UN calls inquiry into West Bank.

The United Nations has called for a “comprehensive investigation” into the tragic death of Ayşenur Ezgi Aygi, a 26-year-old American-Turkish dual citizen, who was fatally shot during a protest in the occupied West Bank. The incident, which took place near the town of Beita on Friday, has sparked international outrage and re-ignited demands for accountability in the volatile region.

Fatal protest
Aygi was taking part in a weekly protest against the expansion of Israeli settlements in the town of Beita, near Nablus. The protests, which are a regular occurrence in the region, are part of ongoing efforts by Palestinian and international activists to protest Israeli settlement activities, which many consider a violation of international law. During the protest, Israeli forces opened fire, resulting in Aygi’s death.

Eyewitness statements and local media reports indicate that Aygi was shot by Israeli soldiers. Jonathan Pollack, a Jewish-Israeli activist at the scene, told the BBC World Service’s Newshour program that he saw soldiers aim their weapons at the rooftop. He heard two separate gunshots, separated by a second or two. “I heard someone calling my name, saying in English, ‘Help us. We need help,'” Pollack recalled. “I ran towards them and saw Ms Egy lying on the ground under the olive tree, bleeding from her head.”

Pollack described the moments that followed as frantic and desperate. “I put my hands behind her back to stop the bleeding,” he said. “I looked up and saw there was a clear line of sight between the soldiers and where we were. I felt her pulse, and it was very, very weak.” Despite efforts to save her, Egy was taken to a hospital in Nablus, where she was later pronounced dead.

Calls for accountability and international responses
The United Nations was swift in its response. UN Secretary-General spokesman Stephane Dujarric stressed the need for a thorough investigation. “We want to see a full investigation of the circumstances and people held accountable,” Dujarric said. He stressed the importance of protecting civilians in conflict zones and said they “must be protected at all times.” The United States also expressed its concern. White House National Security Council spokesman Sean Savet said Washington was “deeply distressed by the tragic death of an American citizen.” The US government has reportedly contacted Israeli authorities for more information and requested a full investigation into the incident. Turkey, where Agy was born in the city of Antalya, strongly condemned the shooting. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called the Israeli action “barbaric,” while the Turkish Foreign Ministry said Agy was “killed by Israeli occupation troops in the city of Nablus.” Turkey has also called for accountability and a transparent investigation to determine the cause of Egi’s death. Conflicting statements
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) offered a different version of events. In an official statement, the IDF claimed that its forces were responding to “violent activity” and that they had fired at a “main instigator” who was throwing stones and posing a threat to soldiers. “The IDF is investigating reports that a foreign national was killed as a result of gunfire in the area,” the statement said. Details

What the $8.5 Billion Reliance-Disney Merger Means for Indian Entertainment and Advertising.

In a landmark move to reshape the entertainment landscape in India, Reliance Industries and Walt Disney are merging their media assets in a $8.5 billion deal. The mega merger aims to create the largest entertainment entity in India, a move that could not only change the way Indians consume media but also transform the dynamics of the entertainment and advertising industries in the region. The deal, which combines Disney’s extensive network of TV channels and streaming platforms with Reliance’s significant media holdings, promises a new era of content access and market dominance. The merged entity is set to capture a strong 40% share in the TV market, reach 750 million viewers across 120 channels and become a powerhouse in the advertising sector. But like any major integration, this merger brings with it a mix of opportunities, challenges and concerns. A new entertainment powerhouse The merger brings together two giants: Disney’s Star India, which operates more than 70 TV channels in eight languages, and Reliance’s Viacom18, which runs 38 channels in eight languages. Both companies have impressive streaming platforms – Disney+ Hotstar and JioCinema – and have substantial film production capabilities. By bringing their resources together, they create a media giant that could significantly alter the competitive landscape in India.

This new entity is likely to dominate the Indian market. With access to major sports broadcast rights, including the highly sought-after Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket tournament, the merged company is set to control 75-80% of the Indian sports streaming market. This dominance could extend beyond sports to include a broad spectrum of entertainment content including TV shows, movies and reality TV.

For Indian consumers, this merger could mean a wide selection of content. Imagine accessing a wide variety of shows and films, from international hits like “The Bear” and “Succession” to local favourites and blockbuster reality shows like “Bigg Boss,” all from a single platform. This level of convenience and variety is likely to attract a large number of customers, increasing the appeal of the new entertainment giant.

Economic implications and market dynamics
The economic impact of the merger extends far beyond the immediate realm of entertainment. By creating such a dominant player in the market, the deal could significantly change the dynamics of advertising. With a dominant share on both TV and digital platforms, the new entity is expected to capture a large share of advertising revenues, potentially setting new standards for pricing and market influence.

However, this market dominance also raises concerns about competition. Critics argue that the merger could stifle competition by creating a near-monopoly in the entertainment sector. KK Sharma, former head of the merger control division of the Competition Commission of India (CCI), said such market consolidation could lead to regulatory scrutiny. The CCI has already conditioned its approval on the companies implementing “voluntary amendments” to ensure fair competition, though the specifics of these amendments have not been disclosed.

The potential impact on smaller players in the market is also significant. With the new entity’s vast resources and market reach, smaller competitors may struggle to maintain their market share. Reliance’s strategy of offering services at highly competitive prices, as seen with Jio’s mobile data and JioCinema’s affordable subscription plans, could put additional pressure on these smaller companies.

The challenge of quality and scale

While the merger promises scale, the challenge will be to maintain quality. Since the new entity aims to serve a vast audience, it will be expected to deliver consistently high-quality content. Media and entertainment industry expert Vanita Kohli-Khandekar points out that scale is important, but quality cannot be compromised. “If the streaming market becomes more dependent on views rather than subscriptions, the quality of programming will only be good on one or two apps,” she warns.

The new entity will need to balance the scale of its offerings with the quality of its content. This includes leveraging its extensive library of international and local content, ensuring it can compete effectively with other global players such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and regional competitors.

Impact on the advertising market
The most significant impact of the merger will be on the advertising market. The dominance of the combined entity in both TV and digital platforms puts it in a position to capture a larger share of advertising revenues. This could lead to changes in advertising strategies, pricing models, and market dynamics.

“A Year of War Leaves Sudanese Families with No Future”

By the side of a dusty road in Adré, a key crossing point on the Sudan-Chad border, Buthaina, 38, sits surrounded by other women. Each of them has their children with them, but none have any belongings. Buthaina fled with her six children from the besieged town of El-Fasher in Sudan’s Darfur region, more than 480 km (300 miles) away, when there was nothing left to eat or drink.

“We left with nothing; we just ran to save our lives,” Buthaina told a BBC reporter. “We didn’t want to go – my children were top of their class at school, and we were having a good life at home.”

Sudan’s civil war began in April last year when tensions between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and their former paramilitary allies, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), erupted into violence. The conflict, partly fueled by disagreements over moving toward civilian rule, has since spiraled into a brutal conflict that shows no signs of abating. Thousands have lost their lives, millions have been displaced, and parts of the country have teetered on the brink of famine. The conflict is creating a humanitarian crisis that many fear could become the world’s worst famine if vital international aid doesn’t arrive quickly.

Adré: A symbol of political failure and human suffering

Adré, once a quiet border town on Sudan’s western border with Chad, has become a powerful symbol of the political failures and humanitarian devastation caused by the current conflict. Until last month, the Adré crossing had been closed since January, and only a handful of aid trucks had been able to enter the country. Now reopened, there are concerns among aid agencies that what deliveries are coming in may be too little and too late.

Every day, dozens of Sudanese refugees make the difficult journey across the border into Chad, many of them women carrying hungry and thirsty children on their backs. Upon arriving, they rush to a water tank set up by the World Food Programme (WFP), one of several UN agencies raising the alarm on the scale of Sudan’s humanitarian disaster. The situation is dire, and the stories of those who have fled paint a dismal picture of the tragedy unfolding.

A makeshift existence in the camps
After arriving in Adré, we head to a makeshift camp near the border, where refugees have built shelters from wood, cloth and pieces of plastic. As we walk through the camp, it begins to rain, eventually turning to torrential downpours. I ask my guide, Ying Hu, an associate reporting officer for UNHCR (the UN’s refugee agency), if the flimsy shelters can withstand heavy rain. “They can’t,” he replies. “With the rain comes many diseases. And the worst part is that the floods often mean it takes us days to get back here by car, which means that aid doesn’t even reach these people.”

Like many other camps in Sudan and Chad, the lack of basic necessities is evident in this camp. Famine has already been declared in parts of Darfur, such as the Zam Zam camp, where the UN has reliable information. The World Food Programme says it has delivered more than 200,000 tonnes of food between April 2023 and July 2024, but this is far short of what is needed. The situation is further complicated by both sides of the conflict blocking aid supplies to areas controlled by their rivals. Reports of the RSF and other militias stealing and damaging aid convoys have further complicated efforts to deliver essential supplies, while the SAF is accused of blocking supplies from reaching areas under RSF control, including much of Darfur.

The BBC has contacted both the RSF and SAF about these allegations but has not received a response. Both factions have previously denied obstructing humanitarian aid deliveries.

Port Sudan: Relief waits amid bureaucratic delays

On the other side of the country, we visit Port Sudan, the main aid hub on Sudan’s east coast. Here, a convoy of aid trucks can wait six weeks or more before being cleared by the SAF to travel onwards. This bottleneck delays much-needed relief for people in war-torn areas. Recently, the SAF agreed to allow aid agencies to resume shipments through Adré, which could potentially deliver vital aid to beleaguered populations in Darfur.

Walking through a camp for internally displaced people in Port Sudan, the scenes are similarly heartbreaking. Stories of loss, abuse and survival abound. In one tent, a group of women sit in a circle, some with their children in their arms. They all share stories of suffering in RSF prisons – stories of rape, torture and psychological trauma.

One woman, whose identity the Voctn has decided to protect, recounts her horrific experience. She was captured while fleeing Omdurman, near Khartoum, with her two-year-old son. She says, “Every day, they would take my son down the hallway to a room, and I would hear him crying, screaming for help.”

“Japanese Firm Seven & i Holdings Rejects $38 Billion Takeover Proposal”

The world of retail and global business has been abuzz lately with developments regarding 7-Eleven, one of the most recognizable names in convenience stores. Japanese conglomerate Seven & i Holdings has turned down a massive $38 billion buyout offer from Canadian retail giant Alimentation Couche-Tard (ACT). The move marks a significant moment in the ongoing evolution of the global retail landscape.

The Offer and the Rejection

In a detailed letter sent to Alimentation Couche-Tard, Seven & i Holdings made it clear that the bid was not satisfactory. The letter, written by Stephen Decus, chairman of Seven & i’s special committee of independent directors, explained that the offer not only “grossly” undervalued Seven & i but also faced considerable regulatory hurdles. The offer, which valued Seven & i at approximately $14.86 per share, represented a premium of more than 20% to its share price prior to the announcement, highlighting the aggressive nature of the bid.

Seven & i Holdings, which owns the globally recognised 7-Eleven chain, has pointed out that the timing of ACT’s offer seemed opportunistic, taking advantage of current economic conditions, particularly the weak Japanese yen. This currency fluctuation has made Seven & i more attractive to foreign buyers, but the Japanese company feels it has led to an undervaluation of its value.

Regulatory and market challenges
Seven & i’s rejection also underscores concerns about potential regulatory challenges. The company has highlighted that a deal of this magnitude would face significant scrutiny from US competition law enforcement agencies. The deal would not only involve the integration of two giant convenience store networks, but would also need to overcome various legal and regulatory hurdles across multiple jurisdictions.

The complexity of such a transaction is further complicated by the sheer scale of ACT’s operations. Currently, ACT operates approximately 17,000 stores across North America, Europe and Asia under the Circle K and Couche-Tard brands. If the acquisition goes ahead, it would result in a combined network of nearly 20,000 stores in the US and Canada alone. This expansion could potentially raise red flags with regulators concerned about market concentration and competition.

7-Eleven’s Strategic Value

7-Eleven, with its 85,000 stores spread across 20 countries and territories, represents a valuable asset in the convenience store sector. Its broad global reach and established brands make it a significant player in the retail market. The company’s strategic value lies not only in its size, but also in its ability to navigate diverse markets with varying consumer preferences.

Rejecting ACT’s offer is also a reflection of Seven & i’s confidence in its future prospects. The company believes it has other avenues to unlock shareholder value and is open to negotiations for a better offer. This demonstrates that Seven & i is not only protecting its current interests, but also strategically positioning itself for future growth and opportunities.

Implications for the retail sector
The impact of the potential deal on the global retail sector would be enormous. A successful acquisition would create a new global convenience store giant with a combined workforce of approximately 100,000 employees. This integration could boost efficiency and synergies, but also raises questions about the impact on competition and consumer choice.

For ACT, the acquisition of Seven & i would be a significant milestone, making it the largest overseas acquisition of a Japanese firm to date. It would not only expand ACT’s footprint but also provide it with a broader base for growth in international markets. The increased scale could provide ACT with advantages in procurement, logistics and market presence.

However, the path to completing this acquisition is fraught with challenges. Beyond regulatory hurdles, the integration of such a large and diverse operation will require careful planning and execution. The complexities of aligning different corporate cultures, operational systems and market strategies must be managed effectively to ensure a seamless transition.

Future Prospects

Since Seven & i Holdings has indicated its willingness to consider a revised offer, the possibility of a future deal remains open. For the time being, the two companies are likely to engage in further discussions to address the concerns raised. The outcome of these talks could reshape the retail landscape, impacting market dynamics and competitive strategies. The retail sector is in a state of flux, with companies constantly seeking ways to enhance their market position through mergers, acquisitions and strategic partnerships. The rejection of ACT’s bid is a reminder of the complex balance between opportunity and valuation in the high-stakes world of global business. In conclusion, while the immediate prospect of a $38 billion takeover of 7-Eleven has been rejected, the broader implications of this bipartisan agreement are still unclear.

“South Africa’s Youth Energize Growing Video Game Sector”

In a country known more for its diverse landscapes and cultural richness than its digital creations, South Africa’s video game industry is slowly gaining momentum. What was once a dream for many has become an emerging reality for the country’s young and ambitious game developers. The growth of the industry is a testament to a mix of local ingenuity, international recognition and the determination of a new generation of tech enthusiasts.

Early dreams and emerging talent

Devlin van der Walt’s journey from a small town to becoming a developer at 24 Bit Games is symbolic of the rising tide in South Africa’s gaming sector. Growing up in Middelburg, far from the bustling tech hubs, van der Walt’s early fascination with video games inspired him to create his own paper-based versions of games as a child. His passion for game development grew, leading him to hone his game design skills as well as pursue a career in software development.

Today, van der Walt is part of a dynamic team at Johannesburg-based 24 Bit Games. The studio, known for its successful titles such as “Broforce” and “Cocoon,” has recently garnered international attention, with “Cocoon” receiving multiple nominations at the 2023 BAFTA Games Awards. The studio’s growth and its acquisition by Californian publisher Annapurna Interactive reflect the growing recognition of South African talent on the global stage.

The rise of local studios
The South African video game industry, though still relatively young, is expanding rapidly. Nicolina Visentin-A’Silva, studio manager at 24 Bit Games, attributes this growth to local talent and the growing number of educational programs dedicated to game development. “The industry has definitely boomed,” she says. “We’re seeing more junior staff entering the field, and the positive attitude of locals really helps.”

This spirit of resilience and adaptability is a hallmark of South African developers. According to Arabella Rogerson, marketing manager at Sea Monster, the local industry benefits from a unique cultural perspective. “South Africans are incredibly adaptable,” she says. “We rise to the challenges and do what’s necessary to get the job done.”

Challenges and opportunities

Despite the optimism, the South African gaming sector faces significant challenges. The industry is small compared to global giants, with many studios still in their infancy. The South African Cultural Observatory’s 2022 review identified around 50 studios, most of which were relatively new and focused more on service work rather than full-scale game production. The sector is growing, but it still relies heavily on international collaborations and service-based projects.

South Africa’s low cost of living makes its developers an attractive option for international companies looking to manage expenses, providing a competitive edge in a global marketplace. Additionally, the growing availability of game development courses at local universities is helping to create a skilled workforce. Eric Prinz, game designer at Nyamkop, recalls his excitement upon discovering a game design course at the University of the Witwatersrand. Along with his friend, they pursued degrees in game design, which led to their current roles in the industry.

A growing market and diverse audience

South Africa is not only fostering new talent, but is also developing as a significant market for video games. GWI analyst Chris Beer highlights that South Africans are avid gamers, showing greater engagement with smartphones, PCs and gaming consoles than the global average. This growing interest is reflected in the local gaming and digital entertainment expo, rAge, which has seen an increase in diversity and participation over the past few years.

Michael James, project director at rAge, has noticed that the event has grown to include a wider range of people, from young enthusiasts to professionals returning to the industry. “We’re seeing a more diverse crowd, and many of our attendees are now involved in game development themselves,” he says.

The digital divide and future prospects
The road to growth, however, is not without obstacles. Esports commentator Sam Wright points out that high internet data costs are a significant barrier for many young gamers in South Africa. The shift towards digital products and subscriptions further exacerbates this issue, as access to online content becomes increasingly expensive.

Despite these challenges, the future of South Africa’s video game industry looks promising. The combination of local talent, international partnerships and a growing market presents a solid foundation for continued growth. As the industry matures, the innovative spirit of South African developers could lead to further success locally and globally.

The story of South Africa’s video game industry is one of perseverance and potential. From small beginnings to international fame, the sector is achieving a distinct position.

“Cathay Pacific Cancels Flights Due to Engine Fault”

Cathay Pacific faces major disruptions, halts flights after engine failure
Hong Kong’s leading airline Cathay Pacific is grappling with a significant operational challenge after an engine component on one of its Airbus A350 aircraft suffered a serious failure. The disruption has forced the cancellation of several flights, disrupting travel plans on key international routes.

Engine failure forces emergency landing
The incident occurred earlier this week, when a Cathay Pacific flight from Hong Kong to Zurich was forced to turn back to its departure city due to an engine failure. The airline has since reported that the problem was traced to a faulty component of the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engine that powers its A350 fleet. The specific failure, described as unprecedented for this engine model, has had an immediate and widespread impact on the airline’s operations.

Cathay Pacific’s swift response included grounding all 48 of its Airbus A350 aircraft for thorough inspection. The precautionary measure aims to identify and fix similar problems across the entire fleet. The company has confirmed that faulty parts have been detected and are being replaced, causing a number of flights to be grounded.

Flight cancellations and operational disruptions

As a result of the inspections and repairs, Cathay Pacific has been forced to cancel two dozen flights since Monday. Affected routes include key international connections such as Sydney, Singapore, Bangkok, Tokyo, Osaka and Taipei. The airline has warned that these disruptions are expected to continue until at least Wednesday, affecting thousands of passengers worldwide.

The scale of the cancellations underlines the extent of the operational strain the airline is facing. Cathay Pacific has advised affected passengers to check their flight status and make alternative arrangements as necessary. The disruptions come at a challenging time for global airlines, which are still recovering from the pandemic-induced recession and facing rising operating costs. Rolls-Royce’s role and wider implications
Rolls-Royce, the manufacturer of the engines involved, has expressed its commitment to cooperating with Cathay Pacific and the relevant authorities to resolve the issue. The company has acknowledged that the engine component failure is a serious concern and has pledged to fully support the investigation.

The impact on Rolls-Royce has been immediate, with the company’s shares falling more than 6% during Monday’s trading session in London. The decline reflects investor concerns about the potential financial implications of the engine failure and the cost of repairs and replacements.

Earlier this year, Rolls-Royce announced plans to enhance its range of engines, including the Trent XWB-97. These improvements were aimed at increasing the performance and reliability of the engines. However, the current incident raises questions about the efficacy of these upgrades and the overall durability of the engine models in question.

Challenges for Cathay Pacific and the aviation industry

For Cathay Pacific, the engine failure is a significant operational setback. The airline has been a leader in adopting advanced, fuel-efficient aircraft technology, and the A350 fleet has been the backbone of its international operations. The current situation affects not only the airline’s schedule, but also its reputation for reliability.

In addition to managing the immediate repercussions of the engine failure, Cathay Pacific must also understand the broader implications for its relationships with passengers, regulators and industry partners. The incident may lead to increased scrutiny from aviation authorities and impact future purchasing decisions and operational strategies.

The broader aviation industry is also facing challenges in the wake of this incident. Airlines and manufacturers alike are constantly striving to increase safety and efficiency, and incidents such as these highlight the continued need for vigilance and innovation. The cost of addressing such failures can be considerable, and the industry will be watching closely to see how Cathay Pacific and Rolls-Royce handle the situation.

Looking Ahead: Repair and Recovery
Cathay Pacific has indicated that it is working diligently to complete inspections and repairs of its A350 fleet as quickly as possible. The airline is also focused on minimising the impact on its passengers and maintaining operational stability despite the current challenges.

For passengers affected by the cancellations, the airline has advised to stay informed via its website and customer service channels. Cathay Pacific is providing support to those whose travel plans have been disrupted, including rebooking options and compensation where appropriate.

The current situation is a reminder of the complexities and challenges inherent in the aviation industry. Cathay Pacific and Rolls-Royce have worked together to resolve the issue.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused Prime Minister 2024

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP of trying to sabotage the state after the rape and murder of her colleague doctor. Banerjee criticised the BJP for chanting slogans that incited violence during the 12-hour shutdown and accused the party of promoting divisive politics and spreading unrest across India.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused Prime Minister 2024

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma reacted to Banerjee’s remarks. Sarma levelled criticism against Banerjee and suggested that her divisive rhetoric and political failures were contributing to national discord. He urged her to avoid using natural language that could escalate tensions.The strike came during the foundation day programme of the student wing of the Trinamool Congress (TMC). She drew comparisons between the current situation in West Bengal and the protests in Bangladesh, which led to severe political turmoil there. Banerjee warned that any attempt to destabilise Bengal would have an impact on other states, including Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha and Delhi.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma reacted to Banerjee’s remarks.

The event organised by the BJP had varying impacts across West Bengal. Serious violence erupted in Bhatpara in North 24 Parganas when BJP leaders claimed that a local BJP leader had opened fire. Though the leader escaped unhurt, his driver and a party worker were injured. Several BJP leaders were detained for trying to enforce the shutdown that day.The shutdown had a mixed impact in Kolkata: public transport was reduced, many private

The event organised by the BJP had varying impacts across West Bengal.

vehicles were absent from the industry and markets and mass markets opened. However, low attendance was seen in Kancheepuram and Jawalamukhi. There were also reports of riots in other districts, where BJP leader Stalin blocked the railways and train services were delayed.As tensions continue to rise, the political scenario in West Bengal is changing, with leaders of both sides blaming each other.