<p>The head of the safety agency looking into the&nbsp;major scare when the door on an Alaska Airlines flight blew out mid-air has provided an update on Wednesday (Jan 17).&nbsp;National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) chief Jennifer Homendy said that the blown-out panel of the jetliner was manufactured in Malaysia by Boeing’s leading supplier.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, an Alaska Airlines Flight 1282, which departed from Portland, Oregon, was forced to make a freak emergency landing on Friday (Jan 5) in the wake of a door "plug" that blew off&nbsp;mid-air when the plane was at a frightening height of 16,000 feet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Homendy noted that Spirit AeroSystems produced the panel and now the safety agency is looking into the procedure of its production to ascertain what went wrong. This comes after Homendy held a closed-door meeting with members of the Senate Commerce Committee in Washington, media reports said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-us-diplomat-antony-blinken-briefly-stuck-in-davos-after-plane-faces-critical-failure-681081">Top US diplomat Antony Blinken briefly stuck in Davos after plane faces ‘critical failure’</a></p>

<p>A Spirit AeroSystems representative, in a remark that conceded to what was disclosed by the NTSB head, affirmed that the panel was produced by the company. The company spokesperson also reassured that the firm is ready to render any help needed by NTSB to look into the case.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ecuadorian-crime-prosecutor-probing-tv-studio-attack-killed-in-guayas-province-681070">Ecuadorian crime prosecutor probing TV studio attack killed in Guayas province</a></p>

<p>This is not an isolated event as in another&nbsp;incident a United Airlines flight, which took off from Florida, made an emergency landing after the open door indicator light started blinking on January 10.</p>

<h2><strong>Investigation continuing&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>After the potentially deadly mid-air incident, the United States aviation investigators are inspecting the Boeing jets. Boeing is under the radar and the Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft has been temporarily grounded by the regulators.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/implications-of-ai-generated-handwriting-681073">Implications of AI-generated handwriting</a></strong></p>

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<p>According to officials cited by media reports, airlines have inspected 40 planes similar to the one involved in the January 5 incident.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Nothing was said about penalties or enforcement, but when there is an end result, I have no doubt but that there will be consequences,” a Kansas Republican Sen. Jerry Moran said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the briefing, “there was also interest in trying to make sure that the FAA is doing its job in its oversight,” Moran said in an interview.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


The head of the safety agency looking into the major scare when the door on an Alaska Airlines flight blew out mid-air has provided an update on Wednesday (Jan 17).

The head of the safety agency looking into the major scare when the door on an Alaska Airlines flight blew out mid-air has provided an update on Wednesday (Jan 17). National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) chief Jennifer Homendy said that the blown-out panel of the jetliner was manufactured in Malaysia by Boeing’s leading supplier. Notably, an Alaska Airlines Flight 1282, which departed from Portland, Oregon, was forced to make a freak emergency landing on Friday (Jan 5) in the wake of a door "plug" that blew off mid-air when the plane was at a frightening height of 16,000 feet. Homendy noted that Spirit AeroSystems produced the panel and now the safety agency is looking into the procedure of its production to ascertain what went wrong. This comes after Homendy held a closed-door meeting with members of the Senate Commerce Committee in Washington, media reports said. Also Read | Top US diplomat Antony Blinken briefly stuck in Davos after plane faces ‘critical failure’ A Spirit AeroSystems representative, in a remark that conceded to what was disclosed by the NTSB head, affirmed that the panel was produced by the company. The company spokesperson also reassured that the firm is ready to render any help needed by NTSB to look into the case. Also Read | Ecuadorian crime prosecutor probing TV studio attack killed in Guayas province This is not an isolated event as in another incident a United Airlines flight, which took off from Florida, made an emergency landing after the open door indicator light started blinking on January 10. Investigation continuing After the potentially deadly mid-air incident, the United States aviation investigators are inspecting the Boeing jets. Boeing is under the radar and the Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft has been temporarily grounded by the regulators. Watch | Implications of AI-generated handwriting × According to officials cited by media reports, airlines have inspected 40 planes similar to the one involved in the January 5 incident. “Nothing was said about penalties or enforcement, but when there is an end result, I have no doubt but that there will be consequences,” a Kansas Republican Sen. Jerry Moran said. During the briefing, “there was also interest in trying to make sure that the FAA is doing its job in its oversight,” Moran said in an interview. (With inputs from agencies)

Blown-out door 'plug' in Alaska Airlines was manufactured in Malaysia

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5 Health Benefits of Cloudberries

<p>Israel and Hamas have reached an agreement for the delivery of crucial medicines to hostages held captive by the militant group, in exchange for flow of aid to Gazans.</p>

<p>The Qatar-brokered deal is important given the families of the hostages have been calling for aid to their loved ones.&nbsp;This comes days after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office on January 12 said that the medicines will be delivered in the next few days.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The key medical supplies will leave Doha on Wednesday (Jan 17). They will reach Gaza via Egypt.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The aid for hostages, many of whom are elderly and suffering from chronic illnesses, is approved by Hamas in exchange for medical and humanitarian assistance for the Palestinian civilians stuck in the crossfire between Israel and the&nbsp;Palestinian group.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement on Tuesday (Jan 16) said, “Medicine along with other humanitarian aid is to be delivered to civilians in the Gaza Strip, in the most affected and vulnerable areas, in exchange for delivering medication needed for Israeli captives in Gaza."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/houthis-set-to-become-global-terrorists-amid-red-sea-attacks-heres-what-it-means-680674">Houthis set to become 'global terrorists' amid Red Sea attacks. Here's what it means</a></p>

<p>The truce between Israel and Hamas in November 2023 resulted in the release of many hostages.</p>

<p>But over 100 of them out of a total of 240, are still held by Hamas.</p>

<p>The war, which recently completed 100 days, is likely to escalate, given the ongoing conflict in the Red Sea region between Iran-backed Houthi militia and US-led Western forces.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which earlier demanded visual proof of the aid reaching hostages, said that many "suffer from illnesses related to the harsh captivity conditions, which include mental and physical torture.”</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-population-declines-for-2nd-straight-year-drops-by-275-million-to-1409-billion-in-2023-680663">China's population declines for 2nd straight year, drops by 2.75 million to 1.409 billion in 2023</a></p>

<p>The casualties are reaching a new high with each passing day as the war drags on. The Hamas-run Ministry of Health in Gaza on Tuesday (Jan 16) said that a total of 24,285 Palestinians, including 10,600 children, have been killed since October 7.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The November deal was reached in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinians held by Israel.&nbsp;Israel earlier also allowed assistance to reach, however as per rights groups, a lot more is needed as the humanitarian toll on Palestinians is too much.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-elections-2024-gop-candidates-head-to-new-hampshire-heres-what-to-know-680683">US Elections 2024: GOP candidates head to New Hampshire, here's what to know</a></strong></p>

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<h2><strong>'Unimpeded, safe access to aid needed'</strong></h2>

<p>WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reportedly said, “Famine will make an already terrible situation catastrophic, because sick people are more likely to succumb to starvation, and starving people are more vulnerable to disease."&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We need unimpeded, safe access to deliver aid and a humanitarian cease-fire to prevent further death and suffering,” he said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Israel and Hamas have reached an agreement for the delivery of crucial medicines to hostages held captive by the militant group, in exchange for flow of aid to Gazans.

Israel and Hamas have reached an agreement for the delivery of crucial medicines to hostages held captive by the militant group, in exchange for flow of aid to Gazans. The Qatar-brokered deal is important given the families of the hostages have been calling for aid to their loved ones. This comes days after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office on January 12 said that the medicines will be delivered in the next few days. The key medical supplies will leave Doha on Wednesday (Jan 17). They will reach Gaza via Egypt. The aid for hostages, many of whom are elderly and suffering from chronic illnesses, is approved by Hamas in exchange for medical and humanitarian assistance for the Palestinian civilians stuck in the crossfire between Israel and the Palestinian group. Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement on Tuesday (Jan 16) said, “Medicine along with other humanitarian aid is to be delivered to civilians in the Gaza Strip, in the most affected and vulnerable areas, in exchange for delivering medication needed for Israeli captives in Gaza." Also Read | Houthis set to become 'global terrorists' amid Red Sea attacks. Here's what it means The truce between Israel and Hamas in November 2023 resulted in the release of many hostages. But over 100 of them out of a total of 240, are still held by Hamas. The war, which recently completed 100 days, is likely to escalate, given the ongoing conflict in the Red Sea region between Iran-backed Houthi militia and US-led Western forces. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which earlier demanded visual proof of the aid reaching hostages, said that many "suffer from illnesses related to the harsh captivity conditions, which include mental and physical torture.” Also Read | China's population declines for 2nd straight year, drops by 2.75 million to 1.409 billion in 2023 The casualties are reaching a new high with each passing day as the war drags on. The Hamas-run Ministry of Health in Gaza on Tuesday (Jan 16) said that a total of 24,285 Palestinians, including 10,600 children, have been killed since October 7. The November deal was reached in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinians held by Israel. Israel earlier also allowed assistance to reach, however as per rights groups, a lot more is needed as the humanitarian toll on Palestinians is too much. Watch | US Elections 2024: GOP candidates head to New Hampshire, here's what to know × 'Unimpeded, safe access to aid needed' WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reportedly said, “Famine will make an already terrible situation catastrophic, because sick people are more likely to succumb to starvation, and starving people are more vulnerable to disease." “We need unimpeded, safe access to deliver aid and a humanitarian cease-fire to prevent further death and suffering,” he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel reaches Qatar-brokered deal with Hamas to send medicines for hostages in exchange for aid to Gaza

<p>The number of study permits Canada issued to Indian students fell sharply late last year after India ejected Canadian diplomats who would process the permits and fewer Indian students applied due to a diplomatic dispute over the murder of a Sikh separatist leader in Canada, a top Canadian official told Reuters.</p>

<p>Immigration Minister Marc Miller said in an interview that he believes the number of study permits for Indians is unlikely to rebound soon. Diplomatic tensions erupted after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in June said there was evidence connecting Indian government agents to the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia.</p>

<p>The tensions are likely to weigh on the numbers going forward, Miller said.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/houthis-set-to-become-global-terrorists-amid-red-sea-attacks-heres-what-it-means-680674">Houthis set to become 'global terrorists' amid Red Sea attacks. Here's what it means</a></p>

<p>"Our relationship with India has really halved our ability to process a lot of applications from India," Miller said.</p>

<p>In October, Canada was forced to pull 41 diplomats, or two-thirds of its staff, out of India on orders from New Delhi. In addition, the dispute has prompted Indian students to seek to study in other countries, a spokeswoman for the minister said.</p>

<p>Those factors led to an 86% drop in study permits issued to Indians in the fourth quarter of last year&nbsp;from the previous quarter to 14,910 from 108,940, according to official data that have not been previously reported.</p>

<p>C. Gurusubramanian, counsellor for the High Commission of India in Ottawa, said some Indian international students were looking at other options besides Canada due to "concerns, in the recent past, regarding lack of residential and adequate teaching facilities" at some Canadian institutions.</p>

<p>Indians have formed the largest group of international students in Canada in recent years, with more than 41% - or 225,835 - of all permits going to them in 2022.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-population-declines-for-2nd-straight-year-drops-by-275-million-to-1409-billion-in-2023-680663">China's population declines for 2nd straight year, drops by 2.75 million to 1.409 billion in 2023</a></p>

<p>"I can't tell you about how the diplomatic relationship will evolve, particularly if police were to lay charges," Miller said. "It's not something that I see any light at the end of the tunnel on."</p>

<p>International students are a cash cow for Canadian universities as they bring in about C$22 billion ($16.4 billion) annually and the slowdown will be a blow to the institutions.</p>

<p>In June, Canada said there were "credible" allegations linking Indian agents to the murder of Nijjar in a Vancouver suburb. India has rejected that allegation. Canadian authorities have yet to charge anyone for the killing.</p>

<p>Last year, the US&nbsp;Justice Department charged a 52-year-old man who had worked with an Indian government employee with plotting to assassinate a New York City resident who advocated for a Sikh sovereign state in northern India.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/red-sea-crisis-us-again-strikes-yemen-as-houthis-attack-another-ship-in-red-sea-680689">Red Sea Crisis: US again strikes Yemen as Houthis attack another ship in Red Sea</a></strong></p>

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<p>The Canadian government also has been seeking to reduce the overall number of international students entering the country, in part as a response to an ongoing housing shortage.</p>

<p>"Right now we have a challenge with the sheer volume" of students coming in, Miller said. "It's just gotten out of control and needs to be reduced - I would say - significantly over a short period of time."</p>

<p>Miller said the government would introduce other measures to lower the volume of international students during the first half of this year, including a possible cap.</p>

<p>Canada is a popular destination for international students since it is relatively easy to obtain work permits after finishing courses.</p>

<p>The government intends to address "a very generous" programme for postgraduate work permits and to crack down on "fly-by-night" universities, called designated learning institutes, he said.</p>

<p>The government already plans curbs on the number of off-campus work hours for international students, which the food service and retail industries fear could cause labour shortages.</p>

<p>In 2023, the government projected that some 900,000 international students would study in Canada that year, about three times that of a decade ago. Miller said 40 per cent&nbsp;of those students - or some 360,000 - were Indian. The number of permits given to Indian students declined by four per cent&nbsp;last year, but they remained the largest group.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The number of study permits Canada issued to Indian students fell sharply late last year after India ejected Canadian diplomats who would process the permits and fewer Indian students applied due to a diplomatic dispute over the murder of a Sikh separatist leader in Canada, a top Canadian official told Reuters.

The number of study permits Canada issued to Indian students fell sharply late last year after India ejected Canadian diplomats who would process the permits and fewer Indian students applied due to a diplomatic dispute over the murder of a Sikh separatist leader in Canada, a top Canadian official told Reuters. Immigration Minister Marc Miller said in an interview that he believes the number of study permits for Indians is unlikely to rebound soon. Diplomatic tensions erupted after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in June said there was evidence connecting Indian government agents to the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. The tensions are likely to weigh on the numbers going forward, Miller said. Also Read | Houthis set to become 'global terrorists' amid Red Sea attacks. Here's what it means "Our relationship with India has really halved our ability to process a lot of applications from India," Miller said. In October, Canada was forced to pull 41 diplomats, or two-thirds of its staff, out of India on orders from New Delhi. In addition, the dispute has prompted Indian students to seek to study in other countries, a spokeswoman for the minister said. Those factors led to an 86% drop in study permits issued to Indians in the fourth quarter of last year from the previous quarter to 14,910 from 108,940, according to official data that have not been previously reported. C. Gurusubramanian, counsellor for the High Commission of India in Ottawa, said some Indian international students were looking at other options besides Canada due to "concerns, in the recent past, regarding lack of residential and adequate teaching facilities" at some Canadian institutions. Indians have formed the largest group of international students in Canada in recent years, with more than 41% - or 225,835 - of all permits going to them in 2022. Also Read | China's population declines for 2nd straight year, drops by 2.75 million to 1.409 billion in 2023 "I can't tell you about how the diplomatic relationship will evolve, particularly if police were to lay charges," Miller said. "It's not something that I see any light at the end of the tunnel on." International students are a cash cow for Canadian universities as they bring in about C$22 billion ($16.4 billion) annually and the slowdown will be a blow to the institutions. In June, Canada said there were "credible" allegations linking Indian agents to the murder of Nijjar in a Vancouver suburb. India has rejected that allegation. Canadian authorities have yet to charge anyone for the killing. Last year, the US Justice Department charged a 52-year-old man who had worked with an Indian government employee with plotting to assassinate a New York City resident who advocated for a Sikh sovereign state in northern India. Watch | Red Sea Crisis: US again strikes Yemen as Houthis attack another ship in Red Sea × The Canadian government also has been seeking to reduce the overall number of international students entering the country, in part as a response to an ongoing housing shortage. "Right now we have a challenge with the sheer volume" of students coming in, Miller said. "It's just gotten out of control and needs to be reduced - I would say - significantly over a short period of time." Miller said the government would introduce other measures to lower the volume of international students during the first half of this year, including a possible cap. Canada is a popular destination for international students since it is relatively easy to obtain work permits after finishing courses. The government intends to address "a very generous" programme for postgraduate work permits and to crack down on "fly-by-night" universities, called designated learning institutes, he said. The government already plans curbs on the number of off-campus work hours for international students, which the food service and retail industries fear could cause labour shortages. In 2023, the government projected that some 900,000 international students would study in Canada that year, about three times that of a decade ago. Miller said 40 per cent of those students - or some 360,000 - were Indian. The number of permits given to Indian students declined by four per cent last year, but they remained the largest group.

Canada minister says study permits to students from India dropped due to diplomatic tensions

<p>China's population has declined for the second consecutive year with the total population decreasing by 2.75 million to 1.409 billion in 2023, media reports said citing the country's National Bureau of Statistics. The population in 2023 shrank at an even faster rate than was the case in 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p>China has been experiencing a declining birth rate and an ageing population. This is leading to concerns about demographic challenges. Factors contributing to this decline included the effects of the one-child policy, which was relaxed in 2015 to allow couples to have two children. However, the policy change did not immediately lead to an increase in birth rates.</p>

<p>The COVID-19 pandemic also played a role, with a surge in cases after authorities lifted restrictions in December 2022. The latest data raised concerns about the long-term economic growth of the world's second-largest economy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-says-two-dead-many-injured-in-iranian-airstrikes-inside-balochistan-680658">Pakistan says two dead after Iran struck 'terror group's bases in Balochistan'</a></p>

<p>With a drop in the young population, there are fewer workers. Consumers are also on a decline. Moreover, there has been an increasing cost associated with elderly care and retirement benefits. With all these factors in play, the growth prospects in the country are diminishing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/next-republican-debate-shelved-after-nikki-haley-pulls-out-saying-she-wants-donald-trump-on-stage-680660">Next Republican debate cancelled after Nikki Haley pulls out saying she wants Donald Trump on stage</a></p>

<p>India has already surpassed China as the world's most populous nation. Keeping in view the long-standing US-China rivalry, there are discussions about the relocation of supply chains from China to other markets.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Further decline by 2050&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>United Nations experts reportedly estimate a substantial decline in China's population by 2050. They project 109 million fewer people than previously forecast in 2019. Moreover, the retirement-age population in China, aged 60 and above, is expected to surpass 400 million by 2035.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/donald-trump-wins-iowa-caucus-with-51-votes-desantis-comes-second-with-21-680647">Donald Trump wins Iowa caucus with 51% votes | DeSantis comes second with 21%</a></strong></p>

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<p>In terms of demographic indicators, China's birth rate in 2023 reached a historic low at 6.39 births per 1,000 people, down from 6.77 births in 2022. The death rate in China also increased, reaching 7.87 deaths per 1,000 people in 2023, up from 7.37 deaths in 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


China's population has declined for the second consecutive year with the total population decreasing by 2.75 million to 1.409 billion in 2023, media reports said citing the country's National Bureau of Statistics.

China's population has declined for the second consecutive year with the total population decreasing by 2.75 million to 1.409 billion in 2023, media reports said citing the country's National Bureau of Statistics. The population in 2023 shrank at an even faster rate than was the case in 2022. China has been experiencing a declining birth rate and an ageing population. This is leading to concerns about demographic challenges. Factors contributing to this decline included the effects of the one-child policy, which was relaxed in 2015 to allow couples to have two children. However, the policy change did not immediately lead to an increase in birth rates. The COVID-19 pandemic also played a role, with a surge in cases after authorities lifted restrictions in December 2022. The latest data raised concerns about the long-term economic growth of the world's second-largest economy. Also Read | Pakistan says two dead after Iran struck 'terror group's bases in Balochistan' With a drop in the young population, there are fewer workers. Consumers are also on a decline. Moreover, there has been an increasing cost associated with elderly care and retirement benefits. With all these factors in play, the growth prospects in the country are diminishing. Also Read | Next Republican debate cancelled after Nikki Haley pulls out saying she wants Donald Trump on stage India has already surpassed China as the world's most populous nation. Keeping in view the long-standing US-China rivalry, there are discussions about the relocation of supply chains from China to other markets. Further decline by 2050 United Nations experts reportedly estimate a substantial decline in China's population by 2050. They project 109 million fewer people than previously forecast in 2019. Moreover, the retirement-age population in China, aged 60 and above, is expected to surpass 400 million by 2035. Watch | Donald Trump wins Iowa caucus with 51% votes | DeSantis comes second with 21% × In terms of demographic indicators, China's birth rate in 2023 reached a historic low at 6.39 births per 1,000 people, down from 6.77 births in 2022. The death rate in China also increased, reaching 7.87 deaths per 1,000 people in 2023, up from 7.37 deaths in 2022. (With inputs from agencies)

China's population declines for 2nd straight year, drops by 2.75 million to 1.409 billion in 2023

<p>Chinese researchers have successfully cloned a rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) using an innovative technique that addresses common developmental defects observed in cloned embryos.&nbsp;Notably, rhesus monkeys are phylogenetically close to humans, sharing about 93 per cent of their DNA and this makes them valuable models for studying human physiology, anatomy, and diseases. The new method is different from what was used to clone&nbsp;Dolly the sheep. The monkey, named ReTro, is now over two years of age, marking a&nbsp;milestone in primate cloning.</p>

<p>For the first time, researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Shanghai have achieved successful cloning of a rhesus monkey using a modified cloning approach that involved replacing the placenta, which plays a crucial role in supporting the growth and development of the fetus, of the cloned embryo with a placenta from embryos produced by in-vitro fertilisation (IVF).</p>

<p>By doing so, the scientists reduced developmental defects that typically hinder the survival of cloned embryos, ultimately leading to the first successful cloning of the species.</p>

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<p>The conventional cloning technique, known as somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), has historically resulted in low birth and survival rates for cloned embryos, especially in primates. This is the technique used to clone Dolly the sheep and other mammals.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Previous attempts to clone long-tailed macaques in 2018 yielded only two surviving monkeys out of 109 cloned embryos. In 2022, a rhesus monkey cloned using SCNT survived for less than 12 hours.</p>

<h2><strong>What was the obstacle?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The researchers found that the placentas were not reprogrammed during the cloning process resulting in abnormal development. To overcome this issue, instead of using&nbsp;the entire cloned embryo, including the part that forms the placenta, which is the outer layer, scientists extracted the inner cells, which contribute to the animal's body development, and introduced them into a non-cloned outer embryo.</p>

<p>This innovative technique was designed to encourage the development of a normal placenta. This resulted in the creation of a "natural placenta" while maintaining the cloned nature of the fetus.</p>

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<p>The researchers successfully implanted 11 cloned rhesus monkey embryos into seven surrogates, resulting in two pregnancies.&nbsp;One of the surrogates gave birth to ReTro, a healthy male rhesus monkey that has thrived for more than two years. However, challenges remain in improving the cloning process.</p>

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<p>Lluís Montoliu, a geneticist at the Spanish National Center for Biotechnology, reportedly&nbsp;emphasised the difficulty of achieving success with such low efficiencies in cloning experiments.</p>

<p>Scientists envision using cloned monkeys for drug testing and behavioural research, aiming to reduce the number of animals used in experiments and eliminate genetic background interference.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Chinese researchers have successfully cloned a rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) using an innovative technique that addresses common developmental defects observed in cloned embryos.

Chinese researchers have successfully cloned a rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) using an innovative technique that addresses common developmental defects observed in cloned embryos. Notably, rhesus monkeys are phylogenetically close to humans, sharing about 93 per cent of their DNA and this makes them valuable models for studying human physiology, anatomy, and diseases. The new method is different from what was used to clone Dolly the sheep. The monkey, named ReTro, is now over two years of age, marking a milestone in primate cloning. For the first time, researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Shanghai have achieved successful cloning of a rhesus monkey using a modified cloning approach that involved replacing the placenta, which plays a crucial role in supporting the growth and development of the fetus, of the cloned embryo with a placenta from embryos produced by in-vitro fertilisation (IVF). By doing so, the scientists reduced developmental defects that typically hinder the survival of cloned embryos, ultimately leading to the first successful cloning of the species. Also Read | Big Bug Bang: US to see 'double cicada explosion' that won't happen for next 400 years The conventional cloning technique, known as somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), has historically resulted in low birth and survival rates for cloned embryos, especially in primates. This is the technique used to clone Dolly the sheep and other mammals. Previous attempts to clone long-tailed macaques in 2018 yielded only two surviving monkeys out of 109 cloned embryos. In 2022, a rhesus monkey cloned using SCNT survived for less than 12 hours. What was the obstacle? The researchers found that the placentas were not reprogrammed during the cloning process resulting in abnormal development. To overcome this issue, instead of using the entire cloned embryo, including the part that forms the placenta, which is the outer layer, scientists extracted the inner cells, which contribute to the animal's body development, and introduced them into a non-cloned outer embryo. This innovative technique was designed to encourage the development of a normal placenta. This resulted in the creation of a "natural placenta" while maintaining the cloned nature of the fetus. Also Read | Tibet may be splitting apart due to colossal tectonic collision underneath Himalayas The researchers successfully implanted 11 cloned rhesus monkey embryos into seven surrogates, resulting in two pregnancies. One of the surrogates gave birth to ReTro, a healthy male rhesus monkey that has thrived for more than two years. However, challenges remain in improving the cloning process. Watch | 'Dopamine Dressing,' fashion fad or need of the hour? × Lluís Montoliu, a geneticist at the Spanish National Center for Biotechnology, reportedly emphasised the difficulty of achieving success with such low efficiencies in cloning experiments. Scientists envision using cloned monkeys for drug testing and behavioural research, aiming to reduce the number of animals used in experiments and eliminate genetic background interference. (With inputs from agencies)

Rhesus monkey cloned using new technique different from what was used for Dolly the sheep

<p>The World Health Organization (WHO), in its latest report, revealed&nbsp;a declining trend in global tobacco use, with 150 countries successfully reducing consumption. However, the tobacco industry's efforts to undermine progress continue to raise concerns about the battle against tobacco use.</p>

<p>According to the WHO's tobacco trends report released on Tuesday (Jan 16), there are currently 1.25 billion adult tobacco users globally. "While the numbers have steadily decreased over the years the world will make it to a 25% relative reduction in tobacco use by 2025, missing the voluntary global goal of 30 per cent reduction from the 2010 baseline," WHO said.&nbsp;Only 56 countries globally are projected to reach this goal.</p>

<p>Trends in 2022 indicate a continued decline in tobacco use rates worldwide, with approximately 1 in 5 adults consuming tobacco, compared to 1 in 3 in the year 2000.</p>

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<p>Dr. Ruediger Krech, Director of the WHO Department of Health Promotion, expressed both satisfaction and caution, stating, “Good progress has been made in tobacco control in recent years, but there is no time for complacency. I’m astounded at the depths the tobacco industry will go to pursue profits at the expense of countless lives.”</p>

<p>The report highlighted success stories in Brazil and the Netherlands, attributing their achievements to the implementation of MPOWER tobacco control measures.</p>

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<p>Brazil has seen a relative reduction of 35 per cent since 2010, while the Netherlands is on track to reach its 30 per cent target. The report also identifies six countries where tobacco use is still rising - Congo, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Oman, and the Republic of Moldova.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>"Country surveys consistently show that children aged 13–15 years in most countries are using tobacco and nicotine products. To protect the future generations and ensure that tobacco use continues to decline, WHO will dedicate this year’s World No Tobacco Day to Protecting children from tobacco industry interference," WHO said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>South-East Asian region</strong></h2>

<p>The report notes that the WHO South-East Asian Region currently has the highest percentage of the population using tobacco at 26.5 per cent, closely followed by the European Region at 25.3 per cent.</p>

<p>Disturbingly, <em>The Global Tobacco Industry Interference Index 2023</em>,&nbsp;published by STOP and the Global Centre&nbsp;for Good Governance in Tobacco Control, indicates a deterioration in efforts to protect health policy from increased tobacco industry interference worldwide.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


The World Health Organization (WHO), in its latest report, revealed a declining trend in global tobacco use, with 150 countries successfully reducing consumption.

The World Health Organization (WHO), in its latest report, revealed a declining trend in global tobacco use, with 150 countries successfully reducing consumption. However, the tobacco industry's efforts to undermine progress continue to raise concerns about the battle against tobacco use. According to the WHO's tobacco trends report released on Tuesday (Jan 16), there are currently 1.25 billion adult tobacco users globally. "While the numbers have steadily decreased over the years the world will make it to a 25% relative reduction in tobacco use by 2025, missing the voluntary global goal of 30 per cent reduction from the 2010 baseline," WHO said. Only 56 countries globally are projected to reach this goal. Trends in 2022 indicate a continued decline in tobacco use rates worldwide, with approximately 1 in 5 adults consuming tobacco, compared to 1 in 3 in the year 2000. Also Read | A crow sporting peacock feathers: Vivek Ramaswamy falls to neo-convert overkill Dr. Ruediger Krech, Director of the WHO Department of Health Promotion, expressed both satisfaction and caution, stating, “Good progress has been made in tobacco control in recent years, but there is no time for complacency. I’m astounded at the depths the tobacco industry will go to pursue profits at the expense of countless lives.” The report highlighted success stories in Brazil and the Netherlands, attributing their achievements to the implementation of MPOWER tobacco control measures. Also Read | Over 90% of child sexual abuse content on internet is now 'self-generated': Report Brazil has seen a relative reduction of 35 per cent since 2010, while the Netherlands is on track to reach its 30 per cent target. The report also identifies six countries where tobacco use is still rising - Congo, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Oman, and the Republic of Moldova. Watch | Red Sea Crisis: US destroys four anti-ship ballistic missiles in Yemen × "Country surveys consistently show that children aged 13–15 years in most countries are using tobacco and nicotine products. To protect the future generations and ensure that tobacco use continues to decline, WHO will dedicate this year’s World No Tobacco Day to Protecting children from tobacco industry interference," WHO said in a statement. South-East Asian region The report notes that the WHO South-East Asian Region currently has the highest percentage of the population using tobacco at 26.5 per cent, closely followed by the European Region at 25.3 per cent. Disturbingly, The Global Tobacco Industry Interference Index 2023, published by STOP and the Global Centre for Good Governance in Tobacco Control, indicates a deterioration in efforts to protect health policy from increased tobacco industry interference worldwide. (With inputs from agencies)

Global tobacco use drops, WHO urges fight against industry interference

<p>It is not only the fog that is wreaking havoc on passengers travelling by air as a stubborn toilet door recently caused a frenzy for a male passenger who was onboard a flight from India's Mumbai to Bengaluru. In a bizarre incident aboard a SpiceJet flight, the man found himself trapped in a loo with a malfunctioned door that did not open for almost 100 minutes.</p>

<p>The harrowing event&nbsp;unfolded on flight SG-268, which departed from Mumbai airport at 2 am on Tuesday (Jan 16), though it was scheduled for takeoff at 10.55 pm on Monday (Jan 15).</p>

<p>When the crew got to know about the flight's stuck-up door, they rushed in a bid to unlock it, however, they failed to do so. This happened as the flight was nearing its destination in India's southern state of Karnataka.&nbsp;"It was known that the passenger on 14D seat had gone to the toilet soon after the takeoff and the seatbelt signs went off. Sadly, he got trapped inside as the toilet door malfunctioned," a ground staffer at KIA reportedly said.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>The crew members, after trying to open the loo door, finally felt that it was not achievable without the help of engineers. The passenger all this time was inside the small toilet, the tiny enclosed space that can make many people worried and claustrophobic.</p>

<p>In what can be seen as an attempt to pacify the trapped passenger, an air hostess wrote a reassuring note on brown paper and slid it into the loo for the passenger to read.</p>

<p>The letter had updates on the ongoing efforts to resolve the door issues.</p>

<p>The message read, "Sir, we tried our best to open the door, however, we could not. Do not panic. We are landing in a few minutes, so please close the commode lid and sit on it and secure yourself. As soon as the main door is open, an engineer will come."</p>

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<p>An airport official in Bengaluru reportedly said,&nbsp;"The poor man flew from Mumbai to Bengaluru inside the toilet and, shockingly, landed trapped inside the tiny lavatory."&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Two-hour ordeal brought to end&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>After the incident, which caused a stir inside the flight, the plane finally landed at its destination&nbsp;at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA). The flight touched down at 3.42 am on Tuesday (Jan 16).</p>

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<p>The engineers boarded the plane swiftly.</p>

<p>A two-hour ordeal,&nbsp;which started when the passenger found that he was unable to open the toilet door, was successfully brought to an end after the engineers broke open the door.&nbsp;The distressed passenger was finally rescued.</p>

<p>Following the rescue, the man was promptly taken for first aid, a media outlet said quoting an officer. "The passenger was totally traumatised due to claustrophobia."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


It is not only the fog that is wreaking havoc on passengers travelling by air as a stubborn toilet door recently caused a frenzy for a male passenger who was onboard a flight from India's Mumbai to Bengaluru.

It is not only the fog that is wreaking havoc on passengers travelling by air as a stubborn toilet door recently caused a frenzy for a male passenger who was onboard a flight from India's Mumbai to Bengaluru. In a bizarre incident aboard a SpiceJet flight, the man found himself trapped in a loo with a malfunctioned door that did not open for almost 100 minutes. The harrowing event unfolded on flight SG-268, which departed from Mumbai airport at 2 am on Tuesday (Jan 16), though it was scheduled for takeoff at 10.55 pm on Monday (Jan 15). When the crew got to know about the flight's stuck-up door, they rushed in a bid to unlock it, however, they failed to do so. This happened as the flight was nearing its destination in India's southern state of Karnataka. "It was known that the passenger on 14D seat had gone to the toilet soon after the takeoff and the seatbelt signs went off. Sadly, he got trapped inside as the toilet door malfunctioned," a ground staffer at KIA reportedly said. Also Read | No 'Dark Ages' in South Asia? 2800-year-old settlement discovered in PM Modi's hometown Vadnagar The crew members, after trying to open the loo door, finally felt that it was not achievable without the help of engineers. The passenger all this time was inside the small toilet, the tiny enclosed space that can make many people worried and claustrophobic. In what can be seen as an attempt to pacify the trapped passenger, an air hostess wrote a reassuring note on brown paper and slid it into the loo for the passenger to read. The letter had updates on the ongoing efforts to resolve the door issues. The message read, "Sir, we tried our best to open the door, however, we could not. Do not panic. We are landing in a few minutes, so please close the commode lid and sit on it and secure yourself. As soon as the main door is open, an engineer will come." Also Read | Indian MP at centre of cash-for-query controversy asked to vacate govt bungalow immediately An airport official in Bengaluru reportedly said, "The poor man flew from Mumbai to Bengaluru inside the toilet and, shockingly, landed trapped inside the tiny lavatory." Two-hour ordeal brought to end After the incident, which caused a stir inside the flight, the plane finally landed at its destination at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA). The flight touched down at 3.42 am on Tuesday (Jan 16). Watch | Ram Mandir: Ayodhya all decked up, ready for Ram Mandir inauguration × The engineers boarded the plane swiftly. A two-hour ordeal, which started when the passenger found that he was unable to open the toilet door, was successfully brought to an end after the engineers broke open the door. The distressed passenger was finally rescued. Following the rescue, the man was promptly taken for first aid, a media outlet said quoting an officer. "The passenger was totally traumatised due to claustrophobia." (With inputs from agencies)

'Do not panic': Indian airlines slipped THIS note to passenger stuck in loo for entire trip

<p>All India Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra, who was at the centre of the 'cash for query' controversy and was expelled from the lower house of the Indian parliament on December 8, has now been asked by the Directorate of Estates to vacate the government bungalow provided to her on an immediate basis. The department is the one that looks after the Central government's residential properties.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She was earlier given an order in which she was told to vacate the government-provided building by January 7. After this, Moitra challenged the order in the Delhi High Court which asked the former MP to approach the directorate regarding her request to keep on allowing her to stay in the accommodation provided.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>The latest order by DoE where it is asking for Moitra to immediately vacate the premises was issued on Tuesday (Jan 16). The directorate on January 8 issued Moitra a show cause notice and sought her reply within three days asking the reason behind her inaction in vacating the house. Yet another order was issued on January 12.</p>

<p>Justice Subramoniun Prasad earlier noted that as per the rules, the authorities should be able to let a person stay at the accommodation for up to six months if a certain amount is paid. But that is only to hold true in exceptional cases.</p>

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<p>Following this, Moitra withdrew her petition against the directorate.</p>

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<p>India's Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Mahua Moitra on December 11 moved the Supreme Court after her expulsion in the wake of an ethics committee finding her guilty of sharing her Lok Sabha login credentials and for also accepting gifts from a businessman to advance his interests.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Supreme Court on January 3 asked the Secretary General of Lok Sabha to file a response to the writ petition filed by Moitra. Moitra's petition challenged her recent expulsion from the Lok Sabha after it was alleged that she carried out an unethical act in violation of the ministers'&nbsp;code of conduct.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


All India Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra, who was at the centre of the 'cash for query' controversy and was expelled from the lower house of the Indian parliament on December 8, has now been asked by the Directorate of Estates to vacate the government bungalow provided to her on an immediate basis.

All India Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra, who was at the centre of the 'cash for query' controversy and was expelled from the lower house of the Indian parliament on December 8, has now been asked by the Directorate of Estates to vacate the government bungalow provided to her on an immediate basis. The department is the one that looks after the Central government's residential properties. She was earlier given an order in which she was told to vacate the government-provided building by January 7. After this, Moitra challenged the order in the Delhi High Court which asked the former MP to approach the directorate regarding her request to keep on allowing her to stay in the accommodation provided. Also Read | India Weather: Dense fog in Delhi delays over 100 flights, 20 trains; Check full forecast here The latest order by DoE where it is asking for Moitra to immediately vacate the premises was issued on Tuesday (Jan 16). The directorate on January 8 issued Moitra a show cause notice and sought her reply within three days asking the reason behind her inaction in vacating the house. Yet another order was issued on January 12. Justice Subramoniun Prasad earlier noted that as per the rules, the authorities should be able to let a person stay at the accommodation for up to six months if a certain amount is paid. But that is only to hold true in exceptional cases. Also Read | ‘Peak Bengaluru’ moment: Man chooses movie hall as unusual workplace, internet reacts Following this, Moitra withdrew her petition against the directorate. Watch | Space startups investments surpass $17.9 billion in 2023, says Report × India's Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Mahua Moitra on December 11 moved the Supreme Court after her expulsion in the wake of an ethics committee finding her guilty of sharing her Lok Sabha login credentials and for also accepting gifts from a businessman to advance his interests. Supreme Court on January 3 asked the Secretary General of Lok Sabha to file a response to the writ petition filed by Moitra. Moitra's petition challenged her recent expulsion from the Lok Sabha after it was alleged that she carried out an unethical act in violation of the ministers' code of conduct. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian MP at centre of cash-for-query controversy asked to vacate govt bungalow immediately

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