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A French court has sentenced eight individuals to prison terms ranging from one to 16 years for their involvement in a hate campaign that led to the murder of teacher Samuel Paty in October 2020. Paty, 47, was attacked and beheaded by an 18-year-old Chechen man after showing caricatures of the Prophet Mohammad in class. Among those convicted is Brahim Chnina, the father of a student, who received a 13-year sentence for inciting hatred through false accusations against Paty. Abdelhakim Sefrioui, the leader of a hardline Islamist group, was sentenced to 15 years for similar charges. Two associates of the assailant received 16-year sentences for complicity in the murder. The case has highlighted deep divisions in French society regarding freedom of expression and religious sensitivities. Sefrioui plans to appeal his conviction, while the court previously found Chnina's daughter guilty of making false claims about Paty.
Published: Dec 22 2024, 11 ameznews.inKuwait City welcomed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a historic two-day visit, marking the first by an Indian leader in 43 years since Indira Gandhi's trip in 1981. Modi was received with a ceremonial guard of honour at Bayan Palace on Sunday, where he engaged in extensive discussions with Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and other top officials. The visit, at the Emir's invitation, underscores the strong ties between India and Kuwait, particularly in energy, trade, and investment, with Kuwait being India's sixth-largest crude oil supplier. Modi also visited the Gulf Spic Labour Camp, interacting with around 1,500 Indian workers, emphasizing the importance of their welfare, especially following a tragic fire incident that claimed over 45 Indian lives in June. The Indian diaspora, constituting 21% of Kuwait's population, plays a vital role in strengthening bilateral relations.
Published: Dec 22 2024, 2 pmeznews.inA tragic collision between a packed bus and a truck in Brazil resulted in the deaths of over 30 people early Saturday morning, according to the fire department. The incident occurred around 4 a.m. local time on the BR-116 highway near Teofilo Otoni, Minas Gerais, where 45 passengers were aboard the bus; 38, including the driver, were confirmed dead, while others remain in critical condition. The truck driver fled the scene, and three occupants of a car that was also involved survived. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva expressed his condolences on social media and assured that the government would provide necessary assistance. A forensic investigation is underway to determine the cause of the accident, with initial reports suggesting a tire blowout or a granite block falling from the truck as possible factors. The bus was en route from Sao Paulo to Bahia.
Published: Dec 22 2024, 2 pmeznews.inFour people tragically lost their lives in southwest Turkey on Sunday when an ambulance helicopter collided with a hospital building and crashed to the ground. The helicopter, which was taking off from Mugla Training and Research Hospital, was carrying two pilots, a doctor, and a medical worker, according to the health ministry. Regional governor Idris Akbiyik reported that the aircraft initially struck the fourth floor of the hospital before plummeting. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among those inside the building or on the ground. The incident occurred amid heavy fog, and authorities are currently investigating the cause of the crash. Eyewitness footage revealed debris scattered around the area, with multiple ambulances and emergency teams responding to the scene.
Published: Dec 22 2024, 2 pmeznews.inGoogle has unveiled an interactive doodle game on its homepage to commemorate the final Half Moon of December on Sunday, December 22. This engaging game invites users to connect different lunar phases, enhancing their understanding of the moon's cycles. Players aim to match moon phases to create pairs or complete lunar cycles, with an introductory segment highlighting the significance of the Half Moon. Google described the doodle as a celestial card game that tests knowledge of lunar phases, which include new moon, waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbous, full moon, waning gibbous, third quarter, and waning crescent. The doodle is accessible worldwide, and users can also download a themed wallpaper. This follows similar interactive games launched by Google in October and November, showcasing the company's ongoing creativity in celebrating astronomical events through playful digital experiences.
Published: Dec 22 2024, 12 pmeznews.inBrazil's perception of street dogs has transformed dramatically, with the "vira-lata caramelo" now celebrated as a national symbol. Once dismissed as strays, these caramel-coloured canines have captured the public's heart through viral memes, videos, and a forthcoming Netflix film, "Caramelo." Director Diego Freitas described the caramelo as "the spirit of our time." The dog gained fame in 2019, leading to petitions advocating for its representation on currency, amassing nearly 50,000 signatures to replace the macaw on the 10-reais note. This newfound love reflects a broader cultural pride in Brazil's mixed heritage, as many identify with the caramelo's resilience and survival. Tina Castro, an English teacher in Rio, noted that the affection for the caramelo parallels Brazilians' love for their country, both emerging from marginalized backgrounds. Additionally, Rio's Sao Clemente samba school plans to feature children in caramelo costumes during the annual carnival, further solidifying the dog's cultural significance.
Published: Dec 22 2024, 1 pmeznews.inOn the second day of his visit to Kuwait, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to meet with Crown Prince Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to strengthen bilateral ties. This significant meeting is expected to culminate in the signing of several agreements aimed at enhancing cooperation in various sectors, including trade, investment, and cultural exchanges. The discussions will focus on fostering economic collaboration and addressing mutual interests, reflecting the growing partnership between India and Kuwait. Modi’s visit underscores India’s commitment to deepening relationships with Gulf nations, which are vital for trade and energy security. The Prime Minister’s engagement with Kuwaiti leadership is anticipated to pave the way for increased collaboration, benefiting both nations in their respective development goals.
Published: Dec 22 2024, 1 pmeznews.inGoogle has announced a significant reduction of 10% in its managerial workforce, a move aimed at enhancing efficiency and redefining its corporate culture, particularly the concept of 'Googleyness'. CEO Sundar Pichai disclosed the layoffs during a company-wide meeting, affecting managers, directors, and vice presidents, with some employees transitioning to individual contributor roles while others face job losses. 'Googleyness', originally a broad term reflecting cultural fit, has evolved since 2017 to include traits essential for thriving in the company's dynamic environment, such as intellectual humility and adaptability. Pichai emphasized a refined definition that prioritizes being "Mission First" and "Bold and Responsible" in decision-making, while fostering teamwork under the motto "Team Google". These layoffs align with Google's ongoing restructuring efforts, which include previous job cuts in its advertising and cloud divisions, as the company seeks to remain competitive in the rapidly advancing AI sector with the launch of its new model, Gemini 2.0.
Published: Dec 22 2024, 1 pmeznews.inLara Trump, daughter-in-law of President-elect Donald Trump, announced on Saturday that she has withdrawn her name from consideration for a Senate seat in Florida, following speculation about her potential candidacy to replace outgoing Senator Marco Rubio, who has been nominated as Secretary of State. Lara Trump recently stepped down as co-chairwoman of the Republican National Committee, expressing gratitude for the support she received during her tenure. In a post on X, she stated her decision came after "incredible thought" and wished Florida Governor Ron DeSantis luck in selecting Rubio's successor, who is expected to resign before Trump's inauguration on January 20. While she hinted at a "big announcement" in January, Lara Trump reaffirmed her commitment to public service and expressed hope for future opportunities to serve. DeSantis noted that there is significant interest in the Senate position, with a decision anticipated by early January.
Published: Dec 22 2024, 1 pmeznews.inA black backpack caught fire at Berlin Airport, triggering panic among passengers and staff. The incident occurred at a terminal, with security personnel swiftly extinguishing the flames using a fire extinguisher. A nearby woman narrowly escaped harm after slipping while fleeing, while the backpack's owner sustained a mild burn. The alarming scene was captured on video by a fellow traveller, who expressed relief that the incident did not occur shortly before boarding. Reactions online highlighted concerns over the risks posed by lithium-ion batteries, commonly found in electronic devices, which are banned from checked luggage due to their potential to ignite. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has documented 481 incidents of lithium battery fires from 2006 to 2023, with an uptick since 2014. To mitigate risks, the FAA advises passengers to check devices for damage and pack electronics safely.
Published: Dec 22 2024, 11 am
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