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Global concerns over nuclear weapons and radioactivity have surged, particularly in light of ongoing conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war. While natural radioactivity exists, human activities—such as nuclear tests, power generation, and accidents—have created hazardous radioactive hotspots that pose significant health risks. The 1986 Chernobyl disaster exemplifies this, exposing millions to harmful fallout. Reports highlight some of the world's most radioactive locations, including the Fukushima Daini Nuclear Power Plant in Japan, which suffered leaks after a tsunami in 2011, and the Hanford Site in Washington, a former plutonium production facility. Other notable sites include the Soviet-era Polygon in Kazakhstan and the Sellafield plant in the UK, both linked to severe environmental contamination. These areas are deemed unsafe for habitation due to the extreme radiation levels, underscoring the ongoing dangers of nuclear technology and waste management. 
Published: May 17 2025, 3 pmeznews.inMicrosoft has confirmed its provision of AI and cloud services to the Israeli military to assist in hostage rescue operations amid the ongoing Gaza conflict. The company stated that its technologies, including Azure cloud storage and AI tools for language translation, were aimed at saving lives while maintaining oversight over their use. However, an investigation by The Associated Press revealed that the Israeli military utilizes Azure for intelligence processing, raising human rights concerns due to potential misuse and errors in AI systems. In response to employee concerns, Microsoft initiated an internal review and engaged an external firm for further investigation, yet it maintained that it found no evidence of its technologies being used to target civilians. Experts highlighted the implications of a tech company dictating terms to a government involved in conflict, with calls for greater transparency regarding military contracts amid the significant civilian toll in Gaza, where over 50,000 people have died.
Published: May 17 2025, 8 pmeznews.inChina and Russia have formalized plans to construct a lunar nuclear power station, aiming for completion by 2035 as part of the proposed International Lunar Research Station (ILRS). The memorandum of cooperation was signed by Russia's space agency, Roscosmos, and China's National Space Administration earlier this month. The station will facilitate fundamental space research and technology testing for long-term uncrewed operations, with potential for human presence on the Moon. The ILRS, initially announced in 2017, involves collaboration from various countries, including Venezuela, Belarus, and South Africa, and will be situated near the lunar south pole. Additionally, Roscosmos head Yuri Borisov mentioned plans for a nuclear-powered cargo spaceship, capable of transporting large payloads and collecting space debris. This announcement coincides with NASA's proposed budget cuts for its Gateway lunar base project, raising questions about future lunar exploration.
Published: May 17 2025, 5 pmeznews.inTen violent offenders escaped from the Orleans Justice Centre in New Orleans on Friday, raising significant concerns over security measures at the facility. The inmates accessed a maintenance area through a small window hidden behind a toilet, allowing them to scale a wall and flee. During a morning headcount, officials discovered the escape and found graffiti left by the inmates, taunting authorities with messages like "Too Easy LOL" and "Catch us when you can." Sheriff Hutson has initiated an internal investigation, suspecting possible inside assistance, as plumbing panels could only be removed from outside. Three employees have been suspended, and the sheriff noted that security was compromised due to defective doors, low staffing levels at 60%, and ongoing renovations. Approximately one-third of the facility's security cameras were also reported inoperable, prompting the sheriff's office to acknowledge lapses in security.
Published: May 17 2025, 5 pmeznews.inIn central Israel, a beach known for its golden sands and blue waters has become the unlikely site of a deadly shark attack, highlighting a rare and dangerous interaction between humans and ocean predators. Sharks, drawn to the warmer waters near a power station during winter, have been increasingly visible, leading to a tragic incident last month where a father of four was mauled to death while swimming. Experts emphasize that sharks typically do not pose a threat unless provoked, urging beachgoers to respect these creatures and their habitat. Following the attack, local authorities erected barriers to limit access to the area, though these were soon removed. Shark researcher Leigh Livine noted that rising water temperatures due to climate change are leading to more frequent human encounters with these animals, raising concerns about safety and the need for responsible behavior among beach visitors.
Published: May 17 2025, 3 pmeznews.inIsrael's military has conducted targeted strikes on the Hodeidah and Salif ports in Yemen, claiming these locations were being used by the Houthi group for weapon transfers. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated the operation aims to diminish the Houthis' military capabilities amid their escalating missile attacks on Israel in support of Palestinians in Gaza. The strikes reportedly resulted in one death and nine injuries, according to the Houthi-run health ministry. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz warned that ongoing missile assaults would lead to severe repercussions for Houthi leadership, including potential targeting of their leader, Abdul Malik al-Houthi. In response, Houthi officials dismissed the threats as "illusions," asserting their commitment to the broader "Axis of Resistance" alongside Hamas and Hezbollah. The conflict has intensified since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023, with the Houthis launching numerous attacks against Israel.
Published: May 17 2025, 4 pmeznews.inTulare Lake, once the largest body of freshwater west of the Mississippi, has reemerged in California's San Joaquin Valley after disappearing in the late 19th century due to agricultural drainage. Historically vital to the Tachi Yokut tribe, known as "Pa'ashi," the lake was fed by Sierra Nevada snowmelt, facilitating steamship travel for agricultural supplies from Bakersfield to San Francisco. The lake's revival, attributed to 2023's atmospheric rivers, has flooded farmland and communities, prompting a reevaluation of historical water management practices. Vivian Underhill, a former research fellow at Northeastern University, highlights the significance of the lake's return for indigenous communities, wildlife, and agricultural workers, noting the drastic changes in the region's landscape. The resurgence of Tulare Lake serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between nature and human intervention in water resource management.
Published: May 17 2025, 2 pmeznews.inA life-sized bronze statue of Melania Trump has vanished from her hometown of Sevnica, Slovenia, where it was unveiled in 2020. The sculpture, which was sawn off at the ankles and stolen on Tuesday, is currently the subject of a police investigation. Local residents have mixed feelings about the statue, with some suggesting it may have been vandalized, while others believe it was taken for its metal value. Igor Pavkovic, a local, noted Melania's absence from the public eye, while bakery owner Franja Kranjc remarked that the statue lacked pride and significance. The bronze statue replaced a wooden version that was burned shortly after its unveiling. Sculptor Brad Downey expressed sadness over the theft, speculating that it could be linked to Donald Trump's new election campaign, although he remains uncertain.
Published: May 17 2025, 1 pmeznews.inDuring his recent Middle East tour, President Donald Trump declared a significant departure from longstanding US interventionist policies, advocating for a new foreign policy centered on pragmatic deal-making. Speaking in Saudi Arabia, Trump criticized previous administrations for their military interventions, stating, "the so-called nation builders wrecked far more nations than they built." He emphasized that the US would no longer impose its values on the region, instead praising the achievements of Gulf monarchies while sidestepping issues of democracy and human rights, notably ignoring the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi authorities. Trump's trip also marked a shift in US-Israel relations, as he bypassed Israel and sidelined Prime Minister Netanyahu on key regional issues. Despite his push for peace, including potential negotiations with Iran, Trump left the region without progress on the Gaza conflict or significant diplomatic breakthroughs with Russia regarding Ukraine.
Published: May 17 2025, 1 pmeznews.inIsrael's military has initiated Operation "Gideon's Chariots" in Gaza, targeting strategic areas to defeat Hamas and secure the release of hostages amid escalating casualties and international scrutiny. This offensive follows US President Donald Trump's visit to the region, during which he proposed a "freedom zone" but did not meet with Israeli officials. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported over 100 fatalities in Gaza due to airstrikes, claiming to have targeted more than 150 sites linked to Hamas. Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis deepens, with critical shortages of food, water, and medicine prompting NGOs to call for an end to Israel's aid blockade. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's strategy has faced backlash for its potential to displace Gaza's population. Tensions are rising within Israel as reservists express discontent over the prolonged conflict, urging the government to negotiate a hostage deal, even if it means pausing military operations.
Published: May 17 2025, 1 pm
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