Author: Anadolu Agency

India’s space agency delayed the docking of twin satellites under the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission for the second time, citing unexpected drift between the spacecraft. The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) first postponed the docking on Jan. 6, saying more ground simulations were needed to assess the scenario after Monday’s aborted attempt. On Wednesday, ISRO announced a second delay on X ahead of its planned live broadcast of the docking on Jan. 9. The agency said SpacecraftA reduced the distance from 500 meters to 225 meters, but the satellites drifted “more than expected” after a period of non-visibility. The…

Doctors Against Genocide (DAG) has called for the US to halt aid to Israel after their colleagues were detained last month by Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip. DAG, a global coalition of health care workers, mobilized more than 50 medical professionals on Capitol Hill to advocate for the release of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, who was detained by Israeli forces along with others during a Dec. 27 raid on the health facility. The delegation visited members of the House of Representatives and Senate on Wednesday to advocate for urgent congressional…

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Thursday that his country needed more drones and anti-aircraft systems to counter Russian military attacks. “Today, there is a direct dependence to stop the advance of the enemy, to stop losing people and territories. We need drones, drones deter the enemy, keep them at the distance. It can be done. And we ask for urgent deliveries of air defense systems,” Zelenskyy said in a speech at the NATO Defense Contact Group meeting in the southwestern city of Ramstein. “We in Ukraine want to set a record for the number and quality of drones we…

Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi said Thursday that his group arrested a British espionage network in Yemen. In a recorded speech, Al-Houthi described the capture as a significant security achievement, saying the arrest highlighted the failure of “foreign adversaries” in the region. The Houthi leader, however, did not provide any details about the alleged network. There was no comment from the UK government on the Houthi claim. Turning to military operations, al-Houthi reported a third clash with the US aircraft carrier USS Truman this week, marking the sixth overall encounter with US carriers. Without giving details, he said the confrontation coincided…

US tech billionaire Elon Musk on Thursday reiterated his strong support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party ahead of the Feb. 23 general elections in Germany. “If you are unhappy with the situation, you must vote for change. And that is why I’m really strongly recommending that people vote for AfD. That’s why that’s my strong recommendation. And I think this is simply the sensible move,” Musk said in an online talk on X with AfD leader Alice Weidel. “In fact, I, as I’ve said publicly, I think only AfD can save Germany. And I just want to…

Former EU Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton said Thursday that banning Elon Musk’s social media platform, X, in Europe is “legally possible,” though such a move would require a clear legal basis. Speaking to French broadcaster LCI, Breton clarified that EU countries could impose a ban under specific legal grounds, rather than as an arbitrary action. He emphasized that compliance with the bloc’s Digital Services Act (DSA) and Digital Markets Act (DMA) would be the determining factor. Breton referenced X’s prior suspension in Brazil as an example, noting that a similar ban within the EU could carry significant financial consequences…

Turkish automotive company Karsan’s fully electric vehicles are now operational in Italy’s historic city of Florence, contributing to the city’s sustainability and environmental objectives. The company recently delivered 12 e-JEST model mini-size buses to the Florence Metropolitan Municipality during a ceremony at the iconic Piazzale Michelangelo. Chosen for their compact design, the e-JEST vehicles are ideal for navigating Florence’s narrow, historic streets. They will play a crucial role in improving the efficiency of public transport while preserving the city’s cultural and architectural heritage. – KARSAN’S GROWING PRESENCE IN EUROPE Karsan Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Okan Bas described Florence as a…

Russia’s deputy premier said on Thursday that Moscow considers the start of discussions of a draft bill in Armenia to initiate the country’s EU membership application as the start of its withdrawal from the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). “The Russian Federation will build its economic policy towards Armenia taking this circumstance into account,” Alexey Overchuk told journalists in the capital Moscow. Earlier on Thursday, the Armenian government approved a draft law to initiate the country’s EU membership application process, with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stating that the final decision will be made at a national referendum. After getting the government’s…

Former Scottish leader Humza Yousaf has issued a stark warning about Elon Musk, labeling him “one of the most dangerous men on the planet” and calling for decisive action against his divisive rhetoric. Musk’s attacks on the British government and politicians have ranged from grave accusations of covering up grooming gang crimes to straight-out calls for Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s sacking. His inflammatory comments, including anti-migrant and Islamophobic rhetoric, as well as his open support for far-right figures in the UK and across Europe, have drawn widespread condemnation, fueling debate over foreign influence, free speech, and the role of social…

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy on Thursday announced plans to introduce legislation for a new sanctions regime aimed at tackling irregular migration and organized immigration crime, positioning Britain as the first country globally to implement such a framework. In an article for The Guardian, Lammy said the initiative seeks to “prevent, deter, and disrupt irregular migration and the smuggling of migrants into the UK.” The policy forms part of the government’s broader “Plan for Change” to secure Britain’s borders by targeting human trafficking networks and dismantling the criminal operations profiting from smuggling vulnerable individuals. Lammy emphasized the growing overlap between…