The musician publicly performed the Ukrainian national anthem
A Siberian businessman who publicly sang Ukraine’s national anthem has been found guilty of “Nazi propaganda”, a local court said Thursday in the latest example of Russia’s ongoing repression of military dissent, the Moscow Times reported.
A resident of Tyumen, identified as Vladimir Fofanov by the police surveillance website OVD-Info, was filmed performing the anthem on a piano placed on an embankment.
However, the city court accuses Fofanov of shouting slogans at the banned organizations UNA-UNSO and the Right Sector.
Russia has declared Ukraine’s far-right movement UNA-UNSO, part of the ultranationalist Right Sector group, a banned “extremist” organization after Moscow annexed Crimea in 2014.
“In addition, the man posted a video of his ‘concert’ on the Internet,” the court said.
Fofanov’s videos of him playing the anthem, published online this week, do not show him shouting or uttering the slogans he is accused of.
However, the Central District Court of Tyumen sentenced the suspect, whom he identified as Vladimir F., to 14 days in prison on charges of misconduct related to Nazi propaganda.
He added that Fofanov pleaded guilty and vowed not to repeat the crime.
Travel news from Turprom reports Olga Tikhonova: Great Britain struck new sanctions on Russian air carriers – Aeroflot, its subsidiary a / c Rossiya and Ural Airlines. We are talking about freezing assets – a source of profit for companies from slots in British airports.
Reference: Slots are the time allotted at the airport for the arrival / departure of an airline flight on a specific day and hour.
According to the British media, citing the government’s website, Aeroflot is the largest airline in Russia, it supports the country’s government, and also receives support from it. This is possible thanks to doing business in the “strategically important transport sector.” In this regard, the British government refused to Russian airlines to receive income from slots at the airports of a European country. According to official figures, their amount was $62 million. The report specified that Ural Airlines is a strategically important link for Russia, so its assets are also frozen.
With the start of the Russian special operation, the UK closed its airspace to Russian civil aviation, imposed a ban on Russian airlines and confiscated the private jets of some Russian businessmen.
epa09963587 Supporters of the Turkish main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) hold pictures of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk and Turkish flags as they attend an anti-government rally in Istanbul, Turkey, 21 May 2022. EPA/SEDAT SUNA
Tens of thousands gathered on Saturday to protest in Turkey’s largest city, Istanbul, in support of leading opposition figure Janan Kaftanjioglu, the BBC reported.
Demonstrators also erected posters depicting Kemal Ataturk.
Kaftanjioglu, who heads the branch of the secular People’s Republican Party (CHP) in Istanbul, smiled and waved to her supporters.
She received a criminal conviction for insulting President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the Turkish state.
In 2019, Kaftanjioglu was sentenced to nine years, eight months and 20 days in prison. Following an appeal, the term was reduced to just under five years. Under Turkish law, sentences of less than five years are usually suspended.
The 50-year-old woman now faces a suspended sentence.
Some of the allegations are related to messages posted on Twitter 10 years ago.
She said the accusations against her were politically motivated.
Recall that in 2019 alone, more than 3,800 people in Turkey were sentenced to prison for insulting President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, as Al Arabiya reported at the time, citing Turkish media BirGun.
Turkish justice has jailed 3,831 people for insulting Erdogan, an 87% increase from 2018, when 2,046 people were convicted.
Turkey’s penal code provides for up to four years in prison for insulting the head of state. The sentence can be increased if the insult is expressed in the public sphere.
Human rights groups have called on Turkey to end the persecution of citizens for “insulting the president”. They accuse the government of using the law to shut up dissidents.
According to Turkish journalist Bulent Kenesh, who fled abroad, the Turkish government under Erdogan has drawn a very fine line between critical comment and insult. Kenesh received three life sentences and another 15 years in prison in Turkey after criticizing the head of state in July 2016. He fled to Europe. According to him, the so-called “insult” cases have nothing to do with real insult.
“It would be extremely unusual and abnormal to see 3,831 people imprisoned in a democracy in one year because they simply criticized their president. But under the Erdogan regime, it is normal to prosecute any dissident with fictitious trials in his arbitrary courts.” , the journalist emphasized.
A total of 36,066 people were investigated in 2019 for insulting Erdogan.
Russia demanded from the members of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) to introduce quotas and duties on grain exports to third countries. This is reported by Kommersant sources, cited by the ura.ru news agency.
According to the interlocutors of the newspaper, at a meeting of the Eurasian Economic Commission, Russia insisted on the introduction by members of the EAEU of quotas and duties on grain exports to third countries. They note that the Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation calls this measure necessary to prevent the re-export of Russian grain through the EAEU, bypassing restrictions.
It is noted that Armenia and Kyrgyzstan are preparing a decision on duties and quotas. Kazakhstan is opposed to the introduction of duties due to the fact that they may prevent local agricultural producers from fulfilling international obligations, the newspaper’s source added.
Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree banning the export of a number of products and raw materials. The Ministry of Agriculture noted that Russia’s food security is ensured, writes RT. Russia has imposed a ban on the supply of grain and sugar to its neighbors. The Ministry of Agriculture reported that the ban would apply to the export of wheat and meslin, rye, barley and corn. There were also restrictions on the export of fertilizers. Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev stressed that Russia will not export products to its own detriment.
Many healthy juices promote weight loss. They are low in sugar, high in fiber and high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Juices can be a quick and convenient way to add extra nutrients to your diet and aid weight loss. However, some types of juice are high in sugar and low in fiber, which can increase your calorie intake and even lead to weight gain over time. This is especially true of many store-bought fruit juices, which are often loaded with sugar, artificial flavors and preservatives. Luckily, there are plenty of healthy and delicious juices you can make at home using a few simple ingredients and a juicer. You can also use a blender. This method is preferable because it retains more fiber, which can help promote feelings of fullness and manage your hunger.
Here are 8 of the best juices for weight loss
1. Celery juice
Celery juice has recently become a popular ingredient among health-conscious consumers. Not only is it low in calories, but it is also over 95% water.
Choosing foods and beverages that are low in calorie density could be beneficial for weight and fat loss. Celery juice is also a great source of antioxidants and beneficial plant compounds, which can help reduce oxidative stress and fight inflammation.
2. Beet juice
Athletes often consume beetroot juice when looking to improve their performance. Indeed, this juice contains beneficial compounds such as dietary nitrates. Dietary nitrates can help increase muscle efficiency and endurance, as well as lower blood pressure levels by dilating your blood vessels. Plus, whole beets are low in calories and high in fiber, which can help promote regularity, slow stomach emptying, and keep you feeling fuller longer to help with weight management. Since most of the fiber is removed during the juicing process, beet juice generally does not contain large amounts of this nutrient. That said, it is a lower calorie and more nutritious juice option when looking to lose weight.
3. Pomegranate juice
In addition to being delicious and refreshing, pomegranate juice is a healthy, low-calorie drink that can aid weight loss. Some research suggests that pomegranate may help prevent spikes and crashes in blood sugar that could otherwise lead to increased feelings of hunger. In fact, a study in 16 people found that the antioxidants in pomegranate juice stabilized blood sugar levels after they ate bread, which could otherwise have caused blood sugar to rise.
4. Green vegetable juice
While the exact ingredients of green juices can vary, most contain leafy green vegetables like kale, spinach, or cabbage. These ingredients are high in fiber, low in sugar, and packed with anti-inflammatory antioxidants. Interestingly, studies show that increasing fruit and vegetable intake may be linked to lower body weight and reduced risk of weight and fat gain over time. Plus, green juices are easy to tailor to your tastes by adding your favorite ingredients.
For a simple green juice you can make at home, try blending spinach, cucumber, green apples and celery, then enjoy. By using a blender rather than a juicer, you get all the nutrients and fiber from the green leaves. This makes the juice even more satiating and favorable to weight loss.
5. Watermelon juice
Watermelon juice is sweet, refreshing and very nutritious. Besides being low in calories, watermelon is an excellent source of heart-healthy micronutrients like potassium and vitamins A and C, antioxidants that boost the immune system. It also has a high water content, which may help you lose weight and feel fuller.
A 4-week study in 33 people gave participants 2 cups (300 grams) of fresh watermelon each day. They found a significant reduction in body weight, belly fat, hunger and food cravings compared to participants in a control group
6. Lime-ginger juice
Lime-ginger juice can be a vibrant and delicious addition to a healthy weight loss diet. In particular, lemons can help add flavor to your drink while providing some additional antioxidants. Some human and animal studies also show that ginger may help boost metabolism, reduce appetite and promote weight loss. Alternatively, green vegetables like spinach or kale, when blended rather than juiced, can boost your fiber intake and keep you feeling full between meals. To start, simply add a small handful of peeled ginger, freshly squeezed lemon juice and 1 cup (30 grams) of raw spinach to your food processor and blend.
7. Carrot juice
Carrot juice is a nutrient-dense drink, packed with plenty of vitamin A and other healthy carotenoids in every serving. Blending your carrots instead of juicing them can also help increase your fiber intake to improve feelings of fullness and help regulate your appetite. Additionally, carrots are high in carotenoids, a type of plant pigment found in many fruits and vegetables. Interestingly, an 8-week study of 28 men with obesity found that those who drank a carotenoid-rich drink daily had a significant reduction in belly fat.
8. Apple juice and kale
Apple and kale juice can be a healthy, fiber-rich alternative to store-bought sugary fruit juices. Kale, in particular, contains almost a gram of fiber per cup (21 grams). Studies have shown that it helps stabilize blood sugar levels after meals.
Apples are also high in fiber and a host of other nutrients. Their consumption is associated with increased weight loss and improved diet quality in both children and adults.
To make kale apple juice at home, simply blend a handful of kale leaves with a few sliced apples. You can boost the flavor and health benefits even further by adding other ingredients like celery, lemon juice, ginger, or carrots.
It is noted that the highest inflation rate in Europe is observed in Turkey at 70 percent due to the collapse of the lira.
The largest increase in consumer prices in the EU is observed in the Baltic countries and Eastern Europe due to their energy dependence on Russia, the Financial Times newspaper writes.
Thus, Estonia suffers the most, where consumer prices rose by almost 19 percent over the year. In Lithuania, this figure reached 16.8 percent, in Bulgaria – 14.4 percent, in the Czech Republic – 14.2 percent, in Romania – 13.8 percent, in Latvia – 13 percent, in Poland – 12.4 percent.
The economies of the member states of the European Union may face a combination of recession and record inflation against the backdrop of the crisis in Ukraine, the German publication Deutsche Wirtschafts Nachrichten wrote earlier. The publication notes that in the European Union, you can already see a noticeable increase in consumer prices, which exceeds last year’s figure by 7.5%.
The day before, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Economic Relations of Hungary, Peter Szijjarto, said that the economy of the republic would be destroyed without Russian oil supplies.
Recall that Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree providing for the supply of gas to unfriendly states (including all EU countries) only for rubles. In turn, the G7 member countries and the EU urged local companies not to accept ruble invoices for relevant deliveries.
Researchers at the University of Kent have discovered a universal mathematical formula that can describe any bird’s egg that exists in nature, something never before achieved.
The shape of the egg has long attracted the attention of mathematicians, engineers and biologists from an analytical point of view.
The form has been highly valued for its evolution, being large enough to incubate an embryo, small enough to come out of the body in the most efficient way, rather than rolling once laid, structurally strong enough to bear the burden and give birth to 10,500 species that survived the dinosaurs. The egg is called the “perfect shape”.
The analysis of all egg shapes uses four geometric shapes: a sphere, an ellipsoid, an egg-shaped and a pear-shaped (conical) shape with a mathematical formula of the pear-shaped shape that has yet to be derived.
The usual perception of an “egg-shaped” shape is oval, with a pointed end and a blunt end, and the widest point closest to the blunt end, somewhat like a hen’s egg. However, things can be much simpler (as in the case of spherical eggs seen in owls, for example) or much more complex (as in the case of pear-shaped eggs seen in squirrels, snipe and two of the largest species of penguins). The data show that the shape of the egg is determined before the formation of the shell and by the underlying membranes.
Why the egg is evolutionarily shaped like this is surprisingly poorly understood. That is, although there is some previous research into the development of egg shape, we do not know exactly how this process came about. In this context, the most attention in this study is drawn to pear-shaped eggs (included in this study to make the formula universal). In common snipes, the pear shape is an adaptive trait that ensures that the four eggs (invariably) “fit together” in the nest (with the pointed edges inwards) to ensure maximum incubation area under the mother.
Researchers are introducing an additional feature into the egg-shaped formula by developing a mathematical model to fit a completely new geometric shape, characterized as the last stage in the evolution of the spherical ellipsoid that is applicable to any egg geometry.
This new universal mathematical formula for egg shape is based on four parameters: egg length, maximum width, vertical axis offset and a quarter of the egg diameter.
This long-sought universal formula is a significant step in understanding not only the shape of the egg itself, but also how and why it evolved, thus making widespread biological and technological applications possible.
Mathematical descriptions of all major forms of eggs have already found application in food research, mechanical engineering, agriculture, biology, architecture and aeronautics. As an example, this formula can be applied to the engineering construction of thin-walled egg-shaped vessels, which must be stronger than typical spherical ones.
This new formula is an important breakthrough with many applications, including:
1. Competent scientific description of a biological object.
Now that an egg can be described by a mathematical formula, the work in the field of biological taxonomy, the optimization of technological parameters, the incubation of eggs and the selection of poultry will be greatly simplified.
2. Accurate and simple determination of the physical characteristics of a biological object.
The external properties of the egg are vital for researchers and engineers who develop technologies for incubating, processing, storing and sorting eggs. There is a need for a simple identification process, using egg volume, area, radius of curvature and other indicators to describe the contours of the egg provided by this formula.
3. Future engineering inspired by biology.
The egg is a natural biological system studied for the design of engineering systems and the latest technologies. The egg-shaped geometric figure has been adopted in architecture, such as the roof of the City of London and the Mary X skyscraper, and construction, as it can withstand maximum loads with minimal material consumption, to which this formula can now be easily applied.
“Biological evolutionary processes, such as egg formation, must be studied for mathematical description as a basis for research in evolutionary biology, as shown by this formula. This universal formula can be applied in key disciplines, especially in the food industry, and will serve as an impetus for further research inspired by the egg as an object of study, “said study lead author Darren Griffin. Professor of Genetics at the University of Kent.
Reference: “Egg and math: introducing a universal formula for egg shape” by Valeriy G. Narushin, Michael N. Romanov and Darren K. Grif fi n, 23 August 2021, Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences.
DOI: 10.1111 / nyas.14680
Source: The Perfect Shape? Research Finally Reveals Ancient Universal Equation for the Shape of an Egg – UNIVERSITY OF KENT
Picture: Images of eggs from the four main shapes of the following bird species: (A) ostrich, round; (B) emu, elliptical; (C) songbirds, ovoid; (D) eagle, ovoid; and (E) curry, pear-shaped; with their theoretical contours (in the right graphs). The images of the eggs were taken from Wikimedia Commons. Credit: Darren Grif et n et al.
In his report presented on May 11 before the UN Security Council, the International High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Christian Schmidt, drew up the gloomy political balance sheet of a country split in three to four months of general elections, evoking an "imminent danger of disintegration" and "risk of a return to conflict".
The aim of the visit was to listen to the Leaders on their key priorities, and to exchange on how to give new impetus to reforms on Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU path. The discussions were substantial and productive and notably on how the EU can support improving and strengthening the functioning of state institutions and thus also improve the delivery of services, jobs, growth and prosperity for all citizens. President Michel expressed his readiness to facilitate re-energising the dialogue between all parties.
The President of the European Union (EU) Council Charles Michel met with the President of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Presidential Council Sefik Dzaferovic and the Serbian member of the council Milorad Dodik at the Bosnia and Herzegovina Presidential Building.
The parties made a statement to the press after the meeting.
In his statement, Charles Michel expressed his pleasure to be in Bosnia and Herzegovina and reiterated the EU’s support for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s progress towards the EU.
“We want to deepen our cooperation and strengthen our dialogue”
“I am convinced that the Western Balkans need the EU, but the EU also needs the Western Balkans. It is time to give a new impetus to EU integration,” Michel said. he said.
Reminding that the leaders of the EU and the Western Balkans will meet in Brussels in June, Michel said, “We want to deepen our cooperation and strengthen our dialogue. I wanted to hear your concerns firsthand, understand your priorities, and how we, as the EU, can support you.” said.
“Peace must be preserved at all costs”
Serbian leader Dodik said, “It is important to maintain ‘peace and stability’, which is the key issue in the region and in the world. We agree on this. From this perspective, there is absolutely no alternative. Peace must be preserved at all costs.” made its assessment.
Underlining that he conveyed Bosnia and Herzegovina’s stance on the Ukraine crisis to Michel, Dodik drew attention to the fact that his country would impose sanctions on Russia.
“Getting candidate status is very important for the relaxation of relations in the country.
Dzaferovic said, “We have clearly said that Bosnia and Herzegovina and all Western Balkan countries have a European perspective. Western Balkan countries should establish strong cooperation and relations with the Eastern countries, as well as with the EU.” said.
Emphasizing that everyone should respect the Constitution and laws of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bosnian leader Dzaferovic said, “The blocking of institutions must end. This is good for all of us. We must fulfill the 14 basic priorities of the European Commission and get candidate status as soon as possible. Bosnia and Herzegovina’s candidate status is very important for the relaxation of relations in the country.” he said.
The full remarks by President Charles Michel after his meeting in Sarajevo with the members of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina
First of all, I would like to thank you, the presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, for your warm welcome in Sarajevo. It is a pleasure to be here. It is also important for me to be here to reaffirm our support for your EU path.
I would like to repeat what I said in Bled a few months ago. Indeed, I am convinced the Western Balkans need the EU, but the EU also needs the Western Balkans. It is time for a new momentum to advance European integration. I have also shared this message with the members of the Bosnia and Herzegovina presidency.
In June, we will organise a meeting of the 27 EU leaders with the leaders of the Western Balkans, because we want to enhance our dialogue and deepen our cooperation. This is also why I am here today, ahead of the leaders’ meeting. I want to actively listen to your concerns. I want to better understand your priorities, and how we, as the European Union, can support you.
As we speak, Russia is brutally attacking the people of Ukraine. In the 1990s, Bosnia and Herzegovina experienced the terrible consequences of war. So you know the importance of our strong support for Ukraine, of speaking with one voice and of acting together to send a clear message of deterrence. And you are also feeling the broader consequences of the war across the continent, and the most obvious example is the energy supply and prices.
The common challenges we face today require new ways of thinking and new ways of working. We need to speed up EU integration and we must create a new impetus for reform. Almost 20 years ago, the Thessaloniki Summit provided a firm commitment to an EU future for the region, and today we feel a new sense of urgency. And we want to support you, our Western Balkan partners and friends, on your journey to the EU.
We have proposed that we envisage the process of enlargement in a new way that offers concrete, socio-economic advantages and political integration during the accession negotiations. The new dynamism for EU enlargement also needs to be matched by a new push for reforms among the countries of the region. And I would like to be extremely clear: indeed, we propose to have a debate in June in the European Council on the idea to put in place a Geopolitical European Community or a Political European Community, a political platform, and this is extremely clear, this won’t replace the EU accession process. On the contrary, we want to speed up political integration by making sure that we can cooperate, that we can coordinate and address together some common challenges immediately, while waiting for the final decision that will be needed on the topic of the accession process. The Western Balkans and Bosnia and Herzegovina are a high priority for the EU and I strongly believe that your future is within the EU as a single, united and sovereign country.
The EU path is set and now the obstacles need to be cleared. The path to the EU is outlined in key priorities, 14 key priorities, and we hope to see real actions on the agenda of political, social and economic reforms. It is important that all political leaders engage in dialogue. Establishing trust and dialogue is key.
We discussed how we can give momentum to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s European perspective. Advancing on reforms means advancing towards the EU. This war has impacted energy supplies across Europe. We are supporting our EU citizens and businesses to cope with high energy prices and we will also support Bosnia and Herzegovina. Thank you again for your warm welcome. It is my first time in the country and we never forget the first time. I am extremely pleased to take time with you to exchange views and to prepare our common future. Thank you.
From Sunday 22 May to Tuesday 24 May Catholic religious men and women will discuss leadership and social inclusion in the global arena. Discussions are taking place at the international meeting of the Global Solidarity Fund in Switzerland of which the Catholic Church is a member, bringing together representatives of all fields.
By Mario Galgano, Vatican City
The great shift in Europe’s security and defense policy and the global impact of war on energy and food supplies are dominating discussions at this year’s World Economic Forum in Davos. The international alliance at the Global Solidarity Fund (GSF) has invited leading representatives of the Catholic community to participate in the World Economic Forum, which begins Sunday 22 May in Switzerland. They will discuss the world’s most pressing problems together with leaders from the private, nonprofit and public sectors.
Presentations and roundtables
During the presentations, proven strategies for social inclusion of the most vulnerable will be presented and lessons learned will be shared. This is to ensure that a global recovery benefits all people in all fields, the GSF alliance has underscored in a statement. A panel discussion on “courageous leadership” will be held on Monday 23 May and job creation for migrants and refugees will be discussed on Tuesday 24 May. The two initiatives are part of the Davos “Goal 17” partnership and represent the culmination of the GSF’s participation in Davos.
The Global Solidarity Fund is considered a unique alliance of its own kind. Inspired by Pope Francis’ grand vision, it promotes partnerships for the most vulnerable by bringing together private and development sectors, as well as Catholic communities. It focuses on the empowerment of the most vulnerable, in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and its goals are in line with the mission, values and social teachings of the Catholic Church.
The campaign United in Faith 2022 aims to increase visibility of the younger generation in the ecumenical movement, exploring opportunities offered by the European Year of Youth.
The campaign will run on Facebook and Instagram for several weeks in autumn 2022.
The social media campaign will address numerous topics, such as what faith mean to youth, how churches impact the life of youth, communities and the European region. Reflections are also encouraged on relations between faith and politics, engagement with EU institutions, society and diversity, and the role of churches and religious communities in building peace.
Those interested to participate are encouraged to read the template featuring examples, and send their contributions to youth@cec-kek.be before 19 June 2022.
