SpaceX's Polaris Dawn mission marked the first-ever spacewalk by private civilians, with Jared Isaacman and Sarah Gillis partially exiting the spacecraft to test new spacesuits. The mission aims to advance technologies for future space travel, including extraterrestrial settlements. The crew conducted experiments on inter-satellite communication and tested the effects of space conditions. The mission achieved a record altitude, surpassing NASA's Gemini 11 mission, and highlighted SpaceX's role in private space exploration. Concerns were raised about compliance with the Outer Space Treaty, as the mission is not regulated by the US government.

The British government has passed a bill to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda, aiming to deter dangerous crossings and combat people-smuggling networks. Despite legal challenges and criticism from human rights groups, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has pledged to start deportations by July. The bill circumvents previous court rulings by designating Rwanda as a safe destination, but critics argue it sets a dangerous precedent and fails to address the root causes of migration. The scheme is expected to be costly and ineffective in reducing the backlog of asylum claims. Legal challenges are anticipated, and the opposition Labour Party has vowed to scrap the policy if elected.

US lawmakers are set to vote on military aid packages for Ukraine, Israel, and Asia Pacific allies. Speaker Mike Johnson is managing internal Republican opposition favoring domestic spending on border security. The aid includes $60.84bn for Ukraine, $26bn for Israel, and $8bn for Asia Pacific allies, with separate votes on partitioned bills reflecting the Senate's package. The bills address the urgency of Ukraine's defense needs, Israel's air defense after Iran's counterattack, and countering Chinese expansionism. Donald Trump's influence as an aid skeptic has shaped the debate, with new bills proposing

Columbia University President Nemat “Minouche” Shafik is set to face a congressional committee over allegations of failing to protect students from rising anti-Semitism on campus. The hearing is part of a broader investigation into elite universities' handling of anti-Semitism, following similar scrutiny of UPenn, Harvard, and MIT. The stakes are high for Shafik, who has faced criticism from both pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel groups. The investigation has intensified following the war on Gaza, with lawmakers demanding extensive documentation from Columbia. The hearing aims to ensure compliance with existing laws and may influence future legislation.

The UK Parliament has approved a historic plan to create a 'smoke-free' generation by gradually increasing the legal age for tobacco purchases, aiming to eradicate smoking among young people by 2040. The legislation, which still requires approval from the House of Lords, has sparked debate within the ruling Conservative Party, with some members opposing it as an infringement on personal freedoms. The bill also seeks to restrict vaping among young people. The initiative is part of a broader effort to reduce smoking-related diseases and deaths, aligning with similar measures in countries like New Zealand, Portugal, and Mexico.

Tensions in Togo are escalating over constitutional reforms ahead of delayed parliamentary elections. The reforms, which would transition Togo from a presidential to a parliamentary system, are seen by opposition activists as a ploy to keep President Faure Gnassingbe in power. Despite public outcry and protests, the government has rescheduled the elections for April 29 and declared opposition rallies illegal. Opposition groups, including the DMP, DMK, and ANC, are resisting the changes, arguing they undermine democracy. The situation remains volatile as the elections approach, with significant public dissent and government crackdowns on protests.

Robert F Kennedy Jr, an independent candidate in the 2024 US presidential election, has announced lawyer Nicole Shanahan as his running mate. Despite the historical challenges faced by third-party candidates, Kennedy's campaign has garnered attention due to his strong brand recognition and controversial views. He has distanced himself from the Democratic Party and appeals to both far-left and far-right voters. His campaign resonates with those disillusioned by a potential Biden-Trump rematch. Kennedy's mixed and often contradictory views on issues like the environment, COVID-19, and foreign policy make him a polarizing figure. While his chances of winning are slim, his presence in the race could impact the election dynamics, particularly in battleground states.

The article examines the impact of groupthink and confirmation bias on open source intelligence (OSINT) during the Gaza conflict, focusing on the misinterpretation of footage related to the al-Ahli Arab Hospital explosion. It highlights the role of media organizations like Al Jazeera and the New York Times in debunking false claims, while criticizing the OSINT community for succumbing to speculative theories. The discussion includes the broader implications of media bias and the challenges of maintaining rigorous standards in war reporting.

Rania Sakallah and her family, displaced by the ongoing conflict in Gaza, face dire conditions in Rafah, struggling with food, water, and healthcare shortages. Despite the challenges, Rania remains determined to rebuild her life in Gaza rather than leave for Egypt's Sinai desert. The article highlights the severe humanitarian crisis affecting Gaza's population, with half of its residents displaced and living in overcrowded conditions. The narrative underscores the resilience and hopes of the affected families amid the devastation.

The article discusses the challenges and potential solutions to the climate crisis, focusing on the recent COP28 conference and the influence of the fossil fuel industry. Experts like Michael Oppenheimer and George Monbiot highlight the need for systemic change and criticize the effectiveness of current measures like carbon capture and storage. The article underscores the urgency of immediate action to prevent catastrophic warming and the role of political and economic interests in hindering progress.