Two NASA astronauts who were trapped on the International Space Station owing to problems with Boeing’s Starliner capsule are slated to return to Earth in February 2025 aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft. Originally scheduled for an eight-day mission in June, their return was postponed because Starliner’s propulsion system was considered too dangerous. SpaceX will leave two seats unoccupied to ensure their safe return.
Russia and Ukraine swapped 115 prisoners each in a UAE-mediated deal during the Kursk offensive.
On August 24, Russia and Ukraine exchanged 115 prisoners each, the first exchange since Ukraine’s counter-offensive in Russia began. The UAE facilitated the transaction. Ukraine’s President Zelensky welcomed the return of 115 soldiers from various forces, while Russia reported the return of 115 personnel captured in the Kursk region. Images of Ukrainian soldiers draped in national flags were posted.
Taiwan sentences 8 military officers to up to 13 years in prison for spying for China.
The Taiwan High Court convicted eight military officers to 18 months to 13 years in prison for spying for China in one of Taiwan’s most serious espionage cases in recent memory. The court claimed that the officers were motivated by financial gain when they released important information. The case, which involves a spy network recruited by Chen Yuxin, demonstrates a shift in China’s espionage tactics. Experts warn of serious consequences if the espionage was not intercepted.
A study reveals that one in five medicines in Africa are substandard or fake.
A big research investigation conducted by Bahir Dar University in Ethiopia discovered that 20% of medicines in Africa may be inferior or counterfeit, potentially resulting in preventable deaths. The investigation examined 27 research projects and discovered 1,639 out of 7,508 samples that failed quality testing. According to Claudia Martínez of the Access to Medicine Foundation, the UN estimates that such drugs cause up to 500,000 fatalities in Sub-Saharan Africa each year, making it a huge public health issue.
11 killed as armed gunmen ambush police convoy in Pakistan.
Gunmen armed with rocket-propelled grenades ambushed a convoy in the Machka district of eastern Pakistan’s Punjab province, killing 11 police officers and injuring seven. The officers were patrolling when one of their vans malfunctioned, resulting in the attack. Authorities suspect the gunmen were robbers, but no gang has claimed responsibility.
