Author: News Desk

United States: Netflix has revealed that it will reopen the iconic Egyptian Theatre to mark its 101st anniversary of opening. The theatre will reopen with a screening of The Killer, followed by a question and answer section with its director David Fincher. The streaming giant is also planning to use the location as a venue for premieres and events. Netflix said that “the one-of-a-kind venue is now ready to return as a must-visit landmark for local film lovers and visitors from around the world.” The reopening on November 9, 2023, is the result of a three-year partnership with Netflix and…

United States: Two new studies have found that older adults who do not smoke tobacco but use marijuana are at higher risk of both heart attack and stroke when hospitalized. The studies presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions in Philadelphia noted that people who use marijuana daily are 34 percent more likely to develop heart failure. “Observational data are strongly pointing to the fact that cannabis use at any point in time, be it recreational or medicinal, may lead to the development of cardiovascular disease,” Dr. Robert Page II, chair of the volunteer writing group for the 2020…

United States: The White House has announced that US President Mr. Joe Biden does not support an Israeli military occupation of the Gaza Strip after the end of the Israel-Hamas war. “Mr. Biden believes a reoccupation by Israeli forces of Gaza is not the right thing to do,” the White House national security spokesperson Mr. John Kirby told reporters. The statement came a day after Israeli Prime Minister Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu commented that his country would take control of security in Gaza after the war. Mr. Kirby noted that “there needs to be a healthy set of conversations about what…

France: A new global survey has found that more than 85 percent of people are concerned about the impact of online disinformation. The survey, conducted in 16 countries, further noted that 87 percent believe that the spread of misinformation has already affected their country’s politics. According to Mr. Audrey Azoulay, Director General of the UN’s Culture Body, UNESCO, false information and hate speech spread online pose “major risks to social cohesion, peace, and stability.” “Regulation was urgently needed to protect access to information while at the same time protecting freedom of expression and human rights”, Ms. Azoulay commented while presenting…

United States: Shared office firm WeWork has filed for bankruptcy in the US. It comes as the company’s share value dropped by 98.5 percent this year because of the costly leases and cancellations of contracts as more employees worked from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. The firm, which was once valued at $47 billion, said it will “remain open and operational and the Company will continue to provide its signature member experience.” According to the data, the firm is now worth less than $50 million. WeWork, headquartered in New York, will face consequences following the bankruptcy. “WeWork’s locations outside of…

London, UK: The UK Prime Minister, Mr. Rishi Sunak’s first king’s speech reportedly will encompass criminal justice measures and a smoking ban. King Charles will deliver the speech, the first in more than 70 years, at the State Opening of Parliament ceremony, which marks the start of the parliamentary year. The King’s Speech, which would be devised by the PM, allows the government to outline its priorities for the months ahead. As crime and punishment will be the key focus of the speech, the UK PM will confirm the bill introducing specific provisions that affect murderers who have committed particularly horrible…

Mali: The United Nations has stated that some 22 UN peacekeepers have been injured in northern Mali after their convoy was hit by two improved explosive devices (IEDs). According to UN spokesman Mr. Stephane Dujarric, there have now been six incidents since the peacekeepers left their base in northern Kidal on October 31 to make the estimated 350-kilometre journey to Gao, injuring a total of at least 39 peacekeepers. “On Saturday, the convoy encountered two other improvised explosive devices near the town of Anefis,” Mr. Dujarric told reporters in New York, noting that he did not know if the devices…

Palestine: The United Nations labour agency has stated that Gaza has lost at least 61 percent of its jobs since the Israel-Hamas war began on October 7. The UN agency further warned that the economic fallout will reverberate for “many years to come.” According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the employment losses in the Palestinian territory are equivalent to 182,000 jobs. “Our initial assessment of the repercussions of the tragic current crisis on the Palestinian labour market has yielded extremely worrying results, which will only worsen if the conflict continues,” Ms. Ruba Jaradat, the ILO’s Regional Director for Arab…

China: Australian Prime Minister Mr. Anthony Albanese has met Chinese President Mr. Xi Jinping during a visit to Beijing. Mr. Albanese arrived in China on November 4, 2023, becoming the first Australian PM to visit the country since 2016. “Today’s meeting with President Xi was an opportunity to discuss the Australia-China bilateral relationship and issues in our region. Australia will continue to engage in our national interest. And where differences arise, dialogue is essential.” Mr. Albanese shared on X after meeting Mr. Xi. Trade and Chinese tariffs on Australian goods will be the main priorities in talks, as per the…

Palestine: Jordan has airdropped urgent medical supplies to a field hospital in the Gaza Strip. Jordan’s King Abdullah II announced that the country’s air force had dropped “urgent medical aid” to the field hospital operated by the kingdom in Gaza since 2009. “Our fearless air force personnel air-dropped at midnight urgent medical aid to the Jordanian field hospital in Gaza,” the King posted on X. “This is our duty to aid our brothers and sisters injured in the war on Gaza. “We will always be there for our Palestinian brethren,” the Jordanian leader added. Israel’s military confirmed in a statement…