The whistling starts the moment a hooded lookout spots our car, and soon the shrill warning signals echo all around the neighbourhood.

The running away fund is nothing new. Surveys estimate one in five has a secret stash. Celebrity chef Nadiya Hussain admitted to having one when she appeared on Loose Women recently.

The CBI is using its conference to sound the alarm on the £25billion hike to employer National Insurance.

EXCLUSIVE: Locals living in the shadow of Britain's biggest Christmas markets claim the annual Bavarian tradition is being tainted by anti-social behaviour and rip off food prices.

The actress, 57, has suffered a personal tragedy after the death of her beloved mother Janelle in September, which saw her return to Sydney for the funeral.

Air Seychelles has been crowned the «World's Leading Airline to the Indian Ocean» for the second consecutive year at the Grand Final ceremony of the World Travel Awards held in Madeira, Portugal, on Sunday. In a press release on Monday, the Seychelles' national carrier said that this recognition highlights the airline's continuous dedication to excellence in customer service and its commitment to enhancing travel experiences in one of the world's premier travel destinations. Air Seychelles' chief executive, Sandy Benoiton expressed his gratitude and pride. «Winning the title of 'World's Leading Airline to the Indian Ocean' for the second year in a row is a remarkable honour that reflects the hard work and passion of our entire team at Air Seychelles. Each award received motivates us to maintain our commitment to delivering a high standard of service and memorable experiences to our passengers. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our loyal customers, members of the public, and industry partners who continuously support and believe in us,» said Benoiton. Additionally, this year in May, Air Seychelles clinched two accolades - the Indian Ocean's Leading Airline - Economy Class and the Indian Ocean's Leading Cabin Crew at the World Travel Awards 2024. The event gathered leaders from various industries, all competing for their share of the coveted accolades. The World Travel Awards have long been regarded as a benchmark of quality with votes cast by travel professionals and consumers worldwide, reinforcing the significance of this achievement. The Seychelles' national carrier has been flying for over 45 years. Wholly owned by the government, the airline operates regionally from its home in Mahe to Colombo, Tel Aviv, Johannesburg, Mumbai, and Mauritius with state-of-the-art Airbus A320NEOs. 

[allAfrica] A few weeks ago, South Africa and Ukraine discussed the possibility of visa-free access to South Africa for diplomats from Ukraine. When the decision is made, it will be another step towards strengthening ties between our countries. Although South Africa and Ukraine are geographically far from each other, we have more in common than we can imagine. People in both South Africa and Ukraine know what it means to fight for freedom. For us, the battle continues.

[allAfrica] A project to provide fishing communities with tools and knowledge to dry fish has changed lives.

The first round of doctors' strikes, due to start at midnight, was called off late last night after an agreement was reached on the main points of a new collective agreement. However, individual points in the agreement still need to be finalized and negotiations were planned to continue into the night.

SINGAPORE — A man was taken to hospital after a container fell on the forklift he was operating at the Pasir Panjang Terminal on the morning of Monday (Nov 25). In a statement, port operator PSA Singapore confirmed the incident happened at the container yard at Pasir Panjang Terminal 3 at about 6.40am. The Singapore Civil Defence Force was alerted to the incident at about 6.55am and took the conscious 37-year-old man to National University Hospital. He is in stable condition, according to PSA. In a video circulating online, a forklift is seen lifting a container, which then moves a column of five containers directly behind. The column starts to fall towards the forklift as it backs away, with the top container of the pile then falling on the operator's cabin before rolling to the ground. As the video ends, a man can be seen falling out of the damaged cabin onto the ground. In another visual, a column of four containers is seen bracing against the front of the forklift, with the cabin tilting backwards. At least six firefighters are seen at the scene, with two tending to a person lying on the ground.

In recent months, Lilongwe City Council has repeatedly resorted to the tired excuse of “police being too busy” to justify cancelling or obstructing planned demonstrations by the Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI). This flimsy rationale, often invoked at the last minute, only serves to undermine the fundamental democratic right to peaceful protest. […] The post Opinion: Lilongwe City Council must stop using Police “busy” excuse to block demonstrations appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

In a powerful demonstration of leadership and advocacy, Malawi’s First Lady, Monica Chakwera, officially launched the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence Campaign at Mpasa Ground in Phalombe District today. The campaign, held under the global theme “Unite to End Violence: Empower Communities, Protect Women and Girls,” calls on individuals, organizations, and communities to […] The post First Lady Monica Chakwera launches 16 days of activism against gender-based violence in Phalombe appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

A stall in a coffee shop has closed its doors after some uninvited guests found their way in. In a video circulating online last week, several rats were seen scurrying inside the porridge stall at Block 23, Hougang Ave 3. In the video, at least five rodents can be seen searching for food in the shop before stopping to nibble on what appears to be a large slab of meat. A voice can be heard saying: «It's (the rats) eating the meat!» According to Lianhe Zaobao reporters who visited the location on Nov 23, the stall was undergoing renovation. The stall's tiles were being replaced, and the signboard was taken down. A man, who declined to be named, claimed that he was the «new owner» of the stall, adding that the stall had already been fined in the past. Noting that it is not unusual for rats to be spotted at food stalls, he said: «I've seen the video, I think the reactions are quite exaggerated. »The coffee shop regularly engages pest control, so I'm not worried that this will adversely affect business."

The captive explained that he had served as a private in a battalion for four months

The UN Secretary-General urged world leaders to join the Ottawa Convention

The statement’s authors stressed that blowing up the Nord Stream pipelines was not aimed at Russia alone but «above all, was directed against Germany, its interests, and economy»

According to the sources, this is driven by the fact that Washington may scale back support for Ukraine after Donald Trump returns to office as US president on January 20, 2025

At least one person was killed in a cargo plane crash in Vilnius, Lithuania, officials have said Read Full Article at RT.com

More than two-thirds of Ukrainian troops are reportedly willing to accept territorial losses and a ceasefire, The Economist has said Read Full Article at RT.com

Violent clashes between locals and police in Uttar Pradesh led to four deaths and over 30 injuries Read Full Article at RT.com

US President-elect Donald Trump is planning to ban trans people from serving in the US military, The Times reports, citing defense sources Read Full Article at RT.com

Hargeisa (HOL) — The longest-serving journalist with the BBC Somali Service, Abdirizakh Haji Mohamed Siraad, passed away Sunday night at a hospital in Hargeisa, Somaliland, his family confirmed.

Kismayo (HOL) — Jubbaland’s presidential election is set to take place on Monday in Kismayo, the interim capital of the Lower Jubba region, despite the federal government rejecting the legitimacy of the electoral process.

The Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) has announced that its highly anticipated demonstration will proceed as planned today, despite reports of potential disruptions from panga-wielding thugs and efforts by the Lilongwe City Council to halt the protest. CDEDI Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa has vowed that the protest will continue, stating that the […] The post CDEDI demonstration to proceed as expected despite threats and opposition appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

Twelve local residents have been evacuated from the scene

A self-defense member was injured after drones dropped explosive devices on the village of Gruzskoye in the Borisovsky District; a private house was damaged

Over the reporting period, Russian forces also destroyed 11 tanks, 89 field artillery guns, 16 electronic warfare and counterbattery radar stations, 33 field ammunition depots and more than 230 combat vehicles of the Ukrainian army in those frontline areas, Andrey Marochko said

WAFA points out that the death toll from the Israeli aggression has reached 44,211 since October 7, 2023, while another 104,567 people have suffered injuries

Shalva Papuashvili also noted that the parliament will determine the exact date of the election on Tuesday

Following Donald Trump's presidential victory, the US State Department conducted therapy sessions for employees distressed by the outcome. Representative Darrell Issa criticized Secretary of State Antony Blinken for using government funds to address what he deemed personal political disappointment.

[allAfrica]

Some homes in a Clementi HDB block have no water supply after a pipe burst in the wee hours of Monday (Nov 25) morning. According to Jurong GRC MP Tan Wu Meng, the burst pipe affected the water supply to the lower floors of Block 324 Clementi Ave 5 as well as Block 325. A video Dr Tan posted on Facebook on the same day shows the walkway leading to Block 324 flooded with muddy water. The burst water pipe was right beside the block, wrote Dr Tan in his post. He visited the site at about 7.30am on Monday and saw that some nearby homes and businesses have been affected.

November 25 is Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF) Day, dedicated to the men and women in uniform working around the clock to protect and defend the island nation's sovereignty.  Currently, the SDF has 75 women officers. These women are ranked between Second Lieutenant, Lieutenant, and Captain, with the highest being Major. They are based in different units of the force: Defence Forces Headquarters, Seychelles Coast Guard, Seychelles Air Force, Special Forces Unit, Military Training and Support Centre, Medical Centre and Presidential Security Unit. In the past months, there has been an increase in women in uniform excelling in this field, which is male-dominated. On Defence Forces Day this year, SNA presents some of these women who have broken the barriers by achieving what no other woman has been able to achieve in the armed forces of the island nation. Dania Woodcock is one such woman in uniform who is currently the highest ranked woman in the SDF and who made history twice. Earlier this year, in June for the first time in 48 years, Woodcock was the parade commander at the National Day Parade. Woodcock – a medical doctor with the SDF,  was at the helm of the parade.  Four years ago, in March 2020, she made history for the first time by becoming the first Seychellois military medical officer in the army. Woodcock joined the army in 2010. «As a trailblazing woman in the Seychelles DefenCe Forces, my career has been marked by several groundbreaking achievements as the First Direct Entry CadetI made history as the first woman to complete officer cadet training as a direct entry in SDF, paving the way for future female officers,» Woodcock told SNA. Woodcock added: «My role as a medical professional is exemplified by becoming the first female doctor in the SDF and the first holding a PhD, bringing valuable medical expertise to the force. Major Woodcock has left her mark as the first woman to attain the highest level of leadership in the army. »My promotion to a senior officer places me as only the third woman in SDF history to achieve this level of leadership however, I broke new ground by becoming the first female parade commander in SDF history, demonstrating my leadership skills, commanding presence, showcasing my personal dedication but also represent significant strides in gender equality within the SDF,« explained the Major, who adds »these achievements serves as an inspiration for future generations of women in the military, proving that with determination and excellence, barriers can be broken and new paths forged and hopefully the upcoming women surpassed my achievements.« Anthony was promoted to Lieutenant, becoming the second in command and the only female officer on board the patrol vessel PS Etoile. (Seychelles Defence Forces) Photo License: All Rights Reserved  Lieutenant Connie Anthony recently came back to Seychelles – a 115 islands archipelago in the western Indian Ocean, following a two-year attachment with the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF). Anthony held the position of Maritime Planning and Training Officer at the EASF's headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. During her tenure at the EASF, she had the responsibility of overseeing maritime-related training.   »From August 2022 till September 2024, I was posted as the Chief Maritime Training & Planning Officer at the Eastern African Standby Forces in Nairobi, Kenya. I can say that the experience I gained during those two years has been one that I will use throughout my career, I had the opportunity to attend meetings and courses in the 10 EASF member states countries and peace support organisation such as ATMIS, which is based in Somalia. I am honoured and thankful to my country for trusting me to hold such a position as the first military female officer to be posted at EASF, and I can proudly say that I was also the only one that EASF had,« said Anthony. In 2017, based at the Seychelles Coast Guard, Anthony was promoted to Lieutenant, becoming the second in command and the only female officer on board the patrol vessel PS Etoile.  »As a female Lieutenant in the SDF, I started my journey on March 7, 2011. During my 13 years in the service, I started with a Diploma in Navigation (France) and after that, I proceeded to my cadet course in the United Kingdom at the British Royal Naval College for 1 year. I was the first and only female to have attended this course in the mentioned college. During those years, I have also attended various courses which are relevant to my career and others,« explained Anthony.  »To all women out there, as a military officer, I've learned that true strength comes from within. Embrace your challenges and rise above them, for every obstacle is an opportunity to grow. Stand proud of your identity, and never underestimate the impact you can make. Together, we are paving the way for future generations. Keep pushing forward, and let your determination shine.« Crispin is an engineer in the Seychelles Airforce, who joined the elite Special Forces Unit.  (Seychelles Defence Forces) Photo License: All Rights Reserved  Another female officer who has made remarkable achievement is Lieutenant Melina Crispin, who, for 10  months, was posted at CMF headquarters in Bahrain, where she served as Maritime Security Enhancement Training (MSET) Planner within Combined Task Force 154, completing two critical exercises in Egypt and Bahrain. Clocking 10 years with the army. Crispin, who has an Advanced Diploma in Business Studies and Accounting, has made a different turnaround in terms of career. »I chose to chart an unconventional path by pursuing a career serving as an able seaman in the Seychelles Coast Guard, an engineer in Seychelles Airforce, and joining the elite Special Forces Unit. My journey has been diverse and challenging. Each step in this dynamic career has tested my strength, adaptability, and resolve, proving that no challenge is insurmountable when you are determined to succeed,« said Crispin. »Each role, whether in engineering, administration, or strategic planning, has taught me resilience, leadership, and the value of teamwork. My story is a testament that, regardless of the field or obstacles, with perseverance and passion, women can achieve greatness in any domain they aspire to. Let this be an inspiration to future generations; nothing can stop you from reaching your goals when you set your mind to it. Dare to serve, lead, and inspire,« urges Crispin. Tamboo made history last year by becoming the first Seychellois woman to fly a Seychelles Air Force (SAF) Dornier plane. (Seychelles Defence Forces) Photo License: All Rights Reserved  Second Lieutenant Sylvie Tamboo was commissioned as a military pilot in October this year by President Wavel Ramkalawan, the Commander-in-Chief of the SDF.  Tamboo, who joined the SDF in 2022, received her commission after successfully completing her officer cadet training at an academy in Chennai, India. Tamboo made history last year by becoming the first Seychellois woman to fly a Seychelles Air Force (SAF) Dornier plane. Tamboo was already a pilot after taking her courses in Greece. Now a military pilot, a double record for the young officer. »At just 22 years old, I hold the distinction of being both the youngest officer in the Seychelles military and the youngest pilot in the country. I'm a graduate of the Training Aviation Academy in Athens, Greece. I spent two years in Greece before earning my commercial pilot license. Currently flying the Dornier 228, I've fulfilled a childhood dream inspired by my aviation background and following in my father's footsteps. With a passion for flying and a dedication to excellence, my ultimate goal is to become a flight instructor, passing on my expertise to future aviators,« added Second Lieutenant Tamboo. Boniface (4th from left) is in the Special Forces Unit. (Seychelles Defence Forces) Photo License: All Rights Reserved  Twenty-six years old, Lance Corporal Guyra Boniface is currently serving in the Special Forces Unit. »This year has been a remarkable journey filled with growth and achievement, both abroad and locally. Internationally, I took on new challenges that expanded my horizons, whether through professional endeavours, academic pursuits, or cultural exchanges. Locally, I focused on strengthening community connections and making meaningful contributions through impactful projects and initiatives. Each milestone, no matter how big or small, has added to my personal and professional development, leaving me proud of the progress I've made and eager for the opportunities that lie ahead.« Before joining the army, Coloma was an athlete doing weightlifting. (Seychelles Defence Forces) Photo License: All Rights Reserved   Private Joelita Coloma is the first female in the SDF to complete the commandos and Special Forces training. The 21 years old, joined the military in April 2024. »Throughout the recruit training, we were subjected to rigorous physical exercise, tactical exercise, handling of weapons and focused teamwork exercise, which required us to communicate and support each other in difficult situations,'' explained the soldier, who immediately after recruit training undertook a commandos course. «The training was intense, physically and mentally demanding. My physical endurance was tested every morning and evening with a 16km run with full battle order. We barely slept. It was tough, and it drained me to the point that I wanted to give up. I didn't want to fail, thus tarnishing my dream. I sought advice from my instructors and family members, who motivated me to continue pushing my limits. Simultaneously, I enrolled in the Special Force training and was sent to La Reunion for a two-week specialised training,» explained the young soldier. Coloma, who before joining the army was an athlete doing weightlifting, added: «While the experience is physically and mentally exhausting, I feel a strong sense of accomplishment, camaraderie and personal growth. Today, I live life with increased confidence, a deeper sense of discipline, and a better understanding of teamwork and leadership. And I always carry the privilege of being the only female amongst my batch to graduate alongside 14 male personnel.»

Also, since mid-May, the Ukrainians have sustained at least 2,500 casualties per week from the Battlegroup West which has been active in areas adjacent to the area of the Battlegroup North’s responsibility