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NASA astronaut Sunita Williams is poised for her first spacewalk in 12 years, scheduled for January 16 aboard the International Space Station (ISS). She will collaborate with fellow astronaut Nick Hague to repair the Neutron star Interior Composition Explorer (NICER) X-ray telescope and replace a critical rate gyro assembly essential for the ISS's orientation. This mission, dubbed “US spacewalk 91,” will also involve checking tools for future maintenance of the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer. Williams will don an unmarked suit, while Hague will wear a red-striped suit. Following this, on January 23, she will participate in “US spacewalk 92” alongside astronaut Butch Wilmore, focusing on removing an antenna assembly and testing for microbial life on the ISS's exterior. Williams' return to Earth has been postponed to March 2025 due to safety concerns regarding the Boeing Starliner. 
Published: Jan 11 2025, 3 pmeznews.inElon Musk intensified his feud with former EU digital chief Thierry Breton on Saturday, branding him a "tyrant of Europe" amid a heated online exchange. Musk, a vocal critic of the European Union's digital regulations, accused Brussels of censorship, a sentiment echoed by Meta's Mark Zuckerberg. The clash escalated following Breton's remarks on French television, where he suggested the EU could act to prevent election interference, specifically referencing the far-right German AfD party. Musk responded vehemently, prompting Breton to clarify on social media that the EU has no mechanism to nullify election results, asserting that his comments were misinterpreted. The Digital Services Act (DSA), which Breton referenced, mandates platforms to combat illegal online content. As the EU investigates TikTok for alleged election manipulation in Romania, scrutiny of Musk's X platform continues, raising concerns about its compliance with DSA regulations.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 6 pmeznews.inA volcano in eastern Indonesia, Mount Ibu, erupted on Saturday evening, releasing hot lava and a plume of smoke and ash that reached four kilometres (3.1 miles) into the sky. The eruption occurred at 7:45 pm central Indonesia time on Halmahera island in North Maluku province, with lava observed two kilometres from the eruption site, according to Geological Agency head Muhammad Wafid. Images captured at the monitoring post showed a striking column of flame and thick smoke. While the volcano remains at the second highest alert level, no evacuation orders have been issued; however, residents and visitors are advised to stay clear of a four to 5.5-kilometre radius from the peak and to wear masks and goggles due to potential ash fallout. Known for its activity, Ibu erupted over 2,000 times last year, highlighting Indonesia's vulnerability to seismic events as part of the Pacific "Ring of Fire."
Published: Jan 11 2025, 6 pmeznews.inFreshwater ecosystems, despite their vital role in supporting over 10% of the world's species and significant economic contributions, are facing alarming biodiversity losses largely overlooked in conservation efforts. A new study published in the journal _Nature_ reveals that one-quarter of freshwater fauna, including fish and dragonflies, are threatened with extinction. The research highlights that between 1970 and 2015, 35% of monitored wetland areas were lost, a rate three times faster than forest loss, with 65% of remaining habitats under moderate to high threat levels. Additionally, 37% of rivers over 1,000 km are no longer fully free-flowing. The authors emphasize the urgent need to shift conservation focus to these critical ecosystems, which, while occupying less than 1% of the Earth's surface, are disproportionately affected by human activity and are essential for global biodiversity.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 6 pmeznews.inGerman Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized the importance of protecting sovereign borders during a recent address to his Social Democrat party, especially in light of US President-elect Donald Trump's controversial comments regarding potential military actions to seize Greenland and control the Panama Canal. Scholz asserted that the principle of inviolable borders applies universally, regardless of a country's size or power, and reiterated that no nation should live in fear of its larger neighbors. He highlighted the significance of this principle in the context of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, stating that it is central to Western values. Scholz's remarks come after Trump’s statements sparked confusion among EU leaders, prompting Scholz to call a press conference to address the situation and underscore the necessity of mutual respect among nations.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 7 pmeznews.inA 31-year-old Chinese actor, Wang Xing, was rescued from a scam centre in Myanmar after going missing during a trip to Thailand. His girlfriend's social media plea on Weibo gained significant traction, prompting government intervention, leading to his rescue on January 7. Wang had been lured to Thailand under the guise of a lucrative acting opportunity, only to find himself kidnapped and forced to participate in online scams. He reported that around 50 other Chinese nationals were also held at the facility, which is linked to organized crime. Following his rescue, Wang's case has raised concerns about the safety of others still trapped in similar situations, as Thai police investigate additional disappearances of Chinese nationals at the border. The China Federation of Radio and Television Association expressed alarm over actors falling victim to such scams, highlighting the need for increased awareness and protection.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 5 pmeznews.inIn a chilling revelation, Caroline Darian, daughter of Dominique Pelicot, who was sentenced to 20 years for drugging and enabling the rape of his ex-wife, Gisele Pelicot, has expressed her belief that her father "should die in prison." In her first television interview since the trial, Darian described Pelicot, 72, as a "dangerous man" and a "sexual pervert," asserting that he consciously chose to inflict harm. Gisele Pelicot, who bravely waived her right to a closed trial, has been commended for her courage. Darian also shared her own traumatic experience, alleging that she was drugged and raped by her father, a claim he denied during the trial. The interview precedes a documentary she will narrate, focusing on drug-facilitated sexual abuse, which will feature testimonies from other victims. The case has sparked outrage and raised awareness about the horrors of sexual violence in France.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 5 pmeznews.inIn the wake of devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, real estate agent Jenna Cooper initiated a clothing drive for those affected, which quickly gained traction among a network of influential women, including actors Sharon Stone and Halle Berry. Berry encouraged her followers to donate, stating, "I'm packing up my entire closet," while Stone helped spread the word on social media. Cooper transformed her home goods store, +COOP, into a pop-up shop where displaced individuals could select essential items, with donations ranging from fresh underwear to designer shoes. Volunteers, including Kelly Stone, provided personalized assistance to shoppers, creating a supportive environment. Amidst the chaos, community members rallied together, with many expressing their grief for those who lost everything. Cooper remarked on the overwhelming response, emphasizing the city's spirit of solidarity: "This is a city of love, and everybody wants to support each other."
Published: Jan 11 2025, 4 pmeznews.inThe Biden administration has extended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for over 900,000 immigrants from Venezuela, El Salvador, Ukraine, and Sudan, potentially complicating President-elect Donald Trump's immigration plans. Announced just days before Trump's inauguration, the extension grants these individuals an additional 18 months of deportation reprieve and work permits. This move aims to protect vulnerable immigrants, particularly in light of Venezuela's humanitarian crisis under President Nicolás Maduro's regime, which the Department of Homeland Security cited as justification. The TPS program, established in 1990, has become a contentious issue, with Republicans arguing it encourages illegal immigration. However, under Biden, the program has expanded significantly, currently benefiting over one million individuals from 17 countries. The extension covers more than 600,000 Venezuelans, over 230,000 Salvadorans, around 100,000 Ukrainians, and 1,900 Sudanese, reflecting ongoing conflicts and crises in these nations.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 4 pmeznews.inA recent study by International SOS, a London-based health and security service firm, has identified the most dangerous countries for travelers in 2025, factoring in security, health, and climate risks. Among the countries deemed extremely risky are Yemen, Libya, Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, and Ukraine, alongside several African nations such as Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic. Other nations with high security risks include Haiti, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Mali. The report highlights threats stemming from extreme weather, infectious diseases, political violence, and social unrest. Sally Llewellyn, International SOS's global security director, noted that geopolitical tensions have led to increased risk ratings for countries like Sudan and Lebanon, affecting more population centers. The firm remains committed to providing organizations with verified information and advice to navigate these challenges and facilitate evacuations when necessary.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 2 pmeznews.inMark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, revealed on "The Joe Rogan Experience" that Biden administration officials aggressively pressured Facebook to remove specific content, including humor and satire related to COVID-19. He recounted instances of officials "screaming" at Facebook staff, leading the platform to assert its independence by refusing to take down truthful content. Zuckerberg acknowledged that while Facebook complied with some requests in the past, he would make different decisions today. The White House defended its stance, emphasizing the need for tech companies to consider the public health implications of their content. This controversy is part of a broader legal battle that reached the Supreme Court in 2023, where a lawsuit aiming to restrict government communication with social media was dismissed. In response to ongoing scrutiny, Meta announced changes to its content moderation policies, including the discontinuation of its fact-checking program and relaxed rules on political content.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 2 pm
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