<p>Days after outgoing Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi vowed to "course-correct" on China-US ties, China's new Foreign Minister Qin Gang heaped praises on American people after stepping down as Chinese envoy to Washington DC.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I have been deeply impressed by so many hard-working, friendly and talented American people that I met," Qin said in a tweet on Tuesday, adding he had "made many friends across the US."</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-business-news-us-eyes-expanding-china-tech-ban-527311">WION Business News | US eyes expanding China tech ban</a></strong></p>

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<p>Qin said he would continue to "support the growth of China-US relations" and promote peace and development.</p>

<p><strong>China-US ties: Improving or ebbing?</strong></p>

<p>The bilateral ties are reported to have improved since talks between President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in November.</p>

<p>US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's scheduled visits to China in 2023 are expected to add another touch of smoothened diplomacy between Beijing and Washington DC.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwans-extended-conscription-and-loss-of-face-for-xi-jinping-547113">Taiwan's extended conscription and 'loss of face' for Xi Jinping</a></strong></p>

<p>The US-China&nbsp;ties had hit a low after US House speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan last August. Following this, China conducted unprecedented military drills around the self-governing island nation that it claims as its own, violating Taipei's Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) regularly since August.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Qin Gang's moderation on US and Wang Yi's "course-correct" pitch</strong></p>

<p>Qin, during his time in Washington as Chinese envoy, had driven&nbsp;a Tesla with Elon Musk, while delivering&nbsp;moderate messages on heated debates.&nbsp;</p>

<p>His predecessor Wang Yi was recently promoted to the head of Communist Party’s Central Foreign Affairs Commission over the last weekend of 2022. On January 1, Wang vowed to "course-correct" on US-China ties. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"(We will) implement agreements reached by the top leaders of the US and China, seek to establish guiding principles of Sino-US relations and correct course (in bilateral ties)," Wang wrote in an article published on January 1 in Qiushi, the flagship magazine of China’s ruling Communist Party.</p>

<p>In Quishi article, Wang was cited as director of the general office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission, the first public confirmation that he had taken over as China’s new foreign policy head, replacing Yang Jiechi, who stepped down at the age of 72.&nbsp;</p>

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Days after outgoing Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi vowed to "course-correct" on China-US ties, China's new Foreign Minister Qin Gang heaped praises on American people after stepping down as Chinese envoy to Washington DC.

Days after outgoing Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi vowed to "course-correct" on China-US ties, China's new Foreign Minister Qin Gang heaped praises on American people after stepping down as Chinese envoy to Washington DC. "I have been deeply impressed by so many hard-working, friendly and talented American people that I met," Qin said in a tweet on Tuesday, adding he had "made many friends across the US." WATCH | WION Business News | US eyes expanding China tech ban × Qin said he would continue to "support the growth of China-US relations" and promote peace and development. China-US ties: Improving or ebbing? The bilateral ties are reported to have improved since talks between President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in November. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's scheduled visits to China in 2023 are expected to add another touch of smoothened diplomacy between Beijing and Washington DC. ALSO READ | Taiwan's extended conscription and 'loss of face' for Xi Jinping The US-China ties had hit a low after US House speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan last August. Following this, China conducted unprecedented military drills around the self-governing island nation that it claims as its own, violating Taipei's Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) regularly since August. Qin Gang's moderation on US and Wang Yi's "course-correct" pitch Qin, during his time in Washington as Chinese envoy, had driven a Tesla with Elon Musk, while delivering moderate messages on heated debates. His predecessor Wang Yi was recently promoted to the head of Communist Party’s Central Foreign Affairs Commission over the last weekend of 2022. On January 1, Wang vowed to "course-correct" on US-China ties. "(We will) implement agreements reached by the top leaders of the US and China, seek to establish guiding principles of Sino-US relations and correct course (in bilateral ties)," Wang wrote in an article published on January 1 in Qiushi, the flagship magazine of China’s ruling Communist Party. In Quishi article, Wang was cited as director of the general office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission, the first public confirmation that he had taken over as China’s new foreign policy head, replacing Yang Jiechi, who stepped down at the age of 72. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Deeply impressed': China's new foreign minister heaps praises on Americans

<p>The birth of a rare albino Elephant is being portrayed by Myanmar's junta as a ground for legitimacy of its rule due to the revered status of the rare tusker in the Burmese culture.&nbsp;According traditional Burmese&nbsp;beliefs, the region's ancient rulers regarded white Elephants as extremely auspicious. Their birth as well as sudden appearance in an area was conceived as a symbol of righteous political power.</p>

<p>The pale white Elephant will feature on a special postage stamp to mark Myanmar's 75th independence day, state media said on Tuesday.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-photos-myanmar-junta-celebrates-75th-independence-day-with-show-of-force-549290">In photos: Myanmar junta celebrates Independence Day; to free 7,012 prisoners</a></strong></p>

<p>A set of gold commemorative coins bearing the animal's image is also already being cast for the occasion, another report said.</p>

<p>The rare tusker's highest-profile engagement so far was a meeting with junta chief Min Aung Hlaing in October. During this meeting, the senior general bestowed it the&nbsp;name,&nbsp;Rattha Nandaka, at a televised ceremony.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/military-ruled-myanmar-marks-75-years-of-independence-549477">Military-ruled Myanmar marks 75 years of Independence</a></strong></p>

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<p>'Rattha Nandaka'&nbsp;comes from the ancient Pali words for 'country'&nbsp;and 'happiness'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In Myanmar, the craze for white elephants goes back hundreds of years.&nbsp;Traditional chronicles tell of kings in Thailand, Laos and Myanmar warring to capture the beasts from rivals.</p>

<p>The ruinous cost of keeping them in appropriately lavish style gave rise to the modern expression in which a "white elephant" is a useless, if beautiful, possession.</p>

<p>One creature inherited by a 19th century Burmese king was waited on by 30 servants and dressed in a "fine red cloth plentifully studded" with rubies and diamonds, according to a visiting British official.</p>

<p>The king, who had usurped his brother, "would gladly hail the capture of a real white elephant in his own day as an assent from the Powers of Nature to his own legitimate royalty," the envoy added.</p>

<p>But the fortunes of the creatures are tied up with the ruler under whom they were captured.</p>

<p>Two elephants, once feted by a former junta, are now confined to a damp, out-of-the-way compound in commercial hub Yangon where they receive few visitors.</p>

<p>"Rattha Nandaka" will spend its days in a special compound for white elephants in military-built capital Naypyidaw, AFP reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>(<em>With inputs from agencies</em>)</p>

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The birth of a rare albino Elephant is being portrayed by Myanmar's junta as a ground for legitimacy of its rule due to the revered status of the rare tusker in the Burmese culture.

The birth of a rare albino Elephant is being portrayed by Myanmar's junta as a ground for legitimacy of its rule due to the revered status of the rare tusker in the Burmese culture. According traditional Burmese beliefs, the region's ancient rulers regarded white Elephants as extremely auspicious. Their birth as well as sudden appearance in an area was conceived as a symbol of righteous political power. The pale white Elephant will feature on a special postage stamp to mark Myanmar's 75th independence day, state media said on Tuesday. ALSO READ | In photos: Myanmar junta celebrates Independence Day; to free 7,012 prisoners A set of gold commemorative coins bearing the animal's image is also already being cast for the occasion, another report said. The rare tusker's highest-profile engagement so far was a meeting with junta chief Min Aung Hlaing in October. During this meeting, the senior general bestowed it the name, Rattha Nandaka, at a televised ceremony. WATCH | Military-ruled Myanmar marks 75 years of Independence × 'Rattha Nandaka' comes from the ancient Pali words for 'country' and 'happiness'. In Myanmar, the craze for white elephants goes back hundreds of years. Traditional chronicles tell of kings in Thailand, Laos and Myanmar warring to capture the beasts from rivals. The ruinous cost of keeping them in appropriately lavish style gave rise to the modern expression in which a "white elephant" is a useless, if beautiful, possession. One creature inherited by a 19th century Burmese king was waited on by 30 servants and dressed in a "fine red cloth plentifully studded" with rubies and diamonds, according to a visiting British official. The king, who had usurped his brother, "would gladly hail the capture of a real white elephant in his own day as an assent from the Powers of Nature to his own legitimate royalty," the envoy added. But the fortunes of the creatures are tied up with the ruler under whom they were captured. Two elephants, once feted by a former junta, are now confined to a damp, out-of-the-way compound in commercial hub Yangon where they receive few visitors. "Rattha Nandaka" will spend its days in a special compound for white elephants in military-built capital Naypyidaw, AFP reported. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Myanmar junta claims white elephant as good omen, legitimacy for its rule

<p>The United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Wednesday announced his plans to ensure that all pupils in England study Mathematics till the age of 18.&nbsp;Prime Minister Sunak made the announcement in his first speech of 2023 on Wednesday which specified his&nbsp;administration’s priorities for 2023.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sunak said&nbsp;that the United Kingdom must "reimagine (its) approach to numeracy".</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plus-the-untold-story-of-rishi-sunak-529456">Gravitas Plus: The untold story of Rishi Sunak</a></strong></p>

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<p><br />
"In a world where data is everywhere and statistics underpin every job, our children's jobs will require more analytical skills than ever before.&nbsp;And letting our children out into the world without those skills, is letting our children down," he said.</p>

<p>In the past, Sunak has claimed that just half of British people, aged 16 to 19, study maths.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-rishi-sunak-in-new-year-video-message-warns-that-problems-wont-go-away-in-2023-548339">UK PM Rishi Sunak says 'problems won’t go away in New Year,'&nbsp;promises&nbsp;'best of Britain</a>'</strong></p>

<p><b>We will stop small migrant boats: Sunak</b></p>

<p>The Prime Minister said&nbsp;that his fifth priority is to tackle the number of migrants arriving in small boats: "We will pass new laws to stop small boats, making sure that if you come to this country illegally, you are detained and swiftly removed."</p>

<p><strong>Sunak: We will cut taxes so people are 'rewarded' for hard work</strong></p>

<p>The Prime Minister while addressing the matter of public taxes, said: "If you work hard and play by the rules you should be rewarded."</p>

<p>"As soon as we can, the government will reduce the burden of taxation on working people," Sunak said.</p>

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The United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Wednesday announced his plans to ensure that all pupils in England study Mathematics till the age of 18. Prime Minister Sunak made the announcement in his first speech of 2023 on Wednesday which specified his administration’s priorities for 2023.

The United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Wednesday announced his plans to ensure that all pupils in England study Mathematics till the age of 18. Prime Minister Sunak made the announcement in his first speech of 2023 on Wednesday which specified his administration’s priorities for 2023. Sunak said that the United Kingdom must "reimagine (its) approach to numeracy". WATCH | Gravitas Plus: The untold story of Rishi Sunak × "In a world where data is everywhere and statistics underpin every job, our children's jobs will require more analytical skills than ever before. And letting our children out into the world without those skills, is letting our children down," he said. In the past, Sunak has claimed that just half of British people, aged 16 to 19, study maths. ALSO READ | UK PM Rishi Sunak says 'problems won’t go away in New Year,' promises 'best of Britain' We will stop small migrant boats: Sunak The Prime Minister said that his fifth priority is to tackle the number of migrants arriving in small boats: "We will pass new laws to stop small boats, making sure that if you come to this country illegally, you are detained and swiftly removed." Sunak: We will cut taxes so people are 'rewarded' for hard work The Prime Minister while addressing the matter of public taxes, said: "If you work hard and play by the rules you should be rewarded." "As soon as we can, the government will reduce the burden of taxation on working people," Sunak said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

PM Rishi Sunak unveils plan for mandatory teaching of maths to students till the age of 18

<p>Dozens of graves on the edge of the old city of Jerusalem were desecrated following which the police began investigating the 'vandalism incident'.&nbsp;The graves reportedly laid in pieces with Christian crosses toppled at a cemetery on Mount Zion.&nbsp;Mount Zion is the place where Christians believe Jesus took his last supper.</p>

<p>"We discovered that more than 30 tombstones and crosses were smashed to pieces," Hosam Naoum, an Anglican bishop, told journalists at the cemetery, news agency AFP reported.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israeli-minister-visits-jerusalem-holy-site-548982">Israeli minister visits Jerusalem holy site</a></strong></p>

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<p>Standing before one of the damaged graves, Naoum said: "We are not only dismayed but we are very much saddened."</p>

<p>Church authorities cited by AFP said that the vandalism was discovered on Tuesday. The security camera footage from January 1 showed two individuals in Jewish attire engaging in vandalism, AFP reported further.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-slams-latest-un-vote-on-palestine-as-moral-decay-of-world-body-548253">Israel slams latest UN vote on Palestine as ‘moral decay’ of the multilateral world body</a></strong></p>

<p>"These criminal acts were motivated by religious bigotry and hatred against Christians," the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem said in an official statement.</p>

<p>Israeli police said Tuesday they had launched a probe into "the defacement of a large number of tombstones in the Protestant cemetery".</p>

<p>The cemetery was established in the mid-19th century and is the final resting place of figures including clergy, scientists and politicians.</p>

<p>Israel's foreign ministry called for the perpetrators to be prosecuted, writing on Twitter that "this immoral act is an affront to religion".</p>

<p>Mount Zion lies outside the Old City walls and has drawn pilgrims for centuries. It is also revered by Jews, because of it being the burial place of biblical King David.</p>

<p>(<em>With inputs from agencies</em>)</p>

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Dozens of graves on the edge of the old city of Jerusalem were desecrated following which the police began investigating the 'vandalism incident'. The graves reportedly laid in pieces with Christian crosses toppled at a cemetery on Mount Zion.

Dozens of graves on the edge of the old city of Jerusalem were desecrated following which the police began investigating the 'vandalism incident'. The graves reportedly laid in pieces with Christian crosses toppled at a cemetery on Mount Zion. Mount Zion is the place where Christians believe Jesus took his last supper. "We discovered that more than 30 tombstones and crosses were smashed to pieces," Hosam Naoum, an Anglican bishop, told journalists at the cemetery, news agency AFP reported. WATCH | Israeli minister visits Jerusalem holy site × Standing before one of the damaged graves, Naoum said: "We are not only dismayed but we are very much saddened." Church authorities cited by AFP said that the vandalism was discovered on Tuesday. The security camera footage from January 1 showed two individuals in Jewish attire engaging in vandalism, AFP reported further. ALSO READ | Israel slams latest UN vote on Palestine as ‘moral decay’ of the multilateral world body "These criminal acts were motivated by religious bigotry and hatred against Christians," the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem said in an official statement. Israeli police said Tuesday they had launched a probe into "the defacement of a large number of tombstones in the Protestant cemetery". The cemetery was established in the mid-19th century and is the final resting place of figures including clergy, scientists and politicians. Israel's foreign ministry called for the perpetrators to be prosecuted, writing on Twitter that "this immoral act is an affront to religion". Mount Zion lies outside the Old City walls and has drawn pilgrims for centuries. It is also revered by Jews, because of it being the burial place of biblical King David. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Christian graves vandalised in Jerusalem cemetery, Israeli cops launch probe

<p>Walmart Inc. and rest of the PhonePe shareholders will have to pay nearly $1 billion in tax after digital payments company shifted its headquarters to India, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the matter.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-%26-economy/walmart-buys-flipkart-for-16-bn-other-mega-indian-deals-135745">Walmart buys Flipkart for $16 billion</a></strong></p>

<p>Arkansas-based multinational retail chain Walmart Inc. took majority ownership of PhonePe after acquiring its parent company Flipkart Online Services in 2018.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>PhonePe eyes $12 billion pre-money valuation</strong></p>

<p>PhonePe is now separated from Flipkart and has been re-domiciled from Singapore to India. A Bloomberg report claimed that the fintech firm is raising funds at a $12 billion pre-money valuation from General Atlantic, Qatar Investment Authority and others.</p>

<p>PhonePe is shifting its headquarters to Bengaluru, similar to online retailer and former parent company Flipkart.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>But isn't PhonePe India's homegrown fintech company?</strong></p>

<p>Technology companies with most of their operational assets and business in India have incorporated themselves in Singapore instead of India because of a far more friendlier tax regime, ease of attracting foreign investments and simpler processes for debuts on foreign exchanges.</p>

<p>A report by India Briefing states that over 8,000 Indian startups have incorporated themselves in Singapore since 2000.</p>

<p><strong>PhonePe's stock market listing on cards?</strong></p>

<p>PhonePe is currently executing three significant moves, necessary if it has to list itself for a public offering in the Indian stock market. They include: relocating to India, carving itself out as a separate entity from Flipkart, and raising funds at a high valuation.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india75-worlds-3rd-largest-startup-ecosystem-505593">India@75: World's 3rd largest startup ecosystem</a></strong></p>

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<p>India has over 26,000 startups making it the world's third-largest startup ecosystem according to the Asian Development Bank, and at last count over 100 of these were valued at $1 billion, making them unicorns.</p>

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Walmart Inc. and rest of the PhonePe shareholders will have to pay nearly $1 billion in tax after digital payments company shifted its headquarters to India, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

Walmart Inc. and rest of the PhonePe shareholders will have to pay nearly $1 billion in tax after digital payments company shifted its headquarters to India, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the matter. ALSO READ | Walmart buys Flipkart for $16 billion Arkansas-based multinational retail chain Walmart Inc. took majority ownership of PhonePe after acquiring its parent company Flipkart Online Services in 2018. PhonePe eyes $12 billion pre-money valuation PhonePe is now separated from Flipkart and has been re-domiciled from Singapore to India. A Bloomberg report claimed that the fintech firm is raising funds at a $12 billion pre-money valuation from General Atlantic, Qatar Investment Authority and others. PhonePe is shifting its headquarters to Bengaluru, similar to online retailer and former parent company Flipkart. But isn't PhonePe India's homegrown fintech company? Technology companies with most of their operational assets and business in India have incorporated themselves in Singapore instead of India because of a far more friendlier tax regime, ease of attracting foreign investments and simpler processes for debuts on foreign exchanges. A report by India Briefing states that over 8,000 Indian startups have incorporated themselves in Singapore since 2000. PhonePe's stock market listing on cards? PhonePe is currently executing three significant moves, necessary if it has to list itself for a public offering in the Indian stock market. They include: relocating to India, carving itself out as a separate entity from Flipkart, and raising funds at a high valuation. WATCH | India@75: World's 3rd largest startup ecosystem × India has over 26,000 startups making it the world's third-largest startup ecosystem according to the Asian Development Bank, and at last count over 100 of these were valued at $1 billion, making them unicorns. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Walmart gets $1 billion in tax bill for shifting PhonePe base to India: Report

<p>The hazardous quality of air in India's capital New Delhi and the National Capital Range (NCR) surrounding it, received a gloomy stamp of approval from a new government study. An analysis by India's&nbsp;Ministry of Earth Sciences for the period between 2016 and 2021 found that episodes of fog in Delhi have ceased to be natural occurrences.</p>

<p>This is because they no more comprise of suspended water droplets. Instead they comprise of a toxic cocktail of nitrates, magnesium and fluoride compounds.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/health-and-wellness/expert-tells-wion-delhi-air-pollution-is-a-disaster-a-major-and-avoidable-cause-of-death-531958">Delhi air pollution is a 'disaster', a major and avoidable 'cause of death'</a></strong></p>

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<p>According to the study, the episodes of fog studied in the five-year period were found to be comprised of a significant share of chlorides, sulphates and nitrates, and ions of calcium and ammonium.</p>

<p>These constituents are all the&nbsp;by-products of vehicular emissions and construction activities.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-adjudged-worlds-most-polluted-city-in-world-534913">Air quality continues to worsen in Delhi, adjudged 'world’s most polluted city'</a></strong></p>

<p>"Natural fog is white in colour but in the northwest India region, the colour of the fog changes depending on the dominant pollutant in that region. For instance, in Delhi, the colour of the fog is generally grey because of the high vehicular emission in this region. If you go to areas with high number of industries or areas where burning activities are rampant, the colour of the fog will be black," a senior official of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.</p>

<p><strong>What does the study mean for residents?</strong></p>

<p>For residents of Delhi and National Capital Range (NCR), it simply means that being outdoors in winter is dangerous. The study approves credible scientific apprehensions about health crisis among general population stemming from hazardous air quality during winters.</p>

<p><strong>What all does smog in Delhi-NCR comprise of?</strong></p>

<p>The analysis for the period between 2016 and 2021&nbsp;found chlorides comprised the highest share of fog (24 per cent), followed by calcium ions (23 per cent), ammonium ions (15 per cent) and nitrates (14 per cent). Other pollutants that were found in the Capital’s fog over the five-year period were sulphates (14 per cent), magnesium ions (4 per cent), sodium ions (3 per cent), potassium (2 per cent) and fluorides (1 per cent).</p>

<p>Studies from the past have shown that in the 1990s, Delhi’s fog was white in colour, thicker and would take longer to disperse, as is in the case of natural fog. In past decade, this has changed to the point that fog is now grey with an acidic composition.</p>

<p>Delhi's 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 357 on Monday, worsening from 259 on Sunday.</p>

<p>An AQI between 201 and 300 is considered 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'.</p>

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The hazardous quality of air in India's capital New Delhi and the National Capital Range (NCR) surrounding it, received a gloomy stamp of approval from a new government study.

The hazardous quality of air in India's capital New Delhi and the National Capital Range (NCR) surrounding it, received a gloomy stamp of approval from a new government study. An analysis by India's Ministry of Earth Sciences for the period between 2016 and 2021 found that episodes of fog in Delhi have ceased to be natural occurrences. This is because they no more comprise of suspended water droplets. Instead they comprise of a toxic cocktail of nitrates, magnesium and fluoride compounds. WATCH | Delhi air pollution is a 'disaster', a major and avoidable 'cause of death' × According to the study, the episodes of fog studied in the five-year period were found to be comprised of a significant share of chlorides, sulphates and nitrates, and ions of calcium and ammonium. These constituents are all the by-products of vehicular emissions and construction activities. ALSO READ | Air quality continues to worsen in Delhi, adjudged 'world’s most polluted city' "Natural fog is white in colour but in the northwest India region, the colour of the fog changes depending on the dominant pollutant in that region. For instance, in Delhi, the colour of the fog is generally grey because of the high vehicular emission in this region. If you go to areas with high number of industries or areas where burning activities are rampant, the colour of the fog will be black," a senior official of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times. What does the study mean for residents? For residents of Delhi and National Capital Range (NCR), it simply means that being outdoors in winter is dangerous. The study approves credible scientific apprehensions about health crisis among general population stemming from hazardous air quality during winters. What all does smog in Delhi-NCR comprise of? The analysis for the period between 2016 and 2021 found chlorides comprised the highest share of fog (24 per cent), followed by calcium ions (23 per cent), ammonium ions (15 per cent) and nitrates (14 per cent). Other pollutants that were found in the Capital’s fog over the five-year period were sulphates (14 per cent), magnesium ions (4 per cent), sodium ions (3 per cent), potassium (2 per cent) and fluorides (1 per cent). Studies from the past have shown that in the 1990s, Delhi’s fog was white in colour, thicker and would take longer to disperse, as is in the case of natural fog. In past decade, this has changed to the point that fog is now grey with an acidic composition. Delhi's 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 357 on Monday, worsening from 259 on Sunday. An AQI between 201 and 300 is considered 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Winter fog in Indian capital a toxic cocktail of pollutants: Govt study

<p>The dawn of 2023&nbsp;has not been a cold, wintry one for Europe. In fact, parts of the continent set off their warmest-ever start to January.</p>

<p>Temperatures in Berlin, the German capital, reached 16 degree Celsius on January 1, a January record, national forecaster Deutscher Wetterdienst said on Twitter. In Warsaw, the Polish capital, the mercury surpassed the previous peak by more than 5 degrees as it recorded 19 degree Celsius.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-full-context-understanding-europes-heat-wave-499221">The Full Context: Understanding Europe’s heat wave</a></strong></p>

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<p>France saw record winter temperature values such as a high of 24.8 Celsius in Verdun in northeastern France. The country as a whole saw its warmest New Year’s Eve.</p>

<p>The Czech Republic, too, reportedly registered its warmest ever New Year’s eve, the country's weather service tweeted. Prague set a new monthly maximum of 17.7 Celsius.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/did-cops-of-2022-catch-up-with-earths-climate-change-runner-543025"><strong>Did COPs of 2022 catch up with Earth's climate change runner?</strong></a></p>

<p>In what has emerged as a silver lining, Europe’s winter heat wave has led to a decreased demand for natural gas, easing pressure on the continent’s fragile energy systems and pushing energy prices down amid Russia-Ukraine war.</p>

<p>According to forecaster Maxar Technologies, a total of 75.4 heating-degree days — a measure of the energy needed to heat homes — are expected next week in Europe.&nbsp;</p>

<p>That’s below the 10-year average of 79.9 days. European gas prices fell as much as 6.5 per cent on Tuesday, a day after touching their lowest level since the beginning of Russia-Ukraine war.&nbsp;</p>

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The dawn of 2023 has not been a cold, wintry one for Europe. In fact, parts of the continent set off their warmest-ever start to January. Temperatures in Berlin, the German capital, reached 16 degree Celsius on January 1, a January record, national forecaster Deutscher Wetterdienst said on Twitter.

The dawn of 2023 has not been a cold, wintry one for Europe. In fact, parts of the continent set off their warmest-ever start to January. Temperatures in Berlin, the German capital, reached 16 degree Celsius on January 1, a January record, national forecaster Deutscher Wetterdienst said on Twitter. In Warsaw, the Polish capital, the mercury surpassed the previous peak by more than 5 degrees as it recorded 19 degree Celsius. WATCH | The Full Context: Understanding Europe’s heat wave × France saw record winter temperature values such as a high of 24.8 Celsius in Verdun in northeastern France. The country as a whole saw its warmest New Year’s Eve. The Czech Republic, too, reportedly registered its warmest ever New Year’s eve, the country's weather service tweeted. Prague set a new monthly maximum of 17.7 Celsius. ALSO READ | Did COPs of 2022 catch up with Earth's climate change runner? In what has emerged as a silver lining, Europe’s winter heat wave has led to a decreased demand for natural gas, easing pressure on the continent’s fragile energy systems and pushing energy prices down amid Russia-Ukraine war. According to forecaster Maxar Technologies, a total of 75.4 heating-degree days — a measure of the energy needed to heat homes — are expected next week in Europe. That’s below the 10-year average of 79.9 days. European gas prices fell as much as 6.5 per cent on Tuesday, a day after touching their lowest level since the beginning of Russia-Ukraine war. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Europe faces climate change heat with warm winters as temperatures break records

<p>Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi vowed on Tuesday that the killing of General Qassem Soleimani, assassinated in a US drone strike, will be avenged in the times to come. Raisi made the comments during a commemoration ceremony held for Soleimani, which had thousands in attendance.</p>

<p>Three years ago, on January 3, 2020, former US president Donald Trump had ordered a drone strike that claimed General Qassem Soleimani's life. Soleimani died with his Iraqi lieutenant Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis in the strike near Baghdad airport. The US had reasoned at the time that Soleimani had been "actively developing plans to attack American diplomats and service members in Iraq and throughout the region."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/immunity-to-perpetrators-behind-killing-of-soleimani-threatens-international-peace-says-iran-441803">Immunity to perpetrators behind killing of Soleimani threatens international peace, says Iran</a></strong></p>

<p>General Qassem Soleimani commanded the Quds force, the foreign operations arms of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps.</p>

<p>He was one of Iran's most popular public figures, who spearheaded Iran's Middle East operations and was seen as a hero of the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-dispatch-why-was-qassem-soleimani-so-popular-273031">WION Dispatch: Why was Qassem Soleimani so popular?</a></strong></p>

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<p>"We have not forgotten and will not forget the blood of martyr Soleimani," Raisi said at Tehran's Grand Mosalla mosque, where people waved Iranian flags and held Qassem Soleimani's pictures.</p>

<p>The "murderers and perpetrators" of his killing should know that "revenge for the blood of martyr Soleimani is certain and they will not sleep easily", he added.</p>

<p><strong>How Iran reacted to Soleimani's killing?</strong></p>

<p>Days after Soleimani's killing, Iran retaliated by firing missiles at bases in neighbouring Iraq housing American and coalition troops.&nbsp;</p>

<p>No US personnel were killed but Washington said dozens suffered brain injuries from the blasts. Amid the heightened tensions Iran also accidentally downed a Ukrainian passenger jet on January 8, 2020, killing all 176 people aboard.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi vowed on Tuesday that the killing of General Qassem Soleimani, assassinated in a US drone strike, will be avenged in the times to come.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi vowed on Tuesday that the killing of General Qassem Soleimani, assassinated in a US drone strike, will be avenged in the times to come. Raisi made the comments during a commemoration ceremony held for Soleimani, which had thousands in attendance. Three years ago, on January 3, 2020, former US president Donald Trump had ordered a drone strike that claimed General Qassem Soleimani's life. Soleimani died with his Iraqi lieutenant Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis in the strike near Baghdad airport. The US had reasoned at the time that Soleimani had been "actively developing plans to attack American diplomats and service members in Iraq and throughout the region." ALSO READ | Immunity to perpetrators behind killing of Soleimani threatens international peace, says Iran General Qassem Soleimani commanded the Quds force, the foreign operations arms of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps. He was one of Iran's most popular public figures, who spearheaded Iran's Middle East operations and was seen as a hero of the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war. WATCH | WION Dispatch: Why was Qassem Soleimani so popular? × "We have not forgotten and will not forget the blood of martyr Soleimani," Raisi said at Tehran's Grand Mosalla mosque, where people waved Iranian flags and held Qassem Soleimani's pictures. The "murderers and perpetrators" of his killing should know that "revenge for the blood of martyr Soleimani is certain and they will not sleep easily", he added. How Iran reacted to Soleimani's killing? Days after Soleimani's killing, Iran retaliated by firing missiles at bases in neighbouring Iraq housing American and coalition troops. No US personnel were killed but Washington said dozens suffered brain injuries from the blasts. Amid the heightened tensions Iran also accidentally downed a Ukrainian passenger jet on January 8, 2020, killing all 176 people aboard. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Iran marks third anniversary of Qassem Soleimani's killing, vows revenge

<p>Black-and-white photos of the surfaces of Earth and Moon, captured by South Korea's Danuri lunar orbiter, are stoking the fascination of the world as it steps forward in 2023.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Danuri, meaning 'Moon' and Enjoy' in Korean, was launched by Elon Musk-led SpaceX's rocket last year in August and entered lunar orbit in December 2022.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-launches-its-first-lunar-orbiter-danuri-on-a-spacex-rocket-503898">South Korea launches its first lunar orbiter, Danuri, on a SpaceX rocket</a></strong></p>

<p>The images from Danuri, taken between December 24 and January 1, show the lunar surface and Earth, shot from less than 120 kilometers over the Moon, according to an official statement by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI).</p>
<img alt="Photo taken by Danuri on December 24 at 344 km above the moon" data-caption="&lt;br /&gt;
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Photo taken by Danuri on December 24 at 344 km above the moon | @kari2030 | Twitter&lt;br /&gt;
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<p>The statement added that the images and videos will be "used to select potential sites for a Moon landing in 2032".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-launches-its-first-lunar-orbiter-danuri-on-a-spacex-rocket-503898">South Korea joins Lunar Race by sending its first spacecraft to the Moon</a></strong></p>

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<p>Danuri is reportedly circling the Moon every two hours.</p>

<p>Next month, the orbiter will start mapping and analysing the lunar terrain as well as measuring the magnetic strength of lunar surface. This will be the part of its scientific mission.</p>

<p><strong>Test for 'space internet'</strong></p>

<p>South Korea's Danuri space mission will&nbsp;also test experimental "space internet" technology by transmitting photos and videos to Earth. Space internet, heralded by SpaceX under its Starlink network project, aims&nbsp;to provide low-cost and reliable space-based Internet services to the world.</p>

<p>By transmitting photos and videos to Earth, the $180 million orbiter will send the data to be used for&nbsp;selection of potential sites for a South Korean moon landing in 2032.</p>

<p>South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has hailed Danuri's achievements as a "historical moment" in the country's space program.&nbsp;"It is a historic moment telling the world of the excellence of Korea's space and science technology and marking a leap to one of the top seven space powers in the world," President Yoon Suk-yeol said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the concluding days of 2022, South Korea became the seventh country in the world to explore the moon, following Russia, the United States, Japan, the European Union, China and India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>South Korea has laid out plans for outer space missions, including landing spacecraft on the Moon by 2032 and Mars by 2045.</p>

<p>(<em>With inputs from agencies</em>)</p>

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Black-and-white photos of the surfaces of Earth and Moon, captured by South Korea's Danuri lunar orbiter, are stoking the fascination of the world as it steps forward in 2023.

Black-and-white photos of the surfaces of Earth and Moon, captured by South Korea's Danuri lunar orbiter, are stoking the fascination of the world as it steps forward in 2023. Danuri, meaning 'Moon' and Enjoy' in Korean, was launched by Elon Musk-led SpaceX's rocket last year in August and entered lunar orbit in December 2022. ALSO READ | South Korea launches its first lunar orbiter, Danuri, on a SpaceX rocket The images from Danuri, taken between December 24 and January 1, show the lunar surface and Earth, shot from less than 120 kilometers over the Moon, according to an official statement by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI). The statement added that the images and videos will be "used to select potential sites for a Moon landing in 2032". WATCH | South Korea joins Lunar Race by sending its first spacecraft to the Moon × Danuri is reportedly circling the Moon every two hours. Next month, the orbiter will start mapping and analysing the lunar terrain as well as measuring the magnetic strength of lunar surface. This will be the part of its scientific mission. Test for 'space internet' South Korea's Danuri space mission will also test experimental "space internet" technology by transmitting photos and videos to Earth. Space internet, heralded by SpaceX under its Starlink network project, aims to provide low-cost and reliable space-based Internet services to the world. By transmitting photos and videos to Earth, the $180 million orbiter will send the data to be used for selection of potential sites for a South Korean moon landing in 2032. South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has hailed Danuri's achievements as a "historical moment" in the country's space program. "It is a historic moment telling the world of the excellence of Korea's space and science technology and marking a leap to one of the top seven space powers in the world," President Yoon Suk-yeol said. During the concluding days of 2022, South Korea became the seventh country in the world to explore the moon, following Russia, the United States, Japan, the European Union, China and India. South Korea has laid out plans for outer space missions, including landing spacecraft on the Moon by 2032 and Mars by 2045. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

South Korean quest for moon landing reverts with stunning lunar visuals

<p>The US and South Korea are planning an "effective coordinated" response if North Korea led by Kim Jong-un uses nuclear weapons, the White House said on Tuesday.</p>

<p>South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and US President Joe Biden have "tasked their teams to plan for an effective coordinated response to a range of scenarios, including nuclear use by North Korea," a spokesperson for the National Security Council at the White House said in a media briefing on Tuesday.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-contradicts-yoon-suk-yeol-says-us-not-discussing-joint-nuclear-exercises-with-south-korea-548907">Joe Biden contradicts Yoon Suk-yeol, says US not discussing joint nuclear exercises with South Korea</a></strong></p>

<p>The development comes after confirmation by the US President Joe Biden that Seoul and Washington are discussing its involvement in nuclear asset management&nbsp;in the face of increased&nbsp;North Korean nuclear threats.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-south-korea-retaliates-after-kims-air-invasion-547185">Gravitas: South Korea retaliates after Kim's 'air invasion'</a></strong></p>

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<p>Earlier, while referring to the US nuclear assets, the South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol&nbsp;told <em>The Chosun Ilbo</em> newspaper in an interview that their "planning, information sharing, exercises and training should be jointly conducted by South Korea and the United States".&nbsp;He said he finds it difficult to assure his people of a security guarantee with the current levels of U.S. security commitment.</p>

<p>The latest White House statement is expected to pacify South Korean concerns over US' commitment to react for Seoul&nbsp;in the event of a North Korean nuclear attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>North Korea's N-threat: Why increased concerns?</strong></p>

<p>The increased Washington-Seoul ramping up to deter North Korea's nuclear threats is followed by Kim Jong-un's escalated rhetoric against Washington and Seoul.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The North Korean dictator entered 2023 with a vow to mass-produce battlefield nuclear weapons as well as more powerful intercontinental ballistic missiles.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The North Korean state media in the past has quoted Kim Jong-un as saying that he is ready to use his nuclear weapons in potential military conflicts with the United States and South Korea.</p>

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The US and South Korea are planning an "effective coordinated" response if North Korea led by Kim Jong-un uses nuclear weapons, the White House said on Tuesday. South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and US President Joe Biden have "tasked their teams to plan for an effective coordinated response to a range of scenarios, including nuclear use by North Korea," a spokesperson for the National Security Council at the White House said in a media briefing on Tuesday.

The US and South Korea are planning an "effective coordinated" response if North Korea led by Kim Jong-un uses nuclear weapons, the White House said on Tuesday. South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and US President Joe Biden have "tasked their teams to plan for an effective coordinated response to a range of scenarios, including nuclear use by North Korea," a spokesperson for the National Security Council at the White House said in a media briefing on Tuesday. ALSO READ | Joe Biden contradicts Yoon Suk-yeol, says US not discussing joint nuclear exercises with South Korea The development comes after confirmation by the US President Joe Biden that Seoul and Washington are discussing its involvement in nuclear asset management in the face of increased North Korean nuclear threats. WATCH | Gravitas: South Korea retaliates after Kim's 'air invasion' × Earlier, while referring to the US nuclear assets, the South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol told The Chosun Ilbo newspaper in an interview that their "planning, information sharing, exercises and training should be jointly conducted by South Korea and the United States". He said he finds it difficult to assure his people of a security guarantee with the current levels of U.S. security commitment. The latest White House statement is expected to pacify South Korean concerns over US' commitment to react for Seoul in the event of a North Korean nuclear attack. North Korea's N-threat: Why increased concerns? The increased Washington-Seoul ramping up to deter North Korea's nuclear threats is followed by Kim Jong-un's escalated rhetoric against Washington and Seoul. The North Korean dictator entered 2023 with a vow to mass-produce battlefield nuclear weapons as well as more powerful intercontinental ballistic missiles. The North Korean state media in the past has quoted Kim Jong-un as saying that he is ready to use his nuclear weapons in potential military conflicts with the United States and South Korea. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US, South Korea plan 'coordinated response' against North Korea's nuclear threat

<p>SpaceX, Elon Musk's rocket-maker and satellite internet company, is&nbsp;raising $750 million in a new round of funding. The latest round of funding keeps company's valuation at $137 billion, CNBC reported.</p>

<p>Earlier, a Bloomberg report had claimed that SpaceX was letting its employees to sell at $77 per share. This would have put the company's valuation close to $140 billion.</p>

<p>The company raised more than $2 billion in 2022, including a $250 million round in July, and was valued at $127 billion during an equity round in May.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/elon-musk-spacex-will-keep-funding-starlink-internet-service-in-ukraine-525810">Elon Musk: SpaceX will keep funding Starlink internet service in Ukraine</a></strong></p>

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<p>The CNBC report, while citing an email sent to prospective SpaceX investors, said that Andreessen Horowitz will lead the new funding round.</p>

<p>Andressen had also contributed in&nbsp;Elon Musk's buyout of Twitter, a $44 billion deal.</p>

<p><strong>2022 for SpaceX</strong></p>

<p>Last year, SpaceX's satellite internet service, Starlink, recorded over 1 million subscribers and provided a lifeline to users in war-torn Ukraine. Under its Falcon program, SpaceX also managed to surpass 60 reusable rocket launches in a single year.</p>

<p><strong>What's in store for SpaceX in 2023?</strong></p>

<p>SpaceX is currently continuing the development of its Starship, in what has been reported as Elon Musk's dream project. A CNN report claimed it to be far bigger than anything that SpaceX — or any other private or state-owned rocket developer — has ever built.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/japanese-companys-lander-heads-for-the-moon-with-uae-rover-542041">Japanese company's lander heads for the moon with UAE rover on SpaceX rocket</a></strong></p>

<p>The SpaceX has long billed its Starship as the vehicle that could one day put humans on Mars for the first time.</p>

<p>It remains unclear when the company will move to the next step of the program, which relates to an orbital launch test of these larger vehicles.</p>

<p><strong>Is Twitter affecting SpaceX's operations?</strong></p>

<p>According to an NBC News report, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson recently asked SpaceX President and COO Gwynne Shotwell whether Elon Musk's "distraction" as the new owner and CEO of Twitter might affect SpaceX’s work with the space agency. Nelson is reported to have said that Shotwell reassured him it would not.</p>

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SpaceX, Elon Musk's rocket-maker and satellite internet company, is raising $750 million in a new round of funding. The latest round of funding keeps company's valuation at $137 billion, CNBC reported.

SpaceX, Elon Musk's rocket-maker and satellite internet company, is raising $750 million in a new round of funding. The latest round of funding keeps company's valuation at $137 billion, CNBC reported. Earlier, a Bloomberg report had claimed that SpaceX was letting its employees to sell at $77 per share. This would have put the company's valuation close to $140 billion. The company raised more than $2 billion in 2022, including a $250 million round in July, and was valued at $127 billion during an equity round in May. WATCH | Elon Musk: SpaceX will keep funding Starlink internet service in Ukraine × The CNBC report, while citing an email sent to prospective SpaceX investors, said that Andreessen Horowitz will lead the new funding round. Andressen had also contributed in Elon Musk's buyout of Twitter, a $44 billion deal. 2022 for SpaceX Last year, SpaceX's satellite internet service, Starlink, recorded over 1 million subscribers and provided a lifeline to users in war-torn Ukraine. Under its Falcon program, SpaceX also managed to surpass 60 reusable rocket launches in a single year. What's in store for SpaceX in 2023? SpaceX is currently continuing the development of its Starship, in what has been reported as Elon Musk's dream project. A CNN report claimed it to be far bigger than anything that SpaceX — or any other private or state-owned rocket developer — has ever built. ALSO READ | Japanese company's lander heads for the moon with UAE rover on SpaceX rocket The SpaceX has long billed its Starship as the vehicle that could one day put humans on Mars for the first time. It remains unclear when the company will move to the next step of the program, which relates to an orbital launch test of these larger vehicles. Is Twitter affecting SpaceX's operations? According to an NBC News report, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson recently asked SpaceX President and COO Gwynne Shotwell whether Elon Musk's "distraction" as the new owner and CEO of Twitter might affect SpaceX’s work with the space agency. Nelson is reported to have said that Shotwell reassured him it would not. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Elon Musk's SpaceX to raise $750mn in first funding round of 2023: Report

<p>Pakistan's slumping economy is pushing people of the South Asian nation to the edge. Islamabad is failing to provide its people with basic amenities to the point that people are storing LPG (cooking gas) in plastic balloons and bags.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Visuals have emerged on social media that show people in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province storing cooking gas in plastic bags due to shortage in supply of cooking gas cylinders. Reports in the local media suggest that people in Hangu city of the province have been living without gas for the past two years.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-railways-running-trains-with-just-three-day-oil-inventory-claims-report-548986">Pakistan Railways running trains with just three-day oil inventory, claims report</a></strong></p>

<p>People can be&nbsp;seen storing cooking gas in plastic bags instead of gas cylinders. The viral videos from Pakistan, however, cannot be independently verified by WION.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">In Pakistan, the practice of using gas packed in plastic bags instead of cylinders for cooking has increased. Gas is sold by filling bags inside the shops connected to the gas pipeline network. People use it in the kitchen with the help of a small electric suction pump.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/pkmb?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#pkmb</a> <a href="https://t.co/e1DpNp20Ku">pic.twitter.com/e1DpNp20Ku</a></p>
— R Singh...🤸🤸 (@lonewolf_singh) <a href="https://twitter.com/lonewolf_singh/status/1609065713385496579?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Pakistan economic crisis: How the cooking gas is being filled in plastic bags?</strong></p>

<p>According to local media reports, gas vendors in various parts of Pakistan use a compressor to load LPG into a plastic bag before sealing the opening with a nozzle and valve. Around three to four kilograms of the gas is filled in a large plastic balloon in about an hour. The bags are then sold to individuals who use the gas using a small electric suction pump.</p>

<p><strong>About Pakistan's collapsing economy</strong></p>

<p>The Pakistan government raised the prices of wheat flour, sugar, and ghee for sale through the Utility Stores Corporation (USC) with immediate effect, The Dawn reported. &nbsp;The step was reportedly taken to mitigate the impact of untargeted subsidies.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/economic-crisis-worsens-in-pakistan-forex-reserves-fall-to-58-billion-547992">Economic crisis worsens in Pakistan, Forex reserves fall to $5.8 billion</a></strong></p>

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<p>"Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) beneficiaries would be exempt from the price increase, while the limit for subsidised purchases from the USC has also been curtailed," the report stated.</p>

<p>Under the new rates, the price of sugar has been raised to Rs 89 per kg from Rs 70 per kg, a 27 per cent rise, while the price of ghee has been raised to Rs 375 per kg from Rs 75 per kg. Wheat flour prices have also been raised to Rs 64.8 per kg from Rs 40 per kg.&nbsp;</p>

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Pakistan's slumping economy is pushing people of the South Asian nation to the edge. Islamabad is failing to provide its people with basic amenities to the point that people are storing LPG (cooking gas) in plastic balloons and bags.

Pakistan's slumping economy is pushing people of the South Asian nation to the edge. Islamabad is failing to provide its people with basic amenities to the point that people are storing LPG (cooking gas) in plastic balloons and bags. Visuals have emerged on social media that show people in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province storing cooking gas in plastic bags due to shortage in supply of cooking gas cylinders. Reports in the local media suggest that people in Hangu city of the province have been living without gas for the past two years. ALSO READ | Pakistan Railways running trains with just three-day oil inventory, claims report People can be seen storing cooking gas in plastic bags instead of gas cylinders. The viral videos from Pakistan, however, cannot be independently verified by WION. In Pakistan, the practice of using gas packed in plastic bags instead of cylinders for cooking has increased. Gas is sold by filling bags inside the shops connected to the gas pipeline network. People use it in the kitchen with the help of a small electric suction pump.#pkmb pic.twitter.com/e1DpNp20Ku — R Singh...🤸🤸 (@lonewolf_singh) December 31, 2022 × Pakistan economic crisis: How the cooking gas is being filled in plastic bags? According to local media reports, gas vendors in various parts of Pakistan use a compressor to load LPG into a plastic bag before sealing the opening with a nozzle and valve. Around three to four kilograms of the gas is filled in a large plastic balloon in about an hour. The bags are then sold to individuals who use the gas using a small electric suction pump. About Pakistan's collapsing economy The Pakistan government raised the prices of wheat flour, sugar, and ghee for sale through the Utility Stores Corporation (USC) with immediate effect, The Dawn reported. The step was reportedly taken to mitigate the impact of untargeted subsidies. WATCH | Economic crisis worsens in Pakistan, Forex reserves fall to $5.8 billion × "Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) beneficiaries would be exempt from the price increase, while the limit for subsidised purchases from the USC has also been curtailed," the report stated. Under the new rates, the price of sugar has been raised to Rs 89 per kg from Rs 70 per kg, a 27 per cent rise, while the price of ghee has been raised to Rs 375 per kg from Rs 75 per kg. Wheat flour prices have also been raised to Rs 64.8 per kg from Rs 40 per kg. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

WATCH | People in Pakistan store cooking gas in plastic bags amid economic crisis

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