India successfully launched its first rocket under the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Andhra Pradesh. The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) confirmed that the rocket reached an altitude of 470 kilometers, deploying two satellites weighing 220 kilograms each into orbit. ISRO Chairman S. Somanath stated that the docking technology […]
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in his New Year’s message, called for global unity and urgent action to combat challenges like climate collapse and inequality. Reflecting on 2024, he described it as a year marked by wars, suffering, and record-breaking heat, warning that the last decade was the hottest on record. “We must drastically reduce emissions […]
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the successful return of 189 Ukrainian captives in a prisoner exchange mediated by the United Arab Emirates (UAE). “The liberation of our citizens is always good news. We thank the UAE and everyone involved,” Zelensky said. Russia’s Defense Ministry reported the return of 150 Russian soldiers in exchange for […]
The Israeli army confirmed the interception of a ballistic missile launched from Yemen, believed to be by Iranian-backed Houthis. Sirens sounded nationwide, urging millions to seek shelter. Missile debris fell on Beit Shemesh, causing no major damage, though one person was slightly injured in a related incident. The Israel Defense Forces continue to monitor the […]
Iran confirmed the detention of Italian journalist Cecilia Sala, 29, in Tehran on December 19 for “violating the law.” Sala, in contact with her family, is held in Evin Prison as the investigation continues. Italian officials condemned the detention as “unacceptable,” with speculation it may be linked to a detained Swiss-Iranian businessman in Italy.
The 2024 excavation season at Amida Mound in Diyarbakır, Türkiye, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, has concluded, revealing artifacts spanning 10,000 years of continuous settlement. Excavations led by Prof. Dr. İrfan Yıldız uncovered items from the Neolithic to Republican periods, including Ottoman-era coins and a Late Uruk seal. This year’s work focused on […]
Benliahmet Train Station in Kars, Türkiye, known as an oasis in the steppe, captivates with its winter beauty. Transformed 55 years ago by Turkish State Railways (TCDD) workers who planted 20,000 pine saplings on 82 acres, the station remains a stunning green landmark throughout the seasons. Blanketed in snow, the historical site creates postcard-worthy […]
The iconic 8-century-old Sivas Grand Mosque minaret, known for its 117-centimeter slope resembling Italy’s Leaning Tower of Pisa, will be preserved under a newly developed project. The structure, built in 1197 during the Anatolian Seljuk period, leans 1.5 centimeters annually and is monitored via satellite. A unique preservation method involving eight 40-meter-long steel piles […]
A fire broke out at a hotel in Bangkok’s popular Khaosan area, claiming the lives of three tourists—a Brazilian, an American, and a Ukrainian—and injuring seven others. The blaze, which began on the 5th floor of the six-story building, forced dozens to seek refuge on the rooftop before being rescued by firefighters. Bangkok Governor […]
A potential disaster was averted at Los Angeles International Airport when air traffic controllers stopped a Key Lime Air jet that entered an active runway as a Delta Airlines Airbus A321 was taking off. The jet, carrying Gonzaga University’s men’s basketball team, was taxiing to the gate when the tower issued a critical warning, shouting, […]