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Hungary’s Orban Calls for Ceasefire During Visit to Kyiv

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Viktor Orban arrived in Ukraine on Tuesday for an unannounced visit shortly after assuming the role of rotating president of the European Union. While in Kyiv, the Hungarian prime minister suggested that a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine could expedite negotiations to end the ongoing conflict, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.

Orban, known for his critical stance on Western support for Ukraine and close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, has not visited Ukraine in 12 years but has met with Putin several times. During his joint appearance with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, their body language was notably reserved, and neither took questions from the media.

Orban previously delayed the agreement on a €50 billion EU aid package meant to support Ukraine against Russia. However, his new role as head of the European Council for the next six months grants him significant influence as a European figurehead. He emphasized the need to resolve past disagreements and focus on future cooperation during his discussions in Ukraine.

Zelensky stressed the importance of maintaining Europe’s support for Ukraine and fostering meaningful, mutually beneficial cooperation among European neighbors. Orban highlighted the necessity of collaboration and proposed a ceasefire to hasten peace negotiations with Russia, expressing gratitude for Zelensky’s candid responses.

Orban stated that his visit underscored the importance of peace not just for Ukraine but for all of Europe, acknowledging the war’s profound impact on European security. Zelensky did not publicly respond to Orban’s ceasefire comments but later posted on X, emphasizing the significance of European unity and collective action. He described their discussion as focused on achieving a just, lasting, and fair peace.

Many Ukrainians view a ceasefire as potentially solidifying Russia’s control over seized territories and prefer negotiations from a position of strength. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba expressed openness to working with all parties to solve problems, acknowledging the challenges but emphasizing the potential for tangible results.

During Orban’s visit, he and Zelensky also addressed bilateral issues, including the status of the 100,000 ethnic Hungarians living in Ukraine. Orban expressed optimism about progress on the rights of ethnic Hungarians and wished Ukraine success. The EU had initiated membership talks for Ukraine just before Hungary assumed the EU Council Presidency.

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Millionaire Expresses Surprise at Allegations Surrounding Greek Fire Incident

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Daniyar Abulgazin, one of Kazakhstan’s wealthiest individuals, has firmly denied any wrongdoing following allegations that a party on a superyacht he rented may have ignited a forest fire in Greece. He and seven other Kazakh nationals are facing charges from Greek authorities for complicity in arson. The incident occurred against the backdrop of Greece’s first heatwave of 2024, during which firefighters have been battling multiple blazes daily.

Initially, authorities suspected that fireworks launched from the yacht Persephoni directly caused the fire, but recent reports from Greek media suggest the fireworks may have been launched from a beach on the island after guests from the Persephoni disembarked. This case has sparked outrage in Greece, exacerbated by reports that the yacht’s passengers departed shortly after the fire erupted on June 21st.

In response to the allegations, Mr. Abulgazin released a statement asserting his innocence. He explained that he had rented the Persephoni for a week and had flown home the following day as planned. According to him, representatives of the Greek authorities did not initially make any claims against him or his guests in connection with the incident. He expressed surprise upon learning of the allegations later.

Mr. Abulgazin stated, “We strictly followed the fire safety rules established on the yacht. Neither I nor my guests asked the crew of the yacht or any other third parties to take any actions that could lead to a fire.” He also emphasized his willingness to fully cooperate with the Greek authorities in their investigation.

Despite the seriousness of the allegations, it is noted that Kazakhstan does not have an extradition agreement with Greece, potentially affecting legal proceedings involving Mr. Abulgazin and his associates.

Currently, the captain and first mate of the Persephoni remain in custody, while fifteen other crew members, initially arrested, have been released on bail under certain restrictions.

Mr. Abulgazin is widely recognized as a major figure in Kazakhstan’s petroleum industry, boasting a personal fortune estimated at approximately $400 million (£315 million).

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Celebrating Excellence: Dr. Ajit Ravi’s Vision for Mrs Asia Global

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At Le Meridien in Kochi, India, on September 7th, Dr. Ajit Ravi, the visionary founder and chairman of Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd, will proudly host the prestigious Mrs Asia Global Pageant 2024. Known as the creator of Mrs Asia Global, Dr. Ajit Ravi has passionately devoted himself to acknowledging and celebrating the extraordinary achievements of married women worldwide. His steadfast commitment to excellence and innovation has firmly positioned this event as a prominent platform for highlighting talent and cultural diversity.

Ajit Ravi Pegasus (Founder & Chairman, Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd)

Contestants will undergo rigorous grooming sessions at scenic venues emphasizing their cultural richness and individual skills. This preparation will culminate in a grand finale where participants showcase their unique talents, celebrating cultural diversity and personal accomplishments under Dr. Ajit Ravi’s guidance.

Beyond a mere beauty pageant, the Mrs Asia Global Pageant serves as a dynamic platform for cultural exchange and mutual understanding among countries around the world. Through collaborative activities, city tours, and shared experiences, participants forge meaningful connections that transcend geographical boundaries. Dr. Ajit Ravi’s commitment to empowering women and promoting cultural appreciation is evident in every aspect of the event, reinforcing its mission to celebrate diversity and excellence on a global stage.

The crowning of Mrs Asia Global 2024 on September 7th will represent a notable milestone in honoring women’s achievements and fostering unity across continents. With more than twenty years of expertise, Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd, guided by Dr. Ajit Ravi, guarantees that the Mrs Asia Global Pageant 2024 will be an impactful and unforgettable occasion, spotlighting the extraordinary diversity and accomplishments of married women from around the globe.

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Teen Glam World: Unveiling a Spectacular Debut in Kochi

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Ajit Ravi, the visionary founder and owner of Teen Glam World, is gearing up to launch his carefully crafted beauty pageant. This exciting event is slated for 7th September 2024, at the opulent Le Meridien in Kochi, India. Teen Glam World is designed to revolutionize beauty pageants by spotlighting intelligence, talent, and confidence in young women aged 13-18.

Ajit Ravi’s dedication to creating a platform where young women can excel will be evident throughout Teen Glam World. His aim goes beyond traditional beauty standards, offering contestants opportunities for personal development and empowerment. Young women from across the globe will gather to demonstrate their skills, create lasting memories, and build lifelong friendships.

Ajit Ravi Pegasus (Founder & Chairman, Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd)

Leading up to the grand finale, Ajit Ravi has planned grooming sessions at the picturesque Vibe Munnar and SAJ Earth. These sessions will prepare contestants, ensuring they exude confidence and grace on stage. As the founder and chairman of Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd, a distinguished event production company with a legacy of excellence, Ajit Ravi continues to innovate in the industry. The debut of Teen Glam World is set to enthrall audiences with its vibrant celebration of youth and elegance. Watch as these young participants embark on an empowering journey, showcasing their talents and charm on an international stage.

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One dead after armed gunmen storm French wedding

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A man in his 30s was killed, and several others were wounded in a shooting at a Turkish wedding in north-east France, police reported. French media indicate that three armed, masked men arrived at the reception in Thionville late on Saturday night and began firing at the guests. According to Le Figaro newspaper, citing police sources, the incident occurred at 1:15 AM local time and was linked to a conflict between well-known gangs in Moselle.

Among the wounded was a pregnant woman, and three of the injured are in critical condition at Bel-Air hospital. Approximately 100 people were celebrating at Eden Palace when the gunmen, who arrived in a 4×4 vehicle, opened fire.

A police source told AFP that a group had gone outside to smoke when three heavily armed men started shooting in their direction with automatic weapons and shotguns. Nancy prosecutor Francois Capin-Dulhoste stated that the attackers fired “several dozen times,” injuring four people aged between 25 and 50.

The attackers fled the scene before emergency services arrived. Local newspaper Le Républicain Lorrain reported that police are investigating if the attackers’ vehicle came from Germany or Luxembourg, which are about 15 km away. The Lorraine border region has a history of violent incidents linked to drug trafficking, and according to Le Parisien, the victims were known to authorities for drug-related cases. In May 2023, a shooting between rival gangs in the nearby town of Villerupt injured five people.

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Man Arrested After Climbing Roof During Euro 2024 Match to Take Photos

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Police have reported that a man who climbed onto the roof of the stadium during the Euro 2024 match between Germany and Denmark intended to “take good photos.”

Footage from the Mail showed the man, dressed in black with his face covered and carrying a backpack, walking in the rafters of the Westfalenstadion, Borussia Dortmund’s home ground.

The man was noticed by police at the start of the second half of Saturday’s last-16 match at 10:11pm local time. This followed a temporary suspension of the game due to a lightning storm in the 35th minute.

Police, a drone, and a helicopter observed him before German special forces arrested him on a walkway at 11:44pm. He was handcuffed and searched, but no dangerous items were found.

Dortmund police stated that the 21-year-old from Osnabruck in north-west Germany was carrying a camera in his backpack. They assured that “at no point was there any danger to other people in the stadium” and ruled out political motivation.

“Initial investigations revealed that the man had previously attempted to take photos from high altitudes of prominent buildings in Herne in April 2022 and in Ulm in May 2024,” the police said in a statement.

During questioning on Sunday night, the man from Osnabruck claimed he only wanted to take “good photos.” Although he has been released from custody, the police have begun investigating a charge of trespassing.

Both the police and Uefa, European football’s governing body, will investigate how he managed to access the roof without being stopped.

Uefa praised the cooperation of the police, stadium, and local authorities during the incident in Dortmund and stated that security measures would be reviewed at all host venues to ensure safety “in the stadium, on the pitch, and at team facilities.”

Germany’s 2-0 win advanced them to the quarter-finals, where they will face Spain or Georgia on Friday.

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Seven dead after train and bus collide at Slovakia level-crossing

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Seven people have lost their lives and five others were injured when an international express train collided with a bus at a level crossing in southern Slovakia, according to officials. The Slovak ambulance service confirmed that all the fatalities were bus passengers, who were severely burned in the ensuing fire, complicating the identification process, as stated by Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok.

The tragic accident occurred near the town of Nove Zamky, around 80km (50 miles) east of Bratislava, shortly after 17:00 local time (16:00 BST) on Thursday. At the time of the collision, the train carried approximately 200 people, while there were nine passengers on the bus. The impact split the Arriva bus in two, and both the bus and train drivers were among the injured.

Photographs from the scene depicted the locomotive engulfed in flames, with passengers evacuating along the tracks. The train involved was the EuroCity 279 service, traveling from Prague to Budapest via Bratislava, operated by a Czech Railways locomotive pulling Slovak Railways carriages. Czech Railways commended their driver for his quick actions to prevent injuries to the train passengers by attempting to avoid derailment. It is reported that he jumped into the control room moments before the collision and sustained burns in the subsequent fire.

An Arriva spokeswoman mentioned in Slovak media that the bus driver had over 30 years of experience. Local media also published videos showing passengers carrying luggage away from the burning train, with thick smoke billowing into the sky. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the accident. Some reports suggest the level crossing’s flashing lights and barriers were malfunctioning due to a recent storm. However, eyewitness accounts claim the lights were operational, the barriers were initially lowered, but then raised, leading to the bus crossing and being struck by the train.

Slovak Railways has not commented on these claims. Minister Estok, who visited the accident scene, emphasized on social media the importance of road and railroad crossing safety, remarking that “a little inattention is enough and life can change in a hundredth of a second – forever.”

Passenger Katarina Molnarova, 43, recounted to AFP that just as she departed from Nove Zamky station, she felt and heard a crash. She mentioned there was no panic, and passengers calmly took their luggage and walked to safety. Emergency services dispatched five ambulances and three air ambulances to the site.

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Von der Leyen Nominated for Second Term as EU Commission President

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EU leaders have nominated Ursula von der Leyen, the current European Commission head, for a second five-year term during a summit in Brussels. Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas has been selected as the EU’s next foreign affairs chief, and former Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa has been chosen as the next chairman of EU summits. All three candidates are from centrist, pro-EU factions.

The European Parliament will vote on the nominations of Ms. von der Leyen and Ms. Kallas. Von der Leyen is from Germany’s centre-right, Costa is a socialist, and Kallas is a liberal. This leadership package represents continuity for the EU amid geopolitical uncertainty, despite a recent surge in support for hard-right parties in the European Parliament elections.

Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has shown resistance, stating that the plans ignore the successes of hard-right parties like her own. Meloni, who heads the right-wing European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) bloc, abstained from voting for von der Leyen and voted against Costa and Kallas. Despite the ECR becoming the third largest group in the European Parliament, Meloni was not included in the nomination discussions.

Meloni expressed frustration, arguing that European voters had asked for a different direction. Without naming names, she criticized those who believe in oligarchy as the only acceptable form of democracy.

Von der Leyen will need 361 votes from the European Parliament for confirmation. Support from the centre-right European People’s Party, liberals, and social democrats could give her enough backing, but it will be close. Diplomats suggest that von der Leyen might seek Meloni’s support by offering Italy a powerful commission post.

Von der Leyen expressed gratitude for her nomination and highlighted the importance of supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, a task that may become more complex if Donald Trump wins the upcoming US presidential election.

Kallas, known for her strong support of Ukraine and criticism of the Kremlin, acknowledged the significant responsibility of her new role. Some critics are concerned that her firm stance on Russia could pose challenges.

Costa praised his colleagues and emphasized the importance of European unity and resilience. He will replace Belgium’s Charles Michel, and Kallas will succeed Spain’s Josep Borrell.

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How bees could help war-hit families in Ukraine

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Researchers have found that beeswax could be crucial for preserving food in war zones like Ukraine. Due to Russian attacks on energy infrastructure, many areas in Ukraine face blackouts, leading to a lack of refrigeration during the summer. To address this, UK scientists are helping Ukrainian beekeepers develop beeswax wraps for perishable foods.

Ukraine, the largest honey producer in Europe, has been working with researchers from Cardiff University. The team, led by Professor Les Baille, has been analyzing beehives to identify the best beeswax for food preservation. They have created various beeswax wrap “recipes,” combining beeswax with other antimicrobial plants like sage to enhance preservation.

These beeswax wraps, traditionally used to extend the life of sandwiches, can now be used for various other foods. The research involves rubbing beeswax into cloth or paper to create the wraps, which can extend the freshness of food by a couple of days in the absence of refrigeration.

The Cardiff team has been collaborating with academics and beekeepers in Ukraine, testing beehives to find the most effective beeswax. In Kharkiv, which has experienced heavy fighting, researchers at Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute are disseminating this information through social media to help Ukrainians try these wraps during the summer.

Dr. Yuliia Yudina from the National University Pharmacy at Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute noted that power cuts have led to significant food waste. The beeswax wraps can help keep bread, fruits, and vegetables fresher. The initiative has even garnered interest from the Ukrainian military, highlighting its potential impact in conflict zones.

Professor Baille emphasized that their goal is to make a small but meaningful difference from their safe homes. This project hopes to harness the natural antibiotic properties of honey, a practice dating back to Ancient Greece, to aid those in need in war-torn regions.

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Kvaratskhelia: Georgia ‘more motivated’ than Portugal

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In a historic moment for Georgian football, the national team secured their first-ever advancement to the knockout stage of a major tournament with a stunning upset victory over Portugal at Euro 2024. Despite Portugal already having clinched the group, Georgia made their mark early when Khvicha Kvaratskhelia drilled a low shot past goalkeeper Diogo Costa within the first two minutes of play.

The goal came as Georgia capitalized on a breakaway, swiftly turning over possession and setting the tone for much of the match to follow. Content to let Portugal control possession, Georgia remained steadfast in defense, closing down space effectively and frustrating their more fancied opponents. Their defensive discipline paid off, denying Portugal clear-cut chances while waiting patiently to exploit opportunities on the counterattack.

Georges Mikautadze further cemented Georgia’s lead in the second half, calmly converting a penalty to extend their advantage. Despite few chances of their own, Georgia’s organized defensive display kept Portugal at bay, with Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates struggling to break through.

The victory over Portugal, one of the favorites, ranks among the biggest upsets in Euro history based on FIFA rankings. It marked a historic achievement for Georgia, who had averaged the lowest possession in Euro qualifying but showcased resilience and tactical prowess when it mattered most.

Managed by Willy Sagnol, Georgia executed their game plan to perfection, with Kvaratskhelia and Mikautadze positioned strategically to exploit Portugal’s vulnerabilities. Goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili had little to do for much of the match, a testament to Georgia’s defensive solidity.

For Georgia’s young stars like Mikautadze, who had scored in each of their group-stage matches, the victory was a night to remember. Now, having earned a place in the round of 16, Georgia faces a formidable challenge against Spain, while Portugal looks ahead to their matchup against Slovenia.

Kvaratskhelia’s early strike and Georgia’s disciplined performance against Portugal not only secured their progression in the tournament but also etched a new chapter in Georgian football history, promising further excitement and anticipation as they continue their Euro 2024 campaign.

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