There certainly exists an India that's miles away from so-called 'wokeness' sometimes taken for granted in this time and age. Here, the families are close-knit but there are prying eyes and wagging tongues. Family members spy on each other, funnily pass on unsubstantiated rumours but at the end of the day are still one unit bound by love. In such pros and cons-filled set-up unfolds the story of 'Badhaai Do'. Do not expect anything Rajshri-esque from 'Badhaai Do' based on this description above because the movie deals with gender issues.&nbsp;

Shardul (Rajkummar Rao) is a hunky policeman in Dehradun who is hiding from the world the fact that he is gay. He is stationed in a police station that has mostly woman police officers. He desperately trying for a transfer. Suman (Bhumi Pednekar) is a Physical Education teacher in what looks like one of the elite Dehradun schools. She is hiding her identity as a Lesbian.

Paths of Shardul and Suman cross and after a very brief 'courtship', Shardul proposes a marriage of convenience that will keep respective families from hounding them to get 'settled' in life by way of traditional marriage.

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The win-win deal is sealed quickly. Marriage is done and dusted and the couple starts living under one roof, husband and wife for the world but 'roommates' to one another, as they put it. There is no physical intimacy between them and both indulge in love with those of their respective preference. What follows is a game of careful balancing as both families do not know any of this.&nbsp;

Rajkummar Rao has by now mastered the art of playing awkward everyman and his presence is a delight in 'Badhaai Do'. Bhumi Pednekar's understated charm brings out the small-town but headstrong girl quite well on screen.

The prying eyes of both families are soon squarely on the couple. When there is no 'good news' even after one year, the aunties and uncles resort to subtle to outright explicit hints. They obtain info about the size of the bed both sleep together in to aid their own conjectures about 'why no baby yet'. Shardul's mom is swiftly dispatched to the couple's house in Dehradun to spy on them.

Both Rao and Pednekar have been able to portray their suffocation in this 'straight society' quite well. To its credit, the movie offers space for the portrayal of closeness between the men in addition to that between women and ducks the usual criticism about gender-based movies being partial to depicting lesbian love just to grab eyeballs. The same-sex closeness is depicted without being quote-unquote "icky". You can definitely watch this film with your family.

The songs, though hummable, appear unlikely to linger in mind once out of the theatre. This is quite a surprise as we have names like Amit Trivedi, Ankit Tiwari, Tanishq Bagchi associated with the music of the movie.

Rajkummar Rao and Bhumi Pednekar carry the movie ably on their shoulders. You remember them the most. Not to forget Bhumi's love interest Rimjhim played by Chum Darang who adds to the freshness of the story.

As a product, 'Badhaai Do' does not quite appear to have been made for multiplex crowds in tier-1 cities as these viewers may have already grappled with gender-based dilemmas portrayed in 'Badhaai Do'. They may already have found solutions to these dilemmas (positive or negative!). But if you have time and want to quickly watch a no-stress movie, this Harshavardhan Kulkarni-directed flick can be worth your while.

There certainly exists an India that's miles away from so-called 'wokeness' sometimes taken for granted in this time and age. Here, the families are close-knit but there are prying eyes and wagging tongues.

There certainly exists an India that's miles away from so-called 'wokeness' sometimes taken for granted in this time and age. Here, the families are close-knit but there are prying eyes and wagging tongues. Family members spy on each other, funnily pass on unsubstantiated rumours but at the end of the day are still one unit bound by love. In such pros and cons-filled set-up unfolds the story of 'Badhaai Do'. Do not expect anything Rajshri-esque from 'Badhaai Do' based on this description above because the movie deals with gender issues. Shardul (Rajkummar Rao) is a hunky policeman in Dehradun who is hiding from the world the fact that he is gay. He is stationed in a police station that has mostly woman police officers. He desperately trying for a transfer. Suman (Bhumi Pednekar) is a Physical Education teacher in what looks like one of the elite Dehradun schools. She is hiding her identity as a Lesbian. Paths of Shardul and Suman cross and after a very brief 'courtship', Shardul proposes a marriage of convenience that will keep respective families from hounding them to get 'settled' in life by way of traditional marriage. The win-win deal is sealed quickly. Marriage is done and dusted and the couple starts living under one roof, husband and wife for the world but 'roommates' to one another, as they put it. There is no physical intimacy between them and both indulge in love with those of their respective preference. What follows is a game of careful balancing as both families do not know any of this. Rajkummar Rao has by now mastered the art of playing awkward everyman and his presence is a delight in 'Badhaai Do'. Bhumi Pednekar's understated charm brings out the small-town but headstrong girl quite well on screen. The prying eyes of both families are soon squarely on the couple. When there is no 'good news' even after one year, the aunties and uncles resort to subtle to outright explicit hints. They obtain info about the size of the bed both sleep together in to aid their own conjectures about 'why no baby yet'. Shardul's mom is swiftly dispatched to the couple's house in Dehradun to spy on them. Both Rao and Pednekar have been able to portray their suffocation in this 'straight society' quite well. To its credit, the movie offers space for the portrayal of closeness between the men in addition to that between women and ducks the usual criticism about gender-based movies being partial to depicting lesbian love just to grab eyeballs. The same-sex closeness is depicted without being quote-unquote "icky". You can definitely watch this film with your family. The songs, though hummable, appear unlikely to linger in mind once out of the theatre. This is quite a surprise as we have names like Amit Trivedi, Ankit Tiwari, Tanishq Bagchi associated with the music of the movie. Rajkummar Rao and Bhumi Pednekar carry the movie ably on their shoulders. You remember them the most. Not to forget Bhumi's love interest Rimjhim played by Chum Darang who adds to the freshness of the story. As a product, 'Badhaai Do' does not quite appear to have been made for multiplex crowds in tier-1 cities as these viewers may have already grappled with gender-based dilemmas portrayed in 'Badhaai Do'. They may already have found solutions to these dilemmas (positive or negative!). But if you have time and want to quickly watch a no-stress movie, this Harshavardhan Kulkarni-directed flick can be worth your while.

'Badhaai Do' review: Rajkummar Rao and Bhumi Pednekar ably steer this no-stress, gender-based movie

Last week, Ukrainian legislators held up the flags of countries providing military and diplomatic assistance to Ukraine as it faces the threat of a Russian invasion. The flags of the United States, Britain, Canada, Denmark, Poland and Turkey all jostled for space. One, however, was conspicuous by its absence: the black, red and gold of Germany.

It was a fitting rebuke. Over the past few weeks, as Europe has seemingly approached the brink of war, Germany has been the odd man out. While the United States, Britain and Poland delivered weapons to Ukraine, the German government stoutly refused to do the same — and even seemed to block a transfer of weapons previously sold to Estonia. Across the continent, criticism has been fierce.

For Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who on Monday met with President Biden in Washington, it’s been a trial by fire. In office since December and at the head of a new coalition government, he has struggled to gain control of a situation that threatens to torpedo his authority. It’s a stark contrast to the way Angela Merkel stepped up after Russia annexed Crimea in 2014. Through active and energetic diplomacy, Ms. Merkel was able to bring about a cease-fire and something approaching a settlement. Under similar pressure, her successor has gone missing.

But the problem goes beyond Mr. Scholz to Germany itself. The crisis in Ukraine puts to the sword many of the country’s central assumptions about its role in the world. Wedded to the past and conflicted in the present, Germany — at least when it comes to foreign policy — looks stuck. But now is not the time to be indecisive. It needs to assert itself as a power broker and unify Europe’s response to Russian aggression.

The first difficulty, of course, is historical. Determined not to repeat the horrors of the past, the country is extremely wary about military engagement. That caution extends to weapons, which are generally not sold to conflict zones or when they could become instruments of human rights violations. In practice, economic interests often overrule principles: Saudi Arabia and Egypt receive German weaponry. Yet with Russia, the issue is particularly fraught. Never again, goes the catechism, shall German weapons be used to kill Russian citizens.

These historical arguments are not particularly useful in the 21st century. But Germany just can’t get over them: Pacifism and history are deeply ingrained in our public debate and particularly in the political culture of two of the three parties currently governing the country, the Greens and the Social Democrats.

For Mr. Scholz’s Social Democratic Party, relations with Russia are an especially emotional and contested issue. The party prides itself on its change-through-rapprochement approach during the Cold War, and many members defend the notion that Germany’s role is to be a buffer between the United States and Russia rather than to clearly side with the West. It’s a narrative rooted in nostalgia and idealism, but it has a cynical side: The party’s defense for Nord Stream 2, the controversial pipeline built to deliver more Russian gas to Europe, often clads straightforward economic interests in the gown of historical dignity.

For the Green Party, the second largest in Germany’s so-called Traffic Light coalition, the situation is no less sensitive. Founded out of the peace and ecological movements in 1980, it opposed the deployment of American nuclear weapons to Germany and rearmament generally. The party’s position has since evolved, but Russia’s threat to Ukraine has caught the Greens at a difficult moment. After a slightly disappointing election result in September, tensions within the party — over cabinet positions, internal reforms and political priorities — are high. It is, in short, a bad moment to take an ax to a central pillar of party identity.

Then there’s the coalition itself, formed two months ago and keen to show it can provide stable rule. With domestic problems mounting — rising prices, pandemic restrictions and ambitious decarbonization plans threaten the country’s uneasy equilibrium — the government may have decided not to risk its unity over a foreign policy issue. Its caution, after all, is in step with national opinion at large: A recent survey showed that 59 percent of Germans oppose delivering weapons to Ukraine, while only 20 percent approve.

Taken together, it amounts to a difficult brief for Mr. Scholz. And it’s clear that, so far, he’s struggled to meet the moment. Criticism abroad — Latvia’s defense minister called Germany’s reluctance to arm Ukraine “immoral” and “hypocritical” — has been more sharply expressed but no more pointed than at home, where Mr. Scholz has been derided as almost invisible. (On Twitter, #WoIstScholz — “Where is Scholz?” — became something between a lament and a joke.) His personal approval ratings have sunk 17 percentage points, according to a recent poll, and his party’s standing has also taken a hit. After Ms. Merkel’s long tenure, Mr. Scholz is discovering just how hard the job can be. It’s not just Germany he’s struggling to lead; it’s Europe, too.

Yet Mr. Scholz maintains that the country is taking the right path. In a television interview last week, he stressed that Germany has invested $2 billion in Ukraine in recent years. Building a country’s resilience, a senior government official told me, means helping it to defend itself. The chancellery appears to deem weapon deliveries to Ukraine purely symbolic — a costly exercise politically, with little actual impact. And officials were quick to underline Germany’s leading presence in NATO’s deployment, since 2017, of troops to Poland and the Baltic States. On Monday, the country announced it would send 350 more soldiers to defend NATO’s eastern flank.

Is this just the usual German delusion? Is the country just making excuses for pursuing business as usual? Yes and no. Germany is certainly reluctant to leave its comfort zone, as its hesitancy — nowhere better captured than in its offer to send Ukraine helmets rather than missiles — clearly betrays. But some things have changed.

For one thing, some Social Democrats appear willing to leave behind the idea of a special relationship with Russia. “We don’t want a special role for Germany,” Michael Roth, a Social Democrat who heads the Foreign Affairs Committee, told me. This is a significant development and means that Nord Stream 2 is, for the first time, genuinely on the line. As Annalena Baerbock, the foreign minister (and a co-leader of the Green Party), made clear to her Russian counterpart in January: Germany is prepared to act, even if “such measures hurt us economically.”

In the context of the past, it’s a bold statement. But these nuances are not as easy to grasp as boots on the ground. On Monday, Mr. Scholz, addressing Mr. Biden by his first name, sought to bolster the trans-Atlantic alliance. “We are absolutely united,” he said. There’s no reason, really, to doubt it. But it may still take some convincing.

Last week, Ukrainian legislators held up the flags of countries providing military and diplomatic assistance to Ukraine as it faces the threat of a Russian invasion.

Last week, Ukrainian legislators held up the flags of countries providing military and diplomatic assistance to Ukraine as it faces the threat of a Russian invasion. The flags of the United States, Britain, Canada, Denmark, Poland and Turkey all jostled for space. One, however, was conspicuous by its absence: the black, red and gold of Germany. It was a fitting rebuke. Over the past few weeks, as Europe has seemingly approached the brink of war, Germany has been the odd man out. While the United States, Britain and Poland delivered weapons to Ukraine, the German government stoutly refused to do the same — and even seemed to block a transfer of weapons previously sold to Estonia. Across the continent, criticism has been fierce. For Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who on Monday met with President Biden in Washington, it’s been a trial by fire. In office since December and at the head of a new coalition government, he has struggled to gain control of a situation that threatens to torpedo his authority. It’s a stark contrast to the way Angela Merkel stepped up after Russia annexed Crimea in 2014. Through active and energetic diplomacy, Ms. Merkel was able to bring about a cease-fire and something approaching a settlement. Under similar pressure, her successor has gone missing. But the problem goes beyond Mr. Scholz to Germany itself. The crisis in Ukraine puts to the sword many of the country’s central assumptions about its role in the world. Wedded to the past and conflicted in the present, Germany — at least when it comes to foreign policy — looks stuck. But now is not the time to be indecisive. It needs to assert itself as a power broker and unify Europe’s response to Russian aggression. The first difficulty, of course, is historical. Determined not to repeat the horrors of the past, the country is extremely wary about military engagement. That caution extends to weapons, which are generally not sold to conflict zones or when they could become instruments of human rights violations. In practice, economic interests often overrule principles: Saudi Arabia and Egypt receive German weaponry. Yet with Russia, the issue is particularly fraught. Never again, goes the catechism, shall German weapons be used to kill Russian citizens. These historical arguments are not particularly useful in the 21st century. But Germany just can’t get over them: Pacifism and history are deeply ingrained in our public debate and particularly in the political culture of two of the three parties currently governing the country, the Greens and the Social Democrats. For Mr. Scholz’s Social Democratic Party, relations with Russia are an especially emotional and contested issue. The party prides itself on its change-through-rapprochement approach during the Cold War, and many members defend the notion that Germany’s role is to be a buffer between the United States and Russia rather than to clearly side with the West. It’s a narrative rooted in nostalgia and idealism, but it has a cynical side: The party’s defense for Nord Stream 2, the controversial pipeline built to deliver more Russian gas to Europe, often clads straightforward economic interests in the gown of historical dignity. For the Green Party, the second largest in Germany’s so-called Traffic Light coalition, the situation is no less sensitive. Founded out of the peace and ecological movements in 1980, it opposed the deployment of American nuclear weapons to Germany and rearmament generally. The party’s position has since evolved, but Russia’s threat to Ukraine has caught the Greens at a difficult moment. After a slightly disappointing election result in September, tensions within the party — over cabinet positions, internal reforms and political priorities — are high. It is, in short, a bad moment to take an ax to a central pillar of party identity. Then there’s the coalition itself, formed two months ago and keen to show it can provide stable rule. With domestic problems mounting — rising prices, pandemic restrictions and ambitious decarbonization plans threaten the country’s uneasy equilibrium — the government may have decided not to risk its unity over a foreign policy issue. Its caution, after all, is in step with national opinion at large: A recent survey showed that 59 percent of Germans oppose delivering weapons to Ukraine, while only 20 percent approve. Taken together, it amounts to a difficult brief for Mr. Scholz. And it’s clear that, so far, he’s struggled to meet the moment. Criticism abroad — Latvia’s defense minister called Germany’s reluctance to arm Ukraine “immoral” and “hypocritical” — has been more sharply expressed but no more pointed than at home, where Mr. Scholz has been derided as almost invisible. (On Twitter, #WoIstScholz — “Where is Scholz?” — became something between a lament and a joke.) His personal approval ratings have sunk 17 percentage points, according to a recent poll, and his party’s standing has also taken a hit. After Ms. Merkel’s long tenure, Mr. Scholz is discovering just how hard the job can be. It’s not just Germany he’s struggling to lead; it’s Europe, too. Yet Mr. Scholz maintains that the country is taking the right path. In a television interview last week, he stressed that Germany has invested $2 billion in Ukraine in recent years. Building a country’s resilience, a senior government official told me, means helping it to defend itself. The chancellery appears to deem weapon deliveries to Ukraine purely symbolic — a costly exercise politically, with little actual impact. And officials were quick to underline Germany’s leading presence in NATO’s deployment, since 2017, of troops to Poland and the Baltic States. On Monday, the country announced it would send 350 more soldiers to defend NATO’s eastern flank. Is this just the usual German delusion? Is the country just making excuses for pursuing business as usual? Yes and no. Germany is certainly reluctant to leave its comfort zone, as its hesitancy — nowhere better captured than in its offer to send Ukraine helmets rather than missiles — clearly betrays. But some things have changed. For one thing, some Social Democrats appear willing to leave behind the idea of a special relationship with Russia. “We don’t want a special role for Germany,” Michael Roth, a Social Democrat who heads the Foreign Affairs Committee, told me. This is a significant development and means that Nord Stream 2 is, for the first time, genuinely on the line. As Annalena Baerbock, the foreign minister (and a co-leader of the Green Party), made clear to her Russian counterpart in January: Germany is prepared to act, even if “such measures hurt us economically.” In the context of the past, it’s a bold statement. But these nuances are not as easy to grasp as boots on the ground. On Monday, Mr. Scholz, addressing Mr. Biden by his first name, sought to bolster the trans-Atlantic alliance. “We are absolutely united,” he said. There’s no reason, really, to doubt it. But it may still take some convincing.

Europe is on the brink of war, and Germany has gone missing

'The Enigma', world largest cut black diamond fetched GBP 3.16 million ($4.3 million, 3.8 million euros) in an auction held in London on Wednesday. The diamond is 555 carats.

It is believed that the rare black diamond, or carbanado was formed when a meteorite or an asteroid hit Earth more than billion years ago.&nbsp;

The 555.55 carat, 55-faced diamond reached £3.16 million, excluding the buyer's premium, at an online sale held by London's renowned Sotheby's auction house.&nbsp;

Carbonados are usually found close to the Earth's surface, suggesting extraterrestrial origins.&nbsp;

"It is thought that this specific type of black diamond was created either from meteoric impacts producing natural chemical vapour deposition or an extraterrestrial origin -- from supernovae explosions that formed diamond-bearing asteroids which ultimately collided with the Earth," said the auction house.

One of the most difficult substances to cut, the diamond had never previously been shown by its unnamed owner of the past 20 years.&nbsp;

Experts took three years turning the rough diamond into a 55-face jewel and it recently went on show in Dubai, Los Angeles and London.

Its shape was inspired by the Middle East palm-shaped symbol of power and protection, the Hamsa, which is also associated with the number five.

"The Enigma's price did not quite reach intergalactic levels. But what cannot be denied is that the Enigma is a diamond with unparallelled bragging rights," said Tobias Kormind, managing director of Europe's largest online jeweller, the Mayfair.

"The size, shape and source of the Enigma diamond make it groundbreaking and amazing," he added. "Most diamonds are cut into one of 10 popular shapes but the Enigma's form resembles a hand."&nbsp;

The Enigma is not a gem quality diamond, and carbonados are not normally used in jewellery or sold at auction, but have grown in popularity recently.

They are normally used in industrial drilling due to their extraordinary hardness.

Sotheby's called the diamond a "cosmic wonder" ahead of the sale, which also accepted crypto-currency bids.

Last year in Hong Kong, the Key 10138 diamond sold for 12.3 million dollars, which was paid in crypto-currency.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

'The Enigma', world largest cut black diamond fetched GBP 3.16 million ($4.3 million, 3.8 million euros) in an auction held in London on Wednesday. The diamond is 555 carats.

'The Enigma', world largest cut black diamond fetched GBP 3.16 million ($4.3 million, 3.8 million euros) in an auction held in London on Wednesday. The diamond is 555 carats. It is believed that the rare black diamond, or carbanado was formed when a meteorite or an asteroid hit Earth more than billion years ago. The 555.55 carat, 55-faced diamond reached £3.16 million, excluding the buyer's premium, at an online sale held by London's renowned Sotheby's auction house. Carbonados are usually found close to the Earth's surface, suggesting extraterrestrial origins. "It is thought that this specific type of black diamond was created either from meteoric impacts producing natural chemical vapour deposition or an extraterrestrial origin -- from supernovae explosions that formed diamond-bearing asteroids which ultimately collided with the Earth," said the auction house. One of the most difficult substances to cut, the diamond had never previously been shown by its unnamed owner of the past 20 years. Experts took three years turning the rough diamond into a 55-face jewel and it recently went on show in Dubai, Los Angeles and London. Its shape was inspired by the Middle East palm-shaped symbol of power and protection, the Hamsa, which is also associated with the number five. "The Enigma's price did not quite reach intergalactic levels. But what cannot be denied is that the Enigma is a diamond with unparallelled bragging rights," said Tobias Kormind, managing director of Europe's largest online jeweller, the Mayfair. "The size, shape and source of the Enigma diamond make it groundbreaking and amazing," he added. "Most diamonds are cut into one of 10 popular shapes but the Enigma's form resembles a hand." The Enigma is not a gem quality diamond, and carbonados are not normally used in jewellery or sold at auction, but have grown in popularity recently. They are normally used in industrial drilling due to their extraordinary hardness. Sotheby's called the diamond a "cosmic wonder" ahead of the sale, which also accepted crypto-currency bids. Last year in Hong Kong, the Key 10138 diamond sold for 12.3 million dollars, which was paid in crypto-currency. (With inputs from agencies)

Largest ever black diamond fetches 4.3 million in Sotheby auction

NASA has awarded Lockheed Martin the contract to make a rocket to bring first Mars rock samples to Earth in 2030s. The US space agency, in its statement on Monday, NASA said that the &nbsp;"small, lightweight rocket" will be the first to take off from another planet, bringing back "rock, sediment and atmospheric samples from the surface of the Red Planet."

NASA's Perseverance Rover has been collecting samples from various Martian areas since landing on Earth's neighbor a year ago.

Goal of the mission is to find traces of ancient life on Mars. But the samples need to be analyzed in labs on Earth as more sophisticated tests on the samples are only possible on Earth.

The samples will be gathered and then launched back to Earth in a complex operation in which the Lockheed Martin rocket will be a key element.&nbsp;

The contract for this "Mars Ascent Vehicle" has a potential value of $194 million, according to NASA.

"The pieces are coming together to bring home the first samples from another planet. Once on Earth, they can be studied by state-of-the-art tools too complex to transport into space," said Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator for science at NASA headquarters in Washington.

According to the space agency's plans, a mission will be launched in 2026 at the earliest to send the mini-rocket to Mars, carrying another rover responsible for collecting the samples left behind by Perseverance.&nbsp;

Once the samples are placed in the rocket, it will take off and put them in orbit around Mars. They will then be captured by another vessel sent there to complete the final leg of the journey back to Earth.&nbsp;

This last vessel, as well as the rover that will recover the samples, are being developed under the direction of the European Space Agency.

(With inputs from agencies)

NASA has awarded Lockheed Martin the contract to make a rocket to bring first Mars rock samples to Earth in 2030s. The US space agency, in its statement on Monday, NASA said that the "small, lightweight rocket" will be the first to take off from another planet, bringing back "rock, sediment and atmospheric samples from the surface of the Red Planet.

NASA has awarded Lockheed Martin the contract to make a rocket to bring first Mars rock samples to Earth in 2030s. The US space agency, in its statement on Monday, NASA said that the "small, lightweight rocket" will be the first to take off from another planet, bringing back "rock, sediment and atmospheric samples from the surface of the Red Planet." NASA's Perseverance Rover has been collecting samples from various Martian areas since landing on Earth's neighbor a year ago. Goal of the mission is to find traces of ancient life on Mars. But the samples need to be analyzed in labs on Earth as more sophisticated tests on the samples are only possible on Earth. The samples will be gathered and then launched back to Earth in a complex operation in which the Lockheed Martin rocket will be a key element. The contract for this "Mars Ascent Vehicle" has a potential value of $194 million, according to NASA. "The pieces are coming together to bring home the first samples from another planet. Once on Earth, they can be studied by state-of-the-art tools too complex to transport into space," said Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator for science at NASA headquarters in Washington. According to the space agency's plans, a mission will be launched in 2026 at the earliest to send the mini-rocket to Mars, carrying another rover responsible for collecting the samples left behind by Perseverance. Once the samples are placed in the rocket, it will take off and put them in orbit around Mars. They will then be captured by another vessel sent there to complete the final leg of the journey back to Earth. This last vessel, as well as the rover that will recover the samples, are being developed under the direction of the European Space Agency. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA awards Lockheed Martin contract to bring back Mars samples to Earth

Scientists in Europe have reportedly made a major breakthrough towards achieving practical nuclear fusion, the process that powers the Sun and enables all life on Earth. BBC reported that UK-based JET laboratory has broken its own record in achieving practical nuclear fusion.

As per the report, the laboratory was able to produce energy of 59 megajoules (11 megawatts) over five seconds. This may not sound much but it is more than double the energy that was formed in a test held in the year 1997. And the breakthrough takes us one step closer towards obtaining energy from practical nuclear fusion.

If humans are able to master nuclear fusion, there will be no need to use fossil fuel-based energy sources and even nuclear power. Nuclear fusion energy would become an ideal source of low-carbon, low-radiation energy.

"The JET experiments put us a step closer to fusion power," said Dr Joe Milnes, the head of operations at the reactor lab. "We've demonstrated that we can create a mini star inside of our machine and hold it there for five seconds and get high performance, which really takes us into a new realm." Dr Milnes was quoted by BBC.

Nuclear fusion is a process of fusion of hydrogen atoms that creates helium and energy. This is different than nuclear fission which involves splitting of atoms to release energy. Nuclear fission reaction is involved in atomic bomb explosions and Nuclear power plants. While nuclear fusion reaction takes place in the Sun.

Does the latest breakthrough mean that energy from nuclear fusion can immediately be used to power our factories and vehicles? No. Because large scale, stable production of such energy can reportedly be achieved in few decades.

Scientists in Europe have reportedly made a major breakthrough towards achieving practical nuclear fusion, the process that powers the Sun and enables all life on Earth.

Scientists in Europe have reportedly made a major breakthrough towards achieving practical nuclear fusion, the process that powers the Sun and enables all life on Earth. BBC reported that UK-based JET laboratory has broken its own record in achieving practical nuclear fusion. As per the report, the laboratory was able to produce energy of 59 megajoules (11 megawatts) over five seconds. This may not sound much but it is more than double the energy that was formed in a test held in the year 1997. And the breakthrough takes us one step closer towards obtaining energy from practical nuclear fusion. If humans are able to master nuclear fusion, there will be no need to use fossil fuel-based energy sources and even nuclear power. Nuclear fusion energy would become an ideal source of low-carbon, low-radiation energy. "The JET experiments put us a step closer to fusion power," said Dr Joe Milnes, the head of operations at the reactor lab. "We've demonstrated that we can create a mini star inside of our machine and hold it there for five seconds and get high performance, which really takes us into a new realm." Dr Milnes was quoted by BBC. Nuclear fusion is a process of fusion of hydrogen atoms that creates helium and energy. This is different than nuclear fission which involves splitting of atoms to release energy. Nuclear fission reaction is involved in atomic bomb explosions and Nuclear power plants. While nuclear fusion reaction takes place in the Sun. Does the latest breakthrough mean that energy from nuclear fusion can immediately be used to power our factories and vehicles? No. Because large scale, stable production of such energy can reportedly be achieved in few decades.

Scientists report major breakthrough creating nuclear fusion energy

One out five or 21 per cent of applicants to Patriot Front, a white supremacist group in the US, had ties with US military, said a report in The Guardian. It cited documents leaked by Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) and alternative media collective Unicorn Riot.

Patriot Front is a white supremacist group that rebranded itself from the name Vanguard America. The rebranding took place after 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia.&nbsp;

SPLC's Hatewatch, a blog that tracks violent activities from the right-wing said that 21 per cent of applicants had individuals having current as well as former affiliations&nbsp;to US military.

SPLC says that Patriot Front is "one of the most prominent" white supremacist group in the US. The group is headed by a 23-year-old who reported to have&nbsp;said in past that goal of the group was to create 'a nation within a nation'.

Members of Patriot Front have expressed their open admiration for Nazism. In the information released by SPLC and Unicorn Riot some of the applicants have been quoted to have expressed their hate for Jews. Some others have been quoted to be professing their hatred for LGBTQ+ people.

The leaks also revealed that the white supremacist group also targetted minors in order to instill racist thoughts in them.

One out five or 21 per cent of applicants to Patriot Front, a white supremacist group in the US, had ties with US military, said a report in The Guardian. It cited documents leaked by Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) and alternative media collective Unicorn Riot.

One out five or 21 per cent of applicants to Patriot Front, a white supremacist group in the US, had ties with US military, said a report in The Guardian. It cited documents leaked by Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) and alternative media collective Unicorn Riot. Patriot Front is a white supremacist group that rebranded itself from the name Vanguard America. The rebranding took place after 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. SPLC's Hatewatch, a blog that tracks violent activities from the right-wing said that 21 per cent of applicants had individuals having current as well as former affiliations to US military. SPLC says that Patriot Front is "one of the most prominent" white supremacist group in the US. The group is headed by a 23-year-old who reported to have said in past that goal of the group was to create 'a nation within a nation'. Members of Patriot Front have expressed their open admiration for Nazism. In the information released by SPLC and Unicorn Riot some of the applicants have been quoted to have expressed their hate for Jews. Some others have been quoted to be professing their hatred for LGBTQ+ people. The leaks also revealed that the white supremacist group also targetted minors in order to instill racist thoughts in them.

One out of five applicants to white supremacist group tied to US military: Report

Tesla said on Wednesday that California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) intends to file lawsuit against the company for alleged recial discrimination and harassment at its factory in Fremont, California. The alleged misconduct took place between 2015 and 2019.

The electric-car maker said it will ask the court to pause the case once the state's civil rights regulator files its lawsuit.

Tesla said that despite several requests, the regulator declined to provide it specific allegations or the factual bases for its lawsuit.

In the past, the department has investigated claims by employees who believe they were discriminated against or harassed, but did not find any misconduct, Tesla said.

The department did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

The company has been fighting a series of lawsuits over allegations of racial discrimination and sexual harassment.

It was sued by two female employees last year, with both their lawsuits alleging a "hostile work environment" against women at the carmaker's factory in Fremont.

In October, a Black contract worker won a jury award worth $137 million over workplace racism against the company.

Subsequently, a proposal was approved by Tesla shareholders asking the company to publish a report on its diversity and inclusion effort.

(With inputs from agencies)

Tesla said on Wednesday that California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) intends to file lawsuit against the company for alleged recial discrimination and harassment at its factory in Fremont, California.

Tesla said on Wednesday that California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) intends to file lawsuit against the company for alleged recial discrimination and harassment at its factory in Fremont, California. The alleged misconduct took place between 2015 and 2019. The electric-car maker said it will ask the court to pause the case once the state's civil rights regulator files its lawsuit. Tesla said that despite several requests, the regulator declined to provide it specific allegations or the factual bases for its lawsuit. In the past, the department has investigated claims by employees who believe they were discriminated against or harassed, but did not find any misconduct, Tesla said. The department did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. The company has been fighting a series of lawsuits over allegations of racial discrimination and sexual harassment. It was sued by two female employees last year, with both their lawsuits alleging a "hostile work environment" against women at the carmaker's factory in Fremont. In October, a Black contract worker won a jury award worth $137 million over workplace racism against the company. Subsequently, a proposal was approved by Tesla shareholders asking the company to publish a report on its diversity and inclusion effort. (With inputs from agencies)

Tesla says it faces lawsuit for discrimination, harassment in California factory

Reports in local Russian media said on Wednesday that Russia may become latest country to recognise and regulate cryptocurrency.&nbsp;

“The government and the Bank of Russia have agreed on a future regime for the circulation of cryptocurrencies in Russia. Before February 18, they will prepare a draft law on the circulation of digital currencies in the Russian Federation, in which cryptocurrencies are recognised as an analogue of currencies, and not digital financial assets,” said Russia paper Kommersant as reported by CNBC.

If true, this will be a marked departure from stance taken Russia's central bank which called for blanket ban on cryptocurrencies as late as last month.&nbsp;

If the law reported in Russian media is passed, reports say that only owning cryptocurrencies will be legalised in the country and not other activities.

Cryptocurrencies have had legal status in Russia since 2020. But payments using cryptocurrencies have not yet been authorised. Authorities in the country have in past expressed fears that cryptocurrencies may be used to fund illegal activities. Kommersant says that if a law is passed, it may come into force in latter half of 2022 or first half of 2023

However, the report suggests that transactions made using cryptocurrencies that amount to more than 600,000 rubles (about $8,000) may get declared illegal.

Reports in local Russian media said on Wednesday that Russia may become latest country to recognise and regulate cryptocurrency. “The government and the Bank of Russia have agreed on a future regime for the circulation of cryptocurrencies in Russia.

Reports in local Russian media said on Wednesday that Russia may become latest country to recognise and regulate cryptocurrency. “The government and the Bank of Russia have agreed on a future regime for the circulation of cryptocurrencies in Russia. Before February 18, they will prepare a draft law on the circulation of digital currencies in the Russian Federation, in which cryptocurrencies are recognised as an analogue of currencies, and not digital financial assets,” said Russia paper Kommersant as reported by CNBC. If true, this will be a marked departure from stance taken Russia's central bank which called for blanket ban on cryptocurrencies as late as last month. If the law reported in Russian media is passed, reports say that only owning cryptocurrencies will be legalised in the country and not other activities. Cryptocurrencies have had legal status in Russia since 2020. But payments using cryptocurrencies have not yet been authorised. Authorities in the country have in past expressed fears that cryptocurrencies may be used to fund illegal activities. Kommersant says that if a law is passed, it may come into force in latter half of 2022 or first half of 2023 However, the report suggests that transactions made using cryptocurrencies that amount to more than 600,000 rubles (about $8,000) may get declared illegal.

Russia may recognise cryptocurrency, likely to pass a law: Report

The University of California said on Tuesday that it will pay compensation of nearly quarter of a billion dollars to 200 women who alleged sexual assault by a school gynaecologist.

James Heap, the gynaecologist was affiliated with university's Los Angeles site (UCLA) for 35 years. During this time, he saw thousands of patients.

Hundreds of lawsuits have claimed that the university deliberately hid the gynaecologist's sexual abuse of patients. This, they say, allowed him to continue to have unfettered access to alleged victims over many years.

In a settlement filed in a Los Angeles court, the university agreed to pay $243.6 million to 203 people who alleged they were assaulted by Heaps.

Heaps faces 21 criminal counts of sexual abuse against seven women.&nbsp;

"The conduct alleged to have been committed by Heaps is reprehensible and contrary to the University's values," a statement said Tuesday.

"Our first and highest obligation will always be to the communities we serve, and we hope this settlement is one step toward providing healing and closure for the plaintiffs involved.&nbsp;

"We admire the courage of the plaintiffs in coming forward."

The settlement comes after the University of Michigan agreed to pay $490 million to hundreds of students and athletes who were sexually abused by long-time university doctor Richard Anderson.

Nearby Michigan State University reached a half-billion dollar settlement with 300 people who were abused by Larry Nassar, a doctor who also treated members of the US women's Olympics gymnastics team.

The University of Southern California announced in March last year that it had entered into three settlements totalling $1.1 billion with hundreds of female students sexually abused by a school gynaecologist.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The University of California said on Tuesday that it will pay compensation of nearly quarter of a billion dollars to 200 women who alleged sexual assault by a school gynaecologist.

The University of California said on Tuesday that it will pay compensation of nearly quarter of a billion dollars to 200 women who alleged sexual assault by a school gynaecologist. James Heap, the gynaecologist was affiliated with university's Los Angeles site (UCLA) for 35 years. During this time, he saw thousands of patients. Hundreds of lawsuits have claimed that the university deliberately hid the gynaecologist's sexual abuse of patients. This, they say, allowed him to continue to have unfettered access to alleged victims over many years. In a settlement filed in a Los Angeles court, the university agreed to pay $243.6 million to 203 people who alleged they were assaulted by Heaps. Heaps faces 21 criminal counts of sexual abuse against seven women. "The conduct alleged to have been committed by Heaps is reprehensible and contrary to the University's values," a statement said Tuesday. "Our first and highest obligation will always be to the communities we serve, and we hope this settlement is one step toward providing healing and closure for the plaintiffs involved. "We admire the courage of the plaintiffs in coming forward." The settlement comes after the University of Michigan agreed to pay $490 million to hundreds of students and athletes who were sexually abused by long-time university doctor Richard Anderson. Nearby Michigan State University reached a half-billion dollar settlement with 300 people who were abused by Larry Nassar, a doctor who also treated members of the US women's Olympics gymnastics team. The University of Southern California announced in March last year that it had entered into three settlements totalling $1.1 billion with hundreds of female students sexually abused by a school gynaecologist. (With inputs from agencies)

US University to pay nearly quarter billion dollars over gynaecologist sexual assault claim

The beautiful auroras visible in regions near both of the planet's poles are a sight to behold. Auroras on Earth are formed due to interaction between charged particles from the Sun and Earth's magnetic field.

Other observable planets have auroras too ofcourse. Saturn is one of them. But now scientists say that&nbsp;auroras on Saturn are not formed solely due to its magnetosphere.

Space scientists in Leicester have discovered a never-before-seen mechanism. They say that swirling winds in Saturn's atmosphere contribute to the auroras on the planet.

This discovery has changed scientists' understanding of planetary aurorae and answers one of the first mysteries raised by NASA's Cassini probe, which reached Saturn in 2004: why can't we easily measure the length of a day on the Ringed Planet?

When it first arrived at Saturn, Cassini tried to measure the bulk rotation rate of the planet, that determines the length of its day, by tracking radio emission 'pulses' from Saturn's atmosphere. To the great surprise of those making the measurements, they found that the rate appeared to have changed over the two decades since the last spacecraft to have flown past the planet - Voyager 2, also operated by NASA - in 1981.

Leicester PhD researcher Nahid Chowdhury is a member of the Planetary Science Group within the School of Physics and Astronomy and corresponding author for the study.

He said, "Saturn's internal rotation rate has to be constant, but for decades researchers have shown that numerous periodic properties related to the planet - the very measurements we've used at other planets to understand the internal rotation rate, such as the radio emission - tend to change with time. What's more, there are also independent periodic features seen in the northern and southern hemispheres which themselves vary over the course of a season on the planet."

"Our understanding of the physics of planetary interiors tells us the true rotation rate of the planet can't change this quickly, so something unique and strange must be happening at Saturn. Several theories have been touted since the advent of the NASA Cassini mission trying to explain the mechanism/s behind these observed periodicities. This study represents the first detection of the fundamental driver, situated in the upper atmosphere of the planet, which goes on to generate both the observed planetary periodicities and aurorae," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

The beautiful auroras visible in regions near both of the planet's poles are a sight to behold. Auroras on Earth are formed due to interaction between charged particles from the Sun and Earth's magnetic field.

The beautiful auroras visible in regions near both of the planet's poles are a sight to behold. Auroras on Earth are formed due to interaction between charged particles from the Sun and Earth's magnetic field. Other observable planets have auroras too ofcourse. Saturn is one of them. But now scientists say that auroras on Saturn are not formed solely due to its magnetosphere. Space scientists in Leicester have discovered a never-before-seen mechanism. They say that swirling winds in Saturn's atmosphere contribute to the auroras on the planet. This discovery has changed scientists' understanding of planetary aurorae and answers one of the first mysteries raised by NASA's Cassini probe, which reached Saturn in 2004: why can't we easily measure the length of a day on the Ringed Planet? When it first arrived at Saturn, Cassini tried to measure the bulk rotation rate of the planet, that determines the length of its day, by tracking radio emission 'pulses' from Saturn's atmosphere. To the great surprise of those making the measurements, they found that the rate appeared to have changed over the two decades since the last spacecraft to have flown past the planet - Voyager 2, also operated by NASA - in 1981. Leicester PhD researcher Nahid Chowdhury is a member of the Planetary Science Group within the School of Physics and Astronomy and corresponding author for the study. He said, "Saturn's internal rotation rate has to be constant, but for decades researchers have shown that numerous periodic properties related to the planet - the very measurements we've used at other planets to understand the internal rotation rate, such as the radio emission - tend to change with time. What's more, there are also independent periodic features seen in the northern and southern hemispheres which themselves vary over the course of a season on the planet." "Our understanding of the physics of planetary interiors tells us the true rotation rate of the planet can't change this quickly, so something unique and strange must be happening at Saturn. Several theories have been touted since the advent of the NASA Cassini mission trying to explain the mechanism/s behind these observed periodicities. This study represents the first detection of the fundamental driver, situated in the upper atmosphere of the planet, which goes on to generate both the observed planetary periodicities and aurorae," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists find never-before-seen reason behind Saturn's auroras

The New York City Council held a hearing on Tuesday to consider a plan to make sidewalk dining - first allowed in 2020 as a temporary measure to help blunt economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic - part of the new normal.

The plan to give permanent status to thousands of "streateries" outside of restaurants and bars has the support of Mayor Eric Adams and the New York Hospitality Alliance, an industry association.

Opponents say outside dining has created unsanitary conditions, helped draw more rats to sidewalks, drawn noise complaints in some neighborhoods and reduced the number of available parking spaces.

The Uniformed Firefighters Association has complained the sheds have narrowed streets so much as to delay their response and prevent them from safely raising ladders to windows.

The Coalition United for Equitable Urban Policy, an alliance of local businesses and residents, held a "Chuck the Sheds" protest rally over the weekend.

The 51-member council body will vote on the bill at a later date if it makes it through a committee vote.

The outdoor cafes were first permitted on a temporary basis under an “Open Restaurants” initiative to help offset the closure of indoor dining because of the pandemic, and later when severe capacity restrictions were imposed.

Restaurants were quick to set up makeshift structures of plywood and plastic sheeting, and many later installed more elaborate structures, some with heaters, suggesting they hoped the program was here to stay.

City officials and the restaurant industry have lauded the initiative for saving thousands of restaurants from closing permanently and enabling tens of thousands of workers to keep their jobs.

More than 12,000 restaurants and bars across New York, once the pandemic epicenter, take part in the program and 360 streets have been shut down to cars to expand space for outdoor restaurant eating, according to an online tracker.

Council member Marjorie Velázquez, who sponsored the bill, said the temporary program saved more than 100,000 jobs citywide.

"Beyond its positive economic impact, outdoor dining reimagined what the city could do with our streets," said Velázquez, who chaired the committee holding the hearing.

Council members at Tuesday's hearing questioned whether the city transportation department had the capacity to oversee such a program.

Some, concerned about the thousands of complaints logged against some restaurants, questioned what standards and enforcement measures would be put in place to ensure safety and cleanliness.

The New York City Council held a hearing on Tuesday to consider a plan to make sidewalk dining - first allowed in 2020 as a temporary measure to help blunt economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic - part of the new normal.

The New York City Council held a hearing on Tuesday to consider a plan to make sidewalk dining - first allowed in 2020 as a temporary measure to help blunt economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic - part of the new normal. The plan to give permanent status to thousands of "streateries" outside of restaurants and bars has the support of Mayor Eric Adams and the New York Hospitality Alliance, an industry association. Opponents say outside dining has created unsanitary conditions, helped draw more rats to sidewalks, drawn noise complaints in some neighborhoods and reduced the number of available parking spaces. The Uniformed Firefighters Association has complained the sheds have narrowed streets so much as to delay their response and prevent them from safely raising ladders to windows. The Coalition United for Equitable Urban Policy, an alliance of local businesses and residents, held a "Chuck the Sheds" protest rally over the weekend. The 51-member council body will vote on the bill at a later date if it makes it through a committee vote. The outdoor cafes were first permitted on a temporary basis under an “Open Restaurants” initiative to help offset the closure of indoor dining because of the pandemic, and later when severe capacity restrictions were imposed. Restaurants were quick to set up makeshift structures of plywood and plastic sheeting, and many later installed more elaborate structures, some with heaters, suggesting they hoped the program was here to stay. City officials and the restaurant industry have lauded the initiative for saving thousands of restaurants from closing permanently and enabling tens of thousands of workers to keep their jobs. More than 12,000 restaurants and bars across New York, once the pandemic epicenter, take part in the program and 360 streets have been shut down to cars to expand space for outdoor restaurant eating, according to an online tracker. Council member Marjorie Velázquez, who sponsored the bill, said the temporary program saved more than 100,000 jobs citywide. "Beyond its positive economic impact, outdoor dining reimagined what the city could do with our streets," said Velázquez, who chaired the committee holding the hearing. Council members at Tuesday's hearing questioned whether the city transportation department had the capacity to oversee such a program. Some, concerned about the thousands of complaints logged against some restaurants, questioned what standards and enforcement measures would be put in place to ensure safety and cleanliness.

New York considers making outdoor dining a permanent fixture

A Hindu man has been sentenced to life in prison&nbsp;for committing 'blasphemy', as per reports in Pakistani media. News outlet SAMAA Digital reported that in addition to life imprisonment, the man has also been fined 50,000 Pakistani rupees for committing the alleged blasphemy. A sessions court in Pakistan's Ghotki delivered the verdict.

As per the report, the verdict was delivered on Tuesday (February 8) after a two-year-long trial. During this period, Nautan Lal, the convicted man, was held in jail as an undertrial. He has been sent back to the same jail.

Case was registered against Nautan Lal after a teenager claimed that he had committed blasphemy. The video made by the teenager had gone viral in September 2019.

Following this, head of a madrassa had filed a complaint against Nautan Lal alleging him of blasphemy. SAMAA Digital says that violence broke out as news of the case against Nautan Lal spread.

Masked men reported attacked Sacho Satram Dham Temple in Ghotki destroying property and even idols after the case was registered against Nautan Lal.

Blasphemy is a sensitive issue in Pakistan and is punishable by law. However, critics have been pointing at the ambiguous nature of things that they say leads to questionable convictions many times.

A Hindu man has been sentenced to life in prison for committing 'blasphemy', as per reports in Pakistani media. News outlet SAMAA Digital reported that in addition to life imprisonment, the man has also been fined 50,000 Pakistani rupees for committing the alleged blasphemy.

A Hindu man has been sentenced to life in prison for committing 'blasphemy', as per reports in Pakistani media. News outlet SAMAA Digital reported that in addition to life imprisonment, the man has also been fined 50,000 Pakistani rupees for committing the alleged blasphemy. A sessions court in Pakistan's Ghotki delivered the verdict. As per the report, the verdict was delivered on Tuesday (February 8) after a two-year-long trial. During this period, Nautan Lal, the convicted man, was held in jail as an undertrial. He has been sent back to the same jail. Case was registered against Nautan Lal after a teenager claimed that he had committed blasphemy. The video made by the teenager had gone viral in September 2019. Following this, head of a madrassa had filed a complaint against Nautan Lal alleging him of blasphemy. SAMAA Digital says that violence broke out as news of the case against Nautan Lal spread. Masked men reported attacked Sacho Satram Dham Temple in Ghotki destroying property and even idols after the case was registered against Nautan Lal. Blasphemy is a sensitive issue in Pakistan and is punishable by law. However, critics have been pointing at the ambiguous nature of things that they say leads to questionable convictions many times.

Pakistan: Hindu teacher gets life imprisonment for alleged 'blasphemy'

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