Rosangela da Silva is a&nbsp;smiley, politically active member of&nbsp;Brazil's Workers' Party, but the new wife of presidential hopeful&nbsp;Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva&nbsp;remains&nbsp;discreet&nbsp;when it comes to her private life.

Sociologist&nbsp;Da Silva and&nbsp;Lula,&nbsp;Brazil's president from 2003 to 2010, were due to be married in a ceremony on Wednesday evening, the details of which were kept top-secret.

Pictures of the couple kissing and cuddling regularly go viral on social media but Da Silva will be brought into new limelight if veteran socialist&nbsp;Lula&nbsp;returns to the presidency in elections later this year and makes her&nbsp;Brazil's first lady.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/luiz-inacio-lula-da-silva-launches-his-presidential-bid-against-brazils-jair-bolsonaro-477238">Brazil presidential election: Lula launches his campaign against Bolsonaro</a>

"I'm in love as if I were 20 years old, as if it were my first girlfriend," said&nbsp;Lula, 76, about his 55-year-old partner, nicknamed "Janja," who is credited with giving the political icon a new lease on life.

Lula&nbsp;was left distraught when his wife of more than 30 years, with whom he had four children, Marisa Leticia, died in 2017.

He had also lost his first wife, Maria de Lourdes, to hepatitis, in 1971.

Watch |&nbsp;Brazil Elections: Former President Lula launches campaign, talks about employment &amp; recovery

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&nbsp;

"When you lose your wife, you think, well, my life has no more meaning. Then suddenly this person appears who makes you feel like you want to live again,"&nbsp;Lula&nbsp;said in a recent interview with Time magazine.

"We will get married calmly and I will have a happy campaign," said the former metal worker and trade unionist who is set for a fiery election battle against far-right incumbent Jair Bolsonaro in October.

Born in Sao Paulo, Da Silva has a degree in sociology from Parana University in the southern city of Curitiba, where&nbsp;Lula&nbsp;was jailed between April 2018 and November 2019 on controversial corruption charges.

She joined the Workers' Party (PT) in 1983, two years after it was co-founded by&nbsp;Lula. She then worked for almost 20 years in the state energy company Itaipu Binacional.

'Cuddle you forever'&nbsp;

Brazilian media say the couple have known each other for decades but&nbsp;Lula's press service insists their amorous relationship began only at the end of 2017, during an event with left-wing artists.

The relationship was only made public in May 2019, more than a year after&nbsp;Lula&nbsp;was incarcerated.

"Lula&nbsp;is in love and the first thing he will want to do when he leaves prison is get married," one of his lawyers said following a prison visit.

Even so, it has taken him two and a half years since his liberation to tie the knot, at a private ceremony for 200 guests in Sao Paulo that is shrouded in secrecy.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/brazils-bolsonaro-and-lula-stage-campaigns-for-upcoming-presidential-elections-475660">In Pics: Brazil’s Bolsonaro, Lula stage campaigns for upcoming presidential elections</a>

During&nbsp;Lula's incarceration, Da Silva would often tweet about the pain of their forced separation.

"All I want is to be able to wrap my arms around you and cuddle you forever," she wrote on the day&nbsp;Lula&nbsp;turned 74.

In November 2019, just after his liberation, they shared a kiss in front of masses of supporters outside the prison in Curitiba that had been his home for 18 months.

"I want to introduce you to someone I have already spoken about but whom some of you don't know: my future spouse," said an emotional&nbsp;Lula.

'Very politicised'&nbsp;

Since&nbsp;Lula's corruption conviction was annulled by the Supreme Court and he was again eligible to stand for election, Da Silva has accompanied him on his many trips, including to Mexico and Europe.

Lula&nbsp;has suggested that, as a first lady, Da Silva could play a role in food security programs, in a country where the Covid-19 pandemic has led to increased hunger.

Although highly active on social media for the&nbsp;Lula&nbsp;campaign, Da Silva is very&nbsp;discreet&nbsp;when it comes to her personal life, of which little is known.

According to Veja magazine, she was married for more than 10 years before her relationship with&nbsp;Lula, although she does not have any children.

Da Silva "is very politicised, she has a good political mind and is very feminist,"&nbsp;Lula&nbsp;said in September, during an interview with rapper Mano Brown's podcast.

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Rosangela da Silva is a smiley, politically active member of Brazil's Workers' Party, but the new wife of presidential hopeful Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva remains discreet when it comes to her private life.

Rosangela da Silva is a smiley, politically active member of Brazil's Workers' Party, but the new wife of presidential hopeful Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva remains discreet when it comes to her private life. Sociologist Da Silva and Lula, Brazil's president from 2003 to 2010, were due to be married in a ceremony on Wednesday evening, the details of which were kept top-secret. Pictures of the couple kissing and cuddling regularly go viral on social media but Da Silva will be brought into new limelight if veteran socialist Lula returns to the presidency in elections later this year and makes her Brazil's first lady. Also read | Brazil presidential election: Lula launches his campaign against Bolsonaro "I'm in love as if I were 20 years old, as if it were my first girlfriend," said Lula, 76, about his 55-year-old partner, nicknamed "Janja," who is credited with giving the political icon a new lease on life. Lula was left distraught when his wife of more than 30 years, with whom he had four children, Marisa Leticia, died in 2017. He had also lost his first wife, Maria de Lourdes, to hepatitis, in 1971. Watch | Brazil Elections: Former President Lula launches campaign, talks about employment & recovery "When you lose your wife, you think, well, my life has no more meaning. Then suddenly this person appears who makes you feel like you want to live again," Lula said in a recent interview with Time magazine. "We will get married calmly and I will have a happy campaign," said the former metal worker and trade unionist who is set for a fiery election battle against far-right incumbent Jair Bolsonaro in October. Born in Sao Paulo, Da Silva has a degree in sociology from Parana University in the southern city of Curitiba, where Lula was jailed between April 2018 and November 2019 on controversial corruption charges. She joined the Workers' Party (PT) in 1983, two years after it was co-founded by Lula. She then worked for almost 20 years in the state energy company Itaipu Binacional. 'Cuddle you forever' Brazilian media say the couple have known each other for decades but Lula's press service insists their amorous relationship began only at the end of 2017, during an event with left-wing artists. The relationship was only made public in May 2019, more than a year after Lula was incarcerated. "Lula is in love and the first thing he will want to do when he leaves prison is get married," one of his lawyers said following a prison visit. Even so, it has taken him two and a half years since his liberation to tie the knot, at a private ceremony for 200 guests in Sao Paulo that is shrouded in secrecy. Also read | In Pics: Brazil’s Bolsonaro, Lula stage campaigns for upcoming presidential elections During Lula's incarceration, Da Silva would often tweet about the pain of their forced separation. "All I want is to be able to wrap my arms around you and cuddle you forever," she wrote on the day Lula turned 74. In November 2019, just after his liberation, they shared a kiss in front of masses of supporters outside the prison in Curitiba that had been his home for 18 months. "I want to introduce you to someone I have already spoken about but whom some of you don't know: my future spouse," said an emotional Lula. 'Very politicised' Since Lula's corruption conviction was annulled by the Supreme Court and he was again eligible to stand for election, Da Silva has accompanied him on his many trips, including to Mexico and Europe. Lula has suggested that, as a first lady, Da Silva could play a role in food security programs, in a country where the Covid-19 pandemic has led to increased hunger. Although highly active on social media for the Lula campaign, Da Silva is very discreet when it comes to her personal life, of which little is known. According to Veja magazine, she was married for more than 10 years before her relationship with Lula, although she does not have any children. Da Silva "is very politicised, she has a good political mind and is very feminist," Lula said in September, during an interview with rapper Mano Brown's podcast. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Smiley and discreet: Who is the sociologist marrying Brazil's Presidential hopeful Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva?

A cold snap has hit Brazil. Snowfall is likely to continue and temperatures to drop further. Possible snowfall may also occur in northern cities.

Snowfall to continue & temperatures to drop further as cold snap hits southern Brazil

As climate change grips Brazil with unusual weather occurrences, the Yakecan storm with winds of 110kmph has brought heavy snowfall for the second day in Southern Brazil on Wednesday. Snowfall to continue and temperatures to drop further in the region

Cold snap hits Southern Brazil, possible snowfall to occur in Northern cities

According to the preliminary government data, deforestation in Brazil's Amazon has broken all records in the month of April. The climate observatory has said that its analysts are astounded by such a high reading.

Rampant deforestation in Brazil's Amazon, lungs of the planet in danger

Kicking off environmental concerns, Brazil’s Amazon has been witnessing a huge spike in deforestation for some time, media reports said. &nbsp;

In April, it reached record levels. Around double the area of the forest has been removed in comparison to the same month last year, shows the preliminary government data. &nbsp;

In the region, deforestation touched 1,012.5 square km (390 square miles) in first 29 days of April, as per data from the National Space Research Agency (INPE) on Friday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/number-of-flying-insects-felly-by-almost-60-in-20-years-in-uk-reveals-survey-warns-of-consequences-476962" hreflang="en">Number of flying insects fell by almost 60% in 20 years in UK, reveals survey</a>

For April’s final day, the agency will report data next week. It compiles data monthly since 2015/2016. &nbsp;

This is the third monthly record this year after January and February also witnessed surge. &nbsp;

In four months of this year, Brazilian Amazon’s deforestation has touched 1,954 square km (754 square miles). It is an increase of 69% compared to the same period last year. &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Receding ice poses threat to Polar Bears, Norwegian Polar institute raises alarm

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Since President Jair Bolsonaro took office in 2019, the deforestation has soared. &nbsp;

In a statement, Marcio Astrini, head, Brazilian advocacy group Climate Observatory, told the Guardian, “The cause of this record has a first and last name: Jair Messias Bolsonaro.” &nbsp;

The government is making efforts to fight environmental crimes. The police and environmental authorities are also cooperating on an operation to combat deforestation in the five Amazon states of the country, the ministries of environment and justice said in a joint statement. &nbsp;

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(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Kicking off environmental concerns, Brazil’s Amazon has been witnessing a huge spike in deforestation for some time, media reports said. In April, it reached record levels.

Kicking off environmental concerns, Brazil’s Amazon has been witnessing a huge spike in deforestation for some time, media reports said. In April, it reached record levels. Around double the area of the forest has been removed in comparison to the same month last year, shows the preliminary government data. In the region, deforestation touched 1,012.5 square km (390 square miles) in first 29 days of April, as per data from the National Space Research Agency (INPE) on Friday. Also Read: Number of flying insects fell by almost 60% in 20 years in UK, reveals survey For April’s final day, the agency will report data next week. It compiles data monthly since 2015/2016. This is the third monthly record this year after January and February also witnessed surge. In four months of this year, Brazilian Amazon’s deforestation has touched 1,954 square km (754 square miles). It is an increase of 69% compared to the same period last year. Watch: Receding ice poses threat to Polar Bears, Norwegian Polar institute raises alarm × Since President Jair Bolsonaro took office in 2019, the deforestation has soared. In a statement, Marcio Astrini, head, Brazilian advocacy group Climate Observatory, told the Guardian, “The cause of this record has a first and last name: Jair Messias Bolsonaro.” The government is making efforts to fight environmental crimes. The police and environmental authorities are also cooperating on an operation to combat deforestation in the five Amazon states of the country, the ministries of environment and justice said in a joint statement. WATCH WION LIVE HERE (With inputs from agencies)

Alarming! Deforestation in Brazil’s Amazon hits new records, kicks off climate concerns

At a time when changing jobs has become the norm—be it for better pay or work environment—a 100-year-old man from Brazil has broken the world record for having the longest tenure at the same company.

According to Guinness World Records, Walter Orthmann broke the record by working in the same company for 84 years and 9 days.

He was born in Brusque, a small town in Santa Catarina, Brazil which has a large German population, according to the press release.

Undeterred by rain, mud or frost, Walter would walk barefoot to school to study and then practice at home. He was an exceptional student with a brilliant memory and attention to detail.

But at the age of 15, Orthmann had to take the job to help support his family as they faced financial problems.

He started his career at the weaving mill, Industrias Renaux S.A, in 1938. &nbsp;Because of his strong proficiency in German, he was hired as a shipping assistant at the textile company.

He continued to work at the same company ever since.

"Back in 1938, kids were expected to&nbsp;work&nbsp;to help support the family," he said, per the press release.

"As the oldest son of five, my mother took me to find a job at the age of 14."

Orthmann was later promoted to a role in sales and, ultimately, to a sales manager position.

The 100-year-old still goes to the office each day and last month celebrated his 100th birthday with family, friends, and co-workers.

After all these decades, he says his best career advice is to&nbsp;find a good employer&nbsp;and follow your passions.

"When we do what we like, we don't see the time go by," he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nasa-to-send-naked-pictures-of-humans-to-space-in-hope-of-grabbing-aliens-attention-476302" hreflang="en">NASA to send naked pictures of humans to space in hope of attracting aliens</a>

Looking back on his life so far, Orthmann says he considers the record his "proudest achievement" despite "never having contemplated breaking a record."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/moon-may-be-stealing-earths-water-for-itself-here-is-how-476307" hreflang="en">Moon may be 'stealing' Earth's water for itself, here is how</a>

"I don't do much planning, nor care much about tomorrow," he said. "All I care about is that tomorrow will be another day in which I will wake up, get up, exercise and go to work; you need to get busy with the present, not the past or the future. Here and now is what counts."

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Decode the geostrategy, diplomacy, and ideologies of the world’s unending wars. Catch our special series ‘World at War’ every Saturday at 8:30 PM IST and Sunday at 10:30 PM IST only on WION.&nbsp;

At a time when changing jobs has become the norm—be it for better pay or work environment—a 100-year-old man from Brazil has broken the world record for having the longest tenure at the same company.

At a time when changing jobs has become the norm—be it for better pay or work environment—a 100-year-old man from Brazil has broken the world record for having the longest tenure at the same company. According to Guinness World Records, Walter Orthmann broke the record by working in the same company for 84 years and 9 days. He was born in Brusque, a small town in Santa Catarina, Brazil which has a large German population, according to the press release. Undeterred by rain, mud or frost, Walter would walk barefoot to school to study and then practice at home. He was an exceptional student with a brilliant memory and attention to detail. But at the age of 15, Orthmann had to take the job to help support his family as they faced financial problems. He started his career at the weaving mill, Industrias Renaux S.A, in 1938. Because of his strong proficiency in German, he was hired as a shipping assistant at the textile company. He continued to work at the same company ever since. "Back in 1938, kids were expected to work to help support the family," he said, per the press release. "As the oldest son of five, my mother took me to find a job at the age of 14." Orthmann was later promoted to a role in sales and, ultimately, to a sales manager position. The 100-year-old still goes to the office each day and last month celebrated his 100th birthday with family, friends, and co-workers. After all these decades, he says his best career advice is to find a good employer and follow your passions. "When we do what we like, we don't see the time go by," he said. Also read | NASA to send naked pictures of humans to space in hope of attracting aliens Looking back on his life so far, Orthmann says he considers the record his "proudest achievement" despite "never having contemplated breaking a record." Also read | Moon may be 'stealing' Earth's water for itself, here is how "I don't do much planning, nor care much about tomorrow," he said. "All I care about is that tomorrow will be another day in which I will wake up, get up, exercise and go to work; you need to get busy with the present, not the past or the future. Here and now is what counts." WATCH WION LIVE Decode the geostrategy, diplomacy, and ideologies of the world’s unending wars. Catch our special series ‘World at War’ every Saturday at 8:30 PM IST and Sunday at 10:30 PM IST only on WION.

100-year-old man breaks Guinness World Record for working in same company for over 84 years

Ukrainians and Brazilians of Ukrainian descent living Brazil's little Ukraine Prudentopolis welcomed recently arrived Ukrainian refugees with music and dance.

Russia-Ukraine conflict: Brazil's little Ukraine gives special welcome to Ukrainian refugees

In Pics: Brazil’s Bolsonaro, Lula stage campaigns for upcoming presidential elections

Rio's elite samba schools returned to the Sambadrome on April 23 for the second night of competition in Brazil's largest Carnival.

Day Two: Rio's elite samba schools shine at Carnival

Rio de Janeiro's carnival, a glittering, sequin-studded festival of the flesh, exploded back to life Friday with the first famed samba school parades since Covid-19 started devastating Brazil.

After two long years, a flood of dancers and drummers reclaimed the iconic beach city's "Sambadrome," its dedicated carnival parade venue, which had been turned into a drive-through vaccination center at the height of the health crisis.

The all-night parades by the city's top samba schools Friday and Saturday nights are the first since February 2020, marking a turning point for hard-hit Brazil, where Covid-19 has claimed more than 660,000 lives, second only to the United States.

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"I'm just so happy. I think a lot of people are going to cry when the parades start, including me," said Ana Vieira, a 48-year-old geography teacher, who was dressed in a giant, sparkling white costume awaiting her turn to parade for the Imperatriz samba school.

"Carnival is life. You can see the happiness on people's faces after two long years staying home and missing it," Vieira, who has been parading for 20 years, told AFP.

But the festivities took a tragic turn before they began, when an 11-year-old girl died after being injured in a horrific float accident during a lower-level samba school parade contest Wednesday night, a preview of the main event.

She was rushed to the hospital, but died Friday of her wounds, city officials said.

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The tragedy also struck Rio's carnival in 2017, when two freak float accidents killed one person and injured dozens.

- 'Couldn't sleep' -

There were fears the carnival party would be axed again in 2022, after Rio authorities canceled it last year, then postponed it by two months this year from the traditional dates -- just before the Catholic season of Lent -- over fears of the omicron variant.

But with more than 75 percent of the South American country's 213 million people now fully vaccinated, the average weekly Covid-19 death toll has plunged from more than 3,000 a year ago to around 100 now -- allowing the show to go on.

All participants and the 75,000 attendees expected each night are required to present proof of vaccination.

City officials have not authorized the massive carnival street parties known as "blocos," but several smaller ones are still being held.

The pandemic left Brazilians full of "saudades" -- Portuguese for "longing" -- for carnival, a free-for-all of dancing, singing and partying at close quarters that is essentially the opposite of social distancing.

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"I couldn't sleep last night, I was so excited," said Rita Marcelino, who was dancing the samba as she prepared to parade in an elaborate African costume.

"I was waking up every two minutes," said the 62-year-old domestic worker, who lost her job and "many" friends and family members to the pandemic.

'Two years of darkness' -

Each samba school in the competition has 60 to 70 minutes to tell a story in music and dance, to be evaluated on nine criteria by the jury.

The reigning champions, Viradouro, chose as their theme Rio's epic 1919 carnival -- the first celebrated after the devastation of another pandemic, the Spanish flu.

"No sadness can withstand so much joy," says their samba theme song.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-a-brief-history-of-amber-heard-elon-musk-romance-473065" hreflang="en">A brief history of Amber Heard-Elon Musk romance</a>

Other schools picked themes charged with social messages, with Brazil facing divisive elections in October expected to pit far-right President Jair Bolsonaro against leftist ex-leader Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Of the 12 schools, eight chose themes dealing with racism or Afro-Brazilian history, loaded issues in a country where the current president has faced frequent accusations of racism.

<img alt="nhhc " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e452fdf5-595d-4f18-80aa-e26ad733b3e6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/5_63.jpg" />

Their samba songs include treatments of the Black Lives Matter protests; tributes to two "orixas," or deities, of Afro-Brazilian religion; and celebrations of black samba singers.

Carnival should also provide some needed relief for the pandemic-battered economy.

Beyond the swirl of floats, feathers and barely covered flesh, the carnival is big business, moving some four billion reais ($800 million) and creating at least 45,000 jobs, according to official figures.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/missing-fingerprint-to-rotten-corpse-shocking-revelation-from-johnny-depp">Missing fingertip to 'threesome' with Elon Musk: Shocking revelations made in Johnny Depp-Amber Heard case</a>

Participants were just happy the party was back.

"We've had two years of so much darkness in the world," said Latino Suarez, 45, who traveled from Sao Paulo to parade.

"Brazil without carnival isn't Brazil. It's part of who we are."

Rio de Janeiro's carnival, a glittering, sequin-studded festival of the flesh, exploded back to life Friday with the first famed samba school parades since Covid-19 started devastating Brazil.

Rio de Janeiro's carnival, a glittering, sequin-studded festival of the flesh, exploded back to life Friday with the first famed samba school parades since Covid-19 started devastating Brazil. After two long years, a flood of dancers and drummers reclaimed the iconic beach city's "Sambadrome," its dedicated carnival parade venue, which had been turned into a drive-through vaccination center at the height of the health crisis. The all-night parades by the city's top samba schools Friday and Saturday nights are the first since February 2020, marking a turning point for hard-hit Brazil, where Covid-19 has claimed more than 660,000 lives, second only to the United States. "I'm just so happy. I think a lot of people are going to cry when the parades start, including me," said Ana Vieira, a 48-year-old geography teacher, who was dressed in a giant, sparkling white costume awaiting her turn to parade for the Imperatriz samba school. "Carnival is life. You can see the happiness on people's faces after two long years staying home and missing it," Vieira, who has been parading for 20 years, told AFP. But the festivities took a tragic turn before they began, when an 11-year-old girl died after being injured in a horrific float accident during a lower-level samba school parade contest Wednesday night, a preview of the main event. She was rushed to the hospital, but died Friday of her wounds, city officials said. The tragedy also struck Rio's carnival in 2017, when two freak float accidents killed one person and injured dozens. - 'Couldn't sleep' - There were fears the carnival party would be axed again in 2022, after Rio authorities canceled it last year, then postponed it by two months this year from the traditional dates -- just before the Catholic season of Lent -- over fears of the omicron variant. But with more than 75 percent of the South American country's 213 million people now fully vaccinated, the average weekly Covid-19 death toll has plunged from more than 3,000 a year ago to around 100 now -- allowing the show to go on. All participants and the 75,000 attendees expected each night are required to present proof of vaccination. City officials have not authorized the massive carnival street parties known as "blocos," but several smaller ones are still being held. The pandemic left Brazilians full of "saudades" -- Portuguese for "longing" -- for carnival, a free-for-all of dancing, singing and partying at close quarters that is essentially the opposite of social distancing. "I couldn't sleep last night, I was so excited," said Rita Marcelino, who was dancing the samba as she prepared to parade in an elaborate African costume. "I was waking up every two minutes," said the 62-year-old domestic worker, who lost her job and "many" friends and family members to the pandemic. 'Two years of darkness' - Each samba school in the competition has 60 to 70 minutes to tell a story in music and dance, to be evaluated on nine criteria by the jury. The reigning champions, Viradouro, chose as their theme Rio's epic 1919 carnival -- the first celebrated after the devastation of another pandemic, the Spanish flu. "No sadness can withstand so much joy," says their samba theme song. A brief history of Amber Heard-Elon Musk romance Other schools picked themes charged with social messages, with Brazil facing divisive elections in October expected to pit far-right President Jair Bolsonaro against leftist ex-leader Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Of the 12 schools, eight chose themes dealing with racism or Afro-Brazilian history, loaded issues in a country where the current president has faced frequent accusations of racism. Their samba songs include treatments of the Black Lives Matter protests; tributes to two "orixas," or deities, of Afro-Brazilian religion; and celebrations of black samba singers. Carnival should also provide some needed relief for the pandemic-battered economy. Beyond the swirl of floats, feathers and barely covered flesh, the carnival is big business, moving some four billion reais ($800 million) and creating at least 45,000 jobs, according to official figures. Missing fingertip to 'threesome' with Elon Musk: Shocking revelations made in Johnny Depp-Amber Heard case Participants were just happy the party was back. "We've had two years of so much darkness in the world," said Latino Suarez, 45, who traveled from Sao Paulo to parade. "Brazil without carnival isn't Brazil. It's part of who we are."

'So much joy': Brazil holds first carnival since Covid, see pics

In pics: Brazil holds first carnival after two years of pandemic

Brazil has celebrated its first carnival since the pandemic began. Elegance & Extravagance took over the carnival as people rejoiced and had fun.

Elegance & Extravagance take over the carnival as Brazil celebrates its first carnival since the pandemic

Brazilian football legend Pele has been discharged from hospital after undergoing cancer treatment, doctors said on Thursday. The 81-year-old was admitted to the hospital on Monday to continue chemotherapy following the removal of a tumor from his colon last September. 
 
"The patient is in a good and stable clinical condition," Sao Paulo`s Israelita Albert Einstein hospital said in a statement.

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Brazilian football great Pele was readmitted to hospital for ongoing cancer treatment on Tuesday. The 81-year-old has undergone several sessions of chemotherapy in Sao Paulo since having a tumor removed from his colon last September, reports Xinhua. 
 
Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, Pele scored a world record tally of 1,281 goals in a 1,363-match professional career that spanned 21 years. He was capped 91 times for Brazil, scoring 77 international goals

Brazilian football legend Pele has been discharged from hospital after undergoing cancer treatment, doctors said on Thursday. The 81-year-old was admitted to the hospital on Monday to continue chemotherapy following the removal of a tumor from his colon last September.

Brazilian football legend Pele has been discharged from hospital after undergoing cancer treatment, doctors said on Thursday. The 81-year-old was admitted to the hospital on Monday to continue chemotherapy following the removal of a tumor from his colon last September. "The patient is in a good and stable clinical condition," Sao Paulo`s Israelita Albert Einstein hospital said in a statement. ALSO READ | Cristiano Ronaldo reacts as Liverpool fans display compassion for death of his newborn son Brazilian football great Pele was readmitted to hospital for ongoing cancer treatment on Tuesday. The 81-year-old has undergone several sessions of chemotherapy in Sao Paulo since having a tumor removed from his colon last September, reports Xinhua. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, Pele scored a world record tally of 1,281 goals in a 1,363-match professional career that spanned 21 years. He was capped 91 times for Brazil, scoring 77 international goals

Brazilian legend Pele discharged from hospital after cancer treatment, in stable condition

Plane maker Embraer has delivered 14 jets in the first quarter of this year which includes six commercial and eight executive planes. Embraer plane backlog has hit 17.3 billion on March 31st.

Plane maker Embraer delivers 14 jets in Q1

The Brazil Government has projected that country's debt will reach over 80 percent of GDP in 2023, it will be rising to 80.3 percent in 2024 and remaining at that level in 2025

Brazil Government projects country's debt to rise to 80.3% of GDP in 2024

Hundreds of&nbsp;indigenous&nbsp;people began gathering in the&nbsp;Brazilian&nbsp;capital&nbsp;on Monday for a 10-day&nbsp;protest&nbsp;camp&nbsp;to defend their&nbsp;land&nbsp;rights&nbsp;and oppose a government bill in Congress that would allow mining and oil exploration on their reservations.

Organizers are hoping to gather 7,000 people from 200 of Brazil's 305 tribes to&nbsp;press&nbsp;Congress not to pass legislation proposed by far-right President Jair Bolsonaro that would open their protected&nbsp;lands to commercial mining and agriculture.

"We will not retreat," said Sonia Guajajara, head of the country's main&nbsp;indigenous&nbsp;umbrella organization, the Articulation of&nbsp;Indigenous&nbsp;Peoples (APIB) that represents most of Brazil's 900,000&nbsp;indigenous&nbsp;people.

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Warriors in feathered headdresses with their bodies painted with the black and red dyes of Amazon fruit seeds danced chanting ritual songs as they put up tents on the grassy esplanade next to government ministries in central Brasilia.

Bolsonaro has said&nbsp;indigenous&nbsp;people have too much&nbsp;land, holding up the development of the country, and vowed not to recognize an inch more of reservation&nbsp;lands. Environmentalists say the reservations save the rainforest from destruction.

Guajajara said 13 per cent&nbsp;of Brazil's territory is protected&nbsp;indigenous&nbsp;reservation&nbsp;land, with 98 per cent&nbsp;of that in the Amazon region. But 400&nbsp;indigenous&nbsp;communities are still struggling to get their ancestral&nbsp;lands recognized.

Watch |&nbsp;At least 14 dead as torrential rains wreak havoc in Brazil

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/at-least-14-dead-as-torrential-rains-wreak-havoc-in-brazil-468411/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Bill 191 is being fast-tracked in the lower house of Congress by lawmakers allied to the government who argue that it is needed to extract potash for fertilizer for Brazil's grain crops that depend on imports disrupted by the Ukraine war.

The legislation, backed by the powerful farm lobby, would also allow hydroelectric dams to be built&nbsp;on&nbsp;indigenous&nbsp;lands.

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Guajajara said at a news conference APIB will&nbsp;campaign to get more&nbsp;indigenous&nbsp;people elected to Congress in this year's general election. At present, there is only one&nbsp;indigenous&nbsp;representative, Congresswoman Joenia Wapichana.

"We need to increase our voices in Congress," said Guajajara.

Guajajara said she will stand for the left-wing PSOL party representing Sao Paulo, Brazil's largest city.

Hundreds of indigenous people began gathering in the Brazilian capital on Monday for a 10-day protest camp to defend their land rights and oppose a government bill in Congress that would allow mining and oil exploration on their reservations.

Hundreds of indigenous people began gathering in the Brazilian capital on Monday for a 10-day protest camp to defend their land rights and oppose a government bill in Congress that would allow mining and oil exploration on their reservations. Organizers are hoping to gather 7,000 people from 200 of Brazil's 305 tribes to press Congress not to pass legislation proposed by far-right President Jair Bolsonaro that would open their protected lands to commercial mining and agriculture. "We will not retreat," said Sonia Guajajara, head of the country's main indigenous umbrella organization, the Articulation of Indigenous Peoples (APIB) that represents most of Brazil's 900,000 indigenous people. Also read | Brazilian company using proceeds acquired by selling NFTs to preserve Amazon rainforest Warriors in feathered headdresses with their bodies painted with the black and red dyes of Amazon fruit seeds danced chanting ritual songs as they put up tents on the grassy esplanade next to government ministries in central Brasilia. Bolsonaro has said indigenous people have too much land, holding up the development of the country, and vowed not to recognize an inch more of reservation lands. Environmentalists say the reservations save the rainforest from destruction. Guajajara said 13 per cent of Brazil's territory is protected indigenous reservation land, with 98 per cent of that in the Amazon region. But 400 indigenous communities are still struggling to get their ancestral lands recognized. Watch | At least 14 dead as torrential rains wreak havoc in Brazil Bill 191 is being fast-tracked in the lower house of Congress by lawmakers allied to the government who argue that it is needed to extract potash for fertilizer for Brazil's grain crops that depend on imports disrupted by the Ukraine war. The legislation, backed by the powerful farm lobby, would also allow hydroelectric dams to be built on indigenous lands. Also read | Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro hospitalized after feeling unwell: press Guajajara said at a news conference APIB will campaign to get more indigenous people elected to Congress in this year's general election. At present, there is only one indigenous representative, Congresswoman Joenia Wapichana. "We need to increase our voices in Congress," said Guajajara. Guajajara said she will stand for the left-wing PSOL party representing Sao Paulo, Brazil's largest city.

Indigenous protest camp erected in Brazilian capital to press land rights

At least 14 people have lost their lives due to heavy floods and landslides triggered by torrential rainfall in Brazil. Hundreds of cars and houses have been destroyed by the mudslides and several shops have been inundated by the rising water levels.

At least 14 dead as torrential rains wreak havoc in Brazil

Brazilian President Jair&nbsp;Bolsonaro&nbsp;was admitted to a military hospital in Brasilia Monday to undergo tests&nbsp;after&nbsp;feeling&nbsp;unwell, local&nbsp;press&nbsp;reported.

Bolsonaro, 67, who was stabbed in the abdomen during the 2018 presidential campaign leaving him with repeat health problems, was absent from an evening event organized by the Republican Party which he had been slated to attend.

"I'm sure the president is fine, it's just some extra exams he's doing, that's why he's not here," party chairman Marcos Pereira said.

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First Lady Michelle&nbsp;Bolsonaro, who attended the event, said her husband "is fine," and Minister of Communication Fabio Faria reported that the president simply felt "discomfort," according to the G1 news site.

Bolsonaro&nbsp;will remain overnight in the hospital, the publication said.

AFP contacted the presidential&nbsp;press&nbsp;service but did not immediately receive a response.&nbsp;

Culture Secretary Mario Frias meanwhile wrote on Twitter that he was "praying for the president."

Health problems&nbsp;

In January,&nbsp;Bolsonaro&nbsp;was&nbsp;hospitalized&nbsp;for two days in Sao Paulo with a partially blocked intestine.&nbsp;

The president, in power since 2019, was also admitted to hospital in mid-July with the same problem, staying for four days although he did not undergo surgery.

In September 2018, a month before the first round of&nbsp;Brazil's presidential election, an attacker stabbed&nbsp;Bolsonaro&nbsp;in the abdomen at a campaign rally in the southeastern state of Minas Gerais, puncturing his intestine multiple times.

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Bolsonaro&nbsp;lost some 40 percent of his blood and underwent emergency surgery in the near-fatal incident, which was carried out by a man later declared mentally unfit to stand trial.

Due to the stab wound, the far-right leader has undergone at least four surgeries, including the placement and subsequent removal of a colostomy bag, which made him more prone to intestinal disorders.

He has also undergone other unrelated procedures during his presidency, including surgery to remove a kidney stone.

Bolsonaro, a Covid-19 skeptic who campaigned against quarantine measures because he believed them too damaging to the economy and who reports that he is not vaccinated, contracted the virus in July 2020, coming down with mild symptoms.

The president is aiming for reelection next October, when he will most likely face off against leftist former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Bolsonaro&nbsp;would lose the elections in the second round with 34 percent of the vote against 55 percent for Lula, according to a survey published last week by the consulting firm Datafolha.

Watch |&nbsp;Microplastics found in Marine life: Scientists take research trips on the Brazilian coast

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Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was admitted to a military hospital in Brasilia Monday to undergo tests after feeling unwell, local press reported. Bolsonaro, 67, who was stabbed in the abdomen during the 2018 presidential campaign leaving him with repeat health problems, was absent from an evening event organized by the Republican Party which he had been slated to attend.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was admitted to a military hospital in Brasilia Monday to undergo tests after feeling unwell, local press reported. Bolsonaro, 67, who was stabbed in the abdomen during the 2018 presidential campaign leaving him with repeat health problems, was absent from an evening event organized by the Republican Party which he had been slated to attend. "I'm sure the president is fine, it's just some extra exams he's doing, that's why he's not here," party chairman Marcos Pereira said. Also read | Brazilian company using proceeds acquired by selling NFTs to preserve Amazon rainforest First Lady Michelle Bolsonaro, who attended the event, said her husband "is fine," and Minister of Communication Fabio Faria reported that the president simply felt "discomfort," according to the G1 news site. Bolsonaro will remain overnight in the hospital, the publication said. AFP contacted the presidential press service but did not immediately receive a response. Culture Secretary Mario Frias meanwhile wrote on Twitter that he was "praying for the president." Health problems In January, Bolsonaro was hospitalized for two days in Sao Paulo with a partially blocked intestine. The president, in power since 2019, was also admitted to hospital in mid-July with the same problem, staying for four days although he did not undergo surgery. In September 2018, a month before the first round of Brazil's presidential election, an attacker stabbed Bolsonaro in the abdomen at a campaign rally in the southeastern state of Minas Gerais, puncturing his intestine multiple times. Also read | Brazilians join fight in far-away Ukraine Bolsonaro lost some 40 percent of his blood and underwent emergency surgery in the near-fatal incident, which was carried out by a man later declared mentally unfit to stand trial. Due to the stab wound, the far-right leader has undergone at least four surgeries, including the placement and subsequent removal of a colostomy bag, which made him more prone to intestinal disorders. He has also undergone other unrelated procedures during his presidency, including surgery to remove a kidney stone. Bolsonaro, a Covid-19 skeptic who campaigned against quarantine measures because he believed them too damaging to the economy and who reports that he is not vaccinated, contracted the virus in July 2020, coming down with mild symptoms. The president is aiming for reelection next October, when he will most likely face off against leftist former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Bolsonaro would lose the elections in the second round with 34 percent of the vote against 55 percent for Lula, according to a survey published last week by the consulting firm Datafolha. Watch | Microplastics found in Marine life: Scientists take research trips on the Brazilian coast

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro hospitalized after feeling unwell: press

Brazil's Federal&nbsp;Police&nbsp;have opened an investigation into&nbsp;allegations&nbsp;of corruption in the&nbsp;Education&nbsp;Ministry, a&nbsp;police&nbsp;source&nbsp;told Reuters on Friday, potentially adding to pressure on President Jair Bolsonaro ahead of October elections.

The&nbsp;probe&nbsp;comes after local media reported that two pastors had allegedly secured preferential treatment for funding requests from their municipalities in return for bribes.

Later on Friday, the Federal&nbsp;Police&nbsp;launched another&nbsp;probe&nbsp;of the role of&nbsp;Education&nbsp;Minister Milton Ribeiro in this case, according to reports from local media.

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The Federal&nbsp;Police&nbsp;did not confirm the opening of the investigations.

Newspaper Folha de S.Paulo published this week audio extracts of Ribeiro's appearing to affirm that funding applications from the pastors would be given priority. He was quoted as saying the funding decisions aligned with the wishes of Bolsonaro.

Reuters was unable to independently verify the recording.

Ribeiro denied any wrongdoing and said that he had invited investigation into the matter following an anonymous tip he received.

The presidential press office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Federal&nbsp;Police&nbsp;declined to comment.

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The&nbsp;source, who requested anonymity because the&nbsp;probe&nbsp;had not been formally announced, said the investigation was not targeting Ribeiro.

The scandal comes as Bolsonaro lags in polls ahead of this year's presidential election, trailing former leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Bolsonaro was elected in 2018 on a law and order platform, vowing to wipe corruption out of&nbsp;Brazilian politics, but his term has been dogged by&nbsp;graft&nbsp;allegations&nbsp;against his family members and allies.

Watch |&nbsp;Scientists take research trips on the Brazilian coast

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Brazil's Federal Police have opened an investigation into allegations of corruption in the Education Ministry, a police source told Reuters on Friday, potentially adding to pressure on President Jair Bolsonaro ahead of October elections.

Brazil's Federal Police have opened an investigation into allegations of corruption in the Education Ministry, a police source told Reuters on Friday, potentially adding to pressure on President Jair Bolsonaro ahead of October elections. The probe comes after local media reported that two pastors had allegedly secured preferential treatment for funding requests from their municipalities in return for bribes. Later on Friday, the Federal Police launched another probe of the role of Education Minister Milton Ribeiro in this case, according to reports from local media. Also read | Brazilian supreme court bans messaging app Telegram ahead of presidential elections The Federal Police did not confirm the opening of the investigations. Newspaper Folha de S.Paulo published this week audio extracts of Ribeiro's appearing to affirm that funding applications from the pastors would be given priority. He was quoted as saying the funding decisions aligned with the wishes of Bolsonaro. Reuters was unable to independently verify the recording. Ribeiro denied any wrongdoing and said that he had invited investigation into the matter following an anonymous tip he received. The presidential press office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Federal Police declined to comment. Also read | Submarine spy couple tried to sell nuclear secrets to Brazil The source, who requested anonymity because the probe had not been formally announced, said the investigation was not targeting Ribeiro. The scandal comes as Bolsonaro lags in polls ahead of this year's presidential election, trailing former leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Bolsonaro was elected in 2018 on a law and order platform, vowing to wipe corruption out of Brazilian politics, but his term has been dogged by graft allegations against his family members and allies. Watch | Scientists take research trips on the Brazilian coast

Brazil police probes education ministry's graft allegations

Scientists take research trips on the Brazilian coast as studies indicate traces of microplastics in marine life. According to these researchers, the plastic objects end up entering inside fish and other marine creatures.

Scientists take research trips on the Brazilian coast

In the picturesque city of Rio de Janeiro, here's a home built from scrap wood, plastic & metal. Luiz Fernando Barreto’s home floats atop the river. Barreto even has a swimming pool & a van onboard. Baretto’s main aim is to make politicians pay attention to environmental issues.

Home built from scrap floats atop river in Rio de Janeiro

Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes on Friday ordered the suspension of messaging app Telegram over its hosting of misinformation and fabricated news content. <o:p></o:p>

The country’s internet regulators were instructed to block the use of Telegram with immediate effect after the Dubai-based company failed to remove profiles linked to one of the most prominent supporters of Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro and ignored multiple court ordered inquiries. <o:p></o:p>

“Telegram’s disrespect for Brazilian law and repeated failure to comply with countless court decisions … is completely incompatible with the rule of law,” Moraes wrote in his decision.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;</o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-russia-conflict-time-for-meaningful-talks-says-president-volodymyr-zelenskiy-463642">Time for meaningful talks, says President Zelensky</a>

Telegram is widely regarded as the social media of choice for Bolsonaro and his campaign has used the platform in the past for rallying his base and for addressing the criticism over the government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The president, who has over a million followers on Telegram, will be looking to seek re-election when the country goes to the polls in October later this year.<o:p></o:p>

According to Reuters, the judge said that Telegram also refused to comply with the rulings of the Superior Electoral Tribunal and the police along with the Supreme Court. &nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-have-not-had-unity-like-this-for-a-long-time-says-putin-at-a-concert-amid-ukraine-war-463574">We have not had unity like this for a long time, says Putin at a concert</a><o:p></o:p>

Bolsonaro took to Twitter on Friday to post a link for his Telegram account and asked his supporters to subscribe to his account before it was banned.

“Our Telegram informs people every day of many important actions of national interest, which many regrettably omit. Welcome, and share the truth.”<o:p></o:p>

The court decision was welcomed by Bolsonaro’s political opponents and political analyst and digital communications specialist Pablo Ortellado tweeted - The decision “will have big political and electoral repercussions. This could move one of the main game pieces of the campaign.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes on Friday ordered the suspension of messaging app Telegram over its hosting of misinformation and fabricated news content.

Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes on Friday ordered the suspension of messaging app Telegram over its hosting of misinformation and fabricated news content. The country’s internet regulators were instructed to block the use of Telegram with immediate effect after the Dubai-based company failed to remove profiles linked to one of the most prominent supporters of Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro and ignored multiple court ordered inquiries. “Telegram’s disrespect for Brazilian law and repeated failure to comply with countless court decisions … is completely incompatible with the rule of law,” Moraes wrote in his decision. Also read | Time for meaningful talks, says President Zelensky Telegram is widely regarded as the social media of choice for Bolsonaro and his campaign has used the platform in the past for rallying his base and for addressing the criticism over the government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. The president, who has over a million followers on Telegram, will be looking to seek re-election when the country goes to the polls in October later this year. According to Reuters, the judge said that Telegram also refused to comply with the rulings of the Superior Electoral Tribunal and the police along with the Supreme Court. Also read | We have not had unity like this for a long time, says Putin at a concert Bolsonaro took to Twitter on Friday to post a link for his Telegram account and asked his supporters to subscribe to his account before it was banned. “Our Telegram informs people every day of many important actions of national interest, which many regrettably omit. Welcome, and share the truth.” The court decision was welcomed by Bolsonaro’s political opponents and political analyst and digital communications specialist Pablo Ortellado tweeted - The decision “will have big political and electoral repercussions. This could move one of the main game pieces of the campaign.” (With inputs from agencies)

Brazilian supreme court bans messaging app Telegram ahead of presidential elections

Five months after vetoing a similar measure, Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro signed a decree Tuesday ensuring that low-income women and girls can get free menstrual supplies.

The far-right leader signed the executive order on International Women's Day, two days before Congress was scheduled to vote to override his veto.

Bolsonaro blocked the legislation in October, arguing that there was no adequate funding available to provide menstrual supplies for the five million women and girls with low incomes.

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The new decree will be funded with 130 million reais ($26 million), according to the health ministry, but will reach a relatively small number of people -- an estimated 3.6 million.

"Menstrual poverty" is a major problem in Brazil, where women unable to afford tampons and pads often rely on scraps of cloth, diapers, or bread when their periods arrive.

A report by the United Nations Foundation program Girl Up found that one in four girls miss school each month because they do not have menstrual supplies.

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Bolsonaro has a history of making anti-women, sexist remarks, including saying to a congresswoman in 2014 that she was "not worth raping" because she was "too ugly."

"When we speak of women, we must also speak of the family.... Respect above all, and the preservation of family values," he said at Tuesday's signing ceremony.

"You are beyond essential, you are indispensable for the future of this great nation. May you continue participating more and more with us in building it."

Watch |&nbsp;International Women’s Day explained in a minute

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/international-womens-day-explained-in-a-minute-460205/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

He added that if women decided, "we would have no wars in the world."

Bolsonaro is also scheduled to speak Thursday at a private event to promote women's participation in politics.

The event has, however, received criticism due to the fact all five speakers are men, including two of the president's ministers.

(With inputs from agencies)

Five months after vetoing a similar measure, Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro signed a decree Tuesday ensuring that low-income women and girls can get free menstrual supplies.

Five months after vetoing a similar measure, Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro signed a decree Tuesday ensuring that low-income women and girls can get free menstrual supplies. The far-right leader signed the executive order on International Women's Day, two days before Congress was scheduled to vote to override his veto. Bolsonaro blocked the legislation in October, arguing that there was no adequate funding available to provide menstrual supplies for the five million women and girls with low incomes. Also read | 'They're easy as they're poor': Brazil politician's remarks on Ukrainian women go viral The new decree will be funded with 130 million reais ($26 million), according to the health ministry, but will reach a relatively small number of people -- an estimated 3.6 million. "Menstrual poverty" is a major problem in Brazil, where women unable to afford tampons and pads often rely on scraps of cloth, diapers, or bread when their periods arrive. A report by the United Nations Foundation program Girl Up found that one in four girls miss school each month because they do not have menstrual supplies. Also read | Brazil: Deforestation in Amazon rainforest hits record January high Bolsonaro has a history of making anti-women, sexist remarks, including saying to a congresswoman in 2014 that she was "not worth raping" because she was "too ugly." "When we speak of women, we must also speak of the family.... Respect above all, and the preservation of family values," he said at Tuesday's signing ceremony. "You are beyond essential, you are indispensable for the future of this great nation. May you continue participating more and more with us in building it." Watch | International Women’s Day explained in a minute He added that if women decided, "we would have no wars in the world." Bolsonaro is also scheduled to speak Thursday at a private event to promote women's participation in politics. The event has, however, received criticism due to the fact all five speakers are men, including two of the president's ministers. (With inputs from agencies)

'You are beyond essential': On women's day, Brazil's sexist President backtracks from 'menstrual poverty' row

Brazilian soccer legend Pele has been released from hospital after treatment for a urinary infection that was discovered by doctors who were treating him for colon cancer, medics said on Monday. Pele was discharged on Saturday, a statement from the Albert Einstein hospital in Sao Paulo said. "The patient`s clinical conditions are stable and he is cured of his infection."

"He will continue his treatment for the colon tumor, identified in September 2021." Pele returned to hospital on Feb. 13 for a regular round of chemotherapy. Doctors identified the urinary infection during his stay and kept him in longer than was planned.

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Widely considered one of the greatest footballers of all time, the 81-year-old former Santos, New York Cosmos and Brazil player has suffered from a series of health issues in recent years, including hip surgery that left him with recurring pain and trouble walking unaided.

Brazilian soccer legend Pele has been released from hospital after treatment for a urinary infection that was discovered by doctors who were treating him for colon cancer, medics said on Monday.

Brazilian soccer legend Pele has been released from hospital after treatment for a urinary infection that was discovered by doctors who were treating him for colon cancer, medics said on Monday. Pele was discharged on Saturday, a statement from the Albert Einstein hospital in Sao Paulo said. "The patient`s clinical conditions are stable and he is cured of his infection." "He will continue his treatment for the colon tumor, identified in September 2021." Pele returned to hospital on Feb. 13 for a regular round of chemotherapy. Doctors identified the urinary infection during his stay and kept him in longer than was planned. ALSO READ | FIFA, UEFA suspend Russia from international football until further notice in the wake of Ukraine crisis Widely considered one of the greatest footballers of all time, the 81-year-old former Santos, New York Cosmos and Brazil player has suffered from a series of health issues in recent years, including hip surgery that left him with recurring pain and trouble walking unaided.

Brazilian legend Pele discharged from hospital after urinary infection

With the glittering parades, towering floats and sultry samba postponed by the omicron variant,&nbsp;Brazil&nbsp;will have a carnival week without much carnival this year -- bad news for a&nbsp;tourism&nbsp;industry already battered by the&nbsp;pandemic.

In a world without Covid-19, this would have been the week a deluge of tourists -- more than 2.1 million in 2020 -- descended on Rio de Janeiro for a free-for-all of street parties and spectacular, all-night parades.

Instead, industry experts predict Rio and other tourist destinations to be relatively low-key, with a smaller number of visitors -- mainly Brazilians traveling domestically.

That is adding to the agony of a&nbsp;tourism&nbsp;industry only just starting to recover&nbsp;from&nbsp;near-collapse in 2020.

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"It's been very traumatic," said Alexandre Sampaio, head of hotel and restaurant federation FBHA, citing official figures showing the&nbsp;tourism&nbsp;industry's revenues plunged 35 percent in 2020.

The industry rebounded only partially in 2021, growing around 20 percent.

Carnival week will still have concerts, parties and balls in Rio -- limited to 70 percent capacity, with vaccine and mask requirements.

But omicron led authorities to cancel carnival street parties for the second straight year, and postpone the famed samba school parade competition until April.

"We'll see some revenues"&nbsp;from&nbsp;the rescheduled parades, "but it won't come anywhere near pre-pandemic&nbsp;levels," said Fabio Bentes, an economist at the National Confederation of Trade in Goods, Services and&nbsp;Tourism&nbsp;(CNC).

Bentes predicts carnival-week revenues one-third below pre-pandemic&nbsp;levels.

His research indicates the&nbsp;tourism&nbsp;industry, which accounted for 7.7 percent of&nbsp;Brazil's economy before the&nbsp;pandemic&nbsp;-- 551.5 billion reais ($110 billion) in direct and indirect revenues in 2019 -- has lost $94.1 billion in the past two years, and more than 340,000 jobs.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-from-floods-landslides-climbs-to-146-in-brazil-454774">Death toll from floods, landslides climbs to 146 in Brazil</a>

Call of the journey

Brazil&nbsp;is a bucket-list destination for many people, with the Amazon rainforest, the Pantanal wetlands, the colorful colonial capital of Salvador, the stunning waterfalls of Iguacu and myriad other must-sees -- not to mention Rio and carnival.

But the country has been hit hard by the&nbsp;pandemic, with nearly 650,000 deaths -- second only to the United States.

The numbers have improved with more than 70 percent of the population now fully vaccinated.

But visitors have been slow to return.

Flavio Miranda is waiting for&nbsp;business&nbsp;at the base of Corcovado mountain, where Rio's iconic Christ the Redeemer statue spreads his arms over the city.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mudslides-flooding-kill-nearly-100-in-brazils-imperial-city-453879">Mudslides, flooding kill nearly 100 in Brazil's 'imperial city'</a>

Miranda, a 52-year-old driver&nbsp;from&nbsp;a nearby favela, sells tours of the city's attractions.

He spent eight months without work when the&nbsp;pandemic&nbsp;arrived, relying on food handouts to feed his family of four.

Tourists "are returning, but it's slow," he told AFP, saying his income is down about 80 percent.

"This place used to be&nbsp;bursting with tourists. Now there are hardly any."

Nearby, Miguel Viana, a 27-year-old engineer on vacation&nbsp;from&nbsp;Portugal, was on his way to visit the statue.

"The call of the journey was stronger than the&nbsp;pandemic," he said with a laugh.

But he is among the few. International tourist numbers remain at just five to seven percent of pre-pandemic&nbsp;levels, Sampaio estimates.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/national-tourism-day-2022-here-is-a-list-of-a-few-stunning-tourist-attractions-in-india-447288">National tourism day 2022: Here is a list of a few stunning tourist attractions in India</a>

&nbsp;Local&nbsp;tourism

Experts say the drop in foreign tourists has been partially offset by more Brazilians traveling domestically, themselves wary of flying overseas.

"We used to mainly&nbsp;travel&nbsp;abroad. But we had been isolated so long, we wanted to start traveling again. So we decided to start with&nbsp;Brazil," said&nbsp;Maria Augusta Rosa, 40, a civil servant&nbsp;from&nbsp;the central city of Goiania vacationing in Rio.

Experts predict a full recovery for&nbsp;Brazil's&nbsp;tourism&nbsp;sector&nbsp;only in 2023 -- if there are no more unpleasant surprises in the meantime.

In Manaus, the "capital of the Amazon," Remy Harbonnier, a French tour operator who specializes in rainforest lodges and river cruises, said client and revenue numbers at his company, Heliconia, remain around 80 percent off pre-pandemic&nbsp;levels.

Watch |&nbsp;Over 160 killed in Brazil floods, Bolsonaro promises federal assistance

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/over-160-killed-in-brazil-floods-bolsonaro-promises-federal-assistance-455137/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

He hopes to cut that to 50 percent this year, he says.

But that will depend on events.

"Now we're worried about the situation in Ukraine. It's a bit scary," he said.

"We just try to tell ourselves, we've gotten through two years of Covid, we'll get through an armed conflict in Europe."

With the glittering parades, towering floats and sultry samba postponed by the omicron variant, Brazil will have a carnival week without much carnival this year -- bad news for a tourism industry already battered by the pandemic.

With the glittering parades, towering floats and sultry samba postponed by the omicron variant, Brazil will have a carnival week without much carnival this year -- bad news for a tourism industry already battered by the pandemic. In a world without Covid-19, this would have been the week a deluge of tourists -- more than 2.1 million in 2020 -- descended on Rio de Janeiro for a free-for-all of street parties and spectacular, all-night parades. Instead, industry experts predict Rio and other tourist destinations to be relatively low-key, with a smaller number of visitors -- mainly Brazilians traveling domestically. That is adding to the agony of a tourism industry only just starting to recover from near-collapse in 2020. Also read | Deadly rains, floods hit eastern Australia "It's been very traumatic," said Alexandre Sampaio, head of hotel and restaurant federation FBHA, citing official figures showing the tourism industry's revenues plunged 35 percent in 2020. The industry rebounded only partially in 2021, growing around 20 percent. Carnival week will still have concerts, parties and balls in Rio -- limited to 70 percent capacity, with vaccine and mask requirements. But omicron led authorities to cancel carnival street parties for the second straight year, and postpone the famed samba school parade competition until April. "We'll see some revenues" from the rescheduled parades, "but it won't come anywhere near pre-pandemic levels," said Fabio Bentes, an economist at the National Confederation of Trade in Goods, Services and Tourism (CNC). Bentes predicts carnival-week revenues one-third below pre-pandemic levels. His research indicates the tourism industry, which accounted for 7.7 percent of Brazil's economy before the pandemic -- 551.5 billion reais ($110 billion) in direct and indirect revenues in 2019 -- has lost $94.1 billion in the past two years, and more than 340,000 jobs. Also read | Death toll from floods, landslides climbs to 146 in Brazil Call of the journey Brazil is a bucket-list destination for many people, with the Amazon rainforest, the Pantanal wetlands, the colorful colonial capital of Salvador, the stunning waterfalls of Iguacu and myriad other must-sees -- not to mention Rio and carnival. But the country has been hit hard by the pandemic, with nearly 650,000 deaths -- second only to the United States. The numbers have improved with more than 70 percent of the population now fully vaccinated. But visitors have been slow to return. Flavio Miranda is waiting for business at the base of Corcovado mountain, where Rio's iconic Christ the Redeemer statue spreads his arms over the city. Also read | Mudslides, flooding kill nearly 100 in Brazil's 'imperial city' Miranda, a 52-year-old driver from a nearby favela, sells tours of the city's attractions. He spent eight months without work when the pandemic arrived, relying on food handouts to feed his family of four. Tourists "are returning, but it's slow," he told AFP, saying his income is down about 80 percent. "This place used to be bursting with tourists. Now there are hardly any." Nearby, Miguel Viana, a 27-year-old engineer on vacation from Portugal, was on his way to visit the statue. "The call of the journey was stronger than the pandemic," he said with a laugh. But he is among the few. International tourist numbers remain at just five to seven percent of pre-pandemic levels, Sampaio estimates. Also read | National tourism day 2022: Here is a list of a few stunning tourist attractions in India Local tourism Experts say the drop in foreign tourists has been partially offset by more Brazilians traveling domestically, themselves wary of flying overseas. "We used to mainly travel abroad. But we had been isolated so long, we wanted to start traveling again. So we decided to start with Brazil," said Maria Augusta Rosa, 40, a civil servant from the central city of Goiania vacationing in Rio. Experts predict a full recovery for Brazil's tourism sector only in 2023 -- if there are no more unpleasant surprises in the meantime. In Manaus, the "capital of the Amazon," Remy Harbonnier, a French tour operator who specializes in rainforest lodges and river cruises, said client and revenue numbers at his company, Heliconia, remain around 80 percent off pre-pandemic levels. Watch | Over 160 killed in Brazil floods, Bolsonaro promises federal assistance He hopes to cut that to 50 percent this year, he says. But that will depend on events. "Now we're worried about the situation in Ukraine. It's a bit scary," he said. "We just try to tell ourselves, we've gotten through two years of Covid, we'll get through an armed conflict in Europe."

Brazil tourism sector tries to rise from pandemic ashes

Tite has confirmed that he will step down as Brazil's head coach after this year's World Cup finals in Qatar.

The 60-year-old took over in 2016 and helped Brazil qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, where they were knocked out in the quarter-finals by Belgium.

He has always said he wanted to take charge of the team for one full "cycle" -- from one World Cup until the next -- and confirmed that in an interview with Brazilian broadcaster Sportv on Friday.

"I'll stay on until the end of the World Cup," he said. "There's no reason for me to lie about it here."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/poland-will-not-play-world-cup-qualifying-match-against-russia-says-polish-fa-head-cezary-kulesza-456742">Poland will not play World Cup qualifying match against Russia, says Polish FA head Cezary Kulesza</a>

"I've won everything in my career and all that's left is the World Cup."

A former manager of Corinthians, Gremio and Internacional, he has led Brazil in 70 games, winning 51 and losing only five.

He led Brazil to the Copa America title on home soil in 2019 but was also in charge last year at home when Brazil went down to Argentina in the final. 
That 1-0 defeat is Brazil's only loss since November 2019.

Brazil go into the finals in Qatar as one of the favourites. They were one of the first teams to qualify for the tournament which begins on Nov. 21 and are unbeaten in the South American qualifying section.

Tite has confirmed that he will step down as Brazil's head coach after this year's World Cup finals in Qatar. The 60-year-old took over in 2016 and helped Brazil qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, where they were knocked out in the quarter-finals by Belgium.

Tite has confirmed that he will step down as Brazil's head coach after this year's World Cup finals in Qatar. The 60-year-old took over in 2016 and helped Brazil qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, where they were knocked out in the quarter-finals by Belgium. He has always said he wanted to take charge of the team for one full "cycle" -- from one World Cup until the next -- and confirmed that in an interview with Brazilian broadcaster Sportv on Friday. "I'll stay on until the end of the World Cup," he said. "There's no reason for me to lie about it here." ALSO READ: Poland will not play World Cup qualifying match against Russia, says Polish FA head Cezary Kulesza "I've won everything in my career and all that's left is the World Cup." A former manager of Corinthians, Gremio and Internacional, he has led Brazil in 70 games, winning 51 and losing only five. He led Brazil to the Copa America title on home soil in 2019 but was also in charge last year at home when Brazil went down to Argentina in the final. That 1-0 defeat is Brazil's only loss since November 2019. Brazil go into the finals in Qatar as one of the favourites. They were one of the first teams to qualify for the tournament which begins on Nov. 21 and are unbeaten in the South American qualifying section.

Brazil's head coach Tite to step down after 2022 World Cup finals in Qatar

Brazilian soccer legend Pele has a urinary infection and will be kept in hospital for longer than his doctors planned, the clinic where he was being treated said on Monday.

Pele, who has been undergoing chemotherapy for a colon tumor that was removed in September, returned to the Albert Einstein hospital on Feb. 13.

However, “during his stay routine exams were carried out that showed the presence of a urinary infection, a fact that extends his stay as a patient in the hospital,” a bulletin from the Sao Paulo clinic said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/isl-2021-22-bengaluru-fc-come-from-behind-to-beat-odisha-fc-keep-semis-hopes-alive-455173">ISL 2021-22: Bengaluru FC come from behind to beat Odisha FC, keep semis hopes alive</a>

“His clinical conditions are stable and he should be released in the coming days.”

Widely considered one of the greatest footballers of all time, the 81-year-old former Santos, New York Cosmos and Brazil player has suffered from a series of health issues in recent years, including hip surgery that left him with recurring pain and trouble walking unaided.

Brazilian soccer legend Pele has a urinary infection and will be kept in hospital for longer than his doctors planned, the clinic where he was being treated said on Monday.

Brazilian soccer legend Pele has a urinary infection and will be kept in hospital for longer than his doctors planned, the clinic where he was being treated said on Monday. Pele, who has been undergoing chemotherapy for a colon tumor that was removed in September, returned to the Albert Einstein hospital on Feb. 13. However, “during his stay routine exams were carried out that showed the presence of a urinary infection, a fact that extends his stay as a patient in the hospital,” a bulletin from the Sao Paulo clinic said. ALSO READ: ISL 2021-22: Bengaluru FC come from behind to beat Odisha FC, keep semis hopes alive “His clinical conditions are stable and he should be released in the coming days.” Widely considered one of the greatest footballers of all time, the 81-year-old former Santos, New York Cosmos and Brazil player has suffered from a series of health issues in recent years, including hip surgery that left him with recurring pain and trouble walking unaided.

Brazilian legend Pele to remain in hospital for longer due to urinary infection

Mudslides and floods have killed over 160 people in Brazil's Petropolis. This comes as the region is reeling from its heaviest rainfall in almost a century. WION tells you more.

Over 160 killed in Brazil floods, Bolsonaro promises federal assistance

The death toll from landslides and floods that occurred last week in the city of Petropolis in Brazil`s Rio de Janeiro state has increased to 146, the Civil Defense has said. 
 
The number of missing stands at 191, with 24 people rescued since February 15, Xinhua news agency quoted the Civil Defense as saying. 
 
Attempts to find survivors under the mountains of mud that swept through neighbourhoods were temporarily suspended on Saturday due to more rain and the risk of further landslides. 
 
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro flew over the region on Friday and described what he saw as a "war scene". 
 
Several hills collapsed during the heavy rains, carrying away homes and vehicles, as residents continue to dig through the mud to search for their missing loved ones. 
 
About 14 states of the country have sent tracking dogs and rescue teams to aid the search for survivors.

The death toll from landslides and floods that occurred last week in the city of Petropolis in Brazil`s Rio de Janeiro state has increased to 146, the Civil Defense has said.

The death toll from landslides and floods that occurred last week in the city of Petropolis in Brazil`s Rio de Janeiro state has increased to 146, the Civil Defense has said. The number of missing stands at 191, with 24 people rescued since February 15, Xinhua news agency quoted the Civil Defense as saying. Attempts to find survivors under the mountains of mud that swept through neighbourhoods were temporarily suspended on Saturday due to more rain and the risk of further landslides. Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro flew over the region on Friday and described what he saw as a "war scene". Several hills collapsed during the heavy rains, carrying away homes and vehicles, as residents continue to dig through the mud to search for their missing loved ones. About 14 states of the country have sent tracking dogs and rescue teams to aid the search for survivors.

Death toll from floods, landslides climbs to 146 in Brazil

At least 100 people have lost their lives due to heavy floods and landslides triggered by heavy rainfall in Brazil. Hundreds of cars and houses have been destroyed by the mudslides and several shops have been inundated by the rising water levels.

Severe floods wreak havoc in Brazil as death toll tops 100

Mudslides and floods kill at least 117, displaces hundreds in Brazil's historic city

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