The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for dense fog which has blanketed parts of north India in the past few days – especially Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh. 
 
“Dense Fog Advisory for Punjab, Haryana, Delhi Uttar Pradesh, north Rajasthan and north Madhya Pradesh: Be careful while driving or outing through any transport. Use fog lights while driving. Be in touch with airlines, railways, and state transport for your journey schedule," wrote the weather office on social media platform X. 
 
The national capital remained covered with a thick blanket of fog which led to a delay of more than a hundred flights as the visibility remained low in the national capital. The Delhi airport on Thursday (Dec 28) reported that nearly 134 domestic and international flights were delayed, and 35 international departures and 28 international arrivals remained affected. 
 
Meanwhile, there were delays in 43 domestic departures and 28 domestic arrivals on Friday (Dec 28). The New Delhi Railway Station also faced a similar situation when 22 trains were delayed which left passengers stranded in the biting cold.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/thick-fog-blankets-north-india-airports-battle-zero-visibility-11-die-in-road-accidents-674188">Thick fog blankets North India: Airports battle zero visibility, 11 die in road accidents</a>

A marginal improvement was reported in Delhi's air quality on Friday (Dec 29) as the average Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 356. Even though there was little improvement, the air quality continued to remain in the "very poor" category for the next two days. 
 
“The reason the fog situation saw some improvement on Thursday was due to overnight winds in several areas. The wind speed on Wednesday night reached up to 8 kmph, so the fog dissipated. However, on Friday the wind speed will drop,” said Kuldeep Srivastava, a scientist with India Meteorological Department (IMD), while speaking to The Times Of India. 
 
“We have issued the red warning for Friday, suggesting that the time between 4 am to 10 am could see accidents as visibility will be very low. So, unless it’s very essential, do not take out your vehicle at this time,” Srivastava added. Meanwhile, the IMF issued an orange alert for dense to moderate fog on Saturday (Dec 30).

<h2>Air quality likely to deteriorate further</h2>

The Met department on Thursday (Dec 28) released INSAT imagery in which a dense fog layer was seen over north India, which affected the regions in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and northwest Madhya Pradesh. 
 
The dense fog created low visibility conditions in these regions which led to traffic disruptions and accidents. Extending its warning, the IMD predicted dense fog over Punjab and Haryana for the next five days. 
 
For the next three days, Uttar Pradesh is likely to witness dense fog due to which guidelines have been issued by the UP State Road Transport Corporation for bus operations in low visibility conditions.

Watch:&nbsp;Intense cold wave continues in North India, red alert issued in several states due to fog

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An advisory was issued by the Delhi Airport Authority in which it was said that flights, which are not compliant with CAT III standards, are likely to face disruptions. 
 
Further, potential health risks related to dense fog were also highlighted by the IMD, which emphasised the presence of pollutants and particulate matter which can adversely affect respiratory health. 
 
“Weather conditions are not favourable for effective dispersion of pollutants. Emissions from firecrackers if burnt on December 31 will further deteriorate air quality… The predominant surface wind is likely to be from the east-southeast direction in Delhi-NCR with a wind speed of 6-4 kmph with partly cloudy sky with dense to very dense fog at most places in the morning on December 29,” predicted the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology's air quality early warning system.

(With inputs from agencies)

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for dense fog which has blanketed parts of north India in the past few days – especially Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for dense fog which has blanketed parts of north India in the past few days – especially Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh. “Dense Fog Advisory for Punjab, Haryana, Delhi Uttar Pradesh, north Rajasthan and north Madhya Pradesh: Be careful while driving or outing through any transport. Use fog lights while driving. Be in touch with airlines, railways, and state transport for your journey schedule," wrote the weather office on social media platform X. The national capital remained covered with a thick blanket of fog which led to a delay of more than a hundred flights as the visibility remained low in the national capital. The Delhi airport on Thursday (Dec 28) reported that nearly 134 domestic and international flights were delayed, and 35 international departures and 28 international arrivals remained affected. Meanwhile, there were delays in 43 domestic departures and 28 domestic arrivals on Friday (Dec 28). The New Delhi Railway Station also faced a similar situation when 22 trains were delayed which left passengers stranded in the biting cold. Also read: Thick fog blankets North India: Airports battle zero visibility, 11 die in road accidents A marginal improvement was reported in Delhi's air quality on Friday (Dec 29) as the average Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 356. Even though there was little improvement, the air quality continued to remain in the "very poor" category for the next two days. “The reason the fog situation saw some improvement on Thursday was due to overnight winds in several areas. The wind speed on Wednesday night reached up to 8 kmph, so the fog dissipated. However, on Friday the wind speed will drop,” said Kuldeep Srivastava, a scientist with India Meteorological Department (IMD), while speaking to The Times Of India. “We have issued the red warning for Friday, suggesting that the time between 4 am to 10 am could see accidents as visibility will be very low. So, unless it’s very essential, do not take out your vehicle at this time,” Srivastava added. Meanwhile, the IMF issued an orange alert for dense to moderate fog on Saturday (Dec 30). Air quality likely to deteriorate further The Met department on Thursday (Dec 28) released INSAT imagery in which a dense fog layer was seen over north India, which affected the regions in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and northwest Madhya Pradesh. The dense fog created low visibility conditions in these regions which led to traffic disruptions and accidents. Extending its warning, the IMD predicted dense fog over Punjab and Haryana for the next five days. For the next three days, Uttar Pradesh is likely to witness dense fog due to which guidelines have been issued by the UP State Road Transport Corporation for bus operations in low visibility conditions. Watch: Intense cold wave continues in North India, red alert issued in several states due to fog An advisory was issued by the Delhi Airport Authority in which it was said that flights, which are not compliant with CAT III standards, are likely to face disruptions. Further, potential health risks related to dense fog were also highlighted by the IMD, which emphasised the presence of pollutants and particulate matter which can adversely affect respiratory health. “Weather conditions are not favourable for effective dispersion of pollutants. Emissions from firecrackers if burnt on December 31 will further deteriorate air quality… The predominant surface wind is likely to be from the east-southeast direction in Delhi-NCR with a wind speed of 6-4 kmph with partly cloudy sky with dense to very dense fog at most places in the morning on December 29,” predicted the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology's air quality early warning system. (With inputs from agencies)

IMD issues red alert for dense fog in north India as travel remains chaotic

The Ram temple Trust is set to vote to choose the idol of 'Ram Lalla', the depiction of Lord Ram as a child, which is to be installed inside the grand Ram temple's sanctum sanctorum next month in the Indian city of Ayodhya. The voting is set to take place on Friday (Dec 29), as per reports. 
 
According to the sources mentioned in the reports, the voting will be held at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra's meeting. The three sculptors in race are -&nbsp;Ganesh Bhatt, Arun Yogiraj and Satyanarayan Pandey.

This is the trust which will oversee the management and construction of the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya. 
 
"All three designs, made by separate sculptors, would be put on the table. The one idol that will get the most votes will be installed at the consecration of the shrine on January 22," as per the officials, Indian news agency ANI reported. 
 
Trust secretary Champat Rai on Wednesday (Dec 27) said that Lord Ram's 51-inch-tall idol – which will depict his five-year-old form – will be selected among three designs. 
 
"The one that has the best divineness and has a childlike look about it will be selected," he said. 
 
Shri Ram Mandir Construction Committee Chairman Nripendra Misra, meanwhile, took stock of the Ram Janmabhoomi Path and the complex's ongoing construction along with the district's top officials on Thursday (Dec 28). 
 
The inspection took place ahead of the consecration ceremony, which is scheduled to be held next month, and only two days ahead of the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the temple city.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heres-how-hyderabadi-workers-are-constructing-opulent-doors-of-ayodhya-ram-temple-674291">Here's how century-old firm is constructing opulent doors of Ayodhya Ram temple</a>

"The work is not being done hastily, rather it is being done qualitatively by investing enough time into it," said Misra, while speaking to ANI. 
 
"The construction work has been categorised into three phases. The first phase will be completed by December 2023, the second phase, when the construction of the temple will be completed, will be carried out in January and the third phase includes the construction work in the complex," he stated. 
 
The officials were further instructed by Misra to complete the instalment of security equipment along with the 'welcome gate' and canopy on Janmabhoomi Path by December.

<h2>Ram temple's grand consecration ceremony</h2>

According to the temple officials, the consecration ceremony will be held over a period of seven days starting on January 16. On January 16, 2024, the atonement ceremony will be conducted by the host appointed by the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra. 
 
The worship of Lord Vishnu, 'Dashvidh' bath, and offering to cows will be carried out on the banks of the Saryu River. After that, on January 17 a procession – which will Lord Ram's idol in child-like form – will reach Ayodhya. After this, the devotees will reach the Ram Janmabhoomi temple with Mangal Kalash carrying Saryu water.

Watch:&nbsp;What facilities will the 70-acre Ram temple complex have?

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The formal rituals will kick off on January 18 with the Ganesh Ambika puja, Varun puja, Matrika puja, Brahmin Varan, and Vastu Puja. The holy fire will be lit on January 19 after the establishment of 'Navagraha' and a 'havan' (holy ritual surrounding the fire).

 
The Ram Janmabhoomi temple's sanctum sanctorum will be washed with Saryu water on January 20 after which the 'Annadhivas' and Vaastu Shanti rituals will take place. 
 
The idol of Lord Ram will be bathed in 125 urns on January 21 and will be finally placed inside the sanctum sanctorum. On January 22, the morning puja will be held and the idol will be consecrated in 'Mrigashira Nakshatra' in the afternoon.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Ram temple Trust is set to vote to choose the idol of 'Ram Lalla', the depiction of Lord Ram as a child, which is to be installed inside the grand Ram temple's sanctum sanctorum next month in the Indian city of Ayodhya.

The Ram temple Trust is set to vote to choose the idol of 'Ram Lalla', the depiction of Lord Ram as a child, which is to be installed inside the grand Ram temple's sanctum sanctorum next month in the Indian city of Ayodhya. The voting is set to take place on Friday (Dec 29), as per reports. According to the sources mentioned in the reports, the voting will be held at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra's meeting. The three sculptors in race are - Ganesh Bhatt, Arun Yogiraj and Satyanarayan Pandey. This is the trust which will oversee the management and construction of the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya. "All three designs, made by separate sculptors, would be put on the table. The one idol that will get the most votes will be installed at the consecration of the shrine on January 22," as per the officials, Indian news agency ANI reported. Trust secretary Champat Rai on Wednesday (Dec 27) said that Lord Ram's 51-inch-tall idol – which will depict his five-year-old form – will be selected among three designs. "The one that has the best divineness and has a childlike look about it will be selected," he said. Shri Ram Mandir Construction Committee Chairman Nripendra Misra, meanwhile, took stock of the Ram Janmabhoomi Path and the complex's ongoing construction along with the district's top officials on Thursday (Dec 28). The inspection took place ahead of the consecration ceremony, which is scheduled to be held next month, and only two days ahead of the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the temple city. Also read: Here's how century-old firm is constructing opulent doors of Ayodhya Ram temple "The work is not being done hastily, rather it is being done qualitatively by investing enough time into it," said Misra, while speaking to ANI. "The construction work has been categorised into three phases. The first phase will be completed by December 2023, the second phase, when the construction of the temple will be completed, will be carried out in January and the third phase includes the construction work in the complex," he stated. The officials were further instructed by Misra to complete the instalment of security equipment along with the 'welcome gate' and canopy on Janmabhoomi Path by December. Ram temple's grand consecration ceremony According to the temple officials, the consecration ceremony will be held over a period of seven days starting on January 16. On January 16, 2024, the atonement ceremony will be conducted by the host appointed by the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra. The worship of Lord Vishnu, 'Dashvidh' bath, and offering to cows will be carried out on the banks of the Saryu River. After that, on January 17 a procession – which will Lord Ram's idol in child-like form – will reach Ayodhya. After this, the devotees will reach the Ram Janmabhoomi temple with Mangal Kalash carrying Saryu water. Watch: What facilities will the 70-acre Ram temple complex have? The formal rituals will kick off on January 18 with the Ganesh Ambika puja, Varun puja, Matrika puja, Brahmin Varan, and Vastu Puja. The holy fire will be lit on January 19 after the establishment of 'Navagraha' and a 'havan' (holy ritual surrounding the fire). The Ram Janmabhoomi temple's sanctum sanctorum will be washed with Saryu water on January 20 after which the 'Annadhivas' and Vaastu Shanti rituals will take place. The idol of Lord Ram will be bathed in 125 urns on January 21 and will be finally placed inside the sanctum sanctorum. On January 22, the morning puja will be held and the idol will be consecrated in 'Mrigashira Nakshatra' in the afternoon. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Ayodhya Temple Trust to vote on Lord Ram idol, choose best among three designs

A roadmap was laid out by NASA for addressing major aspects in the development of a robotic system which can explore icy moons with water oceans and are able to crack their thick, icy shells and explore subsurface seas in the hunt for life. 
 
The space agency recently revealed results from a NASA-sponsored workshop, which was held in February, in which scientists and engineers had collected to hold a discussion around possible "cryobot" mission concepts. 
 
Scientists have been aiming to crack through the icy exteriors of moons present in the solar system, like Saturn's moon Enceladus or Jupiter's moon Europa, and drop a probe within that which can analyse the underlying liquid ocean. 
 
The cryobot concept which scientists are trying to explore is similar to drilling into a world and involves the use of a cylindrical device which has been dispatched at the surface of an icy ocean world. The device is expected to melt the ice and slip down slowly as water flows around it and refreezes.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-begins-mission-to-detect-god-of-chaos-asteroid-before-it-hits-earths-orbit-673950">Asteroid Apophis to flyby Earth in first of its kind encounter in recorded history</a>

These probes, which use&nbsp;"thermal drilling" technique, have been commonly employed for investigating glaciers and ice caps which are present on Earth. However, the icy shells present in Europa and Enceladus are colder and thicker and the behavioural patterns of these places are far less predictable. 
 
The focus of researchers has been parlaying current terrestrial thermal drilling operations into extraterrestrial environments through cryobots and NASA's Scientific Exploration Subsurface Access Mechanism for Europa (SESAME) and Concepts for Ocean Worlds Life Detection Technology (COLDTech) programmes. 
 
Through time, humans have learned much about the ice-capped ocean worlds and hence, the workshop organised at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) gave the scientists the chance to get involved in these projects to reconvene and ensure that these developments include&nbsp;robot mission architecture.

<h2>Finding traces of life in water bodies</h2>

It is known that life is dependent on many important molecules, compounds, and elements and most importantly water. Now, the discovery made by scientists that water overflowed on the arid landscape of Mars offers the inarguably exciting opportunity to discover remains of ancient life.

Watch:&nbsp;NASA streams an ultra-high-definition video of a cat back to Earth from deep space

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nasa-streams-an-ultra-high-definition-video-of-a-cat-back-to-earth-from-deep-space-671832/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

However, ocean moons like Europa and Enceladus provide a chance for discovering worlds which are currently habitable and may be actually hosting living things in their waters. Even though they are likely to be microbial, if found it will be revolutionary. 
 
As per NASA, the Caltech workshop has helped in the identification of four key aspects which will help in creating the roadmap for the alien-water-world-exploring robot's development. Those aspects are communication, mobility, thermal capability and power.

(With inputs from agencies)

A roadmap was laid out by NASA for addressing major aspects in the development of a robotic system which can explore icy moons with water oceans and are able to crack their thick, icy shells and explore subsurface seas in the hunt for life.

A roadmap was laid out by NASA for addressing major aspects in the development of a robotic system which can explore icy moons with water oceans and are able to crack their thick, icy shells and explore subsurface seas in the hunt for life. The space agency recently revealed results from a NASA-sponsored workshop, which was held in February, in which scientists and engineers had collected to hold a discussion around possible "cryobot" mission concepts. Scientists have been aiming to crack through the icy exteriors of moons present in the solar system, like Saturn's moon Enceladus or Jupiter's moon Europa, and drop a probe within that which can analyse the underlying liquid ocean. The cryobot concept which scientists are trying to explore is similar to drilling into a world and involves the use of a cylindrical device which has been dispatched at the surface of an icy ocean world. The device is expected to melt the ice and slip down slowly as water flows around it and refreezes. Also read: Asteroid Apophis to flyby Earth in first of its kind encounter in recorded history These probes, which use "thermal drilling" technique, have been commonly employed for investigating glaciers and ice caps which are present on Earth. However, the icy shells present in Europa and Enceladus are colder and thicker and the behavioural patterns of these places are far less predictable. The focus of researchers has been parlaying current terrestrial thermal drilling operations into extraterrestrial environments through cryobots and NASA's Scientific Exploration Subsurface Access Mechanism for Europa (SESAME) and Concepts for Ocean Worlds Life Detection Technology (COLDTech) programmes. Through time, humans have learned much about the ice-capped ocean worlds and hence, the workshop organised at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) gave the scientists the chance to get involved in these projects to reconvene and ensure that these developments include robot mission architecture. Finding traces of life in water bodies It is known that life is dependent on many important molecules, compounds, and elements and most importantly water. Now, the discovery made by scientists that water overflowed on the arid landscape of Mars offers the inarguably exciting opportunity to discover remains of ancient life. Watch: NASA streams an ultra-high-definition video of a cat back to Earth from deep space However, ocean moons like Europa and Enceladus provide a chance for discovering worlds which are currently habitable and may be actually hosting living things in their waters. Even though they are likely to be microbial, if found it will be revolutionary. As per NASA, the Caltech workshop has helped in the identification of four key aspects which will help in creating the roadmap for the alien-water-world-exploring robot's development. Those aspects are communication, mobility, thermal capability and power. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA moving forward with plans to get robots to drill into icy moons of other planets

Taking the investigation of the Parliament security breach further, the Delhi police sought help from the Lucknow police to trace a “cyclist cobbler”, who had allegedly created cavities in the shoes worn by Parliament security breach case accused Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D on the day of the attack, reported news agency PTI. 
 
The accused had hidden smoke canisters in the cavities created in the shoes. The police said that they wanted to present cobbler as a witness in the case. 
 
The Delhi Police sources were cited as saying that Sagar initially made efforts to modify the shoes himself but after he was unsuccessful, he reached out to the cobbler, who had come to Alambagh in Lucknow on a bicycle. A team of Delhi Police visited Lucknow, earlier this month, in search of the cobbler.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/wion-explains-behind-the-chaos-exploring-the-dynamics-of-mp-suspensions-in-indian-parliament-670013">Indian Parliament security breach: Exploring the dynamics of suspension of MPs</a>

On the anniversary of 2001 Parliament terror attack, accused Sagar and Manoranjan jumped from the public gallery to the Lok Sabha chamber during Zero Hour and released yellow smoke from canisters shouting slogans before being overpowered by some of the MPs.

The accused gained entry inside the Parliament premises using&nbsp;visitor&nbsp;passes which were facilitated by the Lok Sabha member from Mysuru Pratap Simha.

<h2>Accused tried designing shoes with a cavity</h2>

In the interrogation, Sagar said that he tried making a cavity in the shoes after he discovered that they were not getting checked when people were trying to get entry into the Parliament, according to PTI. 
 
“When he did not succeed in his attempts, he went to a cobbler in Alambagh. He has told the interrogators that he bought two pairs of shoes for Rs 595 each from a shop near his house and approached the cobbler, who visited Alambagh on a bicycle,” a source was quoted as saying to the news agency.

“The cavity was found created by cutting the inside sole of the left shoe. The thickness of the sole of shoes is also found to increase by affixing additional rubber sole at the bottom to support the cavity. The inside sole of the right foot shoe was also found partly cut,” mentioned the&nbsp;FIR report.

Watch:&nbsp;Parliament Security Breach: Mastermind Lalit Jha makes big revelation after surrender&nbsp;

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The Delhi Police Special Cell&nbsp;team visited Lucknow earlier this month in search of the cobbler but was not able to trace him. The sources said that the team also questioned many cobblers in Alambagh on the basis of disclosures made by Sagar in his interrogation. 
 
They added that Delhi Police wants to make the cobbler a witness in the case and is now taking assistance from its Lucknow counterparts to find him. During the visit, the team also found a pair of shoes,&nbsp;soles and a ruler to measure shoe size from Sagar's house in Ramnagar in Lucknow’s Alambagh.

(With inputs from agencies)

Taking the investigation of the Parliament security breach further, the Delhi police sought help from the Lucknow police to trace a “cyclist cobbler”, who had allegedly created cavities in the shoes worn by Parliament security breach case accused Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D on the day of the attack, reported news agency PTI.

Taking the investigation of the Parliament security breach further, the Delhi police sought help from the Lucknow police to trace a “cyclist cobbler”, who had allegedly created cavities in the shoes worn by Parliament security breach case accused Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D on the day of the attack, reported news agency PTI. The accused had hidden smoke canisters in the cavities created in the shoes. The police said that they wanted to present cobbler as a witness in the case. The Delhi Police sources were cited as saying that Sagar initially made efforts to modify the shoes himself but after he was unsuccessful, he reached out to the cobbler, who had come to Alambagh in Lucknow on a bicycle. A team of Delhi Police visited Lucknow, earlier this month, in search of the cobbler. Also read: Indian Parliament security breach: Exploring the dynamics of suspension of MPs On the anniversary of 2001 Parliament terror attack, accused Sagar and Manoranjan jumped from the public gallery to the Lok Sabha chamber during Zero Hour and released yellow smoke from canisters shouting slogans before being overpowered by some of the MPs. The accused gained entry inside the Parliament premises using visitor passes which were facilitated by the Lok Sabha member from Mysuru Pratap Simha. Accused tried designing shoes with a cavity In the interrogation, Sagar said that he tried making a cavity in the shoes after he discovered that they were not getting checked when people were trying to get entry into the Parliament, according to PTI. “When he did not succeed in his attempts, he went to a cobbler in Alambagh. He has told the interrogators that he bought two pairs of shoes for Rs 595 each from a shop near his house and approached the cobbler, who visited Alambagh on a bicycle,” a source was quoted as saying to the news agency. “The cavity was found created by cutting the inside sole of the left shoe. The thickness of the sole of shoes is also found to increase by affixing additional rubber sole at the bottom to support the cavity. The inside sole of the right foot shoe was also found partly cut,” mentioned the FIR report. Watch: Parliament Security Breach: Mastermind Lalit Jha makes big revelation after surrender The Delhi Police Special Cell team visited Lucknow earlier this month in search of the cobbler but was not able to trace him. The sources said that the team also questioned many cobblers in Alambagh on the basis of disclosures made by Sagar in his interrogation. They added that Delhi Police wants to make the cobbler a witness in the case and is now taking assistance from its Lucknow counterparts to find him. During the visit, the team also found a pair of shoes, soles and a ruler to measure shoe size from Sagar's house in Ramnagar in Lucknow’s Alambagh. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian Parliament security breach: Police hunt for 'cyclist cobbler' who modified shoes of accused

Israeli soldiers failed to heed the cries for "help" of three hostages when they entered a building in Gaza just days before they were killed by the troops by mistake, revealed a military investigation which was published on Thursday (Dec 28). 
 
As per the probe, the soldiers heard "hostages" shout in the Hebrew language on December 10, however, it was interpreted as a "terrorist deception attempt" being made by Hamas operatives to lure them into the building which was located in&nbsp;Gaza City's district of Shejaiya. 
 
It added that the soldiers believed the building was rigged with explosives and they exited it and killed five Hamas militants trying to escape. 
 
As per the investigation, the hostages then probably also escaped from the building and were shot dead by Israeli soldiers on December 15 after they were mistakenly identified as a threat.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/son-of-hamas-deputy-commander-marwan-issa-killed-in-israeli-airstrike-reports-674444">Son of Hamas Deputy Commander Marwan Issa killed in Israeli airstrike: Reports</a>

Two of the hostages were instantly killed by the soldiers. The third hostage escaped and soldiers were asked to hold fire so as to identify them, said the probe. 
 
When the Israeli commanders heard cries of "help!" and "they're shooting at me", they asked the surviving hostage to move towards the soldiers. However, two soldiers "who did not hear the order" because of "noise", shot the hostage dead from a nearby tank.

<h2>Signs of "SOS" and "help, three hostages" in building</h2>

All three hostages were shirtless and a white flag was being carried by one of them. On December 14, signs of "SOS" and "help, three hostages" were identified by an army drone on a building which was close to where the three hostages were shot. 
 
The army "failed in its mission to rescue the hostages in this event," said army chief Herzi Halevi, in a statement published with the investigation report. The three fatalities "could have been prevented", he said.

Watch:&nbsp;Israel-Hamas War: UN deplores 'rapid deterioration' of rights in West Bank

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After the three hostages' killing was announced, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the news "broke my heart" and "broke the whole nation's heart". 
 
The deaths of the hostages – who were identified as Yotam Haim, Alon Shamriz and Samer El-Talalqa – left entire Israel in a state of mourning. 
 
The death of the three hostages also triggered protests in Tel Aviv where demonstrators asked the authorities to come up with a fresh plan for bringing home the rest of the 129 hostages, who are still being held in the Gaza Strip.

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israeli soldiers failed to heed the cries for "help" of three hostages when they entered a building in Gaza just days before they were killed by the troops by mistake, revealed a military investigation which was published on Thursday (Dec 28).

Israeli soldiers failed to heed the cries for "help" of three hostages when they entered a building in Gaza just days before they were killed by the troops by mistake, revealed a military investigation which was published on Thursday (Dec 28). As per the probe, the soldiers heard "hostages" shout in the Hebrew language on December 10, however, it was interpreted as a "terrorist deception attempt" being made by Hamas operatives to lure them into the building which was located in Gaza City's district of Shejaiya. It added that the soldiers believed the building was rigged with explosives and they exited it and killed five Hamas militants trying to escape. As per the investigation, the hostages then probably also escaped from the building and were shot dead by Israeli soldiers on December 15 after they were mistakenly identified as a threat. Also read: Son of Hamas Deputy Commander Marwan Issa killed in Israeli airstrike: Reports Two of the hostages were instantly killed by the soldiers. The third hostage escaped and soldiers were asked to hold fire so as to identify them, said the probe. When the Israeli commanders heard cries of "help!" and "they're shooting at me", they asked the surviving hostage to move towards the soldiers. However, two soldiers "who did not hear the order" because of "noise", shot the hostage dead from a nearby tank. Signs of "SOS" and "help, three hostages" in building All three hostages were shirtless and a white flag was being carried by one of them. On December 14, signs of "SOS" and "help, three hostages" were identified by an army drone on a building which was close to where the three hostages were shot. The army "failed in its mission to rescue the hostages in this event," said army chief Herzi Halevi, in a statement published with the investigation report. The three fatalities "could have been prevented", he said. Watch: Israel-Hamas War: UN deplores 'rapid deterioration' of rights in West Bank After the three hostages' killing was announced, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the news "broke my heart" and "broke the whole nation's heart". The deaths of the hostages – who were identified as Yotam Haim, Alon Shamriz and Samer El-Talalqa – left entire Israel in a state of mourning. The death of the three hostages also triggered protests in Tel Aviv where demonstrators asked the authorities to come up with a fresh plan for bringing home the rest of the 129 hostages, who are still being held in the Gaza Strip. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Israeli soldiers mistook hostages' cries for help as 'ambush': Probe report

A university in Wisconsin fired its chancellor for producing as well as appearing in pornographic videos along with his wife. 
 
Speaking to news agency The Associated Press, former University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Chancellor Joe Gow said that the governing board of the school fired him because the university members were not comfortable with the fact that he and his wife were producing and appearing in pornographic videos.

 
The Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents, which manages UW-Madison, UW-La Crosse and 11 other regional campuses, unanimously voted during a closed meeting which was convened hastily on Wednesday (Dec 27) to fire Gow. 
 
After the voting, statements were issued by Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman and regents President Karen Walsh in which they said that the regents had learned about Gow's specific conduct that subjected the university to “significant reputational harm.” 
 
The actions of Gow were termed as “abhorrent” by Rothman, and Walsh added that she was “disgusted.” However, neither of them gave out the details of the allegations.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-university-panel-says-mphil-not-recognised-degree-anymore-warns-students-from-taking-admission-674116">India: University panel says MPhil not recognised degree anymore, warns students from taking admission</a>

Speaking to The Associated Press, Gow on Thursday (Dec 28) said that the regents found out that he and his wife, former UW-La Crosse professor Carmen Wilson, were producing and making appearances in pornographic videos.

<h2>Never took university's name in video: Chancellor</h2>

He added that he never took the name of UW-La Crosse or talked about his role at the university in the videos and the sacking has violated his free speech rights. 
 
“My wife and I live in a country where we have a First Amendment. We’re dealing with consensual adult sexuality. The regents are overreacting. They’re certainly not adhering to their own commitment to free speech or the First Amendment,” he said. 
 
Gow further complained that the regents never informed him what policy was violated by him and he was never included in any hearing or given a chance to present his case. He added that he has been thinking about filing a lawsuit.

Watch:&nbsp;Spotlight on Pakistan's 'University of Jihad'

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/spotlight-on-pakistans-university-of-jihad-672487/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

“I got an email last night saying I was terminated. I wish I would have had the opportunity to have a hearing. When reasonable people understand what my wife and I are creating, it calms them down,” said Gow. 
 
Meanwhile, Rothman said that Gow was not able to act as a role model for faculty, students and the community and mistakenly believed that the First Amendment equates to a “free pass to say or do anything that he pleases.” 
 
“Good judgement requires that there are and must be limits on what is said or done by the individuals entrusted to lead our universities,” said Rothman, in reply to AP.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A university in Wisconsin fired its chancellor for producing as well as appearing in pornographic videos along with his wife. Speaking to news agency The Associated Press, former University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Chancellor Joe Gow said that the governing board of the school fired him because the university members were not comfortable with the fact that he and his wife were producing and appearing in pornographic videos.

A university in Wisconsin fired its chancellor for producing as well as appearing in pornographic videos along with his wife. Speaking to news agency The Associated Press, former University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Chancellor Joe Gow said that the governing board of the school fired him because the university members were not comfortable with the fact that he and his wife were producing and appearing in pornographic videos. The Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents, which manages UW-Madison, UW-La Crosse and 11 other regional campuses, unanimously voted during a closed meeting which was convened hastily on Wednesday (Dec 27) to fire Gow. After the voting, statements were issued by Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman and regents President Karen Walsh in which they said that the regents had learned about Gow's specific conduct that subjected the university to “significant reputational harm.” The actions of Gow were termed as “abhorrent” by Rothman, and Walsh added that she was “disgusted.” However, neither of them gave out the details of the allegations. Also read: India: University panel says MPhil not recognised degree anymore, warns students from taking admission Speaking to The Associated Press, Gow on Thursday (Dec 28) said that the regents found out that he and his wife, former UW-La Crosse professor Carmen Wilson, were producing and making appearances in pornographic videos. Never took university's name in video: Chancellor He added that he never took the name of UW-La Crosse or talked about his role at the university in the videos and the sacking has violated his free speech rights. “My wife and I live in a country where we have a First Amendment. We’re dealing with consensual adult sexuality. The regents are overreacting. They’re certainly not adhering to their own commitment to free speech or the First Amendment,” he said. Gow further complained that the regents never informed him what policy was violated by him and he was never included in any hearing or given a chance to present his case. He added that he has been thinking about filing a lawsuit. Watch: Spotlight on Pakistan's 'University of Jihad' “I got an email last night saying I was terminated. I wish I would have had the opportunity to have a hearing. When reasonable people understand what my wife and I are creating, it calms them down,” said Gow. Meanwhile, Rothman said that Gow was not able to act as a role model for faculty, students and the community and mistakenly believed that the First Amendment equates to a “free pass to say or do anything that he pleases.” “Good judgement requires that there are and must be limits on what is said or done by the individuals entrusted to lead our universities,” said Rothman, in reply to AP. (With inputs from agencies)

Chancellor of an American university is furious after being fired for starring in porn films

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's popularity continues to wane&nbsp;amid the escalation in the war against Hamas and the increasing death toll on both sides.

In a poll carried out by Israel Democracy Institute in mid-December, it was reported that nearly 66 per cent of Israelis thought that the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) has the military capabilities to destroy Hamas in Gaza. However, what is more shocking is that more than 69 per cent want elections to be conducted in the country as soon as the war is over.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, nearly 39 per cent of those who voted for the Likud party of Netanyahu said that they are willing to do so again.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blotted-with-judicial-reforms-israel-hamas-war-is-2023-a-losing-game-for-netanyahu-669734">Here's how 2023 turned out for Israel's PM Netanyahu amid war, protests</a>

Another survey was carried out by the Bar-Ilan University in which it was revealed that only 24 per cent of Israelis considered Netanyahu as the most trustworthy source of news related to the war against Hamas. Meanwhile, 73 per cent of the people said that official military spokesmen should be considered as the most trusted source.

<h2>Political establishments also against Netanyahu?</h2>

Not only the members of the public but also the highest echelons of the political establishments and security, believe the prime minister has been leading the country in this war.

“The daily decisions on the war are being made by the three ex-generals in the war cabinet,” said one senior official, while speaking about Defence Minister Yoav Gallant to former IDF chiefs of staff now-turned politicians Benny Gantz and Gadi Eisenkot, who joined the government when the war started.&nbsp;As per reports, Netanyahu had dithered and delayed decisions regarding when the ground offensive should be launched and if the hostage-release deal and a week-long truce should be accepted.

While visiting the front lines recently, he was quoted as saying to soldiers, “We are not stopping. Whoever talks about stopping — there is no such thing. We are not stopping. The war will continue until the end, until we finish it, no less.”&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: Israel Army says, 'War in Gaza will last many more months'

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-israel-army-says-war-in-gaza-will-last-many-more-months-world-news-wion-673859/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Currently, Netanyahu's political ratings are plummeting and he has already been abandoned by large chunks of his nationalist base, as per the polls.&nbsp;

However, Israelis - who are traumatised by the October 7 massacre - are still supporting the war against Hamas and want Netanyahu to win back.

While speaking to The Times, an Israeli security official, who had earlier worked with the prime minister, said, “Netanyahu’s preferred image as Israel’s ‘Mr Security’ is not backed by his actions. Above all, he’s risk-averse and doesn’t like military situations which he feels he can’t control.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's popularity continues to wane amid the escalation in the war against Hamas and the increasing death toll on both sides.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's popularity continues to wane amid the escalation in the war against Hamas and the increasing death toll on both sides. In a poll carried out by Israel Democracy Institute in mid-December, it was reported that nearly 66 per cent of Israelis thought that the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) has the military capabilities to destroy Hamas in Gaza. However, what is more shocking is that more than 69 per cent want elections to be conducted in the country as soon as the war is over. Meanwhile, nearly 39 per cent of those who voted for the Likud party of Netanyahu said that they are willing to do so again. Also read: Here's how 2023 turned out for Israel's PM Netanyahu amid war, protests Another survey was carried out by the Bar-Ilan University in which it was revealed that only 24 per cent of Israelis considered Netanyahu as the most trustworthy source of news related to the war against Hamas. Meanwhile, 73 per cent of the people said that official military spokesmen should be considered as the most trusted source. Political establishments also against Netanyahu? Not only the members of the public but also the highest echelons of the political establishments and security, believe the prime minister has been leading the country in this war. “The daily decisions on the war are being made by the three ex-generals in the war cabinet,” said one senior official, while speaking about Defence Minister Yoav Gallant to former IDF chiefs of staff now-turned politicians Benny Gantz and Gadi Eisenkot, who joined the government when the war started. As per reports, Netanyahu had dithered and delayed decisions regarding when the ground offensive should be launched and if the hostage-release deal and a week-long truce should be accepted. While visiting the front lines recently, he was quoted as saying to soldiers, “We are not stopping. Whoever talks about stopping — there is no such thing. We are not stopping. The war will continue until the end, until we finish it, no less.” Watch: Israel-Hamas war: Israel Army says, 'War in Gaza will last many more months' Currently, Netanyahu's political ratings are plummeting and he has already been abandoned by large chunks of his nationalist base, as per the polls. However, Israelis - who are traumatised by the October 7 massacre - are still supporting the war against Hamas and want Netanyahu to win back. While speaking to The Times, an Israeli security official, who had earlier worked with the prime minister, said, “Netanyahu’s preferred image as Israel’s ‘Mr Security’ is not backed by his actions. Above all, he’s risk-averse and doesn’t like military situations which he feels he can’t control.” (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: PM Netanyahu’s popularity plummets further, say new polls

Amla is a sour fruit, which is filled with antioxidants and vitamin C. It is used widely in traditional medicine and promotes immunity.

Amla is filled with antioxidants, like flavonoids, polyphenols and tannins, which reduce cellular damage and help in combatting oxidative stress.

Amla is a good source of vitamin C which promotes a robust immune system and helps in building defences against infections in the body.


Amla is filled with fibre which improves digestion and prevents constipation. It also promotes overall digestive health and supports a healthy gut microbiome.


Amla's high vitamin C content boosts metabolism and assists in the management of body weight.




The antioxidant properties of amla contribute to skin vitality by decreasing signs of ageing, providing a glow to the skin and promoting collagen synthesis.

6 Reasons To Eat One Amla Every Day


8 Remedies To Reduce Body Swelling, As Per Ayurveda


Adding desi ghee to hot water or hot food is beneficial in reducing body swelling.


Turmeric, which is famous for its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, has been a traditional remedy for reducing pain and swelling in the body.


Regular consumption of red rice can prove effective in the reduction of swelling and provide healthy carbs for improved digestion.


Moong Dal is a great source of protein, and when prepared with asafoetida and cumin, helps in reducing hunger and body swelling.


Antioxidants in ginger and its anti-inflammatory properties make it effective in reducing inflammation.


If amla is included in the diet in the form of jam, pickle or powder, it reduces inflammation and promotes healthy digestion in the body.


Buttermilk not only supports digestive health but also decreases pain and swelling in the body.


Bitter vegetables, such as bitter gourd, are said to be natural detoxifiers and help in alleviating swelling.


8 Remedies To Reduce Body Swelling, As Per Ayurveda

Two people, who have been suspected of being involved in Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar's fatal shooting in British Columbia, are under police surveillance as per reports and are likely to be apprehended by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in the next few weeks, as stated by Canadian daily The Globe and Mail.

In a fatal attack, 45-year-old Hardeep Singh Nijjar was shot multiple times while he was moving out of a Sikh temple in Surrey on June 18. Before the attack, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service had earlier warned him of a potential threat&nbsp;to his life.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-accuses-canada-of-harbouring-terrorists-in-response-to-trudeaus-hinted-tonal-shift-in-relations-672283">India accuses Canada of harbouring terrorists in response to Trudeau's hinted 'tonal shift' in relations</a>

As per the report published in Globe and Mail, the suspected assailants were in Canada after the killing and remained under police surveillance. It is likely that the RCMP will make arrests soon and charges will be pressed against the individuals. The sources said that more details regarding the alleged involvement of the accused and the Indian government will be disclosed by the police.

<h2>India-Canada's strained ties</h2>

The relations between India and Canada have been dented after Hardeep Singh Nijjar was killed on June 18 as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of playing a role in the assassination of Nijjar. The charges were rejected by India as the diplomatic ties strained. Temporarily, India suspended visa operations in Canada and 41 Canadian diplomats - who were posted in India - were sent back while holding them responsible for interference in the internal affairs of India.

New Delhi said that Ottawa has turned into a haven for Khalistani terrorists and that despite being nudged by India, the Canadian government took no action against these elements. On the other hand, India has said it is willing to cooperate with the investigation into the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

Watch:&nbsp;Pannun Murder Plot: Canada PM tones down rhetoric on India&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pannun-murder-plot-canada-pm-tones-down-rhetoric-on-india-world-dna-wion-671956/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Meanwhile, an Indian man Nikhil Gupta has been charged by the United States of conspiring to kill Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil. After the US indictment, the Canadian PM said that he feels the relations with India are likely to have undergone a tonal shift. "I think there is a beginning of an understanding that they can't bluster their way through this and there is an openness to collaborating in a way that perhaps they were less open before," said Trudeau.&nbsp;

Reacting to US allegations, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a recent interview with Financial Times, said that India will look into all the information it has received in the matter. "If a citizen of ours has done anything good or bad, we are ready to look into it. Our commitment is to the rule of law," said PM Modi.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

Two people, who have been suspected of being involved in Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar's fatal shooting in British Columbia, are under police surveillance as per reports and are likely to be apprehended by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in the next few weeks, as stated by Canadian daily The Globe and Mail.

Two people, who have been suspected of being involved in Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar's fatal shooting in British Columbia, are under police surveillance as per reports and are likely to be apprehended by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in the next few weeks, as stated by Canadian daily The Globe and Mail. In a fatal attack, 45-year-old Hardeep Singh Nijjar was shot multiple times while he was moving out of a Sikh temple in Surrey on June 18. Before the attack, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service had earlier warned him of a potential threat to his life. Also read: India accuses Canada of harbouring terrorists in response to Trudeau's hinted 'tonal shift' in relations As per the report published in Globe and Mail, the suspected assailants were in Canada after the killing and remained under police surveillance. It is likely that the RCMP will make arrests soon and charges will be pressed against the individuals. The sources said that more details regarding the alleged involvement of the accused and the Indian government will be disclosed by the police. India-Canada's strained ties The relations between India and Canada have been dented after Hardeep Singh Nijjar was killed on June 18 as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of playing a role in the assassination of Nijjar. The charges were rejected by India as the diplomatic ties strained. Temporarily, India suspended visa operations in Canada and 41 Canadian diplomats - who were posted in India - were sent back while holding them responsible for interference in the internal affairs of India. New Delhi said that Ottawa has turned into a haven for Khalistani terrorists and that despite being nudged by India, the Canadian government took no action against these elements. On the other hand, India has said it is willing to cooperate with the investigation into the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Watch: Pannun Murder Plot: Canada PM tones down rhetoric on India Meanwhile, an Indian man Nikhil Gupta has been charged by the United States of conspiring to kill Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil. After the US indictment, the Canadian PM said that he feels the relations with India are likely to have undergone a tonal shift. "I think there is a beginning of an understanding that they can't bluster their way through this and there is an openness to collaborating in a way that perhaps they were less open before," said Trudeau. Reacting to US allegations, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a recent interview with Financial Times, said that India will look into all the information it has received in the matter. "If a citizen of ours has done anything good or bad, we are ready to look into it. Our commitment is to the rule of law," said PM Modi. (With inputs from agencies)

Suspects of Nijjar killing still in Canada, to be arrested soon: Report

The pockets of India's national capital New Delhi and its surrounding areas were covered in a thick blanket of haze as temperature dipped to 6 degrees Celsius on Thursday morning (Dec 28) and 11 people were reported to have been killed in road accidents. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said that dense fog is likely to envelop Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab till December 31.&nbsp;

An advisory was issued by the weather office, a day after much of north India was covered in a thick blanket of haze, and more than 110 flights and 25 trains were delayed in the national capital.

The visibility dropped to 50 metres at Delhi's Safdarjung observatory at 5:30 am while a visibility of 25 metres was reported in Palam, near Delhi airport. The visibility ranged between 50 to 25 metres in Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh and UP. The met officials stated that visibility dipped to zero at Palam airport from 8 am to 10 am on Wednesday (Dec 27) and remained below 200m till 12:30 pm.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-christmas-welcomed-by-fog-and-cold-temperatures-in-delhi-673266">India: Delhi wakes up to a foggy Christmas morning and chilly weather</a>

As per the officials, the visibility was down to zero at Amritsar, Agra and Allahabad airports till 9 pm.&nbsp;

"Dense to very dense fog (0-25 meters) in some pockets of Uttar Pradesh and in isolated pockets over Haryana, Chandigarh &amp; Delhi, Southwest Rajasthan and north Madhya Pradesh," said the IMD&nbsp;in a post on X.

<h2>Flights, trains delayed, Met predicts 'very dense fog' &nbsp;</h2>

According to Delhi Airport FIDS (Flight Information Display System), approximately 134 domestic and international flights were delayed due to dense fog. Meanwhile, Indian Railways confirmed that 22 trains have been running late in Delhi.

The Met predicted "very dense fog" for morning hours and late night till December 31 in the northern states. However, visibility improved in some areas of Delhi on Thursday morning, even though foggy weather prevailed in the NCR region.

"Fog likely to become more dense and very likely to extend more parts of Uttar Pradesh &amp; north Rajasthan and some parts of extreme north Madhya Pradesh," said the IMD&nbsp;in a post on X, while asking travellers to remain careful and use fog lights while driving their vehicles.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Delhi: Dense fog blankets India's Delhi-NCR region

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/delhi-dense-fog-blankets-indias-delhi-ncr-region-674016/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

As cold wave conditions prevailed, the minimum temperature fell to 6 degrees Celsius while the maximum was likely to not go beyond 21 degrees Celsius.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;air quality remained in the category of "very poor" for another day in New Delhi. New Delhi's average AQI reached 386 and AQI reached 464 which fell in the "severe" category in Anand Vihar. As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the pollution level is likely to stay in the poor category for the next two days.

As fog engulfed roads on Wednesday, multiple collisions were reported across the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. In a collision of multiple vehicles on the Agra-Lucknow Expressway, one person was killed and 12 others injured. In other accidents reported around Uttar Pradesh, eight people were killed.

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

The pockets of India's national capital New Delhi and its surrounding areas were covered in a thick blanket of haze as temperature dipped to 6 degrees Celsius on Thursday morning (Dec 28) and 11 people were reported to have been killed in road accidents.

The pockets of India's national capital New Delhi and its surrounding areas were covered in a thick blanket of haze as temperature dipped to 6 degrees Celsius on Thursday morning (Dec 28) and 11 people were reported to have been killed in road accidents. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said that dense fog is likely to envelop Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab till December 31. An advisory was issued by the weather office, a day after much of north India was covered in a thick blanket of haze, and more than 110 flights and 25 trains were delayed in the national capital. The visibility dropped to 50 metres at Delhi's Safdarjung observatory at 5:30 am while a visibility of 25 metres was reported in Palam, near Delhi airport. The visibility ranged between 50 to 25 metres in Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh and UP. The met officials stated that visibility dipped to zero at Palam airport from 8 am to 10 am on Wednesday (Dec 27) and remained below 200m till 12:30 pm. Also read: India: Delhi wakes up to a foggy Christmas morning and chilly weather As per the officials, the visibility was down to zero at Amritsar, Agra and Allahabad airports till 9 pm. "Dense to very dense fog (0-25 meters) in some pockets of Uttar Pradesh and in isolated pockets over Haryana, Chandigarh & Delhi, Southwest Rajasthan and north Madhya Pradesh," said the IMD in a post on X. Flights, trains delayed, Met predicts 'very dense fog' According to Delhi Airport FIDS (Flight Information Display System), approximately 134 domestic and international flights were delayed due to dense fog. Meanwhile, Indian Railways confirmed that 22 trains have been running late in Delhi. The Met predicted "very dense fog" for morning hours and late night till December 31 in the northern states. However, visibility improved in some areas of Delhi on Thursday morning, even though foggy weather prevailed in the NCR region. "Fog likely to become more dense and very likely to extend more parts of Uttar Pradesh & north Rajasthan and some parts of extreme north Madhya Pradesh," said the IMD in a post on X, while asking travellers to remain careful and use fog lights while driving their vehicles. Watch: Delhi: Dense fog blankets India's Delhi-NCR region As cold wave conditions prevailed, the minimum temperature fell to 6 degrees Celsius while the maximum was likely to not go beyond 21 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, air quality remained in the category of "very poor" for another day in New Delhi. New Delhi's average AQI reached 386 and AQI reached 464 which fell in the "severe" category in Anand Vihar. As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the pollution level is likely to stay in the poor category for the next two days. As fog engulfed roads on Wednesday, multiple collisions were reported across the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. In a collision of multiple vehicles on the Agra-Lucknow Expressway, one person was killed and 12 others injured. In other accidents reported around Uttar Pradesh, eight people were killed. (With inputs from agencies)

Thick fog blankets North India: Airports battle zero visibility, 11 die in road accidents

NASA relaunched a mission to study&nbsp;the “God of Chaos” asteroid as it started coming closer to the orbit of Earth.&nbsp;

A spacecraft, which had recently returned from deep space, was returned by NASA to carry out three studies.&nbsp;

NASA’s spacecraft OSIRIS-REx - which has been named the OSIRIS-APEX - was sent off to study the extremely close flyby of asteroid Apophis&nbsp;in 2029, the like&nbsp;of which “hasn’t happened since the dawn of recorded history,” announced NASA.

The spacecraft came back to Earth in September after it collected samples from space rock Bennu for seven years.&nbsp;

Apophis, also called the “God of Chaos”, is likely to fly close to Earth on April 13, 2029, and will be only 20,000 miles away, which is closer in comparison to a few manmade satellites and will be visible in the Eastern Hemisphere.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-says-an-asteroid-has-come-near-earth-check-details-673517">NASA says an asteroid has come near Earth, check details</a>

The space rock, which measures nearly 370 yards across, approaches the Earth every 7,500 years.&nbsp;

The gravity of Earth will affect the space rock as it comes close to the orbit and OSIRIS-APEX will understand the aftermath to see “how its surface changes,” as per Amy Simon, the mission’s project scientist.

<h2>Earth to alter length of day on asteroid</h2>

The Earth’s effects are likely to change the length of the asteroid's day, which at present is around 30.6 hours per day. It can also lead to landslides and quakes on the "God of Chaos".

"We know that tidal forces and the accumulation of rubble pile material are foundational processes that could play a role in planet formation,” said Dani Mendoza DellaGiustina, principal investigator for OSIRIS-APEX at the University of Arizona in Tucson, in a statement.

"They could inform how we got from debris in the early solar system to full-blown planets," DellaGiustina added. On April 13, 2029, the spacecraft will meet the S-type asteroid, but will not land on its surface, and will “operate in proximity” to it for the next 18 months.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;WION Rewind India's moments of glory: India creates Lunar history with Chandrayaan-3

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-rewind-indias-moments-of-glory-india-creates-lunar-history-with-chandrayaan-3-672955/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

NASA said that the spacecraft would not only look to observe the surface changes but would also map the surface and analyse the chemical makeup of the rock.

The spacecraft will also go within 16 feet of the surface of the rock so that its thrusters can be fired downwards to see what has stirred it up and provide scientists with a “peek at the material that lies below.”

Even though the rock is still five years away from coming close to the Earth, scientists will keep tracking it as it reaches its first of six close passes with the sun.

(With inputs from agencies)

NASA relaunched a mission to study the “God of Chaos” asteroid as it started coming closer to the orbit of Earth. A spacecraft, which had recently returned from deep space, was returned by NASA to carry out three studies.

NASA relaunched a mission to study the “God of Chaos” asteroid as it started coming closer to the orbit of Earth. A spacecraft, which had recently returned from deep space, was returned by NASA to carry out three studies. NASA’s spacecraft OSIRIS-REx - which has been named the OSIRIS-APEX - was sent off to study the extremely close flyby of asteroid Apophis in 2029, the like of which “hasn’t happened since the dawn of recorded history,” announced NASA. The spacecraft came back to Earth in September after it collected samples from space rock Bennu for seven years. Apophis, also called the “God of Chaos”, is likely to fly close to Earth on April 13, 2029, and will be only 20,000 miles away, which is closer in comparison to a few manmade satellites and will be visible in the Eastern Hemisphere. Also read: NASA says an asteroid has come near Earth, check details The space rock, which measures nearly 370 yards across, approaches the Earth every 7,500 years. The gravity of Earth will affect the space rock as it comes close to the orbit and OSIRIS-APEX will understand the aftermath to see “how its surface changes,” as per Amy Simon, the mission’s project scientist. Earth to alter length of day on asteroid The Earth’s effects are likely to change the length of the asteroid's day, which at present is around 30.6 hours per day. It can also lead to landslides and quakes on the "God of Chaos". "We know that tidal forces and the accumulation of rubble pile material are foundational processes that could play a role in planet formation,” said Dani Mendoza DellaGiustina, principal investigator for OSIRIS-APEX at the University of Arizona in Tucson, in a statement. "They could inform how we got from debris in the early solar system to full-blown planets," DellaGiustina added. On April 13, 2029, the spacecraft will meet the S-type asteroid, but will not land on its surface, and will “operate in proximity” to it for the next 18 months. Watch: WION Rewind India's moments of glory: India creates Lunar history with Chandrayaan-3 NASA said that the spacecraft would not only look to observe the surface changes but would also map the surface and analyse the chemical makeup of the rock. The spacecraft will also go within 16 feet of the surface of the rock so that its thrusters can be fired downwards to see what has stirred it up and provide scientists with a “peek at the material that lies below.” Even though the rock is still five years away from coming close to the Earth, scientists will keep tracking it as it reaches its first of six close passes with the sun. (With inputs from agencies)

Asteroid Apophis to flyby Earth in first of its kind encounter in recorded history

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