A Harvard scientist wants to investigate a meteor that is said to be an alien technology and currently lying at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean.&nbsp;

Last week, a document released by the United States Space Command (USSC) stated that researchers discovered the first known interstellar meteor to ever hit Earth.&nbsp;

As per the document released by US Space Command, the officials noted that a meteor that made an impact on Earth on January 8, 2014, was an interstellar object.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-insight-lander-captures-images-of-sunrise-on-mars-473049">NASA InSight lander captures images of sunrise on Mars</a>

The object, measuring just 1.5 feet across, is named CNEOS 2014-01-08. Researchers noted that it crash-landed along the northeast coast of Papua New Guinea.&nbsp;

In the latest development, Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb claimed that the object is apparently a piece of alien technology. "Our discovery of an interstellar meteor heralds a new research frontier," Loeb wrote in The Debrief.&nbsp;

"The fundamental question is whether any interstellar meteor might indicate a composition that is unambiguously artificial in origin. Better still, perhaps some technological components would survive the impact," he added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/check-out-this-nasa-hubble-image-of-five-colliding-galaxies-473038">Check out this fantastic Hubble image of five colliding galaxies</a>

Significantly, Professor Loeb spent decades studying astronomy and reportedly he is probing the possibility that life exists beyond Earth.&nbsp;

As reported by Daily Mail, he suggested that the object can be investigated by taking it out using a magnet in order to examine it. He added that retrieving the object could be an opportunity to fulfil a lifelong dream of getting his hands on alien technology.&nbsp;

"My dream is to press some buttons on a functional piece of equipment that was manufactured outside of Earth," Loeb also wrote.&nbsp;

The document released by USSC noted that the velocity and trajectory of the meteor suggested the space rock was apparently from deep space, meaning the extrasolar in origin.&nbsp;

The paper also mentioned that this discovery will help enable a new method for studying the composition of interstellar objects. The new method will be based on spectroscopy of their gaseous debris as they burn up in the Earth's atmosphere.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Deadly coral disease grips Florida coast, efforts on to restore damaged reef

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A Harvard scientist wants to investigate a meteor that is said to be an alien technology and currently lying at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. Last week, a document released by the United States Space Command (USSC) stated that researchers discovered the first known interstellar meteor to ever hit Earth.

A Harvard scientist wants to investigate a meteor that is said to be an alien technology and currently lying at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. Last week, a document released by the United States Space Command (USSC) stated that researchers discovered the first known interstellar meteor to ever hit Earth. As per the document released by US Space Command, the officials noted that a meteor that made an impact on Earth on January 8, 2014, was an interstellar object. ALSO READ | NASA InSight lander captures images of sunrise on Mars The object, measuring just 1.5 feet across, is named CNEOS 2014-01-08. Researchers noted that it crash-landed along the northeast coast of Papua New Guinea. In the latest development, Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb claimed that the object is apparently a piece of alien technology. "Our discovery of an interstellar meteor heralds a new research frontier," Loeb wrote in The Debrief. "The fundamental question is whether any interstellar meteor might indicate a composition that is unambiguously artificial in origin. Better still, perhaps some technological components would survive the impact," he added. ALSO READ | Check out this fantastic Hubble image of five colliding galaxies Significantly, Professor Loeb spent decades studying astronomy and reportedly he is probing the possibility that life exists beyond Earth. As reported by Daily Mail, he suggested that the object can be investigated by taking it out using a magnet in order to examine it. He added that retrieving the object could be an opportunity to fulfil a lifelong dream of getting his hands on alien technology. "My dream is to press some buttons on a functional piece of equipment that was manufactured outside of Earth," Loeb also wrote. The document released by USSC noted that the velocity and trajectory of the meteor suggested the space rock was apparently from deep space, meaning the extrasolar in origin. The paper also mentioned that this discovery will help enable a new method for studying the composition of interstellar objects. The new method will be based on spectroscopy of their gaseous debris as they burn up in the Earth's atmosphere. WATCH | Deadly coral disease grips Florida coast, efforts on to restore damaged reef ×

Presence of alien tech on Earth? Scientist wants to probe interstellar object 'lying in the Pacific Ocean'

Last summer, drought conditions and water shortages dominated headlines in America's West, and 2022 has seen some half a dozen states ramping up to fight over the water they want and need coming from America's biggest mountain chain, the spectacular Rocky Mountains.

The Rocky Mountains run some 3,000 miles (about 4828 km) from the state of New Mexico deep into Canada, and literally divide North America -- rivers on the west side of the Rockies flow to the Pacific Ocean, and east-bound rivers eventually find the Atlantic, Xinhua news agency reported.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/1962-cuban-missile-crisis-when-world-was-on-brink-of-nuclear-war-like-it-is-now-over-ukraine-455806">1962 Cuban missile crisis: When world was on brink of nuclear war, like it is now over Ukraine</a> 
 
Surface water accounts for 55 per cent of America's water use, according to the US Department of Agriculture, which says water from the Rockies makes more than half of Wyoming's water yield and 70 per cent of the public surface water supply in Colorado. 
 
In no place in the United States is water more vital for survival than the parched southwest, where a historic, 1,200-year drought has dried streams, rivers, reservoirs and lakes, and left politicians scrambling for solutions. 
 
In January, the governor of Nebraska announced a $500 million plan to build a canal to divert water from Colorado, which was opposed by the Centennial State. 
 
"Colorado will continue to aggressively defend our water rights for the Eastern Plains, our farmers and ranchers, and all of Colorado," and will "oppose attempts to divert Colorado's precious rightful water resources," Colorado`s Governor Jared Polis said in a statement recently. 
 
"This canal to nowhere would clearly be a huge waste of Nebraska taxpayer money and is unlikely to ever be built. There remains time for thoughtful Nebraskans to avoid this boondoggle and focus on meaningful water policy working with partners like Colorado," Polis added.

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Even water experts who teach at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have pointed out that it is uncertain how much water Nebraska could actually get out of such a canal, local media outlets have reported. 
 
Meanwhile, divergence was quite apparent in states west of the Rocky Mountains. 
 
The Colorado River, runs 1,397 miles (about 2,248 km) from Grand County, Colorado, to the Gulf of California, provides water for over 40 million people, irrigates 2 million acres (around 8,094 square km) of land, and creates 4,000 megawatts of hydroelectric capacity, according to data from propublica.org. 
 
More than 75 per cent of the river's water comes from melted snowpack in the high Rockies. 
 
In December, the states of California, Arizona and Nevada, announced a voluntary agreement to scale back their use of the Colorado River, according to Deseret News. 
 
The cooperation, however, did not deter Utah's governor from finger pointing. 
 
California, Arizona and Nevada have "drawn too much water over the years. The lower basin has been overusing their portion of the Colorado River for years," said Utah Governor Spencer Cox in December, "everyone knows that."

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However, a report released by the Utah Rivers Council alleges that Utah is actually using more water than it was allowed under the century-old Colorado River Compact. 
 
The 1922 agreement, signed by Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming, is a loosely-defined agreement limiting excessive river water use by states, and defined the "lower (Colorado River) basin" states as Arizona, California, and Nevada. 
 
"The upper basin states have absolutely been underutilising their amounts compared to the lower basin states, and California being the most egregious example of that," Cox has said. 
 
The Colorado River is severely threatened by human overuse, environmental issues, and poor river management technique. As an extremely over-apportioned water resource, the water quality of the river is jeopardised by agricultural overdraw, which increases the salinity of the river, the Utah Rivers report noted.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: US cops manhandle black teen but let off white teen

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In 2021, the federal government made the emergency decision to send water from reservoirs in Colorado and other states to Lake Powell on the Utah-Arizona border, which had dropped to its lowest level on record, Colorado Public Radio reported. 
 
Last week, Lake Powell was sitting at only 3,529 feet (about 1076 meters), only four feet (around 1.22 metres) above the minimum threshold. The latest projections from the US Bureau of Reclamation show there is a chance that Powell could dip below this critical level by the fall of 2022 if conditions remain historically dry, said the report.

&nbsp;

Last summer, drought conditions and water shortages dominated headlines in America's West, and 2022 has seen some half a dozen states ramping up to fight over the water they want and need coming from America's biggest mountain chain, the spectacular Rocky Mountains.

Last summer, drought conditions and water shortages dominated headlines in America's West, and 2022 has seen some half a dozen states ramping up to fight over the water they want and need coming from America's biggest mountain chain, the spectacular Rocky Mountains. The Rocky Mountains run some 3,000 miles (about 4828 km) from the state of New Mexico deep into Canada, and literally divide North America -- rivers on the west side of the Rockies flow to the Pacific Ocean, and east-bound rivers eventually find the Atlantic, Xinhua news agency reported. Also read | 1962 Cuban missile crisis: When world was on brink of nuclear war, like it is now over Ukraine Surface water accounts for 55 per cent of America's water use, according to the US Department of Agriculture, which says water from the Rockies makes more than half of Wyoming's water yield and 70 per cent of the public surface water supply in Colorado. In no place in the United States is water more vital for survival than the parched southwest, where a historic, 1,200-year drought has dried streams, rivers, reservoirs and lakes, and left politicians scrambling for solutions. In January, the governor of Nebraska announced a $500 million plan to build a canal to divert water from Colorado, which was opposed by the Centennial State. "Colorado will continue to aggressively defend our water rights for the Eastern Plains, our farmers and ranchers, and all of Colorado," and will "oppose attempts to divert Colorado's precious rightful water resources," Colorado`s Governor Jared Polis said in a statement recently. "This canal to nowhere would clearly be a huge waste of Nebraska taxpayer money and is unlikely to ever be built. There remains time for thoughtful Nebraskans to avoid this boondoggle and focus on meaningful water policy working with partners like Colorado," Polis added. Also read | US Presidents who have visited India Even water experts who teach at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have pointed out that it is uncertain how much water Nebraska could actually get out of such a canal, local media outlets have reported. Meanwhile, divergence was quite apparent in states west of the Rocky Mountains. The Colorado River, runs 1,397 miles (about 2,248 km) from Grand County, Colorado, to the Gulf of California, provides water for over 40 million people, irrigates 2 million acres (around 8,094 square km) of land, and creates 4,000 megawatts of hydroelectric capacity, according to data from propublica.org. More than 75 per cent of the river's water comes from melted snowpack in the high Rockies. In December, the states of California, Arizona and Nevada, announced a voluntary agreement to scale back their use of the Colorado River, according to Deseret News. The cooperation, however, did not deter Utah's governor from finger pointing. California, Arizona and Nevada have "drawn too much water over the years. The lower basin has been overusing their portion of the Colorado River for years," said Utah Governor Spencer Cox in December, "everyone knows that." Also read | Rise in temperature leads to more mental health emergencies, claims study However, a report released by the Utah Rivers Council alleges that Utah is actually using more water than it was allowed under the century-old Colorado River Compact. The 1922 agreement, signed by Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming, is a loosely-defined agreement limiting excessive river water use by states, and defined the "lower (Colorado River) basin" states as Arizona, California, and Nevada. "The upper basin states have absolutely been underutilising their amounts compared to the lower basin states, and California being the most egregious example of that," Cox has said. The Colorado River is severely threatened by human overuse, environmental issues, and poor river management technique. As an extremely over-apportioned water resource, the water quality of the river is jeopardised by agricultural overdraw, which increases the salinity of the river, the Utah Rivers report noted. Watch | Gravitas: US cops manhandle black teen but let off white teen In 2021, the federal government made the emergency decision to send water from reservoirs in Colorado and other states to Lake Powell on the Utah-Arizona border, which had dropped to its lowest level on record, Colorado Public Radio reported. Last week, Lake Powell was sitting at only 3,529 feet (about 1076 meters), only four feet (around 1.22 metres) above the minimum threshold. The latest projections from the US Bureau of Reclamation show there is a chance that Powell could dip below this critical level by the fall of 2022 if conditions remain historically dry, said the report.

Water from rocky mountains strains state relations in America's west

Moscow on Thursday said that Japan is whipping up ‘hysteria’ in dispute over the Kuril Islands in the Pacific Ocean.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said, ''To me, it seems that the Japanese leadership allocates all of its time that could be spent on building normal, fully-fledged economic, financial, and cultural ties with our country… to fixate on this issue.''

Japan lays claim to the Russian-held southern Kuril islands that Tokyo calls the Northern Territories, a territorial row that dates back to the end of World War Two when Soviet troops seized them from Japan. The dispute has prevented them signing a formal peace treaty.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-beefs-up-military-presence-near-pacific-islands-claimed-by-japan-434124">Also read |&nbsp;Russia beefs up military presence near Pacific islands claimed by Japan</a>

In response, ''Russia's disregard for the sovereignties of others is also not new, nor is it limited to the Northern Territories,'' said Washington’s new ambassador in Tokyo, Rahm Emanuel.

Russian President Vladimir Putin had said Moscow will be offerring tax breaks to stimulate business on a disputed Pacific island chain and make them available to foreign investors including from Japan.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-fumes-as-russia-talks-of-free-trade-zone-on-kuril-islands-400782">Also read |&nbsp;Japan fumes as Russia talks of free-trade zone on Kuril Islands</a>

Putin said Moscow needed to take into account its own security and that it wanted guarantees from Japan, a US ally, about possible deployments of US military and missile systems in the region near Russia.

"These questions have been put to the Japanese side. We still haven't received the answers so I think that in a sense the ball is in our partner's court."

Japan is offering Europe part of its liquified natural gas imports over fears supplies will be disrupted by tensions surrounding a possible Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Russia has deployed its Bastion coastal missile defence system to a remote part of the Kuril island chain in the Pacific near Japan.&nbsp;

Last year, Russia passed sweeping legislative reforms that, among an array of other things, made it unconstitutional to cede territory to a foreign power.

(With inputs from agencies)

Moscow on Thursday said that Japan is whipping up ‘hysteria’ in dispute over the Kuril Islands in the Pacific Ocean. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said, ''To me, it seems that the Japanese leadership allocates all of its time that could be spent on building normal, fully-fledged economic, financial, and cultural ties with our country… to fixate on this issue.

Moscow on Thursday said that Japan is whipping up ‘hysteria’ in dispute over the Kuril Islands in the Pacific Ocean. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said, ''To me, it seems that the Japanese leadership allocates all of its time that could be spent on building normal, fully-fledged economic, financial, and cultural ties with our country… to fixate on this issue.'' Japan lays claim to the Russian-held southern Kuril islands that Tokyo calls the Northern Territories, a territorial row that dates back to the end of World War Two when Soviet troops seized them from Japan. The dispute has prevented them signing a formal peace treaty. Also read | Russia beefs up military presence near Pacific islands claimed by Japan In response, ''Russia's disregard for the sovereignties of others is also not new, nor is it limited to the Northern Territories,'' said Washington’s new ambassador in Tokyo, Rahm Emanuel. Russian President Vladimir Putin had said Moscow will be offerring tax breaks to stimulate business on a disputed Pacific island chain and make them available to foreign investors including from Japan. Also read | Japan fumes as Russia talks of free-trade zone on Kuril Islands Putin said Moscow needed to take into account its own security and that it wanted guarantees from Japan, a US ally, about possible deployments of US military and missile systems in the region near Russia. "These questions have been put to the Japanese side. We still haven't received the answers so I think that in a sense the ball is in our partner's court." Japan is offering Europe part of its liquified natural gas imports over fears supplies will be disrupted by tensions surrounding a possible Russian invasion of Ukraine. Russia has deployed its Bastion coastal missile defence system to a remote part of the Kuril island chain in the Pacific near Japan. Last year, Russia passed sweeping legislative reforms that, among an array of other things, made it unconstitutional to cede territory to a foreign power. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia says Japan is whipping up ‘hysteria’ in Kuril Islands row

On Saturday, the impact of a powerful volcano eruption in the Pacific was felt halfway across the world. There is little word from Tonga - the epicenter of this explosion. The volcano eruption has snapped the country's communication lines. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: A volcano eruption that was felt halfway across the world

Another large eruption has been detected at the Tonga volcano, two days after a massive eruption triggered tsunami waves around the Pacific.

Tonga calls for 'immediate aid' as another large eruption detected

An out-of-control Russian Angara A5 heavy-lift rocket stage made an uncontrolled re-entry back to Earth on Wednesday and media reports have stated that it landed in the Pacific Ocean.&nbsp;

On December 27, scientists had conducted a third launch of its new heavy-class Angara rocket from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in northwestern Russia.&nbsp;

The next-generation Angara-A5 rocket had been launched with a mock payload and the state-run TASS news agency had mentioned that the aim was to test a new upper-stage rocket, called the Persei booster, for the first time.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/chemical-leftovers-from-earths-creation-still-lingering-deep-within-our-planet-study-442513">Chemical leftovers from Earth's creation still lingering deep within our planet: Study</a>

Space agency Roscosmos had congratulated the military-space forces and the entire Russian space industry and called the launch "successful". However, the launcher was prevented from reaching higher than low-Earth orbit after the booster suffered engine failure, as per reports.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the 18th Space Control Squadron, which is a&nbsp;United States Space Force space control unit, confirmed on Wednesday that the re-entry occurred at 4:08pm&nbsp;EST over the South Pacific. No other information is out yet.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/18SPCS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#18SPCS</a> has confirmed the reentry of the IPM 3/PERSEY (#50505, 2021-133A) at 13:08 PDT on 5 Jan, 2022, over the Pacific Ocean. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/spaceflightsafety?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#spaceflightsafety</a>
— 18th Space Control Squadron (@18SPCS) <a href="https://twitter.com/18SPCS/status/1478856999697731584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Most of the debris from space burn up while re-entering Earth's atmosphere and pose lesser harm, however, there are instances when they reach the Earth's surface and it can be dangerous depending on where they land.&nbsp;

Astronomer and satellite tracker Jonathan McDowell, who's based at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, said, "Persei reentry confirmed: 2108 UTC over 121W 14S in the South [Pacific]."&nbsp;

He had previously tweeted, "To be clear, I do NOT regard this object as a significant risk. Reentries for a object with dry mass of about 4 tonnes may see some debris reach the ground, but not much."

The head of the European Space Agency's Space Debris Office, Holger Krag also weighed in on the incident as he gave specifics about the debris.&nbsp;

As quoted by CNN, he said the Russian rocket part had been travelling at 7.5 kilometres per second.&nbsp;

Last year in May, NASA has slammed China after debris from its out-of-control rocket was reportedly crashed into the Indian Ocean.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/this-asteroid-can-make-you-richer-than-a-billionaire-442485">This asteroid can make you richer than a billionaire</a>

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Persei reentry confirmed: 2108 UTC over 121W 14S in the South Pacfici
— Jonathan McDowell (@planet4589) <a href="https://twitter.com/planet4589/status/1478854309861380099?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Here is a beautiful illustration of Persei, with attached conical dummy payload, by master space artist <a href="https://twitter.com/RussianSpaceWeb?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RussianSpaceWeb</a> <a href="https://t.co/zVQYqvjc9v">https://t.co/zVQYqvjc9v</a>
— Jonathan McDowell (@planet4589) <a href="https://twitter.com/planet4589/status/1478799332191125506?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Angara rockets - named after a Siberian river flowing out of Lake Baikal - are the first new family of launchers to be built after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

They are designed to replace the Proton rockets that date back to the 1960s and have suffered a series of failures in recent years.&nbsp;

Officials say the heavy-class Angara rocket is more environmentally friendly than its predecessors because it is fuelled by oxygen and kerosene rather than hugely toxic heptyl.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

An out-of-control Russian Angara A5 heavy-lift rocket stage made an uncontrolled re-entry back to Earth on Wednesday and media reports have stated that it landed in the Pacific Ocean.

An out-of-control Russian Angara A5 heavy-lift rocket stage made an uncontrolled re-entry back to Earth on Wednesday and media reports have stated that it landed in the Pacific Ocean. On December 27, scientists had conducted a third launch of its new heavy-class Angara rocket from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in northwestern Russia. The next-generation Angara-A5 rocket had been launched with a mock payload and the state-run TASS news agency had mentioned that the aim was to test a new upper-stage rocket, called the Persei booster, for the first time. ALSO READ | Chemical leftovers from Earth's creation still lingering deep within our planet: Study Space agency Roscosmos had congratulated the military-space forces and the entire Russian space industry and called the launch "successful". However, the launcher was prevented from reaching higher than low-Earth orbit after the booster suffered engine failure, as per reports. Meanwhile, the 18th Space Control Squadron, which is a United States Space Force space control unit, confirmed on Wednesday that the re-entry occurred at 4:08pm EST over the South Pacific. No other information is out yet. #18SPCS has confirmed the reentry of the IPM 3/PERSEY (#50505, 2021-133A) at 13:08 PDT on 5 Jan, 2022, over the Pacific Ocean. #spaceflightsafety — 18th Space Control Squadron (@18SPCS) January 5, 2022 × Most of the debris from space burn up while re-entering Earth's atmosphere and pose lesser harm, however, there are instances when they reach the Earth's surface and it can be dangerous depending on where they land. Astronomer and satellite tracker Jonathan McDowell, who's based at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, said, "Persei reentry confirmed: 2108 UTC over 121W 14S in the South [Pacific]." He had previously tweeted, "To be clear, I do NOT regard this object as a significant risk. Reentries for a object with dry mass of about 4 tonnes may see some debris reach the ground, but not much." The head of the European Space Agency's Space Debris Office, Holger Krag also weighed in on the incident as he gave specifics about the debris. As quoted by CNN, he said the Russian rocket part had been travelling at 7.5 kilometres per second. Last year in May, NASA has slammed China after debris from its out-of-control rocket was reportedly crashed into the Indian Ocean. ALSO READ | This asteroid can make you richer than a billionaire Persei reentry confirmed: 2108 UTC over 121W 14S in the South Pacfici — Jonathan McDowell (@planet4589) January 5, 2022 × Here is a beautiful illustration of Persei, with attached conical dummy payload, by master space artist @RussianSpaceWeb https://t.co/zVQYqvjc9v — Jonathan McDowell (@planet4589) January 5, 2022 × Angara rockets - named after a Siberian river flowing out of Lake Baikal - are the first new family of launchers to be built after the collapse of the Soviet Union. They are designed to replace the Proton rockets that date back to the 1960s and have suffered a series of failures in recent years. Officials say the heavy-class Angara rocket is more environmentally friendly than its predecessors because it is fuelled by oxygen and kerosene rather than hugely toxic heptyl. (With inputs from agencies)

Part of failed Russian rocket makes uncontrolled re-entry into Earth's atmosphere, crashes

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has said that the proposed mass disposal of wastewater from the tsunami-wrecked Fukushima nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean cannot be delayed, despite concerns raised by local residents.

Speaking at his first visit to the facility since taking office, Kishida said his government would work to reassure residents nearby the plant about the technical safety of the wastewater disposal plan.

The Fukushima Daiichi plant suffered a triple meltdown in 2011 following a massive earthquake and tsunami. Around 1.25 million tonnes of water have accumulated in tanks at the nuclear plant.

Japan's government argues that the release is safe because the water is processed to remove almost all radioactive elements and will be diluted.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ten-years-after-fukushima-disaster-this-nurse-may-be-the-regions-best-hope-369916">Ten years after Fukushima disaster, this nurse may be the region’s best hope</a>

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has also endorsed the release, which it says is similar to the disposal of wastewater at nuclear plants elsewhere in the world.

“I felt strongly that the water issue is a crucial one that should not be pushed back,” Kishida told reporters after the tour.

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In April, the government and Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings announced plans to start releasing the water into the Pacific Ocean in the spring of 2023 over the span of decades.

The plan has been fiercely opposed by fishermen, residents and Japan’s neighbours, including China and South Korea.

Kishida said the government will do its utmost to address concerns the water disposal will hurt local fishing and other industries.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/water-leaks-indicate-new-damage-at-fukushima-nuclear-plant-364890">Water leaks indicate new damage at Fukushima nuclear plant</a>

“We will provide explanation about the safety (of the disposal) from a scientific viewpoint and transparency in order to dispel various concerns,” Kishida said.

Japan has requested assistance by the IAEA to ensure the discharge meets global safety standards.

(With inputs from agencies)

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has said that the proposed mass disposal of wastewater from the tsunami-wrecked Fukushima nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean cannot be delayed, despite concerns raised by local residents.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has said that the proposed mass disposal of wastewater from the tsunami-wrecked Fukushima nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean cannot be delayed, despite concerns raised by local residents. Speaking at his first visit to the facility since taking office, Kishida said his government would work to reassure residents nearby the plant about the technical safety of the wastewater disposal plan. The Fukushima Daiichi plant suffered a triple meltdown in 2011 following a massive earthquake and tsunami. Around 1.25 million tonnes of water have accumulated in tanks at the nuclear plant. Japan's government argues that the release is safe because the water is processed to remove almost all radioactive elements and will be diluted. Also read | Ten years after Fukushima disaster, this nurse may be the region’s best hope The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has also endorsed the release, which it says is similar to the disposal of wastewater at nuclear plants elsewhere in the world. “I felt strongly that the water issue is a crucial one that should not be pushed back,” Kishida told reporters after the tour. Also read | Fukushima operators to build undersea tunnel to release treated water In April, the government and Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings announced plans to start releasing the water into the Pacific Ocean in the spring of 2023 over the span of decades. The plan has been fiercely opposed by fishermen, residents and Japan’s neighbours, including China and South Korea. Kishida said the government will do its utmost to address concerns the water disposal will hurt local fishing and other industries. Also read | Water leaks indicate new damage at Fukushima nuclear plant “We will provide explanation about the safety (of the disposal) from a scientific viewpoint and transparency in order to dispel various concerns,” Kishida said. Japan has requested assistance by the IAEA to ensure the discharge meets global safety standards. (With inputs from agencies)

Fukushima wastewater release can’t be delayed, says Japan PM Kishida

Roscosmos space agency said that a Russian Proton-M rocket carrying the new Nauka laboratory module for the International Space Station blasted off from the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

The Russian space agency released images showing the carrier rocket taking off at 1458 GMT, taking into orbit the first Russian ISS module in 11 years.&nbsp;

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Missed today’s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Nauka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Nauka</a> launch? Here is the video of this historic event! 
 
By the way, this was the 425th launch of the Proton family rockets. <a href="https://t.co/48dO8ur3wL">pic.twitter.com/48dO8ur3wL</a>
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'Nauka' (Science) module will provide the astronauts at the ISS with additional storage space, technical equipment, including for water and air regeneration.

According to&nbsp;Russia's TASS news agency, 'Nauka' module also supplies the station with ERA manipulator which will allow astronauts to avoid some of the open-space missions.

The module's long-planned journey to the ISS will take eight days. It is expected to dock to the nadir port of Russia's Zvezda service module on July 29, Roscosmos said in a statement in early July.&nbsp;

Also see|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-sputnik-1-to-sputnik-v-russian-scientific-achievements-375926">From Sputnik-1 to Sputnik V: Russian scientific achievements</a>

The assembly of the 20-tonne Nauka multipurpose laboratory module started back in the 1990s but its launch, initially scheduled for 2007,&nbsp;has been continuously delayed. &nbsp;

Pending a successful launch on Wednesday, Nauka will replace the Pirs module after twenty years in service, which is expected to detach from the ISS on Friday and burn up in the Earth's atmosphere over the Pacific Ocean. &nbsp;

Russia’s space program has been dogged by mishaps in recent years, including failed cargo delivery missions into space and the aborted launch in October of the manned Soyuz mission to the International Space Station.

Russia’s current heavy-lift rocket, the Proton-M, has had a nearly 10 percent failure rate in more than 100 launches since it entered service in 2001, creating pressure to reorganise and improve the space program.

The International Space Station is currently operated by NASA astronauts Mark Vande Hei, Shane Kimbrough and Megan McArthur; Oleg Novitsky and Pyotr Dubrov of Russia’s Roscosmos space corporation; Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Akihiko Hoshide and European Space Agency astronaut Thomas Pesquet.

In 1998, Russia launched the station’s first module, Zarya, which was followed in 2000 by another big module, Zvezda, and three smaller modules in the following years. The last of them, Rassvet, arrived at the station in 2010.

<aside>(With inputs from agency)</aside>

Roscosmos space agency said that a Russian Proton-M rocket carrying the new Nauka laboratory module for the International Space Station blasted off from the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

Roscosmos space agency said that a Russian Proton-M rocket carrying the new Nauka laboratory module for the International Space Station blasted off from the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The Russian space agency released images showing the carrier rocket taking off at 1458 GMT, taking into orbit the first Russian ISS module in 11 years. Missed today’s #Nauka launch? Here is the video of this historic event! By the way, this was the 425th launch of the Proton family rockets. pic.twitter.com/48dO8ur3wL — РОСКОСМОС (@roscosmos) July 21, 2021 × 'Nauka' (Science) module will provide the astronauts at the ISS with additional storage space, technical equipment, including for water and air regeneration. According to Russia's TASS news agency, 'Nauka' module also supplies the station with ERA manipulator which will allow astronauts to avoid some of the open-space missions. The module's long-planned journey to the ISS will take eight days. It is expected to dock to the nadir port of Russia's Zvezda service module on July 29, Roscosmos said in a statement in early July. Also see| From Sputnik-1 to Sputnik V: Russian scientific achievements The assembly of the 20-tonne Nauka multipurpose laboratory module started back in the 1990s but its launch, initially scheduled for 2007, has been continuously delayed. Pending a successful launch on Wednesday, Nauka will replace the Pirs module after twenty years in service, which is expected to detach from the ISS on Friday and burn up in the Earth's atmosphere over the Pacific Ocean. Russia’s space program has been dogged by mishaps in recent years, including failed cargo delivery missions into space and the aborted launch in October of the manned Soyuz mission to the International Space Station. Russia’s current heavy-lift rocket, the Proton-M, has had a nearly 10 percent failure rate in more than 100 launches since it entered service in 2001, creating pressure to reorganise and improve the space program. The International Space Station is currently operated by NASA astronauts Mark Vande Hei, Shane Kimbrough and Megan McArthur; Oleg Novitsky and Pyotr Dubrov of Russia’s Roscosmos space corporation; Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Akihiko Hoshide and European Space Agency astronaut Thomas Pesquet. In 1998, Russia launched the station’s first module, Zarya, which was followed in 2000 by another big module, Zvezda, and three smaller modules in the following years. The last of them, Rassvet, arrived at the station in 2010. (With inputs from agency)

Russia's heavy-lift Proton-M carrier rocket blasts off with ISS module 'Nauka'

Earth is 71% water, and those who are informed about world geography are aware that the mainland is surrounded by four oceans.

Four? There are now five oceans, not four.&nbsp;

National Geographic, one of the world's most prestigious and well-known mapmakers, has declared the presence of a fifth ocean.

This is the body of water that surrounds Antarctica, and is known as the Southern Ocean.

The Southern Ocean will now have the same status as the Arctic, Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans, as well as the same typeface.

The Southern Ocean, however, isn't quite new. Since Antarctica and South America split 30 million years ago, this body of water has existed.&nbsp;

The Southern Ocean, according to the National Geographic magazine, is the only ocean that "touches three other oceans and entirely embraces a continent rather than being enveloped by them."

Its northernmost point is 60 degrees south latitude. 
The Antarctic Circumpolar Current, which formed 34 million years ago, also defines it.

Around Antarctica, the current travels from west to east.&nbsp;

Whales, penguins, and seals all have substantial populations in the Southern Ocean.

However, commercial fishing on krill and Patagonian toothfish has been a source of concern for decades, according to National Geographic.

By legally altering the name of the water body, it wanted to raise attention to these challenges, as well as the fast warming of the Southern Ocean as a result of global warming.&nbsp;

Earth is 71% water, and those who are informed about world geography are aware that the mainland is surrounded by four oceans. Four? There are now five oceans, not four.

Earth is 71% water, and those who are informed about world geography are aware that the mainland is surrounded by four oceans. Four? There are now five oceans, not four. National Geographic, one of the world's most prestigious and well-known mapmakers, has declared the presence of a fifth ocean. This is the body of water that surrounds Antarctica, and is known as the Southern Ocean. The Southern Ocean will now have the same status as the Arctic, Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans, as well as the same typeface. The Southern Ocean, however, isn't quite new. Since Antarctica and South America split 30 million years ago, this body of water has existed. The Southern Ocean, according to the National Geographic magazine, is the only ocean that "touches three other oceans and entirely embraces a continent rather than being enveloped by them." Its northernmost point is 60 degrees south latitude. The Antarctic Circumpolar Current, which formed 34 million years ago, also defines it. Around Antarctica, the current travels from west to east. Whales, penguins, and seals all have substantial populations in the Southern Ocean. However, commercial fishing on krill and Patagonian toothfish has been a source of concern for decades, according to National Geographic. By legally altering the name of the water body, it wanted to raise attention to these challenges, as well as the fast warming of the Southern Ocean as a result of global warming.

Southern Ocean officially declared as fifth in the world: National Geographic

According to the Russian military, the country's defence forces on Friday started large-scale drills in the central part of the Pacific Ocean.

The Russian defence ministry said,&nbsp;"an operational exercise of the fleet’s combined arms&nbsp;forces is running in the distant maritime zone."

Watch:

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The Russian military exercise involves submarines and missile cruiser including the anti-submarine warfare ship Admiral Panteleyev and the MiG-31 interceptor.

Russia has sent twenty warships including support vessels for the exercise along with&nbsp;the frigate "Marshal Shaposhnikov".&nbsp; The Russian navy will also showcase&nbsp;the&nbsp;Tu-142mz long-range anti-submarine aircraft during the exercise.

The Russian defence military's move comes as NATO launched one of its biggest air and missile exercise named “At-Sea-Demo/Formidable Shield” involving ten nations off Norway and Scotland last month.

NATO said part of the exercise was to "detect and track" missiles at 20,000km per hour.

"Ships will also defend against an array of anti-ship and other sub and supersonic missiles," NATO declared.

The NATO exercise ended on June 3 as several nations including France, Germany, Italy, UK, the US and Belgium took part.

(With inputs from Agencies) 
&nbsp;

According to the Russian military, the country's defence forces on Friday started large-scale drills in the central part of the Pacific Ocean. The Russian defence ministry said, "an operational exercise of the fleet’s combined arms forces is running in the distant maritime zone.

According to the Russian military, the country's defence forces on Friday started large-scale drills in the central part of the Pacific Ocean. The Russian defence ministry said, "an operational exercise of the fleet’s combined arms forces is running in the distant maritime zone." Watch: The Russian military exercise involves submarines and missile cruiser including the anti-submarine warfare ship Admiral Panteleyev and the MiG-31 interceptor. Russia has sent twenty warships including support vessels for the exercise along with the frigate "Marshal Shaposhnikov". The Russian navy will also showcase the Tu-142mz long-range anti-submarine aircraft during the exercise. The Russian defence military's move comes as NATO launched one of its biggest air and missile exercise named “At-Sea-Demo/Formidable Shield” involving ten nations off Norway and Scotland last month. NATO said part of the exercise was to "detect and track" missiles at 20,000km per hour. "Ships will also defend against an array of anti-ship and other sub and supersonic missiles," NATO declared. The NATO exercise ended on June 3 as several nations including France, Germany, Italy, UK, the US and Belgium took part. (With inputs from Agencies)

After NATO, Russia begins military exercise in Pacific Ocean

'Blood Moon' rising: Harbinger of Doom or a beautiful celestial event?

Underdogs sometimes beat overwhelming odds to challenge the bigger power. For them, spirit matters more than strength. A similar scene is unfolding in Indo-Pacific.

Indo-Pacific is home to dozens of small islands. They don't have standing armies or state-of-the-art weapons. But what they lack in strength, they make up for in spirit.

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One such island is Samoa. The 2,800 sq km island is home to 200,000 people. It's a small self-sufficient country. But its location has attracted big powers including China. It wants to convert these islands into its outposts.

Step one in this direction was chequebook diplomacy.

China is Samoa's single largest creditor. It accounts for 40 per cent of their debt. That's 160 million dollars.

Step two, was building strategic assets.

For this, China courted Samoa's long-serving Prime Minister Tuilaepa Malielegaoi. This is a man who once said that Pacific countries only had themselves to blame for China's debt traps. So he was more than happy to welcome the Chinese.

Under his leadership, Beijing bagged a 100 million dollar port project in Samoa. China was all set to conduct a feasibility study for the port.

But that's when the pandemic struck. So China had to wait for the borders to reopen.

Karma or coincidence, but China's own Wuhan virus tripped them up in Samoa. The port project was never popular to begin with. And with Samoa's economy taking a beating last year, public opinion shifted.

This shift was clearly seen in the parliamentary elections in April. The pro-China prime minister was ousted. He has been replaced by opposition leader Fiame Naomi Mata'afa. She is expected to take charge on Friday.&nbsp;

Samoa's new leader is a fighter. She is the first woman to hold the office. She comes from Samoan political royalty. Her father was the country's first prime minister. And she will need all this pedigree for the path she is on.

Because Fiame Mataafa has decided to take on the Chinese. She has promised to cancel the new port project.

"Samoa is a small country. Our seaports and our airports cater for our needs. It's very difficult to imagine that we would need the scale that's being proposed under this particular project when there are more pressing projects that the government needs to give priority to," she said in a recent interview.

Samoa's new prime minister has seen through China's designs.

Beijing is an expert at convincing countries to build things they don't actually need. Sea ports, air ports, roads, trading terminals.

Most of these are just debt instruments. Once the payments are due China will swoop in to take ownership. To avoid this, Samoa is looking to diversify its relationship. The new prime minister is promising to build better relations with the United States to counterbalance China.

Samoa is not alone in standing up to Beijing. Last month, it was Palau, another tiny Pacific island. Their president says he doesn't even answer phone calls from Beijing.

More countries need to take this stand. But they are scared of a reprisal from China. This is where the democratic alliance comes in.

Pacific islands drifted closer to China because they had no option. To counter this influence, the likes of US, India and Australia must do what China is doing but without the debt trap.

The underdogs are willing to fight. All they need is some good crowd support.

Underdogs sometimes beat overwhelming odds to challenge the bigger power. For them, spirit matters more than strength. A similar scene is unfolding in Indo-Pacific.

Underdogs sometimes beat overwhelming odds to challenge the bigger power. For them, spirit matters more than strength. A similar scene is unfolding in Indo-Pacific. Indo-Pacific is home to dozens of small islands. They don't have standing armies or state-of-the-art weapons. But what they lack in strength, they make up for in spirit. × One such island is Samoa. The 2,800 sq km island is home to 200,000 people. It's a small self-sufficient country. But its location has attracted big powers including China. It wants to convert these islands into its outposts. Step one in this direction was chequebook diplomacy. China is Samoa's single largest creditor. It accounts for 40 per cent of their debt. That's 160 million dollars. Step two, was building strategic assets. For this, China courted Samoa's long-serving Prime Minister Tuilaepa Malielegaoi. This is a man who once said that Pacific countries only had themselves to blame for China's debt traps. So he was more than happy to welcome the Chinese. Under his leadership, Beijing bagged a 100 million dollar port project in Samoa. China was all set to conduct a feasibility study for the port. But that's when the pandemic struck. So China had to wait for the borders to reopen. Karma or coincidence, but China's own Wuhan virus tripped them up in Samoa. The port project was never popular to begin with. And with Samoa's economy taking a beating last year, public opinion shifted. This shift was clearly seen in the parliamentary elections in April. The pro-China prime minister was ousted. He has been replaced by opposition leader Fiame Naomi Mata'afa. She is expected to take charge on Friday. Samoa's new leader is a fighter. She is the first woman to hold the office. She comes from Samoan political royalty. Her father was the country's first prime minister. And she will need all this pedigree for the path she is on. Because Fiame Mataafa has decided to take on the Chinese. She has promised to cancel the new port project. "Samoa is a small country. Our seaports and our airports cater for our needs. It's very difficult to imagine that we would need the scale that's being proposed under this particular project when there are more pressing projects that the government needs to give priority to," she said in a recent interview. Samoa's new prime minister has seen through China's designs. Beijing is an expert at convincing countries to build things they don't actually need. Sea ports, air ports, roads, trading terminals. Most of these are just debt instruments. Once the payments are due China will swoop in to take ownership. To avoid this, Samoa is looking to diversify its relationship. The new prime minister is promising to build better relations with the United States to counterbalance China. Samoa is not alone in standing up to Beijing. Last month, it was Palau, another tiny Pacific island. Their president says he doesn't even answer phone calls from Beijing. More countries need to take this stand. But they are scared of a reprisal from China. This is where the democratic alliance comes in. Pacific islands drifted closer to China because they had no option. To counter this influence, the likes of US, India and Australia must do what China is doing but without the debt trap. The underdogs are willing to fight. All they need is some good crowd support.

How tiny Pacific nations are standing up to China

The tiny Pacific nation of Nauru has congratulated itself for a "world record" COVID-19 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccination</a> drive which resulted in all its adult population receiving their first jab.

The remote island nation, one of the few places in the world to remain virus-free, said the four-week vaccination campaign had exceeded expectations.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-will-soon-see-challenges-more-severe-than-covid-19-david-attenborough-384312" hreflang="en">World will soon see challenges more severe than COVID-19: David Attenborough</a>

It said 7,392 people received the first dose, or 108 percent of the estimated adult population, with foreigners included in the figure.

"The National Coronavirus Taskforce is extremely pleased with this world record result and thanks everyone on Nauru for playing their part to keep Nauru Covid free and safe," the government said in a statement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-astrazeneca-covid-vaccine-dose-cuts-death-risk-by-80-2-pfizer-doses-by-97-uk-agency-384286" hreflang="en">One AstraZeneca Covid vaccine dose cuts death risk by 80%, 2 Pfizer doses by 97%: UK agency</a>

Taskforce chairman Kieren Keke said Nauru was fortunate to have enough vaccine doses to cover its adult population but there was no room for complacency, with testing ongoing to ensure the island remained virus-free.

"With every arriving traveller, the risk of the coronavirus entering Nauru remains and recent events in PNG, Fiji and India have shown how quickly the situation can change," he said.

Nauru received AstraZeneca vaccine doses as part of the global Covax programme aimed at boosting immunisation in poorer nations.

The tiny Pacific nation of Nauru has congratulated itself for a "world record" COVID-19 vaccination drive which resulted in all its adult population receiving their first jab.

The tiny Pacific nation of Nauru has congratulated itself for a "world record" COVID-19 vaccination drive which resulted in all its adult population receiving their first jab. The remote island nation, one of the few places in the world to remain virus-free, said the four-week vaccination campaign had exceeded expectations. Also read | World will soon see challenges more severe than COVID-19: David Attenborough It said 7,392 people received the first dose, or 108 percent of the estimated adult population, with foreigners included in the figure. "The National Coronavirus Taskforce is extremely pleased with this world record result and thanks everyone on Nauru for playing their part to keep Nauru Covid free and safe," the government said in a statement. Also read | One AstraZeneca Covid vaccine dose cuts death risk by 80%, 2 Pfizer doses by 97%: UK agency Taskforce chairman Kieren Keke said Nauru was fortunate to have enough vaccine doses to cover its adult population but there was no room for complacency, with testing ongoing to ensure the island remained virus-free. "With every arriving traveller, the risk of the coronavirus entering Nauru remains and recent events in PNG, Fiji and India have shown how quickly the situation can change," he said. Nauru received AstraZeneca vaccine doses as part of the global Covax programme aimed at boosting immunisation in poorer nations.

Nauru says it vaccinated all adults against Covid in 'world record' effort

A young grey whale lost in the Mediterranean, tens of thousands of miles away from its natural habitat in the Pacific ocean, is desperately seeking its way home, but biologists are worried it may not survive.

Lost in the Mediterranean, Wally the whale desperately seeks way home to California

25,000 barrels of toxic DDT waste has been discovered in the pacific. It was dumped for years by Californian industries, putting marine life at severe risk. Shouldn't U.S. 'clean up' before preaching Climate Action?

Gravitas: 25,000 barrels of DDT discovered in Pacific

Calling his country as "heart of the Indian ocean", Maldives Foreign minister Abdulla Shahid has called for a "peaceful, prosperous and stable" which is an "essential factor" for the "prosperity of Maldives". Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal during his ongoing Delhi visit, FM Abdulla said, "we will work with all our neighbors in making sure" the region continues to be peaceful."

"Important to have peaceful Indian Ocean", says Maldives FM Abdulla Shah

Japan will release treated radioactive water into the Pacific Ocean. Tokyo says the water will be filtered and diluted to safe levels first. But Japan's citizens and neighbours are opposing the plan. WION's Palki Sharma tells you why.

Gravitas: Japan to release treated radioactive water into the Pacific Ocean

A vessel has reached the deepest known shipwreck in the world in the Pacific Ocean.

It was able to find the USS Johnston, which lies 6.5 km (4 miles) beneath the Philippine Sea, reports BBC.&nbsp;

Explorers surveyed and filmed the wreck of the 115 metre-long US Navy vessel for hours.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="http://wionews.com/world/shipwreck-off-libyan-coast-leaves-74-migrants-dead-342807">Shipwreck off Libyan coast leaves 74 migrants dead</a>

The vessel sank during a brutal battle with the Japanese fleet during the Battle off Samar in 1944. &nbsp;

"The wreck is so deep so there's very little oxygen down there, and while there is a little bit of contamination from marine life, it's remarkably well intact except for the damage it took from the furious fight," Victor Vescovo, who led the expedition said.&nbsp;

In 2019, for the first time, the remains of the ship were found and some parts were recorded from a remotely operated vehicle (ROV).

Also read | <a href="http://wionews.com/world/nazi-shipwreck-found-off-poland-may-solve-amber-room-treasure-mystery-331972">Nazi shipwreck found off Poland may solve Amber Room treasure mystery</a>

However, a significant part of the wreckage was based deeper than where ROV was able to reach.&nbsp;

For this mission, a submersible called the DSV Limiting Factor was used.&nbsp;

Earlier, the submersible has explored the deepest point in the ocean, Mariana Trench, and the Titanic.&nbsp;

Vescovo also said that the hull number 557 can be clearly seen on both sides of the vessel's bow and two gun turrets were also intact.&nbsp;

"The gun turrets are right where they're supposed to be, they're even pointing in the correct direction that we believe that they should have been, as they were continuing to fire until the ship went down," he said.&nbsp;

"And we saw the twin torpedo racks in the middle of the ship that were completely empty because they shot all the torpedoes at the Japanese." 
&nbsp;

A vessel has reached the deepest known shipwreck in the world in the Pacific Ocean. It was able to find the USS Johnston, which lies 6.5 km (4 miles) beneath the Philippine Sea, reports BBC.

A vessel has reached the deepest known shipwreck in the world in the Pacific Ocean. It was able to find the USS Johnston, which lies 6.5 km (4 miles) beneath the Philippine Sea, reports BBC. Explorers surveyed and filmed the wreck of the 115 metre-long US Navy vessel for hours. Also read | Shipwreck off Libyan coast leaves 74 migrants dead The vessel sank during a brutal battle with the Japanese fleet during the Battle off Samar in 1944. "The wreck is so deep so there's very little oxygen down there, and while there is a little bit of contamination from marine life, it's remarkably well intact except for the damage it took from the furious fight," Victor Vescovo, who led the expedition said. In 2019, for the first time, the remains of the ship were found and some parts were recorded from a remotely operated vehicle (ROV). Also read | Nazi shipwreck found off Poland may solve Amber Room treasure mystery However, a significant part of the wreckage was based deeper than where ROV was able to reach. For this mission, a submersible called the DSV Limiting Factor was used. Earlier, the submersible has explored the deepest point in the ocean, Mariana Trench, and the Titanic. Vescovo also said that the hull number 557 can be clearly seen on both sides of the vessel's bow and two gun turrets were also intact. "The gun turrets are right where they're supposed to be, they're even pointing in the correct direction that we believe that they should have been, as they were continuing to fire until the ship went down," he said. "And we saw the twin torpedo racks in the middle of the ship that were completely empty because they shot all the torpedoes at the Japanese."

Submersible reaches to deepest known shipwreck

Scientists just discovered a new kind of rock under the Pacific Ocean. Led by an international team, scientists drilled over a kilometre&nbsp;long hole in the ocean and extracted an array of stones. The stones were chemically and mineralogically different from every stone known to us.

Scientists believe that the stone was formed just a few million years after the “Ring of Fire” - the famous period of volcanic activity near the Pacific Rim. Upon examination, they found that the rock is nearly 49-million-years-old.

Owing to the superheat conditions in the ring, a unique type of stone was formed. Scooping up evidence from the ocean suggests that the rocks created by fires that were hotter and far reaching than previously believed.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-natural-sounds-and-landscapes-boost-health-markers-lower-stress-372557" hreflang="en">Natural sounds and landscapes, boost health markers, lower stress</a>

The results of the study were shared in Nature Communications last week, and was undertaken by researchers at the University of Leeds. In a press release, the scientists said - “The rocks that we recovered are distinctly different to rocks of this type that we already know about…. In fact, they may be as different to Earth’s known ocean floor basalts as Earth’s basalts are to the Moon’s basalts.”

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-discover-true-origins-of-hobbit-species-that-roamed-asia-50000-years-ago-372494" hreflang="en">Scientists discover true origins of 'Hobbit' species that roamed Asia 50,000 years ago!</a>

Basalt is formed after lava cools down, and are formed in even active volcanoes. The characteristics of rocks depend on the kind temperatures and pressures they emerge from. Researchers posit that the new kind of basalt was created towards the culmination of major changes in the Ring of Fire.

Even though 49-million-years may seem like a long time, many rocks on Earth are even older than this new basalt.&nbsp;

Scientists just discovered a new kind of rock under the Pacific Ocean. Led by an international team, scientists drilled over a kilometre long hole in the ocean and extracted an array of stones.

Scientists just discovered a new kind of rock under the Pacific Ocean. Led by an international team, scientists drilled over a kilometre long hole in the ocean and extracted an array of stones. The stones were chemically and mineralogically different from every stone known to us. Scientists believe that the stone was formed just a few million years after the “Ring of Fire” - the famous period of volcanic activity near the Pacific Rim. Upon examination, they found that the rock is nearly 49-million-years-old. Owing to the superheat conditions in the ring, a unique type of stone was formed. Scooping up evidence from the ocean suggests that the rocks created by fires that were hotter and far reaching than previously believed. Also read: Natural sounds and landscapes, boost health markers, lower stress The results of the study were shared in Nature Communications last week, and was undertaken by researchers at the University of Leeds. In a press release, the scientists said - “The rocks that we recovered are distinctly different to rocks of this type that we already know about…. In fact, they may be as different to Earth’s known ocean floor basalts as Earth’s basalts are to the Moon’s basalts.” Also read: Scientists discover true origins of 'Hobbit' species that roamed Asia 50,000 years ago! Basalt is formed after lava cools down, and are formed in even active volcanoes. The characteristics of rocks depend on the kind temperatures and pressures they emerge from. Researchers posit that the new kind of basalt was created towards the culmination of major changes in the Ring of Fire. Even though 49-million-years may seem like a long time, many rocks on Earth are even older than this new basalt.

New kind of rock from 49 million years ago was just discovered under Pacific Ocean

A sailor spent over 14 hours in an old fishing buoy before he was rescued from the Pacific Ocean.&nbsp;

Vidam Perevertilov, a Lithuanian engineer, was onboard Silver Supporter, a cargo ship, during a routine supply run from Tauranga, New Zealand to the Pitcairn Islands, a British Overseas Territory last week.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-stranded-in-desert-island-for-33-days-and-surviving-on-coconuts-rats-rescued-362778">Three stranded in desert island for 33 days and surviving on coconuts, rats, rescued</a>

He later told his son that he had been feeling dizzy after wrapping up his night shift and went to the deck to relax before falling into the ocean.&nbsp;

"He doesn’t remember falling overboard. He may have fainted," Perevetilov's son Marat was quoted as saying by New Zealand's Stuff.

Perevetilov added when he gained consciousness he saw the ship sailing into the dark. Meanwhile, the crew did not notice for six hours that the sailor went missing.&nbsp;

The ship made a distress call and a French navy aircraft was sent from Polynesia to search the ship.&nbsp;

Crew onboard were able to find that the 52-year-old sailor had been on the ship at 4 am because he had filed a log report.&nbsp;

Stranded in the middle of the ocean, Perevetilov after surviving the night saw a black speck on the horizon and despite being unsure of what it was, decided to swim towards it.&nbsp;

"His will to survive was strong, but he told me until the sun came up he was struggling to stay afloat," his son said.&nbsp;

Perevetilov continued swimming towards the black speck and the object turned out to be an abandoned fishing buoy.&nbsp;

The sailor went into the buoy and spent time in it till 6 pm when he was rescued by Silver Supporter after someone in the ship heard a "weak human shout".&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

A sailor spent over 14 hours in an old fishing buoy before he was rescued from the Pacific Ocean. Vidam Perevertilov, a Lithuanian engineer, was onboard Silver Supporter, a cargo ship, during a routine supply run from Tauranga, New Zealand to the Pitcairn Islands, a British Overseas Territory last week.

A sailor spent over 14 hours in an old fishing buoy before he was rescued from the Pacific Ocean. Vidam Perevertilov, a Lithuanian engineer, was onboard Silver Supporter, a cargo ship, during a routine supply run from Tauranga, New Zealand to the Pitcairn Islands, a British Overseas Territory last week. Also read | Three stranded in desert island for 33 days and surviving on coconuts, rats, rescued He later told his son that he had been feeling dizzy after wrapping up his night shift and went to the deck to relax before falling into the ocean. "He doesn’t remember falling overboard. He may have fainted," Perevetilov's son Marat was quoted as saying by New Zealand's Stuff. Perevetilov added when he gained consciousness he saw the ship sailing into the dark. Meanwhile, the crew did not notice for six hours that the sailor went missing. The ship made a distress call and a French navy aircraft was sent from Polynesia to search the ship. Crew onboard were able to find that the 52-year-old sailor had been on the ship at 4 am because he had filed a log report. Stranded in the middle of the ocean, Perevetilov after surviving the night saw a black speck on the horizon and despite being unsure of what it was, decided to swim towards it. "His will to survive was strong, but he told me until the sun came up he was struggling to stay afloat," his son said. Perevetilov continued swimming towards the black speck and the object turned out to be an abandoned fishing buoy. The sailor went into the buoy and spent time in it till 6 pm when he was rescued by Silver Supporter after someone in the ship heard a "weak human shout".

Sailor rescued 14 hours after he fell off ship in Pacific Ocean

Human activities have always had an impact on nature. Although there has been increased awareness and efforts to mitigate the effects lately, more needs to be done. Human activities have changed the shape and element of Earth, so to speak. The hazardous effect span from those to the biosphere as well as atmosphere. Global warming, Greenhouse gases are problems enough, but out footprint on the only planet we call home has endangered species of plants and animals.

A study has hinted that US Navy's Sonar use may be a factor behind increased beachings of whales in the Pacific. Beaching refers to the giant fish coming out of the water and getting stuck on beaches and losing lives in many instances. The effect of Sonar on whale beaching has been seen in Northern Marina Islands in western Pacific Ocean. These islands are surrounded by USA's Mariana Islands Training and Testing area (MITT).

In February last year, researchers from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Scripps Institution of Oceanography published a study in which they had examined effect of Sonar on whale beachings. The study noted beachings of at least 10 Cuvier's beaked whales that took place between 2006 and 2019. Many of them occurred within six days of Sonar use by US armed forces.

A hypothesis suggests that Sonar waves cause whales to surface too quickly. forming bubbles in their blood and organs.

US Navy spokesperson Lieutenant James Adams was quoted by the Guardian as saying that there was "insufficient evidence" to suggest that navy's use of the Sonar had caused more whale beachings. 
&nbsp;

Human activities have always had an impact on nature. Although there has been increased awareness and efforts to mitigate the effects lately, more needs to be done.

Human activities have always had an impact on nature. Although there has been increased awareness and efforts to mitigate the effects lately, more needs to be done. Human activities have changed the shape and element of Earth, so to speak. The hazardous effect span from those to the biosphere as well as atmosphere. Global warming, Greenhouse gases are problems enough, but out footprint on the only planet we call home has endangered species of plants and animals. A study has hinted that US Navy's Sonar use may be a factor behind increased beachings of whales in the Pacific. Beaching refers to the giant fish coming out of the water and getting stuck on beaches and losing lives in many instances. The effect of Sonar on whale beaching has been seen in Northern Marina Islands in western Pacific Ocean. These islands are surrounded by USA's Mariana Islands Training and Testing area (MITT). In February last year, researchers from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Scripps Institution of Oceanography published a study in which they had examined effect of Sonar on whale beachings. The study noted beachings of at least 10 Cuvier's beaked whales that took place between 2006 and 2019. Many of them occurred within six days of Sonar use by US armed forces. A hypothesis suggests that Sonar waves cause whales to surface too quickly. forming bubbles in their blood and organs. US Navy spokesperson Lieutenant James Adams was quoted by the Guardian as saying that there was "insufficient evidence" to suggest that navy's use of the Sonar had caused more whale beachings.

US Navy Sonar may be causing whale beachings in Pacific: Study

In a fresh development in tussle between US and China in South China Sea, the US said on Friday that it will deploy coast guard patrol ships in western Pacific Ocean to counter Chinese activities in disputed fishing grounds of South China Sea.

US National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien accused China of "Illegal" and "unregulated" fishing as well as "harassment" of fishing boats from regional countries.

In a statement, he said that the US Coast Guard "is strategically homeporting significantly enhanced Fast Response Cutters...in the western Pacific." &nbsp;

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-illegal-distant-water-fishing-destroying-economies-environment-337444">China's illegal distant water fishing destroying economies, environment</a> 
 
US has regularly accused China of breaking international law by sending warships to escort Chinese fishing vessels into fishing grounds of other countries.

In July, US Defense Secretary Mark Esper slammed a "catalog of bad behavior" in the South China Sea over the previous months and accused the Chinese military of having sunk a Vietnamese fishing boat, harassing Malaysian oil and gas development and escorting Chinese fishing fleets into Indonesia's exclusive economic zone.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinping-invokes-chinese-military-takes-thinly-veiled-swipe-at-us-337456">Xi Jinping invokes Chinese military; takes thinly-veiled swipe at US</a> 
 
O'Brien added that the Coast Guard, which is under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), was also studying whether to permanently station several of its patrol ships in the area of American Samoa in the South Pacific.

Last month, Indonesia protested about an incursion by Chinese coastguard ships in its exclusive economic zone, which is situated between its own territorial waters and international waters and where the state claims exclusive rights to exploit natural resources.

China claims almost the whole of the South China Sea as its own, a claim contested by several countries including Malaysia, Taiwan,the Philippines, and Indonesia.

(With AFP inputs)

In a fresh development in tussle between US and China in South China Sea, the US said on Friday that it will deploy coast guard patrol ships in western Pacific Ocean to counter Chinese activities in disputed fishing grounds of South China Sea.

In a fresh development in tussle between US and China in South China Sea, the US said on Friday that it will deploy coast guard patrol ships in western Pacific Ocean to counter Chinese activities in disputed fishing grounds of South China Sea. US National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien accused China of "Illegal" and "unregulated" fishing as well as "harassment" of fishing boats from regional countries. In a statement, he said that the US Coast Guard "is strategically homeporting significantly enhanced Fast Response Cutters...in the western Pacific." Also Read: China's illegal distant water fishing destroying economies, environment US has regularly accused China of breaking international law by sending warships to escort Chinese fishing vessels into fishing grounds of other countries. In July, US Defense Secretary Mark Esper slammed a "catalog of bad behavior" in the South China Sea over the previous months and accused the Chinese military of having sunk a Vietnamese fishing boat, harassing Malaysian oil and gas development and escorting Chinese fishing fleets into Indonesia's exclusive economic zone. Also Read: Xi Jinping invokes Chinese military; takes thinly-veiled swipe at US O'Brien added that the Coast Guard, which is under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), was also studying whether to permanently station several of its patrol ships in the area of American Samoa in the South Pacific. Last month, Indonesia protested about an incursion by Chinese coastguard ships in its exclusive economic zone, which is situated between its own territorial waters and international waters and where the state claims exclusive rights to exploit natural resources. China claims almost the whole of the South China Sea as its own, a claim contested by several countries including Malaysia, Taiwan,the Philippines, and Indonesia. (With AFP inputs)

US to deploy coast guard to tackle China's 'illegal' fishing in South China Sea

The United States and Vietnam fought a war for 19 years, and ultimately the americans had to accept defeat and pull back troops. Winston Churchill called Mahatma Gandhi a 'half naked fakir', but&nbsp;the British raj crumbled before the Mahatma and they had to leave India. A similar David versus Goliath battle is playing out today.

A small island, named&nbsp;Malaita, is standing up to the mighty China, settling an example for the world to follow.

Malaita is the largest province in the Solomon islands and it wants independence. It has announced a referendum and the&nbsp;trigger is china. Malaita does not want a relationship with China.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-tit-for-tat-move-us-imposes-fresh-restrictions-on-chinese-diplomats-324854">Also read| In tit-for-tat move, US imposes fresh restrictions on Chinese diplomats</a>

The island has a population of two lakh people. It is the second largest island in terms of area in the Solomon islands. The people of this island are called Malaitans.&nbsp;After Solomon's independence in 1978, many Malaitans rose to positions of prominence in the country. They hold many top positions in government and business. This is despite them being a minority.

This even led to tensions and violent clashes a few decades back in the&nbsp;early 21st century. From 1998 to 2003, Solomon islands witnessed civil unrest. There was even a coup in the year 2000. All of this was triggered by cultural, ethnic and political divisions.

Now all these differences have surfaced again and pose a bigger challenge.

China's role

Last year, the national government of the Solomon islands took a major decision. It ended a 36 year long alliance with Taiwan and&nbsp;moved to the China camp, but the province of Malaita protested because it has&nbsp;close ties with Taiwan.

Now, as a bigger battle for power and influence plays out on the global stage, Malaita wants to seize the moment. Its leader has announced an independence referendum.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-has-already-banned-100-plus-chinese-apps-call-on-nations-to-join-the-clean-network-us-324853">Also read|&nbsp;India has already banned 100 plus Chinese apps, call on nations to join the Clean Network: US</a>

Malaita has always wanted to be free of the Solomon islands and the leaders&nbsp;believe now is the time to do it. They already seem to have the United States on their side. Reports say Malaita is in talks with the US to develop a deep-sea port to counter China which is pursuing developmenal projects in the capital of the Solomon islands.

Recent developments

First development is that Taiwan sent medical aid to Malaita, but&nbsp;it never reached them as it was seized by the capital, backed by the Chinese.

Second development is that&nbsp;China has started sending chartered flights to the island.

The solomon islands is among the very few countries in the world which remains untouched by the coronavirus but the national government has now allowed chartered flights from China for&nbsp;repatriation of citizens and for Chinese development partners. The government wants to kickstart infrastructure projects, despite the risk of the coronavirus.

On Wednesday, one such chartered flight landed in the Solomon islands, bringing&nbsp;back stranded citizens and a special guest — Li Ming, a&nbsp;new Chinese ambassador. He flew in with Chinese officials and workers who will build new sports facilities in the Solomon islands.

China has been quick to mark its territory. It has already opened an embassy. The people of Malaita are raising questions as they&nbsp;are afarid that opening up air routes to China could bring in the coronavirus. The locals are questioning the reason behind building a&nbsp;sports facility on priority-basis during a global pandemic. They have asked all Chinese tour operators to leave the island.

The call for independence in Malaita will get worldwide attention because the Solomon islands is a strategically important pacific nation as it has several deep water ports. China wants to control them to challenge the US in the pacific, and&nbsp;this independence referendum disturbs China's diplomatic calculations.

The United States and Vietnam fought a war for 19 years, and ultimately the americans had to accept defeat and pull back troops. Winston Churchill called Mahatma Gandhi a 'half naked fakir', but the British raj crumbled before the Mahatma and they had to leave India.

The United States and Vietnam fought a war for 19 years, and ultimately the americans had to accept defeat and pull back troops. Winston Churchill called Mahatma Gandhi a 'half naked fakir', but the British raj crumbled before the Mahatma and they had to leave India. A similar David versus Goliath battle is playing out today. A small island, named Malaita, is standing up to the mighty China, settling an example for the world to follow. Malaita is the largest province in the Solomon islands and it wants independence. It has announced a referendum and the trigger is china. Malaita does not want a relationship with China. Also read| In tit-for-tat move, US imposes fresh restrictions on Chinese diplomats The island has a population of two lakh people. It is the second largest island in terms of area in the Solomon islands. The people of this island are called Malaitans. After Solomon's independence in 1978, many Malaitans rose to positions of prominence in the country. They hold many top positions in government and business. This is despite them being a minority. This even led to tensions and violent clashes a few decades back in the early 21st century. From 1998 to 2003, Solomon islands witnessed civil unrest. There was even a coup in the year 2000. All of this was triggered by cultural, ethnic and political divisions. Now all these differences have surfaced again and pose a bigger challenge. China's role Last year, the national government of the Solomon islands took a major decision. It ended a 36 year long alliance with Taiwan and moved to the China camp, but the province of Malaita protested because it has close ties with Taiwan. Now, as a bigger battle for power and influence plays out on the global stage, Malaita wants to seize the moment. Its leader has announced an independence referendum. Also read| India has already banned 100 plus Chinese apps, call on nations to join the Clean Network: US Malaita has always wanted to be free of the Solomon islands and the leaders believe now is the time to do it. They already seem to have the United States on their side. Reports say Malaita is in talks with the US to develop a deep-sea port to counter China which is pursuing developmenal projects in the capital of the Solomon islands. Recent developments First development is that Taiwan sent medical aid to Malaita, but it never reached them as it was seized by the capital, backed by the Chinese. Second development is that China has started sending chartered flights to the island. The solomon islands is among the very few countries in the world which remains untouched by the coronavirus but the national government has now allowed chartered flights from China for repatriation of citizens and for Chinese development partners. The government wants to kickstart infrastructure projects, despite the risk of the coronavirus. On Wednesday, one such chartered flight landed in the Solomon islands, bringing back stranded citizens and a special guest — Li Ming, a new Chinese ambassador. He flew in with Chinese officials and workers who will build new sports facilities in the Solomon islands. China has been quick to mark its territory. It has already opened an embassy. The people of Malaita are raising questions as they are afarid that opening up air routes to China could bring in the coronavirus. The locals are questioning the reason behind building a sports facility on priority-basis during a global pandemic. They have asked all Chinese tour operators to leave the island. The call for independence in Malaita will get worldwide attention because the Solomon islands is a strategically important pacific nation as it has several deep water ports. China wants to control them to challenge the US in the pacific, and this independence referendum disturbs China's diplomatic calculations.

Solomon's province Malaita seeks independence from China

The Indonesian government has condemned a Chinese fishing company for their "inhuman" behaviour towards their nationals. The company is alleged to treat its Indonesian workers as virtual slaves which led to the death of three of them.&nbsp;

Indonesia Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi held a video conference from Jakarta where she said that 49 Indonesian fishermen, ranging from 19 to 24 years old, were forced to work an average of over 18 hours a day on at least four Chinese fishing boats. According to the foreign minister, some of them were not paid or did not receive the whole amount.&nbsp;

Crew members of the company were forced to work for extra time, in poor conditions that have caused illness which eventually led to the death of three Indonesian men. The bodies of the deceased were thrown overboard into the Pacific Ocean.&nbsp;

"We condemn the inhuman treatment against our crew members working at the Chinese fishing company," Marsudi said. "Based on the information from the crews, the company has violated human rights."

The condemnation came after a few videos released by South Korean media made rounds on social media where an unnamed Indonesian fisherman told about the unfair treatment by the Chinese company.&nbsp;

The crew members, who were promised $300 per month received less $300 for full year's work. "We will ensure that the company has to fulfil our crews' rights," Marsudi said.

The Indonesian government has condemned a Chinese fishing company for their "inhuman" behaviour towards their nationals. The company is alleged to treat its Indonesian workers as virtual slaves which led to the death of three of them.

The Indonesian government has condemned a Chinese fishing company for their "inhuman" behaviour towards their nationals. The company is alleged to treat its Indonesian workers as virtual slaves which led to the death of three of them. Indonesia Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi held a video conference from Jakarta where she said that 49 Indonesian fishermen, ranging from 19 to 24 years old, were forced to work an average of over 18 hours a day on at least four Chinese fishing boats. According to the foreign minister, some of them were not paid or did not receive the whole amount. Crew members of the company were forced to work for extra time, in poor conditions that have caused illness which eventually led to the death of three Indonesian men. The bodies of the deceased were thrown overboard into the Pacific Ocean. "We condemn the inhuman treatment against our crew members working at the Chinese fishing company," Marsudi said. "Based on the information from the crews, the company has violated human rights." The condemnation came after a few videos released by South Korean media made rounds on social media where an unnamed Indonesian fisherman told about the unfair treatment by the Chinese company. The crew members, who were promised $300 per month received less $300 for full year's work. "We will ensure that the company has to fulfil our crews' rights," Marsudi said.

Indonesian govt condemns Chinese fishing company for 'inhuman' behaviour towards their fishermen

Four people have survived 32 days adrift in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pacific-oceans-astrigency-dissolving-dungeness-crabs-shells-study-277028">Pacific Ocean</a> by eating coconuts and drinking rainwater in a tribulation that claimed the lives of eight of their companions.

The group was from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/62-magnitude-earthquake-hits-papua-new-guinea-usgs-279557">Papua New Guinea</a>'s Bougainville province.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pacific-oceans-astrigency-dissolving-dungeness-crabs-shells-study-277028">Pacific Ocean's astringency dissolving Dungeness crabs' shells: Study</a>

According to reports, the group had set off from Bougainville on December 22&nbsp;to celebrate <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/tourists-enjoy-christmas-in-kashmir-valley-270208">Christmas </a>in the Carteret Islands.

But survivor Dominic Stally said their small boat capsized and a number of the group drowned.

The rest managed to right the vessel but there were further fatalities as they floated in the remote waters at the mercy of powerful ocean currents.

"We could do nothing with their dead bodies, we just have to let go of them at sea," he told the newspaper.

Watch: Man plans to swim 9100 km across Pacific ocean to raise plastic pollution awareness

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/man-plans-to-swim-9100-km-across-pacific-ocean-to-raise-plastic-pollution-awareness-139935/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"A couple have died and left behind their baby and I am the one who held onto the baby and later the baby died as well."

Stally said a number of fishing vessels passed nearby without noticing them until they were finally picked up on January 23 off New Caledonia after drifting some 2,000 kilometres.

The survivors comprised two men, a woman and a girl aged about 12.&nbsp;

They were dropped off in Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands, last Saturday and were discharged into the care of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/62-magnitude-earthquake-hits-papua-new-guinea-usgs-279557">Papua New Guinea</a>'s High Commissioner John Balavu after receiving treatment for dehydration.

In January 2014, Salvadoran fisherman Jose Alvarenga washed up in the Marshalls, more than 13 months after he set off from Mexico's west coast with a companion, who died during the voyage.

He had survived by eating raw fish and bird flesh while keeping hydrated by drinking rainwater, turtle blood and his own urine.

Four people have survived 32 days adrift in the Pacific Ocean by eating coconuts and drinking rainwater in a tribulation that claimed the lives of eight of their companions.

Four people have survived 32 days adrift in the Pacific Ocean by eating coconuts and drinking rainwater in a tribulation that claimed the lives of eight of their companions. The group was from Papua New Guinea's Bougainville province. Also read: Pacific Ocean's astringency dissolving Dungeness crabs' shells: Study According to reports, the group had set off from Bougainville on December 22 to celebrate Christmas in the Carteret Islands. But survivor Dominic Stally said their small boat capsized and a number of the group drowned. The rest managed to right the vessel but there were further fatalities as they floated in the remote waters at the mercy of powerful ocean currents. "We could do nothing with their dead bodies, we just have to let go of them at sea," he told the newspaper. Watch: Man plans to swim 9100 km across Pacific ocean to raise plastic pollution awareness "A couple have died and left behind their baby and I am the one who held onto the baby and later the baby died as well." Stally said a number of fishing vessels passed nearby without noticing them until they were finally picked up on January 23 off New Caledonia after drifting some 2,000 kilometres. The survivors comprised two men, a woman and a girl aged about 12. They were dropped off in Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands, last Saturday and were discharged into the care of Papua New Guinea's High Commissioner John Balavu after receiving treatment for dehydration. In January 2014, Salvadoran fisherman Jose Alvarenga washed up in the Marshalls, more than 13 months after he set off from Mexico's west coast with a companion, who died during the voyage. He had survived by eating raw fish and bird flesh while keeping hydrated by drinking rainwater, turtle blood and his own urine.

Four people survive 32 days adrift in Pacific by eating coconuts and drinking rainwater

The increment in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/man-plans-to-swim-9100-km-across-pacific-ocean-to-raise-plastic-pollution-awareness-139935">Pacific Ocean</a>'s acidic quotient is dissolving parts of the shells of the Dungeness <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/crabs-invade-cubas-bay-of-pigs-3141">crabs</a> living in its coastal water, a new study found.

The lower <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-doodle-celebrates-danish-chemist-and-founder-of-ph-level-soren-peder-lauritz-sorensen-140516">pH levels </a>in the ocean are also damaging their sensory organs.

This can an adverse impact on the coastal economies as the Dungeness crab is crucial to the commercial fisheries of the Pacific Northwest.

Also watch:&nbsp;Man plans to swim 9100 km across Pacific ocean to raise plastic pollution awareness

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/man-plans-to-swim-9100-km-across-pacific-ocean-to-raise-plastic-pollution-awareness-139935/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to the study published in the journal called Science of the Total Environment, ''the damage caused to the carbs is premature''.

The research has been funded by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/earth-heading-for-hottest-year-on-record-8973">National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration</a> (NOAA) which studies ocean acidification and the impact of change in pH levels.&nbsp;

''We need to assure that the required attention is paid to the components of the food chain before it is too late,'' said Nina Bednarsek, the study's lead author and a senior scientist with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/firefighters-battle-southern-california-wildfires-100000-evacuated-255548">Southern California</a> Coastal Water Research Project.

The absorption of carbon dioxide which lowers the pH levels of the water is making the ocean acidic.

Excess nutrients released due the acidification of the oceans changes the coast as it creates algaes which increases the temperature of the sea and its salinity when it blooms, reported <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ever-wondered-how-lightning-looks-from-space-see-these-spectacular-satellite-images-139368">NOAA</a>.

It is difficult for the coral beings it becomes difficult to build strong shells as they rely on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/carbon-dioxide-row-over-climate-activist-thunbergs-yacht-trip-to-new-york-243932">carbonate</a> ions which are less abundant in more astringent waters.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/good-news-global-coral-bleaching-may-be-ending-17040">Also read: Global coral bleaching may be ending, says US agency</a>

Other than crabs, oysters, clams and plankton also rely on them to strengthen themselves.

The ability of the crabs to regulate their buoyancy in the water and to protect themselves from predators is being impaired because of this.

The reason being that low pH levels damaged the tiny hair-like structures which are called mechanoreceptors,

Without these crabs move at a slower pace and have difficulty in swimming and in finding food.

The solution suggested by NOAA, is to reduce overall <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/easyjet-announces-steps-toward-zero-carbon-future-263157">carbon footprint</a> to decrease the carbon dioxide which the sea absorbs and to educate people who rely on wildlife about the changes in sea and how to adapt to them.

The increment in Pacific Ocean's acidic quotient is dissolving parts of the shells of the Dungeness crabs living in its coastal water, a new study found. The lower pH levels in the ocean are also damaging their sensory organs.

The increment in Pacific Ocean's acidic quotient is dissolving parts of the shells of the Dungeness crabs living in its coastal water, a new study found. The lower pH levels in the ocean are also damaging their sensory organs. This can an adverse impact on the coastal economies as the Dungeness crab is crucial to the commercial fisheries of the Pacific Northwest. Also watch: Man plans to swim 9100 km across Pacific ocean to raise plastic pollution awareness According to the study published in the journal called Science of the Total Environment, ''the damage caused to the carbs is premature''. The research has been funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) which studies ocean acidification and the impact of change in pH levels. ''We need to assure that the required attention is paid to the components of the food chain before it is too late,'' said Nina Bednarsek, the study's lead author and a senior scientist with the Southern California Coastal Water Research Project. The absorption of carbon dioxide which lowers the pH levels of the water is making the ocean acidic. Excess nutrients released due the acidification of the oceans changes the coast as it creates algaes which increases the temperature of the sea and its salinity when it blooms, reported NOAA. It is difficult for the coral beings it becomes difficult to build strong shells as they rely on carbonate ions which are less abundant in more astringent waters. Also read: Global coral bleaching may be ending, says US agency Other than crabs, oysters, clams and plankton also rely on them to strengthen themselves. The ability of the crabs to regulate their buoyancy in the water and to protect themselves from predators is being impaired because of this. The reason being that low pH levels damaged the tiny hair-like structures which are called mechanoreceptors, Without these crabs move at a slower pace and have difficulty in swimming and in finding food. The solution suggested by NOAA, is to reduce overall carbon footprint to decrease the carbon dioxide which the sea absorbs and to educate people who rely on wildlife about the changes in sea and how to adapt to them.

Pacific Ocean's astringency dissolving Dungeness crabs' shells: Study

At the wrecked&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-fukushima-plant-a-million-tonne-headache-radioactive-water-253979">Fukushima&nbsp;nuclear plant</a> north of Tokyo, workers in protective suits are still removing radioactive material from reactors that melted down after an earthquake and tsunami knocked out its power and cooling nearly nine&nbsp;years ago.

On an exclusive tour of the plant, spread&nbsp;over&nbsp;3.5 million square meters (865 acres), Reuters witnessed giant remote-controlled cranes dismantling an exhaust tower and other structures in a highly radioactive zone while spent fuel was removed from a reactor.

<img alt="Fukushima nuclear plant" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2cfa88ff-7eef-4147-ba29-7a5f1c7e6942" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2827%29_5.jpg" />

Officials from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-tells-diplomats-no-decision-yet-on-contaminated-fukushima-water-247565">Tokyo Electric</a>, which owns the plant, also showed new tanks to hold increasing amounts of&nbsp;contaminated&nbsp;water.

About 4,000 workers are tackling the cleanup, many wearing protective gear, although more than 90 per cent&nbsp;of the plant is deemed to have so little radioactivity that no extra precautions are needed. Photography was highly restricted and no conversations were allowed with the workers.

Work to dismantle the plant has taken nearly a decade so far, but with Tokyo due to host the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/with-eight-months-from-tokyo-2020-venue-preparations-enter-final-stretch-263688">Olympics</a> this summer including some events less than 60 km (38 miles) from the power station - there has been renewed focus on safeguarding the venues.

"Tepco tries to disclose all information to the public as soon as possible. If something happens at the site, we let people know by email, for example," said Kan Nihonyanagi, risk communicator at&nbsp;Fukushima, told Reuters in an interview at the site.

<img alt="Fukushima nuclear plant" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d9bab174-f10c-4ceb-b095-6d6533aff7e8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2825%29_7.jpg" />

The buildup of&nbsp;contaminated&nbsp;water&nbsp;has been a sticking point in the cleanup, which is likely to last decades and has alarmed neighbouring countries. In 2018, Tepco said it had not been able to remove all dangerous material from the&nbsp;water&nbsp;and the site is running out of room for storage tanks.

Officials&nbsp;overseeing a panel of experts looking into the&nbsp;contaminated&nbsp;water&nbsp;issue said in December choices on disposal should be narrowed to two: either dilute the&nbsp;water&nbsp;and dump it in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippine-volcano-recharging-scientist-says-as-shops-hotels-told-to-keep-shut-275442">Pacific Ocean</a>, or allow it to evaporate.

The&nbsp;Japanese government may decide within months, and either process would take&nbsp;years to complete, experts say.

"The&nbsp;Olympics are coming, so we have to prepare for that, and Tepco has to disclose all the information not only to local communities but also to foreign countries and especially to those people coming from abroad," said Joji Hara, a Tokyo-based spokesman for the power company who accompanied Reuters during the visit.

Tepco has opened English-language Twitter and Facebook accounts, he said. It is also preparing to put out basic emergency information in Korean and Chinese, he added.

<img alt="Fukushima nuclear plant" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c7a9e6a8-abdf-4fbb-8df1-477affc35eac" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2828%29_5.jpg" />

Athletes from at least one country, South Korea, are planning to bring their own radiation detectors and food this summer.

Baseball and softball will be played in&nbsp;Fukushima&nbsp;City, about 60 km (38 miles) from the destroyed nuclear plant. The torch relay will begin at a sports facility called J-Village, an operations base for&nbsp;Fukushima&nbsp;Daiichi in the first few&nbsp;years of the disaster, then pass through areas near the damaged station on its way to Tokyo.

In December, Greenpeace said it found radiation "hotspots" at J-Village, about 18km south of the plant.

When Tokyo won the bid to host the 2020 Summer&nbsp;Olympics Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/japanese-pm-shinzo-abe-likely-to-visit-indias-imphal-in-december-265170">Shinzo Abe</a> declared that&nbsp;Fukushima&nbsp;was "under control" in his final pitch to the International&nbsp;Olympic&nbsp;Committee.

<img alt="Fukushima nuclear plant" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f4efbcbb-aa5f-4cf7-927e-c0ce3652c342" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2826%29_4.jpg" />

In 2016, the&nbsp;Japanese government estimated that the total cost of plant dismantlement, decontamination of affected areas, and compensation would be 21.5 trillion yen ($195 billion) - roughly a fifth of the country's annual budget at the time.

At the wrecked Fukushima nuclear plant north of Tokyo, workers in protective suits are still removing radioactive material from reactors that melted down after an earthquake and tsunami knocked out its power and cooling nearly nine years ago.

At the wrecked Fukushima nuclear plant north of Tokyo, workers in protective suits are still removing radioactive material from reactors that melted down after an earthquake and tsunami knocked out its power and cooling nearly nine years ago. On an exclusive tour of the plant, spread over 3.5 million square meters (865 acres), Reuters witnessed giant remote-controlled cranes dismantling an exhaust tower and other structures in a highly radioactive zone while spent fuel was removed from a reactor. Officials from Tokyo Electric, which owns the plant, also showed new tanks to hold increasing amounts of contaminated water. About 4,000 workers are tackling the cleanup, many wearing protective gear, although more than 90 per cent of the plant is deemed to have so little radioactivity that no extra precautions are needed. Photography was highly restricted and no conversations were allowed with the workers. Work to dismantle the plant has taken nearly a decade so far, but with Tokyo due to host the Olympics this summer including some events less than 60 km (38 miles) from the power station - there has been renewed focus on safeguarding the venues. "Tepco tries to disclose all information to the public as soon as possible. If something happens at the site, we let people know by email, for example," said Kan Nihonyanagi, risk communicator at Fukushima, told Reuters in an interview at the site. The buildup of contaminated water has been a sticking point in the cleanup, which is likely to last decades and has alarmed neighbouring countries. In 2018, Tepco said it had not been able to remove all dangerous material from the water and the site is running out of room for storage tanks. Officials overseeing a panel of experts looking into the contaminated water issue said in December choices on disposal should be narrowed to two: either dilute the water and dump it in the Pacific Ocean, or allow it to evaporate. The Japanese government may decide within months, and either process would take years to complete, experts say. "The Olympics are coming, so we have to prepare for that, and Tepco has to disclose all the information not only to local communities but also to foreign countries and especially to those people coming from abroad," said Joji Hara, a Tokyo-based spokesman for the power company who accompanied Reuters during the visit. Tepco has opened English-language Twitter and Facebook accounts, he said. It is also preparing to put out basic emergency information in Korean and Chinese, he added. Athletes from at least one country, South Korea, are planning to bring their own radiation detectors and food this summer. Baseball and softball will be played in Fukushima City, about 60 km (38 miles) from the destroyed nuclear plant. The torch relay will begin at a sports facility called J-Village, an operations base for Fukushima Daiichi in the first few years of the disaster, then pass through areas near the damaged station on its way to Tokyo. In December, Greenpeace said it found radiation "hotspots" at J-Village, about 18km south of the plant. When Tokyo won the bid to host the 2020 Summer Olympics Prime Minister Shinzo Abe declared that Fukushima was "under control" in his final pitch to the International Olympic Committee. In 2016, the Japanese government estimated that the total cost of plant dismantlement, decontamination of affected areas, and compensation would be 21.5 trillion yen ($195 billion) - roughly a fifth of the country's annual budget at the time.

In an Olympic year, Japan faces decision over contaminated Fukushima water

Taiwan moved thousands of people to safety on Wednesday as the island braced for its first typhoon this year, as airlines cancelled domestic flights and authorities issued warnings about floods and high seas.

Typhoon Danas, categorised at the weakest typhoon level, was expected to hit the eastern county of Yilan late on Thursday. It was moving across the ocean in a northwesterly direction at 18 kph (11 mph), weather officials said.

More than 2,000 people were moved to safety, most of them tourists on islands off its east coast, authorities said.

Nearly two dozen domestic flights and ferry services were cancelled, while troops were put on standby in some areas amid fears of heavy rain, which can trigger landslides and flooding.

Typhoons regularly hit Taiwan, China, the Philippines, and Japan in the second half of the year, gathering strength from the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean or the South China Sea.

Typhoon Morakot devastated Taiwan in 2009, killing nearly 700 people, most of them in landslides.

Taiwan moved thousands of people to safety on Wednesday as the island braced for its first typhoon this year, as airlines cancelled domestic flights and authorities issued warnings about floods and high seas.

Taiwan moved thousands of people to safety on Wednesday as the island braced for its first typhoon this year, as airlines cancelled domestic flights and authorities issued warnings about floods and high seas. Typhoon Danas, categorised at the weakest typhoon level, was expected to hit the eastern county of Yilan late on Thursday. It was moving across the ocean in a northwesterly direction at 18 kph (11 mph), weather officials said. More than 2,000 people were moved to safety, most of them tourists on islands off its east coast, authorities said. Nearly two dozen domestic flights and ferry services were cancelled, while troops were put on standby in some areas amid fears of heavy rain, which can trigger landslides and flooding. Typhoons regularly hit Taiwan, China, the Philippines, and Japan in the second half of the year, gathering strength from the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean or the South China Sea. Typhoon Morakot devastated Taiwan in 2009, killing nearly 700 people, most of them in landslides.

Taiwan issues warnings for year's first typhoon as thousands evacuated

The US Coast Guard says a cutter interdicted a submarine suspected of smuggling drugs in the Pacific Ocean in June. A video shows Coast Guard officers boarding the submarine and ordering those insides to open the hatch. The seizure by the US Coast Guard Cutter Munro was one of a number that occurred recently in the Pacific Ocean.

US Coast Guard seizes alleged drug sub in Pacific

Gunmen have massacred as many as 18 people including women and children in a remote village in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/papua-new-guinea-set-to-end-australia-refugee-contract-227856">Papua New Guinea</a>, apparently the latest victims of a tribal feud, and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-papua-new-guinea-leader-a-wildcard-in-pacific-power-play-223203">Prime Minister James Marape </a>vowed on Wednesday to hunt down the killers.

Violence has long ravaged the poor but resource-rich Pacific Ocean nation, but the scale of the latest bloodletting has shocked the country.

"It's a very sad story," Philip Undialu, the governor of Hela Province in the rugged central highlands where the attack took place on Monday, told Reuters by phone.

Pictures posted on Facebook showed the dead, including several children, wrapped in cloth and laid on palm leaves by the side of a road.

Undialu said the particular trigger for the killings in Karida village, some 630 km (390 miles) northwest of the capital, Port Moresby, was not known but the violence was the latest flare-up of a conflict running for years.

Those targeted had offered shelter to victims of a bout of violence several weeks ago, he said.

"It was retaliation of a previous attack ... it was a very sudden attack," he said, adding that in all, 24 people had been killed in the latest phase of violence.

"Both attacks were made in an innocent community where people were not expecting it and all of us are in a state of shock."

Prime Minister Marape said he was "coming for" the killers.

"In memory of the innocent who continues to die at the hands of gun-toting criminals, your time is up," Marape said in a post on his official Facebook page.

"Before I had someone else to report to, now I have no one else to report to but the innocent you kill," he said. "I am not afraid to use the strongest measures in law on you ... I am coming to you."

Marape, who became a leader in May, cited a lack of police on the ground as a major problem in a region that has for years grappled with violence, sometimes driven by disputes over the distribution of resource wealth.

ExxonMobil Corp operates a natural gas processing plant in the province and halted construction on a pipeline last year because of unrest.&nbsp;

Barrick Gold Corp and China's Zijin Mining run Porgera, a gold mine, in a neighbouring province.

Last year, aid workers bringing relief supplies to the area's district town of Tari after a big earthquake was ordered out and the army was sent in to quell tribal disputes.&nbsp;

Gunmen have massacred as many as 18 people including women and children in a remote village in Papua New Guinea, apparently the latest victims of a tribal feud, and Prime Minister James Marape vowed on Wednesday to hunt down the killers.

Gunmen have massacred as many as 18 people including women and children in a remote village in Papua New Guinea, apparently the latest victims of a tribal feud, and Prime Minister James Marape vowed on Wednesday to hunt down the killers. Violence has long ravaged the poor but resource-rich Pacific Ocean nation, but the scale of the latest bloodletting has shocked the country. "It's a very sad story," Philip Undialu, the governor of Hela Province in the rugged central highlands where the attack took place on Monday, told Reuters by phone. Pictures posted on Facebook showed the dead, including several children, wrapped in cloth and laid on palm leaves by the side of a road. Undialu said the particular trigger for the killings in Karida village, some 630 km (390 miles) northwest of the capital, Port Moresby, was not known but the violence was the latest flare-up of a conflict running for years. Those targeted had offered shelter to victims of a bout of violence several weeks ago, he said. "It was retaliation of a previous attack ... it was a very sudden attack," he said, adding that in all, 24 people had been killed in the latest phase of violence. "Both attacks were made in an innocent community where people were not expecting it and all of us are in a state of shock." Prime Minister Marape said he was "coming for" the killers. "In memory of the innocent who continues to die at the hands of gun-toting criminals, your time is up," Marape said in a post on his official Facebook page. "Before I had someone else to report to, now I have no one else to report to but the innocent you kill," he said. "I am not afraid to use the strongest measures in law on you ... I am coming to you." Marape, who became a leader in May, cited a lack of police on the ground as a major problem in a region that has for years grappled with violence, sometimes driven by disputes over the distribution of resource wealth. ExxonMobil Corp operates a natural gas processing plant in the province and halted construction on a pipeline last year because of unrest. Barrick Gold Corp and China's Zijin Mining run Porgera, a gold mine, in a neighbouring province. Last year, aid workers bringing relief supplies to the area's district town of Tari after a big earthquake was ordered out and the army was sent in to quell tribal disputes.

Gunmen massacre 18, including children, in Papua New Guinea attack

When solar eclipse plunged Argentina, Peru and Chile into darkness

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