Anil Menon set for maiden spacewalk
Washington, July 27: Astronaut Anil Menon is set to undertake his first spacewalk next week as he steps out of the International Space Station. Menon, who traces his origins to Palakkad in Kerala, is scheduled to undertake three spacewalks beginning August 6 along with fellow astronaut Jessica Meir and prepare the orbital lab for the future installation of the International Space Station Roll-Out Solar Array (IROSA) later this year, NASA said in a statement on Monday. The IROSA will provide additional power to support critical station operations, including its safe and controlled deorbit. The spacewalks are scheduled to be held on August 6, August 13 and August 25. (PTI)
South Korean ex Prez Yoon gets suspended jail term
Seoul, July 27: Former South Korean President President Yoon Suk Yeol was convicted of making false statements during his presidential campaign in the latest verdict after he was removed from office last year over his brief imposition of martial law. Yoon denied the charges, and his lawyers plan to appeal, arguing that the verdict was based on a misinterpretation of the facts and election law. If upheld by higher courts, the ruling could financially cripple the conservative People Power Party by forcing it to return around 40 billion won (USD 27 million) in election expenses reimbursed by the government after Yoon’s narrow victory over current liberal President Lee Jae Myung in 2022. (AP)
Suspect held in Indian-origin woman’s killing in Canada
Toronto, July 27: A 26-year-old Indian-origin woman was shot dead in a suspected targeted attack in Canada’s Toronto city, police said. A 37-year-old man, also of Indian descent, was arrested on charges of her murder, they said. The shooting took place on Friday morning at the Humberwood Boulevard and Rexdale Boulevard intersection, the Toronto Police Service said in a statement on Saturday. The victim was identified as Navneet Kaur, while the accused, arrested by the Ontario Provincial Police, was identified as Sharnjeet Singh of Brampton. Police said officers responded to reports of a shooting at around 7:23 am. (PTI)
Brazil site added to UNESCO Heritage List
Sao Paulo, July 27: UN cultural agency UNESCO , Monday added two theaters in the Brazilian Amazon to its World Heritage List. The Amazonia Theaters comprise Theatro da Paz in Belem, Para state, and Teatro Amazonas in Manaus, Amazonas state. Both built in the late 19th century at the height of the rubber boom, combine European architectural influences with local materials and symbols. UNESCO said the theaters were designed as “symbols of political and urban ambition.” Theatro da Paz, inaugurated in 1878, underscored Belem’s role as a key port city, and Teatro Amazonas, inaugurated in 1896, reflected the rapid urban development of Manaus during the rubber boom. (AP)
