News in Brief 2024-07-09

Biden faces crucial week in
fight for his reelection bid
WASHINGTON, July 08: US President Joe Biden faces a critical week Monday that will test his standing at home and abroad, as moves to force him to quit his fight for a second White House term gather pace. The 81-year-old has so far defied calls to step aside, after a disastrous debate against election rival Donald Trump last month threw into stark relief fears that he is too old to serve as president until 2029. Allies have warned he needs to do more to convince his party and the public that, as he insists, only he can beat Trump at the ballot box. "This week is going to be absolutely critical," Democratic Senator Chris Murphy told CNN on Sunday. NATO leaders will also need reassurance as they gather in Washington for a summit this week, with many European countries fearful of a Trump victory in November. — AFP
Chinese scientists identify super moss able to 'survive' on Mars
BEIJING, July 08: Scientists have identified a super resilient desert moss species in China's western region of Xinjiang that could help sustain possible colonies on Mars, a study by the Chinese Academy of Sciences showed. When subjected to conditions that simulate the environment on Mars, the moss - Syntrichia Caninervis - was found to be able to withstand extreme dryness, ultra-low temperatures and radiation, the academy said in a research paper published in The Innovation journal last week. — Reuters
Kim's powerful sister slams South Korea live-fire border drills
SEOUL, July 08: The powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un slammed Seoul Monday for recent military drills near the border, saying the South must be "suicidal" and warning of a "terrible disaster". — AFP