Speaking to media, 10 days after India's biggest money heist&nbsp;saw a record ₹ 350 crore ($42 million) getting seized from the premises of Congress MP Dhiraj Sahu, the political leader on Friday (Dec 15) said that his family has been running the business and the recovered cash does not directly belong to him. He added that the cash recovered in the raid&nbsp;belongs to the companies. 
 
He further emphasised that the money is not in any way related to the Congress or any other political party of the country. 
 
The Income Tax started conducting raids against a firm Boudh Distillery Pvt Ltd as well as associated entities, which are owned by the family of Sahu on December 6, which ended on Friday (Dec 15). 
 
In the searches carried out by the Income Tax in Odisha and Jharkhand, they discovered cash worth ₹ 353.5 crore ($42 million) which marked the biggest single seizure ever made by India's investigative agency.

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The record recovery of cash and videos and photos of almirahs' stashed cash were shared by the ruling Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) to accuse the Congress of corruption. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took a dig at the opposition, while using the reference to the TV series 'Money Heist'.

<h2>MP says facing 'such' allegation for first time</h2>

Speaking to news agency ANI, Sahu said that he has been actively involved in politics for nearly 35 years and it is the first time he is facing such an allegation. 
 
"I am hurt, and I can say with conviction that the money that has been recovered is my firm's. We have been in the liquor business for over 100 years. I am involved in politics and did not pay much attention to the business. That was looked after by my family, and I would just ask how things were from time to time," he said. 
 
The Rajya Sabha MP, who hails from Jharkhand, said that he has a huge joint family and the business is run by him and his five brothers. He added that the children also look after different aspects of the companies.

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"The money that has been recovered is related to our firms involved in the liquor business. Our business is transparent. The money is from the sale of alcohol and it is in cash because sales in the liquor business happen in cash. The cash was from sales collections and had nothing to do with Congress or any other party. It is the money of my companies," the Rajya Sabha MP said. 
 
"Some of the firms belong to my relatives and no money has been recovered from the premises of Boudh Distillery Pvt Ltd, where some of the liquor is made. The money is not mine, it is my family's as well as of related companies. My family members will give clarifications, if needed, to the Income Tax department. We will co-operate with the authorities," Sahu added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Speaking to media, 10 days after India's biggest money heist saw a record ₹ 350 crore ($42 million) getting seized from the premises of Congress MP Dhiraj Sahu, the political leader on Friday (Dec 15) said that his family has been running the business and the recovered cash does not directly belong to him.

Speaking to media, 10 days after India's biggest money heist saw a record ₹ 350 crore ($42 million) getting seized from the premises of Congress MP Dhiraj Sahu, the political leader on Friday (Dec 15) said that his family has been running the business and the recovered cash does not directly belong to him. He added that the cash recovered in the raid belongs to the companies. He further emphasised that the money is not in any way related to the Congress or any other political party of the country. The Income Tax started conducting raids against a firm Boudh Distillery Pvt Ltd as well as associated entities, which are owned by the family of Sahu on December 6, which ended on Friday (Dec 15). In the searches carried out by the Income Tax in Odisha and Jharkhand, they discovered cash worth ₹ 353.5 crore ($42 million) which marked the biggest single seizure ever made by India's investigative agency. Also read: Explained: Currency machines 'give in' as I-T raids in India recover $42mn from Congress' Dhiraj Sahu The record recovery of cash and videos and photos of almirahs' stashed cash were shared by the ruling Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) to accuse the Congress of corruption. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took a dig at the opposition, while using the reference to the TV series 'Money Heist'. MP says facing 'such' allegation for first time Speaking to news agency ANI, Sahu said that he has been actively involved in politics for nearly 35 years and it is the first time he is facing such an allegation. "I am hurt, and I can say with conviction that the money that has been recovered is my firm's. We have been in the liquor business for over 100 years. I am involved in politics and did not pay much attention to the business. That was looked after by my family, and I would just ask how things were from time to time," he said. The Rajya Sabha MP, who hails from Jharkhand, said that he has a huge joint family and the business is run by him and his five brothers. He added that the children also look after different aspects of the companies. Watch: Gravitas | COVID-19 Cases Surge in India: New Subvariant Raises Concerns "The money that has been recovered is related to our firms involved in the liquor business. Our business is transparent. The money is from the sale of alcohol and it is in cash because sales in the liquor business happen in cash. The cash was from sales collections and had nothing to do with Congress or any other party. It is the money of my companies," the Rajya Sabha MP said. "Some of the firms belong to my relatives and no money has been recovered from the premises of Boudh Distillery Pvt Ltd, where some of the liquor is made. The money is not mine, it is my family's as well as of related companies. My family members will give clarifications, if needed, to the Income Tax department. We will co-operate with the authorities," Sahu added. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Congress has 'no links' with $42mn recovered in raid, says MP Sahu

Cardinal Angelo Becciu, who was once a former advisor to Pope Francis and was seen as a papal contender himself, has been sentenced to 5.5 years of imprisonment for financial crimes in a historic Vatican fraud trial on Saturday (Dec 16). 
 
The 75-year-old once powerful Italian cardinal was jailed by a Vatican Court for financial crimes, which brought the historic trial to an end 
 
Becciu, who was the Catholic Church's most senior clergyman, had earlier strongly denied charges which included abuse of office and embezzlement. 
 
He along with nine other defendants, which includes lawyers, financiers, and former Vatican employees, were on trial after they were accused of financial crimes which focused on an opaque property deal done in London.

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The verdict was read out by court president Giuseppe Pignatone on Saturday (Dec 16), with Becciu facing accusations of abuse of office, witness tampering and embezzlement. 
 
Becciu's lawyer Fabio Viglione said that they will respect the court's sentence but will "certainly" appeal. He was further imposed a fine of €8,000 (approx. $8726).

<h2>Vatican fraud trial</h2>

At the centre of the Vatican fraud trial was the purchase of a luxury property, worth €350 million ($380 million), in London which was part of an investment which started in 2014 and ended with the Vatican paying tens of millions of euros. 
 
The trial, which started in July 2021, has brought to the limelight the murky finances of the Holy See, which Pope Francis has decided to clean up since he took the helm of the Catholic Church in March 2013. This is also a test of his reforms. 
 
Francis, just weeks before the trial, gave the civilian courts of the Vatican the power to try bishops and cardinals, where earlier they were judged by a court which presided over by cardinals. 
 
Prosecutor Alessandro Diddi had called for seven years and three months of imprisonment for Becciu, and nearly four and 13 years prison sentence for the others.

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Becciu had always said that he was innocent and that the accusations against him as "totally unfounded" and added that he never took a cent. 
 
The Holy See, meanwhile, viewed itself as "an offended party" and had asked the court, via Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, to "punish all crimes". 
 
Among the Vatican entities, four are civil parties who had requested compensation from the defendants, which included €177 million (approx. $193 million) for reputational and moral damage.

(With inputs from agencies)

Cardinal Angelo Becciu, who was once a former advisor to Pope Francis and was seen as a papal contender himself, has been sentenced to 5.5 years of imprisonment for financial crimes in a historic Vatican fraud trial on Saturday (Dec 16).

Cardinal Angelo Becciu, who was once a former advisor to Pope Francis and was seen as a papal contender himself, has been sentenced to 5.5 years of imprisonment for financial crimes in a historic Vatican fraud trial on Saturday (Dec 16). The 75-year-old once powerful Italian cardinal was jailed by a Vatican Court for financial crimes, which brought the historic trial to an end Becciu, who was the Catholic Church's most senior clergyman, had earlier strongly denied charges which included abuse of office and embezzlement. He along with nine other defendants, which includes lawyers, financiers, and former Vatican employees, were on trial after they were accused of financial crimes which focused on an opaque property deal done in London. Also read: Pope Francis calls for binding global treaty to regulate AI The verdict was read out by court president Giuseppe Pignatone on Saturday (Dec 16), with Becciu facing accusations of abuse of office, witness tampering and embezzlement. Becciu's lawyer Fabio Viglione said that they will respect the court's sentence but will "certainly" appeal. He was further imposed a fine of €8,000 (approx. $8726). Vatican fraud trial At the centre of the Vatican fraud trial was the purchase of a luxury property, worth €350 million ($380 million), in London which was part of an investment which started in 2014 and ended with the Vatican paying tens of millions of euros. The trial, which started in July 2021, has brought to the limelight the murky finances of the Holy See, which Pope Francis has decided to clean up since he took the helm of the Catholic Church in March 2013. This is also a test of his reforms. Francis, just weeks before the trial, gave the civilian courts of the Vatican the power to try bishops and cardinals, where earlier they were judged by a court which presided over by cardinals. Prosecutor Alessandro Diddi had called for seven years and three months of imprisonment for Becciu, and nearly four and 13 years prison sentence for the others. Watch: Vatican re-creates first-ever nativity scene from 800-years-ago, lights up Christmas tree | WION Becciu had always said that he was innocent and that the accusations against him as "totally unfounded" and added that he never took a cent. The Holy See, meanwhile, viewed itself as "an offended party" and had asked the court, via Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, to "punish all crimes". Among the Vatican entities, four are civil parties who had requested compensation from the defendants, which included €177 million (approx. $193 million) for reputational and moral damage. (With inputs from agencies)

Cardinal Becciu sent to prison for 5.5 years in historic Vatican fraud trial

On December 16, 1971, Bangladesh was liberated from the clutches of Pakistan. India fought a 13-day war to free its neighbour. How did it happen? What was India's role? Join Molly Gambhir on Gravitas Plus for more.

Gravitas Plus: Remembering Bangladesh Liberation War: How India helped its neighbour

China's leading artificial intelligence firm SenseTime's founder and influential computer scientist Tang Xiao'ou&nbsp;died at the age of 51, said the company, in a statement on Saturday (Dec 16). 
 
"It is with an extremely heavy heart that we announce to everyone the sorrowful news: Our beloved founder... Tang Xiao'ou, due to an illness that could not be treated, left us forever at 23:45 on December 15, 2023," said SenseTime, in an online post. 
 
Tang, who was an alumnus of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and was appointed as a former professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, established SenseTime in 2014.

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The specific reason behind the death of a renowned computer scientist has not been revealed. 
 
Hailing Tang in its statement on Saturday (Dec 16), SenseTime said that he was "an outstanding representative in (China's) AI field", and called him "knowledgeable, rigorous in scholarship, truth-seeking and pragmatic". 
 
"The company mission he formulated, to 'insist on originality and let AI lead human progress' will inspire all SenseTime people," the firm stated. As a “pioneer in China’s AI industry”, Tang will continue to remain as an inspiration for others, said the company.

<h2>Revenue fabrication row, US trade blacklist</h2>

On November 28, SenseTime Group – after getting involved in revenue fabrication row – said that Grizzly Research LLC's short-seller report is 'without merit' and that they will review the allegations against the company. 
 
The report alleged that the AI firm was inflating its revenue artificially through revenue fabrication schemes.

Watch:&nbsp;China hopes parties in Myanmar will implement agreements, brokers peace talks

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Meanwhile, in 2019, SenseTime was placed on a US trade blacklist and faced accusations of being an arm of China's "military-industrial complex" and using its technology to carry out mass surveillance in the western region of Xinjiang. 
 
In December 2021, the initial public offering of the firm in Hong Kong was delayed after it faced new restrictions by the United States over the related accusations. However, it was able to successfully list on the exchange before the end of the year. 
 
Tang's experience is extensive in American academia and he earned a PhD from MIT in 1996 after he completed an MSc from the University of Rochester in 1991.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

China's leading artificial intelligence firm SenseTime's founder and influential computer scientist Tang Xiao'ou died at the age of 51, said the company, in a statement on Saturday (Dec 16).

China's leading artificial intelligence firm SenseTime's founder and influential computer scientist Tang Xiao'ou died at the age of 51, said the company, in a statement on Saturday (Dec 16). "It is with an extremely heavy heart that we announce to everyone the sorrowful news: Our beloved founder... Tang Xiao'ou, due to an illness that could not be treated, left us forever at 23:45 on December 15, 2023," said SenseTime, in an online post. Tang, who was an alumnus of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and was appointed as a former professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, established SenseTime in 2014. Also read: China's ban on Apple's iPhone accelerates The specific reason behind the death of a renowned computer scientist has not been revealed. Hailing Tang in its statement on Saturday (Dec 16), SenseTime said that he was "an outstanding representative in (China's) AI field", and called him "knowledgeable, rigorous in scholarship, truth-seeking and pragmatic". "The company mission he formulated, to 'insist on originality and let AI lead human progress' will inspire all SenseTime people," the firm stated. As a “pioneer in China’s AI industry”, Tang will continue to remain as an inspiration for others, said the company. Revenue fabrication row, US trade blacklist On November 28, SenseTime Group – after getting involved in revenue fabrication row – said that Grizzly Research LLC's short-seller report is 'without merit' and that they will review the allegations against the company. The report alleged that the AI firm was inflating its revenue artificially through revenue fabrication schemes. Watch: China hopes parties in Myanmar will implement agreements, brokers peace talks Meanwhile, in 2019, SenseTime was placed on a US trade blacklist and faced accusations of being an arm of China's "military-industrial complex" and using its technology to carry out mass surveillance in the western region of Xinjiang. In December 2021, the initial public offering of the firm in Hong Kong was delayed after it faced new restrictions by the United States over the related accusations. However, it was able to successfully list on the exchange before the end of the year. Tang's experience is extensive in American academia and he earned a PhD from MIT in 1996 after he completed an MSc from the University of Rochester in 1991. (With inputs from agencies)

China: AI giant SenseTime founder Tang Xiao'ou dies days after revenue fabrication row

The five people, who were arrested for the Parliament security breach on December 13, said that they were earlier considering options of self-immolation and distribution of pamphlets before they decided to jump from the visitors' gallery into the Lok Sabha with smoke canisters, said Delhi Police officials on Saturday (Dec 16). 
 
The Special Cell of Delhi Police, which has been investigating the case, also plans&nbsp;to record the&nbsp;statement of BJP MP Pratap Simha, who had issued the visitor passes to the two men who later breached the security. 
 
Two men, identified as Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D, jumped from the public gallery into Lok Sabha during the Zero Hour and released yellow smoke from canisters while shouting slogans, after which the MPs and security officials overpowered them. 
 
At the same time, two others - Amol Shinde and Neelam Devi - released coloured smoke from canisters while they shouted "tanashahi nahi chalegi" (dictatorship will not prevail) outside the Parliament premises. 
 
The fifth accused, Lalit Jha, allegedly circulated videos of the protest, which took place outside the parliament, on social media.

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"Before finalising this plan (to jump into the Lok Sabha chamber), they (accused) had explored certain ways that could be impactful in sending across their message," said a Delhi Police official, who had information about the investigations, while speaking to the Press Trust of India.

<h2>Plans to distribute pamphlets, carry out self-immolation</h2>

The first option which they explored was immolating themselves by putting fireproof gel all over their bodies, however, later they dropped this idea. 
 
The official said that they were also considering distributing pamphlets inside the Parliament&nbsp;and later forming a political party but finally went ahead with the plan which they executed on Wednesday.

Watch:&nbsp;Parliament Security Breach: Mastermind Lalit Jha makes big revelation after surrender

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The official said that a team of the Special Cell's Counter Intelligence has also planned to record the official statement of Simha, the BJP's MP from Mysore. 
 
On Friday, the investigators took the accused to different places where they held meetings and conspired on the parliament security breach. 
 
All the six accused arrested were sent to seven days of police custody.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The five people, who were arrested for the Parliament security breach on December 13, said that they were earlier considering options of self-immolation and distribution of pamphlets before they decided to jump from the visitors' gallery into the Lok Sabha with smoke canisters, said Delhi Police officials on Saturday (Dec 16).

The five people, who were arrested for the Parliament security breach on December 13, said that they were earlier considering options of self-immolation and distribution of pamphlets before they decided to jump from the visitors' gallery into the Lok Sabha with smoke canisters, said Delhi Police officials on Saturday (Dec 16). The Special Cell of Delhi Police, which has been investigating the case, also plans to record the statement of BJP MP Pratap Simha, who had issued the visitor passes to the two men who later breached the security. Two men, identified as Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D, jumped from the public gallery into Lok Sabha during the Zero Hour and released yellow smoke from canisters while shouting slogans, after which the MPs and security officials overpowered them. At the same time, two others - Amol Shinde and Neelam Devi - released coloured smoke from canisters while they shouted "tanashahi nahi chalegi" (dictatorship will not prevail) outside the Parliament premises. The fifth accused, Lalit Jha, allegedly circulated videos of the protest, which took place outside the parliament, on social media. Also read: Indian Parliament security breach: Exploring the dynamics of suspension of MPs "Before finalising this plan (to jump into the Lok Sabha chamber), they (accused) had explored certain ways that could be impactful in sending across their message," said a Delhi Police official, who had information about the investigations, while speaking to the Press Trust of India. Plans to distribute pamphlets, carry out self-immolation The first option which they explored was immolating themselves by putting fireproof gel all over their bodies, however, later they dropped this idea. The official said that they were also considering distributing pamphlets inside the Parliament and later forming a political party but finally went ahead with the plan which they executed on Wednesday. Watch: Parliament Security Breach: Mastermind Lalit Jha makes big revelation after surrender The official said that a team of the Special Cell's Counter Intelligence has also planned to record the official statement of Simha, the BJP's MP from Mysore. On Friday, the investigators took the accused to different places where they held meetings and conspired on the parliament security breach. All the six accused arrested were sent to seven days of police custody. (With inputs from agencies)

Parliament security breach: Five accused reveal their initial plan to perform self-immolation

Amid raging Arab-Israel tensions,&nbsp;Iranian authorities on Saturday (Dec 16) executed a man who was handed over the death sentence after he was found working for the intelligence services of Israel, Mossad, said the judiciary. 
 
"The death sentence was carried out this morning against a spy of the Zionist regime in Zahedan prison” in the southeastern province of Sistan-Baluchistan, said the judiciary's Mizan Online website. 
 
The identity of the man was not revealed but Iran said that he was convicted of "intelligence co-operation and espionage for the benefit of the hostile Zionist regime (Israel)".

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Meanwhile, the official IRNA news agency said, "This person communicated with foreign services, specifically Mossad, collecting classified information, and with participation with associates, provided documents to foreign services, including the Mossad.” 
 
It added the accused man had provided classified information to a "Mossad officer" which was aimed at spreading "propaganda for groups and organisations opposed to the Islamic Republic". 
 
It was not immediately known when and in which place the accused was arrested or put on trial.

<h2>Several hangings, multiple arrests in Iran</h2>

Previously, Iran announced the arrests of alleged agents who, as per the authorities, were working for foreign countries, which includes Israel, which remains its regional arch-foe. 
 
The Islamic Republic in December 2022 executed four people who were accused of collaborating with the intelligence services of Israel. 
 
Iran has refused to recognise Israel and the two countries have been involved in a shadow war for years. Israel has been accused by Tehran of carrying out multiple sabotage attacks and assassinations which targeted its nuclear programme.

Watch:&nbsp;Israel-Palestine war: WION takes you inside an IDF base near Gaza | WION Ground Report

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Iran has been accused by the United States and Israel of using drones and missiles to attack US forces and Israel-linked ships in the Gulf. 
 
As per the human rights groups, which included Amnesty International, the countries which carry out maximum executions are Iran and China. 
 
As per a November report, the Iran Human Rights group – which is based in Norway – said that more than 600 people have been executed by the Islamic Republic so far this year, which marks the highest figure in eight years. Generally, Iran carries out executions by hanging people.

(With inputs from agencies)

Amid raging Arab-Israel tensions, Iranian authorities on Saturday (Dec 16) executed a man who was handed over the death sentence after he was found working for the intelligence services of Israel, Mossad, said the judiciary.

Amid raging Arab-Israel tensions, Iranian authorities on Saturday (Dec 16) executed a man who was handed over the death sentence after he was found working for the intelligence services of Israel, Mossad, said the judiciary. "The death sentence was carried out this morning against a spy of the Zionist regime in Zahedan prison” in the southeastern province of Sistan-Baluchistan, said the judiciary's Mizan Online website. The identity of the man was not revealed but Iran said that he was convicted of "intelligence co-operation and espionage for the benefit of the hostile Zionist regime (Israel)". Also read: Israel starts flooding seawater in Gaza tunnels to dismantle Hamas network: Report Meanwhile, the official IRNA news agency said, "This person communicated with foreign services, specifically Mossad, collecting classified information, and with participation with associates, provided documents to foreign services, including the Mossad.” It added the accused man had provided classified information to a "Mossad officer" which was aimed at spreading "propaganda for groups and organisations opposed to the Islamic Republic". It was not immediately known when and in which place the accused was arrested or put on trial. Several hangings, multiple arrests in Iran Previously, Iran announced the arrests of alleged agents who, as per the authorities, were working for foreign countries, which includes Israel, which remains its regional arch-foe. The Islamic Republic in December 2022 executed four people who were accused of collaborating with the intelligence services of Israel. Iran has refused to recognise Israel and the two countries have been involved in a shadow war for years. Israel has been accused by Tehran of carrying out multiple sabotage attacks and assassinations which targeted its nuclear programme. Watch: Israel-Palestine war: WION takes you inside an IDF base near Gaza | WION Ground Report Iran has been accused by the United States and Israel of using drones and missiles to attack US forces and Israel-linked ships in the Gulf. As per the human rights groups, which included Amnesty International, the countries which carry out maximum executions are Iran and China. As per a November report, the Iran Human Rights group – which is based in Norway – said that more than 600 people have been executed by the Islamic Republic so far this year, which marks the highest figure in eight years. Generally, Iran carries out executions by hanging people. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran executes man linked with Israel's intelligence service amid raging war in Gaza

5 Flowers That Have An Uncanny Resemblance With Animals

This is a kind of succulent, which is popularly called dolphin succulent, and resembles the jumping dolphins.

This is an unusual monkey-faced type of orchid which resembles the face of a monkey.

This is another kind of unique orchid which appears similar to a male bumble bee.

This is a very beautiful flower which looks like a multi-coloured parrot.

Habenaria Radiata is a beautiful white orchid which looks like a white egret with wings out.


7 Indian Snacks Which Help In Decreasing LDL Cholesterol

Chickpeas are a good source of soluble fibre and help in decreasing LDL cholesterol.

Almonds and flaxseeds are filled with antioxidants which help in supporting cholesterol management.

Mathri is a famous Indian snack which if made using multigrains and baked instead of being fried, can become a wholesome low-cholesterol snack.

Lentils are not only satiating but also help in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.

This is a nutritious and healthy chaat which is filled with antioxidants that support the health of the heart.

Upma, when prepared using quinoa and packed with veggies, makes for a satisfying and cholesterol-friendly snack.

The oats present in this interesting snack are a powerhouse of beta-glucans which help in decreasing cholesterol levels.

The Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen launched a missile at a cargo ship which was en route to Saudi Arabia on Thursday (Dec 13). However, the target was missed, said a US official as well as a private intelligence firm. 
 
In the incident, which involved Danish shipping giant Maersk Gibraltar's container ship, no one was hurt. The ship was sailing from Salalah, Oman to Jeddah, stated the Danish shipping giant. 
 
In a statement, Maersk Gibraltar said, "The crew and vessel is reported safe”, further stating that the company was "still working to establish the facts of the incident".

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Meanwhile, a US official said, "We have indications that a missile was fired at the Maersk Gibraltar from a Huthi-controlled area of Yemen, and that it hit the water and missed the ship.”

<h2>Attacks on commercial vessels an issue of concern: Maersk</h2>

The missile attack came at a time when dozens of drones and missiles are being fired daily by the rebels at ships, who have confirmed their support to Palestine in the Israel-Hamas war. 
 
In the statement, Maersk said, "The recent attacks on commercial vessels... are extremely concerning. The current situation puts seafarer lives at risk and is unsustainable for global trade. As it cannot be solved by the global shipping industry on its own, we call on political action to ensure a swift de-escalation." 
 
As per Intelligence firm Ambrey, the Marshall Islands-owned ship fired missiles when it was 45 nautical miles off the coast of Mocha, and added that the crew remained unharmed.

Watch:&nbsp;Israel's Foreign Minister: War in Gaza would continue 'with or without international support'

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"Ambrey understands that the parent company has cooperated with an Israeli carrier but this particular vessel was not assessed to be Israeli-operated at the time of writing," said the firm, in a statement. 
 
The Houthis have announced that they would attack any ship&nbsp;moving off the coast of Yemen and have links to Israel. The attack took place near Bab-el-Mandeb, which is the strait between northeast Africa and Yemen leading to the Red Sea. This is considered a key route for reaching the Suez Canal and Israel's southern port of Eilat. 
 
Ambrey said that the Houthis followed the same pattern which they adopted for other vessels recently. They first ordered the ship to dock in a Yemeni port and then fired it, when it failed to comply with their instructions, the firm added. 
 
Hamas on Saturday (Dec 9) said that they "will prevent the passage of ships heading to the Zionist entity" if medicine and food are not sent into besieged Gaza.

(With&nbsp;inputs from agencies)

The Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen launched a missile at a cargo ship which was en route to Saudi Arabia on Thursday (Dec 13). However, the target was missed, said a US official as well as a private intelligence firm.

The Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen launched a missile at a cargo ship which was en route to Saudi Arabia on Thursday (Dec 13). However, the target was missed, said a US official as well as a private intelligence firm. In the incident, which involved Danish shipping giant Maersk Gibraltar's container ship, no one was hurt. The ship was sailing from Salalah, Oman to Jeddah, stated the Danish shipping giant. In a statement, Maersk Gibraltar said, "The crew and vessel is reported safe”, further stating that the company was "still working to establish the facts of the incident". Also read: Despite Israel-Hamas war, number of journalists killed on job declines in 2023: Report Meanwhile, a US official said, "We have indications that a missile was fired at the Maersk Gibraltar from a Huthi-controlled area of Yemen, and that it hit the water and missed the ship.” Attacks on commercial vessels an issue of concern: Maersk The missile attack came at a time when dozens of drones and missiles are being fired daily by the rebels at ships, who have confirmed their support to Palestine in the Israel-Hamas war. In the statement, Maersk said, "The recent attacks on commercial vessels... are extremely concerning. The current situation puts seafarer lives at risk and is unsustainable for global trade. As it cannot be solved by the global shipping industry on its own, we call on political action to ensure a swift de-escalation." As per Intelligence firm Ambrey, the Marshall Islands-owned ship fired missiles when it was 45 nautical miles off the coast of Mocha, and added that the crew remained unharmed. Watch: Israel's Foreign Minister: War in Gaza would continue 'with or without international support' "Ambrey understands that the parent company has cooperated with an Israeli carrier but this particular vessel was not assessed to be Israeli-operated at the time of writing," said the firm, in a statement. The Houthis have announced that they would attack any ship moving off the coast of Yemen and have links to Israel. The attack took place near Bab-el-Mandeb, which is the strait between northeast Africa and Yemen leading to the Red Sea. This is considered a key route for reaching the Suez Canal and Israel's southern port of Eilat. Ambrey said that the Houthis followed the same pattern which they adopted for other vessels recently. They first ordered the ship to dock in a Yemeni port and then fired it, when it failed to comply with their instructions, the firm added. Hamas on Saturday (Dec 9) said that they "will prevent the passage of ships heading to the Zionist entity" if medicine and food are not sent into besieged Gaza. (With inputs from agencies)

Yemen’s Houthi rebels hit cargo ship with missiles in Red Sea

Scientists have warned that the Arctic has hidden beneath its frozen ground a methane monster that is threatening to show its ugly head. 
 
Scientists are still unaware of how big the threat is and who will suffer the most, however, what remains clear is that the permanently frozen soil – which is called permafrost – has been melting amid increasing temperatures and further threatening to release massive amounts of methane, which is an extremely potent fossil fuel, from its icy prison. 
 
While trying to understand the methane's deep distribution in the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, the scientists have figured out a scary new truth.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-what-will-happen-if-global-heating-target-of-15c-is-missed-669445">Explained: What will happen if global heating target of 1.5C is missed?</a>

The researchers in Norway while analysing the data from eight exploration wells – which were drilled in the local permafrost by fossil fuel companies – have discovered that half of them were filled with substantial amounts of methane gas.

<h2>What are the chances of methane reaching the ground's surface?</h2>

As per the finding, the deep methane – which is two metres below the frozen ground's surface – is not difficult to find in the archipelago, and carries the chances of easily reaching the surface when 'unlocked'. This also applies to other parts of the Arctic, which also have similar geological origins. 
 
"All the wells that encountered gas accumulations did so by coincidence – by contrast, hydrocarbon exploration wells that specifically target accumulations in more typical settings had a success rate far below 50 per cent," said geologist and lead author Thomas Birchall from the University Center in Svalbard, while speaking to Science Alert. 
 
"One anecdotal example is from a wellbore that was drilled recently near the airport in Longyearbyen. The drillers heard a bubbling sound coming from the well, so we decided to have a look, armed with rudimentary alarms designed for detecting explosive levels of methane – which were immediately triggered when we held them over the wellbore,” he added.

Watch:&nbsp;COP28 Summit: 200 countries to hash out solutions for climate change

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Even after fossil fuel companies carried out drilling for more than 50 years, this is the first study which systematically analysed the amount of methane gas lying at the base of Svalbard's permafrost. 
 
As of now, there is no clear estimate of how much methane has been leaking from Arctic permafrost. The current research has been carried out in Svalbard and is based on data collected from 18 hydrocarbon exploration wells, 500 coal exploration bores, and 10 scientific boreholes.

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists have warned that the Arctic has hidden beneath its frozen ground a methane monster that is threatening to show its ugly head. Scientists are still unaware of how big the threat is and who will suffer the most, however, what remains clear is that the permanently frozen soil – which is called permafrost – has been melting amid increasing temperatures and further threatening to release massive amounts of methane, which is an extremely potent fossil fuel, from its icy prison.

Scientists have warned that the Arctic has hidden beneath its frozen ground a methane monster that is threatening to show its ugly head. Scientists are still unaware of how big the threat is and who will suffer the most, however, what remains clear is that the permanently frozen soil – which is called permafrost – has been melting amid increasing temperatures and further threatening to release massive amounts of methane, which is an extremely potent fossil fuel, from its icy prison. While trying to understand the methane's deep distribution in the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, the scientists have figured out a scary new truth. Also read: Explained: What will happen if global heating target of 1.5C is missed? The researchers in Norway while analysing the data from eight exploration wells – which were drilled in the local permafrost by fossil fuel companies – have discovered that half of them were filled with substantial amounts of methane gas. What are the chances of methane reaching the ground's surface? As per the finding, the deep methane – which is two metres below the frozen ground's surface – is not difficult to find in the archipelago, and carries the chances of easily reaching the surface when 'unlocked'. This also applies to other parts of the Arctic, which also have similar geological origins. "All the wells that encountered gas accumulations did so by coincidence – by contrast, hydrocarbon exploration wells that specifically target accumulations in more typical settings had a success rate far below 50 per cent," said geologist and lead author Thomas Birchall from the University Center in Svalbard, while speaking to Science Alert. "One anecdotal example is from a wellbore that was drilled recently near the airport in Longyearbyen. The drillers heard a bubbling sound coming from the well, so we decided to have a look, armed with rudimentary alarms designed for detecting explosive levels of methane – which were immediately triggered when we held them over the wellbore,” he added. Watch: COP28 Summit: 200 countries to hash out solutions for climate change Even after fossil fuel companies carried out drilling for more than 50 years, this is the first study which systematically analysed the amount of methane gas lying at the base of Svalbard's permafrost. As of now, there is no clear estimate of how much methane has been leaking from Arctic permafrost. The current research has been carried out in Svalbard and is based on data collected from 18 hydrocarbon exploration wells, 500 coal exploration bores, and 10 scientific boreholes. (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists warn methane monster lurking beneath Arctic's frozen ground

The Indian government released security warnings which specifically targeted the users of Samsung Galaxy phones. 
 
The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) released a security advisory which highlighted the multiple vulnerabilities that have been impacting millions of Samsung Galaxy mobile phones, which include both older and newer models. 
 
The security alert, which was issued on December 13, categorised the concern as high-risk and emphasised the urgency of updating the operating system or firmware in the existing Samsung mobile phones. 
 
"Multiple vulnerabilities have been reported in Samsung products that could allow an attacker to bypass implemented security restrictions, access sensitive information, and execute arbitrary code on the targeted system," said CERT, in its vulnerability note. 
 
The note&nbsp;emphasised the issues which might affect Samsung mobile phones that have been using Android versions 11 and above.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/truly-mobile-50-metre-high-cellular-tower-gets-stolen-665172">Truly 'mobile': 50-metre high cellular tower gets stolen</a>

“These vulnerabilities exist due to improper access control flaw in Knox Custom Manager Service and Smart Manager CN component, integer overflow vulnerability in face preprocessing library; improper authorisation verification vulnerability in AR emoji, improper exception management vulnerability in Knox Guard, various out of bounds write vulnerabilities in bootloader, HDCP in HAL, libIfaaCa and libsavsac.so components, improper size check vulnerability in softsimd, improper input validation vulnerability in Smart-Clip and implicit intent hijacking vulnerability in contacts,” read the statement.

<h2>How are these vulnerabilities affecting Samsung mobiles?</h2>

These vulnerabilities have become weak spots in the security walls of the device. If these openings are found by a cyber attacker, they can steal phone's secret code (SIM PIN), peek into private AR Emoji files, change the clock on the castle gate (Knox Guard lock), control the phone like a puppet (execute arbitrary code), steal important information (sensitive information), shout loud commands to phone (broadcast with elevated privilege), snoop around phone's files (access arbitrary files) and take over the whole phone (compromise the targeted system).

Watch:&nbsp;How intelligence in technology is reshaping our lives

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Samsung Mobile, meanwhile, announced that they are rolling out a maintenance release under its December 2023 security update. 
 
“Samsung Mobile is releasing a maintenance release for major flagship models as part of the monthly Security Maintenance Release (SMR) process. This SMR package includes patches from Google and Samsung,” the smartphone company said, on its website. 
 
Meanwhile, Samsung Galaxy phone users have been asked to promptly update the operating system (OS) and firmware of their device and if they fail to do so, their mobile phones can be vulnerable to potential threats from hackers.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Indian government released security warnings which specifically targeted the users of Samsung Galaxy phones. The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) released a security advisory which highlighted the multiple vulnerabilities that have been impacting millions of Samsung Galaxy mobile phones, which include both older and newer models.

The Indian government released security warnings which specifically targeted the users of Samsung Galaxy phones. The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) released a security advisory which highlighted the multiple vulnerabilities that have been impacting millions of Samsung Galaxy mobile phones, which include both older and newer models. The security alert, which was issued on December 13, categorised the concern as high-risk and emphasised the urgency of updating the operating system or firmware in the existing Samsung mobile phones. "Multiple vulnerabilities have been reported in Samsung products that could allow an attacker to bypass implemented security restrictions, access sensitive information, and execute arbitrary code on the targeted system," said CERT, in its vulnerability note. The note emphasised the issues which might affect Samsung mobile phones that have been using Android versions 11 and above. Also read: Truly 'mobile': 50-metre high cellular tower gets stolen “These vulnerabilities exist due to improper access control flaw in Knox Custom Manager Service and Smart Manager CN component, integer overflow vulnerability in face preprocessing library; improper authorisation verification vulnerability in AR emoji, improper exception management vulnerability in Knox Guard, various out of bounds write vulnerabilities in bootloader, HDCP in HAL, libIfaaCa and libsavsac.so components, improper size check vulnerability in softsimd, improper input validation vulnerability in Smart-Clip and implicit intent hijacking vulnerability in contacts,” read the statement. How are these vulnerabilities affecting Samsung mobiles? These vulnerabilities have become weak spots in the security walls of the device. If these openings are found by a cyber attacker, they can steal phone's secret code (SIM PIN), peek into private AR Emoji files, change the clock on the castle gate (Knox Guard lock), control the phone like a puppet (execute arbitrary code), steal important information (sensitive information), shout loud commands to phone (broadcast with elevated privilege), snoop around phone's files (access arbitrary files) and take over the whole phone (compromise the targeted system). Watch: How intelligence in technology is reshaping our lives Samsung Mobile, meanwhile, announced that they are rolling out a maintenance release under its December 2023 security update. “Samsung Mobile is releasing a maintenance release for major flagship models as part of the monthly Security Maintenance Release (SMR) process. This SMR package includes patches from Google and Samsung,” the smartphone company said, on its website. Meanwhile, Samsung Galaxy phone users have been asked to promptly update the operating system (OS) and firmware of their device and if they fail to do so, their mobile phones can be vulnerable to potential threats from hackers. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian govt issues security warnings for Samsung mobiles. Here's all you need to know

In a controversial step, an elementary school has decided to&nbsp;set up an After School Satan Club (ASSC) within its premises&nbsp;causing&nbsp;an uproar among the education and religious leaders in Tennessee, United States. 
 
As reported by CBS News, the club has been planning to engage children in different activities after the Christmas break. 
 
From January 10, the school will start holding a series of meetings which will run through the spring semester, added the outlet further quoting an announcement shared by various social media platforms on Tuesday (Dec 12). 
 
Satanic Temple - which is a new religious movement that is primarily based in the United States - has been running the ASSC.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-plans-to-beat-china-in-launch-of-secret-space-plane-spacex-foils-plan-670084">US plans to beat China in launch of secret space plane. SpaceX foils plan</a>

However, a flyer regarding the club has described the Satanic Temple as a non-theistic religion which sees Satan "as a literary figure who represents a metaphorical construct of rejecting tyranny and championing the human mind and spirit". 
 
The leaflet further stated that the club does not intend to convert children’s religion and make them follow any religious identity but is just offering activities that "emphasise a scientific, rationalistic, non-superstitious worldview", as reported by CBS News.

<h2>Parents and religious leaders express outrage over Satan club</h2>

In a statement, Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) said that the district provided the organisation with the space on rent as per its policy. 
 
"As a public school district, we're committed to upholding the principles of the First Amendment, which guarantees equal access to all non-profit organizations seeking to use our facilities after school hours. This means we cannot approve or deny an organization's request based solely on its viewpoints or beliefs," it said.

Watch:&nbsp;Few US adults want a Biden-Trump rematch, says survey

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However, religious leaders and parents in Tennessee expressed their outrage at the recent development. 
 
District board chair Althea E Greene, in a meeting with more than 40 pastors and other religious leaders, was quoted by The Guardian as saying, "Satan has no room in this district". 
 
"I'm about to come unglued right now. I cannot believe ... this is a kindergarten-through-fifth-grade school and they're letting a satanic club come in here?" said Jenny Kincaid, who is a student's grandparent, as reported by CBS News.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a controversial step, an elementary school has decided to set up an After School Satan Club (ASSC) within its premises causing an uproar among the education and religious leaders in Tennessee, United States.

In a controversial step, an elementary school has decided to set up an After School Satan Club (ASSC) within its premises causing an uproar among the education and religious leaders in Tennessee, United States. As reported by CBS News, the club has been planning to engage children in different activities after the Christmas break. From January 10, the school will start holding a series of meetings which will run through the spring semester, added the outlet further quoting an announcement shared by various social media platforms on Tuesday (Dec 12). Satanic Temple - which is a new religious movement that is primarily based in the United States - has been running the ASSC. Also read: US plans to beat China in launch of secret space plane. SpaceX foils plan However, a flyer regarding the club has described the Satanic Temple as a non-theistic religion which sees Satan "as a literary figure who represents a metaphorical construct of rejecting tyranny and championing the human mind and spirit". The leaflet further stated that the club does not intend to convert children’s religion and make them follow any religious identity but is just offering activities that "emphasise a scientific, rationalistic, non-superstitious worldview", as reported by CBS News. Parents and religious leaders express outrage over Satan club In a statement, Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) said that the district provided the organisation with the space on rent as per its policy. "As a public school district, we're committed to upholding the principles of the First Amendment, which guarantees equal access to all non-profit organizations seeking to use our facilities after school hours. This means we cannot approve or deny an organization's request based solely on its viewpoints or beliefs," it said. Watch: Few US adults want a Biden-Trump rematch, says survey However, religious leaders and parents in Tennessee expressed their outrage at the recent development. District board chair Althea E Greene, in a meeting with more than 40 pastors and other religious leaders, was quoted by The Guardian as saying, "Satan has no room in this district". "I'm about to come unglued right now. I cannot believe ... this is a kindergarten-through-fifth-grade school and they're letting a satanic club come in here?" said Jenny Kincaid, who is a student's grandparent, as reported by CBS News. (With inputs from agencies)

US elementary school introduces Satan club, sparks controversy

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