Islamabad: Pakistan began its two-year tenure as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on January 1, with Ambassador Munir Akram saying that the Pakistani delegation will play an “active and constructive” role in addressing key challenges facing the world. “Our presence will be felt in the Security Council,” Ambassador Akram, Pakistan’s…
Christchurch: Ichthyosaurs were reptiles that swam in the seas during the time of the dinosaurs. They evolved separately around 250 million years ago, possibly from a crocodile-like ancestor, to resemble fish and modern dolphins. Then, they went extinct around 94 million years ago. In 2010, palaeontologist James Crampton discovered a partial ichthyosaur skeleton while working…
Lucknow: Five members of a family were found murdered inside a hotel here early on Wednesday, police said. The accused has been arrested, a senior police officer said. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Central Lucknow, Raveena Tyagi, said the incident took place at Hotel Sharanjit in Naka area of the state capital. “The accused, identified as…
If there were an Olympic sport for stooping low, the Indian opposition might just clinch gold every time. Case in point: the recent antics of Vivek Srivatsav of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), who called for the court-martial of the Indian Army Chief. His crime? Performing a Hindu puja alongside Defense Minister Rajnath Singh….
Washington: The H-1B visa debate exposes a rift in the Republican Party, balancing nationalist opposition to foreign labour and pro-business advocacy for global talent, impacting U.S. innovation and economic growth strategies. The H-1B visa program, which allows skilled foreign professionals to work in the US, has become a hot potato within the Republican Party, revealing…
Mumbai: In what would be a red letter day for the Indian Navy, two frontline warships Nilgiri and Surat, and submarine Vaghsheer would be commissioned on January 15 adding significantly to the blue water force. This was the first time that two warships and a submarine would be commissioned parallel on the same day. All…
New Delhi: India on Wednesday declared 2025 as the year of defence reforms and that the aim will be to facilitate rolling out integrated theatre commands to bolster synergy among the three services and transform the military into a technologically-advanced combat-ready force. The broader aim of the reforms planned by the defence ministry would be…
Sabarimala (Kerala): The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has announced the temporary suspension of issuing special passes for Sabarimala devotees arriving on foot via the forest route. This decision was taken to prevent prolonged waiting times for darshan among devotees arriving through Pamba using the virtual queue system and spot booking, Devaswom Board member A Ajikumar…
Sydney: It’s just past midnight in the cool, ancient forests of Tasmania. We’ve spent a long day and night surveying endangered Tasmanian devils. All around, small animals scurry through bushes. A devil calls in the darkness. Microbats swoop and swirl as a spotted-tailed quoll slips through the shadows. Working here is spine-tingling and electric. Weeks…
Queensland: In addition to the annual parade of star pictures or constellations passing above our heads each night, there are always exciting events to look out for in the sky. The year 2025 is no exception and has its fair share of such events. Though the night sky is more spectacular than a dark country…
