Officials from Mexico's INM migration institute said in a statement that 16 people lost their lives in a road accident in central Mexico early on Tuesday (August 22). The officials confirmed that 15 Mexicans and one Venezuelan died.&nbsp;

The tragic accident happened on Mexico's Miahuatlan-Coixtlahuaca highway. The bus was carrying 52 passengers, including 10 from Venezuela. INM officials said that they had appointments to seek legal entry to the United States.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-drone-strikes-continue-to-shake-moscow-central-building-hit-and-flights-suspended-628143">Ukraine drone strikes continue to shake Moscow, central building hit and flights suspended</a>&nbsp;

In a separate statement, officials from the state of Puebla said that some 36 passengers were injured and taken to hospital after the bus crashed with a trailer in the early hours of the morning.&nbsp;

According to the INM, nine of the injured were Venezuelan and of those, three remain hospitalised. Their condition is not known yet. The officials said that support would be given to return the body of the deceased to Venezuela.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/pakistan-four-rescued-another-four-still-trapped-inside-cable-car-rescue-operation-halted-628014">Pakistan cable car accident: All 8 stranded individuals including children saved in miracle rescue</a>&nbsp;

In earlier reports, local media mentioned that those killed in the crash were mostly migrants from Venezuela.&nbsp;

The local Red Cross unit shared a video on X, previously known as Twitter, showing a mangled white bus lying on its side while rescue teams worked in the dark.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Officials from Mexico's INM migration institute said in a statement that 16 people lost their lives in a road accident in central Mexico early on Tuesday (August 22).

Officials from Mexico's INM migration institute said in a statement that 16 people lost their lives in a road accident in central Mexico early on Tuesday (August 22). The officials confirmed that 15 Mexicans and one Venezuelan died. The tragic accident happened on Mexico's Miahuatlan-Coixtlahuaca highway. The bus was carrying 52 passengers, including 10 from Venezuela. INM officials said that they had appointments to seek legal entry to the United States. Also read: Ukraine drone strikes continue to shake Moscow, central building hit and flights suspended In a separate statement, officials from the state of Puebla said that some 36 passengers were injured and taken to hospital after the bus crashed with a trailer in the early hours of the morning. According to the INM, nine of the injured were Venezuelan and of those, three remain hospitalised. Their condition is not known yet. The officials said that support would be given to return the body of the deceased to Venezuela. Also read: Pakistan cable car accident: All 8 stranded individuals including children saved in miracle rescue In earlier reports, local media mentioned that those killed in the crash were mostly migrants from Venezuela. The local Red Cross unit shared a video on X, previously known as Twitter, showing a mangled white bus lying on its side while rescue teams worked in the dark. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Mexico: Bus transporting mostly Venezuelan migrants crashes, 16 dead

At least 26&nbsp;workers were killed and many are feared trapped after an under-construction railway bridge collapsed near the Sairang area of Mizoram on Wednesday (August 23), local police said.&nbsp;

Media reports have said that around 35-40 workers were present when the incident occurred about 21 kilometres from Aizawl around 10:00 am (IST). &nbsp;

"Seventeen bodies have been recovered from the debris so far... Many others are still missing," a police officer said.&nbsp;

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on his official X (formerly Twitter) account that he was "pained" by the bridge mishap in Mizoram.&nbsp;

PM Modi said: "Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. Rescue operations are underway and all possible assistance is being given to those affected."&nbsp;

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Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga said he was deeply saddened over the loss of lives in the incident and expressed gratitude to all those who helped in the rescue operation.&nbsp;

"Under construction railway over a bridge at Sairang, near Aizawl collapsed today; at least 17 workers died. Search Rescue under progress. Deeply saddened and affected by this tragedy. I extend my deepest condolences to all the bereaved families and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured," he wrote.

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At least 26 workers were killed and many are feared trapped after an under-construction railway bridge collapsed near the Sairang area of Mizoram on Wednesday (August 23), local police said.

At least 26 workers were killed and many are feared trapped after an under-construction railway bridge collapsed near the Sairang area of Mizoram on Wednesday (August 23), local police said. Media reports have said that around 35-40 workers were present when the incident occurred about 21 kilometres from Aizawl around 10:00 am (IST). "Seventeen bodies have been recovered from the debris so far... Many others are still missing," a police officer said. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on his official X (formerly Twitter) account that he was "pained" by the bridge mishap in Mizoram. PM Modi said: "Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. Rescue operations are underway and all possible assistance is being given to those affected." VIDEO | At least 17 workers were killed and several others feared trapped after an under-construction railway bridge collapsed near Sairang area of Mizoram, earlier today. READ: https://t.co/a81kMfQ8Dk (Source: Third Party) pic.twitter.com/woapGC2yaD — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 23, 2023 × Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga said he was deeply saddened over the loss of lives in the incident and expressed gratitude to all those who helped in the rescue operation. "Under construction railway over a bridge at Sairang, near Aizawl collapsed today; at least 17 workers died. Search Rescue under progress. Deeply saddened and affected by this tragedy. I extend my deepest condolences to all the bereaved families and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured," he wrote. more to follow... WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India: 26 killed after under-construction railway bridge collapses in Mizoram

In the United Kingdom, doctors have performed the first-ever womb transplant, which has been hailed as a huge milestone and "massive success" in fertility treatment.&nbsp;

Local media outlets reported that a 40-year-old woman, who already had two children of her own, helped her 34-year-old sister. The younger sister, whose identity has not been revealed, had been born without a uterus.&nbsp;

Reports have mentioned that both have recovered well after the surgery. The younger sister (receiver of the womb) and her husband are now waiting for several embryos to be transferred.&nbsp;

The procedures happened in February and were carried out by a team of 20 and lasted around 17 hours in adjoining operation theatres at the Churchill Hospital.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-breastfeeding-surrogate-babies-can-be-challenging-but-it-is-possible-628105">Breastfeeding surrogate babies can be challenging, but it is possible</a>&nbsp;

This was a first for the UK, but such operations have been successfully carried out globally as more than 90 womb transplants have been performed in nations such as Sweden, the US, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, China, the Czech Republic, Brazil, Germany, Serbia and India.&nbsp;

As quoted by The Guardian, the co-lead surgeon Isabel Quiroga, a consultant surgeon at the Oxford Transplant Centre, part of Oxford University hospitals, said that the patient is "incredibly happy".&nbsp;

She added: "She was absolutely over the moon, very happy and is hoping that she can go on to have not one but two babies. Her womb is functioning perfectly and we are monitoring her progress very closely."&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-how-to-take-care-of-children-with-asthma-and-allergies-during-rainfall---exclusive-625007">How to take care of children with asthma and allergies during rainfall - Exclusive</a>&nbsp;

As quoted by Sky News, professor Richard Smith, who was one of two lead surgeons, said it had been a "massive success". He described the joy he shared with the sisters during a clinic one month on.

He said: "We were all in tears - it was a very, very emotional. I think it was probably the most stressful week of our surgical careers, but also unbelievably positive. The donor and recipient are just over the moon."&nbsp; 
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In the United Kingdom, doctors have performed the first-ever womb transplant, which has been hailed as a huge milestone and "massive success" in fertility treatment.

In the United Kingdom, doctors have performed the first-ever womb transplant, which has been hailed as a huge milestone and "massive success" in fertility treatment. Local media outlets reported that a 40-year-old woman, who already had two children of her own, helped her 34-year-old sister. The younger sister, whose identity has not been revealed, had been born without a uterus. Reports have mentioned that both have recovered well after the surgery. The younger sister (receiver of the womb) and her husband are now waiting for several embryos to be transferred. The procedures happened in February and were carried out by a team of 20 and lasted around 17 hours in adjoining operation theatres at the Churchill Hospital. Also read: Breastfeeding surrogate babies can be challenging, but it is possible This was a first for the UK, but such operations have been successfully carried out globally as more than 90 womb transplants have been performed in nations such as Sweden, the US, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, China, the Czech Republic, Brazil, Germany, Serbia and India. As quoted by The Guardian, the co-lead surgeon Isabel Quiroga, a consultant surgeon at the Oxford Transplant Centre, part of Oxford University hospitals, said that the patient is "incredibly happy". She added: "She was absolutely over the moon, very happy and is hoping that she can go on to have not one but two babies. Her womb is functioning perfectly and we are monitoring her progress very closely." Also read: How to take care of children with asthma and allergies during rainfall - Exclusive As quoted by Sky News, professor Richard Smith, who was one of two lead surgeons, said it had been a "massive success". He described the joy he shared with the sisters during a clinic one month on. He said: "We were all in tears - it was a very, very emotional. I think it was probably the most stressful week of our surgical careers, but also unbelievably positive. The donor and recipient are just over the moon." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

First-ever womb transplant in UK hailed as 'massive success' in fertility treatment

Russia's General Sergei Surovikin, who was once the commander of Moscow's "special military operation" in Ukraine, has been dismissed as head of the country's aerospace forces, local media reported.&nbsp;

Surovikin has not been seen in public since the Wagner Group's attempted mutiny in June. Reports had claimed that Surovikin had known about Yevgeny Prigozhin's planned coup, which failed.&nbsp;

Surovikin gained prominence as "General Armageddon" for his aggressive military strategies in Chechnya and Syria. He headed Russia's aerospace forces since October 2017.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-drone-strikes-continue-to-shake-moscow-central-building-hit-and-flights-suspended-628143">Ukraine drone strikes continue to shake Moscow, central building hit and flights suspended</a>&nbsp;

Alexei Venediktov, a well-connected former head of the now-defunct Ekho Moskvy radio station, wrote on his Telegram channel that Surovikin had been removed by an official decree. There was no official confirmation of the report and Venediktov didn't provide any further details.&nbsp;

Russia's state-run RIA news agency quoted a source as saying that the "ex-chief of the Russian Aerospace Forces Sergei Surovikin has been relieved of his post". 
 
Reports further claimed that Colonel-General Viktor Afzalov, head of the Main Staff of the Air Force, would temporarily replace Surovikin in his former role.&nbsp;

Earlier this month, reports alleged that Surovikin was removed from his leadership role in Moscow's war on Ukraine and was under house arrest. Russia's RBC reported he had been dismissed now. RBC quoted an unnamed person familiar with the situation as saying that Surovikin is on "short-term leave".&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/factcheck-does-vivek-ramaswamys-defence-over-controversial-911-remarks-uphold-628308">Does Vivek Ramaswamy’s defence over controversial 9/11 remarks uphold?</a>&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Russia claims to repel Ukrainian drone attacks&nbsp;

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<h2>The Wagner mutiny&nbsp;</h2>

Surovikin was officially named as an intermediary between Wagner and the army when Wagner's chief furiously accused Russian military leaders of failing to provide his forces with ammunition.&nbsp;

Surovikin made a highly unusual video appeal to the mercenary group after Prigozhin called for the toppling of Russia's military command on the night between June 23 and 24. &nbsp;

But in a turn of events, Prigozhin turned his forces back and agreed to a deal with the Kremlin to be exiled to Belarus less than 24 hours after his call.&nbsp;

Since then, Surovikin made no public appearances, causing speculation that he had been detained or removed from his post. In July, a lawmaker and former army officer from Russia's ruling party said that Surovikin was "resting" and "not available".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Russia's General Sergei Surovikin, who was once the commander of Moscow's "special military operation" in Ukraine, has been dismissed as head of the country's aerospace forces, local media reported.

Russia's General Sergei Surovikin, who was once the commander of Moscow's "special military operation" in Ukraine, has been dismissed as head of the country's aerospace forces, local media reported. Surovikin has not been seen in public since the Wagner Group's attempted mutiny in June. Reports had claimed that Surovikin had known about Yevgeny Prigozhin's planned coup, which failed. Surovikin gained prominence as "General Armageddon" for his aggressive military strategies in Chechnya and Syria. He headed Russia's aerospace forces since October 2017. Also read: Ukraine drone strikes continue to shake Moscow, central building hit and flights suspended Alexei Venediktov, a well-connected former head of the now-defunct Ekho Moskvy radio station, wrote on his Telegram channel that Surovikin had been removed by an official decree. There was no official confirmation of the report and Venediktov didn't provide any further details. Russia's state-run RIA news agency quoted a source as saying that the "ex-chief of the Russian Aerospace Forces Sergei Surovikin has been relieved of his post". Reports further claimed that Colonel-General Viktor Afzalov, head of the Main Staff of the Air Force, would temporarily replace Surovikin in his former role. Earlier this month, reports alleged that Surovikin was removed from his leadership role in Moscow's war on Ukraine and was under house arrest. Russia's RBC reported he had been dismissed now. RBC quoted an unnamed person familiar with the situation as saying that Surovikin is on "short-term leave". Also read: Does Vivek Ramaswamy’s defence over controversial 9/11 remarks uphold? Watch: Russia claims to repel Ukrainian drone attacks × The Wagner mutiny Surovikin was officially named as an intermediary between Wagner and the army when Wagner's chief furiously accused Russian military leaders of failing to provide his forces with ammunition. Surovikin made a highly unusual video appeal to the mercenary group after Prigozhin called for the toppling of Russia's military command on the night between June 23 and 24. But in a turn of events, Prigozhin turned his forces back and agreed to a deal with the Kremlin to be exiled to Belarus less than 24 hours after his call. Since then, Surovikin made no public appearances, causing speculation that he had been detained or removed from his post. In July, a lawmaker and former army officer from Russia's ruling party said that Surovikin was "resting" and "not available". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russia sacks 'General Armageddon' not seen since Wagner mutiny; appoints acting chief: Report

A Chinese national, who tried to enter the country after travelling by jet ski, has been arrested, South Korea's coastguard said Tuesday (August 22). The man reportedly travelled from China, covering a journey of more than 300 kilometres.&nbsp;

Local media reports said that the man crossed the Yellow Sea on an 1800-cc jet ski from Shandong province, using binoculars and a compass to navigate and tow five barrels of fuel. He was wearing a life vest and helmet.&nbsp;

The coastguard said in a press release: "He refilled the petrol on the ride and dumped the empty barrels into the sea."&nbsp;

But he called for rescue when his jet ski got stuck in tidal flats near the western port city of Incheon's cruise terminal.&nbsp;

Also&nbsp;read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-drone-strikes-continue-to-shake-moscow-central-building-hit-and-flights-suspended-628143">Ukraine drone strikes continue to shake Moscow, central building hit and flights suspended</a>&nbsp;

According to the coastguard, the man was arrested after he "attempted to smuggle himself into" Incheon. There were suspicions of espionage, but the authorities said that they found no sign that the man was a spy.&nbsp;

The man was identified&nbsp;when South Korea-based campaigner Lee Dae-seon of NGO Dialogue China said that the jet-ski escapee is Chinese rights activist Kwon Pyong.&nbsp;

The 35-year-old Kwon had posted pictures on social media mocking Chinese President Xi Jinping, and spent time in jail in China for subversion, Lee told news agency AFP on Tuesday.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-dramatic-visuals-show-wild-wind-carrying-away-pilgrims-amid-storm-in-mecca-628203">Dramatic visuals show wild wind carrying away pilgrims amid storm in Mecca</a>&nbsp;

As quoted, Lee said: "While his means of entry into South Korea in violation of the law was wrong, surveillance of the Chinese authorities and political persecution of Kwon since 2016 are behind his life-risking crossing into South Korea."&nbsp;

"He is now weighing whether to apply for refugee status in South Korea or choose a third country," he said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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A Chinese national, who tried to enter the country after travelling by jet ski, has been arrested, South Korea's coastguard said Tuesday (August 22). The man reportedly travelled from China, covering a journey of more than 300 kilometres.

A Chinese national, who tried to enter the country after travelling by jet ski, has been arrested, South Korea's coastguard said Tuesday (August 22). The man reportedly travelled from China, covering a journey of more than 300 kilometres. Local media reports said that the man crossed the Yellow Sea on an 1800-cc jet ski from Shandong province, using binoculars and a compass to navigate and tow five barrels of fuel. He was wearing a life vest and helmet. The coastguard said in a press release: "He refilled the petrol on the ride and dumped the empty barrels into the sea." But he called for rescue when his jet ski got stuck in tidal flats near the western port city of Incheon's cruise terminal. Also read: Ukraine drone strikes continue to shake Moscow, central building hit and flights suspended According to the coastguard, the man was arrested after he "attempted to smuggle himself into" Incheon. There were suspicions of espionage, but the authorities said that they found no sign that the man was a spy. The man was identified when South Korea-based campaigner Lee Dae-seon of NGO Dialogue China said that the jet-ski escapee is Chinese rights activist Kwon Pyong. The 35-year-old Kwon had posted pictures on social media mocking Chinese President Xi Jinping, and spent time in jail in China for subversion, Lee told news agency AFP on Tuesday. Also read: Dramatic visuals show wild wind carrying away pilgrims amid storm in Mecca As quoted, Lee said: "While his means of entry into South Korea in violation of the law was wrong, surveillance of the Chinese authorities and political persecution of Kwon since 2016 are behind his life-risking crossing into South Korea." "He is now weighing whether to apply for refugee status in South Korea or choose a third country," he said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

South Korean coastguard arrests man who arrived by jet ski from China

Popular and Intriguing UFO Sightings: Reports

July 2 is marked after the famous Roswell incident in 1947 — a supposed UFO crash. United States Army Air Forces officers from Roswell Army Air Field recovered balloon debris from a ranch near Corona, New Mexico in 1947. Decades later, the conspiracy theories suggest that the debris involved a flying saucer and the US government covered up the truth. 


On June 24, aviator Kenneth Arnold, also a businessman and politician wrote about a UFO. 
Arnold had claimed that he saw a string of nine, shiny unidentified flying objects flying past Mount Rainier. According to him, the speed of those objects is estimated at a minimum of 1,200 miles an hour. 

On June 24, aviator Kenneth Arnold, also a businessman and politician wrote about a UFO. It is generally considered to be the first widely reported UFO in the United States. The famous Kenneth Arnold UFO sighting occurred in 1947. 
Arnold had claimed that he saw a string of nine, shiny unidentified flying objects flying past Mount Rainier.

During World War II, Allied aircraft pilots claimed that they often spot small metallic spheres and colourful balls of light. Such uncommon aerial phenomena were occasionally photographed by bomber crews during World War II. The objects were seen in skies over both the European and Pacific theatres of operations. 

The ghost rockets were spotted mostly in Scandinavia, but also in some other European countries. The Swedish Defense Staff expressed concerns over numerous UFO sightings that were reported over Scandinavia. They were rocket/missile-shaped UFOs sightings in 1946, mostly in Sweden and nearby countries like Finland. 

In 1966, the sighting of a UFO was reported by hundreds of people. As per reports, more than 200 students and teachers at two Melbourne schools saw a flying saucer descend into a grass field. They also claimed that the object later ascend over a local suburb. 

The witnesses of "The Clayton Incident" still gather for reunions. 

In and around the small town of Levelland, Texas, claims were made regarding sighting a UFO. Some motorists said that their engines were automatically stalled when they encountered a glowing, egg-shaped object. They also claimed that their vehicles restarted after the object flew past. 

A V-shaped "otherworldly" craft was spotted by thousands of people in the skies over Arizona. The craft, with five spherical lights, was seen several city blocks across.  
People saw the object between 19:30 and 22:30 MST in a space of about 300 miles - from the Nevada line, through Phoenix, to the edge of Tucson. 

A former US intelligence officer told a congressional committee in 2023 that American authorities are covering up the evidence about UFOs. 
David Grusch testified that he "absolutely" believes the government is in possession of unidentified anomalous phenomena, or UAPs, which has replaced the term UFO in official parlance, as well as remains of their non-human operators.

Bijuli Prasad, one of the world's oldest elephants who was brought to India by a British farmer during the colonial era, died at the age of around 89 on Monday (August 21) in the northeastern state of Assam.

Caretakers in Sonitpuri district, where he spent his last days,&nbsp;said the pachyderm died of age-related issues.&nbsp;He breathed his last at the Behali tea estate of The Williamson Magor Group around 3.30 am IST.&nbsp;

Bijuli Prasad was brought to work on a tea estate by a British farmer in the 1940s. &nbsp;

Elephant veterinarian Kushal Konwar Sarma, who cared for Bijuli Prasad in his later years,&nbsp;said: "Domestic elephants live up to 80 years, provided they are taken care of well."

&nbsp;Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/thieves-fix-muhurat-with-help-of-astrologer-to-loot-a-realtors-house-superstition-lands-them-in-jail-627888">Thieves fix 'muhurat' with help of astrologer to loot a realtor’s house, superstition lands them in jail</a>&nbsp;

"All the teeth of the elephant fell out due to age and it could not eat. I changed the diet and asked the caretakers to give him boiled food - mostly rice and soybean with a high protein value," AFP news agency quoted him as saying.&nbsp;

Animal lovers and others who were associated with Bijuli Prasad gathered to mourn his death.

As quoted by media outlets, an official of the tea garden said: "Bijuli Prasad was a symbol of pride for The Williamson Magor Group."&nbsp;

"It was first brought to the Bargang tea estate as a calf, and later shifted here after the Bargang tea estate was sold off by the company," the official added.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kashmirs-tulip-garden-listed-as-asias-largest-by-world-book-of-records-627868">Kashmir’s tulip garden listed as Asia's largest by World Book of Records</a>

Sarma, who is a Padma Shri awardee and famous elephant surgeon,&nbsp;&nbsp;told PTI, "As far as my knowledge is concerned, Bijuli Prasad was the oldest recorded domestic elephant in India."&nbsp;

He said that the wild Asiatic elephants live up to 62-65 years, while the domestic ones survive till around 80 years with proper care.&nbsp;

An official of the Behali tea estate said that the elephant was offered around 25 kg of food every day.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Bijuli Prasad, one of the world's oldest elephants who was brought to India by a British farmer during the colonial era, died at the age of around 89 on Monday (August 21) in the northeastern state of Assam.

Bijuli Prasad, one of the world's oldest elephants who was brought to India by a British farmer during the colonial era, died at the age of around 89 on Monday (August 21) in the northeastern state of Assam. Caretakers in Sonitpuri district, where he spent his last days, said the pachyderm died of age-related issues. He breathed his last at the Behali tea estate of The Williamson Magor Group around 3.30 am IST. Bijuli Prasad was brought to work on a tea estate by a British farmer in the 1940s. Elephant veterinarian Kushal Konwar Sarma, who cared for Bijuli Prasad in his later years, said: "Domestic elephants live up to 80 years, provided they are taken care of well." Also read: Thieves fix 'muhurat' with help of astrologer to loot a realtor’s house, superstition lands them in jail "All the teeth of the elephant fell out due to age and it could not eat. I changed the diet and asked the caretakers to give him boiled food - mostly rice and soybean with a high protein value," AFP news agency quoted him as saying. Animal lovers and others who were associated with Bijuli Prasad gathered to mourn his death. As quoted by media outlets, an official of the tea garden said: "Bijuli Prasad was a symbol of pride for The Williamson Magor Group." "It was first brought to the Bargang tea estate as a calf, and later shifted here after the Bargang tea estate was sold off by the company," the official added. Also read: Kashmir’s tulip garden listed as Asia's largest by World Book of Records Sarma, who is a Padma Shri awardee and famous elephant surgeon, told PTI, "As far as my knowledge is concerned, Bijuli Prasad was the oldest recorded domestic elephant in India." He said that the wild Asiatic elephants live up to 62-65 years, while the domestic ones survive till around 80 years with proper care. An official of the Behali tea estate said that the elephant was offered around 25 kg of food every day. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Bijuli Prasad: India's oldest domesticated Asiatic elephant, brought by the British, dies aged 89

A study conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) revealed that vaccination (at least a single dose) before <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-is-the-covid-19-scare-coming-back-heres-what-you-should-know-627516">coronavirus (COVID-19)</a> infection provided around 60 per cent&nbsp;protection against post-discharge mortality.&nbsp;

The study is focused on factors related to post-discharge one-year mortality among hospitalised COVID-19 patients. It found a higher chance of dying within one year after discharge in males, those more than 40 years of age, those with comorbidities and those who had moderate-severe COVID-19 disease to begin with.&nbsp;

"Similar trends were seen in participants, 18-45 years of age," the study added.&nbsp;

The study mentioned that the results are related to the patients who had been hospitalised during their initial Covid infection. Hence, they cannot be generalised to all Covid patients.

The study has been conducted by National Clinical Registry for Covid team which&nbsp;evaluated the factors related to one-year post-discharge mortality.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/indian-boy-gets-stuck-in-elevator-does-homework-to-stay-calm-during-two-hour-ordeal-627636">Indian boy gets stuck in elevator, does homework to stay calm during two-hour ordeal</a>&nbsp;

"National Clinical Registry for COVID-19 study team has conducted nested matched case-control analyses to evaluate the factors related to one-year post-discharge mortality," it said.&nbsp;

National Clinical Registry is maintained by ICMR for Covid at 31 centres across the country. The registry is used for contacting all hospitalised Covid patients periodically by telephone till one year after discharge.&nbsp;

ICMR says on its site that documentation and description of the cases infected by Covid and their course of illness is imperative for obtaining useful information regarding the illness. Reports have mentioned that data collected till February 2023 was included in this analysis.&nbsp;

According to the study, "It was observed that of the 14,419 participants contacted at least once in one year after discharge from hospital, 942 (6.5%) all-cause mortality was reported. A nested matched case-control analysis was conducted to evaluate the factors related to one-year post-discharge mortality."&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;UNICEF: 2 million kids affected by Niger Crisis&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/passenger-on-board-indigo-flight-vomits-blood-mid-air-627795">Passenger on board IndiGo flight vomits blood mid-air</a>&nbsp;

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<h2>Is the COVID-19 scare coming back?&nbsp;</h2>

A new variant of coronavirus (COVID-19) has been detected, sparking global concerns among scientists as it has a large number of mutations. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have said that they are tracking the new, highly mutated lineage.&nbsp;

The new variant, called BA.2.86, has more than 30 amino acid changes to its spike protein compared to its next closest ancestor, the BA.2 subvariant of Omicron.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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A study conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) revealed that vaccination (at least a single dose) before coronavirus (COVID-19) infection provided around 60 per cent protection against post-discharge mortality.

A study conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) revealed that vaccination (at least a single dose) before coronavirus (COVID-19) infection provided around 60 per cent protection against post-discharge mortality. The study is focused on factors related to post-discharge one-year mortality among hospitalised COVID-19 patients. It found a higher chance of dying within one year after discharge in males, those more than 40 years of age, those with comorbidities and those who had moderate-severe COVID-19 disease to begin with. "Similar trends were seen in participants, 18-45 years of age," the study added. The study mentioned that the results are related to the patients who had been hospitalised during their initial Covid infection. Hence, they cannot be generalised to all Covid patients. The study has been conducted by National Clinical Registry for Covid team which evaluated the factors related to one-year post-discharge mortality. Also read: Indian boy gets stuck in elevator, does homework to stay calm during two-hour ordeal "National Clinical Registry for COVID-19 study team has conducted nested matched case-control analyses to evaluate the factors related to one-year post-discharge mortality," it said. National Clinical Registry is maintained by ICMR for Covid at 31 centres across the country. The registry is used for contacting all hospitalised Covid patients periodically by telephone till one year after discharge. ICMR says on its site that documentation and description of the cases infected by Covid and their course of illness is imperative for obtaining useful information regarding the illness. Reports have mentioned that data collected till February 2023 was included in this analysis. According to the study, "It was observed that of the 14,419 participants contacted at least once in one year after discharge from hospital, 942 (6.5%) all-cause mortality was reported. A nested matched case-control analysis was conducted to evaluate the factors related to one-year post-discharge mortality." Watch: UNICEF: 2 million kids affected by Niger Crisis Also read: Passenger on board IndiGo flight vomits blood mid-air × Is the COVID-19 scare coming back? A new variant of coronavirus (COVID-19) has been detected, sparking global concerns among scientists as it has a large number of mutations. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have said that they are tracking the new, highly mutated lineage. The new variant, called BA.2.86, has more than 30 amino acid changes to its spike protein compared to its next closest ancestor, the BA.2 subvariant of Omicron. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Covid jabs before infection provided 60% protection against post-discharge mortality: Study

Russia claimed on Tuesday (August 22) that it had destroyed a Ukrainian military "reconnaissance boat" near Russian gas infrastructure in the Black Sea. This becomes the latest episode of the incessant clashes in the waterway since Moscow's withdrawal from a major grain export deal.&nbsp;

In recent weeks, both warring sides have escalated attacks in the Black Sea, especially after Russia pulled out of the United Nations-brokered deal that had allowed the safe export of Ukrainian grain through the shipping hub.&nbsp;

On one side Ukraine has attacked Russian ships in its waters and the Crimean Peninsula, and Moscow on the other hand has repeatedly bombed Ukrainian port infrastructure in the sea and on the Danube.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-wagner-chief-prigozhin-releases-first-video-since-failed-coup-against-putin-627709">Wagner chief Prigozhin releases first video since failed coup against Putin</a>&nbsp;

Moscow's defence ministry said on Telegram that a Sukhoi Su-30sm jet from Russia's Black Sea Fleet destroyed a "reconnaissance boat" belonging to Ukraine's armed forces "in the area of Russian gas production facilities in the Black Sea".&nbsp;

Apart from that, the ministry did not provide details on what kind of boat had been destroyed, or where exactly the incident had taken place.&nbsp;

A 51-year-old man was killed and another man was wounded after Ukraine’s southern Zaporizhzhia region endured a barrage of Russian attacks overnight, a local official said Tuesday.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/x-removes-holocaust-denying-post-three-days-after-auschwitz-museum-complaint-627778">X removes Holocaust-denying post three days after Auschwitz Museum complaint</a>&nbsp;

<h2>Attack on Zaporizhzhia</h2>

Zaporizhzhia military administration chief Yurii Malashko claimed in a Telegram post that the region was hit around 96 times by missiles and shells during the past 24 hours.&nbsp;

He also said that after missile and drone strikes, homes were damaged in Zaporizhzhia city. The State Emergency Service of Ukraine later said that a blaze in the city covering 200 square metres was extinguished.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Ukraine drone strike reportedly destroys Russian flagship supersonic bomber&nbsp;

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Malashko added that Russia also attacked multiple towns on the front line, using artillery, multiple rocket launchers and jets.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, a local official from Kryvyi Rih claimed that more than 20 homes and power infrastructure were damaged after Russian missiles struck the central city on Tuesday.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Russia claimed on Tuesday (August 22) that it had destroyed a Ukrainian military "reconnaissance boat" near Russian gas infrastructure in the Black Sea. This becomes the latest episode of the incessant clashes in the waterway since Moscow's withdrawal from a major grain export deal.

Russia claimed on Tuesday (August 22) that it had destroyed a Ukrainian military "reconnaissance boat" near Russian gas infrastructure in the Black Sea. This becomes the latest episode of the incessant clashes in the waterway since Moscow's withdrawal from a major grain export deal. In recent weeks, both warring sides have escalated attacks in the Black Sea, especially after Russia pulled out of the United Nations-brokered deal that had allowed the safe export of Ukrainian grain through the shipping hub. On one side Ukraine has attacked Russian ships in its waters and the Crimean Peninsula, and Moscow on the other hand has repeatedly bombed Ukrainian port infrastructure in the sea and on the Danube. Also read: Wagner chief Prigozhin releases first video since failed coup against Putin Moscow's defence ministry said on Telegram that a Sukhoi Su-30sm jet from Russia's Black Sea Fleet destroyed a "reconnaissance boat" belonging to Ukraine's armed forces "in the area of Russian gas production facilities in the Black Sea". Apart from that, the ministry did not provide details on what kind of boat had been destroyed, or where exactly the incident had taken place. A 51-year-old man was killed and another man was wounded after Ukraine’s southern Zaporizhzhia region endured a barrage of Russian attacks overnight, a local official said Tuesday. Also read: X removes Holocaust-denying post three days after Auschwitz Museum complaint Attack on Zaporizhzhia Zaporizhzhia military administration chief Yurii Malashko claimed in a Telegram post that the region was hit around 96 times by missiles and shells during the past 24 hours. He also said that after missile and drone strikes, homes were damaged in Zaporizhzhia city. The State Emergency Service of Ukraine later said that a blaze in the city covering 200 square metres was extinguished. Watch: Ukraine drone strike reportedly destroys Russian flagship supersonic bomber × Malashko added that Russia also attacked multiple towns on the front line, using artillery, multiple rocket launchers and jets. Meanwhile, a local official from Kryvyi Rih claimed that more than 20 homes and power infrastructure were damaged after Russian missiles struck the central city on Tuesday. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russia claims to have 'destroyed' Ukraine reconnaissance boat in Black Sea

Ukraine lines up destroyed Russian tanks in central Kyiv - see pics

With the Chandrayaan-3 Mission,&nbsp;India is all set to take a giant leap in the arena of space as it will&nbsp;attempt a soft landing on the moon on Wednesday (August 23). India is all set to become the fourth country in the world to achieve this feat after the United States, USSR, and China, but India will be the only country in the world to land on the lunar south pole.&nbsp;

This will be India's second attempted&nbsp;lunar landing, but&nbsp;in case anything goes awry or any factor regarding the lander module becomes problematic, then the landing will be shifted to August 27, said the Space Applications Centre-ISRO about Chandrayaan-3 on Monday.&nbsp;

Nilesh M Desai, who is the director of Space Applications Centre-ISRO, Ahmedabad, said that the decision regarding the landing will be taken based on the health of the lander module and the conditions on the moon.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandrayaan-3-lander-establishes-connection-with-special-buddy-ahead-of-historic-lunar-landing-627556">Chandrayaan-3 lander establishes connection with special 'buddy' ahead of historic lunar landing</a>&nbsp;

As quoted by news agency PTI, Director Desai said: "On August 23, two hours before Chandrayaan-3 lands on the Moon, we will decide on whether or not it will be appropriate to land it at that time based on the health of the lander module and the conditions on the moon."&nbsp;

"In case, if any factor appears to be not favourable, then we will land the module on the moon on August 27. No problem should occur and we will be able to land the module on August 23," Desai added.&nbsp;

In the latest update, ISRO shared pictures of the lunar far side captured by the Lander Hazard Detection and Avoidance Camera (LHDAC). The Indian space agency also thanked everyone for the wishes and positivity for the mission as the Indian space agency said that Chandrayaan-3 is set to land on the Moon on August 23 around 6:04 pm IST.&nbsp;

ISRO Chairman and Secretary Department of Space S Somanath called on the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science and Technology, Atomic Energy and Space Jitendra Singh in New Delhi today and apprised him of the status and readiness of 'Chandrayaan-3'&nbsp;for the moon landing scheduled for August 23.&nbsp;

Somanath briefed the minister on the health status of Chandrayaan-3 and said that all systems are working perfectly and no contingencies are anticipated on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-will-communication-link-between-chandrrayaan-2-orbiter-and-chandrayaan-3-lander-help-isro-627585">How will communication link between Chandrayaan-2 orbiter and Chandrayaan-3 lander help ISRO?</a>&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Will Chandrayaan-3 land or crash?&nbsp;

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<h2>'Vikram will make a landing'&nbsp;</h2>

However, earlier this month, ISRO chairman S Somanath assured that Vikram Lander will be able to make a soft landing on the moon's surface on August 23.&nbsp;

He claimed that the landing is certain even if all the sensors and two of its engines do not work. The Vikram lander is expected to descend on the moon on August 23.

While speaking during an interaction hosted by the non-profit organisation Disha Bharat, he said that the design of the lander is such that it would be able to handle failures.&nbsp;

Somanath said: "If everything fails, if all the sensors fail, nothing works, still it (Vikram) will make a landing. That's how it has been designed -- provided that the propulsion system works well."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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With the Chandrayaan-3 Mission, India is all set to take a giant leap in the arena of space as it will attempt a soft landing on the moon on Wednesday (August 23).

With the Chandrayaan-3 Mission, India is all set to take a giant leap in the arena of space as it will attempt a soft landing on the moon on Wednesday (August 23). India is all set to become the fourth country in the world to achieve this feat after the United States, USSR, and China, but India will be the only country in the world to land on the lunar south pole. This will be India's second attempted lunar landing, but in case anything goes awry or any factor regarding the lander module becomes problematic, then the landing will be shifted to August 27, said the Space Applications Centre-ISRO about Chandrayaan-3 on Monday. Nilesh M Desai, who is the director of Space Applications Centre-ISRO, Ahmedabad, said that the decision regarding the landing will be taken based on the health of the lander module and the conditions on the moon. Also read: Chandrayaan-3 lander establishes connection with special 'buddy' ahead of historic lunar landing As quoted by news agency PTI, Director Desai said: "On August 23, two hours before Chandrayaan-3 lands on the Moon, we will decide on whether or not it will be appropriate to land it at that time based on the health of the lander module and the conditions on the moon." "In case, if any factor appears to be not favourable, then we will land the module on the moon on August 27. No problem should occur and we will be able to land the module on August 23," Desai added. In the latest update, ISRO shared pictures of the lunar far side captured by the Lander Hazard Detection and Avoidance Camera (LHDAC). The Indian space agency also thanked everyone for the wishes and positivity for the mission as the Indian space agency said that Chandrayaan-3 is set to land on the Moon on August 23 around 6:04 pm IST. ISRO Chairman and Secretary Department of Space S Somanath called on the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science and Technology, Atomic Energy and Space Jitendra Singh in New Delhi today and apprised him of the status and readiness of 'Chandrayaan-3' for the moon landing scheduled for August 23. Somanath briefed the minister on the health status of Chandrayaan-3 and said that all systems are working perfectly and no contingencies are anticipated on Wednesday. Also read: How will communication link between Chandrayaan-2 orbiter and Chandrayaan-3 lander help ISRO? Watch: Will Chandrayaan-3 land or crash? × 'Vikram will make a landing' However, earlier this month, ISRO chairman S Somanath assured that Vikram Lander will be able to make a soft landing on the moon's surface on August 23. He claimed that the landing is certain even if all the sensors and two of its engines do not work. The Vikram lander is expected to descend on the moon on August 23. While speaking during an interaction hosted by the non-profit organisation Disha Bharat, he said that the design of the lander is such that it would be able to handle failures. Somanath said: "If everything fails, if all the sensors fail, nothing works, still it (Vikram) will make a landing. That's how it has been designed -- provided that the propulsion system works well." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Chandrayaan-3 landing on Aug 27? Does India have Plan B for the lunar mission?

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brics-summit-2023-pm-modi-departs-for-south-africa-xi-reaches-johannesburg-627730">BRICS group</a> will hold its 15th heads of state and government summit in Johannesburg between August 22 and August 24. Leaders of member nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) are gathering in South Africa.&nbsp;

There are speculations that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese leader Xi Jinping will hold a bilateral meeting. While there are reports about the same doing the rounds, there's no official confirmation yet.&nbsp;

This is the first in-person BRICS summit after 2019 as in the last three years, the summits were held virtually because of the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

While departing for the South African city, PM Modi said that he values that BRICS has become a platform for discussing and deliberating on issues of concern for the entire Global South, including development imperatives and reform of the multilateral system.&nbsp;

He added that the summit will provide an opportunity for BRICS to identify future areas of cooperation and review institutional development.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-departs-for-johannesburg-south-africa-to-attend-15th-brics-summit-627706">PM Modi departs for South Africa to attend 15th BRICS Summit</a>&nbsp;

But will he meet Xi? Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra was also asked about the same and he replied that it is "still being developed".&nbsp;

"We have a positive intent and an open mind when it comes to BRICS expansion," Kwatra said.&nbsp;

It will be PM Modi and Xi's first meeting since the India-China border crisis started in May 2020 if the bilateral meeting happens.&nbsp;

Last November, at the G20 dinner in Bali that was hosted by Indonesian President Joko Widodo, the two leaders had a fleeting encounter.&nbsp;

Watch: At least 40 nations have shown interest in becoming BRICS members&nbsp;

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<h2>Inclusion of new members</h2>

The foreign secretary said the modalities for the inclusion of new members into the BRICS are being discussed among the Sherpas of the grouping. "I would not want to prejudge the outcome of the discussions," he said.&nbsp;

Kwatra said there is considerable interest in joining the grouping by various countries. Twenty-three countries have submitted their applications to join the BRICS and Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Argentina have emerged as strong contenders for the grouping's membership.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The BRICS group will hold its 15th heads of state and government summit in Johannesburg between August 22 and August 24. Leaders of member nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) are gathering in South Africa.

The BRICS group will hold its 15th heads of state and government summit in Johannesburg between August 22 and August 24. Leaders of member nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) are gathering in South Africa. There are speculations that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese leader Xi Jinping will hold a bilateral meeting. While there are reports about the same doing the rounds, there's no official confirmation yet. This is the first in-person BRICS summit after 2019 as in the last three years, the summits were held virtually because of the coronavirus pandemic. While departing for the South African city, PM Modi said that he values that BRICS has become a platform for discussing and deliberating on issues of concern for the entire Global South, including development imperatives and reform of the multilateral system. He added that the summit will provide an opportunity for BRICS to identify future areas of cooperation and review institutional development. Also read: PM Modi departs for South Africa to attend 15th BRICS Summit But will he meet Xi? Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra was also asked about the same and he replied that it is "still being developed". "We have a positive intent and an open mind when it comes to BRICS expansion," Kwatra said. It will be PM Modi and Xi's first meeting since the India-China border crisis started in May 2020 if the bilateral meeting happens. Last November, at the G20 dinner in Bali that was hosted by Indonesian President Joko Widodo, the two leaders had a fleeting encounter. Watch: At least 40 nations have shown interest in becoming BRICS members × Inclusion of new members The foreign secretary said the modalities for the inclusion of new members into the BRICS are being discussed among the Sherpas of the grouping. "I would not want to prejudge the outcome of the discussions," he said. Kwatra said there is considerable interest in joining the grouping by various countries. Twenty-three countries have submitted their applications to join the BRICS and Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Argentina have emerged as strong contenders for the grouping's membership. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

BRICS Summit 2023: Will PM Modi and Xi Jinping hold bilateral meeting?

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