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Wild Orcas Spotted ‘French Kissing’ in Norway Waters | WATCH

July 4, 2025, 4:20 pm

For the first time in history, researchers have captured wild orcas performing ‘tongue-nibbling’, an extremely intimate social behavior compared to ‘making out’ or ‘French kissing’. A clip of the same is now going viral on social media and leaving people amazed.

This is unique behavior that has been reported by a new study that appeared in June 11 in the journal Oceans. Before this, interactions of this nature were only seen among captive killer whales for a very few instances. The study features stunning photographs of two juvenile wild orcas “tongue-nibbling” off Norway’s coast.

Characterized by scientists as a ‘socially affiliative behavior’, this strange interaction is believed to solidify ‘social bonds’, particularly between younger orcas. As study co-author Javier Almunia discussed with Live Science, the behavior is ‘exceptionally rare’.

He clarified, “Orca caretakers at a number of facilities are familiar with the behavior, but its frequency is very low, it can occur and then not be seen for many years.”

Watch:

Seen by Snorkelers in Norway

The encounter was seen by snorkelers who observed two killer whales ‘involved in an extended mouth-to-mouth contact’ for almost two minutes. At all times, the orcas were seen to have “approached each other and sustained contact between the anterior parts of their heads.”

The research captured that, “At the time, some of the observers aboard noticed that the animals were ‘kissing’ around the boat, a description completely identical to that which was given before by the guests themselves who wrote about the sighting in Tverrfjorden.”

Pictures in the research depict one orca with its jaws open while the other enclosed it gently, softly making nibbling actions on its tongue. As researchers put it, “one individual protruded its tongue while the other made gentle nibbling movements.”

After the encounter, the researchers interviewed three expert divers and underwater videographers with extensive experience of tracking killer whales. None of them had previously witnessed this ‘tongue-nibbling’ behavior.

Furthermore, senior Loro Parque marine mammal trainers attested to having witnessed this action in ‘four individuals housed at the facility’, but noted they hadn’t seen it ‘in subsequent years’, as cited also by the study.

Norway Lottery Error Falsely Tells Thousands They Won Millions

June 29, 2025, 10:15 pm

In a dramatic turn of events, thousands of Norwegians in Norway briefly believed they had become overnight millionaires after receiving erroneous notifications from state-owned gambling company Norsk Tipping. The company mistakenly informed Eurojackpot winners on Friday that they had won exorbitant sums an error later traced to a currency conversion glitch.

Technical Glitch Behind Inflated Prizes

Norsk Tipping said “several thousand” players were affected by the mishap, although it declined to confirm the exact number. The error, reportedly caused by a miscalculation in converting Eurocents to Norwegian kroner, inflated winnings by a factor of 100. Instead of dividing the Eurocent amounts by 100 to convert them into euros and subsequently into kroner, the system mistakenly multiplied them.

“No incorrect pay-outs were made,” the company clarified, adding that the correct prize amounts were updated on Saturday evening.

Public Disappointment and CEO’s Apology in Norway

The incident triggered widespread disappointment and public outrage. Many recipients had begun making plans with their newfound wealth including holidays, home renovations, and even property purchases before learning the winnings were significantly lower.

“I am terribly sorry that we have disappointed so many, and I understand that people are angry with us,” said Norsk Tipping CEO Tonje Sagstuen in a public apology. She admitted the “criticism is justified” and revealed she had received emotional messages from players impacted by the blunder.

The fallout led to an emergency meeting between Norsk Tipping’s board and the Ministry of Culture, which oversees the company. Following the meeting, Sagstuen announced her resignation, stating, “This is my responsibility.” She had served as CEO since September 2023 and had been with the company for over a decade.

Government Response and Ongoing Concerns in Norway

Culture and Equality Minister Lubna Jaffery expressed concern, saying, “Such mistakes should not happen,” particularly given Norsk Tipping’s exclusive right to operate gambling services in Norway. She urged the board to strengthen its internal controls.

This is not the first time Norsk Tipping has come under scrutiny. The company acknowledged it has faced “several serious errors” and “a number of technical problems” over the past year, drawing justified criticism from both regulators and customers.

PM Modi Cancels Visits to Croatia, Norway, Netherlands: Source

May 7, 2025, 12:24 pm

In a startling diplomatic turnaround, Prime Minister Narendra Modi cancelled his scheduled tours of Croatia, Norway, and the Netherlands in a signal to reset India’s foreign engagement against a backdrop of escalating security and strategic imperatives.

Although precipitate, this move seems influenced by mounting anxieties at home and shifting tides in world affairs.

Although there has been no official announcement spelling out the exact reasons, sources in the government indicate that the decision is in response to increased regional security threats and the aftermath of the latest Pahalgam terror strike.

The Prime Minister Modi will likely give priority to internal security analysis and strategic military coordination in the weeks ahead.

This is a developing story…!!!

PM Modi to Visit Norway for 3rd India-Nordic Summit, Geopolitics to Be in Focus

April 16, 2025, 2:38 pm

PM Narendra Modi will travel to Oslo, Norway on May 15-16 to participate in the 3rd India-Nordic Summit. All five Nordic nations’ leaders—Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland—will be accompanying him.

The summit will center on increasing cooperation in commerce, innovation, green energy, climate change, and the blue economy. Geopolitics and discussions regarding world peace, security, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict are also likely to be key agenda points.

PM Modi will visit Oslo on May 15-16 to attend the 3rd India-Nordic Summit. Leaders from all five Nordic countries — Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland — will join him at the summit.#PMModi #IndiaNordicSummit #Norway pic.twitter.com/nD7oVimUXJ

— The UnderLine (@TheUnderLineIN) April 16, 2025

Strengthening bilateral relations

Before the summit, PM Modi had a telephonic talk with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. The leaders reiterated their commitment to the India-Denmark Green Strategic Partnership and exchanged views on strengthening cooperation in a range of sectors.

The Green Strategic Partnership, which was launched in 2020, has provided smooth conditions for Danish investments in India’s green transition.

India targets increased investment inflows from the sovereign funds of Nordic nations. Norway’s sovereign fund, also the biggest one globally, has been positive toward India and invested heavily in the Indian market. In 2023, it invested $841 million across 62 Indian corporations, indicative of its trust in India’s economy.

Shared values and global cooperation

Both India and the Nordics believe in a rules-based international order and support more representative, transparent, and effective world institutions. Both are also exploring cooperation on research in the Arctic and climate matters.

During the previous summit held in Denmark, leaders were of serious concern over the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and condemned the death of civilians. They decided to remain in constant touch on this matter, noting their dedication towards world peace and security.

Geopolitical consequences

The summit talks will probably cover the geopolitical situation, with an emphasis on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The Nordic nations, by virtue of geographical proximity to Russia, have grave concerns regarding Russia’s continuous belligerence. Norway and Denmark are original members of NATO, whereas Sweden and Finland have applied to join the alliance in recent times. The summit results could shape the region’s security equation and India’s position in world geopolitical issues.

The visit of PM Modi to Norway for the India-Nordic Summit reflects India’s resolve to further deepen cooperation with the Nordic nations. The emphasis of the summit on trade, green energy, and international security is aligned with India’s strategic interests. With the world grappling with the complexities of geopolitical challenges, a deeper cooperation between India and the Nordic nations has the potential to shape a safer and more sustainable global future.

European Startup’s Spectrum Rocket Crashes Into Sea Seconds After Launch

March 30, 2025, 11:49 pm

A rocket privately built by Norwegian aerospace firm Isar Aerospace exploded into the sea just 30 seconds after taking off on Sunday.

Regardless of the short flight, Isar Aerospace characterized the mission as a success, with the test delivering useful flight data. The two-stage Spectrum rocket, intended to launch small and medium satellites into space, took off from Andøya in northern Norway at 12:30 p.m. local time (1030 GMT). But the flight was cut short shortly after lift-off, and the rocket plunged into the sea in a controlled splashdown.

This test flight enabled us to gather a substantial amount of flight data and operational experience for future missions,” the company said in a statement.

The 28-meter (92-foot) Spectrum rocket is Isar Aerospace’s attempt to join the competitive private space launch market, providing affordable options for satellite deployment. The company will reportedly examine the test results to hone upcoming launches.

Norway’s Centre Party Shakes Up Politics, Quitting Government Over EU Energy Dispute

January 30, 2025, 11:18 pm

Norway’s Centre Party withdrew from the ruling coalition on Thursday over a dispute regarding the adoption of European Union energy policies, leaving the centre-left Labour Party to govern alone just eight months before the national election.

Finance Minister Trygve Slagsvold Vedum’s decision removes Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre’s only coalition partner and takes away eight of the 20 cabinet ministers, including key positions in finance, defence, and justice. While Labour can continue ruling until September’s election, it lacks a parliamentary majority and trails right-wing parties in polls.

As a NATO country, Norway is not within the EU but is closely affiliated through the European Economic Area. Labour is in favour of implementing the EU’s renewable energy directives, energy performance in buildings, and efficiency-improving initiatives on several counts. They argue that these are necessary to maintain stability in trade relations. The Centre Party deplores such policies, proclaiming them to be so restrictive of Norwegian sovereignty.

“The Centre Party does not want to be part of this development. We want to take back more national control,” Vedum stated. Store, defending Labour’s stance, said that credibility was important in Norway’s deal with the EU, particularly with increasing tension between Europe and the U.S. over trade.

Norway has been debating its relationship with the EU for decades, having voted against full membership in referendums in 1972 and 1994. Although it is part of the EU market under the EEA agreement, the country is still criticized for having to comply with thousands of EU regulations without any say in their formulation.

With two-thirds of Norway’s exports going to the EU, Labour argues that maintaining strong ties with the EU is essential, especially in light of US President Donald Trump’s tariff threats and rising transatlantic trade tensions.

Norway Bold Move: Mandate Bomb Shelters In New Buildings Amid Rising Security Concerns

January 10, 2025, 9:30 pm

In response to increased security threats since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Norway intends to make bomb shelters mandatory in all new buildings. This is aimed at increasing the crisis resilience of its civil society, reversing a 1998 decision that had put on hold such requirements for buildings above 1,000 square meters. The move was announced in a white paper on “total preparedness” released on Friday.

The report indicates that no bomb shelters have been built in Norway since the 1998 decision. Today, only about 45% of the population has access to bomb shelters, which is behind other Nordic countries such as Finland, Denmark, and Sweden, where coverage ranges from 70% to 90%.

This initiative fits into a trend within the region of improving readiness for crises including, but not limited to, military, natural disasters, and cyber-based attacks. Nordic countries are indeed amassing supplies for emergency needs and fortifying financial systems in case the nation faces the disaster.

Norway has also tightened rules on foreign investments in strategic industries and is currently contemplating further regulations to bring the country in line with EU directives. Other pending proposals include strict pre-approval of property acquisition within military camps and other crucial infrastructure and obligatory registration of real estate ownership for greater transparency purposes.

These steps demonstrate Norway’s dedication to protecting its national security and building resilience against changing global threats.

Norway Halts Controversial Deep-Sea Mining Project

December 2, 2024, 5:09 pm

Norway has halted its controversial plan to open up its seabed for commercial-scale deep-sea mining.

Oslo had initially intended to allow companies to apply for mining licenses for 280,000 sq km (108,000 sq miles) of its waters—an area larger than the UK. However, the project was blocked after the Socialist Left Party threatened not to support the government’s budget unless the first licensing round, set for 2025, was canceled.

Environmental scientists had warned that the move could have catastrophic consequences for marine life, and 32 countries, including France, Canada, Brazil, and Germany, opposed the plans. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoer called Sunday’s development a “postponement,” adding that preparatory work on regulations and environmental impact assessments would continue.

Greenpeace Norway’s Haldis Tjeldflaat Helle called the pause “a huge win.”

“It has been truly embarrassing to watch Norway positioning itself as an ocean leader, while planning to give the green light to ocean destruction in its own waters.”

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Norway’s energy ministry has not yet commented.

In January, Norway became the first country in the world to approve commercial-scale deep-sea mining. The deep sea is rich in minerals like lithium, scandium, and cobalt, which are essential for green technologies. While these metals are also available on land, they are concentrated in a few countries, creating a supply risk.

Oslo expressed a desire not to depend on China for such materials, emphasizing that it would only issue licenses once further environmental research was conducted.

This decision placed Norway at odds with the EU and the UK, both of which have called for a temporary ban on deep-sea mining due to concerns over potential environmental damage.

More than 100 EU lawmakers urged Oslo to reject the deep-sea mining project, citing concerns over the risks “to marine biodiversity and the acceleration of climate change.”

Norway’s Institute of Marine Research criticized the government’s environmental impact research, stating that an additional five to ten years of work were needed.

The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Norway announced last week that it was suing the government over the plans.

At least three Norwegian seabed mineral start-ups had expressed interest in bidding during the first licensing round.

On Monday, one of the start-ups, Green Minerals, stated that it expected a delay of up to a year due to the suspension of the plans.

Also Read: After Consuming Endangered Sea Turtle, 3 Dead, 32 Hospitalized

Autopsy Reveals No Human Involvement In Death Of ‘Spy’ Whale Hvaldimir

September 9, 2024, 10:57 pm

Hvaldimir, the beluga whale found dead off the coast of Norway on August 31, has been confirmed to have died of non-human-related causes. Hvaldimir, named after the combination of the Norwegian word for whale and Russian President Vladimir Putin, gained fame in 2019 after being spotted wearing a harness, sparking jokes about being a ‘Russian spy.’

Whale Found with Stick in Mouth

Norwegian authorities launched an investigation into Hvaldimir’s death following reports from two animal rights groups alleging foul play. The autopsy revealed that a stick measuring 35 cm (14 in) in length and 3 cm (1.2 in) in width was lodged in the whale’s mouth. While the whale had suffered minor injuries, they were superficial and unrelated to its cause of death.

Empty Stomach and Deteriorating Organs

Further examination showed that Hvaldimir’s stomach was completely empty, and many of the whale’s organs had already deteriorated. Police for the South West district, who conducted the autopsy, stated that there was no indication of human involvement in the whale’s death.

Investigation Closed

As no evidence was found to support claims that the whale was shot or harmed by humans, the police have decided not to pursue further investigation. The full autopsy report is expected to be released within two weeks, but authorities are confident that no human activity directly contributed to Hvaldimir’s death.

Hvaldimir had been a subject of intrigue since 2019 when it was first found near Norway’s Arctic coast wearing a harness. The unusual discovery led to speculation about the whale’s origins, with some suggesting it was part of a Russian military program.

Norway Blocks Sale of Last Privately Owned Property in Arctic

July 2, 2024, 4:01 pm

Norway has intervened to block the sale of the final privately owned property in the Svalbard archipelago, citing national security concerns. The property in question, Søre Fagerfjord, spans 60 square kilometres of mountains, plains, and a glacier in southwestern Svalbard and was on the market for $326 million.

China had expressed interest in purchasing the property under the terms of the 1920 Svalbard Treaty, which governs the archipelago’s international status. However, Norway has deemed the potential sale a risk to national security, as stated by Trade and Industry Minister Cecilie Myrseth. The government has announced that any sale of the property will now require state approval under national security law. “The current owners of Søre Fagerfjord are open to selling to actors that could challenge Norwegian legislation in Svalbard,” Myrseth noted, warning that such a sale could destabilize the region and threaten Norwegian interests.

Svalbard, a strategically significant archipelago comprising a group of islands north of continental Norway, is located approximately 700 kilometers north of the European mainland. This Arctic region has become increasingly significant geopolitically and economically as the ice melts and tensions rise between Russia and the West.

The Svalbard Treaty, signed on February 9, 1920, in Paris, established Norway’s full and undivided sovereignty over the archipelago. Before the treaty, the area was open to exploitation by any nation, with Norway, Sweden, and Russia being the earliest states to capitalize on its resources. Svalbard’s history includes hunting, coal extraction, and serving as a base for polar exploration.

In 1905, Norway gained independence from Sweden and subsequently sought to include Svalbard within its kingdom. Despite various proposed scenarios, including shared control with Sweden and Russia, Norway aimed for sole governance of the territory. Negotiations were delayed by World War I, but the eventual signing of the Svalbard Treaty solidified Norway’s control.

Today, Norway owns 99.5 percent of Svalbard, and any sale that could challenge this authority is met with caution. The recent decision to block the sale of Søre Fagerfjord underscores Norway’s commitment to maintaining stability and security in this strategically important region.

Norway, Ireland And Spain Decide To Recognize Palestine as State

May 28, 2024, 7:07 pm

On Wednesday, May 22, Norway, Ireland, and Spain announced their intention to recognize the state of Palestine on May 28. This historic decision represents the first instance of a Western European nation committing to acknowledging Palestine as a sovereign state.

Being acknowledged as a “state” by other nations can bolster a region’s desire to be recognized as a legitimate political entity on the global stage.

Espen Barth Eide, Norway’s Minister of Foreign Affairs said “Norway will recognize Palestine as a State. A two-state solution is the only viable pathway to peace for both Israel and Palestine. At this critical juncture, our recognition comes in support of the work towards a comprehensive plan for regional peace.”

What does it mean to be recognized as a state?

The Montevideo Convention (1933) outlines four state conditions: a permanent population, defined territory, government, and ability to engage with other states. Statehood, as per The Cambridge Companion to International Law, is pivotal globally. Many regions strive for independence, yet formal recognition hinges on global perception.

The UN’s criteria for accepting states as Members are broad, as per Article 4 of its Charter: “Membership in the United Nations is open to all other peace-loving states which accept the obligations contained in the present Charter and, in the judgment of the Organization, are able and willing to carry out these obligations.”

Status of Palestine at the UN

Before Norway, Ireland, and Spain’s announcement, 143 of the UN’s 193 members recognized Palestine as a state, mainly in Asia, Africa, and South America. India recognized Palestine in 1988. State recognition is crucial for Palestinian self-determination and governing choices. Section F of the resolution calls for sympathetic consideration of UN membership for independent states.

Palestinian leaders rejected the Plan, seeing it as against Arab interests. This led to the Arab Israeli war, with Israel prevailing. In 1949, its UN membership proposal was tabled, and approved by all P5 members except the UK, which abstained.

Significance of the Norway-Ireland-Spain move

The Norwegian Foreign Minister announced the upgrade of its representative office in the West Bank to an embassy, signifying a shift in global support towards Palestine amid divisions caused by the Gaza war. The US and UK, while expressing support for an independent Palestine, maintain it should be achieved through negotiations with Israel.

Spain’s PM Pedro Sánchez cites moral conviction and the necessity for peace in recognizing Palestine, criticizes Netanyahu for endangering the two-state solution.

The choice made by these three nations may set a precedent for others to do the same. French President Emmanuel Macron stated in February that France considering recognition of a Palestinian state was not off-limits.

5 Travel Destinations for your Lungs

November 11, 2022, 4:23 pm

Why do we need a vacation? May be to take a break from the standard daily routine which turns out to be monotonous or may be for some stress relief along with relaxation of our mind. Now is the time to relax our lungs, too. We have been seeing news about the rising air pollution leading to the “severe AQI” and the adverse repercussions it might bring. AQI, or air quality index, is an index for reporting on air quality. It is a gauge of how quickly air pollution damages a person’s health. To understand better, an ideal AQI is 0–50. 51–100 is considered satisfactory; 101–200 is moderately polluted; 201-300 is poor; 301–400 is very poor; and 401–500 is severe. Reportedly, the AQI in Delhi has risen to 491—which is “severe.” However, there are areas in the world with low AQIs, making them an excellent travel destination for you.

Zurich, Switzerland (0.51 AQI)

Zurich is known for having pristine air and will be the least polluted city in 2021. It is because of the city’s stringent policy design to limit car emissions, the promotion of cleaner modes of transportation, and the low levels of air pollution. Instead of driving, most people in the city take trains, buses, and subways. Additionally, the city is very committed to garbage management.

Hobart, Australia (2.73 AQI)

For twenty years, the city of Hobart has incorporated sustainability and the effects of the climate into its operations. In order to formulate policies, identify obstacles, and generate possibilities, it has measured and dramatically decreased its energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. In order to cut pollution, the city is focusing on using solar energy for electricity. The city has incorporated autonomous sensor networks into the storm water drainage system to find plastics, cans, and leaves and prevent them from entering the ocean.

Launceston, Australia (3.68 AQI)

Launceston is vulnerable to an inversion layer due to its geographic location, which warms the air. Due to the city’s steep terrain and residents’ accustomed usage of fireplaces and hardwood heaters, Launceston saw high levels of pollution and smoke in the air. Campaigns for community education, the enforcement of environmental regulations, and a programme to replace wood heaters with electric heaters encouraged the use of electric heaters as an alternative, all of which contributed to the reduction of pollution and the city’s ranking as one of the least polluted in 2021.

Honolulu, USA (3.68 AQI)

Though Hawaii suffers from air pollution, Honolulu is the cleanest city in Hawaii. The climatic conditions of the city and its population density help keep the air clean. Relatively fewer heavy industries also contribute to the lesser pollution. However, the solid waste (marine debris) has been increasing in the city, and strategies are being taken to remove the debris.

Bergen, Norway (4.39 AQI)

The Norwegian city of Bergen has beautiful blue skies and panoramic views of the surrounding natural beauties. It is a remote city without any heavy industries that produce high particle pollution and are located in the valleys. However, temperature inversions frequently operate as a lid over the city, trapping all emissions from the vehicles and structures underneath, much like in Launceston and Los Angeles. Wood burners, fireplaces, and powered vehicles all produce these emissions. However, the city’s air quality is at its highest point in recent years thanks to the promotion of electric and zero-emission vehicles as well as the ban on wood furnaces.

Two killed, 1 hurt in helicopter crash in Norway

November 1, 2022, 5:54 pm

A helicopter crash in western Norway on Tuesday claimed the lives of two persons while seriously injuring a third, according to authorities.

Northeast of Trondheim in the Verdal municipality, the accident happened in the middle of the morning.

The cause of the crash was not immediately known.

The shattered wreck was depicted in images published in Norwegian media as resting in a field under dense fog.

According to the website Flightradar24, two additional helicopters—one assigned to rescue efforts and the other an ambulance—were sent to the area.

No other information was immediately available, although Norwegian media reports reported that the helicopter that crashed had been leased.