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<p>Remains of an enormous creature that washed up on UK beach Friday (Jan 5), were spotted by a man out on his morning run. It was the carcass of a giant basking shark, found on the sandbanks close to Fort Perch Rock, at the mouth of Liverpool Bay. The 15-foot-long creature is generally seen in summer months and the coastal areas of southwest England, Wales, the Isle of Man and west Scotland.</p>

<p>New Brighton local Stephen Davies, 72, was the first person who spotted the giant creature’s body resting on the sand. "I was running on the beach and thought 'what's that?' because it looked quite big. I was talking to a fisherman who said it was a basking shark, which I don't think are fairly common around here, but it could have been washed in by the tide. I have never come across anything like it before," the man was quoted as saying by local media.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;UK: Thousands of doctors walk off the job, 6-day strike over pay &amp; working conditions</strong></p>

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<p>The basking shark is the second largest fish found in UK waters. According to the Wildlife Trust, the remains found on Friday are thought to be of a youngster despite the big size. “Fully grown basking sharks can measure from forty feet to twelve metres in length, and can weigh as much as six tonnes,” the Trust added.</p>

<p>The Trust was quoted as saying by the Liverpool Echo: "The basking shark may be huge but we still know very little about this elusive giant. Satellite tracking has shown that they can migrate long distances in the winter, with some showing up off the Azores and even Newfoundland.”</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/merchant-vessel-approached-by-six-craft-near-yemen-says-uk-677298"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Merchant vessel approached by six craft near Yemen, says UK</strong></a></p>

<p>The UK Coastguard later informed the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) about the presence of the carcass on the shores. Chris Cureton, North-West co-ordinator for BDMLR, reported to the site and was stunned at the rare sight.</p>

<p>“The dead giveaway was its second dorsal fin, the head is pretty decomposed but there is no sign of a recognisable toothed shark jaw. The tale of the animal is full of bones whereas if it was a whale it would have been flesh,” Cureton said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Remains of an enormous creature that washed up on UK beach Friday (Jan 5), were spotted by a man out on his morning run. It was the carcass of a giant basking shark, found on the sandbanks close to Fort Perch Rock, at the mouth of Liverpool Bay.

Remains of an enormous creature that washed up on UK beach Friday (Jan 5), were spotted by a man out on his morning run. It was the carcass of a giant basking shark, found on the sandbanks close to Fort Perch Rock, at the mouth of Liverpool Bay. The 15-foot-long creature is generally seen in summer months and the coastal areas of southwest England, Wales, the Isle of Man and west Scotland. New Brighton local Stephen Davies, 72, was the first person who spotted the giant creature’s body resting on the sand. "I was running on the beach and thought 'what's that?' because it looked quite big. I was talking to a fisherman who said it was a basking shark, which I don't think are fairly common around here, but it could have been washed in by the tide. I have never come across anything like it before," the man was quoted as saying by local media. Watch: UK: Thousands of doctors walk off the job, 6-day strike over pay & working conditions × The basking shark is the second largest fish found in UK waters. According to the Wildlife Trust, the remains found on Friday are thought to be of a youngster despite the big size. “Fully grown basking sharks can measure from forty feet to twelve metres in length, and can weigh as much as six tonnes,” the Trust added. The Trust was quoted as saying by the Liverpool Echo: "The basking shark may be huge but we still know very little about this elusive giant. Satellite tracking has shown that they can migrate long distances in the winter, with some showing up off the Azores and even Newfoundland.” Also read: Merchant vessel approached by six craft near Yemen, says UK The UK Coastguard later informed the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) about the presence of the carcass on the shores. Chris Cureton, North-West co-ordinator for BDMLR, reported to the site and was stunned at the rare sight. “The dead giveaway was its second dorsal fin, the head is pretty decomposed but there is no sign of a recognisable toothed shark jaw. The tale of the animal is full of bones whereas if it was a whale it would have been flesh,” Cureton said. (With inputs from agencies)

Enormous 15ft sea creature washes up on UK coast, stunning beachgoers

<p>Rejection by a potential employer can be heartbreaking, especially if it carries a needless aggressive and rude tone. Such a rejection mail recently went viral on the social media platform Reddit, which warned the candidate not to “apply again” or simply get blacklisted.</p>

<p>The mail was sent by a US-based IT firm Elite Software Automation to a candidate who had applied for the position of Frontend Software Engineer. The mail was shared on the Reddit forum “antiwork” on Thursday (Jan 4) and has since accumulated 900 upvotes and hundreds of comments.</p>

<h2><strong>Details of the ‘rude’ rejection mail</strong></h2>

<p>The email begins by thanking the candidate for applying for the position but soon turns aggressive. It warns that the candidate will be blacklisted permanently if they try to apply for the same position before the end of the year or ask for a second opportunity.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/florida-woman-in-prison-since-june-2022-gets-pregnant-sparks-investigation-677427"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Florida woman in prison since June 2022 gets pregnant, sparks investigation</strong></a></p>

<p>"Any repeated attempts to apply for this position again before this time, or any attempts to retake the test will lead to an automated decline of your application, as well as blacklisting of your profile from any further applications," the email read.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;More than half of Indian employees are logging off from work exhausted</strong></p>

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<p>It further added that the company won’t accept any excuses. "If you were feeling unwell on the day of the test, or if you were rushing, or if your internet went out, or whatever other excuse you may have, it does not matter," it reads.</p>

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<blockquote class="reddit-embed-bq" data-embed-height="580" style="height:500px"><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/antiwork/comments/18z6u4p/whoever_received_this_rejection_letter_is_far/">Whoever received this rejection letter is far better off than being hired by this "Elite..."</a><br />
by<a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/InfiniteBlacksmith41/">u/InfiniteBlacksmith41</a> in<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/antiwork/">antiwork</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Internet condemns&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The post, shared on Reddit, received a flurry of negative comments, with most of them pointing out how the same message could have been delivered with a better choice of words.</p>

<p>"I will bet whoever wrote that felt very big and important for at least a short while," commented&nbsp;a user. "A simple no would have sufficed," wrote a second. "That's honestly the hardest rejection letter I've ever seen," commented a third.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Rejection by a potential employer can be heartbreaking, especially if it carries a needless aggressive and rude tone. Such a rejection mail recently went viral on the social media platform Reddit, which warned the candidate not to “apply again” or simply get blacklisted.

Rejection by a potential employer can be heartbreaking, especially if it carries a needless aggressive and rude tone. Such a rejection mail recently went viral on the social media platform Reddit, which warned the candidate not to “apply again” or simply get blacklisted. The mail was sent by a US-based IT firm Elite Software Automation to a candidate who had applied for the position of Frontend Software Engineer. The mail was shared on the Reddit forum “antiwork” on Thursday (Jan 4) and has since accumulated 900 upvotes and hundreds of comments. Details of the ‘rude’ rejection mail The email begins by thanking the candidate for applying for the position but soon turns aggressive. It warns that the candidate will be blacklisted permanently if they try to apply for the same position before the end of the year or ask for a second opportunity. Also read: Florida woman in prison since June 2022 gets pregnant, sparks investigation "Any repeated attempts to apply for this position again before this time, or any attempts to retake the test will lead to an automated decline of your application, as well as blacklisting of your profile from any further applications," the email read. Watch: More than half of Indian employees are logging off from work exhausted × It further added that the company won’t accept any excuses. "If you were feeling unwell on the day of the test, or if you were rushing, or if your internet went out, or whatever other excuse you may have, it does not matter," it reads. Whoever received this rejection letter is far better off than being hired by this "Elite..." byu/InfiniteBlacksmith41 inantiwork × Internet condemns The post, shared on Reddit, received a flurry of negative comments, with most of them pointing out how the same message could have been delivered with a better choice of words. "I will bet whoever wrote that felt very big and important for at least a short while," commented a user. "A simple no would have sufficed," wrote a second. "That's honestly the hardest rejection letter I've ever seen," commented a third. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Don’t apply again,’ US firm’s rude rejection letter invites condemnation from internet

<p>An eerie spectacle unfolded in a Texas parking lot as a massive flock of birds descended, reminiscent of a modern take on Alfred Hitchcock's 1963 horror classic, <em>The Birds</em>.&nbsp;The scene, captured in a viral video, showed&nbsp;a strip mall parking lot swarmed by hundreds of birds, exhibiting a striking resemblance to the dramatic finale of Hitchcock's avian horror film. Remarkably, the birds appeared nonchalant&nbsp;by the presence of people and cars, seemingly engrossed in foraging for food amidst the trash.</p>

<p>Yvone Gomez, the person behind the lens on January 2, likened the surreal scene to an "Alfred Hitchcock movie."</p>

<p>She mentioned on X that the birds exhibited unusual fearlessness, remaining unperturbed even when she honked to disperse them.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch the video here:</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I had to add this song to the viral video. I love Counting Crows, but these are great-tailed grackles that flocked to a parking lot in Houston, Texas on January 2nd, 2024.<br />
📹: yvonegomez123 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/bigyellowtaxi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#bigyellowtaxi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/birds?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#birds</a> <a href="https://t.co/Op5uyr45Q0">pic.twitter.com/Op5uyr45Q0</a></p>
— Melissa Jean (@MelissaJeanSays) <a href="https://twitter.com/MelissaJeanSays/status/1743179892580397085?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Reacting to the incident, many online users suggested that such bird congregations are a common phenomenon during winter in the Dallas area. One user speculated about the birds' historical connection to the location, hinting at a possible roosting site in the past.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-start-up-lays-off-entire-200-member-staff-over-google-meet-call-677455">Also read |&nbsp;Head-spinning move: US start-up lays off entire 200-member staff via Google Meet call</a></p>

<h2><strong>Social media left stunned&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>One user wrote, ''Possibly that parking lot used to have large Texas oak trees where the birds would historically roost. The location is hardwired into their bird-brained navigation system. They all agree, yep, this is the place our great-great grandparents raved about, but where are the trees?''</p>

<p>Another commented, ''That is creepy, but I guess it happens quite a bit in the Dallas area. I lived in Frisco and saw this happen at least 10 times in parking lots.''</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;US: Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin takes responsibility of not disclosing hospitalisation</strong></p>

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<p><a href="https://houstonaudubon.org/birding/gallery/great-tailed-grackle.html">Houston Audubon </a>shed light on the identity of the birds, identifying them as great-tailed grackles. These birds, known for their adaptability, can be found in areas inhabited by humans with some trees. The organisation's website also said that great-tailed grackles are known to be protective parents, defending nests through aggressive behaviours against perceived threats, including humans.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


An eerie spectacle unfolded in a Texas parking lot as a massive flock of birds descended, reminiscent of a modern take on Alfred Hitchcock's 1963 horror classic, The Birds.

An eerie spectacle unfolded in a Texas parking lot as a massive flock of birds descended, reminiscent of a modern take on Alfred Hitchcock's 1963 horror classic, The Birds. The scene, captured in a viral video, showed a strip mall parking lot swarmed by hundreds of birds, exhibiting a striking resemblance to the dramatic finale of Hitchcock's avian horror film. Remarkably, the birds appeared nonchalant by the presence of people and cars, seemingly engrossed in foraging for food amidst the trash. Yvone Gomez, the person behind the lens on January 2, likened the surreal scene to an "Alfred Hitchcock movie." She mentioned on X that the birds exhibited unusual fearlessness, remaining unperturbed even when she honked to disperse them. Watch the video here: I had to add this song to the viral video. I love Counting Crows, but these are great-tailed grackles that flocked to a parking lot in Houston, Texas on January 2nd, 2024. 📹: yvonegomez123 #bigyellowtaxi #birds pic.twitter.com/Op5uyr45Q0 — Melissa Jean (@MelissaJeanSays) January 5, 2024 × Reacting to the incident, many online users suggested that such bird congregations are a common phenomenon during winter in the Dallas area. One user speculated about the birds' historical connection to the location, hinting at a possible roosting site in the past. Also read | Head-spinning move: US start-up lays off entire 200-member staff via Google Meet call Social media left stunned One user wrote, ''Possibly that parking lot used to have large Texas oak trees where the birds would historically roost. The location is hardwired into their bird-brained navigation system. They all agree, yep, this is the place our great-great grandparents raved about, but where are the trees?'' Another commented, ''That is creepy, but I guess it happens quite a bit in the Dallas area. I lived in Frisco and saw this happen at least 10 times in parking lots.'' Also watch | US: Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin takes responsibility of not disclosing hospitalisation Houston Audubon shed light on the identity of the birds, identifying them as great-tailed grackles. These birds, known for their adaptability, can be found in areas inhabited by humans with some trees. The organisation's website also said that great-tailed grackles are known to be protective parents, defending nests through aggressive behaviours against perceived threats, including humans. (With inputs from agencies)

US: Hundreds of birds swamp Texas parking lot; eerie video goes viral

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<p>A woman who has been&nbsp;in a Florida county jail since 2022 got pregnant, provoking an investigation. Her sister and attorney have demanded answers from corrections officials.</p>

<p>On Christmas, Daisy Link, 28, called her family to inform them that she was almost four months pregnant, NBC News reported. Link's sister, Crystal Barreto, said, "I could not find words. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Right away, I was concerned about Daisy and her safety."</p>

<p>Link, who is currently at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in Miami-Dade County on the charge of second-degree murder, has not gone to trial yet. She is also charged with battery by a detainee on a visitor or other detainee.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Daisy Link's criminal defence attorney, Marlene Montaner, clarified that the second-degree murder was the result of a domestic violence incident. According to Montaner, Link fired a single gunshot while attempting to protect herself from an abusive partner.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Her sister and her attorney have been pushing to get her discharged on house arrest, especially now that she is pregnant. However, both have no clue how she got pregnant in the first place. Barreto said her sister had not informed her of what happened.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/miracle-woman-in-her-90s-pulled-out-of-debris-five-days-after-japan-76-earthquake-677391">Miracle! Woman in her 90s pulled out of debris five days after Japan 7.6 earthquake</a></p>

<p>"My sister, when she was able to call us here and there, was trying to tell us pieces of the story, but is very scared to say anything over the phone because her calls are being recorded," Barreto said.</p>

<p>"The allegations right now are that it's another inmate's," said Montaner. However, the county jail has separate floors for male and female inmates.</p>

<p>Montaner also called the reports by other media outlets "implausible" as they suggested the pregnancy might have been the result of a male inmate passing semen through an air conditioning vent. She has raised questions about the corrections officials, blaming them for Link's pregnancy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to a spokesperson from Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation, another inmate told the officials that she suspected Link was pregnant. The officials confirmed the pregnancy after a thorough medical examination, and the matter is currently under investigation. They also confirmed that the pregnancy was not the result of sexual assault.</p>

<p>"While there is no evidence of sexual battery against our inmate at this time, the circumstances surrounding the pregnancy are currently under active investigation," the spokesperson said.</p>

<p>Barreto said Link tried telling officials about her pregnancy earlier, but they mocked her for it. "Nobody should come out pregnant in jail. This is really ridiculous," Barreto said, expressing concerns about her sister's safety.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A woman who has been in a Florida county jail since 2022 got pregnant, provoking an investigation. Her sister and attorney have demanded answers from corrections officials.

A woman who has been in a Florida county jail since 2022 got pregnant, provoking an investigation. Her sister and attorney have demanded answers from corrections officials. On Christmas, Daisy Link, 28, called her family to inform them that she was almost four months pregnant, NBC News reported. Link's sister, Crystal Barreto, said, "I could not find words. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Right away, I was concerned about Daisy and her safety." Link, who is currently at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in Miami-Dade County on the charge of second-degree murder, has not gone to trial yet. She is also charged with battery by a detainee on a visitor or other detainee. Daisy Link's criminal defence attorney, Marlene Montaner, clarified that the second-degree murder was the result of a domestic violence incident. According to Montaner, Link fired a single gunshot while attempting to protect herself from an abusive partner. Her sister and her attorney have been pushing to get her discharged on house arrest, especially now that she is pregnant. However, both have no clue how she got pregnant in the first place. Barreto said her sister had not informed her of what happened. ALSO READ | Miracle! Woman in her 90s pulled out of debris five days after Japan 7.6 earthquake "My sister, when she was able to call us here and there, was trying to tell us pieces of the story, but is very scared to say anything over the phone because her calls are being recorded," Barreto said. "The allegations right now are that it's another inmate's," said Montaner. However, the county jail has separate floors for male and female inmates. Montaner also called the reports by other media outlets "implausible" as they suggested the pregnancy might have been the result of a male inmate passing semen through an air conditioning vent. She has raised questions about the corrections officials, blaming them for Link's pregnancy. According to a spokesperson from Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation, another inmate told the officials that she suspected Link was pregnant. The officials confirmed the pregnancy after a thorough medical examination, and the matter is currently under investigation. They also confirmed that the pregnancy was not the result of sexual assault. "While there is no evidence of sexual battery against our inmate at this time, the circumstances surrounding the pregnancy are currently under active investigation," the spokesperson said. Barreto said Link tried telling officials about her pregnancy earlier, but they mocked her for it. "Nobody should come out pregnant in jail. This is really ridiculous," Barreto said, expressing concerns about her sister's safety. (With inputs from agencies)

Florida woman in prison since June 2022 gets pregnant, sparks investigation

<p>Nobody could have predicted that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s one visit to Lakshadweep islands would hit a raw nerve in Maldivian leaders, with many of them taking to X to post derogatory remarks against India and top Indian leaders.</p>

<p>However, one such leader of the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives ended up embarrassing himself big time after he mistakenly posted pictures of French Polynesia’s Bora Bora islands in his distasteful attempt to put the Indian archipelago down.</p>

<p>Maaiz Mahmood, who claims to be a ‘teacher by profession’ and a member of the ruling party in his X bio, wrote on the social media platform, “Sun set in Maldives. &nbsp;You won't see this in Lakshadweep.” He also tagged Indian PM Modi’s X account in his post. Along with his post, he attached a photo from the Bora Bora islands, claiming it to be from the Maldives.</p>

<p>However, his post was soon flagged as false by community notes.</p>

<p><img alt="Image" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GDOAN6kbUAAR2G8?format=jpg&amp;name=medium" /></p>

<p>“This is not Maldives. This is Bora Bora in French Polynesia,” the community note read, appearing just below Mahmood’s post.</p>

<p>It was not long before Mahmood found himself getting roasted right, left and centre by Indians on X.</p>

<p>“Because sun doesn’t set anywhere else on earth,” quipped one user. “It’s Bora Bora Island in French Polynesia, not Maldives. &nbsp;Stop lying,” wrote another. “Maybe the sun has set on tourism in the Maldives,” a third user warned the tiny nation.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, some unverified reports on Indian social media claimed that more than 8,000 hotel bookings and 2,500 flight tickets were cancelled after a top Maldivian minister allegedly abused the Indian PM.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas | Could Lakshadweep replace Maldives as tourist haven?&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>The Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts, allegedly referred to the Indian prime minister as a ‘clown’ and a ‘puppet of Israel’.</p>

<p>However, the Maldivian government later distanced itself from the statement and stated that “these opinions are personal and do not represent the views of the Government of Maldives.”</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-raises-concerns-over-derogatory-comments-by-maldives-minister-against-pm-modi-677434"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Exclusive: India raises concerns over derogatory comments by Maldives minister against PM Modi</strong></a></p>

<p>“The Government believes that the freedom of expression should be exercised in a democratic and responsible manner, and in ways that do not spread hatred, negativity, and hinder close relationships between the Maldives and its international partners," the statement said.</p>


Nobody could have predicted that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s one visit to Lakshadweep islands would hit a raw nerve in Maldivian leaders, with many of them taking to X to post derogatory remarks against India and top Indian leaders.

Nobody could have predicted that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s one visit to Lakshadweep islands would hit a raw nerve in Maldivian leaders, with many of them taking to X to post derogatory remarks against India and top Indian leaders. However, one such leader of the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives ended up embarrassing himself big time after he mistakenly posted pictures of French Polynesia’s Bora Bora islands in his distasteful attempt to put the Indian archipelago down. Maaiz Mahmood, who claims to be a ‘teacher by profession’ and a member of the ruling party in his X bio, wrote on the social media platform, “Sun set in Maldives. You won't see this in Lakshadweep.” He also tagged Indian PM Modi’s X account in his post. Along with his post, he attached a photo from the Bora Bora islands, claiming it to be from the Maldives. However, his post was soon flagged as false by community notes. “This is not Maldives. This is Bora Bora in French Polynesia,” the community note read, appearing just below Mahmood’s post. It was not long before Mahmood found himself getting roasted right, left and centre by Indians on X. “Because sun doesn’t set anywhere else on earth,” quipped one user. “It’s Bora Bora Island in French Polynesia, not Maldives. Stop lying,” wrote another. “Maybe the sun has set on tourism in the Maldives,” a third user warned the tiny nation. Meanwhile, some unverified reports on Indian social media claimed that more than 8,000 hotel bookings and 2,500 flight tickets were cancelled after a top Maldivian minister allegedly abused the Indian PM. Watch: Gravitas | Could Lakshadweep replace Maldives as tourist haven? × The Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts, allegedly referred to the Indian prime minister as a ‘clown’ and a ‘puppet of Israel’. However, the Maldivian government later distanced itself from the statement and stated that “these opinions are personal and do not represent the views of the Government of Maldives.” Also read: Exclusive: India raises concerns over derogatory comments by Maldives minister against PM Modi “The Government believes that the freedom of expression should be exercised in a democratic and responsible manner, and in ways that do not spread hatred, negativity, and hinder close relationships between the Maldives and its international partners," the statement said.

Maldivian leader roasted after he mistakenly shares Bora Bora photo to counter Lakshadweep

<p>A news anchor in Israel has taken the internet by storm by proudly flashing a gun tucked in her waistband while reporting live sitting at her&nbsp;desk. The anchor, Lital Shemesh, works with Israeli news broadcaster Channel 14 and also serves as a reservist for the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF).</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">News reporters in Israel don’t mess around. <a href="https://t.co/gGKxtArfvL">pic.twitter.com/gGKxtArfvL</a></p>
— Marina Medvin 🇺🇸 (@MarinaMedvin) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarinaMedvin/status/1742578462978642042?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Amidst increased security threats in the wake of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, thousands of people across the Jewish nation are resorting to arming themselves up.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Who is&nbsp;Lital Shemesh</strong></h2>

<p>Previously, Lital Shemesh made headlines by posting pictures on social media showing herself practising shooting skills at a gun range, where she called for people to "go arm yourself." Her timeline also features photos of her reporting from the frontlines wearing her&nbsp;soldier&nbsp;uniform.</p>

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<p dir="rtl" lang="iw">לכו תתחמשו. <a href="https://t.co/xWRTDho425">pic.twitter.com/xWRTDho425</a></p>
— ליטל שמש - Lital Shemesh (@Litalsun) <a href="https://twitter.com/Litalsun/status/1740332926548517277?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>From 2002 to 2005, she served as a full combat soldier in the IDF Border Police division during the second intifada. In a unit of around 100 men, she was one among the only five women, initially assigned to Intelligence but opting for a combat role at checkpoints across the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Her public and military roles mirror a strong stance on Israel's security, emphasising the need to confront Hamas.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;US education official resigns over Biden's Israel-Gaza war response</strong></p>

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<p>In an October Fox News interview, she equated the Oct 7 surprise terror attack to a "second holocaust" for Israel. She said, “The entire country is being recruited to fight this war against terrorism, to fight this war against Hamas. We haven't seen a slaughter like this in Israel in the 75 years of Israel's existence. This is a second holocaust for us."&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Israelis resorting to lifting guns</strong></h2>

<p>She advocates for Israelis to arm themselves, a perspective that gained traction after the October 7 Hamas attack, resulting in 1,139 deaths, 240 hostages, and widespread incidents of sexual violence.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-focus-on-ending-israeli-aggression-hamas-chief-tells-antony-blinken-677218"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: Focus on ending Israeli aggression, Hamas chief tells Antony Blinken</strong></a></p>

<p>In November, reports emerged that a rising number of women in Israel were arming themselves with guns and learning martial arts in the wake of the deadly Hamas attack. In addition to seeking guns and training, a rising number of Israelis are also attending krav maga self-defense classes to learn martial arts.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A news anchor in Israel has taken the internet by storm by proudly flashing a gun tucked in her waistband while reporting live sitting at her desk. The anchor, Lital Shemesh, works with Israeli news broadcaster Channel 14 and also serves as a reservist for the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF).

A news anchor in Israel has taken the internet by storm by proudly flashing a gun tucked in her waistband while reporting live sitting at her desk. The anchor, Lital Shemesh, works with Israeli news broadcaster Channel 14 and also serves as a reservist for the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). News reporters in Israel don’t mess around. pic.twitter.com/gGKxtArfvL — Marina Medvin 🇺🇸 (@MarinaMedvin) January 3, 2024 × Amidst increased security threats in the wake of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, thousands of people across the Jewish nation are resorting to arming themselves up. Who is Lital Shemesh Previously, Lital Shemesh made headlines by posting pictures on social media showing herself practising shooting skills at a gun range, where she called for people to "go arm yourself." Her timeline also features photos of her reporting from the frontlines wearing her soldier uniform. לכו תתחמשו. pic.twitter.com/xWRTDho425 — ליטל שמש - Lital Shemesh (@Litalsun) December 28, 2023 × From 2002 to 2005, she served as a full combat soldier in the IDF Border Police division during the second intifada. In a unit of around 100 men, she was one among the only five women, initially assigned to Intelligence but opting for a combat role at checkpoints across the country. Her public and military roles mirror a strong stance on Israel's security, emphasising the need to confront Hamas. Watch: US education official resigns over Biden's Israel-Gaza war response × In an October Fox News interview, she equated the Oct 7 surprise terror attack to a "second holocaust" for Israel. She said, “The entire country is being recruited to fight this war against terrorism, to fight this war against Hamas. We haven't seen a slaughter like this in Israel in the 75 years of Israel's existence. This is a second holocaust for us." Israelis resorting to lifting guns She advocates for Israelis to arm themselves, a perspective that gained traction after the October 7 Hamas attack, resulting in 1,139 deaths, 240 hostages, and widespread incidents of sexual violence. Also read: Israel-Hamas war: Focus on ending Israeli aggression, Hamas chief tells Antony Blinken In November, reports emerged that a rising number of women in Israel were arming themselves with guns and learning martial arts in the wake of the deadly Hamas attack. In addition to seeking guns and training, a rising number of Israelis are also attending krav maga self-defense classes to learn martial arts. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: News anchor shocks internet by carrying gun on live broadcast

<p>Recently, a very rare fish was reeled in by fishermen in Thailand, and now they are worried a deadly earthquake and tsunami might be on their way and bringing devastation. The fish here in question is the oarfish, also known as ‘harbinger of doom’ or ‘the earthquake fish,’ which is generally found in waters at a depth of 1,000 metres and is rarely seen by humans on the surface. The eerie-looking sea creature can grow to as long as 11 metres and was caught by Thai fishermen on Wednesday (Jan 3) in the Andaman Sea.</p>

<p>According to Japanese folklore, if you ever spot an oarfish in shallow waters, you better brace for an earthquake or tsunami.</p>

<h2><strong>People panicked</strong></h2>

<p>The fact that the oarfish was spotted just days after a deadly earthquake struck Japan on New Year's Day immediately caught the attention of the locals in La-ngu, Satun province, on Thailand’s southwest coast.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Japan Earthquake: Losses to touch $6.4 billion, death toll climbs to 98</strong></p>

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<p>“If encountering an oarfish in the vicinity of Satun, it may indicate a potential concern for an earthquake along the Andaman coast,” a local resident Boomerange was quoted as saying by media.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-divers-left-astonished-after-giant-oarfish-spotted-in-taiwan-616123"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Watch | Giant oarfish, believed to be a `harbinger of earthquakes`, spotted in Taiwan</strong></a></p>

<p>“And there could be a tsunami as well,” the resident added.</p>

<p>Marine ecology lecturer Thō̜n Thamrongnāwāsawat of Kasetsart University was quoted as saying that the fish was also known as “the earthquake fish.”<br />
<br />
“It looks like an oarfish. Oarfish, nicknamed the “earthquake fish”, is a deep-sea fish. When it surfaces, earthquakes often occur,” he said.</p>

<h2><strong>The science behind the phenomenon</strong></h2>

<p>Thō̜n Thamrongnāwāsawat later explains the possibilities that might have led the oarfish to shallow waters. While trying to calm fears, Thamrongnāwāsawat said the unusual sighting could be due to the entrance of cold water into the Andaman Sea from the Indian Ocean.</p>

<p>“Recently, the cold water entering the Andaman Sea has led to unusual fish sightings due to the Indian Ocean Dipole,” he said,&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Previously, a Mola mola was caught in a net, and now an oarfish. It’s plausible that these fish are following the cold water mass. While unusual events occur in the ocean, understanding the context helps avoid unnecessary alarm,” he concluded.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Recently, a very rare fish was reeled in by fishermen in Thailand, and now they are worried a deadly earthquake and tsunami might be on their way and bringing devastation.

Recently, a very rare fish was reeled in by fishermen in Thailand, and now they are worried a deadly earthquake and tsunami might be on their way and bringing devastation. The fish here in question is the oarfish, also known as ‘harbinger of doom’ or ‘the earthquake fish,’ which is generally found in waters at a depth of 1,000 metres and is rarely seen by humans on the surface. The eerie-looking sea creature can grow to as long as 11 metres and was caught by Thai fishermen on Wednesday (Jan 3) in the Andaman Sea. According to Japanese folklore, if you ever spot an oarfish in shallow waters, you better brace for an earthquake or tsunami. People panicked The fact that the oarfish was spotted just days after a deadly earthquake struck Japan on New Year's Day immediately caught the attention of the locals in La-ngu, Satun province, on Thailand’s southwest coast. Watch: Japan Earthquake: Losses to touch $6.4 billion, death toll climbs to 98 × “If encountering an oarfish in the vicinity of Satun, it may indicate a potential concern for an earthquake along the Andaman coast,” a local resident Boomerange was quoted as saying by media. Also read: Watch | Giant oarfish, believed to be a `harbinger of earthquakes`, spotted in Taiwan “And there could be a tsunami as well,” the resident added. Marine ecology lecturer Thō̜n Thamrongnāwāsawat of Kasetsart University was quoted as saying that the fish was also known as “the earthquake fish.” “It looks like an oarfish. Oarfish, nicknamed the “earthquake fish”, is a deep-sea fish. When it surfaces, earthquakes often occur,” he said. The science behind the phenomenon Thō̜n Thamrongnāwāsawat later explains the possibilities that might have led the oarfish to shallow waters. While trying to calm fears, Thamrongnāwāsawat said the unusual sighting could be due to the entrance of cold water into the Andaman Sea from the Indian Ocean. “Recently, the cold water entering the Andaman Sea has led to unusual fish sightings due to the Indian Ocean Dipole,” he said, “Previously, a Mola mola was caught in a net, and now an oarfish. It’s plausible that these fish are following the cold water mass. While unusual events occur in the ocean, understanding the context helps avoid unnecessary alarm,” he concluded. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Disaster is coming,’ Panic in Thailand after fishermen caught ‘earthquake fish’

<p>The US is all set to witness the launch of its first private mission to the Moon on Monday (Jan 8). Considered a major milestone for NASA’s plans to get humans back on the lunar surface in five decades, the Peregrine Mission One aims to carry cremated human remains to the Moon for a permanent burial there. Already marred with delays, the mission could now face further setbacks as the USA’s largest group of Natives and Indigenous communities register strong protests to the initiative.</p>

<h2><strong>Native Americans opposing the mission</strong></h2>

<p>Native group Navajo Nation has fiercely opposed the idea of carrying human remains to the Moon, with its President Buu Nygren saying that allowing the remains to touch down there would be an affront to many indigenous cultures, which revere the moon.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The moon holds a sacred place in Navajo cosmology,” Nygren said Thursday (Jan 4). &nbsp;“The suggestion of transforming it into a resting place for human remains is deeply disturbing and unacceptable to our people and many other tribal nations,” he added.</p>

<h2><strong>The controversial idea</strong></h2>

<p>It is to be noted that there are two private companies that offer these lunar burial services—Celestis and Elysium Space.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;ISRO's first Sun mission Aditya-L1 to enter final orbit</strong></p>

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<p>According to Celestis’ website, “Celestis’ payload, called Tranquility Flight, includes 66 ‘memorial capsules’ containing ‘cremated remains and DNA,’ which will remain on the lunar surface ‘as a permanent tribute to the intrepid souls who never stopped reaching for the stars.’</p>

<h2><strong>Last-minute meeting at White House</strong></h2>

<p>To address the concerns of the Indigenous communities, the White House on Friday (Jan 5) held a last-minute meeting with Native leaders.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/want-to-fly-your-name-to-moon-heres-how-nasa-campaign-can-help-677100"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Want to fly your name to Moon? Here’s how NASA campaign can help</strong></a></p>

<p>However, in a statement to CNN, Celestis CEO Charles Chafer dismissed all claims and concerns raised by Nygren.</p>

<p>“We reject the assertion that our memorial spaceflight mission desecrates the moon,” Chafer said. “Just as permanent memorials for deceased are present all over planet Earth and not considered desecration, our memorial on the moon is handled with care and reverence, is a permanent monument that does not intentionally eject flight capsules on the moon. It is a touching and fitting celebration for our participants — the exact opposite of desecration, it is a celebration.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The US is all set to witness the launch of its first private mission to the Moon on Monday (Jan 8). Considered a major milestone for NASA’s plans to get humans back on the lunar surface in five decades, the Peregrine Mission One aims to carry cremated human remains to the Moon for a permanent burial there.

The US is all set to witness the launch of its first private mission to the Moon on Monday (Jan 8). Considered a major milestone for NASA’s plans to get humans back on the lunar surface in five decades, the Peregrine Mission One aims to carry cremated human remains to the Moon for a permanent burial there. Already marred with delays, the mission could now face further setbacks as the USA’s largest group of Natives and Indigenous communities register strong protests to the initiative. Native Americans opposing the mission Native group Navajo Nation has fiercely opposed the idea of carrying human remains to the Moon, with its President Buu Nygren saying that allowing the remains to touch down there would be an affront to many indigenous cultures, which revere the moon. “The moon holds a sacred place in Navajo cosmology,” Nygren said Thursday (Jan 4). “The suggestion of transforming it into a resting place for human remains is deeply disturbing and unacceptable to our people and many other tribal nations,” he added. The controversial idea It is to be noted that there are two private companies that offer these lunar burial services—Celestis and Elysium Space. Watch: ISRO's first Sun mission Aditya-L1 to enter final orbit × According to Celestis’ website, “Celestis’ payload, called Tranquility Flight, includes 66 ‘memorial capsules’ containing ‘cremated remains and DNA,’ which will remain on the lunar surface ‘as a permanent tribute to the intrepid souls who never stopped reaching for the stars.’ Last-minute meeting at White House To address the concerns of the Indigenous communities, the White House on Friday (Jan 5) held a last-minute meeting with Native leaders. Also read: Want to fly your name to Moon? Here’s how NASA campaign can help However, in a statement to CNN, Celestis CEO Charles Chafer dismissed all claims and concerns raised by Nygren. “We reject the assertion that our memorial spaceflight mission desecrates the moon,” Chafer said. “Just as permanent memorials for deceased are present all over planet Earth and not considered desecration, our memorial on the moon is handled with care and reverence, is a permanent monument that does not intentionally eject flight capsules on the moon. It is a touching and fitting celebration for our participants — the exact opposite of desecration, it is a celebration.” (With inputs from agencies)

Native Americans irked as US firm plans to carry cremated human remains to Moon

<p>The groom's procession, known as the "baraat" in Hindi, is typically marked by dancing and loud music, but a video that has gone viral shows how the baraat was transformed into a silent celebration where everyone was seen wearing headphones and dancing&nbsp;to their "own" songs.</p>

<p>The viral video, making waves on Instagram, was shared by vlogger @shefoodie. She revealed that the wedding was near a cancer hospital.</p>

<p>The concept of the silent disco, where guests listen to music through personal devices to create a lively yet noise-free environment, served as inspiration for this creative take on the wedding procession.</p>

<p>In addition to providing endless entertainment, the silent 'baraat' is a thoughtful gesture for the surrounding community.&nbsp;Since the wedding was taking place close to a cancer hospital, it was deliberate to avoid any noise pollution that might interfere with the patient's ability to recover and sleep.</p>

<p>Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/unbelievable-mumbai-man-recovers-his-lost-airpods-in-goa-with-the-help-of-x-users-677210">Unbelievable! Mumbai man recovers his lost Airpods in Goa with the help of X users</a></p>

<h2><strong>What is a silent disco?</strong></h2>

<p>A silent disco is a unique and contemporary social experience where participants listen to music through wireless headphones rather than traditional loudspeakers. In this immersive setting, individuals can choose from multiple channels playing different genres of music, allowing for a diverse and personalized auditory experience, it creates an amusing spectacle of people dancing to their chosen beats seemingly in silence.<br />
<br />
Silent discos have gained popularity at festivals, events, and clubs, offering a dynamic and inclusive atmosphere where participants can switch between music channels, dance together and engage in conversation without the constraints of loud music. The phenomenon provides a novel way to enjoy music, fostering a sense of individuality and community simultaneously.</p>

<p>As the video gained viral momentum, netizens couldn’t help but cheer for this innovative twist and flooded the internet with support for the silent baraat.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The groom's procession, known as the "baraat" in Hindi, is typically marked by dancing and loud music, but a video that has gone viral shows how the baraat was transformed into a silent celebration where everyone was seen wearing headphones and dancing to their "own" songs.

The groom's procession, known as the "baraat" in Hindi, is typically marked by dancing and loud music, but a video that has gone viral shows how the baraat was transformed into a silent celebration where everyone was seen wearing headphones and dancing to their "own" songs. The viral video, making waves on Instagram, was shared by vlogger @shefoodie. She revealed that the wedding was near a cancer hospital. The concept of the silent disco, where guests listen to music through personal devices to create a lively yet noise-free environment, served as inspiration for this creative take on the wedding procession. In addition to providing endless entertainment, the silent 'baraat' is a thoughtful gesture for the surrounding community. Since the wedding was taking place close to a cancer hospital, it was deliberate to avoid any noise pollution that might interfere with the patient's ability to recover and sleep. Also read |Unbelievable! Mumbai man recovers his lost Airpods in Goa with the help of X users What is a silent disco? A silent disco is a unique and contemporary social experience where participants listen to music through wireless headphones rather than traditional loudspeakers. In this immersive setting, individuals can choose from multiple channels playing different genres of music, allowing for a diverse and personalized auditory experience, it creates an amusing spectacle of people dancing to their chosen beats seemingly in silence. Silent discos have gained popularity at festivals, events, and clubs, offering a dynamic and inclusive atmosphere where participants can switch between music channels, dance together and engage in conversation without the constraints of loud music. The phenomenon provides a novel way to enjoy music, fostering a sense of individuality and community simultaneously. As the video gained viral momentum, netizens couldn’t help but cheer for this innovative twist and flooded the internet with support for the silent baraat. (With inputs from agencies)

Video of a ‘silent baraat’ goes viral, earns netizens’ praise

<p>Recently, a video went viral on social media showing some men making a puppy lap whiskey from a glass. The video has now drawn sharp criticism and condemnation from social media users and animal rights activists.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The accused, identified as "Sheru Borda" from Rajasthan's Sawai Madhopur area, can be seen offering alcohol to the puppy by a bonfire. The video also shows a group of men sitting around bonfire in an open area during an outing.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">in logo ko itne log follow karte hai pr inke karam nahi dekhte kitne gande log hai kitna shota bacha hai jaan ja sakti hai <a href="https://twitter.com/SPsawaimadhopur?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SPsawaimadhopur</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PoliceSawai?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PoliceSawai</a> plz🙏 iss bande pe karwahi ki jaye <a href="https://twitter.com/RajPoliceHelp?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RajPoliceHelp</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PoliceRajasthan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PoliceRajasthan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RajCMO?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RajCMO</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SurajSDubey_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SurajSDubey_</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/JesudossAsher?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JesudossAsher</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/asharmeet02?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@asharmeet02</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Bratin_v?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Bratin_v</a> <a href="https://t.co/nqnFMHwJ1v">https://t.co/nqnFMHwJ1v</a> <a href="https://t.co/l8odn4hq7l">pic.twitter.com/l8odn4hq7l</a></p>
— voiceforanimals11 (@vfanimals11) <a href="https://twitter.com/vfanimals11/status/1743156029549093223?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Rajasthan police soon sprung into action, directing the local police on X to urgently look into the matter. While responding to the post, the local police said they would take action.</p>

<h2><strong>Why alcohol is dangerous for dogs?</strong></h2>

<p>It is crucial to recognise that no dog breeds should ever be exposed to alcohol consumption, as their metabolic processes cannot safely break down alcohol.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dogs lack the necessary enzymes to metabolise alcohol effectively, rendering beverages, foods, or household products containing various forms of alcohol potentially harmful and toxic for them.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Hachiko: World's most loyal dog turns 100</strong></p>

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<p>The ingestion of alcohol by dogs can lead to adverse effects, including lethargy, respiratory depression, and dangerously low body temperature.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/disaster-is-coming-panic-in-thailand-after-fishermen-caught-earthquake-fish-677201"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;‘Disaster is coming,’ Panic in Thailand after fishermen caught ‘earthquake fish’</strong></a></p>

<p>To ensure the well-being of your canine companion, it is imperative to be vigilant in keeping them away from any alcoholic beverages, such as beer, wine, or hard liquor. Moreover, exercise caution with food items like raw bread dough, as they may contain alcohol.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Many on social media condemned the man for putting the puppy through the ordeal.</p>

<p>"The puppy could die. These people are inhuman," a user on X wrote, tagging the Rajasthan Police.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Recently, a video went viral on social media showing some men making a puppy lap whiskey from a glass. The video has now drawn sharp criticism and condemnation from social media users and animal rights activists.

Recently, a video went viral on social media showing some men making a puppy lap whiskey from a glass. The video has now drawn sharp criticism and condemnation from social media users and animal rights activists. The accused, identified as "Sheru Borda" from Rajasthan's Sawai Madhopur area, can be seen offering alcohol to the puppy by a bonfire. The video also shows a group of men sitting around bonfire in an open area during an outing. in logo ko itne log follow karte hai pr inke karam nahi dekhte kitne gande log hai kitna shota bacha hai jaan ja sakti hai @SPsawaimadhopur @PoliceSawai plz🙏 iss bande pe karwahi ki jaye @RajPoliceHelp @PoliceRajasthan @RajCMO @SurajSDubey_ @JesudossAsher @asharmeet02 @Bratin_v https://t.co/nqnFMHwJ1v pic.twitter.com/l8odn4hq7l — voiceforanimals11 (@vfanimals11) January 5, 2024 × Rajasthan police soon sprung into action, directing the local police on X to urgently look into the matter. While responding to the post, the local police said they would take action. Why alcohol is dangerous for dogs? It is crucial to recognise that no dog breeds should ever be exposed to alcohol consumption, as their metabolic processes cannot safely break down alcohol. Dogs lack the necessary enzymes to metabolise alcohol effectively, rendering beverages, foods, or household products containing various forms of alcohol potentially harmful and toxic for them. Watch: Hachiko: World's most loyal dog turns 100 × The ingestion of alcohol by dogs can lead to adverse effects, including lethargy, respiratory depression, and dangerously low body temperature. Also read: ‘Disaster is coming,’ Panic in Thailand after fishermen caught ‘earthquake fish’ To ensure the well-being of your canine companion, it is imperative to be vigilant in keeping them away from any alcoholic beverages, such as beer, wine, or hard liquor. Moreover, exercise caution with food items like raw bread dough, as they may contain alcohol. Many on social media condemned the man for putting the puppy through the ordeal. "The puppy could die. These people are inhuman," a user on X wrote, tagging the Rajasthan Police. (With inputs from agencies)

Video: Man makes puppy drink whiskey in India, faces police action

<p>A day after an Alaska Airlines flight's window and a chunk of fuselage blew out mid-air, the airline&nbsp;grounded all Boeing&nbsp;737 Max 9 planes.</p>

<p>The airline said the plane, carrying 174 passengers and six crew members, landed safely.</p>

<p>"Alaska Airlines flight 1282 from Portland, Oregon, to Ontario, California, experienced an incident this evening soon after departure," the company said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Flight 1282 and our next steps with the Boeing MAX-9: <a href="https://t.co/LFxJvQYNcA">https://t.co/LFxJvQYNcA</a> <a href="https://t.co/oemRokr1tz">pic.twitter.com/oemRokr1tz</a></p>
— Alaska Airlines (@AlaskaAir) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlaskaAir/status/1743539149905215718?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>On Saturday (Jan 6), the company said it had taken the "precautionary step of temporarily grounding our fleet of 65 Boeing Max-9 aircraft".</p>

<p>The flight made an emergency landing in Oregon in the United States on Friday (Jan 5) shortly after a window and chunk of its fuselage blew out mid-air.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The airline said they are investigating the incident. It was not immediately clear if anyone was injured.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Ontario-bound&nbsp;Boeing 737-9 MAX flight experienced the incident soon after departure. Following the incident, the passenger aircraft&nbsp;returned&nbsp;and landed safely at Portland at 5:26 pm (local time).</p>

<p>"Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 from Portland, Oregon, to Ontario, California, experienced an incident this evening soon after departure. The aircraft landed safely back at Portland International Airport with 174 guests and 6 crew members," the airline said.</p>

<p>The posts on social media showed a window and a portion of a side wall missing on the airplane, and oxygen masks deployed.</p>

<p>The flight reportedly&nbsp;faced severe depressurisation that caused the ejection of a large window section and an unoccupied seat. A child's shirt was seen ripped off due to the impact of the air at an altitude of 16,300 ft.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🚨<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BREAKING?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BREAKING</a>: Alaska Airlines Forced to Make an Emergency Landing After Large Aircraft Window Blows Out Mid-Air ⁰⁰📌<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Portland?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Portland</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Oregon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Oregon</a><br />
⁰A Forced emergency landing was made of Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 at Portland International Airport on Friday night. The flight, traveling… <a href="https://t.co/nt0FwmPALE">pic.twitter.com/nt0FwmPALE</a></p>
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) <a href="https://twitter.com/rawsalerts/status/1743476391553683904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>In a statement posted on the social media platform X, Boeing said that they were "working to gather more information" on the incident.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Japan Airlines collision: Japan investigators probe conflicting reports on fiery crash | WION</strong></p>

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<p>"Aware of the incident involving Alaska Airlines Flight AS1282. We are working to gather more information and are in contact with our airline customer. A Boeing technical team stands ready to support the investigation," Boeing wrote on X.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A day after an Alaska Airlines flight's window and a chunk of fuselage blew out mid-air, the airline grounded all Boeing 737 Max 9 planes. The airline said the plane, carrying 174 passengers and six crew members, landed safely.

A day after an Alaska Airlines flight's window and a chunk of fuselage blew out mid-air, the airline grounded all Boeing 737 Max 9 planes. The airline said the plane, carrying 174 passengers and six crew members, landed safely. "Alaska Airlines flight 1282 from Portland, Oregon, to Ontario, California, experienced an incident this evening soon after departure," the company said. Flight 1282 and our next steps with the Boeing MAX-9: https://t.co/LFxJvQYNcA pic.twitter.com/oemRokr1tz — Alaska Airlines (@AlaskaAir) January 6, 2024 × On Saturday (Jan 6), the company said it had taken the "precautionary step of temporarily grounding our fleet of 65 Boeing Max-9 aircraft". The flight made an emergency landing in Oregon in the United States on Friday (Jan 5) shortly after a window and chunk of its fuselage blew out mid-air. The airline said they are investigating the incident. It was not immediately clear if anyone was injured. The Ontario-bound Boeing 737-9 MAX flight experienced the incident soon after departure. Following the incident, the passenger aircraft returned and landed safely at Portland at 5:26 pm (local time). "Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 from Portland, Oregon, to Ontario, California, experienced an incident this evening soon after departure. The aircraft landed safely back at Portland International Airport with 174 guests and 6 crew members," the airline said. The posts on social media showed a window and a portion of a side wall missing on the airplane, and oxygen masks deployed. The flight reportedly faced severe depressurisation that caused the ejection of a large window section and an unoccupied seat. A child's shirt was seen ripped off due to the impact of the air at an altitude of 16,300 ft. 🚨#BREAKING: Alaska Airlines Forced to Make an Emergency Landing After Large Aircraft Window Blows Out Mid-Air ⁰⁰📌#Portland | #Oregon ⁰A Forced emergency landing was made of Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 at Portland International Airport on Friday night. The flight, traveling… pic.twitter.com/nt0FwmPALE — R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) January 6, 2024 × In a statement posted on the social media platform X, Boeing said that they were "working to gather more information" on the incident. Also watch | Japan Airlines collision: Japan investigators probe conflicting reports on fiery crash | WION × "Aware of the incident involving Alaska Airlines Flight AS1282. We are working to gather more information and are in contact with our airline customer. A Boeing technical team stands ready to support the investigation," Boeing wrote on X. (With inputs from agencies)

US airline grounds entire fleet of Boeing 737 Max 9 planes after mid-air incident

<p>A body discovered in a freezer in&nbsp;San Diego last month is now believed to be that of Mary Margaret Haxby-Jones, an 81-year-old woman who may have been missing or deceased for up to nine years, the US authorities said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The discovery was made by out-of-town family members who were visiting a residence in December.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-executes-notorious-female-serial-killer-for-brutally-killing-seven-people-670797">China executes notorious female serial killer for brutally killing seven people</a></strong></p>

<p>Notably, these family members are not directly related to the deceased woman but are connected to someone currently residing in the home.</p>

<p>Police revealed that the freezer containing the body was operational when the shocking discovery was made.</p>

<h2><strong>San Diego police takes charge</strong></h2>

<p>San Diego Police's homicide unit took charge of the investigation due to the unusual circumstances surrounding the location of the body. On Thursday, authorities officially identified the deceased as Mary Margaret Haxby-Jones, a white woman.</p>

<p>Detectives, based on their investigation thus far, said that Haxby-Jones might have been missing or deceased for an extended period.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Italy court gives verdict on Pakistani teen's murder | World News | WION</strong></p>

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<p>"Based on the investigation to this point, detectives believe it is possible that Haxby-Jones may have been missing or dead for up to nine years," police said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But no missing person's report had ever been filed for her. The case is being investigated as that of "a suspicious death".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The police said that she is believed to have lived at the Zion Avenue address at some point before the discovery of her body.</p>

<h2><strong>Cause of death</strong></h2>

<p>The cause of death remains undetermined.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Authorities said that no obvious traumatic injuries were observed on the body.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The case is being treated as a suspicious death, and detectives urge anyone with information about Haxby-Jones or who may have known her to come forward as the investigation continues.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A body discovered in a freezer in San Diego last month is now believed to be that of Mary Margaret Haxby-Jones, an 81-year-old woman who may have been missing or deceased for up to nine years, the US authorities said.

A body discovered in a freezer in San Diego last month is now believed to be that of Mary Margaret Haxby-Jones, an 81-year-old woman who may have been missing or deceased for up to nine years, the US authorities said. The discovery was made by out-of-town family members who were visiting a residence in December. Also read | China executes notorious female serial killer for brutally killing seven people Notably, these family members are not directly related to the deceased woman but are connected to someone currently residing in the home. Police revealed that the freezer containing the body was operational when the shocking discovery was made. San Diego police takes charge San Diego Police's homicide unit took charge of the investigation due to the unusual circumstances surrounding the location of the body. On Thursday, authorities officially identified the deceased as Mary Margaret Haxby-Jones, a white woman. Detectives, based on their investigation thus far, said that Haxby-Jones might have been missing or deceased for an extended period. Also watch | Italy court gives verdict on Pakistani teen's murder | World News | WION × "Based on the investigation to this point, detectives believe it is possible that Haxby-Jones may have been missing or dead for up to nine years," police said. But no missing person's report had ever been filed for her. The case is being investigated as that of "a suspicious death". The police said that she is believed to have lived at the Zion Avenue address at some point before the discovery of her body. Cause of death The cause of death remains undetermined. Authorities said that no obvious traumatic injuries were observed on the body. The case is being treated as a suspicious death, and detectives urge anyone with information about Haxby-Jones or who may have known her to come forward as the investigation continues. (With inputs from agencies)

US: Body discovered in home freezer may be of woman missing for up to 9 years

<p lang="en-US">After remaining a mystery for years, scientists have finally discovered how diamonds emerge from the surface of the Earth.<br />
<br />
Diamonds get created in the upper mantle of the Earth's crust and if they do not shoot to the surface, which is called kimberlite eruptions, humans won't be able to find them.<br />
<br />
The eruption is a mixture of water, rock, carbon dioxide and many important kimberlite materials – which include diamonds – reaching the surface in what is also called a 'fountain of diamonds' and can travel up to 83 miles per hour.<br />
<br />
For a long time it has been a mystery what leads to such a 'fountain of diamonds and scientists from the University of Southampton, UK have finally got an answer.</p>

<p lang="en-US"><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/surat-diamond-bourse-meet-the-architects-behind-the-worlds-largest-office-surpassing-us-pentagon-670543">Exclusive: Meet the architects of Surat Diamond Bourse, world's largest office, surpassing US Pentagon</a></p>

<p lang="en-US">After conducting research, the scientists concluded that the eruptions occur because of a major geological event in which tectonic plates get pulled apart.<br />
<br />
One such event occurred when the supercontinent Gondwana was divided into two around 180 million years ago and led to the creation of South America and Africa as well as sparked a series of diamond eruptions 25 million years later.</p>

<h2 lang="en-US"><strong>How do geological events spark eruptions?</strong></h2>

<p lang="en-US">As per the scientists, when tectonic plates move, the rock present in the upper mantle and lower crust gets mixed and starts flowing against each other – which sparks similar eruptions. After analysing the data, researchers found that these 'fountains of diamonds' occur every 22 to 30 million years.<br />
<br />
Speaking about the findings, professor of Earth and Climate Science at the University of Southampton Thomas Gernon said that they are aiming to find new and unexplored diamond deposits.<br />
<br />
"The diamonds have been sat at the base of the continents for hundreds of millions or even billions of years. There must be some stimulus that just drives them suddenly because these eruptions themselves are really powerful, really explosive,” he said while speaking to LiveScience.</p>

<p lang="en-US"><strong>Watch:&nbsp;India PM Modi to inaugurate Surat Diamond Bourse, G7 nations announce ban on Russian diamonds | WION</strong></p>

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<p lang="en-US">The data also explains why other types of volcanic eruptions, which occur a long time after supercontinent breakup in regions, should be largely stable.<br />
<br />
"It’s a fundamental and highly organized physical process, so it’s likely not just kimberlites responding to it, but it could be a whole array of Earth system processes that are responding to this as well,” he said.<br />
<br />
As per the University's website, the team “used statistical analysis, including machine learning, to forensically examine the link between continental breakup and kimberlite volcanism”.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, Senior Research Fellow Dr Thea Hincks said, "Using geospatial analysis, we found that kimberlite eruptions tend to gradually migrate from the continental edges to the interiors over time at rates that are consistent across the continents."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


After remaining a mystery for years, scientists have finally discovered how diamonds emerge from the surface of the Earth. Diamonds get created in the upper mantle of the Earth's crust and if they do not shoot to the surface, which is called kimberlite eruptions, humans won't be able to find them.

After remaining a mystery for years, scientists have finally discovered how diamonds emerge from the surface of the Earth. Diamonds get created in the upper mantle of the Earth's crust and if they do not shoot to the surface, which is called kimberlite eruptions, humans won't be able to find them. The eruption is a mixture of water, rock, carbon dioxide and many important kimberlite materials – which include diamonds – reaching the surface in what is also called a 'fountain of diamonds' and can travel up to 83 miles per hour. For a long time it has been a mystery what leads to such a 'fountain of diamonds and scientists from the University of Southampton, UK have finally got an answer. Also read: Exclusive: Meet the architects of Surat Diamond Bourse, world's largest office, surpassing US Pentagon After conducting research, the scientists concluded that the eruptions occur because of a major geological event in which tectonic plates get pulled apart. One such event occurred when the supercontinent Gondwana was divided into two around 180 million years ago and led to the creation of South America and Africa as well as sparked a series of diamond eruptions 25 million years later. How do geological events spark eruptions? As per the scientists, when tectonic plates move, the rock present in the upper mantle and lower crust gets mixed and starts flowing against each other – which sparks similar eruptions. After analysing the data, researchers found that these 'fountains of diamonds' occur every 22 to 30 million years. Speaking about the findings, professor of Earth and Climate Science at the University of Southampton Thomas Gernon said that they are aiming to find new and unexplored diamond deposits. "The diamonds have been sat at the base of the continents for hundreds of millions or even billions of years. There must be some stimulus that just drives them suddenly because these eruptions themselves are really powerful, really explosive,” he said while speaking to LiveScience. Watch: India PM Modi to inaugurate Surat Diamond Bourse, G7 nations announce ban on Russian diamonds | WION The data also explains why other types of volcanic eruptions, which occur a long time after supercontinent breakup in regions, should be largely stable. "It’s a fundamental and highly organized physical process, so it’s likely not just kimberlites responding to it, but it could be a whole array of Earth system processes that are responding to this as well,” he said. As per the University's website, the team “used statistical analysis, including machine learning, to forensically examine the link between continental breakup and kimberlite volcanism”. Meanwhile, Senior Research Fellow Dr Thea Hincks said, "Using geospatial analysis, we found that kimberlite eruptions tend to gradually migrate from the continental edges to the interiors over time at rates that are consistent across the continents." (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists have figured out what makes diamonds shoot up from Earth's crust to the surface

<p>National Birds Day 2024: Every year on January 5, the United States of America observes the day as National Bird Day to raise awareness about the role of birds in our ecosystem. The day is marked to make us all realise that birds are not made to be captured or possessed as showpieces in our homes, but are beautiful creatures that are made to live free.</p>

<p>The day was started by the initiative of the Avian Welfare Coalition, which works to promote awareness for birds that are captured or produced in captivity for either financial gain or for human amusement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/scientists-solve-mystery-of-how-diamonds-erupt-from-earths-surface-heres-what-they-found-676568">Scientists solve mystery of how diamonds erupt from Earth's surface. Here's what they found</a></p>

<h2><strong>National Birds Day 2024: Theme</strong></h2>

<p>The theme of this year’s National Birds Day is ‘Right To Fight’. It resonates with the flight of a bird that symbolises freedom. With this campaign, the Avian Welfare Coalition aims to reduce the suffering of birds by raising public awareness of the destructive bird trade, the realities of cruel bird breeding mills and the ways to improve the welfare of birds already in captivity.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Nothing epitomizes the symbol of freedom more than a bird in flight. That is why the theme for Avian Welfare Coalition's National Bird Day 2024 campaign is "Right To Flight!" Learn more: <a href="https://t.co/NVQz49Nhav">https://t.co/NVQz49Nhav</a> <a href="https://t.co/LqvgbGGzL5">pic.twitter.com/LqvgbGGzL5</a></p>
— Avian Welfare Coalition (@AvianWelfare) <a href="https://twitter.com/AvianWelfare/status/1740854246604771387?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>National Birds Day 2024: History</strong></h2>

<p>National Birds Day has been observed in the United States since 2002. This date was picked because it is also the day of the annual Christmas Bird Count. In America, a national holiday is commemorated in which people join hands to learn more about the quality and condition of birds in the United States of America.</p>

<h2><strong>National Birds Day 2024: Significance</strong></h2>

<p>Data point to various bird species, particularly the 850 species found in the United States, and their critical state. National Bird Day was established by the Avian Welfare Coalition to raise public awareness of the challenges and misery of birds, as well as the improvements that people can make to develop a healthier, more sustainable relationship with these wonderful creatures.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/fishermans-watch-leads-to-miracle-rescue-after-24-hours-in-sea-676553">Fisherman's watch leads to 'miracle' rescue after 24 hours in sea</a></p>

<p>Many lives are endangered due to a variety of factors such as climate change, habitat loss, deforestation, and other life-threatening circumstances. People from throughout the country mark the day by attending various activities to raise awareness.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


National Birds Day 2024: Every year on January 5, the United States of America observes the day as National Bird Day to raise awareness about the role of birds in our ecosystem.

National Birds Day 2024: Every year on January 5, the United States of America observes the day as National Bird Day to raise awareness about the role of birds in our ecosystem. The day is marked to make us all realise that birds are not made to be captured or possessed as showpieces in our homes, but are beautiful creatures that are made to live free. The day was started by the initiative of the Avian Welfare Coalition, which works to promote awareness for birds that are captured or produced in captivity for either financial gain or for human amusement. Also Read | Scientists solve mystery of how diamonds erupt from Earth's surface. Here's what they found National Birds Day 2024: Theme The theme of this year’s National Birds Day is ‘Right To Fight’. It resonates with the flight of a bird that symbolises freedom. With this campaign, the Avian Welfare Coalition aims to reduce the suffering of birds by raising public awareness of the destructive bird trade, the realities of cruel bird breeding mills and the ways to improve the welfare of birds already in captivity. Nothing epitomizes the symbol of freedom more than a bird in flight. That is why the theme for Avian Welfare Coalition's National Bird Day 2024 campaign is "Right To Flight!" Learn more: https://t.co/NVQz49Nhav pic.twitter.com/LqvgbGGzL5 — Avian Welfare Coalition (@AvianWelfare) December 29, 2023 × National Birds Day 2024: History National Birds Day has been observed in the United States since 2002. This date was picked because it is also the day of the annual Christmas Bird Count. In America, a national holiday is commemorated in which people join hands to learn more about the quality and condition of birds in the United States of America. National Birds Day 2024: Significance Data point to various bird species, particularly the 850 species found in the United States, and their critical state. National Bird Day was established by the Avian Welfare Coalition to raise public awareness of the challenges and misery of birds, as well as the improvements that people can make to develop a healthier, more sustainable relationship with these wonderful creatures. Also Read | Fisherman's watch leads to 'miracle' rescue after 24 hours in sea Many lives are endangered due to a variety of factors such as climate change, habitat loss, deforestation, and other life-threatening circumstances. People from throughout the country mark the day by attending various activities to raise awareness. (With inputs from agencies)

National Birds Day 2024: History, theme, significance and all you need to know

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<p>A fisherman was rescued off New Zealand's coast on Wednesday after he spent nearly a day in the cold and turbulent sea.</p>

<p>The unnamed angler embarked on a fishing trip on his 12-meter boat on Tuesday and fell into the sea about 30 nautical miles off New Zealand's North Island, a statement by the Whangamatā Police Sergeant Will Hamilton said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As the boat moved out of his reach, the fisherman attempted to swim to the nearby Alderman Islands. But the choppy waters dragged him away. He survived a cold night in the sea as he was too tired to keep swimming. At one point, a shark came near him but left without attacking.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hamilton said, "It is an absolute miracle the fisherman is still alive after the ordeal."</p>

<p>After 24 hours, three fishermen, noticing a reflection in the water, set out to investigate where it was coming from. As they got closer, they found the stranded man desperately trying to catch their attention using the Sun's reflection from his watch. "Without the quick actions of the three gentlemen that retrieved him, this certainly would have had a tragic outcome," Hamilton said.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/terror-beasts-scientists-unearth-500-million-year-old-giant-predator-worms-in-greenland-676493">'Terror beasts': Scientists unearth 500-million-year old 'giant' predator worms in Greenland&nbsp;</a></p>

<p>They took the fisherman to Whangamatā, where he received treatment for hypothermia and exhaustion. "The boaties did a stellar job and without a doubt saved this man's life," Hamilton said.</p>

<p>One of the rescuers, James Mcdonnell, told Newshub,&nbsp;"a series of fortunate events" led to the fisherman's rescue. When they saw the watch's reflection, they weren't expecting to find a person.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I mean, we were ten miles (16 kilometres) off the back of Mayor Island and not a boat in sight, but sure enough, as we got closer, it was quite obvious that someone was waving their arms," he said.</p>

<p>Max White was another rescuer who said their priority was to board the man on the boat and keep him awake and warm. "We had a big cooler bag and wrapped him up in as many layers as possible," he said.</p>

<p>"He's desperate for water. So I had a bit of warm water on the boat and some cranberry juice. Give him what we can and try, and get him talking and make sure he stayed awake as best possible."</p>

<p>The police said the fisherman wanted to express his gratitude to the rescuers and the emergency services for saving his life.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Authorities are searching for the fisherman's boat, but he held onto the one thing that gave him hope during his ordeal. "The boat may be missing, but the fisherman still has his watch," Hamilton said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A fisherman was rescued off New Zealand's coast on Wednesday after he spent nearly a day in the cold and turbulent sea. The unnamed angler embarked on a fishing trip on his 12-meter boat on Tuesday and fell into the sea about 30 nautical miles off New Zealand's North Island, a statement by the Whangamatā Police Sergeant Will Hamilton said.

A fisherman was rescued off New Zealand's coast on Wednesday after he spent nearly a day in the cold and turbulent sea. The unnamed angler embarked on a fishing trip on his 12-meter boat on Tuesday and fell into the sea about 30 nautical miles off New Zealand's North Island, a statement by the Whangamatā Police Sergeant Will Hamilton said. As the boat moved out of his reach, the fisherman attempted to swim to the nearby Alderman Islands. But the choppy waters dragged him away. He survived a cold night in the sea as he was too tired to keep swimming. At one point, a shark came near him but left without attacking. Hamilton said, "It is an absolute miracle the fisherman is still alive after the ordeal." After 24 hours, three fishermen, noticing a reflection in the water, set out to investigate where it was coming from. As they got closer, they found the stranded man desperately trying to catch their attention using the Sun's reflection from his watch. "Without the quick actions of the three gentlemen that retrieved him, this certainly would have had a tragic outcome," Hamilton said. ALSO READ | 'Terror beasts': Scientists unearth 500-million-year old 'giant' predator worms in Greenland They took the fisherman to Whangamatā, where he received treatment for hypothermia and exhaustion. "The boaties did a stellar job and without a doubt saved this man's life," Hamilton said. One of the rescuers, James Mcdonnell, told Newshub, "a series of fortunate events" led to the fisherman's rescue. When they saw the watch's reflection, they weren't expecting to find a person. "I mean, we were ten miles (16 kilometres) off the back of Mayor Island and not a boat in sight, but sure enough, as we got closer, it was quite obvious that someone was waving their arms," he said. Max White was another rescuer who said their priority was to board the man on the boat and keep him awake and warm. "We had a big cooler bag and wrapped him up in as many layers as possible," he said. "He's desperate for water. So I had a bit of warm water on the boat and some cranberry juice. Give him what we can and try, and get him talking and make sure he stayed awake as best possible." The police said the fisherman wanted to express his gratitude to the rescuers and the emergency services for saving his life. Authorities are searching for the fisherman's boat, but he held onto the one thing that gave him hope during his ordeal. "The boat may be missing, but the fisherman still has his watch," Hamilton said. (With inputs from agencies)

Fisherman's watch leads to 'miracle' rescue after 24 hours in sea

<p>A bombshell 949-page document unsealed by a US court on Wednesday (Jan 3) showed that deceased&nbsp;financier and convicted paedophile sex offender Jeffrey Epstein emailed his British aide to deny claims that physicist Stephen Hawking participated in a mass event for sexual perversion with 'underage' girls.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Epstein was ready to reward a survivor's friend if she helped prove that the claims of Hawking's participation in one such event were false, the documents show.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In an email sent by Epstein to Ghislaine Maxwell,&nbsp; the paedophile asked -- the British socialite convicted of grooming and sex trafficking girls for abuse by Epstein to see if any of the friends of Virginia Giuffre, a survivor of his acts of paedophilia, would come forward to help prove her allegations against Hawking were false.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Names of Jeffrey Epstein associates and others unsealed in lawsuit documents</strong></p>

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<p>Epstein wrote: "You can issue a reward to any of Virginia's friends, acquaints, family that come forward and help prove her allegations are false."</p>

<p>"The strongest is the Clinton dinner, and the new version in the Virgin Islands that Stephen Hawking participated in an underage orgy."</p>

<h2><strong>Stephen Hawking visited Epstein's infamous island</strong></h2>

<p>Photos show the late physicist visited Epstein's infamous island in 2006 for a conference&nbsp;reportedly funded by Epstein on the neighbouring island of St Thomas. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Hawking is pictured attending a barbecue and taking a submarine tour of the sea bed off the island, The Telegraph reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hawking is best known for his discovery that black holes emit radiation which can be detected by special instrumentation.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-royalty-prince-andrew-groped-epstein-accuser-reveals-court-documents-676399">UK royal Prince Andrew groped Epstein accuser, reveal court documents</a></strong></p>

<p>On Wednesday (Jan 3), a 946-page trove of court documents from Giuffre's 2015 lawsuit against British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell was unsealed. The case was settled in 2017.</p>

<p>Maxwell, who is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for sex trafficking, was the only person ever punished for the sex trafficking ring.</p>

<p>While the case was settled in 2017, the names had been secret until now.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jeffrey-epsteins-court-files-unsealed-prince-andrew-and-clinton-emerge-as-big-names-676343">Jeffrey Epstein's court files unsealed, Bill Clinton and Prince Andrew emerge as big names</a></strong></p>

<p>Other things mentioned in the document include claims that former President Bill Clinton 'likes them young.'</p>


A bombshell 949-page document unsealed by a US court on Wednesday (Jan 3) showed that deceased financier and convicted paedophile sex offender Jeffrey Epstein emailed his British aide to deny claims that physicist Stephen Hawking participated in a mass event for sexual perversion with 'underage' girls.

A bombshell 949-page document unsealed by a US court on Wednesday (Jan 3) showed that deceased financier and convicted paedophile sex offender Jeffrey Epstein emailed his British aide to deny claims that physicist Stephen Hawking participated in a mass event for sexual perversion with 'underage' girls. Epstein was ready to reward a survivor's friend if she helped prove that the claims of Hawking's participation in one such event were false, the documents show. In an email sent by Epstein to Ghislaine Maxwell, the paedophile asked -- the British socialite convicted of grooming and sex trafficking girls for abuse by Epstein to see if any of the friends of Virginia Giuffre, a survivor of his acts of paedophilia, would come forward to help prove her allegations against Hawking were false. Also watch | Names of Jeffrey Epstein associates and others unsealed in lawsuit documents × Epstein wrote: "You can issue a reward to any of Virginia's friends, acquaints, family that come forward and help prove her allegations are false." "The strongest is the Clinton dinner, and the new version in the Virgin Islands that Stephen Hawking participated in an underage orgy." Stephen Hawking visited Epstein's infamous island Photos show the late physicist visited Epstein's infamous island in 2006 for a conference reportedly funded by Epstein on the neighbouring island of St Thomas. Hawking is pictured attending a barbecue and taking a submarine tour of the sea bed off the island, The Telegraph reported. Hawking is best known for his discovery that black holes emit radiation which can be detected by special instrumentation. Also read | UK royal Prince Andrew groped Epstein accuser, reveal court documents On Wednesday (Jan 3), a 946-page trove of court documents from Giuffre's 2015 lawsuit against British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell was unsealed. The case was settled in 2017. Maxwell, who is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for sex trafficking, was the only person ever punished for the sex trafficking ring. While the case was settled in 2017, the names had been secret until now. Also read | Jeffrey Epstein's court files unsealed, Bill Clinton and Prince Andrew emerge as big names Other things mentioned in the document include claims that former President Bill Clinton 'likes them young.'

Stephen Hawking visited Epstein's disgraced island but did he engage in 'underage orgy' too?

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<p>An Oklahoma teenager has become the first person ever to beat Tetris, three decades after the release of the evergreen game. Willis Gibson, 23, who goes by the streamer name Blue Scuti has become the proud owner of the record which has left the gaming community astonished.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gibson posted a video on Tuesday (Jan 2) that showed him breaking the record by entering the game's "kill screen" where things become so chaotic that the signature blocks start falling rapidly, rendering the game unplayable as it cannot continue.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the video, Gibson plays the game for roughly 38 minutes and reaches level 157 before saying, “Oh, I missed it,” believing that he had misplaced a block, scuttling his daring attempt.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, after the screen froze and the score read '999999' suggesting the game had ended, Gibson erupted in joy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Oh my God! Yes! I’m going to pass out. I can’t feel my hands," he could be heard saying.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In an interview with a fellow streamer, Gibson dedicated the game to his dad Adam Gibson who died last month. He added that the game became a struggle after half an hour into it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“My biggest struggle was when the nerves started kicking in after 30 minutes of play,” BlueScuti told streamer ITZsharky1.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">13 year old Willis Gibson aka Blue Scuti became the first recorded person to beat Tetris causing the game to freeze after reaching level 157 <a href="https://t.co/uRt3KOasTh">pic.twitter.com/uRt3KOasTh</a></p>
— Jake Lucky (@JakeSucky) <a href="https://twitter.com/JakeSucky/status/1742714929910858174?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-announces-rules-to-reduce-spending-on-video-games-672757"><strong>Watch | China announces rules to reduce spending on video games</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Gibson's strategy to achieve the record</strong></h2>

<p>Notably, Gibson, a Tetris prodigy used the “rolling” controller technique, a new way of holding and using the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) controller to achieve the rare feat. Before the rolling method, popularised in 2021, players used to employ the "hyper tapping" technique where one tapped the controller’s D-pad 12 times per second.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Under the rolling mechanism, players roll their fingers on the bottom of an NES controller and use that pressure to push the controller into their other hand, which presses the D-pad to move the blocks.</p>

<p>The achievement becomes even more huge as previously, only artificial intelligence computer programmes had beaten Tetris.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/trending/top-mostselling-video-games-of-alltime-1696349431124"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong></a><strong><a data-ved="2ahUKEwj5_OquncODAxXBr1YBHbFBBUkQFnoECBQQAQ" href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/trending/top-mostselling-video-games-of-alltime-1696349431124" jsname="UWckNb" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/trending/top-mostselling-video-games-of-alltime-1696349431124&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj5_OquncODAxXBr1YBHbFBBUkQFnoECBQQAQ">Top Best-Selling Video Games of All-Time</a></strong></p>

<p>"This is unbelievable. Developers didn't think anyone would ever make it that far and now the game has officially been beaten by a human being," Vince Clemente, CEO of Classic Tetris World Championship was quoted as saying by Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The game was first released on the NES on June 6, 1984, and as of last year, it had sold over 520 million copies, making it the best-selling video game of all time.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


An Oklahoma teenager has become the first person ever to beat Tetris, three decades after the release of the evergreen game. Willis Gibson, 23, who goes by the streamer name Blue Scuti has become the proud owner of the record which has left the gaming community astonished.

An Oklahoma teenager has become the first person ever to beat Tetris, three decades after the release of the evergreen game. Willis Gibson, 23, who goes by the streamer name Blue Scuti has become the proud owner of the record which has left the gaming community astonished. Gibson posted a video on Tuesday (Jan 2) that showed him breaking the record by entering the game's "kill screen" where things become so chaotic that the signature blocks start falling rapidly, rendering the game unplayable as it cannot continue. In the video, Gibson plays the game for roughly 38 minutes and reaches level 157 before saying, “Oh, I missed it,” believing that he had misplaced a block, scuttling his daring attempt. However, after the screen froze and the score read '999999' suggesting the game had ended, Gibson erupted in joy. “Oh my God! Yes! I’m going to pass out. I can’t feel my hands," he could be heard saying. In an interview with a fellow streamer, Gibson dedicated the game to his dad Adam Gibson who died last month. He added that the game became a struggle after half an hour into it. “My biggest struggle was when the nerves started kicking in after 30 minutes of play,” BlueScuti told streamer ITZsharky1. 13 year old Willis Gibson aka Blue Scuti became the first recorded person to beat Tetris causing the game to freeze after reaching level 157 pic.twitter.com/uRt3KOasTh — Jake Lucky (@JakeSucky) January 4, 2024 × Watch | China announces rules to reduce spending on video games × Gibson's strategy to achieve the record Notably, Gibson, a Tetris prodigy used the “rolling” controller technique, a new way of holding and using the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) controller to achieve the rare feat. Before the rolling method, popularised in 2021, players used to employ the "hyper tapping" technique where one tapped the controller’s D-pad 12 times per second. Under the rolling mechanism, players roll their fingers on the bottom of an NES controller and use that pressure to push the controller into their other hand, which presses the D-pad to move the blocks. The achievement becomes even more huge as previously, only artificial intelligence computer programmes had beaten Tetris. Also read | Top Best-Selling Video Games of All-Time "This is unbelievable. Developers didn't think anyone would ever make it that far and now the game has officially been beaten by a human being," Vince Clemente, CEO of Classic Tetris World Championship was quoted as saying by Reuters. The game was first released on the NES on June 6, 1984, and as of last year, it had sold over 520 million copies, making it the best-selling video game of all time. (With inputs from agencies)

US teenager becomes first player ever to beat Tetris game; shatters records in 38 minutes

<p>India's national capital continued to reel under bone-chilling cold weather on Tuesday (Dec 2) morning, with temperatures in the Delhi Ridge area dropping even further to 7.4&nbsp;degrees Celsius.&nbsp;According to media reports, the temperature in the Delhi Ridge area was recorded lowest in the season&nbsp;early Tuesday, bringing no respite to people struggling with cold wave&nbsp;and thick fog for over a week now.</p>

<p>The prevailing cold wave maintained its grip on the national capital and extensive parts of North India. Delhi's Safdarjung observatory registered a minimum temperature of 8.3°C, Palam recorded 8.2°C, and Ayanagar logged 8.0°C at 8:30 am IST. Locals were seen huddled around bonfires as the biting cold persisted. Dense fog enveloped the national capital and its surroundings on Tuesday, significantly reducing visibility in isolated areas of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh, as reported by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).</p>

<h2><strong>Several trains cancelled due to foggy conditions</strong></h2>

<p>The average minimum temperature in the national capital settled around&nbsp;8.3 degrees Celsius on a windy morning. The dense fog also led to cancellation&nbsp;and delay of several trains, according to the Indian Railways.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;NIA officials arrive at embassy, police zeroes down two suspects</strong></p>

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<p>At least 26 Delhi-bound trains were delayed Tuesday morning due to persistent foggy conditions.</p>

<h2><strong>Air quality worsens</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, the cold weather also resulted in the worsening air quality across the National Capital Region or NCR.&nbsp;The Air Quality Index (AQI) was in the 'very poor' category with a reading of 346 at 6.30 am, according to Central Pollution Control Board data.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-quality-victory-in-indias-delhi-grap-stage-iii-reversed-675764"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;GRAP Stage III reversed in Indian capital city Delhi as air quality improves</strong></a></p>

<p>December 2023 was the national capital's warmest in six years, with the city not recording a single 'coldwave day' during the month. At Delhi's Ridge, the minimum temperature was recorded at 7.4 degrees Celsius.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


India's national capital continued to reel under bone-chilling cold weather on Tuesday (Dec 2) morning, with temperatures in the Delhi Ridge area dropping even further to 7.

India's national capital continued to reel under bone-chilling cold weather on Tuesday (Dec 2) morning, with temperatures in the Delhi Ridge area dropping even further to 7.4 degrees Celsius. According to media reports, the temperature in the Delhi Ridge area was recorded lowest in the season early Tuesday, bringing no respite to people struggling with cold wave and thick fog for over a week now. The prevailing cold wave maintained its grip on the national capital and extensive parts of North India. Delhi's Safdarjung observatory registered a minimum temperature of 8.3°C, Palam recorded 8.2°C, and Ayanagar logged 8.0°C at 8:30 am IST. Locals were seen huddled around bonfires as the biting cold persisted. Dense fog enveloped the national capital and its surroundings on Tuesday, significantly reducing visibility in isolated areas of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh, as reported by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Several trains cancelled due to foggy conditions The average minimum temperature in the national capital settled around 8.3 degrees Celsius on a windy morning. The dense fog also led to cancellation and delay of several trains, according to the Indian Railways. Watch: NIA officials arrive at embassy, police zeroes down two suspects × At least 26 Delhi-bound trains were delayed Tuesday morning due to persistent foggy conditions. Air quality worsens Meanwhile, the cold weather also resulted in the worsening air quality across the National Capital Region or NCR. The Air Quality Index (AQI) was in the 'very poor' category with a reading of 346 at 6.30 am, according to Central Pollution Control Board data. Also read: GRAP Stage III reversed in Indian capital city Delhi as air quality improves December 2023 was the national capital's warmest in six years, with the city not recording a single 'coldwave day' during the month. At Delhi's Ridge, the minimum temperature was recorded at 7.4 degrees Celsius. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Mercury further drops in Delhi to 7.4C as icy winds bring bone-chilling cold

<p><strong>World Braille Day 2024:</strong> On January 4th, the world will observe World Braille Day, a worldwide celebration honouring Braille's importance as a communication tool for blind and partially sighted individuals. The United Nations has declared January 4th of each year to be World Braille Day in recognition of the critical role that Braille plays in education, communication, and social inclusion. This day holds special importance as it marks the birthday of Louis Braille, the man who created the Braille script.</p>

<h2><strong>Why is World Braille Day observed?</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>The purpose of World Braille Day is to increase public awareness of the value of literacy and education for those who are blind or visually impaired. It's also a time to acknowledge the numerous technological advancements made in recent years that have made it easier for those who are visually impaired to interact with others and access information.</p>

<h2><strong>What is Braille and how is it used?</strong></h2>

<p>Braille is a method of representing letters, numbers, and even mathematical, scientific, and musical symbols with the help of six dots for each letter and number. People who are blind or partially sighted can read books and magazines printed in a visual typeface by using Braille (named after its inventor in 19th century France, Louis Braille)&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/picture-worth-a-million-words-baby-elephant-reunited-with-mother-in-tamil-nadus-tiger-reserve-676230">Picture worth a million words! Baby elephant reunited with mother in Tamil Nadu’s tiger reserve</a></p>

<h2><strong>Who was Louis Braille and how did he invent the Braille system?</strong></h2>

<p>Louis Braille was born in Coupvray, close to Paris, on January 4, 1809. When Braille was three years old, he met with an accident that left him blind from playing with tools in his father's harness shop. He later attended the National Institute for Blind Children in Paris. There, his interest in music would benefit him when at the age of 10 he met Charles Barbier, a captain in Napoleon's army. The students learned about Night Writing, a dot-based communication system, from the captain. When Louis Braille was just 15 years old, he combined his understanding of music with the inspiration of code communication to create the six-dot fingertip reading technique.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


World Braille Day 2024: On January 4th, the world will observe World Braille Day, a worldwide celebration honouring Braille's importance as a communication tool for blind and partially sighted individuals.

World Braille Day 2024: On January 4th, the world will observe World Braille Day, a worldwide celebration honouring Braille's importance as a communication tool for blind and partially sighted individuals. The United Nations has declared January 4th of each year to be World Braille Day in recognition of the critical role that Braille plays in education, communication, and social inclusion. This day holds special importance as it marks the birthday of Louis Braille, the man who created the Braille script. Why is World Braille Day observed? The purpose of World Braille Day is to increase public awareness of the value of literacy and education for those who are blind or visually impaired. It's also a time to acknowledge the numerous technological advancements made in recent years that have made it easier for those who are visually impaired to interact with others and access information. What is Braille and how is it used? Braille is a method of representing letters, numbers, and even mathematical, scientific, and musical symbols with the help of six dots for each letter and number. People who are blind or partially sighted can read books and magazines printed in a visual typeface by using Braille (named after its inventor in 19th century France, Louis Braille) Also read | Picture worth a million words! Baby elephant reunited with mother in Tamil Nadu’s tiger reserve Who was Louis Braille and how did he invent the Braille system? Louis Braille was born in Coupvray, close to Paris, on January 4, 1809. When Braille was three years old, he met with an accident that left him blind from playing with tools in his father's harness shop. He later attended the National Institute for Blind Children in Paris. There, his interest in music would benefit him when at the age of 10 he met Charles Barbier, a captain in Napoleon's army. The students learned about Night Writing, a dot-based communication system, from the captain. When Louis Braille was just 15 years old, he combined his understanding of music with the inspiration of code communication to create the six-dot fingertip reading technique. (With inputs from agencies)

World Braille Day 2024: All you need to know

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<p>Celebrated on January 3 globally, the International Mind-Body Wellness Day is an attempt to promote self-care, mindfulness, and healthy practices to make people aware of the mind-body connection.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The day celebrates the harmonious coexistence of physical and mental health. The connection between our mind, body and spirit is crucial to our wellness.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In today's fast-paced world, people must pause and reflect, think, and participate in behaviours that promote holistic wellness. The International Mind-Body Wellness Day encourages people to focus more on living healthy lives to maintain a balance. It invites people worldwide to embark on a journey of self-discovery and self-care.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>When is International Mind-Body Wellness Day in 2024?</strong></h2>

<p>In 2024, International Mind-Body Wellness Day will be on January 3.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-earthquake-japan-earthquake-response-japan-earthquake-evacuation-675955" target="_blank">Explained | How does Japan maintain its stoic resilience amid major earthquakes?</a></p>

<h2><strong>Why is International Mind-Body Wellness Day celebrated?</strong></h2>

<p>In the modern world, mind-body wellness methods are new. However, the practice of maintaining a healthy balance between mind and body goes back decades.</p>

<p>Hippocrates, considered the pioneer of this concept, emphasised the significance of mind-body wellness in his studies and lectures, which aided the ongoing research on natural medicine.</p>

<p>However, in the last few years, people have started taking mind-body wellness more seriously, as they wish to improve their health by establishing a healthy connection between the body and mind.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-city-explosion-shakes-roosevelt-island-firefighters-respond-swiftly-675926" target="_blank">New York City: Explosion shakes Roosevelt Island, firefighters respond swiftly</a></p>

<h2><strong>What is the significance of International Mind-Body Wellness Day?</strong></h2>

<p>International Mind-Body Wellness Day aims to improve people's well-being by emphasising the connection between mental and physical health. It motivates people to focus on healthy practices that help them balance the mind and the body and promote self-care and mindfulness.</p>

<p>International Mind-Body Wellness Day reminds people about the significance of balancing our physical and mental selves. By adopting intentional well-being practices, people can live longer and happier lives.</p>

<h2><strong>What is the theme of International Mind-Body Wellness Day 2024?</strong></h2>

<p>"Holistic Wellness: Mind, Body, and Soul" is the theme for International Mind-Body Wellness Day 2024. The theme for 2024 focuses on enhancing overall health and vitality by emphasising the importance of achieving a harmonious balance between the mind, body, and soul. It serves as a reminder of the holistic nature of well-being and the necessity of addressing the body, mind, and soul as an integrated whole.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Celebrated on January 3 globally, the International Mind-Body Wellness Day is an attempt to promote self-care, mindfulness, and healthy practices to make people aware of the mind-body connection.

Celebrated on January 3 globally, the International Mind-Body Wellness Day is an attempt to promote self-care, mindfulness, and healthy practices to make people aware of the mind-body connection. The day celebrates the harmonious coexistence of physical and mental health. The connection between our mind, body and spirit is crucial to our wellness. In today's fast-paced world, people must pause and reflect, think, and participate in behaviours that promote holistic wellness. The International Mind-Body Wellness Day encourages people to focus more on living healthy lives to maintain a balance. It invites people worldwide to embark on a journey of self-discovery and self-care. When is International Mind-Body Wellness Day in 2024? In 2024, International Mind-Body Wellness Day will be on January 3. ALSO READ | Explained | How does Japan maintain its stoic resilience amid major earthquakes? Why is International Mind-Body Wellness Day celebrated? In the modern world, mind-body wellness methods are new. However, the practice of maintaining a healthy balance between mind and body goes back decades. Hippocrates, considered the pioneer of this concept, emphasised the significance of mind-body wellness in his studies and lectures, which aided the ongoing research on natural medicine. However, in the last few years, people have started taking mind-body wellness more seriously, as they wish to improve their health by establishing a healthy connection between the body and mind. ALSO READ | New York City: Explosion shakes Roosevelt Island, firefighters respond swiftly What is the significance of International Mind-Body Wellness Day? International Mind-Body Wellness Day aims to improve people's well-being by emphasising the connection between mental and physical health. It motivates people to focus on healthy practices that help them balance the mind and the body and promote self-care and mindfulness. International Mind-Body Wellness Day reminds people about the significance of balancing our physical and mental selves. By adopting intentional well-being practices, people can live longer and happier lives. What is the theme of International Mind-Body Wellness Day 2024? "Holistic Wellness: Mind, Body, and Soul" is the theme for International Mind-Body Wellness Day 2024. The theme for 2024 focuses on enhancing overall health and vitality by emphasising the importance of achieving a harmonious balance between the mind, body, and soul. It serves as a reminder of the holistic nature of well-being and the necessity of addressing the body, mind, and soul as an integrated whole. (With inputs from agencies)

International Mind-Body Wellness Day 2024: Check date, significance, history, and theme of the year

<p>Is time travel possible? Not yet! But a United Airlines flight offered to fly customers across time zones to let them enjoy the New Year celebrations twice within hours. “Time travel is real,” United Airlines wrote in a post on Instagram. “You only live once, but you can celebrate New Year’s Eve twice,” the airline had tweeted earlier in the week.</p>

<p>The concept behind the ‘time travel’ was simple. Flight UA200 was supposed to take off from Guam at 7:35 am on January 1 (Post New Year celebrations) and land in Honolulu, Hawaii at 6:50 pm on December 31, 2023, thus giving those on board the plane a chance to celebrate New Year's Eve festivities twice.</p>

<p>The concept is not new, and several airlines offer such ‘time travel flights’ on New Year’s Day every year. However, this year didn’t turn up so well for Flight UA200.</p>

<h2><strong>The New Year disappointment</strong></h2>

<p>Time is key for such ‘time travel’ flights as even a slight delay can spoil all those equations people strive to live through. This is exactly what happened with the Flight UA200.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/uk-house-of-lords-guzzled-champagne-worth-113000-in-2023-675931"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;UK: House of Lords guzzled champagne worth $113,000 in 2023</strong></a></p>

<p>The flight got delayed by over six hours and eventually left Guam at 1:49 pm on January 1. By the time it arrived in Honolulu, the clock had already struck 12 midnight. The flight landed at 12:34 am on January 1, turning the excitement of celebrating New Year twice into 2024’s first major disappointment.</p>

<h2><strong>Complaints followed</strong></h2>

<p>Passengers took to X to raise complaints.</p>

<p>“Great idea, too bad it got delayed! I was supposed to be on this flight. Double new year isn’t happening anymore,” one person wrote under the original United Airlines tweet.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Scientists create 'identical twin' universe</strong></p>

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<p>“I booked this flight specifically so I could do this,” read another comment. “I got a delay notification and we aren’t scheduled to get in until 1/1."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Is time travel possible? Not yet! But a United Airlines flight offered to fly customers across time zones to let them enjoy the New Year celebrations twice within hours.

Is time travel possible? Not yet! But a United Airlines flight offered to fly customers across time zones to let them enjoy the New Year celebrations twice within hours. “Time travel is real,” United Airlines wrote in a post on Instagram. “You only live once, but you can celebrate New Year’s Eve twice,” the airline had tweeted earlier in the week. The concept behind the ‘time travel’ was simple. Flight UA200 was supposed to take off from Guam at 7:35 am on January 1 (Post New Year celebrations) and land in Honolulu, Hawaii at 6:50 pm on December 31, 2023, thus giving those on board the plane a chance to celebrate New Year's Eve festivities twice. The concept is not new, and several airlines offer such ‘time travel flights’ on New Year’s Day every year. However, this year didn’t turn up so well for Flight UA200. The New Year disappointment Time is key for such ‘time travel’ flights as even a slight delay can spoil all those equations people strive to live through. This is exactly what happened with the Flight UA200. Also read: UK: House of Lords guzzled champagne worth $113,000 in 2023 The flight got delayed by over six hours and eventually left Guam at 1:49 pm on January 1. By the time it arrived in Honolulu, the clock had already struck 12 midnight. The flight landed at 12:34 am on January 1, turning the excitement of celebrating New Year twice into 2024’s first major disappointment. Complaints followed Passengers took to X to raise complaints. “Great idea, too bad it got delayed! I was supposed to be on this flight. Double new year isn’t happening anymore,” one person wrote under the original United Airlines tweet. Watch: Scientists create 'identical twin' universe × “I booked this flight specifically so I could do this,” read another comment. “I got a delay notification and we aren’t scheduled to get in until 1/1." (With inputs from agencies)

They hoped to usher in the new year twice on this 'time travelling' flight. But it got delayed

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<p>A 17-year-old exchange student from China, Kai Zhuang, was recently cyber kidnapped in the United States, according to the police. Cyber kidnapping is a new criminal trend in which scammers extort vulnerable victims remotely and demand ransom money from their families.</p>

<p>Zhuang's family in China reached out to his school in Utah to report that they received images of him that suggested someone had forcibly kidnapped him. However, Zhuang's host family in the US told the police that they had seen him earlier and were clueless about any forcible kidnapping.</p>

<p>After receiving continuous threats about Zhuang's safety from the scammer, his family paid around $80,000 in ransom money to a Chinese bank account.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the scammers threatened Zhuang for about a month, asking him to comply with their demands or they would harm his family in China. They ordered him to isolate himself in the wilderness and send photos to his parents that looked like he was kidnapped. However, the Riverdale police rescued him from the woods.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/after-elon-musks-takeover-x-has-lost-71-per-cent-of-its-value-report-676194">After Elon Musk's takeover, X has lost 71 per cent of its value: Report</a></p>

<p>Cyber kidnapping has become a growing concern in the US, as several other regions have reported such incidents.</p>

<h2><strong>What is cyber kidnapping?</strong></h2>

<p>Like other online frauds, cyber kidnapping has become a growing digital crime. In cyber kidnapping, online attackers target victims and force them into isolating themselves to demand ransom from their families. They monitor the victims through video chat and use pictures captured by them in isolated conditions to extort money from their families. Some scammers have also started using artificial intelligence (AI) tools to mimic the victim's voice.</p>

<p>Foreign exchange students, especially those from China, are more at risk than others.</p>

<h2><strong>How can you protect yourself from cyber kidnapping?</strong></h2>

<p>In case any cyber kidnapper tries to contact you, immediately inform the police and end communication from your end. Also, never send money to the perpetrators. Like scams and phishing, one can prevent cyber crimes by being aware. The United States Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency has advised people to protect themselves from cyber kidnapping in the following ways:</p>

<ul>
	<li>Use additional security apps and multi-factor authentication to protect your sensitive information.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Update your software regularly and add malware protection to your devices.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Do not click on any suspicious pop-up ads or links sent in emails from untrusted sources.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Use strong passwords to protect your accounts from hackers, and do not share confidential information with anyone. Use a password manager to keep things organised.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A 17-year-old exchange student from China, Kai Zhuang, was recently cyber kidnapped in the United States, according to the police. Cyber kidnapping is a new criminal trend in which scammers extort vulnerable victims remotely and demand ransom money from their families.

A 17-year-old exchange student from China, Kai Zhuang, was recently cyber kidnapped in the United States, according to the police. Cyber kidnapping is a new criminal trend in which scammers extort vulnerable victims remotely and demand ransom money from their families. Zhuang's family in China reached out to his school in Utah to report that they received images of him that suggested someone had forcibly kidnapped him. However, Zhuang's host family in the US told the police that they had seen him earlier and were clueless about any forcible kidnapping. After receiving continuous threats about Zhuang's safety from the scammer, his family paid around $80,000 in ransom money to a Chinese bank account. Meanwhile, the scammers threatened Zhuang for about a month, asking him to comply with their demands or they would harm his family in China. They ordered him to isolate himself in the wilderness and send photos to his parents that looked like he was kidnapped. However, the Riverdale police rescued him from the woods. ALSO READ | After Elon Musk's takeover, X has lost 71 per cent of its value: Report Cyber kidnapping has become a growing concern in the US, as several other regions have reported such incidents. What is cyber kidnapping? Like other online frauds, cyber kidnapping has become a growing digital crime. In cyber kidnapping, online attackers target victims and force them into isolating themselves to demand ransom from their families. They monitor the victims through video chat and use pictures captured by them in isolated conditions to extort money from their families. Some scammers have also started using artificial intelligence (AI) tools to mimic the victim's voice. Foreign exchange students, especially those from China, are more at risk than others. How can you protect yourself from cyber kidnapping? In case any cyber kidnapper tries to contact you, immediately inform the police and end communication from your end. Also, never send money to the perpetrators. Like scams and phishing, one can prevent cyber crimes by being aware. The United States Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency has advised people to protect themselves from cyber kidnapping in the following ways: Use additional security apps and multi-factor authentication to protect your sensitive information. Update your software regularly and add malware protection to your devices. Do not click on any suspicious pop-up ads or links sent in emails from untrusted sources. Use strong passwords to protect your accounts from hackers, and do not share confidential information with anyone. Use a password manager to keep things organised. (With inputs from agencies)

What is cyber kidnapping? How to protect yourself from the ‘disturbing criminal trend’?

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<p>Lachlan Galbraith, the keyboardist of the rock band Ocean Alley, has publicly apologised for shoplifting after a shop in New Zealand shared CCTV footage of him doing so.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The shop, Hunting and Fishing Queenstown, posted the video on Facebook and Instagram showing Galbraith shoplifting an A$17.95 ($12.10) drink bottle lid in his bag on New Year's Eve.</p>

<p>The shop wrote in its post, "Good to see the fellas in town for their performance at [the Rhythm and Alps music festival] tonight," referring to their upcoming gig in Queenstown.</p>

<p>"Unfortunately, it looks like there was just a little too much 'Confidence' in-store today," the shop added, mentioning one of the rock band's songs.</p>

<p>Ocean Alley, an&nbsp;Australian rock band,&nbsp;is currently touring New Zealand.</p>

<p>They were set to&nbsp;perform in Wellington on Wednesday (Jan 3) and in Whangamatā on Friday (Jan 5). Later this year, they will tour Australia before heading to North America and the United Kingdom.</p>

<p>"We realise hydration is important, so no worries but please feel free to return the Yeti Chug Cap before you leave town tomorrow. All the best for 2024 and the tour ahead," the post from the shop read.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australias-supreme-court-allows-62-year-old-woman-to-remove-sperm-from-her-dead-husband-676124">Australia's Supreme Court allows 62-year-old woman to remove sperm from her dead husband</a></p>

<p>Later, Lachlan Galbraith apologised for his actions, calling them "foolish."</p>

<p>He said in a video posted on the band's Instagram account, "Yesterday in an act of complete foolishness, I stole a drink bottle lid from the Queenstown Hunting and Fishing store. It is a moment I am not proud of at all and one that I have deep regret and remorse for. I have reached out to the team directly and we have rectified the situation."</p>

<p>"I am so sorry for disappointing all of our fans, the team at the store and of course, the band. My actions do not reflect on how we carry ourselves as a band," he added.</p>

<p>After Galbraith's apology, Hunting and Fishing pulled the footage from their social media and thanked him. However, people criticised them for taking down the video from the social media platforms. "We are in no way offering special treatment based on who the person is," they responded to the critics.</p>

<p>"They have apologised, owned up and made the appropriate reparations. We in turn deleted the post as we would anyone who made the appropriate effort to rectify the situation. The embarrassment and aftermath of this particular event should be punishment enough." the shop said in another post.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Lachlan Galbraith, the keyboardist of the rock band Ocean Alley, has publicly apologised for shoplifting after a shop in New Zealand shared CCTV footage of him doing so.

Lachlan Galbraith, the keyboardist of the rock band Ocean Alley, has publicly apologised for shoplifting after a shop in New Zealand shared CCTV footage of him doing so. The shop, Hunting and Fishing Queenstown, posted the video on Facebook and Instagram showing Galbraith shoplifting an A$17.95 ($12.10) drink bottle lid in his bag on New Year's Eve. The shop wrote in its post, "Good to see the fellas in town for their performance at [the Rhythm and Alps music festival] tonight," referring to their upcoming gig in Queenstown. "Unfortunately, it looks like there was just a little too much 'Confidence' in-store today," the shop added, mentioning one of the rock band's songs. Ocean Alley, an Australian rock band, is currently touring New Zealand. They were set to perform in Wellington on Wednesday (Jan 3) and in Whangamatā on Friday (Jan 5). Later this year, they will tour Australia before heading to North America and the United Kingdom. "We realise hydration is important, so no worries but please feel free to return the Yeti Chug Cap before you leave town tomorrow. All the best for 2024 and the tour ahead," the post from the shop read. ALSO READ | Australia's Supreme Court allows 62-year-old woman to remove sperm from her dead husband Later, Lachlan Galbraith apologised for his actions, calling them "foolish." He said in a video posted on the band's Instagram account, "Yesterday in an act of complete foolishness, I stole a drink bottle lid from the Queenstown Hunting and Fishing store. It is a moment I am not proud of at all and one that I have deep regret and remorse for. I have reached out to the team directly and we have rectified the situation." "I am so sorry for disappointing all of our fans, the team at the store and of course, the band. My actions do not reflect on how we carry ourselves as a band," he added. After Galbraith's apology, Hunting and Fishing pulled the footage from their social media and thanked him. However, people criticised them for taking down the video from the social media platforms. "We are in no way offering special treatment based on who the person is," they responded to the critics. "They have apologised, owned up and made the appropriate reparations. We in turn deleted the post as we would anyone who made the appropriate effort to rectify the situation. The embarrassment and aftermath of this particular event should be punishment enough." the shop said in another post. (With inputs from agencies)

Rock band musician publicly apologises for shoplifting in New Zealand after CCTV footage made public

<p>The long-running debate of whether the dinosaur fossils first unearthed in&nbsp;Montana, US, in 1942, belonged to teenage&nbsp;Tyrannosaurus Rexes or not has finally been settled. A new study published has concluded that the skulls belonged to a different species of dinosaur, not the T-Rexes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The researchers at the&nbsp;Milner Centre for Evolution at the University of Bath said the 66-million-year-old fossils are most likely from the Nanotyrannus. The findings were published in the&nbsp;journal Fossil Studies.</p>

<p>"I didn't expect it to be quite so conclusive.&nbsp;If they were young T. Rex they should be growing like crazy, putting on hundreds of kilogrammes a year, but we're not seeing that," said Dr Nick Longrich associated with the study.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Based on the modelling data, scientists observed that the dinosaurs would have grown to a&nbsp;maximum size of around 900 to 1,500 kilogrammes and five metres which is only about 15 per cent the size of a full-grown, adult T. Rex.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We tried modelling the data in a lot of different ways and we kept getting low growth rates. This is looking like the end for the hypothesis that these animals are young T. Rex," added&nbsp;Longrich.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The research validates that&nbsp;Nanotyrannus is a separate species, one not closely related to Tyrannosaurus. The&nbsp;Nanotyrannus had longer arms, unlike the famously short-armed T. Rex.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While T. Rex relies on size and strength,&nbsp;Nanotyrannus used their small frame, pace, agility and arms as pretty formidable weapons to hunt down prey.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I was very skeptical about Nanotyrannus myself until about six years ago when I took a close look at the fossils and was surprised to realize we'd gotten it wrong all these years," said&nbsp;Longrich.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-climate-tracker-climate-change-played-keyrole-in-dominance-of-dinosaurs-545615"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;WION Climate Tracker: Climate change played keyrole in dominance of dinosaurs</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>T. Rex fossil remains highly sought after&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Dinosaur skeletons and other specimens belonging to the majestic reptile that once roamed the face of the Earth remain highly sought after by collectors. No more than a couple of sales take place in a year worldwide which attract&nbsp;enormous attention, especially if it involves a T. Rex - the legendary 40-foot-long predator.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/for-the-first-time-67-million-year-old-t-rex-skeleton-to-be-auctioned-in-europe-571024"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;For the first time, 67-million-year-old T-Rex skeleton to be auctioned in Europe</strong></a></p>

<p>Notably, in April last year, a 67-million-year-old T. Rex skeleton named 'Trinity' was auctioned in Switzerland. It was the first time that an entire T-Rex skeleton had gone under the hammer and fetched a record sum of $6.1 million at the Koller auction house.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The long-running debate of whether the dinosaur fossils first unearthed in Montana, US, in 1942, belonged to teenage Tyrannosaurus Rexes or not has finally been settled.

The long-running debate of whether the dinosaur fossils first unearthed in Montana, US, in 1942, belonged to teenage Tyrannosaurus Rexes or not has finally been settled. A new study published has concluded that the skulls belonged to a different species of dinosaur, not the T-Rexes. The researchers at the Milner Centre for Evolution at the University of Bath said the 66-million-year-old fossils are most likely from the Nanotyrannus. The findings were published in the journal Fossil Studies. "I didn't expect it to be quite so conclusive. If they were young T. Rex they should be growing like crazy, putting on hundreds of kilogrammes a year, but we're not seeing that," said Dr Nick Longrich associated with the study. Based on the modelling data, scientists observed that the dinosaurs would have grown to a maximum size of around 900 to 1,500 kilogrammes and five metres which is only about 15 per cent the size of a full-grown, adult T. Rex. "We tried modelling the data in a lot of different ways and we kept getting low growth rates. This is looking like the end for the hypothesis that these animals are young T. Rex," added Longrich. The research validates that Nanotyrannus is a separate species, one not closely related to Tyrannosaurus. The Nanotyrannus had longer arms, unlike the famously short-armed T. Rex. While T. Rex relies on size and strength, Nanotyrannus used their small frame, pace, agility and arms as pretty formidable weapons to hunt down prey. "I was very skeptical about Nanotyrannus myself until about six years ago when I took a close look at the fossils and was surprised to realize we'd gotten it wrong all these years," said Longrich. Watch | WION Climate Tracker: Climate change played keyrole in dominance of dinosaurs × T. Rex fossil remains highly sought after Dinosaur skeletons and other specimens belonging to the majestic reptile that once roamed the face of the Earth remain highly sought after by collectors. No more than a couple of sales take place in a year worldwide which attract enormous attention, especially if it involves a T. Rex - the legendary 40-foot-long predator. Also read | For the first time, 67-million-year-old T-Rex skeleton to be auctioned in Europe Notably, in April last year, a 67-million-year-old T. Rex skeleton named 'Trinity' was auctioned in Switzerland. It was the first time that an entire T-Rex skeleton had gone under the hammer and fetched a record sum of $6.1 million at the Koller auction house. (With inputs from agencies)

Debate settled: Teenage T. Rex skulls unearthed in 1942 belonged to a different dinosaur species

<p>Champagne worth a whopping $113,000 was sold for events within the upper house of the UK Parliament—the House of Lords—over the year 2023, the highest figure in six years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In total, nearly 1,600 bottles were sold throughout the year, a figure revealed following a freedom of information request.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Scottish National Party (SNP) lambasts the House of Lords</strong></h2>

<p>The revelation attracted severe criticism from the members of the Scottish National Party (SNP), a staunch critic of the concept behind the unelected house.</p>

<p>“A parliament where unelected Lords glug fizz and collect £342 a day just for showing up is not a parliament fit to properly represent the people,” said Tommy Sheppard, the SNP MP for Edinburgh East.</p>

<p>Due to its staunch opposition to the House of Lords, the SNP has no representative in the house. “Voters will be fizzing to hear that, while they were struggling to balance household finances and pay for basics like groceries and energy, unelected Lords were glugging back champagne,” Sheppard added.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;India-UK trade negotiations enter 14th round; UK eyes trade deal by March 2024, say reports</strong></p>

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<p>The SNP also claimed that the staggering figure proved how the Lords was “archaic and out of touch” at the time of a raging cost of living crisis.</p>

<p>“The past year has been defined by Westminster’s cost of living crisis that has seen living standards plummet and countless more households pushed into poverty and deprivation – a reality alien to the Lords and their lavish lifestyles,” said Sheppard.</p>

<h2><strong>Clarification from the House of Lords</strong></h2>

<p>A spokesperson for the House of Lords later clarified that the majority of the champagne sold inside the house was for events held by external organisations and had nothing to do with the representatives.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hundreds-of-thousands-of-indian-nationals-to-be-affected-as-uk-bans-dependents-of-foreign-students-675723"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Thousands of Indian nationals to be affected as UK bans dependents of foreign students</strong></a></p>

<p>The spokesperson also said that the champagne was sold “at profit” and was not paid for by taxpayers’ money.</p>

<p>"Most of the champagne sold by the House of Lords is bought by visitors in the gift shop and consumed away from Parliament by members of the public, or sold at banqueting events to organisations or individuals hosting the event in the House of Lords,” the spokesperson stated.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Champagne worth a whopping $113,000 was sold for events within the upper house of the UK Parliament—the House of Lords—over the year 2023, the highest figure in six years.

Champagne worth a whopping $113,000 was sold for events within the upper house of the UK Parliament—the House of Lords—over the year 2023, the highest figure in six years. In total, nearly 1,600 bottles were sold throughout the year, a figure revealed following a freedom of information request. Scottish National Party (SNP) lambasts the House of Lords The revelation attracted severe criticism from the members of the Scottish National Party (SNP), a staunch critic of the concept behind the unelected house. “A parliament where unelected Lords glug fizz and collect £342 a day just for showing up is not a parliament fit to properly represent the people,” said Tommy Sheppard, the SNP MP for Edinburgh East. Due to its staunch opposition to the House of Lords, the SNP has no representative in the house. “Voters will be fizzing to hear that, while they were struggling to balance household finances and pay for basics like groceries and energy, unelected Lords were glugging back champagne,” Sheppard added. Watch: India-UK trade negotiations enter 14th round; UK eyes trade deal by March 2024, say reports × The SNP also claimed that the staggering figure proved how the Lords was “archaic and out of touch” at the time of a raging cost of living crisis. “The past year has been defined by Westminster’s cost of living crisis that has seen living standards plummet and countless more households pushed into poverty and deprivation – a reality alien to the Lords and their lavish lifestyles,” said Sheppard. Clarification from the House of Lords A spokesperson for the House of Lords later clarified that the majority of the champagne sold inside the house was for events held by external organisations and had nothing to do with the representatives. Also read: Thousands of Indian nationals to be affected as UK bans dependents of foreign students The spokesperson also said that the champagne was sold “at profit” and was not paid for by taxpayers’ money. "Most of the champagne sold by the House of Lords is bought by visitors in the gift shop and consumed away from Parliament by members of the public, or sold at banqueting events to organisations or individuals hosting the event in the House of Lords,” the spokesperson stated. (With inputs from agencies)

UK: 'Out of touch' House of Lords guzzled champagne worth $113,000 in 2023

<p>As the grand temple of Lord Ram rises in the holy Indian city of Ayodhya, communities in at least 150 villages of the region will finally wear turban and leather footwear after 500 years. The news comes ahead of the grand consecration ceremony slated to be held on January 22 at 12:20 pm IST.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The 500-year-old pledge</strong></h2>

<p>Around 500 years ago, when the divine Ayodhya temple was destroyed by Mughal invaders, people hailing from the Suryavanshi Kshatriya community&nbsp;took a pledge that was going to change their lives forever. Suryavanshi Kshatriya community is settled in 105 villages of Ayodhya and Basti districts and claims to be the successor of Lord Ram.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Ayodhya Ram Mandir: Sculpture by Arun Yogiraj to adorn temple</strong></p>

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<p>Centuries ago, the villagers vowed not to wear turbans and footwear until the Ram Temple was restored. They said they had no right to wear shoes and good clothes when Lord Ram’s house was in such bad shape.</p>

<h2><strong>Community overjoyed since the Supreme Court verdict</strong></h2>

<p>Around 150,000 people of the community are overjoyed since the 2019 judgment by India’s Supreme Court that saw the allocation of the disputed land to the Hindu side for the construction of the Ram Temple.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-ayodhya-surpasses-goa-and-nainital-in-oyo-app-users-on-new-years-eve-says-ceo-ritesh-agarwal-675613"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;India: Ayodhya surpasses Goa and Nainital in OYO app users on New Year’s Eve, says CEO Ritesh Agarwal</strong></a></p>

<p>Ahead of the consecration ceremony, more than 400 turbans have already been distributed among the community members. The people have so far been upholding the pledge&nbsp;of their ancestors.</p>

<h2><strong>About consecration ceremony</strong></h2>

<p>The mega-consecration ceremony takes place on January 22, when the idol of Ram Lalla will be installed in the newly constructed grand temple in Ayodhya. The mega event will see participation from hundreds of high-profile guests including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath.</p>

<p>The Ram Mandir Trust has invited over 4,000 saints from across the country. Besides, invitations were also sent to prominent leaders and actors.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


As the grand temple of Lord Ram rises in the holy Indian city of Ayodhya, communities in at least 150 villages of the region will finally wear turban and leather footwear after 500 years.

As the grand temple of Lord Ram rises in the holy Indian city of Ayodhya, communities in at least 150 villages of the region will finally wear turban and leather footwear after 500 years. The news comes ahead of the grand consecration ceremony slated to be held on January 22 at 12:20 pm IST. The 500-year-old pledge Around 500 years ago, when the divine Ayodhya temple was destroyed by Mughal invaders, people hailing from the Suryavanshi Kshatriya community took a pledge that was going to change their lives forever. Suryavanshi Kshatriya community is settled in 105 villages of Ayodhya and Basti districts and claims to be the successor of Lord Ram. Watch: Ayodhya Ram Mandir: Sculpture by Arun Yogiraj to adorn temple × Centuries ago, the villagers vowed not to wear turbans and footwear until the Ram Temple was restored. They said they had no right to wear shoes and good clothes when Lord Ram’s house was in such bad shape. Community overjoyed since the Supreme Court verdict Around 150,000 people of the community are overjoyed since the 2019 judgment by India’s Supreme Court that saw the allocation of the disputed land to the Hindu side for the construction of the Ram Temple. Also read: India: Ayodhya surpasses Goa and Nainital in OYO app users on New Year’s Eve, says CEO Ritesh Agarwal Ahead of the consecration ceremony, more than 400 turbans have already been distributed among the community members. The people have so far been upholding the pledge of their ancestors. About consecration ceremony The mega-consecration ceremony takes place on January 22, when the idol of Ram Lalla will be installed in the newly constructed grand temple in Ayodhya. The mega event will see participation from hundreds of high-profile guests including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath. The Ram Mandir Trust has invited over 4,000 saints from across the country. Besides, invitations were also sent to prominent leaders and actors. (With inputs from agencies)

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