Ara City Radio

In this engaging segment of the PwC People Pulse, Olivier and Begga discuss the exciting philanthropic work behind their corporate foundation. The conversation centres around the foundation's mission to give back to the Luxembourg community and beyond, with a particular focus on education, culture, and humanitarian aid. Olivier, part of the foundation’s leadership, shares insights into the structured, professional approach the firm has taken to formalize their charitable initiatives, moving beyond informal pro-bono work and into a more impactful, organized space. Begga, who heads the cultural committee, gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the foundation's projects. One notable example is the support of a cross-border cultural initiative designed to foster artistic production and provide residency opportunities for digital artists in Luxembourg and the surrounding regions. Begga also discusses the foundation's commitment to making culture accessible, particularly for underprivileged or immigrant co

Women and minorities are being uplifted in the new podcast collaboration between WeSTEM and ARA City Radio. Originally founded in 2022 as Girls in Tech Luxembourg, the organization rebranded as Women Excel in Stem (WeSTEM) after the closure of the global Girls in Tech network. This rebranding allowed them to broaden their mission to include not just technology, but also science, engineering, and mathematics — all fields where women and minorities remain vastly underrepresented. Patricia and Vasiliki dive into WeSTEM's wide range of initiatives designed to make STEM careers more accessible and equitable. These include mentorship programs for women looking to advance their careers, technical workshops, and an exciting new robotics course for young people from underrepresented groups. The organization’s goal is to help participants, whether they’re children, career changers, or seasoned professionals, overcome barriers and build confidence in STEM fields. Patricia and Vasiliki also touched on the challenges

Brazil’s Bolsa Familia program, which provides monthly cash payments starting at $120 to families below the poverty line, has long been celebrated for lifting millions out of poverty. New research now highlights its significant health benefits, particularly in reducing tuberculosis (TB), the world’s deadliest infectious disease. A study in Nature Medicine examined 54 million impoverished Brazilians and found TB cases and deaths dropped by over 50%—and by more than 60% in Indigenous populations—among families receiving cash transfers. The program’s conditions, such as mandatory health checkups and school attendance, aim to break poverty cycles by improving health, education, and access to essentials like food and housing. For TB, overcrowded, poorly ventilated living conditions and malnutrition fuel its spread. Cash assistance enables families to afford better housing and diets, improving immunity and reducing exposure to TB bacteria. Regular health checkups also facilitate early diagnosis and treatment. Ove

New York City has launched the first congestion charge scheme in the U.S., targeting traffic south of Central Park. Drivers entering the zone during peak hours face fees up to $9 (£7) per day, with higher rates for larger vehicles like trucks and buses. Off-peak charges start at $2.25. The zone covers landmarks such as the Empire State Building, Times Square, and Wall Street. The initiative aims to ease traffic congestion and fund billions for public transportation improvements. The plan has sparked controversy, with critics like former President Donald Trump calling it a "cash grab." Local Republicans and suburban representatives also oppose the scheme, but it has already taken effect. Proponents argue it’s essential: Manhattan’s downtown was recently named the world’s most congested urban zone, with peak morning speeds averaging just 11 mph (17 km/h). Will this reduce traffic or simply generate revenue? Only time will tell. Still, it’s a bold step toward addressing air quality and gridlock in a city known

A remarkable dinosaur track way has been unearthed in an Oxfordshire quarry, marking the UK’s largest discovery of its kind. The site features approximately 200 footprints dating back 166 million years, left by two dinosaurs: the plant-eating Cetiosaurus and the meat-eating Megalosaurus. The longest track ways span up to 150 meters, with more tracks possibly hidden underground. Gary Johnson, a quarry worker, first noticed the patterns, realizing their significance. Last summer, over 100 scientists, students, and volunteers excavated the site, revealing five distinct track ways. Four belonged to sauropods, whose elephantine footprints reflect their massive size of up to 18 meters long. The fifth, a three-toed track way, was left by the agile, carnivorous Megalosaurus, measuring 6–9 meters. The site was once a shallow, warm lagoon where mud preserved the footprints, likely buried during a storm. Researchers used 3D modeling and casts to analyze the prints, uncovering unique insights into dinosaur behavior. In

Belgium has become the first EU country to ban the sale of disposable vapes, citing health and environmental concerns. Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke emphasized that inexpensive vapes often lure teenagers into nicotine addiction, saying, “Nicotine makes you addicted. Nicotine is bad for your health. These are facts.” He also highlighted the environmental burden of disposable vapes, which generate plastic waste, hazardous chemicals, and unrecyclable batteries. Unlike reusable vapes, which can help smokers quit, disposables were targeted for their addictive nature and environmental harm. Belgium’s move aligns with global trends; earlier this year, Australia implemented some of the world’s strictest vaping restrictions. Belgium’s decision has garnered some support, even among vape retailers. A shop owner noted, “The batteries in disposables still work after use, but can’t be recharged, leading to significant pollution.” While the ban might seem like a financial blow to the industry, retailers are optimist

In Pakistan, cultural and religious taboos have long limited women’s use of motorcycles, but this is changing. Economic challenges, including soaring car prices, have driven a shift toward two-wheelers, offering women greater independence in commuting to schools, jobs, and markets. Programs like Women on Wheels (WOW), run by Lahore’s traffic police, provide free motorcycle training, with over 6,600 women trained so far. For many, riding a motorcycle symbolizes empowerment. A 23-year-old criminology student described it as “breaking a glass ceiling.” To address safety concerns, one woman even designed a shorter abaya tailored for riding, highlighting how women are innovating to support this growing movement. This shift echoes a similar milestone in the 1980s when women fought for the right to drive cars. Now, motorcycles are opening new doors for women, breaking barriers, and redefining mobility in Pakistan.

In a world often overshadowed by news of extinction, there's a spark of hope: scientists have recently discovered new plant and animal species! Among them are two pirate spiders from St. Helena, a remote Atlantic island. These spiders aggressively take over other spiders' webs and inhabit the island's threatened cloud forest. An expedition to Peru's Alto Mayo region revealed 27 new species, including a semi-aquatic mouse with webbed toes, perfectly adapted to its swampy habitat, and a bizarre blob-headed catfish. One standout discovery is the Cao Bang Crocodile Newt, a tiny, shy creature resembling a mix of crocodile, gecko and frog. With a body like a baby crocodile, orange-tipped toes and a frog-like head, this adorable newt measures just 7 cm. While these discoveries inspire awe, they also carry a sobering message. Many of these species are already on the brink of extinction, largely due to habitat destruction driven by human activity. Each discovery is a reminder of the urgent need to protect Earth'

We're continuing with the story about Jules Hoffmann: in the late ’60s, a young technician in the Strasbourg lab caught Hoffmann’s eye. Little did he know, she’d soon become his wife, the mother of his two children, and his most trusted collaborator. Barely married, she went back to university, earning degrees in biochemistry and biology, joining Jules in his quest to unravel the mysteries of insect immunity. Together, they worked under Professor Joly until Jules took over as her thesis advisor. Their shared passion for science fueled discoveries that would later revolutionize our understanding of innate immunity – work that earned him a Nobel Prize. From the lab to Germany’s research institutes, and back to Strasbourg, Jules’s journey was one of relentless curiosity, groundbreaking discoveries, and teamwork—both professional and personal. His story reminds us that behind every great scientist is a partnership built on shared dreams. Find out more at www.bourgmeisterin.com!

Once upon a time, nestled in the quaint countryside of Beaufort, in the mystical eastern realms of Luxembourg, lie not one, but two castles – a duo of historical wonder that will have you saying, "Medieval meets Renaissance? Sign me up!" Find out more at www.bourgmeisterin.com!

Belgrade is set to introduce free public transport for all residents starting 1 January, Mayor Aleksandar Sapic announced. The initiative aims to reduce road congestion in the city of 1.7 million, where traffic jams are a daily struggle. Over the past decade, an additional 250,000 cars have clogged Belgrade’s streets, leaving many residents stuck in hours-long commutes. While free public transport has worked in smaller or wealthier places like Luxembourg or Tallinn, Belgrade faces unique challenges. The city’s ageing bus fleet and limited tram network are already under strain, and the metro system—currently under construction—won’t be operational until 2030 due to repeated delays. Mayor Sapic has promised to modernize the city’s buses, trams, and trolleybuses by 2027, but these upgrades will come with significant costs. Belgrade’s bold move could transform its public transport system, but it remains to be seen whether the infrastructure can handle the anticipated surge in passengers.

The Way of Liberation is a journey through vitrines and windows, an exhibition aiming for access to culture, to be witnessed through the streets of the city centers, exhibiting works of Arab artists - Palestine, Lebanese, Algerian and Sudanese artists. The idea is to give visibility and accessibility to their art work, especially in times in which people from these backgrounds are being silenced.

Brazil has made significant strides in reducing poverty, lifting 8.7 million people out of poverty in just one year, according to the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). Between 2022 and 2023, the number of people living in poverty fell from 67.7 million to 59 million, while extreme poverty dropped from 12.6 million to 9.5 million—the lowest figures since records began in 2012. Despite this progress, about 27% of Brazil’s 216 million population still live in poverty. Key to this success is the Bolsa Família program, a social welfare initiative that provides financial aid to low-income families, conditional on their children attending school and being vaccinated. This approach not only offers immediate relief but also breaks the cycle of poverty by promoting education and health. Introduced in 2003, the program has been praised for improving living standards and reducing hunger across Brazil. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has prioritized combating poverty and hunger, bringing the is

The Miss Netherlands beauty pageant has officially come to an end, marking the close of a significant chapter in its history. Last year’s winner, Rikkie Kollé—the first trans woman to hold the title—was the final contestant to wear the iconic silk sash. Kollé used her platform to champion inclusivity, a theme central to the decision to end the contest. Director Monica van Ee explained that empowering women, the pageant’s mission, has grown challenging amid increasing criticism and societal pressure. Unrealistic beauty standards perpetuated by social media have further fueled insecurity among women, prompting the need for change. While this marks the end of Miss Netherlands, it’s not the end of the organization’s efforts. A new initiative, Niet Meer Van Deze Tijd (“No Longer of This Time”), will replace the pageant, focusing on empowering women through issues like mental health, diversity, and self-expression rather than traditional beauty ideals. This shift reflects broader efforts to modernize beauty cont

We're continuing with the story about Jules Hoffmann: in the late ’60s, a young technician in the Strasbourg lab caught Hoffmann’s eye. Little did he know, she’d soon become his wife, the mother of his two children, and his most trusted collaborator. Barely married, she went back to university, earning degrees in biochemistry and biology, joining Jules in his quest to unravel the mysteries of insect immunity. Together, they worked under Professor Joly until Jules took over as her thesis advisor. Their shared passion for science fueled discoveries that would later revolutionize our understanding of innate immunity – work that earned him a Nobel Prize. From the lab to Germany’s research institutes, and back to Strasbourg, Jules’s journey was one of relentless curiosity, groundbreaking discoveries, and teamwork—both professional and personal. His story reminds us that behind every great scientist is a partnership built on shared dreams. Find out more at www.bourgmeisterin.com!

In a promising step toward making our roads safer, a groundbreaking AI-powered camera system is currently being tested in Devon and Cornwall, England. Known as Heads-Up, this innovative technology is designed to detect drivers who may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. By identifying behavior consistent with impaired driving, the system enables police to take action before dangerous situations escalate into accidents. So, how does it work? The AI cameras quickly analyze driving patterns to spot any unusual or risky behavior that could indicate impairment. Once flagged, police stationed further along the road are alerted. They can then stop the vehicle, speak with the driver, and carry out roadside tests for alcohol or drugs to confirm whether the driver is under the influence. The potential impact of this technology is significant. Research shows that drivers under the influence of alcohol are six times more likely to cause fatal crashes. By enabling early detection and intervention, Heads-Up could

China has completed a monumental 46-year effort to encircle the Taklamakan Desert with a vast green belt of trees. Stretching over 3,000 kilometers in the Xinjiang region, this initiative is part of the "Three-North Shelterbelt" project, also known as the Great Green Wall, launched in 1978. The goal: combat desertification and protect vital farmland. Over 30 million hectares of trees have been planted, boosting China's forest coverage from 10% in 1949 to more than 25% today. However, critics warn that the harsh desert conditions—rising temperatures, sandstorms, and floods—may threaten the long-term survival of these forests. In response, China's forestry experts spent decades researching resilient tree species that could withstand these challenges. This green-wall effort has inspired similar projects worldwide. In 2007, the African Union launched the Great Green Wall initiative in the Sahel region, aiming to restore 100 million hectares of land across 22 African countries by 2030. The project seeks to impro

Today we're talking about an intrepid biology hero, a Nobel Prize winner from Luxembourg, Jules Hoffmann. Hoffmann grew up in Echternach, exploring the countryside with his dad, a biology professor who shared his love for insects. While most kids collected toys, Jules was busy marveling at bugs – and it turns out, that fascination would lead to something incredible. At Strasbourg university, Jules took a deep dive into insect immunity, trying to solve a mystery: why don’t locusts get infections after organ transplants? His research with mentor Pierre Joly uncovered a unique defense system in bugs that would change how we understand immunity forever. Despite some doubts from his parents about his career choices, Jules stuck to his passion – and years later, it all paid off when he won a Nobel Prize. From a small town in Luxembourg to one of science’s biggest honors, Jules Hoffmann’s story shows that even the smallest creatures can inspire the biggest ideas. Find out more at www.bourgmeisterin.com!

Efforts to restore the Aral Sea region are offering new hope. Once the world’s fourth-largest lake, the Aral Sea, located between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, has shrunk dramatically over the past 50 years due to river diversion for irrigation, primarily for cotton farming. This environmental disaster transformed the area into the Aralkum Desert, marked by saline soil, toxic dust storms, and harsher climates. Restoration projects are now taking root—literally. Environmental experts are planting black saxaul trees in the dried seabed as part of the Oasis project. These trees help stabilize the soil, reduce harmful dust, and combat desertification. Additionally, sustainable agriculture initiatives are introducing salt-tolerant crops and researching water-efficient irrigation to support local farming. The efforts aim to create resilient landscapes and raise global awareness about climate restoration. Villages once near the sea are now barren, but with these projects, there’s hope for revitalization. If successfu

The next week doesn't have to be all about Christmas parties, find out where you can see shoegaze gods DIIV, garage punk from Sprints or up and coming indie faves Honeyglaze