The investigation into reports of UFO sightings also concluded that there have been no efforts by US governments to keep the information of aliens hidden from the public. There is no evidence of aliens or extraterrestrial intelligence, a Pentagon report that examined the sighting of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) over the last century said on Friday. The report concluded that most of the sightings reported were misidentified ordinary objects and phenomena, a conclusion that matches the assessment of past US governments into the claims. The report from the Defense Department's All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (ARRO) analyzed US government investigations since 1945 of UFO sightings. The study which followed a 2022 Pentagon announcement also said that there were no efforts by the US government or private firms to keep the information about them secret. Flying objects: White House says no sign of alien activity "All investigative efforts, at all levels of classification, concluded that most sightings were ordinary objects and phenomena and the result of misidentification," said the report, which was mandated by Congress. Why was the investigation conducted? Over the past several years, US authorities have received a slew of reports of UFO sightings. In 2021, a government report that examined 144 sightings held that no evidence of any extraterrestrial life was found and it called for better data collection. The issue was once again brought to the fore last year after a retired Air Force intelligence officer testified to Congress that the US government hides a longstanding plan that reverse engineers unidentified flying objects. The authors of the report said they wanted to meticulously investigate the subject which has occupied many American minds over the years. "AARO recognizes that many people sincerely hold versions of these beliefs which are based on their perception of past experiences, the experiences of others whom they trust, or media and online outlets they believe to be sources of credible and verifiable information," the report said.    

After announcing that she would not return to Hong Kong from Canada, the pro-democracy activist says she fears China’s global reach. In August this year Agnes Chow crossed into mainland China filled with fear. The young activist was in the company of five national security police, taking her from her home in Hong Kong, on what she says was a “propaganda tour” organised by authorities in return for her being allowed to study overseas.   Police had told her the tour was mandatory if she wanted them to return her passport, which they’d confiscated years earlier as part of her bail conditions. Chow is a key figure in Hong Kong’s most significant pro-democracy movement in the last decade, pushing back against Beijing’s increasingly authoritarian rule in Hong Kong.   Chow says she was informed of the alarming demand to cross into mainland China – made outside any known regulation or law – in July, and was banned from telling her lawyer. “For that month I was really afraid that I wouldn’t be able to get back to Hong Kong,” she says. “If anything happened in mainland China no one would know, no one would come to rescue me. It was really horrible. And it was a total disrespect to the rule of law.”   Chow is speaking to the Guardian from Toronto, just days after revealing in an Instagram post that she had moved there to study, but had decided not to go back to Hong Kong, perhaps ever.   In 2020 she was jailed for seven months on convictions related to the 2019 protests that swept Hong Kong, and then arrested again in 2020 on accusations of “colluding with foreign forces” under the controversial national security law, introduced to crack down on the movement. Released on bail in 2021, she had to turn in her passport and report regularly to police.   But the pressure of life in Hong Kong – the constant vigilance, silence, and a lack of contact with anyone from her former political circles – had affected her mental health and she began to consider leaving.   Chow was accepted into a Canadian university course and asked the national security police if she could go. They demanded information about the course, timetable, accommodation and other records, and asked her to write a “repentance letter” saying she regretted her past political involvement, and commit to returning during semester breaks. Then they said she was going on a day trip to mainland China. “I’m not sure who planned this trip, [but] I know the reason is they want to kind of reeducate me,” she says.   Chow says officers took her to a patriotic exhibition on China’s economic development and the achievements of the Chinese Communist party, and to the headquarters of tech giant Tencent. She says the officers spoke to her normally throughout the day, but she wasn’t told anything of the itinerary. Driving back over the border into Hong Kong, she breathed a sigh of relief.   “But when they drove me back to Hong Kong I was also afraid they would still not really return my passport,” she says. Chinese authorities have a long history of taking dissidents on enforced holidays around sensitive times, like the Tiananmen massacre anniversary, but it is unusual for Hong Kong.   In one of the only other known alleged instances, Grandma Wong, a well-known figure at Hong Kong rallies, disappeared in 2019 for 14 months, before reappearing in Hong Kong claiming she’d been detained and interrogated on the mainland and also taken on a “patriotic trip”.   “The Hong Kong police are becoming closer and closer to the mainland style on how to deal with political dissidents,” says Chow. Until her two-part post last Sunday Chow had not spoken publicly since her release from jail.   She says her decision to stay in Canada – made only in recent weeks – was influenced by the worsening political situation in Hong Kong. Under a society-wide crackdown on dissent driven by Beijing, authorities have overhauled the electoral system to ensure only approved “patriots” can run, issued international arrest warrants for opposition figures, and aired mainland China-style televised confessions.   Chow had fulfilled all the requirements from police to be allowed to leave Hong Kong, but felt there was no guarantee the authorities wouldn’t change their minds on one of the trips back to the city. “I was afraid that I may not be able to come back to Canada, or that even if they let me … they would require me to fulfil some more kinds of conditions. For example go to mainland China again, or provide information about myself or people around me,” she says.   “What I wish is just to live freely and not be forced to do something I don’t want to do, including going to mainland China.” There is a sense that Chow is now saying everything she wanted to before but couldn’t. But it’s not without risk, and there is trepidation in her voice. “I’m concerned about my personal safety here in Toronto,” she says. “Canada is a democratic country which respects human rights and freedom, but I read some news reports about Chinese overseas police, secret police in different countries, including Canada.”   After Chow announced on social media that she would stay in Toronto, the authorities responded with anger. Hong Kong’s chief executive accused her of “complete deception”, calling her a liar and a hypocrite. His pledge that she would be “pursued for life”, along with the urging from Hong Kong police that she “not choose to take a path of no return and bear the name of ‘fugitive’ for the rest of her life” were noted for their similarity to rhetoric normally heard from the Chinese Communist party.   “I feel their responses are ridiculous. John Lee said they tried to be lenient to me. Why would the authorities speak of the word lenient? In the last three years I only felt the infringement of my personal freedoms and rights, they were in no way lenient. They imposed unfair restrictions on my life.”   Chow rejects the accusations she was or is a foreign agent, saying there is no evidence. Instead she accuses the authorities of using the national security law – introduced in 2020 in response to the pro-democracy protests of the previous year – as a weapon against dissidents. Chow still suffers from the mental toll of life in Hong Kong as an activist.   “Compared to my life in Hong Kong I know I’m kind of safer than before, but to be honest after I arrived in Toronto I still sometimes have panic attacks and depression attacks,” she says. “After I arrived in Toronto the [Hong Kong] national security police called me twice, one time in September and another time in October. They asked how my life was going here, things like that, and I felt like they tried to make me feel like they were still monitoring me.”   The Guardian contacted Hong Kong police for comment, but was instead referred to previous statements. Police and government officials have not disputed claims Chow has made about being sent on a “propaganda tour” and have refused to answer what rules or regulations allowed it to take place.   Source: The Gaurdian

The High Court today lightenthe death sentences of seven jailed militants in the Holey Artisan attack case to imprisonment till death. Justice Sahidul Karim and Justice Md. Mostafizur Rahman's High Court bench announced the verdict on Monday, October 30. The convicts are - Jahangir Hossain, Aslam Hossain Rash, Hadisur Rahman, Rakibul Hasan Regan, Md Abdus Sabur Khan, Shariful Islam Khaled, and Mamunur Rashid Ripon. Earlier on October 11, the High Court (HC) was set to deliver the verdict of the Holey Artisan Bakery attack case today, HC bench of Justice Shahidul Karim and Justice Md Mostafizur Rahman delivering the date of its verdict. On July 1, 2016, five militants armed with firearms, machetes and grenades attacked in the diplomatic zone of Gulshan. During the attack, they killed three, seven Japanese, nine Italians and one Indian.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and Environment Minister Steffi Lemke signed High Seas Treaty on Wednesday, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. The UN adopted the treaty in June as the basis for the designation of large environmentally-protected areas on maritime areas that fall outside the control of individual countries. What the two ministers said Baerbock said the treaty was "a glimmer of hope for the world's oceans, a glimmer of hope for the people of this world, but also a glimmer of hope for the United Nations." She said the high seas had previously been "de facto a lawless area," but added, "That's changing now." Lemke, who like Baerbock is a lawmaker for the Green Party, described the signing as a "historic day for the protection of the seas." The environment minister welcomed the fact that there are now, for the first time, rules to protect biodiversity in the world's oceans. "We depend on healthy oceans to combat the climate crisis, the pollution crisis and the species extinction crisis," explained Lemke. "Protected areas on the high seas" must now be designated "quickly in order to place 30% of the world's oceans under strict protection." Joining the two politicians for the ceremony was Germany's Federal Government Commissioner for the Sea, Sebastian Unger. What is the High Seas Treaty? For the first time, the international agreement provides protection for areas outside the exclusive economic zones of individual countries. The treaty stipulates that activities such as the extraction of mineral resources on the high seas must be preceded by an assessment of their environmental consequences. More than 60% of maritime areas are outside such exclusive economic zones. To date, protection rules of varying degrees have only applied to a small part of these marine areas. Germany was among dozens of countries to become a signatory to the treaty on Wednesday, the first day that the text for the freshly-ratified document became available. The UN said 67 countries had signed the treaty on the same day, including the United States, China, Australia, Britain France, Mexico and the European Union as a whole.

The picturesque Dal Lake has long been synonymous with the vibrant houseboat community, attracting tourists from all corners of the globe. However, over the years, the ageing houseboats had fallen into disrepair, presenting a significant challenge to their existence and the livelihood of those who call them home. In a momentous decision, the government has granted permission for the long-awaited repair and renovation of the century-old houseboats that adorn the serene waters of Dal Lake in the Kashmir Valley. This much-needed initiative comes as a ray of hope for the houseboat community, which had been grappling with deteriorating conditions and the looming threat of collapse. The announcement of the government’s permission for the repair and renovation of these iconic houseboats has brought immense relief to the community. This initiative not only signifies a commitment to preserving the rich cultural heritage and architectural marvels of the region but also promises to revitalize the local tourism industry. The restoration efforts will encompass a comprehensive facelift for these century-old houseboats, addressing structural concerns, decayed woodwork, and dilapidated interiors. Skilled artisans and craftsmen will be engaged to ensure that the restoration work is carried out with utmost precision, preserving the authentic charm and intricate craftsmanship that define these floating abodes. The Positive Impact of this decision is expected to be far-reaching. The rejuvenated houseboats will not only enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of Dal Lake but will also boost tourism and provide economic opportunities for the local community. Visitors will once again be able to experience the unique charm of staying in these houseboats, immersing themselves in the beauty of the surroundings while appreciating the rich cultural heritage of the region. The repair and renovation initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to sustainable tourism practices. Efforts will be made to integrate eco-friendly measures, such as the use of renewable energy sources and the implementation of waste management systems, ensuring the long-term preservation of the lake’s pristine environment. The houseboat community, which had faced uncertainty and challenges due to the state of their floating homes, now has renewed hope and a promising future. For years, the houseboat community has been grappling with deteriorating conditions and structural instability, which posed a threat to their livelihoods. The lack of maintenance and repair work had taken a toll on the once-majestic houseboats, dampening the spirits of their owners. As the houseboats on Dal Lake undergo their transformation, the once-ailing structures will rise once again, embracing their glorious past and embracing a brighter future.  The restoration of these magnificent symbols of Kashmir’s rich history will not only bring joy to the local community but also serve as a testament to the resilience and determination of the people who call Dal Lake their home. Several houseboat dwellers expressed their gratitude for this pivotal development.  Kashmir Houseboat Owners Association (KHBOA) President Manzoor Ahmed Pakhtoon, welcomed the step and expressed the hope that government will give permission for the repair and reconstruction of other houseboats which are in need of repair. A houseboat owner, exclaimed, “This decision is a lifeline for us. Our livelihoods were at stake, and we were worried about the future of our heritage. With the government’s this decision, we can now preserve the charm of Dal Lake and continue welcoming tourists.” “These houseboats are not just our homes; they are a part of our identity. We are delighted that they will receive the care they deserve. It’s a relief to know that our children and future generations will be able to enjoy the beauty of these floating wonders. I hope that government will give permission for the repair and reconstruction of other houseboats also which are in need of repair.” He added. Another houseboat owner also emphasized the positive impact on the tourism industry, saying, “The revival of these houseboats will boost tourism in the valley. They are a major attraction for visitors, and their restoration will enhance the overall experience of exploring Kashmir. It’s a win-win situation for both the houseboat community and the tourists.”   

Patrick Crusius, 24, targeted Hispanic shoppers in a racist attack at a Texas Walmart in 2019 that killed 23 and left 22 others injured. He remained silent and displayed no reaction when his sentence was delivered. A 24-year-old white nationalist who killed 23 people in a mass shooting at a Texas Walmart in 2019 was sentenced to 90 consecutive life terms in prison by a federal judge on Friday. Patrick Crusius's racially-motivated attack targeted Hispanic shoppers in El Paso on August 3, 2019, and left 22 people injured. Just prior to the assault, the shooter had published a manifesto online, claiming that the attack was a response to what he called the "Hispanic invasion" of Texas. During the hearing, Crusius remained silent and displayed no reaction when the sentence was delivered. In a recommendation by US District Judge David Guaderrama, Crusius was advised to serve his sentence at a maximum security facility in Colorado, where he would have access to necessary treatment and counseling for a severe mental health condition. Shooter could still face death penalty By pleading guilty in February, Crusius avoided the federal death penalty, but he still faces Texas state charges that could potentially result in capital punishment. Crusius' attorney attributed the shooting to mental illness, although prosecutors argued that he was fully aware of his actions when he carried out the massacre. Prosecutors revealed that Crusius traveled over 600 miles (965 kilometers) from suburban Dallas to El Paso, armed with a Romanian variant of the AK-47 rifle and hollow-point ammunition, before the massacre. "No one in this country should have to live in fear of hate-fueled violence — that they will be targeted because of what they look like or where they are from," US Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement. "The 90 consecutive life sentences announced today guarantee that Patrick Crusius will spend the rest of his life in prison for his deadly, racist rampage in El Paso." Endorsed Trump's ideas In his manifesto, Crusius asserted that he was defending his country from cultural and ethnic replacement caused by this perceived invasion. The aftermath of the tragedy sparked a national debate surrounding the influence of then-President Donald Trump's repeated anti-immigrant rhetoric on the behavior of his supporters. Crusius had exhibited a deep interest in the immigration discourse, often using hashtags such as #BuildtheWall and endorsing Trump's stringent border policies. Solace for victims' families Margaret Leachman, the primary Assistant US Attorney for the Western District of Texas involved in the prosecution, said in a written statement that she hopes the victims' families find "some finality and peace" with the sentencing. During the proceedings, family members used the opportunity to directly address Crusius, recounting the devastating impact the shooting had on their lives, causing immense sorrow and grief. The victims ranged from a 15-year-old high school athlete to elderly grandparents. Among them were immigrants, a retired city bus driver, teachers, skilled workers such as a former ironworker, and various Mexican citizens who regularly crossed the US border for routine shopping trips.

Rapgyal’s journey in football began in his childhood, playing barefoot on the streets of Gangtok. With raw talent and an unwavering determination, he quickly caught the attention of local coaches and scouts. Soon, he found himself representing his state in the Santosh Trophy, India’s premier football tournament. His skills on the field were unparalleled. Rapgyal possessed incredible speed, agility, and an innate understanding of the game. His ability to control the ball and create scoring opportunities made him a formidable force on the pitch. His presence alone was enough to strike fear into the hearts of opposing teams. But Rapgyal’s success was not limited to football. He was a true polymath, excelling academically as well. Despite the demands of his sporting career, he pursued higher education and earned degrees from prestigious institutions across the country. His determination to balance academics and sports set him apart from his peers. Rapgyal’s achievements extended far beyond the football field. His coaching skills were renowned, and he was often sought after to train and mentor young athletes. His coaching sessions at Palzor Stadium became a rite of passage for aspiring footballers in Sikkim. Rapgyal’s guidance instilled not only technical skills but also values of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance in his students. It was not uncommon to see Rapgyal dedicating countless hours to nurturing talent, even during his own playing days. He understood the importance of passing on his knowledge and experience to the next generation. His commitment to fostering young athletes’ growth and development has left an indelible mark on the sporting community in Sikkim. Rapgyal’s coaching prowess brought success to many football clubs in Sikkim. Under his guidance, the Sports Association of India (SAI) and Boys Club soared to new heights, clinching victory in various tournaments. His ability to inspire and motivate his players was unparalleled. He was not just a coach but also a mentor, a friend, and a role model. Beyond the accolades and victories, Rapgyal will be remembered for his humility and sportsmanship. He was never one to seek the limelight or boast about his achievements. Instead, he led by example, always displaying grace and respect, both on and off the field. His humility endeared him to fans, teammates, and opponents alike. The loss of Thupten Rapgyal leaves a void in the world of football, not just in Sikkim but also across the nation. His contributions to the sport and his dedication to nurturing young talent will forever be etched in the annals of football history. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of athletes, reminding them of the power of passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence. As the sun sets on Sikkim, it is with heavy hearts that we bid farewell to a true legend. Thupten Rapgyal, a veteran footballer, a mentor, and an inspiration, will forever be remembered as a shining star in the sporting firmament of Sikkim. Source: neweekly.in

India is a country brimming with cultural heritage and an extensive array of classical dance forms. But not all have received the recognition they deserve. One such form, the Sattriya dance of Assam, has languished in the shadows, longing for a platform to shine. Padma Shri awardee, Indira PP Bora, renowned for her proficiency in Bharat Natyam, Kuchipudi, and Sattriya dance, talks candidly about her mission to bring Sattriya to the forefront. Bora’s vibrant journey into the world of dance began in the lush green tea plantations of Sonari, Sivasagar District, where she spent her childhood, fueled by an insatiable passion for dance and play. Bora, even at 75, is a living testament to the vitality of dance, stating, “Everybody gets old, but that should not become a hindrance in caring for your fitness.” Her love for dance eventually led her to Chennai, where she trained under the legendary Guru Rukmini Devi Arundale at the world-renowned Kalakshetra for 15 years. Post her Bharat Natyam training, she learned Kuchipudi from Guru VempatiChina Satyam. “I was never put under any pressure unlike the children of today,” Bora fondly reminisces about her freedom-filled childhood. Encouraged by her late husband, Prafulla Prasad Bora, she turned her passion into her profession. Bora’s husband established Kalabhumi in 1982, the first centre for dance, art, and culture in North-East India, a haven for nurturing talent. He also provided Bora with the platform to bring Sattriya into the national limelight. Bora’s indomitable spirit and love for Sattriya did not stop at national borders. She was the first dancer to perform Sattriya and Devadasi dance on BBC TV in London in 1985, and the first Indian dancer to archive her Sattriya dance compositions at the prestigious Lincoln Centre for Performing Arts in New York City, USA. “Sattriya dance has now spread across Assam, but sadly nobody has been able to rise,” she laments, emphasizing the need for more platforms for classical dances. The dance form, which started under the patronage of SrimantaSankaradeva over 500 years ago, owes its popularity and recognition as a classical dance form in large part to Bora. The Kerala Government acknowledged her efforts by awarding her the Guru Gopinath DesiyaNatyaPuraskaram, a recognition she is profoundly proud of. The mother-daughter duo of Indira PP Bora and Meneka PP Bora has become the epitome of passion and dedication towards Sattriya dance. Bora’s advice to aspiring dancers, however, reflects her pragmatic view on the current status of dance in India, “They should go and learn from good gurus. Apart from dance, they should have a good education. In our country, for culture, there is no money. That is why I advise you not to take up only dance, but continue with your education as well.” While Bora recognizes the popularity of Bihu tolis in promoting folk dance, she mourns the lack of similar platforms for classical dances. Her mission is clear: to bring about a resurgence of Sattriya and other classical dances. “I have made up my mind that the younger generation should get a bigger platform,” she states decisively. As one of the first female pioneers in the realm of Sattriya dance, Bora’s life, filled with vibrant rhythms and fluid movements, is an ode to her unyielding spirit and unending love for dance. Her journey underscores the fact that with passion, determination, and a dash of fearlessness, one can carve out spaces where none existed before, just as she did for Sattriya. Source: the-think.co

Life is not just about working. There are many more things to enjoy, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates recently express his thought from his life. At his young age and before becoming a father, he didn't even understand this truth. Last Sunday, Bill Gates said to the Northern Arizona University graduates, "When I was your age, I didn't believe in weekends. I pushed everyone around me to work very long hours." Bill Gates, the billionaire who left Harvard University after just three semesters to launch Microsoft, told graduates, "You are not a slacker if you cut yourself  some slack." In my early days at Microsoft, I didn't even realise the importance of maintaining a life balance.  Mr. Gates would keep a track of which employees left early or stayed late from his office window, which overlooked the parking lot. Bill Gates acknowledged his failure to accept this truth in his early stages of his career.  Bill said, "Don't wait as long as I did to learn this lesson. Take time to nurture your relationships, to celebrate your success, and to recover from your losses. Take a break when you need to. Take it easy on the people around you when they need it, too." He was known for sending critical 'flame mails' to employees in the middle of the night. In 2019, Bill Gates wrote on his blog, "When I was at Microsoft, I was tough on people I worked with. Some of it helped us be successful, but I'm sure some of it was over the top." He also addressed the career choice matter to the graduates and said, "Right now, you guys are too cautious to make a wise decision regarding your career. Now you can consider these decisions. But the reality is not like that. What you are going to do for the next ten years may not be the same for your whole life." Bill reminded graduates about their social responsibilities. "When you are graduating, there is a huge opportunity to serve the society. Every day, new industries and factories are introduced.  You have a lot of chances to work there. Because of the advancement of science and technology, everything is now easier to do than before," he added.

Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Saturday said that all efforts are being made to improve the quality of life of the people in border villages through facilitation of basic amenities. Attending the C-20 consultative conference organised by the Arunachal Pradesh chapter of the Vivekananda Kendra Institute of Culture at the banquet hall here as part of India’s G20 presidency, Mein said that the state government is working in tandem with the Centre’s commitment to accelerate the pace of development in Northeast India in various sectors, including education, healthcare, infrastructure, connectivity, digital communication, and financial management of the state’s resources. “The government’s objective is to achieve all-inclusive and equitable development across all regions and tribes,” he said. Mein said also that the state is aiming to become the top contributor towards the Centre’s the vision of achieving zero carbon emissions by 2047, by minimising the consumption of fossil fuels. Emphasising on India’s G20 presidency theme, ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future,’ Mein reiterated the significance of incorporating “diversity, inclusion and mutual respect in a society to truly embody unity in diversity.” “To this effect, Arunachal Pradesh has long imbibed these vital aspects towards dwelling in peaceful coexistence and collectively advancing towards progressive heights,” he said. Mein commended the resourceful deliberations of the subject experts and the resource persons of the consultative conference on ‘Diversity, inclusion and mutual respect’.