US State Department spokesperson Mathew Miller, while speaking about an Indian citizen's indictment in an alleged foiled assassination plot, on Tuesday (Dec 5) said that the country takes the matter 'very seriously', adding that an investigation has been launched by India into the matter and they are waiting for the findings from the probe. 
 
"I said I wouldn't comment on the underlying substance because it is an ongoing law enforcement matter and it would be inappropriate for me to do so when DOJ (US Department of Justice) is presenting a case in court. I also made clear that we have noted at the most senior levels of this government, the Secretary of State has raised this directly with his foreign counterpart that we take this issue very seriously," said Miller, while speaking at a media briefing in Washington DC on Tuesday. 
 
"They told us they would conduct an investigation. They have publicly announced an investigation and now we'll wait to see the results of the investigation. It's something we take very seriously," he said. 
 
The statement by Miller comes at a time when an indictment has been unsealed by the US Justice Department against an Indian national who has been accused of allegedly being involved in a foiled plan to assassinate a leader of the Sikh Separatist Movement, who is based in the US and is a citizen in New York. It is believed that the target of the foiled assassination plot was&nbsp;Khalistani terrorist and leader of the banned Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) outfit Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-charges-indian-national-with-conspiracy-to-assassinate-sikh-separatist-664387">US charges Indian national with conspiracy to assassinate Khalistani separatist Pannun</a>

The Justice Department said that an Indian national named Nikhil Gupta was working for an Indian government employee (whose identification has not been revealed in the indictment filed in a federal court in Manhattan) and was given the task of hiring a hitman for carrying out the assassination which was foiled by the authorities in the US authorities. 
 
While wrapping up his high-profile visit to India, the White House stated that Finer "acknowledged" the establishment of a committee of enquiry by India for investigating the "lethal plotting" and emphasised the need for holding the people responsible accountable. 
 
"Finer acknowledged India's establishment of a committee of enquiry to investigate lethal plotting in the United States and the importance of holding accountable anyone found responsible," said the White House&nbsp;in a readout while speaking about his meetings in the national capital.

<h2>India calls indictment a “matter of concern”</h2>

India's Ministry of External Affairs, reacting to the indictment filed by the Justice Department, called it a "matter of concern" and said that it is contrary to government policy.

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: 'Go home Indian': Sikh man faces racism in Australia

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-go-home-indian-sikh-man-faces-racism-in-australia-659855/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We cannot share any further information on such security matters. As regards the case against an individual that has been filed in a US court allegedly linking him to an Indian official, this is a matter of concern. We have said and let me reiterate that this is contrary to government policy,” said Arindam Bagchi, MEA spokesperson. 
 
"The nexus between organised crime, trafficking and gun running and extremists at an international level is a serious issue for law enforcement agencies and organisations to consider and it is precisely for that reason that a high-level committee has been constituted and we will, obviously, be guided by its results," the spokesperson said.

(With inputs from agencies)

US State Department spokesperson Mathew Miller, while speaking about an Indian citizen's indictment in an alleged foiled assassination plot, on Tuesday (Dec 5) said that the country takes the matter 'very seriously', adding that an investigation has been launched by India into the matter and they are waiting for the findings from the probe.

US State Department spokesperson Mathew Miller, while speaking about an Indian citizen's indictment in an alleged foiled assassination plot, on Tuesday (Dec 5) said that the country takes the matter 'very seriously', adding that an investigation has been launched by India into the matter and they are waiting for the findings from the probe. "I said I wouldn't comment on the underlying substance because it is an ongoing law enforcement matter and it would be inappropriate for me to do so when DOJ (US Department of Justice) is presenting a case in court. I also made clear that we have noted at the most senior levels of this government, the Secretary of State has raised this directly with his foreign counterpart that we take this issue very seriously," said Miller, while speaking at a media briefing in Washington DC on Tuesday. "They told us they would conduct an investigation. They have publicly announced an investigation and now we'll wait to see the results of the investigation. It's something we take very seriously," he said. The statement by Miller comes at a time when an indictment has been unsealed by the US Justice Department against an Indian national who has been accused of allegedly being involved in a foiled plan to assassinate a leader of the Sikh Separatist Movement, who is based in the US and is a citizen in New York. It is believed that the target of the foiled assassination plot was Khalistani terrorist and leader of the banned Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) outfit Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Also read: US charges Indian national with conspiracy to assassinate Khalistani separatist Pannun The Justice Department said that an Indian national named Nikhil Gupta was working for an Indian government employee (whose identification has not been revealed in the indictment filed in a federal court in Manhattan) and was given the task of hiring a hitman for carrying out the assassination which was foiled by the authorities in the US authorities. While wrapping up his high-profile visit to India, the White House stated that Finer "acknowledged" the establishment of a committee of enquiry by India for investigating the "lethal plotting" and emphasised the need for holding the people responsible accountable. "Finer acknowledged India's establishment of a committee of enquiry to investigate lethal plotting in the United States and the importance of holding accountable anyone found responsible," said the White House in a readout while speaking about his meetings in the national capital. India calls indictment a “matter of concern” India's Ministry of External Affairs, reacting to the indictment filed by the Justice Department, called it a "matter of concern" and said that it is contrary to government policy. Watch: Gravitas: 'Go home Indian': Sikh man faces racism in Australia "We cannot share any further information on such security matters. As regards the case against an individual that has been filed in a US court allegedly linking him to an Indian official, this is a matter of concern. We have said and let me reiterate that this is contrary to government policy,” said Arindam Bagchi, MEA spokesperson. "The nexus between organised crime, trafficking and gun running and extremists at an international level is a serious issue for law enforcement agencies and organisations to consider and it is precisely for that reason that a high-level committee has been constituted and we will, obviously, be guided by its results," the spokesperson said. (With inputs from agencies)

US says taking matter 'seriously' as India probes 'murder plot' against Khalistani terrorist Pannun

The parent company of Facebook, Meta, and IBM on Tuesday (Dec 5) launched a new group named 'AI Alliance' which advocates for an “open-science” approach to the development of AI which has now placed them at odds with rivals Google, Microsoft and ChatGPT-maker OpenAI. 
 
The two opposing camps – the open and the closed – disagreed about whether AI should be built in a way which makes the underlying technology widely accessible. At the heart of the debate remains safety and also who gets profit from the advances of AI.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/musk-who-warned-about-threats-of-ai-seeks-to-raise-1-bn-for-his-chatbot-666709">Musk, who warned about 'threats' of AI, seeks to raise $1 billion for his chatbot</a>

IBM senior vice-president Dario Gil, who directs the company's research division, said that the approach which is “not proprietary and closed” is favoured by the open advocates. “So it’s not like a thing that is locked in a barrel and no one knows what they are,” he added, as per The Guardian.

<h2>AI Alliance to restructure future of AI?</h2>

The AI Alliance, which is headed by IBM and Meta and includes Sony, Dell, Intel, the chipmakers AMD and many universities and AI startups – is “coming together to articulate, simply put, that the future of AI is going to be built fundamentally on top of the open scientific exchange of ideas and open innovation, including open source and open technologies," said Gil, while speaking to Associated Press before the launch. 
 
The alliance will most probably lobby regulators to ensure that the new legislation works in their favour. 
 
Taking aim at Google, OpenAI and startup Anthropic, Meta’s chief AI scientist Yann LeCun wrote on social media that these companies – which he called the “massive corporate lobbying” - write the rules in a way so as to benefit their high-performing AI models and concentrate their power over the development of the technology.

Watch:&nbsp;Wine tasting with AI? Scientists achieve spirited breakthrough in Artificial Intelligence domain

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wine-tasting-with-ai-scientists-achieve-spirited-breakthrough-in-artificial-intelligence-domain-666259/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The three companies, along with Microsoft – a key partner of OpenAI, have constituted their own industry group called the Frontier Model Forum. 
 
Taking to X, LeCun said that he was worried that fearmongering from fellow scientists regarding AI “doomsday scenarios” has given a push to those people who want to ban open-source research and development. 
 
“In a future where AI systems are poised to constitute the repository of all human knowledge and culture, we need the platforms to be open source and freely available so that everyone can contribute to them,” wrote LeCun. “Openness is the only way to make AI platforms reflect the entirety of human knowledge and culture,” he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

The parent company of Facebook, Meta, and IBM on Tuesday (Dec 5) launched a new group named 'AI Alliance' which advocates for an “open-science” approach to the development of AI which has now placed them at odds with rivals Google, Microsoft and ChatGPT-maker OpenAI.

The parent company of Facebook, Meta, and IBM on Tuesday (Dec 5) launched a new group named 'AI Alliance' which advocates for an “open-science” approach to the development of AI which has now placed them at odds with rivals Google, Microsoft and ChatGPT-maker OpenAI. The two opposing camps – the open and the closed – disagreed about whether AI should be built in a way which makes the underlying technology widely accessible. At the heart of the debate remains safety and also who gets profit from the advances of AI. Also read: Musk, who warned about 'threats' of AI, seeks to raise $1 billion for his chatbot IBM senior vice-president Dario Gil, who directs the company's research division, said that the approach which is “not proprietary and closed” is favoured by the open advocates. “So it’s not like a thing that is locked in a barrel and no one knows what they are,” he added, as per The Guardian. AI Alliance to restructure future of AI? The AI Alliance, which is headed by IBM and Meta and includes Sony, Dell, Intel, the chipmakers AMD and many universities and AI startups – is “coming together to articulate, simply put, that the future of AI is going to be built fundamentally on top of the open scientific exchange of ideas and open innovation, including open source and open technologies," said Gil, while speaking to Associated Press before the launch. The alliance will most probably lobby regulators to ensure that the new legislation works in their favour. Taking aim at Google, OpenAI and startup Anthropic, Meta’s chief AI scientist Yann LeCun wrote on social media that these companies – which he called the “massive corporate lobbying” - write the rules in a way so as to benefit their high-performing AI models and concentrate their power over the development of the technology. Watch: Wine tasting with AI? Scientists achieve spirited breakthrough in Artificial Intelligence domain The three companies, along with Microsoft – a key partner of OpenAI, have constituted their own industry group called the Frontier Model Forum. Taking to X, LeCun said that he was worried that fearmongering from fellow scientists regarding AI “doomsday scenarios” has given a push to those people who want to ban open-source research and development. “In a future where AI systems are poised to constitute the repository of all human knowledge and culture, we need the platforms to be open source and freely available so that everyone can contribute to them,” wrote LeCun. “Openness is the only way to make AI platforms reflect the entirety of human knowledge and culture,” he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Meta, IBM join AI race, launch ‘AI Alliance' with 'open-science' approach

India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party clinched a massive victory in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly election. The results came out in favour of the BJP despite exit polls predicting a tight race.&nbsp; 
 
The BJP had clinched victory or was leading in 165 seats at 8:40 pm (local time), which was more than double the number of seats with Congress – 64. The numbers have represented BJP's staggering gain of 56 seats and a massive loss of 50 seats for the Congress. 
 
Among the state elections' heavyweights, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan clinched victory from Budhni and his predecessor and leader of Congress Kamal Nath was leading from Chhindwara.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-bjp-roars-in-mp-scindia-fires-back-at-priyanka-gandhi-over-height-remark-665698">As BJP wins&nbsp;in MP, Scindia fires back at Priyanka Gandhi over 'height' remark</a>

After it became clear&nbsp;that the BJP was winning elections, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked voters and said the results showed that the country's people have chosen "politics of good governance and development". 
 
Confirming BJP's victory in Madhya Pradesh, the Election Commission of India said that the party will be forming its government in the state as it has crossed the majority mark of 116 seats.

<h2>Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Jyotiraditya Scindia emerge as 'election heroes'</h2>

Earlier on Sunday (Dec 3), Chouhan appreciated the 'double engine' approach of the party. "The reason for this (win for the BJP) is the double-engine government and the welfare schemes. These touched the hearts of voters... we will win with a comfortable majority,” he said.

Watch:&nbsp;Assembly elections results: BJP scores hat-trick in crucial assembly elections

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/assembly-elections-results-bjp-scores-hat-trick-in-crucial-assembly-elections-665797/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

He had earlier expressed confidence that the BJP would clinch victory and form the government for a fifth time. In the morning, Chouhan had said that the party will remain in power with a commanding majority. 
 
"I am confident that with the blessings of the people and the able leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP will form government again with a full majority," said Chouhan, while speaking on X.&nbsp; 
 
Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, who is being helmed as one of the major reasons behind the victory and whose mutiny in 2020 led to the fall of Kamal Nath-led Congress government, had expressed his confidence in the party's victory. 
 
"We will wait till the complete results are in. We will form government with complete majority. The people's faith in PM and the welfare schemes are the reasons for such a mandate,” he said. 
 
"Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in the hearts of the people of Madhya Pradesh. The work done by the double-engine government, whether in the Centre or the state, such as the Ladli scheme, has helped uplift people and improved their lives. All of us have worked hard together," said Chouhan, while speaking to NDTV.

Madhya Pradesh Congress president Kamal Nath, accepting the defeat, said, “We will analyse the loopholes and why we were not able to make the voters understand our point. We will hold discussions with all, be it a winning or losing candidate.”

"We accept the decision of the voters of Madhya Pradesh in this contest of&nbsp;democracy. I congratulate BJP and hope that they will live up to the support people have given them," he said.

 
(With inputs from agencies)

India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party clinched a massive victory in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly election. The results came out in favour of the BJP despite exit polls predicting a tight race.

India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party clinched a massive victory in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly election. The results came out in favour of the BJP despite exit polls predicting a tight race. The BJP had clinched victory or was leading in 165 seats at 8:40 pm (local time), which was more than double the number of seats with Congress – 64. The numbers have represented BJP's staggering gain of 56 seats and a massive loss of 50 seats for the Congress. Among the state elections' heavyweights, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan clinched victory from Budhni and his predecessor and leader of Congress Kamal Nath was leading from Chhindwara. Also read: As BJP wins in MP, Scindia fires back at Priyanka Gandhi over 'height' remark After it became clear that the BJP was winning elections, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked voters and said the results showed that the country's people have chosen "politics of good governance and development". Confirming BJP's victory in Madhya Pradesh, the Election Commission of India said that the party will be forming its government in the state as it has crossed the majority mark of 116 seats. Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Jyotiraditya Scindia emerge as 'election heroes' Earlier on Sunday (Dec 3), Chouhan appreciated the 'double engine' approach of the party. "The reason for this (win for the BJP) is the double-engine government and the welfare schemes. These touched the hearts of voters... we will win with a comfortable majority,” he said. Watch: Assembly elections results: BJP scores hat-trick in crucial assembly elections He had earlier expressed confidence that the BJP would clinch victory and form the government for a fifth time. In the morning, Chouhan had said that the party will remain in power with a commanding majority. "I am confident that with the blessings of the people and the able leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP will form government again with a full majority," said Chouhan, while speaking on X. Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, who is being helmed as one of the major reasons behind the victory and whose mutiny in 2020 led to the fall of Kamal Nath-led Congress government, had expressed his confidence in the party's victory. "We will wait till the complete results are in. We will form government with complete majority. The people's faith in PM and the welfare schemes are the reasons for such a mandate,” he said. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in the hearts of the people of Madhya Pradesh. The work done by the double-engine government, whether in the Centre or the state, such as the Ladli scheme, has helped uplift people and improved their lives. All of us have worked hard together," said Chouhan, while speaking to NDTV. Madhya Pradesh Congress president Kamal Nath, accepting the defeat, said, “We will analyse the loopholes and why we were not able to make the voters understand our point. We will hold discussions with all, be it a winning or losing candidate.” "We accept the decision of the voters of Madhya Pradesh in this contest of democracy. I congratulate BJP and hope that they will live up to the support people have given them," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Madhya Pradesh elections 2023: BJP roars with staggering numbers, Congress virtually wiped out

The solar panels used by the British were made by companies which apparently had a "very high" exposure to forced labour in China, according to the BBC. 
 
In China's Xinjiang region, the production of solar panels has been linked to Uyghur Muslims' alleged exploitation. 
 
Around £200 million is being invested by the British army in solar panels throughout the four of its sites. While responding to the BBC Freedom of Information request, the companies JA Solar, Trina and Qcells were listed by the Ministry of Defence as the solar panel suppliers. 
 
This year, a report published by the UK's Sheffield Hallam University in July flagged the three companies as having "very high" exposure to the production with the use of forced labour in Xinjiang.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/installing-solar-panels-more-eco-friendly-than-planting-trees-study-663013">Installing solar panels more eco-friendly than planting trees: Study</a>

Speaking to the BBC, JA Solar and Qcells said that some actions were taken by them to ensure that forced labour was not a part of their supply chains. 
 
Speaking to BBC, a spokesperson of the Ministry of Defence said, "We have robust procedures in place that allow us to vet and routinely monitor all aspects of our supply chain which is kept under constant review."

<h2>Lack of transparency in supply chain</h2>

However, one of the authors who wrote the Sheffield Hallam report, Alan Crawford, said that he had gone through the list of companies obtained by the BBC and added that he feels his findings still stood. 
 
Crawford, who is a chemical engineer and has experience in supplier identification, said that big solar firms were not likely to purchase components which they knew were the products of forced labour. 
 
He added that there was a "lack of transparency" in the supply chain because of which some firms had to "hide behind" their "anti-slavery declarations", as reported by BBC.

Watch:&nbsp;Floating an energy idea: Scientists install 400 floating solar panels

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/floating-an-energy-idea-scientists-install-400-floating-solar-panels-658280/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

United Kingdom's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has been facing appeals to take a harder line against China and to end the reliance of the UK on solar production from the country. 
 
Senior Conservative MP Alicia Kearns has been appealing to the UK government to "sanction and [impose] a ban on any solar company with links to Uyghur forced labour from operating in the UK". 
 
The Chinese government has been accused by the United States of arbitrarily detaining more than one million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in Xinjiang prison camps. 
 
As per the state-sponsored programmes, goods like polysilicon are forcefully produced by the detainees. Polysilicon is a core ingredient in solar panels, as per the US Department of Labour.

(With inputs from agencies)

The solar panels used by the British were made by companies which apparently had a "very high" exposure to forced labour in China, according to the BBC. In China's Xinjiang region, the production of solar panels has been linked to Uyghur Muslims' alleged exploitation.

The solar panels used by the British were made by companies which apparently had a "very high" exposure to forced labour in China, according to the BBC. In China's Xinjiang region, the production of solar panels has been linked to Uyghur Muslims' alleged exploitation. Around £200 million is being invested by the British army in solar panels throughout the four of its sites. While responding to the BBC Freedom of Information request, the companies JA Solar, Trina and Qcells were listed by the Ministry of Defence as the solar panel suppliers. This year, a report published by the UK's Sheffield Hallam University in July flagged the three companies as having "very high" exposure to the production with the use of forced labour in Xinjiang. Also read: Installing solar panels more eco-friendly than planting trees: Study Speaking to the BBC, JA Solar and Qcells said that some actions were taken by them to ensure that forced labour was not a part of their supply chains. Speaking to BBC, a spokesperson of the Ministry of Defence said, "We have robust procedures in place that allow us to vet and routinely monitor all aspects of our supply chain which is kept under constant review." Lack of transparency in supply chain However, one of the authors who wrote the Sheffield Hallam report, Alan Crawford, said that he had gone through the list of companies obtained by the BBC and added that he feels his findings still stood. Crawford, who is a chemical engineer and has experience in supplier identification, said that big solar firms were not likely to purchase components which they knew were the products of forced labour. He added that there was a "lack of transparency" in the supply chain because of which some firms had to "hide behind" their "anti-slavery declarations", as reported by BBC. Watch: Floating an energy idea: Scientists install 400 floating solar panels United Kingdom's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has been facing appeals to take a harder line against China and to end the reliance of the UK on solar production from the country. Senior Conservative MP Alicia Kearns has been appealing to the UK government to "sanction and [impose] a ban on any solar company with links to Uyghur forced labour from operating in the UK". The Chinese government has been accused by the United States of arbitrarily detaining more than one million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in Xinjiang prison camps. As per the state-sponsored programmes, goods like polysilicon are forcefully produced by the detainees. Polysilicon is a core ingredient in solar panels, as per the US Department of Labour. (With inputs from agencies)

British Army used solar panels manufactured by forced labour in China: Report

India's Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia&nbsp;fired back at Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's remark on his 'height'&nbsp;after the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Madhya Pradesh had the last laugh at Congress by leading substantially is election result trends and was heading to a comfortable victory. 
 
While speaking to NDTV about the magnificent performance of the BJP in the Gwalior-Malwa region, which is perceived as his area of influence, Scindia said, "Someone had spoken about my height. The people of Gwalior-Malwa have shown how tall they are." 
 
While addressing a rally organised in Datia, Madhya Pradesh last month, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had called her friend-turned-foe "traitor" who "betrayed" the people's mandate.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-bjp-leads-in-three-states-panicked-congress-calls-sudden-india-meet-report-665683">As BJP leads in three states, panicked Congress calls sudden INDIA bloc meet: report</a>

"All of their (the BJP's) leaders are a little weird. First our Scindia... I have worked with him in UP.&nbsp;Actually, his height is a little short but in arrogance, 'waah bhai waah' (too much),” she said. 
 
"Any worker who used to go to him, said, 'We have to call him Maharaj and if we don't say that, our issues will not get addressed'. He followed his family's tradition well. Many have betrayed, but they betrayed the public of Gwalior and Chamba... He made the government fall," the Congress leader added, while apparently making reference to the Scindia royal family taking the side of the British during the 1857 rebellion.

<h2>Scindia's mutiny and litmus test in elections</h2>

In 2020, it was a mutiny headed by Scindia that toppled the Congress government, led by Kamal Nath, in Madhya Pradesh and brought BJP back in power. 
 
Under the Narendra Modi government, the erstwhile royal scion became India's Union Minister for Civil Aviation and a Rajya Sabha member.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Union minister &amp; BJP leader Jyotiraditya Scindia and party leaders celebrate as the party leads in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MadhyaPradeshElection2023?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MadhyaPradeshElection2023</a> <a href="https://t.co/iDfxkNawph">pic.twitter.com/iDfxkNawph</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1731217395946279236?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The current state elections are being seen as the litmus test for Scindia and if the influence he exerts in the Gwalior region helps the BJP in winning elections. 
 
Scindia said he was confident of BJP winning the elections in the state. “I had said the BJP will win. I want to thank Madhya Pradesh voters who have given us this big majority. Prime Minister Modi's leadership worked and so did the guidance of (Union Home Minister) Amit Shah and (BJP president) JP Nadda," he said while speaking to NDTV.

Watch:&nbsp;Assembly Elections Results: Congress strong-hold in southern India

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/assembly-elections-results-congress-strong-hold-in-southern-india-665665/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Speaking to news agency ANI, Scindia credited the pro-people welfare schemes launched by the incumbent Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for the victory.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | On MP election results, Union minister &amp; BJP leader Jyotiraditya Scindia in Bhopal says "Congress was preparing Ladoos and congratulatory posters were put up. While we were doing our work quietly...Ladli Behna scheme is a game-changer and the full credit for it goes to… <a href="https://t.co/5m8Sx55DRe">pic.twitter.com/5m8Sx55DRe</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1731207503994917345?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"Congress was preparing ladoos and congratulatory posters were put up. While we were doing our work quietly...Ladli Behna scheme is a game-changer and the full credit for it goes to Shivraj Singh Chouhan,” Scindia said.

(With inputs from agencies)

India's Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia fired back at Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's remark on his 'height' after the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Madhya Pradesh had the last laugh at Congress by leading substantially is election result trends and was heading to a comfortable victory.

India's Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia fired back at Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's remark on his 'height' after the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Madhya Pradesh had the last laugh at Congress by leading substantially is election result trends and was heading to a comfortable victory. While speaking to NDTV about the magnificent performance of the BJP in the Gwalior-Malwa region, which is perceived as his area of influence, Scindia said, "Someone had spoken about my height. The people of Gwalior-Malwa have shown how tall they are." While addressing a rally organised in Datia, Madhya Pradesh last month, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had called her friend-turned-foe "traitor" who "betrayed" the people's mandate. Also read: As BJP leads in three states, panicked Congress calls sudden INDIA bloc meet: report "All of their (the BJP's) leaders are a little weird. First our Scindia... I have worked with him in UP. Actually, his height is a little short but in arrogance, 'waah bhai waah' (too much),” she said. "Any worker who used to go to him, said, 'We have to call him Maharaj and if we don't say that, our issues will not get addressed'. He followed his family's tradition well. Many have betrayed, but they betrayed the public of Gwalior and Chamba... He made the government fall," the Congress leader added, while apparently making reference to the Scindia royal family taking the side of the British during the 1857 rebellion. Scindia's mutiny and litmus test in elections In 2020, it was a mutiny headed by Scindia that toppled the Congress government, led by Kamal Nath, in Madhya Pradesh and brought BJP back in power. Under the Narendra Modi government, the erstwhile royal scion became India's Union Minister for Civil Aviation and a Rajya Sabha member. #WATCH | Union minister & BJP leader Jyotiraditya Scindia and party leaders celebrate as the party leads in #MadhyaPradeshElection2023 pic.twitter.com/iDfxkNawph — ANI (@ANI) December 3, 2023 × The current state elections are being seen as the litmus test for Scindia and if the influence he exerts in the Gwalior region helps the BJP in winning elections. Scindia said he was confident of BJP winning the elections in the state. “I had said the BJP will win. I want to thank Madhya Pradesh voters who have given us this big majority. Prime Minister Modi's leadership worked and so did the guidance of (Union Home Minister) Amit Shah and (BJP president) JP Nadda," he said while speaking to NDTV. Watch: Assembly Elections Results: Congress strong-hold in southern India Speaking to news agency ANI, Scindia credited the pro-people welfare schemes launched by the incumbent Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for the victory. #WATCH | On MP election results, Union minister & BJP leader Jyotiraditya Scindia in Bhopal says "Congress was preparing Ladoos and congratulatory posters were put up. While we were doing our work quietly...Ladli Behna scheme is a game-changer and the full credit for it goes to… pic.twitter.com/5m8Sx55DRe — ANI (@ANI) December 3, 2023 × "Congress was preparing ladoos and congratulatory posters were put up. While we were doing our work quietly...Ladli Behna scheme is a game-changer and the full credit for it goes to Shivraj Singh Chouhan,” Scindia said. (With inputs from agencies)

India: As BJP wins in Madhya Pradesh, Scindia hits back at Priyanka Gandhi over 'height' barb

The mystery surrounding the two "non-human" mummies&nbsp;discovered in Peru deepened after an analyst said that 30 per cent of its DNA when analysed did not match humans but an "unknown species". 
 
UFO enthusiast Jose Jaime Maussan, who was part of the team of scientists who performed a DNA analysis of the remains, said that they discovered 30 per cent of its genetic material is “not from any known species”. 
 
Mexican researchers, who stood beside him as he testified before the Congress, also said that the figures were “authentic”, and comprised of only a single skeleton, as reported by UK’s Daily Star. 
 
Although there was no clarity regarding what the 70 per cent of the DNA of the tiny alien corpses matched up with, Maussan said that the DNA analysis has now confirmed the mummified species are “definitely not human.”

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexican-congress-deems-three-fingered-mummies-real-but-refrains-from-confirming-alien-origins-656555">Mexican congress deems three-fingered mummies 'real,' but refrains from confirming alien origins</a>

“This is the first time extraterrestrial life has been presented in this manner,” he said, as reported by the Daily Star. 
 
“We have a clear example of non-human specimens unrelated to any known specimens on our planet. These specimens do not belong to our terrestrial evolution. They were not creatures discovered by a UFO crash. Instead, they were found in diatom mines and later transformed into fossilized mummies,” he added. 
 
Maussan further said that “the public has the right to know about non-human technology and beings.” 
 
“This reality unites humanity rather than dividing us. We are not alone in this universe; we should embrace this truth,” he added.

<h2>Aliens don't have lungs, ribs: alien experts</h2>

Earlier, the alien enthusiast had presented photographs and X-rays at the lower chamber of the Mexican Congress which he and Dr Daniel Mendoza claimed proved that the specimens did not have any lungs or ribs. 
 
“They’re real,” said anthropologist Roger Zuniga of San Luis Gonzaga National University in Ica, Peru, while speaking about the specimens in his testimony.

Watch:&nbsp;Are Peruvian Alien Mummies Real or a Clever Hoax? Expert Weighs In!

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/its-all-in-the-name-astronomers-clash-over-renaming-galaxies-for-a-more-inclusive-cosmos-659401/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

“There was absolutely no human intervention in the physical and biological formation of these beings,” he added, further stating that he was not aware of the origin of the creatures. 
 
However, many have expressed scepticism over the origins of the mummified figures because of their uncanny resemblance to Steven Spielberg’s science fiction film “ET”. 
 
Taking to social media, entrepreneur Nikos Drandakis said, “So the Mexicans discovered a 1,000-year-old mummy which supposedly is an alien.” 
 
“And this alien happens to: 1: look exactly like [Steven] Spielberg’s ET,” he said, adding that the corpses also had “a human-looking body – one head, two hands, two legs. A very hard pill to swallow.”

(With inputs from agencies)

The mystery surrounding the two "non-human" mummies discovered in Peru deepened after an analyst said that 30 per cent of its DNA when analysed did not match humans but an "unknown species".

The mystery surrounding the two "non-human" mummies discovered in Peru deepened after an analyst said that 30 per cent of its DNA when analysed did not match humans but an "unknown species". UFO enthusiast Jose Jaime Maussan, who was part of the team of scientists who performed a DNA analysis of the remains, said that they discovered 30 per cent of its genetic material is “not from any known species”. Mexican researchers, who stood beside him as he testified before the Congress, also said that the figures were “authentic”, and comprised of only a single skeleton, as reported by UK’s Daily Star. Although there was no clarity regarding what the 70 per cent of the DNA of the tiny alien corpses matched up with, Maussan said that the DNA analysis has now confirmed the mummified species are “definitely not human.” Also read: Mexican congress deems three-fingered mummies 'real,' but refrains from confirming alien origins “This is the first time extraterrestrial life has been presented in this manner,” he said, as reported by the Daily Star. “We have a clear example of non-human specimens unrelated to any known specimens on our planet. These specimens do not belong to our terrestrial evolution. They were not creatures discovered by a UFO crash. Instead, they were found in diatom mines and later transformed into fossilized mummies,” he added. Maussan further said that “the public has the right to know about non-human technology and beings.” “This reality unites humanity rather than dividing us. We are not alone in this universe; we should embrace this truth,” he added. Aliens don't have lungs, ribs: alien experts Earlier, the alien enthusiast had presented photographs and X-rays at the lower chamber of the Mexican Congress which he and Dr Daniel Mendoza claimed proved that the specimens did not have any lungs or ribs. “They’re real,” said anthropologist Roger Zuniga of San Luis Gonzaga National University in Ica, Peru, while speaking about the specimens in his testimony. Watch: Are Peruvian Alien Mummies Real or a Clever Hoax? Expert Weighs In! “There was absolutely no human intervention in the physical and biological formation of these beings,” he added, further stating that he was not aware of the origin of the creatures. However, many have expressed scepticism over the origins of the mummified figures because of their uncanny resemblance to Steven Spielberg’s science fiction film “ET”. Taking to social media, entrepreneur Nikos Drandakis said, “So the Mexicans discovered a 1,000-year-old mummy which supposedly is an alien.” “And this alien happens to: 1: look exactly like [Steven] Spielberg’s ET,” he said, adding that the corpses also had “a human-looking body – one head, two hands, two legs. A very hard pill to swallow.” (With inputs from agencies)

DNA of Mexico's 'alien' corpses matches not with humans but unknown species: Analyst

It was only days back that the limited-edition snake-soup pizza, launched by Pizza Hut and Ser Wong Fun – one of the longest-standing snake restaurants in Hong Kong – made a lot of buzz and many wondered whether it was safe to consume and how would it taste? 
 
Not many knew that this snake-soup pizza was inspired by the bowl of snake soup, which is a Cantonese delicacy and is a very popular dish in China, especially in the winter season. The snake soup, when properly prepared, actually doesn't look, smell or taste weird.

<h2>History of snake soup</h2>

According to the experts, snake soup has been part of the cuisine in south China for thousands of years and the recipe was most widely documented by the late Qing dynasty's one of the last imperial scholars and native of Guangzhou, Jiang Kongyin (1864-1952), who had gained the title of the finest gourmet of Guangdong province.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/fusion-food-gone-too-far-hong-kong-introduces-snake-meat-pizza-656817">Fusion food gone too far? Hong Kong introduces snake meat pizza</a>

Among the famous recipes of Jiang, the most famous is the five-snake soup which is said to have traditional Chinese medicinal benefits of increasing blood circulation and decreasing “dampness” in the body. 
 
The five-snake soup's star ingredients include the five species of snakes, both venomous and non-venomous, however, the recipe of Jiang also included chicken, abalone, fish maw, bamboo shoots, shiitake mushrooms and wood ear (black ear) fungus. 
 
The snake soup's complex and labour-intensive recipe has made it a unique speciality.

<h2>Why snake soup is considered healthy?</h2>

“Snake has been said to be healthy since the Han dynasty, hence it’s in a lot of important Chinese medicine formulas,” said Gigi Ng, Ser Wong Fun's fourth-generation owner while speaking to the South China Morning Post. The outlet has more than a century of history. 
 
The great-grandparents of Ng were Chinese doctors, who decided to incorporate the essence of snake into traditional Chinese medicine in the form of rice wines and tonics since 1895. 
 
Speaking about the health benefits of snake soup, Ng said that it is not for healing but “for rejuvenating and balancing your body”. 
 
“There are five principles to making a good bowl of snake soup: boiling the soup base for more than 12 hours; finely and evenly chopping the ingredients; preparing the ginger carefully to avoid a spicy taste; hand-picking high-quality fish maw; and lastly, the fresh snake meat,” she added. 
 
In Hong Kong, earlier people consumed snake soup sitting next to cages which were filled with slithering snakes, however after food-safety regulations were introduced, such a curious sight is no longer seen.

<h2>What kinds of snakes are used in snake soup?</h2>

Speaking about the types of snakes used in the snake soup, Ng said, “Everything is frozen nowadays, so it’s about how we handle the meat and trying to get it as fresh as possible.” 
 
Postdoctoral researcher at the University of British Columbia in Canada, Felix Landry Yuan, said, “A variety of snakes are used in the soup, some native to Hong Kong, and others not.”

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: Snakes on a plate: World's first snake pizza

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-snakes-on-a-plate-worlds-first-snake-pizza-657057/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

 
“The two most common we found were the non-venomous Oriental rat snake, which lives in South and Southeast Asia, including Hong Kong, and the venomous Javan spitting cobra, which is native only to Indonesia,” Yuan added. 
 
“Both venomous and non-venomous snakes are eaten, but venomous snakes are preferred at some shops since their gallbladders or bile can be sold,” he said.

<h2>What are the health benefits of snake soups?</h2>

As per experts, snake bile is considered to strengthen bones and improve virility. Emphasising the health benefits of the soup, Ng said that it is an alkaline food which helps in indigestion, detoxification, and reducing the risk of cancer. 
 
The soup contains “high-protein, low-fat”, has “lots of vitamins and collagen” and promotes better sleep, added Ng. 
 
Dietitian Anthony Cheung Cheuk-hin said that snake meat has scientifically been “considered a good source of lean protein”, reported South China Morning Post.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/outrageous-but-tasty-stinking-tofu-pizza-sells-in-mainland-china-for-a-week-660060">Outrageous but tasty! Stinking tofu pizza sells in mainland China for a week</a>

“It’s packed with essential amino acids and a wide range of micronutrients such as calcium, iron, zinc and vitamins A and B, which help maintain a robust immune system and other bodily functions,” said Cheung. 
 
However, the fat content of the soup generally increases when the snake meat is fried and sauces are added, said experts. 
 
Cheung said that as a result, “a small bowl of snake soup contains about 150 calories, seven to 10 grams of protein, five to 10 grams of fat and a relatively high level of sodium”. 
 
He added that those with cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, or kidney disease should not have snake soup more than once a week. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

It was only days back that the limited-edition snake-soup pizza, launched by Pizza Hut and Ser Wong Fun – one of the longest-standing snake restaurants in Hong Kong – made a lot of buzz and many wondered whether it was safe to consume and how would it taste?

It was only days back that the limited-edition snake-soup pizza, launched by Pizza Hut and Ser Wong Fun – one of the longest-standing snake restaurants in Hong Kong – made a lot of buzz and many wondered whether it was safe to consume and how would it taste? Not many knew that this snake-soup pizza was inspired by the bowl of snake soup, which is a Cantonese delicacy and is a very popular dish in China, especially in the winter season. The snake soup, when properly prepared, actually doesn't look, smell or taste weird. History of snake soup According to the experts, snake soup has been part of the cuisine in south China for thousands of years and the recipe was most widely documented by the late Qing dynasty's one of the last imperial scholars and native of Guangzhou, Jiang Kongyin (1864-1952), who had gained the title of the finest gourmet of Guangdong province. Also read: Fusion food gone too far? Hong Kong introduces snake meat pizza Among the famous recipes of Jiang, the most famous is the five-snake soup which is said to have traditional Chinese medicinal benefits of increasing blood circulation and decreasing “dampness” in the body. The five-snake soup's star ingredients include the five species of snakes, both venomous and non-venomous, however, the recipe of Jiang also included chicken, abalone, fish maw, bamboo shoots, shiitake mushrooms and wood ear (black ear) fungus. The snake soup's complex and labour-intensive recipe has made it a unique speciality. Why snake soup is considered healthy? “Snake has been said to be healthy since the Han dynasty, hence it’s in a lot of important Chinese medicine formulas,” said Gigi Ng, Ser Wong Fun's fourth-generation owner while speaking to the South China Morning Post. The outlet has more than a century of history. The great-grandparents of Ng were Chinese doctors, who decided to incorporate the essence of snake into traditional Chinese medicine in the form of rice wines and tonics since 1895. Speaking about the health benefits of snake soup, Ng said that it is not for healing but “for rejuvenating and balancing your body”. “There are five principles to making a good bowl of snake soup: boiling the soup base for more than 12 hours; finely and evenly chopping the ingredients; preparing the ginger carefully to avoid a spicy taste; hand-picking high-quality fish maw; and lastly, the fresh snake meat,” she added. In Hong Kong, earlier people consumed snake soup sitting next to cages which were filled with slithering snakes, however after food-safety regulations were introduced, such a curious sight is no longer seen. What kinds of snakes are used in snake soup? Speaking about the types of snakes used in the snake soup, Ng said, “Everything is frozen nowadays, so it’s about how we handle the meat and trying to get it as fresh as possible.” Postdoctoral researcher at the University of British Columbia in Canada, Felix Landry Yuan, said, “A variety of snakes are used in the soup, some native to Hong Kong, and others not.” Watch: Gravitas: Snakes on a plate: World's first snake pizza “The two most common we found were the non-venomous Oriental rat snake, which lives in South and Southeast Asia, including Hong Kong, and the venomous Javan spitting cobra, which is native only to Indonesia,” Yuan added. “Both venomous and non-venomous snakes are eaten, but venomous snakes are preferred at some shops since their gallbladders or bile can be sold,” he said. What are the health benefits of snake soups? As per experts, snake bile is considered to strengthen bones and improve virility. Emphasising the health benefits of the soup, Ng said that it is an alkaline food which helps in indigestion, detoxification, and reducing the risk of cancer. The soup contains “high-protein, low-fat”, has “lots of vitamins and collagen” and promotes better sleep, added Ng. Dietitian Anthony Cheung Cheuk-hin said that snake meat has scientifically been “considered a good source of lean protein”, reported South China Morning Post. Also read: Outrageous but tasty! Stinking tofu pizza sells in mainland China for a week “It’s packed with essential amino acids and a wide range of micronutrients such as calcium, iron, zinc and vitamins A and B, which help maintain a robust immune system and other bodily functions,” said Cheung. However, the fat content of the soup generally increases when the snake meat is fried and sauces are added, said experts. Cheung said that as a result, “a small bowl of snake soup contains about 150 calories, seven to 10 grams of protein, five to 10 grams of fat and a relatively high level of sodium”. He added that those with cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, or kidney disease should not have snake soup more than once a week. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained | Why China consumes snake soup in winter and why it is disappearing

7 Things Not To Be Placed Inside Microwave

Chili Peppers like red hot, orange, or green peppers are filled with a compound called capsaicin. Once the peppers are heated, the capsaicin vapourises into the enclosed air of the microwave which can irritate your lungs, throat, eyes, and nose, once the door opens.


Hard-boiled eggs if heated in the microwave will explode when they are sliced for eating. This is because the steam gets captured in the white and builds pressure. When the egg is cut, the steam gets released and an explosion occurs.


Food-safe foam, which is a kind of plastic, releases harmful chemicals into the food if heated in the microwave.


The carry-out containers with handles have metal which can lead to sparking and cause fire in the microwave.


Grapes if kept in the microwave and superheated, its sugary pulp turns into molten plasma. The grapes can explode in the microwave or when we are consuming them.

Lunch meat, bacon, hot dogs, and sausages should not be cooked in the microwave. These processed meat products if heated lead to the formation of cholesterol oxidation products (COPs), which can cause coronary heart disease.


If tomato sauce is heated in the microwave, it often ends up getting splattered around. The steam and heat produced in the sauce finds it difficult to escape through its thick layer. In a few cases, the sauce even explodes and can cause burns.

6 Reasons Why You Should Have Ghee With Warm Water Every Morning

The combination of ghee and hot water is said to stimulate the digestive system and is also believed to improve the secretion of digestive enzymes.

Warm water helps in flushing out toxins from the body and ghee contains a lot of detoxifying properties.


Biggest Sixes in IND vs AUS 2023 T20I Series

Ghee provides the body with healthy fats which keep one satiated and reduce craving and overeating through the day.


Ghee has essential vitamins and fatty acids which nourish the skin and make it healthier. Regular consumption of ghee promotes natural skin glow.


Ghee is considered as a ‘sattvik’ food in Ayurveda and is said to have a calming effect on the mind. Drinking warm water with ghee improves mental clarity and omega-3 fatty acids help in the betterment of cognitive skills.

After remaining steady for almost 1,000 years, the Garisenda tower – also known as the 'leaning tower' - located in Bologna town of Italy is now facing the risk of collapsing because of excessive leaning, as per reports. 
 
Since the 14th century, the 150-foot tall tower has continued to lean at an angle of 4 degrees when officials made efforts to remove the top of the building to stabilise it. The iconic Tower of Pisa has been leaning at 5 degrees. 
 
Through the years, extensive work has been done by Italy to maintain the integrity of the tower. 
 
However, now the tower is excessively leaning and the officials have been forced to bring into action a civil protection plan. As per CNN, the tower now stands at risk of a "sudden and unexpected collapse".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/medieval-leaning-tower-in-italian-city-tilting-too-much-to-remain-closed-for-few-years-653057">Medieval 'leaning tower' in Italian city tilting too much, to remain closed for few years</a>

The tower will now be surrounded with a metal cordon for containing the debris and decreasing the vulnerability of surrounding buildings, if it&nbsp;collapses. 
 
“A protective cordon will be erected to contain debris resulting from a possible collapse, to reduce the vulnerability of surrounding buildings and the exposure to the population, as well as blocking access to the off-limits areas," said the city council, in a statement. 
 
The scientific committee, which has been monitoring the site, since 2019 has issued the warning. Sensors were installed by the scientific committee to measure the ancient tower's movements. 
 
The committee stated that their readings recorded in October 2023 had triggered alarm bells, as reported by CNN.

<h2>Crushing compression observed in tower's base</h2>

The 'high alert' warning said that an "unexpected and accelerated trend" of "crushing compression" has been observed in the base of the tower. It added that the cracks present in the stones which are present in the base can expand the bricks which are placed above. 
 
As soon as the report was published, the area around the tower was shut down by the civic officials and all roads which were leading to it were closed down.

Watch:&nbsp;Italy approves bold plan to boost renewable energy

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/italy-approves-bold-plan-to-boost-renewable-energy-663659/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Earlier it was reported that the square which surrounds the medieval “leaning tower” in the Italian city of Bologna will remain closed for “a few years” as concerns regarding too much tilting of the 12th-century structure increased. 
 
The city’s mayor Matteo Lepore had said it was necessary to close Piazza di Porta Ravegnana so as to “save” the Garisenda tower. “We’re not intervening because we think it could collapse at any moment, we’re intervening because we want to make it safe and restore it,” he added, as reported by The Guardian.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

After remaining steady for almost 1,000 years, the Garisenda tower – also known as the 'leaning tower' - located in Bologna town of Italy is now facing the risk of collapsing because of excessive leaning, as per reports.

After remaining steady for almost 1,000 years, the Garisenda tower – also known as the 'leaning tower' - located in Bologna town of Italy is now facing the risk of collapsing because of excessive leaning, as per reports. Since the 14th century, the 150-foot tall tower has continued to lean at an angle of 4 degrees when officials made efforts to remove the top of the building to stabilise it. The iconic Tower of Pisa has been leaning at 5 degrees. Through the years, extensive work has been done by Italy to maintain the integrity of the tower. However, now the tower is excessively leaning and the officials have been forced to bring into action a civil protection plan. As per CNN, the tower now stands at risk of a "sudden and unexpected collapse". Also read: Medieval 'leaning tower' in Italian city tilting too much, to remain closed for few years The tower will now be surrounded with a metal cordon for containing the debris and decreasing the vulnerability of surrounding buildings, if it collapses. “A protective cordon will be erected to contain debris resulting from a possible collapse, to reduce the vulnerability of surrounding buildings and the exposure to the population, as well as blocking access to the off-limits areas," said the city council, in a statement. The scientific committee, which has been monitoring the site, since 2019 has issued the warning. Sensors were installed by the scientific committee to measure the ancient tower's movements. The committee stated that their readings recorded in October 2023 had triggered alarm bells, as reported by CNN. Crushing compression observed in tower's base The 'high alert' warning said that an "unexpected and accelerated trend" of "crushing compression" has been observed in the base of the tower. It added that the cracks present in the stones which are present in the base can expand the bricks which are placed above. As soon as the report was published, the area around the tower was shut down by the civic officials and all roads which were leading to it were closed down. Watch: Italy approves bold plan to boost renewable energy Earlier it was reported that the square which surrounds the medieval “leaning tower” in the Italian city of Bologna will remain closed for “a few years” as concerns regarding too much tilting of the 12th-century structure increased. The city’s mayor Matteo Lepore had said it was necessary to close Piazza di Porta Ravegnana so as to “save” the Garisenda tower. “We’re not intervening because we think it could collapse at any moment, we’re intervening because we want to make it safe and restore it,” he added, as reported by The Guardian. (With inputs from agencies)

High alert in Italian town as 'leaning tower' at increasing risk of collapse

The researchers, in a major discovery, found a massive underwater mountain, also known as a seamount, on the Pacific Ocean's floor off the coast of Guatemala. 
 
The seamount is likely to be a remnant of an extinct volcano, similar to other seamounts, as per the NOAA Ocean Exploration, which is a federal programme and part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 
 
The seamount found is 1,600 metres (5,249 feet) tall, which is nearly twice the height of Burj Khalifa in Dubai – the world's tallest building, as per the press release issued by nonprofit organisation Schmidt Ocean Institute which carried out advanced oceanographic research.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/unique-lost-city-deep-in-the-ocean-is-a-marvel-but-it-now-faces-mining-threats-660251">Unique 'Lost City' deep in the ocean is a marvel, but it now faces mining threats</a>

The discovery of the massive mountain, which covers 14 square kilometres (5.4 square miles) and is located 2,400 metres (7,874 feet) below sea level, took place in July during an SOI expedition, which is part of the efforts of the institute to further explore the ocean with the use of a research vessel known as Falkor (too). 
 
The ship has been designed for mapping the seafloor with the use of a multibeam echosounder that sends out sound waves to the ocean floor in a fan-shaped pattern and then measures the time which is taken by the sound to touch the ocean floor and return. 
 
Hydrographer and marine technician with the Schmidt Ocean Institute Tomer Ketter, who was also present on board, said that the seamount was not in any database that measures ocean depths, including the General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans.

<h2>More than 100,000 seamounts still undiscovered</h2>

In a press release, the executive director of Schmidt Ocean Institute Dr Jyotika Virmani said, “A seamount over 1.5 kilometres tall which has, until now, been hidden under the waves really highlights how much we have yet to discover.” 
 
“A complete seafloor map is a fundamental element of understanding our Ocean so it’s exciting to be living in an era where technology allows us to map and see these amazing parts of our planet for the first time,” she added.

Watch:&nbsp;More metals on the seabed than in all reserves on the land

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/more-metals-on-the-seabed-than-in-all-reserves-on-the-land-662715/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The researchers discovered the seamount 84 nautical miles outside the Guatemalan Exclusive Economic Zone. 
 
According to NOAA, there are more than 100,000 seamounts which are taller than 1,000 metres (3,280 feet) in the world, however, till now less than one-tenth of a per cent has been explored. 
 
“Seamounts have been explored only relatively recently due to the advent of human-occupied submersibles and very capable remotely operated vehicles (ROVs),” stated Les Watling, an emeritus biology professor with the University of Hawaii at Manoa, via email, as reported by CNN.

(With inputs from agencies)

The researchers, in a major discovery, found a massive underwater mountain, also known as a seamount, on the Pacific Ocean's floor off the coast of Guatemala. The seamount is likely to be a remnant of an extinct volcano, similar to other seamounts, as per the NOAA Ocean Exploration, which is a federal programme and part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The researchers, in a major discovery, found a massive underwater mountain, also known as a seamount, on the Pacific Ocean's floor off the coast of Guatemala. The seamount is likely to be a remnant of an extinct volcano, similar to other seamounts, as per the NOAA Ocean Exploration, which is a federal programme and part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The seamount found is 1,600 metres (5,249 feet) tall, which is nearly twice the height of Burj Khalifa in Dubai – the world's tallest building, as per the press release issued by nonprofit organisation Schmidt Ocean Institute which carried out advanced oceanographic research. Also read: Unique 'Lost City' deep in the ocean is a marvel, but it now faces mining threats The discovery of the massive mountain, which covers 14 square kilometres (5.4 square miles) and is located 2,400 metres (7,874 feet) below sea level, took place in July during an SOI expedition, which is part of the efforts of the institute to further explore the ocean with the use of a research vessel known as Falkor (too). The ship has been designed for mapping the seafloor with the use of a multibeam echosounder that sends out sound waves to the ocean floor in a fan-shaped pattern and then measures the time which is taken by the sound to touch the ocean floor and return. Hydrographer and marine technician with the Schmidt Ocean Institute Tomer Ketter, who was also present on board, said that the seamount was not in any database that measures ocean depths, including the General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans. More than 100,000 seamounts still undiscovered In a press release, the executive director of Schmidt Ocean Institute Dr Jyotika Virmani said, “A seamount over 1.5 kilometres tall which has, until now, been hidden under the waves really highlights how much we have yet to discover.” “A complete seafloor map is a fundamental element of understanding our Ocean so it’s exciting to be living in an era where technology allows us to map and see these amazing parts of our planet for the first time,” she added. Watch: More metals on the seabed than in all reserves on the land The researchers discovered the seamount 84 nautical miles outside the Guatemalan Exclusive Economic Zone. According to NOAA, there are more than 100,000 seamounts which are taller than 1,000 metres (3,280 feet) in the world, however, till now less than one-tenth of a per cent has been explored. “Seamounts have been explored only relatively recently due to the advent of human-occupied submersibles and very capable remotely operated vehicles (ROVs),” stated Les Watling, an emeritus biology professor with the University of Hawaii at Manoa, via email, as reported by CNN. (With inputs from agencies)

Researchers discover giant underwater mountain, twice as big as world’s tallest building

False bomb threats were received by 15 synagogues in the metro region of New York City early on Friday (Dec 1), which included two houses of worship in Brooklyn and five houses of worship in upper Manhattan, as per the NYPD and a Jewish security agency. 
 
The police said that the bomb threats were sent through email to five synagogues on the Upper East and Upper West sides, along with Hudson Heights, in Manhattan between 5:15 and 6 am&nbsp;local time and they warned of the presence of explosives inside the buildings, said police. 
 
Speaking to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, director of the Community Security Initiative Mitch Silber said that intimidating emails were also sent to two synagogues in Brooklyn.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/us-space-agency-has-seen-thousands-of-ufos-in-one-month-report-664809">US space agency has seen ‘thousands of UFOs’ in one month: Report</a>

“Jewish congregations on Long Island and in Westchester County received the disturbing missives, too,” Silber said, as reported by the New York Post. 
 
“There are multiple explosives inside the synagogue,” read one of the threats, as per the news agency. “These explosives will go off in a few hours and I will make history. I will make sure you all die,” it added.

<h2>Contact forms on websites of synagogues used to send mail: police</h2>

Speaking to the Jewish news agency, Silber said that most of the threats were sent using contact forms on the websites of the synagogues, and all those emails were not found credible. 
 
As per the police, the houses of worship in Manhattan which were targetted were the Park East Synagogue on East 68th Street near Third Avenue; the Stephen Wise Free Synagogue on West 68th Street near Central Park West; Congregation Rodeph Sholom on West 83rd Street near Central Park West; Congregation Ohab Zedek on West 95th Street near Columbus Avenue, and the Mount Sinai Jewish Centre on Bennett Avenue near Broadway.

Watch:&nbsp;Donald Trump's gag order reinstated by court in New York civil fraud case

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/donald-trumps-gag-order-reinstated-by-court-in-new-york-civil-fraud-case-664877/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Silber said that the early-morning hate campaign was aimed at forcing law enforcement to respond to the houses of worship while making interruptions in their operations. 
 
“They’re really just to disrupt, to intimidate,” Silber said while speaking about the threats, and adding that an investigation will be started and that “there should be consequences.” 
 
The threats were sent as the city saw an increase in antisemitic crimes so far this year, with nearly 275 such cases reported between Sunday and January 1, as per the latest NYPD data available. 
 
The figure marked a nearly 3 per cent increase in hate crimes with 268 of them which were targeted towards Jewish victims getting reported in 2022, according to the statistics. 
 
However, there has been an increase in reports of antisemitic offences in the city, especially since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in early October.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

False bomb threats were received by 15 synagogues in the metro region of New York City early on Friday (Dec 1), which included two houses of worship in Brooklyn and five houses of worship in upper Manhattan, as per the NYPD and a Jewish security agency.

False bomb threats were received by 15 synagogues in the metro region of New York City early on Friday (Dec 1), which included two houses of worship in Brooklyn and five houses of worship in upper Manhattan, as per the NYPD and a Jewish security agency. The police said that the bomb threats were sent through email to five synagogues on the Upper East and Upper West sides, along with Hudson Heights, in Manhattan between 5:15 and 6 am local time and they warned of the presence of explosives inside the buildings, said police. Speaking to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, director of the Community Security Initiative Mitch Silber said that intimidating emails were also sent to two synagogues in Brooklyn. Also read: US space agency has seen ‘thousands of UFOs’ in one month: Report “Jewish congregations on Long Island and in Westchester County received the disturbing missives, too,” Silber said, as reported by the New York Post. “There are multiple explosives inside the synagogue,” read one of the threats, as per the news agency. “These explosives will go off in a few hours and I will make history. I will make sure you all die,” it added. Contact forms on websites of synagogues used to send mail: police Speaking to the Jewish news agency, Silber said that most of the threats were sent using contact forms on the websites of the synagogues, and all those emails were not found credible. As per the police, the houses of worship in Manhattan which were targetted were the Park East Synagogue on East 68th Street near Third Avenue; the Stephen Wise Free Synagogue on West 68th Street near Central Park West; Congregation Rodeph Sholom on West 83rd Street near Central Park West; Congregation Ohab Zedek on West 95th Street near Columbus Avenue, and the Mount Sinai Jewish Centre on Bennett Avenue near Broadway. Watch: Donald Trump's gag order reinstated by court in New York civil fraud case Silber said that the early-morning hate campaign was aimed at forcing law enforcement to respond to the houses of worship while making interruptions in their operations. “They’re really just to disrupt, to intimidate,” Silber said while speaking about the threats, and adding that an investigation will be started and that “there should be consequences.” The threats were sent as the city saw an increase in antisemitic crimes so far this year, with nearly 275 such cases reported between Sunday and January 1, as per the latest NYPD data available. The figure marked a nearly 3 per cent increase in hate crimes with 268 of them which were targeted towards Jewish victims getting reported in 2022, according to the statistics. However, there has been an increase in reports of antisemitic offences in the city, especially since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in early October. (With inputs from agencies)

15 synagogues receive false bomb threats in NYC, say officials

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Prisha

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.