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The recent all-female spaceflight on Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin vehicle has sparked debate over the definition of "astronaut," particularly regarding celebrity participants like Katy Perry and journalist Gayle King. Sean Duffy, the former U.S. transportation secretary, challenged their astronaut status, citing that they did not meet the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) criteria, which require crew members to contribute to flight safety and reach an altitude of at least 50 miles (80km). The Kármán line, often cited as the boundary of space at around 62.1 miles (100km), remains contested among experts. While Blue Origin claims its passengers qualify as astronauts, critics argue that, as non-crew members on an automated flight, they do not meet the traditional standards. This debate raises important questions about responsibility and recognition in the evolving landscape of private space travel, where the distinction between passenger and astronaut becomes increasingly blurred. 
Published: May 05 2025, 11 ameznews.inJeremy Clarkson has ignited controversy with his latest column in *The Sunday Times*, where he provocatively labeled Jesus Christ as "the biggest fraudster of them all." In a satirical exploration of deception, Clarkson drew parallels between historical scams and contemporary cons, suggesting that tricking the public is a long-standing tradition. His closing remarks, which encouraged aspiring conmen to "go big" by emulating Jesus, included a tongue-in-cheek claim about walking on water and starting a lucrative industry based on deception. The comments have sparked widespread backlash, highlighting Clarkson's reputation for controversial and provocative writing. This incident follows a year in which he faced criticism for derogatory remarks about Meghan Markle and, conversely, attempted to assist struggling pub owners by offering free beer from his brewery, Hawkstone.
Published: May 05 2025, 9 pmeznews.inA 21-year-old Indian-origin student, Bandna Bhatti, was left paralysed from the waist down following a fall from a balcony at a fraternity party at the University of California, Berkeley, on April 19. Just weeks away from graduating with a degree in Data Science, Bhatti fell approximately 12 feet from an outdoor staircase, suffering severe injuries including a spinal fracture and brain hematoma. Reports indicate she was left unattended for about 15 minutes before her friends discovered her, and they delayed calling emergency services for nearly seven hours, instead taking her back to her apartment. Bhatti’s family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist with her extensive medical care and rehabilitation. UC Berkeley and the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity are providing support, while a police investigation into the incident is ongoing, with the university emphasizing the importance of student safety and well-being.
Published: May 05 2025, 6 pmeznews.inIn a pioneering surgical procedure, surgeons in the United States successfully removed a spinal tumor through the eye socket of 19-year-old Karla Flores, marking a significant advancement in complex tumor removal techniques. Flores, a budding manicurist from Maryland, had been experiencing vision problems since 2023, leading to the discovery of a rare malignant tumor known as chordoma pressing against her left eye. After initial surgery to remove part of her skull, doctors identified a second tumor near her cervical spine, necessitating a radical approach. Dr. Mohamed AM Labib and his team, including facial reconstructive surgeon Dr. Kalpesh Vakharia, executed the intricate 19-hour surgery on May 1, 2024, using a novel pathway through the lower eye socket. Following the surgery, Flores received proton therapy and, despite ongoing recovery challenges, her latest scans show no signs of cancer recurrence, with doctors optimistic about her prognosis.
Published: May 05 2025, 7 pmeznews.inA Wisconsin woman, Audrey Backeberg, who went missing 60 years ago at the age of 20, has been found alive and well. Backeberg disappeared from her Reedsburg home in July 1962, after leaving with a babysitter to hitchhike to Madison, Wisconsin. Despite extensive investigations over the decades, no breakthroughs were made until Detective Isaac Hanson reopened the case using advanced DNA technology, including genealogy websites like Ancestry.com. A connection was established through her sister's account, leading authorities to her current residence. While details of their conversation remain private, Hanson noted that Backeberg appeared happy and confident in her decisions. The Sauk County Sheriff's Office confirmed she left voluntarily amid a troubled marriage and allegations of abuse. The resolution of this cold case highlights the ongoing commitment of law enforcement to solve missing persons inquiries, although it remains uncertain if Backeberg intends to reconnect with her family.
Published: May 05 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIn the wake of a deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir that claimed 26 lives, former US National Security Advisor John Bolton emphasized India's right to retaliate against terrorist threats to its sovereignty. Speaking to NDTV, Bolton acknowledged India's legitimate self-defense but urged the government to first explore all diplomatic avenues before considering military action. He suggested pressuring Pakistan, particularly through its ally China, to take action against terror groups within its borders. Reflecting on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's restraint following a similar attack in 2019, Bolton noted the potential for a measured military response, focusing on precision to avoid escalation and facilitate renewed diplomatic negotiations. He underscored the need for India to demonstrate its commitment to resolving the Kashmir issue peacefully, while also highlighting the complexities of the ongoing tension between nuclear powers India and Pakistan.
Published: May 05 2025, 7 pmeznews.inThe deadline for obtaining a REAL ID is set for May 7, 2025, with no further extensions anticipated after years of delays. From this date, travelers will need a REAL ID-compliant license or identification card to fly domestically in the U.S. and access certain federal facilities. The REAL ID Act, enacted in 2005 following 9/11 Commission recommendations, aims to enhance the security and reliability of state-issued IDs. Many may already possess a REAL ID without realizing it, identifiable by a star symbol in the top corner of the card. Those without a REAL ID can check their state's licensing agency for specific requirements. If unprepared by the deadline, travelers must present a passport or another TSA-approved ID, risking delays or denial at security checkpoints. Despite calls for another delay from some state officials, the TSA has affirmed that the May 7 deadline will be upheld.
Published: May 05 2025, 7 pmeznews.inA new study warns that the Aspergillus fungus, which thrives in warm, damp climates, poses a significant health risk as it spreads across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, potentially infecting millions. Researchers, including co-author Norman van Rhijn, caution that rising global temperatures could lead to a "tipping point" where fungal pathogens become commonplace, with serious implications for vulnerable populations, such as those with asthma or weakened immune systems. The study indicates that Aspergillus fumigatus could expand its territory by 77% by 2100, exposing an estimated nine million people in Europe alone. Despite the urgency, the development of antifungal treatments has been hampered by financial challenges, as the market for such medications remains unattractive to investors. Experts emphasize the need for further research into the largely unexplored fungal kingdom, where less than 10% of species have been documented.
Published: May 05 2025, 6 pmeznews.inRussian President Vladimir Putin has accepted an invitation from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend an annual high-level summit in India, following a telephone conversation on Monday, according to the Kremlin. Both leaders underscored the importance of a united stance against terrorism in all its forms. The Kremlin noted the strategic nature of Russian-Indian relations, highlighting their privileged partnership, which remains free from external influences and continues to grow across various sectors. During the call, President Putin expressed his condolences for the recent terror attack in Pahalgam that resulted in Indian casualties, reaffirming Russia's commitment to support India in its fight against terrorism. Additionally, PM Modi congratulated Putin and the Russian people on the forthcoming 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War.
Published: May 05 2025, 4 pmeznews.inAir France and Lufthansa have ceased flights over Pakistani airspace due to escalating tensions following a Pakistan-sponsored terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir that resulted in 26 fatalities. Air France announced that it would suspend overflights of Pakistan "until further notice," while Lufthansa confirmed it would also avoid the region, despite the impact on flight durations. Flight tracking data reveals that multiple international airlines, including British Airways and Emirates, are rerouting to evade Pakistani airspace, leading to increased fuel consumption and longer travel times. Cash-strapped Pakistan is expected to face a decline in revenue from overflight fees as a result. Indian carriers, Air India and IndiGo, have also adjusted their international routes to bypass Pakistan, with IndiGo cancelling flights to Almaty and Tashkent, and both airlines anticipating increased operational costs due to the longer routes necessitated by the ongoing diplomatic tensions.
Published: May 05 2025, 5 pmeznews.inSkype, the pioneering video-calling service that transformed global communication, will officially shut down on May 5, 2025, as announced by its parent company Microsoft in February. The closure affects both free and paid users, with Skype for Business users transitioning to Microsoft Teams, which retains many of Skype's core features while offering additional capabilities. Users can easily log into Teams with their existing Skype credentials to access chats and contacts, or opt to export their data before the January 2026 deadline. If no action is taken, Skype data will be deleted by then. Once a giant with 150 million monthly users in 2011, Skype's popularity waned due to interface issues and fierce competition from platforms like Zoom and Slack, leading to a decline to just 23 million users by 2025.
Published: May 05 2025, 5 pm
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