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NASA astronaut Anne C. McClain expressed profound joy upon seeing the International Space Station for the first time during her SpaceX Crew-10 mission. Reflecting on her journey aboard the Falcon 9 rocket, McClain described the experience as "absolutely incredible," emphasizing the importance of teamwork and the critical role of the ground control team in ensuring their safe arrival. Selected in June 2013 as part of NASA's 21st astronaut class, McClain previously completed a 204-day mission as a flight engineer during Expeditions 58 and 59, which included two spacewalks totaling over 13 hours. As commander of the Crew-10 mission, she is set to conduct various research and technology demonstrations, alongside maintenance activities aboard the microgravity laboratory, contributing to ongoing advancements in space exploration. 
Published: Mar 16 2025, 11 ameznews.inThe United States has established a "Strategic Bitcoin Reserve," following an executive order signed by President Donald Trump, which is intended to bolster support for the cryptocurrency sector. White House crypto chief David Sacks described the reserve as akin to a "digital Fort Knox," funded by approximately 200,000 bitcoins, valued at around $17 billion, seized from civil and criminal cases. While the initial response to the announcement saw bitcoin prices dip, analysts noted that the reserve's transparency could enhance confidence in the asset. Critics argue that cryptocurrencies lack intrinsic value compared to gold, yet some, including investment director Stephane Ifrah, believe bitcoin's rarity positions it well for modern financial systems. The reserve raises questions about potential conflicts of interest for Trump, who has financial ties to the crypto industry. Meanwhile, other countries, including Brazil, are exploring similar initiatives, reflecting a global trend towards cryptocurrency adoption. 
Published: Mar 16 2025, 2 pmeznews.inRebels in southwest Pakistan have intensified violence, killing at least five soldiers and injuring over 30 in an attack on a convoy near Noshki, Balochistan, on Sunday. The assault involved a car packed with explosives targeting one of seven buses headed to Taftan at the Iranian border. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), the province's primary separatist group, claimed responsibility, stating the bombing was executed by its suicide attack unit. This incident follows a recent railway attack by the BLA, which resulted in dozens of fatalities during a two-day siege involving a train with 450 passengers. Balochistan has been a hotspot of violence, with separatists accusing outsiders of exploiting the region's natural resources. Additionally, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, three security personnel were killed in a separate incident, amid a surge of attacks by the Pakistani Taliban since the Afghan Taliban's return to power in 2021. 
Published: Mar 16 2025, 3 pmeznews.inIran's Revolutionary Guards issued a stern warning on Sunday, promising a "decisive" response to any threats following US President Donald Trump's recent airstrikes against Yemen's Houthi rebels. Trump characterized the military action as necessary to neutralize the Houthi threat to Red Sea shipping and demanded that Iran cease its support for the group. In a televised address, Guards chief Hossein Salami rejected these threats, asserting that Iran would respond forcefully to any aggression but would not initiate conflict. Iran's foreign ministry condemned the US strikes as a violation of international law, with top diplomat Abbas Araghchi emphasizing that the US has no authority to dictate Iran's foreign policy. The Houthis, who have governed large parts of Yemen for over a decade, have aligned with pro-Iran factions opposing the US and Israel, and they have recently escalated attacks in solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing Gaza conflict. 
Published: Mar 16 2025, 3 pmeznews.inA significant blackout left Panama in darkness late Sunday night, prompting urgent efforts to restore power across the Central American nation. The outage, which occurred just before midnight, was attributed to damage to a private generator, as confirmed by President Jose Raul Mulino. The blackout also disrupted access to drinking water, affecting water treatment facilities, according to the Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (IDAAN). In a video shared on X, Mulino indicated that an explosion at a facility southwest of Panama City was linked to the power failure. He reassured citizens that power would be restored gradually and requested a detailed report on the incident. The situation has raised concerns about the reliability of infrastructure in the region as residents await updates on the restoration timeline. 
Published: Mar 16 2025, 3 pmeznews.inRanjani Srinivasan, a 37-year-old Indian doctoral student in urban planning at Columbia University, fled the US after her student visa was revoked by the Department of State on March 5, citing security concerns linked to her alleged support of Hamas. Srinivasan's ordeal began amid a government crackdown on pro-Palestinian protests, where she faced accusations of advocating violence without any evidence. Following a distressing encounter with federal immigration agents at her apartment, she made the difficult decision to leave the country, abandoning her cat and seeking refuge in Canada. In an interview, she expressed fear over the escalating atmosphere and the implications for free speech, warning of a "dystopian nightmare" for those labeled as terrorist sympathizers. The case underscores heightened scrutiny of individuals linked to Hamas and reflects the US government's stringent immigration policies amid ongoing national security concerns. 
Published: Mar 16 2025, 3 pmeznews.inFrench President Emmanuel Macron has urged Europe and the United States to exert pressure on Russia to accept a proposed ceasefire in Ukraine, stating that Russia shows little genuine interest in peace. Following a video conference with allies organized by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Macron criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for escalating hostilities, asserting that Russia aims to gain more before negotiating. He emphasized the need for a unified response from the U.S. and Europe to compel Russia to engage in a ceasefire. Macron also announced plans to meet with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to discuss the ongoing conflict and mentioned that military leaders from 30 countries are planning a peacekeeping force to support Ukraine post-ceasefire. He affirmed that Ukraine should not make territorial concessions without security guarantees and that any allied troop deployment would not require Russia's approval. 
Published: Mar 16 2025, 2 pmeznews.inIn Albuquerque, an autopsy report has revealed that dehydration and starvation likely caused the death of Zinna, a dog belonging to late actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa. The report, obtained by the Associated Press, noted signs of partial mummification and indicated that while the dog's organs were severely decomposed, there was no evidence of infectious disease, trauma, or poisoning. Zinna was found dead in a crate near Arakawa's body, while two other dogs survived. Hackman, who died from heart disease complicated by Alzheimer's, and Arakawa, who succumbed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, were both discovered in their Santa Fe home, with their bodies showing signs of decomposition. The Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office is finalizing its investigation, focusing on the timeline of events, while a representative for the couple's estate seeks to block the public release of autopsy reports and images. 
Published: Mar 16 2025, 2 pmeznews.inNASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, initially slated for an eight-day mission, have been on the International Space Station (ISS) for over nine months due to unforeseen technical difficulties. They are now set to return to Earth aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft no earlier than March 19. Despite their extended stay, retired astronaut Cady Coleman clarified that astronauts do not receive overtime pay; they earn their regular salaries as federal employees, with a small daily stipend for incidentals—reportedly just $4 per day. Williams and Wilmore, classified under the GS-15 pay grade, are expected to earn between $94,998 and $123,152 for their mission, including incidental pay. Their return has been delayed by technical issues with the Boeing Starliner, but a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket successfully launched a relief mission to the ISS, bringing four new crew members to assist in their return. 
Published: Mar 16 2025, 2 pmeznews.inUS Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov held discussions on Saturday regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine, with both diplomats agreeing to continue efforts to restore communication between the two nations, according to State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce. While details on the next round of talks, set to take place in Saudi Arabia, remain unspecified, Rubio also briefed Lavrov on recent US military actions in the Middle East, including strikes against Huthi rebel targets in Yemen. Amidst rising tensions, Ukraine has tentatively accepted a US-brokered 30-day unconditional ceasefire, contingent on Russia ceasing its attacks in eastern Ukraine. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin has yet to agree to any ceasefire, instead proposing conditions that exceed those outlined in the US-Ukraine agreement. 
Published: Mar 16 2025, 2 pmeznews.inPrime Minister Narendra Modi is set to appear in a three-hour podcast with Lex Fridman, a prominent research scientist and podcaster known for his insightful discussions on artificial intelligence, technology, and philosophy. Fridman described the episode, releasing today, as "one of the most powerful conversations of my life." Modi teased the dialogue on social media, highlighting topics such as his childhood, experiences in the Himalayas, and his public life journey. Fridman, originally from Tajikistan and now based in the U.S., has a notable academic background, including a PhD from MIT, and has worked on AI projects at Google. He launched his podcast in 2018, featuring high-profile guests like Elon Musk and Donald Trump, and is recognized for tackling complex issues, including a controversial episode with Kanye West. With millions of followers across social media platforms, Fridman continues to engage a broad audience through his thought-provoking content. 
Published: Mar 16 2025, 12 pm
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