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<p>Experts think that Venezuela was not struck by two major earthquakes on Wednesday, but it was actually a single temblor. According to the US Geological Survey, what the country witnessed was a rare phenomenon called a "doublet", &nbsp;where two major earthquakes struck back-to-back. However, scientists say that an analysis in the coming days could show that it was one large earthquake and not a duo. Judith Hubbard, an earthquake scientist at Cornell University, said that as seismologists piece together what happened in Venezuela on June 24, "they may not have a conclusive idea of whether it was one earthquake or two earthquakes," according to CNN.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Double earthquakes are more destructive as both release the same amount of energy. When aftershocks are much weaker than the primary earthquake, it is defined as a single earthquake. Doublets are not rare since Venezuela was slammed by 6.2- and 6.3-magnitude earthquakes in September 2025, according to USGS.&nbsp;</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-catastrophic-twin-earthquakes-death-toll-climbs-to-235-frantic-rescue-efforts-continue-as-aid-starts-flowing-in-1782437012174"><strong>Venezuela twin earthquakes: Death toll climbs to 235; frantic rescue efforts continue as aid starts flowing in</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Venezuela was shaken by a 7.2-magnitude earthquake first, followed by a 7.5-magnitude quake 39 seconds later. While it was detected as two separate earthquakes on seismometers, people in the region would have felt it as one big one, Judith says.</p><h2><strong>A larger pulse within the first one&nbsp;</strong></h2><p>"A magnitude 7.2 earthquake, like the first one, would take about 30 or 40 seconds to finish," she told NPR, adding that defining a break between that one and the next one is a little unclear. She says that people's accounts show that they felt "one very large earthquake." Hubbard added that an earthquake measuring 7.5 doesn't happen all at once. It starts at one location, propagates along the fault, and ruptures different parts as it moves. "In Venezuela’s case, the first pulse, responsible for the 7.2 quake, could have triggered a domino effect of pulses that turned into the larger sequel," Hubbard says.</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-google-warned-venezuela-of-an-earthquake-using-android-phones-as-seismometers-1782390584722"><strong>How Google warned Venezuela of an earthquake using Android phones as seismometers</strong></a><br>&nbsp;</p><p>Experts say that what could have happened in the case of Venezuela is that the second and bigger earthquake was triggered while the first one was still actively shaking. It was like a "double rupture". So when the first quake was shaking the ground, triggering chaos, an even larger fracture ripped open on the fault. The larger pulse happened inside the shaking of the first one, making it really hard to see in the current data, Hubbard said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>https://www.wionews.com/videos/venezuela-disaster-235-dead-1-500-injured-world-sends-rescue-teams-aid-1782444425158/embed</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>If it were a single earthquake, its magnitude likely stood at 7.6, according to Hubbard. It is hard to tell the difference between these two fault orientations and slip directions until more data is available, she added.</p><h2><strong>Aftershock warning for Venezuela</strong></h2><p>Meanwhile, the USGS has warned that one aftershock of about magnitude 6.5 could occur in the region in the coming days or weeks. It can even be a bigger one, possibly larger than magnitude 7.5, although the chances are low. The death toll from the twin quakes has risen to 235, with 4,300 reported injured.&nbsp;</p>

The twin earthquakes in Venezuela could actually have been one large temblor instead of two separate ones, experts say. As the fault ruptured, several pulses were triggered, and the domino effect likely led to a bigger pulse, the 7.5 quake.

Experts think that Venezuela was not struck by two major earthquakes on Wednesday, but it was actually a single temblor. According to the US Geological Survey, what the country witnessed was a rare phenomenon called a "doublet", where two major earthquakes struck back-to-back. However, scientists say that an analysis in the coming days could show that it was one large earthquake and not a duo. Judith Hubbard, an earthquake scientist at Cornell University, said that as seismologists piece together what happened in Venezuela on June 24, "they may not have a conclusive idea of whether it was one earthquake or two earthquakes," according to CNN. Double earthquakes are more destructive as both release the same amount of energy. When aftershocks are much weaker than the primary earthquake, it is defined as a single earthquake. Doublets are not rare since Venezuela was slammed by 6.2- and 6.3-magnitude earthquakes in September 2025, according to USGS. Also Read: Venezuela twin earthquakes: Death toll climbs to 235; frantic rescue efforts continue as aid starts flowing in Venezuela was shaken by a 7.2-magnitude earthquake first, followed by a 7.5-magnitude quake 39 seconds later. While it was detected as two separate earthquakes on seismometers, people in the region would have felt it as one big one, Judith says. A larger pulse within the first one "A magnitude 7.2 earthquake, like the first one, would take about 30 or 40 seconds to finish," she told NPR, adding that defining a break between that one and the next one is a little unclear. She says that people's accounts show that they felt "one very large earthquake." Hubbard added that an earthquake measuring 7.5 doesn't happen all at once. It starts at one location, propagates along the fault, and ruptures different parts as it moves. "In Venezuela’s case, the first pulse, responsible for the 7.2 quake, could have triggered a domino effect of pulses that turned into the larger sequel," Hubbard says. Also Read: How Google warned Venezuela of an earthquake using Android phones as seismometers Experts say that what could have happened in the case of Venezuela is that the second and bigger earthquake was triggered while the first one was still actively shaking. It was like a "double rupture". So when the first quake was shaking the ground, triggering chaos, an even larger fracture ripped open on the fault. The larger pulse happened inside the shaking of the first one, making it really hard to see in the current data, Hubbard said. https://www.wionews.com/videos/venezuela-disaster-235-dead-1-500-injured-world-sends-rescue-teams-aid-1782444425158/embed If it were a single earthquake, its magnitude likely stood at 7.6, according to Hubbard. It is hard to tell the difference between these two fault orientations and slip directions until more data is available, she added. Aftershock warning for Venezuela Meanwhile, the USGS has warned that one aftershock of about magnitude 6.5 could occur in the region in the coming days or weeks. It can even be a bigger one, possibly larger than magnitude 7.5, although the chances are low. The death toll from the twin quakes has risen to 235, with 4,300 reported injured.

<p>The twin earthquakes in Venezuela could actually have been one large temblor instead of two separate ones, experts say. As the fault ruptured, several pulses were triggered, and the domino effect likely led to a bigger pulse, the 7.5 quake.</p>

Venezuela earthquake update: Was the 'doublet' a single Big One? Experts think it was

<p>White House described Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei as a "weirdo" during discussions held over the export ban on “Mythos” and “Fable” bots, according to a report from Wired. He has been replaced by co-founder Tom Brown in the crucial talks, with Sarah Heck, the company’s public policy chief, also present. "Tom Brown is not being a weirdo like Dario and can actually engage," the source told the outlet. The Trump administration slapped strict foreign export controls over Anthropic regarding its new AI systems “Mythos” and “Fable", citing national security issues. The order came just three days after the bots were launched. Anthropic pulled the models entirely on June 12.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>According to the report, officials were having a hard time talking to Amodei, who was being difficult and didn’t listen to the concerns. Sources told Wired that Anthropic and the White House have had multiple calls over the export ban, and they have been going well ever since Amodei was replaced.</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ai-at-g7-trusted-partners-plan-being-discussed-amid-us-export-ban-on-anthropic-s-ai-models-1781671577777"><strong>AI at G7: 'Trusted partners' plan being discussed amid US export ban on Anthropic's AI models</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Anthropic's latest AI bots exposed sensitivities in critical systems</strong></h2><p>"Mythos” and “Fable" faced immediate foreign blocking after Amazon CEO Andy Jassy warned that they have evidence that their safety guardrails can be bypassed. This happened after Anthropic partnered with major firms to test Mythos and Fable under Project Glasswing, following claims that they were too powerful and could trigger doomsday. Reports suggest that the National Security Agency found during testing that Mythos identified vulnerabilities in highly secure government systems within hours.</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/company-ends-up-spending-rs-4-800-crore-on-claude-ai-in-a-month-because-of-a-tiny-oversight-1780048597729"><strong>Company accidentally blows away Rs 4,800 crore on Claude AI in a month because of a tiny oversight</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Even though the talks are going well, it is unclear whether the export ban would be lifted. The White House is particularly seeking built-in guardrails in Mythos and Fable that cannot be jailbroken, amid concerns that they can facilitate complex cyberattacks. Amodei flew to Washington DC to alleviate all concerns, saying they were overblown and hindered critical cybersecurity defence efforts. The company argues that just because the bots flagged the sensitivities in the system did not mean they could exploit them.</p><h2><strong>European Union raises concerns about ban on Anthropic's AI systems</strong></h2><p>At the G7 Summit, the European Union raised concerns about the ban and called for a "trusted partners" plan, as part of which selective access is granted to advanced AI models from US firms such as Anthropic. The diplomats argued that certain companies and countries should be given access to American AI tools not open to export to strengthen cybersecurity defences against rivals.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The feud between the White House and Anthropic started after Amodei refused the Pentagon's request for unchecked access to Anthropic's AI bots during contract negotiations. The company demanded limits on their use in mass surveillance and weaponry.</p>

White House thinks Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei is a "weirdo" as he refused to listen and was being difficult during recent conversations, according to a report. An export ban has been placed on Mythos and Fable, its latest AI models. 

White House described Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei as a "weirdo" during discussions held over the export ban on “Mythos” and “Fable” bots, according to a report from Wired. He has been replaced by co-founder Tom Brown in the crucial talks, with Sarah Heck, the company’s public policy chief, also present. "Tom Brown is not being a weirdo like Dario and can actually engage," the source told the outlet. The Trump administration slapped strict foreign export controls over Anthropic regarding its new AI systems “Mythos” and “Fable", citing national security issues. The order came just three days after the bots were launched. Anthropic pulled the models entirely on June 12. According to the report, officials were having a hard time talking to Amodei, who was being difficult and didn’t listen to the concerns. Sources told Wired that Anthropic and the White House have had multiple calls over the export ban, and they have been going well ever since Amodei was replaced. Also Read: AI at G7: 'Trusted partners' plan being discussed amid US export ban on Anthropic's AI models Anthropic's latest AI bots exposed sensitivities in critical systems "Mythos” and “Fable" faced immediate foreign blocking after Amazon CEO Andy Jassy warned that they have evidence that their safety guardrails can be bypassed. This happened after Anthropic partnered with major firms to test Mythos and Fable under Project Glasswing, following claims that they were too powerful and could trigger doomsday. Reports suggest that the National Security Agency found during testing that Mythos identified vulnerabilities in highly secure government systems within hours. Also Read: Company accidentally blows away Rs 4,800 crore on Claude AI in a month because of a tiny oversight Even though the talks are going well, it is unclear whether the export ban would be lifted. The White House is particularly seeking built-in guardrails in Mythos and Fable that cannot be jailbroken, amid concerns that they can facilitate complex cyberattacks. Amodei flew to Washington DC to alleviate all concerns, saying they were overblown and hindered critical cybersecurity defence efforts. The company argues that just because the bots flagged the sensitivities in the system did not mean they could exploit them. European Union raises concerns about ban on Anthropic's AI systems At the G7 Summit, the European Union raised concerns about the ban and called for a "trusted partners" plan, as part of which selective access is granted to advanced AI models from US firms such as Anthropic. The diplomats argued that certain companies and countries should be given access to American AI tools not open to export to strengthen cybersecurity defences against rivals. The feud between the White House and Anthropic started after Amodei refused the Pentagon's request for unchecked access to Anthropic's AI bots during contract negotiations. The company demanded limits on their use in mass surveillance and weaponry.

<p>White House thinks Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei is a "weirdo" as he refused to listen and was being difficult during recent conversations, according to a report. An export ban has been placed on Mythos and Fable, its latest AI models.&nbsp;</p>

Anthropic CEO Amodei a 'weirdo', says White House, as Tom Brown replaces him for crucial talks

<p>A Russian military commander has threatened Russian President Vladimir Putin with an armed uprising if the Kremlin does not come clean about the war in Ukraine. In a startling video that quickly went viral online, Alexander Lunin, a 39-year-old former commander of a Russian volunteer battalion in occupied Ukraine, threatened that the army would "turn its weapons against the Kremlin".</p><h2><strong>Russian army threatens Putin with armed rebellion &nbsp;</strong></h2><p>In an Instagram video posted on Thursday, Lunin directly addressed the Russian president and warned of "very serious consequences" if his demands were ignored. He claimed that unnamed military officials and members of the security services had asked him to deliver a message to Putin. According to him, they wanted a face-to-face meeting at the Kremlin, with a live broadcast so the country could hear the "truth" about what is happening on the battlefield.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-cards-except-terror-russia-unleashes-one-of-war-s-biggest-attack-on-ukraine-fires-656-drones-73-missiles-in-overnight-barrage-1780390396538"><strong>'No cards except terror': Russia unleashes one of war's biggest attacks on Ukraine; fires 656 drones, 73 missiles in overnight barrage</strong></a></p><p>"If in the near future I do not come to the Kremlin and speak live next to you, the army will turn its weapons against the Kremlin," he ominously said in the video. The clip has since drawn wide attention, with one version reportedly receiving more than 200,000 likes.</p>

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<p>The remarks are highly unusual in a country where criticism of the war is tightly controlled, and dissent inside the military is rarely seen in public.</p><p>Lunin, who reportedly led a Russian volunteer battalion in occupied Ukraine until last year, said he was removed after refusing orders. In comments to the independent outlet Agentstvo, he claimed that defence officials visited his home in the Voronezh region after noticing he was posting soldiers' complaints from the front on social media.</p><h2><strong>Russian military exhausted by ‘meat grinder’ of war</strong></h2><p>In the video and in later remarks quoted by independent Russian media, Lunin said military personnel were exhausted by what he described as the "meat grinder" of the war. He claimed many soldiers were angry over battlefield losses, poor treatment and punishment for refusing what he called "suicidal orders".</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-bans-aviation-fuel-exports-till-november-as-ukraine-strikes-hit-energy-infrastructure-india-imports-1780378655817"><strong>Russia bans aviation fuel exports till November as Ukraine strikes hit energy infrastructure</strong></a></p><p>"No one wants bloodshed," he said, quoting the message he claimed was passed to him. "Just make clear to the president that there will be total chaos here if this continues."</p><h2><strong>'This is not a bluff'</strong></h2><p>In another post on Telegram, Lunin insisted that he was not bluffing. He said any harm to him or his family should be seen as a "signal" for an uprising.</p>

<p>He also stressed that he was not positioning himself as the leader of any revolt, but only passing on a warning from people inside the system who, according to him, can no longer be ignored. "I’m sending a message, nothing more. I’m not the leader of the uprising. They came to me for one simple reason: because I can’t be bought, because the president heard me".</p><p> </p>

In a rare public challenge to the Kremlin, an ex-Russian commander has warned that exhausted troops would 'turn the weapons' on President Vladimir Putin if concerns over the Ukraine war continue to be ignored. Watch the video here.

A Russian military commander has threatened Russian President Vladimir Putin with an armed uprising if the Kremlin does not come clean about the war in Ukraine. In a startling video that quickly went viral online, Alexander Lunin, a 39-year-old former commander of a Russian volunteer battalion in occupied Ukraine, threatened that the army would "turn its weapons against the Kremlin". Russian army threatens Putin with armed rebellion In an Instagram video posted on Thursday, Lunin directly addressed the Russian president and warned of "very serious consequences" if his demands were ignored. He claimed that unnamed military officials and members of the security services had asked him to deliver a message to Putin. According to him, they wanted a face-to-face meeting at the Kremlin, with a live broadcast so the country could hear the "truth" about what is happening on the battlefield. Also read | 'No cards except terror': Russia unleashes one of war's biggest attacks on Ukraine; fires 656 drones, 73 missiles in overnight barrage "If in the near future I do not come to the Kremlin and speak live next to you, the army will turn its weapons against the Kremlin," he ominously said in the video. The clip has since drawn wide attention, with one version reportedly receiving more than 200,000 likes.

<p>In a rare public challenge to the Kremlin, an ex-Russian commander has warned that exhausted troops would 'turn the weapons' on President Vladimir Putin if concerns over the Ukraine war continue to be ignored. Watch the video here.</p>

'This is not a bluff': Putin facing mutiny? Russian commander warns army would 'turn guns on Kremlin' unless... | WATCH

<p>As Unted states gears up to celebrate two and a half centuries of its Independence, about 77 per cent of Americans believe the country's founders would be disappointed with the state of the United States today, according to a Gallup poll released this week as the nation prepares to mark its 250th anniversary.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The survey found that only 19 per cent of respondents believe the signers of the Declaration of Independence would be pleased with how the country has developed. Gallup said the latest result is the most pessimistic since it began asking the question in 1999.</p><h2>Political and generational divide emerges</h2><p>Republicans were slightly more optimistic than Democrats and Independents, although positive views remained low across all political groups. About 25 per cent of Republicans said the founders would be pleased with the country's direction, compared with 21 per cent of Independents and 13 per cent of Democrats.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The poll also highlighted differences across age groups. Only 8 per cent of respondents aged 18 to 34 said the United States has succeeded a great deal in achieving its founding ideals, compared with 24 per cent among the oldest respondents.</p><h2>On the brighter side</h2><p>Despite the widespread belief that the founders would be disappointed, many Americans still think the country has made meaningful progress toward its founding principles.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Twenty per cent said the United States has succeeded a great deal in living up to those ideals, while 49 per cent said it has achieved a fair amount of success.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>However, these figures remain below earlier levels. During the country's bicentennial in 1976, 77 per cent of Americans said the United States had succeeded a fair amount or a great deal in achieving its founding ideals. That figure rose to 84 per cent in 2002 following the September 11 attacks.</p>

Only 19 per cent said the nation's founders would be pleased with the country's progress, while just 8 per cent of those aged 18 to 34 believe the US has greatly achieved its founding ideals.

As Unted states gears up to celebrate two and a half centuries of its Independence, about 77 per cent of Americans believe the country's founders would be disappointed with the state of the United States today, according to a Gallup poll released this week as the nation prepares to mark its 250th anniversary. The survey found that only 19 per cent of respondents believe the signers of the Declaration of Independence would be pleased with how the country has developed. Gallup said the latest result is the most pessimistic since it began asking the question in 1999. Political and generational divide emerges Republicans were slightly more optimistic than Democrats and Independents, although positive views remained low across all political groups. About 25 per cent of Republicans said the founders would be pleased with the country's direction, compared with 21 per cent of Independents and 13 per cent of Democrats. The poll also highlighted differences across age groups. Only 8 per cent of respondents aged 18 to 34 said the United States has succeeded a great deal in achieving its founding ideals, compared with 24 per cent among the oldest respondents. On the brighter side Despite the widespread belief that the founders would be disappointed, many Americans still think the country has made meaningful progress toward its founding principles. Twenty per cent said the United States has succeeded a great deal in living up to those ideals, while 49 per cent said it has achieved a fair amount of success. However, these figures remain below earlier levels. During the country's bicentennial in 1976, 77 per cent of Americans said the United States had succeeded a fair amount or a great deal in achieving its founding ideals. That figure rose to 84 per cent in 2002 following the September 11 attacks.

<p>Only 19 per cent said the nation's founders would be pleased with the country's progress, while just 8 per cent of those aged 18 to 34 believe the US has greatly achieved its founding ideals.</p>

As US turns 250, 77% say nation's founders would be disappointed with how the country has turned out: Gallup poll

<p>The Caspian Sea, which sits on the boundary of Asia and Europe, is shrinking, according to a study. Published in the journal Earth’s Future, the peer-reviewed study states that it has been receding since the 1990s. The blame can be pinned on humans and climate change. The Caspian Sea spans 371,000 square km, nearly the size of Japan and borders five countries - Russia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan. The researchers attribute the reason for its diminishing size to the lack of river inflow, especially from Russia’s Volga River, EarthSky reported.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Led by Jesse Duku of UC Irvine, the team of researchers studied satellite observations, river flow records and climate data to learn about the stresses. The data shows that while evaporation from the sea surface has increased, precipitation has remained largely the same since the early 1990s. However, this contributes only about 40 per cent to the problem. The biggest reason is the low flow of water from Russia’s Volga River. It has been the biggest supplier of freshwater to the Caspian Sea. But now this has changed. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/sea-ice-twice-the-size-of-rajasthan-goes-missing-from-antarctica-in-winter-1781702114417"><strong>Sea ice twice the size of Rajasthan goes missing from Antarctica in winter</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Five major rivers feeding the Caspian Sea</strong></h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Ural, Kura, Terek and Atrek are the other four major rivers that drain into the Caspian Sea. The study shows that the inflow of all five of them registered a massive dip between 1991 and 2020. The northern region has witnessed the biggest fall as it is naturally shallow. It has lost a total of 5.5 per cent of its surface area, and projections show that the levels will dip 26 to 46 feet by 2100. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/wave-as-intense-as-7-magnitude-earthquake-bounced-off-earth-s-core-and-shifted-japan-1781858221826"><strong>Single wave as intense as 7-magnitude earthquake bounced off Earth's core and shifted Japan</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Scientists also detected chlorophyll a in the northern Caspian, a type used to measure the amount of algae and cyanobacteria. The shrinking sea is threatening the ecology of the region as a consequence. The Caspian Sea is home to more than 850 species of organisms and animals that are found nowhere else in the world. The falling level of water is threatening their existence, particularly the critically endangered Caspian seal and the sturgeon. The latter provides 90% of the world’s black caviar. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/antarctica-melts-as-temperature-soars-20-degrees-celsius-above-normal-in-june-1781518880876"><strong>Antarctica feels the heat in June as temperature soars 20 degrees Celsius above normal</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Oil leaks into the Caspian</strong></h2><p>The study further states that the Caspian Sea is a major hotspot for the oil and gas industry, and approximately 1 million tons of oil leak into the waters every year. This adds to the existing stresses, influencing water quality and the ecosystem. The researchers have warned that unless all five countries come together to solve the crisis, a major environmental crisis could unfold.&nbsp;<br>Meanwhile, the American Geophysical Union says only international action can save it.</p>

The largest inland sea on Earth has been getting smaller since the 1990s. Scientists now know the reason, and it is a combined crisis created by climate change and human activity. The Caspian Sea is fed by five major rivers, and the problem lies exactly here.  

The Caspian Sea, which sits on the boundary of Asia and Europe, is shrinking, according to a study. Published in the journal Earth’s Future, the peer-reviewed study states that it has been receding since the 1990s. The blame can be pinned on humans and climate change. The Caspian Sea spans 371,000 square km, nearly the size of Japan and borders five countries - Russia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan. The researchers attribute the reason for its diminishing size to the lack of river inflow, especially from Russia’s Volga River, EarthSky reported. Led by Jesse Duku of UC Irvine, the team of researchers studied satellite observations, river flow records and climate data to learn about the stresses. The data shows that while evaporation from the sea surface has increased, precipitation has remained largely the same since the early 1990s. However, this contributes only about 40 per cent to the problem. The biggest reason is the low flow of water from Russia’s Volga River. It has been the biggest supplier of freshwater to the Caspian Sea. But now this has changed. Also Read: Sea ice twice the size of Rajasthan goes missing from Antarctica in winter Five major rivers feeding the Caspian Sea Ural, Kura, Terek and Atrek are the other four major rivers that drain into the Caspian Sea. The study shows that the inflow of all five of them registered a massive dip between 1991 and 2020. The northern region has witnessed the biggest fall as it is naturally shallow. It has lost a total of 5.5 per cent of its surface area, and projections show that the levels will dip 26 to 46 feet by 2100. Also Read: Single wave as intense as 7-magnitude earthquake bounced off Earth's core and shifted Japan Scientists also detected chlorophyll a in the northern Caspian, a type used to measure the amount of algae and cyanobacteria. The shrinking sea is threatening the ecology of the region as a consequence. The Caspian Sea is home to more than 850 species of organisms and animals that are found nowhere else in the world. The falling level of water is threatening their existence, particularly the critically endangered Caspian seal and the sturgeon. The latter provides 90% of the world’s black caviar. Also Read: Antarctica feels the heat in June as temperature soars 20 degrees Celsius above normal Oil leaks into the Caspian The study further states that the Caspian Sea is a major hotspot for the oil and gas industry, and approximately 1 million tons of oil leak into the waters every year. This adds to the existing stresses, influencing water quality and the ecosystem. The researchers have warned that unless all five countries come together to solve the crisis, a major environmental crisis could unfold. Meanwhile, the American Geophysical Union says only international action can save it.

<p>The largest inland sea on Earth has been getting smaller since the 1990s. Scientists now know the reason, and it is a combined crisis created by climate change and human activity. The Caspian Sea is fed by five major rivers, and the problem lies exactly here. &nbsp;</p>

Scientists warn major sea the size of Japan is vanishing. It might be too late to save it

<p>Researchers have discovered that each bee follows its own highly consistent flight path. They also found that bees follow their path so precisely that they flew only centimetres from the path they had flown before. Bees' precision comes as they fix landmarks like trees, which help them to keep on track, while uniform areas such as cornfields lead to more variation. This research was done after tracking honey bees in the wild using a drone-based system.</p><p><br>The finding was discovered at the University of Freiburg, indicating that individual honey bees follow their own highly consistent flight routes, helping them to repeat with remarkable accuracy. The study was led by neurobiologist and behavioural biologist Prof. Dr Andrew Straw, using a drone to keep surveillance on honey bees travelling between their hive and a food source located nearly 120 meters away in an agricultural setting.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/can-ai-improve-access-to-mental-healthcare-without-replacing-human-connection-here-s-what-experts-say-1782226485177">Can AI improve access to mental healthcare without replacing human connection? Here's what experts say</a></p><h3>Fast Lock-On (FLO) Tracking method</h3><p>To track them, the scientist used a method called 'Fast Lock-On (FLO) Tracking'. The method involves attaching a small reflective marker to each bee and then using a computer on the drone to examine reflected light, identifying and tracking a bee within milliseconds after it flies.</p><p><br>The findings showed that individual honey bees tend to follow their own preferred flight routes and adhere to them with remarkable precision while travelling to and from food sources. Researchers also found evidence suggesting that bees rely on landmarks and other features of the surrounding environment to navigate their journeys.</p><p><br>"Our tracking system makes it possible for the first time to record high-resolution 3D flight paths of honey bees in natural landscapes," explains Straw. "Our recordings show that each bee has its own preferred route and flies it very precisely. You could almost say that each bee has its own personality."</p><p><br>For the study, scientists examined 255 flight paths recorded near Kaiserstuhl, Germany. The research site featured hedgerows, a cornfield and a tree positioned between the hive and the feeding area, making a straight-line route impossible. "We found a high degree of precision in the flight paths. Individual bees repeated their individual flight paths nearly exactly on several flights. They often fly just a few centimetres away from their previous paths," Straw emphasises.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>WATCH</strong>: https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-s-pitch-from-cheap-drugs-to-cutting-edge-pharma-1782394898572/embed</p><p><br>The bees displayed the highest level of route consistency when flying near prominent landmarks, especially the tree. In contrast, their flight paths varied the most over the cornfield, where the landscape provided fewer distinctive visual markers for navigation. "Our results suggest that visual landmarks aid the bees' navigation and increase the precision of their flight paths," explains Straw.</p><p><br>The discovery also sheds new light on the famous waggle dance, which is being used by honey bees to send a message about the location of food sources to other members of the colony. However, the directional information in the waggle dance can divert to around 30 degrees. "It was previously known that the directional information in the waggle dance is not entirely accurate," explains Straw. For food sources approximately 100 meters away, the directional information in the waggle dance can deviate by around 30 degrees.</p><p><br>The study suggests that the apparent imprecision of the honey bee waggle dance is not a reflection of poor navigational ability. Instead, bees demonstrate a high degree of accuracy when travelling to destinations they are already familiar with.</p><p><br>Researcher Straw noted that the findings show individual bees navigate known locations with remarkable precision. Even in areas where their routes varied the most, they strayed from their preferred flight paths by only a few degrees. According to the researchers, this indicates that the limitations of the waggle dance do not stem from weak navigation skills. Rather, bees are far more spatially accurate and better oriented than their dance-based communication alone would imply.</p>

Researchers found that honey bees follow individual preferred flight routes with remarkable accuracy when travelling to and from food sources. The study also suggests bees use landmarks and landscape features to navigate, helping them stay on course.

Researchers have discovered that each bee follows its own highly consistent flight path. They also found that bees follow their path so precisely that they flew only centimetres from the path they had flown before. Bees' precision comes as they fix landmarks like trees, which help them to keep on track, while uniform areas such as cornfields lead to more variation. This research was done after tracking honey bees in the wild using a drone-based system. The finding was discovered at the University of Freiburg, indicating that individual honey bees follow their own highly consistent flight routes, helping them to repeat with remarkable accuracy. The study was led by neurobiologist and behavioural biologist Prof. Dr Andrew Straw, using a drone to keep surveillance on honey bees travelling between their hive and a food source located nearly 120 meters away in an agricultural setting. Also read: Can AI improve access to mental healthcare without replacing human connection? Here's what experts say Fast Lock-On (FLO) Tracking method To track them, the scientist used a method called 'Fast Lock-On (FLO) Tracking'. The method involves attaching a small reflective marker to each bee and then using a computer on the drone to examine reflected light, identifying and tracking a bee within milliseconds after it flies. The findings showed that individual honey bees tend to follow their own preferred flight routes and adhere to them with remarkable precision while travelling to and from food sources. Researchers also found evidence suggesting that bees rely on landmarks and other features of the surrounding environment to navigate their journeys. "Our tracking system makes it possible for the first time to record high-resolution 3D flight paths of honey bees in natural landscapes," explains Straw. "Our recordings show that each bee has its own preferred route and flies it very precisely. You could almost say that each bee has its own personality." For the study, scientists examined 255 flight paths recorded near Kaiserstuhl, Germany. The research site featured hedgerows, a cornfield and a tree positioned between the hive and the feeding area, making a straight-line route impossible. "We found a high degree of precision in the flight paths. Individual bees repeated their individual flight paths nearly exactly on several flights. They often fly just a few centimetres away from their previous paths," Straw emphasises. WATCH: https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-s-pitch-from-cheap-drugs-to-cutting-edge-pharma-1782394898572/embed The bees displayed the highest level of route consistency when flying near prominent landmarks, especially the tree. In contrast, their flight paths varied the most over the cornfield, where the landscape provided fewer distinctive visual markers for navigation. "Our results suggest that visual landmarks aid the bees' navigation and increase the precision of their flight paths," explains Straw. The discovery also sheds new light on the famous waggle dance, which is being used by honey bees to send a message about the location of food sources to other members of the colony. However, the directional information in the waggle dance can divert to around 30 degrees. "It was previously known that the directional information in the waggle dance is not entirely accurate," explains Straw. For food sources approximately 100 meters away, the directional information in the waggle dance can deviate by around 30 degrees. The study suggests that the apparent imprecision of the honey bee waggle dance is not a reflection of poor navigational ability. Instead, bees demonstrate a high degree of accuracy when travelling to destinations they are already familiar with. Researcher Straw noted that the findings show individual bees navigate known locations with remarkable precision. Even in areas where their routes varied the most, they strayed from their preferred flight paths by only a few degrees. According to the researchers, this indicates that the limitations of the waggle dance do not stem from weak navigation skills. Rather, bees are far more spatially accurate and better oriented than their dance-based communication alone would imply.

<p>Researchers found that honey bees follow individual preferred flight routes with remarkable accuracy when travelling to and from food sources. The study also suggests bees use landmarks and landscape features to navigate, helping them stay on course.</p>

Do honey bees have their own unique flight routes? Scientists reveal surprising truth

<p>Seconds before the 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck Venezuela, Android users received a warning from Google. The alert displayed the estimated magnitude of the earthquake and how far it was from the user’s location, offering them a tiny window in which they could reach a safe place. The foreshock was followed by an even bigger 7.5 magnitude aftershock 39 seconds later. The temblors have killed 164 people and injured nearly 1,000. People are now asking whether Google predicted the quake? It did not. Google’s Android Earthquake Alerts System detected the seismic activity and moments before the big one hit.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The warning came only a few seconds before the earthquake, and this small timeframe is believed to have saved many lives. Users on X wrote that an alarm rang on their phone, after which they rushed outside. How does Google’s earthquake alert system work?</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>According to Google, the system used the reach of Android’s platform to help detect earthquakes. Each Android phone is like a mini seismometer. As millions of other Android phones connect, they form the world’s largest earthquake detection network. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/164-dead-around-1-000-injured-after-powerful-quakes-aftershocks-rock-venezuela-1782384631734"><strong>164 dead, around 1,000 injured after powerful quakes, aftershocks rock Venezuela</strong></a></p><h2><strong>How does a phone detect an earthquake?</strong></h2><p><br>All smartphones are equipped with tiny accelerometers that can detect signals of an incoming earthquake. If it thinks it is an earthquake, it shoots a signal to Google’s earthquake detection server along with a rough idea of where it is happening. When the same signal is received from many phones, the server combines all the information to figure out if an earthquake is coming. Since the signals are sent roughly at the speed of light, which is faster than the speed of an earthquake, people receive the alerts before the earthquake finally strikes.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>https://www.wionews.com/videos/venezuela-earthquake-twin-quake-strikes-caracas-buildings-collapse-residents-flee-in-panic-1782390432182/embed</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Seismology and disaster experts Dr Richard Allen, Dr Qingkai Kong and Dr Lucy Jones have together developed this approach to detecting earthquakes.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>How Japan is detecting megaquakes</strong></h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Despite decades of studies, earthquakes remain impossible to predict. However, countries like Japan have come up with ways to detect the initial signals and alert people in time. It has an early warning system in place since around 2007, which warns people about the intensity of the incoming quake and the time it is expected to hit, as per the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) website. In 2022, the Headquarters for Earthquake Research Promotion (HERP) and the JMA upgraded this system to detect large mega-earthquakes. The "foreshock-based alert" is triggered when a magnitude 7.0 or higher earthquake has already occurred in key subduction zones.<br>&nbsp;</p>

Google’s Android Earthquake Alerts System warned people about the intensity of an earthquake that would soon hit their area, giving them precious seconds to escape to a safe location. Multiple Android phones work together to alert Google about the temblors.  

Seconds before the 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck Venezuela, Android users received a warning from Google. The alert displayed the estimated magnitude of the earthquake and how far it was from the user’s location, offering them a tiny window in which they could reach a safe place. The foreshock was followed by an even bigger 7.5 magnitude aftershock 39 seconds later. The temblors have killed 164 people and injured nearly 1,000. People are now asking whether Google predicted the quake? It did not. Google’s Android Earthquake Alerts System detected the seismic activity and moments before the big one hit. The warning came only a few seconds before the earthquake, and this small timeframe is believed to have saved many lives. Users on X wrote that an alarm rang on their phone, after which they rushed outside. How does Google’s earthquake alert system work? According to Google, the system used the reach of Android’s platform to help detect earthquakes. Each Android phone is like a mini seismometer. As millions of other Android phones connect, they form the world’s largest earthquake detection network. Also Read: 164 dead, around 1,000 injured after powerful quakes, aftershocks rock Venezuela How does a phone detect an earthquake? All smartphones are equipped with tiny accelerometers that can detect signals of an incoming earthquake. If it thinks it is an earthquake, it shoots a signal to Google’s earthquake detection server along with a rough idea of where it is happening. When the same signal is received from many phones, the server combines all the information to figure out if an earthquake is coming. Since the signals are sent roughly at the speed of light, which is faster than the speed of an earthquake, people receive the alerts before the earthquake finally strikes. https://www.wionews.com/videos/venezuela-earthquake-twin-quake-strikes-caracas-buildings-collapse-residents-flee-in-panic-1782390432182/embed Seismology and disaster experts Dr Richard Allen, Dr Qingkai Kong and Dr Lucy Jones have together developed this approach to detecting earthquakes. How Japan is detecting megaquakes Despite decades of studies, earthquakes remain impossible to predict. However, countries like Japan have come up with ways to detect the initial signals and alert people in time. It has an early warning system in place since around 2007, which warns people about the intensity of the incoming quake and the time it is expected to hit, as per the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) website. In 2022, the Headquarters for Earthquake Research Promotion (HERP) and the JMA upgraded this system to detect large mega-earthquakes. The "foreshock-based alert" is triggered when a magnitude 7.0 or higher earthquake has already occurred in key subduction zones.

<p>Google’s Android Earthquake Alerts System warned people about the intensity of an earthquake that would soon hit their area, giving them precious seconds to escape to a safe location. Multiple Android phones work together to alert Google about the temblors. &nbsp;</p>

How Google warned Venezuela of an earthquake using Android phones as seismometers

<p>A Super El Niño is ravaging the climate and causing unusual heatwaves this year from Asia to Europe. In India, the monsoon is making slow progress, resulting in soaring temperatures from north to south. The pattern is not new, and the heat is here to stay. It is now all about how nations adapt to these climate extremes. One nation stands out in offering practical solutions to beating the heat: Singapore. The densely populated, hot and humid tropical city-state can offer practical lessons for India, Europe, and other nations in managing extreme heat.</p><h2>Singapore's weather challenges</h2><p>Sitting close to the Strait of Malacca and the Malaysian Peninsula, Singapore often experiences high humidity, which limits evaporative cooling. Its urban density creates heat islands, while temperatures often rise faster than the global average. But over the years, through government initiatives and private-sector interventions, Singapore has built systematic, multi-layered approaches to managing the heat. These combine technology, urban planning, policy, and public behaviour, all heavily promoted by the government.</p><h2>'AC Nation': Singapore's strategies to beat the heat can be emulated by india and others</h2><p>Singapore is often referred to as an "AC nation" due to the widespread and efficient use of air conditioning. Air-conditioning penetration is high in homes, offices, shopping malls, and public housing. These are paired with energy efficiency rules, including the national "Go 25" campaign. Under this initiative, government buildings are mandated to keep air conditioners at 25°C or higher in order to reduce excess energy consumption and emissions while maintaining comfort. Private firms are encouraged to do the same.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/analysis-economic-toll-of-heatwaves-and-droughts-on-india-amid-europe-heatwave-1782378337441">Analysis: Economic toll of heatwaves and droughts on India amid Europe heatwave</a></p><h2>Cooling systems: chilled water and lowering emissions</h2><p>District cooling systems have been introduced in several parts of Singapore, using centralised chilled-water networks to serve multiple buildings efficiently.</p><p>For India, scaling efficient air-conditioning usage in public housing and commercial spaces through subsidies and standards such as Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) is one option. India can also launch a national campaign similar to Singapore's "Go 25" initiative, with incentives for compliance. Pilot district-cooling initiatives can be undertaken in dense urban clusters such as Mumbai and Delhi to avoid wasteful individual cooling units.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/what-is-omega-block-europe-heatwave-1782385542948">Omega Block is baking Europe, and humans have amplified it - How does it form and work?</a></p><h2>Hybrid cooling from fans</h2><p>Singapore uses large ceiling fans in busy public places such as hawker centres and food courts.</p><p>Studies by the University of California, Berkeley, and Singapore-based researchers have shown that raising air-conditioner settings from 24°C to 26.5°C while using fans can save around 30 to 33 per cent of energy consumption without compromising comfort.</p><p>Public buildings, schools, and homes promote fans as a first line of cooling or as a complement to air conditioning, while the government encourages fan usage over air conditioning wherever possible. India can mandate or subsidise energy-efficient ceiling and desk fans in new buildings, schools, offices, and low-income housing.</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/france-heatwave-record-breaking-temperatures-trigger-nationwide-red-alert-1782376033585/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/france-heatwave-record-breaking-temperatures-trigger-nationwide-red-alert-1782376033585/embed</a></p><h2>A green nation: Singapore's aggressive urban greening and "city in nature" model</h2><p>Once largely covered by swamps and dense vegetation, Singapore undertook extensive tree planting, the creation of parks, and the development of vertical greenery over the past four decades. The Landscaping for Urban Spaces and High-Rises (LUSH) scheme, launched in 2009, has added hundreds of hectares of greenery across the city-state. Most households are within a 10-minute walk of a park. In a nation where land is limited, greenery acts as the lungs of the city, helping to reduce local temperatures through shade and evapotranspiration.</p><h2>Cool coatings and paints on buildings and roofs</h2><p>Singapore has conducted pilot projects across more than 130 Housing and Development Board (HDB) residential blocks to introduce cool-coating materials and reflective paints on buildings and rooftops. These help reflect heat and lower ambient temperatures.</p><p>India can take a leaf out of Singapore's book and accelerate urban forestry and vertical-greening mandates in new developments, particularly in high-density urban areas.</p><p>Cool roofs and reflective paints can be introduced, starting with government buildings, while private buildings can be incentivised to adopt similar measures. Integrating urban greening into India's Smart Cities Mission projects could deliver measurable cooling benefits.</p><p>Also read: <a href="Heatwave in France proves deadly as 40 drown; Eiffel Tower, Louvre close early">Heatwave in France proves deadly as 40 drown; Eiffel Tower, Louvre close early</a></p><h2>Climate-sensitive urban design and wind corridors: The quiet gamechangers of Singapore</h2><p>Singapore's building layouts, street orientation, and spacing are optimised to improve wind flow, enhance natural ventilation, and disperse heat. Added to this are shaded walkways, covered linkways, and public spaces designed using thermal modelling to improve outdoor comfort.</p><p>India can incorporate wind-corridor planning and shading analysis into master plans for cities such as Ahmedabad, Chennai and Lucknow. Shaded pedestrian networks can also be mandated in upcoming urban projects.</p><h2>The role of government: Singapore's public mandates, awareness, and heat-resilience policies</h2><p>These initiatives are actively promoted through government-led public campaigns that stress energy conservation, with the government leading by example in its own facilities.</p><p>Singapore's Heat Resilience and Performance Centre, along with related government agencies, helps coordinate heat-stress guidelines, vulnerability mapping, and preparedness measures.</p><p>The nation has also phased out high-Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants while providing incentives for retrofits and energy-efficient cooling systems. Energy efficiency is strongly emphasised in household appliances and building standards.</p><p>Similarly, India can strengthen nationwide heat-action plans through public mandates and awareness campaigns. Cooling centres can be developed in vulnerable areas during periods of extreme temperatures and integrated into plans of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and state disaster-management agencies. Big-data analysis and predictive modelling can be used for targeted interventions in high-density informal settlements and heat-prone urban zones.</p><h2>Singapore's green building certification system</h2><p>Academia-government research partnerships in Singapore have helped develop evidence-based policies on beating the heat. Recommendations include balancing population density with adequate green and blue spaces, and limiting excessive densification in already hot urban pockets.</p><p>India can prioritise low-cost, scalable measures first, such as fans, cool paints, tree planting, and public awareness, while gradually expanding efficient cooling infrastructure.</p><p>With its vast scale, India could adapt many of these measures through programmes such as the Smart Cities Mission, the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), or a dedicated National Urban Heat Resilience Mission focused on protecting vulnerable populations.</p><p>The urban poor, who often suffer the most during delayed monsoons and heatwaves, should be at the centre of such efforts.</p><p>These strategies can reduce both immediate heat stress and long-term energy and climate burdens. Implementation would require local customisation for India's diverse climates and governance structures, but the blueprint from a comparable dense, humid Asian success story is clear.</p>

As Super El Niño fuels heatwaves and delays the India monsoon, it's a good time to look at how countries are beating the heat. Singapore offers practical solutions through efficient cooling, urban greening, wind corridors, and heat-resilience policies. Here is a breakdown

A Super El Niño is ravaging the climate and causing unusual heatwaves this year from Asia to Europe. In India, the monsoon is making slow progress, resulting in soaring temperatures from north to south. The pattern is not new, and the heat is here to stay. It is now all about how nations adapt to these climate extremes. One nation stands out in offering practical solutions to beating the heat: Singapore. The densely populated, hot and humid tropical city-state can offer practical lessons for India, Europe, and other nations in managing extreme heat. Singapore's weather challenges Sitting close to the Strait of Malacca and the Malaysian Peninsula, Singapore often experiences high humidity, which limits evaporative cooling. Its urban density creates heat islands, while temperatures often rise faster than the global average. But over the years, through government initiatives and private-sector interventions, Singapore has built systematic, multi-layered approaches to managing the heat. These combine technology, urban planning, policy, and public behaviour, all heavily promoted by the government. 'AC Nation': Singapore's strategies to beat the heat can be emulated by india and others Singapore is often referred to as an "AC nation" due to the widespread and efficient use of air conditioning. Air-conditioning penetration is high in homes, offices, shopping malls, and public housing. These are paired with energy efficiency rules, including the national "Go 25" campaign. Under this initiative, government buildings are mandated to keep air conditioners at 25°C or higher in order to reduce excess energy consumption and emissions while maintaining comfort. Private firms are encouraged to do the same. Also read: Analysis: Economic toll of heatwaves and droughts on India amid Europe heatwave Cooling systems: chilled water and lowering emissions District cooling systems have been introduced in several parts of Singapore, using centralised chilled-water networks to serve multiple buildings efficiently. For India, scaling efficient air-conditioning usage in public housing and commercial spaces through subsidies and standards such as Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) is one option. India can also launch a national campaign similar to Singapore's "Go 25" initiative, with incentives for compliance. Pilot district-cooling initiatives can be undertaken in dense urban clusters such as Mumbai and Delhi to avoid wasteful individual cooling units. Also read: Omega Block is baking Europe, and humans have amplified it - How does it form and work? Hybrid cooling from fans Singapore uses large ceiling fans in busy public places such as hawker centres and food courts. Studies by the University of California, Berkeley, and Singapore-based researchers have shown that raising air-conditioner settings from 24°C to 26.5°C while using fans can save around 30 to 33 per cent of energy consumption without compromising comfort. Public buildings, schools, and homes promote fans as a first line of cooling or as a complement to air conditioning, while the government encourages fan usage over air conditioning wherever possible. India can mandate or subsidise energy-efficient ceiling and desk fans in new buildings, schools, offices, and low-income housing. https://www.wionews.com/videos/france-heatwave-record-breaking-temperatures-trigger-nationwide-red-alert-1782376033585/embed A green nation: Singapore's aggressive urban greening and "city in nature" model Once largely covered by swamps and dense vegetation, Singapore undertook extensive tree planting, the creation of parks, and the development of vertical greenery over the past four decades. The Landscaping for Urban Spaces and High-Rises (LUSH) scheme, launched in 2009, has added hundreds of hectares of greenery across the city-state. Most households are within a 10-minute walk of a park. In a nation where land is limited, greenery acts as the lungs of the city, helping to reduce local temperatures through shade and evapotranspiration. Cool coatings and paints on buildings and roofs Singapore has conducted pilot projects across more than 130 Housing and Development Board (HDB) residential blocks to introduce cool-coating materials and reflective paints on buildings and rooftops. These help reflect heat and lower ambient temperatures. India can take a leaf out of Singapore's book and accelerate urban forestry and vertical-greening mandates in new developments, particularly in high-density urban areas. Cool roofs and reflective paints can be introduced, starting with government buildings, while private buildings can be incentivised to adopt similar measures. Integrating urban greening into India's Smart Cities Mission projects could deliver measurable cooling benefits. Also read: Heatwave in France proves deadly as 40 drown; Eiffel Tower, Louvre close early Climate-sensitive urban design and wind corridors: The quiet gamechangers of Singapore Singapore's building layouts, street orientation, and spacing are optimised to improve wind flow, enhance natural ventilation, and disperse heat. Added to this are shaded walkways, covered linkways, and public spaces designed using thermal modelling to improve outdoor comfort. India can incorporate wind-corridor planning and shading analysis into master plans for cities such as Ahmedabad, Chennai and Lucknow. Shaded pedestrian networks can also be mandated in upcoming urban projects. The role of government: Singapore's public mandates, awareness, and heat-resilience policies These initiatives are actively promoted through government-led public campaigns that stress energy conservation, with the government leading by example in its own facilities. Singapore's Heat Resilience and Performance Centre, along with related government agencies, helps coordinate heat-stress guidelines, vulnerability mapping, and preparedness measures. The nation has also phased out high-Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants while providing incentives for retrofits and energy-efficient cooling systems. Energy efficiency is strongly emphasised in household appliances and building standards. Similarly, India can strengthen nationwide heat-action plans through public mandates and awareness campaigns. Cooling centres can be developed in vulnerable areas during periods of extreme temperatures and integrated into plans of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and state disaster-management agencies. Big-data analysis and predictive modelling can be used for targeted interventions in high-density informal settlements and heat-prone urban zones. Singapore's green building certification system Academia-government research partnerships in Singapore have helped develop evidence-based policies on beating the heat. Recommendations include balancing population density with adequate green and blue spaces, and limiting excessive densification in already hot urban pockets. India can prioritise low-cost, scalable measures first, such as fans, cool paints, tree planting, and public awareness, while gradually expanding efficient cooling infrastructure. With its vast scale, India could adapt many of these measures through programmes such as the Smart Cities Mission, the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), or a dedicated National Urban Heat Resilience Mission focused on protecting vulnerable populations. The urban poor, who often suffer the most during delayed monsoons and heatwaves, should be at the centre of such efforts. These strategies can reduce both immediate heat stress and long-term energy and climate burdens. Implementation would require local customisation for India's diverse climates and governance structures, but the blueprint from a comparable dense, humid Asian success story is clear.

<p>As Super El Niño fuels heatwaves and delays the India monsoon, it's a good time to look at how countries are beating the heat. Singapore offers practical solutions through efficient cooling, urban greening, wind corridors, and heat-resilience policies. Here is a breakdown</p>

‘AC Nation’: How Singapore beats the heat offers lesson for India, other nations facing Super El Niño, slow monsoon, heatwaves

<p>Our parents grew up in a world without smartphones, tablets, or social media. However, we can hardly imagine our lives without them. In today’s world, digital devices have become a part of everyday life. From educational apps to games and entertainment, many children are increasingly using these devices. While technology can help support learning, creativity, and communication, health experts warn that prolonged exposure to screens can have harmful effects for children.</p><p>The challenge has become even more distinct as dual-income households become increasingly common, where both parents are engaged in full-time professions. Many parents turn to phones and televisions to keep their young children occupied as they juggle multiple responsibilities. While the screens provide a breather for the parents, health professionals caution that excessive reliance on them may have unintended consequences for a child’s development.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/the-science-behind-why-you-keep-scrolling-and-how-it-rewires-your-brain-1781455009989"><strong>The science behind why you keep scrolling – and how it rewires your brain</strong></a></p><h2><strong>What health experts say</strong></h2><p>Speaking to WION, pediatricians highlighted the potential risks associated with excessive screen exposure during childhood.</p><p>Dr Sujatha Thyagarajan, Lead &amp; HOD - Pediatric Intensive Care and Pediatric Emergency, Aster Whitefield Hospital, said that during growing years, too much exposure to screens can hinder attention span, language learning, and sleep quality. It can also have an impact on social development and how kids manage their emotions.</p><p>“Children learn better when they do real-world stuff, get in physical play, and have face-to-face conversations,” Dr Thyagarajan said.</p><p>Dr Rakshay Shetty, Clinical Director, Pediatric Services Head, Pediatric Intensive Care Services, Rainbow Children’s Hospital, Marathahalli, highlighted that excess screen exposure can also lower physical activity and reduce in-person contact, which is essential for emotional and cognitive growth of children.</p><p>“Little kids usually learn best by doing things in the real world, through play, and through direct human engagement, not just videos,” he said.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/the-impossible-balance-how-working-mothers-navigate-parenting-careers-and-family-life-1782210405382"><strong>The impossible balance: How working mothers navigate parenting, careers and family life</strong></a></p><h2><strong>How much screen time is recommended for children?</strong></h2><p>Health experts recommend that screen time for children below 2 years should only be limited to video calls. For kids aged 2-5 years, screen use should stay around an hour a day, under adult supervision.</p><p>Dr Nitin M, Consultant - Pediatrician and Neonatologist, Motherhood Hospitals, Electronic City, Bengaluru, explained, “Too much screen time stimulates the brain excessively and may harm a child’s development regarding attention span, language learning, and emotional control. In children younger than eighteen months, screen time should not exceed video chatting. However, between ages two and five years, good television programs should not exceed one hour daily.”</p><p>“For older children, the ‘right’ boundaries should make sure screens don’t interfere with sleep, exercise, homework, or family back and forth. Parental direction, plus balanced use, is the key part here, overall,” said Dr Rakshay Shetty, Clinical Director, Pediatric Services Head, Pediatric Intensive Care Services, Rainbow Children’s Hospital, Marathahalli.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/wion-decodes-why-does-coffee-calm-some-people-instead-of-waking-them-up-here-s-what-science-says-1780995139137"><strong>WION Decodes | Why does coffee calm some people instead of waking them up? Here’s what science says</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Are educational apps really beneficial?</strong></h2><p>When asked whether applications that claim to be educational are helpful for young children, health experts stated that while they can support learning when used in moderation. However, they cautioned that not every app provides a learning experience.</p><p>“Educational apps can be beneficial, if they are well designed, and kind of age-appropriate, and also used in moderation. They can support learning by boosting skills like reading, mathematics, problem-solving, and even creativity with interactive activities,” Dr Shetty said.</p><p>He added, “But not every educational app really gives a solid learning experience. Some lean a lot on entertainment features, rewards, and repetitive tasks, which can make kids feel like they are being productive, yet still not really build deep understanding or critical thinking.”</p><p>Dr Thyagarajan highlighted that children learn best when getting hands-on exploration, playful imagination, story time, storytelling, plus actual conversation and social interaction.</p><p>“So, technology should be more like a complement to learning, not a stand-in for real human engagement, or for the everyday experiences outside the screen,” she said.</p>

As digital devices become an integral part of childhood, parents are increasingly grappling with questions about screen time, technology use and healthy habits. Here's what experts say.

Our parents grew up in a world without smartphones, tablets, or social media. However, we can hardly imagine our lives without them. In today’s world, digital devices have become a part of everyday life. From educational apps to games and entertainment, many children are increasingly using these devices. While technology can help support learning, creativity, and communication, health experts warn that prolonged exposure to screens can have harmful effects for children. The challenge has become even more distinct as dual-income households become increasingly common, where both parents are engaged in full-time professions. Many parents turn to phones and televisions to keep their young children occupied as they juggle multiple responsibilities. While the screens provide a breather for the parents, health professionals caution that excessive reliance on them may have unintended consequences for a child’s development. Also read | The science behind why you keep scrolling – and how it rewires your brain What health experts say Speaking to WION, pediatricians highlighted the potential risks associated with excessive screen exposure during childhood. Dr Sujatha Thyagarajan, Lead & HOD - Pediatric Intensive Care and Pediatric Emergency, Aster Whitefield Hospital, said that during growing years, too much exposure to screens can hinder attention span, language learning, and sleep quality. It can also have an impact on social development and how kids manage their emotions. “Children learn better when they do real-world stuff, get in physical play, and have face-to-face conversations,” Dr Thyagarajan said. Dr Rakshay Shetty, Clinical Director, Pediatric Services Head, Pediatric Intensive Care Services, Rainbow Children’s Hospital, Marathahalli, highlighted that excess screen exposure can also lower physical activity and reduce in-person contact, which is essential for emotional and cognitive growth of children. “Little kids usually learn best by doing things in the real world, through play, and through direct human engagement, not just videos,” he said. Also read | The impossible balance: How working mothers navigate parenting, careers and family life How much screen time is recommended for children? Health experts recommend that screen time for children below 2 years should only be limited to video calls. For kids aged 2-5 years, screen use should stay around an hour a day, under adult supervision. Dr Nitin M, Consultant - Pediatrician and Neonatologist, Motherhood Hospitals, Electronic City, Bengaluru, explained, “Too much screen time stimulates the brain excessively and may harm a child’s development regarding attention span, language learning, and emotional control. In children younger than eighteen months, screen time should not exceed video chatting. However, between ages two and five years, good television programs should not exceed one hour daily.” “For older children, the ‘right’ boundaries should make sure screens don’t interfere with sleep, exercise, homework, or family back and forth. Parental direction, plus balanced use, is the key part here, overall,” said Dr Rakshay Shetty, Clinical Director, Pediatric Services Head, Pediatric Intensive Care Services, Rainbow Children’s Hospital, Marathahalli. Also read | WION Decodes | Why does coffee calm some people instead of waking them up? Here’s what science says Are educational apps really beneficial? When asked whether applications that claim to be educational are helpful for young children, health experts stated that while they can support learning when used in moderation. However, they cautioned that not every app provides a learning experience. “Educational apps can be beneficial, if they are well designed, and kind of age-appropriate, and also used in moderation. They can support learning by boosting skills like reading, mathematics, problem-solving, and even creativity with interactive activities,” Dr Shetty said. He added, “But not every educational app really gives a solid learning experience. Some lean a lot on entertainment features, rewards, and repetitive tasks, which can make kids feel like they are being productive, yet still not really build deep understanding or critical thinking.” Dr Thyagarajan highlighted that children learn best when getting hands-on exploration, playful imagination, story time, storytelling, plus actual conversation and social interaction. “So, technology should be more like a complement to learning, not a stand-in for real human engagement, or for the everyday experiences outside the screen,” she said.

<p>As digital devices become an integral part of childhood, parents are increasingly grappling with questions about screen time, technology use and healthy habits. Here's what experts say.</p>

How much screen time is too much for children? Experts reveal how digital devices affect young minds

<p>Europe’s heatwave could lead to major economic consequences, researchers have found. However, India is already suffering from it as temperatures have been soaring and the monsoon has remained stalled for nearly two weeks. According to a study by Climate Analytics, average household incomes drop by almost 3 per cent across Europe due to heat-and-drought events. For India, where a massive informal workforce exists, and sectors like agriculture heavily rely on the climate, the effects will be amplified manifold.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Much research shows that rising temperatures directly impact the pockets of the common man. A World Bank working paper analysed subnational data and found that even a rise of 1 degree Celsius can cause a significant rise in local poverty and inequality indices.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>According to a study by Emerging Investigators, there is a significant negative relationship between heat waves and household income. The researchers found that the strongest negative correlation existed between heat waves and agricultural income, meaning that the agricultural sector was severely impacted by heat waves.</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/europe-s-heatwaves-threaten-to-push-127-million-into-poverty-by-2100-1782369833103"><strong>Europe's heatwaves threaten to push 127 million into poverty by 2100, study finds</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“A severe heatwave is not merely a climatic event; it is an economic shock that lowers productivity, damages crops, increases expenditure on food, electricity and healthcare, and steadily erodes the financial resilience of Indian households,” Prof. (Dr.) Sanjay Kumar, Vice Chancellor, Rayat Bahra University, said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For nearly 90 per cent of India's workforce in the informal sector, such as construction workers, street vendors, and agricultural labourers, heat stress will lead them to miss work, meaning a complete loss of daily wages.&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Agricultural impact</strong></h2><p>The agricultural shock would be massive as extreme temperatures damage crop yields. Researchers from Cambridge estimate that record heatwaves put over 90 per cent of India's population at risk of losing income, going hungry, or facing severe health risks. With Super El Niño already having taken hold ot he the globe, droughts are expected. The monsoon in India was already delayed. The combined toll of heatwaves and droughts on agriculture could be immense.</p><h2><strong>Food costs</strong></h2><p><br>Food inflation is another fallout of extreme heat. As crops are damaged, the supply is heavily impacted. The rising prices will directly impact low-income families who spend the majority of their income on food. A 6–15 per cent spike in grain and vegetable prices directly threatens basic nutrition.</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-records-its-hottest-june-day-beating-1957-and-1976-highs-who-warns-of-risk-to-lives-1782322982631"><strong>UK records its hottest June day, beating 1957 and 1976 highs; WHO warns of risk to lives</strong></a></p><h2><strong>GDP fall</strong></h2><p><br>India’s GDP is in direct line of attack of climate change. It is projected to see a 2.8 decline by 2050, which could severely depress the living standards of nearly half the country's population. States like Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra are at a higher risk of witnessing this fall.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Electricity and water crisis</strong></h2><p><br>Increasing heat leads to a rise in demand for electricity, putting pressure on the grids. In this scenario, electric companies purchase expensive emergency fuel while passing on those costs to consumers in the form of surcharges. Heatwaves cause groundwater to deplete, forcing people to buy water from private tankers, putting additional pressure on their pockets.</p><h2><strong>Health costs</strong></h2><p><br>Extreme temperatures lead to heat stress, heatstroke, and a surge in vector-borne diseases. Families end up spending money on medical treatments, as public health facilities are strained. So while families from the informal sector are earning less during rising heat, they are forced to spend more on health and other utilities, dealing them a double blow.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p>

The European heatwave has sent alarm bells ringing for the world. India has been battling extreme heat conditions, with research earlier showing that 95% of the world's hottest countries are in India. Here is how global warming impacts India economically. 

Europe’s heatwave could lead to major economic consequences, researchers have found. However, India is already suffering from it as temperatures have been soaring and the monsoon has remained stalled for nearly two weeks. According to a study by Climate Analytics, average household incomes drop by almost 3 per cent across Europe due to heat-and-drought events. For India, where a massive informal workforce exists, and sectors like agriculture heavily rely on the climate, the effects will be amplified manifold. Much research shows that rising temperatures directly impact the pockets of the common man. A World Bank working paper analysed subnational data and found that even a rise of 1 degree Celsius can cause a significant rise in local poverty and inequality indices. According to a study by Emerging Investigators, there is a significant negative relationship between heat waves and household income. The researchers found that the strongest negative correlation existed between heat waves and agricultural income, meaning that the agricultural sector was severely impacted by heat waves. Also Read: Europe's heatwaves threaten to push 127 million into poverty by 2100, study finds “A severe heatwave is not merely a climatic event; it is an economic shock that lowers productivity, damages crops, increases expenditure on food, electricity and healthcare, and steadily erodes the financial resilience of Indian households,” Prof. (Dr.) Sanjay Kumar, Vice Chancellor, Rayat Bahra University, said. For nearly 90 per cent of India's workforce in the informal sector, such as construction workers, street vendors, and agricultural labourers, heat stress will lead them to miss work, meaning a complete loss of daily wages. Agricultural impact The agricultural shock would be massive as extreme temperatures damage crop yields. Researchers from Cambridge estimate that record heatwaves put over 90 per cent of India's population at risk of losing income, going hungry, or facing severe health risks. With Super El Niño already having taken hold ot he the globe, droughts are expected. The monsoon in India was already delayed. The combined toll of heatwaves and droughts on agriculture could be immense. Food costs Food inflation is another fallout of extreme heat. As crops are damaged, the supply is heavily impacted. The rising prices will directly impact low-income families who spend the majority of their income on food. A 6–15 per cent spike in grain and vegetable prices directly threatens basic nutrition. Also Read: UK records its hottest June day, beating 1957 and 1976 highs; WHO warns of risk to lives GDP fall India’s GDP is in direct line of attack of climate change. It is projected to see a 2.8 decline by 2050, which could severely depress the living standards of nearly half the country's population. States like Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra are at a higher risk of witnessing this fall. Electricity and water crisis Increasing heat leads to a rise in demand for electricity, putting pressure on the grids. In this scenario, electric companies purchase expensive emergency fuel while passing on those costs to consumers in the form of surcharges. Heatwaves cause groundwater to deplete, forcing people to buy water from private tankers, putting additional pressure on their pockets. Health costs Extreme temperatures lead to heat stress, heatstroke, and a surge in vector-borne diseases. Families end up spending money on medical treatments, as public health facilities are strained. So while families from the informal sector are earning less during rising heat, they are forced to spend more on health and other utilities, dealing them a double blow.

<p>The European heatwave has sent alarm bells ringing for the world. India has been battling extreme heat conditions, with research earlier showing that 95% of the world's hottest countries are in India. Here is how global warming impacts India economically.&nbsp;</p>

Analysis: Economic toll of heatwaves and droughts on India amid Europe heatwave

<p>In a tragic incident, a 34-year-old man was swept away by powerful waves while sitting on seaside rocks at Goa's Baga Beach. The victim, identified as Ashpak Masali from the Bijapur district of Karnataka, was later found dead after a search operation. The incident has sparked renewed concerns about tourist safety.</p><p><br>The scene captured on a phone has gone on social media, reportedly showing Ashpak Masali sitting on seaside rocks for a moment and playing with the water seconds before being swept away by a large wave. According to several reports, the 34-year-old man had come to Goa for a holiday with his friend, a woman from Sangli.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">33-year-old Sahas Ashpak Masali from Karnataka&#39;s Bijapur was washed away by strong currents at Baga Beach in north Goa. The incident happened while he was sitting on a rock near the shoreline when rough sea conditions triggered a series of powerful waves. A search and rescue… <a href="https://t.co/E5kc3T7UUu">pic.twitter.com/E5kc3T7UUu</a></p>&mdash; Vani Mehrotra (@vani_mehrotra) <a href="https://x.com/vani_mehrotra/status/2069970899424706658?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>Both spent the day at Baga, where Masali reportedly consumed alcohol and later decided to sit on the rocks. The woman was capturing the moment of him sitting on the rocks. Later, he was shockingly engulfed by the powerful wave. “I was standing above on the rocks, and he was sitting closer to the waves. I told him don’t go… he had taken drinks,” said the woman.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/why-is-the-b-52-bomber-expected-to-remain-in-service-until-the-2050s-1782285156068">Why is the B-52 bomber expected to remain in service until the 2050s?</a></p><h3>Officials issued advisory</h3><p>Masali remained afloat for several minutes after entering the water, but the turbulent sea conditions eventually overwhelmed him. Following alerts raised by the woman and other witnesses, rescue efforts were launched immediately. However, his body was later found along the Baga beach shoreline. “His friends had warned him not to go and sit on the rocks, but he did not listen. He went and sat on the rocks,” said a police constable.</p><p><br>Meanwhile, Drishti Marine, the government-authorised beach safety agency, had already advised both residents and tourists to avoid entering the sea and to remain vigilant around beaches and waterfront areas during the monsoon season. Officials noted that rocky sections become particularly slippery during heavy rains, while warning signs caution visitors about the danger of strong waves dragging people into the sea or accidents occurring while taking photographs near the coastline.</p>

Officials noted that rocky sections become particularly slippery during heavy rains, while warning signs caution visitors about the danger of strong waves dragging people into the sea or accidents occurring while taking photographs near the coastline.

In a tragic incident, a 34-year-old man was swept away by powerful waves while sitting on seaside rocks at Goa's Baga Beach. The victim, identified as Ashpak Masali from the Bijapur district of Karnataka, was later found dead after a search operation. The incident has sparked renewed concerns about tourist safety. The scene captured on a phone has gone on social media, reportedly showing Ashpak Masali sitting on seaside rocks for a moment and playing with the water seconds before being swept away by a large wave. According to several reports, the 34-year-old man had come to Goa for a holiday with his friend, a woman from Sangli.

<p>Officials noted that rocky sections become particularly slippery during heavy rains, while warning signs caution visitors about the danger of strong waves dragging people into the sea or accidents occurring while taking photographs near the coastline.</p>

VIDEO: Seconds after playing with water, Karnataka man dies after powerful wave drags him off rocks at Goa's Baga beach

<p>US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (Jun 24) coined another nickname, this time for democrats. Sharpening his rhetoric on the Iran conflict, he accused Democrats of wanting to "lose the war" while revealing his new nickname for them: "DUMocrats". The POTUS also addressed reports on deals involving fees on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, describing the idea as "unacceptable".</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-m-not-going-to-be-bullied-trump-gets-in-to-shouting-match-with-republican-senator-over-iran-war-as-questions-grow-over-peace-deal-1782346277095"><strong>'I'm not going to be bullied': Trump gets into shouting match with Republican senator over Iran war as questions grow over peace deal</strong></a></p><h2><strong>DUMocrats: Trump slams opponents</strong></h2><p>Speaking to reporters during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump said the United States was making strong progress in its negotiations with Iran and claimed Tehran was being forced to make major concessions.</p><p>"So we're doing great in our negotiations with Iran," Trump said. "Right in the middle of one of the key things which we're going to get anyway, we got... We had four Republican Senators and all Democrats. You know, Democrats they want to lose the war because they're stupid. That's why we call them DUMocrats, you know I no longer use the E. I've changed the E into a U. We call them DUMocrats they're dumb. Their policy is so bad," he said.</p><p>He added that the war was going "very well" and said the US was "winning by a lot."</p><p>"Iran is making very big concessions. We'll see what happens. But it's been very, very, very powerful. It's going very, very well," Trump said.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/financial-death-penalty-icc-judges-sue-trump-over-sanctions-linked-to-netanyahu-warrant-1782348337425"><strong>'Financial death penalty': ICC judges sue Trump over sanctions linked to Netanyahu warrant</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Trump rejects fees on travel through the Strait of Hormuz</strong></h2><p>Trump also said he would not accept any final Iran agreement that included tolls or fees on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important oil transit routes.</p><p>"Yeah it would be unacceptable to me because we have numerous straits that if you did that for them, you'd have to do it for other people. You have other straits, well, I wouldn't allow it there either. Yeah, it would be a game changer," he said when asked whether he would block such a provision.</p>

US President Donald Trump has coined a new nickname for Democrats, calling them "DUMocrats" and claiming they "want to lose the war," while insisting Iran is making major concessions in ongoing negotiations and rejecting any proposal to impose shipping fees in the Strait of Hormuz.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (Jun 24) coined another nickname, this time for democrats. Sharpening his rhetoric on the Iran conflict, he accused Democrats of wanting to "lose the war" while revealing his new nickname for them: "DUMocrats". The POTUS also addressed reports on deals involving fees on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, describing the idea as "unacceptable". Also read | 'I'm not going to be bullied': Trump gets into shouting match with Republican senator over Iran war as questions grow over peace deal DUMocrats: Trump slams opponents Speaking to reporters during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump said the United States was making strong progress in its negotiations with Iran and claimed Tehran was being forced to make major concessions. "So we're doing great in our negotiations with Iran," Trump said. "Right in the middle of one of the key things which we're going to get anyway, we got... We had four Republican Senators and all Democrats. You know, Democrats they want to lose the war because they're stupid. That's why we call them DUMocrats, you know I no longer use the E. I've changed the E into a U. We call them DUMocrats they're dumb. Their policy is so bad," he said. He added that the war was going "very well" and said the US was "winning by a lot." "Iran is making very big concessions. We'll see what happens. But it's been very, very, very powerful. It's going very, very well," Trump said. Also read | 'Financial death penalty': ICC judges sue Trump over sanctions linked to Netanyahu warrant Trump rejects fees on travel through the Strait of Hormuz Trump also said he would not accept any final Iran agreement that included tolls or fees on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important oil transit routes. "Yeah it would be unacceptable to me because we have numerous straits that if you did that for them, you'd have to do it for other people. You have other straits, well, I wouldn't allow it there either. Yeah, it would be a game changer," he said when asked whether he would block such a provision.

<p>US President Donald Trump has coined a new nickname for Democrats, calling them "DUMocrats" and claiming they "want to lose the war," while insisting Iran is making major concessions in ongoing negotiations and rejecting any proposal to impose shipping fees in the Strait of Hormuz.</p>

'DUMocrats': Trump drops new nickname for Democrats during Iran war rant

<p>Europe is in the grips of a heatwave, with temperatures climbing to almost 41 degrees Celsius in some parts. France experienced its hottest day ever since records started in 1947, with more than half the country under a red heat alert. Spain reached its highest daily average since 1950, and UK is also witnessing record heat for June. The historic and deadly heatwave across Western and Central Europe is being driven by a powerful meteorological phenomenon known as an "Omega Block". It is a weather pattern which creates a massive, stationary heat dome with intensely hot air trapped over the continent.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>A new study has found that the economic effects of extreme heat combined with drought are huge and a major trigger for the rise of poverty. An analysis by Climate Analytics shows average household incomes drop by almost 3 per cent across Europe due to heat-and-drought events. The regions hit hardest witness an even bigger reduction. The study reveals that the rising global temperatures will lead to income inequality and increase the risk of poverty for millions of people. The researcher focuses specifically on Europe, although a similar impact is expected globally, especially in the most vulnerable countries. It was published in Global Environmental Change as part of the ACCREU project.</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-records-its-hottest-june-day-beating-1957-and-1976-highs-who-warns-of-risk-to-lives-1782322982631"><strong>UK records its hottest June day, beating 1957 and 1976 highs; WHO warns of risk to lives</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Global warming and climate change</strong></h2><p>Global temperatures are rising, and an increase of 2.7°C by 2100 will cause the average European household income to fall by 27 per cent. If humans are able to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius as per the Paris Agreement commitment, it would fall to 7 per cent. In the former scenario, 127 million in Europe will be at risk of poverty, with the figure dropping to 60 million in a 1.5 degrees Celsius world.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>https://www.wionews.com/videos/killer-omega-heatwave-grips-europe-1782322956190/embed</p><h2><strong>Combined effects of heatwave and droughts much larger</strong></h2><p>Lead author of the study, Jessie Schleypen, says that the heatwave has affected “people’s health, livelihoods and ability to work.” The Senior Climate Change and Development Economist at Climate Analytics adds, “Where extreme heat coincides with drought, the damage can be much greater." The compound events "amplify economic losses experienced directly by European households, and they will become more frequent as global warming increases.”</p><h2><strong>Reduction in household income due to heatwave and droughts</strong></h2><p>The study analyses data from 2004 to 2022 and finds that heatwaves and droughts individually have a lesser impact than when they occur together. “On average, a heatwave in Europe will reduce household incomes by 0.7% and droughts by 1.8%. When they occur together – particularly in drought-stricken regions – the average income loss rises to nearly 3%,” the study states. The conditions worsen workers' health, reducing labour productivity and affecting crops, which causes a dip in food production. Critical services linked to water, such as transport and energy generation, also take a massive hit.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The poorest will be at the greatest loss due to the economic inequalities caused by the events. “The poorest 20% will be affected the most, with incomes dropping 2% more than the rest of the population (4% vs 1.1-1.8%), further widening income inequality,” Schleypen says. In a 2.7 degrees Celsius world, Greece, Spain, Romania, Bulgaria and Cyprus will likely be among the most affected countries.</p>

Climate change, marked by heatwaves and droughts, can lead to over 100 million Europeans being defined as poor by the year 2100. A study has shown the drastic economic effects of the increasing temperatures when Europe is battling a deadly heatwave.

Europe is in the grips of a heatwave, with temperatures climbing to almost 41 degrees Celsius in some parts. France experienced its hottest day ever since records started in 1947, with more than half the country under a red heat alert. Spain reached its highest daily average since 1950, and UK is also witnessing record heat for June. The historic and deadly heatwave across Western and Central Europe is being driven by a powerful meteorological phenomenon known as an "Omega Block". It is a weather pattern which creates a massive, stationary heat dome with intensely hot air trapped over the continent. A new study has found that the economic effects of extreme heat combined with drought are huge and a major trigger for the rise of poverty. An analysis by Climate Analytics shows average household incomes drop by almost 3 per cent across Europe due to heat-and-drought events. The regions hit hardest witness an even bigger reduction. The study reveals that the rising global temperatures will lead to income inequality and increase the risk of poverty for millions of people. The researcher focuses specifically on Europe, although a similar impact is expected globally, especially in the most vulnerable countries. It was published in Global Environmental Change as part of the ACCREU project. Also Read: UK records its hottest June day, beating 1957 and 1976 highs; WHO warns of risk to lives Global warming and climate change Global temperatures are rising, and an increase of 2.7°C by 2100 will cause the average European household income to fall by 27 per cent. If humans are able to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius as per the Paris Agreement commitment, it would fall to 7 per cent. In the former scenario, 127 million in Europe will be at risk of poverty, with the figure dropping to 60 million in a 1.5 degrees Celsius world. https://www.wionews.com/videos/killer-omega-heatwave-grips-europe-1782322956190/embed Combined effects of heatwave and droughts much larger Lead author of the study, Jessie Schleypen, says that the heatwave has affected “people’s health, livelihoods and ability to work.” The Senior Climate Change and Development Economist at Climate Analytics adds, “Where extreme heat coincides with drought, the damage can be much greater." The compound events "amplify economic losses experienced directly by European households, and they will become more frequent as global warming increases.” Reduction in household income due to heatwave and droughts The study analyses data from 2004 to 2022 and finds that heatwaves and droughts individually have a lesser impact than when they occur together. “On average, a heatwave in Europe will reduce household incomes by 0.7% and droughts by 1.8%. When they occur together – particularly in drought-stricken regions – the average income loss rises to nearly 3%,” the study states. The conditions worsen workers' health, reducing labour productivity and affecting crops, which causes a dip in food production. Critical services linked to water, such as transport and energy generation, also take a massive hit. The poorest will be at the greatest loss due to the economic inequalities caused by the events. “The poorest 20% will be affected the most, with incomes dropping 2% more than the rest of the population (4% vs 1.1-1.8%), further widening income inequality,” Schleypen says. In a 2.7 degrees Celsius world, Greece, Spain, Romania, Bulgaria and Cyprus will likely be among the most affected countries.

<p>Climate change, marked by heatwaves and droughts, can lead to over 100 million Europeans being defined as poor by the year 2100. A study has shown the drastic economic effects of the increasing temperatures when Europe is battling a deadly heatwave.</p>

Europe's heatwaves threaten to push 127 million into poverty by 2100, study finds

<p>Three Brazilian sisters have become a beacon of hope for scientists researching the secret to a long life after they set the Guinness World Record for the highest combined age of three living siblings. A team of scientists led by Mayana Zatz from the University of Sao Paulo are working on the DNA Longevo Project study, which aims to investigate the biological factors behind ageing. Experts believe that studying the siblings’ case could help in understanding why some people remain ​physically and cognitively resilient at exceptionally advanced ages.</p><p>Researchers believe genetics may hold many of the answers. The team hopes to uncover traits that help protect the body from the effects of ageing by studying nonagenarians and centenarians and comparing them with people who develop age-related health conditions earlier in life.</p><p>“Through ⁠DNA testing, we look for protective genes, and we know there are several of them,” said Zatz, ​who coordinates the university’s Human Genome Research Center. “The more people we have who live past 100, especially ​families with multiple centenarians, the more accurate our research will be in identifying them.”</p><p>The three sisters, Zulina de Deus Nunes, 103, Zoraide de ​Deus Mota, 104, and Levita de Deus Nunes, 109, were identified through LongeviQuest, an organisation that verifies age records around the world and partners with Guinness World Records. They reside in Rio de Janeiro.</p><p>Scientists believe that inherited factors may play a larger role in preserving health than environmental factors.</p><p>“When sisters reach that age, ‌there ⁠is clearly a strong genetic component,” said Ben Meyers, CEO of LongeviQuest. “But because they live near each other, they also have a support network, with family able to help when needed. There is definitely a community aspect as well.”</p><p>The three women have attributed their longevity to simple habits like following a healthy diet and an active lifestyle rather than any secret formula. Recalling their childhood, Zulina said that she spent a lot of time swimming and fishing in rivers. “Everything ⁠was fresh. We didn’t have a refrigerator,” she said.</p><p>Zoraide added, “Breastfeeding is incredibly important.”</p><p>Each sister followed a different path through life. Levita worked in crafts before joining a television network, Zoraide built a career in nursing while raising five children, and Zulina devoted herself to caring for her six children and family.</p><p>“I had a good childhood and adolescence. I can’t complain,” Levita said.</p><p>Researchers aim to determine how genetic traits may help preserve heart health, muscle strength and cognitive abilities as people grow older.</p><p>The study’s goal “is to reach 500 centenarians so we can draw more definitive conclusions about longevity,” said researcher ​Joao Paulo Guilherme, who works with Zatz.</p>

Three Brazilian sisters aged 103, 104 and 109 are helping scientists study longevity. Researchers hope their genes can reveal why some people remain healthy and mentally sharp past 100.

Three Brazilian sisters have become a beacon of hope for scientists researching the secret to a long life after they set the Guinness World Record for the highest combined age of three living siblings. A team of scientists led by Mayana Zatz from the University of Sao Paulo are working on the DNA Longevo Project study, which aims to investigate the biological factors behind ageing. Experts believe that studying the siblings’ case could help in understanding why some people remain physically and cognitively resilient at exceptionally advanced ages. Researchers believe genetics may hold many of the answers. The team hopes to uncover traits that help protect the body from the effects of ageing by studying nonagenarians and centenarians and comparing them with people who develop age-related health conditions earlier in life. “Through ⁠DNA testing, we look for protective genes, and we know there are several of them,” said Zatz, who coordinates the university’s Human Genome Research Center. “The more people we have who live past 100, especially families with multiple centenarians, the more accurate our research will be in identifying them.” The three sisters, Zulina de Deus Nunes, 103, Zoraide de Deus Mota, 104, and Levita de Deus Nunes, 109, were identified through LongeviQuest, an organisation that verifies age records around the world and partners with Guinness World Records. They reside in Rio de Janeiro. Scientists believe that inherited factors may play a larger role in preserving health than environmental factors. “When sisters reach that age, ‌there ⁠is clearly a strong genetic component,” said Ben Meyers, CEO of LongeviQuest. “But because they live near each other, they also have a support network, with family able to help when needed. There is definitely a community aspect as well.” The three women have attributed their longevity to simple habits like following a healthy diet and an active lifestyle rather than any secret formula. Recalling their childhood, Zulina said that she spent a lot of time swimming and fishing in rivers. “Everything ⁠was fresh. We didn’t have a refrigerator,” she said. Zoraide added, “Breastfeeding is incredibly important.” Each sister followed a different path through life. Levita worked in crafts before joining a television network, Zoraide built a career in nursing while raising five children, and Zulina devoted herself to caring for her six children and family. “I had a good childhood and adolescence. I can’t complain,” Levita said. Researchers aim to determine how genetic traits may help preserve heart health, muscle strength and cognitive abilities as people grow older. The study’s goal “is to reach 500 centenarians so we can draw more definitive conclusions about longevity,” said researcher Joao Paulo Guilherme, who works with Zatz.

<p>Three Brazilian sisters aged 103, 104 and 109 are helping scientists study longevity. Researchers hope their genes can reveal why some people remain healthy and mentally sharp past 100.</p>

What’s the secret to long life? Scientists believe three Brazilian sisters may hold the key

<p>&nbsp;</p><p><br>Nearly five decades after the Emergency was imposed in India, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has, for the first time, introduced the subject in a Class 9 textbook, describing it as one of the most significant challenges faced by Indian democracy. The chapter has been added to the newly developed Social Science textbook, Understanding Society: India and Beyond. The Emergency chapter, as per reports, examines the strengths, evolution and challenges of democratic governance in India.</p><h2><strong>The first time children will read about dark days of Emergency</strong></h2><p>According to an ANI report, an NCERT official confirmed that this is the first time a dedicated section on the Emergency has been included in a Class 9 textbook.</p><p>The move comes weeks after the country marked 50 years since the proclamation of the Emergency on June 25, 1975, a period widely regarded as one of the most controversial chapters in independent India's political history.</p><h2><strong>How the textbook describes Emergency</strong></h2><p>The textbook states that public dissatisfaction with the government led by then-prime minister Indira Gandhi had been rising in the early 1970s amid unemployment, inflation and allegations of misgovernance.</p><p>"One of the major challenges to democracy in India was recorded when an Emergency was imposed in 1975-77," the chapter says.</p><p>It further notes that a National Emergency was declared in June 1975 on the grounds of "internal disturbance".</p><p>"During this period, a majority of Fundamental Rights were suspended, the press was censored, and numerous political leaders and activists were arrested. Democratic institutions came under severe strain, and citizens' freedom was restricted," the book states.</p><h2><strong>Jayaprakash Narayan's role highlighted</strong></h2><p>The chapter also discusses the movement led by Jayaprakash Narayan, popularly known as Lok Nayak, and his role in mobilising students and citizens against the Emergency.&nbsp;<br>According to the textbook, mass movements in states such as Bihar and Gujarat played a crucial role in challenging the government during the period.</p><p>It adds that the lifting of the Emergency in 1977 and the subsequent general election demonstrated the resilience of India's democratic system. "The defeat of the ruling government demonstrated the strength of Indian democracy," the text reads.</p><h2><strong>Part of a broader discussion on democracy</strong></h2><p>Alongside the Emergency, the chapter states that the other challenges faced by democratic societies include fake news, misinformation, poverty, social discrimination, regionalism, gender inequality and violations of public norms.</p><p>NCERT has also introduced a new section titled "Democracy and You", aimed at helping students understand their role as active citizens in a democratic society.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

For the 1st time, NCERT has introduced a dedicated chapter on the 1975-77 Emergency in a Class 9 textbook, describing it as "one of the major challenges to democracy in India" and highlighting censorship, suspension of Fundamental Rights and the arrest of political leaders during the period.

Nearly five decades after the Emergency was imposed in India, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has, for the first time, introduced the subject in a Class 9 textbook, describing it as one of the most significant challenges faced by Indian democracy. The chapter has been added to the newly developed Social Science textbook, Understanding Society: India and Beyond. The Emergency chapter, as per reports, examines the strengths, evolution and challenges of democratic governance in India. The first time children will read about dark days of Emergency According to an ANI report, an NCERT official confirmed that this is the first time a dedicated section on the Emergency has been included in a Class 9 textbook. The move comes weeks after the country marked 50 years since the proclamation of the Emergency on June 25, 1975, a period widely regarded as one of the most controversial chapters in independent India's political history. How the textbook describes Emergency The textbook states that public dissatisfaction with the government led by then-prime minister Indira Gandhi had been rising in the early 1970s amid unemployment, inflation and allegations of misgovernance. "One of the major challenges to democracy in India was recorded when an Emergency was imposed in 1975-77," the chapter says. It further notes that a National Emergency was declared in June 1975 on the grounds of "internal disturbance". "During this period, a majority of Fundamental Rights were suspended, the press was censored, and numerous political leaders and activists were arrested. Democratic institutions came under severe strain, and citizens' freedom was restricted," the book states. Jayaprakash Narayan's role highlighted The chapter also discusses the movement led by Jayaprakash Narayan, popularly known as Lok Nayak, and his role in mobilising students and citizens against the Emergency. According to the textbook, mass movements in states such as Bihar and Gujarat played a crucial role in challenging the government during the period. It adds that the lifting of the Emergency in 1977 and the subsequent general election demonstrated the resilience of India's democratic system. "The defeat of the ruling government demonstrated the strength of Indian democracy," the text reads. Part of a broader discussion on democracy Alongside the Emergency, the chapter states that the other challenges faced by democratic societies include fake news, misinformation, poverty, social discrimination, regionalism, gender inequality and violations of public norms. NCERT has also introduced a new section titled "Democracy and You", aimed at helping students understand their role as active citizens in a democratic society.

<p>For the 1st time, NCERT has introduced a dedicated chapter on the 1975-77 Emergency in a Class 9 textbook, describing it as "one of the major challenges to democracy in India" and highlighting censorship, suspension of Fundamental Rights and the arrest of political leaders during the period.</p>

'Challenges to democracy in India': For first time, NCERT to teach Class 9 students about Emergency

<p>A female German politician is going viral for her courageous and daring statement made at the Bundestag, the federal parliament and primary legislative assembly of the country. Kathi Gebel called out an opposition MP who interrupted her by saying that he was “more sensitive than the clitoris”. Her words left everyone in the room dumbfounded and shocked. She called out the particular politician by saying, "The clitoris has 3000 nerve endings, and you are still more sensitive. To get to that point is quite something!"&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Her statement takes everyone by surprise, with some laughing and others simply surprised by what they just heard. Meanwhile, the particular politician she is addressing, who was apparently mocking her earlier, can be seen with the weirdest expression on his face. The incident happened back in March but is garnering attention now.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DZw1II1M8kl/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DZw1II1M8kl/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; 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overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DZw1II1M8kl/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Kathi Gebel MdB (@genossin.gebel)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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<p>The clip posted on her Instagram account has led to a flurry of reactions, mostly from women, who cannot help but applaud her for her bold choice of words in the parliament of the country, calling her "an absolute queen." One user commented, "You really have to be intelligent to say something like that off the cuff. Spot on." Another user commented on the male politician and wrote, "Him being so offended and not able to really wrap his brain around what was said is the best thing this year so far."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Kathi Gebel later posted another video, apologising for getting anatomical facts about the female clitoris wrong. She shared links from Pubmed other medical journals. A user wrote, "She later posted an apology video...for spreading miss-information because it has more than 10'000 nerve endings.. absolute queen!"</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Gebel also commented on her own video, and said, "I was almost sorry afterwards, he didn’t attend any plenary session that or the following week," referring to the male politician.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Gebel called out people who blame women for rape in another video</strong></h2><p>She describes herself as "Your 'Riot Barbie' in the Bundestag" and a "Spokesperson for Women's Policy" in her Insta bio. In another video, she received huge applause for taking down people who say women dressing provocatively are asking for it. She says, “Outside again? Maybe a... quick reminder. Her skirt is not too short, her outfit is not too trashy/sluttish, and if someone sees it differently, then maybe they are just a perverted jerk.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

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German politician Kathi Gebel called out a politician in the parliament, saying he was more sensitive than the clitoris, the female sex organ. Her comments left everyone shocked and laughing. The video from the March incident is now going viral.    

A female German politician is going viral for her courageous and daring statement made at the Bundestag, the federal parliament and primary legislative assembly of the country. Kathi Gebel called out an opposition MP who interrupted her by saying that he was “more sensitive than the clitoris”. Her words left everyone in the room dumbfounded and shocked. She called out the particular politician by saying, "The clitoris has 3000 nerve endings, and you are still more sensitive. To get to that point is quite something!" Her statement takes everyone by surprise, with some laughing and others simply surprised by what they just heard. Meanwhile, the particular politician she is addressing, who was apparently mocking her earlier, can be seen with the weirdest expression on his face. The incident happened back in March but is garnering attention now.

<p>German politician Kathi Gebel called out a politician in the parliament, saying he was more sensitive than the clitoris, the female sex organ. Her comments left everyone shocked and laughing. The video from the March incident is now going viral. &nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

'Absolute queen': German politician Kathi Gebel shuts down MP with savage 'cl*****s' comeback

<p>A Dettol advertisement comparing "toxic men" to germs fell on its face after facing backlash in China, for showing a man seeking a "clean and untouched woman." The company has apologised and withdrawn the advert. The five-minute clip is basically a microdrama and was released on several platforms in May. It starts with a man in a relationship comparing his current partner to his ex. He says he found out that his former girlfriends had lived with another man previously. He starts recalling the times she was forward and open with physical contact. He then breaks up with her, saying it felt like receiving “secondhand service”. He then tells his friend that he wants a “clean and untouched” woman to marry. “I may not be a virgin, but my future wife has to be," the man says.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>He then bumps into another woman. He says, “Thank goodness I met her. Clean and pure, never contaminated by a man. I've dated over a dozen girls, and I've finally found one who's pure... who hasn't done it before, you know?”</p><h2>&nbsp;</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Oh, Dettol, you really did this one dirty.<br><br>Dettol has upset the Chinese internet today over a bizarre ad campaign featuring a man looking for a woman who is &quot;clean&quot; enough to marry. At one point, he says: &quot;It’s okay if I’m not her first, but not when it comes to my future wife.… <a href="https://t.co/DRAs7vpmu6">pic.twitter.com/DRAs7vpmu6</a></p>&mdash; Manya Koetse (@manyapan) <a href="https://x.com/manyapan/status/2069052432529629254?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2><strong>Chinese social media users slam Dettol ad</strong></h2><p>When his girlfriend finds out about his views on women, she starts seeing the misogyny in him. The woman then breaks up with him. The advert ends with the words: "A toxic man is just like these germs – you need Dettol to eliminate them completely to feel at ease." Chinese social media users are furious with the Dettol ad, which the company has now taken down amid calls for a boycott of the brand. "What a trashy advertisement. It's left me speechless," a user wrote on Chinese social media platform Weibo, with another adding, “I will never use Dettol again.”</p><h2><strong>Dettol responds to criticism of new ad</strong></h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Responding to the backlash, the company said that the idea behind the ad was to "challenge unequal gender attitudes and promote healthy, confident views on relationships and lifestyles". &nbsp;But the edited videos on social media have muddled up the real message of the advert, it added. The brand said the micro drama was produced by a third party, and it took “responsibility for any negligence in creating and reviewing the content of the advert”. It said: “We are well aware that true protection also lies in safeguarding the dignity of every individual and their right to be treated equally.”&nbsp;</p>

Dettol's new ad in China shows a man seeking a virgin and a “clean” wife. He tells his friend that he might not be a virgin, but his future wife has to be. The ad compares toxic men with germs towards the end. It has been taken down after people criticised the ad. 

A Dettol advertisement comparing "toxic men" to germs fell on its face after facing backlash in China, for showing a man seeking a "clean and untouched woman." The company has apologised and withdrawn the advert. The five-minute clip is basically a microdrama and was released on several platforms in May. It starts with a man in a relationship comparing his current partner to his ex. He says he found out that his former girlfriends had lived with another man previously. He starts recalling the times she was forward and open with physical contact. He then breaks up with her, saying it felt like receiving “secondhand service”. He then tells his friend that he wants a “clean and untouched” woman to marry. “I may not be a virgin, but my future wife has to be," the man says. He then bumps into another woman. He says, “Thank goodness I met her. Clean and pure, never contaminated by a man. I've dated over a dozen girls, and I've finally found one who's pure... who hasn't done it before, you know?”

<p>Dettol's new ad in China shows a man seeking a virgin and a “clean” wife. He tells his friend that he might not be a virgin, but his future wife has to be. The ad compares toxic men with germs towards the end. It has been taken down after people criticised the ad.&nbsp;</p>

Dettol takes down controversial ad about 'toxic men' and gender double standards

<p>Iran's IRGC Navy has warned vessels to strictly follow the routes announced by Tehran for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, saying any movement outside those lanes is "dangerous" and prohibited. In a statement carried by Iranian state media, the force said some authorities had announced a new shipping route without consulting or coordinating with the Islamic Republic. It described that move as unacceptable and warned that ships should not attempt to pass through any route outside the one approved by Iran.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-m-not-going-to-be-bullied-trump-gets-in-to-shouting-match-with-republican-senator-over-iran-war-as-questions-grow-over-peace-deal-1782346277095"><strong>'I'm not going to be bullied': Trump gets into a shouting match with Republican senator over Iran war as questions grow over peace deal</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Iran rejects alternative shipping lanes</strong></h2><p>Tehran says recently announced routes through the Strait of Hormuz were introduced without its approval and are "unacceptable" and "dangerous".</p><p>"A few hours ago, without informing or coordinating with the Islamic Republic of Iran, some authorities announced a new route for ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, which is unacceptable and completely dangerous," the IRGC statement said, according to Iranian state media. It added that "The only permitted route for passing through the Strait of Hormuz is the routes announced by the Islamic Republic of Iran."</p><p>The statement also stated that coordination with the IRGC Navy "through Channel 16" was a requirement "for passing through the Strait of Hormuz", while warning that "violating vessels will be dealt with."</p><h2><strong>What new route through the Strait of Hormuz is the IRGC referring to?</strong></h2><p>The United Nations' International Maritime Organization (IMO) recently introduced new evacuation routes to help move thousands of seafarers still stranded in the Gulf. Those routes include a passage close to the Omani coast for outgoing ships and another through Iranian waters for traffic in both directions.</p><p>IMO chief Arsenio Dominguez said the agency hopes to see around 50 vessels evacuated each day through the new lanes.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-accuses-big-oil-companies-of-gouging-american-customers-says-gasoline-prices-better-start-going-down-a-lot-faster-usa-ogas-price-today-1782274625910"><strong>Trump accuses big oil companies of 'gouging' American customers, says 'gasoline prices better start going down a lot faster'</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Hormuz traffic slowly rebounds</strong></h2><p>The warning comes at a sensitive moment for one of the world's busiest and most strategically important waterways.</p><p>According to maritime tracking data, after months of blockades, shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has finally started improving after Iran and the United States agreed to a memorandum of understanding on June 14. On Tuesday, Kpler recorded 25 commodity ship transits through the strait, with 17 more logged by Wednesday afternoon. That was down from 38 transits on Monday, but still above levels seen before the agreement.</p><p>Between March 1 and June 14, the same data showed fewer than 10 daily crossings on average. Since June 15, that number has climbed to about 22 ships per day. In normal times, roughly 120 vessels pass through the strait each day, carrying about a fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas exports.</p><p>Large crude carriers have also begun moving more freely. Kpler data showed three very large crude carriers crossed on Wednesday, together transporting 4.1 million barrels of crude oil out of the Gulf. On Tuesday, five VLCCs crossed the strait, three of them loaded.<br><strong>Disclaimer: </strong><i>WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.</i></p>

Iran's IRGC Navy has warned vessels to use only Tehran-approved shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz, rejecting newly announced evacuation routes and threatening action against ships that violate its instructions, even as traffic through the strategic waterway begins to recover.

Iran's IRGC Navy has warned vessels to strictly follow the routes announced by Tehran for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, saying any movement outside those lanes is "dangerous" and prohibited. In a statement carried by Iranian state media, the force said some authorities had announced a new shipping route without consulting or coordinating with the Islamic Republic. It described that move as unacceptable and warned that ships should not attempt to pass through any route outside the one approved by Iran. Also read | 'I'm not going to be bullied': Trump gets into a shouting match with Republican senator over Iran war as questions grow over peace deal Iran rejects alternative shipping lanes Tehran says recently announced routes through the Strait of Hormuz were introduced without its approval and are "unacceptable" and "dangerous". "A few hours ago, without informing or coordinating with the Islamic Republic of Iran, some authorities announced a new route for ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, which is unacceptable and completely dangerous," the IRGC statement said, according to Iranian state media. It added that "The only permitted route for passing through the Strait of Hormuz is the routes announced by the Islamic Republic of Iran." The statement also stated that coordination with the IRGC Navy "through Channel 16" was a requirement "for passing through the Strait of Hormuz", while warning that "violating vessels will be dealt with." What new route through the Strait of Hormuz is the IRGC referring to? The United Nations' International Maritime Organization (IMO) recently introduced new evacuation routes to help move thousands of seafarers still stranded in the Gulf. Those routes include a passage close to the Omani coast for outgoing ships and another through Iranian waters for traffic in both directions. IMO chief Arsenio Dominguez said the agency hopes to see around 50 vessels evacuated each day through the new lanes. Also read | Trump accuses big oil companies of 'gouging' American customers, says 'gasoline prices better start going down a lot faster' Hormuz traffic slowly rebounds The warning comes at a sensitive moment for one of the world's busiest and most strategically important waterways. According to maritime tracking data, after months of blockades, shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has finally started improving after Iran and the United States agreed to a memorandum of understanding on June 14. On Tuesday, Kpler recorded 25 commodity ship transits through the strait, with 17 more logged by Wednesday afternoon. That was down from 38 transits on Monday, but still above levels seen before the agreement. Between March 1 and June 14, the same data showed fewer than 10 daily crossings on average. Since June 15, that number has climbed to about 22 ships per day. In normal times, roughly 120 vessels pass through the strait each day, carrying about a fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas exports. Large crude carriers have also begun moving more freely. Kpler data showed three very large crude carriers crossed on Wednesday, together transporting 4.1 million barrels of crude oil out of the Gulf. On Tuesday, five VLCCs crossed the strait, three of them loaded. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

<p>Iran's IRGC Navy has warned vessels to use only Tehran-approved shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz, rejecting newly announced evacuation routes and threatening action against ships that violate its instructions, even as traffic through the strategic waterway begins to recover.</p>

'Violating vessels will be dealt with': IRGC warns ships to stick to designated routes in Strait of Hormuz as traffic picks up

<p>US President Donald Trump and his administration have been sued by three judges of the International Criminal Court over sanctions imposed on them last year. The ICC judges argue that the measures were illegal and designed to pressure the court through financial punishment. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Manhattan, was brought by judges Kimberly Prost of Canada, Solomy Balungi Bossa of Uganda and Reine Adelaide Sophie Alapini-Gansou of Benin. The judges said the sanctions were meant to coerce them and interfere with their judicial independence.</p><h2><strong>Did Trump try to punish ICC judges?</strong></h2><p>According to the complaint, the sanctions were intended to punish judges for decisions taken by the court, rather than respond to any genuine national emergency.</p><p>Last year, the Trump administration imposed sanctions on several ICC judges in a sharp escalation against the tribunal after it issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and after earlier proceedings involving alleged war crimes by US troops in Afghanistan.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-m-not-going-to-be-bullied-trump-gets-in-to-shouting-match-with-republican-senator-over-iran-war-as-questions-grow-over-peace-deal-1782346277095"><strong>'I'm not going to be bullied': Trump gets into a shouting match with Republican senator over Iran war as questions grow over peace deal</strong></a></p><h2><strong>What did these sanctions do?</strong></h2><p>The impact of sanctions is wide-ranging. The sanctions severely hamper individuals’ ability to carry out even routine financial transactions, as any bank with ties to the United States or that conducts transactions in dollars is expected to comply with the restrictions.</p><p>The judges also said the sanctions had severely disrupted their daily lives, describing the effect as the financial equivalent of a death sentence. They said they could no longer use credit cards, access banking services, book travel, or, in some cases, even obtain health insurance.</p><p>"Being subjected to such sanctions under IEEPA is tantamount to the financial death penalty. Due to the sanctions, Judges Prost, Bossa, and Alapini-Gansou are no longer able, among other ⁠things, to ​use credit cards; access banking services; use common online platforms, such as ​Amazon and Google; book travel; and in some cases, obtain health insurance," it said.</p><p>The ICC, based in The Hague and established in 2002, has jurisdiction over genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes in its member states. But some major countries, including the United States, China, Russia and Israel, do not recognise its authority.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/meloni-signals-truce-after-extraordinary-public-spat-with-trump-i-don-t-intend-to-keep-fuelling-this-dispute-1782265096024"><strong>Meloni signals truce after extraordinary public spat with Trump: 'I don't intend to keep fuelling this dispute'</strong></a></p><h2><strong>ICC judges slam ‘Sanctions Regime’</strong></h2><p>In their lawsuit, the judges said the sanctions exceeded the powers granted under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, or IEEPA. They argued that the law was being stretched beyond its intended use because there was no true emergency or extraordinary threat that justified the penalties.</p><p>"The Sanctions Regime ... is designed to exert extra-judicial pressure on these judges and their colleagues on the ICC bench," the lawsuit said, adding that the purpose was to punish them for prior rulings and pressure them to change how they decide cases.</p><p>The complaint further claims that the sanctions prevent them from submitting evidence or legal arguments in current or future cases before the court.<br>&nbsp;</p>

Three International Criminal Court judges have sued Donald Trump and his administration, arguing that sanctions imposed against them amounted to a "financial death penalty" designed to punish judicial decisions and pressure the court. All you need to know.

US President Donald Trump and his administration have been sued by three judges of the International Criminal Court over sanctions imposed on them last year. The ICC judges argue that the measures were illegal and designed to pressure the court through financial punishment. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Manhattan, was brought by judges Kimberly Prost of Canada, Solomy Balungi Bossa of Uganda and Reine Adelaide Sophie Alapini-Gansou of Benin. The judges said the sanctions were meant to coerce them and interfere with their judicial independence. Did Trump try to punish ICC judges? According to the complaint, the sanctions were intended to punish judges for decisions taken by the court, rather than respond to any genuine national emergency. Last year, the Trump administration imposed sanctions on several ICC judges in a sharp escalation against the tribunal after it issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and after earlier proceedings involving alleged war crimes by US troops in Afghanistan. Also read | 'I'm not going to be bullied': Trump gets into a shouting match with Republican senator over Iran war as questions grow over peace deal What did these sanctions do? The impact of sanctions is wide-ranging. The sanctions severely hamper individuals’ ability to carry out even routine financial transactions, as any bank with ties to the United States or that conducts transactions in dollars is expected to comply with the restrictions. The judges also said the sanctions had severely disrupted their daily lives, describing the effect as the financial equivalent of a death sentence. They said they could no longer use credit cards, access banking services, book travel, or, in some cases, even obtain health insurance. "Being subjected to such sanctions under IEEPA is tantamount to the financial death penalty. Due to the sanctions, Judges Prost, Bossa, and Alapini-Gansou are no longer able, among other ⁠things, to use credit cards; access banking services; use common online platforms, such as Amazon and Google; book travel; and in some cases, obtain health insurance," it said. The ICC, based in The Hague and established in 2002, has jurisdiction over genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes in its member states. But some major countries, including the United States, China, Russia and Israel, do not recognise its authority. Also read | Meloni signals truce after extraordinary public spat with Trump: 'I don't intend to keep fuelling this dispute' ICC judges slam ‘Sanctions Regime’ In their lawsuit, the judges said the sanctions exceeded the powers granted under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, or IEEPA. They argued that the law was being stretched beyond its intended use because there was no true emergency or extraordinary threat that justified the penalties. "The Sanctions Regime ... is designed to exert extra-judicial pressure on these judges and their colleagues on the ICC bench," the lawsuit said, adding that the purpose was to punish them for prior rulings and pressure them to change how they decide cases. The complaint further claims that the sanctions prevent them from submitting evidence or legal arguments in current or future cases before the court.

<p>Three International Criminal Court judges have sued Donald Trump and his administration, arguing that sanctions imposed against them amounted to a "financial death penalty" designed to punish judicial decisions and pressure the court. All you need to know.</p>

'Financial death penalty': ICC judges sue Trump over sanctions linked to Netanyahu warrant

<p>US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (Jun 24) reportedly got into a heated shouting match with Republican Senator Bill Cassidy during a closed-door meeting with GOP lawmakers. The incident has once again exposed growing divisions within Trump's party over the administration's handling of the Iran conflict and the recently announced framework peace agreement.</p><p>The confrontation came just hours before the White House asked Congress to approve tens of billions of dollars to fund the war, even as the administration insists diplomacy is now moving forward.</p><h2><strong>What happened with Bill Cassidy?</strong></h2><p>According to multiple US media reports, the exchange began when Trump questioned why several Republicans had supported a Senate resolution seeking to curb his war powers in Iran.</p><p>"The President was wondering why people would vote for the War Powers Act," Cassidy later told reporters. The Louisiana senator said he used the opportunity to press Trump on the Iran agreement, arguing that lawmakers and the American public still lacked basic details about what had been negotiated.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/meloni-signals-truce-after-extraordinary-public-spat-with-trump-i-don-t-intend-to-keep-fuelling-this-dispute-1782265096024"><strong>Meloni signals truce after extraordinary public spat with Trump: 'I don't intend to keep fuelling this dispute'</strong></a></p><p>"I stood and said, 'You have not told the American people what's going on. It was supposed to last four weeks; it's lasted four months. Our original objectives have not been achieved, and I want to know what's going on,'" Cassidy said.</p><p>According to CNN, Trump interrupted Cassidy repeatedly, ordered him to sit down and at one point called him a "lunatic." Cassidy reportedly refused to back down, raising his own voice during the exchange.</p><p>"I didn't care to be interrupted," Cassidy said. "I felt like I was trying to get answers for the American people, and I'm not going to be bullied when I'm trying to get answers."</p><p>He added that fellow senators eventually urged him to sit down to calm the situation.</p><p>"I make no apologies for standing up to the president... I am sticking up for the American people, even if I'm speaking to the president," Cassidy said.</p><h2><strong>A 'memorable' difference of opinion</strong></h2><p>Several Republican senators later confirmed the confrontation. Senator Tommy Tuberville described it as "a difference of opinion on Iran," while Senator Jon Husted called the exchange "memorable." Senator John Cornyn jokingly remarked, "Quite the unity message," as he left the meeting.</p><p>The clash came a day after the Senate passed a largely symbolic resolution directing Trump to end the Iran war. Cassidy was one of four Republicans who joined Democrats in backing the measure.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-accuses-big-oil-companies-of-gouging-american-customers-says-gasoline-prices-better-start-going-down-a-lot-faster-usa-ogas-price-today-1782274625910"><strong>Trump accuses big oil companies of 'gouging' American customers, says 'gasoline prices better start going down a lot faster'</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Trump slams Senate vote on ending Iran war</strong></h2><p>Despite the criticism, Trump later dismissed the Senate vote while speaking to reporters at the White House.</p><p>"Iran sees that, they go, 'What's that all about?' Now you know, it's meaningless, right?" Trump said.</p><p>The political tensions unfolded as the administration formally requested nearly $70 billion in additional funding for the conflict, on top of the existing US military budget.</p><p>Meanwhile, negotiations between Washington and Tehran continue following the framework agreement reached earlier this week. The initial deal reopened shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, easing fears over global energy supplies and contributing to a decline in oil prices.</p><p>However, major questions remain unresolved. Critics have pointed to uncertainty over sanctions relief, Iran's nuclear programme, future inspections, financial incentives for Tehran, and the long-term security arrangements in Lebanon.</p><p><strong>Disclaimer: </strong><i>WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.</i></p>

A closed-door meeting between Donald Trump and Republican lawmakers turned into a shouting match after Senator Bill Cassidy demanded answers about the administration's Iran strategy and peace framework. Here's what happened.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (Jun 24) reportedly got into a heated shouting match with Republican Senator Bill Cassidy during a closed-door meeting with GOP lawmakers. The incident has once again exposed growing divisions within Trump's party over the administration's handling of the Iran conflict and the recently announced framework peace agreement. The confrontation came just hours before the White House asked Congress to approve tens of billions of dollars to fund the war, even as the administration insists diplomacy is now moving forward. What happened with Bill Cassidy? According to multiple US media reports, the exchange began when Trump questioned why several Republicans had supported a Senate resolution seeking to curb his war powers in Iran. "The President was wondering why people would vote for the War Powers Act," Cassidy later told reporters. The Louisiana senator said he used the opportunity to press Trump on the Iran agreement, arguing that lawmakers and the American public still lacked basic details about what had been negotiated. Also read | Meloni signals truce after extraordinary public spat with Trump: 'I don't intend to keep fuelling this dispute' "I stood and said, 'You have not told the American people what's going on. It was supposed to last four weeks; it's lasted four months. Our original objectives have not been achieved, and I want to know what's going on,'" Cassidy said. According to CNN, Trump interrupted Cassidy repeatedly, ordered him to sit down and at one point called him a "lunatic." Cassidy reportedly refused to back down, raising his own voice during the exchange. "I didn't care to be interrupted," Cassidy said. "I felt like I was trying to get answers for the American people, and I'm not going to be bullied when I'm trying to get answers." He added that fellow senators eventually urged him to sit down to calm the situation. "I make no apologies for standing up to the president... I am sticking up for the American people, even if I'm speaking to the president," Cassidy said. A 'memorable' difference of opinion Several Republican senators later confirmed the confrontation. Senator Tommy Tuberville described it as "a difference of opinion on Iran," while Senator Jon Husted called the exchange "memorable." Senator John Cornyn jokingly remarked, "Quite the unity message," as he left the meeting. The clash came a day after the Senate passed a largely symbolic resolution directing Trump to end the Iran war. Cassidy was one of four Republicans who joined Democrats in backing the measure. Also read | Trump accuses big oil companies of 'gouging' American customers, says 'gasoline prices better start going down a lot faster' Trump slams Senate vote on ending Iran war Despite the criticism, Trump later dismissed the Senate vote while speaking to reporters at the White House. "Iran sees that, they go, 'What's that all about?' Now you know, it's meaningless, right?" Trump said. The political tensions unfolded as the administration formally requested nearly $70 billion in additional funding for the conflict, on top of the existing US military budget. Meanwhile, negotiations between Washington and Tehran continue following the framework agreement reached earlier this week. The initial deal reopened shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, easing fears over global energy supplies and contributing to a decline in oil prices. However, major questions remain unresolved. Critics have pointed to uncertainty over sanctions relief, Iran's nuclear programme, future inspections, financial incentives for Tehran, and the long-term security arrangements in Lebanon. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

<p>A closed-door meeting between Donald Trump and Republican lawmakers turned into a shouting match after Senator Bill Cassidy demanded answers about the administration's Iran strategy and peace framework. Here's what happened.</p>

'I'm not going to be bullied': Trump gets into shouting match with Republican senator over Iran war as questions grow over peace deal

Germany’s F126 frigate, a massive 10,000-ton tactical surface combatant explicitly engineered to serve as NATO’s primary shield, neutralising modern undersea threats and anchoring global maritime defence lines.

NATO’s shield? How F126 frigate secures North Atlantic against quiet submarines

<p>Archaeologists have found a hidden Mayan city in Mexico that has remained hidden for more than 1,000 years. The site dotted with monuments, pyramids, and palaces has been named Minanbé. It was discovered deep inside the dense jungles of Campeche, in the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve. This marks the end of a project in which researchers mapped the central Maya lowlands. A team of Mexican and Slovenian researchers, led by archaeologist Ivan Šprajc, found the untouched wonder after approval from Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH).</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Mayan lowlands were home to nearly 11 million people during the Late Classic period (600 to 900 AD). A site west of Chactún, a major Maya centre that was revealed 13 years ago, was the site of the survey. Equipped with laser scan data from the air, known as LiDAR, the researchers set out for the northern section of the reserve. It was an arduous journey, and different methods had to be employed to make it possible. A five-kilometre path was cleared by the community of Constitución using machetes. They travelled on all-terrain vehicles before walking almost the same distance on foot as well.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The site was untouched, no signs of loot</strong></h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Šprajc admitted that accessing this region was harder than any other site. What surprised the researchers was that the site had not been looted, which stood in stark difference from the other discoveries made in the past three years. Ground survey was led by archaeologists Atasta Flores Esquivel, Israel Chato López, Quintín Hernández Gómez, and Vitan Vujanović. They found an urban centre spread over 15 hectares. There were plazas, terraces, palace buildings, religious structures, and wetlands with water channels.</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/study-in-israel-shows-humans-stood-tall-in-front-of-climate-change-6-500-years-ago-1781959820322"><strong>Study in Israel shows humans stood tall in front of climate change 6,500 years ago</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>A pyramid temple was the tallest structure, which stood nearly 42 feet high, and was found in extremely good condition, a first, says Vujanović. There is also a stone monument that has legible glyphs. But they did find broken altars, with one bearing hieroglyphic text that likely dates to the late 7th century. A carved stone known as Stela 1 shows a beheading scene. Fourteen other monuments carved with symbols and hieroglyphic text were also discovered.</p>

A Mayan city hidden in a jungle for 1,000 years, with temples still intact and readable texts, has been discovered in Mexico. Scientists took a tough journey to reach this point and were surprised to see that the monuments remained untouched all these years. 

Archaeologists have found a hidden Mayan city in Mexico that has remained hidden for more than 1,000 years. The site dotted with monuments, pyramids, and palaces has been named Minanbé. It was discovered deep inside the dense jungles of Campeche, in the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve. This marks the end of a project in which researchers mapped the central Maya lowlands. A team of Mexican and Slovenian researchers, led by archaeologist Ivan Šprajc, found the untouched wonder after approval from Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH). The Mayan lowlands were home to nearly 11 million people during the Late Classic period (600 to 900 AD). A site west of Chactún, a major Maya centre that was revealed 13 years ago, was the site of the survey. Equipped with laser scan data from the air, known as LiDAR, the researchers set out for the northern section of the reserve. It was an arduous journey, and different methods had to be employed to make it possible. A five-kilometre path was cleared by the community of Constitución using machetes. They travelled on all-terrain vehicles before walking almost the same distance on foot as well.

<p>A Mayan city hidden in a jungle for 1,000 years, with temples still intact and readable texts, has been discovered in Mexico. Scientists took a tough journey to reach this point and were surprised to see that the monuments remained untouched all these years.&nbsp;</p>

Pristine Mayan city discovered inside Mexican jungle was hidden for 1,000 years

<p>China's secretive Shenlong space plane has once again sparked intrigue among space watchers after reportedly releasing an unidentified object while orbiting Earth. According to commercial space tracking firm LeoLabs, the object was detected on June 22 near Shenlong, which has been in orbit since launching on its fourth mission in February this year.</p><h2><strong>What did China release in space?</strong></h2><p>"At 02:30 UTC on 22 June 2026, LeoLabs detected an unknown object in the vicinity of the Chinese Shenlong reusable space plane," LeoLabs said in a post on X. After tracking the object across its global radar network, LeoLabs said it had “assessed with high confidence that it was released from the Chinese spaceplane."</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">At 02:30 UTC on 22 June 2026, LeoLabs detected an unknown object in the vicinity of the Chinese Shenlong reusable spaceplane. <br><br>This object did not correlate to any other object in our catalog. It was first observed by our Tracker radar in New Zealand. <a href="https://t.co/AEf4gbyJPr">pic.twitter.com/AEf4gbyJPr</a></p>&mdash; LeoLabs (@LeoLabs_Space) <a href="https://x.com/LeoLabs_Space/status/2069091413795414445?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/did-cia-destroy-an-alien-message-newly-released-ufo-files-reveal-bizarre-1958-mystery-1781337303228"><strong>'Message from space': Did CIA destroy an alien message? Newly released UFO files reveal bizarre 1958 mystery</strong></a></p><p>The newly detected object has since been catalogued by the US Space Force, according to astrophysicist and satellite tracker Jonathan McDowell.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">USSF has cataloged a new object (69673) released from the Chinese spaceplane CSSHQ4 (2026-024A) which has been in orbit since Feb 7. Previous missions of the spaceplane have also released such objects, which may be small subsatellites such as cubesats</p>&mdash; Jonathan McDowell (@planet4589) <a href="https://x.com/planet4589/status/2069412042126098666?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2><strong>What is Shenlong?</strong></h2><p>Shenlong, which translates to "Divine Dragon", is China's reusable space plane programme. Much like the US military's X-37B space plane, Shenlong launches atop a rocket but is designed to return and land on a runway like a conventional aircraft.</p><p>China has released very little information about the vehicle, and most details about it have emerged through satellite tracking and telescope observations conducted by independent researchers.</p><p>The space plane was launched on February 6 aboard a Long March 2F rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the Gobi Desert. Beijing did not disclose the mission's objectives.</p><h2><strong>Not China's first mysterious deployment</strong></h2><p>According to Space, this is not the first time Shenlong has attracted attention for unusual activity in orbit.</p><p>In 2024, observers reported that the spacecraft may have deployed a small subsatellite or ejected an unnecessary piece of hardware before returning to Earth. Earlier missions also generated speculation after multiple objects appeared near the spacecraft, though some were later identified as launch-related debris.</p><p>Astronomers have additionally reported signs that Shenlong may deploy solar arrays while in orbit, suggesting it can remain operational for extended periods.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-discover-world-s-largest-whale-graveyard-hidden-7km-beneath-the-indian-ocean-1781170611094"><strong>Scientists discover world's largest 'whale graveyard' hidden 7km beneath the Indian Ocean</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Why are experts watching closely?</strong></h2><p>According to SpaceNews, one possibility is that China is testing rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO), a capability that allows spacecraft to manoeuvre close to other satellites.</p><p>Wile such technology has legitimate civilian uses, including satellite inspection, servicing and refuelling, it also has military applications including tamper with adversary satellites in orbit.</p><p>China is not alone in developing such technologies. Russia has conducted similar manoeuvres with so-called inspector satellites, while the United States is also believed to be pursuing advanced orbital servicing and proximity-operation capabilities.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

China's secretive Shenlong space plane has reportedly released an unidentified object while orbiting Earth, reigniting speculation about the true purpose of the reusable spacecraft. What mystery object did China release in space?

China's secretive Shenlong space plane has once again sparked intrigue among space watchers after reportedly releasing an unidentified object while orbiting Earth. According to commercial space tracking firm LeoLabs, the object was detected on June 22 near Shenlong, which has been in orbit since launching on its fourth mission in February this year. What did China release in space? "At 02:30 UTC on 22 June 2026, LeoLabs detected an unknown object in the vicinity of the Chinese Shenlong reusable space plane," LeoLabs said in a post on X. After tracking the object across its global radar network, LeoLabs said it had “assessed with high confidence that it was released from the Chinese spaceplane."

<p>China's secretive Shenlong space plane has reportedly released an unidentified object while orbiting Earth, reigniting speculation about the true purpose of the reusable spacecraft. What mystery object did China release in space?</p>

China's secretive Shenlong space plane releases mystery object in orbit. What is Beijing up to?

<p>In 1989, Earth crossed paths with an asteroid that missed us by only a few hours. It is one of the closest and most terrifying "near misses" in modern astronomical history. NASA has an Asteroid Watch program managed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the Center for Near Earth Object Studies (CNEOS), to monitor potential space rocks that could threaten Earth. Multiple asteroids cross near our planet daily; however, none pose a danger. The asteroid watch program officially began in 1998, and so nine years earlier, when a space rock came into Earth's orbit, scientists only got to learn about it after nine days had passed.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Asteroid 4581 Asclepius was estimated to be about 1,000 feet in diameter. “An impact would have released a devastating amount of energy equivalent to about a gigaton of TNT, which is 67,000 times the energy output of the Hiroshima atomic bomb,” Harvard professor Avi Loeb told WION. A massive shock wave would have levelled cities, experts said.</p><h2><strong>So what exactly happened in 1989?&nbsp;</strong></h2><p><br>The asteroid flew past Earth on March 22, 1989, at a comfortable distance of 684,000 km, nearly twice the distance between our planet and the Moon. But this was not a hazardous event, even though in cosmic terms, this is still quite near. The orbits of Earth and asteroid 4581 Asclepius led them to travel through a common point in space, but at different times. The asteroid was at the same point in our orbit where Earth was just six hours ago.&nbsp;</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/apocalypse-an-inevitable-reality-for-humans-today-whether-caused-by-human-stupidity-or-divinity-1773227301958"><strong>Apocalypse an inevitable reality for humans today, whether caused by human stupidity or divinity</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Basically, the asteroid crossed a point in Earth's orbit, and our planet was in that spot just six hours earlier. Just a little bad timing would have been enough to send the asteroid flinging into our planet. The surprising thing is that nobody knew that the asteroid was there. Astronomers Henry Holt and Norman Thomas only discovered the close call at the Palomar Observatory on March 31, 1989. Humanity dodged a bullet, literally.</p><h2><strong>Effect of asteroid impact on Earth</strong></h2><p><br>Asteroid 4581 Asclepius was 1,000 feet in diameter, about the size of three football fields. It was travelling at a speed of 74,000 km/hr, which means an impact would have been catastrophic. It would have released energy equivalent to roughly 600 megatons of TNT. For comparison, the Tsar Bomba, or the RDS-220, the most powerful nuclear weapon ever made by man, yielded energy equivalent to 50 megatons of TNT. The asteroid would have gouged a crater nearly 10 kilometres wide, vapourised the immediate impact zone and generated a massive shock wave. If it had slammed into the ocean, tsunami waves hundreds of feet high would have been generated, wiping out coastlines.</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/move-over-rapture-another-prophecy-claims-comet-will-end-the-world-in-2026-1758790270916"><strong>Rapture did not happen, but another world-ending event has been prophesied for 2026</strong></a></p><h2><strong>How does Asclepius compare to the dinosaur-killing asteroid?</strong></h2><p><br>The asteroid that struck the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico, creating the massive Chicxulub crater, was roughly 10 kilometres in diameter, or nearly 50,000 feet. In comparison, Asclepius was only 1,000 feet, and so was a city-killer asteroid, while the Chicxulub Impactor was a "Planet-Rebooter."</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/asteroid-bound-mission-caught-mars-in-a-completely-new-light-1779458912239"><strong>Asteroid-bound mission caught Mars in a completely new light</strong></a></p><h2><strong>How Asclepius changed asteroid watch</strong></h2><p><br>Asclepius miss served as a wake-up call, as before the Asteroid Watch program, only a handful of people observed near-Earth objects as an academic interest. Asclepius's movement past Earth led to a push for automated, computerised sky surveys and dedicated planetary defence initiatives. Today, we not only have a mission dedicated to looking out for the asteroids, but we also have plans to deflect potentially dangerous space rocks. The DART mission was one such test that slammed into the moonlet of an asteroid.</p>

Earth crossed paths with an asteroid and missed an impact by a tiny margin of six hours. No one knew it was about to happen, and scientists detected it only nine days later. This scare led to the push for programs to watch for hazardous asteroids.

In 1989, Earth crossed paths with an asteroid that missed us by only a few hours. It is one of the closest and most terrifying "near misses" in modern astronomical history. NASA has an Asteroid Watch program managed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the Center for Near Earth Object Studies (CNEOS), to monitor potential space rocks that could threaten Earth. Multiple asteroids cross near our planet daily; however, none pose a danger. The asteroid watch program officially began in 1998, and so nine years earlier, when a space rock came into Earth's orbit, scientists only got to learn about it after nine days had passed. Asteroid 4581 Asclepius was estimated to be about 1,000 feet in diameter. “An impact would have released a devastating amount of energy equivalent to about a gigaton of TNT, which is 67,000 times the energy output of the Hiroshima atomic bomb,” Harvard professor Avi Loeb told WION. A massive shock wave would have levelled cities, experts said. So what exactly happened in 1989? The asteroid flew past Earth on March 22, 1989, at a comfortable distance of 684,000 km, nearly twice the distance between our planet and the Moon. But this was not a hazardous event, even though in cosmic terms, this is still quite near. The orbits of Earth and asteroid 4581 Asclepius led them to travel through a common point in space, but at different times. The asteroid was at the same point in our orbit where Earth was just six hours ago. Also Read: Apocalypse an inevitable reality for humans today, whether caused by human stupidity or divinity Basically, the asteroid crossed a point in Earth's orbit, and our planet was in that spot just six hours earlier. Just a little bad timing would have been enough to send the asteroid flinging into our planet. The surprising thing is that nobody knew that the asteroid was there. Astronomers Henry Holt and Norman Thomas only discovered the close call at the Palomar Observatory on March 31, 1989. Humanity dodged a bullet, literally. Effect of asteroid impact on Earth Asteroid 4581 Asclepius was 1,000 feet in diameter, about the size of three football fields. It was travelling at a speed of 74,000 km/hr, which means an impact would have been catastrophic. It would have released energy equivalent to roughly 600 megatons of TNT. For comparison, the Tsar Bomba, or the RDS-220, the most powerful nuclear weapon ever made by man, yielded energy equivalent to 50 megatons of TNT. The asteroid would have gouged a crater nearly 10 kilometres wide, vapourised the immediate impact zone and generated a massive shock wave. If it had slammed into the ocean, tsunami waves hundreds of feet high would have been generated, wiping out coastlines. Also Read: Rapture did not happen, but another world-ending event has been prophesied for 2026 How does Asclepius compare to the dinosaur-killing asteroid? The asteroid that struck the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico, creating the massive Chicxulub crater, was roughly 10 kilometres in diameter, or nearly 50,000 feet. In comparison, Asclepius was only 1,000 feet, and so was a city-killer asteroid, while the Chicxulub Impactor was a "Planet-Rebooter." Also Read: Asteroid-bound mission caught Mars in a completely new light How Asclepius changed asteroid watch Asclepius miss served as a wake-up call, as before the Asteroid Watch program, only a handful of people observed near-Earth objects as an academic interest. Asclepius's movement past Earth led to a push for automated, computerised sky surveys and dedicated planetary defence initiatives. Today, we not only have a mission dedicated to looking out for the asteroids, but we also have plans to deflect potentially dangerous space rocks. The DART mission was one such test that slammed into the moonlet of an asteroid.

<p>Earth crossed paths with an asteroid and missed an impact by a tiny margin of six hours. No one knew it was about to happen, and scientists detected it only nine days later. This scare led to the push for programs to watch for hazardous asteroids.</p>

Earth dodged an asteroid by just 6 hours, crossing paths with a potential city-killer

<p>A report claims that US President Donald Trump has gained premature access to a weight loss drug by Eli Lilly. Retatrutide is a powerful new drug from the pharmaceutical company and is not available to the general public yet. However, STAT reported on Tuesday that a 79-year-old man has received access to the obesity drug through the Food and Drug Administration’s “compassionate use” program. People with serious or life-threatening medical issues are allowed access to experimental drugs as part of the program. While the report did not name the person, the report suggests it is likely someone with exceptional contacts.</p><h2><strong>Was the obesity drug for Trump? White House said this</strong></h2><p>Ranganath Muniyappa, a senior clinician at the National Institutes of Health, requested the drug for the patient in April. It was acquired for a diagnosis of refractory obesity with obstructive sleep apnea and pulmonary hypertension. It is characterised by high blood pressure in the lungs and is life-threatening. Top health officials reportedly attended to the request. STAT reached out to the WHite House to ask whether President Trump was the person the drug was requested for. It stated that White House spokesperson Kush Desai did not deny and referred STAT to the Department of Health and Human Services.&nbsp;</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-medical-checkup-22-doctors-white-house-record-1781265288182"><strong>Donald Trump's medical checkup involved 22 doctors, setting a White House record</strong></a></p><h2><strong>White House referred to the health memo, but the disease is not mentioned there</strong></h2><p>Desai told STAT to take a look at Trump's latest health evaluation report when asked if he had sleep apnea and pulmonary hypertension, claiming it mentioned that in there. However, the medical report does not say anything about the condition. When the outlet reached out to the HHS for the request for retatrutide and the identity of the patient, HHS spokesperson Emily Hilliard simply talked about the program. “Each request is reviewed on a case-by-case basis based on the clinical circumstances and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-opens-succession-debate-as-health-report-leaves-questions-unanswered-1780343842468/embed</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Desai then stated on X while responding to STAT that the application was “not for the president.” The outlet said it contacted several federal agencies on Monday, but no one provided a direct and clear answer. The outlet reported quoting sources that the mystery patient previously took tirzepatide but experienced only moderate weight loss. Notably, Trump weighs nearly 108 kilograms and is termed overweight based on his height of 6 feet and 3 inches.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Speculations about Trump's health have been doing the rounds ever since a red patch was seen on the skin of his hand. He has declared himself fully fit, but his occasional slurred speech and the habit of drifting away from topics have led to claims that he is not fully fit.&nbsp;</p>

A report says that an “influential” 79-year-old requested Eli Lilly's new obesity drug Retatrutide, which is not available to the public yet. The request drew the attention of top health officials, raising suspicion that Donald Trump could be the recipient.

A report claims that US President Donald Trump has gained premature access to a weight loss drug by Eli Lilly. Retatrutide is a powerful new drug from the pharmaceutical company and is not available to the general public yet. However, STAT reported on Tuesday that a 79-year-old man has received access to the obesity drug through the Food and Drug Administration’s “compassionate use” program. People with serious or life-threatening medical issues are allowed access to experimental drugs as part of the program. While the report did not name the person, the report suggests it is likely someone with exceptional contacts. Was the obesity drug for Trump? White House said this Ranganath Muniyappa, a senior clinician at the National Institutes of Health, requested the drug for the patient in April. It was acquired for a diagnosis of refractory obesity with obstructive sleep apnea and pulmonary hypertension. It is characterised by high blood pressure in the lungs and is life-threatening. Top health officials reportedly attended to the request. STAT reached out to the WHite House to ask whether President Trump was the person the drug was requested for. It stated that White House spokesperson Kush Desai did not deny and referred STAT to the Department of Health and Human Services. Also Read: Donald Trump's medical checkup involved 22 doctors, setting a White House record White House referred to the health memo, but the disease is not mentioned there Desai told STAT to take a look at Trump's latest health evaluation report when asked if he had sleep apnea and pulmonary hypertension, claiming it mentioned that in there. However, the medical report does not say anything about the condition. When the outlet reached out to the HHS for the request for retatrutide and the identity of the patient, HHS spokesperson Emily Hilliard simply talked about the program. “Each request is reviewed on a case-by-case basis based on the clinical circumstances and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.” https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-opens-succession-debate-as-health-report-leaves-questions-unanswered-1780343842468/embed Desai then stated on X while responding to STAT that the application was “not for the president.” The outlet said it contacted several federal agencies on Monday, but no one provided a direct and clear answer. The outlet reported quoting sources that the mystery patient previously took tirzepatide but experienced only moderate weight loss. Notably, Trump weighs nearly 108 kilograms and is termed overweight based on his height of 6 feet and 3 inches. Speculations about Trump's health have been doing the rounds ever since a red patch was seen on the skin of his hand. He has declared himself fully fit, but his occasional slurred speech and the habit of drifting away from topics have led to claims that he is not fully fit.

<p>A report says that an “influential” 79-year-old requested Eli Lilly's new obesity drug Retatrutide, which is not available to the public yet. The request drew the attention of top health officials, raising suspicion that Donald Trump could be the recipient.</p>

A 79-year-old requested Eli Lilly's new obesity drug, and some think it is Donald Trump

<p>US President Donald Trump, in a social media post on Wednesday (Jun 24), announced that he has asked big oil companies to drop oil prices. Accusing major oil companies of overcharging consumers by failing to lower gasoline prices in line with the recent decline in crude oil prices, the POTUS said he had directed the Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate the matter.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-supreme-court-makes-it-easier-to-deport-green-card-holders-what-does-it-mean-for-indians-wion-horizons-1782271724642"><strong>US Supreme Court makes it easier to deport Green Card holders: What does it mean for Indians? | WION Horizons</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Can Americans expect cheaper gasoline?</strong></h2><p>In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump claimed that oil prices had fallen sharply, but consumers were not seeing comparable relief at fuel stations. This, he said, meant that American customers were being "gouged" by "big Oil Companies".</p><p>"The big Oil Companies are not dropping their price at the pump commensurate with the sharply lower prices they are paying for Oil. Those prices are dropping like a rock!" Trump wrote.</p><p>"In other words, customers are being 'gouged.' I have instructed the DOJ to immediately start looking into this. Gasoline prices better start going down a lot faster than what I'm seeing!" he added, signing off with his signature ‘President DJT’.</p><p>The oil industry has yet to publicly respond to Trump's allegations.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-asks-americans-if-ice-should-become-nice-in-unusual-rebranding-poll-says-media-would-go-totally-crazy-1782014525608"><strong>Trump asks Americans if ICE should become 'NICE' in unusual rebranding poll, says media would 'go totally crazy'</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Oil prices fall to lowest levels since start of Iran war</strong></h2><p>Trump's remarks come as oil prices extended losses to sit around their lowest levels since the early days of the Middle East crisis. According to an AFP report, at 0230 GMT, Brent crude price fell by 0.7 per cent to $76.56 a barrel.</p><p>Oil prices continue to fall as optimism persists about an eventual deal to end the war in West Asia.</p><p>On Monday, traffic through the Strait of Hormuz reached its highest level since the war began on February 28.</p><p>Global oil markets have experienced increased volatility in recent months amid geopolitical tensions in West Asia, supply disruptions, and concerns over global economic growth.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

With oil prices falling to their lowest levels since the start of the Iran conflict, Donald Trump has accused major oil companies of overcharging consumers and ordered the DoJ to investigate whether Americans are being denied the benefits of cheaper crude. Can US citizens expect cheaper fuel?

US President Donald Trump, in a social media post on Wednesday (Jun 24), announced that he has asked big oil companies to drop oil prices. Accusing major oil companies of overcharging consumers by failing to lower gasoline prices in line with the recent decline in crude oil prices, the POTUS said he had directed the Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate the matter. Also read | US Supreme Court makes it easier to deport Green Card holders: What does it mean for Indians? | WION Horizons Can Americans expect cheaper gasoline? In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump claimed that oil prices had fallen sharply, but consumers were not seeing comparable relief at fuel stations. This, he said, meant that American customers were being "gouged" by "big Oil Companies". "The big Oil Companies are not dropping their price at the pump commensurate with the sharply lower prices they are paying for Oil. Those prices are dropping like a rock!" Trump wrote. "In other words, customers are being 'gouged.' I have instructed the DOJ to immediately start looking into this. Gasoline prices better start going down a lot faster than what I'm seeing!" he added, signing off with his signature ‘President DJT’. The oil industry has yet to publicly respond to Trump's allegations. Also read | Trump asks Americans if ICE should become 'NICE' in unusual rebranding poll, says media would 'go totally crazy' Oil prices fall to lowest levels since start of Iran war Trump's remarks come as oil prices extended losses to sit around their lowest levels since the early days of the Middle East crisis. According to an AFP report, at 0230 GMT, Brent crude price fell by 0.7 per cent to $76.56 a barrel. Oil prices continue to fall as optimism persists about an eventual deal to end the war in West Asia. On Monday, traffic through the Strait of Hormuz reached its highest level since the war began on February 28. Global oil markets have experienced increased volatility in recent months amid geopolitical tensions in West Asia, supply disruptions, and concerns over global economic growth.

<p>With oil prices falling to their lowest levels since the start of the Iran conflict, Donald Trump has accused major oil companies of overcharging consumers and ordered the DoJ to investigate whether Americans are being denied the benefits of cheaper crude. Can US citizens expect cheaper fuel?</p>

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