News

Controversial Beijing Winter Games start amid Covid and boycotts

Published

4 years ago

February 4, 2022

The most divided Olympic Games in decades is set to get under way in China on Friday as Beijing becomes the only city to host both the Summer and now the Winter Games

With tight COVID-19 controls in place, the Games have been fraught with political tensions over allegations of human rights abuses occurring within China and boycotts.

Beijing’s step into history as the first city to host both seasons of the games, will officially get underway with the opening ceremony on Friday night.

While it won’t look the same as in 2008, with far fewer people in attendance due to protocols over coronavirus, the event will take place at the Bird’s Nest national stadium.

The 2008 opening ceremony lasted over four hours but this year’s edition is expected to come in under two hours due to the colder weather, with temperatures hovering either side of zero in Beijing.

FILE PHOTO: A man is reflected in a mirror as he walks past the logo of the Beijing 2022 Olympics in Beijing, China, November 30, 2021. Picture taken November 30, 2021 REUTERS/Thomas Peter

Virus concerns have also impacted the amount of performers attending the competition

The number of performers involved has been slashed from 15,000 in 2008 to approximately 3000 to 4000.

Fireworks and a light show on Beijing’s skyline will feature alongside dancers, musicians, singers and choirs. The all-important parade of nations will have reduced numbers, with many athletes either yet to arrive in Beijing or opting out of the event to reduce the risk of infection.

News

Israel and Hamas agree to landmark hostage deal

Israel and Hamas agree to release hostages in U.S.-brokered deal, marking a potential turning point in Gaza conflict.

Published

22 hours ago

October 10, 2025

ticker NEWS

Israel and Hamas agree to release hostages in U.S.-brokered deal, marking a potential turning point in Gaza conflict.

In a major diplomatic breakthrough, Israel and Hamas have agreed to release all remaining Israeli hostages under a U.S.-brokered framework. The deal pairs prisoner exchanges with an Israeli troop pullback and expanded aid access, marking a potential turning point in the two-year Gaza conflict.

The agreement, set for approval by Israel’s cabinet, could pave the way for lasting peace if both sides uphold the terms. It follows weeks of negotiations led by U.S. envoys and regional mediators in Egypt, Qatar, and Türkiye.

As international agencies prepare to facilitate aid and logistics, the world watches to see whether this fragile deal can hold and bring relief to millions affected by the war.

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News

Google leads Australia media tax rankings

Google leads in Australian media tax payments, unlike Netflix and others, igniting discussions on fairness and corporate responsibility.

Published

2 days ago

October 9, 2025

ticker NEWS

Google leads in Australian media tax payments, unlike Netflix and others, igniting discussions on fairness and corporate responsibility.

Google is currently on the of top of Australian media tax payments, while Netflix, Dentsu, and Singtel pay nothing, sparking a fresh debate over fairness and corporate responsibility in the industry.

#TaxTransparency #Google #Netflix #CorporateResponsibility #AustraliaBusiness