Iran tests space launch vehicle
Iran has successfully tested the first stage of a home-grown satellite carrier running on solid fuel. The test was carried out by Iran’s Revolution Guards Corps Aerospace Division. Qaem 100 sub-orbital three-stage solid fuel space launcher is the first of its kind manufactured by IRGC scientists. The vehicle can carry satellites weighing 80 kilos into an orbit 500 kilometers above the Earth. IRGC authorities say the carrier will be employed for the launch of a satellite called Nahid. The satellite is manufactured by the Iranian Ministry of Information and Communications Technology.
Korean peninsula escalation
North Korea launches more ballistic missiles as the neighboring South conducts the last day of joint air drills with the US on the Korean Peninsula. The South Korean military says the North fired four short-range missiles into the western sea. It says the projectiles flew with an altitude of 20 kilometers. The launch comes hours after the US deployed two B-one-B strategic bombers on the last day of joint air drills with South Korea. The drills were the largest-ever by the two sides. Seoul and Washington say they were a response to provocations by Pyongyang. North Korea, however, says the drills are a rehearsal for an invasion. It has launched a series of missiles in protest this week, with one landing near the South’s territorial waters.
New Delhi pollution
India’s capital New Delhi is struggling with hazardous air pollution causing a surge in respiratory illnesses among the city's 20 million inhabitants. The air quality index of New Delhi has been in the severe category for the last three days. Authorities have ordered primary schools to shut and other academic institutions to stop outdoor activities. A filthy smog forms over the city every winter. It is largely blamed on construction dust, vehicle emissions and smoke from crop stubble burning in neighboring states. The federal pollution control board has banned the entry of diesel trucks carrying non-essential goods into the capital. Delhi's administration has also suspended most construction works. A study shows more than half of the people who die because of air pollution, are younger than seventy.