Rorisang Modiba delivers daily updates from around the world.
China – China has launched the first 18 satellites of its planned Qianfan, or Spacesail, constellation. The aim is to create a network of 14,000 satellites to provide broadband internet from space. The initiative is part of China’s broader strategy to become a leading power in space, competing with SpaceX’s Starlink, which already has over 6,000 satellites in orbit. China plans to send astronauts to the moon by 2030.
USA – Cardi B recently shared details of a “freak accident” that almost led to the miscarriage of her third child. Posting on X, the rapper explained that the incident left her temporarily paralysed and caused significant concern for her pregnancy. Despite the scare, she reassured fans that her baby, whom she is expecting with estranged husband Offset, is fine. Cardi B candidly discussed her pain management, joking about her reliance on morphine and the potential risks of addiction. She did not provide further details about the accident or her recovery.
Western Asia – Kurdish soldiers from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) conduct a raid in the Al-Hol refugee camp near the Syria-Iraq border In the dead of night, searching for Islamic State (IS) extremists and their captives. The soldiers, equipped with night-vision goggles and body armour, uncovered weapons, explosives, and IS flags hidden in tunnels beneath the camp. Among the residents, they found women and children, some of whom were Yazidi captives kidnapped by IS a decade ago. Kovan, a young woman rescued along with her two children, identified herself as Yazidi. The rescued women, fearful of IS retribution, were taken out of the camp for investigation to confirm their identities, a process made difficult by the lack of formal documents.
Kenya – CNN’s Larry Madowo was struck by a fragment from a tear gas canister while covering protests in Nairobi, Kenya. The demonstrations, primarily led by Gen Z Kenyans who organised on social media, have continued for eight weeks, coinciding with President William Ruto’s swearing-in of a new cabinet. Initially sparked by opposition to the now-withdrawn Finance Bill, the demonstrations have grown into a broader, leaderless movement against corruption, the high cost of living, and police brutality.
Pictured above: SpaceX.
Source: X/SpaceX
