Author: Resham Bhambani

International Deep Space Exploration Association Launches in China The International Deep Space Exploration Association (IDSEA) has officially launched in Hefei, capital of east China’s Anhui Province. The new association aims to promote global collaboration in space technology and foster a shared future for humanity in outer space. The IDSEA was jointly initiated by the Deep Space Exploration Laboratory in Hefei, the Lunar Exploration and Space Program Center of the China National Space Administration, the Chinese Society of Astronautics, the Chinese Society of Space Research, and the French initiative “Planetary Exploration, Horizon 2061.” The founding was co-sponsored by 20 Chinese academicians…

Cyprus Missing Persons Search Uses AI and Radar to Find Remains A UN-backed commission investigating mass disappearances in Cyprus is using artificial intelligence and ground-penetrating radar to increase the chances of locating the remains of people who went missing during past conflicts. The Committee on Missing Persons (CMP) leads a team of archaeologists, anthropologists and geneticists in efforts to determine the fate of 2,002 people who disappeared during inter-ethnic violence in the 1960s and the Turkish invasion that followed a Greek-backed coup in 1974. Many victims were killed and buried in unmarked graves across the island. New Technologies to Boost…

South Korea Seeks Extension in Tariff Pause During US Trade Talks South Korea is asking for an extension to the 90-day pause on 25% US tariffs, which will expire on 9 July, as trade talks between the two countries continue. Both sides had agreed in April to prepare a package to remove tariffs, but progress has been slow, focusing mainly on non-tariff barriers. South Korea already imposes near-zero tariffs on US imports under an existing free trade agreement. However, discussions continue as Seoul aims to protect its domestic industries while addressing Washington’s demands. South Korea & its Digital Services and…

China Advances Assisted-Driving Safely Carmakers in China are moving quickly to advance assisted-driving technology, aiming to attract drivers eager for new features. Yet, Beijing is urging caution alongside speed, especially after a recent crash involving a Xiaomi SU7 sedan in March. The incident killed three people shortly after the driver took back control from the assisted-driving system. Regulators are finalising new safety rules to manage assisted-driving systems while ensuring Chinese carmakers stay ahead of US and European rivals. Analysts say that clear rules could give China a competitive edge. This differs from the US market, where companies often complain about…

Siemens Regains Full Access to China Market as US Lifts Export Restrictions Germany’s Siemens AG has announced it has received a notice from the US government lifting export restrictions on its chip design software for China. This development allows Siemens to restore full access to its software and technology for Chinese customers. Bloomberg News reported the update on Wednesday, citing a statement from Siemens. The German company and the US Department of Commerce have not yet responded to Reuters’ requests for comment on the matter. Restrictions Imposed in May Now Reversed In May, the US government required several companies, including…

In a striking demonstration of technological precision and deep-space capability, the China National Space Administration (CNSA) released high-resolution images of Earth and the moon taken by the Tianwen-2 probe, currently in orbit far beyond Earth. Crystal-Clear Images from Deep Space The images—captured using the probe’s narrow-field-of-view navigation sensor—depict Earth and the moon as seen from approximately 590,000 kilometers away. These visuals were transmitted back to Earth and processed by scientific teams, marking a key milestone in China’s second interplanetary mission. Tianwen-2: Still Going Strong Beyond 12 Million Kilometers The Tianwen-2 probe, launched on May 29, 2025, has now spent more…

Shenzhou-20 Crew Completes Second Spacewalk to Boost Efficiency The Shenzhou-20 crew aboard China’s orbiting space station has completed their mission’s second extravehicular activity (EVA), according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA). On Thursday, astronauts Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie completed a 6.5-hour spacewalk, finishing their tasks at 21:29 Beijing Time with support from the robotic arm and ground teams. Astronauts Complete Key Equipment Installations Chen Zhongrui opened the hatch at 15:04 and became the first to step outside during this mission. Positioned at the hatch, Chen Dong passed the airlock protective device to Chen Zhongrui, who then…

German Space Startup Isar Aerospace Secures €150 Million to Boost Launch Services German space firm Isar Aerospace has secured €150 million (approximately $173 million) in funding from US-based Eldridge Industries, the company announced on Wednesday. The new capital will support the startup’s goal to expand its satellite launch services and increase Europe’s presence in the global aerospace market. Funding to Fuel Expansion Despite Setbacks The funding agreement was signed as a convertible bond, marking a significant financial milestone for Isar Aerospace. The company said the funds will be used to broaden its launch capabilities in response to rising global demand…

Summer Davos 2025 Kicks Off in Tianjin, Focusing on Innovation and Global Growth The 16th World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting of the New Champions, Summer Davos 2025, officially opened on Tuesday at the National Convention and Exhibition Center in Tianjin, China. This year’s event has drawn around 1,800 participants from nearly 90 countries and regions, making it one of the largest global gatherings in recent years. Spotlight on Innovation and Entrepreneurship Running from Tuesday to Thursday, the forum centres on the theme “Entrepreneurship in the New Era.” Discussions will explore five core areas: the world economy, China’s economic outlook,…

US Accuses China’s DeepSeek of Aiding Military and Dodging Chip Export Rules A senior US official has accused Chinese AI firm DeepSeek of supporting China’s military and intelligence operations, and of using shell companies in Southeast Asia to obtain advanced US semiconductors restricted under export controls. DeepSeek, based in Hangzhou, has gained global attention for developing AI models that it claims rival those from US leaders like OpenAI and Meta. Yet, US authorities now say the firm plays a direct role in China’s military-industrial strategy. “This goes beyond open-source use of DeepSeek’s models,” the State Department official told Reuters. The…