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.

Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, recently became a millionaire due to an unexpected inheritance. This revelation comes a few years after discovering he is the illegitimate son of Montague Browne, Winston Churchill's private secretary. The discovery was made through a DNA test, which confirmed a 99.9779% probability of paternity. Welby and his mother, Jane, both expressed shock at the news, with Jane attributing the conception to a night of heavy drinking.

Police officer Tudor Stanica, who ordered the torture and death of Romanian dissident Gheorghe Ursu, has died at 84. Stanica and Mihai Creanga were convicted in 2003 for their roles in Ursu's death but served minimal prison time. Ursu's son, Andrei, disputes the medical grounds for their early release. The article highlights the controversial acquittal of two Securitate officers and criticizes the judicial system's handling of the case. Ursu was targeted for criticizing Nicolae Ceausescu's regime, particularly its response to a 1977 earthquake. His case influenced the US Congress to withdraw trade privileges from Romania in 1987.

Austria has agreed to expand the Schengen area to include Romania and Bulgaria with air and sea borders starting in March 2024, ending years of deadlock. The agreement, celebrated in Bucharest, marks a significant achievement for Romania and Bulgaria, who have long felt unfairly treated as second-rank EU members. The political agreement, reached with the Austrian and Bulgarian interior ministries, now requires the approval of all EU Member States. Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer's previous opposition, driven by immigration concerns, faced criticism. The Romanian interior ministry thanked various national and European bodies for their roles in reaching the agreement.

Taste Atlas has named Romania's magiun de prune Topoloveni as the best jam in the world, highlighting its unique qualities and historical recipe dating back to 1914. The jam, made from local plums, is recognized for its high carbohydrate and vitamin content, and has received Protected Geographical Status from the European Union. It is also noted for its use in NATO bases and as an official supplier to the Romanian Royal House. Sweden's Lingonberry Jam, popularized by IKEA, was ranked second.

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.

COP 28, the world's largest climate conference, aims to refocus on green investments and accelerate carbon transition efforts. The conference will address the global stocktake of progress towards the Paris Climate Change Agreement goals, funding for the 'loss and damage' fund for emerging markets, and the positions of major emitters like China and India. Despite increasing climate risks, the adaptation finance gap is widening, necessitating significant increases in clean energy investments. The stock market has seen a decline in renewables, but they remain a key focus for retail investors, particularly in Romania.

The article explores the strategic competition between China and the US in the Balkans, highlighting China's efforts to use the region as a gateway to the EU and the US's pushback to maintain its dominant influence. It discusses the historical context, key investments, and the mixed success of China's initiatives, as well as the responses from Balkan states and the broader implications for Europe. The analysis includes insights from various experts and emphasizes the ongoing strategic rivalry, with the US currently holding the upper hand but China's influence remaining significant.