The prosecution questioned Worker's Party (WP) chief Pritam Singh regarding his meeting with predecessor Low Thia Khiang and WP chairwoman Sylvia Lim during his trial on Friday (Nov 8). Continuing his cross-examination of Singh into the third day, Deputy Attorney-General Ang Cheng Hock highlighted that the Leader of Opposition's recount of the meeting on Oct 11, 2021, which was intended to discuss former WP MP Raeesah Khan's lie in Parliament, did not match the testimony given by Low. Singh is contesting two charges of lying to a parliamentary committee that was set up to look into the conduct of Khan. In a police statement taken during investigations, Singh claimed that Low had not given the two senior WP leaders any advice, as they agreed that Khan had to clarify the untruth in Parliament. However, Low, in his testimony in court on Oct 23, said he had not been informed that Singh and Lim wished for Khan to clarify her lie in Parliament. Citing this contradiction, Ang said: «My point to you is that Mr Low did, in fact, give you advice, which was that Ms Khan had to clarify the untruth in Parliament, correct?»

A 16-year-old volunteer was reportedly slapped by a seven-year-old student and later attacked by the student's family. The incident took place on Oct 30 at the Ang Mo Kio branch of Beyond Social Services, a volunteer organisation that helps students from underprivileged backgrounds. The student, who wished to remain anonymous, is a teenage girl who volunteers at the centre every week and tutors primary school students, reported Shin Min Daily News. She recounted how during one of the lessons, a group of male students blocked the door to their classroom to prevent another tutor from entering.  She then attempted to diffuse the situation, but unexpectedly got accused of slapping a seven-year-old student. «I didn't see her at all. Those standing at the door were mostly boys, so I was surprised to turn around and see her crying. At the time, she was stroking her cheek and telling others that I had slapped her,» said the tutor to the Chinese daily.

Dmitry Peskov pointed out that «any phone call could be organized, if necessary»

Jose Juan Sanches still conceded that under the new president, the United States may attempt to block the further expansion of BRICS, especially the inclusion of partner nations into the «BRICS Plus» framework

«Putin has repeatedly spoken about openness to dialogue with all interested parties and all those who can contribute to the settlement of this conflict,» Dmitry Peskov noted

«More weapons, more bombs, or more chaos will not end this war,» the Turkish leader argued

Ukraine has been renaming streets and removing monuments to prominent Soviet and Russian figures since 2015, when a law on decommunization was adopted

African states seek Russian support in security and Moscow is ready to provide this assistance, Vladimir Putin has said Read Full Article at RT.com

During a rally in Dhule, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, alleging a lack of unity and leadership. Modi accused the MVA of trying to undermine the state's women's welfare program, Majhi Ladki Bahan Yojana, and highlighted their disrespectful remarks towards women.

Canada has updated its visa policy, shifting away from long-term multiple-entry visas. Visa officers will now decide whether to issue single or multiple-entry visas with varying durations. This change, coupled with existing processing delays, is expected to significantly impact Indian travelers, particularly those visiting family or tourist destinations like Alaska and Niagara.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized leaders of the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance. He condemned their alleged derogatory comments about women. The Prime Minister emphasized that women in Maharashtra should be cautious of the alliance members. He stated that the people of Maharashtra are witnessing the disrespectful behavior of the alliance towards women.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu clarified a recent controversy surrounding a CID probe into snacks meant for him that were mistakenly served to his security staff. Sukhu emphasized that the CID's involvement stemmed from alleged misbehavior, not the food itself. The BJP criticized the incident, linking it to the state's financial struggles and the Congress party's policies.

During a rally in Simdega, Jharkhand, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP of aiming to dismantle the Indian Constitution. He positioned the INDIA alliance as defenders of the Constitution, contrasting them with the BJP and RSS. Gandhi emphasized the Constitution's embodiment of values from figures like Birsa Munda and Ambedkar, highlighting its role in safeguarding marginalized communities.

Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky has demanded that $300 billion in frozen Russian funds be handed over to Kiev from the West Read Full Article at RT.com

The desertion rate in the Ukrainian armed forces is 20%, a military source cited by The Economist stated Read Full Article at RT.com

The flow of tourists from China to Russia skyrocketed in the first nine months of the year, statistics show   Read Full Article at RT.com

Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky has explained why his country did not sign a bilateral security agreement with Hungary Read Full Article at RT.com

Russian soldiers draw strength on the battlefield from their deep faith, the Russian Defense Ministry has said Read Full Article at RT.com

The US-India tango will have gravitas during the Donald Trump presidency going forward Read Full Article at RT.com

Activists in Greece have staged a protest against NATO and blocked a column of trucks carrying weapons intended for the Ukrainian army Read Full Article at RT.com

Prominent business magnet and private sector captain Newton Kambala, who is among five UTM party presidential aspirants, has declared that once elected at the forthcoming national delegates conference, he will not be the party’s automatic torchbearer for the 2025 general election. Kambala, a former Energy Minister and ex President of Malawi Confederation of Chambers of […] The post UTM presidency: Kambala says will not be automatic torchbearer for 2025 elections appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

Giant alcoholic beverage producer in the country, Castel Malawi managed to bag three awards at this year’s Institute of Marketing in Malawi (IMM) Awards ceremony over the weekend. Castel Malawi’s newly-introduced alcoholic product Pomme Breeze won two awards namely Social Media Campaign of the Year for its #Yoursider social media campaign, while ‘It’s a Lifestyle’ […] The post Castel Malawi bags 3 awards at the IMM Awards appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

The United Transformation Movement (UTM) presidential hopeful Dr. Dalitso Kabambe has urged party’s delegates to vote for vision leaders who can enable the party form the next government. Speaking with journalists after meeting the delegates at Malawi Sun Hotel in Blantyre on Thursday, Kabambe said the country is struggling in many sectors because it lacks […] The post Kabambe urges UTM delegates to vote for visionary leaders appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

The National Youth Council of Malawi (NYCOM) is gearing up for its much-anticipated extraordinary annual youth summit and annual general assembly, set to take place from 11th to 13th November, 2024. The summit, which will bring together youth leaders from across the country, promises to be an important event for empowering young people and providing […] The post National Youth Council of Malawi Prepares for Groundbreaking Youth Summit and Annual General Assembly appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

Malawi’s government and human rights advocates are under increasing pressure to investigate the recruitment of young Malawian girls into Russia’s Alabuga Special Economic Zone (SEZ), amid reports of exploitation and dangerous working conditions at a drone factory in the region. The revelations highlight a broader concern about the exploitation of young Africans, who are lured […] The post Malawi Faces Growing Concerns Over Youth Exploitation in Russia’s Alabuga Special Economic Zone appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

Under Russia's presidency, BRICS (acronym for the founding states – Brazil, Russia, India and China) held its first summit following the group's expansion on 1 January 2024, from 22 to 24 October in Kazan (Russia). With more than 30 delegations, 22 heads of state or government and several representatives of international organisations including United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres attending, the summit was a diplomatic success for Russia: it offered President Vladimir Putin the opportunity to demonstrate to the world that Russia is not isolated. For the first time, a NATO member, Türkiye, attended the summit, and applied to join BRICS. The meeting in Kazan underlined BRICS's ambition to foster relations with the Global South, and its aim of shaping an alternative multipolar world order, particularly in the global financial and trade system. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

Following Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, the European Union (EU), G7, and allied partners imposed extensive sanctions targeting Russia's economy, in particular the oil sector, in an effort to curb the Kremlin's revenues which finance its war effort. Key measures include an embargo on Russian seaborne oil imports and a price cap on oil and oil products that restricts profits while still allowing sales below a certain price. Enforcement mechanisms prevent Russia from chartering or insuring oil tankers unless they comply with these limits. In response, Russia has sought new markets and established a 'shadow fleet' to evade these restrictions. The terms 'shadow fleet', 'dark fleet' and 'grey fleet' have gained prominence following the imposition of sanctions on Russian energy exports, yet their definitions remain inconsistent among experts, leading to confusion. Analysts increasingly recognise that the broader definition, encompassing all vessels lacking Western insurance and belonging to non-EU/G7+ companies, captures the diverse tactics employed by Russia to circumvent sanctions and highlights the potential risks associated with these operations. To evade sanctions, the Russian 'shadow fleet' makes use of flags of convenience and intricate ownership and management structures while employing a variety of tactics to conceal the origins of its cargo, including: ship-to-ship transfers; automatic identification system blackouts; falsified positions; transmission of false data; and other deceptive or even illegal techniques. In addition to bolstering its war chest, Russia's 'shadow fleet', which consists of a growing number of aging and poorly maintained vessels that operate with minimal regard to the regulations, poses significant environmental, maritime safety, and security risks. As Russia depends increasingly on its 'shadow fleet' to maintain oil exports, the EU and allied nations have implemented measures to counter these evasive tactics. These include imposing targeted sanctions on specific vessels and enhancing international collaboration to disrupt such activities. During a plenary debate in October 2024, Members of the European Parliament called for enhanced maritime surveillance, tighter shipping controls, and expanded sanctions to address the significant environmental and safety threats posed by these vessels. Parliament is expected to vote on a resolution on this issue during its November I 2024 plenary session. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

NAIROBI, Kenya (HOL) — The father of a young woman whose dismembered body was found outside Nairobi's Langata Cemetery last week has spoken out, calling for justice as authorities investigate her suspected killer, a man now linked to multiple brutal murders of Somali women in Kenya.

Mogadishu (HOL) — Donald Trump’s re-election has sent ripples through immigrant communities across the United States, especially among Somali migrants who are facing renewed fears of deportation. His campaign centred on a tough stance against undocumented immigration, promising to reinstate mass deportations on a historic scale.

Climate change mitigation, economic diversification, and a more productive public sector are among the areas this year's budget fiscal risk statement addresses to ensure Seychelles remains on track with its goal of paying 50 percent of its debts by 2030, said a top government official. The Secretary of State for Finance, Patrick Payet, made the statement in a press conference on Thursday at the Ministry of Finance's headquarters at Liberty House. The press conference is part of his establishment's new drive to better explain the proposed budget of SCR 11.9 billion ($880 million) that the Finance Minister, Naadir Hassan, presented to the National Assembly last week. Payet said the proposed budget covers all the risks associated with it. «For example, if tomorrow we see that the tourism sector's growth falls, we assess what impact will this have on revenue collection and how we can mitigate these risks,» he explained. One of the risks that has been identified is that of climate change. Seychelles, an archipelago in the western Indian Ocean, considers adaptation to climate change a high priority to reduce the country's vulnerability - embarking on a series of measures to tackle the issue. «Climate change is an area where we have put in place certain infrastructures, for example for adaptation and mitigation projects. [...] One thing that the government has also put in place is a financial scheme for solar panels so that we may reduce our dependency on conventional electrical components,» he explained. Payet also highlighted the need for Seychelles to «continue fiscal responsibility and discipline» and said that «it is something we need as although this is the largest budget we are proposing to the National Assembly, we need to ensure that the fiscal discipline so that we may attain our goal of paying off 50 percent of our debt by 2030.» Payet's caution comes despite previously revealing that Seychelles continues to have a strong performance against benchmarks of the International Monetary Fund's Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) programmes. These collectively total $102 million, 4.7 percent of 2023 GDP, worth of funding over three years to 2026, of which 32 percent has already been disbursed. «We cannot simply spend as we are making a budgetary surplus, we should be able to put some money aside so that we may repay our debts,» he added. Transformation and diversification of the economy also feature among the risks in the fiscal risk statement, and Payet said, «We know that we are heavily reliant on the tourism sector, but we are looking at the other sectors that we have to develop like shown in our national development plans shows sectors that we believe have the potential.» He also explained that the country should be able to invest in those sectors to ensure that the necessary infrastructures are put in place for them to grow. Payet also said that the public sector should be more productive and «the more we can give the private sector a better service, we can see better growth in the future and this will help us reduce our debts faster.» He said, «If despite our projections we have a higher economic growth, this will help us collect more revenue in taxes.» 

The Seychelles National Archives (SNA) has unveiled a new website through which the public will have easier access to its services in the coming years. The website was launched as part of celebrations of the 60th anniversary of the guardians of the history of Seychelles, with the SNA launched in 1964 along with an exhibition showcasing the 60 years’ existence of the Seychelles National Archives.  Speaking to Seychelles News Agency, during the ceremony to celebrate the anniversary, held at the National History Museum on Thursday, Veena Andimignon, an archive assistant, explained that the website, while launched, is still under construction, where more services will be added to it in the future. «The website for the moment, is a way for our clients to get better access to us, where they can see what services we offer, along with a price list and they can also contact us through the website itself,» explained Andimignon. She said that among the things that will be added to the website will be a database of the National Archives, which people will have access to for research purposes. The website launch comes as the institution is working to digitalise its services and records, to keep up with modern needs as well as become more accessible. Speaking at the ceremony to celebrate the Archives' 60 years of existence, the permanent secretary for the Seychelles National Institute for Culture, Heritage and the Arts (SNICHA), Cecile Kalebi, said that the digitisation of the Archive's collection is one of its most significant development in recent years. «This initiative has allowed for the systematic digitisation of a vast array of documents, records, and photographs - preserving them for future generations while ensuring greater accessibility for the public,» said Kalebi. She shared that through this process, there will be online access to the wealth of historical records, making the country's shared history more easily accessible to the public and to researchers worldwide. One of the main services that the Seychelles National Archives offers to locals is genealogy research, where people can trace their ancestry through several generations. Through the digitisation programme this process will become an easier experience, and Kalebi said, «The Seychelles National Archives have successfully migrated from the manual methods of researching family trees to the use of specialised software, significantly reducing the time required for individuals to trace their genealogy.» One of the biggest issues the  Archives have faced in the past year is the preservation of paper-based records with documents in danger of being lost due to fungi. Kalebi shared that through the groundbreaking Archives' deacidification programme, these records will be better preserved. «This programme allows us to ensure that our records, some of which are centuries old, remain in good condition for future generations,» said Kalebi. She added: «It is a vital part of the Archives' efforts to preserve our heritage and provide a lasting resource for research, education, and cultural discovery.» The Seychelles National Archives are also working to build a distinctive and extensive collection of its own audiovisual archive materials. Beyond written records, this ambitious initiative will record and preserve Seychelles' sounds, sights, and stories. Kalebi gave a brief history of the Seychelles National Archives. She said that it was with the Instrument of Capitulation of Seychelles, signed on May 17, 1794, between the British Captain Henry Newcome of HMS Orpheus and the French Commandant Chevalier Quéau de Quincy, that Seychelles National Archives first appeared. The colonial administrative records of the island began with this historical document, laying the groundwork for the future creation of the Seychelles National Archives. However, with the passage of Seychelles National Archives Ordinance No. 27 of November 7, 1964, the present Seychelles National Archives began to take shape in the 1960s. The Archives were not immediately active despite the 1964 decree, and it took several more years before the institution was formally established. With such a long history, there has of course been a large number of people who has worked at the Seychelles National Archives, and during the ceremony, all staff members who are currently still working there were also rewarded, with Merna Crea, being the longest serving staff of them all, having spent over 30 years there.  

The Seychelles Supreme Court has sentenced a Brazilian national to 26 years in prison for the importation of a controlled drug, the police said on Friday. According to the police, Tamires Souza Hurbath Dos Santos was intercepted at the Seychelles International Airport after his arrival on June 29. Following a search, the police seized in his possession 2,438.17 grammes of cocaine. The Supreme Court judge ordered that the convict does not get remission on his sentence because the nature of the offence is very serious. The Court said that is becoming more common in Seychelles for foreigners to try to import drugs into the island nation. «The judge reiterated that the fight against drugs remains a challenge and drugs are affecting the growing generation, creating health problems and social scourges in the community. Foreigners are using Seychelles as a kindergarten, for their personal benefit through illegal activities, and this must be stopped, and that this sentence will send a clear message to others, that Seychelles is not tolerating any such action in its jurisdiction,» the police said in its communique. The Supreme Court also sentenced a 44-year-old Ugandan national, Birungi Nanyondo, to eight years for the importation of a controlled drug. Nanyondo was arrested at the Seychelles International Airport after he arrive on an Ethiopian Airline flight on May 18. The police seized 63.09 gammes of cocaine. 

Papua New Guinea might lack the stars of Tonga and Samoa but their own rise in Test football is no less impressive as they prepare for the game of a lifetime against New Zealand.