Author: News Desk

Jerusalem, Israel: Israel’s cabinet is set to meet, to approve a ceasefire and hostage release agreement with Hamas in Gaza, raising hopes for an end to the 15-month conflict. The agreement, which includes an initial six-week truce, is expected to begin on Sunday, 19th of January. However, fighting continues, with Gaza’s civil defense agency reporting at least 20 Palestinian deaths since the deal was announced on Wednesday evening. Israeli airstrikes last night killed more than 20 people, including 12 residents in a residential block in Gaza City’s Sheikh Radwan neighborhood. There has been no immediate comment from the Israeli military.…

New York: RedNote, the Chinese social media app also known as Xiaohongshu, has experienced a significant surge in US users just days ahead of a proposed ban on TikTok. In a live chat session titled “TikTok Refugee”, more than 50,000 users from the US and China joined discussions, where American users exchanged ideas with Chinese counterparts about topics like food and unemployment. However, some conversations veered into more sensitive areas, such as the political differences between China and Hong Kong, prompting caution from Chinese users. The app’s surge in popularity has made it the second-most popular free app on Apple’s…

London: Global experts are urging a shift in how obesity is diagnosed and treated, calling for a more accurate and nuanced definition that goes beyond the traditional body mass index (BMI) measurement. The report, published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology and supported by over 50 international medical professionals, emphasizes evaluating overall health rather than relying solely on BMI, which fails to differentiate between muscle and fat or account for harmful fat around the waist and organs. BMI: A flawed metric Key recommendations include categorizing individuals with weight-related chronic illnesses as having ‘clinical obesity,’ requiring drug treatments, while those without…

London: Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has unveiled a far-reaching AI Action Plan aimed at modernizing UK public services, enhancing efficiency, and driving economic growth. Sir Keir emphasized the government’s responsibility to make AI “work for working people,” highlighting its potential to “transform the lives of working people” and drive “incredible change.” The AI Opportunities Action Plan, supported by leading tech firms committing £14 billion and creating 13,250 jobs, aims to position the UK as an AI “superpower” alongside the US and China. Key Proposals The action plan includes: Establishing “AI Growth Zones” to focus on development, creating jobs, and…

Seattle, USA:  Starbucks has revealed a reversal of its 2018 ‘Open Access Policy’, which allowed people to use its cafes and restrooms without making a purchase. The new rules, set to take effect on January 27, will require customers to buy something to access its facilities. The updated policy is part of the company’s “Back to Starbucks” strategy, introduced by CEO Brian Niccol, to address declining sales and enhance the customer experience. The world’s largest coffee chain is also implementing a new code of conduct, which includes measures to prevent harassment, ban smoking, and prohibit outside alcohol in its cafes.…

Cape Canaveral, Florida: Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin is set to launch its New Glenn rocket early Monday, 13th January in a highly anticipated inaugural mission from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, marking a major milestone in its quest to rival Elon Musk’s SpaceX in the competitive satellite launch market. Standing at an impressive 30 stories tall, the partially reusable New Glenn rocket is scheduled for liftoff at 1:30 am ET (0630 GMT). Fuelled by methane and liquid oxygen, the rocket is poised to demonstrate Blue Origin’s capabilities after a decade-long, multi-billion-dollar development journey. The mission will also include an attempt…

Prayagraj, India: The Kumbh Mela, hailed as the world’s largest spiritual gathering, has begun in Prayagraj, India, attracting millions of devotees to the sacred confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. The festival, held every 12 years, will run from January 13 to February 26, 2025, and is expected to draw an estimated 400 million pilgrims over 45 days, with 20 million visitors anticipated on peak days. Spiritual Significance Hindus believe bathing in the holy rivers purifies the soul, cleanses sins, and offers liberation from the cycle of birth and death. This year’s festival is considered particularly…

Paris: At least 30 people were injured after two trams collided at Strasbourg’s central station. The accident occurred in the afternoon in a tunnel leading to the station near the city’s central train station. Authorities reported chaotic scenes as smoke rose from the crash site, and alarms sounded. One tram switched tracks and collided with a stationary tram, while other reports suggest one tram was reversing at the time of the collision. Eyewitnesses described hearing a loud impact and seeing tram doors fly off. A large security perimeter was set up around the station, and emergency services urged the public…

Los Angeles: Firefighters are making an all-out effort to prevent the Palisades fire from spreading into Los Angeles’ Brentwood neighborhood, one of the city’s most exclusive areas. The fire has already scorched nearly 23,000 acres and is only 11% contained. Aerial crews have been using water and fire retardant to try to hold back the flames, which have now expanded an additional 1,000 acres and are threatening to engulf Mandeville Canyon, prompting evacuation orders for the area. The fire has already claimed at least 16 lives, with 11 deaths linked to the Eaton fire and five to the Palisades fire.…

London, UK: Passengers on Great Britain’s west coast mainline will experience significant disruptions every Sunday from January 12 to May 25, 2025, as train managers strike over a rest-day pay dispute, represented by the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT). The strikes will reduce services operated by Avanti West Coast, which runs key routes between London, Birmingham, and Glasgow. The company has urged passengers to avoid traveling on Sundays during this period and instead use tickets on other days or apply for fee-free refunds. Service Reductions Avanti West Coast has announced a “significantly reduced” timetable; London Euston:…