Russia commemorates its 79th “Victory Day” military parade celebrating its win over Nazi Germany in WWII. This parade comes days after the Putin took oath as President for the fifth time as the war with Ukraine rumbles on into a third year. WION's Shivan Chanana discusses Russia's strong posturing against the west with sputnik political analyst Dmitry Babich, joining from Moscow. Due to security measures, and internet jammers owing to the parade, Mr. Babich could only join via the phone line.

Russia celebrates WWII Victory Day as it prepares for nuclear drills in response to West

Russia World War II&nbsp;Victory Day parade: A grand military parade in Moscow marked the 79th anniversary of Soviet Russia's victory over Nazi Germany which became an inflexion point to finally result in the end of the second world war in 1945. The military parade is coinciding with Russian President Vladimir Putin's inauguration for a fifth term in the Kremlin's corridors of power.&nbsp;

<h2>Russia World War-2 Victory Day Parade: Top Developments</h2>

- Thousands of Russian soldiers are marching on Moscow's Red Square on May 9,&nbsp;one of the most revered holidays in the country.

- The iconic T-34, the major workhorse of the Red Army throughout the Second World War, led the column.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-from-soviet-fight-picking-child-to-russias-reigning-president-701470">Vladimir Putin: From Soviet fight-picking child to Russia's reigning president</a>

- Iskander-M ballistic missiles, S-400 air defence systems, and Yars intercontinental ballistic missiles also featured in the grand parade.&nbsp;

- An unusual May snowfall in the Russian capital is marking the anniversary of the Second World War. But due to this, an airshow could be cancelled at the last minute.

- Vladimir Putin delivered a seven-minute-long Victory Day speech

<h2>Vladimir Putin delivers Victory Day speech</h2>

Vladimir Putin said Russia will not tolerate any threats and its strategic nuclear forces are always on alert.

"Russia will do everything to prevent a global clash, but at the same time, we will not allow anyone to threaten us. Our strategic forces are always on alert," Putin said.

Speaking from the Red Square before thousands of soldiers dressed in ceremonial attire, Putin accused "Western elites" of forging conflicts around the world.

Also watch |&nbsp;Russia Victory Day Parade 2024: Russia marks WW2 Victory Day with military parade in Moscow

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"Russia will do everything to prevent a global clash, but at the same time we will not allow anyone to threaten us. Our strategic forces are always on alert," Putin said, addressing the Victory Day parade.

"Dear friends, Russia is now going through a difficult, crucial period. The fate of the Motherland, its future depends on each of us," he said.

The Russian president has repeatedly asserted the ongoing war in Ukraine as an existential battle against "Nazism".

Last year, Russia revoked its ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty and pulled out of an arms reduction agreement with the United States.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia World War II Victory Day parade: A grand military parade in Moscow marked the 79th anniversary of Soviet Russia's victory over Nazi Germany which became an inflexion point to finally result in the end of the second world war in 1945.

Russia World War II Victory Day parade: A grand military parade in Moscow marked the 79th anniversary of Soviet Russia's victory over Nazi Germany which became an inflexion point to finally result in the end of the second world war in 1945. The military parade is coinciding with Russian President Vladimir Putin's inauguration for a fifth term in the Kremlin's corridors of power. Russia World War-2 Victory Day Parade: Top Developments - Thousands of Russian soldiers are marching on Moscow's Red Square on May 9, one of the most revered holidays in the country. - The iconic T-34, the major workhorse of the Red Army throughout the Second World War, led the column. Also read | Vladimir Putin: From Soviet fight-picking child to Russia's reigning president - Iskander-M ballistic missiles, S-400 air defence systems, and Yars intercontinental ballistic missiles also featured in the grand parade. - An unusual May snowfall in the Russian capital is marking the anniversary of the Second World War. But due to this, an airshow could be cancelled at the last minute. - Vladimir Putin delivered a seven-minute-long Victory Day speech Vladimir Putin delivers Victory Day speech Vladimir Putin said Russia will not tolerate any threats and its strategic nuclear forces are always on alert. "Russia will do everything to prevent a global clash, but at the same time, we will not allow anyone to threaten us. Our strategic forces are always on alert," Putin said. Speaking from the Red Square before thousands of soldiers dressed in ceremonial attire, Putin accused "Western elites" of forging conflicts around the world. Also watch | Russia Victory Day Parade 2024: Russia marks WW2 Victory Day with military parade in Moscow × "Russia will do everything to prevent a global clash, but at the same time we will not allow anyone to threaten us. Our strategic forces are always on alert," Putin said, addressing the Victory Day parade. "Dear friends, Russia is now going through a difficult, crucial period. The fate of the Motherland, its future depends on each of us," he said. The Russian president has repeatedly asserted the ongoing war in Ukraine as an existential battle against "Nazism". Last year, Russia revoked its ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty and pulled out of an arms reduction agreement with the United States. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia's Putin rakes up nukes again while celebrating Moscow's World War II win

Following Germany's surrender, World War II in Europe officially ended at midnight on May 8, 1945.

Gravitas |  World War II officially ended in Europe, 79 years ago today | Gravitas Recall

In a stunning discovery, researchers this week found the wreckage of a British submarine, which is believed to have sunk during World War II, on the coast of Norway. 
 
As per the news release, the wreckage was discovered in the spring of 2023, however, it was identified as HMS Thistle earlier this week. The wreckage was discovered by Norway's Institute of Marine Research and MAREANO, which is a programme that maps seabeds in the waters of the country when on a routine cruise. 
 
The researchers, during the planning of the cruise, observed "strange structures" and established a research location which could help them to take a closer look. Then, the researchers explored the seabed, using an underwater camera and finally found the wreck. 
 
"It is not very often that I am in the video room when new locations are being investigated, but on this particular occasion my curiosity was piqued well before the video rig was submerged in the water," said senior engineer Kjell Bakkeplass, in the press release.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-coast-guard-retrieves-remaining-debris-human-remains-of-titan-submersible-645396">US Coast Guard retrieves remaining debris, human remains of Titan submersible</a>

A video was shared by the Institute of Marine Research which showed the wreck underwater. After looking into the wreckage using the camera, Bakkeplass continued the investigation to identify the submarine.

<h2>How did researchers identify the wreckage of HMS Thistle?</h2>

After holding discussions with British and Norwegian navies, it "became clear it was a British submarine," stated the Institute of Marine Research, which helped researchers narrow down to two options. 
 
Then, the researchers contacted maritime museums, submarine experts, and other professionals in the field, and found out that the wreckage was "probably" of the HMS Thistle. 
 
When a research cruise was taken by the MAREANO programme in October, they crossed the submarine wreck and successfully identified the wreck.

Watch |&nbsp;Guyana's Oil Odyssey: From discovery to global prominence

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"In advance, we knew what characteristics we should look for; thus we were able to identify the wreck as 'Thistle,' but with a small caveat that it is the Royal Navy who is responsible for the final identification," stated cruise leader Kyrre Heldal Kartveit, as reported by CBS News. 
 
On April 10, 1940, the HMS Thistle was sunk by a torpedo, which was launched by a German submarine. All 53 of the crew members present on the ship had died. 
 
The sunken vessel is now called a "war grave," as per the news release because it sank amid the world war. The British Royal Navy has ownership rights over the submarine, which continues to remain 160 metres below the surface of the ocean.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In a stunning discovery, researchers this week found the wreckage of a British submarine, which is believed to have sunk during World War II, on the coast of Norway.

In a stunning discovery, researchers this week found the wreckage of a British submarine, which is believed to have sunk during World War II, on the coast of Norway. As per the news release, the wreckage was discovered in the spring of 2023, however, it was identified as HMS Thistle earlier this week. The wreckage was discovered by Norway's Institute of Marine Research and MAREANO, which is a programme that maps seabeds in the waters of the country when on a routine cruise. The researchers, during the planning of the cruise, observed "strange structures" and established a research location which could help them to take a closer look. Then, the researchers explored the seabed, using an underwater camera and finally found the wreck. "It is not very often that I am in the video room when new locations are being investigated, but on this particular occasion my curiosity was piqued well before the video rig was submerged in the water," said senior engineer Kjell Bakkeplass, in the press release. ALSO READ | US Coast Guard retrieves remaining debris, human remains of Titan submersible A video was shared by the Institute of Marine Research which showed the wreck underwater. After looking into the wreckage using the camera, Bakkeplass continued the investigation to identify the submarine. How did researchers identify the wreckage of HMS Thistle? After holding discussions with British and Norwegian navies, it "became clear it was a British submarine," stated the Institute of Marine Research, which helped researchers narrow down to two options. Then, the researchers contacted maritime museums, submarine experts, and other professionals in the field, and found out that the wreckage was "probably" of the HMS Thistle. When a research cruise was taken by the MAREANO programme in October, they crossed the submarine wreck and successfully identified the wreck. Watch | Guyana's Oil Odyssey: From discovery to global prominence "In advance, we knew what characteristics we should look for; thus we were able to identify the wreck as 'Thistle,' but with a small caveat that it is the Royal Navy who is responsible for the final identification," stated cruise leader Kyrre Heldal Kartveit, as reported by CBS News. On April 10, 1940, the HMS Thistle was sunk by a torpedo, which was launched by a German submarine. All 53 of the crew members present on the ship had died. The sunken vessel is now called a "war grave," as per the news release because it sank amid the world war. The British Royal Navy has ownership rights over the submarine, which continues to remain 160 metres below the surface of the ocean. (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

Wreckage of submarine that sank in WWII battle found after 83 years

Spike Lee has praised Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer but also wished that the film had shown the impact of nuclear bombs on Japan and its people during World War II. Lee spoke candidly in a recent interview and praised Nolan's latest film which has emerged as one of the biggest-grossing films of the year.&nbsp; 
 
Oppenheimer was fronted by Cillian Murphy and was a three-hour-long biographical drama on American theoretical physicist J Robert Oppenheimer. The film was released worldwide on July 21 and earned rave reviews from critics.&nbsp; 
 
While speaking to The Washington Post, Lee stated that his remark on the film was “not criticism”, but a comment.

 
“Chris Nolan with Oppenheimer, he’s a massive filmmaker. Great film… and this is not a criticism. It’s a comment. If (‘Oppenheimer’) is three hours, I would like to add some more minutes about what happened to the Japanese people. 
 
“People got vaporized. Many years later, people are radioactive. It’s not like he didn’t have power. He tells studios what to do. I would have loved to have the end of the film maybe show what it did, dropping those two nuclear bombs on Japan,” the Oscar winner told the publication. 
 
Spike Lee also shared he showed Christopher Nolan’s World War II epic Dunkirk in his New York University film class. 
 
“Understand, this is all love. And I bet (Nolan) could tell me some things he would change about Do the Right Thing and Malcolm X,” he added. 
 
Apart from Cillian Murphy, Oppenheimer also starred Emily Blunt, Robert Downey Jr and Matt Damon in key roles.&nbsp; 
 
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Spike Lee has praised Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer but also wished that the film had shown the impact of nuclear bombs on Japan and its people during World War II.

Spike Lee has praised Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer but also wished that the film had shown the impact of nuclear bombs on Japan and its people during World War II. Lee spoke candidly in a recent interview and praised Nolan's latest film which has emerged as one of the biggest-grossing films of the year. Oppenheimer was fronted by Cillian Murphy and was a three-hour-long biographical drama on American theoretical physicist J Robert Oppenheimer. The film was released worldwide on July 21 and earned rave reviews from critics. While speaking to The Washington Post, Lee stated that his remark on the film was “not criticism”, but a comment. “Chris Nolan with Oppenheimer, he’s a massive filmmaker. Great film… and this is not a criticism. It’s a comment. If (‘Oppenheimer’) is three hours, I would like to add some more minutes about what happened to the Japanese people. “People got vaporized. Many years later, people are radioactive. It’s not like he didn’t have power. He tells studios what to do. I would have loved to have the end of the film maybe show what it did, dropping those two nuclear bombs on Japan,” the Oscar winner told the publication. Spike Lee also shared he showed Christopher Nolan’s World War II epic Dunkirk in his New York University film class. “Understand, this is all love. And I bet (Nolan) could tell me some things he would change about Do the Right Thing and Malcolm X,” he added. Apart from Cillian Murphy, Oppenheimer also starred Emily Blunt, Robert Downey Jr and Matt Damon in key roles.

Spike Lee feels Nolan's Oppenheimer should have shown nuclear bomb's impact on Japan

The Singapore army specialists on Tuesday (Sep 26) detonated a 100-kilogramme World War II-era bomb found at a construction site after evacuating thousands of residents from nearby areas. The detonation of the unexploded aerial bomb which was discovered last week has been described as the largest-ever exercise involving a WW II relic in Singapore by the city-state’s media.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Largest-ever’ exercise involving WWII relic</h2>

More than 4,000 people were evacuated from nearby residences for the controlled detonation, reported news agency AFP. The unexploded aerial bomb was found in Singapore’s northeastern suburb of Bukit Timah where a condominium or condo was being built, said the police on Sunday (Sep 24).&nbsp;

The news agency also reported that prior to the detonation, military officers were seen setting up sandbags around the area to contain the blast. Subsequently, soldiers carried the explosive on a net from where it was found into the sandbagged area, where charges had been laid.

A mushroom cloud rose in the distance after the explosion on Tuesday morning as bomb disposal experts carried out the first of a series of explosions, reported AFP.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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100 years old World War 2 bomb relic found at construction site in underground Singapore. It’s so long and just discovered 😱, luckily 200m radius residents has been clear for safety <a href="https://t.co/9QibeXGcN6">pic.twitter.com/9QibeXGcN6</a>
— Sally (@Daphney_Salina) <a href="https://twitter.com/Daphney_Salina/status/1706607703219655142?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2023</a></blockquote>
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According to local media reports, the device likely contained around 47 kilogrammes of explosives which would have been strong enough to blow up the surrounding apartment block.&nbsp;

The police warned residents not to be alarmed by the loud explosion and to avoid the area.

The unexploded aerial bomb which is believed to be one of the largest wartime explosives discovered in Singapore had been deemed unsafe to move, and hence had to be disposed of on-site by the military, according to the local police.&nbsp;

The nearby buildings and roads were deemed structurally safe and residents were allowed to return home, said the police, after the detonation. Notably, the officials in Singapore made no reference to the origin of the bomb.

<h2>How did it get there?</h2>

Japanese planes had first bombed Singapore, on December 8, 1941, when it was a British colony a day after Tokyo’s attack on the United States Pacific fleet in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.&nbsp;

During WWII the city-state was occupied by the Japanese from 1942 to 1945.

It is not the first time that an unexploded device was found in the land-scarce city-state.&nbsp;

A projectile believed to be a war relic was discovered in April 2021 by a construction worker prompting the evacuation of more than 100 people from nearby shops, reported the Straits Times newspaper.&nbsp;

In 2016, another WWII bomb was found and disposed of, however, civilian evacuations were reported back then, according to The Straits Times.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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The Singapore army specialists on Tuesday (Sep 26) detonated a 100-kilogramme World War II-era bomb found at a construction site after evacuating thousands of residents from nearby areas.

The Singapore army specialists on Tuesday (Sep 26) detonated a 100-kilogramme World War II-era bomb found at a construction site after evacuating thousands of residents from nearby areas. The detonation of the unexploded aerial bomb which was discovered last week has been described as the largest-ever exercise involving a WW II relic in Singapore by the city-state’s media. ‘Largest-ever’ exercise involving WWII relic More than 4,000 people were evacuated from nearby residences for the controlled detonation, reported news agency AFP. The unexploded aerial bomb was found in Singapore’s northeastern suburb of Bukit Timah where a condominium or condo was being built, said the police on Sunday (Sep 24). The news agency also reported that prior to the detonation, military officers were seen setting up sandbags around the area to contain the blast. Subsequently, soldiers carried the explosive on a net from where it was found into the sandbagged area, where charges had been laid. A mushroom cloud rose in the distance after the explosion on Tuesday morning as bomb disposal experts carried out the first of a series of explosions, reported AFP. 100 years old World War 2 bomb relic found at construction site in underground Singapore. It’s so long and just discovered 😱, luckily 200m radius residents has been clear for safety pic.twitter.com/9QibeXGcN6 — Sally (@Daphney_Salina) September 26, 2023 × According to local media reports, the device likely contained around 47 kilogrammes of explosives which would have been strong enough to blow up the surrounding apartment block. The police warned residents not to be alarmed by the loud explosion and to avoid the area. The unexploded aerial bomb which is believed to be one of the largest wartime explosives discovered in Singapore had been deemed unsafe to move, and hence had to be disposed of on-site by the military, according to the local police. The nearby buildings and roads were deemed structurally safe and residents were allowed to return home, said the police, after the detonation. Notably, the officials in Singapore made no reference to the origin of the bomb. How did it get there? Japanese planes had first bombed Singapore, on December 8, 1941, when it was a British colony a day after Tokyo’s attack on the United States Pacific fleet in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. During WWII the city-state was occupied by the Japanese from 1942 to 1945. It is not the first time that an unexploded device was found in the land-scarce city-state. A projectile believed to be a war relic was discovered in April 2021 by a construction worker prompting the evacuation of more than 100 people from nearby shops, reported the Straits Times newspaper. In 2016, another WWII bomb was found and disposed of, however, civilian evacuations were reported back then, according to The Straits Times. (With inputs from agencies) 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.

Singapore detonates 100kg World War II-era bomb after thousands evacuated

In a shocking revelation, a letter found in the Vatican archive suggests that Pope Pius XII knew about the Holocaust in detail as early as 1942 and this letter conflicts with the official position of the church at the time of the second world war. Keep watching to know more...

Did the Vatican hide the holocaust from the world for three years?

A dig in France to find remains of dozens of occupying German troops who are said to have been executed in central France by Resistance fighters during Second World War failed to yield anything, said authorities on Thursday (August 24).

"The area turned out to be empty following the excavation. Rocky veins 1.7 metres (six feet) below ground could explain the radar echoes recorded at the spot," the prefecture in the Correze department said.

In July, local authorities had said that a potential "mass grave" was identified near Meymac in Correze after a 98-year-old former Resistance fighter went public with claims of the killings.&nbsp;

In the 1960s, 11 bodies had been recovered. It was believed that the group of prisoners had 46 Germans and a Frenchwoman who was suspected to be collaborating with them.

Former fighter Edmond Reveil told AFP that the small Resistance group, with only around 30 members, had to kill the Germans because it did not have the means to keep them prisoner.

"If we had let the Germans go, they would have destroyed Meymac," he said.

The most recent search of the wooded area had yielded some World War 2-era relics. These included 20 bullets and cartridge casings from pre-1944 French, German, American and Swiss weapons, in addition to five pre-1943 coins.

"These elements confirm the presence of a group of Resistance fighters at this spot in 1944," the prefecture said.

Nevertheless, "searches around where these objects were found did not allow identification of any human remains," it added.

The Franco-German combined effort at the dig has been called off. However, the prefecture has said that a further analysis by ground-penetrating radar with the help of topographical data as well as historical documents. It added that any new information can prompt further digs.

France's National Office for Former Fighters and War Victims (ONACVG) led this month's search, in cooperation with Germany's VDK war graves authority.

(With inputs from agencies)

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&nbsp;

A dig in France to find remains of dozens of occupying German troops who are said to have been executed in central France by Resistance fighters during Second World War failed to yield anything, said authorities on Thursday (August 24).

A dig in France to find remains of dozens of occupying German troops who are said to have been executed in central France by Resistance fighters during Second World War failed to yield anything, said authorities on Thursday (August 24). "The area turned out to be empty following the excavation. Rocky veins 1.7 metres (six feet) below ground could explain the radar echoes recorded at the spot," the prefecture in the Correze department said. In July, local authorities had said that a potential "mass grave" was identified near Meymac in Correze after a 98-year-old former Resistance fighter went public with claims of the killings. In the 1960s, 11 bodies had been recovered. It was believed that the group of prisoners had 46 Germans and a Frenchwoman who was suspected to be collaborating with them. Former fighter Edmond Reveil told AFP that the small Resistance group, with only around 30 members, had to kill the Germans because it did not have the means to keep them prisoner. "If we had let the Germans go, they would have destroyed Meymac," he said. The most recent search of the wooded area had yielded some World War 2-era relics. These included 20 bullets and cartridge casings from pre-1944 French, German, American and Swiss weapons, in addition to five pre-1943 coins. "These elements confirm the presence of a group of Resistance fighters at this spot in 1944," the prefecture said. Nevertheless, "searches around where these objects were found did not allow identification of any human remains," it added. The Franco-German combined effort at the dig has been called off. However, the prefecture has said that a further analysis by ground-penetrating radar with the help of topographical data as well as historical documents. It added that any new information can prompt further digs. France's National Office for Former Fighters and War Victims (ONACVG) led this month's search, in cooperation with Germany's VDK war graves authority. (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 ×

France: Excavation for remains of German WW2 soldiers fails to yield anything

Ukraine's capital city of Kyiv is the hotbed of the Russia-Ukraine war. The city is back in the news but not for the usual reasons. Debris from eight British Hurricane Fighter Jets has been found in there, take a look.

Remains of eight British Hurricane Fighter Jets found in Ukraine

A parliamentary report in Japan has revealed that two nine-year-old children were among the 25,000 people forced to undergo sterilisation, under the nation's post-World War Two eugenics law.

<h2>Report's findings</h2>

A probe into the law, which was in effect from 1948 to 1996, found that two nine-year-old kids — a boy and a girl — were among those sterilised.&nbsp;

The nine-year-olds as per Japan's public broadcaster NHK, were the youngest victims of the law. The boy was sterilised in the 1960s and the girl underwent the procedure in the 1970s.&nbsp;

As per the parliamentary report, most patients were led to believe that they were undergoing treatment for an illness like anaemia or removal of the appendix. Around 65 per cent of the procedures carried out in almost five decades were without consent.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-japans-historic-move-redefines-rape-and-raises-age-of-consent-605159">Explained:&nbsp;Japan's&nbsp;historic move redefines rape and raises age of consent</a>

It also found that the law had even set sterilisation as a condition for marriage and/or admission at welfare facilities. The probe into the law also found reported cases of radiation exposure and uterus removal.

The 1,400-page long study has been long awaited. Investigation into the law began in June 2020 under a law aimed at providing victims with some relief. The 2019 legislation also promised victims state compensation worth ¥3.2 million ($22,000). Victims have, however, sued the country for a higher compensation.

<h2>Japan's eugenics law</h2>

The contentious law was in place for 48 years. Under it, people were at times forced to undergo operations to prevent them from having children deemed "inferior".&nbsp;

As per Japan Times, most of these people had intellectual disabilities, mental illness or hereditary disorders.

The parliamentary report further states that as per a high school textbook from 1975, using the eugenics law, the government was making efforts for the "country's eugenics to improve and enhance the genetic predisposition of the entire public."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-parliament-passes-watered-down-lgbt-understanding-bill-that-gives-way-to-bigotry-605038">Japan parliament passes watered-down LGBT understanding bill that allegedly gives way to bigotry</a>

Japan Times reports that the legislation which was initiated by lawmakers was adopted unanimously. Apart from eugenics, it was also aimed at curbing Japan's population increase amid food shortages after World War II.

<h2>No longer 'shroud'&nbsp;issue in darkness</h2>

Referring to findings in the Diet (Japan parliament) report, an 80-year-old victim of forced sterilisation said it showed the government "had been doing terrible things by deceiving children."

The victim, who goes by the pseudonym Saburo Kita, was forced to undergo the procedure at the young age of 14 years. Kita said, "I would like the state not to shroud the issue in darkness, but take our sufferings seriously soon."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
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A parliamentary report in Japan has revealed that two nine-year-old children were among the 25,000 people forced to undergo sterilisation, under the nation's post-World War Two eugenics law.

A parliamentary report in Japan has revealed that two nine-year-old children were among the 25,000 people forced to undergo sterilisation, under the nation's post-World War Two eugenics law. Report's findings A probe into the law, which was in effect from 1948 to 1996, found that two nine-year-old kids — a boy and a girl — were among those sterilised. The nine-year-olds as per Japan's public broadcaster NHK, were the youngest victims of the law. The boy was sterilised in the 1960s and the girl underwent the procedure in the 1970s. As per the parliamentary report, most patients were led to believe that they were undergoing treatment for an illness like anaemia or removal of the appendix. Around 65 per cent of the procedures carried out in almost five decades were without consent. Also read | Explained: Japan's historic move redefines rape and raises age of consent It also found that the law had even set sterilisation as a condition for marriage and/or admission at welfare facilities. The probe into the law also found reported cases of radiation exposure and uterus removal. The 1,400-page long study has been long awaited. Investigation into the law began in June 2020 under a law aimed at providing victims with some relief. The 2019 legislation also promised victims state compensation worth ¥3.2 million ($22,000). Victims have, however, sued the country for a higher compensation. Japan's eugenics law The contentious law was in place for 48 years. Under it, people were at times forced to undergo operations to prevent them from having children deemed "inferior". As per Japan Times, most of these people had intellectual disabilities, mental illness or hereditary disorders. The parliamentary report further states that as per a high school textbook from 1975, using the eugenics law, the government was making efforts for the "country's eugenics to improve and enhance the genetic predisposition of the entire public." Also read | Japan parliament passes watered-down LGBT understanding bill that allegedly gives way to bigotry Japan Times reports that the legislation which was initiated by lawmakers was adopted unanimously. Apart from eugenics, it was also aimed at curbing Japan's population increase amid food shortages after World War II. No longer 'shroud' issue in darkness Referring to findings in the Diet (Japan parliament) report, an 80-year-old victim of forced sterilisation said it showed the government "had been doing terrible things by deceiving children." The victim, who goes by the pseudonym Saburo Kita, was forced to undergo the procedure at the young age of 14 years. Kita said, "I would like the state not to shroud the issue in darkness, but take our sufferings seriously soon." (With inputs from agencies) 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.

Two 9-year-olds among 25,000 victims of Japan's WW2-era forced sterilisation law

Taiwan's last known "comfort woman" has passed away. According to a statement released by the Taipei Women's Rescue Foundation (TWRF) on Monday (May 22), the Taiwanese woman who was coerced into becoming a "comfort woman" for the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II has passed away.

The woman, aged 92, died on the evening of May 10.&nbsp;

As per a statement published by the organisation on its website, in consideration of her desire for privacy, TWRF withheld the announcement of her passing until after her funeral had taken place.

"Since grandma didn't want to be disturbed when she was alive, we waited for the farewell ceremony before releasing this news," they wrote. The original statement was written in traditional Chinese.

The group said that its members had maintained regular contact with the woman's family and often visited her home to engage in conversation or simply provide companionship. Taiwan News reports that despite her advanced age, the members of the organisation were deeply saddened by the news of her death.

Shortly before the farewell ceremony, social workers from TWRF paid their respects at the woman's mourning hall and extended condolences to her family. On the day of the funeral, TWRF Chair Theresa D. Yeh reportedly attended the ceremony.

TWRF expressed its commitment to ensuring that the "historical truth of the 'comfort women'/military sex slaves in Taiwan" is included in the country's educational curriculum, National History Museum, and history books. By doing so, they aim to prevent this history from fading away with the passing of these women.&nbsp;

The foundation also pledged to continue its efforts towards educating the public about the harm inflicted upon women through sexual violence during World War II and to continue demanding an apology and compensation from the Japanese government for the victims and their family members.

<h2>Who were comfort women?</h2>

As per the Association for Asian Studies, "comfort women refers to the system of sexual slavery created and controlled by the Imperial Japanese government between 1932 and 1945."

"It is the largest case of government-sponsored human trafficking and sexual slavery in modern history."

However, many experts contend that the Japanese military's euphemism "comfort women" obscures the gravity of the crime and the much more accurate term would be "military sexual slaves".

<h2>Why was this practice started?</h2>

As per history.com, "On December 13, 1937, Japanese troops began a six-week-long massacre that essentially destroyed the Chinese city of Nanking. Along the way, Japanese troops raped between 20,000 and 80,000 Chinese women."

These mass rapes horrified the world and concerned about Japan's image, Emperor Hirohito established military brothels or the so-called "comfort stations".

<h2>Where did these ‘comfort women’ come from?</h2>

During the initial phase, comfort stations were initially staffed by Japanese prostitutes who volunteered for the role. However, as the Japanese military expanded its operations in the late 1930s, it resorted to coercing women from the local populations in occupied territories like Korea, Taiwan, and China into providing sexual services at these stations.

<h2>How many women were put through this ordeal?</h2>

While the true numbers remain unknown, estimates suggest that hundreds of thousands of women, including girls as young as 12 years old were victimised.

These women were forced into prostitution "comforting" the tens of thousands of military men during World War II.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

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Taiwan's last known "comfort woman" has passed away. According to a statement released by the Taipei Women's Rescue Foundation (TWRF) on Monday (May 22), the Taiwanese woman who was coerced into becoming a "comfort woman" for the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II has passed away.

Taiwan's last known "comfort woman" has passed away. According to a statement released by the Taipei Women's Rescue Foundation (TWRF) on Monday (May 22), the Taiwanese woman who was coerced into becoming a "comfort woman" for the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II has passed away. The woman, aged 92, died on the evening of May 10. As per a statement published by the organisation on its website, in consideration of her desire for privacy, TWRF withheld the announcement of her passing until after her funeral had taken place. "Since grandma didn't want to be disturbed when she was alive, we waited for the farewell ceremony before releasing this news," they wrote. The original statement was written in traditional Chinese. The group said that its members had maintained regular contact with the woman's family and often visited her home to engage in conversation or simply provide companionship. Taiwan News reports that despite her advanced age, the members of the organisation were deeply saddened by the news of her death. Shortly before the farewell ceremony, social workers from TWRF paid their respects at the woman's mourning hall and extended condolences to her family. On the day of the funeral, TWRF Chair Theresa D. Yeh reportedly attended the ceremony. TWRF expressed its commitment to ensuring that the "historical truth of the 'comfort women'/military sex slaves in Taiwan" is included in the country's educational curriculum, National History Museum, and history books. By doing so, they aim to prevent this history from fading away with the passing of these women. The foundation also pledged to continue its efforts towards educating the public about the harm inflicted upon women through sexual violence during World War II and to continue demanding an apology and compensation from the Japanese government for the victims and their family members. Who were comfort women? As per the Association for Asian Studies, "comfort women refers to the system of sexual slavery created and controlled by the Imperial Japanese government between 1932 and 1945." "It is the largest case of government-sponsored human trafficking and sexual slavery in modern history." However, many experts contend that the Japanese military's euphemism "comfort women" obscures the gravity of the crime and the much more accurate term would be "military sexual slaves". Why was this practice started? As per history.com, "On December 13, 1937, Japanese troops began a six-week-long massacre that essentially destroyed the Chinese city of Nanking. Along the way, Japanese troops raped between 20,000 and 80,000 Chinese women." These mass rapes horrified the world and concerned about Japan's image, Emperor Hirohito established military brothels or the so-called "comfort stations". Where did these ‘comfort women’ come from? During the initial phase, comfort stations were initially staffed by Japanese prostitutes who volunteered for the role. However, as the Japanese military expanded its operations in the late 1930s, it resorted to coercing women from the local populations in occupied territories like Korea, Taiwan, and China into providing sexual services at these stations. How many women were put through this ordeal? While the true numbers remain unknown, estimates suggest that hundreds of thousands of women, including girls as young as 12 years old were victimised. These women were forced into prostitution "comforting" the tens of thousands of military men during World War II. (With inputs from agencies) 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.

Taiwan’s last ‘comfort woman’ passes away. All you need to know about Japan’s sordid past

&nbsp;A 101-year-old WWII vet finally walked on&nbsp;the stage of his graduation ceremony after eighty years and officially received his diploma in Mount Vernon, Iowa.

Fred Taylor had missed his graduation ceremony which was held in 1943 since he was deployed to serve with the Army Air Corps Reserve during World War II.

"Every able-bodied man and lots of women were involved in World War II," said Fred Taylor of La Mesa, California, while speaking to Fox News Digital.

"I think 16 million altogether," added Taylor.&nbsp;"I have no regrets about going into the service. I really enjoyed flying. My only regret is missing my graduation ceremony, as you normally would end your senior year," he said. &nbsp;

Taylor participated in the graduation ceremony along with 200 graduates of the Cornell College Class of 2023 and all the students embraced him as one of their own.

"Every time I mentioned his name — standing ovation," stated Cornell College's president Jonathan Brand.&nbsp;

"It was heartwarming. It was emotional. It brought full circle his own connection with Cornell. He's gracious, humble, articulate, warm, and loving. He is everything that one could ever hope a Cornellian would be," &nbsp;Brand added.&nbsp;

Speaking about the special graduation ceremony, Brand further said, "I think there was love for him because of his connection to Cornell, because of his military service, because of his endurance."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/daughter-to-graduate-with-mom-and-dad-in-texas-591784">&nbsp;Daughter to graduate with mom and dad in Texas</a>

<h2>A long-awaited music degree</h2>

All the requirements for receiving a music degree from Cornell College were fulfilled by Taylor.&nbsp;However, the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941 led the United States into World War II and changed the fate of many young men of his generation, including him.&nbsp;

"Some friends and I joined the Army Air Corp Reserve because we wanted to fly rather than be foot soldiers. On February&nbsp;19, 1943, of my senior year, the Air Corp Reserves were activated and we had to leave the college for basic training in Jefferson Barracks in Missouri. So, of course, we missed our graduation ceremony and that was a very incomplete feeling," Taylor stated.&nbsp;

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He added that his father had to drive 10 miles to campus to pick up the diploma of his son while he was engaged in the war.&nbsp;

Interestingly, a few months back, Taylor’s daughter Linda Taylor, who works as a professor emeritus at the University of Miami, reached out to Cornell College to discuss the possibility of her father walking on the stage in the graduation ceremony and finishing what he had once started.

"To find out that we [had] a student who, 80 years ago, missed that culminating moment in his life to actually celebrate the completion of his study — there’s sort of this feeling that something wasn't finished. Here's somebody who served our country during World World War II, somebody who left college so that he could help literally save the world from the greatest threat. What a wonderful way to honour him in front of our students," Brand stated.&nbsp;

"I was thinking … finally. It was exhilarating and sparked a lot of memories. I was also thinking of my 75-and-a-half-year marriage," stated Taylor laughingly.&nbsp;

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A 101-year-old WWII vet finally walked on the stage of his graduation ceremony after eighty years and officially received his diploma in Mount Vernon, Iowa. Fred Taylor had missed his graduation ceremony which was held in 1943 since he was deployed to serve with the Army Air Corps Reserve during World War II.

A 101-year-old WWII vet finally walked on the stage of his graduation ceremony after eighty years and officially received his diploma in Mount Vernon, Iowa. Fred Taylor had missed his graduation ceremony which was held in 1943 since he was deployed to serve with the Army Air Corps Reserve during World War II. "Every able-bodied man and lots of women were involved in World War II," said Fred Taylor of La Mesa, California, while speaking to Fox News Digital. "I think 16 million altogether," added Taylor. "I have no regrets about going into the service. I really enjoyed flying. My only regret is missing my graduation ceremony, as you normally would end your senior year," he said. Taylor participated in the graduation ceremony along with 200 graduates of the Cornell College Class of 2023 and all the students embraced him as one of their own. "Every time I mentioned his name — standing ovation," stated Cornell College's president Jonathan Brand. "It was heartwarming. It was emotional. It brought full circle his own connection with Cornell. He's gracious, humble, articulate, warm, and loving. He is everything that one could ever hope a Cornellian would be," Brand added. Speaking about the special graduation ceremony, Brand further said, "I think there was love for him because of his connection to Cornell, because of his military service, because of his endurance." ALSO READ | Daughter to graduate with mom and dad in Texas A long-awaited music degree All the requirements for receiving a music degree from Cornell College were fulfilled by Taylor. However, the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941 led the United States into World War II and changed the fate of many young men of his generation, including him. "Some friends and I joined the Army Air Corp Reserve because we wanted to fly rather than be foot soldiers. On February 19, 1943, of my senior year, the Air Corp Reserves were activated and we had to leave the college for basic training in Jefferson Barracks in Missouri. So, of course, we missed our graduation ceremony and that was a very incomplete feeling," Taylor stated. WATCH | First Saudi Arabian women travels to space He added that his father had to drive 10 miles to campus to pick up the diploma of his son while he was engaged in the war. Interestingly, a few months back, Taylor’s daughter Linda Taylor, who works as a professor emeritus at the University of Miami, reached out to Cornell College to discuss the possibility of her father walking on the stage in the graduation ceremony and finishing what he had once started. "To find out that we [had] a student who, 80 years ago, missed that culminating moment in his life to actually celebrate the completion of his study — there’s sort of this feeling that something wasn't finished. Here's somebody who served our country during World World War II, somebody who left college so that he could help literally save the world from the greatest threat. What a wonderful way to honour him in front of our students," Brand stated. "I was thinking … finally. It was exhilarating and sparked a lot of memories. I was also thinking of my 75-and-a-half-year marriage," stated Taylor laughingly. 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

101-year-old WWII vet 'finally' walks at graduation 80 years after missing ceremony amid war

In response to China's growing military prowess, Australia on Monday unveiled a strategic review of its defence forces, the biggest since World War II, which will further enhance its long-range strike capabilities.&nbsp;

Australia's military reviewed its deterrent capabilities as a result of China's escalating military might on its shores. With the new reforms, the Australian military forces will be refocused on deterring potential enemies.&nbsp;

During the launch of Defense Strategic Review in Canberra, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, “We cannot fall back on old assumptions. We must build and strengthen our security by seeking to shape the future rather than waiting for the future to shape us."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiktoks-troubling-trends-what-is-the-truth-behind-24-april-585544">TikTok's troubling trends: What is the truth behind April 24?</a>

“We need to have greater control over our national sovereignty. So not only is manufacturing things in Australia, good for jobs and good for our economy, there’s also a national security issue,” he told reporters.&nbsp;

While giving the Australian defences an overhaul, defence minister Richard Marles said a proactive approach is needed and Canberra must not wait for the enemies to arrive at its shores through air, sea or online.&nbsp;

"Today, for the first time, in 35 years, we are recasting the mission of the Australian defence force," Marles said.

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The review looks at the billions of dollars allocated by the previous administration to the defence forces. It re-evaluated the decisions taken in past in light of projected threats, with one notably from China, which is becoming more and more powerful.

"This build-up is occurring without transparency or reassurance to the Indo-Pacific region of China's strategic intent," the review said.&nbsp;

"China's assertion of sovereignty over the South China Sea threatens the global rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific in a way that adversely impacts Australia's national interests."

<h2>Stronger relationship with allies, including India&nbsp;</h2>

The review also suggested more self-sufficiency paired with deeper ties with its allies and important countries in the region, particularly Japan and India. It said that the threat of a major conflict in the region represents the highest degree of strategic risk for Australia.

<h2>Priorities in the review&nbsp;</h2>

The development of a nuclear-powered submarine programme is the first of the review's six objectives. This was also previously stated under the AUKUS agreement with the United States and the United Kingdom,

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Additionally, it suggests accelerating the purchase of long-range strike missiles and expanding Australian weapons production. The nation also seeks to strengthen its defence partnerships with its neighbours in the area, notably those in the Pacific.

The F-35A Joint Strike Fighter and F/A-18F Super Hornet need to be upgraded technically in order to use long-range anti-ship missile systems. To increase the size of the ADF workforce and the number of personnel in shipyards needed to increase the submarine force, an urgent recruitment drive is also required.

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In response to China's growing military prowess, Australia on Monday unveiled a strategic review of its defence forces, the biggest since World War II, which will further enhance its long-range strike capabilities.

In response to China's growing military prowess, Australia on Monday unveiled a strategic review of its defence forces, the biggest since World War II, which will further enhance its long-range strike capabilities. Australia's military reviewed its deterrent capabilities as a result of China's escalating military might on its shores. With the new reforms, the Australian military forces will be refocused on deterring potential enemies. During the launch of Defense Strategic Review in Canberra, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, “We cannot fall back on old assumptions. We must build and strengthen our security by seeking to shape the future rather than waiting for the future to shape us." Also Read | TikTok's troubling trends: What is the truth behind April 24? “We need to have greater control over our national sovereignty. So not only is manufacturing things in Australia, good for jobs and good for our economy, there’s also a national security issue,” he told reporters. While giving the Australian defences an overhaul, defence minister Richard Marles said a proactive approach is needed and Canberra must not wait for the enemies to arrive at its shores through air, sea or online. "Today, for the first time, in 35 years, we are recasting the mission of the Australian defence force," Marles said. Also Read | At least 9 teens injured in Texas after-prom shooting, no arrest so far The review looks at the billions of dollars allocated by the previous administration to the defence forces. It re-evaluated the decisions taken in past in light of projected threats, with one notably from China, which is becoming more and more powerful. "This build-up is occurring without transparency or reassurance to the Indo-Pacific region of China's strategic intent," the review said. "China's assertion of sovereignty over the South China Sea threatens the global rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific in a way that adversely impacts Australia's national interests." Stronger relationship with allies, including India The review also suggested more self-sufficiency paired with deeper ties with its allies and important countries in the region, particularly Japan and India. It said that the threat of a major conflict in the region represents the highest degree of strategic risk for Australia. Priorities in the review The development of a nuclear-powered submarine programme is the first of the review's six objectives. This was also previously stated under the AUKUS agreement with the United States and the United Kingdom, Watch | US lawmakers sold banking stocks amid crisis: Report × Additionally, it suggests accelerating the purchase of long-range strike missiles and expanding Australian weapons production. The nation also seeks to strengthen its defence partnerships with its neighbours in the area, notably those in the Pacific. The F-35A Joint Strike Fighter and F/A-18F Super Hornet need to be upgraded technically in order to use long-range anti-ship missile systems. To increase the size of the ADF workforce and the number of personnel in shipyards needed to increase the submarine force, an urgent recruitment drive is also required. 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.

As China steps up threats, Australia unveils biggest defence reform since World War II

Today, the world is observing International Holocaust Remembrance Day. It’s the day for the commemoration of victims of the Jewish genocide that took place during World War 2. Nazi Germany slaughtered more than 6 million Jews, as well as other minority groups, under Adolf Hitler’s “final solution” campaign. The Holocaust saw more than two-thirds of Europe’s Jewish population wiped out. International Holocaust Remembrance Day is observed every year not only to honour the victims of the Holocaust but also to reaffirm the global commitment to human rights and religious tolerance. The day is observed through memorial services, ceremonies, and educational activities in addition to individual acts of remembrance like lighting candles or placing flowers at Holocaust memorials.

<h2>International Holocaust Remembrance Day history</h2>

The United Nations General Assembly on 1 November 2005 adopted the 60/7 resolution to mark 27 January as the International Holocaust Remembrance Day every year. The day was chosen because the Auschwitz concentration camp, Germany’s biggest concentration camp, was liberated by Soviet forces in 1945 on this day. The UN resolution called on every member state to develop educational programmes and organise awareness activities to prevent future acts of genocide and condemn religious violence anywhere on the planet.

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: The story of the Holocaust

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<h2>Holocaust Remembrance Day Theme&nbsp;</h2>

Every year, a specific theme is used to commemorate the day. ‘Home and Belonging’ is the focus of International Holocaust Remembrance Day 2023. The stories of Holocaust victims who were displaced from their homes and deprived of their sense of identity are brought to light. The topic aims to spread awareness of the duty each person has to care for victims of crimes, the necessity of stopping hate speech, and the need to stop future genocides.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-holocaust-unseen-ghastly-images-of-nazis-kristallnacht-pogrom-532891">In Pics | Holocaust: Unseen ghastly images&nbsp;</a>

<h2>What’s the significance of Holocaust Remembrance Day</h2>

Understanding the risks of bigotry and intolerance as well as the causes of the Holocaust is essential for preventing future instances of similar tragedies. Many Holocaust survivors have committed their lives to spread awareness of the event, and their testimonies serve as a potent reminder of the capacity of humans for both good and evil. In order to ensure that future generations are aware of the history and lessons of the Holocaust, numerous nations and organisations have created Holocaust education initiatives.

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&nbsp;

Today, the world is observing International Holocaust Remembrance Day. It’s the day for the commemoration of victims of the Jewish genocide that took place during World War 2.

Today, the world is observing International Holocaust Remembrance Day. It’s the day for the commemoration of victims of the Jewish genocide that took place during World War 2. Nazi Germany slaughtered more than 6 million Jews, as well as other minority groups, under Adolf Hitler’s “final solution” campaign. The Holocaust saw more than two-thirds of Europe’s Jewish population wiped out. International Holocaust Remembrance Day is observed every year not only to honour the victims of the Holocaust but also to reaffirm the global commitment to human rights and religious tolerance. The day is observed through memorial services, ceremonies, and educational activities in addition to individual acts of remembrance like lighting candles or placing flowers at Holocaust memorials. International Holocaust Remembrance Day history The United Nations General Assembly on 1 November 2005 adopted the 60/7 resolution to mark 27 January as the International Holocaust Remembrance Day every year. The day was chosen because the Auschwitz concentration camp, Germany’s biggest concentration camp, was liberated by Soviet forces in 1945 on this day. The UN resolution called on every member state to develop educational programmes and organise awareness activities to prevent future acts of genocide and condemn religious violence anywhere on the planet. Watch: Gravitas: The story of the Holocaust × Holocaust Remembrance Day Theme Every year, a specific theme is used to commemorate the day. ‘Home and Belonging’ is the focus of International Holocaust Remembrance Day 2023. The stories of Holocaust victims who were displaced from their homes and deprived of their sense of identity are brought to light. The topic aims to spread awareness of the duty each person has to care for victims of crimes, the necessity of stopping hate speech, and the need to stop future genocides. In Pics | Holocaust: Unseen ghastly images What’s the significance of Holocaust Remembrance Day Understanding the risks of bigotry and intolerance as well as the causes of the Holocaust is essential for preventing future instances of similar tragedies. Many Holocaust survivors have committed their lives to spread awareness of the event, and their testimonies serve as a potent reminder of the capacity of humans for both good and evil. In order to ensure that future generations are aware of the history and lessons of the Holocaust, numerous nations and organisations have created Holocaust education initiatives. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

International Holocaust Remembrance Day: History, theme, significance, everything you need to know

More than a couple of months after Poland officially signed a note to Germany seeking reparations for the damages sustained in WWII, Berlin has rebuffed such demands.&nbsp;

The Polish foreign ministry on Tuesday said it received a response from Germany rejecting Polish claims.&nbsp;

"According to the German government, the issue of reparations and compensation for wartime losses remains closed and it does not intend to enter into negotiations," read the statement released.&nbsp;

Poland's Deputy Foreign Minister Arkadiusz Mularczyk in an interview slammed Germany for its 'disrespectful' attitude.&nbsp;

"This answer, to sum it up, shows an absolutely disrespectful attitude towards Poland and Poles.&nbsp;Germany does not pursue a friendly policy towards Poland, they want to build their sphere of influence here and treat Poland as a vassal state," said&nbsp;Mularczyk.&nbsp;

Despite the outright rejection, the ministry added that it will "continue to seek compensation for German aggression and occupation in 1939-1945".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/poland-prepared-if-russia-cuts-oil-supply-says-minister-547790">Read more:&nbsp;Poland prepared if Russia cuts oil supply, has alternative supplies, says minister</a>

Ever since coming to power in 2015, Poland's governing Law and Justice (PiS) party has been quite vocal in demanding war reparations with a strong focus on Germany. The party argues that Germany has a 'moral duty' in the matter and that it owes compensation.&nbsp;

It was in September last year, the 83rd anniversary of the war that the Polish government presented an exhaustive report on the damages. It arrived at an estimated figure of $1.3 trillion as the appropriate reparation amount that the Germans owed their EU partner.&nbsp;

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The German government continues to avoid paying the reparation saying Poland officially renounced such demands in a 1953 accord.&nbsp;

However, the Polish government rejects the said declaration saying it was signed under pressure from the Soviet Union by the country's then-communist leaders.&nbsp;

Notably, over six million Poles, including three million Polish Jews were killed by the Nazis during the war. The capital city of Warsaw was razed to the ground by the Germans, leading to the death of almost 200,000 civilians.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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More than a couple of months after Poland officially signed a note to Germany seeking reparations for the damages sustained in WWII, Berlin has rebuffed such demands.

More than a couple of months after Poland officially signed a note to Germany seeking reparations for the damages sustained in WWII, Berlin has rebuffed such demands. The Polish foreign ministry on Tuesday said it received a response from Germany rejecting Polish claims. "According to the German government, the issue of reparations and compensation for wartime losses remains closed and it does not intend to enter into negotiations," read the statement released. Poland's Deputy Foreign Minister Arkadiusz Mularczyk in an interview slammed Germany for its 'disrespectful' attitude. "This answer, to sum it up, shows an absolutely disrespectful attitude towards Poland and Poles. Germany does not pursue a friendly policy towards Poland, they want to build their sphere of influence here and treat Poland as a vassal state," said Mularczyk. Despite the outright rejection, the ministry added that it will "continue to seek compensation for German aggression and occupation in 1939-1945". Read more: Poland prepared if Russia cuts oil supply, has alternative supplies, says minister Ever since coming to power in 2015, Poland's governing Law and Justice (PiS) party has been quite vocal in demanding war reparations with a strong focus on Germany. The party argues that Germany has a 'moral duty' in the matter and that it owes compensation. It was in September last year, the 83rd anniversary of the war that the Polish government presented an exhaustive report on the damages. It arrived at an estimated figure of $1.3 trillion as the appropriate reparation amount that the Germans owed their EU partner. WATCH | WION Climate Tracker: Study: WWII German vessel shipwreck is polluting North Sea × The German government continues to avoid paying the reparation saying Poland officially renounced such demands in a 1953 accord. However, the Polish government rejects the said declaration saying it was signed under pressure from the Soviet Union by the country's then-communist leaders. Notably, over six million Poles, including three million Polish Jews were killed by the Nazis during the war. The capital city of Warsaw was razed to the ground by the Germans, leading to the death of almost 200,000 civilians. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Germany rejects Poland's $1.4 trillion demand for WWII reparations

Armistice day: People around the world observe the day of remembrance

Italy's military experts have now carried out what is being described as a controlled explosion of a World War II bomb that was previously submerged in the country's Po river. The bomb was found in the month of July earlier this year by fisherman on the bank of the river due to a decrease in the water levels caused by the drought.

Italy: Dried-up river reveals 450 kg unexploded bomb

IN PICS | Rare pictures from 1945 on Hiroshima Day; 77 years since World War II atomic bombings

US Navy destroyer sunk during World War II was found nearly 7,000 meters below sea level off the Philippines, making it the world’s deepest shipwreck.

US ship, sunk during World War II, found in Philippines; world’s deepest shipwreck

In an interesting discovery, it has been found that Adolf Hitler's doctor treated the Nazi dictator's voice after he gave speeches to whip up support for his regime.

The letters, published in the NZZ am Sonntag newspaper on Sunday (June 5), are currently under the custody of the Swiss descendent of the doctor.

According to the newspaper, Carl Otto von Eicken, a German ear, nose, and throat specialist treated Hitler for 10 years from 1935.

Eicken explained the details of Hitler's treatments in letters which he wrote to a cousin and they were later discovered by his great-great-grandson Robert Doepgen.

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Vouching for the authenticity of the unpublished letters, British historian Richard J Evans, a specialist in German history, said they show Hitler's fear of serious illness.

After their first consultation in May 1935, Hitler told Eicken that "If there is something bad, I absolutely have to know."

Although Eicken advised Hitler to rest his voice, he postponed an operation to remove a polyp until after a speech.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/russian-foreign-ministers-remark-on-adolf-hitlers-ancestry-sparks-diplomatic-row-with-israel-475962">Also see |&nbsp;Hitler's 'Jewish' blood: An old conspiracy theory</a>

The Swiss newspaper reported that Eicken was dedicated to his profession and never questioned how he treated a man whose actions led to millions of people being killed in the Holocaust and World War Two.

In fact, when Eicken was questioned by Russian interrogators about why he didn't do anything to stop Hitler, he said "I was his doctor, not his murderer."

(With inputs from agencies)

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In an interesting discovery, it has been found that Adolf Hitler's doctor treated the Nazi dictator's voice after he gave speeches to whip up support for his regime.

In an interesting discovery, it has been found that Adolf Hitler's doctor treated the Nazi dictator's voice after he gave speeches to whip up support for his regime. The letters, published in the NZZ am Sonntag newspaper on Sunday (June 5), are currently under the custody of the Swiss descendent of the doctor. According to the newspaper, Carl Otto von Eicken, a German ear, nose, and throat specialist treated Hitler for 10 years from 1935. Eicken explained the details of Hitler's treatments in letters which he wrote to a cousin and they were later discovered by his great-great-grandson Robert Doepgen. Vouching for the authenticity of the unpublished letters, British historian Richard J Evans, a specialist in German history, said they show Hitler's fear of serious illness. After their first consultation in May 1935, Hitler told Eicken that "If there is something bad, I absolutely have to know." Although Eicken advised Hitler to rest his voice, he postponed an operation to remove a polyp until after a speech. Also see | Hitler's 'Jewish' blood: An old conspiracy theory The Swiss newspaper reported that Eicken was dedicated to his profession and never questioned how he treated a man whose actions led to millions of people being killed in the Holocaust and World War Two. In fact, when Eicken was questioned by Russian interrogators about why he didn't do anything to stop Hitler, he said "I was his doctor, not his murderer." (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here:

Hitler's doctor treated Nazi dictator's voice after he gave speeches to whip up support for his regime

Ivan Lisun is a 97-year old veteran Soviet Union World War 2 soldier whose home got destroyed due to bombardments by Russia amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Former Soviet Union World War 2 soldier lashes out at Russia for destroying his home in Ukraine

The Taliban appear to have released a photo mocking the Americans, copying one of the most recognisable photos of World War II. This photo shows US Marines raising the flag on the island of Iwo Jima while donning US-made tactical gear.

Taliban 'mock US' with propaganda photo copying Iwo Jima flag raising

Sunday marked the 76 years of Japan's surrender in World War II. On the anniversary, three&nbsp;Japanese cabinet ministers were seen visiting a shrine that neighbouring nations consider a symbol of Tokyo's former militarism.

While Suga himself did not visit the shrine, according to a report by the Sankei newspaper, he reportedly sent a ritual offering through his secretary.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/torrential-rains-lash-wide-areas-of-japan-three-feared-dead-after-landslide-405605">Also read |&nbsp;Torrential rains lash wide areas of Japan, three feared dead after landslide</a>

In commemoration of the end of World War Two, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga pledged Japan would never again wage war.&nbsp;

"Since the end of the war, Japan has consistently walked the path of a country that values peace," Suga said in a speech at a memorial ceremony in Tokyo. "We must never again repeat the devastation of war. We will continue to remain committed to this conviction."

The visit of Suga's minister came after two other cabinet members, including Japan's defence minister, visited the&nbsp;Yasukuni&nbsp;Shrine&nbsp;on Friday, sparking outrage in China and South Korea.&nbsp;Earlier today, China's Association of Performing Arts also boycotted Chinese actor Zhang Zhehanthe for visiting the shrine.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-boycotts-actor-after-photos-of-visit-to-japans-yasukuni-shrine-405647">China boycotts actor after photos of visit to Japan's Yasukuni Shrine</a>

Even after almost&nbsp;eight decades since the end of the war, the conflict continues to cause friction between Japan and its neighbours, particularly China and North and South Korea, with the Yasukuni shrine in Tokyo at&nbsp;the focal point of the conflict.

Japan's Yasukuni Shrine honours&nbsp;2.5 million&nbsp;war dead, including 14 Second World War leaders convicted as "Class A" war criminals, which has made it a flashpoint for tension.&nbsp;

While the Koreans remain bitter over Japanese rule from 1910 to 1945, the Chinese remain resentful of Japan's invasion and brutal occupation of parts of China from 1931 to 1945.

Conservatives say leaders should be able to commemorate the war dead, similar to the many Japanese who pay respect to relatives at the shrine

Despite this, China and both Koreas have expressed opposition due to the inclusion of war criminals among those honoured at Yasukuni.

China's foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying while reacting angrily to Sunday's visit, said:&nbsp;"The actions of some Japanese politicians on the issue of the Yasukuni Shrine are a blasphemy of historical justice and serious injury to the feelings of the people from victimised countries in Asia, including China.".

(With inputs from agencies)

Sunday marked the 76 years of Japan's surrender in World War II. On the anniversary, three Japanese cabinet ministers were seen visiting a shrine that neighbouring nations consider a symbol of Tokyo's former militarism.

Sunday marked the 76 years of Japan's surrender in World War II. On the anniversary, three Japanese cabinet ministers were seen visiting a shrine that neighbouring nations consider a symbol of Tokyo's former militarism. While Suga himself did not visit the shrine, according to a report by the Sankei newspaper, he reportedly sent a ritual offering through his secretary. Also read | Torrential rains lash wide areas of Japan, three feared dead after landslide In commemoration of the end of World War Two, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga pledged Japan would never again wage war. "Since the end of the war, Japan has consistently walked the path of a country that values peace," Suga said in a speech at a memorial ceremony in Tokyo. "We must never again repeat the devastation of war. We will continue to remain committed to this conviction." The visit of Suga's minister came after two other cabinet members, including Japan's defence minister, visited the Yasukuni Shrine on Friday, sparking outrage in China and South Korea. Earlier today, China's Association of Performing Arts also boycotted Chinese actor Zhang Zhehanthe for visiting the shrine. Also read | China boycotts actor after photos of visit to Japan's Yasukuni Shrine Even after almost eight decades since the end of the war, the conflict continues to cause friction between Japan and its neighbours, particularly China and North and South Korea, with the Yasukuni shrine in Tokyo at the focal point of the conflict. Japan's Yasukuni Shrine honours 2.5 million war dead, including 14 Second World War leaders convicted as "Class A" war criminals, which has made it a flashpoint for tension. While the Koreans remain bitter over Japanese rule from 1910 to 1945, the Chinese remain resentful of Japan's invasion and brutal occupation of parts of China from 1931 to 1945. Conservatives say leaders should be able to commemorate the war dead, similar to the many Japanese who pay respect to relatives at the shrine Despite this, China and both Koreas have expressed opposition due to the inclusion of war criminals among those honoured at Yasukuni. China's foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying while reacting angrily to Sunday's visit, said: "The actions of some Japanese politicians on the issue of the Yasukuni Shrine are a blasphemy of historical justice and serious injury to the feelings of the people from victimised countries in Asia, including China.". (With inputs from agencies)

As ministers visit controversial shrine, Japanese PM Suga vows not to wage another war

On the fateful day of&nbsp;August&nbsp;9, 1945, the Japanese city of Nagasaki, a major port for trade faced unfathomable devastation at the hands of the US, thus putting an end to Japan's participation in the Second World War.&nbsp;

Today's anniversary

76 years ago today, the Japanese city of Nagasaki was destroyed by an atomic bomb, and today, its mayor called on the global community to build on the new nuclear ban treaty.

With the rebuilding of Nagasaki post World War II, the city has become a spiritual centre for movements for the ban of nuclear weapons.

The ceremony is the first since an international treaty banning nuclear weapons went into effect last year.

"World leaders must commit to nuclear arms reductions and build trust through dialogue, and civil society must push them in this direction,"&nbsp;Nagasaki&nbsp;mayor Tomihisa Taue said.

<img alt="Doves fly during a memorial service for victims of the US atomic bombing at the Nagasaki Peace Park in Nagasaki on August 9, 2021, as the city marks the 76th anniversary of the bombing." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="55145c04-63df-4aa5-9d08-155d3ab2fdd9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202021-08-09T163231.004.jpg" />

Doves fly during a memorial service for victims of the US atomic bombing at the Nagasaki Peace Park in Nagasaki on August 9, 2021, as the city marks the 76th anniversary of the bombing.&nbsp;(Source:AFP)

"As the only country that has suffered atomic bombings during the war, it is our unchanging mission to steadily advance the efforts of the&nbsp;international community, step by step, towards realisation of a world free of nuclear weapons," Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said at the ceremony.&nbsp;&nbsp;

So, what exactly happened that day?

Just three days earlier the city of Hiroshima had faced destruction, an atomic bomb code-named "Little boy" had brought devastation to the picturesque city resulting in the death of thousands.&nbsp;

On June 9th 1945, the city of Nagasaki faced the same fate, situated&nbsp;some 185 miles southwest of Hiroshima, at 11:02 am,&nbsp;another American bomber dropped its payload over Nagasaki. Between 60,000 and 80,000 people died in the bombing. Codenamed 'Fat Man'; it obliterated more than 30 per cent of Nagasaki.&nbsp;

<img alt="This file photo taken in 1945 next to the Urakami river in Nagasaki shows a wrecked brick wall and a &quot;Mitsubishi&quot; steel factory after a bombing by the US Air Force. " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0ebc9bed-014e-41b1-b656-d5a9f85741f0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202021-08-09T163648.829.jpg" />

This file photo taken in 1945 next to the Urakami river in Nagasaki shows a wrecked brick wall and a "Mitsubishi" steel factory after a bombing by the US Air Force.&nbsp;(Source:AFP)

Why did the US resort to atomic bombs?&nbsp;

Japan's surrender was America's immediate objective, followed by ending World War II and avoiding further casualties for the Allies.&nbsp;

It is also believed that the superpower wanted to demonstrate its new technology's incredibly destructive capabilities to the world, and in particular to the Soviet Union.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Why was Nagasaki targeted?

During the early 20th century, Nagasaki developed into a major shipbuilding city, which led the United States to target the city as a target for the atomic bomb dropped on Japan during World War II.

How many people actually died in this "massacre"?&nbsp;

<img alt="This filed photo dated 1945 shows the devastated city of Nagasaki after an atomic bomb was dropped by a US Air Force B-29 on August 9, 1945." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0eb4d708-d7c9-4f87-86e4-7152c85de918" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202021-08-09T163637.586.jpg" />

This filed photo dated 1945 shows the devastated city of Nagasaki after an atomic bomb was dropped by a US Air Force B-29 on August 9, 1945. (Source:AFP)

Unfortunately, it is extremely difficult to calculate exact figures, as many records were destroyed by the bomb, and the destruction of the area prevented accurate counts of casualties. Nonetheless, they estimate some 40,000 people died within seconds of the attack, with many more dying from radiation exposure, burns, or injuries within months.

(With inputs from agencies)

On the fateful day of August 9, 1945, the Japanese city of Nagasaki, a major port for trade faced unfathomable devastation at the hands of the US, thus putting an end to Japan's participation in the Second World War.

On the fateful day of August 9, 1945, the Japanese city of Nagasaki, a major port for trade faced unfathomable devastation at the hands of the US, thus putting an end to Japan's participation in the Second World War. Today's anniversary 76 years ago today, the Japanese city of Nagasaki was destroyed by an atomic bomb, and today, its mayor called on the global community to build on the new nuclear ban treaty. With the rebuilding of Nagasaki post World War II, the city has become a spiritual centre for movements for the ban of nuclear weapons. The ceremony is the first since an international treaty banning nuclear weapons went into effect last year. "World leaders must commit to nuclear arms reductions and build trust through dialogue, and civil society must push them in this direction," Nagasaki mayor Tomihisa Taue said. Doves fly during a memorial service for victims of the US atomic bombing at the Nagasaki Peace Park in Nagasaki on August 9, 2021, as the city marks the 76th anniversary of the bombing. (Source:AFP) "As the only country that has suffered atomic bombings during the war, it is our unchanging mission to steadily advance the efforts of the international community, step by step, towards realisation of a world free of nuclear weapons," Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said at the ceremony. So, what exactly happened that day? Just three days earlier the city of Hiroshima had faced destruction, an atomic bomb code-named "Little boy" had brought devastation to the picturesque city resulting in the death of thousands. On June 9th 1945, the city of Nagasaki faced the same fate, situated some 185 miles southwest of Hiroshima, at 11:02 am, another American bomber dropped its payload over Nagasaki. Between 60,000 and 80,000 people died in the bombing. Codenamed 'Fat Man'; it obliterated more than 30 per cent of Nagasaki. This file photo taken in 1945 next to the Urakami river in Nagasaki shows a wrecked brick wall and a "Mitsubishi" steel factory after a bombing by the US Air Force. (Source:AFP) Why did the US resort to atomic bombs? Japan's surrender was America's immediate objective, followed by ending World War II and avoiding further casualties for the Allies. It is also believed that the superpower wanted to demonstrate its new technology's incredibly destructive capabilities to the world, and in particular to the Soviet Union. Why was Nagasaki targeted? During the early 20th century, Nagasaki developed into a major shipbuilding city, which led the United States to target the city as a target for the atomic bomb dropped on Japan during World War II. How many people actually died in this "massacre"? This filed photo dated 1945 shows the devastated city of Nagasaki after an atomic bomb was dropped by a US Air Force B-29 on August 9, 1945. (Source:AFP) Unfortunately, it is extremely difficult to calculate exact figures, as many records were destroyed by the bomb, and the destruction of the area prevented accurate counts of casualties. Nonetheless, they estimate some 40,000 people died within seconds of the attack, with many more dying from radiation exposure, burns, or injuries within months. (With inputs from agencies)

Explainer: Nagasaki bombing, the history, and significance of "Fat Man"

A 50-year-old man in France has been sentenced for 30 years in prison after he killed four members of his family over 'Nazi gold'.

Hubert&nbsp;Caouissin&nbsp;appeared before the Loire-Atlantique Assize Court on Wednesday and admitted that he&nbsp;convinced that the family was sitting on a rumoured inheritance of gold bars and coins and cheating his wife Lydie, Troadec’s sister,&nbsp;out of what he believed was her fair share.

Following seven hours of deliberations, the jury accepted the argument of&nbsp;Caouissin's lawyer of&nbsp;diminished responsibility, resulting in a punishment that fell short of the life sentence demanded by prosecutors.

For interfering with a crime scene and concealing a corpse, Caouissin's ex-wife Lydie Troadec, 52, received three years' imprisonment, one suspended.

At their home in Orvault near Nantes on the night of 16-17 February 2017, Caouissin killed Brigitte and Pascal Troadec, both 49, as well as Charlotte Troadec, 18, and Sebastien Troadec, 21.

His next step was to meticulously dismember the bodies at his farm, throwing muscles and organs into bushes in order to be eaten by animals and trying to burn skin, bones, and fat in the oven.

In his account, he said he visited the family in Orvault trying to find "information" about the hoard, and then he killed the victims in self-defence.

The accused has been diagnosed with "chronic paranoid delusions" by psychologists and psychiatrists, according to his lawyer Thierry Fillion.

Caouissin's defence lawyers urged jurors not to sentence him for life based on the diagnosis.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

A 50-year-old man in France has been sentenced for 30 years in prison after he killed four members of his family over 'Nazi gold'. Hubert Caouissin appeared before the Loire-Atlantique Assize Court on Wednesday and admitted that he convinced that the family was sitting on a rumoured inheritance of gold bars and coins and cheating his wife Lydie, Troadec’s sister, out of what he believed was her fair share.

A 50-year-old man in France has been sentenced for 30 years in prison after he killed four members of his family over 'Nazi gold'. Hubert Caouissin appeared before the Loire-Atlantique Assize Court on Wednesday and admitted that he convinced that the family was sitting on a rumoured inheritance of gold bars and coins and cheating his wife Lydie, Troadec’s sister, out of what he believed was her fair share. Following seven hours of deliberations, the jury accepted the argument of Caouissin's lawyer of diminished responsibility, resulting in a punishment that fell short of the life sentence demanded by prosecutors. For interfering with a crime scene and concealing a corpse, Caouissin's ex-wife Lydie Troadec, 52, received three years' imprisonment, one suspended. At their home in Orvault near Nantes on the night of 16-17 February 2017, Caouissin killed Brigitte and Pascal Troadec, both 49, as well as Charlotte Troadec, 18, and Sebastien Troadec, 21. His next step was to meticulously dismember the bodies at his farm, throwing muscles and organs into bushes in order to be eaten by animals and trying to burn skin, bones, and fat in the oven. In his account, he said he visited the family in Orvault trying to find "information" about the hoard, and then he killed the victims in self-defence. The accused has been diagnosed with "chronic paranoid delusions" by psychologists and psychiatrists, according to his lawyer Thierry Fillion. Caouissin's defence lawyers urged jurors not to sentence him for life based on the diagnosis. (With inputs from agencies)

Troadec case: French man gets 30 years in jail for killing in-laws over 'Nazi gold'

Israel&nbsp;summoned Poland's ambassador on Sunday to express its "deep disappointment" over a Polish bill that critics say will make it harder for Jews to recover property seized by the country's Nazi occupiers during World War Two and then kept by post-war communist rulers, the foreign ministry said.

Poland's lower house of parliament on Thursday passed a draft bill introducing a statute of limitations on claims for the restitution of property, drawing a furious response from&nbsp;Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, who labelled it a "disgrace".

A statement from the&nbsp;Israeli foreign ministry said the legislation could affect up to 90 per cent&nbsp;of property restitution requests from Holocaust survivors and their descendants.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/poland-president-to-review-holocaust-bill-after-israeli-concern-31024">Poland president to review Holocaust bill after Israeli concern</a>

"This is not a historical debate about responsibility for the Holocaust but a moral debt of Poland to those who were its citizens and whose property was looted during the Holocaust and under the communist regime," the statement said.

The Polish foreign ministry has, in turn, summoned&nbsp;Israel's charge d'affaires in Warsaw for Monday, deputy foreign minister Pawel Jablonski said on Sunday.

Almost all of Poland's Jews, about three million people, were wiped out in the Nazi Holocaust. Jewish former property owners and their descendants have been campaigning for compensation from Poland since the fall of communism in 1989.

The legislation would implement a 2015 Constitutional Tribunal ruling that there should be a deadline after which faulty administrative decisions can no longer be challenged. The law sets this deadline at 30 years.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jews-slam-polish-pm-for-calling-wwii-restitution-a-win-for-hitler-220215">Jews slam Polish PM for calling WWII restitution a win for Hitler</a>

The legacy of World War Two, and related Polish legislation, has previously strained ties between Poland and&nbsp;Israel. Thousands of Poles risked their lives to protect Jewish neighbours during the war. But research published since 1989 showed that thousands also killed Jews or denounced those who hid them to the German occupiers.

In 2018 the government was forced to back down and remove parts of a Holocaust law that imposed jail terms on people who suggested the nation was complicit in Nazi crimes, which had angered the United States and&nbsp;Israel.

Israel summoned Poland's ambassador on Sunday to express its "deep disappointment" over a Polish bill that critics say will make it harder for Jews to recover property seized by the country's Nazi occupiers during World War Two and then kept by post-war communist rulers, the foreign ministry said.

Israel summoned Poland's ambassador on Sunday to express its "deep disappointment" over a Polish bill that critics say will make it harder for Jews to recover property seized by the country's Nazi occupiers during World War Two and then kept by post-war communist rulers, the foreign ministry said. Poland's lower house of parliament on Thursday passed a draft bill introducing a statute of limitations on claims for the restitution of property, drawing a furious response from Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, who labelled it a "disgrace". A statement from the Israeli foreign ministry said the legislation could affect up to 90 per cent of property restitution requests from Holocaust survivors and their descendants. Also read | Poland president to review Holocaust bill after Israeli concern "This is not a historical debate about responsibility for the Holocaust but a moral debt of Poland to those who were its citizens and whose property was looted during the Holocaust and under the communist regime," the statement said. The Polish foreign ministry has, in turn, summoned Israel's charge d'affaires in Warsaw for Monday, deputy foreign minister Pawel Jablonski said on Sunday. Almost all of Poland's Jews, about three million people, were wiped out in the Nazi Holocaust. Jewish former property owners and their descendants have been campaigning for compensation from Poland since the fall of communism in 1989. The legislation would implement a 2015 Constitutional Tribunal ruling that there should be a deadline after which faulty administrative decisions can no longer be challenged. The law sets this deadline at 30 years. Also read | Jews slam Polish PM for calling WWII restitution a win for Hitler The legacy of World War Two, and related Polish legislation, has previously strained ties between Poland and Israel. Thousands of Poles risked their lives to protect Jewish neighbours during the war. But research published since 1989 showed that thousands also killed Jews or denounced those who hid them to the German occupiers. In 2018 the government was forced to back down and remove parts of a Holocaust law that imposed jail terms on people who suggested the nation was complicit in Nazi crimes, which had angered the United States and Israel.

Israel summons Polish envoy over Holocaust property bill

New museum gingerly explores German wartime suffering

A massive World War II bomb found in Germany's financial capital Frankfurt was safely detonated in the early hours of Thursday, the city's fire service said, allowing tens of thousands of evacuated residents to return to their homes.&nbsp;

The 500-kilogram unexploded bomb was unearthed during construction work on Wednesday in the densely populated Nordend area of the city, a location firefighters said made it a "particular challenge" to remove.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-100-unexploded-bombs-from-world-war-ii-found-in-solomon-islands-386045">Over 100 unexploded bombs from World War II found in Solomon Islands</a>

The Frankfurter Allgemeine newspaper reported the ordnance had been discovered right next to a children's playground at a depth of about two metres (6.5 feet).&nbsp;

Its report said the controlled blast, which happened just after midnight, "sounded like thunder rumbling" and left a hole three metres deep and ten metres wide.&nbsp;

Firefighters said that they had covered the bomb with 40 truckloads of sand before detonating it, in order to minimise damage to the surrounding buildings.

Also read |<a href="wionews.com/world/over-2600-households-evacuated-after-an-unexploded-wwii-bomb-was-found-in-exeter-366658">&nbsp;Over 2,600 households evacuated after an unexploded WWII bomb was found in Exeter</a>

Around 25,000 people had been asked to evacuate the area, including the occupants of a nearby community hospital's neonatal ward.

Among residents who took shelter at a skating rink was 29-year-old Tobias, carrying his pet cat in a cage.&nbsp;

He said he had heard the news over a police loudspeaker and been ordered to leave his home immediately, causing a "bit of stress".&nbsp;

Barbara, 77, told AFP the news was "a bit of a shock, we don't expect that".

However, building works in Germany regularly unearth unexploded World War II ordnance, 76 years after the conflict's end.&nbsp;

Seven bombs were defused in 2020 on land near Berlin where Tesla plans to build its first factory in Europe for electric cars. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Other bombs were also discovered last year in Frankfurt, Cologne, and Dortmund.&nbsp;

In Frankfurt, the discovery of a 1.4-tonne bomb in 2017 led to the removal of 65,000 people, the biggest such evacuation in Europe since 1945.

A massive World War II bomb found in Germany's financial capital Frankfurt was safely detonated in the early hours of Thursday, the city's fire service said, allowing tens of thousands of evacuated residents to return to their homes.

A massive World War II bomb found in Germany's financial capital Frankfurt was safely detonated in the early hours of Thursday, the city's fire service said, allowing tens of thousands of evacuated residents to return to their homes. The 500-kilogram unexploded bomb was unearthed during construction work on Wednesday in the densely populated Nordend area of the city, a location firefighters said made it a "particular challenge" to remove. Also read | Over 100 unexploded bombs from World War II found in Solomon Islands The Frankfurter Allgemeine newspaper reported the ordnance had been discovered right next to a children's playground at a depth of about two metres (6.5 feet). Its report said the controlled blast, which happened just after midnight, "sounded like thunder rumbling" and left a hole three metres deep and ten metres wide. Firefighters said that they had covered the bomb with 40 truckloads of sand before detonating it, in order to minimise damage to the surrounding buildings. Also read | Over 2,600 households evacuated after an unexploded WWII bomb was found in Exeter Around 25,000 people had been asked to evacuate the area, including the occupants of a nearby community hospital's neonatal ward. Among residents who took shelter at a skating rink was 29-year-old Tobias, carrying his pet cat in a cage. He said he had heard the news over a police loudspeaker and been ordered to leave his home immediately, causing a "bit of stress". Barbara, 77, told AFP the news was "a bit of a shock, we don't expect that". However, building works in Germany regularly unearth unexploded World War II ordnance, 76 years after the conflict's end. Seven bombs were defused in 2020 on land near Berlin where Tesla plans to build its first factory in Europe for electric cars. Other bombs were also discovered last year in Frankfurt, Cologne, and Dortmund. In Frankfurt, the discovery of a 1.4-tonne bomb in 2017 led to the removal of 65,000 people, the biggest such evacuation in Europe since 1945.

WWII bomb found in Frankfurt safely detonated

Over 100 unexploded bombs from World War II were recently discovered in the backyard of a home in Honiara, the capital of Solomon Islands situated in the South Pacific. The 101 bombs are unexploded ordnances (UXO) which are explosives that did not detonate during the intended period and still&nbsp;pose risks wherever found.

This massive batch was discovered by a man who was digging a hole for a new septic system at his property situated in a residential enclave.

Soon after the discovery, the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) dispatched the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) squad. The 101 US 105 millimetre High Explosive Projectiles were safely recovered from the site.&nbsp;

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The number of unexploded WWII bombs found around Honiara, Solomon Islands is alarming. Imagine discovering 32 live bombs while excavating land for a new home. 
Its time the US/Japan and their allies take serious note of this. Innocent lives are being lost here. <a href="https://t.co/biPIMFWEEM">pic.twitter.com/biPIMFWEEM</a>
— Dr. Paul Mae (@Kloppy15) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kloppy15/status/1393836376110501891?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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According to the police, the bombs are being secured and will then be defused. The Guardian reported that EOD Inspector Clifford Tunuki warned Solomon Islanders against building on land which may possess a high level of UXO deposits. They have urged residents to get clearance from relevant companies before commencing work.

During World War II, thousands of bombs were dropped on the Pacific Islands including territories like Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and Palau. Most of these bombs did not explode.

When the war ended, allied countries were urged to dispose of the UXO. Many countries undertook the activity, but not all UXO could be cleared. Earlier in May, two people died when a World War II exploded in a residential area in Honiara.

In 2020, an Australian man and his colleague from Britain who were working on a project to track munitions died in Solomon Islands when an explosive detonated in Honiara, a residential area.

Over 100 unexploded bombs from World War II were recently discovered in the backyard of a home in Honiara, the capital of Solomon Islands situated in the South Pacific.

Over 100 unexploded bombs from World War II were recently discovered in the backyard of a home in Honiara, the capital of Solomon Islands situated in the South Pacific. The 101 bombs are unexploded ordnances (UXO) which are explosives that did not detonate during the intended period and still pose risks wherever found. This massive batch was discovered by a man who was digging a hole for a new septic system at his property situated in a residential enclave. Soon after the discovery, the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) dispatched the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) squad. The 101 US 105 millimetre High Explosive Projectiles were safely recovered from the site. The number of unexploded WWII bombs found around Honiara, Solomon Islands is alarming. Imagine discovering 32 live bombs while excavating land for a new home. Its time the US/Japan and their allies take serious note of this. Innocent lives are being lost here. pic.twitter.com/biPIMFWEEM — Dr. Paul Mae (@Kloppy15) May 16, 2021 × According to the police, the bombs are being secured and will then be defused. The Guardian reported that EOD Inspector Clifford Tunuki warned Solomon Islanders against building on land which may possess a high level of UXO deposits. They have urged residents to get clearance from relevant companies before commencing work. During World War II, thousands of bombs were dropped on the Pacific Islands including territories like Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and Palau. Most of these bombs did not explode. When the war ended, allied countries were urged to dispose of the UXO. Many countries undertook the activity, but not all UXO could be cleared. Earlier in May, two people died when a World War II exploded in a residential area in Honiara. In 2020, an Australian man and his colleague from Britain who were working on a project to track munitions died in Solomon Islands when an explosive detonated in Honiara, a residential area.

Over 100 unexploded bombs from World War II found in Solomon Islands

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Greenhouse emissions in the United States fell by over 10.3 per cent in 2020, marking the largest drop drop after World War II.

A report released by the Rhodium Group on Tuesday shed light on how coronavirus impacted the US economy. The US remains the hardest-hit by COVID-19, with big sectors like transportation, power, industry the worst affected. The drop in emissions was much larger than what was seen during the 2009 recession, when emissions lid by 6.3 per cent.

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The drop implies that the US would be able to outperform the pledge it had made as part of the Copenhagen climate accord to reduce emissions by 17 per cent below 2005 levels by 2020.&nbsp;

Owing to the economic shutdown caused by coronavirus, emissions reportedly dropped by 21.5 per cent, when compared to 2005.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/new-in-town-masks-for-cows-to-filter-burps-to-curb-greenhouse-gas-emissions-354147" hreflang="en">New in town: Masks for cows to filter burps to curb greenhouse gas emissions</a>

Even then, the authors of the report warned against perceiving it as a guarantee that the country would be able to meet its ambitious pledge under the Paris climate agreement, which requires US to cut emissions 28 per cent below 2005 levels by 2025.

Incumbent President Donald Trump had withdrawn the US from the Paris Accord. But President-elect Joe Biden is expected to rejoin the accord, once he takes charge of the presidential duties beginning January 20.

Biden intends to carve out to a path to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. But before that, he needs to announce plans for reducing emissions by 2030.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/science/reducing-greenhouse-gas-emission-even-to-zero-wont-stop-global-warming-study-342988" hreflang="en">Reducing greenhouse gas emission even to zero won't stop global warming: Study</a>

"With coronavirus vaccines now in distribution, we expect economic activity to pick up again in 2021, but without meaningful structural changes in the carbon intensity of the US economy, emissions will likely rise again as well," the report said.

Just in the transportation sector, emissions dropped by 14.7 per cent as compared to 2019 levels. This was largely owing to the restrictions on travel put in place by the pandemic.

Greenhouse emissions in the United States fell by over 10.3 per cent in 2020, marking the largest drop drop after World War II. A report released by the Rhodium Group on Tuesday shed light on how coronavirus impacted the US economy.

Greenhouse emissions in the United States fell by over 10.3 per cent in 2020, marking the largest drop drop after World War II. A report released by the Rhodium Group on Tuesday shed light on how coronavirus impacted the US economy. The US remains the hardest-hit by COVID-19, with big sectors like transportation, power, industry the worst affected. The drop in emissions was much larger than what was seen during the 2009 recession, when emissions lid by 6.3 per cent. The drop implies that the US would be able to outperform the pledge it had made as part of the Copenhagen climate accord to reduce emissions by 17 per cent below 2005 levels by 2020. Owing to the economic shutdown caused by coronavirus, emissions reportedly dropped by 21.5 per cent, when compared to 2005. Also read: New in town: Masks for cows to filter burps to curb greenhouse gas emissions Even then, the authors of the report warned against perceiving it as a guarantee that the country would be able to meet its ambitious pledge under the Paris climate agreement, which requires US to cut emissions 28 per cent below 2005 levels by 2025. Incumbent President Donald Trump had withdrawn the US from the Paris Accord. But President-elect Joe Biden is expected to rejoin the accord, once he takes charge of the presidential duties beginning January 20. Biden intends to carve out to a path to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. But before that, he needs to announce plans for reducing emissions by 2030. Also read: Reducing greenhouse gas emission even to zero won't stop global warming: Study "With coronavirus vaccines now in distribution, we expect economic activity to pick up again in 2021, but without meaningful structural changes in the carbon intensity of the US economy, emissions will likely rise again as well," the report said. Just in the transportation sector, emissions dropped by 14.7 per cent as compared to 2019 levels. This was largely owing to the restrictions on travel put in place by the pandemic.

Greenhouse emissions in US witness largest dip since World War II

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