First | Common News Update

Aug22020 by adminNo Comments

Astronauts from NASA and SpaceX complete first splashdown to Earth in 45 years

NASA and SpaceX have successfully brought astronauts back from the International Space Station with the first ocean landing in 45 years.The historic mission began in May when NASA completed the first space launch from US soil for almost a decade, thanks to SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket. Astronauts Douglas Hurley and Robert Behnken safely returned to Earth, splashing down in the Gulf of Mexico early on Sunday evening. Image: Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley (L-R) piloted the spacecraft The recovery was marred by a number of private boats which approached the splashdown zone, one of which was flying a Trump flag.President Trump tweeted on Sunday: "Great to have NASA Astronauts return to Earth after very successful two month mission. Thank you to ...

Aug22020 by adminNo Comments

First England case diagnosed of tick-borne babesiosis

Health

People are being urged to be on alert for tick bites, following the diagnosis for the first time in England of a rare illness.Public Health England (PHE) says the risk to the public is "very low", but it's important to be "tick aware" when enjoying green spaces this summer.Babesiosis is caused by a parasite which infects red blood cells.A second "probable" case of another rare infection spread by infected ticks has also been diagnosed.Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBE) is already circulating in mainland Europe and Scandinavia, as well as Asia. It reached the UK last year.Dr Katherine Russell of PHE said cases of babesiosis and TBE in England are rare, and the risk of being infected remains "very low". "Lyme disease remains the m...

Jul302020 by adminNo Comments

India receives first Dassault Rafale fighter planes

Business

July 29 (UPI) -- The first five of 36 purchased Dassault Rafale fighter planes purchased by the Indian air force arrived at Ambala Air Station, India, on Wednesday. The French-built planes flew to Abu Dhabi and then to India, the Indian air force announced. Advertisement The aircraft are part of a $ 965 million purchase to upgrade India's military, as it contends with Pakistan on its west and China on its east, officials have noted. "On entering the Indian airspace, the Rafales were given an aerial welcome by two IAF Su-30 aircraft. At AF Stn Ambala, they were accorded the traditional 'Water Cannon Salute," air force officials said on Twitter. The Indian government discouraged media coverage or celebration, opting instead for a "final induction ceremony" in August. "IAF aircrew and groun...

Jul272020 by adminNo Comments

Israeli-built drone for German air force has first successful flight

Business

July 27 (UPI) -- An unmanned aerial vehicle made in Israel for Germany's Defense Ministry completed its first successful flight, builder Israel Aerospace Industries announced. The Heron TP, modified to the specifications of the German Defense Ministry, completed its first flight on Sunday in Israel, the company said. Advertisement The medium altitude, long endurance Heron TP, regarded as the company's most advanced drone, can be used for reconnaissance and support roles, and can fire air-to-ground missiles. With a maximum takeoff weight of 11,365 pounds, the vehicle has a 54-foot wingspan and can carry a payload of over 2,200 pounds. It is based on the Eitan UAV in use by the Israel Air Force. The German and Israeli defense ministries signed a nine-year, $ 600 million agreement in 2018 to...

Jul222020 by adminNo Comments

Liverpool Premier League trophy lift: Special ceremony to mark first league title for 30 years

Sports

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson lifted the Premier League trophy on the Kop at an empty Anfield to mark the club's first top-flight triumph for 30 years.Henderson received the trophy from Reds legend Sir Kenny Dalglish, who was manager when Liverpool last won it in 1990, during a spectacular ceremony after the champions beat Chelsea 5-3 on Wednesday.Liverpool were confirmed as champions of England on 25 June with seven games to spare when nearest rivals Manchester City lost at Chelsea, but they had to wait until their final home game of the season to be presented with the trophy. There were no supporters in their 53,000-capacity Anfield home after the Premier League season resumed on 17 Ju...