In an interesting turn of events, the United Nations (UN) has appointed a Chinese official&nbsp;as a judge to settle international disputes on the sea.

A Chinese ambassador,&nbsp;Duan Jielong has been elected as a Judge to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS).

The Tribunal is an independent judicial body based in Hamburg, Germany. It was established in 1996 under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-china-sea-beijing-making-key-navy-base-in-the-disputed-territory-323247">Also read|&nbsp;South China Sea: Beijing making key navy base in the disputed territory</a>

It settles disputes on the interpretation and application of the convention, and&nbsp;168 countries are party to this convention. The convention&nbsp;elects a 21-seat tribunal. Elections to seven&nbsp;seats were held recently, and Chinese ambassador Duan Jielong was elected to one of these seats, and his&nbsp;term starts on october 01.

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This is problematic as Beijing's track record speaks of violating law of the sea more than any other country. It boycotts court hearings on maritime disputes and&nbsp;does not accept international verdicts.

In 20016, the&nbsp;permanent court of arbitration in the hague held China guilty and said that China has violated the sovereign rights of the Philippines in the sea. China declared the decision as illegal, null and void.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-making-claims-in-south-china-sea-but-we-cannot-go-to-war-says-mahathir-mohamad-to-wion-318909">Also read | China making claims in South China Sea but we cannot go to war, says Mahathir Mohamad to WION</a>

China is at odds with six countries in the south china sea:&nbsp;The Philippines,&nbsp;Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam. It has also engagaged Japan in the East China sea. This is China's way of overtaking the&nbsp;region's strategic and economic value.

China began claiming the spratly islands as early as the 1970s and&nbsp;has increased the size of some islands. It has also created around 3,200 acres of new land in the Spratly islands since 2013. It has militarised the paracel islands, and created 27 outposts in the Woody islands.

China regularly carries out military drills in the sea, but will now sit in judgment of others.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson,&nbsp;Zhao Lijian, said, "I believe the judges-elect will do their duty justly and contribute to the court."

This tribunal has received 28 cases since its establishment. Recently, a Chinese vessel trespassed Japanese waters. Similarly, Vietnam is considering legal action against China for trying to grab Vietnamese land.&nbsp;If Japan and Vietnam drag Beijing to this tribunal, there's less chances of&nbsp;Duan giving out an unbiased ruling.

In an interesting turn of events, the United Nations (UN) has appointed a Chinese official as a judge to settle international disputes on the sea. A Chinese ambassador, Duan Jielong has been elected as a Judge to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS).

In an interesting turn of events, the United Nations (UN) has appointed a Chinese official as a judge to settle international disputes on the sea. A Chinese ambassador, Duan Jielong has been elected as a Judge to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS). The Tribunal is an independent judicial body based in Hamburg, Germany. It was established in 1996 under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) Also read| South China Sea: Beijing making key navy base in the disputed territory It settles disputes on the interpretation and application of the convention, and 168 countries are party to this convention. The convention elects a 21-seat tribunal. Elections to seven seats were held recently, and Chinese ambassador Duan Jielong was elected to one of these seats, and his term starts on october 01. This is problematic as Beijing's track record speaks of violating law of the sea more than any other country. It boycotts court hearings on maritime disputes and does not accept international verdicts. In 20016, the permanent court of arbitration in the hague held China guilty and said that China has violated the sovereign rights of the Philippines in the sea. China declared the decision as illegal, null and void. Also read | China making claims in South China Sea but we cannot go to war, says Mahathir Mohamad to WION China is at odds with six countries in the south china sea: The Philippines, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam. It has also engagaged Japan in the East China sea. This is China's way of overtaking the region's strategic and economic value. China began claiming the spratly islands as early as the 1970s and has increased the size of some islands. It has also created around 3,200 acres of new land in the Spratly islands since 2013. It has militarised the paracel islands, and created 27 outposts in the Woody islands. China regularly carries out military drills in the sea, but will now sit in judgment of others. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Zhao Lijian, said, "I believe the judges-elect will do their duty justly and contribute to the court." This tribunal has received 28 cases since its establishment. Recently, a Chinese vessel trespassed Japanese waters. Similarly, Vietnam is considering legal action against China for trying to grab Vietnamese land. If Japan and Vietnam drag Beijing to this tribunal, there's less chances of Duan giving out an unbiased ruling.

Chinese ambassador wins seat International Tribunal for Law on the Sea

Taliban fighters killed four civilians on Thursday during clashes with Afghan forces in the central province of Parwan, amid rescue work after flash floods claimed more than 150 lives, officials said.

It was the latest violence amid peace talks between the warring sides that have been delayed over the issue of prisoner releases, as part of efforts to end the US-led war in Afghanistan, which has spanned nearly two decades.

“Taliban fighters opened fire on civilians fleeing areas worst hit by the flash floods,” said Abdul Shukoor Qudoosi, a district official in Bagram, home to the country’s biggest U.S. military base and the site of the clashes.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-floods-rescue-operation-resumes-authorities-call-for-international-help-323479">Also read|&nbsp;Afghan floods: Rescue operation resumes; authorities call for international help</a>

“Taliban were clashing with Afghan forces and they killed civilians who were in an autorickshaw near an army checkpoint,” Qudoosi said, adding that it appeared as if the Islamist militants mistook the passengers for Afghan soldiers.

One Afghan soldier was killed and two were injured.

A Taliban spokesmen was not immediately available to comment.

The death toll from the floods rose to 150, with at least 250 people injured, as survivors and rescue workers sifted the debris of more than 1,500 homes destroyed to the north of the capital, Kabul.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-starts-investigating-9-pakistani-terrorists-held-in-syria-323251">Also read|&nbsp;US starts investigating 9 Pakistani terrorists held in Syria</a>

Authorities moved more than 900 families out of parts of the mountainous province that had been devastated by the floods, which were triggered by exceptionally heavy rain this week.

“The search is still on, as many people, we fear, are still buried under the rocks and rubble,” said Tamim Azimi, a spokesman for the ministry of disaster management.

“The situation is very grim, the scale of loss is intense.”

Security forces, officials and survivors have trudged through deep mud in the search for survivors while the effort to clear the disaster area has stretched more than 28 hours, hampered by blocked and damaged roads.

The dead included many children, survivors said. The death toll was expected to rise as families prepared for mass burials, while mounds of rubble remain to be cleared.

Afghanistan regularly suffers from drought but can be lashed by very heavy rain during the south Asian monsoon season.

Taliban fighters killed four civilians on Thursday during clashes with Afghan forces in the central province of Parwan, amid rescue work after flash floods claimed more than 150 lives, officials said.

Taliban fighters killed four civilians on Thursday during clashes with Afghan forces in the central province of Parwan, amid rescue work after flash floods claimed more than 150 lives, officials said. It was the latest violence amid peace talks between the warring sides that have been delayed over the issue of prisoner releases, as part of efforts to end the US-led war in Afghanistan, which has spanned nearly two decades. “Taliban fighters opened fire on civilians fleeing areas worst hit by the flash floods,” said Abdul Shukoor Qudoosi, a district official in Bagram, home to the country’s biggest U.S. military base and the site of the clashes. Also read| Afghan floods: Rescue operation resumes; authorities call for international help “Taliban were clashing with Afghan forces and they killed civilians who were in an autorickshaw near an army checkpoint,” Qudoosi said, adding that it appeared as if the Islamist militants mistook the passengers for Afghan soldiers. One Afghan soldier was killed and two were injured. A Taliban spokesmen was not immediately available to comment. The death toll from the floods rose to 150, with at least 250 people injured, as survivors and rescue workers sifted the debris of more than 1,500 homes destroyed to the north of the capital, Kabul. Also read| US starts investigating 9 Pakistani terrorists held in Syria Authorities moved more than 900 families out of parts of the mountainous province that had been devastated by the floods, which were triggered by exceptionally heavy rain this week. “The search is still on, as many people, we fear, are still buried under the rocks and rubble,” said Tamim Azimi, a spokesman for the ministry of disaster management. “The situation is very grim, the scale of loss is intense.” Security forces, officials and survivors have trudged through deep mud in the search for survivors while the effort to clear the disaster area has stretched more than 28 hours, hampered by blocked and damaged roads. The dead included many children, survivors said. The death toll was expected to rise as families prepared for mass burials, while mounds of rubble remain to be cleared. Afghanistan regularly suffers from drought but can be lashed by very heavy rain during the south Asian monsoon season.

Taliban kill four survivors of Afghanistan flash floods

The monsoon floods in Afghanistan have taken more than 150 lives and has affected thousands of families, who have lost their family members and livelihood.

In the city of Charikar, overnight flooding took more than 100 lives as hundreds of buildings collapsed due to the heavy flow of the rains.

People rushed back to the city to find their&nbsp;family members, but sadly returned to debris and lists of missing and dead people.

While the rescue teams reached on the spot of destruction few hours later, the local residents of the city took shovels and spades and started helping the rescue teams in saving people trapped under the debris of the fallen buildings.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/heavy-monsoon-rains-trigger-flash-floods-in-afghanistan-and-pakistan-323241">Have a look|&nbsp;Heavy monsoon rains trigger flash floods in Afghanistan and Pakistan</a>

"It is a catastrophe here with so many people dead and missing, including many children," said&nbsp;Safiullah Safi, a community leader.

As per the initial search and rescue missions, around 200 houses have been turned into debris and 600 livestock have been killed due to the heavy floods in the Parwan province alone.

The local authorities are now urging international organisations to step in and help the country which was already merely making ends meet due to a huge blow to the economy due to the coronavirus pandemic. As of now, the local authorities have managed to provide food and first aid to around 1,000 families.

The floods had also reached Pakistan, which is conducting its own rescue missions after cities drowned over the week-long heavy rains.

The monsoon floods in Afghanistan have taken more than 150 lives and has affected thousands of families, who have lost their family members and livelihood. In the city of Charikar, overnight flooding took more than 100 lives as hundreds of buildings collapsed due to the heavy flow of the rains.

The monsoon floods in Afghanistan have taken more than 150 lives and has affected thousands of families, who have lost their family members and livelihood. In the city of Charikar, overnight flooding took more than 100 lives as hundreds of buildings collapsed due to the heavy flow of the rains. People rushed back to the city to find their family members, but sadly returned to debris and lists of missing and dead people. While the rescue teams reached on the spot of destruction few hours later, the local residents of the city took shovels and spades and started helping the rescue teams in saving people trapped under the debris of the fallen buildings. Have a look| Heavy monsoon rains trigger flash floods in Afghanistan and Pakistan "It is a catastrophe here with so many people dead and missing, including many children," said Safiullah Safi, a community leader. As per the initial search and rescue missions, around 200 houses have been turned into debris and 600 livestock have been killed due to the heavy floods in the Parwan province alone. The local authorities are now urging international organisations to step in and help the country which was already merely making ends meet due to a huge blow to the economy due to the coronavirus pandemic. As of now, the local authorities have managed to provide food and first aid to around 1,000 families. The floods had also reached Pakistan, which is conducting its own rescue missions after cities drowned over the week-long heavy rains.

Afghan floods: Rescue operation resumes; authorities call for international help

Last week, Ireland's Parliament was recalled as the lawmakers were spotted enjoying a dinner party defying the reimposed coronavirus regulations.

Now, on Thursday, the Irish government has been asked to propose names for replacement for the position of&nbsp;the EU&nbsp;trade commissioner after Phil Hogan resigned for&nbsp;breaching coronavirus guidelines.

Hogan, who was a strong voice in the EU-Brexit talks, was asked to resign by the Irish Prime Minister&nbsp;Micheal Martin after Phil was seen at the dinner party. Hogan's resignation was handed over on Wednesday and&nbsp;European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said executive vice-president Valdis Dombrovskis would take over his duties in the interim from Thursday.

She has also asked the Irish government to propose names of suitable candidates for the post. "It is now up to the Irish government to present suitable candidates for commissioner of Irish nationality."

"As in the past, I will invite the Irish government to propose a woman and a man."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irish-pm-to-recall-parliament-as-lawmakers-defy-covid-19-rules-322491">Also read:&nbsp;Irish PM to recall parliament as lawmakers defy COVID-19 rules</a>

The local media is reporting that the Former Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, Foreign Minister Simon Coveney and Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe are the possible candidates. However, it is not guaranteed that&nbsp;Ireland will retain the trade portfolio, which is regarded as a key asset protecting the Republic's interests during Brexit trade talks with Britain.

Meanwhile, the Irish PM&nbsp;Micheal Martin has said the government will consider the issue of Hogan's replacement "in due course". Martin is currently busy in handling the rising number of coronavirus cases in the country, but has attracted a lot of criticism for his 'failed' efforts and policies.

The PM had earlier recalled the Parliament as several lawmakers were spotted at a dinner party with no social distancing and masks, and the guests eceeded the allowed number of 50.

It is now being investigated by police and has prompted a series of high-level resignations, including agriculture minister Dara Calleary and deputy Senate chair Jerry Buttimer.

(With inputs from AFP)

Last week, Ireland's Parliament was recalled as the lawmakers were spotted enjoying a dinner party defying the reimposed coronavirus regulations. Now, on Thursday, the Irish government has been asked to propose names for replacement for the position of the EU trade commissioner after Phil Hogan resigned for breaching coronavirus guidelines.

Last week, Ireland's Parliament was recalled as the lawmakers were spotted enjoying a dinner party defying the reimposed coronavirus regulations. Now, on Thursday, the Irish government has been asked to propose names for replacement for the position of the EU trade commissioner after Phil Hogan resigned for breaching coronavirus guidelines. Hogan, who was a strong voice in the EU-Brexit talks, was asked to resign by the Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin after Phil was seen at the dinner party. Hogan's resignation was handed over on Wednesday and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said executive vice-president Valdis Dombrovskis would take over his duties in the interim from Thursday. She has also asked the Irish government to propose names of suitable candidates for the post. "It is now up to the Irish government to present suitable candidates for commissioner of Irish nationality." "As in the past, I will invite the Irish government to propose a woman and a man." Also read: Irish PM to recall parliament as lawmakers defy COVID-19 rules The local media is reporting that the Former Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, Foreign Minister Simon Coveney and Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe are the possible candidates. However, it is not guaranteed that Ireland will retain the trade portfolio, which is regarded as a key asset protecting the Republic's interests during Brexit trade talks with Britain. Meanwhile, the Irish PM Micheal Martin has said the government will consider the issue of Hogan's replacement "in due course". Martin is currently busy in handling the rising number of coronavirus cases in the country, but has attracted a lot of criticism for his 'failed' efforts and policies. The PM had earlier recalled the Parliament as several lawmakers were spotted at a dinner party with no social distancing and masks, and the guests eceeded the allowed number of 50. It is now being investigated by police and has prompted a series of high-level resignations, including agriculture minister Dara Calleary and deputy Senate chair Jerry Buttimer. (With inputs from AFP)

Ireland to nominate replacement of Phil Hogan for EU trade chief role

Russian Kremlin's critic Alexei&nbsp;Navalny has been in the hospital for the past one week, since he was allegedly poisoned for being an active critic of the Russian leader Valdimir Putin.

Now that the critic is stable, some doctors have claimed that no trace of poison was found during his treatment. However, some German doctors disagree with this claim.

To put an end to the rumours and the controversies, Russia's&nbsp;Interior Ministry is launching an investigation into the hospitalisation of the opposition leader.

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Navalny was taken to the hospital after he was allegedly poisoned during a flight&nbsp;rom the Siberian city of Tomsk to Moscow.

While Russian doctors had claimed that there was no trace of poison, German doctors who treated&nbsp;Navalny later disagreed with the claim.

The Interior Ministry has, therefore, opened an investigation into the matter. The transportation unit of the Ministry is&nbsp;currently carrying out preliminary searches in the hotel room where&nbsp;Navalny stayed and the routes he took in the city. The video surveillance footage from the area will also be investigated.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-regrets-russias-lack-of-transparency-over-navalny-poisoning-case-323406">Also read:&nbsp;France regrets Russia's lack of 'transparency' over Navalny poisoning case</a>

As of now, the investigators have not found any drugs or any other potent substances from the hotel room. The Russian prosecutors have also asked Germany for Navalny's medical files from his treatment at the German clinic.

The investigation is a step towards Russia trying to clear the rumours around the critic's health, which can affect Moscow's relationship with the West.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, however,&nbsp;said on Thursday he was bemused by Russia not taking a transparent approach over the possible poisoning of Navalny.

Russian Kremlin's critic Alexei Navalny has been in the hospital for the past one week, since he was allegedly poisoned for being an active critic of the Russian leader Valdimir Putin.

Russian Kremlin's critic Alexei Navalny has been in the hospital for the past one week, since he was allegedly poisoned for being an active critic of the Russian leader Valdimir Putin. Now that the critic is stable, some doctors have claimed that no trace of poison was found during his treatment. However, some German doctors disagree with this claim. To put an end to the rumours and the controversies, Russia's Interior Ministry is launching an investigation into the hospitalisation of the opposition leader. × Navalny was taken to the hospital after he was allegedly poisoned during a flight rom the Siberian city of Tomsk to Moscow. While Russian doctors had claimed that there was no trace of poison, German doctors who treated Navalny later disagreed with the claim. The Interior Ministry has, therefore, opened an investigation into the matter. The transportation unit of the Ministry is currently carrying out preliminary searches in the hotel room where Navalny stayed and the routes he took in the city. The video surveillance footage from the area will also be investigated. Also read: France regrets Russia's lack of 'transparency' over Navalny poisoning case As of now, the investigators have not found any drugs or any other potent substances from the hotel room. The Russian prosecutors have also asked Germany for Navalny's medical files from his treatment at the German clinic. The investigation is a step towards Russia trying to clear the rumours around the critic's health, which can affect Moscow's relationship with the West. French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, however, said on Thursday he was bemused by Russia not taking a transparent approach over the possible poisoning of Navalny.

Russia starts investigating Alexei Navalny's alleged 'poisoning'

Indian state refiners have stopped buying crude oil from China-linked companies, three sources said, after New Delhi`s recent regulation aimed at restricting imports from countries that it shares a border with.

The new regulation, put in place on July 23, comes after a border clash between India and China that killed 20 Indian soldiers and soured relations between the two neighbours.

Since the new order was issued, state refiners have been inserting a clause in their import tenders on new rules restricting dealings with companies from countries sharing a border with India, the sources said and the tender documents show.

Last week, Indian state refiners decided to stop sending crude import tenders to Chinese trading firm like CNOOC Ltd, Unipec and PetroChina, among others, one of the sources said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/most-serious-situation-after-1962-external-affairs-minister-dr-s-jaishankar-on-india-china-border-clash-323427">Also read|&nbsp;Most serious situation after 1962: External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on India-China border clash</a>

To participate in Indian tenders, the July 23 order makes registration with a department in the federal commerce ministry `mandatory` for any bidders from nations sharing a border with India.

India shares borders with China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal and Bhutan, but the government statement did not name any specific country.

State refiners, which control 60% of India`s 5 million barrel-per-day refining capacity, regularly tap spot markets for crude.

India is the world`s third biggest oil consumer and importer and imports nearly 84% of its oil needs. China does not export crude to India but Chinese firms are major traders of the commodity globally.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-fires-2-missiles-in-warning-to-us-323320">Also watch|&nbsp;China fires 2 missiles in warning to US</a>

Chinese companies also hold equity stakes in many oilfields across the globe ranging from the Middle East to Africa and the Americas and often submit competitive bids in crude import tenders by Indian state refiners.

National Interest

Indian state refiners have also decided not to deal with China Aviation Oil (Singapore), PetroChina and subsidiaries of Unipec among others for fuel imports, and have stopped chartering Chinese tankers for imports, sources said.

"There is no impact from the tanker ban and refined fuel imports restrictions as we hardly hire Chinese vessels and our (state refiners`) refined fuel imports are also almost nil except for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)," a second source said.

State refiners will, however, take delivery of crude in tankers linked to China if the import tender was awarded on a cost, insurance, freight (CIF) basis, where the seller arranges the ships, the sources said.

State refiners Indian Oil Corp, Bharat Petroleum Corp, Hindustan Petroleum Corp, Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemical did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

CNOOC, PetroChina and Unipec parent Sinopec also did not immediately respond to requests for comment, while China Aviation Oil declined comment.

India has surplus refining capacity. Most refiners are operating their plants at below capacity as COVID-19-related restrictions have dented fuel demand.

"Nowadays our own requirement is very less, so these new rules are not hurting much. But at some point in time we will definitely be impacted by the new conditions. But we need to think of the larger picture and the national interest, also," a third source said.

Indian state refiners have stopped buying crude oil from China-linked companies, three sources said, after New Delhi`s recent regulation aimed at restricting imports from countries that it shares a border with.

Indian state refiners have stopped buying crude oil from China-linked companies, three sources said, after New Delhi`s recent regulation aimed at restricting imports from countries that it shares a border with. The new regulation, put in place on July 23, comes after a border clash between India and China that killed 20 Indian soldiers and soured relations between the two neighbours. Since the new order was issued, state refiners have been inserting a clause in their import tenders on new rules restricting dealings with companies from countries sharing a border with India, the sources said and the tender documents show. Last week, Indian state refiners decided to stop sending crude import tenders to Chinese trading firm like CNOOC Ltd, Unipec and PetroChina, among others, one of the sources said. Also read| Most serious situation after 1962: External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on India-China border clash To participate in Indian tenders, the July 23 order makes registration with a department in the federal commerce ministry `mandatory` for any bidders from nations sharing a border with India. India shares borders with China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal and Bhutan, but the government statement did not name any specific country. State refiners, which control 60% of India`s 5 million barrel-per-day refining capacity, regularly tap spot markets for crude. India is the world`s third biggest oil consumer and importer and imports nearly 84% of its oil needs. China does not export crude to India but Chinese firms are major traders of the commodity globally. Also watch| China fires 2 missiles in warning to US Chinese companies also hold equity stakes in many oilfields across the globe ranging from the Middle East to Africa and the Americas and often submit competitive bids in crude import tenders by Indian state refiners. National Interest Indian state refiners have also decided not to deal with China Aviation Oil (Singapore), PetroChina and subsidiaries of Unipec among others for fuel imports, and have stopped chartering Chinese tankers for imports, sources said. "There is no impact from the tanker ban and refined fuel imports restrictions as we hardly hire Chinese vessels and our (state refiners`) refined fuel imports are also almost nil except for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)," a second source said. State refiners will, however, take delivery of crude in tankers linked to China if the import tender was awarded on a cost, insurance, freight (CIF) basis, where the seller arranges the ships, the sources said. State refiners Indian Oil Corp, Bharat Petroleum Corp, Hindustan Petroleum Corp, Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemical did not immediately respond to requests for comment. CNOOC, PetroChina and Unipec parent Sinopec also did not immediately respond to requests for comment, while China Aviation Oil declined comment. India has surplus refining capacity. Most refiners are operating their plants at below capacity as COVID-19-related restrictions have dented fuel demand. "Nowadays our own requirement is very less, so these new rules are not hurting much. But at some point in time we will definitely be impacted by the new conditions. But we need to think of the larger picture and the national interest, also," a third source said.

Indian state refiners halt oil imports from Chinese companies: Sources

Trouble doesn't seem to be ending for the short-video sharing app TikTok. After a ban in India and a possible ban in the US, TikTok has landed in yet another trouble. But this time, it is a TikTok 'trend' that has crossed a line.

In a recently started TikTok trend, the users have started to dress-up and do a roleplay of&nbsp;Holocaust victims. The participants of the trend are recording short videos telling their made-up stories of how they survived the Holocaust, or how torturous the situation was during that time.&nbsp;

Some of them have gone to the limit of wearing the inmate uniform and/or also one of the armbands marked with the Star of David that Jews were ordered to wear. Some can even be seen sporting fake bruises and scars.

Also read:&nbsp;

However, while it has become popular on the ByteDance-owned app, this trend has attracted a lot of criticism from the non-TikTok users.&nbsp;The Auschwitz museum, which is&nbsp;at the site of the former Nazi death camp in Poland, took to Twitter to condemn this new trend. Calling it 'hurtful and offensive', the museum authorities said, "Some videos are dangerously close or already beyond the border of trivialization of history."

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The 'victims' trend on TikTok can be hurtful &amp; offensive. Some videos are dangerously close or already beyond the border of trivialization of history. 
 
But we should discuss this not to shame &amp; attack young people whose motivation seem very diverse. It's an educational challenge. <a href="https://t.co/CB4Ve2uRUK">pic.twitter.com/CB4Ve2uRUK</a>
— Auschwitz Memorial (@AuschwitzMuseum) <a href="https://twitter.com/AuschwitzMuseum/status/1298625376084807680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2020</a></blockquote>
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“Some were not created to commemorate anyone, but to become part of an online trend. This is very painful.," the statement read.

However, the authorities have also acknowledged that they understand that the intentions behind these videos were not to hurt anyone. “But we should discuss this, not to shame &amp; attack young people whose motivation seem very diverse,” it added.

The museum has requested youngsters to be more respectful towards the victims and their stories as "the stories of people who were imprisoned and murdered in Auschwitz are incredibly tragic, painful and emotional".

Trouble doesn't seem to be ending for the short-video sharing app TikTok. After a ban in India and a possible ban in the US, TikTok has landed in yet another trouble.

Trouble doesn't seem to be ending for the short-video sharing app TikTok. After a ban in India and a possible ban in the US, TikTok has landed in yet another trouble. But this time, it is a TikTok 'trend' that has crossed a line. In a recently started TikTok trend, the users have started to dress-up and do a roleplay of Holocaust victims. The participants of the trend are recording short videos telling their made-up stories of how they survived the Holocaust, or how torturous the situation was during that time. Some of them have gone to the limit of wearing the inmate uniform and/or also one of the armbands marked with the Star of David that Jews were ordered to wear. Some can even be seen sporting fake bruises and scars. Also read: However, while it has become popular on the ByteDance-owned app, this trend has attracted a lot of criticism from the non-TikTok users. The Auschwitz museum, which is at the site of the former Nazi death camp in Poland, took to Twitter to condemn this new trend. Calling it 'hurtful and offensive', the museum authorities said, "Some videos are dangerously close or already beyond the border of trivialization of history." The 'victims' trend on TikTok can be hurtful & offensive. Some videos are dangerously close or already beyond the border of trivialization of history. But we should discuss this not to shame & attack young people whose motivation seem very diverse. It's an educational challenge. pic.twitter.com/CB4Ve2uRUK — Auschwitz Memorial (@AuschwitzMuseum) August 26, 2020 × “Some were not created to commemorate anyone, but to become part of an online trend. This is very painful.," the statement read. However, the authorities have also acknowledged that they understand that the intentions behind these videos were not to hurt anyone. “But we should discuss this, not to shame & attack young people whose motivation seem very diverse,” it added. The museum has requested youngsters to be more respectful towards the victims and their stories as "the stories of people who were imprisoned and murdered in Auschwitz are incredibly tragic, painful and emotional".

TikTok in trouble again with an 'offensive' Holocaust trend

A Swiss cheesemaker is being invstigated for deaths of 10 people, who fell sick after consuming&nbsp;his listeria-infested dairy products.

Cheese is one of the most popular dairy products consumed in the European countries, especially Switzerland. However, nobody would have predicted that a string of cheese can end up killing someone.

Teh cheesemaker from Switzerland is facing the possibility of jailtime for the crime of negligent homicide.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwanese-street-vendor-recognised-by-michelin-after-almost-20-years-323203">Also read:&nbsp;Taiwanese street vendor recognised by Michelin after almost 20 years</a>

According to local authorities, the cheesemaker, based out of the central Swiss canton of Schwyz, sold a strain of listeria that has made at least 34 people ill over the years. "10 of the 34 sick people died,"&nbsp;Franziska Steiner, public prosecutor in the Innerschwyz sub-region said.

He is being accused of&nbsp;negligent homicide, causing bodily harm and violating Swiss food safety laws. However, the prosecutors are still trying to figure out if the cheesemaker can be held responsible for the illnesses caused to the customers as listeria, which is a common bacteria, does not harm majority of common people.

The cheesemaker has claimed that his business has faced serious troubles since the start of the allegations.

A decision on whether he can be held criminally responsible will be taken soon.

A Swiss cheesemaker is being invstigated for deaths of 10 people, who fell sick after consuming his listeria-infested dairy products. Cheese is one of the most popular dairy products consumed in the European countries, especially Switzerland.

A Swiss cheesemaker is being invstigated for deaths of 10 people, who fell sick after consuming his listeria-infested dairy products. Cheese is one of the most popular dairy products consumed in the European countries, especially Switzerland. However, nobody would have predicted that a string of cheese can end up killing someone. Teh cheesemaker from Switzerland is facing the possibility of jailtime for the crime of negligent homicide. Also read: Taiwanese street vendor recognised by Michelin after almost 20 years According to local authorities, the cheesemaker, based out of the central Swiss canton of Schwyz, sold a strain of listeria that has made at least 34 people ill over the years. "10 of the 34 sick people died," Franziska Steiner, public prosecutor in the Innerschwyz sub-region said. He is being accused of negligent homicide, causing bodily harm and violating Swiss food safety laws. However, the prosecutors are still trying to figure out if the cheesemaker can be held responsible for the illnesses caused to the customers as listeria, which is a common bacteria, does not harm majority of common people. The cheesemaker has claimed that his business has faced serious troubles since the start of the allegations. A decision on whether he can be held criminally responsible will be taken soon.

Swiss cheesemaker faces investigation for deaths of 10 customers

The man who cut short the life and music of rock superstar John Lennon with a burst of bullets nearly 40 years ago lost his 11th bid to be freed from a sentence that could keep him behind bars for the rest of his life, a New York prison system spokesperson said on Wednesday.

A parole board denied a request for release from Mark David Chapman, who must wait two more years before he becomes eligible again, the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision spokesperson said.

The rationale behind the decision of the Board of Parole panel members who interviewed Chapman on August 19 at the Wende Correctional Facility near Buffalo, was not immediately disclosed.

Chapman, 65, who has previously said that he long ago stopped being the troubled young man who shot one of the most famous people in the world to gain notoriety, is serving 20 years to life after pleading guilty to second-degree murder.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/elton-johns-ex-wife-attempted-suicide-during-honeymoon-after-he-told-her-marriage-wasnt-working-323149">Also read:&nbsp;Elton John's ex-wife attempted suicide during honeymoon after he told her 'marriage wasn't working'</a>

The assassination-style murder of Lennon, a founder of the Beatles who also had solo hits such as "Imagine" and "(Just Like) Starting Over", stunned the music world, the British-born musician`s adopted home of New York City and a generation that grew up with "Beatlemania."

At 40, Lennon had just emerged from a musical hiatus with the release of his "Double Fantasy" album when he went to a nighttime recording session on December 8, 1980. When he returned to his home on Manhattan`s Upper West Side, Chapman was waiting for him and shot him four times in front of his wife Yoko Ono.

Since 2000, the first year Chapman was eligible for parole, Ono, 87, has steadfastly opposed his release. Her attorney, Jonas Herbsman, said she submitted comments to the parole board, which he would only say are "consistent with the prior letters."

At his previous parole interview in August 2018, Chapman said he was a changed man and a religious Christian who would welcome freedom even though he said he did not deserve it.

A remorseful Chapman, whose 2018 prison photo shows a leaner man than the pudgy 25-year-old who pulled the trigger, remembered being in a “tug of war” with himself over what he was about to do before yielding to the idea of killing for fame.

“I was too far in,” he said in a transcript of the hearing.

Chapman has worked as a porter and wheelchair repairman at the prison hospital and has occasionally been visited by his wife whom he married about 18 months before the murder.

The man who cut short the life and music of rock superstar John Lennon with a burst of bullets nearly 40 years ago lost his 11th bid to be freed from a sentence that could keep him behind bars for the rest of his life, a New York prison system spokesperson said on Wednesday.

The man who cut short the life and music of rock superstar John Lennon with a burst of bullets nearly 40 years ago lost his 11th bid to be freed from a sentence that could keep him behind bars for the rest of his life, a New York prison system spokesperson said on Wednesday. A parole board denied a request for release from Mark David Chapman, who must wait two more years before he becomes eligible again, the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision spokesperson said. The rationale behind the decision of the Board of Parole panel members who interviewed Chapman on August 19 at the Wende Correctional Facility near Buffalo, was not immediately disclosed. Chapman, 65, who has previously said that he long ago stopped being the troubled young man who shot one of the most famous people in the world to gain notoriety, is serving 20 years to life after pleading guilty to second-degree murder. Also read: Elton John's ex-wife attempted suicide during honeymoon after he told her 'marriage wasn't working' The assassination-style murder of Lennon, a founder of the Beatles who also had solo hits such as "Imagine" and "(Just Like) Starting Over", stunned the music world, the British-born musician`s adopted home of New York City and a generation that grew up with "Beatlemania." At 40, Lennon had just emerged from a musical hiatus with the release of his "Double Fantasy" album when he went to a nighttime recording session on December 8, 1980. When he returned to his home on Manhattan`s Upper West Side, Chapman was waiting for him and shot him four times in front of his wife Yoko Ono. Since 2000, the first year Chapman was eligible for parole, Ono, 87, has steadfastly opposed his release. Her attorney, Jonas Herbsman, said she submitted comments to the parole board, which he would only say are "consistent with the prior letters." At his previous parole interview in August 2018, Chapman said he was a changed man and a religious Christian who would welcome freedom even though he said he did not deserve it. A remorseful Chapman, whose 2018 prison photo shows a leaner man than the pudgy 25-year-old who pulled the trigger, remembered being in a “tug of war” with himself over what he was about to do before yielding to the idea of killing for fame. “I was too far in,” he said in a transcript of the hearing. Chapman has worked as a porter and wheelchair repairman at the prison hospital and has occasionally been visited by his wife whom he married about 18 months before the murder.

New York rejects 11th parole bid of John Lennon's killer

A small number of US troops were injured during an interaction with Russian forces in Syria, two US officials told Reuters on Wednesday.

While such interactions between American and Russian forces are not rare, the incident highlights the risks of troops from both countries operating in close proximity in northern Syria and the potential for an escalation in tensions.

One of the officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the injuries were a result of a collision and not any exchange of fire.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-and-greece-mobilize-their-navies-come-close-to-military-confrontation-323263">Also read:&nbsp;Turkey and Greece mobilize their navies; come close to military confrontation</a>

The other official said the incident took place earlier this week in northeastern Syria and the injuries were mild.

The Pentagon and the US military's Central Command, which oversees US forces in the region, declined to comment.

The US military does not generally comment on injuries. However, last month a paratrooper was killed during a vehicle rollover accident in eastern Syria.

Videos on social media showed Russian military vehicles, backed by a pair of helicopters, driving dangerously close to US&nbsp;armored vehicles. The origin of the videos was unclear.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-opposition-leader-navalny-poisoned-with-cholinesterase-inhibitors-says-german-hospital-322864">Also read:&nbsp;Russian Opposition leader Navalny poisoned with cholinesterase inhibitors, says German hospital</a>

Earlier this year, another video showed a close interaction between troops on a Syrian road.

About 500 US forces remain in northern Syria after a sharp reduction in troops that were initially there to drive out Islamic State militants from all of their strongholds in the country.

Some of the areas also have oil resources, something President Donald Trump has cited as a justification for keeping US troops partnered with Kurdish allies in the region.

The injuries were first reported by Politico.

A small number of US troops were injured during an interaction with Russian forces in Syria, two US officials told Reuters on Wednesday. While such interactions between American and Russian forces are not rare, the incident highlights the risks of troops from both countries operating in close proximity in northern Syria and the potential for an escalation in tensions.

A small number of US troops were injured during an interaction with Russian forces in Syria, two US officials told Reuters on Wednesday. While such interactions between American and Russian forces are not rare, the incident highlights the risks of troops from both countries operating in close proximity in northern Syria and the potential for an escalation in tensions. One of the officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the injuries were a result of a collision and not any exchange of fire. Also read: Turkey and Greece mobilize their navies; come close to military confrontation The other official said the incident took place earlier this week in northeastern Syria and the injuries were mild. The Pentagon and the US military's Central Command, which oversees US forces in the region, declined to comment. The US military does not generally comment on injuries. However, last month a paratrooper was killed during a vehicle rollover accident in eastern Syria. Videos on social media showed Russian military vehicles, backed by a pair of helicopters, driving dangerously close to US armored vehicles. The origin of the videos was unclear. Also read: Russian Opposition leader Navalny poisoned with cholinesterase inhibitors, says German hospital Earlier this year, another video showed a close interaction between troops on a Syrian road. About 500 US forces remain in northern Syria after a sharp reduction in troops that were initially there to drive out Islamic State militants from all of their strongholds in the country. Some of the areas also have oil resources, something President Donald Trump has cited as a justification for keeping US troops partnered with Kurdish allies in the region. The injuries were first reported by Politico.

US troops injured in interaction with Russian forces in Syria: US officials

Iran said on Wednesday it was ending a months-long standoff with the U.N. nuclear watchdog by granting it access to two sites suspected of once hosting secret activities, easing diplomatic pressure on Tehran as Washington seeks to reimpose sanctions.

Wednesday`s breakthrough in the dispute over the sites was announced in a joint statement by Tehran and the International Atomic Energy Agency during IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi`s first visit to the Islamic Republic since he took over the role in December.

"Iran is voluntarily providing the IAEA with access to the two locations specified by the IAEA," Grossi and Iran`s nuclear agency chief, Ali Akbar Salehi, said in a joint statement, confirming an earlier report by Reuters.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-hails-constructive-talks-with-visiting-iaea-chief-rafael-grossi-322966">Also read:&nbsp;Iran hails 'constructive' talks with visiting IAEA chief Rafael Grossi</a>

It said dates for IAEA inspectors to visit the sites - one near Karaj west of Tehran, the other near Isfahan in central Iran - had been agreed, without naming them, as well as the parameters of "verification activities" there.

In March Grossi informed his agency that Iran had denied IAEA inspectors access to the two sites, where uranium conversion and explosives testing are suspected of having been carried out in the early 2000s. Demolition and other work that might have removed traces of the past - "sanitization" in inspectors` parlance - appear to have since occurred there.

The IAEA had demanded access to the sites since January because they are suspected of having hosted nuclear material, which the agency must fully account for in order to verify that a country`s nuclear activities are entirely peaceful.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iaea-chief-grossito-to-make-first-visit-to-iran-on-august-24-322398">Also read:&nbsp;IAEA chief Grossito to make first visit to Iran on August 24</a>

Under a 2015 deal with major powers, Iran is implementing the so-called Additional Protocol, an agreement with individual member states that grants the IAEA the power to carry out snap inspections, even of places not declared to be nuclear sites.

While the Vienna-based agency says it has the right to go to the sites without permission, Iran objected because at least some of the information pointing to the sites came from a trove of documents on its past activities that Tehran`s main Middle East adversary Israel says it seized in Iran.

US&nbsp;intelligence services and the IAEA believe Iran had a clandestine nuclear weapons programme that it halted in 2003. The Islamic Republic has long denied seeking to develop atomic bombs.

'That's all for now'

Wednesday`s statement said that, at least for now, the IAEA does not want access to more undeclared sites. 
It is still, however, seeking answers on the origin and whereabouts of a uranium metal disc that may have been at a third site that it sees no point in going to because of "extensive sanitization and levelling" there in 2003 and 2004.

"In this present context, based on analysis of available information to the IAEA, the IAEA does not have any further questions to Iran and further requests for access to locations other than those declared by Tehran," the statement said.

While Wednesday`s deal must still be followed through on and will begin a process of taking samples and checking the origin of any nuclear particles that are found, it marks an initial victory for Grossi and his agency, whose 35-nation Board of Governors passed a resolution in June raising pressure on Iran.

It also comes as the United States, despite having pulled out of world powers` deal with Iran in 2018, is seeking to use a mechanism available to parties to the deal to trigger the reimposition of global U.N. sanctions against Tehran that were lifted under the 2015 accord.

Wednesday`s agreement "will end the case (of the two sites)", Salehi told Iranian state TV, while reiterating that Iran will not accept any demands beyond its commitments under the 2015 accord.

Iran said on Wednesday it was ending a months-long standoff with the U.N. nuclear watchdog by granting it access to two sites suspected of once hosting secret activities, easing diplomatic pressure on Tehran as Washington seeks to reimpose sanctions.

Iran said on Wednesday it was ending a months-long standoff with the U.N. nuclear watchdog by granting it access to two sites suspected of once hosting secret activities, easing diplomatic pressure on Tehran as Washington seeks to reimpose sanctions. Wednesday`s breakthrough in the dispute over the sites was announced in a joint statement by Tehran and the International Atomic Energy Agency during IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi`s first visit to the Islamic Republic since he took over the role in December. "Iran is voluntarily providing the IAEA with access to the two locations specified by the IAEA," Grossi and Iran`s nuclear agency chief, Ali Akbar Salehi, said in a joint statement, confirming an earlier report by Reuters. Also read: Iran hails 'constructive' talks with visiting IAEA chief Rafael Grossi It said dates for IAEA inspectors to visit the sites - one near Karaj west of Tehran, the other near Isfahan in central Iran - had been agreed, without naming them, as well as the parameters of "verification activities" there. In March Grossi informed his agency that Iran had denied IAEA inspectors access to the two sites, where uranium conversion and explosives testing are suspected of having been carried out in the early 2000s. Demolition and other work that might have removed traces of the past - "sanitization" in inspectors` parlance - appear to have since occurred there. The IAEA had demanded access to the sites since January because they are suspected of having hosted nuclear material, which the agency must fully account for in order to verify that a country`s nuclear activities are entirely peaceful. Also read: IAEA chief Grossito to make first visit to Iran on August 24 Under a 2015 deal with major powers, Iran is implementing the so-called Additional Protocol, an agreement with individual member states that grants the IAEA the power to carry out snap inspections, even of places not declared to be nuclear sites. While the Vienna-based agency says it has the right to go to the sites without permission, Iran objected because at least some of the information pointing to the sites came from a trove of documents on its past activities that Tehran`s main Middle East adversary Israel says it seized in Iran. US intelligence services and the IAEA believe Iran had a clandestine nuclear weapons programme that it halted in 2003. The Islamic Republic has long denied seeking to develop atomic bombs. 'That's all for now' Wednesday`s statement said that, at least for now, the IAEA does not want access to more undeclared sites. It is still, however, seeking answers on the origin and whereabouts of a uranium metal disc that may have been at a third site that it sees no point in going to because of "extensive sanitization and levelling" there in 2003 and 2004. "In this present context, based on analysis of available information to the IAEA, the IAEA does not have any further questions to Iran and further requests for access to locations other than those declared by Tehran," the statement said. While Wednesday`s deal must still be followed through on and will begin a process of taking samples and checking the origin of any nuclear particles that are found, it marks an initial victory for Grossi and his agency, whose 35-nation Board of Governors passed a resolution in June raising pressure on Iran. It also comes as the United States, despite having pulled out of world powers` deal with Iran in 2018, is seeking to use a mechanism available to parties to the deal to trigger the reimposition of global U.N. sanctions against Tehran that were lifted under the 2015 accord. Wednesday`s agreement "will end the case (of the two sites)", Salehi told Iranian state TV, while reiterating that Iran will not accept any demands beyond its commitments under the 2015 accord.

Iran relents on IAEA inspections at two sites, ending standoff

A study conducted by researchers of the United Kingdom&nbsp;has rvealed that chemicals present in insect spray can kill the novel coronavirus.

The preliminary study has been conducted by scientists&nbsp;at the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL).

The scientists found that an ingredient commonly found in insect repellent —&nbsp;Citriodiol — may have the power to kill&nbsp;anti-viral properties, if mixed with the virus in the liquid phase.

"Mixing a virus suspension with Mosi-guard spray or selected constituent components resulted in a reduction in SARS-CoV-2," said the study.

At a high concentration, "Mosi-guard gave a significant decrease... resulting in no recoverable virus," it added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/worlds-first-coronavirus-reinfection-case-confirmed-in-hong-kong-322896">Also read:&nbsp;World’s 'first' coronavirus reinfection case confirmed in Hong Kong</a>

The ingredient,&nbsp;Citriodiol, is known to kill other forms of coronavirus, and is found in&nbsp;Asia, South America and Africa, and is made&nbsp;made from oil in the leaves and twigs of the eucalyptus citriodora tree.

The study has not been externally peer-reviewed and has been released as a foundation basis for other scientists around the world who are&nbsp;researching for possible solutions for COVID-19.

"DSTL is hopeful that the findings in this research can be used as a springboard for other organizations to expand and develop the research, as well as to confirm the findings in this publication," the Minsitry of Defence&nbsp;said.

This is&nbsp; not the first time the use of this ingredient is being mentioned for killing the virus. In May,&nbsp;Britain's Defence Secretary Ben Wallace had revealed that the British armed forces were being given the insect repellent as an&nbsp;"additional layer of protection" against exposure to the virus after the&nbsp;Surgeon General had assured that it would cause no harm to the soldiers.

A study conducted by researchers of the United Kingdom has rvealed that chemicals present in insect spray can kill the novel coronavirus. The preliminary study has been conducted by scientists at the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL).

A study conducted by researchers of the United Kingdom has rvealed that chemicals present in insect spray can kill the novel coronavirus. The preliminary study has been conducted by scientists at the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL). The scientists found that an ingredient commonly found in insect repellent — Citriodiol — may have the power to kill anti-viral properties, if mixed with the virus in the liquid phase. "Mixing a virus suspension with Mosi-guard spray or selected constituent components resulted in a reduction in SARS-CoV-2," said the study. At a high concentration, "Mosi-guard gave a significant decrease... resulting in no recoverable virus," it added. Also read: World’s 'first' coronavirus reinfection case confirmed in Hong Kong The ingredient, Citriodiol, is known to kill other forms of coronavirus, and is found in Asia, South America and Africa, and is made made from oil in the leaves and twigs of the eucalyptus citriodora tree. The study has not been externally peer-reviewed and has been released as a foundation basis for other scientists around the world who are researching for possible solutions for COVID-19. "DSTL is hopeful that the findings in this research can be used as a springboard for other organizations to expand and develop the research, as well as to confirm the findings in this publication," the Minsitry of Defence said. This is not the first time the use of this ingredient is being mentioned for killing the virus. In May, Britain's Defence Secretary Ben Wallace had revealed that the British armed forces were being given the insect repellent as an "additional layer of protection" against exposure to the virus after the Surgeon General had assured that it would cause no harm to the soldiers.

Chemical present in insect spray can kill coronavirus: Study

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