Our daily flight around the world

🇨🇳🚁 Chinese regulators approved the world’s first passenger-carrying electric aircraft. Chinese company EHang received approval this month for its fully autonomous air taxis, which can carry two passengers – or 600 lbs of cargo – at speeds of ~80 MPH for up to 18 miles. EHang’s self-piloting air taxis are controlled by a command center that monitors the flight statuses, routes, and local weather conditions associated with each craft, which can take off and land vertically from any flat surface (including rooftops, parking lots, and parks).

🇷🇺 The White House said it has evidence of Russia executing disobedient soldiers. According to US and Ukrainian officials, Russian military leaders have been executing soldiers who attempt to retreat from an ongoing offensive near the eastern Ukrainian town of Avdiivka, where Russia has suffered heavy casualties in recent weeks. A White House spokesperson said the executions are: a) an indication of how poorly Russia’s military is performing against Ukraine and b) how significant its losses have been to date.

🇮🇳🇺🇸 A record number of Indian immigrants are illegally entering the southern US border. An estimated 42,000 migrants from India have crossed America’s southern border illegally during the fiscal year ending September 30, per new data from US Customs and Border Protection, a figure more than double the previous record (which was set the prior fiscal year). Experts attribute the recent jump to several factors, including India’s recent Hindu nationalist policies, immigration success stories circulating on social media, and an influx of smugglers masquerading as travel agents across Indian villages.