China’s LandSpace Launches Methane-Powered rocket with six satellites
China’s LandSpace successfully launched its methane-powered Zhuque-2E Y2 rocket on Saturday, deploying six satellites into orbit from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.
This marks the fifth flight of the Zhuque-2 series. LandSpace, the first company to launch a methane-liquid oxygen rocket in 2023, is focusing on methane for its cost efficiency, lower emissions, and suitability for reusable rockets, Xinhua reported.
The payload, developed mainly by Spacety, included a radar satellite, two multispectral satellites, and three for scientific experiments, weighing 20 to 300 kilograms.
Lightning strikes kill fourteen in Odisha, several injured
At least fourteen people lost their lives and several others were injured following lightning strikes across Odisha on Friday, according to Xinhua.
The severe weather, which included heavy rain and thunderstorms, impacted several districts, including Koraput, Jajpur, Dhenkanal, Mayurbhanj, Ganjam, and Gajapati.
The India Meteorological Department has issued an advisory for prolonged bad weather, warning of further rain, thunderstorms, and lightning in the area, Xinhua reported.
Lightning-related fatalities are a recurring tragedy during India’s monsoon season, claiming hundreds of lives annually.
Israeli strikes on Gaza intensify
Israeli airstrikes on Gaza have killed at least 13 Palestinians since dawn, including three from the same family. The Red Crescent has urged Israel to reopen crossings for humanitarian aid, warning that Gaza is facing starvation and suffering, according to Al Jazeera.
Gaza’s Ministry of Health reports at least 53,119 Palestinians killed and over 120,000 injured. The Government Media Office says the death toll may exceed 61,700, with many still missing under rubble.
The war followed Hamas-led attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed around 1,139 people and saw over 200 taken hostage, Al Jazeera reported.
Trump blasts Supreme Court over blocking of deportations
The Supreme Court has blocked President Donald Trump's use of the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to swiftly deport Venezuelan migrants without due process.
In a 7-2 ruling, the Court halted deportations, citing insufficient notice and a lack of legal recourse for detainees, as reported by Reuters.
Trump slammed the decision, calling it "a bad and dangerous day for America," and warned that it might postpone the removal of criminals while increasing public risk.
