Vladimir Putin secured a predictable landslide victory in Russia's tightly controlled election, with early results showing him leading with 87.9% of the vote. The election, which saw no credible opponents and included Kremlin-friendly figures, is seen as a means for Putin to confirm his authority. Opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who died in an Arctic penal colony, had called for a midday protest vote against Putin, resulting in long lines at polling stations. Critics argue the three-day voting period allowed for greater electoral fraud, and there were reports of forced voting in Ukraine's occupied areas. At least 65 people were detained in Russia during the election. Alison Mutler, a British journalist with extensive experience, reported the story for Universul.net.

Three people died in a road accident near Avrig, Transylvania, when a truck collided with a car after a tire explosion caused the driver to lose control. The accident blocked road and rail traffic, which resumed Friday evening. In 2019, Romania experienced over 31,000 road accidents, resulting in 41,500 injuries and 1,864 fatalities, with undisciplined pedestrians and speed being the main causes.

A ransomware cyber attack targeted 25 hospitals in Romania, demanding a ransom of 157,000 euros. The attack, which occurred on the night of February 11-12, 2024, affected the Hipocrate Information System used by hospitals, leading to major hospitals going offline and doctors resorting to writing prescriptions by hand. The National Cyber Security Directorate is investigating the incident, which involved the use of Backmydata ransomware, a variant from the Phobos family. No data theft has been reported, but the attack has significantly disrupted hospital operations.

Magiun de prune Topoloveni, a Romanian plum jam, has been named the best jam in the world by Taste Atlas. The jam, dating back to 1914, is made from local plums and has no added sugar. It received a Protected Geographical Status from the EU in 2011 and replaced marmalade in NATO bases in 2009. The factory in Topoloveni is also an official supplier to the Romanian Royal House. Lingonberry Jam from Sweden ranked second, known for its tangy taste and versatility in dishes, and is popularized by IKEA.

A group of Romanian researchers from the Bank for Plant Genetic Resources (BRGV) Buzau, including Costel Vînătoru, Bianca Muşat, Camelia Bratu, Geanina Negoşanu, Matilda Popescu, and Dorel Hoza, have successfully revived the ancient Licurisca autumn cabbage, which had died out in the last century. Their efforts earned them a gold medal at the UGAL INVENT 2023 Innovation and Research Salon. The Licurisca cabbage, known for its taste and sturdiness, was replaced by imported varieties due to cross-fertilization and genetic erosion. The cabbage is a staple in Romanian cuisine and medicine, and its revival holds cultural significance. It is expected that the Licurisca cabbage may return to Romanian dishes such as sarmale by next Christmas.

Romania's renowned Madrigal Choir is set to tour the United States for the first time since the end of communism, with sold-out performances in Washington, New York, Chicago, and Seattle. The tour, featuring Renaissance music and Romanian carols, marks a significant cultural event and a continuation of the choir's legacy, which began in 1963 and became a symbol of freedom during Romania's communist era. The concerts, conducted by Anna Ungureanu and organized by the Romanian Embassy and the Romanian Cultural Institute with support from the Ministry of Culture and various sponsors, also serve as a form of public diplomacy and celebration of Romanian talent.

A Canadian brother and sister, Tami and Robin Varma, won an Airbnb competition to spend Halloween night at Bran Castle in Transylvania, which inspired the Dracula legend. This event marks the first time in 70 years that anyone has spent the night in the gothic fortress. The Varmas, grandchildren of Devendra P. Varma, a scholar of English gothic tales and vampire lore, were selected from 88,000 entries. They arrived in a stagecoach and were greeted by Dacre Stoker, Bram Stoker's great-grandnephew. The siblings dined on chicken paprikash, a dish mentioned in the Dracula novel, and recalled their grandfather's visit to the castle. The article does not disclose whether they encountered Dracula during their stay.

Ben Miller, known for his role as DI Richard Poole in 'Death in Paradise', visited Romania for three days to promote his children's books, inspired by his own children. His visit included dinners with Romanian film producer Andrei Boncea and other notable figures, as well as visits to English language schools near Bucharest to discuss his books, theatre, and acting. Pandora Publishing in Romania translated his books, and Miller expressed interest in Romanian folklore and traditions. His recent books, published by Simon & Schuster in the UK, include 'The Night We Got Stuck in a Story' and 'Once Upon a Legend', with 'The Day I Fell Into a Fairytale' being his bestseller.

Obesity is a global health emergency with significant economic impacts, including increased healthcare costs. Romania has the lowest obesity rate in the EU, but also the highest rate of pre-obesity. The World Obesity Atlas predicts a substantial economic burden due to obesity by 2035. The healthcare sector has seen growth in obesity drug stocks, particularly GLP-1 agonists. Novo Nordisk's Wegovy and Eli Lilly's Mounjaro are notable products, with other companies like Pfizer and Amgen also entering the market. The WHO estimates over 1 billion people worldwide are obese, indicating a large market for these treatments.

Romania's antisemitism czar, Alexandru Muraru, criticized a meeting between Israel's ambassador Reuven Azar, Yossi Dagan of the Samaria Regional Council, and George Simion, leader of the far-right AUR party, as scandalous. The meeting, which acknowledged Romania's role in the Holocaust and aimed to counter antisemitism, has been seen by some as legitimizing AUR, which has been climbing in polls. AUR is known for its nationalism, anti-globalization, and anti-LGBT sentiment, and has praised the fascist Iron Guard movement. The meeting has drawn criticism from various officials and organizations, including the Wiesenthal Center, and has raised concerns about Israel's engagement with far-right European politicians.

Ileana Negru, a mother whose 12-year-old son Florin was killed in the 1989 Romanian revolution, committed suicide after decades of seeking justice. Her death highlights the ongoing struggle for accountability for the revolution's victims. Despite the overthrow of dictator Nicolae Ceausescu, investigations into the deaths have been inconclusive, and many former communist officials remain in power. Ion Iliescu, a former president, has been charged with crimes against humanity but has not been convicted. The Romanian government's failure to address the grievances of the victims' families continues to cause pain and frustration, exemplified by Negru's tragic act.

As President Joe Biden meets with NATO allies, the article urges him not to overlook Armenia amidst geopolitical concerns with Turkey. Turkey, under Erdogan, is described as an authoritarian regime, and its relationship with Azerbaijan is criticized for aggression towards Armenia. Azerbaijan's blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh and potential territorial ambitions are highlighted as issues of concern. The article suggests the U.S. should demand Turkey affirm Armenia's territorial integrity and cease supporting Azerbaijan's aggression. The author, Alison Mutler, emphasizes the importance of morality in international relations and Romania's potential role as a NATO member to influence the situation.

The European Investment Bank's 2022 Municipality Survey, covering 744 municipalities across the EU, reveals significant investment gaps in climate change mitigation and adaptation infrastructure. A skills shortage, particularly in environmental and climate expertise, is hindering local investment programs. The survey also notes the importance of green and digital transitions in future investment plans, despite dissatisfaction with past investments. Regional disparities exist, with higher-income regions investing more actively. The EIB's new report on cohesion regions shows a commitment to increasing climate action and environmental lending, with €28.4 billion provided to projects in 2022, and a higher share of green investments in cohesion lending compared to total EU lending.

The suicide of Romanian journalist Iulia Marin has sparked a conversation about mental health stigma in Romania. Marin, known for her investigative reporting, was found dead on April 18, after publicly documenting her struggles with depression and bipolar disorder. Her death was met with derogatory remarks from journalist Victor Ciutacu and Romania TV, which led to a petition signed by media outlets and organizations condemning the remarks. The National Audiovisual Council fined Romania TV for these comments. The situation highlights the persistent stigma and discrimination against mental illness in Romania, a legacy of the communist era when psychology was banned. Despite a growing awareness, particularly in urban areas, there is still a need for public health services to offer free psychotherapy. Marin's openness about her mental health struggles is seen as a step towards breaking the taboo and destigmatizing mental illness in the country.

Andrew James Noble, a distinguished British diplomat, has retired after a 41-year career. Noble, known for his wit and dedication, served twice in Romania and held various significant roles, including saving British lives overseas. He was honored with the Royal Victorian Order by the late Queen in 1995 and worked under King Charles III in Romania. Noble's family, especially his wife Helen, played a supportive role throughout his career. He remains optimistic about Romania's future, noting its economic progress. Noble met all British Prime Ministers from 1982 to 2019 and looks forward to future endeavors.

The article discusses the significant reduction in the number of children in Romanian orphanages since the fall of Nicolae Ceausescu, with efforts to close all old-style facilities by 2023. It highlights the global movement to phase out orphanages, with progress in countries like Bulgaria, Georgia, Moldova, China, and Rwanda. The article also addresses the challenges in countries like India, Nepal, and Haiti, where orphanages are often poorly regulated. It emphasizes the harm orphanages can cause to children and the importance of family-based care. The piece includes examples of reforms in Eastern Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Africa, noting the successes and ongoing challenges in transitioning away from institutionalized care for children.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, is expected to visit Romania next week, marking the first such visit in 30 years since George Carey's official visit in 1993. The visit coincides with the one-year anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and highlights the close political and commercial partnership between the UK and Romania, both NATO members. High-level meetings, including with Patriarch Daniel, and a visit to the 102-year-old Resurrection Church in central Bucharest, are anticipated.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, is expected to visit Romania from March 13-15, according to church sources. No official announcement has been made. The visit comes amid the backdrop of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, highlighting the close ties between NATO members Britain and Romania. Welby is set to meet with high-level politicians and Romanian Patriarch Daniel, and will visit the Church of the Resurrection in Bucharest. The last official visit by an Archbishop of Canterbury to Romania was by George Carey in 1993.

Tudor Stanica, a former Romanian police colonel who ordered the torture and death of dissident Gheorghe Ursu in 1985, has died at 84. Stanica and his subordinate Mihai Creanga were convicted in 2003, but Stanica served only 11 months due to medical release, and Creanga was released after five years. Ursu's son disputes the medical certificate's veracity. The case has been controversial, with recent acquittals of Securitate officers and criticism of the judicial system by Liberal lawmaker Alexandru Muraru. Ursu, who criticized dictator Nicolae Ceausescu, was targeted for his dissent, including his response to a 1977 earthquake and his work on Radio Free Europe. The US Congress cited the Ursu case when withdrawing the 'Most Favored Nation' clause from Ceausescu's Romania in 1987.

Mihai Mick, a Romanian dentist, successfully escaped communist Romania in 1977 by swimming across the Danube to Yugoslavia. His story is one of many as hundreds, possibly thousands, of Romanians risked their lives fleeing Nicolae Ceausescu's oppressive regime. The Yugoslav-Romanian border was known as 'the bloodiest border in Europe' before communism collapsed in 1989. The Romanian government institute is now investigating these events to bring justice to victims and educate postcommunist generations. Researchers have found evidence of widespread violence against escapees, and there are plans to establish a department in the prosecutor's office to handle crimes from the communist era. Survivors and perpetrators are aging, making the pursuit of justice increasingly urgent.

The Royal Family of Romania and British and Romanian citizens celebrated over a century of bilateral relations and the new reign of King Charles III at Peleș Castle in the Carpathian Mountains. British Ambassador Andrew Noble praised King Charles III for his intimate knowledge of Romania and highlighted the economic relationship between Romania and the UK as a success story, with significant British investments in various sectors. The ambassador also referenced Romania's agricultural wealth during the interwar period and its current role in supporting Ukraine against the Russian invasion. Historical ties were also mentioned, including the UK's support for Romania's independence from the Ottoman Empire in the late 1870s.

Romania celebrated 100 years since becoming a modern-day state with large military parades despite freezing temperatures. The celebration was marked by both national pride and political dissent. Some attendees expressed concerns about the rule of law and democracy, particularly in light of recent clashes between police and anti-corruption protesters. The ruling Social Democratic Party faced boos, while President Klaus Iohannis called for unity and adherence to European values. Protests against high-level corruption continued, with calls for government resignation. The U.S. and EU criticized Romania's judicial reforms, fearing they undermine anti-corruption efforts. Historical context was provided, noting Romania's role in World War I and its territorial changes post-war.

In the town of Berevoiesti, southern Romania, an investigation led to the rescue of several men and boys who had been subjected to slavery by an extended Roma family. The victims, some with disabilities or from impoverished backgrounds, were forced to work, beg, or fight for entertainment. During a raid involving 160 police and prosecutors, three men and two boys were found chained. The suspects, around 90 in number, exploited approximately 65 individuals over eight years. The captives were abused, underfed, and some may have been sexually assaulted. The authorities have begun questioning about 30 suspects, confiscating cash, gold, chainsaws, and trucks used in the criminal activities. The suspects face up to 20 years in prison if convicted.