Weapons of mass destruction that are currently being created
Weapons of mass destruction (WMD) have been developed, produced, and unfortunately, used on some occasions. The nuclear bomb was a game changer when it came to the amount of damage a WMD could inflict, but technology has evolved, and so have WMDs. Cyber warfare is nothing new, nor is the use of biological weapons, but these are much more sophisticated now. Plus, we have a few new weapons, both hypothetical and real ones, that are worth mentioning. When it comes to the development of such weapons, countries with enormous military budgets like the US and Israel are at the forefront. The war between Israel and Palestine that broke out in October 2023 has sadly seen some of their advanced technology put to use. As Israel prepares for a ground invasion of Gaza, they are formulating a plan to take over the underground tunnels that have been built under the tiny enclave. As they enter the tunnels, they are reportedly going to employ "sponge bombs" to block off passageways from which they could be ambushed, according to The Telegraph. These bombs don't actually explode, but instead combine two chemical compounds which create a burst of foam when mixed. The foam quickly expands and hardens, sealing off tunnels and exits. In this gallery, we look at what you need to know about the future of weapons of mass destruction. Click on to learn more.
2024-01-16T12:07:07Z
The amazing sunken forest that was created after an earthquake
Lake Kaindy, sunk deep within Kolsai Lakes National Park in Kazakhstan, is a natural landmark that was created out of a disaster. In 1911 an earthquake struck the Tian Shan Mountains in what was then Russian Turkestan. Known as the Kebin earthquake, the tremors triggered avalanches and landslides that killed over 450 people, flattened more than 700 buildings in Almaty, and forever altered the geography of the region. One particularly violent landslide sent limestone debris crashing into a gorge to form a natural dam. Over time the gorge was flooded by rainfall and mountain river water. The rising water levels created an attractive lake, subsequently named Lake Kaindy. But what makes this lake especially appealing is its incredible sunken forest, a collection of Schrenk’s spruce that was submerged as the gorge filled up. Only the needle-like tips of these once mighty trees remain visible, and stand like the masts of stricken ghost ships. Another draw is the lake's iridescent hues. The limestone deposits have left the water a bright palette of bluish-green, colors that positively glow in sunlight to leave Kaindy looking like a Caribbean lagoon rather than a lake set in a Central Asian mountain range. A year-round destination, Kolsai Lakes National Park is noted for its water features. Besides Kaindy, visitors are regaled with other lakes, all spectacular in their remote setting and scenic beauty. Outdoor enthusiasts and adventure tourists are drawn to this part of the world for its unspoiled splendor and relative accessibility (Lake Kaindy is only 129 km (80 miles) southeast of Almaty). Many choose to hike the region in summer, camping in traditional yurts set near some of the lakes. In winter, it's still possible to explore the area. This time of year sees Kaindy caked in ice, the sunken forest quiet and still in the watery gloom. Browse the gallery and find out more about this enchanting natural wonder.
2024-03-06T15:23:46Z
Famous whistleblowers who shocked the world
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has been in some form of confinement in the UK for the last 12 years, fighting his extradition to the US to face charges of espionage. After seven years inside the Ecuadorian embassy in London and a further five years in Belmarsh prison, Assange has reached a plea deal with the Biden administration that will sentence him to time served, allowing him to return to his native Australia as a free man immediately. “Julian Assange is free. He left Belmarsh maximum security prison on the morning of 24 June, after having spent 1901 days there. He was granted bail by the High Court in London and was released at Stansted airport during the afternoon, where he boarded a plane and departed the UK,” Wikileaks shared in a statement on Tuesday, June 25. Assange must enter his guilty plea in front of a US judge in order to finalize the deal, but due to his concerns about entering the continental US, he will be stopping off in the Northern Mariana Islands—a US territory closer to Australia in the Pacific. A federal judge has set the plea hearing and sentencing for Wednesday morning. Throughout history, there have been many people who, for one reason or another, released classified information. Known as whistleblowers, they have alerted the public about other individuals, governments, or organizations who were secretly involved in illicit or unethical activities. From Frank Serpico to Edward Snowden, some call these individuals heroes, while others see them as traitors. To learn more about the case of Julian Assange and the other men and women who risked it all to share the truth, click through the gallery.
2024-01-17T16:38:08Z
