09 jili

In a significant move for Indian wildlife conservation, Union Minister Bhupender Yadav has inaugurated new state-of-the-art facilities at the Wildlife Institute of India. These include an advanced Pashmina certification center and a cutting-edge DNA sequencing facility. The recent developments stem from groundwork laid last year with the initiation of the Pashmina Certification Centre, which has now been expanded to include next-generation sequencing (NGS) capabilities. NGS technology is pivotal for genetic research, allowing scientists to decode genomes with high throughput, providing insights into genetic diversity and population health crucial for protecting biodiversity. The facility enhances India's capacity for genomic research in wildlife conservation. (With inputs from agencies.)By Michele Brosius The holiday season sparks lively discussions about traditions and preferences – from pumpkin spice to candy corn and the timing of Christmas decorations. Once the tree is up and the halls are decked, the question becomes how long holiday decorations should stay – is there a perfect timeline, or is it all about personal choice and sentimental value? For some, clearing the decorations right after New Year’s symbolizes a fresh start. Others follow tradition and keep the festive spirit alive until the Twelfth Night on Jan. 5. Then, some stretch the season further – leaving lights aglow months after the holiday ends – prompting the age-old question: When to take down Christmas decorations? Once central to winter solstice celebrations, evergreen trees symbolized life during the darkest days. By the 16th century, candles were added to represent Christ’s light, and the tradition spread through Europe and America, evolving with tinsel, glass ornaments and electric lights. Today, Christmas decor reflects diverse styles, from traditional red and green to minimalist or trendy themes like pink Christmas. Whether rustic, glamorous or nature inspired, modern decorations allow for a personalized festive atmosphere. In some families, tradition dictates that all decorations come down on Epiphany, Jan. 6, marking the Twelfth Night when the Wise Men visited baby Jesus. Others prefer not to wait that long, taking down the tree the morning after Christmas and cleaning the house in time for New Year’s Eve festivities. You might be one of those people who would appreciate a year-round tree if you love Christmas, the holiday candies that come with it and the warm and cozy feeling of having a glowing tree in the corner of your room. The internet is full of year-round Christmas tree decor ideas like a sparkly heart-themed Valentine’s Day tree or a pretty pastel tree to welcome spring. According to a 2023 poll on Bob Vila , 16% of respondents said they take their Christmas decor down immediately following the holiday. Just over 60% of respondents said they typically leave decorations up until the conclusion of Epiphany – and the remainder – 21% of poll participants – indicated that they enjoy keeping their decorations in place at least until the end of January. For many, deciding when to take holiday decor down results from several factors. These include whether or not they need to get their closets or garage storage space back in order, the types of decor and if it’s fragile or a family heirloom that requires greater care. The availability of community recycling and environmental waste disposal can also be a factor for those opting for a real tree over an artificial one. The National Fire Protection Association reports that most Christmas tree fires occur in January, often due to dried-out trees that pose a heightened fire risk. Safety is key if you plan to keep your real tree up for an extended period. Proper care and precautions can help ensure Christmas tree safety throughout the holiday season. Water your tree daily to keep it from drying out and becoming a fire hazard. Position the tree away from heat sources like radiators or fireplaces, which can accelerate drying and increase risk. Check that all lights are in good condition, avoid any frayed cords or broken bulbs and always turn off the lights before leaving the house or going to bed. Another important consideration is the higher energy bills in keeping Christmas tree lights and outdoor holiday lighting running throughout the day. While there are energy-efficient LED lights on the market, given the additional expenses acquired during the holiday season, keeping electricity bills down during this time can be a priority for some. When you finally put your decorations away, making them last will require proper care and storage. Wrap fragile decorations individually in tissue paper or bubble wrap, and store them in sturdy, divided containers to prevent breakage. Wrap string lights around cardboard or a spool to avoid tangling, and check for any damaged bulbs before storage. Artificial trees should be disassembled and stored in their original box or a tree bag to protect against dust and moisture. Keep all decorations in a cool, dry space, away from extreme temperatures or humidity. Proper storage ensures your decorations stay in great condition for many holiday seasons to come. Deciding when to take down Christmas decorations is a personal choice shaped by tradition, practicality and lifestyle. Whether you follow a historical timeline like Epiphany, embrace a New Year’s refresh or extend the festive spirit, the key is finding what suits your home and schedule. Your lifestyle and preferences will dictate the best answer to how long Christmas decorations should stay up, and when it comes down to it, if someone isn’t contributing to the household or paying your energy bill, then their opinion on the topic shouldn’t matter. Do what makes you and your family happy and let the grinches of the world scowl from afar. Michele Brosius is the creator of Midlife Healthy Living where she expertly combines her love for cooking with budget-conscious nutrition strategies. Through her blog, she encourages women to embrace a healthier lifestyle with simple recipes and wellness tips.09 jili 。

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Tweet Facebook Mail Two Australians were among the six pedestrians struck by a taxi in midtown Manhattan overnight. A nine-year-old boy and his mum, who are said to be visiting New York , were among those injured in the incident when they became trapped under the vehicle. Ryan Tucker, whose wife was struck on the shoulder by the cab, said after he checked his wife was OK, he went to help the young boy. READ MORE: Speculation mounts about cause of Azerbaijan plane crash The taxi that struck six people, including an Australian woman and her son, in New York on Christmas Day. (Supplied) "He was trapped under the tyre, and when we moved the car back, [we] realised that what ended up being his mum was underneath the car," Tucker told CBS News . "She was coherent, she was talking to her son, smiling, trying to help keep him calm." Video shared on social media shows a group of people rocking the taxi back to free the mother and son. Tucker said the boy, who was hospitalised with an injury to his thigh, told him it was the worst holiday ever. Ryan Tucker, whose wife was struck on the shoulder by the cab, said after he checked his wife was OK, he went to help the young boy. (CBS) Two others were also transported to hospitals for their injuries, all in a stable condition, including a 41-year-old woman who reportedly suffered a head injury and a 49-year-old woman who reportedly suffered a leg injury. Three others, reportedly aged 19, 37 and 49, refused medical attention. A New York Police Department spokesperson said the 58-year-old taxi driver may have suffered a medical episode, but the investigation had yet to confirm that as the cause. A NY Police department spokesperson said the 58-year-old driver may have suffered a medical episode (CBS) The taxi jumped the curb near Macy's flagship store at Herald Square about 4pm on Wednesday (8am Thursday AEDT) and hit the pedestrians on the footpath, police said, adding that the driver remained at the scene. Video footage from the scene showed a damaged yellow taxi on the sidewalk cordoned off by police tape. The car's front bumper appeared to have fallen off. The taxi was towed away later in the evening. DOWNLOAD THE 9NEWS APP : Stay across all the latest in breaking news, sport, politics and the weather via our news app and get notifications sent straight to your smartphone. Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play .

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Published 18:06 IST, December 21st 2024 A US judge has ruled in favor of WhatsApp in a lawsuit accusing Israel's NSO Group of exploiting a bug in the messaging app to install spy software allowing unauthorized surveillance. Meta vs NSO Group: A US judge has ruled in favor of Meta Platforms' WhatsApp in a lawsuit accusing Israel's NSO Group of exploiting a bug in the messaging app to install spy software allowing unauthorized surveillance. US District Judge Phyllis Hamilton in Oakland, California, granted a motion by WhatsApp and found NSO liable for hacking and breach of contract. The case will now proceed to a trial only on the issue of damages, Hamilton said. NSO Group did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment. Will Cathcart, the head of WhatsApp , said the ruling is a win for privacy. "We spent five years presenting our case because we firmly believe that spyware companies could not hide behind immunity or avoid accountability for their unlawful actions," Cathcart said in a social media post. “Surveillance companies should be on notice that illegal spying will not be tolerated.” Cybersecurity experts welcomed the judgment. John Scott-Railton, a senior researcher with Canadian internet watchdog Citizen Lab — which first brought to light NSO’s Pegasus spyware in 2016 — called the judgment a landmark ruling with “huge implications for the spyware industry.” “The entire industry has hidden behind the claim that whatever their customers do with their hacking tools, it's not their responsibility,” he said in an instant message. “Today's ruling makes it clear that NSO Group is in fact responsible for breaking numerous laws.” WhatsApp in 2019 sued NSO seeking an injunction and damages, accusing it of accessing WhatsApp servers without permission six months earlier to install the Pegasus software on victims' mobile devices. The lawsuit alleged the intrusion allowed the surveillance of 1,400 people, including journalists, human rights activists and dissidents. NSO had argued that Pegasus helps law enforcement and intelligence agencies fight crime and protect national security and that its technology is intended to help catch terrorists, pedophiles and hardened criminals. NSO appealed a trial judge's 2020 refusal to award it "conduct-based immunity," a common law doctrine protecting foreign officials acting in their official capacity. Upholding that ruling in 2021, the San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals called it an "easy case" because NSO's mere licensing of Pegasus and offering technical support did not shield it from liability under a federal law called the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act, which took precedence over common law. The U.S. Supreme Court last year turned away NSO's appeal of the lower court's decision, allowing the lawsuit to proceed. Updated 18:06 IST, December 21st 2024Chris Packham quits RSPCA role over cruelty claimsBadshah breaks silence on Diljit Dosanjh's alcohol controversy Badshah unites with Diljit Dosanjh amid ongoing controversy Bollywood Rapper Badshah has extended his support to Diljit Dosanjh for the ongoing debate over Diljit's controversial songs. The social media users sparked an outrage over the singer's alcohol-themed songs. But, Badshah called out the netizens for their apparent double standards in targeting musicians, while the liquor is being sold almost everywhere in the country. During an Interview with Sahitya Aaj Tak , the Soulmate vocalist expressed unity with the Case singer's recent remarks that he would stop performing alcohol-related songs the moment liquor stores shut down nationwide. The 40-year-old made these statements after being advised to avoid singing tracks that endorse alcohol at one of his shows. "He is totally right. You are telling him not to sing or make songs about alcohol but then you're selling liquor everywhere." "Why shouldn't they be made? An artist represents society and that's what makes them relevant and the reason why people love them. They speak about things that the whole world wants to say," the 39-year-old added. On the work front, Badshah marked his commercial success after the release of DJ Waley Babu. The song became a massive hit, gaining over 50 Million views in 24 hours of release. A.R Rahman's son defends father amid Mohini Dey rumours Shah Rukh Khan’s daughter Suhana faces backlash after new commercial Ranbir Kapoor's sister exposes 'shocking' truth about Alia Bhatt's hidden bond Dua Lipa makes major confession about Bollywood celebrity