Day: May 4, 2024

Washington: Social media platform ‘X’ has introduced a new feature that utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) to summarize news and trending stories within the platform.

According to a statement released by the company, the news and trending stories summaries will be available in the ‘For You’ section within the Explore tab.

The statement clarified that this new feature will not be accessible to all users. Instead, it will be exclusive to ‘X Premium’ subscribers and will initially be available on the X app for iOS and the web version.

Source: Qatar News Agency

SHARJAH: The Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF), a highlight in the UAE’s annual cultural calendar, has returned for its 15th edition. Spanning 12 days and boasting over 1,500 activities, this festival runs until May 12 and promises an unforgettable experience at the Expo Centre Sharjah.

Here are five reasons why SCRF this weekend is worth attending:

1. A theatrical wonderland: The SCRF transcends the typical reading festival by offering a rich tapestry of sensory delights. This weekend, immerse yourself in the enchanting world of theatre with performances that promise to mesmerise. Enjoy the melodious voice of Arab sensation Rasha Rizk as she brings anime and cartoon classics to life on May 4. Her performance will be followed by the dynamic Masaka Kids Africana, on May 5, whose electrifying dance routines and infectious energy will captivate your heart. Another theatrical treat, ‘Hum Bhi Agar Bacche Hote’ – storytelling by renowned Pakistani playwright Waseem Badami will be staged at 5pm at the SCR
F Ballroom Theatre on Sunday.

2. Workshops for every interest: The festival buzzes with a plethora of workshops that cater to every age and interest. From coding and science to arts, dance, and even cookery, there’s an adventure waiting around every corner. On Friday, for instance, you have furniture making and car making workshops. Mini Fashion shows allow children to design, sew, and display their creativity on the runway. Have a smashing good time at the Smash Room by breaking a collection of goodies such as plates to let off steam.

Dive into the daily agenda and find yourself spoiled for choice, making it tough to pick just one activity.

3. A book haven: Books are the heart and soul of this festival. With contributions from more than 186 publishers, visitors have an unparalleled opportunity to explore vast genres, snap up new releases, and enjoy cosy reading nooks perfect for losing yourself in a good story.

4. Engaging sessions for parents and caregivers: Navigating parenthood in the digital age come
s with unique challenges. The festival offers specialised workshops aimed at helping parents and caregivers manage the digital landscape effectively. Parents can head to the Cultural Forum or the Social Media cafe over the weekend to hear from experts including Dr Ahmed Bassiouni and Hamsa Younis on The Role of Family Counseling in Modifying the Behaviour of Children and Youth. There will be sessions on The Importance of Libraries in Promoting Academic Success, and How AI can be used to deliver personalised learning.

5. Culinary delights and creative spaces: Every corner of the festival bursts with creativity and colour, creating a feast for the senses. Let your curiosity lead the way as you explore vibrant halls filled with art and innovation. Don’t forget to indulge in an assortment of cookery programmes, such as, Divine Sushi Sandwich, Parfait blast, Pizza Muffins, Chinese Tea Workshop, South Asian and Middle Eastern Cuisines, and much more. You can rub shoulders or learn from the best chefs during the we
ekend. Some of the popular chefs hosting workshops over the weekend include Omari McQueen, Imad Al Arnab, Natalia Samoilova, Zaynah Din and more.

Besides, there’s also an array of delicious food options available, from food trucks to gourmet kiosks, ensuring a treat for your taste buds as well as your spirit.

The Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival is a haven for children, parents, and anyone with a youthful spirit or an appreciation for creativity. Whether you come for the enthralling workshops, to indulge in literature, or simply to enjoy some quality family time, you’ll depart with a smile, enriched by the joy of shared stories and new discoveries.

Don’t miss the chance to create beautiful memories this weekend at a festival that celebrates the wonder of reading and the power of imagination.

Source: Emirates News Agency

New York – Together – The UN Security Council is scheduled to hold a closed meeting this week regarding mass graves in the Gaza Strip, at the request of the Republic of Algeria.

The person who will brief the members on the topic of the meeting, which may take place on Tuesday, the seventh of May, has not yet been announced.

The United Nations, through its Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, called for an independent international investigation into the mass graves inside two hospitals in the Gaza Strip: Al-Shifa Medical Complex in Gaza City, and Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Yunis.

Two cemeteries were discovered in the Shifa Complex, and 500 bodies were found, while three mass graves were discovered in the Nasser Medical Complex, and 395 bodies were found, since the start of the aggression against the Gaza Strip on the seventh of last October.

Source: Maan News Agency

SHARJAH: Books and libraries are here to stay despite the overarching influence of the digital world and the emotional connection with physical books cannot be replaced by hand-held devices, agreed three distinguished personalities involved with books and libraries at the 15th edition of the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF) that is taking place in Expo Centre Sharjah.

Moderated by radio presenter Louis Denham, the panel discussion ‘The Importance of Libraries in Promoting Academic Success’ had Sohini Mitra, Penguin Random House India publisher of Children and Young Adult books; Cathy Camper, Arab-American author, librarian and artist; and Flora Majdalawi, Jordan-based author and publisher, all rooting for books and their enduring relevance for children and adults alike.

They vouched that a well-equipped library is essential for scholarly pursuits, providing students and scholars with a vast array of information and cultural resources.

Camper, who has worked for years as a librarian in the US, fel
t there was a rhythm in turning the pages of a physical book, helping a child to physically interact with a story. ‘Opening a hard copy is an exciting prospect for a child,’ she noted. Though she supported both physical and digital books, she saw a huge burst of online books during Covid-19 and after.

Sohini Mitra agreed reading a vast array of books from different cultures fostered one’s understanding of a different world, widened one’s perspective about life and shaped a wholesome human being. She noted that while public libraries benefit those who cannot afford to buy books it gives each child an agency or an empowerment to choose. ‘Discoverability will happen only in a physical space like libraries and bookstores,’ she observed, while agreeing that books will coexist with technology.

‘The world of reading is not going anywhere. For conscientious parents, bonding with children can happen over books and if you want to engage meaningfully at the end of the day, books are a great medium,’ she concluded.

Ma
jdalawi agreed that books have a positive relationship with people across the world. Apart from providing academic information, they give values and morals to those who seek knowledge. She pointed out the role of libraries as a social hub, giving the example of a library in Finland situated near the country’s Parliament which provides adequate space for sports, sewing, cooking sessions and so on.

The 15th edition, which runs from May 1-12, has the theme ‘Once Upon a Hero’. The action-packed festival for young readers, artists and creatives as well as their families showcases millions of books including latest releases in children’s and YA literature from across the globe.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Gaza – Together – Israeli aircraft continued their bombing of various areas of the Gaza Strip on the 211th day of the war, leaving dozens of martyrs and wounded.

The Israeli occupation committed three massacres against families in the Gaza Strip, leaving 26 martyrs and 51 injured during the past 24 hours, bringing the toll of the Israeli aggression to 34,622 martyrs and 77,867 injuries. Hopes are increasing in the Gaza Strip that a ceasefire will soon be reached, despite the continued violent Israeli raids on various areas of the Gaza Strip. .

South of the Gaza Strip:

Israeli aircraft again raided the city of Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip.

Three citizens were martyred in a bombing that targeted two residential apartments in the Al-Geneina neighborhood, east of Rafah, in addition to wounding many others.

An Israeli plane bombed a house for the Muammar family in the town of Al-Nasr, northeast of the city of Rafah.

The Civil Defense announced the recovery of the bodies of 7 martyrs from Khan Yunis, south
of the Gaza Strip, who died during the invasion of the city two months ago.

The occupation aircraft destroyed the Abasan municipality building with an air strike.

Central Gaza Strip:

Occupation aircraft renewed their bombing

of various areas in the central Gaza Strip.

Two citizens were martyred as a result of the occupation targeting a house for the Al-Bilbisi family in the vicinity of the Central Police Station on Salah Al-Din Street.

Israeli artillery bombed the vicinity of Wadi Gaza, north of the Nuseirat camp in the central Gaza Strip,

and Israeli warplanes launched a raid targeting a house for the Al-Baz family in the Maghazi camp in the central Gaza Strip.

One martyr and a number of others were injured in an Israeli bombing that targeted a group of citizens in the Al-Bassa area, west of Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip.

Gaza and the North:

Seven martyrs and one wounded were killed when the occupation targeted a house for the Al-Hourani family on Ahmed Yassin Street in the Al-Saftawi are
a in the northern Gaza Strip.

Two children were injured when the occupation aircraft bombed the vicinity of Abu Al-Khair Mosque in Jabalia Al-Balad, north of the Gaza Strip.

An Israeli raid targeted the popular committees for securing aid in the education area in the northern Gaza Strip, wounding a number of them.

Israeli artillery bombed the town of Beit Lahia, north of the Gaza Strip.

A citizen was martyred and injured after they fell from a destroyed building while trying to obtain air-dropped aid northwest of Gaza.

Source: Maan News Agency

RIYADH: The Saudi Royal Court today announced that Prince Badr bin Abdulmohsin bin Abdulaziz Al Saud had passed away outside the Kingdom.

The funeral prayer will be performed tomorrow following the Aser prayer at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Source: Emirates News Agency