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China’s spacecraft crew steps into space station.

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The Shenzhou XIII mission crew entered the Tiangong space station on Saturday morning, embarking on their six-month journey inside the station in the country’s longest spaceflight.

The three-member crew — mission commander Major General Zhai Zhigang, Senior Colonel Wang Yaping and Senior Colonel Ye Guangfu — floated into the station’s core module, named Tianhe, or Harmony of Heavens, at 9:58 am, around three hours after their spacecraft docked with the module, which is the first and central section of the permanent space station — Tiangong, or Heavenly Palace.

Their Shenzhou XIII spacecraft was lifted by a Long March 2F carrier rocket that blasted off at 12:23 am at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwestern China’s Gobi Desert.

During their flight, the astronauts are tasked with a wide range of assignments, such as performing two to three spacewalks to install a small robotic arm onto a larger one; verifying key procedures and technologies like manual control of the robotic arms and robotic arm-assisted movement of station modules; checking the performance and capability of devices inside the station; and testing support instruments for astronauts’ life and work in long-term flights, according to Lin Xiqiang, deputy director of the China Manned Space Agency.

The astronauts will conduct scientific experiments and technology demonstrations in space medicine, microgravity physics and other fields. They will also deliver educational lectures that will be televised for Chinese students, the official said.

Shenzhou XIII is the fourth spacecraft to visit the Tiangong station and the second crewed ship to transport astronauts to the orbiting outpost.

Screen image captured at Beijing Aerospace Control Center in Beijing, capital of China, Oct 16, 2021 shows China’s Shenzhou-13 crewed spaceship docking with the radial port of the space station core module Tianhe. China’s Shenzhou-13 crewed spaceship successfully docked with the radial port of the space station core module Tianhe on Saturday, according to the China Manned Space Agency. [Photo/Xinhua]

The mission is expected to become the longest crewed spaceflight by China, doubling the time spent in the Shenzhou XII mission. It will also see the first spacewalk by a Chinese woman.

Mother of a 5-year-old girl, Wang is China’s second female astronaut to take part in a spaceflight. She took part in the Shenzhou X mission in June 2013. In the Shenzhou XIII flight, she will become the first Chinese woman to enter a space station and also the first Chinese woman to carry out a spacewalk.

One of China’s most challenging and sophisticated space endeavors, Tiangong will eventually consist of three main components-the Tianhe core module attached to two large space labs-with a combined weight of nearly 70 metric tons. The entire station is set to operate for about 15 years in a low-Earth orbit about 400 kilometers above the planet.

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Nasheed calls on British King Charles

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Former president Mohamed Nasheed who is currently serving as the secretary general of the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) has called on UK’s King Charles iii.

Nasheed met with the King Charles at the Buckingham Palace on Wednesday.

Neither Nasheed nor the Buckingham Palace has disclosed any further details regarding the meeting in an official capacity.

The meeting had been reported by media outlets.

Photos of the meeting circulating on social media show a cheerful King Charles, who is currently undergoing treatment for cancer, shaking his hand with Nasheed.

The Buckingham Palace announced King Charles had been diagnosed with cancer and has subsequently commenced treatment in early February.

The Palace, in their statement, said the King, although would refrain from public appearances during the course of his treatment, will nevertheless be carrying out his official duties.

“He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible,” also read the statement.

King Charles acceded to the throne on September 8, 2022, upon the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. His coronation was held almost eight months later, on May 6th of last year.

Nasheed announced a hiatus from political work on December 12th of last year to assume his new post as the secretary general of CVF.

He relocated to Ghana on January 30th to carry out his responsibilities as the secretary general. Nevertheless, Nasheed remains a member of the parliament.

Source(s): sun.mv

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Presidential decree designates islands for airport development

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President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has issued a decree outlining plans for airport development projects across various islands, aiming to achieve public benefit and economic growth.

The resolution specifies the establishment of new airports in 12 different islands, alongside the expansion and enhancement of existing airports. The islands earmarked for new airports include Dhidhdhoo in Haa Alif Atoll, Dhiguveli and Milandhoo in Shaviyani Atoll, Vihafaru in Noonu Atoll, Fainu in Raa Atoll, Mathiveri in Alif Alif Atoll, Nilandhoo in Faafu Atoll, Maalhendhoo in Gaafu Alif Atoll, and Guraidhoo in Thaa Atoll.

Additionally, the decree outlines plans for a second airport in Laamu Atoll and international airports in Vilingili and Thinadhoo City in Gaafu Alif Atoll.

Existing airports slated for further development include Gan International Airport, Funadhoo Airport in Shaviyani Atoll, Dharavandhoo Airport in Baa Atoll, Kulhudhuffushi City Airport, Fuvahmulah City Airport, and Maavarulu Airport in Gaafu atoll. Moreover, developmental initiatives are planned for airports in Makunudhoo in Haa Alif Atoll, Alifushi in Raa Atoll, Muli in Meemu Atoll, Bilehfahi in Shaviyani Atoll, Thulhaadhoo in Baa Atoll, and Vilufushi in Thaa Atoll.

In addition to airport projects, the decree includes plans for coastal tourism projects in Gan, Laamu Atoll, and Addu City.

Source(s): PsmNews

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Land Act Bill amended and proposed to parliament

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Parliamentarian Moosa Siraj has introduced a bill proposing amendments to the Maldivian Land Act, incorporating modern modifications. The bill initiated discussions among parliament members after its proposal by Siraj.

The proposed bill outlines regulations for determining land types, allocation for different purposes, and distribution to ministries and individuals. It stipulates that national and public land policies will be formulated by the president with the advice and recommendations of parliament members.

Key provisions of the bill include the appointment of a Registrar of Land by the Ministry of Housing, Land, and Urban Development, establishment of a Land and Survey Authority, and appointment of a Surveyor General.

Regarding land distribution, the bill allocates land for ministries, freeholding, and leasing, specifying permissible uses such as residential, economic, industrial, social, environmental, and governmental activities. It addresses various aspects including land rights, plot allocation, leasing, mortgage, sale, transfer by inheritance, ownership, and rights transfer.

Highlighting the outdated nature of the current Land Act from 2002, Moosa Siraj emphasised the need for modern amendments to address contemporary challenges. He stressed the inclusion of provisions for land surveys and valuation policies to mitigate issues related to fluctuating land values.

Siraj urged fellow parliament members to support the bill, citing its importance. However, members of the opposition have expressed reservations, advocating against its passage.

Source(s): PsmNews

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