<p>On the 39th anniversary of the devastating bombing of Air India Flight 182, known as the 'Kanishka' incident, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar paid tribute to the 329 victims and issued a stern warning that terrorism "should never be tolerated."</p>

<p>In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Jaishankar said, "Today marks the 39th anniversary of one of the worst acts of terrorism in history. Pay my homage to the memory of the 329 victims of AI 182 'Kanishka' who were killed this day in 1985. My thoughts are with their families. The anniversary is a reminder why terrorism should never be tolerated."</p>

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<p>The Kanishka bombing, which occurred on June 23, 1985, was a devastating act of aviation terrorism that claimed the lives of 268 Canadian citizens, mostly of Indian origin, along with 24 Indians and 27 British citizens.</p>

<p>The plane, a Boeing 747-237B, was en route from Montreal to London when a bomb concealed in a suitcase exploded, causing the aircraft to break apart over the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Ireland.</p>

<h2><strong>'Cowardly act of terror'</strong></h2>

<p>The incident was described by Indian-origin Canadian Member of Parliament Chandra Arya&nbsp;as a "cowardly act of terror, carried out by Canada-based Khalistani terrorists."&nbsp;</p>

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<p>In a separate statement, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) acknowledged that the Kanishka investigation remains "the longest and certainly one of the most complex domestic terrorism investigations" in the force's history, with efforts still "active and ongoing" after 39 years.</p>

<p>Jaishankar's tribute come amid strained ties between India and Canada, particularly after the Canadian Parliament observed a "moment of silence" for Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh separatist leader designated as a terrorist by India.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-to-send-technical-team-for-teesta-management-project-soon-734432">India to send technical team for Teesta Management Project soon</a></strong></p>

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<p>The Indian government has accused Canada of providing a safe haven for individuals advocating violence and extremism. Meanwhile, the Indian Consulate General in Vancouver has announced a memorial service to pay tribute to the victims of the Kanishka bombing.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


On the 39th anniversary of the devastating bombing of Air India Flight 182, known as the 'Kanishka' incident, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar paid tribute to the 329 victims and issued a stern warning that terrorism "should never be tolerated.

On the 39th anniversary of the devastating bombing of Air India Flight 182, known as the 'Kanishka' incident, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar paid tribute to the 329 victims and issued a stern warning that terrorism "should never be tolerated." In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Jaishankar said, "Today marks the 39th anniversary of one of the worst acts of terrorism in history. Pay my homage to the memory of the 329 victims of AI 182 'Kanishka' who were killed this day in 1985. My thoughts are with their families. The anniversary is a reminder why terrorism should never be tolerated." Also Read | Sevastopol attack: Russia blames US for deadly Ukrainian attack on Crimea The Kanishka bombing, which occurred on June 23, 1985, was a devastating act of aviation terrorism that claimed the lives of 268 Canadian citizens, mostly of Indian origin, along with 24 Indians and 27 British citizens. The plane, a Boeing 747-237B, was en route from Montreal to London when a bomb concealed in a suitcase exploded, causing the aircraft to break apart over the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Ireland. 'Cowardly act of terror' The incident was described by Indian-origin Canadian Member of Parliament Chandra Arya as a "cowardly act of terror, carried out by Canada-based Khalistani terrorists." Also Read | Top Tory party data officer under investigation for alleged election betting scandal In a separate statement, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) acknowledged that the Kanishka investigation remains "the longest and certainly one of the most complex domestic terrorism investigations" in the force's history, with efforts still "active and ongoing" after 39 years. Jaishankar's tribute come amid strained ties between India and Canada, particularly after the Canadian Parliament observed a "moment of silence" for Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh separatist leader designated as a terrorist by India. Watch | India to send technical team for Teesta Management Project soon × The Indian government has accused Canada of providing a safe haven for individuals advocating violence and extremism. Meanwhile, the Indian Consulate General in Vancouver has announced a memorial service to pay tribute to the victims of the Kanishka bombing. (With inputs from agencies)

Terrorism 'should never be tolerated': Jaishankar on 39th anniversary of Kanishka bombing

<p>European Commission&nbsp;said Monday (June 24) that Apple's App Store rules violate the EU's landmark Digital Markets Act (DMA).</p>

<p>The Commission's preliminary findings indicate that Apple is restricting app developers from freely communicating with customers and directing them to alternative purchasing options outside the App Store.</p>

<p>The DMA, which came into effect in March 2024, is vying to limit the power of large tech platforms and ensure a level playing field for smaller businesses.</p>

<p>A key provision of the law prohibits so-called "gatekeepers" like Apple from preventing app developers from informing users about more cost-effective alternatives or subscription options beyond the app store.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-prosecutors-push-for-criminal-charges-against-boeing-over-737-max-crash-settlement-breach-reports-734675">US prosecutors push for criminal charges against Boeing over 737 Max crash settlement breach – Reports</a></p>

<p>However, the Commission's investigation found that Apple's current policies do not fully allow such "steering" by developers.</p>

<p>"Our preliminary position is that Apple does not fully allow steering," said Margrethe Vestager, the EU's Executive Vice-President in charge of competition policy.</p>

<p>"Steering is key to ensure that app developers are less dependent on gatekeepers' app stores and for consumers to be aware of better offers."</p>

<p>The Commission also argued that the fees Apple charges developers for acquiring new customers through the App Store go "beyond what is strictly necessary" under the DMA.</p>

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<p>EU has also opened a separate investigation into Apple's new contractual requirements for third-party app developers and app stores, including a "Core Technology Fee" that developers must pay.</p>

<h2><strong>Apple could face fines</strong></h2>

<p>Apple now has the opportunity to respond to the Commission's preliminary conclusions. If the EU's concerns are ultimately confirmed, Apple could face fines of up to 10 per cent of its global annual turnover for breaching the DMA.</p>

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<p>The tech giant has maintained that it has already made changes to comply with the new EU rules, stating that "more than 99 per cent of developers would pay the same or less in fees to Apple under the new business terms we created."</p>

<p>This latest development marks an escalation in the EU's efforts to rein in the power of Big Tech platforms.</p>

<p>With the Digital Markets Act now in force, regulators are demonstrating their willingness to take on even the largest and most influential companies to ensure a more competitive and consumer-friendly digital space.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


European Commission said Monday (June 24) that Apple's App Store rules violate the EU's landmark Digital Markets Act (DMA). The Commission's preliminary findings indicate that Apple is restricting app developers from freely communicating with customers and directing them to alternative purchasing options outside the App Store.

European Commission said Monday (June 24) that Apple's App Store rules violate the EU's landmark Digital Markets Act (DMA). The Commission's preliminary findings indicate that Apple is restricting app developers from freely communicating with customers and directing them to alternative purchasing options outside the App Store. The DMA, which came into effect in March 2024, is vying to limit the power of large tech platforms and ensure a level playing field for smaller businesses. A key provision of the law prohibits so-called "gatekeepers" like Apple from preventing app developers from informing users about more cost-effective alternatives or subscription options beyond the app store. Also Read | US prosecutors push for criminal charges against Boeing over 737 Max crash settlement breach – Reports However, the Commission's investigation found that Apple's current policies do not fully allow such "steering" by developers. "Our preliminary position is that Apple does not fully allow steering," said Margrethe Vestager, the EU's Executive Vice-President in charge of competition policy. "Steering is key to ensure that app developers are less dependent on gatekeepers' app stores and for consumers to be aware of better offers." The Commission also argued that the fees Apple charges developers for acquiring new customers through the App Store go "beyond what is strictly necessary" under the DMA. Also Read | At least 22 dead after major fire breaks out at South Korean battery plant EU has also opened a separate investigation into Apple's new contractual requirements for third-party app developers and app stores, including a "Core Technology Fee" that developers must pay. Apple could face fines Apple now has the opportunity to respond to the Commission's preliminary conclusions. If the EU's concerns are ultimately confirmed, Apple could face fines of up to 10 per cent of its global annual turnover for breaching the DMA. Watch | Israel-Hamas War: Israeli PM says intense phase of the war nearing end × The tech giant has maintained that it has already made changes to comply with the new EU rules, stating that "more than 99 per cent of developers would pay the same or less in fees to Apple under the new business terms we created." This latest development marks an escalation in the EU's efforts to rein in the power of Big Tech platforms. With the Digital Markets Act now in force, regulators are demonstrating their willingness to take on even the largest and most influential companies to ensure a more competitive and consumer-friendly digital space. (With inputs from agencies)

EU finds Apple's app store policies in breach of Digital Markets Act

<p>In a tragic turn of events, a 16-year-old girl from India’s Maharashtra died by suicide after her father asked her not to download a messaging application on her mobile phone.<br />
<br />
As per local police, the incident occurred on Friday night (June 21) at Niljie in Dombivli area in the Thane district, when the girl had downloaded the Snapchat application on her mobile phone. Her father forbade her from downloading the app, upon which she got extremely angry, a PTI report said.</p>

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<p>In its wake, the girl allegedly hanged herself from the ceiling of a bedroom in their house. The family made the appalling discovery the following day.</p>

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<p>After being alerted, the police sent the body for postmortem examination and registered a case of accidental death in connection with the incident, the officials said.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Glaciers melting amid scorching heatwave in Northern India</strong></p>

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<p>According to the latest data by National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) on accidental deaths and suicides in India, more than 13,000 students took their own lives in 2022.</p>

<p>It also highlighted that students accounted for 7.6 per cent of all suicide deaths in 2022. The report also said that failure in examinations was a major reason for 1,123 suicide deaths for students&nbsp;below&nbsp;18&nbsp;years.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


In a tragic turn of events, a 16-year-old girl from India’s Maharashtra died by suicide after her father asked her not to download a messaging application on her mobile phone.

In a tragic turn of events, a 16-year-old girl from India’s Maharashtra died by suicide after her father asked her not to download a messaging application on her mobile phone. As per local police, the incident occurred on Friday night (June 21) at Niljie in Dombivli area in the Thane district, when the girl had downloaded the Snapchat application on her mobile phone. Her father forbade her from downloading the app, upon which she got extremely angry, a PTI report said. Also Read | India: Bomb hoax at Karnataka's Kalaburagi Airport In its wake, the girl allegedly hanged herself from the ceiling of a bedroom in their house. The family made the appalling discovery the following day. Also Read | Kerala Assembly passes resolution to officially change state's name to 'Keralam' After being alerted, the police sent the body for postmortem examination and registered a case of accidental death in connection with the incident, the officials said. Watch | Glaciers melting amid scorching heatwave in Northern India × According to the latest data by National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) on accidental deaths and suicides in India, more than 13,000 students took their own lives in 2022. It also highlighted that students accounted for 7.6 per cent of all suicide deaths in 2022. The report also said that failure in examinations was a major reason for 1,123 suicide deaths for students below 18 years. (With inputs from agencies)

Shocking! 16-year-old ends life after father prohibits downloading Snapchat on phone

<p>Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) councillor Uma Anandan, in a dramatic turn of events, stormed out of a Chennai Corporation council meeting after strongly objecting to a report by Justice K Chandru.</p>

<p>Anandan, who is known for her vocal support for Hindus&nbsp;publicly, tore apart the report, which was labeled by former Tamil Nadu BJP president H Raja as “anti-Hindu”.</p>

<p>The incident occurred on June 24, 2024, during the first council meeting held after the recent Indian general elections.</p>

<p>Anandan, the lone BJP representative on the 200-member Chennai Corporation, took issue with the contents of the report presented by Justice Chandru, stood up and began tearing pages from the report.</p>

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<p>She then walked out of the meeting, making a bold statement against what she perceived as an unfair and biased assessment.</p>

<p>“Why do we need to talk about this at this time? At this time, why are you singing praises to Udhayanidhi Stalin? Chief Minister is ok, but why should you sing praises to Udhayanidhi?”</p>

<p>She added, "Justice Chandru should have spoken about this. A biased statement, a biased judge has issued a statement. The &nbsp;Chennai City Council should condemn Justice Chandru’s statement. They did not condemn. Thus I tore up the judge’s report.”</p>

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<p>This confrontation is the latest in a series of controversies surrounding Anandan, who has a history of making&nbsp;remarks on sensitive issues. In the past, she has faced criticism for endorsing Nathuram Godse, the assassin of Mahatma Gandhi and for supporting the caste system.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/parliament-session-begins-pm-modi-other-mps-to-take-oath-whats-on-agenda-734672">Parliament Session begins: PM Modi, other MPs to take oath; what's on agenda?</a></strong></p>

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<p>Justice Chandru's report recommended prohibiting students from wearing caste identifiers like coloured wristbands, rings or forehead marks and from riding bicycles painted with caste references.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report came in the wake of a caste-based attack on Dalit students and Justice K Chandru submitted it to Chief Minister MK Stalin while presenting a comprehensive set of recommendations to address the persistent issue of caste-based discrimination and violence in Tamil Nadu's schools.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) councillor Uma Anandan, in a dramatic turn of events, stormed out of a Chennai Corporation council meeting after strongly objecting to a report by Justice K Chandru.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) councillor Uma Anandan, in a dramatic turn of events, stormed out of a Chennai Corporation council meeting after strongly objecting to a report by Justice K Chandru. Anandan, who is known for her vocal support for Hindus publicly, tore apart the report, which was labeled by former Tamil Nadu BJP president H Raja as “anti-Hindu”. The incident occurred on June 24, 2024, during the first council meeting held after the recent Indian general elections. Anandan, the lone BJP representative on the 200-member Chennai Corporation, took issue with the contents of the report presented by Justice Chandru, stood up and began tearing pages from the report. Also Read | Congress president Kharge hits back at PM Modi over his 'Emergency black spot on democracy' remark She then walked out of the meeting, making a bold statement against what she perceived as an unfair and biased assessment. “Why do we need to talk about this at this time? At this time, why are you singing praises to Udhayanidhi Stalin? Chief Minister is ok, but why should you sing praises to Udhayanidhi?” She added, "Justice Chandru should have spoken about this. A biased statement, a biased judge has issued a statement. The Chennai City Council should condemn Justice Chandru’s statement. They did not condemn. Thus I tore up the judge’s report.” Also Read | India: Srinagar recognised as 'World Craft City' for its rich artisan heritage This confrontation is the latest in a series of controversies surrounding Anandan, who has a history of making remarks on sensitive issues. In the past, she has faced criticism for endorsing Nathuram Godse, the assassin of Mahatma Gandhi and for supporting the caste system. Watch | Parliament Session begins: PM Modi, other MPs to take oath; what's on agenda? × Justice Chandru's report recommended prohibiting students from wearing caste identifiers like coloured wristbands, rings or forehead marks and from riding bicycles painted with caste references. The report came in the wake of a caste-based attack on Dalit students and Justice K Chandru submitted it to Chief Minister MK Stalin while presenting a comprehensive set of recommendations to address the persistent issue of caste-based discrimination and violence in Tamil Nadu's schools. (With inputs from agencies)

Chennai BJP Councillor Uma Anandan storms out of meeting over 'anti-Hindu' report by Justice Chandru

<p>A rare astronomical event known as a "major lunar standstill" is providing researchers with a unique opportunity to investigate the potential lunar alignments of the ancient monument of Stonehenge.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Every 18.6 years, the moon reaches its most extreme positions on the horizon, leading to an extended presence in the night sky.</p>

<p>This year's major lunar standstill coincides with the summer solstice while creating a celestial spectacle that has captivated scientists and sky enthusiasts alike.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Researchers from institutions like the University of Oxford, University of Leicester, and the Royal Astronomical Society are now focusing their attention on Stonehenge and exploring whether the iconic stone circle was intentionally designed to align with the moon's movements during this lunar event.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Evidence suggested&nbsp;that while Stonehenge is renowned for its solar alignments, the monument may also have had a strong connection to the moon.</p>

<p>Archaeologists have discovered that the site's "Station Stones" - a set of four sarsen stones arranged in a rectangle - appear to be aligned with the southernmost moonrise during a major lunar standstill.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>"Stonehenge's architectural connection to the Sun is well known, but its link with the Moon is less well understood," said Clive Ruggles, professor emeritus of archaeoastronomy at the University of Leicester.</p>

<p>"The four Station Stones align with the Moon's extreme positions, and researchers have debated for years whether this was deliberate and, if so, what might have been its purpose."</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-developed-ai-apps-gain-foothold-in-us-should-kids-use-ai-to-do-homework-734649">China-developed AI apps gain foothold in US | Should kids use AI to do homework?</a></strong></p>

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<h2><strong>'Standstill season'</strong></h2>

<p>Throughout the "standstill season" from 2024 to 2025, scientists will gather at Stonehenge to document the moon's alignment with the site's features and will aim to gain insights into the historical significance and visual impacts of this celestial phenomenon.</p>

<p>The public will also have the opportunity to witness and engage with the research, as English Heritage plans to livestream the southernmost moonrise at Stonehenge in June 2024 and will also host a talks, a pop-up planetarium and stargazing sessions.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A rare astronomical event known as a "major lunar standstill" is providing researchers with a unique opportunity to investigate the potential lunar alignments of the ancient monument of Stonehenge.

A rare astronomical event known as a "major lunar standstill" is providing researchers with a unique opportunity to investigate the potential lunar alignments of the ancient monument of Stonehenge. Every 18.6 years, the moon reaches its most extreme positions on the horizon, leading to an extended presence in the night sky. This year's major lunar standstill coincides with the summer solstice while creating a celestial spectacle that has captivated scientists and sky enthusiasts alike. Researchers from institutions like the University of Oxford, University of Leicester, and the Royal Astronomical Society are now focusing their attention on Stonehenge and exploring whether the iconic stone circle was intentionally designed to align with the moon's movements during this lunar event. Also Read | Gray whales shrinking in size along the Pacific Northwest coast Evidence suggested that while Stonehenge is renowned for its solar alignments, the monument may also have had a strong connection to the moon. Archaeologists have discovered that the site's "Station Stones" - a set of four sarsen stones arranged in a rectangle - appear to be aligned with the southernmost moonrise during a major lunar standstill. Also Read | Researchers finally discover enzyme that can slow ageing and boost health "Stonehenge's architectural connection to the Sun is well known, but its link with the Moon is less well understood," said Clive Ruggles, professor emeritus of archaeoastronomy at the University of Leicester. "The four Station Stones align with the Moon's extreme positions, and researchers have debated for years whether this was deliberate and, if so, what might have been its purpose." Watch | China-developed AI apps gain foothold in US | Should kids use AI to do homework? × 'Standstill season' Throughout the "standstill season" from 2024 to 2025, scientists will gather at Stonehenge to document the moon's alignment with the site's features and will aim to gain insights into the historical significance and visual impacts of this celestial phenomenon. The public will also have the opportunity to witness and engage with the research, as English Heritage plans to livestream the southernmost moonrise at Stonehenge in June 2024 and will also host a talks, a pop-up planetarium and stargazing sessions. (With inputs from agencies)

Lunar 'standstill' illuminates Stonehenge's celestial connections

<p>In a deadly attack, gunmen opened fire at a synagogue in Derbent, a city in Russia's North Caucasus region of Dagestan, killing six police officers, as per reports citing the country's interior ministry.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The incident occurred on Sunday (June 23) evening, with reports indicating that the attackers also targeted an Orthodox church which resulted in the killing of a priest.&nbsp;"Unidentified people fired at a synagogue and a church with automatic weapons," as per Interior Ministry.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dagestan Public Monitoring Commission Chairman Shamil Khadulaev said, “According to the information I received, Father Nikolay was killed in the Church in Derbent, they slit his throat. He was 66-years-old and very ill."&nbsp;</p>

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<p>A police post was also attacked in the area.&nbsp;</p>

<p>One of the police officers was killed during gunfire at a police post in Makhachkala, a predominantly Muslim region in southern Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Russian media, the shooting began around 6 pm local time when unknown gunmen opened fire on the synagogue with automatic weapons.</p>

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<p>The incident comes after several recent operations by Russia against ISIS terrorist operatives.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/five-killed-in-ukrainian-missile-attack-on-sevastopol-124-injured-734450">Five killed in Ukrainian missile attack on Sevastopol, 124 injured</a></strong></p>

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<p>“All the circumstances of the incident and the persons involved in the terrorist attacks are being established, and their actions will be given a legal assessment,” the investigative directorate statement read.</p>

<p>After carrying out the attack, the gunmen fled the spot in a vehicle. The synagogue was on fire, as per reports.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In March, ISIS carried out the worst attack in Russia in over 20 years, killing at least 144 people at a concert venue in Moscow. In 2013, a Chabad emissary to the city, Rabbi Ovadia Isakov, was shot and seriously wounded.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a deadly attack, gunmen opened fire at a synagogue in Derbent, a city in Russia's North Caucasus region of Dagestan, killing six police officers, as per reports citing the country's interior ministry.

In a deadly attack, gunmen opened fire at a synagogue in Derbent, a city in Russia's North Caucasus region of Dagestan, killing six police officers, as per reports citing the country's interior ministry. The incident occurred on Sunday (June 23) evening, with reports indicating that the attackers also targeted an Orthodox church which resulted in the killing of a priest. "Unidentified people fired at a synagogue and a church with automatic weapons," as per Interior Ministry. Dagestan Public Monitoring Commission Chairman Shamil Khadulaev said, “According to the information I received, Father Nikolay was killed in the Church in Derbent, they slit his throat. He was 66-years-old and very ill." Also Read | Sevastopol attack: Russia blames US for deadly Ukrainian attack on Crimea A police post was also attacked in the area. One of the police officers was killed during gunfire at a police post in Makhachkala, a predominantly Muslim region in southern Russia. According to Russian media, the shooting began around 6 pm local time when unknown gunmen opened fire on the synagogue with automatic weapons. Also Read | Top Tory party data officer under investigation for alleged election betting scandal The incident comes after several recent operations by Russia against ISIS terrorist operatives. Watch | Five killed in Ukrainian missile attack on Sevastopol, 124 injured × “All the circumstances of the incident and the persons involved in the terrorist attacks are being established, and their actions will be given a legal assessment,” the investigative directorate statement read. After carrying out the attack, the gunmen fled the spot in a vehicle. The synagogue was on fire, as per reports. In March, ISIS carried out the worst attack in Russia in over 20 years, killing at least 144 people at a concert venue in Moscow. In 2013, a Chabad emissary to the city, Rabbi Ovadia Isakov, was shot and seriously wounded. (With inputs from agencies)

Six policemen and priest killed as gunmen open fire at synagogue and church in Russia' Dagestan

<p>A concerning trend has emerged among gray whales that frequent the Pacific Northwest coast - they have been shrinking in size over the past 20-30 years.</p>

<p>A new study led by researchers at Oregon State University has found that gray whales in this region have decreased in body length by an average of 13 per cent since around the year 2000.</p>

<p>The study focused on a subgroup of around 200 gray whales known as the Pacific Coast Feeding Group (PCFG), which spends its summers feeding in the warmer, shallower waters along the Oregon coast rather than migrating to the Arctic like the majority of the Eastern North Pacific (ENP) gray whale population of 14,500.</p>

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<p>Researchers from OSU's Marine Mammal Institute have been studying this PCFG subgroup since 2016, using drones to measure the whales' size. They found that a gray whale born in 2020 is expected to reach an adult body length about 1.65 metres (5.5 feet) shorter than a whale born prior to 2000. This represents over a 13 per cent decrease in the total length of these whales, which typically grow to 38 to 41 feet long.</p>

<p>"This could be an early warning sign that the abundance of this population is starting to decline, or is not healthy," said co-author of the study and an assistant professor at OSU KC Bierlich. "And whales are considered ecosystem sentinels, so if the whale population isn't doing well, that might say a lot about the environment itself."</p>

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<p>The researchers believe this shrinking size could have cascading negative effects on the whales' health and reproduction.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Study: Secret aliens could be here on Earth already</strong></p>

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<p>The study also examined changes in ocean upwelling and relaxation patterns, which influence the availability of the whales' prey. The decline in whale size coincided with shifts in these oceanographic cycles, which the researchers suspect may be linked to climate change impacts on wind and temperature in the Northeast Pacific.</p>

<p>"Without a balance between upwelling and relaxation, the ecosystem may not be able to produce enough prey to support the large size of these gray whales," said co-author Leigh Torres, director of OSU's GEMM Lab.</p>

<p>Researchers are now focused on further investigating the environmental drivers behind the shrinking size of the PCFG gray whales, in order to understand the broader implications for the health of this population and the broader marine ecosystem.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A concerning trend has emerged among gray whales that frequent the Pacific Northwest coast - they have been shrinking in size over the past 20-30 years. A new study led by researchers at Oregon State University has found that gray whales in this region have decreased in body length by an average of 13 per cent since around the year 2000.

A concerning trend has emerged among gray whales that frequent the Pacific Northwest coast - they have been shrinking in size over the past 20-30 years. A new study led by researchers at Oregon State University has found that gray whales in this region have decreased in body length by an average of 13 per cent since around the year 2000. The study focused on a subgroup of around 200 gray whales known as the Pacific Coast Feeding Group (PCFG), which spends its summers feeding in the warmer, shallower waters along the Oregon coast rather than migrating to the Arctic like the majority of the Eastern North Pacific (ENP) gray whale population of 14,500. Also Read | Researchers finally discover enzyme that can slow ageing and boost health Researchers from OSU's Marine Mammal Institute have been studying this PCFG subgroup since 2016, using drones to measure the whales' size. They found that a gray whale born in 2020 is expected to reach an adult body length about 1.65 metres (5.5 feet) shorter than a whale born prior to 2000. This represents over a 13 per cent decrease in the total length of these whales, which typically grow to 38 to 41 feet long. "This could be an early warning sign that the abundance of this population is starting to decline, or is not healthy," said co-author of the study and an assistant professor at OSU KC Bierlich. "And whales are considered ecosystem sentinels, so if the whale population isn't doing well, that might say a lot about the environment itself." Also Read | Scientists discover mitochondria's role in reducing obesity The researchers believe this shrinking size could have cascading negative effects on the whales' health and reproduction. Watch | Study: Secret aliens could be here on Earth already × The study also examined changes in ocean upwelling and relaxation patterns, which influence the availability of the whales' prey. The decline in whale size coincided with shifts in these oceanographic cycles, which the researchers suspect may be linked to climate change impacts on wind and temperature in the Northeast Pacific. "Without a balance between upwelling and relaxation, the ecosystem may not be able to produce enough prey to support the large size of these gray whales," said co-author Leigh Torres, director of OSU's GEMM Lab. Researchers are now focused on further investigating the environmental drivers behind the shrinking size of the PCFG gray whales, in order to understand the broader implications for the health of this population and the broader marine ecosystem. (With inputs from agencies)

Gray whales shrinking in size along the Pacific Northwest coast

<p>Russia has accused the United States of being responsible for a deadly Ukrainian attack on the Russian-annexed Crimean peninsula. The attack, which used five US-supplied missiles, resulted in the deaths of at least five individuals, including three children, and left 124 others injured.</p>

<p>The Russian Defence Ministry stated that four of the Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missiles, armed with cluster warheads, were intercepted by air defence systems, while the fifth missile exploded in the air.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the ministry, the US had provided the missile coordinates based on intelligence from American spy satellites, thereby holding Washington directly accountable.</p>

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<p>"Responsibility for the deliberate missile attack on the civilians of Sevastopol is borne above all by Washington, which supplied these weapons to Ukraine, and by the Kyiv regime, from whose territory this strike was carried out," the ministry wrote on Telegram.</p>

<p>The attack occurred near a beach in Sevastopol, where locals were enjoying their holidays.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Russian authorities in Crimea reported that missile fragments fell close to the beach, resulting in killings and injuries.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Russia has vowed to respond to the attack, with President Vladimir Putin maintaining close communication with the military since the attack. "Such actions will not be left without a response," the ministry warned.</p>

<p>The annexation of Crimea by Russia in 2014 has been a point of contention, with Russia considering the peninsula as part of its territory, contrary to many countries' stand that recognises it as Ukrainian land.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-japan-south-korea-drills-nuclear-powered-us-aircraft-carrier-arrives-in-busan-734420">US, Japan &amp; South Korea drills: Nuclear-powered US aircraft carrier arrives in Busan</a></strong></p>

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<p>Putin has continuously accused the US of leveraging Ukraine to threaten Russian security, a claim refuted by Kyiv and its Western allies. The attack on Crimea is pointing at the deepening rift between Russia and Ukraine, with the potential for heightened hostilities on the horizon.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Killings in Kharkiv&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>This development also comes at a time when the Russian side on Sunday (June 23) targeted a residential house and a children's educational facility in Kharkiv, resulting in the death of one person and injuring ten others, including two teenagers, reports said quoting regional governor Oleg Synegubov.</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</strong></em></p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>


Russia has accused the United States of being responsible for a deadly Ukrainian attack on the Russian-annexed Crimean peninsula. The attack, which used five US-supplied missiles, resulted in the deaths of at least five individuals, including three children, and left 124 others injured.

Russia has accused the United States of being responsible for a deadly Ukrainian attack on the Russian-annexed Crimean peninsula. The attack, which used five US-supplied missiles, resulted in the deaths of at least five individuals, including three children, and left 124 others injured. The Russian Defence Ministry stated that four of the Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missiles, armed with cluster warheads, were intercepted by air defence systems, while the fifth missile exploded in the air. According to the ministry, the US had provided the missile coordinates based on intelligence from American spy satellites, thereby holding Washington directly accountable. Also Read | Bird flu crisis escalates: Virus spreads to pets and wildlife in 31 US states "Responsibility for the deliberate missile attack on the civilians of Sevastopol is borne above all by Washington, which supplied these weapons to Ukraine, and by the Kyiv regime, from whose territory this strike was carried out," the ministry wrote on Telegram. The attack occurred near a beach in Sevastopol, where locals were enjoying their holidays. The Russian authorities in Crimea reported that missile fragments fell close to the beach, resulting in killings and injuries. Also Read | Thousands of Ukrainians go into hiding as Kyiv expands military draft: Report Russia has vowed to respond to the attack, with President Vladimir Putin maintaining close communication with the military since the attack. "Such actions will not be left without a response," the ministry warned. The annexation of Crimea by Russia in 2014 has been a point of contention, with Russia considering the peninsula as part of its territory, contrary to many countries' stand that recognises it as Ukrainian land. Watch | US, Japan & South Korea drills: Nuclear-powered US aircraft carrier arrives in Busan × Putin has continuously accused the US of leveraging Ukraine to threaten Russian security, a claim refuted by Kyiv and its Western allies. The attack on Crimea is pointing at the deepening rift between Russia and Ukraine, with the potential for heightened hostilities on the horizon. Killings in Kharkiv This development also comes at a time when the Russian side on Sunday (June 23) targeted a residential house and a children's educational facility in Kharkiv, resulting in the death of one person and injuring ten others, including two teenagers, reports said quoting regional governor Oleg Synegubov. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Sevastopol attack: Russia blames US for deadly Ukrainian attack on Crimea

<p>While the concept of warp drives may seem like something out of science fiction, recent research suggested that these hypothetical faster-than-light engines could produce detectable gravitational wave signals and detect alien civilisations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The idea of using warp drives for interstellar travel has long captured the imagination of scientists and science fiction fans alike. First proposed by physicist Miguel Alcubierre in 1994, the concept involves distorting spacetime to allow a spacecraft to travel faster than the speed of light without violating the laws of physics.</p>

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<p>However, the practical realisation of warp drives faces significant challenges, including the need for exotic matter with negative energy density to maintain the warp bubble. Despite these obstacles, physicists continue to explore the theoretical underpinnings of these spacetime-warping engines.</p>

<p>Now, a new study published on the preprint server arXiv has delved into the potential gravitational wave signatures that could be produced by a warp drive containment failure. The researchers, from institutions in the UK and Germany, simulated the collapse of a warp bubble and analyzed the resulting gravitational wave emissions.</p>

<p>"We see a burst of gravitational-wave radiation leaving the collapsed remnant of the warp bubble," the researchers said. They found that the unique characteristics of these gravitational waves would differ from the signals typically associated with events like black hole or neutron star mergers.</p>

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<p>While the frequencies of the gravitational waves from a warp drive collapse would be too high for current detectors like LIGO to observe, the researchers suggest that future observatories, such as the planned Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA), may be able to pick up these distinctive signals.</p>

<p>The prospect of detecting gravitational waves from warp drive malfunctions has intriguing implications. "Physically, this could be related to a breakdown in the containment field that the post-warp civilization (presumably) uses to support the warp bubble against collapse," the researchers noted.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Study: Secret aliens could be here on Earth already</strong></p>

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<p>In other words, the detection of such gravitational wave signals could potentially provide evidence of the existence of advanced extraterrestrial civilizations that have developed warp drive technology, even if they are located far beyond our solar system.</p>

<p>While the idea of using gravitational waves to search for signs of alien megastructures remains highly speculative, the new study highlighted the importance of exploring the theoretical limits of physics and the potential for unexpected discoveries.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


While the concept of warp drives may seem like something out of science fiction, recent research suggested that these hypothetical faster-than-light engines could produce detectable gravitational wave signals and detect alien civilisations.

While the concept of warp drives may seem like something out of science fiction, recent research suggested that these hypothetical faster-than-light engines could produce detectable gravitational wave signals and detect alien civilisations. The idea of using warp drives for interstellar travel has long captured the imagination of scientists and science fiction fans alike. First proposed by physicist Miguel Alcubierre in 1994, the concept involves distorting spacetime to allow a spacecraft to travel faster than the speed of light without violating the laws of physics. Also Read | Hidden Antarctic mountain range revealed by pink sands in South Australia However, the practical realisation of warp drives faces significant challenges, including the need for exotic matter with negative energy density to maintain the warp bubble. Despite these obstacles, physicists continue to explore the theoretical underpinnings of these spacetime-warping engines. Now, a new study published on the preprint server arXiv has delved into the potential gravitational wave signatures that could be produced by a warp drive containment failure. The researchers, from institutions in the UK and Germany, simulated the collapse of a warp bubble and analyzed the resulting gravitational wave emissions. "We see a burst of gravitational-wave radiation leaving the collapsed remnant of the warp bubble," the researchers said. They found that the unique characteristics of these gravitational waves would differ from the signals typically associated with events like black hole or neutron star mergers. Also Read | First-ever evidence of jumping leeches found in Madagascar While the frequencies of the gravitational waves from a warp drive collapse would be too high for current detectors like LIGO to observe, the researchers suggest that future observatories, such as the planned Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA), may be able to pick up these distinctive signals. The prospect of detecting gravitational waves from warp drive malfunctions has intriguing implications. "Physically, this could be related to a breakdown in the containment field that the post-warp civilization (presumably) uses to support the warp bubble against collapse," the researchers noted. Watch | Study: Secret aliens could be here on Earth already × In other words, the detection of such gravitational wave signals could potentially provide evidence of the existence of advanced extraterrestrial civilizations that have developed warp drive technology, even if they are located far beyond our solar system. While the idea of using gravitational waves to search for signs of alien megastructures remains highly speculative, the new study highlighted the importance of exploring the theoretical limits of physics and the potential for unexpected discoveries. (With inputs from agencies)

Warp drives may reveal alien civilisations by sending gravitational waves through universe

<p>Two Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed in action after an improvised explosive device (IED) planted by Maoists detonated, hitting the truck in which they were travelling in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district.</p>

<p>The incident took place around 3 PM on Sunday (June 23) within the Jagargunda police station limits, between Silger and Tekulgudem, as the soldiers were en route to get their weekly groceries.</p>

<p>The soldiers, part of the CRPF's special anti-Maoist unit CoBRA, have been identified as 35-year-old Vishnu R from Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram and 29-year-old Shailendra from Uttar Pradesh’s Kanpur.</p>

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<p>They were part of a road-opening patrol (ROP) when the attack occurred, according to reports.</p>

<p>The Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) had been patrolling from Silger camp under Jagargunda police station limits towards Tekulgudem when the IED attack happened.</p>

<p>The blast also left security personnel injured, who were promptly taken to the hospital after rescue teams reached the scene.</p>

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<p>This comes a day after an anti-Naxal operation led the Chhattisgarh Police to a counterfeit note printing racket in Sukma, aimed at destabilising the local economy.</p>

<p>It was unearthed during a joint search operation by the Sukma Police, the District Reserve Guard and the CRPF in the forests of Korajguda on Saturday (June 22).</p>

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<p>Sukma District police chief Kiran commented on the incident, stating, “During a raid at a Maoist camp launched in the area, printers, ink, and fake notes were seized.”</p>

<p>Experts have noted that IEDs pose a significant threat to soldiers engaged in anti-Maoist operations in Chhattisgarh.</p>

<p>These crude explosives are often hidden in the thick forests&nbsp;and can have devastating effects on security forces operating in the region.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Two Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed in action after an improvised explosive device (IED) planted by Maoists detonated, hitting the truck in which they were travelling in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district.

Two Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed in action after an improvised explosive device (IED) planted by Maoists detonated, hitting the truck in which they were travelling in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district. The incident took place around 3 PM on Sunday (June 23) within the Jagargunda police station limits, between Silger and Tekulgudem, as the soldiers were en route to get their weekly groceries. The soldiers, part of the CRPF's special anti-Maoist unit CoBRA, have been identified as 35-year-old Vishnu R from Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram and 29-year-old Shailendra from Uttar Pradesh’s Kanpur. Also Read | Bridge collapses continue in Bihar: Third incident raises concerns They were part of a road-opening patrol (ROP) when the attack occurred, according to reports. The Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) had been patrolling from Silger camp under Jagargunda police station limits towards Tekulgudem when the IED attack happened. The blast also left security personnel injured, who were promptly taken to the hospital after rescue teams reached the scene. Also Read | Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal files petition in Supreme Court against High Court's stay on bail This comes a day after an anti-Naxal operation led the Chhattisgarh Police to a counterfeit note printing racket in Sukma, aimed at destabilising the local economy. It was unearthed during a joint search operation by the Sukma Police, the District Reserve Guard and the CRPF in the forests of Korajguda on Saturday (June 22). Watch | More 'explotation' charges against Hindujas, Swiss Court sentences four for exploiting Indian staff × Sukma District police chief Kiran commented on the incident, stating, “During a raid at a Maoist camp launched in the area, printers, ink, and fake notes were seized.” Experts have noted that IEDs pose a significant threat to soldiers engaged in anti-Maoist operations in Chhattisgarh. These crude explosives are often hidden in the thick forests and can have devastating effects on security forces operating in the region. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Two CRPF CoBRA personnel killed in maoist IED attack in Chhattisgarh's Sukma

<p>Pink sands washing up on South Australian beaches have revealed a hidden secret of Earth's ancient past. Scientists have uncovered evidence of an ancient mountain range buried under the Antarctic ice, thanks to the discovery of a mineral called garnet at Petrel Cove.</p>

<p>The pink sands first appeared on the remote beach, intriguing scientists with their unusual colour.</p>

<p>A team of geologists from the University of Adelaide quickly identified the pink hues as garnet, a deep red mineral that forms under high temperatures and pressures typically found in mountainous regions.</p>

<p>"This journey started with questioning why there was so much garnet on the beach at Petrel Cove," said University of Adelaide geologist Jacob Mulder.</p>

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<p>"It is fascinating to think we were able to trace tiny grains of sand on a beach in Australia to a previously undiscovered mountain belt under the Antarctic ice."</p>

<p>Garnet, which crystallises in the high-pressure environments of colliding tectonic plates, is essential for understanding the formation and age of mountains.</p>

<p>The team used lutetium-hafnium dating to analyse the garnet found at Petrel Cove and nearby bedrock formations.</p>

<p>Surprisingly, they discovered that the garnet primarily formed around 590 million years ago, predating local mountain-forming events in South Australia by millions of years.</p>

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<p>"The garnet is too young to have come from the Gawler Craton and too old to have come from the eroding Adelaide Fold Belt," Sharmaine Verhaert, a geology graduate student at the University of Adelaide who led the investigation said, as per reports.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Instead, the garnet is believed to have formed when the South Australian crust "was comparatively cool and non-mountainous."</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Study finds AI can detect Parkinson's seven years before onset</strong></p>

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<p>Garnet typically erodes away with extended exposure to waves and currents, suggesting that the mineral surfaced locally despite its ancient origins.</p>

<p>Further investigations linked the pink sands at Petrel Cove to layers of nearby glacial sedimentary rock and distant garnet deposits in the Transantarctic Mountains of East Antarctica.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Pink sands washing up on South Australian beaches have revealed a hidden secret of Earth's ancient past. Scientists have uncovered evidence of an ancient mountain range buried under the Antarctic ice, thanks to the discovery of a mineral called garnet at Petrel Cove.

Pink sands washing up on South Australian beaches have revealed a hidden secret of Earth's ancient past. Scientists have uncovered evidence of an ancient mountain range buried under the Antarctic ice, thanks to the discovery of a mineral called garnet at Petrel Cove. The pink sands first appeared on the remote beach, intriguing scientists with their unusual colour. A team of geologists from the University of Adelaide quickly identified the pink hues as garnet, a deep red mineral that forms under high temperatures and pressures typically found in mountainous regions. "This journey started with questioning why there was so much garnet on the beach at Petrel Cove," said University of Adelaide geologist Jacob Mulder. Also Read | First-ever evidence of jumping leeches found in Madagascar "It is fascinating to think we were able to trace tiny grains of sand on a beach in Australia to a previously undiscovered mountain belt under the Antarctic ice." Garnet, which crystallises in the high-pressure environments of colliding tectonic plates, is essential for understanding the formation and age of mountains. The team used lutetium-hafnium dating to analyse the garnet found at Petrel Cove and nearby bedrock formations. Surprisingly, they discovered that the garnet primarily formed around 590 million years ago, predating local mountain-forming events in South Australia by millions of years. Also Read | Use it and eat it! New 'fascinating' robots are fully operational as well as edible "The garnet is too young to have come from the Gawler Craton and too old to have come from the eroding Adelaide Fold Belt," Sharmaine Verhaert, a geology graduate student at the University of Adelaide who led the investigation said, as per reports. Instead, the garnet is believed to have formed when the South Australian crust "was comparatively cool and non-mountainous." Watch | Study finds AI can detect Parkinson's seven years before onset × Garnet typically erodes away with extended exposure to waves and currents, suggesting that the mineral surfaced locally despite its ancient origins. Further investigations linked the pink sands at Petrel Cove to layers of nearby glacial sedimentary rock and distant garnet deposits in the Transantarctic Mountains of East Antarctica. (With inputs from agencies)

Hidden Antarctic mountain range revealed by pink sands in South Australia

<p>Researchers have captured the first video evidence of a terrestrial leech species jumping, settling a long-standing debate in the scientific community.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The footage, recorded by Mai Fahmy, a postdoctoral researcher at Fordham University, in Madagascar in 2017, shows leeches which are a type of Chtonobdella coiling their bodies back and then launching themselves into the air.</p>

<p>"What we have here is the first-ever recorded evidence to our knowledge of a terrestrial leech taking a jump," said Fahmy, the lead author of the study published in the journal Biotropica.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/use-it-and-eat-it-new-fascinating-robots-are-fully-operational-as-well-as-edible-734320">Use it and eat it! New 'fascinating' robots are fully operational as well as edible</a></p>

<p>The phenomenon of jumping leeches has been debated for centuries. In the 14th century, explorer Ibn Battuta wrote of "the flying leech," and in the 19th century, naturalist Ernst Haeckel claimed that leeches can even spring to reach their victim. However, some remained skeptical in the past, with an earlier study stating, "In spite of folk tales to the contrary, land leeches do not jump from vegetation onto their prey."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-acing-three-autonmous-landings-indias-pushpak-plane-awaits-ride-to-space-734290">After acing three autonomous landings, India's 'Pushpak' plane awaits ride to space</a></p>

<p>An assistant professor at CUNY's Medgar Evans College Michael Tessler&nbsp;is the co-author of the study.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"In terms of evolution, anything that makes a terrestrial leech get blood faster or more stealthily is of great selective advantage," Tessler explained.</p>

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<p>"The evidence that the leeches in the study are jumping is 'solid enough,'" said Joachim Langeneck, a zoologist at Italy's National Interuniversity Consortium for Marine Sciences, who was not involved in the study.</p>

<p>"This answer [to the debate] opens up to further, more interesting questions, such as why leeches jump and how are they able to."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Study finds AI can detect Parkinson's seven years before onset</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Impact on conservation efforts</strong></h2>

<p>The discovery of jumping leeches not only settles a long-standing scientific debate but also has important implications for understanding leech behaviour and its impact on conservation efforts.</p>

<p>As Fahmy explained, "If we can identify how leeches find and attach to hosts, we can better understand the results of their gut content analyses. Leeches are often overlooked and understudied, and, as a natural part of the ecosystem, leeches themselves may be in need of conservation protection."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Researchers have captured the first video evidence of a terrestrial leech species jumping, settling a long-standing debate in the scientific community. The footage, recorded by Mai Fahmy, a postdoctoral researcher at Fordham University, in Madagascar in 2017, shows leeches which are a type of Chtonobdella coiling their bodies back and then launching themselves into the air.

Researchers have captured the first video evidence of a terrestrial leech species jumping, settling a long-standing debate in the scientific community. The footage, recorded by Mai Fahmy, a postdoctoral researcher at Fordham University, in Madagascar in 2017, shows leeches which are a type of Chtonobdella coiling their bodies back and then launching themselves into the air. "What we have here is the first-ever recorded evidence to our knowledge of a terrestrial leech taking a jump," said Fahmy, the lead author of the study published in the journal Biotropica. Also Read | Use it and eat it! New 'fascinating' robots are fully operational as well as edible The phenomenon of jumping leeches has been debated for centuries. In the 14th century, explorer Ibn Battuta wrote of "the flying leech," and in the 19th century, naturalist Ernst Haeckel claimed that leeches can even spring to reach their victim. However, some remained skeptical in the past, with an earlier study stating, "In spite of folk tales to the contrary, land leeches do not jump from vegetation onto their prey." Also Read | After acing three autonomous landings, India's 'Pushpak' plane awaits ride to space An assistant professor at CUNY's Medgar Evans College Michael Tessler is the co-author of the study. "In terms of evolution, anything that makes a terrestrial leech get blood faster or more stealthily is of great selective advantage," Tessler explained. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mai Fahmy, PhD (@_maifahmy) × "The evidence that the leeches in the study are jumping is 'solid enough,'" said Joachim Langeneck, a zoologist at Italy's National Interuniversity Consortium for Marine Sciences, who was not involved in the study. "This answer [to the debate] opens up to further, more interesting questions, such as why leeches jump and how are they able to." Watch | Study finds AI can detect Parkinson's seven years before onset × Impact on conservation efforts The discovery of jumping leeches not only settles a long-standing scientific debate but also has important implications for understanding leech behaviour and its impact on conservation efforts. As Fahmy explained, "If we can identify how leeches find and attach to hosts, we can better understand the results of their gut content analyses. Leeches are often overlooked and understudied, and, as a natural part of the ecosystem, leeches themselves may be in need of conservation protection." (With inputs from agencies)

Watch | First-ever evidence of jumping leeches found in Madagascar

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