EU Proposes Ban on PFAS in Consumer Products, Targets Environmental and Health Risks The European Commission is planning to introduce a ban on Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), often referred to as “forever chemicals,” in consumer products. While some essential industrial uses may be exempt, the move aims to address growing concerns about the impact of PFAS on ecosystems, drinking water, and human health. These chemicals are resistant to breakdown in the environment, which makes them widely used in products like cosmetics, non-stick cookware, and industrial applications such as aircraft and wind turbines. However, their persistence also raises significant environmental…
Author: Arushi Pandey
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China Launches Pakistani Satellite PRSC-EO1 Successfully into Space China Launches Pakistani Satellite PRSC-EO1 into space on Friday, 17 January 2025. The launch took place at 12:07 p.m. Beijing Time from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre, as reported by the state-run Xinhua news agency. This satellite entered its planned orbit without issue, showcasing China’s continued expertise in space technology. The launch utilised a Long March-2D carrier rocket, which also carried two additional satellites, Tianlu-1 and Lantan-1. This mission marked the 556th flight of the Long March carrier rocket series, underlining the reliability of this rocket family. Strengthening a Space Partnership China…
Suspected Marburg Virus Outbreak in Northwest Tanzania Claims Eight Lives A suspected Marburg virus outbreak in northwest Tanzania has left eight people dead and infected another, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported. The cases emerged weeks after Rwanda declared its own outbreak over in December. The Marburg virus, part of the same family as Ebola, is a highly contagious viral hemorrhagic fever. With a fatality rate of up to 88%, the disease is primarily transmitted to humans through fruit bats, which are common in East Africa. Symptoms of Marburg Virus and WHO Response On 10 January, the WHO received reliable…
Healthcare Dealmakers Eyeing $10 Billion Deals at JPMorgan Conference Healthcare executives, bankers, and lawyers are gathering in San Francisco this week for the prestigious JPMorgan Healthcare Conference. With over 8,000 participants expected, the event is drawing significant attention, especially as dealmakers anticipate a surge in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) worth more than $10 billion. This optimism is largely fuelled by expectations of less antitrust scrutiny under President-elect Donald Trump’s administration. Anticipating a Resurgence in M&A In the past year, the healthcare sector saw no transactions exceeding $5 billion, marking the first time in over a decade that no such deals…
Chinese NEV Makers Boost Growth in Latin America Chinese NEV makers are driving the rise of new energy vehicles (NEVs) globally, with a focus on Latin America. Countries like Brazil are witnessing the establishment of advanced NEV manufacturing plants, which bring innovative technologies and create job opportunities. This move supports green development and promotes collaboration in the global push for sustainability. Growing Demand for NEVs Drives Chinese Exports China’s NEV exports have surged in recent years, fuelled by rising international demand. Domestic carmakers, including traditional manufacturers and newer entrants, are increasingly exploring overseas markets. “The Chinese automobile market has evolved…
New Glenn’s First Mission Set for January 10 Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket is gearing up for its highly anticipated first launch, NG-1. The mission is scheduled for no earlier than Friday, January 10, at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The three-hour launch window opens at 1 a.m. EST (0600 UTC). This milestone marks New Glenn’s debut in the National Security Space Launch programme. Testing Orbital Logistics with Blue Ring Pathfinder The NG-1 mission will carry Blue Origin’s Blue Ring Pathfinder payload. This payload will evaluate Blue Ring’s core flight systems, ground operations, and overall capabilities. The test…
China’s Long March 3B Rocket Launches First Space Mission of 2025 China marked a significant milestone early Tuesday with the successful launch of its first space mission of 2025. A Long March 3B carrier rocket carried the experimental Shijian 25 satellite into space, showcasing the nation’s growing expertise in space technology. Long March 3B: A Powerful Start to 2025 The rocket lifted off at 4 am from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan province. It quickly delivered the Shijian 25 satellite into its designated orbit, according to China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp (CASC), the country’s primary space contractor.…
Italy Nears €1.5 Billion Deal with SpaceX for Secure Telecommunications Italy is advancing negotiations with Elon Musk’s SpaceX on a €1.5 billion ($1.55 billion) agreement to provide secure government telecommunications, according to Bloomberg News. The discussions focus on a five-year contract, which has already gained approval from Italy’s Intelligence Services and Defence Ministry. However, a final agreement is yet to be signed. SpaceX and the Italian Defence Ministry have not responded to Reuters’ requests for comments outside regular business hours. SpaceX’s Role in Italy’s Communications The deal reportedly involves SpaceX delivering encrypted telephone and internet services for the Italian government.…
ISRO to Launch US Communication Satellite Enabling Space-Based Phone Calls The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up to launch a US communication satellite that will enable mobile phone calls directly from space. The mission, expected in February or March, represents a significant milestone, as it marks the first time a US company will send a large communication satellite into orbit via an Indian rocket. So far, India has only launched small satellites for American companies, making this a landmark collaboration. Union Minister of Science and Technology, Jitendra Singh, confirmed the mission’s timeline, noting its potential to revolutionise mobile…
China Celebrates Two Years of Tiangong Space Station Completion with Key Achievements The China Manned Space Engineering Office (CMSEO) has released its first report on the progress of the Tiangong space station’s scientific research and applications. This release marks the two-year anniversary of the station’s comprehensive completion. Subsequent reports will be published annually to detail ongoing progress. Major Milestones in Scientific Research The report provides a detailed overview of advances in space science, technology, and applications. It focuses on four primary research areas: space life and human research, microgravity physics, space astronomy and Earth science, and new space technologies. Since…
