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Crew Dragon Docks at Space Station for Sunita Williams

In a significant development for two astronauts stranded on the International Space Station (ISS) for over nine months, a replacement crew successfully docked with the orbital outpost on Sunday. Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who have been aboard since June due to propulsion issues with the Boeing Starliner, joyfully welcomed their counterparts during a live broadcast. Williams described the arrival of the SpaceX Crew Dragon as a "wonderful day." Their prolonged stay, much longer than the typical six-month ISS rotation, has drawn global attention and sympathy, especially as they required additional supplies due to insufficient packing. Wilmore and Williams, along with NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, are now preparing for their return, expected no earlier than March 19. The new Crew-10 team, which launched from Florida, will conduct various scientific experiments during their mission. sources

Published:
Mar 16 2025, 1 pm

India, New Zealand Resume Free Trade Agreement Negotiations

India and New Zealand have announced the resumption of negotiations for a long-stalled free trade agreement, initially initiated in 2010 but halted in 2015 after nine rounds of discussions. The Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) aims to enhance trade in goods, services, and investment between the two nations. The announcement coincides with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's four-day visit to India, highlighting the importance of this renewed dialogue. The Indian Ministry of Commerce stated that the negotiations seek to achieve balanced outcomes that will improve market access and integrate supply chains. The resumption of talks marks a significant step in strengthening economic ties between India and New Zealand, as both countries look to foster mutually beneficial trade relations. sources

Published:
Mar 16 2025, 6 pm

Modi's Peace Message to Putin and Zelensky: "Not Time for War

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a recent appearance on the Lex Fridman podcast, emphasized the need for diplomacy to resolve the ongoing war in Ukraine, urging both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to seek a peaceful resolution. Modi stated, "this is not the time for war," and advised Zelensky that battlefield victories would not lead to a sustainable outcome. He highlighted his close ties with both nations, advocating for inclusive discussions that involve both parties. Meanwhile, the Kremlin confirmed discussions between Russia and the United States regarding potential steps to end the conflict, following calls from Kyiv's European allies for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire. Despite these diplomatic efforts, Putin has yet to agree to the ceasefire, citing conditions and concerns, while Zelensky accused Moscow of stalling peace initiatives to gain an advantage on the battlefield. sources

Published:
Mar 16 2025, 6 pm

PM Modi: India-China Ties Aren't Always Perfect

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasized the importance of strengthening India-China relations, advocating for dialogue over discord during a recent appearance on the Lex Fridman Podcast. Acknowledging the historical ties between the two nations, Modi noted their shared cultural heritage and past economic collaboration, highlighting that India and China once accounted for over half of the world's GDP. Despite acknowledging tensions resulting from border disputes, particularly following clashes in 2020, he expressed optimism following recent discussions with President Xi Jinping, indicating a return to normalcy along the Line of Actual Control. Modi reiterated the necessity of cooperation for global stability, asserting that while differences are natural, they should not escalate into disputes. He called for a healthy competition that prioritizes mutual understanding and cooperation, underscoring that dialogue is essential for fostering a stable relationship between the two countries. sources

Published:
Mar 16 2025, 6 pm

US Green Card Holder Interrogated Naked by Airport Officials

Fabian Schmidt, a 34-year-old German national and valid US green card holder, was detained by immigration officers at Logan Airport in Massachusetts on March 7 after returning from Luxembourg. His family claims he was arrested, stripped naked, and subjected to violent interrogation before being moved to the Donald W. Wyatt detention facility in Rhode Island. They assert that Schmidt's green card was recently renewed and that he has no ongoing legal issues. His partner waited four hours for him at the airport before contacting authorities. Astrid Senior, Schmidt's mother, described the treatment he received as humiliating and abusive, alleging he was subjected to a cold shower and denied adequate hydration, leading to his collapse. US Customs and Border Protection stated that travelers may be detained for visa violations but could not provide specifics due to privacy regulations. Schmidt's case has sparked outrage and highlighted concerns regarding stringent immigration policies. sources

Published:
Mar 16 2025, 4 pm

Russia Urges US to Avoid Force and Start Yemen Dialogue

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov urged the United States to refrain from using force in Yemen and to pursue political dialogue during a phone call with US Senator Marco Rubio on Saturday. The discussion followed Washington's announcement of planned strikes against the Houthi movement. Lavrov emphasized the necessity of an immediate halt to hostilities and the importance of all parties engaging in dialogue to prevent further bloodshed, according to Russia's foreign ministry. This call marks a renewed dialogue between the two nations since the Trump administration took office. Russia has previously condemned US and British military actions in Yemen and has engaged in talks with the Houthis, who are supported by Iran, Moscow's ally. The situation remains tense as international efforts to stabilize Yemen continue. sources

Published:
Mar 16 2025, 5 pm

Trump's Bitcoin Reserve: A Digital Fort Knox

The 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. sources

Published:
Mar 16 2025, 2 pm

Baloch Rebels Attack Pakistani Bus, Killing 5 Soldiers

Rebels 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. sources

Published:
Mar 16 2025, 3 pm

Iran's Guards Threaten Response Following Trump's Warning

Iran'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. sources

Published:
Mar 16 2025, 3 pm

Panama Plunged into Darkness by National Blackout

A 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. sources

Published:
Mar 16 2025, 3 pm

Columbia Student Ranjani Srinivasan Escapes US Immigration Crackdown

Ranjani 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. sources

Published:
Mar 16 2025, 3 pm

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