Scientists in China have created a chimera (mixed) monkey with distinctive features like green eyes and glowing fingertips. According to a CNN report, the primate has been created using two sets of DNA, something that is still experimental that they say could ultimately benefit medical research and conservation of species. The lab-born monkey survived for 10 days after which it was euthanised, the outlet further said. The research detailing the process of how the monkey was created has been published in journal Cell.

The primate was created using an unprecedented experiment, by combining the stem cells of two genetically distinct fertilized eggs from the same monkey species – a long-tailed macaque.

It was the world’s first live birth of a chimeric – or mixed – monkey with stem cells, CNN quoted the researchers as saying.

“It is encouraging that our live birth monkey chimera had a big contribution (of stem cells) to the brain, suggesting that indeed this approach should be valuable for modeling neurodegenerative diseases,” the outlet quoted study co-author Miguel Esteban, principal investigator at the Guangzhou Institute of Biomedicine and Health, as saying.

“Monkey chimeras also have potential enormous value for species conservation if they could be achieved between two types of nonhuman primate species, one of which is endangered. If there is contribution of the donor cells from the endangered species to the germ line, one could envisage that through breeding animals of these species could be produced,” he added.

The animal contained varying but relatively high ratio of cells that grew out of the stem cells.

The scientists said the presence of donated stem cells ranged from a low of 21 per cent all the way up to 92 per cent. The highest percentage was seen in brain tissues, according to Science Alert.

Chimeric mice were first created in the 1960s and have been commonly used in biomedical research.

The NIA on Tuesday attached properties of two key Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives who allegedly helped Pakistani terrorist Naveed Jatt escape from police custody from a Srinagar hospital in 2018 by attacking a police team.

In a statement, the agency said, “Going full throttle against terrorist organisations and operatives operating in Kashmir, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) attached the properties of two key Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operatives in the 2018 case relating to the forcible release of a terrorist through a fatal attack on a police party at a Srinagar hospital.” It said eight properties — five belonging to Mohd Shafi Wani and three to Mohd Tikka Khan, both residents of Singoo Narbal in Pulwama — have been attached under Section 33 (1) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act following recent orders from the NIA Special Court, Jammu.

The case involved the killing of two personnel of the Jammu and Kashmir Police in firing on a police party escorting LeT terrorist Jatt alias Abu Hanzla to SMHS Hospital, Srinagar, for a medical examination on February 6, 2018.

The NIA said Jatt, a terrorist of Pakistani origin, was forcibly released in the attack, which was carried out by the two accused, along with others, on orders from their Pakistan-based LeT commanders. Jatt was killed in an encounter with security forces later in 2018.

Jatt was believed to have been behind the killing of journalist Shujaat Bukhari outside his office at Residency Road in June 2018.

“The attached immovable properties of Mohd Shafi Wani and Mohd Tikka Khan, both identified as overground workers of the LeT, include various plots of land. The residential house of Shafi has also been attached,” the agency said.

The two accused were arrested from their Pulwama homes on February 8, 2018, and were also found to be in the possession of weapons. They were charge-sheeted on August 3, 2018, and are currently facing trial before the NIA Special Court in Jammu under several legal provisions, it added.

Industrialist Anand Mahindra never ceases to amaze us with his social media posts. The Twitter handle of the Mahindra Group Chairman is a goldmine of interesting, inspiring and heartwarming content that can make anyone’s day. The 68-year-old also imparts important life lessons to his 10.8 million social media followers through his posts. However, this time around, the industrialist reacted to a picture of his lookalike and his response left everyone laughing.

A user who goes by the username PJ took to X (formerly Twitter) and shared a photo of his colleague from Pune who resembled Mr Mahindra. He wrote, “@anandmahindra You too can get shocked after seeing this person. My colleague from Pune, lookalike Anand Mahindra.” Responding to the same, Mr Mahindra, in a witty manner said, “Looks like we were separated  during some Mela in our childhood…”

This response by the industrialists left many users in splits. Since being shared, his post has amassed over a million views and 10,000 likes.

“It’s incredible how life has a way of weaving connections. Wishing you both a joyful reunion!” remarked the user.

“Identical twins?” joked another person.

A third user added, “Humour level #1000 @anandmahindra Sir.”

“Not any other mela, has to be Kumbh Mela,” remarked a person.

“Unbelievable. I was stunned upon seeing it, my goodness, what a combination of faces. Oh my, amazing!” added another person.

Another internet user added, “Could be some Auto Expo.. not mela.”

“If he goes to court, you will have to prove he is not your brother,” another user joked.

“Do u have a family song to verify if he is really a family member?” added a person.

A few days ago, the business tycoon shared a photo of a unique snack he found at a store during his visit to New York. It wasn’t the snack itself, but the packaging on top that drew his interest. The photo displayed several packets of the popular Bombay namkeen mixture. The name on the packaging mentioned ‘Anand’, which piqued his interest. “Encountered in New York. Lawyers tell me I would not be successful in suing for brand violation,” wrote Anand Mahindra in his tweet.