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China is set to launch its Shenzhou-20 mission on Thursday, sending a new team of three astronauts to its Tiangong space station as part of its goal to become a leading space power. The mission, which will be led by veteran astronaut Chen Dong, marks a significant step in China's ambitious space programme, which aims to rival the United States. The crew will spend six months aboard Tiangong conducting experiments in physics and life sciences, including the introduction of planarians, known for their regenerative abilities. This mission comes as China prepares for a crewed lunar mission by the decade's end, and follows a recent agreement with Pakistan to train two foreign astronauts for future flights. With this launch, China continues to assert its presence in space exploration, having been excluded from the International Space Station since 2011. 
Published: Apr 24 2025, 12 pmeznews.inChina has successfully launched three astronauts to its Tiangong space station aboard the Shenzhou-20 mission, marking a significant achievement in its space exploration efforts. This mission represents the 15th crewed flight in China's space program and the 20th overall since the inception of the Shenzhou program over 30 years ago. The Shenzhou-20 spacecraft lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in northwest China at 5:17 p.m. local time (0917 GMT) on Thursday, as reported by state broadcaster CCTV. This launch underscores China's growing capabilities in space exploration and its commitment to expanding its presence in low Earth orbit.
Published: Apr 24 2025, 6 pmeznews.inBitcoin, the leading cryptocurrency, briefly surged to become the fifth-largest global asset by market capitalisation this week, overtaking tech giants Google, Amazon, and silver, with a market cap of $1.86 trillion on April 23. However, this rise was temporary, as it fell back to eighth place by April 24, valued at $1.83 trillion, trailing Amazon, Alphabet, and silver. Despite the drop, Bitcoin's recent rally, driven by a 10% increase over four days, reflects a growing acceptance of digital assets, with current trading around $93,230. The cryptocurrency's volatility is highlighted by its all-time high of over $108,000 in December 2024. Factors contributing to its rise include geopolitical developments and a significant $3 billion institutional investment from Cantor Fitzgerald's 21 Capital, signalling increasing institutional interest in cryptocurrencies. As Bitcoin attracts diverse investors, its fluctuating status underscores its influential role in the evolving financial landscape.
Published: Apr 24 2025, 6 pmeznews.inPakistan has declared that any attempt by India to divert water under the Indus Water Treaty will be viewed as an "Act of War." This warning came as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif convened a National Security Committee meeting to respond to India's recent suspension of the treaty and downgrading of diplomatic ties following a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people. In retaliation, Pakistan announced the suspension of trade and all bilateral agreements, including the Simla Agreement, and closed the Wagah Border Post. Additionally, all Indian nationals, except Sikh pilgrims, are required to leave Pakistan within 48 hours. Pakistan's airspace will also be closed to Indian airlines, and Indian diplomatic staff in Islamabad will be reduced. The NSC emphasized that water rights are essential for Pakistan's 240 million citizens and condemned India's actions as exacerbating regional tensions.
Published: Apr 24 2025, 7 pmeznews.inUS Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has indicated that India is on the verge of becoming the first nation to finalize a bilateral trade agreement with the United States, aimed at circumventing President Donald Trump's reciprocal tariffs on Indian exports. Speaking at a roundtable during the World Bank and IMF annual meetings in Washington, Bessent highlighted India's relatively open trade practices, noting fewer non-tariff barriers and a lack of currency manipulation, which facilitate negotiations. Currently, a 26% reciprocal tariff on India is suspended for 90 days, expiring on July 8, while India faces a 10% tariff under US trade policy. In related developments, JD Vance, who recently traveled to Washington with his family, urged India to reduce non-tariff barriers and increase imports of American goods, energy, and military equipment to strengthen bilateral ties.
Published: Apr 24 2025, 5 pmeznews.inDemis Hassabis, CEO of Google DeepMind, has expressed significant concerns regarding society's preparedness for the imminent arrival of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), which he predicts could be realized within the next five to ten years. In a recent interview, Hassabis emphasized the urgent need for international standards and cooperation among countries, companies, and researchers as AGI approaches its final stages of development. He highlighted the potential risks associated with AGI, including existential threats to humanity, and advocated for a global oversight body akin to a "UN for AGI" to ensure safe and responsible advancement in this field. This warning comes alongside a recent DeepMind research paper that underscores the severe risks AGI could pose, including the potential to "permanently destroy humanity." As the technology evolves, Hassabis insists that society must engage in thoughtful discussions about its controllability and accessibility.
Published: Apr 24 2025, 5 pmeznews.inThe Crimean peninsula, seized by Russia from Ukraine in 2014, remains a focal point of heightened tensions between East and West, reminiscent of Cold War confrontations. A recent exchange between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky highlighted the contentious issue, with Trump criticizing Zelensky for not acknowledging Russia's control over Crimea in potential peace negotiations. Zelensky, however, firmly maintains that Ukraine will never relinquish Crimea. Historically, Crimea has shifted hands multiple times, initially absorbed into the Russian Empire in the 18th century, later becoming part of the Soviet Union, before being transferred to Ukraine in 1954. Russia's annexation followed a disputed referendum after Ukraine's pro-Russian president was ousted in 2014, leading to international condemnation and sanctions against Moscow. The region's strategic military significance, particularly for Russia's Black Sea operations, and its economic role, particularly in agriculture, further complicate the ongoing conflict.
Published: Apr 24 2025, 3 pmeznews.inThe State Bar of California has sparked controversy after revealing that artificial intelligence (AI) was used to create 23 out of the 171 scored multiple-choice questions on its February 2025 bar exam. This admission follows complaints from prospective lawyers about technical issues and irregularities during the test. The questions developed with AI assistance were produced by ACS Ventures, while additional questions were sourced from a first-year law student exam and created by Kaplan Exam Services. In response to the backlash, the State Bar plans to petition the California Supreme Court for adjustments to test scores. Committee of Bar Examiners Chair Alex Chan emphasized the commitment to fairness and responsiveness, noting that the court had encouraged the exploration of AI to enhance testing. Critics, including legal education experts, have condemned the decision, labeling it a conflict of interest and expressing disbelief that non-lawyers contributed to the exam's content.
Published: Apr 24 2025, 4 pmeznews.inTesla CEO Elon Musk has announced plans to significantly reduce his involvement with the Trump administration's controversial Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which aims to cut federal spending. During a quarterly earnings call, Musk stated his commitment to the task force would "drop significantly" starting in May, allowing him to concentrate on Tesla amid declining sales and a plummeting stock value, which has fallen over 50% since December. Following his announcement, Tesla shares rose by 4%, closing at $247.53, but analysts caution that Musk's political affiliations may have already harmed the company's brand image. Tesla is also facing intensified competition from U.S. and European automakers, as well as challenges from Chinese rival BYD, which recently introduced a fast-charging battery system. Additionally, Tesla has halted orders for its Model S and Model X in China due to potential retaliatory tariffs, complicating its market strategy further.
Published: Apr 24 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIn a significant escalation of tensions, Pakistan's top security committee convened in Islamabad to respond to India's recent actions following a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. After extensive discussions, Pakistan announced it would suspend permits for Indians under the SAARC visa exemption scheme and all other visas, mirroring India's previous measures. Additionally, Islamabad will reduce its diplomatic staff in India to 30 personnel. In a strong rebuttal to India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, Pakistan warned that any attempt to divert water would be deemed an "Act of War," potentially affecting millions due to the country's acute water shortages. Furthermore, Pakistan stated it would hold all bilateral agreements with India in abeyance until India ceases its alleged support for terrorism and adheres to international law concerning Kashmir, indicating a deepening rift between the two nations.
Published: Apr 24 2025, 4 pmeznews.inGoogle has mandated that remote workers return to the office at least three days a week, warning that those who do not comply may face job losses. This directive, affecting various units, aims to enhance in-person collaboration, which the company views as crucial for innovation and problem-solving. Employees in Google's Technical Services unit are being offered relocation assistance to move closer to an office. The move comes as Google, alongside other tech firms, seeks to cut costs while investing heavily in artificial intelligence development. Earlier this year, the company initiated voluntary buyouts and laid off 10% of its managerial staff to streamline operations. CEO Sundar Pichai has acknowledged the need for efficiency and a cultural transformation within the company, which he refers to as redefining "Googleyness," a term that embodies the company's unique workplace ethos.
Published: Apr 24 2025, 4 pm
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