China launched Mengtian module of its space station from the Wenchang Space Launch Centre in Hainan

The unmanned Mengtian is the last of three modules that will comprise the space station of China. Mengtian translates into "Dreaming of the Heavens." This space station would be the second permanently inhabited outpost in low-earth orbit after the NASA-led International Space Station. The launching was from the Wenchang Space Launch Centre in the southern island province of Hainan. China began construction of its space station in April 2021 with the launch of the Tianhe module. This was the main living quarters for astronauts. Later, in July this year it launched Wentian. This is a laboratory module for carrying out scientific experiments. The 23-tonne Mengtian is the third portion. It is also a laboratory module and it would dock with an axial port at one end of Tianhe. The T-shape space station will be complete when the individual components occupy their respective positions. 'Dreaming of the Heavens': China launches final module to space station. The design of the Chinese space station is for a lifespan of at least 10 years. It will fulfil the ambition of China of having it in a low-earth orbit because NASA's aging ISS would cease operation by the end of the decade.

The Chinese-built "Celestial Palace", as the space station is known at home, will also be an emblem of China's growing power and self-sufficiency in its space endeavors. It will be a challenger to the United States in the domain, after being isolated from the ISS and other collaboration with NASA. Moreover, the space station will also cap President Xi Jinping's 10 years as leader of China's ruling Communist Party. The plans of China vis-à-vis the station's lifetime is to conduct more than 1,000 scientific experiments. These would cover subjects like how plants adapt in space to how fluids behave in microgravity. Once the ISS retires, the demand would rise for use of the Chinese space station. China has already approved several proposals from countries ranging from Switzerland to India in the first batch of experiments. China would require two more missions this year before its station is ready for operation. Incidentally, China became the third country to put a man in space with its own rocket, in October 2003, after the former Soviet Union and the United States.

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California to go electric by 2035 with more climate-friendly vehicles

Let us have more climate-friendly vehicles is the intention of California. It is evolving plans to give more thrust to manufacture vehicles that run on electricity or hydrogen. The state wants to wean people way from gas-powered cars. Automobile manufacturers need to explore alternatives. Of course, people can continue to operate gas-fueled vehicles and purchase used ones after 2035. The broad plan is to permit one-fifth of sales after 2035 to be plug-in hybrids that can run on batteries and gas. It would mean an end to filling up at the local gas station. Moreover, the change over from gas to electric cars will be environment friendly and reduce carbon emissions and air pollutants. Incidentally, California is the seventh-largest oil producing state. Its output is on the decline in view of its willingness to push forward its climate goals. Consequently, the transition might be painful in some parts of the state. California Poised to Phase Out Sale of New Gas-Powered Cars. As Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom said - “The climate crisis is solvable if we focus on the big, bold steps necessary to stem the tide of carbon pollution."

The Governor had announced the 2035 goal two years ago. Subsequently, regulators have worked out the details of the action that has to be taken to ensure that our planet can cater to future generations. The road is ridden with practical hurdles. One of these is the scarcity of adequate reliable power and charging stations. At present, there are about 80,000 stations in public places. This is against a requirement of about 250,000 by 2025. The challengers include the lack of infrastructure, access to materials needed to make batteries, and issues related to the supply chain. There is a need for the authorities to address these hurdles. Climate officials in California believe its new policy will be the most ambitious in the world. It has already set clear benchmarks for ramping up electric vehicle sales over the next dozen years. This is now a global target. The European Parliament, Canada and China are in the same frequency.

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Laal Singh Chaddha was a domestic flop but is breaking records at the worldwide box office

Aamir Khan was disappointed with the domestic flop of Laal Singh Chaddha. However, its performance at the worldwide box office brought smiles to Aamir and his fans. It has overtaken other recent hits of 2022 like Gangubai Kathiawadi, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 and The Kashmir Files. Aamir’s Laal Singh received $7.5 million (Rs 59 crore) in over a week of release. In comparison, Gangubai Kathiawadi earned $7.47 million, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 earned $5.88 million, and The Kashmir Files earned $5.7 million. Each of these was also major hits in India. Laal Singh Chaddha is now the highest-grossing Hindi film at international box office, earns more than Gangubai Kathiawadi and Kashmir Files.

Aamir’s film was produced on a reported budget of Rs 180 crore and it made slightly more than Rs 55 crore. Its production began prior to the pandemic. Its filming was in starts and stops during the last three years. The film could still improve its profits in case it does better in China. Aamir had back-to-back success with some of his films like of Secret Superstar (2017) and Dangal (2018). Normally, his films seldom fail to leave its mark at the box office. His fans must be hoping to see a reversal of fortune.

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