Former Brazil soccer great Pele has been in hospital for six days with an undisclosed health problem but the 80-year-old is not seriously ill, an advisor to the former Santos and New York Cosmos forward told Reuters on Monday.

The Globo news site said Pele was undergoing routine examinations in Sao Paulo's Albert Einstein Hospital when the undisclosed issue was detected.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/argentina-vs-brazil-lionel-messi-wears-photographers-vest-during-on-field-chaos-paulo-dybala-cant-stop-laughing-watch-411135">Argentina vs Brazil: Lionel Messi wears photographer's vest during on-field chaos, Paulo Dybala can't stop laughing - Watch</a>

Pele’s business manager Joe Fraga said there was no cause for concern.

"Full battery of tests/scans/colonoscopy/blood etc," Fraga wrote in a message. “He doesn’t do everything in one day.”

The scare came a few days after Pele was forced to refute reports he had fainted.

In an Instagram message accompanied by a smiling picture of the three-times World Cup winner, Pele wrote: “Guys, I didn't faint and I'm in very good health. I went for my routine exams, which I had not been able to do before because of the pandemic. Let them know I don't play next Sunday!"

Former Brazil soccer great Pele has been in hospital for six days with an undisclosed health problem but the 80-year-old is not seriously ill, an advisor to the former Santos and New York Cosmos forward told Reuters on Monday.

Former Brazil soccer great Pele has been in hospital for six days with an undisclosed health problem but the 80-year-old is not seriously ill, an advisor to the former Santos and New York Cosmos forward told Reuters on Monday. The Globo news site said Pele was undergoing routine examinations in Sao Paulo's Albert Einstein Hospital when the undisclosed issue was detected. ALSO READ | Argentina vs Brazil: Lionel Messi wears photographer's vest during on-field chaos, Paulo Dybala can't stop laughing - Watch Pele’s business manager Joe Fraga said there was no cause for concern. "Full battery of tests/scans/colonoscopy/blood etc," Fraga wrote in a message. “He doesn’t do everything in one day.” The scare came a few days after Pele was forced to refute reports he had fainted. In an Instagram message accompanied by a smiling picture of the three-times World Cup winner, Pele wrote: “Guys, I didn't faint and I'm in very good health. I went for my routine exams, which I had not been able to do before because of the pandemic. Let them know I don't play next Sunday!"

Pele in hospital but no cause for concern, his manager says

Jair Bolsonaro and his allies could be preparing to mount a military coup in Brazil, says an influential group of former presidents, prime ministers and leading public figures on the left.&nbsp;

An open letter claims that the rallies that Bolsonaro followers are staging on Tuesday represent a danger to democracy and amount to an insurrection modelled on Donald Trump supporters’ attack on the US Capitol on 6 January.

The signatories include José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, the Spanish former prime minister, Yanis Varoufakis, the former Greek finance minister, Jeremy Corbyn, the former UK Labour leader, Fernando Lugo, the former Paraguayan president, Caroline Lucas, the British Green MP, and Adolfo Pérez Esquivel, the Argentine Nobel laureate and human rights activist.

Other signatories include Ernesto Samper Pizano, a former president of Colombia, Cori Bush, a US Democrat House of Representatives member, Jean-Luc Mélenchon, the French presidential candidate and Manon Aubry, the French MEP.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fears-of-violence-on-brazils-streets-as-millions-rally-410919">Also read |&nbsp;Fears of violence on Brazil’s streets as millions rally</a>

They are highlighting that on August 10, Bolsonaro “directed an unprecedented military parade through the capital city of Brasília, as his allies in Congress pushed sweeping reforms to the country’s electoral system that he says are critical before the presidential elections next year”.

The open letter warns: “Members of Congress in Brazil have warned that the 7 September mobilisation has been modelled on the insurrection at the US Capitol on 6 January 2021, when then-president Donald Trump encouraged his supporters to ‘stop the steal’ with false claims of electoral fraud in the 2020 presidential elections.

“We are gravely concerned about the imminent threat to Brazil’s democratic institutions – and we stand vigilant to defend them ahead of 7 September and after. The people of Brazil have struggled for decades to secure democracy from military rule. Bolsonaro must not be permitted to rob them of it now.”

In the polls, the right-wing populist leader is still trailing left-wing former President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva. Bolsonaro told evangelical leaders, "I have three alternatives for my future: being arrested, killed or victory."&nbsp;

Jair Bolsonaro and his allies could be preparing to mount a military coup in Brazil, says an influential group of former presidents, prime ministers and leading public figures on the left.

Jair Bolsonaro and his allies could be preparing to mount a military coup in Brazil, says an influential group of former presidents, prime ministers and leading public figures on the left. An open letter claims that the rallies that Bolsonaro followers are staging on Tuesday represent a danger to democracy and amount to an insurrection modelled on Donald Trump supporters’ attack on the US Capitol on 6 January. The signatories include José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, the Spanish former prime minister, Yanis Varoufakis, the former Greek finance minister, Jeremy Corbyn, the former UK Labour leader, Fernando Lugo, the former Paraguayan president, Caroline Lucas, the British Green MP, and Adolfo Pérez Esquivel, the Argentine Nobel laureate and human rights activist. Other signatories include Ernesto Samper Pizano, a former president of Colombia, Cori Bush, a US Democrat House of Representatives member, Jean-Luc Mélenchon, the French presidential candidate and Manon Aubry, the French MEP. Also read | Fears of violence on Brazil’s streets as millions rally They are highlighting that on August 10, Bolsonaro “directed an unprecedented military parade through the capital city of Brasília, as his allies in Congress pushed sweeping reforms to the country’s electoral system that he says are critical before the presidential elections next year”. The open letter warns: “Members of Congress in Brazil have warned that the 7 September mobilisation has been modelled on the insurrection at the US Capitol on 6 January 2021, when then-president Donald Trump encouraged his supporters to ‘stop the steal’ with false claims of electoral fraud in the 2020 presidential elections. “We are gravely concerned about the imminent threat to Brazil’s democratic institutions – and we stand vigilant to defend them ahead of 7 September and after. The people of Brazil have struggled for decades to secure democracy from military rule. Bolsonaro must not be permitted to rob them of it now.” In the polls, the right-wing populist leader is still trailing left-wing former President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva. Bolsonaro told evangelical leaders, "I have three alternatives for my future: being arrested, killed or victory."

Bolsonaro may be planning military coup in Brazil, warns former world leaders' group

After the Copa America final on July 11, Brazil and Argentina met once again during the World Cup qualifier match on Sunday (September 5).

However, the game ended with only five minutes of play being possible, as police and health officials stormed onto the field and called for the arrest of four Argentine players, who had travelled with the squad despite participation in the Premier League and broke the quarantine rules after entering Brazil.&nbsp;

As per a report in Goal.com, the likes of Emiliano Martinez, Cristian Romero and Giovani Lo Celso were given the green signal to appear in the qualifier match despite being accused of falsifying travel information upon their entry to Brazil, with mandatory quarantine and deportation advised by the Brazilian government for the trio and reserve Emiliano Buendia. Thus, the match saw barely five minutes being passed away when several&nbsp;officers stormed the pitch, much to the surprise of players from both sides.

"It was necessary to keep our sanitary protocol," said Antonio Barra Torres, the head of the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency.&nbsp;"We called the federal police, that went to the hotel and we found out that they had already left for the Stadium. The rest is what you're watching live."

As the Argentine players refused, there were&nbsp;scenes in the middle before match got suspended abruptly.&nbsp;

Fate of the match?

"The World Cup Qualifiers is a FIFA competition," wrote the South American football governing body in a statement. "All decisions concerning its organisation and development are the exclusive power of that institution. The referee and the match commissioner will submit a report to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, which will determine the steps to be followed. These procedures strictly adhere to current regulations."

The PL trio in the Argentine squad came from the United Kingdom. For the unversed, the country is in Brazil's own red-zone. Hence, a scuffle occurred in the middle as Messi &amp; Co. believed that the authorities could've informed them before the match started whereas the police and other health officials reacted as the Argentine PL-returned trio didn't reveal to the immigration and health officials that they had returned from the UK.&nbsp;

After five hours of waiting and four of their players being under the threat of arrest, the Argentine players finally managed to board a flight back home.

After the Copa America final on July 11, Brazil and Argentina met once again during the World Cup qualifier match on Sunday (September 5). However, the game ended with only five minutes of play being possible, as police and health officials stormed onto the field and called for the arrest of four Argentine players, who had travelled with the squad despite participation in the Premier League and broke the quarantine rules after entering Brazil.

After the Copa America final on July 11, Brazil and Argentina met once again during the World Cup qualifier match on Sunday (September 5). However, the game ended with only five minutes of play being possible, as police and health officials stormed onto the field and called for the arrest of four Argentine players, who had travelled with the squad despite participation in the Premier League and broke the quarantine rules after entering Brazil. As per a report in Goal.com, the likes of Emiliano Martinez, Cristian Romero and Giovani Lo Celso were given the green signal to appear in the qualifier match despite being accused of falsifying travel information upon their entry to Brazil, with mandatory quarantine and deportation advised by the Brazilian government for the trio and reserve Emiliano Buendia. Thus, the match saw barely five minutes being passed away when several officers stormed the pitch, much to the surprise of players from both sides. "It was necessary to keep our sanitary protocol," said Antonio Barra Torres, the head of the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency. "We called the federal police, that went to the hotel and we found out that they had already left for the Stadium. The rest is what you're watching live." As the Argentine players refused, there were scenes in the middle before match got suspended abruptly. Fate of the match? "The World Cup Qualifiers is a FIFA competition," wrote the South American football governing body in a statement. "All decisions concerning its organisation and development are the exclusive power of that institution. The referee and the match commissioner will submit a report to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, which will determine the steps to be followed. These procedures strictly adhere to current regulations." The PL trio in the Argentine squad came from the United Kingdom. For the unversed, the country is in Brazil's own red-zone. Hence, a scuffle occurred in the middle as Messi & Co. believed that the authorities could've informed them before the match started whereas the police and other health officials reacted as the Argentine PL-returned trio didn't reveal to the immigration and health officials that they had returned from the UK. After five hours of waiting and four of their players being under the threat of arrest, the Argentine players finally managed to board a flight back home.

Bizarre scenes! Brazil-Argentina match halted as police storm on field to arrest 4 Premier League players

Brazilian health officials accused four Argentine footballers of breaking quarantine rules on Saturday and began an investigation that could lead to their exclusion from this weekend`s World Cup qualifier between the two sides. 
 
The Argentina squad flew into Brazil on Friday, the day after beating Venezuela 3-1 in a World Cup qualifier in Caracas. 
 
The squad for Sunday`s game at the Corinthians arena contains four players who play in England, Emiliano Buendia and Emiliano Martinez of Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur duo Giovani Lo Celso and Cristian Romero. 
 
Anvisa said that with few exemptions non-Brazilians were prohibited from entering Brazil from Britain, Northern Ireland, South Africa or India. 
 
Those given exemptions must advise authorities on arrival and spend 14 days in quarantine. 
 
"The players in question, who arrived in Brazil on a flight from Caracas (Venezuela) to Guarulhos, declared they had not spent time in any of the four countries with restrictions on them in the last 14 days," Anvisa said in a statement. 
 
In a separate statement the Sao Paulo State Health Secretariat said "an epidimiological and sanitary investigation has begun." 
 
Brazilian news site UOL said if the four players could not provide documents showing they were exempt from quarantine they could be prevented from playing in Sunday`s game. 
 
Brazil lead the South American qualifying group for Qatar 2022, six points ahead of second-placed Argentina. The top four qualify automatically for the World Cup. 
 
There has been anger in South America after several teams were deprived of key players for this month’s triple header of qualifiers. 
 
Brazil are without nine key men for the Argentina game, and other South American sides have also lost players due to a decision by some European clubs not to let their players travel to the continent. 
 
They would have to quarantine on return and the clubs do not want to lose their players for subsequent league games. 
 
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni criticised the decision earlier on Saturday and said it compromised the integrity of the World Cup. 
 
“It is not equal and that’s very clear,” Scaloni said. 
&nbsp;

Brazilian health officials accused four Argentine footballers of breaking quarantine rules on Saturday and began an investigation that could lead to their exclusion from this weekend`s World Cup qualifier between the two sides.

Brazilian health officials accused four Argentine footballers of breaking quarantine rules on Saturday and began an investigation that could lead to their exclusion from this weekend`s World Cup qualifier between the two sides. The Argentina squad flew into Brazil on Friday, the day after beating Venezuela 3-1 in a World Cup qualifier in Caracas. The squad for Sunday`s game at the Corinthians arena contains four players who play in England, Emiliano Buendia and Emiliano Martinez of Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur duo Giovani Lo Celso and Cristian Romero. Anvisa said that with few exemptions non-Brazilians were prohibited from entering Brazil from Britain, Northern Ireland, South Africa or India. Those given exemptions must advise authorities on arrival and spend 14 days in quarantine. "The players in question, who arrived in Brazil on a flight from Caracas (Venezuela) to Guarulhos, declared they had not spent time in any of the four countries with restrictions on them in the last 14 days," Anvisa said in a statement. In a separate statement the Sao Paulo State Health Secretariat said "an epidimiological and sanitary investigation has begun." Brazilian news site UOL said if the four players could not provide documents showing they were exempt from quarantine they could be prevented from playing in Sunday`s game. Brazil lead the South American qualifying group for Qatar 2022, six points ahead of second-placed Argentina. The top four qualify automatically for the World Cup. There has been anger in South America after several teams were deprived of key players for this month’s triple header of qualifiers. Brazil are without nine key men for the Argentina game, and other South American sides have also lost players due to a decision by some European clubs not to let their players travel to the continent. They would have to quarantine on return and the clubs do not want to lose their players for subsequent league games. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni criticised the decision earlier on Saturday and said it compromised the integrity of the World Cup. “It is not equal and that’s very clear,” Scaloni said.

Argentina football players face health inquiry ahead of Brazil match

The supporters of Jair Bolsonaro are not that hard to find in Sinop, which is an agricultural boomtown in the Brazilian Amazon.&nbsp;

Around 80 per cent of voters backed the country’s ultra-conservative leader in the 2018 election.

“He’s a president of the people,” the Guardian quoted Marcos Watanabe, who is the head of the city’s conservative association, sporting a T-shirt stamped with Bolsonaro’s name.

The people are also as passionate as the president of Sinop’s farmers’ union, Ilson José Redivo.&nbsp;

He placed a billboard of his leader outside its headquarters with the slogan that read, "We believe in God and we value the family. We’re with Bolsonaro.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-normal-israels-health-expert-says-fourth-shot-of-covid-vaccine-needed-410904">Also read |&nbsp;New normal: Israel's health expert says fourth shot of Covid vaccine needed</a>

Redivo is one of the millions of Bolsonaro devotees expected to hit the streets on 7 September for one in a series of mass rallies that have jolted Brazilian politics and left many citizens fretting over the future of their country’s democracy.

“It will be the largest demonstration Brazil has ever seen,” Redivo claimed.

He further said that at least 20 buses were setting off from the state capital, Cuiabá, as well as other towns and cities across the agricultural heartlands.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Bolsonaro earlier said that he sees only three alternatives for his future: prison, death or victory.&nbsp;

In the polls, the right-wing populist leader is still trailing left-wing former President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva. Bolsonaro told evangelical leaders, "I have three alternatives for my future: being arrested, killed or victory." &nbsp;

The supporters of Jair Bolsonaro are not that hard to find in Sinop, which is an agricultural boomtown in the Brazilian Amazon. Around 80 per cent of voters backed the country’s ultra-conservative leader in the 2018 election.

The supporters of Jair Bolsonaro are not that hard to find in Sinop, which is an agricultural boomtown in the Brazilian Amazon. Around 80 per cent of voters backed the country’s ultra-conservative leader in the 2018 election. “He’s a president of the people,” the Guardian quoted Marcos Watanabe, who is the head of the city’s conservative association, sporting a T-shirt stamped with Bolsonaro’s name. The people are also as passionate as the president of Sinop’s farmers’ union, Ilson José Redivo. He placed a billboard of his leader outside its headquarters with the slogan that read, "We believe in God and we value the family. We’re with Bolsonaro.” Also read | New normal: Israel's health expert says fourth shot of Covid vaccine needed Redivo is one of the millions of Bolsonaro devotees expected to hit the streets on 7 September for one in a series of mass rallies that have jolted Brazilian politics and left many citizens fretting over the future of their country’s democracy. “It will be the largest demonstration Brazil has ever seen,” Redivo claimed. He further said that at least 20 buses were setting off from the state capital, Cuiabá, as well as other towns and cities across the agricultural heartlands. Meanwhile, Bolsonaro earlier said that he sees only three alternatives for his future: prison, death or victory. In the polls, the right-wing populist leader is still trailing left-wing former President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva. Bolsonaro told evangelical leaders, "I have three alternatives for my future: being arrested, killed or victory."

Fears of violence on Brazil’s streets as millions rally

Victories for Brazil and Argentina on Thursday set the two sides up for an enticing World Cup qualifying clash in Sao Paulo this weekend. Argentina beat Venezuela 3-1 in Caracas to extend their unbeaten run to 21 games and know they can overcome Brazil on their home turf, having beaten them 1-0 in the Copa America final at the Maracana stadium in July. 
 
"It’s special for the players to have the patch of champions on their chest, they fought so hard to win the Copa America,” Argentine coach Lionel Scaloni said. “The important thing is to not rest on our laurels.” 
 
Brazil, too, will be confident after winning all seven of their first games in World Cup qualifying for the first time. The five-times world champions have 21 points, six more than Argentina in second place. 
 
"Seven wins in a row is historic, we`ll now hope to make it eight," said Everton Ribeiro, who scored Brazil`s winner in their 1-0 victory over Chile in Santiago. 
 
Goalkeeper Weverton said they were well aware of Argentina`s quality. “It will be hard fought game and so now we are going to rest to recuperate and get ready," he added. "(Coach) Tite is going to prepare us well, it is a derby and a really difficult game and we hope to win one more, that’s our aim.” 
 
Brazil will be without nine of their England-based players, who were prevented from travelling by their clubs, but will be confident their squad depth can cover the absences.

Victories for Brazil and Argentina on Thursday set the two sides up for an enticing World Cup qualifying clash in Sao Paulo this weekend. Argentina beat Venezuela 3-1 in Caracas to extend their unbeaten run to 21 games and know they can overcome Brazil on their home turf, having beaten them 1-0 in the Copa America final at the Maracana stadium in July.

Victories for Brazil and Argentina on Thursday set the two sides up for an enticing World Cup qualifying clash in Sao Paulo this weekend. Argentina beat Venezuela 3-1 in Caracas to extend their unbeaten run to 21 games and know they can overcome Brazil on their home turf, having beaten them 1-0 in the Copa America final at the Maracana stadium in July. "It’s special for the players to have the patch of champions on their chest, they fought so hard to win the Copa America,” Argentine coach Lionel Scaloni said. “The important thing is to not rest on our laurels.” Brazil, too, will be confident after winning all seven of their first games in World Cup qualifying for the first time. The five-times world champions have 21 points, six more than Argentina in second place. "Seven wins in a row is historic, we`ll now hope to make it eight," said Everton Ribeiro, who scored Brazil`s winner in their 1-0 victory over Chile in Santiago. Goalkeeper Weverton said they were well aware of Argentina`s quality. “It will be hard fought game and so now we are going to rest to recuperate and get ready," he added. "(Coach) Tite is going to prepare us well, it is a derby and a really difficult game and we hope to win one more, that’s our aim.” Brazil will be without nine of their England-based players, who were prevented from travelling by their clubs, but will be confident their squad depth can cover the absences.

Wins for Argentina, Brazil set up mouth-watering World Cup qualifier

Brazil's economy has contracted by 0.1 percent in the second quarter. The setback for the country's economy came as a serious second wave of COVID-19 infections triggered restrictions in major cities during April and May.

World Business Watch: Brazil's economy down by 0.1% in second quarter

A gang of 20 criminal went wild in Brazil after robbing 3 banks. The thieves tied hostages to their getaway vehicles as 'human shields'. Why is Brazil a hotbed for bank heists? Palki Sharma gets you a report

Gravitas: This Brazilian Gang robbed 3 banks & tied hostages to their cars

Brazil's Supreme Court on Wednesday heard arguments for and against a cut-off date for land claims that indigenous people say are vital for their survival, while the government advocated for legal certainty for farmers in the agricultural powerhouse.

The top court weighed whether a state government applied an overly narrow interpretation of indigenous rights by only recognising tribal lands occupied by native communities at the time Brazil's constitution was ratified in 1988.

The case is expected to drag out for days and set a precedent that would affect hundreds of native land claims.

Indigenous people danced and chanted outside the court as they anxiously watched the proceedings&nbsp;on an outdoor screen.

A lawyer for the largest indigenous umbrella organization APIB, Luiz Eloy Amado of the Terena people, said the rule was unconstitutional because there was no timeframe in the 1988 Constitution, which guaranteed the right to ancestral lands.

"The land question is fundamental for Brazil's indigenous people," Amado told the court. He added that some 800 claims, a quarter of which are in the final stages of recognition, would be stalled if the 1988 deadline was not rejected by the court.

Protected indigenous lands offer a bulwark against deforestation in the Amazon. A defeat in court for the indigenous people would set a precedent for the rollback of native rights that far-right President Jair Bolsonaro has sought with the backing of powerful farming interests.

The government's solicitor general, Bruno Bianco, argued that the time framework gave legal security to farmers, many of whom have lived for decades on land once inhabited by natives who were pushed out by the arrival of European settlers.

Bianco said the issue was best decided by Congress, where a bill establishing the 1988 deadline as law has cleared a lower chamber committee. He said the court should put off a decision until after legislators pass the bill, a strategy supported by Brazil's powerful farm lobby.

The court adjourned until Thursday, when 18 speakers will appear before the justices start discussing the issue.

Brazil's Supreme Court on Wednesday heard arguments for and against a cut-off date for land claims that indigenous people say are vital for their survival, while the government advocated for legal certainty for farmers in the agricultural powerhouse.

Brazil's Supreme Court on Wednesday heard arguments for and against a cut-off date for land claims that indigenous people say are vital for their survival, while the government advocated for legal certainty for farmers in the agricultural powerhouse. The top court weighed whether a state government applied an overly narrow interpretation of indigenous rights by only recognising tribal lands occupied by native communities at the time Brazil's constitution was ratified in 1988. The case is expected to drag out for days and set a precedent that would affect hundreds of native land claims. Indigenous people danced and chanted outside the court as they anxiously watched the proceedings on an outdoor screen. A lawyer for the largest indigenous umbrella organization APIB, Luiz Eloy Amado of the Terena people, said the rule was unconstitutional because there was no timeframe in the 1988 Constitution, which guaranteed the right to ancestral lands. "The land question is fundamental for Brazil's indigenous people," Amado told the court. He added that some 800 claims, a quarter of which are in the final stages of recognition, would be stalled if the 1988 deadline was not rejected by the court. Protected indigenous lands offer a bulwark against deforestation in the Amazon. A defeat in court for the indigenous people would set a precedent for the rollback of native rights that far-right President Jair Bolsonaro has sought with the backing of powerful farming interests. The government's solicitor general, Bruno Bianco, argued that the time framework gave legal security to farmers, many of whom have lived for decades on land once inhabited by natives who were pushed out by the arrival of European settlers. Bianco said the issue was best decided by Congress, where a bill establishing the 1988 deadline as law has cleared a lower chamber committee. He said the court should put off a decision until after legislators pass the bill, a strategy supported by Brazil's powerful farm lobby. The court adjourned until Thursday, when 18 speakers will appear before the justices start discussing the issue.

Brazil Supreme Court weighs landmark case on indigenous land rights

Brazilian Vice President Hamilton Mourao said on Wednesday a severe drought could lead to energy rationing in Brazil, contradicting other officials who have said that such a step would not be necessary.

Brazil, one of the world`s agricultural superpowers, is suffering from one of its worst droughts in a century. The lack of rainfall has emptied hydroelectric reservoirs, fanned inflation and hurt farmers. The government has given incentives to use less energy but says rationing is not expected.

"There may have to be some rationing," Mourao told reporters in Brasilia, although he said the government had taken necessary measures to prevent blackouts.

Brazil`s Mines and Energy Minister Bento Albuquerque on Tuesday said the country's energy crisis was worse than previously thought.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-unveils-emergency-power-measures-to-beat-drought-394579">Brazil unveils emergency power measures to beat drought</a>

In a televised national address, Albuquerque said Brazil had lost hydropower output equal to the energy consumed by the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil`s second-largest, in five months.

Separately on Tuesday, the ministry announced it would once again raise energy prices, with affected consumers paying on average 6.78% more for electricity starting on Sept. 1.

The meteorological outlook remains grim for Brazil. Rainfall in energy-producing regions is likely to remain well below average in September, the national grid operator ONS said last week.

Brazilian Vice President Hamilton Mourao said on Wednesday a severe drought could lead to energy rationing in Brazil, contradicting other officials who have said that such a step would not be necessary.

Brazilian Vice President Hamilton Mourao said on Wednesday a severe drought could lead to energy rationing in Brazil, contradicting other officials who have said that such a step would not be necessary. Brazil, one of the world`s agricultural superpowers, is suffering from one of its worst droughts in a century. The lack of rainfall has emptied hydroelectric reservoirs, fanned inflation and hurt farmers. The government has given incentives to use less energy but says rationing is not expected. "There may have to be some rationing," Mourao told reporters in Brasilia, although he said the government had taken necessary measures to prevent blackouts. Brazil`s Mines and Energy Minister Bento Albuquerque on Tuesday said the country's energy crisis was worse than previously thought. Also read | Brazil unveils emergency power measures to beat drought In a televised national address, Albuquerque said Brazil had lost hydropower output equal to the energy consumed by the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil`s second-largest, in five months. Separately on Tuesday, the ministry announced it would once again raise energy prices, with affected consumers paying on average 6.78% more for electricity starting on Sept. 1. The meteorological outlook remains grim for Brazil. Rainfall in energy-producing regions is likely to remain well below average in September, the national grid operator ONS said last week.

Drought may force Brazil to ration power, says Vice President Mourao

Vietnam, a key producer&nbsp;of robusta, which is used in some espresso blends and instant coffee,&nbsp;is in lockdown, causing global coffee supply concerns.&nbsp;

As a result of a spike in Delta variant cases, strict travel restrictions have been imposed in Ho Chi Minh, a major exporting hub that operates from China to Europe.&nbsp;

The result is that exporters are having difficulty transporting commodities around the world.&nbsp;

Several trade organisations, including the Vietnam Coffee-Cocoa Association, are calling on the government to relax the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> regulations, so as to prevent further delays to shipments and to reduce related costs.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/drinking-coffee-reduces-risk-of-contracting-coronavirus-study-397490">Drinking coffee reduces risk of contracting coronavirus: Study</a>

However, it is unclear how long the Vietnamese government will impose such a tight lockdown on Ho Chi Minh.&nbsp;

The disruption of shipments from such a major producer country as Vietnam follows the loss of Brazil's coffee crop, which&nbsp;is now hitting coffee supplies.

Brazil, the world's biggest producer of coffee, is bracing for coffee losses as it continues to monitor its crops but is expecting significant damage to them.&nbsp;

Alos read |&nbsp;​​​​​​​<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/drinking-coffee-regularly-decreases-chances-of-chronic-liver-diseases-study-393155">Drinking coffee regularly decreases chances of chronic liver diseases: Study</a>

Due to recent droughts and frosts that have severely harmed Brazil's coffee-growing regions, future prices also look set to spike.&nbsp;Reports claim that many farmers face replanting their trees because of the harsh frosts, which will set back their production by several years.&nbsp;

In light of all this, it is predicted that the price of imported coffee beans will rise, which will affect the cost to the consumer.&nbsp;

Vietnam, a key producer of robusta, which is used in some espresso blends and instant coffee, is in lockdown, causing global coffee supply concerns. As a result of a spike in Delta variant cases, strict travel restrictions have been imposed in Ho Chi Minh, a major exporting hub that operates from China to Europe.

Vietnam, a key producer of robusta, which is used in some espresso blends and instant coffee, is in lockdown, causing global coffee supply concerns. As a result of a spike in Delta variant cases, strict travel restrictions have been imposed in Ho Chi Minh, a major exporting hub that operates from China to Europe. The result is that exporters are having difficulty transporting commodities around the world. Several trade organisations, including the Vietnam Coffee-Cocoa Association, are calling on the government to relax the COVID-19 regulations, so as to prevent further delays to shipments and to reduce related costs. Also read | Drinking coffee reduces risk of contracting coronavirus: Study However, it is unclear how long the Vietnamese government will impose such a tight lockdown on Ho Chi Minh. The disruption of shipments from such a major producer country as Vietnam follows the loss of Brazil's coffee crop, which is now hitting coffee supplies. Brazil, the world's biggest producer of coffee, is bracing for coffee losses as it continues to monitor its crops but is expecting significant damage to them. Alos read | Drinking coffee regularly decreases chances of chronic liver diseases: Study Due to recent droughts and frosts that have severely harmed Brazil's coffee-growing regions, future prices also look set to spike. Reports claim that many farmers face replanting their trees because of the harsh frosts, which will set back their production by several years. In light of all this, it is predicted that the price of imported coffee beans will rise, which will affect the cost to the consumer.

Vietnam lockdown threatens global coffee supplies, may affect your Java costs

A Brazilian court has sentenced Francoise de Souza Oliveira to 31 years in prison for murdering her husband,&nbsp;Greek&nbsp;ambassador&nbsp;Kyriakos Amiridis, authorities said Sunday.

Amiridis, 59 at the time of his death in 2016, lived in Brasilia and was on vacation for the Christmas holidays with his&nbsp;wife&nbsp;and his daughter in Rio de Janeiro.

Days after Christmas, the remains of the diplomat were found inside his charred rental car and ripped out under a bridge, in the municipality of Nova Iguacu, near the state capital.

A police investigation found numerous clues, including blood on a sofa and security camera footage, that implicated Sergio Gomes Moreira Filho, military policeman and lover of Francoise.

The two were sentenced to 22 years in prison, initially without parole.&nbsp;

"The circumstances of the crime are atypical, since (the&nbsp;ambassador) was executed during the Christmas holidays ... in this case, this family was torn apart," said the Judge Anna Christina da Silveira Fernandes, of the 4th Criminal Court of Nova Iguacu.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/infiltration-bid-foiled-at-loc-in-jks-poonch-terrorist-killed-409339">Also read |&nbsp;Infiltration bid foiled at LoC in J&amp;K's Poonch, terrorist killed</a>

In her sentence, she also indicated that "the crime was carefully thought out, premeditated," by De Souza Oliveira.&nbsp;

"According to the testimony collected, the defendant planned and designed, being the mastermind behind the entire macabre plot," she added.&nbsp;

The trial had a third defendant: Eduardo Moreira Tedeschi de Melo, a relative of the policeman, who was acquitted of the&nbsp;murder&nbsp;charge but sentenced to one year probation, already served, for helping to hide the body.&nbsp;

In the trial, which lasted for three days, until Friday, the judge heard 18 witnesses.&nbsp;

In her decision, the magistrate also referred to the accused in their capacity as public servants.&nbsp;

"He swore to defend society and not rebel against it, dishonouring the Military Police and all the trust placed in him by the State," she said, referring to Sergio Gomes Moreira Filho.&nbsp;

And she pointed out that De Souza Oliveira, "who calls herself an&nbsp;ambassador, tarnished the name of&nbsp;Brazil&nbsp;and embarrassed the nation with her conduct, given the negative international repercussions of the events."&nbsp;

De Souza Oliveira and Amiridis had married in 2004, when he was consul in Rio de Janeiro.&nbsp;

A Brazilian court has sentenced Francoise de Souza Oliveira to 31 years in prison for murdering her husband, Greek ambassador Kyriakos Amiridis, authorities said Sunday.

A Brazilian court has sentenced Francoise de Souza Oliveira to 31 years in prison for murdering her husband, Greek ambassador Kyriakos Amiridis, authorities said Sunday. Amiridis, 59 at the time of his death in 2016, lived in Brasilia and was on vacation for the Christmas holidays with his wife and his daughter in Rio de Janeiro. Days after Christmas, the remains of the diplomat were found inside his charred rental car and ripped out under a bridge, in the municipality of Nova Iguacu, near the state capital. A police investigation found numerous clues, including blood on a sofa and security camera footage, that implicated Sergio Gomes Moreira Filho, military policeman and lover of Francoise. The two were sentenced to 22 years in prison, initially without parole. "The circumstances of the crime are atypical, since (the ambassador) was executed during the Christmas holidays ... in this case, this family was torn apart," said the Judge Anna Christina da Silveira Fernandes, of the 4th Criminal Court of Nova Iguacu. Also read | Infiltration bid foiled at LoC in J&K's Poonch, terrorist killed In her sentence, she also indicated that "the crime was carefully thought out, premeditated," by De Souza Oliveira. "According to the testimony collected, the defendant planned and designed, being the mastermind behind the entire macabre plot," she added. The trial had a third defendant: Eduardo Moreira Tedeschi de Melo, a relative of the policeman, who was acquitted of the murder charge but sentenced to one year probation, already served, for helping to hide the body. In the trial, which lasted for three days, until Friday, the judge heard 18 witnesses. In her decision, the magistrate also referred to the accused in their capacity as public servants. "He swore to defend society and not rebel against it, dishonouring the Military Police and all the trust placed in him by the State," she said, referring to Sergio Gomes Moreira Filho. And she pointed out that De Souza Oliveira, "who calls herself an ambassador, tarnished the name of Brazil and embarrassed the nation with her conduct, given the negative international repercussions of the events." De Souza Oliveira and Amiridis had married in 2004, when he was consul in Rio de Janeiro.

Wife of Greek ambassador to Brazil convicted of his murder

With next year's presidential election in mind, Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro said he sees only three alternatives for his future: prison, death or victory. &nbsp;

In the polls, the right-wing populist leader is still trailing left-wing former President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva. Bolsonaro told evangelical leaders, "I have three alternatives for my future: being arrested, killed or victory." &nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Macron says France, Britain to propose 'safe zone' in Kabul

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The former military officer also said, there was no chance of prison as "no man on Earth will threaten me". The remarks come as there is fierce tensions between the president and the judiciary and election authorities.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Earlier, in a meeting with supporters outside the president's official residence, Bolsonaro said that everyone should buy a rifle. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Bolsonaro, who has tried to change the laws to allow more Brazilians to bear arms for self-defence, said gun opponents should stop bothering gun buyers. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-guard-kabul-airport-as-nato-troops-leave-afghanistan-409149" hreflang="en">Taliban guard Kabul airport as NATO troops leave Afghanistan</a>

During his election campaign, Jair Bolsonaro promised to relax Brazil's gun laws. The idea was that citizens could use their own weapons to combat the country's rampant crime and violence. &nbsp;

Since being elected president, he has issued a number of decrees to carry out his promise. &nbsp;

In Brazil, it is now much easier to buy and carry firearms. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

With next year's presidential election in mind, Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro said he sees only three alternatives for his future: prison, death or victory. In the polls, the right-wing populist leader is still trailing left-wing former President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva.

With next year's presidential election in mind, Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro said he sees only three alternatives for his future: prison, death or victory. In the polls, the right-wing populist leader is still trailing left-wing former President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva. Bolsonaro told evangelical leaders, "I have three alternatives for my future: being arrested, killed or victory." Watch: Macron says France, Britain to propose 'safe zone' in Kabul × The former military officer also said, there was no chance of prison as "no man on Earth will threaten me". The remarks come as there is fierce tensions between the president and the judiciary and election authorities. Earlier, in a meeting with supporters outside the president's official residence, Bolsonaro said that everyone should buy a rifle. Bolsonaro, who has tried to change the laws to allow more Brazilians to bear arms for self-defence, said gun opponents should stop bothering gun buyers. Also Read: Taliban guard Kabul airport as NATO troops leave Afghanistan During his election campaign, Jair Bolsonaro promised to relax Brazil's gun laws. The idea was that citizens could use their own weapons to combat the country's rampant crime and violence. Since being elected president, he has issued a number of decrees to carry out his promise. In Brazil, it is now much easier to buy and carry firearms. (With inputs from agencies)

For future, Bolsonaro sees only three alternatives, prison, death or victory

YouTube&nbsp;said on Thursday it had suspended&nbsp;payments&nbsp;to content producers from 14 channels accused of spreading fake news about next year's&nbsp;election&nbsp;by the country's federal electoral court, the TSE.

Most of the channels offer regular full-throated support to President Jair Bolsonaro, a far-right former army captain who has been sowing doubts about the credibility of next year's vote. The president is down in the polls after&nbsp;overseeing the world's second deadliest coronavirus outbreak and a weak economy.

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"We reinforce our commitment to collaborating with the work of authorities in Brazil and to continue to invest in policies, resources and products to protect the&nbsp;YouTube&nbsp;community from harmful content," Alphabet Inc's&nbsp;YouTube&nbsp;said in a statement announcing the move.

Last week, the inspector general of electoral justice, Luis Felipe Salomão, ordered&nbsp;YouTube, Twitch.TV, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook to suspend&nbsp;payments&nbsp;to people and pages that were spreading&nbsp;disinformation&nbsp;about the&nbsp;Brazilian&nbsp;electoral system.

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In July,&nbsp;YouTube&nbsp;said it had removed videos from Bolsonaro's channel for spreading misinformation about the coronavirus outbreak, becoming the latest tech giant to pull his pandemic pronouncements.

Last year, both Twitter and Facebook took down videos of Bolsonaro for breaching their terms of use after he made pronouncements that went against the recommendations of global public health experts.

YouTube said on Thursday it had suspended payments to content producers from 14 channels accused of spreading fake news about next year's election by the country's federal electoral court, the TSE.

YouTube said on Thursday it had suspended payments to content producers from 14 channels accused of spreading fake news about next year's election by the country's federal electoral court, the TSE. Most of the channels offer regular full-throated support to President Jair Bolsonaro, a far-right former army captain who has been sowing doubts about the credibility of next year's vote. The president is down in the polls after overseeing the world's second deadliest coronavirus outbreak and a weak economy. ALSO READ | United States coronavirus hospitalisations hit eight-month high over 100,000 "We reinforce our commitment to collaborating with the work of authorities in Brazil and to continue to invest in policies, resources and products to protect the YouTube community from harmful content," Alphabet Inc's YouTube said in a statement announcing the move. Last week, the inspector general of electoral justice, Luis Felipe Salomão, ordered YouTube, Twitch.TV, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook to suspend payments to people and pages that were spreading disinformation about the Brazilian electoral system. ALSO READ | China issues draft guidelines for internet recommendation algorithms In July, YouTube said it had removed videos from Bolsonaro's channel for spreading misinformation about the coronavirus outbreak, becoming the latest tech giant to pull his pandemic pronouncements. Last year, both Twitter and Facebook took down videos of Bolsonaro for breaching their terms of use after he made pronouncements that went against the recommendations of global public health experts.

YouTube suspends payments to Brazilian accounts over election disinformation

The brazillian health ministry said on Wednesday that the country will give Covid-19 booster shots to people with compromised immune system and those over the age of 70. The vaccination would begin in mid-September.

For booster shots, vaccines from AstraZeneca, Johnson &amp; Johnson or Pfizer will be used, said the ministry in a statement.

The information differs from remarks on Tuesday by Health Minister Marcelo Queiroga, who had said vulnerable people and over 80-year-olds would receive an additional jab of the Pfizer.

Rapid spread of the Delta variant and research suggesting diminishing effectiveness of vaccines over time has led to many countries planning booster vaccine drives.

Sinovac's Coronavac vaccine, which was used for many elderly people in Brazil because it was the earliest available in large quantities, is not part of the plans outlined for the booster shots.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/dont-worry-about-covid-22-here-are-misconceptions-about-it-408319">Don't worry about Covid-22: Here are misconceptions about it</a>

The extra shots will be administered to those with vulnerable immune systems 28 days after their second dose. For those 70 and over, the ministry stipulated a six-month interval before applying a booster shot.

Also starting next month, the gap between the first and second shots of Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines will fall to eight weeks from 12 weeks for all those vaccinated in Brazil.

Brazil has had more than 20.6 million confirmed coronavirus infections and more than 575,000 fatalities due to the virus.

(With inputs from agencies)

The brazillian health ministry said on Wednesday that the country will give Covid-19 booster shots to people with compromised immune system and those over the age of 70.

The brazillian health ministry said on Wednesday that the country will give Covid-19 booster shots to people with compromised immune system and those over the age of 70. The vaccination would begin in mid-September. For booster shots, vaccines from AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson or Pfizer will be used, said the ministry in a statement. The information differs from remarks on Tuesday by Health Minister Marcelo Queiroga, who had said vulnerable people and over 80-year-olds would receive an additional jab of the Pfizer. Rapid spread of the Delta variant and research suggesting diminishing effectiveness of vaccines over time has led to many countries planning booster vaccine drives. Sinovac's Coronavac vaccine, which was used for many elderly people in Brazil because it was the earliest available in large quantities, is not part of the plans outlined for the booster shots. Also Read | Don't worry about Covid-22: Here are misconceptions about it The extra shots will be administered to those with vulnerable immune systems 28 days after their second dose. For those 70 and over, the ministry stipulated a six-month interval before applying a booster shot. Also starting next month, the gap between the first and second shots of Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines will fall to eight weeks from 12 weeks for all those vaccinated in Brazil. Brazil has had more than 20.6 million confirmed coronavirus infections and more than 575,000 fatalities due to the virus. (With inputs from agencies)

Brazil plans booster Covid vaccine drive

Residents of Brazil's Rio de Janeiro have turned the season of Trumpet tree that lasts for about a week into a social media sensation. WION brings you a report.

6-day long Trumpet tree season in Brazil; now a social media campaign

Superstar Lionel Messi was called up on Monday to the Argentina squad due to face his new Paris Saint-Germain teammate Neymar and Brazil in a World Cup qualifier next month.

The crunch CONMEBOL encounter on September 5 will mark the first time the two icons face each other as PSG teammates, and will come less than two months after Messi inspired Argentina to a 1-0 victory over Brazil in the Copa America final.

The highly-anticipated encounter is sandwiched between two other World Cup qualifiers, with Argentina playing Venezuela on September 2 and Bolivia a week later.

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Brazil lead the single CONMEBOL qualifying group with a perfect 18 points from six matches, while Argentina are second with 12 points and also unbeaten.

Messi won his first international trophy in July as he helped Argentina end a 27-year wait for major silverware by upsetting Brazil at Rio de Janeiro's iconic Maracana stadium.

The two countries' star players are yet to play alongside each other this season as both have been given an extended break by PSG following their Copa exertions.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-players-attacked-bottles-thrown-as-nice-vs-marseille-match-abandoned-after-angry-fans-invade-pitch-407763">Watch: Players attacked, bottles thrown as Nice vs Marseille match abandoned after angry fans invade pitch</a>

After more than two decades playing at Barcelona, Messi is widely expected to make his PSG debut this weekend away to Reims.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni sprung no surprises in his squad with Inter Milan's Lautaro Martinez and Paulo Dybala of Juventus included among powerful-looking forward options, although new Barca signing Sergio Aguero misses out through injury.

Two other PSG players, Angel Di Maria, who scored the winner in the Copa America final, and Leandro Paredes&nbsp;are in the squad.

PSG defender Marquinhos will join Neymar in the Brazil squad.&nbsp;

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Franco Armani (River Plate), Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa/ENG), Juan Musso (Atalanta/ITA), Geronimo Rulli (Villarreal/ESP)

Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel (Sevilla/ESP), Nahuel Molina (Udinese/ITA), Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur/ENG), Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica/POR), Juan Foyth (Villarreal/ESP), Lucas Martinez Quarta (Fiorentina/ITA), German Pezzella (Real Betis/ESP), Lisandro Martinez (Ajax/ NED), Nicolas Tagliafico (Ajax/NED), Marcos Acuna (Sevilla/ESP)

Midfielders: Rodrigo De Paul (Atletico Madrid/ESP), Leandro Paredes (Paris Saint-Germain/Francia), Giovani Lo Celso (Tottenham Hotspur/ENG), Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen/GER), Guido Rodriguez (Real Betis/ESP), Nicolas Dominguez (Bologna/ITA), Alejandro Gomez (Sevilla/ESP), Angel Di Maria (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA)

Forwards:&nbsp;Lionel Messi (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA), Emiliano Buendia (Aston Villa/ENG), Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan/ITA), Nicolas Gonzalez (Fiorentina/ITA), Angel Correa (Atletico Madrid/ESP), Julian Alvarez (River Plate), Joaquin Correa (Lazio/ITA), Paulo Dybala (Juventus/ITA)

Superstar Lionel Messi was called up on Monday to the Argentina squad due to face his new Paris Saint-Germain teammate Neymar and Brazil in a World Cup qualifier next month.

Superstar Lionel Messi was called up on Monday to the Argentina squad due to face his new Paris Saint-Germain teammate Neymar and Brazil in a World Cup qualifier next month. The crunch CONMEBOL encounter on September 5 will mark the first time the two icons face each other as PSG teammates, and will come less than two months after Messi inspired Argentina to a 1-0 victory over Brazil in the Copa America final. The highly-anticipated encounter is sandwiched between two other World Cup qualifiers, with Argentina playing Venezuela on September 2 and Bolivia a week later. ALSO WATCH | Joshua Kimmich extends stay at Bayern Munich to 2025 Brazil lead the single CONMEBOL qualifying group with a perfect 18 points from six matches, while Argentina are second with 12 points and also unbeaten. Messi won his first international trophy in July as he helped Argentina end a 27-year wait for major silverware by upsetting Brazil at Rio de Janeiro's iconic Maracana stadium. The two countries' star players are yet to play alongside each other this season as both have been given an extended break by PSG following their Copa exertions. ALSO READ | Watch: Players attacked, bottles thrown as Nice vs Marseille match abandoned after angry fans invade pitch After more than two decades playing at Barcelona, Messi is widely expected to make his PSG debut this weekend away to Reims. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni sprung no surprises in his squad with Inter Milan's Lautaro Martinez and Paulo Dybala of Juventus included among powerful-looking forward options, although new Barca signing Sergio Aguero misses out through injury. Two other PSG players, Angel Di Maria, who scored the winner in the Copa America final, and Leandro Paredes are in the squad. PSG defender Marquinhos will join Neymar in the Brazil squad. Squad: Goalkeepers: Franco Armani (River Plate), Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa/ENG), Juan Musso (Atalanta/ITA), Geronimo Rulli (Villarreal/ESP) Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel (Sevilla/ESP), Nahuel Molina (Udinese/ITA), Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur/ENG), Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica/POR), Juan Foyth (Villarreal/ESP), Lucas Martinez Quarta (Fiorentina/ITA), German Pezzella (Real Betis/ESP), Lisandro Martinez (Ajax/ NED), Nicolas Tagliafico (Ajax/NED), Marcos Acuna (Sevilla/ESP) Midfielders: Rodrigo De Paul (Atletico Madrid/ESP), Leandro Paredes (Paris Saint-Germain/Francia), Giovani Lo Celso (Tottenham Hotspur/ENG), Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen/GER), Guido Rodriguez (Real Betis/ESP), Nicolas Dominguez (Bologna/ITA), Alejandro Gomez (Sevilla/ESP), Angel Di Maria (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA) Forwards: Lionel Messi (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA), Emiliano Buendia (Aston Villa/ENG), Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan/ITA), Nicolas Gonzalez (Fiorentina/ITA), Angel Correa (Atletico Madrid/ESP), Julian Alvarez (River Plate), Joaquin Correa (Lazio/ITA), Paulo Dybala (Juventus/ITA)

Argentina call up Lionel Messi for World Cup qualifier against Neymar's Brazil

Flordelis&nbsp;dos&nbsp;Santos&nbsp;de&nbsp;Souza, a former Brazilian congresswoman accused of orchestrating the execution of her husband in June 2019, was arrested on Friday evening after being stripped of her parliamentary immunity.

Flordelis, as she is widely known in Brazil, was charged with murder a year ago along with 10 alleged co-conspirators in the&nbsp;death of her husband, pastor Anderson do Carmo. He was shot 30 times in the garage of their home.

But her position as a federal&nbsp;deputy representing Rio&nbsp;de&nbsp;Janeiro state had shielded her from prosecution.

On Wednesday, Brazil's lower house voted to remove her from office. A judge ordered that she be arrested shortly thereafter at the request of state prosecutors.

Flordelis' lawyer, Anderson Rollemberg, criticised the arrest and vowed to appeal on Monday morning.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-issues-new-terrorism-threat-warning-ahead-of-911-anniversary-405276">Also read |&nbsp;US issues new terrorism threat warning ahead of 9/11 anniversary</a>

"Totally arbitrary," he wrote in a WhatsApp message. "She went to all the hearings and she was wearing an ankle bracelet."

The&nbsp;Flordelis&nbsp;case has fascinated Brazil for several reasons including the&nbsp;defendant's unusual profile. A former evangelical pastor and singer,&nbsp;Flordelis&nbsp;rose to fame by adopting dozens of children in need, some of whom later accused her of running a cult-like organization.

The brutal murder of her husband struck a chord in a state where powerful organised crime groups and evangelical power brokers have&nbsp;developed close links in recent years.

Police have alleged Carmo's murder came amid a power struggle within the sprawling family.

Television images on Friday evening showed Rio&nbsp;de&nbsp;Janeiro police escorting&nbsp;Flordelis&nbsp;from her home into a police car, clutching a Bible.

Flordelis dos Santos de Souza, a former Brazilian congresswoman accused of orchestrating the execution of her husband in June 2019, was arrested on Friday evening after being stripped of her parliamentary immunity.

Flordelis dos Santos de Souza, a former Brazilian congresswoman accused of orchestrating the execution of her husband in June 2019, was arrested on Friday evening after being stripped of her parliamentary immunity. Flordelis, as she is widely known in Brazil, was charged with murder a year ago along with 10 alleged co-conspirators in the death of her husband, pastor Anderson do Carmo. He was shot 30 times in the garage of their home. But her position as a federal deputy representing Rio de Janeiro state had shielded her from prosecution. On Wednesday, Brazil's lower house voted to remove her from office. A judge ordered that she be arrested shortly thereafter at the request of state prosecutors. Flordelis' lawyer, Anderson Rollemberg, criticised the arrest and vowed to appeal on Monday morning. Also read | US issues new terrorism threat warning ahead of 9/11 anniversary "Totally arbitrary," he wrote in a WhatsApp message. "She went to all the hearings and she was wearing an ankle bracelet." The Flordelis case has fascinated Brazil for several reasons including the defendant's unusual profile. A former evangelical pastor and singer, Flordelis rose to fame by adopting dozens of children in need, some of whom later accused her of running a cult-like organization. The brutal murder of her husband struck a chord in a state where powerful organised crime groups and evangelical power brokers have developed close links in recent years. Police have alleged Carmo's murder came amid a power struggle within the sprawling family. Television images on Friday evening showed Rio de Janeiro police escorting Flordelis from her home into a police car, clutching a Bible.

Former Brazil congresswoman goes to jail on charges of killing husband

The Brazilian Olympic Committee (COB) vowed to take action against footballing authorities on Sunday after the victorious men`s team at the Tokyo Games failed to wear their official tracksuits at the gold medal ceremony in a dispute over rival sponsors. 
 
Brazil beat Spain in extra time on Saturday to retain their Olympic title but the players all stepped on to the podium with their tracksuit tops wrapped around their waists. 
 
The players appeared in their Nike-produced shirts rather than wearing the tracksuits tops made by the Chinese company Peak Sport Products. 
 
Nike sponsors the Brazilian football team but Peak sponsors the Brazilian Olympic Committee.

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“The COB repudiates the attitude of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) and the players of the national team during the awards ceremony,” the COB said in a statement. 
 
“Only after the Games have finished will the COB make public the measures that will be taken to preserve the rights of the Olympic Movement, the other athletes and of our sponsors.” 
 
A spokesman for the CBF said he was not aware of the issue.

The Brazilian Olympic Committee (COB) vowed to take action against footballing authorities on Sunday after the victorious men`s team at the Tokyo Games failed to wear their official tracksuits at the gold medal ceremony in a dispute over rival sponsors.

The Brazilian Olympic Committee (COB) vowed to take action against footballing authorities on Sunday after the victorious men`s team at the Tokyo Games failed to wear their official tracksuits at the gold medal ceremony in a dispute over rival sponsors. Brazil beat Spain in extra time on Saturday to retain their Olympic title but the players all stepped on to the podium with their tracksuit tops wrapped around their waists. The players appeared in their Nike-produced shirts rather than wearing the tracksuits tops made by the Chinese company Peak Sport Products. Nike sponsors the Brazilian football team but Peak sponsors the Brazilian Olympic Committee. IN PICS | From Ravi Kumar to PV Sindhu: Indian Athletes get mind-boggling cash rewards after winning medals in Tokyo Olympic “The COB repudiates the attitude of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) and the players of the national team during the awards ceremony,” the COB said in a statement. “Only after the Games have finished will the COB make public the measures that will be taken to preserve the rights of the Olympic Movement, the other athletes and of our sponsors.” A spokesman for the CBF said he was not aware of the issue.

Football: Brazil's Olympic Committee vows action in sponsor spat

Brazil retained their Olympic football title with substitute Malcom scoring an extra-time winner in a 2-1 victory over Spain in the men`s gold medal match on Saturday. 
 
After the game ended 1-1 in normal time, Malcom raced onto a diagonal ball from Antony and got the better of Jesus Vallejo before driving the winner into the far corner in the 108th minute to ensure Brazil repeated their Rio 2016 triumph. 
 
Dani Alves, Brazil`s 38-year-old captain, who had led the team as an over-age player in a bid to win a major global tournament with his country, collapsed to his knees at the final whistle and buried his face in his hands. 
 
The Brazilian players made up for the absence of fans in the 65,000 Yokohama stadium by going through the full repertoire of celebratory songs after the final whistle. 
 
An Olympic gold in football will never match a World Cup title but for 120 minutes there was no doubt that this match meant plenty to both sides. 
 
Brazil were awarded a penalty in the 39th minute when Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon came out to punch clear a cross but crashed into Matheus Cunha, only for Richarlison to blast the spot-kick high over the bar. 
 
The South Americans grabbed the lead on the stroke of halftime, however, when a deep Claudinho cross was hooked back across the area by Dani Alves and Cunha brought the ball down to slot home. 
 
Spain threatened little but got on level terms in the 61st minute when substitute Carlos Soler broke down the right and whipped a cross to the back post where Mikel Oyarzabal connected with a sweet left-foot volley that whistled past Santos. 
 
With Brazil looking to break on the counter and Spain moving the ball well, the game was tightly balanced in the latter stages but the Spaniards came closest to grabbing a win in normal time. 
 
Oscar Gil`s cross shot from the right caught out Santos and struck the top of the bar in the 86th minute and two minutes later Bryan Gil`s thundering shot from outside the box blasted against the bar. 
 
That meant extra-time and the introduction of Malcom by Brazil coach Andre Jardine, which proved to be crucial as the Zenit St Petersburg winger wrote his name into Brazilian football folklore.

Brazil retained their Olympic football title with substitute Malcom scoring an extra-time winner in a 2-1 victory over Spain in the men`s gold medal match on Saturday.

Brazil retained their Olympic football title with substitute Malcom scoring an extra-time winner in a 2-1 victory over Spain in the men`s gold medal match on Saturday. After the game ended 1-1 in normal time, Malcom raced onto a diagonal ball from Antony and got the better of Jesus Vallejo before driving the winner into the far corner in the 108th minute to ensure Brazil repeated their Rio 2016 triumph. Dani Alves, Brazil`s 38-year-old captain, who had led the team as an over-age player in a bid to win a major global tournament with his country, collapsed to his knees at the final whistle and buried his face in his hands. The Brazilian players made up for the absence of fans in the 65,000 Yokohama stadium by going through the full repertoire of celebratory songs after the final whistle. An Olympic gold in football will never match a World Cup title but for 120 minutes there was no doubt that this match meant plenty to both sides. Brazil were awarded a penalty in the 39th minute when Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon came out to punch clear a cross but crashed into Matheus Cunha, only for Richarlison to blast the spot-kick high over the bar. The South Americans grabbed the lead on the stroke of halftime, however, when a deep Claudinho cross was hooked back across the area by Dani Alves and Cunha brought the ball down to slot home. Spain threatened little but got on level terms in the 61st minute when substitute Carlos Soler broke down the right and whipped a cross to the back post where Mikel Oyarzabal connected with a sweet left-foot volley that whistled past Santos. With Brazil looking to break on the counter and Spain moving the ball well, the game was tightly balanced in the latter stages but the Spaniards came closest to grabbing a win in normal time. Oscar Gil`s cross shot from the right caught out Santos and struck the top of the bar in the 86th minute and two minutes later Bryan Gil`s thundering shot from outside the box blasted against the bar. That meant extra-time and the introduction of Malcom by Brazil coach Andre Jardine, which proved to be crucial as the Zenit St Petersburg winger wrote his name into Brazilian football folklore.

Tokyo Olympics: Malcom grabs golden glory for Brazil in football

Brazil's far-right President Jair Bolsonaro ignored calls to drop his feud with the Supreme Court on Friday and called one of its justices a "son of a whore," amid rising tensions over his unfounded claims the nation's voting system is vulnerable to fraud. 
 
Speaking to supporters in southern Brazil, he insulted Luis Roberto Barroso, the top court justice who also heads the Supreme Electoral Court. The insult was uttered during a live broadcast shared on Bolsonaro's Facebook account but later deleted. Copies continue to be shared on social media. 
 
Justice Barroso, speaking at a forum on electoral systems after the comments, said that if his actions were causing such a nuisance, it was a sign he was doing his job properly. 
 
Bolsonaro has railed for weeks against the electronic urns used in Brazil and pushed for the adoption of printed receipts that can be counted if any election result is disputed. 
 
Critics say Bolsonaro, like former US&nbsp;President Donald Trump, is sowing doubts in case he loses next year's presidential election. He has threatened not to accept the result if the system is not changed. 
 
With his popularity falling after overseeing the world's second-highest COVID-19 death toll, opinion polls show Bolsonaro trails former leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, though neither of them has officially announced they will run. 
 
Earlier this week, the Supreme Court approved an investigation into the president's unfounded accusations about voter fraud. 
 
On Thursday, in Bolsonaro's worst set-back in Congress since taking office in 2019, a lower house committee voted to shelve a constitutional amendment he has been pushing that would have adopted printed ballots. 
 
Speaker Arthur Lira, however, said on Friday he would put the controversial amendment to the plenary despite the committee defeat. He explained the decision saying that a quick resolution was preferable because political tensions over the issue are holding up the country's legislative agenda. 
 
The proposal is not expected to clear the lower chamber where constitutional amendments need three-fifths of the votes. 
 
Earlier on Friday, Senate President Rodrigo Pacheco criticized Bolsonaro for his attacks on the Supreme Court and offered to mediate, saying the president's insults against Barroso were unacceptable. 
 
Pacheco said Bolsonaro must respect the results of next year's election even if he fails to change the all-electronic voting system - which the president groundlessly claims is vulnerable to tampering. 
 
"Any threat, however slight, to this democracy will be promptly rejected by the Senate," Pacheco said in a GloboNews television interview. 
 
The Senate head said anyone advocating a "democratic retreat" or the suspension of next year's elections would be seen as an "enemy of the nation." 
 
"I think a majority in Congress at this moment want to maintain the electronic voting system," he said.

Brazil's far-right President Jair Bolsonaro ignored calls to drop his feud with the Supreme Court on Friday and called one of its justices a "son of a whore," amid rising tensions over his unfounded claims the nation's voting system is vulnerable to fraud.

Brazil's far-right President Jair Bolsonaro ignored calls to drop his feud with the Supreme Court on Friday and called one of its justices a "son of a whore," amid rising tensions over his unfounded claims the nation's voting system is vulnerable to fraud. Speaking to supporters in southern Brazil, he insulted Luis Roberto Barroso, the top court justice who also heads the Supreme Electoral Court. The insult was uttered during a live broadcast shared on Bolsonaro's Facebook account but later deleted. Copies continue to be shared on social media. Justice Barroso, speaking at a forum on electoral systems after the comments, said that if his actions were causing such a nuisance, it was a sign he was doing his job properly. Bolsonaro has railed for weeks against the electronic urns used in Brazil and pushed for the adoption of printed receipts that can be counted if any election result is disputed. Critics say Bolsonaro, like former US President Donald Trump, is sowing doubts in case he loses next year's presidential election. He has threatened not to accept the result if the system is not changed. With his popularity falling after overseeing the world's second-highest COVID-19 death toll, opinion polls show Bolsonaro trails former leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, though neither of them has officially announced they will run. Earlier this week, the Supreme Court approved an investigation into the president's unfounded accusations about voter fraud. On Thursday, in Bolsonaro's worst set-back in Congress since taking office in 2019, a lower house committee voted to shelve a constitutional amendment he has been pushing that would have adopted printed ballots. Speaker Arthur Lira, however, said on Friday he would put the controversial amendment to the plenary despite the committee defeat. He explained the decision saying that a quick resolution was preferable because political tensions over the issue are holding up the country's legislative agenda. The proposal is not expected to clear the lower chamber where constitutional amendments need three-fifths of the votes. Earlier on Friday, Senate President Rodrigo Pacheco criticized Bolsonaro for his attacks on the Supreme Court and offered to mediate, saying the president's insults against Barroso were unacceptable. Pacheco said Bolsonaro must respect the results of next year's election even if he fails to change the all-electronic voting system - which the president groundlessly claims is vulnerable to tampering. "Any threat, however slight, to this democracy will be promptly rejected by the Senate," Pacheco said in a GloboNews television interview. The Senate head said anyone advocating a "democratic retreat" or the suspension of next year's elections would be seen as an "enemy of the nation." "I think a majority in Congress at this moment want to maintain the electronic voting system," he said.

'He's son of a wh**e': Brazil President insults Supreme Court judge during live broadcast

Brazil's Supreme Electoral Court (TSE) decided on Monday to open an investigation into far-right President Jair Bolsonaro for his statements claiming there will be fraud in next year's elections. 
 
Bolsonaro, who is expected to seek a second term in 2022, has repeatedly said Brazil's electronic voting system is vulnerable to fraud. 
 
Critics say Bolsonaro, like former US&nbsp;President Donald Trump, is sowing doubts with his unfounded claims in order to pave the way for him not to accept defeat in 2022. 
 
The TSE also decided to ask the Supreme Court to investigate whether Bolsonaro committed a crime by attacking the electoral system on social media and threatening Brazil's democracy. 
 
The TSE voted to investigate Bolsonaro after he accused the court's members of complicity in maintaining a voting system that would help former leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva return to power. 
 
Bolsonaro is calling for the adoption of printed receipts that can be counted if any election result is disputed, a paper trail that would change the current all-electronic voting system. Bolsonaro has said he might not accept the result of next year's presidential election if the system is not changed. 
 
Over the weekend, supporters of the president held demonstrations in several cities backing his proposal. 
 
Earlier on Monday, a group of 18 active and former Brazilian Supreme Court justices, who also serve as judges on the TSE, said the election system is free of fraud. 
 
"Brazil has eliminated a history of election fraud," the judges said in a statement, saying that since the electronic voting system was adopted in 1996, there has never been a documented fraud case in any election. 
 
"The electronic voting system is subject to audits before, during and after the election," they said. The judges said all the steps are monitored by political parties, prosecutors, federal police, universities and the Brazilian Bar Association. 
 
The judges said printed ballots are less safe than electronic voting, and that if Brazil goes back to manual counting of 150 million printed ballots, the chance of fraud would be higher. 
 
A congressional committee will vote Thursday on a proposal pushed by Bolsonaro to introduce paper ballots. 
 
The government solicitor general's office did not immediately reply to a request for comment on the TSE decision.

Brazil's Supreme Electoral Court (TSE) decided on Monday to open an investigation into far-right President Jair Bolsonaro for his statements claiming there will be fraud in next year's elections.

Brazil's Supreme Electoral Court (TSE) decided on Monday to open an investigation into far-right President Jair Bolsonaro for his statements claiming there will be fraud in next year's elections. Bolsonaro, who is expected to seek a second term in 2022, has repeatedly said Brazil's electronic voting system is vulnerable to fraud. Critics say Bolsonaro, like former US President Donald Trump, is sowing doubts with his unfounded claims in order to pave the way for him not to accept defeat in 2022. The TSE also decided to ask the Supreme Court to investigate whether Bolsonaro committed a crime by attacking the electoral system on social media and threatening Brazil's democracy. The TSE voted to investigate Bolsonaro after he accused the court's members of complicity in maintaining a voting system that would help former leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva return to power. Bolsonaro is calling for the adoption of printed receipts that can be counted if any election result is disputed, a paper trail that would change the current all-electronic voting system. Bolsonaro has said he might not accept the result of next year's presidential election if the system is not changed. Over the weekend, supporters of the president held demonstrations in several cities backing his proposal. Earlier on Monday, a group of 18 active and former Brazilian Supreme Court justices, who also serve as judges on the TSE, said the election system is free of fraud. "Brazil has eliminated a history of election fraud," the judges said in a statement, saying that since the electronic voting system was adopted in 1996, there has never been a documented fraud case in any election. "The electronic voting system is subject to audits before, during and after the election," they said. The judges said all the steps are monitored by political parties, prosecutors, federal police, universities and the Brazilian Bar Association. The judges said printed ballots are less safe than electronic voting, and that if Brazil goes back to manual counting of 150 million printed ballots, the chance of fraud would be higher. A congressional committee will vote Thursday on a proposal pushed by Bolsonaro to introduce paper ballots. The government solicitor general's office did not immediately reply to a request for comment on the TSE decision.

Brazil court to probe Bolsonaro for attacks on voting system

Supporters of Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro took out protests to show support to his call to change the electronic voting system in the country. Bolsonaro wants a receipt to be printed after each vote on the electronic ballot box to allow the votes to be recounted.

Supporters of President Jair Bolsonaro take out protests in Rio De Janeiro

Thousands of Brazilians took to the streets of Rio de Janeiro and Brasilia Sunday to support far-right President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/jair-bolsonaro">Jair Bolsonaro</a> in protest against the country's electronic voting system.

In Rio, some 3,000 people marched on Copacabana beach, many without face masks and dressed in Brazil's yellow-and-green flag colors.

"What we want is that the votes can be recounted publicly, for there to be more transparency, because there have been suspicions of fraud," protester Ronaldo Calvalcante, 46, told AFP.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazils-bolsonaro-shuffles-cabinet-recreates-labour-ministry-401226" hreflang="en">Brazil's Bolsonaro shuffles cabinet, recreates labour ministry</a>

Bolsonaro has long been sniping at electronic voting, introduced in Brazil in 1996, and advocating instead for the use of "printable and auditable" paper ballots to be introduced for the 2022 presidential race.

People in Brazil cast their ballots electronically at voting stations, and Bolsonaro has for years been arguing for a paper printout to be made of each vote cast, suggesting the absence of a paper trail makes cheating easier.

The 66-year-old leader is under fire from several quarters; facing an investigation into his handling of the coronavirus pandemic that has killed more than half-a-million Brazilians, and with his popularity at a record low.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazilians-take-to-streets-again-to-demand-bolsonaros-impeachment-400450" hreflang="en">Brazilians take to streets again to demand Bolsonaro's impeachment</a>

Thousands of Brazilians have taken part in protests against his leadership.

Analysts say his attack on the voting system suggests he is bracing for defeat in elections next year, and to use fraud claims as a means of fighting back in the example of former US President Donald Trump, of whom Bolsonaro is a fervent admirer.

"Voting strictly electronically is theft! Voting with printed receipts is not complicated, people will adapt," said Roxana Guimaraes, a 45-year-old nurse also among the Rio demonstrators.&nbsp;

A large banner billowed from a crane on the beach with the slogan "Patria Amada" (Beloved Homeland), the slogan of the Bolsonaro government.

Thousands more demonstrated in the capital, Brasilia.

In a video message Bolsonaro insisted he would not accept elections that were not "fair and democratic."

He added he would do "whatever necessary" to ensure there are paper printouts of votes cast in the next election.

Last Thursday, in a Facebook Live event, the head of state spoke for more than two hours about his conviction that there had been fraud in the last two presidential elections, saying he should have won in the first round in 2018.

He has not provided evidence of such fraud, and Brazil's Superior Electoral Court insists the system is transparent and has never been tainted by irregularities.

Bolsonaro has called the court's president Luis Roberto Barroso an "imbecile" for suggesting introducing a paper ballot could open the process to manipulation.

Thousands of Brazilians took to the streets of Rio de Janeiro and Brasilia Sunday to support far-right President Jair Bolsonaro in protest against the country's electronic voting system.

Thousands of Brazilians took to the streets of Rio de Janeiro and Brasilia Sunday to support far-right President Jair Bolsonaro in protest against the country's electronic voting system. In Rio, some 3,000 people marched on Copacabana beach, many without face masks and dressed in Brazil's yellow-and-green flag colors. "What we want is that the votes can be recounted publicly, for there to be more transparency, because there have been suspicions of fraud," protester Ronaldo Calvalcante, 46, told AFP. Also read | Brazil's Bolsonaro shuffles cabinet, recreates labour ministry Bolsonaro has long been sniping at electronic voting, introduced in Brazil in 1996, and advocating instead for the use of "printable and auditable" paper ballots to be introduced for the 2022 presidential race. People in Brazil cast their ballots electronically at voting stations, and Bolsonaro has for years been arguing for a paper printout to be made of each vote cast, suggesting the absence of a paper trail makes cheating easier. The 66-year-old leader is under fire from several quarters; facing an investigation into his handling of the coronavirus pandemic that has killed more than half-a-million Brazilians, and with his popularity at a record low. Also read | Brazilians take to streets again to demand Bolsonaro's impeachment Thousands of Brazilians have taken part in protests against his leadership. Analysts say his attack on the voting system suggests he is bracing for defeat in elections next year, and to use fraud claims as a means of fighting back in the example of former US President Donald Trump, of whom Bolsonaro is a fervent admirer. "Voting strictly electronically is theft! Voting with printed receipts is not complicated, people will adapt," said Roxana Guimaraes, a 45-year-old nurse also among the Rio demonstrators. A large banner billowed from a crane on the beach with the slogan "Patria Amada" (Beloved Homeland), the slogan of the Bolsonaro government. Thousands more demonstrated in the capital, Brasilia. In a video message Bolsonaro insisted he would not accept elections that were not "fair and democratic." He added he would do "whatever necessary" to ensure there are paper printouts of votes cast in the next election. Last Thursday, in a Facebook Live event, the head of state spoke for more than two hours about his conviction that there had been fraud in the last two presidential elections, saying he should have won in the first round in 2018. He has not provided evidence of such fraud, and Brazil's Superior Electoral Court insists the system is transparent and has never been tainted by irregularities. Bolsonaro has called the court's president Luis Roberto Barroso an "imbecile" for suggesting introducing a paper ballot could open the process to manipulation.

Thousands take part in pro-Bolsonaro demonstrations in Brazil

An unusual snowfall was captured in southern&nbsp;Brazil&nbsp;on Wednesday, as videos uploaded to social media showed driveways and cars blanketed in ice.

Temperatures fell in swathes of&nbsp;Brazil&nbsp;on Thursday - with rare snowfall overnight in some places - as a polar air mass advanced toward the centre-south of the global agricultural powerhouse, threatening coffee, sugarcane and orange crops with frosts.

Unusually cold weather in&nbsp;Brazil&nbsp;has already sent international prices for coffee and sugar higher and Friday (July 30) was forecast to be the coldest day of the year, according to Marco Antonio dos Santos, a partner at weather consultancy firm Rural Clima.

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Very unusual snowfall in Brazil.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Brasil?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Brasil</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/snow?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#snow</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Climat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Climat</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Weather?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Weather</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZerUJcaxK8">pic.twitter.com/ZerUJcaxK8</a>
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In a report on Thursday, dos Santos said the south of Goiás and the south of Mato Grosso do Sul, states where farmers grow crops like corn, would face cold temperatures on Friday as the wave of cold air marched northwards.

"With the polar air mass strengthening, it is getting even colder in most of the agricultural producing regions of center-south&nbsp;Brazil," Santos said. "As such, the chances of frosts in coffee, sugarcane and orange areas increased dramatically."

In&nbsp;Brazil's southernmost state of Rio Grande do Sul, the cold wave has brought snow and cold rains to at least 13 cities on Wednesday.

Local television images showed tourists and locals taking photos and playing in the snow in the town of Sao Francisco de Paula as temperatures fell below zero.

The polar air mass should move over Sao Paulo and Minas Gerais, major producers of sugar, citrus and coffee, on Friday, bringing freezing temperatures.

An unusual snowfall was captured in southern Brazil on Wednesday, as videos uploaded to social media showed driveways and cars blanketed in ice. Temperatures fell in swathes of Brazil on Thursday - with rare snowfall overnight in some places - as a polar air mass advanced toward the centre-south of the global agricultural powerhouse, threatening coffee, sugarcane and orange crops with frosts.

An unusual snowfall was captured in southern Brazil on Wednesday, as videos uploaded to social media showed driveways and cars blanketed in ice. Temperatures fell in swathes of Brazil on Thursday - with rare snowfall overnight in some places - as a polar air mass advanced toward the centre-south of the global agricultural powerhouse, threatening coffee, sugarcane and orange crops with frosts. Unusually cold weather in Brazil has already sent international prices for coffee and sugar higher and Friday (July 30) was forecast to be the coldest day of the year, according to Marco Antonio dos Santos, a partner at weather consultancy firm Rural Clima. Very unusual snowfall in Brazil.#Brasil #snow #Climat #Weather pic.twitter.com/ZerUJcaxK8 — Gérald DELISCAR-JOURDAN (@GDELISCAR) July 30, 2021 × In a report on Thursday, dos Santos said the south of Goiás and the south of Mato Grosso do Sul, states where farmers grow crops like corn, would face cold temperatures on Friday as the wave of cold air marched northwards. "With the polar air mass strengthening, it is getting even colder in most of the agricultural producing regions of center-south Brazil," Santos said. "As such, the chances of frosts in coffee, sugarcane and orange areas increased dramatically." In Brazil's southernmost state of Rio Grande do Sul, the cold wave has brought snow and cold rains to at least 13 cities on Wednesday. Local television images showed tourists and locals taking photos and playing in the snow in the town of Sao Francisco de Paula as temperatures fell below zero. The polar air mass should move over Sao Paulo and Minas Gerais, major producers of sugar, citrus and coffee, on Friday, bringing freezing temperatures.

Rare snowfall lashes southern Brazil threatening crops

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro appointed center-right Senator Ciro Nogueira as his chief of staff on Wednesday to shore up waning political support in Congress, and recreated the labour ministry to deal with record unemployment.

Nogueira, a leader of the Progressives Party (PP) to which lower house speaker Arthur Lira also belongs, will be Bolsonaro's closest aide and minister, replacing a retired general.

His appointment is aimed at improving the far-right president's relations with Congress, where there have been dozens of requests for his impeachment as his popularity drops during the world's second-deadliest COVID-19 outbreak.

A Senate investigation has uncovered potential irregularities in the government's purchase of COVID-19 vaccines needed to fight a pandemic whose gravity Bolsonaro has minimized despite the deaths of more than 550,000 Brazilians.

Only the United States has recorded more deaths from the pandemic.

Bolsonaro also appointed Onyx Lorenzoni to head a new Ministry of Labour and Social Security tasked with tackling record unemployment exacerbated by the pandemic. Brazil's jobless rate was at a historic high of 14.7% in April.

The labour ministry, dating back to 1930, was dissolved by Bolsonaro on his fist day in office on Jan. 1, 2019, as he sought to reduce the size of the state's involvement in the economy under free-market Economy Minster Paulo Guedes.

Lorenzoni will be responsible for labour policies aimed at generating employment and supporting workers, according to a decree issued by Bolsonaro recreating the ministry.

The appointment of Nogueira is expected to make his PP party the main component of any coalition that Bolsonaro will try to build to seek re-election next year.

Recent opinion polls show Bolsonaro's popularity plummeting over his handling of the coronavirus pandemic and say he would be defeated handily by leftist former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva if the election were held now.

To make matters worse, the Senate probe has implicated the government's chief whip in the lower house of Congress, Ricardo Barros, also of the PP party, in a scandal surrounding a purchase contract for 20 million doses of the Covaxin vaccine made by India's Bharat Biotech. Barros and Bolsonaro deny wrongdoing.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro appointed center-right Senator Ciro Nogueira as his chief of staff on Wednesday to shore up waning political support in Congress, and recreated the labour ministry to deal with record unemployment.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro appointed center-right Senator Ciro Nogueira as his chief of staff on Wednesday to shore up waning political support in Congress, and recreated the labour ministry to deal with record unemployment. Nogueira, a leader of the Progressives Party (PP) to which lower house speaker Arthur Lira also belongs, will be Bolsonaro's closest aide and minister, replacing a retired general. His appointment is aimed at improving the far-right president's relations with Congress, where there have been dozens of requests for his impeachment as his popularity drops during the world's second-deadliest COVID-19 outbreak. A Senate investigation has uncovered potential irregularities in the government's purchase of COVID-19 vaccines needed to fight a pandemic whose gravity Bolsonaro has minimized despite the deaths of more than 550,000 Brazilians. Only the United States has recorded more deaths from the pandemic. Bolsonaro also appointed Onyx Lorenzoni to head a new Ministry of Labour and Social Security tasked with tackling record unemployment exacerbated by the pandemic. Brazil's jobless rate was at a historic high of 14.7% in April. The labour ministry, dating back to 1930, was dissolved by Bolsonaro on his fist day in office on Jan. 1, 2019, as he sought to reduce the size of the state's involvement in the economy under free-market Economy Minster Paulo Guedes. Lorenzoni will be responsible for labour policies aimed at generating employment and supporting workers, according to a decree issued by Bolsonaro recreating the ministry. The appointment of Nogueira is expected to make his PP party the main component of any coalition that Bolsonaro will try to build to seek re-election next year. Recent opinion polls show Bolsonaro's popularity plummeting over his handling of the coronavirus pandemic and say he would be defeated handily by leftist former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva if the election were held now. To make matters worse, the Senate probe has implicated the government's chief whip in the lower house of Congress, Ricardo Barros, also of the PP party, in a scandal surrounding a purchase contract for 20 million doses of the Covaxin vaccine made by India's Bharat Biotech. Barros and Bolsonaro deny wrongdoing.

Brazil's Bolsonaro shuffles cabinet, recreates labour ministry

Protesters thronged the streets of Brazilian cities demanding the impeachment of President Jair Bolsonaro. The President has been accused of corruption and mismanagement. Demonstrators held out posters against Bolsonaro in Brazil. Bolsonaro is facing re-election next year.

Demonstrators hold anti-Bolsonaro protests across cities in Brazil

Protesters took to the streets in several Brazilian cities on Saturday to demand the impeachment of far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, whose popularity has fallen in recent weeks amid corruption scandals against the backdrop of the pandemic. 
 
This week, news broke that Brazil's defence ministry told congressional leadership that next year's elections would not take place without amending the country's electronic voting system to include a paper trail of each vote. 
 
Bolsonaro has suggested several times without evidence that the current system is prone to fraud, allegations that Brazil's government has denied. 
 
Bolsonaro is facing reelection next year, in a race in which he is likely to face his political nemesis, former leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Polls currently show Bolsonaro losing against Lula. 
 
Saturday's protests were at least the second time this month that Brazilians have taken to the streets in several cities to oppose Bolsonaro. 
 
"I'm here because it is time to react to the genocidal government that we have, that has taken over our country," said Marcos Kirst, a protester in Sao Paulo. 
 
Over 500,000 Brazilians have died of COVID-19 under Bolsonaro's leadership, who has been widely criticised for dismissing the severity of the disease and opposing masks and social distancing measures. 
 
Bolsonaro is now being investigated in the Senate, which is probing the possibility of corruption tied to the purchase of an Indian coronavirus vaccine. 
 
In Sao Paulo's Paulista Avenue, the traditional location for political protests, over a thousand people were gathering as of 4 pm on&nbsp;Saturday. 
 
Bolsonaro was in Brasilia, the capital, on Saturday and went out for a motorcycle ride while greeting supporters.

Protesters took to the streets in several Brazilian cities on Saturday to demand the impeachment of far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, whose popularity has fallen in recent weeks amid corruption scandals against the backdrop of the pandemic.

Protesters took to the streets in several Brazilian cities on Saturday to demand the impeachment of far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, whose popularity has fallen in recent weeks amid corruption scandals against the backdrop of the pandemic. This week, news broke that Brazil's defence ministry told congressional leadership that next year's elections would not take place without amending the country's electronic voting system to include a paper trail of each vote. Bolsonaro has suggested several times without evidence that the current system is prone to fraud, allegations that Brazil's government has denied. Bolsonaro is facing reelection next year, in a race in which he is likely to face his political nemesis, former leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Polls currently show Bolsonaro losing against Lula. Saturday's protests were at least the second time this month that Brazilians have taken to the streets in several cities to oppose Bolsonaro. "I'm here because it is time to react to the genocidal government that we have, that has taken over our country," said Marcos Kirst, a protester in Sao Paulo. Over 500,000 Brazilians have died of COVID-19 under Bolsonaro's leadership, who has been widely criticised for dismissing the severity of the disease and opposing masks and social distancing measures. Bolsonaro is now being investigated in the Senate, which is probing the possibility of corruption tied to the purchase of an Indian coronavirus vaccine. In Sao Paulo's Paulista Avenue, the traditional location for political protests, over a thousand people were gathering as of 4 pm on Saturday. Bolsonaro was in Brasilia, the capital, on Saturday and went out for a motorcycle ride while greeting supporters.

Brazilians take to streets again to demand Bolsonaro's impeachment

Brazil striker Richarlison struck a stunning hat-trick inside 30 minutes as the defending Olympic champions beat Germany 4-2 in their opening Group D game in the men's football tournament at the International Stadium on Thursday (July 22).

Brazil should have had the outcome decided by the interval given the amount of chances they created but Germany struck twice in the second half, despite going down to 10 men in the 63rd minute.

The match was a repeat of the gold medal game from Rio five years ago and was played at the venue where Brazil beat Germany in the World Cup final in 2002.

Argentina suffered a shock 2-0 loss to Australia in Group C.

In their first Olympic campaign since Beijing 2008, Australia took a surprise lead against twice gold medallists Argentina inside 14 minutes when winger Lachlan Wales scored from close range.

Argentina's problems were compounded late in the first half when left back Francisco Ortega was sent off after two quickfire yellow cards.

The South American side never quite recovered from the setback, as substitute Marco Tilio added a second for the Olyroos in the 80th minute to seal a memorable win.

Hosts Japan made a winning start courtesy of a late strike from midfielder Takefusa Kubo in a 1-0 victory over South Africa, who were dealing with COVID-19 cases on the eve of the Group A match.

Making their first soccer appearance since the 1964 Tokyo Games, Romania beat Honduras 1-0 thanks to an Elvin Oliva own goal.

Brazil striker Richarlison struck a stunning hat-trick inside 30 minutes as the defending Olympic champions beat Germany 4-2 in their opening Group D game in the men's football tournament at the International Stadium on Thursday (July 22).

Brazil striker Richarlison struck a stunning hat-trick inside 30 minutes as the defending Olympic champions beat Germany 4-2 in their opening Group D game in the men's football tournament at the International Stadium on Thursday (July 22). Brazil should have had the outcome decided by the interval given the amount of chances they created but Germany struck twice in the second half, despite going down to 10 men in the 63rd minute. The match was a repeat of the gold medal game from Rio five years ago and was played at the venue where Brazil beat Germany in the World Cup final in 2002. Argentina suffered a shock 2-0 loss to Australia in Group C. In their first Olympic campaign since Beijing 2008, Australia took a surprise lead against twice gold medallists Argentina inside 14 minutes when winger Lachlan Wales scored from close range. Argentina's problems were compounded late in the first half when left back Francisco Ortega was sent off after two quickfire yellow cards. The South American side never quite recovered from the setback, as substitute Marco Tilio added a second for the Olyroos in the 80th minute to seal a memorable win. Hosts Japan made a winning start courtesy of a late strike from midfielder Takefusa Kubo in a 1-0 victory over South Africa, who were dealing with COVID-19 cases on the eve of the Group A match. Making their first soccer appearance since the 1964 Tokyo Games, Romania beat Honduras 1-0 thanks to an Elvin Oliva own goal.

Tokyo Olympics football: Richarlison scores hat-trick as Brazil beat Germany; Argentina suffers shock defeat

Universities and entrepreneurs in Brazil are coming forward with special programs to help transsexuals get formal training which will enable them to get a job and live their life with dignity.

Brazil: Rio University runs a project to help trans people in getting jobs

Brazil's Olympic football men's team captain Dani Alves has played on the game's biggest stages but says he is still feeling pre-tournament 'butterflies' ahead of Thursday's opener against Germany.

The 38-year-old has made 118 appearances for the full Brazil national team, featuring in two World Cups and at club level, he won three Champions League titles with Barcelona but is set for his debut in the Games as an over-age player for the defending gold medallists.

The full-back showed he is ready to enjoy the occasion by taking to the intercom during the team's flight to Japan to read the safety instructions while wearing a flight attendant neck scarf.

"Those that know me, know I have a youthful spirit, and as it is my first time I will have the same sort of experience as the young lads. Even though I have enjoyed some big moments in my career, given this is my first time at the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;I feel some butterflies in my stomach," he told a news conference.

"Being here is really a special feeling. I am thankful for the opportunity. I hope I can live up to the expectations of the competition and also of our national team," he added.

Brazil won the tournament on home soil in 2016 beating Germany in the final and the pair have been drawn in Group D along with Ivory Coast and Saudi Arabia.

Germany's Olympic preparation match against Honduras on Saturday was cut short by five minutes after defender Jordan Torunarigha was allegedly racially abused but coach Stefan Kuntz said there would not be any gesture or protest made before the Brazil game.

"No, we decided yesterday as a team that as far as we are concerned that matter is concluded and Jordan said that he accepted that as well, so we are going to conclude that case there," he said.

The German team visited the athlete's village on Tuesday where they were able to meet some of the country's other competitors.

"It was really great to feel part of the whole German team, something special to see where 10,000 athletes will be and to feel that whole Olympic feeling and spirit, something I haven't experienced before," said Kuntz.

Brazil's Olympic football men's team captain Dani Alves has played on the game's biggest stages but says he is still feeling pre-tournament 'butterflies' ahead of Thursday's opener against Germany.

Brazil's Olympic football men's team captain Dani Alves has played on the game's biggest stages but says he is still feeling pre-tournament 'butterflies' ahead of Thursday's opener against Germany. The 38-year-old has made 118 appearances for the full Brazil national team, featuring in two World Cups and at club level, he won three Champions League titles with Barcelona but is set for his debut in the Games as an over-age player for the defending gold medallists. The full-back showed he is ready to enjoy the occasion by taking to the intercom during the team's flight to Japan to read the safety instructions while wearing a flight attendant neck scarf. "Those that know me, know I have a youthful spirit, and as it is my first time I will have the same sort of experience as the young lads. Even though I have enjoyed some big moments in my career, given this is my first time at the Olympics I feel some butterflies in my stomach," he told a news conference. "Being here is really a special feeling. I am thankful for the opportunity. I hope I can live up to the expectations of the competition and also of our national team," he added. Brazil won the tournament on home soil in 2016 beating Germany in the final and the pair have been drawn in Group D along with Ivory Coast and Saudi Arabia. Germany's Olympic preparation match against Honduras on Saturday was cut short by five minutes after defender Jordan Torunarigha was allegedly racially abused but coach Stefan Kuntz said there would not be any gesture or protest made before the Brazil game. "No, we decided yesterday as a team that as far as we are concerned that matter is concluded and Jordan said that he accepted that as well, so we are going to conclude that case there," he said. The German team visited the athlete's village on Tuesday where they were able to meet some of the country's other competitors. "It was really great to feel part of the whole German team, something special to see where 10,000 athletes will be and to feel that whole Olympic feeling and spirit, something I haven't experienced before," said Kuntz.

Tokyo Olympics: Brazil's captain Dani Alves feels 'butterflies' ahead of Germany opener

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