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Investopedia

Canopy Growth Stock Falls After Disappointing Earnings, Slowing Sales

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Worldnews

Detained Columbia Activist Khalils Wife Slams Claims He Is Hamas Supporter

Noor Abdalla calls Trump administration allegations that Khalil supports Hamas ‘ridiculous’ and ‘disgusting’. Detained Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil’s wife has refuted allegations that her husband is a Hamas supporter, calling the accusations by the United States government “ridiculous” and “disgusting”. In an interview with US media outlet CBS published on Sunday, Khalil’s pregnant wife Noor Abdalla denied assertions by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt that Khalil, a graduate student at Columbia University in New York, was distributing Hamas flyers. No evidence has been presented by the US government to back up this allegation. “I think it’s ridiculous. It’s disgusting … that that’s the tactic that they’re using to make him look like this person that he’s not, literally,” she said. US Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Khalil on March 8, and is holding him in a detention facility in Louisiana, as part of US President Donald Trump’s pledge to crack down on – and in some cases deport – students who joined protests against Israel’s war on Gaza that swept US university campuses last year. Trump has accused the student protesters of participating in “pro-terrorist, anti-Semitic, anti-American activity”, without offering evidence to support these claims. Khalil served as a spokesperson and negotiator last year for the pro-Palestinian demonstrators on the Columbia campus. He has said that his detention is a consequence of exercising his right to free speech and has described himself as a “political prisoner”. On March 10, a US district judge in New York temporarily blocked Khalil’s deportation, and then further extended that prohibition two days later. “It’s so simple: he just doesn’t want his people to be murdered,” Abdalla told CBS. “He doesn’t want to see little kids losing limbs.” The Trump administration is pushing to deport Khalil under a rarely used provision of an immigration law that gives the secretary of state power to remove any non-citizen whose presence in the US is deemed to have “adverse foreign policy consequences”. A graduate student until December, Khalil was previously in the US on a student visa but has since obtained a green card, making him a lawful permanent resident of the country. The number of Palestinians killed since Israel launched its war on Gaza in October 2023 has crossed 50,000, and more than 113,000 have been wounded, Gaza health officials said on Sunday. On Tuesday, Israel broke a nearly two-month-long ceasefire agreement with Hamas, ramping up its attacks on Gaza and killing more than 670 people since then, the Gaza Health Ministry said. Wiping away tears, Abdalla expressed her frustration over the repeated need to defend herself and her husband against the Trump administration’s accusations. She said it reminded her of discrimination she has faced as a Muslim in the US. “In New York the other day, me and my husband were walking and someone called me a ‘terrorist’,” she said. “I think most Muslims in this country can relate to that. It doesn’t matter what I say … that’s what they’re going to think of me.” Follow Al Jazeera English:...

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News_Naija

300 Golfers For 2025 IBB Captains Cup In Abuja

No fewer than 300 golfers from across the country are set to slug it out for honours in the 2025 IBB Captain’s Cup in Abuja. The 18-hole golf course of the prestigious IBB International Golf and Country Club Abuja will come alive once again from April 7 to 12. Ibrahim Babayo, the captain of IBB Golf Club, who is expected to bow out next month, told newsmen that he was elated and satisfied with what he and members of his Executive Committee have been able to achieve in the last one year. Babayo said he would love to be remembered for the improvement the golf club witnessed since he took over in 2024. “I am filled with happiness following the achievements we have been able to achieve and the innovations and improvements we have made to the golf course,” he said. Addressing newsmen about the event, the chairman of the organising committee, Amb. Ben Okoyen, said the six-day tournament would bring in lots of innovations into the club, adding that despite recent uproar, the club was safe for all participants with the course ready for the commencement of the tourney. “Abuja is the capital city of Nigeria, so this club should carry that image by being the best. “This club should be able to compete with the best golf clubs anywhere in the world. “So, we are happy to announce that we are prepared for the competition, and we assured all participants of the safety of the golf course,” he said. Also speaking, the committee secretary, Ashir Tarfa said that over 300 golfers from across the country, including professionals, will compete for honours in the different categories of the 2025 Captain’s Cup. “Over 300 golfers from across the country will hit Abuja to participate in the 2025 Captain’s Cup golf tournament. “Many things have been put in place to ensure that we have a smooth competition without hitches. “There is a N5 million prize money for the best 10 professional golfers,” he said.

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News_Naija

Benefits Of Jasmine Essential Oil

When I placed an order for essential oils, one price on the list that was forwarded to me stood out. It was for Jasmine essential oil, just 10 ml costs N50,000! It is expensive because producing a small amount requires a very large quantity of jasmine buds, making it one of the most costly essential oils. This is the essential oil I will be discussing. Before I proceed, I would like to share a simple hack for reducing blood sugar spikes. Add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to a cup of water and drink it before meals. It helps lower blood sugar spikes. Now, back to Jasmine essential oil, it comes from the Jasminum officinale plant, a species of flowering plant in the olive family, Oleaceae. Jasmine essential oil is described as having a sensuous, warm, exotic, intense, and sweet scent. This has made it a widely used essential oil in the perfume industry since the times of Louis XVI and Cleopatra. Due to its well-loved, soft, and feminine fragrance, it is often added to perfumes to give them a more universal appeal and make them widely popular. Jasmine essential oil holds a special place in Hinduism and is known as the “perfume of love.” In China, the jasmine flower has been used for centuries in tea, where its blossoms are layered with tea leaves to release their fragrance. Originating from China and Northern India, jasmine oil has traditionally been used to aid detoxification and relieve respiratory and liver disorders. It later travelled across the globe to Ancient Egypt, where it was used for nervous disorders, headaches, and to promote better sleep. This demonstrates that the calming properties of jasmine oil were recognised very early on. For centuries, jasmine essential oil has been valued in traditional medicine and aromatherapy for its various health benefits. It has also gained popularity in the beauty industry as an effective ingredient in skincare products. In parts of South India, lactating mothers wear strings of jasmine flowers in their hair because of its association with increased lactation and delayed ovulation. It is also used to alleviate menstrual problems, ease labour and childbirth, and aid postnatal recovery. Additionally, it helps relieve menstrual cramps and delay menopausal symptoms, making it a particularly feminine oil. Many people refer to jasmine oil as a natural aphrodisiac because of its “seductive” scent, which is said to enhance sensuality. In fact, jasmine oil is sometimes nicknamed the “queen of the night”, both due to the strong scent of jasmine flowers at night and because of its libido-boosting properties. Historically, jasmine has been used as an aphrodisiac for various sexual issues, including premature ejaculation and frigidity. The oil is believed to have antiviral, antibiotic, and antifungal properties, making it effective for boosting immunity and fighting illnesses. In fact, it has been used in folk medicine for centuries to treat hepatitis, various internal infections, and respiratory and skin disorders in Thailand, China, and other Asian countries. A 2010 study on jasmine essential oil found that, compared to a placebo, it was associated with increased behavioural arousal. Participants experienced an increase in breathing rate and blood pressure and reported feeling more alert. The researchers concluded that jasmine oil’s stimulating and activating effects might help relieve depression and improve mood. Research has also explored jasmine oil’s antiseptic properties. A 2018 study found that jasmine oil exhibited antimicrobial effects against E. coli, L. casei, and S. mutans. Other studies demonstrated its effectiveness against all strains of Candida, which causes oral thrush. A 2005 study found that the scent of jasmine tea, even at its lowest concentration, had a sedative effect on mood and nerve activity. Jasmine oil contains a range of chemical compounds, including linalool and linalyl acetate, which are known for their calming effects on the brain. Studies have shown that these compounds help reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep quality, boost confidence, and even increase focus. Inhaling jasmine oil as part of aromatherapy has been found to be effective in treating depression. Although jasmine oil functions as a stimulant for mood and energy, studies have also highlighted its sedative properties, showing that it improves sleep. The enchanting aroma of jasmine oil has a calming and relaxing effect when used in aromatherapy, helping to reduce stress and promote a sense of well-being. Jasmine oil is often used for its antiseptic and antibacterial properties. This is partly due to the presence of benzaldehyde, benzoic acid, and benzyl benzoate, all of which possess antiseptic, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties. The oil can be applied to prevent wounds and cuts from becoming infected. When inhaled, it can relieve symptoms of coughs and colds and help fight respiratory infections. With its natural antiseptic properties, jasmine oil can also aid in treating acne by reducing inflammation and eliminating harmful bacteria on the skin. Jasmine oil has long been used to treat dry skin and conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis. This is possible because it is an emollient, meaning it is naturally hydrating. It can be particularly effective in combating dry skin and other skin conditions, especially when incorporated into a regular skincare routine. The antioxidant properties of jasmine oil help fight free radicals in the skin. Adding jasmine oil to your favourite moisturiser can enhance its anti-ageing benefits, even out skin tone, reduce blemishes, and promote healthier-looking skin. Jasmine oil can also aid in reducing the appearance of scars and stretch marks. It helps regulate the skin’s natural oil production, ensuring a healthy balance. Additionally, it is rich in vitamins A and C, which are essential nutrients for healthy hair growth. Jasmine oil promotes feelings of contentment and happiness, enhances cognitive performance, improves concentration and alertness, reduces mood swings, and boosts vitality. It can lower blood pressure, serve as a long-term treatment for insomnia, relieve fatigue, combat bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and alleviate coughing. Jasmine is often used as a component in aphrodisiacs, helping to spiritualise intimacy in relationships. So, if you’re looking for aromas to set the mood, jasmine oil should be at the top of your list, says aromatherapist Amy Galper, author of The Ultimate Guide to Aromatherapy. A study titled Effects of Jasminum officinale Flowers on the Central Nervous System of the Mouse by Elisha et al. validates the use of jasmine flowers as a sedative in traditional medicine. Another study, Antimicrobial Activity of Jasmine Oil Against Oral Microorganisms by S. Thaweboon et al., concludes that jasmine oil could serve as a natural antimicrobial agent against oral microorganisms. Jasmine essential oil can be used in various ways: Added to a spray bottle with water Used in an essential oil diffuser Mixed into topical creams and skincare products Inhaled directly Added to a bowl of hot water to create aromatic steam Diluted in a carrier oil and added to a warm bath Combined with a carrier oil for massage therapy