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Bird Poop Collection at Delaware Bay: Key to Preventing Next Flu Pandemic
- In December 2024, scientists continue a 40-year project collecting bird poop at Delaware Bay to study influenza viruses and prevent future pandemics.
- Dr. Robert Webster, a 92-year-old virologist, discovered in the 1980s that flu viruses replicate in birds' intestines rather than respiratory tracts.
- The research team, led by Dr. Pamela McKenzie, collects 800-1,000 samples weekly from 25 bird species, with 20% containing influenza viruses.
- This long-running project gains urgency as H5N1 bird flu spreads through U.S. dairy cattle and poultry flocks in 2024.
- Dr. Richard Webby, leading the WHO's Collaborating Center at St. Jude, emphasizes the importance of understanding "normal" to predict potential pandemics.
BJP Deploys Veteran Strategists As Poll Chiefs For Bihar, Bengal, Tamil Nadu
- BJP appoints Dharmendra Pradhan for Bihar, Bhupender Yadav for Bengal, and Baijayant Panda for Tamil Nadu as election in-charges.
- Pradhan and Yadav are supported by experienced co-incharges including CR Patil, Keshav Prasad Maurya, Biplab Deb, and Murlidhar Mohol.
- The move boosts central control over local campaigns and enhances organization ahead of high-stake elections.
- Bihar polls are in November 2025; Bengal and Tamil Nadu go to polls in early 2026.
- BJP aims to minimize factionalism and maximize central alignment in these states.
Zelensky Ready to Leave Presidency After War, Focused on Peace and Elections
- Zelensky is ready to leave the presidency once the war with Russia is over; his main goal is to finish the war, not hold elections during conflict.
- The 2024 presidential election was suspended due to martial law after Russia’s 2022 invasion.
- Zelensky will ask parliament to hold elections if a ceasefire and security conditions allow.
- His focus remains on helping Ukraine in wartime rather than clinging to power amid ongoing conflict.
- Ukraine’s constitution allows Zelensky’s term extension under martial law until elections can be safely held.
Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy Sentenced to Five Years for Libya Campaign Funds Case
- Nicolas Sarkozy was sentenced to five years for criminal conspiracy linked to accepting campaign funds from Libya’s Muammar Gaddafi for his 2007 presidential run.
- The Paris court found he allowed aides to seek financial support from Libya in exchange for diplomatic favors, though it could not prove direct use of Libyan money in the campaign.
- Sarkozy was acquitted of other charges like passive corruption and illegal campaign financing due to lack of conclusive evidence.
- The case originated from 2013 allegations by Gaddafi’s son about Libya funding Sarkozy’s campaign with €50 million through intermediaries.
- Sarkozy denies wrongdoing, calling the verdict politically motivated, but the conviction marks the first for a former French president for such charges.
Archana Puran Singh’s Beloved Pet Dog Drama Dies at 9
- Archana Puran Singh’s pet dog Drama passed away suddenly at age 9 due to jaundice.
- Drama was a joyful presence, regularly featured in the family’s YouTube content, bringing happiness to all.
- Archana’s son, Aaryamann Sethi, shared an emotional tribute explaining how quickly Drama fell ill and died.
- The family took time off from vlogging to grieve but returned with a message of positivity and sustainability.
- Fans extended condolences, recognizing the special bond between Drama and the family.
Sameer Wankhede’s Wife Praises His Anti-Drug Work; He Files Defamation Suit Against “The Ba***ds Of Bollywood”
- Sameer Wankhede’s wife posted on Instagram praising his dedication to anti-drug awareness and his work against drug abuse in Bollywood.
- Sameer Wankhede filed a defamation suit in the Delhi High Court against the Netflix series “The Ba***ds Of Bollywood,” produced by Shah Rukh Khan’s company Red Chillies Entertainment.
- He alleges the show falsely and maliciously portrays him in a damaging light, harming his reputation during ongoing legal cases.
- The suit objects to a scene showing a character making an obscene gesture after saying “Satyamev Jayate,” calling it a violation of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act.
- Wankhede seeks Rs 2 crore damages, to be donated to Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital, and requests the show be restrained from distribution for defamation.