Searching for extra-terrestrial life has been preoccupation of scientists and creative folks. The idea of us not being alone in this universe on this rock we call Earth is somewhat assuring. Maybe it gives a purpose to our search in the vast expanse of space that so far not yielded any definitive clue of intelligent alien life.

Scientists have now found stars that are unexpectedly blasting out radio signals. This has indicated presence of hidden planets.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gravitas?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gravitas</a> |'Unusual radio waves' have been detected from the centre of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MilkyWayGalaxy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MilkyWayGalaxy</a>. Scientists say these signals are unlike anything they have come across. <a href="https://twitter.com/palkisu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@palkisu</a> gets you a report. <a href="https://t.co/a3V4dgxQRJ">pic.twitter.com/a3V4dgxQRJ</a>
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University of Queensland’s Dr Benjamin Pope and colleagues at the Dutch national observatory ASTRON have been searching for planets using Low-Frequency Array (LOFAR), world's most powerful radio telescope located in the Netherlands.

Dr Pope has been quoted as saying that the team of researchers has discovered radio signals from 19 red dwarf stars. It is suspected that four of these stars have planets orbitting them.

Planets in our solar system also emit radio waves but such radio waves from planets outside the solar system had yet to be found.

Red dwarf stars are much smaller than the Sun. They have intense magnetic activity and radio emissions.

More research is needed to determine to the most accurate degree what is the cause of these radio emissions. What if aliens are sending us messages? That would be interesting indeed.

Searching for extra-terrestrial life has been preoccupation of scientists and creative folks. The idea of us not being alone in this universe on this rock we call Earth is somewhat assuring.

Searching for extra-terrestrial life has been preoccupation of scientists and creative folks. The idea of us not being alone in this universe on this rock we call Earth is somewhat assuring. Maybe it gives a purpose to our search in the vast expanse of space that so far not yielded any definitive clue of intelligent alien life. Scientists have now found stars that are unexpectedly blasting out radio signals. This has indicated presence of hidden planets. #Gravitas |'Unusual radio waves' have been detected from the centre of the #MilkyWayGalaxy. Scientists say these signals are unlike anything they have come across. @palkisu gets you a report. pic.twitter.com/a3V4dgxQRJ — WION (@WIONews) October 13, 2021 × University of Queensland’s Dr Benjamin Pope and colleagues at the Dutch national observatory ASTRON have been searching for planets using Low-Frequency Array (LOFAR), world's most powerful radio telescope located in the Netherlands. Dr Pope has been quoted as saying that the team of researchers has discovered radio signals from 19 red dwarf stars. It is suspected that four of these stars have planets orbitting them. Planets in our solar system also emit radio waves but such radio waves from planets outside the solar system had yet to be found. Red dwarf stars are much smaller than the Sun. They have intense magnetic activity and radio emissions. More research is needed to determine to the most accurate degree what is the cause of these radio emissions. What if aliens are sending us messages? That would be interesting indeed.

Scientists catch unexpected radio signals from distant stars

The Biden administration announced on Tuesday that it would not conduct mass arrests of workers living in the country illegally during enforcement operations at U.S. businesses, a reversal from Trump administration policies and the latest signal to millions of immigrants that they were not priorities for deportation.

Known as work-site raids, such arrests have long been criticized by immigration advocates for spreading fear and dissuading workers from reporting labor violations out of concern that they would be arrested. So far, these raids have not been a fixture during the Biden administration.

Alejandro N. Mayorkas, the Homeland Security secretary, said in a statement that enforcement efforts at work sites would instead focus on “unscrupulous employers who exploit unauthorized workers, conduct illegal activities or impose unsafe working conditions.” He also asked for recommendations from the department’s immigration agencies over the next 60 days to identify policies and agreements that affected the enforcement of labor laws and how to “alleviate or mitigate” concerns and fear that workers without legal status had about exploitative employers.

The new policy comes during a critical labor shortage in the United States, precipitated by the coronavirus pandemic, and offers reassurances that workers in the U.S. illegally are not at risk of being deported en masse. The new strategy also reflects promises that President Joe Biden has made about taking a softer approach to immigration policy than his predecessor did.

Some companies that rely on such workers pay them below the market rate for jobs, exploiting immigrants and undercutting competitors.

“Refocusing resources to counter exploitative employers is a necessary step in protecting the American labor market and workers,” said Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss. and the chairman of the Homeland Security Committee.

Republicans criticized the new policy. “This makes our country LESS SAFE and LESS SECURE,” the Republican National Committee’s research arm wrote on Twitter.

Workplace raids, which Mayorkas described as “resource-intensive,” were a priority during the Trump administration, which targeted employers as well as immigrant workers. The goal was to dissuade immigrants from illegally crossing the border to work in the United States. The George W. Bush administration started high-profile work-site raids in a bid to push Congress to pass an immigration overhaul, but lawmakers failed to reach a consensus.

The Obama administration sought to focus work-site enforcement efforts on employers who hired workers who entered illegally rather than on the workers themselves, prioritizing audits of employee files. Still, the policy led to the firing of thousands of immigrant workers.

Employers are required by law to check whether the people they hire are legally permitted to work in the United States. Several administrations have pushed for a nationwide requirement to use a program known as E-Verify to confirm that employees have permission to work in the country. But it currently remains a voluntary program for most employers.

Immigration advocates commended the new work-site enforcement strategy, but they said it was not a substitute for creating a path to citizenship for millions of immigrants in the U.S. without permission.

“While we applaud today’s announcement by the administration to end workplace raids, we need more commitment from this administration to protect all 11 million undocumented immigrants from deportation, not just in their workplaces,” Nicole Melaku, the executive director of the National Partnership for New Americans, said in a statement on Tuesday. “We need permanent protections now.”

Democrats tried to include a measure in a multitrillion-dollar spending package that would allow a path to citizenship for millions of immigrants without legal status, but their efforts have failed.

The work-site enforcement policy also echoes new guidance for immigration enforcement priorities that were partly devised to end the indiscriminate arrests that became commonplace during the Trump administration.

The Biden administration announced on Tuesday that it would not conduct mass arrests of workers living in the country illegally during enforcement operations at U.

The Biden administration announced on Tuesday that it would not conduct mass arrests of workers living in the country illegally during enforcement operations at U.S. businesses, a reversal from Trump administration policies and the latest signal to millions of immigrants that they were not priorities for deportation. Known as work-site raids, such arrests have long been criticized by immigration advocates for spreading fear and dissuading workers from reporting labor violations out of concern that they would be arrested. So far, these raids have not been a fixture during the Biden administration. Alejandro N. Mayorkas, the Homeland Security secretary, said in a statement that enforcement efforts at work sites would instead focus on “unscrupulous employers who exploit unauthorized workers, conduct illegal activities or impose unsafe working conditions.” He also asked for recommendations from the department’s immigration agencies over the next 60 days to identify policies and agreements that affected the enforcement of labor laws and how to “alleviate or mitigate” concerns and fear that workers without legal status had about exploitative employers. The new policy comes during a critical labor shortage in the United States, precipitated by the coronavirus pandemic, and offers reassurances that workers in the U.S. illegally are not at risk of being deported en masse. The new strategy also reflects promises that President Joe Biden has made about taking a softer approach to immigration policy than his predecessor did. Some companies that rely on such workers pay them below the market rate for jobs, exploiting immigrants and undercutting competitors. “Refocusing resources to counter exploitative employers is a necessary step in protecting the American labor market and workers,” said Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss. and the chairman of the Homeland Security Committee. Republicans criticized the new policy. “This makes our country LESS SAFE and LESS SECURE,” the Republican National Committee’s research arm wrote on Twitter. Workplace raids, which Mayorkas described as “resource-intensive,” were a priority during the Trump administration, which targeted employers as well as immigrant workers. The goal was to dissuade immigrants from illegally crossing the border to work in the United States. The George W. Bush administration started high-profile work-site raids in a bid to push Congress to pass an immigration overhaul, but lawmakers failed to reach a consensus. The Obama administration sought to focus work-site enforcement efforts on employers who hired workers who entered illegally rather than on the workers themselves, prioritizing audits of employee files. Still, the policy led to the firing of thousands of immigrant workers. Employers are required by law to check whether the people they hire are legally permitted to work in the United States. Several administrations have pushed for a nationwide requirement to use a program known as E-Verify to confirm that employees have permission to work in the country. But it currently remains a voluntary program for most employers. Immigration advocates commended the new work-site enforcement strategy, but they said it was not a substitute for creating a path to citizenship for millions of immigrants in the U.S. without permission. “While we applaud today’s announcement by the administration to end workplace raids, we need more commitment from this administration to protect all 11 million undocumented immigrants from deportation, not just in their workplaces,” Nicole Melaku, the executive director of the National Partnership for New Americans, said in a statement on Tuesday. “We need permanent protections now.” Democrats tried to include a measure in a multitrillion-dollar spending package that would allow a path to citizenship for millions of immigrants without legal status, but their efforts have failed. The work-site enforcement policy also echoes new guidance for immigration enforcement priorities that were partly devised to end the indiscriminate arrests that became commonplace during the Trump administration.

Biden ends workplace immigration raids, reversing Trump policy

No two galaxies are exactly alike. Rather each galaxy in the universe is considered to be like a fingerprint. There may be similarities between two galaxies but it is almost inconceivable that two galaxies would be identical twins of each other.

It is because of this scientific community was surprised as astronomer Timothy Hamilton found two galaxies that appeared to be twins of each other.

The object is now called Hamilton's Object.

"My first thought was that maybe they were interacting galaxies with tidally stretched-out arms. It didn't really fit well, but I didn't know what else to think," Hamilton has been quoted as saying by NASA.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-catch-unexpected-radio-signals-from-distant-stars-420244">Scientists catch unexpected radio signals from distant stars</a>

As scientific world pondered over reasons why these galaxies would have been twins, astronomer Richard Griffiths of the University of Hawaii proposed his view.

He said that the Hamilton's Object was seen as two galaxies due to 'gravitational lensing'

Gravitational lensing is a phenomenon that occurs due chance alignment of a massive space object between us and another distant object. The light coming from the distant object 'bends' due to massive gravity of the object situated nearer to us. As the light travels along the space-time curvature of the massive object,&nbsp;a single distant object appears as two.

No two galaxies are exactly alike. Rather each galaxy in the universe is considered to be like a fingerprint. There may be similarities between two galaxies but it is almost inconceivable that two galaxies would be identical twins of each other.

No two galaxies are exactly alike. Rather each galaxy in the universe is considered to be like a fingerprint. There may be similarities between two galaxies but it is almost inconceivable that two galaxies would be identical twins of each other. It is because of this scientific community was surprised as astronomer Timothy Hamilton found two galaxies that appeared to be twins of each other. The object is now called Hamilton's Object. "My first thought was that maybe they were interacting galaxies with tidally stretched-out arms. It didn't really fit well, but I didn't know what else to think," Hamilton has been quoted as saying by NASA. Also Read | Scientists catch unexpected radio signals from distant stars As scientific world pondered over reasons why these galaxies would have been twins, astronomer Richard Griffiths of the University of Hawaii proposed his view. He said that the Hamilton's Object was seen as two galaxies due to 'gravitational lensing' Gravitational lensing is a phenomenon that occurs due chance alignment of a massive space object between us and another distant object. The light coming from the distant object 'bends' due to massive gravity of the object situated nearer to us. As the light travels along the space-time curvature of the massive object, a single distant object appears as two.

Mystery of two 'identical galaxies' solved

Machines rule our lives even today. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasing and it itself is becoming more intelligent. People have become addicted to machines and machines are studying poetry and painting.

Claims of takover by the machines have been made before. Years like 1984 have come and gone but the calamity seems far away. However, such situations appear more and more conceivable with every advancement in tech.

Now, an ex-Kremlin mastermind Vladislav Surkov has predicted that next 100 years will see advent of 'humanless democracies'. Machines will control everything and humans will increasingly get relegated to sidelines.

Surkov's significance in Russian politics can be gauged by the fact that he was assistant to Russian President Vladimir Putin himself till 2020.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-catch-unexpected-radio-signals-from-distant-stars-420244">Scientists catch unexpected radio signals from distant stars</a>

In his piece written for the publication publication ‘Actual Comment', Surkov says that in next 100 years, internet will take a form of direct democracy. There will no longer be a need to elect a government. Instead, anyone who wants to can vote on a proposed legislation.

“For example, if you need another law on beekeeping, everyone who cares – beekeepers, honey enthusiasts, beauticians, pharmacists, people who have been stung by bees, people with allergies, lawyers, hive and smokehouse manufacturers, beeophiles and bee-haters, as well as those who always care about everything – can all directly participate in its drafting, introduction, discussion and adoption,” says Surkov as quoted by Russia Today.

There is no parliament in this scheme. In its place are communication tools, algorithms and moderators.”

Surkov paints a scary picture saying that people will be slowly removed from such a process and that machines will eliminate the human factor. He says that humans will have more and more comfort but will have less and less say in how things are run.&nbsp;

Machines rule our lives even today. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasing and it itself is becoming more intelligent. People have become addicted to machines and machines are studying poetry and painting.

Machines rule our lives even today. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasing and it itself is becoming more intelligent. People have become addicted to machines and machines are studying poetry and painting. Claims of takover by the machines have been made before. Years like 1984 have come and gone but the calamity seems far away. However, such situations appear more and more conceivable with every advancement in tech. Now, an ex-Kremlin mastermind Vladislav Surkov has predicted that next 100 years will see advent of 'humanless democracies'. Machines will control everything and humans will increasingly get relegated to sidelines. Surkov's significance in Russian politics can be gauged by the fact that he was assistant to Russian President Vladimir Putin himself till 2020. Also Read | Scientists catch unexpected radio signals from distant stars In his piece written for the publication publication ‘Actual Comment', Surkov says that in next 100 years, internet will take a form of direct democracy. There will no longer be a need to elect a government. Instead, anyone who wants to can vote on a proposed legislation. “For example, if you need another law on beekeeping, everyone who cares – beekeepers, honey enthusiasts, beauticians, pharmacists, people who have been stung by bees, people with allergies, lawyers, hive and smokehouse manufacturers, beeophiles and bee-haters, as well as those who always care about everything – can all directly participate in its drafting, introduction, discussion and adoption,” says Surkov as quoted by Russia Today. There is no parliament in this scheme. In its place are communication tools, algorithms and moderators.” Surkov paints a scary picture saying that people will be slowly removed from such a process and that machines will eliminate the human factor. He says that humans will have more and more comfort but will have less and less say in how things are run.

Scary! Ex-Kremlin mastermind predicts formation of 'humanless democracies'

Heavens open when they want to bless you. It's just that you have to pray that the blessings don't come in the form of a solid rock just when you are sleeping.

A woman in Canada got the scare&nbsp;of her life as a meteorite crashed through her roof and landed just beside her pillow where her head had been.

The incident took place in British Columbia region of Canada on October 4. While many in Canada were treated to a spectacular sight of meteorites and fireballs in the sky recently, Ruth Hamilton, the woman, will surely have nightmarish memory of the day.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-catch-unexpected-radio-signals-from-distant-stars-420244">Scientists catch unexpected radio signals from distant stars</a>

The sound and crash of the meteorite woke her up with a start. She could feel the debris on her face. She found the remnant of the meteorite, the size of a rock, just next to her pillow on her bed.

Ruth literally escaped death by inches!

That this would be a space rock was not the first thing she would have imagined in her startled state. As per a news report, Ruth called the police in her panicked state. When the officers came, they found out that this was not a case of home invasion. They also ascertained that the rock must not have come from a nearby construction site.

She told the local media that she was so scared, she thought someone had entered her house holding a gun.

Heavens open when they want to bless you. It's just that you have to pray that the blessings don't come in the form of a solid rock just when you are sleeping. A woman in Canada got the scare of her life as a meteorite crashed through her roof and landed just beside her pillow where her head had been.

Heavens open when they want to bless you. It's just that you have to pray that the blessings don't come in the form of a solid rock just when you are sleeping. A woman in Canada got the scare of her life as a meteorite crashed through her roof and landed just beside her pillow where her head had been. The incident took place in British Columbia region of Canada on October 4. While many in Canada were treated to a spectacular sight of meteorites and fireballs in the sky recently, Ruth Hamilton, the woman, will surely have nightmarish memory of the day. Also Read | Scientists catch unexpected radio signals from distant stars The sound and crash of the meteorite woke her up with a start. She could feel the debris on her face. She found the remnant of the meteorite, the size of a rock, just next to her pillow on her bed. Ruth literally escaped death by inches! That this would be a space rock was not the first thing she would have imagined in her startled state. As per a news report, Ruth called the police in her panicked state. When the officers came, they found out that this was not a case of home invasion. They also ascertained that the rock must not have come from a nearby construction site. She told the local media that she was so scared, she thought someone had entered her house holding a gun.

Escaping death by inches: Meteorite crashes into house with a woman sleeping inside

Asteroids, like deadlines, may not make a whooshing sound as they go by (Or they do for all we know!) but its nice to see them do a flyby. They are good to observe from a distance. As long as they flying by, no one should have any problem.&nbsp;

It's when one of them decides to crash onto Earth is when skyfall (quite literally) occurs. The Earth-shaking (again, literally), groundbreaking (get the drift) catastrophe has potential to either destroy life on Earth or drastically alter make-up of it. Dinosaurs know it all too well.&nbsp;

Asteroids do not have to be very large to create major mayhem on our blue planet. Due to their high speeds, even a relatively smaller one can pack a big punch due to its huge momentum.

In a few weeks, 8 asteroids bigger than the pyramids of Giza are going to fly past Earth. Just for the record, the Giza pyramids weigh millions of tonnes and these asteroids are bigger than these oversized luxury coffins of ancient Egyptian kings and queens.

Here are the names of the asteroids that will whoosh by Earth in coming weeks. Dates have also been mentioned

October 15 - 2021 SM3

This asteroid has been classified as Near-Earth Object (NEO). It will pass at a distance of 4.8 million kilometres

October 20 - 1996 VB3:&nbsp;

This one is more massive than the previous one. And it will also come closer to Earth than the last one. This asteroid will pass at a distance of 3.2 million kilometres.

October 25 - 2017 SJ20:&nbsp;

This one is relatively smaller. It will pass by Earth at a distance of 7.1 million kilometres

November 2 - 2017 TS3:

This one is a big gun with a size ranging from 98 metres to 220 metres. It will clear the Earth at a distance of 5.3 million kilometres.

November 13 - 2004 UE:&nbsp;

This one is the biggest of them all. And perhaps it's a good thing that it will keep a distance of 4.2 million kilometres between itself and Earth when it will fly by

November 20 - 2016 JG12:

This one is about 190 metres in diameter. It will come at a distance of 5.5 kilometres from Earth

November 21 - 1982 HR:&nbsp;

This asteroid is also called 3361 Orpheus. It will clear the Earth by a distance of 5.7 million kilometres.

November 29 - 1994 WR12

This asteroid will fly by Earth at a distance of 6.1 million kilometres

Asteroids, like deadlines, may not make a whooshing sound as they go by (Or they do for all we know!) but its nice to see them do a flyby. They are good to observe from a distance.

Asteroids, like deadlines, may not make a whooshing sound as they go by (Or they do for all we know!) but its nice to see them do a flyby. They are good to observe from a distance. As long as they flying by, no one should have any problem. It's when one of them decides to crash onto Earth is when skyfall (quite literally) occurs. The Earth-shaking (again, literally), groundbreaking (get the drift) catastrophe has potential to either destroy life on Earth or drastically alter make-up of it. Dinosaurs know it all too well. Asteroids do not have to be very large to create major mayhem on our blue planet. Due to their high speeds, even a relatively smaller one can pack a big punch due to its huge momentum. In a few weeks, 8 asteroids bigger than the pyramids of Giza are going to fly past Earth. Just for the record, the Giza pyramids weigh millions of tonnes and these asteroids are bigger than these oversized luxury coffins of ancient Egyptian kings and queens. Here are the names of the asteroids that will whoosh by Earth in coming weeks. Dates have also been mentioned October 15 - 2021 SM3 This asteroid has been classified as Near-Earth Object (NEO). It will pass at a distance of 4.8 million kilometres October 20 - 1996 VB3: This one is more massive than the previous one. And it will also come closer to Earth than the last one. This asteroid will pass at a distance of 3.2 million kilometres. October 25 - 2017 SJ20: This one is relatively smaller. It will pass by Earth at a distance of 7.1 million kilometres November 2 - 2017 TS3: This one is a big gun with a size ranging from 98 metres to 220 metres. It will clear the Earth at a distance of 5.3 million kilometres. November 13 - 2004 UE: This one is the biggest of them all. And perhaps it's a good thing that it will keep a distance of 4.2 million kilometres between itself and Earth when it will fly by November 20 - 2016 JG12: This one is about 190 metres in diameter. It will come at a distance of 5.5 kilometres from Earth November 21 - 1982 HR: This asteroid is also called 3361 Orpheus. It will clear the Earth by a distance of 5.7 million kilometres. November 29 - 1994 WR12 This asteroid will fly by Earth at a distance of 6.1 million kilometres

Eight massive asteroids, bigger than pyramids, to approach Earth in October-November

Reliance Industries on Wednesday said it had made a proposal for merger of its media properties with Zee but dropped the offer over differences over stake of Zee founders. Hours after Invseco named Reliance as the firm that could help revive the television company's fortunes, Mukesh Ambani's company issued a statement clarifying its position.

"We regret our being drawn into the dispute between Zee and Invesco. The reports in the media are not accurate," a media statement by Reliance Industries Limited.

'Continuation of Mr Goenka as Managing Director'

"Reliance always endeavours to continue with the existing management of the investee companies and reward them for their performance. Accordingly, the proposal included continuation of Mr Goenka as Managing Director and issue of ESOPs to management, including Mr Goenka," the statement added.

It is important to note here that Reliance's media statement also confirms what ZEEL said about continuation of Punit Goenka as Managing Director &amp; CEO of ZEEL.

Also, people in the know of the matter say that 6 names for Board of Directors suggested by Invesco are related to Reliance in some way or the other and this is a matter which now needs to be investigated by SEBI and other agencies.

'Invesco assisted Reliance in arranging discussion'

As per the Reliance Industries Limited's media statement, "In February/ March 2021, Invesco assisted Reliance in arranging discussions directly between our representatives and Mr Punit Goenka, member of the founder family and Managing Director of Zee. We had made a broad proposal for merger of our media properties with Zee at fair valuations of Zee and all our properties. The valuations of Zee and our properties were arrived at based on the same parameters. The proposal sought to harness the strengths of all the merging entities and would have helped to create substantial value for all, including the shareholders of Zee."

"However, differences arose between Mr Goenka and Invesco with respect to a requirement of the founding family for increasing their stake by subscribing to preferential warrants. The investors seemed to be of the view that the founders could always increase their stake through market purchases. At Reliance, we respect all founders and have never resorted to any hostile transactions. So,we did not proceed further," the statement concluded.

FULL TEXT: MEDIA STATEMENT by Reliance Industries Limited

"We regret our being drawn into the dispute between Zee and Invesco. The reports in the media are not accurate.

In February/ March 2021, Invesco assisted Reliance in arranging discussions directly between our representatives and Mr Punit Goenka, member of the founder family and Managing Director of Zee.

We had made a broad proposal for merger of our media properties with Zee at fair valuations of Zee and all our properties. The valuations of Zee and our properties were arrived at based on the same parameters. The proposal sought to harness the strengths of all the merging entities and would have helped to create substantial value for all, including the shareholders of Zee.

Reliance always endeavours to continue with the existing management of the investee companies and reward them for their performance. Accordingly, the proposal included continuation of Mr Goenka as Managing Director and issue of ESOPs to management, including Mr Goenka.

However, differences arose between Mr Goenka and Invesco with respect to a requirement of the founding family for increasing their stake by subscribing to preferential warrants. The investors seemed to be of the view that the founders could always increase their stake through market purchases.

At Reliance, we respect all founders and have never resorted to any hostile transactions. So,we did not proceed further."

Reliance Industries on Wednesday said it had made a proposal for merger of its media properties with Zee but dropped the offer over differences over stake of Zee founders.

Reliance Industries on Wednesday said it had made a proposal for merger of its media properties with Zee but dropped the offer over differences over stake of Zee founders. Hours after Invseco named Reliance as the firm that could help revive the television company's fortunes, Mukesh Ambani's company issued a statement clarifying its position. "We regret our being drawn into the dispute between Zee and Invesco. The reports in the media are not accurate," a media statement by Reliance Industries Limited. 'Continuation of Mr Goenka as Managing Director' "Reliance always endeavours to continue with the existing management of the investee companies and reward them for their performance. Accordingly, the proposal included continuation of Mr Goenka as Managing Director and issue of ESOPs to management, including Mr Goenka," the statement added. It is important to note here that Reliance's media statement also confirms what ZEEL said about continuation of Punit Goenka as Managing Director & CEO of ZEEL. Also, people in the know of the matter say that 6 names for Board of Directors suggested by Invesco are related to Reliance in some way or the other and this is a matter which now needs to be investigated by SEBI and other agencies. 'Invesco assisted Reliance in arranging discussion' As per the Reliance Industries Limited's media statement, "In February/ March 2021, Invesco assisted Reliance in arranging discussions directly between our representatives and Mr Punit Goenka, member of the founder family and Managing Director of Zee. We had made a broad proposal for merger of our media properties with Zee at fair valuations of Zee and all our properties. The valuations of Zee and our properties were arrived at based on the same parameters. The proposal sought to harness the strengths of all the merging entities and would have helped to create substantial value for all, including the shareholders of Zee." "However, differences arose between Mr Goenka and Invesco with respect to a requirement of the founding family for increasing their stake by subscribing to preferential warrants. The investors seemed to be of the view that the founders could always increase their stake through market purchases. At Reliance, we respect all founders and have never resorted to any hostile transactions. So,we did not proceed further," the statement concluded. FULL TEXT: MEDIA STATEMENT by Reliance Industries Limited "We regret our being drawn into the dispute between Zee and Invesco. The reports in the media are not accurate. In February/ March 2021, Invesco assisted Reliance in arranging discussions directly between our representatives and Mr Punit Goenka, member of the founder family and Managing Director of Zee. We had made a broad proposal for merger of our media properties with Zee at fair valuations of Zee and all our properties. The valuations of Zee and our properties were arrived at based on the same parameters. The proposal sought to harness the strengths of all the merging entities and would have helped to create substantial value for all, including the shareholders of Zee. Reliance always endeavours to continue with the existing management of the investee companies and reward them for their performance. Accordingly, the proposal included continuation of Mr Goenka as Managing Director and issue of ESOPs to management, including Mr Goenka. However, differences arose between Mr Goenka and Invesco with respect to a requirement of the founding family for increasing their stake by subscribing to preferential warrants. The investors seemed to be of the view that the founders could always increase their stake through market purchases. At Reliance, we respect all founders and have never resorted to any hostile transactions. So,we did not proceed further."

ZEEL-Invesco: Reliance confirms merger proposal included continuation of Punit Goenka as Zee MD & CEO

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said on Tuesday that Crown Princess Catharina-Amalia (17) can marry a person of whatever gender she chooses and she would not have to forfeit her right to the throne.

Crown Princess Catharina-Amalia, 17, is the heir apparent to King Willem-Alexander.

PM Rutte was responding to questions from parliament that were after publishing of a recent book, "Amalia, Duty Calls".

It argued that old laws would appear to exclude the possibility of a same-sex couple on the throne. However, same-sex marriage has been legal in the Netherlands since 2001.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chat-checkouts-dutch-supermarket-makes-an-effort-to-get-rid-of-loneliness-amid-pandemic-419907">'Chat checkouts': Dutch supermarket makes an effort to get rid of loneliness amid pandemic</a>

"The government believes that the heir can also marry a person of the same sex," Rutte wrote in his response to parliament.

"The cabinet therefore does not see that an heir to the throne or the King should abdicate if he/she would like to marry a partner of the same sex."

Also Reads | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mystery-behind-identical-twins-solved-by-dutch-scientists-417122">Mystery behind identical twins solved by Dutch scientists</a>

Royal marriages do need the approval of parliament, however, and members of the royal house have on occasion given up their place in the line of succession, either to marry someone without permission or because they seemed unlikely to obtain it.

(With inputs from agencies)

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said on Tuesday that Crown Princess Catharina-Amalia (17) can marry a person of whatever gender she chooses and she would not have to forfeit her right to the throne.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said on Tuesday that Crown Princess Catharina-Amalia (17) can marry a person of whatever gender she chooses and she would not have to forfeit her right to the throne. Crown Princess Catharina-Amalia, 17, is the heir apparent to King Willem-Alexander. PM Rutte was responding to questions from parliament that were after publishing of a recent book, "Amalia, Duty Calls". It argued that old laws would appear to exclude the possibility of a same-sex couple on the throne. However, same-sex marriage has been legal in the Netherlands since 2001. Also Read | 'Chat checkouts': Dutch supermarket makes an effort to get rid of loneliness amid pandemic "The government believes that the heir can also marry a person of the same sex," Rutte wrote in his response to parliament. "The cabinet therefore does not see that an heir to the throne or the King should abdicate if he/she would like to marry a partner of the same sex." Also Reads | Mystery behind identical twins solved by Dutch scientists Royal marriages do need the approval of parliament, however, and members of the royal house have on occasion given up their place in the line of succession, either to marry someone without permission or because they seemed unlikely to obtain it. (With inputs from agencies)

Game of thrones! Gay marriage of Dutch crown princess won't force her to give up the throne

Astronaut Thomas Pesquet has a fanbase of his own! The European Space Agency astronaut is perched on the International Space Station (ISS). And from there, he clicks beautiful pics of Earth and space. His posts on his Instagram account reveal wonders of our own planet and space alike.

On October 8, Pesquet posted an image in which part of night side of Earth was visible. The land could be seen lit up with cities and roads and more. While this alone very much made for a beautiful image, a certain detail in the photo was unmissable.

Prominent among the yellow lights was a blue glow just near the centre of the image. It resembled movie depiction of a blast taking place. The bluish hue appears mysterious and certainly piques interest.

Pesquet explains in his post that the blue glow is of a '...thunder strike with a ‘transient luminous event’...' The phenomenon, he says has taken place in upper atmosphere.

"A single frame from a timelapse over Europe, showing a thunder strike with a ‘transient luminous event’ in the upper atmosphere!! This is a very rare occurrence and we have a facility outside Europe's Columbus laboratory dedicated to observing these flashes of light. The Space Station is extremely well suited for this observatory as it flies over the equator where there are more thunderstorms. What is fascinating about this lightning is that just a few decades ago they had been observed anecdotally by pilots and scientists were not convinced they actually existed. Fast forward a few years and we can confirm elves, and sprites are very real and could be influencing our climate too! My friend Andreas Mogensen has a large part to play in this story, he was the first to capture them from space (in only ten days on the Space Station he did all this, legend!) proving the worth of having a facility to monitor the flashes!" says Pesquet in his Instagram post.

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Like any other Instagram post of Pesquet, this one has mesmerised thousands. The image has got more than 40,000 likes.

Astronaut Thomas Pesquet has a fanbase of his own! The European Space Agency astronaut is perched on the International Space Station (ISS). And from there, he clicks beautiful pics of Earth and space.

Astronaut Thomas Pesquet has a fanbase of his own! The European Space Agency astronaut is perched on the International Space Station (ISS). And from there, he clicks beautiful pics of Earth and space. His posts on his Instagram account reveal wonders of our own planet and space alike. On October 8, Pesquet posted an image in which part of night side of Earth was visible. The land could be seen lit up with cities and roads and more. While this alone very much made for a beautiful image, a certain detail in the photo was unmissable. Prominent among the yellow lights was a blue glow just near the centre of the image. It resembled movie depiction of a blast taking place. The bluish hue appears mysterious and certainly piques interest. Pesquet explains in his post that the blue glow is of a '...thunder strike with a ‘transient luminous event’...' The phenomenon, he says has taken place in upper atmosphere. "A single frame from a timelapse over Europe, showing a thunder strike with a ‘transient luminous event’ in the upper atmosphere!! This is a very rare occurrence and we have a facility outside Europe's Columbus laboratory dedicated to observing these flashes of light. The Space Station is extremely well suited for this observatory as it flies over the equator where there are more thunderstorms. What is fascinating about this lightning is that just a few decades ago they had been observed anecdotally by pilots and scientists were not convinced they actually existed. Fast forward a few years and we can confirm elves, and sprites are very real and could be influencing our climate too! My friend Andreas Mogensen has a large part to play in this story, he was the first to capture them from space (in only ten days on the Space Station he did all this, legend!) proving the worth of having a facility to monitor the flashes!" says Pesquet in his Instagram post. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Thomas Pesquet (@thom_astro) × Like any other Instagram post of Pesquet, this one has mesmerised thousands. The image has got more than 40,000 likes.

Astronaut's photo from space reveals a strange blue glow on Earth

Colombia said on Tuesday that it was aware of so-called 'Havana Syndrome' cases at US Embassy in country's capital Bogota but was leaving the investigation to Washington.

"Of course we have knowledge of this situation but I want to leave it to the US authorities, who are doing their own investigation, because it is about their own personnel," said Colombian President Ivan Duque to reporters in New York.

At least five US families associated with the embassy in Colombia have come down with symptoms associated with the mysterious affliction, which include headaches, nausea and possible brain damage, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-signs-law-to-support-victims-of-havana-syndrome-419398">Biden signs law to support victims of 'Havana Syndrome'</a> 
&nbsp; 
The cases in Colombia are latest in the series of instances of 'Havana syndrome' experienced by US diplomats in many countries of the world. The cases were seen first in Cuba then in China, Germany, Australia, Taiwan and the US capital.

US President Joe Biden on Friday signed a law providing financial support for victims of the mysterious illness.

The Havana Act provides financial compensation for members of the State Department and CIA who suffer brain injury from what officials suspect may be directed microwave attacks.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/havana-syndrome-strikes-again-what-is-it-exactly-408221">Havana Syndrome strikes again? What is it exactly?</a>

The cause of the illnesses has not been fully diagnosed and the identity of the attacker, if there is one, has not been revealed.

The Cuban government investigated the matter and has repeatedly rejected US statements on the matter as disinformation.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/havana-syndrome-cases-may-be-linked-to-crickets-claims-report-418143">Havana syndrome cases may be linked to crickets, claims report</a>

The US Embassy in Bogota, one of the largest in the world, includes a strong contingent of agents working in both intelligence and counter-narcotics operations, in addition to career diplomats and personnel.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken is scheduled to visit the country on October 20.

(With inputs from agencies)

Colombia said on Tuesday that it was aware of so-called 'Havana Syndrome' cases at US Embassy in country's capital Bogota but was leaving the investigation to Washington.

Colombia said on Tuesday that it was aware of so-called 'Havana Syndrome' cases at US Embassy in country's capital Bogota but was leaving the investigation to Washington. "Of course we have knowledge of this situation but I want to leave it to the US authorities, who are doing their own investigation, because it is about their own personnel," said Colombian President Ivan Duque to reporters in New York. At least five US families associated with the embassy in Colombia have come down with symptoms associated with the mysterious affliction, which include headaches, nausea and possible brain damage, the Wall Street Journal reported. Also Read | Biden signs law to support victims of 'Havana Syndrome' The cases in Colombia are latest in the series of instances of 'Havana syndrome' experienced by US diplomats in many countries of the world. The cases were seen first in Cuba then in China, Germany, Australia, Taiwan and the US capital. US President Joe Biden on Friday signed a law providing financial support for victims of the mysterious illness. The Havana Act provides financial compensation for members of the State Department and CIA who suffer brain injury from what officials suspect may be directed microwave attacks. Also Read | Havana Syndrome strikes again? What is it exactly? The cause of the illnesses has not been fully diagnosed and the identity of the attacker, if there is one, has not been revealed. The Cuban government investigated the matter and has repeatedly rejected US statements on the matter as disinformation. Also Read | Havana syndrome cases may be linked to crickets, claims report The US Embassy in Bogota, one of the largest in the world, includes a strong contingent of agents working in both intelligence and counter-narcotics operations, in addition to career diplomats and personnel. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is scheduled to visit the country on October 20. (With inputs from agencies)

Havana Syndrome: Colombia to leave investigation to US

Chinese billionaire and business tycoon Jack Ma has been meeting business associates in Hong Kong, said Reuters quoting sources. Ma has been keeping a low profile and was largely out of public view since regulatory clampdown on his business empire last year.

The crackdown on his business came soon after he delivered a speech last October criticising China's financial regulators. The chain of events resulted in shelving of his Ant Group's mega IPO.

While Ma made a limited number of public appearances in mainland China after that, as speculation swirled about his whereabouts, one of the sources said the visit marked his first trip to the Asian financial hub since last October. Alibaba did not immediately respond to requests for comment outside of its regular business hours. Comments from Ma typically come via the company.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/China-xi-jinping-crackdown-evergrande-mao-zedong-mistake-repeat-419919">Opinion | Is China's Xi Jinping repeating Mao's mistake?</a>

Ma, once China's most famous and outspoken entrepreneur, met at least "a few" business associates over meals last week, the sources said.

The former English teacher disappeared from public view for three months before surfacing in January, speaking to a group of teachers by video. That eased concern about his unusual absence from the limelight and sent Alibaba shares surging.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-plans-to-ban-non-communist-media-outlets-in-a-further-blow-to-free-speech-420272">China plans to ban non-Communist media outlets in a further blow to free speech</a>

Alibaba and its tech rivals have been the target of a wide-ranging regulatory crackdown on issues ranging from monopolistic behaviour to consumer rights. The e-commerce behemoth was fined a record $2.75 billion in April over monopoly violations. Earlier this year, regulators also imposed a sweeping restructuring on Ant, whose botched $37 billion initial public offering in Hong Kong and on Shanghai's Nasdaq-style STAR Market would have been the world's largest.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Chinese billionaire and business tycoon Jack Ma has been meeting business associates in Hong Kong, said Reuters quoting sources. Ma has been keeping a low profile and was largely out of public view since regulatory clampdown on his business empire last year.

Chinese billionaire and business tycoon Jack Ma has been meeting business associates in Hong Kong, said Reuters quoting sources. Ma has been keeping a low profile and was largely out of public view since regulatory clampdown on his business empire last year. The crackdown on his business came soon after he delivered a speech last October criticising China's financial regulators. The chain of events resulted in shelving of his Ant Group's mega IPO. While Ma made a limited number of public appearances in mainland China after that, as speculation swirled about his whereabouts, one of the sources said the visit marked his first trip to the Asian financial hub since last October. Alibaba did not immediately respond to requests for comment outside of its regular business hours. Comments from Ma typically come via the company. Also Read | Opinion | Is China's Xi Jinping repeating Mao's mistake? Ma, once China's most famous and outspoken entrepreneur, met at least "a few" business associates over meals last week, the sources said. The former English teacher disappeared from public view for three months before surfacing in January, speaking to a group of teachers by video. That eased concern about his unusual absence from the limelight and sent Alibaba shares surging. Also Read | China plans to ban non-Communist media outlets in a further blow to free speech Alibaba and its tech rivals have been the target of a wide-ranging regulatory crackdown on issues ranging from monopolistic behaviour to consumer rights. The e-commerce behemoth was fined a record $2.75 billion in April over monopoly violations. Earlier this year, regulators also imposed a sweeping restructuring on Ant, whose botched $37 billion initial public offering in Hong Kong and on Shanghai's Nasdaq-style STAR Market would have been the world's largest. (With inputs from agencies)

Chinese business tycoon Jack Ma reappears in Hong Kong

A group of British MPs on Tuesday slammed UK PM Boris Johnson led government's response to COVID pandemic as 'public health failure'. In a parliamentary report, the MPs said that delay in imposing lockdown was &nbsp;"one of the most important public health failures" in the country's history.

The MPs found government's pandemic planning as having been too focussed on flu. They said that the government failed to learn lessons from Sars, Mers and Ebola outbreaks.

The study, published by two parliamentary watchdog committees after months of hearings, comes ahead of an independent public inquiry into the government's coronavirus handling due to begin next year.

Britain has been hit hard by the crisis, with nearly 138,000 Covid-19 deaths since March last year, raising questions about why it has fared worse than other nations.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/leave-serena-hotel-area-immediately-us-and-uk-citizens-warned-of-threat-to-kabul-hotels-419793">'Leave Serena Hotel area immediately': US and UK citizens warned of threat to Kabul hotels</a>

MPs on two parliamentary committees said the government had waited too long to push through lockdown measures in early 2020.

Leading advisors had pushed a "deliberate policy" to take a "gradual and incremental approach" to interventions such as social distancing, isolation and lockdowns, said the report.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-consistently-in-the-bottom-10-of-nations-in-biodiversity-intactness-419731">UK consistently in the bottom 10% of nations in biodiversity intactness</a>

That approach had been proved "wrong" and cost lives, they noted.

"Decisions on lockdowns and social distancing during the early weeks of the pandemic -- and the advice that led to them -- rank as one of the most important public health failures the United Kingdom has ever experienced," they wrote.

There was a "policy approach of fatalism about the prospects for Covid in the community", which contributed to the failures.

(With inputs from agencies)

A group of British MPs on Tuesday slammed UK PM Boris Johnson led government's response to COVID pandemic as 'public health failure'. In a parliamentary report, the MPs said that delay in imposing lockdown was "one of the most important public health failures" in the country's history.

A group of British MPs on Tuesday slammed UK PM Boris Johnson led government's response to COVID pandemic as 'public health failure'. In a parliamentary report, the MPs said that delay in imposing lockdown was "one of the most important public health failures" in the country's history. The MPs found government's pandemic planning as having been too focussed on flu. They said that the government failed to learn lessons from Sars, Mers and Ebola outbreaks. The study, published by two parliamentary watchdog committees after months of hearings, comes ahead of an independent public inquiry into the government's coronavirus handling due to begin next year. Britain has been hit hard by the crisis, with nearly 138,000 Covid-19 deaths since March last year, raising questions about why it has fared worse than other nations. Also Read | 'Leave Serena Hotel area immediately': US and UK citizens warned of threat to Kabul hotels MPs on two parliamentary committees said the government had waited too long to push through lockdown measures in early 2020. Leading advisors had pushed a "deliberate policy" to take a "gradual and incremental approach" to interventions such as social distancing, isolation and lockdowns, said the report. Also Read | UK consistently in the bottom 10% of nations in biodiversity intactness That approach had been proved "wrong" and cost lives, they noted. "Decisions on lockdowns and social distancing during the early weeks of the pandemic -- and the advice that led to them -- rank as one of the most important public health failures the United Kingdom has ever experienced," they wrote. There was a "policy approach of fatalism about the prospects for Covid in the community", which contributed to the failures. (With inputs from agencies)

UK's COVID response 'public health failure': British MPs

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