On October 1, 2024, coffee lovers around the world will come together to celebrate International Coffee Day. The theme for this year is "Coffee, Your Daily Ritual, Our Shared Journey", emphasizing sustainable and ethical coffee practices and the importance of caring for coffee farmers. Established in 2015, this day has gained popularity and participation from over 77 countries, uniting coffee enthusiasts and celebrating the beloved drink. Let's raise our cups and celebrate our love for coffee on this special day!
Just 16 months after taking the reins at Starbucks, Laxman Narasimhan has stepped down as the CEO of the coffee giant due to ongoing financial struggles and internal conflicts over labor issues. Brian Niccol, the current CEO of Chipotle, has been appointed as his successor and will take over on September 9th. Narasimhan's departure also sparked online discussion as it came just days after he opened up about his commitment to maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
The IEA has recently announced that Afghanistan must regain its WTO membership to promote economic growth. Meanwhile, nearly 1,000 Afghan refugees have been deported from Pakistan in just one day, intensifying the region's humanitarian crisis. Despite this, a group of resilient women have opened a coffee shop in Kabul, showcasing their determination to rebuild their country. In the midst of the turmoil, Qatar and EU special envoys have met to discuss the ongoing situation in Afghanistan, while the WFP has expanded its school feeding scheme with the support of the EU. On a different front, clashes between Israel and Gaza have escalated, with Israel seizing Gaza's border with Egypt and carrying out deadly airstrikes in Rafah. The most recent attack, which killed 45 and prompted international outcry, targeted a crowded tent camp in Rafah, where an estimated 2,000 Palestinians could be buried in a landslide.
The UAE has made significant efforts in promoting and preserving the Arabic language, recognizing its cultural importance. On International Mother Language Day, the UAE reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding linguistic heritage and empowering the Arabic language through initiatives like the 'Arabic Coffee' project. These efforts reflect the nation's dedication to maintaining linguistic diversity and protecting endangered languages.