<p>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky brought back five former commanders of Ukraine's garrison in Mariupol from Turkey on Saturday, which was seen as a highly symbolic achievement that Russia called&nbsp;a violation of the prisoner exchange deal which was engineered last year.</p>

<p>The release was immediately denounced by Russia. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, that&nbsp;according to the exchange agreement, Ankara had promised to keep the men in Turkey and charged the nation with not informing Moscow.</p>

<p>Zelensky had visited Snake Island, a Black Sea outcrop which was seized by Russian forces on the day of the invasion and later abandoned, to mark the 500th day of the war.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/anti-putin-forces-hint-at-fresh-attacks-in-russia-say-they-have-ambitious-plans-613522">Anti-Putin forces hint at fresh attacks in Russia, say they have 'ambitious plans'</a></p>

<h2><strong>Ukrainian commanders vow to return to&nbsp;battlefield </strong></h2>

<p>The five commanders, who were returned to Ukraine, had led a fierce three-month defence of Mariupol from the Azovstal Steel last year, which was the biggest city captured by Russia.<br />
<br />
"We are returning home from Turkey and bringing our heroes home,” Zelensky said, after meeting Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul on Friday.</p>

<p>Ukrainian commanders, meanwhile, vowed to go back&nbsp;to the battlefield after&nbsp;the prisoner swap. Commander of Azov regiment Denys Prokopenko said,&nbsp;“The most important thing for today is that the Ukrainian army has seized the strategic initiative on the front line and is moving forward every day.”</p>

<p data-analytics-observe="off" data-component-name="paragraph" data-editable="text" data-uri="cms.cnn.com/_components/paragraph/instances/paragraph_12C3D484-127D-6E95-AB6B-389D0373E873@published">“We are paraplegics with sparkling eyes, with a strong soul and a weak will. Eagle wings are growing behind our backs but we were shackled to the Turkish soil. We will continue to do our job. We are military men. We took an oath,” Palamar added.</p>

<p>Thousands of civilians lost their lives in Mariupol when Russian forces seized the city in the initial months of the war. The Ukrainian defenders held out in bunkers and tunnels under the Azovstal plant, till the unit was finally given an order to surrender by Kyiv in May last year.</p>

<h2><strong>Exchange agreement violated</strong></h2>

<p>Some of them were freed by Moscow in September in a prisoner swap which was brokered by Ankara under the terms which required the commanders to remain in Turkey till the Russia-Ukraine war ended.<br />
<br />
Speaking to Russia's RIA news agency, Peskov said, "No one informed us about this. According to the agreements, these ringleaders were to remain on the territory of Turkey until the end of the conflict."<br />
<br />
Peskov stated that the release of men took place due to heavy pressure that Turkey was facing from NATO allies ahead of the summit of the military alliance next week at which Ukraine hopes to get a positive sign about its future membership.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Kyiv: Russian attack kills 8, injures 13 in Lyman in Eastern Ukraine | Russia-Ukraine War</strong></p>

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<p>Zelensky, during a ceremony in the western city of Lviv, thanked Erdogan for helping secure their release and promised to bring home all remaining prisoners.<br />
<br />
He said that before the war started, "many people in the world still did not understand what we are, what you are, what to expect from us and what our heroes are. Now everyone understands."<br />
<br />
The return of the men was hailed by many Ukrainians. "Finally! The best news ever. Congratulations to our brothers!" said Major Maksym Zhorin, who is fighting in eastern Ukraine on the Telegram messaging app.</p>

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky brought back five former commanders of Ukraine's garrison in Mariupol from Turkey on Saturday, which was seen as a highly symbolic achievement that Russia called a violation of the prisoner exchange deal which was engineered last year.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky brought back five former commanders of Ukraine's garrison in Mariupol from Turkey on Saturday, which was seen as a highly symbolic achievement that Russia called a violation of the prisoner exchange deal which was engineered last year. The release was immediately denounced by Russia. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, that according to the exchange agreement, Ankara had promised to keep the men in Turkey and charged the nation with not informing Moscow. Zelensky had visited Snake Island, a Black Sea outcrop which was seized by Russian forces on the day of the invasion and later abandoned, to mark the 500th day of the war. ALSO READ | Anti-Putin forces hint at fresh attacks in Russia, say they have 'ambitious plans' Ukrainian commanders vow to return to battlefield The five commanders, who were returned to Ukraine, had led a fierce three-month defence of Mariupol from the Azovstal Steel last year, which was the biggest city captured by Russia. "We are returning home from Turkey and bringing our heroes home,” Zelensky said, after meeting Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul on Friday. Ukrainian commanders, meanwhile, vowed to go back to the battlefield after the prisoner swap. Commander of Azov regiment Denys Prokopenko said, “The most important thing for today is that the Ukrainian army has seized the strategic initiative on the front line and is moving forward every day.” “We are paraplegics with sparkling eyes, with a strong soul and a weak will. Eagle wings are growing behind our backs but we were shackled to the Turkish soil. We will continue to do our job. We are military men. We took an oath,” Palamar added. Thousands of civilians lost their lives in Mariupol when Russian forces seized the city in the initial months of the war. The Ukrainian defenders held out in bunkers and tunnels under the Azovstal plant, till the unit was finally given an order to surrender by Kyiv in May last year. Exchange agreement violated Some of them were freed by Moscow in September in a prisoner swap which was brokered by Ankara under the terms which required the commanders to remain in Turkey till the Russia-Ukraine war ended. Speaking to Russia's RIA news agency, Peskov said, "No one informed us about this. According to the agreements, these ringleaders were to remain on the territory of Turkey until the end of the conflict." Peskov stated that the release of men took place due to heavy pressure that Turkey was facing from NATO allies ahead of the summit of the military alliance next week at which Ukraine hopes to get a positive sign about its future membership. WATCH | Kyiv: Russian attack kills 8, injures 13 in Lyman in Eastern Ukraine | Russia-Ukraine War Zelensky, during a ceremony in the western city of Lviv, thanked Erdogan for helping secure their release and promised to bring home all remaining prisoners. He said that before the war started, "many people in the world still did not understand what we are, what you are, what to expect from us and what our heroes are. Now everyone understands." The return of the men was hailed by many Ukrainians. "Finally! The best news ever. Congratulations to our brothers!" said Major Maksym Zhorin, who is fighting in eastern Ukraine on the Telegram messaging app. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Ukraine's Zelensky brings back Mariupol commanders, Moscow denounces return

<p>Artificial intelligence leader OpenAI's co-founder Ilya Sutskever warned that the superintelligence of the technology needs to be controlled so as to prevent the extinction of the human race.<br />
<br />
"Superintelligence will be the most impactful technology humanity has ever invented, and could help us solve many of the world’s most important problems. But the vast power of superintelligence could also be very dangerous, and could lead to the disempowerment of humanity or even human extinction," wrote Ilya Sutskever and head of alignment Jan Leike in a blog post, stating that they believe such advancements could arrive as soon as this decade.<br />
<br />
They said that new institutions for governance will be required for managing such risks and solving the superintelligence alignment's problem like ensuring AI systems, which are smarter than humans, continue to "follow human intent."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/this-ai-tool-can-help-doctors-treat-brain-tumours-quickly-and-accurately-study-finds-613368">This AI tool can help doctors treat brain tumours quickly and accurately, study finds</a></p>

<p>"Currently, we don't have a solution for steering or controlling a potentially superintelligent AI, and preventing it from going rogue. Our current techniques for aligning AI, such as reinforcement learning from human feedback, rely on humans’ ability to supervise AI. But humans won’t be able to reliably supervise AI systems much smarter than us and so our current alignment techniques will not scale to superintelligence. We need new scientific and technical breakthroughs,” the blog post read.<br />
<br />
They stated that in order to solve these issues, within a period of four years, they have been leading a new team and dedicating 20 per cent of the computing power, which has been secured till now, for this effort.<br />
<br />
"While this is an incredibly ambitious goal and we’re not guaranteed to succeed, we are optimistic that a focused, concerted effort can solve this problem," they stated.</p>

<h2><strong>Aligning superintelligent AI with human intent</strong></h2>

<p>The new team, apart from working towards improvising current OpenAI models like ChatGPT and mitigating risks, is also focused on the challenges of machine learning which involves aligning superintelligent AI systems with human intent.<br />
<br />
The team's goal is to devise a roughly human-level automated alignment researcher, with the use of vast amounts of computing to scale it and "iteratively align superintelligence."<br />
<br />
So as to do it, OpenAI will be developing a scalable training method, as well as validating the model achieved as part of its result and then a stress test of its alignment pipeline will be carried out.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Will AI run the world better than humans?</strong></p>

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<p><br />
“As we make progress on this, our AI systems can take over more and more of our alignment work and ultimately conceive, implement, study and develop better alignment techniques than we have now,” read a previous blog post written by Leike and colleagues John Schulman and Jeffrey Wu.<br />
<br />
“They will work together with humans to ensure that their own successors are more aligned with humans. . . . Human researchers will focus more and more of their effort on reviewing alignment research done by AI systems instead of generating this research by themselves,” they added.&nbsp;</p>

<main>
<section>
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<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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Artificial intelligence leader OpenAI's co-founder Ilya Sutskever warned that the superintelligence of the technology needs to be controlled so as to prevent the extinction of the human race.

Artificial intelligence leader OpenAI's co-founder Ilya Sutskever warned that the superintelligence of the technology needs to be controlled so as to prevent the extinction of the human race. "Superintelligence will be the most impactful technology humanity has ever invented, and could help us solve many of the world’s most important problems. But the vast power of superintelligence could also be very dangerous, and could lead to the disempowerment of humanity or even human extinction," wrote Ilya Sutskever and head of alignment Jan Leike in a blog post, stating that they believe such advancements could arrive as soon as this decade. They said that new institutions for governance will be required for managing such risks and solving the superintelligence alignment's problem like ensuring AI systems, which are smarter than humans, continue to "follow human intent." ALSO READ | This AI tool can help doctors treat brain tumours quickly and accurately, study finds "Currently, we don't have a solution for steering or controlling a potentially superintelligent AI, and preventing it from going rogue. Our current techniques for aligning AI, such as reinforcement learning from human feedback, rely on humans’ ability to supervise AI. But humans won’t be able to reliably supervise AI systems much smarter than us and so our current alignment techniques will not scale to superintelligence. We need new scientific and technical breakthroughs,” the blog post read. They stated that in order to solve these issues, within a period of four years, they have been leading a new team and dedicating 20 per cent of the computing power, which has been secured till now, for this effort. "While this is an incredibly ambitious goal and we’re not guaranteed to succeed, we are optimistic that a focused, concerted effort can solve this problem," they stated. Aligning superintelligent AI with human intent The new team, apart from working towards improvising current OpenAI models like ChatGPT and mitigating risks, is also focused on the challenges of machine learning which involves aligning superintelligent AI systems with human intent. The team's goal is to devise a roughly human-level automated alignment researcher, with the use of vast amounts of computing to scale it and "iteratively align superintelligence." So as to do it, OpenAI will be developing a scalable training method, as well as validating the model achieved as part of its result and then a stress test of its alignment pipeline will be carried out. WATCH | Will AI run the world better than humans? “As we make progress on this, our AI systems can take over more and more of our alignment work and ultimately conceive, implement, study and develop better alignment techniques than we have now,” read a previous blog post written by Leike and colleagues John Schulman and Jeffrey Wu. “They will work together with humans to ensure that their own successors are more aligned with humans. . . . Human researchers will focus more and more of their effort on reviewing alignment research done by AI systems instead of generating this research by themselves,” they added. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

OpenAI creating new team to control ‘superintelligent’ AI, prevent human extinction

<p>According to a recently conducted government study, nearly half the tap water has been contaminated by one or more “forever chemicals”, which are linked to health issues like cancer and infertility, in the United States.<br />
<br />
The country’s largest water, earth, and biological science and civilian mapping agency US Geological Survey (USGS) said that around 45 per cent of the country's tap water has been impacted.<br />
<br />
Although more than 12,000 types of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances, or PFAS, exist&nbsp;in the world, it is not possible to detect all of them with current testing. Only 32 types of PFAS were tested in the drinking water by the USGS.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-koreans-resort-to-panic-buying-salt-as-japan-preps-release-of-treated-water-into-sea-610252">South Koreans resort to panic-buying salt as Japan preps release of treated water into sea</a></p>

<h2><strong>PFAS present in everyday products</strong></h2>

<p>Locations and cities which were close to “potential sources” of PFAS faced the most contamination by the chemicals, which were found in a glut of everyday products ranging from non-stick cookware to takeout containers and fire-fighting foam.<br />
<br />
Dr. Jamie DeWitt, a professor of pharmacology and toxicology in the Department of Pharmacology &amp; Toxicology at East Carolina University while speaking to CNN, said, “There’s been almost no place scientists have looked where they have not found PFAS.”<br />
<br />
The study discovered that most of the exposed regions included central and southern parts of California, the Great Plains, the Great Lakes and the Eastern Seaboard. As per the USGS, the probability of PFAS not being present in tap water is around 75 per cent in rural areas and around 25 per cent in urban areas.</p>

<h2><strong>Harmful effects of PFAS</strong></h2>

<p>The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said that exposure to certain levels of PFAS may lead to increased high blood pressure or decreased fertility in pregnant women. The chemical substances may also have developmental effects in children and can increase the risk of a few cancers which include prostate, kidney, and testicular. The researchers are carrying out more studies to explore other potential health impacts of PFAS.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Nearly half of the tap water in the US is contaminated with ‘forever chemicals: Government study</strong></p>

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<p>PFAS are called “forever chemicals” because of the length of time they require to break down in the environment. Speaking to CNN, Dr. Graham Peaslee, a professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy said, “I think that we should try our best to work on how to clean this up. My fear is that this is, global warming aside, this is probably the most expensive environmental problem we’re ever going to face.”<br />
<br />
“There’s nothing that will magically fix it. It’s fairly expensive to clean this up. And it’s a recurring cost, and there’s no permanent solutions to it for any particular utility. It looks frightening,” Peaslee added.</p>

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According to a recently conducted government study, nearly half the tap water has been contaminated by one or more “forever chemicals”, which are linked to health issues like cancer and infertility, in the United States.

According to a recently conducted government study, nearly half the tap water has been contaminated by one or more “forever chemicals”, which are linked to health issues like cancer and infertility, in the United States. The country’s largest water, earth, and biological science and civilian mapping agency US Geological Survey (USGS) said that around 45 per cent of the country's tap water has been impacted. Although more than 12,000 types of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances, or PFAS, exist in the world, it is not possible to detect all of them with current testing. Only 32 types of PFAS were tested in the drinking water by the USGS. ALSO READ | South Koreans resort to panic-buying salt as Japan preps release of treated water into sea PFAS present in everyday products Locations and cities which were close to “potential sources” of PFAS faced the most contamination by the chemicals, which were found in a glut of everyday products ranging from non-stick cookware to takeout containers and fire-fighting foam. Dr. Jamie DeWitt, a professor of pharmacology and toxicology in the Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology at East Carolina University while speaking to CNN, said, “There’s been almost no place scientists have looked where they have not found PFAS.” The study discovered that most of the exposed regions included central and southern parts of California, the Great Plains, the Great Lakes and the Eastern Seaboard. As per the USGS, the probability of PFAS not being present in tap water is around 75 per cent in rural areas and around 25 per cent in urban areas. Harmful effects of PFAS The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said that exposure to certain levels of PFAS may lead to increased high blood pressure or decreased fertility in pregnant women. The chemical substances may also have developmental effects in children and can increase the risk of a few cancers which include prostate, kidney, and testicular. The researchers are carrying out more studies to explore other potential health impacts of PFAS. WATCH | Nearly half of the tap water in the US is contaminated with ‘forever chemicals: Government study PFAS are called “forever chemicals” because of the length of time they require to break down in the environment. Speaking to CNN, Dr. Graham Peaslee, a professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy said, “I think that we should try our best to work on how to clean this up. My fear is that this is, global warming aside, this is probably the most expensive environmental problem we’re ever going to face.” “There’s nothing that will magically fix it. It’s fairly expensive to clean this up. And it’s a recurring cost, and there’s no permanent solutions to it for any particular utility. It looks frightening,” Peaslee added. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Nearly half of tap water contaminated with ‘forever chemicals’ in US, claims study

<p>James Webb Space Telescope of space agency NASA has discovered the most distant supermassive black hole to date, which appears to be active, said the agency on Thursday.<br />
<br />
The galaxy, which is called CEERS 1019, has lived for more than 570 million years after the big bang, and the black hole present in it is less massive compared to any other yet discovered in the early universe.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, 11 galaxies which existed when the universe had lived for only 470 to 675 million years have also been identified by the James Webb telescope, stated NASA.<br />
<br />
The black hole found inside CEERS 1019 shares similarities with the one present at the centre of the Milky Way galaxy, which is 4.6 million times greater than the mass of the sun, NASA added. The newly-discovered black hole is also not as bright as the massive behemoths which have been detected previously.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/blackhole-caught-gobbling-up-celestial-matter-leaving-astronomers-in-awe-613049">Blackhole caught gobbling up celestial matter leaving astronomers in awe</a></p>

<p>"Researchers have long known that there must be lower-mass black holes in the early universe. Webb is the first observatory that can capture them so clearly," stated Dale Kocevski of Colby College in Waterville.<br />
<br />
NASA stated that the black hole, though smaller, existed so many years back that astronomers are finding it difficult to explain how it was formed after the universe began.</p>

<h2><strong>James Webb verifying galaxies with precision</strong></h2>

<p>The James Webb telescope helps scientists find and verify theories using more precise information, in comparison to other telescopes. According to NASA, researchers can see how much gas is being ingested by the black hole and determine the star-formation rate of its galaxy.<br />
<br />
Astronomer at the University of Texas at Austin Steven Finkelstein said, "Until now, research about objects in the early universe was largely theoretical. With Webb, not only can we see black holes and galaxies at extreme distances, we can now start to accurately measure them. That's the tremendous power of this telescope."</p>

<p><img alt="Galaxy" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f3652032-517f-4fdb-aa8f-a85ffbc2d586" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-07-08T103749.857.png" /></p>

<p><em>Caption: James Webb captures galaxy&nbsp;CEERS 1019. Source: NASA</em><br />
<br />
Visually, the CEERS 1019 appears as three bright clumps and not as a single circular disk. "We're not used to seeing so much structure in images at these distances," stated CEERS team member Jeyhan Kartaltepe of the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York.<br />
<br />
"A galaxy merger could be partly responsible for fueling the activity in this galaxy's black hole, and that could also lead to increased star formation,” he added.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Scientists reveal the sound of a super massive black hole</strong></p>

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<p><br />
The capability of the James Webb telescope is expected to provide a large amount of data to the scientists for exploring the galaxies and black holes.<br />
<br />
"This set, along with other distant galaxies we may identify in the future, might change our understanding of star formation and galaxy evolution throughout cosmic history," stated Seiji Fujimoto of the University of Texas.</p>

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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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James Webb Space Telescope of space agency NASA has discovered the most distant supermassive black hole to date, which appears to be active, said the agency on Thursday.

James Webb Space Telescope of space agency NASA has discovered the most distant supermassive black hole to date, which appears to be active, said the agency on Thursday. The galaxy, which is called CEERS 1019, has lived for more than 570 million years after the big bang, and the black hole present in it is less massive compared to any other yet discovered in the early universe. Meanwhile, 11 galaxies which existed when the universe had lived for only 470 to 675 million years have also been identified by the James Webb telescope, stated NASA. The black hole found inside CEERS 1019 shares similarities with the one present at the centre of the Milky Way galaxy, which is 4.6 million times greater than the mass of the sun, NASA added. The newly-discovered black hole is also not as bright as the massive behemoths which have been detected previously. ALSO READ | Blackhole caught gobbling up celestial matter leaving astronomers in awe "Researchers have long known that there must be lower-mass black holes in the early universe. Webb is the first observatory that can capture them so clearly," stated Dale Kocevski of Colby College in Waterville. NASA stated that the black hole, though smaller, existed so many years back that astronomers are finding it difficult to explain how it was formed after the universe began. James Webb verifying galaxies with precision The James Webb telescope helps scientists find and verify theories using more precise information, in comparison to other telescopes. According to NASA, researchers can see how much gas is being ingested by the black hole and determine the star-formation rate of its galaxy. Astronomer at the University of Texas at Austin Steven Finkelstein said, "Until now, research about objects in the early universe was largely theoretical. With Webb, not only can we see black holes and galaxies at extreme distances, we can now start to accurately measure them. That's the tremendous power of this telescope." Caption: James Webb captures galaxy CEERS 1019. Source: NASA Visually, the CEERS 1019 appears as three bright clumps and not as a single circular disk. "We're not used to seeing so much structure in images at these distances," stated CEERS team member Jeyhan Kartaltepe of the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York. "A galaxy merger could be partly responsible for fueling the activity in this galaxy's black hole, and that could also lead to increased star formation,” he added. WATCH | Gravitas: Scientists reveal the sound of a super massive black hole The capability of the James Webb telescope is expected to provide a large amount of data to the scientists for exploring the galaxies and black holes. "This set, along with other distant galaxies we may identify in the future, might change our understanding of star formation and galaxy evolution throughout cosmic history," stated Seiji Fujimoto of the University of Texas. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

NASA's James Webb discovers most distant supermassive black hole to date

<p>In a twist to the saga of whether there is the possibility of life on Venus, Jane Greaves, who has been leading a team of scientists at Cardiff University in Wales, revealed that they have discovered the presence of phosphine the atmosphere of the planet, deeper than where they had spotted it before.<br />
<br />
Greaves made the statement while speaking at the Royal Astronomical Society's National Astronomy Meeting 2023 in Cardiff this week. In September 2020, his team of scientists had reported the detection of phosphine in the clouds of Venus, which can be a possible indicator of life.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/how-did-earth-like-venus-turn-inhospitable-nasas-james-webb-space-telescope-could-help-decipher-secret-609161">How did Earth-like Venus turn inhospitable? NASA's James Webb Space Telescope could help decipher secret</a></p>

<p>Greaves and her colleagues, with the use of the James Clark Maxwell Telescope (JCMT) at the Mauna Kea Observatory in Hawaii, delved deeper into the planet's atmosphere, down to the top and even the middle of the clouds present on Venus.<br />
<br />
The team believed that phosphine could be emerging from the lower level of the atmosphere on the planet. Greaves said that microorganisms that live in a very low-oxygen environment on Earth generate phosphine.</p>

<h2><strong>‘When all hell broke loose’ after hint of life on Venus</strong></h2>

<p>She stated that phosphine is not created through any other process on our planet, because of their lack of abundance of "loose" hydrogen on Earth. This theory suggests that the presence of phosphine in other worlds is a potential biosignature.<br />
<br />
This is the reason why the discovery of phosphine on Venus caused a stir three years ago. However, just the presence of phosphine in the atmosphere of Venus doesn't necessarily mean that the planet is hosting life.<br />
<br />
"There’s a big school of thought that you can make phosphine by lobbing phosphorus-bearing rocks up into the high atmosphere and kind of eroding them with water and acid and stuff and getting phosphine gas," said Greaves, during the meeting.<br />
<br />
The scientist talked about how the search for phosphine was prompted in the atmosphere of Venus and how that led to the first hint of life on the planet.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;First Saudi Arabian woman travels to space</strong></p>

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<p>She stated that the decision of investigating Venus was taken after a study of other planets like Saturn and improved telescope technology made way for the probing of the atmospheres of smaller planets.<br />
<br />
"I vaguely remembered Venus is supposed to have this potential habitat in the high clouds, which is anaerobic, and we eventually got telescope time, so I thought, 'Why don’t we have a very quick look and see if there are some phosphates in Venus clouds, an analogue to things living on the surface of the Earth?'" said Greaves, adding, "Astonishingly, we found it, and all hell broke loose!"</p>

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In a twist to the saga of whether there is the possibility of life on Venus, Jane Greaves, who has been leading a team of scientists at Cardiff University in Wales, revealed that they have discovered the presence of phosphine the atmosphere of the planet, deeper than where they had spotted it before.

In a twist to the saga of whether there is the possibility of life on Venus, Jane Greaves, who has been leading a team of scientists at Cardiff University in Wales, revealed that they have discovered the presence of phosphine the atmosphere of the planet, deeper than where they had spotted it before. Greaves made the statement while speaking at the Royal Astronomical Society's National Astronomy Meeting 2023 in Cardiff this week. In September 2020, his team of scientists had reported the detection of phosphine in the clouds of Venus, which can be a possible indicator of life. ALSO READ | How did Earth-like Venus turn inhospitable? NASA's James Webb Space Telescope could help decipher secret Greaves and her colleagues, with the use of the James Clark Maxwell Telescope (JCMT) at the Mauna Kea Observatory in Hawaii, delved deeper into the planet's atmosphere, down to the top and even the middle of the clouds present on Venus. The team believed that phosphine could be emerging from the lower level of the atmosphere on the planet. Greaves said that microorganisms that live in a very low-oxygen environment on Earth generate phosphine. ‘When all hell broke loose’ after hint of life on Venus She stated that phosphine is not created through any other process on our planet, because of their lack of abundance of "loose" hydrogen on Earth. This theory suggests that the presence of phosphine in other worlds is a potential biosignature. This is the reason why the discovery of phosphine on Venus caused a stir three years ago. However, just the presence of phosphine in the atmosphere of Venus doesn't necessarily mean that the planet is hosting life. "There’s a big school of thought that you can make phosphine by lobbing phosphorus-bearing rocks up into the high atmosphere and kind of eroding them with water and acid and stuff and getting phosphine gas," said Greaves, during the meeting. The scientist talked about how the search for phosphine was prompted in the atmosphere of Venus and how that led to the first hint of life on the planet. WATCH | First Saudi Arabian woman travels to space She stated that the decision of investigating Venus was taken after a study of other planets like Saturn and improved telescope technology made way for the probing of the atmospheres of smaller planets. "I vaguely remembered Venus is supposed to have this potential habitat in the high clouds, which is anaerobic, and we eventually got telescope time, so I thought, 'Why don’t we have a very quick look and see if there are some phosphates in Venus clouds, an analogue to things living on the surface of the Earth?'" said Greaves, adding, "Astonishingly, we found it, and all hell broke loose!" You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Alien life on Venus? Scientists spot intriguing molecule phosphine in planet’s clouds again

<p>The doctors in Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore were left flabbergasted after they discovered an eight-legged octopus stuck inside the oesophagus (food pipe) of a 55-year-old man. The patient had been complaining about facing difficulty in swallowing from the time he had a meal, which included the mollusk. The man said that after he had the meal, he started vomiting. He was also facing difficulty in swallowing, which forced him to pay a visit to the Tan Tock Seng Hospital. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>A CT scan of the patient was conducted by the doctors, which revealed the presence of a super-dense man in the oesophagus of the man, as reported by the New York Post. Later, the doctors carried out an esophagogastroduodenoscopy, which is a gastrointestinal examination involving a small, flexible tube, during which they found a tentacled octopus stuck two inches from the oesophagus-stomach border.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/unveiling-the-depth-third-active-octopus-nursery-found-in-deep-sea-habitat-off-costa-rican-coast-watch-610518">Unveiling the depth: Third active octopus nursery found in deep-sea habitat off Costa Rican coast. </a></p>

<p>After many failed attempts to pull the octopus from the throat of the man, the endoscope was manoeuvred past the animal and then retroflexed, which allowed the doctors to extract the creature.</p>

<p>Then, the doctors used forceps to grasp the head of the octopus and pull it from the throat of the man. Two days after the surgery, the man recovered well and was discharged from the hospital.</p>

<h2><strong>Food obstructions - a common issue</strong></h2>

<p>According to the doctors present in the hospital, food obstructions are among the most common issues which are encountered at the facility. In around 10 per cent to 20 per cent of cases, endoscopic intervention is important, while 1 per cent of them need surgery, they stated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The ‘push technique’ is the primary method recommended with high success rates, however applying excessive force can cause oesophagal perforation,” the medical team stated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2016, a similar case was seen when a 2-year-old boy in Wichita, Kansas was hospitalised after an octopus got stuck in his throat during an apparent sushi session which went awry.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Woman gets amputated after getting stuck in a travelator</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;came to light when an octopus was found inside the throat of a two-year-old boy in Kansas, United States. A 36-year-old man was arrested in the case on suspicion of child abuse as doctors had also noticed injuries on the boy's face. Meanwhile, around six people die every year from eating sannakji, &nbsp;which is a &nbsp;live octopus dish that is considered a delicacy in South Korea.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;Fatalities generally occur when the suckers adhere to the sides of the throat of the diner, which causes asphyxiation to the victim.&nbsp;</p>

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The doctors in Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore were left flabbergasted after they discovered an eight-legged octopus stuck inside the oesophagus (food pipe) of a 55-year-old man.

The doctors in Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore were left flabbergasted after they discovered an eight-legged octopus stuck inside the oesophagus (food pipe) of a 55-year-old man. The patient had been complaining about facing difficulty in swallowing from the time he had a meal, which included the mollusk. The man said that after he had the meal, he started vomiting. He was also facing difficulty in swallowing, which forced him to pay a visit to the Tan Tock Seng Hospital. A CT scan of the patient was conducted by the doctors, which revealed the presence of a super-dense man in the oesophagus of the man, as reported by the New York Post. Later, the doctors carried out an esophagogastroduodenoscopy, which is a gastrointestinal examination involving a small, flexible tube, during which they found a tentacled octopus stuck two inches from the oesophagus-stomach border. ALSO READ | Unveiling the depth: Third active octopus nursery found in deep-sea habitat off Costa Rican coast. After many failed attempts to pull the octopus from the throat of the man, the endoscope was manoeuvred past the animal and then retroflexed, which allowed the doctors to extract the creature. Then, the doctors used forceps to grasp the head of the octopus and pull it from the throat of the man. Two days after the surgery, the man recovered well and was discharged from the hospital. Food obstructions - a common issue According to the doctors present in the hospital, food obstructions are among the most common issues which are encountered at the facility. In around 10 per cent to 20 per cent of cases, endoscopic intervention is important, while 1 per cent of them need surgery, they stated. “The ‘push technique’ is the primary method recommended with high success rates, however applying excessive force can cause oesophagal perforation,” the medical team stated. In 2016, a similar case was seen when a 2-year-old boy in Wichita, Kansas was hospitalised after an octopus got stuck in his throat during an apparent sushi session which went awry. WATCH | Gravitas: Woman gets amputated after getting stuck in a travelator came to light when an octopus was found inside the throat of a two-year-old boy in Kansas, United States. A 36-year-old man was arrested in the case on suspicion of child abuse as doctors had also noticed injuries on the boy's face. Meanwhile, around six people die every year from eating sannakji, which is a live octopus dish that is considered a delicacy in South Korea. Fatalities generally occur when the suckers adhere to the sides of the throat of the diner, which causes asphyxiation to the victim. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Doctors discover ‘half-eaten’ octopus stuck inside throat of man in Singapore

<p>The Joe Biden government&nbsp;on Thursday said that the United States “firmly opposes” the new restrictions imposed by China on the export of gallium and germanium — two strategic materials important for communications equipment, solar panels and semiconductors.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“These actions underscore the need to diversify supply chains,” said a spokesperson for the US Commerce Department, in an email sent to the South China Morning Post. The spokesperson stated that the United States would “engage with our allies and partners to address this and to build resilience in critical supply chains”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The step of restricting the export of metals was taken by China in response to actions taken by Washington to limit the export of high-end US technology to China that could be&nbsp;used by Beijing for the development of advanced military and computing applications.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tit-for-tat-after-china-restricts-metals-export-us-mulls-ban-on-access-to-cloud-computing-611647">Tit-for-tat: After China restricts metals export, US mulls ban on access to cloud computing</a></p>

<p>China’s Commerce Ministry, citing “security and national interests”, on Monday stated that export controls will be imposed on germanium and gallium products from August 1, a step that analysts stated would intensify the tech war between the United States and China and complicate efforts of Washington to cut down reliance on Beijing for critical materials.</p>

<p>It would take “considerable time and investment to recreate even a portion of critical mineral supply chains”, stated Paul Triolo, senior vice president for China at the Albright Stonebridge Group.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>US-China tech war to dominate Yellen’s visit&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>China’s Commerce Ministry on Thursday stated that the US and the European Union have been informed in advance by Beijing about its decision through “export control dialogue channels”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The reaction of Washington to the latest development came as US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen reached Beijing on a four-day visit to China, where she will be exploring areas of cooperation, amid turbulent ties between the two nations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“While in Beijing, Secretary Yellen will discuss with officials the importance for our countries – as the world’s two largest economies – to responsibly manage our relationship, communicate directly about areas of concern, and work together to address global challenges,” stated the Treasury Department.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;US flags China's role in drug menace</strong></p>

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<p>Yellen's visit comes a month after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with senior Chinese officials and held a private meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. Blinken, last week, said that he had made it clear that the US does not intend to contain the global and economic rise of China.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Beijing “almost certainly sees these controls as a potential bargaining chip”, Triolo stated.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, a veiled message was issued by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin to Washington and its allies. “We oppose the overstretch of the national security concept and abuse of export control by a handful of countries and bullying practices of going all out to suppress and contain specific countries,” he stated.&nbsp;</p>

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The Joe Biden government on Thursday said that the United States “firmly opposes” the new restrictions imposed by China on the export of gallium and germanium — two strategic materials important for communications equipment, solar panels and semiconductors.

The Joe Biden government on Thursday said that the United States “firmly opposes” the new restrictions imposed by China on the export of gallium and germanium — two strategic materials important for communications equipment, solar panels and semiconductors. “These actions underscore the need to diversify supply chains,” said a spokesperson for the US Commerce Department, in an email sent to the South China Morning Post. The spokesperson stated that the United States would “engage with our allies and partners to address this and to build resilience in critical supply chains”. The step of restricting the export of metals was taken by China in response to actions taken by Washington to limit the export of high-end US technology to China that could be used by Beijing for the development of advanced military and computing applications. ALSO READ | Tit-for-tat: After China restricts metals export, US mulls ban on access to cloud computing China’s Commerce Ministry, citing “security and national interests”, on Monday stated that export controls will be imposed on germanium and gallium products from August 1, a step that analysts stated would intensify the tech war between the United States and China and complicate efforts of Washington to cut down reliance on Beijing for critical materials. It would take “considerable time and investment to recreate even a portion of critical mineral supply chains”, stated Paul Triolo, senior vice president for China at the Albright Stonebridge Group. US-China tech war to dominate Yellen’s visit China’s Commerce Ministry on Thursday stated that the US and the European Union have been informed in advance by Beijing about its decision through “export control dialogue channels”. The reaction of Washington to the latest development came as US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen reached Beijing on a four-day visit to China, where she will be exploring areas of cooperation, amid turbulent ties between the two nations. “While in Beijing, Secretary Yellen will discuss with officials the importance for our countries – as the world’s two largest economies – to responsibly manage our relationship, communicate directly about areas of concern, and work together to address global challenges,” stated the Treasury Department. WATCH | US flags China's role in drug menace Yellen's visit comes a month after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with senior Chinese officials and held a private meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. Blinken, last week, said that he had made it clear that the US does not intend to contain the global and economic rise of China. Beijing “almost certainly sees these controls as a potential bargaining chip”, Triolo stated. Meanwhile, a veiled message was issued by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin to Washington and its allies. “We oppose the overstretch of the national security concept and abuse of export control by a handful of countries and bullying practices of going all out to suppress and contain specific countries,” he stated. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Tech war: US says 'firmly opposing' China's new restrictions on export of two strategic metals

<p>A family in Las Vegas, who had dialled 911 to report about the '10-foot aliens' they saw in their backyard since then have been inundated with trespassers eager to see the supernatural beings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the Nevada household is now armed with guns and they have threatened that they will shoot any UFO sleuths that come close to their house, their attorney stated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This threat has been issued after high-tech surveillance cameras were installed by the police on their roof, to ensure that they have no intruders.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On April 30, the family had called the Las Vegas Police Department (LVPD) and claimed to have seen '10 foot aliens' with 'big eyes' and also an object falling from the sky. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/an-alien-flying-saucer-ufo-hunter-snaps-eerie-image-of-unidentified-flying-object-claims-we-are-not-alone-608596">An alien saucer? UFO hunter snaps eerie image of unidentified flying object, claims ‘we are not alone’</a></p>

<p>The family had then claimed to have received threats from people who alleged that they staged an 'elaborate hoax'.</p>

<h2><strong>Trespassers jumping the wall&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>In a new development, a lot of UFO sleuths, who are believing their alien story, have started jumping walls and entering their backyard, in the hope to catch sight of the extra-terrestrial giants. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Attorney Sam Heidari, who has been hired by the family to sue any intruders, stated that people have taken extreme steps of climbing the walls and flying drones over the house.</p>

<p>"They don't have any aliens in the storage or anywhere, so don't try to climb up the walls or send a drone," said Attorney Heidari, while speaking to 8 News Now.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He further warned that intruders are taking the risk of approaching the house, which he called a gun-wielding household, adding, "There is a possibility of injury if they get in because this family is armed."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Aliens saying `hello` through signals from centre of Milky Way, suggests new study</strong></p>

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<p>"So it's fair enough to do it because they cannot determine who is entering, who is a trespasser, who is a thief, and who is a robber," he said. When quizzed whether he thought the family could be staging a hoax, Heidari said, "That's not what I'm hired for."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The trespassing incidents have been reported after one of the family members Angel Gomez posted a YouTube video about the mysterious encounter, which quickly went viral.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I know some people are not going to believe this but I just wanted to tell you about what happened to me and my family," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I hear something fall from the sky. I turn around. The only thing I see is a big light falling from the sky, and moments later I feel a big impact and a bang. Keep in mind, two officers came into my house, and one started driving around the neighbourhood asking passing cars if they saw a light," he added.&nbsp;</p>

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A family in Las Vegas, who had dialled 911 to report about the '10-foot aliens' they saw in their backyard since then have been inundated with trespassers eager to see the supernatural beings.

A family in Las Vegas, who had dialled 911 to report about the '10-foot aliens' they saw in their backyard since then have been inundated with trespassers eager to see the supernatural beings. However, the Nevada household is now armed with guns and they have threatened that they will shoot any UFO sleuths that come close to their house, their attorney stated. This threat has been issued after high-tech surveillance cameras were installed by the police on their roof, to ensure that they have no intruders. On April 30, the family had called the Las Vegas Police Department (LVPD) and claimed to have seen '10 foot aliens' with 'big eyes' and also an object falling from the sky. ALSO READ | An alien saucer? UFO hunter snaps eerie image of unidentified flying object, claims ‘we are not alone’ The family had then claimed to have received threats from people who alleged that they staged an 'elaborate hoax'. Trespassers jumping the wall In a new development, a lot of UFO sleuths, who are believing their alien story, have started jumping walls and entering their backyard, in the hope to catch sight of the extra-terrestrial giants. Attorney Sam Heidari, who has been hired by the family to sue any intruders, stated that people have taken extreme steps of climbing the walls and flying drones over the house. "They don't have any aliens in the storage or anywhere, so don't try to climb up the walls or send a drone," said Attorney Heidari, while speaking to 8 News Now. He further warned that intruders are taking the risk of approaching the house, which he called a gun-wielding household, adding, "There is a possibility of injury if they get in because this family is armed." WATCH | Aliens saying `hello` through signals from centre of Milky Way, suggests new study "So it's fair enough to do it because they cannot determine who is entering, who is a trespasser, who is a thief, and who is a robber," he said. When quizzed whether he thought the family could be staging a hoax, Heidari said, "That's not what I'm hired for." The trespassing incidents have been reported after one of the family members Angel Gomez posted a YouTube video about the mysterious encounter, which quickly went viral. "I know some people are not going to believe this but I just wanted to tell you about what happened to me and my family," he said. "I hear something fall from the sky. I turn around. The only thing I see is a big light falling from the sky, and moments later I feel a big impact and a bang. Keep in mind, two officers came into my house, and one started driving around the neighbourhood asking passing cars if they saw a light," he added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Alien scare | Vegas family, who complained about aliens in backyard, threaten to shoot any UFO sleuths

<p>An ancient shrimplike creature, which has an armoured mouth and appendages growing out of its head, was believed to be the quintessential apex predator of its time by scientists.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The sea creature gained a fearsome reputation after palaeontologists believed that it was responsible for crushing and scarring the fossilized skeletons of trilobites, which were early hard-shelled invertebrates that had skittered on the seafloor before they disappeared in a mass extinction, giving way to the dinosaurs.</p>

<p>The 2-foot-long (0.6-meter-long) Anomalocaris canadensis was among the largest marine animals, which survived 508 million years ago. During the Cambrian period, the underwater hunter was believed to have prowled the seas.</p>

<p>This period was considered as a critical juncture in the history of the planet when there was an explosion in the diversity of living creatures and when many major animal groups alive emerged.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/discovery-of-fossils-show-humongous-sea-creature-decapitated-by-dinosaur-predator-606851">Discovery of fossils shows humongous sea creature decapitated by dinosaur predator</a></p>

<p>“That didn’t sit right with me, because trilobites have a very strong exoskeleton, which they essentially make out of rock, while this animal would have mostly been soft and squishy,” stated lead author Russell Bicknell, a postdoctoral researcher in the American Museum of Natural History’s division of palaeontology, who carried out the work while working at the University of New England in Australia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bicknell and his collaborators in the United Kingdom, Germany, China and Switzerland have created the creature's new three-dimensional reconstruction, using computer modelling to get a better understanding of its biomechanics.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The model was made on the basis of a well-preserved but flattened fossil discovered in the Burgess Shale formation in the Canadian Rockies.</p>

<h2><strong>Using long appendages to hunt&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier, research had stated that the mouth parts of Anomalocaris were not able to process hard food. On the basis of this research, Bicknell and his colleagues focused on whether it can use its long and spiny appendages to chew up trilobite prey.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With the use of present-day whip spiders and whip scorpions as analogues, because they also have similar appendages which allow them to grasp prey, the team carrying out the study was able to show that the segmented appendages of the predator were able to grab prey and had the capacity to stretch out and flex.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Aliens: Are we looking in the wrong place?</strong></p>

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<p>However, the analysis of the team suggested that the marine animal was more of a weakling than it was assumed initially and was “incapable” of crushing hard-shelled prey with the two structures, as per the study published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B on Tuesday.</p>

<p>“Previous conceptions were that these animals would have seen the Burgess Shale fauna as a smorgasbord, going after anything they wanted to, but we’re finding that the dynamics of the Cambrian food webs were likely much more complex than we once thought,” said Bicknell, in a statement.</p>

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An ancient shrimplike creature, which has an armoured mouth and appendages growing out of its head, was believed to be the quintessential apex predator of its time by scientists.

An ancient shrimplike creature, which has an armoured mouth and appendages growing out of its head, was believed to be the quintessential apex predator of its time by scientists. The sea creature gained a fearsome reputation after palaeontologists believed that it was responsible for crushing and scarring the fossilized skeletons of trilobites, which were early hard-shelled invertebrates that had skittered on the seafloor before they disappeared in a mass extinction, giving way to the dinosaurs. The 2-foot-long (0.6-meter-long) Anomalocaris canadensis was among the largest marine animals, which survived 508 million years ago. During the Cambrian period, the underwater hunter was believed to have prowled the seas. This period was considered as a critical juncture in the history of the planet when there was an explosion in the diversity of living creatures and when many major animal groups alive emerged. ALSO READ | Discovery of fossils shows humongous sea creature decapitated by dinosaur predator “That didn’t sit right with me, because trilobites have a very strong exoskeleton, which they essentially make out of rock, while this animal would have mostly been soft and squishy,” stated lead author Russell Bicknell, a postdoctoral researcher in the American Museum of Natural History’s division of palaeontology, who carried out the work while working at the University of New England in Australia. Bicknell and his collaborators in the United Kingdom, Germany, China and Switzerland have created the creature's new three-dimensional reconstruction, using computer modelling to get a better understanding of its biomechanics. The model was made on the basis of a well-preserved but flattened fossil discovered in the Burgess Shale formation in the Canadian Rockies. Using long appendages to hunt Earlier, research had stated that the mouth parts of Anomalocaris were not able to process hard food. On the basis of this research, Bicknell and his colleagues focused on whether it can use its long and spiny appendages to chew up trilobite prey. With the use of present-day whip spiders and whip scorpions as analogues, because they also have similar appendages which allow them to grasp prey, the team carrying out the study was able to show that the segmented appendages of the predator were able to grab prey and had the capacity to stretch out and flex. WATCH | Aliens: Are we looking in the wrong place? However, the analysis of the team suggested that the marine animal was more of a weakling than it was assumed initially and was “incapable” of crushing hard-shelled prey with the two structures, as per the study published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B on Tuesday. “Previous conceptions were that these animals would have seen the Burgess Shale fauna as a smorgasbord, going after anything they wanted to, but we’re finding that the dynamics of the Cambrian food webs were likely much more complex than we once thought,” said Bicknell, in a statement. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Scientists understood ancient shrimp like creature as 'predator', says new research

<p>The United States has agreed to hand over cluster munitions to Ukraine, said the White House on Thursday, as human rights groups continued their calls for putting a stop to the use of the controversial weapons known to cause civilian casualties in large numbers.</p>

<h2><strong>What is a cluster munition?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Cluster munitions, which are also known as cluster bombs, are canisters that contain tens to hundreds of smaller bomblets, also called&nbsp;submunitions. The canisters can be launched using missiles, dropped from aircraft, or fired from naval guns, artillery, or rocket launchers.</p>

<p>At a prescribed height, the canisters break open depending upon the intended target, and the bomblets inside it spread out over that area. The bomblets fuse with a timer and explode closer to or on the ground and spread shrapnel that is designed to take out armoured vehicles such as tanks and kill troops.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>How dangerous are these bombs?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The bomblets, which are designed in a way that they detonate when they hit the ground, have a high chance of killing or seriously injuring anyone in the area. Apart from the initial damage which the munitions cause upon impact, many bomblets do not detonate at all.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Around 40 per cent of bomblets have not exploded in some recent conflicts, as per the ICRC. Hence, these cluster bombs, like landmines, carry a grave risk to the lives of civilians, long after they are used in&nbsp;wartime. These unexploded bomblets can kill and maim civilians years after the munitions were used.</p>

<p>Hence, human rights groups have been opposing the use of cluster bombs by the army in populated areas, stating that it is a violation of international humanitarian law since the weapons can cause indiscriminate destruction. &nbsp;</p>

<p>As per a Reuters report, 60 per cent of casualties due to cluster bombs are people who get injured while undertaking everyday activities.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-mulls-giving-ukraine-lethal-weapons-that-white-house-once-described-as-aiding-war-crimes-612905">White House to give lethal weapons to Ukraine that it once flagged for ‘war crimes’</a></p>

<h2><strong>Is using cluster bombs a war crime?</strong></h2>

<p>The use of cluster bombs cannot be considered as a violation of international law, however, using them against civilians can be seen as a grave violation. As happens in any strike, calling an action a war crime requires understanding if the target was legitimate and if the precautions were adopted to prevent any civilian casualties.</p>

<p>“The part of international law where this starts playing (a role), though, is indiscriminate attacks targeting civilians,” said Human Rights Watch’s associate arms director Mark Hiznay, while speaking to The Associated Press. “So that’s not necessarily related to the weapons, but the way the weapons are used," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>More than 120 countries joined a convention which banned the use of cluster bombs and agreed not to produce, use, stockpile or transfer the weapons and to clear them after they have been used. The convention has not been signed by Ukraine, Russia and the US.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Have cluster bombs been used before?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The cluster munitions were most notably used by Armenia and Azerbaijan last year amid their war over the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. Since 2012, Syria has continued using cluster munitions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Human Rights Watch arms advocacy director Mary Wareham said that the use of cluster munitions in 2020 was extremely reduced compared to previous years. She stated that the treaty’s success was also seen in the destruction of stockpiles.</p>

<p>"We know that at least 1.5 million cluster munitions and more than 178 million submunitions have been destroyed from stocks," stated Wareham.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"That goes to show that this convention is truly lifesaving because every single one of those explosive submunitions could take a life or a limb," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Why are cluster bombs considered more controversial than other bombs?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The impact of bomblets is on a wide area and can endanger non-combatants. As per the International Committee of the Red Cross, around 10 per cent to 40 per cent of munitions fail. The munitions, which fail&nbsp;to explode, have the probability of getting detonated by civilian activity years or even decades later.</p>

<p>Activist group Cluster Munition Coalition has been trying for a ban on these weapons everywhere, and claims that potentially deadly cluster submunitions continue to lie dormant in Vietnam and Laos, even 50 years after their use.</p>

<p>On Friday, Human Rights Watch in a statement said that both Russia and Ukraine have killed civilians with the use of cluster munitions in the ongoing war.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;<a>Gravitas: Will the US provide Ukraine with the 'controversial' cluster bomb?</a></strong></p>

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<p>“Cluster munitions remain one of the world’s most treacherous weapons. They kill and maim indiscriminately and cause widespread human suffering,” said Gilles Carbonnier, vice president of the International Committee of the Red Cross, while speaking at a conference on the munition in Switzerland last year.</p>

<p>“Any use of cluster munitions, anywhere, by anyone, must be condemned,” Carbonnier added.</p>

<h2><strong>Have troops used cluster bombs in Russia-Ukraine war?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Both the Russians and Ukrainians have used cluster bombs since Kyiv was invaded by the forces of Moscow in February 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Recently, Ukrainian forces started use of Turkish cluster munitions on the battlefield. However, Ukrainian officials have been requesting cluster munitions from the US since last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ukraine has stated that more ammunition would be provided by the US for Western-provided artillery and rocket systems, which will help in narrowing the numerical superiority of Russia in artillery.&nbsp;</p>

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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The United States has agreed to hand over cluster munitions to Ukraine, said the White House on Thursday, as human rights groups continued their calls for putting a stop to the use of the controversial weapons known to cause civilian casualties in large numbers.

The United States has agreed to hand over cluster munitions to Ukraine, said the White House on Thursday, as human rights groups continued their calls for putting a stop to the use of the controversial weapons known to cause civilian casualties in large numbers. What is a cluster munition? Cluster munitions, which are also known as cluster bombs, are canisters that contain tens to hundreds of smaller bomblets, also called submunitions. The canisters can be launched using missiles, dropped from aircraft, or fired from naval guns, artillery, or rocket launchers. At a prescribed height, the canisters break open depending upon the intended target, and the bomblets inside it spread out over that area. The bomblets fuse with a timer and explode closer to or on the ground and spread shrapnel that is designed to take out armoured vehicles such as tanks and kill troops. How dangerous are these bombs? The bomblets, which are designed in a way that they detonate when they hit the ground, have a high chance of killing or seriously injuring anyone in the area. Apart from the initial damage which the munitions cause upon impact, many bomblets do not detonate at all. Around 40 per cent of bomblets have not exploded in some recent conflicts, as per the ICRC. Hence, these cluster bombs, like landmines, carry a grave risk to the lives of civilians, long after they are used in wartime. These unexploded bomblets can kill and maim civilians years after the munitions were used. Hence, human rights groups have been opposing the use of cluster bombs by the army in populated areas, stating that it is a violation of international humanitarian law since the weapons can cause indiscriminate destruction. As per a Reuters report, 60 per cent of casualties due to cluster bombs are people who get injured while undertaking everyday activities. ALSO READ | White House to give lethal weapons to Ukraine that it once flagged for ‘war crimes’ Is using cluster bombs a war crime? The use of cluster bombs cannot be considered as a violation of international law, however, using them against civilians can be seen as a grave violation. As happens in any strike, calling an action a war crime requires understanding if the target was legitimate and if the precautions were adopted to prevent any civilian casualties. “The part of international law where this starts playing (a role), though, is indiscriminate attacks targeting civilians,” said Human Rights Watch’s associate arms director Mark Hiznay, while speaking to The Associated Press. “So that’s not necessarily related to the weapons, but the way the weapons are used," he added. More than 120 countries joined a convention which banned the use of cluster bombs and agreed not to produce, use, stockpile or transfer the weapons and to clear them after they have been used. The convention has not been signed by Ukraine, Russia and the US. Have cluster bombs been used before? The cluster munitions were most notably used by Armenia and Azerbaijan last year amid their war over the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. Since 2012, Syria has continued using cluster munitions. Human Rights Watch arms advocacy director Mary Wareham said that the use of cluster munitions in 2020 was extremely reduced compared to previous years. She stated that the treaty’s success was also seen in the destruction of stockpiles. "We know that at least 1.5 million cluster munitions and more than 178 million submunitions have been destroyed from stocks," stated Wareham. "That goes to show that this convention is truly lifesaving because every single one of those explosive submunitions could take a life or a limb," he added. Why are cluster bombs considered more controversial than other bombs? The impact of bomblets is on a wide area and can endanger non-combatants. As per the International Committee of the Red Cross, around 10 per cent to 40 per cent of munitions fail. The munitions, which fail to explode, have the probability of getting detonated by civilian activity years or even decades later. Activist group Cluster Munition Coalition has been trying for a ban on these weapons everywhere, and claims that potentially deadly cluster submunitions continue to lie dormant in Vietnam and Laos, even 50 years after their use. On Friday, Human Rights Watch in a statement said that both Russia and Ukraine have killed civilians with the use of cluster munitions in the ongoing war. WATCH | Gravitas: Will the US provide Ukraine with the 'controversial' cluster bomb? “Cluster munitions remain one of the world’s most treacherous weapons. They kill and maim indiscriminately and cause widespread human suffering,” said Gilles Carbonnier, vice president of the International Committee of the Red Cross, while speaking at a conference on the munition in Switzerland last year. “Any use of cluster munitions, anywhere, by anyone, must be condemned,” Carbonnier added. Have troops used cluster bombs in Russia-Ukraine war? Both the Russians and Ukrainians have used cluster bombs since Kyiv was invaded by the forces of Moscow in February 2022. Recently, Ukrainian forces started use of Turkish cluster munitions on the battlefield. However, Ukrainian officials have been requesting cluster munitions from the US since last year. Ukraine has stated that more ammunition would be provided by the US for Western-provided artillery and rocket systems, which will help in narrowing the numerical superiority of Russia in artillery. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Explained | What are cluster bombs which US is set to provide to Ukraine? Why is it facing opposition?

<p>A range of jewellery, precious metals and a richly decorated cannon are set to be returned by the Netherlands, as part of hundreds of cultural artefacts and art which were looted in Indonesia and Sri Lanka, both former Dutch colonies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Thursday, the Ministry of Culture in The Hague stated that most of these artefacts are culturally significant and highly valuable.</p>

<p>Dutch state secretary for Culture and Media Gunay Uslu said, “This is a historic moment. It’s the first time we’re following the recommendations of the committee to give back objects that should never have been brought to the Netherlands. But we are not just returning objects. We are actually starting a period in which we are more intensively cooperating with Indonesia and Sri Lanka."</p>

<p>The decision taken of returning around 478 objects was taken after considering the government-appointed commission's recommendations last year, which talked about the illegal Dutch colonial acquisitions that have now been put on display in museums of the Netherlands.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/europe/netherlands-to-ban-mobile-devices-in-classrooms-from-next-year-612417">Netherlands to ban mobile devices in classrooms from next year</a></p>

<p>Uslu stated that they acted upon the recommendations which were stated in a report published by the Dutch committee in 2020, which was investigating the artefacts stolen during the colonial era.</p>

<p>The government was appealed by the committee to be "willing to return unconditionally" any cultural artefacts looted in former Dutch colonies if asked by the source country.</p>

<p>"The Netherlands must assume responsibility for its colonial past by making the recognition and redress of this injustice a key principle of the policy on colonial collections," the report stated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The commission was established on the basis of a request received by Indonesia to return the natural history collections and art pieces from its former colonial ruler.</p>

<h2><strong>Loots of Dutches&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Some of the valuable objects which will be returned include "Lombok treasure", a collection of hundreds of precious stones, silver objects and gold&nbsp;looted by the Dutch colonial army from the island of Lombok, Indonesia in 1894. The government returned a part of this treasure to Indonesia in 1977.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Netherlands, Germany hit by rare summer storms, 2 dead</strong></p>

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<p>Another highlight from the stolen artefacts is the Cannon of Kandy which will also be returned to Sri Lanka. The ceremonial weapon has been made using silver, gold, bronze, inlaid with rubies.</p>

<p>The barrel, which is decorated with King of Kandy's symbols, is believed to have been looted by the Dutches in 1765. The piece has been a part of the Rijksmuseum's collection since 1800. This week, a ceremony has been planned to officially return the looted artefacts to Indonesia.&nbsp;</p>

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A range of jewellery, precious metals and a richly decorated cannon are set to be returned by the Netherlands, as part of hundreds of cultural artefacts and art which were looted in Indonesia and Sri Lanka, both former Dutch colonies.

A range of jewellery, precious metals and a richly decorated cannon are set to be returned by the Netherlands, as part of hundreds of cultural artefacts and art which were looted in Indonesia and Sri Lanka, both former Dutch colonies. On Thursday, the Ministry of Culture in The Hague stated that most of these artefacts are culturally significant and highly valuable. Dutch state secretary for Culture and Media Gunay Uslu said, “This is a historic moment. It’s the first time we’re following the recommendations of the committee to give back objects that should never have been brought to the Netherlands. But we are not just returning objects. We are actually starting a period in which we are more intensively cooperating with Indonesia and Sri Lanka." The decision taken of returning around 478 objects was taken after considering the government-appointed commission's recommendations last year, which talked about the illegal Dutch colonial acquisitions that have now been put on display in museums of the Netherlands. ALSO READ | Netherlands to ban mobile devices in classrooms from next year Uslu stated that they acted upon the recommendations which were stated in a report published by the Dutch committee in 2020, which was investigating the artefacts stolen during the colonial era. The government was appealed by the committee to be "willing to return unconditionally" any cultural artefacts looted in former Dutch colonies if asked by the source country. "The Netherlands must assume responsibility for its colonial past by making the recognition and redress of this injustice a key principle of the policy on colonial collections," the report stated. The commission was established on the basis of a request received by Indonesia to return the natural history collections and art pieces from its former colonial ruler. Loots of Dutches Some of the valuable objects which will be returned include "Lombok treasure", a collection of hundreds of precious stones, silver objects and gold looted by the Dutch colonial army from the island of Lombok, Indonesia in 1894. The government returned a part of this treasure to Indonesia in 1977. WATCH | Netherlands, Germany hit by rare summer storms, 2 dead Another highlight from the stolen artefacts is the Cannon of Kandy which will also be returned to Sri Lanka. The ceremonial weapon has been made using silver, gold, bronze, inlaid with rubies. The barrel, which is decorated with King of Kandy's symbols, is believed to have been looted by the Dutches in 1765. The piece has been a part of the Rijksmuseum's collection since 1800. This week, a ceremony has been planned to officially return the looted artefacts to Indonesia. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Netherlands set to return treasures looted from Sri Lanka, Indonesia in colonial period

<p>South Korea has stated that it believes that the plan of Japan to release water treated from the destroyed Fukushima nuclear power plant will be able to meet international standards, a few days after a United Nations atomic agency, in its review of the controversial proposal, found it to be safe as China imposed a ban on import of food products from 10 Japanese prefectures, citing safety reasons.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Seoul stated that its own assessments, which are based on the plant's inspection in late May, the data collected, review of the UN nuclear watchdog IAEA’s suggested that there is no danger in releasing more than 1.3 million tonnes of radioactive water into the Pacific Ocean if it is carried out according to the proposal.</p>

<p>“We have confirmed the concentration of radioactive material meets standards for ocean discharge … and therefore, the plan meets international standards including those of the IAEA,” said Bang Moon-kyu, Minister of the Office for Government Policy Coordination, in a briefing on Friday.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fukushima-nuclear-plant-water-release-is-safe-says-iaea-chief-612362">Fukushima nuclear plant water release is safe, says IAEA chief</a></p>

<h2><strong>IAEA chief says ‘completely safe' to release treated wastewater</strong></h2>

<p>Assuring the safety of the water to be released, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi said even though fears over the proposed plan reflect a “very logical sense of uncertainty” that should be considered seriously, he is “completely convinced of the sound basis of our conclusions.”</p>

<p>“We have been looking at this basic policy for more than two years. We have been assessing it against … the most stringent standards that exist,” Grossi said while speaking to CNN on Friday.</p>

<p>“And we are quite certain of what we are saying, and the scheme we have proposed," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>China imposes ban on Japanese food&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>China’s customs department on Friday announced a ban on the import of food products, coming from 10 Japanese prefectures, citing safety reasons and said that it would increase testing for radioactive substances.</p>

<p>In a statement, the department said that it will enhance monitoring of products which include seafood and continue to place curbs on produce coming from one-fifth of Japan's prefectures due to safety reasons.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Japan set to release water from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the Pacific</strong></p>

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<p>China will "strengthen supervision" and "rigorously examine" certificates for food imports, which will especially include aquatic products coming from the other non-banned prefectures, said the administration, emphasising restrictions on the 10 prefectures that are in place.</p>

<p>"The Japanese side still has many problems in the legitimacy of sea discharge, the reliability of purification equipment and the perfection of monitoring programmes," said Chinese customs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It stated that the report prepared by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) fails to fully reflect the views of all experts who are involved in the assessment process, and they did not endorse the conclusions unanimously.</p>

<p>The UN nuclear watchdog approved Japan's plan on Tuesday, as it faced opposition at home and abroad. Japan insists that the water released will be safe and will meet global standards.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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South Korea has stated that it believes that the plan of Japan to release water treated from the destroyed Fukushima nuclear power plant will be able to meet international standards, a few days after a United Nations atomic agency, in its review of the controversial proposal, found it to be safe as China imposed a ban on import of food products from 10 Japanese prefectures, citing safety reasons.

South Korea has stated that it believes that the plan of Japan to release water treated from the destroyed Fukushima nuclear power plant will be able to meet international standards, a few days after a United Nations atomic agency, in its review of the controversial proposal, found it to be safe as China imposed a ban on import of food products from 10 Japanese prefectures, citing safety reasons. Seoul stated that its own assessments, which are based on the plant's inspection in late May, the data collected, review of the UN nuclear watchdog IAEA’s suggested that there is no danger in releasing more than 1.3 million tonnes of radioactive water into the Pacific Ocean if it is carried out according to the proposal. “We have confirmed the concentration of radioactive material meets standards for ocean discharge … and therefore, the plan meets international standards including those of the IAEA,” said Bang Moon-kyu, Minister of the Office for Government Policy Coordination, in a briefing on Friday. ALSO READ | Fukushima nuclear plant water release is safe, says IAEA chief IAEA chief says ‘completely safe' to release treated wastewater Assuring the safety of the water to be released, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi said even though fears over the proposed plan reflect a “very logical sense of uncertainty” that should be considered seriously, he is “completely convinced of the sound basis of our conclusions.” “We have been looking at this basic policy for more than two years. We have been assessing it against … the most stringent standards that exist,” Grossi said while speaking to CNN on Friday. “And we are quite certain of what we are saying, and the scheme we have proposed," he added. China imposes ban on Japanese food China’s customs department on Friday announced a ban on the import of food products, coming from 10 Japanese prefectures, citing safety reasons and said that it would increase testing for radioactive substances. In a statement, the department said that it will enhance monitoring of products which include seafood and continue to place curbs on produce coming from one-fifth of Japan's prefectures due to safety reasons. WATCH | Japan set to release water from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the Pacific China will "strengthen supervision" and "rigorously examine" certificates for food imports, which will especially include aquatic products coming from the other non-banned prefectures, said the administration, emphasising restrictions on the 10 prefectures that are in place. "The Japanese side still has many problems in the legitimacy of sea discharge, the reliability of purification equipment and the perfection of monitoring programmes," said Chinese customs. It stated that the report prepared by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) fails to fully reflect the views of all experts who are involved in the assessment process, and they did not endorse the conclusions unanimously. The UN nuclear watchdog approved Japan's plan on Tuesday, as it faced opposition at home and abroad. Japan insists that the water released will be safe and will meet global standards. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Seoul supports Fukushima water plan as China imposes ban on Japanese food

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