Yep, that's the name and the space object 'FarFarOut' is Really far away in our solar system. For comparisan, Pluto takes 246 years to complete one orbit around the Sun. This alone tells us how far Pluto is. But FarFarOut takes 800 years to take a single round trip around the Sun! That means last time FarFarOut was where it today is, Genghis Khan was expanding its empire in Asia and was knocking on the doors of Europe.

FarFarOut is 132 astronomical units away from the Sun (1 astronomical unit = 150 million kilometres) and is just 400 kilometres across (250 miles) in size. It was discovered in 2018.

The story behind how it got its nickname is funny.

Before its discovery, another very distant space object was discovered in 2018. It was 124 astronomical units away from the Sun. The object was really far out, and a surprised exclamation from Scott Sheppard of the Carnegie Institution for Science gave it a nickname Farout.

And what's more distant than Farout? Yep. FarFarOut!

The distances involved in studying FarFarout are so huge that constant astronomical observations are needed to take place for several years just to plot its trajectory.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/life-on-mars-study-gives-fresh-evidence-to-back-the-claim-362767">Life on Mars? Study gives fresh evidence to back the claim</a>

Talking about trajectory, FarFarOut has a weird orbit around the Sun. It is wildly oval. At its furthest, FarFarOut is 175 astronomical units away from the Sun while at its nearest, it is 27 astronomical units away.

Scientists think that Neptune's gravity is the reason why FarFarOut has such a wild orbit around the Sun.

It is expected that more interaction between Neptune and FarFarOut is likely in the future.

Yep, that's the name and the space object 'FarFarOut' is Really far away in our solar system. For comparisan, Pluto takes 246 years to complete one orbit around the Sun.

Yep, that's the name and the space object 'FarFarOut' is Really far away in our solar system. For comparisan, Pluto takes 246 years to complete one orbit around the Sun. This alone tells us how far Pluto is. But FarFarOut takes 800 years to take a single round trip around the Sun! That means last time FarFarOut was where it today is, Genghis Khan was expanding its empire in Asia and was knocking on the doors of Europe. FarFarOut is 132 astronomical units away from the Sun (1 astronomical unit = 150 million kilometres) and is just 400 kilometres across (250 miles) in size. It was discovered in 2018. The story behind how it got its nickname is funny. Before its discovery, another very distant space object was discovered in 2018. It was 124 astronomical units away from the Sun. The object was really far out, and a surprised exclamation from Scott Sheppard of the Carnegie Institution for Science gave it a nickname Farout. And what's more distant than Farout? Yep. FarFarOut! The distances involved in studying FarFarout are so huge that constant astronomical observations are needed to take place for several years just to plot its trajectory. Also Read | Life on Mars? Study gives fresh evidence to back the claim Talking about trajectory, FarFarOut has a weird orbit around the Sun. It is wildly oval. At its furthest, FarFarOut is 175 astronomical units away from the Sun while at its nearest, it is 27 astronomical units away. Scientists think that Neptune's gravity is the reason why FarFarOut has such a wild orbit around the Sun. It is expected that more interaction between Neptune and FarFarOut is likely in the future.

Space object named 'FarFarOut' is the most distant thing in solar system

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud about diplomatic efforts to end the war in Yemen. US State Department and Saudi state media said that the two ministers discussed the need ti find political solution to the war in Yemen.

Saudi Arabia leads a coalition that intervened in Yemen 2015 and backed government forces against Houthi rebels. UN has called the subsequent war the largest humanitarian crisis in the world.

Saudi state media and the state department said the two ministers also discussed the need to find a political solution to the war in Yemen.

On Wednesday, the Houthis said that they carried out drone attack on Abha airport in Saudi Arabia.

Blinken and al Saud "discussed joint efforts to bolster Saudi defenses against attacks on the Kingdom," the State Department said in a statement.

U.S. President Joe Biden last week named veteran U.S. diplomat Tim Lenderking as a U.S. special envoy to Yemen in a bid to step up American diplomacy to end the war.

The new administration in Washington has also announced an end to its support for Saudi-led military operations in Yemen.

(With Reuters inputs)

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud about diplomatic efforts to end the war in Yemen.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud about diplomatic efforts to end the war in Yemen. US State Department and Saudi state media said that the two ministers discussed the need ti find political solution to the war in Yemen. Saudi Arabia leads a coalition that intervened in Yemen 2015 and backed government forces against Houthi rebels. UN has called the subsequent war the largest humanitarian crisis in the world. Saudi state media and the state department said the two ministers also discussed the need to find a political solution to the war in Yemen. On Wednesday, the Houthis said that they carried out drone attack on Abha airport in Saudi Arabia. Blinken and al Saud "discussed joint efforts to bolster Saudi defenses against attacks on the Kingdom," the State Department said in a statement. U.S. President Joe Biden last week named veteran U.S. diplomat Tim Lenderking as a U.S. special envoy to Yemen in a bid to step up American diplomacy to end the war. The new administration in Washington has also announced an end to its support for Saudi-led military operations in Yemen. (With Reuters inputs)

Blinken speaks with Saudi foreign minister on Yemen war

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed on Wednesday that Iran had carried out its plan to produce Uranium metal. Iran has done this in spite of the warning by western powers that it would be a breach of 2015 nuclear deal. Uranium metal can be used to make the core of an atom bomb.

US under former President Barack Obama had brought Iran and other world powers on the negotiating table to strike the nuclear deal in 2015. But Donald Trump withdrew US from the accord and as a result, Iran started breaching the provisions of the deal. This has accelerated these breaches in recent months.&nbsp;

Russia, one of the parties of the nuclear deal with Iran called for 'restraint' as news of Iran making Uranium metal broke.

"We understand the logic of their actions and the reasons prompting Iran. Despite this it is necessary to show restraint and a responsible approach," Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told state news agency RIA Novosti.

A law passed in response to the killing of its top nuclear scientist in November, which Tehran blames on its foe Israel, called for steps including opening a uranium metal plant. Iran told the International Atomic Energy Agency in December it planned to produce uranium metal fuel for a research reactor.

"Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi today informed IAEA Member States about recent developments regarding Iran's R&amp;D activities on uranium metal production as part of its stated aim to produce fuel for the Tehran Research Reactor," the IAEA said in a statement.

Wednesday's report along with a previous one said that Iran planned to carry out research on uranium metal using natural uranium before moving on to uranium metal enriched to 20%, the level it is enriching uranium to now, short of the 90% that is weapons grade.

"The Agency on 8 February verified 3.6 gram of uranium metal at Iran's Fuel Plate Fabrication Plant (FPFP) in Esfahan," the IAEA statement added.

France, Britain and Germany, all parties to the deal, last month said they were "deeply concerned" and that Iran's uranium metal production had no civilian credibility but potentially serious military implications.

The 2015 deal's central aim was to extend the time Iran would need to produce enough fissile material for a nuclear bomb to at least a year from roughly 2-3 months. Iran, however, denies ever pursuing nuclear weapons and says it only wants to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.

U.S. intelligence agencies and the IAEA believe Iran had a secret, coordinated nuclear weapons programme that it halted in 2003.

(With Reuters inputs)

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed on Wednesday that Iran had carried out its plan to produce Uranium metal. Iran has done this in spite of the warning by western powers that it would be a breach of 2015 nuclear deal.

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed on Wednesday that Iran had carried out its plan to produce Uranium metal. Iran has done this in spite of the warning by western powers that it would be a breach of 2015 nuclear deal. Uranium metal can be used to make the core of an atom bomb. US under former President Barack Obama had brought Iran and other world powers on the negotiating table to strike the nuclear deal in 2015. But Donald Trump withdrew US from the accord and as a result, Iran started breaching the provisions of the deal. This has accelerated these breaches in recent months. Russia, one of the parties of the nuclear deal with Iran called for 'restraint' as news of Iran making Uranium metal broke. "We understand the logic of their actions and the reasons prompting Iran. Despite this it is necessary to show restraint and a responsible approach," Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told state news agency RIA Novosti. A law passed in response to the killing of its top nuclear scientist in November, which Tehran blames on its foe Israel, called for steps including opening a uranium metal plant. Iran told the International Atomic Energy Agency in December it planned to produce uranium metal fuel for a research reactor. "Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi today informed IAEA Member States about recent developments regarding Iran's R&D activities on uranium metal production as part of its stated aim to produce fuel for the Tehran Research Reactor," the IAEA said in a statement. Wednesday's report along with a previous one said that Iran planned to carry out research on uranium metal using natural uranium before moving on to uranium metal enriched to 20%, the level it is enriching uranium to now, short of the 90% that is weapons grade. "The Agency on 8 February verified 3.6 gram of uranium metal at Iran's Fuel Plate Fabrication Plant (FPFP) in Esfahan," the IAEA statement added. France, Britain and Germany, all parties to the deal, last month said they were "deeply concerned" and that Iran's uranium metal production had no civilian credibility but potentially serious military implications. The 2015 deal's central aim was to extend the time Iran would need to produce enough fissile material for a nuclear bomb to at least a year from roughly 2-3 months. Iran, however, denies ever pursuing nuclear weapons and says it only wants to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. U.S. intelligence agencies and the IAEA believe Iran had a secret, coordinated nuclear weapons programme that it halted in 2003. (With Reuters inputs)

Iran produces Uranium metal, breaches nuclear deal even as Russia appeals for calm

Myanmar anti-military protests can potentially take a turn for the worse as news of a woman being shot can make the agitations fiercer. As per news reports, the woman is in critical condition, fighting for her life. News of the incident broke on Wednesday morning while the shooting is understood to have taken place on Tuesday. Allegations that the military junta is using brutal force to quash protests are on the rise.

"Our sister got shot with live ammunition (yesterday), her condition is critical right now. Now we see the military is taking brutal action on us. But, we, young people, will lead the protest from various groups in every peaceful ways. We will keep fighting against the regime under our motto: the military dictatorship must fail," said Htet Shar Ko, a resident of Yangon.

The protesters are demanding that the power be restored to the democratically elected government headed by Aung San Suu Kyi. The military deposed Suu Kyi government in a coup on February 1, 2021.

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On Wednesday, Myanmar military stepped up the campaign of intimidation on the fifth consecutive day of nationwide protests.

Soldiers raided and ransacked the headquarters of detained leader Aung San Suu Kyi's party on Tuesday night, after police shot water cannon, tear gas and rubber bullets in a sudden escalation of force against the protests sweeping the country.

A doctor in Naypyidaw also confirmed the use of live rounds that left two people critically injured, but footage showed protesters in the capital were undeterred, returning to a blockade on a major highway on Wednesday morning.&nbsp;

Condemning the use of force, United Nations special rapporteur Tom Andrews said the police fire had injured a young woman, images of whom have spread like wildfire online alongside expressions of grief and fury.

"They can shoot a young woman but they can't steal the hope &amp; resolve of a determined people," the human rights envoy wrote on Wednesday. "The world stands in solidarity with the protesters of Myanmar."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-police-fire-water-cannon-at-demonstrators-in-anti-military-protests-362361">Myanmar police fire water cannon at demonstrators in anti-military protests</a>

People of Myanmar found support from US too.

"We repeat our calls for the military to relinquish power, restore democratically elected government (and) release those detained," State Department spokesman Ned Price told reporters.

In Mandalay, the country's cultural capital and the seat of Myanmar's pre-colonial monarchy, witnesses saw security forces fire tear gas directly at protesters waving the red flags of Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) party.&nbsp;

State media claimed that the crowd had used "obscene language" and thrown objects at police, injuring four officers, in its first direct mention of the street protests since they began on the weekend.

"Therefore, the police members dispersed in accordance with the methods and laws," the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper reported, without mentioning other police confrontations elsewhere in the country.

Hundreds of protesters had returned to the streets of Yangon on Wednesday morning, where the day before a large crowd faced off against water cannon and a phalanx of riot police near Suu Kyi's residence.

(With AFP inputs)

Myanmar anti-military protests can potentially take a turn for the worse as news of a woman being shot can make the agitations fiercer. As per news reports, the woman is in critical condition, fighting for her life.

Myanmar anti-military protests can potentially take a turn for the worse as news of a woman being shot can make the agitations fiercer. As per news reports, the woman is in critical condition, fighting for her life. News of the incident broke on Wednesday morning while the shooting is understood to have taken place on Tuesday. Allegations that the military junta is using brutal force to quash protests are on the rise. "Our sister got shot with live ammunition (yesterday), her condition is critical right now. Now we see the military is taking brutal action on us. But, we, young people, will lead the protest from various groups in every peaceful ways. We will keep fighting against the regime under our motto: the military dictatorship must fail," said Htet Shar Ko, a resident of Yangon. The protesters are demanding that the power be restored to the democratically elected government headed by Aung San Suu Kyi. The military deposed Suu Kyi government in a coup on February 1, 2021. × On Wednesday, Myanmar military stepped up the campaign of intimidation on the fifth consecutive day of nationwide protests. Soldiers raided and ransacked the headquarters of detained leader Aung San Suu Kyi's party on Tuesday night, after police shot water cannon, tear gas and rubber bullets in a sudden escalation of force against the protests sweeping the country. A doctor in Naypyidaw also confirmed the use of live rounds that left two people critically injured, but footage showed protesters in the capital were undeterred, returning to a blockade on a major highway on Wednesday morning. Condemning the use of force, United Nations special rapporteur Tom Andrews said the police fire had injured a young woman, images of whom have spread like wildfire online alongside expressions of grief and fury. "They can shoot a young woman but they can't steal the hope & resolve of a determined people," the human rights envoy wrote on Wednesday. "The world stands in solidarity with the protesters of Myanmar." Also Read | Myanmar police fire water cannon at demonstrators in anti-military protests People of Myanmar found support from US too. "We repeat our calls for the military to relinquish power, restore democratically elected government (and) release those detained," State Department spokesman Ned Price told reporters. In Mandalay, the country's cultural capital and the seat of Myanmar's pre-colonial monarchy, witnesses saw security forces fire tear gas directly at protesters waving the red flags of Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) party. State media claimed that the crowd had used "obscene language" and thrown objects at police, injuring four officers, in its first direct mention of the street protests since they began on the weekend. "Therefore, the police members dispersed in accordance with the methods and laws," the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper reported, without mentioning other police confrontations elsewhere in the country. Hundreds of protesters had returned to the streets of Yangon on Wednesday morning, where the day before a large crowd faced off against water cannon and a phalanx of riot police near Suu Kyi's residence. (With AFP inputs)

Myanmar protests: Woman shot at as police open fire on demonstrators

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen on Wednesday told Hong Kongers that while democracy is not perfect it is humankind's best system and they should keep the faith.&nbsp;US Senate declared former US President Donald Trump's impeachment constitutional and the trial has started. Meanwhile, the day saw an attack on an airport in Saudi Arabia carried out by Houthi rebels. A passenger plane caught fire. China's Tianwen-1 spacecraft has successfully entered Mars orbit. Read this and more in our Top 10 world news of the day.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chinas-army-claims-both-sides-start-withdrawal-along-pangong-lake-no-comment-from-india-362709">China’s army claims both sides start withdrawal along Pangong Lake; no comment from India</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chinas-army-claims-both-sides-start-withdrawal-along-pangong-lake-no-comment-from-india-362709"><img alt="China" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="40fa1f7b-1c15-4000-97ac-1f4fc10e6809" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/China_11.JPG" /></a> 
 
There was no comment from the Indian side on the statement made by Colonel Wu Qian and carried by China's official media.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/plane-set-on-fire-in-saudi-arabia-during-houthi-rebel-attack-on-airport-362682">Saudi Arabia: Passenger plane catches fire during Houthi rebel attack on airport</a>

<img alt="Saudi" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="935449a7-5366-4991-9fb0-ae7dea1762f1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/abha.JPG" /> 
The airport is located in southern part of the country

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-president-tsai-ing-wen-tells-hong-kongers-to-keep-faith-in-democracy-362701">Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen tells Hong Kongers to 'keep faith in democracy'</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-president-tsai-ing-wen-tells-hong-kongers-to-keep-faith-in-democracy-362701"><img alt="Taiwan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="34cf2b66-7d70-4bad-8739-da6e06625220" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Taiwan_1.JPG" /></a> 
 
Democratic Taiwan has become a safe haven for many Hong Kongers who have fled the Chinese-run city in the face of a mounting crackdown on dissent after Beijing unveiled a new tough security law last year following months of protests

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/chinese-spacecraft-tianwen-1-successfully-enters-mars-orbit-362712">Chinese spacecraft Tianwen-1 successfully enters Mars orbit</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/chinese-spacecraft-tianwen-1-successfully-enters-mars-orbit-362712"><img alt="Mars" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="aa603315-ca4d-470c-bfdd-062450337e2e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Mars_0.JPG" /></a> 
 
The robotic probe initiated and completed a 15-minute burn of its thrusters, the China National Space Administration said in a statement, slowing the spacecraft to a speed at which it could be captured by the pull of Mars' gravity

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/senate-declares-trumps-impeachment-constitutional-begins-proceedings-362530">Senate declares Trump's impeachment constitutional, begins proceedings</a>

<img alt="Trump" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="becce5e0-8adf-4b38-95fa-f238996137dd" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Trump_13.JPG" />

The first test was about the constitutionality of the trial. It was Trump's lawyers versus Democrat impeachment managers. The vote came after hours of arguments.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/crashed-indonesian-sriwijaya-air-jet-had-engine-thrust-imbalance-362667">Crashed Indonesian Sriwijaya Air jet had engine thrust imbalance</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/crashed-indonesian-sriwijaya-air-jet-had-engine-thrust-imbalance-362667"><img alt="Sriwijaya" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="737e078c-302b-489e-a33f-eb3bdd81051c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Srivijaya.JPG" /></a> 
 
The Sriwijaya accident is Indonesia's third major airline crash in just over six years and has shone a spotlight on the country's poor air safety record

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-far-right-leader-le-pen-on-trial-for-breaking-hate-speech-laws-362684">French far-right leader Le Pen on trial for breaking hate speech laws</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-far-right-leader-le-pen-on-trial-for-breaking-hate-speech-laws-362684"><img alt="Marine" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="11ef336a-6095-46b6-b64e-3dbdabe1e097" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Marine%20Le%20Pen.JPG" /></a> 
 
Le Pen shared the gruesome images in December 2015, a few weeks after Islamic State group jihadists killed 130 people in Paris attacks, in response to a journalist, who drew a comparison between IS and her party

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/75-magnitude-earthquake-strikes-off-coasts-of-vanuatu-new-caledonia-usgs-362714">7.5-magnitude earthquake strikes off coasts of Vanuatu, New Caledonia: USGS</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/75-magnitude-earthquake-strikes-off-coasts-of-vanuatu-new-caledonia-usgs-362714"><img alt="USGS" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bec95b02-6bdd-43d3-a91b-ed0631f86568" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Earthquake.JPG" /></a> 
 
New Caledonia is a French territory comprising dozens of islands in the South Pacific.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ufo-sighting-in-florida-triggers-wild-theories-including-trident-missile-test-362650">UFO sighting in Florida triggers wild theories including Trident missile test</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ufo-sighting-in-florida-triggers-wild-theories-including-trident-missile-test-362650"><img alt="UFO" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c9f52afb-a3da-40f3-8f4b-fa2d4f042914" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/UFO.JPG" /></a> 
 
Eric Vandernoot, an astronomy and physics lab coordinator at Florida Atlantic University, highlighted the altitude of the object in the sky made it possible that the UFO-resembling object was visible from the Bahamas to Florida

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-britains-princess-eugenie-gives-birth-to-baby-boy-buckingham-palace-362681">Britain's Princess Eugenie gives birth to baby boy: Buckingham Palace</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-britains-princess-eugenie-gives-birth-to-baby-boy-buckingham-palace-362681"><img alt="Euginie" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ae8b20d7-bcc4-49e6-9862-231a22e218ba" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Euginie.JPG" /></a> 
 
Eugenie, who married Brooksbank at Windsor Castle in 2018, announced the news on her Instagram account with a picture of the new parents holding the newborn's hand.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen on Wednesday told Hong Kongers that while democracy is not perfect it is humankind's best system and they should keep the faith. US Senate declared former US President Donald Trump's impeachment constitutional and the trial has started.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen on Wednesday told Hong Kongers that while democracy is not perfect it is humankind's best system and they should keep the faith. US Senate declared former US President Donald Trump's impeachment constitutional and the trial has started. Meanwhile, the day saw an attack on an airport in Saudi Arabia carried out by Houthi rebels. A passenger plane caught fire. China's Tianwen-1 spacecraft has successfully entered Mars orbit. Read this and more in our Top 10 world news of the day. China’s army claims both sides start withdrawal along Pangong Lake; no comment from India There was no comment from the Indian side on the statement made by Colonel Wu Qian and carried by China's official media. Saudi Arabia: Passenger plane catches fire during Houthi rebel attack on airport The airport is located in southern part of the country Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen tells Hong Kongers to 'keep faith in democracy' Democratic Taiwan has become a safe haven for many Hong Kongers who have fled the Chinese-run city in the face of a mounting crackdown on dissent after Beijing unveiled a new tough security law last year following months of protests Chinese spacecraft Tianwen-1 successfully enters Mars orbit The robotic probe initiated and completed a 15-minute burn of its thrusters, the China National Space Administration said in a statement, slowing the spacecraft to a speed at which it could be captured by the pull of Mars' gravity Senate declares Trump's impeachment constitutional, begins proceedings The first test was about the constitutionality of the trial. It was Trump's lawyers versus Democrat impeachment managers. The vote came after hours of arguments. Crashed Indonesian Sriwijaya Air jet had engine thrust imbalance The Sriwijaya accident is Indonesia's third major airline crash in just over six years and has shone a spotlight on the country's poor air safety record French far-right leader Le Pen on trial for breaking hate speech laws Le Pen shared the gruesome images in December 2015, a few weeks after Islamic State group jihadists killed 130 people in Paris attacks, in response to a journalist, who drew a comparison between IS and her party 7.5-magnitude earthquake strikes off coasts of Vanuatu, New Caledonia: USGS New Caledonia is a French territory comprising dozens of islands in the South Pacific. UFO sighting in Florida triggers wild theories including Trident missile test Eric Vandernoot, an astronomy and physics lab coordinator at Florida Atlantic University, highlighted the altitude of the object in the sky made it possible that the UFO-resembling object was visible from the Bahamas to Florida Britain's Princess Eugenie gives birth to baby boy: Buckingham Palace Eugenie, who married Brooksbank at Windsor Castle in 2018, announced the news on her Instagram account with a picture of the new parents holding the newborn's hand.

Top 10 world news: Chinese spacecraft successfully enters Mars orbit, Taiwan president tells Hong Kongers to have faith in democracy and more

A civilian plane was set on fire during an attack by Houthi rebels on an airport in Saudi Arabia. The information was released by Saudi-led coalition battling the rebels. The airport is located in southern part of the country.

"A cowardly terrorist attack by the Huthi militia on Abha international airport... A civilian plane within the airport grounds was exposed to a fire which was brought under control," state-run Al-Ekhbariya television cited the coalition as saying.

The attack has taken place at Abha International Airport. Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for the attack.

State media said that that the fire was brought under control and that there were no casualties.

The Saudi-led military alliance intervened in Yemen in 2015 after the Houthis ousted the internationally recognised government from power in the capital, Sanaa.

The conflict, largely seen as a proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran, has been in a military stalemate for years.

The Houthis hold northern Yemen, from where they have often launched missiles and drones towards Saudi cities. The coalition has in the past responded with air strikes on Houthi military sites.

(With agency inputs, more details awaited)

A civilian plane was set on fire during an attack by Houthi rebels on an airport in Saudi Arabia. The information was released by Saudi-led coalition battling the rebels.

A civilian plane was set on fire during an attack by Houthi rebels on an airport in Saudi Arabia. The information was released by Saudi-led coalition battling the rebels. The airport is located in southern part of the country. "A cowardly terrorist attack by the Huthi militia on Abha international airport... A civilian plane within the airport grounds was exposed to a fire which was brought under control," state-run Al-Ekhbariya television cited the coalition as saying. The attack has taken place at Abha International Airport. Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for the attack. State media said that that the fire was brought under control and that there were no casualties. The Saudi-led military alliance intervened in Yemen in 2015 after the Houthis ousted the internationally recognised government from power in the capital, Sanaa. The conflict, largely seen as a proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran, has been in a military stalemate for years. The Houthis hold northern Yemen, from where they have often launched missiles and drones towards Saudi cities. The coalition has in the past responded with air strikes on Houthi military sites. (With agency inputs, more details awaited)

Saudi Arabia: Passenger plane catches fire during Houthi rebel attack on airport

Youtube on Tuesday blocked Punjabi songs on farmer protest after legal complaint from central government. Prominent among the songs is the one by famous Punjabi singer Kanwar Grewal titled `Ailaan`. The song had over 60 lakh views.&nbsp;

The original video now has a notification saying, "This content is not available on this country domain due to a legal complaint from the government".

"We comply with valid legal requests from authorities wherever possible, consistent with our longstanding policy and act quickly to remove identified content," said a Youtube Spokesperson.

Fans of the singer posted the music video on various other Youtube channels and could still be accessed.

According to media reports, another video by artist Himmat Sandhu titled `Asi vaddange` which had 1.3 crore views has also been blocked on the platform.

Several Punjabi celebrities and singers have come out in support of farmers, as the government toughens its stand on malicious and inflammatory accounts, posts and videos.

The Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) has sent three notices to Twitter, the latest one asking the company to block 1,178 accounts believed to be linked to Khalistan sympathisers and those backed by Pakistan.

In another notice, MeitY had asked Twitter to block 257 accounts using the #ModiPlanningFarmerGenocide hashtag amid the farmers` protest, under Section 69A of the IT Act.

(With IANS inputs)

Youtube on Tuesday blocked Punjabi songs on farmer protest after legal complaint from central government. Prominent among the songs is the one by famous Punjabi singer Kanwar Grewal titled `Ailaan`.

Youtube on Tuesday blocked Punjabi songs on farmer protest after legal complaint from central government. Prominent among the songs is the one by famous Punjabi singer Kanwar Grewal titled `Ailaan`. The song had over 60 lakh views. The original video now has a notification saying, "This content is not available on this country domain due to a legal complaint from the government". "We comply with valid legal requests from authorities wherever possible, consistent with our longstanding policy and act quickly to remove identified content," said a Youtube Spokesperson. Fans of the singer posted the music video on various other Youtube channels and could still be accessed. According to media reports, another video by artist Himmat Sandhu titled `Asi vaddange` which had 1.3 crore views has also been blocked on the platform. Several Punjabi celebrities and singers have come out in support of farmers, as the government toughens its stand on malicious and inflammatory accounts, posts and videos. The Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) has sent three notices to Twitter, the latest one asking the company to block 1,178 accounts believed to be linked to Khalistan sympathisers and those backed by Pakistan. In another notice, MeitY had asked Twitter to block 257 accounts using the #ModiPlanningFarmerGenocide hashtag amid the farmers` protest, under Section 69A of the IT Act. (With IANS inputs)

YouTube blocks Punjabi songs on 'farmer protest' after government's legal complaint

A team of experts appointed by the World Health Organization (WHO) completed its 28-day mission to the Chinese city of Wuhan this week seeking clues about the origins of COVID-19.

The following looks at their findings.

What are the main scenarios?

Peter Ben Embarek, the WHO's leading animal disease expert, said the team conducted scientific investigations into four main scenarios about how SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, spread into humans.

In the first, a single person was exposed to SARS-CoV-2 through direct contact with the host species, the horseshoe bat. The virus could have been circulating in humans for a while before making its breakthrough in heavily populated Wuhan.

The second scenario, seen as the most likely, involves transmission to humans via an as yet unknown intermediary species. Liang Wannian, an expert with China's National Health Commission, said pangolins were potential candidates but other animals - including mink and even cats - may also be reservoirs.

A third possibility is that COVID-19 originated under the first or second scenarios and was then transmitted via cold chain products. Chinese experts have attributed later COVID-19 clusters to imported frozen food and have raised the possibility it might also have caused the Wuhan outbreak.

The final scenario is that SARS-CoV-2 was leaked from the Wuhan Institute of Virology, which is known to have studied captive coronaviruses. Ben Embarek ruled out the possibility and said it would not be subject to further research. Accidents happen, he said, but it was "very unlikely" in this case.

When did the outbreak begin?

The experts said that while it was unlikely there were large-scale outbreaks in Wuhan or elsewhere in China before December 2019, they do not rule out that it was circulating in other regions.

A crossover either directly from bats or from an intermediary species would suggest the transmission to Wuhan could have been facilitated by wildlife trading networks.

Marion Koopmans, another member of the expert team, said wildlife on sale in the Huanan seafood market could be traced to regions that contain bat habitats known to harbour viruses closely related to SARS-CoV-2.

One such region is the southwestern Chinese province of Yunnan, but the team is also considering that the first human transmission took place across the border in Laos or Vietnam.

What role was played by Huanan market?

Although the Huanan seafood market in Wuhan was linked to the first case clusters, the initial crossover from animals to humans did not occur there.

Liang said that there was still insufficient evidence to determine how the virus entered Huanan, but that it was clear it was circulating elsewhere in Wuhan at the same time.

The most likely scenario is that someone carried SARS-CoV-2 into the market, but Ben Embarek also suggested it could have been introduced via a "product", including frozen wild animals known to be susceptible to the virus.

Do the findings change the politics around COVID's origins?

China has expressed concern that any investigation would be "politicised", and said it would only cooperate if it was clear it would not be expected to take blame for the pandemic.

By ruling out the lab leak and accepting that COVID-19 could have originated outside of China, the WHO team has not crossed any of Beijing's lines. China would also be heartened that the WHO team is considering the cold-chain theory. But the findings are unlikely to satisfy those who believe China is culpable and has covered up evidence.

What further research is required?

Ben Embarek said China needs now to find evidence that might prove the coronavirus was circulating much earlier than December 2019. He said blood bank samples would be a good place to start.

Bat communities near Wuhan have been ruled out as a source, and more needs to be done to scour caves in other regions to see if a closer match to SARS-CoV-2 can be found.

The animals on sale at the Huanan market also need to be scrutinised further, and the role played by cold chain products in general also needs more research, Ben Embarek said.

A team of experts appointed by the World Health Organization (WHO) completed its 28-day mission to the Chinese city of Wuhan this week seeking clues about the origins of COVID-19.

A team of experts appointed by the World Health Organization (WHO) completed its 28-day mission to the Chinese city of Wuhan this week seeking clues about the origins of COVID-19. The following looks at their findings. What are the main scenarios? Peter Ben Embarek, the WHO's leading animal disease expert, said the team conducted scientific investigations into four main scenarios about how SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, spread into humans. In the first, a single person was exposed to SARS-CoV-2 through direct contact with the host species, the horseshoe bat. The virus could have been circulating in humans for a while before making its breakthrough in heavily populated Wuhan. The second scenario, seen as the most likely, involves transmission to humans via an as yet unknown intermediary species. Liang Wannian, an expert with China's National Health Commission, said pangolins were potential candidates but other animals - including mink and even cats - may also be reservoirs. A third possibility is that COVID-19 originated under the first or second scenarios and was then transmitted via cold chain products. Chinese experts have attributed later COVID-19 clusters to imported frozen food and have raised the possibility it might also have caused the Wuhan outbreak. The final scenario is that SARS-CoV-2 was leaked from the Wuhan Institute of Virology, which is known to have studied captive coronaviruses. Ben Embarek ruled out the possibility and said it would not be subject to further research. Accidents happen, he said, but it was "very unlikely" in this case. When did the outbreak begin? The experts said that while it was unlikely there were large-scale outbreaks in Wuhan or elsewhere in China before December 2019, they do not rule out that it was circulating in other regions. A crossover either directly from bats or from an intermediary species would suggest the transmission to Wuhan could have been facilitated by wildlife trading networks. Marion Koopmans, another member of the expert team, said wildlife on sale in the Huanan seafood market could be traced to regions that contain bat habitats known to harbour viruses closely related to SARS-CoV-2. One such region is the southwestern Chinese province of Yunnan, but the team is also considering that the first human transmission took place across the border in Laos or Vietnam. What role was played by Huanan market? Although the Huanan seafood market in Wuhan was linked to the first case clusters, the initial crossover from animals to humans did not occur there. Liang said that there was still insufficient evidence to determine how the virus entered Huanan, but that it was clear it was circulating elsewhere in Wuhan at the same time. The most likely scenario is that someone carried SARS-CoV-2 into the market, but Ben Embarek also suggested it could have been introduced via a "product", including frozen wild animals known to be susceptible to the virus. Do the findings change the politics around COVID's origins? China has expressed concern that any investigation would be "politicised", and said it would only cooperate if it was clear it would not be expected to take blame for the pandemic. By ruling out the lab leak and accepting that COVID-19 could have originated outside of China, the WHO team has not crossed any of Beijing's lines. China would also be heartened that the WHO team is considering the cold-chain theory. But the findings are unlikely to satisfy those who believe China is culpable and has covered up evidence. What further research is required? Ben Embarek said China needs now to find evidence that might prove the coronavirus was circulating much earlier than December 2019. He said blood bank samples would be a good place to start. Bat communities near Wuhan have been ruled out as a source, and more needs to be done to scour caves in other regions to see if a closer match to SARS-CoV-2 can be found. The animals on sale at the Huanan market also need to be scrutinised further, and the role played by cold chain products in general also needs more research, Ben Embarek said.

These are WHO's theories about the origins of COVID-19 after Wuhan probe

Main private channel in Poland along with radio stations and newspapers observed a media blackout to protest against a proposed tax for non-state outlets. Poland's main news channel TVN participated in the move in opposition to the advertising tax. Newspapers carried blank front pages.

"This is where your favourite programme was supposed to be," read a white message on a black background on the TVN24 news channel. 
In a statement to AFP, the channel, owned by the US group Discovery, said the government proposal had "the intention of restricting their pluralism and freedom of expression".

The front pages of dozens of national newspapers including the most widely read dailies Fakt and Gazeta Wyborcza had a message in white on a black background reading "Media Without Choice".

Their websites were also blacked out.

Radio stations also suspended service, with Radio Zet informing its listeners that the tax would mean "liquidation for some media businesses".

"There is no free country without independent media. There is no freedom without freedom of choice," the radio station said.

The new tax, which is expected to take effect later this year, imposes a levy on advertising revenues of television and radio broadcasters, print outlets and internet media companies.

State media are exempt from the tax.

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has said the tax is part of Europe-wide efforts to tax global tech giants like Google or Facebook but many independent media outlets say they would be unfairly targeted too.

(With AFP inputs)

Main private channel in Poland along with radio stations and newspapers observed a media blackout to protest against a proposed tax for non-state outlets. Poland's main news channel TVN participated in the move in opposition to the advertising tax.

Main private channel in Poland along with radio stations and newspapers observed a media blackout to protest against a proposed tax for non-state outlets. Poland's main news channel TVN participated in the move in opposition to the advertising tax. Newspapers carried blank front pages. "This is where your favourite programme was supposed to be," read a white message on a black background on the TVN24 news channel. In a statement to AFP, the channel, owned by the US group Discovery, said the government proposal had "the intention of restricting their pluralism and freedom of expression". The front pages of dozens of national newspapers including the most widely read dailies Fakt and Gazeta Wyborcza had a message in white on a black background reading "Media Without Choice". Their websites were also blacked out. Radio stations also suspended service, with Radio Zet informing its listeners that the tax would mean "liquidation for some media businesses". "There is no free country without independent media. There is no freedom without freedom of choice," the radio station said. The new tax, which is expected to take effect later this year, imposes a levy on advertising revenues of television and radio broadcasters, print outlets and internet media companies. State media are exempt from the tax. Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has said the tax is part of Europe-wide efforts to tax global tech giants like Google or Facebook but many independent media outlets say they would be unfairly targeted too. (With AFP inputs)

Poland: Media outlets observe blackout to protest new ad tax

A member of the special WHO mission to China said on Wednesday that US intelligence on the origin of the coronavirus was not reliable. His comments came after Washington cast doubts on the transparency of the probe. The World Health Organisation (WHO) mission ended on Tuesday without finding the source of the virus. Members of the team sent by the WHO had to do a balancing act as they walked a diplomatic tightrope.

Chinese authorities closely followed the WHO team as it visited places within China, including the Wuhan market which is considered to be the origin of the pandemic. Very little information was forthcoming and bits trickled out via personal Twitter accounts during the mission. More details emerged as the team members prepared to leave China.

Peter Daszak, a member of the WHO team, waded directly into the murky geopolitics which covers the pandemic origin story.&nbsp;

President Joe Biden "has to look tough on China", he said in a tweet adding: "Please don't rely too much on US intel: increasingly disengaged under Trump &amp; frankly wrong on many aspects."

Daszak also tweeted that they worked "flat out under the most politically charged environment possible".

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Well now this👇. <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JoeBiden</a> has to look tough on China. Please don’t rely too much on US intel: increasingly disengaged under Trump &amp; frankly wrong on many aspects. Happy to help WH w/ their quest to verify, but don’t forget it’s “TRUST” then “VERIFY”! <a href="https://t.co/ukaNAkDfEG">https://t.co/ukaNAkDfEG</a>
— Peter Daszak (@PeterDaszak) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeterDaszak/status/1359357862254841856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

His comments were linked to an article referencing US state department comments which cast doubt over the transparency of China's co-operation with the WHO mission.

State Department spokesman Ned Price said the White House "clearly support this investigation", but shared criticism that China concealed information. 
Asked if China had fully cooperated with the WHO team, Price told reporters: "I think the jury's still out."

Virus sources

Daszak heads US-based non-profit EcoHealth Alliance, which monitors epidemic outbreaks and has partnered for more than a decade with the Wuhan Institute of Virology on joint research of coronaviruses.

He has been one of the most vocal proponents of a natural origin and in comments to AFP last year dismissed the possibility of a leak from the Wuhan lab as a politically motivated "conspiracy theory" pushed by Trump.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-birth-rate-falls-in-2020-amid-coronavirus-pandemic-362624">China's birth rate falls in 2020 amid coronavirus pandemic</a>

Last year, the Trump administration abruptly terminated a US government grant supporting the group’s joint research with the Wuhan facility, a move the scientific community criticized as political.&nbsp;

Despite failing to find the virus origins a year after the pandemic began, the team of foreign experts in China did agree it likely jumped from bats to an unknown animal species before transmitting to humans.

They also concluded the theory of lab experiment gone wrong was "extremely unlikely", while introducing new avenues of inquiry -- chiming with China's view that it may have originated overseas or have been spread by frozen foods.

(With AFP inputs)

A member of the special WHO mission to China said on Wednesday that US intelligence on the origin of the coronavirus was not reliable. His comments came after Washington cast doubts on the transparency of the probe.

A member of the special WHO mission to China said on Wednesday that US intelligence on the origin of the coronavirus was not reliable. His comments came after Washington cast doubts on the transparency of the probe. The World Health Organisation (WHO) mission ended on Tuesday without finding the source of the virus. Members of the team sent by the WHO had to do a balancing act as they walked a diplomatic tightrope. Chinese authorities closely followed the WHO team as it visited places within China, including the Wuhan market which is considered to be the origin of the pandemic. Very little information was forthcoming and bits trickled out via personal Twitter accounts during the mission. More details emerged as the team members prepared to leave China. Peter Daszak, a member of the WHO team, waded directly into the murky geopolitics which covers the pandemic origin story. President Joe Biden "has to look tough on China", he said in a tweet adding: "Please don't rely too much on US intel: increasingly disengaged under Trump & frankly wrong on many aspects." Daszak also tweeted that they worked "flat out under the most politically charged environment possible". Well now this👇. @JoeBiden has to look tough on China. Please don’t rely too much on US intel: increasingly disengaged under Trump & frankly wrong on many aspects. Happy to help WH w/ their quest to verify, but don’t forget it’s “TRUST” then “VERIFY”! https://t.co/ukaNAkDfEG — Peter Daszak (@PeterDaszak) February 10, 2021 × His comments were linked to an article referencing US state department comments which cast doubt over the transparency of China's co-operation with the WHO mission. State Department spokesman Ned Price said the White House "clearly support this investigation", but shared criticism that China concealed information. Asked if China had fully cooperated with the WHO team, Price told reporters: "I think the jury's still out." Virus sources Daszak heads US-based non-profit EcoHealth Alliance, which monitors epidemic outbreaks and has partnered for more than a decade with the Wuhan Institute of Virology on joint research of coronaviruses. He has been one of the most vocal proponents of a natural origin and in comments to AFP last year dismissed the possibility of a leak from the Wuhan lab as a politically motivated "conspiracy theory" pushed by Trump. Also Read | China's birth rate falls in 2020 amid coronavirus pandemic Last year, the Trump administration abruptly terminated a US government grant supporting the group’s joint research with the Wuhan facility, a move the scientific community criticized as political. Despite failing to find the virus origins a year after the pandemic began, the team of foreign experts in China did agree it likely jumped from bats to an unknown animal species before transmitting to humans. They also concluded the theory of lab experiment gone wrong was "extremely unlikely", while introducing new avenues of inquiry -- chiming with China's view that it may have originated overseas or have been spread by frozen foods. (With AFP inputs)

'Don't rely too much' on COVID intel from US, says WHO team member

Asian markets advanced again Wednesday as investors ignored a stall in Wall Street's rally, with eyes firmly on the long-term outlook for the global economy as lockdowns are eased and life slowly improves.

Falling infection rates, growing vaccination programmes and the prospects of a huge spending splurge by the US government within months continue to keep the mood on trading floors upbeat.

However, there remain worries that prices may have gone a little too far, which analysts said was capping any surge for now.

Declines in new cases, deaths and hospitalisation in major economies including the United States, Britain and Europe are fanning expectations they can begin opening up soon.

There is also apparently little concern about the emergence of new strains in parts of the world that some have warned could be more resistant to the vaccines.

"There is no evidence that new strains compromise protection against severe illness, and positive signs that consensus is shifting to re-opening once the most vulnerable are protected," said Stephen Innes at Axi.

Hong Kong led Wednesday's rally, piling on 1.8 percent above 30,000 thanks to a surge in Tencent and NetEase following news Chinese authorities had given the green light to their most eagerly awaited video games.

Shanghai also rose more than one percent as investors welcomed data showing China's factory gate prices rose for the first time in a year in January, indicating the economy was on a recovery track.

Gains in Tokyo were capped by news the Japanese government will keep containment measures in place for the time being.

Sydney, Seoul, Manila, Jakarta and Bangkok also rose but Mumbai, Singapore and Wellington fell slightly.

"Activity in Asia suggests that regional investors are not taking positioning off the boards ahead of the Lunar New Year holidays. If anything, it is precisely the opposite with Asian markets performing well" on Wednesday, said OANDA's Jeffrey Halley.

Investors brushed off a slight pullback in New York, where the Dow and S&amp;P 500 came off all-time highs, though the Nasdaq continued to another record.

Eyes on Biden stimulus push

But Mona Mahajan, at Allianz Global Investors, said some selling would be welcomed. "A pullback here could give tactical opportunities to those who were looking to get involved," she told Bloomberg TV.

"It seems like right now the story is just getting started, and the momentum is building behind it, and that story includes the reopening, vaccines, the downward trend now in some of the virus cases we've been seeing, supported by the stimulus talks and the Fed still on the sidelines."

Markets remain upbeat about the chances of Joe Biden pushing through his $1.9 trillion economic rescue package, and while there are warnings that the move -- along with an expected economic recovery -- will fan inflation, Federal Reserve officials were confident it would not be a long-term problem.

Biden said he was "optimistic" a bipartisan agreement could be passed and met top executives from leading companies including Walmart and JPMorgan Chase to shore up support.

However, with Republicans and some Democrats baulking at some parts of the proposal, including more than doubling the minimum wage, the final figure could be slightly lower -- some observers suggesting around $1.4 trillion.

Oil prices were flat, having risen for more than a week to 13-month highs thanks to bets that demand will surge as the world starts to look more normal. 
A drop in US inventories added to evidence that the commodity market is well on the road to recovery.

But Innes added: "That print will not dissuade oil prices from heating up further as Brent goes 'up, up and away', pushing through $61 and keeps climbing, floated higher by vaccine and stimulus balloons. Although I continue to view oil in overbought territory at these current levels and ripe for profit-taking."&nbsp;

Bitcoin was also struggling to push past $50,000 after this week's rally that came on the back of news that Elon Musk's electric carmaker Tesla had invested $1.5 billion in the cryptocurrency. 
The unit was hovering around $46,570, having topped out at $48,215 on Tuesday.

Key figures around 0710 GMT

Tokyo - Nikkei 225: UP 0.2 percent at 29,562.93 (close) 
Hong Kong - Hang Seng: UP 1.8 percent at 30,004.62 
Shanghai - Composite: UP 1.4 percent at 3,655.09 (close) 
Pound/dollar: UP at $1.3820 from $1.3813 at 2230 GMT 
Euro/dollar: UP at $1.2124 from $1.2116 
Euro/pound: UP at 87.73 pence from 87.71 pence 
Dollar/yen: UP at 104.59 yen from 104.58 yen&nbsp; 
Brent North Sea crude: FLAT at $61.11 per barrel 
West Texas Intermediate: DOWN 0.2 percent at $61.00 per barrel 
New York - Dow: DOWN 0.2 percent at $58.24 per barrel 
London - FTSE 100: UP 0.1 percent at 6,531.56 (close) 
&nbsp;

Asian markets advanced again Wednesday as investors ignored a stall in Wall Street's rally, with eyes firmly on the long-term outlook for the global economy as lockdowns are eased and life slowly improves.

Asian markets advanced again Wednesday as investors ignored a stall in Wall Street's rally, with eyes firmly on the long-term outlook for the global economy as lockdowns are eased and life slowly improves. Falling infection rates, growing vaccination programmes and the prospects of a huge spending splurge by the US government within months continue to keep the mood on trading floors upbeat. However, there remain worries that prices may have gone a little too far, which analysts said was capping any surge for now. Declines in new cases, deaths and hospitalisation in major economies including the United States, Britain and Europe are fanning expectations they can begin opening up soon. There is also apparently little concern about the emergence of new strains in parts of the world that some have warned could be more resistant to the vaccines. "There is no evidence that new strains compromise protection against severe illness, and positive signs that consensus is shifting to re-opening once the most vulnerable are protected," said Stephen Innes at Axi. Hong Kong led Wednesday's rally, piling on 1.8 percent above 30,000 thanks to a surge in Tencent and NetEase following news Chinese authorities had given the green light to their most eagerly awaited video games. Shanghai also rose more than one percent as investors welcomed data showing China's factory gate prices rose for the first time in a year in January, indicating the economy was on a recovery track. Gains in Tokyo were capped by news the Japanese government will keep containment measures in place for the time being. Sydney, Seoul, Manila, Jakarta and Bangkok also rose but Mumbai, Singapore and Wellington fell slightly. "Activity in Asia suggests that regional investors are not taking positioning off the boards ahead of the Lunar New Year holidays. If anything, it is precisely the opposite with Asian markets performing well" on Wednesday, said OANDA's Jeffrey Halley. Investors brushed off a slight pullback in New York, where the Dow and S&P 500 came off all-time highs, though the Nasdaq continued to another record. Eyes on Biden stimulus push But Mona Mahajan, at Allianz Global Investors, said some selling would be welcomed. "A pullback here could give tactical opportunities to those who were looking to get involved," she told Bloomberg TV. "It seems like right now the story is just getting started, and the momentum is building behind it, and that story includes the reopening, vaccines, the downward trend now in some of the virus cases we've been seeing, supported by the stimulus talks and the Fed still on the sidelines." Markets remain upbeat about the chances of Joe Biden pushing through his $1.9 trillion economic rescue package, and while there are warnings that the move -- along with an expected economic recovery -- will fan inflation, Federal Reserve officials were confident it would not be a long-term problem. Biden said he was "optimistic" a bipartisan agreement could be passed and met top executives from leading companies including Walmart and JPMorgan Chase to shore up support. However, with Republicans and some Democrats baulking at some parts of the proposal, including more than doubling the minimum wage, the final figure could be slightly lower -- some observers suggesting around $1.4 trillion. Oil prices were flat, having risen for more than a week to 13-month highs thanks to bets that demand will surge as the world starts to look more normal. A drop in US inventories added to evidence that the commodity market is well on the road to recovery. But Innes added: "That print will not dissuade oil prices from heating up further as Brent goes 'up, up and away', pushing through $61 and keeps climbing, floated higher by vaccine and stimulus balloons. Although I continue to view oil in overbought territory at these current levels and ripe for profit-taking." Bitcoin was also struggling to push past $50,000 after this week's rally that came on the back of news that Elon Musk's electric carmaker Tesla had invested $1.5 billion in the cryptocurrency. The unit was hovering around $46,570, having topped out at $48,215 on Tuesday. Key figures around 0710 GMT Tokyo - Nikkei 225: UP 0.2 percent at 29,562.93 (close) Hong Kong - Hang Seng: UP 1.8 percent at 30,004.62 Shanghai - Composite: UP 1.4 percent at 3,655.09 (close) Pound/dollar: UP at $1.3820 from $1.3813 at 2230 GMT Euro/dollar: UP at $1.2124 from $1.2116 Euro/pound: UP at 87.73 pence from 87.71 pence Dollar/yen: UP at 104.59 yen from 104.58 yen Brent North Sea crude: FLAT at $61.11 per barrel West Texas Intermediate: DOWN 0.2 percent at $61.00 per barrel New York - Dow: DOWN 0.2 percent at $58.24 per barrel London - FTSE 100: UP 0.1 percent at 6,531.56 (close)

Asian markets push higher as traders focus on recovery outlook

Three&nbsp;blasts rocked Kabul, Afghanistan on Wednesday morning as per news reports. Ariana News said that an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) targetted a land cruiser in Kart-e-Parwan. There are no reports of any casualties as of now. Afghanistan's Tolo News reported that there were three&nbsp;blasts and four people were injured in total.

Reportedly, first explosion took place in&nbsp;Qala-e-Abdul Ali area in Kabul province. It targetted a police vehicle. Second blast hit Ministry of Labour vehicle on Qoway Markaz in Kabul. Third blast targetted a police vehicle in downtown Kabul.

Police spokesman Ferdaws Faramarz told reporters that two people were killed and another wounded in their vehicle by a bomb in downtown Kabul.

Interior ministry spokesman Tariq Arian told AFP that one of those killed was a district police chief in the capital.

An AFP photograph at the scene said the bomb had ripped through the rear of what was appeared to be an armoured vehicle.

Minutes earlier, another blast targeting a vehicle in the same district wounded four people, Faramarz added.

(With AFP inputs)

Three blasts rocked Kabul, Afghanistan on Wednesday morning as per news reports. Ariana News said that an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) targetted a land cruiser in Kart-e-Parwan.

Three blasts rocked Kabul, Afghanistan on Wednesday morning as per news reports. Ariana News said that an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) targetted a land cruiser in Kart-e-Parwan. There are no reports of any casualties as of now. Afghanistan's Tolo News reported that there were three blasts and four people were injured in total. Reportedly, first explosion took place in Qala-e-Abdul Ali area in Kabul province. It targetted a police vehicle. Second blast hit Ministry of Labour vehicle on Qoway Markaz in Kabul. Third blast targetted a police vehicle in downtown Kabul. Police spokesman Ferdaws Faramarz told reporters that two people were killed and another wounded in their vehicle by a bomb in downtown Kabul. Interior ministry spokesman Tariq Arian told AFP that one of those killed was a district police chief in the capital. An AFP photograph at the scene said the bomb had ripped through the rear of what was appeared to be an armoured vehicle. Minutes earlier, another blast targeting a vehicle in the same district wounded four people, Faramarz added. (With AFP inputs)

Blasts rock Kabul, IED targets land cruiser

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