MOSCOW: Soviet scientists have disproved the generally held view that the moon is a perfectly round globe, Tass reported here today [Jan 4].

The agency cited the findings of experts at the astronomical observatory of the Ukraine Science Academy, who have discovered that the moon is as diametrically shaped and elongated towards the earth. The scientists established a map of the visible face of the moon based on lunar documents made in the USSR, the United States and Australia. The map gives the maximum heights on the surface of the moon every 500 metres

[Meanwhile, as reported by an agency in Peking,] an Indian representative here has apologised to the Chinese Government for the attack on the Chinese Embassy in Delhi on Dec 30, Indian diplomatic sources indicated today [Jan 4]. The sources said Interim Charge d’Affaires at the Indian Embassy here, Mr A. Madhavan, orally presented his Government’s apologies as soon as the Chinese Foreign Ministry handed him a protest Note over the incident yesterday. But in New Delhi today, an Indian Government spokesman flatly denied a Chinese charge that the Dec 30 demonstration in front of the People’s China Embassy here was officially inspired.

Published in Dawn, January 5th, 2019