Chebet smashes own women's 5km world record

Kenya's Beatrice Chebet smashes the women's 5km world record to set a time of 13 minutes and 54 seconds at the Cursa dels Nassos road race in Barcelona.

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Man and woman in their 70s found dead

Dorset Police said they did not believe anyone else was involved in the "very sad incident".

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Three injured in suspected gas explosion

Two men and a woman are in hospital with serious injuries after the suspected explosion.

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Torpedo Deal With French Firm, DRDO's New Tech To Boost India's Submarines

India's Ministry of Defence signed two significant deals to greatly enhance its submarine fleet. While one of the deals was signed with France's Naval Group, the larger of the two contracts was signed with Mumbai's Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders under the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative.

The two contracts have a combined value of Rs 2,867 crore. While the contract with France's Naval Group, worth Rs 877 crore, pertains to more advanced torpedo technology, the contract with Mazagon Dock, worth around Rs 1,990 crore, is over DRDO's new indigenous submarine propulsion system.

"The Ministry of Defence has signed two contracts, worth approximately Rs 2,867 crore, for the construction of Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) Plug for DRDO-AIP system and its integration onboard Indian submarines; and the integration of electronic heavy weight torpedo (EHWT) onboard the Kalvari-class submarines," a ministry statement read.

DEAL WITH FRANCE'S NAVAL GROUP

The agreement is about the Electronic Heavy Weight Torpedo or EHWT.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the deal for the integration of EHWT onboard the Kalvari-class submarines will be a joint effort by the Indian Navy, the DRDO and Naval Group, France. "It will greatly augment the firepower capabilities of Kalvari-class submarines of the Indian Navy," the defence ministry statement read.

According to the Naval Group, the Electronic Heavy Weight Torpedo, also known as the F21 Heavy Weight Torpedo, "successfully integrates the mastery of aluminum silver oxide technology, which greatly enhances the torpedo's range and allows for much higher speed. This makes it a much more lethal weapon compared to other torpedoes".

Another key feature of this torpedo is that "it is designed such that it can never explode on-board a submarine even if there is a fire on the platform, or if it is dropped of fired accidentally."

DEAL WITH MAZAGON DOCK

The agreement is about an advanced Air Independent Propulsion or AIP system. The AIP technology is being indigenously developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation or DRDO.

According to a statement by the defence ministry, "The project pertains to construction of AIP-Plug and its integration. It will enhance the endurance of conventional submarines and significantly contribute towards the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative. It would generate employment of nearly three lakh man-days."

Air Independent Propulsion is a marine technology which allows a conventional or non-nuclear submarine to operate without access to atmospheric oxygen. In other words, it allows the conventional submarine to stay submerged deep underwater without having to surface or use its snorkel for a much longer duration.

A snorkel, in submarine terminology, is a pipe that can reach the surface of the ocean while the submarine is at periscope depth to allow a proper air influx for the diesel engines. An AIP Plug can augment or replace the diesel-electric propulsion system of non-nuclear submarines. It is also called Air Independent Power as it allows for much longer underwater endurance.

Both agreements are under the 'Make in India' initiative, which means the propulsion system as well as the torpedoes will be manufactured in India.
 

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DJ Spoony thanks 'amazing' NHS staff after bleed on the brain treatment

The radio presenter breaks down as he thanks Addenbrooke's Hospital staff for "looking after me".

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Is Liverpool's new front three even better than Salah, Mane & Firmino?

How do Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz measure up against Liverpool's last title-winning front three?

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What Is Black Moon And How You Can Experience The Rare Phenomenon

Skywatchers will have the opportunity to close out the year by experiencing a rare astronomical event known as the "black moon". The fascinating-sounding term is often used to describe the second new moon that appears in a single calendar month. It is an occurrence that is not officially recognised in astronomy but over the years, has gained popularity among amateur astronomers and stargazers.

As per the US Naval Observatory, the unique phenomenon will occur on December 30 at 5:27 pm ET (2227 GMT). For those in America, the black moon will be visible on December 30 itself while for those in Europe, Africa and Asia, it will take place on December 31, 2024. In India, the black moon phenomenon can be seen around 3:57 am on December 31.

How does a black moon happen?

A new moon happens when the sun and the moon share the same celestial longitude and the latter's illuminated side faces away from the Earth, making it invisible to the naked eye. As the lunar cycle averages 29.5 days, sometimes a month can have two new moons, leading to the phenomenon of a black moon. It is similar to a blue moon - a phenomenon when two full moons appear in a month. Notably, the moon is not visible during this phase unless there's a solar eclipse.

Also Read | Google Doodle Marks December's Final Half Moon With Special Interactive Game

What to expect?

Although the black moon itself won't be visible, its impact on the night sky is significant. The darkness allows for better visibility of stars, planets, and even distant galaxies. Binoculars or a telescope can enhance the viewing of planets like Jupiter, which will be observable all night, and Venus, which will be bright in the evening sky.

For those living in the Northern Hemisphere, the constellations Orion, Taurus, and Leo will be prominent in the night sky. Additionally, Orion's belt will be an excellent guide, with Sirius, the brightest star in the night sky, shining to its south.

Meanwhile, in the Southern Hemisphere, the Southern Cross (Crux) will be visible, along with Canopus, a standout in the constellation Carina.

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