The ongoing war between Israel and Hamas has destroyed the Gaza Strip, with the death toll crossing 20,000. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press last Friday (Dec 22), despite the conflict intensifying, major infrastructure projects funded by the US have largely remained unscathed.

The ongoing war between Israel and Hamas has destroyed the Gaza Strip, with the death toll crossing 20,000. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press last Friday (Dec 22), despite the conflict intensifying, major infrastructure projects funded by the US have largely remained unscathed. The report said that since early October, at least five US-funded community and youth projects appeared to be damaged or destroyed, likely by the Israeli military. Satellite images shared by Maxar Technologies on Dec 20 found that over a dozen major projects backed by Washington appeared to be intact. The Israel military has not commented on the damage to these projects and the exact cause of the damage, and the satellite images could not be determined by the photos alone, the report said. 'War is exacting a terrible toll' Speaking to the Associated Press, Sean Carroll, the president of Anera, a US contractor that has built dozens of infrastructure projects in Gaza, including a sports club that was recently damaged in the war, called its destruction “a terrible tragedy.” Also read: At least 68 killed in Gaza Strip following Israeli strike on refugee camp “This war is exacting a terrible toll - on human lives and the infrastructure of daily life - that will be felt for decades to come,” Carroll said. The Gaza YMCA library, which was renovated with $89,000 in American funds, escaped unscathed, while at least one city block next to it was entirely levelled. The report further said that the Rosary Sisters School, which teaches both Muslim and Christian children, sustained some damage in a recent airstrike. Satellite images show debris and damage strewn across the school’s courtyard. Last year, around $495,000 in US taxpayer funds was used to built new classrooms with smart boards, air conditioning, an elevator, and a new floor to have space for a high school. Also read: Israeli military releases video of huge Hamas tunnel where five hostages were found dead Images also showed two different centres serving children with disabilities appear to have been damaged or destroyed in recent days. Since the conflict began on Oct 7, Israel has blamed Hamas for the damage, saying that the Palestinian militant group used Gaza's civilian infrastructure as cover to launch attacks, hide militants and weapons, and build tunnels underground. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: US-funded infrastructure projects in Gaza largely unscathed in conflict

A Nicaragua-bound flight with 303 Indians onboard was grounded in France last week over suspicion of human trafficking. The flight is expected to leave the Vatry airport and arrive in India later on Monday (Dec 25).

A Nicaragua-bound flight with 303 Indians onboard was grounded in France last week over suspicion of human trafficking. The flight is expected to leave the Vatry airport and arrive in India later on Monday (Dec 25). As France launched an investigation into the matter, news has emerged that an alleged kingpin of a human trafficking case in the Indian state of Gujarat is linked to the Nicaragua-bound Airbus A340. Citing sources in Indian security agencies, a report by The Times of India (TOI) on Monday said that Shashi Kiran Reddy, the alleged kingpin of last year's Dingucha case, let off by the Gujarat police for lack of evidence, was likely the mastermind in the grounded Nicaragua-bound flight case. The sources told TOI that of the passengers onboard the Airbus A340 at Vatry airport, 96 were from Gujarat. What is the 2022 Dingucha case? In January last year, four members of a family- Jagdish Patel (39), Vaishali Patel (37), and their two children Vihangi Patel (11) and Dharmik Patel (3) were found dead near Canada's Emerson. The Patels, who belonged to Gujarat's Dingucha village, had frozen to death while attempting to illegally cross into the United States from Canada. As per the TOI report, it was found that Jagdish's brother Mahendra had organised the journey to the US. One of the sources told the publication that Mahendra was working with Shashi Kiran Reddy and they had sent thousands of people from Gujarat to the US. Also read: 11 minors among 303 Indian passengers on flight grounded by France: Report The source added that Reddy prepared documents of Jagdish and his family, and coordinated with offshore human smugglers to help them cross the US border. Three other people were arrested in this case. A smuggling network operating for 15 years The TOI report further said that Reddy has been running a human smuggling network for the last 15 years, arranging flights from Dubai to Nicaragua. From here, people were illegally taken to the US, the sources also told the publication. In the Airbus A340 of Legend Airlines that was grounded in France last Friday, passengers of the flight were questioned for two days. Two passengers have been detained to verify whether their role "may have been different than the others in this transport, and under what conditions and with what objectives." (With inputs from agencies)

Alleged kingpin of Gujarat trafficking case linked to grounded flight with Indians aboard: Report

India's daily Covid tally saw a slight decline on Monday (Dec 25), with 628 cases recorded in the last 24 hours. According to the Union health ministry's update, active cases in the country have crossed 4,000 and stand at 4,054.

India's daily Covid tally saw a slight decline on Monday (Dec 25), with 628 cases recorded in the last 24 hours. According to the Union health ministry's update, active cases in the country have crossed 4,000 and stand at 4,054. As many as 315 patients recovered and one death was reported in the last 24 hours. The total recoveries and deaths have climbed to 44,471,860 and 533,334 respectively. On Sunday, India recorded 656 cases, one death, and 333 recoveries. As per the health ministry's update, the country's recovery rate currently stands at 98.81 per cent. Meanwhile, on Saturday, 423 people tested positive for the virus. Kerala is adding the most number of cases during the recent COVID-19 surge in India. On Sunday, a single fatality in the country was reported from Kerala and two people died in the state on Saturday. Over 20 cases of JN.1 subvariant reported so far So far, the country has reported over 20 cases of the subvariant JN.1. Citing sources, the news agency ANI reported that all these cases of the variant had mild symptoms. Top Indian doctors suggested people take precautions during the holiday season as the subvariant has raised a health alert in the country. "We have to take the same precautions that we took during the coronavirus pandemic. People who are going to crowded places should wear masks, hands should be washed at regular intervals, and maintain social distancing. Also, elderlies and young children should be cautious, and others should not panic at all," Dr Rakesh Shrivastava, head of Bhopal District Hospital, told ANI last Friday. "Ahead of Christmas and New Year celebrations, I will advise you to be cautious while going in crowded areas. I always say that everyone should celebrate but with caution. Any person who has a cough, cold, fever, irritation in the throat, sneezing, or a runny nose, whether they are infected with coronavirus or swine flu or not, should always wear a mask," general physician Dr Gautam Bhansali said. The World Health Organization (WHO) classified JN.1 as a "variant of interest" and said current evidence showed the risk to public health was low from the strain. Andrew Pekosz, a virologist at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, told Reuters last Wednesday that while there might be more cases with the variant, JN.1 did not pose a greater risk. (With inputs from agencies)

Active Covid cases in India cross 4,000; fresh infections at 628

Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein&nbsp;Amirabdollahian&nbsp; on Saturday (December 23) denied US&nbsp;accusations that it was involved in planning attacks by Yemen's Tehran-aligned Houthi movement on commercial vessels in the Red Sea.

The White House had said Tehran was "deeply involved" in planning the operations and its intelligence was critical to enable the Houthis to target ships.

Iran supports the Houthis but officially denies arming the group, which has seized Yemen's capital Sanaa after ousting the government and now controls large swaths of the country.

The Houthis, who say their attacks are aimed at Israel-linked ships and are in support of Palestinians under siege by Israel in Gaza, have targeted commercial shipping in the Red Sea with drones and missiles, forcing shippers to change course and take longer routes around the southern tip of Africa.

Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian on Saturday (December 23) denied US accusations that it was involved in planning attacks by Yemen's Tehran-aligned Houthi movement on commercial vessels in the Red Sea.

Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian on Saturday (December 23) denied US accusations that it was involved in planning attacks by Yemen's Tehran-aligned Houthi movement on commercial vessels in the Red Sea. The White House had said Tehran was "deeply involved" in planning the operations and its intelligence was critical to enable the Houthis to target ships. Iran supports the Houthis but officially denies arming the group, which has seized Yemen's capital Sanaa after ousting the government and now controls large swaths of the country. The Houthis, who say their attacks are aimed at Israel-linked ships and are in support of Palestinians under siege by Israel in Gaza, have targeted commercial shipping in the Red Sea with drones and missiles, forcing shippers to change course and take longer routes around the southern tip of Africa.

Iran's foreign minister denies helping Houthis plan attacks on Israel-linked ships

The Delhi Metro on Sunday (Dec 24) completed 21 years of its operations. It currently has a network of 393 kilometres and 288 stations. In a statement, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) said, "More than six million passenger journeys are being performed every single day on the Delhi Metro making it one of the largest mass transit systems in the entire world.

The Delhi Metro on Sunday (Dec 24) completed 21 years of its operations. It currently has a network of 393 kilometres and 288 stations. In a statement, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) said, "More than six million passenger journeys are being performed every single day on the Delhi Metro making it one of the largest mass transit systems in the entire world. In fact, the Delhi Metro is also one of the fastest-expanding Metro networks anywhere in the world." The Delhi Metro was inaugurated on Dec 24, 2002, with the then Indian prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee flagging off the first stretch of the network from Shahdara to Tis Hazari on the Red Line. "In the last 21 years, more than 380 kilometres of additional lines have been laid in the NCR, which is a staggering feat and probably, the biggest infrastructure marvel created in the country. In addition, presently another 65 kilometres of new lines are being laid across the national capital, which will take the network length beyond 400 kilometres in the days to come," the DMRC said. A look at the achievements in 2023 The DMRC mentioned a list of achievements of the Delhi Metro this year. On Sept 4, the network recorded over 7.1 million passenger journeys in a single day, which is the highest ever for the mass transit system. Thirteen days later (on Sept 17), the network started to operate the Airport Express Line at a speed of 120 kilometres per hour (kmph) compared to the earlier 90 kmph. "This historic increase in speed of India’s fastest Metro corridor gradually from 90 KMPH to 120 KMPH was made possible by meticulous planning and time-bound implementation by DMRC’s engineers in consultation with a number of other government agencies and domain experts," the statement said. Also on Sept 17, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Dwarka Sector 21 – Yashobhoomi Dwarka Sector 25 extension of the Airport Express Line as well, which now provides the Yashobhoomi Convention Centre with Metro connectivity. On Nov 1, the Delhi Metro launched Momentum 2.0 - an innovative platform set to redefine the daily commuting experience for millions in the National Capital Region (NCR). "The app provides instant and direct access to services such as Integrated QR Ticketing (mainline and airport line), a wide array of e-shopping choices, digital lockers for quick and safe deliveries, Smart Utility Payments and last-mile connectivity options," the statement further said.

India: Delhi Metro completes 21 years of service. Here’s what it has achieved so far

The strong earthquake that hit northwest China earlier this week and killed at least 148 people has caused economic damages worth millions, the news agency Associated Press reported on Saturday (Dec 23) citing state media.

The strong earthquake that hit northwest China earlier this week and killed at least 148 people has caused economic damages worth millions, the news agency Associated Press reported on Saturday (Dec 23) citing state media. The earthquake of magnitude 6.2 struck in a mountainous region on Monday night between Gansu and Qinghai provinces and about 1,300 kilometres southwest of Beijing. State media reported that 117 people were killed in Gansu and 31 others were killed in neighbouring Qinghai, and three people were missing. Nearly 1,000 people were injured in the disaster and over 14,000 homes were destroyed. In Gansu, preliminary assessments showed that the province's agricultural and fisheries industries lost around $74.6 million. A report by CCTV said that authorities were considering the best use of the relief fund (that was set up days before) for the agricultural sector to resume production as soon as possible. 'A race against time to house earthquake victims' A local official told the news agency on Thursday that authorities were racing against time to make sure victims of Monday's earthquake were sheltered from the freezing winter. "Right now, it's a race against time to meet the needs of the population as quickly as possible, so that people can spend a warm winter in complete safety," Zhou Yongfeng, an official from Gansu's Jishishan county, said. Following the earthquake, a huge logistics operation unfolded with thousands of relief workers setting up shelter, food, and other facilities for the displaced, AFP reported. The earthquake was China's deadliest since 2014 when more than 600 people were killed in southwestern Yunnan province. On Friday, a report by CGTN said that said the first batch of 500 temporary housing units had been built for residents in Meipo, a village in Gansu as winter intensified. Many had spent the night in shelters set up in the area as temperatures plunged well below freezing point. (With inputs from agencies)

Recent quake in China that killed 148 caused economic losses worth millions

Heatwave warnings were issued in large parts of Australia on Sunday (Dec 24) amid scorching temperatures. According to a report by the news agency Reuters, authorities warned of a high bushfire risk in many parts of the Western Australia state.

Heatwave warnings were issued in large parts of Australia on Sunday (Dec 24) amid scorching temperatures. According to a report by the news agency Reuters, authorities warned of a high bushfire risk in many parts of the Western Australia state. The weather forecaster issued heatwave alerts for the western state, the Northern Territory, and the eastern Queensland state, warning temperatures in some regions could hit around 45 degrees Celsius. Data from the weather forecaster showed that in Western Australia's capital city of Perth, a maximum temperature of 35 degrees Celsius was forecast for Sunday, more than five degrees above the December mean. Over 20 bushfire warnings issued in Western Australia More than 20 bushfire warnings were issued in Western Australia including an uncontrolled one near Pemberton, a town of around 5,000 residents. Citing a statement from the state's Department of Fire and Emergency Services, Reuters reported that more difficult weather was expected from Sunday afternoon as hot, dry, and windy conditions hit a large section of Western Australia, including Perth. "Weather conditions over the next few days will put pressure on containment lines and potentially increase fire activity," the statement added. The agency also warned of a high fire danger for many areas of Western Australia and said more than 1,000 firefighters had been fighting blazes statewide over the past five days. Australia's east scorched due to El Nino Reuters further reported on Sunday that the eastern part of Australia was this month scorched due to El Nino, a climate pattern in which unusually warm Pacific Ocean temperatures cause heatwaves, cyclones, droughts, and wildfires. Earlier in December, a heatwave warning affected areas in every state and territory, except for Tasmania. (With inputs from agencies)

Heatwave warnings issued in Australia, authorities warn of bushfire risk

British Home Secretary James Cleverly has been severely criticised for joking about spiking his wife Susannah Janet Temple Cleverly's drink with a date rape drug, British media reported on Saturday (Dec 23).

British Home Secretary James Cleverly has been severely criticised for joking about spiking his wife Susannah Janet Temple Cleverly's drink with a date rape drug, British media reported on Saturday (Dec 23). According to a report by The Sunday Mirror, Home Secretary Cleverly made this comment during an event at Downing Street. Cleverly told female guests “a little bit of Rohypnol in her (wife's) drink every night” was “not really illegal if it’s only a little bit.” He also said that the secret to a long marriage was ensuring "your spouse someone who is always mildly sedated so she can never realise there are better men out there." Cleverly's joke came just hours after the Home Office announced plans to crack down on spiking. The home secretary has faced backlash for his joke, with angry campaigners calling on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to investigate his behaviour, the report by The Sunday Mirror said. ‘Spiking isn't a joking matter’ Speaking to the publication, Colin Mackie, chair of Spike Aware UK said, "Spiking isn’t a joking matter." Mackie, who lost his child through drink spiking said it was an appalling thing for the home secretary to make such a comment, “especially when we’re trying to get changes to the law.” Also read: UK PM Sunak's political enemies were allegedly plotting end of his career in London restaurant: Report Senior Labour Party leaders also criticised the comment. "It is truly unbelievable that the Home Secretary made such appalling jokes on the very same day the Government announced a new policy on spiking. It suggests that despite being the Cabinet Minister ultimately responsible for tackling violence against women and girls he doesn’t get how serious this is." Alex Davies-Jones, the shadow minister for domestic violence and safeguarding, said “It was a joke’ is the most tired excuse in the book and no one is buying it." “If the home secretary is serious about tackling spiking, and violence against women and girls, then that requires a full cultural change. The ‘banter’ needs to stop and it has to start at the top,” Davies-Jones added. Cleverly apologises for comment As per the report, a spokesperson for Cleverly said, “In what was always understood as a private conversation, the Home Secretary made what was clearly meant to be an ironic joke – for which he apologises.” Also watch: James Cleverly apologises for ‘appalling’ date rape drug joke at No 10 event × This is not the first time that Cleverly has been under fire. In November, he apologised in the Commons for using “inappropriate language” towards Labour MP Alex Cunningham but denied he called the latter’s Stockton constituency a "shit hole." (With inputs from agencies)

UK Home Secretary James Cleverly faces criticism for date rape drug joke, apologises

Republican presidential hopeful Nikki Haley has pulled within four percentage points of longtime party front-runner and former United States president Donald Trump in a New Hampshire poll.

Republican presidential hopeful Nikki Haley has pulled within four percentage points of longtime party front-runner and former United States president Donald Trump in a New Hampshire poll. According to a report by The Guardian, the poll was released on Thursday and asked voters whom they preferred in the New Hampshire presidential primary on January 23 next year. Haley earned 29 per cent support to Trump's 33 per cent. This showed that the gap between Haley and Trump was within the poll's four per cent margin of error after Trump held dominating polling leads in the race for the Republican White House nomination. Also read: Republican presidential debate: Nikki Haley clashes with Vivek Ramaswamy, calls him 'scum' Chris Christie, the former New Jersey governor was ranked third, garnering 13 per cent support. On the other hand, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis got six per cent support while Vivek Ramaswamy received 5 per cent support. Haley doubled support in New Hampshire since Sept The New Hampshire poll came a day after a poll from the Saint Anselm College New Hampshire Institute of Politics showed that Haley had doubled her support in the state since Sept. This seemingly cemented her as a clear alternate choice to Trump for Conservative voters. However, the findings of Saint Anselm's survey were more favourable to Trump showing him with a 44 per cent to 30 per cent lead over Haley, The Guardian reported. Trump's mixed reactions to New Hampshire poll The report further said that Haley's strong poll showings appear to have drawn mixed reactions from Trump. On Friday, he hit out at Haley in a post on his social media platform Truth Social. “Fake New Hampshire poll was released on Birdbrain. Just another scam!” Also read: Nikki Haley only Republican presidential aspirant who can defeat Biden: Poll On the same day, Trump spoke with radio show host Hugh Hewitt and dismissed the poll by saying it was fake. However, a report by CBS News on Friday said that Trump had been asking his allies for their thoughts about Haley as a potential vice presidential candidate.

US prez poll 2024: Nikki Haley surges in New Hampshire poll to within 4 points of Trump

Air India said on Saturday (Dec 23) that it received India's first Airbus A350 aircraft. In a statement, the carrier said it has place an order for 20 A350-900s and the first such aircraft arrived in New Delhi at 1.

Air India said on Saturday (Dec 23) that it received India's first Airbus A350 aircraft. In a statement, the carrier said it has place an order for 20 A350-900s and the first such aircraft arrived in New Delhi at 1.46 pm from the Airbus facility in Toulouse, France. Five more aircraft will be delivered in March 2024. "The delivery flight, operated using a special call sign AI350, was welcomed by Air India representatives. Air India’s Senior Commander Capt. Monika Batra Vaidya, who is among the first few Indian pilots to be trained on A350, was on board as an observer," said AIR India in a statement. "Air India leads the way in catalysing the renaissance of Indian aviation, inducting the first new widebody fleet type in India in more than a decade, and thus, becoming the first Indian airline to fly the A350. Air India was also the first Indian airline to have inducted the Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet type in 2012," it added. 'Aircraft promises world-class travel experience' Reacting to the delivery of the A350, Air India's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director Campbell Wilson said, "This moment marks a red-letter day for all of us at Air India. The A350 is not just metal and engines; it’s the flying embodiment of the relentless efforts of all Air India employees towards our airline’s continuing transformation and of our commitment to setting new benchmarks." First look inside our stunning A350-900! 28 luxurious and private suites with full-flat beds in Business Class, 24 Premium Economy seats with extra legroom and comfort, and 264 spacious & ergonomic Economy Class seats. Where will you fly first? ✈#AI350 #AirIndia #FlyAI… pic.twitter.com/5BfZJfMdhy — Air India (@airindia) December 23, 2023 × Wilson said the aircraft promises a world-class, long-haul travel experience and unparalleled comfort. "Its excellent flight economics and state-of-the-art technology underscore our dedication to commercially successful operations and to achieving our sustainability goals,” he added. Aircraft to enter commercial service in Jan 2024 According to Air India, the A350 will enter commercial service in January 2024, initially operating domestically for crew familiarisation, followed by longer-haul flying to destinations across continents. The schedule for the commercial operations with the aircraft will be announced in the coming weeks. "Air India’s A350-900 aircraft come in a three-class cabin configuration with 316 seats designed by Collins Aerospace: 28 private Business Class suites with full-flat beds, 24 Premium Economy seats with extra legroom and multiple other differentiating features, and 264 spacious Economy Class seats. All seats on the aircraft feature the latest-generation Panasonic eX3 in-flight entertainment system and HD screens to provide superior flying experience," the statement added.

Air India receives its first Airbus A350, becomes only Indian airline to fly it

An Exoplanet That Puts Saturn’s Rings to Shame: What is J1407b? 

The J1407b, also commonly known as ‘Super Saturn’, is an exoplanet located 433.8 light-years from Earth in the constellation of Centaurus. The J1407b is regarded as the first possible exoplanet with a ring system. It was discovered in 2012 by the University of Rochester. 

A Look at the Exoplanet’s Enormous Rings 

According to NASA, the diameter of J1407b’s ring system is nearly 120 million kilometres, more than 200 times as large as the rings of Saturn. If one could replace Saturn’s rings with the rings around J1407b, they would be easily visible at night at Earth and be many times larger than the full moon. 

Exoplanet Much Larger than Jupiter or Saturn 

NASA said J1407b is much larger than Jupiter or Saturn. The mass of J1407b has been difficult to ascertain, but it is most likely to in the range of about 10 to 40 times of Jupiter. 

Air pollution in China worsened this year, for the first time in decades, a study said on Friday (Dec 22). The study conducted by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) said that 80 per cent of provincial capitals, including Beijing, saw an increase in Particulate Matter (PM2.

Air pollution in China worsened this year, for the first time in decades, a study said on Friday (Dec 22). The study conducted by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) said that 80 per cent of provincial capitals, including Beijing, saw an increase in Particulate Matter (PM2.5) this year. "In 2023, 13 out of China’s 31 provincial capitals have not met the national standard for PM2.5, and 11 provincial capitals have not met the standard for ozone. They are concentrated in the northern key air pollution control regions and central China," the study said. "Nearly half of the capital cities that have not met the PM2.5 standard have improved air quality compared to the previous year, while all cities that are in compliance with the standard have seen increases. This shows efforts are also needed from places where air quality doesn’t exceed the national standards," it added. Year-on-year increase in air pollutants CREA said on Friday that frequent smog episodes that occurred in February and March this year raised China's PM2.5 concentration to the highest point of the year by this March, "that is 46µg/m3, and raised Beijing’s PM2.5 concentration up to 47.8µg/m3, an increase of 30.6% from the same period last year." By the end of November, the 12-month moving average of PM2.5 in Beijing reached 32.6µg/m3, which is a 7.7% increase from last year. What are the reasons for the worsening pollution? As per the study, unfavourable weather conditions promoted PM2.5 pollution in certain places in China. "The overall increase in human-caused emissions has pushed the pollution level higher," the study said. CREA also pointed out that for long, air pollution has been co-related with heavy industrial structures in China. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, PM2.5 particles, on being inhaled, can have serious health risks, linked to premature deaths in people with heart or lung disease, as well as a host of breathing and other health issues. The rebound of air pollution has raised the alarm for the central government. "From the regional perspective, 62% of the provincial capitals in the north will not meet the national standard for PM2.5 this year, with the other 23% falling under the category of the risk of not meeting the standard," the study further said, adding capitals of four neighbouring provinces or municipalities in central China, Sichuan, Chongqing, Hunan and Hubei, will not be able to meet the national standard for PM2.5 as well. (With inputs from agencies)

China’s air pollution worsened in 2023, the first time in 10 years: Study

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