Kenya has initiated its largest-ever rhino relocation, aiming to move 21 critically endangered rhinos to a new location. The challenging process involves tracking, darting, and transporting the rhinos hundreds of miles in trucks. A previous attempt in 2018 resulted in the death of all 11 relocated rhinos. The current project faced initial challenges when a rhino was not subdued by a tranquiliser dart, prompting its release to avoid harm. The relocation, involving both male and female black rhinos, will span weeks as they move from three conservation parks to the Loisaba Conservancy in central Kenya, according to the Kenya Wildlife Service.
Bulgari introduces Kada bracelet in India
Renowned jewellers Bulgari are honouring the traditional Indian bangle, the Kada, with their exclusive 'B. zero1 Kada Bracelet.' Made in yellow gold, this unique creation pays homage to India's rich cultural connection with precious metals and stones. Symbolising "modern India," it seamlessly blends deeply rooted traditions with contemporary, global perspectives. Commenting on the occasion, Jean-Christophe Babin, Bulgari CEO, said, “With this important launch we wish to honour the Kada, recognizing its eternal meaning deeply rooted in Indian culture. The B. zero1 Kada bracelet is a jewel that embodies contemporary design and tradition at the same time, maintaining the consistency of the past reinterpreted in a contemporary form and with the same spirit of India, yesterday and today.”
Sanjay Virmani to lead FBI Counterterrorism Division in DC
FBI Director Christopher Wray has appointed Sanjay Virmani as the special agent in charge of the Counterterrorism Division at the Washington Field Office. Formerly the deputy assistant director in the Counterterrorism Division at FBI Headquarters in Washington, DC, Virmani started his FBI career as a special agent in 2003, specialising in cyber and counterterrorism matters at the San Francisco Field Office. Over the years, he progressed to supervisory roles, including leading the San Francisco Field Office's Joint Terrorism Task Force in 2010. In 2013, Virmani was chosen to head the INTERPOL Digital Crime Center in Singapore, overseeing operational support for Interpol's 190 member countries in addressing cybercrime threats.
Bobi Wine, Ugandan opposition leader, claims house arrest
Ugandan opposition leader and ex-presidential candidate Bobi Wine stated that his residence was surrounded by police, placing him "under house arrest" in anticipation of a scheduled protest. The opposition had organised demonstrations highlighting the state of Uganda's roads, coinciding with two global summits hosted by the country this month. Wine, a former pop star turned politician, reported being prevented from leaving his home in Magere, situated north of the capital Kampala, by police and soldiers.. "The cowardly military and police have surrounded our home and put us under house arrest but the protest is on," the National Unity Platform (NUP) leader said on his official social media accounts. "Fix our roads! Free Political Prisoners! Free Uganda!"
Kenya cult leader charged with ‘terrorism’ over starvation deaths
In a Kenyan court, cult leader Paul Mackenzie, self-proclaimed pastor and head of the Good News International Church, has been charged with "terrorism"-related offences, along with 94 others, in connection with the deaths of 429 of his followers. The bodies were discovered in the Shakahola forest near the Indian Ocean, leading to Mackenzie's arrest last April. These charges, marking the first legal action against him, were officially announced during a court appearance in the southeastern city of Mombasa. Mackenzie and his co-defendants faced accusations of inciting their acolytes in southeastern Kenya to starve themselves and their children to death, purportedly in a belief that this drastic action would enable them to ascend to heaven before the impending end of the world.
Six temples attacked In California In 2 weeks: Indian-American politician
Democratic candidate Ritesh Tandon, vying for the US House seat in California's 17th Congressional District, asserted that multiple temples have been vandalised in the last two weeks. Tandon criticised Senator Aisha Wahab, accusing her of inaction following the attacks on the temples in California. He suggested that it could be an opportune moment to contemplate a recall, specifically mentioning Senator Wahab. "Today, we held a protest rally in front of Senator Wahab's office, seeking a meeting with her or her staff. Unfortunately, despite it being within office hours on a working day, the office was closed. This situation highlights the use of your tax dollars and suggests it might be time to consider a recall," he wrote on X - formerly known as Twitter.
Chinese company grants employee "Mood Leave" for unusual reason
A woman in China gained attention when her company approved "mood leave" for her due to her dissatisfaction with the absence of snow in her location, as reported by the media. The incident sparked various reactions on Chinese social media platforms. Hailing from Hangzhou in Zhejiang province, the woman shared a video online detailing the process of obtaining this distinctive leave. In the clip, she is seen filling out the leave application form and stating the reason as "it isn't snowing in Hangzhou and I am feeling emotional". According to the woman, the company has always offered "mood leave" in addition to leaves on Women's Day, Children's Day and breaks for weddings and bereavement.
Zombie' virus frozen for 48,500 years in Arctic could trigger Pandemic
Scientists are sounding the alarm about the potential hazards of viruses lurking beneath ice caps, particularly in the Arctic. The melting Arctic permafrost, driven by global warming, could unleash dormant 'zombie viruses,' leading to a potential global health crisis, warns a media report. The threat intensifies with rising temperatures causing the thawing of frozen ice. To comprehend the risks associated with these viruses, a scientist successfully revived some from samples collected in Siberian permafrost last year. These viruses have remained frozen in the ground for thousands of years. Geneticist Jean-Michel Claverie of Aix-Marseille University said, "At the moment, analyses of pandemic threats focus on diseases that might emerge in southern regions and then spread north. By contrast, little attention has been given to an outbreak that might emerge in the far north and then travel south - and that is an oversight, I believe. There are viruses up there that have the potential to infect humans and start a new disease outbreak."