'The Independent' reports that Finland
will sign a bilateral defense cooperation
agreement with the United States.
.
The deal to bolster Finland's defenses comes
after the country, which shares a border with
Russia, became the newest member of NATO.
Finland joined NATO in April,
ending decades of military neutrality
amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The agreement allows the U.S. to deploy troops
in Finland, in addition to storing weapons
and other military equipment in the country.
According to Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen,
the so-called Defense Cooperation Agreement
is scheduled to be signed on December 18.
Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen said the pact,
which still needs approval by Finnish lawmakers, , "is very significant for
Finland’s defense and security.".
It bears a very strong message
in this time.
The United States
is committed to our defense
also in a tough spot, Antti Häkkänen, Finland's Defense Minister,
via 'The Independent'.
'The Independent' reports that the deal will allow
the U.S. to access 15 military sites across Finland,
while also maintaining a permanent military presence.
'The Independent' reports that the deal will allow
the U.S. to access 15 military sites across Finland,
while also maintaining a permanent military presence.
According to officials, there are
no plans for the U.S. to establish a
permanent military base in Finland.
Just last week, Sweden signed a similar military
agreement, while Denmark is reportedly expected to
make a comparable deal sometime in the near future.
Just last week, Sweden signed a similar military
agreement, while Denmark is reportedly expected to
make a comparable deal sometime in the near future
In recent days, students have held protests or set up encampments in Finland, Denmark, Italy, Spain, France and Britain following earlier protests in the US.
Credit: euronews (in English) Duration: 01:01Published
The Finnish government declared Wednesday a nationwide day of mourning, ordering state agencies and institutions to lower the national flag to half-mast.
Credit: euronews (in English) Duration: 01:20Published
Finnish police have reported multiple injuries resulting from a shooting incident at a primary school in Vantaa, a suburb of Helsinki. The authorities swiftly responded to the situation at Viertola school shortly after 9am local time on Tuesday.
#FinlandShooting #ViertolaSchool #VantaaShooting #SchoolViolence #SafetyInSchools #StopGunViolence #PrimarySchoolTragedy #CommunitySupport #EndingViolence #ProtectOurChildren
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McDonald's Posts , Disappointing Q1 Results , Amid Ongoing Boycotts.
'The Independent' reports that McDonald's posted weaker-
than-expected results in the first quarter of 2024, as a result
of a boycott over the company's perceived support for Israel. .
'The Independent' reports that McDonald's posted weaker-
than-expected results in the first quarter of 2024, as a result
of a boycott over the company's perceived support for Israel. .
According to McDonald's, higher sales in the
United States helped the fast-food giant overcome
weakness in markets where the brand is being boycotted.
According to McDonald's, higher sales in the
United States helped the fast-food giant overcome
weakness in markets where the brand is being boycotted.
The company saw same-store sales rise by
1.9% worldwide between January and March,
below the Wall Street forecast of 2.1%.
Increased menu pricing and delivery demand
saw same-store sales in the U.S. increase by 2.5%.
In international markets, sales fell
by 0.2% for the first time since 2020.
Despite this, McDonald's said the company's revenue
increased 5% to reach $6.17 billion, while net income went
up 7% to $1.93 billion, in-line with Wall Street estimates.
'The Independent' reports that Muslim-majority
markets like Indonesia, Malaysia and the Middle East
have been boycotting McDonald's for months.
The boycotts started after a McDonald's franchise in
Israel announced in October that it would provide free
meals for Israeli troops amid the ongoing war in Gaza.
In the months since then, the company has tried to limit
the fallout by taking over all 225 McDonald's in the country
with the purchase of Alyonal Limited, its Israeli franchise.
Our hearts remain with
the communities and families
impacted by the war in the Middle East.
We abhor violence of any kind and
firmly stand against hate speech,
and we will always proudly
open our doors to everyone, McDonald's statement, via 'The Indepndent'.
Our hearts remain with
the communities and families
impacted by the war in the Middle East.
We abhor violence of any kind and
firmly stand against hate speech,
and we will always proudly
open our doors to everyone, McDonald's statement, via 'The Indepndent'
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Negotiations on Global Treaty , to End Plastic Pollution , Reach Critical Phase .
'The Independent' reports that negotiators from around
the world have met to discuss what could become
a global treaty meant to end plastic pollution. .
The Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on
Plastic Pollution has begun agreeing on treaty language
at their fourth of five scheduled plastics summits.
The most ambitious and contentious
idea revolves around limiting how much
plastic can be manufactured globally.
As most plastics are made from fossil fuels
and chemicals, oil and gas exporters
have strongly objected to the limitations, along
with plastic-producing countries and companies.
According to Stewart Harris, an industry spokesperson
with the International Council of Chemical Associations,
the treaty also focuses on recycling and reuse. .
We want to see the treaty
completed. We want to work
with the governments on
implementing it. The private
sector has a role to play, Stewart Harris, an industry spokesperson
with the International Council of Chemical
Associations, via 'The Independent'.
'The Independent' reports that the Scientists’
Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty provided
scientific evidence on plastic pollution at
the negotiations.
I heard yesterday that there’s
no data on microplastics,
which is verifiably false:
21,000 publications on micro and
nanoplastics have been published, Bethanie Carney Almroth, an ecotoxicology professor at Sweden's University of Gothenburg who co-leads the coalition, via 'The Independent'.
Ecuador's chief negotiator, Walter Schuldt stressed that
countries present at the negotiation share a common
vision of moving forward in the treaty process.
Because at the end of the day,
we’re talking about the survival
of the future of life, not only
of human life but all sorts
of life on this planet, Walter Schuldt, Ecuador's chief
negotiator, via 'The Independent'
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Google Fires More Staffers , Following Protests Over , $1.2 Billion Israel Deal.
Google Fires More Staffers , Following Protests Over , $1.2 Billion Israel Deal.
'The Independent' reports that Google has fired at least
20 more workers following protests over the company
supplying Israel with technology amid the Gaza war.
'The Independent' reports that Google has fired at least
20 more workers following protests over the company
supplying Israel with technology amid the Gaza war.
A group representing the fired
workers said the total number of staff
terminated for protesting is now over 50. .
Internal turmoil at the tech giant revolves around
'Project Nimbus,' a 2021 contract for both Google and
Amazon to provide the Israeli government with technology. .
Internal turmoil at the tech giant revolves around
'Project Nimbus,' a 2021 contract for both Google and
Amazon to provide the Israeli government with technology. .
The $1.2 billion contract includes
cloud computing and artificial
intelligence services. .
The $1.2 billion contract includes
cloud computing and artificial
intelligence services. .
Last week, workers held sit-in
protests at Google's offices in both
New York and Sunnyvale, California.
The protests were organized by the group
No Tech For Apartheid, who said that 30 workers
were fired following the initial sit-in. .
According to Jane Chung, a spokeswoman for
No Tech For Apartheid, Google has now fired
"over 20" more workers, “including non-participating
bystanders during last week’s protests.”.
Google’s aims are clear:
the corporation is attempting
to quash dissent, silence
its workers, and reassert
its power over them, Jane Chung, a spokeswoman for No Tech For Apartheid, via 'The Independent'.
In its attempts to do so,
Google has decided to
unceremoniously, and
without due process,
upend the livelihoods of
over 50 of its own workers, Jane Chung, a spokeswoman for No Tech For Apartheid, via 'The Independent'.
In its attempts to do so,
Google has decided to
unceremoniously, and
without due process,
upend the livelihoods of
over 50 of its own workers, Jane Chung, a spokeswoman for No Tech For Apartheid, via 'The Independent'.
Google has disputed the group's claims,
stressing that the company carefully found that, “every single one of those whose employment
was terminated was personally and definitively
involved in disruptive activity inside our buildings.”
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Upcoming , Lyrid Meteor Shower , May Be Hard to See.
'The Independent' reports that skywatchers
looking to catch the Lyrid meteor shower
may be foiled by the moon. .
This year's peak activity occurs
on April 21 and 22, with up to
20 meteors expected per hour. .
Potential viewing should
last through April 29. .
However, the American Meteor Society
warns that strong moonlight
may interfere with viewing. .
Every year, multiple meteor showers
occur and don't require special
equipment to see them. .
For the most part, meteor showers originate
from debris left behind by comets, like the Lyrids,
which come from the comet Thatcher. .
As these space rocks enter the Earth's atmosphere,
air resistance makes them extremely hot,
which causes the air around them to glow.
This glow leaves a fiery trail behind
the meteor, which can be observed
from the ground as a "shooting star.".
Look to the northeast and just
keep staring at the same spot
in the sky. It's always impressive
when you see these things, Don Pollacco, University of Warwick
astronomer, via 'The Independent'.
The Lyrids are best viewed from the Northern Hemisphere,
while the upcoming Eta Aquarids meteor shower
can best be seen from the Southern Hemisphere.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Microsoft Makes $1.5 Billion , Investment in Leading , UAE Technology Firm.
Microsoft Makes $1.5 Billion , Investment in Leading , UAE Technology Firm.
'The Independent' reports that Microsoft has announced
a $1.5 billion investment in a leading United Arab
Emirates-based artificial intelligence firm. .
'The Independent' reports that Microsoft has announced
a $1.5 billion investment in a leading United Arab
Emirates-based artificial intelligence firm. .
The deal, overseen by the UAE's powerful national security
adviser, will see Microsoft president Brad Smith join
technology holding company G42's board of directors.
The deal, overseen by the UAE's powerful national security
adviser, will see Microsoft president Brad Smith join
technology holding company G42's board of directors.
The UAE's national security adviser,
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is the
current chairman of G42's board of directors. .
In a statement released on April 16, Microsoft
said the deal “was developed in close consultation
with both the UAE and U.S. governments.”.
In a statement released on April 16, Microsoft
said the deal “was developed in close consultation
with both the UAE and U.S. governments.”.
G42, which runs data centers in the Middle East
and elsewhere, has built the world's leading
Arabic-language AI model, Jais. .
According to Microsoft, G42 will move its
AI applications and services over to the U.S.
tech giant's cloud computing platform. .
According to Microsoft, G42 will move its
AI applications and services over to the U.S.
tech giant's cloud computing platform. .
The deal will also look to bring digital infrastructure
to regions that G42 has already established
a presence, including the Middle East and Africa.
'The Independent' reports that G42 previously cut ties with
Chinese hardware suppliers to limit U.S. concerns that
the company was closely tied to the Chinese government.
'The Independent' reports that G42 previously cut ties with
Chinese hardware suppliers to limit U.S. concerns that
the company was closely tied to the Chinese government.
Prior to Microsoft's investment, the company
reportedly faced allegations of spying for its
connection to a mobile phone app identified as spyware.
The tech company also faced accusations
that it gathered genetic material from
U.S. users for the Chinese government. .
The tech company also faced accusations
that it gathered genetic material from
U.S. users for the Chinese government.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
French President Emmanuel Macron clarified on Monday that the US and its allies have no intentions of seeking regime change in Russia. However, Paris remains committed to supporting Kiev in its ongoing conflict with Moscow, pledging continued aid for as long as necessary.
Macron's remarks came during a joint press conference with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Elysee Palace, where they engaged in discussions alongside the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. Among the topics addressed were the Ukraine conflict, bilateral trade, and economic relations between France and China.
In his statements, Macron emphasised the importance of dialogue and cooperation in addressing global challenges, underscoring the need for diplomatic solutions to complex geopolitical issues.
#Macron #France #Russia #UkraineWar #NuclearDeployment #TacticalWeapons #Diplomacy #Geopolitics #InternationalRelations #XiJinping #Meeting #PeaceEfforts #ConflictResolution #GlobalSecurity #News
~HT.178~PR.152~ED.101~GR.124~
Discover the intense clash between Iran's Operation True Promise and NATO's defense as 240 fighter jets scramble to protect Israel. Get exclusive insights into the high-stakes confrontation between military powers.
#NATO #Israel #IsraelHamasWar #IranianStrikes #OperationTruePromise #IsraelPalestineWar #IsraelIranTensions #Oneindia
~HT.178~PR.274~ED.101~GR.121~
Security preparations for this year’s Eurovision come as Sweden is considered by police to be a “priority target” for Islamist terrorist groups. Add concerns over planned protests regarding Israel's involvement, cyberattacks and Sweden's NATO membership, and 2024's contest seems overcast by fear.
Credit: euronews (in English) Duration: 00:35Published
Vladimir Putin's forces destroyed another American main battle tank utilized by Ukraine. Using drones, Russian troops set ablaze U.S. Abrams tanks, capturing the fiery destruction in a compelling video. This latest blow brings the total number of destroyed Abrams tanks in Ukraine to seven, as Russian forces press on in the annexed regions.
#VladimirPutin #AbramTank #AmericanTanks #LeopardTanks #RussianForces #Ukrainewar #RussiaUkrainewar #Worldnews #Oneindia #Oneindianews
~HT.99~PR.152~ED.194~
Ukraine detained two security officials linked to a foiled Russian plot to assassinate President Zelensky. Allegedly, they received drones and ammunition from Russia's FSB. The SBU disclosed thwarted plans to target Zelensky and other high-ranking officials. This follows previous attempts, including a 2023 arrest of a woman and a Polish man's alleged involvement. Zelensky also narrowly escaped a missile strike during a visit to Odessa.
#Ukrainewar #Russia #VolodymyrZelensky #RussiaFSB #SBU #Odesa #Putin #VladimirPutin #Worldnews #Oneindia #Oneindianews
~PR.274~ED.101~HT.318~GR.122~
CBI arrested two in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, for human trafficking to Russia-Ukraine war zone. FIR lists 17 visa consultancy companies. Indian youths promised.. IndiaTimes
A devastating fire engulfs Copenhagen's historic old stock exchange, causing its iconic spire to collapse as emergency responders struggle to contain the inferno. Brave individuals risk their lives to salvage precious artifacts from the blaze, while authorities work to determine the cause of the fire. The loss of this cherished landmark, dating back to the 17th century, leaves Denmark mourning a significant piece of its cultural heritage.
#Copenhagen #copenhagenfire #copenhagenfirelive #copenhagenmajoreternalfire #copenhagenfireand #OldStockExchange #Worldnews #Oneindia #OneindiaNews
~PR.152~ED.103~GR.125~HT.96~
These Are the Happiest Countries , on Earth in 2024.
The World Happiness Report
was released on March 20.
It was compiled using global survey data based on life evaluations from 2021 to 2023.
Six key variables were considered:
"GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity and
perceptions of corruption," CNN reports. .
The 10 happiest countries in the world are:.
Australia.
Switzerland.
Luxembourg.
Norway.
Netherlands.
Israel.
Sweden.
Iceland.
Denmark.
Finland.
The United States dropped to No. 23.
The lowest-ranked countries for
happiness are Congo, Sierra Leone,
Lesotho, Lebanon and Afghanistan. .
The lowest-ranked countries for
happiness are Congo, Sierra Leone,
Lesotho, Lebanon and Afghanistan. .
The lowest-ranked countries for
happiness are Congo, Sierra Leone,
Lesotho, Lebanon and Afghanistan. .
The lowest-ranked countries for
happiness are Congo, Sierra Leone,
Lesotho, Lebanon and Afghanistan. .
The lowest-ranked countries for
happiness are Congo, Sierra Leone,
Lesotho, Lebanon and Afghanistan.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
During the talks, India and Sweden stressed on the need to focus on new emerging technologies like semiconductors, green steel and green batteries. IndiaTimes
The EU aims to boost production of copper and other metals to meet 2050 climate goals. A mine expansion in northern Sweden is seen as critical to those amibitons, but for indigenous Sámi who have been moved off their land it's a threat to an ancient way of life.
Credit: euronews (in English) Duration: 10:00Published
Finland gears up to ink a significant defence pact with the United States, marking a crucial diplomatic move. Join us for insights into the details, implications, and reactions surrounding this..
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