Fighter pilots wear oxygen masks even at low altitudes to prepare for rapid climbs, fight G-force blackout, and maintain clear communications. The mask also protects against toxic cockpit smoke, canopy depressurisation, and severe windblast during emergency ejections.

Why do fighter jet pilots wear oxygen masks even when flying at lower altitudes?

Looking for a perfect festive look for Diwali 2026? Take inspiration from these Bollywood divas. Read on to know more.

Kareena Kapoor to Kiara Advani: 9 Bollywood-inspired looks to try this Diwali

Ramayana: Rise of a Legend adapts Valmiki's Hindu epic about Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Vishnu. Over the years, several films and shows have been made on the epic, but what this film brings is a never-seen-before scale, cutting-edge visuals, and a fresh retelling for a global audience.

Before you watch Ramayana on Nov 5: Hans Zimmer’s score, runtime, part 2 release date and all you need to know

On Tuesday, Mumbai hosted a special screening of the highly anticipated film Ramayana: Rise of a Legend. The film's cast and crew were present at the event along with other guests. Ramayana Part 1 will be releasing in theatres worldwide on November 5.&nbsp;

Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Sunny Deol and others attend the special screening of Ramayana: Rise of a Legend

Millions of Americans headed to polling stations as the 2026 midterms unfolded, with campaign rallies, voter queues and election-day scenes across the country

US midterms 2026: America votes! Election day pictures from across the country

Religious Meanings Of Five Lesser-Known Crosses 

The cross of Jesus Christ is the most recognisable symbol in Christendom. But there are other crosses as well. Here are some of them: 

This is the official symbol of the Pope. It represents his authority on Catholic believers and also his deference to God. 


The Scandinavian countries have crosses of different colours on their flags. These mean to show that these countries have a proud Christian past. 


This is also called The Chi Rho cross. This was used by ancient Roman emperor Constantine as he thought it has religious and emotional value. 


Crosses are found in other cultures as well. In ancient Egyptian culture, the Ankh was a powerful symbol representing life.


Religious Meanings Of Five Lesser-Known Crosses

‘Winter Blues’: Do You Have Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)  

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that comes and goes in a seasonal pattern. 

It is also known as ‘winter depression’. 

Its symptoms are usually more apparent and severe during the winter. 

Experts still argue about the exact cause of SAD, but it’s often linked to reduced exposure to sunlight during the winter days. 

The symptoms may include a persistent low mood, becoming lazy, a loss of interest in normal everyday activities, irritability, feelings of despair, guilt and worthlessness, and more. 

A range of treatments are available for SAD, such as: lifestyle measures, light therapy, and talking therapies. 

5 Famous Christmas Carols And Hymns You Can Sing This Holiday Season 

What is Christmas without carols? With family, fun, food and laughter, here are five Christmas carols and hymns you can sing this holiday season. 


O Holy Night reflects on birth of the Saviour, Jesus Christ and redemption of humanity. 

This was originally composed in German by Franz Xaver Gruber. It’s German title is ‘Still Nacht’.


This hymn is about Jesus Christ’s triumphant return. The happy tune is truly joyous and the happiness is very apparent. 


This carol was written in nineteenth century. It was initially a poetry but became a carol after it was published in The English Hymnal. 


It is not known who wrote this hymn. But some think it was written by none other than King John IV of Portugal. 


5 Famous Christmas Carols And Hymns You Can Sing This Holiday Season

How Tiny Is the Sun Compared to Other Stars? 

The Sun is the largest object in our solar system. It is 1.4 million kilometres in diameter. It is 100 times wider than Earth and about 10 times wider than Jupiter. Despite being this massive, the sun is only an average-sized star, as there are stars of unimaginable size further away in the universe. Here are some stars that are bigger than our Sun: 

Stephenson 2–18 is the largest star known so far. It lies 18,900 light-years away from Earth. Stephenson 2–18’s diameter is 2,150 times that of the Sun. If Stephenson 2–18 replaced the Sun in the solar system, it would stretch all the way up to Saturn. 

Betelgeuse: A Star Much Younger than Sun 

Betelgeuse is roughly 10 million years old and is much younger than the Sun which is five billion years old. 
Betelgeuse is 700 light-years away from Earth. It’s about 700 times the size of the Sun and around 15 times more massive. According to NASA, if we replaced our Sun with Betelgeuse, it would stretch past Jupiter’s orbit. 



Sirius: The Brightest Star in Night Sky 

Sirius is the brightest star in the night sky and February is the month when Northern Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere observers can see it. It is 8.6 light-years away from Earth. Sirius is slightly more than twice the mass of the sun and just less than twice its diameter. 


China to See More Extreme Weather in 2024 

China Grappling with One of its Coldest Decembers 

China is grappling with one of its coldest Decembers on record with some areas in the northeast hitting minus 40 degrees Celsius. China’s north, including the capital Beijing, its surrounding Hebei and Tianjin, Henan, Inner Mongolia, and northeastern provinces Liaoning and Heilongjiang saw their coldest temperatures in December. 

 Beijing Breaks 70-yr Cold-Weather Record

China's capital city of Beijing broke its record for hours of sub-zero temperatures in December dating back to 1951.

After being hit with freezing temperatures, China will brace for another scorching heat and more weather extremes next year. A climate expert told state media that 2024 may be hotter and it could also be a year when extreme weather may become more frequent. 

More weather extremes are likely to hit China next year due to the El Nino weather phenomenon, the climate expert said. Weather experts predict El Nino could fade between April and June 2024, but as its effects take months to materialise, there could be more temperature records broken next year. 

Feathers, Whispers, & Wisdom: 7 Bizarre Facts About Owls 

Owls can rotate their heads up to 270 degrees, thanks to their unique neck structure. This ability allows them to turn their heads almost completely backward. 

Owls are known for silent flight due to specialised feathers that reduce turbulence and muffle sound. This adaptation helps them approach prey quietly without being detected. 

Sweet potatoes are rich in carotenoid beta-carotene, which is a precursor for vitamin A. It promotes the production of keratin, which is essential for skin and nail health.

The facial disk, a unique feature of owls, acts like a satellite dish to collect and direct sound waves toward their ears, enhancing their hearing abilities for nocturnal hunting.

Most owl species are nocturnal, meaning they are active during the night. Their specialised vision allows them to navigate and hunt in low light conditions.

Owls cannot digest fur, bones, and other indigestible parts of their prey. To rid themselves of these elements, owls regurgitate compacted pellets containing these undigested parts.

Owls have large eyes relative to their head size, giving them excellent night vision. Their eyes are fixed in their sockets, so they compensate by turning their heads to change their field of view.

Feathers, Whispers, & Wisdom: 7 Bizarre Facts About Owls

Mumbai-Delhi Among 10 Busiest Global Domestic Flight Routes of 2023

Travel intelligence company OAG has released its annual list of the world’s busiest domestic flight routes and it includes India’s national capital and its financial capital. The data is based purely on the number of seats sold on flights throughout 2023. 

Securing the 9th spot on the list, the number of seats sold on the flight route between the Indian cities Mumbai and Delhi was 7.2 million this year, marking a mere four per cent rise in sales when compared to 2022.


The number of seats sold on flights between the Australian cities of Melbourne and Sydney stood at 9.3 million in 2023, signifying a 14 per cent rise in the number of seats sold this year than the year prior. 


According to OAG, around 10.9 million seats were sold on the flight route between the Vietnamese capital to Ho Chi Minh City or Saigon, the country’s most populous city, marking a three per cent rise in 2023 when compared to 2022. 

The number of seats sold on flights between the Japanese city of Fukuoka and one of the international airports near the capital was 11.3 million. It was an eight per cent rise in the number of seats sold this year than in 2022. 


2. Sapporo New Chitose (CTS) - Tokyo Haneda (HND) 

Around 11.9 million seats were sold on the flight route between Japan’s Sapporo New Chitose and Tokyo Haneda airports. The flight route witnessed a 12 per cent rise in the number of seat sales in 2023 when compared to last year. 


The flight route between South Korean airport Jeju and Seoul Gimpo secured the top spot on the list of the world’s busiest domestic flight routes in 2023 with a staggering 13.7 million seats sold. This is despite a 12 per cent dip in the number of sales this year when compared to 2022. 


Travel intelligence company OAG has released its annual list.

Singapore Among 10 Busiest International Flight Routes of 2023 

Travel intelligence company OAG has released its annual list of the world’s busiest international flight routes and three of the top 10 include Singapore. The data is purely based on the number of seats sold on flights throughout 2023.


The number of seats sold on the flight between the Thai and South Korean capitals was 3.36 million this year — a 111 per cent increase from 2022. 


Around 3.47 million seats were sold on flights between the Thai capital and the city-state in 2023, marking a 47 per cent rise in sales than last year. 


Securing the 7th spot on the list, 3.9 million seats were sold on the flight route between Jakarta and Singapore, according to OAG. There was an 81 per cent increase in the number of seats sold along this route in 2023 when compared to last year.


Around 3.99 million seats were sold on the flight route between Dubai in UAE and the Saudi capital. According to the report, there was 20 per cent rise between the seats sold this year and 2022. 


The number of seats sold on the flight between the South Korean and Japanese capitals stood at 4.16 million. There was a 227 per cent rise in the sale of seats on this route in 2023 when compared to 2022. 


The flight route between South Korea and Japan saw a staggering rise of 356 per cent in the number of seats (4.2 million) sold in 2023 when compared to the previous year. 


The number of seats sold on the flight route between the Egyptian capital and Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah this year was a whopping 4.8 million with a 38 per cent rise since last year. 


1. Kuala Lumpur (KUL) - Singapore (SIN) 

Travel intelligence company OAG has released its annual list of the world’s busiest international flight routes.

Rewind 2023: Top Footballers Who Announced Retirement

Rewind 2023: Cricketers Who Announced Retirement

Hangovers, marked by a headache, sensitivity to light and noise, and nausea, seem like your body’s way of reminding you of the hazards of going overboard with alcohol, especially during the holidays. 

While there is no ‘cure’ to deal with the unpleasant aftermath of heavy alcohol intoxication, simply known as a hangover, here are some ways to ease your discomfort: 

Alcohol is a diuretic which means it makes you urinate more often and can lead to dehydration. Drinking water or an energy drink can help you restore your hydration level as well as sugar and salt loss. 


Breakfast is said to be one of the most important meals of the day. But when you have hangover, it is also the best way to ease fatigue and headaches by replacing the vitamins and minerals your body may have lost while working overtime to process the alcohol consumed.


Alcohol lowers your blood sugar, and your brain needs carbs to refuel. Many people forget to eat or don’t have the energy for breakfast, but even a couple of slices of wheat toast or a few whole-grain crackers could do the trick. 


Opting for painkillers during a hangover can be tricky. As an over-the-counter medicine can help the headache, it can also irritate the lining of your stomach and worsen your nausea. 


The phrase comes from the age-old belief that you could cure rabies by drinking a potion containing hair of the dog that bit you. Hair of the dog is a remedy based on popular notion that taking one or two more drinks will ease the hangovers symptoms. But actually it does not allow your body to recover, throwing it into the same destructive cycle.


While the internet is full of suggestions on how you can ‘cure’ a hangover, the best way is to rest and give it time to go away on its own. Hangovers typically last for 24 hours, but even then it takes a little longer to feel like yourself again. 


Hangovers, marked by a headache, sensitivity to light and noise, and nausea.

6 Ways to ‘Cure’ Your Hangover

India vs South Africa, 1st Test: Last 6 Overall Results At Centurion

6 Budget-Friendly Getaways To Celebrate New Year's Eve

If you wish to welcome the new year in peace, then Ooty is the perfect destination. Calmness and tranquillity surround the atmosphere at this serene destination.


Pushkar is one of the best offbeat destinations for New Year's Eve. From forts and temples to shopping and camel rides, this city provides a fun-filled experience. 


People seeking to embrace the essence of spirituality in their new year can visit Varanasi. You can witness the magnificent evening aarti and visit the ghats and temples. 


Pondicherry is perfect for people who want to celebrate New Year's Eve French style. You can spend your New Year's Eve by beach hopping and visiting picturesque cafes. 


Gokarna is the budget-friendly and less-crowded alternative to Goa. It has beautiful beaches and electrifying parties, something for everyone's taste. 


If you wish to spend New Year's Eve away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Bhimtal is the ideal place for you. It offers alluring views and pleasant vibes.


Here's a list of some budget-friendly getaways you can visit to celebrate New Year's Eve:

6 Turmeric-Infused Recipes To Try This Winter 

Turmeric, a spice with several health benefits, has a strong flavour and aroma. Here are some turmeric-infused dishes you must try this winter: 

The warmth of ghee, the taste of cauliflower, and the goodness of turmeric make this recipe perfect for a comforting lunch on a cold afternoon. 


One has to boil chicken, heavily marinated with turmeric, to make chicken turmeric soup. Serve it with garlic bread to make the meal more wholesome. 


These cookies have a spicy, sour taste to them. One can also add cumin seeds or cardamom powder to elevate the taste of these perfect tea-time snacks.


This unique drink, infused with tea and turmeric, is perfect for winter. While the turmeric hits the throat, the caffeine makes the body work.


Warm milk infused with saffron and turmeric is soothing and nutritious at the same time. One can add honey instead of sugar to make it more refreshing and healthier. 


Sprouts salad with a hint of turmeric can become your go-to dish for mid-night cravings. One can mix vegetables, lemon juice, and honey to elevate the taste of this dish. 


Turmeric, a spice with several health benefits, has a strong flavour and aroma.

Pilot error, air traffic controller mistakes, or miscommunication among the flight crew.

Adverse weather, such as storms, heavy turbulence or poor visibility.


Malfunctions in aircraft systems, engine failures, or structural issues.


 Collisions with birds, especially during takeoff or landing.


 Issues during takeoff or landing, including runway excursions, overruns, or collisions.


Collisions between two or more aircraft in mid-air, often due to airspace congestion or communication breakdowns.


Deliberate acts of sabotage, hijacking, or terrorism can pose a serious threat to aviation safety.


Running out of fuel or miscalculations related to fuel management can cause engines to fail.


Plane crashes can occur due to a variety of reasons. Here are eight of them.

8 Reasons Behind Plane Crashes

6 Hidden Gems to Visit in India in 2024 


This hidden gem in Nagaland is crisscrossed by gushing streams and surrounded by a tapestry of wildflowers. It is a beautiful place, so plan a visit. 


Gurez Valley provides you with the perfect environment for a peaceful vacation with surreal backdrops, picturesque landscapes and the calming sound of rivers. 


Chopta, a less explored but beautiful place to visit, is all about lush green meadows, pine forests and vibrant life. Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, it is a beautiful place to visit in 2024. 


This village stands out for its spotless roadways, well-kept front yards, and eco-friendly waste management practices. Its pristine features challenge even the most developed urban cities, making it a hidden gem in India. 


Dhanushkodi is an abandoned town at the south-eastern tip of Pamban Island of the state of Tamil Nadu in India. This coastal town is believed to have once connected India to Sri Lanka. It is a destination that may easily capture your aesthetic senses with its infinite azure blue waters and prominent coral reefs along clean sand beaches. 


Lepakshi, in Andhra Pradesh, is a historically significant place associated with the Ramayana story of Jatayu. It is dedicated to Lord Veerabhadra. The Lepakshi Temple, with its famous hanging pillar that defies gravity and captivates tourists with its architectural wonder, is a must-see site. 


7 New Year Money Resolutions to Transform Your 2024

Start the year by crafting a realistic budget that aligns with your financial goals. Track your expenses diligently, identify areas where you can cut back, and allocate funds for savings, investments, and essential expenses. Utilise budgeting apps or spreadsheets to streamline this process.


Commit to building or boosting your emergency fund. Aim to set aside at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses in a separate savings account. Having this safety net provides peace of mind during unexpected financial crisis.


Create a plan to tackle and reduce your debts. Prioritise high-interest debts while making minimum payments on others. Consider strategies like the debt snowball or avalanche method to pay off debts and regain financial freedom efficiently.


Educate yourself about investment opportunities and diversify your portfolio. Whether it’s stocks, mutual funds, real estate, or retirement accounts, seek guidance and invest based on your risk tolerance and long-term goals.


Set specific savings goals for the year. Whether for a down payment on a house, a dream vacation, or further education, establish separate savings accounts or dedicated funds to work towards these aspirations.


Invest in your financial literacy. Read books, attend seminars, or take online courses to enhance your understanding of personal finance. Equip yourself with knowledge that will help you make informed financial decisions.


Commit to regular financial check-ins. Set aside time quarterly or bi-annually to review your progress, adjust your goals if necessary, and celebrate milestones achieved along the way.


Bitter gourd, commonly known as ‘karela’ in India, is one of the underrated vegetables across the world because of its bitter taste even though it is highly beneficial, especially, for diabetics. Here we bring you five bitter gourd recipes that make you relish its taste and forget its bitterness. Do try. 


This is a delicious dish that you can make with bitter gourd. Bitter gourd pieces are cut length-wise and stuffed with a filling of local spices and then cooked. A perfect accompaniment for a lunch menu. 


Karela pickle uses simple and basic ingredients like fenugreek seeds, mustard seeds, green chillies, garlic. A variety of spices are also used in this delicious and easy-to-make karela pickle. 


This delicious and easy-to-make dish is made with chunks of bitter gourd mixed with creamy curd and lots of spices. 


Karela bhurji simply stuns us with its tangy taste and rich flavours. Not only is this karela bhurji tasty, but it also helps in diabetes, weight loss, and boosts the immune system. 


It’s a popular dish that can be made in just half an hour. In this dish, bitter gourd is cooked with onions and spices, along with some jaggery to get a sweet, spicy and tangy stir fry. 


5 Delicious Dishes Of Bitter Gourd 


INS Imphal: 7 Key Facts About Indian Navy's Latest Destroyer


The Indian Navy commissioned its latest missile destroyer, INS Imphal, on Tuesday (Dec 26). A commissioning ceremony took place today in Mumbai.


1) INS Imphal is India's first warship named after a northeastern region of the country, showcasing the significance of the Indian territory for national security.


2) INS Imphal will be the third ‘Vishakhapatnam’ class missile destroyer to be commissioned into the Indian Navy.


3) The 164-metre-long destroyer is equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors, medium-range and Brahmos surface-to-air missiles, anti-submarine rocket launchers, and 76mm super rapid gun mount.


4) The warship was constructed by Mazagaon Dock Limited and was delivered to the Indian Navy on October 20 after a comprehensive trial programme.



5) The warship is powered by Combines Gas and Gas (COGAG) propulsion and is capable of achieving speeds in excess of 30 knots (56 km/hour).


6) The warship is designed to operate efficiently in extreme conditions and is equipped to fight under Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical (NBC) warfare conditions.


7) The destroyer will join the Western Naval Command of the Indian Navy after being commissioned.


The Indian Navy commissioned its latest missile destroyer, INS Imphal, on Tuesday (Dec 26). A commissioning ceremony took place today in Mumbai.

6 South Indian Breakfasts Under 200 Calories 

South Indian cuisine offers a variety of delicious and nutritious breakfast options that are also light on calories. Here are some South Indian breakfast ideas under 200 calories: 

Idlis are steamed rice cakes and are low in calories. Pair them with a side of sambar (vegetable lentil soup) and a small amount of coconut chutney for a tasty and satisfying breakfast. 


A plain dosa made with fermented rice and urad dal batter is a light and low-calorie option. Serve it with a side of mint chutney or tomato chutney to add flavour without many extra calories. 


Pongal is a savoury rice and lentil dish cooked with pepper and cumin. It’s a wholesome and low-calorie breakfast option, and you can pair it with a small serving of coconut chutney. 


Upma, made from semolina (rava) and vegetables, is a quick and nutritious breakfast. Use minimal oil and load it with vegetables to keep the calorie count low and nutrition high. 

Pesarattu is a green gram dal and rice crepe, loaded with the goodness of green moong dal and topped with vegetables. It’s a light and nutritious breakfast choice. 

6 South Indian Breakfasts Under 200 Calories

6 Best Vitamin Supplements for Damaged Hair

Having soft, shiny hair takes more than just shampoo and conditioner. What you put into your body matters as much as what you put into your hair. Here are some best vitamin supplements to fight away frizz and dryness in your hair. 

Vitamin A is crucial for cell growth, including hair cells. It helps your skin create sebum, an oily substance required to keep your scalp moisturised and hair hydrated. 

Biotin is often called hair’s best friend. It helps your body turn consumed food into energy, which is essential for the production of keratin - a protein that makes and keeps hair healthy. 

Like biotin, collagen plays almost the same role when it comes to hair. Additionally, it helps fight damage by protecting hair from free radicals. 

Iron works by boosting circulation, helping oxygen get to your cells faster. Without it, your scalp won’t receive the blood flow it needs to let your hair grow. 

As an antioxidant, vitamin E rejuvenates, moisturises, and increases blood supply to the scalp. It also slows down the free radical damage around your hair follicles, keeping your hair shiny. 

Omega-3 fatty acids are healthy oils that are naturally found in foods. They have abundant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that support hair health and keep hair soft. 

8 Reasons Why You Should Not Overeat Green-Leafy Vegetables


Some green vegetables, such as spinach and Swiss chard, contain high levels of oxalates. In susceptible individuals, excessive oxalate intake can contribute to the formation of kidney stones.


Consuming too many green vegetables, especially those high in fiber, may lead to digestive discomfort such as bloating, gas, and abdominal cramps.


Certain green vegetables, like leafy greens, are rich in vitamin K, which can interfere with blood-thinning medications such as warfarin.



Some cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli and kale, contain compounds known as goitrogens. In large quantities, these compounds may interfere with thyroid function, particularly in individuals with iodine deficiency.


While rare, some individuals may have allergies to specific green vegetables. Overconsumption could exacerbate allergic reactions and lead to symptoms such as itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.


Non-organic green vegetables may carry pesticide residues. Consuming large quantities of conventionally grown vegetables without proper washing or choosing organic options could potentially expose individuals to pesticides.



While folate is essential for health, excessive intake from supplements or fortified foods, including green leafy vegetables, may be a concern for some individuals. High levels of folate can mask symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency.



Individuals with compromised kidney function may need to moderate their intake of certain green vegetables that are high in potassium. Excessive potassium intake can be harmful for those with kidney problems.


8 Reasons Why You Should Not Overeat Green-Leafy Vegetables

Ayurveda offers some natural remedies to ease constipation. Here are six Ayurvedic options: 


Triphala is a popular Ayurvedic remedy made from three fruits: Amla, Haritaki, and Bibhitaki. It is known for its gentle laxative effect and helps regulate bowel movements. You can mix a teaspoon of Triphala powder in warm water and consume it before bedtime. 


Castor oil is a potent laxative in Ayurveda. Mix a teaspoon of castor oil with warm milk and consume it at night. It helps lubricate the intestines and promotes bowel movements. 


Aloe vera has natural laxative properties that can help alleviate constipation. Drinking a small amount of aloe vera juice in the morning on empty stomach supports bowel regularity. 

Chew on a teaspoon of fennel seeds after meals. Fennel has carminative properties that aid digestion and help relieve constipation. 

Ayurveda emphasises on the importance of staying hydrated. Drinking warm water throughout the day, especially in the morning, helps stimulate the digestive system and can ease constipation. 


Incorporating ghee (clarified butter) into your diet in moderation lubricates the intestines and promotes smooth bowel movements. You can add a teaspoon of ghee to warm milk or use it in cooking. 

6 Ayurvedic Remedies for Constipation 


IPL 2024: Highest Scores for Mumbai Indians against CSK 

As Artificial Intelligence becomes more embedded in society, there's likely to be increased focus on ethical considerations and regulations surrounding its use, particularly in areas like healthcare, finance, and autonomous systems.

Businesses will likely continue leveraging AI to enhance customer experiences through hyper-personalisation, using data to tailor products and services more precisely.

Integration of AI with edge devices is expected to grow, enabling quicker decision-making and reducing latency by processing data closer to its source.

AI-powered cybersecurity tools will likely continue to evolve. We will see the growing integration of AI in cybersecurity for threat detection, anomaly identification, and real-time response to cyber threats.

Natural Language Processing (NLP) Advancements

AI systems will likely become more proficient in understanding and generating human-like language, improving chatbots, language translation, and content generation.

Further integration of AI in fintech, particularly in risk assessment, fraud detection, and personalised financial advice is a huge possibility.

Here are some AI trends to look for in 2024:

7 Biggest AI Trends to Look For in 2024

Where is Alexei Navalny? Exploring Russia’s Notorious Arctic Prison IK-3


Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny has finally been located after two weeks in one of Russia’s harshest prisons, the IK-3, also known as ‘The Polar Wolf’ colony. As per his associates, Russia moved the Putin critic to an Arctic prison, cut off from the outside world. How dangerous is it? Here’s all you need to know about the remote and harsh correctional facility called the IK-3 Penal Colony. 

IK-3 is situated in Russia’s Arctic, in Kharp, a settlement in the Yamal-Nenets autonomous district some 2,000 kilometres northeast of Moscow. It is situated in an area with extremely harsh weather conditions. 


Quoting Navalny ally Ivan Zhdanov, Moscow Times reports that the IK-3, which was founded in 1961 on the site of a former Soviet gulag forced labour camp, is ‘one of the most northern and remote’ prison colonies in Russia. 


As per human rights defender Igor Kalyapin, “The conditions (in special-regime colonies) are quite terrible. Kalyapin told Moscow Times, “It is clear that this (Navalny transfer) is detention in maximum isolation.” He added, “I think that Navalny was sent so far precisely in order to ensure this maximum possible physical isolation, so even taking a trip there would be a problem.”


As per an old article by Russian journalist Leonid Nikitinsky, “IK-3 has always functioned as a colony for especially dangerous repeat offenders.” 


Ivan Vostrikov, who was previously Navalny’s former Tyumen regional coordinator, who has visited Kharp, said, “It is almost impossible to escape from there — there are hundreds of kilometres of tundra on one side, and the mountains of the Polar Urals on the other.”


Inmates at the ‘Polar Wolf’ colony reportedly face harsh conditions, including limited resources and basic amenities. Accounts from current and former IK-3 prisoners make mention of particularly harsh environment, as well as physical and psychological brutality. Some prisoners, as per media outlet Vyorstka, also complained about a lack of clothing and other essentials in the colony. 


Here’s all you need to know about Alexei Navalny's new home, the remote and harsh correctional facility called the IK-3 Penal Colony.

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Why do fighter jet pilots wear oxygen masks even when flying at lower altitudes?

Kareena Kapoor to Kiara Advani: 9 Bollywood-inspired looks to try this Diwali

Before you watch Ramayana on Nov 5: Hans Zimmer’s score, runtime, part 2 release date and all you need to know

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