Ceasefire Deal With Hezbollah Agreed, Says Israeli PM

Nov 27 2024

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal with Hezbollah in Lebanon, set to begin Wednesday at 8 a.m.

The truce will involve the withdrawal of militants and Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, but its duration depends on Hezbollah’s adherence. Netanyahu warned that any Hezbollah violations, including rearmament or attacks, would prompt Israeli retaliation.

The United States, with support from allies like France, facilitated the agreement. Netanyahu emphasised that Israel retains “full military freedom of action” and aims to isolate Hamas while addressing broader threats from Iran.

Hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah escalated after Hezbollah supported Hamas following its October 7 attack on Israel.

Netanyahu stated the ceasefire allows Israel to focus on Hamas in Gaza, increasing pressure to release 97 remaining hostages from Hamas’s October attack.

#MaltaDaily

Pepsi Zero Sugar Gingerbread? Brand Teases Holiday Special

Nov 27 2024

Pepsi is making the holidays brighter with a festive new drink, Pepsi Zero Sugar Gingerbread Mini Cans, launching December 4.

This limited-edition flavour reportedly blends the classic Pepsi sweetness and fizz with hints of brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and molasses, ‘creating a cozy seasonal treat.’

The cans feature a cheerful gingerbread man design and are available exclusively in a zero-sugar option.

Details are quite scant about this new flavour, with Pepsi not being strangers to teasing the wildest of releases, only to reveal that they won’t actually release them – remember Pepsi Max Pumpkin Spice Flavour? We’ll have to wait and see.

However, were this to be an actual thing – and so far, it seems as though it actually might be – getting your hands on this exclusive flavour won’t be simple.

Pepsi has made it available in only two ways. First, you can claim a free gingerbread mini can through Pepsi’s TikTok Shop by purchasing two 10-packs of other Pepsi Mini Can flavours, such as Original, Zero Sugar, Wild Cherry, Diet, or Real Sugar.

Alternatively, fans can enter a giveaway on Pepsi’s official website until December 11, where lucky winners will be selected to receive the festive drink.

So we don’t think it’ll hit Maltese shelves anytime soon. Keyword – ‘think’.

Would you try this?

#MaltaDaily

Drake Files Lawsuit Over Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us”

Nov 26 2024

Music superstar Drake has officially launched legal action against Universal Music and Spotify, accusing them of artificially boosting streams of Kendrick Lamar’s diss track, ‘Not Like Us’.

In legal documents filed in New York, Drake’s company, Frozen Moments LLC, accused several companies of orchestrating an illegal “scheme” using bots, payola, and other tactics to boost the popularity of Kendrick Lamar’s song.

Drake’s lawyers argued that Universal Music did not leave the success to chance, but instead launched a deliberate campaign to manipulate streaming services and airwaves.

A spokesperson for Universal Music denied the allegations, calling them “offensive and untrue,” and emphasised that “fans choose the music they want to hear.”

‘Not Like Us’ was seen as many as the final knockout punch in Drake’s and Lamar’s recent beef which featured several diss tracks flying between the two.

It’s been a couple of busy days for Lamar, who managed to surprise the whole world, with his surprise album ‘GNX’ topping several charts.

The petition is not a complete lawsuit, but rather a “pre-action petition,” which allows Drake’s lawyers to request the court to compel Universal and Spotify to preserve all relevant documents and information in preparation for potential future legal proceedings.

#MaltaDaily

Malta Could Soon Get A Pet Memorial Site

Nov 26 2024

Malta will soon have its first dedicated pet memorial site, giving grieving pet owners a place to honour and remember their beloved companions, announced Parliamentary Secretary for Animal Rights Alicia Bugeja Said.

Speaking at a press conference marking a year of progress since the Animal Welfare Directorate reform, she emphasised the government’s commitment to upholding the dignity of animals, even after their passing.

Located in Ta’ Qali, the memorial will not be a pet cemetery but will offer a tranquil space where owners can leave tokens in memory of their pets. Benches will also be installed, providing a quiet area for reflection. The inauguration is expected in the coming weeks.

Bugeja Said highlighted the directorate’s advancements, noting over 15,000 calls for assistance, reports, and requests this year—a significant rise from 5,000 in 2022. She attributed this to the doubling of staff and investments in training and resources, including two new animal ambulances to improve response times.

Animal Rights Minister Anton Refalo added that animal welfare in Malta has greatly progressed, with plans for a public register of individuals convicted of animal cruelty. Magistrates will also notify the Animal Welfare Commissioner of such cases, reinforcing accountability and protection for animals.

#MaltaDaily