<p>Russia on Sunday (July 30) said that its forces thwarted an attempt by Ukraine to attack Russia-annexed Crimea with 25 drones overnight.</p>

<p>"Sixteen Ukrainian UAVs were destroyed by air defence fire," said the Russian defence ministry, speaking about the unmanned aerial vehicles. "Another nine Ukrainian drones were suppressed by means of electronic warfare and, without reaching the target, crashed into the Black Sea," said the ministry, adding that no victims were reported in the attack.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-claims-russia-does-not-reject-peace-talks-amid-ukrainian-drone-attack-on-moscow-city-620699">Amid Ukrainian drone attack in Moscow, Putin claims Russia is not against peace talks</a></p>

<p>Russia had annexed Crimea in 2014 and it has remained on Kyiv's radar&nbsp;throughout Moscow's offensive against Ukraine. However, the region has come under more intense, increased attacks in the last&nbsp;few weeks.</p>

<p>Repeatedly, Kyiv has expressed its intention of taking back Crimea.</p>

<h2><strong>Three Ukrainian drones downed over Moscow</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, the Russian defence ministry on Sunday (July 30) said that three Ukrainian drones were shot down over Moscow. In the attack, two office towers were damaged and an international airport was briefly shut.</p>

<p>Russian officials shot down one of the drones on the outskirts of the city and two others were "suppressed by electronic warfare", but they smashed into an office complex. No injuries were reported in the incident.</p>

<p>The defence ministry said it was an "attempted terrorist attack". "On the morning of July 30, the Kyiv regime's attempted terrorist attack with unmanned aerial vehicles on objects in the city of Moscow was thwarted," it stated on Telegram.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Russian capital comes under drone attack allegedly from Ukraine</strong></p>

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<p>"One Ukrainian UAV was destroyed in the air by air defence systems over the territory of the Odintsovo district of Moscow region. Two more drones were suppressed by electronic warfare and, having lost control, crashed on the territory of Moscow City's non-residential building complex,” the ministry added.</p>

<p>Moscow City Mayor Sergei Sobyanin posted on Telegram informing that the "facades of two city office towers were slightly damaged". He further stated that there were "no victims or injured".</p>

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Russia on Sunday (July 30) said that its forces thwarted an attempt by Ukraine to attack Russia-annexed Crimea with 25 drones overnight. "Sixteen Ukrainian UAVs were destroyed by air defence fire," said the Russian defence ministry, speaking about the unmanned aerial vehicles.

Russia on Sunday (July 30) said that its forces thwarted an attempt by Ukraine to attack Russia-annexed Crimea with 25 drones overnight. "Sixteen Ukrainian UAVs were destroyed by air defence fire," said the Russian defence ministry, speaking about the unmanned aerial vehicles. "Another nine Ukrainian drones were suppressed by means of electronic warfare and, without reaching the target, crashed into the Black Sea," said the ministry, adding that no victims were reported in the attack. ALSO READ | Amid Ukrainian drone attack in Moscow, Putin claims Russia is not against peace talks Russia had annexed Crimea in 2014 and it has remained on Kyiv's radar throughout Moscow's offensive against Ukraine. However, the region has come under more intense, increased attacks in the last few weeks. Repeatedly, Kyiv has expressed its intention of taking back Crimea. Three Ukrainian drones downed over Moscow Meanwhile, the Russian defence ministry on Sunday (July 30) said that three Ukrainian drones were shot down over Moscow. In the attack, two office towers were damaged and an international airport was briefly shut. Russian officials shot down one of the drones on the outskirts of the city and two others were "suppressed by electronic warfare", but they smashed into an office complex. No injuries were reported in the incident. The defence ministry said it was an "attempted terrorist attack". "On the morning of July 30, the Kyiv regime's attempted terrorist attack with unmanned aerial vehicles on objects in the city of Moscow was thwarted," it stated on Telegram. WATCH | Russian capital comes under drone attack allegedly from Ukraine "One Ukrainian UAV was destroyed in the air by air defence systems over the territory of the Odintsovo district of Moscow region. Two more drones were suppressed by electronic warfare and, having lost control, crashed on the territory of Moscow City's non-residential building complex,” the ministry added. Moscow City Mayor Sergei Sobyanin posted on Telegram informing that the "facades of two city office towers were slightly damaged". He further stated that there were "no victims or injured". You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Russia says Ukrainian attack on Crimea with 25 drones 'thwarted'

<p>A singer, who took off his pants while performing at a rock festival in northern China, was detained by the authorities. Shijiazhuang city's local culture bureau, in a statement, said that the singer, who has been identified by the surname Ding, was detained by the police officers for “damaging social morality.”</p>

<p>The police further stated that a fine of $28,000 was imposed on the show organiser and it was suspended from hosting concerts.</p>

<p>In the videos shared on Chinese social media, the band Violent Champagne's frontman is seen dropping his shorts while the gig is going on at the Rock Home Town festival in the city on Saturday (July 29).</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-accused-of-infiltrating-us-defence-system-with-ticking-time-bomb-malware-620704">China accused of infiltrating US defence system with 'ticking time bomb' malware</a></p>

<p>In the videos, the audience can be heard chanting “Drop the briefs!” However, in the footage, the singer is seen wearing his underwear.</p>

<h2><strong>City of Rock</strong></h2>

<p>Hebei province's capital Shijiazhuang has been famous for its indie music scene, something which city officials have been wanting to capitalise on.</p>

<p>Earlier this month, an announcement was made by the city to host the Rock Home Town festival till October for attracting tourists and increasing consumption amid the sluggish post-Covid economic recovery of China.</p>

<p>However, many commentators on social media questioned how dedicated the officials were to the ethos of rocking out in the wake of the detention of the singer.</p>

<p>“Shijiazhuang wants to be the City of Rock, but do you have that gene?” said a person while commenting on China’s Twitter-like Weibo following the detention of the singer. “Before you start to rock, you are rolled away,” another person quipped.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Rain soaks Northern China as Typhoon Doksuri makes its way to Beijing</strong></p>

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<p>Shijiazhuang culture bureau said that Violent Champagne was not part of the official lineup of the festival, as per a report published in the state-run Jimu News.</p>

<p>The bureau, in its statement, said that it would “strengthen supervision of performances” at the event. “We hope that performers and staff will consciously abide by laws and regulations, strengthen morality, and provide healthy and positive entertainment for audiences,” it stated.</p>

<p>In 2010, Shijiazhuang was placed on the music map when the song “Kill the One from Shijiazhuang” was released by the local band Omnipotent Youth Society and became a hit.&nbsp;</p>

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A singer, who took off his pants while performing at a rock festival in northern China, was detained by the authorities. Shijiazhuang city's local culture bureau, in a statement, said that the singer, who has been identified by the surname Ding, was detained by the police officers for “damaging social morality.

A singer, who took off his pants while performing at a rock festival in northern China, was detained by the authorities. Shijiazhuang city's local culture bureau, in a statement, said that the singer, who has been identified by the surname Ding, was detained by the police officers for “damaging social morality.” The police further stated that a fine of $28,000 was imposed on the show organiser and it was suspended from hosting concerts. In the videos shared on Chinese social media, the band Violent Champagne's frontman is seen dropping his shorts while the gig is going on at the Rock Home Town festival in the city on Saturday (July 29). ALSO READ | China accused of infiltrating US defence system with 'ticking time bomb' malware In the videos, the audience can be heard chanting “Drop the briefs!” However, in the footage, the singer is seen wearing his underwear. City of Rock Hebei province's capital Shijiazhuang has been famous for its indie music scene, something which city officials have been wanting to capitalise on. Earlier this month, an announcement was made by the city to host the Rock Home Town festival till October for attracting tourists and increasing consumption amid the sluggish post-Covid economic recovery of China. However, many commentators on social media questioned how dedicated the officials were to the ethos of rocking out in the wake of the detention of the singer. “Shijiazhuang wants to be the City of Rock, but do you have that gene?” said a person while commenting on China’s Twitter-like Weibo following the detention of the singer. “Before you start to rock, you are rolled away,” another person quipped. WATCH | Rain soaks Northern China as Typhoon Doksuri makes its way to Beijing Shijiazhuang culture bureau said that Violent Champagne was not part of the official lineup of the festival, as per a report published in the state-run Jimu News. The bureau, in its statement, said that it would “strengthen supervision of performances” at the event. “We hope that performers and staff will consciously abide by laws and regulations, strengthen morality, and provide healthy and positive entertainment for audiences,” it stated. In 2010, Shijiazhuang was placed on the music map when the song “Kill the One from Shijiazhuang” was released by the local band Omnipotent Youth Society and became a hit. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

China detains singer for pulling down his pants on stage at festival in ‘City of Rock’

<p>The communications systems of 17 Air Force facilities faced a “critical compromise” after government radio technology worth $90,000 was stolen by a Tennessee-based engineer, as per a search warrant.<br />
<br />
The breach may have also impacted the communications of the FBI, as per the warrant which was accessed by Forbes. A contractor, who used to work with the Arnold Air Force Base in Tullahoma, Tenn, tipped off the government after which the home of the engineer was recently raided.<br />
<br />
The 48-year-old engineer, who has not been charged with any crime by the police as of now, was not identified by Forbes. The engineer allegedly had “unauthorised administrator access” to radio communications technology that was being used by the Air Education and Training Command (ATEC), and this was “affecting 17 Department of Defence installations,” as per the report published in Forbes on Saturday (July 29).</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-building-takes-crown-as-worlds-largest-office-surpassing-the-pentagon-in-us-617221">Indian building takes crown as world's largest office, surpassing US Pentagon</a></p>

<p>The potential compromise of technology used by the AETC, which is among the nine “major commands,” is defined by the Pentagon as “interrelated and complementary” which gives support to Air Force headquarters. This came just three months after another breach of security in the Pentagon was reported.</p>

<p>The sensitive information, related to the Russia-Ukraine war, was allegedly leaked by Air National Guard employee Jack Teixeira on the social platform Discord. For months, Teixeira pleaded not guilty.</p>

<h2><strong>Air Force engineer’s home raided&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>When the raid was carried out at&nbsp;the Air Force engineer’s home, an open computer screen was found by the authorities which showed that the suspect was running radio programming software “which contained the entire Arnold Air Force Base communications system,” reported Forbes.<br />
<br />
Authorities further stated that they discovered evidence of the engineer having access to FBI and Tennessee state agencies, however, they did not speak about what kind of information may have been compromised.<br />
<br />
The media report further stated that, as per the warrant, a document which detailed the forensics on technologies seized from the home of the engineer revealed that he was in possession of a USB which contained “administrative passwords and electronic system keys” for the AETC radio network.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Indian building overtakes US Pentagon as the World's largest office building</strong></p>

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<p>Other items which were seized were flash drives that contained “local law enforcement radio programming files” and “Motorola radio programming files” which had a warning banner indicating they were government property.<br />
<br />
Installer files, which the authorities recovered in the search, opened with a “CONFIDENTIAL RESTRICTED” pop-up, as per Forbes.<br />
<br />
The warrant also stated how the investigators were informed by the witnesses and co-workers that the engineer allegedly “sold radios and radio equipment, worked odd hours, was arrogant, frequently lied, displayed inappropriate workplace behaviour and sexual harassment, had financial problems, and possessed [Arnold air force base land mobile radio] equipment”.&nbsp;</p>

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The communications systems of 17 Air Force facilities faced a “critical compromise” after government radio technology worth $90,000 was stolen by a Tennessee-based engineer, as per a search warrant.

The communications systems of 17 Air Force facilities faced a “critical compromise” after government radio technology worth $90,000 was stolen by a Tennessee-based engineer, as per a search warrant. The breach may have also impacted the communications of the FBI, as per the warrant which was accessed by Forbes. A contractor, who used to work with the Arnold Air Force Base in Tullahoma, Tenn, tipped off the government after which the home of the engineer was recently raided. The 48-year-old engineer, who has not been charged with any crime by the police as of now, was not identified by Forbes. The engineer allegedly had “unauthorised administrator access” to radio communications technology that was being used by the Air Education and Training Command (ATEC), and this was “affecting 17 Department of Defence installations,” as per the report published in Forbes on Saturday (July 29). ALSO READ | Indian building takes crown as world's largest office, surpassing US Pentagon The potential compromise of technology used by the AETC, which is among the nine “major commands,” is defined by the Pentagon as “interrelated and complementary” which gives support to Air Force headquarters. This came just three months after another breach of security in the Pentagon was reported. The sensitive information, related to the Russia-Ukraine war, was allegedly leaked by Air National Guard employee Jack Teixeira on the social platform Discord. For months, Teixeira pleaded not guilty. Air Force engineer’s home raided When the raid was carried out at the Air Force engineer’s home, an open computer screen was found by the authorities which showed that the suspect was running radio programming software “which contained the entire Arnold Air Force Base communications system,” reported Forbes. Authorities further stated that they discovered evidence of the engineer having access to FBI and Tennessee state agencies, however, they did not speak about what kind of information may have been compromised. The media report further stated that, as per the warrant, a document which detailed the forensics on technologies seized from the home of the engineer revealed that he was in possession of a USB which contained “administrative passwords and electronic system keys” for the AETC radio network. WATCH | Indian building overtakes US Pentagon as the World's largest office building Other items which were seized were flash drives that contained “local law enforcement radio programming files” and “Motorola radio programming files” which had a warning banner indicating they were government property. Installer files, which the authorities recovered in the search, opened with a “CONFIDENTIAL RESTRICTED” pop-up, as per Forbes. The warrant also stated how the investigators were informed by the witnesses and co-workers that the engineer allegedly “sold radios and radio equipment, worked odd hours, was arrogant, frequently lied, displayed inappropriate workplace behaviour and sexual harassment, had financial problems, and possessed [Arnold air force base land mobile radio] equipment”. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Pentagon investigates ‘critical compromise’ of Air Force, FBI communications

<p>A fun-filled rollercoaster ride turned into a nightmare for eight riders, which included an 8-year-old girl, after they were stuck at the top of a 72-foot-high rollercoaster which was stalled at an amusement park in United Kindom.<br />
<br />
As per SkyNews, the unfortunate incident took place at the Adventure Island theme park in Southend, Essex on Friday (July 28). The riders were stranded on the ride and were hanging vertically for around 40 minutes before the officials rescued them and brought them back to the ground.<br />
<br />
A video of the riders stranded at a 90-degree angle and facing skywards at the Rage attraction at the Adventure Island theme park is going viral on social media platforms. The riders were stranded at the ride's highest point, which has been advertised as the "biggest and best" rollercoaster of the Adventure Island, with "loops, twists, and flat-out speeds".</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/us-people-stuck-hanging-upside-down-for-hours-after-roller-coaster-stopped-612039">US: Riders end up hanging upside down for hours after roller coaster stopped</a></p>

<h2><strong>40 minutes of horror</strong></h2>

<p>As reported by Sky News, officials started a rescue operation and the people aboard were evacuated from the ride and brought back to the ground within 40 minutes.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Breaking news. A roller coaster at Southend Theme Park has broken down leaving riders stuck on the lift.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Southend?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Southend</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rollercoaster?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rollercoaster</a> <a href="https://t.co/td1oYnFQgV">pic.twitter.com/td1oYnFQgV</a></p>
— Supplement Warehouse (@SuppWarehouseUK) <a href="https://twitter.com/SuppWarehouseUK/status/1684953042481811456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>"Just after 2 pm today, a carriage on Rage stopped on the lift," said Marc Miller, managing director of the Stockvale Group – which has been running Adventure Island.<br />
<br />
"Our highly trained team immediately initiated our ride evacuation plan, which has been certified by the Health and Safety Executives and Essex Fire and Rescue. All passengers were returned to the ground, safe and sound and reunited with their families within 40 minutes," Miller stated.</p>

<h2><strong>People harnessed and brought down</strong></h2>

<p>Speaking about the incident, an eyewitness&nbsp;said that the people on board the ride were harnessed and saved from the frightening predicament at the amusement park.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;United Kingdom seeks to improve combat readiness of its military</strong></p>

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<p>According to the New York Post, one mother, who had visited the amusement park with her six-year-old daughter, while talking about the situation said that the rollercoaster was stuck during its ascent just before 2 pm local time.<br />
<br />
"It was all quite calm to be fair, the park seemed to handle it really, really well," said the woman. "They were reassuring them, there was no screaming or mass hysteria, though obviously there was a large crowd of people around and lots of people there," she stated.</p>

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A fun-filled rollercoaster ride turned into a nightmare for eight riders, which included an 8-year-old girl, after they were stuck at the top of a 72-foot-high rollercoaster which was stalled at an amusement park in United Kindom.

A fun-filled rollercoaster ride turned into a nightmare for eight riders, which included an 8-year-old girl, after they were stuck at the top of a 72-foot-high rollercoaster which was stalled at an amusement park in United Kindom. As per SkyNews, the unfortunate incident took place at the Adventure Island theme park in Southend, Essex on Friday (July 28). The riders were stranded on the ride and were hanging vertically for around 40 minutes before the officials rescued them and brought them back to the ground. A video of the riders stranded at a 90-degree angle and facing skywards at the Rage attraction at the Adventure Island theme park is going viral on social media platforms. The riders were stranded at the ride's highest point, which has been advertised as the "biggest and best" rollercoaster of the Adventure Island, with "loops, twists, and flat-out speeds". ALSO READ | US: Riders end up hanging upside down for hours after roller coaster stopped 40 minutes of horror As reported by Sky News, officials started a rescue operation and the people aboard were evacuated from the ride and brought back to the ground within 40 minutes. Breaking news. A roller coaster at Southend Theme Park has broken down leaving riders stuck on the lift.#Southend #Rollercoaster pic.twitter.com/td1oYnFQgV — Supplement Warehouse (@SuppWarehouseUK) July 28, 2023 × "Just after 2 pm today, a carriage on Rage stopped on the lift," said Marc Miller, managing director of the Stockvale Group – which has been running Adventure Island. "Our highly trained team immediately initiated our ride evacuation plan, which has been certified by the Health and Safety Executives and Essex Fire and Rescue. All passengers were returned to the ground, safe and sound and reunited with their families within 40 minutes," Miller stated. People harnessed and brought down Speaking about the incident, an eyewitness said that the people on board the ride were harnessed and saved from the frightening predicament at the amusement park. WATCH | United Kingdom seeks to improve combat readiness of its military According to the New York Post, one mother, who had visited the amusement park with her six-year-old daughter, while talking about the situation said that the rollercoaster was stuck during its ascent just before 2 pm local time. "It was all quite calm to be fair, the park seemed to handle it really, really well," said the woman. "They were reassuring them, there was no screaming or mass hysteria, though obviously there was a large crowd of people around and lots of people there," she stated. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Video: Riders hang vertically for nearly 40 minutes after rollercoaster gets stuck in UK

<p>An ancient cargo ship wreckage was discovered on a seabed off the port in Civitavecchia, which is around 50 miles northwest of the capital city of Rome, said&nbsp;the country’s Carabinieri Command for the Protection of Cultural Heritage.<br />
<br />
The vessel, which belongs to the 1st or 2nd century BC, contains&nbsp;hundreds of ancient Roman jars which are called amphorae, many of which were found still intact in the wreckage which was discovered using a remotely operated robot, said the authorities.<br />
<br />
“The exceptional discovery is an important example of the shipwreck of a Roman ship facing the perils of the sea in an attempt to reach the coast, and bears witness to old maritime trading routes,” said the police unit in a statement.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/investigation-into-greek-shipwreck-suggests-coastguard-responsible-for-sinking-report-613990">Investigation into Greek shipwreck suggests coastguard responsible for sinking: Report</a></p>

<p>The authorities are now working to ensure that the site is protected as hundreds of amphorae are illegally taken each year and discovered in the homes of art dealers by Italian police.<br />
<br />
Hundreds of illegally obtained archaeological articles were seized by the Italian authorities in June 2021 from a Belgian collector which included commemorative slabs known as stelae, amphorae, and other items worth nearly $10 million, reported the Guardian.</p>

<h2><strong>Underwater treasures on Italy's coastline</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, the coastline of Italy is teeming with underwater treasures which are regularly patrolled by police scuba divers to protect them from looters.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Wreckage of Titan brought ashore: presumed human remains found in Titan</strong></p>

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<p>Two ancient Roman ships were discovered by Sicilian archaeologists in 2021 – one was discovered near the island of Ustica and the other off the coast of Palermo. Large amounts of wine jugs were being carried out by both vessels.<br />
<br />
An almost intact ship, which belonged to the 2nd century BC, was discovered by the police off the coast of Genoa in 2013 after they were tipped off regarding the ship's wreckage following a year-long investigation into the artefacts which were stolen.</p>

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An ancient cargo ship wreckage was discovered on a seabed off the port in Civitavecchia, which is around 50 miles northwest of the capital city of Rome, said the country’s Carabinieri Command for the Protection of Cultural Heritage.

An ancient cargo ship wreckage was discovered on a seabed off the port in Civitavecchia, which is around 50 miles northwest of the capital city of Rome, said the country’s Carabinieri Command for the Protection of Cultural Heritage. The vessel, which belongs to the 1st or 2nd century BC, contains hundreds of ancient Roman jars which are called amphorae, many of which were found still intact in the wreckage which was discovered using a remotely operated robot, said the authorities. “The exceptional discovery is an important example of the shipwreck of a Roman ship facing the perils of the sea in an attempt to reach the coast, and bears witness to old maritime trading routes,” said the police unit in a statement. ALSO READ | Investigation into Greek shipwreck suggests coastguard responsible for sinking: Report The authorities are now working to ensure that the site is protected as hundreds of amphorae are illegally taken each year and discovered in the homes of art dealers by Italian police. Hundreds of illegally obtained archaeological articles were seized by the Italian authorities in June 2021 from a Belgian collector which included commemorative slabs known as stelae, amphorae, and other items worth nearly $10 million, reported the Guardian. Underwater treasures on Italy's coastline Meanwhile, the coastline of Italy is teeming with underwater treasures which are regularly patrolled by police scuba divers to protect them from looters. WATCH | Wreckage of Titan brought ashore: presumed human remains found in Titan Two ancient Roman ships were discovered by Sicilian archaeologists in 2021 – one was discovered near the island of Ustica and the other off the coast of Palermo. Large amounts of wine jugs were being carried out by both vessels. An almost intact ship, which belonged to the 2nd century BC, was discovered by the police off the coast of Genoa in 2013 after they were tipped off regarding the ship's wreckage following a year-long investigation into the artefacts which were stolen. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Over two millennia old ancient Roman ship's wreckage found near Italian coast

<p>The Central African Republic began voting on Sunday in a referendum on a new constitution that would allow President Faustin-Archange Touadera to seek a third term in a country which has endured several coups.</p>

<p>In 2020 Touadera won a second term through to 2025, after a vote interrupted by several incursions by armed rebel groups, while he also had to overcome allegations of fraud.</p>

<p>His rivals now charge that he wants to remain "president for life" -- under the increasingly visible protection of the private Russian mercenary group Wagner, which first deployed to the CAR in 2018.</p>

<p>The country of 5.5 million people is one of the world's poorest. Voting was scheduled to begin at 6:00 am (0500 GMT) but polling stations opened around one hour late.&nbsp; The polls are due to close at 4:00 pm, with some 1.9 million people called on to cast their ballots.</p>

<p>Provisional results are not expected for eight days, while the constitutional court is scheduled to publish the definitive outcome on August 27, according to the national electoral authority.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Boycott&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The proposed new constitution would extend the presidential mandate from five to seven years and abolish the two-term limit.</p>

<p>Opinion polls suggest the "yes" camp is likely to triumph.</p>

<p>"We know that the 'yes' camp is going to win - but we shall put the emphasis on participation," national assembly vice-president and presidential majority spokesman Evariste Ngamana told AFP.</p>

<p>The main opposition parties, civil groups and armed rebels have all called on voters to boycott the exercise.</p>

<p>The opposition has notably complained about the lack of an up-to-date electoral register and says institutions tasked with guaranteeing a free and fair vote are not independent.</p>

<p>In the capital Bangui, between 2,000 and 3,000 "yes" supporters turned out Friday for a final meeting to drum up further backing for the proposal.</p>

<p>But observers said the vote might not inspire much interest among the general populace.</p>

<p>"The majority of the CAR population, who are struggling to survive in a difficult economic and security context, doubtless have other priorities aside from this referendum which mobilises few beyond those close to those in power," said Charles Bouessel, analyst with the International Crisis Group.&nbsp;</p>

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The Central African Republic began voting on Sunday in a referendum on a new constitution that would allow President Faustin-Archange Touadera to seek a third term in a country which has endured several coups.

The Central African Republic began voting on Sunday in a referendum on a new constitution that would allow President Faustin-Archange Touadera to seek a third term in a country which has endured several coups. In 2020 Touadera won a second term through to 2025, after a vote interrupted by several incursions by armed rebel groups, while he also had to overcome allegations of fraud. His rivals now charge that he wants to remain "president for life" -- under the increasingly visible protection of the private Russian mercenary group Wagner, which first deployed to the CAR in 2018. The country of 5.5 million people is one of the world's poorest. Voting was scheduled to begin at 6:00 am (0500 GMT) but polling stations opened around one hour late. The polls are due to close at 4:00 pm, with some 1.9 million people called on to cast their ballots. Provisional results are not expected for eight days, while the constitutional court is scheduled to publish the definitive outcome on August 27, according to the national electoral authority. Boycott The proposed new constitution would extend the presidential mandate from five to seven years and abolish the two-term limit. Opinion polls suggest the "yes" camp is likely to triumph. "We know that the 'yes' camp is going to win - but we shall put the emphasis on participation," national assembly vice-president and presidential majority spokesman Evariste Ngamana told AFP. The main opposition parties, civil groups and armed rebels have all called on voters to boycott the exercise. The opposition has notably complained about the lack of an up-to-date electoral register and says institutions tasked with guaranteeing a free and fair vote are not independent. In the capital Bangui, between 2,000 and 3,000 "yes" supporters turned out Friday for a final meeting to drum up further backing for the proposal. But observers said the vote might not inspire much interest among the general populace. "The majority of the CAR population, who are struggling to survive in a difficult economic and security context, doubtless have other priorities aside from this referendum which mobilises few beyond those close to those in power," said Charles Bouessel, analyst with the International Crisis Group. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Central African Republic votes in referendum on new constitution

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</strong></em></p>

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday (July 29) said that an initiative by African countries could be a basis for peace with Ukraine but the attacks by Ukrainian forces made it hard to realise, hours before a Ukrainian drone attack took place on Moscow.<br />
<br />
Putin was addressing a press conference after holding a meeting with African leaders in St Petersburg and listening to their calls for Moscow to take steps and go ahead with their plan. "There are provisions of this peace initiative that are being implemented. But there are things that are difficult or impossible to implement,” he said.<br />
<br />
Putin stated that the ceasefire was one of the points in the African initiative. "But the Ukrainian army is on the offensive, they are attacking, they are implementing a large-scale strategic offensive operation... We cannot cease fire when we are under attack,” he said.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraines-attacks-are-intensifying-claims-putin-620046">Ukraine intensifying attacks on frontline, Russian forces inflicted heavy losses, claims Putin</a></p>

<p>Answering the question of initiating peace talks, Putin said, "We did not reject them... In order for this process to begin, there needs to be agreement on both sides."</p>

<h2><strong>Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow</strong></h2>

<p>Two office blocks were damaged and one person was injured in a night-time Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow, said the mayor of the Russian capital early on Sunday (July 30), adding that no one suffered injuries. "Ukrainian drones attacked tonight. The facades of two city office towers were slightly damaged. There are no victims or injured," posted Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin on Telegram.<br />
<br />
"The glazing was shattered as a result of the blast at the level of fifth and sixth floors of the 50-story building on Presnenskaya embankment," an official said, as reported by TASS.</p>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Footage of a drone explosion over a skyscraper in Moscow City <a href="https://t.co/aVC1auiOvz">pic.twitter.com/aVC1auiOvz</a></p>
— Spriter Team (@SpriterTeam) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpriterTeam/status/1685465081662803968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Russia's defence ministry, confirming that three Ukrainian drones were downed by them,&nbsp;said on Telegram, "The Kyiv regime's attempted terrorist attack with unmanned aerial vehicles on objects in the city of Moscow was thwarted,"&nbsp;adding that one was shot down and two, "suppressed by electronic warfare", crashed into a building complex.</p>

<p>Moscow's Vnukovo International Airport was shut down to traffic on Sunday, a Russian state news agency report said. "The capital's Vnukovo airport is closed for departures and arrivals, flights are redirected to other airports. This was reported by the aviation services,” TASS reported.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Russia-Africa summit: Putin promises free grain to African nations</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-africa-summit-putin-promises-free-grain-to-african-nations-620334/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Meanwhile, on the Ukrainian side, one civilian was killed in a Russian missile attack on Saturday (July 29) in the northeast Ukrainian city of Sumy, informed the national police, further stating that five people were injured in the strike on an education centre.<br />
<br />
"On the evening of July 29, an enemy missile hit an educational institution. Law enforcement officers are working at the scene, recording the effects," the force shared on Telegram, confirming the initial toll as "at least one civilian dead and five injured". "Police, rescue workers and medics are on the scene", it stated.</p>

<h2><strong>Saudi invites developing nations for Ukraine peace talks</strong></h2>

<p>The leading developing nations have been invited by Saudi Arabia to hold the meeting in a bid to win their backing for Ukraine peace talks. Senior government officials from China, Brazil, South Africa and India have been invited for talks in Jeddah which will be held for two days.<br />
<br />
The meeting will aim at persuading countries from South America, Africa and south-east Asia to support the Ukrainian peace plan&nbsp;which calls for an end to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war by letting Kyiv reclaim&nbsp;its territory occupied by Russian troops.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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<main>
<section>
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Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday (July 29) said that an initiative by African countries could be a basis for peace with Ukraine but the attacks by Ukrainian forces made it hard to realise, hours before a Ukrainian drone attack took place on Moscow. Putin was addressing a press conference after holding a meeting with African leaders in St Petersburg and listening to their calls for Moscow to take steps and go ahead with their plan. "There are provisions of this peace initiative that are being implemented. But there are things that are difficult or impossible to implement,” he said. Putin stated that the ceasefire was one of the points in the African initiative. "But the Ukrainian army is on the offensive, they are attacking, they are implementing a large-scale strategic offensive operation... We cannot cease fire when we are under attack,” he said. ALSO READ | Ukraine intensifying attacks on frontline, Russian forces inflicted heavy losses, claims Putin Answering the question of initiating peace talks, Putin said, "We did not reject them... In order for this process to begin, there needs to be agreement on both sides." Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow Two office blocks were damaged and one person was injured in a night-time Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow, said the mayor of the Russian capital early on Sunday (July 30), adding that no one suffered injuries. "Ukrainian drones attacked tonight. The facades of two city office towers were slightly damaged. There are no victims or injured," posted Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin on Telegram. "The glazing was shattered as a result of the blast at the level of fifth and sixth floors of the 50-story building on Presnenskaya embankment," an official said, as reported by TASS. Footage of a drone explosion over a skyscraper in Moscow City pic.twitter.com/aVC1auiOvz — Spriter Team (@SpriterTeam) July 30, 2023 × Russia's defence ministry, confirming that three Ukrainian drones were downed by them, said on Telegram, "The Kyiv regime's attempted terrorist attack with unmanned aerial vehicles on objects in the city of Moscow was thwarted," adding that one was shot down and two, "suppressed by electronic warfare", crashed into a building complex. Moscow's Vnukovo International Airport was shut down to traffic on Sunday, a Russian state news agency report said. "The capital's Vnukovo airport is closed for departures and arrivals, flights are redirected to other airports. This was reported by the aviation services,” TASS reported. WATCH | Russia-Africa summit: Putin promises free grain to African nations Meanwhile, on the Ukrainian side, one civilian was killed in a Russian missile attack on Saturday (July 29) in the northeast Ukrainian city of Sumy, informed the national police, further stating that five people were injured in the strike on an education centre. "On the evening of July 29, an enemy missile hit an educational institution. Law enforcement officers are working at the scene, recording the effects," the force shared on Telegram, confirming the initial toll as "at least one civilian dead and five injured". "Police, rescue workers and medics are on the scene", it stated. Saudi invites developing nations for Ukraine peace talks The leading developing nations have been invited by Saudi Arabia to hold the meeting in a bid to win their backing for Ukraine peace talks. Senior government officials from China, Brazil, South Africa and India have been invited for talks in Jeddah which will be held for two days. The meeting will aim at persuading countries from South America, Africa and south-east Asia to support the Ukrainian peace plan which calls for an end to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war by letting Kyiv reclaim its territory occupied by Russian troops. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Amid Ukrainian drone attack in Moscow, Putin claims Russia is not against peace talks

7 Times Aliens & UFOs Were Allegedly Sighted In India

A video of a strange humanoid figure was captured walking on the streets of Jharkhand’s Hazaribagh in 2021. The video soon went viral.

A black circle was spotted by the residents of Delhi in the sky in March 2022. It appeared like a perfect black circle and was uniform in size, thickness, and diameter.

Locals living in Kongka La Pass, which is near the India-China border in Ladakh, have reported seeing flying saucers and other unidentified flying objects in the area many times over the years.

A pilot in 2014 claimed to have seen a green and white UFO flying at a height of almost 26,000 feet near Pune.



6. Chennai spots strange orange lights in sky

Locals claimed to have seen five specks of bright orange light move in the sky of Chennai from south to north in 2013, as per a report in The Hindu.

7. Mysterious light lit Kolkata skies for three minutes

A bright mysterious light suddenly lit the sky of Kolkata for three minutes in December 2022 before it disappeared into thin air.

<p>A worm, which was frozen 46,000 years ago when woolly mammoths, sabre-toothed tigers and giant elks were found on the Earth, has been revived by scientists.<br />
<br />
The roundworm, which is of a previously unknown species, was in a dormant state, called cryptobiosis, 40 meters (131.2 feet) below the surface in the Siberian permafrost, according to professor emeritus at the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics in Dresden as well as a scientist involved in the research.<br />
<br />
Organisms, when in a cryptobiotic state, are able to endure the complete absence of water or oxygen and survive high or freezing temperatures as well as extremely salty conditions. Kurzchalia explained that the organisms remain in a state “between death and life,” in which there is a decrease in their metabolic rates to an undetectable level.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vietnamese-woman-found-worms-crawling-under-her-skin-after-consuming-blood-pudding-pictures-surface-582145">Vietnamese woman found worms crawling under skin after consuming blood pudding; pictures surface</a></p>

<p>“One can halt life and then start it from the beginning. This a major finding,” he stated, further adding that other organisms, who were earlier revived from this state, had survived for decades rather than millennia.</p>

<h2><strong>Worms discovered five years ago in&nbsp;Siberian permafrost</strong></h2>

<p>Scientists from the Institute of Physicochemical and Biological Problems in Soil Science in Russia five years ago discovered two roundworm species in the Siberian permafrost.<br />
<br />
Researcher Anastasia Shatilovich was able to revive two of the worms at the institute by simply rehydrating them with water and then took around 100 worms for further analysis to labs in Germany by transporting them in her pocket.<br />
<br />
Researchers further discovered that P. kolymaenis shared “a molecular toolkit” with C. Elegans, which is another organism often used in scientific studies which could allow it to survive cryptobiosis.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/serbia-46000-year-old-worm-broke-dormancy-records-620244/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The two organisms produce a sugar called trehalose which is likely to enable them to endure freezing and dehydration.<br />
<br />
“To see that the same biochemical pathway is used in a species which is 200, 300 million years away, that’s really striking,” stated Philipp Schiffer, research group leader of the Institute of Zoology at the University of Cologne. “It means that some processes in evolution are deeply conserved,” he added.<br />
<br />
Schiffer added that there are actionable insights which the experts can glean by studying these organisms. “By looking at and analysing these animals, we can maybe inform conservation biology, or maybe even develop efforts to protect other species, or at least learn what to do to protect them in these extreme conditions that we have now,” he said to CNN.</p>

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A worm, which was frozen 46,000 years ago when woolly mammoths, sabre-toothed tigers and giant elks were found on the Earth, has been revived by scientists. The roundworm, which is of a previously unknown species, was in a dormant state, called cryptobiosis, 40 meters (131.

A worm, which was frozen 46,000 years ago when woolly mammoths, sabre-toothed tigers and giant elks were found on the Earth, has been revived by scientists. The roundworm, which is of a previously unknown species, was in a dormant state, called cryptobiosis, 40 meters (131.2 feet) below the surface in the Siberian permafrost, according to professor emeritus at the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics in Dresden as well as a scientist involved in the research. Organisms, when in a cryptobiotic state, are able to endure the complete absence of water or oxygen and survive high or freezing temperatures as well as extremely salty conditions. Kurzchalia explained that the organisms remain in a state “between death and life,” in which there is a decrease in their metabolic rates to an undetectable level. ALSO READ | Vietnamese woman found worms crawling under skin after consuming blood pudding; pictures surface “One can halt life and then start it from the beginning. This a major finding,” he stated, further adding that other organisms, who were earlier revived from this state, had survived for decades rather than millennia. Worms discovered five years ago in Siberian permafrost Scientists from the Institute of Physicochemical and Biological Problems in Soil Science in Russia five years ago discovered two roundworm species in the Siberian permafrost. Researcher Anastasia Shatilovich was able to revive two of the worms at the institute by simply rehydrating them with water and then took around 100 worms for further analysis to labs in Germany by transporting them in her pocket. Researchers further discovered that P. kolymaenis shared “a molecular toolkit” with C. Elegans, which is another organism often used in scientific studies which could allow it to survive cryptobiosis. Watch: The two organisms produce a sugar called trehalose which is likely to enable them to endure freezing and dehydration. “To see that the same biochemical pathway is used in a species which is 200, 300 million years away, that’s really striking,” stated Philipp Schiffer, research group leader of the Institute of Zoology at the University of Cologne. “It means that some processes in evolution are deeply conserved,” he added. Schiffer added that there are actionable insights which the experts can glean by studying these organisms. “By looking at and analysing these animals, we can maybe inform conservation biology, or maybe even develop efforts to protect other species, or at least learn what to do to protect them in these extreme conditions that we have now,” he said to CNN. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Scientists revive worm frozen for 46,000 years in Siberian permafrost

<p>Virgin births may appear unrealistic and biblical, however, researchers have claimed to have discovered a way to induce female fruit flies to produce offspring even if there are no males around.<br />
<br />
Scientists said that the genes which enable one species of fruit fly to reproduce without sperms fertilising their eggs have been identified by them. The researchers then genetically tweaked another species which normally reproduces sexually to do the same thing.<br />
<br />
“We’re the first to show that you can engineer virgin births to happen in an animal – it was very exciting to see a virgin fly produce an embryo able to develop to adulthood, and then repeat the process,” stated Dr Alexis Sperling, first author of the paper outlining the study and a researcher at the University of Cambridge, while speaking to The Guardian.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/fruit-flies-age-rapidly-when-they-see-their-dead-comrades-study-604390">Fruit flies age rapidly when they see their dead comrades: Study</a></p>

<p>The study which has been published in the journal Current Biology was conducted in six years and made use of 220,000 flies. The researchers first observed one species of fruit fly called Drosophila mercatorum, and understood its ability to reproduce through virgin births, which can also be called parthenogenesis.<br />
<br />
Through sequencing the genome of the fly and identifying the gene which is involved in virgin birth, the researchers could identify the corresponding gene in fruit fly's another species called Drosophila melanogaster and alter that gene to turn it on.</p>

<h2><strong>Virgin births to work as&nbsp;reproductive backup</strong></h2>

<p>The offspring of produced from such genetically modified flies could reproduce either by mating with males or through virgin births. Sperling said taking the path of virgin birth can be hugely beneficial for the species and may work as a reproductive backup for isolated females.<br />
<br />
“If there’s continued selection pressure for virgin births in insect pests, which there seems to be, it will eventually lead to them reproducing only in this way. It could become a real problem for agriculture because females produce only females, so their ability to spread doubles,” she added.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/genes-identified-that-enable-induced-virgin-births-in-fruit-flies-620585/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Process not likely to work for mammals</strong></h2>

<p>Sperling stated that although recent research has discovered a way to “switch on” virgin births in fruit flies, it is unlikely that this approach will work in mammals, even though parthenogenesis has been observed in animals such as lizards and honey bees.<br />
<br />
“Mammals are very separate and it is not a natural occurring phenomenon,” said Sperling. However, she said that the research helped to “understand the beauty of life itself” and “this different type of reproduction”.<br />
<br />
Dr Hannah Maude at Imperial College London, speaking to The Guardian, said, “Our diversity protects us: having two copies of the DNA not only provides a backup for harmful DNA variants – found in every person – but is necessary for so-called imprinted regions that are specifically active from the maternal or paternal DNA copy,”<br />
<br />
“Nevertheless, this exciting research furthers our understanding of reproduction in the animal kingdom,” she added.</p>

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Virgin births may appear unrealistic and biblical, however, researchers have claimed to have discovered a way to induce female fruit flies to produce offspring even if there are no males around.

Virgin births may appear unrealistic and biblical, however, researchers have claimed to have discovered a way to induce female fruit flies to produce offspring even if there are no males around. Scientists said that the genes which enable one species of fruit fly to reproduce without sperms fertilising their eggs have been identified by them. The researchers then genetically tweaked another species which normally reproduces sexually to do the same thing. “We’re the first to show that you can engineer virgin births to happen in an animal – it was very exciting to see a virgin fly produce an embryo able to develop to adulthood, and then repeat the process,” stated Dr Alexis Sperling, first author of the paper outlining the study and a researcher at the University of Cambridge, while speaking to The Guardian. ALSO READ | Fruit flies age rapidly when they see their dead comrades: Study The study which has been published in the journal Current Biology was conducted in six years and made use of 220,000 flies. The researchers first observed one species of fruit fly called Drosophila mercatorum, and understood its ability to reproduce through virgin births, which can also be called parthenogenesis. Through sequencing the genome of the fly and identifying the gene which is involved in virgin birth, the researchers could identify the corresponding gene in fruit fly's another species called Drosophila melanogaster and alter that gene to turn it on. Virgin births to work as reproductive backup The offspring of produced from such genetically modified flies could reproduce either by mating with males or through virgin births. Sperling said taking the path of virgin birth can be hugely beneficial for the species and may work as a reproductive backup for isolated females. “If there’s continued selection pressure for virgin births in insect pests, which there seems to be, it will eventually lead to them reproducing only in this way. It could become a real problem for agriculture because females produce only females, so their ability to spread doubles,” she added. Watch: Process not likely to work for mammals Sperling stated that although recent research has discovered a way to “switch on” virgin births in fruit flies, it is unlikely that this approach will work in mammals, even though parthenogenesis has been observed in animals such as lizards and honey bees. “Mammals are very separate and it is not a natural occurring phenomenon,” said Sperling. However, she said that the research helped to “understand the beauty of life itself” and “this different type of reproduction”. Dr Hannah Maude at Imperial College London, speaking to The Guardian, said, “Our diversity protects us: having two copies of the DNA not only provides a backup for harmful DNA variants – found in every person – but is necessary for so-called imprinted regions that are specifically active from the maternal or paternal DNA copy,” “Nevertheless, this exciting research furthers our understanding of reproduction in the animal kingdom,” she added. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Scientists make 'virgin births' without males possible for fruit flies

<p>In a bizarre trend, mango pits are being kept as “pets” by Chinese people, who have now gone beyond keeping young animals.</p>

<p>The latest “animal” companion fad in which pets are being created by youngsters from mango seed with sprouting hair has left the mainland social media shocked after online media outlet Jiupai News reported it on July 20.</p>

<p>The strange practice is a follow-up of a similar type of bizarre trend of university students using cardboard to make “pets” out of mango pits&nbsp;which started last year. As per the owners of this bizarre mango pit, such pets give them the same happiness as a dog or cat and provide them with therapeutic comfort.</p>

<p>Two such pets are being raised by a 19-year-old university student Liu, who is from the northern Chinese port city of Tianjin. Liu even maintains a “mango pit diary” of the pair on Xiaohongshu, which is a Chinese version of Instagram.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/chinas-nuclear-cabbage-619972">China employs 'nuclear cabbage' strategy for dominance in South China Sea</a></p>

<p>So far, Liu has shared 11 diary entries about Da Mao and Er Mao, or Hairy I and II, both of whom have been designated by her as female. She also documents the changes she notices in the texture of the hair of the mango pits and writes about how it changes from being dry and prickly to something which is “very comfortable to pat”. The diary also tracks how the mango seed changes colour from yellowish to white.</p>

<h2><strong>Right kind of mango makes ideal pit pet</strong></h2>

<p>Another mango pit raiser Xiaomeng, while speaking to Jiupai News, said that the owner needs to buy the right kind of mango to raise an ideal pit pet. It requires a lot of work to nurture the “pet” as the seed just not only requires to be washed and brushed&nbsp;but needs to be kept in the sun to prevent mould.</p>

<p>Xiaomeng has been using a hair dryer while brushing her mango pit so as to make it fluffy and Liu has been applying aloe vera gel to the seed. Liu has described her two “daughters” as “ideal pets” which are a “cheap substitute for hamsters”.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;United States will put limit on investments in China, says reports</strong></p>

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<p>She stated that her roommate has also been raising a hairy companion mango but it is “not as good-looking as mine”. As per Liu’s social media posts, commenters also volunteered to be “aunties” to the mango pits. “Will hair conditioner and skin cream make their hair smoother?” one person quizzed.</p>

<p>“I think Da Mao looks quieter while Er Mao seems to have a lively character,” while another said. “So nice that they can bring these pets home after graduation, and we don’t see pet cats and dogs being abandoned,” a third person said while backing the fad.</p>

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In a bizarre trend, mango pits are being kept as “pets” by Chinese people, who have now gone beyond keeping young animals. The latest “animal” companion fad in which pets are being created by youngsters from mango seed with sprouting hair has left the mainland social media shocked after online media outlet Jiupai News reported it on July 20.

In a bizarre trend, mango pits are being kept as “pets” by Chinese people, who have now gone beyond keeping young animals. The latest “animal” companion fad in which pets are being created by youngsters from mango seed with sprouting hair has left the mainland social media shocked after online media outlet Jiupai News reported it on July 20. The strange practice is a follow-up of a similar type of bizarre trend of university students using cardboard to make “pets” out of mango pits which started last year. As per the owners of this bizarre mango pit, such pets give them the same happiness as a dog or cat and provide them with therapeutic comfort. Two such pets are being raised by a 19-year-old university student Liu, who is from the northern Chinese port city of Tianjin. Liu even maintains a “mango pit diary” of the pair on Xiaohongshu, which is a Chinese version of Instagram. ALSO READ | China employs 'nuclear cabbage' strategy for dominance in South China Sea So far, Liu has shared 11 diary entries about Da Mao and Er Mao, or Hairy I and II, both of whom have been designated by her as female. She also documents the changes she notices in the texture of the hair of the mango pits and writes about how it changes from being dry and prickly to something which is “very comfortable to pat”. The diary also tracks how the mango seed changes colour from yellowish to white. Right kind of mango makes ideal pit pet Another mango pit raiser Xiaomeng, while speaking to Jiupai News, said that the owner needs to buy the right kind of mango to raise an ideal pit pet. It requires a lot of work to nurture the “pet” as the seed just not only requires to be washed and brushed but needs to be kept in the sun to prevent mould. Xiaomeng has been using a hair dryer while brushing her mango pit so as to make it fluffy and Liu has been applying aloe vera gel to the seed. Liu has described her two “daughters” as “ideal pets” which are a “cheap substitute for hamsters”. WATCH | United States will put limit on investments in China, says reports She stated that her roommate has also been raising a hairy companion mango but it is “not as good-looking as mine”. As per Liu’s social media posts, commenters also volunteered to be “aunties” to the mango pits. “Will hair conditioner and skin cream make their hair smoother?” one person quizzed. “I think Da Mao looks quieter while Er Mao seems to have a lively character,” while another said. “So nice that they can bring these pets home after graduation, and we don’t see pet cats and dogs being abandoned,” a third person said while backing the fad. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Mango pits or pets | Chinese raising hairy seeds like dogs and cats, grooming their 'hair'

<p>NASA is set to launch a next-generation space observatory in a few years and with that, the space agency's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope will expand its search for rogue planets and exoplanets.<br />
<br />
The telescope, which is likely to lift off between October 2026 and May 2027, will have the potential to spot 400 such rogue planets which are likely to have size similar to the mass of the Earth, as per the new research.<br />
<br />
It is not known whether these planets will have any other similarities with Earth except their mass. Once the scientists get an understanding of these rogue planets, it could more light on the evolution, formation, and disruption of planetary systems.<br />
<br />
The name of the telescope has been kept in honour of Nancy Grace Roman, NASA’s first chief of astronomy and “mother of the Hubble Space Telescope.”</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-joins-hands-with-lockheed-martin-to-develop-nuclear-powered-rocket-619857">NASA &amp; Lockheed Martin join hands to send humanity to Mars on a nuclear-powered rocket</a></p>

<p>NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland Senior Research scientist and co-author of two papers David Bennett said, “We estimate that our galaxy is home to 20 times more rogue planets than stars – trillions of worlds wandering alone.”<br />
<br />
“This is the first measurement of the number of rogue planets in the galaxy that is sensitive to planets less massive than Earth,” he added.<br />
<br />
The findings of the team stem from a nine-year survey called MOA (Microlensing Observations in Astrophysics) which has been conducted at the Mount John University Observatory in New Zealand.<br />
<br />
“Microlensing is the only way we can find objects like low-mass free-floating planets and even primordial black holes,” stated Takahiro Sumi, Osaka University's professor, and lead author of the paper. “It’s very exciting to use gravity to discover objects we could never hope to see directly,” he added.</p>

<h2><strong>Pint-sized planets</strong></h2>

<p>NASA, in a few decades, has discovered the worlds in our solar system as well as the 5,300 planets outside our solar system. A majority of these newfound worlds are either extremely close to their host star or huge in size, or both.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Nasa is 'going nuclear' with its new rocket to Mars and beyond</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nasa-is-going-nuclear-with-its-new-rocket-to-mars-and-beyond-620259/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The results achieved by the team, meanwhile, suggested that rogue planets are generally on the petite side. “We found that Earth-size rogues are more common than more massive ones,” said Sumi said. “The difference in star-bound and free-floating planets’ average masses holds a key to understanding planetary formation mechanisms,” he added.</p>

<h2><strong>Hunt for hidden worlds</strong></h2>

<p>Roman telescope, once launched in May 2027, will reveal solitary planets through microlensing which is extraordinarily rare.<br />
<br />
“Roman will be sensitive to even lower-mass rogue planets since it will observe from space,” stated Naoki Koshimoto, who led the paper. “The combination of Roman’s wide view and sharp vision will allow us to study the objects it finds in more detail than we can do using only ground-based telescopes, which is a thrilling prospect,” he added.</p>

<p>You can&nbsp;<strong>now write for wionews.com</strong>&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>

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NASA is set to launch a next-generation space observatory in a few years and with that, the space agency's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope will expand its search for rogue planets and exoplanets.

NASA is set to launch a next-generation space observatory in a few years and with that, the space agency's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope will expand its search for rogue planets and exoplanets. The telescope, which is likely to lift off between October 2026 and May 2027, will have the potential to spot 400 such rogue planets which are likely to have size similar to the mass of the Earth, as per the new research. It is not known whether these planets will have any other similarities with Earth except their mass. Once the scientists get an understanding of these rogue planets, it could more light on the evolution, formation, and disruption of planetary systems. The name of the telescope has been kept in honour of Nancy Grace Roman, NASA’s first chief of astronomy and “mother of the Hubble Space Telescope.” ALSO READ | NASA & Lockheed Martin join hands to send humanity to Mars on a nuclear-powered rocket NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland Senior Research scientist and co-author of two papers David Bennett said, “We estimate that our galaxy is home to 20 times more rogue planets than stars – trillions of worlds wandering alone.” “This is the first measurement of the number of rogue planets in the galaxy that is sensitive to planets less massive than Earth,” he added. The findings of the team stem from a nine-year survey called MOA (Microlensing Observations in Astrophysics) which has been conducted at the Mount John University Observatory in New Zealand. “Microlensing is the only way we can find objects like low-mass free-floating planets and even primordial black holes,” stated Takahiro Sumi, Osaka University's professor, and lead author of the paper. “It’s very exciting to use gravity to discover objects we could never hope to see directly,” he added. Pint-sized planets NASA, in a few decades, has discovered the worlds in our solar system as well as the 5,300 planets outside our solar system. A majority of these newfound worlds are either extremely close to their host star or huge in size, or both. WATCH | Nasa is 'going nuclear' with its new rocket to Mars and beyond The results achieved by the team, meanwhile, suggested that rogue planets are generally on the petite side. “We found that Earth-size rogues are more common than more massive ones,” said Sumi said. “The difference in star-bound and free-floating planets’ average masses holds a key to understanding planetary formation mechanisms,” he added. Hunt for hidden worlds Roman telescope, once launched in May 2027, will reveal solitary planets through microlensing which is extraordinarily rare. “Roman will be sensitive to even lower-mass rogue planets since it will observe from space,” stated Naoki Koshimoto, who led the paper. “The combination of Roman’s wide view and sharp vision will allow us to study the objects it finds in more detail than we can do using only ground-based telescopes, which is a thrilling prospect,” he added. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

NASA's new telescope likely to spot 400 Earth-size rogue planets, reveals study

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