<p>Jimmy Carter became the first US president to turn 100, but presidential candidate Donald Trump has chosen to take a dig at him instead of wishing him happy birthday. Speaking at a campaign event, the former US president said Carter is now considered a brilliant president when compared to current incumbent Joe Biden.</p>

<p>At the rally in Waunakee, Wisconsin, Trump said President Biden has replaced Carter as the worst president in American history.</p>

<p>"Jimmy Carter is the happiest man because Jimmy Carter is considered a brilliant president by comparison [with Biden]," Trump said about the 39th president, who is a Democrat.</p>

<p>This is not the first time that Trump attacked the former president. In May, at a campaign event&nbsp; in New Jersey, he misnamed him after former tennis star Jimmy Connors, while joking "he's also happy."<br />
<br />
<strong>Watch US: Iranians Charged For Hacking Trump Campaign</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>How Jimmy Carter spent his birthday</strong></h2>

<p>Jimmy Carter, who is ailing and wheelchair-bound, spent his 100th birthday at his home in Georgia.</p>

<p>In exclusive footage, the US network CBS showed him on the lawns with family, friends and wellwishers.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Former President Jimmy Carter celebrated his 100th birthday surrounded by family and friends in his backyard in Plains, Georgia. CBS News was there as he was wheeled outside, beneath the shade of his trees, to witness a military flyover with four fighter jets. <a href="https://t.co/FKKd6XrHL6">pic.twitter.com/FKKd6XrHL6</a></p>
— CBS News (@CBSNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/CBSNews/status/1841209959008063941?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The former Georgia governor has been in hospice care since February 2023.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oldest-living-former-us-president-jimmy-carter-to-receive-hospice-care-at-age-98-563550">Oldest-living former US President Jimmy Carter, 98, to receive hospice care at home</a></strong><br />
<br />
A birthday concert was held in his honour at Fox Theater in Atlanta in September, which raised $1.2 million thus far for the Carter Center.</p>

<p>The Carter Center shared videos on X, showing Biden and other living former presidents Barack Obama, George W Bush and Bill Clinton wishing the former president happy birthday. There was no such thing from Trump.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It said in the post: We’re so grateful to Presidents Biden, Obama, Bush, and Clinton for contributing messages for President Carter’s 100th birthday concert. The audience was thrilled! Today, on President Carter’s actual birthday, we’re delighted to share excerpts from those with the world."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We’re so grateful to Presidents Biden, Obama, Bush, and Clinton for contributing messages for President Carter’s 100th birthday concert. The audience was thrilled! Today, on President Carter’s actual birthday, we’re delighted to share excerpts from those with the world. <a href="https://t.co/DhA7O18FbA">pic.twitter.com/DhA7O18FbA</a></p>
— The Carter Center (@CarterCenter) <a href="https://twitter.com/CarterCenter/status/1841138561115996663?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Jimmy Carter: Longest-living US president</strong></h2>

<h2>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Jimmy Carter, the longest-living president in US history has now become the only one to cross the age of 100.</p>

<p>Born James Earl Carter Jr, he was one of the most respected American presidents, for his work in peace and development.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-dignitaries-family-members-gather-to-remember-former-first-lady-rosalynn-carter-664447">Also read: In Pics | Dignitaries, family members gather to remember former first lady Rosalynn Carter</a></strong></p>

<p>After serving as a senator of Georgia from 1963 to 1967, the Democrat became the 76th governor of the state from 1971 to 1975. &nbsp;</p>

<p>He served only one term as president from 1977 to 1981, having been defeated by Republican&nbsp;Ronald Reagan in the 1980 presidential election.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Jimmy Carter became the first US president to turn 100, but presidential candidate Donald Trump has chosen to take a dig at him instead of wishing him happy birthday.

Jimmy Carter became the first US president to turn 100, but presidential candidate Donald Trump has chosen to take a dig at him instead of wishing him happy birthday. Speaking at a campaign event, the former US president said Carter is now considered a brilliant president when compared to current incumbent Joe Biden. At the rally in Waunakee, Wisconsin, Trump said President Biden has replaced Carter as the worst president in American history. "Jimmy Carter is the happiest man because Jimmy Carter is considered a brilliant president by comparison [with Biden]," Trump said about the 39th president, who is a Democrat. This is not the first time that Trump attacked the former president. In May, at a campaign event in New Jersey, he misnamed him after former tennis star Jimmy Connors, while joking "he's also happy." Watch US: Iranians Charged For Hacking Trump Campaign × How Jimmy Carter spent his birthday Jimmy Carter, who is ailing and wheelchair-bound, spent his 100th birthday at his home in Georgia. In exclusive footage, the US network CBS showed him on the lawns with family, friends and wellwishers. Former President Jimmy Carter celebrated his 100th birthday surrounded by family and friends in his backyard in Plains, Georgia. CBS News was there as he was wheeled outside, beneath the shade of his trees, to witness a military flyover with four fighter jets. pic.twitter.com/FKKd6XrHL6 — CBS News (@CBSNews) October 1, 2024 × The former Georgia governor has been in hospice care since February 2023. Also read: Oldest-living former US President Jimmy Carter, 98, to receive hospice care at home A birthday concert was held in his honour at Fox Theater in Atlanta in September, which raised $1.2 million thus far for the Carter Center. The Carter Center shared videos on X, showing Biden and other living former presidents Barack Obama, George W Bush and Bill Clinton wishing the former president happy birthday. There was no such thing from Trump. It said in the post: We’re so grateful to Presidents Biden, Obama, Bush, and Clinton for contributing messages for President Carter’s 100th birthday concert. The audience was thrilled! Today, on President Carter’s actual birthday, we’re delighted to share excerpts from those with the world." We’re so grateful to Presidents Biden, Obama, Bush, and Clinton for contributing messages for President Carter’s 100th birthday concert. The audience was thrilled! Today, on President Carter’s actual birthday, we’re delighted to share excerpts from those with the world. pic.twitter.com/DhA7O18FbA — The Carter Center (@CarterCenter) October 1, 2024 × Jimmy Carter: Longest-living US president Jimmy Carter, the longest-living president in US history has now become the only one to cross the age of 100. Born James Earl Carter Jr, he was one of the most respected American presidents, for his work in peace and development. Also read: In Pics | Dignitaries, family members gather to remember former first lady Rosalynn Carter After serving as a senator of Georgia from 1963 to 1967, the Democrat became the 76th governor of the state from 1971 to 1975. He served only one term as president from 1977 to 1981, having been defeated by Republican Ronald Reagan in the 1980 presidential election. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump makes birthday dig at Jimmy Carter, the longest-living former president who turned 100

<p>Russia may have used ODAB-9000, known as the 'father of all bombs', on Ukraine during a recent attack on the Ukrainian town of Vovchansk as part of its ongoing war, if some reports online and social media posts are to go by.&nbsp;</p>

<p>ODAB-9000 is a 'vacuum bomb', considered the most powerful non-nuclear weapon in the world. It packs a nasty punch, with an explosive power equivalent to 44,000 kilogrammes of TNT or Trinitrotoluene.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It falls under the category of 'thermobaric' weapons that can create a wave of blasts by using oxygen from the air.&nbsp;This gives them the moniker 'vacuum bomb' and makes them capable of wreaking havoc in large swaths of territory while suffocating the living beings in the impact area.</p>

<p>Watch the explosion below:<br />
<br />
<strong><em>Disclaimer: WION cannot verify the authenticity of visuals shared on social media.</em></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A video has been posted online that allegedly shows the explosion of a powerful bomb in Vovchansk, Kharkiv region.<br />
<br />
Some Russian military experts write that this is the first use of the ODAB-9000 vacuum bomb, which is called the “Kuzkin's father” and “father of all bombs” and is… <a href="https://t.co/pvttxviKlp">pic.twitter.com/pvttxviKlp</a></p>
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated) <a href="https://twitter.com/wartranslated/status/1841408889486463172?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 2, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>If the reports are confirmed, this would be the first recorded use of ODAB-9000 in combat, but the jury is divided on this.</p>

<p>The internet seems to be on a guessing game whether Russia indeed used the superbomb ODAB-9000, or a less lethal variety of it, or something altogether different.</p>

<p>According to some reports, what was used in Vovchansk, located in the Kharkiv region,&nbsp;maybe a smaller bomb, the ODAB-1500.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>Watch: Russia-Ukraine War: Russian President Putin draws a nuclear red line for the West</strong></p>

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<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/emergency-situation-in-russian-city-as-ukraine-hits-depots-housing-2000-tonnes-of-munitions-760786">Also read: ‘Emergency situation’ in Russian city as Ukraine hits depots housing ‘2,000 tonnes of munitions’</a></strong><br />
<br />
There were some who suggested that the weapon used could have been an FAB-3000.</p>

<p>FAB-3000, which is a Russian acronym that translates into “High-Explosive Aviation Bomb”, is no mean beast either. It's a powerful weapon that can engage in long-range precision strikes on fortified positions.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-knew-about-ukraines-kursk-plans-was-preparing-for-months-report-760371">Also read: Russia knew about Ukraine’s Kursk plans, was preparing for months: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>Designers of the ODAB-9000 had earlier said that the bomb may not be deployed in the ongoing Ukraine war.</p>

<p>Did Russia break that promise?</p>

<p>Whatever the bomb used, the strike on Vovchansk was very powerful as one could see from the visuals.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on 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.&nbsp;</em></p>


Russia may have used ODAB-9000, known as the 'father of all bombs', on Ukraine during a recent attack on the Ukrainian town of Vovchansk as part of its ongoing war, if some reports online and social media posts are to go by.

Russia may have used ODAB-9000, known as the 'father of all bombs', on Ukraine during a recent attack on the Ukrainian town of Vovchansk as part of its ongoing war, if some reports online and social media posts are to go by. ODAB-9000 is a 'vacuum bomb', considered the most powerful non-nuclear weapon in the world. It packs a nasty punch, with an explosive power equivalent to 44,000 kilogrammes of TNT or Trinitrotoluene. It falls under the category of 'thermobaric' weapons that can create a wave of blasts by using oxygen from the air. This gives them the moniker 'vacuum bomb' and makes them capable of wreaking havoc in large swaths of territory while suffocating the living beings in the impact area. Watch the explosion below: Disclaimer: WION cannot verify the authenticity of visuals shared on social media. A video has been posted online that allegedly shows the explosion of a powerful bomb in Vovchansk, Kharkiv region. Some Russian military experts write that this is the first use of the ODAB-9000 vacuum bomb, which is called the “Kuzkin's father” and “father of all bombs” and is… pic.twitter.com/pvttxviKlp — WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated) October 2, 2024 × If the reports are confirmed, this would be the first recorded use of ODAB-9000 in combat, but the jury is divided on this. The internet seems to be on a guessing game whether Russia indeed used the superbomb ODAB-9000, or a less lethal variety of it, or something altogether different. According to some reports, what was used in Vovchansk, located in the Kharkiv region, maybe a smaller bomb, the ODAB-1500. Watch: Russia-Ukraine War: Russian President Putin draws a nuclear red line for the West × Also read: ‘Emergency situation’ in Russian city as Ukraine hits depots housing ‘2,000 tonnes of munitions’ There were some who suggested that the weapon used could have been an FAB-3000. FAB-3000, which is a Russian acronym that translates into “High-Explosive Aviation Bomb”, is no mean beast either. It's a powerful weapon that can engage in long-range precision strikes on fortified positions. Also read: Russia knew about Ukraine’s Kursk plans, was preparing for months: Report Designers of the ODAB-9000 had earlier said that the bomb may not be deployed in the ongoing Ukraine war. Did Russia break that promise? Whatever the bomb used, the strike on Vovchansk was very powerful as one could see from the visuals. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on 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.

Watch: Did Russia use 'father of all bombs', the ODAB-9000 vacuum bomb, on Ukraine?

<p>Food is associated with happiness for many of us; no wonder there's something called stress eating. Now, a study on fruit flies found that there is a link between swallowing food and the release of happy hormones in the brain.</p>

<p>How do we humans distinguish between good and bad food? For most of us, our parents told us what to eat and what not to.&nbsp;But how do animals do the same process? Deciding what to eat, according to the researchers who conducted the fruit fly study, is "arguably the single-most salient decision that an animal has to make" as it's a critical part of survival in the wild.</p>

<p>That decision, it appears, is coded in the brains based on a reward system, or simply put, the release of happy hormones when good food goes through the gut.</p>

<p><strong>Watch: Gravitas | Bread, butter classified as ultra-processed food, time to go back to Rotis &amp; ghee?</strong></p>

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<p>"We wanted to gain a detailed understanding of how the digestive system communicates with the brain when consuming food," says neuroscientist Michael Pankratz, from the University of Bonn in Germany, who was a researcher in the study. "In order to do this, we had to understand which neurons are involved in this flow of information and how they are triggered," he was quoted as saying in ScienceAlert.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-shocking-study-finds-70-per-cent-of-baby-foods-in-us-grocery-stores-are-unhealthy-752011">Also read: Shocking study finds 70 per cent of baby foods in US grocery stores are unhealthy</a></strong></p>

<p>The University of Bonn researchers&nbsp;examined the larvae&nbsp;of a fruit fly, or drosophila, to find out how swallowing affects the brain.&nbsp;For this, the scientists created 3D models of the larvae&nbsp;after slicing them down into thousands of small pieces and examining them under microscopes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They identified a 'stretch receptor' in the esophagus of the larvae&nbsp;that's linked to specific neurons in the brain of the fruit fly.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They found that some of these neurons play a role in detecting the quality of food and the happy hormone 'serotonin' is released when the food is good.</p>

<p>"[The neurons] can detect whether it is food or not and also evaluate its quality. They only produce serotonin if good quality food is detected, which in turn ensures that the larva continues to eat," ScienceAlert quoted neuroscientist Andreas Schoofs from the University of Bonn as saying.</p>

<p>This then triggers more desire for eating.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/this-japanese-spoon-makes-food-taste-saltier-without-actually-adding-more-salt-heres-how-724204">Also read: This Japanese spoon makes food taste saltier without actually adding more salt. Here's how</a></strong><br />
<br />
The study suggests that such a mechanism could exist for humans too. If that hypothesis is proven, it could open up ways into understanding our eating patterns and motivations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;Fruit flies could be a good indicator, as their nervous system is simple and easier to study basic biological processes. Consider that these insects have only 200,000 neurons compared to 100 billion for us humans. They can thus be a scaled-down version of the human body.</p>

<p>The researchers seek to examine whether these same happy-hormone-releasing processes exist in other species too.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The gut is often called the second brain. While emotions will have an effect on our stomach, various ailments of the digestive system affect our moods and emotions too. One day, scientists will make sense of all this.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Food is associated with happiness for many of us; no wonder there's something called stress eating. Now, a study on fruit flies found that there is a link between swallowing food and the release of happy hormones in the brain.

Food is associated with happiness for many of us; no wonder there's something called stress eating. Now, a study on fruit flies found that there is a link between swallowing food and the release of happy hormones in the brain. How do we humans distinguish between good and bad food? For most of us, our parents told us what to eat and what not to. But how do animals do the same process? Deciding what to eat, according to the researchers who conducted the fruit fly study, is "arguably the single-most salient decision that an animal has to make" as it's a critical part of survival in the wild. That decision, it appears, is coded in the brains based on a reward system, or simply put, the release of happy hormones when good food goes through the gut. Watch: Gravitas | Bread, butter classified as ultra-processed food, time to go back to Rotis & ghee? × "We wanted to gain a detailed understanding of how the digestive system communicates with the brain when consuming food," says neuroscientist Michael Pankratz, from the University of Bonn in Germany, who was a researcher in the study. "In order to do this, we had to understand which neurons are involved in this flow of information and how they are triggered," he was quoted as saying in ScienceAlert. Also read: Shocking study finds 70 per cent of baby foods in US grocery stores are unhealthy The University of Bonn researchers examined the larvae of a fruit fly, or drosophila, to find out how swallowing affects the brain. For this, the scientists created 3D models of the larvae after slicing them down into thousands of small pieces and examining them under microscopes. They identified a 'stretch receptor' in the esophagus of the larvae that's linked to specific neurons in the brain of the fruit fly. They found that some of these neurons play a role in detecting the quality of food and the happy hormone 'serotonin' is released when the food is good. "[The neurons] can detect whether it is food or not and also evaluate its quality. They only produce serotonin if good quality food is detected, which in turn ensures that the larva continues to eat," ScienceAlert quoted neuroscientist Andreas Schoofs from the University of Bonn as saying. This then triggers more desire for eating. Also read: This Japanese spoon makes food taste saltier without actually adding more salt. Here's how The study suggests that such a mechanism could exist for humans too. If that hypothesis is proven, it could open up ways into understanding our eating patterns and motivations. Fruit flies could be a good indicator, as their nervous system is simple and easier to study basic biological processes. Consider that these insects have only 200,000 neurons compared to 100 billion for us humans. They can thus be a scaled-down version of the human body. The researchers seek to examine whether these same happy-hormone-releasing processes exist in other species too. The gut is often called the second brain. While emotions will have an effect on our stomach, various ailments of the digestive system affect our moods and emotions too. One day, scientists will make sense of all this. (With inputs from agencies)

Why do we eat? Study finds swallowing releases 'happy hormones', triggering desire for more food

<p>Women who use cannabis during pregnancy may be causing genetic changes in their babies, according to a study that seems to have clearly established the link for the first time in the world.</p>

<p>The study done by the University of Canterbury in New Zealand appears to confirm long-held assumptions that there is a correlation between maternal cannabis use and genetic makeup of offspring.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the researchers, pregnant women who smoke weed may be causing prenatal cannabis exposure or PCE to unborn babies, affecting their brain development.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The study found that prenatal cannabis use is associated with molecular changes in the genes of exposed children.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-cannabis-found-to-have-anti-ageing-effect-on-brains-of-mice-so-can-pot-make-you-younger-753981">Also read: Cannabis found to have anti-ageing effect on brains of mice. So can pot make you younger?</a></strong></p>

<p>“We know cannabis use during pregnancy is associated with childhood and adolescent brain development and cognitive function. However, previous studies haven’t been able to prove that cannabis exposure has specifically caused the adverse effects on neurodevelopment that have been observed,” said&nbsp;Dr Amy Osborne, who led the study.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH: Gravitas: Medical use of Cannabis now legal in Ukraine</strong></p>

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<p><br />
It has been seen since the Covid pandemic that more pregnant women are using cannabis. Many of them smoke weed&nbsp;to deal with pregnancy-related physiological changes, stress and other complications.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-becomes-biggest-eu-country-to-legalise-recreational-cannabis-706590">Also read: Germany becomes biggest EU country to legalise recreational cannabis</a></strong></p>

<p>The researchers reached the conclusion after examining genomic data from studies in the UK and New Zealand.</p>

<p>“Using data from individuals at birth, aged seven, 15-17, and 27, we showed a molecular signature of prenatal cannabis exposure (PCE) in exposed individuals. We identified a significant number of molecular changes in genes involved in neurodevelopment and neurodevelopmental disease, across the life course," said Dr Osborne.</p>

<p>"This is a key finding because it suggests there is a molecular link between prenatal cannabis exposure and impacts on the genes involved in neurodevelopment.” she said in a release from the university.</p>

<p>This discovery, published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry, seeks to create awareness about risks of cannabis use at a time when many countries are relaxing norms around the drug, making it more freely available for women.</p>

<p>“We hope our research will inspire further investigation ...and there will soon be clearer advice to pregnant women about the impact of cannabis use. Otherwise, the potential risk to children remains, and will likely grow.” Dr Osborne said.</p>


Women who use cannabis during pregnancy may be causing genetic changes in their babies, according to a study that seems to have clearly established the link for the first time in the world.

Women who use cannabis during pregnancy may be causing genetic changes in their babies, according to a study that seems to have clearly established the link for the first time in the world. The study done by the University of Canterbury in New Zealand appears to confirm long-held assumptions that there is a correlation between maternal cannabis use and genetic makeup of offspring. According to the researchers, pregnant women who smoke weed may be causing prenatal cannabis exposure or PCE to unborn babies, affecting their brain development. The study found that prenatal cannabis use is associated with molecular changes in the genes of exposed children. Also read: Cannabis found to have anti-ageing effect on brains of mice. So can pot make you younger? “We know cannabis use during pregnancy is associated with childhood and adolescent brain development and cognitive function. However, previous studies haven’t been able to prove that cannabis exposure has specifically caused the adverse effects on neurodevelopment that have been observed,” said Dr Amy Osborne, who led the study. WATCH: Gravitas: Medical use of Cannabis now legal in Ukraine × It has been seen since the Covid pandemic that more pregnant women are using cannabis. Many of them smoke weed to deal with pregnancy-related physiological changes, stress and other complications. Also read: Germany becomes biggest EU country to legalise recreational cannabis The researchers reached the conclusion after examining genomic data from studies in the UK and New Zealand. “Using data from individuals at birth, aged seven, 15-17, and 27, we showed a molecular signature of prenatal cannabis exposure (PCE) in exposed individuals. We identified a significant number of molecular changes in genes involved in neurodevelopment and neurodevelopmental disease, across the life course," said Dr Osborne. "This is a key finding because it suggests there is a molecular link between prenatal cannabis exposure and impacts on the genes involved in neurodevelopment.” she said in a release from the university. This discovery, published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry, seeks to create awareness about risks of cannabis use at a time when many countries are relaxing norms around the drug, making it more freely available for women. “We hope our research will inspire further investigation ...and there will soon be clearer advice to pregnant women about the impact of cannabis use. Otherwise, the potential risk to children remains, and will likely grow.” Dr Osborne said.

Mothers who use cannabis when pregnant may be causing genetic changes to their babies: Study

<p>Barnard's star is the closest solo star to the solar system. Now, scientists have discovered a planet orbiting it. The exoplanet, or sub-earth, has been named Barnard b.</p>

<p>The exoplanet is located six light years away from us. It weighs 37 per cent of our planet, which is about half the size of Venus. It is classified as a sub-planet due to such low mass.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Indian astronauts to train at NASA from August</strong><br />
&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Similar to what happens in our solar system, the exoplanet is seen revolving around Barnard's star, which is a red dwarf.<br />
<br />
<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/stranded-astronauts-welcome-aboard-spacex-rescue-crew-at-space-station-763435">Also read:&nbsp;&nbsp;Stranded astronauts welcome aboard SpaceX rescue crew at space station</a></strong><br />
<br />
As per NASA's description, red dwarfs have only a fraction of the Sun’s size and mass. They’re also the coolest stars and appear more orange in colour than red. Barnard's star, for instance, is 2,500 degrees cooler than the Sun.</p>

<p>It takes more than three Earth days for the sub-earth&nbsp;Barnard b&nbsp;to orbit around Barnard's star, also known as GJ 699.</p>

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<h2><strong>But could there be life in Barnard b? </strong></h2>

<p>No, as the exoplanet is not located in the habitable zone. It is 1.8 million miles from Barnard's star, which is considered a close orbit. This makes it impossible for liquid water to form on Barnard b. Therefore, there may not be life in the sub-earth as we know it.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/space-station-venus-orbiter-mega-rocket-indian-govt-grants-approvals-funds-759889">Also read: Space station, Venus orbiter, mega rocket: Indian government grants approvals, funds</a></strong></p>

<p>"Barnard b is one of the lowest-mass exoplanets known and one of the few known with a mass less than that of Earth. But the planet is too close to the host star, closer than the habitable zone," team leader Jonay González Hernández, from the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias in Spain, said.<br />
<br />
"Even if the star is about 2,500 degrees cooler than our sun, it is too hot to maintain liquid water on the surface," ScienceAlert quoted him as saying.</p>

<p>Astronomers have been looking at exoplanets as they could offer clues into how life is formed, and if there are hospitable planets other than our Earth.</p>

<p>The detection of&nbsp;Barnard b happened after years of research. It was made possible by the Very Large Telescope (VLT) in Chile.</p>

<p>The astronomers were initially able to detect Barnard b's gravitational effects on its host star.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There were hints of the existence of the planet since 2018.&nbsp;Following closer observation, Barnard b was located by scientists, who also think there may be at least three more exoplanets orbiting Barnard's star.</p>

<p>"Even if it took a long time, we were always confident that we could find something," Space.com quoted astronomer Jonay González Hernández of the Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands in Spain as saying.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Barnard's star is a constant subject of observation and curiosity for astronomers, as it could offer insights into the existence of star-planet systems similar to our solar system, that could potentially host life.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Barnard's star is the closest solo star to the solar system. Now, scientists have discovered a planet orbiting it. The exoplanet, or sub-earth, has been named Barnard b.

Barnard's star is the closest solo star to the solar system. Now, scientists have discovered a planet orbiting it. The exoplanet, or sub-earth, has been named Barnard b. The exoplanet is located six light years away from us. It weighs 37 per cent of our planet, which is about half the size of Venus. It is classified as a sub-planet due to such low mass. Watch: Indian astronauts to train at NASA from August × Similar to what happens in our solar system, the exoplanet is seen revolving around Barnard's star, which is a red dwarf. Also read: Stranded astronauts welcome aboard SpaceX rescue crew at space station As per NASA's description, red dwarfs have only a fraction of the Sun’s size and mass. They’re also the coolest stars and appear more orange in colour than red. Barnard's star, for instance, is 2,500 degrees cooler than the Sun. It takes more than three Earth days for the sub-earth Barnard b to orbit around Barnard's star, also known as GJ 699. × But could there be life in Barnard b? No, as the exoplanet is not located in the habitable zone. It is 1.8 million miles from Barnard's star, which is considered a close orbit. This makes it impossible for liquid water to form on Barnard b. Therefore, there may not be life in the sub-earth as we know it. Also read: Space station, Venus orbiter, mega rocket: Indian government grants approvals, funds "Barnard b is one of the lowest-mass exoplanets known and one of the few known with a mass less than that of Earth. But the planet is too close to the host star, closer than the habitable zone," team leader Jonay González Hernández, from the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias in Spain, said. "Even if the star is about 2,500 degrees cooler than our sun, it is too hot to maintain liquid water on the surface," ScienceAlert quoted him as saying. Astronomers have been looking at exoplanets as they could offer clues into how life is formed, and if there are hospitable planets other than our Earth. The detection of Barnard b happened after years of research. It was made possible by the Very Large Telescope (VLT) in Chile. The astronomers were initially able to detect Barnard b's gravitational effects on its host star. There were hints of the existence of the planet since 2018. Following closer observation, Barnard b was located by scientists, who also think there may be at least three more exoplanets orbiting Barnard's star. "Even if it took a long time, we were always confident that we could find something," Space.com quoted astronomer Jonay González Hernández of the Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands in Spain as saying. Barnard's star is a constant subject of observation and curiosity for astronomers, as it could offer insights into the existence of star-planet systems similar to our solar system, that could potentially host life. (With inputs from agencies)

Exoplanet discovery: Barnard's star, the nearest single star to Earth, has a tiny planet Barnard b

<p><strong>Naked Trump statue: </strong>A huge Donald Trump effigy, fully naked, popped up alongside the Las Vegas Strip highway over the weekend, before disappearing as mysteriously as it made its debut, according to reports and social media posts.</p>

<p>The all-white supposed art installation, hanging 43-feet tall, caught the attention of several onlookers, shining briefly in all its naked glory not too far away from the Republican presidential candidate's real estate properties in the western US state of Nevada.</p>

<p>The effigy was hung on a construction crane, New York Post said in a report.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-comes-up-with-a-shocking-idea-to-end-violent-crime-in-us-suggests-a-day-like-the-purge-763269">Also read: Trump comes up with shocking idea to end violent crime in US, suggests a day like 'The Purge'</a></strong></p>

<p>The massive structure popped up nearly 28 miles away from the Trump International Hotel in the Sin City.</p>

<p>It was positioned near a highway that connects Las Vegas to Salt Lake City, but a bit away from the main traffic choke points, probably as it was lewd, according to New York Post.</p>

<p>The report said that it was not the only effigy of Trump to appear in recent times. Similar ones are popping up in New York’s Union Square to Los Angeles, Cleveland, Seattle and San Francisco.</p>

<p>It said it was not clear if these are part of a single art project or unrelated.</p>

<p>Some Trump supporters appeared outraged at the abomination, particularly as it was erected ahead of a rally by his Democratic rival Kamala Harris in Las Vegas.<br />
<br />
One X user wrote:&nbsp; "NEWS: Liberals placed a 43-foot naked statue of President Donald Trump near Kamala Harris Las Vegas rally. This is the left. The left is now the party of war."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">NEWS: Liberals placed a 43-foot naked statue of President Donald Trump near Kamala Harris Las Vegas rally. This is the left.<br />
<br />
The left is now the party of war <a href="https://t.co/Rib6ulnmmg">pic.twitter.com/Rib6ulnmmg</a></p>
— Ptross_the_general 🇺🇸⭐️⭐️ (@peat_ross_) <a href="https://twitter.com/peat_ross_/status/1840593337104867674?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Another wrote: "Kamala inflated this one by herself"</p>

<p>TMZ website reported citing people in the know that the artwork is titled “Crooked and Obscene.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>The original artist's details are not available, but the place where the crane was parked is owned by a Las Vegas-registered trust, said the report in New York Post.</p>

<p>This is not the first time that Trump was mocked in artworks. A so-called baby blimp of Trump was floated in London ahead of the 2020 election.</p>

<p><strong>Watch: 'Trump baby' blimp to mock U.S. president in Britain</strong><br />
&nbsp;</p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Nevada unit of Trump's Republican party described the pop-up as “offensive marionette, designed intentionally for shock value rather than meaningful dialogue,” New York Post said in the report.</p>

<p>Accusing the Democrats, especially their presidential candidate Kamala Harris, of prioritising shock value over substance, it said Trump "is the only candidate in this race standing up for working men and women across Nevada.”&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-shazam-star-zachary-levi-endorses-trump-shocks-netizens-763248">Also read: Shazam star Zachary Levi endorses Trump, shocks his fans and netizens</a></strong></p>

<p>“I think it’s a funny, comical gesture for the up-and-coming election. Normally, you don’t see things like this, but it just gives a sign of laughter to the world seeing a big, huge statue of Donald Trump naked,” the Post quoted an onlooker as saying.</p>

<p>Later in the weekend, one X user wrote: "Called Las Vegas mayor they said they have nothing to do with this statue out in the dessert but it comes down tomorrow. By an artist who wants to stay anonymous and this will go on tour. We need to bring it down like the left did all our historical statues. Expose the creator."<br />
<br />
<em>(WIth inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Naked Trump statue: A huge Donald Trump effigy, fully naked, popped up alongside the Las Vegas Strip highway over the weekend, before disappearing as mysteriously as it made its debut, according to reports and social media posts.

Naked Trump statue: A huge Donald Trump effigy, fully naked, popped up alongside the Las Vegas Strip highway over the weekend, before disappearing as mysteriously as it made its debut, according to reports and social media posts. The all-white supposed art installation, hanging 43-feet tall, caught the attention of several onlookers, shining briefly in all its naked glory not too far away from the Republican presidential candidate's real estate properties in the western US state of Nevada. The effigy was hung on a construction crane, New York Post said in a report. Also read: Trump comes up with shocking idea to end violent crime in US, suggests a day like 'The Purge' The massive structure popped up nearly 28 miles away from the Trump International Hotel in the Sin City. It was positioned near a highway that connects Las Vegas to Salt Lake City, but a bit away from the main traffic choke points, probably as it was lewd, according to New York Post. The report said that it was not the only effigy of Trump to appear in recent times. Similar ones are popping up in New York’s Union Square to Los Angeles, Cleveland, Seattle and San Francisco. It said it was not clear if these are part of a single art project or unrelated. Some Trump supporters appeared outraged at the abomination, particularly as it was erected ahead of a rally by his Democratic rival Kamala Harris in Las Vegas. One X user wrote: "NEWS: Liberals placed a 43-foot naked statue of President Donald Trump near Kamala Harris Las Vegas rally. This is the left. The left is now the party of war." NEWS: Liberals placed a 43-foot naked statue of President Donald Trump near Kamala Harris Las Vegas rally. This is the left. The left is now the party of war pic.twitter.com/Rib6ulnmmg — Ptross_the_general 🇺🇸⭐️⭐️ (@peat_ross_) September 30, 2024 × Another wrote: "Kamala inflated this one by herself" TMZ website reported citing people in the know that the artwork is titled “Crooked and Obscene.” The original artist's details are not available, but the place where the crane was parked is owned by a Las Vegas-registered trust, said the report in New York Post. This is not the first time that Trump was mocked in artworks. A so-called baby blimp of Trump was floated in London ahead of the 2020 election. Watch: 'Trump baby' blimp to mock U.S. president in Britain × The Nevada unit of Trump's Republican party described the pop-up as “offensive marionette, designed intentionally for shock value rather than meaningful dialogue,” New York Post said in the report. Accusing the Democrats, especially their presidential candidate Kamala Harris, of prioritising shock value over substance, it said Trump "is the only candidate in this race standing up for working men and women across Nevada.” Also read: Shazam star Zachary Levi endorses Trump, shocks his fans and netizens “I think it’s a funny, comical gesture for the up-and-coming election. Normally, you don’t see things like this, but it just gives a sign of laughter to the world seeing a big, huge statue of Donald Trump naked,” the Post quoted an onlooker as saying. Later in the weekend, one X user wrote: "Called Las Vegas mayor they said they have nothing to do with this statue out in the dessert but it comes down tomorrow. By an artist who wants to stay anonymous and this will go on tour. We need to bring it down like the left did all our historical statues. Expose the creator." (WIth inputs from agencies)

Naked Trump statue appears in Las Vegas ahead of Harris rally, shocking onlookers: 'Crooked and Obscene'

<p>Cyber slavery has entrapped thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of Indians in Southeast Asia, where they're forced to work for online scammers targetting Indians at home and defrauding millions of dollars from them. Now the Indian government is cracking down on this new cyber crime.</p>

<p>Measures taken by the country's telecom ministry include disconnecting 21.7 million mobile phone connections as well as blocking some 226,000 handsets.</p>

<p><strong>Watch: Financial fraud top cybercrime in India</strong></p>

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<p>An inter-ministerial panel has been set up, which includes the Home Ministry, Immigration Bureau, Financial Intelligence Unit, Reserve Bank of India, Information Technology Ministry, and National Investigation Agency (NIA).</p>

<p>Telecom operators have been asked to block incoming international "spoofed calls" that display Indian mobile numbers. Such dropped calls form 35 per cent of the incoming international calls.</p>

<p>The telecom firms are also told to give data on Indian mobile numbers using roaming facilities in Hong Kong, Cambodia, Laos, Philippines and Myanmar, The Indian Express said in a report on Monday (Sep 30).&nbsp;</p>

<p>It quoted a source as saying that 600,000 such phones were roaming in the Southeast Asia region in April-June this year.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Could tens of thousands of Indians be working for foreign cyber fraud companies?</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, government data shows that 29,466 of the 73,138 Indians who travelled to Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar and Vietnam on visitor visas from January 2022 to May 2024 are yet to return.</p>

<p>The inter-ministerial panel has asked local governments in India to carry out thorough verifications about their backgrounds and whereabouts.</p>

<p>They predominantly hail from the states of Punjab (3,667), Maharashtra (3,233) and Tamil Nadu (3,124), said an Indian Express report.</p>

<p>Nearly 70 per cent of the 'disappeared' people had gone to Thailand from India.</p>

<h2><strong>Cyber slavery: 5,000 Indians are trapped in Cambodia</strong></h2>

<p>According to earlier Indian media reports, at least 5,000 Indians were trapped in Cambodia, the main centre of cyber slavery in Southeast Asia. Many of them had gone there thinking they were joining legitimate firms but were forced to engage in various cyber crimes.</p>

<p>Many of these crimes target Indians back home, often extorting money to the tune of more than 5 billion rupees.<br />
<br />
According to Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre data, 45 per cent of cyber crimes targeting Indians originate in Southeast Asia. Around 100,000 complaints have been registered with the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal since January 2023.</p>

<p>There have been several reports this year about Indians complaining about being trapped in Southeast Asian countries, being held against their will, or being rescued by government agencies.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uttarakhand-cyber-crime-india-us-authorities-work-together-to-uncover-36mn-fraud-716680">Also read: Uttarakhand cyber crime: India, US authorities work together to uncover $36mn fraud</a></strong></p>

<p>In May, the government reported that 360 Indians working as cyber slaves in Cambodia were repatriated in the previous five months.</p>

<p>In August, it was reported that more than 1,000 people from the southern state of Tamil Nadu who went to Southeast Asian countries like&nbsp;Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos were possibly working as cyber slaves. Other origin states include Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Delhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the same month, 47 Indians who were forced to run dating app scams were rescued in Laos.</p>

<p>Hundreds of them have been rescued so far by the Indian government or international organisations and NGOs.</p>

<h2><strong>What is cyber slavery?</strong></h2>

<p>According to the CyberPeace Foundation, cyber slavery is a modern form of slavery "that begins with online deception and evolves into physical human trafficking."</p>

<p>"It can take many different forms, such as coercive involvement in cybercrime, forced employment in online frauds, exploitation in the gig economy, or involuntary slavery."</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cambodia-telecom-scam-gangs-traffic-taiwanese-push-them-into-cyber-slavery-509374">Also read: Cambodia: Telecom scam gangs traffic Taiwanese, push them into cyber slavery</a></strong></p>

<p>Indians were 'selected' for high-paying jobs, only to be forced to work 16 hours a day under severe conditions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The illegal online work they are forced into includes money laundering, cryptocurrency fraud and dating/ love scams.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Cyber slavery modus operandi</strong></h2>

<p>According to Indian media reports, Indians from various states aged in their 20s and 30s are lured by cyber criminals for data entry jobs. Once they land in countries like Cambodia and Laos, their passports are taken away by these companies and then they are forced to make cyberfraud calls, mainly targeting Indians back home. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Many of these calls involve the online equivalent of honey trapping. The scammers ask the Indians to create fake social media profiles of women. The frauds range from cryptocurrency investments to dating.</p>

<p>Once the victims deposit money, they are ghosted and their numbers blocked.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Cyber slavery has entrapped thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of Indians in Southeast Asia, where they're forced to work for online scammers targetting Indians at home and defrauding millions of dollars from them.

Cyber slavery has entrapped thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of Indians in Southeast Asia, where they're forced to work for online scammers targetting Indians at home and defrauding millions of dollars from them. Now the Indian government is cracking down on this new cyber crime. Measures taken by the country's telecom ministry include disconnecting 21.7 million mobile phone connections as well as blocking some 226,000 handsets. Watch: Financial fraud top cybercrime in India × An inter-ministerial panel has been set up, which includes the Home Ministry, Immigration Bureau, Financial Intelligence Unit, Reserve Bank of India, Information Technology Ministry, and National Investigation Agency (NIA). Telecom operators have been asked to block incoming international "spoofed calls" that display Indian mobile numbers. Such dropped calls form 35 per cent of the incoming international calls. The telecom firms are also told to give data on Indian mobile numbers using roaming facilities in Hong Kong, Cambodia, Laos, Philippines and Myanmar, The Indian Express said in a report on Monday (Sep 30). It quoted a source as saying that 600,000 such phones were roaming in the Southeast Asia region in April-June this year. Could tens of thousands of Indians be working for foreign cyber fraud companies? Meanwhile, government data shows that 29,466 of the 73,138 Indians who travelled to Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar and Vietnam on visitor visas from January 2022 to May 2024 are yet to return. The inter-ministerial panel has asked local governments in India to carry out thorough verifications about their backgrounds and whereabouts. They predominantly hail from the states of Punjab (3,667), Maharashtra (3,233) and Tamil Nadu (3,124), said an Indian Express report. Nearly 70 per cent of the 'disappeared' people had gone to Thailand from India. Cyber slavery: 5,000 Indians are trapped in Cambodia According to earlier Indian media reports, at least 5,000 Indians were trapped in Cambodia, the main centre of cyber slavery in Southeast Asia. Many of them had gone there thinking they were joining legitimate firms but were forced to engage in various cyber crimes. Many of these crimes target Indians back home, often extorting money to the tune of more than 5 billion rupees. According to Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre data, 45 per cent of cyber crimes targeting Indians originate in Southeast Asia. Around 100,000 complaints have been registered with the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal since January 2023. There have been several reports this year about Indians complaining about being trapped in Southeast Asian countries, being held against their will, or being rescued by government agencies. Also read: Uttarakhand cyber crime: India, US authorities work together to uncover $36mn fraud In May, the government reported that 360 Indians working as cyber slaves in Cambodia were repatriated in the previous five months. In August, it was reported that more than 1,000 people from the southern state of Tamil Nadu who went to Southeast Asian countries like Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos were possibly working as cyber slaves. Other origin states include Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Delhi. In the same month, 47 Indians who were forced to run dating app scams were rescued in Laos. Hundreds of them have been rescued so far by the Indian government or international organisations and NGOs. What is cyber slavery? According to the CyberPeace Foundation, cyber slavery is a modern form of slavery "that begins with online deception and evolves into physical human trafficking." "It can take many different forms, such as coercive involvement in cybercrime, forced employment in online frauds, exploitation in the gig economy, or involuntary slavery." Also read: Cambodia: Telecom scam gangs traffic Taiwanese, push them into cyber slavery Indians were 'selected' for high-paying jobs, only to be forced to work 16 hours a day under severe conditions. The illegal online work they are forced into includes money laundering, cryptocurrency fraud and dating/ love scams. Cyber slavery modus operandi According to Indian media reports, Indians from various states aged in their 20s and 30s are lured by cyber criminals for data entry jobs. Once they land in countries like Cambodia and Laos, their passports are taken away by these companies and then they are forced to make cyberfraud calls, mainly targeting Indians back home. Many of these calls involve the online equivalent of honey trapping. The scammers ask the Indians to create fake social media profiles of women. The frauds range from cryptocurrency investments to dating. Once the victims deposit money, they are ghosted and their numbers blocked. (With inputs from agencies)

Cyber slavery: Thousands of Indians are trapped and tens of thousands have gone missing in Southeast Asia

<p><strong>California to ban legacy admissions:</strong> In elite US colleges and universities, children or relatives of top-shot politicians, celebrities, rich donors and alumni could get admission just on the basis of who they were born into. Slowly, that's changing, with California becoming the fifth state to ban the so-called 'legacy admissions.'</p>

<p>"In California, everyone should be able to get ahead through merit, skill, and hard work," Governor Gavin Newsom said after signing the relevant bill into law. "The California Dream shouldn't be accessible to just a lucky few, which is why we're opening the door to higher education wide enough for everyone, fairly."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indians-for-science-chinese-for-humanities-us-diplomat-on-courses-for-foreign-students-734915">Also read: Indians for science, Chinese for humanities: US diplomat on courses for foreign students</a></p>

<p>Phil Ting, the Democratic state legislator who wrote the bill, said "hard work, good grades and a well-rounded background should earn you a spot in the incoming class – not the size of the cheque your family can write or who you’re related to.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>These backdoor entries into Ivy League institutions happen even as millions of students take entrance tests and pay student loans years after coming out of colleges and universities.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch: US willing to intake more STEM students from India than China</strong></p>

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<p>The legacy admission bans in several states come in the wake of the US Supreme Court cracking down on race-based admissions under affirmative action. The apex court asked private and public universities not to consider race as a factor in college admissions, in a decision seen by critics as targeting mainly Black students. That case put the spotlight on how white students were getting into colleges and universities through practices like legacy admissions, which was being seen as affirmative action for rich kids.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/green-cards-for-indian-students-trump-proposes-citizenship-for-foreign-students-studying-in-us-733746"><strong>Also read: Green cards for Indian students? Trump proposes citizenship for foreign students studying in US</strong></a><br />
<br />
The bill signed by Governor Newsom applies not only the public educational institutions but also to private and nonprofit ones. It will come into effect from September 2025.</p>

<p>Before California, the midwestern state of Illinois passed a bill to ban such legacy admissions. Maryland and Virginia banned legacy admissions earlier this year. Colorado was the first to pass such a bill, in 2021. &nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>How bad is legacy admission practice in California?</strong></h2>

<p>Data showed that six California colleges and universities gave preferential treatment to candidates related to graduates and donors in the Fall of 2023.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Topping the list was the University of Southern California, which admitted 1,791 students in that category. Another hallowed institution, Stanford University, admitted 295 students under this stream and Santa Clara University took in 38 students.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The new rule is expected to create a level playing field for admission to some of the most sought-after educational institutions in the world.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


California to ban legacy admissions: In elite US colleges and universities, children or relatives of top-shot politicians, celebrities, rich donors and alumni could get admission just on the basis of who they were born into.

California to ban legacy admissions: In elite US colleges and universities, children or relatives of top-shot politicians, celebrities, rich donors and alumni could get admission just on the basis of who they were born into. Slowly, that's changing, with California becoming the fifth state to ban the so-called 'legacy admissions.' "In California, everyone should be able to get ahead through merit, skill, and hard work," Governor Gavin Newsom said after signing the relevant bill into law. "The California Dream shouldn't be accessible to just a lucky few, which is why we're opening the door to higher education wide enough for everyone, fairly." Also read: Indians for science, Chinese for humanities: US diplomat on courses for foreign students Phil Ting, the Democratic state legislator who wrote the bill, said "hard work, good grades and a well-rounded background should earn you a spot in the incoming class – not the size of the cheque your family can write or who you’re related to.” These backdoor entries into Ivy League institutions happen even as millions of students take entrance tests and pay student loans years after coming out of colleges and universities. Watch: US willing to intake more STEM students from India than China × The legacy admission bans in several states come in the wake of the US Supreme Court cracking down on race-based admissions under affirmative action. The apex court asked private and public universities not to consider race as a factor in college admissions, in a decision seen by critics as targeting mainly Black students. That case put the spotlight on how white students were getting into colleges and universities through practices like legacy admissions, which was being seen as affirmative action for rich kids. Also read: Green cards for Indian students? Trump proposes citizenship for foreign students studying in US The bill signed by Governor Newsom applies not only the public educational institutions but also to private and nonprofit ones. It will come into effect from September 2025. Before California, the midwestern state of Illinois passed a bill to ban such legacy admissions. Maryland and Virginia banned legacy admissions earlier this year. Colorado was the first to pass such a bill, in 2021. How bad is legacy admission practice in California? Data showed that six California colleges and universities gave preferential treatment to candidates related to graduates and donors in the Fall of 2023. Topping the list was the University of Southern California, which admitted 1,791 students in that category. Another hallowed institution, Stanford University, admitted 295 students under this stream and Santa Clara University took in 38 students. The new rule is expected to create a level playing field for admission to some of the most sought-after educational institutions in the world. (With inputs from agencies)

California legacy admissions banned: Soon, rich kids can't get into college only based on money

<p>For the Villa Vie Odyssey cruise ship passengers, it was supposed to be three and half years of voyage across the world from this May. But for the past four and half months, they were stuck in Belfast, Northern Ireland. On Monday night (Sep 30), they finally set off on&nbsp;their journey, after living and befriending the locals in the Irish town.</p>

<p>The cruise ship owned by Villa Vie Residences had got stuck before it could start what was billed as the world's first continual cruise, due to a variety of troubles: from repairs to financial constraints to paperwork.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">There she goes … 👋<br />
Cruise ship stuck in Belfast for 4 months left Belfast just before midnight &amp; is now off the coast of Bangor. ⛴️ <a href="https://t.co/Qow5Vflvsi">pic.twitter.com/Qow5Vflvsi</a></p>
— Mark Simpson (@BBCMarkSimpson) <a href="https://twitter.com/BBCMarkSimpson/status/1840894055296778250?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Finally, when the announcement was made that the residential ship would indeed depart, some of the 125 passengers shouted 'hip hip hooray' and cheered.</p>

<p>They boarded the ocean liner after 23:30 local time on Monday night.</p>

<p>But technically, their global&nbsp;voyage didn't start immediately.&nbsp;From Belfast, the ship went to a cruise terminal nearby, and then anchored offshore overnight.</p>

<p>Its global circumnavigation will start on Tuesday.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/icon-of-the-seas-worlds-largest-cruise-ship-begins-its-maiden-voyage-684499">Also read: Icon of the Seas: World’s largest cruise ship begins maiden voyage</a></strong></p>

<p>While they were stuck in cold, rainy Belfast all these months, many of the passengers were thankful for the warm welcome they received from the town.</p>

<p>One passenger was quoted by the BBC as saying he was absolutely ecstatic to embark on the cruise.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">⚓️After four long months of making Belfast their new home…<br />
<br />
🛳️Those aboard the Villa Vie Odyssey ship are finally ready to set sail!<br />
<br />
🏙️Not before saying goodbye to the city though… in style!<br />
<br />
👋The crew have set off on their ‘Bye Bye Belfast Beer Bike’ <a href="https://t.co/XLyXHt9zWm">pic.twitter.com/XLyXHt9zWm</a></p>
— Cool FM News (@newsoncool) <a href="https://twitter.com/newsoncool/status/1840362410202263561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Some passengers cried with joy when Mike Petersen, head of the US-based Villa Vie Residences, announced that the ship would leave.</p>

<p>"The exhilaration of getting on that ship, when it takes off, it will be the feeling of a lifetime," AFP news agency quoted Chicago-based actor Martino, 61, as saying.</p>

<p>"I've been in Belfast for four months and two days, but hey, who's counting,!" said another passenger Holly Hennessy, holding her cat, 'Captain'.</p>

<p><br />
<strong>WATCH: WION aboard 'The Empress' | India's first international cruise to Sri Lanka</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What went wrong with the cruise in Belfast?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The cruise liner was supposed to take off on the world voyage on May 30 from Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland.</p>

<p>But it faced problems from the start, as repair and retrofitting&nbsp;work took longer than expected, as did the paperwork.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/norwegian-cruise-line-holdings-surges-as-profit-forecasts-sail-higher-746021">Also read: Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings surges as profit forecasts sail higher</a></strong><br />
<br />
These past months, the ship went through engine repair in Belfast's Harland &amp; Wolff, the same shipyard where Titanic was built a century ago.</p>

<p>Then, the shipbuilder went broke, adding to the woes.</p>

<p>The passengers, who could rent cabins in the ship, were not allowed to sleep in it. They rented apartments or slept in hotels all these months. Some of them just travelled inside Northern Ireland, while others went further afield to Europe or other cruises.</p>

<p>The cruise liner, with 600-passenger capacity, will pass through seven continents in the coming years. It will have more than 425 stops in 147 destinations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 'perpetual&nbsp;cruise' will then repeat for the next 15 years.<br />
<br />
Well, fingers crossed.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


For the Villa Vie Odyssey cruise ship passengers, it was supposed to be three and half years of voyage across the world from this May. But for the past four and half months, they were stuck in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

For the Villa Vie Odyssey cruise ship passengers, it was supposed to be three and half years of voyage across the world from this May. But for the past four and half months, they were stuck in Belfast, Northern Ireland. On Monday night (Sep 30), they finally set off on their journey, after living and befriending the locals in the Irish town. The cruise ship owned by Villa Vie Residences had got stuck before it could start what was billed as the world's first continual cruise, due to a variety of troubles: from repairs to financial constraints to paperwork. There she goes … 👋 Cruise ship stuck in Belfast for 4 months left Belfast just before midnight & is now off the coast of Bangor. ⛴️ pic.twitter.com/Qow5Vflvsi — Mark Simpson (@BBCMarkSimpson) September 30, 2024 × Finally, when the announcement was made that the residential ship would indeed depart, some of the 125 passengers shouted 'hip hip hooray' and cheered. They boarded the ocean liner after 23:30 local time on Monday night. But technically, their global voyage didn't start immediately. From Belfast, the ship went to a cruise terminal nearby, and then anchored offshore overnight. Its global circumnavigation will start on Tuesday. Also read: Icon of the Seas: World’s largest cruise ship begins maiden voyage While they were stuck in cold, rainy Belfast all these months, many of the passengers were thankful for the warm welcome they received from the town. One passenger was quoted by the BBC as saying he was absolutely ecstatic to embark on the cruise. ⚓️After four long months of making Belfast their new home… 🛳️Those aboard the Villa Vie Odyssey ship are finally ready to set sail! 🏙️Not before saying goodbye to the city though… in style! 👋The crew have set off on their ‘Bye Bye Belfast Beer Bike’ pic.twitter.com/XLyXHt9zWm — Cool FM News (@newsoncool) September 29, 2024 × Some passengers cried with joy when Mike Petersen, head of the US-based Villa Vie Residences, announced that the ship would leave. "The exhilaration of getting on that ship, when it takes off, it will be the feeling of a lifetime," AFP news agency quoted Chicago-based actor Martino, 61, as saying. "I've been in Belfast for four months and two days, but hey, who's counting,!" said another passenger Holly Hennessy, holding her cat, 'Captain'. WATCH: WION aboard 'The Empress' | India's first international cruise to Sri Lanka × What went wrong with the cruise in Belfast? The cruise liner was supposed to take off on the world voyage on May 30 from Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland. But it faced problems from the start, as repair and retrofitting work took longer than expected, as did the paperwork. Also read: Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings surges as profit forecasts sail higher These past months, the ship went through engine repair in Belfast's Harland & Wolff, the same shipyard where Titanic was built a century ago. Then, the shipbuilder went broke, adding to the woes. The passengers, who could rent cabins in the ship, were not allowed to sleep in it. They rented apartments or slept in hotels all these months. Some of them just travelled inside Northern Ireland, while others went further afield to Europe or other cruises. The cruise liner, with 600-passenger capacity, will pass through seven continents in the coming years. It will have more than 425 stops in 147 destinations. The 'perpetual cruise' will then repeat for the next 15 years. Well, fingers crossed. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Villa Vie Odyssey cruise ship leaves Belfast four months after getting stuck with passengers

<p>Mount Everest has been growing taller slowly over the years and that's not news, as the mountain was created when two tectonic plates crashed into each other over millennia. But a new study has suggested that there's a relatively sudden growth spurt in the world's tallest peak, and this time it's being attributed to "river piracy".</p>

<p>The study published in Nature Journal examined GPS measurements over the years to reach a conclusion. It found that Everest, also known as Chomolungma or Sagarmatha, was growing at 0.08 inches or 2 millimetres per year, as opposed to the regular 0.04 inches or 1mm per year.</p>

<p>The study by University College London researchers said it "uncovers a previously unrecognised, additional mechanism of rock uplift active since river capture."&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Everest is 8,849 metres tall, the nearby peak K2 is 8,611 m. The other three highest mountains in the Himalayas stand at 8,586 m, 8,516 m and 8,485 m, an elevation difference of not more than 100 m.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The researchers suggest that it could be because rocks below the mountain base are being eroded over the years by the rivers flowing in the area.</p>

<p>In science-speak, it is a phenomenon of&nbsp;'river drainage piracy' and 'river capture'.</p>

<p>The erosion of the rocks appears to affect the nearby peaks more than Mount Everest.</p>

<p>It is being caused by the merging of two rivers down below that happened tens of thousands of years ago.</p>

<p><br />
<strong>Watch: Everest faces the challenge of overcrowding, commercialisation hits Mount Everest hard</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>The river capture that may be helping Everest grow</strong></h2>

<p>The 'river capture event' happened in the Kosi River drainage basin some 89,000 years ago. Kosi merged with its tributary Arun River and changed course.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The researchers&nbsp;chasing the question, 'Is there an underlying mechanism raising Everest ever higher?' looked for answers in&nbsp;surrounding rivers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Arun River&nbsp;drains a large area to the north of the Everest region before turning south.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/not-mount-everest-but-this-is-the-tallest-mountain-in-solar-system-can-humans-scale-this-749710"><strong>Also read: Not Mount Everest but THIS is the tallest mountain in solar system. Can humans scale this?</strong></a><br />
<br />
The drainage capture and river incision erode the rocks in the surrounding areas, while relatively keeping Everest intact though tectonic processes remain the basic reason for Everest's gradual growth, the researchers posited.</p>

<p>To reach their conclusion, the scientists reconstructed the capture process using computer models.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/chinese-company-makes-successful-drone-delivery-to-mt-everest-to-aid-cleanliness-operations-729717">Also read: Chinese company makes successful drone delivery to Mt Everest, to aid cleanliness operations</a></p>

<p>"Our best-fit model suggests the capture event occurred approximately 89,000 years ago and caused acceleration of downstream incision rates," wrote the researchers in the study.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We suggest that part of Chomolungma [Everest]’s anomalous elevation (~15–50 m) can be explained as the isostatic response to capture-triggered river incision, highlighting the complex interplay between geological dynamics and the formation of topographic features," said the study.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Mount Everest has been growing taller slowly over the years and that's not news, as the mountain was created when two tectonic plates crashed into each other over millennia.

Mount Everest has been growing taller slowly over the years and that's not news, as the mountain was created when two tectonic plates crashed into each other over millennia. But a new study has suggested that there's a relatively sudden growth spurt in the world's tallest peak, and this time it's being attributed to "river piracy". The study published in Nature Journal examined GPS measurements over the years to reach a conclusion. It found that Everest, also known as Chomolungma or Sagarmatha, was growing at 0.08 inches or 2 millimetres per year, as opposed to the regular 0.04 inches or 1mm per year. The study by University College London researchers said it "uncovers a previously unrecognised, additional mechanism of rock uplift active since river capture." While Everest is 8,849 metres tall, the nearby peak K2 is 8,611 m. The other three highest mountains in the Himalayas stand at 8,586 m, 8,516 m and 8,485 m, an elevation difference of not more than 100 m. The researchers suggest that it could be because rocks below the mountain base are being eroded over the years by the rivers flowing in the area. In science-speak, it is a phenomenon of 'river drainage piracy' and 'river capture'. The erosion of the rocks appears to affect the nearby peaks more than Mount Everest. It is being caused by the merging of two rivers down below that happened tens of thousands of years ago. Watch: Everest faces the challenge of overcrowding, commercialisation hits Mount Everest hard × The river capture that may be helping Everest grow The 'river capture event' happened in the Kosi River drainage basin some 89,000 years ago. Kosi merged with its tributary Arun River and changed course. The researchers chasing the question, 'Is there an underlying mechanism raising Everest ever higher?' looked for answers in surrounding rivers. The Arun River drains a large area to the north of the Everest region before turning south. Also read: Not Mount Everest but THIS is the tallest mountain in solar system. Can humans scale this? The drainage capture and river incision erode the rocks in the surrounding areas, while relatively keeping Everest intact though tectonic processes remain the basic reason for Everest's gradual growth, the researchers posited. To reach their conclusion, the scientists reconstructed the capture process using computer models. Also read: Chinese company makes successful drone delivery to Mt Everest, to aid cleanliness operations "Our best-fit model suggests the capture event occurred approximately 89,000 years ago and caused acceleration of downstream incision rates," wrote the researchers in the study. "We suggest that part of Chomolungma [Everest]’s anomalous elevation (~15–50 m) can be explained as the isostatic response to capture-triggered river incision, highlighting the complex interplay between geological dynamics and the formation of topographic features," said the study.

Mount Everest is growing a bit faster than usual. And a 'river capture' may have to do with it

<p>SP Oswal, the CEO of India's largest textile group Vardhaman, is the latest victim of cyber criminals who extorted 70 million rupees from him in an elaborate scheme that put him in a so-called 'digital custody'. Two people have been arrested from the eastern state of Assam in this connection and most of the money recovered.</p>

<p>Speaking to Indian media, 82-year-old Oswal said the fraudsters posed as Indian regulators, investigative agency sleuths, police, and the Chief Justice of India in a fake 'Supreme Court hearing' over Skype, to make him pay for a 'money laundering' case in which he was, according to them, a co-accused along with Jet Airways founder Naresh Goel.<br />
<br />
<strong>Watch: Digital arrest: The growing threat of cyberattacks</strong><br />
&nbsp;</p>

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<p>The lid was blown on the fraud after Oswal, the recipient of one of India's top civilian honours the Padma Bhushan, refused to pay more money, and filed a police case and told the fraudsters he would rather die in police custody.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/can-you-be-digitally-arrested-lucknow-doctor-duped-over-334k-in-cybercrime-750476"><strong>Also read: Can you be digitally arrested? Lucknow doctor duped of over $334K in cybercrime</strong></a><br />
<br />
The Ludhiana Police on Sunday (Sep 29) arrested two suspects from Assam. Seven other suspects, from states including West Bengal and Delhi, have been identified. Some 52 million rupees have been recovered from the fraudsters' accounts.</p>

<p>"My ordeal is nothing short of a movie script to make others aware of such fraudsters,” Indian Express newspaper quoted him as saying.</p>

<h2><strong>Here is what happened to SP Oswal</strong></h2>

<p>In the first call on August 27, a fraudser posing as Telecom Regulatory Authority of India official asked him to press nine to prevent disconnection from telecom services. He pressed nine. Then a cyber criminal posing as an official from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)&nbsp;called him about his suspected involvement in the money laundering case against Naresh Goel.</p>

<p>Oswal, who told the paper that he never met Goel in his life, said the fraudsters sent him documents with Mumbai police insignia.</p>

<p>Then the 'CBI team' took him into 'digital custody over Skype' after sending him an order to this effect on his WhatsApp.</p>

<p>"They repeatedly told me not to share anything with anyone as it would be a violation of surveillance rules and I could be imprisoned for three to five years. They started my digital surveillance...and said I could not leave the house without their permission. I never used Skype, nor knew how to. They created my Skype account and started digital surveillance," he was quoted as saying.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/over-75-indians-were-exposed-deepfakes-as-many-struggled-to-distinguish-between-fake-and-real-report-715440">Also read Around 75% Indians have encountered deep fake content in last one year: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>Then he was made to appear for a fraudulent Supreme Court hearing over Skype in which one criminal even posed as India's chief justice. “He banged the hammer on the table twice and said ‘Order, Order, please present your case’. I thought he was actually Justice [CJ] Chandrachud as they claimed,” Oswal said.</p>

<p>"They do and say things in such a way that one gets manipulated and believe what they are saying is true. They used to keep me under surveillance even in the night and I was told to keep my phone on the bedside and keep Skype on. I would not get proper sleep as someone watched over me all the time,” Oswal told the newspaper.</p>

<p>After the staged court hearing, a copy of the order was shared on WhatsApp, directing him to transfer money to a so-called Secret Supervision Account.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Oswal made the transactions in order to avoid being arrested.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On August 29, he went out for a hopsital visit, and spoke to a colleague about what happened to him in the preceding two days. The colleague said it was a fraud.</p>

<p>"Later when I confronted the accused as they asked for more money, they threatened me with immediate arrest. They also sent a fake arrest warrant issued by ED Mumbai ordering my arrest within two hours. I said I would prefer to die in police custody but won’t transfer more money,” Oswal told the paper.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


SP Oswal, the CEO of India's largest textile group Vardhaman, is the latest victim of cyber criminals who extorted 70 million rupees from him in an elaborate scheme that put him in a so-called 'digital custody'.

SP Oswal, the CEO of India's largest textile group Vardhaman, is the latest victim of cyber criminals who extorted 70 million rupees from him in an elaborate scheme that put him in a so-called 'digital custody'. Two people have been arrested from the eastern state of Assam in this connection and most of the money recovered. Speaking to Indian media, 82-year-old Oswal said the fraudsters posed as Indian regulators, investigative agency sleuths, police, and the Chief Justice of India in a fake 'Supreme Court hearing' over Skype, to make him pay for a 'money laundering' case in which he was, according to them, a co-accused along with Jet Airways founder Naresh Goel. Watch: Digital arrest: The growing threat of cyberattacks × The lid was blown on the fraud after Oswal, the recipient of one of India's top civilian honours the Padma Bhushan, refused to pay more money, and filed a police case and told the fraudsters he would rather die in police custody. Also read: Can you be digitally arrested? Lucknow doctor duped of over $334K in cybercrime The Ludhiana Police on Sunday (Sep 29) arrested two suspects from Assam. Seven other suspects, from states including West Bengal and Delhi, have been identified. Some 52 million rupees have been recovered from the fraudsters' accounts. "My ordeal is nothing short of a movie script to make others aware of such fraudsters,” Indian Express newspaper quoted him as saying. Here is what happened to SP Oswal In the first call on August 27, a fraudser posing as Telecom Regulatory Authority of India official asked him to press nine to prevent disconnection from telecom services. He pressed nine. Then a cyber criminal posing as an official from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) called him about his suspected involvement in the money laundering case against Naresh Goel. Oswal, who told the paper that he never met Goel in his life, said the fraudsters sent him documents with Mumbai police insignia. Then the 'CBI team' took him into 'digital custody over Skype' after sending him an order to this effect on his WhatsApp. "They repeatedly told me not to share anything with anyone as it would be a violation of surveillance rules and I could be imprisoned for three to five years. They started my digital surveillance...and said I could not leave the house without their permission. I never used Skype, nor knew how to. They created my Skype account and started digital surveillance," he was quoted as saying. Also read Around 75% Indians have encountered deep fake content in last one year: Report Then he was made to appear for a fraudulent Supreme Court hearing over Skype in which one criminal even posed as India's chief justice. “He banged the hammer on the table twice and said ‘Order, Order, please present your case’. I thought he was actually Justice [CJ] Chandrachud as they claimed,” Oswal said. "They do and say things in such a way that one gets manipulated and believe what they are saying is true. They used to keep me under surveillance even in the night and I was told to keep my phone on the bedside and keep Skype on. I would not get proper sleep as someone watched over me all the time,” Oswal told the newspaper. After the staged court hearing, a copy of the order was shared on WhatsApp, directing him to transfer money to a so-called Secret Supervision Account. Oswal made the transactions in order to avoid being arrested. On August 29, he went out for a hopsital visit, and spoke to a colleague about what happened to him in the preceding two days. The colleague said it was a fraud. "Later when I confronted the accused as they asked for more money, they threatened me with immediate arrest. They also sent a fake arrest warrant issued by ED Mumbai ordering my arrest within two hours. I said I would prefer to die in police custody but won’t transfer more money,” Oswal told the paper. (With inputs from agencies)

SP Oswal, CEO of Vardhman Textiles, latest victim of 'digital custody': Fraudsters even faked a SC hearing

<p>Moo Deng, the baby hippo in Thailand became a global viral sensation in the past few weeks, and some people are minting money from the memecoin named after the adorable animal who's winning hearts by just being herself.</p>

<p>Moo Deng became internet-famous after videos of her running around, playing, eating, sleeping, and being bathed and slapped&nbsp;by zookeepers went viral.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-viral-baby-pygmy-hippo-who-has-inspired-make-up-looks-merchandise-and-more-758656">Also read: Watch: Viral baby pygmy hippo who has inspired make-up looks, merchandise and more</a></strong></p>

<p>As the frenzy over Moo Deng intensified with her becoming a meme, a memecoin was launched on 11 September on Solana, a decentralised blockchain platform.</p>

<p>The value of Moo Deng Token soared nearly 1400 per cent&nbsp;a week and by last week, it was at a market capitalisation of&nbsp;$300 million, according to cryptocurrency observers.</p>

<p>In a matter of 15 days, a&nbsp;$800 investment in Moo Deng grew to $3.5 million, according to data from Arkham.</p>

<p><strong>Watch: Moo Deng: Two-month-old pint-sized Hippo goes viral for cuteness</strong><br />
&nbsp;</p>

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<p>There are now memecoins for Moo Deng's mother Jonah as well as siblings&nbsp;Moo Toon and Moo Waan.</p>

<p>An unofficial Twitter fan page for Moo Deng has amassed nearly 50,000 followers, further fueling interest in the token, wrote Crptobriefing.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">unbothered. moisturized. happy. in my lane. focused. flourishing<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/moodeng?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#moodeng</a> <a href="https://t.co/W6IegMFO5A">pic.twitter.com/W6IegMFO5A</a></p>
— kristina🦒 (@kristinakovv) <a href="https://twitter.com/kristinakovv/status/1835798979717874027?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">So crazy buying of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MOODENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MOODENG</a>!<br />
<br />
The whale withdrew 2,000 <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24SOL&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$SOL</a>($311K) from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OKX?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OKX</a> to buy $MOODENG again!<br />
<br />
So far, the whale has spent 27,848 <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24SOL&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$SOL</a>($4.34M) to buy 17.73M $MOODENG at $0.245, becoming the second-largest holder of $MOODENG.<a href="https://t.co/MNpTOqbZ6z">https://t.co/MNpTOqbZ6z</a> <a href="https://t.co/r0BRHdL6Ew">pic.twitter.com/r0BRHdL6Ew</a></p>
— Lookonchain (@lookonchain) <a href="https://twitter.com/lookonchain/status/1840285973701374143?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Moo Deng the baby hippo: What you need to know</strong></h2>

<p>Moo Deng was born in July 2024 in Thailand's Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Si Racha, Chonburi province.</p>

<p>She is a&nbsp;pygmy hippopotamus, an endangered species from West Africa.</p>

<p>There are only 2,000 pygmy hippos in the wild.</p>

<p>After her videos started going viral, big companies also joined the frenzy, with Microsoft,&nbsp;DreamWorks, and Universal Pictures creating and sharing memes on social media around her image.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="in">ctrl + alt + Moo Deng <a href="https://t.co/GpB4J7Th3u">pic.twitter.com/GpB4J7Th3u</a></p>
— Windows (@Windows) <a href="https://twitter.com/Windows/status/1837537304094650458?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Even&nbsp;German football club Bayern Munich joined the action, sharing memes of Moo Deng 'reactions' to their UEFA League performance.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Moo Deng, the baby hippo in Thailand became a global viral sensation in the past few weeks, and some people are minting money from the memecoin named after the adorable animal who's winning hearts by just being herself.

Moo Deng, the baby hippo in Thailand became a global viral sensation in the past few weeks, and some people are minting money from the memecoin named after the adorable animal who's winning hearts by just being herself. Moo Deng became internet-famous after videos of her running around, playing, eating, sleeping, and being bathed and slapped by zookeepers went viral. Also read: Watch: Viral baby pygmy hippo who has inspired make-up looks, merchandise and more As the frenzy over Moo Deng intensified with her becoming a meme, a memecoin was launched on 11 September on Solana, a decentralised blockchain platform. The value of Moo Deng Token soared nearly 1400 per cent a week and by last week, it was at a market capitalisation of $300 million, according to cryptocurrency observers. In a matter of 15 days, a $800 investment in Moo Deng grew to $3.5 million, according to data from Arkham. Watch: Moo Deng: Two-month-old pint-sized Hippo goes viral for cuteness × There are now memecoins for Moo Deng's mother Jonah as well as siblings Moo Toon and Moo Waan. An unofficial Twitter fan page for Moo Deng has amassed nearly 50,000 followers, further fueling interest in the token, wrote Crptobriefing. unbothered. moisturized. happy. in my lane. focused. flourishing#moodeng pic.twitter.com/W6IegMFO5A — kristina🦒 (@kristinakovv) September 16, 2024 × So crazy buying of #MOODENG! The whale withdrew 2,000 $SOL($311K) from #OKX to buy $MOODENG again! So far, the whale has spent 27,848 $SOL($4.34M) to buy 17.73M $MOODENG at $0.245, becoming the second-largest holder of $MOODENG.https://t.co/MNpTOqbZ6z pic.twitter.com/r0BRHdL6Ew — Lookonchain (@lookonchain) September 29, 2024 × Moo Deng the baby hippo: What you need to know Moo Deng was born in July 2024 in Thailand's Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Si Racha, Chonburi province. She is a pygmy hippopotamus, an endangered species from West Africa. There are only 2,000 pygmy hippos in the wild. After her videos started going viral, big companies also joined the frenzy, with Microsoft, DreamWorks, and Universal Pictures creating and sharing memes on social media around her image. ctrl + alt + Moo Deng pic.twitter.com/GpB4J7Th3u — Windows (@Windows) September 21, 2024 × Even German football club Bayern Munich joined the action, sharing memes of Moo Deng 'reactions' to their UEFA League performance. (With inputs from agencies)

Moo Deng the baby hippo is making some people millions in crypto: It's the 'Mooney' honey

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Vinod Janardhanan

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