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Cat owners in China desperate to save their beloved cats are using human COVID-19 drugs like Merck&rsquo;s Lagevrio to treat Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)&mdash;a deadly disease in cats that earlier had no accessible treatments, according to a local Chinese media outlet, Jiemian.
The trend has sparked widespread discussions on Chinese social media platforms, with many users on Xiaohongshu, the country&rsquo;s equivalent of Instagram, sharing their experiences. &ldquo;COVID-19 drugs for humans saved my cat&rsquo;s life,&rdquo; wrote one user. &ldquo;I&rsquo;m sharing my notes here so more people can save their furry babies and ease the suffering of cats," wrote another.
<h2 dir="ltr">Feline Infectious Peritonitis: A deadly disease</h2>
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is caused by the feline coronavirus, which infects white blood cells, spreading throughout the cat&rsquo;s body and causing fatal inflammatory reactions if untreated. It is not contagious to humans, dogs, or other animals. Until recently, there was no readily available treatment for FIP.
Antiviral drugs like GS-441524, developed by Gilead Sciences, have shown effectiveness against FIP. However, these drugs are not approved by the US FDA and remain inaccessible to many. Chinese pet owners often resort to black-market sources to obtain GS-441524, which costs tens of thousands of yuan and carries the risk of counterfeit products.
Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/post/8591039" rel="dofollow"> China claims it shared info on Covid &lsquo;without holding anything back&rsquo;</a>
<h2 dir="ltr">Affordable alternatives</h2>
Faced with the high costs of pet-specific drugs, cat owners are opting for more affordable human COVID-19 antivirals. A 40-pill bottle of Lagevrio costs around 1,725 yuan ($236) online and is enough to treat multiple cats. Some have also used cheaper COVID-19 medicines from domestic companies like Henan Genuine Biotech Co., Simcere Pharmaceutical Group Ltd., and Shanghai Junshi Biosciences Co.
In addition, pet owners are using human nutritional supplements as alternatives to veterinary products, citing cost efficiency. &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t understand why pet medicines are so expensive,&rdquo; one Xiaohongshu user wrote. &ldquo;You just need to adjust the dosage of human medicines for cats," wrote another.
This trend is a stark contrast to the early days of the pandemic when some people in the US misused ivermectin, a drug meant for animals, prompting the FDA to issue a warning: &ldquo;You are not a horse. You are not a cow. Stop it.&rdquo;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-dealing-with-new-epidemic-five-years-after-covid-19-claim-reports-8586676" rel="dofollow">China dealing with new epidemic five years after Covid-19, claim reports</a>
<h2 dir="ltr">Lack of response and concerns</h2>
Merck has yet to respond to queries about this development. Chinese cat owners, meanwhile, continue to rely on informal networks to access affordable treatments, often expressing frustration about the high costs and risks involved.
(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Trending | World: FIP is caused by the feline coronavirus, which infects white blood cells and spreads throughout the cat’s body, causing fatal inflammatory reactions if untreated.

Cat owners in China desperate to save their beloved cats are using human COVID-19 drugs like Merck’s Lagevrio to treat Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)—a deadly disease in cats that earlier had no accessible treatments, according to a local Chinese media outlet, Jiemian. The trend has sparked widespread discussions on Chinese social media platforms, with many users on Xiaohongshu, the country’s equivalent of Instagram, sharing their experiences. “COVID-19 drugs for humans saved my cat’s life,” wrote one user. “I’m sharing my notes here so more people can save their furry babies and ease the suffering of cats," wrote another. Feline Infectious Peritonitis: A deadly disease Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is caused by the feline coronavirus, which infects white blood cells, spreading throughout the cat’s body and causing fatal inflammatory reactions if untreated. It is not contagious to humans, dogs, or other animals. Until recently, there was no readily available treatment for FIP. Antiviral drugs like GS-441524, developed by Gilead Sciences, have shown effectiveness against FIP. However, these drugs are not approved by the US FDA and remain inaccessible to many. Chinese pet owners often resort to black-market sources to obtain GS-441524, which costs tens of thousands of yuan and carries the risk of counterfeit products. Also Read: China claims it shared info on Covid ‘without holding anything back’ Affordable alternatives Faced with the high costs of pet-specific drugs, cat owners are opting for more affordable human COVID-19 antivirals. A 40-pill bottle of Lagevrio costs around 1,725 yuan ($236) online and is enough to treat multiple cats. Some have also used cheaper COVID-19 medicines from domestic companies like Henan Genuine Biotech Co., Simcere Pharmaceutical Group Ltd., and Shanghai Junshi Biosciences Co. In addition, pet owners are using human nutritional supplements as alternatives to veterinary products, citing cost efficiency. “I don’t understand why pet medicines are so expensive,” one Xiaohongshu user wrote. “You just need to adjust the dosage of human medicines for cats," wrote another. This trend is a stark contrast to the early days of the pandemic when some people in the US misused ivermectin, a drug meant for animals, prompting the FDA to issue a warning: “You are not a horse. You are not a cow. Stop it.” Also Read: China dealing with new epidemic five years after Covid-19, claim reports Lack of response and concerns Merck has yet to respond to queries about this development. Chinese cat owners, meanwhile, continue to rely on informal networks to access affordable treatments, often expressing frustration about the high costs and risks involved. (With inputs from agencies)

Chinese pet owners turn to COVID-19 drugs to battle cat disease FIP

Toco, a Japanese man who became famous for spending $14,000 for a hyperrealistic custom-made collie ensemble, is now opening his own zoo on January 26. The Tocotoco Zoo has been described on its official website as "a place where your wish to become an animal comes true."
The website says, "Have you ever wanted to be an animal? Have you ever imagined yourself as something other than yourself and felt excited?" The zoo wishes to fulfill these dreams by offering a service where guests can wear realistic animal costumes and become animals.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-president-putin-gifts-lions-ducks-and-bears-to-north-korean-zoo-777806" rel="dofollow">Putin sends African lion and rare animals to Pyongyang zoo as a &lsquo;gift to the Korean people&rsquo;</a>
<h2 dir="ltr">Tocotoco Zoo: Inside details</h2>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
At the Tocotoco Zoo in Saitama Prefecture, north of Tokyo, visitors will be allowed to wear a human-sized dog costume and live as the man's best friend, reported the New York Post. 
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Guests at the zoo will be given a chance to wear a lifelike, life-sized Alaskan Malamute costume, complete with a wagging tail and a mouth that moves like a real dog&rsquo;s. 
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
According to the official website, visitors can book private sessions for 49,000 yen (about $311). However, it&rsquo;s still unclear who will manage the zoo or if more dog costumes will be added in the future. 
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
There are size restrictions for visitors who want to try on the dog costume. Participants must be between 4 feet 11 inches and 5 feet 11 inches tall to fit into the suit. Additionally, each booking allows up to three people to visit the zoo at a time.
</li>
</ul>
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/thailand-zoos-golden-tiger-emerges-as-newest-sensation-after-hippo-moo-deng-779172" rel="dofollow">Thailand zoo's golden tiger emerges as newest sensation after hippo Moo Deng</a>
<h2 dir="ltr">Toco&rsquo;s vision&nbsp;</h2>
Videos were recently shared by Toco of him playing while wearing a dog costume, saying that he wanted to be an animal and is opening a zoo to help other people experience the same dream.&nbsp;
 (With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Trending | World: There are size restrictions for visitors who want to try on the dog costume. Participants must be between 4 feet 11 inches and 5 feet 11 inches tall.

Toco, a Japanese man who became famous for spending $14,000 for a hyperrealistic custom-made collie ensemble, is now opening his own zoo on January 26. The Tocotoco Zoo has been described on its official website as "a place where your wish to become an animal comes true." The website says, "Have you ever wanted to be an animal? Have you ever imagined yourself as something other than yourself and felt excited?" The zoo wishes to fulfill these dreams by offering a service where guests can wear realistic animal costumes and become animals. Also read: Putin sends African lion and rare animals to Pyongyang zoo as a ‘gift to the Korean people’ Tocotoco Zoo: Inside details At the Tocotoco Zoo in Saitama Prefecture, north of Tokyo, visitors will be allowed to wear a human-sized dog costume and live as the man's best friend, reported the New York Post. Guests at the zoo will be given a chance to wear a lifelike, life-sized Alaskan Malamute costume, complete with a wagging tail and a mouth that moves like a real dog’s. According to the official website, visitors can book private sessions for 49,000 yen (about $311). However, it’s still unclear who will manage the zoo or if more dog costumes will be added in the future. There are size restrictions for visitors who want to try on the dog costume. Participants must be between 4 feet 11 inches and 5 feet 11 inches tall to fit into the suit. Additionally, each booking allows up to three people to visit the zoo at a time. Also Read: Thailand zoo's golden tiger emerges as newest sensation after hippo Moo Deng Toco’s vision Videos were recently shared by Toco of him playing while wearing a dog costume, saying that he wanted to be an animal and is opening a zoo to help other people experience the same dream. (With inputs from agencies)

Toco’s $14,000 collie costume sparks creation of Tocotoco zoo

Sweden began its controversial wolf hunt on Thursday (Jan 2), aiming to reduce the population of the endangered predator by nearly half.&nbsp;
The government has approved the culling of five wolf families, totalling 30 wolves, despite concerns raised by conservation groups and legal challenges under European Union law as reported by the Guardian.
The European Commission is considering changes to its habitats directive as wolf populations rise in parts of Europe, threatening livestock. The Berne Convention recently voted to downgrade wolves to "protected" status, effective 7 March 2025, making it easier to allow culling.
<h2>Declining population amid hunting pressure </h2>
Sweden&rsquo;s wolf population, already under pressure, saw a nearly 20 per cent decline during 2022-23. Current estimates place the number at 375 individuals. The government has set a new minimum population level of 170 wolves to achieve what it describes as "favourable conservation status," a significant reduction from the previous threshold of 300.
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/year-of-the-snake-history-significance-and-date-of-chinese-new-year-2025-8583300">Year of the Snake: History, significance and date of Chinese New Year 2025</a>
However, critics argue that the decision puts the species at greater risk. Wolves were once nearly extinct in Sweden, with no breeding population between 1966 and 1983. The species remains listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Conservationists warn that this policy could undo decades of efforts to restore the species.&nbsp;
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/truck-carrying-20000-litres-of-stout-beer-stolen-in-uk-heist-8583476">Truck carrying 20,000 litres of stout beer stolen in UK heist</a>
<h2>Farmers cite livestock threats &nbsp;</h2>
Farmers have advocated for reduced wolf populations, citing frequent attacks on livestock, particularly sheep. They argue that larger wolf populations disrupt rural livelihoods, making tighter controls necessary.
<h2>Environmentalists urge preventive measures </h2>
Environmental groups have opposed the hunt, emphasising alternative solutions like electric fencing to prevent livestock predation. They argue that culling undermines biodiversity and the critical role wolves play in maintaining ecological balance.
&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

World: The Sweden government has approved the culling of five wolf families, totalling 30 wolves, despite concerns raised by conservation groups and legal challenges under European Union law.

Sweden began its controversial wolf hunt on Thursday (Jan 2), aiming to reduce the population of the endangered predator by nearly half. The government has approved the culling of five wolf families, totalling 30 wolves, despite concerns raised by conservation groups and legal challenges under European Union law as reported by the Guardian. The European Commission is considering changes to its habitats directive as wolf populations rise in parts of Europe, threatening livestock. The Berne Convention recently voted to downgrade wolves to "protected" status, effective 7 March 2025, making it easier to allow culling. Declining population amid hunting pressure Sweden’s wolf population, already under pressure, saw a nearly 20 per cent decline during 2022-23. Current estimates place the number at 375 individuals. The government has set a new minimum population level of 170 wolves to achieve what it describes as "favourable conservation status," a significant reduction from the previous threshold of 300. Also Read | Year of the Snake: History, significance and date of Chinese New Year 2025 However, critics argue that the decision puts the species at greater risk. Wolves were once nearly extinct in Sweden, with no breeding population between 1966 and 1983. The species remains listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Conservationists warn that this policy could undo decades of efforts to restore the species. Also Read | Truck carrying 20,000 litres of stout beer stolen in UK heist Farmers cite livestock threats Farmers have advocated for reduced wolf populations, citing frequent attacks on livestock, particularly sheep. They argue that larger wolf populations disrupt rural livelihoods, making tighter controls necessary. Environmentalists urge preventive measures Environmental groups have opposed the hunt, emphasising alternative solutions like electric fencing to prevent livestock predation. They argue that culling undermines biodiversity and the critical role wolves play in maintaining ecological balance. (With inputs from agencies)

Sweden launches wolf hunt to halve endangered population

Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year, is celebrated by billions of people worldwide. 2025 has arrived as the 'Year of the Snake' in the Chinese Zodiac, a 12-year cycle based on animals from Chinese mythology. In 2025, it falls on January 29, marking the start of the 'Year of the Snake'. This time is filled with celebrations, traditions and rituals that bring families together to honour the past and welcome the future with hope and good fortune.
<h2>Significance of the Year of the Snake</h2>
'Year of the Snake' represents wisdom, intuition, and transformation. In 2025, it&rsquo;s the 'Wood Snake' year, which encourages people to embrace change and growth. It&rsquo;s a time to set intentions for the year ahead and wish for prosperity and good fortune.
Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/bioluminescent-sea-sparkles-light-up-tasmanias-coastline-raising-environmental-concerns-8583098"> Bioluminescent 'sea sparkles' light up Tasmania&rsquo;s coastline, raising environmental concerns</a>
Chinese New Year is a time for family reunions, honouring traditions, and looking forward to a bright new year filled with happiness and success. It&rsquo;s a joyful celebration that brings people together to celebrate new beginnings and the promise of a prosperous year.
<h2>Chinese New Year: History</h2>
Chinese New Year has a long history and is deeply tied to the lunar calendar. According to legend, the holiday began as a way to protect people from a mythical beast called Nian, who would appear on New Year&rsquo;s Eve. Over time, people created celebrations to drive the beast away. The holiday also marks the end of winter and the start of spring, a time for renewal and fresh beginnings.
Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/puerto-rico-suffers-island-wide-power-blackout-on-hours-before-new-year-celebration-8582543"> Puerto Rico suffers island-wide power blackout hours before New Year</a>
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/bioluminescent-sea-sparkles-light-up-tasmanias-coastline-raising-environmental-concerns-8583098"> </a>
<h2>Chinese New Year: Traditions and rituals</h2>
During Chinese New Year, there are many customs to bring good luck. People clean their homes to get rid of bad energy and decorate them with red symbols of good fortune. It's common for elders to give children red envelopes filled with money, wishing them prosperity. Families also visit the graves of their ancestors to honour them. Wearing new clothes and red decorations is traditional for a fresh start in the new year.
(With inputs from agencies)
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

World | Trending: 2025 has arrived as the 'Year of the Snake' in the Chinese Zodiac, a 12-year cycle based on animals from Chinese mythology. In 2025, it falls on January 29.

Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year, is celebrated by billions of people worldwide. 2025 has arrived as the 'Year of the Snake' in the Chinese Zodiac, a 12-year cycle based on animals from Chinese mythology. In 2025, it falls on January 29, marking the start of the 'Year of the Snake'. This time is filled with celebrations, traditions and rituals that bring families together to honour the past and welcome the future with hope and good fortune. Significance of the Year of the Snake 'Year of the Snake' represents wisdom, intuition, and transformation. In 2025, it’s the 'Wood Snake' year, which encourages people to embrace change and growth. It’s a time to set intentions for the year ahead and wish for prosperity and good fortune. Also read | Bioluminescent 'sea sparkles' light up Tasmania’s coastline, raising environmental concerns Chinese New Year is a time for family reunions, honouring traditions, and looking forward to a bright new year filled with happiness and success. It’s a joyful celebration that brings people together to celebrate new beginnings and the promise of a prosperous year. Chinese New Year: History Chinese New Year has a long history and is deeply tied to the lunar calendar. According to legend, the holiday began as a way to protect people from a mythical beast called Nian, who would appear on New Year’s Eve. Over time, people created celebrations to drive the beast away. The holiday also marks the end of winter and the start of spring, a time for renewal and fresh beginnings. Also read | Puerto Rico suffers island-wide power blackout hours before New Year Chinese New Year: Traditions and rituals During Chinese New Year, there are many customs to bring good luck. People clean their homes to get rid of bad energy and decorate them with red symbols of good fortune. It's common for elders to give children red envelopes filled with money, wishing them prosperity. Families also visit the graves of their ancestors to honour them. Wearing new clothes and red decorations is traditional for a fresh start in the new year. (With inputs from agencies)

Year of the Snake: History, significance and date of Chinese New Year 2025

Tasmania&rsquo;s shores have been illuminated by a dazzling display of bioluminescence, marking the return of the largest algae bloom seen in years.
Known as &ldquo;sea sparkles&rdquo; or &ldquo;red tide,&rdquo; the phenomenon is caused by the proliferation of Noctiluca scintillans, a pink-hued algae. While its bluish glow captivates spectators, experts warn that its presence signals potential environmental disturbances as reported by The Guardian.
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/puerto-rico-suffers-island-wide-power-blackout-on-hours-before-new-year-celebration-8582543">Puerto Rico suffers island-wide power blackout hours before New Year</a>
<h2>What causes the bioluminescent glow? &nbsp;</h2>
Dr Jen Matthews, a marine biologist from the Future Reefs Research Group at the University of Technology Sydney, explained that the algae&rsquo;s unique shape allows it to float on the surface. When the algae multiply in abundance, their presence creates the vivid red tides visible along the coastline. &nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/abu-dhabi-creates-guinness-world-records-with-largest-fireworks-and-drone-show-on-new-year-8583036">Abu Dhabi creates Guinness world records with largest fireworks and drone show on New Year</a>
&ldquo;They exist in small numbers, and you might not see them, but when you get a huge abundance of them, that&rsquo;s when you start to see these red tides,&rdquo; she said.
The bluish glow results from a chemical reaction in a structure called a scintillion, triggered by movement such as waves. &ldquo;That chemical reaction produces light and it can be really spectacular,&rdquo; Dr Matthews added. &nbsp;
<h2>Environmental concerns &nbsp;</h2>
Dr Gershwin noted the algal bloom followed a pulse of salp and warned of a bloom of jellyfish as the algae die off. &ldquo;These organisms in abundance are usually signs of a severely disturbed ecosystem,&rdquo; she said.
<h2>Observing the glow &nbsp;</h2>
Dr Lisa Gershwin suggested using a spray bottle to stimulate the glow if there are no waves, cautioning against throwing rocks due to safety risks. &nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Tasmania’s shores have been illuminated by a dazzling display of bioluminescence, marking the return of the largest algae bloom seen in years.

Tasmania’s shores have been illuminated by a dazzling display of bioluminescence, marking the return of the largest algae bloom seen in years. Known as “sea sparkles” or “red tide,” the phenomenon is caused by the proliferation of Noctiluca scintillans, a pink-hued algae. While its bluish glow captivates spectators, experts warn that its presence signals potential environmental disturbances as reported by The Guardian. Also Read | Puerto Rico suffers island-wide power blackout hours before New Year What causes the bioluminescent glow? Dr Jen Matthews, a marine biologist from the Future Reefs Research Group at the University of Technology Sydney, explained that the algae’s unique shape allows it to float on the surface. When the algae multiply in abundance, their presence creates the vivid red tides visible along the coastline. Also read | Abu Dhabi creates Guinness world records with largest fireworks and drone show on New Year “They exist in small numbers, and you might not see them, but when you get a huge abundance of them, that’s when you start to see these red tides,” she said. The bluish glow results from a chemical reaction in a structure called a scintillion, triggered by movement such as waves. “That chemical reaction produces light and it can be really spectacular,” Dr Matthews added. Environmental concerns Dr Gershwin noted the algal bloom followed a pulse of salp and warned of a bloom of jellyfish as the algae die off. “These organisms in abundance are usually signs of a severely disturbed ecosystem,” she said. Observing the glow Dr Lisa Gershwin suggested using a spray bottle to stimulate the glow if there are no waves, cautioning against throwing rocks due to safety risks. (With inputs from agencies)

Bioluminescent 'sea sparkles' light up Tasmania’s coastline, raising environmental concerns

Tesla CEO and billionaire Elon Musk has once again created buzz on the internet as he changed his name on his social media platform X from Elon Musk to "Kekius Maximus." He even changed his profile photo and replaced it with the 'Pepe the Frog' meme. The photo showed 'Pepe the Frog' wearing an armour of gold and holding a video game controller.&nbsp;
'Pepe the Frog' is the image of the frog that has been circulating on the internet for a long time and represents humour and sarcasm. 'Kekius Maximus' is a meme-inspired cryptocurrency token operating on multiple blockchain platforms, including Ethereum and Solana. It has emerged as a prominent entity recently in the crypto market and has been attracting the attention of investors and crypto enthusiasts.&nbsp;
Also read |&nbsp;<a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-acting-president-choi-approves-appointment-of-two-constitutional-justices-amid-political-unrest-8580869" aria-label="S Korea acting President Choi approves appointment of two constitutional justices amid political unrest">S Korea acting President Choi approves appointment of two constitutional justices amid political unrest</a>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m5cd2e6m-06mvc9tv-84mweelq">
Kekius Maximus will soon reach level 80 in hardcore PoE <a href="https://t.co/Cg5ttuqjvX">pic.twitter.com/Cg5ttuqjvX</a>
&mdash; Kekius Maximus (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1873985108044091822?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2024</a></blockquote>
Musk further posted on X saying, "Kekius Maximus will soon reach level 80 in hardcore PoE."
When it comes to cryptocurrency, Musk is a big name, especially after he was picked by incoming US president Donald Trump to lead a newly formed department named 'Department of Government Efficiency' (DOGE). &nbsp;DOGE was first proposed by Musk and was championed by Trump as a way to cut down on government bureaucracy. The name of the department, "DOGE" was inspired by the Dogecoin cryptocurrency, which is often touted by the X owner.&nbsp;
He has been an advocate of cryptocurrencies and has always been a part of the meme culture on the internet. Although it is not yet clear why he chose the name, it has sparked speculations about his interest in the KEKIUS toke.
Also read | <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bidens-decency-remark-on-trump-sparks-backlash-republicans-slam-his-unmitigated-gall-8580276" aria-label="Biden's 'decency' remark on Trump sparks backlash, Republicans slam his 'unmitigated gall'">Biden's 'decency' remark on Trump sparks backlash, Republicans slam his 'unmitigated gall'</a>
Well, this is not the first time Musk changed the name of the social media platform. On January 26, 2023, Musk said, "Changed my name to Mr Tweet, now Twitter won't let me change it back".
<h3>Musk and his online saga&nbsp;</h3>
Musk has been a fun and playful persona on the internet, always engaged in one or the other silly, funny, or controversial stuff.&nbsp;
His influence has grown a lot after the US presidential election campaign and Trump's win to the White House.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencie)

Trending | 'Pepe the Frog' is the image of the frog that has been circulated on the internet for a long time and represents humour and sarcasm.

Tesla CEO and billionaire Elon Musk has once again created buzz on the internet as he changed his name on his social media platform X from Elon Musk to "Kekius Maximus." He even changed his profile photo and replaced it with the 'Pepe the Frog' meme. The photo showed 'Pepe the Frog' wearing an armour of gold and holding a video game controller. 'Pepe the Frog' is the image of the frog that has been circulating on the internet for a long time and represents humour and sarcasm. 'Kekius Maximus' is a meme-inspired cryptocurrency token operating on multiple blockchain platforms, including Ethereum and Solana. It has emerged as a prominent entity recently in the crypto market and has been attracting the attention of investors and crypto enthusiasts. Also read | S Korea acting President Choi approves appointment of two constitutional justices amid political unrest Kekius Maximus will soon reach level 80 in hardcore PoE pic.twitter.com/Cg5ttuqjvX — Kekius Maximus (@elonmusk) December 31, 2024 Musk further posted on X saying, "Kekius Maximus will soon reach level 80 in hardcore PoE." When it comes to cryptocurrency, Musk is a big name, especially after he was picked by incoming US president Donald Trump to lead a newly formed department named 'Department of Government Efficiency' (DOGE). DOGE was first proposed by Musk and was championed by Trump as a way to cut down on government bureaucracy. The name of the department, "DOGE" was inspired by the Dogecoin cryptocurrency, which is often touted by the X owner. He has been an advocate of cryptocurrencies and has always been a part of the meme culture on the internet. Although it is not yet clear why he chose the name, it has sparked speculations about his interest in the KEKIUS toke. Also read | Biden's 'decency' remark on Trump sparks backlash, Republicans slam his 'unmitigated gall' Well, this is not the first time Musk changed the name of the social media platform. On January 26, 2023, Musk said, "Changed my name to Mr Tweet, now Twitter won't let me change it back". Musk and his online saga Musk has been a fun and playful persona on the internet, always engaged in one or the other silly, funny, or controversial stuff. His influence has grown a lot after the US presidential election campaign and Trump's win to the White House. (With inputs from agencie)

Elon Musk changes name on X; call him 'Kekius Maximus' now

The global fandom of the famous K-pop band BTS has no boundaries. Now, three minor girls from Dharashiv district of India's Maharashtra staged their own abduction in a bid to travel to South Korea and meet their favourite band. But their plan was short-lived as the cops tracked their bus near Solapur, counselled them, and reunited them safely with their families.&nbsp;
<h2 dir="ltr">Crazy obsession with BTS: Failed plan</h2>
The minor girls, two of them aged 13 and one aged 11, belong to the Omerga area of Dharashiv.&nbsp;
&nbsp;"The girls followed BTS on social media and planned to go to South Korea to meet the band members. To fund their travel, they decided to go to Pune first and earn some money," said police official Sanjay Jadhav.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bts-fans-back-rm-amid-plagiarism-controversy-for-entirely-511102" rel="dofollow">BTS fans back RM amid plagiarism controversy for 'Entirely'</a>
On December 28, the girls boarded a bus en route to Pune. One of the 13-year-old girls dialled the phone to speak to her parents just before departing, claiming that she and her friends had been kidnapped. The girl assumed this would be a way out to prevent her parents from being worried about their absence.&nbsp;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/cardi-b-reveals-her-3-year-old-daughter-kulture-is-a-big-fam-of-k-pop-band-bts-430989" rel="dofollow">Cardi B reveals her 3-year-old daughter Kulture is a big fan of K-pop band BTS</a>
<h2 dir="ltr">Police intervention&nbsp;</h2>
The parents immediately informed the police after the phone call. The authorities soon sprung to action, and with the help of the mobile phone tracing system, managed to locate the girls within 30 minutes.&nbsp;
"The bus was stopped near Solapur&rsquo;s Mohol, around 115 km from Omerga. The girls were brought out of the bus and taken back to their hometown," Jadhav said. 
The police said all three girls hail from middle-class families and had been adversely affected by social media.&nbsp;
"We counselled the minors about the adverse effects of excessive social media exposure. Their parents were also advised to monitor and limit their children&rsquo;s screen time," a police officer said.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/this-is-how-bts-army-in-india-is-celebrating-jungkooks-birthday-in-a-grand-style-409939" rel="dofollow">This is how BTS ARMY in India is celebrating Jungkook's birthday in a grand style</a>
<h2 dir="ltr">Call for awareness!&nbsp;</h2>
No legal offence case has been registered in connection with the incident as what's important is to educate both the children and the families to avoid similar situations in the future by limiting the child&rsquo;s screen time.&nbsp;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bts-fans-match-groups-1-million-donation-to-black-lives-matter-304392" rel="dofollow">BTS fans match group's $1 million donation to Black Lives Matter</a>
<h2 dir="ltr">Similar incidents happened in past too&nbsp;</h2>
A similar incident took place in January, when three teenage girls tried to flee their village in Karur in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu to meet BTS. 
The 13-year-old girls, driven by the love for music and dance, decided to travel to Seoul without passports or adequate money.&nbsp;
Their parents obviously panicked when the girls didn't return home and lodged a police complaint. 
Authorities managed to find the girls in the city of Vellore. 
The girls were then placed in a state-run institution where they were counselled along with their parents. 
Later, they reached their home districts safely with their families.
(With inputs from agencies)

India News| Trending | Entertainment: The girls followed BTS on social media and planned to go to South Korea to meet the band members. To fund their travel, they decided to go to Pune first and earn some money. 

The global fandom of the famous K-pop band BTS has no boundaries. Now, three minor girls from Dharashiv district of India's Maharashtra staged their own abduction in a bid to travel to South Korea and meet their favourite band. But their plan was short-lived as the cops tracked their bus near Solapur, counselled them, and reunited them safely with their families. Crazy obsession with BTS: Failed plan The minor girls, two of them aged 13 and one aged 11, belong to the Omerga area of Dharashiv. "The girls followed BTS on social media and planned to go to South Korea to meet the band members. To fund their travel, they decided to go to Pune first and earn some money," said police official Sanjay Jadhav. Also Read: BTS fans back RM amid plagiarism controversy for 'Entirely' On December 28, the girls boarded a bus en route to Pune. One of the 13-year-old girls dialled the phone to speak to her parents just before departing, claiming that she and her friends had been kidnapped. The girl assumed this would be a way out to prevent her parents from being worried about their absence. Also Read: Cardi B reveals her 3-year-old daughter Kulture is a big fan of K-pop band BTS Police intervention The parents immediately informed the police after the phone call. The authorities soon sprung to action, and with the help of the mobile phone tracing system, managed to locate the girls within 30 minutes. "The bus was stopped near Solapur’s Mohol, around 115 km from Omerga. The girls were brought out of the bus and taken back to their hometown," Jadhav said. The police said all three girls hail from middle-class families and had been adversely affected by social media. "We counselled the minors about the adverse effects of excessive social media exposure. Their parents were also advised to monitor and limit their children’s screen time," a police officer said. Also Read: This is how BTS ARMY in India is celebrating Jungkook's birthday in a grand style Call for awareness! No legal offence case has been registered in connection with the incident as what's important is to educate both the children and the families to avoid similar situations in the future by limiting the child’s screen time. Also Read: BTS fans match group's $1 million donation to Black Lives Matter Similar incidents happened in past too A similar incident took place in January, when three teenage girls tried to flee their village in Karur in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu to meet BTS. The 13-year-old girls, driven by the love for music and dance, decided to travel to Seoul without passports or adequate money. Their parents obviously panicked when the girls didn't return home and lodged a police complaint. Authorities managed to find the girls in the city of Vellore. The girls were then placed in a state-run institution where they were counselled along with their parents. Later, they reached their home districts safely with their families. (With inputs from agencies)

Young girls from India stage their kidnapping to meet K-pop sensation BTS

Unless you had been living under the rock, or in a bunker with no Wi-Fi, there's no way you didn't catch the wind of the ever-evolving meme game. &nbsp; From TikTok trends and Olympics swag to absurdities leading up to the US election, 2024 proved that memes remain the lifeblood of internet culture, perfectly summing up our chaotic lives. &nbsp; Humour, creativity, and pop culture came together to capture moments that were as entertaining as they were reflective of our shared experiences. &nbsp; While a few memes poked fun at renowned personalities for their unsolicited suggestions, some celebrated the everyday struggles, uniting millions in laughter and commentary.
<h2>Here's a look at the top 11 memes that defined 2024, in no particular order:</h2>
1. "Very Demure, Very Mindful" &nbsp; This meme took off from a beauty influencer's 40-second TikTok video where she described her makeup routine as "very demure, very mindful", highlighting a point about modest self-presentation.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
you see how he sits on his throne? very demure, very mindful, very fancy <a href="https://t.co/O91EOmTvMD">pic.twitter.com/O91EOmTvMD</a>
&mdash; Josh RR Jokien (@joshcarlosjosh) <a href="https://twitter.com/joshcarlosjosh/status/1824553322889744833?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2024</a></blockquote>

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Jools Lebron's video, however, turned into a humourous commentary on the pressures of appearance in the digital age, triggering countless variations and parodies.
2. Look Between X and Y on Your Keyboard &nbsp; This social media trend had users asking others to "look between" specific letters on their keyboards, revealing hidden messages.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
If you look at your keyboard while driving, the thing between Q and R will meet you with a challan.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoadSafety?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RoadSafety</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/dtptraffic?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dtptraffic</a>
&mdash; Delhi Police (@DelhiPolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/DelhiPolice/status/1782756981633339804?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2024</a></blockquote>

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&nbsp;For instance, looking between 'H' and 'L' reveals 'JK', meaning "just kidding". This trend gained traction across various platforms, with brands and individuals creating their own versions.
3. 'Hawk Tuah' &nbsp; The 'Hawk Tuah' meme soared sometime in July, with the phrase &mdash; the distinctive sound of a vigorous spitting action during oral sex &mdash; becoming an internet meme thanks to a 22-year-old American woman's animated, but innocuous, response to a question about one move in bed that 'makes a man go crazy every time'.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Hawk Tuah - The original interview that started it all <a href="https://t.co/QiDfnmXjye">pic.twitter.com/QiDfnmXjye</a>
&mdash; The Postman (@officalpostman) <a href="https://twitter.com/officalpostman/status/1804317724975431843?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2024</a></blockquote>

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 &nbsp;Although the woman regretted the action on camera shortly after, the internet latched on to the moment and turned it into a viral meme. Last we checked, she had a new podcast show titled &lsquo;Talk Tuah'.
4. Chill Guy &nbsp; If you've been browsing social media recently, we bet you've come across this character of an anamorphic dog, with its hands tucked in its pockets, oozing carefree vibes.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Been making some awful decisions in my life lately, but I&rsquo;m lowkey just a chill guy <a href="https://t.co/pyu7Vo36yA">pic.twitter.com/pyu7Vo36yA</a>
&mdash; Dabz 🇬🇼 (@Dabzzzz97) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dabzzzz97/status/1858898155498041608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2024</a></blockquote>

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&nbsp;The character was created by artist Philip Banks in 2023, but it was not until November this year that it went viral. The meme stood out as a favourite to underline positivity and coolness when surrounded by stressful situations.
5. Olympians Yusuf Dike&ccedil; and Kim Yeji &nbsp; Turkish shooter Yusuf Dike&ccedil; and South Korean shooter Kim Yeji stole the limelight at the 2024 Paris Olympics with their unique styles and personalities.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The Olympic <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/shootingsport?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#shootingsport</a> stars we didn&rsquo;t know we needed. 🇰🇷 Kim Yeji 🤝 Yusuf Dike&ccedil; 🇹🇷 <a href="https://t.co/gfkyGjFg4I">pic.twitter.com/gfkyGjFg4I</a>
&mdash; The Olympic Games (@Olympics) <a href="https://twitter.com/Olympics/status/1818909520661278729?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2024</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 Dike&ccedil; gained viral fame for his relaxed demeanour, competing in a casual outfit without the typical protective gear, while Kim Yeji captivated audiences with her focused attitude, earning her the title of "main character energy." &nbsp; Dike&ccedil;'s hand-in-pocket posture led to humorous comparisons and memes depicting him as a "hitman". &nbsp; 6. Donald Trump's garbage truck stunt &nbsp; Just days before the US election day, Donald Trump climbed on a garbage truck in Wisconsin to take a jab at Joe Biden and Kamala Harris over their comment about supporters of the Republican presidential candidate. &nbsp; "This truck is in honour of Kamala and Joe Biden," Trump said from the passenger seat, sparking a wave of memes and jokes.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
PRESIDENT TRUMP: "How do you like my garbage truck? This truck is in honor of Kamala and Joe Biden." <a href="https://t.co/7UwMZ8syvx">pic.twitter.com/7UwMZ8syvx</a>
&mdash; Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) <a href="https://twitter.com/TrumpWarRoom/status/1851753216934903956?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2024</a></blockquote>

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 &nbsp;The event showcased how humour could thrive in political discourse, despite a polarised campaign involving at least two assassination attempts.
7. Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy&rsquo;s workweek debate &nbsp; Indian billionaire and the co-founder of one of the country's biggest IT companies Infosys, Narayana Murthy's advocacy for a 70-hour workweek touched the raw nerve of working professionals in 2024.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
🤣🤣🤣 <a href="https://t.co/YBZNm4gFNB">pic.twitter.com/YBZNm4gFNB</a>
&mdash; sanjoy ghose (@advsanjoy) <a href="https://twitter.com/advsanjoy/status/1871920384590958616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2024</a></blockquote>

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 &nbsp;The 78-year-old software entrepreneur had suggested that young professionals in India need to embrace longer hours to compete globally. Murthy's remarks were met with criticism, sparking a debate about work-life balance and employee productivity.
8. Moo Deng, viral baby pygmy hippo &nbsp; Moo Deng, a baby pygmy hippopotamus born at a Thailand zoo, became a viral sensation&mdash;thanks to her playful antics.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
there can only be one congratulations to moo deng on being our top meme of the year <a href="https://t.co/vbifurnGGS">pic.twitter.com/vbifurnGGS</a>
&mdash; X (@X) <a href="https://twitter.com/X/status/1871243966794104872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2024</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The videos of Moo Deng avoiding bath time and mimicking chewing captivated internet users, leading to a flurry of memes depicting her in relatable scenarios, with captions like "Me whenever someone calls me pretty." She was also featured in a Saturday Night Live episode, besides having an official theme song.
9. "They are eating the dogs" &nbsp; Donald Trump's bizarre claims about Haitian migrants "eating pets" in Ohio sparked a meme frenzy on TikTok during the peak of the US election campaign.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
"I love you. I would never let the Haitians eat you." <a href="https://t.co/47QguOUpAC">pic.twitter.com/47QguOUpAC</a>
&mdash; Rare Trumps (@TrumpsRare) <a href="https://twitter.com/TrumpsRare/status/1832957584694792634?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2024</a></blockquote>

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The local authorities promptly debunked the rumours, but the sheer absurdity of Trump's claims created a wave of memes. The event also underscored how misinformation could spread rapidly amidst a highly charged election campaign.
10. "Chin tapak dam dam" &nbsp; Social media does work in mysterious ways. How else would you explain a cartoon magic spell from an Indian children's animated show to take over social media timelines, years after going on-air?
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<script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>
 &nbsp;The catchphrase from the 'Chhota Bheem' show became a viral trend after a fan revisited an old episode where the villain, 'Takiya', casts a spell to showcase his magical powers. &nbsp; The dialogue inspired several memes and creative adaptations, with many celebrities joining in on the fun.
11. Elon Musk jumping at Trump's rally &nbsp; Donald Trump's election victory left, among other things, a photograph of an elated Elon Musk jumping on the stage with his hands open, to live rent-free in our mind.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I don&rsquo;t know if this will make sense to anyone but Elon jumps like a homeschool kid <a href="https://t.co/9b9eMyCsKy">pic.twitter.com/9b9eMyCsKy</a>
&mdash; Ben Palmer (@benjpalmer) <a href="https://twitter.com/benjpalmer/status/1842753242062631204?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 6, 2024</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

While the Tesla CEO's entrance was meant to charge up Trump supporters at his Pennsylvania rally, the awkward jump in a Make American Great Again (MAGA) cap became a butt of jokes, with social media users adding their own creative captions and edits.
What was your favourite meme of 2024? Tell us in the comments.&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Trending: From TikTok trends and Olympics swag to absurdities leading up to the US election, 2024 proved that memes remain the lifeblood of internet culture

Unless you had been living under the rock, or in a bunker with no Wi-Fi, there's no way you didn't catch the wind of the ever-evolving meme game. From TikTok trends and Olympics swag to absurdities leading up to the US election, 2024 proved that memes remain the lifeblood of internet culture, perfectly summing up our chaotic lives. Humour, creativity, and pop culture came together to capture moments that were as entertaining as they were reflective of our shared experiences. While a few memes poked fun at renowned personalities for their unsolicited suggestions, some celebrated the everyday struggles, uniting millions in laughter and commentary. Here's a look at the top 11 memes that defined 2024, in no particular order: 1. "Very Demure, Very Mindful" This meme took off from a beauty influencer's 40-second TikTok video where she described her makeup routine as "very demure, very mindful", highlighting a point about modest self-presentation. you see how he sits on his throne? very demure, very mindful, very fancy pic.twitter.com/O91EOmTvMD — Josh RR Jokien (@joshcarlosjosh) August 16, 2024 Jools Lebron's video, however, turned into a humourous commentary on the pressures of appearance in the digital age, triggering countless variations and parodies. 2. Look Between X and Y on Your Keyboard This social media trend had users asking others to "look between" specific letters on their keyboards, revealing hidden messages. If you look at your keyboard while driving, the thing between Q and R will meet you with a challan.#RoadSafety @dtptraffic — Delhi Police (@DelhiPolice) April 23, 2024 For instance, looking between 'H' and 'L' reveals 'JK', meaning "just kidding". This trend gained traction across various platforms, with brands and individuals creating their own versions. 3. 'Hawk Tuah' The 'Hawk Tuah' meme soared sometime in July, with the phrase — the distinctive sound of a vigorous spitting action during oral sex — becoming an internet meme thanks to a 22-year-old American woman's animated, but innocuous, response to a question about one move in bed that 'makes a man go crazy every time'. Hawk Tuah - The original interview that started it all pic.twitter.com/QiDfnmXjye — The Postman (@officalpostman) June 22, 2024 Although the woman regretted the action on camera shortly after, the internet latched on to the moment and turned it into a viral meme. Last we checked, she had a new podcast show titled ‘Talk Tuah'. 4. Chill Guy If you've been browsing social media recently, we bet you've come across this character of an anamorphic dog, with its hands tucked in its pockets, oozing carefree vibes. Been making some awful decisions in my life lately, but I’m lowkey just a chill guy pic.twitter.com/pyu7Vo36yA — Dabz 🇬🇼 (@Dabzzzz97) November 19, 2024 The character was created by artist Philip Banks in 2023, but it was not until November this year that it went viral. The meme stood out as a favourite to underline positivity and coolness when surrounded by stressful situations. 5. Olympians Yusuf Dikeç and Kim Yeji Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikeç and South Korean shooter Kim Yeji stole the limelight at the 2024 Paris Olympics with their unique styles and personalities. The Olympic #shootingsport stars we didn’t know we needed. 🇰🇷 Kim Yeji 🤝 Yusuf Dikeç 🇹🇷 pic.twitter.com/gfkyGjFg4I — The Olympic Games (@Olympics) August 1, 2024 Dikeç gained viral fame for his relaxed demeanour, competing in a casual outfit without the typical protective gear, while Kim Yeji captivated audiences with her focused attitude, earning her the title of "main character energy." Dikeç's hand-in-pocket posture led to humorous comparisons and memes depicting him as a "hitman". 6. Donald Trump's garbage truck stunt Just days before the US election day, Donald Trump climbed on a garbage truck in Wisconsin to take a jab at Joe Biden and Kamala Harris over their comment about supporters of the Republican presidential candidate. "This truck is in honour of Kamala and Joe Biden," Trump said from the passenger seat, sparking a wave of memes and jokes. PRESIDENT TRUMP: "How do you like my garbage truck? This truck is in honor of Kamala and Joe Biden." pic.twitter.com/7UwMZ8syvx — Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) October 30, 2024 The event showcased how humour could thrive in political discourse, despite a polarised campaign involving at least two assassination attempts. 7. Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy’s workweek debate Indian billionaire and the co-founder of one of the country's biggest IT companies Infosys, Narayana Murthy's advocacy for a 70-hour workweek touched the raw nerve of working professionals in 2024. 🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/YBZNm4gFNB — sanjoy ghose (@advsanjoy) December 25, 2024 The 78-year-old software entrepreneur had suggested that young professionals in India need to embrace longer hours to compete globally. Murthy's remarks were met with criticism, sparking a debate about work-life balance and employee productivity. 8. Moo Deng, viral baby pygmy hippo Moo Deng, a baby pygmy hippopotamus born at a Thailand zoo, became a viral sensation—thanks to her playful antics. there can only be one congratulations to moo deng on being our top meme of the year pic.twitter.com/vbifurnGGS — X (@X) December 23, 2024 The videos of Moo Deng avoiding bath time and mimicking chewing captivated internet users, leading to a flurry of memes depicting her in relatable scenarios, with captions like "Me whenever someone calls me pretty." She was also featured in a Saturday Night Live episode, besides having an official theme song. 9. "They are eating the dogs" Donald Trump's bizarre claims about Haitian migrants "eating pets" in Ohio sparked a meme frenzy on TikTok during the peak of the US election campaign. "I love you. I would never let the Haitians eat you." pic.twitter.com/47QguOUpAC — Rare Trumps (@TrumpsRare) September 9, 2024 The local authorities promptly debunked the rumours, but the sheer absurdity of Trump's claims created a wave of memes. The event also underscored how misinformation could spread rapidly amidst a highly charged election campaign. 10. "Chin tapak dam dam" Social media does work in mysterious ways. How else would you explain a cartoon magic spell from an Indian children's animated show to take over social media timelines, years after going on-air? View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shraddha ✶ (@shraddhakapoor) The catchphrase from the 'Chhota Bheem' show became a viral trend after a fan revisited an old episode where the villain, 'Takiya', casts a spell to showcase his magical powers. The dialogue inspired several memes and creative adaptations, with many celebrities joining in on the fun. 11. Elon Musk jumping at Trump's rally Donald Trump's election victory left, among other things, a photograph of an elated Elon Musk jumping on the stage with his hands open, to live rent-free in our mind. I don’t know if this will make sense to anyone but Elon jumps like a homeschool kid pic.twitter.com/9b9eMyCsKy — Ben Palmer (@benjpalmer) October 6, 2024 While the Tesla CEO's entrance was meant to charge up Trump supporters at his Pennsylvania rally, the awkward jump in a Make American Great Again (MAGA) cap became a butt of jokes, with social media users adding their own creative captions and edits. What was your favourite meme of 2024? Tell us in the comments.

WION Rewind 2024 | Viral, nostalgic, hilarious: 11 memes that made the year unforgettable

If you are a smoker, quitting should be your New Year's resolution because a recent study has found that on average, a single cigarette takes around 20 minutes off a person's life. The study by researchers at the University College London found that a typical pack of 20 cigarettes can shorten the smoker's life by nearly seven hours. The analysis published in the Journal of Addiction claimed that a single cigarette can take 17 minutes from a man's life and 22 minutes from a woman's life.
As per the analysis, if a person smokes 10 cigarettes a day and quits on January 1, they could prevent the loss of a full day of life by January 8. If they follow this routine for the whole year, by December 2025, they can save 50 days from their lives.&nbsp;
Also read | <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/our-brain-is-not-as-fast-as-we-might-think-study-reveals-speed-of-human-thought-786213" aria-label="Our brain is not as fast as we might think, study reveals speed of human thought">Our brain is not as fast as we might think, study reveals speed of human thought</a>
Dr Sarah Jackson, a principal research fellow at UCL&rsquo;s alcohol and tobacco research group, told The Guardian, &ldquo;People generally know that smoking is harmful but tend to underestimate just how much."&nbsp;
&ldquo;On average, smokers who don&rsquo;t quit lose around a decade of life. That&rsquo;s 10 years of precious time, life moments, and milestones with loved ones,&rdquo; she further added.&nbsp;
Smoking is one of the world&rsquo;s leading preventable causes of disease and death. It kills up to two-thirds of long-term smokers.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Some people might think they don&rsquo;t mind missing out on a few years of life, given that old age is often marked by chronic illness or disability. But smoking doesn&rsquo;t cut short the unhealthy period at the end of life,&rdquo; Jackson further added in her statement.&nbsp;
&ldquo;It primarily eats into the relatively healthy years in midlife, bringing forward the onset of ill health. This means a 60-year-old smoker will typically have the health profile of a 70-year-old non-smoker," she told the British news agency.&nbsp;
While there are people who live a long life even when they are long-term smokers, some develop smoking-related issues quite early in their lives and even lose them by the 40s. The variation differs as per the smoking habits, type of cigarette, the number of puffs taken, and how deeply the smoker inhales.&nbsp;
Also read | <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/having-your-tonsils-removed-as-a-child-may-increase-the-risk-of-stress-disorders-study-785951" aria-label="Having your tonsils removed as a child may increase the risk of stress disorders: Study">Having your tonsils removed as a child may increase the risk of stress disorders: Study</a>
&ldquo;Stopping smoking at every age is beneficial, but the sooner smokers get off this escalator of death, the longer and healthier they can expect their lives to be,&rdquo; the published report said.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)
&nbsp;

The analysis published in the Journal of Addiction claimed that a single cigarette can take 17 minutes from a man's life and 22 minutes from a woman's life.

If you are a smoker, quitting should be your New Year's resolution because a recent study has found that on average, a single cigarette takes around 20 minutes off a person's life. The study by researchers at the University College London found that a typical pack of 20 cigarettes can shorten the smoker's life by nearly seven hours. The analysis published in the Journal of Addiction claimed that a single cigarette can take 17 minutes from a man's life and 22 minutes from a woman's life. As per the analysis, if a person smokes 10 cigarettes a day and quits on January 1, they could prevent the loss of a full day of life by January 8. If they follow this routine for the whole year, by December 2025, they can save 50 days from their lives. Also read | Our brain is not as fast as we might think, study reveals speed of human thought Dr Sarah Jackson, a principal research fellow at UCL’s alcohol and tobacco research group, told The Guardian, “People generally know that smoking is harmful but tend to underestimate just how much." “On average, smokers who don’t quit lose around a decade of life. That’s 10 years of precious time, life moments, and milestones with loved ones,” she further added. Smoking is one of the world’s leading preventable causes of disease and death. It kills up to two-thirds of long-term smokers. “Some people might think they don’t mind missing out on a few years of life, given that old age is often marked by chronic illness or disability. But smoking doesn’t cut short the unhealthy period at the end of life,” Jackson further added in her statement. “It primarily eats into the relatively healthy years in midlife, bringing forward the onset of ill health. This means a 60-year-old smoker will typically have the health profile of a 70-year-old non-smoker," she told the British news agency. While there are people who live a long life even when they are long-term smokers, some develop smoking-related issues quite early in their lives and even lose them by the 40s. The variation differs as per the smoking habits, type of cigarette, the number of puffs taken, and how deeply the smoker inhales. Also read | Having your tonsils removed as a child may increase the risk of stress disorders: Study “Stopping smoking at every age is beneficial, but the sooner smokers get off this escalator of death, the longer and healthier they can expect their lives to be,” the published report said. (With inputs from agencies)

Smoking one cigarette can take away 20 minutes of your life, study finds

In a shocking incident, a 27-year-old Bangkok social media influencer with intellectual disabilities lost his life after accepting a drinking challenge for money.&nbsp;
Thanakarn Kanthee, also known as 'Bank Leicester' on social media, was known for accepting dares to earn money for his family. His last challenge, for which he drank a 350 ml bottle of whiskey to earn 10,000 baht ($293.43) per bottle, proved fatal for him.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/simran-singh-dead-influencer-and-rj-dies-by-suicide-in-gurugram-8568386" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Influencer RJ Simran Singh dies by suicide in Gurugram</a>
<h2>The fatal drinking challenge</h2>
The incident happened during a party, where he was filmed as people cheered him on for the challenge. Shortly after he drank the whiskey, he started looking ill and vomitted after which he was rushed to a hospital.
The video captured at the scene showed partygoers laughing as Thanakarn takes on the dare. However, soon the situation turned serious when he became ill and was taken to hospital. He was pronounced dead at 3:40 am on December 26.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m59go16d-b93rsoz7-xhl9f0lx">
Muere influencer tras reto viral de beber alcohol; lo hizo por 18 mil pesos Thanakarn Kanthee, un joven influencer tailand&eacute;s de 21 a&ntilde;os, falleci&oacute; tr&aacute;gicamente despu&eacute;s de participar en un&nbsp;peligroso reto de consumo de alcohol&nbsp;durante una fiesta. Por un pago de 30 mil baht (cerca&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/rRz6MXn9nF">pic.twitter.com/rRz6MXn9nF</a>
&mdash; Rosa Lilia Torres- Noticias (@rosaliliatorrs) <a href="https://twitter.com/rosaliliatorrs/status/1873089033649230307?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2024</a></blockquote>
Thanakarn was a garland seller and gained online fame after performing rap songs to attract buyers. He was also frequently seen participating in drinking challenges to earn money for his impoverished family.
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spooky-cries-from-forest-haunt-thai-villagers-who-thought-it-was-a-ghost-it-was-not-a-wizard-781465" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Thai villagers thought a ghost was crying out. What they found left them dumbstruck</a>
<h2>Police make arrest</h2>
An investigation by the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) and local police led to the arrest of a man named Ekkachart Meephrom on the charge of recklessness causing death in connection with the death of the influencer, Bangkok Post reported.
Ekkachart&rsquo;s house was raided from where the police seized a pistol, bank passbooks, mobile phones, and SIM cards for investigation. During the questioning, he confessed to the offence. He has been detained for 12 days without bail as the police continue their investigation, which may result in a sentence of up to 10 years and a fine of 20,000 baht ($5868.55).
(With inputs from agencies)

The incident happened during a party, where he was filmed as people cheered him for the challenge. Shortly after he drank, he started looking ill and vomited after which he was rushed to a hospital.

In a shocking incident, a 27-year-old Bangkok social media influencer with intellectual disabilities lost his life after accepting a drinking challenge for money. Thanakarn Kanthee, also known as 'Bank Leicester' on social media, was known for accepting dares to earn money for his family. His last challenge, for which he drank a 350 ml bottle of whiskey to earn 10,000 baht ($293.43) per bottle, proved fatal for him. Also read | Influencer RJ Simran Singh dies by suicide in Gurugram The fatal drinking challenge The incident happened during a party, where he was filmed as people cheered him on for the challenge. Shortly after he drank the whiskey, he started looking ill and vomitted after which he was rushed to a hospital. The video captured at the scene showed partygoers laughing as Thanakarn takes on the dare. However, soon the situation turned serious when he became ill and was taken to hospital. He was pronounced dead at 3:40 am on December 26. Muere influencer tras reto viral de beber alcohol; lo hizo por 18 mil pesos Thanakarn Kanthee, un joven influencer tailandés de 21 años, falleció trágicamente después de participar en un peligroso reto de consumo de alcohol durante una fiesta. Por un pago de 30 mil baht (cerca… pic.twitter.com/rRz6MXn9nF — Rosa Lilia Torres- Noticias (@rosaliliatorrs) December 28, 2024 Thanakarn was a garland seller and gained online fame after performing rap songs to attract buyers. He was also frequently seen participating in drinking challenges to earn money for his impoverished family. Also read | Thai villagers thought a ghost was crying out. What they found left them dumbstruck Police make arrest An investigation by the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) and local police led to the arrest of a man named Ekkachart Meephrom on the charge of recklessness causing death in connection with the death of the influencer, Bangkok Post reported. Ekkachart’s house was raided from where the police seized a pistol, bank passbooks, mobile phones, and SIM cards for investigation. During the questioning, he confessed to the offence. He has been detained for 12 days without bail as the police continue their investigation, which may result in a sentence of up to 10 years and a fine of 20,000 baht ($5868.55). (With inputs from agencies)

Thai influencer dies after accepting a drinking challenge for $290

Texas, a deeply Republican US state, has been forced to remove copies of the Bible after its new state law banning books with "sexually explicit" content went into action.
Parents have slammed the move, which they say categorises the "good book" with "bad books".
<h2>What happened?</h2>
Texas House Bill 900, passed during the state's last legislative session, "establishes library standards that restrict content in school libraries".
According to a leaked email from Canyon Independent School District Superintendent Darryl Flusche, the holy book bible was deemed inappropriate for a school library due to its "sexually explicit material".
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-woman-18-was-fired-for-wearing-sports-shoes-at-work-gets-over-37000-in-compensation-8573417" aria-label="UK woman, 18, was fired for wearing sports shoes at work, gets over $37,000 in compensation">UK woman, 18, was fired for wearing sports shoes at work, gets over $37,000 in compensation</a>
According to Mirror UK, Flusche in his email specifies that while the holy book has been removed from school libraries it can still be found in many of the district's libraries.
In his email, the School District Superintendent quotes 'B 900: Section 33.021. LIBRARY STANDARDS' which defines "sexually explicit material" and says that the standard prohibits all those books that have even one instance of sexual content being described.
It also suggests that interested parents can check a certain website for further information on banned titles and goes on to say that "if any student would like to have a Bible, we have strong connections with local churches that are happy to donate a Bible upon request."
"We are more than willing to assist a student who would like access to a Bible by arranging this from one of our partnering churches."
<h2>Parents react</h2>
However, the leaked email has sparked anger among parents, who are furious at how the "word of god" is being taken away from students.
Mirror quotes a mother of two as saying: "It seems absurd to me that the Good Book was thrown out with the bad books."
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-of-animals-poisoned-blown-up-at-top-secret-uk-military-lab-8572706" aria-label="Secret UK military lab 'blew up', 'poisoned' thousands of animals">Secret UK military lab 'blew up', 'poisoned' thousands of animals</a>
"In a day when we are needing security guards and bulletproof windows and doors, I think having the Word of God available to our children cannot only be preventative to violence, but also provide comfort and a sense of security in a chaotic world," added the woman identified as Regina Kiehne at a board meeting.
"It just makes sense to have the Word of God in our school library. After all, it is the book of wisdom. It is the bestselling book of all time; it is historically accurate, scientifically sound, and most importantly, life-changing," she added.
<h2>Does the Bible contain sexually explicit content?</h2>
A quick search on the internet will show you not one but many sexually explicit instances that the Bible contains. These include depictions of sexual violence, adultery, polygamy and even bestiality.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

Texas bans the Bible in school libraries under a new law targeting sexually explicit content, sparking controversy and criticism from parents and communities statewide.

Texas, a deeply Republican US state, has been forced to remove copies of the Bible after its new state law banning books with "sexually explicit" content went into action. Parents have slammed the move, which they say categorises the "good book" with "bad books". What happened? Texas House Bill 900, passed during the state's last legislative session, "establishes library standards that restrict content in school libraries". According to a leaked email from Canyon Independent School District Superintendent Darryl Flusche, the holy book bible was deemed inappropriate for a school library due to its "sexually explicit material". Also read | UK woman, 18, was fired for wearing sports shoes at work, gets over $37,000 in compensation According to Mirror UK, Flusche in his email specifies that while the holy book has been removed from school libraries it can still be found in many of the district's libraries. In his email, the School District Superintendent quotes 'B 900: Section 33.021. LIBRARY STANDARDS' which defines "sexually explicit material" and says that the standard prohibits all those books that have even one instance of sexual content being described. It also suggests that interested parents can check a certain website for further information on banned titles and goes on to say that "if any student would like to have a Bible, we have strong connections with local churches that are happy to donate a Bible upon request." "We are more than willing to assist a student who would like access to a Bible by arranging this from one of our partnering churches." Parents react However, the leaked email has sparked anger among parents, who are furious at how the "word of god" is being taken away from students. Mirror quotes a mother of two as saying: "It seems absurd to me that the Good Book was thrown out with the bad books." Also read | Secret UK military lab 'blew up', 'poisoned' thousands of animals "In a day when we are needing security guards and bulletproof windows and doors, I think having the Word of God available to our children cannot only be preventative to violence, but also provide comfort and a sense of security in a chaotic world," added the woman identified as Regina Kiehne at a board meeting. "It just makes sense to have the Word of God in our school library. After all, it is the book of wisdom. It is the bestselling book of all time; it is historically accurate, scientifically sound, and most importantly, life-changing," she added. Does the Bible contain sexually explicit content? A quick search on the internet will show you not one but many sexually explicit instances that the Bible contains. These include depictions of sexual violence, adultery, polygamy and even bestiality. (With inputs from agencies)

Holy Bible banned from Texas school libraries due to 'sexually explicit' content

A massive MAGA or Make America Great Again infighting is currently underway amongst the supporters of US President-elect Donald Trump. At the fulcrum of this debate lies the H-1B visa regime, long harnessed by skilled professionals from nations like India and China to get permits to work in the US.
On the one hand, you have Trump&rsquo;s MAGA supporters who advocate a blanket ban on immigration to prioritise the American workforce over foreign professionals; on the other, there are Trump allies like Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy who have pledged their commitment to support merit-based legal immigration.
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Anyone &ndash; of any race, creed or nationality &ndash; who came to America and worked like hell to contribute to this country will forever have my respect. America is the land of freedom and opportunity. Fight with every fiber of your being to keep it that way! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1872770566920519899?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
<h2>How did the debate start?</h2>
The debate over H-1B visa regime started with the appointment of Sriram Krishnan, an Indian-origin venture capitalist and Musk ally, as artificial intelligence policy advisor to the Trump White House.
Far-right MAGA extremist Laura Loomer was quick to condemn Sriram&rsquo;s views on legal immigration from India, labelling his appointment as "deeply disturbing." Later, she also criticised Musk for trying to defeat the &lsquo;America First&rsquo; idea.
In subsequent posts, Loomer termed Indian professionals as &ldquo;third-world invaders from India.&rdquo; Loomer then posted a picture of a messy riverside in India, showing people taking a holy dip in river with garbage overflowing around. &ldquo;PS: why are people in India still shitting in the water they bathe and drink from?&rdquo; she wrote in the caption.
<h2>Musk slams &lsquo;contemptible fools&rsquo;</h2>
In an apparent reference to racist posts made by Loomer on X, Musk said these &ldquo;contemptible fools&rdquo; must be removed from the Republican party. &ldquo;Those contemptible fools must be removed from the Republican Party, root and stem,&rdquo; Musk wrote on X.
&ldquo;The contemptible fools I&rsquo;m referring to are those in the Republican Party who are hateful, unrepentant racists.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/h1b-visas-us-far-right-goes-on-anti-india-drivel-over-trumps-pick-sriram-musk-wades-in-8566899">H1B visas: US far-right goes on anti-India drivel over Trump's pick Sriram;&nbsp;Musk&nbsp;wades&nbsp;in</a>
&ldquo;They will absolutely be the downfall of the Republican Party if they are not removed.&rdquo;
<h2>Loomer says her account censored</h2>
Later in her posts on X, Loomer claimed Musk &ldquo;removed my check mark and canceled all my subscriptions&rdquo; after she spoke against the big tech and immigration.
&ldquo;We are witnessing totalitarian censorship. I&rsquo;m deeply disturbed by what is happening. MAGA is under attack,&rdquo; she added.
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Because <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@elonmusk</a> has censored my account in retaliation for speaking out about Big Tech and immigration. He removed my check mark and canceled all my subscriptions. We are witnessing totalitarian censorship. I&rsquo;m deeply disturbed by what is happening. MAGA is under attack. <a href="https://t.co/zsYHifFBDh">https://t.co/zsYHifFBDh</a>
&mdash; Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) <a href="https://twitter.com/LauraLoomer/status/1872846772630163604?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2024</a></blockquote>
Later, some users pointed out on X that Laura's account must have been restricted for violating X's doxxing policies, as she allegedly posted Krishnan's address details in one of her posts.
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We wanted to get to the bottom of what happened with Loomer and to the best of our knowledge what we learned is that she lost her affiliate badge, premium, monetization, and was suspended from posting for 12 hours because of doxxing. She claimed that she lost all of this&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/ZbADv4udPl">pic.twitter.com/ZbADv4udPl</a>
&mdash; Autism Capital 🧩 (@AutismCapital) <a href="https://twitter.com/AutismCapital/status/1872713329099325532?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2024</a></blockquote>

World | The debate over H-1B visa regime started with the appointment of Sriram Krishnan, an Indian-origin venture capitalist, as AI policy advisor to the Trump White House.

A massive MAGA or Make America Great Again infighting is currently underway amongst the supporters of US President-elect Donald Trump. At the fulcrum of this debate lies the H-1B visa regime, long harnessed by skilled professionals from nations like India and China to get permits to work in the US. On the one hand, you have Trump’s MAGA supporters who advocate a blanket ban on immigration to prioritise the American workforce over foreign professionals; on the other, there are Trump allies like Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy who have pledged their commitment to support merit-based legal immigration. Anyone – of any race, creed or nationality – who came to America and worked like hell to contribute to this country will forever have my respect. America is the land of freedom and opportunity. Fight with every fiber of your being to keep it that way! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 27, 2024 How did the debate start? The debate over H-1B visa regime started with the appointment of Sriram Krishnan, an Indian-origin venture capitalist and Musk ally, as artificial intelligence policy advisor to the Trump White House. Far-right MAGA extremist Laura Loomer was quick to condemn Sriram’s views on legal immigration from India, labelling his appointment as "deeply disturbing." Later, she also criticised Musk for trying to defeat the ‘America First’ idea. In subsequent posts, Loomer termed Indian professionals as “third-world invaders from India.” Loomer then posted a picture of a messy riverside in India, showing people taking a holy dip in river with garbage overflowing around. “PS: why are people in India still shitting in the water they bathe and drink from?” she wrote in the caption. Musk slams ‘contemptible fools’ In an apparent reference to racist posts made by Loomer on X, Musk said these “contemptible fools” must be removed from the Republican party. “Those contemptible fools must be removed from the Republican Party, root and stem,” Musk wrote on X. “The contemptible fools I’m referring to are those in the Republican Party who are hateful, unrepentant racists.” Also read: H1B visas: US far-right goes on anti-India drivel over Trump's pick Sriram; Musk wades in “They will absolutely be the downfall of the Republican Party if they are not removed.” Loomer says her account censored Later in her posts on X, Loomer claimed Musk “removed my check mark and canceled all my subscriptions” after she spoke against the big tech and immigration. “We are witnessing totalitarian censorship. I’m deeply disturbed by what is happening. MAGA is under attack,” she added. Because @elonmusk has censored my account in retaliation for speaking out about Big Tech and immigration. He removed my check mark and canceled all my subscriptions. We are witnessing totalitarian censorship. I’m deeply disturbed by what is happening. MAGA is under attack. https://t.co/zsYHifFBDh — Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) December 28, 2024 Later, some users pointed out on X that Laura's account must have been restricted for violating X's doxxing policies, as she allegedly posted Krishnan's address details in one of her posts. We wanted to get to the bottom of what happened with Loomer and to the best of our knowledge what we learned is that she lost her affiliate badge, premium, monetization, and was suspended from posting for 12 hours because of doxxing. She claimed that she lost all of this… pic.twitter.com/ZbADv4udPl — Autism Capital 🧩 (@AutismCapital) December 27, 2024

‘I will go to war,’ Musk turns on MAGA over H-1B; far-right Loomer claims her X account ‘censored’

A major drug scandal has erupted in UK greyhound racing, with claims of widespread illegal use of a hormone intended for women, according to an animal charity.&nbsp;
The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-why-do-we-eat-study-finds-swallowing-releases-happy-hormones-triggering-desire-for-more-food-763847">hormone</a>, norethisterone, is being illegally imported and administered to female greyhounds, allegedly to bypass race restrictions and keep the dogs running year-round, according to a report in The Independent.
<h2>Illegal importation and unlicensed use of norethisterone</h2>
Greyhound Rescue Wales has accused the industry of turning a blind eye to the unlawful importation of norethisterone, a hormone originally prescribed to delay menstruation in women. According to the charity, trainers and veterinarians are obtaining the drug from unlicensed sources, primarily from Southeast Asia, amid a shortage of legitimate supplies.
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-proposes-to-ban-greyhound-racing-due-to-high-injury-rates-782952">New Zealand proposes to ban greyhound racing due to high injury rates</a>
<h2>Contaminated drug poses risk to dog health</h2>
Data from the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) suggests that the hormone is often contaminated when imported illegally. Greyhound Rescue Wales has reviewed multiple disciplinary findings from the GBGB, revealing that random trackside doping tests have uncovered contaminated norethisterone in racing dogs. Over 30 cases of contaminated drug use have been identified this year alone, with trainers facing penalties for testing positive. The hormone norethisterone is typically used to suppress a female greyhound's biological "season," a period when they are prohibited from racing for up to 10 weeks. However, some in the racing industry have reportedly been using norethisterone to keep the dogs racing continuously, thus increasing revenue. &nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nyc-subway-murder-suspect-indicted-on-murder-and-arson-charges-8572324">NYC subway murder: Suspect indicted on murder and arson charges</a>
<h2>Growing controversy in greyhound racing</h2>
This scandal comes amid growing scrutiny of the greyhound racing industry, which has faced increasing calls for reform and even bans in some countries. In December, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-and-canadian-climbers-missing-on-new-zealand-mountain-believed-dead-police-say-782026" rel="dofollow">New Zealand</a> announced plans to outlaw the sport due to concerns over high injury rates among the dogs.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)
&nbsp;

Trending World story: Discover the UK greyhound racing scandal involving norethisterone, a hormone illegally used to bypass race restrictions and keep female greyhounds racing year-round.

A major drug scandal has erupted in UK greyhound racing, with claims of widespread illegal use of a hormone intended for women, according to an animal charity. The hormone, norethisterone, is being illegally imported and administered to female greyhounds, allegedly to bypass race restrictions and keep the dogs running year-round, according to a report in The Independent. Illegal importation and unlicensed use of norethisterone Greyhound Rescue Wales has accused the industry of turning a blind eye to the unlawful importation of norethisterone, a hormone originally prescribed to delay menstruation in women. According to the charity, trainers and veterinarians are obtaining the drug from unlicensed sources, primarily from Southeast Asia, amid a shortage of legitimate supplies. Also read | New Zealand proposes to ban greyhound racing due to high injury rates Contaminated drug poses risk to dog health Data from the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) suggests that the hormone is often contaminated when imported illegally. Greyhound Rescue Wales has reviewed multiple disciplinary findings from the GBGB, revealing that random trackside doping tests have uncovered contaminated norethisterone in racing dogs. Over 30 cases of contaminated drug use have been identified this year alone, with trainers facing penalties for testing positive. The hormone norethisterone is typically used to suppress a female greyhound's biological "season," a period when they are prohibited from racing for up to 10 weeks. However, some in the racing industry have reportedly been using norethisterone to keep the dogs racing continuously, thus increasing revenue. Also read | NYC subway murder: Suspect indicted on murder and arson charges Growing controversy in greyhound racing This scandal comes amid growing scrutiny of the greyhound racing industry, which has faced increasing calls for reform and even bans in some countries. In December, New Zealand announced plans to outlaw the sport due to concerns over high injury rates among the dogs. (With inputs from agencies)

What is the UK greyhound racing scandal involving illegal hormone use?

A thief in the United States (US) had a realisation while doing his job. American media reported earlier this week that the thief in Colorado stole a baby Jesus statue from a local nativity scene.
However, upon apparent reflection, they returned the statue with an apology note.
"I am really sorry, I made a dumb mistake in the moment. It won't happen again," the note said.&nbsp;
<h2>'Grinch tried to ruin Christmas...'</h2>
In a post on Facebook, the Fort Collins Police Services said on December 17, "This Grinch tried to ruin Christmas by stealing the Baby Jesus from the Old Town Square nativity scene."
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-never-had-christmas-dinner-with-family-says-a-teenager-with-a-rare-condition-called-misophonia-786680" rel="dofollow">I never had Christmas dinner with family, says a teenager with a rare condition called 'misophonia&rsquo;</a>
Sharing a photo of a young man who was caught stealing, the police said, "If you recognise this suspect, please notify Officer Brittingham at 970-419-3273 (FCPD)."
<h2>Statue is found</h2>
A few days later, the police said that the statue was found. However, there was still no information available about the suspect.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-kate-middleton-gets-emotional-during-christmas-2024-carol-service-786653" rel="dofollow">Kate Middleton gets emotional during Christmas 2024 carol service</a>
A report by Fox News said that some fingers on the statue appeared to be broken off, but it was unclear whether the statue was already damaged before the theft took place. 
(With inputs from agencies)

An apparent reflection led to the thief in Colorado to return the baby Jesus statue. The thief's identity is not yet known, according to the police.  

A thief in the United States (US) had a realisation while doing his job. American media reported earlier this week that the thief in Colorado stole a baby Jesus statue from a local nativity scene. However, upon apparent reflection, they returned the statue with an apology note. "I am really sorry, I made a dumb mistake in the moment. It won't happen again," the note said. 'Grinch tried to ruin Christmas...' In a post on Facebook, the Fort Collins Police Services said on December 17, "This Grinch tried to ruin Christmas by stealing the Baby Jesus from the Old Town Square nativity scene." Also read | I never had Christmas dinner with family, says a teenager with a rare condition called 'misophonia’ Sharing a photo of a young man who was caught stealing, the police said, "If you recognise this suspect, please notify Officer Brittingham at 970-419-3273 (FCPD)." Statue is found A few days later, the police said that the statue was found. However, there was still no information available about the suspect. Also read | Kate Middleton gets emotional during Christmas 2024 carol service A report by Fox News said that some fingers on the statue appeared to be broken off, but it was unclear whether the statue was already damaged before the theft took place. (With inputs from agencies)

I made a dumb mistake: US thief returns baby Jesus statue, asks for forgiveness

A dead body was discovered in the wheel well of a United Airlines jetliner after it landed on the Hawaiian island of Maui, the airline said on Wednesday (Dec 25).
The body was found on a Boeing 787-10 aircraft. The flight UA202 departed from Chicago&rsquo;s O&rsquo;Hare International Airport on Tuesday, December 24, at approximately 9:49 am and landed at Maui&rsquo;s Kahului Airport around 2:12 am, according to flight tracking data from FlightAware.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysia-approves-new-70-million-search-for-missing-flight-mh370-10-years-after-it-went-missing-785624">Malaysia approves new $70 million search for missing flight MH370, 10 years after it went missing</a>
United Airlines told the New York Post that the body was found in the landing gear wheel well, a part of the plane only accessible from outside. In a statement to CNN, the airline said, &ldquo;Upon arrival at Kahului airport in Maui on Tuesday, a body was found in the wheel well of one of the main landing gears on a United aircraft.&rdquo;
Also read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/denmark-boosts-defence-spending-for-greenland-after-trumps-repeats-call-to-purchase-arctic-territory-786731" class="editor-rtfLink" rel="noopener">Denmark boosts defence spending for Greenland after Trump repeats call to purchase Arctic territory</a>
The airline said that it is unclear how or when the individual accessed the wheel well. United Airlines said it is cooperating with law enforcement in the ongoing investigation.
The Maui Police Department also issued a statement confirming the discovery. &ldquo;The Maui Police Department is currently conducting an active investigation regarding a deceased individual discovered on an incoming flight from the mainland this afternoon. At this time, no further details are available,&rdquo; the statement read.
State officials told the public that flights and airport operations remained unaffected by the incident, and Kahului Airport continued to function normally.
<h2>Most of individuals attempting to travel in wheel well do not survive: Federal Aviation Administration</h2>
Authorities are still investigating how the person ended up in the wheel well. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has previously warned of the dangers of hiding in a plane&rsquo;s wheel well which has extremely low oxygen levels and freezing temperatures at high altitudes.
The FAA has also reported that approximately 77% of individuals attempting to travel in aircraft wheel wells do not survive.
(With inputs from agencies)

United Airlines said that it is unclear how or when the individual accessed the wheel well. It said it is cooperating with law enforcement in the ongoing investigation.

A dead body was discovered in the wheel well of a United Airlines jetliner after it landed on the Hawaiian island of Maui, the airline said on Wednesday (Dec 25). The body was found on a Boeing 787-10 aircraft. The flight UA202 departed from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport on Tuesday, December 24, at approximately 9:49 am and landed at Maui’s Kahului Airport around 2:12 am, according to flight tracking data from FlightAware. Also read: Malaysia approves new $70 million search for missing flight MH370, 10 years after it went missing United Airlines told the New York Post that the body was found in the landing gear wheel well, a part of the plane only accessible from outside. In a statement to CNN, the airline said, “Upon arrival at Kahului airport in Maui on Tuesday, a body was found in the wheel well of one of the main landing gears on a United aircraft.” Also read: Denmark boosts defence spending for Greenland after Trump repeats call to purchase Arctic territory The airline said that it is unclear how or when the individual accessed the wheel well. United Airlines said it is cooperating with law enforcement in the ongoing investigation. The Maui Police Department also issued a statement confirming the discovery. “The Maui Police Department is currently conducting an active investigation regarding a deceased individual discovered on an incoming flight from the mainland this afternoon. At this time, no further details are available,” the statement read. State officials told the public that flights and airport operations remained unaffected by the incident, and Kahului Airport continued to function normally. Most of individuals attempting to travel in wheel well do not survive: Federal Aviation Administration Authorities are still investigating how the person ended up in the wheel well. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has previously warned of the dangers of hiding in a plane’s wheel well which has extremely low oxygen levels and freezing temperatures at high altitudes. The FAA has also reported that approximately 77% of individuals attempting to travel in aircraft wheel wells do not survive. (With inputs from agencies)

Body found in United Airlines landing gear of Chicago-Hawaii flight

Florida, United States
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Christmas is around the corner. Law enforcement agencies in the US state of Florida are on the lookout for a man dressed as Santa Claus after a highway patrol trooper clocked him riding his motorbike at a speed of 193 kilometres per hour (kmph), American media reported on Monday (Dec 23).
According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the overspeeding was reported at around 9 pm local time on Saturday (December 21) in Beverly Hills.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/christmas-2024-wishes-messages-greetings-quotes-786436">Christmas 2024: Wishes, Messages, Greetings, Quotes </a>
A video of the high-speed chase has gone viral on social media.
<h2>'The sleigh must be in the shop'</h2>
In a post on X, the FHP shared a 21-second-long video of the chase. Video showed that the suspect did look like Santa Claus, but was cautious enough to wear a helmet.
<h3>Here's a look at the video:</h3>
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The sleigh must be in the shop, but last night Mr. Claus didn't pause for any cause. Anyone that recognizes ol' St. Nick please feel free to call *FHP (*347) and let us know! <a href="https://t.co/UXB9M8qGaM">pic.twitter.com/UXB9M8qGaM</a>
— FHP Tampa (@FHPTampa) <a href="https://twitter.com/FHPTampa/status/1870933632468275266?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
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"The sleigh must be in the shop, but last night Mr. Claus didn't pause for any cause. Anyone that recognizes ol' St. Nick please feel free to call *FHP (*347) and let us know!" the FHP said. 
At one point in the video, the suspect entered a fuel station and then joined the road to disappear. 
(With inputs from agencies)

According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the overspeeding was reported at around 9 pm local time on Saturday (December 21) in Beverly Hills.



Florida, United States Christmas is around the corner. Law enforcement agencies in the US state of Florida are on the lookout for a man dressed as Santa Claus after a highway patrol trooper clocked him riding his motorbike at a speed of 193 kilometres per hour (kmph), American media reported on Monday (Dec 23). According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the overspeeding was reported at around 9 pm local time on Saturday (December 21) in Beverly Hills. Also read | Christmas 2024: Wishes, Messages, Greetings, Quotes A video of the high-speed chase has gone viral on social media. 'The sleigh must be in the shop' In a post on X, the FHP shared a 21-second-long video of the chase. Video showed that the suspect did look like Santa Claus, but was cautious enough to wear a helmet. Here's a look at the video: The sleigh must be in the shop, but last night Mr. Claus didn't pause for any cause. Anyone that recognizes ol' St. Nick please feel free to call *FHP (*347) and let us know! pic.twitter.com/UXB9M8qGaM — FHP Tampa (@FHPTampa) December 22, 2024 × "The sleigh must be in the shop, but last night Mr. Claus didn't pause for any cause. Anyone that recognizes ol' St. Nick please feel free to call *FHP (*347) and let us know!" the FHP said. At one point in the video, the suspect entered a fuel station and then joined the road to disappear. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch- Sleigh must be in the shop: Santa on bike gets away from Florida cops in high-speed chase

Christmas is around the corner. Law enforcement agencies in the US state of Florida are on the lookout for a man dressed as Santa Claus after a highway patrol trooper clocked him riding his motorbike at a speed of 193 kilometres per hour (kmph), American media reported on Monday (Dec 23).

Christmas is around the corner. Law enforcement agencies in the US state of Florida are on the lookout for a man dressed as Santa Claus after a highway patrol trooper clocked him riding his motorbike at a speed of 193 kilometres per hour (kmph), American media reported on Monday (Dec 23). According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the overspeeding was reported at around 9 pm local time on Saturday (December 21) in Beverly Hills. Also read | Christmas 2024: Wishes, Messages, Greetings, Quotes A video of the high-speed chase has gone viral on social media. 'The sleigh must be in the shop' In a post on X, the FHP shared a 21-second-long video of the chase. Video showed that the suspect did look like Santa Claus, but was cautious enough to wear a helmet. Here's a look at the video: The sleigh must be in the shop, but last night Mr. Claus didn't pause for any cause. Anyone that recognizes ol' St. Nick please feel free to call *FHP (*347) and let us know! pic.twitter.com/UXB9M8qGaM — FHP Tampa (@FHPTampa) December 22, 2024 × "The sleigh must be in the shop, but last night Mr. Claus didn't pause for any cause. Anyone that recognizes ol' St. Nick please feel free to call *FHP (*347) and let us know!" the FHP said. At one point in the video, the suspect entered a fuel station and then joined the road to disappear. (With inputs from agencies)

New Delhi, India
An American passenger of Delta Airlines had a "ruff" day while on a flight when a 'good boi' was given preference over him. 
On Reddit, a sulking Delta passenger posted a picture of a VIP dog, due to which he was downgraded to a bad seat.
<h2>What happened?</h2>
On Saturday (Dec 21), a Reddit user by the username ben_bob shared his grievance with Delta Airlines. In a post titled "Just Got Downgraded for a Dog," the user revealed that while travelling by a Delta Airlines flight that day, he had received an upgrade "first thing in the morning," only to be downgraded some 15 minutes later "to a worst seat than I previously had" because "something changed".
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stephen-king-warns-fans-about-elon-musks-influence-over-us-president-elect-trump-785931">Stephen King warns fans about Elon Musk's influence over US President-elect Trump</a>
The passenger details that he was "disgruntled" by the experience, but when he boarded the flight, his annoyance was turned into "lividity" when he saw a dog in his first-class seat.
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<blockquote class="reddit-embed-bq" data-embed-height="739" style="height:500px"><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/delta/comments/1hjc3kw/just_got_downgraded_for_a_dog/">Just Got Downgraded for a Dog</a>
by<a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/ben_bob/">u/ben_bob</a> in<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/delta/">delta</a></blockquote>
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Apparently, the dog in question was a service animal, and upon contacting airline support, he was told that "you may be relocated for service animals" and there is nothing they can do.
Ben Bob then goes on to remark: "There is no way that dog has spent as much with this airline as I have... What an absolute joke."
He then questioned if there was even a point to being loyal to an airline "anymore". Bob further claimed that he stayed loyal to the airline even when "others complained about this airline mistreating customers lately and slipping in service levels," but that now he's questioning his allegiance.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/suchir-balajis-parents-reveal-whistleblowers-copyright-concerns-against-openai-785952">Suchir Balaji’s parents reveal whistleblower's copyright concerns against OpenAI</a>
<h2>Netizens react</h2>
Some users were quick to poke fun at him, commenting that the dog had a "super smug look".
"F you bro. Just. F. You," they added.
Others jested, "The dog is probably a diamond medallion 2 million miler" (Delta's top status level).
However, some users sympathised with Ben Bob's plight and commented that "the last-minute seat switch wasn't required", while others commented that the numbers of service animals seem to be increasing manifold.
(With inputs from agencies)

On Reddit, a sulking Delta passenger posted a picture of a VIP dog, due to which he was downgraded to a bad seat



New Delhi, India An American passenger of Delta Airlines had a "ruff" day while on a flight when a 'good boi' was given preference over him. On Reddit, a sulking Delta passenger posted a picture of a VIP dog, due to which he was downgraded to a bad seat. What happened? On Saturday (Dec 21), a Reddit user by the username ben_bob shared his grievance with Delta Airlines. In a post titled "Just Got Downgraded for a Dog," the user revealed that while travelling by a Delta Airlines flight that day, he had received an upgrade "first thing in the morning," only to be downgraded some 15 minutes later "to a worst seat than I previously had" because "something changed". Also read | Stephen King warns fans about Elon Musk's influence over US President-elect Trump The passenger details that he was "disgruntled" by the experience, but when he boarded the flight, his annoyance was turned into "lividity" when he saw a dog in his first-class seat. Just Got Downgraded for a Dog byu/ben_bob indelta × Apparently, the dog in question was a service animal, and upon contacting airline support, he was told that "you may be relocated for service animals" and there is nothing they can do. Ben Bob then goes on to remark: "There is no way that dog has spent as much with this airline as I have... What an absolute joke." He then questioned if there was even a point to being loyal to an airline "anymore". Bob further claimed that he stayed loyal to the airline even when "others complained about this airline mistreating customers lately and slipping in service levels," but that now he's questioning his allegiance. Also read | Suchir Balaji’s parents reveal whistleblower's copyright concerns against OpenAI Netizens react Some users were quick to poke fun at him, commenting that the dog had a "super smug look". "F you bro. Just. F. You," they added. Others jested, "The dog is probably a diamond medallion 2 million miler" (Delta's top status level). However, some users sympathised with Ben Bob's plight and commented that "the last-minute seat switch wasn't required", while others commented that the numbers of service animals seem to be increasing manifold. (With inputs from agencies)

American Delta Airlines passenger shares 'ruff' story after getting bumped for a dog. Here's what happened

An American passenger of Delta Airlines had a "ruff" day while on a flight when a 'good boi' was given preference over him.&nbsp;

On Reddit, a sulking Delta passenger posted a picture of a VIP dog, due to which he was downgraded to a bad seat.

<h2>What happened?</h2>

On Saturday (Dec 21), a Reddit user by the username ben_bob shared his grievance&nbsp;with Delta Airlines. In a post titled "Just Got Downgraded for a Dog," the user revealed that while travelling by a Delta Airlines flight that day, he had received an upgrade "first thing in the morning," only to be downgraded some 15 minutes later "to a worst seat than I previously had" because "something changed".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stephen-king-warns-fans-about-elon-musks-influence-over-us-president-elect-trump-785931">Stephen King warns fans about Elon Musk's influence over US President-elect Trump</a>

The passenger details that he was "disgruntled" by the experience, but when he boarded the flight, his annoyance was turned into "lividity" when he saw a dog in his first-class seat.

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<blockquote class="reddit-embed-bq" data-embed-height="739" style="height:500px"><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/delta/comments/1hjc3kw/just_got_downgraded_for_a_dog/">Just Got Downgraded for a Dog</a> 
by<a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/ben_bob/">u/ben_bob</a> in<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/delta/">delta</a></blockquote>
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Apparently, the dog in question was a service animal, and upon contacting airline support, he was told that "you may be relocated for service animals" and there is nothing they can do.

Ben Bob then goes on to remark: "There is no way that dog has spent as much with this airline as I have... What an absolute joke."

He then questioned if there was even a point to being loyal to an airline "anymore". Bob further claimed that he stayed loyal to the airline even when "others complained about this airline mistreating customers lately and slipping in service levels," but that now he's questioning his allegiance.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/suchir-balajis-parents-reveal-whistleblowers-copyright-concerns-against-openai-785952">Suchir Balaji’s parents reveal whistleblower's copyright concerns against OpenAI</a>

<h2>Netizens react</h2>

Some users were quick to poke&nbsp;fun at him, commenting that the dog had a "super smug look".

"F you bro. Just. F. You," they added.

Others jested, "The dog is probably a diamond medallion 2 million miler" (Delta's top status level).

However, some users sympathised with Ben Bob's plight and commented that "the last-minute seat switch wasn't required", while others commented that the numbers of service animals seem to be increasing manifold.

(With inputs from agencies)

An American passenger of Delta Airlines had a "ruff" day while on a flight when a 'good boi' was given preference over him. On Reddit, a sulking Delta passenger posted a picture of a VIP dog, due to which he was downgraded to a bad seat.

An American passenger of Delta Airlines had a "ruff" day while on a flight when a 'good boi' was given preference over him. On Reddit, a sulking Delta passenger posted a picture of a VIP dog, due to which he was downgraded to a bad seat. What happened? On Saturday (Dec 21), a Reddit user by the username ben_bob shared his grievance with Delta Airlines. In a post titled "Just Got Downgraded for a Dog," the user revealed that while travelling by a Delta Airlines flight that day, he had received an upgrade "first thing in the morning," only to be downgraded some 15 minutes later "to a worst seat than I previously had" because "something changed". Also read | Stephen King warns fans about Elon Musk's influence over US President-elect Trump The passenger details that he was "disgruntled" by the experience, but when he boarded the flight, his annoyance was turned into "lividity" when he saw a dog in his first-class seat. Just Got Downgraded for a Dog byu/ben_bob indelta × Apparently, the dog in question was a service animal, and upon contacting airline support, he was told that "you may be relocated for service animals" and there is nothing they can do. Ben Bob then goes on to remark: "There is no way that dog has spent as much with this airline as I have... What an absolute joke." He then questioned if there was even a point to being loyal to an airline "anymore". Bob further claimed that he stayed loyal to the airline even when "others complained about this airline mistreating customers lately and slipping in service levels," but that now he's questioning his allegiance. Also read | Suchir Balaji’s parents reveal whistleblower's copyright concerns against OpenAI Netizens react Some users were quick to poke fun at him, commenting that the dog had a "super smug look". "F you bro. Just. F. You," they added. Others jested, "The dog is probably a diamond medallion 2 million miler" (Delta's top status level). However, some users sympathised with Ben Bob's plight and commented that "the last-minute seat switch wasn't required", while others commented that the numbers of service animals seem to be increasing manifold. (With inputs from agencies)

Beijing, China
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A Shanghai court has ruled that a man is not required to return 300,000 yuan (US$40,000) given to him by his ex-girlfriend, who made the payment in an attempt to save their relationship after he discovered her affair with his nephew, according to the South China Morning Post (SCMP).
The man, Li, began a relationship with the woman, called Xu, in 2018. However, two years later, Li found out that Xu had been unfaithful to him and was having an affair with his nephew, as reported by the Shanghai Morning Post.
Watch: Wang Yi-Doval Meet: Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra to Resume as Doval-Wang Yi Reach Consensus
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/files/2024/12/19/1912_wion_guest_2pm-1734601812-00000003.jpg&videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/1912_wion_guest_2pm.mp4/index.m3u8&duration=492&tags=india,China,Ajit Doval,Wang Yi,Han Zheng" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
Upset by the betrayal, Li decided to end the relationship. In response, Xu wrote him a letter of apology, saying, “I have deeply reflected on my mistakes. Yes, I’ve cheated on you multiple times, causing you immense pain. I am sincerely remorseful. I will correct my mistakes and compensate you with my sincerity.”
Over the next two days, Xu transferred 300,000 yuan to Li through several bank transactions, hoping to repair their relationship. Li accepted her apology, and the couple stayed together until 2022, when he discovered that Xu was still involved with his nephew.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/elon-musk-surpasses-the-net-worth-of-bezos-and-zuckerberg-combined-785218" target="_blank">Elon Musk surpasses the net worth of Bezos and Zuckerberg combined</a>
This new discovery led Li to permanently end the relationship. After the breakup, Xu demanded the return of the money she had given him two years earlier, claiming it was intended as a conditional gift tied to the expectation of marriage. Since they had parted ways and no marriage occurred, she argued that Li should repay the amount.
Li refused, saying that Xu’s repeated infidelity had caused him great emotional harm, and he viewed the money as compensation for her actions.
Xu then took the matter to court, seeking to recover the funds. After reviewing the case, the court ruled in favour of Li. It determined that the money had been given voluntarily by Xu as a gesture to repair their relationship and did not constitute a gift contingent on marriage. The court concluded that Li was not obligated to return the money.
(With inputs from agencies)

After the breakup, Xu demanded the return of the money she had given him two years earlier, claiming it was intended as a conditional gift tied to the expectation of marriage. Since they had parted ways and no marriage occurred, she argued that Li should repay the amount.



Beijing, China A Shanghai court has ruled that a man is not required to return 300,000 yuan (US$40,000) given to him by his ex-girlfriend, who made the payment in an attempt to save their relationship after he discovered her affair with his nephew, according to the South China Morning Post (SCMP). The man, Li, began a relationship with the woman, called Xu, in 2018. However, two years later, Li found out that Xu had been unfaithful to him and was having an affair with his nephew, as reported by the Shanghai Morning Post. Watch: Wang Yi-Doval Meet: Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra to Resume as Doval-Wang Yi Reach Consensus Upset by the betrayal, Li decided to end the relationship. In response, Xu wrote him a letter of apology, saying, “I have deeply reflected on my mistakes. Yes, I’ve cheated on you multiple times, causing you immense pain. I am sincerely remorseful. I will correct my mistakes and compensate you with my sincerity.” Over the next two days, Xu transferred 300,000 yuan to Li through several bank transactions, hoping to repair their relationship. Li accepted her apology, and the couple stayed together until 2022, when he discovered that Xu was still involved with his nephew. Also read: Elon Musk surpasses the net worth of Bezos and Zuckerberg combined This new discovery led Li to permanently end the relationship. After the breakup, Xu demanded the return of the money she had given him two years earlier, claiming it was intended as a conditional gift tied to the expectation of marriage. Since they had parted ways and no marriage occurred, she argued that Li should repay the amount. Li refused, saying that Xu’s repeated infidelity had caused him great emotional harm, and he viewed the money as compensation for her actions. Xu then took the matter to court, seeking to recover the funds. After reviewing the case, the court ruled in favour of Li. It determined that the money had been given voluntarily by Xu as a gesture to repair their relationship and did not constitute a gift contingent on marriage. The court concluded that Li was not obligated to return the money. (With inputs from agencies)

Woman demands $40,000 back after cheating on boyfriend with his nephew, court says no

Australia
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Most of us have heard of the meme- "What are those?"- where a man asks a police officer about his work boots in a startled manner. This meme is years old but remains relevant. 
A 28-year-old corporate worker in Australia was roasted for wearing an unusual pair of shoes to her office. The woman, identified as Chloe Andrews, took to social media to share that she was absolutely roasted for wearing Tabi shoes to the office.
<h2>The reactions </h2>
Andrews, who has more than 15,000 followers on TikTok, posted a video of her going to the office wearing the Tabi shoes and filming the reactions of her co-workers.
Most of the people in her office just hated her footwear. 
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/new-york-man-discovers-complete-mastodon-jaw-in-his-backyard-785199">New York man discovers complete mastodon jaw in his backyard</a>
A report by news.com.au said that the most brutal response to Andrews' footwear was from a co-worker who said that the shoes made the 28-year-old look like a "farm animal."
One male co-worker, while rubbing his neck, asked, “What are those?” and, when Ms Andrews gave him some context about her shoes, he simply replied, “I don’t get it.”
The report said that her co-workers were Googling cow hoofs to compare them to her shoes. 
The most supportive response was from two Gen Z employees who weren’t negative about her shoe choice and instead hyped her up - one even clapped and said, “Yass!”
<h2>What is Tabi?</h2>
Tabi- also known as split-toed shoes- originated in 15th century Japan where the elite used to wear split-toe socks thought to aid in physical balance with their thonged sandals and shoes.
As cotton routes opened to China later and rubber soles were added, the socks became jika-tabi, shoes worn by blue-collar workers in Japan, a report by Harpers Bazaar said.
The Tabi shoes were launched in the late 1980s. 
(With inputs from agencies)

Tabi- also known as split-toed shoes- originated in 15th century Japan where the elite used to wear split-toe socks thought to aid in physical balance with their thonged sandals and shoes.



Australia Most of us have heard of the meme- "What are those?"- where a man asks a police officer about his work boots in a startled manner. This meme is years old but remains relevant. A 28-year-old corporate worker in Australia was roasted for wearing an unusual pair of shoes to her office. The woman, identified as Chloe Andrews, took to social media to share that she was absolutely roasted for wearing Tabi shoes to the office. The reactions Andrews, who has more than 15,000 followers on TikTok, posted a video of her going to the office wearing the Tabi shoes and filming the reactions of her co-workers. Most of the people in her office just hated her footwear. Also read | New York man discovers complete mastodon jaw in his backyard A report by news.com.au said that the most brutal response to Andrews' footwear was from a co-worker who said that the shoes made the 28-year-old look like a "farm animal." One male co-worker, while rubbing his neck, asked, “What are those?” and, when Ms Andrews gave him some context about her shoes, he simply replied, “I don’t get it.” The report said that her co-workers were Googling cow hoofs to compare them to her shoes. The most supportive response was from two Gen Z employees who weren’t negative about her shoe choice and instead hyped her up - one even clapped and said, “Yass!” What is Tabi? Tabi- also known as split-toed shoes- originated in 15th century Japan where the elite used to wear split-toe socks thought to aid in physical balance with their thonged sandals and shoes. As cotton routes opened to China later and rubber soles were added, the socks became jika-tabi, shoes worn by blue-collar workers in Japan, a report by Harpers Bazaar said. The Tabi shoes were launched in the late 1980s. (With inputs from agencies)

What are those?: Australian corporate worker roasted for wearing unusual shoes to office

A Shanghai court has ruled that a man is not required to return 300,000 yuan (US$40,000) given to him by his ex-girlfriend, who made the payment in an attempt to save their relationship after he discovered her affair with his nephew, according to the South China Morning Post (SCMP).

A Shanghai court has ruled that a man is not required to return 300,000 yuan (US$40,000) given to him by his ex-girlfriend, who made the payment in an attempt to save their relationship after he discovered her affair with his nephew, according to the South China Morning Post (SCMP). The man, Li, began a relationship with the woman, called Xu, in 2018. However, two years later, Li found out that Xu had been unfaithful to him and was having an affair with his nephew, as reported by the Shanghai Morning Post. Watch: Wang Yi-Doval Meet: Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra to Resume as Doval-Wang Yi Reach Consensus Upset by the betrayal, Li decided to end the relationship. In response, Xu wrote him a letter of apology, saying, “I have deeply reflected on my mistakes. Yes, I’ve cheated on you multiple times, causing you immense pain. I am sincerely remorseful. I will correct my mistakes and compensate you with my sincerity.” Over the next two days, Xu transferred 300,000 yuan to Li through several bank transactions, hoping to repair their relationship. Li accepted her apology, and the couple stayed together until 2022, when he discovered that Xu was still involved with his nephew. Also read: Elon Musk surpasses the net worth of Bezos and Zuckerberg combined This new discovery led Li to permanently end the relationship. After the breakup, Xu demanded the return of the money she had given him two years earlier, claiming it was intended as a conditional gift tied to the expectation of marriage. Since they had parted ways and no marriage occurred, she argued that Li should repay the amount. Li refused, saying that Xu’s repeated infidelity had caused him great emotional harm, and he viewed the money as compensation for her actions. Xu then took the matter to court, seeking to recover the funds. After reviewing the case, the court ruled in favour of Li. It determined that the money had been given voluntarily by Xu as a gesture to repair their relationship and did not constitute a gift contingent on marriage. The court concluded that Li was not obligated to return the money. (With inputs from agencies)

Most of us have heard of the meme- "What are those?"- where a man asks a police officer about his work boots in a startled manner. This meme is years old but remains relevant.

Most of us have heard of the meme- "What are those?"- where a man asks a police officer about his work boots in a startled manner. This meme is years old but remains relevant. A 28-year-old corporate worker in Australia was roasted for wearing an unusual pair of shoes to her office. The woman, identified as Chloe Andrews, took to social media to share that she was absolutely roasted for wearing Tabi shoes to the office. The reactions Andrews, who has more than 15,000 followers on TikTok, posted a video of her going to the office wearing the Tabi shoes and filming the reactions of her co-workers. Most of the people in her office just hated her footwear. Also read | New York man discovers complete mastodon jaw in his backyard A report by news.com.au said that the most brutal response to Andrews' footwear was from a co-worker who said that the shoes made the 28-year-old look like a "farm animal." One male co-worker, while rubbing his neck, asked, “What are those?” and, when Ms Andrews gave him some context about her shoes, he simply replied, “I don’t get it.” The report said that her co-workers were Googling cow hoofs to compare them to her shoes. The most supportive response was from two Gen Z employees who weren’t negative about her shoe choice and instead hyped her up - one even clapped and said, “Yass!” What is Tabi? Tabi- also known as split-toed shoes- originated in 15th century Japan where the elite used to wear split-toe socks thought to aid in physical balance with their thonged sandals and shoes. As cotton routes opened to China later and rubber soles were added, the socks became jika-tabi, shoes worn by blue-collar workers in Japan, a report by Harpers Bazaar said. The Tabi shoes were launched in the late 1980s. (With inputs from agencies)

Billionaire Elon Musk's space giant SpaceX would launch a new mission – making its Starbase site a new Texas city, American media reported on Friday (Dec 13). On Thursday, SpaceX sent a letter to local officials requesting an election to turn what it calls Starbase — the South Texas site where SpaceX builds and launches its massive Starship rockets — into an incorporated city.

Billionaire Elon Musk's space giant SpaceX would launch a new mission – making its Starbase site a new Texas city, American media reported on Friday (Dec 13). On Thursday, SpaceX sent a letter to local officials requesting an election to turn what it calls Starbase — the South Texas site where SpaceX builds and launches its massive Starship rockets — into an incorporated city. Residents of the area known as Starbase submitted the petition, SpaceX said. The area is on the southern tip of Texas at Boca Chica Beach, near the Mexican border. 'Need the ability to grow Starbase as a community' In a letter addressed to Cameron County, Starbase's General Manager Kathryn Lueders said, "To continue growing the workforce necessary to rapidly develop and manufacture Starship, we need the ability to grow Starbase as a community. That is why we are requesting that Cameron County call an election to enable the incorporation of Starbase as the newest city in the Rio Grande Valley." Also read | SpaceX fails to repeat Starship booster catch, as Trump watches on This is not the first time turning Starbase into its city has been floated. Elon Musk had proposed the idea in 2021 when he wrote a social media post which said, "Creating the city of Starbase, Texas." 'Petition to be reviewed' Speaking to the news agency Associated Press, Cameron County official Eddie Treviño Jr said on Thursday that despite talks of incorporating a Starbase in 2021, this was the first time a petition had been officially filed. “Our legal and elections administration will review the petition, see whether or not it complied with all of the statutory requirements and then we’ll go from there,” Treviño Jr added. (With inputs from agencies)

SpaceX launching a new mission- making a starbase site a new Texas city

The 2024 United States presidential elections dominated the country and also the search results of Merriam-Webster which finally culminated in "polarisation" becoming the word of the year.&nbsp;

“Polarisation means division, but it’s a very specific kind of division,” said Peter Sokolowski, who is editor of Merriam-Webster in an exclusive interview with The Associated Press.&nbsp;

“Polarisation means that we are tending toward the extremes rather than toward the centre," Sokolowski added.

The entry for “polarisation” in the Merriam-Webster reflected on scientific and metaphorical definitions. The word is commonly used to mean “causing strong disagreement between opposing factions or groupings.”&nbsp;

Merriam-Webster, which receives more than 100 million page views every month on its website, chose the word of the year based on the data and tracked the increase of word in search and usage.

Their 2023 word of the year was “authentic.”&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brain-rot-emerges-as-oxford-word-of-the-year-are-you-suffering-from-it-780837">'Brain rot' emerges as Oxford word of the year. Are you suffering from it?</a>

“It’s always been important to me that the dictionary serves as a kind of neutral and objective arbiter of meaning for everybody,” said Sokolowski.

&nbsp;“It’s a kind of backstop for meaning in an era of fake news, alternative facts, whatever you want to say about the value of a word’s meaning in the culture," he added.&nbsp;

The word “polarisation” originated in the early 1800s, Sokolowski said. He said that it is a “pretty young word". “Polarised is a term that brings intensity to another word,” he said.

“The basic job of the dictionary is to tell the truth about words. We’ve had dictionaries of English for 420 years and it’s only been in the last 20 years or so that we’ve actually known which words people look up," explained the Merriam-Webster editor.

“Search volume on Merriam-Webster.com throughout the year reflected the desire of Americans to better understand the complex state of affairs in our country and around the world,” the dictionary added.&nbsp;

<h2>Other words which topped search results on Merriam-Webster</h2>

Along with "polarisation", other popular words related to politics&nbsp;also made it to the word of the year list of the dictionary. This included words like “democracy”, "pander", "weird", "cognitive", and "demure".&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;‘Brat’ is Collins' Word of the Year

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/brat-is-collins-word-of-the-year-772615/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The word “democracy” received bipartisan attention across blue and red states and people searching for it “fully understand what it means—and to challenge, celebrate, and protect it,” as per Merriam-Webster.&nbsp;

“The word democracy never appears in the Declaration of Independence or the Constitution, but it has long been a focus of American and global attention, rarely more so than now,” the dictionary added in its explanation.

(With inputs from agencies)

The 2024 United States presidential elections dominated the country and also the search results of Merriam-Webster which finally culminated in "polarisation" becoming the word of the year.

The 2024 United States presidential elections dominated the country and also the search results of Merriam-Webster which finally culminated in "polarisation" becoming the word of the year. “Polarisation means division, but it’s a very specific kind of division,” said Peter Sokolowski, who is editor of Merriam-Webster in an exclusive interview with The Associated Press. “Polarisation means that we are tending toward the extremes rather than toward the centre," Sokolowski added. The entry for “polarisation” in the Merriam-Webster reflected on scientific and metaphorical definitions. The word is commonly used to mean “causing strong disagreement between opposing factions or groupings.” Merriam-Webster, which receives more than 100 million page views every month on its website, chose the word of the year based on the data and tracked the increase of word in search and usage. Their 2023 word of the year was “authentic.” Also Read: 'Brain rot' emerges as Oxford word of the year. Are you suffering from it? “It’s always been important to me that the dictionary serves as a kind of neutral and objective arbiter of meaning for everybody,” said Sokolowski. “It’s a kind of backstop for meaning in an era of fake news, alternative facts, whatever you want to say about the value of a word’s meaning in the culture," he added. The word “polarisation” originated in the early 1800s, Sokolowski said. He said that it is a “pretty young word". “Polarised is a term that brings intensity to another word,” he said. “The basic job of the dictionary is to tell the truth about words. We’ve had dictionaries of English for 420 years and it’s only been in the last 20 years or so that we’ve actually known which words people look up," explained the Merriam-Webster editor. “Search volume on Merriam-Webster.com throughout the year reflected the desire of Americans to better understand the complex state of affairs in our country and around the world,” the dictionary added. Other words which topped search results on Merriam-Webster Along with "polarisation", other popular words related to politics also made it to the word of the year list of the dictionary. This included words like “democracy”, "pander", "weird", "cognitive", and "demure". Watch: ‘Brat’ is Collins' Word of the Year The word “democracy” received bipartisan attention across blue and red states and people searching for it “fully understand what it means—and to challenge, celebrate, and protect it,” as per Merriam-Webster. “The word democracy never appears in the Declaration of Independence or the Constitution, but it has long been a focus of American and global attention, rarely more so than now,” the dictionary added in its explanation. (With inputs from agencies)

Merriam-Webster’s 2024 word of the year is 'polarisation'

YesMadam, a start-up that provides salon service at homes and has gained fame from its appearance in Shark Tank&nbsp;show, landed in trouble after an email from its Human Resources department manager regarding lay-offs went viral.&nbsp;

In the email, 100 employees, who said in response to a survey that they had “significant stress” because of their work load, were asked to leave the company immediately.&nbsp;

The screenshot of the email was shared on social media platforms and soon went viral.

But were the employees really fired by the company? Here's the truth behind the viral post.&nbsp;

<h2>YesMadam releases a statement on the viral post</h2>

YesMadam released a statement on the viral post and clarified that the employees were not laid off and the post was shared with the aim to emphasise the issue of workplace stress.&nbsp;

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zepto-graptile-ceos-share-views-on-work-life-balance-face-backlash-781499">Zepto CEO clarifies stance on work life balance after 'toxic culture' allegations</a>

"We sincerely apologise for any distress caused by recent social media posts suggesting we dismissed employees for being stressed. Let us be clear: We would never take such an inhuman step. Our team is like family, and their dedication, hard work, and passion are the foundation of all our successes. The social media posts were a planned effort to highlight the serious issue of workplace stress. And to those who shared angry comments or voiced strong opinions, we say Thank you," said the company, in the statement.

"Were YesMadam employees really fired for being stressed? Absolutely not. They weren't fired; they were given a break to reset. They weren't let go; they were encouraged to release their stress. They weren't laid off; they were offered a chance to relax. They weren't sacked; they were urged to rest and recharge," it added.

The screenshot of the HR email created a stir on various social media platforms like X and LinkedIn, sparking off conversations about the stressful work culture in India.&nbsp;

<h2>Here's what the viral email said</h2>

The email from YesMadam's HR department which went viral talked about 'parting ways with'&nbsp;100 employees who had maximum work stress.&nbsp;

"Recently, we conducted a survey to understand your feelings about stress at work. Many of you shared your concerns, which we deeply value and respect. As a company committed to fostering a healthy and supportive work environment, we have carefully considered the feedback," read the email.

"To ensure that no one remains stressed at work, we have made the difficult decision to part ways with employees who indicated significant stress. This decision is effective immediately, and impacted employees will receive further details separately. Thank you for your contributions," it added.&nbsp;

<h2>Netizens react to the viral post</h2>

The screenshot of the email soon went viral and faced extreme backlash on social media platforms, with some terming it as a publicity stunt of the company.&nbsp;

“If this is a PR campaign, then we’ve literally stooped low!,” said a LinkedIn user.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/autonews/volkswagen-boss-signals-layoffs-and-plant-closures-to-tackle-costs-779064">Volkswagen boss signals layoffs and plant closures to tackle costs</a>

“HR conducts a stress-related survey - fires everyone who says they are stressed. Surely, you cannot be serious @_yesmadam. Please tell me this is a joke/marketing tactic,” commented X user Ravi Handa.

"When you try to lay off employees but the internet lays into you harder, and now it's 'just a stunt'—yeah, sure, the stunt was underestimating social media outrage. Next time, try a plot twist we can believe," wrote a user on X.

"If that was the intention than why use the wording of “part ways” and “effective immediately??" commented another user.

"A planned effort? Pretty damn tasteless one. Such a pathetic effort at damage control," said a user.

(With inputs from agencies)

YesMadam, a start-up that provides salon service at homes and has gained fame from its appearance in Shark Tank show, landed in trouble after an email from its Human Resources department manager regarding lay-offs went viral.

YesMadam, a start-up that provides salon service at homes and has gained fame from its appearance in Shark Tank show, landed in trouble after an email from its Human Resources department manager regarding lay-offs went viral. In the email, 100 employees, who said in response to a survey that they had “significant stress” because of their work load, were asked to leave the company immediately. The screenshot of the email was shared on social media platforms and soon went viral. But were the employees really fired by the company? Here's the truth behind the viral post. YesMadam releases a statement on the viral post YesMadam released a statement on the viral post and clarified that the employees were not laid off and the post was shared with the aim to emphasise the issue of workplace stress. Also Read: Zepto CEO clarifies stance on work life balance after 'toxic culture' allegations "We sincerely apologise for any distress caused by recent social media posts suggesting we dismissed employees for being stressed. Let us be clear: We would never take such an inhuman step. Our team is like family, and their dedication, hard work, and passion are the foundation of all our successes. The social media posts were a planned effort to highlight the serious issue of workplace stress. And to those who shared angry comments or voiced strong opinions, we say Thank you," said the company, in the statement. "Were YesMadam employees really fired for being stressed? Absolutely not. They weren't fired; they were given a break to reset. They weren't let go; they were encouraged to release their stress. They weren't laid off; they were offered a chance to relax. They weren't sacked; they were urged to rest and recharge," it added. The screenshot of the HR email created a stir on various social media platforms like X and LinkedIn, sparking off conversations about the stressful work culture in India. Here's what the viral email said The email from YesMadam's HR department which went viral talked about 'parting ways with' 100 employees who had maximum work stress. "Recently, we conducted a survey to understand your feelings about stress at work. Many of you shared your concerns, which we deeply value and respect. As a company committed to fostering a healthy and supportive work environment, we have carefully considered the feedback," read the email. "To ensure that no one remains stressed at work, we have made the difficult decision to part ways with employees who indicated significant stress. This decision is effective immediately, and impacted employees will receive further details separately. Thank you for your contributions," it added. Netizens react to the viral post The screenshot of the email soon went viral and faced extreme backlash on social media platforms, with some terming it as a publicity stunt of the company. “If this is a PR campaign, then we’ve literally stooped low!,” said a LinkedIn user. Also Read: Volkswagen boss signals layoffs and plant closures to tackle costs “HR conducts a stress-related survey - fires everyone who says they are stressed. Surely, you cannot be serious @_yesmadam. Please tell me this is a joke/marketing tactic,” commented X user Ravi Handa. "When you try to lay off employees but the internet lays into you harder, and now it's 'just a stunt'—yeah, sure, the stunt was underestimating social media outrage. Next time, try a plot twist we can believe," wrote a user on X. "If that was the intention than why use the wording of “part ways” and “effective immediately??" commented another user. "A planned effort? Pretty damn tasteless one. Such a pathetic effort at damage control," said a user. (With inputs from agencies)

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