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<p>Few natural phenomena, when captured on lens, can leave one breathless and astonished. With the easy availability of advanced cameras and constant access to social media platforms, people get a chance to view and enjoy one-of-a-kind occurrences that may take place in any corner of the world. One such event recently happened in Brazil when a&nbsp;bolt of lightning recently hit the famous Christ the Redeemer. When the images of the lightning striking the statue were shared on social media platforms and circulated, they left the people mesmerised.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/in-a-first-scientists-use-car-sized-laser-to-divert-lightning-strikes-553982">In a first, scientists use car-sized laser to divert lightning strikes</a></p>

<p>The incident is reported to have happened on February 10. The image of lightning striking the head of the statue was shared by a Twitter user @Rainmaker1973.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Lightning struck Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro on February 10, 2023<br />
<br />
[more📷by Fernando Braga: <a href="https://t.co/xSDfq7x5Z3">https://t.co/xSDfq7x5Z3</a>] <a href="https://t.co/FLr25VhLEB">pic.twitter.com/FLr25VhLEB</a></p>
— Massimo (@Rainmaker1973) <a href="https://twitter.com/Rainmaker1973/status/1624376424118333440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The breathtaking image has been captured on camera by Fernando Braga. Since the image has been posted, it went viral with 19.8 million views. Till now, the images have received more than 209K likes.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Lightning strikes Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. <a href="https://t.co/7F8CWuGCrt">pic.twitter.com/7F8CWuGCrt</a></p>
— Pop Base (@PopBase) <a href="https://twitter.com/PopBase/status/1624497905095835649?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Twitter users flooded the comments section of the post. One user said, "At this point Zeus or Thor. Jokes apart, this is a quite recurrent event, being the highest point, it's just the luck of having someone doing photography at the right time." Another user wrote, "Wow! Oh just WOW!"</p>

<p>A third user commented, "What a shot! Thanks for sharing." While most people appreciated the pictures, few others even cracked jokes.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | Lightning bolt that struck US two years ago identified as longest ever</strong></p>

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<p>One stated, "I don't think he's rising again after that." Another user said, "Mom! Thor and Jesus are at it again!”</p>

<p>Nearly two million people visit Christ the Redeemer in Brazil's Rio De Janeiro every year.</p>

<p>In the past too, the statue was hit by lightning. In 2014, the statue's thumb was damaged by a bolt of lightning.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Few natural phenomena, when captured on lens, can leave one breathless and astonished. With the easy availability of advanced cameras and constant access to social media platforms, people get a chance to view and enjoy one-of-a-kind occurrences that may take place in any corner of the world.

Few natural phenomena, when captured on lens, can leave one breathless and astonished. With the easy availability of advanced cameras and constant access to social media platforms, people get a chance to view and enjoy one-of-a-kind occurrences that may take place in any corner of the world. One such event recently happened in Brazil when a bolt of lightning recently hit the famous Christ the Redeemer. When the images of the lightning striking the statue were shared on social media platforms and circulated, they left the people mesmerised. ALSO READ | In a first, scientists use car-sized laser to divert lightning strikes The incident is reported to have happened on February 10. The image of lightning striking the head of the statue was shared by a Twitter user @Rainmaker1973. Lightning struck Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro on February 10, 2023 [more📷by Fernando Braga: https://t.co/xSDfq7x5Z3] pic.twitter.com/FLr25VhLEB — Massimo (@Rainmaker1973) February 11, 2023 × The breathtaking image has been captured on camera by Fernando Braga. Since the image has been posted, it went viral with 19.8 million views. Till now, the images have received more than 209K likes. Lightning strikes Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. pic.twitter.com/7F8CWuGCrt — Pop Base (@PopBase) February 11, 2023 × Twitter users flooded the comments section of the post. One user said, "At this point Zeus or Thor. Jokes apart, this is a quite recurrent event, being the highest point, it's just the luck of having someone doing photography at the right time." Another user wrote, "Wow! Oh just WOW!" A third user commented, "What a shot! Thanks for sharing." While most people appreciated the pictures, few others even cracked jokes. WATCH | Lightning bolt that struck US two years ago identified as longest ever One stated, "I don't think he's rising again after that." Another user said, "Mom! Thor and Jesus are at it again!” Nearly two million people visit Christ the Redeemer in Brazil's Rio De Janeiro every year. In the past too, the statue was hit by lightning. In 2014, the statue's thumb was damaged by a bolt of lightning. (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

Images of lightning striking Christ the Redeemer go viral, leave netizens mesmerised

<p>To ensure that the tourism offerings are marketed better, the government of India will present different aspects of the country to various nations.</p>

<p>The step is being taken with the assistance of Indian missions abroad, stated officials. For around 20 major source markets of India, which include the UK, US, Thailand, China, Canada, Russia and Oman, the missions have been given the task of creating customised marketing plans according to the profile of tourists from the respective nations.</p>

<p>For example, to the French tourists, India will be pitched as a tourism destination for history and culture, while to Thailand, they will market the Buddhist circuit and adventure tourism. To target the Russians, India needs to expand its tourism spectrum beyond Kerala and Goa.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-mv-ganga-vilas-what-would-the-worlds-longest-river-cruise-would-mean-for-travel-enthusiasts-552313">India's MV Ganga Vilas Cruise: What would the world's longest river cruise mean for travel enthusiasts?</a></p>

<p>Union Tourism Minister G Kishan Reddy along with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and the tourism ministry's other officials, earlier this week, held a virtual meeting with tourism officers and ambassadors from some of these missions, where the officials presented their specific marketing plans.</p>

<p>“There is a realisation that the one-size-fits-all approach to promoting India as a tourist destination to foreigners does not yield great results. So, the idea is to market the tourist offerings in a more customised manner,” an official said.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | India Covid: New guidelines for air travel from Saturday; India to test 2% international travelers</strong></p>

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<p>For example, it was observed that 70 per cent of French travellers check the destination online before they travel, and most of these tourists also write reviews and blogs after their visits.</p>

<p>“Only those with an extremely satisfactory experience express themselves as ambassadors of a destination,” according to a presentation which was submitted by the Indian Mission in Paris to the ministers.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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To ensure that the tourism offerings are marketed better, the government of India will present different aspects of the country to various nations. The step is being taken with the assistance of Indian missions abroad, stated officials.

To ensure that the tourism offerings are marketed better, the government of India will present different aspects of the country to various nations. The step is being taken with the assistance of Indian missions abroad, stated officials. For around 20 major source markets of India, which include the UK, US, Thailand, China, Canada, Russia and Oman, the missions have been given the task of creating customised marketing plans according to the profile of tourists from the respective nations. For example, to the French tourists, India will be pitched as a tourism destination for history and culture, while to Thailand, they will market the Buddhist circuit and adventure tourism. To target the Russians, India needs to expand its tourism spectrum beyond Kerala and Goa. ALSO READ | India's MV Ganga Vilas Cruise: What would the world's longest river cruise mean for travel enthusiasts? Union Tourism Minister G Kishan Reddy along with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and the tourism ministry's other officials, earlier this week, held a virtual meeting with tourism officers and ambassadors from some of these missions, where the officials presented their specific marketing plans. “There is a realisation that the one-size-fits-all approach to promoting India as a tourist destination to foreigners does not yield great results. So, the idea is to market the tourist offerings in a more customised manner,” an official said. WATCH | India Covid: New guidelines for air travel from Saturday; India to test 2% international travelers For example, it was observed that 70 per cent of French travellers check the destination online before they travel, and most of these tourists also write reviews and blogs after their visits. “Only those with an extremely satisfactory experience express themselves as ambassadors of a destination,” according to a presentation which was submitted by the Indian Mission in Paris to the ministers. (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

India to tailor its tourism offerings on basis of visiting nation’s profile

<p>On Saturday, the Islamic Republic marked the Iranian revolution's 44th anniversary with state-organised rallies, as President Ebrahim Raisi's televised speech was briefly interrupted by anti-government hackers.</p>

<p>Raisi, who is being called out by young protesters to step down, asked the “deceived youth” to repent so that the supreme leader of Iran can pardon them.</p>

<p>Speaking to the crowd gathered at Tehran's expansive Azadi Square, he said that if that is the case then “the Iranian people will embrace them with open arms”.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-iranian-women-released-out-of-jail-chant-anti-regime-slogans-outside-prison-complex-560762">WATCH | Iranian women, released out of jail, chant anti-regime slogans outside prison complex</a></p>

<p>For almost a minute, the hackers interrupted his live televised speech on the internet as a logo of the anti-government hackers displayed on the screen, who goes by the name of “Edalate Ali (Justice of Ali)”. In that one minute, a voice shouted in the background “Death to the Islamic Republic.”</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting was hacked today while broadcasting mass murderer Ebrahim Raisi's speech during the regime’s anniversary “celebrations”<br />
<br />
The hackers put up the slogan "Death to Khamenei”<br />
👏 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IranRevoIution?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IranRevoIution</a><br />
<a href="https://t.co/s5wb4xKBEB">pic.twitter.com/s5wb4xKBEB</a></p>
— Emily Schrader - אמילי שריידר امیلی شریدر (@emilykschrader) <a href="https://twitter.com/emilykschrader/status/1624369667996282883?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>On the eve of the anniversary, fireworks were shown by the state media as part of the celebrations sponsored by the government as people were seen chanting "Allahu Akbar! (God is Greatest!)".</p>

<p>However, many people were heard shouting “Death to the Islamic Republic” and "Death to the dictator!” in the videos shared on social media.</p>

<p>Live footage of state rallies was aired on Saturday by the government television. In the capital city, an anti-submarine cruiser, drone, domestic-made anti-ballistic missiles, and other military equipment were displayed as part of the celebrations.</p>

<p>“People have realised that the enemy’s problem is not woman, life, or freedom,” said Raisi in the live televised speech at Azadi Square in Tehran, as he referred to the signature slogan of protesters.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | Activists say 'death to Islamic Republic' in video</strong></p>

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<p>“Rather, they want to take our independence,” he stated.</p>

<p>Chants of “Death to America” repeatedly interrupted his speech as the crowd also chanted “Death to Israel.”</p>

<p>Raisi said that the “enemies” are promoting “the worst kind of vulgarity, which is homosexuality”.</p>

<p>Iran was swept by nationwide protests after the 22-year-old Mahsa Amini died in police custody in September 2022 after she was detained by the morality police for not following the strict Islamic dress code.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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On Saturday, the Islamic Republic marked the Iranian revolution's 44th anniversary with state-organised rallies, as President Ebrahim Raisi's televised speech was briefly interrupted by anti-government hackers.

On Saturday, the Islamic Republic marked the Iranian revolution's 44th anniversary with state-organised rallies, as President Ebrahim Raisi's televised speech was briefly interrupted by anti-government hackers. Raisi, who is being called out by young protesters to step down, asked the “deceived youth” to repent so that the supreme leader of Iran can pardon them. Speaking to the crowd gathered at Tehran's expansive Azadi Square, he said that if that is the case then “the Iranian people will embrace them with open arms”. ALSO READ | WATCH | Iranian women, released out of jail, chant anti-regime slogans outside prison complex For almost a minute, the hackers interrupted his live televised speech on the internet as a logo of the anti-government hackers displayed on the screen, who goes by the name of “Edalate Ali (Justice of Ali)”. In that one minute, a voice shouted in the background “Death to the Islamic Republic.” The Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting was hacked today while broadcasting mass murderer Ebrahim Raisi's speech during the regime’s anniversary “celebrations” The hackers put up the slogan "Death to Khamenei” 👏 #IranRevoIution pic.twitter.com/s5wb4xKBEB — Emily Schrader - אמילי שריידר امیلی شریدر (@emilykschrader) February 11, 2023 × On the eve of the anniversary, fireworks were shown by the state media as part of the celebrations sponsored by the government as people were seen chanting "Allahu Akbar! (God is Greatest!)". However, many people were heard shouting “Death to the Islamic Republic” and "Death to the dictator!” in the videos shared on social media. Live footage of state rallies was aired on Saturday by the government television. In the capital city, an anti-submarine cruiser, drone, domestic-made anti-ballistic missiles, and other military equipment were displayed as part of the celebrations. “People have realised that the enemy’s problem is not woman, life, or freedom,” said Raisi in the live televised speech at Azadi Square in Tehran, as he referred to the signature slogan of protesters. WATCH | Activists say 'death to Islamic Republic' in video “Rather, they want to take our independence,” he stated. Chants of “Death to America” repeatedly interrupted his speech as the crowd also chanted “Death to Israel.” Raisi said that the “enemies” are promoting “the worst kind of vulgarity, which is homosexuality”. Iran was swept by nationwide protests after the 22-year-old Mahsa Amini died in police custody in September 2022 after she was detained by the morality police for not following the strict Islamic dress code. (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

WATCH | 'Death to the Islamic Republic': Hackers take over Raisi's revolution anniversary speech

<p>In a video shared on social media, Russian President Vladimir Putin is seen sternly scolding an official for implying that Russia isn't the world's best country, during a recent meeting.&nbsp; Head of the Kremlin's Agency for Strategic Initiatives (ASI) Robert Urazov claimed that other countries were "the best in the world."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Responding to this, Vladimir Putin said, "As you were speaking just now, you said this phrase: 'In other countries, the best in the world. And you went on. So the best country in the world is Russia. I hope you simply misspoke."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-missiles-hit-ukraines-power-facilities-escalates-offensive-in-east-560819">Russian missiles hit Ukraine's power facilities, as offensive escalates in east</a></p>

<p>Adviser to the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Anton Gerashchenko shared the video on the social media platform. Before the video ends, Urazov is seen nervously smiling.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"The best country in the world is Russia" - Putin <a href="https://t.co/sectCZoXOE">pic.twitter.com/sectCZoXOE</a></p>
— Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) <a href="https://twitter.com/Gerashchenko_en/status/1623800018862735362?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Earlier, Kremlin said that the meeting, which was chaired by Putin, was aimed at establishing a stronger domestic market which will benefit Russian companies, reported Newsweek.</p>

<p>In the meeting, Putin tried to dissuade the companies from leaving the nation because of sanctions being imposed by the West after the Ukraine invasion and said that the companies were not willing to leave, but had to do so because of pressure from their respective governments, reported Newsweek quoting statement of Kremlin.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | Gravitas | Putin's Girlfriend: Russian media a weapon of war</strong></p>

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<p>“Perhaps some people thought that all this would collapse and fall apart in our hands. But nothing like this is happening—nothing has collapsed and nothing is falling apart. Our companies, our businesspeople are picking up these companies or even branches and continuing the&nbsp;work with success,” Vladimir Putin stated.</p>

<p>"Naturally, we should be striving for this because being limited to the domestic market is not the best scenario," the Russian president added, according to the statement.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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In a video shared on social media, Russian President Vladimir Putin is seen sternly scolding an official for implying that Russia isn't the world's best country, during a recent meeting.

In a video shared on social media, Russian President Vladimir Putin is seen sternly scolding an official for implying that Russia isn't the world's best country, during a recent meeting. Head of the Kremlin's Agency for Strategic Initiatives (ASI) Robert Urazov claimed that other countries were "the best in the world." Responding to this, Vladimir Putin said, "As you were speaking just now, you said this phrase: 'In other countries, the best in the world. And you went on. So the best country in the world is Russia. I hope you simply misspoke." ALSO READ | Russian missiles hit Ukraine's power facilities, as offensive escalates in east Adviser to the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Anton Gerashchenko shared the video on the social media platform. Before the video ends, Urazov is seen nervously smiling. "The best country in the world is Russia" - Putin pic.twitter.com/sectCZoXOE — Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) February 9, 2023 × Earlier, Kremlin said that the meeting, which was chaired by Putin, was aimed at establishing a stronger domestic market which will benefit Russian companies, reported Newsweek. In the meeting, Putin tried to dissuade the companies from leaving the nation because of sanctions being imposed by the West after the Ukraine invasion and said that the companies were not willing to leave, but had to do so because of pressure from their respective governments, reported Newsweek quoting statement of Kremlin. WATCH | Gravitas | Putin's Girlfriend: Russian media a weapon of war “Perhaps some people thought that all this would collapse and fall apart in our hands. But nothing like this is happening—nothing has collapsed and nothing is falling apart. Our companies, our businesspeople are picking up these companies or even branches and continuing the work with success,” Vladimir Putin stated. "Naturally, we should be striving for this because being limited to the domestic market is not the best scenario," the Russian president added, according to the statement. (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

WATCH | ‘You simply misspoke’: Vladimir Putin scolds official for saying Russia not best country

<p>Pakistan will be providing military supplies to Ukraine through a German port, concurrently with the Poland route, for transferring rockets which will be used in multi-barrel rocket launchers, according to a report published by the Economic Times.</p>

<p>Earlier this month, the officials dispatched supplies of rockets from the Karachi Port which will reach Ukraine via Germany's Emden Port, the people concerned stated.</p>

<p>They stated that the officials have shipped more than 10,000 rockets which are used in Grad multi-barrel rocket launchers.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/violent-mob-storms-pakistan-police-station-sets-man-accused-of-blasphemy-on-fire-560933">Violent mob storms Pakistan police station, sets man accused of blasphemy on fire</a></p>

<p>An official stated that although Pakistan has been requesting the supply of discounted oil from Russia amid the country's deepening economic crisis, the nation has been providing arms on a regular basis to Ukraine.</p>

<p>Last month, 46 containers belonging to Pakistan Ordnance Factories were supplied by shipping firm Project Shipping, based in Karachi, the Economic Times had reported.</p>

<p>Also, Pakistan Ordnance Factories sent another shipment of 50,000 defence stores via Karachi last month. It is believed that Pakistan's shipments are being transferred to Ukraine via Gdansk Port in Poland, reported the Economic Times.</p>

<p>Defence firms, which are present in a few eastern European states which share a border with Ukraine have emerged as a gateway to transfer military equipment manufactured in Pakistan, a report by Economic Times had stated.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | Pakistan's economy in doldrums: Never-ending nightmare for citizens</strong></p>

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<p>Meanwhile, arms supplier DMI Associates, based in Islamabad, has been collaboratively working with defence firms established in eastern Europe for transferring the Ukrainian military's orders.</p>

<p>In return for the military supplies, Ukraine has assistance to Pakistan in upgrading its Mi-17 helicopters.</p>

<p>A Ukrainian firm, which is a manufacturer of industrial marine gas turbines and aircraft engines, has been providing assistance in the upgradation of helicopters belonging to Pakistan, reports suggested.</p>

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Pakistan will be providing military supplies to Ukraine through a German port, concurrently with the Poland route, for transferring rockets which will be used in multi-barrel rocket launchers, according to a report published by the Economic Times.

Pakistan will be providing military supplies to Ukraine through a German port, concurrently with the Poland route, for transferring rockets which will be used in multi-barrel rocket launchers, according to a report published by the Economic Times. Earlier this month, the officials dispatched supplies of rockets from the Karachi Port which will reach Ukraine via Germany's Emden Port, the people concerned stated. They stated that the officials have shipped more than 10,000 rockets which are used in Grad multi-barrel rocket launchers. ALSO READ | Violent mob storms Pakistan police station, sets man accused of blasphemy on fire An official stated that although Pakistan has been requesting the supply of discounted oil from Russia amid the country's deepening economic crisis, the nation has been providing arms on a regular basis to Ukraine. Last month, 46 containers belonging to Pakistan Ordnance Factories were supplied by shipping firm Project Shipping, based in Karachi, the Economic Times had reported. Also, Pakistan Ordnance Factories sent another shipment of 50,000 defence stores via Karachi last month. It is believed that Pakistan's shipments are being transferred to Ukraine via Gdansk Port in Poland, reported the Economic Times. Defence firms, which are present in a few eastern European states which share a border with Ukraine have emerged as a gateway to transfer military equipment manufactured in Pakistan, a report by Economic Times had stated. WATCH | Pakistan's economy in doldrums: Never-ending nightmare for citizens Meanwhile, arms supplier DMI Associates, based in Islamabad, has been collaboratively working with defence firms established in eastern Europe for transferring the Ukrainian military's orders. In return for the military supplies, Ukraine has assistance to Pakistan in upgrading its Mi-17 helicopters. A Ukrainian firm, which is a manufacturer of industrial marine gas turbines and aircraft engines, has been providing assistance in the upgradation of helicopters belonging to Pakistan, reports suggested. 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

Pakistan to provide military supplies to Ukraine via German port: report

<p>&nbsp;At least 10 people suffered injuries after a leopard went on a rampage in Ghaziabad district court, near the Indian capital New Delhi, before the forest department officials captured the wild cat after a four-hour-long rescue operation.</p>

<p>As per reports, the leopard is believed to have entered the Ghaziabad district court building's premises on Tuesday but people spotted her walking into the court's busy corridors on Wednesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Three brothers, who suffered injuries due to the animal's attack, said that they were on the second floor when they saw the leopard standing right in front of them.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/who-is-davion-irvin-24-year-old-who-stole-two-monkeys-from-dallas-zoo-vows-steal-again-if-released-from-jail-560019">Who is Davion Irvin? 24-year-old who stole two monkeys from Dallas zoo, vows to do it again</a></p>

<p>“We were stunned. It attacked the three of us and ran downstairs,” said litigant Tanveer Ahmad, who was injured. They added that the wildlife officials captured the leopard after tranquiliser guns were shot.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Now, a leopard in Ghaziabad court complex! God!! 🐆🐆<br />
<br />
<a href="https://t.co/x0NKurRH8q">pic.twitter.com/x0NKurRH8q</a></p>
— Prashant Kumar (@scribe_prashant) <a href="https://twitter.com/scribe_prashant/status/1623290346200526850?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The officials said that the leopard also suffered several injuries which were being treated using antibiotics and multivitamins by the forest department veterinarians.</p>

<p>Ghaziabad Bar association's secretary Nitin Yadav said that he was standing near the lift when the leopard attacked some bystanders. “After attacking two lawyers on the third floor, the leopard jumped to the lower floors and attacked some more people," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The first thing we did was to shut the collapsible gate at the CJM’s court on the ground floor. Since the animal was terrified, people using another staircase blocked its escape route from the first floor by placing furniture and a net,” lawyer Vikrant Sharma, who was present in the complex, said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There are 52 courtrooms in the Ghaziabad district and sessions court and around 10,000 people visit the court daily.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | Amur leopard spotted for the first time in 50 years</strong></p>

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<p>Soon after the forest officials were informed, they reached the court and were told that the leopard was sitting under the stairs, where the entry and exit gates were closed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We couldn’t see the leopard as it was dark, so we contacted the Meerut divisional office, which dispatched a team equipped with a tranquiliser gun,” said forest conservator AK Gupta. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The videos shared on social media show people hiding inside a room as the leopard growls from outside the iron gate.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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At least 10 people suffered injuries after a leopard went on a rampage in Ghaziabad district court, near the Indian capital New Delhi, before the forest department officials captured the wild cat after a four-hour-long rescue operation.

At least 10 people suffered injuries after a leopard went on a rampage in Ghaziabad district court, near the Indian capital New Delhi, before the forest department officials captured the wild cat after a four-hour-long rescue operation. As per reports, the leopard is believed to have entered the Ghaziabad district court building's premises on Tuesday but people spotted her walking into the court's busy corridors on Wednesday. Three brothers, who suffered injuries due to the animal's attack, said that they were on the second floor when they saw the leopard standing right in front of them. ALSO READ | Who is Davion Irvin? 24-year-old who stole two monkeys from Dallas zoo, vows to do it again “We were stunned. It attacked the three of us and ran downstairs,” said litigant Tanveer Ahmad, who was injured. They added that the wildlife officials captured the leopard after tranquiliser guns were shot. Now, a leopard in Ghaziabad court complex! God!! 🐆🐆 pic.twitter.com/x0NKurRH8q — Prashant Kumar (@scribe_prashant) February 8, 2023 × The officials said that the leopard also suffered several injuries which were being treated using antibiotics and multivitamins by the forest department veterinarians. Ghaziabad Bar association's secretary Nitin Yadav said that he was standing near the lift when the leopard attacked some bystanders. “After attacking two lawyers on the third floor, the leopard jumped to the lower floors and attacked some more people," he said. “The first thing we did was to shut the collapsible gate at the CJM’s court on the ground floor. Since the animal was terrified, people using another staircase blocked its escape route from the first floor by placing furniture and a net,” lawyer Vikrant Sharma, who was present in the complex, said. There are 52 courtrooms in the Ghaziabad district and sessions court and around 10,000 people visit the court daily. WATCH | Amur leopard spotted for the first time in 50 years Soon after the forest officials were informed, they reached the court and were told that the leopard was sitting under the stairs, where the entry and exit gates were closed. “We couldn’t see the leopard as it was dark, so we contacted the Meerut divisional office, which dispatched a team equipped with a tranquiliser gun,” said forest conservator AK Gupta. The videos shared on social media show people hiding inside a room as the leopard growls from outside the iron gate. (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

WATCH | Leopard goes on a rampage in Indian court, injures at least 10 people

<p>In an act of kindness and love, a dog named 'Pamuk' was pulled out from the debris by the rescue workers, as they continued to save lives relentlessly, in Turkey's Hatay days after devastating earthquakes hit Ankara and Syria.</p>

<p>The footage of the dog being rescued from the rubble has been shared widely on the social media platform and is now winning hearts.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-syria-earthquake-rescue-workers-save-mother-and-new-born-after-four-days-in-rubble-560630">Turkey earthquake: Rescue workers save mother and new-born from rubble after four days</a></p>

<p>In the footage, rescuers are seen making the injured dog drink water and carefully taking it out from the concrete debris. The mouth of the dog is appearing smeared in blood in the video clip.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We're also seeing examples of pets rescued, like this little dog named "Pamuk." Sadly, hope for additional rescues will start to fade due to the time that's passed and the freezing temperatures. <a href="https://t.co/qGRTLFSJtG">pic.twitter.com/qGRTLFSJtG</a></p>
— Lane Luckie (@LaneLuckie) <a href="https://twitter.com/LaneLuckie/status/1624015140474560512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>As per the eyewitness, the dog is being taken care of by the neighbours of the owner as the owner remains hospitalised in Mersin, which is around 200km west of Iskenderun.</p>

<p>Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called the powerful earthquake “one of the greatest disasters our nation has faced in its history”, as reported by AP.</p>

<p>While touring around Adiyaman province on Friday, he said that search-and-rescue efforts would consistently continue till no one is trapped in the debris.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | Rescue workers save a dog trapped under rubble</strong></p>

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<p>While visiting the quake-hit province of Gaziantep, he said that the earthquakes have destroyed more than 6,400 buildings had been destroyed and that the government will be building new three and four-storey buildings in the area within one year.</p>

<p>Syrian President Bashar Assad, meanwhile, slammed the Western countries for politicising the humanitarian crisis of the country, as he said, “The West has no humanitarianism, therefore politicising the situation in Syria is something they would naturally do.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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In an act of kindness and love, a dog named 'Pamuk' was pulled out from the debris by the rescue workers, as they continued to save lives relentlessly, in Turkey's Hatay days after devastating earthquakes hit Ankara and Syria.

In an act of kindness and love, a dog named 'Pamuk' was pulled out from the debris by the rescue workers, as they continued to save lives relentlessly, in Turkey's Hatay days after devastating earthquakes hit Ankara and Syria. The footage of the dog being rescued from the rubble has been shared widely on the social media platform and is now winning hearts. ALSO READ | Turkey earthquake: Rescue workers save mother and new-born from rubble after four days In the footage, rescuers are seen making the injured dog drink water and carefully taking it out from the concrete debris. The mouth of the dog is appearing smeared in blood in the video clip. We're also seeing examples of pets rescued, like this little dog named "Pamuk." Sadly, hope for additional rescues will start to fade due to the time that's passed and the freezing temperatures. pic.twitter.com/qGRTLFSJtG — Lane Luckie (@LaneLuckie) February 10, 2023 × As per the eyewitness, the dog is being taken care of by the neighbours of the owner as the owner remains hospitalised in Mersin, which is around 200km west of Iskenderun. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called the powerful earthquake “one of the greatest disasters our nation has faced in its history”, as reported by AP. While touring around Adiyaman province on Friday, he said that search-and-rescue efforts would consistently continue till no one is trapped in the debris. WATCH | Rescue workers save a dog trapped under rubble While visiting the quake-hit province of Gaziantep, he said that the earthquakes have destroyed more than 6,400 buildings had been destroyed and that the government will be building new three and four-storey buildings in the area within one year. Syrian President Bashar Assad, meanwhile, slammed the Western countries for politicising the humanitarian crisis of the country, as he said, “The West has no humanitarianism, therefore politicising the situation in Syria is something they would naturally do.” (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

WATCH | Rescuers save dog after four days in earthquake-hit Turkey

<p>As Covid lockdowns and increasing geopolitical tension have strained the crucial supply chains of Apple in China and the company is now focusing on securing the supply chain, India is emerging as a potential alternative to the second largest economy of the world.</p>

<p>Last month, India's Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal had said that the company is planning to increase its production in the country to a quarter of its total manufacture.</p>

<p>Goyal said that Apple is already manufacturing 5 per cent to 7 per cent of its products in India. “If I am not mistaken, they are targeting to go up to 25 per cent&nbsp;of their manufacturing,” he stated while speaking at an event.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/apple-to-bring-chinese-suppliers-to-boost-production-in-india-553837">Apple to bring Chinese suppliers to boost production in India</a></p>

<p>The comments were made by the minister at a time when Apple's top supplier, Foxconn (HNHPF), is planning the expansion of its operations in India after it suffered severe disruption in supply from China.</p>

<p>Apple has depended on its vast manufacturing network in China for years to produce iPhones, iPads and other products on a mass scale.</p>

<p>However, its dependence on China was tested last year after the zero-Covid policy in Beijing dramatically hit the supplies.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | WION Fineprint | Amazon replaces Apple as world's highest valued firm</strong></p>

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<p>Since last year, Apple has increased its efforts to push its investments in India. Market research firm Counterpoint's research director Tarun Pathak said, “Theoretically, it can be done, but it won’t be happening overnight.”</p>

<p>“(Apple’s) dependency on China is a result of almost two and a half decades of what China put in to develop their entire electronics manufacturing ecosystem,” said Pathak, adding that currently, the company is manufacturing 95 per cent of its phones in China.</p>

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As Covid lockdowns and increasing geopolitical tension have strained the crucial supply chains of Apple in China and the company is now focusing on securing the supply chain, India is emerging as a potential alternative to the second largest economy of the world.

As Covid lockdowns and increasing geopolitical tension have strained the crucial supply chains of Apple in China and the company is now focusing on securing the supply chain, India is emerging as a potential alternative to the second largest economy of the world. Last month, India's Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal had said that the company is planning to increase its production in the country to a quarter of its total manufacture. Goyal said that Apple is already manufacturing 5 per cent to 7 per cent of its products in India. “If I am not mistaken, they are targeting to go up to 25 per cent of their manufacturing,” he stated while speaking at an event. ALSO READ | Apple to bring Chinese suppliers to boost production in India The comments were made by the minister at a time when Apple's top supplier, Foxconn (HNHPF), is planning the expansion of its operations in India after it suffered severe disruption in supply from China. Apple has depended on its vast manufacturing network in China for years to produce iPhones, iPads and other products on a mass scale. However, its dependence on China was tested last year after the zero-Covid policy in Beijing dramatically hit the supplies. WATCH | WION Fineprint | Amazon replaces Apple as world's highest valued firm Since last year, Apple has increased its efforts to push its investments in India. Market research firm Counterpoint's research director Tarun Pathak said, “Theoretically, it can be done, but it won’t be happening overnight.” “(Apple’s) dependency on China is a result of almost two and a half decades of what China put in to develop their entire electronics manufacturing ecosystem,” said Pathak, adding that currently, the company is manufacturing 95 per cent of its phones in China. 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

Is iPhone planning to start ‘Made in India’ era?

<p>Argentina's immigration authorities are cracking down on Russian pregnant women, who have been flocking to Argentina so that they can give birth to their children and gain the country's citizenship for the newborns since Moscow invaded Ukraine.&nbsp;Argentina’s immigration office director Florencia Carignano on Friday said that they have launched a judicial investigation into what she called a lucrative business that came with the assurance of Argentinian passports for the Russian parents.</p>

<p>Carignano interacted with all 33 Russian women, who were 32 to 34 weeks pregnant and had arrived in Buenos Aires on the same flight on Thursday. Many of the women were initially not given entry at passport control but later on, were allowed to enter the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-woman-convicted-of-feeding-poisonous-cheesecake-to-lookalike-560556">US: Russian woman convicted of feeding poisonous cheesecake to lookalike</a></p>

<p>Although the idea of birth tourism is not new, since the Russia-Ukraine war, Argentina, where there are no visa requirements for Russians, has emerged as a popular destination for families hoping to give their children the privileges of dual citizenship.</p>

<p>Carignano said that around 10,500 pregnant Russians arrived in Amsterdam in the past year.</p>

<p>In an interview, Carignano added that “5,800 of them (were) in the last three months, many of them declaring they were in the 33rd or 34th week of pregnancy”.</p>

<p>The official stated that around 7,000 women gave birth to their children and then returned home while giving their Argentinian lawyers the duty to apply for Argentinian citizenship for the newborn and the parents.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | Russia: Woman leaves note on Putin's parents' grave, gets 5-year jail term</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-woman-leaves-note-on-putins-parents-grave-gets-5-year-jail-term-525736/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>“The problem is that they arrive, have their children and then leave Argentina never to come back. We cannot allow them to shamelessly lie to us saying that they are tourists when they are not,” said Carignano.</p>

<p>Lawyer Christian Rubilar, representing one of the Russian women, said that his client is 32 weeks pregnant and belongs to Russia and had visited Argentina “escaping from the war”.</p>

<p>“In Putin’s regime, not agreeing to the war is enough for one to go to jail or for members of her family to be sent to the frontline of battle,” he said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Argentina's immigration authorities are cracking down on Russian pregnant women, who have been flocking to Argentina so that they can give birth to their children and gain the country's citizenship for the newborns since Moscow invaded Ukraine.

Argentina's immigration authorities are cracking down on Russian pregnant women, who have been flocking to Argentina so that they can give birth to their children and gain the country's citizenship for the newborns since Moscow invaded Ukraine. Argentina’s immigration office director Florencia Carignano on Friday said that they have launched a judicial investigation into what she called a lucrative business that came with the assurance of Argentinian passports for the Russian parents. Carignano interacted with all 33 Russian women, who were 32 to 34 weeks pregnant and had arrived in Buenos Aires on the same flight on Thursday. Many of the women were initially not given entry at passport control but later on, were allowed to enter the country. ALSO READ | US: Russian woman convicted of feeding poisonous cheesecake to lookalike Although the idea of birth tourism is not new, since the Russia-Ukraine war, Argentina, where there are no visa requirements for Russians, has emerged as a popular destination for families hoping to give their children the privileges of dual citizenship. Carignano said that around 10,500 pregnant Russians arrived in Amsterdam in the past year. In an interview, Carignano added that “5,800 of them (were) in the last three months, many of them declaring they were in the 33rd or 34th week of pregnancy”. The official stated that around 7,000 women gave birth to their children and then returned home while giving their Argentinian lawyers the duty to apply for Argentinian citizenship for the newborn and the parents. WATCH | Russia: Woman leaves note on Putin's parents' grave, gets 5-year jail term “The problem is that they arrive, have their children and then leave Argentina never to come back. We cannot allow them to shamelessly lie to us saying that they are tourists when they are not,” said Carignano. Lawyer Christian Rubilar, representing one of the Russian women, said that his client is 32 weeks pregnant and belongs to Russia and had visited Argentina “escaping from the war”. “In Putin’s regime, not agreeing to the war is enough for one to go to jail or for members of her family to be sent to the frontline of battle,” he said. (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

Argentina cracks down on ‘birth tourism’ as pregnant Russian women flock for citizenship

<p>The people living in the Swiss canton of Valais have been habituated to seeing snow-clad mountainsides in winter and ones filled with edelweiss flowers in summer.&nbsp;However, with the intensifying global warming, the slopes seem to be getting strangely colonised by an invasive species – cacti, commonly known to survive in hot and dry regions.</p>

<p>According to the authorities, species of cactus which belong to the genus Opuntia, commonly called prickly pears, have been proliferating in various parts of Valais and encroaching on the region's natural reserves and becoming a threat to biodiversity.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-propose-mining-moon-dust-spreading-around-earth-to-fight-global-warming-560270">Scientists propose mining Moon dust, using it to shield Earth from harsh Sun to curb global warming</a></p>

<p>“A lover of dry and hot climates, this invasive and non-native plant is not welcome in the perimeter of prairies and dry pastures of national importance,” stated the municipality of Fully in the Rhone valley, in the press release issued to announce the uprooting campaign.</p>

<p>Opuntia species and similar kinds of cacti have also grown on a few hills around Sion, the capital of Valais, where it is estimated that Opuntia plants now fall in 23-30 per cent part of the low vegetation cover.</p>

<p>Their growth has also been reported in neighbouring Alpine regions, which include Grisons and Ticino in Switzerland, and Italy's Aosta valley and Valtellina.</p>

<p>Biologist Yann Triponez, who works in the nature protection service of the canton of Valais, said, “In some parts of Valais, we estimate that the cacti can occupy one-third of the available surface.”</p>

<p>He stated that Opuntia has been growing in Valais at least since the late 18th century when it travelled all the way from North America.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | Climate crisis puts marine ecosystem in peril</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/climate-crisis-puts-marine-ecosystem-in-peril-560719/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>However, the authorities feel that the warmer climate in the Alps, longer vegetation periods and declining snow cover have been creating ideal environmental conditions for them to grow.</p>

<p>“These species bear -10C or -15C without any problem,” Peter Oliver Baumgartner, a retired geology professor, said.</p>

<p>“But they want to be in a dry place and don’t like snow cover,” he added.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The people living in the Swiss canton of Valais have been habituated to seeing snow-clad mountainsides in winter and ones filled with edelweiss flowers in summer.

The people living in the Swiss canton of Valais have been habituated to seeing snow-clad mountainsides in winter and ones filled with edelweiss flowers in summer. However, with the intensifying global warming, the slopes seem to be getting strangely colonised by an invasive species – cacti, commonly known to survive in hot and dry regions. According to the authorities, species of cactus which belong to the genus Opuntia, commonly called prickly pears, have been proliferating in various parts of Valais and encroaching on the region's natural reserves and becoming a threat to biodiversity. ALSO READ | Scientists propose mining Moon dust, using it to shield Earth from harsh Sun to curb global warming “A lover of dry and hot climates, this invasive and non-native plant is not welcome in the perimeter of prairies and dry pastures of national importance,” stated the municipality of Fully in the Rhone valley, in the press release issued to announce the uprooting campaign. Opuntia species and similar kinds of cacti have also grown on a few hills around Sion, the capital of Valais, where it is estimated that Opuntia plants now fall in 23-30 per cent part of the low vegetation cover. Their growth has also been reported in neighbouring Alpine regions, which include Grisons and Ticino in Switzerland, and Italy's Aosta valley and Valtellina. Biologist Yann Triponez, who works in the nature protection service of the canton of Valais, said, “In some parts of Valais, we estimate that the cacti can occupy one-third of the available surface.” He stated that Opuntia has been growing in Valais at least since the late 18th century when it travelled all the way from North America. WATCH | Climate crisis puts marine ecosystem in peril However, the authorities feel that the warmer climate in the Alps, longer vegetation periods and declining snow cover have been creating ideal environmental conditions for them to grow. “These species bear -10C or -15C without any problem,” Peter Oliver Baumgartner, a retired geology professor, said. “But they want to be in a dry place and don’t like snow cover,” he added. (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

Global warming: Cacti colonise Swiss mountainsides as snow cover recedes, threaten biodiversity

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