Trending World

Fatal explosion during Mass in Philippines claims three lives

Three people have been killed and nine wounded in an explosion at a Catholic mass in Marawi City, Philippines. The incident took place in a gymnasium at the Mindanao State University (MSU) on Sunday morning. In 2017, the city was the site of a five-month battle between government forces and militants linked to the Islamic State. The university expressed its deep sadness and horror at the violence, stating that violence has no place in a civilized society, especially in an institution of higher learning like MSU. The university has increased security on its campus and suspended all academic activities until further notice. sources

Published:
Dec 03 2023, 7 am IST

X's bankruptcy potential under Elon Musk

Elon Musk's profane attack on advertisers boycotting Twitter, now known as X, has raised concerns about the company's survival. Musk, who acquired Twitter for $44 billion last year, recently stated that if advertisers continue to leave and do not return, it could lead to the company's bankruptcy. X heavily relies on advertising revenue, with around 90% of its revenue coming from ads. Musk's fiery interview and public attacks on advertisers have made it less likely for them to return to the platform. Furthermore, retail giant Walmart recently announced that it would no longer advertise on X. Musk acknowledged that subscriptions would not replace advertising revenue and that Twitter's advertising revenue is expected to drop from $4 billion in 2022 to $1.9 billion this year. If X cannot service its loans or afford to pay staff, bankruptcy becomes a possibility. Musk has options, such as investing more of his own money or renegotiating with banks, but bankruptcy could have significant consequences for his business reputation and ability to borrow money in the future. X's potential lies in finding alternative revenue streams, such as its new audio and video calls service and expanding into various areas like online payments. However, these options do not immediately address the loss of advertisers. sources

Published:
Dec 03 2023, 7 am IST

Biker group accused of bullying teacher

The leaders of an anti-bullying motorcycle club in northern France have been arrested on charges of threatening a school headteacher and his deputy. The president of the Black Shadow North WC club and his wife were questioned by police in Auchel, 65km west of Lille. The alleged offences, which they deny, include threatening to bundle the headteacher into the boot of a car. The row arose from reports of violence between pupils. The Black Shadow North WC club is one of several biker clubs that have emerged in France to combat bullying in recent years. Members accuse police and school officials of not doing enough to tackle the problem. sources

Published:
Dec 02 2023, 7 pm IST

Nigel Harman withdraws from Strictly Come Dancing

Actor Nigel Harman has been forced to withdraw from Strictly Come Dancing just hours before the quarter-final due to an injury, according to the BBC. Harman was set to perform a Charleston routine with professional partner Katya Jones. It is unclear whether an elimination will still take place this week. The remaining celebrities in the competition are Ellie Leach, Annabel Croft, Layton Williams, and Bobby Brazier. The BBC spokesperson stated that the logistical details of this week's show will be revealed during the live broadcast. Harman had sustained a rib injury, contrary to initial reports of a leg injury. Fans expressed their concern for Harman on social media, with many wishing him a speedy recovery and suggesting that he should receive a free pass into the next week. Harman had previously expressed his excitement and nerves about participating in Strictly Come Dancing. sources

Published:
Dec 02 2023, 10 pm IST

Moscow gay clubs raided, Russian media reports

Russian police have conducted raids on several gay clubs in Moscow, just a day after the country's Supreme Court moved to outlaw the "LGBT movement". During the raids, club goers were briefly detained and their passports were photographed. The police claimed they were searching for drugs, but city officials have not commented on the matter. Witnesses reported that the police interrupted the parties and foreigners were also present. Images and videos of police vans and officers outside the clubs have circulated on social media. Russia's LGBT community has faced increasing pressure from the authorities in recent years, with laws prohibiting the "propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations" being adopted in 2013 and extended to all age groups last year. The country's constitution was also changed in 2020 to define marriage as between a man and a woman, and same-sex unions are not recognised in Russia. sources

Published:
Dec 02 2023, 10 pm IST