SUMMARY: A government panel in Japan endorsed a new energy policy aiming for 50% renewables and 20% nuclear power by 2040, responding to increasing electricity demand amid an AI-driven landscape. This marks a shift from the post-Fukushima phaseout, with the Industry Ministry’s draft proposing renewables rise from 22.9% to 40-50% while reducing coal reliance from nearly 70% to 30-40%. Despite skepticism about feasibility, the plan emphasizes energy security through both nuclear and renewables, highlighting Japan’s goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050. The final plan is expected to be approved by March, replacing the current 2021 policy.

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SUMMARY: On Christmas Day, pilgrims began gathering at St. Peter’s Basilica to walk through the newly inaugurated Holy Door, marking the start of the 2025 Holy Year celebration. This Jubilee year, dedicated to hope by Pope Francis, is expected to attract 32 million Catholic faithful seeking indulgences. Prior to entering, attendees underwent security checks due to concerns following a recent deadly attack on a Christmas market in Germany, which left five dead. Meanwhile, Hanukkah coincided with Christmas this year, inspiring interfaith gatherings despite the ongoing wars and rise in antisemitism affecting the Jewish community.

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The post Pilgrims traverse Vatican Holy Door as Christmas marks the start of the 2025 Holy Year appeared first on www.clickorlando.com

SUMMARY: On Christmas Eve, while Santa visits homes worldwide, NASA’s Parker Solar Probe will make history by reaching its closest point to the Sun, just 3.8 million miles away. This mission promises to enhance our understanding of the Sun’s effects on Earth. The probe will travel at a record speed of 430,000 mph, making it the fastest human-made object ever. Its advanced heat shield can withstand temperatures over a million degrees Fahrenheit, protecting the technology from the Sun’s extreme heat. This significant study aims to illuminate how solar particles interact with Earth’s magnetic fields, enhancing knowledge about our solar system.

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