Congress raises concerns over inconsistencies in Maharashtra's election data, citing arbitrary voter deletions, unexplained voter additions, and unusual surges in voter turnout. They request an in-person hearing with the Election Commission. BJP-led Mahayuti wins 230 out of 288 seats, while Congress secures only 16 seats.

The majority of UK shoppers will stay at home with £1.92billion of today's total to be spent online, up 3 per cent on last year. Offline sales will rise 10 per cent to £1.26billion - giving a £3.18billion total.

The Seychelles Hospital celebrates its centennial anniversary and to commemorate the event a commemorative plaque was unveiled by President Wavel Ramkalawan and the Health Minister, Peggy Vidot, on Thursday. Ramkalawan said, «It is fitting that while we are celebrating the centennial year, we have taken the decision to build a new hospital that will take us to the next hundred years.» During the ceremony held at the Seychelles Hospital in the central Mahe district of Mont Fleuri, the past, present and future health workers of health workers were celebrated. The Seychelles Hospital - previously known as Victoria Hospital - was opened on Sunday, November 30, 1924, by British Governor Joseph Aloysius Byrne and the chief medical officer John Thomas Bradley, during the time that Seychelles was a British colony. «We are not only celebrating a milestone but also a century of resilience, a century of care, and a century of unwavering determination and dedication,» said Vidot. She added that this was also an homage to all those who have worked at the institution since its opening. In addition to the plaque, a monument designed by the current head of the Health Care Agency, Dr Danny Louange, was also unveiled. Christened «Santenn» or which is hundreds in Creole, the monument is one that symbolises care, protection and the nurturing role health workers play. Meanwhile, an update on the progress being made to build a new hospital for the small island state was given. Ramkalawan said that SCR 661 million ($49 million)has been raised and this has been included in next year's budget. He also said that the technical committee is still examining whether the present site is the one where they build the new hospital, while they also look at other alternatives. «Very soon these alternatives will be put to the people of Seychelles to see a place that will not be squeezed,» he added. He explained that the current location is crowded, which is why the plans will take into account the needs of the people «and where we need to expand we will be able to do so.» Since the exact location of the new hospital is yet to be determined, Ramkalawan and Vidot also unveiled the cornerstone that will be included in the new one. An exhibition showing the history of the Hospital was also opened yesterday under the Red Roof building's verandah. It will remain open for viewing until Saturday.

This briefing has been prepared for the public hearing with the Chair of the Single Resolution Board (SRB), Dominique Laboureix on 4 December 2024. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

Around 100 million people in the EU– or 1 in 4 adults – have some form of disability. Addressing both fiscal support and public service accessibility for people with disabilities is crucial for a more inclusive and equitable tax system across the EU. On 3 December 2024, the European Parliament's Subcommittee on Tax Matters (FISC) will host a public hearing on this topic as part of the European Parliament's Disability Rights Week. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

In the run-up to this year's European Gender Equality Week (9 to 13 December), the European Parliament's Committee on Culture and Education – also responsible for sport policy – is hosting an exchange of views on 3 December with the Council of the EU and the European Commission on preventing and addressing discrimination and gender-based violence in sport. The event will be followed by the screening of one of the films nominated for this year's Lux Audience Award – Julie Keeps Quiet – a film that touches on these very issues. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

Holly Willoughby looked sensational as she showed off her incredible figure for her glamorous television comeback. 

Temperatures will reach 14C (57F) in the South East tomorrow, making the UK warmer than Rome and Nice (both 13C/55F) and on a par with Corfu and Madrid.

The moment Gregg Wallace refused to eat Penny Lancaster's raw tartar sauce has re-emerged after her husband Rod Steward dubbed him a 'tubby bully'. 

Black Friday has officially begun with queues of Brits already lining up outside of shops to grab themselves a Christmas bargain.

MAILONLINE BLOG: Follow the latest updates from Parliament as MPs debate the assisted dying bill before a vote on whether should the legislation should press forward.

No Kwang Chol expressed confidence that the official visit of the Russian Defense Minister to North Korea «marks a key moment in the exchange of valuable and constructive proposals, contributing to strengthening the defense and security capabilities of both countries and fostering friendship, cooperation, and development between their armies»

Over the past 24 hours, the Ukrainian army fired 44 munitions and launched four drones on the Graivoronsky district and attacked the Krasnoyaruzhsky district with 14 munitions and 10 drones, damaging two private homes, two cars, an infrastructure site and a social facility, Vyacheslav Gladkov specified

Moscow and Tokyo have been negotiating a peace treaty to mark the end of World War II since the mid-20th century

Mao Ning also stated that she was not aware of the details of Belousov's visit and reiterated that China's position on the Ukrainian crisis remains consistent

A total of 51% of those polled said they approved of the Russian government’s handling of the country (a 7% decrease), while 57% approved of Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin’s performance (a 4% decrease)

The House of Commons votes on Friday on whether the state should give some of its citizens the right to kill themselves - and actively participate in their deaths.

Mogadishu (HOL) — Tensions have boiled over on the volatile border between Somalia’s Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle regions, as rival clan militias mobilize for what many fear could be another bloody confrontation. Armed groups from the Hawadle and Abgaal clans have entrenched themselves near the village of Halfooleey.

Mogadishu (HOL) — Safaricom has extended its M-Pesa Global service to Ethiopia, enabling mobile money transfers between Kenya and its East African neighbour.

Mogadishu (HOL) — The resignation of a senior advisor in Somalia's Prime Minister's Office has exposed deepening fissures in the country's fragile federal system, with allegations of injustice, abuse of power, and systemic discrimination raising new questions about Mogadishu's governance.

Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia is turning to Germany for assistance in transforming its immigration systems, a crucial step in the East African nation’s broader journey toward recovery and modernization. During a working visit to Berlin, Ahmed Said Mohamed, Director General of Somalia’s Immigration and Citizenship Agency (ICA), met with senior German officials to discuss training programs, visa facilitation, and developing advanced immigration technologies.

Treasury minister Darren Jones revealed in Parliament that the figure was an estimate for salary rises issued since July 2024 for rail staff following Department for Transport analysis.

A 13-year-old boy has begun legal action against his family over claims his parents 'brutally' took him abroad and enrolled him in a boarding school before 'abandoning' him there.

Australia has passed a law designed to ban children under 16 from social media Read Full Article at RT.com

Only one in six of India’s 1.5 million engineering grads get jobs every year thanks to too many students, low educational standards and AI Read Full Article at RT.com

The West wants to freeze the Ukraine conflict by sending 100,000 supposed peacekeepers to essentially occupy the country, the SVR has said Read Full Article at RT.com

La question de l'énergie croyait être résolue au Gabon, avec la signature du contrat entre la SEEG et la compagnie turque Karpowership. Près de six mois après, toujours pas d'électricité produite. L'Etat gabonais a décidé de suspendre le projet via une notification du Directeur général de l'Energie au ministère de l'Énergie, Aristide Ngari, à l'endroit du représentant de Karpowership, Ali Hjaiej. Une énarque selon le mensuel gabonais, Croissance Saine Environnement. La signature du (...) - ECONOMIE / SUJET_ECRIT_MAISON

The Seychelles Islands Foundation (SIF) has asked the government to intervene in the tourism development project proposed for Assumption Island, especially the scale of the project. The chief executive of SIF, Dr Frauke Fleischer-Dogley and the chairman of the board of trustees, Bernard Georges, reiterated the Foundation's position to the media on Thursday, after issuing a press release to address the fact that the Planning Authority had recently given its approval to the project, underling that SIF's position has «remained unchanged.» Georges said what surprised them the most was the expression of interest the Seychelles Nation newspaper published in June last year, calling for a 10-40 room eco-tourism facility, which would cater to day visitors to Aldabra. The Aldabra Atoll is a UNESCO World Heritage site managed by SIF, protected under the law, and Assumption Island is part of the Aldabra Group of islands. «At the same time, there was another expression of interest for a five-star resort on Coetivy. What has happened instead, is that what was proposed for Coetivy has ended up on Assumption and nothing on Coetivy. Questions we are asking now are how has this change happened, and at what point? And wasn't this communicated? We came to understand this gradually as we progressed. So, we feel that there was a lack of adequate communication at a certain point,» he added. The SIF said in a press release that the proposed 5-star plus facility of 37 large villas and several restaurants with direct international air access is a far cry from what was advertised. IDC has not explained the reason for this divergence. «Assumption has also been compared to La Digue, which currently holds over 760 tourism accommodation rooms, with claims that the impact of 37 villas and associated facilities on Assumption would be minimal. However, SIF must highlight that La Digue is an inhabited island with a diverse environment that has been developed for tourism over several decades. Assumption has no permanent population, is environmentally fragile, and is close to Aldabra. The comparison is not helpful,» said the SIF. Georges said that SIF proposed «that this project should reflect its initial concept in the way it was proposed. We are asking for a review of this project so that it aligns with SIF's mandate. We are not against a hotel project but we are against the way it is actually at the moment.» For the time being, IDC has planted spikes in the ground to mark out future villas. (Rassin Vannier, Seychelles News Agency) Photo License: CC-BY     Answering questions on his position as the Leader of Government Business in the National Assembly, Georges said, «I am a member of the National Assembly in this current government. However, government interest does not always satisfy other interests that I have. In this case, there is a difference of opinion regarding what the government wants to do with Assumption in regards to developing a resort and what SIF, who we are representing here, wants for the Aldabra Group. I do not think there is any correlation between these situations.» Regarding biosecurity on Aldabra, Fleischer-Dogley clarified that at present there is a strict procedure in place that anyone who is visiting the atoll must adhere to and this includes verification of belongings, clothing and shoes before arrival as well as after the visit to Aldabra. This also includes cruise ships. «We only allow the smaller ones for visits and they are not your normal cruise ships, they are expeditions. They have to book in advance and submit their manifest. At any one time, we can allow only a certain amount of people, that is not more than 120 people. They also need to follow several briefings in advance, which include videos about Aldabra and especially biosecurity before any visit. Our staff also inspects each passenger individually before they get off the boat for any stray insects or seeds that might be on them,» she added. SIF repeated its opposition to the project as currently designed and planned and called on the government and all stakeholders to carefully consider the unique status of Aldabra Atoll as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a scientifically important area for endangered species. The Foundation said it is particularly concerned about the Asset Group's marketing campaign, which heavily relies on Aldabra's globally recognised natural assets. The developer's campaign features promotional material showcasing species found on Aldabra that are highly sensitive to human impacts. This approach misrepresents the project's true nature and risks exploiting Aldabra's reputation for conservation to promote a development that does not align with the tourism concept and experience of the Aldabra Group. Both Fleicher-Dogley and Georges reiterated that while there are several options available legally, at the moment SIF wishes to discuss with the government and all stakeholders and ask for a review of the project. «The project needs to be reviewed and modified so that it aligns with the interests of Aldabra as well as the country. If this does not happen, we will then see what options are available to us to ensure that our mandate is respected and protected. Here in Seychelles, judicially we already have precedence regarding these subjects. The Court of Appeal stated very recently that under the Constitution, the government has a responsibility to protect the environment. This was very clear,» said Georges.

The government will give a one-off property tax rebate of up to 20 per cent for owner-occupied residential properties in 2025, said the Ministry of Finance (MOF) and Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) on Friday (Nov 29). Owners of HDB flats will receive a 20 per cent rebate, while owners of private residential properties will get a 15 per cent rebate capped at $1,000.  In addition to the rebate, the Annual Value (AV) bands of owner-occupied properties will be raised come Jan 1, 2025 — a move announced during Budget 2024.  The AV is the estimated rent a property can fetch in a year if rented out, and is also used to calculate property tax. Owner-occupied properties have lower tax rates.  The lowest AV band threshold will be raised from $8,000 to $12,000, while the highest threshold will see an increase from over $100,000 to over $140,000. Corresponding adjustments will be made to bands in between. With these measures, all owner-occupied HDB flats and 90 per cent of owner-occupied private residential properties will pay less property tax in 2025. 

SINGAPORE — The prosecution described the case as a «deeply troubling and reprehensible act of exploitation». On Oct 10, 2023, an elderly man approached a woman who has Down syndrome and molested her after offering the victim $2 to lure her away from the public eye. Deputy Public Prosecutor Adelle Tai said that the 24-year-old woman was an «acutely vulnerable» victim who has an IQ of 40. According to the Institute of Mental Health website, an IQ of 70 or below is indicative of intellectual disability. On Nov 28, District Judge John Ng said that the case involved a «vulnerable person who preyed on a vulnerable victim» and sentenced wheelchair user Omar Aziz, 70, to 18 months' jail. He had earlier pleaded guilty to a molestation charge. Details about the victim and where she lived at the time of the offence cannot be disclosed due to a gag order to protect her identity. The DPP said that the woman was walking to an MRT station in the northern part of Singapore at around 4pm when Omar, who was then on a personal mobility device, approached her. He offered the victim $2 and asked her to follow him to a secluded corner.

An elderly resident in Yishun has been ordered to clear the multitude of items he had placed in the common areas of his block, following a complaint over public safety. The man, surnamed Yang, lined the common corridor on the ground floor of a block at Yishun Street 81 with potted plants, boxes and water bottles. According to Shin Min Daily News, there were over 100 potted plants as well as boxes and pails placed around the block.  Yang, 73, told the Chinese evening daily that all the items belong to him, and his neighbours have no objections about the placement of his belongings.  He lives on a higher floor in the same block.  The resident said that he took care to adhere to the fire safety guidelines, which requires a 1.2m-wide escape passage along the common corridor.  The boxes at the back of the block are used to collect rainwater to water his plants, he explained. To prevent mosquitoes from laying their eggs in the water, he covers the pails and rears fish in those that are uncovered.  Regarding his plants, Yang said he's been growing java apples for the past four years. 

A 66-year-old man has been arrested for the alleged murder of a 67-year-old woman. In a press release, the police said they had received a call for assistance at a residential unit along Ang Mo Kio Avenue 6 at about 1.25am on Friday (Nov 29). Officers found the woman lying motionless inside the flat, and she was pronounced dead at scene. The man was subsequently arrested at the unit. Preliminary investigations revealed that both parties are known to each other, the police added. The man will be charged with murder in court on Saturday. If found guilty, he could face the death penalty. Police investigations are ongoing. A resident of the block told Lianhe Zaobao that they had heard sounds of a quarrel on Thursday evening. Shortly after the commotion died down, many police officers visited the unit. lim.kewei@asiaone.com

Some patrons of a coffee shop in Yishun got upset over an employee dusting the ceiling while they were eating. A man surnamed Zhu told Shin Min Daily News that he was dining last Saturday (Nov 23) at the coffee shop at Block 504 Yishun Street 51 when he noticed an employee sweeping the ceiling with a broom. «I was about to start eating my noodles when they began cleaning,» said the 61-year-old taxi driver  «I felt it was unhygienic and went to alert the coffee shop's manager. They only cordoned off the area and continued to clean the ceiling.» As he was eating, however, dust particles began to fall from the ceiling. Zhu said he approached the coffee shop's manager once more, but his concerns were dismissed. He subsequently reported the incident to the authorities. Speaking with Shin Min, the coffee shop's manager surnamed Wu said that the ceiling is cleaned once a month and the area is usually cordoned off with tape. «Since there aren't many patrons in the afternoon, cleaning works are carried out,» Wu, said.

In a blistering critique of President Lazarus Chakwera’s leadership, UTM Party president Dalitso Kabambe has accused the president of being out of touch with the reality facing Malawians, particularly the soaring poverty levels driven by a faltering economy. Kabambe, a former governor of the Reserve Bank of Malawi and seasoned economist, did not mince his […] The post Kabambe takes a swipe at Chakwera, says “Chakwera-nomics has never worked for Malawians” appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.