Author: France 24

Iran has closed the strait of Hormuz – citing alleged ⁠violations of a ceasefire agreement ​by the US ‌and Israel. Tehran said the closure was the “first step” in response ​to what it described ​as breaches ​of commitments regarding the continuing clashes in Lebanon – and warned ​that further measures would be taken if “aggression” continued. Details and analysis by FRANCE 24 international affairs editor Kethevane Gorjestani, and FRANCE 24 correspondent in Tehran, Reza Sayah.

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How can Europe better support tech startups? That’s a question being asked at VivaTech, Europe’s biggest event for innovation and technology. Business Editor Kate Moody has been speaking to Eleonore Crespo – co-founder and co-CEO of Pigment, a business planning platform that helps firms make strategic decisions using artificial intelligence. The company was founded as a startup in 2019 and has since become one of just a handful of French tech unicorns, valued at over $1 billion. 

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Israel and Hezbollah agreed a ceasefire on June 19 after deadly exchanges between the two sides in Lebanon put the deal to end the Middle East war under strain. At least 20 people were killed in Lebanon in fresh strikes, as well four Israeli soldiers. In response, the far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir said “all of Lebanon must burn”. FRANCE 24’s Noga Tarnopolsky tells us more.

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Gaming cafés have become a common sight on the streets of Cairo, especially in poorer neighbourhoods. Egyptians hold a world record for time spent gaming per day, with an average of 1 hour and 43 minutes daily. Some 43.5 percent of young gamers in Egypt are considered to be addicted. In February, the government launched a campaign to combat addiction. FRANCE 24’s Mathilde Delvigne reports.

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As consumers increasingly turn to AI assistants for advice and recommendations, companies are rethinking how they reach and engage customers. Speaking to France 24 at VivaTech in Paris, L’Oréal Chief Digital and Marketing Officer Asmita Dubey explains how the beauty leader is deploying artificial intelligence across marketing, product discovery and personalised consumer experiences.

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