A Hong Kong astronaut has been launched into space for the first time, aboard China's Shenzhou-23 spacecraft. Li Jiaying, a 43-year-old police officer and mother of three, serves as the payload scientist in the three-member crew who made their way to China's Tiangong space station on Sunday night. At least one member of the crew will spend a full year in orbit as part of a key experiment. Authorities will determine who that will be at a later date. The mission is the latest in China's ambitious space program to send humans to the moon by 2030. It comes amid an accelerating race with the US, which is looking to achieve a crewed lunar landing by 2028. The Shenzhou-23 is tasked with studying the effects of microgravity on the human body, among many experiments. Apart from Li, the two other astronauts on the mission are Zhu Yangzhu, a 39-year-old space engineer and Zhang Zhiyuan, a 39-year-old former air force pilot. Large crowds waved Chinese flags as the rocket launched from the north-west Gobi desert on the Long March 2-F rocket at 23:08 local (15:08 GMT) Sunday. A few hours later, it docked on the Tiangong space station. Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee said Li's inclusion in the mission was a "historic" moment. Li said she was inspired by Yang Liwei, the first person sent to space by China's space programme. "This is a rare chance. Why not try?" Li said, according to Xinhua news agency. As she made her way to the launch on Sunday, Li said, according to state broadcaster CCTV: "How high our Chinese spacecraft flies, that's how high we can hold our heads high". Stories of successful Hong Kong figures like Li could help Chinese authorities stir patriotism, especially among the youth, analysts told BBC Chinese. Since 2021, China has been sending astronauts to its Tiangong space station on six-month stays. The year-long stay will be among the longest in history, just shy of the 14-month record set by a Russian cosmonaut Valery Polyakov in 1995. "A year in orbit pushes both hardware and humans into a different operational regime compared with the shorter Shenzhou missions of the programme's earlier phases," Richard de Grijs, an astrophysicist and professor at Macquarie University in Australia, told AFP news agency. This shows how China is building its expertise in long stays in space as well as deep space exploration, de Grijs said. In 2024, China's Chang'e-6 craft recovered rock samples from the far side of the Moon for the first time and brought them back to Earth. Later this year, China is set to mount an orbital test flight for its Mengzhou spacecraft, which is designed to carry astronauts to the moon. Source: BBC

First Hong Kong astronaut launches into space onboard Chinese mission

Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson said on Monday that conclusions have been reached on many topics discussed in a potential memorandum of understanding ⁠with the U.S., but this does not mean Tehran is close to signing an agreement. The spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, added that Iran is negotiating ⁠an end to the war and is not currently discussing nuclear ⁠issues, and repeated that changes in the positions ⁠of U.S. officials create problems for any ⁠agreement. Source: Reuters

Iran says conclusions reached on many issues with US but no deal imminent

China sent three astronauts to its space station on Sunday, one of whom will stay for a year, a record length for the country, enabling the study of long-duration human physiology in space as Beijing works towards its ambition of a crewed moon landing by 2030. The Shenzhou-23 vessel launched at 11:08 p.m. (1508 GMT) using the Long March-2F Y23 carrier rocket from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, with three Chinese astronauts on board. Payload specialist Li Jiaying, a former Hong Kong police inspector, is the first astronaut from the city to take part in a Chinese space mission. The other crew members are commander Zhu Yangzhu and pilot Zhang Yuanzhi, both from the People’s Liberation Army’s astronaut division. CHINA, US SET SIGHTS ON MOON One of the three is to stay on the Tiangong space station for a year, one of the longest space missions ever but short of the 14-1/2-month record set by a Russian cosmonaut in 1995. That astronaut will be decided ⁠later, depending on the progress of the mission, the China Manned Space Agency said on Saturday. China has sent astronauts to its space station almost a dozen times, but this launch comes amid an accelerating race to the moon with the U.S., which has warned about what it alleges are Beijing’s plans to colonise and mine lunar territory and resources. Beijing has strongly rejected these claims. NASA is seeking to achieve a crewed moon landing in 2028, two years ahead of China. The U.S. aims to establish a long-term lunar presence as a stepping stone to eventual human exploration of Mars. In April, four NASA astronauts made a historic trip around the moon as part of the Artemis II mission, flying farther from Earth than anyone before in the world’s first crewed lunar mission in half a century. On Friday Elon Musk’s SpaceX made a largely successful, uncrewed test flight of its next-generation Starship rocket, which is designed to enable more frequent Starlink satellite launches and to send future NASA missions to the moon.China, with less than four years until its 2030 deadline, faces a tall order of developing entirely new hardware and software specific to its lunar mission, proving it ⁠is mission-ready. That will ensure its astronauts, used to the relative safety of Tiangong in low-Earth orbit, can safely make the riskier transition to the moon’s surface. China’s Shenzhou missions have been sending trios of astronauts to the station for six-month stays since 2021. The Chinese space agency is training two Pakistani astronauts, one of whom could join an expected mission to Tiangong this year on a short-duration basis. GOAL OF PERMANENT LUNAR BASE BY 2035 The previous mission, Shenzhou-22, was launched ahead of schedule in November to return three Chinese astronauts to Earth after their Shenzhou-20 vessel was damaged by space debris in orbit. China has only sent robots to ⁠the moon, but its successive Shenzhou missions highlight the country’s rapidly improving space capabilities. In June 2024, China became the first country to recover lunar samples from the moon’s far side, using robots. A successful crewed landing before 2030 would boost China’s plans to establish a permanent base on the moon by 2035 with Russia. The Chinese lunar programme’s chief scientist, Wu Weiren, has said Beijing’s public timeline is intentionally conservative. Over the ⁠past year, Beijing has been carrying out safety tests of hardware developed for the 2030 mission, including heavy-lift Long March-10 rockets, the Mengzhou spacecraft and the Lanyue lunar lander. The Shenzhou-23 flight will execute the first autonomous rapid rendezvous and docking procedure with the core module of Tiangong in preparation for the 2030 mission, which hinges on an automated lunar-orbit rendezvous between the Mengzhou capsule and ⁠the Lanyue lander. Scientists will also study the physiological effects of radiation exposure, bone density loss and psychological stress in space for the extended duration of the Shenzhou-23 mission. Beijing is conducting the world’s first human ‘‘artificial embryo’‘ experiment in space, having sent samples of human stem cells to the Shenzhou-22 crew on the Tiangong this month, state media reported.&nbsp; The experiment is intended to study the long-term residence, survival and reproduction of human beings in space. Source: Reuters

China sends astronaut on year-long space mission as it eyes 2030 moon landing

Pope Leo urged governments to slow down and closely regulate the development of AI systems in his first major document, released on Monday, warning that they spread misinformation, prioritise conflict and risk leading the world down a path of unending war. Leo, who has adopted a more forceful tone in recent months and has drawn the ire of U.S. President Donald Trump after criticising the Iran war, made a range of impassioned appeals to world leaders in the lengthy text, known as an encyclical. The first U.S. pope called for ownership of AI data not to be left solely in private hands, for policy-makers to protect the rights of workers and keep children safe from the technology, and urged the cooling of competition between AI companies. "What is needed is a more active political involvement that is capable of slowing things down when everything is accelerating," said Leo in the text, entitled "Magnifica Humanitas" (Magnificent Humanity).The pope called for "robust legal frameworks, independent oversight, informed users and a political system that does not abdicate its responsibility." Encyclicals are one of the highest forms of teaching from a pontiff to the Church’s 1.4 billion members.Monday’s highly anticipated text, spanning nearly 43,000 words, has been in the works nearly since Leo’s election as pope a little more than a year ago. POPE REPUDIATES ‘JUST WAR’ THEORY The document, which addressed AI as its main theme, also decried the number of wars roiling the world, ⁠lamented the weakening of multilateral organisations and warned that arms industry profits were a driving force behind conflicts."The past 60 years have been marked by conflicts of astonishing brutality, often affecting civilian populations on a massive scale," stated Leo, in the English-language text. "Humanity is slipping into a violent culture of power, where peace no longer appears as a responsibility to be taken on, but as a fragile interval between conflicts," he said. At a Vatican event presenting the text on Monday, the co-founder of Anthropic, one of the world’s top AI companies, thanked Leo for addressing the problems raised by the disruptive, new technology. He said firms like his faced strong commercial pressures and needed outside scrutiny. "Every frontier AI lab, including Anthropic, operates inside a set of incentives and constraints that can sometimes conflict with doing the right thing," Chris Olah said. Anthropic is the company that produces the Claude AI tools.In his encyclical, Leo also made one of the clearest statements yet from a pope repudiating the just war theory, a doctrine the Church has used since at least the fifth century to evaluate global conflicts. The doctrine, which generally says that wars should only be waged in order to defend against aggression, has also been invoked by Trump administration officials, including Vice President JD Vance, a Catholic, to defend the Iran war."The ‘just war’ theory which has all too often been used to justify any kind of war, is now outdated," wrote Leo."The use of force, violence and weapons reflects a relational poverty that always has disastrous consequences for civilian populations." Leo also expressed concern that leaders could start ⁠wars to distract citizens from domestic issues. "We cannot rule out the possibility that some leaders may consider armed conflict as an effective way of diverting attention from domestic problems and a cynical tool for managing difficulties," he stated. POPE APOLOGISES FOR CHURCH’S ROLE IN SLAVERY The pope said any use of AI in warfare "must be subject to the most rigorous ethical constraints" and called it "not permissible" to entrust AI systems with lethal decisions. Leo, the 14th pope to choose that name, cited centuries of prior papal teachings on social justice issues before addressing the ethics of AI systems. He specifically invoked his predecessor Leo XIII, who published a famed encyclical in 1891 that called for better pay and conditions for labourers during the Industrial Revolution. Leo XIV decried what he called "new forms of slavery" endured by people tending AI systems and factory workers who produce the technological devices, such as computers ⁠and smartphones, on which AI is used. "In some regions of the world, children and adolescents work in dangerous conditions, crushing the materials from which rare earth elements are extracted," wrote the pope. "The bodies of these people are scarred, injured and worn down so that computational flow may continue uninterruptedly," he said. "This reality deeply challenges the moral conscience of our time." The pope also acknowledged that the Catholic Church did not forcefully condemn transatlantic slavery until the 19th century, and made a personal apology. "This constitutes a wound in Christian memory," he wrote. "For this, in the name of the Church, ⁠I sincerely ask for pardon." POPE URGES WORLD TO ADDRESS AI RISKS Leo, who stated in the opening of the letter that he wanted to address Catholics and all people of good will, said society must face "crucial questions" about how AI was developing and the general direction of global leadership.Invoking the biblical story of the Tower of Babel -- where a human tribe is driven by pride to try to create a tower tall enough to reach Heaven, angering God -- the pope said the story shows the risk of any enterprise ⁠that "aspires to reach heaven without God’s blessing." "With the heart of a shepherd and a father, I ask everyone to abandon the construction of yet another Tower of Babel and to join forces in building up the common good," the pope stated. Leo urged the world not to give up on addressing the possible risks of AI systems. "A subtle temptation may emerge, namely the thought that the problems are too big and we are too small, and that our choices, therefore, cannot make a difference," he wrote. "Certainly, not everyone has the same power to make a difference," Leo said. "Yet, no one is without responsibility. We all have our own areas for action." Source: Reuters

Pope Leo urges world to ‘slow down’ on AI in fervent first manifesto

Five forests in the Anuradhapura District have been declared protected reserves, the government announced today (25). Environment Minister Dammika Patabendi said the move coincides with World Environment Day. Ritigala, Aliyawetuna Wewa, Bulagala, Konketiyawa and Kallanchiya forests, covering 2,169 hectares, are included. The Minister said steps are also underway to declare the Moolagiya Ulpath area and the Kuda Bubula spring as protected reserves, with the Water Resources Board (WRB) and Central Environmental Authority (CEA). National Environment Week will be observed from May 30 to June 5.

Five forests in Anuradhapura declared as reserves

The Sri Lanka Social Security Board has stated that the “Surekuma” pension scheme remains open for individuals aged 18 to 59 who are not entitled to government pension benefits. Under the scheme, members can select pension plans based on their contribution capacity, with benefits including monthly pensions, disability coverage and funeral assistance. The Board noted that contributions can be made through flexible payment plans, while further details can be obtained via 011 288 6088 or WhatsApp 077 144 3044.

Surekuma pension scheme open for non-government workers

The butterfly garden at Ridiyagama Safari Park will reopen to the public from June 3, the Department of National Zoological Gardens (NZG) announced. The facility had been closed due to maintenance issues and has now been renovated for World Environment Day. Director General Dr. Chandana Rajapaksa said new plant species have been added to attract butterflies. Sri Lanka has 248 recorded butterfly species, including 31 endemic species. Around 60 species have been identified within the garden. A new free-flight aviary at the park will also be promoted alongside the butterfly garden as part of an environmental zone.

Renovated Ridiyagama Butterfly Garden to reopen

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has urged the public not to be misled by deceptive claims relating to economic policies and monetary issues. In a statement, the CBSL noted that matters such as money printing, money supply and exchange rate determination require specialised technical knowledge for proper analysis and interpretation. The Central Bank further stated that the public should remain cautious of assertions made without adequate technical understanding of such economic issues.

CBSL warns public over misleading economic claims

A total of 134 single cabs donated by the Government of India were handed over to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today (25) at the Presidential Secretariat. The donation, under the Indo–Sri Lanka Friendship Programme for Sri Lanka Police, is valued at approximately Rs. 300mn. The vehicles will be distributed among police stations in the Northern Province, the President’s Media Division said. Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha stated that further assistance would continue. Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasooriya presented a memento to the High Commissioner at the event.

First Hong Kong astronaut launches into space onboard Chines ...

Iran says conclusions reached on many issues with US but no deal immin ...

Iran says conclusions reached ...

China sends astronaut on year-long space mission as it eyes 2030 moon ...

China sends astronaut on year- ...

Pope Leo urges world to ‘slow down’ on AI in fervent first manifesto

Pope Leo urges world to ‘slow ...

Five forests in Anuradhapura declared as reserves

Five forests in Anuradhapura d ...

Surekuma pension scheme open for non-government workers

Surekuma pension scheme open f ...

Renovated Ridiyagama Butterfly Garden to reopen

Renovated Ridiyagama Butterfly ...

CBSL warns public over misleading economic claims

CBSL warns public over mislead ...

Indian Govt. donates 134 cabs to Northern Province police

Indian Govt. donates 134 cabs ...

Iran says conclusions reached on many issues with US but no deal immin ...

Iran says conclusions reached ...

China sends astronaut on year-long space mission as it eyes 2030 moon ...

China sends astronaut on year- ...

Pope Leo urges world to ‘slow down’ on AI in fervent first manifesto

Pope Leo urges world to ‘slow ...

Five forests in Anuradhapura declared as reserves

Five forests in Anuradhapura d ...

Surekuma pension scheme open for non-government workers

Surekuma pension scheme open f ...

Renovated Ridiyagama Butterfly Garden to reopen

Renovated Ridiyagama Butterfly ...

CBSL warns public over misleading economic claims

CBSL warns public over mislead ...

Indian Govt. donates 134 cabs to Northern Province police

Indian Govt. donates 134 cabs ...

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Pope Leo urges world to ‘slow down’ on AI in fervent first manifesto

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Five forests in Anuradhapura declared as reserves

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Surekuma pension scheme open for non-government workers

Surekuma pension scheme open f ...

Renovated Ridiyagama Butterfly Garden to reopen

Renovated Ridiyagama Butterfly ...