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Tiger mosquitoes behind dengue fever rise in Europe

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An invasive species of mosquito has established itself in 13 EU countries, including France, Spain, and Greece, leading to a rise in dengue fever cases in Europe. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) attributes this spread to climate change, which has created favorable conditions for the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus). This species, considered the most invasive mosquito globally, is now spreading northwards, even reaching Paris, where authorities are actively monitoring and trapping the insects ahead of the Olympic Games in July.

The ECDC warns that international travel will likely increase the risk of further outbreaks in Europe. To mitigate this, it advises people to remove stagnant water from gardens and balconies, use insect repellent, and install screens on windows and doors. The tiger mosquito, which transmits diseases like dengue fever, chikungunya, and Zika virus, has become prevalent in countries such as Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, and Spain, and has been reported in Belgium, Cyprus, Czechia, the Netherlands, and Slovakia.

Another mosquito species, Aedes aegypti, which spreads yellow fever, has been found in Cyprus and poses a significant threat to other parts of Europe due to its preference for biting humans and its disease transmission capabilities. Dengue fever, which can escalate from flu-like symptoms to severe, sometimes fatal conditions, has seen increasing outbreaks in Europe. Last year, multiple infections were recorded in France, Italy, and Spain, with a total of 130 locally-acquired cases, up from 71 the previous year.

The West Nile virus, also transmitted by mosquitoes, is now more widespread in Europe, with a case reported in southern Spain as early as March, indicating that climate conditions are becoming suitable for mosquitoes much earlier in the year. ECDC Director Andrea Ammon emphasizes the need for personal protective measures, early case detection, timely surveillance, further research, and awareness-raising activities in high-risk areas. With dengue fever endemic in over 100 countries and malaria posing the deadliest mosquito-borne threat, concerns are growing about potential increases in malaria incidents in Europe if conditions remain favorable.

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French Music Icon Françoise Hardy Dies at 80

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Françoise Hardy, one of France’s most beloved singer-songwriters, has died at the age of 80. Her son, Thomas Dutronc, also a musician, confirmed her passing on social media, stating, “Mum is gone.”

Hardy emerged onto the music scene in 1962, becoming a cultural icon who influenced artists like Mick Jagger and Bob Dylan. Renowned for her melancholic ballads, she epitomized France’s Yé-yé pop movement, which was influenced by English music. Some of her most famous songs include “Tous les garçons et les filles” (“All the Boys and Girls”), “Comment te dire adieu” (“It Hurts to Say Goodbye”), and “Mon amie la rose” (“My Friend the Rose”). Her biggest hit in the UK was “All Over The World,” the English version of “Dans le monde entier,” reaching number 16 in June 1965.

Born in Nazi-occupied Paris in 1944 and raised by her mother, Hardy was inspired by Elvis Presley and Cliff Richard, among others, listening to them on Radio Luxembourg. She signed her first record deal at 17 and had her breakthrough in 1962 with “Tous les garçons et les filles,” a hit in both France and the UK.

Her style caught the attention of fashion designers, leading her to model for Yves Saint Laurent and Paco Rabanne, who created a famous gold plate dress for her. Mick Jagger once described her as the “ideal woman,” and Bob Dylan wrote several love letters to her, even addressing her in a poem on his 1964 album “Another Side of Bob Dylan.”

One of Hardy’s notable performances was in 1968 with “Comment te dire adieu,” a French adaptation by Serge Gainsbourg of an English song. The song, about a painful goodbye to a man with a “heart of pyrex,” has been covered numerous times. Throughout her career, she collaborated with artists like Blur and Iggy Pop.

Besides her music career, Hardy was an actress in films by directors like Jean-Luc Godard, Roger Vadim, and John Frankenheimer, and she was also a writer of both fiction and non-fiction, with a particular interest in astrology from the 1970s.

Hardy was married to singer Jacques Dutronc, with whom she had her son, Thomas. Although they separated in the late 1980s, she often referred to Dutronc as the love of her life. Diagnosed with lymphoma in 2004, Hardy’s health declined over the years. In 2015, she was in an induced coma for weeks following a fall, and in 2021, she revealed she had cancer in one of her ears and felt “close to the end.”

Her career spanned over five decades, with nearly 30 albums released. Her final album, “Personne D’Autre” (“Nobody Else”), came out in 2018. Rolling Stone ranked her number 162 on its list of the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time in 2023. Following her death, France’s Culture Minister, Rachida Dati, paid tribute, calling her an “eternal legend of French song” who touched the heart of an entire nation.

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Cypriot YouTuber Fidias Elected as Independent MEP

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A popular YouTuber from Cyprus, Fidias Panayiotou, has been elected as an independent Member of the European Parliament (MEP). Known for his unconventional online antics, including attempting to hug 100 celebrities and spending a week in a coffin, the 24-year-old Panayiotou has over 2.6 million subscribers on YouTube. Despite having no prior political experience, he secured 19.4% of the vote, the third-largest share.

Mr. Panayiotou expressed his surprise at the election outcome, calling it a “miracle,” and emphasized that political parties need to modernize and listen to the people. Last year, he faced backlash in Japan for a video where he dodged train fares and a hotel bill by hiding in toilets and pretending to be ill, which amassed millions of views.

Celebrating his win at Eleftheria Square in Nicosia, Panayiotou declared that they were making history both in Cyprus and internationally. Initially, he ran for election to inspire youth engagement in politics, despite his own admission of limited political knowledge and never having voted before. His candidacy significantly boosted voter turnout in Cyprus, rising to nearly 59% from 45% in the 2019 elections, partly attributed to what analysts dubbed the “Fidias factor.”

Exit poll analysis by Philenews revealed that Panayiotou garnered 40% of the votes from the 18-24 age group and 28% from the 25-34 age group. The six Cypriot MEPs elected included representatives from the conservative DISY (25%), the communist party AKEL (22%), the ultranationalist ELAM (11%), and the centrist party Diko (10%).

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Germany: Far-right celebrate beating Scholz’s party

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Alice Weidel, leader of Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), expressed on Monday that there is a growing demand for a vote of confidence and new elections, stating that the public is frustrated. The AfD is celebrating their unexpected success in the European Parliament elections, where they secured 16%, surpassing Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s centre-left SPD.

Despite facing numerous scandals, including allegations of money laundering, connections to the Kremlin, and espionage for China, the AfD’s campaign managed to perform well. Their two lead candidates, Maximilian Krah and Petr Bystron, were sidelined due to investigations into these allegations, with Krah further tarnishing the party’s image by downplaying Nazi crimes. Consequently, France’s hard-right leader Marine Le Pen distanced herself from the AfD.

In an effort to rehabilitate the party’s image, Weidel has excluded Krah from the AfD’s EU delegation. The party attributes the scandals to a “media campaign” and criticizes the judiciary and intelligence services for being politically biased. This narrative of victimization seems to have resonated with voters.

The AfD’s effective use of social media and direct slogans contrasted with the government’s more abstract campaign messaging about “defending democracy.” Co-leader Tino Chrupalla emphasized addressing real issues over engaging in mutual insults, which appeared to appeal to the electorate, especially in eastern Germany and among younger voters.

Meanwhile, the governing coalition is grappling with the poor election results, described as a “painful humiliation” by an SPD leader. Although the conservatives led with 30%, their performance was not seen as particularly strong given the government’s unpopularity. In eastern Germany, the AfD outperformed them, and the results complicate the formation of a stable coalition in the national parliament.

This outcome bolsters CDU leader Friedrich Merz’s efforts to steer his party towards a more conservative stance and supports his ambition to become Germany’s next chancellor. However, the real beneficiaries of the election are the populists.

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Attack on Danish PM not politically motivated, police say

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Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has reported feeling “shaken” but otherwise “fine” following an attack in Copenhagen’s old town. On Friday evening, a man approached her and struck her, causing minor whiplash. The 39-year-old Polish suspect, who was detained and charged with violence against a public official, has pleaded not guilty. Police, who suspect the man was under the influence of alcohol and drugs, do not believe the attack was politically motivated.

After the incident, Frederiksen was taken to a hospital for a check-up, and her Saturday schedule was canceled. She expressed gratitude for the support she received via an Instagram post, where she mentioned her need for rest and time with her family.

European leaders condemned the attack, with EU chief Charles Michel expressing outrage and French President Emmanuel Macron calling it “unacceptable.” The incident occurred just two days before the European elections, in which Denmark is participating.

Frederiksen, 46, is the leader of Denmark’s Social Democrats and became the country’s youngest prime minister in 2019.

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VPN IBE (FMB Awards): A Night of Excellence in Cinema, Business, and Media

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Le Meridien Kochi sparkled with glitz and glamour as the VPN IBE (FMB Awards) gala unfolded, a collaborative effort by Pegasus Group and Manappuram Finance Ltd. This grand event was dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the luminaries who have carved their names in the annals of cinema, business, and media with their exceptional talent and dedication.

In a momentous acknowledgment of his cinematic legacy, Shri Balachandra Menon was honored with the prestigious Film Iconic Legacy Award. The Media Excellence Award found its deserving recipient in Mr. Johny Lukose, while Mr. Gokulam Gopalan was hailed as the Business Visionary Award winner for his groundbreaking contributions to the corporate world.

Distributing these coveted accolades was none other than Shri V. P. Nandakumar, the distinguished MD & CEO of Manappuram Finance Ltd, adding an aura of reverence to the proceedings. With the esteemed presence of Show Director Ajit Ravi, the VPN IBE (FMB Awards) gala became not just a celebration of achievement, but a beacon of inspiration for future generations striving for excellence in their chosen fields.

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Aline Grasielli Moncale of Brazil Takes Mrs Glam World 2024 Crown

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The SAJ DQUE Watches Mrs Glam World 2024 title has been claimed by the Brazilian beauty Aline Grasielli Moncale, accompanied by Magen Fernandes from India as the first runner-up and Samantha Stephanie Edwards from South Africa as the second runner-up. The highly anticipated 3rd edition of Mrs Glam World took place on June 9th at Le Meridien, Kochi. Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd, a leading event production company in India, organised this remarkable event. Leveraging their extensive experience and creative expertise, Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd curated an exceptional experience for all attendees. Their meticulous planning and attention to detail ensured flawless execution of every aspect of the event, leaving a lasting impression on all participants and guests.

Former winner Pooja Mohan had the honor of bestowing the gold stuffed crown upon the Mrs Glam World winner. Unnikrishnan Nair, GM of Saj Earth Hotel crowned the first runner-up, while Jolly Antony, Chairman of Vibe Munnar crowned the second runner-up. Ajit Ravi, the founder of the Mrs Glam World competition and Chairman of Pegasus, officiated the prize announcement and coronation.

Dasun V Imukthi Bandara Wijesinghe (Founder / CEO of The Walk Model Academy and The Walk Studio, Sri Lanka), Balan Maëva (Actress & Model, France), Ambika S Nair (Actress, India), Rohit Manjrekar (Music Director, Canada) and Dr. Fong Toh Jeng (CEO and Founder, UR klinik, Malaysia) were on the judging panel. The winners of the subtitles were selected by a panel of eminent persons.

Preethi Parakkat of Parakkat Jewelers crafted the exquisite gold stuffed crown presented to the winners of Mrs Glam World.

Continental Titles

Mrs Glam World Asia – Taiwan

Mrs Glam World Africa – South Africa

Mrs Glam World Europe – France

Mrs Glam World South America – Brazil

Mrs Glam World North America – Canada

Sub Title Winners

Mrs Glam World Solidarity – Malaysia

Mrs Glam World Fashionista –Taiwan

Mrs Glam World Talent – Brazil

Mrs Glam World Sensational – Canada

Mrs Glam World Diligent – France

Mrs Glam World Inspiring – Bashkortastan

Mrs Glam World Vivacious – Uzbekistan

Mrs Glam World Shining Star – Armenia

Mrs Glam World Ramp Walk – India

VeeKayVees Mrs Culnarian 2024 – South Africa

Mrs Glam World National Costume – Brazil

Mrs Glam World Adorable – Sri Lanka

Such pageants are a platform for married women from all over the world to showcase their talent. The main goal of hosting this competition is to showcase the rich and varied cultural heritage of the nation while also promoting tourism. Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd distinguishes itself as the only company globally to opt out of the conventional Bikini round in their pageants. Instead, they prioritize talent and personality as the key criteria for assessment.

SAJ Group Hotels & Resorts and DQUE Watches is the main partners of Mrs Glam World 2024 organized by Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd. Manappuram Finance Ltd, FICF (Federal International Chamber Forum), Unique Times, VIBE and DQUE Face and Body Skin Friendly Soap are powered by Partners.

Co-partners are Parakkat Resort, Kalpana International, Times New, UT World, Aiswaria Advertisements, Europe Times, Alcazar, Ryoto Electrix, Neenu Pro The Sound Experts, Green Media, St Joseph Hospital Trust, Divas, VeeKayVees Caterers, Akshay Inco and JD Institute of Fashion Technology.

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Miss Glam World 2024 Crowns Global Beauties

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Man-Jung Kao from Taiwan clinched the SAJ DQUE Watches Miss Glam World 2024 title, with Lara Vitoria Gama from Brazil securing the first runner-up position and Debasmita from India as the second runner-up. The highly anticipated fifth edition of Miss Glam World unfolded on June 9th at Le Meridien, Kochi. Known for their proficiency in event management, Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd orchestrated an extraordinary and memorable event. Demonstrating their steadfast commitment to excellence, Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd once again proved their industry prowess by delivering an event that exceeded expectations and left a lasting impression on all attendees.

Jebitha Ajit, the Managing Director of Pegasus Global, bestowed the title of Miss Glam World upon the winner. Unnikrishnan Nair, the GM of SAJ Earth Hotel, and Jolly Antony, Chairman of Vibe Munnar, jointly crowned the first runner-up. The second runner-up was honored by Preeti Prakash, Director, and Prakash Parakkat, Managing Director, Parakkat Jewellers. Ajit Ravi, the founder of the Miss Glam World competition and Chairman of Pegasus, officiated the prize announcement and coronation.

Dasun V Imukthi Bandara Wijesinghe (Founder / CEO of The Walk Model Academy and The Walk Studio, Sri Lanka), Balan Maëva (Actress & Model, France), Ambika S Nair (Actress, India), Rohit Manjrekar (Music Director, Canada) and Dr. Fong Toh Jeng (CEO and Founder, UR klinik, Malaysia) were on the judging panel. The winners of the subtitles were selected by a panel of eminent persons.

Preethi Parakkat of Parakkat Jewelers crafted the exquisite gold stuffed crown presented to the winners of Miss Glam World.

Continental Titles

Miss Glam World Asia – Philippines

Miss Glam World Africa – South Africa

Miss Glam World Europe – France

Miss Glam World South America –Brazil

Sub Title Winners

Miss Glam World Solidarity – South Africa

Miss Glam World Fashionista – Philippines

Miss Glam World Talent – Taiwan

Miss Glam World Sensational – Russia

Miss Glam World Diligent – India

Miss Glam World Inspiring – Zambia

Miss Glam World Vivacious – Sri Lanka

Miss Glam World Shining Star – Nepal

Miss Glam World Ramp Walk – Brazil

VeeKayVees Gourmet Queen – Sri Lanka

Miss Glam World National Costume – Philippines

Miss Glam World Adorable – France

SAJ Group Hotels and Resorts and DQUE Watches is the main partners of Miss Glam World 2024 organized by Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd. Manappuram Finance Ltd, FICF (Federal International Chamber Forum), Unique Times, VIBE and DQUE Face and Body Skin Friendly Soap are powered by Partners.

Co-partners are Parakkat Resort, Kalpana International, Times New, UT World, Aiswaria Advertisements, Europe Times, Alcazar, Ryoto Electrix, Neenu Pro The Sound Experts, Green Media, St Joseph Hospital Trust, Divas, VeeKayVees Caterers, Akshay Inco and JD Institute of Fashion Technology.

The main objective behind organizing this competition is to showcase the rich and diverse cultural values of the country, while also promoting tourism. Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd distinguishes itself as the only company in the world that has chosen to eliminate the widely recognized Bikini round from their pageants. Instead, they prioritize talent and personality as the key criteria for evaluation.

Picture Courtesy: Pegasus Photography/images are subject to copyright

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Global Recognition: Dr. Hafeez Rahman’s Remarkable Career Culminates in MBA Award

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During an evening of festivities and acknowledgment, Dr. Hafeez Rahman, Chairman of Sunrise Hospitals, was honored with the distinguished 15th Manappuram Multibillionaire Business Achiever (MBA) Award at the Le Meridien Hotel in Kochi. The grand affair, on June 9th, marked Dr. Hafeez Rahman’s formal introduction into the esteemed Federal International Chamber Forum (FICF), a select group comprising some of the globe’s wealthiest entrepreneurs. V P Nandakumar, MD&CEO of Manappuram Finance, had the honor of presenting the award. Gokulam Gopalan, Managing Director of Gokulam Group of Companies, and Ajit Ravi, Founder, MBA Awards, FICF Club and Chairman of Pegasus were present on the occasion. 

A globally renowned laparoscopic surgeon, Dr. Hafeez Rahman embarked on his illustrious career in 1992. His visionary leadership led to the establishment of the Sunrise Group of Hospitals in 2005, a testament to his commitment to healthcare excellence. With branches spanning across the UAE and India, Sunrise Hospitals has emerged as a beacon of medical innovation and compassionate care.

Beyond his remarkable achievements in the medical field, Dr. Hafeez Rahman is celebrated for his philanthropic endeavors. Sunrise Hospital, under his stewardship, has initiated numerous community outreach programs and fostering healthy lifestyles among diverse demographics. Dr. Hafeez’s dedication to societal betterment aligns seamlessly with the ethos of the Federal International Chamber Forum.

Dr. Hafeez Rahman’s induction into the Federal International Chamber Forum solidifies his status as a luminary in the global business landscape. As a member of this exclusive guild, comprised of individuals with assets exceeding 1000 crores (Indian Rupees), Dr. Hafeez Rahman joins the ranks of industry titans committed to leveraging their expertise for the greater good. The FICF serves as a platform for collaboration, innovation, and advocacy, championing causes that transcend mere financial success.

Dr. Hafeez Rahman joins a prestigious cohort of previous MBA Award recipients, including luminaries such as Shri V P Nandakumar, Shri Joy Alukkas, M A Yusuf Ali, Shri T S Kalyanaraman, Shri P. N. C. Menon, Mr Gokulam Gopalan, Dr Ravi Pillai, Mr M P Ramachandran, Kochouseph Chittilappilly, Sabu M Jacob, Dr Viju Jacob, Dr A V Anoop, Dr Varghese Kurian, and Adv Dr P Krishnadas. Each member of this illustrious group embodies the spirit of entrepreneurialism and social responsibility, leaving an indelible mark on both the business world and society at large.

The ceremony for the 15th Manappuram Multibillionaire Business Achiever (MBA) Award underscores Dr. Hafeez Rahman’s steadfast commitment to excellence and service. As he takes his place among the esteemed members of the Federal International Chamber Forum, Dr. Rahman’s influence in healthcare, business, and humanitarian efforts remains a beacon of inspiration for future generations.

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Macron Calls Snap Election After Far-Right EU Defeat

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France’s President Emmanuel Macron has called a snap parliamentary election after a significant defeat by the far-right National Rally party, led by Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella, in the European elections. This unexpected move came as exit polls indicated that the National Rally secured over 30% of the vote, double that of Macron’s centrist Renaissance party. While France’s far-right victory was notable, the broader European election narrative saw the centre-right parties strengthening their hold on the EU Parliament, achieving successes in countries like Germany, Greece, Poland, and Spain.

Ursula von der Leyen, head of the European Commission and a prominent figure in the centre-right European People’s Party (EPP), highlighted that despite gains by both far-left and far-right factions, the centre-right remained a stabilizing force. Von der Leyen reaffirmed the EPP’s commitment to alliances only with the Socialists & Democrats and the liberal Renew group, excluding any collaboration with far-right groups.

Germany’s elections saw the conservative CDU come out on top, whereas Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s SPD experienced its worst-ever European election result, finishing behind the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). In Italy, Giorgia Meloni’s far-right Brothers of Italy continued their dominance, while in Austria, the Freedom Party was poised for an unprecedented victory in the European vote.

Elsewhere, Hungary witnessed a new challenge to Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s dominance with the rise of Peter Magyar’s centre-right Tisza party. Spain’s centre-right Popular Party narrowly defeated the Socialists, while far-right Vox came in third. In Denmark, the opposition Green-Left party achieved a surprise victory, and in Slovakia, the liberal Progressive Slovakia party triumphed over the ruling Smer party.

Overall, while the far-right made notable gains in specific countries, particularly France, their surge was less pronounced across Europe than anticipated. The centre-right’s consolidation of power, however, underscores a continuing preference for more moderate political forces in the EU.

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