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  • Climate change made Europe’s heatwave up to 4°C hotter, finds study

    Climate change made Europe’s heatwave up to 4°C hotter, finds study



    A boy cools himself off in a fountain in front of The Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, Russia, on July 8, 2025. — AFP

    PARIS: Recent European heatwaves were made up to 4°C hotter in several cities due to human-driven climate change, scientists reported on Wednesday, thrusting temperatures into ranges hazardous to thousands of vulnerable individuals.

    A rapid assessment conducted by over a dozen scientists from five European research institutes concluded that global warming significantly increased the risk of heat-related fatalities during the episode.

    Between late June and early July, temperatures surged past 40°C across much of Europe, breaking records and prompting widespread health alerts as the season’s first major heatwave gripped the continent.

    The EU’s climate monitor Copernicus on Wednesday said it was the hottest June on record in western Europe, where some schools and tourist sites were shuttered as the mercury soared.

    To assess what role climate change played, scientists compared how intense a heatwave would have been in a world that had not warmed due to burning masses of fossil fuels.

    Using historical weather data, they concluded the heatwave “would have been 2-4°C cooler” without human-induced climate change in all but one of the 12 cities studied.

    The added degrees greatly elevated the risk in these cities, which have a combined population of more than 30 million and include major capitals Paris, London and Madrid.

    “What that does is it brings certain groups of people into more dangerous territory,” said researcher Ben Clarke from Imperial College London, which co-led the study with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

    “For some people it’s still warm, fine weather. But for now a huge sector of the population, it’s more dangerous,” he told reporters.

    Life and death

    The study, for the first time, also sought to estimate the death toll from the heatwave in the 12 cities studied, and how many could be attributed to climate change.

    Tourists hold umbrellas as they walk in front of the closed Acropolis Hill in Athens, Greece, during a heatwave on July 8, 2025. — AFP
    Tourists hold umbrellas as they walk in front of the closed Acropolis Hill in Athens, Greece, during a heatwave on July 8, 2025. — AFP

    Based on peer-reviewed scientific methods and established research on heat and mortality, the study concluded the heatwave likely caused about 2,300 deaths between June 23 and July 2 across the 12 cities studied.

    But about 1,500, or roughly two thirds, of all these deaths would not have occurred had climate change not pushed temperatures to such dangerous highs, researchers said.

    The authors — from research institutions in the UK, Netherlands, Denmark and Switzerland — stressed this estimate was just a snapshot of the wider heatwave, as no official count was yet available.

    Heatwaves are particularly dangerous for the elderly, the sick, young children, outdoor workers, and anyone exposed to high temperatures for prolonged periods without relief.

    The effect on health is compounded in cities, where heat is absorbed by paved surfaces and buildings, making urban areas much hotter than their surroundings.

    Copernicus said large parts of southern Europe experienced so-called “tropical nights” during the heatwave, when overnight temperatures don’t fall low enough to let the body recover.

    “An increase in heatwave temperature of just two or four degrees can mean the difference between life and death for thousands of people,” said Garyfallos Konstantinoudis, a lecturer at Imperial College London.

    “This is why heatwaves are known as silent killers. Most heat-related deaths occur in homes and hospitals out of public view and are rarely reported,” he told reporters.

    Authorities say it could take weeks to tally a more definitive death toll from the recent heatwave, but similar episodes have claimed tens of thousands of lives in Europe during previous summers.

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  • Children Need a Unique Approach for Dermatologic Laser Use

    Children Need a Unique Approach for Dermatologic Laser Use

    Children can benefit from a variety of dermatologic laser procedures, from hair removal to treatment of scars and vascular anomalies. However, the data on the safety and effectiveness of lasers for treating skin conditions in pediatric patients is lacking, as are clinical guidelines.

    Lasers have been widely used in pediatric dermatology, with the earliest reports of laser treatment of port-wine stains going back 30 years or more. The steady evolution of devices has improved clinical results, but the use of lasers in children for dermatologic conditions carries unique challenges, pediatric dermatologists who specialize in laser treatments have reported.

    A multitude of indications for ablative fractional lasers (AFL) for pediatric patients exist. However, “performing laser surgery on kids tends to be a very different experience than working with adult patients,” Andrew C. Krakowski, MD, network chair of Dermatology at St. Luke’s University Health Network in Easton, Pennsylvania, told Medscape Medical News. “First off, adult patients want to be there, usually to have something being made to look better. Kids, on the other hand, want to be anywhere other than the doctor’s office.”

    Kristen M. Kelly, MD

    Lasers can be useful for patients of all ages, “from newborns to people over 100 years old, depending on what you’re trying to treat,” Kristen M. Kelly, MD, professor and chair of Dermatology at the UCI Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, California, told Medscape Medical News. “Just like any therapeutic modality, you want to make sure that you know how to use it, that you’re using it for the correct indications, you’re using it in the correct way for that particular indication.”

    Indications for Lasers in Pediatric Dermatology

    Pediatric patients can undergo laser procedures for many of the same indications as adults, including hair removal. Anna Yasmine Kirkorian, MD, chief of Dermatology at Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC, and colleagues reviewed the ethical and clinical considerations of lasers and other hair removal modalities in pediatric patients in a 2024 review. “All methods of hair removal appear to be safe and generally well tolerated in children, and there are no age restrictions to any modality,” Kirkorian and her coauthors wrote. Regarding lasers specifically, they added, “in the pediatric population, lasers have the most extensive data supporting their use for hair removal, and their safety profile in treating other dermatologic conditions adds to the existing body of evidence.”

    AFL can be used for a host of scarring indications in pediatric patients, including hypertrophic scarring, keloid scarring, acne scarring, and surgical scarring. At the Society for Pediatric Dermatology annual meeting held the day before the American Academy of Dermatology meeting in March, Krakowski said the treatment of self-cutting scars is another indication.

    photo of Andrew Krakowski
    Andrew C. Krakowski, MD

    “A big focus of mine is treating kids’ scars; not just the appearance of scars but, perhaps even more importantly, any deficit in function the scar may be causing,” Krakowski told Medscape Medical News.

    Other pediatric indications Krakowski enumerated include collagen nodules and contracture, repigmentation of pulse dye laser hypopigmentation, porokeratotic eccrine ostial and dermal duct nevus, Dowling-Degos disease, angiofibromas in tuberous sclerosis, recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, Goltz syndrome, and infantile hemangiomas and birthmarks.

    Psychosocial Issues in Children

    “Scars can also be associated with posttraumatic stress disorder and depression,” Krakowski said. Burn scars are a typical example of the latter. And disfiguring scars can also be associated with increased anxiety and feelings of social isolation in adolescents and teenagers.

    “These scar-related comorbidities are often under-investigated and underreported, so you really have to make the deliberate point to ask your patients and then be prepared to address what they share,” he said.

    Children with chronic skin conditions deal with a host of psychosocial issues, such as bullying and stigmatization, different from those that adults deal with, a multisite cross-sectional study of 1671 children published last year in JAMA Dermatology reported.

    The study concluded that this is an area that requires further study and one that dermatologists need to take more seriously. While skin disorders “are often regarded as less serious” than other groups of diseases, “a child or adolescent with a chronic skin disorder risks becoming the target for bullying, alienation, and feelings of reduced self-worth, leading to stigma,” the authors wrote.

    “There are both physical and emotional scars,” Kelly said. “Sometimes, that’s something that people need an opportunity to be able to deal with.” In some cases, other resources, such as counseling or group therapy, may be in order, she said.

    Informed Consent for Pediatric Patients

    Obtaining informed consent for a dermatologic laser procedure for a child is far different from the process for adults, Kirkorian told Medscape Medical News. “Children cannot consent to procedures, but as often as is possible, they should be able to assent,” she said. The dermatologist must be able to explain the procedure to the child in an age-appropriate manner.

    photo of Anna Kirkorian
    Anna Yasmine Kirkorian, MD

    “For procedures, such as laser hair removal, which are elective and not medically necessary, the child should both want to participate in the procedure and be able to comply with safety requirements,” such as having the ability to wear eye protection and stay still during the procedure, she said.

    Parents play an integral role in the informed consent process because they are the ones ultimately giving the informed consent for their child, Kirkorian said. But the child must also cooperate. “It’s important that we do not force children to undergo procedures that are not medically necessary or the only option if they are unwilling participants,” she said.

    Two examples Kirkorian offered where the child’s cooperation is vital are cryotherapy for the treatment of verruca or intralesional steroid injections for the treatment of alopecia areata. She only performs these procedures on children if they “are willing and able to participate because these procedures can be painful and do not lead to resolution of the condition in all cases,” she said. “If a child cannot or will not participate with such procedures, then alternative medical treatments would be indicated.”

    Medically necessary procedures, such as biopsy of a changing nevus, require a different approach, she said. “If a child cannot comply, then we consider a sedated procedure as an alternative,” Kirkorian said.

    Informing parents and children of procedures requires different approaches for each, Kelly said. “Obviously, the language you might use for the parents and the children could be somewhat different, because, certainly, you want everyone to understand.”

    In addition, “you want to work with the parents to find the best way to approach the information with the child,” she added. “You want them to be informed. You also don’t want to create unnecessary fear, and so you need to find the right approach to let them know what will be happening but not scare them.”

    Pain Management in Children

    Children also have different pain management needs. “Obviously, it’s not a totally painless procedure,” Lisa Arkin, MD, director of Pediatric Dermatology and co-director of the Birthmarks and Vascular Anomalies Program at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health in Madison, Wisconsin, said of laser ablation. “Most kids of an appropriately selected age and maturity can tolerate these procedures in the office.”

    Here, the dermatologist may need to take a nuanced approach based on the type of injury or condition being treated, she said. “There’s always sort of a select patient population, particularly the kids who’ve had extensive burns, where there’s just too much trauma, and you just need to leverage general anesthesia to keep them comfortable.”

    In children, the same principles apply as in adults: mitigating anxiety, pain, and fear, Arkin said. Techniques include topical anesthetic cream, cooling of the epidermis, and use of the Buzzy handheld device that combines a reusable ice pack and vibration near the treatment area.

    photo of Lisa Arkin
    Lisa Arkin, MD

    “Control is a big thing for kids,” Arkin said. “They want to know how much it’s going to hurt and how many pulses it will take so that they can mentally wrap their head around expectations.”

    Another strategy in small children that Kirkorian has found useful is having the parent hold the child during the laser treatment. “There are many positions or embraces that can be taught, especially by collaborating with child-life teams,” she said. “The parent’s job is to provide comfort, not to ‘hold the child down.’”

    Besides topical anesthetics, vibratory devices, and cold sprays, other approaches include distraction with videos, music, or virtual reality, Kirkorian said.

    “Lastly, dermatologists who perform procedures on children should feel very comfortable doing so and be able to perform the procedures quickly and effectively on a moving patient,” she added. Otherwise, the child should be referred to a board-certified pediatric dermatologist.

    Managing Expectations

    Preparing parents and children for the eventual outcome also requires some skill and nuance. “Dermatologists should explain the procedure plan in detail with parents in advance of the procedure while being mindful that this discussion might be best performed without the child present in case it will increase the child’s anxiety if it is a small child,” Kirkorian said.

    “For older children or adolescents, it’s important to include them in the discussion because they cannot be ‘held down’ or restrained safely, so they need to be able to understand and assent,” she added.

    Kelly gave an example of how that conversation can go with a child. “If I’m treating a scar — and I would say the same thing to adults — I never promise that I’m going to completely remove the scar,” she said. “I’m not going to be able to make it go away like it had never happened, but we can dramatically improve it.”

    A Word About Teenagers

    In Krakowski’s experience, “teenagers are awesome” and have often been the most motivated of patients “because they want nothing more than to fit in with their peers,” whereas adults “tend to want to stand out from the people around them.”

    However, teenagers can also present unique challenges compared with younger children, he said.

    “The trouble with teenagers, though, is that they are old enough and strong enough to be able to get off the exam table and walk out of the procedure room,” Krakowski said. “You can be halfway through a procedure, and if they decide they are finished, there is not much you can do about it.”

    His advice: Plan ahead so that the treatment can be completed. For example, to treat atrophic scars from chronically inflamed acne, which is the most common condition he treats with lasers in teenagers, he’s switched from AFL to a fractional nonablative device because patients tolerate it better. Referring to AFL, he said, “I know this device hurts and is associated with significant downtime.”

    With the nonablative device, “I can finish the treatments, and I know the patients will notice some significant improvement by the end of our third or fourth treatment session,” Krakowski said.

    That, he said, improves the chances that these potentially difficult pediatric patients will complete their treatment.

    Krakowski and Kirkorian reported having no relevant financial relationships. Arkin reported having financial relationships with Amgen, Eli Lilly and Company, Merck, and Sanofi/Regeneron. Kelly reported having financial relationships with Solta Medical, Candela, Michelson Diagnostics, Sciton, Inc., Lutronic, Cutera, Primus Pharmaceuticals, and Shanghai Fudan-Zhangjiang BioPharmaceutical.

    Richard Mark Kirkner is a medical journalist based in Philadelphia.

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  • The Riviera Collection By Baume & Mercier Celebrates The Arrival Of The Summertime

    Pastel-colored dials for the women’s watches return of the white dial a gold-tone dial for an exquisitely refined baumatic timepiece a sport-chic spirit inspired by the French riviera.

    Ever swift to capture the spirit of the times and become the companion for each of life’s occasions, the Riviera collection brings its enchantment to the summertime, celebrating the casual elegance and unparalleled conviviality of this season. The legendary dodecagonal silhouette of the timepiece lends itself to particularly radiant new versions. Pastel dials brighten three new women’s pieces: warm silver (Riviera M0A10810), light blue (M0A10811), and pink (M0A10812). The white dial (Riviera M0A10829) makes its big comeback since the reintroduction of the Riviera in 2021, joining the range of blues, blacks, and greens that have made the collection so successful. A gold-tone dial with a vintage aesthetic brings exquisite refinement to a men’s timepiece equipped with a Baumatic movement (M0A10822).

    Each of these watches brilliantly embodies the sport-chic spirit of the collection, bringing with it the irresistible allure of the French Riviera, its organic beauty, and its liberating lifestyle where luxury meets indulgence. The passion for shape watches and the savoir-faire of Baume & Mercier are expressed in each surface, each angle, each material, and each shade of this high-contrast universe, reflecting the Riviera’s refined personality, natural elegance, and geographic versatility, from sea to land to mountains.

    These five new watches are a lighthearted invitation to celebrate the summer season with the whimsical allure so distinctive of the Brand. 

    The art of crafting shape watches, magnificently exalted in summer colors

    When the ultimate shape watch echoes a season as inspiring and expressive as the summer, the result is a bright aesthetic approach that unleashes lavish creativity. Since it was launched in 1973, the Riviera collection has delighted in endless reinventions while remaining forever loyal to itself. It plays on its own codes, lending the twelve sides of its atypical design to a variety of stylistic inspirations and watchmaking complications. 

    Meticulously crafted details, fresh tonalities, and refined textures sculpt the tight lines and precise angles of the new Riviera models, warming their dials with a sunny glow. 

    The three women’s pieces are an ode to color, bursting with crisp pastel tones. Their intensity is truly stunning. This chromatic palette will delight every woman, offering options for every taste and every moment of the day. The summer atmosphere radiates on each woman’s delicate wrist, where effortless style meets comfort and reliability.

    The Riviera M0A10810 has a warm silver dial that is one of the Brand’s signature tones, already available on a self-winding version and another with a gem-set dial. This hue evokes the radiant sun that brings a fiery, incandescent caress to the transparent wave and mountain patterns and sets ablaze the polished satin-polished steel of the case and bracelet. The Riviera M0A10811, with its azure blue dial, captivates the eye with its clear, fresh hue inspired by the rolling waves of the sea or the sparkling depths of a pool beckoning with refreshment. The Riviera M0A10812 is an irresistible temptation in playful, vibrant pink, setting the tone for the cheerful, sweet, carefree times to come.

    The summer takes on fresh white in the form of a men’s model for a clear, clean timepiece expressing serene simplicity and elite purity. Its black outer flange boldly frames it against its steel case, echoing the crisp contrasts of the Riviera Chronograph M0A10827 revealed at Watches & Wonders. 

    The quintessence of sophistication, a special men’s edition with a gold-tone dial offers a spectacularly glamorous vintage charm. This precious piece reverberates with the magic of the French Riviera’s festive summer nights and the opulence of its luxurious villas. It is powered by a self-winding Baumatic Manufacture movement, guaranteeing the precision and reliability that expresses the desire for excellence of the gentleman who wears it. This piece embodies prestige, success and elegance without ostentation. 

    New collection Riviera by Baume & Mercier ©Baume & Mercier

    Relaxing, festive moments with friends in the signature Baume & Mercier style

    Baume & Mercier accompanies all of life’s occasions, making them unique, unforgettable sources of emotion. It dedicates its watchmaking expertise and designer savoir-faire to these precious moments of friendship and sharing. Ease and conviviality prevail, punctuated with laughter, leisure, and recreation. The French Riviera sets the scene with paradisaical coastlines, wild coves, and the streamlined architecture of its chic villas.  Here, life drifts by in effortless leisure: warmed by the sun, shaded by a parasol, or stretched next to a sparkling blue pool where a pink float invites the swimmer to lounge and linger, or simply to plunge a hand into its placid surface for instant invigoration. The refreshment of an ice cream cone, the juicy red flesh of a watermelon, or a glass of homemade ice cream. A pink lounge chair welcoming relaxation. The amber scent of tanning oil mingling with the sun-drenched landscape in a sunrise palette of blue, pink, and warm silver. Pops of color flash from beach towels, sunglasses, and popsicles. A hymn to the summer in the hues of the new Riviera Summer watches by Baume & Mercier.

    Both elegant and casual, the Riviera is also the perfect companion at sundown for even the most lavish evenings. Its pastel, white, or gold-tone allure and refined finishes bring each one that special aura which makes it so irresistible. More than a watch, it is the natural yet sophisticated expression of a unique style. 

    RIVIERA M0A10810: the warm silver of a sun-drenched summer

    The dial of this timepiece could be a dazzling tribute to Helios, the Ancient Greek sun god, known in Egypt as Ra and in Ancient Rome as Sol. The transparent wave-and-mountain transfer decoration against the warm tone of sun-satin silver and the scintillating gold-tone hour markers sweep the imagination away to an enthralling, incandescent French Riviera. The Roman numerals, riveted indexes, and faceted hands are adorned with a flamboyant 5N gold plating highlighted with white Superluminova (blue glow). The date clearly appears in a white aperture at 3 o’clock.

    The refinement of this model extends to its perfectly proportioned case so distinctive of Baume & Mercier. Its 33 mm diameter and restrained thickness of 9.22 mm brilliantly reconcile the lightness and daintiness of this exquisitely feminine watch. This balance, emanating from the savoir-faire of master watchmakers, brings out the legendary beauty of the twelve-sided bezel. Protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with an anti-glare coating on both sides, it is crafted in satin-polished stainless steel, like its bezel, which is adorned with four screws. The solid case back, in the same dodecagonal shape, may be custom-engraved. The free octagonal crown is adorned with an embossed Phi logo. 

    This watch is mounted on an integrated three-row bracelet in satin-polished stainless steel. It is not only interchangeable: it may be easily removed and replaced without the need for tools thanks to a very reliable, robust system. It fastens with a triple folding clasp in stainless steel with security push-pieces. 

    The hours, minutes, and dates are driven by a quartz movement with a 10-year autonomy. The water-tightness of the timepiece is 5 ATM (approximately 50 m). 

    The RIVIERA M0A10810 in warm silver ©Baume & Mercier

    RIVIERA M0A10811: the azure blue of a Mediterranean summer

    Not to be missed this summer, the Riviera collection takes on a new blue timepiece inspired by the aquatic world. This Riviera offers a refreshing plunge into the waves of its transparent transfer decorations, sprinkled with Roman numerals, riveted indexes, and faceted hour and minute hands, all rhodium-plated and coated with white Superluminova (blue glow). An aperture at 3 o’clock reveals the date. 

    With a diameter of 33 mm and a thickness of 9.22 mm, the satin-polished stainless steel case highlights the chic side of this sporty watch, topped with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with an anti-glare coating on both sides. Fastened by four screws, the bezel is crafted in polished and sun-satin stainless steel. The solid dodecagonal case back may be custom-engraved. The free octagonal crown is adorned with the embossed Phi logo. 

    The integrated three-row bracelet in satin-polished stainless steel is interchangeable. A very reliable, robust system makes it possible to remove it and replace it without the need for tools. The triple folding buckle, featuring security push-pieces, is crafted in stainless steel. 

    Powered by a quartz movement with a 10-year autonomy, this model is water-resistant to 5 ATM (approximatively 50m).

    The Riviera in light blue ©Baume & Mercier 

    RIVIERA M0A10812: the pink of summer sweetness

    Summertime is even more irresistible with this cheerful, impish watch, featuring a sun-satin pink dial decorated with transparent transfers of waves and mountains. The designs appear to dance with peaks and valleys. The Roman numerals and riveted indexes are rhodium-plated and coated with white Superluminova (blue glow), like the faceted hour and minute hands. The date appears in a white aperture at 3 o’clock. 

    This particularly feminine pastel pink version brings a great deal of softness to the satin-polished stainless steel case with perfect proportions: 33 mm in diameter and 9.22 mm in thickness. It is protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with an anti-glare coating on both sides. Also crafted in polished and sun-satin stainless steel, the bezel is decorated with four screws; the solid dodecagonal back may be engraved. Adorned with the embossed Phi logo – the Brand’s symbol representing the Golden Ratio and its divine proportions –, the free crown is octagonal. 

    The integrated strap features three rows of satin-polished stainless steel links. It is interchangeable thanks to a very reliable, robust system. Featuring security push-pieces, the triple folding buckle is also crafted in stainless steel. Water-resistant to 5 ATM (approximately 50m), this timepiece, powered by a quartz movement, offers 10 years of autonomy. 

    The Riviera in light pink ©Baume & Mercier 

    RIVIERA M0A10829: the white of a radiant summer

    Carrying the very essence of this collection with a subtle balance between its sparkling, pure white dial – perfect for the summer – and the black of the flange that surrounds it, this timepiece takes a very sought-after aesthetic approach for a beautifully contrasted effect. Against the decoration of waves and mountains, the time is displayed on rhodium-plated Roman numerals and indexes coated with white Superluminova (blue glow). The faceted hour and minute hands are also rhodium-plated and coated with white Superluminova (blue glow), offering a harmonious complement to the dial. Echoing the contrast of the black edge, the black seconds hand brings depth to this immaculate aesthetic. The Phi logo, the Brand’s emblem that represents its pursuit of perfection and fine crafting, appears as a counter-balance. An aperture at 3 o’clock reveals the date. 

    With a diameter of 42 mm and a thickness of 10.66 mm, the satin-polished stainless steel case frames this watch and its well-structured design. It is protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with an anti-glare coating on both sides. Fastened by four screws, the bezel is crafted in polished and sun-satin stainless steel. Four screws also appear on the back, where a sapphire crystal reveals the fascinating spectacle of the watch movement. The case back may be engraved. The octagonal steel crown is free and adorned with the embossed Phi logo and a black line. 

    The integrated three-row bracelet is crafted in satin-polished stainless steel. It features a very reliable, robust system that enables it to be changed without the need for tools. It fastens with a triple folding clasp in stainless steel with security push-pieces. 

    The self-winding movement offers a 38-hour power reserve and oscillates at a frequency of 4Hz (28,800 vph). It is water-resistant to 10 ATM (approximately 100 m). 

    RIVIERA M0A10822 – Special Baumatic Edition: the gold tone of a sunny summer

    Its well-structured silhouette beautifully combines gold tone and steel; retro charm and contemporary appeal; and various delicately contrasted finishes, including vertical satin, satin polish, snailing, and rhodium plating. The summer dresses up in luxury and glamor for a style lesson in timeless, sophisticated elegance. 

    The dial asserts vertical satin effects that bring it a depth and texture that flatter its beauty. Its gold tone draws its warmth and softness from its vintage inspiration. The meticulous choice of colors masterfully balances the surge of invigorating energy with the restraint of sobriety. A snailed minute track sets the pace for the dial surround, dotted with riveted tone-on-tone golden indexes. The hours and minutes are displayed on rhodium-plated, openworked hands, while the seconds are indicated by a blued steel hand adorned with the Phi logo as a counter-balance. The date appears in a wide gold-tone aperture. 

    In satin-polished stainless steel, the case – with a diameter of 39 mm and a thickness of 10.2 mm – is protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with an anti-glare coating on both sides. The polished and sun-satin finishes of the bezel, secured by four screws, highlight the luminous aspect of its stainless steel crafting. A delicate “Special Edition” engraving adorns the dodecagonal back, which is topped with a sapphire crystal and fastened with four screws. Up until now, the Riviera Baumatic models have always been adorned with a transparent sapphire dial. This is the first Special Edition Riviera Baumatic to feature an opaque dial in order to flatter its golden color. The free octagonal crown is embossed with a Phi logo. It is decorated with a blue line, reflecting the blued steel of the seconds hand. 

    The integrated three-row bracelet in satin-polished stainless steel is a harmonious extension of the case. It features a very reliable, robust system that enables it to be changed without the need for tools. The triple folding buckle is crafted in stainless steel and features security push-pieces.

    A self-winding Baumatic Manufacture movement (BM13-1975A) drives this exquisitely crafted watch, showcasing its elaborate watchmaking expertise. Its resistance to everyday magnetic fields reaches 1,500 Gauss; it oscillates at a frequency of 4Hz (28,800 vph); its power reserve lasts 5 days for 120 hours of autonomy; and it offers water-resistance to 10 ATM (approximately 100m). 

    Its magnificent finishes demonstrate the same refined details: the bridges are circular-grained; the baseplate is sand-blasted and snailed; and the oscillating weight is gold-tone and openworked with Côtes de Genève and snailed decorations. It also bears a unique Baume & Mercier engraving. 

    Furthermore, like all Baumatic models, it benefits from a warranty extension of 6 years in addition to the standard 2 years of the international warranty. Simply register the piece on the Baume & Mercier website within 60 days after purchase and activate the extension. 

    The RIVIERA M0A10822 Baumatic special edition in golden ©Baume & Mercier

    Les nouvelles Riviera de Baume & Mercier sont résolument une invitation à vivre l’été pleinement, et à donner à chaque seconde cette dimension radieuse que leur cadran coloré, blanc ou doré insuffle.

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  • Iran’s FM makes first post-war visit to Saudi Arabia

    Iran’s FM makes first post-war visit to Saudi Arabia

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    Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi in Jeddah on Tuesday, in the first visit by the Iranian official to the Gulf kingdom since Tehran’s air war with Israel.

    The two discussed relations and the latest regional developments, Saudi state news agency SPA said.

    Araqchi held “fruitful” conversations with Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud and Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman, the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said in a post on X.

    Earlier, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson had said Araqchi would visit Saudi Arabia on his way back from Brazil to discuss the peace and security of the region.

    Araqchi’s visit to the Gulf kingdom is the first since Iran and Israel concluded a 12-day air war in June.

    12-day war

    The 12-day war that began with unprovoked Israeli military strikes in Iran on June 13 resulted in hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries on both sides, according to official figures released by the respective governments.

    Read: If necessary, will bomb Iran again: Trump

    Israel launched the first strikes, targeting Iranian nuclear and military facilities with more than 200 fighter jets.

    According to Iran’s Ministry of Health and Medical Education, at least 610 people were killed and 4,746 injured, including 185 women and 13 children. Public infrastructure also sustained extensive damage, including hospitals, ambulances, and emergency units.

    Among those killed were senior nuclear scientists and high-ranking military commanders, including the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces and the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The youngest confirmed fatality was a two-month-old infant.

    In response, Iran fired hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones at Israeli targets, with Tel Aviv and Haifa among the hardest hit. The Israeli military stated that up to 1,000 projectiles were launched, of which 90 percent were intercepted. The attacks resulted in 28 deaths and 3,238 injuries across Israel.

    According to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data (ACLED) project, Israel carried out at least 508 airstrikes on Iran during the escalation. Another count from Al Jazeera’s Sanad fact-checking agency – italicise placed the number at 145 combined Israeli and US strikes.

    Iranian retaliation included at least 120 missile and drone attacks, with some reaching Israeli civilian and critical infrastructure.

    Notable targets included Soroka Medical Center, the Israeli Military Intelligence School, the Ministry of Interior in Haifa, and several energy facilities.

    The US joined the conflict on June 22 with bunker-buster bombings on Iran’s nuclear facilities in Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan.

    A US-brokered ceasefire was reached on June 24, shortly after Iran launched missiles at the largest US airbase in the Middle East, located in Qatar.

    Iranian authorities reported a mass internal displacement, with nearly nine million people leaving major cities such as Tehran and heading toward northern provinces bordering the Caspian Sea.

    The ceasefire remains in place, though both nations have warned of further action if provoked.

     

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  • Apple quietly acquires Israeli 3D avatar startup TrueMeeting

    Apple quietly acquires Israeli 3D avatar startup TrueMeeting

    Apple quietly acquired the Israeli company TrueMeeting earlier this year for an undisclosed amount. According to a report by the Israeli Competition Authority, the deal was officially approved in January The acquisition, which has remained under the radar until now, strengthens Apple’s work in the 3D space.

    TrueMeeting, previously known as CommonGround AI, was founded by Amir Bassan-Eskenazi (CEO and co-founder) and Rani Oz. Its backers include Dov Moran’s Grove Ventures and Matrix Partners, among others. The founders were also behind BigBand Networks, which went public on Nasdaq in 2007.

    TrueMeeting’s main focus is on developing technology that allows users to create responsive 3D avatars in real time by scanning their faces with smartphones. These avatars can be used in various video applications. According to the report, the company has raised about $45 million to date.

    Apple’s development centers in Israel are built on a series of local acquisitions and an intensive recruitment push in recent years. In December 2011, Apple bought Anobit Technologies for $400 million. Anobit developed a chip that optimizes flash memory using proprietary signal-processing technology. The company’s chips were integrated into Apple’s flagship products, including the iPhone, iPad, and MacBook Air, even before the acquisition.

    In 2013, Apple acquired PrimeSense for $345 million. PrimeSense, well known as the company behind Microsoft’s Kinect motion-sensing system for the Xbox 360, developed technology that translates body motion into computer input. Its system, combining both software and hardware, includes a 3D sensor that can detect and recognize movements and facial expressions.

    Other Israeli companies acquired by Apple include LinX Computational Imaging in 2015, RealFace (formerly Pickeez) in 2017, and the photography startup Camerai in 2019.

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  • God, Guns and Gaza

    God, Guns and Gaza

    Just a week ago, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu agreed to a 60-day ceasefire, shortly after his meeting with the President of the United States at the White House. The timing of this agreement is deeply ironic, as it coincides with Netanyahu facing corruption charges, with a court decision still pending. Many presume he will either end up behind bars or strike a political settlement- one that may conveniently offer the Israeli military a much-needed respite after months of costly offensives against Palestinians. At the same time, international pressure on Israel is mounting. Global leaders and organisations, including the European Union, are considering sanctions against Tel Aviv for its conduct in Gaza. The reasons for the ceasefire are apparent: it serves a political purpose rather than signalling a genuine commitment to peace. As such, it is unlikely to last.

    Moreover, neither Israel nor the United States appears willing to retreat until two key objectives are achieved: the establishment of complete Israeli control over Palestinian territory and the elimination of the perceived threat posed by Hamas. In this context, a familiar and unsettling question resurfaces: why does the United States, despite its repeated affirmations of human rights and democratic values, continue to offer unwavering support to Israel, regardless of the mounting civilian toll?

    From a Pakistani perspective, solidarity with the Palestinian cause is rooted not only in religion but also in the legacy of British anti-colonial resistance and a deep sense of humanitarian empathy. Viewed through this lens, the U.S.-Israel alliance appears to be driven less by democratic ideals and more by a potent combination of divine allegiance, political influence, and strategic ambition. America’s unwavering support for Israel is not merely the outcome of post-war realpolitik. It is the result of a complex convergence of historical guilt, the influence of powerful lobbying groups, and evangelical Christian theology that regards Israel not simply as a sovereign state, but as the fulfilment of Biblical prophecy. Although often portrayed in the language of shared values and mutual interests, the origins of this relationship run far deeper.

    Israel and Christianity are deeply intertwined through theology, prophecy, and historical narrative. For many Christians, especially evangelicals, Protestant Christians who emphasise the authority of the Bible, Israel is seen as the land where Biblical history unfolded and where the Second Coming of Christ is destined to occur. The Old Testament, which is sacred to both Jews and Christians, speaks of God’s covenant with the Israelites. The New Testament places the life and crucifixion of Jesus in Jerusalem. This sacred geography elevates Israel from a geopolitical entity to a symbol of divine promise within Christian belief.

    Many evangelical Christians view the modern state of Israel as a prophetic sign necessary for the end-times scenario described in the Book of Revelation. Consequently, support for Israel becomes more than a political stance; it transforms into a spiritual obligation. This fusion of faith and foreign policy continues to shape American decision-making today. According to a Pew Research Centre study, over 70 per cent of white evangelicals believe that God gave the land of Israel to the Jewish people. For them, supporting Israel is not simply about diplomacy or alliance; rather, it is the fulfilment of divine will. Within this theological worldview, modern Israel is not merely a sovereign state; it is the gateway to the return of Christ. Palestinians, in this framework, are either irrelevant or viewed as obstacles to a divine script.

    It is no surprise, then, that evangelical organisations like Christians United for Israel (CUFI) command the loyalty of millions and lobby more aggressively than many state-backed groups. Founded by Pastor John Hagee, CUFI now has over ten million members. Its political activism and fundraising have made it as central to Israel’s support base in the United States as the more widely known American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). AIPAC, for its part, continues to funnel millions of dollars into U.S. presidential campaigns, securing bipartisan loyalty that often comes at the cost of Palestinian lives.

    This religious-political nexus was particularly visible during the Trump presidency, when the United States moved its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem in 2018. Evangelicals hailed the decision as a prophetic milestone. President Trump, despite his many political and moral contradictions, became a hero to Christian Zionists almost overnight. He delivered on policies they had long prayed for, including slashing aid to UNRWA, cutting funding to Palestinian hospitals, and legitimising illegal settlements across the West Bank. For a nation that often criticises the role of religion in politics, especially in Muslim-majority countries, American foreign policy toward Israel remains curiously saturated with theology and prophecy. The irony is not that they deny it, but that they disguise it in the language of democracy.

    AIPAC has long ensured that criticism of Israel remains politically dangerous in Washington. Members of Congress, regardless of party, understand the risks of challenging the pro-Israel lobby: loss of funding, media attacks, and well-financed primary challengers. Although U.S. politicians frequently decry foreign influence in their domestic politics, they have made a striking exception for Israel. Even the mildest expressions of dissent are met with accusations of anti-Semitism or betrayal of democratic values. It is within this protected space that Israel continues its occupation and military actions, repeatedly shielded by American vetoes at the United Nations Security Council.

    So, we are left with a chilling paradox: a secular superpower whose foreign policy is guided not by international law, not by human rights, but by ancient scripture and modern lobbying. When theology masquerades as diplomacy, and divine prophecy dictates drone policy, what hope remains for justice? And how many more graves will it take before we admit that in this war, God is not neutral, because man has written Him into the battle plan? When will faith stop pulling the trigger?

    Danish Bhutto
    The writer is an author, researcher and columnist based in Lahore. He can be reached at anishalee017@gmail.com


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  • Aker Solutions secures contract for Fram Sør tie-in project

    Aker Solutions secures contract for Fram Sør tie-in project

    Fram Sør will be developed as a subsea tie-in to Troll C and will utilize the existing processing capacity on the platform. The area is located 20 km north of the Troll C platform.  

    The tieback requires modifications to the topside of the Troll C platform. The scope includes engineering, procurement, construction, installation, and commissioning (EPCIC), as well as services for the new subsea templates. 

    Aker Solutions has carried out the front-end engineering and design (FEED) for the project, led by its office in Bergen. 

    Project management, detailed engineering, procurement, and shop engineering will be handled by the Bergen and Mumbai offices. Fabrication will take place at the company’s yard in Egersund. 

    The project will commence right away, with production scheduled to start at the end of 2029. 

    The contract will be booked in the Life Cycle segment as order intake for the third quarter of 2025.  

     

    1Aker Solutions defines a sizeable contract as between NOK 0.5 billion and NOK 1.5 billion. 

    ENDS

     

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  • UAE denies granting lifetime Golden Visas to certain nationalities – Pakistan

    UAE denies granting lifetime Golden Visas to certain nationalities – Pakistan

    The United Arab Emirates (UAE) late on Tuesday night denied widespread media reports that claimed it had begun granting lifetime Golden Visas to select nationalities under a “new nomination-based” scheme, according to the Emirates News Agency (WAM).

    The Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa that enables foreign talent to live, work, or study in the UAE while enjoying a range of exclusive benefits. According to the UAE government’s official portal, eligible categories include investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, outstanding students and graduates, humanitarian pioneers, and frontline heroes.

    This week, several Indian media outlets, including The Press Trust of India and The Hindu, reported that the UAE government had initiated a “new nomination-based visa policy”, allowing Indians to “enjoy the UAE’s Golden Visa for life by paying a fee of AED100,000”.

    Meanwhile, Times of India reported that the newly launched scheme was in its pilot phase and was currently available to applicants from both India and Bangladesh, with over 5,000 Indian applications expected in the first three months. Dubai-based Gulf News also reported on Monday that Bangladeshi citizens could apply for the Golden Visa remotely if they meet the requirements.

    “The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has denied the accuracy of rumours circulated by some local and international media outlets and websites regarding the United Arab Emirates granting lifetime Golden Visas to certain nationalities,” the WAM report said.

    “ICP clarified that the categories, conditions, and regulations of the Golden Visa are clearly defined in accordance with official laws, legislations, and ministerial decisions.”

    According to WAM, the ICP emphasised that “all Golden Visa applications are handled exclusively through official government channels within the UAE, and that no internal or external consultancy entity is recognised as an authorised party in the application process”.

    The federal authority said it had “recently observed news articles from a consultancy office based in another country, suggesting that lifetime Golden Visas could be obtained for all categories from outside the UAE via consulting or commercial entities under simplified conditions”.

    The WAM report further added: “These claims have no legal basis and were made without coordination with the relevant authorities in the UAE. The federal authority reaffirmed its commitment to providing a safe and transparent environment for applicants.”

    It also stated that legal action would be taken against entities “spreading such false information in an attempt to illegally collect money from individuals aspiring to live and reside in the UAE, exploiting their hopes for a dignified and secure life.”

    The federal authority urged individuals wishing to visit, live, or invest in the UAE not to respond to inaccurate rumours and false news aimed at a quick profit. They should avoid paying any fees or submitting personal documents to any party claiming to provide these services, the report said.

    The Economic Times quoted a top golden visa consultant based in Dubai as rebutting the Golden Visa reports.

    “I checked with the authorities here, and they say they have no such information. So, the news is likely to be untrue,” Iqbal Marconi, ex-chief executive officer of ECH Group (which Khaleej Times has described as the largest golden visa facilitator in the region), told Economic Times.

    “The only new update they have is that crypto investors won’t be considered for the Golden Visa scheme. I checked with the GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai) also; they too said they don’t have any information on this, “ Marconi said.

    He added that a “couple of officials […] in the same line of work” whom he contacted also did not have any information in this regard.

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  • VNL on! Brazil cope with young Bulgaria to book first ticket to Lodz

    Without their experienced star players on the squad this week, Bulgaria seemed doomed against the powerful opponents, captained by their iconic outside hitter Gabriela Guimaraes (Gabi) and boasting a very solid line-up on the court, so it was a real miracle in the second set, when with some superb performances by outside Aleksandra Milanova in attack and defense and by Mariya Krivoshiyska in the middle, the European squad managed to wipe out the quadruple set point Brazil had at 24-20 and then deny the opponents one more opportunity to close the set before turning things around and leveling the match. The South American powerhouse did not allow any more miracles to happen in the game and took home the three points with a 3-1 (25-21, 27-29, 25-10, 25-19) victory.

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  • Australia’s cancer control saves 230,000 lives since 1980s: study-Xinhua

    SYDNEY, July 9 (Xinhua) — More than 230,000 cancer deaths have been prevented in Australia since the mid-1980s thanks to decades of investment in cancer prevention, screening and treatment, a new study revealed.

    The study, published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health on Tuesday, found that anti-smoking campaigns have driven a sharp decline in lung cancer deaths, while improved screening and treatments have reduced mortality from breast, cervical, and stomach cancers, said the study’s lead researcher Brigid Lynch, deputy dead of Cancer Epidemiology at Cancer Council Victoria.

    “What we’re seeing is a snowball effect, we’re now seeing the result of investments made in cancer control over the many decades,” Lynch said.

    Since the 1980s, the risk of dying from cancer has dropped by 20 percent for men and 11 percent for women, said the study.

    However, the study warns that deaths from liver and brain cancers are still rising, largely due to lifestyle factors and chronic infections.

    Experts call for continued investment in prevention and early detection, especially as cancer incidence is expected to rise by 50 percent by 2044 due to Australia’s ageing population.

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