'Punter' is the nickname of Ricky Ponting. He got it from his teammate Shane Warne while he was a part of the Australian Cricket Academy. 


Rahul Dravid was nicknamed 'The Wall' or 'Mr Dependable' for his classical style and rock-solid defence. 

Shikhar Dhawan is popular as 'Gabbar' because of his moustache style as some associate him with an iconic Bollywood film 'Sholay'. 

Dale Steyn's nickname is 'Steyn Gun'. It was given to him because of his exceptional fact bowling skills. 

Virat Kohli's nick name is 'Cheeku'. He got the nickname when he used to play domestic cricket because of his chubby cheeks. 

Former South African cricketer AB De Villiers has been nicknamed for his extraordinary ability to hit the ball in all directions. 

Sachin Tendulkar is called 'The Little Master'. He is also popular as 'Master Blaster' for his outstanding batting skills. 

Shoaib Akhtar was nicknamed 'Rawalpindi Express' because of his searing pacers. 

Cricketers and their iconic nicknames

<p>Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Sunday (August 20) that the administration has planned to deploy the military to tackle fast-spreading wildfires in British Columbia, as the western province deals with flames that have led to evacuation orders for more than 35,000 people.&nbsp;</p>

<p>British Columbia declared a state of emergency and put a prohibition on non-essential travel to free up lodging for evacuees and firefighters. It also asked drone operators and others to take pictures of the fires to avoid approaching rescue personnel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After spending the previous four days battling the devastating fires, West Kelowna Fire Chief Jason Brolund expressed some optimism.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He claimed that as a result, firefighters were able to put "boots on the ground" and pour water on the fires that threatened the town of 150,000 residents.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tropical-storm-hilary-batters-california-flash-floods-and-tornado-warnings-in-place-627375">Tropical Storm Hilary batters California: Flash-floods and tornado warnings in place</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Update: We’ve received and approved British Columbia’s request for federal assistance. We’re deploying <a href="https://twitter.com/CanadianForces?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CanadianForces</a> assets and providing resources to help with evacuations, staging, and other logistical tasks. We’ll continue to be here with whatever support is needed.</p>
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) <a href="https://twitter.com/JustinTrudeau/status/1693313588906074445?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Brolund told the Canadian Broadcasting Corp that "things are looking better. We are finally feeling like we are moving forward rather than moving backwards, and that's a great feeling". Despite the sigh of relief, he warned of difficult days ahead to contain the McDougall Creek fire.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In his latest tweet, Trudeau said the federal government will offer support from the Canadian military "to help with evacuations, staging".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Although forest fires are not unusual in Canada, their spread and resulting disruptions highlight the severity of the country's worst wildfire season to date, which some scientists have attributed to climate change.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-critical-role-stressed-by-south-africas-brics-sherpa-anil-sooklal-ahead-af-the-summit-627360">India's 'critical role' stressed by South Africa's BRICS Sherpa Anil Sooklal ahead of the summit</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2><strong>Yellowknife situation</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>In the meantime, fires in the nearby Northwest Territories forced the evacuation of Yellowknife, the region's capital, turning the little city of 20,000 mainly into a ghost town.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Saturday, Yellowknife experienced some relief from overnight rains, but Northwest Territories environment minister Shane Thompson warned that "a little rain does not mean it's safe to come back home".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Tropical storm Hilary brings flooding in Southern California&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>As mentioned by local reports, Yellowknife official Chris Greencorn praised the work crews were doing to build defences around the city.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Trudeau met with Yellowknife evacuees on Friday when they arrived in Edmonton, Alberta. He said that the fires have caused "terrible loss". The ones who are affected have no idea when they may return home.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Sunday (August 20) that the administration has planned to deploy the military to tackle fast-spreading wildfires in British Columbia, as the western province deals with flames that have led to evacuation orders for more than 35,000 people.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Sunday (August 20) that the administration has planned to deploy the military to tackle fast-spreading wildfires in British Columbia, as the western province deals with flames that have led to evacuation orders for more than 35,000 people. British Columbia declared a state of emergency and put a prohibition on non-essential travel to free up lodging for evacuees and firefighters. It also asked drone operators and others to take pictures of the fires to avoid approaching rescue personnel. After spending the previous four days battling the devastating fires, West Kelowna Fire Chief Jason Brolund expressed some optimism. He claimed that as a result, firefighters were able to put "boots on the ground" and pour water on the fires that threatened the town of 150,000 residents. Also read: Tropical Storm Hilary batters California: Flash-floods and tornado warnings in place Update: We’ve received and approved British Columbia’s request for federal assistance. We’re deploying @CanadianForces assets and providing resources to help with evacuations, staging, and other logistical tasks. We’ll continue to be here with whatever support is needed. — Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) August 20, 2023 × Brolund told the Canadian Broadcasting Corp that "things are looking better. We are finally feeling like we are moving forward rather than moving backwards, and that's a great feeling". Despite the sigh of relief, he warned of difficult days ahead to contain the McDougall Creek fire. In his latest tweet, Trudeau said the federal government will offer support from the Canadian military "to help with evacuations, staging". Although forest fires are not unusual in Canada, their spread and resulting disruptions highlight the severity of the country's worst wildfire season to date, which some scientists have attributed to climate change. Also read: India's 'critical role' stressed by South Africa's BRICS Sherpa Anil Sooklal ahead of the summit Yellowknife situation In the meantime, fires in the nearby Northwest Territories forced the evacuation of Yellowknife, the region's capital, turning the little city of 20,000 mainly into a ghost town. On Saturday, Yellowknife experienced some relief from overnight rains, but Northwest Territories environment minister Shane Thompson warned that "a little rain does not mean it's safe to come back home". Watch: Tropical storm Hilary brings flooding in Southern California × As mentioned by local reports, Yellowknife official Chris Greencorn praised the work crews were doing to build defences around the city. Trudeau met with Yellowknife evacuees on Friday when they arrived in Edmonton, Alberta. He said that the fires have caused "terrible loss". The ones who are affected have no idea when they may return home. (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.

Canada to send military to tackle fast-spreading wildfires in British Columbia

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hurricane-hilary-weakens-is-now-a-tropical-storm-627328">Tropical Storm Hilary</a> made landfall on Sunday (August 20) on Mexico's northwestern Pacific Coast, along with maximum sustained winds of 100 kilometres per hour, with California feeling the effects. It also brought heavy rains with it in the typically arid southwestern United States.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The officials have warned of potentially life-threatening flooding. There were reports of flash flooding in Los Angeles. Tornado warnings were also issued for some areas.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The National Weather Service said that a "dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding situation is developing from Point Mugu and Camarillo eastward through Thousand Oaks and Woodland Hills area and across the mountains of Los Angeles County".&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per the weather service, a flash flood warning was in place for downtown Los Angeles and Los Angeles County until 6:00 am ET Monday. A total of more than seven million people are affected.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Local reports listed the locations that could experience flash flooding. These include -&nbsp;Thousand Oaks, Malibu, Lake Los Angeles, Acton, Wrightwood, Burbank, Palmdale, Mount Wilson, Pasadena, North Hollywood, Griffith Park, Santa Clarita, Universal City, Van Nuys, Lancaster, Hollywood, Alhambra, Northridge, Downtown Los Angeles and Beverly Hills.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Los Angeles area and San Diego schools will be closed Monday. Beaches were also ordered closed and people rushed to stores to stock up on water and other essentials.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US National Hurricane Center said that the centre of Hilary had hit the north of Mexico's Baja California Peninsula.&nbsp;</p>

<p>That was not it, amid catastrophic weather, nature struck in another scary way. A&nbsp;5.1 magnitude earthquake hit near the southern California town of Ojai but there were no immediate reports of damage or casualties.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">California’s State of Emergency for Tropical Storm Hilary is expanding to support response and recovery in Mono County. <a href="https://t.co/iRGjTJ21dT">pic.twitter.com/iRGjTJ21dT</a></p>
— Office of the Governor of California (@CAgovernor) <a href="https://twitter.com/CAgovernor/status/1693435996900397194?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This afternoon, Governor <a href="https://twitter.com/GavinNewsom?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GavinNewsom</a> visited the <a href="https://twitter.com/SBCounty?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SBCounty</a> Emergency Operations Center to get an update on the latest forecast &amp; talk with elected officials, Sheriff Dicus, &amp; emergency response personnel.<br />
<br />
We'll continue to coordinate storm response with our local partners. <a href="https://t.co/QKpZfrG8yN">pic.twitter.com/QKpZfrG8yN</a></p>
— Office of the Governor of California (@CAgovernor) <a href="https://twitter.com/CAgovernor/status/1693439815822491888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-critical-role-stressed-by-south-africas-brics-sherpa-anil-sooklal-ahead-af-the-summit-627360">India's 'critical role' stressed by South Africa's BRICS Sherpa Anil Sooklal ahead of the summit</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2><strong>Biden lauds California's response&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Gov. Gavin Newsom said during a news conference in Los Angeles on Sunday that US President Joe Biden has hailed the "extraordinary mutual aid system" at work in California.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a statement posted later online, Biden said: "My Administration stands ready to provide additional assistance as requested. I urge people to take this storm seriously, and listen to state and local officials."&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">As soon as Tropical Storm Hilary’s path became clear, my Administration took immediate action to prepare: deploying personnel and supplies, and planning rapid response and search-and-rescue efforts.<br />
<br />
My Administration stands ready to provide additional assistance and will…</p>
— President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1693450359065170055?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-skip-republican-primary-debates-cites-legendary-lead-in-opinion-polls-627368">Trump confirms skipping Republican primary debates, cites 'legendary' lead in opinion polls</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2><strong>Tropical Storm Hilary</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Tropical Storm Hilary has also become the first tropical storm in the state since Nora in 1997 and is only the fourth storm of tropical storm strength or stronger to move through the state.&nbsp;<br />
.<br />
Hilary earlier reached Category 4, which is the second-most powerful on the five-step Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale. However, it was downgraded to a tropical storm as it headed towards the densely populated Mexican border city of Tijuana.&nbsp;</p>

<p>US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) administrator Deanne Criswell urged people to take the dangers seriously despite the weakening.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Tropical Storm Hilary made landfall on Sunday (August 20) on Mexico's northwestern Pacific Coast, along with maximum sustained winds of 100 kilometres per hour, with California feeling the effects.

Tropical Storm Hilary made landfall on Sunday (August 20) on Mexico's northwestern Pacific Coast, along with maximum sustained winds of 100 kilometres per hour, with California feeling the effects. It also brought heavy rains with it in the typically arid southwestern United States. The officials have warned of potentially life-threatening flooding. There were reports of flash flooding in Los Angeles. Tornado warnings were also issued for some areas. The National Weather Service said that a "dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding situation is developing from Point Mugu and Camarillo eastward through Thousand Oaks and Woodland Hills area and across the mountains of Los Angeles County". As per the weather service, a flash flood warning was in place for downtown Los Angeles and Los Angeles County until 6:00 am ET Monday. A total of more than seven million people are affected. Local reports listed the locations that could experience flash flooding. These include - Thousand Oaks, Malibu, Lake Los Angeles, Acton, Wrightwood, Burbank, Palmdale, Mount Wilson, Pasadena, North Hollywood, Griffith Park, Santa Clarita, Universal City, Van Nuys, Lancaster, Hollywood, Alhambra, Northridge, Downtown Los Angeles and Beverly Hills. Los Angeles area and San Diego schools will be closed Monday. Beaches were also ordered closed and people rushed to stores to stock up on water and other essentials. The US National Hurricane Center said that the centre of Hilary had hit the north of Mexico's Baja California Peninsula. That was not it, amid catastrophic weather, nature struck in another scary way. A 5.1 magnitude earthquake hit near the southern California town of Ojai but there were no immediate reports of damage or casualties. California’s State of Emergency for Tropical Storm Hilary is expanding to support response and recovery in Mono County. pic.twitter.com/iRGjTJ21dT — Office of the Governor of California (@CAgovernor) August 21, 2023 × This afternoon, Governor @GavinNewsom visited the @SBCounty Emergency Operations Center to get an update on the latest forecast & talk with elected officials, Sheriff Dicus, & emergency response personnel. We'll continue to coordinate storm response with our local partners. pic.twitter.com/QKpZfrG8yN — Office of the Governor of California (@CAgovernor) August 21, 2023 × Also read: India's 'critical role' stressed by South Africa's BRICS Sherpa Anil Sooklal ahead of the summit Biden lauds California's response Gov. Gavin Newsom said during a news conference in Los Angeles on Sunday that US President Joe Biden has hailed the "extraordinary mutual aid system" at work in California. In a statement posted later online, Biden said: "My Administration stands ready to provide additional assistance as requested. I urge people to take this storm seriously, and listen to state and local officials." As soon as Tropical Storm Hilary’s path became clear, my Administration took immediate action to prepare: deploying personnel and supplies, and planning rapid response and search-and-rescue efforts. My Administration stands ready to provide additional assistance and will… — President Biden (@POTUS) August 21, 2023 × Also read: Trump confirms skipping Republican primary debates, cites 'legendary' lead in opinion polls Tropical Storm Hilary Tropical Storm Hilary has also become the first tropical storm in the state since Nora in 1997 and is only the fourth storm of tropical storm strength or stronger to move through the state. . Hilary earlier reached Category 4, which is the second-most powerful on the five-step Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale. However, it was downgraded to a tropical storm as it headed towards the densely populated Mexican border city of Tijuana. US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) administrator Deanne Criswell urged people to take the dangers seriously despite the weakening. (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.

Tropical Storm Hilary batters California: Flash-floods and tornado warnings in place

<p>Russia claimed on Monday (August 21) that it had repelled two Ukrainian drone attacks in the Moscow region and&nbsp;so far no casualties have been reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The defence ministry said in a statement that an attempt by Kyiv to carry out an "attack with an aircraft-type unmanned aerial vehicle was foiled" around 6:50 am (local time).&nbsp;</p>

<p>It further said that the drone was "suppressed by means of electronic warfare" and crashed in the Pokrovskoye village in the Odintsovo district southwest of the capital.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It added that another "attack by the Kyiv regime" was thwarted in Istra, northwest of Moscow, which took place at 8:16 am (local time).&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-foils-ukrainian-drone-attack-on-moscow-amid-kyivs-counteroffensive-627247">Russia foils Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow amid Kyiv's counteroffensive</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>As per the RIA Novosti news agency, flights from two international airports, Vnukovo and Domodedovo, were temporarily disrupted and diverted elsewhere.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the past few weeks, Russia reported several Ukrainian drone attacks across the country, including in Moscow. Drones were even shot down near the Kremlin in May.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Kim Jong-un visits navy unit in the sea of Japan&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ecowas-rejects-niger-coup-leaders-pitch-to-restore-civilian-rule-in-three-years-627364">ECOWAS rejects Niger coup leader's pledge to restore civilian rule in three years</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2>Ukraine: Situation in eastern region of Kharkiv 'difficult'&nbsp;</h2>

<p>A Ukrainian deputy defence minister said on Monday that the situation in the eastern region of Kharkiv is "difficult" but the forces are repelling Russian attacks. As reported by the news agencies, the official also claimed that Kyiv has re-taken several square kilometres on the eastern front over the past week.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hanna Maliar told the national television broadcaster: "The situation in the Kupiansk direction is difficult. The enemy is not leaving plans to move forward, the enemy is pulling up additional forces."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are confident in our defenders, but it is very difficult for them there and the enemy is not advancing there," she said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the deputy defence minister claimed that the Ukrainian forces have recaptured a clutch of territory around the eastern war-battered town of Bakhmut but made no major advances on the southern front.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Another three square kilometres have been liberated (around Bakhmut). In the south, the situation has not undergone significant changes. Our defenders continue to advance in the Berdyansk and Melitopol sectors," Ganna Malyar told state television.</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos</strong></em></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Russia claimed on Monday (August 21) that it had repelled two Ukrainian drone attacks in the Moscow region and so far no casualties have been reported. The defence ministry said in a statement that an attempt by Kyiv to carry out an "attack with an aircraft-type unmanned aerial vehicle was foiled" around 6:50 am (local time).

Russia claimed on Monday (August 21) that it had repelled two Ukrainian drone attacks in the Moscow region and so far no casualties have been reported. The defence ministry said in a statement that an attempt by Kyiv to carry out an "attack with an aircraft-type unmanned aerial vehicle was foiled" around 6:50 am (local time). It further said that the drone was "suppressed by means of electronic warfare" and crashed in the Pokrovskoye village in the Odintsovo district southwest of the capital. It added that another "attack by the Kyiv regime" was thwarted in Istra, northwest of Moscow, which took place at 8:16 am (local time). Also read: Russia foils Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow amid Kyiv's counteroffensive As per the RIA Novosti news agency, flights from two international airports, Vnukovo and Domodedovo, were temporarily disrupted and diverted elsewhere. In the past few weeks, Russia reported several Ukrainian drone attacks across the country, including in Moscow. Drones were even shot down near the Kremlin in May. Watch: Kim Jong-un visits navy unit in the sea of Japan × Also read: ECOWAS rejects Niger coup leader's pledge to restore civilian rule in three years Ukraine: Situation in eastern region of Kharkiv 'difficult' A Ukrainian deputy defence minister said on Monday that the situation in the eastern region of Kharkiv is "difficult" but the forces are repelling Russian attacks. As reported by the news agencies, the official also claimed that Kyiv has re-taken several square kilometres on the eastern front over the past week. Hanna Maliar told the national television broadcaster: "The situation in the Kupiansk direction is difficult. The enemy is not leaving plans to move forward, the enemy is pulling up additional forces." "We are confident in our defenders, but it is very difficult for them there and the enemy is not advancing there," she said. Meanwhile, the deputy defence minister claimed that the Ukrainian forces have recaptured a clutch of territory around the eastern war-battered town of Bakhmut but made no major advances on the southern front. "Another three square kilometres have been liberated (around Bakhmut). In the south, the situation has not undergone significant changes. Our defenders continue to advance in the Berdyansk and Melitopol sectors," Ganna Malyar told state television. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos (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 thwarts Ukrainian drone attacks near Moscow, two airports affected

<p>Lucy Letby, a&nbsp;nurse in the United Kingdom was found guilty on Friday (August 18) and is due to be sentenced for murdering seven newborn babies and trying to kill another six in the neonatal unit of a hospital in northwest England where she worked.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 33-year-old was convicted of murdering five baby boys and two baby girls at the Countess of Chester hospital. She even attacked other newborns, often while she was working night shifts when she worked there - reportedly in 2015 and 2016.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The jury had been told that she injected some of the babies with insulin to poison them and others were injected with air or force-fed milk. Sometimes multiple attacks were also reported before they died.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Police officers searched her home after she was arrested, and a handwritten note was found. The note read: "I killed them on purpose because I'm not good enough to care for them. I am a horrible evil person".&nbsp;</p>

<p>She added, "I AM EVIL I DID THIS."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tropical-storm-hilary-batters-california-flash-floods-and-tornado-warnings-in-place-627375">Tropical Storm Hilary batters California: Flash-floods and tornado warnings in place</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2><strong>Families seek answers</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>After she was convicted, the families of the babies killed by Letby said that they want answers. They said that they have "extreme hurt, anger and distress" after she was found guilty.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When the incident happened, Letby was in her 20s at the time of the murders. She has turned out to be the most prolific child serial killer in modern British history.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The families released a joint statement saying they would never truly know why this had happened after her conviction at a court in Manchester in northern England.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tenerife-island-wildfire-started-deliberately-says-regional-governor-627518">Tenerife island wildfire started deliberately, says regional governor</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Toxic algae engulfs Venezuela's largest lake&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>They said: "To lose a baby is a heartbreaking experience that no parent should have to go through. But to lose a baby or have a baby harmed in these circumstances is unimaginable."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The names of the family members have not been revealed due to legal reasons. As quoted by the news agency Reuters, the parents of the twin boys revealed how they felt — from the euphoria of the birth to the horror of seeing staff fight to keep their children alive. The report mentioned that they did not realise what had happened until the police contacted them about two years later.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Lucy Letby, a nurse in the United Kingdom was found guilty on Friday (August 18) and is due to be sentenced for murdering seven newborn babies and trying to kill another six in the neonatal unit of a hospital in northwest England where she worked.

Lucy Letby, a nurse in the United Kingdom was found guilty on Friday (August 18) and is due to be sentenced for murdering seven newborn babies and trying to kill another six in the neonatal unit of a hospital in northwest England where she worked. The 33-year-old was convicted of murdering five baby boys and two baby girls at the Countess of Chester hospital. She even attacked other newborns, often while she was working night shifts when she worked there - reportedly in 2015 and 2016. The jury had been told that she injected some of the babies with insulin to poison them and others were injected with air or force-fed milk. Sometimes multiple attacks were also reported before they died. Police officers searched her home after she was arrested, and a handwritten note was found. The note read: "I killed them on purpose because I'm not good enough to care for them. I am a horrible evil person". She added, "I AM EVIL I DID THIS." Also read: Tropical Storm Hilary batters California: Flash-floods and tornado warnings in place Families seek answers After she was convicted, the families of the babies killed by Letby said that they want answers. They said that they have "extreme hurt, anger and distress" after she was found guilty. When the incident happened, Letby was in her 20s at the time of the murders. She has turned out to be the most prolific child serial killer in modern British history. The families released a joint statement saying they would never truly know why this had happened after her conviction at a court in Manchester in northern England. Also read: Tenerife island wildfire started deliberately, says regional governor Watch: Toxic algae engulfs Venezuela's largest lake × They said: "To lose a baby is a heartbreaking experience that no parent should have to go through. But to lose a baby or have a baby harmed in these circumstances is unimaginable." The names of the family members have not been revealed due to legal reasons. As quoted by the news agency Reuters, the parents of the twin boys revealed how they felt — from the euphoria of the birth to the horror of seeing staff fight to keep their children alive. The report mentioned that they did not realise what had happened until the police contacted them about two years later. (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.

UK nurse Lucy Letby refuses to face families during sentencing for killing 7 babies

<p>The drought-hit Panama Canal is suffering from an issue of traffic as a flotilla of ships is reportedly stuck on both sides. The vessels have been waiting for weeks to cross after the authorities reduced transits to conserve water.&nbsp;</p>

<p>More than 200 ships are currently waiting to pass, data from vessel tracking showed. This number has increased since the canal last month limited daily transits to 32 from an average of 36 under normal circumstances.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Panama Canal is an artificial 82-kilometre-long waterway in Panama that connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific Ocean. It divides North and South America. The canal cuts across the Isthmus of Panama and is a conduit for maritime trade.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-to-send-military-to-tackle-fast-spreading-wildfires-in-british-columbia-627394">Canada to send military to tackle fast-spreading wildfires in British Columbia</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>A Reuters report earlier this month mentioned that since the beginning of the year, the Panama Canal instituted a number of depth restrictions as the drought, caused by the El Nino weather phenomenon, put pressure on its water supplies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In June, the canal postponed further restrictions that would have required ships to lighten their loads to pass more easily.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Know how influencers are making money by letting people watch them sleep&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tropical-storm-hilary-batters-california-flash-floods-and-tornado-warnings-in-place-627375">Tropical Storm Hilary batters California: Flash-floods and tornado warnings in place</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The waterway's chief Ricaurte Vasquez told Reuters last week that the economic impact of the restrictions will be felt the hardest in the fiscal year beginning in October.</p>

<p>"There has not been a situation of this level of criticality in the history of the canal. In 1997, which was the driest year on record, we only operated the Panamax locks, and at that time we lowered the draft to the minimum. This time around we are telling them: people, we are going to maintain the draft, the only way to conserve water is to reduce the number of crossings," Vasquez told Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A WSJ report stated that the waterway's entrances on the Pacific and Atlantic oceans are dotted with ships that are backed up for more than 20 days.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Most are frequently hired last-minute bulk cargo or gas carriers and to get around the backlog, some shipowners are rerouting traffic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As quoted by WSJ, Tim Hansen, who is the chief commercial officer at Dorian LPG, said: "The delays are changing by the day. Once you make a decision to go there is no point to return or deviate, so you can get stuck." The report mentioned that Dorian LPG operates more than 20 large gas carriers.&nbsp;</p>

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The drought-hit Panama Canal is suffering from an issue of traffic as a flotilla of ships is reportedly stuck on both sides. The vessels have been waiting for weeks to cross after the authorities reduced transits to conserve water.

The drought-hit Panama Canal is suffering from an issue of traffic as a flotilla of ships is reportedly stuck on both sides. The vessels have been waiting for weeks to cross after the authorities reduced transits to conserve water. More than 200 ships are currently waiting to pass, data from vessel tracking showed. This number has increased since the canal last month limited daily transits to 32 from an average of 36 under normal circumstances. The Panama Canal is an artificial 82-kilometre-long waterway in Panama that connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific Ocean. It divides North and South America. The canal cuts across the Isthmus of Panama and is a conduit for maritime trade. Also read: Canada to send military to tackle fast-spreading wildfires in British Columbia A Reuters report earlier this month mentioned that since the beginning of the year, the Panama Canal instituted a number of depth restrictions as the drought, caused by the El Nino weather phenomenon, put pressure on its water supplies. In June, the canal postponed further restrictions that would have required ships to lighten their loads to pass more easily. Watch: Know how influencers are making money by letting people watch them sleep × Also read: Tropical Storm Hilary batters California: Flash-floods and tornado warnings in place The waterway's chief Ricaurte Vasquez told Reuters last week that the economic impact of the restrictions will be felt the hardest in the fiscal year beginning in October. "There has not been a situation of this level of criticality in the history of the canal. In 1997, which was the driest year on record, we only operated the Panamax locks, and at that time we lowered the draft to the minimum. This time around we are telling them: people, we are going to maintain the draft, the only way to conserve water is to reduce the number of crossings," Vasquez told Reuters. A WSJ report stated that the waterway's entrances on the Pacific and Atlantic oceans are dotted with ships that are backed up for more than 20 days. Most are frequently hired last-minute bulk cargo or gas carriers and to get around the backlog, some shipowners are rerouting traffic. As quoted by WSJ, Tim Hansen, who is the chief commercial officer at Dorian LPG, said: "The delays are changing by the day. Once you make a decision to go there is no point to return or deviate, so you can get stuck." The report mentioned that Dorian LPG operates more than 20 large gas carriers. 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.

Drought-hit Panama Canal reels under traffic jams with over 200-ship backlog

<p>The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) shared the latest pictures of the lunar far side&nbsp;captured by the Lander Hazard Detection and Avoidance Camera (LHDAC).&nbsp;</p>

<p>ISRO said on its website that the camera that assists in locating a safe landing area, which doesn't have boulders or deep trenches, during the descent is developed at SAC/ISRO.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Space Applications Centre (SAC) is one of the major centres of the ISRO and its focus is on the design of space-borne instruments for ISRO missions and the development and operationalisation of applications of space technology for societal benefits.&nbsp;</p>

<p>ISRO said that the applications cover communication, broadcasting, navigation, disaster monitoring, meteorology, oceanography, environment monitoring and natural resources survey.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/explained-indias-chandrayaan-3-loses-russian-co-traveller-luna-25-what-are-its-implications-627245">India's Chandrayaan-3 loses Russian co-traveller Luna-25. What are its implications?</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Chandrayaan-3 Mission:<br />
<br />
Here are the images of<br />
Lunar far side area<br />
captured by the<br />
Lander Hazard Detection and Avoidance Camera (LHDAC).<br />
<br />
This camera that assists in locating a safe landing area -- without boulders or deep trenches -- during the descent is developed at… <a href="https://t.co/hw2ML4xCY5">pic.twitter.com/hw2ML4xCY5</a></p>
— ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1693464620525404451?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Chandrayaan-3 Mission:<br />
<br />
🇮🇳Chandrayaan-3 is set to land on the moon 🌖on August 23, 2023, around 18:04 Hrs. IST.<br />
<br />
Thanks for the wishes and positivity!<br />
<br />
Let’s continue experiencing the journey together<br />
as the action unfolds LIVE at:<br />
ISRO Website <a href="https://t.co/osrHMk7MZL">https://t.co/osrHMk7MZL</a><br />
YouTube… <a href="https://t.co/zyu1sdVpoE">pic.twitter.com/zyu1sdVpoE</a></p>
— ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1693181653273940240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-luna-25-probe-crashes-on-moon-627203">Luna-25 crashes into moon; Russia’s lunar mission ends</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>ISRO shared a post thanking 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;</p>

<p>In its official release, ISRO said that with the upcoming Chandrayaan-3 Mission, India's quest for space exploration achieves a significant milestone.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This accomplishment symbolises our country's advancement in space exploration and represents a big step forward for Indian science, engineering, technology, and industry.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The soft landing of Chandrayaan-3 is a monumental moment that not only fuels curiosity but also sparks a passion for exploration within the minds of our youth," ISRO said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It generates a profound sense of pride and unity as we collectively celebrate the prowess of Indian science and technology. It will contribute to fostering an environment of scientific inquiry and innovation," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Here's what the former director of ISRO said:&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Former director of ISRO, K Sivan said that "last time after the landing process, we had gone through the data, and based on that, corrective measures have been taken".&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, "Not only that, we did something more than what we corrected. Wherever the margins are less, we enhanced those margins...Based on the lessons we learnt from Chandrayaan 2, the system is going with more ruggedness."&nbsp;</p>

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The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) shared the latest pictures of the lunar far side captured by the Lander Hazard Detection and Avoidance Camera (LHDAC).

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) shared the latest pictures of the lunar far side captured by the Lander Hazard Detection and Avoidance Camera (LHDAC). ISRO said on its website that the camera that assists in locating a safe landing area, which doesn't have boulders or deep trenches, during the descent is developed at SAC/ISRO. The Space Applications Centre (SAC) is one of the major centres of the ISRO and its focus is on the design of space-borne instruments for ISRO missions and the development and operationalisation of applications of space technology for societal benefits. ISRO said that the applications cover communication, broadcasting, navigation, disaster monitoring, meteorology, oceanography, environment monitoring and natural resources survey. Also read: India's Chandrayaan-3 loses Russian co-traveller Luna-25. What are its implications? Chandrayaan-3 Mission: Here are the images of Lunar far side area captured by the Lander Hazard Detection and Avoidance Camera (LHDAC). This camera that assists in locating a safe landing area -- without boulders or deep trenches -- during the descent is developed at… pic.twitter.com/hw2ML4xCY5 — ISRO (@isro) August 21, 2023 × Chandrayaan-3 Mission: 🇮🇳Chandrayaan-3 is set to land on the moon 🌖on August 23, 2023, around 18:04 Hrs. IST. Thanks for the wishes and positivity! Let’s continue experiencing the journey together as the action unfolds LIVE at: ISRO Website https://t.co/osrHMk7MZL YouTube… pic.twitter.com/zyu1sdVpoE — ISRO (@isro) August 20, 2023 × Also read: Luna-25 crashes into moon; Russia’s lunar mission ends ISRO shared a post thanking 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. In its official release, ISRO said that with the upcoming Chandrayaan-3 Mission, India's quest for space exploration achieves a significant milestone. This accomplishment symbolises our country's advancement in space exploration and represents a big step forward for Indian science, engineering, technology, and industry. "The soft landing of Chandrayaan-3 is a monumental moment that not only fuels curiosity but also sparks a passion for exploration within the minds of our youth," ISRO said. "It generates a profound sense of pride and unity as we collectively celebrate the prowess of Indian science and technology. It will contribute to fostering an environment of scientific inquiry and innovation," it added. Here's what the former director of ISRO said: Former director of ISRO, K Sivan said that "last time after the landing process, we had gone through the data, and based on that, corrective measures have been taken". He added, "Not only that, we did something more than what we corrected. Wherever the margins are less, we enhanced those margins...Based on the lessons we learnt from Chandrayaan 2, the system is going with more ruggedness." 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 Mission: ISRO shares images of lunar far side taken by LHDAC

<p>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;</p>

<h2><strong>What do we know about BA.2.86?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The new variant, called BA.2.86, has more than 30 amino acid changes to its spike protein compared with its next closest ancestor, the BA.2 subvariant of Omicron.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The first was reported in Israel, with the variant since being detected in Denmark and the US, but so far, it is not clear whether or not the new variant spreads faster or causes more serious illness than previous versions. UK-based media outlets reported that the new variant has been detected in London.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The WHO has classified BA.2.86 strain as a "variant under monitoring" and the health agency added that it needs more data to analyse the threat it may pose. The WHO said that there are only four known sequences of the variant.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The potential impact of the BA.2.86 mutations are presently unknown and undergoing careful assessment," the WHO said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As quoted by the news agency AFP, Francois Balloux, who is a professor of computational systems biology at University College London, said the attention attracted by the new variant was warranted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a comment published Friday (August 18), Balloux added that "BA.2.86 is the most striking SARS-CoV-2 strain the world has witnessed since the emergence of Omicron".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The professor referred to the variant that exploded onto the global stage in the winter of 2022, causing a surge in Covid cases. He said: "Over the coming weeks we will see how well BA.2.86 will be faring relative to other Omicron subvariants."&nbsp;</p>

<p>He stressed though that even if BA.2.86 caused a major spike in infections, "we are not expecting to witness comparable levels of severe disease and death than we did earlier in the pandemic when the Alpha, Delta or Omicron variants spread".&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said: "Most people on earth have now been vaccinated and/or infected by the virus." Balloux highlighted that even if people were reinfected with the new variant, "immune memory will still allow their immune system to kick in and control the infection far more effectively".&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Stems from 'earlier branch' of Covid&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Another scientist, Dr S Wesley Long, who is a medical director of diagnostic microbiology at Houston Methodist Hospital, said that BA.2.86 stems from an "earlier branch" of the coronavirus. Dr Long explained that that's why it differs from the variant targeted by current vaccines.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As quoted by the Reuters news agency, he said it remains to be seen whether BA.2.86 will be able to out-compete other strains of the virus or have any advantage in escaping immune responses from prior infection or vaccination.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reuters report also quoted Dr Eric Topol, a genomics expert and director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute in La Jolla, California, as saying that many countries have drastically reduced testing of patients and their efforts to analyse the genomes of the viruses causing new COVID cases. In that situation, the trajectory of BA.2.86 "doesn't look good right now," given the speed at which new cases are being identified.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Topol said that its many mutations make BA.2.86 "radically different in its structure" compared to earlier variants and according to him, the main question is whether BA.2.86 will turn out to be highly transmissible.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Rise in Covid cases globally&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that a new strain of Covid is also spreading throughout China over the summer. As per the report, it accounts for over 70 per cent of infections but its public health risk remains low.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said on its WeChat account on Saturday that the "proportion of the EG.5 variant among circulating strains of the coronavirus grew from 0.6 per cent in April to 71.6 per cent in August" and also added that it has become the "dominant strain in most provinces in China and is likely to continue this trend".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"EG.5's prevalence is mainly due to its enhanced ability to escape immunity, reducing the neutralising ability of antibodies produced by previous infections," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Will vaccines protect against new variants?</strong></h2>

<p>A majority of people worldwide are vaccinated now. Long said, "The vaccine is still going to provide you great defense against illness and death."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Experts have suggested that Covid booster shots now being developed have been designed to target the Omicron subvariant XBB.1.5.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Moderna said preliminary trial data suggest its latest version of the vaccine shows promise against Eris and a related variant called Fornax, which has begun to circulate in the US.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Pfizer Inc, its updated Covid shot showed neutralising activity against the Eris subvariant in a study conducted on mice.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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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.

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. What do we know about BA.2.86? The new variant, called BA.2.86, has more than 30 amino acid changes to its spike protein compared with its next closest ancestor, the BA.2 subvariant of Omicron. The first was reported in Israel, with the variant since being detected in Denmark and the US, but so far, it is not clear whether or not the new variant spreads faster or causes more serious illness than previous versions. UK-based media outlets reported that the new variant has been detected in London. The WHO has classified BA.2.86 strain as a "variant under monitoring" and the health agency added that it needs more data to analyse the threat it may pose. The WHO said that there are only four known sequences of the variant. "The potential impact of the BA.2.86 mutations are presently unknown and undergoing careful assessment," the WHO said. As quoted by the news agency AFP, Francois Balloux, who is a professor of computational systems biology at University College London, said the attention attracted by the new variant was warranted. In a comment published Friday (August 18), Balloux added that "BA.2.86 is the most striking SARS-CoV-2 strain the world has witnessed since the emergence of Omicron". The professor referred to the variant that exploded onto the global stage in the winter of 2022, causing a surge in Covid cases. He said: "Over the coming weeks we will see how well BA.2.86 will be faring relative to other Omicron subvariants." He stressed though that even if BA.2.86 caused a major spike in infections, "we are not expecting to witness comparable levels of severe disease and death than we did earlier in the pandemic when the Alpha, Delta or Omicron variants spread". He said: "Most people on earth have now been vaccinated and/or infected by the virus." Balloux highlighted that even if people were reinfected with the new variant, "immune memory will still allow their immune system to kick in and control the infection far more effectively". Stems from 'earlier branch' of Covid Another scientist, Dr S Wesley Long, who is a medical director of diagnostic microbiology at Houston Methodist Hospital, said that BA.2.86 stems from an "earlier branch" of the coronavirus. Dr Long explained that that's why it differs from the variant targeted by current vaccines. As quoted by the Reuters news agency, he said it remains to be seen whether BA.2.86 will be able to out-compete other strains of the virus or have any advantage in escaping immune responses from prior infection or vaccination. Reuters report also quoted Dr Eric Topol, a genomics expert and director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute in La Jolla, California, as saying that many countries have drastically reduced testing of patients and their efforts to analyse the genomes of the viruses causing new COVID cases. In that situation, the trajectory of BA.2.86 "doesn't look good right now," given the speed at which new cases are being identified. Topol said that its many mutations make BA.2.86 "radically different in its structure" compared to earlier variants and according to him, the main question is whether BA.2.86 will turn out to be highly transmissible. Rise in Covid cases globally The South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that a new strain of Covid is also spreading throughout China over the summer. As per the report, it accounts for over 70 per cent of infections but its public health risk remains low. The Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said on its WeChat account on Saturday that the "proportion of the EG.5 variant among circulating strains of the coronavirus grew from 0.6 per cent in April to 71.6 per cent in August" and also added that it has become the "dominant strain in most provinces in China and is likely to continue this trend". "EG.5's prevalence is mainly due to its enhanced ability to escape immunity, reducing the neutralising ability of antibodies produced by previous infections," it added. Will vaccines protect against new variants? A majority of people worldwide are vaccinated now. Long said, "The vaccine is still going to provide you great defense against illness and death." Experts have suggested that Covid booster shots now being developed have been designed to target the Omicron subvariant XBB.1.5. Moderna said preliminary trial data suggest its latest version of the vaccine shows promise against Eris and a related variant called Fornax, which has begun to circulate in the US. According to Pfizer Inc, its updated Covid shot showed neutralising activity against the Eris subvariant in a study conducted on mice. (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.

Explained: Is the COVID-19 scare coming back? Here's what you should know

Mindboggling Perks That Neymar Jr Will Receive at Al Hilal

Brazilian star Neymar has completed a move from French champions Paris Saint-Germain to Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal.

House with 25 bedrooms. A 40x10 meter swimming pool and 3 saunas. The house will have 5 full-time staff members.

A Bentley Continental GT, Aston Martin DBX, Lamborghini Huracán and a 24-hour driver.


All bills for hotels, restaurants and various services during his off days will be sent to the club headquarters.

A €500,000 ($543,558) for each social media post that promotes Saudi Arabia.

<p>China's President&nbsp;Xi&nbsp;Jinping will attend the BRICS leaders' meeting and visit South Africa on Aug. 21-24, the Chinese foreign ministry said in a statement on Friday.</p>

<p>Leaders from the five BRICS countries of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa meet in Johannesburg next week from Aug. 22 to discuss how to turn a loose club of nations accounting for a quarter of the global economy into a geopolitical force that can challenge the West's dominance in world affairs.</p>

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin, who faces an international arrest warrant over alleged war crimes in Ukraine, will dial in by video call instead of attending in person.</p>

<p>Expansion is expected to be high on the agenda, as some 40 nations have shown interest in joining, either formally or informally, according to South Africa. They include Saudi Arabia, Argentina and Egypt.</p>

<p>China, seeking to expand its geopolitical influence as it tussles with the United States, has said it "welcomes more like-minded partners to join the 'BRICS family' at an early date."</p>

<p>Russia also supports expansion, while Brazil resists it, fearing the already unwieldy club could see its stature diluted by it. India is on the fence.</p>

<p>Besides attending the BRICS meeting,&nbsp;Xi&nbsp;will also co-chair the China-Africa Leaders' Dialogue with his South African counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa, the Chinese foreign ministry said.</p>

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China's President Xi Jinping will attend the BRICS leaders' meeting and visit South Africa on Aug. 21-24, the Chinese foreign ministry said in a statement on Friday.

China's President Xi Jinping will attend the BRICS leaders' meeting and visit South Africa on Aug. 21-24, the Chinese foreign ministry said in a statement on Friday. Leaders from the five BRICS countries of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa meet in Johannesburg next week from Aug. 22 to discuss how to turn a loose club of nations accounting for a quarter of the global economy into a geopolitical force that can challenge the West's dominance in world affairs. Russian President Vladimir Putin, who faces an international arrest warrant over alleged war crimes in Ukraine, will dial in by video call instead of attending in person. Expansion is expected to be high on the agenda, as some 40 nations have shown interest in joining, either formally or informally, according to South Africa. They include Saudi Arabia, Argentina and Egypt. China, seeking to expand its geopolitical influence as it tussles with the United States, has said it "welcomes more like-minded partners to join the 'BRICS family' at an early date." Russia also supports expansion, while Brazil resists it, fearing the already unwieldy club could see its stature diluted by it. India is on the fence. Besides attending the BRICS meeting, Xi will also co-chair the China-Africa Leaders' Dialogue with his South African counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa, the Chinese foreign ministry said. 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.

China's Xi Jinping to attend BRICS leaders' meeting, visit South Africa

<p>A bomb threat was reported on Friday (August 18) on the Delhi-Pune Vistara flight at New Delhi airport after a GMR Group-run call centre received a phone call which claimed so, India-based news agency ANI reported. But the threat turned out to be a hoax.&nbsp;</p>

<p>All passengers along with their luggage have been deboarded safely and the aircraft is kept in the isolation bay at the airport for inspection.&nbsp;</p>

<p>ANI quoted an official as saying that security agencies did not find any suspicious items on board. The flight was scheduled for 8:30am local time.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-pilot-collapses-and-dies-at-boarding-gate-before-operating-flight-to-pune-626430">IndiGo pilot collapses and dies at boarding gate before operating flight to Pune</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>A security agency official told ANI: "UK-971 Delhi to Pune flight received bomb threat at GMR call center in Gurugram."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Delhi Police said, "Nothing suspicious found till now".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report mentioned that there were more than 100 passengers. They were sent to the terminal building and they were served refreshments, the official said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) states that the plane can't be scheduled until the security agencies provide clearance.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;India's Lunar lander Vikram inches closer to Moon&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>'Fake' bomb threat on Malaysia Airlines flight</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Malaysian Airlines flight MH122 returned back to Sydney on Monday (August 13), after the passenger "allegedly became disruptive" and a Pakistan-origin man was reportedly arrested by Australian police a day later.</p>

<p>Reports said that he allegedly "claimed of carrying explosives" on board a Malaysia Airlines flight from Sydney to Kuala Lumpur.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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A bomb threat was reported on Friday (August 18) on the Delhi-Pune Vistara flight at New Delhi airport after a GMR Group-run call centre received a phone call which claimed so, India-based news agency ANI reported.

A bomb threat was reported on Friday (August 18) on the Delhi-Pune Vistara flight at New Delhi airport after a GMR Group-run call centre received a phone call which claimed so, India-based news agency ANI reported. But the threat turned out to be a hoax. All passengers along with their luggage have been deboarded safely and the aircraft is kept in the isolation bay at the airport for inspection. ANI quoted an official as saying that security agencies did not find any suspicious items on board. The flight was scheduled for 8:30am local time. Also read: IndiGo pilot collapses and dies at boarding gate before operating flight to Pune A security agency official told ANI: "UK-971 Delhi to Pune flight received bomb threat at GMR call center in Gurugram." Delhi Police said, "Nothing suspicious found till now". The report mentioned that there were more than 100 passengers. They were sent to the terminal building and they were served refreshments, the official said. The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) states that the plane can't be scheduled until the security agencies provide clearance. Watch: India's Lunar lander Vikram inches closer to Moon × 'Fake' bomb threat on Malaysia Airlines flight Malaysian Airlines flight MH122 returned back to Sydney on Monday (August 13), after the passenger "allegedly became disruptive" and a Pakistan-origin man was reportedly arrested by Australian police a day later. Reports said that he allegedly "claimed of carrying explosives" on board a Malaysia Airlines flight from Sydney to Kuala Lumpur. (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.

India: Bomb threat on Delhi-Pune Vistara flight at Delhi airport, police respond

<p>"I thought the most beautiful thing in the world must be shadow" -&nbsp;Sylvia Plath wrote this line in her novel <em>The Bell Jar</em>. The shadow might be the most beautiful thing, but Zero Shadow Day, when the objects will not cast any shadows, can be stunning too.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>What is Zero Shadow Day?&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Zero Shadow Day is a special celestial event and it occurs twice a year. When the Sun is at its highest point in the sky during this time, neither living creatures nor inanimate objects cast any shadows.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For areas in the tropics (between the Tropic of Cancer at latitude 23.4° N and the Tropic of Capricorn at latitude 23.4° S), Zero Shadow Day occurs twice a year. Zero Shadow Day basically happens twice a day at a particular place.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>India: Zero Shadow Day on August 18&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>In India, Bengaluru, which is the capital and largest city of the southern Indian state of Karnataka, is all set to witness this phenomenon on August 18. It happens for a specific time in the day, In Bengaluru, it will be most noticeable at 12:24 pm (local time). The last time it occurred in Bengaluru was on April 25 this year.</p>

<h2><strong>How does it happen?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>This rare event occurs when the Sun's declination matches the location's latitude. When the Sun crosses the local meridian on a day with zero shadows, the Sun's rays fall perfectly vertically relative to an item on the ground, and no shadow of that object is visible.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The concept of Zero Shadow Day&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>We have studied that the seasons exist because the Earth's rotation axis is 23.5 degrees, inclination to the plane of its revolution around the Sun.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Sun will shift in a year from 23.5 degrees south of the celestial equator to 23.5 degrees north of the equator (Uttarayan) and back again (Dakshinayan) when it is at its highest point during the day.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The two equinoxes mark the Sun's passage over the equator and the two solstices mark the northern and southernmost points on the globe.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hence, the Sun's declination will be equal to a person's latitude twice for those who live between +23.5 and -23.5 degrees latitude: once during Uttarayan and once during Dakshinayan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Sun will be directly overhead at noon on these two days, and no objects will cast shadows on the ground. Notably, there will be regional differences on this Zero Shadow Day.&nbsp;</p>

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"I thought the most beautiful thing in the world must be shadow" - Sylvia Plath wrote this line in her novel The Bell Jar. The shadow might be the most beautiful thing, but Zero Shadow Day, when the objects will not cast any shadows, can be stunning too.

"I thought the most beautiful thing in the world must be shadow" - Sylvia Plath wrote this line in her novel The Bell Jar. The shadow might be the most beautiful thing, but Zero Shadow Day, when the objects will not cast any shadows, can be stunning too. What is Zero Shadow Day? Zero Shadow Day is a special celestial event and it occurs twice a year. When the Sun is at its highest point in the sky during this time, neither living creatures nor inanimate objects cast any shadows. For areas in the tropics (between the Tropic of Cancer at latitude 23.4° N and the Tropic of Capricorn at latitude 23.4° S), Zero Shadow Day occurs twice a year. Zero Shadow Day basically happens twice a day at a particular place. India: Zero Shadow Day on August 18 In India, Bengaluru, which is the capital and largest city of the southern Indian state of Karnataka, is all set to witness this phenomenon on August 18. It happens for a specific time in the day, In Bengaluru, it will be most noticeable at 12:24 pm (local time). The last time it occurred in Bengaluru was on April 25 this year. How does it happen? This rare event occurs when the Sun's declination matches the location's latitude. When the Sun crosses the local meridian on a day with zero shadows, the Sun's rays fall perfectly vertically relative to an item on the ground, and no shadow of that object is visible. The concept of Zero Shadow Day We have studied that the seasons exist because the Earth's rotation axis is 23.5 degrees, inclination to the plane of its revolution around the Sun. The Sun will shift in a year from 23.5 degrees south of the celestial equator to 23.5 degrees north of the equator (Uttarayan) and back again (Dakshinayan) when it is at its highest point during the day. The two equinoxes mark the Sun's passage over the equator and the two solstices mark the northern and southernmost points on the globe. Hence, the Sun's declination will be equal to a person's latitude twice for those who live between +23.5 and -23.5 degrees latitude: once during Uttarayan and once during Dakshinayan. The Sun will be directly overhead at noon on these two days, and no objects will cast shadows on the ground. Notably, there will be regional differences on this Zero Shadow Day. 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.

What is Zero Shadow Day? Bengaluru to witness this rare celestial event on August 18

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Srishti Sisodia

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