Tag: france24
-
World’s First ‘Miss AI’ Beauty Pageant Crowned, Highlighting Rise of AI Influencers and Diversity
In a groundbreaking event, the world’s first “Miss AI” beauty pageant crowned its winner, marking a significant milestone in the integration of artificial intelligence within the realm of social media and digital influence. Organized by Phoenix AI agency, the contest sought to highlight the capabilities and potential of AI in creative spaces, drawing entries from…
-
NATO Accuses China of Enabling Russia’s War in Ukraine, Raises Concerns Over Euro-Atlantic Security
NATO allies have issued a strong statement accusing China of enabling Russia’s war in Ukraine, highlighting the impact of the “No Limits” partnership between China and Russia on Euro-Atlantic security. The military alliance emphasized that China’s support for Russia significantly contributes to the threat against the region. In response, China criticized NATO, urging the alliance…
-
UK-Rwanda Migrant Deal: No Refund for £240 Million Says Rwanda, Despite Scrapped Plans
Rwanda has stated it is not obligated to refund the UK any money from the controversial migrant deal after the new UK government scrapped the plan. The deal, which involved sending asylum seekers to Rwanda, saw the UK transfer £240 million to the African nation for housing construction and other preparations. Despite the change in…
-
Ethiopian Prime Minister Visits Sudan for High-Level Talks Amid Ongoing Conflict
Sudan’s military leader, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, hosted Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in Port Sudan, marking the highest level state visit since the conflict began in Sudan last April. The meeting, aimed at restoring stability to Sudan, comes amidst the country’s ongoing brutal conflict and severe humanitarian crisis. Meanwhile, the situation in South Sudan worsens…
-
Kenyan Cult Leader Faces Terrorism Charges Over Mass Starvation Deaths
In Kenya, the leader of a doomsday cult, Paul McKenzie, along with 94 co-defendants, is facing trial on charges including terrorism, murder, manslaughter, and child cruelty. McKenzie, a self-proclaimed pastor, is accused of orchestrating the starvation deaths of over 400 followers in the Shakahola Forest, aiming for them to “reach heaven” before the world ended.…
-
Record-Breaking Heatwave and Wildfires Sweep Across Western US, Sparking Concerns and Evacuations
A record-breaking heat wave is currently affecting millions across the US, particularly in California and the greater Western United States, marking one of the most severe and prolonged periods of heat the region has experienced in recent years. This extreme weather event has led to all-time high temperatures in several locations, exacerbating wildfire conditions across…
-
Reformist Masoud Pezeshkian Wins Iran’s Snap Presidential Election, Advocates for Social Freedoms and Pragmatic Foreign Policy
In Iran’s recent snap presidential election, reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian, a heart surgeon and moderate, has won with over 16 million votes, defeating his ultra-conservative opponent. Pezeshkian, who stands for social freedoms and a pragmatic foreign policy, aims to extend “the hand of friendship to everyone” in his first address as president-elect. This election follows…
-
Kenya’s President Ruto Announces Spending Cuts and Apologizes for Police Brutality Amid Nationwide Protests
In response to nationwide protests against proposed tax increases, Kenyan President William Ruto has announced a new series of austerity measures aimed at reducing government spending. These measures include a 50% reduction in the number of government advisers and the suspension of non-essential travel for state officers. Additionally, Ruto has initiated a comprehensive forensic audit…
-
Former French Ambassador Warns of Trade Difficulties if Trump Returns to Office
In a recent discussion, Philippe Étienne, a distinguished French diplomat and former ambassador to the United States, shared insights on the potential implications for trade and international relations if Donald Trump were to return to the presidency. Étienne, who has also served as ambassador to Germany and France’s permanent representative to the European Union, emphasized…
-
French AI Lab Develops Moshi, the World’s Fastest Responding Voice Bot
A French AI lab, founded by three billionaires including Eric Schmidt, has developed what it claims to be the world’s fastest voice bot, Moshi, showcasing remarkable speed and emotional responsiveness. Moshi, a product of the nonprofit QAI, represents France’s ambition in the global AI arena, alongside the startup Mistr. QAI aims to contribute to the…
-
Escalating Desertification in Iraq: Intensifying Sandstorms Pose Severe Threat to Local Communities
Desertification in Iraq is intensifying, leading to more frequent and severe sandstorms that threaten local populations, agriculture, and infrastructure. Inhabitants of southern Iraq endure extreme conditions, with sandstorms burying villages, causing health issues, and leading to a scarcity of water. Efforts by the government and local communities to combat the effects of desertification, including planting…
-
Highlights and Innovations from the 78th Avignon Theater Festival
The 78th edition of the world’s biggest theater festival in Avignon, France, is underway, featuring a rich program that spans across traditional and contemporary performing arts. The festival, known for its diverse and inclusive approach, showcases 35 shows in the official program, many of which are world premieres. Artistic director Thiago Rodriguez presents his vision…
-
UK General Election Sees Conservative Party Facing Dual Threats from Liberal Democrats and Reform Party
As the United Kingdom heads to the polls, the Labour Party is anticipated to secure a historic victory amid a challenging political landscape for the Conservative Party. The election has seen Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his party focus on traditionally safe Conservative seats, with efforts to rally the base, including bringing Boris Johnson back…
-
Kenya’s President Ruto Orders Review of MP Salary Increases Amid Public Outcry and Financial Crisis Concerns
Kenyan President William Ruto has issued an order to review the proposed salary hikes for members of parliament and other state officials following widespread public dissent. The decision comes in the wake of significant social media backlash and mass protests against a controversial finance bill proposing tax hikes, which Ruto was forced to retract. The…
-
Kenya Faces Renewed Anti-Government Protests Amid Calls for President Ruto’s Resignation
In Kenya, anti-government protests have escalated, with demonstrators clashing with police forces in Nairobi. The protests, initially sparked by opposition to a 2024 financial bill, have grown into a broader movement calling for President William Ruto’s resignation and condemning the government’s use of excessive force. Human rights groups have reported a significant number of injuries…
-
EU Accuses Meta of Violating Digital Competition Rules with Advertising Model
The European Union has charged Meta, the parent company of Facebook, with violating the bloc’s competition rules through its new “pay or consent” advertising model. This model, which forces users of Facebook and Instagram to either see ads or pay a minimum of €10 to avoid them, allegedly breaches the Digital Markets Act by not…
-
Stonebwoy Discusses Music’s Unifying Power and His Journey as Ghana’s Reggae and Dancehall Icon on FRANCE 24 English
Ghana’s celebrated reggae and dancehall artist, Stonebwoy, has been featured in an insightful interview where he discusses his musical journey, achievements, and the powerful message behind his work. With over a decade of experience and more than 50 awards to his name, Stonebwoy’s music has touched millions worldwide, making him one of Ghana’s most successful…
-
French Overseas Territories and Expatriates Participate in Legislative Elections Amid High Voter Turnout
France’s overseas territories and French citizens living abroad have begun casting their votes in the country’s parliamentary elections, with an emphasis on the importance of participating in the democratic process, regardless of their location. High turnout is expected, as evidenced by the substantial increase in online voting figures among expatriates. Polling stations in areas like…
-
Kenyan Activists Demand President Ruto’s Resignation Amid Mourning for Tax Protest Victims
In a recent development from Kenya, activists are rallying for fresh protests and demanding the resignation of President William Ruto, following a period of violent demonstrations against tax increases that resulted in the death of at least 23 individuals. Despite President Ruto retracting the contentious Finance Bill, the call for change persists, highlighting a broader…
-
Kenyan President Ruto Withdraws Controversial Finance Bill Following Deadly Protests
In response to deadly protests in Kenya, President William Ruto has announced the withdrawal of a contentious finance bill that proposed increased taxes, after a day of violent demonstrations in Nairobi and other cities resulted in the death of at least 22 people. The protests saw participants breaking into Parliament, vandalizing its interior, and setting…
-
At Least Five Killed in Kenya Amid Protests Over Tax Hikes
In Kenya, significant unrest has unfolded as at least five individuals were killed during demonstrations against a contentious finance bill, sparking massive protests and leading to part of the Parliament building being set ablaze. President William Ruto has pledged a stern response to the violence and anarchy, deploying the military in Nairobi and other major…
-
Brazilians Explore African Ancestry Through DNA Testing Initiatives
In Brazil, individuals are turning to DNA tests to uncover their African ancestry, a journey deeply rooted in the country’s history of slavery. The port district of Rio, known as Little Africa, serves as a significant reminder of the African influence and presence in Brazil. With the abolition of slavery in 1888, many historical documents…
-
Kenyan President William Ruto Sends 400 Police Officers to Haiti to Combat Gang Violence
In a significant move towards international solidarity and peacekeeping, Kenya’s President William Ruto officially bid farewell to 400 Kenyan police officers who are set to lead a United Nations-backed mission in Haiti. The mission aims to address the rampant gang violence that has severely affected the Caribbean nation. This deployment follows Nairobi’s initial proposal to…
-
US Prosecutors Recommend Criminal Charges Against Boeing Over Fatal Crashes
US federal prosecutors have recommended that the Department of Justice (DOJ) bring criminal charges against Boeing for violations related to a deal that protected the company from prosecution following two fatal crashes involving its 737 Max planes. These crashes, occurring in 2018 and 2019, resulted in the deaths of 346 people. The recommendation comes amid…
-
Adi Oasis Discusses New Music and Advocacy on US Political Issues in “FRANCE 24 English” Interview
French-Caribbean artist Adi Oasis discusses her music, inspiration, and political stances in a recent interview. Oasis, with a rich musical background from Martinique, talks about the deluxe release of her album “Lotus Globe” and her collaborations, particularly highlighting a song inspired by the US Supreme Supreme Court’s decision on abortion rights. She emphasizes the importance…
-
Mongolian Band Uuhai Fuses Metal with Traditional Folk Music, Showcasing Unique Sound on France 24
Mongolian band Uuhai is making waves in the music scene by blending metal with traditional Mongolian folk elements. The group incorporates electric guitars with the Morin Khuur, a horse-headed violin, and Khoomei singing, a traditional form of throat singing. Having already performed sold-out shows in France, Uuhai is set to play at the renowned metal…
-
Namibia’s High Court Overturns Colonial-Era Ban on Same-Sex Acts Between Men
In a significant legal development, Namibia’s High Court has ruled that the colonial-era law criminalizing same-sex acts between men is unconstitutional, marking a historic victory for LGBTQ activists in the country. This ruling overturns a law dating back to 1927, which persisted even after Namibia gained independence from South Africa in 1990. Activists, while celebrating…
-
French Political Spectrum Unites to Address Business Community Concerns Ahead of Parliamentary Elections
In the lead-up to France’s parliamentary elections, representatives from the country’s major political parties presented their economic programs to business leaders at the employer association Medef, aiming to alleviate concerns over their electoral promises. The event saw notable appearances from Jordan Bardella of the National Rally and Eric Ciotti of the Republican party, who emphasized…
-
Thousands of Young Kenyans Protest Against Proposed Tax Increases on Essentials
Thousands of young Kenyans have taken to the streets in protests against government-proposed tax hikes, which demonstrators argue will increase the already high cost of living. Despite the government’s partial rollback of some planned tax increases, protestors demand further reductions in levies. The protests, which are the largest organized demonstrations in recent years, have seen…
-
EU Initiates Disciplinary Action Against France and Six Other Countries for Excessive Budget Deficits
The European Commission has recommended disciplinary action against France and six other EU countries for running excessive budget deficits, breaching the Maastricht Treaty rules. This comes as the rules, suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic, were reimposed, requiring member states to keep public debt below 60% of GDP and deficits below 3%. France, along with Belgium,…