Pope Leo decries Sudan violence, urges dialogue and relief effort
Pope Leo on Sunday appealed for an immediate ceasefire and the opening of humanitarian corridors in Sudan, saying he was following with "great sorrow"...
Menlo Park, CA, February 19, 2025 – Instagram has introduced a suite of new features for its direct messaging system, aiming to improve user engagement and better compete with rival platforms such as Apple iMessage and various third-party messaging apps.
Among the new updates is the ability for users to share music within one-on-one conversations and group chats. By tapping the “Music” sticker in the chat’s sticker tray, users can search Instagram’s audio library and share clips up to 30 seconds long, provided the song is available on the platform.
In addition to music sharing, Instagram has implemented a translation tool within direct messages. Users can now hold down a message and select “Translate” to view the message in one of 99 supported languages. The translated text appears directly below the original, streamlining communication across language barriers.
Other improvements include the option to pin messages, images, or even Reels to the top of a chat. Users can pin up to three items per conversation by holding down the desired message and tapping “Pin.” This feature is designed to help users keep frequently referenced content easily accessible.
Instagram has also introduced message scheduling, allowing users to plan messages up to 29 days in advance by long-pressing the send button. Additionally, a new QR code feature enables users to invite others to group chats, simplifying the process of connecting new members.

The update is rolling out today to iOS and Android users worldwide, while a web version is in development and will be available soon.
These new direct messaging tools add to Instagram’s recent flurry of feature enhancements, which include testing a dislike button for comments, expanding the maximum length of Reels to three minutes, and developing a dedicated video-editing app. With these updates, Instagram continues to refine its platform to meet the evolving needs of its diverse user base.
Reports from CNN say the Pentagon has approved the provision of long range Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine after assessing its impact on U.S. stockpiles, while leaving the ultimate decision to President Trump.
Ukraine’s top military commander has confirmed that troops are facing “difficult conditions” defending the strategic eastern town of Pokrovsk against a multi-thousand Russian force.
Residents of Hoi An, Vietnam’s UNESCO-listed ancient town, began cleaning up on Saturday as floodwaters receded following days of torrential rain that brought deadly flooding and widespread destruction to the central region.
The United Nations has warned of a catastrophic humanitarian situation in Sudan after reports emerged of mass killings, sexual violence, and forced displacements following the capture of al-Fashir by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Egypt has inaugurated the Grand Egyptian Museum near the Great Pyramid of Giza, unveiling the world’s largest archaeological museum and a modern cultural landmark celebrating over 7,000 years of history.
Pope Leo on Sunday appealed for an immediate ceasefire and the opening of humanitarian corridors in Sudan, saying he was following with "great sorrow" reports of terrible brutality in the city of Al-Fashir in Darfur.
The Philippines and Canada signed a pact on Sunday for their armed forces to train on each other's soil, boosting defence cooperation to tackle common security concerns in the Indo-Pacific region.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for 2 November, covering the latest developments you need to know.
The U.S. has carried out another deadly strike on a suspected narco-trafficking vessel in the Caribbean.
Russia has launched its new nuclear-powered submarine, the Khabarovsk, at the Sevmash shipyard in Severodvinsk, the Defence Ministry said Saturday.
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