Latest news with #ShafaqNews'
Shafaq News
3 days ago
- Business
- Shafaq News
Shafaq News recognized as TRUSTED SOURCE by xAI's Grok
Shafaq News/ Grok, the generative AI chatbot developed by xAI—an artificial intelligence company founded by Elon Musk—has officially recognized Shafaq News as a trusted source for news verification, especially regarding developments in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. According to user interactions with Grok, the chatbot consistently refers to Shafaq News when asked to fact-check stories related to the region. In its responses, Grok cites Shafaq News as an example of 'credibility,' placing it among a select group of media outlets relied upon for accurate and timely information. This designation not only underscores Shafaq News' reputation for accuracy and editorial independence but also reflects its growing influence in the digital information ecosystem—particularly as AI tools increasingly shape how news is consumed and validated. As AI platforms like Grok gain global traction, being identified as a reliable source by such technologies further enhances Shafaq's visibility and reach, positioning it as a go-to reference for regional and international updates in both Arabic and English. It also strengthens the agency's journalistic standing in an era where misinformation and unverified content often dominate online discourse.
Shafaq News
27-04-2025
- Health
- Shafaq News
CCHF: Iraq's Kirkuk intensifies prevention efforts
Shafaq News/ On Sunday, health authorities in Kirkuk announced a series of preventive measures to curb the spread of Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) in the province. Talat Mahmoud Bakr, the Director of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Kirkuk, reported to Shafaq News that discussions took place with the Kirkuk Governor, the district mayor, and the Director-General of the province's Health Directorate. The outcome was a complete ban on the movement of livestock into and out of the province. Additionally, the construction of unauthorized animal pens has been prohibited, and the raising of livestock within residential areas is banned to protect public health. Unlicensed butcher shops failing to comply with health regulations will also be shut down. Following the discussions, plans were set to intensify spraying, dipping, and epidemiological surveillance campaigns across Kirkuk. Public awareness campaigns will be expanded, and residents have been urged to promptly report any suspected cases of the disease. According to Shafaq News' tracker, 27 cases of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) have been recorded nationwide since the beginning of the year, including four fatalities. CCHF, which is transmitted by tick bites or contact with infected animal blood, is highly contagious and can be fatal in more than 40% of cases, particularly if not treated promptly.
Shafaq News
24-03-2025
- Shafaq News
Shafaq News lens at the Great Wall of China
Shafaq News/ The Great Wall of China, one of history's most formidable defensive structures, stretches over 21,000 kilometers across rugged mountains and arid deserts. Built to protect imperial China from northern invasions, it is now a national symbol and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Today, the Great Wall is one of the world's most visited landmarks. The Badaling section, the most popular, attracts millions of tourists annually, including prominent figures. Shafaq News' camera toured the Wall's many sections, capturing breathtaking images that showcase its grandeur across different seasons. From towering stone pathways to panoramic vistas, the photographs offer a vivid portrayal of this iconic structure's historical and architectural magnificence. A Defensive Stronghold Construction of the Wall began in the third century BC under Emperor Qin Shi Huang (221-210 BC), who unified China and ordered the consolidation of existing fortifications into a single defensive line. Tens of thousands of laborers, including soldiers, farmers, and prisoners, worked in harsh conditions, leading to significant loss of life. Despite natural decay over centuries, successive dynasties maintained and expanded the structure. The Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) notably reinforced the Wall with bricks and stone instead of earth and wood, making it more resilient and recognizable in its current form. More Than Just a Wall Far from being a mere barrier, the Wall functioned as a comprehensive military system, featuring watchtowers, fortresses, armories, and an early-warning network that used smoke and fire signals to relay messages across vast distances. It also played an economic role by monitoring the Silk Road, one of the ancient world's most critical trade routes. In the 13th century, Mongol forces led by Genghis Khan breached its defenses, contributing to the fall of the Song Dynasty and Mongol dominance over China. 'Visible from Space?' A long-held belief claims that the Great Wall is visible from the Moon with the naked eye. However, scientific studies refute this. NASA states that despite its length, the Wall is too narrow to be seen unaided from space, especially since its materials blend with the surrounding landscape. A Global Heritage Site Facing Modern Threats In 1987, UNESCO designated the Great Wall a World Heritage Site, calling it 'a unique architectural achievement that embodies the strength and ingenuity of Chinese civilization.' Yet, the Wall faces multiple threats, including natural erosion, urban encroachment, and the theft of bricks by some residents for construction use. A Chinese government report estimates that 30% of the Wall has been destroyed, while over 60% is in poor condition. To preserve this historic marvel, the Chinese government has launched extensive restoration projects and implemented stringent laws prohibiting the removal or damage of any section, with severe penalties for violators.
Shafaq News
23-02-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Senior Iraqi delegation to attend Nasrallah funeral in Beirut
Shafaq News/ A high-ranking Iraqi delegation is set to depart for Beirut on Sunday aboard a private aircraft to participate in the funeral procession of Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah, according to informed sources. The delegation is expected to include senior political leaders, government officials, and prominent party figures. Sources indicate that the Iraqi delegation may be the largest official contingent attending the funeral rites. Simultaneously, symbolic funeral ceremonies for Nasrallah will be held in multiple Iraqi cities, aligning with the official proceedings in Lebanon. The funeral is scheduled to take place at Kamil Shamon Sports City in Beirut on Sunday, with large crowds expected to gather. Hezbollah set the location for the ceremony in Beirut's southern suburbs after security concerns prevented the event from being held for months following Nasrallah's assassination in an Israeli strike on September 27, 2024. The official proceedings are anticipated to last approximately an hour, followed by a funeral procession to a newly designated burial site situated between the two main roads leading to Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport. According to Shafaq News' correspondent, extensive preparations are underway at the sports complex on the outskirts of Beirut's southern suburb to ensure the smooth organization of the ceremony. Hezbollah, in coordination with Lebanese security forces, has implemented a comprehensive security plan that includes a heavy deployment of personnel, security checkpoints, and regulated traffic flow around the stadium to prevent congestion and disruptions. Kamil Shamon Sports City, Lebanon's largest stadium, is expected to reach full capacity as tens of thousands of mourners from across Lebanon and beyond—particularly from Iraq and Iran—converge for the event. Shafaq News' correspondent reported that teams are finalizing preparations for the main stage, where official speeches will be delivered. Giant screens will be installed around the venue to broadcast the funeral proceedings to attendees gathered outside. Special seating areas have also been designated for official delegations and political and religious figures expected to attend. In light of the event, Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport will temporarily shut down for four hours on Sunday, as announced by Lebanon's Directorate General of Civil Aviation earlier this week. Additionally, reports suggest that a joint funeral prayer may be held in Beirut for Hashem Safieddine, Hezbollah's second-in-command, who was also assassinated in an Israeli strike. His burial is expected to follow the completion of Nasrallah's funeral proceedings.
