Presidential polls in the African nation of Nigeria are almost over. Officials are now in the process of counting votes. Nearly ninety million people were eligible to cast their votes for appointing the successor of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Nigeria General Elections: Nigerians hope for a President who can end the nation's crisis

United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has said that he is giving everything he can to strike a new post-Brexit deal with the European Union. Talking about the Northern Ireland's trade and events, Prime Minister Sunak called it vital to 'ensure a return to power sharing in the province'.

PM Sunak: Brexit is an unfinished business

Nigeria Presidential Elections 2023: Country faces problems of kidnapping, corruption and poverty

A migrant boat shipwreck in southern Italy has resulted in more than 45 fatalities and 40 survivors reported so far, according to a representative for the Italian fire department on Sunday. The shipwreck occurred not far from Steccato di Cutro, a beach town on Calabria's eastern coast and the toe of Italy's boot.

45 migrants die in Southern Coast of Italy, 40 survivors reported so far

Massive protests have erupted in the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo over the government‘s decision to postpone the local government elections, citing the country‘s economic crisis. Some 10,000 people took to the streets, demanding polls be held as earlier scheduled for the 8th of March.

Massive protests against ruling Sri Lankan govt rocks Colombo

A new Lithium reserve has been discovered in India’s Northern Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. What does this discovery spell for the country?

Gravitas Plus: New Lithium reserve in J&K | What does it mean for India?

As Russia's invasion of Ukraine marked its first-year anniversary, Australia also imposed financial sanctions against 90 Russian individuals and 40 entities and said it will send more drones to Ukraine to aid its fight against Russia. The Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Friday&nbsp;in a statement said, "We continue to stand with Ukraine. The uncrewed aerial systems&nbsp;provide a battlefield intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability for the Ukrainian Armed Forces."

However, Albanese didn't mention how many drones or which models will be shipped, and whether they would be armed.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-announces-new-sanctions-targeting-russian-banks-defence-industry-semiconductor-access-565534">Also read |&nbsp;US announces new sanctions on Russian banks, defence sector, blocks semiconductor access</a>

The sanctions&nbsp;list includes Russian ministers overseeing energy and industry sectors,&nbsp;and key players in defence, including arms manufacturer Kalashnikov Concern, aviation firm Tupolev and submarine developers Admiralty Shipyards.

The sanctions come&nbsp;as the UN with a historic vote demanded Moscow to leave Kyiv "immediately," with a call for "just and lasting" peace.&nbsp;

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong on Friday&nbsp;told ABC television that she will urge China to take steps to de-escalate the conflict.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-anniversary-biden-to-announce-sanctions-against-russia-at-virtual-g7-meet-friday-565334">Also read | Ukraine war anniversary: Biden to announce sanctions against Russia at virtual G7 meet Friday</a>

Australia has been one of the largest non-NATO contributors to Ukraine with defence aid, ammunition and banned exports of alumina and aluminium ores to Russia.&nbsp;

Since the conflict began in February 2022, Australia has provided around $340 million in military support to Ukraine. It also deployed soldiers in Britain to help train Ukrainian troops and has sanctioned over 1,000 Russian individuals and entities.&nbsp;

The United States also announced sanctions against Russia, the White House said.&nbsp;In coordination with G7 partners and allies, the US Departments of the Treasury and State will implement "sweeping sanctions" against key revenue-generating sectors like defence&nbsp;and banks, besides blocking access to semiconductors.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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As Russia's invasion of Ukraine marked its first-year anniversary, Australia also imposed financial sanctions against 90 Russian individuals and 40 entities and said it will send more drones to Ukraine to aid its fight against Russia.

As Russia's invasion of Ukraine marked its first-year anniversary, Australia also imposed financial sanctions against 90 Russian individuals and 40 entities and said it will send more drones to Ukraine to aid its fight against Russia. The Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Friday in a statement said, "We continue to stand with Ukraine. The uncrewed aerial systems provide a battlefield intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability for the Ukrainian Armed Forces." However, Albanese didn't mention how many drones or which models will be shipped, and whether they would be armed. Also read | US announces new sanctions on Russian banks, defence sector, blocks semiconductor access The sanctions list includes Russian ministers overseeing energy and industry sectors, and key players in defence, including arms manufacturer Kalashnikov Concern, aviation firm Tupolev and submarine developers Admiralty Shipyards. The sanctions come as the UN with a historic vote demanded Moscow to leave Kyiv "immediately," with a call for "just and lasting" peace. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong on Friday told ABC television that she will urge China to take steps to de-escalate the conflict. Also read | Ukraine war anniversary: Biden to announce sanctions against Russia at virtual G7 meet Friday Australia has been one of the largest non-NATO contributors to Ukraine with defence aid, ammunition and banned exports of alumina and aluminium ores to Russia. Since the conflict began in February 2022, Australia has provided around $340 million in military support to Ukraine. It also deployed soldiers in Britain to help train Ukrainian troops and has sanctioned over 1,000 Russian individuals and entities. The United States also announced sanctions against Russia, the White House said. In coordination with G7 partners and allies, the US Departments of the Treasury and State will implement "sweeping sanctions" against key revenue-generating sectors like defence and banks, besides blocking access to semiconductors. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Russia-Ukraine war: After US, Australia imposes new sanctions on Moscow

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken will be meeting his counterparts from India, Japan and Australia, next week amid rising tensions with China, top State Department official Donald Lu said.&nbsp;

He added that Blinken will be holding an hour-long meet on March 03 in New Delhi, India, on the sidelines of the G20 meet, where they will also focus on disaster relief and vaccine aid measures.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-live-poland-makes-1st-delivery-of-leopard-2-tanks-to-ukraine-565487">Ukraine war: Zelensky plans to meet Xi; FATF suspends Russia's membership</a>

"The Quad is not a military alliance; the Quad is not in fact an organisation that is against any single country or group of countries. It stands for trying to promote activities and values that support the Indo-Pacific — a free and open Indo-Pacific," Lu said.

This comes weeks after Blinken cancelled his trip to China after an alleged Chinese spy balloon flew over the United States. He later held a 'tense meet' with Beijing's foreign official Wang Yi at the Munich Security Conference where he raised the 'unacceptable' violation of Washington's sovereignty and also warned that Beijing's support to Moscow will call for new sanctions.&nbsp;

As per reports, Blinken has refused to see Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who will also be attending the meeting, saying that Russia is not serious about 'peace'.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/how-nato-quad-and-aukus-failed-the-world-in-2022-541906">Also read |&nbsp;How NATO, Quad and AUKUS failed the world in 2022</a>

The concept of Quad was initiated by the late Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe as he sought unity among the four democracies amid their tensions with China.&nbsp;

Blinken will reach New Delhi after his stops in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan's Astana, where he will be meeting his counterparts from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan, the other Central Asian former Soviet republics.

(With inputs from agencies)

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&nbsp;

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encies)

&nbsp;

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken will be meeting his counterparts from India, Japan and Australia, next week amid rising tensions with China, top State Department official Donald Lu said.

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken will be meeting his counterparts from India, Japan and Australia, next week amid rising tensions with China, top State Department official Donald Lu said. He added that Blinken will be holding an hour-long meet on March 03 in New Delhi, India, on the sidelines of the G20 meet, where they will also focus on disaster relief and vaccine aid measures. Also read | Ukraine war: Zelensky plans to meet Xi; FATF suspends Russia's membership "The Quad is not a military alliance; the Quad is not in fact an organisation that is against any single country or group of countries. It stands for trying to promote activities and values that support the Indo-Pacific — a free and open Indo-Pacific," Lu said. This comes weeks after Blinken cancelled his trip to China after an alleged Chinese spy balloon flew over the United States. He later held a 'tense meet' with Beijing's foreign official Wang Yi at the Munich Security Conference where he raised the 'unacceptable' violation of Washington's sovereignty and also warned that Beijing's support to Moscow will call for new sanctions. As per reports, Blinken has refused to see Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who will also be attending the meeting, saying that Russia is not serious about 'peace'. Also read | How NATO, Quad and AUKUS failed the world in 2022 The concept of Quad was initiated by the late Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe as he sought unity among the four democracies amid their tensions with China. Blinken will reach New Delhi after his stops in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan's Astana, where he will be meeting his counterparts from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan, the other Central Asian former Soviet republics. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE encies)

Antony Blinken to meet Quad counterparts in New Delhi amid rising tensions with China: Official

February 10&nbsp;marked the second anniversary of China's ambitious Tianwen 1 mission — which also happens to be the nation's first interplanetary mission. Amid the celebration, one voice remained silent, that of China's Zhurong Mars rover, which was sent to the surface of the red planet as part of Beijing's Tianwen 1 mission. The Chinese rover has been in "hibernation" for months. It was supposed to wake up back in December of last year. However, almost two months later, its slumber still continues. Last month, a report expressed hope that Zhurong would come out of its sleep, but recent images from NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter show that it hasn't changed its position for five months.

Watch |&nbsp;This study suggests ancient Mars was also hit by climate change

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As per NASA, the rover hasn't moved since September 2022. The space agency's office at the University of Arizona which manages the HiRISE camera released a series of images, which show that Zhurong has not changed its position between September 8, 2022 and February 7,&nbsp;2023.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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HiPOD: Monitoring the Zhurong Rover 
 
The Chinese Zhurong rover has been on Mars since 14 May 2021, and MRO/HiRISE has imaged it several times to track its progress and monitor the surface for changes. 
 
For full cutout: <a href="https://t.co/WKCpyrbqI9">https://t.co/WKCpyrbqI9</a> 
 
NASA/JPL-Caltech/UArizona<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mars?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mars</a> <a href="https://t.co/EzER3I5Q4Y">pic.twitter.com/EzER3I5Q4Y</a>
— HiRISE: Beautiful Mars (NASA) (@HiRISE) <a href="https://twitter.com/HiRISE/status/1628032187181281283?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/explained-zhurongs-slumber-continues-for-months-has-chinas-mars-rover-fallen-silent-forever-554018">Explained | Zhurong's slumber continues for months. Has China's Mars rover fallen 'silent' forever?</a>

The rover entered its hibernation mode way back on May 18,&nbsp;2022, to survive barren Mars' harsh winter months. During winter on the red planet, temperatures can fall down to minus 195 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 125 degrees Celsius).

As per Jia Yang, Tianwen 1 mission deputy chief designer, the rover would wake up when two conditions are met: it can generate energy greater than 140 watts and the planet’s temperature, or rather the region where the rover is, reaches the somewhat warmer, 5 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 15 degrees Celsius).

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/men-are-from-mars-women-are-from-venus-which-one-should-humans-visit-first-520603">'Men are from Mars, women are from Venus', which planet should humans visit first?</a>

However, it is possible that due to Mars' sand storms, Zhurong which uses solar arrays for energy might be unable to do so. Dust may be hindering the rover's arrays. Even if it never wakes up, the rover has already achieved significant things; it successfully completed one year of operations, for which it was also presented with the International Astronautical Federation's annual space achievement award in September 2022.

(With inputs from agencies)

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February 10 marked the second anniversary of China's ambitious Tianwen 1 mission — which also happens to be the nation's first interplanetary mission. Amid the celebration, one voice remained silent, that of China's Zhurong Mars rover, which was sent to the surface of the red planet as part of Beijing's Tianwen 1 mission.

February 10 marked the second anniversary of China's ambitious Tianwen 1 mission — which also happens to be the nation's first interplanetary mission. Amid the celebration, one voice remained silent, that of China's Zhurong Mars rover, which was sent to the surface of the red planet as part of Beijing's Tianwen 1 mission. The Chinese rover has been in "hibernation" for months. It was supposed to wake up back in December of last year. However, almost two months later, its slumber still continues. Last month, a report expressed hope that Zhurong would come out of its sleep, but recent images from NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter show that it hasn't changed its position for five months. Watch | This study suggests ancient Mars was also hit by climate change As per NASA, the rover hasn't moved since September 2022. The space agency's office at the University of Arizona which manages the HiRISE camera released a series of images, which show that Zhurong has not changed its position between September 8, 2022 and February 7, 2023. HiPOD: Monitoring the Zhurong Rover The Chinese Zhurong rover has been on Mars since 14 May 2021, and MRO/HiRISE has imaged it several times to track its progress and monitor the surface for changes. For full cutout: https://t.co/WKCpyrbqI9 NASA/JPL-Caltech/UArizona#Mars pic.twitter.com/EzER3I5Q4Y — HiRISE: Beautiful Mars (NASA) (@HiRISE) February 21, 2023 × Also read | Explained | Zhurong's slumber continues for months. Has China's Mars rover fallen 'silent' forever? The rover entered its hibernation mode way back on May 18, 2022, to survive barren Mars' harsh winter months. During winter on the red planet, temperatures can fall down to minus 195 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 125 degrees Celsius). As per Jia Yang, Tianwen 1 mission deputy chief designer, the rover would wake up when two conditions are met: it can generate energy greater than 140 watts and the planet’s temperature, or rather the region where the rover is, reaches the somewhat warmer, 5 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 15 degrees Celsius). Also read | 'Men are from Mars, women are from Venus', which planet should humans visit first? However, it is possible that due to Mars' sand storms, Zhurong which uses solar arrays for energy might be unable to do so. Dust may be hindering the rover's arrays. Even if it never wakes up, the rover has already achieved significant things; it successfully completed one year of operations, for which it was also presented with the International Astronautical Federation's annual space achievement award in September 2022. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Five months and counting...NASA images show China's Mars rover 'Zhurong' hasn't moved

In California, a very chilly winter storm slowed down major highways near Los Angeles and Santa Cruz, dumped snow on coastal hills that rarely get it, and knocked out electricity to more than 110,000 homes and businesses.

Blizzard warnings in Sierra Nevada and Southern California

On Friday, the "Rust" movie's producers announced that they had reached an agreement to pay a $100,000 civil penalty for "severe" workplace safety violations that occurred before cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was fatally shot on a New Mexico film set in 2021.

'Rust' producers agree to pay $100,000 fine after shooting at movie set

High drama at the UN Security Council meeting as Russia and Ukraine square off. Even before the UN Security Council could begin its deliberations on peace and security in Ukraine on Friday, a dramatic showdown between Russia and Ukraine took place.

UNSC Meeting: Russia objects to Ukraine Minister being allowed to speak first

Voting has begun to elect a new President in the African nation of Nigeria. The nation will choose a successor to Muhammadu Buhari, who is stepping down after eight years. Nigerians are also voting for the country's two houses of the Parliament - the National Assembly and the Senate.

Nigeria: Citizens vote for new President in closely fought election

A year has passed since Russia invaded Ukraine and since then this war has seen a lot of twists and turns. Russia kept some of the Ukrainian territories and was forced to withdraw from others after facing tough counter-offensive, one such town is Kherson. Watch WION's report to see what is happening there.

Russia Ukraine War: Dnieper river still not safe to visit, WION reports from Kherson

The United Arab Emirates has expressed its plans to buy a dozen Chinese l-15 aircraft as it seeks to bolster its defenses after a series of attacks by the Yemeni rebels.

UAE seals deal with China for L-15 trainer aircraft

While the world is still figuring out ways for transitioning into the virtual world of metaverse, Colombia's court held its first legal trial inside the metaverse.

Colombian court holds 2-3 hour long virtual court hearing

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has arrived in India and his visit will focus on several areas including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed him at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

PM Modi: Russia-Ukraine dispute can be resolved via dialogue | India

Russia Ukraine War: Authorities warn conflict can still occur near Dnieper river

As the Presidential race heats up in Nepal, Nepal's eight mainstream political parties have decided to support the Nepali Congress nominee in the Presidential Elections that are scheduled for the 9th of March.

Nepal Presidential Race: Eight mainstream parties agree to back Nepali Congress candidate

Sri Lanka will be distributing school uniforms to all the government-aided schools within a month. Interestingly, a Chinese grant will sponsor 70 percent of the budget needed to procure and distribute these uniforms.

First installment received from China a month back, latter sponsors Sri Lanka school uniforms

Weeks after the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit Turkey and Syria and killed over 50,000 people, Turkey has now begun to work to rebuild homes. The death toll in Turkey due to the massive earthquake has crossed over 44,000.

Turkey beings work to rebuild homes after several damage | Turkey-Syria Earthquake Aftermath

According to a working paper by Stanford University and the Institute for Competitiveness, the Covid-19 vaccination programme in India was able to save 3.4 million lives and generate a net economic benefit of $15.4 billion by preventing losses. Mansukh Mandaviya, the Union Health Minister, presented the paper during his virtual address at the university's "The India Dialog."

Stanford Report: 3.4 MN lives saved through lockdown, vaccines | India

Despite the U.S. and allies’ continued efforts to bolster the Ukrainians, there are no signs of an endgame in the war. The conflict seems destined to enter an even more complicated phase in the months ahead. After tanks and long-range missiles, Zelensky is gunning for F-16s, but there is no consensus among Western allies.

Why Ukraine is unlikely to get F-16 fighters anytime soon | Details

Can an unborn foetus be treated as a person with rights? A pregnant U.S inmate charged with murder is seeking release on the grounds that her foetus hasn't committed any crime and remains incarcerated in deplorable conditions.

U.S. inmate seeks release on grounds that her child is innocent

12 months since the Ukraine war started, which side is closer to victory? How will the war play out in 2023? Will it die down or divide the world further? Here's what Priyanka Sharma has to say on Gravitas Plus.

Gravitas Plus: Ukraine War: What will Putin do next?

Nigeria: 18 candidates on ballot for the top position

After eliminating Covid-19 travel restrictions last year, Taiwan is seeking for measures to strengthen its economy. As the trade-dependent island struggles with a decline in exports, growth is predicted to decelerate in 2023, making it even more crucial to boost domestic demand and tourism.

Taiwan attempts to boost its economy after removing Covid curbs

Finance chiefs of the world's largest economies strongly condemned Moscow for its war on Ukraine. Only China and Russia declined to sign a joint statement. India, chair of the group of twenty economies, was reluctant to raise the issue of the war.

G-20 finance meet, hosted by India, ends without a joint communique

Biden: The U.S. military have deemed other support more crucial

Israel violates Syrian airspace & carries out missile strikes on Damascus North Korea threatens to turn the Pacific into a shooting range over U.S. military drills & Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan proposes a peace deal over Nagorno-Karabakh Mohammed Saleh gets you an indepth report of the world's biggest warzones of the week in World At War.

World at War | Russia threatens to shoot down American satellites aiding Ukraine

On March 27 last year, the Central American nation of El Salvador imposed a State of Emergency. The move came after the murder of 62 Salvadorans the previous day. Now, 2,000 inmates have been moved to a new mega-prison, the latest step in a controversial crackdown on crime.

El Salvador's new mega-prison faces criticism, only two sinks and washrooms in each cell

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