Author: News Desk

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…

United States: NASA’s Lucy spacecraft has discovered that the asteroid Dinkinesh has a mini-moon. The discovery was made during a flyby of Dinkinesh, 300 million miles (480 million kilometers) away in the main asteroid belt beyond Mars. The spacecraft took a picture of the pair when it was about 270 miles out (435 kilometers). NASA sent the Lucy spacecraft past Dinkinesh as a practice run for studying larger and more enigmatic asteroids located around Jupiter. The spacecraft aims to investigate these asteroids to gain insights into the formation of the solar system and the origins of the planets. According to…

Russia: Russia has successfully test-launched an intercontinental ballistic missile that is capable of carrying nuclear warheads from one of its submarines. The new launch comes just days after Russian President Mr. Vladimir Putin signed the withdrawal of his ratification of the global nuclear test ban treaty. According to Moscow, this move was necessary to bring its actions in line with those of the United States. “The new nuclear-powered strategic missile submarine cruiser Emperor Alexander the Third has successfully launched the Bulava sea-based intercontinental ballistic missile,” Russia’s Defence Ministry said in a statement. The missile was launched from an underwater position…

Iraq: The United States Secretary of State Mr. Antony Blinken has made an unannounced visit to Iraq amid growing fears that the Israel-Gaza war could lead to a regional conflict. Mr. Blinken held talks with Iraqi Prime Minister Mr. Mohammed Shia al-Sudani as Washington sought Baghdad’s help in dealing with “attacks on US forces from Iran-backed groups.” Mr. Blinken told reporters that the talks with Mr. al-Sudani were “productive” and his Iraqi counterpart was working with his security forces to “take necessary action” to deal with the attacks. “This is a matter of Iraqi sovereignty. No country wants to have…

Singapore: Singapore Prime Minister Mr. Lee Hsien Loong has announced that he will step down from the leadership of the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) before the 2025 general elections. The 71-year-old Mr. Lee said that he would hand the reins to Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Lawrence Wong. This may occur as soon as the PAP’s 70th anniversary, which will be in November 2024. Addressing PAP members, Mr. Lee remarked that Mr. Wong had proved himself as head of the government’s COVID-19 task force during the pandemic and “there is no reason to delay the political transition.” “Therefore, I intend…