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South Korea launches domestically-developed space rocket
South Korea launches domestically-developed space rocket
World
by  AFP

South Korea launched its first domestically-developed space rocket on Tuesday, the government said, the country's second attempt after a launch last October failed. South Korea's second test launch of its homegrown space rocket comes eight months after the first test failed to put a dummy satellite into orbit, a setback for the country's attempt to join the ranks of advanced space-faring nations.

Mahatma Gandhi's grandson bows out of Indian presidential race
Mahatma Gandhi's grandson bows out of Indian presidential race
World
by  AFP

The grandson of India's independence leader Mahatma Gandhi has dropped out of the race to become president after his name was proposed by an alliance of opposition parties. The Gandhi dynasty of assassinated former prime ministers Indira and Rajiv Gandhi, and of current opposition figure Rahul Gandhi, are descended from India's first premier Jawaharlal Nehru and not from Mahatma Gandhi. ja/stu/je

Patten hits outs at China's 'vengeful' acts in Hong Kong
Patten hits outs at China's 'vengeful' acts in Hong Kong
World
by  AFP

On June 30, 1997, Britain's last governor of Hong Kong Chris Patten left Government House for the final time, struggling to contain his emotions as the "Last Post" played and the Union flag was lowered. In his farewell speech in 1997, Patten said it had been "the greatest honour and privilege" of his life to have been governor and to have "some responsibility for Hong Kong's future".

Rwanda to host Commonwealth talks after migrants, rights row
Rwanda to host Commonwealth talks after migrants, rights row
Africa
by  AFP

Leaders from the 54 Commonwealth countries gather in Rwanda under tight security this week for a long overdue but controversial summit that was twice postponed by Covid. At the same time, republican movements in some of the 14 Commonwealth countries outside the UK where the queen is head of state are gathering pace.

South Africa's latest hot export to China? Donkeys
South Africa's latest hot export to China? Donkeys
Africa
by  AFP

Chinese demand for traditional medicines has sent poachers hunting for African animals from rhinos to pangolins. The health benefits are believed similar to products derived from rhino horns, from working as a blood thinner to acting as an aphrodisiac, which could ease pressure on endangered rhinos.