China's Shenzhou-19 astronauts return to Earth
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Three Chinese astronauts returned to Earth on Wednesday after six months on the country's space station, state media footage showed, as Beijing advances towards its aim to become a major celestial power.China has ploughed billions of dollars into its space programme in recent years in an effort to achieve what President Xi Jinping describes as the country's "space dream".The world's second-largest economy has bold plans to send a crewed mission to the Moon by the end of the decade and eventually build a base on the lunar surface.Its latest launch last week ferried a trio of astronauts to the Tiangong space station , heralding the start of the Shenzhou-20 mission They have taken over from Shenzhou-19 crew Cai Xuzhe, Song Lingdong and Wang Haoze, whose landing capsule touched down in the northern Inner Mongolia region on Wednesday.Shortly after the landing, the Xinhua state news agency said the mission was a "complete success", adding that the trio were in "good health".Pictures from state broadcaster CCTV showed the capsule, attached to a red-and-white striped parachute, descending through an azure sky before hitting the ground in a cloud of brown desert dust.Teams of officials in white and orange jumpsuits then rushed to open the golden craft, and one planted a fluttering national flag into the sandy soil nearby.The Shenzhou-19 crew had worked on the space station since October, where they carried out experiments and set a new record for the longest ever spacewalk.They were initially scheduled to return on Tuesday, but the mission was postponed due to bad weather at the Dongfeng landing site, according to Chinese authorities.Wang, 35, was China's only woman spaceflight engineer at the time of the launch, according to the Chinese Manned Space Agency (CMSA).Commander Cai, a 48-year-old former air force pilot, previously served aboard Tiangong as part of the Shenzhou-14 mission in 2022.Song, a 34-year-old onetime air force pilot, completed the group of spacefarers popularly dubbed "taikonauts" in China.Last week, China saw off the Shenzhou-20 team in a feast of pomp and pageantry at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Base in the barren desert of northwestern Gansu province.A military band and crowds of flag-waving well-wishers bade farewell to the crew before they blasted off on a Long March-2F rocket.State media reported that they assumed control of the space station after a handover ceremony with its former occupants on Sunday.The all-male Shenzhou-20 crew is headed by Chen Dong, 46, a former fighter pilot and veteran space explorer who in 2022 became the first Chinese astronaut to clock up more than 200 cumulative days in orbit.The other two crew members -- 40-year-old former air force pilot Chen Zhongrui, and 35-year-old former space technology engineer Wang Jie -- are on their first space flight.During their six-month stint, the crew will carry out experiments in physics and life sciences and install protective equipment against space debris.For the first time, they will also bring aboard planarians, aquatic flatworms known for their regenerative abilities.China's space programme is the third to put humans in orbit and has also landed robotic rovers on Mars and the Moon as it catches up with the two most established cosmic powers, the United States and Russia.Tiangong -- whose name means "celestial palace" in Chinese -- is its tour de force.China has never been involved in the International Space Station due to opposition from the United States.Washington plans to return to the Moon in 2027, though the election of President Donald Trump brought uncertainty over the mission's fate.
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Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Beijing at US' doorsteps: Tensions flare as China's Xue Long 2 moves into US waters — here's what happened next
Chinese research icebreaker enters U.S. extended continental shelf waters near Alaska- In a new display of growing maritime tensions in the Arctic, the Chinese icebreaker Xue Long 2 entered the waters north of Alaska's coast, prompting a swift and visible response from the U.S. Coast Guard. The incident occurred on July 25, 2025, when the Chinese vessel was detected approximately 290 nautical miles north of Utqiagvik, Alaska—well within what the United States claims as its Extended Continental Shelf (ECS). While not within territorial waters, the ECS grants the U.S. exclusive rights to explore and manage natural resources on or beneath the seafloor, such as oil, gas, and minerals. According to U.S. officials, the Xue Long 2's activity within this sensitive Arctic zone triggered deployment of a C-130J Hercules aircraft from Air Station Kodiak as part of Operation Frontier Sentinel, a U.S. operation designed to monitor and respond to foreign activity near American maritime claims. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Data Science MCA healthcare Data Analytics Management Data Science Finance others Cybersecurity Product Management Design Thinking Leadership Digital Marketing Others PGDM Project Management Degree CXO Healthcare Technology MBA Public Policy Skills you'll gain: Strategic Data-Analysis, including Data Mining & Preparation Predictive Modeling & Advanced Clustering Techniques Machine Learning Concepts & Regression Analysis Cutting-edge applications of AI, like NLP & Generative AI Duration: 8 Months IIM Kozhikode Professional Certificate in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Starts on Jun 26, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Data Analysis & Interpretation Programming Proficiency Problem-Solving Skills Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence Duration: 24 Months Vellore Institute of Technology VIT MSc in Data Science Starts on Aug 14, 2024 Get Details Why the U.S. extended continental shelf matters more than ever? The Extended Continental Shelf is an increasingly critical geopolitical space as climate change opens new Arctic shipping lanes and exposes previously unreachable mineral and energy deposits. While the ECS lies outside of the U.S. 200-nautical mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), it is recognized under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as an area where coastal nations have sovereign rights to seabed resources. Although the U.S. has not ratified UNCLOS, it adheres to its principles in practice and has spent years mapping the Arctic seafloor to support its ECS claims. The Xue Long 2's presence within this area is seen by American officials as a challenge to those claims and part of a broader strategy by China to establish itself as a legitimate Arctic player—despite being a 'near-Arctic' nation geographically. Coast guard sends aerial surveillance to monitor Chinese vessel Rear Admiral Bob Little, commander of the U.S. Coast Guard Arctic District, stated that the Coast Guard acted quickly to "establish presence with presence", echoing its policy of proactive enforcement of U.S. rights and responsibilities in the Arctic. Live Events The aircraft performed a flyover and established visual contact with the Xue Long 2 but made no physical attempt to alter its course or intervene directly. The response was largely symbolic but strategically important—it demonstrates to both domestic and international audiences that the U.S. will defend its maritime claims, especially amid rising tensions in the polar regions. This aerial deployment was not an isolated incident. The Coast Guard regularly patrols Arctic waters during the summer season, when ice levels retreat and allow for increased shipping, research, and exploration activity. Canada joins monitoring effort as Arctic cooperation gets tested Canada also closely followed the Xue Long 2's movements. Using a CP-140 Aurora surveillance aircraft operating from Alaska under joint agreements, Canadian forces confirmed the vessel did not enter Canadian territorial waters. This collaboration reflects a growing U.S.-Canada security alignment in the Arctic, especially as both nations navigate increasing foreign interest from Russia and China. This comes just weeks after U.S. officials tracked Chinese and Russian navy vessels conducting joint exercises in the Bering Sea, another hot-button region where geopolitical interests are overlapping. Such moves are seen as part of a larger effort by China and Russia to test boundaries, provoke reactions, and gather intelligence in the Arctic theater. China defends its presence, claims lawful scientific activity China's state-run Global Times responded critically to the U.S. reaction. In its editorial, the newspaper accused the U.S. of 'hyping the China threat' and insisted that the Xue Long 2 was engaged in lawful scientific research, conducted in line with international norms. Beijing has long maintained that its Arctic research program is peaceful and focused on climate, oceanography, and marine biodiversity. However, Western analysts remain skeptical, pointing to the dual-use nature of many Chinese maritime platforms and the strategic data that such missions can gather. The Global Times also challenged the legitimacy of the U.S. ECS claim, noting that it is a 'unilateral assertion' not recognized globally, and highlighted that the U.S. has yet to formally join UNCLOS—the very treaty underpinning its shelf claim. U.S. icebreakers step up presence in key Arctic zone Interestingly, the incident occurred while the USCG Cutter Healy, the Coast Guard's most advanced icebreaker, was deployed about 500 nautical miles east of the Chinese vessel, conducting its own Arctic science missions. Another key vessel, the USCGC Storis, had also just arrived in Alaska for its Arctic commissioning scheduled in August 2025. These deployments reflect Washington's effort to modernize its Arctic capabilities. The Coast Guard has publicly acknowledged that it is behind in icebreaker capacity when compared to Russia and even China. The arrival of the Storis is part of a broader modernization push to ensure the U.S. has credible and constant Arctic access as interest in the region skyrockets. The strategic significance of the Arctic continues to grow This incident isn't isolated—it is part of a much broader geopolitical contest over the Arctic. As melting sea ice opens up new routes and access to untapped energy reserves, nations like the U.S., China, Russia, and Canada are intensifying their efforts to assert control over vast, resource-rich areas that were once largely inaccessible. The presence of Chinese vessels—particularly dual-use scientific and research ships like the Xue Long 2—is now a regular point of concern for U.S. defense and maritime agencies. These operations often blur the line between civilian science and strategic surveillance, raising questions about long-term Chinese intentions in the region. Operation frontier sentinel becomes more important for Arctic security The U.S. Coast Guard's Operation Frontier Sentinel has become a critical tool in deterring foreign incursion and ensuring American visibility in contested maritime zones. Established to monitor and respond to foreign research and military vessels operating near or within U.S.-claimed waters, the program plays a vital role in projecting American sovereignty and defending national interests. While no confrontation occurred during the flyover of the Xue Long 2, the message was clear: the U.S. is watching and will not allow unmonitored foreign activity in its claimed zones—especially those as strategically vital as the Arctic. What's next: Arctic diplomacy or growing confrontation? As Arctic maritime activity continues to increase, incidents like this are likely to become more frequent. The U.S. will need to strike a delicate balance between enforcement of maritime rights, scientific cooperation, and avoidance of direct conflict. At the same time, nations like China will keep pushing for influence in the region, using scientific missions as soft-entry tools into geopolitically sensitive waters. Ultimately, the real challenge may lie in forming multilateral Arctic agreements that prevent escalation and promote transparency, while still respecting national interests and resource rights. But as the ice melts, competition for the Arctic's riches is heating up—and so is the race for influence. FAQs: Q1: Why did the U.S. Coast Guard respond to the Chinese icebreaker Xue Long 2? Because it was operating inside the U.S. Extended Continental Shelf near Alaska. Q2: What was the Chinese vessel Xue Long 2 doing near Alaska? China says it was doing legal scientific research in Arctic waters.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
From comets to fireballs: Why you should look up on the night of 29 July for the most amazing astronomical event
Skywatchers across the globe can expect a dazzling night as the Southern Delta Aquariids and Alpha Capricornids reach their peak on 29–30 July. With up to 25 meteors per hour and no moonlight to interfere, visibility will be ideal. Best seen from the Southern Hemisphere but visible worldwide, this rare double shower will offer bright fireballs and long meteor trails. The Southern Delta Aquariids remain active through 31 July, giving stargazers multiple chances to catch the display. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads July 29th astronomical event: Southern Delta Aquariids Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads July 29th: Fireballs from the Alpha Capricornids Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Best time and place to watch What causes meteor showers How to prepare for the event Get away from city lights and find an open space with a wide view of the sky Lie flat or use a reclining chair to reduce neck strain Let your eyes adjust to the dark for at least 20 minutes Bring warm clothes and something to eat or drink Look generally south and give it time — patience pays off On the night of 29–30 July, skies across the world will come alive with a rare and striking natural show. Two meteor showers — the Southern Delta Aquariids and the Alpha Capricornids — will peak at the same time. What makes this especially exciting is the absence of moonlight, which means dark, clear skies and uninterrupted views of up to 25 meteors an say this is one of the most promising viewing windows in years.'With the Moon out of the way, dark skies will offer a chance to see up to 25 shooting stars per hour, making it a perfect time for stargazing,' experts both showers will be visible worldwide, the Southern Hemisphere offers the best conditions. That's because the constellations Aquarius and Capricornus, from which these meteors appear to originate, rise higher in southern Southern Delta Aquariids are the main draw. Active from 18 July to 12 August, they are known for their subtle, fast-moving streaks that often leave long-lasting trails. At their peak, they're expected to produce around 20 meteors per meteors come from Comet 96P/Machholz , a small, short-period comet that has left a consistent debris trail along Earth's orbital broad peak of this shower gives observers more than just one night. Meteor activity is expected to remain strong through to 31 July. So even if cloud cover spoils the main night, there are still good chances to catch the event.'The Southern Delta Aquariids have a broad peak, meaning good meteor rates can be seen for about a week until July 31,' according to Northern Hemisphere viewers, Aquarius sits lower on the southern horizon, so early morning hours before sunrise are best for spotting the meteors. In the south, the constellation rises higher and earlier, making the show easier to smaller in number, the Alpha Capricornids bring their own visual drama. Active from 7 July to 15 August, this shower adds five to ten meteors per hour. What they lack in quantity, they make up for in quality. These meteors are slow, often bright, and sometimes colourful.'They often appear as slow, bright fireballs in colour,' experts Alpha Capricornids originate from Comet 169P/NEAT , a 3-kilometre-wide body that was only discovered in 2002. It completes its orbit around the Sun every 4.2 years. Earth's passage through its trail gives rise to these brilliant Capricornus lies close to Aquarius in the sky, it's hard to tell which meteor belongs to which shower. But most people watching from Earth won't mind — the combined effect is what you are will influence how much you see, but the advice is broadly the areas will offer the darkest skies. Avoid streetlights and let your eyes adjust for at least 20 to 30 minutes. No telescope needed — just look south and be patient. Meteors often come in pre-dawn hours of 30 July are likely to offer the best show, especially for those in the Southern Hemisphere.'The Southern Hemisphere offers the best viewing conditions , as both constellations are higher in the sky,' astronomers have showers like these happen when Earth passes through streams of debris left behind by comets. As bits of rock and ice burn up in the atmosphere, they produce streaks of light — what we call shooting these two showers are annual events, they rarely reach their peak together with such clear skies. This year's lack of moonlight makes the timing near you're planning to watch, consider the following tips:Whether you're into astronomy or just fancy looking up, this is one of those nights worth stepping outside for.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
India discovers rare earth in MP coalfields as China curbs squeeze industries: Minister
Promising reserves of rare earth elements have been found in the Singrauli coalfields of Madhya Pradesh, Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy told Parliament on Monday. Rare earth elements (REE) are a group of metallic elements, including scandium and yttrium, widely used in clean energy technologies, electronics, electric vehicles and various industrial applications. Replying to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Reddy said that Coal India Ltd (CIL) has undertaken research and development projects linked to rare earth elements present in coal mine waste. 'Results from appraisal of Gondwana Sediments (coal, clay, shale, Sandstone) for Trace Elements & REE concentration in the Singrauli coalfield, indicate that REE are 'promising' in nature (with an enrichment of 250 ppm on a whole coal basis in coal samples and 400 ppm in non-coal samples),' the minister said. He added that extracting REEs economically would depend on advances in technology and achieving economies of scale. Findings from the assessment of rare earth elements and other resources in the North Eastern Region Coalfield indicate that while the total REE content is low, the proportion of heavy REE is relatively high. Efforts are underway to develop indigenous technology for extracting critical minerals , including REE, from the overlying strata of coalfields in the northeast. The objective is to create an enrichment method for critical metals from non-coal strata using physical separation techniques, as well as a method to extract these metals from non-coal strata and acid mine drainage through ion-exchange resin. The minister said that Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) has entered into memoranda of understanding with the Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (IMMT), Bhubaneswar; the Non-Ferrous Materials Technology Development Centre (NFTDC), Hyderabad; and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Hyderabad to conduct research in this area. India's key industrial sectors, ranging from transport equipment to electronics, depend heavily on imports of rare earth elements, with China being the main supplier. A recent analysis by the State Bank of India (SBI) suggested that continuing restrictions on Chinese rare earth exports could have a significant effect on domestic manufacturing. It said these curbs could influence local production capacity, hurt the export competitiveness of Indian industries that rely on these materials, and potentially affect the financial exposure of banks lending to these sectors. Rare earth is a subset of critical minerals with wide applications in many emerging technologies. Critical minerals, including rare earth elements, are central to modern industrial production because of their unique physical and chemical properties, which help reduce energy consumption, enable miniaturisation and provide thermal stability in advanced manufacturing processes. (with PTI inputs)
