The Early Spring is proof not everyone can talk about their real feelings, and it is perfectly OK

UN votes to ‘correct the map’ as India backs fairer world view

Nigerian Navy discovers 99,000 litres of suspected stolen, illegally refined products as it intensifies anti-crude oil theft operations

Who is Aditi Paudel? 17-year-old becomes Japan's first literacy ambassador

Bengaluru: Officials find 40 kg expired chilli at chairman's club 

Jaishankar rejects trade link to ending Ukraine war 

Israeli strikes on Lebanon kill three, injure 23 despite truce

Alpine glacier was covered with sheep wool sheets to prevent melting. It worked

South Korea mulls deploying military assets to Strait of Hormuz

World's fifth-largest economy, British army can't afford to train

Breaking | Vance takes the podium: First White House briefing since Leavitt's exit

Taiwan raises 'concerns' over China's missile test

BRICS 2026: $1 trillion sovereign capital set to converge in Delhi for first iBRICS Summit

What is Iran's Pickaxe Mountain that Trump has again threatened to bomb?

UN votes to correct world map that visually shrank Africa for 450 years

Former NewJeans member Danielle launches YouTube channel, hints at new solo journey

Bangladesh batter Towhid Hridoy creates history with 350 not out in South Africa

Brendan Fraser’s transformation fuels The Mummy 4 excitement as fans welcome back Rick O’Connell

Krishna Janmashtami 2026: From Dhaniya Panjiri to Makhana Kheer- 5 best sweet dishes perfect for celebrating Lord Krishna’s birth

Donald Trump plans to travel to Ireland on Qatari-donated jet amid security concerns

Nazi-looted art to return to Jewish heirs

Eight killed in Kerala’s Thrissur after car rams into lorry parked on highway

Why Russian fighter jets use bulky, low-pressure tyres compared to US jets

FBI-wanted fraud accused arrested in Jalandhar over $600,000 scam

Why US tanks weigh over 20 tons more than Russian tanks

New Friday OTT releases (September 4, 2026): GDN, Dhamaal 4, Jagamae Sangeetham- Watch 6 new movies and TV shows on Netflix, Prime Video and more

Killing the Himalayas slowly: Human urine is melting a glacier on Mount Everest

Republicans head to new Hampshire primary. Ron DeSantis bows out of Presidential race, backs Donald Trump. Republicans are now down to two candidates ahead of primary. Watch to know more!

Trump vs Haley in New Hampshire Primary | US Elections 2024

A shrine in Japan has allowed women to take part in the 'naked man' festival for the first time in the festival's 1650-year history, but conditions apply. The festival is organised by Konomiya Shrine in Inazawa town of Japan's Aichi prefecture. This Week in Asia reported that around 10,000 local men are expected to take part in the festival on February 22 this year.

<h2>What is the 'naked man festival'?</h2>

Unlike its semi-namesake 'The Burning Man', the 'naked man festival' or the Hadaka Matsuri festival doesn't have music bands making the masses groove but it has to do with good luck in the new year.

The festival has been a 'men-only' affair for more than a thousand years, and festivities reach a crescendo when thousands of them, dressed in nothing but a loincloth jostle to create a near-stampede like situation to touch the 'shin-otoko', or “god man”. Touching this man, a very real one, is believed to cleanse a person of his sins and bring good luck for a year.

Watch | Japan Earthquake: At least 62 dead, rescue operations underway

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-earthquake-at-least-62-dead-rescue-operations-underway-676041/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Needless to say the jostle of the almost naked men is mother of all rugby matches and wrestling combined. Women have traditionally stayed away from the Hadaka Matsuri fest. But the decision to allow them to participate is being seen as a welcome step.

This time women will be able to take part in other rituals related to the festival but not the jostling for touching the 'god man'.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japans-moon-sniper-switched-off-space-agency-says-data-transmission-completed-682353">Japan's Moon sniper switched off, space agency says data transmission completed</a>

“We have not been able to hold the festival like we used to for the past three years because of the pandemic and, in the time, we received a lot of requests from women in the town to take part,” said Mitsugu Katyama, who is an official of the organising committee as quoted by This Week in Asia.

He reportedly claimed that there was no explicit or active ban on women in past but they have chosen to stay away from the festival.

Now, a group of 40 women said that they will take part.

A local newspaper Yomiuri quoted Ayaka Suzuki, a local woman who said she wanted to take part in the celebrations since she was very young.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-mitsuko-tottori-former-flight-attendant-appointed-as-first-female-prez-of-japan-airlines-681570">Who is Mitsuko Tottori? Former flight attendant appointed as first female prez of Japan Airlines</a>

“I could have participated if I were a boy,” she told Tomiuri. She is reportedly vice chairman of the group of women wanting to take part in the fest this time.

(With inputs from agencies)

A shrine in Japan has allowed women to take part in the 'naked man' festival for the first time in the festival's 1650-year history, but conditions apply. The festival is organised by Konomiya Shrine in Inazawa town of Japan's Aichi prefecture.

A shrine in Japan has allowed women to take part in the 'naked man' festival for the first time in the festival's 1650-year history, but conditions apply. The festival is organised by Konomiya Shrine in Inazawa town of Japan's Aichi prefecture. This Week in Asia reported that around 10,000 local men are expected to take part in the festival on February 22 this year. What is the 'naked man festival'? Unlike its semi-namesake 'The Burning Man', the 'naked man festival' or the Hadaka Matsuri festival doesn't have music bands making the masses groove but it has to do with good luck in the new year. The festival has been a 'men-only' affair for more than a thousand years, and festivities reach a crescendo when thousands of them, dressed in nothing but a loincloth jostle to create a near-stampede like situation to touch the 'shin-otoko', or “god man”. Touching this man, a very real one, is believed to cleanse a person of his sins and bring good luck for a year. Watch | Japan Earthquake: At least 62 dead, rescue operations underway × Needless to say the jostle of the almost naked men is mother of all rugby matches and wrestling combined. Women have traditionally stayed away from the Hadaka Matsuri fest. But the decision to allow them to participate is being seen as a welcome step. This time women will be able to take part in other rituals related to the festival but not the jostling for touching the 'god man'. Also Read | Japan's Moon sniper switched off, space agency says data transmission completed “We have not been able to hold the festival like we used to for the past three years because of the pandemic and, in the time, we received a lot of requests from women in the town to take part,” said Mitsugu Katyama, who is an official of the organising committee as quoted by This Week in Asia. He reportedly claimed that there was no explicit or active ban on women in past but they have chosen to stay away from the festival. Now, a group of 40 women said that they will take part. A local newspaper Yomiuri quoted Ayaka Suzuki, a local woman who said she wanted to take part in the celebrations since she was very young. Also Read | Who is Mitsuko Tottori? Former flight attendant appointed as first female prez of Japan Airlines “I could have participated if I were a boy,” she told Tomiuri. She is reportedly vice chairman of the group of women wanting to take part in the fest this time. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan: Women to take part in thousand-year-old ‘naked man’ fest for first time, but conditions apply

Following a threat alert regarding a potential terror attack, several educational institutes in Islamabad were closed to avoid any catastrophe. This security threat comes as Pakistan is scheduled to hold general elections on February 8. Watch to know more!

Pakistan Security Threat: Universities in Islamabad closed until further orders

Israel has given Hamas a proposal through Qatari and Egyptian mediators that includes up to two months of a pause in the fighting as part of a multi-phase deal that would include the release of all remaining hostages held in Gaza.

Israel-Palestine war: Deadliest day for Israeli military since war declared | WION Dispatch

In a developing maritime situation, the Indian Navy is closely monitoring the movement of the Chinese ocean research vessel XIANG YANG HONG 03, which is reported to be heading towards Male, the capital of the Maldives. The development comes amid the recent India-Maldives tensions. Watch to know more!

India-Maldives tensions: Maldives government confirms arrival of Chinese ship

Storm Isha, which was set to batter “everybody” in the United Kingdom, as per forecasters, did just that. However, the impact was not limited to the ground in the UK and Ireland, whose weather agencies had issued a number of warnings ahead of the storm, but also the skies.&nbsp;

<h2>UK flights diverted to Germany and France</h2>

Thousands of people in the UK and parts of Ireland were placed under warnings for the storm which wreaked havoc bringing heavy rains and strong winds of up to 159 km/h. Notably, some parts of the UK witnessed their strongest winds in 10 to 20 years.

Images and videos from airports in the UK and Ireland showed chaos as many flights were cancelled, including more than 160 flights from Dublin Airport. Additionally, clips show some planes struggling to land or shaking violently before ultimately landing at London airports.&nbsp;

This led to chaos as some passengers were taken to the wrong destinations, and others were taken to a whole other country, which ultimately led them to spend the night on terminal floors.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/storm-isha-thousands-left-without-power-in-uk-ireland-over-100-flights-cancelled-at-dublin-airport-682503">Storm Isha: Thousands left without power in UK, Ireland; over 100 flights cancelled at Dublin airport</a>

Flights heading to Bristol, London and Dublin were diverted to Paris, while a plane which was supposed to land in Edinburgh ended up in the German city of Cologne.&nbsp;

Since some of these flights were on domestic routes, the passengers were travelling without a passport and could not pass through immigration now that they were in another country.&nbsp;

Speaking about his experience, Luke Bromage-Henry, whose flight was supposed to land in London from Jersey, but ended up in Paris, said they sat on the runway for several hours. “Worst trip to Paris ever,” he told the BBC.&nbsp;

“I slept for about two hours underneath some chairs in the transfer terminal,” said Bromage-Henry, who spent the night in the terminal at Charles de Gaulle Airport.

<h2>What about Ireland?</h2>

Ryanair, an Irish carrier was particularly affected since its base is Dublin where a whopping 166 flights to and from the airport were cancelled, on Sunday, according to Kevin Cullinane, group head of communications at Dublin Airport, reported CNN.&nbsp;

The airport also diverted 36 flights and saw 34 go-arounds, which is when a plane abandons landing mid-process and decides to “go around” for another try.&nbsp;

Ryanair flights from the Spanish cities of Tenerife and Seville headed for Edinburgh, ended up in Germany’s Cologne. Passengers on another Ryanair flight from Budapest to London flew back to Hungary after several attempts to land and before ultimately giving up.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, a Ryanair flight from Lanzarote to Dublin made it to the Irish capital before turning around and was diverted to Bordeaux, France, without attempting to land.&nbsp;

Another flight by the Irish carrier from Manchester to Dublin which is typically a 30-minute route turned into a two-and-a-half hour one after it made a go-around and was diverted to Paris.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/storm-isha-uk-braces-for-strong-winds-heavy-rains-amid-rare-weather-cycle-682058">Storm Isha: UK braces for strong winds, heavy rains amid ‘rare’ weather cycle</a>

A separate plane on the same route went back and forth between the UK and Ireland for over three hours before it landed in Liverpool, around 50 kilometres from the departure airport.

<h2>Two killed due to Storm Isha</h2>

At least two people were killed in storm-related incidents on Monday (Jan 22), as per media reports. A man in Scotland died after the car he was in was hit by a tree, and another man in Northern Ireland passed away after a tree fell on his car.

Isha also left thousands without power in several parts of the UK, as the country braces for another storm, on Tuesday (Jan 23) named Storm Jocelyn, which is expected to bring heavy rains and possible flooding.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Storm Isha, which was set to batter “everybody” in the United Kingdom, as per forecasters, did just that. However, the impact was not limited to the ground in the UK and Ireland, whose weather agencies had issued a number of warnings ahead of the storm, but also the skies.

Storm Isha, which was set to batter “everybody” in the United Kingdom, as per forecasters, did just that. However, the impact was not limited to the ground in the UK and Ireland, whose weather agencies had issued a number of warnings ahead of the storm, but also the skies. UK flights diverted to Germany and France Thousands of people in the UK and parts of Ireland were placed under warnings for the storm which wreaked havoc bringing heavy rains and strong winds of up to 159 km/h. Notably, some parts of the UK witnessed their strongest winds in 10 to 20 years. Images and videos from airports in the UK and Ireland showed chaos as many flights were cancelled, including more than 160 flights from Dublin Airport. Additionally, clips show some planes struggling to land or shaking violently before ultimately landing at London airports. This led to chaos as some passengers were taken to the wrong destinations, and others were taken to a whole other country, which ultimately led them to spend the night on terminal floors. ALSO READ | Storm Isha: Thousands left without power in UK, Ireland; over 100 flights cancelled at Dublin airport Flights heading to Bristol, London and Dublin were diverted to Paris, while a plane which was supposed to land in Edinburgh ended up in the German city of Cologne. Since some of these flights were on domestic routes, the passengers were travelling without a passport and could not pass through immigration now that they were in another country. Speaking about his experience, Luke Bromage-Henry, whose flight was supposed to land in London from Jersey, but ended up in Paris, said they sat on the runway for several hours. “Worst trip to Paris ever,” he told the BBC. “I slept for about two hours underneath some chairs in the transfer terminal,” said Bromage-Henry, who spent the night in the terminal at Charles de Gaulle Airport. What about Ireland? Ryanair, an Irish carrier was particularly affected since its base is Dublin where a whopping 166 flights to and from the airport were cancelled, on Sunday, according to Kevin Cullinane, group head of communications at Dublin Airport, reported CNN. The airport also diverted 36 flights and saw 34 go-arounds, which is when a plane abandons landing mid-process and decides to “go around” for another try. Ryanair flights from the Spanish cities of Tenerife and Seville headed for Edinburgh, ended up in Germany’s Cologne. Passengers on another Ryanair flight from Budapest to London flew back to Hungary after several attempts to land and before ultimately giving up. Meanwhile, a Ryanair flight from Lanzarote to Dublin made it to the Irish capital before turning around and was diverted to Bordeaux, France, without attempting to land. Another flight by the Irish carrier from Manchester to Dublin which is typically a 30-minute route turned into a two-and-a-half hour one after it made a go-around and was diverted to Paris. ALSO READ | Storm Isha: UK braces for strong winds, heavy rains amid ‘rare’ weather cycle A separate plane on the same route went back and forth between the UK and Ireland for over three hours before it landed in Liverpool, around 50 kilometres from the departure airport. Two killed due to Storm Isha At least two people were killed in storm-related incidents on Monday (Jan 22), as per media reports. A man in Scotland died after the car he was in was hit by a tree, and another man in Northern Ireland passed away after a tree fell on his car. Isha also left thousands without power in several parts of the UK, as the country braces for another storm, on Tuesday (Jan 23) named Storm Jocelyn, which is expected to bring heavy rains and possible flooding. (With inputs from agencies)

Passengers end up in ‘wrong’ countries as Storm Isha creates travel chaos in UK, Ireland

The World Health Organization chief fears plans for a global pandemic preparedness agreement will fall apart amid wrangling and disinformation, warning on Monday that future generations "may not forgive us".

Shaken by the COVID-19 pandemic, the WHO's 194 member states decided more than two years ago to start negotiating an international accord aimed at ensuring countries are better equipped to deal with the next health catastrophe, or to prevent it altogether.

The plan was to seal the agreement at the 2024 World Health Assembly, the WHO's decision-making body, which convenes on May 27.

But WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the momentum had been slowed down by entrenched positions and "a torrent of fake news, lies, and conspiracy theories".

And he warned that if nobody is prepared to seize the initiative or give ground, the whole project risks going nowhere.

WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Mysterious pneumonia outbreak in China

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-mysterious-pneumonia-outbreak-in-china-is-the-next-killer-pandemic-on-its-way-662084/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Time is very short. And there are several outstanding issues that remain to be resolved," Tedros told the WHO's executive board in Geneva.

Failure to strike an agreement would be "a missed opportunity for which future generations may not forgive us," he said.

Tedros said all countries needed the capacity to detect and share pathogens presenting a risk, and timely access to tests, treatments and vaccines.

He called for a "strong agreement that will help to protect our children and grandchildren from future pandemics".

Tedros said claims that the accord would cede sovereignty to the WHO or give it the power to impose lockdowns and vaccine mandates were "completely false".

"We cannot allow this historic agreement, this milestone in global health, to be sabotaged."

<h2>- 'Extreme amount of work' -</h2>

WHO member states decided in December 2021 to create a new international instrument on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response, aimed at ensuring the flaws that turned Covid-19 into a global crisis could never happen again.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/doomsday-clock-to-be-revealed-today-are-we-closer-to-an-all-out-catastrophe-682784">Doomsday Clock to be revealed today: Are we closer to an all-out catastrophe?</a>

WHO emergencies director Michael Ryan reminded countries how the pandemic "ripped apart our social, economic and political systems and became a multi-trillion dollar problem".

In the midst of major geopolitical conflicts, "this is one thing the world agrees on", he said.

Roland Driece of the Netherlands, who is co-chairing the negotiations, said the project had condensed a seven-year process into two years.

He said the accord should be ambitious, innovative and with clear commitments.

On the disagreements, he said European countries wanted more money invested in pandemic prevention, while Africa wanted the knowledge and financing to make that work, plus proper access to pandemic "counter-measures" like vaccines and treatments.

He said there were two sessions of two weeks left to do an "extreme" amount of work.

Parallel negotiations are also going on to reform the International Health Regulations (IHR), which many countries felt had been found badly wanting.

Under these, Tedros declared COVID-19 a public health emergency of international concern on January 30, 2020 -- the highest level of alert available under the regulations.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/data-shows-the-jn1-variant-might-be-the-mildest-form-of-covid-19-yet-680534">JN.1 Covid sub-variant might be milder than earlier thought, experts say</a>

But it was not until March 2020 when he described the worsening situation as a pandemic -- a word that does not exist in the IHR vocabulary -- that the world jolted into action, by which time the virus was already widespread.

Tedros declared an end to the international emergency in May 2023.

Ashley Bloomfield, the chief executive of New Zealand's health ministry during the pandemic, is co-chairing the IHR negotiations.

Like Tedros, he slammed a "coordinated and sophisticated campaign" of misinformation and disinformation attempting to undermine the process.

He said there were 300 proposed amendments to plough through during the talks.

The World Health Organization chief fears plans for a global pandemic preparedness agreement will fall apart amid wrangling and disinformation, warning on Monday that future generations "may not forgive us".

The World Health Organization chief fears plans for a global pandemic preparedness agreement will fall apart amid wrangling and disinformation, warning on Monday that future generations "may not forgive us". Shaken by the COVID-19 pandemic, the WHO's 194 member states decided more than two years ago to start negotiating an international accord aimed at ensuring countries are better equipped to deal with the next health catastrophe, or to prevent it altogether. The plan was to seal the agreement at the 2024 World Health Assembly, the WHO's decision-making body, which convenes on May 27. But WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the momentum had been slowed down by entrenched positions and "a torrent of fake news, lies, and conspiracy theories". And he warned that if nobody is prepared to seize the initiative or give ground, the whole project risks going nowhere. WATCH | Gravitas: Mysterious pneumonia outbreak in China "Time is very short. And there are several outstanding issues that remain to be resolved," Tedros told the WHO's executive board in Geneva. Failure to strike an agreement would be "a missed opportunity for which future generations may not forgive us," he said. Tedros said all countries needed the capacity to detect and share pathogens presenting a risk, and timely access to tests, treatments and vaccines. He called for a "strong agreement that will help to protect our children and grandchildren from future pandemics". Tedros said claims that the accord would cede sovereignty to the WHO or give it the power to impose lockdowns and vaccine mandates were "completely false". "We cannot allow this historic agreement, this milestone in global health, to be sabotaged." - 'Extreme amount of work' - WHO member states decided in December 2021 to create a new international instrument on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response, aimed at ensuring the flaws that turned Covid-19 into a global crisis could never happen again. ALSO READ | Doomsday Clock to be revealed today: Are we closer to an all-out catastrophe? WHO emergencies director Michael Ryan reminded countries how the pandemic "ripped apart our social, economic and political systems and became a multi-trillion dollar problem". In the midst of major geopolitical conflicts, "this is one thing the world agrees on", he said. Roland Driece of the Netherlands, who is co-chairing the negotiations, said the project had condensed a seven-year process into two years. He said the accord should be ambitious, innovative and with clear commitments. On the disagreements, he said European countries wanted more money invested in pandemic prevention, while Africa wanted the knowledge and financing to make that work, plus proper access to pandemic "counter-measures" like vaccines and treatments. He said there were two sessions of two weeks left to do an "extreme" amount of work. Parallel negotiations are also going on to reform the International Health Regulations (IHR), which many countries felt had been found badly wanting. Under these, Tedros declared COVID-19 a public health emergency of international concern on January 30, 2020 -- the highest level of alert available under the regulations. ALSO READ | JN.1 Covid sub-variant might be milder than earlier thought, experts say But it was not until March 2020 when he described the worsening situation as a pandemic -- a word that does not exist in the IHR vocabulary -- that the world jolted into action, by which time the virus was already widespread. Tedros declared an end to the international emergency in May 2023. Ashley Bloomfield, the chief executive of New Zealand's health ministry during the pandemic, is co-chairing the IHR negotiations. Like Tedros, he slammed a "coordinated and sophisticated campaign" of misinformation and disinformation attempting to undermine the process. He said there were 300 proposed amendments to plough through during the talks.

‘Future generations may not forgive us’: WHO chief warns as fate of global pandemic agreement hangs in balance

Storms Isha lashed Britain and Ireland with heavy rain and wind gusts of almost 100 miles (160 kilometers) an hour. The storm uprooted beeches in Northern Ireland and littered roadsides and rail tracks across the country with trees that blocked trains. Watch to know more!

Storm Isha: Strong winds & torrential rain wreak havoc in UK & Scotland

Chinese scientists have unveiled a groundbreaking achievement in materials science with the development of a porous ceramic material that possesses both high mechanical strength and exceptional thermal insulation. This innovation has the potential to revolutionise aerospace applications, particularly in the construction of the next generation of hypersonic aircraft, reported the South China Morning Post.

Porous ceramic materials are increasingly favoured for thermal insulation due to their lightweight nature, chemical inertness, and low thermal conductivity.

However, the quest for materials with both high mechanical strength and thermal insulation has proven challenging.

The introduction of more pores to enhance thermal insulation often results in a significant reduction in mechanical strength. Moreover, conventional porous materials may experience shrinkage and strength degradation at high temperatures, rendering them unsuitable for aerospace applications.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-six-injured-after-71-magnitude-earthquake-rattles-part-of-western-china-682672">Also read |&nbsp;At least 6 injured after 7.1-magnitude earthquake rattles western China; landslide death toll at 20</a>

<h2>Multiscale structural design</h2>

The research team from the Guangzhou University's School of Materials Science and Engineering overcame these limitations by developing a porous ceramic with a unique multiscale structural design.

This design, named 9PHEB (9-cation porous high-entropy diboride), incorporates a high-entropy concept, involving the mixing of nine positively charged ions.

The ceramic, 9PHEB, exhibits outstanding dimension and strength retention up to 2,000 degrees Celsius, making it suitable for extreme conditions. With approximately 50% porosity, the material's compressive strength at room temperature is an ultra-high 337 million pascals (MPa), surpassing previous reports on porous ceramics.

Based on the high-entropy concept, 9PHEB showcases a unique microstructure, featuring ultrafine pores at the microscale (0.8 to 1.2 micrometres), defect-free connections at the nanoscale, and lattice distortion at the atomic scale. These characteristics contribute to its mechanical strength and thermal insulation.

Also watch |&nbsp;Taiwan-China tensions: Taiwan reports spotting 7 Chinese fighter jets

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taiwan-china-tensions-taiwan-reports-spotting-7-chinese-fighter-jets-682823/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In thermal stability tests, 9PHEB retained 98.5 per cent&nbsp;of its room temperature strength even at 1,500 degrees, showcasing remarkable insulation properties. At 2,000 degrees, the material exhibited plastic deformation, with a strain of 49 per cent, resulting in a strength increase to 690 MPa.

The researchers assert that the ceramic's unique properties, stemming from its multiscale design, make it suitable for diverse applications.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

Chinese scientists have unveiled a groundbreaking achievement in materials science with the development of a porous ceramic material that possesses both high mechanical strength and exceptional thermal insulation.

Chinese scientists have unveiled a groundbreaking achievement in materials science with the development of a porous ceramic material that possesses both high mechanical strength and exceptional thermal insulation. This innovation has the potential to revolutionise aerospace applications, particularly in the construction of the next generation of hypersonic aircraft, reported the South China Morning Post. Porous ceramic materials are increasingly favoured for thermal insulation due to their lightweight nature, chemical inertness, and low thermal conductivity. However, the quest for materials with both high mechanical strength and thermal insulation has proven challenging. The introduction of more pores to enhance thermal insulation often results in a significant reduction in mechanical strength. Moreover, conventional porous materials may experience shrinkage and strength degradation at high temperatures, rendering them unsuitable for aerospace applications. Also read | At least 6 injured after 7.1-magnitude earthquake rattles western China; landslide death toll at 20 Multiscale structural design The research team from the Guangzhou University's School of Materials Science and Engineering overcame these limitations by developing a porous ceramic with a unique multiscale structural design. This design, named 9PHEB (9-cation porous high-entropy diboride), incorporates a high-entropy concept, involving the mixing of nine positively charged ions. The ceramic, 9PHEB, exhibits outstanding dimension and strength retention up to 2,000 degrees Celsius, making it suitable for extreme conditions. With approximately 50% porosity, the material's compressive strength at room temperature is an ultra-high 337 million pascals (MPa), surpassing previous reports on porous ceramics. Based on the high-entropy concept, 9PHEB showcases a unique microstructure, featuring ultrafine pores at the microscale (0.8 to 1.2 micrometres), defect-free connections at the nanoscale, and lattice distortion at the atomic scale. These characteristics contribute to its mechanical strength and thermal insulation. Also watch | Taiwan-China tensions: Taiwan reports spotting 7 Chinese fighter jets In thermal stability tests, 9PHEB retained 98.5 per cent of its room temperature strength even at 1,500 degrees, showcasing remarkable insulation properties. At 2,000 degrees, the material exhibited plastic deformation, with a strain of 49 per cent, resulting in a strength increase to 690 MPa. The researchers assert that the ceramic's unique properties, stemming from its multiscale design, make it suitable for diverse applications. (With inputs from agencies)

Breakthrough: Chinese scientists invent new porous ceramic that can be used in making hypersonic aircraft

China's research vessel or a snooping device? | India-Maldives tensions

Second round of joint airstrikes target Yemen's Houthi rebels. The Houthis have vowed 'to respond to any attacks on Yemen.' Houthi's claim to have fired at a U.S. cargo ship in Red sea. Watch to know more!

Red Sea Crisis: U.S, UK launch new strikes against Houthis

UK health officials on Monday urged millions of parents to book their children for missed measles, mumps and rubella shots during a sharp increase in the number of measles cases in children and the lowest vaccination rates in a decade.

UK measles outbreak: Why are cases rising? | Health officials launch awareness campaign

Israel new ceasefire proposal to allow hostages to be released in three stages

Chinese balloons over Taiwan. Latest balloon sightings come after Taiwan's Presidential polls. Five balloons near city of Keelung and one balloon flies near Pingtung county. China has not ruled out the use of force regarding Taiwan. Watch to know more!

China increases use of 'grey zone' tactics, Beijing ramps up military activity post polls

The Canadian government on Monday announced that the number of student visas granted over the next two years will be capped. In 2024, a total of 360,000 undergraduate study permits will be approved, a 35% dip from 2023.

Canada to slash intake of foreign students, announces two-year cap on visas

Can Trump carry forth Iowa caucus win? | US Presidential Elections 2024

Pakistan Universities shut down amid security concern

Domestic tensions, global pressure corner Israel's Prime Minister. Bitter disagreement amid Israeli war cabinet members unearthed. Netanyahu's friction with defence minister gallant intensifies. Demonstrators call for fresh elections. Watch to know more!

Pressure mounts on Israeli PM Netanyahu, hostages' families protest outside Netanyahu's residence

In a world where lines between reality and artificial intelligence are increasingly blurred, parents are concerned about unrealistic beauty standards being set and their impact on young minds.

AI influencers promote wrong beauty standards, parents urge TikTok to label AI content

The United States and Britain said that their second wave of coordinated military action against the rebels backed by Iran was in reaction to ongoing attacks on shipping when they conducted fresh strikes on the Houthis on Monday.

Houthis vow to respond 'to any attacks on Yemen', second round of joint airstrikes target rebels

Florida Governor Ron Desantis on Sunday (Jan 21) stepped out from the 2024 presidential race and backed former US president Donald Trump.&nbsp;

Desantis backed out ahead of the Republican primary election to be held in New Hampshire, where the leader was polling in the single digits. DeSantis was once seen as a strong contender for the nomination of the party - but on Sunday he announced that he did not "have a clear path to victory".

Trump's last remaining challenger, Nikki Haley, said she was the "only one" who can defeat US President Joe Biden. Trump and Haley will face each other in New Hampshire's primary election on Tuesday (Jan 23). This will be the second in a series of state-by-state contests which are being conducted to select a Republican nominee for the general election scheduled in November.

DeSantis, in a five-minute long video posted on social media platform X on Sunday, said that his campaign had "left it all out on the field".

"If there was anything I could do to produce a favourable outcome - more campaign stops, more interviews - I would do it," he said while announcing the end of his seven-month campaign.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-vs-michelle-obama-in-2024-us-elections-reports-say-former-first-lady-could-replace-joe-biden-682065">Donald Trump Vs Michelle Obama in 2024 US elections? Reports say former first lady could replace Joe Biden</a>

The Florida governor said that he is now endorsing Trump who has emerged as a clear frontrunner after garnering &nbsp;51 per cent of the vote and marking a major victory in the first contest held in Iowa.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” 
 
- Winston Churchill <a href="https://t.co/ECoR8YeiMm">pic.twitter.com/ECoR8YeiMm</a>
— Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) <a href="https://twitter.com/RonDeSantis/status/1749159384112845285?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

DeSantis said it can be clearly seen that a majority of Republican voters "want to give Donald Trump another chance".

He accepted "disagreements" with the former president, but added that Trump was "superior" to Biden, who is most likely to be the Democratic nominee in November's general election.

"I signed a pledge to support the Republican nominee, and I will honour that pledge," said DeSantis.

<h2>Trump receives loud cheers after DeSantis's withdrawal&nbsp;</h2>

After DeSantis withdrew his candidacy and endorsed Trump on Sunday afternoon (Jan 21), Trump was greeted with loud cheers. Later, while addressing the people at a rally, Trump said that his former opponent Desantis was a "really terrific person", and added, "He ran a really good campaign, it's not easy."

DeSantis had earlier presented himself as the Republican candidate who could deliver the populist agenda of Trump without any baggage or drama.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;US Elections 2024: Now Nikki Haley to take on Donald Trump

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-elections-2024-now-nikki-haley-to-take-on-donald-trump-682241/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

After the announcement was made by DeSantis, the Trump campaign appealed to all Republicans to rally in support of the US president, while criticising his former UN Ambassador as "the candidate of the globalists and Democrats who will do everything to stop the America First movement".

DeSantis also took a jibe at Haley and called her a member of "the old Republican guard of yesteryear - a repackaged form of warmed-over corporatism".

Haley, who is a former South Carolina governor, in her response, insisted that she was the "only one" conservative candidate who can defeat Biden.

"There's two people in this race. That's what we wanted all along, and we're going to keep going," she said while speaking to CNN in New Hampshire.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Florida Governor Ron Desantis on Sunday (Jan 21) stepped out from the 2024 presidential race and backed former US president Donald Trump. Desantis backed out ahead of the Republican primary election to be held in New Hampshire, where the leader was polling in the single digits.

Florida Governor Ron Desantis on Sunday (Jan 21) stepped out from the 2024 presidential race and backed former US president Donald Trump. Desantis backed out ahead of the Republican primary election to be held in New Hampshire, where the leader was polling in the single digits. DeSantis was once seen as a strong contender for the nomination of the party - but on Sunday he announced that he did not "have a clear path to victory". Trump's last remaining challenger, Nikki Haley, said she was the "only one" who can defeat US President Joe Biden. Trump and Haley will face each other in New Hampshire's primary election on Tuesday (Jan 23). This will be the second in a series of state-by-state contests which are being conducted to select a Republican nominee for the general election scheduled in November. DeSantis, in a five-minute long video posted on social media platform X on Sunday, said that his campaign had "left it all out on the field". "If there was anything I could do to produce a favourable outcome - more campaign stops, more interviews - I would do it," he said while announcing the end of his seven-month campaign. Also read: Donald Trump Vs Michelle Obama in 2024 US elections? Reports say former first lady could replace Joe Biden The Florida governor said that he is now endorsing Trump who has emerged as a clear frontrunner after garnering 51 per cent of the vote and marking a major victory in the first contest held in Iowa. “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” - Winston Churchill pic.twitter.com/ECoR8YeiMm — Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) January 21, 2024 × DeSantis said it can be clearly seen that a majority of Republican voters "want to give Donald Trump another chance". He accepted "disagreements" with the former president, but added that Trump was "superior" to Biden, who is most likely to be the Democratic nominee in November's general election. "I signed a pledge to support the Republican nominee, and I will honour that pledge," said DeSantis. Trump receives loud cheers after DeSantis's withdrawal After DeSantis withdrew his candidacy and endorsed Trump on Sunday afternoon (Jan 21), Trump was greeted with loud cheers. Later, while addressing the people at a rally, Trump said that his former opponent Desantis was a "really terrific person", and added, "He ran a really good campaign, it's not easy." DeSantis had earlier presented himself as the Republican candidate who could deliver the populist agenda of Trump without any baggage or drama. Watch: US Elections 2024: Now Nikki Haley to take on Donald Trump After the announcement was made by DeSantis, the Trump campaign appealed to all Republicans to rally in support of the US president, while criticising his former UN Ambassador as "the candidate of the globalists and Democrats who will do everything to stop the America First movement". DeSantis also took a jibe at Haley and called her a member of "the old Republican guard of yesteryear - a repackaged form of warmed-over corporatism". Haley, who is a former South Carolina governor, in her response, insisted that she was the "only one" conservative candidate who can defeat Biden. "There's two people in this race. That's what we wanted all along, and we're going to keep going," she said while speaking to CNN in New Hampshire. (With inputs from agencies)

Ron DeSantis drops out of US presidential race, extends support to Trump

Musk's visit apparent attempt to dilute anti-semitic allegations. The 'X' owner lights candles at concentration camp's site. Watch to know more!

Elon Musk visits Aushwitz-Birkenau amid row over anti-semitic allegation

Voters in the small town of Dixville Notch kicked off the US state of New Hampshire’s presidential primary on Tuesday (Jan 23) and handed a surprise early landslide victory to White House hopeful Nikki Haley.&nbsp;

Notably, the vote took place at midnight with all six registered voters &nbsp;– four Republican voters and two independents – choosing the former South Carolina governor over former president Donald Trump and all the other candidates.

<h2>New Hampshire primary</h2>

The small resort town in New Hampshire was the first one in the US to vote in the 2024 primaries where the voters were outnumbered by more than 10-to-one by reporters from across the world.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Republican candidates campaign for first primary vote in New Hampshire | Race to Power

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/republican-candidates-campaign-for-first-primary-vote-in-new-hampshire-race-to-power-681292/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The polls in Dixville Notch opened and closed just after midnight and the count took about 10 minutes and ended with no votes at all for Republican frontrunner Trump and six for Haley, his only remaining rival in the party’s nomination race.

Notably, the tiny northeastern town in the middle of the forest near the Canadian border has held the title of voting “first in the nation” in primaries and the presidential election itself since 1960, given the voters there cast ballots so early.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/can-nikki-haley-outrun-donald-trump-in-new-hampshire-heres-what-poll-says-681173">Can Nikki Haley outrun Donald Trump in New Hampshire? Here's what a poll says</a>

Dixville Notch’s midnight voting tradition also dates back some 64 years.

One by one, all six registered voters collected their ballots from election officials, stepped behind a curtain into a booth to mark them and came back to drop them in a box.&nbsp;

However, the results are not typically indicative of how an election will end up, given the really small number of voters. Most polling stations in New Hampshire will open between 6:00 am and 8:00 am (local time), on Tuesday.&nbsp;

<h2>Haley thanks Dixville Notch</h2>

In a statement reacting to the votes in Dixville Notch, Haley said, “A great start to a great day in New Hampshire.” She added, “Thank you Dixville Notch!”&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-presidential-election-nikki-haley-questions-trumps-mental-fitness-after-he-confused-her-with-nancy-pelosi-682028">US presidential election: Nikki Haley questions Trump’s mental fitness after he confused her with Nancy Pelosi</a>

The former United Nations Ambassador is the only one standing against the Republican frontrunner after Florida Governor Ron DeSantis dropped out of the race following the Iowa caucuses, where he came distant second following Trump.

Notably, the voters in New Hampshire are seen as a more Haley-friendly crowd than what she will witness in other states next month.&nbsp;

Additionally, even though Trump has spent less time in New Hampshire juggling one rally a night with court appearances out of state, he is still leading the polls ahead of the election.&nbsp;

A Globe/Suffolk/NBC10 poll showed Haley is 19 points behind Trump on the eve of the election.

(With inputs from agencies)

Voters in the small town of Dixville Notch kicked off the US state of New Hampshire’s presidential primary on Tuesday (Jan 23) and handed a surprise early landslide victory to White House hopeful Nikki Haley.

Voters in the small town of Dixville Notch kicked off the US state of New Hampshire’s presidential primary on Tuesday (Jan 23) and handed a surprise early landslide victory to White House hopeful Nikki Haley. Notably, the vote took place at midnight with all six registered voters – four Republican voters and two independents – choosing the former South Carolina governor over former president Donald Trump and all the other candidates. New Hampshire primary The small resort town in New Hampshire was the first one in the US to vote in the 2024 primaries where the voters were outnumbered by more than 10-to-one by reporters from across the world. WATCH | Republican candidates campaign for first primary vote in New Hampshire | Race to Power The polls in Dixville Notch opened and closed just after midnight and the count took about 10 minutes and ended with no votes at all for Republican frontrunner Trump and six for Haley, his only remaining rival in the party’s nomination race. Notably, the tiny northeastern town in the middle of the forest near the Canadian border has held the title of voting “first in the nation” in primaries and the presidential election itself since 1960, given the voters there cast ballots so early. ALSO READ | Can Nikki Haley outrun Donald Trump in New Hampshire? Here's what a poll says Dixville Notch’s midnight voting tradition also dates back some 64 years. One by one, all six registered voters collected their ballots from election officials, stepped behind a curtain into a booth to mark them and came back to drop them in a box. However, the results are not typically indicative of how an election will end up, given the really small number of voters. Most polling stations in New Hampshire will open between 6:00 am and 8:00 am (local time), on Tuesday. Haley thanks Dixville Notch In a statement reacting to the votes in Dixville Notch, Haley said, “A great start to a great day in New Hampshire.” She added, “Thank you Dixville Notch!” ALSO READ | US presidential election: Nikki Haley questions Trump’s mental fitness after he confused her with Nancy Pelosi The former United Nations Ambassador is the only one standing against the Republican frontrunner after Florida Governor Ron DeSantis dropped out of the race following the Iowa caucuses, where he came distant second following Trump. Notably, the voters in New Hampshire are seen as a more Haley-friendly crowd than what she will witness in other states next month. Additionally, even though Trump has spent less time in New Hampshire juggling one rally a night with court appearances out of state, he is still leading the polls ahead of the election. A Globe/Suffolk/NBC10 poll showed Haley is 19 points behind Trump on the eve of the election. (With inputs from agencies)

New Hampshire primary: Nikki Haley bags all 6 votes to beat Trump in Dixville Notch

Landslide buries several in southern China. Rescue ops continues in snowy, freezing temperatures. Chinese President has ordered an 'all-out' rescue efforts. Watch to know more!

China landslide kills 8, dozens missing | Landslide in Southern China

Storm Isha hits travel and power services across UK

With the inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, India has sent a message of peace to a war-torn world. India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who lead the prayer in Ayodhya, said 'Ram is not fire but energy, Ram is not a dispute but a solution'.

Ram Mandir Ayodhya: 'Witnessed divine presence in the sanctum sanctorum' says PM Modi

world

World, News on World, stories on World, articles on World, World stories at Wion, World news, World latest news

world news