Tuesday, 7 January 2025

John Dramani Mahama Sworn In for Second Term as Ghana’s President


John Dramani Mahama officially began his second term as President of the Republic of Ghana on January 7, 2025, after a decisive victory in the 2024 general elections. The historic swearing-in ceremony took place at Accra’s iconic Black Star Square, drawing a large audience of citizens, political leaders, and global dignitaries.

Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo administered the oath of office, with Mahama reaffirming his dedication to serve the people of Ghana and uphold the Constitution.

A significant moment in the ceremony was the swearing-in of Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang as Ghana’s first female Vice President, marking a milestone in the country’s political history.

Global dignitaries, including heads of state, diplomats, and international representatives, attended the event, underscoring Mahama’s leadership on the global stage. Their presence highlighted Ghana’s role as a beacon of democracy and stability in Africa.

In his inauguration speech, Mahama urged Ghanaians to join him in a national reset aimed at creating a more resilient and prosperous country, emphasizing accountability, innovation, and unity. Mahama also expressed gratitude to voters for their confidence in his leadership, promising that their votes would translate into tangible change.

Mahama outlined four key areas his administration will prioritise: Economic restoration and stabilisation, improvement of the business and investment environment, accountability and the fight against corruption, governance and constitutional  reforms.

He assured businesses and investors that Ghana is open for business again, promising a more transparent and fair tax regime to stimulate growth.

The President paid special attention to youth and women, promising policies that will foster job creation and inclusivity.

“Our youth represent the heartbeat of our democracy. Their ambitions will drive our policies,” Mahama said, pledging to implement a 24-hour economy model to create jobs and stimulate local industries.

He also celebrated Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang’s historic achievement as Ghana’s first female vice president, describing her inauguration as a symbol of progress toward gender equality. 

Mahama introduced the concept of a 24-hour economy, aimed at unlocking Ghana’s dormant economic potential by keeping public services, markets and businesses operational 24/7.

"This model will create decent jobs for young people, stimulate local industry, attract foreign investments, and foster resilient communities,” Mahama explained.

 Mahama ended his speech with a patriotic call to action, inviting Ghanaians to partner with his administration in building a better future.

“This is a patriotic call to action for all of us to participate in building a nation that lives up to its promise, where unity, progress, and equality are not just ideals but the very fabric of our nation,” he said.

“Let us write the next chapter in Ghana’s story — one of promise, transparency, and transformative progress. May God bless our homeland Ghana and make our nation great and strong,” Mahama declared.

The peaceful transition of power and the celebratory inauguration reaffirm Ghana’s status as one of Africa’s most stable democracies, setting a strong example for the region and beyond. As Mahama begins his tenure, hopes are high for progress and unity under his leadership.


Saturday, 4 January 2025

Apple Agrees to $95 Million Settlement Over Siri Privacy Allegations

 

Apple has agreed to a $95 million settlement to resolve a five-year-old lawsuit alleging its voice activated Siri virtual assistant recorded users without consent. The lawsuit claimed Siri inadvertently activated without the trigger words “Hey, Siri,” capturing private conversations that were later shared with advertisers to target consumers.

Two plaintiffs said their mentions of Air Jordan sneakers and Olive Garden restaurants triggered ads for those products. Another said he got ads for a brand name surgical treatment after discussing it, he thought privately, with his doctor.

The allegations, which contradict Apple’s long-standing commitment to customer privacy, highlight potential misuse of Siri’s functionality. CEO Tim Cook has frequently championed privacy as a “fundamental human right.”

The proposed settlement, which must still be approved by a federal judge, was filed Tuesday night in the Oakland, California federal court. Apple isn’t acknowledging any wrongdoing in the settlement. A hearing is scheduled for February 14, 2024, to finalize the agreement.

If approved, tens of millions of Apple customers who owned Siri-equipped devices between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2023, may file claims. Compensation could amount to $20 per device for up to five devices per consumer. However, payments may vary based on the number of claims submitted, as only 3% to 5% of eligible consumers are expected to participate.

Lawyers for the plaintiffs may seek up to $28.5 million in legal fees, plus $1.1 million for expenses, from the settlement fund.

The $95 million is about nine hours of profit for Apple, whose net income was $93.74 billion in its latest fiscal year.

For affected consumers, this case underscores the importance of vigilance in protecting personal data in the digital age.


Friday, 3 January 2025

Joe Kinnear's Legacy: A Football Manager Remembered

The football world mourns the loss of legendary manager Joe Kinnear, who passed away at the age of 77 following a long battle with vascular dementia. Known for his managerial stints at Wimbledon, Newcastle, and other clubs, Kinnear left an indelible mark on the sport.

Kinnear's journey began in Dublin, where he was born to a father who worked at the Guinness brewery. Moving to Watford at the age of seven, Kinnear's passion for football flourished. After captaining Watford and Hertfordshire Schoolboys, he impressed at junior level and was signed by Tottenham Hotspur in 1963 as a promising right-back. He made his senior debut in 1966 and played 258 games for Tottenham, winning the FA Cup, the League Cup twice, and the UEFA Cup. Additionally, he earned 26 international caps for the Republic of Ireland.

Gift Orban Joins Hoffenheim from Lyon

TSG Hoffenheim has completed the signing of Nigerian forward Gift Orban from Olympique Lyon. The deal, worth €9 million with an additional €3 million in potential add-ons, marks a new chapter for the 22-year-old striker.

Orban had joined Lyon from Belgian club Gent last year but struggled to secure a consistent place in the team, making only 21 appearances and scoring five goals. Despite his efforts, he had not featured in the league since September.

Thursday, 2 January 2025

Iran's Reformist Government Lifts Ban on WhatsApp and Google Play

Iran's reformist government, led by President Masoud Pezeshkian, has lifted the nation's ban on WhatsApp and Google Play. This decision marks an initial step in the administration's broader push for reform, aiming to improve the lives of Iran's 85 million citizens.

During a high-level meeting chaired by President Pezeshkian, the decision overcame resistance from hardline factions within the Islamic regime. Telecommunications Minister Sattar Hashemi described the move as a milestone, writing on X, “Today, we took the first step towards lifting internet restrictions by demonstrating unity. This path will continue.”

Drama at the Ballon d'Or: Rodri Responds to Cristiano Ronaldo's Claims

The Ballon d'Or is no stranger to controversy, and this year's award has certainly sparked some heated discussion. In a recent turn of events, Manchester City star Rodri found himself at the center of attention after Cristiano Ronaldo criticized the decision to award him the prestigious trophy over Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr.

Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d'Or recipient, voiced his displeasure, claiming it was "unfair" that Vinicius Jr. didn't win despite his contributions to La Liga and Champions League success. This comment didn’t sit well with Rodri, who had an impressive season, leading his club to Premier League and Euro 2024 victories.

Tragic Attack on Bourbon Street: New Year's Celebrations Turn Deadly

The dawn of the new year brought heartbreak to New Orleans as a horrific attack unfolded on Bourbon Street during the annual New Year's celebrations. On January 1, 2025, a suspect identified as Shamsud Din Jabbar drove a rented pickup truck into a crowd, resulting in the loss of at least 15 lives and causing numerous injuries. The joyous festivities quickly turned into a scene of chaos and sorrow.

Arsenal's Josh Robinson Signs with Wigan Athletic

 

The January transfer window has officially kicked off with Arsenal's promising young defender, Josh Robinson, making a significant move to League One side Wigan Athletic. The 20-year-old talent has signed a three-and-a-half-year deal, marking an exciting new chapter in his career.

Robinson has stood out at Arsenal's Hale End academy, showcasing his skills and earning a spot on the first-team bench for several Champions League matches this season. Despite his connection to Arsenal, Robinson is eager to embrace the opportunities at Wigan. He expressed his excitement, saying, "I am very excited to start my journey here. It’s a very big football club, and I look forward to seeing what the season holds. They were interested in me, and when you see a big club like Wigan, you cannot turn that opportunity down."

Tuesday, 31 December 2024

Elon Musk Becomes 'Kekius Maximus' on X: A Bold Move with Crypto Implications

Elon Musk has officially changed his name to "Kekius Maximus" on X (formerly Twitter). Known for his unpredictable and often humorous online persona, Musk's latest stunt is linked to a meme-inspired cryptocurrency token, KEKIUS, which has seen a significant surge in value following the name change.

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie Settle Divorce After Eight-Year Legal Battle

 


After over eight years of legal proceedings, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have reached a settlement in their divorce. According to Jolie’s lawyer, James Simon, both parties signed the agreement on December 30.

“More than eight years ago, Angelina filed for divorce from Mr. Pitt,” Simon shared. “She and the children left all of the properties they had shared with Mr. Pitt, and since that time, she has focused on finding peace and healing for their family. This is just one part of a long ongoing process that started eight years ago. Frankly, Angelina is exhausted, but she is relieved this one part is over.”

Hollywood stars Pitt and Jolie became one of the most high-profile couples in the world when they got together after meeting on the set of "Mr. and Mrs. Smith," in which they co-starred. 

Jolie filed for divorce in 2016 after a decade-long relationship with Pitt, which included a 2014 marriage and six children together. The prolonged legal battle involved multiple factors, including custody disputes, a 2016 private plane incident, and disagreements over the sale of their French winery, Château Miraval.

Details surrounding the circumstances of the 2016 plane incident emerged in August 2022, when an  FBI report released revealed that Jolie accused her husband of physical and verbal abuse on a 2016  flight from France to Los Angeles, during which he allegedly choked one of their children. Pitt was never arrested or charged, and Jolie filed for divorce days later, citing irreconcilable differences. She sought sole physical custody of their children while Pitt retained joint legal custody.

The couple's marriage was officially dissolved in 2019, though legal disputes continued. The French winery they once co-owned has since become the center of an ongoing legal feud, stemming from Jolie’s 2021 sale of her stake that Pitt has since claimed was unlawful. That case remains ongoing.

Jolie reflected in 2020 on her decision to separate, saying it was for the “wellbeing” of her family: “They are six very brave, very strong young people.”


Monday, 30 December 2024

Jimmy Carter: A Legacy of Service and Compassion

The world lost an extraordinary leader and humanitarian, Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States. At the age of 100, Carter's life was a testament to the power of dedication, humility, and unwavering commitment to peace and human rights.

Jimmy Carter served as President from 1977 to 1981, a period marked by significant diplomatic achievements. One of his most notable accomplishments was the Camp David Accords, a historic peace agreement between Egypt and Israel. His administration also faced challenges, including the Iran hostage crisis, but Carter's efforts to foster international peace left an indelible mark on global politics.

Sunday, 29 December 2024

Trump Requests Supreme Court Delay on TikTok Ban Ruling

Former President Donald Trump has filed a request with the U.S. Supreme Court to delay the implementation of a new law set to ban TikTok unless it is sold by its Chinese parent company. The law is scheduled to take effect on January 19, 2025, just one day before Trump is set to be inaugurated for his second term as president.

Trump Sides with Elon Musk in H-1B Visa Debate Amid Supporter Backlash

US President-elect Donald Trump has voiced his support for the H-1B visa program, reigniting debate within his MAGA base. In an interview with The New York Post, Trump stated, “I have many H-1B visas on my properties. I’ve been a believer in H-1B. I have used it many times. It’s a great program.”

Tuesday, 24 December 2024

Elon Musk's AI Startup xAI Raises $6 Billion in Latest Funding Round

Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence startup, xAI, has made headlines again by raising an additional $6 billion in its latest funding round. This impressive round of investment brings the total funding for xAI to $12 billion in just a year. The funds were secured from a variety of sources, including US venture capitalists, chipmakers NVIDIA and AMD, as well as investment funds from Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

Friday, 20 December 2024

Netflix Becomes Exclusive U.S. Broadcaster for FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 and 2031

 

FIFA and Netflix have announced a groundbreaking deal that will bring the next two FIFA Women’s World Cups exclusively to Netflix in the United States. The tournaments, scheduled for 2027 in Brazil and 2031 (host yet to be announced), mark the streaming giant’s entry into major international football broadcasting.

Netflix coverage of the Women’s World Cup will include commentary and entertainment from studio shows and top-tier talent, as well as exclusive documentary spotlighting the top players, their journeys, and the explosion of the sport around the globe.

“This is a landmark moment for sports media rights,” stated FIFA President Gianni Infantino. He emphasized the significance of this collaboration, adding, “This agreement sends a strong message about the real value of the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the global women’s game. FIFA and Netflix partnering together makes this a truly historic day for broadcasting and for women’s football.”

Netflix Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria echoed the excitement, noting, “Bringing this iconic tournament to Netflix isn’t just about streaming matches, it’s also about celebrating the players, the culture, and the passion driving the global rise of women’s sport.”

Earlier in 2023, the platform secured a three-year deal to broadcast the NFL’s Christmas Day games, and it has since expanded into boxing and WWE programming.

In November, Netflix aired a high-profile boxing match between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul, which garnered 60 million streams worldwide. Starting in 2025, Netflix will also be the exclusive home of WWE’s Monday Night Raw in a $5 billion, 10-year agreement.

The FIFA Women’s World Cup, described by both parties as “the single biggest women’s sporting event on the planet,” has seen surging viewership. In 2023, Spain’s victory over England drew over two million viewers on FOX and Telemundo, while the U.S. women’s national team’s matches averaged nearly 3.8 million viewers.

Netflix’s move reinforces the rising prominence of women’s sports and signals a new era in sports broadcasting.


Trump Threatens Tariffs on EU Over Oil and Gas Imports

In a bold move, US President-elect Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to the European Union, threatening tariffs if its member countries do not increase their American oil and gas purchases. Trump made this declaration on Truth Social, stating, “I told the European Union that they must make up their tremendous deficit with the United States by the large-scale purchase of our oil and gas. Otherwise, it is TARIFFS all the way!!!”

Thursday, 19 December 2024

Putin Signals Readiness for Talks with Trump Amid Ukraine War

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed his readiness to talk with US President-elect Donald Trump. During his marathon year-end news conference on December 9, Putin revealed that he has not spoken to Trump in over four years but is open to discussions to negotiate an end to the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Wednesday, 18 December 2024

UK Inflation Rises Ahead of Bank of England's Critical Decision

Office for National Statistics (ONS) has reported that UK inflation rose to 2.6% in November, up from 2.3% in October. This increase matches market expectations and comes as the Bank of England prepares to make a crucial decision on interest rates later this week.

Core inflation, which excludes volatile items such as food and energy, also saw an uptick, rising to 3.5% from 3.3% in October. This was slightly below the anticipated figure of 3.6%. Meanwhile, services inflation, a key indicator closely watched by the Bank of England for domestic price pressures, remained steady at 5%, slightly below market expectations of 5.1%.

Earlier this year, falling inflation allowed the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to lower interest rates in August and November. However, the headline rate has been pushed higher recently by rising energy costs and persistent services inflation. Despite this recent uptick, it is widely expected that the Bank of England will keep interest rates on hold at its upcoming meeting. Markets remain divided on the likelihood of a rate cut in February.

Tuesday, 17 December 2024

Karim Benzema Considering Retirement and a Future with Real Madrid

Karim Benzema, a legendary figure in the world of football, is reportedly contemplating retirement at the end of this season. The 36-year-old striker, currently playing for Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League, has had a challenging campaign in the Middle East due to off-field issues. Despite these challenges, Benzema has been in impressive form on the pitch, scoring 10 goals in 10 appearances under compatriot Laurent Blanc. He trails only two goals behind the league's top scorer, Aleksandar Mitrovic, and is level with Cristiano Ronaldo.

Trump Meets TikTok CEO as U.S Ban Deadline Approaches

TikTok CEO Shou Chew met with President-elect Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago on Monday just weeks before the popular video app is expected to be banned in the US over national security concerns.

The meeting comes at a critical moment for TikTok, which has filed an emergency appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court to halt the enforcement of a controversial law that would either force the app’s sale to a non-Chinese owner or ban it outright by January 19, 2025. The law, passed by Congress with bipartisan support and signed by President Joe Biden in April, reflects ongoing national security concerns over TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance.