Author: Amanda Martinez
Nihon Hidankyo, a Japanese organization of atomic bomb survivors, has secured the prestigious 2024 Nobel Peace Prize. This recognition honors their tireless efforts to eradicate nuclear weapons worldwide. The Norwegian Nobel Committee actively acknowledged Nihon Hidankyo’s significant contributions to establishing a “nuclear taboo.” Committee Chair Joergen Watne Frydnes praised the group’s use of witness testimony to ensure nuclear weapons are never used again. Founded in 1956, Nihon Hidankyo comprises survivors of the devastating bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Additionally, the organization sends Japanese survivors globally to share their harrowing testimonies. Notably, this year’s Nobel Peace Prize decision sidesteps more contentious…
According to the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), over the past 50 years, there has been a catastrophic decline in the wildlife population globally of over 70%. The WWF research, released on Thursday, examined more than 5,000 species, including fish, amphibians, birds, mammals, and reptiles. It brought attention to the worrying state of environments like the Amazon rainforest, which are on the verge of catastrophic shifts that might wipe out entire species. According to the Living Planet Report, human activity has been the leading cause of a 73% decline in the 35,000 populations examined since 1970. Freshwater species experienced…
The philanthropist and former Tata Group chairman, Ratan Tata, passed away at 86, leaving Ratan Tata’s legacy as a driving force behind the conglomerate’s global success. The Tata Group, one of India’s oldest, remains grateful for his efforts in modernizing and expanding its international reach. Under his leadership, which began in 1991, the business experienced rapid growth and bold acquisitions that transformed it into a global powerhouse. Tata’s first significant foreign acquisition was the world’s second-largest tea bag manufacturer, Tetley Tea. This deal was struck just before the new century began. Although Tata formally retired in 2012, he remained connected…
UK pharmaceutical giant GSK has agreed to pay up to $2.2 billion to settle thousands of US lawsuits claiming its heartburn drug, Zantac, caused cancer. This settlement resolves 93% of all cases, involving around 80,000 claimants represented by 10 law firms. GSK’s decision to settle comes after US regulators pulled Zantac off shelves in 2020 due to concerns that its key ingredient, ranitidine, could turn into a cancer-causing substance when exposed to heat. This move led to thousands of lawsuits against Zantac’s manufacturers, including GSK. Zantac Cancer Claims are at the center of this controversy. GSK will also pay $70…
Taiwan’s President William Lai vowed to defend the island’s sovereignty in his National Day address, pledging to resist “annexation or encroachment” from China. Lai’s speech marked a significant moment in Taiwan-China relations. Lai emphasized Taiwan’s independence, stating that the Republic of China and the People’s Republic of China are not subordinate to each other. He asserted that Beijing has no right to represent Taiwan, highlighting the island’s democratic values. This bold stance comes after Lai’s previous comments sparked tension with China. Last week, he stated that China cannot be Taiwan’s “motherland” due to the island’s distinct history. Lai also questioned…
North Korea plans to shut off all transportation to South Korea starting on Wednesday to “completely separate” the two countries. The military of the North has stated that it intends to block and cut off the southern border. The already high level of animosity between the two Koreas has reached new heights with this North and South Korea separation. Proclaiming the move as a self-defensive measure for inhibiting war, the Korean People’s Army (KPA) referred to the regular deployment of American nuclear assets in the area and the continuing military drills in South Korea. The Korean People’s Army said a…
As Hurricane Milton is about to make an impact in the densely populated Tampa Bay region, Floridians are rushing to complete emergency preparations or relocate away from the area. The category five hurricane features winds of 165 mph, with gusts reaching 270 km/h, and is set to make landfall on Wednesday night. Two weeks ago, Hurricane Helene decimated the state, and now Hurricane Milton evacuation efforts in Florida are ongoing. President Joe Biden has called for an emergency evacuation, describing the choice as a matter of life and death. Additionally, he stressed the gravity of the situation by warning that…
The US Department of Justice (DoJ) is considering drastic measures against Google, including potentially breaking up the search engine giant, to promote fair competition in the tech industry. This move could significantly impact how technology giants operate. The DoJ aims to prevent Google from exploiting its dominance in internet search through illegal practices. A landmark court ruling in August, following a 10-week trial, deemed Google’s dominance unlawful. Prosecutors showed that Google paid billions annually to Apple and Samsung to secure its position as their default search engine. Google countered that users prefer its search engine due to its usefulness. The…
Valencia Mayor María José Catalá reported that Singapore authorities detained Dani Cuesta and his wife, Mireia Sáez, at the airport and confiscated their passports. This sudden turn of events disrupted the Spanish couple’s honeymoon. The reason was their protest against Peter Lim, the billionaire owner of Valencia CF. The couple’s crime? Holding a banner that read “Lim Go Home” outside Lim’s residence and posting photos online. This bold move sparked widespread attention among Valencia fans, who have been unhappy with Lim’s tenure. Cuesta even interviewed a Valencia football podcast, explaining that he brought the banner to Singapore to express his…
According to the latest vote counts, India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is leading in Haryana’s state election but trails behind in Jammu and Kashmir. In Haryana, the BJP is ahead with 50 seats, while the Congress party lags with 35 seats. Conversely, in Jammu and Kashmir, the Congress-National Conference alliance has surpassed the majority mark with 51 seats, leaving the BJP with 23 seats. The BJP’s performance in Haryana is a boost for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s party, especially after securing a reduced majority in the general election. A third consecutive win in Haryana would provide momentum for the…
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has sent a heartfelt birthday message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, referring to him as his “closest comrade” as Putin turns 72. This gesture underscores the deepening ties between North Korea and Russia, particularly since the Ukraine war began. Kim expressed his desire to elevate their relationship to new heights, praising the “invincible and eternal” bond between their nations. The historical context of this alliance dates back to Stalin and Kim Il-sung, Kim Jong Un’s grandfather. The Soviet Union provided crucial support to North Korea in its early days, supplying weapons and technology. Notably,…
Israeli airstrikes against Hezbollah have escalated, now including neighborhoods of Beirut and southern Lebanon. Multiple airstrikes by the Israeli military intensified their attack against the Lebanese group. Hezbollah targeted northern Israel near Haifa with rockets while the two sides exchanged gunfire. Within an hour, the Israeli military said it had struck 120 Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon. An airstrike in Bint Jbeil killed ten Lebanese firemen, adding to the rising number of casualties among first responders in the conflict. Hezbollah claimed responsibility for the Haifa missile attack and military installations in northern Israel. This marked the first attack on Haifa…