<p>We are tracking all live updates on the counting of votes in the general elections in Pakistan. At the time of writing the morning brief, the results were being announced by the Election Commission on Friday (Feb 9).&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>US President Joe Biden mixed up the leaders of Mexico and Egypt and referred to Egyptian leader Abdel Fattah El-Sisi as the “president of Mexico.” “I think as you know initially, the president of Mexico, El-Sisi, did not want to open up the gate to humanitarian material to get in. I talked to him. I convinced him to open the gate,” Biden said, just moments after claiming his memory is fine.</p>

<p>In other news from around the world, India has firmly rejected Canada's claims of interference in its elections. On Thursday, Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted that New Delhi has a commitment to non-interference in other nations' democratic procedures. "We strongly reject such baseless allegations of Indian interference in Canadian elections," he said.</p>

<p><strong>Click on the headlines to read more:</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-elections-2024-live-poll-body-starts-announcing-national-assembly-results-as-counting-underway-688441"><strong>Pakistan elections 2024 LIVE: Poll body starts announcing National Assembly results as counting gets underway</strong></a></p>

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<p>Pakistan's Election Commission has started announcing results for the general elections. Voting was held on Thursday amid incidents of violence.&nbsp;&nbsp;Former prime minister Shehbaz Sharif has emerged victorious in his National Assembly constituency, NA-123 Lahore-VII.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-reacts-to-special-counsel-report-which-said-he-dont-remember-when-his-son-died-688453"><strong>Biden mixes up Mexican and Egyptian leaders, calls El-Sisi 'president of Mexico'</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/08/410726-succession-2024-02-08t085802268.jpg?imwidth=500" /></p>

<p>While responding about the situation in Gaza, Biden reportedly characterised the response as "over the top" and also mixed up the leaders of Mexico and Egypt and referred to Egyptian leader Abdel Fattah El-Sisi as the “president of Mexico.”</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mea-dismisses-canadas-election-interference-accusations-says-its-meddling-in-indias-internal-affairs-688439"><strong>MEA dismisses Canada's election interference accusations, says it's meddling in India's internal affairs</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/25/407982-untitled-design-2024-01-25t205540427.png?imwidth=500" /></p>

<p>India has firmly rejected Canada's claims of interference in Canadian democratic processes. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal dismissed the allegations as unfounded during a routine press briefing&nbsp;on Thursday (Feb 8).&nbsp;This comes as the Canadian Security Intelligence Service labelled India as a 'foreign interference threat' in a recent report.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-rare-interview-with-tucker-carlson-putin-hints-ukraine-war-can-be-over-in-a-few-weeks-688452"><strong>In rare interview with Tucker Carlson, Putin hints Ukraine war can be ‘over in a few weeks’</strong></a></p>

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<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin and Tucker Carlson came under the spotlight on Thursday (Feb 8) after the former gave a rare interview to the&nbsp;Trump-supporting right-wing commentator.&nbsp;Speaking about the possibility of establishment of peace in Ukraine, Putin said to Carlson, “If you really want to stop fighting, you need to stop supplying weapons." The Russian president was referring to Western aid being supplied to Kyiv.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;India: Battle of papers between BJP and Congress over economy</strong></p>

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We are tracking all live updates on the counting of votes in the general elections in Pakistan. At the time of writing the morning brief, the results were being announced by the Election Commission on Friday (Feb 9).

We are tracking all live updates on the counting of votes in the general elections in Pakistan. At the time of writing the morning brief, the results were being announced by the Election Commission on Friday (Feb 9). US President Joe Biden mixed up the leaders of Mexico and Egypt and referred to Egyptian leader Abdel Fattah El-Sisi as the “president of Mexico.” “I think as you know initially, the president of Mexico, El-Sisi, did not want to open up the gate to humanitarian material to get in. I talked to him. I convinced him to open the gate,” Biden said, just moments after claiming his memory is fine. In other news from around the world, India has firmly rejected Canada's claims of interference in its elections. On Thursday, Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted that New Delhi has a commitment to non-interference in other nations' democratic procedures. "We strongly reject such baseless allegations of Indian interference in Canadian elections," he said. Click on the headlines to read more: Pakistan elections 2024 LIVE: Poll body starts announcing National Assembly results as counting gets underway Pakistan's Election Commission has started announcing results for the general elections. Voting was held on Thursday amid incidents of violence. Former prime minister Shehbaz Sharif has emerged victorious in his National Assembly constituency, NA-123 Lahore-VII. Biden mixes up Mexican and Egyptian leaders, calls El-Sisi 'president of Mexico' While responding about the situation in Gaza, Biden reportedly characterised the response as "over the top" and also mixed up the leaders of Mexico and Egypt and referred to Egyptian leader Abdel Fattah El-Sisi as the “president of Mexico.” MEA dismisses Canada's election interference accusations, says it's meddling in India's internal affairs India has firmly rejected Canada's claims of interference in Canadian democratic processes. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal dismissed the allegations as unfounded during a routine press briefing on Thursday (Feb 8). This comes as the Canadian Security Intelligence Service labelled India as a 'foreign interference threat' in a recent report. In rare interview with Tucker Carlson, Putin hints Ukraine war can be ‘over in a few weeks’ Russian President Vladimir Putin and Tucker Carlson came under the spotlight on Thursday (Feb 8) after the former gave a rare interview to the Trump-supporting right-wing commentator. Speaking about the possibility of establishment of peace in Ukraine, Putin said to Carlson, “If you really want to stop fighting, you need to stop supplying weapons." The Russian president was referring to Western aid being supplied to Kyiv. Watch | India: Battle of papers between BJP and Congress over economy ×

Morning brief: Pak poll body starts announcing election results, and more

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<p>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday (Feb 8) appointed Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi as the new chief of the army. Colonel General Syrskyi replaced General Valeriy Zaluzhnyi, who had clashed with Zelensky over a range of issues. Syrskyi, 58, has been the commander of the country's ground forces and has become the army chief at a challenging time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The war between Russia and Ukraine will soon enter its third year. The choice of Syrskyi as the army chief did not come as a surprise, as very few in the Ukrainian military have the experience and know-how to be able to fill the shoes of General Zaluzhnyi, a report by the news agency Associated Press said.</p>

<h2><strong>Who is Oleksandr Syrskyi?</strong></h2>

<p>Syrskyi was born in 1965 in the Soviet Union. Like many people of his age in Ukraine's armed forces, he studied in Moscow - at the Higher Military Command School - among peers who have since become Russian commanders.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-rare-interview-with-tucker-carlson-putin-hints-ukraine-war-can-be-over-in-a-few-weeks-688452">Putin tells Tucker Carlson Ukraine war can be over few weeks, in rare interview to US outlet</a></strong></p>

<p>Syrskyi served in the Soviet Artillery Corps for five years and has lived in Ukraine since the 1980s. The 58-year-old's battlefield successes have earned him the backing of his soldiers, the report said.</p>

<h2><strong>A key player in Ukraine's response against Russia</strong></h2>

<p>Syrskyi has played a key role in some of Ukraine's biggest victories against Russia since the conflict started on Feb 24, 2022. He oversaw the successful defence of the capital Kyiv in the early days of the invasion when many in Ukraine still rejected Western warnings that a Russian attack seemed imminent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Syrskyi was conferred with the Hero of Ukraine award, the country’s highest honour, for his role in repelling Moscow’s advance on the capital. In Sept 2022, he was credited with orchestrating the counteroffensive in the Kharkiv region, which has been one of the most significant victories in the war.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also led the Bakhmut operation which has been the war’s longest and bloodiest fight and which has been criticised because of the high losses suffered by Ukrainian forces.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War: Russian forces intensify efforts to seize Ukraine's Avdiivka</strong></p>

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<p>In the 2014 war when Russia annexed Crimea, Syrskyi was the ground commander for operations in eastern Ukraine and played an important role in the conflict.</p>

<h2><strong>'He is a traitor'</strong></h2>

<p>Reacting to Syrskyi's appointment, former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev accused Syrskyi, who did not serve in post-Soviet Russia's army, of breaking his oath as an officer.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Medvedev, who is currently deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, said on Telegram, "Looking at the biography of the new commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian armed forces Syrskyi one feels a sense of hatred, contempt and disgust."</p>

<p>"Disgust for a man who was a Soviet Russian officer, but became a Bandera traitor, who broke his oath and serves the Nazis, destroying his loved ones. May the earth burn under his feet!" he added.</p>

<p>Bandera here is a reference to Stepan Bandera, a World War Two-era Ukrainian nationalist who collaborated with Nazi Germany to fight against the Red Army. Bandera is regarded as a freedom fighter by some Ukrainians but as a traitor by many Russians.&nbsp;</p>

<p><i>(With inputs from agencies)</i></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday (Feb 8) appointed Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi as the new chief of the army. Colonel General Syrskyi replaced General Valeriy Zaluzhnyi, who had clashed with Zelensky over a range of issues.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday (Feb 8) appointed Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi as the new chief of the army. Colonel General Syrskyi replaced General Valeriy Zaluzhnyi, who had clashed with Zelensky over a range of issues. Syrskyi, 58, has been the commander of the country's ground forces and has become the army chief at a challenging time. The war between Russia and Ukraine will soon enter its third year. The choice of Syrskyi as the army chief did not come as a surprise, as very few in the Ukrainian military have the experience and know-how to be able to fill the shoes of General Zaluzhnyi, a report by the news agency Associated Press said. Who is Oleksandr Syrskyi? Syrskyi was born in 1965 in the Soviet Union. Like many people of his age in Ukraine's armed forces, he studied in Moscow - at the Higher Military Command School - among peers who have since become Russian commanders. Also read | Putin tells Tucker Carlson Ukraine war can be over few weeks, in rare interview to US outlet Syrskyi served in the Soviet Artillery Corps for five years and has lived in Ukraine since the 1980s. The 58-year-old's battlefield successes have earned him the backing of his soldiers, the report said. A key player in Ukraine's response against Russia Syrskyi has played a key role in some of Ukraine's biggest victories against Russia since the conflict started on Feb 24, 2022. He oversaw the successful defence of the capital Kyiv in the early days of the invasion when many in Ukraine still rejected Western warnings that a Russian attack seemed imminent. Syrskyi was conferred with the Hero of Ukraine award, the country’s highest honour, for his role in repelling Moscow’s advance on the capital. In Sept 2022, he was credited with orchestrating the counteroffensive in the Kharkiv region, which has been one of the most significant victories in the war. He also led the Bakhmut operation which has been the war’s longest and bloodiest fight and which has been criticised because of the high losses suffered by Ukrainian forces. Also watch | Russia-Ukraine War: Russian forces intensify efforts to seize Ukraine's Avdiivka × In the 2014 war when Russia annexed Crimea, Syrskyi was the ground commander for operations in eastern Ukraine and played an important role in the conflict. 'He is a traitor' Reacting to Syrskyi's appointment, former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev accused Syrskyi, who did not serve in post-Soviet Russia's army, of breaking his oath as an officer. Medvedev, who is currently deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, said on Telegram, "Looking at the biography of the new commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian armed forces Syrskyi one feels a sense of hatred, contempt and disgust." "Disgust for a man who was a Soviet Russian officer, but became a Bandera traitor, who broke his oath and serves the Nazis, destroying his loved ones. May the earth burn under his feet!" he added. Bandera here is a reference to Stepan Bandera, a World War Two-era Ukrainian nationalist who collaborated with Nazi Germany to fight against the Red Army. Bandera is regarded as a freedom fighter by some Ukrainians but as a traitor by many Russians. (With inputs from agencies)

Oleksandr Syrskyi appointed as new chief of Ukrainian army. Who is he?

<p>Sequoia Capital China, Qualcomm Ventures and three other venture capital firms plowed at least $3 billion into Chinese tech companies that support Beijing's military and its repression of minorities in Xinjiang, a U.S. congressional report alleged on Thursday.</p>

<p>The House of Representatives' select committee on China, led by Republican Congressman Mike Gallagher, released the report, which also scrutinizes investments made by GGV Capital, GSR Ventures and Walden International in Chinese artificial intelligence and semiconductor firms with unsavory ties.</p>

<p>Reuters could not reach the venture capital firms for comment.</p>

<p>The Committee called on the Biden administration to restrict US&nbsp;investment in Chinese firms sanctioned by the US&nbsp;government over ties to China's military or its repression of minorities and urged it to bolster recent US&nbsp;curbs on US&nbsp;investment in China to include more sectors.</p>

<p>"The status quo is untenable... Decades of investment—including funding, knowledge transfer, and other intangible benefits—from US&nbsp;VCs have helped build and strengthen the PRC’s (People's Republic of China) priority sectors,” the report said.</p>

<p>The White House did not respond to requests for comment.</p>

<p>The Chinese Embassy in Washington said the use of national security and human rights as a pretext to restrict US&nbsp;investments in China "will undermine the principle of free trade..., destabilize the global...supply chains and serve the interests of no one."</p>


Sequoia Capital China, Qualcomm Ventures and three other venture capital firms plowed at least $3 billion into Chinese tech companies that support Beijing's military and its repression of minorities in Xinjiang, a U.

Sequoia Capital China, Qualcomm Ventures and three other venture capital firms plowed at least $3 billion into Chinese tech companies that support Beijing's military and its repression of minorities in Xinjiang, a U.S. congressional report alleged on Thursday. The House of Representatives' select committee on China, led by Republican Congressman Mike Gallagher, released the report, which also scrutinizes investments made by GGV Capital, GSR Ventures and Walden International in Chinese artificial intelligence and semiconductor firms with unsavory ties. Reuters could not reach the venture capital firms for comment. The Committee called on the Biden administration to restrict US investment in Chinese firms sanctioned by the US government over ties to China's military or its repression of minorities and urged it to bolster recent US curbs on US investment in China to include more sectors. "The status quo is untenable... Decades of investment—including funding, knowledge transfer, and other intangible benefits—from US VCs have helped build and strengthen the PRC’s (People's Republic of China) priority sectors,” the report said. The White House did not respond to requests for comment. The Chinese Embassy in Washington said the use of national security and human rights as a pretext to restrict US investments in China "will undermine the principle of free trade..., destabilize the global...supply chains and serve the interests of no one."

US lawmakers accuse VC firms of funding Chinese military-linked firms

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<p>A special counsel of the US Department of Justice (DoJ), which is probing President Joe Biden's handling of classified documents after he left vice presidency in 2017, released its findings on Thursday (Feb 8). In a <strong><a href="https://www.justice.gov/storage/report-from-special-counsel-robert-k-hur-february-2024.pdf">388-page report</a></strong>, the counsel said it uncovered evidence that Biden willfully retained and disclosed classified materials after his vice presidency, which included documents about military and foreign policy in Afghanistan, issues of national security and foreign policy implicating sensitive intelligence sources and methods.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tucker-carlson-accuses-biden-administration-of-illegally-spying-on-him-to-prevent-interview-with-putin-688599">Tucker Carlson accuses Biden administration of 'illegally' spying on him to prevent interview with Putin</a></strong></p>

<p>However, Biden will not face criminal charges as the DoJ policy prohibits bringing charges against a sitting president. "I was pleased to see they reached the conclusion I believed all along they would reach – that there would be no charges brought in this case and the matter is now closed," Biden said in a statement on Thursday. He is seeking re-election in the upcoming presidential polls.</p>

<h2><strong>Here's a look at the key findings of the report:</strong></h2>

<p><strong>&gt; Marked classified documents about Afghanistan:</strong></p>

<p>The special counsel said that it found marked classified documents about Afghanistan in a box in Biden's garage in his Delaware home that also contained other materials of great personal significance to him and that he appears to have personally used and accessed. "The marked classified documents were found along with drafts of the handwritten 2009 Thanksgiving memo Mr Biden sent President Obama in a last-ditch effort to persuade him not to send additional troops to Afghanistan," the report said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>&gt; Notebooks containing classified information:</strong></p>

<p>Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) recovered a set of notebooks from Biden's Delaware home. Biden used these notebooks as vice president and wrote down "obviously sensitive information" discussed during intelligence briefings with then-US president Barack Obama, and meetings in the White House Situation Room about matters of national security and military and foreign policy.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-willfully-retained-classified-documents-but-no-criminal-charges-warranted-special-counsel-688431">Biden 'willfully retained' classified documents, but no criminal charges warranted: Special counsel</a></strong></p>

<p>"Some evidence also suggests Mr Biden knew he could not keep classified handwritten notes at home after leaving office. Mr Biden, who had decades of experience with classified information, was deeply familiar with the measures taken to safeguard classified information and the need for those measures to prevent harm to national security," the report added.</p>

<p><strong>&gt; 'Poor memory':</strong></p>

<p>The document mentioned Biden's "significantly limited" and "poor memory" multiple times. "We have also considered that, at trial, Mr Biden would likely present himself to a jury, as he did during our interview of him, as a sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory," the report said. Biden, in an angry rebuttal, said his memory was fine.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;US President Joe Biden gets roasted on memory loss, top Republicans say 'Biden unfit for Presidency'</strong></p>

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<p><strong>&gt; Biden's ghostwriter and destruction of evidence:</strong></p>

<p>"After learning of the special counsel's appointment in this matter, Mr Biden's ghostwriter deleted audio recordings he had created of his discussions with Mr Biden during the writing of Mr Biden's 2017 memoir. The recordings had significant evidentiary value," the special counsel's report said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


A special counsel of the US Department of Justice (DoJ), which is probing President Joe Biden's handling of classified documents after he left vice presidency in 2017, released its findings on Thursday (Feb 8).

A special counsel of the US Department of Justice (DoJ), which is probing President Joe Biden's handling of classified documents after he left vice presidency in 2017, released its findings on Thursday (Feb 8). In a 388-page report, the counsel said it uncovered evidence that Biden willfully retained and disclosed classified materials after his vice presidency, which included documents about military and foreign policy in Afghanistan, issues of national security and foreign policy implicating sensitive intelligence sources and methods. Also read | Tucker Carlson accuses Biden administration of 'illegally' spying on him to prevent interview with Putin However, Biden will not face criminal charges as the DoJ policy prohibits bringing charges against a sitting president. "I was pleased to see they reached the conclusion I believed all along they would reach – that there would be no charges brought in this case and the matter is now closed," Biden said in a statement on Thursday. He is seeking re-election in the upcoming presidential polls. Here's a look at the key findings of the report: > Marked classified documents about Afghanistan: The special counsel said that it found marked classified documents about Afghanistan in a box in Biden's garage in his Delaware home that also contained other materials of great personal significance to him and that he appears to have personally used and accessed. "The marked classified documents were found along with drafts of the handwritten 2009 Thanksgiving memo Mr Biden sent President Obama in a last-ditch effort to persuade him not to send additional troops to Afghanistan," the report said. > Notebooks containing classified information: Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) recovered a set of notebooks from Biden's Delaware home. Biden used these notebooks as vice president and wrote down "obviously sensitive information" discussed during intelligence briefings with then-US president Barack Obama, and meetings in the White House Situation Room about matters of national security and military and foreign policy. Also read | Biden 'willfully retained' classified documents, but no criminal charges warranted: Special counsel "Some evidence also suggests Mr Biden knew he could not keep classified handwritten notes at home after leaving office. Mr Biden, who had decades of experience with classified information, was deeply familiar with the measures taken to safeguard classified information and the need for those measures to prevent harm to national security," the report added. > 'Poor memory': The document mentioned Biden's "significantly limited" and "poor memory" multiple times. "We have also considered that, at trial, Mr Biden would likely present himself to a jury, as he did during our interview of him, as a sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory," the report said. Biden, in an angry rebuttal, said his memory was fine. Also watch | US President Joe Biden gets roasted on memory loss, top Republicans say 'Biden unfit for Presidency' × > Biden's ghostwriter and destruction of evidence: "After learning of the special counsel's appointment in this matter, Mr Biden's ghostwriter deleted audio recordings he had created of his discussions with Mr Biden during the writing of Mr Biden's 2017 memoir. The recordings had significant evidentiary value," the special counsel's report said.

Key takeaways from special report on Joe Biden's handling of classified documents

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<p>The results of the 2024 general elections in Pakistan started trickling in on Friday (Feb 9) after much delay. In a post on X, the country's interior ministry said that a "lack of communication" led to the late processing of results.</p>

<p>The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) announced the results of 106 out of the 265 contested seats in the national assembly by around mid-day.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to a report by Geo News, independent candidates, who were supporting&nbsp;jailed former prime minister Imran Khan won 47 seats, followed by&nbsp;Bilawal Bhutto Zardari's Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) which won 24 seats, and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) had won 18 seats. The rest of the seats have been won by smaller parties.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nawaz Sharif won in his constituency- the NA-130- by over 171,000 votes.&nbsp;Mainstream parties in the country including Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the PPP alleged rigging in the elections.&nbsp;</p>

<h3><strong>With the results of the rest of the seats remaining, here are top updates:</strong></h3>

<p><strong>&gt;&nbsp;</strong>Nawaz Sharif has won in the NA-130 constituency while his younger brother and former PM Shehbaz Sharif has won the PP-158 seat in Lahore with 38,642 votes, preliminary results from ECP showed. Shehbaz Sharif also emerged victorious in the NA-123 seat in Lahore with 63,953 votes.</p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;Imran Khan's PTI was barred from taking part in Thursday's election, and hence his supporters contested as independent candidates. Gohar Ali Khan, the PTI's current chairperson, has won the NA-10 constituency in Buner with 110,023 votes, the ECP said.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-elections-2024-live-poll-body-starts-announcing-national-assembly-results-as-counting-underway-688441">Click here to follow all updates on the results of the Pakistan general elections</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;Mainstream political parties in Pakistan apart from the PML-N have alleged rigging in the elections. In Karachi, the PPP claimed that ballot papers were snatched from electoral staff in the PS-105 constituency, Dawn reported. In Punjab, PTI-backed candidate for Sialkot Rehana Dar said the returning officer refused to give her Form 45.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday expressed concerns about the violence on election day and the temporary suspension of mobile communications services in the South Asian country.</p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;UN Secretary-General Antonio Gueterres expressed concern about the election violence. "As Pakistan awaits the results of the elections, the secretary-general encourages all political leaders and society segments to maintain a calm atmosphere, as well as refrain from the use of violence and any actions that could increase tensions," UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/message-of-preace-to-india-former-pakistan-pm-nawaz-sharif-releases-party-manifesto-684253">Former Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif's party manifesto talks of ‘message of peace’ for India, but conditions apply</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;The PTI earlier claimed that it would form governments both at the centre and in provinces. In a statement issued late Thursday, PTI chief organiser Omar Ayub Khan and PTI Parliamentary Leader in Senate Barrister Ali Zafar said that preliminary results were very encouraging for their party, showing it as convincingly leading on an overwhelming number of seats across the country.</p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;Despite heightened security in the run-up to the election and also the election day, incidents of violence were reported in Pakistan. Nine people, including two children, were killed on Thursday in bomb blasts, grenade attacks and shootings.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Pakistan elections 2024: Rivals PTI &amp; PML-N claim victory, puts up a tough fight</strong></p>

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<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;At least another 26 were killed on Wednesday in two explosions near electoral candidates' offices in the southwestern province of Balochistan. Islamic State later claimed responsibility for these attacks.</p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;As the full election results are awaited, an analyst told the news agency Reuters that no party would have a majority and a coalition government is expected. "So we are looking at what everybody has anticipated that is a coalition government, which would probably be unstable, weak," Marvin Weinbaum, the director of Afghanistan and Pakistan Studies at the Middle East Institute, said.</p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;"If it does, the results do come in, and it does look like the independents are the majority, the big loser won't necessarily be the PML-N (Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz), it will be the army. Because the army really has staked its reputation on its ability to deliver this vote, now it hasn’t done that openly, but that is really what is involved here,” Weinbaum said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The results of the 2024 general elections in Pakistan started trickling in on Friday (Feb 9) after much delay. In a post on X, the country's interior ministry said that a "lack of communication" led to the late processing of results.

The results of the 2024 general elections in Pakistan started trickling in on Friday (Feb 9) after much delay. In a post on X, the country's interior ministry said that a "lack of communication" led to the late processing of results. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) announced the results of 106 out of the 265 contested seats in the national assembly by around mid-day. According to a report by Geo News, independent candidates, who were supporting jailed former prime minister Imran Khan won 47 seats, followed by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari's Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) which won 24 seats, and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) had won 18 seats. The rest of the seats have been won by smaller parties. Nawaz Sharif won in his constituency- the NA-130- by over 171,000 votes. Mainstream parties in the country including Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the PPP alleged rigging in the elections. With the results of the rest of the seats remaining, here are top updates: > Nawaz Sharif has won in the NA-130 constituency while his younger brother and former PM Shehbaz Sharif has won the PP-158 seat in Lahore with 38,642 votes, preliminary results from ECP showed. Shehbaz Sharif also emerged victorious in the NA-123 seat in Lahore with 63,953 votes. > Imran Khan's PTI was barred from taking part in Thursday's election, and hence his supporters contested as independent candidates. Gohar Ali Khan, the PTI's current chairperson, has won the NA-10 constituency in Buner with 110,023 votes, the ECP said. Click here to follow all updates on the results of the Pakistan general elections > Mainstream political parties in Pakistan apart from the PML-N have alleged rigging in the elections. In Karachi, the PPP claimed that ballot papers were snatched from electoral staff in the PS-105 constituency, Dawn reported. In Punjab, PTI-backed candidate for Sialkot Rehana Dar said the returning officer refused to give her Form 45. > United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday expressed concerns about the violence on election day and the temporary suspension of mobile communications services in the South Asian country. > UN Secretary-General Antonio Gueterres expressed concern about the election violence. "As Pakistan awaits the results of the elections, the secretary-general encourages all political leaders and society segments to maintain a calm atmosphere, as well as refrain from the use of violence and any actions that could increase tensions," UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said. Also read | Former Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif's party manifesto talks of ‘message of peace’ for India, but conditions apply > The PTI earlier claimed that it would form governments both at the centre and in provinces. In a statement issued late Thursday, PTI chief organiser Omar Ayub Khan and PTI Parliamentary Leader in Senate Barrister Ali Zafar said that preliminary results were very encouraging for their party, showing it as convincingly leading on an overwhelming number of seats across the country. > Despite heightened security in the run-up to the election and also the election day, incidents of violence were reported in Pakistan. Nine people, including two children, were killed on Thursday in bomb blasts, grenade attacks and shootings. Also watch | Pakistan elections 2024: Rivals PTI & PML-N claim victory, puts up a tough fight × > At least another 26 were killed on Wednesday in two explosions near electoral candidates' offices in the southwestern province of Balochistan. Islamic State later claimed responsibility for these attacks. > As the full election results are awaited, an analyst told the news agency Reuters that no party would have a majority and a coalition government is expected. "So we are looking at what everybody has anticipated that is a coalition government, which would probably be unstable, weak," Marvin Weinbaum, the director of Afghanistan and Pakistan Studies at the Middle East Institute, said. > "If it does, the results do come in, and it does look like the independents are the majority, the big loser won't necessarily be the PML-N (Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz), it will be the army. Because the army really has staked its reputation on its ability to deliver this vote, now it hasn’t done that openly, but that is really what is involved here,” Weinbaum said. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan elections 2024 top updates: Results trickle in after unusual delay, parties allege rigging

<p>Former Indian prime ministers PV Narasimha Rao and Chaudhary Charan Singh, as well as&nbsp;MS Swaminathan, the architect of the 'Green Revolution' in the country's agriculture, will receive its top civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna.</p>

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (Feb 9) made the announcement in a post on X.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Delighted to share that our former Prime Minister, Shri PV Narasimha Rao Garu, will be honoured with the Bharat Ratna.<br />
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As a distinguished scholar and statesman, Narasimha Rao Garu served India extensively in various capacities. He is equally remembered for the work he did as… <a href="https://t.co/lihdk2BzDU">pic.twitter.com/lihdk2BzDU</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1755851641176170520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>PV Narasimha Rao, a leader of the Congress party, was the ninth prime minister from 1991 to 1996.</p>

<p>"As a distinguished scholar and statesman, Narasimha Rao Garu served India extensively in various capacities," Modi said on X, adding his tenure as PM was marked by significant measures that opened India to global markets, fostering a new era of economic development.</p>

<p>"Furthermore, his contributions to India's foreign policy, language and education sectors underscore his multifaceted legacy as a leader who not only steered India through critical transformations but also enriched its cultural and intellectual heritage," Modi added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">हमारी सरकार का यह सौभाग्य है कि देश के पूर्व प्रधानमंत्री चौधरी चरण सिंह जी को भारत रत्न से सम्मानित किया जा रहा है। यह सम्मान देश के लिए उनके अतुलनीय योगदान को समर्पित है। उन्होंने किसानों के अधिकार और उनके कल्याण के लिए अपना पूरा जीवन समर्पित कर दिया था। उत्तर प्रदेश के… <a href="https://t.co/gB5LhaRkIv">pic.twitter.com/gB5LhaRkIv</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1755851282797961394?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Chaudhary Charan Singh, popularly referred to as the champion of India's peasants, was the country's fifth prime minister from 1979-1980.</p>

<p>Modi said that Singh dedicated his life to the rights and welfare of farmers. Reacting to the news, Singh's grandson and Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) chief&nbsp;Jayant Chaudhary said, "It is a big day &amp; an emotional moment for me. I want to thank the President, government &amp; PM Modi because this was part of his vision...Three awards have been given. The sentiments of the people are connected with this decision..."</p>

<p>Talking about Dr MS Swaminathan, Modi said that he was being conferred the Bharat Ratna for "his monumental contributions to our nation in agriculture and farmers’ welfare."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It is a matter of immense joy that the Government of India is conferring the Bharat Ratna on Dr. MS Swaminathan Ji, in recognition of his monumental contributions to our nation in agriculture and farmers’ welfare. He played a pivotal role in helping India achieve self-reliance in… <a href="https://t.co/OyxFxPeQjZ">pic.twitter.com/OyxFxPeQjZ</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1755851895409644027?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Modi said that Dr Swaminathan played a pivotal role in helping India achieve self-reliance in agriculture during challenging times and made outstanding efforts towards modernizing Indian agriculture.</p>

<p>"We also recognise his invaluable work as an innovator and mentor and encouraging learning and research among several students. Dr Swaminathan’s visionary leadership has not only transformed Indian agriculture but also ensured the nation’s food security and prosperity," the prime minister added.</p>


Former Indian prime ministers PV Narasimha Rao and Chaudhary Charan Singh, as well as MS Swaminathan, the architect of the 'Green Revolution' in the country's agriculture, will receive its top civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna.

Former Indian prime ministers PV Narasimha Rao and Chaudhary Charan Singh, as well as MS Swaminathan, the architect of the 'Green Revolution' in the country's agriculture, will receive its top civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (Feb 9) made the announcement in a post on X. Delighted to share that our former Prime Minister, Shri PV Narasimha Rao Garu, will be honoured with the Bharat Ratna. As a distinguished scholar and statesman, Narasimha Rao Garu served India extensively in various capacities. He is equally remembered for the work he did as… pic.twitter.com/lihdk2BzDU — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 9, 2024 × PV Narasimha Rao, a leader of the Congress party, was the ninth prime minister from 1991 to 1996. "As a distinguished scholar and statesman, Narasimha Rao Garu served India extensively in various capacities," Modi said on X, adding his tenure as PM was marked by significant measures that opened India to global markets, fostering a new era of economic development. "Furthermore, his contributions to India's foreign policy, language and education sectors underscore his multifaceted legacy as a leader who not only steered India through critical transformations but also enriched its cultural and intellectual heritage," Modi added. हमारी सरकार का यह सौभाग्य है कि देश के पूर्व प्रधानमंत्री चौधरी चरण सिंह जी को भारत रत्न से सम्मानित किया जा रहा है। यह सम्मान देश के लिए उनके अतुलनीय योगदान को समर्पित है। उन्होंने किसानों के अधिकार और उनके कल्याण के लिए अपना पूरा जीवन समर्पित कर दिया था। उत्तर प्रदेश के… pic.twitter.com/gB5LhaRkIv — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 9, 2024 × Chaudhary Charan Singh, popularly referred to as the champion of India's peasants, was the country's fifth prime minister from 1979-1980. Modi said that Singh dedicated his life to the rights and welfare of farmers. Reacting to the news, Singh's grandson and Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) chief Jayant Chaudhary said, "It is a big day & an emotional moment for me. I want to thank the President, government & PM Modi because this was part of his vision...Three awards have been given. The sentiments of the people are connected with this decision..." Talking about Dr MS Swaminathan, Modi said that he was being conferred the Bharat Ratna for "his monumental contributions to our nation in agriculture and farmers’ welfare." It is a matter of immense joy that the Government of India is conferring the Bharat Ratna on Dr. MS Swaminathan Ji, in recognition of his monumental contributions to our nation in agriculture and farmers’ welfare. He played a pivotal role in helping India achieve self-reliance in… pic.twitter.com/OyxFxPeQjZ — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 9, 2024 × Modi said that Dr Swaminathan played a pivotal role in helping India achieve self-reliance in agriculture during challenging times and made outstanding efforts towards modernizing Indian agriculture. "We also recognise his invaluable work as an innovator and mentor and encouraging learning and research among several students. Dr Swaminathan’s visionary leadership has not only transformed Indian agriculture but also ensured the nation’s food security and prosperity," the prime minister added.

Bharat Ratna for ex-Indian PMs Chaudhary Charan Singh, Narasimha Rao, scientist MS Swaminathan

<p>British archaeologist James Prinsep has significantly contributed to India's historiography. Prinsep, who arrived in India more than two centuries ago, is best remembered for deciphering ancient India's Kharosthi and Brahmi scripts. But now, a map drawn by Prinsep&nbsp;has emerged as key evidence in the ongoing Gyanvapi case in India, media reports said on Wednesday (Feb 7).</p>

<p>According to a report by India Today, Prinsep drew the map of the old Kashi Vishwanath temple and showed how the Gyanvapi mosque stood on it. Prinsep lived in Uttar Varanasi (where the Gyanvapi site is located) from 1820 to 1830. The Kashi Vishwanath temple was dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva, who has been worshipped for centuries as Vishwanatha or Vishweshwara.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gyanvapi-mosque-muslim-side-moves-hc-against-varanasi-courts-decision-allowing-hindu-prayers-686238">Gyanvapi mosque: Allahabad HC refuses Muslim side's plea against Hindu prayers inside 'Vyas ji Ka Tehkhana'</a></strong></p>

<p>In Varanasi, Prinsep built the city's underground sewage system, which is operational, and restored the Alamgir Mosque which was built by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in 1669. The archaeologist also drew Varanasi's maps.</p>

<h2><strong>A book, and map which will be used as key evidence</strong></h2>

<p>He wrote a book ‘Benares Illustrated, A Series of Drawings’ in 1831. The India Today report said that the book and the map would be used as part of evidence by the Hindu side in the ongoing case of the Gyanvapi complex. &nbsp;</p>

<p>In the book, Prinsep discussed the architecture of the temple and how the original place of worship was converted to the present mosque. The British archaeologist mentioned how materials from the demolished temple were repurposed for the mosque's construction.</p>

<p>“The bigotry of Aurungzeb did not allow many vestiges of this more ancient style to remain. In 1660, for some trifling resistance to the imposition of a capitation tax, he took occasion to demolish the principal Shiwalas and constructed mosques with the same materials and upon the same foundations, leaving portions of the ancient walls exposed here and there as evidence of the indignity to which the Hindoo religion had been subjected," he wrote.</p>

<p>The map showed that the temple had eight mandaps. "The principal lingam of Mahadeo stood in an ornamented reservoir in the centre, having a drain below to carry off the Ganges water continually poured over it by day and night," Prinsep&nbsp;wrote in his book.</p>

<h2><strong>The Gyanvapi case</strong></h2>

<p>The Gyanvapi case has been going on for more than 30 years. Some believe that the Gyanvapi mosque was built on the remains of the Kashi Vishwanath temple, while various other petitions in courts, including the Supreme Court have discussed different angles of the case. Last week, the Hindu side in the case filed an application in the Supreme Court, seeking the de-sealing of the 'wazukhana',&nbsp;which is an ablution pond where worshippers wash themselves before they pray at the mosque, the news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gyanvapi mosque: Hindu devotees offer prayers inside mosque complex</strong></p>

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<p>The wazukhana was sealed in 2022 following a Supreme Court order. The Hindu side has said that the fountain-like structure in the Gyanvapi&nbsp;mosque's wazukhana is a "Shivling".</p>

<p>In its application, the Hindu side asked the apex court to allow the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) to carry out another comprehensive survey in the area without harming the Shivling.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking to India Today on Wednesday, BR Mani, Director General of the National Museum, said, "Prinsep has shown the place of Vishweshwar or Mahadev in the centre of the temple and indicates that the principal lingam was located in a water reservoir and that could be the so-called fountain in the wazukhana, which could have been originally the ornamented reservoir having the lingam."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


British archaeologist James Prinsep has significantly contributed to India's historiography. Prinsep, who arrived in India more than two centuries ago, is best remembered for deciphering ancient India's Kharosthi and Brahmi scripts.

British archaeologist James Prinsep has significantly contributed to India's historiography. Prinsep, who arrived in India more than two centuries ago, is best remembered for deciphering ancient India's Kharosthi and Brahmi scripts. But now, a map drawn by Prinsep has emerged as key evidence in the ongoing Gyanvapi case in India, media reports said on Wednesday (Feb 7). According to a report by India Today, Prinsep drew the map of the old Kashi Vishwanath temple and showed how the Gyanvapi mosque stood on it. Prinsep lived in Uttar Varanasi (where the Gyanvapi site is located) from 1820 to 1830. The Kashi Vishwanath temple was dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva, who has been worshipped for centuries as Vishwanatha or Vishweshwara. Also watch | Gyanvapi mosque: Allahabad HC refuses Muslim side's plea against Hindu prayers inside 'Vyas ji Ka Tehkhana' In Varanasi, Prinsep built the city's underground sewage system, which is operational, and restored the Alamgir Mosque which was built by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in 1669. The archaeologist also drew Varanasi's maps. A book, and map which will be used as key evidence He wrote a book ‘Benares Illustrated, A Series of Drawings’ in 1831. The India Today report said that the book and the map would be used as part of evidence by the Hindu side in the ongoing case of the Gyanvapi complex. In the book, Prinsep discussed the architecture of the temple and how the original place of worship was converted to the present mosque. The British archaeologist mentioned how materials from the demolished temple were repurposed for the mosque's construction. “The bigotry of Aurungzeb did not allow many vestiges of this more ancient style to remain. In 1660, for some trifling resistance to the imposition of a capitation tax, he took occasion to demolish the principal Shiwalas and constructed mosques with the same materials and upon the same foundations, leaving portions of the ancient walls exposed here and there as evidence of the indignity to which the Hindoo religion had been subjected," he wrote. The map showed that the temple had eight mandaps. "The principal lingam of Mahadeo stood in an ornamented reservoir in the centre, having a drain below to carry off the Ganges water continually poured over it by day and night," Prinsep wrote in his book. The Gyanvapi case The Gyanvapi case has been going on for more than 30 years. Some believe that the Gyanvapi mosque was built on the remains of the Kashi Vishwanath temple, while various other petitions in courts, including the Supreme Court have discussed different angles of the case. Last week, the Hindu side in the case filed an application in the Supreme Court, seeking the de-sealing of the 'wazukhana', which is an ablution pond where worshippers wash themselves before they pray at the mosque, the news agency ANI reported. Also watch | Gyanvapi mosque: Hindu devotees offer prayers inside mosque complex × The wazukhana was sealed in 2022 following a Supreme Court order. The Hindu side has said that the fountain-like structure in the Gyanvapi mosque's wazukhana is a "Shivling". In its application, the Hindu side asked the apex court to allow the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) to carry out another comprehensive survey in the area without harming the Shivling. Speaking to India Today on Wednesday, BR Mani, Director General of the National Museum, said, "Prinsep has shown the place of Vishweshwar or Mahadev in the centre of the temple and indicates that the principal lingam was located in a water reservoir and that could be the so-called fountain in the wazukhana, which could have been originally the ornamented reservoir having the lingam." (With inputs from agencies)

Gyanvapi case: What does archaeologist James Prinsep's 200-yr-old map reveal about the disputed Indian site?

How Many Exoplanets have We Discovered so Far?

Over 5,000 'Confirmed' Exoplanets Discovered

The universe is enormous, with scientists estimating the presence of two trillion galaxies in it. Our galaxy, the Milky Way, houses billions of exoplanets. However, NASA has said more than 5,000 exoplanets have been discovered so far and are considered "confirmed."

NASA has said that there are thousands of other "candidate" exoplanet detections that require further observations to say for sure whether or not the exoplanet is real.

An exoplanet is any planet beyond our solar system. Most of the exoplanets orbit other stars. But, free-floating exoplanets, called rogue planets, orbit the galactic centre and are untethered to any star. Exoplanets were first discovered by scientists in the 1990s.

Exoplanets come in a wide variety of sizes, from gas giants larger than Jupiter to small, rocky planets about the size of Earth or Mars. The most common types of exoplanets are- Gas giants, Neptunian planets, Super-Earths and Terrestrial planets.

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<p>Nine people including six security personnel were killed in militant attacks in Pakistan on Thursday (Feb 8) as the country voted in the general election.&nbsp;Speaking to Reuters, Makran division's Commissioner Saeed Ahmed said that grenade attacks were also reported in different parts of Balochistan, but polling remained unaffected there since there were no casualties.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-election-2024-live-in-backdrop-of-violence-bomb-blasts-pakistan-set-to-vote-688026">Click here to follow all updates on Pakistan elections</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>26 people killed in 2 explosions in Balochistan</strong></h2>

<p>These attacks came a day after at least 26 people were killed in two explosions near electoral candidates' offices in Balochistan. The Islamic State had claimed responsibility for the explosions.</p>

<p>Following the explosions, Pakistan's interior ministry said, "As a result of the recent incidents of terrorism in the country precious lives have been lost, security measures are essential to maintain the law and order situation and deal with possible threats."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-elections-2024-digital-darkness-blinds-voting-day-as-sharif-tipped-to-win-688101">Digital darkness blinds voting day with Sharif tipped to win Pak elections</a></strong></p>

<p>In a letter to the country's Election Commission, Mohsin Dawar, a candidate from North Waziristan, said that some polling stations in his constituency were taken over by local Taliban&nbsp;who were threatening polling staff and locals.</p>

<h2><strong>Mobile services temporarily suspended</strong></h2>

<p>On election day, mobile services were temporarily suspended across Pakistan. Citizens were seen casting their ballots at&nbsp;polling stations. In this election, the main contenders are candidates backed by jailed former prime minister Imran Khan, whose Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) won the last national election, and the Pakistan Muslim League (N) of Nawaz Sharif, who analysts say is being backed by the military, Reuters reported.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Terror attacks, pre-poll rigging allegations mar Pak polls</strong></p>

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<p>Polling closed by 5 pm and unofficial results are expected in a few hours. But, a clearer picture of who won the election is likely to emerge on Friday.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Nine people including six security personnel were killed in militant attacks in Pakistan on Thursday (Feb 8) as the country voted in the general election. Speaking to Reuters, Makran division's Commissioner Saeed Ahmed said that grenade attacks were also reported in different parts of Balochistan, but polling remained unaffected there since there were no casualties.

Nine people including six security personnel were killed in militant attacks in Pakistan on Thursday (Feb 8) as the country voted in the general election. Speaking to Reuters, Makran division's Commissioner Saeed Ahmed said that grenade attacks were also reported in different parts of Balochistan, but polling remained unaffected there since there were no casualties. Click here to follow all updates on Pakistan elections 26 people killed in 2 explosions in Balochistan These attacks came a day after at least 26 people were killed in two explosions near electoral candidates' offices in Balochistan. The Islamic State had claimed responsibility for the explosions. Following the explosions, Pakistan's interior ministry said, "As a result of the recent incidents of terrorism in the country precious lives have been lost, security measures are essential to maintain the law and order situation and deal with possible threats." Also read | Digital darkness blinds voting day with Sharif tipped to win Pak elections In a letter to the country's Election Commission, Mohsin Dawar, a candidate from North Waziristan, said that some polling stations in his constituency were taken over by local Taliban who were threatening polling staff and locals. Mobile services temporarily suspended On election day, mobile services were temporarily suspended across Pakistan. Citizens were seen casting their ballots at polling stations. In this election, the main contenders are candidates backed by jailed former prime minister Imran Khan, whose Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) won the last national election, and the Pakistan Muslim League (N) of Nawaz Sharif, who analysts say is being backed by the military, Reuters reported. Also watch | Terror attacks, pre-poll rigging allegations mar Pak polls × Polling closed by 5 pm and unofficial results are expected in a few hours. But, a clearer picture of who won the election is likely to emerge on Friday. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan: Nine killed in militant attacks as country votes in general election

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<p>One person died and many others got injured on Thursday (Feb 4) after a portion of a boundary wall of a metro station in New Delhi collapsed. Officials said that the incident happened at 11 am when a side slab of the running metro line at the Gokulpuri metro station collapsed, reported news agency ANI.&nbsp;The deceased victim was identified as 51-year-old Vinod Kumar, a resident of Karawal Nagar.</p>

<p>Four other people were injured in the incident and&nbsp;were identified as Ajit Kumar (age 27), Monu (age 19), Sandeep (age 27) and Mohd Tazir (24). The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) said that all details of the incident were shared with the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS).</p>

<h2><strong>DMRC announces compensation&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>In a post on X, the DMRC said that it would pay $18,000 (Rs 15 lakh) to Kumar's family. Those minorly injured in the incident would get $602 and those who sustained grievous injuries would be given around $3,000.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Two DMRC officials, a Manager and a Junior Engineer from the Civil department have been immediately suspended pending enquiry. The Executive Director\Civil\O&amp;M is at the site for a first-hand assessment of the situation apart from officials from all concerned departments," the DMRC said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">An ex-gratia is being given to the injured as mentioned below:<br />
•₹ 50,000 for minor injury<br />
•₹ 2.5 lakhs for grievous injury<br />
<br />
DMRC will pay a compensation of ₹ 15 lakhs to the next of kin of the deceased.</p>
— Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (@OfficialDMRC) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialDMRC/status/1755521751600234918?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"As an abundant safety precaution, train services on the small stretch from Maujpur to Shiv Vihar are being run on a single line to attend to the fallen portion towards Up platform on Gokulpuri station which has also been temporarily closed," the DMRC said in a separate post on X.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">As an abundant safety precaution, train services on the small stretch from Maujpur to Shiv Vihar are being run on single line to attend to the fallen portion towards Up platform on Gokulpuri station which has also been temporarily closed.</p>
— Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (@OfficialDMRC) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialDMRC/status/1755529532558201229?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>It added that it would investigate&nbsp;the circumstances leading to the&nbsp;incident and&nbsp;take necessary remedial measures to prevent such unfortunate occurrences in the future.</p>

<p>DMRC's Managing Director Vikas Kumar, meanwhile, issued instructions to all the concerned departments in the corporation to conduct vigorous safety checks across the Delhi Metro network.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


One person died and many others got injured on Thursday (Feb 4) after a portion of a boundary wall of a metro station in New Delhi collapsed. Officials said that the incident happened at 11 am when a side slab of the running metro line at the Gokulpuri metro station collapsed, reported news agency ANI.

One person died and many others got injured on Thursday (Feb 4) after a portion of a boundary wall of a metro station in New Delhi collapsed. Officials said that the incident happened at 11 am when a side slab of the running metro line at the Gokulpuri metro station collapsed, reported news agency ANI. The deceased victim was identified as 51-year-old Vinod Kumar, a resident of Karawal Nagar. Four other people were injured in the incident and were identified as Ajit Kumar (age 27), Monu (age 19), Sandeep (age 27) and Mohd Tazir (24). The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) said that all details of the incident were shared with the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS). DMRC announces compensation In a post on X, the DMRC said that it would pay $18,000 (Rs 15 lakh) to Kumar's family. Those minorly injured in the incident would get $602 and those who sustained grievous injuries would be given around $3,000. "Two DMRC officials, a Manager and a Junior Engineer from the Civil department have been immediately suspended pending enquiry. The Executive Director\Civil\O&M is at the site for a first-hand assessment of the situation apart from officials from all concerned departments," the DMRC said. An ex-gratia is being given to the injured as mentioned below: •₹ 50,000 for minor injury •₹ 2.5 lakhs for grievous injury DMRC will pay a compensation of ₹ 15 lakhs to the next of kin of the deceased. — Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (@OfficialDMRC) February 8, 2024 × "As an abundant safety precaution, train services on the small stretch from Maujpur to Shiv Vihar are being run on a single line to attend to the fallen portion towards Up platform on Gokulpuri station which has also been temporarily closed," the DMRC said in a separate post on X. As an abundant safety precaution, train services on the small stretch from Maujpur to Shiv Vihar are being run on single line to attend to the fallen portion towards Up platform on Gokulpuri station which has also been temporarily closed. — Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (@OfficialDMRC) February 8, 2024 × It added that it would investigate the circumstances leading to the incident and take necessary remedial measures to prevent such unfortunate occurrences in the future. DMRC's Managing Director Vikas Kumar, meanwhile, issued instructions to all the concerned departments in the corporation to conduct vigorous safety checks across the Delhi Metro network. (With inputs from agencies)

India: One dead, many injured after portion of Delhi metro station collapses

<p>Repeated US&nbsp;strikes against Iran-backed armed groups in Iraq are pushing the government to end the mission of the US-led coalition in the country, the prime minister's military spokesman Yahya Rasool said on Thursday.</p>

<p>The US&nbsp;military said a strike on Wednesday killed a commander from Kataib Hezbollah, an Iran-backed armed group in Iraq that the Pentagon has blamed for attacking its troops.</p>

<p>Rasool said in a statement that the US-led coalition "has become a factor for instability and threatens to entangle Iraq in the cycle of conflict."</p>

<p>The US-led international military coalition in Iraq was set up to fight Islamic State. The United States has 2,500 troops in Iraq, advising and assisting local forces to prevent a resurgence of the group.</p>

<p>Since the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza began in October, Iraq and Syria have witnessed almost daily tit-for-tat attacks between hardline Iran-backed armed groups and US&nbsp;forces stationed in the region.</p>


Repeated US strikes against Iran-backed armed groups in Iraq are pushing the government to end the mission of the US-led coalition in the country, the prime minister's military spokesman Yahya Rasool said on Thursday.

Repeated US strikes against Iran-backed armed groups in Iraq are pushing the government to end the mission of the US-led coalition in the country, the prime minister's military spokesman Yahya Rasool said on Thursday. The US military said a strike on Wednesday killed a commander from Kataib Hezbollah, an Iran-backed armed group in Iraq that the Pentagon has blamed for attacking its troops. Rasool said in a statement that the US-led coalition "has become a factor for instability and threatens to entangle Iraq in the cycle of conflict." The US-led international military coalition in Iraq was set up to fight Islamic State. The United States has 2,500 troops in Iraq, advising and assisting local forces to prevent a resurgence of the group. Since the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza began in October, Iraq and Syria have witnessed almost daily tit-for-tat attacks between hardline Iran-backed armed groups and US forces stationed in the region.

American strikes pushing government to end US-led coalition's mission: Iraq

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<p>The National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) PACE (Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem) mission was successfully launched on Thursday (Feb 8). A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the PACE spacecraft blasted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s Space Launch Complex 40. In a post on X, NASA said, "Today we put the PACE in space! The newest NASA Earth-observing satellite launched on Feb 8 at 1.33 am ET."</p>

<p>"Separation confirmed—PACE is now flying free from its SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. We’ll be keeping PACE with the NASA Earth spacecraft throughout its mission as it studies our ocean and clouds," NASA said in a separate post.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What is PACE?</strong></h2>

<p>According to NASA, PACE will study ocean health, air quality, and the effects of a changing climate for the benefit of humanity. "The satellite’s hyperspectral ocean colour instrument will allow researchers to measure oceans and other waterbodies across a spectrum of ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared light," NASA said <strong><a href="https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-launches-new-climate-mission-to-study-ocean-atmosphere/?linkId=314466587">in a statement</a></strong>.</p>

<p>"This will enable scientists to track the distribution of phytoplankton and – for the first time from space – identify which communities of these organisms are present on daily, global scales. Scientists and coastal resource managers can use the data to help forecast the health of fisheries, track harmful algal blooms, and identify changes in the marine environment," it added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/moons-serene-facade-is-hiding-a-turbulent-reality-reveals-nasa-funded-research-687981">Moon's serene facade is hiding a turbulent reality, reveals NASA-funded research</a></strong></p>

<p>The PACE spacecraft carries two polarimeter instruments, Hyper-Angular Rainbow Polarimeter #2 and Spectro-polarimeter for planetary exploration. These instruments will detect "how sunlight interacts with particles in the atmosphere, giving researchers new information on atmospheric aerosols and cloud properties, as well as air quality at local, regional, and global scales," the statement said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Separation confirmed—PACE is now flying free from its <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpaceX</a> Falcon 9 rocket.<br />
<br />
We’ll be <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KeepingPACE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KeepingPACE</a> with the <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAEarth?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASAEarth</a> spacecraft throughout its mission as it studies our ocean and clouds. <a href="https://t.co/dhPgQSuPCM">pic.twitter.com/dhPgQSuPCM</a></p>
— NASA (@NASA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA/status/1755484438408962355?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Karen St. Germain, director of the Earth Science Division, Science Mission Directorate&nbsp;at NASA, said that the mission will profoundly advance knowledge of the ocean's role in the climate cycle.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"As an open-source science mission with early adopters ready to use its research and data, PACE will accelerate our understanding of the Earth system and help NASA deliver actionable science, data, and practical applications to help our coastal communities and industries address rapidly evolving challenges," Germain added.</p>

<h2><strong>'PACE will help us learn like never before'</strong></h2>

<p>Reacting to the mission's successful launch, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said that PACE "will help us learn, like never before, how particles in our atmosphere and our oceans can identify key factors impacting global warming."</p>

<p>The mission is being managed by NASA Goddard, which also built and tested the spacecraft and the ocean colour instrument.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Missions like this are supporting the Biden-Harris Administration’s climate agenda and helping us answer urgent questions about our changing climate,” Nelson added.</p>


The National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) PACE (Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem) mission was successfully launched on Thursday (Feb 8).

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) PACE (Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem) mission was successfully launched on Thursday (Feb 8). A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the PACE spacecraft blasted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s Space Launch Complex 40. In a post on X, NASA said, "Today we put the PACE in space! The newest NASA Earth-observing satellite launched on Feb 8 at 1.33 am ET." "Separation confirmed—PACE is now flying free from its SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. We’ll be keeping PACE with the NASA Earth spacecraft throughout its mission as it studies our ocean and clouds," NASA said in a separate post. What is PACE? According to NASA, PACE will study ocean health, air quality, and the effects of a changing climate for the benefit of humanity. "The satellite’s hyperspectral ocean colour instrument will allow researchers to measure oceans and other waterbodies across a spectrum of ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared light," NASA said in a statement. "This will enable scientists to track the distribution of phytoplankton and – for the first time from space – identify which communities of these organisms are present on daily, global scales. Scientists and coastal resource managers can use the data to help forecast the health of fisheries, track harmful algal blooms, and identify changes in the marine environment," it added. Also read | Moon's serene facade is hiding a turbulent reality, reveals NASA-funded research The PACE spacecraft carries two polarimeter instruments, Hyper-Angular Rainbow Polarimeter #2 and Spectro-polarimeter for planetary exploration. These instruments will detect "how sunlight interacts with particles in the atmosphere, giving researchers new information on atmospheric aerosols and cloud properties, as well as air quality at local, regional, and global scales," the statement said. Separation confirmed—PACE is now flying free from its @SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. We’ll be #KeepingPACE with the @NASAEarth spacecraft throughout its mission as it studies our ocean and clouds. pic.twitter.com/dhPgQSuPCM — NASA (@NASA) February 8, 2024 × Karen St. Germain, director of the Earth Science Division, Science Mission Directorate at NASA, said that the mission will profoundly advance knowledge of the ocean's role in the climate cycle. "As an open-source science mission with early adopters ready to use its research and data, PACE will accelerate our understanding of the Earth system and help NASA deliver actionable science, data, and practical applications to help our coastal communities and industries address rapidly evolving challenges," Germain added. 'PACE will help us learn like never before' Reacting to the mission's successful launch, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said that PACE "will help us learn, like never before, how particles in our atmosphere and our oceans can identify key factors impacting global warming." The mission is being managed by NASA Goddard, which also built and tested the spacecraft and the ocean colour instrument. “Missions like this are supporting the Biden-Harris Administration’s climate agenda and helping us answer urgent questions about our changing climate,” Nelson added.

NASA's PACE mission launched into space. What is it about?

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