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<p>Frequent reports of turbulence are scaring many air passengers away from flying. The increasing regularity of turbulence is being attributed at least partially to climate change. Aviation engineers are looking at various methods to avert this. And many of them are looking at nature's design for inspiration, particularly one bird: the owl. Why is the owl's body design inspiring future aircraft design? Here are some fascinating insights:</p><h2>How owl wing features make them effective, silent fliers</h2><p>The owls’ wing features include serrated leading edges, fringed trailing edges, velvety down, and flexible wing control. Together, these make the bird's flight low-noise and turbulence-resistant. Aviation engineers are increasingly modelling the bird's adaptations to enhance stability and reduce noise in aircraft, drones, and turbines.</p><h2>How is the owl wing adaptations relevant to turbulence?</h2><p>The leading‑edge serrations are one key aspect. These teeth-like edges on bird feathers break up turbulent air into smaller vortices, preventing flow separation at high angles, and stabilising the airflow. Trailing‑edge fringes allow for the smooth flow of the body in the air, by breaking up pressure fluctuations. Velvety down feathers with porous texture absorb high-frequency noise and dampen vibrations caused by turbulence and reducing drag. Owls also have what's called ‘preflex reaction’: the flexible wing adjustments that are similar to suspension systems, instinctively compensating for gusts of wind to stabilise flight.</p><h2>Turbulence is growing due to climate change</h2><p>Turbulence is leading to increased risk of injuries for passengers. A 2023 study found that the world's skies are now nearly 55 per cent bumpier than 40 years ago due to climate-change-driven wind shear . Injuries caused by turbulence are rising, &nbsp;and airlines bear costs of between $150 million and 500 mn each year.</p><h2>Feather-like flaps for aircraft could be a reality</h2><p>In 2024, Princeton University researchers developed birdfeather-inspired flexible flaps. These flaps, which mimic covert feathers, were tested on a model aircraft. In test flights, the flaps improved aircraft lift by up to 45 per cent and reduced drag by 31 per cent. The stall onset was delayed, enhancing stability during gusts of wind.</p><h2>Silent flight and turbulence reduction inspired by owls</h2><p>Recent studies have found that wider leading-edge serrations can reduce airflow fluctuations and aerodynamic noise. Wind tunnel tests found that serrations and fringes can stabilise flow and suppress noise. Trailing-edge fringes can reduce airborne noise by up to 10 dB without losing lift.</p><h2>Owl aerodynamics in motion: Reducing the dreaded ‘eddies’</h2><p>Eddies, or vortices, are the swirling, circular movement of air that deviates from the main airflow. Eddies result from obstacles or uneven terrain and cause turbulence. Eddies can affect aircraft stability and handling. Recent scientific studies demonstrated that during owl flights, the eddies appear to dissipate faster, thanks to the aerodynamic design of their bodies.</p><p>In the case of all birds, the turbulence during their flapping flight is short-lived and dissipates fast.</p><h2>Bio‑inspired engineering could be the future of flight design</h2><p>Using computer design and high-speed imaging, Jonathan Stevenson documented owl preflex responses. That became the inspiration for Airbus’s hinged-wing AlbatrossOne prototype. Justin Jaworski created 3D-printed attachments that cut wind turbine noise by roughly 10 dB, maintaining aerodynamic efficiency. In 2023, scientists designed hybrid serrations combining owl and cicada wing geometries.&nbsp;<br>This design reportedly achieved nearly 10 per cent noise reduction and 48 per cent improved propulsive efficiency. A March 2025 study confirmed the structural viability of airfoils inspired by owls in wind turbines of aircraft.</p><h2>Engineering applications inspired by owls are here</h2><p>In research and implementation, owl body design is being slowly adapted on aircraft and drones, such as passive feather-like flaps and hinged wingtips to reduce the effects of turbulence. On wind turbines and fans, serrated airfoils and porous coatings are being used to lower noise and improve efficiency. On rotating machinery, serrated trailing edges and velvety coatings are being used to suppress turbulence-induced noise.</p><h2>Nature to the rescue for aviation turbulence</h2><p>Turbulence is a real issue in aviation now. Companies and scientists are looking at nature for inspiration to solve this. Biological designs for aircraft might take time due to challenges in finding the right material and certification delays. The research is ongoing for the perfect design.&nbsp;</p><p>Birds and insect flight have been the inspiration for aviation design since the inception of human flight. In the not-so-distant future, we might see passenger aircraft resembling more birds, including the owl.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Turbulence is a big issue in aviation now. Companies and scientists are looking at nature for inspiration to solve this

Frequent reports of turbulence are scaring many air passengers away from flying. The increasing regularity of turbulence is being attributed at least partially to climate change. Aviation engineers are looking at various methods to avert this. And many of them are looking at nature's design for inspiration, particularly one bird: the owl. Why is the owl's body design inspiring future aircraft design? Here are some fascinating insights: How owl wing features make them effective, silent fliers The owls’ wing features include serrated leading edges, fringed trailing edges, velvety down, and flexible wing control. Together, these make the bird's flight low-noise and turbulence-resistant. Aviation engineers are increasingly modelling the bird's adaptations to enhance stability and reduce noise in aircraft, drones, and turbines. How is the owl wing adaptations relevant to turbulence? The leading‑edge serrations are one key aspect. These teeth-like edges on bird feathers break up turbulent air into smaller vortices, preventing flow separation at high angles, and stabilising the airflow. Trailing‑edge fringes allow for the smooth flow of the body in the air, by breaking up pressure fluctuations. Velvety down feathers with porous texture absorb high-frequency noise and dampen vibrations caused by turbulence and reducing drag. Owls also have what's called ‘preflex reaction’: the flexible wing adjustments that are similar to suspension systems, instinctively compensating for gusts of wind to stabilise flight. Turbulence is growing due to climate change Turbulence is leading to increased risk of injuries for passengers. A 2023 study found that the world's skies are now nearly 55 per cent bumpier than 40 years ago due to climate-change-driven wind shear . Injuries caused by turbulence are rising, and airlines bear costs of between $150 million and 500 mn each year. Feather-like flaps for aircraft could be a reality In 2024, Princeton University researchers developed birdfeather-inspired flexible flaps. These flaps, which mimic covert feathers, were tested on a model aircraft. In test flights, the flaps improved aircraft lift by up to 45 per cent and reduced drag by 31 per cent. The stall onset was delayed, enhancing stability during gusts of wind. Silent flight and turbulence reduction inspired by owls Recent studies have found that wider leading-edge serrations can reduce airflow fluctuations and aerodynamic noise. Wind tunnel tests found that serrations and fringes can stabilise flow and suppress noise. Trailing-edge fringes can reduce airborne noise by up to 10 dB without losing lift. Owl aerodynamics in motion: Reducing the dreaded ‘eddies’ Eddies, or vortices, are the swirling, circular movement of air that deviates from the main airflow. Eddies result from obstacles or uneven terrain and cause turbulence. Eddies can affect aircraft stability and handling. Recent scientific studies demonstrated that during owl flights, the eddies appear to dissipate faster, thanks to the aerodynamic design of their bodies. In the case of all birds, the turbulence during their flapping flight is short-lived and dissipates fast. Bio‑inspired engineering could be the future of flight design Using computer design and high-speed imaging, Jonathan Stevenson documented owl preflex responses. That became the inspiration for Airbus’s hinged-wing AlbatrossOne prototype. Justin Jaworski created 3D-printed attachments that cut wind turbine noise by roughly 10 dB, maintaining aerodynamic efficiency. In 2023, scientists designed hybrid serrations combining owl and cicada wing geometries. This design reportedly achieved nearly 10 per cent noise reduction and 48 per cent improved propulsive efficiency. A March 2025 study confirmed the structural viability of airfoils inspired by owls in wind turbines of aircraft. Engineering applications inspired by owls are here In research and implementation, owl body design is being slowly adapted on aircraft and drones, such as passive feather-like flaps and hinged wingtips to reduce the effects of turbulence. On wind turbines and fans, serrated airfoils and porous coatings are being used to lower noise and improve efficiency. On rotating machinery, serrated trailing edges and velvety coatings are being used to suppress turbulence-induced noise. Nature to the rescue for aviation turbulence Turbulence is a real issue in aviation now. Companies and scientists are looking at nature for inspiration to solve this. Biological designs for aircraft might take time due to challenges in finding the right material and certification delays. The research is ongoing for the perfect design. Birds and insect flight have been the inspiration for aviation design since the inception of human flight. In the not-so-distant future, we might see passenger aircraft resembling more birds, including the owl.

<p>Turbulence is a big issue in aviation now. Companies and scientists are looking at nature for inspiration to solve this</p>

Owls inspire future aircraft design as rise in turbulence scare fliers. Here is how

<p>Telugu Desam Party (TDP) Minister BC Janardhan Reddy’s cousin allegedly slapped a constable on duty during the inauguration of a temple in Andhra Pradesh. The video of the incident, which took place on Wednesday (Jul 30) at the Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple in Kolimigundla, Kurnool district, has gone viral on social media, drawing criticism.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Following the incident, the Opposition party, Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP), slammed the TDP leaders and their family members for “openly displaying arrogance”. They further said that no immediate action was taken despite the assault happening in public, revealing “how the police force has been reduced to a tool under political pressure.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Allegedly, the Minister’s cousin, Madana Bhupal Reddy, was demanding entry into the temple but engaged in a heated argument with the on-duty police constable, Jaswanth Kumar, who was tasked with managing the crowd.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>After he was denied entry into the temple, Madana started verbally abusing him, then attacked him physically, as seen in the video. Soon, other police personnel intervened to control the situation.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Shocking incident in Andhra Pradesh: Brother of a TDP Minister caught on video slapping an on-duty police constable<br><br>(Source: YSR Congress Party/X)<br><br>.<br>.<br>.<br>.<br>.<br>.<br>.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TDP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TDP</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AndhraPradesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AndhraPradesh</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PoliceAssault?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PoliceAssault</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LawAndOrder?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LawAndOrder</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ViralVideo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ViralVideo</a> <a href="https://t.co/2T0art2Uey">pic.twitter.com/2T0art2Uey</a></p>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1951165528149729606?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>The incident was caught on camera, footage of which has been widely circulated on social media. TDP minister Reddy, who was present at the event, condemned the assault and called for strict legal action against his cousin.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“I strongly condemn the assault on the AR constable. As soon as I came to know about the incident, I issued instructions to senior police officials to register an FIR and take legal action against whoever was involved. There is no place for such behaviour in public life. Those in public life should act responsibly,” Reddy said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>A case has been registered by the Kolimigundla police under IPC Sections 132, 121(1), 126(2), and 351(2), which deal with obstructing and assaulting a public servant on duty. Madana Bhupal Reddy was arrested by the police on Friday (Aug 1).<br>&nbsp;</p>

The incident was caught on camera, footage of which has been widely circulated on social media. TDP minister Reddy, who was present at the event, condemned the assault and called for strict legal action against his cousin.

Telugu Desam Party (TDP) Minister BC Janardhan Reddy’s cousin allegedly slapped a constable on duty during the inauguration of a temple in Andhra Pradesh. The video of the incident, which took place on Wednesday (Jul 30) at the Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple in Kolimigundla, Kurnool district, has gone viral on social media, drawing criticism. Following the incident, the Opposition party, Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP), slammed the TDP leaders and their family members for “openly displaying arrogance”. They further said that no immediate action was taken despite the assault happening in public, revealing “how the police force has been reduced to a tool under political pressure.” Allegedly, the Minister’s cousin, Madana Bhupal Reddy, was demanding entry into the temple but engaged in a heated argument with the on-duty police constable, Jaswanth Kumar, who was tasked with managing the crowd. After he was denied entry into the temple, Madana started verbally abusing him, then attacked him physically, as seen in the video. Soon, other police personnel intervened to control the situation.

<p>The incident was caught on camera, footage of which has been widely circulated on social media. TDP minister Reddy, who was present at the event, condemned the assault and called for strict legal action against his cousin.</p>

WATCH | Indian Minister's cousin slaps on-duty cop during heated argument, arrested after video goes viral

<p>Donald Trump called India a ‘dead economy’ while announcing 25 per cent tariffs and penalties. The Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi agreed that India is a dead economy. But is it even a financial term, and is India indeed a dead economy? Here is what you should know:</p><h2>Is ‘dead economy’ a formal financial term?</h2><p>No, "dead economy" is not a term used in economics or finance. GDP growth, unemployment, inflation, or industrial output are the general criteria for checking the health of an economy, not vague, rhetorical terms like ‘dead economy.’&nbsp;</p><h2>Is India a ‘dead economy’? Reasons why it is not</h2><p>For argument's sake, let us take the dead economy jibe of Trump seriously and analyse India, one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies. Below is an exploration of India's economic activity and global positioning, to debunk Trump's claims supported by a section of Indian politicians.</p><h2>India GDP growth at a steady pace despite global uncertainties</h2><p>India is projected to grow at 6.4 per cent in 2025 and 2026 as per recent IMF estimates. This growth rate is better than major economies like the US (1.9 pc) and Japan (0.7 pc). In the fiscal year 2023–2024, India’s real GDP growth reached 9.2 per cent, the highest in more than a decade. For the third quarter of 2024–2025, growth was at 6.2 pc, year on year. India is the fourth-largest economy by nominal GDP, valued at $4.187 trillion in 2025, slightly ahead of Japan, and the third-largest by purchasing power parity or PPP. India is set to become the third-largest by nominal GDP by 2027.</p><h2>Domestic demand remains strong in India</h2><p>Private consumption in India grew by 7.4 per cent in the first quarter of financial year 2025, at a healthy 56 per cent of GDP. Interestingly, rural consumption, supported by better harvests and lower inflation, accounts for around 40 per cent of consumer goods sales. Private sector investment grew by 7.5 per cent in the first quarter of &nbsp;2025 financial year, a sign of confidence in the Indian economy.</p><h2>India is blessed with a young and skilled workforce, unlike countries like US</h2><p>For decades now, India has enjoyed a relatively young population, with the median age at 28.8, compared to 38.5 in the US and 42.8 in Europe. This ‘demographic dividend’<br>&nbsp;is reflected in its tech-skilled workforce in fields like Artificial Intelligence, Information Technologies and space. Many global firms are setting up manufacturing and research hubs in cities like Bengaluru and Hyderabad. For years, India's robust service sector, especially IT and finance, has been well-known, contributing to exports.</p><h2>Foreign investment in India is growing, and exports include high-tech and research-intensive items now</h2><p>India continues to be a destination for foreign investment. In the financial year 2024, the International Finance Corporation, for instance, provided $4.2 billion in green energy and infrastructure investments. India's total exports, including goods and services, hit a record high in the financial year 2024-25, estimated at $824.9 billion by the Reserve Bank of India. And these exports include high-end items like smartphones, pharmaceuticals and textiles.<br><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-pushes-apple-to-halt-india-production-9074849/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-pushes-apple-to-halt-india-production-9074849/embed</a></p><h2>India's global economic standing is reflected in annual rankings</h2><p>The IMF and World Bank have regularly referred to India as a ‘bright spot' amid economic headwinds in the world, contributing 16 per cent to global growth. India's success in space missions and becoming a manufacturing and export hub for iPhones highlight innovation and industrial growth.</p><h2>Indian government is investing more in infrastructure, economic activity is growing&nbsp;</h2><p>Indian budget allocations for infrastructure are upwards of ₹10 trillion, including for roads, airports, and clean energy. Economic activity is also driven by employment guarantee programmes like MGNREGA, which employ 80 million people. Electricity access has reached 99.6 per cent of Indian villages by 2020. Food subsidies enhance inclusivity and reduce poverty.</p><h2>Why is Trump dismissive of Indian economy? Some issues remain</h2><p>There are certain areas that need to be addressed. One is youth unemployment, and jobs being concentrated in the informal sector. There have been reports of income inequality, and savings gaps, particularly among the rural population. Programmes like Aadhaar-linked transfers and food rationing are reducing poverty. &nbsp; There has been criticism of some policies like demonetisation of 2016 &nbsp;and the implementation of GST as hurting jobs and small businesses.&nbsp;But these reforms helped formalise the Indian economy, which continues to show growth. Annual growth of 6 to 7 per cent is pretty good for a developing economy of India's size.</p><h2>Those who support Trump's view of Indian economy should note that…</h2><p>In short, India’s economy is robust and vibrant, not dead or stagnating. With 6.4 per cent projected growth in 2025, a young and tech-skilled workforce, $800 billion in exports, and global recognition as a bright spot, India is a dynamic player in world economy. Challenges like unemployment, income inequality, and trade risks exist but are manageable . Trump’s ‘dead economy’ remark is obviously an exaggeration. India continues to be on a path to becoming the third-largest economy by 2027.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

India’s economy is robust and vibrant, not dead or stagnating. With 6.4 per cent projected growth in 2025, a young and tech-skilled workforce, $800 billion in exports, and global recognition as a bright spot, India is a dynamic player in world economy

Donald Trump called India a ‘dead economy’ while announcing 25 per cent tariffs and penalties. The Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi agreed that India is a dead economy. But is it even a financial term, and is India indeed a dead economy? Here is what you should know: Is ‘dead economy’ a formal financial term? No, "dead economy" is not a term used in economics or finance. GDP growth, unemployment, inflation, or industrial output are the general criteria for checking the health of an economy, not vague, rhetorical terms like ‘dead economy.’ Is India a ‘dead economy’? Reasons why it is not For argument's sake, let us take the dead economy jibe of Trump seriously and analyse India, one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies. Below is an exploration of India's economic activity and global positioning, to debunk Trump's claims supported by a section of Indian politicians. India GDP growth at a steady pace despite global uncertainties India is projected to grow at 6.4 per cent in 2025 and 2026 as per recent IMF estimates. This growth rate is better than major economies like the US (1.9 pc) and Japan (0.7 pc). In the fiscal year 2023–2024, India’s real GDP growth reached 9.2 per cent, the highest in more than a decade. For the third quarter of 2024–2025, growth was at 6.2 pc, year on year. India is the fourth-largest economy by nominal GDP, valued at $4.187 trillion in 2025, slightly ahead of Japan, and the third-largest by purchasing power parity or PPP. India is set to become the third-largest by nominal GDP by 2027. Domestic demand remains strong in India Private consumption in India grew by 7.4 per cent in the first quarter of financial year 2025, at a healthy 56 per cent of GDP. Interestingly, rural consumption, supported by better harvests and lower inflation, accounts for around 40 per cent of consumer goods sales. Private sector investment grew by 7.5 per cent in the first quarter of 2025 financial year, a sign of confidence in the Indian economy. India is blessed with a young and skilled workforce, unlike countries like US For decades now, India has enjoyed a relatively young population, with the median age at 28.8, compared to 38.5 in the US and 42.8 in Europe. This ‘demographic dividend’ is reflected in its tech-skilled workforce in fields like Artificial Intelligence, Information Technologies and space. Many global firms are setting up manufacturing and research hubs in cities like Bengaluru and Hyderabad. For years, India's robust service sector, especially IT and finance, has been well-known, contributing to exports. Foreign investment in India is growing, and exports include high-tech and research-intensive items now India continues to be a destination for foreign investment. In the financial year 2024, the International Finance Corporation, for instance, provided $4.2 billion in green energy and infrastructure investments. India's total exports, including goods and services, hit a record high in the financial year 2024-25, estimated at $824.9 billion by the Reserve Bank of India. And these exports include high-end items like smartphones, pharmaceuticals and textiles. https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-pushes-apple-to-halt-india-production-9074849/embed India's global economic standing is reflected in annual rankings The IMF and World Bank have regularly referred to India as a ‘bright spot' amid economic headwinds in the world, contributing 16 per cent to global growth. India's success in space missions and becoming a manufacturing and export hub for iPhones highlight innovation and industrial growth. Indian government is investing more in infrastructure, economic activity is growing Indian budget allocations for infrastructure are upwards of ₹10 trillion, including for roads, airports, and clean energy. Economic activity is also driven by employment guarantee programmes like MGNREGA, which employ 80 million people. Electricity access has reached 99.6 per cent of Indian villages by 2020. Food subsidies enhance inclusivity and reduce poverty. Why is Trump dismissive of Indian economy? Some issues remain There are certain areas that need to be addressed. One is youth unemployment, and jobs being concentrated in the informal sector. There have been reports of income inequality, and savings gaps, particularly among the rural population. Programmes like Aadhaar-linked transfers and food rationing are reducing poverty. There has been criticism of some policies like demonetisation of 2016 and the implementation of GST as hurting jobs and small businesses. But these reforms helped formalise the Indian economy, which continues to show growth. Annual growth of 6 to 7 per cent is pretty good for a developing economy of India's size. Those who support Trump's view of Indian economy should note that… In short, India’s economy is robust and vibrant, not dead or stagnating. With 6.4 per cent projected growth in 2025, a young and tech-skilled workforce, $800 billion in exports, and global recognition as a bright spot, India is a dynamic player in world economy. Challenges like unemployment, income inequality, and trade risks exist but are manageable . Trump’s ‘dead economy’ remark is obviously an exaggeration. India continues to be on a path to becoming the third-largest economy by 2027.

<p>India’s economy is robust and vibrant, not dead or stagnating. With 6.4 per cent projected growth in 2025, a young and tech-skilled workforce, $800 billion in exports, and global recognition as a bright spot, India is a dynamic player in world economy</p>

Trump, Rahul Gandhi think India is a ‘dead economy’. It's not even a financial term and India is a global growth engine. Reasons why

<p>Scientists have figured out how potatoes were born. Turns out, one of its parents is the tomato. Eight to nine million years ago, tomatoes and a species that looked like a potato existed. The humble vegetable's lineage is quite confusing. It belongs to a line of species called Petota, which is believed to have been born when the ancestors of the tomato mated with Etuberosum, a species of wild potato. The latter is found in central Chile. This interbreeding is what caused today's potatoes, or tubers, to be born. When wild tomatoes, which grew in the Andes, got together with the wild potato species, a new combination of genes was born in the Petota lineage. This triggered the birth of the potato we eat today. Tubers have not been found in the ancestors of modern tomato and Etuberosum plants. They have never been observed in either lineage since they interbred to produce a hybrid. Researchers who conducted the study said it is amazing how something totally new could be created when two separate species mate with each other. The findings were published Thursday (July 31) in the journal Cell. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/frozen-in-time-baby-born-from-30-year-old-embryo-makes-history-1753962364095"><strong>Frozen in time: Baby born from 30-year-old embryo makes history</strong></a><br>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Tomato is the mother, and Etuberosum is the father</strong></h2><p>"We've finally solved the mystery of where potatoes came from," Sanwen Huang, a professor at the Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, who led the study, said in a statement. "Our findings show how a hybridisation event between species can spark the evolution of new traits, allowing even more species to emerge," he said. “Tomato is the mother, and Etuberosum is the father." The potato's father is different from today's potato in a major way. While they look the same above the ground, Etuberosum has thin underground stems and no starchy potato tubers. While studying how the potato was born, the researchers turned to the tomato. It is a completely different species and is actually a fruit. But Huang says they belong to the same plant family, along with eggplant and tobacco. "But tomato, potato, and Etuberosum are closest genetically, he added, and so they decided to take a closer look. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/russia-earthquake-klyuchevskaya-volcano-eruption-in-ring-of-fire-1753943210139"><strong>Klyuchevskaya volcano eruption is not the last. Several more in Ring of Fire will explode, experts warn</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Tomatoes and Etuberosum had their last common ancestor between 13 million and 14 million years ago</strong></h2><p>The analysis revealed that an event that occurred nine million years ago led to the creation of the potato. They identified "mosaic-like" genetic patterns in Petota, which meant that there was an even mix of DNA inherited from both Tomato and Etuberosum. The ancient hybridisation event between Etuberosum and Tomato became possible because they shared a common ancestor between 13 million and 14 million years ago. Even after this last ancestor disappeared, Tomato and Etuberosum continued to share some genetic traits, which made them mate with each other five million years later. This led to a reshuffling of genes and led to tubers being formed by the new lineage. SP6A, a gene from the Tomato lineage, is what passed on instructions on growing tubers in potatoes. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/ghostly-silence-from-blue-whales-an-ominous-sign-for-the-world-scientists-warn-1753863195541"><strong>Ghostly silence from blue whales is an ominous sign for the world</strong></a><br>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Petota was stronger that Etuberosum and Tomato plants</strong></h2><p>The emerging potatoes from this hybridisation were more resilient to the harsh climate and conditions, the study stated. They could store nutrients and water, while the same was not true for Etuberosum and Tomato plants. This led them to spread far and wide in the world, and also prevented mating with Etuberosum and Tomato plants. This is how Petota evolved into a completely new lineage, thus giving us the humble potato.<br>&nbsp;</p>

The journey of a potato started nine million years ago. Its roots can be traced back to a shocking ancestor. It is hard to imagine that something that is so different from the potato could have played a role in the creation of the vegetable.

Scientists have figured out how potatoes were born. Turns out, one of its parents is the tomato. Eight to nine million years ago, tomatoes and a species that looked like a potato existed. The humble vegetable's lineage is quite confusing. It belongs to a line of species called Petota, which is believed to have been born when the ancestors of the tomato mated with Etuberosum, a species of wild potato. The latter is found in central Chile. This interbreeding is what caused today's potatoes, or tubers, to be born. When wild tomatoes, which grew in the Andes, got together with the wild potato species, a new combination of genes was born in the Petota lineage. This triggered the birth of the potato we eat today. Tubers have not been found in the ancestors of modern tomato and Etuberosum plants. They have never been observed in either lineage since they interbred to produce a hybrid. Researchers who conducted the study said it is amazing how something totally new could be created when two separate species mate with each other. The findings were published Thursday (July 31) in the journal Cell. Also Read: Frozen in time: Baby born from 30-year-old embryo makes history Tomato is the mother, and Etuberosum is the father "We've finally solved the mystery of where potatoes came from," Sanwen Huang, a professor at the Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, who led the study, said in a statement. "Our findings show how a hybridisation event between species can spark the evolution of new traits, allowing even more species to emerge," he said. “Tomato is the mother, and Etuberosum is the father." The potato's father is different from today's potato in a major way. While they look the same above the ground, Etuberosum has thin underground stems and no starchy potato tubers. While studying how the potato was born, the researchers turned to the tomato. It is a completely different species and is actually a fruit. But Huang says they belong to the same plant family, along with eggplant and tobacco. "But tomato, potato, and Etuberosum are closest genetically, he added, and so they decided to take a closer look. Also Read: Klyuchevskaya volcano eruption is not the last. Several more in Ring of Fire will explode, experts warn Tomatoes and Etuberosum had their last common ancestor between 13 million and 14 million years ago The analysis revealed that an event that occurred nine million years ago led to the creation of the potato. They identified "mosaic-like" genetic patterns in Petota, which meant that there was an even mix of DNA inherited from both Tomato and Etuberosum. The ancient hybridisation event between Etuberosum and Tomato became possible because they shared a common ancestor between 13 million and 14 million years ago. Even after this last ancestor disappeared, Tomato and Etuberosum continued to share some genetic traits, which made them mate with each other five million years later. This led to a reshuffling of genes and led to tubers being formed by the new lineage. SP6A, a gene from the Tomato lineage, is what passed on instructions on growing tubers in potatoes. Also Read: Ghostly silence from blue whales is an ominous sign for the world Petota was stronger that Etuberosum and Tomato plants The emerging potatoes from this hybridisation were more resilient to the harsh climate and conditions, the study stated. They could store nutrients and water, while the same was not true for Etuberosum and Tomato plants. This led them to spread far and wide in the world, and also prevented mating with Etuberosum and Tomato plants. This is how Petota evolved into a completely new lineage, thus giving us the humble potato.

<p>Potato's journey started nine million years ago. Its roots can be traced back to a shocking ancestor. It is hard to imagine that something that is so different from the potato could have played a role in the creation of the vegetable.</p>

Potato has a mother, and you won't believe who it is. Hint: It's a fruit

<p>A British man who had travelled to Turkey for a hair transplant fell sick after the procedure and died. Turkish news outlet OdaTV reported that the 38-year-old went to a private clinic in Istanbul. After the five-hour transplant surgery, he started feeling sick. He was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead, The Mirror reported. An investigation has been opened into the matter. The staff at the clinic are being questioned, and the police are reportedly considering a possible "reckless homicide" charge against them and the surgeon who performed the procedure. The rest of the staff under the scanner include the anaesthesiologist and the nurses. His body was taken to the Forensic Medicine Institute for an autopsy to investigate the cause of his death. Reports suggest that it was sent back to Britain later. The publication quoted the Foreign Office as saying that it is "supporting the family of a British man who died in Turkey and is in contact with the local authorities." Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/frozen-in-time-baby-born-from-30-year-old-embryo-makes-history-1753962364095"><strong>Frozen in time: Baby born from 30-year-old embryo makes history</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Cosmetic surgeries cost less in Turkey, Hungary, Poland and few other countries</strong></h2><p>Official records in the UK show that several people from the country have landed in hospitals following cosmetic surgery in another country. According to the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, this number has risen by 94 per cent in the past three years. Complications reported include infections, sepsis and delay in healing of the wounds. Turkey is a favourite hotspot for cosmetic surgery among Britons. More than 75 per cent of the patients in the above records went to Istanbul and nearby regions to get such procedures. Czech Republic, Lithuania, Hungary, Poland and Romania are the other most favoured haunts because of the low prices. These surgeries can cost nearly 70 per cent less in these countries as compared to the fees charged in the UK.&nbsp;</p>

A hair transplant procedure proved too costly for a British man looking for a cheaper option in Turkey. He died after the five-hour surgery. An investigation has been initiated in the matter, and the entire staff of the private clinic is under scrutiny. 

A British man who had travelled to Turkey for a hair transplant fell sick after the procedure and died. Turkish news outlet OdaTV reported that the 38-year-old went to a private clinic in Istanbul. After the five-hour transplant surgery, he started feeling sick. He was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead, The Mirror reported. An investigation has been opened into the matter. The staff at the clinic are being questioned, and the police are reportedly considering a possible "reckless homicide" charge against them and the surgeon who performed the procedure. The rest of the staff under the scanner include the anaesthesiologist and the nurses. His body was taken to the Forensic Medicine Institute for an autopsy to investigate the cause of his death. Reports suggest that it was sent back to Britain later. The publication quoted the Foreign Office as saying that it is "supporting the family of a British man who died in Turkey and is in contact with the local authorities." Also Read: Frozen in time: Baby born from 30-year-old embryo makes history Cosmetic surgeries cost less in Turkey, Hungary, Poland and few other countries Official records in the UK show that several people from the country have landed in hospitals following cosmetic surgery in another country. According to the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, this number has risen by 94 per cent in the past three years. Complications reported include infections, sepsis and delay in healing of the wounds. Turkey is a favourite hotspot for cosmetic surgery among Britons. More than 75 per cent of the patients in the above records went to Istanbul and nearby regions to get such procedures. Czech Republic, Lithuania, Hungary, Poland and Romania are the other most favoured haunts because of the low prices. These surgeries can cost nearly 70 per cent less in these countries as compared to the fees charged in the UK.

<p>A hair transplant procedure proved too costly for a British man looking for a cheaper option in Turkey. He died after the five-hour surgery. An investigation has been initiated into the matter, and the entire staff of the private clinic is under scrutiny.&nbsp;</p>

Cheaper hair transplant surgery proves costly as man dies after five-hour procedure in Turkey

<p>WWE Chief Operations Officer (COO) and a former in-ring performer, Paul Levesque, also and famously known as Triple H, won the internet with his trademark water splash on his latest visit to the White House on Thursday (Jul 31). Triple H joined American President Donald Trump for a major announcement - the revival of the Presidential Fitness Test; however, it was his iconic water splash just upon entering the president's residence that left social media talking.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The slow-motion video of the same went viral on the internet, with the White House also posting it on its social media handles, with the caption, “ARE YOU READY… TO MAKE AMERICA FIT AGAIN,”</p><h3>WATCH –&nbsp;</h3>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">ARE YOU READY… TO MAKE AMERICA FIT AGAIN<br><br>WHITE HOUSE X <a href="https://twitter.com/TripleH?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TRIPLEH</a> 🔥 <a href="https://t.co/2sBFWok5ZF">pic.twitter.com/2sBFWok5ZF</a></p>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1951059912735236308?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>Meanwhile, in a ceremony held in the Roosevelt Room, Trump signed an executive order reestablishing the Presidential Fitness Test, expanding its Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition. The move, however, was aimed at fighting the decline in youth fitness by reintroducing structural physical education back into American schools.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-brings-back-presidential-fitness-test-in-presence-of-triple-h-what-it-is-and-why-obama-discontinued-it-1754020930810"><strong>Trump signs order to revive presidential fitness test in presence of Triple H - What is the program and why Obama discontinue it?</strong></a><br>&nbsp;</p><p>The US President also introduced Triple H by calling him “a man who you’re not going to mess around with,” adding, “it’s a great honour to have [him],” acknowledging Levesque’s influence both in and outside the ring.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Meanwhile, Triple H was not the only A-lister present at the White House for this event, with two-time major golf champion Bryson DeChambeau, Pro Football Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor, Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker, and golf icon Annika Sorenstam also attending.&nbsp;</p><h3>HHH ready for ‘summer’s biggest party’</h3><p>Triple H took time out from his crunch schedule, with him overseeing SummerSlam 2025 preparations, scheduled over the coming weekend at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p><p>With the stacked match card for the summer’s grandest event, to be hosted across two nights (for the first time), Triple H must be keen on making this a massive success.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>From the 17-time world champion John Cena to the most-appeared-in-ring performer at SummerSlam, Randy Orton, alongside CM Punk and Cody Rhodes, all will grace their presence across the two-night event at SummerSlam 2025.</p>

The slow-motion video of the same went viral on the internet, with the White House also posting it on its social media handles, with the caption, “ARE YOU READY… TO MAKE AMERICA FIT AGAIN. 

WWE Chief Operations Officer (COO) and a former in-ring performer, Paul Levesque, also and famously known as Triple H, won the internet with his trademark water splash on his latest visit to the White House on Thursday (Jul 31). Triple H joined American President Donald Trump for a major announcement - the revival of the Presidential Fitness Test; however, it was his iconic water splash just upon entering the president's residence that left social media talking. The slow-motion video of the same went viral on the internet, with the White House also posting it on its social media handles, with the caption, “ARE YOU READY… TO MAKE AMERICA FIT AGAIN,” WATCH –

<p>The slow-motion video of the same went viral on the internet, with the White House also posting it on its social media handles, with the caption, “ARE YOU READY… TO MAKE AMERICA FIT AGAIN.&nbsp;</p>

Triple H joins Trump at White House for major announcement; wins internet with famous ‘water splash’ – WATCH

<p>The longest lightning strike was recorded in 2017 in the North American Great Plains, stretching from eastern Texas to near Kansas City. It happened during a major thunderstorm in October, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said. The lightning flash that set the new record measures a staggering 829 km. The region is a hotspot for lightning and also holds the previous record for the longest lightning bolt. It is known for creating epic storm clusters and mega lightning flashes. Only two places on Earth can witness a megaflash of this scale. The length of the area it travelled is the same as the distance between Paris and Venice in Europe. If you were to travel 829 km in a car, it would take you eight to nine hours to reach your destination. On a commercial plane, the distance would be covered in at least 90 minutes. WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo said the international Early Warnings for All initiative prioritises studying lightning bolts since it is not only a "source of wonder but also a major hazard that claims many lives around the world every year." Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-smacked-by-11-million-lightning-strikes-in-one-day-775188"><strong>Australia smacked by a staggering 1.1 million lightning strikes in one day</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Lightning strike that killed people, setting fire to oil tanks</strong></h2><p>Saulo flagged the public safety concerns generated by "electrified clouds which can produce flashes which travel extremely large distances", as they have the potential to hit flights and spark wildfires. Mesoscale Convective Systems (MCSs) are responsible for creating megaflash, an incredibly long lightning strike. Huge collections of thunderstorms act as a single system to trigger such lightning strikes. It can continue to remain present in the skies for over 12 hours. Lightning strikes have also set records in other areas. The flash to last the longest was recorded over Uruguay and Argentina, on June 18, 2020, and streaked through for 17.102 seconds. A single lightning flash killed 21 people in a Zimbabwean hut in 1975 and remains the most fatal to date. Lightning strikes can also indirectly trigger catastrophes. One such incident occurred in Dronka, Egypt, in 1994, when several oil tanks caught fire from a lightning strike. The oil, set on fire, flooded the area and burned 469 people to death. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/russia-earthquake-klyuchevskaya-volcano-eruption-in-ring-of-fire-1753943210139"><strong>Klyuchevskaya volcano eruption is not the last. Several more in Ring of Fire will explode, experts warn</strong></a></p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/mysterious-symbols-believed-to-be-ancient-warning-from-ancestors-surface-on-hawaii-beach-1753940009753"><strong>Mysterious symbols believed to be 'ancient warning from ancestors' surface on Hawaii beach</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Great Plains lightning strikes</strong></h2><p>Only two places in the world are capable of generating lightning of this scale - the Great Plains covering a vast area across central Canada and the US, and the La Plata basin of South America. WMO used the latest satellite technologies to identify the record-breaking lightning bolt. The 2017 flash shoved the current record holder, which interestingly struck after it in 2020. It was also reported over the Great Plains and was a 768-km fork stretching across the southern US. &nbsp;The 2017 bolt was picked up by US Geostationary Lightning Mappers (GLMs) on the R-series Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites. Europe's Meteosat Third Generation (MTG) Lightning Imager and China's Y-4 Lightning Mapping Imager are the other new tools that help gain clear insights into storms and weather patterns.&nbsp;</p>

The record for the longest lightning strike was set in 2017 over the Great Plains in a region known as the hotspot for such bolts. The WMO revealed that it travelled such a long distance that it would take a commercial jet 90 minutes to make that trip. 

The longest lightning strike was recorded in 2017 in the North American Great Plains, stretching from eastern Texas to near Kansas City. It happened during a major thunderstorm in October, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said. The lightning flash that set the new record measures a staggering 829 km. The region is a hotspot for lightning and also holds the previous record for the longest lightning bolt. It is known for creating epic storm clusters and mega lightning flashes. Only two places on Earth can witness a megaflash of this scale. The length of the area it travelled is the same as the distance between Paris and Venice in Europe. If you were to travel 829 km in a car, it would take you eight to nine hours to reach your destination. On a commercial plane, the distance would be covered in at least 90 minutes. WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo said the international Early Warnings for All initiative prioritises studying lightning bolts since it is not only a "source of wonder but also a major hazard that claims many lives around the world every year." Also Read: Australia smacked by a staggering 1.1 million lightning strikes in one day Lightning strike that killed people, setting fire to oil tanks Saulo flagged the public safety concerns generated by "electrified clouds which can produce flashes which travel extremely large distances", as they have the potential to hit flights and spark wildfires. Mesoscale Convective Systems (MCSs) are responsible for creating megaflash, an incredibly long lightning strike. Huge collections of thunderstorms act as a single system to trigger such lightning strikes. It can continue to remain present in the skies for over 12 hours. Lightning strikes have also set records in other areas. The flash to last the longest was recorded over Uruguay and Argentina, on June 18, 2020, and streaked through for 17.102 seconds. A single lightning flash killed 21 people in a Zimbabwean hut in 1975 and remains the most fatal to date. Lightning strikes can also indirectly trigger catastrophes. One such incident occurred in Dronka, Egypt, in 1994, when several oil tanks caught fire from a lightning strike. The oil, set on fire, flooded the area and burned 469 people to death. Also Read: Klyuchevskaya volcano eruption is not the last. Several more in Ring of Fire will explode, experts warn Also Read: Mysterious symbols believed to be 'ancient warning from ancestors' surface on Hawaii beach Great Plains lightning strikes Only two places in the world are capable of generating lightning of this scale - the Great Plains covering a vast area across central Canada and the US, and the La Plata basin of South America. WMO used the latest satellite technologies to identify the record-breaking lightning bolt. The 2017 flash shoved the current record holder, which interestingly struck after it in 2020. It was also reported over the Great Plains and was a 768-km fork stretching across the southern US. The 2017 bolt was picked up by US Geostationary Lightning Mappers (GLMs) on the R-series Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites. Europe's Meteosat Third Generation (MTG) Lightning Imager and China's Y-4 Lightning Mapping Imager are the other new tools that help gain clear insights into storms and weather patterns.

<p>The record for the longest lightning strike was set in 2017 over the Great Plains in a region known as the hotspot for such bolts. The WMO revealed that it travelled such a long distance that it would take a commercial jet 90 minutes to make that trip.&nbsp;</p>

Longest lightning bolt travelled a staggering 829 km upstaging previous record holder by...

<p>An income certificate submitted in Jehanabad, Bihar, carries the applicant's name as "Samsung", the mother's name as "Smartphoan" and the father's name as "Iphoan." As soon as the fraudulent information came to light, officials informed the circle officer of the Modan Ganj Block. It isn't clear why someone would use such fake names on the income certificate form. Circle officer Mohammad Asif Hussain was also shocked to see the weird names on the paper and thinks that someone did it as a prank. He warned that such things will not be taken lightly and those who perpetrate such acts will be punished. The Jehanabad cyber police have also been informed about the matter. The officials will analyse the details and figure out who is responsible for making the fraudulent income certificate with such names on it. Hussain says that when someone carries out such an activity, it adds to the burden of officials who are there to help out genuine people. It wasted everyone's time, and so whoever did it needs to be identified and proper action should be taken against them.</p><h2><strong>‘Dog babu’ residence certificate issued in Bihar</strong></h2><p>Officials in Bihar have been battling such strange incidents lately, where people have been filling up forms with weird names on them. Recently, a similar case came to light in Patna. Someone submitted a residence certificate in the name of "DOG". The case triggered a controversy in the state. If one such paper was caught, officials wondered how many other fraudulent certificates could have been submitted by others. The residence certificate was issued in rural Patna for 'dog babu'. The incident happened in the Masaurhi circle, falling under the sub-division by the same name. This was reportedly done as a special intensive revision of the electoral rolls was being done in Bihar. The certificate carried a photograph of "Dog babu", a stray, with parents named "kutta babu" and "kutiya devi". Screenshots of the certificate went viral on social media. An FIR was lodged at the local police station against the applicant, the computer operator who filled the information and the official who issued the certificate.</p>

In Bihar's Jehanabad, another fraudulent government certificate bearing the applicant's name as Samsung, mother's name as "Smartphoan" and the father's name as “Iphoan” has come to light. Earlier, a residence certificate for ‘Dog babu’ shocked the state.

An income certificate submitted in Jehanabad, Bihar, carries the applicant's name as "Samsung", the mother's name as "Smartphoan" and the father's name as "Iphoan." As soon as the fraudulent information came to light, officials informed the circle officer of the Modan Ganj Block. It isn't clear why someone would use such fake names on the income certificate form. Circle officer Mohammad Asif Hussain was also shocked to see the weird names on the paper and thinks that someone did it as a prank. He warned that such things will not be taken lightly and those who perpetrate such acts will be punished. The Jehanabad cyber police have also been informed about the matter. The officials will analyse the details and figure out who is responsible for making the fraudulent income certificate with such names on it. Hussain says that when someone carries out such an activity, it adds to the burden of officials who are there to help out genuine people. It wasted everyone's time, and so whoever did it needs to be identified and proper action should be taken against them. ‘Dog babu’ residence certificate issued in Bihar Officials in Bihar have been battling such strange incidents lately, where people have been filling up forms with weird names on them. Recently, a similar case came to light in Patna. Someone submitted a residence certificate in the name of "DOG". The case triggered a controversy in the state. If one such paper was caught, officials wondered how many other fraudulent certificates could have been submitted by others. The residence certificate was issued in rural Patna for 'dog babu'. The incident happened in the Masaurhi circle, falling under the sub-division by the same name. This was reportedly done as a special intensive revision of the electoral rolls was being done in Bihar. The certificate carried a photograph of "Dog babu", a stray, with parents named "kutta babu" and "kutiya devi". Screenshots of the certificate went viral on social media. An FIR was lodged at the local police station against the applicant, the computer operator who filled the information and the official who issued the certificate.

<p>In Bihar's Jehanabad, another fraudulent government certificate bearing the applicant's name as Samsung, mother's name as "Smartphoan" and the father's name as “Iphoan” has come to light. Earlier, a residence certificate for ‘Dog babu’ shocked the state.</p>

After 'Dog babu', income certificate for applicant 'Samsung', mother 'Smartphoan' and father 'Iphoan' revealed in Bihar

<p>The Cold War period saw the West and the Soviet Union trying to go against each other in almost everything. The two sides are said to have come up with secret programs and missions to gain control over the other. The CIA, the United States' intelligence agency, also has some of them under its belt, according to declassified documents released over the years. One of them was Operation Midnight Climax, which aimed to see how sex and drugs could get a target to reveal sensitive and secret information. Reports suggest that the operation ran from 1954 to 1963 and was a part of MKUltra, the agency's mind-control research program that was flagged as highly controversial. As the description suggests, its aim was to take control of the mind of a foreign adversary so that he would spill secrets of the enemy country. Popular Mechanics, reporting on the program, wrote that under Operation Midnight Climax, an apartment was turned into a brothel where men were lured, drugged with LSD, and their reactions to interrogating questions were filmed. Stephen Kinzer, author of Poisoner in Chief: Sidney Gottlieb and the CIA Search for Mind Control, says the reason the CIA started this was because the Soviet was believed to be making advances in psychological torture and brainwashing. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-not-to-punish-but-us-sanctions-6-indian-companies-over-oil-trade-with-iran-hours-after-25-tariff-1753929084632"><strong>US sanctions 6 Indian companies over oil trade with Iran</strong></a></p><h2><strong>The US suspected minds of American soldiers were seized by the Soviet Union</strong></h2><p>Kinzer says the CIA was shocked to see American soldiers returning from the Korean War confessing to war crimes and even talking about communist propaganda in a positive light. They were convinced that their "minds had been seized". So MKUltra was launched in 1953 with a similar aim. Nearly 100 projects fell under its umbrella, with most of them centred around drugs and other mind-altering chemicals. A chemist named Sidney Gottlieb helped the CIA gain access to LSD. Operation Midnight Climax, the most notorious of all of them, continues to shock the world even 62 years after it ended. Here's what went down in the brothel. Prostitutes were hired and given $100 for each man they lured into the brothel. They were given cocktails laced with LSD. Then the women threw around different types of questions at different intervals to learn at what stage the men were most likely to be at a point where their minds could be controlled. The experiment revealed that the man talked and revealed the most secrets when they were asked to stay longer, even after the sexual part of the transaction had ended. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/subproject-94-the-secret-cia-program-to-create-army-of-remote-controlled-animal-assassins-1749902696736"><strong>Declassified CIA documents reveal plans to create an army of remote-controlled 'animal assassins' during Cold War</strong></a></p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/aliens-turned-soldiers-in-siberia-to-stone-after-their-ufo-was-shot-down-8927828"><strong>In Siberia, aliens turned 23 soldiers into stone, remains of spacecraft are at a secret research base near Moscow</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Prostitutes lured unsuspecting men, drugged them with LSD</strong></h2><p>A CIA staffer once said, it was like a "boost to his ego" if "she wants him to stay for a few more hours." At this stage, what would he talk about? "Not the sex, so he starts talking about his business. It’s at this time she can lead him gently," he said. While those involved pushed the belief that it was a scientific experiment, Kinzer says it was far from one. “Operation Midnight Climax was not scientific at all,” he said. The writer says the men sitting behind the one-sided mirror "were not scientists, sex therapists or psychologists. They were sitting on a portable toilet, drinking cocktails out of a pitcher." The operation had little relevance for national security, Kinzer said. It soon devolved into a personal haunt for the CIA agency which indulged in sex and drugs at the San Francisco apartment. Even Gottleib is reported to have used prostitutes. Some CIA officers volunteered to be a part of the experiment, but only for the psychedelic drugs, Kinzer wrote.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In 1963, a member of the CIA Inspector General’s staff learned about the shocking sexual and toxic experiments being carried out by Gottlieb. He was soon forbidden from drugging innocent people without their knowledge, and this way, the project ended, including MKUltra as a whole. The top secret program became public knowledge only in 1975. A Senate hearing later revealed that dozens of universities and institutions had participated in the depraved experiment, testing drugs on unsuspecting people. How many people were affected by the experiment remains unknown because it was a top-secret program, and because Gottlieb destroyed almost all documentation linked to MKUltra.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

CIA started Operation Midnight Climax in 1954, having prostitutes lure men into a makeshift brothel and drugging them with LSD. They then talked them into revealing their secrets. It was part of an elaborate mind-control operation started to defeat the Soviet Union. 

The Cold War period saw the West and the Soviet Union trying to go against each other in almost everything. The two sides are said to have come up with secret programs and missions to gain control over the other. The CIA, the United States' intelligence agency, also has some of them under its belt, according to declassified documents released over the years. One of them was Operation Midnight Climax, which aimed to see how sex and drugs could get a target to reveal sensitive and secret information. Reports suggest that the operation ran from 1954 to 1963 and was a part of MKUltra, the agency's mind-control research program that was flagged as highly controversial. As the description suggests, its aim was to take control of the mind of a foreign adversary so that he would spill secrets of the enemy country. Popular Mechanics, reporting on the program, wrote that under Operation Midnight Climax, an apartment was turned into a brothel where men were lured, drugged with LSD, and their reactions to interrogating questions were filmed. Stephen Kinzer, author of Poisoner in Chief: Sidney Gottlieb and the CIA Search for Mind Control, says the reason the CIA started this was because the Soviet was believed to be making advances in psychological torture and brainwashing. Also Read: US sanctions 6 Indian companies over oil trade with Iran The US suspected minds of American soldiers were seized by the Soviet Union Kinzer says the CIA was shocked to see American soldiers returning from the Korean War confessing to war crimes and even talking about communist propaganda in a positive light. They were convinced that their "minds had been seized". So MKUltra was launched in 1953 with a similar aim. Nearly 100 projects fell under its umbrella, with most of them centred around drugs and other mind-altering chemicals. A chemist named Sidney Gottlieb helped the CIA gain access to LSD. Operation Midnight Climax, the most notorious of all of them, continues to shock the world even 62 years after it ended. Here's what went down in the brothel. Prostitutes were hired and given $100 for each man they lured into the brothel. They were given cocktails laced with LSD. Then the women threw around different types of questions at different intervals to learn at what stage the men were most likely to be at a point where their minds could be controlled. The experiment revealed that the man talked and revealed the most secrets when they were asked to stay longer, even after the sexual part of the transaction had ended. Also Read: Declassified CIA documents reveal plans to create an army of remote-controlled 'animal assassins' during Cold War Also Read: In Siberia, aliens turned 23 soldiers into stone, remains of spacecraft are at a secret research base near Moscow Prostitutes lured unsuspecting men, drugged them with LSD A CIA staffer once said, it was like a "boost to his ego" if "she wants him to stay for a few more hours." At this stage, what would he talk about? "Not the sex, so he starts talking about his business. It’s at this time she can lead him gently," he said. While those involved pushed the belief that it was a scientific experiment, Kinzer says it was far from one. “Operation Midnight Climax was not scientific at all,” he said. The writer says the men sitting behind the one-sided mirror "were not scientists, sex therapists or psychologists. They were sitting on a portable toilet, drinking cocktails out of a pitcher." The operation had little relevance for national security, Kinzer said. It soon devolved into a personal haunt for the CIA agency which indulged in sex and drugs at the San Francisco apartment. Even Gottleib is reported to have used prostitutes. Some CIA officers volunteered to be a part of the experiment, but only for the psychedelic drugs, Kinzer wrote. In 1963, a member of the CIA Inspector General’s staff learned about the shocking sexual and toxic experiments being carried out by Gottlieb. He was soon forbidden from drugging innocent people without their knowledge, and this way, the project ended, including MKUltra as a whole. The top secret program became public knowledge only in 1975. A Senate hearing later revealed that dozens of universities and institutions had participated in the depraved experiment, testing drugs on unsuspecting people. How many people were affected by the experiment remains unknown because it was a top-secret program, and because Gottlieb destroyed almost all documentation linked to MKUltra.

<p>CIA started Operation Midnight Climax in 1954, having prostitutes lure men into a makeshift brothel and drugging them with LSD. They then talked them into revealing their secrets. It was part of an elaborate mind-control operation started to defeat the Soviet Union.&nbsp;</p>

CIA wanted to control people's minds. So it had sex workers lure men into a fake brothel and drug them with LSD

<p>Actor, singer and BJP MP Ravi Kishan, during a discussion in the parliament on Thursday (July 31), demanded a law to standardise the size of samosa (Indian snack). He raised his concern that in some places, the size of the Samosa is big, while somewhere it's smaller in size. He also said that even price also differs from place to place for the dish - which should not be the case, in his opinion. Speaking during Zero Hour in the Lok Sabha, the Gorakhpur MP requested the central government to introduce a law to regulate the prices of the food item sold at various eateries.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“In one place, the samosa is small; in another, it is large. Prices also differ widely," Kishan said. &nbsp;“A samosa at a roadside eatery has a different price than one in a hotel—and even the size differs. Likewise, dal tadka is available for Rs 100 in one place, Rs 120 in another, and even up to Rs 1,000 in some hotels," he added.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Kishan said that while Prime Minister Narendra Modi has brought reforms in several sectors, there is still no regulatory system in place to fix or standardise food pricing across the country’s food outlets.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The BJP MP further demanded transparency in the restaurant menus and said that they should clarify their ingredients and quantity used in various food items. He expressed concern that most menus list only the price of a dish, without indicating the portion size. “Customers have the right to know what they are eating and how much they are paying for it," Kishan said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the apex body responsible for ensuring food quality and safety in the country. Established in August 2011 under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, FSSAI operates under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

BJP MP Ravi Kishan demanded a law in the parliament that fixes the standard size of samosa. He said that at some places the size of samosa is big while at some it is large, which should not be the case in his opinion. 

Actor, singer and BJP MP Ravi Kishan, during a discussion in the parliament on Thursday (July 31), demanded a law to standardise the size of samosa (Indian snack). He raised his concern that in some places, the size of the Samosa is big, while somewhere it's smaller in size. He also said that even price also differs from place to place for the dish - which should not be the case, in his opinion. Speaking during Zero Hour in the Lok Sabha, the Gorakhpur MP requested the central government to introduce a law to regulate the prices of the food item sold at various eateries. “In one place, the samosa is small; in another, it is large. Prices also differ widely," Kishan said. “A samosa at a roadside eatery has a different price than one in a hotel—and even the size differs. Likewise, dal tadka is available for Rs 100 in one place, Rs 120 in another, and even up to Rs 1,000 in some hotels," he added. Kishan said that while Prime Minister Narendra Modi has brought reforms in several sectors, there is still no regulatory system in place to fix or standardise food pricing across the country’s food outlets. The BJP MP further demanded transparency in the restaurant menus and said that they should clarify their ingredients and quantity used in various food items. He expressed concern that most menus list only the price of a dish, without indicating the portion size. “Customers have the right to know what they are eating and how much they are paying for it," Kishan said. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the apex body responsible for ensuring food quality and safety in the country. Established in August 2011 under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, FSSAI operates under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

<p>BJP MP Ravi Kishan demanded a law in the parliament that fixes the standard size of samosa. He said that at some places the size of samosa is big while at some it is large, which should not be the case in his opinion.&nbsp;</p>

Ravi Kishan demands law for standard size of Samosa across India in Parliament debate, says 'customers have right to...'

<p>In a horrific incident, at least 23 people were injured after an amusement park ride in Saudi Arabia's Taif malfunctioned and broke into two on Thursday. Three people were also critically injured during the incident, which took place at Green Mountain Park in the Al Hada area of Taif, according to a report by Khaleej Times.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>A video of the disturbing incident surfaced on social media showing a group of people enjoying the ride, swinging back and forth on a pole, when the central part of it broke into two halves. Before snapping the arm of the ride in half and collapsing with a massive thump, there was a crackling sound. The men and the women were seen screaming and praying on the ride.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">An amusement park ride in Saudi Arabia came apart mid-ride, injuring at least 23 people, with three in critical condition. The incident occurred at the Green Mountain Park in Taif, east of Mecca. Saudi authorities launched an investigation into the incident. <a href="https://t.co/thQLA6nzpD">pic.twitter.com/thQLA6nzpD</a></p>&mdash; Ariel Oseran أريئل أوسيران (@ariel_oseran) <a href="https://twitter.com/ariel_oseran/status/1950857278359294402?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>Quoting the eyewitnesses, the report indicated that the ride's pole, known as ‘360 Degrees,’ recoiled at high speed and was striking some individuals standing on the opposite side. When the ride fell, some people who were still seated were also hurt.</p><p><strong>Also read:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/google-maps-fault-leads-to-fatal-accident-in-greater-noida-car-falls-into-30-foot-sewer-8776834">Google Maps fault leads to fatal accident in Greater Noida, car falls into 30-foot sewer</a></p><h3>Officials and emergency services reach the site&nbsp;</h3><p>Soon after the incident, security and emergency services responded swiftly and reached the site, and officials have launched an urgent probe to determine the exact cause. In addition, all the injured were reportedly given first aid at the incident site and later rushed to hospitals for further treatment.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In a similar incident in Delhi in April this year, a 24-year-old woman, identified as Priyanka, lost her life after she fell from a roller coaster ride at Fun N Food Water Park near Kapashera in Southwest Delhi. As per the report, the incident unfolded due to a seat belt malfunction when she was visiting the amusement park with her fiancé.</p>

Following the incident, security and emergency services reached the site, and officials have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause. Additionally, all the injured were rushed to hospitals for further treatment.

In a horrific incident, at least 23 people were injured after an amusement park ride in Saudi Arabia's Taif malfunctioned and broke into two on Thursday. Three people were also critically injured during the incident, which took place at Green Mountain Park in the Al Hada area of Taif, according to a report by Khaleej Times. A video of the disturbing incident surfaced on social media showing a group of people enjoying the ride, swinging back and forth on a pole, when the central part of it broke into two halves. Before snapping the arm of the ride in half and collapsing with a massive thump, there was a crackling sound. The men and the women were seen screaming and praying on the ride.

<p>Following the incident, security and emergency services reached the site, and officials have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause. Additionally, all the injured were rushed to hospitals for further treatment.</p>

‘Final Destination’ in real life? At least 23 injured as ride snaps in half at Saudi Arabia's Taif amusement park

<p>A baby boy born over the weekend holds the record for the "oldest baby." Thaddeus Daniel Pierce, who was born on July 26, grew from an embryo that had been kept in storage for 30 and a half years.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“We had a rough birth but we are both doing well now,” Lindsey Pierce, his mother was quoted saying. “He is so chill. We are in awe that we have this precious baby!” Lindsey and her husband, Tim Pierce, of London, Ohio, "adopted" the embryo from a woman who had it created in 1994. Her family and church family, she says, believe "it's like something out of a sci-fi movie."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“The baby has a 30-year-old sister,” she adds. Tim was a toddler when the embryos were first created. “It’s been pretty surreal,” said Linda Archerd, 62, who donated the embryo. “It’s hard to even believe.”</p><h2>How it all started?</h2><p>The beginning of the story goes back to the early 1990s. Archerd had been trying—and failing—to conceive for six years. She and her husband had decided to attempt IVF, then a relatively new technology. "People were unfamiliar with it," said Archerd. "A lot of people were like, what are you doing? They went ahead and, in May of 1994, they were able to produce four embryos. One was implanted into Linda's womb. It gave birth to a healthy baby girl. "I was so blessed to have a baby," Archerd said. The other three embryos were cryopreserved and stored in a tank.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>That was 31 years ago. The healthy baby girl is now a 30-year-old woman with her own 10-year-old daughter. But the other three embryos remained frozen in time. Archerd initially intended to use the embryos herself. “I always wanted another baby desperately,” she says. “I called them my three little hopes.” Her then husband felt differently, she said. &nbsp;Archerd divorced him but managed to obtain custody of the embryos and held onto them in storage, still hoping that she might be able to use them someday, perhaps with a different partner.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>That cost her annual storage fees, which multiplied over the years and amounted to about a thousand dollars yearly, she estimated. To her, it was worth it. "I always thought it was the right thing to do," she said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Things changed when she began experiencing menopause, she recalled. She thought about what she could do. She didn't want to dispose of the embryos or donate them for research. And she did not want to give them to another family as an anonymous donor—she wanted to know the parents and any offspring. "It's my DNA; it came from me … and it's my daughter's sibling," she said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Next, she discovered about embryo "adoption." This is a form of embryo donation in which both parties get some input into who they "place" their embryos with or "adopt" them from. It is regulated by agencies—typically openly religious ones—that feel an embryo is the moral equivalent of a born person. Archerd is Christian.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>There are a number of agencies that provide these adoption services in the US, but they don't all accept embryos that have been frozen for a very long period of time. That's partly because those embryos will have been frozen and stored in unfamiliar, antiquated methods, and partly because old embryos are believed to be less likely to survive thawing and transfer to develop successfully into a baby.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"So many facilities would not even accept my information," explained Archerd. But then she discovered the Snowflakes program operated by the Nightlight Christian Adoptions agency. The agency would take her embryos, but it required Archerd's medical records from when the embryos had been produced, along with the embryos' lab records.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>So Archerd contacted the fertility physician who had treated her many years ago. "I still recalled his phone number in my head," she said. That physician, then in his 70s, is still practicing at a clinic in Oregon. He pulled out Archerd's files from his basement, she told. "Some of them were in handwriting," she added. Her embryos were placed in Nightlight's "matching pool" in 2022.</p>

Frozen in time Baby born from 30 year old embryo makes history

A baby boy born over the weekend holds the record for the "oldest baby." Thaddeus Daniel Pierce, who was born on July 26, grew from an embryo that had been kept in storage for 30 and a half years. “We had a rough birth but we are both doing well now,” Lindsey Pierce, his mother was quoted saying. “He is so chill. We are in awe that we have this precious baby!” Lindsey and her husband, Tim Pierce, of London, Ohio, "adopted" the embryo from a woman who had it created in 1994. Her family and church family, she says, believe "it's like something out of a sci-fi movie." “The baby has a 30-year-old sister,” she adds. Tim was a toddler when the embryos were first created. “It’s been pretty surreal,” said Linda Archerd, 62, who donated the embryo. “It’s hard to even believe.” How it all started? The beginning of the story goes back to the early 1990s. Archerd had been trying—and failing—to conceive for six years. She and her husband had decided to attempt IVF, then a relatively new technology. "People were unfamiliar with it," said Archerd. "A lot of people were like, what are you doing? They went ahead and, in May of 1994, they were able to produce four embryos. One was implanted into Linda's womb. It gave birth to a healthy baby girl. "I was so blessed to have a baby," Archerd said. The other three embryos were cryopreserved and stored in a tank. That was 31 years ago. The healthy baby girl is now a 30-year-old woman with her own 10-year-old daughter. But the other three embryos remained frozen in time. Archerd initially intended to use the embryos herself. “I always wanted another baby desperately,” she says. “I called them my three little hopes.” Her then husband felt differently, she said. Archerd divorced him but managed to obtain custody of the embryos and held onto them in storage, still hoping that she might be able to use them someday, perhaps with a different partner. That cost her annual storage fees, which multiplied over the years and amounted to about a thousand dollars yearly, she estimated. To her, it was worth it. "I always thought it was the right thing to do," she said. Things changed when she began experiencing menopause, she recalled. She thought about what she could do. She didn't want to dispose of the embryos or donate them for research. And she did not want to give them to another family as an anonymous donor—she wanted to know the parents and any offspring. "It's my DNA; it came from me … and it's my daughter's sibling," she said. Next, she discovered about embryo "adoption." This is a form of embryo donation in which both parties get some input into who they "place" their embryos with or "adopt" them from. It is regulated by agencies—typically openly religious ones—that feel an embryo is the moral equivalent of a born person. Archerd is Christian. There are a number of agencies that provide these adoption services in the US, but they don't all accept embryos that have been frozen for a very long period of time. That's partly because those embryos will have been frozen and stored in unfamiliar, antiquated methods, and partly because old embryos are believed to be less likely to survive thawing and transfer to develop successfully into a baby. "So many facilities would not even accept my information," explained Archerd. But then she discovered the Snowflakes program operated by the Nightlight Christian Adoptions agency. The agency would take her embryos, but it required Archerd's medical records from when the embryos had been produced, along with the embryos' lab records. So Archerd contacted the fertility physician who had treated her many years ago. "I still recalled his phone number in my head," she said. That physician, then in his 70s, is still practicing at a clinic in Oregon. He pulled out Archerd's files from his basement, she told. "Some of them were in handwriting," she added. Her embryos were placed in Nightlight's "matching pool" in 2022.

<p>Lindsey and her husband, Tim Pierce, who reside in London, Ohio, “adopted” the embryo from a woman who had it created in 1994</p>

Frozen in time: Baby born from 30-year-old embryo makes history

<p>In a remarkable feat that has left the world in astonishment, 20-year-old Indian student Remona Evette Pereira made a headline after her remarkable 170-hour performance of Bharatanatyam, a classical Indian dance. She registered her spot in the ‘Golden Book of World Records.’</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>A video of her classical Indian dance surfaced on social media, which has taken the platform by storm, as netizens across the nation praised Pereira’s dedication to the arts. With this achievement, she has become the first person in the world to perform the classical Indian dance for such a duration.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Remona Pereira, the true pride of Tulunad! 🌟 She has created a World Record with an incredible 170 hours of continuous Bharatanatyam performance. 🙌👏 Tuluvas are proud of you for taking our culture to global heights! ❤️🔥 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tulunad?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tulunad</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RemonaPereira?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RemonaPereira</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldRecord?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldRecord</a> <a href="https://t.co/WsVhdfHdBJ">pic.twitter.com/WsVhdfHdBJ</a></p>&mdash; Everyday Tulu (@everyday_tulu) <a href="https://twitter.com/everyday_tulu/status/1950490090901324115?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h3>Who is Remona Evette Pereira?</h3><p>Pereira, also nicknamed the ‘golden girl,’ started her formal training in Bharatanatyam under renowned guru Shrividya Muralidhar at the age of three. Her several years of rigorous practice and devotion culminated in her Rangapravesha, which helped her to perform her formal solo debut on stage in 2019, The Times of India reports.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Currently, Pereira is a third-year student at St. Aloysius College in the Mangalore district of Karnataka, where she is pursuing a BA. She began her landmark Bharatanatyam performance on July 21 and concluded a week later on July 28. The event was held at the college’s Robert Sequeira Hall in the state.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>After her nonstop performance, Pereira was granted a ‘Certificate of Excellence’ by Manish Vishnoei, the head of the Golden Book of World Records. Along with awarding the certificate, Vishnoei also praised her for the groundbreaking achievement.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“Bharatanatyam is a dance form that’s difficult, yet Remona took up the challenge and danced for 10,200 minutes with curtailed breaks and rest, which is almost impossible to achieve by many,” Deccan Herald quoted him as saying. As per the reports, Pereira reportedly only took 15-minute breaks every three hours amid her performance.</p><h3>Pereira breaks record of Sudhir Jagtap</h3><p>Earlier, the longest Bharatanatyam performance was performed by Sudhir Jagtap for 127 hours. But this record was surpassed by Pereira for more than 40 additional hours, which sets the bar even higher.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Surprisingly, Pereira received the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar, the highest civil honour award for children in India, from Prime Minister Modi himself in 2023. During the conversation, PM Modi asked Perieria, “At the age of 3, you started practising dance. How did you continuously motive yourself? Did family members insist or did you have the determination?” he questioned, according to news agency ANI News. In response, Pereira stated that her mother has been an inspiration.</p>

Remona Evette Pereira was granted a ‘Certificate of Excellence’ by Manish Vishnoei, the head of the Golden Book of World Records. Vishnoei also praised Pereira for her groundbreaking achievement.

In a remarkable feat that has left the world in astonishment, 20-year-old Indian student Remona Evette Pereira made a headline after her remarkable 170-hour performance of Bharatanatyam, a classical Indian dance. She registered her spot in the ‘Golden Book of World Records.’ A video of her classical Indian dance surfaced on social media, which has taken the platform by storm, as netizens across the nation praised Pereira’s dedication to the arts. With this achievement, she has become the first person in the world to perform the classical Indian dance for such a duration.

<p>Remona Evette Pereira was granted a ‘Certificate of Excellence’ by Manish Vishnoei, the head of the Golden Book of World Records. Vishnoei also praised Pereira for her groundbreaking achievement.</p>

Who is Remona Evette Pereira? The ‘Golden Girl’ performed 'Bharatanatyam' non-stop for 7 days

<p>BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur has been acquitted in the 2008 Malegaon bomb blast case by a special court in Mumbai on Thursday (July 31). With her, the six other people who were accused in the case were also announced as acquitted. While giving the judgment, the court said the acquittal was due to a lack of credible evidence, not proof of innocence.The 55-year-old politician hails from India’s Madhya Pradesh and came into the limelight after stirring multiple controversies.</p><h2>‘Keep knives sharp’</h2><p>In December 2022, Thakur, while commenting on the murder of a Bajarang Dal activist in Shivamogga during a public speech in Karnataka, said, “Keep weapons in your homes. At least keep the knives used to cut vegetables sharp … Just like how knives cut the vegetables, it will also chop the mouth and heads.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The statement led her into a major row, and she was heavily criticised for trying to trigger communal violence.</p><h2>Objectionable comment on Hemant Karkare</h2><p>During the 2019 election in the country, Thakur stirred controversy after she compared Hemant Karkare, an Ashok Chakra awardee (the Highest honour in India for bravery) and former Maharashtra anti-terrorism squad (ATS) chief, with Ravan and Kans (antagonists in Hindu mythology). Karkare was killed during the 2008 Mumbai terror attack. Thakur commented on his death and said he was killed due to her curse for accusing her of involvement in the Malegaon bomb blast case.</p><h2>Called Godse a patriot</h2><p>In a debate on the Special Protection Group (Amendment) Bill, the DMK's A Raja was giving a reference to Nathuram Godse on why he killed Mahatma Gandhi. Thakur cut him in and said, “You cannot give the example of a deshbhakt.” The statement led her and her party into trouble, due to which the BJP removed her from the position of consultative committee on defence and did not let her participate in the parliamentary party meeting during the 2019 winter session of Parliament.</p><h2>‘Cow urine can cure Covid’</h2><p>While the whole world was facing the global pandemic due to COVID-19, Thakur said that our urine extract protects against coronavirus and lung infections. She said she consumed cow urine every day and did not require any vaccine or medicine.</p><h2>‘The face of Hindu terror’</h2><p>Thursday's ruling is a possible end to the 17-year-long trial for Thakur. Once labelled the face of 'Hindu terror,' she was accused of arranging manpower for the attack, while Lt Col Prasad Purohit was accused of supplying the explosives. The duo, along with five others.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

BJP MP Pragya Thakur was acquitted on July 31 in the 2008 Malegaon bomb blast case by a special court in Mumbai. The 55-year-old politician has long been in controversy due to her statement. She has also been accused of triggering communal violence multiple times.  

BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur has been acquitted in the 2008 Malegaon bomb blast case by a special court in Mumbai on Thursday (July 31). With her, the six other people who were accused in the case were also announced as acquitted. While giving the judgment, the court said the acquittal was due to a lack of credible evidence, not proof of innocence.The 55-year-old politician hails from India’s Madhya Pradesh and came into the limelight after stirring multiple controversies. ‘Keep knives sharp’ In December 2022, Thakur, while commenting on the murder of a Bajarang Dal activist in Shivamogga during a public speech in Karnataka, said, “Keep weapons in your homes. At least keep the knives used to cut vegetables sharp … Just like how knives cut the vegetables, it will also chop the mouth and heads.” The statement led her into a major row, and she was heavily criticised for trying to trigger communal violence. Objectionable comment on Hemant Karkare During the 2019 election in the country, Thakur stirred controversy after she compared Hemant Karkare, an Ashok Chakra awardee (the Highest honour in India for bravery) and former Maharashtra anti-terrorism squad (ATS) chief, with Ravan and Kans (antagonists in Hindu mythology). Karkare was killed during the 2008 Mumbai terror attack. Thakur commented on his death and said he was killed due to her curse for accusing her of involvement in the Malegaon bomb blast case. Called Godse a patriot In a debate on the Special Protection Group (Amendment) Bill, the DMK's A Raja was giving a reference to Nathuram Godse on why he killed Mahatma Gandhi. Thakur cut him in and said, “You cannot give the example of a deshbhakt.” The statement led her and her party into trouble, due to which the BJP removed her from the position of consultative committee on defence and did not let her participate in the parliamentary party meeting during the 2019 winter session of Parliament. ‘Cow urine can cure Covid’ While the whole world was facing the global pandemic due to COVID-19, Thakur said that our urine extract protects against coronavirus and lung infections. She said she consumed cow urine every day and did not require any vaccine or medicine. ‘The face of Hindu terror’ Thursday's ruling is a possible end to the 17-year-long trial for Thakur. Once labelled the face of 'Hindu terror,' she was accused of arranging manpower for the attack, while Lt Col Prasad Purohit was accused of supplying the explosives. The duo, along with five others.

<p>BJP MP Pragya Thakur was acquitted on July 31 in the 2008 Malegaon bomb blast case by a special court in Mumbai. The 55-year-old politician has long been in controversy due to her statement. She has also been accused of triggering communal violence multiple times. &nbsp;</p>

'Patriot' Godse, 'keep knives sharp': List of controversies around Pragya Thakur, acquitted in Malegaon bomb blast case

<p>India has stood firm in its trade negotiations with the US, prioritising its national interests and protecting domestic industries. This is probably what's frustrating President Donald Trump, who announced 25 per cent tariffs and additional penalties on India, citing trade gap, high tariffs as well as non-tariff barriers, and trade in arms and energy with Russia. An Indian team has been negotiating with the US counterparts for a trade deal - reportedy to be worth nearly $118 billion - to avert the tariffs, but the Trump deadline of August 1 is unlikely to be met. There are some crucial sectors of Indian economy on which Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government will not compromise. This is both to protect domestic industries, and to prevent political fallout and possible criticism of selling out to the US.&nbsp;</p><h2>India won't rush into a trade deal with US</h2><p>Addressing parliament on Thursday (July 31), Trade Minister Piyush Goyal said the government "will protect the interests of our farmers, small industries and entrepreneurs."</p><p>He said India will not rush into an agreement just to meet Trump's deadlines and will only accept a deal that aligns with its national interests.</p><h2>Protecting the Indian farmer: Agricultural sector safeguards are important for both Indian economy and politics</h2><p>India is keen to safeguard its farming sector, where the US has been seeking greater market access for products like maize, soybean and corn. Another issue of contention is genetically modified (GM) crops, which India has been resisting. More about it later. Allowing such imports in large amounts will hit domestic farmers as well as food security. In trade deals with other countries also, India has consistently avoided tariff concessions on major agricultural products. The thrust has always been on protecting millions of Indian small farmers in order to ensure food security.</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-s-tariffs-could-disrupt-118bn-in-india-us-trade-india-braces-for-25-tariff-hit-1753958648484/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-s-tariffs-could-disrupt-118bn-in-india-us-trade-india-braces-for-25-tariff-hit-1753958648484/embed</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>India has a red line on dairy sector</h2><p>Diary products are another 'non-negotiable red line' for India. India has refused to allow imports of US dairy products, including so-called 'non-vegetarian milk' (possibly from animals fed with certain kinds of feeds or hormones). India wants to protect its dairy farmers and make the domestic market stable. Not just the US, but India has not given duty concessions for dairy products in any of its free trade agreements.</p><h2>Genetically Modified (GM) Crops: A controversial territory</h2><p>GM crops have been a controversial topic in India for decades. India has explicitly rejected American demands to allow imports of GM crops, such as soybean and corn. It could hit Indian agriculture, and affect people's health.</p><h2>Non-Tariff Barriers and quality control orders</h2><p>Quality Control Orders are part of the ‘self-reliant India’ initiative, aimed at curbing low-quality imports and promoting domestic manufacturing. The US has raised concerns about QCOs. The other sticking point is NTFs, which block market access to several US products. India, for which both NTBs and QCOs as crucial for protecting its domestic industries, is unlikely to relax them.</p><h2>Energy Imports are about India's strategic autonomy</h2><p>In meeting its energy demands, India has been importing from countries the West sees as enemies, particularly Russia and Iran. But India is very clear that national interest will guide its energy purchases. These imports, such as petroleum from Russia, are cheaper for India. India has tied its energy trade with its strategic autonomy. This is not an area India can compromise.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>These positions align with India’s broader trade policy, which prioritises protecting domestic industries, ensuring food security, and maintaining a favourable trade balance.</p><p>India, meanwhile, remains open to offering concessions in other areas. This includes cuts in tariffs on automobiles and American whiskey, or duty concessions for textiles, leather, footwear, and auto parts.</p>

The Trump deadline of August 1 for a trade deal with India is unlikely to be met. There are some crucial sectors of Indian economy on which Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government will not compromise. Here is why

India has stood firm in its trade negotiations with the US, prioritising its national interests and protecting domestic industries. This is probably what's frustrating President Donald Trump, who announced 25 per cent tariffs and additional penalties on India, citing trade gap, high tariffs as well as non-tariff barriers, and trade in arms and energy with Russia. An Indian team has been negotiating with the US counterparts for a trade deal - reportedy to be worth nearly $118 billion - to avert the tariffs, but the Trump deadline of August 1 is unlikely to be met. There are some crucial sectors of Indian economy on which Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government will not compromise. This is both to protect domestic industries, and to prevent political fallout and possible criticism of selling out to the US. India won't rush into a trade deal with US Addressing parliament on Thursday (July 31), Trade Minister Piyush Goyal said the government "will protect the interests of our farmers, small industries and entrepreneurs." He said India will not rush into an agreement just to meet Trump's deadlines and will only accept a deal that aligns with its national interests. Protecting the Indian farmer: Agricultural sector safeguards are important for both Indian economy and politics India is keen to safeguard its farming sector, where the US has been seeking greater market access for products like maize, soybean and corn. Another issue of contention is genetically modified (GM) crops, which India has been resisting. More about it later. Allowing such imports in large amounts will hit domestic farmers as well as food security. In trade deals with other countries also, India has consistently avoided tariff concessions on major agricultural products. The thrust has always been on protecting millions of Indian small farmers in order to ensure food security. https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-s-tariffs-could-disrupt-118bn-in-india-us-trade-india-braces-for-25-tariff-hit-1753958648484/embed India has a red line on dairy sector Diary products are another 'non-negotiable red line' for India. India has refused to allow imports of US dairy products, including so-called 'non-vegetarian milk' (possibly from animals fed with certain kinds of feeds or hormones). India wants to protect its dairy farmers and make the domestic market stable. Not just the US, but India has not given duty concessions for dairy products in any of its free trade agreements. Genetically Modified (GM) Crops: A controversial territory GM crops have been a controversial topic in India for decades. India has explicitly rejected American demands to allow imports of GM crops, such as soybean and corn. It could hit Indian agriculture, and affect people's health. Non-Tariff Barriers and quality control orders Quality Control Orders are part of the ‘self-reliant India’ initiative, aimed at curbing low-quality imports and promoting domestic manufacturing. The US has raised concerns about QCOs. The other sticking point is NTFs, which block market access to several US products. India, for which both NTBs and QCOs as crucial for protecting its domestic industries, is unlikely to relax them. Energy Imports are about India's strategic autonomy In meeting its energy demands, India has been importing from countries the West sees as enemies, particularly Russia and Iran. But India is very clear that national interest will guide its energy purchases. These imports, such as petroleum from Russia, are cheaper for India. India has tied its energy trade with its strategic autonomy. This is not an area India can compromise. These positions align with India’s broader trade policy, which prioritises protecting domestic industries, ensuring food security, and maintaining a favourable trade balance. India, meanwhile, remains open to offering concessions in other areas. This includes cuts in tariffs on automobiles and American whiskey, or duty concessions for textiles, leather, footwear, and auto parts.

<p>The Trump deadline of August 1 for a trade deal with India is unlikely to be met. There are some crucial sectors of Indian economy on which Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government will not compromise. Here is why</p>

Why Modi will not compromise on trade deal with Trump. These sectors are crucial for Indian economy (and politics)

<p>Research has found that men born in the summer season are more likely to be depressed later in life. The revelation was made by scientists at the Kwantlen Polytechnic University in British Columbia, Canada. An international survey conducted by them found that men born in summer are at a higher risk of developing depression over the years as compared to men born in other seasons. Notably, this was only found to be true for men and not women. This is because of the environmental risk factors the mothers are exposed to throughout the year, which differ in various seasons. Gizmodo reported that the author of the study, Mikael Mokkonen, got the idea to study seasons and their effect on mental health from horoscopes. He told the publication that when someone asked him if he believed in horoscopes, he started "wondering if there could potentially be a biological basis for them, in terms of how a person’s birthday could be associated with physiological or mental features." Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/new-scare-unlocked-toothbrush-injury-triggers-stroke-and-deadly-infection-risk-in-japanese-man-1753871613046"><strong>New fear unlocked: Toothbrush injury triggers stroke and deadly infection risk in Japanese man</strong></a></p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/swedish-company-gives-masturbation-break-to-its-staff-1753760328714"><strong>'An apple a day...': A Swedish company gives 30-minute masturbation break to its staff. Here's why</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Seasons affect mood, does the birth season affect depression?</strong></h2><p>Mokkonen wanted to fill the gaps in the knowledge around one's birth timing and mental health, as hardly any research has been carried out on it. Scientists have long stated that seasons affect the mood. For example, lack of sunshine can make one depressed, thus triggering Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD. However, whether the season one is born affects mental health is not known. So Mokkonen and his team surveyed 303 adults online. Their age was noted, and the men were asked to fill in two questionnaires to assess their anxiety and depression levels. They noted that more men born in the summer season reported depression symptoms as compared to those born in other seasons. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/suspicious-wife-subjects-husband-to-lie-detector-test-worlds-most-jealous-woman-1753529304711"><strong>Suspicious wife subjects husband to lie detector test each time he comes home. 'When you've got...'</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Shortcomings of the study</strong></h2><p>Mokkonen thinks it all possibly boils down to "the environmental conditions of the mother during pregnancy." Things like temperature and sunlight vary across the year, possibly impacting the baby. However, the team asserts in the study published in the journal PLOS Mental Health that the survey only established a connection between the season of birth and depression, and didn't prove that the summer season was responsible for the mental health of men. Besides this shortcoming, the responses were recorded only for a short period of two months in 2024. This means it did not account for the variations and changes in the symptoms over a longer period. Also, most of the participants were college students, so the survey definitely did not take into account the full picture. The researchers plan to delve into other factors, like the mother’s diet and circulating hormone levels, to get a conclusive answer.<br>&nbsp;</p>

Men born in the summer season are more prone to developing depression later in life, according to a study. However, the same cannot be said for women. The survey noted the birth months of the participants and their mental health.

Research has found that men born in the summer season are more likely to be depressed later in life. The revelation was made by scientists at the Kwantlen Polytechnic University in British Columbia, Canada. An international survey conducted by them found that men born in summer are at a higher risk of developing depression over the years as compared to men born in other seasons. Notably, this was only found to be true for men and not women. This is because of the environmental risk factors the mothers are exposed to throughout the year, which differ in various seasons. Gizmodo reported that the author of the study, Mikael Mokkonen, got the idea to study seasons and their effect on mental health from horoscopes. He told the publication that when someone asked him if he believed in horoscopes, he started "wondering if there could potentially be a biological basis for them, in terms of how a person’s birthday could be associated with physiological or mental features." Also Read: New fear unlocked: Toothbrush injury triggers stroke and deadly infection risk in Japanese man Also Read: 'An apple a day...': A Swedish company gives 30-minute masturbation break to its staff. Here's why Seasons affect mood, does the birth season affect depression? Mokkonen wanted to fill the gaps in the knowledge around one's birth timing and mental health, as hardly any research has been carried out on it. Scientists have long stated that seasons affect the mood. For example, lack of sunshine can make one depressed, thus triggering Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD. However, whether the season one is born affects mental health is not known. So Mokkonen and his team surveyed 303 adults online. Their age was noted, and the men were asked to fill in two questionnaires to assess their anxiety and depression levels. They noted that more men born in the summer season reported depression symptoms as compared to those born in other seasons. Also Read: Suspicious wife subjects husband to lie detector test each time he comes home. 'When you've got...' Shortcomings of the study Mokkonen thinks it all possibly boils down to "the environmental conditions of the mother during pregnancy." Things like temperature and sunlight vary across the year, possibly impacting the baby. However, the team asserts in the study published in the journal PLOS Mental Health that the survey only established a connection between the season of birth and depression, and didn't prove that the summer season was responsible for the mental health of men. Besides this shortcoming, the responses were recorded only for a short period of two months in 2024. This means it did not account for the variations and changes in the symptoms over a longer period. Also, most of the participants were college students, so the survey definitely did not take into account the full picture. The researchers plan to delve into other factors, like the mother’s diet and circulating hormone levels, to get a conclusive answer.

<p>Men born in the summer season are more prone to developing depression later in life, according to a study. However, the same cannot be said for women. The survey noted the birth months of the participants and their mental health.</p>

Summer boys more prone to becoming depressed later in life

<p>Australia launched its first domestically built rocket, Eris, on Wednesday (Jul 30). However, the spacecraft, which was set to attempt to reach orbit, crashed 14 seconds after its liftoff from a spaceport near Bowen in northern Queensland. The rocket was developed by Gilmour Space Technologies and was the first Australian-designed and manufactured orbital launch vehicle intended to carry small satellites into space.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In footage shared by the space company online, the 23-metre-high rocket can be seen as it attempts its first flight from the launch tower, marking the first attempt at an orbital launch from Australia in over 50 years. As the rocket lifted off, it failed to launch successfully and hovered briefly before crashing down. Thick smoke and enormous flames can be seen erupting from its wreckage at the launch base. No injuries were reported in the incident.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Liftoff completed, launch tower cleared, stage 1 tested. <br>Awesome result for a first test launch. <a href="https://t.co/EYbNbGDz3l">pic.twitter.com/EYbNbGDz3l</a></p>&mdash; Gilmour Space (@GilmourSpace) <a href="https://twitter.com/GilmourSpace/status/1950395515721711703?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>Despite the rocket crashing, CEO Adam Gilmour expressed satisfaction with the successful launch at the launchpad, saying, “Space is hard.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“SpaceX, Rocket Lab and others needed multiple test flights to reach orbit. We've learned a tremendous amount that will go directly into improving our next vehicle, which is already in production,” he added.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In a post on Facebook, the company called the launch a “success”, noting that all four hybrid engines ignited. The rocket achieved 23 seconds of engine burn and 14 seconds of flight on its debut launch.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Earlier, Gilmour Space Technologies had scheduled launches in May and then earlier this month. However, both were postponed due to weather conditions and technical issues.</p><p>“Getting off the pad and into flight is a huge step forward for any new rocket program. This was the first real test of our rocket systems, our propulsion technology, and our spaceport — and it proved that much of what we've built works,” Gilmour said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“Of course I would have liked more flight time but happy with this,” he posted on LinkedIn. Earlier in February, the CEO highlighted that it was “almost unheard of” for a private space company to be successful in reaching orbit in its first flight attempt.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The company had earlier suggested that it would deem the mission as successful if the rocket lifted off. In a statement, it said that the launch site infrastructure “remained intact.”</p><p>Describing the launch as a “huge achievement”, Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins said, “This is an important first step towards the giant leap of a future commercial space industry right here in our region.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Earlier this month, the federal government granted AU$5 million ($3.2 million) to Gilmour Space Technologies, a privately funded firm, to support the development of the Eris rocket. In 2023, the government granted a AU$52 million ($35 million) funding agreement for space innovation and commercialisation in Australia.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>According to NASASpaceFlight, there have been hundreds of suborbital launches, but only two successful orbital missions from its territory.<br>&nbsp;</p>

Despite the rocket crashing, CEO Adam Gilmour expressed satisfaction with the successful launch at the launchpad, saying, “Space is hard.”

Australia launched its first domestically built rocket, Eris, on Wednesday (Jul 30). However, the spacecraft, which was set to attempt to reach orbit, crashed 14 seconds after its liftoff from a spaceport near Bowen in northern Queensland. The rocket was developed by Gilmour Space Technologies and was the first Australian-designed and manufactured orbital launch vehicle intended to carry small satellites into space. In footage shared by the space company online, the 23-metre-high rocket can be seen as it attempts its first flight from the launch tower, marking the first attempt at an orbital launch from Australia in over 50 years. As the rocket lifted off, it failed to launch successfully and hovered briefly before crashing down. Thick smoke and enormous flames can be seen erupting from its wreckage at the launch base. No injuries were reported in the incident.

<p>Despite the rocket crashing, CEO Adam Gilmour expressed satisfaction with the successful launch at the launchpad, saying, “Space is hard.”</p>

WATCH | Australia’s first domestically made rocket crashes 14 seconds after liftoff

Every 1st of the month, several changes are made and implemented with major rules. This time, along with the US tariff, several financial rules are set to come into force that will impact the pocket of the common man.

From UPI to LPG: 8 major rules to change from August 1—Know which will hit your pocket the most?

<p>Mark Zuckerberg has once again sparked outrage from locals of Hawaii by adding roughly 962 acres to his private property in the north shore of Kauai, also known as “Koolau Ranch”. It all started in 2014, when Billionaire Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg purchased roughly 700 acres of property near Kilauea. Over the years, the property doubled in size to 1400 acres, and now, after the recent acquisition, it roughly stands at 2300 acres, spreading across roughly 3.6 square miles, equivalent to the size of two football fields. Experts estimate the value to be at $65 million.&nbsp;</p><p>This recent acquisition has raised an alert among the natives of Hawaii. "If our island has any hope of remaining Hawaii, this kind of activity has got to stop," said Puali'i Rossi, a professor of Native Hawaiian studies and quoted by Wired, "Eventually Hawaiʻi isn't going to look like Hawaiʻi anymore — it's going to look like a resort community."&nbsp;</p><p>The massive plot has two mansions connected by a hidden tunnel. The mansions spread across 57,000 square ft. living space with plans of 30 bedrooms and 30 bathrooms, guest houses, treehouses, a gym, tennis court, sauna, cold plunge, and more. Then there is a 5,000 square feet of underground sanctuary with blast-resistant doors, escape hatches, water, food and energy systems. Some say it is built for a post-apocalyptic scenario like a social collapse, climate shock or nuclear war. A former contractor bluntly says, “It’s fight club. We don’t talk about Fight Club.” Some were reportedly fired for posting or talking about the project. Thus, the compound achieved a mythical status.&nbsp;</p><p>According to a report by Wired, 37 billionaires collectively own 218,000 acres of land on the island, which is more than one tenth of the Island. The most controversial part is that Zuckerberg's estate sits atop a burial ground where at least two of the cultural practitioner Julian Ako’s ancestors were laid to rest. Even though Acko, after much back and forth with Mark, managed to get those lands fenced and registered with the state, according to the oral history of the native tribe, there are more ancestral remains in the ground. Community members worry that workers who find these remains will not be able to come out due to the NDA and thus silencing their discoveries. In 2025, the disparity between haves and have-nots is huge. According to a Bloomberg report, the richest people in the world, with their super-yachts and private jets, are living a high-carbon lifestyle. According to a report by Oxfam, the world's 50 richest billionaires account for more carbon pollution every two hours than the average person does in their lifetime. Mark Zuckerberg's team have formally expanded their submission to include agricultural and conservation plans, with less than one per cent being developed. But the debate persists as the local identity and access to traditional “ʻĀina” is quietly being taken away.</p>

Mark Zuckerberg is drawing flak from the natives of Hawaii with his increased ownership of land and extravagant mansion on the island. The native Hawaiians are facing an identity dysphoria with decreased access to their traditional “ʻĀina”. 

Mark Zuckerberg has once again sparked outrage from locals of Hawaii by adding roughly 962 acres to his private property in the north shore of Kauai, also known as “Koolau Ranch”. It all started in 2014, when Billionaire Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg purchased roughly 700 acres of property near Kilauea. Over the years, the property doubled in size to 1400 acres, and now, after the recent acquisition, it roughly stands at 2300 acres, spreading across roughly 3.6 square miles, equivalent to the size of two football fields. Experts estimate the value to be at $65 million. This recent acquisition has raised an alert among the natives of Hawaii. "If our island has any hope of remaining Hawaii, this kind of activity has got to stop," said Puali'i Rossi, a professor of Native Hawaiian studies and quoted by Wired, "Eventually Hawaiʻi isn't going to look like Hawaiʻi anymore — it's going to look like a resort community." The massive plot has two mansions connected by a hidden tunnel. The mansions spread across 57,000 square ft. living space with plans of 30 bedrooms and 30 bathrooms, guest houses, treehouses, a gym, tennis court, sauna, cold plunge, and more. Then there is a 5,000 square feet of underground sanctuary with blast-resistant doors, escape hatches, water, food and energy systems. Some say it is built for a post-apocalyptic scenario like a social collapse, climate shock or nuclear war. A former contractor bluntly says, “It’s fight club. We don’t talk about Fight Club.” Some were reportedly fired for posting or talking about the project. Thus, the compound achieved a mythical status. According to a report by Wired, 37 billionaires collectively own 218,000 acres of land on the island, which is more than one tenth of the Island. The most controversial part is that Zuckerberg's estate sits atop a burial ground where at least two of the cultural practitioner Julian Ako’s ancestors were laid to rest. Even though Acko, after much back and forth with Mark, managed to get those lands fenced and registered with the state, according to the oral history of the native tribe, there are more ancestral remains in the ground. Community members worry that workers who find these remains will not be able to come out due to the NDA and thus silencing their discoveries. In 2025, the disparity between haves and have-nots is huge. According to a Bloomberg report, the richest people in the world, with their super-yachts and private jets, are living a high-carbon lifestyle. According to a report by Oxfam, the world's 50 richest billionaires account for more carbon pollution every two hours than the average person does in their lifetime. Mark Zuckerberg's team have formally expanded their submission to include agricultural and conservation plans, with less than one per cent being developed. But the debate persists as the local identity and access to traditional “ʻĀina” is quietly being taken away.

<p>Mark Zuckerberg is drawing flak from the natives of Hawaii with his increased ownership of land and extravagant mansion on the island. The native Hawaiians are facing an identity dysphoria with decreased access to their traditional “Āina”.&nbsp;</p>

'Eventually Hawaii is going to look like a resort community': Mark Zuckerberg sparks outrage over land acquisition

<p>The 2008 Malegaon blast case, in which all seven accused were acquitted on Thursday (July 31), was one of the longest terror trials in India. Among the accused was Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, a woman ascetic who, a decade after the case, went on to become a parliamentarian from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The blast drew extra attention because a woman was among the accused in a so-called cases of 'saffron terror', a reference to Hindutva organisations allegedly involved in violence.</p><p>The 2008 blast during Ramzan and ahead of Navratri in the Malegaon town of the western Maharashtra state killed six people and injured nearly 100. It became an instance of alleged Hindu terror.</p><p>After the National Investigation Agency (NIA) declared the verdict on Thursday, the 55-year-old Thakur said 'saffron has won today', implying that the Hindutva ideology of which she is an adherent was on trial, not just her.</p><h2>'Was branded as terrorist for being a sanyasi': Pragya Thakur breaks down in court</h2><p>At the NIA court in Mumbai, Pragya said she was "branded a terrorist for being a sanyasi" or ascetic. She painted her court ordeal of nearly two decades as a spiritual struggle. "It was Bhagwan [God] who fought this case for me.”<br>“I haven’t won, Saffron has. Whoever called Bhagwa [saffron] a terrorist, God will never forgive them,” she added.</p><h2>Why was Pragya an accused in Malegaon blast? What the court said in verdict</h2><p>The reason why Pragya Thakur got caught up in the case was an allegation that the bike in which the bomb was planted belonged to her. But in its verdict, the NIA court said there was no evidence to show Pragya was the owner of the LML Freedom bike allegedly used in the attack.</p><p>The judge noted that although the blast was proven to have taken place, the prosecution failed to link the explosives to the bike supposedly owned by Thakur: "The motorbike's chassis number was wiped out and engine number is in doubt," it said.</p><p>It cited key gaps in evidence, including inconsistencies in chargesheets, lack of link between the bomb and the recovered motorcycle, mishandled evidence, and no proof the bike was registered in Pragya’s name.&nbsp;</p><p>The court said the acquittal was due to lack of credible evidence, not proof of innocence.</p><h2>Pragya Thakur's 17-year court trial over Malegaon blast: ‘The face of Hindu terror’&nbsp;</h2><p>Thursday's ruling is a possible end to the 17-year-long trial for Thakur. Once labelled the face of 'Hindu terror,' &nbsp;she was accused of arranging manpower for the attack, while Lt Col Prasad Purohit was accused of supplying the explosives. The duo, along with five others, were acquitted on Thursday.</p><h2>'Ruined my whole life': Pragya was arrested, allegedly tortured</h2><p>After the verdict, Pragya told the judge: "I said this from the very beginning that if people are called for investigation, there should be a basis behind that. I was called, arrested and tortured. This ruined my whole life.&nbsp;<br>"I was living a sage's life, but I was made an accused, and no one was willing to stand beside us," she said, adding she is alive because she is an ascetic.</p><h2>The love for bike-riding that became the bane for Pragya Thakur</h2><p>Pragya was known to ride bikes in her younger years. And it was a bike at the centre of the blast case that led to her arrest on 23 October 2008. The bike used in the blast was found with tampered chassis and engine numbers. The forensic investigators allegedly restored the engine number and linked it to Thakur, leading to her arrest.</p><p>Thakur has claimed that she was tortured in custody. Her claims were probed in 2014 by the National Human Rights Commission, which found no supporting evidence.&nbsp;</p><h2>Pragya Thakur remained controversial in spite of being Malegaon blast accused</h2><p>Born on 2 February 1970, Pragya has been a firebrand leader of the BJP and controversial for her statements. She continued her activism even as she was fighting the court case against her.</p><p>She is known for making caustic remarks. In 2019, she made headlines for claiming that Hemant Karkare, the Mumbai Anti-Terror Squad chief who died in the 26/11 terror attacks of 2008, was killed due to her curse. "I said, 'tera sarvanash hoga' [ your ruin will come]. Just after a month, terrorists killed him."&nbsp;</p><p>But she retracted the comment amid criticism, &nbsp;and called Karkare a ‘martyr’.</p><h2>Pragya Thakur won the election despite Malegaon blast case</h2><p>Despite the controversies associated with the Malegaon blast case, she contested general elections and was elected to Parliament in 2019, defeating veteran Congress leader Digvijaya Singh.</p><p>She continued to make public outbursts, including a praise of Nathuram Godse - the assassin of India's founding father Mahatma Gandhi - &nbsp;as &nbsp;a "patriot,". This prompted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to respond, saying he would 'never forgive those who insult' Gandhi.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

The Malegaon blast drew extra attention because Pragya Thakur was a rare instance of a woman becoming an accused in a so-called 'saffron terror' case.

The 2008 Malegaon blast case, in which all seven accused were acquitted on Thursday (July 31), was one of the longest terror trials in India. Among the accused was Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, a woman ascetic who, a decade after the case, went on to become a parliamentarian from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The blast drew extra attention because a woman was among the accused in a so-called cases of 'saffron terror', a reference to Hindutva organisations allegedly involved in violence. The 2008 blast during Ramzan and ahead of Navratri in the Malegaon town of the western Maharashtra state killed six people and injured nearly 100. It became an instance of alleged Hindu terror. After the National Investigation Agency (NIA) declared the verdict on Thursday, the 55-year-old Thakur said 'saffron has won today', implying that the Hindutva ideology of which she is an adherent was on trial, not just her. 'Was branded as terrorist for being a sanyasi': Pragya Thakur breaks down in court At the NIA court in Mumbai, Pragya said she was "branded a terrorist for being a sanyasi" or ascetic. She painted her court ordeal of nearly two decades as a spiritual struggle. "It was Bhagwan [God] who fought this case for me.” “I haven’t won, Saffron has. Whoever called Bhagwa [saffron] a terrorist, God will never forgive them,” she added. Why was Pragya an accused in Malegaon blast? What the court said in verdict The reason why Pragya Thakur got caught up in the case was an allegation that the bike in which the bomb was planted belonged to her. But in its verdict, the NIA court said there was no evidence to show Pragya was the owner of the LML Freedom bike allegedly used in the attack. The judge noted that although the blast was proven to have taken place, the prosecution failed to link the explosives to the bike supposedly owned by Thakur: "The motorbike's chassis number was wiped out and engine number is in doubt," it said. It cited key gaps in evidence, including inconsistencies in chargesheets, lack of link between the bomb and the recovered motorcycle, mishandled evidence, and no proof the bike was registered in Pragya’s name. The court said the acquittal was due to lack of credible evidence, not proof of innocence. Pragya Thakur's 17-year court trial over Malegaon blast: ‘The face of Hindu terror’ Thursday's ruling is a possible end to the 17-year-long trial for Thakur. Once labelled the face of 'Hindu terror,' she was accused of arranging manpower for the attack, while Lt Col Prasad Purohit was accused of supplying the explosives. The duo, along with five others, were acquitted on Thursday. 'Ruined my whole life': Pragya was arrested, allegedly tortured After the verdict, Pragya told the judge: "I said this from the very beginning that if people are called for investigation, there should be a basis behind that. I was called, arrested and tortured. This ruined my whole life. "I was living a sage's life, but I was made an accused, and no one was willing to stand beside us," she said, adding she is alive because she is an ascetic. The love for bike-riding that became the bane for Pragya Thakur Pragya was known to ride bikes in her younger years. And it was a bike at the centre of the blast case that led to her arrest on 23 October 2008. The bike used in the blast was found with tampered chassis and engine numbers. The forensic investigators allegedly restored the engine number and linked it to Thakur, leading to her arrest. Thakur has claimed that she was tortured in custody. Her claims were probed in 2014 by the National Human Rights Commission, which found no supporting evidence. Pragya Thakur remained controversial in spite of being Malegaon blast accused Born on 2 February 1970, Pragya has been a firebrand leader of the BJP and controversial for her statements. She continued her activism even as she was fighting the court case against her. She is known for making caustic remarks. In 2019, she made headlines for claiming that Hemant Karkare, the Mumbai Anti-Terror Squad chief who died in the 26/11 terror attacks of 2008, was killed due to her curse. "I said, 'tera sarvanash hoga' [ your ruin will come]. Just after a month, terrorists killed him." But she retracted the comment amid criticism, and called Karkare a ‘martyr’. Pragya Thakur won the election despite Malegaon blast case Despite the controversies associated with the Malegaon blast case, she contested general elections and was elected to Parliament in 2019, defeating veteran Congress leader Digvijaya Singh. She continued to make public outbursts, including a praise of Nathuram Godse - the assassin of India's founding father Mahatma Gandhi - as a "patriot,". This prompted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to respond, saying he would 'never forgive those who insult' Gandhi.

<p>The Malegaon blast drew extra attention because Pragya Thakur was a rare instance of a woman becoming an accused in a so-called 'saffron terror' case.</p>

'Saffron won today': How Sadhvi Pragya Thakur, acquitted in Malegaon blast, went from 'sanyasi to being branded terrorist'

<p>Are you one of those who feeds pigeons on streets or public places? Well, this could land you in trouble with the law. The Bombay High Court on Wednesday came down heavily on people who feed pigeons, saying that the act is a public nuisance and presents a health hazard. &nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"Such acts would, in our unhesitating view, constitute a public nuisance and are likely to spread diseases and endanger human life,” read the court order.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>A division bench of Justices G S Kulkarni and Arif Doctor, while hearing a petition by animal rights activists, Pallavi Patil, Sneha Visaria, and Savita Mahajan, directed Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to lodge FIRs against people feeding pigeons at Dadar (West) and other kabootarkhanas (feeding areas).</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The court was peeved on how feeding of pigeons have continued despite the policy prohibiting the same and HC refusing interim relief for feeding in its earlier orders.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"This is now compounded with an emerging situation of utter disregard for law, by those who defiantly continue to feed pigeons in the teeth of our earlier order rejecting pleas supporting any such feeding and congregation of pigeons and now obstruction to civic officials from discharging their duties in this regard," observed the court while passing the order.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The bench highlighted the risk of infections and other health complications that the residents living in such areas could encounter due to the dense bird congregation.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The court had earlier this month stopped the BMC from demolishing any heritage 'kabutarkhanas' (pigeon feeding spots) in the metropolis, but denied permission for feeding pigeons.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The case arose from a petition filed by animal enthusiasts challenging the BMC’s demolition of kabutarkhanas. It was argued that the move &nbsp;violated the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>However, the court rejected the plea and observed, “The safety and predominance of human health cannot be compromised due to such unchecked and unlawful congregation of pigeons."</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

The court was peeved on how feeding of pigeons have continued despite the policy prohibiting the same and HC refusing interim relief for feeding in its earlier orders.

Are you one of those who feeds pigeons on streets or public places? Well, this could land you in trouble with the law. The Bombay High Court on Wednesday came down heavily on people who feed pigeons, saying that the act is a public nuisance and presents a health hazard. "Such acts would, in our unhesitating view, constitute a public nuisance and are likely to spread diseases and endanger human life,” read the court order. A division bench of Justices G S Kulkarni and Arif Doctor, while hearing a petition by animal rights activists, Pallavi Patil, Sneha Visaria, and Savita Mahajan, directed Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to lodge FIRs against people feeding pigeons at Dadar (West) and other kabootarkhanas (feeding areas). The court was peeved on how feeding of pigeons have continued despite the policy prohibiting the same and HC refusing interim relief for feeding in its earlier orders. "This is now compounded with an emerging situation of utter disregard for law, by those who defiantly continue to feed pigeons in the teeth of our earlier order rejecting pleas supporting any such feeding and congregation of pigeons and now obstruction to civic officials from discharging their duties in this regard," observed the court while passing the order. The bench highlighted the risk of infections and other health complications that the residents living in such areas could encounter due to the dense bird congregation. The court had earlier this month stopped the BMC from demolishing any heritage 'kabutarkhanas' (pigeon feeding spots) in the metropolis, but denied permission for feeding pigeons. The case arose from a petition filed by animal enthusiasts challenging the BMC’s demolition of kabutarkhanas. It was argued that the move violated the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. However, the court rejected the plea and observed, “The safety and predominance of human health cannot be compromised due to such unchecked and unlawful congregation of pigeons."

<p>The court was peeved on how feeding of pigeons have continued despite the policy prohibiting the same and HC refusing interim relief for feeding in its earlier orders.</p>

Feeding pigeons could land you in jail in India, what the Mumbai court said

<p>Archaeologists have discovered Harappan remains in Jaisalmer near the Pakistan border. This is the first time that artefacts from the 4,500-year-old civilisation have been found in the Thar desert. The items were dug up in Ratadia Ri Deri, and the discovery proves that the Harappa civilisation was not limited to areas previously thought of, and expanded its geographical footprint to the deserts of Rajasthan. The team comprised a researcher from the Department of History and Indian Culture at Rajasthan University, a historian, professors and local contributors. It has submitted its findings to for publication in the Indian Journal of Science and has confirmed that the findings belong to the Harappa civilisation. The artefacts uncovered include different types of handmade pottery, bangles, bricks, stone mills, a furnace and remains of ancient walls. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/mysterious-symbols-believed-to-be-ancient-warning-from-ancestors-surface-on-hawaii-beach-1753940009753"><strong>Mysterious symbols believed to be 'ancient warning from ancestors' surface on Hawaii beach</strong></a></p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/110-years-after-maski-inscription-4-000-year-old-human-settlement-found-in-karnataka-town-1752742129490"><strong>110 years after Maski inscription, 4,000-year-old human settlement found in Karnataka town</strong></a></p><h2><strong>First such discovery in Thar desert</strong></h2><p>Talking about the discovery, Dilip Kumar Saini of the university said, "This is a significant find in the context of Rajasthan’s desert archaeology." He added that seeing Harappan remains in such a remote, sandy terrain suggests "a previously unknown settlement that endured the harsh conditions of the Thar desert." The team unearthed red and wheat-coloured pottery, bowls, pitchers, cups, and perforated jars at the site. There was also handmade pottery decorated with geometric patterns. One of the artefacts, eight to 10 centimetre-long blades, was made using chert stone, believed to have been sourced from Rohri in present-day Pakistan. Earlier this year, the site in Ratadia Ri Deri threw up some artefacts that appeared to be from the Harappa civilisation. Pradeep Kumar Garg, a local teacher, reported findings to the Save Our Heritage Foundation. A team paid a visit to the area and confirmed the findings. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/scientists-can-t-figure-out-why-glaciers-in-world-s-most-dangerous-region-karakoram-range-are-growing-1753261712617"><strong>Scientists don't know why glaciers in world's most dangerous region are growing</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Harappan construction style in Jaisalmer</strong></h2><p>Bangles converted from clay and conch shells were also among the several things found here. Standard rectangular bricks, associated with Harappan urban planning were the clear clue about the civilisation being present in Jaisalmer once upon a time. A furnace structure with a central column was discovered, similar to those found at Kanmer (Gujarat) and Mohenjo-Daro (Pakistan). The walls at the site showed that the people lived in architecturally well-planned houses. Historian Parth Jagani stated that it is a historic finding, considering Harappan footprints had never been found in the deserts of Rajasthan. "This is the first Harappan urban settlement discovered in the desert region between North Rajasthan and Gujarat. Its proximity to the Pakistan border adds another layer of historical significance," he said.<br>&nbsp;</p>

Harappan remains have been discovered in Jaisalmer near the Pakistan border. It is a significant finding since archaeologists say the civilisation had not been previously known to live in the harsh terrain of Rajasthan.

Archaeologists have discovered Harappan remains in Jaisalmer near the Pakistan border. This is the first time that artefacts from the 4,500-year-old civilisation have been found in the Thar desert. The items were dug up in Ratadia Ri Deri, and the discovery proves that the Harappa civilisation was not limited to areas previously thought of, and expanded its geographical footprint to the deserts of Rajasthan. The team comprised a researcher from the Department of History and Indian Culture at Rajasthan University, a historian, professors and local contributors. It has submitted its findings to for publication in the Indian Journal of Science and has confirmed that the findings belong to the Harappa civilisation. The artefacts uncovered include different types of handmade pottery, bangles, bricks, stone mills, a furnace and remains of ancient walls. Also Read: Mysterious symbols believed to be 'ancient warning from ancestors' surface on Hawaii beach Also Read: 110 years after Maski inscription, 4,000-year-old human settlement found in Karnataka town First such discovery in Thar desert Talking about the discovery, Dilip Kumar Saini of the university said, "This is a significant find in the context of Rajasthan’s desert archaeology." He added that seeing Harappan remains in such a remote, sandy terrain suggests "a previously unknown settlement that endured the harsh conditions of the Thar desert." The team unearthed red and wheat-coloured pottery, bowls, pitchers, cups, and perforated jars at the site. There was also handmade pottery decorated with geometric patterns. One of the artefacts, eight to 10 centimetre-long blades, was made using chert stone, believed to have been sourced from Rohri in present-day Pakistan. Earlier this year, the site in Ratadia Ri Deri threw up some artefacts that appeared to be from the Harappa civilisation. Pradeep Kumar Garg, a local teacher, reported findings to the Save Our Heritage Foundation. A team paid a visit to the area and confirmed the findings. Also Read: Scientists don't know why glaciers in world's most dangerous region are growing Harappan construction style in Jaisalmer Bangles converted from clay and conch shells were also among the several things found here. Standard rectangular bricks, associated with Harappan urban planning were the clear clue about the civilisation being present in Jaisalmer once upon a time. A furnace structure with a central column was discovered, similar to those found at Kanmer (Gujarat) and Mohenjo-Daro (Pakistan). The walls at the site showed that the people lived in architecturally well-planned houses. Historian Parth Jagani stated that it is a historic finding, considering Harappan footprints had never been found in the deserts of Rajasthan. "This is the first Harappan urban settlement discovered in the desert region between North Rajasthan and Gujarat. Its proximity to the Pakistan border adds another layer of historical significance," he said.

<p>Harappan remains have been discovered in Jaisalmer near the Pakistan border. It is a significant finding since archaeologists say the civilisation had not been previously known to live in the harsh terrain of Rajasthan.</p>

Unknown Harappan settlement discovered in Thar desert for the first time

<p>An Indian court on Thursday (July 31) acquitted all seven accused in Malegaon blast case, one of India's longest terror trials. The Natinonal Investigation Agency (NIA) court said the families of all six victims of the 2008 blast in will be given Rs 200,000 each, and all injured victims will be given Rs 50,000 as compensation.</p><h2>About the Malegaon blast case&nbsp;</h2><p>The blast took place in the Malegaon town in Nashik district of the western state of Maharashtra on 29 September 2008. The accused include former parliamentarian Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Lt Col Shrikant Prasad Purohit.</p><h2>What the NIA court said about the Malegaon blast&nbsp;</h2><p>The NIA court said that while the prosecution proved that a blast occurred in Malegaon, it failed to prove that a bomb was placed in a motorcycle. The court concluded that the injured people were not 101 but 95, and there was manipulation in some medical certificates.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>It also noted that the ‘Abhinav Bharat’ organisation was used as a common reference by the prosecution, even as there was no evidence that the funds of this Hindu organiastion was used for terror activities.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>There is no evidence of storing or assembling the explosives in Shrikant Prasad Purohit's residence, the court said. &nbsp;The court also noted that no sketch of the spot was done by the investigation officer and no fingerprint, dump data or anything else was collected for the spot.</p><p>The samples were contaminated, so the reports can’t be conclusive and are not reliable, it added.&nbsp;</p><p>The bike allegedly involved in the blast did not have a clear chassis number and prosecution could not prove that it was in Sadhvi Pragya’s possession immediately before the blast, said the court.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>Why the Malegaon blast case is unique: One of the longest terror cases with large amount of evidence shared</h2><p>The Malegaon blast was one of the cases touted as ‘Hindu terror’ by a section of the Indian media. It is one of the most complex and politically sensitive terror trials in recent memory.</p><p>In the nearly two decades of the case, more than 10,800 exhibits were submitted,<br>and 404 articles were seized and tagged as evidence.<br>The NIA court examined 323 prosecution witnesses and eight defence witnesses.<br>Nearly 40 witnesses turned hostile, including some key ones linked to the early Anti-terror Squad (ATS) probe.<br>The trial was heard by five different NIA judges.<br>The prosecution submitted its final written arguments in three volumes, totalling more than 1,300 pages, in April 2025.&nbsp;</p><p>Both sides were allowed rebuttals, and the verdict was reserved on April 19 before the rulding on Thursday.</p>

The Malegaon blast was one of the cases touted as ‘Hindu terror’ by a section of the Indian media. It is one of the most complex and politically sensitive terror trials in recent memory.

An Indian court on Thursday (July 31) acquitted all seven accused in Malegaon blast case, one of India's longest terror trials. The Natinonal Investigation Agency (NIA) court said the families of all six victims of the 2008 blast in will be given Rs 200,000 each, and all injured victims will be given Rs 50,000 as compensation. About the Malegaon blast case The blast took place in the Malegaon town in Nashik district of the western state of Maharashtra on 29 September 2008. The accused include former parliamentarian Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Lt Col Shrikant Prasad Purohit. What the NIA court said about the Malegaon blast The NIA court said that while the prosecution proved that a blast occurred in Malegaon, it failed to prove that a bomb was placed in a motorcycle. The court concluded that the injured people were not 101 but 95, and there was manipulation in some medical certificates. It also noted that the ‘Abhinav Bharat’ organisation was used as a common reference by the prosecution, even as there was no evidence that the funds of this Hindu organiastion was used for terror activities. There is no evidence of storing or assembling the explosives in Shrikant Prasad Purohit's residence, the court said. The court also noted that no sketch of the spot was done by the investigation officer and no fingerprint, dump data or anything else was collected for the spot. The samples were contaminated, so the reports can’t be conclusive and are not reliable, it added. The bike allegedly involved in the blast did not have a clear chassis number and prosecution could not prove that it was in Sadhvi Pragya’s possession immediately before the blast, said the court. Why the Malegaon blast case is unique: One of the longest terror cases with large amount of evidence shared The Malegaon blast was one of the cases touted as ‘Hindu terror’ by a section of the Indian media. It is one of the most complex and politically sensitive terror trials in recent memory. In the nearly two decades of the case, more than 10,800 exhibits were submitted, and 404 articles were seized and tagged as evidence. The NIA court examined 323 prosecution witnesses and eight defence witnesses. Nearly 40 witnesses turned hostile, including some key ones linked to the early Anti-terror Squad (ATS) probe. The trial was heard by five different NIA judges. The prosecution submitted its final written arguments in three volumes, totalling more than 1,300 pages, in April 2025. Both sides were allowed rebuttals, and the verdict was reserved on April 19 before the rulding on Thursday.

<p>The Malegaon blast was one of the cases touted as ‘Hindu terror’ by a section of the Indian media. It is one of the most complex and politically sensitive terror trials in recent memory.</p>

Why the Malegaon blast case, one of India's longest terror trials, is unique

<p>Days before the Russian earthquake, ominous signs and symbols from over 1,000 years ago appeared on a Hawaii beach. They had not been seen for a decade, and native Hawaiians say their reemergence from the sea is a sign of things to come. According to them, the series of 26 petroglyphs, dating back to between 1000 and 1400 AD, is an ancient warning. The symbols became visible around July 23 when the tide along the shoreline of Pōkaʻī Bay receded. The signs show human-like stick figures, which are believed to be simple depictions of events that occurred thousands of years ago. But Native Hawaiians say they are a warning from their ancestors about disasters caused by climate change. Mail Online quoted Native Hawaiian cultural practitioner Glen Kila as saying, "It's telling the community that the ocean is rising." The 26 carvings made on rock surfaces appeared on the island of Oahu. This is the first time since 2016 that all of them are fully visible. The ancient warning signs showed up seven days before a massive earthquake struck Russia. It triggered a tsunami warning for Hawaii, as well. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/russia-earthquake-fake-old-and-unrelated-videos-have-spread-on-social-media-1753848738021"><strong>Russia earthquake: No, the tsunami has not left Beluga Whales stranded</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Ocean water washes away sand and moss from the rock carvings in Hawaii</strong></h2><p>These symbols are normally covered with sand and moss. But every year between May and November, the ocean water clears the rocks, revealing some of the ancient symbols. Eighteen of them are simple stick figures showcasing human-like forms. Eight of them supposedly show male genitalia. The entire collection stretches about 115 feet. Tourists can clearly see the symbols during low tide. Scientists are still not clear about what these symbols mean. They could be linked to certain historical and spiritual events. The date of creation is also not fully known. Kila says the petroglyphs were likely created by an early Polynesian settlement in Waianae over 1,000 years ago. However, Laura Gilda, an archaeologist, thinks they are only 600 years old. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/hawaii-tsunami-warning-cruise-ships-leave-nearly-600-passengers-behind-following-russia-earthquake-1753873614284"><strong>Hawaii tsunami warning: Cruise ships sail off leaving 600 passengers behind following 8.7 magnitude Russia earthquake</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Ancient symbols on Hawaii beach a warning sign?</strong></h2><p>Kila thinks the figures are telling a religious or ceremonial story. She decoded the largest petroglyph figure that shows one hand with fingers raised and the other pointing down, based on the teachings of native Hawaiians. She told Associated Press that this symbol depicts the rising and setting of the sun. It could be "an interpretation of Maui, the demigod, Maui," Kila told AP in 2017. Meanwhile, people can't help but link the reappearance of these figures with the earthquake that struck the Kamchatka Peninsula on Wednesday (30 July). The tremors shook the Pacific and sent tsunami waves to Japan, Hawaii and the Russian coast. Meanwhile, Native Hawaiians believe this could be a warning sign that more natural disasters are coming.</p>

Twenty-six ancient symbols along the shoreline of Pōkaʻī Bay on the island of Oahu have reappeared after nearly 10 years. Native Hawaiians believe they are a warning sign from their ancestors about natural disasters due to rising oceans. 

Days before the Russian earthquake, ominous signs and symbols from over 1,000 years ago appeared on a Hawaii beach. They had not been seen for a decade, and native Hawaiians say their reemergence from the sea is a sign of things to come. According to them, the series of 26 petroglyphs, dating back to between 1000 and 1400 AD, is an ancient warning. The symbols became visible around July 23 when the tide along the shoreline of Pōkaʻī Bay receded. The signs show human-like stick figures, which are believed to be simple depictions of events that occurred thousands of years ago. But Native Hawaiians say they are a warning from their ancestors about disasters caused by climate change. Mail Online quoted Native Hawaiian cultural practitioner Glen Kila as saying, "It's telling the community that the ocean is rising." The 26 carvings made on rock surfaces appeared on the island of Oahu. This is the first time since 2016 that all of them are fully visible. The ancient warning signs showed up seven days before a massive earthquake struck Russia. It triggered a tsunami warning for Hawaii, as well. Also Read: Russia earthquake: No, the tsunami has not left Beluga Whales stranded Ocean water washes away sand and moss from the rock carvings in Hawaii These symbols are normally covered with sand and moss. But every year between May and November, the ocean water clears the rocks, revealing some of the ancient symbols. Eighteen of them are simple stick figures showcasing human-like forms. Eight of them supposedly show male genitalia. The entire collection stretches about 115 feet. Tourists can clearly see the symbols during low tide. Scientists are still not clear about what these symbols mean. They could be linked to certain historical and spiritual events. The date of creation is also not fully known. Kila says the petroglyphs were likely created by an early Polynesian settlement in Waianae over 1,000 years ago. However, Laura Gilda, an archaeologist, thinks they are only 600 years old. Also Read: Hawaii tsunami warning: Cruise ships sail off leaving 600 passengers behind following 8.7 magnitude Russia earthquake Ancient symbols on Hawaii beach a warning sign? Kila thinks the figures are telling a religious or ceremonial story. She decoded the largest petroglyph figure that shows one hand with fingers raised and the other pointing down, based on the teachings of native Hawaiians. She told Associated Press that this symbol depicts the rising and setting of the sun. It could be "an interpretation of Maui, the demigod, Maui," Kila told AP in 2017. Meanwhile, people can't help but link the reappearance of these figures with the earthquake that struck the Kamchatka Peninsula on Wednesday (30 July). The tremors shook the Pacific and sent tsunami waves to Japan, Hawaii and the Russian coast. Meanwhile, Native Hawaiians believe this could be a warning sign that more natural disasters are coming.

<p>Twenty-six ancient symbols along the shoreline of Pōkaʻī Bay on the island of Oahu have reappeared after nearly 10 years. Native Hawaiians believe they are a warning sign from their ancestors about natural disasters due to rising oceans.&nbsp;</p>

Mysterious symbols believed to be 'ancient warning from ancestors' surface on Hawaii beach

<p>The interstellar object racing towards the inner solar system has intrigued astronomers around the world. Harvard scientist Avi Loeb thinks that it could be an object sent by aliens to study Earth and the entire star system. This theory has been panned by critics who say it is highly unlikely that it is a spacecraft sent by an intelligent alien civilisation. Loeb's theory has triggered panic among some people who think Earth is under threat of an alien attack. Now, Loeb has come up with another idea about the 3I/ATLAS, putting forward the idea that a spacecraft already zooming through the region near Jupiter could take a closer look at this interstellar object. In a paper yet to be peer reviewed, he suggests that NASA's Juno, launched in 2011 to study Jupiter, could intercept the object. He also has the exact date this could happen - March 14, 2026. He says if Juno accelerates by 2.6 kilometres per second on September 14, 2025, it could come face to face with 3I/ATLAS. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/avi-loeb-says-interstellar-object-3i-atlas-is-alien-spacecraft-3-reasons-why-he-thinks-so-1753349149598"><strong>Expert says interstellar object 3I/ATLAS is alien spacecraft: 3 reasons why he thinks so</strong></a></p><h2><strong>How Juno can study the interstellar object</strong></h2><p>However, scientists say this meeting is scientifically not possible because the object is cruising at an astounding speed of 60 kilometres per second. However, what Juno can do is use its scientific instruments to "probe the nature of 3I/ATLAS from a close distance," Loeb stated. "The close encounter of 3I/ATLAS to Jupiter provides a rare opportunity to shift Juno from its current orbit around Jupiter to intercept the path of 3I/ATLAS at its closest approach to Jupiter," he wrote in a blog post about his plan to learn more about the cosmic object. Another problem with using Juno to study the mysterious visitor is how much fuel it has left after being in space for 14 years. However, Loeb thinks it is possible to "rejuvenate Juno’s mission and extend its scientific lifespan beyond" and unravel the interstellar object. This move could make it clear if it indeed is an alien probe, as proposed by Loeb. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/unexplainable-radio-signal-defying-laws-of-universe-beams-every-14-minutes-and-70-minutes-1753413568947"><strong>Unexplainable radio signal defying laws of universe has no clear source. 'It is a unicorn'</strong></a></p><h2><strong>About the interstellar object 3I/ATLAS</strong></h2><p>Scientists are scrambling to gather as much information about the object as possible before it reaches its closest point to the Sun. The Vera C. Rubin Observatory, housing the world's largest telescope, has revealed its massive size. It is around 11 kilometres wide, making it the largest of the three objects from outer space spotted inside the solar system. The majority of scientists agree that it is a comet. Its coma, that is the cloud of ice, dust, and gas around it is approximately 24 kilometres across. Vera C. Rubin observed the object even before it was unveiled to the world, revealing that its solid nucleus is surrounded by large amounts of dust and water ice. It has also been dated as being three to 11 billion years old, around the same time the Milky Way originated, making it older than Earth and even the solar system.<br>&nbsp;</p>

An intruder from outer space is zooming through our solar system, and a spacecraft launched to study Jupiter can provide crucial clues about it, according to Harvard scientist Avi Loeb. He earlier proposed that it could be a spacecraft sent to inspect Earth.

The interstellar object racing towards the inner solar system has intrigued astronomers around the world. Harvard scientist Avi Loeb thinks that it could be an object sent by aliens to study Earth and the entire star system. This theory has been panned by critics who say it is highly unlikely that it is a spacecraft sent by an intelligent alien civilisation. Loeb's theory has triggered panic among some people who think Earth is under threat of an alien attack. Now, Loeb has come up with another idea about the 3I/ATLAS, putting forward the idea that a spacecraft already zooming through the region near Jupiter could take a closer look at this interstellar object. In a paper yet to be peer reviewed, he suggests that NASA's Juno, launched in 2011 to study Jupiter, could intercept the object. He also has the exact date this could happen - March 14, 2026. He says if Juno accelerates by 2.6 kilometres per second on September 14, 2025, it could come face to face with 3I/ATLAS. Also Read: Expert says interstellar object 3I/ATLAS is alien spacecraft: 3 reasons why he thinks so How Juno can study the interstellar object However, scientists say this meeting is scientifically not possible because the object is cruising at an astounding speed of 60 kilometres per second. However, what Juno can do is use its scientific instruments to "probe the nature of 3I/ATLAS from a close distance," Loeb stated. "The close encounter of 3I/ATLAS to Jupiter provides a rare opportunity to shift Juno from its current orbit around Jupiter to intercept the path of 3I/ATLAS at its closest approach to Jupiter," he wrote in a blog post about his plan to learn more about the cosmic object. Another problem with using Juno to study the mysterious visitor is how much fuel it has left after being in space for 14 years. However, Loeb thinks it is possible to "rejuvenate Juno’s mission and extend its scientific lifespan beyond" and unravel the interstellar object. This move could make it clear if it indeed is an alien probe, as proposed by Loeb. Also Read: Unexplainable radio signal defying laws of universe has no clear source. 'It is a unicorn' About the interstellar object 3I/ATLAS Scientists are scrambling to gather as much information about the object as possible before it reaches its closest point to the Sun. The Vera C. Rubin Observatory, housing the world's largest telescope, has revealed its massive size. It is around 11 kilometres wide, making it the largest of the three objects from outer space spotted inside the solar system. The majority of scientists agree that it is a comet. Its coma, that is the cloud of ice, dust, and gas around it is approximately 24 kilometres across. Vera C. Rubin observed the object even before it was unveiled to the world, revealing that its solid nucleus is surrounded by large amounts of dust and water ice. It has also been dated as being three to 11 billion years old, around the same time the Milky Way originated, making it older than Earth and even the solar system.

<p>An intruder from outer space is zooming through our solar system, and a spacecraft launched to study Jupiter can provide crucial clues about it, according to Harvard scientist Avi Loeb. He earlier proposed that it could be a spacecraft sent to inspect Earth.</p>

Scientist says 14-year-old spacecraft hovering over Jupiter can encounter 'alien ship' on THIS date

<p>The 8.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Russia's far eastern Kamchatka Peninsula on Wednesday morning could have caused damage to the country's nuclear submarine base. Although Moscow has assured that everything is fine in the region, experts think that the base was too close to the epicentre to have escaped scot free. This submarine base is located dangerously close to the epicentre. The Avacha Bay, which has some of the Russian Navy's most strategic nuclear assets, is only 120 kilometres from the point of origin of the massive quake. The Rybachiy submarine base within the Avacha Bay houses the modern Borei and Borei-A class nuclear ballistic missile submarines. Russia has not reported any serious injuries or damage from the earthquake. However, online videos show infrastructural damage in Kamchatka, with collapsed buildings and flooded ports. Roads also went under, and a kindergarten crumbled in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy, leaving several people injured. Oleg Melnikov, the regional health minister, said some people sustained minor injuries because of the tremors and the ensuing panic. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/hawaii-tsunami-warning-cruise-ships-leave-nearly-600-passengers-behind-following-russia-earthquake-1753873614284"><strong>Hawaii tsunami warning: Cruise ships sail off leaving 600 passengers behind following 8.7 magnitude Russia earthquake</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Different missile submarines sit at the bay miles from the Russian earthquake epicentre</strong></h2><p>Military experts are trying to go through satellite images to see which submarines were stationed at the base at the time the earthquake struck. They are worried that the massive quake could have caused destruction to these nuclear submarines, despite what Russia says. The Avacha Bay also houses the most advanced Yasen-M and Oscar-class guided missile submarines (SSGNs). Experts think the tremors and the tsunami could have damaged these vehicles if they reached their moorings and flooded them in some way with the water entering the hatches. This could have especially occurred if the submarines were undergoing maintenance work at the bay. However, a retired Russian Navy officer wrote on X that there was no information on "critical damage to the Russian Navy's naval bases in Kamchatka." He added that these bases are designed to withstand a nuclear attack, which means they are highly resilient. The earthquake in Kamchatka was the strongest one recorded in the world since the 2011 Great Japan Earthquake. The resulting tsunami also brought massive destruction, with nearly 20,000 people reported to have been killed. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/russia-earthquake-8-8-and-japan-tsunami-ryo-tatsuki-july-prediction-1753842991629"><strong>'Ryo Tatsuki was right': 8.7 earthquake in Russia sets social media abuzz with Japan's Baba Vanga's prophecy</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Action taken to avoid a repeat of 2004 and 2011</strong></h2><p>The tremors also triggered tsunami warnings for Japan, Hawaii and Alaska. Oahu's north shore was hit by five-foot tsunami waves, while tsunami warnings were issued from California to Oregon. In Japan, nearly two million people were evacuated from coastal areas. The earthquake was the biggest one recorded in Kamchatka since 1952. The tsunamis that struck the Indian Ocean in 2004 and Japan in 2011 were triggered by similarly large earthquakes. To avoid fatalities, all affected areas quickly acted and evacuated people, moving them to higher ground.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p>

Experts are worried that the 8.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Russia's far eastern Kamchatka Peninsula on Wednesday could have damaged the nuclear submarines housed at the bases that are too close to the epicentre. However, Russia maintains that everything is fine in the country.

The 8.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Russia's far eastern Kamchatka Peninsula on Wednesday morning could have caused damage to the country's nuclear submarine base. Although Moscow has assured that everything is fine in the region, experts think that the base was too close to the epicentre to have escaped scot free. This submarine base is located dangerously close to the epicentre. The Avacha Bay, which has some of the Russian Navy's most strategic nuclear assets, is only 120 kilometres from the point of origin of the massive quake. The Rybachiy submarine base within the Avacha Bay houses the modern Borei and Borei-A class nuclear ballistic missile submarines. Russia has not reported any serious injuries or damage from the earthquake. However, online videos show infrastructural damage in Kamchatka, with collapsed buildings and flooded ports. Roads also went under, and a kindergarten crumbled in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy, leaving several people injured. Oleg Melnikov, the regional health minister, said some people sustained minor injuries because of the tremors and the ensuing panic. Also Read: Hawaii tsunami warning: Cruise ships sail off leaving 600 passengers behind following 8.7 magnitude Russia earthquake Different missile submarines sit at the bay miles from the Russian earthquake epicentre Military experts are trying to go through satellite images to see which submarines were stationed at the base at the time the earthquake struck. They are worried that the massive quake could have caused destruction to these nuclear submarines, despite what Russia says. The Avacha Bay also houses the most advanced Yasen-M and Oscar-class guided missile submarines (SSGNs). Experts think the tremors and the tsunami could have damaged these vehicles if they reached their moorings and flooded them in some way with the water entering the hatches. This could have especially occurred if the submarines were undergoing maintenance work at the bay. However, a retired Russian Navy officer wrote on X that there was no information on "critical damage to the Russian Navy's naval bases in Kamchatka." He added that these bases are designed to withstand a nuclear attack, which means they are highly resilient. The earthquake in Kamchatka was the strongest one recorded in the world since the 2011 Great Japan Earthquake. The resulting tsunami also brought massive destruction, with nearly 20,000 people reported to have been killed. Also Read: 'Ryo Tatsuki was right': 8.7 earthquake in Russia sets social media abuzz with Japan's Baba Vanga's prophecy Action taken to avoid a repeat of 2004 and 2011 The tremors also triggered tsunami warnings for Japan, Hawaii and Alaska. Oahu's north shore was hit by five-foot tsunami waves, while tsunami warnings were issued from California to Oregon. In Japan, nearly two million people were evacuated from coastal areas. The earthquake was the biggest one recorded in Kamchatka since 1952. The tsunamis that struck the Indian Ocean in 2004 and Japan in 2011 were triggered by similarly large earthquakes. To avoid fatalities, all affected areas quickly acted and evacuated people, moving them to higher ground.

<p>Experts are worried that the 8.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Russia's far eastern Kamchatka Peninsula on Wednesday could have damaged the nuclear submarines housed at the base that are too close to the epicentre. However, Russia maintains that everything is fine in the country.</p>

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