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Four Tourists Die from Suspected Methanol Poisoning in Laos

Four foreign tourists, including a young Australian woman, have died from suspected methanol poisoning after consuming tainted alcohol in Vang Vieng, Laos, a popular backpacker destination. The Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, confirmed the death of 19-year-old Bianca Jones, while her friend Holly Bowles remains in critical condition on life support in a Bangkok hospital. Two Danish citizens and an American were also reported dead following a night out on November 12. Authorities in Australia and the UK have issued warnings about the risks of methanol poisoning in Laos, where contaminated alcohol can lead to severe health issues, including death. The Nana Backpackers Hostel, where Jones and Bowles stayed, has since deactivated its social media accounts and ceased bookings. The incident highlights ongoing safety concerns for tourists in the region, especially regarding the consumption of alcohol. sources

Published:
Nov 21 2024, 2 pm

Indian Woman, 24, Found Dead; Dowry Demands Suspected

In a tragic case that has drawn attention to dowry-related violence, 24-year-old Harshita Brella was found dead in the boot of a car in Ilford, UK, days after her suspected murder on November 10. Harshita, originally from Delhi, had married Pankaj Lamba in March 2023 but had been living separately due to alleged domestic abuse and ongoing dowry demands from his family. Her sister, Sonia, claims that despite providing significant dowry at the wedding, Pankaj continued to harass them for more. After a final video call on the night of her death, Harshita's family reported her missing when she became unreachable. Pankaj, who is currently missing, is believed to have fled to India shortly after the murder. An inquest has opened into Harshita's death, with preliminary findings indicating manual strangulation, as police continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding her tragic demise. sources

Published:
Nov 23 2024, 2 pm

Laos Government Mourns Deaths of Tourists from Contaminated Alcohol

The Laos government expressed deep sorrow on Saturday over the deaths of six foreign tourists in Vang Vieng, attributed to suspected methanol poisoning. Among the deceased are two Danish citizens, an American, a Briton, and two Australians, who fell ill following a night out on November 12. The latest victim, 19-year-old Australian Holly Bowles, died in a Bangkok hospital on Friday. Laos' Ministry of Foreign Affairs has extended condolences to the victims' families and announced an ongoing investigation, during which the Vietnamese manager of the hostel where the tourists stayed has been detained. Methanol, a toxic substance often used in industrial products, is suspected to have contaminated the alcohol consumed. Despite the tragedy, local businesses report that tourism in Vang Vieng continues as usual, with officials from Australia and the UK warning their citizens about the risks of methanol poisoning while in Laos. sources

Published:
Nov 23 2024, 2 pm

Ancient Hot Water on Mars Suggests Habitable Past

Australian researchers have unveiled the oldest direct evidence of hot water activity on Mars, suggesting the planet may have once been habitable. A study published on Saturday by a team from Curtin University examined a 4.45 billion-year-old zircon grain from the Martian meteorite NWA7034, also known as Black Beauty, discovered in the Sahara Desert in 2011. The zircon contained geochemical signatures of water-rich fluids, indicating the presence of water during early Martian magmatic activity. Co-author Aaron Cavosie highlighted that this finding could enhance our understanding of ancient Martian hydrothermal systems and their potential to support life. Despite significant meteorite impacts altering Mars' surface, the research indicates that water existed during the early Pre-Noachian period, prior to 4.1 billion years ago. The study, led by Jack Gillespie, also involved researchers from the University of Adelaide and underscores the importance of water as a key ingredient for habitable environments. sources

Published:
Nov 23 2024, 2 pm

NATO Chief Talks Global Security with Trump

NATO chief Mark Rutte met with US President-elect Donald Trump in Palm Beach, Florida, to discuss pressing global security challenges facing the alliance, according to NATO spokeswoman Farah Dakhlallah. The meeting, which took place on Friday, comes as Trump returns to the presidency amid concerns in Europe about the future of US military support for Ukraine. Rutte emphasized the importance of maintaining aid to Kyiv, highlighting the collaboration of adversaries such as North Korea, Iran, China, and Russia against Ukraine. He noted that Russia's actions, including technology transfers to North Korea, pose threats to both the US and continental Europe. Rutte expressed his eagerness to engage with Trump on strategies to collectively address these emerging threats, reflecting the ongoing tensions and security concerns within the NATO framework. sources

Published:
Nov 23 2024, 2 pm

Canada Will Follow UK on Netanyahu Arrest, Trudeau Says

Canada has joined the UK in expressing its intention to adhere to an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to international law, stating, “We stand up for international law, and we will abide by all the regulations and rulings of the international courts.” The ICC's warrants, issued on Thursday, target Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant for alleged "crimes against humanity" linked to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, which escalated after Hamas's attack on October 7, 2023. A warrant was also issued for Hamas's military chief, Mohammed Deif. The UK government has indicated that Netanyahu could face arrest if he travels to Britain, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer's spokesman confirming the UK’s compliance with legal obligations but refraining from commenting on potential police actions regarding the warrant. sources

Published:
Nov 23 2024, 3 pm

Google Sells Chrome: A Win for Competitors?

US antitrust lawyers have urged a judge to mandate the sale of Google’s Chrome browser to curb the company's dominance in the market, a move that could significantly impact its business model. The Department of Justice submitted its recommendation to US District Court Judge Amit Mehta, who is expected to announce measures next year to tackle Google's monopoly in online search. Analysts suggest that divesting Chrome, which boasts over three billion users, could be worth at least $15 billion, though predicting its market value remains complex. While some speculate on potential buyers, including AI firms, the court's decision is uncertain, especially with the incoming Trump administration's stance against breaking up Google. Trump previously expressed concerns that dismantling Google could harm US interests globally. The outcome could reshape the competitive landscape of the internet, but analysts believe users will continue to favor Chrome as long as its quality remains high. sources

Published:
Nov 23 2024, 12 pm

Viral Japanese Trend: Hot Melted Glue Makeup

A new beauty trend in Japan, dubbed "3D teardrop make-up," is gaining popularity among teenage girls, according to the _South China Morning Post_. This unconventional style involves using hot melted glue to create tear-like droplets, which are then applied to the face to evoke a delicate, sympathetic look. The trend has rapidly spread across schools, leading to a reported shortage of hot glue guns. However, it has sparked concern among netizens, with many warning of potential burns and criticizing the trend as "ridiculous." Experts advise against applying hot glue directly to the skin and recommend using safe surfaces for creating the designs. This is not the first instance of hot glue being used in beauty trends; a TikTok creator previously showcased a similar technique for an eyeliner look, attracting millions of views. As with many viral trends, experts caution about the risks associated with such practices. sources

Published:
Nov 23 2024, 1 pm

China's Giant Sinkholes: Tourist Attractions with Hidden Dangers

China's sinkholes, particularly in Guangxi province, have become popular tourist attractions, drawing visitors eager to explore their ancient ecosystems. These “tiankeng,” or “heavenly pits,” range from 100 to 300 metres deep and are steeped in local myths of demons and ghosts. While the sites are increasingly accessible through guided tours and extreme sports, experts warn that the surge in tourism could jeopardize the fragile habitats within these sinkholes. Fei Ge, a tour guide and early explorer, recalls the legends surrounding these pits and the groundbreaking discoveries of rare species made by scientists. With around two-thirds of the world's sinkholes located in China, Dr. Lina Shen emphasizes the need for conservation, advocating for measures like hot air balloons and drones to allow safe observation while protecting these unique ecosystems from human interference. sources

Published:
Nov 23 2024, 1 pm

Israeli Missiles Hit Residential Building in Central Beirut

An Israeli airstrike on November 23, 2024, devastated a residential building in Beirut's Basta neighborhood, with five missiles reported to have struck the eight-storey structure on Al-Mamoun Street. Lebanese state media described the incident as a "horrific massacre," with AFP journalists documenting at least three significant explosions in the city. This attack follows a series of bombardments in southern Beirut targeting Hezbollah positions, including a prior strike that demolished an 11-storey building. The Lebanese health ministry reported that Israeli airstrikes in the region have resulted in the deaths of five paramedics affiliated with Hezbollah. The ongoing violence highlights the escalating conflict between Israel and the militant group, raising concerns about civilian safety amidst the military operations. sources

Published:
Nov 23 2024, 1 pm

Indian 'Dirty Harry' Convicted in Gujarati Family's Freezing Death

A Minnesota jury has convicted two men, including Indian national Harshkumar Ramanlal Patel, of human smuggling charges linked to the tragic deaths of an Indian migrant family who froze while attempting to cross the Canada-US border during a blizzard in January 2022. Patel, 29, and Florida resident Steve Shand, 50, were found guilty on four counts, including conspiracy to bring migrants into the US illegally, with serious charges carrying potential sentences of up to 20 years. The family, originally from Gujarat, India, comprised Jagdish Patel, his wife Vaishaliben, and their two young children, who were among a group of eleven undocumented migrants. Prosecutors emphasized the cruelty of the smuggling operation, which prioritized profit over human life. Testimony during the trial revealed the dangers faced by migrants and the extensive network involved in facilitating their illegal entry into the US, with some paying up to $100,000 for the perilous journey. sources

Published:
Nov 23 2024, 1 pm

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