A missile strike damaged a merchant ship off India's coast on Saturday (Dec 23) morning. The attack occurred 200 nautical miles southwest of Veraval and resulted in a substantial explosion, causing significant damage to the vessel.

A missile strike damaged a merchant ship off India's coast on Saturday (Dec 23) morning. The attack occurred 200 nautical miles southwest of Veraval and resulted in a substantial explosion, causing significant damage to the vessel. However, no casualties were reported. The United Kingdom's Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) had first issued a public alert of the incident. Indian Coast Guard ship ICGS Vikram is moving towards a merchant vessel MV Chem Pluto in the Arabian Sea 217 nautical miles off Porbandar cost after it reported a fire incident suspected to be caused by a drone attack. The vessel has crude oil and was going towards Mangalore from… pic.twitter.com/a8JQevOn1Z — ANI (@ANI) December 23, 2023 × The vessel called MV Chem Pluto had crude oil and was going towards Mangalore from a port in Saudi Arabia. Speaking to the news agency ANI, defence officials said the Coast Guard ship ICGS Vikram was moving towards the merchant's vessel. "As per inputs received, the fire has been extinguished but it has affected its functioning," the officials added. Crew includes 21 Indians Indian Navy officials, meanwhile, said that navy ships were also moving towards the vessel. The crew includes 21 Indians and one Vietnamese. The missile strike could have been done using a drone and this angle was under investigation. Visuals of the MV Chem Pluto taken by the Indian Coast Guard’s Dornier maritime surveillance aircraft in the Arabian Sea after it was hit by a suspected drone which led to fire on it. pic.twitter.com/B4f61BgAGt — ANI (@ANI) December 23, 2023 × ANI later reported that the coast guard officials said that Dornier maritime surveillance aircraft established communication with the distressed vessel. After the drone attack, the ship switched off its Automatic Identification System which can be used for tracking the vessel. The power generation system of the ship was functional and more checks were being carried out before it set out for its destination. Merchant ship to rendezvous with ICGS Vikram soon Later on Saturday, coast guard officials said MV Chem Pluto had started moving at a speed of around 11 nautical miles per hour and Indian Coast Guard ship ICGS Vikram is likely to rendezvous with it around 10 PM tonight. "MV Chem Pluto has also requested to be escorted by ICGS Vikram and is expected to reach Mumbai by early December 25," the officials told ANI. (With inputs from agencies)

Missile strike hits merchant ship off India’s coast; crew includes 21 Indians

A major fire broke out at Ankura Hospital in Hyderabad on Saturday (Dec 23) evening. According to media reports, the fire was reported at around 5.30 pm and there were no casualties.

A major fire broke out at Ankura Hospital in Hyderabad on Saturday (Dec 23) evening. According to media reports, the fire was reported at around 5.30 pm and there were no casualties. A report by Telangana Today said that the hospital management informed the police about the fire who then alerted the fire department. Three fire tenders reached the spot and the fire was brought under control, the report added. Panic gripped the hospital's surroundings with people rushing to rescue the patients. What was the cause of the fire? Later in a statement, Ankura Hospital said the terrace outdoor lights caught fire due to a short-circuit. "The fire department was immediately informed and the fire was brought under control immediately. There have been no casualties," the statement added. #WATCH | Hyderabad, Telangana: A fire broke out at Ankura Hospital in the Gudimalkapur area. Fire tenders reached the spot. More details are awaited. pic.twitter.com/xcDfIZ2S4C — ANI (@ANI) December 23, 2023 × "We are taking all precautions to ensure the safety of our staff and patients," the hospital further said. Fire officials told Telangana Today that the hospital was functioning on the ground plus three floors of the building.

Major fire breaks out at hospital in India's Hyderabad

The Israel-Hamas war will soon enter its third month, and there are fears that this ongoing conflict might spill over to the rest of the Middle East. The Iran-aligned Houthis of Yemen have been playing an escalating role in the war, attacking commercial ships at the southern end of the Red Sea, and also firing missiles at Israel.

The Israel-Hamas war will soon enter its third month, and there are fears that this ongoing conflict might spill over to the rest of the Middle East. The Iran-aligned Houthis of Yemen have been playing an escalating role in the war, attacking commercial ships at the southern end of the Red Sea, and also firing missiles at Israel. According to a report by the news agency Reuters on Wednesday (Dec 20), the attacks have raised the spectre of another bout of disruption to international commerce which was previously seen during the Covid pandemic. A United States-led international force has been dispatched to patrol waters near Yemen. The attacks in the Red Sea have also threatened sea lanes through which much of the world's oil is shipped. Several shipping companies along with some liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers have decided to avoid the world's main East-West trade route following the attacks. The significance of the Red Sea The Red Sea is the only route to the Suez Canal, linking some of the world's biggest consumers of tradable goods in Europe with big suppliers in Asia, a report by The Straits Times on Saturday said. The report added that around 12 per cent of global trade passes through the canal and more than $1 trillion worth of goods per year. The attacks by Houthis have made reaching the Suez Canal more perilous. Reuters reported on Wednesday that 4-8 per cent of global LNG cargoes passed through the canal this year. Click here to follow all updates on the Israel-Hamas war Citing S&P Global Commodity Insights, the report said that in 2023, a total of 16.2 million metric tonnes (MMT), or 51% of LNG trade, has flowed from the Atlantic Basin east through the Suez Canal, while 15.7 MMT went through the canal from the Pacific Basin west. On the other hand, 8.2 million barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil and oil products traversed the Red Sea over January-November, as per analytics firm Vortexa. The main shippers through the Red Sea route The Suez Canal is one of the most important arteries of the global oil trade. Vortexa's head of intelligence and analysis for MENA Jay Maroo told Reuters that the northbound traffic (through the Red Sea route) is dominated by European imports, primarily of crude oil from Middle East producers and also of middle distillates from India and the Middle East. The southbound traffic comprises crude flows, mainly from Russia to Asian customers, and also refined products naphtha and fuel oil, he added. Three countries - Qatar, the US, and Russia are the most active shippers of LNG via the canal. Who guards the Red Sea? Some commercial ships in the Red Sea have armed security who can open fire on approaching vessels if they look hostile. However, the region is also protected by the Combined Maritime Forces- a 39-nation partnership including the navies of the United States, India, Australia, France, the United Kingdom (UK), Saudi Arabia and Yemen. On Tuesday, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced the creation of a multinational operation to safeguard commerce in the Red Sea. “The lifeblood of a rules-based international order is actually seawater. All countries have the right to move freely and lawfully in international waters, but that foundational global right is under new threat today from the totally unacceptable attacks on merchant vessels by the Houthis in Yemen,” Austin said. Also read: Red Sea crisis weighs on already disrupted global supply chains “So, this morning we’ve launched Operation Prosperity Guardian, under the umbrella of combined maritime forces and under the leadership of taskforce 153. That operation is bringing together more than a dozen countries from around the world to conduct joint patrols in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden,” he added. The Pentagon said on Thursday that more than 20 countries agreed to participate in the coalition. "We've had over 20 nations now sign on to participate. We'll allow other countries, defer to them to talk about their participation," Pentagon Press Secretary Major General Patrick Ryder said. Have prices been impacted following the attacks? Reuters reported on Wednesday that Asian spot LNG prices were at $12.3 per million British thermal units (mmBtu) and remained throughout this range since the attacks by Houthis (at the Red Sea) started. Prices have fallen in recent weeks mounting demand concerns and growing indications that the world will go into the next year in a supply surplus. Tamas Varga of oil broker PVM told the news agency that the recent rise in oil prices was understandable "but the rally will not last unless oil supply is materially affected." Oil freight prices have already been impacted. According to Vortexa, Rates for booking a Suezmax to transport crude from the Middle East to Europe went up 25 per cent in a week. A shipping source told Reuters that insurance war risk premiums went up from $2,000 to $10,000. Meanwhile, crude and oil products market players said the extent of the impact will be determined by the duration of shipping disruptions as a result of the Houthi attacks. LNG market players have said that the gas trade is likely to be largely unaffected and any disruption would not have a massive impact on global supply. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained: How attacks on Red Sea by Houthis will affect oil and gas shipping?

Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar said on Saturday (Dec 23) that terrorism in India started at the time of its independence when raiders came across Pakistan, and called for a "response" to cross-border terrorism.

Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar said on Saturday (Dec 23) that terrorism in India started at the time of its independence when raiders came across Pakistan, and called for a "response" to cross-border terrorism. Speaking to reporters, Foreign Minister Jaishankar said, "...Terrorism started at the moment of our independence when so-called raiders came from across Pakistan...What has changed in this country today, I think the Mumbai 26/11, to me, was the tipping point." Jaishankar pointed out that a lot of people were very confused till they saw the true graphic impactful phase of terrorism of 26/11. "Now, what we need to do first is we need to counter. I know that people who said, oh, we had a very smart strategy of turning the other cheek. I don't think that's just the mood of the nation. I don't think it makes sense. I don't think it makes strategic sense," the foreign minister further told reporters. 'Terrorism has long been a challenge for India' Earlier on Saturday, S Jaishankar addressed the third convocation of Rashtriya Raksha University in Lavad, Gandhinagar, where he said that terrorism had long been a challenge for India. Also read: India's Jaishankar rakes up 'extremism' after hate crime at Hindu temple in US "Terrorism has long been a particular challenge for India. And our mission is to de-legitimise it, and to counter it remains unrelenting. And, as the world has seen, it is a domain that draws particular energy from technology, and technology advancements," he said. The foreign minister also elucidated the multifaceted nature of counterterrorism efforts, mentioning the expansion of India's interests to contribute to the security of others. "Counterterrorism therefore challenges both our capabilities and our imaginations. As our interests expand, we have to strive to also contribute to the security of others. This may be in the immediate neighbourhood, or it may be in terms of financial, health and energy support to them, or it may be for a larger constituency like the Global South," he said during the event. Encounter in J&K's Poonch kills five soldiers Jaishankar's remarks came after five army soldiers died and two others were injured after an ambush by terrorists of two army vehicles in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district. A day later, three male civilians were found dead under suspicious circumstances near the encounter site. In a post on X, the Union Territory's PR wing said, "The death of three civilians was reported yesterday in Baffliaz of Poonch District. The medico legal formalities were conducted and legal action in this matter has been initiated by the appropriate authority. Government has announced compensation for each of the deceased. Government has also announced compassionate appointments to the next of kin of each deceased." (With inputs from agencies)

Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar calls for ‘response’ to cross-border terrorism: ‘26/11 was tipping point’

GTA VI Hacker Gets Indefinite Hospital Order

All images: Rockstar Games, Pexels (For representative images)

British Teenager Faces Restricted Hospital Order for 'Unlimited Period'

Eighteen-year-old Arion Kurtaj, responsible for leaking 90 GTA VI clips, was sentenced to a restricted hospital order. According to the City of London Police, the sentence was given under sections 37 and 41 of the Mental Health Act 1983 and section 5 of the Criminal Procedure Act 1964."

Teen Hacked Rockstar Games Despite Being on Police Protection

Kurtaj hacked Rockstar Games despite being on police protection at a hotel. Even though his laptop was confiscated, Kurtaj carried out his hacks using an Amazon Firestick on his hotel television, and a mobile phone.

Rehabilitation, Supervision: What Does the Order Contain?

As per the hospital order, Kurtaj would have an 18-month supervision requirement, a six-month rehabilitation requirement, and a three-month intensive supervision and surveillance requirement.

According to a report by The Guardian, a Southwark crown court heard that Kurtaj was unfit to stand trial due to his acute autism. The court in its hearing said that Kurtaj had been violent while in custody, with reports of injury and property damage, and was deemed unfit by doctors.

An 18-year-old hacker in the United Kingdom (UK), who leaked 90 clips of the yet-to-be-released Grand Theft Auto VI, was handed an indefinite hospital order on Thursday (Dec 21).

An 18-year-old hacker in the United Kingdom (UK), who leaked 90 clips of the yet-to-be-released Grand Theft Auto VI, was handed an indefinite hospital order on Thursday (Dec 21). According to a statement by City of London Police, "18-year-old Arion Kurtaj of Oxfordshire was given a restricted hospital order for an unlimited period under sections 37 and 41 of the Mental Health Act 1983 and section 5 of the Criminal Procedure Act 1964." "He was handed the order at the same court after a jury found that he had acted to commit numerous computer misuse, fraud, and blackmail offences," the statement added. The police also urged parents to be aware of their children's internet usage. As per the hospital order, Kurtaj would have an 18-month supervision requirement, a six-month rehabilitation requirement, and a three-month intensive supervision and surveillance requirement. Kurtaj carried out hacks while in police protection A report by The Guardian on Thursday said that Kurtaj was on bail for hacking Nvidia and BT/EE and also in police protection at a hotel when he continued his hacking and breached Rockstar Games, the company that makes GTA. The report said that despite having his laptop confiscated, the 18-year-old carried out his hacks using an Amazon Firestick, his hotel television, and a mobile phone. After breaking into Rockstar Games' Slack messaging channel, he said, "If Rockstar does not contact me on Telegram within 24 hours I will start releasing the source code.” Kurtaj was a part of the Lapsus$ hacking group, and he posted the GTA VI clips and source code on a forum. The court's verdict On Thursday, a Southwark crown court heard that Kurtaj would remain at a secure hospital for life unless doctors deemed him no longer a danger. The court heard that Kurtaj had been violent while in custody, with reports of injury or property damage. Doctors deemed him unfit to stand trial due to his acute autism. The jury was asked to determine whether or not the 18-year-old committed the alleged acts, not if he did so with criminal intent, The Guardian further reported. (With inputs from agencies)

British hacker responsible for GTA VI leaks handed indefinite hospital order

American media reports have claimed that the Israeli military used its most destructive MK-84 bombs in the first week of counter-offensive military operations in the Gaza Strip after Hamas launched an attack on Oct 7. A report by The New York Times (NYT) on Friday (Dec 22) said that Israel used these bombs on areas it called "safe" for civilians.

Gadi Haggai, a 73-year-old US-Israel dual national whom the Hamas terrorists had taken hostage by Hamas militants has died in captivity. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum said Haggai's wife was still held by Hamas, adding she was injured

In other news from around the world, French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed on Friday that he would be the chief guest for the 2024 Indian Republic Day parade in New Delhi.

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Israel used its most destructive MK-84 bombs in the first week of counter-offensive military operations in Gaza, following the events of October 7, US media reports have claimed.&nbsp;

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French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday (Dec 22) confirmed that he would be the chief guest for the 2024 Indian Republic Day parade in New Delhi. In a post on X, President Macron said, "Thank you for your invitation, my dear friend Narendra Modi. India, on your Republic Day, I’ll be here to celebrate with you!"

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Gadi Haggai, a 73-year-old US-Israel dual national whom the Hamas terrorists had taken hostage after the events of October 7 has died in captivity, a group representing hostages’ families said on Friday (Dec 22). Haggai was among the 240 people abducted by Hamas from southern Israel and used as a bargaining chip in the ongoing truce deal negotiations.&nbsp;

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Just weeks before the Taiwanese elections, Beijing announced that it will permit imports of high-value fish from the island, a problem which was raised specifically by the main opposition party Kuomintang on his visit to mainland China earlier this year.

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A North Korean nuclear reactor at the country's Yongbyon complex appears to be operating for the very first time, said the UN nuclear watchdog and independent experts on Thursday (Dec 21).&nbsp;This indicates an additional potential source of plutonium for nuclear weapons.

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A court in Hong Kong rejected a request to lift sedition charges levelled against pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai on Friday (Dec 22). During the hearing, Lai' lawyer Robert Pang argued that the charges should be dropped as the prosecution did not lay them&nbsp;within six months of the alleged crime.

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Kerala, the southern Indian state, has reported 265 new Covid&nbsp;cases a one death in the last 24 hours, says the data from Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. This has brought the total active cases of Covid-19 to 2997. The country recorded 594 fresh COVID-19 cases.

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United States President Joe Biden has pardoned thousands of American citizens convicted of using or possessing marijuana on certain federal lands. According to a report by the news agency Bloomberg on Friday (Dec 22), President Biden commuted the sentences of nearly a dozen non-violent drug offenders.

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Zack Snyder, the mastermind behind visually stunning yet narratively vacuous epics, has graced us once more with&nbsp;Rebel Moon — Part One: A Child of Fire. Snyder, working with fellow screenwriters Kurt Johnstad and Shay Hatten, unleashes a torrent of clichés and derivative tropes from the opening moments.

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Olympic bronze medalist Bajrang Punia is set to return his Padma Shri award after the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) elections on Thursday (Dec 21). The decision was announced by the Indian grappler on Friday, a day after the elections to protest against new President Sanjay Singh.&nbsp;

American media reports have claimed that the Israeli military used its most destructive MK-84 bombs in the first week of counter-offensive military operations in the Gaza Strip after Hamas launched an attack on Oct 7.

American media reports have claimed that the Israeli military used its most destructive MK-84 bombs in the first week of counter-offensive military operations in the Gaza Strip after Hamas launched an attack on Oct 7. A report by The New York Times (NYT) on Friday (Dec 22) said that Israel used these bombs on areas it called "safe" for civilians. Gadi Haggai, a 73-year-old US-Israel dual national whom the Hamas terrorists had taken hostage by Hamas militants has died in captivity. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum said Haggai's wife was still held by Hamas, adding she was injured In other news from around the world, French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed on Friday that he would be the chief guest for the 2024 Indian Republic Day parade in New Delhi. Israel used 2,000-pound bombs to kill civilians in Gaza: Reports Israel used its most destructive MK-84 bombs in the first week of counter-offensive military operations in Gaza, following the events of October 7, US media reports have claimed. Macron thanks 'dear friend' Modi for Republic Day invite, says will 'celebrate with you' French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday (Dec 22) confirmed that he would be the chief guest for the 2024 Indian Republic Day parade in New Delhi. In a post on X, President Macron said, "Thank you for your invitation, my dear friend Narendra Modi. India, on your Republic Day, I’ll be here to celebrate with you!" US-Israeli citizen Gadi Haggai taken hostage by Hamas, dies in captivity Gadi Haggai, a 73-year-old US-Israel dual national whom the Hamas terrorists had taken hostage after the events of October 7 has died in captivity, a group representing hostages’ families said on Friday (Dec 22). Haggai was among the 240 people abducted by Hamas from southern Israel and used as a bargaining chip in the ongoing truce deal negotiations. Mainland China resumes fish imports from Taiwan weeks before polls Just weeks before the Taiwanese elections, Beijing announced that it will permit imports of high-value fish from the island, a problem which was raised specifically by the main opposition party Kuomintang on his visit to mainland China earlier this year. Second North Korean nuclear reactor appears to be operating, says IAEA A North Korean nuclear reactor at the country's Yongbyon complex appears to be operating for the very first time, said the UN nuclear watchdog and independent experts on Thursday (Dec 21). This indicates an additional potential source of plutonium for nuclear weapons. Hong Kong court refuses to drop sedition charges against pro-democracy tycoon Jimmy Lai A court in Hong Kong rejected a request to lift sedition charges levelled against pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai on Friday (Dec 22). During the hearing, Lai' lawyer Robert Pang argued that the charges should be dropped as the prosecution did not lay them within six months of the alleged crime. Kerala: More than 200 fresh Covid cases, a death recorded in last 24 hours Kerala, the southern Indian state, has reported 265 new Covid cases a one death in the last 24 hours, says the data from Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. This has brought the total active cases of Covid-19 to 2997. The country recorded 594 fresh COVID-19 cases. US President Biden pardons thousands convicted of using or possessing marijuana United States President Joe Biden has pardoned thousands of American citizens convicted of using or possessing marijuana on certain federal lands. According to a report by the news agency Bloomberg on Friday (Dec 22), President Biden commuted the sentences of nearly a dozen non-violent drug offenders. Rebel Moon review: Stunning visuals can't save Zack Snyder's vacuous odyssey Zack Snyder, the mastermind behind visually stunning yet narratively vacuous epics, has graced us once more with Rebel Moon — Part One: A Child of Fire. Snyder, working with fellow screenwriters Kurt Johnstad and Shay Hatten, unleashes a torrent of clichés and derivative tropes from the opening moments. Olympic medalist Bajrang Punia to return Padma Shri in protest of WFI election results Olympic bronze medalist Bajrang Punia is set to return his Padma Shri award after the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) elections on Thursday (Dec 21). The decision was announced by the Indian grappler on Friday, a day after the elections to protest against new President Sanjay Singh.

Top 10 world news: Israel used 2,000-pound bombs to kill Gazans, Macron to be chief guest at India's R-Day

United States President Joe Biden has pardoned thousands of American citizens convicted of using or possessing marijuana on certain federal lands. According to a report by the news agency Bloomberg on Friday (Dec 22), President Biden commuted the sentences of nearly a dozen non-violent drug offenders.

United States President Joe Biden has pardoned thousands of American citizens convicted of using or possessing marijuana on certain federal lands. According to a report by the news agency Bloomberg on Friday (Dec 22), President Biden commuted the sentences of nearly a dozen non-violent drug offenders. "I exercised my authority under the Constitution to pardon individuals who committed or were convicted of the offence of simple possession of marijuana in violation of the Controlled Substances Act and section 48–904.01(d)(1) of the Code of the District of Columbia (D.C. Code)," Biden said in a statement. "As I have said before, convictions for simple possession of marijuana have imposed needless barriers to employment, housing, and educational opportunities," he added. "This pardon does not apply to individuals who were non-citizens not lawfully present in the United States at the time of their offence," the president further said in the statement. Sentences of 11 Americans shortened As per the Bloomberg report, the prison sentences of 11 Americans were shortened. These citizens were either serving decades-long or life sentences for non-violent drug offences. Speaking to the news agency, an official said that some people with crack cocaine convictions will have their sentences commuted, noting that powder cocaine offences tend to receive shorter punishments. Also read: US terrorist watchlist nearly doubled in just six years, says report Biden's decision applies to various federal lands including national parks, wildlife refuges and even the CIA. It covers only US citizens and does not include charges associated with distributing marijuana or driving while using it. As a presidential candidate in 2020, Biden vowed to broadly use the clemency powers of the presidency for non-violent crimes. Bloomberg reported that while some advocates argued that the president used those powers sparingly, he pardoned thousands of federal convictions for simple marijuana possession in 2022. In December 2022, Biden issued full pardons to six Americans including an 80-year-old woman. (With inputs from agencies)

US President Biden pardons thousands convicted of using or possessing marijuana

French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday (Dec 22) confirmed that he would be the chief guest for the 2024 Indian Republic Day parade in New Delhi. In a post on X, President Macron said, "Thank you for your invitation, my dear friend Narendra Modi. India, on your Republic Day, I’ll be here to celebrate with you!"

Earlier in the day, an invitation was extended to Macron to be a chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations. India had initially invited United States President Joe Biden to be the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations, but the visit did not materialise.&nbsp;

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Thank you for your invitation, my dear friend <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NarendraModi</a>. India, on your Republic Day, I’ll be here to celebrate with you!
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) <a href="https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron/status/1738189685195702298?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2023</a></blockquote>
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This is the sixth time that a French leader would be the chief at the celebrations in India's national capital.&nbsp;Before Macron, then prime minister Jacques Chirac became the first-ever French leader to be invited as the chief guest in 1976.&nbsp;

Subsequent invitations were extended to French President Valéry Giscard d'Estaing in 1980, President Jacques Chirac in 1998, President Nicolas Sarkozy in 2008, and President François Hollande in 2016, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/french-president-emmanuel-macron-invited-to-be-chief-guest-at-republic-day-2024-672320">WION earlier reported</a>.

Earlier this year, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the guest of honour at the Bastille Day celebrations in France on July 14. This year also marked 25 years of strategic partnership between New Delhi and Paris.

To mark this anniversary, a 241-member tri-service Indian armed forces contingent led by a military band also took part in the Bastille Day Parade.&nbsp;

In September, French President Macron visited India to attend the G20 Summit. On Sept 10, Macron and Modi held a bilateral meeting in New Delhi on the sidelines of the summit. Following the meeting, Modi said he and Macron reaffirmed their commitment to take India-France relations to newer heights of progress.&nbsp;

India and France have been cooperating closely in various sectors including defence, space, trade and education.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday (Dec 22) confirmed that he would be the chief guest for the 2024 Indian Republic Day parade in New Delhi. In a post on X, President Macron said, "Thank you for your invitation, my dear friend Narendra Modi.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday (Dec 22) confirmed that he would be the chief guest for the 2024 Indian Republic Day parade in New Delhi. In a post on X, President Macron said, "Thank you for your invitation, my dear friend Narendra Modi. India, on your Republic Day, I’ll be here to celebrate with you!" Earlier in the day, an invitation was extended to Macron to be a chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations. India had initially invited United States President Joe Biden to be the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations, but the visit did not materialise. Thank you for your invitation, my dear friend @NarendraModi. India, on your Republic Day, I’ll be here to celebrate with you! — Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) December 22, 2023 × This is the sixth time that a French leader would be the chief at the celebrations in India's national capital. Before Macron, then prime minister Jacques Chirac became the first-ever French leader to be invited as the chief guest in 1976. Subsequent invitations were extended to French President Valéry Giscard d'Estaing in 1980, President Jacques Chirac in 1998, President Nicolas Sarkozy in 2008, and President François Hollande in 2016, WION earlier reported. Earlier this year, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the guest of honour at the Bastille Day celebrations in France on July 14. This year also marked 25 years of strategic partnership between New Delhi and Paris. To mark this anniversary, a 241-member tri-service Indian armed forces contingent led by a military band also took part in the Bastille Day Parade. In September, French President Macron visited India to attend the G20 Summit. On Sept 10, Macron and Modi held a bilateral meeting in New Delhi on the sidelines of the summit. Following the meeting, Modi said he and Macron reaffirmed their commitment to take India-France relations to newer heights of progress. India and France have been cooperating closely in various sectors including defence, space, trade and education.

Macron thanks 'dear friend' Modi for Republic Day invite, says will 'celebrate with you'

The Czech police on Friday (Dec 22) said that a student of Charles University in Prague who was responsible for the shooting at the institute premises on Thursday was also behind last week's Klanovicky forest murders.

The Czech police on Friday (Dec 22) said that a student of Charles University in Prague who was responsible for the shooting at the institute premises on Thursday was also behind last week's Klanovicky forest murders. According to a report by BBC, police said that evidence suggested that 24-year-old David Kozak killed a man and his daughter in the forest. On Thursday, Kozak killed 13 people at Charles University before turning the gun on himself. The gunfire at the university's Faculty of Arts sparked frantic scenes of students running from the attack that was the Czech Republic's worst shooting in decades. Twenty-five people were injured in the attack. The police were now seeking a motive in the killings. According to a report by the news agency AFP, the police said on Friday there was no longer any imminent threat. However, they were still seen guarding selected sites including schools as a preventive measure. What happened during the Klanovicky forest murders? Czech investigators found the bodies of a man and his two-month-old daughter in the Klanovicky forest near Prague. Local media reported that the double murders took place on Dec 15. Authorities launched an investigation and urged the public to help find the suspect. Also read: Who is David Kozak, the gunman who left 14 dead at Charles University A report by Prague Morning said that the murders occurred during a meeting in the forest, with evidence indicating a conflict between the two men. A witness, located 200 metres away from the crime scene, attempted resuscitation but couldn’t save the victims, the report added. However, now the police said that David Kozak was behind the double murders. Tributes paid to victims of university shooting Meanwhile, on Friday, scores of people paid tributes to the victims of the Prague university shootings. Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala also joined the mourners. The government declared a day of mourning across the country on Saturday in remembrance of the victims that was decided at a special cabinet meeting with President Petr Pavel. (With inputs from agencies)

Prague university shooter also responsible for last week's Klanovicky forest murders: Police

Skies in the Arctic have been lit up by extremely rare "rainbow clouds" for more than three days. According to a report by LiveScience on Thursday (Dec 21), experts said these rainbow clouds, also known as polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs), could appear during the next few months.

Skies in the Arctic have been lit up by extremely rare "rainbow clouds" for more than three days. According to a report by LiveScience on Thursday (Dec 21), experts said these rainbow clouds, also known as polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs), could appear during the next few months. PSCs were spotted in Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Alaska, and even as far as Scotland. These colourful treats started appearing on Dec 18 due to an unusual cold snap and continued to appear till Dec 20. The report said that some smaller distinct clouds were also seen on Thursday, but in general, they seemed to be disappearing. 'The colours are spectacular' The photographs of PSCs above Gran in Norway were captured by Ramunė Šapailaitė. Speaking to Spaceweather.com, Šapailaitė called the colours seen in the sky "spectacular." She added, "The clouds were visible in the sky all day, but the colours really exploded just before sunset." Also read: It's holiday season in space too! See the beautiful running-chicken-like nebula The photographs, which Šapailaitė clicked on her phone, revealed the rainbow hues of PSCs and their iridescent shimmer. What are PSCs? According to Harvard University, PSCs are clouds that form when water vapour enters the stratosphere and temperatures are cold enough for water vapour to condense there. During the winter season, high latitudes receive very little to no solar radiation, so temperatures drop significantly during this period, known as polar night. Under these conditions, PSCs can develop, Harvard said. "They trap outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) and emit some of it back towards the Earth's surface, so they hinder atmospheric cooling," as per the university's website. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has said that PSCs are occurring with an increasing frequency in the Arctic. There are two types of PSCs- first: the ones made from a mix of ice crystals and nitric acid, which produce less spectacular colours and second: the ones which are composed of pure ice crystals and produce more vivid colors. The rainbow clouds that were seen in the Arctic on Dec 18 were type 2 PSCs.

Arctic skies lit up by extremely rare rainbow clouds. What's the phenomenon?

Space is amazing with numerous things still undiscovered. Recently, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) shared footage of two tomatoes that were lost in space last year after they were harvested on the International Space Station (ISS).

Space is amazing with numerous things still undiscovered. Recently, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) shared footage of two tomatoes that were lost in space last year after they were harvested on the International Space Station (ISS). "Despite being nearly a year after the initial disappearance of the tomatoes, the fruit was found in a plastic bag dehydrated and slightly squished," NASA officials wrote in an update on Dec 14. The officials added that other than some discolouration, the tomatoes had no visible microbial or fungal growth. As astronauts are constantly exploring space, an important aspect is how well are they fed. Also read: NASA releases footage of tomatoes lost in space for eight months For years, astronauts have received regular shipments of a wide variety of freeze-dried and prepackaged meals to cover their dietary needs. However, when astronauts venture further into space for months or even years, the vitamins in prepackaged form break down over time, which will affect their health, according to NASA. And in such cases, the provision of fresh fruits and vegetables becomes crucial. So how does NASA address this requirement? Here's a look at the space agency's Veggie project. What is Veggie? According to NASA's website, the Vegetable Production System, also known as Veggie, is a space garden residing on the ISS. "Veggie’s purpose is to help NASA study plant growth in microgravity while adding fresh food to the astronauts’ diet and enhancing happiness and well-being on the orbiting laboratory," the space agency said. The garden made by the project is about the size of a carry-on piece of luggage and typically holds six plants. Each plant grows in a “pillow” filled with a clay-based growth media and fertiliser. Also read: NASA finds energy source and molecule at Saturn's moon Enceladus "The pillows are important to help distribute water, nutrients and air in a healthy balance around the roots. Otherwise, the roots would either drown in water or be engulfed by air because of the way fluids in space tend to form bubbles," as per NASA. Now due to the absence of gravity in space, plants depend on other environmental factors such as light, to orient and guide growth. Inside the space station, LEDs placed above the plants produce a spectrum of light suited for the plants’ growth. "Since plants reflect a lot of green light and use more red and blue wavelengths, the Veggie chamber typically glows magenta pink," the website said. How successful has Veggie been? NASA said that to date, the Veggie project has grown a variety of plants, including three types of lettuce, Chinese cabbage, mizuna mustard, red Russian kale, and zinnia flowers. Some of these plants were harvested and eaten by the crew members, with the remaining samples returned to Earth to be analysed. NASA highlighted that one particular concern was harmful microbes growing on the produce. However, no harmful contamination has been detected so far. The space agency envisions planting more produce in the future, such as tomatoes and peppers. "Foods like berries, certain beans, and other antioxidant-rich foods would have the added benefit of providing some space radiation protection for crew members who eat them," it said. Just like Veggie, there is another growth chamber on the ISS for plant research. The chamber, called the Advanced Plant Habitat (APH), uses LED lights and a porous clay substrate with controlled-release fertiliser to deliver water, nutrients, and oxygen to the plant roots. Also read: NASA preps for PACE mission to study factors that shape our climate But unlike Veggie, it is enclosed and automated with cameras and more than 180 sensors that are in constant interactive contact with a team on the ground at the Kennedy Space Center. When a harvest is ready for research, the crew aboard the ISS collects samples from the plants and sends them back to Earth to be studied so scientists can better understand how space affected their growth and development. Cultivating peppers in space NASA further said that its Plant Habitat-04 (PH-04) experiment cultivated Hatch Chile peppers aboard the ISS. As per the experiment, the astronauts would eat some of the peppers and send the rest back to Earth for analysis. This plant experiment will be one of the most complex to date on the station because of the long germination and growing times, according to the space agency. The Hatch Chile pepper is considered a mild heat pepper, with a rating of 2,000-4,000 Scoville Heat Units. The rating can vary based on growing methods and environmental conditions. Now why should peppers be cultivated in space? NASA has said that peppers contain several key nutrients and are an excellent source of vitamin C. The plants are also robust with a good chance of growing successfully in microgravity. "They are easy to handle in microgravity and are a pick-and-eat crop that does not require cooking or complex processing. The fruit also has low microbial levels, so they are safe for astronauts to consume," NASA added. China growing vegetables aboard Tiangong space station China is also preparing itself for deep-space exploration by growing vegetables aboard the Tiangong space station. Shenzhou 16 astronauts, mission commander Jing Haipeng and rookies Zhu Yangzhu and Gui Haichao cultivated veggies using two sets of specialised equipment. Four batches of lettuce have already been produced, while under the second operation, cherry tomatoes and green onions are being grown.

Explained | Growing vegetables in space is a big deal, and the lost tomatoes are proof

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