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Tonga eruption could offer clues on planet formation

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The life cycle of a volcano off Tonga and the blast generated from its eruption could offer valuable clues about the formation of other planets

The massive volcanic blast which rocked Tonga last week sent out shockwaves close to the speed of sound and tsunami waves across the Pacific Ocean.

And now one NASA expert says it could also provide valuable clues about the formation of other planets.

“I got a call and they said ‘It blew, you don’t have an island anymore.'”

NASA’s chief scientist, James Garvin

Now they’re examining what’s left of the islands, Hunga Tonga and Hunga Ha’apai.

“We took that volume of mass ejected and the energetics to explosively fragment it, and calculated using fairly classical techniques, how much energy that would take, to break a rock that you could build a city building on, to break it up into little bits and throw it as ash and steam up to hundreds of thousands of feet…”

“And so we did that calculation and we got numbers that range from something equivalent to the blast of a small asteroid that would hit the earth – about 10 metric, megatons of TNT or equivalent – to things even bigger.”

NASA’s chief scientist, James Garvin

The Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha’apai volcano sits on the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire.

The eruption on January 15 was so powerful that it could be heard over a thousand miles away, and huge clouds of ash could be seen from space.

Studying the impact of these volcanoes on Earth tells experts what they may have done to other planets.

“It’s a fossil record of landscapes preserved in time on earth, better preserved on planets like Mars and the moon and Venus. So we use earth as our training ground to project what we know from places like this to other planets that might have oceans, that might have volcanos, that erupt under water.”

NASA’s chief scientist, James Garvin

Many in Tonga are still reeling from the physical and psychological trauma of last week’s blast, as relief aid continues to pour in.

Credit: Gloria Tso 

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DOGE cuts billions as federal spending overhaul continues

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Musk-Led Department slashes DEI grants while Transportation Secretary seeks tech innovation.

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), spearheaded by Elon Musk, has eliminated over $370 million in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) grants at the Department of Education within just 48 hours.

In a post on X, DOGE revealed that 70 DEI training grants were terminated, marking the latest move in its effort to cut federal spending.

This follows another major budget reduction last week when DOGE slashed $881 million in Department of Energy contracts, including more than $100 million allocated to DEI programs.

The sweeping cuts signal a broader initiative under the Trump administration to curb what it considers excessive government spending.

Meanwhile, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has announced that SpaceX workers will visit the Air Traffic Control System Command Center on Monday as part of an effort to modernize U.S. air travel.

Duffy, who has been vocal about the need for infrastructure reform, stated that President Trump has tasked him with developing a world-class air traffic control system.

He has also called on American tech developers and businesses to contribute their expertise to the initiative.

With DOGE rapidly restructuring federal expenditures and the administration emphasizing private-sector partnerships in public services, the coming months could see further policy shifts.

Critics argue that these moves may reduce funding for key programs, while supporters praise them as necessary steps toward fiscal responsibility.

Oz Sultan, the Chief Strategist with the Sultan Interactive Group joins Veronica Dudo to discuss.

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Delta flight crash in Toronto, eight injuries reported

Delta flight crashes at Toronto airport, injuring eight; all passengers and crew accounted for, one in critical condition.

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Delta flight crashes at Toronto airport, injuring eight – all passengers and crew accounted for, one in critical condition.

In Short

A Delta flight crashed at Toronto Pearson International Airport, leaving eight people injured, with one in critical condition. All passengers and crew have been accounted for.

The incident occurred on Monday as the plane arrived at the airport.

Images show the aircraft upside-down on the snow.

The flight had originated from Minneapolis.

Peel Regional Police report that eight people were injured in the crash.

One person is listed as critical with non-life-threatening injuries, while seven others have moderate to mild injuries.

Authorities stated that all passengers and crew members have been accounted for.

The flight had originated from Minneapolis.

Further details are not currently available.

This is an ongoing story, and updates will be provided as more information comes in.

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Trump State Department angers China by removing Taiwan phrase

China criticises Trump officials for removing U.S. statement opposing Taiwan independence, calling it a detrimental signal to independence advocates.

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China criticises Trump officials for removing U.S. statement opposing Taiwan independence, calling it a detrimental signal to independence advocates.

In Short

The Trump State Department removed a key phrase about Taiwan relations from its website, causing outrage in China. Despite this, a spokesperson reaffirmed the U.S. position on Taiwan remains unchanged and underscored the commitment to peace in the region.

Previously, the State Department’s fact sheet stated that the U.S. did not support Taiwan’s independence.

This phrase was deleted last week, prompting Chinese officials to demand an immediate correction, asserting it sends the wrong signal to pro-independence forces in Taiwan.

In response, a State Department spokesperson clarified that the U.S. stance on Taiwan remains unchanged.

The U.S. is dedicated to maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and opposes any unilateral changes to the status quo from either side.

The spokesperson also emphasised support for cross-Strait dialogue, with an expectation that differences should be resolved peacefully.

Chinese President Xi Jinping – Reuters

Sole government

The relationship between the U.S. and Taiwan has long been complex, as the U.S. adheres to the “One China” policy. This policy acknowledges Beijing as the sole government of China while not explicitly affirming its claim to Taiwan.

Due to this understanding, the U.S. does not maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, which is reflected in the absence of a U.S. embassy on the island.

China’s response highlights the ongoing tensions over Taiwan’s status and the delicate nature of U.S.-China relations. Overall, the situation underscores the challenges that arise from differing perspectives on Taiwan’s future.

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