Author: News Desk

United States: The technology giant Meta has introduced Meta Quest+, a subscription service for its virtual reality (VR) headsets, that will provide its users access to two games each month. Mr. Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, announced that starting from 26th June 2023, people can subscribe to Meta Quest+ for their Quest 2, Pro, and upcoming Quest 3 devices. The subscription will cost $7.99 per month or $59.99 per year. As per the statement, during the initial quarter of the year, the VR unit of Meta, the parent company of Instagram, incurred a loss of $4 billion. Meta is…

United States: A UN expert has urged the United States to apologise for the torture inflicted upon prisoners at Guantanamo Bay, take responsibility for the abuses, and permanently close down the well-known US-operated detention centre in Cuba. In a recently published report, Ms. Fionnuala Ni Aolain, the UN Special Rapporteur, expressed gratitude to the administration of US President Mr. Joe Biden for granting her access to the facility earlier this year. The UN expert emphasised the urgency of addressing the violations committed against detainees. Mr. Ni Aolain stated that the torture endured by prisoners at undisclosed locations known as black…

United Kingdom: A new study has revealed that greenhouse gas emissions from the shipping industry could be reduced by 50 percent by 2030 without negatively impacting global trade. This comes as countries gear up to discuss the implementation of a potential carbon tax on emissions produced by ships. Currently, maritime transportation accounts for approximately 3 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, with limited alternatives to the cheap, heavy, and polluting diesel oil commonly used by ships. The shipping sector has been slow in adopting emissions reduction technologies, prompting an increasing number of countries to advocate for a tax on shipping…

London, UK: Cineworld, the world’s second-largest cinema chain, has announced its plans to file for administration in order to address its significant debts. Despite this move, Cineworld reassures customers that its screens will remain open and its operations will continue without interruption. The company, which owns the Picturehouse chain in the UK, has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with forced closures of many of its theatres. Cineworld aims to reduce its $5 billion debt pile through the administration process. It currently operates 751 sites globally, including 128 locations in the UK and Ireland, employing over 28,000 staff. Notable…

United States: The US Coast Guard has initiated a thorough investigation into the recent underwater implosion that resulted in the complete destruction of the small submersible Titan. Tragically, all five individuals on board lost their lives during a dive into the famous Titanic wreck in the North Atlantic. This devastating incident has garnered significant global attention. In response to this catastrophe, the Coast Guard has established a marine board of investigation (MBI), representing its highest level of inquiry. The primary objective of this probe, led by Mr. Jason Neubauer, the Coast Guard’s chief investigator, is to prevent any similar occurrences…

Egypt: Indian Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi and Egypt’s President Mr. Abdel Fattah el-Sisi held a meeting in Cairo, during which they expressed their commitment to strengthening the strategic partnership between their countries. The leaders signed a joint declaration to elevate relations to a strategic partnership, building on the announcement made earlier in January 2023 when President Mr. el-Sisi visited New Delhi. The discussions between Mr. Modi and el-Sisi focused on various areas of cooperation, including trade and investment, renewable energy, information technology, and pharmaceuticals. Both leaders recognized the importance of enhancing economic ties, particularly as Egypt faces an economic…

Australia: Australia, a significant non-NATO contributor to Ukraine, has committed to sending an extra 70 military vehicles to the country as part of its latest assistance package. Prime Minister Mr. Anthony Albanese revealed a $73.5 million package, stating that the plan had been in deliberation prior to the recent events in Russia. The comprehensive package encompasses a range of resources, including 28 M113 armoured vehicles, 14 specialised operations vehicles, 28 medium trucks, 14 trailers, and a supplementary supply of 105mm artillery ammunition. This assistance demonstrates Australia’s continued support for Ukraine during this critical period. “Australia is unwavering in our resolve…

Greece: Greece’s conservative New Democracy party emerged victorious in the country’s parliamentary elections, granting reformist leader Mr. Kyriakos Mitsotakis another term as prime minister. With official results pouring in from approximately 90 percent of voting centres nationwide on Sunday, Mr. Mitsotakis’s party captured slightly over 40 percent of the vote, while the left-wing Syriza party, his primary rival, suffered a devastating defeat with just under 18 percent, marking a decline even more pronounced than their 20 percent result in the previous May elections. Mr. Mitsotakis hailed the “strong mandate” after the landslide victory. “The people have given us a safe…

Afghanistan: The supreme leader of the Taliban, Mr. Haibatullah Akhunzada, asserted that his government has implemented measures to improve the lives of women in Afghanistan. Mr. Akhunzada, who rules from the Taliban’s birthplace in Kandahar, stated that steps had been taken to ensure women enjoy a “comfortable and prosperous life according to Islamic Sharia.” Mr. Akhunzada claimed that women were being liberated from “traditional oppressions,” including forced marriages, through the adoption of Islamic governance. He emphasized that women’s status as free and dignified individuals had been restored, and all institutions were obligated to assist women in securing their marriage, inheritance,…

Vietnam: The United States’ aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan arrived Danang in central Vietnam, marking a significant development in the deepening ties between the two countries. The arrival comes shortly after Vietnam expressed its protest against Chinese vessels sailing in its waters, highlighting shared concerns about China’s increasing influence in the region. In recent weeks, a Chinese survey vessel, along with multiple coast guard ships and fishing boats, operated in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea. Responding to this incursion, Vietnam’s foreign ministry demanded their departure, which eventually took place in early June. China’s assertive claims over almost…