Europe led the USA 6.5-1.5 at the Ryder Cup in Rome after saving three fourballs matches late on Friday to deny an American fightback.

Rory McIlroy and Matt Fitzpatrick were the only European pair to win, 5 and 3 against Collin Morikawa and Xander Schauffele.

But three matches halved on the final hole ensured Luke Donald's men extended their lead to five points after the morning's foursomes 4-0 whitewash.

Europe's sole win came thanks to the red-hot putter of Fitzpatrick, who shot four birdies and an eagle on the front nine of the Marco Simone course in the Italian capital.

"One of the greatest days on golf course, it's very special," said Fitzpatrick. "Just so excited to be out here and to get off to the start we did, could not be happier."

It was a superb end to a positive day for Europe, who steamrollered the Americans in the first session and snatched halves from matches which looked destined to go to Zach Johnson's USA until the final shot.

Joh Rahm ensured that he and Nicolai Hojgaard shared the spoils with world number one Scottie Scheffler and Brooks Koepka with an incredible chip on the 16th and wonderful eagle put&nbsp;two holes later which brought a huge roar from the massed ranks of fans.

Koepka is the only golfer from the Saudi Arabia-backed, breakaway LIV Golf tour to play at this week's event.

And Viktor Hovland pulled off a similar piece of late daring with a birdie put which meant he and Tyrrell Hatton shared their match with formidable matchplay pairing Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth.

Thomas and Spieth had claimed four points from six matches as a pairing at the two previous Ryder Cups, and won all four of their matches together at the Presidents Cup last year.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-need-to-stop-yuvraj-singh-recalls-sachin-tendulkars-advice-after-sa-loss-during-cwc-11-640843">'We need to stop...': Yuvraj Singh recalls Sachin Tendulkar's advice after SA loss during CWC '11</a>

Hovland ended in fabulous fashion a day which began with a sensational chip-in on the first hole of his four-and-three foursomes win against Max Homa and Brian Harman in the morning.

"It was about time the ball went in. I felt like we played some really good golf today. To make a put like that on the last was great for the team," said Hovland.

And shortly afterwards Max Homa missed a birdie putt at 18 to allow Justin Rose to hole his short-range effort and cap a glorious day in warm autumn sunshine.

Europe are aiming to regain the trophy after suffering a record-breaking 19-9 thrashing by the Americans at Whistling Straits two years ago.

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Europe led the USA 6.5-1.5 at the Ryder Cup in Rome after saving three fourballs matches late on Friday to deny an American fightback. Rory McIlroy and Matt Fitzpatrick were the only European pair to win, 5 and 3 against Collin Morikawa and Xander Schauffele.

Europe led the USA 6.5-1.5 at the Ryder Cup in Rome after saving three fourballs matches late on Friday to deny an American fightback. Rory McIlroy and Matt Fitzpatrick were the only European pair to win, 5 and 3 against Collin Morikawa and Xander Schauffele. But three matches halved on the final hole ensured Luke Donald's men extended their lead to five points after the morning's foursomes 4-0 whitewash. Europe's sole win came thanks to the red-hot putter of Fitzpatrick, who shot four birdies and an eagle on the front nine of the Marco Simone course in the Italian capital. "One of the greatest days on golf course, it's very special," said Fitzpatrick. "Just so excited to be out here and to get off to the start we did, could not be happier." It was a superb end to a positive day for Europe, who steamrollered the Americans in the first session and snatched halves from matches which looked destined to go to Zach Johnson's USA until the final shot. Joh Rahm ensured that he and Nicolai Hojgaard shared the spoils with world number one Scottie Scheffler and Brooks Koepka with an incredible chip on the 16th and wonderful eagle put two holes later which brought a huge roar from the massed ranks of fans. Koepka is the only golfer from the Saudi Arabia-backed, breakaway LIV Golf tour to play at this week's event. And Viktor Hovland pulled off a similar piece of late daring with a birdie put which meant he and Tyrrell Hatton shared their match with formidable matchplay pairing Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth. Thomas and Spieth had claimed four points from six matches as a pairing at the two previous Ryder Cups, and won all four of their matches together at the Presidents Cup last year. ALSO READ | 'We need to stop...': Yuvraj Singh recalls Sachin Tendulkar's advice after SA loss during CWC '11 Hovland ended in fabulous fashion a day which began with a sensational chip-in on the first hole of his four-and-three foursomes win against Max Homa and Brian Harman in the morning. "It was about time the ball went in. I felt like we played some really good golf today. To make a put like that on the last was great for the team," said Hovland. And shortly afterwards Max Homa missed a birdie putt at 18 to allow Justin Rose to hole his short-range effort and cap a glorious day in warm autumn sunshine. Europe are aiming to regain the trophy after suffering a record-breaking 19-9 thrashing by the Americans at Whistling Straits two years ago. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Golf: Late drama ensures Europe extend Ryder Cup lead to five

It had been anticipated for a few months but it looks almost certain that Europe might run out of local olive oil supplies and face frequent shortages. The extreme heatwave across Europe, especially the Mediterranean has damaged harvests for the second year in a row.

It had been anticipated for a few months but it looks almost certain that Europe might run out of local olive oil supplies and face frequent shortages. The extreme heatwave across Europe, especially the Mediterranean has damaged harvests for the second year in a row. According to a Guardian report, Europe, the world's largest producer of olive oil has been forced to rely on South America to plug the gap by importing supplies. “Today it is almost physically impossible to buy olive oil. It is sold out,” Walter Zanre, the chief executive of the UK arm of Filippo Berio. Spain, which produces about half of the global olive oil crop, only harvested 750,000 tonnes, more than the 660,000 produced last year but well short of the 1.3 million tonnes target. Consequently, the global production is expected to fall to 2.4 million tonnes. Last year's global demand stood at three million tonnes and it looks highly unlikely that production will reach that level. In Pics | Top nutritionist reveals names of superfoods you need to add to your diet in 2023 Apart from Spain, other important olive oil-growing regions such as Greece, Italy, Portugal, Turkey and Morocco were also hit by extreme weather conditions, affecting the crops. Italy had been planning to produce 350,000 tonnes of olive oil this year but drought and recent hailstorms in the major producing area of Puglia have shattered any such hopes. Meanwhile, Greece is expected to produce only 200,000 tonnes this year which is a third less than last year as fruit fly infestations, in addition to the heatwave cause problems for the farmers. Prices start to rise “We have been saddled with another difficult year. During the early part of the summer we thought things might get better but as the summer has progressed things have got worse," added Zanre. “We’re looking at production rates being cut by half this year. The imbalance in demand and supply has already led to very big price increases, which producers are enjoying but which are very much hurting consumers. Watch | Olive oil demand surges in West Asia × The fear of shortage has already hit the supermarkets. The cost of extra virgin olive oil in southern Spain has shot up to €8.45 per kg this month which is double the price of last year and the highest it has been in the last two decades. Meanwhile, in the UK analysts at Associa remarked that retail prices of olive oil at major supermarkets have climbed 47 per cent in recent weeks. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Europe almost out of local olive oil supplies, prices soar nearly 50%: Report

Ghent University in Belgium has announced a new literature course on Taylor Swift's music. Watch the video to know more.

Ghent University introduces new literary course on Taylor Swift's songs

In a first, 6 young adults have taken 32 European governments to court over their alleged failure to act on climate change. The petitioners aged between 11- and 24-years hail from Portugal. The group filed the case in September 2020, after Portugal was ravaged by wildfires and heatwaves in 2017.

Preliminary hearing begins on climate case filed in 2020

Pope Francis on Saturday (September 23) appealed to the European governments to welcome migrants in their countries and not to consider them as “invaders”, as the religious leader stepped his foot into a very sensitive political debate which has been inflamed by mass arrivals. 
 
"Those who risk their lives at sea do not invade, they look for welcome," said Francis in a speech during a conference of bishops and young people from the Mediterranean in the French port city of Marseille.

<h2>Mediterranean turning into a 'sea of death': Pope</h2>

"There is a cry of pain that resonates most of all, and it is turning the Mediterranean, the 'mare nostrum', from the cradle of civilization into the 'mare mortuum', the graveyard of dignity: it is the stifled cry of migrant brothers and sisters," he stated, as he used Latin terms meaning "our sea" and "sea of death". 
 
Migration is "a reality of our times, a process that involves three continents around the Mediterranean and that must be governed with wise foresight, including a European response," said the pontiff.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-begins-low-key-visit-to-catholics-in-buddhist-mongolia-631140">Pope Francis begins low-key visit to Catholics in Buddhist Mongolia</a>

The 35-minute speech of Pope Francis got a standing ovation from his audience, however, his stance on migration may have not pleased French President Emmanuel Macron and Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin, who were present at the event and have been planning tougher measures for controlling arrivals. 
 
The forceful interventions of the pope come as mass arrivals ignited the migration debate on the Italian island of Lampedusa last week. 
 
Speaking at a monument to people lost at sea on his arrival in Marseille on Friday, the pontiff had insisted that "people who are at risk of drowning when abandoned on the waves must be rescued". 
 
He said that migrants who face the risk of drowning at sea "must be rescued" because doing so is "a duty of humanity" and that those who avoid rescuing such people commit "a gesture of hate".

WATCH |&nbsp;Pope Francis becomes first pontiff to visit Mongolia

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He thanked aid groups for rescuing migrants in danger at sea, condemning efforts to prevent their work as "gestures of hate".

<h2>Pope holds talks with French President Macron</h2>

On Saturday, Pope Francis also met French President Emmanuel Macron in Marseille. He started his day with a visit to the centre for the needy in the Saint Mauront district of Marseilles, which is being run by the order of nuns founded by Saint Mother Teresa. 
 
The issues related to migration have dominated his 27-hour trip.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Pope Francis on Saturday (September 23) appealed to the European governments to welcome migrants in their countries and not to consider them as “invaders”, as the religious leader stepped his foot into a very sensitive political debate which has been inflamed by mass arrivals.

Pope Francis on Saturday (September 23) appealed to the European governments to welcome migrants in their countries and not to consider them as “invaders”, as the religious leader stepped his foot into a very sensitive political debate which has been inflamed by mass arrivals. "Those who risk their lives at sea do not invade, they look for welcome," said Francis in a speech during a conference of bishops and young people from the Mediterranean in the French port city of Marseille. Mediterranean turning into a 'sea of death': Pope "There is a cry of pain that resonates most of all, and it is turning the Mediterranean, the 'mare nostrum', from the cradle of civilization into the 'mare mortuum', the graveyard of dignity: it is the stifled cry of migrant brothers and sisters," he stated, as he used Latin terms meaning "our sea" and "sea of death". Migration is "a reality of our times, a process that involves three continents around the Mediterranean and that must be governed with wise foresight, including a European response," said the pontiff. ALSO READ | Pope Francis begins low-key visit to Catholics in Buddhist Mongolia The 35-minute speech of Pope Francis got a standing ovation from his audience, however, his stance on migration may have not pleased French President Emmanuel Macron and Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin, who were present at the event and have been planning tougher measures for controlling arrivals. The forceful interventions of the pope come as mass arrivals ignited the migration debate on the Italian island of Lampedusa last week. Speaking at a monument to people lost at sea on his arrival in Marseille on Friday, the pontiff had insisted that "people who are at risk of drowning when abandoned on the waves must be rescued". He said that migrants who face the risk of drowning at sea "must be rescued" because doing so is "a duty of humanity" and that those who avoid rescuing such people commit "a gesture of hate". WATCH | Pope Francis becomes first pontiff to visit Mongolia He thanked aid groups for rescuing migrants in danger at sea, condemning efforts to prevent their work as "gestures of hate". Pope holds talks with French President Macron On Saturday, Pope Francis also met French President Emmanuel Macron in Marseille. He started his day with a visit to the centre for the needy in the Saint Mauront district of Marseilles, which is being run by the order of nuns founded by Saint Mother Teresa. The issues related to migration have dominated his 27-hour trip. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pope Francis says migration a reality, urges Europe to not consider migrants as ‘invaders’

Toxic air is pervading Europe and almost everyone is breathing it, as revealed in an investigative report by a media outlet.&nbsp;The Guardian has uncovered this harrowing reality which indicates that Europe is currently grappling with a "severe" public health crisis due to alarming levels of air pollution.

The study employed cutting-edge methodologies, harnessing detailed satellite imagery and data collected from over 1,400 ground monitoring stations. The findings, which paint a bleak picture of air quality across the continent, revealed that a staggering 98 per cent of Europe's population lives in regions plagued by high levels of fine particulate pollution.

It was found that the level of these particulates even surpassed the guidelines set by the World Health Organization (WHO). Shockingly, almost two-thirds of Europeans live in areas where air quality is more than double the WHO's recommended standards, the reports suggested.&nbsp;

<h2>North Macedonia bears the brunt</h2>

North Macedonia emerged as the worst-hit country in Europe, with nearly two-thirds of its populace residing in areas that exceed WHO guidelines for PM2.5 by over four times.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-and-russia-to-bolster-business-ties-as-putin-accepts-xis-invitation-for-october-visit-637999">China, Russia to continue business ties as Putin accepts invitation for visit</a>

Additionally, several locations within the country, including the capital city, Skopje, suffer from air pollution levels nearly six times the WHO's recommended limit, the report said.&nbsp;

<h2>Eastern Europe struggles</h2>

Eastern Europe, excluding Italy, reportedly faces worse air quality compared to its western parts.

Italy's Po Valley and surrounding northern regions experience air pollution that is four times higher than the WHO's limits for the most perilous airborne particulates.

More grim realities reportedly surfaced after looking at the interactive map.&nbsp;The measurements focused on PM2.5, the tiny microscopic airborne particles primarily stemming from fossil fuel combustion, capable of infiltrating the bloodstream and impacting multiple organs.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/data-lab-will-the-nijjar-clash-turn-india-canada-trade-ties-sour-637933">Data Lab: Will the clash over Nijjar murder turn India-Canada trade ties sour?</a>

"The current WHO guidelines state that annual average concentrations of PM2.5 should not exceed 5 micrograms a cubic metre (µg/m3). The new analysis found only 2% of the population of Europe live in areas within this limit. Experts say PM2.5 pollution causes about 400,000 deaths a year across the continent," Guardian said in its report.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/elon-musks-neuralink-to-test-its-brain-chip-in-paralysis-patients-637974">Elon Musk's Neuralink to test its brain chip in paralysis patients</a>

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Toxic air is pervading Europe and almost everyone is breathing it, as revealed in an investigative report by a media outlet. The Guardian has uncovered this harrowing reality which indicates that Europe is currently grappling with a "severe" public health crisis due to alarming levels of air pollution.

Toxic air is pervading Europe and almost everyone is breathing it, as revealed in an investigative report by a media outlet. The Guardian has uncovered this harrowing reality which indicates that Europe is currently grappling with a "severe" public health crisis due to alarming levels of air pollution. The study employed cutting-edge methodologies, harnessing detailed satellite imagery and data collected from over 1,400 ground monitoring stations. The findings, which paint a bleak picture of air quality across the continent, revealed that a staggering 98 per cent of Europe's population lives in regions plagued by high levels of fine particulate pollution. It was found that the level of these particulates even surpassed the guidelines set by the World Health Organization (WHO). Shockingly, almost two-thirds of Europeans live in areas where air quality is more than double the WHO's recommended standards, the reports suggested. North Macedonia bears the brunt North Macedonia emerged as the worst-hit country in Europe, with nearly two-thirds of its populace residing in areas that exceed WHO guidelines for PM2.5 by over four times. Also Read | China, Russia to continue business ties as Putin accepts invitation for visit Additionally, several locations within the country, including the capital city, Skopje, suffer from air pollution levels nearly six times the WHO's recommended limit, the report said. Eastern Europe struggles Eastern Europe, excluding Italy, reportedly faces worse air quality compared to its western parts. Italy's Po Valley and surrounding northern regions experience air pollution that is four times higher than the WHO's limits for the most perilous airborne particulates. More grim realities reportedly surfaced after looking at the interactive map. The measurements focused on PM2.5, the tiny microscopic airborne particles primarily stemming from fossil fuel combustion, capable of infiltrating the bloodstream and impacting multiple organs. Also Read | Data Lab: Will the clash over Nijjar murder turn India-Canada trade ties sour? "The current WHO guidelines state that annual average concentrations of PM2.5 should not exceed 5 micrograms a cubic metre (µg/m3). The new analysis found only 2% of the population of Europe live in areas within this limit. Experts say PM2.5 pollution causes about 400,000 deaths a year across the continent," Guardian said in its report. Watch | Elon Musk's Neuralink to test its brain chip in paralysis patients × The investigation also revealed other disturbing facts such as how in seven eastern European nations (Serbia, Romania, Albania, North Macedonia, Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary), nearly all residents endure air pollution levels double the WHO's recommendations. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Europe in grip of 'severe' public health crisis, almost everyone inhaling toxic air

Germany, once coveted by the entire world for its cutting-edge technologies and high standard of living, is now struggling to keep its economy moving in the direction of growth.

Tracking Germany’s rise & fall in the 21st century | World Business Watch

Germany once considered envy of the world for its cutting-edge technologies and high-quality of life is now struggling to keep its economy in a growth trajectory.

Why Germany is struggling with growth | State of German economy decoded | World DNA

Europe is in the throes of a severe public health crisis a report in the Guardian reveals that the continent is battling dangerous levels of air pollution. Inhaling toxic air emerges as a huge health concern.

Europe facing a 'severe health crisis' | WION Climate Tracker

A new report commissioned by the French and German governments suggests that a radical overhaul is needed in the European Union before any more countries can join the 27-nation bloc by 2030.

EU expansion demands overhaul: French-German experts weigh in

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms- Australia man fined $1,500 for taking pet snake surfing, 150 million-year-old rare dinosaur to be auctioned in Europe, India: Women's Reservation Bill cleared in cabinet, no formal announcement yet.

Australia man fined $1,500 for taking pet snake surfing

A Reuters report claims that European Central Bank president Christine Lagarde seized the mobile phones of her fellow policymakers at this week's meeting & rebuked them for leaking crucial information. The unprecedented move is the boldest step that Lagarde has taken to stop data leaking out from the governing council. This issue has plagued her presidency as well as that of her predecessor, Mario Draghi.

ECB acts against information leak

The IMEC will be a vital link connecting South Asia to Europe and facilitating trade and investment but this is not a new route. This ancient Spice Route has been part of the India Story for centuries. Historian Sanjeev Sanyal has more.

India's spice route's history unveiled | The India Story

Unveiling India's forgotten maritime past | The India Story

One of the key announcements at the G20 Summit in New Delhi was of an Economic corridor between India, West Asia and Europe. Our correspondent Jodie Cohen spoke to the National Security Advisor of Israel, Tzachi Hanegb about the same listen-in.

Israeli NSA Tzachi Hanegb welcomes new India-West Asia- Europe trade route

For the first time in Europe, researchers have found the red fire ant, one of the world's most invasive species. According to a new study published in the scientific journal Current Biology on Monday, researchers have found 88 red fire ant nests spread across five hectares in Syracuse in Sicily, Italy, CNN reported.

For the first time in Europe, researchers have found the red fire ant, one of the world's most invasive species. According to a new study published in the scientific journal Current Biology on Monday, researchers have found 88 red fire ant nests spread across five hectares in Syracuse in Sicily, Italy, CNN reported. The red fire ants, who go by the scientific name Solenopsis invicta, are native to South America. Over the past century, they have spread to much of the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, China, and Australia. When disturbed, these red fire ants can be aggressive. Their sting is painful and can cause allergic reactions. They can also harm crops and local ecosystems. Mattia Menchetti, the lead study author and a researcher at the Institute of Evolutionary Biology in Spain, said, "S. invicta is one of the worst invasive species. It can spread alarmingly quickly." She added, "Finding the species in Italy was a huge surprise. But we knew this day would come." ALSO READ | Researchers discover 'remarkable' 24,000-year-old palaeolithic cave art in Spain According to the author, people have found fire ants in imported products in Spain, Finland, and the Netherlands, but their established colonies have never been confirmed before the study. The researchers found the red fire ant colonies in suburban areas of Syracuse. However, they do not know how the tiny creatures reached there. They believe the insects might have reached their new destination with lots of human activity. According to the study, wind could have transported the red fire ants from the northwest of Sycaruse, the location of the city's commercial port. The researchers said local people complained about the increased ant stings since 2019. ALSO READ | Scientists find that Apollo 17's left-over tech causing moonquakes on the lunar surface The genetic analysis of the red fire ants found in Italy suggested they had most likely come from the United States or China. The EU has revised its "species of concern" list to include the red fire ant. However, the British government has not updated its list since Brexit despite calls from experts concerned about new invasive species, The Guardian reported. Researchers warned that the ants could spread over Europe, as seven per cent of the continent, including large urban areas like Barcelona, Rome, London, and Paris, have a climate habitable for the species. According to a UN-backed report, every year, invasive species cost the world over $423 billion as they cause plant and animal extinctions, risk food security, and aggravate environmental catastrophes worldwide. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Invasive red fire ants found for the first time in Italy could spread across Europe, says study

As the Mediterranean was scorched by unprecedented heat from Greece to Spain this summer, wildfires have cost Europe an estimated euros 4.1 billion ($4.43 billion) in damages so far this year.

According to a Distrelec report, a significant distributor of power sector components, including sensors that provide early warnings of potential wildfire activity, about 400,000 hectares (988,420 acres) of land have already been devastated by forest fires across the continent. This is based on information from the European Forest Fire Information System.

With an estimated cost of euros 1.66 billion ($1.8 billion) and more than 161,000 hectares of land devastated as of Aug. 30, Greece has sustained the most damage. This is one of the most devastating forest fires to have hit the nation in 16 years. Ever since the recent fires that broke out on August 19th and left at least 19 people dead, authorities in Greece have been on high alert for further destruction.

Spain recorded the second-highest number of forest fires, after Portugal and Italy, accounting for over 84,315 hectares and costing an estimated euros 871 million ($941 million). The research states that expenditures associated with battling fires, replanting, damage repair, and cleanup are included in the estimations for the economic impact.

Fires brought on by climate change have also had an effect in other parts of the world, having an impact on everything from tourism to agricultural output.

According to Petteri Taalas, the secretary general of the World Meteorological Organisation, “The extreme weather - an increasingly frequent occurrence in our warming climate, is having a major impact on human health, ecosystems, economies, agriculture, energy, and water supplies.” This indicates the immediate need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as feasible.

As firemen utilised planes and helicopters to put out the fires, hundreds of people in Greece had to be evacuated.

(With inputs from Bloomberg)

Distrelec's website:&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0" href="https://www.distrelec.com/global/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="https://www.distrelec.com/global/">https://www.distrelec.com/global/</a>

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As the Mediterranean was scorched by unprecedented heat from Greece to Spain this summer, wildfires have cost Europe an estimated euros 4.1 billion ($4.43 billion) in damages so far this year.

As the Mediterranean was scorched by unprecedented heat from Greece to Spain this summer, wildfires have cost Europe an estimated euros 4.1 billion ($4.43 billion) in damages so far this year. According to a Distrelec report, a significant distributor of power sector components, including sensors that provide early warnings of potential wildfire activity, about 400,000 hectares (988,420 acres) of land have already been devastated by forest fires across the continent. This is based on information from the European Forest Fire Information System. With an estimated cost of euros 1.66 billion ($1.8 billion) and more than 161,000 hectares of land devastated as of Aug. 30, Greece has sustained the most damage. This is one of the most devastating forest fires to have hit the nation in 16 years. Ever since the recent fires that broke out on August 19th and left at least 19 people dead, authorities in Greece have been on high alert for further destruction. Spain recorded the second-highest number of forest fires, after Portugal and Italy, accounting for over 84,315 hectares and costing an estimated euros 871 million ($941 million). The research states that expenditures associated with battling fires, replanting, damage repair, and cleanup are included in the estimations for the economic impact. Fires brought on by climate change have also had an effect in other parts of the world, having an impact on everything from tourism to agricultural output. According to Petteri Taalas, the secretary general of the World Meteorological Organisation, “The extreme weather - an increasingly frequent occurrence in our warming climate, is having a major impact on human health, ecosystems, economies, agriculture, energy, and water supplies.” This indicates the immediate need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as feasible. As firemen utilised planes and helicopters to put out the fires, hundreds of people in Greece had to be evacuated. (With inputs from Bloomberg) Distrelec's website: https://www.distrelec.com/global/ WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Wildfires cost Europe 4.1 billion euros as temperatures hit record high: Report

Drugmaker Novo Nordisk has overtaken the French luxury group LVMH to become Europe's most valuable company. This comes a day after Novo Nordisk launched his weight loss drug Wegovy in the UK. Has health become the new luxury?

Gravitas: Wegovy maker beats LVMH as Europe's most valuable firm

A fierce battle is unfolding in the automotive world, as Europe's carmakers are racing to produce more affordable electric vehicles (EVs) and challenge China's dominance in the market.

Europe's EV makers face off against China

The worst and largest wildfire ever recorded in the EU is still active in the Evros region, near Greece's border with Turkey, where the flames have burned over 83,000 hectares of land. But this is just one of the several wildfires recorded this summer in Greece, which have also resulted in at least 20 lives lost.

Europe's extreme heat crisis | Explained

There is no true alternative to the US stock market for equity investors, as seen by the stagflation crisis in Europe and the property slowdown in China. With just four months remaining in 2023, the S&P 500's gains are ahead of the Stoxx Europe 600 by nearly eight percentage points. The S&P index is on track for the eighth year of outperformance in the previous decade as AI hype overshadows recession worries and high valuations.

US stocks outshine global rivals

The latest survey conducted by the Pew Research Centre has revealed that about 80 per cent of Indians hold positive views about Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The survey engaged more than 30,000 adults worldwide, which also gave insights into how the world perceives India ahead of its inevitable rise as a great power.

<h2>PM Modi still wildly popular among Indians</h2>

Ahead of the general elections slated to be held in 2024, the majority of Indians still show support for PM Modi’s nine-year-old government.

While 79 per cent of Indians held a positive opinion of him, 55 per cent expressed a “very favourable” view.

On the flip side, a mere 20 per cent of Indians said they viewed Modi’s government negatively.

<h2>About India’s geopolitical status</h2>

According to the Pew Research Survey, 68 per cent of Indians believe India’s geopolitical status has risen over the past years. On the other hand, only 19 per cent of Indians think India has witnessed a decline in terms of global prestige.

The study also offers trends regarding how people from different countries view India, especially those from G20 nations.

While the majority of the people view India in a positive light, the survey indicates that India’s favourability has taken a hit in European nations.

WATCH:&nbsp;The India Story | Vikram Chandra explains Israel's growing partnership with India

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For example, in France, the number of people holding positive views about India fell from 70 per cent 15 years ago to a mere 39 per cent in 2023.

The Pew survey unveiled a median of 46 per cent favourability towards India worldwide, with 34 per cent holding an unfavourable opinion.

<h2>Israelis highly positive about India</h2>

When it comes to bilateral relations with India, Israel stood out remarkably. Among all the countries surveyed, a significant 71 per cent of Israeli respondents held a favourable opinion of India, marking the highest percentage.

Likewise, 41 per cent of Indian participants observed an increase in Russia's influence, while 21 per cent believed it had decreased. Of all the public surveyed, Indians are the ones who are most likely to believe that Russian President Vladimir Putin will do the right thing in regard to international affairs.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-israel-to-share-expertise-and-tech-in-water-management-at-new-facility-in-iit-madras-593234">Also read:&nbsp;India, Israel to share expertise and tech in water management at new facility in IIT-Madras</a>

On the other hand, India's perception of China remained largely negative, with 67 per cent expressing an unfavourable view, the highest proportion among all the surveyed nations. This sentiment reflects the continuous border tensions between the two countries since 2020.

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The latest survey conducted by the Pew Research Centre has revealed that about 80 per cent of Indians hold positive views about Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The survey engaged more than 30,000 adults worldwide, which also gave insights into how the world perceives India ahead of its inevitable rise as a great power.

The latest survey conducted by the Pew Research Centre has revealed that about 80 per cent of Indians hold positive views about Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The survey engaged more than 30,000 adults worldwide, which also gave insights into how the world perceives India ahead of its inevitable rise as a great power. PM Modi still wildly popular among Indians Ahead of the general elections slated to be held in 2024, the majority of Indians still show support for PM Modi’s nine-year-old government. While 79 per cent of Indians held a positive opinion of him, 55 per cent expressed a “very favourable” view. On the flip side, a mere 20 per cent of Indians said they viewed Modi’s government negatively. About India’s geopolitical status According to the Pew Research Survey, 68 per cent of Indians believe India’s geopolitical status has risen over the past years. On the other hand, only 19 per cent of Indians think India has witnessed a decline in terms of global prestige. The study also offers trends regarding how people from different countries view India, especially those from G20 nations. While the majority of the people view India in a positive light, the survey indicates that India’s favourability has taken a hit in European nations. WATCH: The India Story | Vikram Chandra explains Israel's growing partnership with India × For example, in France, the number of people holding positive views about India fell from 70 per cent 15 years ago to a mere 39 per cent in 2023. The Pew survey unveiled a median of 46 per cent favourability towards India worldwide, with 34 per cent holding an unfavourable opinion. Israelis highly positive about India When it comes to bilateral relations with India, Israel stood out remarkably. Among all the countries surveyed, a significant 71 per cent of Israeli respondents held a favourable opinion of India, marking the highest percentage. Likewise, 41 per cent of Indian participants observed an increase in Russia's influence, while 21 per cent believed it had decreased. Of all the public surveyed, Indians are the ones who are most likely to believe that Russian President Vladimir Putin will do the right thing in regard to international affairs. Also read: India, Israel to share expertise and tech in water management at new facility in IIT-Madras On the other hand, India's perception of China remained largely negative, with 67 per cent expressing an unfavourable view, the highest proportion among all the surveyed nations. This sentiment reflects the continuous border tensions between the two countries since 2020. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

PM Modi widely popular, India’s favourability takes a hit in Europe: Survey

Hundreds of Greek firefighters were battling a huge blaze on Monday that has killed at least 20 people over the past 10 days, Europe's deadliest wildfire so far this summer as record-setting heatwaves unleash blazes across the continent.

Greece battles Europe's deadliest fire of the summer for 10th day

Climate change exacerbates snow-water-energy challenges for European ski tourism.

Europe: Ski resorts threatened by global warming

European Union-backed Copernicus Climate Change Service has said that wildfires in Greece are turning out to be largest recorded on European soil in years. The fires have burned for a seventh day as of Friday (August 25). They have destroyed tens of thousands of hectares of land in the northeast alone.&nbsp;

"Greece is going through the most difficult year, in terms of climatic conditions, in the history of recording and collecting meteorological data," government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis told a regular briefing.

He said that the firefighters were fighting 517 wildfires&nbsp;that&nbsp;had broken out across Greece since last Friday. The fires are fuelled by high temperature and sometimes gale force winds.

Greece often witnesses summer wildfires. The government has said that conditions linked by scientists to climate change have made situation more intense this year.

"It is the combination of high temperatures, drought and winds that unfortunately create the ideal conditions for wildfires with extreme behaviour," Marinakis said.

"It is a very difficult summer."

In a post&nbsp;on social media platform X (formerly Twitter),&nbsp;Copernicus said&nbsp;that the wildfire in northeastern Greece that began on Saturday near the city of Alexandroupolis in northeastern Greece was "the largest recorded on European soil in years," burning a total of 72,344 hectares so far.

As of Friday, the fire was still burning.

Hundreds of people have had to flee their homes to escape the wildfires. Even hospital patients were briefly evacuated by a ferry earlier this week.

On Friday, authorities said that a charred body believed to be of a migrant was found in a forested area of Evros region. It is a region in northwestern part of the country.

This has brought total number of those who have been killed by the fire outbreak of the summer to 21. Almost all of them are presumed to be migrants. Eighteen bodies were found together, burnt beyond recognition, near the village of Avantas. The discovery was made on Tuesday.

<h2>79 arsonists arrested: Report</h2>

BBC has reported that Greek authorities have arrested 79 persons on the charge&nbsp;of arson related to wildfires. Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias has said that arsonists have made several attempts to start new fires.

"You are committing a crime against the country," Kikilias said in a televised emergency briefing.

"Arsonist scum are setting fires that threaten forests, property and, most of all, human lives."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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European Union-backed Copernicus Climate Change Service has said that wildfires in Greece are turning out to be largest recorded on European soil in years. The fires have burned for a seventh day as of Friday (August 25).

European Union-backed Copernicus Climate Change Service has said that wildfires in Greece are turning out to be largest recorded on European soil in years. The fires have burned for a seventh day as of Friday (August 25). They have destroyed tens of thousands of hectares of land in the northeast alone. "Greece is going through the most difficult year, in terms of climatic conditions, in the history of recording and collecting meteorological data," government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis told a regular briefing. He said that the firefighters were fighting 517 wildfires that had broken out across Greece since last Friday. The fires are fuelled by high temperature and sometimes gale force winds. Greece often witnesses summer wildfires. The government has said that conditions linked by scientists to climate change have made situation more intense this year. "It is the combination of high temperatures, drought and winds that unfortunately create the ideal conditions for wildfires with extreme behaviour," Marinakis said. "It is a very difficult summer." In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Copernicus said that the wildfire in northeastern Greece that began on Saturday near the city of Alexandroupolis in northeastern Greece was "the largest recorded on European soil in years," burning a total of 72,344 hectares so far. As of Friday, the fire was still burning. Hundreds of people have had to flee their homes to escape the wildfires. Even hospital patients were briefly evacuated by a ferry earlier this week. On Friday, authorities said that a charred body believed to be of a migrant was found in a forested area of Evros region. It is a region in northwestern part of the country. This has brought total number of those who have been killed by the fire outbreak of the summer to 21. Almost all of them are presumed to be migrants. Eighteen bodies were found together, burnt beyond recognition, near the village of Avantas. The discovery was made on Tuesday. 79 arsonists arrested: Report BBC has reported that Greek authorities have arrested 79 persons on the charge of arson related to wildfires. Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias has said that arsonists have made several attempts to start new fires. "You are committing a crime against the country," Kikilias said in a televised emergency briefing. "Arsonist scum are setting fires that threaten forests, property and, most of all, human lives." (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Greek wildfires are worst in Europe in years, says EU-backed climate service

The world's major tech companies are now required to crack down on illegal content in Europe.

Europe's tough new rules for big techs

Dismayed at what they see as government inaction over climate change, at least six young people from Portugal are now taking 32 European countries to court.

Young people gird for European court battle

With ongoing wildfires around Europe, the continent is once again in the grip of a scorching summer heatwave. From France to Italy to Spain and even in the Gulf, countries are once again suffering from record temperatures.

Death toll rises as Europe suffers third heatwave

Climate change is no more a battle for the future rather it is present and it is affecting our daily lives.

Glaciers' melting: New ecosystems might emerge

A man was arrested on Thursday (August 17) after he jumped off Paris' iconic Eiffel Tower with a parachute on, said the monument's operator and the police.

The man, who as per news agency AFP was an experienced climber, entered the monument's perimeter shortly after 5.00 am (0300 GMT), well before its official opening.

According to the site's operator Sete, even though the guards immediately noticed the man, he was quick enough to get to the top of the tower before anyone could catch hold of him, carrying the parachute in a backpack.

The moment he got around the top of the 330-metre-high structure, he jumped.

Police said that the man landed in a nearby stadium where he was arrested for putting the lives of others in danger.

"This kind of irresponsible action puts people working at or below the tower in danger," Sete said in a statement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-woman-climbs-into-romes-historic-trevi-fountain-to-fill-water-bottle-626300">Woman climbs into Rome’s historic Trevi Fountain to fill water bottle</a>

The tower, which usually opens at 9:00 am, was slightly delayed due to the incident, said the operator Sete, further adding that it had filed criminal charges against the man.

<h2>Drunk American tourists found sleeping atop Eiffel Tower after dodging security</h2>

Two drunken tourists from the United States were on Monday (Aug 13) discovered sleeping atop the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris after evading security the night before, said the monument's operator on Tuesday.

Security guards awakened the men "early morning" at the time they were making their routine rounds before the famous tourist spot's opening time at 9:00 am, news agency AFP cited publicly-owned Eiffel Tower operator Sete as saying.

They "appear to have got stuck because of how drunk they were," as per a Paris prosecutor.

The drunk American men had spent their outlawed night under the stars in an area which is generally not open to the public between the tower's second and third levels, but "did not pose any apparent threat," Sete further said.

As per a police source, the tourists jumped security barriers while climbing down the stairs from the tower's top after paying for the entry ticket around 10:40 pm on Sunday.

Firefighters, including a specialist unit for recovering people from dangerous heights, were sent to recover the intruders, the police source further added.

Both men were brought to the police station in Paris' seventh district for interrogation, while Sete said that they would file a criminal complaint against the interlopers.

The incident delayed the famous site's opening to the public for around an hour on Monday morning.

Last week, the Eiffel Tower was evacuated twice on the same day following hoax bomb alerts.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A man was arrested on Thursday (August 17) after he jumped off Paris' iconic Eiffel Tower with a parachute on, said the monument's operator and the police. The man, who as per news agency AFP was an experienced climber, entered the monument's perimeter shortly after 5.

A man was arrested on Thursday (August 17) after he jumped off Paris' iconic Eiffel Tower with a parachute on, said the monument's operator and the police. The man, who as per news agency AFP was an experienced climber, entered the monument's perimeter shortly after 5.00 am (0300 GMT), well before its official opening. According to the site's operator Sete, even though the guards immediately noticed the man, he was quick enough to get to the top of the tower before anyone could catch hold of him, carrying the parachute in a backpack. The moment he got around the top of the 330-metre-high structure, he jumped. Police said that the man landed in a nearby stadium where he was arrested for putting the lives of others in danger. "This kind of irresponsible action puts people working at or below the tower in danger," Sete said in a statement. Also read: Woman climbs into Rome’s historic Trevi Fountain to fill water bottle The tower, which usually opens at 9:00 am, was slightly delayed due to the incident, said the operator Sete, further adding that it had filed criminal charges against the man. Drunk American tourists found sleeping atop Eiffel Tower after dodging security Two drunken tourists from the United States were on Monday (Aug 13) discovered sleeping atop the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris after evading security the night before, said the monument's operator on Tuesday. Security guards awakened the men "early morning" at the time they were making their routine rounds before the famous tourist spot's opening time at 9:00 am, news agency AFP cited publicly-owned Eiffel Tower operator Sete as saying. They "appear to have got stuck because of how drunk they were," as per a Paris prosecutor. The drunk American men had spent their outlawed night under the stars in an area which is generally not open to the public between the tower's second and third levels, but "did not pose any apparent threat," Sete further said. As per a police source, the tourists jumped security barriers while climbing down the stairs from the tower's top after paying for the entry ticket around 10:40 pm on Sunday. Firefighters, including a specialist unit for recovering people from dangerous heights, were sent to recover the intruders, the police source further added. Both men were brought to the police station in Paris' seventh district for interrogation, while Sete said that they would file a criminal complaint against the interlopers. The incident delayed the famous site's opening to the public for around an hour on Monday morning. Last week, the Eiffel Tower was evacuated twice on the same day following hoax bomb alerts. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Man jumps off the Eiffel Tower with parachute, gets arrested

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock had to cancel her planned trip to Australia, New Zealand and Fiji due to&nbsp;recurring mechanical problems with her government plane.

"We tried everything but unfortunately it's logistically not possible to carry out my Indo-Pacific travel (plans) without the defective plane," the minister wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

"That is more than annoying," she added.

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Wir haben alles versucht: leider ist es logistisch nicht möglich, meine Indo-Pazifik-Reise ohne den defekten Flieger fortzusetzen. Das ist mehr als ärgerlich. 1/2
— Außenministerin Annalena Baerbock (@ABaerbock) <a href="https://twitter.com/ABaerbock/status/1691312170808573952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Baerbock had left for a week-long trip but her plane suffered some technical issues after refuelling in Abu Dhabi.

She was left stranded for hours while her crew tried to fix the problem.

Her delegation sought to get underway again overnight to Tuesday but the plane, which is a 23-year-old Airbus A340, had to be taken back to Abu Dhabi when the defect resurfaced.

A foreign ministry spokesperson took to X and said that the plane had attempted to make the journey from Abu Dhabi twice but was forced to return for safety reasons due to a technical malfunction with the wing flaps.

"For security reasons, the plane had to return there," wrote the German air force on X. The aircraft had to dump fuel to land safely in Abu Dhabi again, it added.

The incident rekindled debate about the German government's ageing planes, with some media reports terming the mishap as "embarrassing" and a "fiasco".

<h2>Germany's Luftwaffe air force takes planes out of service after embarrassment</h2>

The mishap pushed Germany's Luftwaffe air force to make an announcement on retiring the plane early along with the government's other A340-300.

"We will take the two A340s out of service as soon as possible, i.e. in the coming weeks ahead of schedule," the Luftwaffe wrote on X.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandrayaan-3-just-a-week-away-from-lunar-soft-landing-625932">Chandrayaan-3, just a week away from lunar soft-landing</a>

As per news agency AFP reports, the government had bought three new A350s for roughly $1.3 billion in the year 2019 in order to upgrade the fleet and had also planned to stop using the plane carrying Baerbock by the end of year 2024.

"With the A350s, the air force has robust and modern aircraft at its disposal for long-haul operations," the Luftwaffe said.

In the month of May, Baerbock had to extend her tip to Qatar by a day after another government plane developed a flat tyre.

The Australian foreign ministry said it shared "minister Baerbock's disappointment" over this week's aborted trip.&nbsp;

"We look forward to welcoming her to Australia in the future," a foreign ministry spokesperson said.

New Zealand's foreign ministry said it hoped "there will be an opportunity for the ministers to catch up in the future".

"It's simply embarrassing that the foreign minister couldn't continue her trip," Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, the head of Germany's parliamentary defence committee, told local media.

(With inputs from agencies)

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German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock had to cancel her planned trip to Australia, New Zealand and Fiji due to recurring mechanical problems with her government plane.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock had to cancel her planned trip to Australia, New Zealand and Fiji due to recurring mechanical problems with her government plane. "We tried everything but unfortunately it's logistically not possible to carry out my Indo-Pacific travel (plans) without the defective plane," the minister wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. "That is more than annoying," she added. Wir haben alles versucht: leider ist es logistisch nicht möglich, meine Indo-Pazifik-Reise ohne den defekten Flieger fortzusetzen. Das ist mehr als ärgerlich. 1/2 — Außenministerin Annalena Baerbock (@ABaerbock) August 15, 2023 × Baerbock had left for a week-long trip but her plane suffered some technical issues after refuelling in Abu Dhabi. She was left stranded for hours while her crew tried to fix the problem. Her delegation sought to get underway again overnight to Tuesday but the plane, which is a 23-year-old Airbus A340, had to be taken back to Abu Dhabi when the defect resurfaced. A foreign ministry spokesperson took to X and said that the plane had attempted to make the journey from Abu Dhabi twice but was forced to return for safety reasons due to a technical malfunction with the wing flaps. "For security reasons, the plane had to return there," wrote the German air force on X. The aircraft had to dump fuel to land safely in Abu Dhabi again, it added. The incident rekindled debate about the German government's ageing planes, with some media reports terming the mishap as "embarrassing" and a "fiasco". Germany's Luftwaffe air force takes planes out of service after embarrassment The mishap pushed Germany's Luftwaffe air force to make an announcement on retiring the plane early along with the government's other A340-300. "We will take the two A340s out of service as soon as possible, i.e. in the coming weeks ahead of schedule," the Luftwaffe wrote on X. Also read: Chandrayaan-3, just a week away from lunar soft-landing As per news agency AFP reports, the government had bought three new A350s for roughly $1.3 billion in the year 2019 in order to upgrade the fleet and had also planned to stop using the plane carrying Baerbock by the end of year 2024. "With the A350s, the air force has robust and modern aircraft at its disposal for long-haul operations," the Luftwaffe said. In the month of May, Baerbock had to extend her tip to Qatar by a day after another government plane developed a flat tyre. The Australian foreign ministry said it shared "minister Baerbock's disappointment" over this week's aborted trip. "We look forward to welcoming her to Australia in the future," a foreign ministry spokesperson said. New Zealand's foreign ministry said it hoped "there will be an opportunity for the ministers to catch up in the future". "It's simply embarrassing that the foreign minister couldn't continue her trip," Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, the head of Germany's parliamentary defence committee, told local media. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

German foreign minister cancels Indo-Pacific travel after plane suffers technical snag

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