Amid the ongoing farmers' protest, the Haryana government on Saturday (Feb 17) extended the suspension of mobile internet services in seven districts by two more days.

As per the notification released by the state government, the mobile internet, bulk SMS and all dongle services will be blocked in seven districts till Monday (Feb 19).

The affected districts are Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad and Sirsa.&nbsp;

Earlier, the Manohar Lal Khattar-led government had extended the ban on mobile internet on February 13 and 15.

The protesting farmers have stayed put at Shambhu and Khanauri points on Punjab’s border with Haryana as the demonstration enters the sixth day.

<h2>Govt requests time for talks</h2>

Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee leaders on Sunday (Feb 18) said that the Centre had asked for some time to discuss the matter with the union ministers.

"It is our sixth day at the Shambhu border. Today we are also holding a fourth round of talks with the government. The government has asked for some time and said that it will discuss the matter with the union ministers and find a solution to it," the committee's general secretary Sarvan Singh Pandher said on Sunday.

Earlier, Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda on Friday (Feb 16) stated that negotiations with farmers will resume on Sunday and that the efforts to find a solution are still ongoing.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-major-jail-breach-rocks-khalistani-separatist-amritpal-singhs-cell-in-assam-691307">India: Phones, spy cam found in Khalistani separatist Amritpal Singh’s jail cell in Assam</a>

In the midst of the impasse between protestors and security forces on the Punjab-Haryana border, the third round of negotiations with the central government concluded on Thursday.

"This was the third meeting between the farmers and the government. Several issues and topics were raised and discussed. We will surely reach a conclusion if we will carry forward the talks peacefully. I am hopeful that we will soon find a solution. Another meeting with the farmers will be held on Sunday. We will discuss things in that meeting and will find a solution," the Union Minister had said.

Munda said that they will have to consider all relevant factors while making the decision.

"The decision cannot be taken in such a way that people criticize the situation without thinking and understanding in the coming days. Rather, we should try to keep in mind all the aspects of it and discuss it. The common life of the people should not be troubled in any way," he added.

<h2>Farmers' protest 2024: What are farmers demanding?</h2>

Farmers are demanding legal guarantee for MSP, implementation of the Swaminathan Commission's recommendations, pension for farmers, and various other agricultural reforms.

The farmers' list of demands also includes issues ranging from farm debt waivers, no hike in electricity tariff, withdrawal of police cases against protesting farmers, justice for victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence, reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act - 2013, as well as compensation for the families of farmers who died during the previous agitation in 2020-21.

(With inputs from agencies)

Amid the ongoing farmers' protest, the Haryana government on Saturday (Feb 17) extended the suspension of mobile internet services in seven districts by two more days.

Amid the ongoing farmers' protest, the Haryana government on Saturday (Feb 17) extended the suspension of mobile internet services in seven districts by two more days. As per the notification released by the state government, the mobile internet, bulk SMS and all dongle services will be blocked in seven districts till Monday (Feb 19). The affected districts are Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad and Sirsa. Earlier, the Manohar Lal Khattar-led government had extended the ban on mobile internet on February 13 and 15. The protesting farmers have stayed put at Shambhu and Khanauri points on Punjab’s border with Haryana as the demonstration enters the sixth day. Govt requests time for talks Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee leaders on Sunday (Feb 18) said that the Centre had asked for some time to discuss the matter with the union ministers. "It is our sixth day at the Shambhu border. Today we are also holding a fourth round of talks with the government. The government has asked for some time and said that it will discuss the matter with the union ministers and find a solution to it," the committee's general secretary Sarvan Singh Pandher said on Sunday. Earlier, Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda on Friday (Feb 16) stated that negotiations with farmers will resume on Sunday and that the efforts to find a solution are still ongoing. Also read: India: Phones, spy cam found in Khalistani separatist Amritpal Singh’s jail cell in Assam In the midst of the impasse between protestors and security forces on the Punjab-Haryana border, the third round of negotiations with the central government concluded on Thursday. "This was the third meeting between the farmers and the government. Several issues and topics were raised and discussed. We will surely reach a conclusion if we will carry forward the talks peacefully. I am hopeful that we will soon find a solution. Another meeting with the farmers will be held on Sunday. We will discuss things in that meeting and will find a solution," the Union Minister had said. Munda said that they will have to consider all relevant factors while making the decision. "The decision cannot be taken in such a way that people criticize the situation without thinking and understanding in the coming days. Rather, we should try to keep in mind all the aspects of it and discuss it. The common life of the people should not be troubled in any way," he added. Farmers' protest 2024: What are farmers demanding? Farmers are demanding legal guarantee for MSP, implementation of the Swaminathan Commission's recommendations, pension for farmers, and various other agricultural reforms. The farmers' list of demands also includes issues ranging from farm debt waivers, no hike in electricity tariff, withdrawal of police cases against protesting farmers, justice for victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence, reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act - 2013, as well as compensation for the families of farmers who died during the previous agitation in 2020-21. (With inputs from agencies)

Farmers' protest: Haryana government extends ban on mobile internet services

After&nbsp;reports of Alexei Navalny's death surfaced on state media, his wife on Friday (Feb 16) said that Russian&nbsp;President Vladimir Putin should know that he would be punished for all that he had done with the country, her family and her husband.

"We cannot trust Putin and the Putin government. They always lie," Yulia Navalnaya told the Munich Security Conference.

"But if this is true, I'd like Putin and all his staff... to know that they will be punished for what they have done with our country, with my family and with my husband," Navalnaya said.&nbsp;

"We should fight this horrific regime in Russia today. Vladimir Putin should be personally held for all the atrocities they have committed in our country in the last years," she added.

Navalnaya met US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Munich who extended his condolences to her and reiterated&nbsp;that Russia was "responsible" for Navalny's death.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alexei-navalnys-life-of-defiance-and-mysterious-disappearance-690989">Alexei Navalny's life of defiance and mysterious disappearance</a>

<h2>'He was healthy and happy', says Navalny's mother</h2>

Navalny's mother, Liumila Navalnaya, said that she did not want to hear any condolences and that her son was "alive, healthy and happy" the last time she saw him, which was on Feb 12.

"I don't want to hear any condolences. I saw my son on the 12th at the (prison) colony, we had a meeting. He was alive, healthy and cheerful," she wrote on Facebook, as per Novaya Gazeta newspaper.

<h2>Navalny was cracking jokes in court a day before&nbsp;death</h2>

Navalny jokingly passed remarks about his depleting funds and the judge's salary in the court a day before the reports of his death emerged.

The 47-year-old Kremlin critic, who gave his testimony via a video link on Thursday (Feb 15), appeared cheerful.

The other officials present in the court also seemed to enjoy the banter as they were captured grinning along with him as per news agency Reuters.

In his last appearance, Russia's most famous opposition leader said, "Your Honour, I will send you my personal account number so that you can use your huge salary as a federal judge to 'warm up' my personal account because I am running out of money."

Later on Thursday, after the court session&nbsp;reportedly convened, Navalny said that he had been handed 15 days in solitary confinement.

"The Yamal prison decided to break Vladimir's record of fawning and pleasing the Moscow authorities. They just gave me 15 days in solitary confinement," he wrote on X.

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Ямальская колония решила побить владимирский рекорд холуйства и угождения московскому начальству. Только что дали 15 суток ШИЗО. То есть это 4-ое ШИЗО за менее чем 2 месяца, что я у них. Жестят.
— Alexey Navalny (@navalny) <a href="https://twitter.com/navalny/status/1757771750958362690?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2024</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

"This is the fourth solitary confinement spell in less than 2 months that I have been with them," Navalny added.

This was his last message on the social media platform.

(With inputs from agencies)

After reports of Alexei Navalny's death surfaced on state media, his wife on Friday (Feb 16) said that Russian President Vladimir Putin should know that he would be punished for all that he had done with the country, her family and her husband.

After reports of Alexei Navalny's death surfaced on state media, his wife on Friday (Feb 16) said that Russian President Vladimir Putin should know that he would be punished for all that he had done with the country, her family and her husband. "We cannot trust Putin and the Putin government. They always lie," Yulia Navalnaya told the Munich Security Conference. "But if this is true, I'd like Putin and all his staff... to know that they will be punished for what they have done with our country, with my family and with my husband," Navalnaya said. "We should fight this horrific regime in Russia today. Vladimir Putin should be personally held for all the atrocities they have committed in our country in the last years," she added. Navalnaya met US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Munich who extended his condolences to her and reiterated that Russia was "responsible" for Navalny's death. Also read: Alexei Navalny's life of defiance and mysterious disappearance 'He was healthy and happy', says Navalny's mother Navalny's mother, Liumila Navalnaya, said that she did not want to hear any condolences and that her son was "alive, healthy and happy" the last time she saw him, which was on Feb 12. "I don't want to hear any condolences. I saw my son on the 12th at the (prison) colony, we had a meeting. He was alive, healthy and cheerful," she wrote on Facebook, as per Novaya Gazeta newspaper. Navalny was cracking jokes in court a day before death Navalny jokingly passed remarks about his depleting funds and the judge's salary in the court a day before the reports of his death emerged. The 47-year-old Kremlin critic, who gave his testimony via a video link on Thursday (Feb 15), appeared cheerful. The other officials present in the court also seemed to enjoy the banter as they were captured grinning along with him as per news agency Reuters. In his last appearance, Russia's most famous opposition leader said, "Your Honour, I will send you my personal account number so that you can use your huge salary as a federal judge to 'warm up' my personal account because I am running out of money." Later on Thursday, after the court session reportedly convened, Navalny said that he had been handed 15 days in solitary confinement. "The Yamal prison decided to break Vladimir's record of fawning and pleasing the Moscow authorities. They just gave me 15 days in solitary confinement," he wrote on X. Ямальская колония решила побить владимирский рекорд холуйства и угождения московскому начальству. Только что дали 15 суток ШИЗО. То есть это 4-ое ШИЗО за менее чем 2 месяца, что я у них. Жестят. — Alexey Navalny (@navalny) February 14, 2024 × "This is the fourth solitary confinement spell in less than 2 months that I have been with them," Navalny added. This was his last message on the social media platform. (With inputs from agencies)

'Putin will not go unpunished', says Alexei Navalny's wife after reports of his death surface

Alexei Navalny News:&nbsp;Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny died on Friday (Feb 16) at the Arctic prison colony where he was serving his 19-year prison term, said Russia's federal penitentiary service in a statement.

"Navalny felt bad after a walk, almost immediately losing consciousness. Medical staff arrived immediately and an ambulance team was called. Resuscitation measures were carried out which did not yield positive results. Paramedics confirmed the death of the convict. The causes of death are being established," the statement said.&nbsp;

Russia's Investigative Committee said that it had launched a probe into Navalny's death.

After the news of the 47-year-old's death broke, Navalny's press secretary Kira Yarmysh said that their team had no confirmation of this yet.

"The Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug is spreading the news of Alexey Navalny's death in IK-3. We have no confirmation of this yet. Alexey's lawyer is currently on his way to Kharp. As soon as we have some information, we will report on it,"&nbsp;said Yarmysh on social media platform X.

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The Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug is spreading the news of Alexey Navalny's death in IK-3. We have no confirmation of this yet. Alexey's lawyer is currently on his way to Kharp. As soon as we have some information, we will report on…
— Кира Ярмыш (@Kira_Yarmysh) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kira_Yarmysh/status/1758457690429305206?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

President Vladimir Putin was briefed on the Navalny's death, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday.

"It has been reported to the president," Peskov told journalists, adding that "it should be up to the medics to clarify" the cause of death.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alexei-navalny-the-embattled-putin-critic-now-reported-dead-what-you-need-to-know-690964">Navalny, embattled Putin critic, now reported dead: All you need to know</a>

<h2>Navalny's life of defiance</h2>

Navalny has been known for campaigning against official corruption and organising major anti-Kremlin protests.

The exposes that he shared on his official YouTube channel, grabbed millions of views and prompted thousands of Russians to stage protests in the country.

Navalny was imprisoned in early 2021 after returning to Russia from Germany, where he was recovering from a deadly poisoning attack with Novichok, which is a Soviet-era nerve agent.

He was sentenced to 19 years in prison in a string of cases on charges that were widely condemned by independent rights groups and in the West as a retaliation for his opposition to the Kremlin.

<h2>Mysterious disappearance</h2>

In December 2023, Navalny's lawyers reported losing contact with the imprisoned Russian opposition leader and said that his whereabouts were not known.

His lawyers had said that they made several attempts to get access to two penal colonies near Moscow where he was believed to be kept, but they were informed that the 47-year-old was neither at IK-6 nor at IK-7.

However, after two weeks, the staunch Kremlin critic released a statement saying that he was fine after a "pretty exhausting" 20-day transfer to a penal colony beyond the Arctic Circle.&nbsp;

In a post on X, he said, "Don't worry about me. I'm fine. I'm totally relieved that I've finally made it."

"I'm still in a good mood, as befits a Santa Claus," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Alexei Navalny News: Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny died on Friday (Feb 16) at the Arctic prison colony where he was serving his 19-year prison term, said Russia's federal penitentiary service in a statement.

Alexei Navalny News: Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny died on Friday (Feb 16) at the Arctic prison colony where he was serving his 19-year prison term, said Russia's federal penitentiary service in a statement. "Navalny felt bad after a walk, almost immediately losing consciousness. Medical staff arrived immediately and an ambulance team was called. Resuscitation measures were carried out which did not yield positive results. Paramedics confirmed the death of the convict. The causes of death are being established," the statement said. Russia's Investigative Committee said that it had launched a probe into Navalny's death. After the news of the 47-year-old's death broke, Navalny's press secretary Kira Yarmysh said that their team had no confirmation of this yet. "The Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug is spreading the news of Alexey Navalny's death in IK-3. We have no confirmation of this yet. Alexey's lawyer is currently on his way to Kharp. As soon as we have some information, we will report on it," said Yarmysh on social media platform X. The Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug is spreading the news of Alexey Navalny's death in IK-3. We have no confirmation of this yet. Alexey's lawyer is currently on his way to Kharp. As soon as we have some information, we will report on… — Кира Ярмыш (@Kira_Yarmysh) February 16, 2024 × President Vladimir Putin was briefed on the Navalny's death, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday. "It has been reported to the president," Peskov told journalists, adding that "it should be up to the medics to clarify" the cause of death. Also read: Navalny, embattled Putin critic, now reported dead: All you need to know Navalny's life of defiance Navalny has been known for campaigning against official corruption and organising major anti-Kremlin protests. The exposes that he shared on his official YouTube channel, grabbed millions of views and prompted thousands of Russians to stage protests in the country. Navalny was imprisoned in early 2021 after returning to Russia from Germany, where he was recovering from a deadly poisoning attack with Novichok, which is a Soviet-era nerve agent. He was sentenced to 19 years in prison in a string of cases on charges that were widely condemned by independent rights groups and in the West as a retaliation for his opposition to the Kremlin. Mysterious disappearance In December 2023, Navalny's lawyers reported losing contact with the imprisoned Russian opposition leader and said that his whereabouts were not known. His lawyers had said that they made several attempts to get access to two penal colonies near Moscow where he was believed to be kept, but they were informed that the 47-year-old was neither at IK-6 nor at IK-7. However, after two weeks, the staunch Kremlin critic released a statement saying that he was fine after a "pretty exhausting" 20-day transfer to a penal colony beyond the Arctic Circle. In a post on X, he said, "Don't worry about me. I'm fine. I'm totally relieved that I've finally made it." "I'm still in a good mood, as befits a Santa Claus," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Alexei Navalny's life of defiance and mysterious disappearance

A Bangladesh bank on Saturday (Feb 17) confirmed that it had expelled Nobel peace laureate Muhammad Yunus from the two businesses that he founded, following his conviction in a criminal case.

Eighty-three-year-old Yunus has been hailed for lifting millions of people out of poverty with his microlender Grameen Bank. However, he has earned the animosity of long-time Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who accused him of "sucking blood" from the poor.

The Hasina-led government propelled Yunus' resignation from the bank in the year 2011, following which he focused on running dozens of anti-poverty organisations that he founded.

The bank's current government-appointed chairman on Saturday (Feb 17) said that its board had nominated new directors for at least two firms that were still under Yunus' control.

"They don't own the enterprises," A.K.M Saiful Majid told reporters. "They are subsidiaries of the Grameen Bank."

Grameen Bank chief legal counsel Masud Akhter released a statement saying that Majid will now head Grameen Telecom and Grameen Kalyan.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-sec-144-imposed-in-islamabad-ahead-of-ptis-nationwide-protests-691163">Pakistan: Sec 144 imposed in Islamabad ahead of PTI's call for nationwide protests</a>

Grameen Telecom, which was created to offer cheaper mobile phone services in rural areas, has over the years become one of Bangladesh's richest companies.

It holds a 34 per cent stake in the country's largest mobile phone network, worth billions of dollars.

Earlier, on Thursday (Feb 15), Yunus during a press briefing said that a group of "outsiders" this week entered the building which houses his firms and made attempts to "forcefully" take over the offices and lock the staff out.&nbsp;

He said there was no legal basis for his expulsion but that police had denied registering a criminal complaint.

Majid rejected the claim about the seizure being illegal or a forceful one.

Yunus' popularity among the Bangladeshi public has for years reserved him as a potential rival to Hasina, who secured a fifth term in office in January 2024 after an election boycotted by opposition parties.

(With inputs from agencies)

A Bangladesh bank on Saturday (Feb 17) confirmed that it had expelled Nobel peace laureate Muhammad Yunus from the two businesses that he founded, following his conviction in a criminal case.

A Bangladesh bank on Saturday (Feb 17) confirmed that it had expelled Nobel peace laureate Muhammad Yunus from the two businesses that he founded, following his conviction in a criminal case. Eighty-three-year-old Yunus has been hailed for lifting millions of people out of poverty with his microlender Grameen Bank. However, he has earned the animosity of long-time Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who accused him of "sucking blood" from the poor. The Hasina-led government propelled Yunus' resignation from the bank in the year 2011, following which he focused on running dozens of anti-poverty organisations that he founded. The bank's current government-appointed chairman on Saturday (Feb 17) said that its board had nominated new directors for at least two firms that were still under Yunus' control. "They don't own the enterprises," A.K.M Saiful Majid told reporters. "They are subsidiaries of the Grameen Bank." Grameen Bank chief legal counsel Masud Akhter released a statement saying that Majid will now head Grameen Telecom and Grameen Kalyan. Also read: Pakistan: Sec 144 imposed in Islamabad ahead of PTI's call for nationwide protests Grameen Telecom, which was created to offer cheaper mobile phone services in rural areas, has over the years become one of Bangladesh's richest companies. It holds a 34 per cent stake in the country's largest mobile phone network, worth billions of dollars. Earlier, on Thursday (Feb 15), Yunus during a press briefing said that a group of "outsiders" this week entered the building which houses his firms and made attempts to "forcefully" take over the offices and lock the staff out. He said there was no legal basis for his expulsion but that police had denied registering a criminal complaint. Majid rejected the claim about the seizure being illegal or a forceful one. Yunus' popularity among the Bangladeshi public has for years reserved him as a potential rival to Hasina, who secured a fifth term in office in January 2024 after an election boycotted by opposition parties. (With inputs from agencies)

Bangladesh bank confirms ouster of Nobel peace laureate Muhammad Yunus

The Turkish government on Saturday shut down a gold mine where nine workers are still missing after a landslide.

Environmental groups and even industry associations have been calling for the controversial mine to be stripped of its operating permit ever since a massive landslide rolled over the open pit Tuesday. &nbsp;

The Environment Ministry Saturday said in a statement it was withdrawing the mine's "environmental permit", without which it cannot operate.

According to a preliminary experts' report, the mine's managers didn't take the necessary precautions even though they were aware of cracks in the mine's slag heap. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said earlier Saturday that six managers at the mine had been arrested Friday evening, and two others released with conditions.

According to Turkish press reports, a Canadian citizen working for the Anagold company that runs the mine was among the detained.&nbsp;

Toronto and Denver-based SSR Mining holds 80 per cent of Anagold, with the rest held by Turkish company Lidya.

The mine, which employs 667 people, closed for a few months after a 2022 cyanide leak caused by a burst pipe but then re-opened after its operator paid a fine, prompting outcries from Turkey's opposition parties.

Efforts to find the missing miners have been slowed by the risk of fresh landslides. &nbsp;

"Clearing the mass of earth that covers the riverbed is our priority, and we want to avoid the risk of contaminating the water," Bayraktar told a press conference near the site of the accident in the north-east of the country. &nbsp;&nbsp;

According to experts, the earth could contain cyanide used to extract gold, which risks polluting the region which is a watershed for the Euphrates River.

The minister said water is being tested daily in nine different locations and there is no health risk for the moment.&nbsp;

The Turkish government on Saturday shut down a gold mine where nine workers are still missing after a landslide. Environmental groups and even industry associations have been calling for the controversial mine to be stripped of its operating permit ever since a massive landslide rolled over the open pit Tuesday.

The Turkish government on Saturday shut down a gold mine where nine workers are still missing after a landslide. Environmental groups and even industry associations have been calling for the controversial mine to be stripped of its operating permit ever since a massive landslide rolled over the open pit Tuesday. The Environment Ministry Saturday said in a statement it was withdrawing the mine's "environmental permit", without which it cannot operate. According to a preliminary experts' report, the mine's managers didn't take the necessary precautions even though they were aware of cracks in the mine's slag heap. Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said earlier Saturday that six managers at the mine had been arrested Friday evening, and two others released with conditions. According to Turkish press reports, a Canadian citizen working for the Anagold company that runs the mine was among the detained. Toronto and Denver-based SSR Mining holds 80 per cent of Anagold, with the rest held by Turkish company Lidya. The mine, which employs 667 people, closed for a few months after a 2022 cyanide leak caused by a burst pipe but then re-opened after its operator paid a fine, prompting outcries from Turkey's opposition parties. Efforts to find the missing miners have been slowed by the risk of fresh landslides. "Clearing the mass of earth that covers the riverbed is our priority, and we want to avoid the risk of contaminating the water," Bayraktar told a press conference near the site of the accident in the north-east of the country. According to experts, the earth could contain cyanide used to extract gold, which risks polluting the region which is a watershed for the Euphrates River. The minister said water is being tested daily in nine different locations and there is no health risk for the moment.

Turkish gold mine stripped of licence after landslide

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, hopeful of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's return to an alliance with his party, on Friday (Feb 16) said that "doors remain open" for the Janata Dal (United) supremo (JD(U)).

Kumar on Saturday responding to Lalu's remarks said, “I don't pay attention to who says what. Things were not going well, so I left them (RJD).”

"We will now investigate whatever went wrong in between,” he added.&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

In January, Kumar ditched JDU's alliance with Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and formed a new government with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

He took oath as chief minister of the east Indian state of Bihar for the record ninth time, cutting ties with the combined opposition's INDIA alliance.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/never-happened-before-in-india-ncp-founder-sharad-pawar-reacts-after-losing-party-name-to-nephew-691204">‘Never happened before in India,’ NCP founder Sharad Pawar reacts after losing party name to nephew</a>

Lalu was on Friday asked if his party would give another chance to the Bihar CM, to which he replied, "Ab aayenge toh dekhenge, khula hi rehta hai darwaaza' (if he will we will see, door remains open)."

A day before, the two were seen exchanging pleasantries in a brief encounter at the state assembly.

The footage of their brief interaction became a talking point on social media as it was their first meeting following the recent separation.

Lalu was accompanied by his son, former Bihar deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav.

Further, on being asked if Rahul Gandhi could become the next prime minister of the country, Lalu said, "Koi kami thodi hai, koi kami nahi hain, (there is no incompetency in him)."

He also affirmed that he would remove PM Modi in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

<h2>Tejashwi Yadav launches fresh attack on Nitish Kumar</h2>

Tejashwi Yadav, launching a scathing attack against Kumar, said that the Bihar CM does not want to listen to anyone.

"You all very well know how our CM is, he does not want to listen to anyone. He used to say 'I will die, but won't join BJP'...We decided to stay with Nitish ji, no matter how much we have to sacrifice, only to defeat BJP in 2024. We had appointed a tired Chief Minister," said Yadav while addressing the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra on Friday in Sasaram.

Yadav, who joined the Rahul Gandhi-led 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' on Friday, was seen driving the Congress leader in the lead jeep.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, hopeful of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's return to an alliance with his party, on Friday (Feb 16) said that "doors remain open" for the Janata Dal (United) supremo (JD(U)).

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, hopeful of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's return to an alliance with his party, on Friday (Feb 16) said that "doors remain open" for the Janata Dal (United) supremo (JD(U)). Kumar on Saturday responding to Lalu's remarks said, “I don't pay attention to who says what. Things were not going well, so I left them (RJD).” "We will now investigate whatever went wrong in between,” he added. #WATCH | On Lalu Yadav's 'doors open' remark, Bihar CM & JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar says, "Don't think of who says what...Things were not going well, so I left them (RJD)..." pic.twitter.com/CEBDq5LaMn — ANI (@ANI) February 17, 2024 × In January, Kumar ditched JDU's alliance with Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and formed a new government with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He took oath as chief minister of the east Indian state of Bihar for the record ninth time, cutting ties with the combined opposition's INDIA alliance. Also read: ‘Never happened before in India,’ NCP founder Sharad Pawar reacts after losing party name to nephew Lalu was on Friday asked if his party would give another chance to the Bihar CM, to which he replied, "Ab aayenge toh dekhenge, khula hi rehta hai darwaaza' (if he will we will see, door remains open)." A day before, the two were seen exchanging pleasantries in a brief encounter at the state assembly. The footage of their brief interaction became a talking point on social media as it was their first meeting following the recent separation. Lalu was accompanied by his son, former Bihar deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav. Further, on being asked if Rahul Gandhi could become the next prime minister of the country, Lalu said, "Koi kami thodi hai, koi kami nahi hain, (there is no incompetency in him)." He also affirmed that he would remove PM Modi in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Tejashwi Yadav launches fresh attack on Nitish Kumar Tejashwi Yadav, launching a scathing attack against Kumar, said that the Bihar CM does not want to listen to anyone. "You all very well know how our CM is, he does not want to listen to anyone. He used to say 'I will die, but won't join BJP'...We decided to stay with Nitish ji, no matter how much we have to sacrifice, only to defeat BJP in 2024. We had appointed a tired Chief Minister," said Yadav while addressing the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra on Friday in Sasaram. Yadav, who joined the Rahul Gandhi-led 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' on Friday, was seen driving the Congress leader in the lead jeep. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Bihar CM Nitish Kumar responds to Lalu Prasad Yadav’s ‘doors remain open’ remark

Egpyt has scrapped the plan to restore the cladding on one of three great pyramids of Giza, said a committee formed by the country's tourism minister in a statement on Saturday (Feb 17).

The head of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities, Mostafa Waziri, had made the announcement of the Menkaure pyramid's renovation in the month of January, dubbing it "the project of the century".

The renovation work, which was aimed at restoring the structure's authentic style by revamping the granite layer, triggered a severe backlash.

This further prompted Egypt's antiquities ministry to review the project and set up a committee to do so.

The ministry had then made an announcement saying that it set up a "scientific committee chaired by... Zahi Hawass", a renowned Egyptian archaeologist, to review the project.

The committee it said comprised "experts in engineering and archaeology" from the Czech Republic, Germany and the United States, as well as Egypt.

The committee's final report will include "the necessary procedures and steps to coordinate with (the UN heritage agency) UNESCO".

"A decision will be made on whether to proceed with the project or not," it had earlier said.

At the time the pyramid was built, it was sheathed in granite. However, with the passage of time, pilfering and weathering led to the depletion of its many layers, leaving only seven of them in modern times.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraines-battle-to-repel-russian-forces-held-back-by-zelensky-addresses-munich-security-conference-691173">Ukraine’s battle to repel Russian forces held back by...: Zelensky addresses Munich Security Conference</a>

Waziri had said that the project to replace the granite would proceed only after a year of scanning and documentation.

<h2>What did the reviewing committee say?</h2>

The reviewing committee on Thursday said that it has unanimously come to a decision to not go ahead with the restoration plan stating that it would ruin the structure.

"The Menkaure Pyramid Review Committee has unanimously objected to the reinstallation of the granite casing blocks, scattered around the base of the pyramid since thousands of years ago," the committee said in a statement on Thursday.

The head of the committee Hawass, said that it would be impossible to figure out the original placement of each block. Replacing them would also require cement, which would ruin the pyramid.

"What I want to say is don't worry, the pyramids of Giza are safe, and nothing will happen to them," Hawass told news agency Reuters. "People everywhere are calling me, writing letters, emails. They are worried. Don't be worried at all, the pyramids are safe, and no one can touch the pyramid of Menkaure."

The seven-member committee had initially given the consent to unearth Menkaure pyramid's boat pits, alike the Pharaonic bark pits discovered alongside Khufu's pyramid adjoining Menkaure's, but only after a "clear and detailed scientific study".

"In archaeology, don't be in a hurry. If you are in a hurry, you will ruin the site," Hawass said. "It is important for any kind of work to be done at the site of the pyramids, is to make a study and to tell us what to do."

(With inputs from agencies)

Egpyt has scrapped the plan to restore the cladding on one of three great pyramids of Giza, said a committee formed by the country's tourism minister in a statement on Saturday (Feb 17).

Egpyt has scrapped the plan to restore the cladding on one of three great pyramids of Giza, said a committee formed by the country's tourism minister in a statement on Saturday (Feb 17). The head of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities, Mostafa Waziri, had made the announcement of the Menkaure pyramid's renovation in the month of January, dubbing it "the project of the century". The renovation work, which was aimed at restoring the structure's authentic style by revamping the granite layer, triggered a severe backlash. This further prompted Egypt's antiquities ministry to review the project and set up a committee to do so. The ministry had then made an announcement saying that it set up a "scientific committee chaired by... Zahi Hawass", a renowned Egyptian archaeologist, to review the project. The committee it said comprised "experts in engineering and archaeology" from the Czech Republic, Germany and the United States, as well as Egypt. The committee's final report will include "the necessary procedures and steps to coordinate with (the UN heritage agency) UNESCO". "A decision will be made on whether to proceed with the project or not," it had earlier said. At the time the pyramid was built, it was sheathed in granite. However, with the passage of time, pilfering and weathering led to the depletion of its many layers, leaving only seven of them in modern times. Also read: Ukraine’s battle to repel Russian forces held back by...: Zelensky addresses Munich Security Conference Waziri had said that the project to replace the granite would proceed only after a year of scanning and documentation. What did the reviewing committee say? The reviewing committee on Thursday said that it has unanimously come to a decision to not go ahead with the restoration plan stating that it would ruin the structure. "The Menkaure Pyramid Review Committee has unanimously objected to the reinstallation of the granite casing blocks, scattered around the base of the pyramid since thousands of years ago," the committee said in a statement on Thursday. The head of the committee Hawass, said that it would be impossible to figure out the original placement of each block. Replacing them would also require cement, which would ruin the pyramid. "What I want to say is don't worry, the pyramids of Giza are safe, and nothing will happen to them," Hawass told news agency Reuters. "People everywhere are calling me, writing letters, emails. They are worried. Don't be worried at all, the pyramids are safe, and no one can touch the pyramid of Menkaure." The seven-member committee had initially given the consent to unearth Menkaure pyramid's boat pits, alike the Pharaonic bark pits discovered alongside Khufu's pyramid adjoining Menkaure's, but only after a "clear and detailed scientific study". "In archaeology, don't be in a hurry. If you are in a hurry, you will ruin the site," Hawass said. "It is important for any kind of work to be done at the site of the pyramids, is to make a study and to tell us what to do." (With inputs from agencies)

Egypt scraps pyramid renovation plan after international outcry

Out of the 99 journalists killed in 2023, 77 lost their lives in the Israel-Hamas war, the Committee to Protect Journalists said on Thursday (Feb 15), according to AFP.

The CPJ stated that the conflict made these 12 months the deadliest for the media industry.

It said that the number of deaths of the reporters would have dropped globally year-on-year had the war not broken between the two sides.

However, it added that the fatalities were stable in Somalia and the Philippines.

"In December 2023, CPJ reported that more journalists were killed in the first three months of the Israel-Gaza war than have ever been killed in a single country over an entire year," the CPJ said.

This is the highest-ever death toll reported since the year 2015 and also an increase of approximately 44 per cent on 2022's figures.

"In December 2023, CPJ reported that more journalists were killed in the first three months of the Israel-Gaza war than have ever been killed in a single country over an entire year," the CPJ said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/egypt-builds-wall-deploys-tanks-on-gaza-border-to-prevent-refugee-influx-report-690935">Egypt builds wall, deploys tanks on Gaza border to prevent refugee influx if Israel enters Rafah: Report</a>

<h2>72 out of 77 journalists killed in war were Palestinians</h2>

The New York-based press freedom organisation highlighted that out of the 77 journalists killed in the Israel-Hamas war, 72 were Palestinians.

Three Lebanese and two Israelis were also killed.

"Journalists in Gaza are bearing witness on the frontlines," said CPJ chief executive Jodie Ginsberg.&nbsp;

"The immense loss suffered by Palestinian journalists in this war will have long-term impacts for journalism not just in the Palestinian territories but for the region and beyond. Every journalist killed is a further blow to our understanding of the world,"&nbsp;Ginsberg further said.

Earlier, on Feb 7, the organisation said that the number of journalists killed in the Gaza conflict had risen to 85.&nbsp;

CPJ has called it "persecution" of journalists by Israeli forces, and said that it was investigating if the journalists who lost their lives in the war were deliberately targeted by Israeli soldiers.

(With inputs from agencies)

Out of the 99 journalists killed in 2023, 77 lost their lives in the Israel-Hamas war, the Committee to Protect Journalists said on Thursday (Feb 15), according to AFP.

Out of the 99 journalists killed in 2023, 77 lost their lives in the Israel-Hamas war, the Committee to Protect Journalists said on Thursday (Feb 15), according to AFP. The CPJ stated that the conflict made these 12 months the deadliest for the media industry. It said that the number of deaths of the reporters would have dropped globally year-on-year had the war not broken between the two sides. However, it added that the fatalities were stable in Somalia and the Philippines. "In December 2023, CPJ reported that more journalists were killed in the first three months of the Israel-Gaza war than have ever been killed in a single country over an entire year," the CPJ said. This is the highest-ever death toll reported since the year 2015 and also an increase of approximately 44 per cent on 2022's figures. "In December 2023, CPJ reported that more journalists were killed in the first three months of the Israel-Gaza war than have ever been killed in a single country over an entire year," the CPJ said. Also read: Egypt builds wall, deploys tanks on Gaza border to prevent refugee influx if Israel enters Rafah: Report 72 out of 77 journalists killed in war were Palestinians The New York-based press freedom organisation highlighted that out of the 77 journalists killed in the Israel-Hamas war, 72 were Palestinians. Three Lebanese and two Israelis were also killed. "Journalists in Gaza are bearing witness on the frontlines," said CPJ chief executive Jodie Ginsberg. "The immense loss suffered by Palestinian journalists in this war will have long-term impacts for journalism not just in the Palestinian territories but for the region and beyond. Every journalist killed is a further blow to our understanding of the world," Ginsberg further said. Earlier, on Feb 7, the organisation said that the number of journalists killed in the Gaza conflict had risen to 85. CPJ has called it "persecution" of journalists by Israeli forces, and said that it was investigating if the journalists who lost their lives in the war were deliberately targeted by Israeli soldiers. (With inputs from agencies)

77 of 99 journalists killed in 2023 lost their lives in Israel-Hamas war: Report

The United Nations aid chief on Thursday came under fire following a TV interview where he said that Palestinian militant group Hamas was "not a terrorist group for us."

UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths, during an interview with Sky News on Wednesday (Feb 14), said, “I’ve worked with many, many different terrorist and insurgent groups, Hamas is not a terrorist group for us, of course, as you know. It’s a political movement.”

Griffiths made the remarks on being asked if it was reasonable for Israel to insist that Hamas never be a member of a future Palestinian government.

“It is very, very difficult to dislodge these groups without a negotiated solution which includes their aspirations,” he added.

“If you want to have safety and security with people who are gonna inevitably continue to be your neighbour in some form or another, you are going to have to create a relationship based on some shared values,” he said in the interview.

After facing the backlash, he took to&nbsp;social media and put out a post clarifying his comments in the interview.&nbsp;

"Just to clarify: Hamas is not on the list of groups designated as terrorist organizations by the United Nations Security Council," Griffiths said in a post on X.

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Just to clarify: Hamas is not on the list of groups designated as terrorist organizations by the United Nations Security Council. 
 
This doesn't make their acts of terror on 7 October any less horrific and reprehensible, as I've been saying all along.
— Martin Griffiths (@UNReliefChief) <a href="https://twitter.com/UNReliefChief/status/1758177347969106311?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
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"This doesn't make their acts of terror on 7 October any less horrific and reprehensible, as I've been saying all along," he added.

Later, the spokesman for secretary-general Antonio Guterres, in a press briefing, stressed that the top UN officials including Griffiths have condemned “abhorrent terrorist attack” by Hamas stating that “there could be no justification for them.”

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/five-killed-due-to-lack-of-medical-hospital-in-israel-raided-gaza-hospital-says-hamas-run-health-ministry-690999">Five killed due to lack of medical oxygen in Israel-raided Gaza hospital, says Hamas-run health ministry</a>

“As we’ve said many times here, and the Secretary-General himself not too long ago, for the United Nations, the designation of an entity as a terrorist group or terrorist organization can only be made by the Security Council,” the spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, added.

<h2>'Shame on him'</h2>

Reacting to Griffiths’ comments about the Palestinian group, Israel's foreign minister Israel Katz took to his official X account and said, “Shame on him”.

Taking a dig at Griffiths and Guterres, Katz said, “The United Nations reaches new lows every day.”

“We will eliminate Hamas with or without them,” he vowed. “Jewish blood is not cheap.”&nbsp;

Israeli Ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan also slammed Griffiths, calling the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs “a terror-excusing, Hamas-promoting, victim-blaming organization.”

“The UN’s pro-Hamas stance is finally exposed on live TV,” Erdan wrote on X. “Is the brutal murder of hundreds of civilians, not terror? Is the systematic rape of women, not terror? Is attempting Jewish genocide not terror?, his post further read.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United Nations aid chief on Thursday came under fire following a TV interview where he said that Palestinian militant group Hamas was "not a terrorist group for us.

The United Nations aid chief on Thursday came under fire following a TV interview where he said that Palestinian militant group Hamas was "not a terrorist group for us." UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths, during an interview with Sky News on Wednesday (Feb 14), said, “I’ve worked with many, many different terrorist and insurgent groups, Hamas is not a terrorist group for us, of course, as you know. It’s a political movement.” Griffiths made the remarks on being asked if it was reasonable for Israel to insist that Hamas never be a member of a future Palestinian government. “It is very, very difficult to dislodge these groups without a negotiated solution which includes their aspirations,” he added. “If you want to have safety and security with people who are gonna inevitably continue to be your neighbour in some form or another, you are going to have to create a relationship based on some shared values,” he said in the interview. After facing the backlash, he took to social media and put out a post clarifying his comments in the interview. "Just to clarify: Hamas is not on the list of groups designated as terrorist organizations by the United Nations Security Council," Griffiths said in a post on X. Just to clarify: Hamas is not on the list of groups designated as terrorist organizations by the United Nations Security Council. This doesn't make their acts of terror on 7 October any less horrific and reprehensible, as I've been saying all along. — Martin Griffiths (@UNReliefChief) February 15, 2024 × "This doesn't make their acts of terror on 7 October any less horrific and reprehensible, as I've been saying all along," he added. Later, the spokesman for secretary-general Antonio Guterres, in a press briefing, stressed that the top UN officials including Griffiths have condemned “abhorrent terrorist attack” by Hamas stating that “there could be no justification for them.” Also read: Five killed due to lack of medical oxygen in Israel-raided Gaza hospital, says Hamas-run health ministry “As we’ve said many times here, and the Secretary-General himself not too long ago, for the United Nations, the designation of an entity as a terrorist group or terrorist organization can only be made by the Security Council,” the spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, added. 'Shame on him' Reacting to Griffiths’ comments about the Palestinian group, Israel's foreign minister Israel Katz took to his official X account and said, “Shame on him”. Taking a dig at Griffiths and Guterres, Katz said, “The United Nations reaches new lows every day.” “We will eliminate Hamas with or without them,” he vowed. “Jewish blood is not cheap.” Israeli Ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan also slammed Griffiths, calling the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs “a terror-excusing, Hamas-promoting, victim-blaming organization.” “The UN’s pro-Hamas stance is finally exposed on live TV,” Erdan wrote on X. “Is the brutal murder of hundreds of civilians, not terror? Is the systematic rape of women, not terror? Is attempting Jewish genocide not terror?, his post further read. (With inputs from agencies)

'Shame on him': Israel slams UN aid chief after he says ‘Hamas not terrorist group for us’

Google is preparing to launch an anti-misinformation campaign across five countries in the European Union (EU), the company told Reuters ahead of the bloc's parliamentary elections and tougher new rules tackling online content.

In June, EU citizens will elect a new European Parliament to pass policies and laws in the region and lawmakers fear the spread of misinformation online could sway voters.

France, Poland and Germany accused Russia on Monday of putting together an elaborate network of websites to spread pro-Russian propaganda.

Europe's Digital Services Act, which comes into force this week, will require very large online platforms and search engines to do more to tackle illegal content and risks to public security.

From this spring, Google's internal Jigsaw unit which operates to tackle threats to societies, will run a series of animated ads across platforms such as TikTok and YouTube in five EU countries: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, and Poland.

Building on previous campaigns the company has tested in Germany and central Europe, Jigsaw said the new project was an opportunity to reach citizens in countries with some of the largest number of voters in the EU, utilising the company's local expertise in these regions.

The ads will feature so-called "prebunking" techniques, developed in partnership with researchers at the Universities of Cambridge and Bristol, aimed at helping viewers identify manipulative content before encountering it.

Viewers watching the ads on YouTube will be asked to fill in a short multiple-choice questionnaire, designed to gauge what they have learned about misinformation.

"We've spent so much time having these really polarised debates. Our democracy is at stake, and the temperature just keeps getting higher and higher," said Beth Goldberg, head of research at Jigsaw.

"Prebunking is the only technique, at least that I've seen, that works equally effectively across the political spectrum," Goldberg said.

Other measures to control misinformation like fact checking can add to polarisation because they come after the information has already spread, she added.

Last month, an investigation conducted by the EEAS (European Union External Action Service) uncovered 750 incidents of misleading information being deliberately spread by foreign actors, many voicing support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Jigsaw's ads will be translated into all 24 official EU languages, the company said.

The campaign will run for at least one month, with a view to extend it based on reach and performance. Results from the campaign, including survey responses and the number of people reached, are expected to be published in summer 2024.

Google is preparing to launch an anti-misinformation campaign across five countries in the European Union (EU), the company told Reuters ahead of the bloc's parliamentary elections and tougher new rules tackling online content.

Google is preparing to launch an anti-misinformation campaign across five countries in the European Union (EU), the company told Reuters ahead of the bloc's parliamentary elections and tougher new rules tackling online content. In June, EU citizens will elect a new European Parliament to pass policies and laws in the region and lawmakers fear the spread of misinformation online could sway voters. France, Poland and Germany accused Russia on Monday of putting together an elaborate network of websites to spread pro-Russian propaganda. Europe's Digital Services Act, which comes into force this week, will require very large online platforms and search engines to do more to tackle illegal content and risks to public security. From this spring, Google's internal Jigsaw unit which operates to tackle threats to societies, will run a series of animated ads across platforms such as TikTok and YouTube in five EU countries: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, and Poland. Building on previous campaigns the company has tested in Germany and central Europe, Jigsaw said the new project was an opportunity to reach citizens in countries with some of the largest number of voters in the EU, utilising the company's local expertise in these regions. The ads will feature so-called "prebunking" techniques, developed in partnership with researchers at the Universities of Cambridge and Bristol, aimed at helping viewers identify manipulative content before encountering it. Viewers watching the ads on YouTube will be asked to fill in a short multiple-choice questionnaire, designed to gauge what they have learned about misinformation. "We've spent so much time having these really polarised debates. Our democracy is at stake, and the temperature just keeps getting higher and higher," said Beth Goldberg, head of research at Jigsaw. "Prebunking is the only technique, at least that I've seen, that works equally effectively across the political spectrum," Goldberg said. Other measures to control misinformation like fact checking can add to polarisation because they come after the information has already spread, she added. Last month, an investigation conducted by the EEAS (European Union External Action Service) uncovered 750 incidents of misleading information being deliberately spread by foreign actors, many voicing support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Jigsaw's ads will be translated into all 24 official EU languages, the company said. The campaign will run for at least one month, with a view to extend it based on reach and performance. Results from the campaign, including survey responses and the number of people reached, are expected to be published in summer 2024.

Google to launch anti-misinformation campaign ahead of EU elections

In a significant discovery, scientists have detected strong "glitches" in a magnetar, which is a type of highly magnetic neutron star located close to the centre of the Milky Way galaxy. The star's spin speed seems to have increased dramatically as a result of these glitches.&nbsp;

The process that causes the neutron star, also referred to as a dead star, to slow down following these glitches, may help reveal the interior of the star. Gaining insight into the inner workings of magnetars may eventually explain how these unusual objects produce "Fast Radio Bursts," or FRBs.&nbsp;

The FRBs are evasive and transient pulsations of light that can get illuminated enough to briefly outshine the light of an entire galaxy.&nbsp;

Though scientists already know that these pulses exist, they have never been able to identify the reason behind their existence.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/future-of-surgery-and-space-medicine-surgeons-successfully-perform-remote-controlled-surgery-on-iss-690707">'Future of surgery': Surgeons successfully perform remote-controlled opreration on ISS</a>

"The glitches are abrupt changes in the rotation of the star. Each brief observation allows us to measure the rotation speed of the magnetar and we noticed that suddenly the star was spinning faster than the previous observation," team member and assistant professor at Paul Sabatier University in France, Sebastien Guillot, was quoted as saying by Space.com. "Glitches are commonly observed for pulsars and magnetars, but these are two of the largest ever seen."

This magnetar rotates somewhat faster than three times per second normally, however, the first glitch caused the rotation speed to increase. Then, the second glitch happened around nine hours later which caused the speed to increase approximately 100 times greater than the first.

"During the interval between these two glitches, we observed a significant decrease in the neutron star's rotation speed, decelerating at a rate 100 times faster than its speed before the glitch, and approximately 1000 times faster than its long-term average," Space.com quoted Chin-Ping Hu, research lead and an associate professor at the National Changhua University of Education, as saying. "This slowdown occurred over a period longer than the duration of the glitches themselves."

(With inputs from agencies)

In a significant discovery, scientists have detected strong "glitches" in a magnetar, which is a type of highly magnetic neutron star located close to the centre of the Milky Way galaxy.

In a significant discovery, scientists have detected strong "glitches" in a magnetar, which is a type of highly magnetic neutron star located close to the centre of the Milky Way galaxy. The star's spin speed seems to have increased dramatically as a result of these glitches. The process that causes the neutron star, also referred to as a dead star, to slow down following these glitches, may help reveal the interior of the star. Gaining insight into the inner workings of magnetars may eventually explain how these unusual objects produce "Fast Radio Bursts," or FRBs. The FRBs are evasive and transient pulsations of light that can get illuminated enough to briefly outshine the light of an entire galaxy. Though scientists already know that these pulses exist, they have never been able to identify the reason behind their existence. Also read: 'Future of surgery': Surgeons successfully perform remote-controlled opreration on ISS "The glitches are abrupt changes in the rotation of the star. Each brief observation allows us to measure the rotation speed of the magnetar and we noticed that suddenly the star was spinning faster than the previous observation," team member and assistant professor at Paul Sabatier University in France, Sebastien Guillot, was quoted as saying by Space.com. "Glitches are commonly observed for pulsars and magnetars, but these are two of the largest ever seen." This magnetar rotates somewhat faster than three times per second normally, however, the first glitch caused the rotation speed to increase. Then, the second glitch happened around nine hours later which caused the speed to increase approximately 100 times greater than the first. "During the interval between these two glitches, we observed a significant decrease in the neutron star's rotation speed, decelerating at a rate 100 times faster than its speed before the glitch, and approximately 1000 times faster than its long-term average," Space.com quoted Chin-Ping Hu, research lead and an associate professor at the National Changhua University of Education, as saying. "This slowdown occurred over a period longer than the duration of the glitches themselves." (With inputs from agencies)

Dead stars 'glitches' may indicate source of rapid radio bursts

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was on a&nbsp;visit to the northern state of Haryana, laid the foundation stone of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Rewari on Friday (Feb 16).

He also laid the&nbsp;foundation stones of other multiple development projects related to urban transport, health, rail and tourism sectors&nbsp;worth more than 11,76,857 USD.

AIIMS-Rewari will be built at a cost of over 1,98,752.73 USD on 203 acres of land in Majra Bhalkhi village.

The officials said that the residents of Haryana and the adjoining states will&nbsp;greatly benefit from the opening of the medical institute because of the healthcare facilities it will provide.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Haryana: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates Rewari AIIMS, various Railway Projects in North Western Railway/Northern Railway and others, in Rewari. <a href="https://t.co/KsOCKEFSRc">pic.twitter.com/KsOCKEFSRc</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1758410420040130736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Established under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY), the project, with a total length of 28.5 km, is set to create a passage between Millennium City Centre and Udyog Vihar Phase-5 and also connect it with the existing metro network of Rapid Metro Rail Gurugram at Moulsari Avenue station near Cyber City.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-congress-claims-its-bank-accounts-have-been-frozen-ahead-of-lok-sabha-polls-690844">India: Congress' 'frozen' bank accounts now operational</a>

The Indian prime minister also inaugurated a newly constructed Anubhav Kendra Jyotisar in Kurukshetra, which is designed to bring the narrative of the Mahabharata and the teachings of the Gita to life.

PM Modi also flagged off a new train service between Rohtak-Meham-Hansi, in Rewari which is set to cut down&nbsp;the travel time between Rohtak and Hisar.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Haryana: Prime Minister Narendra Modi flags off new train service between Rohtak-Meham-Hansi, in Rewari <a href="https://t.co/aMrLPWlsqW">pic.twitter.com/aMrLPWlsqW</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1758410130788438292?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar felicitated PM Modi and said, "This is a special occasion when PM Modi is amongst us... When you (PM Modi) were the CM in Gujarat in 2013 and people were seeing you as the PM, you started your campaign from Rewari...Today, you are fulfilling the aspiration and dream of the people of Rewari by giving AIIMS to them..."

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2013 में 272 पार 
2024 में 400 पार... 
 
AIIMS रेवाड़ी, गुरुग्राम मेट्रो विस्तारीकरण, रोहतक-हांसी नई रेलवे लाइन जैसी बड़ी परियोजनाओं के लिए आभार मोदी जी ! 
 
रेवाड़ी से प्रधानमंत्री श्री <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> जी का पुराना रिश्ता रहा है और आज उनके स्वागत में उमड़े जनसमूह ने जो आशीर्वाद… <a href="https://t.co/kz40dIHYf5">pic.twitter.com/kz40dIHYf5</a>
— Manohar Lal (@mlkhattar) <a href="https://twitter.com/mlkhattar/status/1758441233834217903?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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"The Metro station project in Gurugram will not only help people from Gurugram or the country but also those foreign companies who are here to invest... In the last 10 years, the way you have guided us, especially after the Pran Pratistha (Ram Mandir), has increased trust in our leadership...," CM Khattar added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was on a visit to the northern state of Haryana, laid the foundation stone of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Rewari on Friday (Feb 16).

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was on a visit to the northern state of Haryana, laid the foundation stone of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Rewari on Friday (Feb 16). He also laid the foundation stones of other multiple development projects related to urban transport, health, rail and tourism sectors worth more than 11,76,857 USD. AIIMS-Rewari will be built at a cost of over 1,98,752.73 USD on 203 acres of land in Majra Bhalkhi village. The officials said that the residents of Haryana and the adjoining states will greatly benefit from the opening of the medical institute because of the healthcare facilities it will provide. #WATCH | Haryana: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates Rewari AIIMS, various Railway Projects in North Western Railway/Northern Railway and others, in Rewari. pic.twitter.com/KsOCKEFSRc — ANI (@ANI) February 16, 2024 × Established under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY), the project, with a total length of 28.5 km, is set to create a passage between Millennium City Centre and Udyog Vihar Phase-5 and also connect it with the existing metro network of Rapid Metro Rail Gurugram at Moulsari Avenue station near Cyber City. Also read: India: Congress' 'frozen' bank accounts now operational The Indian prime minister also inaugurated a newly constructed Anubhav Kendra Jyotisar in Kurukshetra, which is designed to bring the narrative of the Mahabharata and the teachings of the Gita to life. PM Modi also flagged off a new train service between Rohtak-Meham-Hansi, in Rewari which is set to cut down the travel time between Rohtak and Hisar. #WATCH | Haryana: Prime Minister Narendra Modi flags off new train service between Rohtak-Meham-Hansi, in Rewari pic.twitter.com/aMrLPWlsqW — ANI (@ANI) February 16, 2024 × Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar felicitated PM Modi and said, "This is a special occasion when PM Modi is amongst us... When you (PM Modi) were the CM in Gujarat in 2013 and people were seeing you as the PM, you started your campaign from Rewari...Today, you are fulfilling the aspiration and dream of the people of Rewari by giving AIIMS to them..." 2013 में 272 पार 2024 में 400 पार... AIIMS रेवाड़ी, गुरुग्राम मेट्रो विस्तारीकरण, रोहतक-हांसी नई रेलवे लाइन जैसी बड़ी परियोजनाओं के लिए आभार मोदी जी ! रेवाड़ी से प्रधानमंत्री श्री @narendramodi जी का पुराना रिश्ता रहा है और आज उनके स्वागत में उमड़े जनसमूह ने जो आशीर्वाद… pic.twitter.com/kz40dIHYf5 — Manohar Lal (@mlkhattar) February 16, 2024 × "The Metro station project in Gurugram will not only help people from Gurugram or the country but also those foreign companies who are here to invest... In the last 10 years, the way you have guided us, especially after the Pran Pratistha (Ram Mandir), has increased trust in our leadership...," CM Khattar added. (With inputs from agencies)

India: PM Modi lays foundation stone of AIIMS in Haryana's Rewari

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