How Scientifically Accurate is Nolan's 'Interstellar'?

Released in 2014, Christopher Nolan's "Interstellar" is perhaps one of the best sci-fi movies ever made. It features Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, and Michael Caine in lead roles. McConaughey, who plays the role of ex-NASA pilot Joseph Cooper, is tasked to pilot a spacecraft, along with a team of researchers, to find a new planet for humans when Earth becomes uninhabitable in the future.

Movie Garnered Respectable Status in Scientific Community

Over the years, Interstellar has gained massive respect in the scientific community with how realistic it is. But how much of this movie is rooted in actual science is still debatable.

Nolan's movie accurately depicted black holes five years before the first real proof of how they looked came out. According to a report by Screen Rant, visual effects supervisor Paul Franklin and his team pulled off the depiction so well that it resembled photos of the actual black holes captured by the  Event Horizon Telescope in 2019.

A Physicist Guided Nolan to make the Movie

Nolan took guidance from Caltech theoretical physicist Kip Thorne who had served as Interstellar's official science consultant and an executive producer. One of the most respected figures when it comes to astrophysics, Thorne is a recipient of the Nobel Prize in 2017 for his research on gravitational waves. Nolan relied on Thorne’s research to figure out changes in the space-time continuum for the movie.

Neil deGrasse Tyson liked Interstellar over Another Sci-Fi Epic

Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, who is widely known for simplifying the study of space, praised Interstellar over Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey. In an interview with NBC, Tyson praised Interstellar's accurate exploration of concepts, such as Einstein’s theory of relativity and about curvature of space.

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<p>Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRCG) launched missile attacks on multiple "terrorist targets" in the Kurdish region of northern Iraq and Syria, state media reported on Tuesday (Jan 16). In a statement, the IRCG said the attacks destroyed "a spy headquarters" and a "gathering of anti-Iranian terrorist groups" in Arbil, the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan. According to Iraq's Kurdistan Security Council, four people were killed and six others were injured.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Kurdistan Democratic Party said that prominent businessman Peshraw Dizayee was among the civilians who were killed. The IRCG said that it hit targets in Syria with ballistic missiles, including the "gathering places of commanders and main elements related to recent terrorist operations, particularly the Islamic State group."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-conflict-to-wind-down-in-southern-gaza-says-israel-680333"><strong>Click here to follow all updates on the Israel-Hamas war</strong></a></p>

<p>The strike in Syria was in response to recent attacks by terrorist groups that killed Iranians in the southern cities of Kerman and Rask. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor said that explosions were heard in Aleppo and its countryside.</p>

<h2><strong>US condemns Iranian strikes</strong></h2>

<p>The US slammed Iran for its "reckless" deadly missile attacks on targets in the Kurdistan region, warning they undermine stability. In a statement, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said, "The United States strongly condemns Iran's attacks in Erbil today and offers condolences to the families of those who were killed. We oppose Iran's reckless missile strikes, which undermine Iraq's stability."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-frees-journalists-jailed-for-covering-mahsa-aminis-death-679949">Iran frees journalists jailed for covering Mahsa Amini’s death over a year after arrest</a></strong></p>

<p>Earlier, a White House spokesperson said no US personnel or facilities were targeted.</p>

<h2><strong>Israeli spy HQ in Kurdistan targeted too</strong></h2>

<p>In its statement, the IRCG also said that it had struck the alleged Israeli "spy headquarters," the IRNA news agency reported. The guards said the headquarters had served as "the centre for developing espionage operations and planning terrorist actions in the region".</p>

<p>The strike was in response to recent attacks on Iran and the "axis of resistance" of Iran-aligned groups, which have raised concerns about violence spreading from the Israel-Hamas war.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRCG) launched missile attacks on multiple "terrorist targets" in the Kurdish region of northern Iraq and Syria, state media reported on Tuesday (Jan 16).

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRCG) launched missile attacks on multiple "terrorist targets" in the Kurdish region of northern Iraq and Syria, state media reported on Tuesday (Jan 16). In a statement, the IRCG said the attacks destroyed "a spy headquarters" and a "gathering of anti-Iranian terrorist groups" in Arbil, the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan. According to Iraq's Kurdistan Security Council, four people were killed and six others were injured. Meanwhile, the Kurdistan Democratic Party said that prominent businessman Peshraw Dizayee was among the civilians who were killed. The IRCG said that it hit targets in Syria with ballistic missiles, including the "gathering places of commanders and main elements related to recent terrorist operations, particularly the Islamic State group." Click here to follow all updates on the Israel-Hamas war The strike in Syria was in response to recent attacks by terrorist groups that killed Iranians in the southern cities of Kerman and Rask. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor said that explosions were heard in Aleppo and its countryside. US condemns Iranian strikes The US slammed Iran for its "reckless" deadly missile attacks on targets in the Kurdistan region, warning they undermine stability. In a statement, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said, "The United States strongly condemns Iran's attacks in Erbil today and offers condolences to the families of those who were killed. We oppose Iran's reckless missile strikes, which undermine Iraq's stability." Also read: Iran frees journalists jailed for covering Mahsa Amini’s death over a year after arrest Earlier, a White House spokesperson said no US personnel or facilities were targeted. Israeli spy HQ in Kurdistan targeted too In its statement, the IRCG also said that it had struck the alleged Israeli "spy headquarters," the IRNA news agency reported. The guards said the headquarters had served as "the centre for developing espionage operations and planning terrorist actions in the region". The strike was in response to recent attacks on Iran and the "axis of resistance" of Iran-aligned groups, which have raised concerns about violence spreading from the Israel-Hamas war. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran launches barrage of missile strikes in northern Iraq and Syria; US condemns attacks

<p>Higher exports helped India's merchandise trade deficit come down to lower than expected at $19.8 billion in December, data showed on Monday, though officials signalled that the turmoil in the Red Sea could have an impact on this month's figures.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-1">Economists polled by Reuters had expected a merchandise trade deficit of $21 billion in December.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-1"><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-conflict-to-wind-down-in-southern-gaza-says-israel-680333">Click here to follow all updates on the Israel-Hamas war</a></strong></p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-2">"There has been a demand upturn in December (leading to higher exports). This provides us a cushion as there are uncertainties for trade in January and going forward due to the Red Sea crisis," Trade Secretary Sunil Bharthwal said.</p>

<p>Nearly 80% of India's merchandise trade with Europe passes through the Red Sea where shipping has been attacked by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi militants, in a spillover from Israel's more than three-month-long war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip</p>

<p>Trade ministry official Satya Srinivas told reporters India's December exports were not impacted by the Red Sea crisis, but some more recently consignments had been put on hold.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/red-sea-attacks-spark-global-inflation-fears-disrupting-supply-chains-680168">Red Sea attacks spark global inflation fears, disrupting supply chains</a></strong></p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-5">India's merchandise exports in December stood at $38.45 billion, while imports were $58.25 billion, government data showed on Monday. In the previous month, merchandise exports were $33.9 billion, while imports stood at $54.48 billion.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-6">Merchandise exports for the period April-December totalled $317.12 billion, while imports for the same period reached $505.15 billion, the data showed. The figures compared with $336.30 billion in exports, and $548.64 billion in imports for the same period last year.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-7">In December, services exports were $27.88 billion, while imports were $13.25 billion. In November, services exports were $28.68 billion and imports were $13.4 billion.</p>


Higher exports helped India's merchandise trade deficit come down to lower than expected at $19.8 billion in December, data showed on Monday, though officials signalled that the turmoil in the Red Sea could have an impact on this month's figures.

Higher exports helped India's merchandise trade deficit come down to lower than expected at $19.8 billion in December, data showed on Monday, though officials signalled that the turmoil in the Red Sea could have an impact on this month's figures. Economists polled by Reuters had expected a merchandise trade deficit of $21 billion in December. Click here to follow all updates on the Israel-Hamas war "There has been a demand upturn in December (leading to higher exports). This provides us a cushion as there are uncertainties for trade in January and going forward due to the Red Sea crisis," Trade Secretary Sunil Bharthwal said. Nearly 80% of India's merchandise trade with Europe passes through the Red Sea where shipping has been attacked by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi militants, in a spillover from Israel's more than three-month-long war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip Trade ministry official Satya Srinivas told reporters India's December exports were not impacted by the Red Sea crisis, but some more recently consignments had been put on hold. Also read: Red Sea attacks spark global inflation fears, disrupting supply chains India's merchandise exports in December stood at $38.45 billion, while imports were $58.25 billion, government data showed on Monday. In the previous month, merchandise exports were $33.9 billion, while imports stood at $54.48 billion. Merchandise exports for the period April-December totalled $317.12 billion, while imports for the same period reached $505.15 billion, the data showed. The figures compared with $336.30 billion in exports, and $548.64 billion in imports for the same period last year. In December, services exports were $27.88 billion, while imports were $13.25 billion. In November, services exports were $28.68 billion and imports were $13.4 billion.

India sees December exports boost, but all eyes on Red Sea

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<p>If a report doing the rounds on a database of pre-peer reviewed journal articles is to be believed, China has been experimenting with a new deadly Covid-like virus which is 100 per cent fatal to mice and could affect humans.</p>

<p>The paper published on bioRxiv website on January 3 claimed that doctors trained by the Chinese military made their version of the so-called "pangolin coronavirus" and gave it to a group of mice to see what would happen.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Four mice inoculated with inactivated virus and four mock-infected mice were used as controls. Surprisingly, all the mice that were infected with the live virus succumbed to the infection within 7-8 days post-inoculation," the paper said.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Deaths linked to brain infection</strong></h2>

<p>Experts found that the four mice given the virus lost weight within five days after being infected. On the seventh day, the mice started to become sluggish and their eyes went white.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-during-holidays-who-says-nearly-10000-died-due-to-cases-fueled-by-new-variant-679008">COVID-19 during holidays: WHO says nearly 10,000 died due to cases fueled by new variant</a></strong></p>

<p>"In the mice infected with live virus, the viral load in the lungs significantly decreased by day 6; both the viral RNA loads and viral titers in the brain samples were relatively low on day 3, but substantially increased by day 6. This finding suggested that severe brain infection during the later stages of infection may be the key cause of death in these mice," the paper further said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Researchers said that the cause of death may be linked to the occurrence of late brain infection.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch:&nbsp;EU repeats vaccination call after COVID-19 surge</strong></p>

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<p>The virus had not only spread to the mice's bodies but also reached critical organs such as the brain, eyes, and lungs.</p>

<p>"To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report showing that a SARS-CoV-2-related pangolin coronavirus can cause 100% mortality in hACE2 mice, suggesting a risk for GX_P2V to spill over into humans," the researchers added.</p>

<h2><strong>China warns of potential resurgence of Covid</strong></h2>

<p>Chinese authorities on Sunday warned of a <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-warns-of-potential-resurgence-of-covid-driven-by-jn1-subvariant-680083">potential resurgence of Covid </a></strong>this month driven by the JN.1 subvariant. The National Health Commission (NHC) highlighted the increasing presence of JN.1 and said that multiple respiratory diseases were likely to spread this winter and next spring.</p>

<p>"Influenza viruses are expected to remain the dominant pathogen," Wang Dayan, head of the Chinese National Influenza Center, told reporters.</p>

<p>He attributed the JN.1's rise to several factors including imported cases, lower influenza rates and declining population immunity.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


If a report doing the rounds on a database of pre-peer reviewed journal articles is to be believed, China has been experimenting with a new deadly Covid-like virus which is 100 per cent fatal to mice and could affect humans.

If a report doing the rounds on a database of pre-peer reviewed journal articles is to be believed, China has been experimenting with a new deadly Covid-like virus which is 100 per cent fatal to mice and could affect humans. The paper published on bioRxiv website on January 3 claimed that doctors trained by the Chinese military made their version of the so-called "pangolin coronavirus" and gave it to a group of mice to see what would happen. "Four mice inoculated with inactivated virus and four mock-infected mice were used as controls. Surprisingly, all the mice that were infected with the live virus succumbed to the infection within 7-8 days post-inoculation," the paper said. Deaths linked to brain infection Experts found that the four mice given the virus lost weight within five days after being infected. On the seventh day, the mice started to become sluggish and their eyes went white. Also read | COVID-19 during holidays: WHO says nearly 10,000 died due to cases fueled by new variant "In the mice infected with live virus, the viral load in the lungs significantly decreased by day 6; both the viral RNA loads and viral titers in the brain samples were relatively low on day 3, but substantially increased by day 6. This finding suggested that severe brain infection during the later stages of infection may be the key cause of death in these mice," the paper further said. Researchers said that the cause of death may be linked to the occurrence of late brain infection. Also watch: EU repeats vaccination call after COVID-19 surge × The virus had not only spread to the mice's bodies but also reached critical organs such as the brain, eyes, and lungs. "To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report showing that a SARS-CoV-2-related pangolin coronavirus can cause 100% mortality in hACE2 mice, suggesting a risk for GX_P2V to spill over into humans," the researchers added. China warns of potential resurgence of Covid Chinese authorities on Sunday warned of a potential resurgence of Covid this month driven by the JN.1 subvariant. The National Health Commission (NHC) highlighted the increasing presence of JN.1 and said that multiple respiratory diseases were likely to spread this winter and next spring. "Influenza viruses are expected to remain the dominant pathogen," Wang Dayan, head of the Chinese National Influenza Center, told reporters. He attributed the JN.1's rise to several factors including imported cases, lower influenza rates and declining population immunity. (With inputs from agencies)

China experimenting with deadly Covid-like virus that could affect humans: Report

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidL3HB3uAKKDoI" /><meta charset="utf-8" />Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said on Monday (Jan 15) that there had been times when he felt the urge to punch his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov in the face in talks during the early stages of Russia's invasion in Feb 2022. In an interview with a Ukrainian blogger, Foreign Minister Kuleba was asked about his most difficult set of negotiations (in the war).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kuleba said the most difficult talks were those "in which you feel simply that you want to go and punch your opposite number in the nose, but you really can't do that."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-claims-to-have-destroyed-russian-spy-plane-and-command-aircraft-680280">Ukraine claims to have destroyed Russian spy plane and command aircraft</a></strong></p>

<p>"And I can say that this occurred two or three times. One occasion was with Lavrov in (the Turkish resort of) Antalya in the spring of 2022," he added. Several rounds of negotiations have been held between Russian and Ukrainian officials since the conflict started - first near Ukraine's border with Belarus and then in Turkey.</p>

<p>Kuleba told the blogger on Monday that talks in Turkey had been difficult and dealt with a ceasefire and arranging humanitarian corridors. No agreement was reached in these talks and there have been no negotiations since.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'An incompetence of Ukrainian leadership'</strong></h2>

<p>Reacting to the Ukrainian foreign minister's latest remarks, the Russian foreign ministry said that Kuleba's remarks on Lavrov underscored the incompetence of Kyiv's leadership.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking to the Izvestia newspaper, Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said, "And that is the problem: uneducated, aggressive people were recruited under the guise of serving as ministers to ruin Ukraine for American money."</p>

<p>"Perhaps he belongs in a no-holds-barred bout rather than the foreign ministry?" Zakharova added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch:&nbsp;Putin vows to support soldiers fighting in Ukraine while wives mobilise protest near Kremlin</strong></p>

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<p>Last month, Sergei Lavrov reiterated Moscow's complaint that Ukraine was unwilling to hold peace talks to end the conflict, which will soon complete two years. "I must note an absence of any will for peace on the part of the regime of (Ukrainian President) Zelensky," Lavrov told Tass.</p>

<p>The Russian foreign minister said that Zelensky's representatives think only in categories of war and resort to totally aggressive rhetoric. "There is no consideration of holding peace talks ... Draw your own conclusions," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Volodymyr Zelensky has ruled out talks with Russia until it withdraws from territories it has occupied since its invasion.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said on Monday (Jan 15) that there had been times when he felt the urge to punch his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov in the face in talks during the early stages of Russia's invasion in Feb 2022.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said on Monday (Jan 15) that there had been times when he felt the urge to punch his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov in the face in talks during the early stages of Russia's invasion in Feb 2022. In an interview with a Ukrainian blogger, Foreign Minister Kuleba was asked about his most difficult set of negotiations (in the war). Kuleba said the most difficult talks were those "in which you feel simply that you want to go and punch your opposite number in the nose, but you really can't do that." Also read: Ukraine claims to have destroyed Russian spy plane and command aircraft "And I can say that this occurred two or three times. One occasion was with Lavrov in (the Turkish resort of) Antalya in the spring of 2022," he added. Several rounds of negotiations have been held between Russian and Ukrainian officials since the conflict started - first near Ukraine's border with Belarus and then in Turkey. Kuleba told the blogger on Monday that talks in Turkey had been difficult and dealt with a ceasefire and arranging humanitarian corridors. No agreement was reached in these talks and there have been no negotiations since. 'An incompetence of Ukrainian leadership' Reacting to the Ukrainian foreign minister's latest remarks, the Russian foreign ministry said that Kuleba's remarks on Lavrov underscored the incompetence of Kyiv's leadership. Speaking to the Izvestia newspaper, Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said, "And that is the problem: uneducated, aggressive people were recruited under the guise of serving as ministers to ruin Ukraine for American money." "Perhaps he belongs in a no-holds-barred bout rather than the foreign ministry?" Zakharova added. Also watch: Putin vows to support soldiers fighting in Ukraine while wives mobilise protest near Kremlin × Last month, Sergei Lavrov reiterated Moscow's complaint that Ukraine was unwilling to hold peace talks to end the conflict, which will soon complete two years. "I must note an absence of any will for peace on the part of the regime of (Ukrainian President) Zelensky," Lavrov told Tass. The Russian foreign minister said that Zelensky's representatives think only in categories of war and resort to totally aggressive rhetoric. "There is no consideration of holding peace talks ... Draw your own conclusions," he said. Volodymyr Zelensky has ruled out talks with Russia until it withdraws from territories it has occupied since its invasion. (With inputs from agencies)

Felt the urge to punch Russia’s Lavrov in the face: Ukraine foreign minister

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidL3HB3uAKKDoI" /><meta charset="utf-8" />The World Economic Forum (WEF) 2024 began on Monday (Jan 15) in Davos, Switzerland. World leaders at the forum are set to discuss Disease X - a mysterious name for an illness caused by a currently unknown, yet serious microbial threat. A panel of the World Health Organization (WHO) will join other health officials to discuss the health threat at the WEF on Wednesday, a report by Forbes said.</p>

<p>The mention of this illness has sparked a massive war of words on social media, with some users slamming the plans surrounding the hypothetical situation.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What is Disease X?</strong></h2>

<p>It is an illness caused by a currently unknown, yet serious microbial threat. The WHO added Disease X in 2017 to a list of pathogens deemed a top priority for research alongside Ebola and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/disease-x-likely-to-prove-20-times-deadlier-compared-to-covid-19-hints-expert-639469">'Disease X' likely to prove 20 times deadlier compared to COVID-19, hints expert</a></strong></p>

<p>Covid is an example of Disease X. According to a report by Bloomberg on Monday, the vast reservoir of viruses circulating in wildlife is seen as a likely source of more such diseases due to their potential to spill over and infect other species, including humans.</p>

<h2><strong>The significance of Disease X</strong></h2>

<p>The WHO has said that the reason to study Disease X is to enable cross-cutting R&amp;D (research and development) preparedness that is also relevant for an unknown disease. The global humanitarian crisis sparked by Ebola, Covid, and other diseases has been a wake-up call.</p>

<p>The Ebola epidemic killed thousands of people globally. Bloomberg reported that despite decades of research, there were no products ready to deploy in time to save these lives.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In response, the WHO created an R&amp;D Blueprint to accelerate the development of a range of tools for “priority diseases".</p>

<h2><strong>Which are the priority pathogens right now?</strong></h2>

<p>The current list of priority diseases by the WHO includes - Covid, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, Ebola virus disease and Marburg virus disease, Lassa fever, Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and SARS, Nipah and henipaviral diseases, Rift Valley fever, Zika and Disease X.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The World Economic Forum (WEF) 2024 began on Monday (Jan 15) in Davos, Switzerland. World leaders at the forum are set to discuss Disease X - a mysterious name for an illness caused by a currently unknown, yet serious microbial threat.

The World Economic Forum (WEF) 2024 began on Monday (Jan 15) in Davos, Switzerland. World leaders at the forum are set to discuss Disease X - a mysterious name for an illness caused by a currently unknown, yet serious microbial threat. A panel of the World Health Organization (WHO) will join other health officials to discuss the health threat at the WEF on Wednesday, a report by Forbes said. The mention of this illness has sparked a massive war of words on social media, with some users slamming the plans surrounding the hypothetical situation. What is Disease X? It is an illness caused by a currently unknown, yet serious microbial threat. The WHO added Disease X in 2017 to a list of pathogens deemed a top priority for research alongside Ebola and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). Also read: 'Disease X' likely to prove 20 times deadlier compared to COVID-19, hints expert Covid is an example of Disease X. According to a report by Bloomberg on Monday, the vast reservoir of viruses circulating in wildlife is seen as a likely source of more such diseases due to their potential to spill over and infect other species, including humans. The significance of Disease X The WHO has said that the reason to study Disease X is to enable cross-cutting R&D (research and development) preparedness that is also relevant for an unknown disease. The global humanitarian crisis sparked by Ebola, Covid, and other diseases has been a wake-up call. The Ebola epidemic killed thousands of people globally. Bloomberg reported that despite decades of research, there were no products ready to deploy in time to save these lives. In response, the WHO created an R&D Blueprint to accelerate the development of a range of tools for “priority diseases". Which are the priority pathogens right now? The current list of priority diseases by the WHO includes - Covid, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, Ebola virus disease and Marburg virus disease, Lassa fever, Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and SARS, Nipah and henipaviral diseases, Rift Valley fever, Zika and Disease X. (With inputs from agencies)

What is Disease X? A health threat up for discussion at World Economic Forum

LHS 1140b: A Nearby Exoplanet That Might be a Life-Friendly Water World

A new study has revealed that exoplanet LHS 1140b might be a life-friendly water world, Space.com reported. According to NASA, LHS 1140b is a super Earth exoplanet that orbits an M-type star. The exoplanet is around 50 light-years away from Earth.

LHS 1140b was discovered in 2017. Since then, the exoplanet has been observed by multiple telescopes. Its mass equals 6.38 Earths, and it takes 24.7 days to complete one orbit of its star.

The observations first convinced researchers that LHS 1140b is a rocky planet around 1.7 times wider than Earth. However, a new analysis of all available observations showed that the exoplanet was not dense enough to be purely rocky and must either contain much more water than Earth or have an extensive atmosphere full of light elements. 


Scientists cannot yet tell whether LHS 1140b is a rocky planet or a life-friendly water world. The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) might find this answer in the coming years. If the exoplanet is a water world, it will be the number one target in the search for life outside the solar system. 

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<p>The police in the United Kingdom (UK) on Sunday (Jan 14) arrested six pro-Palestinian activists over a plot to disrupt the London Stock Exchange. In a statement, the <strong><a href="https://news.met.police.uk/news/six-arrested-over-plot-to-disrupt-london-stock-exchange-477813">Metropolitan Police said</a></strong>&nbsp;activists from the Palestine Action group were intending to target the stock exchange on Monday morning, "causing damage and ‘locking on’ in an effort to prevent the building opening for trading."</p>

<p>"In the early hours of Sunday, 14 January Met officers working alongside colleagues from Merseyside Police arrested a 31-year-old man in Liverpool on suspicion of conspiracy to cause criminal damage," the statement said. The Metropolitan Police added that&nbsp;five more people, all believed to be part of the same plot, were arrested.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'Group was ready to carry disruptive stunt'</strong></h2>

<p>Reacting to the arrests,<strong>&nbsp;</strong>Detective Superintendent Sian Thomas said on Sunday that Palestine Action was ready to carry out a disruptive and damaging stunt which could have had serious implications had it been carried out successfully.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-live-hamas-says-many-hostages-likely-killed-blames-israel-china-calls-for-large-scale-peace-conference-679985">Click here to follow all updates on the Israel-Hamas war</a></strong></p>

<p>“I’m grateful to the Express for their willingness to provide the information gleaned from their own investigation. It was instrumental in helping us intervene successfully," Detective Superintendent Thomas said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Mindful of the suggestion that this was one part of a planned week of action, we are in contact with the City of London Police as well as other forces across the UK to ensure that appropriate resources are in place to deal with any disruption in the coming days,” he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: Timeline of major events from the first 100 days</strong></p>

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<p>Since the conflict between Israel and Hamas started on Oct 7 last year, multiple pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli protests have been held in the UK.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Saturday&nbsp;(January 14), thousands of people marched through central London to show solidarity with Palestine and to reiterate calls for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. According to a report by The Guardian on Sunday, the protest was organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Protesters met on Queen Victoria Street before making their way along Fleet Street towards Parliament Square.</p>

<section>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>
</section>


The police in the United Kingdom (UK) on Sunday (Jan 14) arrested six pro-Palestinian activists over a plot to disrupt the London Stock Exchange. In a statement, the Metropolitan Police said activists from the Palestine Action group were intending to target the stock exchange on Monday morning, "causing damage and ‘locking on’ in an effort to prevent the building opening for trading.

The police in the United Kingdom (UK) on Sunday (Jan 14) arrested six pro-Palestinian activists over a plot to disrupt the London Stock Exchange. In a statement, the Metropolitan Police said activists from the Palestine Action group were intending to target the stock exchange on Monday morning, "causing damage and ‘locking on’ in an effort to prevent the building opening for trading." "In the early hours of Sunday, 14 January Met officers working alongside colleagues from Merseyside Police arrested a 31-year-old man in Liverpool on suspicion of conspiracy to cause criminal damage," the statement said. The Metropolitan Police added that five more people, all believed to be part of the same plot, were arrested. 'Group was ready to carry disruptive stunt' Reacting to the arrests, Detective Superintendent Sian Thomas said on Sunday that Palestine Action was ready to carry out a disruptive and damaging stunt which could have had serious implications had it been carried out successfully. Click here to follow all updates on the Israel-Hamas war “I’m grateful to the Express for their willingness to provide the information gleaned from their own investigation. It was instrumental in helping us intervene successfully," Detective Superintendent Thomas said. “Mindful of the suggestion that this was one part of a planned week of action, we are in contact with the City of London Police as well as other forces across the UK to ensure that appropriate resources are in place to deal with any disruption in the coming days,” he added. Also watch | Israel-Hamas war: Timeline of major events from the first 100 days × Since the conflict between Israel and Hamas started on Oct 7 last year, multiple pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli protests have been held in the UK. On Saturday (January 14), thousands of people marched through central London to show solidarity with Palestine and to reiterate calls for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. According to a report by The Guardian on Sunday, the protest was organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign. Protesters met on Queen Victoria Street before making their way along Fleet Street towards Parliament Square. (With inputs from agencies)

UK: Police arrest 6 pro-Palestinian activists over plot to disrupt London Stock Exchange

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<p>Suchana Seth, the chief executive officer (CEO) of a Bengaluru-based AI startup who is accused of murdering her four-year-old son, was confronted by her husband Venkatraman PR at a police station in Goa on Saturday. Citing a police officer, a report by The Indian Express said there was a brief argument between Seth and Venkatraman.</p>

<p>"Why did you do this?," Venkatraman asked his wife to which she replied, "I did not commit the crime." The police officer told the publication there was a blame game between the husband and wife over their child's death.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The case</strong></h2>

<p>Suchana Seth, the CEO of Mindful AI lab, was arrested on Jan 8 on her way back to Bengaluru from Goa when police recovered the corpse of her son in a bag she was carrying. The police said that Seth allegedly smothered the child to death in the hotel room (in Goa) and later attempted suicide by slashing her wrist.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/police-find-suchana-seths-cryptic-note-hinting-at-why-she-killed-her-own-son-679247">Police find Suchana Seth's cryptic note hinting at why startup CEO allegedly killed her son</a></strong></p>

<p>Venkataraman was in Indonesia when the murder took place. Seth has been accused of committing the crime over a bitter custody battle with her husband. The 39-year-old woman had told her friends and family that the son reminded her of her husband’s face.</p>

<p>Speaking to the news agency PTI, a police officer said that the finding of empty cough syrup bottles indicates that Seth might have given a heavy dose of the medicine to her son and that it was a pre-planned murder.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch:&nbsp;Bengaluru based startup's CEO charged with murder of 4-year-old son in Goa, arrested</strong></p>

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<p>"The post-mortem conducted on the body has indicated the possibility that the child might have been smothered to death and there were no signs of struggle. We are examining the possibility if the woman gave a heavy dose of cough syrup to the child before putting him to death," the officer said.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Venkatraman takes possession of son's body</strong></h2>

<p>Venkatraman took possession of his son's body earlier this week. He deposed before the Goa Police on Saturday saying he last met his son on Dec 10, a report by the Hindustan Times said.</p>

<p>Venkatraman added that his wife did not allow him to meet the child for the past five Sundays in violation of the court order.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Suchana Seth, the chief executive officer (CEO) of a Bengaluru-based AI startup who is accused of murdering her four-year-old son, was confronted by her husband Venkatraman PR at a police station in Goa on Saturday.

Suchana Seth, the chief executive officer (CEO) of a Bengaluru-based AI startup who is accused of murdering her four-year-old son, was confronted by her husband Venkatraman PR at a police station in Goa on Saturday. Citing a police officer, a report by The Indian Express said there was a brief argument between Seth and Venkatraman. "Why did you do this?," Venkatraman asked his wife to which she replied, "I did not commit the crime." The police officer told the publication there was a blame game between the husband and wife over their child's death. The case Suchana Seth, the CEO of Mindful AI lab, was arrested on Jan 8 on her way back to Bengaluru from Goa when police recovered the corpse of her son in a bag she was carrying. The police said that Seth allegedly smothered the child to death in the hotel room (in Goa) and later attempted suicide by slashing her wrist. Also read: Police find Suchana Seth's cryptic note hinting at why startup CEO allegedly killed her son Venkataraman was in Indonesia when the murder took place. Seth has been accused of committing the crime over a bitter custody battle with her husband. The 39-year-old woman had told her friends and family that the son reminded her of her husband’s face. Speaking to the news agency PTI, a police officer said that the finding of empty cough syrup bottles indicates that Seth might have given a heavy dose of the medicine to her son and that it was a pre-planned murder. Also watch: Bengaluru based startup's CEO charged with murder of 4-year-old son in Goa, arrested × "The post-mortem conducted on the body has indicated the possibility that the child might have been smothered to death and there were no signs of struggle. We are examining the possibility if the woman gave a heavy dose of cough syrup to the child before putting him to death," the officer said. Venkatraman takes possession of son's body Venkatraman took possession of his son's body earlier this week. He deposed before the Goa Police on Saturday saying he last met his son on Dec 10, a report by the Hindustan Times said. Venkatraman added that his wife did not allow him to meet the child for the past five Sundays in violation of the court order. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Suchana Seth, Bengaluru CEO accused of killing son, confronted by husband

<p>Health authorities in China on Sunday (Jan 14) warned of a potential resurgence of Covid this month&nbsp;driven by the JN.1 subvariant. According to a report by CGTN, the National Health Commission (NHC) highlighted the increasing presence of JN.1, and said that multiple respiratory diseases were likely to spread this winter and next spring.</p>

<p>"Influenza viruses are expected to remain the dominant pathogen," Wang Dayan, head of the Chinese National Influenza Center, told reporters. Wang attributed the JN.1's rise to several factors including imported cases, lower influenza rates and declining population immunity.</p>

<p>As per the CGTN report, the top health official advised that high-risk groups such as pregnant women, children and the elderly should prioritise annual influenza vaccination and maintain health habits.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-during-holidays-who-says-nearly-10000-died-due-to-cases-fueled-by-new-variant-679008">COVID-19 during holidays: WHO says nearly 10,000 died due to cases fueled by new variant</a></strong></p>

<p>Wang further stressed it was important to understand that contracting one type of respiratory illness did not guarantee immunity against others in the short term.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified the JN.1 as a variant of interest and said current evidence showed that the risk to public health was low from this strain of Covid.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Covid killed 10,000 globally in December : World Health Organization</strong></p>

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<p>Last week, Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO's interim director of epidemic and pandemic preparedness, told the news agency Reuters that low vaccination rates against the latest versions of Covid and influenza were putting pressure on healthcare systems this winter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Too many people are in need of serious medical care for flu, for Covid, when we can prevent it,” Van Kerkhove said. She cited “incredibly low” vaccination rates against flu and Covid in many countries this season.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/people-with-long-covid-shouldnt-undertake-intense-exercise-study-676565">People with long Covid shouldn't undertake intense exercise: Study</a></strong></p>

<p>Reuters reported that in recent weeks, there have been reports of rising hospitalisations linked to respiratory infections in the United States, several European countries, and other parts of the world.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per the WHO, the world reported 850,000 new Covid cases and 118,000 new hospitalisations in Dec last year, a rise from Nov of 52 per cent and 23 per cent respectively.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Health authorities in China on Sunday (Jan 14) warned of a potential resurgence of Covid this month driven by the JN.1 subvariant. According to a report by CGTN, the National Health Commission (NHC) highlighted the increasing presence of JN.

Health authorities in China on Sunday (Jan 14) warned of a potential resurgence of Covid this month driven by the JN.1 subvariant. According to a report by CGTN, the National Health Commission (NHC) highlighted the increasing presence of JN.1, and said that multiple respiratory diseases were likely to spread this winter and next spring. "Influenza viruses are expected to remain the dominant pathogen," Wang Dayan, head of the Chinese National Influenza Center, told reporters. Wang attributed the JN.1's rise to several factors including imported cases, lower influenza rates and declining population immunity. As per the CGTN report, the top health official advised that high-risk groups such as pregnant women, children and the elderly should prioritise annual influenza vaccination and maintain health habits. Also read | COVID-19 during holidays: WHO says nearly 10,000 died due to cases fueled by new variant Wang further stressed it was important to understand that contracting one type of respiratory illness did not guarantee immunity against others in the short term. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified the JN.1 as a variant of interest and said current evidence showed that the risk to public health was low from this strain of Covid. Also watch | Covid killed 10,000 globally in December : World Health Organization × Last week, Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO's interim director of epidemic and pandemic preparedness, told the news agency Reuters that low vaccination rates against the latest versions of Covid and influenza were putting pressure on healthcare systems this winter. “Too many people are in need of serious medical care for flu, for Covid, when we can prevent it,” Van Kerkhove said. She cited “incredibly low” vaccination rates against flu and Covid in many countries this season. Also read | People with long Covid shouldn't undertake intense exercise: Study Reuters reported that in recent weeks, there have been reports of rising hospitalisations linked to respiratory infections in the United States, several European countries, and other parts of the world. As per the WHO, the world reported 850,000 new Covid cases and 118,000 new hospitalisations in Dec last year, a rise from Nov of 52 per cent and 23 per cent respectively. (With inputs from agencies)

China warns of potential resurgence of Covid driven by JN.1 subvariant

<p>Taiwan's outgoing President Tsai Ing-wen said on Monday (Jan 15) that a visit by the unofficial delegation from the United States highlighted “the close and staunch partnership" between Taipei and Washington. The visit of the US delegation comes days after Tsai's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) won the Jan 13 election, with Lai Ching-te set to be the island's next president.</p>

<p>We are tracking live updates on the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. At the time of writing the morning brief, in the latest available update from the conflict, a video was shared by Hamas on Sunday showing three Israeli hostages it is holding in the Gaza Strip in which they urged the Netanyahu government to stop the offensive against the Palestinian militant group.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In other news from around the world, North Korea said on Monday it had tested a new solid-fuel immediate-range hypersonic missile. This test comes a day after South Korea said that Pyongyang had fired an unidentified ballistic missile towards the East Sea.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Click on the headlines to read more:</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwans-tsai-meets-us-delegation-after-key-election-calls-visit-show-of-close-and-staunch-partnership-680001"><strong>Taiwan's Tsai meets US delegation after key election, calls visit show of 'close and staunch partnership'</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/15/405741-wion-images-2024-01-15t083050385.png?imwidth=3840" /></p>

<p>Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen, on Monday (Jan 15) said that a visit by the unofficial delegation from the United States highlights “the close and staunch partnership between Taiwan and the US”. The visit comes days after the self-ruled island elected a pro-sovereignty candidate who China said would bring war.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-live-hamas-says-many-hostages-likely-killed-blames-israel-china-calls-for-large-scale-peace-conference-679985"><strong>Israel-Hamas war LIVE: Hamas says many hostages likely killed, blames Israel; releases video of 3 hostages</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/15/405733-yearender-2023-11.png?imwidth=3840" /></p>

<p>Hamas, on Sunday, released a video&nbsp;showing three Israeli hostages it is holding in Gaza in which they urged their Israeli government to stop the offensive against the Palestinian militant group and secure&nbsp;their release.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-day-after-seouls-claims-n-korea-says-it-fired-solid-fuel-hypersonic-missile-679982"><strong>A day after Seoul's claims, N Korea says it fired solid-fuel hypersonic missile</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/04/13/345013-untitled-design-63.jpg?imwidth=3840" /></p>

<p>North Korea on Monday (Jan 15) announced it had tested a new solid-fuel immediate-range hypersonic missile, according to state news agency KCNA, a day after South Korea said its arch-rival had fired an unidentified ballistic missile towards the East Sea.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-4-dead-1-severely-injured-in-hot-air-balloon-crash-in-arizona-desert-679988">US: 4 dead, 1 severely injured in hot-air balloon crash in Arizona desert</a></strong></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/07/09/201753-untitled-design-2021-07-09t231523058.jpg?imwidth=3840" /></p>

<p>As many as four people were killed while another was severely injured after a hot-air balloon crashed in the Arizona desert on Sunday (Jan 14), according to the local police.&nbsp;The fatal crash took place near Eloy just before 8 in the morning.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Ukraine 10-point peace formula continues to take centre stage, 83 delegations to attend Davos talks</strong></p>

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Taiwan's outgoing President Tsai Ing-wen said on Monday (Jan 15) that a visit by the unofficial delegation from the United States highlighted “the close and staunch partnership" between Taipei and Washington.

Taiwan's outgoing President Tsai Ing-wen said on Monday (Jan 15) that a visit by the unofficial delegation from the United States highlighted “the close and staunch partnership" between Taipei and Washington. The visit of the US delegation comes days after Tsai's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) won the Jan 13 election, with Lai Ching-te set to be the island's next president. We are tracking live updates on the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. At the time of writing the morning brief, in the latest available update from the conflict, a video was shared by Hamas on Sunday showing three Israeli hostages it is holding in the Gaza Strip in which they urged the Netanyahu government to stop the offensive against the Palestinian militant group. In other news from around the world, North Korea said on Monday it had tested a new solid-fuel immediate-range hypersonic missile. This test comes a day after South Korea said that Pyongyang had fired an unidentified ballistic missile towards the East Sea. Click on the headlines to read more: Taiwan's Tsai meets US delegation after key election, calls visit show of 'close and staunch partnership' Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen, on Monday (Jan 15) said that a visit by the unofficial delegation from the United States highlights “the close and staunch partnership between Taiwan and the US”. The visit comes days after the self-ruled island elected a pro-sovereignty candidate who China said would bring war. Israel-Hamas war LIVE: Hamas says many hostages likely killed, blames Israel; releases video of 3 hostages Hamas, on Sunday, released a video showing three Israeli hostages it is holding in Gaza in which they urged their Israeli government to stop the offensive against the Palestinian militant group and secure their release. A day after Seoul's claims, N Korea says it fired solid-fuel hypersonic missile North Korea on Monday (Jan 15) announced it had tested a new solid-fuel immediate-range hypersonic missile, according to state news agency KCNA, a day after South Korea said its arch-rival had fired an unidentified ballistic missile towards the East Sea. US: 4 dead, 1 severely injured in hot-air balloon crash in Arizona desert As many as four people were killed while another was severely injured after a hot-air balloon crashed in the Arizona desert on Sunday (Jan 14), according to the local police. The fatal crash took place near Eloy just before 8 in the morning. Watch | Ukraine 10-point peace formula continues to take centre stage, 83 delegations to attend Davos talks ×

Morning brief: Taiwan's Tsai meets US delegation, Israel-Hamas war updates, and more

<p>Some tourists who had been stranded for several days after avalanches hit highways leading to a winter tourism area in China's Xinjiang region were lifted by a helicopter to safety, local media reported on Sunday (Jan 14). According to reports, days of heavy snow in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region triggered dozens of avalanches on large sections of highways in the Altay mountains leading to the Kanas scenic area.</p>

<p>A report by CCTV said that around six kilometres of highways were buried. A report by the Xinhua news agency said that snow and avalanches had blocked many roads leading to Kanas, Hemu, Baihaba and other scenic spots in Burqin County.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-warns-of-potential-resurgence-of-covid-driven-by-jn1-subvariant-680083">China warns of potential resurgence of Covid driven by JN.1 subvariant</a></strong></p>

<p>In a notice, the Kanas scenic area management committee said&nbsp;that stranded tourists would be given accommodation free of charge. On Monday, the committee said that it had closed the area until Saturday (Jan 20) due to the recent extreme weather to ensure the personal safety of tourists.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Over the weekend, the crew of an army aviation brigade in Xinjiang loaded fuel, generators, rice, flour, oil, and other materials onto a helicopter and went to Kanas. Upon reaching the area, the crew quickly unloaded the supplies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At the same time, some of the people trapped boarded the helicopter and were transferred from the Kanas Visitor Centre to Kanas Airport.</p>

<p>However, after completing this mission, the weather changed abruptly leading to a suspension in additional rescue efforts.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Some tourists who had been stranded for several days after avalanches hit highways leading to a winter tourism area in China's Xinjiang region were lifted by a helicopter to safety, local media reported on Sunday (Jan 14).

Some tourists who had been stranded for several days after avalanches hit highways leading to a winter tourism area in China's Xinjiang region were lifted by a helicopter to safety, local media reported on Sunday (Jan 14). According to reports, days of heavy snow in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region triggered dozens of avalanches on large sections of highways in the Altay mountains leading to the Kanas scenic area. A report by CCTV said that around six kilometres of highways were buried. A report by the Xinhua news agency said that snow and avalanches had blocked many roads leading to Kanas, Hemu, Baihaba and other scenic spots in Burqin County. Also read: China warns of potential resurgence of Covid driven by JN.1 subvariant In a notice, the Kanas scenic area management committee said that stranded tourists would be given accommodation free of charge. On Monday, the committee said that it had closed the area until Saturday (Jan 20) due to the recent extreme weather to ensure the personal safety of tourists. Over the weekend, the crew of an army aviation brigade in Xinjiang loaded fuel, generators, rice, flour, oil, and other materials onto a helicopter and went to Kanas. Upon reaching the area, the crew quickly unloaded the supplies. At the same time, some of the people trapped boarded the helicopter and were transferred from the Kanas Visitor Centre to Kanas Airport. However, after completing this mission, the weather changed abruptly leading to a suspension in additional rescue efforts. (With inputs from agencies)

China: Tourists stranded by avalanches in Xinjiang airlifted to safety

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