When Congress created a grant program early this year to help battered bars and restaurants survive the pandemic, one thing was immediately clear: The money would not be enough. The Restaurant Revitalization Fund contained $28.6 billion, far below the $100 billion that industry groups estimated was needed.

That made the rules about priority treatment — which were upended midstream by lawsuits from white male business owners who called them unfair — a crucial factor in determining who received relief.

But Small Business Administration records obtained by The New York Times reveal a capricious methodology for determining winners and losers. In the most extreme cases, applicants whom lawmakers intended to favor — women and business owners from certain racial and cultural groups — ended up effectively locked out. And even those unaffected by the litigation found themselves in a race for cash in which later applicants sometimes beat out those who had applied much earlier.

“So many of the people who needed this the most were left out,” said Matt Buskard, the owner of Bobcat Bonnie’s, a small chain in and around Detroit. Three of his locations had six-figure grants approved and then canceled a month later after lawsuits threw the program into turmoil.

The restaurant fund, which the Small Business Administration ran, was intended to be a targeted program with more lucrative aid than earlier efforts, like the agency’s Paycheck Protection Program. It offered grants of up to $10 million to cover the shortfall between pre-pandemic revenue and 2020 sales, minus other relief payments — effectively making the restaurants whole for a lost year.

Heeding the wishes of President Joe Biden, who pledged to put equity at the center of his agenda, lawmakers initially ordered the Small Business Administration to put a priority on applications from women, military veterans and certain racial and cultural groups. But a few weeks after the fund started making awards, court challenges put that to a halt. The agency was then supposed to start awarding grants “in the order in which applications are received.”

That was not what happened.

James Hutton submitted his claim just one minute after the application system opened May 3, seeking $2.4 million for his business, Players Sports Grill &amp;amp; Arcade in San Francisco. At the end of June, his grant was denied.

Rocky Aiyash applied May 24 — the last day the program accepted applications — seeking $1.8 million for Pazzo’s, an Italian restaurant in Chicago’s financial district. His grant was approved.

And agency data received by the Times under a public records request showed other striking irregularities inside a program that approved 101,000 applications and turned away 177,000 other qualified businesses.

More than 60% of the program’s funding — $18 billion — went to businesses run by women, veterans and historically underserved groups, mostly during an initial 21-day exclusivity period. But after court challenges overturned that rule, the approval process went haywire.

Records reviewed by the Times show that hundreds of the 24,000 grants made after the May 26 rule change went to applicants who were supposed to have been bumped to the end of the line. During that same period, the agency canceled at least 3,000 already-approved awards, including Buskard’s.

More than 1,000 successful applicants filed their claims on or after May 19, the day after the agency said the fund had effectively run dry. (Those figures exclude applications from businesses with less than $50,000 in annual sales; a set-aside for tiny companies had cash left until the very end.)

Aiyash was one of the lucky latecomers. He and his business partners opened Pazzo’s in 1999 and kept it running through the Great Recession. The restaurant had up to 60 employees before the pandemic; some had worked there for two decades.

The pandemic forced Pazzo’s to close for sit-down dining for more than a year and mostly wiped out the office worker lunch crowd it relied on. Two Paycheck Protection Program loans totaling $340,000 helped a bit, but Aiyash’s outlook was bleak; he did not apply to the Restaurant Revitalization Fund right away because the odds seemed impossibly long.

“I just didn’t believe it was real, to be honest,” he said.

But a friend who had received a grant persuaded him to at least fill out the paperwork, and Aiyash filed his application just hours before the program closed. The grant money showed up in his bank account a week later — a happy surprise that helped Pazzo’s avert a permanent shutdown.

“We would have been gone,” Aiyash said. “There’s not even a question about it.”

So how was Aiyash’s grant approved when more than 100,000 others who had filed earlier were denied?

The Small Business Administration declined to discuss individual applications. But a senior agency official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, acknowledged that some late applications had zipped through the system. Myriad technical reasons affected their speed, the official said.

For example, claims for large sums faced more extensive vetting, and single-location restaurants were less complicated than chains seeking multiple grants for multiple spots, the official said. Perhaps most crucially for Pazzo’s, Aiyash applied using Toast, a restaurant sales software vendor that worked with the Small Business Administration to integrate its system, which significantly simplified the agency’s review.

The agency official compared the very late applications that got funding to a “perfect straight flush” — a wildly unlikely jackpot.

Which is precisely what grated on Hutton, who had applied the moment the fund opened.

“Government assistance shouldn’t be a lottery,” Hutton said.

Hutton spent weeks studying the program’s rules and preparing his paperwork. He viewed the grant as life or death for his business, which began nearly 30 years ago with a bungee trampoline on Pier 39, a popular tourist spot, and eventually encompassed a tiki bar, an arcade and a restaurant.

For nearly four months, his company was fully shut down. Logistics made takeout impractical — the restaurant juts out over the water and is hundreds of feet from a road — and food was never Players’ main selling point anyway. Visitors came for the drinks, the games and the panoramic view of Alcatraz Island.

The $1.1 million in Paycheck Protection Program loans that Hutton received made only a small dent in his losses, which reached six figures in some months on rent, insurance and other overhead. It was not until May that the business fully reopened.

The Restaurant Revitalization Fund seemed like a chance at salvation. But after he applied, his application never budged. Hutton made more than a dozen calls to the program’s help hotline; each time, he said, he was told that he simply had to be patient.

The bad news arrived June 30, almost two months after he applied. “Due to overwhelming demand, the SBA was unable to fund all qualified applications,” an email informed him. “Those applicants who have not received funding as of this email will have their applications held within the application platform to allow for processing in the order received if additional funds are provided by Congress.”

Restaurateurs and their advocates are desperate for Congress to act.

Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. and the majority leader, told applicants at forums early this year that the fund would be replenished as needed. On Twitter, he referred to the $28.6 billion allocation as “a down payment.” But a handful of attempts by members of both parties to refill the program have fizzled, and Congress has largely shut down for the year.

“Congress went home, and their neighborhood restaurants and bars are going out of business,” said Erika Polmar, executive director of the Independent Restaurant Coalition. “The nearly 200,000 restaurants that have applied for but have not yet received the RRF told us they were out of time months ago.”

The rapid spread of the omicron variant of the coronavirus has added to the urgency. Restaurants teetering on the brink are not sure they can survive another setback.

“Just this week, we had three big corporate holiday parties cancel,” said Catherine Manning, an owner of Villanelle, a farm-to-table restaurant in Manhattan, New York.

Like Buskard, who has sued the Small Business Administration, Manning lost a six-figure award after the agency canceled thousands of undisbursed grants for those in the priority queue.

It was a crippling blow.

“If we’d had the funding, we could have proceeded with confidence and gotten through this winter,” Manning said. “But now we’re going into the slow season, with COVID kicking up again. If we don’t get any help, I don’t know if we’ll be able to continue.”

When Congress created a grant program early this year to help battered bars and restaurants survive the pandemic, one thing was immediately clear: The money would not be enough.

When Congress created a grant program early this year to help battered bars and restaurants survive the pandemic, one thing was immediately clear: The money would not be enough. The Restaurant Revitalization Fund contained $28.6 billion, far below the $100 billion that industry groups estimated was needed. That made the rules about priority treatment — which were upended midstream by lawsuits from white male business owners who called them unfair — a crucial factor in determining who received relief. But Small Business Administration records obtained by The New York Times reveal a capricious methodology for determining winners and losers. In the most extreme cases, applicants whom lawmakers intended to favor — women and business owners from certain racial and cultural groups — ended up effectively locked out. And even those unaffected by the litigation found themselves in a race for cash in which later applicants sometimes beat out those who had applied much earlier. “So many of the people who needed this the most were left out,” said Matt Buskard, the owner of Bobcat Bonnie’s, a small chain in and around Detroit. Three of his locations had six-figure grants approved and then canceled a month later after lawsuits threw the program into turmoil. The restaurant fund, which the Small Business Administration ran, was intended to be a targeted program with more lucrative aid than earlier efforts, like the agency’s Paycheck Protection Program. It offered grants of up to $10 million to cover the shortfall between pre-pandemic revenue and 2020 sales, minus other relief payments — effectively making the restaurants whole for a lost year. Heeding the wishes of President Joe Biden, who pledged to put equity at the center of his agenda, lawmakers initially ordered the Small Business Administration to put a priority on applications from women, military veterans and certain racial and cultural groups. But a few weeks after the fund started making awards, court challenges put that to a halt. The agency was then supposed to start awarding grants “in the order in which applications are received.” That was not what happened. James Hutton submitted his claim just one minute after the application system opened May 3, seeking $2.4 million for his business, Players Sports Grill &amp; Arcade in San Francisco. At the end of June, his grant was denied. Rocky Aiyash applied May 24 — the last day the program accepted applications — seeking $1.8 million for Pazzo’s, an Italian restaurant in Chicago’s financial district. His grant was approved. And agency data received by the Times under a public records request showed other striking irregularities inside a program that approved 101,000 applications and turned away 177,000 other qualified businesses. More than 60% of the program’s funding — $18 billion — went to businesses run by women, veterans and historically underserved groups, mostly during an initial 21-day exclusivity period. But after court challenges overturned that rule, the approval process went haywire. Records reviewed by the Times show that hundreds of the 24,000 grants made after the May 26 rule change went to applicants who were supposed to have been bumped to the end of the line. During that same period, the agency canceled at least 3,000 already-approved awards, including Buskard’s. More than 1,000 successful applicants filed their claims on or after May 19, the day after the agency said the fund had effectively run dry. (Those figures exclude applications from businesses with less than $50,000 in annual sales; a set-aside for tiny companies had cash left until the very end.) Aiyash was one of the lucky latecomers. He and his business partners opened Pazzo’s in 1999 and kept it running through the Great Recession. The restaurant had up to 60 employees before the pandemic; some had worked there for two decades. The pandemic forced Pazzo’s to close for sit-down dining for more than a year and mostly wiped out the office worker lunch crowd it relied on. Two Paycheck Protection Program loans totaling $340,000 helped a bit, but Aiyash’s outlook was bleak; he did not apply to the Restaurant Revitalization Fund right away because the odds seemed impossibly long. “I just didn’t believe it was real, to be honest,” he said. But a friend who had received a grant persuaded him to at least fill out the paperwork, and Aiyash filed his application just hours before the program closed. The grant money showed up in his bank account a week later — a happy surprise that helped Pazzo’s avert a permanent shutdown. “We would have been gone,” Aiyash said. “There’s not even a question about it.” So how was Aiyash’s grant approved when more than 100,000 others who had filed earlier were denied? The Small Business Administration declined to discuss individual applications. But a senior agency official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, acknowledged that some late applications had zipped through the system. Myriad technical reasons affected their speed, the official said. For example, claims for large sums faced more extensive vetting, and single-location restaurants were less complicated than chains seeking multiple grants for multiple spots, the official said. Perhaps most crucially for Pazzo’s, Aiyash applied using Toast, a restaurant sales software vendor that worked with the Small Business Administration to integrate its system, which significantly simplified the agency’s review. The agency official compared the very late applications that got funding to a “perfect straight flush” — a wildly unlikely jackpot. Which is precisely what grated on Hutton, who had applied the moment the fund opened. “Government assistance shouldn’t be a lottery,” Hutton said. Hutton spent weeks studying the program’s rules and preparing his paperwork. He viewed the grant as life or death for his business, which began nearly 30 years ago with a bungee trampoline on Pier 39, a popular tourist spot, and eventually encompassed a tiki bar, an arcade and a restaurant. For nearly four months, his company was fully shut down. Logistics made takeout impractical — the restaurant juts out over the water and is hundreds of feet from a road — and food was never Players’ main selling point anyway. Visitors came for the drinks, the games and the panoramic view of Alcatraz Island. The $1.1 million in Paycheck Protection Program loans that Hutton received made only a small dent in his losses, which reached six figures in some months on rent, insurance and other overhead. It was not until May that the business fully reopened. The Restaurant Revitalization Fund seemed like a chance at salvation. But after he applied, his application never budged. Hutton made more than a dozen calls to the program’s help hotline; each time, he said, he was told that he simply had to be patient. The bad news arrived June 30, almost two months after he applied. “Due to overwhelming demand, the SBA was unable to fund all qualified applications,” an email informed him. “Those applicants who have not received funding as of this email will have their applications held within the application platform to allow for processing in the order received if additional funds are provided by Congress.” Restaurateurs and their advocates are desperate for Congress to act. Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. and the majority leader, told applicants at forums early this year that the fund would be replenished as needed. On Twitter, he referred to the $28.6 billion allocation as “a down payment.” But a handful of attempts by members of both parties to refill the program have fizzled, and Congress has largely shut down for the year. “Congress went home, and their neighborhood restaurants and bars are going out of business,” said Erika Polmar, executive director of the Independent Restaurant Coalition. “The nearly 200,000 restaurants that have applied for but have not yet received the RRF told us they were out of time months ago.” The rapid spread of the omicron variant of the coronavirus has added to the urgency. Restaurants teetering on the brink are not sure they can survive another setback. “Just this week, we had three big corporate holiday parties cancel,” said Catherine Manning, an owner of Villanelle, a farm-to-table restaurant in Manhattan, New York. Like Buskard, who has sued the Small Business Administration, Manning lost a six-figure award after the agency canceled thousands of undisbursed grants for those in the priority queue. It was a crippling blow. “If we’d had the funding, we could have proceeded with confidence and gotten through this winter,” Manning said. “But now we’re going into the slow season, with COVID kicking up again. If we don’t get any help, I don’t know if we’ll be able to continue.”

How a relief fund for restaurants picked winners and losers

After Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard fired several surface-to-surface ballistic missiles during military exercise held this week, Britain condemned the act on Friday. &nbsp;

In a statement, the Foreign Office, said, "These actions are a threat to regional and international security and we call on Iran to immediately cease its activities." &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-navy-seizes-approximately-1400-ak-47-assault-rifles-and-ammunition-from-a-stateless-vessel-439401" hreflang="en">US Navy seizes approximately 1,400 AK-47 assault rifles and ammunition from a stateless vessel</a>

The report of official IRNA news agency on Friday said that 16 missiles were fired in the ongoing exercise in the southern region of the country. &nbsp;

The names of these missiles were Sejjil, Emad, Zalzal, Ghadr, Dezful and Zolfaghar. The range of these missiles was from 350 to 2,000 kilometers, the report said. &nbsp;

The missiles had successfully hit a target at the same time as 10 drones also simultaneously hit their respective targets. The missile launch in the desert was showed by State TV. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-intel-shows-china-is-helping-saudi-arabia-build-its-own-ballistic-missiles-report-439499" hreflang="en">US intel shows China is helping Saudi Arabia build its own ballistic missiles: Report</a>

Major General Mohammad Hossein Bagheri, chief of staff, Iran's Armed Forces, said the drill was an answer to Israel's recent 'massive but pointless threats' to Iran. It was a tiny part of hundreds of missiles that can hit any target simultaneously. &nbsp;

Iran also launched cruise missiles on the second day of the drill on Tuesday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

After Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard fired several surface-to-surface ballistic missiles during military exercise held this week, Britain condemned the act on Friday.

After Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard fired several surface-to-surface ballistic missiles during military exercise held this week, Britain condemned the act on Friday. In a statement, the Foreign Office, said, "These actions are a threat to regional and international security and we call on Iran to immediately cease its activities." Also Read: US Navy seizes approximately 1,400 AK-47 assault rifles and ammunition from a stateless vessel The report of official IRNA news agency on Friday said that 16 missiles were fired in the ongoing exercise in the southern region of the country. The names of these missiles were Sejjil, Emad, Zalzal, Ghadr, Dezful and Zolfaghar. The range of these missiles was from 350 to 2,000 kilometers, the report said. The missiles had successfully hit a target at the same time as 10 drones also simultaneously hit their respective targets. The missile launch in the desert was showed by State TV. Also Read | US intel shows China is helping Saudi Arabia build its own ballistic missiles: Report Major General Mohammad Hossein Bagheri, chief of staff, Iran's Armed Forces, said the drill was an answer to Israel's recent 'massive but pointless threats' to Iran. It was a tiny part of hundreds of missiles that can hit any target simultaneously. Iran also launched cruise missiles on the second day of the drill on Tuesday. (With inputs from agencies)

Britain condemns launch of 16 ballistic missiles by Iran in military exercise

Finally, NASA's next-generation James Webb Space Telescope has reached the launch pad. &nbsp;

The launch of the telescope had witnessed several hiccups in the past. It has taken over two decades to develop it. &nbsp;

Due to launch on Saturday, the $10 billion telescope will blast off from Kourou, French Guiana. The launch has a 32-minute window, which opens at 7.20 am EST (1220 GMT). &nbsp;

It will be put into space on an Ariane 5 rocket, which is being operated by European launch provider Arianespace. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-artemis-1-moon-mission-postponed-439150" hreflang="en">NASA's Artemis 1 Moon mission postponed</a>

The launch’s live coverage will be provided on NASA’s website. &nbsp;

“The James Webb Space Telescope and the Ariane 5 rocket it’s riding on are all settled in their final position on Earth,” NASA announced on Twitter. &nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
✅ Rollout complete! 
 
The James Webb Space Telescope and the <a href="https://twitter.com/ariane5?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ariane5</a> rocket it’s riding on are all settled in their final position on Earth. Next step: launch on Dec. 25 at 7:20 am ET (12:20 UTC) to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UnfoldTheUniverse?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UnfoldTheUniverse</a>: <a href="https://t.co/ip2P4oAxJW">https://t.co/ip2P4oAxJW</a> 
 
📸: NASA/Bill Ingalls <a href="https://t.co/kkk4JDd5tu">pic.twitter.com/kkk4JDd5tu</a>
— NASA Webb Telescope (@NASAWebb) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAWebb/status/1474083585216892939?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

According to the agency, the Ariane 5 rocket topped by the long-awaited space telescope rolled out from Arianespace's final assembly building at about 11 am EST (1600 GMT). The rocket had also arrived by 1 pm EST (1800 GMT). &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-find-170-rogue-planets-439445" hreflang="en">Scientists find 170 'rogue' planets</a>

It is considered to be the successor to the Hubble Space Telescope. &nbsp;&nbsp;

If the rocket is not able to get launched on Saturday, opportunities will continue almost daily till the end of the year. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Finally, NASA's next-generation James Webb Space Telescope has reached the launch pad. The launch of the telescope had witnessed several hiccups in the past. It has taken over two decades to develop it.

Finally, NASA's next-generation James Webb Space Telescope has reached the launch pad. The launch of the telescope had witnessed several hiccups in the past. It has taken over two decades to develop it. Due to launch on Saturday, the $10 billion telescope will blast off from Kourou, French Guiana. The launch has a 32-minute window, which opens at 7.20 am EST (1220 GMT). It will be put into space on an Ariane 5 rocket, which is being operated by European launch provider Arianespace. Also Read: NASA's Artemis 1 Moon mission postponed The launch’s live coverage will be provided on NASA’s website. “The James Webb Space Telescope and the Ariane 5 rocket it’s riding on are all settled in their final position on Earth,” NASA announced on Twitter. ✅ Rollout complete! The James Webb Space Telescope and the @ariane5 rocket it’s riding on are all settled in their final position on Earth. Next step: launch on Dec. 25 at 7:20 am ET (12:20 UTC) to #UnfoldTheUniverse: https://t.co/ip2P4oAxJW 📸: NASA/Bill Ingalls pic.twitter.com/kkk4JDd5tu — NASA Webb Telescope (@NASAWebb) December 23, 2021 × According to the agency, the Ariane 5 rocket topped by the long-awaited space telescope rolled out from Arianespace's final assembly building at about 11 am EST (1600 GMT). The rocket had also arrived by 1 pm EST (1800 GMT). Also Read: Scientists find 170 'rogue' planets It is considered to be the successor to the Hubble Space Telescope. If the rocket is not able to get launched on Saturday, opportunities will continue almost daily till the end of the year. (With inputs from agencies)

Christmas present? Finally, $10 billion James Webb Space Telescope reaches launch pad for lift-off

In dinosaur-era seas, a kind of sea monster lived. These fish-shaped marine reptiles grew to enormous sizes in a span of just 2.5 million years, a new study has found. &nbsp;

The discovery says that these creatures like ichthyosaurs grew to gigantic sizes quickly. &nbsp;

The new species has been named Cymbospondylus youngorum by the team, said a report in the journal ‘Science' on Thursday. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/this-is-the-most-well-preserved-dinosaur-egg-ever-discovered-438891" hreflang="en">This is the most well-preserved Dinosaur egg ever discovered</a>

The marine reptile, which was big-jawed, used to live around 247 million years ago during the Triassic period.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This full-grown creature would have a nearly 6.5-foot-long skull and be measured over 55 feet, the researchers found. &nbsp;&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Here's Cymbospondylus youngorum, the monster of the Triassic deep! Based off <a href="https://twitter.com/fishboy86164577?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@fishboy86164577</a>'s reconstruction with a speculative thresher fin inspired by <a href="https://twitter.com/DevHistoria?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DevHistoria</a>. Hope ya'll enjoy! <a href="https://t.co/xbxetJZ72Z">pic.twitter.com/xbxetJZ72Z</a>
— Falcon9 (Commissions Open!) (@PrimevalArtist) <a href="https://twitter.com/PrimevalArtist/status/1474174111890952197?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The researchers think that the 45-tonne creature may have lived in the Panthalassic Ocean, a so-called superocean, which was off the west coast of North America. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/dinosaurs-killing-asteroid-caused-prolonged-darkness-on-earth-study-reveals-439636" hreflang="en">Dinosaurs-killing asteroid caused prolonged darkness on Earth, study reveals</a>

In an email, Lars Schmitz, associate professor, biology, Scripps College in Claremont, California, who is also the study’s senior researcher, told Live Science, "We have discovered that ichthyosaurs evolved gigantism much faster than whales, in a time where the world was recovering from devastating extinction [at the end of the Permian period]." &nbsp;&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
It's finally out! Paper on the exceptionally large Jim 2! This paper shows an exceptionally quick increase in size following the Permian extinction for ichthyosaurs, with Cymbospondylus youngorum having a skull around ~2m. I'll probably write something more detailed later. <a href="https://t.co/RaJNR3qwdi">pic.twitter.com/RaJNR3qwdi</a>
— Eddie Ardeo(they/them) (@Elisandre2002) <a href="https://twitter.com/Elisandre2002/status/1474097339447099395?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"It is a nice glimmer of hope and a sign of the resilience of life – if environmental conditions are right, evolution can happen very fast and life can bounce back," added Schmitz. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;&nbsp;

In dinosaur-era seas, a kind of sea monster lived. These fish-shaped marine reptiles grew to enormous sizes in a span of just 2.5 million years, a new study has found.

In dinosaur-era seas, a kind of sea monster lived. These fish-shaped marine reptiles grew to enormous sizes in a span of just 2.5 million years, a new study has found. The discovery says that these creatures like ichthyosaurs grew to gigantic sizes quickly. The new species has been named Cymbospondylus youngorum by the team, said a report in the journal ‘Science' on Thursday. Also Read: This is the most well-preserved Dinosaur egg ever discovered The marine reptile, which was big-jawed, used to live around 247 million years ago during the Triassic period. This full-grown creature would have a nearly 6.5-foot-long skull and be measured over 55 feet, the researchers found. Here's Cymbospondylus youngorum, the monster of the Triassic deep! Based off @fishboy86164577's reconstruction with a speculative thresher fin inspired by @DevHistoria. Hope ya'll enjoy! pic.twitter.com/xbxetJZ72Z — Falcon9 (Commissions Open!) (@PrimevalArtist) December 24, 2021 × The researchers think that the 45-tonne creature may have lived in the Panthalassic Ocean, a so-called superocean, which was off the west coast of North America. Also Read: Dinosaurs-killing asteroid caused prolonged darkness on Earth, study reveals In an email, Lars Schmitz, associate professor, biology, Scripps College in Claremont, California, who is also the study’s senior researcher, told Live Science, "We have discovered that ichthyosaurs evolved gigantism much faster than whales, in a time where the world was recovering from devastating extinction [at the end of the Permian period]." It's finally out! Paper on the exceptionally large Jim 2! This paper shows an exceptionally quick increase in size following the Permian extinction for ichthyosaurs, with Cymbospondylus youngorum having a skull around ~2m. I'll probably write something more detailed later. pic.twitter.com/RaJNR3qwdi — Eddie Ardeo(they/them) (@Elisandre2002) December 23, 2021 × "It is a nice glimmer of hope and a sign of the resilience of life – if environmental conditions are right, evolution can happen very fast and life can bounce back," added Schmitz. (With inputs from agencies)

A sea monster lived in dinosaur-era seas, says new study

Two explorers, Justin Packshaw and Jamie Facer, have taken up a 3600-km-long trek across Antarctica. &nbsp;&nbsp;

These bravehearts are walking on foot during a major part of the kitesurf trek amid temperatures falling to -55 degrees Celsius, putting extreme pressure on their bodies and mind. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-finds-more-indication-of-life-on-venus-439137" hreflang="en">Study finds more indication of life on Venus</a>

These explorers, who are working with NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA), are also hauling a 200-kilogram sledge to ensure researchers get ample information for mission to Mars and the Moon.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Explorers <a href="https://twitter.com/Justin_Packshaw?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Justin_Packshaw</a> and Jamie Facer-Childs are on a 3600-km kitesurf trek across <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Antarctica?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Antarctica</a>. As well as gathering information how the body responds to extremes, they are making unique measurements that will help complement ESA’s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CryoSat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CryoSat</a> mission 👉<a href="https://t.co/1QIEJ4RmG4">https://t.co/1QIEJ4RmG4</a> <a href="https://t.co/ahLbnRMKtb">pic.twitter.com/ahLbnRMKtb</a>
— ESA (@esa) <a href="https://twitter.com/esa/status/1471473955966013444?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The 80-day long journey looks to help the researchers understand how the body responds to such extremes, which is present on planets like Mars and take measurements of the icy environment.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Would you kitesurf <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Antarctica?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Antarctica</a> for science? <a href="https://twitter.com/Justin_Packshaw?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Justin_Packshaw</a> and Jamie Facer Childs are doing exactly that! 
 
Follow along their their 80-day ‘Chasing the Light’ expedition to cross Antarctica from coast to coast while gathering scientific data: <a href="https://t.co/e60SKQqNHR">https://t.co/e60SKQqNHR</a> <a href="https://t.co/LaiVZSzyTN">pic.twitter.com/LaiVZSzyTN</a>
— ESA EarthObservation (@ESA_EO) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESA_EO/status/1473570998079430656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Over a month ago, the trek began from the Novolazarevskaya research station to travel Antarctica from coast to coast. It is a part of the ‘Chasing the Light’ expedition. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/sway-talks-matterhorn-moves-back-and-forth-every-two-seconds-study-439547" hreflang="en">Sway talks: Matterhorn moves back and forth every two seconds: Study</a>

Not just this, these explorers also look to monitor developments undergoing in Antarctica. &nbsp;&nbsp;

<img alt="Brief 2" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a25c25a9-c66b-426b-bfcb-7c762bf325ec" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Trek2.jpg" />

This comes as climate change has been triggering heavy melting. The measurements, which are being taken, include radiation levels, wind speed or direction at surface level, temperature gradients from surface level and ice conditions. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Two explorers, Justin Packshaw and Jamie Facer, have taken up a 3600-km-long trek across Antarctica. These bravehearts are walking on foot during a major part of the kitesurf trek amid temperatures falling to -55 degrees Celsius, putting extreme pressure on their bodies and mind.

Two explorers, Justin Packshaw and Jamie Facer, have taken up a 3600-km-long trek across Antarctica. These bravehearts are walking on foot during a major part of the kitesurf trek amid temperatures falling to -55 degrees Celsius, putting extreme pressure on their bodies and mind. Also Read: Study finds more indication of life on Venus These explorers, who are working with NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA), are also hauling a 200-kilogram sledge to ensure researchers get ample information for mission to Mars and the Moon. Explorers @Justin_Packshaw and Jamie Facer-Childs are on a 3600-km kitesurf trek across #Antarctica. As well as gathering information how the body responds to extremes, they are making unique measurements that will help complement ESA’s #CryoSat mission 👉https://t.co/1QIEJ4RmG4 pic.twitter.com/ahLbnRMKtb — ESA (@esa) December 16, 2021 × The 80-day long journey looks to help the researchers understand how the body responds to such extremes, which is present on planets like Mars and take measurements of the icy environment. Would you kitesurf #Antarctica for science? @Justin_Packshaw and Jamie Facer Childs are doing exactly that! Follow along their their 80-day ‘Chasing the Light’ expedition to cross Antarctica from coast to coast while gathering scientific data: https://t.co/e60SKQqNHR pic.twitter.com/LaiVZSzyTN — ESA EarthObservation (@ESA_EO) December 22, 2021 × Over a month ago, the trek began from the Novolazarevskaya research station to travel Antarctica from coast to coast. It is a part of the ‘Chasing the Light’ expedition. Also Read | Sway talks: Matterhorn moves back and forth every two seconds: Study Not just this, these explorers also look to monitor developments undergoing in Antarctica. This comes as climate change has been triggering heavy melting. The measurements, which are being taken, include radiation levels, wind speed or direction at surface level, temperature gradients from surface level and ice conditions. (With inputs from agencies)

Two explorers push limits in 3600-km-long trek across Antarctica, but why?

Lithuania’s decision to let Taiwan open a representative office in its country some time back seems to have not gone down well with China. The Asian giant seems to be making concerted efforts to take stringent action to ensure other nations do not follow suit. &nbsp;

At first, it downgraded its official relations with the Baltic nation to below ambassador level. Then, to add to the coercion, China seems to have been threatening to send the nation to the 'garbage bin of history'. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-more-universities-remove-tiananmen-monuments-439556" hreflang="en">Hong Kong: More universities remove Tiananmen monuments</a>

"Lithuania stands on the opposite side of universal principles, which will never end well. Those, who insist on acting in collusion with Taiwan secessionist forces, will eventually be swept into the garbage bin of history," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told reporters. Global Times, a Chinese state-run newspaper, said in its report. &nbsp;

Earlier, China had also expelled the ambassador of Lithuania and withdrew its own envoy to the country. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/intel-apologises-to-chinese-population-for-hurting-their-sentiments-over-xinjiang-comments-439553" hreflang="en">Intel apologises to Chinese population for hurting their sentiments over Xinjiang comments</a>

At that time, the foreign ministry had said that relations would be downgraded to the level of charge d'affaires, an embassy's No 2 official. &nbsp; &nbsp;

In a diplomatic breakthrough, Taiwan had opened a de facto embassy in Lithuania. The move was a significant departure that defied a pressure campaign by Beijing. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Lithuania’s decision to let Taiwan open a representative office in its country some time back seems to have not gone down well with China. The Asian giant seems to be making concerted efforts to take stringent action to ensure other nations do not follow suit.

Lithuania’s decision to let Taiwan open a representative office in its country some time back seems to have not gone down well with China. The Asian giant seems to be making concerted efforts to take stringent action to ensure other nations do not follow suit. At first, it downgraded its official relations with the Baltic nation to below ambassador level. Then, to add to the coercion, China seems to have been threatening to send the nation to the 'garbage bin of history'. Also Read | Hong Kong: More universities remove Tiananmen monuments "Lithuania stands on the opposite side of universal principles, which will never end well. Those, who insist on acting in collusion with Taiwan secessionist forces, will eventually be swept into the garbage bin of history," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told reporters. Global Times, a Chinese state-run newspaper, said in its report. Earlier, China had also expelled the ambassador of Lithuania and withdrew its own envoy to the country. Also Read: Intel apologises to Chinese population for hurting their sentiments over Xinjiang comments At that time, the foreign ministry had said that relations would be downgraded to the level of charge d'affaires, an embassy's No 2 official. In a diplomatic breakthrough, Taiwan had opened a de facto embassy in Lithuania. The move was a significant departure that defied a pressure campaign by Beijing. (With inputs from agencies)

China looks to send Lithuania to 'garbage bin of history'. Find out why?

Four men “of Arab nationality” have been held in Dubai for making an attempt to smuggle captagon pills concealed in fake lemons into the UAE, the police said on Thursday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

After a tip-off, the drugs worth $15.8 million, as assessed by the official WAM news agency, were seized, police Major General Khalil Ibrahim Al Mansouri said. In total, there were around 1,160,500 pills. &nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D8%B4%D8%B1%D8%B7%D8%A9_%D8%AF%D8%A8%D9%8A?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#شرطة_دبي</a> تحبط تهريب أكثر من مليون قرص كبتاغون في شحنات استيراد الليمون في عملية أطلق عليها أسم “66”. <a href="https://t.co/iilogKBZ15">pic.twitter.com/iilogKBZ15</a>
— Dubai Policeشرطة دبي (@DubaiPoliceHQ) <a href="https://twitter.com/DubaiPoliceHQ/status/1473978754791788544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Manufactured mostly in Lebanon, this drug, Captagon, is an amphetamine-type stimulant. It is usually sent to Saudi Arabia. &nbsp;&nbsp;

For years, people around the world have been trying to smuggle drugs innovatively. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jolt-for-merck-as-france-cancels-order-for-covid-antiviral-drug-439397" hreflang="en">Jolt for Merck as France cancels order for Covid antiviral drug</a>

The four suspects, who live in the UAE, belong to the same Arab country. &nbsp;

The pills were “hidden in fake lemons in a shipment of lemons inside an incoming refrigerated container,” added Mansouri. &nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
In an operation dubbed “66”, the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DubaiPolice?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DubaiPolice</a> uncovers AED 58 million worth of captagon pills hidden in lemon shipment. <a href="https://t.co/UamNYy48TX">pic.twitter.com/UamNYy48TX</a>
— Dubai Policeشرطة دبي (@DubaiPoliceHQ) <a href="https://twitter.com/DubaiPoliceHQ/status/1473976463154155536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

According to the police, there were “3,840 boxes of lemons, 66 of which had fake lemons containing the captagon pills”. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-pfizer-vaccine-philippines-approves-purchase-of-mercks-covid-19-pill-439333" hreflang="en">After Pfizer vaccine, Philippines approves purchase of Merck's COVID-19 pill</a>

On Twitter, Dubai Police HQ said, “In an operation dubbed “66”, the Dubai Police uncovers AED 58 million worth of captagon pills hidden in lemon shipment.” &nbsp;

The Dubai Police has also shared a video of the whole operation. It showed boxes had markings, indicating the origin as Lebanon. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Four men “of Arab nationality” have been held in Dubai for making an attempt to smuggle captagon pills concealed in fake lemons into the UAE, the police said on Thursday.

Four men “of Arab nationality” have been held in Dubai for making an attempt to smuggle captagon pills concealed in fake lemons into the UAE, the police said on Thursday. After a tip-off, the drugs worth $15.8 million, as assessed by the official WAM news agency, were seized, police Major General Khalil Ibrahim Al Mansouri said. In total, there were around 1,160,500 pills. #شرطة_دبي تحبط تهريب أكثر من مليون قرص كبتاغون في شحنات استيراد الليمون في عملية أطلق عليها أسم “66”. pic.twitter.com/iilogKBZ15 — Dubai Policeشرطة دبي (@DubaiPoliceHQ) December 23, 2021 × Manufactured mostly in Lebanon, this drug, Captagon, is an amphetamine-type stimulant. It is usually sent to Saudi Arabia. For years, people around the world have been trying to smuggle drugs innovatively. Also Read: Jolt for Merck as France cancels order for Covid antiviral drug The four suspects, who live in the UAE, belong to the same Arab country. The pills were “hidden in fake lemons in a shipment of lemons inside an incoming refrigerated container,” added Mansouri. In an operation dubbed “66”, the #DubaiPolice uncovers AED 58 million worth of captagon pills hidden in lemon shipment. pic.twitter.com/UamNYy48TX — Dubai Policeشرطة دبي (@DubaiPoliceHQ) December 23, 2021 × According to the police, there were “3,840 boxes of lemons, 66 of which had fake lemons containing the captagon pills”. Also Read: After Pfizer vaccine, Philippines approves purchase of Merck's COVID-19 pill On Twitter, Dubai Police HQ said, “In an operation dubbed “66”, the Dubai Police uncovers AED 58 million worth of captagon pills hidden in lemon shipment.” The Dubai Police has also shared a video of the whole operation. It showed boxes had markings, indicating the origin as Lebanon. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Police nab four Arab ‘lemon’ smugglers, seize consignment worth $15.8 million in Dubai

The Christmas time is back. You can witness several people buying numerous things to gift loved ones. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Be it the stores of clothes or toys, there is enormous crowd in many shops at this time. But truly, this festival, which is primarily celebrated by Christians, is beyond just gifting. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Nowadays, it has also started to attract people belonging to other religions. So, it is advisable to know about it in detail to save yourself from embarrassment at any point of time. &nbsp;

The Celebration &nbsp;&nbsp;

The term Christmas in English means “mass on Christ’s day”.&nbsp;This festival is celebrated on December 25 every year around the world by singing carols, decorating Christmas tree and house, enjoying delicacies, gifting things to loved ones, attending midnight mass at churches on eve and a lot more. &nbsp;

People savour delicacies like Christmas cake, pudding, roasted turkey, gingerbread, mashed potatoes, eggnog, roasted chicken, mince-pie, mulled wine, etc.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-display-of-687000-christmas-lights-family-breaks-own-world-record-in-us-434318">With display of 687,000 Christmas lights, family breaks own world record in US</a>

On this occasion, Santa, who supposedly lives in the North Pole, visits the houses of people to give gifts according to the wishes of the children. &nbsp;

In a nutshell, people look to spread happiness and spend time with loved ones. &nbsp;

History &nbsp;

It marks the birth of Jesus Christ, who is regarded as the son of God. Christ was born to Joseph and Mary in Bethlehem. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/tourists-enjoy-christmas-in-kashmir-valley-270208">Tourists enjoy Christmas in Kashmir valley</a>

Although the exact date and month of Christ's birth seem to be unknown, the Western Christian Church declared December 25 as the date for birth of Christ to officially recognise it. It was actually first identified by Sextus Julius Africanus in 221 AD. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Significance &nbsp;

Christmas is celebrated by numerous people around the world. It has become one of the biggest festivals over the years. &nbsp;

People celebrate this day as the one when God had sent his son on earth to rid the world of their sins.&nbsp;

The Christmas time is back. You can witness several people buying numerous things to gift loved ones. Be it the stores of clothes or toys, there is enormous crowd in many shops at this time.

The Christmas time is back. You can witness several people buying numerous things to gift loved ones. Be it the stores of clothes or toys, there is enormous crowd in many shops at this time. But truly, this festival, which is primarily celebrated by Christians, is beyond just gifting. Nowadays, it has also started to attract people belonging to other religions. So, it is advisable to know about it in detail to save yourself from embarrassment at any point of time. The Celebration The term Christmas in English means “mass on Christ’s day”. This festival is celebrated on December 25 every year around the world by singing carols, decorating Christmas tree and house, enjoying delicacies, gifting things to loved ones, attending midnight mass at churches on eve and a lot more. People savour delicacies like Christmas cake, pudding, roasted turkey, gingerbread, mashed potatoes, eggnog, roasted chicken, mince-pie, mulled wine, etc. Also Read: With display of 687,000 Christmas lights, family breaks own world record in US On this occasion, Santa, who supposedly lives in the North Pole, visits the houses of people to give gifts according to the wishes of the children. In a nutshell, people look to spread happiness and spend time with loved ones. History It marks the birth of Jesus Christ, who is regarded as the son of God. Christ was born to Joseph and Mary in Bethlehem. Also Read: Tourists enjoy Christmas in Kashmir valley Although the exact date and month of Christ's birth seem to be unknown, the Western Christian Church declared December 25 as the date for birth of Christ to officially recognise it. It was actually first identified by Sextus Julius Africanus in 221 AD. Significance Christmas is celebrated by numerous people around the world. It has become one of the biggest festivals over the years. People celebrate this day as the one when God had sent his son on earth to rid the world of their sins.

Christmas 2021: Here's what you should know

Only passengers, who are vaccinated, should be allowed to board a plane, said Ryanair Holdings Plc’s Chief Executive Officer Michael O’Leary, as per a report by Telegraph. &nbsp;

The governments around the world should “make life difficult” for people, who are refusing to take the vaccines without any good reason, the European airline chief seems to have proposed in an interaction with the newspaper. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/job-of-millennium-pub-landlord-cum-monarch-vacancy-is-up-for-grabs-in-uk-438687" hreflang="en">Job of millennium? Pub landlord-cum-monarch vacancy is up for grabs in UK</a>

“If you’re not vaccinated, you shouldn’t be allowed in the hospital, you shouldn’t be allowed to fly, you shouldn’t be allowed on the London Underground&nbsp;and you shouldn’t be allowed in the local supermarket or your pharmacy either,” O’Leary said. &nbsp;

According to the newspaper, O’Leary said that Ryanair is expecting to fly 10% few passengers in December due to the measures imposed to contain Omicron variant of coronavirus. &nbsp;

Several passengers will either cancel or hold off their trips due to the restrictions. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/for-the-first-time-sales-of-electric-vehicles-beat-diesel-cars-in-europe-438795" hreflang="en">For the first time, sales of electric vehicles beat diesel cars in Europe</a>

The airline chief said that he also expects the first few months of the coming year to be weak due to the continued uncertainty over restrictions or if the new measures are imposed by different governments. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Commenting on the UK government,&nbsp;O’Leary&nbsp;said,&nbsp;“You get promoted around here for upsetting Johnson and his half-witted idiots.” &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Only passengers, who are vaccinated, should be allowed to board a plane, said Ryanair Holdings Plc’s Chief Executive Officer Michael O’Leary, as per a report by Telegraph.

Only passengers, who are vaccinated, should be allowed to board a plane, said Ryanair Holdings Plc’s Chief Executive Officer Michael O’Leary, as per a report by Telegraph. The governments around the world should “make life difficult” for people, who are refusing to take the vaccines without any good reason, the European airline chief seems to have proposed in an interaction with the newspaper. Also Read: Job of millennium? Pub landlord-cum-monarch vacancy is up for grabs in UK “If you’re not vaccinated, you shouldn’t be allowed in the hospital, you shouldn’t be allowed to fly, you shouldn’t be allowed on the London Underground and you shouldn’t be allowed in the local supermarket or your pharmacy either,” O’Leary said. According to the newspaper, O’Leary said that Ryanair is expecting to fly 10% few passengers in December due to the measures imposed to contain Omicron variant of coronavirus. Several passengers will either cancel or hold off their trips due to the restrictions. Also Read: For the first time, sales of electric vehicles beat diesel cars in Europe The airline chief said that he also expects the first few months of the coming year to be weak due to the continued uncertainty over restrictions or if the new measures are imposed by different governments. Commenting on the UK government, O’Leary said, “You get promoted around here for upsetting Johnson and his half-witted idiots.” (With inputs from agencies)

Ryanair CEO for allowing only vaccinated passengers to fly, says report

Europe has been increasingly adopting vehicles, which run on cleaner fuel. This has proven true as the sales of electric vehicles (EV) and plug-in hybrids have outpaced the diesel cars in the continent last month.&nbsp;

The Tesla, Renault Zoe&nbsp;and Dacia Spring seems to have been becoming highly popular among motorists.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-experts-disagree-with-boris-johnsons-plan-of-delaying-covid-regulations-438667" hreflang="en">UK experts disagree with Boris Johnson's plan of delaying Covid regulations</a>

The popularity of the EV and plug-in hybrid models have increased in last two years. As the global chip shortage continues, there has been a downfall in overall sales of new cars. &nbsp;

These findings have been shared by a London-based motoring business intelligence firm called Jato Dynamics. It analysed data from around 25 markets in Europe. &nbsp;

However, the sales of petrol cars were over double of the EVs and hybrids, said the firm. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/job-of-millennium-pub-landlord-cum-monarch-vacancy-is-up-for-grabs-in-uk-438687" hreflang="en">Job of millennium? Pub landlord-cum-monarch vacancy is up for grabs in UK</a>

Jato global analyst Felipe Munoz said, "If you want a new car in this current environment, the chances are that EVs are going to be more accessible given the range of offers and incentives available.” &nbsp;

Last month, 217,709 units of lower emissions' cars were registered in Europe. It accounted for 26% of the total. It was more than diesel cars, which had 18%. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Europe has been increasingly adopting vehicles, which run on cleaner fuel. This has proven true as the sales of electric vehicles (EV) and plug-in hybrids have outpaced the diesel cars in the continent last month.

Europe has been increasingly adopting vehicles, which run on cleaner fuel. This has proven true as the sales of electric vehicles (EV) and plug-in hybrids have outpaced the diesel cars in the continent last month. The Tesla, Renault Zoe and Dacia Spring seems to have been becoming highly popular among motorists. Also Read: UK experts disagree with Boris Johnson's plan of delaying Covid regulations The popularity of the EV and plug-in hybrid models have increased in last two years. As the global chip shortage continues, there has been a downfall in overall sales of new cars. These findings have been shared by a London-based motoring business intelligence firm called Jato Dynamics. It analysed data from around 25 markets in Europe. However, the sales of petrol cars were over double of the EVs and hybrids, said the firm. Also Read: Job of millennium? Pub landlord-cum-monarch vacancy is up for grabs in UK Jato global analyst Felipe Munoz said, "If you want a new car in this current environment, the chances are that EVs are going to be more accessible given the range of offers and incentives available.” Last month, 217,709 units of lower emissions' cars were registered in Europe. It accounted for 26% of the total. It was more than diesel cars, which had 18%. (With inputs from agencies)

For the first time, sales of electric vehicles beat diesel cars in Europe

The fight against the HIV has been raging around the world for quite some time. As a huge respite, an injectable medication has been approved for prevention against HIV by the Food and Drug Administration in the United States.&nbsp;

It is the first long-acting drug for use as pre-exposure prevention or PrEP, the agency announced on Monday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/an-event-cancelled-is-better-than-a-life-cancelled-who-chief-438610" hreflang="en">'An event cancelled is better than a life cancelled': WHO chief</a>

The name of the new drug is Apretude. It can be injected after every two months. The medicine is an alternative to prevention pills for HIV, such as Truvada and Descovy. These pills reduce the risk of HIV by 99% if taken daily. &nbsp;

Analysing the safety and efficacy of the drug, two trials by FDA found that Apretude fared better in reducing chances of contracting HIV than the oral medications, which are taken daily. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-was-in-close-contact-with-official-who-tested-positive-for-covid-438717" hreflang="en">Biden was in close contact with official who tested positive for Covid</a>

In a statement, Dr Debra Birnkrant, director, antivirals division, FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, said, “Today’s approval adds an important tool in the effort to end the HIV epidemic by providing the first option to prevent HIV that does not involve taking a daily pill.” &nbsp;&nbsp;

This medication has been made by ViiV Healthcare, which is majority owned by GlaxoSmithKline.&nbsp;“This injection, given every two months, will be critical to addressing the HIV epidemic in the US, including helping high-risk individuals and certain groups where adherence to daily medication has been a major challenge or not a realistic option,” added Birnkrant. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The fight against the HIV has been raging around the world for quite some time. As a huge respite, an injectable medication has been approved for prevention against HIV by the Food and Drug Administration in the United States.

The fight against the HIV has been raging around the world for quite some time. As a huge respite, an injectable medication has been approved for prevention against HIV by the Food and Drug Administration in the United States. It is the first long-acting drug for use as pre-exposure prevention or PrEP, the agency announced on Monday. Also Read: 'An event cancelled is better than a life cancelled': WHO chief The name of the new drug is Apretude. It can be injected after every two months. The medicine is an alternative to prevention pills for HIV, such as Truvada and Descovy. These pills reduce the risk of HIV by 99% if taken daily. Analysing the safety and efficacy of the drug, two trials by FDA found that Apretude fared better in reducing chances of contracting HIV than the oral medications, which are taken daily. Also Read: Biden was in close contact with official who tested positive for Covid In a statement, Dr Debra Birnkrant, director, antivirals division, FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, said, “Today’s approval adds an important tool in the effort to end the HIV epidemic by providing the first option to prevent HIV that does not involve taking a daily pill.” This medication has been made by ViiV Healthcare, which is majority owned by GlaxoSmithKline. “This injection, given every two months, will be critical to addressing the HIV epidemic in the US, including helping high-risk individuals and certain groups where adherence to daily medication has been a major challenge or not a realistic option,” added Birnkrant. (With inputs from agencies)

In a first, injectable medication for prevention from HIV gets FDA nod in US

A US magazine has identified the boy, whose case inspired movie ‘The Exorcist’. The 1973 horror classic had showed a demon-possessed child in the film. &nbsp;

The magazine, Skeptical Inquirer, has named the then 14-year-old boy, as Ronald Edwin Hunkeler. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In 1949, Hunkeler had underwent exorcisms in Cottage City, Maryland and St Louis, Missouri. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-was-in-close-contact-with-official-who-tested-positive-for-covid-438717" hreflang="en">Biden was in close contact with official who tested positive for Covid</a>

After suffering a stroke at home, Hunkeler, who had born in 1935, died in Marriottsville, Maryland last year. &nbsp;

Worked with NASA as an engineer, Hunkeler contributed to the Apollo space missions in 1960s. He patented a technology, which helped space shuttle panels withstand extreme heat. &nbsp;

A companion on condition of anonymity told New York Post that Hunkeler was always on edge as he thought his colleagues at NASA may find out about his past. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-reports-first-death-due-to-omicron-variant-an-unvaccinated-man-in-his-50s-438710" hreflang="en">US reports first death due to Omicron variant—an unvaccinated man in his 50s</a>

After hearing about the demonic possession of Hunkeler, William Peter Blatty wrote the 1971 novel and also the film based on the same name. Blatty heard Hunkeler's story when he was a senior at Georgetown University in Washington DC. &nbsp;

Hunkeler was raised by a middle-class family in Cottage City. He had begun experiencing paranormal activities at the age of 14. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A US magazine has identified the boy, whose case inspired movie ‘The Exorcist’. The 1973 horror classic had showed a demon-possessed child in the film. The magazine, Skeptical Inquirer, has named the then 14-year-old boy, as Ronald Edwin Hunkeler.

A US magazine has identified the boy, whose case inspired movie ‘The Exorcist’. The 1973 horror classic had showed a demon-possessed child in the film. The magazine, Skeptical Inquirer, has named the then 14-year-old boy, as Ronald Edwin Hunkeler. In 1949, Hunkeler had underwent exorcisms in Cottage City, Maryland and St Louis, Missouri. Also Read: Biden was in close contact with official who tested positive for Covid After suffering a stroke at home, Hunkeler, who had born in 1935, died in Marriottsville, Maryland last year. Worked with NASA as an engineer, Hunkeler contributed to the Apollo space missions in 1960s. He patented a technology, which helped space shuttle panels withstand extreme heat. A companion on condition of anonymity told New York Post that Hunkeler was always on edge as he thought his colleagues at NASA may find out about his past. Also Read: US reports first death due to Omicron variant—an unvaccinated man in his 50s After hearing about the demonic possession of Hunkeler, William Peter Blatty wrote the 1971 novel and also the film based on the same name. Blatty heard Hunkeler's story when he was a senior at Georgetown University in Washington DC. Hunkeler was raised by a middle-class family in Cottage City. He had begun experiencing paranormal activities at the age of 14. (With inputs from agencies)

US magazine identifies boy whose case led to 1973 horror classic 'The Exorcist'

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Gandharv Walia

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.