Italy's culinary traditions recognised by UNESCO for first time ever

A Ryanair flight from Italy to London Stansted experienced a serious incident when a passenger suffering a mental health episode attempted to open an emergency exit door during descent. The situation escalated as another passenger shouted that it was not a terrorist act but a mental health crisis, highlighting the urgent need for intervention. The author, a thriller writer, intervened to prevent a potential disaster.

European leaders from the 'Coalition of the Willing' are set to hold a videoconference on Thursday to discuss ongoing support for Ukraine, with President Zelensky participating. This meeting comes as European nations face challenges in compensating for reduced U.S. aid, leading to a decline in overall support for Ukraine in 2025. While France, Germany, and the UK have increased their contributions, Italy and Spain have reduced or halted their aid.

European nations are facing significant challenges in filling the gap left by the cessation of U.S. military aid to Ukraine, with a notable decline in overall support expected in 2025. While countries like France, Germany, and the UK have increased their contributions, Italy and Spain have reduced or halted their aid efforts. The European Commission is exploring the use of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine, but this plan is encountering resistance, particularly from Belgium.

Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have entered the strategic town of Uvira in eastern DR Congo, exacerbating an already volatile situation following a recently signed peace deal. This development has led to significant civilian displacement, with reports indicating that around 200,000 people have fled the area due to the escalating violence.

The UK has aligned with several hardline European governments in advocating for the constraining of human rights laws, aiming to facilitate Rwanda-style migration agreements and increase the deportation of foreign criminals. This unofficial statement has been signed by 27 of the 46 Council of Europe members, including Hungary and Italy, and seeks to redefine what constitutes 'inhuman and degrading treatment'.

Italy has become the first country to receive Unesco recognition for its national cuisine, officially inscribing Italian cooking on the 'intangible cultural heritage' list. This recognition was announced during the UN cultural body's assembly in Delhi and is seen as a significant endorsement of Italy's culinary traditions, which include pasta, mozzarella, wine, and tiramisu.

UNESCO is set to recognize Haiti’s Compas music and dance as part of its Cultural Heritage List, acknowledging a genre that emerged in the 1950s and reflects a blend of African and Caribbean influences. This recognition highlights Compas as a vital aspect of Haitian identity, characterized by its unique rhythms and romantic dance style.

The 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States was marked by skepticism and indifference, as many questioned the country's commitment to soccer, given its limited history with the sport and the absence of a professional league. Despite initial doubts, the tournament became a pivotal moment for American sports and global football politics.