News Trending

French to get bonus to make do and mend clothes

By 441 0

France is introducing a bonus scheme to encourage consumers to repair their clothes and shoes rather than discarding them. Starting in October, customers will receive discounts ranging from €6 to €25 per repair.

Bérangère Couillard, the junior ecology minister, expressed concerns about the 700,000 tonnes of clothing that end up in French landfills annually. The government plans to allocate €154 million over five years to fund the program. The aim is to support the repair sector, create job opportunities, and combat the issue of “fast fashion.”

The scheme will offer rebates for various repairs, such as €7 for a new heel and €10-€25 for new lining in garments. Refashion, a group responsible for implementing the initiative, revealed that 3.3 billion clothing items were sold in France last year. However, some critics argue that the government is unfairly stigmatizing the clothing industry and wasting public funds. Pascal Morand of the Haute Couture and Fashion Federation expressed concerns about the potential impact on luxury brands.

In addition to the bonus scheme, France plans to introduce new labeling rules from January 2024. These rules will require manufacturers to disclose the environmental impact of their products, including water usage, chemical usage, the risk of microplastic emissions, and the use of recycled textiles. The fashion industry is a significant sector in France, generating €66 billion in turnover last year and employing thousands of people.

While France is the EU’s fourth-largest fashion exporter, the industry has experienced a decline in recent years. In 2020, French consumers spent an average of €430 on clothing, which is below the EU average.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending

NATO summit to witness G7’s unveiling of a comprehensive security plan for Ukraine

By 469 0

During the NATO summit, the G7 nations are expected to approve a long-term security agreement with Ukraine. The agreement will encompass provisions for defense equipment, training, and intelligence sharing.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak emphasized that this agreement would send a strong message to Russian President Putin. The move comes after Ukrainian President Zelensky criticized NATO for not providing a timeline for Ukraine’s accession to the alliance. Sunak stated that the allies of Kyiv are reinforcing their formal arrangements to ensure long-term protection for Ukraine and prevent a repetition of the brutality it has faced from Russia.

The United Kingdom has played a leading role in this agreement, which involves G7 partners such as Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States. The details of the agreement are expected to be revealed during the summit.

US President Joe Biden has previously suggested a model similar to the US-Israel agreement, which entails providing Ukraine with $3.8 billion in military aid annually for ten years, but without an obligation to come to Ukraine’s aid during an attack. While NATO stated that Ukraine could join the alliance when conditions are met, Zelensky expressed frustration over the lack of a specific timeframe. Despite the absence of a timeline, diplomats pointed out that a clear path to membership has been established, with the application process shortened significantly.

The focus now shifts to the long-term security guarantees that NATO members will offer Ukraine as an alternative to immediate membership. The summit also saw the announcement of military packages for Ukraine, including the training of Ukrainian pilots to fly F-16 fighter jets, and the UK’s commitment to deliver combat and logistics vehicles to Ukraine.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending

Russian ex-navy officer killed in the Ukraine conflict while jogging in Krasnodar

By 415 0

According to local media, a former Russian submarine captain who served as a mobilisation officer was fatally murdered while running in the southern Russian city of Krasnodar.

According to state-run Rossiya 1 in Russia, a gunman who has not been recognised shot and killed Stanislav Rzhitsky, 42, on Monday.

Several Russian media sites conjectured that he might have been located because of his Strava fitness app profile. The killing is the subject of an inquiry by Russian authorities.

The counterpart of the US FBI in this country, the Investigative Committee, announced the start of a murder investigation and said investigators will work to “establish all the circumstances of the incident, as well as the person who committed the crime and his motives.”

According to the Russian daily newspaper Kommersant, the former naval officer was shot in the back and the chest while out for his morning jog in a park next to the Olimp sports facility.

According to Baza, a police-affiliated Russian Telegram group, the murderer may have traced Cpt. Rzhitsky’s runs on Strava because he frequently ran the same route.

Cpt. Rzhitsky’s public profile, which was examined by BBC Verify, reveals that he routinely ran through the region where he is said to have been slain. The BBC’s facial analysis verified that the profile belonged to Cpt. Rzhitsky.

His address and personal details had also been uploaded to the Ukrainian website Myrotvorets (Peacemaker), a vast unofficial database of people considered to be enemies of Ukraine.

The word “Liquidated”, in red letters, has now been superimposed on his photograph on the site.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending

Turkey Supports Sweden’s NATO Accession

By 513 0

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has given his support to Sweden’s bid to join NATO, according to the alliance’s chief, Jens Stoltenberg. Erdogan has agreed to forward Sweden’s application to the Turkish parliament for ratification, ending months of Turkish opposition.

The decision comes after Sweden addressed Turkey’s security concerns by amending its constitution, changing laws, intensifying counter-terrorism efforts against the PKK (Kurdistan Workers’ Party), and resuming arms exports to Turkey. The announcement was made following discussions between Erdogan and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson in Vilnius, Lithuania.

The NATO chief hailed the agreement as a “historic step” but couldn’t provide a specific timeline for Sweden’s accession as it depended on the Turkish parliament. The United States and other NATO members have welcomed Turkey’s support and expressed readiness to work with both Turkey and Sweden to enhance defense and deterrence in the Euro-Atlantic area.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending

Spain coast guard spots boat during search for missing migrant vessel

By 707 0

The Spanish coast guard has located a boat carrying around 200 migrants that went missing over a week ago. The boat was found 71 miles south of Gran Canaria, and a coast guard vessel has been dispatched for rescue operations.

The fishing boat had departed from a coastal town in southern Senegal, approximately 1,700km away from Tenerife, with 200 people on board, including many children. Two other similar boats carrying additional migrants are also reported missing, with limited information available. This brings the total number of people missing across the three boats to over 300.

The route from West Africa to the Canary Islands is known to be perilous, and last year alone, at least 559 people died attempting to reach the Spanish islands. The exact number of departures and shipwrecks often goes unreported. The migrants attempting this route typically come from countries such as Morocco, Mali, Senegal, the Ivory Coast, and other sub-Saharan nations.

Despite a decrease in the number of unauthorized arrivals in the Canary Islands in 2022 compared to the previous year, the route remains dangerous, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) emphasizes that the flows are still high compared to previous years.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending War

Heightened Alert: Polish Security Patrols Increase Vigilance at Belarus Border Amid Ukraine Conflict

By 627 0

Poland has become increasingly cautious of its neighbor Belarus due to the possibility of Russian Wagner group mercenaries relocating there as part of a deal to end their mutiny. In response, Poland has fortified its border with miles of fencing, thermal cameras, and spotlights, which were initially installed after Belarus encouraged migrants to cross into Poland.

Poland is deploying extra officers as reinforcements ahead of the NATO summit, expressing concerns that the Wagner forces could instigate further trouble. The unpredictability of Belarus is seen as the biggest threat, with uncertainties surrounding the motives and preparations of the Wagner group. Despite the intended disbandment and exile of the mercenaries to Belarus, there are indications that the group is still operating within Russia.

Online contacts with Wagner revealed that recruitment was ongoing, and detailed instructions were provided to find the mercenaries’ training camp in southern Russia. However, the whereabouts and future plans of the Wagner group remain unclear. While some Belarusians express concerns about the group’s potential arrival, others see their recent mutiny as a sign of weakness within the Kremlin, fueling hopes for change.

There are doubts that Wagner will relocate to Belarus in large numbers or that their leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, would settle there due to potential scrutiny from the Russian FSB security service. Polish worries and warnings about Wagner’s presence in Belarus could be influenced by domestic politics, with some suggesting it as a political tool to enhance the government’s security credentials ahead of upcoming elections.

The situation surrounding the Wagner mutineers remains shrouded in mystery, leading Poland to maintain heightened border patrols and surveillance.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending

France Implements Ban on Purchase of Fireworks for Bastille Day Following Riots

By 486 0

France has enacted a ban on the sale, possession, and transportation of fireworks for the upcoming Bastille Day celebrations.

The government’s decision was influenced by recent riots sparked by the police killing of a 17-year-old in Nanterre. The prohibition, in effect until July 15, aims to prevent further public disturbances. However, the ban does not apply to official firework displays organized by local authorities.

Fireworks have frequently been used as weapons during periods of unrest, including during Bastille Day events in previous years. Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne has assured the public of a substantial security presence to ensure safety during the national holiday.

The recent protests resulted in over 3,700 individuals being detained, including a significant number of minors. Bastille Day commemorates the beginning of the French Revolution over 200 years ago.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending War

Biden Stands by Choice to Provide Ukraine with Controversial Cluster Bombs

By 479 0

US President Joe Biden has defended his controversial decision to supply cluster bombs to Ukraine, acknowledging it as a “very difficult decision” but emphasizing the urgent need for ammunition faced by the Ukrainian forces. While Ukraine’s leader praised the move as timely, criticism has arisen from human rights groups and certain Democrats. A Moscow envoy condemned the decision as cynical. Biden, ahead of a Nato summit, stated that he had consulted with allies regarding the decision.

Cluster bombs are internationally banned by over 120 countries due to their track record of causing civilian casualties. The decision to provide them to Ukraine has raised concerns due to the risk of unexploded bombs causing harm to civilians in the long term. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan acknowledged the risk and explained that the decision was postponed as long as possible. Sullivan asserted that the cluster bombs provided by the US are safer compared to those used by Russia in the conflict, with a lower rate of unexploded bombs.

The decision bypasses US law prohibiting the use, production, or transfer of cluster munitions with a failure rate exceeding 1%. Earlier in the war, when allegations of Russia’s use of cluster and vacuum bombs surfaced, the US referred to it as a potential war crime. The UN human rights office called for an immediate halt to the use of such munitions in any location. The Russian ambassador to the US criticized Biden’s decision, highlighting the risk of civilians being harmed by failed submunitions for years to come.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude for the military aid package worth $800 million provided by the US. He stated that it would bring Ukraine closer to victory and democracy over dictatorship. However, human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and the US Cluster Munition Coalition condemned the decision, citing the grave threat cluster munitions pose to civilian lives even after the conflict ends.

The response from US lawmakers on Capitol Hill has been mixed, with some Democrats considering the decision alarming and a mistake, while others, including Republican leaders, view it as a means to enhance Ukraine’s capability to counter Russian forces more effectively.

Picture Courtesy: Google/Images are subject to copyright

Food News Trending

Overcoming Resistance: Insects Appear on Italian Plates Against All Odds

By 922 0

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.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending

Italian retirement home fire in Milan leaves six dead and dozens hurt

By 429 0

A fire erupted in a room at a retirement home called Casa dei Coniugi in Milan, Italy, resulting in the deaths of six individuals and the hospitalization of 81 others.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday, prompting a swift response from firefighters who managed to contain the blaze. Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala stated that rescuers had to evacuate the residents one by one, with the fire causing six fatalities: two women who were living in the room where the fire started, and four others who died from smoke inhalation.

Five of the victims were women, according to Ansa news agency. A member of the staff raised the alarm, leading to prompt action from the firefighters. Although the walls of neighboring rooms were charred, the fire did not spread beyond its point of origin on the first floor. The mayor emphasized the danger of smoke inhalation, describing it as equally lethal as the fire itself.

All those transported to the hospital suffered from smoke poisoning, with 14 individuals in serious condition. The retirement home, located in Milan’s Corvetto area, accommodated 167 residents with varying care needs. While owned by the city authority, it was operated by a group responsible for managing numerous facilities across the country.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright