In the Netherlands, a tragic incident occurred in Lochem where two workers lost their lives and two others were injured during the construction of a bridge. The collapse happened when cables supporting a bridge arch snapped, causing it to plummet to the ground. The deceased workers were identified as one from Belgium and the other from Poland, but further details such as their names and ages were not disclosed.
The collapse, labeled as an “industrial accident” by officials, prompted an ongoing investigation to determine its cause. Witnesses, including onlookers, were deeply affected by the sudden collapse and are receiving psychological support.
According to one witness, the collapse occurred shortly after the arch began swinging, followed by a loud bang. The bridge was intended to span a major canal as part of a new ring road project in Lochem, Gelderland.
Mayor Sebastiaan van ‘t Erve expressed shock over the incident, highlighting the extensive planning and development efforts over five years leading up to the construction. Despite this, the bridge collapsed in a single day, resulting in fatalities and injuries.
The exact cause of the collapse remains unclear, and investigations are ongoing. Local authorities confirmed that the injured workers were hospitalized but expected to recover.
Andre Meilink from the regional safety authority provided insight into the incident, explaining that the bridge began to twist as it was being lifted, leading to the collapse of a section.
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Severe flooding and strong winds have ravaged large parts of Tuscany, resulting in the loss of five lives and leaving several others missing. The River Bisenzio overflowed, sweeping away cars and forcing people to seek refuge on rooftops. The impact of the storm, named Ciarán, extended beyond Italy, causing more than 12 fatalities across Western Europe. France experienced winds reaching 207 km/h (129 mph), while Belgium reported two casualties due to falling trees, including a five-year-old child.
The havoc extended to other countries, with disruptions in transportation and power outages. Jersey’s residents were evacuated from their homes, and the storm caused chaos in various regions of Europe, including southern England, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and the Atlantic coasts of Spain and Portugal.
In Tuscany, the situation was particularly dire, with Livorno, Prato, and Montemurlo being among the hardest-hit areas. Montemurlo witnessed a deluge of 200mm (7.8in) of rain in less than a day, leading to the River Bisenzio breaching its banks in multiple locations. The flooding claimed the life of an 85-year-old man who was unable to escape his submerged home. The governor of Tuscany described the rainfall as unprecedented in a century and urged people to seek safety on higher floors.
Videos captured the terrifying sight of vehicles being swept away by the floodwaters. Campi Bisenzio residents were forced to take refuge on their rooftops, while around 100 individuals sought shelter in a local shopping center. Meanwhile, the mayor of Prato lamented the devastating impact, with extensive flooding leaving vast areas underwater and the town’s Santo Stefano hospital partially inundated.
Additionally, the storm caused significant damage in Milan, leading to a second instance of flooding in a single week after the River Seveso overflowed. Veneto, in the northeast, faced similar challenges, with one person reported missing and 160mm of rainfall in just 24 hours. Further east, red weather alerts were issued in Slovenia and Croatia, warning of strong cyclones, high winds, hail, and thunderstorms.
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France is poised to implement a ban on disposable e-cigarettes, known locally as ‘puffs,’ due to concerns about their impact on the environment and public health. Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne announced this move as part of a broader anti-smoking plan developed by the government, with the ban expected to take effect by year-end. Similar bans have been announced in several other European countries, including Germany, Belgium, and Ireland, with the UK also reportedly considering such a prohibition.
These disposable vapes, available at tobacconists in France for approximately €9 (equivalent to £7.70), claim to provide around 600 puffs, roughly equivalent to 40 traditional cigarettes. However, France’s National Academy of Medicine has criticized them as a ‘deceptive lure for children and adolescents,’ arguing that they instill smoking-related behaviors in young users.
Critics accuse manufacturers, many of which are based in China, of deliberately targeting teenagers with colorful designs and a variety of flavors reminiscent of a candy store, such as marshmallow, chocolate, hazelnut, watermelon, and ice candy. According to the Alliance Against Tobacco (ACT), 13% of 13-16-year-olds in France have tried disposable e-cigarettes at least once, with most starting around the ages of 11 or 12.
Campaigners argue that the ban is a significant victory, as disposable e-cigarettes serve as a gateway to smoking for young people. Loïc Josseran, ACT president, emphasizes the tobacco industry’s role in this trend, describing it as a deliberate effort to entice children.
Environmental concerns have also been raised, as disposable e-cigarettes contribute to ecological damage. In the UK, a study by the environmental organization Material Focus found that over one million of these devices were discarded weekly. French doctors and environmentalists have called disposable e-cigarettes an ‘environmental plague,’ citing their plastic construction, non-removable lithium batteries, nicotine content, and traces of heavy metals.
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Step into the captivating world of Zomkey Tenzin as she shares her extraordinary journey as Miss Glam World 2023. Born as a refugee, Zomkey found herself indebted to Belgium for the countless opportunities it offered her. Here she invites you to witness her heartfelt gratitude, the emotions she experienced upon winning the crown, and the profound impact her family and personal experiences had on her path to success.
Being crowned Miss Glam World 2023 was an incredible honor for me, and I am humbled by the opportunity to represent Belgium. As a born refugee, Belgium provided me with countless opportunities and shaped the person I am today. This blog aims to share my emotions, experiences, and the gratitude I feel towards Belgium and the Miss Glam World organization. It also sheds light on the significance of pageants in personal development, inclusivity, and empowerment.
A Dream Come True:
When the moment arrived and my name was called as the winner, a rush of emotions overwhelmed me. From the initial countdown to the announcement, I experienced a mix of excitement, anticipation, and nostalgia. Representing Belgium as Miss Glam World 2023 was a dream come true. The feeling of being crowned was surreal, and it took time for the reality to sink in.
Family’s Reaction:
The support and love of my family have been instrumental in my journey. After the crowning, I immediately reached out to my uncle, and his emotional reaction was heartwarming. Their belief in me and the sense of belonging they provide have been a constant source of inspiration.
First Pageant Experience:
My first pageant experience was Miss Exclusives in Belgium when I was just 16 years old. It opened my eyes to a whole new world of learning, bonding with diverse cultures, and personal growth. Each pageant I have participated in since then has been a unique opportunity to meet new people, exchange cultural experiences, and continuously learn and improve.
Inspiration to Participate in Miss Glam World:
My inspiration to participate in Miss Glam World stemmed from following the organization for several years. The preparation for the finale involved maintaining punctuality, supporting fellow contestants, and adopting the mindset of a true winner—someone who never surrenders in the face of challenges.
Balancing Career and Personal Life:
Balancing my career and personal life is not easy, especially with the passion I have for beauty pageants. However, effective communication and planning have helped me manage both aspects. Openly discussing my aspirations with my workplace and ensuring clear expectations have allowed me to pursue my dreams.
Role Models and Inspirations:
The women in my household, particularly my sisters, have been my biggest inspirations and role models. Their determination and drive have helped me overcome obstacles and stay focused on my goals. They have provided me with a strong sense of belonging and support, for which I am eternally grateful.
Talent Presentation and Preparation:
For the talent round, I chose to showcase an Indian dance called “Pasoori.” I prepared for it by watching YouTube videos and practicing diligently. Consistent practice and dedication helped me deliver the performance I envisioned.
Advice for Dreamers:
To those who dream of achieving similar success but hesitate to take the first step, my advice is to embrace preparation, train hard, and seek guidance when needed. Joining pageants like Miss Glam World can be a life-changing experience, and genuine support from organizations and mentors is readily available.
Advice for Young Girls:
For young girls preparing for their first pageant, I encourage them to focus on their walk, speech, and behavior towards others. Practicing walking in heels, watching tutorial videos, and being genuine and kind to others are essential aspects. Most importantly, staying true to oneself and treating others with respect are keys to success.
Using the Platform to Inspire:
As Miss Glam World 2023, I recognize the responsibilities that come with this title. I plan to utilize my platform to inspire and empower young individuals who look up to me. Through promoting my charity which supports refugee settlements in India, I aim to inspire others to pursue their dreams while making a positive impact on society.
Evolution of Pageants:
Pageants have undoubtedly evolved to become more inclusive and empowering for all contestants. The shift towards embracing diversity in terms of physical appearance, hair, and body types has made beauty pageants a platform for celebrating uniqueness and breaking stereotypes.
Personal Development through Pageants:
Participating in beauty pageants has significantly contributed to my personal development. It has helped me overcome insecurities, become more confident, and improve my communication skills. Pageants provide a platform for growth, self-expression, and embracing one’s individuality.
Winning the Miss Glam World 2023 title has been a life-altering experience for me. The journey has taught me the value of gratitude, resilience, and embracing one’s passions. I am immensely grateful to Belgium and the Miss Glam World organization for the opportunities they have provided me. I hope my journey inspires others to pursue their dreams, celebrate diversity, and make a positive impact in their communities.
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In a small room near the Alps in northern Italy, millions of crickets are being processed to become food despite initial resistance. The crickets are frozen, boiled, dried, and pulverized to create a light brown flour used in various food products such as pasta, bread, energy bars, and even sports drinks. Italy, known for its culinary traditions, has traditionally resisted the idea of eating insects, with the government even taking steps to ban their use in pizza and pasta production. However, several Italian producers have been experimenting with cricket-based pasta, pizza, and snacks.
The shift towards insect consumption in Italy is driven by sustainability concerns. Insect farming requires significantly less water and land compared to traditional livestock farming, making it a more environmentally friendly option. Insects are also rich in vitamins, fiber, minerals, and amino acids, making them a nutritious superfood. However, the main challenge to widespread adoption of insect-based food is the price, as it remains more expensive than traditional alternatives.
In addition to cost, social acceptance plays a role in the resistance to insect food in Italy. The country prides itself on its Mediterranean diet, and some view insect products as a threat to Italian culinary traditions. Concerns about the potential health effects of consuming insects and the fear of deviating from established eating habits contribute to the opposition.
Italy is not the only country divided on the issue of insect food. Poland and other European countries have seen debates and political disputes surrounding the topic. However, countries like Austria, Belgium, and the Netherlands have shown more openness to insect consumption.
As the global population continues to grow, finding sustainable food sources becomes crucial. Insect consumption is seen as a potential solution to meet the rising demand while minimizing the environmental impact. With the recent approval of insect consumption by the EU, the insect food sector is expected to grow, leading to potential price reductions and increased availability.
Producers like Ivan Albano, who runs the Italian Cricket Farm, see insect farming as an environmentally friendly and sustainable practice that could play a role in addressing global food challenges. Despite initial resistance, more people are showing curiosity and ordering cricket-based products, indicating a shifting mindset towards insect consumption. The hope is that as awareness and acceptance increase, insect food will become a viable option to feed the growing population while minimizing ecological impact.
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Zomky Tenzin from Belgium bagged the Manappuram and SAJ presents Miss Glam World 2023 title along with Aayusha Pyakurel from Nepal as first runner-up and Samruddhi Shetty from India as second runner-up. The fourth edition of Miss Glam World was conducted on June 21st at Le Meridien, Kochi. Renowned for their expertise in event production, Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd took charge of organizing a truly remarkable and noteworthy event. With their unwavering commitment to excellence, Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd proved once again why they are highly regarded in the industry, delivering an event that surpassed expectations and left a lasting impact on all those involved.
Sajan Varghese, CMD, SAJ Group Hotels and Resorts, and Dr Ajit Ravi, Chairman, Pegasus, crowned the winners of the Miss Glam World pageant with 13 beauties from around the world. Out of 40 contestants who applied for the Miss Glam World pageant, 16 were selected as finalists. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances such as visa cancellation and personal challenges, three contestants could not make it to the finals.
Dr Kuriachan (International Motivational Trainer), Rita Mathan (Owner, Pro Nails Studio), Brandina Lubuli (Mrs Glam World 2022 Winner) and Alesia Raut (Russian Model and Groomer) were on the judging panel. The winners of the subtitles were selected by a panel of eminent persons.
Parakkat Jewelers crafted the exquisite gold crown presented to the winners of Miss Glam World.
Sub Title Winners
Miss Glam World Solidarity – Miss Singapore
Miss Glam World Fashionista – Miss Australia
Miss Glam World Talent – Miss Sri Lanka
Miss Glam World Sensational – Miss Nepal
Miss Glam World Diligent – Miss Zambia
Miss Glam World Inspiring – Miss Japan
Miss Glam World Vivicious – Miss Italy
Miss Glam World Shining Star – Miss Iran
Miss Glam World Ramp Walk – Miss India
Miss Glam World Tenacious – Miss Serbia
Miss Glam World National Costume – Miss Belgium
Miss Glam World Adorable – Miss Taiwan
Miss Glam World Renaissance – Miss Russia
Manappuram Finance Ltd and SAJ Group Hotels and Resorts is the main partners of Miss Glam World 2023 organized by Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd. DQUE Watch, Unique Times, Alcazar and DQUE Face and Body Skin Friendly Soap are powered by Partners.
Co-partners are FICF, Parakkat Resort, Kalpana International, Times New, UT World, Aiswaria Advertisements, Europe Times, Photogenic Fashion and Weddings, UT TV, Neenu Pro The Sound Experts, Green Media, Good Day Hotels and Resorts, 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.
Julia Ann Coutts from Australia, Zomky Tenzin from Belgium, Samruddhi Shetty from India, Aida from Iran, Sandra Lorenani from Italy, Risa Nakatani from Japan, Aayusha Pyakurel from Nepal, Darya Pyzhyanova from Russia, Venera Stanisavlievic from Serbia, Genevieve Tan from Singapore, Ruweena Sammani Gamaachchi Withanage from Srilanka, Chiu Ke-En from Taiwan and Laurisca Kalongo from Zambia were the contestants.
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According to his relatives, an Iranian court has sentenced a Belgian aid worker to 28 years in prison on unspecified allegations. During a brief trip to Tehran in February, 41-year-old Olivier Vandecasteele was detained and charged with espionage.
His family said on Wednesday that they were notified of his sentencing during a meeting with the prime minister of Belgium. Although Iran did not confirm the report, it was announced just days after Belgium’s constitutional court blocked a contentious prisoner exchange agreement.
Iran wants to trade Mr. Vandecasteele for Assadollah Assadi, who is said to be its top intelligence agent in Europe. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison in Belgium last year for attempting to bomb a demonstration of an Iranian opposition party operating in exile.
Mr. Vandecasteele spent six years working for the Norwegian Refugee Council and other humanitarian organisations in Iran. He fled the nation last year, but in order to close his flat in Tehran, he returned in February against Belgian government advice.
He was detained by members of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) during the brief visit and sent to Tehran’s notorious Evin prison, where several US and European expatriates are being held on spying-related allegations. His family claims that while he was being held, he was subjected to “inhumane conditions” that amounted to torture.
They claim he has experienced different health issues as a result of being held in solitary confinement for the whole time in a basement cell without windows.
According to Mr. Vandecasteele’s family, Belgian consular representatives were able to communicate with him on November 28 for the first time in seven weeks. He said that neither his Iranian attorneys nor Belgian diplomats were aware of his appearance before a court.
He said that without being informed of the specifics of the allegations against him, he was found guilty of all of them during the hearing. His court-appointed attorney did not even make an appearance in court. Additionally, Mr. Vandecasteele disclosed to the consular representatives that he had begun a partial hunger strike in mid-November to protest his treatment. On Wednesday, his family said in a statement that they had been told by Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo that he had been given a 28-year jail term and that a prisoner swap was the only way to secure his release.
The office of Mr. De Croo claimed that he had pledged to “continue to pursue all potential paths that could lead to Olivier Vandecasteele’s homecoming.”
In order to ratify the prisoner exchange agreement with Iran, which would allow Assadollah Assadi to be transferred back to Tehran to complete the remainder of his sentence in exchange for Mr. Vandecasteele’s release, his administration introduced a law in June.
However, the Iranian opposition group that Assadi and human rights advocates were targeting argued that doing so would violate the victims’ right to life and run the risk of inciting Iranian operatives to commit crimes overseas to stifle dissent.
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An expert panel has selected a female-directed movie as the best ever made. The British Film Institute’s Sight and Sound survey placed Jeanne Dielman, 23 quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles, directed by Chantal Akerman, in first place.
It is the first time a female director’s film has made it into the top ten. The poll, which is conducted every ten years, has drawn flak for its lack of diversity. For 40 years, Citizen Kane by Orson Welles occupied the top slot. Vertigo, a film by Alfred Hitchcock, surpassed it in 2012.
Jeanne Dielman, released in 1975, is the story of a Belgian widow who turns to prostitution to make ends meet, but kills one of her clients. The film runs for almost three and a half hours.
It has been praised as a “masterpiece” and a groundbreaking work of feminist film, despite not being as well known outside of the field of film criticism as past winners. The 65-year-old Belgian director Chantal Akerman passed away in 2015.
The poll’s contributor, writer and film critic Lillian Crawford, called the movie the “essential text” of female cinema.
“Jeanne Dielman isn’t a film that I would say to someone getting into cinema ‘Oh, this is the first film you absolutely must see’,” she told the BBC.
“I think if you’re going to work through the list, maybe do it in reverse order and sort of build towards it, because it’s quite an ask to invite people to see this.
“But in an academic sense and thinking about cinema and encouraging more people to seek out experimental film, films by women, and in terms of the history of feminist cinema, this is absolutely the sort of essential text.”
In an article for the British Film Institute, Laura Mulvey, a professor of film studies at Birkbeck University, called the vote a “sudden shake-up”.
In 2012, Touki Bouki by Djibril Diop Mambéty and Jeanne Dielman, both directed by black filmmakers, were the only two black films to be included on the list.
The quantity and variety of those consulted have grown over time. The best 10 movies of the year were chosen by 1,639 critics, programmers, curators, archivists, and academics.
Vertigo, the previous winner, came in at number two, followed by Citizen Kane at number three.
Fourth place went to Yasujiro Ozu’s Tokyo Story, and fifth place went to Wong Kar Wai’s In the Mood for Love.
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After being linked to dozens of salmonella cases, a Kinder chocolate factory in Belgium has been ordered to close.
The Belgian food safety authority has also ordered the recall of all Kinder products produced at Ferrero’s Arlon factory. Salmonella cases suspected to be linked to Kinder chocolate have been reported in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Belgium. Ferrero has issued an apology and admitted to “internal failures.”
The factory was ordered to close by Belgium’s food safety authority, the AFSCA, after Ferrero failed to provide complete information for its investigation.
The investigation is still ongoing, according to the AFSCA, and the factory will only be allowed to reopen if Ferrero can provide the necessary assurances that it is in compliance with food safety regulations. In a statement, Belgian Agriculture Minister David Clarinval said: “Such a decision is never easy to make, but the current situation necessitates it. Our citizens’ food security must never be overlooked.”
All Kinder Surprise, Kinder Surprise Maxi, Kinder Mini Eggs, and Kinder Schokobons products are affected by the recall.
The AFSCA has also requested that companies remove the products from their shelves and that consumers refrain from eating them. Ferrero recalled some of its Kinder chocolates from stores in the United States on Thursday due to concerns about salmonella contamination. A number of Kinder Surprise chocolate egg products were also recalled in the UK earlier this week.
The UK’s Food Standards Agency announced on Friday evening that none of the recalled products should be consumed, regardless of their best before date.
All of the sweets in question were produced in the same Belgian factory.
In Asia, including Hong Kong and Singapore, some Kinder chocolates have been recalled. Ferrero previously described the recalls as “precautionary,” claiming that none of its Kinder products had tested positive for salmonella when they were released for sale.
It came after an outbreak linked to Kinder Surprise eggs infected more than 60 people in the UK, the majority of whom were young children.
On Wednesday, the European Commission announced that it was investigating dozens of suspected salmonella cases linked to chocolate consumption in at least nine countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Belgium.
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The custodial death of
a young man in Brussels has triggered a serious protest across the country,
leaving several police officers and protesters injured.
The convey of a member
of the Belgium royal family has also been attacked during the protest.
Several people have
been booked in connection with the protest.
The protesters have partially
destroyed a police station situated in the capital city of Belgium.
The identity of the person
who has died in the police custody has not yet been revealed by the European
media.
As per an explanatory statement
released by the police, the victim has been arrested during a routine check for
restriction violators. The statement, released by the police, says the person
has fallen unconscious and later died shortly after he was arrested.
The incident has
triggered a serious global attention. A serious investigation has been demanded
on the incident.
The development has
inflicted a serious injury over the image of the European country, which houses
the main buildings of the European Union, which is the most powerful economic
union established in the continent of Europe and in the world.
Neither the European Union not those countries which lead the union has responded to the development yet.
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