World News for Nigerians Today 1st February 2019
World News for Nigerians Today: Facebook Hits its All Time Profits
1. Facebook Hits its All Time Profits
Facebook has recorded an all time profits, making most of its money from online advertisements, the company’s fourth quarter reports showed.
The social media platform profits climbed to $6.9bn (N2.5tn) despite scandals that had threatened its revenue.
The social media giant had a boost in its global user’s database mostly in US and Europe shooting up to 30% from a year ago to $16.9bn (N61.1tn).
READ ALSO: Facebook Paid Teenagers to Mine Their Devices Data
2. Thousands of Uk Jews Forced to Apply for German Citizen as Brexit looms
Thousands of UK Jews have been forced to apply for German Citizenship as Brexit looms. Many UK Jews already obtained German passports in hopes of retaining privileges of free movement and work across Europe as UK leaves EU.
Over 3380 citizenship applications was received by the German embassy in London since the Brexit referendum in June 2016.
3. Scientists Shows That Cancer Accelerates Ageing
Scientist at University of East Anglia’s Medical School has discovered that Leukemia cells trigger rapid ageing cells in the bone marrow. This is a reverse to a well known fact that ageing promotes cancer development.
According to the team leader, Dr. Stuart said results obtained showed that cancercells cause ageing to neighbouring non-cancer cells.
“Our research reveals that leukaemia uses this biological phenomenon to its advantage to accelerate the disease”, Dr. Stuart Rushworth said.
4. Polar Vortex Kill Eight People in US States
At least people have lost their lives as a deadly cold snap known as a polar vortex hits the US Midwest.
Many states in US Midwest are witnessing a strong Arctic weather.
Over twenty million people in the US are expected to experience temperatures of -28 degree or lower by week end.
5. EU to Launch Mechanism for Trade with Iran
The EU has announced that it is devising a mechanism that will allow it trade with Iran without involving monetary transfers in dollars.
Iran’s economy has gone bad following US withdrawal from nuclear deal and imposing sanctions on its trade.
The trade main focus would be on food, medicine and humanitarian aides.
6. Alan Jope, New Unilever CEO Inherits Disappointing Sales
Alan Jope the new CEO of Unilever has inherited poor sales as its fourth quarter report is lower than expected.
The Anglo-Dutch group is facing a tough time due to troubles in South America, competition in North America and poor retail environment in most part of Europe.
Mr Alan Jope replaced retired CEO Paul Polman who retired as a result of dispute with share holders who wanted the company’s main headquarters moved to the Netherlands.
7. Venezuelan Self-Declared Interim President, Juan Guaido says He Met with the Military
Venezuela self declared leader, Juan Guaido has said that he had met with the military as he seeks to oust President Nicolás Maduro .
President Maduro boasts of strong military backing both locally and abroad. It is alleged that he has supports from major powers such as Russia and China. Guaido on the other hand is backed by the US, UK, Germany and EU.
Mr Guaido did not reveal who he spoke with or their position in the military.
However, he said: “The military’s withdrawal of support from Mr Maduro is crucial to enabling a change in government, and the majority of those in service agree that the country’s recent travails are untenable.”
Read also Venezuela’s Opposition Leader, Juan Guaido Orders More Protest
8. Italy Economy in Recession, EU Struggles.
Italy economy slid into recession towards the final months of last year, 2018. Figures from the EU showed economic growth in recent years had declined.
Italy’s debt is at more than €2.3 trillion ($2.6tn; £2tn) which is the highest in the EU.
It is also the fourth-largest government debt in the world.
9. Canada Cuts Staff at Cuba Embassy by Half over Strange illness
Many employees, spouses and dependents at Cuba embassy were among those affected by a strange sickness which was first treated in 2017.
The sickness which has no name yet causes dizziness, nausea and difficulty of concentration.
US state said that it is a sonic attack, a theory which Canada has doesn’t quite agree with.
The US has no diplomatic relationship with Cuba since after the 1959 revolution but Canada does.
10. France to Ban Masks at Protests Amidst Unrest
Following violence during the yellow vest protest, the France’s National Assembly has approved a law banning the wearing of masks at protests, and another to ban specific people from taking part in rallies.
According to the new law wearing mask could result in a one-year prison sentence and a €15,000 (£13,000; $17,000) fine.
Thousands having been protesting for several weeks now over president Macron tax policies and many have called for his resignation
