Rorisang Modiba delivers daily updates from around the world.
China – A Chinese rocket from Space Pioneer crashed during a ground test on Sunday when the rocket and the test platform didn’t coordinate properly. The first stage of the Tianlong-3 rocket fell off its launch pad and crashed into a mountainous area in Gongyi, central China. No one was hurt because the area was cleared beforehand. Space Pioneer, known for its liquid-fuel rockets, had a successful launch of its Tianlong-2 rocket in April 2023, making it the first Chinese commercial operator to send a liquid-fuel rocket into orbit.
USA – A poll by CBS News/YouGov showed that even more Democratic voters are worried about President Joe Biden’s mental health after his shaky debate with Donald Trump. The poll found that 72% of registered voters are concerned about Biden’s mental health, up from 65% in a previous survey. Additionally, 45% of registered Democrats think Biden should step aside for another candidate. Despite concerns about his age and debate performance, Biden’s family and Democratic allies, including Jill Biden, Kamala Harris, and Barack Obama, support him.
Delhi – Heavy rains have caused severe flash flooding in Delhi, India, after one of the worst heat waves in the city’s history. New Delhi recorded 228.1 millimetres (nearly 9 inches) of rain in a single day, the most rainfall in the month of June in 88 years. At least 11 people died as a result of the flooding, including four who drowned in submerged underpasses. The rain flooded roads, submerged vehicles, and caused power outages. A part of the roof at New Delhi’s airport collapsed, killing one man and injuring eight others. The rain, however, brought relief from the intense heat with temperatures previously reaching a record 49.9 degrees Celsius.
France – Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally (RN) party took a big lead in the first round of France’s parliamentary elections. RN got 33.15% of the vote, followed by the left-wing New Popular Front (NFP) coalition with 27.99%, and President Emmanuel Macron’s Ensemble alliance with 20.76%. Even though RN are ahead, they might not get a majority in the 577-seat National Assembly. The second round could give RN between 230 to 280 seats, possibly leading to a hung parliament and more political uncertainty.
Pictured above: Chinese Rocket Tianlong – 3.
Source: X / Megatron
