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.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/putin-sorry-for-lavrovs-hitler-has-jewish-blood-remark-bennett-accepts-apology-476704/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Vouching for the authenticity of the unpublished letters, British historian Richard J Evans, a specialist in German history, said they show Hitler's fear of serious illness.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;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
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

Holocaust Remembrance Day: A look at Israel's hidden memorial

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.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/greenhouse-gases-hit-new-record-despite-lockdowns-326577/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

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

A 38-year-old beach lover&nbsp;Jodie Crews and her eight-year-old&nbsp;daughter Isabella decided to bring back a unique find from their trip to the beach, only to later realise it was not what they thought it to be.

The Crews found a peculiar-looking thing on the beach and brought it back home assuming it to be some kind of fossil or a bone. Jodie took to social media to ask her friends if they could identify what their rare find was and from which period.&nbsp;

A friend suggested it to be 'whale vomit' and asked the duo to poke it with a hot pin to see if it let out a "puff of white smoke" which could confirm it being 'whale vomit'.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/banksys-achoo-causes-distress-for-property-owners-349960" hreflang="en">Banksy's 'Achoo' causes distress for property owners</a>

However, when the mother-daughter duo followed their friend's advice, the outer portion of the object started melting and soon turned hot, making sizzling sounds. As soon as Jodie saw the object turning into a fireball, she grabbed the grenade and ran towards the kitchen where she placed it in the sink.&nbsp;

The grenade soon exploded causing destruction in and around the kitchen sink. Recalling the event, Jodie Crews said, "It just turned into a fireball. My daughter screamed and ran out the back door. I grabbed the grenade and ran with it at arm’s length into the kitchen where I hurled it into the sink. We just went into survival mode."

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/beer-can-camera-captures-longest-exposure-photograph-ever-by-coincidence-349897" hreflang="en">Beer can camera captures longest-exposure photograph ever - by coincidence!</a>

"I then rushed upstairs to soak a towel to throw over it to put it out. The adrenalin must have kicked in and taken over," she explained.&nbsp;"My first thought was to save my daughter, house, cats and dogs. With my daughter safely in the garden I ran back upstairs to get the cats – we have four three-week-old kittens – and rounded up our two dogs."

The neighbours, upon hearing the explosion, rushed to help the duo and called the emergency services. The authorities identified it to be an explosive probably from World War II which would normally have a&nbsp;protective coating of wax.

Crews have been advised not to drink water from their tap for a few days now, fearing the water may be contaminated due to the explosion.

"We often collect pieces of glass and driftwood as we like making things. We are very arty and crafty," Jodie joked. "It had strange ridges and looked more like a piece of bone. It wasn’t very heavy and weighed the same as a bag of sugar. I thought it might be an old knee joint. It didn’t feel metallic at all."

A 38-year-old beach lover Jodie Crews and her eight-year-old daughter Isabella decided to bring back a unique find from their trip to the beach, only to later realise it was not what they thought it to be.

A 38-year-old beach lover Jodie Crews and her eight-year-old daughter Isabella decided to bring back a unique find from their trip to the beach, only to later realise it was not what they thought it to be. The Crews found a peculiar-looking thing on the beach and brought it back home assuming it to be some kind of fossil or a bone. Jodie took to social media to ask her friends if they could identify what their rare find was and from which period. A friend suggested it to be 'whale vomit' and asked the duo to poke it with a hot pin to see if it let out a "puff of white smoke" which could confirm it being 'whale vomit'. Also read| Banksy's 'Achoo' causes distress for property owners However, when the mother-daughter duo followed their friend's advice, the outer portion of the object started melting and soon turned hot, making sizzling sounds. As soon as Jodie saw the object turning into a fireball, she grabbed the grenade and ran towards the kitchen where she placed it in the sink. The grenade soon exploded causing destruction in and around the kitchen sink. Recalling the event, Jodie Crews said, "It just turned into a fireball. My daughter screamed and ran out the back door. I grabbed the grenade and ran with it at arm’s length into the kitchen where I hurled it into the sink. We just went into survival mode." Also read| Beer can camera captures longest-exposure photograph ever - by coincidence! "I then rushed upstairs to soak a towel to throw over it to put it out. The adrenalin must have kicked in and taken over," she explained. "My first thought was to save my daughter, house, cats and dogs. With my daughter safely in the garden I ran back upstairs to get the cats – we have four three-week-old kittens – and rounded up our two dogs." The neighbours, upon hearing the explosion, rushed to help the duo and called the emergency services. The authorities identified it to be an explosive probably from World War II which would normally have a protective coating of wax. Crews have been advised not to drink water from their tap for a few days now, fearing the water may be contaminated due to the explosion. "We often collect pieces of glass and driftwood as we like making things. We are very arty and crafty," Jodie joked. "It had strange ridges and looked more like a piece of bone. It wasn’t very heavy and weighed the same as a bag of sugar. I thought it might be an old knee joint. It didn’t feel metallic at all."

Mother-daughter's rare beach find turns out to be grenade from WWII

French President Emmanuel Macron led Armistice Day commemorations at Place Clemenceau in Paris.

Macron leads Armistice Day commemorations in France

October 18 in history: USA takes Alaska from Russia, and more!

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will refrain from visiting the Yasukuni shrine for war dead on the 75th anniversary of Japan’s defeat in World War Two, Jiji news agency said on Sunday, but will make an offering on the emotive day, as he has done in the past.

The shrine, dedicated to Japanese who have died during past wars including World War Two, is seen as a potent symbol of the controversy that persists over the conflict’s legacy in East Asia.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/unspeakable-horror-the-tale-of-attacks-on-hiroshima-and-nagasaki-318534">Have a look|&nbsp;'Unspeakable horror': The tale of attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki</a>

“He will make a ritual offering to the shrine out of his personal expenses as the leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, as he has done in previous years,” sources close to the matter said, according to the report.

Since 1978, the shrine has also honoured leaders convicted as “Class A” war criminals at an allied tribunal in 1948, making it deeply controversial at home and abroad.

Abe’s last visit to the shrine, shortly after he took office in December 2013, caused outrage in China and South Korea, who see the visits as a sign that Japan has not repented for its militarist past and war atrocities.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will refrain from visiting the Yasukuni shrine for war dead on the 75th anniversary of Japan’s defeat in World War Two, Jiji news agency said on Sunday, but will make an offering on the emotive day, as he has done in the past.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will refrain from visiting the Yasukuni shrine for war dead on the 75th anniversary of Japan’s defeat in World War Two, Jiji news agency said on Sunday, but will make an offering on the emotive day, as he has done in the past. The shrine, dedicated to Japanese who have died during past wars including World War Two, is seen as a potent symbol of the controversy that persists over the conflict’s legacy in East Asia. Have a look| 'Unspeakable horror': The tale of attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki “He will make a ritual offering to the shrine out of his personal expenses as the leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, as he has done in previous years,” sources close to the matter said, according to the report. Since 1978, the shrine has also honoured leaders convicted as “Class A” war criminals at an allied tribunal in 1948, making it deeply controversial at home and abroad. Abe’s last visit to the shrine, shortly after he took office in December 2013, caused outrage in China and South Korea, who see the visits as a sign that Japan has not repented for its militarist past and war atrocities.

Japan's Abe to avoid visit to war-linked shrine on 75th war anniversary: Jiji

Globalization, roughly defined as ‘the freer movement and flows of capital, good(trade), people and perhaps even culture’ is in retreat. It is suggested by some that the world is in the midst of ‘deglobalization’ where countries are retrenching and retreating from the processes of globalization, imposing the proverbial walls on these.

Globalization, roughly defined as ‘the freer movement and flows of capital, good(trade), people and perhaps even culture’ is in retreat. It is suggested by some that the world is in the midst of ‘deglobalization’ where countries are retrenching and retreating from the processes of globalization, imposing the proverbial walls on these. In this schema, the cooling off relations between the United States and China, presaging Cold War 2.0, is held to be emblematic of the new trend, hastened by the Covid-19 pandemic. While it amounts to stating the obvious that historically, globalization has moved in waves, with the latest wave emanating in the culminating decades of the 20th century, its seeds were sown soon after the end of the Second Great War. The multilateral institutional firmament, of the twin sisters-the World Bank and the IMF, the United Nations and its allied bodies, the rebuilding of Europe through and by the Marshall Plan and the formation of the European Union, among other factors and thematic issues, laid the foundations of the third wave of globalization. In this initial period of the ‘golden years’, much trade and capital flows happened and took place between what was called the ‘triad’- Western Europe, Japan and North America. Globalization was, in essence, a ‘triad’ phenomenon till the opening up of China in 1978, which not only led to stupendous economic growth and development in the country but made, along with the entry of India, in the early 1990s’, and its zig zagged denouement in parts of Africa, globalization global, so to speak. The trad became one aspect of the processes and form of globalization. But, with the benefit of hindsight, the 2008 financial crisis, became the catalyst for issues brewing under the surface patina of globalization. The declining flows of trade and capital, plus cultural changes in much of the Western world, largely through immigration, created a brew whose outcome was populist politics led by the bellwether of globalization, the United States. In this sense, if a sensationalist twist is accorded to the phenomenon, 2016 was the year that changed everything. In this year, Donald Trump, with a message that resonated with many Americans, assumed the highest office of the United States and became its president. With his pithy mantra and slogan, ‘Make America Great Again(MAGA), Trump set out to dismantle globalization. While Trump’s success in the attempt to roll back globalization has been mixed but because globalization or a retreat from it has become a valence issue in the United States and other parts of the Western world and a power-political one with security issues latched on to it, with China, globalization is in retreat. But this retreat appears to be partial with the potential of trade and capital flows re-emerging in the triad of North America, Western Europe and Japan. The thrust, intensity and nature of these trade flow, given a whole host of factors, are unlikely to be the same as it was in the post-war period. At the same time, in and within the virtual networks created by globalization, the phenomenon remains as intense as ever, perhaps even exacerbated by the trends induced by COVID 19- online shopping, working from home and so on. If then deglobalization has gained momentum, globalization has not died. Its form and shape have changed. In the world of technology networks of a virtual nature, it appears to be as intense as ever but in the trade, capital, people and technology flow it appears to be assuming a different form and shape. From the perspective of economic development and poverty alleviation, this change might not be too sanguine for developing countries and the poor ones, especially ones that stood to gain from globalization. But, this is how it is, at the moment. Will globalization become prominent again? The answer to this question cannot be definitely answered but if history is any guide, it will, at some point in time. But for globalization to work, it has to be made to work for all and not a narrow section or upper crust of societies. Admittedly, this assertion is a cliché but there is no other alternative if the phenomenon is to be workable. All in all, in the coming decades, the world will both globalize and deglobalize and the directive impetus for either will lie in politics and not the other way round. That is, if politics followed globalization in the concluding decades of the 20th century, this time around globalization will follow politics. Whether this will be sanguine of not, time will tell. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Is globalization assuming a ‘new old’ form?

Russia President Vladimir Putin has called on the leaders of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council to make good on an agreement to hold a face-to-face summit to try to tackle the world's problems as soon as possible.

Putin made the appeal in an article in English published late on Thursday in American international affairs magazine The National Interest.

In the article, he examined the events of World War Two close on the heels of a Red Square parade next week to mark the 75th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany.

"Today, as in 1945, it is important to demonstrate political will and discuss the future together," Putin wrote in the article.

He proposed such a summit in January and the four other permanent members of the UN Security Council - the United States, China, France and Britain - gave their agreement in principle.

Moscow hopes the summit can proceed once coronavirus fears recede despite its relations with the West, and particularly the United States, being strained over everything from Syria and Ukraine to alleged Russian political meddling abroad.

The summit would discuss the global economy, global security, arms control, extremism, cyberspace and climate change.

Russia President Vladimir Putin has called on the leaders of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council to make good on an agreement to hold a face-to-face summit to try to tackle the world's problems as soon as possible.

Russia President Vladimir Putin has called on the leaders of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council to make good on an agreement to hold a face-to-face summit to try to tackle the world's problems as soon as possible. Putin made the appeal in an article in English published late on Thursday in American international affairs magazine The National Interest. In the article, he examined the events of World War Two close on the heels of a Red Square parade next week to mark the 75th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany. "Today, as in 1945, it is important to demonstrate political will and discuss the future together," Putin wrote in the article. He proposed such a summit in January and the four other permanent members of the UN Security Council - the United States, China, France and Britain - gave their agreement in principle. Moscow hopes the summit can proceed once coronavirus fears recede despite its relations with the West, and particularly the United States, being strained over everything from Syria and Ukraine to alleged Russian political meddling abroad. The summit would discuss the global economy, global security, arms control, extremism, cyberspace and climate change.

Putin pushes idea of Russian-backed summit to stabilise world

Facing its deepest recession since World War II and with business confidence collapsing, the coronavirus pandemic is hitting Italy's economy hard.

Business confidence in the eurozone's third largest economy in May plummeted to its lowest level since official statistics institute ISTAT started the index in March 2005.

The figure is "alarming", said small business federation Confesercenti.

"The health and economic emergency has swept businesses away, especially in shops, services and tourism," it said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-news-return-to-normal-life-as-italys-serie-a-resumes-on-june-20-301738">Also read:&nbsp;'Return to normal life' as Italy's Serie A resumes on June 20</a>

Its members are particularly concerned "by the lack of liquidity necessary to pay costs and salaries... we are close to a point of no return and that's why the measures decided by the government (loan guarantees, SME subsidies) must be operational immediately," said federation head Patrizia De Luise.

"We need to reduce bureaucracy and accelerate and simplify procedures, because if support is delayed again, many businesses will have no option but to stop," she said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/cannes-2020-to-unveil-lineup-next-week-301903">Also read:&nbsp;Cannes 2020 to unveil lineup next week</a>

The government last week accused banks of not acting quickly enough, but they said that they had already passed on around 400,000 loan requests worth more than 18 billion euros ($20 billion) to the state-backed Central Guarantee Fund.

A million jobs threatened 
Italy was the first European country to be hit by the pandemic and imposed a strict two-month lockdown which paralysed much of the country's economic activity.

As a result, the country is set for a drop in GDP of between nine and 13 percent, the Bank of Italy said on Friday.

Data also showed that the economy shrank 5.3 percent in the first quarter - worse than the 4.7 percent initially estimated.

It had not seen such an "exceptional" decline in the first quarter since 1995, ISTAT said.

This year's losses could amount to 170 billion euros, equivalent to the GDP of Veneto, Italy's third biggest industrial region, a Mediobanca study said.

The head of the country's main business confederation Cofindustria, Carlo Bonomi, said that up to a million jobs could be threatened nationwide.

"We're waiting for figures at the end of May but indications are that between 700,000 and a million jobs are in danger," he said.

"Jobs are only created if there is growth, innovation, investment. The car manufacturing crisis can't be solved with subsidies or furloughing. You solve it by looking to the future, by investing in new technologies," he said.

Italy is set to be the main beneficiary of a European Union 750-billion-euro recovery plan but it still may not be enough.

No aid 
Italian citizens are slightly more optimistic, but far from celebrating. The pandemic has killed over 30,000 people.

Consumer confidence went from 100.1 points in May to 94.3 in March, its lowest level since December 2013.

While the state has paid for furloughs or handouts for those no longer able to work, many have slipped through the net.

They include Eleonora Fogliacco, 35, a fitness and swimming teacher in Lombardy, the hardest hit region where gyms were ordered closed at the end of February.

"I didn't qualify for the 600-euro monthly government handout because I earned more than 10,000 euros last year," she told AFP.

"During the crisis I had peaceful days and days when I felt completely lost, without any state help. I could no longer see the future and I didn't know what to hold onto," she said.

"I don't buy anything. I depend on my partner for the shopping," said Fogliacco.

"This situation has changed everybody's way of life (and) everything will be very complicated" in the future, she added.

According to a Confcommercio-Censis poll published on Tuesday, 53 percent of Italian families see their future negatively and 68 percent see the country's future negatively.

Because of lockdown, 42 percent of families have had to reduce their work and income, 26 percent have stopped work and 24 percent have been furloughed.

Facing its deepest recession since World War II and with business confidence collapsing, the coronavirus pandemic is hitting Italy's economy hard. Business confidence in the eurozone's third largest economy in May plummeted to its lowest level since official statistics institute ISTAT started the index in March 2005.

Facing its deepest recession since World War II and with business confidence collapsing, the coronavirus pandemic is hitting Italy's economy hard. Business confidence in the eurozone's third largest economy in May plummeted to its lowest level since official statistics institute ISTAT started the index in March 2005. The figure is "alarming", said small business federation Confesercenti. "The health and economic emergency has swept businesses away, especially in shops, services and tourism," it said. Also read: 'Return to normal life' as Italy's Serie A resumes on June 20 Its members are particularly concerned "by the lack of liquidity necessary to pay costs and salaries... we are close to a point of no return and that's why the measures decided by the government (loan guarantees, SME subsidies) must be operational immediately," said federation head Patrizia De Luise. "We need to reduce bureaucracy and accelerate and simplify procedures, because if support is delayed again, many businesses will have no option but to stop," she said. Also read: Cannes 2020 to unveil lineup next week The government last week accused banks of not acting quickly enough, but they said that they had already passed on around 400,000 loan requests worth more than 18 billion euros ($20 billion) to the state-backed Central Guarantee Fund. A million jobs threatened Italy was the first European country to be hit by the pandemic and imposed a strict two-month lockdown which paralysed much of the country's economic activity. As a result, the country is set for a drop in GDP of between nine and 13 percent, the Bank of Italy said on Friday. Data also showed that the economy shrank 5.3 percent in the first quarter - worse than the 4.7 percent initially estimated. It had not seen such an "exceptional" decline in the first quarter since 1995, ISTAT said. This year's losses could amount to 170 billion euros, equivalent to the GDP of Veneto, Italy's third biggest industrial region, a Mediobanca study said. The head of the country's main business confederation Cofindustria, Carlo Bonomi, said that up to a million jobs could be threatened nationwide. "We're waiting for figures at the end of May but indications are that between 700,000 and a million jobs are in danger," he said. "Jobs are only created if there is growth, innovation, investment. The car manufacturing crisis can't be solved with subsidies or furloughing. You solve it by looking to the future, by investing in new technologies," he said. Italy is set to be the main beneficiary of a European Union 750-billion-euro recovery plan but it still may not be enough. No aid Italian citizens are slightly more optimistic, but far from celebrating. The pandemic has killed over 30,000 people. Consumer confidence went from 100.1 points in May to 94.3 in March, its lowest level since December 2013. While the state has paid for furloughs or handouts for those no longer able to work, many have slipped through the net. They include Eleonora Fogliacco, 35, a fitness and swimming teacher in Lombardy, the hardest hit region where gyms were ordered closed at the end of February. "I didn't qualify for the 600-euro monthly government handout because I earned more than 10,000 euros last year," she told AFP. "During the crisis I had peaceful days and days when I felt completely lost, without any state help. I could no longer see the future and I didn't know what to hold onto," she said. "I don't buy anything. I depend on my partner for the shopping," said Fogliacco. "This situation has changed everybody's way of life (and) everything will be very complicated" in the future, she added. According to a Confcommercio-Censis poll published on Tuesday, 53 percent of Italian families see their future negatively and 68 percent see the country's future negatively. Because of lockdown, 42 percent of families have had to reduce their work and income, 26 percent have stopped work and 24 percent have been furloughed.

Virus-battered Italy faces worst recession since WWII

The World War II witnessed a bitter end. But to commemorate Victory Day in Europe, a British intelligence agency revealed the last Nazi message intercepted by them.

Revealed for the first time by the UK’s Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), the message has the final words of a German lieutenant a few moments before he surrendered to British forces.

The message was recorded in Cuxhaven, a town in Northern Germany.

The lieutenant, “Kunkel” had sent his final message to colleagues on May 7, 1945 at 7.35 am.

In the message, Kunkel&nbsp;claimed that they were closing their network “forever” as he bid goodbye to his peers.

“British troops entered Cuxhaven at 14:00 on 6 May - from now on all radio traffic will cease - wishing you all the best. Lt Kunkel," the note says.

<h6><img alt="pp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9e50cbc5-23b4-4f8e-b3a2-016530329c15" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-5_2.jpg" /> 
General view of the Basque town of Guernica after it was bombed 26 April 1937 by the pilots of Adolf Hitler's Condor Legion in an attack that prefigured the massive air raids of World War II | AFP</h6>

&nbsp;

"Closing down for ever - all the best - goodbye”, the message further said.

In another message found by CNN, a solder on the Danish coast asks for spare cigarettes, to which a colleague replied with “no cigarettes here”.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
To mark <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VEDay75?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VEDay75</a> our Historian Tony Comer tells an untold tale from our archives. 
 
For the first time he reveals the final messages intercepted by GCHQ from a German communications network in the days leading up to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VEDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VEDay</a> ⬇️ <a href="https://t.co/K7hLcN9c1J">pic.twitter.com/K7hLcN9c1J</a>
— GCHQ (@GCHQ) <a href="https://twitter.com/GCHQ/status/1258661160892747776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Britain was able to decode German messages in 1940 at the Bletchley Park country estate close to London.

On Friday, 75 years were completed since the end of World War II in Europe.

During the WW2, which lasted from 1939 to 1945, world was divided into two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis. Eventually, the Nazi empire fell and the era of nuclear weapons began.

The World War II witnessed a bitter end. But to commemorate Victory Day in Europe, a British intelligence agency revealed the last Nazi message intercepted by them.

The World War II witnessed a bitter end. But to commemorate Victory Day in Europe, a British intelligence agency revealed the last Nazi message intercepted by them. Revealed for the first time by the UK’s Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), the message has the final words of a German lieutenant a few moments before he surrendered to British forces. The message was recorded in Cuxhaven, a town in Northern Germany. The lieutenant, “Kunkel” had sent his final message to colleagues on May 7, 1945 at 7.35 am. In the message, Kunkel claimed that they were closing their network “forever” as he bid goodbye to his peers. “British troops entered Cuxhaven at 14:00 on 6 May - from now on all radio traffic will cease - wishing you all the best. Lt Kunkel," the note says. General view of the Basque town of Guernica after it was bombed 26 April 1937 by the pilots of Adolf Hitler's Condor Legion in an attack that prefigured the massive air raids of World War II | AFP "Closing down for ever - all the best - goodbye”, the message further said. In another message found by CNN, a solder on the Danish coast asks for spare cigarettes, to which a colleague replied with “no cigarettes here”. To mark #VEDay75 our Historian Tony Comer tells an untold tale from our archives. For the first time he reveals the final messages intercepted by GCHQ from a German communications network in the days leading up to #VEDay ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/K7hLcN9c1J — GCHQ (@GCHQ) May 8, 2020 × Britain was able to decode German messages in 1940 at the Bletchley Park country estate close to London. On Friday, 75 years were completed since the end of World War II in Europe. During the WW2, which lasted from 1939 to 1945, world was divided into two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis. Eventually, the Nazi empire fell and the era of nuclear weapons began.

UK reveals last recorded Nazi message to commemorate the end of World War II

75 years ago on May 8 World War 2 ended with the surrender of Germany to allied powers. It was the day when the winning side on Europe celebrated and the world at large took a sigh of relief. Watch report.

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