
Bill Gates is scheduled to appear before a US Congressional commission on Wednesday, which is investigating the Epstein affair and plans to question the billionaire about his friendship with the sex offender. The Microsoft co-founder will be at the Capitol in Washington for a closed-door interview with the House of Representatives commission. A spokesperson for Gates stated in April that he welcomed the opportunity to appear before the commission, adding that while he never witnessed or participated in any of Epstein's illegal acts, he is eager to answer the commission's questions to support their important work. In late February, Gates described his ties to Jeffrey Epstein as a "huge mistake," admitting to members of his foundation that he had extramarital affairs with two Russian women, but denying any involvement in the actions of the American financier, who died in prison in 2019 before his trial for sex crimes. Gates reportedly said, "It was a huge mistake to spend time with Epstein" and to invite Gates Foundation leaders to meetings with him, according to an audio recording obtained by the Wall Street Journal. He also stated, "I didn't do anything illegal. I didn't see anything illegal." According to Gates, his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein began in 2011, three years after the former financier pleaded guilty to prostitution involving minors. A draft email from Jeffrey Epstein, published by the US Department of Justice, mentions Bill Gates' extramarital affairs. In t
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A comprehensive survey conducted by Haleon laboratory, Odoxa, and the Sciences Po Health Chair reveals that women suffer more from chronic and intense pain than men, yet this pain is often minimized, misunderstood, or treated belatedly. The study, "French Men, French Women, and Pain," highlights that while pain affects a large portion of the population, it manifests differently by gender. Four out of ten French individuals report regular painful symptoms, including musculoskeletal disorders, headaches, gastrointestinal pain, and osteoarthritis. Pharmacists confirm this, with 82% seeing affected patients daily. The survey shows women are nearly twice as likely as men to experience repeated painful symptoms, excluding menstrual pain. Significant differences were observed across various conditions: 66% of women reported musculoskeletal disorders versus 47% of men, 60% had headaches versus 38%, 54% experienced gastrointestinal pain versus 35%, and 40% had osteoarthritis versus 28%. Beyond frequency, pain intensity also differs, with 71% of women reporting pain above 7/10 compared to 52% of men. Women are twice as likely to report pain above 9/10. Pain episodes also last longer for women, with 78% experiencing pain for over 24 hours compared to 63% of men. Health professionals surveyed confirmed these trends, noting earlier onset, greater chronicity, and higher intensity in female patients. The study also emphasizes the role of pain specific to female physiology throughout life, s
Must ReadWashington is reportedly considering bypassing London to directly negotiate with Port Louis for the purchase of Diego Garcia, according to the Daily Telegraph. This development comes as political and diplomatic discussions around the Chagos Deal, which had been dormant since January 20, are being revived. The Daily Telegraph, citing White House sources, indicates that "the White House is considering a plan to buy the Chagos Islands from Mauritius." This potential move is seen as an option for Washington to counter the Chagos Deal agreed upon between London and Port Louis in May 2025, which is awaiting Royal Assent. Reuters, citing American sources, notes that President Trump has consistently maintained that the United Kingdom should not cede the British Indian Ocean Territory, which includes the joint U.S.-UK military facility on the Diego Garcia atoll. American officials emphasize Diego Garcia's strategic importance in the Indian Ocean for U.S. national security, especially given current instability in the Middle East. Meanwhile, Olivier Bancoult, leader of the Chagos Refugees Group, concluded a tour in London to advocate for the Chagos Deal's provisions. During his five-day mission to the UK, Bancoult met with members of the House of Commons and the House of Lords, where he presented a plea regarding the archipelago's future and the rights of its people. He denounced what he views as the political instrumentalization of their struggle, stating, "We have watched with profoun

Artificial intelligence AI and the digital revolution are fundamentally transforming daily life and businesses, rapidly replacing human tasks and impacting employment. While digitalization is crucial for national development, including for Mauritius, a society's progress extends beyond economic performance to include human, social, and moral dimensions. French Ambassador Frédéric Bontems highlighted the need to define "value" beyond mere measurability and monetisation, questioning how solidarity, friendship, generosity, and altruism, which are vital for social cohesion, fit into this framework. As Mauritius approaches its 2026-27 budget, the challenge lies in balancing economic growth with social justice in a rapidly changing economy. Pope Leo XIV's encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, addresses the dangers of AI, warning against a society that prioritizes data over human dignity and risks creating a "new Tower of Babel" where technological power overshadows individuals. The article emphasizes that technology should serve humanity, not the reverse, as machines cannot replicate consciousness, empathy, or human relationships. For Mauritius, the transformation of sectors like administration, services, finance, and customer relations by automation presents significant social questions. These include how to support affected workers, prepare youth for future jobs without over-reliance on digital tools, and ensure productivity gains benefit more than a minority. True progress, the artic