As it opened doors cautiously for international tourists, Indonesia's holiday island of Bali welcomed its first direct flight carrying foreign tourists on Thursday. There were handful of visitors on board. They entered strict quarantine on arrival.

A Garuda Indonesia flight from Tokyo landed in Bali in the afternoon, with six Japanese and six Indonesians on board.

Although the island officially opened to Chinese, Japanese and New Zealand tourists in mid-October, there had been no direct non-cargo flights.

The six foreign tourists were travelling using business visas since the new rules for tourists were not ready when they applied to come.

Indonesia has said restarting international flights is intended to boost Bali's battered tourism sector, which usually accounts for 54% of its economy.

Known for its surfing, temples, waterfalls and nightlife, Bali drew 6.2 million foreign visitors in 2019, the year before COVID-19 struck.

The entire country recorded just 1.6 million foreign visitors last year, down 61.57% from 2020.

However, Indonesia is maintaining much stricter quarantine requirements than Southeast Asian neighbours Thailand, which resumed quarantine-free entry for vaccinated visitors from Tuesday (February 1) and the Philippines, which will do the same from February 10.

Vaccinated tourists to Bali must quarantine between five and seven days at hotels or on vessels offshore.

Bali's slow reopening comes as Indonesia has been seeing a steady increase in COVID-19 cases, primarily driven by the Omicron variant.

The country on Wednesday (February 2) reported nearly 18,000 infections, the highest tally since August.

(With inputs from agencies)

As it opened doors cautiously for international tourists, Indonesia's holiday island of Bali welcomed its first direct flight carrying foreign tourists on Thursday.

As it opened doors cautiously for international tourists, Indonesia's holiday island of Bali welcomed its first direct flight carrying foreign tourists on Thursday. There were handful of visitors on board. They entered strict quarantine on arrival. A Garuda Indonesia flight from Tokyo landed in Bali in the afternoon, with six Japanese and six Indonesians on board. Although the island officially opened to Chinese, Japanese and New Zealand tourists in mid-October, there had been no direct non-cargo flights. The six foreign tourists were travelling using business visas since the new rules for tourists were not ready when they applied to come. Indonesia has said restarting international flights is intended to boost Bali's battered tourism sector, which usually accounts for 54% of its economy. Known for its surfing, temples, waterfalls and nightlife, Bali drew 6.2 million foreign visitors in 2019, the year before COVID-19 struck. The entire country recorded just 1.6 million foreign visitors last year, down 61.57% from 2020. However, Indonesia is maintaining much stricter quarantine requirements than Southeast Asian neighbours Thailand, which resumed quarantine-free entry for vaccinated visitors from Tuesday (February 1) and the Philippines, which will do the same from February 10. Vaccinated tourists to Bali must quarantine between five and seven days at hotels or on vessels offshore. Bali's slow reopening comes as Indonesia has been seeing a steady increase in COVID-19 cases, primarily driven by the Omicron variant. The country on Wednesday (February 2) reported nearly 18,000 infections, the highest tally since August. (With inputs from agencies)

Bali welcomes first tourist flight in nearly two years

Humankind produces enough trash for it to be a problem for the entire planet. Sure we have methods to segregate waste and treat it according to its type to decide whether it should be recycled, reused or else. But not all of us are mindful enough about basic things such as putting trash in the bin. The habit to litter in public is often a cause for deteriorating public health, clogged drains and worse.

Cities all around the world have employed many ways to try to ensure that trash goes into the bin and is then collected for its treatment, but perhaps no city can boast that it is able to collect absolutely all the waste that is produced within its jurisdiction. Perhaps a novel approach is necessary.

Such steps are being taken in Sweden where a company is training crows to pick up cigarette butts from the street and dump them in bin s.

A video from Corvid Cleaning showed crows picking up training sticks and dropping them into a bin. In order to encourage crows to clean up more, peanuts are dispensed as a reward when they successfully pick up and dump cigarette butts.

But what if crows dump something else in the bin? Like a leaf or some such? In such a case the reward of peanuts is not dispensed.

"The bin will tell litter apart from other items such as stones and leaves and only reward litter. The birds take part as much or as little as they wish, and the only human involvement is to empty the bin and refill the food," read a description on the website of Corvid Cleaning.

According to their website, Corvid Cleaning is preparing a pilot project that would see the birds pick up "real litter" instead of litter set out specifically for them.

(With inputs from agencies)

Humankind produces enough trash for it to be a problem for the entire planet. Sure we have methods to segregate waste and treat it according to its type to decide whether it should be recycled, reused or else.

Humankind produces enough trash for it to be a problem for the entire planet. Sure we have methods to segregate waste and treat it according to its type to decide whether it should be recycled, reused or else. But not all of us are mindful enough about basic things such as putting trash in the bin. The habit to litter in public is often a cause for deteriorating public health, clogged drains and worse. Cities all around the world have employed many ways to try to ensure that trash goes into the bin and is then collected for its treatment, but perhaps no city can boast that it is able to collect absolutely all the waste that is produced within its jurisdiction. Perhaps a novel approach is necessary. Such steps are being taken in Sweden where a company is training crows to pick up cigarette butts from the street and dump them in bin s. A video from Corvid Cleaning showed crows picking up training sticks and dropping them into a bin. In order to encourage crows to clean up more, peanuts are dispensed as a reward when they successfully pick up and dump cigarette butts. But what if crows dump something else in the bin? Like a leaf or some such? In such a case the reward of peanuts is not dispensed. "The bin will tell litter apart from other items such as stones and leaves and only reward litter. The birds take part as much or as little as they wish, and the only human involvement is to empty the bin and refill the food," read a description on the website of Corvid Cleaning. According to their website, Corvid Cleaning is preparing a pilot project that would see the birds pick up "real litter" instead of litter set out specifically for them. (With inputs from agencies)

Will work for food: Company trains crows to pick up trash from streets

Sweden said Thursday it would lift most of its coronavirus restrictions on February 9 as the pandemic enters a "whole new phase" with the highly contagious but milder Omicron variant.

Among the domestic restrictions that will be lifted are the 11:00 pm closing for bars and restaurants, and limits on crowd numbers.

Vaccine passes for indoor events will no longer be required, and face masks will no longer be recommended on public transport at peak times.

"The pandemic is not over, but we are entering a whole new phase," Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson told reporters.

"Knowledge about Omicron has improved... Several studies show Omicron leads to less serious illness." 
While Omicron has led to a record number of infections in the past month, hospitalisations for severe infections have not overwhelmed the healthcare system.

The country's Public Health Agency later in the day also said it was changing its testing recommendation, saying that there was no longer a need for the general public to get tested, even with symptoms.

"The testing capacity we have needs to be completely focused on the groups that really need testing," state epidemiologist Anders Tegnell told a press conference, adding that resources should be focused on staff and patients within healthcare.

In addition, the Public Health Agency said it would formally petition the government to no longer designate Covid-19 as a public health threat.

"We now see that Covid-19 as a disease and a pandemic is completely different type of disease and pandemic than before, and therefore it is no longer reasonable to designate it as a threat to society," Tegnell said.

More than 83 percent of people over the age of 12 have had two doses, and almost 50 percent have received third doses. 
Swedish Health Minister Lena Hallengren said the government would remain "vigilant" about the pandemic's progress.

A return to working in person will resume gradually, as will university and higher education classes.

However, authorities recommended that people continue to stay home if they have Covid-19 symptoms, and border restrictions will remain in place for the time being.

Unvaccinated people are meanwhile advised to continue avoiding crowds after February 9.

Sweden made headlines early in the pandemic for choosing to not impose lockdowns.

With over 16,000 fatalities so far, its death toll is in line with the European average, but is far higher than those of neighbouring Norway, Finland and Denmark.

Denmark on Tuesday became the first European Union country to lift most of its domestic Covid-19 restrictions, followed later in the day by Norway.

Sweden said Thursday it would lift most of its coronavirus restrictions on February 9 as the pandemic enters a "whole new phase" with the highly contagious but milder Omicron variant.

Sweden said Thursday it would lift most of its coronavirus restrictions on February 9 as the pandemic enters a "whole new phase" with the highly contagious but milder Omicron variant. Among the domestic restrictions that will be lifted are the 11:00 pm closing for bars and restaurants, and limits on crowd numbers. Vaccine passes for indoor events will no longer be required, and face masks will no longer be recommended on public transport at peak times. "The pandemic is not over, but we are entering a whole new phase," Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson told reporters. "Knowledge about Omicron has improved... Several studies show Omicron leads to less serious illness." While Omicron has led to a record number of infections in the past month, hospitalisations for severe infections have not overwhelmed the healthcare system. The country's Public Health Agency later in the day also said it was changing its testing recommendation, saying that there was no longer a need for the general public to get tested, even with symptoms. "The testing capacity we have needs to be completely focused on the groups that really need testing," state epidemiologist Anders Tegnell told a press conference, adding that resources should be focused on staff and patients within healthcare. In addition, the Public Health Agency said it would formally petition the government to no longer designate Covid-19 as a public health threat. "We now see that Covid-19 as a disease and a pandemic is completely different type of disease and pandemic than before, and therefore it is no longer reasonable to designate it as a threat to society," Tegnell said. More than 83 percent of people over the age of 12 have had two doses, and almost 50 percent have received third doses. Swedish Health Minister Lena Hallengren said the government would remain "vigilant" about the pandemic's progress. A return to working in person will resume gradually, as will university and higher education classes. However, authorities recommended that people continue to stay home if they have Covid-19 symptoms, and border restrictions will remain in place for the time being. Unvaccinated people are meanwhile advised to continue avoiding crowds after February 9. Sweden made headlines early in the pandemic for choosing to not impose lockdowns. With over 16,000 fatalities so far, its death toll is in line with the European average, but is far higher than those of neighbouring Norway, Finland and Denmark. Denmark on Tuesday became the first European Union country to lift most of its domestic Covid-19 restrictions, followed later in the day by Norway.

Sweden to lift most Covid curbs on Feb 9

The Czech Republic will stop requiring COVID passes for entry to restaurants and other service or entertainment venues starting next week, opening them up to unvaccinated people, Prime Minister Petr Fiala said.

The country of 10.7 million, which was hit hard by previous waves of the COVID pandemic, is seeing a record spike in coronavirus cases as the Omicron variant spreads. However, officials expect an easing of infections this month.

The Health Ministry reported a record daily tally of 57,226 COVID infections on Tuesday, plus nearly 10,000 suspected re-infections. On Wednesday, a further 43,307 cases were reported and more than 7,000 re-infections on top of that.

But hospitalisations have not yet jumped and are well below peaks in previous waves of the pandemic. The government has sought to end some measures.

From Feb. 9, the need to show proof of vaccination or being recently recovered from COVID-19 to enter restaurants and other hospitality or service venues will end, Fiala said in a statement late Wednesday evening.

The government will also finish mandatory testing in firms and schools from Feb. 18.

Measures requiring mask wearing indoors and limits to the number of people at public events will remain.

The moves follow easing planned in other European countries. Neighbouring Austria will allow shops and restaurants to remain open longer and also ease restrictions on the unvaccinated from next week.

On Wednesday, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi said Italy would soon announce a timetable to roll back its COVID-19 curbs.

The Czech Republic will stop requiring COVID passes for entry to restaurants and other service or entertainment venues starting next week, opening them up to unvaccinated people, Prime Minister Petr Fiala said.

The Czech Republic will stop requiring COVID passes for entry to restaurants and other service or entertainment venues starting next week, opening them up to unvaccinated people, Prime Minister Petr Fiala said. The country of 10.7 million, which was hit hard by previous waves of the COVID pandemic, is seeing a record spike in coronavirus cases as the Omicron variant spreads. However, officials expect an easing of infections this month. The Health Ministry reported a record daily tally of 57,226 COVID infections on Tuesday, plus nearly 10,000 suspected re-infections. On Wednesday, a further 43,307 cases were reported and more than 7,000 re-infections on top of that. But hospitalisations have not yet jumped and are well below peaks in previous waves of the pandemic. The government has sought to end some measures. From Feb. 9, the need to show proof of vaccination or being recently recovered from COVID-19 to enter restaurants and other hospitality or service venues will end, Fiala said in a statement late Wednesday evening. The government will also finish mandatory testing in firms and schools from Feb. 18. Measures requiring mask wearing indoors and limits to the number of people at public events will remain. The moves follow easing planned in other European countries. Neighbouring Austria will allow shops and restaurants to remain open longer and also ease restrictions on the unvaccinated from next week. On Wednesday, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi said Italy would soon announce a timetable to roll back its COVID-19 curbs.

Czech government plans to end COVID passes, easing measures for unvaccinated

US President Joe Biden said that US military forces had eliminated Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi, a top ISIS leader, in a raid in Syria. Biden said in a statement that the operation was undertaken after his directions. In other news, India slammed China for politicising the Winter Olympics, India on Thursday announced that its Chargé d' Affaires (Cd’A) will not be attending the opening and closing ceremonies. This comes a day after a regiment commander of the People’s Liberation Army, who fought against India in the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, was made the torchbearer. Read this and more in Top 10 World News

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Reports of the operation were doing rounds in media before the official statement from the president. It has been reported that At least 13 people, including six children and four women were killed in the clashes.

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This comes a day after a regiment commander of the People’s Liberation Army, who fought against India in the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, was made the torchbearer duting the Olympics relay on Wednesday.

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&nbsp;

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The Pakistan Army said both of the attacks —one in Panjgur district and the other in Naushki district —had been repulsed.

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Recent reports indicated that some of the documents were torn up and had to be pieced back together during the Capitol Hill riots probe. While responding to that, Jason Miller told WION what he saw during his time in the office

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Russia shut down DW operations in Moscow after Germany decided to ban Russian broadcaster RT DE in Berlin.

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Senator Jim Risch, a Republican who is a member of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, called the move “shameful” and said that the US will continue to support the sovereignty of India.

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The North Korea began experiencing strange internet failures in mid-January, culminating on January 26 with a near-total internet blackout. The disruptions were commonly assumed to be the consequence of cyberattacks at the time, while it remained unclear who was responsible for the hacking.&nbsp;

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Researchers at Fudan University in Shanghai, however, think they may have discovered a recipe for a synthetic antibody that would prove to be a match for Omicron

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US President Joe Biden said that US military forces had eliminated Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi, a top ISIS leader, in a raid in Syria. Biden said in a statement that the operation was undertaken after his directions.

US President Joe Biden said that US military forces had eliminated Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi, a top ISIS leader, in a raid in Syria. Biden said in a statement that the operation was undertaken after his directions. In other news, India slammed China for politicising the Winter Olympics, India on Thursday announced that its Chargé d' Affaires (Cd’A) will not be attending the opening and closing ceremonies. This comes a day after a regiment commander of the People’s Liberation Army, who fought against India in the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, was made the torchbearer. Read this and more in Top 10 World News US forces eliminate ISIS leader Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi in Syria, says Biden Reports of the operation were doing rounds in media before the official statement from the president. It has been reported that At least 13 people, including six children and four women were killed in the clashes. Galwan soldier row: India's top diplomat in China not to attend Beijing Winter Olympics ceremonies This comes a day after a regiment commander of the People’s Liberation Army, who fought against India in the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, was made the torchbearer duting the Olympics relay on Wednesday. Balochistan militants launch late-night blitzkrieg on 2 Pak military bases, over 5 security forces killed The Pakistan Army said both of the attacks —one in Panjgur district and the other in Naushki district —had been repulsed. Ex-Trump adviser speaks to WION on reports that some White House records were torn up and taped back Recent reports indicated that some of the documents were torn up and had to be pieced back together during the Capitol Hill riots probe. While responding to that, Jason Miller told WION what he saw during his time in the office In retaliatory move, Russia shuts down German broadcaster DW in Moscow Russia shut down DW operations in Moscow after Germany decided to ban Russian broadcaster RT DE in Berlin. US lawmaker condemns China’s ‘shameful’ move of choosing Galwan soldier as torchbearer at Winter Olympics Senator Jim Risch, a Republican who is a member of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, called the move “shameful” and said that the US will continue to support the sovereignty of India. How a US hacker took down North Korea's internet in a revenge cyber-attack The North Korea began experiencing strange internet failures in mid-January, culminating on January 26 with a near-total internet blackout. The disruptions were commonly assumed to be the consequence of cyberattacks at the time, while it remained unclear who was responsible for the hacking. Scientists discover a way to target & destroy cancer cells: Here's how the ground-breaking therapy works This therapy, which was shown to work in mice, is called 'minimally invasive image-guided ablation' or MINIMA. Chinese researchers claim to have discovered a 'godsend' antibody that can defeat Omicron Researchers at Fudan University in Shanghai, however, think they may have discovered a recipe for a synthetic antibody that would prove to be a match for Omicron 'How life began': Study explains how a moon helps create life on a planet Nakajima and her colleagues conducted computer simulations with a number of hypothetical rocky planets and ice planets of varying masses in order to determine whether other planets can form similar large moons.

Top 10 World News: US eliminates ISIS leader in Syria raid, Baloch militants attack Pakistan bases, more news

Russia shut down German broadcaster Deutsche Welle (DW) in Moscow as a retaliatory move to Berlin's decision to ban Russian broadcaster RT DE. Russia said it was stripping DW's staff of their accreditation.

Moscow said it would stop the German channel being broadcast in Russia and start proceedings that would see it declared a "foreign agent," a designation that carries a negative Soviet-era connotation.

Russian foreign ministry said that it would bar entry in Russia for German officials involved in banning of RT DE.

The row between Russia and Germany has erupted amid tensions between Russia and the West over Ukraine Crisis. The strain between Germany and Russia can be first political test for news elected German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Germany's MABB media watchdog and Commission for Licensing and Supervision (ZAK) of media institutions said this week that RT DE could not broadcast in Germany using a Serbian licence, a decision that angered Russia.

In a statement on its website detailing its retaliatory measures, Russia's foreign ministry described the German move to ban Russian broadcaster "unfriendly".

No immediate comment from DW was forthcoming.

The announcement comes amid a crackdown on media outlets Russia considers "foreign agents". It uses the term to designate foreign-funded organisations it says are engaged in political activity.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia shut down German broadcaster Deutsche Welle (DW) in Moscow as a retaliatory move to Berlin's decision to ban Russian broadcaster RT DE. Russia said it was stripping DW's staff of their accreditation.

Russia shut down German broadcaster Deutsche Welle (DW) in Moscow as a retaliatory move to Berlin's decision to ban Russian broadcaster RT DE. Russia said it was stripping DW's staff of their accreditation. Moscow said it would stop the German channel being broadcast in Russia and start proceedings that would see it declared a "foreign agent," a designation that carries a negative Soviet-era connotation. Russian foreign ministry said that it would bar entry in Russia for German officials involved in banning of RT DE. The row between Russia and Germany has erupted amid tensions between Russia and the West over Ukraine Crisis. The strain between Germany and Russia can be first political test for news elected German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Germany's MABB media watchdog and Commission for Licensing and Supervision (ZAK) of media institutions said this week that RT DE could not broadcast in Germany using a Serbian licence, a decision that angered Russia. In a statement on its website detailing its retaliatory measures, Russia's foreign ministry described the German move to ban Russian broadcaster "unfriendly". No immediate comment from DW was forthcoming. The announcement comes amid a crackdown on media outlets Russia considers "foreign agents". It uses the term to designate foreign-funded organisations it says are engaged in political activity. (With inputs from agencies)

In retaliatory move, Russia shuts down German broadcaster DW in Moscow

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up to launch its third Lunar exploration mission Chandrayaan-3. The mission will be launched in August 2022. India's Minister of State for Science and Technology told this to the Indian Parliament in a written reply. He was responding to a question about the status of the mission.

He said that realisation of Chandrayaan-3 is in progress based on analysis of learnings from Chandrayaan-2 mission.

"Many related hardware and their special tests are successfully completed, the Launch is scheduled for August 2022" he added. 
&nbsp; 
Following a lull in launch activity during two years of the pandemic, India has now planned for 19 missions in calendar year of 2022. The minister said that these would include eight launch vehicle missions, seven spacecraft (satellite) missions and four technology demonstration missions.

Notably, in a recent webinar, DR AS Kiran Kumar, former chairman of ISRO had explained that Chandrayaan-3 is a follow-on mission to Chandrayaan-2 and is meant to demonstrate lunar landing and roving capability. He said that the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft would consist of a lander and rover carried on a propulsion module. He also added that the factors that led to unsuccessful Lunar landing of the Chandrayaan-2 lander were being taken care of in the latest mission.

About scientific payloads that are being carried on-board the lander and rover, he said, "The payloads on lander are Langmuir probe, Chandra's Surface Thermo Physical Experiment (ChaSTE) and Instrument for Lunar seismic activity (ILSA). The rover payloads are Alpha Particle X-Ray Spectrometer (APXS) and Laser Induced Breakdown spectroscope (LIBS)."

The former Chairman also elaborated that the Chandrayaan-3 lander is planned to perform an in-situ ChaSTE experiment of surface and sub-surface measurements of temperature.

It is meant to help understand the thermal exchange and physical properties of the uppermost Lunar soil. A thermal probe of 10cm length would be deployed on the Lunar surface to perform the experiment. On the uniqueness of the mission, he said that it was the only instrument in contact with Lunar surface/ subsurface and that is was the first-ever in-situ thermal measurement of the Lunar High Altitude region.

India's Lunar exploration journey began with a maiden mission Chandrayaan-1 in 2008 and a second mission in 2019. While the 2008 mission was a success, the 2019 mission Chandrayaan-2 failed to land successfully on the Lunar surface. As of today, only an orbiter from this mission continues to circle the moon and is expected to perform remote sensing and mapping operations and relay the data back to earth for the next few years. However, the lander and the rover it contained perished on impact with the lunar surface, after the crash landing.

Around 2024-25, India and Japan are expected to launch a joint Lunar mission dubbed as 'LUPEX' or Lunar Polar Exploration Mission. This probe is meant to land at the Lunar South pole with a rover that weighs upto 350kg.&nbsp;

This rover is expected to carry science experiments made by Indian and Japanese teams and conduct in-situ sample analysis. This mission is expected to have a life of upto 6 months. The details regarding this mission that is in the planning stage were revealed by Dr Kiran Kumar, in the webinar.

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up to launch its third Lunar exploration mission Chandrayaan-3. The mission will be launched in August 2022.

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up to launch its third Lunar exploration mission Chandrayaan-3. The mission will be launched in August 2022. India's Minister of State for Science and Technology told this to the Indian Parliament in a written reply. He was responding to a question about the status of the mission. He said that realisation of Chandrayaan-3 is in progress based on analysis of learnings from Chandrayaan-2 mission. "Many related hardware and their special tests are successfully completed, the Launch is scheduled for August 2022" he added. Following a lull in launch activity during two years of the pandemic, India has now planned for 19 missions in calendar year of 2022. The minister said that these would include eight launch vehicle missions, seven spacecraft (satellite) missions and four technology demonstration missions. Notably, in a recent webinar, DR AS Kiran Kumar, former chairman of ISRO had explained that Chandrayaan-3 is a follow-on mission to Chandrayaan-2 and is meant to demonstrate lunar landing and roving capability. He said that the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft would consist of a lander and rover carried on a propulsion module. He also added that the factors that led to unsuccessful Lunar landing of the Chandrayaan-2 lander were being taken care of in the latest mission. About scientific payloads that are being carried on-board the lander and rover, he said, "The payloads on lander are Langmuir probe, Chandra's Surface Thermo Physical Experiment (ChaSTE) and Instrument for Lunar seismic activity (ILSA). The rover payloads are Alpha Particle X-Ray Spectrometer (APXS) and Laser Induced Breakdown spectroscope (LIBS)." The former Chairman also elaborated that the Chandrayaan-3 lander is planned to perform an in-situ ChaSTE experiment of surface and sub-surface measurements of temperature. It is meant to help understand the thermal exchange and physical properties of the uppermost Lunar soil. A thermal probe of 10cm length would be deployed on the Lunar surface to perform the experiment. On the uniqueness of the mission, he said that it was the only instrument in contact with Lunar surface/ subsurface and that is was the first-ever in-situ thermal measurement of the Lunar High Altitude region. India's Lunar exploration journey began with a maiden mission Chandrayaan-1 in 2008 and a second mission in 2019. While the 2008 mission was a success, the 2019 mission Chandrayaan-2 failed to land successfully on the Lunar surface. As of today, only an orbiter from this mission continues to circle the moon and is expected to perform remote sensing and mapping operations and relay the data back to earth for the next few years. However, the lander and the rover it contained perished on impact with the lunar surface, after the crash landing. Around 2024-25, India and Japan are expected to launch a joint Lunar mission dubbed as 'LUPEX' or Lunar Polar Exploration Mission. This probe is meant to land at the Lunar South pole with a rover that weighs upto 350kg. This rover is expected to carry science experiments made by Indian and Japanese teams and conduct in-situ sample analysis. This mission is expected to have a life of upto 6 months. The details regarding this mission that is in the planning stage were revealed by Dr Kiran Kumar, in the webinar.

India's third Lunar mission Chandrayaan-3 slated for August 2022 launch

US special forces carried out a counter-terrorism mission in Syria on Thursday. The Pentagon said that the raid, carried out in northwest Syria was successful. Syrian sources were quoted by Reuters to say that the raid was aimed at an Al Queada-linked jihadist.

At least 13 people, including six children and four women were killed in the clashes, said Syrian rescue workers. The raid targetted a house in the Atmeh area near the Turkish border

"US&nbsp;Special Operations forces under the control of U.S. Central Command conducted a counter-terrorism mission this evening in northwest Syria. The mission was successful," Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby said in a statement.

"There were no U.S. casualties. More information will be provided as it becomes available."

He did not identify the target.

A number of jihadist groups with links to al Qaeda operate in northwestern Syria, the last major bastion of rebels fighting President Bashar al-Assad in the decade-long Syrian war. Leaders of the Islamic State group have also hidden out in the area.

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Several rebel sources said they were almost certain the target was a leading jihadist, but could not be sure who.

Residents said helicopters landed and heavy gunfire and explosions were heard during the raid that began around midnight. U.S. forces used loud speakers to warn women and children to leave the area, they said.

A video taken by a resident and seen by Reuters showed the bodies of two apparently lifeless children and a man in the rubble of a building at the location.

A witness who lives nearby said he saw several bodies at the scene. "There was blood everywhere," he told Reuters. He added that one of the U.S. helicopters appeared to suffer a mechanical failure and was blown up by the U.S. forces.

A rebel official who declined to be named said the jihadist who was the apparent target of the raid was with his family at the time.

Witnesses said the raid ended with aircraft, believed to be helicopters, leaving the site but unidentified reconnaissance planes were still hovering in the area.

(With inputs from agencies)

US special forces carried out a counter-terrorism mission in Syria on Thursday. The Pentagon said that the raid, carried out in northwest Syria was successful. Syrian sources were quoted by Reuters to say that the raid was aimed at an Al Queada-linked jihadist.

US special forces carried out a counter-terrorism mission in Syria on Thursday. The Pentagon said that the raid, carried out in northwest Syria was successful. Syrian sources were quoted by Reuters to say that the raid was aimed at an Al Queada-linked jihadist. At least 13 people, including six children and four women were killed in the clashes, said Syrian rescue workers. The raid targetted a house in the Atmeh area near the Turkish border "US Special Operations forces under the control of U.S. Central Command conducted a counter-terrorism mission this evening in northwest Syria. The mission was successful," Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby said in a statement. "There were no U.S. casualties. More information will be provided as it becomes available." He did not identify the target. A number of jihadist groups with links to al Qaeda operate in northwestern Syria, the last major bastion of rebels fighting President Bashar al-Assad in the decade-long Syrian war. Leaders of the Islamic State group have also hidden out in the area. Also Read | More than 3000 personnel face getting discharged as US Army tightens vaccine mandate rules Several rebel sources said they were almost certain the target was a leading jihadist, but could not be sure who. Residents said helicopters landed and heavy gunfire and explosions were heard during the raid that began around midnight. U.S. forces used loud speakers to warn women and children to leave the area, they said. A video taken by a resident and seen by Reuters showed the bodies of two apparently lifeless children and a man in the rubble of a building at the location. A witness who lives nearby said he saw several bodies at the scene. "There was blood everywhere," he told Reuters. He added that one of the U.S. helicopters appeared to suffer a mechanical failure and was blown up by the U.S. forces. A rebel official who declined to be named said the jihadist who was the apparent target of the raid was with his family at the time. Witnesses said the raid ended with aircraft, believed to be helicopters, leaving the site but unidentified reconnaissance planes were still hovering in the area. (With inputs from agencies)

US forces target Al-Qaeda jihadist in Syria raid, civillians killed in clashes

A Taliban spokesman&nbsp;said on Wednesday that group's fighters will no longer be allowed to carry their weapons to amusement parks in Afghanistan. It is being seen as another attempt by the group to soften their image.

Taliban fighters, many of whom have spent most of their lives in a 20-year insurgency against a US-backed government, flocked to amusement parks in Afghan cities in towns after they took over in August.

"Mujahideen of the Islamic Emirate are not allowed to enter amusement parks with weapons, military uniforms and vehicles," the main Taliban spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, said on Twitter.

"(They) are obliged to abide by all the rules and regulations of amusement parks."

The Taliban earned a reputation as uncompromising and often brutal enforcers of their strict ways then they last ruled, between 1996 and 2001.

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However, after their recent power grab in August 2021, the group has made efforts to project a moderate face. The interim cabinet formed by the Taliban is grappling with a looming humanitarian crisis. Millions of dollars of funds, earmarked for Afghan central bank under the previous regime have been frozen internationally.

Of particular attraction for Taliban fighters was one of Kabul's largest amusement parks and a waterside park at the Qargha reservoir, in the city's western outskirts.

Fighters clutching automatic rifles queued for up carousel and swinging pirate ship rides - with regular visitors looking on nervously.

Most of the fighters Reuters spoke to then had never been to Kabul until the Taliban took control of the capital on Aug. 15, and some were eager to visit the amusement park before returning to duties around the country.

(With inputs from agencies)

A Taliban spokesman said on Wednesday that group's fighters will no longer be allowed to carry their weapons to amusement parks in Afghanistan. It is being seen as another attempt by the group to soften their image.

A Taliban spokesman said on Wednesday that group's fighters will no longer be allowed to carry their weapons to amusement parks in Afghanistan. It is being seen as another attempt by the group to soften their image. Taliban fighters, many of whom have spent most of their lives in a 20-year insurgency against a US-backed government, flocked to amusement parks in Afghan cities in towns after they took over in August. "Mujahideen of the Islamic Emirate are not allowed to enter amusement parks with weapons, military uniforms and vehicles," the main Taliban spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, said on Twitter. "(They) are obliged to abide by all the rules and regulations of amusement parks." The Taliban earned a reputation as uncompromising and often brutal enforcers of their strict ways then they last ruled, between 1996 and 2001. Also Read | UN expresses concern about abductions following women's rights protest in Kabul However, after their recent power grab in August 2021, the group has made efforts to project a moderate face. The interim cabinet formed by the Taliban is grappling with a looming humanitarian crisis. Millions of dollars of funds, earmarked for Afghan central bank under the previous regime have been frozen internationally. Of particular attraction for Taliban fighters was one of Kabul's largest amusement parks and a waterside park at the Qargha reservoir, in the city's western outskirts. Fighters clutching automatic rifles queued for up carousel and swinging pirate ship rides - with regular visitors looking on nervously. Most of the fighters Reuters spoke to then had never been to Kabul until the Taliban took control of the capital on Aug. 15, and some were eager to visit the amusement park before returning to duties around the country. (With inputs from agencies)

No guns in amusement parks, Taliban tell its fighters

Ukrainian foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba has said Ukraine saw space for the Indian role to defuse&nbsp;the ongoing crisis in Eastern Europe. He said that "it will make an impact". India has a close relationship with Russia and US and both countries have kept New Delhi in loop amid the unfolding situation in Eastern Europe.

At a virtual press conference on Wednesday, foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba, in response to WION's question, said India can tell in "a very clear manner to Russia, the following, that Ukraine is a friend and a partner of India and India will find any attempt of Russia to solve the current crisis by military means or to continue to destabilize Ukraine from inside unacceptable. If Russia hears that from Indian govt, it will be a very strong message of support and it will make an impact"

The comments came even as India called for peaceful resolution of the situation through sustained diplomatic efforts. India, along with Gabon and Kenya had abstained from a UNSC procedural vote calling for discussion on the issue on Monday. US had led the initiative on the issue at the UNSC, which Moscow called as "megaphone diplomacy". Russia wants "security guarantees" from the West that Ukraine doesn't join NATO.

Asked about the Indian students in Ukraine in light of the escalating situation, FM Kuleba said, "When it comes to Indian students in Ukraine, firstly happy to receive all your compatriots they are great people and they study all across the country."

"We really appreciate their presence and contribution to life in Ukraine".

He pointed out, "I can tell them one thing, there are many many much more complicated and dangerous places across the world compared to Ukraine. They can feel safe, continue their studies and enjoy their life and be confident in the future. "

There are about 20,000 Indian students studying in Ukraine, mainly in the field of medicine. Indian business professionals work predominantly in the fields of pharmaceuticals, IT, engineering, medicine, education, etc.

‘India Club’ founded by Indian expats in 2001, actively engages the Indian diaspora in Ukraine.

The Indian mission recently started collecting data and details of Indians in the country in view of the ongoing situation and prepare for any eventuality.

Ukrainian foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba has said Ukraine saw space for the Indian role to defuse the ongoing crisis in Eastern Europe. He said that "it will make an impact".

Ukrainian foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba has said Ukraine saw space for the Indian role to defuse the ongoing crisis in Eastern Europe. He said that "it will make an impact". India has a close relationship with Russia and US and both countries have kept New Delhi in loop amid the unfolding situation in Eastern Europe. At a virtual press conference on Wednesday, foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba, in response to WION's question, said India can tell in "a very clear manner to Russia, the following, that Ukraine is a friend and a partner of India and India will find any attempt of Russia to solve the current crisis by military means or to continue to destabilize Ukraine from inside unacceptable. If Russia hears that from Indian govt, it will be a very strong message of support and it will make an impact" The comments came even as India called for peaceful resolution of the situation through sustained diplomatic efforts. India, along with Gabon and Kenya had abstained from a UNSC procedural vote calling for discussion on the issue on Monday. US had led the initiative on the issue at the UNSC, which Moscow called as "megaphone diplomacy". Russia wants "security guarantees" from the West that Ukraine doesn't join NATO. Asked about the Indian students in Ukraine in light of the escalating situation, FM Kuleba said, "When it comes to Indian students in Ukraine, firstly happy to receive all your compatriots they are great people and they study all across the country." "We really appreciate their presence and contribution to life in Ukraine". He pointed out, "I can tell them one thing, there are many many much more complicated and dangerous places across the world compared to Ukraine. They can feel safe, continue their studies and enjoy their life and be confident in the future. " There are about 20,000 Indian students studying in Ukraine, mainly in the field of medicine. Indian business professionals work predominantly in the fields of pharmaceuticals, IT, engineering, medicine, education, etc. ‘India Club’ founded by Indian expats in 2001, actively engages the Indian diaspora in Ukraine. The Indian mission recently started collecting data and details of Indians in the country in view of the ongoing situation and prepare for any eventuality.

India's message to Russia will make impact, says Ukraine foreign minister

Global Warming is already having a major impact across the world and in yet another signal for humanity to act, plants in UK have burst into flowering about a month earlier. A research has said that this has profound consequences for crops and wildlife. The research has used nature observations going back to the 1700s

Trees, herbs and other flowering plants have shifted seasonal rhythms as temperatures have increased, according to the study led by the University of Cambridge.&nbsp;

The results are "truly alarming" because of the ecological threats posed by early flowering, said Ulf Buntgen, a professor from Cambridge's Department of Geography, who led the research published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B.

Crops can be killed off if they blossom early and are then lashed by a late frost, but reasearchers said the bigger threat was to wildlife. &nbsp;

This is because insects and birds have evolved to synchronise their own development stages with the plants they rely on. When they are no longer in phase, the result is an "ecological mismatch".&nbsp;

"A certain plant flowers, it attracts a particular type of insect, which attracts a particular type of bird, and so on," Buntgen said in a press release from the university.&nbsp;

"But if one component responds faster than the others, there's a risk that they'll be out of synch, which can lead species to collapse if they can't adapt quickly enough."

Spring backwards?

To track the changes in flowering patterns, researchers used a database known as Nature's Calendar, which has entries by scientists, naturalists, amateur and professional gardeners, as well as organisations such as the Royal Meteorological Society, going back more than 200 years. &nbsp;

Looking at more than 400,000 observations of 406 trees, shrubs, herbs and climbing plants across swathes of Britain, they found that the average first flowering date from 1987 to 2019 is 30 days earlier than the average first flowering date from 1753 to 1986.&nbsp;

The changes seen in recent decades coincide with accelerating impacts of human-caused climate change, especially higher temperatures.&nbsp; 
Spring in Britain might eventually creep into the historically wintry month of February if global temperatures continue to increase at their current rate, said Buntgen.&nbsp;

That rapid shift in natural cycles could reverberate through forests, farms and gardens.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Global Warming is already having a major impact across the world and in yet another signal for humanity to act, plants in UK have burst into flowering about a month earlier.

Global Warming is already having a major impact across the world and in yet another signal for humanity to act, plants in UK have burst into flowering about a month earlier. A research has said that this has profound consequences for crops and wildlife. The research has used nature observations going back to the 1700s Trees, herbs and other flowering plants have shifted seasonal rhythms as temperatures have increased, according to the study led by the University of Cambridge. The results are "truly alarming" because of the ecological threats posed by early flowering, said Ulf Buntgen, a professor from Cambridge's Department of Geography, who led the research published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B. Crops can be killed off if they blossom early and are then lashed by a late frost, but reasearchers said the bigger threat was to wildlife. This is because insects and birds have evolved to synchronise their own development stages with the plants they rely on. When they are no longer in phase, the result is an "ecological mismatch". "A certain plant flowers, it attracts a particular type of insect, which attracts a particular type of bird, and so on," Buntgen said in a press release from the university. "But if one component responds faster than the others, there's a risk that they'll be out of synch, which can lead species to collapse if they can't adapt quickly enough." Spring backwards? To track the changes in flowering patterns, researchers used a database known as Nature's Calendar, which has entries by scientists, naturalists, amateur and professional gardeners, as well as organisations such as the Royal Meteorological Society, going back more than 200 years. Looking at more than 400,000 observations of 406 trees, shrubs, herbs and climbing plants across swathes of Britain, they found that the average first flowering date from 1987 to 2019 is 30 days earlier than the average first flowering date from 1753 to 1986. The changes seen in recent decades coincide with accelerating impacts of human-caused climate change, especially higher temperatures. Spring in Britain might eventually creep into the historically wintry month of February if global temperatures continue to increase at their current rate, said Buntgen. That rapid shift in natural cycles could reverberate through forests, farms and gardens. (With inputs from agencies)

Global Warming makes UK plants flower a month earlier

What excavations would reveal of the centuries gone by cannot always be known with the greatest certainty. Though we know a lot about history, a lot needs to be still unravelled.

Researchers have now found skeletal remains of a man buried near a headless horse. The remains have been found in Knittlingen in southern Germany. Researchers think that the man and the horse were buried 1400 years ago when the area was ruled by Merovingian dynasty.

But why the horse is headless is still somewhat of a mystery.

Researchers believe the man was member of local elite.

"He stood in a 'chain of command' with the Merovingian kings on its top, which meant he was obliged to participate in the king's campaigns," Folke Damminger, an archaeologist in charge of research at the site, told Live Science in an email.

Damminger added that "most probably the decapitation [of the horse] was part of the burial ceremony".&nbsp; 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
According to him, the man's family members may have wanted him to appear wealthy and this may be the reason why he was buried with a horse.

Another reason that is being put forward is that the horse was buried for the man to have a vehicle in the afterlife.

The head of the horse has not yet been found.

What excavations would reveal of the centuries gone by cannot always be known with the greatest certainty. Though we know a lot about history, a lot needs to be still unravelled.

What excavations would reveal of the centuries gone by cannot always be known with the greatest certainty. Though we know a lot about history, a lot needs to be still unravelled. Researchers have now found skeletal remains of a man buried near a headless horse. The remains have been found in Knittlingen in southern Germany. Researchers think that the man and the horse were buried 1400 years ago when the area was ruled by Merovingian dynasty. But why the horse is headless is still somewhat of a mystery. Researchers believe the man was member of local elite. "He stood in a 'chain of command' with the Merovingian kings on its top, which meant he was obliged to participate in the king's campaigns," Folke Damminger, an archaeologist in charge of research at the site, told Live Science in an email. Damminger added that "most probably the decapitation [of the horse] was part of the burial ceremony". According to him, the man's family members may have wanted him to appear wealthy and this may be the reason why he was buried with a horse. Another reason that is being put forward is that the horse was buried for the man to have a vehicle in the afterlife. The head of the horse has not yet been found.

Burial of headless horse alongside a man creates mystery

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