Islamabad, Pakistan – Delegations from the United States and Iran have commenced talks in Pakistan, aiming to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East, CBC News reported.

Artemis II Mission Concludes

The crew of Artemis II safely returned to Earth on Friday evening after a 10-day lunar mission, including a flyby of the moon. The mission focused on understanding the effects of deep space travel on the human body, including radiation exposure, the impact of microgravity, and brain function. According to the broadcast, astronauts will undergo several tests in the coming weeks to assess any changes from their time in space.

China Proposes Energy Partnership with Canada

A leading Chinese green tech company, Envision, is seeking to export its wind power technology to Canada. Lei Zhang, a renewable energy visionary and head of Envision, believes Canada can replicate the technology successfully. The company’s model involves AI-managed wind hubs in remote areas, potentially mirroring a project in China’s Gobi Desert that combines wind power with green hydrogen production.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has reportedly been in discussions with Envision regarding potential partnerships, with Canada planning to double its energy grid in the next 15 years. However, the proposal has raised concerns about potential dependence on Chinese AI for energy grid management. Ontario Premier Doug Ford, as reported by CBC, expressed concerns about a geopolitical rival having a “kill switch” over Canada’s energy supply.

During the broadcast, it was noted that while China is rapidly expanding its renewable energy capacity, it continues to approve new coal plants, leading to a parallel track of energy policy. Greenpeace China stated that Beijing remains reliant on coal as a security measure against power shortages. The first bids for a Canadian offshore wind energy project generating 5 gigawatts are expected in the coming months.

Update — 14:33

Eight people were hospitalized following a chlorine gas exposure at a public pool in Victoria, British Columbia, after two chemicals were inadvertently mixed. The incident left many coughing and struggling to breathe, and the pool will remain closed while the cause is investigated.

The Canadian Liberal Party is nearing a majority government, currently holding all but one seat, with by-elections scheduled for Monday. Recent floor crossings have bolstered their position. Concerns are rising in rural communities regarding a proposed high-speed rail line between Toronto and Quebec City, with farmers fearing expropriation of their land.

Canada's unemployment rate remained stable at 6.7% in March, but the country lost 95,000 jobs this year, disproportionately affecting young workers. Prince Harry is facing a defamation lawsuit from an African charity he co-founded.