SpaceX launched the X-37B space vehicle, designed for secret missions and experiments, into orbit using the Falcon Heavy rocket from NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The mission, referred to as USSF-52 by the Pentagon, involves advanced technological experiments, including tests on reusable space planes and the effects of radiation on materials. The launch follows China's recent deployment of its own robotic space plane, Shenlong. The X-37B, developed by United Launch Alliance for the US Air Force, has been operational since 2010 and resembles a mini version of the retired manned space shuttles.

China has appointed Admiral Dong Cun as the new defense minister following the unexplained disappearance and removal of his predecessor, Li Shangfu. The appointment, announced by the Xinhua News Agency, does not clarify the reasons behind the transition or the current status of Li Shangfu. This leadership uncertainty is closely monitored by Western rivals and Asian allies, as China continues to assert itself as a dominant military power in the region.

A Russian missile fired at Ukraine entered Polish airspace during a heavy overnight attack by Russia on Ukraine. General Maciej Klisz of the Polish Armed Forces stated that the missile likely left Polish airspace after less than three minutes. The incident follows previous occurrences of missiles entering Polish territory, raising concerns about the war in Ukraine crossing borders. Polish authorities, including Prime Minister Donald Tusk, are investigating the incident, which saw the missile travel 40 kilometers in Polish airspace without any action taken.

A commercial ship heading to Ukraine to collect grain struck a Russian naval mine in the Black Sea, injuring two sailors. The Panama-flagged vessel, en route to Ukraine's Danube River ports, lost speed and control, causing a fire on the upper deck. The incident's exact time and location were not disclosed. The ship, identified as the Greek-owned Vyssos, hit the mine near Izmail port. The captain intentionally grounded the ship to prevent sinking, and Ukrainian tugboats were dispatched. Both injured sailors are in stable condition. Ukraine has warned Russian warships to retreat to allow safe passage for cargo ships in the western Black Sea, which remains heavily mined and patrolled by Russian aircraft.

India is accused of using Pegasus spyware, developed by Israeli firm NSO Group, to target high-profile journalists. Amnesty International and the Washington Post's joint investigation revealed that journalists from The Wire and the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project were among those targeted. Amnesty International highlighted the increasing pressure and illegal surveillance threats faced by journalists in India. The Indian government has not responded to these recent allegations but previously denied similar accusations in 2021. The article also mentions that opposition politicians have reported state-backed cyber-attacks.

Vladimir Egorov, a member of the United Russia party and an ally of President Vladimir Putin, was found dead after falling from the third floor of a building in Tobolsk. The circumstances of his fall remain unclear, and no official statement has been made by the Kremlin. The incident is under investigation, with reports from a Telegram channel linked to the Russian secret service and confirmation from the Izvestia newspaper.

A Soviet-era Antonov-24 aircraft carrying 30 passengers mistakenly landed on a frozen river near an airport in Russia's Far East due to pilot error. The plane, operated by Polar Airlines, landed safely on the Kolyma River near Ziryanka in the Yakutistan region, with no injuries reported. The Transport Ministry has launched an investigation, and preliminary information suggests crew error as the cause. Photos of the incident were shared by the prosecutor's office and published by Izvestia newspaper.

Israeli reserve soldier Shaul Greenglick, who aspired to represent Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest, was killed in Gaza. Greenglick had recently participated in the TV program 'Israel's Rising Star' and was a potential candidate for Eurovision 2024 in Sweden. His death led to the withdrawal of judge Keren Peles from the show. Greenglick had expressed his dreams and aspirations on social media before his death. The upcoming Eurovision in Malmö, Sweden, faces calls for a boycott due to Israel's participation.

Austrian billionaire Gaston Glock, the founder of the firearms company Glock, has passed away at the age of 94. Glock revolutionized the small arms industry with the introduction of the Glock 17, a lightweight, semi-automatic pistol largely made of plastic. The company expanded globally with a factory in the United States in 1985. Glock pistols are known for their light design, affordability, and reliability, and are used by police, security forces, celebrities, and criminals worldwide. Despite the widespread presence and popularity of his firearms, Gaston Glock led a reclusive life in Austria. In 2021, Forbes reported his net worth to be $1.1 billion. Glock faced criticism from anti-gun groups and survived an assassination attempt by a former business partner, Charles Ewert, in the late 1990s.

China has blacklisted a US research company, Kharon, and two analysts, Edmund Xu and Nicole Morgret, for their reports on human rights violations against Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in Xinjiang. The sanctions include asset freezes and bans on transactions with Chinese entities. The Chinese government claims these measures are in retaliation for the US government's annual human rights report on Xinjiang. Despite China's denial of the allegations and claims that the camps have been closed, reports suggest that many former detainees have been given long prison sentences elsewhere. Additionally, China continues to impose visa bans and sanctions on officials from Hong Kong, where freedom of expression and democracy have been heavily suppressed since the implementation of a national security law in response to the 2019 protests.