Category: World

McDonald's is unveiling a novel retro-style restaurant named CosMc's, emphasizing coffee and specialty beverages in a strategic move to compete with rivals like Starbucks. The fast-food giant will initiate the CosMc's trial in Bolingbrook, Illinois, this month, with plans to introduce 10 additional stores in Texas next year. As of now, McDonald's Australia has no intentions of introducing CosMc's Down Under. The menu for this venture includes specialty lemonades, teas, and blended drinks featuring unique flavors like[more...]

The United Nations aid chief, Martin Griffiths, has indicated the potential opening of the Karem Abu Salem crossing, known as Kerem Shalom in Israel, connecting Israel and Gaza for increased humanitarian aid to the war-torn Palestinian territory. While still in negotiations, Griffiths expressed optimism during a press briefing in Geneva on Thursday, stating, "There are promising signs now that that may be able to open soon." Currently, aid is entering Gaza through the Rafah crossing on the[more...]

Inland Australia is grappling with severe heat, causing power outages, heightened bushfire risks, and potential record-breaking temperatures, particularly impacting New South Wales and South Australia. Challenging weather conditions in South Australia have left thousands without power, with firefighters battling to control bushfires ignited by over 30,000 lightning strikes in the past 24 hours. Although more than 13,000 homes experienced power losses, approximately 7,800 are still without electricity, and restoration is not expected until 2 am. While containment[more...]

Speaking at a banking conference at Sydney University, Andrea Brischetto, the head of financial stability at the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), reassured that the bank's internal research indicates that the majority of borrowers can comfortably manage their mortgages at the current interest rates. She noted that slightly over 20% of borrowers are presumed to allocate more than 30% of their income to mortgage payments. However, a significantly lower proportion, around 5%, is estimated to face income[more...]

France is set to implement a ban on smoking at beaches and public parks, according to the country's health minister, who unveiled a series of measures aimed at preventing 75,000 tobacco-related deaths annually. As part of the government's broader plan to combat smoking and work toward a "tobacco-free generation by 2032," French Health Minister Aurélien Rousseau announced the upcoming prohibition of smoking in various public spaces, including beaches, public parks, forests, and areas near schools. While an[more...]

Escaping during Christmas poses its challenges, given the peak season rush and widespread travel plans. However, with careful planning, it can turn into an enjoyable experience. Whether you're seeking a festive ambiance leading up to the 25th or opting to completely evade the holiday hustle, consider these options to inspire your travel plans. Ditch the holiday stress, family gatherings, and expenses by taking a flight on December 25th. Despite the skepticism, with strategic timing, you can still[more...]

Amidst wild cheers and shouts of "Bharat Mata ki Jai" (long-lived mother India), rescuers successfully brought out all 41 Indian workers who were trapped for 17 days in the collapsed Himalayan road tunnel. Emerging as heroes with beaming smiles, they were hauled through 57 meters of steel pipe on stretchers specially fitted with wheels. Relatives outside joined in the celebration, marking the end of a challenging rescue operation in the treacherous Himalayan terrain. Naiyer Ahmad, whose younger[more...]

Air Transat flight attendants may initiate a strike as early as January 3, as an overwhelming majority of more than 2,100 workers, represented by The Canadian Union of Public Employees, voted to grant their union the authority to call for a walkout if ongoing negotiations fail to produce a new labor agreement. The union reported that 99.8% of the members supported the option to strike if necessary, emphasizing their discontent, particularly regarding wages and purchasing power. The[more...]

The British Columbia Supreme Court is considering the certification of a class-action lawsuit against opioid manufacturers, aiming to represent all provinces and territories. In a hearing on Monday, Reidar Mogerman, a lawyer for the B.C. government, argued that certifying a class of governments dealing with health-care costs related to the opioid crisis would save time and resources by consolidating nearly identical actions. The lawsuit alleges that pharmaceutical companies deceived and misled the healthcare system, contributing to the[more...]

As Cyber Monday approaches, now is an ideal moment to consider upgrading your iPad. If you're eyeing the entry-level model, you're in for a treat — Amazon is currently offering the latest 10th-gen model for just $349, a substantial $100 discount and the lowest price observed so far. Apple's 10th-gen iPad stands out as a reliable entry-level device, packed with features suitable for the average user. It boasts several enhancements over its predecessor, including a larger 10.9-inch[more...]