World Echo

The Taliban has announced that it will close all national and international non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Afghanistan that employ Afghan women. The move, which further tightens the group's restrictions on women, comes just over two years after they ordered NGOs to suspend employing Afghan women, allegedly due to non-compliance with Islamic dress codes. In a letter published on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday evening, the Taliban's Ministry of Economy warned that any organisation found employing Afghan women would have its licence revoked. The new order aims to enforce a broader policy of gender segregation in Afghanistan, which the Taliban has pursued since taking control of the country in August 2021. The group insists that all institutions, whether national or foreign, comply with its strict interpretation of Islamic law. The United Nations expressed grave concern over the announcement, highlighting the detrimental impact it will have on the country’s already dire h...

As 2024 comes to a close, it's time to reflect on the events that defined the year. From significant political shifts and climate challenges to unforgettable sports moments and major entertainment milestones, this year was one for the history books. Here is a look at key moments of the year 1. Collapse of Assad government in Syria Photo: Reuters On December 8, 2024, the Assad regime in Syria collapsed following a major offensive by opposition forces. Spearheaded by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and supported predominantly by the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army, the offensive dealt a decisive blow to the regime. The collapse of the Assad regime sent shockwaves through the region, bringing an end to one of the most brutal chapters in modern Middle Eastern history, This marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing Syrian civil war, which had been raging since 2011, with shifting alliances and territorial control constantly altering the course of the conflict. As the regime's downf...

LeBron James celebrates his 40th birthday on Monday, joining an exclusive list of NBA players to continue their careers at that age. Here’s a look at some key statistical milestones for players in their 40s in NBA history. Only one player has scored 40 points in a game after turning 40: Michael Jordan. On Feb. 21, 2003, just days after turning 40, Jordan scored 43 points for Washington in a 89-86 win over New Jersey. While James is the oldest active player in the NBA, he’s far from the oldest player in history. That distinction belongs to Nat Hickey, who played two games for the Providence Steamrollers in 1948 at nearly 46 years old. Despite limited success on the court, Hickey's record still stands as the oldest player to compete in an NBA game. Udonis Haslem holds the distinction of being the only player in the last two decades to appear in an NBA Finals game at 40. He played in the 2023 Finals at nearly 43 years old. Before him, Karl Malone was the last 40-year-old to play in th...

A bizarre incident in Hadige village of India's Karnataka state, has left locals and social media users in shock after twelve chickens died under strange circumstances on December 18, 2024. The unusual phenomenon involved the chickens emitting flames from their mouths when pressure was applied to their bodies. Videos of the incident have gone viral, quickly spreading across social media platforms. While the videos remain unverified, they have sparked a mixture of amusement and concern, with netizens dubbing the creatures “dragon chickens” or “Charizard chickens” in reference to the fire-breathing Pokémon. Photo: ScreenGrab Theories surrounding the cause of the fire-breathing chickens suggest the possibility of chemical ingestion, leading to an exothermic reaction. Contamination in the chickens’ feed or environmental factors are being considered as potential culprits. Ravi, the owner of the chickens, has reached out to local authorities for assistance in determining the exact cause ...

A catastrophic plane crash involving Jeju Air in South Korea has reportedly claimed the lives of at least 179 people, making it the deadliest air accident of 2024. The plane was carrying 181 people on board when the accident occurred. Two survivors have been rescued from the wreckage, but the rest of the passengers and crew onbeard are presumed dead. The crash is one of a series of tragic accidents this year, highlighting ongoing concerns about aviation safety. The Jeju Air flight was en route from Seoul to the island of Jeju when it crashed shortly after takeoff, leading to widespread devastation. The incident has sparked a large-scale rescue operation, with emergency services continuing to comb through the wreckage for any remaining survivors. This tragedy has surpassed earlier aviation disasters in 2024, including the August crash in Brazil and last week's Azerbaijani aircraft crash in Kazakhstan, both of which resulted in significant casualties. The Jeju Air crash now stands as...

Putin says Azerbaijani passenger aircraft made multiple attempts to land in city of Grozny at time of Ukraine's drone attack Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday had a phone call with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev about this week’s Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash in Kazakhstan, and gave an apology and condolences. "Vladimir Putin apologized for the tragic incident that occurred in Russian airspace and once again expressed his deep and sincere condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to the injured," the Kremlin said in a statement. Prior to the crash, the Azerbaijani passenger aircraft had made multiple attempts to land in the city of Grozny in Russia’s Chechen Republic at a time when Russian air defense systems were actively responding to a Ukrainian drone attack, Putin highlighted. He told Aliyev that the Russian Investigative Committee had initiated a case under Article 263 of the Criminal Code, which covers violations of air...

Outbreaks of the highly contagious norovirus are on the rise in the United States, with officials reporting a spike in cases commonly referred to as the "winter vomiting bug" or "stomach flu." The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that norovirus is at its highest recorded level for this time of year in over a decade. During the first week of December, 91 suspected or confirmed outbreaks were reported, marking the highest level seen at this time since at least 2012. This significant uptick constitutes one of the largest case loads recorded at any point in the past 12 years. It's important to note that this data currently only encompasses 15 states, meaning it may not paint a complete picture of norovirus's prevalence nationwide. However, the upward trend is evident, likely spurred by an increased number of states joining the monitoring program over the years. The seasonal virus generally circulates more widely from November to April, ...

Mexico will launch a mobile application with an alert button for migrants facing imminent detention in the United States, the government said Friday, following President-elect Donald Trump's threats of mass deportations. "If you find yourself facing imminent arrest, you press an alert button that sends a signal to the nearest consulate," Mexican Foreign Minister Juan Ramon de la Fuente told a news conference. The app, which is expected to be ready in January, will also notify the person's family and the Mexican foreign ministry, he added. There were an estimated four million unauthorized Mexican immigrants in the United States in 2022, according to the US-based Pew Research Center. Mexico has dozens of consulates across the neighboring country. The Mexican government has been in talks with other countries including Guatemala and Honduras about their own contingency plans for possible mass deportations after Trump takes office on January 20, according to De la Fuente. ...

A public clash over the H-1B visa program, which allows skilled foreign workers to enter the US, has sparked significant divisions within Donald Trump's support base, with tech billionaire Elon Musk and his allies backing the program, while hardline immigration supporters in the GOP voiced strong opposition. The debate intensified following comments from Vivek Ramaswamy, a key figure in Trump's inner circle, who argued that American culture's preference for mediocrity over excellence was a primary factor behind US companies’ reliance on foreign workers, particularly those entering under the H-1B visa. Ramaswamy, a staunch advocate for reducing government spending, claimed in a lengthy post on social media platform X that the H-1B system helped improve the US economy by attracting foreign talent. He wrote, "Our American culture has venerated mediocrity over excellence," suggesting that foreign workers bring much-needed skill and innovation to the US However, these ...

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) revealed on Friday that a batch of "special" automatic payments will be issued in the coming weeks. The IRS is set to distribute stimulus checks totaling $2.4 billion to approximately one million taxpayers, providing a financial boost as the holiday season wraps up. According to internal IRS data, many taxpayers who filed a 2021 tax return failed to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC), prompting the agency to take action by issuing these payments to those who were eligible but missed out. "After reviewing our internal data, we found that a million taxpayers missed out on claiming this complex credit, even though they were eligible for it," said IRS Commissioner Danney Werfel. "To reduce the hassle and get this money to those who are entitled to it, we are making these payments automatic. This way, taxpayers won’t have to file amended returns to receive their credits." Eligible taxpayers will receive their payments by t...

China has revealed two previously unseen tailless stealth combat aircraft designs within 24 hours, marking a significant step in its next-generation fighter program. Both aircraft are currently undergoing flight testing, and imagery of these advanced jets has surfaced on social media, drawing significant attention.         View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by 𝗧𝗔𝗥𝟮𝟭𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗢𝗥 (@tar21operator) The designs are believed to come from two rival Chinese aircraft manufacturers: Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC) and Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC).         View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Inside History (@insidehistory) The first aircraft, a larger diamond-shaped tailless jet, appeared in public on December 26, 2024, coinciding with the 13th anniversary of the Chengdu J...

Turkiye’s central bank cut its key interest rate by 250 basis points to 47.5% on Thursday, a bit more than expected, launching an easing cycle meant to leave behind protracted economic turmoil and a cost-of-living crisis. It trimmed the one-week repo rate after an 18-month tightening effort that reversed years of unorthodox economic policies and easy money championed by President Tayyip Erdogan, who has since changed tack to back the programme. The rate, last cut in early 2023, had been held at 50% since March. Annual inflation dipped to 47% last month in what the central bank believes is a sustained fall toward a 5% target over a few more years. Having launched the easing cycle, the bank’s policy committee said it will set policy “prudently on a meeting-by-meeting basis with a focus on the inflation outlook,” and will respond to any expected “significant and persistent deterioration”. It said leading indicators point to a declining underlying inflation trend in December and that deman...

Bangladesh has established a commission to reinvestigate the failed 2009 army mutiny and the subsequent crackdown, focusing on the alleged involvement of "foreign" entities, according to international media reports. ALM Fazlur Rahman, head of the inquiry commission, announced the probe on Thursday, aiming to uncover the extent of external influence in the events that left scores dead and shook the South Asian nation. The 2009 mutiny saw members of the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) paramilitary force steal thousands of weapons from their headquarters and launch a killing spree within the barracks. The violence escalated as thousands of soldiers joined the mutineers, pledging allegiance before the army crushed the uprising. Scores were arrested, with many handed death sentences or lengthy prison terms in subsequent trials. A prior investigation attributed the mutiny to long-standing grievances among rank-and-file soldiers, who had reportedly faced poor treatment and stagnant wages. H...

Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8432, which crashed while attempting an emergency landing near Aktau, Kazakhstan, on Wednesday, was hit by a Russian surface-to-air missile, Azerbaijani government sources confirmed on Thursday. The missile, fired during drone activity over Grozny, struck the aircraft mid-flight, causing shrapnel to hit passengers and cabin crew. Despite the pilots’ requests for an emergency landing, the aircraft was denied permission to land at any Russian airport and was ordered to fly across the Caspian Sea towards Aktau. Sources revealed that the aircraft’s GPS navigation systems were jammed during the flight, further complicating the situation. The missile was launched from a Pantsir-S air defence system, according to Baku-based outlet AnewZ. Russian sources confirmed that at the time of the incident, air defence forces were engaged in an attempt to shoot down Ukrainian UAVs over Chechnya. Chechen officials confirmed a drone attack over Grozny that morning but reported n...

Asma al-Assad, the British-born wife of ousted Syrian ruler Bashar al-Assad, is reportedly gravely ill and has been given a 50/50 chance of survival after her leukemia returned. The former first lady of Syria is reportedly being isolated to prevent infection, unable to be in the same room as others as her condition worsens. Sources close to the family have described her condition as critical, with Asma’s father, Fawaz Akhras, a renowned cardiologist, reportedly providing round-the-clock care in Moscow, where the family sought refuge after Assad's regime collapsed under rebel advances. Asma, 49, was first diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in May 2024, a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer. This diagnosis reportedly came just a few years after her successful treatment for breast cancer in 2019, which had led to her being declared cancer-free. Reports suggest that Asma’s leukemia has returned with full force, and her health is deteriorating. “She can’t be in the same room wit...

Scientists Discover New Deep-Sea Predator, Name It 'Darkness'A team of scientists from the US and Chile has discovered a new species of predatory amphipod, Dulcibella camanchaca, in the Atacama Trench off the western coast of South America. The species was found at a depth of 7,902 meters, marking a significant discovery in deep-sea exploration. The creature's predatory behavior and its classification as a new genus make this find particularly noteworthy. D. camanchaca is the first known predatory amphipod to inhabit the hadal zone, a region of the ocean deeper than 6,000 meters. Unlike typical amphipods, which scavenge on organic matter, this species actively hunts smaller amphipods using specialized raptorial appendages called gnathopods. The species is also larger than similar deep-sea amphipods, measuring under 4 centimeters. The genus name, Dulcibella, is inspired by Dulcinea del Toboso from the novel Don Quixote, continuing a tradition of naming amphipods after litera...

The bald eagle has been formally recognized as the national bird of the United States after President Joe Biden signed a bill on Tuesday. Despite its prominent presence in the Great Seal of the United States, the country had not officially designated a national bird in its 248-year history. The legislation, which passed unanimously in both the Senate and the House, marks the culmination of efforts to codify the bird’s status. While the bald eagle has symbolized the nation since 1782, when it was included in the Great Seal, no law had formally established it as the national bird. The Great Seal, approved under Secretary of the Continental Congress Charles Thomson, depicts the eagle with a shield, olive branch, and arrows, symbolizing peace and preparedness for war. However, during the founding era, there was debate about the bird's suitability. Benjamin Franklin famously criticized the bald eagle in a letter, describing it as a bird of "bad moral character." The push to of...

Pope Francis led the world’s Roman Catholics into Christmas with a solemn Mass on Christmas Eve at St. Peter’s Basilica, marking the 12th Christmas of his pontificate. The Mass also marked the beginning of the 2025 Catholic Holy Year, which the Vatican expects will attract approximately 32 million tourists to Rome. In his sermon, the Pope emphasized the virtue of hope, which is also the theme of the Holy Year. He described hope as a call to action, urging individuals not to remain stagnant in their old habits or laziness. "Hope calls us ... to be upset with things that are wrong and to find the courage to change them," he said. A Catholic Holy Year, also known as a Jubilee, is a period of peace, forgiveness, and spiritual renewal, occurring once every 25 years. During this year, pilgrims to Rome can obtain indulgences, or remission of sins. The Jubilee will run through January 6, 2026. As part of the celebrations, Pope Francis oversaw the opening of a special bronze-panelled ...

At least 21 people have died in Mozambique amid unrest following the Constitutional Council's decision to uphold the ruling Frelimo party's victory in the recent elections. The announcement on Monday triggered widespread protests from opposition groups and supporters, who allege electoral fraud. Interior Minister Pascoal Ronda confirmed the fatalities on Tuesday and reported that 78 people have been arrested in connection with the unrest. Speaking to public broadcaster TVM, Ronda stated that security measures have been heightened nationwide. "The armed and defense force will increase its presence in critical and key points," he said. Frelimo, Mozambique's long-dominant political party, has faced accusations of vote-rigging from opposition parties and election observers, which it has consistently denied. Protests continue as tensions remain high across the country. The Constitutional Council’s ruling, which is final and binding, has fueled further unrest in Mozambi...

The Eiffel Tower in Paris was evacuated on December 24 after a fire erupted between its first and second floors. Approximately 1,200 visitors were safely removed from the iconic landmark as firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze. According to local media, the flames originated in the elevator shaft, with initial reports suggesting that an overheating device near an elevator cable may have triggered the fire. French authorities swiftly deployed emergency services to manage the situation. The Eiffel Tower, one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, typically attracts 15,000 to 25,000 visitors daily, as noted by statistics database RoadGenius. This incident is not the first fire in the tower's history. In 1956, a blaze in the television transmission room caused significant damage to the structure. As investigations continue, updates on the cause and extent of the fire are expected. This remains a developing story. from Latest World News, International News | Breaking...

The $15 billion bid by Japan’s Nippon Steel for US Steel has been referred to President Joe Biden for a final decision, a White House spokesperson confirmed. The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), which reviews foreign investments for national security risks, could not reach a consensus on the deal and passed it on to Biden, giving him 15 days to block the merger. If Biden does not take action, the deal could proceed despite his previous opposition. CFIUS, which has been reviewing the proposed acquisition, raised concerns about potential risks to national security, specifically the possibility of reduced domestic steel production, which it views as critical to infrastructure and defense. The committee's assessment was detailed in a letter sent earlier this week, stating that allowing Nippon Steel to take over U.S. Steel might hurt the supply of steel for key transportation, construction, and agricultural projects. Nippon Steel has proposed remedies to add...

Social media erupted with a wave of memes and humour after the Indian GST Council confirmed an 18% tax on caramelised popcorn, categorising it as sugar confectionery. Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman explained that caramelised popcorn is taxed differently from salted and plain popcorn due to the added sugar content. She clarified that the tax rates are determined by the preparation method and characteristics of each type. Currently, unpackaged and unlabelled salted popcorn is taxed at 5%, branded popcorn at 12%, and caramelised popcorn at 18%. The differentiation has drawn sharp criticism for its complexity while providing meme creators with ample material. This isn’t the first time India’s GST classifications have sparked controversy. Past disputes have included different tax rates for chapatis versus parathas, curd versus yoghurt, and cream buns versus buns with separate cream. Memes flood social media platforms The decision to impose varying GST rates on popcorn has sparke...

Sri Lanka's inflation rate dropped to minus 1.7% year-on-year in November, following a decrease to minus 0.7% in October, according to official data released on Monday. The drop marks a significant recovery for the country after enduring its worst financial crisis in decades. The National Consumer Price Index (LKNCPI), which tracks broad retail price inflation, showed food prices remained stable at 0.0% in November, down from 1.3% in October. Prices in the non-food category fell to minus 3.1%, an improvement from minus 2.3% in the previous month. Analysts attribute the decline in inflation to various factors, including reductions in power tariffs, fuel prices, and the appreciation of the Sri Lankan rupee. This marks the lowest inflation rate Sri Lanka has seen in nine years, signaling the stabilization of its economy. Shehan Cooray, head of research at Acuity Stockbrokers, noted that inflation is expected to remain at these levels for the first two months of 2025. However, he also ...

Daniel Duggan, a former US Marine pilot, is set to be extradited from Australia to the United States after the Australian government approved his surrender. Duggan has been in maximum security detention in Australia for over two years, fighting his extradition. The decision was confirmed by Australian Attorney General Mark Dreyfus on December 19, 2024. Duggan will be handed over to US authorities in early 2025. Duggan’s family expressed their devastation at the decision, which was made just before Christmas. “We are shocked and absolutely heartbroken by this callous and inhumane decision,” his wife, Saffrine Duggan, said in a statement. She also criticized the Australian government for its lack of explanation or justification for the extradition. The family is now considering legal options, including requesting further clarification of the decision. Dreyfus confirmed that Duggan was provided an opportunity to argue against his extradition before the decision was made. “In arriving at m...

Four people were killed in southwest Turkiye on Sunday when an ambulance helicopter collided with a hospital building and crashed into the ground. The helicopter was taking off from the Mugla Training and Research Hospital, carrying two pilots, a doctor and another medical worker, the health ministry said in a statement. Mugla’s regional governor, Idris Akbiyik, told reporters the helicopter first hit the fourth floor of the hospital building before crashing into the ground. No one inside the building or on the ground was hurt. The cause of the accident, which took place during heavy fog, was being investigated. Footage from the site showed debris from the crash scattered around the area outside the hospital building, with several ambulances and emergency teams at the scene. from Latest World News, International News | Breaking World News https://ift.tt/jIoVJZY

The Ursid meteor shower is set to light up the night sky from December 17 to December 24, with its peak expected around December 23, marking the last major meteor display of 2024. This annual event, first observed by British astronomer William F. Denning in the early 20th century, offers a chance to witness a celestial show as meteors streak across the sky. Though the winter season’s dense atmosphere and a partially lit moon—54% full—could affect visibility, there are simple ways to catch this natural spectacle in all its glory. According to Robert Lunsford, fireball report coordinator for the American Meteor Society, the best time to observe the Ursids will be between 4 to 5 AM ET on December 23 (2 to 3 PM IST), when the shower peaks. For those in North America, the prime viewing hours will be midnight to early morning, with up to 10 meteors visible per hour under clear skies. The good news is that no special equipment is required, as the meteors are visible to the naked eye.   ...

Suchir Balaji, a former OpenAI engineer known for his crucial role in developing key AI products, died was was found dead in his San Francisco apartment on November 26, 2023.  Police confirmed that the death appeared to be suicide, though the family is still seeking answers. Balaji had recently expressed serious concerns about OpenAI’s use of copyrighted data for training AI models.  Before his death, he had become an outspoken critic of OpenAI’s practices, particularly its handling of copyright law. He had publicly stated that the company’s use of copyrighted data to train AI models, without compensating creators, was illegal. Balaji had expressed his willingness to testify in ongoing copyright infringement cases, including one involving international publication and authors like Sarah Silverman, who accused OpenAI of using their work without permission. Balaji’s tragic passing has raised questions about the legal implications of his potential testimony. A...

Syria's new rulers have appointed a foreign minister, the official Syrian news agency (SANA) said on Saturday, as they seek to build international relations two weeks after Bashar al-Assad was ousted. The ruling General Command named Asaad Hassan al-Shibani as foreign minister, SANA said. A source in the new administration told Reuters that this step "comes in response to the aspirations of the Syrian people to establish international relations that bring peace and stability". Shibani, a 37-year-old graduate of Damascus University, previously led the political department of a rebel government in Syria's northwestern province of Idlib, the General Command said. Syria's new de facto ruler, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has actively engaged with foreign delegations since assuming power, including hosting the UN's Syria envoy and senior U.S. diplomats. Sharaa has signaled a willingness to engage diplomatically with international envoys, saying his primary focus is on reconstru...

There is growing public outrage in Kenya following reports that Salome Wanjiru Wainaina, also known as Sally, allegedly stabbed her boyfriend, Conrad, 27 times in an incident believed to have occurred earlier this week in Ruiru, a municipality in Kiambu County. Social media users are expressing anger over Wanjiru’s continued freedom, with many suggesting she is being protected due to her supposed connections with influential politicians. Some have even drawn comparisons to other high-profile cases, such as that of rally driver Maxine Wahome, who is facing charges for allegedly murdering her boyfriend, fellow racer Assad Khan. Wahome has pleaded not guilty, claiming that she was a victim of domestic violence during the incident. One user on X, formerly Twitter, stated, “It’s heartbreaking to hear that Salome Wanjiru is still a free woman after stabbing Conrad 27 times.” Despite the lack of verification, many are demanding justice, with calls for Wanjiru’s arrest intensifying. Hashtags l...

At least seven Ukrainian drones targeted the Russian city of Kazan, striking residential buildings early on Saturday. The attack, which injured at least three people, is one of the most significant assaults on the city since the start of the war. According to Telegram channel SHOT, two drones hit a 37-storey apartment building in the city centre. The drones struck within an hour of each other, causing substantial damage. Tatarstan's Premier Alexey Pesoshin visited the site later on Saturday, as reported by state news agency TASS. Another residential building was also hit, with three explosions reported by independent outlet ASTRA. Video footage shared by the outlet appears to show a drone crashing into the roof of a four-storey building in the city. The blasts triggered a temporary closure of Kazan’s airport to ensure flight safety, said Rosaviatsia, Russia’s civil aviation authority. Local schools were also evacuated, according to RBC. Kazan is located more than 1,000 kilometres f...

A 50-year-old Saudi Arabian doctor was arrested after an SUV ploughed into a crowd at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, killing at least two people and injuring 68 others. Authorities confirmed that the suspect, who has been living in Germany since 2006. The incident occurred at around 7 p.m. (local time) when the black BMW drove at high speed for more than 400 meters across the busy Christmas market in the city centre. Police cordoned off the area, which was left littered with debris, broken glass, and bloodstains. Emergency responders were quickly on the scene, tending to the victims and transporting them to hospitals. The attack, which left a trail of carnage, has been described as a "catastrophe" by local authorities. Among the victims, one was a young child. Videos of the arrest show police officers apprehending the suspect, identified as Taleb A., a psychiatrist, who had reportedly shared extremist views online. A source close to the Saudi government confirmed the attack...

A post from Elon Musk on his platform X that only the far-right AfD party can “save Germany” sparked accusations Friday that he was seeking to interfere in the country’s upcoming polls. The tech billionaire posted the message over a video commentary that criticised the leader of Germany’s CDU party Friedrich Merz, on course to become the next chancellor, for his refusal to work with the AfD. The anti-immigration Alternative for Germany (AfD) has enjoyed a surge in the polls, and is currently second-placed, but mainstream parties have ruled out cooperating with it. While the German government refused to be drawn on the comments by Musk, set to be “efficiency czar” under US President-elect Donald Trump, politicians from major parties reacted with outrage. “It is threatening, irritating and unacceptable for a key figure in the future US government to interfere in the German election campaign,” Dennis Radtke, an MEP for the centre-right CDU, told the Handelsblatt daily. Germans are set to ...

A devastating accident early Friday morning on the Jaipur-Ajmer route has resulted in seven confirmed deaths and left dozens injured after a chemical truck collided with an LPG tanker, sparking a massive fire that engulfed multiple vehicles. The tragic incident occurred near Bhankrota, causing widespread panic and destruction as flames spread across the scene. Dr. Sushil Kumar Bhati, Superintendent of SMS Hospital, confirmed that seven people have died, and 10 to 12 others have sustained injuries. Over 60% of the injured victims have suffered severe burns. According to Dr. Bhati, 28 people are currently receiving medical treatment, with six in critical condition on ventilators. The Rajasthan Chief Minister, BhajanLal Sharma, visited the site later in the day and expressed his condolences to the victims. He also announced the establishment of a helpline to assist families affected by the disaster and assured that arrangements were being made to provide medical care for the injured. ...

Google is facing increasing regulatory scrutiny after its decision to reintroduce digital fingerprinting as part of its advertising strategy, a move that directly contradicts its previous stance on user privacy. The company’s decision to resume this form of tracking comes shortly after its controversial reversal on the use of third-party cookies, and now, digital fingerprinting appears to be taking their place as a new, more opaque method for tracking users across various online platforms. Starting on February 16, 2025, Google will relax its restrictions on ad targeting across a wider range of devices, including smart TVs and gaming consoles, by allowing advertisers to use digital fingerprinting techniques. This technology collects a variety of unique data points from a device, including details about its software and hardware, such as device IDs, IP addresses, and browsing activity. When combined, these data points can uniquely identify individual users across different websites and a...

Hayden Willett, a standout baseball player from Elizabethtown High School in Kentucky, has unexpectedly passed away.  The 18-year-old, who had recently signed to continue his education and baseball career at Asbury College, was reported dead on Wednesday, December 18.  Willett, a senior at Elizabethtown High School, had signed with Asbury College on Friday, December 13.  Sports journalist Nate Bryan shared the tragic news on his X (formerly Twitter) account. A photo of the signing ceremony, showing Willett alongside family members Scott, Kristin, and Carter Willett, was shared by the Etown Independent School District. Rest in peace, Hayden Willett https://t.co/2fz9RbQqAn — Nate Bryan (@NateInSports) December 18, 2024 The sudden loss of the beloved athlete shocked the community, with many expressing their condolences online. Willett was widely recognized as one of Elizabethtown’s top baseball players. from Latest World News, International News | Breaking World News https...

As the year comes to a close, Snapchat users can look forward to the platform's annual "Snapchat Recap" feature, which highlights their most memorable moments of 2024. This feature is similar to year-in-review features from other tech platforms like Spotify Wrapped or Apple Music Replay. Snap has announced that the 2024 Snapchat Recap will be available starting Tuesday, December 17. This year, users can easily access their personalized recap by swiping up from the Camera screen. The Snapchat Recap will showcase your favorite memories from the past year, including the most popular Snaps you created or shared. In addition to individual recaps, Snap released a "2024 in a Snap" report that includes trends, such as the most viewed beauty content and popular music tracks on Snapchat. The top tracks used in Snaps this year, the most shared music lens. You can also share your recap with friends or personalize it before posting. from Latest World News, International Ne...

OpenAI has introduced a new voice-based version of its ChatGPT service, allowing users to interact with the artificial intelligence chatbot over the phone. By dialing 1-800-242-8478 in the US or messaging the number via WhatsApp, users can access the chatbot without needing to download the app or have high-speed internet access. This new service, announced on Wednesday, provides users with 15 minutes of free calling time per month. The voice interaction with ChatGPT, however, is limited compared to the full app experience. While users can ask questions and receive answers—such as a recipe for chocolate chip cookies or a summary of the Civil War—the chatbot’s responses are not as personalized as those on the app. The feature is part of OpenAI’s "12 Days of OpenAI" campaign, launched in December 2024, and was built in just a few weeks. OpenAI has acknowledged concerns about the chatbot's voice technology, raising questions about how users may become too dependent on its hum...