China says it is ready for 'any type of war' with US
China has warned the US it is ready to fight "any type" of war after hitting back against President Donald Trump's mounting trade tariffs.
The world's top two economies have edged closer to a trade war after Trump slapped more tariffs on all Chinese goods. China quickly retaliated imposing 10-15% tariffs on US farm products.
"If war is what the US wants, be it a tariff war, a trade war or any other type of war, we're ready to fight till the end," China's embassy said on X, reposting a line from a government statement on Tuesday.
It is some of the strongest rhetoric so far from China since Trump became president and comes as leaders gathered in Beijing for the annual National People's Congress.
On Wednesday, China's Premier Li Qiang announced that China would again boost its defence spending by 7.2% this year and warned that "changes unseen in a century were unfolding across the world at a faster pace." This increase was expected and matches the figure announced last year.
Leaders in Beijing are trying to send a message to people in China that they are confident the country's economy can grow, even with the threat of a trade war.
China has been keen to portray an image of being a stable, peaceful country in contrast to the US, which Beijing accuses of being embroiled in wars in the Middle East and Ukraine.
China may also hope to capitalise on Trump's actions relating to US allies such as Canada and Mexico, which have also been hit by tariffs, and will not want to ramp up the rhetoric too far to scare off potential new global partners.
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4 arrested after 5-year-old Michigan boy's death in hyperbaric chamber explosion
Four people have been arrested after a 5-year-old boy was killed in a hyperbaric chamber explosion in Troy, Michigan.
The Troy Police Department confirmed that the arrests occurred Monday morning. They are scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday afternoon.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is providing an update on those arrested. CBS News Detroit is streaming live coverage at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday.
Police did not release the names of the people arrested; however, court records show that one of them was Tami Peterson, the center's owner.
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The History of Space Exploration
Space exploration is one of humanity's most significant achievements, showcasing our desire to explore the unknown and push the boundaries of what is possible. From the earliest rocket experiments to landing on the Moon and exploring distant planets, the journey of space exploration has been marked by remarkable milestones and technological advancements.
Early Beginnings
The dream of space travel dates back centuries, with early theories and stories about flying to the stars. However, practical attempts began in the early 20th century with the development of rocketry. Pioneers like Konstantin Tsiolkovsky, Robert Goddard, and Hermann Oberth laid the groundwork for modern rocketry with their theories and experiments.
The Space Race
The Cold War era saw the rise of the Space Race between the United States and the Soviet Union, driving rapid advancements in space technology. On October 4, 1957, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik 1, the first artificial satellite, marking the beginning of the Space Age. This achievement spurred the United States to accelerate its space program.
Human Spaceflight
The next significant milestone was human spaceflight. On April 12, 1961, Yuri Gagarin, a Soviet cosmonaut, became the first human to orbit the Earth aboard Vostok 1. This historic flight demonstrated the feasibility of human space travel and intensified the Space Race.
The Moon Landing
One of the most iconic achievements in space exploration is the Apollo 11 mission. On July 20, 1969, NASA's Apollo 11 mission successfully landed astronauts Neil Armstrong and Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin on the Moon, while Michael Collins orbited above. Armstrong's famous words, "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind," echoed around the world as he became the first human to set foot on the lunar surface.
Space Stations
The development of space stations allowed humans to live and work in space for extended periods. The Soviet Union launched the first space station, Salyut 1, in 1971. Later, the International Space Station (ISS), a collaborative effort involving multiple countries, became a symbol of international cooperation in space exploration. The ISS has been continuously occupied since November 2000, conducting scientific research and technological experiments.
Mars Exploration
Mars has been a focal point of robotic exploration. NASA's Viking program, launched in the 1970s, sent two landers to Mars, providing valuable data about the Martian surface and atmosphere. More recently, rovers like Spirit, Opportunity, Curiosity, and Perseverance have explored Mars, searching for signs of past life and studying the planet's geology and climate.
The Future of Space Exploration
The future of space exploration holds exciting possibilities. Space agencies and private companies are working on missions to return humans to the Moon, establish a sustainable presence on Mars, and explore asteroids and other celestial bodies. Innovations in spacecraft design, propulsion systems, and international collaborations are paving the way for the next era of space exploration.
Space exploration continues to inspire and drive technological advancements, expanding our understanding of the universe and our place within it. As we look to the stars, the spirit of exploration and discovery that has guided humanity for centuries will undoubtedly lead us to new frontiers and unimaginable achievements.
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Dalai Lama says his successor to be born outside China
NEW DELHI — The Dalai Lama’s successor will be born outside China, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism says in a new book, raising the stakes in a dispute with Beijing over control of the Himalayan region he fled more than six decades ago.
Tibetans worldwide want the institution of the Dalai Lama to continue after the 89-year-old’s death, he writes in “Voice for the Voiceless,” which was reviewed by Reuters and is being released on Tuesday.
He had previously said the line of spiritual leaders might end with him.
His book marks the first time the Dalai Lama has specified that his successor would be born in the “free world,” which he describes as outside China. He has previously said only that he could reincarnate outside Tibet, possibly in India where he lives in exile.
“Since the purpose of a reincarnation is to carry on the work of the predecessor, the new Dalai Lama will be born in the free world so that the traditional mission of the Dalai Lama — that is, to be the voice for universal compassion, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, and the symbol of Tibet embodying the aspirations of the Tibetan people — will continue,” the Dalai Lama writes.
Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, fled at the age of 23 to India with thousands of other Tibetans in 1959 after a failed uprising against the rule of Mao Zedong’s Communists.
Beijing insists it will choose his successor, but the Dalai Lama has said any successor named by China would not be respected.
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The Evolution of Humanity
The story of human evolution is a fascinating journey that spans millions of years, detailing the transformation of early primates into modern humans. This evolutionary path is marked by significant milestones in physical, cognitive, and cultural development.
Early Beginnings
The journey of human evolution begins with our ancient primate ancestors. Around 7 million years ago, the first hominins, the group that includes modern humans and our closest relatives, diverged from the ancestors of chimpanzees and bonobos. These early hominins, such as Sahelanthropus tchadensis, had both ape-like and human-like characteristics.
The Australopithecines
One of the most well-known early hominins is Australopithecus afarensis, exemplified by the famous fossil "Lucy," discovered in Ethiopia. Living around 3.9 to 2.9 million years ago, Australopithecus afarensis walked upright on two legs, a crucial step in human evolution, while still retaining some tree-climbing adaptations.
The Genus Homo
Around 2.4 million years ago, the genus Homo emerged. Homo habilis, known as the "handy man," was one of the earliest members of this genus. Homo habilis is associated with the creation of simple stone tools, marking the beginning of technological innovation.
Homo Erectus and Migration
Homo erectus, appearing around 1.9 million years ago, was a significant step forward in human evolution. This species exhibited larger brain sizes and more advanced tool use. Homo erectus was also the first hominin to migrate out of Africa, spreading to Asia and Europe, showcasing adaptability and survival skills in diverse environments.
Neanderthals and Modern Humans
One of the most famous relatives of modern humans is the Neanderthal (Homo neanderthalensis), who lived in Europe and western Asia. Neanderthals were skilled hunters and toolmakers, and they even created symbolic art and buried their dead. Around 300,000 years ago, Homo sapiens, our own species, emerged in Africa. Homo sapiens exhibited advanced cognitive abilities, leading to sophisticated language, art, and cultural practices.
The Great Leap Forward
Approximately 70,000 years ago, Homo sapiens underwent a "Great Leap Forward," marked by a significant increase in creativity and technological innovation. This period saw the development of complex tools, art, and the beginnings of organized societies.
The Agricultural Revolution
About 10,000 years ago, the Agricultural Revolution transformed human societies. The domestication of plants and animals led to the development of agriculture, allowing humans to settle in one place and form complex civilizations. This period saw the rise of cities, writing systems, and advanced technologies.
Modern Humans
Today, Homo sapiens are the only surviving members of the hominin lineage. Our species has spread across the globe, adapting to various environments and developing diverse cultures. The study of human evolution continues to uncover new insights, helping us understand our origins and the traits that make us uniquely human.
The journey of human evolution is a testament to the resilience, adaptability, and ingenuity of our ancestors. It highlights the incredible transformations that have shaped us into the complex beings we are today.
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