two memory variants- 4GB+128GB and 8GB+128GB with UFS 2.2 storage. For users who need even more storage, the HOT 50 5G supports expandable storage of up to 1TB with a microSD card.

The Hot 50 5G runs on the XOS 14, based on Android 14. It has a 6.7-inch punch-hole display that supports a 120Hz refresh rate.

The Hot 50 5G features a 48MP IMX582 main camera, complemented by a depth sensor for enhanced portrait shots. For selfies, the device has an 8MP front camera with LED flash.

The Hot 50 5G is equipped with a 5000mAh battery and supports 18W fast charging.

With prices starting at Rs 8,999 (including bank offer), the Infinix HOT 50 5G will be available for purchase on Flipkart starting September 9 onwards. 

Key Features of Infinix Hot 50 5G 

– Slimmest 5G smartphone in its segment at 7.8mm

– MediaTek Dimensity 6300 5G processor with up to 8GB RAM and 128GB storage

– 6.7-inch 120Hz punch-hole display with 93.9% screen-to-body ratio

– 48MP IMX582 main camera with 12+ camera modes

– 5000mAh battery with 18W fast charging and reverse charging

– AI-powered features including ASK AI and AI Wallpaper Generator

– TÜV SÜD A-Level rated with 60-month fluency certification