Amber Discovered For the First Time in Antarctica: What You Need to Know

The discovery of amber in Antarctica has been reported for the first time, as detailed in a recent study published in Antarctic Science. Dr. Johann Klages from the University of Bremen, alongside a team of researchers, uncovered this specimen in sediment cores from the Pine Island trough in West Antarctica. This ancient amber, originating from approximately 83 to 92 million years ago during the mid-Cretaceous period, offers valuable insights into prehistoric environmental conditions near the South Pole.

Unveiling the First Antarctic Amber

The study was published in Antarctic Science journal and reveals that the amber, known as Pine Island amber, was retrieved using the MARUM-MeBo70 drill rig during a 2017 expedition on the RV Polarstern vessel. This mid-Cretaceous resin is considered a significant breakthrough as it suggests that a swampy temperate rainforest, dominated by coniferous trees, thrived in the region during a much warmer period in Earth's history. According to Dr. Henny Gerschel from the Saxon State Office for the Environment, Agriculture and Geology, the amber likely contains tiny fragments of tree bark, preserved through micro-inclusions. Its solid, translucent quality indicates that it was buried close to the surface, protecting it from thermal degradation.

Insights into Prehistoric Forest Ecosystems

The presence of pathological resin flow within the amber offers clues into the defence mechanisms used by ancient trees against environmental stressors like parasites or wildfires. "This discovery hints at a much richer forest ecosystem near the South Pole during the mid-Cretaceous," Dr. Klages explained, noting the resin's defensive chemical and physical properties that protected it from insect attacks and infections.

Reconstructing Ancient Antarctic Environments

The amber's discovery marks a key step in reconstructing ancient polar climates, supporting the idea that temperate forests once spanned across all continents. Researchers aim to explore further by analysing whether signs of past life are preserved in the amber. This study, beyond unearthing Antarctic amber, opens new opportunities to deepen understanding of Earth's climatic past and the adaptability of prehistoric ecosystems.

 

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Iran Plans To Send Women Protesting Hijab Mandate To Psychiatric Facilities

The Iranian state is planning to open a treatment clinic for women who flout the mandatory hijab laws that require them to cover their heads in public. Announcing the opening of a "hijab removal treatment clinic", Mehri Talebi Darestani, the head of the Women and Family Department of the Tehran Headquarters for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice said the establishment will offer "scientific and psychological treatment for hijab removal".

"The establishment of this center will be for the scientific and psychological treatment of removing the hijab, specifically for the teenage generation, young adults, and women seeking social and Islamic identity and visiting this center is optional," a report by Iran International quoted Talebi as saying.

Notably, the Women and Family Department of the Tehran Headquarters for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice falls under the direct authority of Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei. The body is reportedly responsible for defining and enforcing strict religious standards in Iran, particularly those related to women's dress.

Move Sparks Outrage

The announcement came weeks after a university student, who stripped down to her underwear on a Tehran campus in an apparent protest at harsh treatment by dress code enforcers, was detained and sent to a psychiatric hospital for mental health treatment.

The news of the new clinic has spread among the "Woman, Life, Freedom" protest groups and women, sparking fear and outrage.

Speaking with The Guardian on the condition of anonymity, a young woman from Iran said, "It won't be a clinic, it will be a prison."

"We are struggling to make ends meet and have power outages, but a piece of cloth is what this state is worried about. If there was a time for all of us to come back to the streets, it's now or they'll lock us all up," she said. 

According to Iranian human rights lawyer, Hossein Raeesi, the idea of a clinic to treat women who did not comply with hijab laws is "neither Islamic nor aligned with Iranian law". 

Use Of Psychiatric Facilities To Curb Dissent

Iranian authorities have been widely accused of using mental health institutions to curb the dissent against the strict hijab law. The method has been condemned by human rights advocates as psychologically abusive and manipulative.

Speaking to The Guardian, Sima Sabet, a UK-based Iranian journalist who was a target of an Iranian assassination attempt last year, said the move is “shameful”.

“The idea of establishing clinics to ‘cure' unveiled women is chilling, where people are separated from society simply for not conforming to the ruling ideology," she said.

Since the "Woman, Life, Freedom" movement began, hardliners have increased efforts to enforce strict dress codes for women. Artists, including actresses Afsaneh Bayegan, Azadeh Samadi, and Leila Bolukat, who posted images of themselves without a hijab, reportedly received court-ordered mandates for weekly visits to psychological centers for mental health certificates in response to their conduct.

The "Woman, Life, Freedom" movement began in Iran after the death of young woman Mahsa Amini in police custody over hijab violations in September 2022.

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Alien: Romulus OTT Release Date Reportedly Revealed: When and Where to Watch it Online?

Sci-fi horror enthusiasts who missed Alien: Romulus in cinemas will soon have the chance to experience it on OTT platform. Directed by acclaimed Uruguayan filmmaker Fede Alvarez, the film is an addition to the Alien franchise. It follows three siblings—space colonists struggling for survival on a desolate mining planet—who encounter terrifying extraterrestrial creatures after boarding a seemingly abandoned space station. Initially hoping for resources to sustain them, the colonists instead face relentless threats, battling for their lives against hostile authorities, depleting resources, and deadly alien creatures.

When and Where to Watch Alien: Romulus

As per a report by Streaming Updates, the Alien: Romulus might premiere on Disney+ Hotstar on November 21, 2024. The tweet further mentions that the movie might be available in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and English languages. 

Official Trailer and Plot of Alien: Romulus

The trailer for Alien: Romulus teases a dark, thrilling journey as the protagonists discover long-abandoned cryo-pods on the space station, setting the stage for a gripping survival tale. Trapped within the hostile station, siblings Rain (played by Cailee Spaeny) and her adopted brother Andy (portrayed by David Jonsson) face dwindling supplies and escalating threats from vicious xenomorphs.

Cast and Crew of Alien: Romulus

Fede Alvarez, known for his expertise in horror and suspense, directs the latest Alien instalment. The cast includes Cailee Spaeny and David Jonsson, whose performances have drawn praise for enhancing the film's emotional depth and tension.

Reception of Alien: Romulus

Following its theatrical release on August 16, Alien: Romulus achieved remarkable box-office success, grossing Rs. 3,500 crore globally. The film has gained 7.2 on IMDb and holds an 80% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

 

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Best Bollywood Movies on OTT Platforms to Binge Watch Online

Viewers have the chance to immerse themselves in a lineup of diverse Bollywood films available on popular streaming platforms. From visually stunning adventures to heartfelt dramas, each movie promises unique entertainment for the holiday season. Here's a selection of films that cater to every cinematic taste, bringing themes of friendship, patriotism, mythology and humour right into viewers' homes.

Brahmastra: Part One – Shiva

Ayan Mukerji's Brahmastra: Part One – Shiva is a spectacular visual journey combining mythology and modern storytelling. Starring Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, this film features intricate action sequences and top-notch VFX, making it ideal for fans of fantasy and adventure.

Available on Disney+ Hotstar

Sardar Udham

In a powerful portrayal, Vicky Kaushal stars as Udham Singh, a revolutionary freedom fighter, in this Shoojit Sircar-directed historical drama. Known for its intense narrative, Sardar Udham offers viewers a deeply moving experience of patriotism and sacrifice, perfect for those seeking a thoughtful Diwali watch.

Available on Amazon Prime Video

Shershaah

Inspired by the life of Captain Vikram Batra, Shershaah is a war drama that brings a mix of action and emotion to the screen. Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani's performances in this biographical story of bravery make it an inspiring addition to a Diwali viewing list.

Available on Amazon Prime Video

Gehraiyaan

Starring Deepika Padukone, Siddhant Chaturvedi and Ananya Panday, Gehraiyaan delves into complex human relationships. Known for its intense and layered storyline, the film is suited for those looking to explore themes of love, betrayal and self-reflection.

Available on Amazon Prime Video

Laal Singh Chaddha

An adaptation of Forrest Gump, Laal Singh Chaddha brings Aamir Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan together in a tale of resilience and destiny. The film's uplifting narrative about overcoming life's challenges offers a heartening choice for the Diwali season.

Available on Netflix

Jugjugg Jeeyo

A light-hearted family drama, Jugjugg Jeeyo stars Varun Dhawan, Kiara Advani, Anil Kapoor and Neetu Kapoor, presenting themes of family unity and love. The blend of humour and emotion in this film makes it an ideal watch for festive gatherings.

Available on Amazon Prime Video

Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2

For a dose of laughter and spooks, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 featuring Kartik Aaryan brings a comedic twist to the horror genre. The film, a blockbuster upon release, is perfect for viewers seeking lighter, enjoyable content this Diwali.

Available on Netflix

Mimi

Kriti Sanon stars in Mimi, a film that balances themes of surrogacy and motherhood with warmth and humour. Known for its emotional depth, it's a feel-good choice for viewers in the festive spirit.

Available on Netflix

Uunchai

Uunchai tells the story of three elderly friends who embark on a transformative journey to the Himalayas, starring Amitabh Bachchan, Anupam Kher and Boman Irani. This film about friendship and adventure makes for an inspiring Diwali watch.

Available on ZEE5

Sooryavanshi

Directed by Rohit Shetty, Sooryavanshi is packed with high-octane action and a patriotic storyline. Starring Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif, it's an ideal Diwali pick for fans of energetic and heroic dramas.

Available on Netflix

Pathaan

For a thrilling cinematic experience, Pathaan starring Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone and John Abraham offers intense action sequences and an engaging plot, making it a must-watch for the festive season.

Available on Amazon Prime Video

This curated selection offers something for every viewer, making the upcoming holiday season at home a memorable cinematic experience.

 

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Allu Arjun on Unstoppable OTT Release Date: When and Where to Watch it Online?

Allu Arjun, the acclaimed Telugu film star, is all set to appear on the popular talk show Unstoppable with NBK, hosted by veteran actor Nandamuri Balakrishna. Known for his recent success in Pushpa, Arjun's participation in the talk show is highly anticipated as he shares anecdotes about his career, inspiration, and his recent achievements. The special episode, which will be available on Aha on November 15, promises engaging moments between the two stars.

When and Where to Watch Unstoppable with NBK

The episode featuring Allu Arjun on Unstoppable with NBK will premiere on November 15 and will be accessible on the Aha streaming platform. The show, a favourite among Telugu audiences, brings Balakrishna and his guests into light-hearted yet thought-provoking conversations, providing fans with insights into their favourite stars.

Official Trailer and Plot of Allu Arjun's Unstoppable Episode

In the episode trailer, Allu Arjun speaks candidly about his inspirations, mentioning Megastar Chiranjeevi as a role model and sharing insights on his work alongside co-star Mahesh Babu. Additionally, a heartfelt appearance by his mother, Nirmala Garu, adds a unique personal touch, making this episode a sentimental viewing experience.

The trailer also teases playful banter between Balakrishna and Arjun, promising a mix of humour and warmth. He also talked about achieving a milestone with Pushpa, which earned him the National Award for Best Actor in 2023.

This marked a significant recognition for the Telugu film industry, as Arjun expressed pride in bringing this honour to his state. Pushpa 2: The Rule is scheduled for a grand release on December 5, with Arjun reprising his role as Pushpa Raj, alongside Rashmika Mandanna and Fahadh Faasil. This sequel will delve deeper into the protagonist's journey through the world of red sanders smuggling, building on the first film's success.

Cast and Crew of Unstoppable with NBK

Unstoppable with NBK features Nandamuri Balakrishna as the host, who engages his guests in candid discussions. In this episode, Allu Arjun joins as the special guest, with additional appearances by Arjun's family, adding a layer of personal connection to the conversation.

 

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Justice Sanjiv Khanna To Take Oath Today As 51st Chief Justice Of India

• President Droupadi Murmu will administer the oath of office to Justice Sanjiv Khanna at 10am.
• Justice Khanna will serve a six-month tenure as the Chief Justice of India and is expected to retire on May 13, 2025.
• Justice Khanna, 64, is the son of former Delhi High Court judge Justice Dev Raj Khanna and the nephew of prominent former Supreme Court judge H R Khanna.
• He started his legal career in 1983 as an advocate with the Delhi Bar Council. He was elevated to the Delhi High Court in 2005 and to the Supreme Court in 2019.
• He has experience in a wide range of legal fields, including constitutional law, taxation, arbitration, commercial law, and environmental law.
• He also worked as senior standing counsel for the Income Tax Department, representing the National Capital Territory of Delhi.
• Justice Khanna has been part of several landmark judgments -- including upholding the sanctity of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), and the scrapping of Article 370 that gave Jammu and Kashmir its special status.
• A bench he led also declared the electoral bonds scheme unconstitutional, underscoring the need for transparency in political funding.
• He was also part of the bench that granted interim bail to then Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal ahead of the Lok Sabha election, enabling him to campaign for the May0June Lok Sabha election this year.
• Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, meanwhile, became emotional on his last working day. Reflecting on his tenure, he said, "There is no greater feeling than being able to serve those in need."

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Trump Speaks To Putin, Urges Him To Not Escalate War In Ukraine: Report

US President-elect Donald Trump has spoken to Russian President Vladimir Putin and urged him not to escalate the war in Ukraine, the Washington Post reported Sunday.

Trump held the call from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida on Thursday, just days after his stunning election victory over Democratic rival Kamala Harris, the report said.

The president-elect's representatives did not immediately respond when asked by AFP for comment.

The Post, citing several people familiar with the call who spoke on the basis of anonymity, reported that Trump had reminded Putin of America's sizable military presence in Europe.

They said he also expressed an interest in further conversations to discuss "the resolution of Ukraine's war soon."

Trump's election is seen as carrying the potential to upend the almost three-year Ukraine conflict, as he insists on a quick end to the fighting and casts doubt on Washington's multi-billion dollar support for Kyiv.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke with Trump on Wednesday, with the Republican's billionaire backer Elon Musk also notably joining them on the call.

Zelensky described the call as "excellent," saying that he and Trump had agreed to "maintain close dialogue and advance our cooperation."

The outgoing Democratic administration of President Joe Biden has confirmed that it will send as much aid as possible to Ukraine before Trump's inauguration on January 20.

On Sunday, Biden's National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said the White House aims "to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position on the battlefield so that it is ultimately in the strongest possible position at the negotiating table."

This would include using the remaining $6 billion of funding for Ukraine available, Sullivan said.

'Losing your allowance'

The Russian government has given a cautious but mostly positive response to Trump's return, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov saying Sunday: "The signals are positive... At least he's talking about peace, and not about confrontation."

During his campaign, Trump repeatedly vowed to quickly end the Ukraine war -- even before he is sworn into office -- but without detailing his thinking.

Trump and his allies have railed against US funding for Ukraine, while insinuating that it helps fund a corrupt pro-war nexus of defense companies and foreign policy hawks.

Trump's eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., shared a clip Saturday on Instagram which showed Zelensky standing next to the president-elect with a caption reading: "POV (point of view): You're 38 days from losing your allowance."

Any quick deal in Ukraine is expected to require Kyiv to cede some of the territory it has lost to Russian invaders in Ukraine's south and east.

A former adviser to Trump, Bryanb Lanza, told the BBC on Saturday that Ukraine had to give up any ambition on regaining Crimea, for instance, which was occupied by Russia in 2014.

He said the US priority was for "peace and to stop the killing", although the Trump transition team clarified that he was not speaking on behalf of the president-elect.

Kyiv, though facing a manpower shortage and uncertainty over US support, has steadfastly opposed giving up territory and its European allies and weapons suppliers such as Britain and France are known to be nervous about unilateral moves by Trump.

Zelensky has said that giving up land or meeting other demands from the Kremlin would only embolden the Kremlin and provoke more aggression, a view shared by many European allies.

Trump "briefly raised the issue of land" in his call with Putin, the Post reported, without further details.

In recent months, both sides in the war have made moves seen as possible efforts to gain leverage ahead of eventual negotiations, with Ukraine seizing a chunk of Russian territory and Moscow's troops making advances in Ukraine.

This weekend brought the biggest drone attacks yet from both sides.

Russia fired 145 drones at Ukraine overnight, Zelensky said, while Russia said it had downed 34 Ukrainian drones targeting Moscow on Sunday.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Two Powerful Earthquakes Hit Cuba Within An Hour

Two powerful earthquakes rocked southern Cuba in quick succession on Sunday, US geologists said, as authorities said no tsunami alert was issued and no deaths immediately reported.

The US Geological Survey put the second, more powerful tremor at a magnitude of 6.8 and 14.6 miles (23.5 kilometers) deep, some 25 miles off the coast of Bartolome Maso, in southern Granma province.

It came just an hour after a first tremor, which the USGS put at a magnitude of 5.9, with the epicenter some nine miles beneath the ocean roughly 22 miles off Bartolome Maso. 

The state-run newspaper Granma said no deaths had been immediately reported, but that the quake had been felt throughout the Caribbean island nation.

"Here people quickly took to the streets because the ground moved very strongly," Andres Perez, a 65-year-old retiree who lives in downtown Santiago de Cuba, told AFP via telephone of the first quake. 

"It felt very strong really, my wife is a bundle of nerves," he added. 

The US tsunami warning system said no tsunami warning had been issued.

The tremor shook the island as it recovers from Hurricane Rafael, which hit the country's west as a Category 3 storm, leaving residents without power for two days. 

A 5.1 magnitude earthquake was recorded in October 2023 in Santiago de Cuba, without causing any damage. 

Another strong earthquake of magnitude 7.7 was recorded in January 2020 in the Caribbean Sea and was felt in several Cuban provinces, causing the evacuation of buildings in the capital Havana, with no damage reported.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Chelsea vs Arsenal: Pedro Neto Scores Stunner, Both Teams Re-Enter Top 4

Chelsea vs Arsenal Highlights Premier League: Chelsea and Arsenal played out a fascinating 1-1 draw in an enthralling London derby Premier League game. The result saw both sides re-enter the Top 4 of the Premier League. Gabriel Martinelli scored from a tight angle to give Arsenal the lead in the second half. However, hosts Chelsea fought back, with Pedro Neto scoring his first goal for the club. He equalised with a sensational long-range goal. Star players Bukayo Saka and Cole Palmer did not have a big impact on the game. The two sides sit on 19 points each, nine behind league leaders Liverpool and four behind Manchester City. (MATCH CENTER)

Here are the LIVE Updates of Chelsea vs Arsenal LIVE Score, Premier League 2024-25 Football, straight from Stamford Bridge, West London:

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"Unknown To Any Civilised System": Supreme Court On 'Bulldozer Justice'

The full text of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud's recent judgment on illegal demolitions in Uttar Pradesh mentions "justice through bulldozers is unknown to any civilised system of jurisprudence."

The Supreme Court on Wednesday had pulled up the UP government for an "illegal" demolition in 2019 while issuing directions to all states and Union Territories (UT) on the procedure to be followed during road-widening and removal of encroachments.

A bench of Chief Justice Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra had also directed the UP government to pay Rs 25 lakh compensation to the man whose house was razed in 2019 for a road-widening project.

"... There is a grave danger that if high-handed and unlawful behaviour is permitted by any wing or officer of the state, demolition of citizens' properties will take place as a selective reprisal for extraneous reasons," Chief Justice Chandracud said in the order.

"Citizens' voices cannot be throttled by a threat of destroying their properties and homesteads. The ultimate security which a human being possesses is to the homestead. The law does not undoubtedly condone unlawful occupation of public property and encroachments," he said.

"Bulldozer justice is simply unacceptable under the rule of law. If it were to be permitted, the constitutional recognition of the right to property under Article 300A would be reduced to a dead letter," the Supreme Court said.

The Supreme Court had then directed the UP chief secretary to conduct an inquiry into the matter pertaining to a house in Maharajganj district and take suitable action. The bench elaborated on the steps that a state or its instrumentality must undertake before taking action in pursuance to a road-widening project.

In case an encroachment was found, the state must issue notice to the encroacher to remove it and if the correctness and validity of the notice was objected to, the state would issue a "speaking order" keeping in mind the principles of natural justice, the Supreme Court said.

In a scenario of the objection being rejected, a reasonable notice would be given to the person against whom the adverse action was proposed, to remove the encroachment, it added.

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Yoga Teacher Buried Alive, Escapes Death Using Breathing Techniques

A 34-year-old Yoga teacher faked her death using breathing techniques and saved herself after allegedly being assaulted, strangled and then buried by a group of people who assumed she was dead, police said on Friday.

Five people, including a woman identified as Bindu and her friend named Satish Reddy who runs a detective agency in Bengaluru, have been arrested in connection with the incident, they said.

"Bindu suspected her husband of having an affair with the Yoga teacher and asked Reddy to keep a tab on the woman and her proximity to him. As part of the plan, Reddy allegedly befriended the victim some three months ago on the pretext of taking Yoga classes from her and during this period, he managed to gain her confidence," a police official said.

In her complaint, the victim alleged that on the pretext of showing some places around the city on October 23, he came to her house near Dibburahalli and took her in a car in which three other men were also present.

She alleged that they took her to a secluded spot on the outskirts of the city and allegedly stripped and assaulted her.

According to her, she was thrashed, threatened and strangled using a cable. She claimed that she played along, pretended to be unconscious and faked her death using breathing techniques.

"Assuming the woman died, the accused allegedly dug a pit and covered her body with thin layers of soil because they were in a hurry and feared to be caught. But before leaving, they took away all her gold jewellery," a senior police officer said.

She claimed that she later managed to wriggle out of the pit and with the help of some villagers, got clothes and managed to reach the police station to file a complaint, he said.

The woman was sent for a medical examination as per procedure and admitted to a hospital.

"Based on the complaint, we registered a case under sections of kidnapping, attempt to murder and other appropriate sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Based on the investigation, we arrested five people, including Reddy and Bindu, on November 6," the officer said.

The vehicle in which the victim was kidnapped was allegedly stolen from Bengaluru, police said, adding, the victim's jewellery has also been recovered with the arrests.

"We are trying to verify all the claims made by the victim. There were also some online money transactions between Bindu and the associates and we are investigating the money trail also," he added.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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