Several European companies are promoting insect protein as a sustainable food source, citing benefits such as lower emissions, reduced land use, and contributions to the circular economy. Despite regulatory hurdles and consumer reluctance, companies like Ÿnsect and FlyFeed are making strides in the market. Antoine Hubert of Ÿnsect emphasizes the environmental advantages, while Nathalie Berezina of FlyFeed highlights the role of insects in the circular economy. The European Food Safety Agency's recent approvals are expected to boost market growth, though consumer acceptance remains a challenge.

Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory gynecological disease affecting around 10% of women worldwide, causing severe pain and other symptoms. Despite its prevalence, there is a significant delay in diagnosis, averaging eight years. Awareness is slowly increasing, partly due to campaigns like Intimina's film 'The Wait.' The article highlights personal stories of women suffering from endometriosis and discusses the challenges in getting a timely diagnosis. Treatment options include surgery, hormone therapy, and pain relief, but there is no cure, and symptoms can recur.

Paris, while iconic, is expensive and crowded. However, there are nine other French destinations that offer rich cultural experiences at a lower cost. Strasbourg, known for its Gothic cathedral and European political institutions, and Arles, famous for its Roman monuments and photography festival, are highlighted. Annecy offers picturesque views and tranquil lake experiences, while the Basque Country and Brittany provide unique cultural and outdoor activities. Corsica, with its dual Italian-French culture, and Nantes, noted for its environmental commitment, are also featured. Marseille, France's oldest city, and Lyon, the former capital with a rich architectural heritage, round out the list.

The article highlights several positive news stories, including an anonymous donor paying off student loans for 100 students at Wiley College in Texas, the opening of the UK's first queer history museum, a co-living initiative in France that promotes social inclusion for young people with disabilities, an Albanian farmer using coffee waste as fertilizer, and a passenger successfully landing a plane in Florida with no prior flying experience. These stories emphasize generosity, innovation, and community support.

British actor Ncuti Gatwa, known for his role in 'Sex Education,' will become the first black actor to play the lead character in the BBC's 'Doctor Who.' Gatwa, born in Rwanda and raised in Scotland, will succeed Jodie Whittaker as the 14th Time Lord in 2023. The announcement has been met with excitement and praise, with Gatwa expressing his honor and commitment to the role. The series, which has seen declining ratings in recent years, will also see the return of showrunner Russell T Davies. Gatwa's casting marks a significant milestone in the show's history, continuing its legacy of diverse and groundbreaking portrayals.

The 94th Academy Awards featured notable wins and unexpected moments. 'CODA' won Best Picture, while Jessica Chastain and Will Smith took home Best Actress and Best Actor awards, respectively. Will Smith also made headlines for slapping Chris Rock on stage. Jane Campion won Best Director for 'The Power of the Dog,' and Kenneth Branagh received Best Original Screenplay for 'Belfast.' 'Drive My Car' won Best Foreign Film, and Disney's 'Encanto' was awarded Best Animated Film. 'Dune' secured six Oscars, including production design and Hans Zimmer's score.

As the conflict in Ukraine escalates, concerns grow over the use of thermobaric rockets by Russia, particularly the TOS-1 heavy flamethrower system. These weapons, known for their devastating impact, combine shockwaves and vacuums to create high-temperature explosions. Experts highlight their destructive potential, with historical use in Afghanistan, Chechnya, and Syria. Human Rights Watch and the US Defence Intelligence Agency have documented their lethal effects on living targets. ICAN condemns the invasion of Ukraine and warns of the catastrophic consequences of nuclear threats by Vladimir Putin.

The Omicron COVID-19 variant, first detected in South Africa, has spread to 85 countries. European nations are among those with confirmed cases, with varying numbers reported by each country. The UK has experienced a significant outbreak, with over 11,000 cases and one confirmed death. Governments are responding with new restrictions and considering mandatory vaccinations. The situation is evolving, with updates on case numbers and government responses.

The Omicron COVID-19 variant, first detected in South Africa, has spread to 85 countries, with confirmed cases across Europe. The article provides updates on the number of cases in various European countries as of December 16, 2021, and mentions measures taken by governments in response to the variant. The UK has reported the only known fatality from Omicron, and the variant's spread is doubling every two to three days according to Prof Neil Ferguson. The article also notes that the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and the UK Health Security Agency are sources for the case numbers.

A French study by the Public Assistance Paris Hospitals, Bichat Hospital, and the Biomedicine Agency, published in Plos Medicine, indicates a higher risk of premature births and other maternal morbidities in pregnant women diagnosed with COVID-19. The study analyzed data from 244,645 deliveries in France during the first wave of the pandemic, finding that COVID-19 positive pregnant women were more likely to experience complications such as pre-eclampsia, hemorrhage, and caesarean births. The study suggests that vaccination from the second trimester may help mitigate these risks, although it acknowledges limitations such as the inability to establish direct causality and the exclusion of asymptomatic cases.

Germany's new government, led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz, is extending subsidies for electric vehicle purchases into 2022, with up to €9,000 for electric cars and €6,750 for plug-in hybrids. The goal is to have 15 million electric cars by 2030, a significant increase from the current 520,000. The subsidies have been crucial for the market growth, with electric vehicle sales soaring by 207% from 2019 to 2020. Germany is now the largest electric vehicle market in Europe and the second-largest globally. The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy is also working to simplify the charging process, with new stations accepting standard credit and debit cards from mid-2023. The subsidy policy will be revised in 2023 to focus more on climate protection.

The Omicron COVID-19 variant, first detected in South Africa, has now spread to 85 countries, including numerous European nations. European countries such as Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Poland, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, and the United Kingdom have reported cases. The UK has the highest number of cases, with over 11,000 confirmed. The variant has led to new restrictions and advisories across Europe, with health authorities closely monitoring the situation. The article provides detailed updates on the number of cases and measures taken by each country.

Vishal Garg, CEO of Better.com, fired 900 employees via a Zoom call, citing market changes as the reason. The announcement came shortly after the company received a significant cash infusion. Garg later apologized for his handling of the layoffs. Legal expert Nicolas Mancret explained that such a method of dismissal would not comply with French labor laws, which require a more structured process. The article also references a similar incident involving Uber during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key figures in the French space industry have launched the Spacearth Initiative to support the creation of a European satellite constellation, emphasizing the sector's role in serving citizens and the environment. The initiative, backed by major companies like Airbus, Safran, and Thales Alenia Space, aims to bolster European space capabilities and sovereignty. The coalition calls for enhanced space surveillance, support for the Ariane rocket program, and funding for the Copernicus CO2M mission to measure CO2 emissions. This effort aligns with the upcoming French presidency of the EU and the European Space Agency's ministerial conference.

Researchers from the University of Cleveland suggest that sildenafil, known as Viagra, could help prevent Alzheimer's disease. Analyzing data from over 7 million patients, they found a 69% lower risk of Alzheimer's in men who took Viagra. The study indicates that sildenafil may have neuroprotective effects and reduce toxic protein levels in the brain. However, further clinical trials are needed to confirm its effectiveness. The research also highlights the potential for sildenafil to benefit individuals with comorbidities like coronary artery disease, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes.

Muhammad Malhas, a 76-year-old retired Jordanian, fulfilled his lifelong dream of flying by building a flight simulator in his basement. Using scrap metal and second-hand parts, he created a full-size cockpit replica of a Boeing 737-800, costing him €7,500. Assisted by his friend Ahmad Fares, Malhas installed the necessary electronics to simulate real flight experiences. Despite not becoming a professional pilot, Malhas obtained his pilot's license in 1978 and has been flying virtually since 2006, enjoying virtual trips around the world with his wife as his co-pilot.

Businesses and consumer groups are challenging the traditional Black Friday shopping frenzy, advocating for sustainable consumption and environmental responsibility. The French consumer association UFC-Que Choisir criticizes deceptive Black Friday promotions, while the Make Friday Green Again network and the American sporting goods group REI promote environmentally friendly alternatives. The slow fashion startup ASKET, co-founded by August Bard-Bringeus, boycotts Black Friday, emphasizing the need to produce fewer, better-quality items and to slow down resource extraction to respect planetary boundaries.

Black Friday, traditionally a day for Americans to find discounted items, is evolving with consumer demands for sustainability. European consumers are increasingly interested in quality and product origin, with many preferring local, organic, and environmentally conscious products. Back Market, a marketplace for refurbished electronics, operates in several European countries and the US, offering a warranty and a customer-friendly experience. OnBuy, a UK-based start-up, provides an ethical e-commerce platform with vetted sellers. EthicalSuperstore.com in the UK supports the Food Bank Friday campaign, donating items with every order over a certain amount. Local bookshops and charity shops offer sustainable alternatives for book purchases. A French collaborative system, Près de chez nous, maps out eco-friendly businesses, promoting sustainable shopping.

UNESCO's 193 member countries have adopted the first global agreement on the ethics of artificial intelligence, aiming to provide a responsible direction for AI technologies. The agreement addresses issues such as gender and ethnic bias, privacy threats, and the need for transparency in AI algorithms. While it does not impose regulations on companies like Google, Amazon, Facebook, and Apple, it sets a global normative framework for ethical AI development. The agreement has been seen as a positive step by experts, despite its lack of enforcement power. The United States and Israel, not UNESCO members, are also working on AI legislation.

World Toilet Day on November 19 highlights global access to clean water and sanitation. The article lists five innovative toilets, including the Gates Foundation's water-free Nanomembrane toilet, Tokyo's transparent toilets funded by the Nippon Foundation, D Free's app for toilet reminders, Le Trône's advanced Japanese toilets in Paris, and a South Korean eco-friendly toilet by Cho Jae-weon that produces electricity and mines cryptocurrency. These innovations showcase advancements in hygiene, technology, and environmental sustainability.

World Toilet Day, observed annually by the United Nations since 2013, highlights the critical issue of inadequate sanitation affecting 3.6 billion people globally. The lack of proper toilets and sanitation systems poses severe health risks, contaminates water sources, and exacerbates the spread of diseases, including COVID-19. Vulnerable populations, especially women and children, face heightened risks of assault and educational disruptions due to inadequate facilities. Sanitation workers endure hazardous conditions and systemic discrimination. The article underscores the urgent need for improved sanitation to safeguard public health, dignity, and safety.

Electric automaker Fisker unveiled what it claims to be the world's most sustainable car, the Fisker Ocean, at the LA Auto Show. The vehicle features a fully-vegan interior made from recycled materials, a solar roof, and a rotating screen. The Ocean will be available in three models, with prices starting at $37,499. Fisker aims to make electric vehicles accessible to everyone, with federal and state tax credits reducing the cost further. The company also plans to develop a 100% electric Popemobile for Pope Francis, reflecting the pontiff's environmental concerns.

The number of smokers globally has been declining, with 1.3 billion tobacco users in 2020, down by 20 million from two years earlier. The World Health Organization (WHO) projects this trend to continue, expecting 1.27 billion smokers by 2025. Despite the decline, tobacco still kills over 8 million users annually, with an additional 1.2 million deaths from second-hand smoke. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the need for continued efforts against the tobacco industry's influence. The report highlights that 60 countries are on track to achieve a 30% reduction in consumption by 2025, though the success is deemed fragile. Europe and the Western Pacific region show varying trends in tobacco use among men and women.

The Israeli government has introduced an app called Clean Coin to incentivize citizens to pick up litter by rewarding them with virtual coins. Users can exchange these coins for goods and services from partner companies. The app, designed to be engaging and game-like, has already attracted over 16,000 users. Co-founders Adam Ran and Gal Lahat emphasize the app's potential to provide a sustainable solution to pollution by encouraging daily environmental actions. Environmental advocacy group Adam Teva V’Din highlights Israel's high waste production, underscoring the app's relevance.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced plans to become the first major city to enter the metaverse, creating a virtual communication ecosystem for municipal administration. The project, part of Mayor Oh Se-hoon's Seoul Vision 2030 plan, aims to enhance economic, cultural, tourism, educational, and civic services through a shared 3D virtual world. Significant investments have been made to facilitate virtual consultations, events, and public services, including a Virtual Mayor’s Office and a Virtual Tourist Zone. The initiative seeks to overcome real-world limitations and improve accessibility for all citizens, including the socially vulnerable.

Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine have discovered that air pollution causes brain inflammation, which in turn reduces sperm counts in mice. The study, published in Environmental Health Perspectives, highlights that removing a specific inflammation marker in the brain can prevent this effect. The findings suggest broader health implications, including links to conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. The study underscores the importance of addressing air pollution, especially as it disproportionately affects poorer and minority communities.

Leaders from various sectors convened at the World Health Summit 2021 in Berlin to discuss lessons from COVID-19 and strategies for future pandemic preparedness. Key themes included the importance of global collaboration, investment in health and vaccines, and effective communication to combat misinformation. Experts emphasized that public-private partnerships and long-term investments in public health are crucial for better pandemic responses. The Economist Impact introduced a pandemic response toolkit, advocating for a multifaceted approach to enhance preparedness and resilience.

Climate tech startups have raised a record €27.5 billion in 2021, with Europe being the fastest growing region for such investments. The surge in funding, nearly five times more than in 2016, is attributed to startups that are addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in energy, transportation, and the circular economy. London is highlighted as a major hub for climate tech companies and funds, with significant investments in startups like Olio, Northvolt, and Depop, as well as funds like Lightrock, 2150, and Blue Horizon. The growth is driven by global investment into transportation, energy, and circular economy solutions.

A study by the University of Edinburgh and Trinity College Dublin reveals significant privacy issues with Android smartphones from major brands like Samsung, Xiaomi, and Huawei. The research highlights extensive data collection practices, including the transmission of personal information to OS developers and third parties. The study calls for urgent regulatory action to give users control over their data. The e/OS variant is noted as a privacy-conscious alternative. The findings emphasize the need for greater transparency and user control in smartphone data practices.

A panel of experts in the United States, the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), recommends that people aged 60 and over should not take low-dose aspirin daily to prevent a first heart attack due to the increased risk of life-threatening internal bleeding. The new guidelines suggest that individuals aged 40 to 59 without a history of heart disease should consult their clinician to determine if aspirin use is appropriate. The recommendations are subject to public debate until early November.

The UK Department of Health and Social Care announced the removal of a discriminatory question from the blood donation eligibility form, which previously excluded donors who had sexual contact with individuals from sub-Saharan Africa. This change, effective by the end of 2021, aims to make blood donation more inclusive, particularly benefiting Black donors. The decision follows recommendations from the FAIR steering group and is supported by NHS Blood and Transport. The measure is expected to increase donations from rarer blood groups without compromising safety. Similar changes have already been implemented in Scotland and Wales.

The world's most powerful MRI scanner, named 'Iseult,' has produced its first images, showcasing the inside of a pumpkin. Developed over 20 years through a partnership between the French Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) and Siemens-Healthineers, the scanner aims to revolutionize brain imaging with its unprecedented 11.7 Tesla power. The machine, housed at NeuroSpin near Paris, promises to enhance the understanding of brain anatomy and function, potentially aiding in the early detection of neurodegenerative and psychiatric conditions.

Russia accounted for over half of all cyberattacks observed by Microsoft from July 2020 to June 2021, with a significant increase in the success rate of these attacks. The main targets were government agencies, particularly those involved in foreign policy, national security, or defense. The report also highlighted a surge in cybercrimes, including ransomware and phishing attacks, and emphasized the importance of basic security measures to prevent breaches.

Singapore has introduced 'Xavier' robots equipped with cameras to patrol for anti-social behavior, sparking mixed reactions among residents. While some appreciate the security benefits, others are concerned about the implications for civil liberties. The government cites labor shortages as a reason for the deployment. Similar technology is also being used in Hawaii, where robot dogs check homeless people's temperatures, though this has faced criticism for being dehumanizing.

The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) released the Pandora Papers, revealing how world leaders and business executives hid $11.3 trillion in offshore companies. The leak implicates 336 politicians and executives, including King Abdullah II of Jordan, Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, and Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso. The Pandora Papers consist of 11.9 million documents and follow previous ICIJ investigations such as the Panama Papers and Paradise Papers. The ICIJ's work has led to over 150 investigations worldwide, highlighting issues of tax evasion and money laundering.

Tesla has been ordered to pay nearly $137 million in damages to a Black former employee, Owen Diaz, for failing to address the racism he experienced at its Fremont, California factory. Diaz, who worked as a freight elevator operator from June 2015 to July 2016, faced racist slurs and a hostile work environment. The San Francisco federal court jury awarded Diaz $130 million in punitive damages and $6.9 million for emotional distress. Tesla's vice president of human resources, Valerie Capers Workman, noted improvements at Tesla since Diaz's employment, including the creation of an Employee Relations team and a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion team.

The article lists the 20 most beautiful beaches in the world based on an analysis of Instagram hashtags by British website money.co.uk. The ranking is determined by the number of Instagram posts per metre of sand. Half of the beaches are located in Europe, with the top spot going to Kelingking Beach in Bali. The list includes a mix of well-known and hidden gems, highlighting their unique features and appeal to both tourists and locals.

A petition in the UK has called for a ban on the sale of artificial grass due to its environmental impact, including high volumes of plastic, difficulty in recycling, soil pollution with microplastics, and contribution to flooding. The petition emphasizes the benefits of natural grass for biodiversity and CO2 capture. Despite a previous petition with fewer signatures, the UK government prefers to encourage correct choices over outright bans. The article also discusses the water and electricity savings artificial grass provides, but notes its inability to improve air quality or combat climate change.

A petition in the UK is calling for a ban on the sale of artificial grass due to its negative environmental impact, including high plastic volumes, non-recyclability, soil pollution with microplastics, and contribution to flooding and overheating. The petition emphasizes the benefits of natural grass for biodiversity and carbon footprint reduction. Despite a previous petition with fewer signatures, the UK government has preferred to encourage correct choices over outright bans. The article also discusses the water and electricity savings of artificial grass but questions its overall eco-friendliness, as it does not clean the air or contribute to compost after disposal.

Colombia, home to around 20% of the world's butterfly species, has been officially recognized as the world's butterfly paradise by a study from the Natural History Museum in London. The study identified 3,642 species and 2,085 subspecies, with over 200 species unique to Colombia. The research, involving extensive fieldwork and analysis of historical data, underscores the need for habitat protection to preserve these species. The study also notes that Colombia's biodiversity is unparalleled, though further research is needed. The country's complex geography and historical conflicts have previously hindered exploration efforts.

The world's first space tourism agency, RocketBreaks, has launched in the UK, offering comprehensive travel packages including flights, accommodation, and training for space travel. The Aurora Station, developed by Orion Span, is set to become the first luxury space hotel, opening in 2022. Other companies like SpaceX and Virgin Galactic are also advancing space travel opportunities. RocketBreaks aims to become a leading agency in the burgeoning space tourism industry, with significant demand anticipated for various space travel experiences.

An expert panel assembled by the Stop Ecocide Foundation, co-chaired by international lawyers Philippe Sands and Dior Fall Sow, has published a legal definition of 'ecocide' to potentially categorize it as a crime prosecutable by the International Criminal Court alongside war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocides, and aggression. The term 'ecocide' encompasses various forms of environmental destruction and has gained prominence through climate activism. The process to make ecocide an international crime involves proposal, admissibility, and adoption stages, requiring support from states that have ratified the Rome Statute of the ICC and civil society.

Conscious travel is a growing trend in 2021, encouraging positive impacts on visited communities and environments. In line with EU Green Week's focus on ocean protection, several trips are highlighted where travelers can contribute to ocean, beach, riverbed, and pond conservation. These include shark protection in Fiji with WWF and ProjectAWARE, turtle conservation in Greece with Responsible Travel, coral reef data collection in Puerto Rico with Amigos de Tres Palmas and the Oceanic Society, volunteering on Sea Shepherd vessels, improving the River Thames' water quality with Thames21, participating in coral reef regeneration in Costa Rica with Black Tomato and CIMAR, and hiking, kayaking, and whale watching in the Azores with Much Better Adventures. These experiences aim to enhance travelers' connection with nature and inspire them to protect it.

Europe is home to a diverse array of languages, with some villages and regions retaining unique local dialects distinct from their national languages. In Latvia, the village of Mazirbe is known for the Livonian language, while Fribourg, Switzerland, has the mixed dialect of Bolze. Wilamowice, Poland, preserves the West-Germanic language Wymysiöeryś, and Camborne, UK, is reviving Cornish. The Isle of Man's Douglas is seeing a resurgence of Manx, and Calabria, Italy, maintains the Griko dialect. These languages reflect rich cultural histories and ongoing efforts to preserve linguistic heritage.

Scientists have discovered that plants possess an internal clock, similar to humans, which allows them to measure daily and seasonal rhythms. This discovery, led by Professor Alex Webb from the University of Cambridge, could revolutionize agriculture by optimizing crop growth, improving pest resistance, and enhancing sustainability. The study suggests that aligning plants' internal clocks with their environment can lead to higher yields and more efficient resource use. The concept of 'chronoculture' could also be applied to vertical farming and potentially human medicine, where timing could enhance the effectiveness of treatments.

Croatia is offering special visas to digital nomads from outside the EU, allowing them to stay for up to a year without paying income tax. This initiative aims to boost the country's pandemic-hit tourism industry. The program has already attracted applicants, primarily from the US and UK. The Croatian government has approved 33 visas so far, with expectations for more once travel restrictions ease. The initiative is seen as a long-term strategy to enhance the tourism sector, with digital nomads potentially becoming promoters of Croatia. Key figures like Melissa Paul and Jan de Jong highlight the benefits and unique lifestyle Croatia offers to digital workers.

Curaçao, a picturesque Caribbean island, is inviting digital nomads to work remotely from its beaches for at least six months. The island offers seamless 4G connectivity, no local income taxes, and a straightforward application process. Visitors can enjoy the island's unique architecture, beautiful beaches, and various activities, including swimming with sea turtles and visiting the Blue Curacao distillery. The government has implemented safety guidelines to ensure a safe stay during the pandemic, with minimal COVID-19 cases reported.

Disneyland Paris is constructing a massive solar power plant to decarbonize its energy supply, covering 17 hectares with 67,500 solar panels. This initiative aims to reduce CO2 emissions by 750 tons annually and will account for 17% of the resort's electricity consumption. The project, in collaboration with Urbasolar Group, is part of Disneyland Paris's broader environmental strategy, which includes eliminating single-use plastics and creating a geothermal power plant. The ultimate goal is to raise awareness and encourage children to protect nature.

Spain is witnessing a surge in innovative food tech startups, driven by strong biotech research and a demand for sustainability. Feltwood is creating packaging from vegetable waste, Cubiq Foods is developing healthier fats, Heura produces plant-based meat alternatives, EthicHub offers crowdlending for farmers, and Natural Machines has introduced Foodini, a 3D food printer. These startups are not only changing the food landscape in Spain but also aligning with global sustainability goals and expanding internationally.

French police have received a surge in calls to their emergency line since the start of the country's coronavirus lockdown, with many questions bordering on the absurd. People have inquired about spending time with mistresses, the risk of contamination from strangers touching their pets, and other non-emergency issues. The lockdown, which began on March 17, restricts people to leaving their homes only for essential activities. Police have also noted an increase in calls related to domestic violence and neighborhood disputes.

A 16-year-old girl named Julie has become the youngest person in France to die from COVID-19, despite initial tests showing negative results. Her condition deteriorated rapidly, leading to her death at Necker children's hospital in Paris. The family expressed their grief and confusion over the late test results and the belief that the virus did not affect young people. The article highlights the emotional impact on the family and the strict protocols followed due to the pandemic.

Stanley Johnson, father of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, plans to apply for French citizenship post-Brexit, as revealed by his daughter Rachel in her book. Stanley's mother was born in Versailles, which qualifies him for French nationality. Stanley Johnson, a former European Parliament and Commission member, has been outspoken like his son, recently defying government COVID-19 guidelines. The UK government has ordered the closure of public venues to combat the virus, which has claimed 233 lives in the country.

In Settecani, near Modena, Italy, a technical error at the Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro winery caused Lambrusco wine to flow from residential taps instead of water. The incident, which lasted a few hours, was due to a valve malfunction during the bottling process. Residents, including Maurizio Agpi, found humor and joy in the situation, even bottling some of the wine. The municipality assured there were no health risks. This unusual event provided a brief distraction from the ongoing coronavirus outbreak affecting the region.

Donald Trump proposes expanding NATO into the Middle East, coining the acronym NATOME. He suggests this move to address international problems and claims NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg is supportive. The proposal follows the US assassination of Iranian military leader Qasem Soleimani. Trump's administration has faced disagreements with NATO members over the US withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal. Ted Galen Carpenter from the Cato Institute suggests Trump's call for NATO involvement aims to share the burden and signal European support to Iran, though he doubts its success.

Austria's state television experienced a mix-up during the swearing-in of the new government, where subtitles from a romantic soap opera appeared instead of the actual speech. The error occurred as Sebastian Kurz's coalition with the Greens was inaugurated, marking a significant political shift. The public broadcaster ORF apologized for the mistake. The new government, led by Kurz, is Austria's first with a female majority and includes the Greens for the first time. This coalition could serve as a model for other countries, including Germany. Kurz, who has a history of taking a tough stance on migration, reclaimed his position as the world's youngest serving head of government.

Accidents and injuries involving cyclists and scooter users in Paris have surged by over 25% due to a strike over pension reform that has crippled the city's public transport. Commuters have turned to alternative transport methods, leading to a 31% increase in accidents and a 26% rise in injuries. The strikes, which began on December 6, have severely disrupted train services and caused significant traffic congestion in the Ile de France region.

New Delhi and other parts of India have been engulfed in violent protests against a new citizenship law introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, which excludes Muslims from future citizenship. The protests, marked by clashes between police and demonstrators, have led to numerous injuries and widespread unrest. Critics argue that the law undermines India's secular foundations, with political analyst Tehseen Poonawalla filing a petition in the Supreme Court to challenge its constitutionality. Despite calls for calm from Modi, the protests continue to draw significant participation, reflecting deep-seated opposition to the legislation.

In Kyiv, skirmishes broke out and injuries occurred as Ukrainians protested against plans to allow the sale of the country's farmland, a proposal that would overturn a 2001 ban. Ukraine, with 32.5 million hectares of fertile arable land, currently restricts sales to rentals. The draft law, which passed its first reading, would enable land acquisition by any entity, including foreigners, who have used the land for three years. The World Bank suggests this could boost Ukraine's economy, but many Ukrainians fear it will benefit only oligarchs and foreigners. President Zelenskiy has offered a referendum before opening sales to foreign buyers.

UNESCO has removed the Aalst carnival from its intangible cultural heritage list due to the inclusion of racist and anti-Semitic caricatures in the parade. Despite the Aalst mayor's defense of the city's tradition of satire, UNESCO cited the festival's history of displaying offensive stereotypes and insulting historical memories, which goes against the mutual respect required by the Convention.

Boris Johnson, following his UK election victory, quickly moved to oppose a second Scottish independence referendum, citing the decisive 2014 vote. Nicola Sturgeon, leader of the Scottish National Party, countered by asserting a strong mandate for another referendum based on Scotland's desire to remain in the EU, as evidenced by the SNP's significant electoral gains.

Bougainville, an island in Papua New Guinea, voted overwhelmingly for independence with 97.7% in favor. The referendum, praised for its peaceful execution, marks the beginning of a process requiring negotiations with Papua New Guinea's government and ratification by its parliament. The island, named after French navigator Louis-Antoine Bougainville, has a long colonial history and could become the world's newest country if successful.

Luca Parmitano, an astronaut with the European Space Agency, addresses questions about maintaining psychological health while aboard the International Space Station. This is part of a weekly series where he answers various inquiries from the public, ranging from the practical to the whimsical.

French police began relocating migrants from an illegal campsite in northern Paris' Porte d'Aubervilliers on Thursday morning. The operation moved 500 of the 2,000 people there to safer locations, focusing on vulnerable individuals. Despite not being a camp dismantlement, the action aimed to ensure the security of those affected. The operation was supported by France Terre d'Asile, and migrants were transported to sports halls and shelters. A previous evacuation attempt was canceled due to a large crowd. Paris has been a primary destination for refugees since the closure of Calais' migrant camp in 2016, leading to the emergence of several illegal campsites.

The Institute for Fiscal Studies has assessed the UK Conservative and Labour parties' manifesto spending pledges as not credible. The Conservatives are expected to exceed their spending promises, while Labour is unlikely to achieve the proposed investment spending increases. The IFS director, Paul Johnson, critiqued both parties for their modest proposals and suggested that Labour would need to implement broad-based tax increases to fund their ambitions.

In Crêts en Belledonne, southeastern France, fifteen sheep were symbolically enrolled in a local primary school as part of a protest against education cuts that led to the closing of one of the school's classes. The protest was organized by three mothers of students and supported by the mayor, aiming to go viral and stand against target-based policies, advocating for equal education for all children.