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Monthly Archives: January 2022
In Quebec, people who refuse to be vaccinated for COVID will face a financial penalty
The Canadian province’s premier said not getting vaccinated leads to consequences for the health care system and not all Quebecers should pay for that.
(Image credit: Graham Hughes/The Canadian Press via AP)
North Korea claims another ‘hypersonic missile’ test
The missile launched by Pyongyang on Tuesday is alleged to be an “improved” version of a munition tested earlier this year
North Korea said it successfully tested a new hypersonic missile, with leader Kim Jong-un reportedly present for the launch. Officials in Seoul have claimed the weapon was an upgraded model of a system tested last week.
“The test fire was aimed at making a final confirmation of the overall specifications of the developed hypersonic weapon system,” the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Wednesday, referring to a test conducted the day prior, adding that the missile struck its target in the sea some 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) away.
North Korea’s Kim, who attended the test, “underscored the need to strengthen the strategic military power of the country both in quality and quantity,” according to the outlet, which noted that the latest launch “clearly proved the superb maneuverability of the hypersonic gliding warhead.”
Kim Jong Un just officially observed his first missile test since March 2020, pictures show in today’s Rodong Sinmun.
The test took place roughly the same time as UNSC condemnation of last week’s test — and after South Korea’s govt publicly doubted that test was ‘hypersonic’. pic.twitter.com/8Rlpmmta0H
— Chad O’Carroll (@chadocl) January 11, 2022
Tuesday’s weapon test comes just days after a similar launch off North Korea’s east coast – the first of its kind of the year – which Pyongyang also said used a hypersonic missile. Military officials in South Korea noted some “improvement” made to the munition in the time since, saying it flew at a speed of Mach 10, or 10-times the speed of sound. The previous launch, which Kim was reportedly not present for, was said to have traveled at Mach six.
South Korean President Moon Jae-in voiced some alarm following the most recent test, calling it “concerning” while asking officials to “come up with necessary measures to ensure no further tension in inter-Korean relations and so that our people do not feel nervous.”
Washington’s Indo-Pacific Command, meanwhile, said it was “aware” of Tuesday’s test, claiming it highlighted “the destabilizing impact of [North Korea’s] illicit weapons program,” though added that the launch posed no threat to US personnel or territory.
READ MORE: North Korea fires ‘unidentified projectile’ in new launch – reports
UN Plea to Save Afghanistan from Full-Blown Humanitarian Crisis
Geneva, Jan 11 (IPS) – UN agencies have asked for a record USD 4.4 billion in aid for Afghanistan to avert a full-blown humanitarian crisis that could see hunger, distress, and death and a mass exodus of people from the country.
The UN and pa
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As carbon removal gains traction, economists imagine a new market to save the planet
Carbon removal went mainstream in 2021. But the technology is still light years away from making a real difference combating climate change. A group of economists wants to help change that.
(Image credit: HALLDOR KOLBEINS/AFP via Getty Images)