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About 100 cubic metres of radioactive coolant leaked from Finland's Olkiluoto 3 nuclear reactor, the largest in Europe, during maintenance on Friday, operator TVO reported on Monday. The leak occurred while filling the reactor pool, with the coolant flowing into containment rooms and the floor drain system. TVO assured that the incident posed no risk to personnel, the environment, or nuclear safety, attributing the leak to human error due to a hatch being improperly closed. The company emphasized that the significance of the event to radiation safety was low, thanks to safety measures implemented. The annual outage, which is set to last until May, will not be affected by this incident. Olkiluoto 3, a next-generation European pressurised water reactor built by the Areva-Siemens consortium, generates over 10 percent of Finland's electricity, despite facing construction delays and cost overruns. 
Published: Mar 10 2025, 6 pmeznews.inUS Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Monday that the United States is cancelling 83 percent of programs at the US Agency for International Development (USAID) as part of a broader review initiated by President Donald Trump. This executive order, signed in January, aimed to freeze all foreign aid while assessing overseas spending to align with Trump's "America First" agenda. Rubio stated on social media platform X that the cancellation of 5,200 contracts, which collectively cost tens of billions, did not serve, and in some cases harmed, US national interests. USAID, which provides humanitarian aid in approximately 120 countries, faces significant cuts, with the State Department previously indicating plans to eliminate 92 percent of its program funding. While Trump and his supporters label foreign aid as wasteful, aid organizations contend that such assistance is crucial for global stability and health, warning that these cuts could jeopardize vulnerable populations. 
Published: Mar 10 2025, 7 pmeznews.inPope Francis, currently hospitalized with pneumonia, is showing slight signs of improvement, according to a Vatican source. The 88-year-old pontiff was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital on February 14, experiencing several breathing crises, the latest occurring a week ago. While doctors have described his condition as "stable" with "slight improvements," it remains premature to discuss his return to the Vatican’s Santa Marta guest house. Francis has been undergoing physical and respiratory therapy and has continued to work remotely, expressing solidarity with victims of recent floods in Argentina. This hospitalization marks the longest and most serious of his papacy, with the Pope missing his customary Angelus prayer for the fourth consecutive week. Despite his absence, Catholics have gathered outside the hospital to pray for him, reflecting a deep sense of community and concern for the pontiff's health. Another medical update is anticipated later today. 
Published: Mar 10 2025, 7 pmeznews.inA serious incident at a high school track meet in Virginia left Brookville High School sprinter Kaelen Tucker hospitalized after being struck on the head by a baton during the 4×200 meter relay at Liberty University. The impact, captured on video, caused Tucker to collapse on the track, resulting in a concussion and a suspected skull fracture. Following the incident, the IC Norcom High School team was disqualified for "contact interference." Tucker described her shock and the moments leading up to the accident, stating that she was bumped repeatedly before being hit by the baton. Her mother, Tamarro Tucker, criticized the opposing team for not checking on her daughter's condition after the event, expressing disbelief that no one offered an apology or support. The incident has raised concerns about safety and sportsmanship in high school athletics. 
Published: Mar 10 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe evolving relationship between India and China, often described as a "dragon-elephant dance," remains fraught with complexity and tension. China's recent increase in its defence budget to $249 billion, coupled with assertive military posturing, underscores the challenges India faces in safeguarding its sovereignty, particularly along their 3,380-kilometre border. Despite efforts at diplomacy, including high-level summits, past clashes along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) have strained bilateral ties. As India grapples with a significantly smaller defence budget of Rs 6.81 lakh crore compared to China's Rs 21.9 lakh crore, caution is essential. While China claims India poses no significant threat, it has ramped up surveillance capabilities, raising security concerns for New Delhi. To navigate this complex landscape, India must adopt a pragmatic approach, focusing on aligning its economic and security interests with China's objectives while fostering cooperation amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions. 
Published: Mar 10 2025, 5 pmeznews.inAir India flight AI-126, a Boeing 777-300ER, was forced to return to Chicago on March 5 after most of its 12 lavatories malfunctioned due to blockages caused by flushed items. Images from NDTV show a large cloth being extracted from the aircraft's plumbing system, alongside other debris, including polythene bags and clothing. The flight, carrying 300 passengers, had been airborne for approximately five hours when the crew reported issues with the toilets. Air India confirmed that the decision to divert was made for passenger comfort and safety, as night operations restrictions at European airports limited diversion options. Upon landing, passengers received accommodations and alternative travel arrangements to Delhi. The airline emphasized the importance of using lavatories appropriately, citing previous incidents involving inappropriate items being flushed on other flights. 
Published: Mar 10 2025, 6 pmeznews.inA Polish man with terminal cancer chose to celebrate life with his loved ones by hosting a farewell party, challenging traditional post-funeral customs. Instead of a "stypa," a customary gathering held after funerals in Poland, he organized a vibrant send-off attended by 50 close friends and family members, as documented by his daughter, Bibi Brzozka, in a now-viral video. "His idea was to skip the post-funeral celebrations, where he wouldn't be present," Ms. Brzozka explained, praising her father as a "legend" for his courageous decision. The event featured music, poetry, and a special presentation filled with cherished memories. Attendees expressed their admiration online, with comments highlighting the beauty of celebrating life before death. This poignant gathering echoes a similar event held earlier this year by a UK doctor, both serving as reminders of the importance of appreciating life while we can. 
Published: Mar 10 2025, 6 pmeznews.inNASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are set to return to Earth after an extended 10-month stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS), following complications with their original mission on Boeing's Starliner. Initially launched on June 5, 2024, the Starliner faced thruster malfunctions, leading to a decision by NASA to return the spacecraft without its crew in September. Subsequently, Williams and Wilmore were integrated into SpaceX's Crew-9 mission, which had launched with a reduced crew. NASA has now cleared the launch of Crew-10, scheduled for March 12 from Kennedy Space Center, carrying new astronauts Anne McClain, Nichole Ayers, Takuya Onishi, and Kirill Peskov. If all goes as planned, Crew-9 will undock on March 16 after a two-day handover, though delays could push their return to March 17 or 18. 
Published: Mar 10 2025, 6 pmeznews.inIn the lead-up to legislative elections in Greenland, Prime Minister Mute Egede expressed concerns over US President Donald Trump's unpredictable nature, particularly regarding his interest in acquiring the vast Arctic territory. Speaking to Danish public radio, Egede highlighted a faltering world order and the insecurity it breeds, exacerbated by Trump's recent remarks to Congress, where he reiterated his belief that Greenland is vital for US national security. The election campaign has focused on Greenland's potential independence from Denmark, with Egede emphasizing that Greenlanders wish to determine their own future, asserting, "We are Greenlanders," in response to Trump's comments suggesting they could join the US. He criticized the lack of respect from the American president, indicating that recent events have led Greenlanders to reconsider their relationship with the US. 
Published: Mar 10 2025, 4 pmeznews.inPrime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Mauritius for two days starting Tuesday, where he will be the chief guest at the island nation's 57th national day celebrations. The visit aims to strengthen economic and security ties between India and Mauritius, with several agreements set to be signed, including a technical pact to enhance maritime cooperation and combat illegal activities. Modi's counterpart, Navinchandra Ramgoolam, expressed gratitude for the visit, highlighting the close relations between the two nations, particularly given that around 70% of Mauritius' population is of Indian descent. The Indian armed forces will also participate in the celebrations, alongside the signing of memorandums to combat financial crimes and promote bilateral trade. Modi's visit underscores India's role as a key development partner for Mauritius, especially as the island navigates its relationship with China in the Indian Ocean region. 
Published: Mar 10 2025, 4 pm
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