Please note this is a `batch` call proposal, combining the Polkadot upgrade with the Statemint upgrade: 

- Batch call hash: `0xbf60cbdd406036e0b6a3028763bfe20d9569780c0ffddc75cf209358fce3111c`
- Call design: [here](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1emtVtvZ-4skQnKDJj5r0_fP1bm-q4l4l/view?usp=sharing).

The **Polkadot runtime** will be upgraded to **v9170** - Release notes, runtime changes and proposal hash can be found [HERE](https://github.com/paritytech/polkadot/releases/tag/v0.9.17-rc4). This release improves the block time degradation issues, as seen [on Kusama](https://github.com/paritytech/polkadot/issues/4911). It also includes new changes in the runtime: like optimised weights and contains the PR to fully enable the bags list on polkadot, which **removes the need of having a strict maximum count for nominators** and also fully alleviates the phantom nominator issue. Both of these are explained further [in the January issue of "Polkadot Staking Progress”](https://docs.google.com/document/d/12MPnxGzoiRcJJYAGOYVU8dGUkqybuhoQX7wg5ouGfgU/edit?usp=sharing). 
- Call hash for polkadot upgrade: `0x8eb2806cbdf1a4ba91334669b2476870134db3af5c77f418152af0ad354d3b32`
 
The **Statemint runtime** will be upgraded to [v700](https://github.com/paritytech/cumulus/releases/tag/parachains-v7.0.0-rc8):

-  The Uniques pallet includes an [extra storage item](https://github.com/paritytech/substrate/pull/9940) linking class owners to their NFT classes. This storage map comes in handy for UI developers, especially around the UX of creating and minting NFTs.

- With the inclusion of [Polkadot 4470](https://github.com/paritytech/polkadot/pull/4470) and [Cumulus 831](https://github.com/paritytech/cumulus/pull/831), parachains that have HRMP channels with Statemint will finally be able to use them in both directions. For parachain developers, note that this is a breaking change and if you've used reserve backed transfers from Statemint then you will need to migrate some storage items.

- It addresses all issues found by independent auditors regarding the Statemint runtimes. For Statemint, this means that once teleportation is ready (pending some final disputes related features) it should be OK to lift the call filter restricting asset/unique creation, opening the door for fungible and non-fungible assets in the Polkadot network. 

As usual, the Statemint proposal will dispatch an `authorizeUpgrade` message. All info about the upgrade can be found on the link above. 

- Hash for XCM call (council motion) can be found [HERE](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BvnGFDK2KVjvFNMxs6qA9evkeSyniOdS/view?usp=sharing).
 - Hash: `0x8adb4ccdf996f05fa7941ce3b56ecec6dd49a88d9db445963e813ac10cadd326`.
- Encoded call: `0x01028adb4ccdf996f05fa7941ce3b56ecec6dd49a88d9db445963e813ac10cadd326`
- Runtime release can be found [HERE](https://github.com/paritytech/cumulus/releases/tag/parachains-v7.0.0-rc8).

Feel free to use srtool yourself to check the proposal hash. If passed by the Council, this proposal should be voted by the community and enacted after. Make sure to vote at your convenience!

Problem Statement:
- The Polkadot runtime and Statemint runtime need to be upgraded to address various issues and improve functionality.

Significance:
- The Polkadot upgrade (v9170) improves block time degradation issues and enables the bags list, removing the need for a strict maximum count for nominators.
- The Statemint upgrade (v700) includes improvements for UI developers, enables HRMP channels in both directions, and addresses issues found by auditors.

Proposed Solution:
- Upgrade the Polkadot runtime to v9170 and the Statemint runtime to v700.

Expected Outcomes:
- Improved block time degradation and functionality for Polkadot.
- Enhanced user experience and functionality for creating and minting NFTs in Statemint.

#53 Polkadot Runtime Upgrade to v9170 and Statemint Runtime Upgrade to v700