12th December 2025

Welcome to KidsNewsFlash, where we bring you the most exciting news from around the world! Today, we have some amazing stories that will take you from the depths of the ocean to the vastness of space. Let’s dive in!

Southeast Asia's Space Race Did you know that countries in Southeast Asia are gearing up to explore space? That’s right! Instead of just watching other nations launch rockets and satellites, they are now joining in on the adventure. These countries are launching their own satellites and planning exciting missions to the stars.

This is fantastic news because it means they’ll be able to do important things like improve weather forecasting and provide internet access to remote areas. Imagine knowing about a storm weeks in advance or having internet in places that have never had it before! How cool would that be? And the excitement doesn’t stop there—these countries are dreaming big, with plans to send their own astronauts into space someday. Just think of all the amazing discoveries they might make!

Discovery of an Ancient Sea Cow Fossil In another exciting discovery, scientists in Qatar have found a tiny sea cow fossil that is about 21 million years old! This little creature lived in the Arabian Gulf, munching on seagrass, just like the modern-day dugongs we see today. This find is super important because it shows how sea cows have been part of marine ecosystems for millions of years.

The research team even identified a new species that is smaller than today’s dugongs. Can you imagine finding a creature that hasn’t been seen for such a long time? This discovery makes us wonder what other amazing secrets are still hidden beneath the Earth, just waiting for future scientists to uncover them.

Hidden Sponge Under the Ocean And here’s another fascinating story! Scientists have discovered a massive hidden sponge beneath the ocean floor that helps absorb carbon dioxide (CO2), a big factor in global warming. About 60 million years ago, certain rocks formed under the sea, trapping CO2 in layers of volcanic debris.

When researchers explored the South Atlantic Ocean, they found that these rocks draw CO2 from seawater, acting as natural reservoirs. This discovery is really important because it helps us understand how our planet can naturally manage harmful gases. The ocean floor holds many secrets, and this finding shows that there’s still so much we can learn about how nature helps regulate our climate.

Conclusion These incredible stories remind us of the wonders of our planet and the universe beyond. From Southeast Asia's ambitious space missions to ancient fossils and hidden ocean treasures, there’s always something new to discover. If you loved hearing about these adventures, be sure to listen to KidsNewsFlash for more exciting news that sparks curiosity and imagination!

This article is based on today's episode of KidsNewsFlash, a daily news podcast for kids and families. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!