Zahara, the acclaimed South African Afro-pop singer also known as Bulelwa Mkutukana, has passed away, as announced by the country's Culture Minister. The 36-year-old artist had been hospitalized, reportedly due to liver complications, with the government providing assistance to her family. Zahara gained widespread recognition in 2011 with her beloved album, Loliwe, celebrated throughout Africa.
Zahara, the acclaimed South African Afro-pop singer also known as Bulelwa Mkutukana, has passed away, as announced by the country's Culture Minister. The 36-year-old artist had been hospitalized, reportedly due to liver complications, with the government providing assistance to her family. Zahara gained widespread recognition in 2011 with her beloved album, Loliwe, celebrated throughout Africa.
Zara has expressed regret for a "misunderstanding" regarding an ad campaign that drew criticism for featuring images reminiscent of the Israel-Gaza war. Following days of backlash on social media and complaints to the UK's advertising watchdog, Zara has removed the remaining pictures. The campaign, titled "The Jacket," depicted a model against backgrounds of cracked stones, damaged statues, and broken plasterboard.
The creator of the popular video game Fortnite has emerged victorious in a US court battle against Google, as a jury concluded that the search giant had engaged in illegal monopolistic practices.
A recent UN report reveals that Myanmar has become the world's leading opium producer, surpassing Afghanistan. Opium production in Myanmar is estimated to increase by 36% to 1,080 tonnes this year, significantly exceeding the reported 330 tonnes from Afghanistan, where poppy cultivation plummeted by 95% following a drug ban by the Taliban. In Myanmar, the expansion of opium cultivation is attributed to the economic opportunities it offers amid a brutal civil war, with farmers turning to it as a means of livelihood.
A sperm whale, filmed swimming near beachgoers in Western Australia, has passed away after getting stuck on a sandbar. Despite efforts by wildlife officers to guide the injured and severely sunburnt whale back to deeper waters, it succumbed to its condition. On Saturday, swimmers were seen interacting with the 15m (49ft) mammal while it was still alive, raising concerns about risks to both the whale and humans.
New satellite imagery reveals the extensive damage caused by fatal flash floods in a village in India's northeastern state of Sikkim in October. The images illustrate the Teesta river overflowing and submerging a significant portion of the nearby village, leading to the loss of over 30 lives and devastation for thousands.
Three former soldiers in Japan have been convicted by a court for sexually assaulting a female colleague, marking a significant legal development. The case gained widespread attention in 2022 when Rina Gonoi, 24, shared her ordeal on YouTube. Initially, Fukushima prosecutors had dismissed charges against the three men, but public outcry prompted a reversal.
The England squad for the upcoming five-match Test series against India includes uncapped 20-year-old Somerset off-spinner Shoaib Bashir. Bashir, who has played only six first-class matches since his debut in June, joins Surrey fast bowler Gus Atkinson and Lancashire left-arm spinner Tom Hartley, both uncapped at the Test level despite previous appearances in white-ball cricket.
Barbie and Oppenheimer lead the nominations at the Golden Globe Awards, receiving nine and eight nominations, respectively. Other contenders include Killers of the Flower Moon and Poor Things, each with seven nominations. The ceremony is scheduled for January 7, with Succession leading the TV nominations.