The Italian island of Sardinia has been identified as one of the five regions in the entire world to have a high concentration of people who have reached the century milestone. The island has set a world record for longevity. According to local media reports, a total of 534 people across the island are 100 or even older, meaning 33.6 for every 100,000 people.&nbsp;

Vittorio Lai, who is nicknamed Pistol, became the latest person to celebrate his 100th birthday. This week, he will be joined by Piuccia Lai. Both of them come from&nbsp;Perdasdefogu, a remote mountain town on the Italian island of Sardinia.&nbsp;

This will bring the total number of people over 100 in the town to 10.&nbsp;

Usually, the entire town comes together to mark a 100th birthday. However, due to coronavirus restrictions, Lai celebrated by going on lunch with family and a few friends.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/boom-year-for-brides-and-grooms-2022-will-see-the-most-weddings-since-1984-453222">Also read |&nbsp;Boom year for brides and grooms: 2022 will see the most weddings since 1984</a>

His wife, Maria, is 97.&nbsp;Lai said, “She wanted to become a nun. And so I said: ‘OK then, I’ll become a priest or a friar."

Luisa Salaris, a demographics professor at the University of Cagliari, in a report by The Guardian, "The presence of 10 centenarians confirms the exceptional longevity of the inhabitants of Perdasdefogu, and moves the bar even higher."

The town’s longest-surviving citizen is Consolata Melis, who died in 2015, at the age of 108.&nbsp;

Antonio Brundu turns 104 in March and is the current oldest resident.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Italian island of Sardinia has been identified as one of the five regions in the entire world to have a high concentration of people who have reached the century milestone.

The Italian island of Sardinia has been identified as one of the five regions in the entire world to have a high concentration of people who have reached the century milestone. The island has set a world record for longevity. According to local media reports, a total of 534 people across the island are 100 or even older, meaning 33.6 for every 100,000 people. Vittorio Lai, who is nicknamed Pistol, became the latest person to celebrate his 100th birthday. This week, he will be joined by Piuccia Lai. Both of them come from Perdasdefogu, a remote mountain town on the Italian island of Sardinia. This will bring the total number of people over 100 in the town to 10. Usually, the entire town comes together to mark a 100th birthday. However, due to coronavirus restrictions, Lai celebrated by going on lunch with family and a few friends. Also read | Boom year for brides and grooms: 2022 will see the most weddings since 1984 His wife, Maria, is 97. Lai said, “She wanted to become a nun. And so I said: ‘OK then, I’ll become a priest or a friar." Luisa Salaris, a demographics professor at the University of Cagliari, in a report by The Guardian, "The presence of 10 centenarians confirms the exceptional longevity of the inhabitants of Perdasdefogu, and moves the bar even higher." The town’s longest-surviving citizen is Consolata Melis, who died in 2015, at the age of 108. Antonio Brundu turns 104 in March and is the current oldest resident. (With inputs from agencies)

Tenth resident turns 100 in this small Italian town setting a world record

With Covid witnessing downturn, 'Carnival of hope' begins in Venice

In Italy, a 70-year-old woman was found seated on her dining table two years after her death. Marinella Beretta had no living relatives and she was found in her house in Prestino near Lake Como in northern Italy.&nbsp;

The police found her mummified remains when they made a house call during high winds in Lombardy.&nbsp;The woman's body has now been moved to a morgue where experts will determine the cause of death.&nbsp;

Family Minister Elena Bonetti, on Facebook, said, "What happened to Marinella Beretta in Como, the forgotten loneliness, hurts our consciences. We have a duty, as a community that wants to remain united, to remember her life … no one must be left alone.”

Como Mayor Mario Landriscina has claimed that the local government will be taking all the responsibility for Beretta's funeral. Also, the mayor has invited all town residents to offer prayers.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/just-rocks-or-dinosaur-eggs-archeologists-discover-mystery-objects-in-this-indian-state-452072">Also read |&nbsp;Just rocks or dinosaur eggs? Archeologists discover mystery objects in this Indian state</a>

"I will try to be there and invite the city to be present. This is the moment to be together, and even if this woman had no relatives, we could become her relatives," Mayor Landriscina said.

A 2018 report by the national statistics institute said that nearly 40 per cent of people of over-75-year-olds in Italy live alone. Not only this but they have no friends or relatives.&nbsp;

Editorialist Massimo Gramellini on the front page of the Corriere Della Sera, Italy's biggest selling daily, described Beretta as "loneliness personified."&nbsp;

"Many of us still have memories of the chaotic, branched families of peasant Italy. Instead, the modern family is reduced... People die alone. And we live alone, which is almost worse," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

In Italy, a 70-year-old woman was found seated on her dining table two years after her death. Marinella Beretta had no living relatives and she was found in her house in Prestino near Lake Como in northern Italy.

In Italy, a 70-year-old woman was found seated on her dining table two years after her death. Marinella Beretta had no living relatives and she was found in her house in Prestino near Lake Como in northern Italy. The police found her mummified remains when they made a house call during high winds in Lombardy. The woman's body has now been moved to a morgue where experts will determine the cause of death. Family Minister Elena Bonetti, on Facebook, said, "What happened to Marinella Beretta in Como, the forgotten loneliness, hurts our consciences. We have a duty, as a community that wants to remain united, to remember her life … no one must be left alone.” Como Mayor Mario Landriscina has claimed that the local government will be taking all the responsibility for Beretta's funeral. Also, the mayor has invited all town residents to offer prayers. Also read | Just rocks or dinosaur eggs? Archeologists discover mystery objects in this Indian state "I will try to be there and invite the city to be present. This is the moment to be together, and even if this woman had no relatives, we could become her relatives," Mayor Landriscina said. A 2018 report by the national statistics institute said that nearly 40 per cent of people of over-75-year-olds in Italy live alone. Not only this but they have no friends or relatives. Editorialist Massimo Gramellini on the front page of the Corriere Della Sera, Italy's biggest selling daily, described Beretta as "loneliness personified." "Many of us still have memories of the chaotic, branched families of peasant Italy. Instead, the modern family is reduced... People die alone. And we live alone, which is almost worse," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Italian woman found seated on her dining table in mummified state two years after her death

The transition to electric vehicles will put around 73,000 jobs at risk in Italy, metal workers' unions and a lobby group said on Thursday, calling on the government to start discussions on measures to support the automotive industry.

Electric car transition puts over 70,000 jobs at risk in Italy

In a bid to end the political stalemate, and ensure stability, lawmakers in Italy has re-elected Sergio Mattarella as President.

Italy re-elects Mattarella as President as lawmakers vote for political stability

Italian President Sergio&nbsp;Mattarella&nbsp;was re-elected for a second term on Saturday (January 29), with party chiefs asking him to carry on after a week of fruitless voting in parliament to choose a successor.

At the eighth round of balloting among more than 1,000 lawmakers and regional delegates in the Chamber of Deputies, loud applause broke out when&nbsp;Mattarella&nbsp;passed the 505 votes needed for election.

Overall,&nbsp;Mattarella&nbsp;obtained 759 votes.

Mattarella, 80, had ruled out remaining in office, but with the country's political stability at risk he changed his mind in the face of appeals from parliamentary leaders who met him at his palace earlier in the day.

Relieved party chiefs thanked&nbsp;Mattarella&nbsp;for agreeing to remain, but the failed attempts to replace him during seven rounds of balloting have left deep scars, with potentially dangerous repercussions for political stability.

Nonetheless, financial markets are likely to react positively to the status quo, which will see Prime Minister Mario Draghi, who had made clear he hoped to become president himself, continuing on as prime minister instead.

In Italy's political system, the president is a powerful figure who gets to appoint prime ministers and is often called on to resolve political crises. Governments in the euro zone's third-largest economy survive around a year on average.

Italian President Sergio Mattarella was re-elected for a second term on Saturday (January 29), with party chiefs asking him to carry on after a week of fruitless voting in parliament to choose a successor.

Italian President Sergio Mattarella was re-elected for a second term on Saturday (January 29), with party chiefs asking him to carry on after a week of fruitless voting in parliament to choose a successor. At the eighth round of balloting among more than 1,000 lawmakers and regional delegates in the Chamber of Deputies, loud applause broke out when Mattarella passed the 505 votes needed for election. Overall, Mattarella obtained 759 votes. Mattarella, 80, had ruled out remaining in office, but with the country's political stability at risk he changed his mind in the face of appeals from parliamentary leaders who met him at his palace earlier in the day. Relieved party chiefs thanked Mattarella for agreeing to remain, but the failed attempts to replace him during seven rounds of balloting have left deep scars, with potentially dangerous repercussions for political stability. Nonetheless, financial markets are likely to react positively to the status quo, which will see Prime Minister Mario Draghi, who had made clear he hoped to become president himself, continuing on as prime minister instead. In Italy's political system, the president is a powerful figure who gets to appoint prime ministers and is often called on to resolve political crises. Governments in the euro zone's third-largest economy survive around a year on average.

Italian President Sergio Mattarella re-elected for second term

Explore the Campi Flegrei, an underwater park in Naples, Italy. It is said to be the World's largest underwater museum.

Exploring a submerged Roman city: World's largest underwater museum

Italy's top court has ruled that your neighbour's noisy toilet counts as a human rights violation. In a world plagued by genocides and persecution, is Italy trivialising the idea of human rights? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Italy says noisy toilets are a human rights violation

Italy will soon be choosing a new head of state and for 85-year-old Silvio Berlusconi his bid to become president is looking increasingly difficult. In the past he's led four governments in Italy as the Prime Minister and his bid to become the president has always looked unlikely. This is mainly because of his track record which includes a conviction for tax fraud and also scandals over holding what are known as sex parties while he was still at office.

Will Silvio Berlusconi woo backers for Italian presidency?

Pizza chefs in Rome were busy making one of Italy's most famous foods, pizza, on the day Italy celebrated St Antonio Abate, the patron saint of 'pizzaioli'.

Italy celebrates the patron saint of pizzaioli

Just a few months ago at an international summit in Rome, President Joe Biden privately told Prime Minister Mario Draghi of Italy that when it came to showing that democracies can function well, “You are doing it.” For good measure, he added, according to a person in the room, the Italian had a “hell of a political operation.”

Since taking office last February, Draghi has stabilized Italy’s volatile politics, made populism unfashionable, and assured international markets with long-sought overhauls and tough coronavirus measures. He has turned a nation whose political chaos has often prompted derision into a leader on the European stage and imbued Italians with a renewed sense of pride and steadiness.

But suddenly Italians are facing the prospect that Draghi — formerly the president of the European Central Bank and widely credited with saving the euro — could exit as prime minister. Starting Jan. 24, Italian lawmakers vote for a new seven-year president, an influential but often ceremonial role that Draghi is widely understood to covet.

If he were to become president, his backers say, the political parties could clear the way for a new technocratic government or join forces again in another national unity government that could last until new elections in 2023. Draghi’s steadying influence as president, some hope, could extend a golden age of unusually unified Italian politics even far beyond that.

But the uncertainly around Draghi’s future has already unleashed pent-up political machinations and ambitions, pushing Italy back toward a dangerous, if familiar, precipice of instability. Members of Parliament and many Italians fear a mess that could lead to a significantly less effective administration or even a stumble into early elections, which almost no one wants.

Political chaos could derail Italy’s best chance in generations for more far-reaching and modernizing overhauls and jeopardize billions in European recovery funds contingent on the country’s continued competence.

“It would be a shame if we miss this opportunity” by losing Draghi’s leadership when key overhauls are being put in place and Italy has a chance to become a leader in Europe, said Vittorio Colao, Italy’s minister for technological innovation and digital transition who is a former chief executive of the telecoms group Vodafone and a close ally of Draghi.

Draghi took power as a caretaker prime minister amid a political crisis in February 2021, when he was chosen by the current president, Sergio Mattarella. What has made his time in office most opportune is the European Union’s agreement to extend Italy more than 200 billion euros (about $228 billion) in recovery funds — a pool of money that has the potential to amplify Draghi’s reform agenda and make it the most transformative in generations.

Italy must still meet stringent requirements for Brussels to release billions in future tranches. In June, for instance, Italy needs to show that its programs are still on track to receive a tranche of 24 billion euros from Brussels in the following months.

Having that money in the hands of Draghi has reassured global markets and European Union leaders and given Italy its best shot at modernization in decades.

Colao said the EU-funded overhauls will be a “permanent fixture of the Italian system until 2026.” But when asked if the government could move forward without Draghi, he said, “Completely without, or with him in another role, is the question.” No Draghi at all, he said, would be a “bad scenario.”

Supporters of Draghi note that a figure of his stature — and the connections he has with foreign leaders and the media attention he commands — could make the presidency more muscular.

Though an often-ceremonial position, the role is also imbued with enormous powers, especially in political crises — allowing the president to select prime ministers and the government, deny mandates to weak coalitions and dissolve Parliament.

But while some worry about diminishing his potential successor by essentially crowning Draghi king, others are more concerned about removing him from the levers of power and negotiations at the European level when there is so much money on the table.

Draghi would become the first sitting prime minister to make the leap to the presidency. Since he was called on by Mattarella to lead the government, the world has come to admire his management of the pandemic and Italy’s turnaround.

Still, Draghi’s national unity government has increasingly shown cracks, such as during the recent passage of judicial changes and the introduction this month of his government’s vaccination mandate for Italians 50 and older.

His supporters argue that all the political jostling for the presidency shows that his government is fast-approaching its expiration date anyway and that the country would be better served by seven years of Draghi, ideally with a replacement from among the technocrats in his government to extend the Draghi effect.

“Instead of seven more months, the golden period would continue for another seven years,” said Claudio Cerasa, editor of the newspaper Il Foglio, who has been a booster of Draghi. “Prime ministers come and go but the president is for keeps.”

Colao, who many believe has his own designs on replacing Draghi as prime minister, added that Draghi “really thinks strategically in a long term — but he has a very, very pragmatic approach to the short term.”

But Draghi’s election to the presidency is by no means assured. To the contrary, depending on the day, it appears likely or a long shot as a barrage of candidates, including former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, have come out of the woodwork.

The secrecy, and self-interested nature, of the vote makes it ripe for influence peddling. In recent days, opening gambits took the form of government-collapsing ultimatums, with Berlusconi saying that he would pull his party out of government if Draghi became president.

Secret negotiations between the nationalist League, led by Matteo Salvini, and the center-left Democratic Party, are already underway, with the aim of avoiding new elections, possibly by keeping Draghi as prime minister of a government consisting of political leaders rather than technocrats.

Many, though perhaps not Draghi, are hoping that after sufficient votes fail to materialize for presidential hopefuls in opening ballots, a reluctant Mattarella, 80, can be persuaded by a broad alliance to serve another term, or at least to stick around for a couple more years and leave a new term early.

In theory, that would allow Draghi to defer his dream job until after the vital recovery fund programs have been put in place. But a year or two is an eternity in constantly evolving Italian politics.

Draghi, no political neophyte, has added his own pressure, asking the political parties if it was at all imaginable for a government that splinters on the choice of a president — be it him or anyone else — to “come back together magically” to run the country.

But even Draghi has not been untarnished by the political sniping. His backers say that he has become a more politically cautious broker between the bickering parties than their firm leader. In his most recent news conference, the prime minister sounded defensive, insisting that he was the one really making decisions. His honeymoon period seems to have ended.

“There is a lot of noise in the system because of this presidential race,” Colao said, nevertheless acknowledging that political pressure had “on the margins” increased the urgency of getting modernizing projects into the pipeline.

It may end up being the instinct for self-preservation that decides Draghi’s fate.

In a 2019 referendum, Italy decided that the next legislature would have more than one-third fewer seats. The largest bloc in the current Parliament is still dominated by the anti-establishment Five Star Movement, which has imploded since coming to power. Many members are desperate for the legislature to continue so that they can keep their jobs.

And if snap elections are called before September, members of Parliament in their first terms — many of them first-time politicians loath to return to low-paying jobs — would also lose their right to lucrative pensions.

As a result, they are strongly interested in a president who would ensure more time in office. Berlusconi has promised not to allow elections until 2023.

But for Italy’s prosperity, Draghi’s supporters argue that he needs to stay on center stage, one way or another.

“I am convinced,” Colao said, “that the orchestra and the director have indicated that there is a different way of approaching things.”

Just a few months ago at an international summit in Rome, President Joe Biden privately told Prime Minister Mario Draghi of Italy that when it came to showing that democracies can function well, “You are doing it.

Just a few months ago at an international summit in Rome, President Joe Biden privately told Prime Minister Mario Draghi of Italy that when it came to showing that democracies can function well, “You are doing it.” For good measure, he added, according to a person in the room, the Italian had a “hell of a political operation.” Since taking office last February, Draghi has stabilized Italy’s volatile politics, made populism unfashionable, and assured international markets with long-sought overhauls and tough coronavirus measures. He has turned a nation whose political chaos has often prompted derision into a leader on the European stage and imbued Italians with a renewed sense of pride and steadiness. But suddenly Italians are facing the prospect that Draghi — formerly the president of the European Central Bank and widely credited with saving the euro — could exit as prime minister. Starting Jan. 24, Italian lawmakers vote for a new seven-year president, an influential but often ceremonial role that Draghi is widely understood to covet. If he were to become president, his backers say, the political parties could clear the way for a new technocratic government or join forces again in another national unity government that could last until new elections in 2023. Draghi’s steadying influence as president, some hope, could extend a golden age of unusually unified Italian politics even far beyond that. But the uncertainly around Draghi’s future has already unleashed pent-up political machinations and ambitions, pushing Italy back toward a dangerous, if familiar, precipice of instability. Members of Parliament and many Italians fear a mess that could lead to a significantly less effective administration or even a stumble into early elections, which almost no one wants. Political chaos could derail Italy’s best chance in generations for more far-reaching and modernizing overhauls and jeopardize billions in European recovery funds contingent on the country’s continued competence. “It would be a shame if we miss this opportunity” by losing Draghi’s leadership when key overhauls are being put in place and Italy has a chance to become a leader in Europe, said Vittorio Colao, Italy’s minister for technological innovation and digital transition who is a former chief executive of the telecoms group Vodafone and a close ally of Draghi. Draghi took power as a caretaker prime minister amid a political crisis in February 2021, when he was chosen by the current president, Sergio Mattarella. What has made his time in office most opportune is the European Union’s agreement to extend Italy more than 200 billion euros (about $228 billion) in recovery funds — a pool of money that has the potential to amplify Draghi’s reform agenda and make it the most transformative in generations. Italy must still meet stringent requirements for Brussels to release billions in future tranches. In June, for instance, Italy needs to show that its programs are still on track to receive a tranche of 24 billion euros from Brussels in the following months. Having that money in the hands of Draghi has reassured global markets and European Union leaders and given Italy its best shot at modernization in decades. Colao said the EU-funded overhauls will be a “permanent fixture of the Italian system until 2026.” But when asked if the government could move forward without Draghi, he said, “Completely without, or with him in another role, is the question.” No Draghi at all, he said, would be a “bad scenario.” Supporters of Draghi note that a figure of his stature — and the connections he has with foreign leaders and the media attention he commands — could make the presidency more muscular. Though an often-ceremonial position, the role is also imbued with enormous powers, especially in political crises — allowing the president to select prime ministers and the government, deny mandates to weak coalitions and dissolve Parliament. But while some worry about diminishing his potential successor by essentially crowning Draghi king, others are more concerned about removing him from the levers of power and negotiations at the European level when there is so much money on the table. Draghi would become the first sitting prime minister to make the leap to the presidency. Since he was called on by Mattarella to lead the government, the world has come to admire his management of the pandemic and Italy’s turnaround. Still, Draghi’s national unity government has increasingly shown cracks, such as during the recent passage of judicial changes and the introduction this month of his government’s vaccination mandate for Italians 50 and older. His supporters argue that all the political jostling for the presidency shows that his government is fast-approaching its expiration date anyway and that the country would be better served by seven years of Draghi, ideally with a replacement from among the technocrats in his government to extend the Draghi effect. “Instead of seven more months, the golden period would continue for another seven years,” said Claudio Cerasa, editor of the newspaper Il Foglio, who has been a booster of Draghi. “Prime ministers come and go but the president is for keeps.” Colao, who many believe has his own designs on replacing Draghi as prime minister, added that Draghi “really thinks strategically in a long term — but he has a very, very pragmatic approach to the short term.” But Draghi’s election to the presidency is by no means assured. To the contrary, depending on the day, it appears likely or a long shot as a barrage of candidates, including former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, have come out of the woodwork. The secrecy, and self-interested nature, of the vote makes it ripe for influence peddling. In recent days, opening gambits took the form of government-collapsing ultimatums, with Berlusconi saying that he would pull his party out of government if Draghi became president. Secret negotiations between the nationalist League, led by Matteo Salvini, and the center-left Democratic Party, are already underway, with the aim of avoiding new elections, possibly by keeping Draghi as prime minister of a government consisting of political leaders rather than technocrats. Many, though perhaps not Draghi, are hoping that after sufficient votes fail to materialize for presidential hopefuls in opening ballots, a reluctant Mattarella, 80, can be persuaded by a broad alliance to serve another term, or at least to stick around for a couple more years and leave a new term early. In theory, that would allow Draghi to defer his dream job until after the vital recovery fund programs have been put in place. But a year or two is an eternity in constantly evolving Italian politics. Draghi, no political neophyte, has added his own pressure, asking the political parties if it was at all imaginable for a government that splinters on the choice of a president — be it him or anyone else — to “come back together magically” to run the country. But even Draghi has not been untarnished by the political sniping. His backers say that he has become a more politically cautious broker between the bickering parties than their firm leader. In his most recent news conference, the prime minister sounded defensive, insisting that he was the one really making decisions. His honeymoon period seems to have ended. “There is a lot of noise in the system because of this presidential race,” Colao said, nevertheless acknowledging that political pressure had “on the margins” increased the urgency of getting modernizing projects into the pipeline. It may end up being the instinct for self-preservation that decides Draghi’s fate. In a 2019 referendum, Italy decided that the next legislature would have more than one-third fewer seats. The largest bloc in the current Parliament is still dominated by the anti-establishment Five Star Movement, which has imploded since coming to power. Many members are desperate for the legislature to continue so that they can keep their jobs. And if snap elections are called before September, members of Parliament in their first terms — many of them first-time politicians loath to return to low-paying jobs — would also lose their right to lucrative pensions. As a result, they are strongly interested in a president who would ensure more time in office. Berlusconi has promised not to allow elections until 2023. But for Italy’s prosperity, Draghi’s supporters argue that he needs to stay on center stage, one way or another. “I am convinced,” Colao said, “that the orchestra and the director have indicated that there is a different way of approaching things.”

Italy ponders a new role for Draghi. Let the politicking begin.

Italy marks the 10th anniversary of the Costa Concordia cruise ship disaster with a day of commemoration. 32 people had died when the ship slammed into a reef and capsized off the Tuscan island of Giglio.

Remembering the world's worst shipwreck: Ten years on, survivors & islanders recount horror

While countries around the world are vouching for vaccinations against coronavirus (COVID-19), a bizarre trend has come to notice as some people in Italy are reportedly willing to pay money to have dinner and wine with the Covid-positive people.&nbsp;

On one side, the world is facing the wrath of the COVID-19 wave mostly fuelled by Delta and Omicron variants but on the other side, a rather unconventional and worrying method has been adopted by anti-vaxxers to avoid getting jabbed.

As per reports, Italian anti-vaxxers are paying £110 for the dinner and wine to avoid the vaccines. It is important to note that as per Italy's latest vaccine mandate, anyone above 50 years of age is set to be vaccinated from February 1.&nbsp;

Those who are unvaccinated in the country face the risk of paying a large amount of money as fines. Also, they can lose their jobs.&nbsp;

COVID-19 dinners in Italy

As per a report by Daily Mail&nbsp;a similar party was uncovered, which was hosted in Tuscany. The report mentioned that the party included a truffle dinner with Barolo wine, along with a Covid-positive person and the attendance cost is reported to be £110.

The Daily Beast reported citing Italian police that one anti-vaxxer wrote online: "I am urgently looking for a positive and I am willing to pay."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnsons-staff-accused-of-hosting-covid-rule-breaking-parties-on-the-eve-of-prince-philips-funeral-444602">Boris Johnson's staff accused of hosting Covid rule-breaking parties on the eve of Prince Philip's funeral</a>

An infectious disease expert Pier Luigi Lopalco told Italian television that such Covid parties were against the law and he demanded arrests of those involved.&nbsp;

"This uses the same logic as playing Russian roulette. For a person who has never had COVID, who has not been vaccinated, encountering this virus can mean a mild form of the disease, but it can also it means ending up in intensive care," he was quoted as saying in local media reports.&nbsp;

"The discriminating factor between these two occurrences, probably, lies in genetics. And there is nothing that can be done to know in advance," he added.&nbsp;

Pox parties in Australia?

Reports quoted the Queensland chief health officer John Gerrard as saying as he thrashed the notion as "utterly ridiculous".

He added, "The best way to get immunity to this virus is through vaccination, not through these parties. Please, please stop."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prince-andrews-trials-and-tribulations-the-sex-assault-case-saga-so-far-444620">Prince Andrew's trials and tribulations: The sex assault case saga so far</a>

What are pox parties?

Similar reports have also emerged from Australia as health authorities of Queensland condemned "pox parties" that were held by groups of unvaccinated residents on the Gold Coast. The reports of such parties were first published by the Australia-based Gold Coast Bulletin.

The concept of mingling with a person with viral infection or flu has been practised. It is popularly known as pox parties, also known as flu parties.&nbsp;

Such parties are social activities in which people, especially children are deliberately exposed to infectious diseases such as chickenpox.&nbsp;

Some reports have claimed that such parties originated so that people can avoid vaccines or if vaccines are not available or maybe if a person is unable to take vaccines due to health reasons.&nbsp;

But are such practices wise in the case of coronavirus which is deadly and highly infectious?&nbsp;

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While countries around the world are vouching for vaccinations against coronavirus (COVID-19), a bizarre trend has come to notice as some people in Italy are reportedly willing to pay money to have dinner and wine with the Covid-positive people.

While countries around the world are vouching for vaccinations against coronavirus (COVID-19), a bizarre trend has come to notice as some people in Italy are reportedly willing to pay money to have dinner and wine with the Covid-positive people. On one side, the world is facing the wrath of the COVID-19 wave mostly fuelled by Delta and Omicron variants but on the other side, a rather unconventional and worrying method has been adopted by anti-vaxxers to avoid getting jabbed. As per reports, Italian anti-vaxxers are paying £110 for the dinner and wine to avoid the vaccines. It is important to note that as per Italy's latest vaccine mandate, anyone above 50 years of age is set to be vaccinated from February 1. Those who are unvaccinated in the country face the risk of paying a large amount of money as fines. Also, they can lose their jobs. COVID-19 dinners in Italy As per a report by Daily Mail a similar party was uncovered, which was hosted in Tuscany. The report mentioned that the party included a truffle dinner with Barolo wine, along with a Covid-positive person and the attendance cost is reported to be £110. The Daily Beast reported citing Italian police that one anti-vaxxer wrote online: "I am urgently looking for a positive and I am willing to pay." ALSO READ | Boris Johnson's staff accused of hosting Covid rule-breaking parties on the eve of Prince Philip's funeral An infectious disease expert Pier Luigi Lopalco told Italian television that such Covid parties were against the law and he demanded arrests of those involved. "This uses the same logic as playing Russian roulette. For a person who has never had COVID, who has not been vaccinated, encountering this virus can mean a mild form of the disease, but it can also it means ending up in intensive care," he was quoted as saying in local media reports. "The discriminating factor between these two occurrences, probably, lies in genetics. And there is nothing that can be done to know in advance," he added. Pox parties in Australia? Reports quoted the Queensland chief health officer John Gerrard as saying as he thrashed the notion as "utterly ridiculous". He added, "The best way to get immunity to this virus is through vaccination, not through these parties. Please, please stop." ALSO READ | Prince Andrew's trials and tribulations: The sex assault case saga so far What are pox parties? Similar reports have also emerged from Australia as health authorities of Queensland condemned "pox parties" that were held by groups of unvaccinated residents on the Gold Coast. The reports of such parties were first published by the Australia-based Gold Coast Bulletin. The concept of mingling with a person with viral infection or flu has been practised. It is popularly known as pox parties, also known as flu parties. Such parties are social activities in which people, especially children are deliberately exposed to infectious diseases such as chickenpox. Some reports have claimed that such parties originated so that people can avoid vaccines or if vaccines are not available or maybe if a person is unable to take vaccines due to health reasons. But are such practices wise in the case of coronavirus which is deadly and highly infectious? ×

What are pox parties? Why are some Italians paying for dinner with people infected with COVID-19?

Italy marks 10 years since deadly Costa Concordia shipwreck

Prato della Valle is the largest public square in Italy, with a canal lined with statues surrounding an artificial island where locals love to stroll, or take in the sun on warmer days.

The sculptures depict illustrious historical figures with strong ties to this northern Italian city. All 78 of them are of men. They have stood sentry for centuries. But since 1797, when the French Army invaded, there have been a couple of unoccupied pedestals on the canal.

So just before the New Year, two city councilors proposed a motion to include a statue of the 17th-century philosopher Elena Lucrezia Cornaro Piscopia among those in Prato della Valle.

When it comes to the city’s statuary, Prato della Valle is “the symbol of historical male predominance,” said Simone Pillitteri, one of the councilors. “The fact that there were these vacant spots was a glaring reminder that women are underrepresented here and elsewhere and that they were marginalized in the past, certainly not put on pedestals.”

Including a statue of Cornaro Piscopia — the first woman in the world to graduate with a university degree, obtained at the University of Padua in philosophy in 1678 — would be a strong sign that “today, our culture has completely changed,” Mr. Pillitteri said.

“It would be a sign for the future.”

But that simple proposal has spawned a debate over cancel culture, male chauvinism in the 18th century, the underrepresentation of women in art and the historical significance of monuments.

Academics, politicians and feminists have weighed in. Critics have cited the findings of a 2021 report by a cultural heritage association that counted barely 200 statues of women in public spaces in Italy. A head count of male statuary in Italy does not exist, but a useful comparison might be found among the 229 busts on Rome’s Pincian Hill. Only three depict women.

Some commentators saw the proposal as an example of “cancel culture,” an attempt to rewrite history through the lens of contemporary gender equality. For other opponents, the debate has centered upon the inviolability of a historical monument.

“Like it or not, Prato della Valle is an expression of the past,” one in which it was acceptable for a monument of illustrious locals to be all male, said David Tramarin, a local politician and art historian. “We must learn from the past, not change it.”

Mr. Tramarin said adding a statue of a woman to the all-male monument felt more like an afterthought. He suggested instead installing several female statues in a centrally located park now under development. “Let’s define a new space and look to the future, a space with many women would be interesting and unique in Italy,” he said.

To be fair, Prato della Valle does have a female figure — a bust of the 16th-century poet Gaspara Stampa — but it is relegated to a spot at the feet of the statue of the Renaissance sculptor Andrea Briosco. The other statues depict popes, notable admirals and physicians, but also celebrated Italians who taught at the university, like Galileo.

Rosanna Carrieri, a spokeswoman for Mi Riconosci, the association of cultural heritage professionals that worked on the 2021 report and is still counting statues, noted that though women were increasingly represented in public spaces, the iconography often showcased stereotypes. She cited a statue of nude washerwoman in Bologna dating to 2001, as well as a statue of a scantily clad gleaner unveiled last year.

“They are symptomatic of a problem of representation, of how women continue to be considered,” she said.

Daniela Mapelli, the rector of the University of Padua, said the issue was less about “which statue or which woman to honor, but to invert the tendency and give greater recognition to the role of women in society.” She added, “Even in 2022, this is an issue that struggles to come to the fore.”

Last year, Ms. Mapelli made history herself, becoming the first woman to guide the university in 800 years, and one of only eight female rectors at Italy’s more than 80 universities.

She noted that the University of Padua already had a statue of Cornaro Piscopia “prominently located” in its main building.

Of late, Padua’s municipal committee, tasked with the city’s new place names, has been giving a lot of thought to “balancing a very strong historical imbalance when it comes to the female presence in streets and piazzas,” said Carlo Fumian, a history professor at the University of Padua who is on the committee.

But a proposal to name roundabouts after women had been deemed “not noble enough.” The idea of changing the name of existing streets “risked putting citizens on the warpath,” because of lost mail and other possible problems.

Mr. Fumian said that Prato della Valle, which was commissioned in 1775, reflects a specific moment in the city’s past, and that even the vacant pedestals, once adorned by statues of Venetian doges that the French Army destroyed in 1797, “are a piece of Padua’s history.”

“You can’t rewrite history with a hammer or scalpel,” he said. “It’s a grave cultural error.” Better to place a placard next to a vacant pedestal, he added, and explain why it is vacant.

Margherita Colonnello, the other city councilor who drafted the motion, said its intent was not to “pervert or destroy” the Prato della Valle monument “but to add something new, something that represents present-day history where women play a prominent role,” she said.

The “enormous reaction to the proposal,” was unexpected, she said. It reflected the reality that while things were changing in Italy, there still remained “some conservative intellectuals” who did not understand the importance of discussing the underrepresentation of “half the population.”

The motion will be discussed in City Hall later this month, she said.

Mr. Pillitteri, the city councilor, pointed out that the University of Padua would be celebrating its 800th anniversary in 2022, led by a female rector. “It would be great to mark the event with a new statue of a woman,” and why not, he said, “with some debate.”

Prato della Valle is the largest public square in Italy, with a canal lined with statues surrounding an artificial island where locals love to stroll, or take in the sun on warmer days.

Prato della Valle is the largest public square in Italy, with a canal lined with statues surrounding an artificial island where locals love to stroll, or take in the sun on warmer days. The sculptures depict illustrious historical figures with strong ties to this northern Italian city. All 78 of them are of men. They have stood sentry for centuries. But since 1797, when the French Army invaded, there have been a couple of unoccupied pedestals on the canal. So just before the New Year, two city councilors proposed a motion to include a statue of the 17th-century philosopher Elena Lucrezia Cornaro Piscopia among those in Prato della Valle. When it comes to the city’s statuary, Prato della Valle is “the symbol of historical male predominance,” said Simone Pillitteri, one of the councilors. “The fact that there were these vacant spots was a glaring reminder that women are underrepresented here and elsewhere and that they were marginalized in the past, certainly not put on pedestals.” Including a statue of Cornaro Piscopia — the first woman in the world to graduate with a university degree, obtained at the University of Padua in philosophy in 1678 — would be a strong sign that “today, our culture has completely changed,” Mr. Pillitteri said. “It would be a sign for the future.” But that simple proposal has spawned a debate over cancel culture, male chauvinism in the 18th century, the underrepresentation of women in art and the historical significance of monuments. Academics, politicians and feminists have weighed in. Critics have cited the findings of a 2021 report by a cultural heritage association that counted barely 200 statues of women in public spaces in Italy. A head count of male statuary in Italy does not exist, but a useful comparison might be found among the 229 busts on Rome’s Pincian Hill. Only three depict women. Some commentators saw the proposal as an example of “cancel culture,” an attempt to rewrite history through the lens of contemporary gender equality. For other opponents, the debate has centered upon the inviolability of a historical monument. “Like it or not, Prato della Valle is an expression of the past,” one in which it was acceptable for a monument of illustrious locals to be all male, said David Tramarin, a local politician and art historian. “We must learn from the past, not change it.” Mr. Tramarin said adding a statue of a woman to the all-male monument felt more like an afterthought. He suggested instead installing several female statues in a centrally located park now under development. “Let’s define a new space and look to the future, a space with many women would be interesting and unique in Italy,” he said. To be fair, Prato della Valle does have a female figure — a bust of the 16th-century poet Gaspara Stampa — but it is relegated to a spot at the feet of the statue of the Renaissance sculptor Andrea Briosco. The other statues depict popes, notable admirals and physicians, but also celebrated Italians who taught at the university, like Galileo. Rosanna Carrieri, a spokeswoman for Mi Riconosci, the association of cultural heritage professionals that worked on the 2021 report and is still counting statues, noted that though women were increasingly represented in public spaces, the iconography often showcased stereotypes. She cited a statue of nude washerwoman in Bologna dating to 2001, as well as a statue of a scantily clad gleaner unveiled last year. “They are symptomatic of a problem of representation, of how women continue to be considered,” she said. Daniela Mapelli, the rector of the University of Padua, said the issue was less about “which statue or which woman to honor, but to invert the tendency and give greater recognition to the role of women in society.” She added, “Even in 2022, this is an issue that struggles to come to the fore.” Last year, Ms. Mapelli made history herself, becoming the first woman to guide the university in 800 years, and one of only eight female rectors at Italy’s more than 80 universities. She noted that the University of Padua already had a statue of Cornaro Piscopia “prominently located” in its main building. Of late, Padua’s municipal committee, tasked with the city’s new place names, has been giving a lot of thought to “balancing a very strong historical imbalance when it comes to the female presence in streets and piazzas,” said Carlo Fumian, a history professor at the University of Padua who is on the committee. But a proposal to name roundabouts after women had been deemed “not noble enough.” The idea of changing the name of existing streets “risked putting citizens on the warpath,” because of lost mail and other possible problems. Mr. Fumian said that Prato della Valle, which was commissioned in 1775, reflects a specific moment in the city’s past, and that even the vacant pedestals, once adorned by statues of Venetian doges that the French Army destroyed in 1797, “are a piece of Padua’s history.” “You can’t rewrite history with a hammer or scalpel,” he said. “It’s a grave cultural error.” Better to place a placard next to a vacant pedestal, he added, and explain why it is vacant. Margherita Colonnello, the other city councilor who drafted the motion, said its intent was not to “pervert or destroy” the Prato della Valle monument “but to add something new, something that represents present-day history where women play a prominent role,” she said. The “enormous reaction to the proposal,” was unexpected, she said. It reflected the reality that while things were changing in Italy, there still remained “some conservative intellectuals” who did not understand the importance of discussing the underrepresentation of “half the population.” The motion will be discussed in City Hall later this month, she said. Mr. Pillitteri, the city councilor, pointed out that the University of Padua would be celebrating its 800th anniversary in 2022, led by a female rector. “It would be great to mark the event with a new statue of a woman,” and why not, he said, “with some debate.”

Put a female statue on a vacant pedestal? An Italian city says not so fast.

While speaking on parenthood during a general audience at the Vatican on Wednesday, Pope Francis said that people who prefer pets are selfish, adding that substituting pets for children "takes away our humanity".&nbsp;

Italy's International Organization for the Protection of Animals (OIPA) called the remark "strange" as Pope said that pets "sometimes take the place of children" in society.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-street-view-helps-nab-mafia-boss-on-the-run-for-20-years-442560">Google street view helps nab Mafia boss on the run for 20 years</a>

During the audience, the head of the world's 1.3 billion Catholics said, "Today... we see a form of selfishness. We see that some people do not want to have a child. Sometimes they have one, and that's it, but they have dogs and cats that take the place of children. This may make people laugh but it is a reality."

Speaking further he said that "denial of fatherhood and motherhood and diminishes us, takes away our humanity". Thus, "civilisation grows old without humanity because we lose the richness of fatherhood and motherhood, and it is the country that suffers."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Saint Joseph, you who loved Jesus with fatherly love, be close to the many children who have no family and who long for a daddy and mommy. Support the couples who are unable to have children, help them to discover, through this suffering, a greater plan. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GeneralAudience?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GeneralAudience</a>
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) <a href="https://twitter.com/Pontifex/status/1478705338203344899?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2022</a></blockquote>
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While reacting to Pope's remark, OIPA said it was "strange to think that the pope considers the love in our lives limited quantitatively". The Italy-based animal rights group also cited the sacrifices of volunteers who save the lives of animals.&nbsp;

Pope Francis is not known to have a pet at his Vatican residence but important to note that his predecessor Benedict XVI was a cat lover.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Pope Francis says 'choosing pets over kids is selfish'

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-pope-francis-says-choosing-pets-over-kids-is-selfish-442767/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

However, there have been instances when Francis was spotted petting dogs, he also allowed a baby lamb to be draped over his shoulders during Epiphany in 2014. He had even petted a tiger and a baby panther.&nbsp;

Social media users have reacted sharply to the remark made by Pope, either slamming the comments or using memes to express their opinions. &nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italy-toughens-vaccination-rules-mandates-jab-for-those-over-50-442536">Italy toughens vaccination rules, mandates jab for those over 50</a>

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I gotta say, if I were the pope, I would simply not have opinions about other people's children. <a href="https://t.co/1fPVhBoF2t">https://t.co/1fPVhBoF2t</a>
— Alice Southey (@alicesouthey) <a href="https://twitter.com/alicesouthey/status/1478819087283331087?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Damn dude. Pope just told us we're selfish for having dogs instead of children. Huge L for us. Please respect our privacy as we take a year off trying to shake this burn, as the church is always right and has never had a bad take
— jacksfilms🌹 (@jacksfilms) <a href="https://twitter.com/jacksfilms/status/1478818436310466561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2022</a></blockquote>
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I think its selfish for older generations to pressure younger people into having children when they have created a social and political landscape that makes it almost impossible. If you want us to have children, help us afford it, tackle inequality, and look after the planet
— Rach (@RachelTiplady3) <a href="https://twitter.com/RachelTiplady3/status/1478715426897121288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Drop my kids off with the pope for the weekend then see what he has to say come Monday.
— Andi (@smiles_and_nods) <a href="https://twitter.com/smiles_and_nods/status/1478897561851375618?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Cat twitter getting mentally prepared to drag Pope Francis for saying people who choose pets over having kids are selfish. <a href="https://t.co/AyqAlxpggp">pic.twitter.com/AyqAlxpggp</a>
— ClockOutWars (@clockoutwars) <a href="https://twitter.com/clockoutwars/status/1478826473188380679?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2022</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

While speaking on parenthood during a general audience at the Vatican on Wednesday, Pope Francis said that people who prefer pets are selfish, adding that substituting pets for children "takes away our humanity".

While speaking on parenthood during a general audience at the Vatican on Wednesday, Pope Francis said that people who prefer pets are selfish, adding that substituting pets for children "takes away our humanity". Italy's International Organization for the Protection of Animals (OIPA) called the remark "strange" as Pope said that pets "sometimes take the place of children" in society. ALSO READ | Google street view helps nab Mafia boss on the run for 20 years During the audience, the head of the world's 1.3 billion Catholics said, "Today... we see a form of selfishness. We see that some people do not want to have a child. Sometimes they have one, and that's it, but they have dogs and cats that take the place of children. This may make people laugh but it is a reality." Speaking further he said that "denial of fatherhood and motherhood and diminishes us, takes away our humanity". Thus, "civilisation grows old without humanity because we lose the richness of fatherhood and motherhood, and it is the country that suffers." Saint Joseph, you who loved Jesus with fatherly love, be close to the many children who have no family and who long for a daddy and mommy. Support the couples who are unable to have children, help them to discover, through this suffering, a greater plan. #GeneralAudience — Pope Francis (@Pontifex) January 5, 2022 × While reacting to Pope's remark, OIPA said it was "strange to think that the pope considers the love in our lives limited quantitatively". The Italy-based animal rights group also cited the sacrifices of volunteers who save the lives of animals. Pope Francis is not known to have a pet at his Vatican residence but important to note that his predecessor Benedict XVI was a cat lover. Watch | Gravitas: Pope Francis says 'choosing pets over kids is selfish' However, there have been instances when Francis was spotted petting dogs, he also allowed a baby lamb to be draped over his shoulders during Epiphany in 2014. He had even petted a tiger and a baby panther. Social media users have reacted sharply to the remark made by Pope, either slamming the comments or using memes to express their opinions. ALSO READ | Italy toughens vaccination rules, mandates jab for those over 50 I gotta say, if I were the pope, I would simply not have opinions about other people's children. https://t.co/1fPVhBoF2t — Alice Southey (@alicesouthey) January 5, 2022 × Damn dude. Pope just told us we're selfish for having dogs instead of children. Huge L for us. Please respect our privacy as we take a year off trying to shake this burn, as the church is always right and has never had a bad take — jacksfilms🌹 (@jacksfilms) January 5, 2022 × I think its selfish for older generations to pressure younger people into having children when they have created a social and political landscape that makes it almost impossible. If you want us to have children, help us afford it, tackle inequality, and look after the planet — Rach (@RachelTiplady3) January 5, 2022 × Drop my kids off with the pope for the weekend then see what he has to say come Monday. — Andi (@smiles_and_nods) January 6, 2022 × Cat twitter getting mentally prepared to drag Pope Francis for saying people who choose pets over having kids are selfish. pic.twitter.com/AyqAlxpggp — ClockOutWars (@clockoutwars) January 5, 2022 ×

Pope Francis calls couples selfish who choose pets over kids, says it 'takes away humanity'

In an agreement between Italy and Greece, fragments of the colonial loot are being exchanged. This has now put renewed pressure on Britain to restitute the 2500-year-old Parthenon marbles acquired during Ottoman rule.

Restitution of Colonial loot: Italy lends a fragment of the Parthenon marble to Greece

In one of the most amazing arrests, Google Street View helped catch a Sicilian mafia fugitive who had been on the run for nearly 20 years.

A mafia fugitive who was on the run for nearly 20 years was caught after being spotted on Google Street View.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-shuts-supermarkets-after-virus-traces-found-in-dragon-fruit-from-vietnam-442545" hreflang="en">China shuts supermarkets after virus traces found in dragon fruit from Vietnam</a>

After a picture of a man resembling Giovanni Gammino was taken outside a fruit shop in Galapagar, Spain, authorities tracked down the man.

Gammino, 61, was tracked down to Galapagar a town near Madrid. He had long been suspected to be in the country, but police were unable to locate him.

According to Nicola Altiero, deputy director of Italy's anti-mafia unit (DIA), the photograph helped them confirm the investigation they were conducting in the traditional way.

Italy's La Repubblica newspaper reported that Gammino went by the name of Manuel and worked as a chef at a restaurant called La cocina de Manu.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/pet-dog-leads-police-in-us-to-injured-owner-after-crash-442516" hreflang="en">Pet dog leads police in US to injured owner after crash</a>

The Sicilian who has an identifying mark, a scar on the left side of his chin - also appears in a Facebook profile for the now-closed restaurant, which offered a "Sicilian dinner" for diners.

A Street View that revealed his downfall also showed him outside another establishment that bore his false name, El huerto de Manu.

The newspaper La Repubblica reports that Gammino was the boss of the Stidda crime group in Agrigento, Sicily. There has been much rivalry between the group and the well-known Cosa Nostra.

Giovanni Falcone - a renowned anti-mafia judge killed in a bomb attack - investigated him in the 1980s.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/in-search-of-muslim-wife-in-her-20s-uk-man-puts-up-ad-on-billboards-442510" hreflang="en">In search of Muslim wife in her 20s, UK man puts up ad on billboards</a>

In 2002, Gambino escaped from Rome's Rebibbia prison while a film was being made there, and a year later he was sentenced to life in prison for murder.

In the years since then he evaded capture, and recently his small-town life in Spain was uncovered to his surprise.

"How did you find me? I haven't called my family in ten years," Gammino reportedly told police upon his arrest on 17 December.

Currently, he has been taken into custody in Spain, according to Ms Altiero from the Italian anti-mafia unit, but he is expected to return to Italy in February.

In one of the most amazing arrests, Google Street View helped catch a Sicilian mafia fugitive who had been on the run for nearly 20 years. A mafia fugitive who was on the run for nearly 20 years was caught after being spotted on Google Street View.

In one of the most amazing arrests, Google Street View helped catch a Sicilian mafia fugitive who had been on the run for nearly 20 years. A mafia fugitive who was on the run for nearly 20 years was caught after being spotted on Google Street View. Also read | China shuts supermarkets after virus traces found in dragon fruit from Vietnam After a picture of a man resembling Giovanni Gammino was taken outside a fruit shop in Galapagar, Spain, authorities tracked down the man. Gammino, 61, was tracked down to Galapagar a town near Madrid. He had long been suspected to be in the country, but police were unable to locate him. According to Nicola Altiero, deputy director of Italy's anti-mafia unit (DIA), the photograph helped them confirm the investigation they were conducting in the traditional way. Italy's La Repubblica newspaper reported that Gammino went by the name of Manuel and worked as a chef at a restaurant called La cocina de Manu. Also read | Pet dog leads police in US to injured owner after crash The Sicilian who has an identifying mark, a scar on the left side of his chin - also appears in a Facebook profile for the now-closed restaurant, which offered a "Sicilian dinner" for diners. A Street View that revealed his downfall also showed him outside another establishment that bore his false name, El huerto de Manu. The newspaper La Repubblica reports that Gammino was the boss of the Stidda crime group in Agrigento, Sicily. There has been much rivalry between the group and the well-known Cosa Nostra. Giovanni Falcone - a renowned anti-mafia judge killed in a bomb attack - investigated him in the 1980s. Also read | In search of Muslim wife in her 20s, UK man puts up ad on billboards In 2002, Gambino escaped from Rome's Rebibbia prison while a film was being made there, and a year later he was sentenced to life in prison for murder. In the years since then he evaded capture, and recently his small-town life in Spain was uncovered to his surprise. "How did you find me? I haven't called my family in ten years," Gammino reportedly told police upon his arrest on 17 December. Currently, he has been taken into custody in Spain, according to Ms Altiero from the Italian anti-mafia unit, but he is expected to return to Italy in February.

Google street view helps nab Mafia boss on the run for 20 years

In a bid to combat the spread of infection, Italy's government announced Wednesday that vaccinations against COVID-19 would be mandatory for those over the age of 50 as of February 15.

The measure will last until June 15, and for those who flout the rule, it was unclear what punishment would be meted out.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sets-global-record-reports-more-than-1-million-cases-uk-australia-france-also-break-previous-records-442400" hreflang="en">US sets global record, reports more than 1 million cases; UK, Australia, France also break previous records</a>

Speaking during a cabinet meeting, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi said, "we want to slow down the curve of contagion and encourage Italians who have not yet been vaccinated to do so." &nbsp;

"We are working in particular on the age groups that are most at risk of being hospitalised, to reduce pressure on hospital to save lives," he added. The measure was adopted during the cabinet meeting.

Under the new decree, people over 50 who do not work must be vaccinated, and those who do work must obtain a vaccine pass. This effectively covers everyone over 50.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-silver-bullets-australia-reports-record-high-in-covid-19-cases-hospitalisations-surge-442377" hreflang="en">'No silver bullets': Australia reports record high in COVID-19 cases; hospitalisations surge</a>

The government stated in another statement that "the vaccine pass will be necessary for people over 50 in the public and private sectors to access their workplace from February 15."

Among Italy's 59 million residents, 28 million are over the age of 50, according to the national statistics agency Istat.

Last month, the government announced that from January 10, vaccination passes would be required for public transportation and access to hotels, restaurant terraces, and gyms.

Prior to this, a health pass showing proof of vaccination or alternatively a recent negative test had been required.

Italy, like much of Western Europe, has seen its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">Covid</a> cases surge in recent days, up from more than 170,000 on Tuesday to 189,109 on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;WHO warns that next variant could be more dangerous

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/who-warns-that-next-variant-could-be-more-dangerous-442362/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

During the last two weeks, it has recorded more than 150 deaths a day, including 231 on Wednesday and 259 on Tuesday. As many as 189,109 new infections were reported on Wednesday, the highest number since the outbreak began.

Europe's first victim of the coronavirus outbreak in early 2020, Italy has seen more than 138,000 deaths since the outbreak began in February 2020 - the second-highest toll in Europe, after Britain.

According to Our World in Data, 74 per cent of Italians have received two or more vaccinations, and 6 per cent have had just one. An estimated 35 per cent have received a third "booster" shot.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a bid to combat the spread of infection, Italy's government announced Wednesday that vaccinations against COVID-19 would be mandatory for those over the age of 50 as of February 15.

In a bid to combat the spread of infection, Italy's government announced Wednesday that vaccinations against COVID-19 would be mandatory for those over the age of 50 as of February 15. The measure will last until June 15, and for those who flout the rule, it was unclear what punishment would be meted out. Also read | US sets global record, reports more than 1 million cases; UK, Australia, France also break previous records Speaking during a cabinet meeting, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi said, "we want to slow down the curve of contagion and encourage Italians who have not yet been vaccinated to do so." "We are working in particular on the age groups that are most at risk of being hospitalised, to reduce pressure on hospital to save lives," he added. The measure was adopted during the cabinet meeting. Under the new decree, people over 50 who do not work must be vaccinated, and those who do work must obtain a vaccine pass. This effectively covers everyone over 50. Also read | 'No silver bullets': Australia reports record high in COVID-19 cases; hospitalisations surge The government stated in another statement that "the vaccine pass will be necessary for people over 50 in the public and private sectors to access their workplace from February 15." Among Italy's 59 million residents, 28 million are over the age of 50, according to the national statistics agency Istat. Last month, the government announced that from January 10, vaccination passes would be required for public transportation and access to hotels, restaurant terraces, and gyms. Prior to this, a health pass showing proof of vaccination or alternatively a recent negative test had been required. Italy, like much of Western Europe, has seen its Covid cases surge in recent days, up from more than 170,000 on Tuesday to 189,109 on Wednesday. Watch | WHO warns that next variant could be more dangerous During the last two weeks, it has recorded more than 150 deaths a day, including 231 on Wednesday and 259 on Tuesday. As many as 189,109 new infections were reported on Wednesday, the highest number since the outbreak began. Europe's first victim of the coronavirus outbreak in early 2020, Italy has seen more than 138,000 deaths since the outbreak began in February 2020 - the second-highest toll in Europe, after Britain. According to Our World in Data, 74 per cent of Italians have received two or more vaccinations, and 6 per cent have had just one. An estimated 35 per cent have received a third "booster" shot. (With inputs from agencies)

Italy toughens vaccination rules, mandates jab for those over 50

Several European regions witnessed unusual warm temperatures in the last week of December, with weather officials predicting milder winters at the start of 2022.

Northern Spain’s Bilbao region recorded 24.7 degrees Celsius, a high not witnessed since record-keeping began in 1947.

In Segovia near Madrid, 22.7 degrees Celsius was recorded, the highest since 1920, and nearby Avila reached 20.2 degrees Celsius, its highest since 1983.

“These high temperatures are not normal… These are temperatures that you would normally see in the month of April,” Rubén del Campo, a spokesperson for the state meteorological agency AEMET, told the Guardian.

He attributed the year-end heat to a mass of hot air over Spain combined with high pressure. “It’s a normal phenomenon that we do see, but what’s strange this time is the high temperatures we are seeing.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ending-2021-on-a-warm-note-uk-records-warmest-new-years-eve-441534">Ending 2021 on a warm note: UK records warmest New Year’s Eve</a>

Weather officials said that the high-pressure anticyclone has passed over to France and Italy and have warned of avalanches in the Alps.

Temperatures in some of Italy’s best-known ski resorts, including Cortina d’Ampezzo and Courmayeur, are forecast to be hovering around 13-15 degrees Celsius above the seasonal norm on New Year’s Day, and the balmy weather is expected to linger until January 3.

Luca Mercalli, a meteorologist, told the Guardian, “At the moment it is about 15 degrees Celsius in areas of the Alps at an altitude of 1,600 metres and is not hitting zero beneath 4,000 metres. It hasn’t even been freezing at night – the temperature has not dropped below 10 degrees, and this is very unusual.”

The rest of Italy is also experiencing abnormally warm conditions, with a high of 18 degrees Celsius expected in Rome on Saturday and 22 degrees Celsius in the Sicilian city of Catania by the middle of next week.

Apart from that, UK also witnessed warm winters on New Year’s Eve, with some regions reporting 15 degrees Celsius.

The UK’s Met Office linked the unusual weather phenomena to climate change.

(With inputs from agencies)

Several European regions witnessed unusual warm temperatures in the last week of December, with weather officials predicting milder winters at the start of 2022.

Several European regions witnessed unusual warm temperatures in the last week of December, with weather officials predicting milder winters at the start of 2022. Northern Spain’s Bilbao region recorded 24.7 degrees Celsius, a high not witnessed since record-keeping began in 1947. In Segovia near Madrid, 22.7 degrees Celsius was recorded, the highest since 1920, and nearby Avila reached 20.2 degrees Celsius, its highest since 1983. “These high temperatures are not normal… These are temperatures that you would normally see in the month of April,” Rubén del Campo, a spokesperson for the state meteorological agency AEMET, told the Guardian. He attributed the year-end heat to a mass of hot air over Spain combined with high pressure. “It’s a normal phenomenon that we do see, but what’s strange this time is the high temperatures we are seeing.” Also read | Ending 2021 on a warm note: UK records warmest New Year’s Eve Weather officials said that the high-pressure anticyclone has passed over to France and Italy and have warned of avalanches in the Alps. Temperatures in some of Italy’s best-known ski resorts, including Cortina d’Ampezzo and Courmayeur, are forecast to be hovering around 13-15 degrees Celsius above the seasonal norm on New Year’s Day, and the balmy weather is expected to linger until January 3. Luca Mercalli, a meteorologist, told the Guardian, “At the moment it is about 15 degrees Celsius in areas of the Alps at an altitude of 1,600 metres and is not hitting zero beneath 4,000 metres. It hasn’t even been freezing at night – the temperature has not dropped below 10 degrees, and this is very unusual.” The rest of Italy is also experiencing abnormally warm conditions, with a high of 18 degrees Celsius expected in Rome on Saturday and 22 degrees Celsius in the Sicilian city of Catania by the middle of next week. Apart from that, UK also witnessed warm winters on New Year’s Eve, with some regions reporting 15 degrees Celsius. The UK’s Met Office linked the unusual weather phenomena to climate change. (With inputs from agencies)

Spain, Italy record ‘unusual’ warm temperatures on cold New Year’s Eve

Hospital admissions across Italy are surgings once again as daily coronavirus infections are hitting new highs due to the Omicron variant. Medical director of Rome's Casalpalocco Covid hospital told AFP that the situation has been serious for about a month.

Out of 120 beds in the facility, 111 are filled by virus-stricken patients.

"We are inundated with requests for admission. It's a constant pressure," said Marchese, adding that he feared numbers would rise even higher.&nbsp;

Almost three-quarters of the hospital's Covid patients are unvaccinated, and some resist intubation when taken to the intensive care unit.&nbsp;

"Then they generally accept because they realise how serious it is and then they can no longer breathe on their own," he said.

The majority of patients in intensive care are elderly, but younger people also fill up beds "because they have to be constantly and precisely monitored to see if they need to be ventilated", Marchese said.

Throughout Italy, hospitals are seeing a similar phenomenon.&nbsp;

Whereas 10 percent of intensive care beds were occupied by Covid patients on December 17, that number has crept up to 13 percent in the past two days, according to Italy's National Agency for Regional Health Services.&nbsp;

Some regions are under even more pressure, such as Veneto, at 18 percent, and Lazio -- of which Rome is the capital -- at 16 percent.&nbsp;

Although 85.8 percent of the country's population over the age of 12 has been fully inoculated, there remain roughly six million unvaccinated over-12s, according to official data.&nbsp;

"In my opinion, in Italy we've managed to steer the population towards a certain favourable vaccination trend," said Marchese.&nbsp;

"Of course, the no-vax people exist everywhere, even here."

(With inputs from agencies)

Hospital admissions across Italy are surgings once again as daily coronavirus infections are hitting new highs due to the Omicron variant. Medical director of Rome's Casalpalocco Covid hospital told AFP that the situation has been serious for about a month.

Hospital admissions across Italy are surgings once again as daily coronavirus infections are hitting new highs due to the Omicron variant. Medical director of Rome's Casalpalocco Covid hospital told AFP that the situation has been serious for about a month. Out of 120 beds in the facility, 111 are filled by virus-stricken patients. "We are inundated with requests for admission. It's a constant pressure," said Marchese, adding that he feared numbers would rise even higher. Almost three-quarters of the hospital's Covid patients are unvaccinated, and some resist intubation when taken to the intensive care unit. "Then they generally accept because they realise how serious it is and then they can no longer breathe on their own," he said. The majority of patients in intensive care are elderly, but younger people also fill up beds "because they have to be constantly and precisely monitored to see if they need to be ventilated", Marchese said. Throughout Italy, hospitals are seeing a similar phenomenon. Whereas 10 percent of intensive care beds were occupied by Covid patients on December 17, that number has crept up to 13 percent in the past two days, according to Italy's National Agency for Regional Health Services. Some regions are under even more pressure, such as Veneto, at 18 percent, and Lazio -- of which Rome is the capital -- at 16 percent. Although 85.8 percent of the country's population over the age of 12 has been fully inoculated, there remain roughly six million unvaccinated over-12s, according to official data. "In my opinion, in Italy we've managed to steer the population towards a certain favourable vaccination trend," said Marchese. "Of course, the no-vax people exist everywhere, even here." (With inputs from agencies)

Italy: Covid hits new high, hospitals under strain

Pope Francis lamented&nbsp;Italy's drastically declining birth rate as he said that this represents a threat to the future of the country. During his weekly address in front of St. Peter's Basilica, he said, "The demographic winter is a real worry, at least here in Italy. It seems that a lot of people have lost the wish to have children. Lots of couples prefer to remain childless or to have one child only. It's a tragedy which runs counter to our families, our country and our future."

In a little over a decade, birth rates have dropped by one third with 404,892 babies born in 2020 from 576,659 in 2008. &nbsp;

Italian statistics agency ISTAT, in its recent survey has revealed that Italy's birth rate has hit a new low for the first time in 160 years.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-fold-increase-observed-in-hospitalisation-of-new-yorks-children-amid-omicron-spread-440255">Also read |&nbsp;Four-fold increase observed in hospitalisation of New York's children, amid Omicron spread</a>

January 2021 saw the lowest birth rate ever with a 13.6 per cent decline when compared to January 2020. The birth rate is being considered the lowest since records began in 1861.

The highest number of births have been recorded in Bolzano, while the lowest have been recorded on the island of Sardinia. Also, 2020 saw an average increase in the age at which Italian women had their first child rose. It was three years older than in 1995 at 31.4.

Not only Italy but&nbsp;including&nbsp;Spain&nbsp;and France had also reported a fall in birth rates from December 2020 to January 2021.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Pope Francis lamented Italy's drastically declining birth rate as he said that this represents a threat to the future of the country. During his weekly address in front of St.

Pope Francis lamented Italy's drastically declining birth rate as he said that this represents a threat to the future of the country. During his weekly address in front of St. Peter's Basilica, he said, "The demographic winter is a real worry, at least here in Italy. It seems that a lot of people have lost the wish to have children. Lots of couples prefer to remain childless or to have one child only. It's a tragedy which runs counter to our families, our country and our future." In a little over a decade, birth rates have dropped by one third with 404,892 babies born in 2020 from 576,659 in 2008. Italian statistics agency ISTAT, in its recent survey has revealed that Italy's birth rate has hit a new low for the first time in 160 years. Also read | Four-fold increase observed in hospitalisation of New York's children, amid Omicron spread January 2021 saw the lowest birth rate ever with a 13.6 per cent decline when compared to January 2020. The birth rate is being considered the lowest since records began in 1861. The highest number of births have been recorded in Bolzano, while the lowest have been recorded on the island of Sardinia. Also, 2020 saw an average increase in the age at which Italian women had their first child rose. It was three years older than in 1995 at 31.4. Not only Italy but including Spain and France had also reported a fall in birth rates from December 2020 to January 2021. (With inputs from agencies)

Pope Francis laments Italy's declining birth rate, says it is a 'tragedy'

Panettone is the Italian national Christmas cake, and it is notoriously tricky to perfect. So when the version from Pasticceria Giotto was named one of the 10 best in Italy, it was a real honor. But the most striking difference between the panettone at Giotto and the nine others on the list is that Giotto’s is made in a prison.

Inside the Due Palazzi prison on the outskirts of Padua, in northeastern Italy, a crew of inmates in white coats is supervised by four professional pastry chefs. Six days a week, they start baking at 4 a.m., beginning with the brioche that will be served by local pastry shops and hotels. Giotto also produces cookies, pies, nougat, chocolate and ice cream, but panettone is the specialty.

Giovanni, an inmate who was identified only by his first name in accordance with prison guidelines, has been working in the bakery for the last five years of his 23-year sentence. (Officials will not disclose the prisoners’ crimes.)

“Before I was in prison, I had never tasted panettone,” he said, “but I really like it, and every Christmas I get five or six and send them to my family in Sicily.”

The word panettone derives from panetto, a small loaf cake. The suffix, -one, changes the meaning to “large cake.” Similar recipes date back to the Roman Empire, when honey was used to sweeten a type of leavened dough. The cake is mentioned in a recipe book written in the 1500s by Bartolomeo Scappi, a personal chef to popes and kings during the time of the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V; it was first referred to as pan de ton (“luxury bread”) by 18th-century scholar Pietro Verri in one of his writings.

A well-baked panettone is a point of pride for Italian pasticcerie, and every year Italians consume about 9 1/2 million of the cakes, mostly around the holidays.

Baking them is a meticulous process that involves multiple kneadings and leavenings over the course of 72 hours. After baking for an hour, the cakes are taken out of the oven and allowed to cool while hanging upside down, to keep their characteristic domed tops from falling. In all, the Giotto team will bake more than 80,000 panettone this holiday season.

The baking program, which began in 2005, is run by Work Crossing Cooperative, a nonprofit group that operates prison work programs in the region. In early December, the cooperative even opened a Pasticceria Giotto storefront in Padua.

The Italian prison system is overcrowded, and the national recidivism average is 70%, according to the Ministry of Justice, with a majority of inmates returning for sentences longer than their first. That rate drops to 5%, however, for inmates who work while incarcerated.

Matteo Marchetto, president of Work Crossing Cooperative, said the Italian constitution explicitly mentions education as part of the purpose of a prison sentence.

“The sentence must be fully expiated, but at the same time there must be a path to recovery,” Marchetto said. “Otherwise, these years are wasted public resources.”

Before being accepted into the baking program, inmates must work with a psychologist for six months. Once accepted, they do a six-month internship before becoming full employees. For the next six months, they make 650 euros (around $735) a month, then graduate to 800 euros, and finally to 1,000 euros. Throughout the process the inmates continue to work with a psychologist.

Matteo Concolato, a pastry chef who helps supervise the inmates as they bake, said he had witnessed the program’s benefits firsthand.

“One thing that gives a lot of satisfaction is to see a guy who may never have worked before and comes from years in prison who gradually becomes passionate, acquires a sense of responsibility for what he is doing, begins to trust himself and others again,” he said.

Panettone is the Italian national Christmas cake, and it is notoriously tricky to perfect. So when the version from Pasticceria Giotto was named one of the 10 best in Italy, it was a real honor.

Panettone is the Italian national Christmas cake, and it is notoriously tricky to perfect. So when the version from Pasticceria Giotto was named one of the 10 best in Italy, it was a real honor. But the most striking difference between the panettone at Giotto and the nine others on the list is that Giotto’s is made in a prison. Inside the Due Palazzi prison on the outskirts of Padua, in northeastern Italy, a crew of inmates in white coats is supervised by four professional pastry chefs. Six days a week, they start baking at 4 a.m., beginning with the brioche that will be served by local pastry shops and hotels. Giotto also produces cookies, pies, nougat, chocolate and ice cream, but panettone is the specialty. Giovanni, an inmate who was identified only by his first name in accordance with prison guidelines, has been working in the bakery for the last five years of his 23-year sentence. (Officials will not disclose the prisoners’ crimes.) “Before I was in prison, I had never tasted panettone,” he said, “but I really like it, and every Christmas I get five or six and send them to my family in Sicily.” The word panettone derives from panetto, a small loaf cake. The suffix, -one, changes the meaning to “large cake.” Similar recipes date back to the Roman Empire, when honey was used to sweeten a type of leavened dough. The cake is mentioned in a recipe book written in the 1500s by Bartolomeo Scappi, a personal chef to popes and kings during the time of the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V; it was first referred to as pan de ton (“luxury bread”) by 18th-century scholar Pietro Verri in one of his writings. A well-baked panettone is a point of pride for Italian pasticcerie, and every year Italians consume about 9 1/2 million of the cakes, mostly around the holidays. Baking them is a meticulous process that involves multiple kneadings and leavenings over the course of 72 hours. After baking for an hour, the cakes are taken out of the oven and allowed to cool while hanging upside down, to keep their characteristic domed tops from falling. In all, the Giotto team will bake more than 80,000 panettone this holiday season. The baking program, which began in 2005, is run by Work Crossing Cooperative, a nonprofit group that operates prison work programs in the region. In early December, the cooperative even opened a Pasticceria Giotto storefront in Padua. The Italian prison system is overcrowded, and the national recidivism average is 70%, according to the Ministry of Justice, with a majority of inmates returning for sentences longer than their first. That rate drops to 5%, however, for inmates who work while incarcerated. Matteo Marchetto, president of Work Crossing Cooperative, said the Italian constitution explicitly mentions education as part of the purpose of a prison sentence. “The sentence must be fully expiated, but at the same time there must be a path to recovery,” Marchetto said. “Otherwise, these years are wasted public resources.” Before being accepted into the baking program, inmates must work with a psychologist for six months. Once accepted, they do a six-month internship before becoming full employees. For the next six months, they make 650 euros (around $735) a month, then graduate to 800 euros, and finally to 1,000 euros. Throughout the process the inmates continue to work with a psychologist. Matteo Concolato, a pastry chef who helps supervise the inmates as they bake, said he had witnessed the program’s benefits firsthand. “One thing that gives a lot of satisfaction is to see a guy who may never have worked before and comes from years in prison who gradually becomes passionate, acquires a sense of responsibility for what he is doing, begins to trust himself and others again,” he said.

A Panettone baked in prison, and it’s one of Italy’s best

An Italian supplier at the centre of recent industrial snags on the 787 Dreamliner airplane produced more than 4,000 non-compliant parts destined for Boeing Co (BA.N) over five years, a preliminary report from Italian prosecutors shows.

Italian supplier produces more than 4,000 non-compliant parts for Boeing Co (BA.N)

An Italian supplier at the centre of recent industrial&nbsp;snags on the 787 Dreamliner airplane produced more than 4,000 non-compliant parts destined for Boeing&nbsp;Co&nbsp;BA.N&nbsp;over five years, a preliminary report from Italian prosecutors shows.

Initial results of an&nbsp;investigation launched&nbsp;earlier this year suggest that Manufacturing Process Specification (MPS), or its now-bankrupt predecessor company Processi Speciali, produced flawed parts between 2016 and 2021, according to the document.

According to the report,&nbsp;seen by Reuters, the suspect titanium parts made it into 35 Boeing 787 fuselages.

It added that the Brindisi-based supplier also made parts for the Boeing 767, a freighter model which is now also used as the basis for a U.S. Air Force tanker.

The investigation aims to establish whether MPS or its predecessor firm produced flawed components that could threaten air safety, a risk that has been denied by Boeing.

Boeing declined direct comment on the prosecutors' document, parts of which were first reported by Italian daily Il Corriere del Mezzogiorno. It reiterated, however, that airworthiness had not been affected.

"While our assessment is ongoing, this does not present an immediate safety of flight concern," a spokesperson said.

In October, Boeing said some 787 Dreamliner parts supplied by MPS had been improperly manufactured over the previous three years, marking the latest in a series of industrial snags to hit the airliner.

Italy's Leonardo&nbsp;LDOF.MI, which was the immediate customer for parts made by MPS and has said it too is a victim of the suspected failure to meet specifications, declined comment.

A lawyer for&nbsp;former&nbsp;MPS Chief Executive&nbsp;Antonio&nbsp;Ingrosso, as well as for the former chief executive of its now-bankrupt predecessor Processi Speciali, also declined to comment.

The U.S. Air Force did not immediately respond to a request for comment on whether suspect parts had reached any of its 767-based KC-46 tankers, the first of which was delivered in 2019.

Doorframe

The report emerged days after Italian prosecutors ordered the seizure of components intended for Boeing 787s from a Leonardo plant in Grottaglie, southern Italy.

MPS was a sub-supplier until this year for two sections of 787 fuselage made by Leonardo, known as sections 44 and 46.

In the report, prosecutors alleged that MPS or Processi Speciali made 4,189 parts using "titanium and aluminium of different quality and origin" from those ordered by the customer, breaching the relevant technical specifications.

In particular, they said, it produced components using so-called 'grade 2 titanium' instead of a titanium alloy, they said, adding that the metal used had "mechanical and structural strength properties far inferior to those of the alloy".

The affected parts included a clip for the doorframe of the left-side cargo door of the 787, the document said. It did not provide details of any suspect parts made for the older 767.

Prosecutors allege MPS chose cheaper non-compliant metals to save costs and speed up production, resulting in a reduction of additional margins built in to the design to ensure safety.

Eight individuals, including the&nbsp;former&nbsp;head of MPS and the former head of Processi Speciali, are under investigation for fraud and for actions threatening the safety of air transport.

Prosecutors have said the two companies are also under investigation. Leonardo, which filed a lawsuit on Dec. 7, is being viewed by prosecutors as the injured party.

The assets and factory of MPS will be put on sale at the beginning of next year as its predecessor Processi Speciali is being wound up, another court document seen by Reuters showed.

Administrators for the companies did not reply to a request for comment.

Prosecutors said on Saturday initial findings suggested MPS and Processi Speciali used non-compliant metals and violated technical specifications. They did not respond to Reuters request for comment on details of their preliminary report.

An Italian supplier at the centre of recent industrial snags on the 787 Dreamliner airplane produced more than 4,000 non-compliant parts destined for Boeing Co BA.

An Italian supplier at the centre of recent industrial snags on the 787 Dreamliner airplane produced more than 4,000 non-compliant parts destined for Boeing Co BA.N over five years, a preliminary report from Italian prosecutors shows. Initial results of an investigation launched earlier this year suggest that Manufacturing Process Specification (MPS), or its now-bankrupt predecessor company Processi Speciali, produced flawed parts between 2016 and 2021, according to the document. According to the report, seen by Reuters, the suspect titanium parts made it into 35 Boeing 787 fuselages. It added that the Brindisi-based supplier also made parts for the Boeing 767, a freighter model which is now also used as the basis for a U.S. Air Force tanker. The investigation aims to establish whether MPS or its predecessor firm produced flawed components that could threaten air safety, a risk that has been denied by Boeing. Boeing declined direct comment on the prosecutors' document, parts of which were first reported by Italian daily Il Corriere del Mezzogiorno. It reiterated, however, that airworthiness had not been affected. "While our assessment is ongoing, this does not present an immediate safety of flight concern," a spokesperson said. In October, Boeing said some 787 Dreamliner parts supplied by MPS had been improperly manufactured over the previous three years, marking the latest in a series of industrial snags to hit the airliner. Italy's Leonardo LDOF.MI, which was the immediate customer for parts made by MPS and has said it too is a victim of the suspected failure to meet specifications, declined comment. A lawyer for former MPS Chief Executive Antonio Ingrosso, as well as for the former chief executive of its now-bankrupt predecessor Processi Speciali, also declined to comment. The U.S. Air Force did not immediately respond to a request for comment on whether suspect parts had reached any of its 767-based KC-46 tankers, the first of which was delivered in 2019. Doorframe The report emerged days after Italian prosecutors ordered the seizure of components intended for Boeing 787s from a Leonardo plant in Grottaglie, southern Italy. MPS was a sub-supplier until this year for two sections of 787 fuselage made by Leonardo, known as sections 44 and 46. In the report, prosecutors alleged that MPS or Processi Speciali made 4,189 parts using "titanium and aluminium of different quality and origin" from those ordered by the customer, breaching the relevant technical specifications. In particular, they said, it produced components using so-called 'grade 2 titanium' instead of a titanium alloy, they said, adding that the metal used had "mechanical and structural strength properties far inferior to those of the alloy". The affected parts included a clip for the doorframe of the left-side cargo door of the 787, the document said. It did not provide details of any suspect parts made for the older 767. Prosecutors allege MPS chose cheaper non-compliant metals to save costs and speed up production, resulting in a reduction of additional margins built in to the design to ensure safety. Eight individuals, including the former head of MPS and the former head of Processi Speciali, are under investigation for fraud and for actions threatening the safety of air transport. Prosecutors have said the two companies are also under investigation. Leonardo, which filed a lawsuit on Dec. 7, is being viewed by prosecutors as the injured party. The assets and factory of MPS will be put on sale at the beginning of next year as its predecessor Processi Speciali is being wound up, another court document seen by Reuters showed. Administrators for the companies did not reply to a request for comment. Prosecutors said on Saturday initial findings suggested MPS and Processi Speciali used non-compliant metals and violated technical specifications. They did not respond to Reuters request for comment on details of their preliminary report.

Prosecutors say Italian firm produced 4,000 flawed parts for Boeing

Zinedine Zidane remains one of the biggest names in world football. After a glittering career for France, having led them to their maiden World Cup title in 1998, the talismanic footballer had retired two years before the 2006 FIFA World Cup. However, the star player returned to the field and even led the national side in the 2006 edition.

Zidane, aged 34 in 2006, led from the front for France in the mega event which was held in Germany. He was in emphatic form and almost single-handedly took the team to the summit clash, where they faced Italy. Prior to the finale, Zidane was in rollicking touch as he scored in the Round of 16 win over Spain and also in the semi-final versus Portugal. In addition, he had assisted Thierry Henry's quarter-final winner against Brazil.

While Zidane's performances earned him the Golden Ball award in the 2006 edition, his infamous headbutt to Italy's Marco&nbsp;Materazzi drew maximum eyeballs and served as a huge jolt to his overall showing in the tournament.

The headbutt came in the final moments of the regulation time, with both France and Italy tied at 1-1. After scoring the first goal in the final, Zidane-led France were tied at 1-1 with Italy courtesy Materazzi's strike. Thus, there was tension in the middle.

What unfolded from thereon ended Zidane's international career in an absurd and most unthinkable manner. The war of words with Materazzi led to the French captain losing his cool and going for a headbutt; leading to the Italian's injury. As a result, he was shown the red card; ending his international career all of a sudden. Here's a throwback video of how things panned out during the 2006 FIFA WC final for Zidane:

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Quoted by Italian media, Materazzi spilled the beans on the Zidane headbutt while taking up fans' questions on Instagram live last year. "I wasn't expecting it in that moment. I was lucky enough that the whole episode took me by surprise because if I had expected something like that to happen and had been ready for it, I'm sure both of us would have ended up being sent off," Materazzi said.

"There had been a bit of contact between us in the area. He had scored France's goal in the first half and our coach (Marcello Lippi) told me to mark him. After that first brush between us, I apologised but he reacted badly. The late tackles, altercations and exchanges continued until 110 minutes, when things reached a head. After the third clash, I frowned and he retorted: 'I'll give you my shirt later'. I replied that I'd rather have his sister than his shirt," he concluded.

Materazzi-starrer Italy had the last laugh following the Zidane headbutt. The match went down to the wire, i.e. to the penalty shootout where Italy triumphed over the opposition by 5-3. Materazzi had a memorable outing, barring the headbutt from Zidane, as he scored his second goal in the penalty.&nbsp;

Zinedine Zidane remains one of the biggest names in world football. After a glittering career for France, having led them to their maiden World Cup title in 1998, the talismanic footballer had retired two years before the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

Zinedine Zidane remains one of the biggest names in world football. After a glittering career for France, having led them to their maiden World Cup title in 1998, the talismanic footballer had retired two years before the 2006 FIFA World Cup. However, the star player returned to the field and even led the national side in the 2006 edition. Zidane, aged 34 in 2006, led from the front for France in the mega event which was held in Germany. He was in emphatic form and almost single-handedly took the team to the summit clash, where they faced Italy. Prior to the finale, Zidane was in rollicking touch as he scored in the Round of 16 win over Spain and also in the semi-final versus Portugal. In addition, he had assisted Thierry Henry's quarter-final winner against Brazil. While Zidane's performances earned him the Golden Ball award in the 2006 edition, his infamous headbutt to Italy's Marco Materazzi drew maximum eyeballs and served as a huge jolt to his overall showing in the tournament. The headbutt came in the final moments of the regulation time, with both France and Italy tied at 1-1. After scoring the first goal in the final, Zidane-led France were tied at 1-1 with Italy courtesy Materazzi's strike. Thus, there was tension in the middle. What unfolded from thereon ended Zidane's international career in an absurd and most unthinkable manner. The war of words with Materazzi led to the French captain losing his cool and going for a headbutt; leading to the Italian's injury. As a result, he was shown the red card; ending his international career all of a sudden. Here's a throwback video of how things panned out during the 2006 FIFA WC final for Zidane: ALSO READ | Cigars, BMW cars and luxury villa: Diego Maradona's belongings up for auction a year after his demise × ALSO READ | EXCLUSIVE | Meet Dinesh Patel: A rare breed of Indian sportsman and a top gun in baseball Quoted by Italian media, Materazzi spilled the beans on the Zidane headbutt while taking up fans' questions on Instagram live last year. "I wasn't expecting it in that moment. I was lucky enough that the whole episode took me by surprise because if I had expected something like that to happen and had been ready for it, I'm sure both of us would have ended up being sent off," Materazzi said. "There had been a bit of contact between us in the area. He had scored France's goal in the first half and our coach (Marcello Lippi) told me to mark him. After that first brush between us, I apologised but he reacted badly. The late tackles, altercations and exchanges continued until 110 minutes, when things reached a head. After the third clash, I frowned and he retorted: 'I'll give you my shirt later'. I replied that I'd rather have his sister than his shirt," he concluded. Materazzi-starrer Italy had the last laugh following the Zidane headbutt. The match went down to the wire, i.e. to the penalty shootout where Italy triumphed over the opposition by 5-3. Materazzi had a memorable outing, barring the headbutt from Zidane, as he scored his second goal in the penalty.

THROWBACK: France's Zinedine Zidane's infamous headbutt to Marco Materazzi in 2006 WC final - watch

The Italian statistics agency ISTAT has revealed that Italy's birth rate is drastically declining as it has hit a new low for the first time in 160 years. January 2021 saw the lowest birth rate ever with a 13.

The Italian statistics agency ISTAT has revealed that Italy's birth rate is drastically declining as it has hit a new low for the first time in 160 years. January 2021 saw the lowest birth rate ever with a 13.6 per cent decline when compared to January 2020. The birth rate is being considered the lowest since records began in 1861. The deadly coronavirus has had a major impact all across the globe, one of them being the decreasing birth rate in Italy. In a little over a decade, birth rates have dropped by one third with 404,892 babies born in 2020 from 576,659 in 2008. The highest number of births have been recorded in Bolzano, while the lowest have been recorded on the island of Sardinia. Also read | Amid pandemic, Germany's birth rate climbs to record high Also, 2020 saw an average increase in the age at which Italian women had their first child rose. It was three years older than in 1995 at 31.4. While Italy's birth rate has hit a new low, Germany's birth rate soared amid the pandemic. The country recorded 65,903 births in March which was 5,900 more compared to 2020. The birth rate in Germany was lower in 2020 compared to the previous year. European nations including Spain and France had also reported a fall in birth rates from December 2020 to January 2021. However, Germany showed 182,000 more children born in the same period which was a total of ten months after the lockdown was first imposed in the country due to the virus. (With inputs from agencies)

Amid pandemic, Italy's birth rate hits 160-year low

Due to COVID19 concerns, the US urges its citizens to avoid travel plans to Italy, Greenland & Mauritius. It has also classified 84 destinations at level 4.

COVID-19: the US urges citizens to avoid travel to Italy, Greenland & Mauritius

Multiple residential buildings collapsed, killing at least three people in Sicily, Italy in a gas explosion on Saturday (December 12). Six people are reportedly missing as search and rescue work is underway.&nbsp;

Giuseppe Merendino, the head of firefighters in the province of Agrigento said that two people were found alive as and rescuers with sniffer dogs are trying to locate the missing.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/it-looks-like-a-bomb-has-exploded-survivors-tell-horrifying-experiences-of-deadliest-tornadoes-in-us-436328">'It looks like a bomb has exploded': Survivors tell horrifying experiences of 'deadliest' tornadoes in US</a>

Local authorities have started the investigation to ascertain the actual cause, however, the initial probe suggested that the explosion was likely caused by a gas leak.&nbsp;

Vigili del Fuoco, which is Italy's institutional agency for fire and rescue service, released pictures and videos to show the scale of damage.&nbsp;

Watch drone video here:

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🔴 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ravanusa?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ravanusa</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/crollo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#crollo</a> palazzina: 100 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/vigilidelfuoco?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#vigilidelfuoco</a> impegnati nelle operazioni di soccorso con nucleo NBCR, team USAR, cinofili e esperti nella conduzione di mezzi movimento terra. Nella clip il sorvolo con i droni sull'area dell'intervento [<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/12dicembre?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#12dicembre</a> 12:15] <a href="https://t.co/QNht1o13xc">pic.twitter.com/QNht1o13xc</a>
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🔴 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ravanusa?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ravanusa</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/crollo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#crollo</a> palazzina. recuperato dai <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/vigilidelfuoco?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#vigilidelfuoco</a> il corpo purtroppo privo di vita di un donna. Sale a due il numero delle vittime, un uomo e una donna. Due donne estratte in vita dalle macerie [<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/12dicembre?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#12dicembre</a> 07:45] <a href="https://t.co/i9unjpK6HG">pic.twitter.com/i9unjpK6HG</a>
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🔴 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ravanusa?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ravanusa</a>, recuperata da sotto le macerie dai <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/vigilidelfuoco?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#vigilidelfuoco</a> una donna in vita. Al momento il bilancio è di due donne salvate e di un uomo deceduto [<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/12dicembre?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#12dicembre</a> 04:50] <a href="https://t.co/swcVK376T6">pic.twitter.com/swcVK376T6</a>
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🔴 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ravanusa?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ravanusa</a> (AG), crollo palazzina, i <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/vigilidelfuoco?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#vigilidelfuoco</a> hanno estratto dalle macerie una donna in vita. Proseguono senza sosta le ricerche degli altri dispersi da parte di squadre <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/usar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#usar</a> e cinofili [<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/12dicembre?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#12dicembre</a> 02:00] <a href="https://t.co/RiJEmYRjpD">pic.twitter.com/RiJEmYRjpD</a>
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🔴 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ravanusa?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ravanusa</a> (AG), crollo palazzina, segnalate al momento 8 persone disperse. Nell’esplosione coinvolte altre abitazioni, fiamme diffuse, #<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/vigilidelfuoco?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#vigilidelfuoco</a> al lavoro con squadre <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/usar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#usar</a> e cinofili [<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/12dicembre?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#12dicembre</a> 00:30] <a href="https://t.co/6Eceyzr6d3">pic.twitter.com/6Eceyzr6d3</a>
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"The gas probably found a cavity in which to accumulate. This pocket of gas would then have found an accidental trigger: a car, an elevator, an electrical appliance, Merendino told the Rainews24 TV channel.&nbsp;

Commenting on the rescue operation, Merendino as quoted in the newspaper Giornale di Sicilia said that everything is "extremely difficult" because the buildings have collapsed on top of each other and the rubble is overlapping. 
&nbsp; 
"We have to look for spaces between the rubble to recover the missing. Now, unfortunately, the dogs have given us no further indication and we have to search by other methods," he added.&nbsp;

Multiple residential buildings collapsed, killing at least three people in Sicily, Italy in a gas explosion on Saturday (December 12). Six people are reportedly missing as search and rescue work is underway.

Multiple residential buildings collapsed, killing at least three people in Sicily, Italy in a gas explosion on Saturday (December 12). Six people are reportedly missing as search and rescue work is underway. Giuseppe Merendino, the head of firefighters in the province of Agrigento said that two people were found alive as and rescuers with sniffer dogs are trying to locate the missing. ALSO READ | 'It looks like a bomb has exploded': Survivors tell horrifying experiences of 'deadliest' tornadoes in US Local authorities have started the investigation to ascertain the actual cause, however, the initial probe suggested that the explosion was likely caused by a gas leak. Vigili del Fuoco, which is Italy's institutional agency for fire and rescue service, released pictures and videos to show the scale of damage. Watch drone video here: 🔴 #Ravanusa #crollo palazzina: 100 #vigilidelfuoco impegnati nelle operazioni di soccorso con nucleo NBCR, team USAR, cinofili e esperti nella conduzione di mezzi movimento terra. Nella clip il sorvolo con i droni sull'area dell'intervento [#12dicembre 12:15] pic.twitter.com/QNht1o13xc — Vigili del Fuoco (@emergenzavvf) December 12, 2021 × 🔴 #Ravanusa #crollo palazzina. recuperato dai #vigilidelfuoco il corpo purtroppo privo di vita di un donna. Sale a due il numero delle vittime, un uomo e una donna. Due donne estratte in vita dalle macerie [#12dicembre 07:45] pic.twitter.com/i9unjpK6HG — Vigili del Fuoco (@emergenzavvf) December 12, 2021 × 🔴 #Ravanusa, recuperata da sotto le macerie dai #vigilidelfuoco una donna in vita. Al momento il bilancio è di due donne salvate e di un uomo deceduto [#12dicembre 04:50] pic.twitter.com/swcVK376T6 — Vigili del Fuoco (@emergenzavvf) December 12, 2021 × 🔴 #Ravanusa (AG), crollo palazzina, i #vigilidelfuoco hanno estratto dalle macerie una donna in vita. Proseguono senza sosta le ricerche degli altri dispersi da parte di squadre #usar e cinofili [#12dicembre 02:00] pic.twitter.com/RiJEmYRjpD — Vigili del Fuoco (@emergenzavvf) December 12, 2021 × 🔴 #Ravanusa (AG), crollo palazzina, segnalate al momento 8 persone disperse. Nell’esplosione coinvolte altre abitazioni, fiamme diffuse, ##vigilidelfuoco al lavoro con squadre #usar e cinofili [#12dicembre 00:30] pic.twitter.com/6Eceyzr6d3 — Vigili del Fuoco (@emergenzavvf) December 11, 2021 × "The gas probably found a cavity in which to accumulate. This pocket of gas would then have found an accidental trigger: a car, an elevator, an electrical appliance, Merendino told the Rainews24 TV channel. Commenting on the rescue operation, Merendino as quoted in the newspaper Giornale di Sicilia said that everything is "extremely difficult" because the buildings have collapsed on top of each other and the rubble is overlapping. "We have to look for spaces between the rubble to recover the missing. Now, unfortunately, the dogs have given us no further indication and we have to search by other methods," he added.

Italy: At least 3 dead after gas explosion in Sicily, drone video shows scale of devastation

Following a gas pipe explosion, a four-storey building in Italy has collapsed. Several people, including children, are feared to be trapped under the rubble.

12 people reportedly missing after a Four-storey building in Italy collapses following gas explosion

A Roman Catholic diocese in Italy's Sicily had to publicly apologise after its bishop told a church group, including children, that Santa Claus doesn’t exist and that the red suit was created by Coca-Cola for publicity.

The remarks of Bishop Antonio Stagliano during a recent religious festival didn’t go well with the parents, who sought an explanation from the diocese,&nbsp;news agency AP reported citing Italian media.

“First of all, on behalf of the bishop, I express my sorrow for this declaration, which has created disappointment in the little ones, and want to specify that Monsignor Stagliano’s intentions were quite different,” Rev Alessandro Paolino, the communications director for the diocese of Noto, wrote on the diocesan Facebook page on Friday.

Bishop Antonio Stagliano didn’t mean the comments, and was trying to underline the true meaning of Christmas and the story of Saint Nicholas, a bishop who gave gifts to the poor and was persecuted by a Roman emperor, Paolino explained.

He emphasised that the intention of the bishop was to convey how the image of Santa Clause is being misconstrued to promote consumerism among people instead of setting a good example: the joy of sharing and generosity.

“We certainly must not demolish the imagination of children, but draw good examples from it that are positive for life,” he continued.

“So, Santa Claus is an effective image to convey the importance of giving, generosity, sharing. But when this image loses its meaning, you see Santa Claus aka consumerism, the desire to own, buy, buy and buy again, then you have to revalue it by giving it a new meaning,” he added.

While several welcomed the bishop’s attempt to focus on the Catholic meaning of Christmas, others blamed Stagliano for interfering with family traditions and celebrations, and crushing the spirits of children, whose early years were disrupted by the pandemic.

(With inputs from agencies)

A Roman Catholic diocese in Italy's Sicily had to publicly apologise after its bishop told a church group, including children, that Santa Claus doesn’t exist and that the red suit was created by Coca-Cola for publicity.

A Roman Catholic diocese in Italy's Sicily had to publicly apologise after its bishop told a church group, including children, that Santa Claus doesn’t exist and that the red suit was created by Coca-Cola for publicity. The remarks of Bishop Antonio Stagliano during a recent religious festival didn’t go well with the parents, who sought an explanation from the diocese, news agency AP reported citing Italian media. “First of all, on behalf of the bishop, I express my sorrow for this declaration, which has created disappointment in the little ones, and want to specify that Monsignor Stagliano’s intentions were quite different,” Rev Alessandro Paolino, the communications director for the diocese of Noto, wrote on the diocesan Facebook page on Friday. Bishop Antonio Stagliano didn’t mean the comments, and was trying to underline the true meaning of Christmas and the story of Saint Nicholas, a bishop who gave gifts to the poor and was persecuted by a Roman emperor, Paolino explained. He emphasised that the intention of the bishop was to convey how the image of Santa Clause is being misconstrued to promote consumerism among people instead of setting a good example: the joy of sharing and generosity. “We certainly must not demolish the imagination of children, but draw good examples from it that are positive for life,” he continued. “So, Santa Claus is an effective image to convey the importance of giving, generosity, sharing. But when this image loses its meaning, you see Santa Claus aka consumerism, the desire to own, buy, buy and buy again, then you have to revalue it by giving it a new meaning,” he added. While several welcomed the bishop’s attempt to focus on the Catholic meaning of Christmas, others blamed Stagliano for interfering with family traditions and celebrations, and crushing the spirits of children, whose early years were disrupted by the pandemic. (With inputs from agencies)

Italian Bishop’s ‘Santa Claus isn’t real’ remark angers parents, church issues apology

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