Companies may ban Muslim employees from wearing a headscarf under certain conditions, the European Union's top court said on Thursday in a ruling on two cases brought by women in Germany who were suspended from their jobs for wearing one.

The issue of the hijab, the traditional headscarf worn around the head and shoulders, has caused controversy across Europe for years and underlined sharp differences over integrating Muslims.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/austrian-coalition-deal-includes-headscarf-ban-preventive-custody-report-271718">Austrian coalition deal includes headscarf ban, preventive custody: Report</a>

In the cases brought to court, both Muslim women - a special-needs carer at a childcare centre in Hamburg run by a charitable association, and a cashier at the Mueller drugstore chain - did not wear&nbsp;headscarves&nbsp;when they started in their jobs but decided to do so years later after coming back from parental leave.

They were told that this was not allowed, and were at different points either suspended, told to come to work without it or put on a different job, court documents show.

The EU court had to decide in both cases whether headscarf bans at work represented a violation of the freedom of religion or were allowed as part of the freedom to conduct a business and they wish to project an image of neutrality to customers.

It responded that such bans were possible if justified by an employer's need to present a neutral image.

"A prohibition on wearing any visible form of expression of political, philosophical or religious beliefs in the workplace may be justified by the employer's need to present a neutral image towards customers or to prevent social disputes," the court said.

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However, that justification must correspond to a genuine need on the part of the employer, it said.

In the care centre employee case, the court said the rule at issue appeared to have been applied in a general and undifferentiated way since the employer also required an employee wearing a religious cross to remove that sign.

In both cases, it will now be up to national courts to have the final say on whether there was any discrimination.

The EU court already ruled in 2017 that companies may ban staff from wearing Islamic&nbsp;headscarves&nbsp;and other visible religious symbols under certain conditions, sparking a backlash among faith groups.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/employers-can-ban-headscarves-in-workplace-top-eu-court-rules-13360">Employers can ban headscarves in workplace, top EU court rules</a>

More than 5 million Muslims live in Germany, making them the largest religious minority group there.

Headscarf bans for women at work have been a hotly contested issue in Germany for years, mostly concerning aspiring teachers at state schools and trainee judges. This has not so far been a major theme in the campaign for this year's legislative elections.

Elsewhere in Europe, courts have also had to look into where and how&nbsp;headscarves&nbsp;can sometimes be banned at work.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/austrian-mps-approve-headscarf-ban-in-primary-schools-219081">Austrian MPs approve headscarf ban in primary schools</a>

France's top court upheld in 2014 the dismissal of a Muslim daycare worker for wearing a headscarf at a private crèche that demanded strict neutrality from employees. France, home to Europe's largest Muslim minority, prohibited wearing Islamic&nbsp;headscarves&nbsp;in state schools in 2004.

However, Austria's constitutional court has ruled that a law there banning girls aged up to 10 from wearing&nbsp;headscarves&nbsp;in schools was discriminatory.

Companies may ban Muslim employees from wearing a headscarf under certain conditions, the European Union's top court said on Thursday in a ruling on two cases brought by women in Germany who were suspended from their jobs for wearing one.

Companies may ban Muslim employees from wearing a headscarf under certain conditions, the European Union's top court said on Thursday in a ruling on two cases brought by women in Germany who were suspended from their jobs for wearing one. The issue of the hijab, the traditional headscarf worn around the head and shoulders, has caused controversy across Europe for years and underlined sharp differences over integrating Muslims. Also read | Austrian coalition deal includes headscarf ban, preventive custody: Report In the cases brought to court, both Muslim women - a special-needs carer at a childcare centre in Hamburg run by a charitable association, and a cashier at the Mueller drugstore chain - did not wear headscarves when they started in their jobs but decided to do so years later after coming back from parental leave. They were told that this was not allowed, and were at different points either suspended, told to come to work without it or put on a different job, court documents show. The EU court had to decide in both cases whether headscarf bans at work represented a violation of the freedom of religion or were allowed as part of the freedom to conduct a business and they wish to project an image of neutrality to customers. It responded that such bans were possible if justified by an employer's need to present a neutral image. "A prohibition on wearing any visible form of expression of political, philosophical or religious beliefs in the workplace may be justified by the employer's need to present a neutral image towards customers or to prevent social disputes," the court said. However, that justification must correspond to a genuine need on the part of the employer, it said. In the care centre employee case, the court said the rule at issue appeared to have been applied in a general and undifferentiated way since the employer also required an employee wearing a religious cross to remove that sign. In both cases, it will now be up to national courts to have the final say on whether there was any discrimination. The EU court already ruled in 2017 that companies may ban staff from wearing Islamic headscarves and other visible religious symbols under certain conditions, sparking a backlash among faith groups. Also read | Employers can ban headscarves in workplace, top EU court rules More than 5 million Muslims live in Germany, making them the largest religious minority group there. Headscarf bans for women at work have been a hotly contested issue in Germany for years, mostly concerning aspiring teachers at state schools and trainee judges. This has not so far been a major theme in the campaign for this year's legislative elections. Elsewhere in Europe, courts have also had to look into where and how headscarves can sometimes be banned at work. Also read | Austrian MPs approve headscarf ban in primary schools France's top court upheld in 2014 the dismissal of a Muslim daycare worker for wearing a headscarf at a private crèche that demanded strict neutrality from employees. France, home to Europe's largest Muslim minority, prohibited wearing Islamic headscarves in state schools in 2004. However, Austria's constitutional court has ruled that a law there banning girls aged up to 10 from wearing headscarves in schools was discriminatory.

Hijab can be banned at work under certain conditions, rules EU court

To celebrate World Emoji Day on Saturday, Emojipedia is all set to launch a series of new inclusive emojis.

According to a draft list by the Unicode Consortium, which is in charge of approving emojis and icons for use, the emojis which will hit phones over the next year include designs like a pregnant man and a multiracial handshake.

This update is part of the consortium’s bid to complete their emoji sets by offering not just feminine and masculine, but also gender-neutral variants of every available emoji.

The emojis will feature a selection of skin tones and also have representation for trans and nonbinary pregnancies, with two new gender variants being made available for the “pregnant woman” emoji. &nbsp;

Illustrated by Unicode, these updates will also add gender-neutral royalty via a “person with crown” emoji, which will be joining the pre-existing “prince” and “princess” emojis.

Emojipedia's chief emoji officer, Jeremy Burge, says that adding gender-neutral options to nearly all emojis will give users the option to select a woman or man depending on the situation, as with the "bearded person" emoji in January.&nbsp;

Several emojis are still without gender-neutral options, largely because it's not entirely clear what constitutes a gender-neutral approach.&nbsp;

For instance, the two dancer emojis have proven to be headscratchers. Currently, the two dancer emojis depicts a male disco dancer and a female flamenco dancer.

Several options were suggested to make these more gender-neutral. One suggestion was introducing identically dressed gender options for the same emoji, so in addition to the female flamenco dancer dressed in red, we could have a male dressed in a red dress dancing.

<img alt="Unicode gender dancing emoji options" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e7cb376d-ccdb-49f9-8147-a29fd03274cb" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/unicode-gender-dancer-emoji.jpg" />

Options for a gender-inclusive dancer emoji. (Image: Emojipedia)

Another option was offering gender-appropriate additions, so in addition to the red dress-wearing female dancer, we could have a male flamenco dancer, dressed in the traditional flamenco garbs.

The final preferred option was the addition of a gender-neutral version of a dancing style, for which breakdancing has been suggested by Emojipedia.

The draft list also contains handshakes between two hands with different skin tones, along with an emoji depicting the popular hands making a heart shape, additional faces like “peeking eye” or peeking through the fingers, “saluting”, and “holding back tears”.

Other additions consist of &nbsp;20 new icons that include a “coral” emoji which can be used to depict climate change, playground slide, x-ray and empty battery.

Each year as part of its process, Unicode opens its draft icons to public comment before approving them for use in September.

Once the emojis are approved, it is up to the device manufacturers when to make them available to users.

To celebrate World Emoji Day on Saturday, Emojipedia is all set to launch a series of new inclusive emojis. According to a draft list by the Unicode Consortium, which is in charge of approving emojis and icons for use, the emojis which will hit phones over the next year include designs like a pregnant man and a multiracial handshake.

To celebrate World Emoji Day on Saturday, Emojipedia is all set to launch a series of new inclusive emojis. According to a draft list by the Unicode Consortium, which is in charge of approving emojis and icons for use, the emojis which will hit phones over the next year include designs like a pregnant man and a multiracial handshake. This update is part of the consortium’s bid to complete their emoji sets by offering not just feminine and masculine, but also gender-neutral variants of every available emoji. The emojis will feature a selection of skin tones and also have representation for trans and nonbinary pregnancies, with two new gender variants being made available for the “pregnant woman” emoji. Illustrated by Unicode, these updates will also add gender-neutral royalty via a “person with crown” emoji, which will be joining the pre-existing “prince” and “princess” emojis. Emojipedia's chief emoji officer, Jeremy Burge, says that adding gender-neutral options to nearly all emojis will give users the option to select a woman or man depending on the situation, as with the "bearded person" emoji in January. Several emojis are still without gender-neutral options, largely because it's not entirely clear what constitutes a gender-neutral approach. For instance, the two dancer emojis have proven to be headscratchers. Currently, the two dancer emojis depicts a male disco dancer and a female flamenco dancer. Several options were suggested to make these more gender-neutral. One suggestion was introducing identically dressed gender options for the same emoji, so in addition to the female flamenco dancer dressed in red, we could have a male dressed in a red dress dancing. Options for a gender-inclusive dancer emoji. (Image: Emojipedia) Another option was offering gender-appropriate additions, so in addition to the red dress-wearing female dancer, we could have a male flamenco dancer, dressed in the traditional flamenco garbs. The final preferred option was the addition of a gender-neutral version of a dancing style, for which breakdancing has been suggested by Emojipedia. The draft list also contains handshakes between two hands with different skin tones, along with an emoji depicting the popular hands making a heart shape, additional faces like “peeking eye” or peeking through the fingers, “saluting”, and “holding back tears”. Other additions consist of 20 new icons that include a “coral” emoji which can be used to depict climate change, playground slide, x-ray and empty battery. Each year as part of its process, Unicode opens its draft icons to public comment before approving them for use in September. Once the emojis are approved, it is up to the device manufacturers when to make them available to users.

'Pregnant man': Ahead of Emoji day launch, gender-neutral emojis unveiled

Joining a list of countries like France and Greece, that have made <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> vaccination mandatory in some sectors, China has also made <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">i</a>t mandatory for school-going children.

A few local governments in China have stated that students cannot return to school in September unless their whole family has been fully vaccinated against coronavirus.

In several cities, vaccines are required to enter public places such as hospitals and supermarkets.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-will-china-vaccinate-560-million-people-start-with-free-ice-cream-375757">How will China vaccinate 560 million people? Start with free ice cream</a>

Earlier this week, a public notice posted in Guangxi province advised that those who are not yet vaccinated must do it soon so that their children's return to school is not affected, specifying that it applies to children of all ages.

Even though the rules are different for different regions, there were similar announcements from governments in Jiangxi and Henan, saying that only pupils whose families were vaccinated could attend the new autumn semester.

Schools in the Hebei province of Pingxiang have announced that they will only&nbsp;allow fully vaccinated students between the ages of 12 and 17, to attend school. Whether this is true for other ages of students is unclear.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-bid-to-lead-the-vaccine-race-beijing-makes-chinese-jabs-compulsory-371241">In a bid to lead the vaccine race, Beijing makes Chinese jabs compulsory</a>

Others like Hancheng in&nbsp;Shaanxi province have said it will not allow unvaccinated people to visit hotels, restaurants or entertainment venues.

While the deadlines differ for different areas, most have set the end of July as the cutoff date for vaccines before the strict measures take effect

These deadlines have been termed as "unfair" by the netizens, with people commenting that even though vaccinations were at first touted as voluntary, they've now turned out to be mandatory.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-using-crude-efforts-to-get-people-vaccinated-says-state-media-374580">China using 'crude' efforts to get people vaccinated, says state media</a>

By the end of the year, China intends to inoculate 64 per cent of its population. According to China's top health officials, people should get jabs, but the last decision would rest with the individuals.&nbsp;

Government officials at lower levels have also been instructed to prioritize vaccination.

Chinese health authorities have not revealed how many people have been fully vaccinated but they claim to have administered more than 1.4 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines so far.

Joining a list of countries like France and Greece, that have made COVID-19 vaccination mandatory in some sectors, China has also made it mandatory for school-going children.

Joining a list of countries like France and Greece, that have made COVID-19 vaccination mandatory in some sectors, China has also made it mandatory for school-going children. A few local governments in China have stated that students cannot return to school in September unless their whole family has been fully vaccinated against coronavirus. In several cities, vaccines are required to enter public places such as hospitals and supermarkets. Also read | How will China vaccinate 560 million people? Start with free ice cream Earlier this week, a public notice posted in Guangxi province advised that those who are not yet vaccinated must do it soon so that their children's return to school is not affected, specifying that it applies to children of all ages. Even though the rules are different for different regions, there were similar announcements from governments in Jiangxi and Henan, saying that only pupils whose families were vaccinated could attend the new autumn semester. Schools in the Hebei province of Pingxiang have announced that they will only allow fully vaccinated students between the ages of 12 and 17, to attend school. Whether this is true for other ages of students is unclear. Also read | In a bid to lead the vaccine race, Beijing makes Chinese jabs compulsory Others like Hancheng in Shaanxi province have said it will not allow unvaccinated people to visit hotels, restaurants or entertainment venues. While the deadlines differ for different areas, most have set the end of July as the cutoff date for vaccines before the strict measures take effect These deadlines have been termed as "unfair" by the netizens, with people commenting that even though vaccinations were at first touted as voluntary, they've now turned out to be mandatory. Also read | China using 'crude' efforts to get people vaccinated, says state media By the end of the year, China intends to inoculate 64 per cent of its population. According to China's top health officials, people should get jabs, but the last decision would rest with the individuals. Government officials at lower levels have also been instructed to prioritize vaccination. Chinese health authorities have not revealed how many people have been fully vaccinated but they claim to have administered more than 1.4 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines so far.

China mandates vaccines for school children and their families

Contract talks with Lionel Messi are "progressing adequately", said Barcelona President, with La Liga goliaths expecting to get his magic presence attached to new terms.&nbsp;

Messi turned into a free agent on July 1 after his agreement with FCB expired.

However, the club has still not given up on giving the Argentinian captain a two-year deal. Interestingly, his&nbsp;last contract was worth more than 500 million euros more than four years.&nbsp;

'Nothing is Impossible', Joan Laporta told reporters, as quoted Goal.com, adding the discussion "is progressing adequately."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-manchester-united-players-send-touching-message-to-the-racially-abused-england-trio-397783" hreflang="en">Football: Manchester United players send touching message to the racially abused England trio</a>

Lionel Messi ended the &nbsp;28-year-huge drought for Argentina by winning Copa America at Maracana against Brazil.&nbsp;He had a splendid Copa America 2021 as he scored four goals, had five assists to his name, and was named the Golden Boot champ.&nbsp;

"All the Catalans, Barcelona, Catalunya, and the entire football world are happy because Leo won the Copa America. It is very exciting to see the best player in football history get excited about winning a title like this and he made all of us cry with joy," said Joan Laporta.

"He is very happy, we are all happy, I am happy for Leo who has managed [to win the Copa America], together with his team-mates, and that Argentina is once again in the elite, and also happy for Aguero. I am happy for Messi's family, for Argentina, for Barcelona who is recognized, admired, and loved for having this bond with Leo," he added.&nbsp;

Concerning's contract adventure, last week, LaLiga President Javier Tebas expressed that it would be inconceivable for FC Barcelona to coordinate with the compensation Lionel Messi was on as the club is right now going through financial troubles.

Contract talks with Lionel Messi are "progressing adequately", said Barcelona President, with La Liga goliaths expecting to get his magic presence attached to new terms.

Contract talks with Lionel Messi are "progressing adequately", said Barcelona President, with La Liga goliaths expecting to get his magic presence attached to new terms. Messi turned into a free agent on July 1 after his agreement with FCB expired. However, the club has still not given up on giving the Argentinian captain a two-year deal. Interestingly, his last contract was worth more than 500 million euros more than four years. 'Nothing is Impossible', Joan Laporta told reporters, as quoted Goal.com, adding the discussion "is progressing adequately." ALSO READ: Football: Manchester United players send touching message to the racially abused England trio Lionel Messi ended the 28-year-huge drought for Argentina by winning Copa America at Maracana against Brazil. He had a splendid Copa America 2021 as he scored four goals, had five assists to his name, and was named the Golden Boot champ. "All the Catalans, Barcelona, Catalunya, and the entire football world are happy because Leo won the Copa America. It is very exciting to see the best player in football history get excited about winning a title like this and he made all of us cry with joy," said Joan Laporta. "He is very happy, we are all happy, I am happy for Leo who has managed [to win the Copa America], together with his team-mates, and that Argentina is once again in the elite, and also happy for Aguero. I am happy for Messi's family, for Argentina, for Barcelona who is recognized, admired, and loved for having this bond with Leo," he added. Concerning's contract adventure, last week, LaLiga President Javier Tebas expressed that it would be inconceivable for FC Barcelona to coordinate with the compensation Lionel Messi was on as the club is right now going through financial troubles.

Football: Lionel Messi contract talks 'progressing adequately', says Barcelona president

Inviting applications for new interns, NASA recently shared some images of its former interns on Twitter. The idea seemed to be to showcase the diversity of people serving at the US space agency.

Among the pictures of four interns was one of an Indian American girl, sitting on a desk wearing a sweater sporting NASA logo and with Hindu god sculptures and posters in the background.&nbsp;

What followed was widespread trolling of her faith, with some asking how the US space agency, a scientific organisation, could allow somebody who believes in God. Some comments bordered on Hinduphobia.&nbsp;

Some users&nbsp;criticised&nbsp;the presence of the&nbsp;idols at the workspace of the Indian-origin intern, while others questioned NASA for putting up a stereotypical image of an Indian girl.&nbsp;

But the trolling has now backfired on the pundits, with supporters saying they were completely okay with the fact that&nbsp;the Indian NASA intern had Hindu idols beside her.&nbsp;

One user wrote on Twitter: "All those mocking her : Hijab, polygamy, child marriages, Niqab, prayers on road, etc are supposed to be respected under the concept of 'choice' and 'pluralism' but a Hindu lady practicing her faith has to be ridiculed. Carry on! Your bigotry will make her faith more stronger."

"So many people exposing their casual bigotry &amp; racism.... while dissing on a minority Girl.. all because she's proud of her roots,” said another.&nbsp;

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Today's the day: applications for fall NASA internships are due! 
 
Are you ready? Visit <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAInterns?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASAInterns</a> and apply at: <a href="https://t.co/s69uwyR1LJ">https://t.co/s69uwyR1LJ</a> <a href="https://t.co/CVwFJGYbms">pic.twitter.com/CVwFJGYbms</a>
— NASA (@NASA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA/status/1413591798061076484?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The girl was shown in the picture sitting with a laptop&nbsp;and&nbsp;idols of Goddess Lakshmi, Saraswati and others in the background, a typical scene from many Indian households.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Inviting applications for new interns, NASA recently shared some images of its former interns on Twitter. The idea seemed to be to showcase the diversity of people serving at the US space agency.

Inviting applications for new interns, NASA recently shared some images of its former interns on Twitter. The idea seemed to be to showcase the diversity of people serving at the US space agency. Among the pictures of four interns was one of an Indian American girl, sitting on a desk wearing a sweater sporting NASA logo and with Hindu god sculptures and posters in the background. What followed was widespread trolling of her faith, with some asking how the US space agency, a scientific organisation, could allow somebody who believes in God. Some comments bordered on Hinduphobia. Some users criticised the presence of the idols at the workspace of the Indian-origin intern, while others questioned NASA for putting up a stereotypical image of an Indian girl. But the trolling has now backfired on the pundits, with supporters saying they were completely okay with the fact that the Indian NASA intern had Hindu idols beside her. One user wrote on Twitter: "All those mocking her : Hijab, polygamy, child marriages, Niqab, prayers on road, etc are supposed to be respected under the concept of 'choice' and 'pluralism' but a Hindu lady practicing her faith has to be ridiculed. Carry on! Your bigotry will make her faith more stronger." "So many people exposing their casual bigotry & racism.... while dissing on a minority Girl.. all because she's proud of her roots,” said another. Today's the day: applications for fall NASA internships are due! Are you ready? Visit @NASAInterns and apply at: https://t.co/s69uwyR1LJ pic.twitter.com/CVwFJGYbms — NASA (@NASA) July 9, 2021 × The girl was shown in the picture sitting with a laptop and idols of Goddess Lakshmi, Saraswati and others in the background, a typical scene from many Indian households.

Trolled for her Hindu faith, NASA intern finds strong support online 

As England and Italy squared off in the Euro 2020 final, thousands across the world watched anxiously.

The two teams were on the route to make history.

While England had never won a European Football Championship, Italy had won the title in the 1968 edition.

England's loss came as a shock to&nbsp;many. Off-field, some fans took it too far, hurling racist abuses at players from the team and assaulting their Italian counterparts.

Videos indicate fans tussling with one another, and taking on rival supporters.

And that was just the beginning. As shown in a clip, a person was even tossed into the river in London.

ALS0 READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/euro-2020-england-fans-created-mayhem-on-the-streets-of-london-and-outside-wembley-stadium-397537" hreflang="en">Euro 2020: England fans created mayhem on the streets of London and outside Wembley stadium</a>

While some punched one another, hurled abuses, Twitter posts showed that others have taken to attacking Black players and fans in the city.

While it was not clear from the videos when precisely it was recorded, it showed fans outside an arena entrance, tossing things at the counter and shaking one another.&nbsp;

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So “football fans” are Attacking Black people on the street. Attacking England’s Black players. Attacking Italian fans. And the rates of domestic abuse increase by 38% when their team loses? This is why England football fans have the worst reputation. Mortifying and disgusting.⚽️
— Jameela Jamil 🌈 (@jameelajamil) <a href="https://twitter.com/jameelajamil/status/1414385347199344643?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho have all been subjected to racial abuse following England’s loss in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EURO2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EURO2020</a> final. 
 
If you see racial abuse, report it. We are all in this together. <a href="https://t.co/L1KBf7lXKc">pic.twitter.com/L1KBf7lXKc</a>
— UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) <a href="https://twitter.com/UtdDistrict/status/1414362449101348864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Despite the COVID-19 outbreak, several restrictions seem to have been neglected.

Going by the visuals, masks were a scant item and social distancing was non-existent.

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Tonight's winner will undoubtedly be the Wembley variant <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Covid19UK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Covid19UK</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Euro2020Final?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Euro2020Final</a> <a href="https://t.co/QkrkeRndcQ">pic.twitter.com/QkrkeRndcQ</a>
— Seán MacGobhann (@SeanMacGobhann) <a href="https://twitter.com/SeanMacGobhann/status/1414262550548647939?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Other than fighting&nbsp;with Italian fans, the English fans additionally flung bigoted, racist abuses online against Black players who missed penalties for England in the European Championship shootout.

Many fans took to Instagram to leave monkey emoticons on posts by Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, and Jadon Sancho after they missed penalties during the game.

Others left abusive remarks on their Instagram posts.&nbsp;

This provoked the English Football Association to give an assertion censuring the language used against the players.&nbsp;

The FA said&nbsp;it was "appalled by the online racism that has been aimed at some of our England players on social media."

"We could not be clearer that anyone behind such disgusting behavior is not welcome in following the team. We will do all we can to support the players affected while urging the toughest punishments possible for anyone responsible," it said in a&nbsp;statement.

As England and Italy squared off in the Euro 2020 final, thousands across the world watched anxiously. The two teams were on the route to make history. While England had never won a European Football Championship, Italy had won the title in the 1968 edition.

As England and Italy squared off in the Euro 2020 final, thousands across the world watched anxiously. The two teams were on the route to make history. While England had never won a European Football Championship, Italy had won the title in the 1968 edition. England's loss came as a shock to many. Off-field, some fans took it too far, hurling racist abuses at players from the team and assaulting their Italian counterparts. Videos indicate fans tussling with one another, and taking on rival supporters. And that was just the beginning. As shown in a clip, a person was even tossed into the river in London. ALS0 READ: Euro 2020: England fans created mayhem on the streets of London and outside Wembley stadium While some punched one another, hurled abuses, Twitter posts showed that others have taken to attacking Black players and fans in the city. While it was not clear from the videos when precisely it was recorded, it showed fans outside an arena entrance, tossing things at the counter and shaking one another. So “football fans” are Attacking Black people on the street. Attacking England’s Black players. Attacking Italian fans. And the rates of domestic abuse increase by 38% when their team loses? This is why England football fans have the worst reputation. Mortifying and disgusting.⚽️ — Jameela Jamil 🌈 (@jameelajamil) July 12, 2021 × Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho have all been subjected to racial abuse following England’s loss in the #EURO2020 final. If you see racial abuse, report it. We are all in this together. pic.twitter.com/L1KBf7lXKc — UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) July 11, 2021 × Despite the COVID-19 outbreak, several restrictions seem to have been neglected. Going by the visuals, masks were a scant item and social distancing was non-existent. Tonight's winner will undoubtedly be the Wembley variant #Covid19UK #Euro2020Final pic.twitter.com/QkrkeRndcQ — Seán MacGobhann (@SeanMacGobhann) July 11, 2021 × Other than fighting with Italian fans, the English fans additionally flung bigoted, racist abuses online against Black players who missed penalties for England in the European Championship shootout. Many fans took to Instagram to leave monkey emoticons on posts by Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, and Jadon Sancho after they missed penalties during the game. Others left abusive remarks on their Instagram posts. This provoked the English Football Association to give an assertion censuring the language used against the players. The FA said it was "appalled by the online racism that has been aimed at some of our England players on social media." "We could not be clearer that anyone behind such disgusting behavior is not welcome in following the team. We will do all we can to support the players affected while urging the toughest punishments possible for anyone responsible," it said in a statement.

Euro 2020: Furious English fans hurl racist abuses at players after team lose final

With prices soaring in crisis-hit&nbsp;Lebanon, Sherine can no longer afford sanitary pads. So instead each month, she is forced to make her own using baby nappies or even rags.

"With all the price hikes and the frustration of not being able to manage, I'd rather stop having my period altogether," the 28-year-old told AFP, tears rolling down her cheeks.

The price of menstrual pads, the vast majority of which are imported, has risen by almost 500 per cent since the start of a financial crisis the World Bank has dubbed likely one of the world's worst since the 1850s.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/lebanons-economic-crisis-among-worlds-worst-since-1850s-388829/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Packs of sanitary towels now cost between 13,000 and 35,000 Lebanese pounds -- between $8.60 and $23 at the official exchange rate -- up from just 3,000 pounds ($2) before the economic crisis.

With more than half the population living in poverty, tens of thousands of women are now on a desperate hunt for affordable alternatives.

Sherine initially turned to cheap sanitary pads that she said caused skin irritation, but even those have become too costly.

"Right now, I'm using towels and pieces of cloth," she said.

"At first, I felt defeated," the young mother told AFP, her hair tied up in a bun.

"But I chose to put my daughter first. I would rather buy her milk.&nbsp;As for me, I can make do."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protests-rock-lebanon-ahead-of-fuel-price-hike-394575">Protests rock Lebanon ahead of fuel price hike</a>

But that has often meant repurposing some of the diapers a charity shop has given her for her toddler, cutting each in half to create two separate pads.

She said the process has been one of trial and error.

In the beginning, "I was always having to check if (blood) had leaked and stained my pants," she said.

Newspaper, toilet paper

The Lebanese pound has lost more than 90 per cent of its value against the dollar on the black market since the autumn of 2019, and Lebanese earning salaries in the local currency have seen their buying power plummet.

The government has subsidised essential goods including medicine, fuel and flour to ease the blow, but has come under fire for failing to include pads on its list.

In the absence of state support, the Dawrati (My Period) initiative was launched last year to&nbsp;address rising period poverty in&nbsp;Lebanon.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-lebanon-christian-heads-begin-summit-on-countrys-crisis-395106">Pope, Lebanon Christian heads begin summit on country's crisis</a>

The group distributes free menstrual products to women in need, including some who were once members of the fast-vanishing middle class.

"Middle-class women also need them,&nbsp;like a bank employee whose salary in Lebanese pounds is no longer enough to get by," said co-founder Line Masri.

According to Dawrati, half of the women suffering from period poverty are using newspaper, toilet paper or old rags instead of pads, while two-thirds of adolescent girls have no means of purchasing sanitary products.

Yet the association is struggling to keep up.

"We aren't able to meet demand... because donations have declined significantly," Masri said.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-west-asia-post-as-poverty-bites-lebanese-give-up-their-pets-388606/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

At a Beirut charity store initially set up to distribute free clothes to the needy, employee Izdihar said a growing number of women were struggling to manage their periods.

Izdihar said she even sometimes had to resort to giving baby diapers from the store to her three daughters, aged 12 to 14.

Her youngest, who started menstruating this year, was having trouble adapting.

"She's stopped leaving the house when she has her period," Izdihar said.

Syria 'all over again'

Activists are seeking to produce viable alternatives to disposable pads.

In the Shatila Palestinian refugee camp in Beirut, international NGO Days For Girls and local partner WingWoman&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;are training refugee women to stitch reusable sanitary pads out of colourful cloth.

Each includes a protective shield and absorbent liner and can be washed and reused for up to three years.

The project already distributes them to&nbsp;Lebanon's most vulnerable communities, including in Syrian refugee camps.

Rima Ali, a Syrian mother of six, was among dozens learning to make the pads.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">The 45-year-old, who fled the war in Syria nine years ago, said she used to buy only the cheapest pads for herself and her three daughters, but they had become prohibitively expensive.</div>

With her family running through around six packets a month, reusable pads seemed like a much better option.

"Back in Syria, there were some rough days when we couldn't even afford to buy bread," she said. "We used to cut up material to use" instead of sanitary pads.

"I never thought we would have to relive it all over again."

With prices soaring in crisis-hit Lebanon, Sherine can no longer afford sanitary pads. So instead each month, she is forced to make her own using baby nappies or even rags.

With prices soaring in crisis-hit Lebanon, Sherine can no longer afford sanitary pads. So instead each month, she is forced to make her own using baby nappies or even rags. "With all the price hikes and the frustration of not being able to manage, I'd rather stop having my period altogether," the 28-year-old told AFP, tears rolling down her cheeks. The price of menstrual pads, the vast majority of which are imported, has risen by almost 500 per cent since the start of a financial crisis the World Bank has dubbed likely one of the world's worst since the 1850s. Packs of sanitary towels now cost between 13,000 and 35,000 Lebanese pounds -- between $8.60 and $23 at the official exchange rate -- up from just 3,000 pounds ($2) before the economic crisis. With more than half the population living in poverty, tens of thousands of women are now on a desperate hunt for affordable alternatives. Sherine initially turned to cheap sanitary pads that she said caused skin irritation, but even those have become too costly. "Right now, I'm using towels and pieces of cloth," she said. "At first, I felt defeated," the young mother told AFP, her hair tied up in a bun. "But I chose to put my daughter first. I would rather buy her milk. As for me, I can make do." Also read | Protests rock Lebanon ahead of fuel price hike But that has often meant repurposing some of the diapers a charity shop has given her for her toddler, cutting each in half to create two separate pads. She said the process has been one of trial and error. In the beginning, "I was always having to check if (blood) had leaked and stained my pants," she said. Newspaper, toilet paper The Lebanese pound has lost more than 90 per cent of its value against the dollar on the black market since the autumn of 2019, and Lebanese earning salaries in the local currency have seen their buying power plummet. The government has subsidised essential goods including medicine, fuel and flour to ease the blow, but has come under fire for failing to include pads on its list. In the absence of state support, the Dawrati (My Period) initiative was launched last year to address rising period poverty in Lebanon. Also read | Pope, Lebanon Christian heads begin summit on country's crisis The group distributes free menstrual products to women in need, including some who were once members of the fast-vanishing middle class. "Middle-class women also need them, like a bank employee whose salary in Lebanese pounds is no longer enough to get by," said co-founder Line Masri. According to Dawrati, half of the women suffering from period poverty are using newspaper, toilet paper or old rags instead of pads, while two-thirds of adolescent girls have no means of purchasing sanitary products. Yet the association is struggling to keep up. "We aren't able to meet demand... because donations have declined significantly," Masri said. At a Beirut charity store initially set up to distribute free clothes to the needy, employee Izdihar said a growing number of women were struggling to manage their periods. Izdihar said she even sometimes had to resort to giving baby diapers from the store to her three daughters, aged 12 to 14. Her youngest, who started menstruating this year, was having trouble adapting. "She's stopped leaving the house when she has her period," Izdihar said. Syria 'all over again' Activists are seeking to produce viable alternatives to disposable pads. In the Shatila Palestinian refugee camp in Beirut, international NGO Days For Girls and local partner WingWoman Lebanon are training refugee women to stitch reusable sanitary pads out of colourful cloth. Each includes a protective shield and absorbent liner and can be washed and reused for up to three years. The project already distributes them to Lebanon's most vulnerable communities, including in Syrian refugee camps. Rima Ali, a Syrian mother of six, was among dozens learning to make the pads. The 45-year-old, who fled the war in Syria nine years ago, said she used to buy only the cheapest pads for herself and her three daughters, but they had become prohibitively expensive. With her family running through around six packets a month, reusable pads seemed like a much better option. "Back in Syria, there were some rough days when we couldn't even afford to buy bread," she said. "We used to cut up material to use" instead of sanitary pads. "I never thought we would have to relive it all over again."

Diapers and rags: Lebanon crisis plunges women into period poverty

According to an internal memo seen by Reuters, Hong Kong media group Next Digital, owned by jailed tycoon&nbsp;Jimmy&nbsp;Lai, will cease operating from July 1 after the company's assets were frozen as part of a national security investigation.

Next Digital did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The company is the publisher of Apple Daily, a popular pro-democracy newspaper that closed last week after its newsroom had been raided by 500 police officers investigating whether some articles breached the security law.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kongs-pro-democracy-apple-daily-signs-off-in-painful-farewell-393526">Hong Kong's pro-democracy Apple Daily signs off in painful farewell</a>

Beijing imposed the legislation in Hong Kong on June 30, 2020. It punishes acts deemed by China to be subversive, secessionist, terrorism or collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison.

Critics say it has been used to crush dissent, while its supporters said it has restored order in Hong Kong after months of pro-democracy protests.

The Next Digital memo, shared separately by two employees, said assets linked to the company remained frozen under the national security investigation.

Dated June 30, the memo was addressed to all Hong Kong staff from the board.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-year-of-hong-kong-security-law-crackdown-on-people-and-the-press-394849">A year of Hong Kong security law: Crackdown on people and the press</a>

"The group will cease operations," it said. "Although the road ahead is difficult, continue to move forward!"

The Hong Kong Security Bureau, which directed the asset freeze, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Lai, a staunch Beijing critic, was arrested last year on suspicion of colluding with foreign forces. He is currently serving a prison sentence for taking part in illegal assemblies during Hong Kong's mass 2019 pro-democracy protests.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-year-into-contentious-security-law-hong-kong-has-made-117-arrests-394837">One year into contentious security law, Hong Kong has made 117 arrests</a>

Next Digital, which had a market capitalisation of HK$765 million ($98.52 million), said in a statement to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on Tuesday that it had accepted a proposal to divest Amazing Sino, which operates the online edition of Taiwan's Apple Daily.

It had earlier ceased printing its Taiwan edition on the democratic island, which China views as a breakaway province, blaming declining advertising revenue and difficult business conditions in Hong Kong linked to politics.

According to an internal memo seen by Reuters, Hong Kong media group Next Digital, owned by jailed tycoon Jimmy Lai, will cease operating from July 1 after the company's assets were frozen as part of a national security investigation.

According to an internal memo seen by Reuters, Hong Kong media group Next Digital, owned by jailed tycoon Jimmy Lai, will cease operating from July 1 after the company's assets were frozen as part of a national security investigation. Next Digital did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The company is the publisher of Apple Daily, a popular pro-democracy newspaper that closed last week after its newsroom had been raided by 500 police officers investigating whether some articles breached the security law. Also read | Hong Kong's pro-democracy Apple Daily signs off in painful farewell Beijing imposed the legislation in Hong Kong on June 30, 2020. It punishes acts deemed by China to be subversive, secessionist, terrorism or collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison. Critics say it has been used to crush dissent, while its supporters said it has restored order in Hong Kong after months of pro-democracy protests. The Next Digital memo, shared separately by two employees, said assets linked to the company remained frozen under the national security investigation. Dated June 30, the memo was addressed to all Hong Kong staff from the board. Also read | A year of Hong Kong security law: Crackdown on people and the press "The group will cease operations," it said. "Although the road ahead is difficult, continue to move forward!" The Hong Kong Security Bureau, which directed the asset freeze, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Lai, a staunch Beijing critic, was arrested last year on suspicion of colluding with foreign forces. He is currently serving a prison sentence for taking part in illegal assemblies during Hong Kong's mass 2019 pro-democracy protests. Also read | One year into contentious security law, Hong Kong has made 117 arrests Next Digital, which had a market capitalisation of HK$765 million ($98.52 million), said in a statement to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on Tuesday that it had accepted a proposal to divest Amazing Sino, which operates the online edition of Taiwan's Apple Daily. It had earlier ceased printing its Taiwan edition on the democratic island, which China views as a breakaway province, blaming declining advertising revenue and difficult business conditions in Hong Kong linked to politics.

Hong Kong tycoon Jimmy Lai's Next Digital to stop operating from July 1: Memo

Do you also hate the uncomfortable and sometimes downright painful RT-PCR Covid nasal swab test? Good news, soon that might become a thing of the past, replaced by masks that can tell if the wearer has COVID-19 or not.

Researchers have developed a prototype <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> testing face mask that has the capability to do just that.

Equipped with a patch of sensors that are attached to a pad that collects the user's breath particles, this mask needs to be worn for just 15 minutes to get a result.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/confused-about-masks-heres-what-scientists-know-344077">Confused about masks? Here's what scientists know</a>

According to research published in the journal Nature Biotechnology, this is what the future looks like: tiny sensors incorporated into wearable fabrics like masks and jackets which could provide instant information on exposure to disease-causing pathogens such as the coronavirus.

Peter Nguyen the study’s co-author, says that these highly sensitive tests can be integrated into smart wearables “beyond what a FitBit or Applewatch can offer”.

Although up till now, these tests have been restricted for use in laboratories, they may soon be available to the public. &nbsp;

"The concept is similar to how our own skin works, where you automatically sense your environment with exquisite sensitivity without needing to actively participate in the details of the process itself," says Nguyen, a research scientist at the Wyss Institute at Harvard University.

Earlier such tests were based on living cells, which according to researchers can be too fragile and sometimes even dangerous in non-medical settings. However, in this new study, scientists were able to re-create the cell parts that sense dangerous microorganisms and freeze-dry them.

In this new study, researchers have made use of cell-free reactions which contain the tools of a living cell without the cell itself.

These freeze-dried cells can then be re-activated to begin testing by adding water similar to a "package of instant ramen noodles", says Nguyen.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-discover-secret-weapon-that-makes-cotton-most-suitable-for-reusable-face-masks-369402">Scientists discover secret weapon that makes cotton most suitable for reusable face masks</a>

In the new study, researchers used cell-free reactions that contain the tools of a living cell without the cell itself.

Since these cells are not alive, the sensors can be freeze-dried and stored for months until they are ready to be activated.

The authors of this study show that these sensors, which use CRISPR gene-editing technology, have the capability to match laboratory virus detection and they can be woven into wearable fabrics.&nbsp;

These wearable detectors might be useful for "anyone working in an environment where they might be exposed to pathogens or toxins".

The user needs to wear the prototype COVID-19 testing&nbsp;face&nbsp;mask for at least 15 minutes after its&nbsp;sensors collect their breath particles. After the fifteen minutes are up, they pierce a small pouch on the&nbsp;mask&nbsp;and water wicks the sample into the sensor for analysis.&nbsp;

A strip on the&nbsp;mask&nbsp;displays the result.&nbsp;

Wearable warning

The researchers have also developed a jacket for a liquid "exposure event", for people working in dangerous environments.&nbsp;

The jacket also employs the gene-editing tool CRISPR, to create sensors that light up when exposed to the target pathogen.&nbsp;

From tiny sensors in the fabric, Fibre optic threads in the jacket carry information to a miniature detector. This detector which is placed within the garment is the size of a small candy bar.

"In the short term, we see the wearables and especially the&nbsp;face&nbsp;masks being used in the clinic for specialised situations," he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;

However according to Nguyen in the long run, especially in cases of local outbreaks, for easy at-home testing these garments could also be used by regular people.

&nbsp;

Do you also hate the uncomfortable and sometimes downright painful RT-PCR Covid nasal swab test? Good news, soon that might become a thing of the past, replaced by masks that can tell if the wearer has COVID-19 or not.

Do you also hate the uncomfortable and sometimes downright painful RT-PCR Covid nasal swab test? Good news, soon that might become a thing of the past, replaced by masks that can tell if the wearer has COVID-19 or not. Researchers have developed a prototype COVID-19 testing face mask that has the capability to do just that. Equipped with a patch of sensors that are attached to a pad that collects the user's breath particles, this mask needs to be worn for just 15 minutes to get a result. Also read | Confused about masks? Here's what scientists know According to research published in the journal Nature Biotechnology, this is what the future looks like: tiny sensors incorporated into wearable fabrics like masks and jackets which could provide instant information on exposure to disease-causing pathogens such as the coronavirus. Peter Nguyen the study’s co-author, says that these highly sensitive tests can be integrated into smart wearables “beyond what a FitBit or Applewatch can offer”. Although up till now, these tests have been restricted for use in laboratories, they may soon be available to the public. "The concept is similar to how our own skin works, where you automatically sense your environment with exquisite sensitivity without needing to actively participate in the details of the process itself," says Nguyen, a research scientist at the Wyss Institute at Harvard University. Earlier such tests were based on living cells, which according to researchers can be too fragile and sometimes even dangerous in non-medical settings. However, in this new study, scientists were able to re-create the cell parts that sense dangerous microorganisms and freeze-dry them. In this new study, researchers have made use of cell-free reactions which contain the tools of a living cell without the cell itself. These freeze-dried cells can then be re-activated to begin testing by adding water similar to a "package of instant ramen noodles", says Nguyen. Also read | Scientists discover secret weapon that makes cotton most suitable for reusable face masks In the new study, researchers used cell-free reactions that contain the tools of a living cell without the cell itself. Since these cells are not alive, the sensors can be freeze-dried and stored for months until they are ready to be activated. The authors of this study show that these sensors, which use CRISPR gene-editing technology, have the capability to match laboratory virus detection and they can be woven into wearable fabrics. These wearable detectors might be useful for "anyone working in an environment where they might be exposed to pathogens or toxins". The user needs to wear the prototype COVID-19 testing face mask for at least 15 minutes after its sensors collect their breath particles. After the fifteen minutes are up, they pierce a small pouch on the mask and water wicks the sample into the sensor for analysis. A strip on the mask displays the result. Wearable warning The researchers have also developed a jacket for a liquid "exposure event", for people working in dangerous environments. The jacket also employs the gene-editing tool CRISPR, to create sensors that light up when exposed to the target pathogen. From tiny sensors in the fabric, Fibre optic threads in the jacket carry information to a miniature detector. This detector which is placed within the garment is the size of a small candy bar. "In the short term, we see the wearables and especially the face masks being used in the clinic for specialised situations," he added. However according to Nguyen in the long run, especially in cases of local outbreaks, for easy at-home testing these garments could also be used by regular people.

Could your face mask detect Covid?

A seven-year-old boy who was slammed into the floor 27&nbsp;times during judo practice has died in Taiwan. &nbsp;

He suffered severe brain haemorrhaging after a judo class back in April. This child, who was not identified, has been on life support for almost 70 days.

He was admitted to the Fengyuan Hospital, and doctors informed his family on Tuesday that the child’s blood pressure and heart rate levels were dropping. After talking to the doctors, in a bid to ease his suffering, the family agreed to withdraw life support.

Reportedly, the cause behind the brain damage and the resulting coma was a very violent class of Judo, where the little boy was slammed into the floor almost 27 times, first by a classmate and then by the coach.

According to a local news site Taipei Times, the boy’s coach, a man in his 60’s was charged with physical assault resulting in serious injury along.

Identified by his surname Ho, the coach was also charged with using a minor to commit a crime. Earlier this month, he was released on a bail of NT$100,000 ($3,583). &nbsp;

Now, upon the child’s death, prosecutors will push to change the charge to "injury causing death", according to news site Taiwan News.

If found guilty he can be liable to a jail sentence of a minimum of seven years in jail, which can go up to life imprisonment.

The most surprising detail about this is that the child was accompanied by his maternal uncle, who was not only present there but also made a video of the class to show the child’s mother that judo might be unsuitable for him.

In this video dated 21 April, the child can be heard screaming from pain, as his classmates repeatedly throw him down. Instead of assisting the child, the coach who later was found to be unlicensed, orders the child to stand up and tells older boys to continue, after this, he can be seen proceeding to himself pick up the seven-year-old and throw him to the ground. &nbsp;

Eventually, the child passed out. According to his family, this makes the coach accuse the little boy of feigning unconsciousness.

Many have questioned why the uncle instead of making a video didn’t stop the coach.

According to experts in Taiwan, this can be because of a long-seated notion of respect and reverence that Taiwanese have for teachers, to them this sometimes also means accepting their authority regardless of the circumstances.

Talking to reporters the boy's mother said that his uncle felt "terrible for what happened".

Recalling the day she said earlier, "I still remember that morning when I took him to school,".

"He turned around and said, 'Mama goodbye'. By night, he had become like this."

While some on the Taiwanese social media are calling for harsher action against the coach, others can be seen saying, "there is no pain now, little brother".

(With inputs from agencies)

A seven-year-old boy who was slammed into the floor 27 times during judo practice has died in Taiwan. He suffered severe brain haemorrhaging after a judo class back in April.

A seven-year-old boy who was slammed into the floor 27 times during judo practice has died in Taiwan. He suffered severe brain haemorrhaging after a judo class back in April. This child, who was not identified, has been on life support for almost 70 days. He was admitted to the Fengyuan Hospital, and doctors informed his family on Tuesday that the child’s blood pressure and heart rate levels were dropping. After talking to the doctors, in a bid to ease his suffering, the family agreed to withdraw life support. Reportedly, the cause behind the brain damage and the resulting coma was a very violent class of Judo, where the little boy was slammed into the floor almost 27 times, first by a classmate and then by the coach. According to a local news site Taipei Times, the boy’s coach, a man in his 60’s was charged with physical assault resulting in serious injury along. Identified by his surname Ho, the coach was also charged with using a minor to commit a crime. Earlier this month, he was released on a bail of NT$100,000 ($3,583). Now, upon the child’s death, prosecutors will push to change the charge to "injury causing death", according to news site Taiwan News. If found guilty he can be liable to a jail sentence of a minimum of seven years in jail, which can go up to life imprisonment. The most surprising detail about this is that the child was accompanied by his maternal uncle, who was not only present there but also made a video of the class to show the child’s mother that judo might be unsuitable for him. In this video dated 21 April, the child can be heard screaming from pain, as his classmates repeatedly throw him down. Instead of assisting the child, the coach who later was found to be unlicensed, orders the child to stand up and tells older boys to continue, after this, he can be seen proceeding to himself pick up the seven-year-old and throw him to the ground. Eventually, the child passed out. According to his family, this makes the coach accuse the little boy of feigning unconsciousness. Many have questioned why the uncle instead of making a video didn’t stop the coach. According to experts in Taiwan, this can be because of a long-seated notion of respect and reverence that Taiwanese have for teachers, to them this sometimes also means accepting their authority regardless of the circumstances. Talking to reporters the boy's mother said that his uncle felt "terrible for what happened". Recalling the day she said earlier, "I still remember that morning when I took him to school,". "He turned around and said, 'Mama goodbye'. By night, he had become like this." While some on the Taiwanese social media are calling for harsher action against the coach, others can be seen saying, "there is no pain now, little brother". (With inputs from agencies)

7-year-old dies after getting thrown 27 times during Judo class in Taiwan

Kabul could be captured by the Taliban within a year as US forces withdraw from&nbsp;Afghanistan, but its fall is not inevitable and will depend on a much better-run Afghan defence force, US experts say.

As worries mount that the insurgents could retake power in the war-torn country, experts with years of experience in&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;warned that poor leadership, corruption and ethnic divisions in the Afghan security forces offer the Taliban advantages, and that much depends on whether President Ashraf Ghani's troubled government can hold.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-security-forces-eliminate-258-taliban-terrorists-in-last-24-hrs-392487">Afghan security forces eliminate 258 Taliban terrorists in last 24 hrs</a>

The Islamist rebels have taken control of dozens of&nbsp;Afghanistan's 400 districts since the September deadline for withdrawal was set by Washington, where Ghani is set to meet with US counterpart <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a> at the White House on Friday.

The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday that a new US intelligence report estimates that the Taliban could win control of the country's capital within six to 12 months of the US pullout.

Taliban not unstoppable&nbsp;

"There's really no denying the &nbsp;size and the speed of the kind of territorial losses the government has suffered," Andrew Watkins of the International Crisis Group told AFP.

But "the fall of Kabul is not imminent. The Taliban is not an unstoppable military juggernaut," he said.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-watching-taliban-gains-as-it-leaves-afghanistan-393536/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Most of the districts the insurgents have claimed are "out in rural areas of the country that have little strategic or military value. There's no military need for either actor to be out there."

Yet some are on transport routes and around provincial capitals.

"The Taliban are strengthening their chokeholds around major cities. They're not necessarily in the near-term future going to try and take those cities," Watkins said.

Afghan security forces have lost the support of US airstrikes on the Taliban in the past year, and their own air force could be weakened if thousands of US civilian contractors, who keep Afghan aircraft flying, depart by September.

Carter Malkasian, a former Pentagon official and now an&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;security expert at the CNA consultancy, said it is only "remotely possible" that the Taliban sweep into Kabul in the near term.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-captures-afghanistans-main-border-crossing-with-tajikistan-393160">Taliban captures Afghanistan's main border crossing with Tajikistan</a>

However, he said, such an outcome is conceivable within a year, as regional capitals are not currently under threat.

"If you see the losses of big cities like Kandahar city or Mazar-i-Sharif, &nbsp;then I would start worrying about Kabul falling," said Malkasian.

Aim to demoralize&nbsp;

James Dobbins, the former US Special Representative for&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;and now an expert at Rand Corporation said he expects the fighting to escalate.

Right now, he said, "the Taliban have certain advantages. But their advantages generally apply in the countryside where their supporters are."&nbsp;

The cities are more of a challenge for the group than when they gained power in 1996: the country is more populous, urbanized, better educated, better connected and more complicated to manage.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-makes-further-inroads-in-northern-afghanistan-seizes-border-port-with-tajikistan-393655">Taliban makes further inroads in northern Afghanistan, seizes border port with Tajikistan</a>

"They don't have many supporters in the cities where all the infrastructure is," he said.

"Kabul is now a city of five million people. It's not what it was the last time the Taliban captured it. And I think they'd have a hard time controlling it."

Watkins said the Afghan military is doing what it needs to do, shrinking its footprint to focus on defending population centres and major supply arteries.

And a recent shakeup of the leadership could improve its operations.

"The Afghan military has to demonstrate a strength and a resilience that makes the Taliban reconsider trying to take over the country by force," he said.

However, he added, "The territorial losses the Afghan government has suffered are going to wind up having political impact. There is a potential of freaking out everyone, from rank and file Afghan soldiers and policemen . . . all the way up to the highest political level," Watkins said.

Gaining the upper hand

Malkasian said that the Taliban are focused as much on eroding public morale and confidence in the government as they are on gaining the upper hand in negotiations on a future government.

"Ultimately what they want to do is not to have to fight their way tooth and nail to Kabul or to conquer the rest of the country," he said.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/fighting-between-afghan-forces-and-taliban-escalates-393605/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"What they would like to see is for the Afghan government to fall apart, so that they can step into a vacuum."

Malkasian insisted that peace talks are important to the insurgents, to lend them credibility if they do end up assuming power.

"The Taliban do care about international recognition. They do care about receiving future assistance," he noted.

Kabul could be captured by the Taliban within a year as US forces withdraw from Afghanistan, but its fall is not inevitable and will depend on a much better-run Afghan defence force, US experts say.

Kabul could be captured by the Taliban within a year as US forces withdraw from Afghanistan, but its fall is not inevitable and will depend on a much better-run Afghan defence force, US experts say. As worries mount that the insurgents could retake power in the war-torn country, experts with years of experience in Afghanistan warned that poor leadership, corruption and ethnic divisions in the Afghan security forces offer the Taliban advantages, and that much depends on whether President Ashraf Ghani's troubled government can hold. Also read | Afghan security forces eliminate 258 Taliban terrorists in last 24 hrs The Islamist rebels have taken control of dozens of Afghanistan's 400 districts since the September deadline for withdrawal was set by Washington, where Ghani is set to meet with US counterpart Joe Biden at the White House on Friday. The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday that a new US intelligence report estimates that the Taliban could win control of the country's capital within six to 12 months of the US pullout. Taliban not unstoppable "There's really no denying the size and the speed of the kind of territorial losses the government has suffered," Andrew Watkins of the International Crisis Group told AFP. But "the fall of Kabul is not imminent. The Taliban is not an unstoppable military juggernaut," he said. Most of the districts the insurgents have claimed are "out in rural areas of the country that have little strategic or military value. There's no military need for either actor to be out there." Yet some are on transport routes and around provincial capitals. "The Taliban are strengthening their chokeholds around major cities. They're not necessarily in the near-term future going to try and take those cities," Watkins said. Afghan security forces have lost the support of US airstrikes on the Taliban in the past year, and their own air force could be weakened if thousands of US civilian contractors, who keep Afghan aircraft flying, depart by September. Carter Malkasian, a former Pentagon official and now an Afghanistan security expert at the CNA consultancy, said it is only "remotely possible" that the Taliban sweep into Kabul in the near term. Also read | Taliban captures Afghanistan's main border crossing with Tajikistan However, he said, such an outcome is conceivable within a year, as regional capitals are not currently under threat. "If you see the losses of big cities like Kandahar city or Mazar-i-Sharif, then I would start worrying about Kabul falling," said Malkasian. Aim to demoralize James Dobbins, the former US Special Representative for Afghanistan and now an expert at Rand Corporation said he expects the fighting to escalate. Right now, he said, "the Taliban have certain advantages. But their advantages generally apply in the countryside where their supporters are." The cities are more of a challenge for the group than when they gained power in 1996: the country is more populous, urbanized, better educated, better connected and more complicated to manage. Also read | Taliban makes further inroads in northern Afghanistan, seizes border port with Tajikistan "They don't have many supporters in the cities where all the infrastructure is," he said. "Kabul is now a city of five million people. It's not what it was the last time the Taliban captured it. And I think they'd have a hard time controlling it." Watkins said the Afghan military is doing what it needs to do, shrinking its footprint to focus on defending population centres and major supply arteries. And a recent shakeup of the leadership could improve its operations. "The Afghan military has to demonstrate a strength and a resilience that makes the Taliban reconsider trying to take over the country by force," he said. However, he added, "The territorial losses the Afghan government has suffered are going to wind up having political impact. There is a potential of freaking out everyone, from rank and file Afghan soldiers and policemen . . . all the way up to the highest political level," Watkins said. Gaining the upper hand Malkasian said that the Taliban are focused as much on eroding public morale and confidence in the government as they are on gaining the upper hand in negotiations on a future government. "Ultimately what they want to do is not to have to fight their way tooth and nail to Kabul or to conquer the rest of the country," he said. "What they would like to see is for the Afghan government to fall apart, so that they can step into a vacuum." Malkasian insisted that peace talks are important to the insurgents, to lend them credibility if they do end up assuming power. "The Taliban do care about international recognition. They do care about receiving future assistance," he noted.

Taliban takeover of Afghanistan not inevitable: US experts

A mysterious illness has struck birds in South and Midwestern US, killing many. The victims of this strange illness tend to suffer from weird crusty eyes, swollen up faces and an inability to fly. &nbsp;

Reports started pouring in back in late May. Wildlife managers from Virginia, Washington DC, Maryland and West Virginia first started receiving reports of sick and dying birds, described by the informers as having “eye swelling and crusty discharge”, and also having some neurological signs.

According to a US Geological Survey&nbsp;statement, “No definitive cause of death is identified at this time.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-american-bird-population-fell-by-quarter-over-50-years-study-250699">North America&nbsp;lost&nbsp;nearly&nbsp;3&nbsp;billion birds&nbsp;over 50 years: Study</a>

Kentucky’s department of fish and wildlife resources has asked the public to report any encounter with a sick or dead bird via a new online reporting system. According to them so far, the species affected by this peculiar illness include Blue Jays, Common Grackles and European Starlings. Other S species can also be affected by it. As part of the investigation, more than twenty samples have already been sent out for testing.

On the other hand, Indiana based wildlife officials tested several birds for West Nile virus and Avian influenza, but all samples came back negative.

Ohio’s wildlife Centre has posted on social media website Facebook that the organisation has been admitting songbirds suffering from similar symptoms and that they are working with the relevant authorities to try and determine the cause behind this sickness afflicting local birds.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-are-thousands-of-migratory-birds-dropping-dead-across-north-america-327989">Why are thousands of migratory birds dropping dead across North America?</a>

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has recommended against feeding and/or handling birds until a cause is found behind this disease. According to them feeders and baths can serve as a medium of transmitting the disease from one bird to another. They recommend cleaning feeders and baths with a 10 per cent bleach solution.

While it remains unclear if birdbaths are linked to their mortality, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), had previously warned in April about a songbird related salmonella outbreak in several states. Eight people are reported to have been killed in this outbreak.

People have reported that birds seem to be behaving blind in this new disease outbreak and that they are not avoiding humans.

This disease and its related mortality come at a time when these Aves have already been facing an unprecedented challenge in the US. In only the last half-decade or fifty years, the nation has lost more than a quarter of its bird population (2019 study figures).

“This loss of bird abundance signals an urgent need to address threats to avert future avifaunal collapse and associated loss of ecosystem integrity, function, and services.” says the study.

A mysterious illness has struck birds in South and Midwestern US, killing many. The victims of this strange illness tend to suffer from weird crusty eyes, swollen up faces and an inability to fly.

A mysterious illness has struck birds in South and Midwestern US, killing many. The victims of this strange illness tend to suffer from weird crusty eyes, swollen up faces and an inability to fly. Reports started pouring in back in late May. Wildlife managers from Virginia, Washington DC, Maryland and West Virginia first started receiving reports of sick and dying birds, described by the informers as having “eye swelling and crusty discharge”, and also having some neurological signs. According to a US Geological Survey statement, “No definitive cause of death is identified at this time.” Also read | North America lost nearly 3 billion birds over 50 years: Study Kentucky’s department of fish and wildlife resources has asked the public to report any encounter with a sick or dead bird via a new online reporting system. According to them so far, the species affected by this peculiar illness include Blue Jays, Common Grackles and European Starlings. Other S species can also be affected by it. As part of the investigation, more than twenty samples have already been sent out for testing. On the other hand, Indiana based wildlife officials tested several birds for West Nile virus and Avian influenza, but all samples came back negative. Ohio’s wildlife Centre has posted on social media website Facebook that the organisation has been admitting songbirds suffering from similar symptoms and that they are working with the relevant authorities to try and determine the cause behind this sickness afflicting local birds. Also read | Why are thousands of migratory birds dropping dead across North America? The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has recommended against feeding and/or handling birds until a cause is found behind this disease. According to them feeders and baths can serve as a medium of transmitting the disease from one bird to another. They recommend cleaning feeders and baths with a 10 per cent bleach solution. While it remains unclear if birdbaths are linked to their mortality, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), had previously warned in April about a songbird related salmonella outbreak in several states. Eight people are reported to have been killed in this outbreak. People have reported that birds seem to be behaving blind in this new disease outbreak and that they are not avoiding humans. This disease and its related mortality come at a time when these Aves have already been facing an unprecedented challenge in the US. In only the last half-decade or fifty years, the nation has lost more than a quarter of its bird population (2019 study figures). “This loss of bird abundance signals an urgent need to address threats to avert future avifaunal collapse and associated loss of ecosystem integrity, function, and services.” says the study.

Swollen faces and crusty eyes: Birds in US struck with mysterious disease

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Vinod Janardhanan

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