The Austrian government allocated 120 million euros in this year’s budget for a free annual card for all types of transport in the country, and all 18-year-olds with a permanent address in the country are entitled to receive it.
The goal of this investment is “to get young adults used to using public transport, to discover its conveniences and thus contribute to the protection of the environment in the long term”.
Within a period of three years, until reaching the age of 21, young people are entitled to use this free annual card.
Environment Minister Leonore Gevesler of the Green Party introduced the “climate annual ticket” two years ago. For three euros a day, holders of this annual card can travel for free regardless of public transport, and the price for a year amounts to 1,095 euros. For adults over 65 years old, young people up to 25 years old and people with disabilities, the rate is lower – 821 euros. Currently, 245,000 people use Austria’s annual transport card. It is valid for one, two or three provinces, which also determines its price.
Illustrative Photo: Vienna Public Transport / City of Vienna
Women’s tears contain chemicals that block male aggression, a study by Israeli scientists found, cited by the electronic edition “Euricalert”.
Specialists from the Weizmann Institute of Science found that tears lead to a reduction in brain activity associated with aggression, which in turn limits such behavior in the representatives of the stronger sex. The effect occurs after men “smell” the tears.
Male aggression in rodents is known to be blocked when they smell the tears of female specimens. This is an example of social chemosignaling, a process that is common in animals but less common—or less well understood—in humans. To see if they have the same effect in humans, the researchers observed the impact of female emotional tears on a group of men who participated in a special game for two. For the purposes of the analysis, some of the volunteers were given saline instead of tears.
The game is designed to provoke aggressive behavior against an opponent perceived to be cheating. When given the opportunity, men can retaliate against a competitor by making him lose money. The representatives of the stronger sex do not know what they are smelling and cannot distinguish between tears and saline, which are odorless.
Aggressive behavior aimed at revenge during a game dropped by more than 40% after men had access to women’s emotional tears, according to Israeli data.
In the re-examination with magnetic resonance imaging, functional imaging showed two brain regions associated with aggression – the prefrontal cortex and the anterior insula. They are activated when men are provoked during the game, but they are not activated as much in the same situations when the representatives of the stronger sex are under the influence of tears. Moreover, it is clear that the greater the difference in this brain activity, the less often the opponent retaliates during the game.
The discovery of this link between tears, brain activity and aggressive behavior suggests that social chemosignaling is a factor in human aggression rather than just animal curiosity.
“We found that, just like in mice, human tears emit a chemical signal that blocks male aggression. This contradicts the notion that emotional tears are uniquely human,” noted the Israeli scientists, led by Shani Agron.
The research data is published in the open access journal PLOS Biology
We introduce you to the term pyrolysis and how the process affects human health and nature.
Tire pyrolysis is a process that uses high temperature and the absence of oxygen to break down tires into carbon, liquid and gaseous products. This process is usually carried out in specialized installations called pyrolysis plants.
The basic idea of tire pyrolysis is to convert the rubber material into valuable products, such as carbon, liquid fuels (pyrolytic oil) and gases.
Under no circumstances should a pyrolysis plant be opened within the city limits. A tire pyrolysis plant will certainly cause harm to people’s health. The risks are not few, and anything that poses a risk to the health of the people in the city is a gamble that we should not take. The danger comes from the emissions from the installation and the main risks are two – to the health of people and to the ecosystem.
HARMFUL EMISSIONS DURING THE PYROLYSIS OF TIRES
Let’s see what they are and how they affect.
The gaseous substances released from a tire pyrolysis plant are:
Hydrogen sulfide is one of the more well-known gases poisonous to human health. It is an extremely fast-acting, highly toxic, colorless gas with the smell of rotten eggs. At low levels, hydrogen sulfide causes eye, nose, and throat irritation. Moderate levels can cause headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, as well as coughing and difficulty breathing. Higher levels can cause shock, convulsions, coma and death. In general, the more severe the exposure, the more severe the symptoms.
Also, in addition to human health, it also affects the environment. Hydrogen sulfide, entering the atmosphere, quickly turns into sulfuric acid (H2SO4), which accordingly causes acid rain.
Needless to say, we should not take any action that in any way increases the levels of this poisonous gas near where we live.
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Carbon monoxide is another poisonous gas that we also absolutely do not want in our homes.
It affects health through its reaction with hemoglobin in the blood. Hemoglobin is the compound that supplies cells with oxygen. The affinity of hemoglobin is more than 200 times higher for CO than for oxygen, so it replaces oxygen in the blood already at low concentrations, effectively leading to suffocation at the cellular level.
The effects on human health are diverse. At very high exposures, this gas can cause strokes, loss of consciousness and death of parts of the brain and the individual himself. At lower exposures, there are milder behavioral effects, eg impaired learning, decreased vigilance, impaired performance of complex tasks, increased reaction time. These symptoms also occur at levels inherent in a standard urban environment near busy intersections. Certain effects on the cardiovascular system are also observed.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
Carbon dioxide, in addition to being a greenhouse gas, is another gas that also has multiple health hazards in elevated amounts.
Their harm to the human body has been widely documented for years and is clear to science.
Lead
Lead poisoning can cause reproductive problems in men and women, high blood pressure, kidney disease, digestive problems, nervous disorders, memory and concentration problems, a general decrease in IQ, and muscle and joint pain. There is also evidence that lead exposure can lead to cancer in adults.
Of the six most critical environmental pollutants, tire pyrolysis produces 4 of them. They are lead, carbon monoxide, fine dust particles, and hydrogen sulfide. Only ozone and nitrogen dioxide are not produced.
Pyrolysis is a dangerous process that should not be allowed near residential areas. Many articles can be found on the internet describing this process as ‘harmless and environmentally friendly’, but all of them are written by the companies that sell the equipment themselves. It is also described as the better option, rather than burning the tires in the open. This is an absurd comparison, as there are more sustainable ways of reusing tires. For example, cutting them and using them as a surface in an urban environment (for playgrounds, in parks, etc.), as well as they could be added to asphalt.
Pyrolysis clearly produces emissions that lead to harm to human health and the environment. No matter how much its effects are minimized, in any case it should not be allowed to be done near residential areas, let alone in the center of the city, following the model of heavily polluted countries like India and Pakistan.
The repression of dissenting voices in Russia continues unabated as the year draws to a close. According to the Russian NGO OVD-Info, nearly 20,000 Russians have been arrested since the start of the conflict in Ukraine for protesting against Kremlin policies. And 783 individuals became defendants on the ANTI-WAR case by the end of November 2023
The latest victims: two poets who took part in a reading against the war in Ukraine, sentenced on December 28, 2023 by a Moscow court to five-and-a-half and seven-year prison terms. The two men were convicted of inciting hatred towards members of armed groups in the Donbass region and “public calls to commit activities against state security”.
In September 2022, a criminal case was opened against Artem Kamardin, Yegor Shtovba and Nikolai Daineko, three participants in a public poetry reading in Moscow, near the statue of the poet Mayakovsky, a traditional gathering place for government opponents and dissidents since Soviet times. Kamardin read the poem “Kill me, militiaman”. The investigation found that the poet, with this poem, stirred up hatred towards “participants in hostilities in the LPR and DPR”.
According to the investigators, Kamardin called in verse for “not accepting” summonses from representatives of military registration and enlistment offices, “not signing” documents confirming receipt of summonses and “not appearing” on them.
Shtovbu and Daineko are considered Kamardin’s “accomplices” because they “repeated Kamardin’s work aloud”.
Daineko reached a pre-trial agreement during the investigation. His case was dealt with separately and, in May, he was sentenced to 4 years’ imprisonment in a general regime colony. After appeal, the sentence was confirmed.
Kamardin was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment in a general-regime colony under articles on incitement to hatred and public calls for action against state security. Shtovba was sentenced to five and a half years in a general-regime colony on the same charges.
A dozen people were arrested near the court after the verdict was announced, including journalists and members of a support group.
Artem Kamardin’s wife, Alexandra Popova, was dragged out of the courtroom after shouting “Shame!” Then three other people were arrested as they left the courtroom, including SOTAvision correspondent Evgeniy Kurakin and a RusNews journalist who was later released. A support group published the video shot by Popova while she and the other detainees were in the police van.
Alexandra Popova was finally released from the Krasnoselsky district police department, she reported on the support group’s telegram channel.
According to her, the security forces are considering releasing some of the detainees. Three people were kept overnight for taking part in an unauthorized gathering near the courthouse.
The others arrested at the courthouse were released, but were charged with “violation of assembly procedure”.
Let’s provide an overview of the key policy areas and responsibilities of the Belgian presidency of the European Union, highlighting its focus on various thematic areas such as enlargement, foreign affairs, economic governance, migration, health, social policy, green and digital transition, research and innovation, energy, environment, education, and culture.
Belgium’s presidency of the European Union will prioritize key thematic areas such as enlargement, cohesion policy, and preparation for the next institutional cycle. Additionally, it will focus on multilateral cooperation, peace, security, and development in foreign affairs. The presidency also aims to address economic governance, financial support for Ukraine, and the VAT gap in economic & financial affairs.
Furthermore, it prioritizes migration and asylum reform, as well as combating organized crime and terrorism in justice and home affairs. In the health sector, efforts will be made towards strengthening the EU’s resilience to health threats and improving medicine supply. The presidency also emphasizes the need for a stronger social safety net and gender equality in employment and social policy.
Moreover, it places emphasis on the green and digital transition, fair competition for businesses, and future-ready policies in the internal market and industry. The agenda also includes a focus on open strategic autonomy, research valorization, and space activities in research, innovation, and space. Addressing energy security, affordability, and accelerating energy transition in the energy sector is another priority.
Lastly, the presidency is committed to addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and implementing the European Green Deal in the environment sector.
Key Policy Areas
Belgium’s presidency will prioritize decisions related to EU enlargement for Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, and the Western Balkans. It will also focus on regulations and considerations for genetically modified crops and food, with an emphasis on new genomic techniques and strict regulations.
Additionally, the presidency aims to coordinate essential goods, services, and workers during emergencies through the Single Market Emergency Instrument. Furthermore, it seeks to reduce legal battles over royalty rates through legislation on standard essential patents. The Net Zero Industry Act is also a key policy area, aiming to restore the EU’s green energy industries.
Moreover, the European Health Data Space will impact reshaping the sharing of health data for primary patient care and research. Proposed changes in the EU’s pharmaceutical rules and their implications for drugmakers are also on the agenda. The Right to Repair Directive aims to make it easier and cheaper for people to fix their broken electronics. Lastly, the presidency will work towards the objectives of the proposed 5G rollout plan and the Gigabit Infrastructure Act to allow a faster and cheaper rollout of 5G and fiber networks in Europe.
Responsibilities of the Belgian Presidency
The Belgian presidency plays a crucial role in driving forward the Council’s work on EU legislation and representing the Council in relations with other EU institutions. It chairs meetings in the Council and its preparatory bodies, and organizes formal and informal meetings. Additionally, the presidency collaborates closely with the President of the European Council and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
Significance of Belgium’s Presidency
Belgium’s presidency of the European Union holds significance in a challenging time for the EU. It plays a vital role in defending the rule of law, democracy, and unity, as well as other thematic areas. The presidency aims to strengthen the EU and make progress in crucial areas such as climate change, economic growth, and social cohesion.
Conclusion
The Belgian presidency’s agenda encompasses a wide array of policy areas and responsibilities crucial for the EU’s future direction. It is essential to recognize and engage with the impact of the presidency on shaping the EU’s legislative and policy agenda, encouraging further awareness and involvement [1,2,4].
A team of Chinese scientists has developed a yarn fiber with exceptional thermal insulation inspired by polar bear fur, Xinhua reports. According to a study published in the journal Science, this encapsulated airgel fiber is washable, dyeable, durable and can be used in modern textiles.
Airgel fibers generally lack the strength and stretch needed to be woven into fabrics and lose their insulating properties in wet or humid conditions. However, researchers at Zhejiang University took inspiration from polar bears’ unique fur, which effectively keeps them warm and dry. According to the study, fur hairs have a porous core enclosed within the dense structure of the sheath.
By mimicking the structure of the core and sheath of bear hair, the researchers created a tough airgel fiber with lamellar pores that effectively traps infrared radiation near the skin and retains its mechanical strength, making it suitable for knitting or weaving.
According to the study, the fiber retains its thermal insulation properties with minimal change even after 10,000 repeated stretching cycles at 100 percent loading. The research team tested the fiber in a thin sweater, which, despite being about one-fifth the thickness of a down jacket, has thermal insulation properties comparable to those of a thick jacket.
According to the researchers, this “thinned” clothing design provides rich opportunities for the development of multifunctional airgel fibers and textiles in the future.
Illustrative Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-photography-of-white-polar-bear-53425/
An overview of the most well-known e-banks in Europe, including N26, Revolut, Wise, and others, along with a comparison of their services, fees, and customer satisfaction, as well as tips for choosing the right e-bank for online banking needs.
These e-banks have not only diversified the banking options available to consumers but have also set new standards for convenience, flexibility, and specialization, thereby enhancing the overall banking experience for individuals and businesses across Europe [1][2][3].
Services and Features Comparison
When comparing the services and features of the top European e-banks, it’s evident that each bank offers unique and tailored benefits to its users. For instance, N26 is known for its insurtech benefits, making it an attractive option for individuals looking for additional insurance perks tied to their banking services. Moreover, N26 provides a free basic current account and debit card, which is advantageous for those seeking essential banking services without the burden of monthly fees [2].
On the other hand, Revolut has carved a niche for itself in the realm of international transfers and travel. With its low fees and excellent exchange rates for both transfers and spending worldwide, Revolut is a popular choice for individuals who frequently engage in international transactions or travel. This makes it an appealing option for users who prioritize cost-effective and efficient cross-border financial activities [1].
Another key player in the European e-banking landscape is Wise, which excels in facilitating international transactions. Wise’s provision of low-cost foreign currency spending accounts, coupled with global ATM support, makes it a preferred choice for individuals and businesses engaged in global commerce. The ability to seamlessly conduct international transactions with favorable exchange rates and minimal fees positions Wise as an attractive e-bank for those with international financial needs [1][2].
In addition, Tomorrow focuses on sustainability and offers bank accounts tailored for sustainability-conscious consumers, appealing to individuals who prioritize ethical and environmentally friendly financial services. Furthermore, Vivid Money’s offerings include a diverse range of traditional and modern investment options, catering to users seeking investment opportunities alongside their banking services [1]. These diverse features and services highlight the versatility and specialization of the top European e-banks, providing users with a plethora of options to align with their specific financial preferences and requirements.
Fees, Interest Rates, and Customer Satisfaction Comparison
When it comes to fees, interest rates, and customer satisfaction, the top online banks in Europe offer competitive advantages. For instance, N26, a prominent e-bank, provides a free basic current account and debit card with no monthly fees, making it an attractive option for those seeking cost-effective banking solutions [2]. Additionally, Revolut is known for its low fees and great exchange rates for transfers and spending worldwide, which has contributed to its popularity among users for international transactions and travel [1]. This emphasis on low fees and favorable exchange rates not only saves customers money but also reflects a commitment to providing value and customer satisfaction.
Moreover, Wise stands out for its low-cost foreign currency spending accounts and global ATM support, ensuring that customers can access their funds conveniently and affordably, regardless of their location [1][2]. The combination of these features has solidified Wise’s reputation as a go-to e-bank for international transactions and currency exchange. The emphasis on customer satisfaction is evident through the consistent positive feedback from users, which underlines the significance of a seamless, cost-effective banking experience in today’s digital landscape.
In addition to competitive fees and rates, the customer satisfaction levels of these online banks are a testament to their commitment to providing exceptional service. The positive customer feedback on platforms like Trustpilot and the App Store further reinforces the notion that N26, Revolut, and Wise are not only cost-effective but also highly regarded by their users, making them stand out in the European digital banking space [1].
Advantages of Using E-Banks for Online Banking
In addition to the convenience and accessibility that e-banks offer, there are various other advantages associated with using them for online banking in Europe. One of the key benefits is the ability to access banking services with low fees. For instance, N26, a prominent e-bank, provides a free basic current account and debit card, making it an attractive option for individuals seeking cost-effective banking solutions. Similarly, Wise is known for its low fees and excellent exchange rates for transfers and spending globally, which can result in significant cost savings for users who frequently engage in international transactions.
Moreover, the easy application process is another advantage of e-banks, as it enables individuals to open accounts without the complex paperwork and eligibility requirements often associated with traditional banks. With digital banks like Revolut, bunq, and Wise, the application process for opening a European bank account online is streamlined and user-friendly, allowing customers to establish their accounts efficiently and conveniently [1]. This streamlined process is particularly appealing to those who value simplicity and time efficiency in managing their finances.
Furthermore, the availability of convenient web and mobile apps is a significant advantage of e-banks. These apps empower users to manage their finances on the go, check their balances, make transactions, and access customer support seamlessly. Revolut, for example, is recognized for its comprehensive mobile app, offering features like international transfers, travel-related services, and various financial management tools, enhancing the overall user experience [1]. This level of accessibility and functionality is crucial for individuals with dynamic lifestyles and a reliance on digital banking platforms for their financial needs.
Tips for Choosing the Right E-Bank
In addition to the factors mentioned above, individuals can also take into account the specific financial services and features offered by different e-banks when choosing the right one for their online banking needs. For instance, if an individual frequently engages in international transactions, they might prioritize e-banks that offer low fees and favorable exchange rates for such transactions. Revolut and Wise are known for their focus on international transfers and spending, making them suitable choices for individuals with these requirements.
Moreover, the ease of opening an account and the availability of customer support can also be crucial factors for individuals when choosing an e-bank. Some individuals may prioritize e-banks that offer seamless online account opening processes and responsive customer support to address any queries or concerns. For example, Anytime is recognized for its human customer service and provides both personal and business accounts, catering to a wide range of banking needs with a focus on customer support.
Furthermore, the security measures implemented by e-banks to protect customer data and transactions should be carefully evaluated by individuals. A strong emphasis on security features, such as two-factor authentication and encryption protocols, can be a deciding factor for individuals seeking a reliable and secure online banking experience. Therefore, considering the integrity of the e-bank’s security infrastructure is essential for individuals looking to choose the right e-bank for their online banking needs.
The former Metropolitan of Klin, Leonid (Gorbachev), who became known as the “Exarch of the Moscow Patriarch in Africa”, was permanently removed from a church career by St. Synod of the Russian Church. In October of this year, he was removed from his post in Africa and sent to head the Yerevan-Armenian Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church, where the Russian Church has a small community. At its last meeting on December 27, the Russian synod stripped him of that position as well, without explanation, and sent him “to rest,” which is the Church’s term for sending him into retirement.
Retirement (resignation) of a bishop in the Russian Orthodox Church usually takes place upon reaching the age of 75, most often “in gratitude for his work”. Former Metropolitan Leonid (Gorbachev) is still young – he is 55 years old (born in 1968), and no thanks have been given to him. The Russian media commented on the unofficial information that the decision was due to “creating gross interpersonal and inter-church conflicts”.
In 2021, the ROC launched a criminal action under the jurisdiction of the Patriarchate of Alexandria for entering into communion with the Orthodox Church of Ukraine. Several Russian clerics were sent there to tear off parishes of the Patriarchate of Alexandria and make new church structures on the African continent. In his capacity as “African Exarch”, Metropolitan Leonidas had threatened that “very soon Patriarch Theodore will sign the act of complete capitulation of the Patriarchate of Alexandria”. He was overthrown by St. Synod of the Patriarchate of Alexandria for schismatic activity in its jurisdiction, of which all local Orthodox churches were notified. Although the Bulgarian St. The Synod did not dare to condemn the Russian actions in Africa, the Bulgarian metropolitans decided to “refrain from communion” with the overthrown cleric.
After the assassination of Metropolitan Leonid’s patron and sponsor Yevgeny Prigozhin, the aspiring bishop fell out of favor and was removed from his post of “African Exarch”.
According to observers, the Kremlin’s interest in the “African mission” of the Russian Orthodox Church has declined, and after the death of Prigozhin, the activities of the “Russian missionaries” were left without funding.
In the circles of the Alexandrian Church, they comment with bitter irony that, although the removal from office of the odious bishop did not take place according to the proper church-canonical order, God found a way to implement the decision of their synod.
The operations were carried out in nine districts of the country at the end of last year.
Officials of Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT) and Security Directorate have arrested three leaders of the Islamic State (ISIS) and 29 others suspected of planning attacks on synagogues and churches, as well as the Iraqi embassy in Turkey. This was announced by the Minister of Internal Affairs, Ali Yerlikaya, on the X social platform, TRT Haber state television reported.
The operations were carried out in nine districts of the country, including Istanbul and Ankara. The so-called “commanders”, who are reported to be foreign nationals with Arabic surnames, have confessed to preparing the attacks, Turkish TV said. During the interrogations, the detainees revealed details about the structure and activities of ISIS in Turkey and Syria.
As part of the operations, digital materials related to the organization’s activities were seized, added Ali Yerlikaya, noting that for the last six months, nearly 730 operations against the Islamic State were carried out in the country, during which 98 terrorists were “neutralized” and 1254 people were arrested.
Turkish authorities use the term “neutralization” to mean that the terrorists in question have surrendered, been killed or captured.
Russian police detained 3000 migrants across the country in New Year’s Eve rallies. Dozens of them face deportation. This is reported by Russian media.
Around 3000 migrants were detained in Russia’s second-largest city of St Petersburg during crime prevention checks.
“As it turned out, more than 600 of the migrants were in Russia for various violations of the migration legislation,” reports RIA, citing its sources.
More than 100 of them faced deportation.
A man from Tajikistan dressed as Santa Claus is among the migrants detained in Moscow.
In the west-central Russian city of Chelyabinsk, Russia’s main investigative body, the Investigative Committee, said it was opening a criminal case against three migrants for hooliganism against Russian servicemen and their wives.
“A mob of drunken migrants attacked two young men demobilized from the front line, and one soldier was hit with a baton, the Committee reported on the messaging application Telegram. It was also noted that the migrants insulted the wives of veterans of the special military operation.
Russia continues to officially call the war against Ukraine a “special military operation”.
The committee said it had also launched an investigation into illegal activities by migrants in the Sverdlovsk region of Russia’s Ural Mountains and in the Moscow region.
Many migrants, mostly from neighboring Central Asian countries such as Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Armenia, come to Russia in search of work.
President Vladimir Putin said in December that there were more than 10 million migrant workers in Russia.
“This is not an easy problem,” he admitted during his annual press conference.
