Category: WORLD

Rayyanah Barnawi, the first Arab woman astronaut, is set to embark on a groundbreaking space mission as part of Saudi Arabia’s inaugural space expedition. According to reports from the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Barnawi will be joined by fellow Saudi astronaut Ali al-Qarni. Their journey will take them to the International Space Station (ISS) in a historic mission that will be launched from the United States.

Speaking at a pre-launch conference, Barnawi expressed her honor and happiness at representing the dreams and aspirations of the people of Saudi Arabia, as well as the hopes and dreams of women throughout the region.

Although the mission experienced some delays, NASA Space Operations confirmed earlier this month that it would launch no later than May 21. The astronauts are slated to conduct 14 groundbreaking scientific experiments in microgravity, aiming to develop new methods for enhancing space exploration.

Once the mission is successfully completed, Saudi Arabia will join a select group of nations that have sent two astronauts simultaneously to the ISS. The Kingdom’s astronaut program, initiated in September 2022, aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 aspirations to advance space research.

The program’s strategy includes future space missions, engagement in scientific research, international collaboration, and the establishment of top-notch educational and training programs. These efforts are aimed at preparing future astronauts and engineers for the challenges of space exploration.

Rayyanah Barnawi’s impressive career is highlighted in her biography by Axiom Space. Born in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in 1988, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences from Otago University in New Zealand and a Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences from Alfaisal University in Saudi Arabia. With almost a decade of expertise in studying cancer stem cells, Barnawi is a biomedical researcher. During her journey, she will focus on breast cancer and stem cell research.

Earlier this year, Sultan Al Neyadi from the UAE made history by becoming the first Arab astronaut to complete an extended trip to the ISS. While residing on board the space station, Al Neyadi will have the opportunity to meet Barnawi, Al-Qarni, and the other astronauts participating in the Ax-2 mission.

The upcoming space mission marks an important milestone for Saudi Arabia, as it ventures into the realm of space exploration and endeavors to contribute to scientific advancements on a global scale.

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev Warns Arrest of Putin Could Lead to War Over ICC War Crimes Warrant

The International Criminal Court (ICC) recently issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin, accusing him of war crimes in connection with the deportation of Ukrainian children during the conflict in Ukraine. However, former Russian President and staunch Putin ally Dmitry Medvedev warned that any attempt to arrest Putin would be considered a declaration of war against Russia.

Speaking to journalists, including state news agency TASS, Medvedev also stated that he saw no prospect for reviving Russia’s ties with the West in the near future, and reiterated his belief that Ukraine was part of “Greater Russia”. As the deputy chairman of Russia’s security council, Medvedev also commented on the growing threat of nuclear conflict, claiming that Russia’s nuclear parity with the US and their allies, and even Russia’s superiority, guarantees its integrity despite efforts from the West to break the country up.

The Russian side has strongly rejected the ICC warrant and questioned its legality. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces continue to face pressure from Russian forces, especially in the city of Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine.”

Khalistani Elements Attempt to Pull Down Indian Flag at High Commission in London

Paris: France is experiencing the ninth nationwide day of strikes as citizens protest against an unpopular pension bill that would raise the retirement age from 62 to 64. The strikes have caused disruptions in train services and the closure of some schools. Protesters have also blocked highways and bus depots, with garbage piling up on the streets.

President Emmanuel Macron has stated that the legislation will come into force by the end of the year, despite ongoing rallies against the bill since January led by worker unions. Philippe Martinez, who leads the hardline CGT union, said that the best response to the president’s decision is the presence of millions of people on strike and in the streets.

While most protests have been peaceful, the government’s decision to push the bill through parliament without a vote has caused more anger among the protesters. In the past seven days, there have been spontaneous demonstrations in Paris and other cities, with angry protesters setting fire to rubbish bins and getting into scuffles with police.

Labour unions have called for a day of strikes and protests to draw huge crowds against Macron’s “scorn” and “lies”. Polls have shown that a wide majority of French citizens are opposed to the pension legislation, and the government’s decision to push it through parliament without a vote has worsened the situation.

Labour Minister Olivier Dussopt acknowledged the government’s understanding of the anger among citizens, but stated the need to move on. “There is a disagreement that will persist on the retirement age. On the other hand, there are many subjects that make it possible to renew dialogue,” he said.

The ongoing protests have caused disruptions to daily life in France, with citizens expressing their discontent and opposition to the government’s decision regarding the pension bill.

A Powerful Earthquake Struck Afghanistan Triggers Tremors Across North India

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Gwyneth Paltrow appeared in Park City court via YouTube

Gwyneth Paltrow, an actress, has appeared in court in Park City for the start of a trial over a skiing accident that occurred in Utah in 2016. Gwyneth Paltrow is accused of crashing into Terry Sanderson, causing him several serious injuries, and then leaving the scene while they were both skiing on a beginner’s run at Deer Valley Resort. The trial is being streamed live on YouTube.

Sanderson, a retired optometrist, filed the lawsuit in 2019, three years after the collision. He claims that the accident left him with a brain injury, four broken ribs, and emotional damage. Sanderson also alleges that Paltrow left the scene without providing her name, contact information, or calling for help.

During the opening arguments, Lawrence Buhler, an attorney for Sanderson, stated that distracted skiers cause accidents and that Paltrow knew that looking up the mountain and to the side while skiing down was dangerous.

Gwyneth Paltrow’s attorney, Stephen Owens, told the jury that Sanderson’s claims were completely fabricated and that the actress did not bolt from the scene after colliding with him.

Tom Sizemore may quit acting.

A powerful earthquake struck Afghanistan on Tuesday, causing tremors to be felt across North India. The quake measured 7.5 on the Richter scale and lasted for nearly two minutes. The epicenter of the quake was reported to be in the Hindu Kush region, which is situated in northeastern Afghanistan. The impact of the earthquake was felt in many parts of the region, including Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India.

Quake Hits Afghanistan

The earthquake struck at around 1:39 PM local time in Afghanistan. The tremors were felt across the country, causing people to run out of their homes and offices in panic. The quake was so powerful that it caused buildings to sway and shake violently. The capital city of Kabul was also hit by the quake, with many buildings and homes suffering damage.

The Impact on Pakistan

The impact of the earthquake was also felt in Pakistan, with many people running out of their homes in fear. The quake was particularly strong in the northern areas of Pakistan, including the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. There were reports of damage to buildings and infrastructure in the affected areas.

Tremors Felt Across North India

The impact of the quake was also felt across North India, including the cities of Delhi, Jaipur, and Lucknow. The tremors were particularly strong in the northern states of Punjab, Haryana, and Jammu and Kashmir. In some areas, the tremors lasted for nearly two minutes, causing people to rush out of their homes and offices.

The Aftermath of the Quake

The earthquake caused widespread panic in the affected areas, with many people still afraid to return to their homes and offices. There were reports of damage to buildings and infrastructure in many areas, including in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India. The authorities in the affected areas are still assessing the damage caused by the quake.

The Importance of Being Prepared

This earthquake serves as a reminder of the importance of being prepared for such natural disasters. Earthquakes can strike at any time, and it is important to be aware of the risks and take steps to protect oneself and one’s family. This includes having an emergency plan in place, stocking up on essential supplies, and being aware of the nearest safe zones in case of an earthquake.

The earthquake that struck Afghanistan on Tuesday was a powerful reminder of the destructive power of natural disasters. It caused widespread panic and damage in many parts of the region, including in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India. While it is impossible to predict when such events will occur, it is important to be prepared and take steps to protect oneself and one’s family.

FAQs

Q. What was the magnitude of the earthquake that hit Afghanistan?
A.The earthquake measured 7.5 on the Richter scale.

Q. Which areas were most affected by the earthquake?
A. The quake was particularly strong in the northern areas of Pakistan and in the northern states of Punjab, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir in India.

Q. Was there any damage caused by the earthquake?
A. Yes, there were reports of damage to buildings and infrastructure in many areas.

Q. What steps can people take to be prepared for earthquakes?
A. People can have an emergency plan in place, stock up on essential supplies, and be aware of the nearest safe zones in case of an earthquake.

Q. Can earthquakes be predicted?
A. Unfortunately, earthquakes cannot be predicted with certainty, which is why it is important to be prepared for them at all times.

London: At a recent event in the United Kingdom, it has been reported that some individuals with links to the Pakistan-sponsored Khalistani movement attempted to take down the Indian flag at the High Commission of India in London. However, the Indian security personnel present at the scene were able to rescue the flag and prevent it from being taken down.

The Khalistani movement is a separatist movement seeking to establish an independent Sikh state in Punjab, India. The movement has been associated with violence and terrorism in the past. The incident at the High Commission of India in London highlights the ongoing tensions between the Indian government and some sections of the Sikh community overseas.

The Indian government strongly condemned the attempt to pull down the Indian flag by Khalistani elements at the High Commission of India in London. The Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement expressing its concern and urging the UK government to take action against those responsible for the incident.

The Indian High Commissioner to the UK, called the incident “unacceptable” and praised the quick action taken by the security personnel to prevent any damage to the flag. The Indian government has been concerned about the activities of Khalistani elements overseas and has been urging foreign governments to take action against them.

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#WATCH | United Kingdom: Khalistani elements attempt to pull down the Indian flag but the flag was rescued by Indian security personnel at the High Commission of India, London.

(Source: MATV, London)

(Note: Abusive language at the end) pic.twitter.com/QP30v6q2G0

— ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2023

Xi Jinping’s dictatorial government! 1.5 million people were arrested in China,