Wheat prices on the global markets have experienced a sharp rise following Russia’s declaration that it would consider ships heading to Ukrainian ports as potential military targets. This decision came after Moscow withdrew from a UN agreement that guaranteed safe passage for grain shipments through the Black Sea. In recent nights, Russia has launched attacks on Ukraine’s grain facilities in cities like Odesa. The White House has accused Russia of planning to attack civilian ships and then falsely blaming Ukraine for it. As a result of these developments, European stock exchange wheat prices surged by 8.2% to €253.75 per tonne, with corn prices also rising by 5.4%. US wheat futures recorded their highest daily increase since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, jumping 8.5%. President Vladimir Putin has expressed willingness to return to the international grain agreement if certain demands, including the lifting of sanctions on Russian grain and fertiliser sales, are met.
Amid these escalating tensions, Russian air strikes continued in Black Sea coastal cities for three consecutive nights, leading to civilian casualties. The attacks have targeted grain export infrastructure and raised concerns about the safety of shipping routes for essential food supplies. Ukraine’s options for exporting grain by rail are limited, with rail capacity smaller than shipping volumes, and some EU countries in Eastern Europe blocking Ukrainian grain to protect their own farmers.
Analysts have warned that Russia’s threatened escalation could disrupt waterborne grain shipments from the Black Sea, impacting both Russian and Ukrainian exports. Some Ukrainian officials have called on the UK, US, France, and Turkey to provide military convoys and air defenses to protect grain ships heading to Odesa.
The situation has raised concerns about potential impacts on global food security and inflation, particularly in developing countries, leading to social instability, food shortages, and increased migration. Critics accuse Russia of using food supplies as a political tool in its conflict with Ukraine.
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Fiona Scott Morton, a highly qualified American economist, has decided not to take up the position of Chief Competition Economist in the European Commission following widespread criticism of her appointment. The strongest objections came from France, with President Emmanuel Macron expressing doubts and questioning whether there were no qualified European candidates for the role. Scott Morton, a Yale University economics professor, has an impressive background, including working in the US justice department’s antitrust department during the Obama presidency. However, she has also worked as a consultant for major tech companies like Apple, Microsoft, and Amazon, which raised concerns given that her job would involve regulating these digital giants.
EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager defended the appointment, highlighting Scott Morton’s corporate experience as an asset. Nevertheless, Scott Morton made the decision not to take up the post due to the political controversy surrounding her appointment and the importance of having the full support of the EU’s competition directorate. Opposition to her appointment came from various quarters, including President Macron and several Commission colleagues, as well as the four largest political blocs in the European Parliament. However, after discussions with Scott Morton, some concerns were addressed, and Philippe Lamberts of the Greens expressed support for her.
Critics argued that the criticism of Scott Morton’s appointment was unjustified since her role would primarily involve overseeing economic evidence in competition enforcement rather than favoring specific competitors. Nobel Prize-winning economist Jean Tirole praised her qualifications and stated that the European Commission was fortunate to have attracted someone of her caliber. Margrethe Vestager emphasized that the suggestion of bias based on nationality was questionable and clarified that Scott Morton would only need to recuse herself from a few cases.
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A heatwave in Europe has led to red alerts for extreme heat in most of Italy’s major cities. The high temperatures, expected to peak on Wednesday, have put 23 cities on high alert.
The heatwave is affecting millions of people in the northern hemisphere and is accompanied by wildfires in Greece and the Swiss Alps. The heatwave is caused by a high-pressure system bringing warmer air from the tropics, while a jet stream remains stuck over central Europe.
The extreme heat is forecasted to continue through Wednesday in southern Europe, with temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F). Italy’s health ministry has activated “heat codes” in emergency rooms to handle the increase in heat-related illnesses.
There has been a 20% rise in patients admitted with symptoms such as dehydration, exhaustion, and heat stroke. Record-breaking temperatures of 41.8°C (107.2°F) were recorded in Rome. Red alerts are also in place in Spain, Greece, and parts of the Balkans. The heatwave is expected to continue into August, according to the World Meteorological Organization.
Other parts of the world, including the US and China, are also experiencing extreme heatwaves. Climate change is cited as a significant factor in the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves.
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Dutch electric bike-maker VanMoof has filed for bankruptcy after its founders, Taco and Ties Carlier, were unable to rescue the company.
VanMoof, which boasts 190,000 customers globally, experienced a surge in demand for its bikes during the pandemic and secured millions of dollars in funding for expansion. However, the company faced challenges with its newer models, including repair costs and delays in deliveries and parts shortages. Administrators are exploring options to salvage VanMoof, such as selling its assets or restructuring its debts.
The bankruptcy currently affects only the Dutch business, while international subsidiaries remain unaffected. VanMoof intends to continue operating its stores outside the Netherlands but has temporarily closed its London and Paris locations.
The company plans to maintain ongoing services for its customers and has advised them to download their e-bike’s digital key as a precautionary measure.
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A summer camp in Greece has been forced to evacuate over a thousand children due to raging wildfires that have erupted in the country. As Greece endures a scorching Mediterranean heatwave, two separate blazes are spreading rapidly.
In the town of Loutraki, situated west of Athens, flames advanced towards the camp, prompting the evacuation of 1,200 children. In another incident, a man suspected of starting a fire in Kouvaras, southeast of the capital, was arrested by the police. Emergency service crews have assisted numerous individuals in evacuating their homes in the affected areas.
Several animals, including horses housed in stables, were also evacuated. The Greek government has stated that affected homeowners are eligible for temporary accommodation in local hotels and will be compensated later. Despite the efforts of hundreds of firefighters contending with strong winds, the fires continue to spread.
The situation has led to transportation disruptions, with sections of the Athens-Corinth national highway closed by the police and some train services affected. While it is suspected that at least one fire was intentionally started, scientists emphasize that such extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and intense due to global warming.
The intense regional heatwave shows no signs of abating, according to weather reports, and the risk of further fires remains high, as warned by the Greek meteorological service. Thick smoke, damaged houses, and cars were depicted on Greek television, reflecting the destruction caused by the wildfires. Greece has experienced temperatures surpassing 40°C (104°F) in recent days, leading to precautions such as the temporary closure of the Acropolis.
Neighboring countries like Italy and Spain are also facing unusually high temperatures, and further heat records are expected to be broken in the coming days throughout the region.
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Russia has informed the United Nations, Turkey, and Ukraine that it will not extend a crucial grain deal that allowed Ukraine to export grain through the Black Sea. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that the agreements had effectively ended on Monday. The deal permitted cargo ships to pass through the Black Sea from the Ukrainian ports of Odesa, Chornomorsk, and Yuzhny/Pivdennyi. However, Russia stated that it would reconsider the agreement if certain conditions were met.
Russian President Vladimir Putin had previously expressed dissatisfaction with parts of the deal, claiming that the export of Russian food and fertilizers had not been fulfilled. He specifically mentioned that grain had not been supplied to poorer nations, which was a condition of the agreement. Russia also complained about Western sanctions limiting its agricultural exports and repeatedly threatened to withdraw from the deal.
On Monday, the Russian foreign ministry reiterated these concerns, accusing the West of “open sabotage” and prioritizing commercial interests over humanitarian goals. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed his belief that Putin still wanted to continue the agreement and stated that they would discuss its renewal during their upcoming meeting.
The grain deal is significant because Ukraine is one of the world’s largest exporters of sunflower, maize, wheat, and barley. Following Russia’s invasion in February 2022, Ukrainian ports were blockaded, trapping 20 million tonnes of grain and causing a sharp increase in global food prices. The blockade also posed a threat to food supplies in Middle Eastern and African countries heavily reliant on Ukrainian grain.
Nikolay Gorbachev, the president of the Ukrainian Grain Association, mentioned that alternative methods of exporting grain had been identified, including through Danube River ports. However, he acknowledged that these ports would be less efficient, leading to reduced grain exports and increased transportation costs.
Western leaders swiftly criticized Russia’s decision, with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemning it as a “cynical move” and emphasizing the EU’s efforts to ensure food security for vulnerable populations.
Russia’s announcement coincided with Ukraine claiming responsibility for an attack on a bridge in Crimea that resulted in the deaths of two civilians. Peskov stated that Russia’s decision to let the deal expire was unrelated to the attack, as President Putin had already declared the position before the incident.
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The Russian government, under the order of President Vladimir Putin, has taken control of the Russian subsidiaries of Danone, a yoghurt maker, and Carlsberg, a beer company. This action is a result of new rules implemented earlier in the year, allowing Russia to seize assets of companies from “unfriendly” countries. Many companies had halted their operations in Russia following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Danone and Carlsberg were in the process of selling their Russian operations when this order was issued.
The order places the shares of Danone Russia and Carlsberg’s Baltika Breweries under the control of the Russian property agency, Rosimushchestvo. Danone, based in France, stated that it is currently investigating the situation and is preparing to take necessary measures to protect its rights as a shareholder and ensure business continuity. Carlsberg stated that it has not received official information from Russian authorities regarding the consequences of the presidential decree on Baltika Breweries. The company had completed the process of separating its Russian unit from the rest of the company and had signed an agreement to sell Baltika Breweries, but the prospects for the sales process are now highly uncertain.
In April, President Putin signed an order granting Russia temporary control over foreign assets in response to actions by the US and other countries that Russia considered “unfriendly and contrary to international law.” As a result, the Russian units of two energy companies, Uniper from Germany and Fortum from Finland, were also brought under state control.
Danone’s Russia operation is the largest dairy company in the country and employs around 8,000 people. The sale of the business was estimated to result in a €1 billion ($1.1 billion; £860 million) loss for Danone. Carlsberg’s subsidiary, Baltika, produces well-known beer brands in Russia and has 8,400 employees across eight plants.
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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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Jane Birkin, a renowned singer, actress, and fashion icon, has passed away at the age of 76. Born in London, Birkin gained fame singing in French and eventually relocated to France in the 1970s. She was widely known for her personal and artistic relationship with songwriter Serge Gainsbourg, particularly for their iconic duet “Je T’aime…moi non plus.” The song, recorded in 1968, faced controversy and bans in various countries due to its explicit lyrics but also garnered international attention.
Birkin and Gainsbourg were together for 12 years, during which they had a daughter named Charlotte Gainsbourg, who also became an acclaimed actress and singer. Despite their tumultuous relationship, they remained friends after their split, and Gainsbourg continued to write songs for Birkin. Birkin wrote about the challenges of their relationship, including violence and Gainsbourg’s alcoholism, in her 2020 diaries.
Beyond her music and acting career, Birkin had a significant influence on the fashion world. She inspired the creation of the Birkin handbag by Hermès in 1984. The bag became highly sought after and carried a hefty price tag, with waiting lists that extended for months or even years.
Throughout her life, Birkin was an advocate for various causes and campaigned for animal welfare, among others. She even requested Hermès to remove her name from the handbag line in 2015 due to animal welfare concerns. Birkin’s acting credits included notable films such as “Blow Up” (1966), “Death on the Nile” (1978), and “Evil Under the Sun” (1982). She also released albums, including “Arabesque” in 2002 and a live recording collection titled “Jane at the Palace” in 2009.
Menna Rawlings, the British ambassador to France, described Birkin as “the most French of British artists” in a tribute on Twitter. Birkin battled leukemia in the late 1990s and had reportedly suffered a stroke in September 2021, which led to the cancellation of a planned appearance at an American film festival.
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Russia’s lower house of parliament has passed a law that bans gender reassignment surgery and prevents individuals from changing their genders on state documents. The bill, which also needs approval from the upper house and President Vladimir Putin, was justified by the Speaker of the Duma, Vyacheslav Volodin, as a means to protect citizens and children and preserve traditional values.
The legislation includes additional amendments such as prohibiting individuals who have undergone gender changes from adopting children and annulling marriages where one party has undergone gender reassignment. LGBT rights groups have criticized the law, stating that it will negatively impact the health and rights of transgender individuals.
Critics view the law as an infringement on basic human rights and an attempt to further discriminate against an already marginalized group. This law follows previous legislation passed last year that banned the public expression of LGBT culture and propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations. President Putin has expressed opposition to LGBT lifestyles, aligning with the Orthodox Church’s conservative social views.
Additionally, a transgender rights activist was recently arrested on charges of treason for supporting Ukraine, further raising concerns about human rights in the country.
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