Trump: Return US astronauts to Moon

Washington: President Donald Trump on Tuesday signed a new space policy directing NASA to send American astronauts to the Moon for the first time since 1972 and eventually to Mars, as he asserted that the US will “stay the leader” in space exploration. “This time, we will not only plant our flag and leave our footprint, we will establish a foundation for an eventual mission to Mars. And perhaps, someday, to many worlds beyond,” Trump said. PTI

‘Feminism’ Merriam-Webster’s word of year

New York: ‘Feminism’ is Merriam-Webster’s word of the year for 2017 for being the top lookup throughout the year, amid a spike in reports of sexual assault and harassment in the news. Feminism is defined as “the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes” and “organised activity on behalf of women’s rights and interests”, according to merriam-webster.com. ‘Surreal’ was word of the year last year. PTI

China auto giant to end petrol vehicle sales

Beijing: One of China’s largest state-owned automakers has said it will phase out sales of all petrol vehicles by 2025, as Beijing considers taking all fuel-burning cars off the country’s roads. Beijing Automotive Group Co (BAIC) chairman Xu Heyi said the company will phase out sales of conventional cars in Beijing by 2020 and nationwide by 2025. AFP

Navy’s all-women sailing team leaves NZ

Lyttelton (New Zealand): Indian Navy sailboat INSV Tarini left Lyttelton port on Tuesday morning for the next leg of its journey towards Falkland Islands after completing the second leg of its circumnavigation voyage. Tarini, with its all-women team of Indian naval officers, had arrived in Lyttelton on November 29. IANS