Last Updated:January 28, 2025, 18:34 IST

A social media prank gaining traction involves using a clip of a indigenous-looking man during a video call to trick the person on the other end.

Pranks are often seen as a source of humour and a way to lighten the mood. But a prank which has gained momentum on social media recently has sparked widespread debate for all the wrong reasons. The viral prank in question involves tricking someone during a video call by pointing the camera at a YouTube clip featuring an indigenous-looking man. The unsuspecting person on the other side is left bewildered, often thinking they are seeing a stranger live on their screen. Reactions range from shock to laughter once they realise it was all staged. Videos of this prank have been widely shared, earning millions of views.

While some find this trend harmless and entertaining, its growing popularity on platforms like TikTok and Instagram has also raised serious concerns. The joke has been criticised for being offensive and inappropriate. There is a video where a young woman pranked her mother using the clip. It has gone viral on X as it garnered over 16 million views.

In the comment section of this particular video, many social media users argued that the prank is rooted in racial insensitivity as it relies on mocking the appearance of an indigenous-looking man likely without his knowledge or consent.

One user expressed, “This TikTok trend is racist btw. And everyone who participated is disgusting.”

Another added, “I get the joke. I just don’t like that they are using a POC. It’s a little weird and has a racist undertone.”

Some called out the cruelty of the trend with a person commenting, “Not a fan of this trend, it’s actually mean. Making a mockery of someone’s features is in bad taste.”

“Wowww another trend where white people are racist! So funny,” someone remarked while another said, “This is so racist, I don’t get how it has become a trend in big big 2025.”

Many comments echoed similar sentiments calling the trend “heavily racist” and “low-key offensive.”

One user took a sarcastic approach in their criticism, writing, “Let’s all laugh at this indigenous man who’s literally doing nothing and use him for pranks.”

“I know I’m ‘too’ woke because this prank is just not funny to me,” an individual shared.

A TikTok creator described the prank as “dehumanising,” adding, “It just exposes another aspect of how indigenous people are always vilified.”

What are your thoughts?

Location :

Delhi, India, India

Last Updated:January 28, 2025, 18:23 IST

The study has found that due to internal outbursts, black holes can cool down gas to feed themselves.

Astronomers have discovered that the mysterious black holes in the universe can create their meals. They evaluated data from NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory and the Very Large Telescope (VLT) before concluding. The research was based on seven galaxy clusters, including Perseus and Centaurus. At the centre of these clusters, there remain massive black holes and their masses range from millions to billions of times that of the Sun.

The study has found that due to internal outbursts, black holes can cool down gas to feed themselves. This process results in the formation of warm filaments, helping in the growth of black holes. Turbulence in the gas can also boost the triggering procedure.

Some of the heated gas in these filaments is likely to move toward the centres of the galaxies, serving as the meal for black holes while leading to another outburst. When the additional gas cools down, it fuels the black holes even more, setting off a cycle of repeated outbursts.

The research supports a model that suggests a connection between the brightness of hot and warm gas filaments at the centres of galaxy clusters. In particular, regions containing bright hot gas should also show the same brightness in the warm gas. For the first time, astronomers have been able to identify this relationship, NASA claims.

These filaments resemble the trailing structures seen in jellyfish galaxies, which shed gas while moving through space to create similar formations. Given this surprising link, it can be concluded that a common cosmic process influences both phenomena.

The study, led by Valeria Olivares from the University of Santiago de Chile, was published in Nature Astronomy on January 27. It brought together a global team of experts in optical and X-ray observations and simulations from the United States, Australia, Chile, Italy and Canada. The research was done with the MUSE (Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer) instrument on the VLT, providing 3D perspectives of the universe.

NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama is in charge of the Chandra program. The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory’s Chandra X-ray Center in Cambridge, Massachusetts, orchestrates the scientific procedures, while flight operations take place in Burlington, Massachusetts.

Location :

Delhi, India, India

Last Updated:January 28, 2025, 18:08 IST

In 2023, the AAP government announced that it will set up an ammonia-control plant at the Wazirabad water-treatment plant. However, probe revealed that even the awarding of work is not done yet

The pollution in Yamuna has yet again taken the centre-stage as the national capital gears up for assembly polls next week. The ammonia levels in the river, as per outgoing chief minister Atishi, have reached 7.2 ppm, far exceeding the treatable limits of 1 ppm.

While Atishi claimed that “Haryana is sending poisonous water to Delhi”, News18 did a check on the promised ammonia-control plant at Wazirabad, only to learn that even the awarding of work is not done yet.

In 2023, the AAP government announced that it will set up an ammonia-control plant at the Wazirabad water-treatment plant. The plant was planned to allow the treatment of the Yamuna water even if the ammonia level is high.

However, upon investigation, Delhi Jal Board (DJB) officials said there is no such plant in Wazirabad and “no such work has been awarded by DJB so far”.

An expression of interest (EOI) was issued by the DJB in January 2024 but since then, there has been no update, the official said, seeking anonymity.

The DJB in the EOI said it faces a significant challenge in the form of high ammonia levels in the Yamuna river water, which directly impacts the water treatment and thereby supply to various parts of Delhi.

They said the ammonia level in the Yamuna water can rise, impacting water production at the Chandrawal and Wazirabad water-treatment plants that draw water from the river through the pond.

“The frequency of high ammonia levels in the Yamuna water has increased in recent months, and it no longer subsides as it used to. DJB intended to have an in-situ treatment system to treat higher levels of ammonia at the Wazirabad pond. The proposed technology is expected to reduce ammonia levels up to 2 ppm, even when the input ammonia concentration is as high as 4.0 ppm,” they said.

The technology was expected to enhance the water treatment capacity at the Wazirabad and Chandrawal WTPs and help DJB address the challenges posed by the rising ammonia levels in the Yamuna river water, they said.

‘Poison Water’ Controversy

Atishi on Monday blamed Haryana for the situation and added that the BJP is purposely poisoning Yamuna with ammonia-laden water via the DD-8 drain.

AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal pointed out that the BJP has resorted to dirty politics of an unprecedented scale, endangering lives in Delhi as they are set to face defeat in the assembly elections. “If the people of Delhi are not voting for the BJP, will you kill them by making them drink poisoned water?” he questioned.

Interestingly, while the AAP has blamed it on elections, its government in March 2021 approached the Supreme Court against the Haryana government over the issue of high ammonia levels in the water supplied through the Yamuna and its channels. Further, in the last few years, this has emerged as a pattern.

To understand the higher level of pollutants in Yamuna, and why this occurs, News18 spoke to officials of the Delhi Jal Board, responsible for providing potable water to the city.

A senior official from the body said that while the ruling party in Delhi, AAP, is using elections and blaming the ruling party from Haryana, BJP, the fact is this happens almost every year and there is nothing new in ammonia levels impacting water supply in Delhi.

“In December 2024, almost for the entire month, the level of ammoniacal nitrogen was above 1 ppm. Even in January, it is above 1 ppm. This happens every year, but we manage to continue the supply of water to Delhi, although it does get impacted to some extent. We keep the areas informed about the situation and so there is no panic among the public,” a second official said.

They explained that this needed a long-term solution and not blame-game.

Soon after Kejriwal and Atishi claimed “poison in water” referring to ammonia, the DJB issued a counter statement, calling it “false, misleading, and factually incorrect”. The DJB also said such alarmist statements amount to fear-mongering.

How Delhi Gets Water and its Treatment Process

The Delhi Jal Board is responsible for the production and distribution of potable water. It takes and treats raw water from Yamuna, Bhakra Storage, Upper Ganga Canal and Groundwater. The DJB also provides treatment and disposal of waste water.

The raw water from Yamuna needs to be treated before it is supplied across the city. There are a number of water treatment plants in Delhi that cleans the water and makes it suitable for use.

The plants of the DJB, another official explained, are designed to treat raw water with up to 1 ppm of ammonia. But they manage up to certain higher levels as well.

“When the ammonia levels are above 1 ppm, the raw Yamuna water is diluted with cleaner water from Canals. Otherwise it will be difficult to meet the water requirement in the city,” they said.

In 2019, the pollution levels became so high that Chandrawal and Wazirabad Water Treatment plants had to stop operations completely.

Annual Problem

On being asked why this is an annual issue, they explained that except in the monsoon, the water flow in the river is low. They said that when the river has enough water, the pollution level is automatically controlled but as soon as the river shrinks, the pollutants impact the water quality.

“The river swells in monsoon and so the water is automatically diluted. But during other months, the water is less and the concentration of pollutants increases,” they explained.

A former DJB official said states are allowing industries to dump untreated waste in the river and that is the main source of water pollution.

“Yamuna is one of the worst victims of industrial pollution. The best solution to control pollution in Yamuna is to check the discharge of untreated industrial waste. The parties should show a strong political will against industries polluting rivers, otherwise they have to do politics at the time of election,” they added.

The elections will be held in Delhi on February 5 while the counting of votes will be on February 8.

Last Updated:January 28, 2025, 17:54 IST

The passenger opened the emergency exit door just moments before the flight was due to take-off, resulting in a 20-minute delay and a temporary stir on board

A man was arrested after causing a delay in an IndiGo flight departing from Jodhpur, Rajasthan, on Tuesday. The passenger opened the emergency exit door just moments before the flight was due to take-off, resulting in a 20-minute delay and a temporary stir on board.

The incident happened when all passengers had boarded the flight and the cabin crew was conducting the flight safety demonstration.

The takeoff was scheduled for 10:10 am. The passenger, identified as Siraj Kidwai, an employee of Axis Bank, claimed he “accidentally” opened the emergency exit flap. However, the act triggered a direct alert to the pilot and raised concerns among the flight crew.

Following the incident, the flight crew followed standard operating procedures and security officials immediately removed the passenger from the aircraft, NDTV reported.

Kidwai was then taken into custody by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel at Jodhpur airport for questioning.

In a statement, IndiGo clarified the situation, saying, “Today, during the safety briefing before the departure of flight 6E 6033 from Jodhpur to Bengaluru, a passenger opened the emergency exit flap. The crew immediately followed standard operating procedures. The passenger was later disembarked and handed over to law enforcement officials for investigation.”

The airline also expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to other passengers, assuring that it remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety and security in its operations.

“We regret the inconvenience caused to other passengers on the flight and reaffirm our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety and security in all our operations,” the statement added.

Location :

Jodhpur, India, India

Last Updated:January 28, 2025, 17:41 IST

Aloe vera and wheatgrass are potent natural plants known for their healing and health-boosting properties.

Aloe vera and wheatgrass are potent natural plants renowned for their health benefits. Aloe vera is valued for its healing properties, particularly in treating skin conditions, aiding digestion and reducing inflammation, while wheatgrass is packed with vital nutrients like vitamins and chlorophyll, offering detoxifying and revitalising effects. Together, they support overall wellness and are commonly used in holistic health practices.

When it comes to hair care, many people seek natural remedies for promoting hair growth and aloe vera and wheatgrass are highly effective in improving scalp and hair health. Both plants are rich in nutrients that nourish the scalp and hair follicles, encouraging hair growth and maintaining scalp health. Combined, they form a powerful duo that may enhance hair strength and vitality.

Benefits of aloe vera for hair growth

Aloe vera offers numerous benefits for promoting hair growth. It stimulates hair follicles with its proteolytic enzymes, encouraging healthy hair growth. The plant also improves blood circulation to the scalp, ensuring better nourishment for the follicles. Rich in vitamins and minerals, aloe vera strengthens hair roots, preventing breakage and promoting thicker hair. Additionally, it helps maintain the scalp’s pH balance and soothes inflammation, creating an ideal environment for hair to grow.

Benefits of wheatgrass for hair growth

Wheatgrass is a powerful natural ingredient that supports hair growth by nourishing the scalp and hair follicles. Packed with vitamins A, C and E and essential amino acids, it helps strengthen hair, reduce hair thinning and improve overall hair health. The chlorophyll in wheatgrass boosts circulation to the scalp, promoting better nutrient delivery to the hair follicles. Additionally, its detoxifying properties remove toxins, contributing to a healthier scalp environment and ultimately encouraging stronger, fuller hair growth.

How aloe vera and wheatgrass combine to boost hair growth?

By combining aloe vera and wheatgrass, you create a powerful duo that promotes healthy hair growth. Aloe vera works to hydrate and soothe the scalp, while wheatgrass enhances circulation and supports detoxification. Together, they provide a nurturing environment for hair to thrive, ensuring your scalp remains nourished and free from harmful toxins.

Aloe vera and wheatgrass shot recipe

Now that we know the incredible benefits of aloe vera and wheatgrass, let’s move on to preparing a simple aloe vera and wheatgrass shot that can easily fit into your daily routine to boost hair growth.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of fresh aloe vera gel (or organic store-bought gel)
• 1/2 cup of fresh wheatgrass juice (or wheatgrass powder)
• 1/2 cup of water (or coconut water for enhanced hydration)
• 1 teaspoon of honey (optional for added sweetness and nourishment)
• 1 teaspoon of lemon juice (optional for an extra vitamin C boost)

Method:

• Prepare the aloe vera gel: If using fresh aloe vera, cut a leaf from the plant, remove the thorny edges, slice it open and scoop out the gel with a spoon. If using store-bought aloe vera gel, make sure it’s organic and free from additives or preservatives.
• Extract wheatgrass juice: If you have fresh wheatgrass, juice it using a wheatgrass or masticating juicer. Fresh juice is packed with nutrients, offering maximum benefits for hair health. If fresh wheatgrass isn’t available, use wheatgrass powder. Mix 1 teaspoon of powder with 1/2 cup of water to form a paste and then dilute with more water to create a smooth drink.
• Blend the ingredients: In a blender, combine the fresh aloe vera gel, wheatgrass juice (or paste) and water (or coconut water). Add honey and lemon juice to enhance the flavour and nutritional value. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
• Serve and enjoy: Pour the mixture into a glass and drink immediately. For optimal absorption, it’s best to consume this shot once a day in the morning on an empty stomach.

While aloe vera and wheatgrass offer numerous benefits, they also come with some potential risks. Aloe vera may cause allergic reactions or digestive issues, especially when consumed in large quantities or raw. Wheatgrass, while beneficial, could lower blood pressure and interfere with certain medications. Both plants may also be contaminated with toxins if not sourced properly. It’s important to use them in moderation and consult a healthcare provider, especially if you’re on medication or have pre-existing conditions.

US President Donald Trump doubles down on his desire for Egypt and Jordan to take in Gazans. Trump has reportedly suggested that Palestinians would be better off somewhere not “associated with violence.” “I’d like to get them living in an area where they can live without disruption and revolution and violence,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One. Asked how Egypt’s President received his idea, Trump said, “His response [was] that he’d like to see peace in the Middle East.” “I’d like to see peace in the Middle East,” Trump added amid a raging conflict in the region. Pressed further on how Sissi reacted to his idea, Trump insists that both the Egyptian and Jordanian leaders “would do it.” n18oc_world n18oc_crux0:00 INTRODUCTION3:02 “FAKE NEWS…” ALBANIA DENIES TALKS TO TAKE PALESTINIANS IN4:01 HAMAS DELEGATION IN CAIRO FOR TALKS5:01 IRAN SAYS ISRAEL, US WOULD BE ‘REALLY CRAZY’ TO TARGET ITS NUKE SITES6:14 HOUTHIS WARN ISRAEL

Last Updated:January 28, 2025, 17:24 IST

Saif Ali Khan Stabbing Case: The Mumbai Police claimed that they have strong evidence against the arrested accused in the Saif Ali Khan stabbing case

Saif Ali Khan Stabbing Case: The Mumbai Police on Tuesday claimed that they have strong evidence against the arrested accused in the Saif Ali Khan stabbing case, adding that a facial recognition test would be conducted to match his identity with the CCTV footage.

Last Updated:January 28, 2025, 17:18 IST

Ronaldo has asked Al-Nassr’s top brass to sign the midfield veteran in the winter transfer window. Manchester United are happy to listen to offers for the Brazilian as his £300,000-a-week contract occupies a huge chunk of the overall wage bill and are looking for £30…Read More

Al Nassr star Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly asked his club to sign Manchester United misfit Casemiro in January. Since Ruben Amorim arrived at Old Trafford as head coach, Casemiro has encountered issues getting enough playing time. The Red Devils have also approved the Brazilian’s potential departure as he is not in the manager’s plan. Now, the Daily Star has reported that Ronaldo wants to see his ex-teammate in Saudi Arabia. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has ‘told’ Al-Nassr’s top brass to sign the midfield veteran in the winter transfer window. Ronaldo’s request is aimed towards preventing the Stefano Pioli-coached side from further faltering in the Saudi Pro League title race.

As per the report, Ronaldo reckons that signing one of the most decorated midfielders in European football would raise the Saudi Pro League’s profile even higher. The Knights of Najd previously showcased their interest in the Brazilian star in the last two years, which they dropped this season.

Ronaldo and Casemiro were teammates at Real Madrid for over half a decade. The Brazilian joined Ronaldo and company in the Spanish capital in January 2013. He arrived from Sao Paulo at the age of 20. Casemiro’s arrival paved the way for one of the most successful eras in Real Madrid’s history. They went on to share four Champions League trophies and three La Liga titles at the club, alongside several other pieces of silverware. The partnership eventually ended when Ronaldo left Real Madrid for Juventus in 2018.

Casemiro was reunited with Ronaldo at Old Trafford in the summer of 2022. While the duo had enjoyed phenomenal success together in the past, they failed to guide the Red Devils to any major silverware. Now, Ronaldo and Casemiro are on the verge of playing club football together for a third time. Manchester United are happy to listen to offers for the Brazilian as his £300,000-a-week contract at the club occupies a huge chunk of the overall wage bill. They are reportedly looking for £30 million for Casemiro in the January transfer window.

Casemiro has missed the club’s last three league games and was benched during their 2-1 win over Rangers in the Europa League. The Saudi Pro League transfer window will close on January 30. This leaves Al-Nassr only a few days to strike a deal with Manchester United for Casemiro.

Last Updated:January 28, 2025, 17:10 IST

For the young Indian, getting back to the grind has been a refreshing change of pace after a month-long break following his World Championship win, as he primes himself to take on newer challenges.

Heavy is the head that wears the crown. D Gukesh seems to be learning the same the tough way, as the Indian Grandmaster talked about the new challenges that arise with becoming a World Champion on Tuesday.

Gukesh has been in sublime form ever since he beat China’s Ding Liren to clinch the world title in Singapore in December last year.

He took a break from the game to attend to functions and festivities back home and skipped the World Rapid and Blitz Championship in New York.

But, it hasn’t been all smooth sailing for the youngster, who admitted that dealing with such immense success in such a short period of time has taken its own toll on him.

“I have to admit the success has not been easy to deal with. I might have drifted a bit here and there. But the most important thing is that people around me are always there to remind me whenever I go off the track.”

Gukesh is back in action again and showcased his best form on the board at Game 7 of the Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2025 with the win over fellow compatriot and former second at the World Chess Championship final, Penthala Harikrishna on Saturday.

“I am happy that chess is getting the kind of attention that only cricket usually gets in India. After a month, coming back to Wijk aan Zee and focusing on chess is also very nice. The world champion title is nice to have, but there is still a long way to go to be the best. I am just looking to reach my full potential.”

Continuing his rapid rise, world champion D Gukesh dethroned compatriot Arjun Erigiasi to become the highest-ranked Indian chess player, at fourth, in the latest FIDE rankings on Thursday.

Gukesh, 18, achieved the feat when he logged his second victory in the Tata Steel Tournament in Wijk Aan Zee (Netherlands) defeating Vincent Keymer of Germany.

With Gukesh’s win against Harikrishan, he stands tall, taking over the top spot in the Masters standings, with five points out of seven, as rhe defending World Champion looks to secure the title at Wijk aan Zee.

Last Updated:January 28, 2025, 17:02 IST

Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) in Maharashtra: “Rukmini’s brain is still active. We have not been told the specific reason behind GBS. Doctors say her condition is very critical. Doctors say there is no significant progress, but she is stable and she will come out,” says Devidas…Read More

Devidas Kadam, an autorickshaw driver in Pune, is still unable to comprehend how his eight-year-old daughter’s complaint of stomach pain turned into Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) disorder.

“Two weeks ago, she complained of stomach pain for just two hours. On January 16, she developed a high fever and fainted, so we rushed to the nearest hospital. Doctors did urine tests and a few other tests. Suspecting it to be GBS, they started the treatment. The confirmation of GBS came on the eighth day of her hospitalisation. They then conducted a few more tests,” said Kadam.

Rukmini is on ventilator support in the ICU of Navale Hospital in Pune for 13 days.

“Her body is paralysed, but her brain is active. She can identify people or understand what you say, but can’t respond. The doctors say they will keep her under observation for another three to four days. If her condition remains the same, they will change the course of treatment and will give her eight more injections. I don’t know the name of the injections, but doctors have asked us to get them from a medical store if needed,” he said.

‘RUKMINI’S BRAIN IS STILL ACTIVE’

After her first urine test, doctors told Kadam that Rukmini had a urine infection and swelling on her kidney. “When they admitted her to the hospital, GBS had started to spread in her body. Doctors started treatment at once, so it did not spread above her neck and that is why her brain is still active. We have not been told the specific reason behind GBS. For the past 13 days, she is under observation. Doctors say her condition is very critical. Every day doctors visit. There is no significant progress, but she is stable and she will come out,” said Kadam.

‘NOT WORKING FOR 14 DAYS’

As the sole breadwinner of the family of four, including a five-year-old son, Kadam is facing a tough time managing the expenses of treatment. So far, he has spent Rs 3 lakh on her treatment. With a monthly earning of Rs 20,000-25,000, Kadam has not worked for 14 days.

“I have sold my wife’s jewellery, exhausted my savings and borrowed money from relatives for the treatment. I have no insurance. I hope the government helps. They have accommodated GBS in the government scheme, but they should make treatment free, instead of giving a small subsidy. Doctors are not giving any specific timeline on when she will be fine, so I don’t know how much expense we will have to bear,” he said.