The latest census by the Seychelles Islands Foundation (SIF) shows that the coco de mer population on Praslin, the second most populated island, is increasing and stable. The SIF's science coordinator, Dr Annabelle Constance, revealed the findings of the study during a recent press conference. The study, funded under the Frank Linear project,  included Vallee de Mai, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Fond Ferdinand and Fond Peper, all reserves managed by SIF. In September 2020, SIF assumed the responsibility for Fond Ferdinand and extended its conservation mandate to one of Praslin's and Seychelles' most cherished protected areas. The Fond Ferdinand Reserve located at Grand Anse Praslin opened in 2013 and covers 122 hectares of land which is six times larger than the Vallee de Mai. The three areas together account for around 55 percent of the coco de mer in Seychelles and in the world. Fond Ferdinand covers 122 hectares of land which is six times bigger than the Vallee de Mai. (Seychelles Nation) Photo License: CC-BY «The results are very encouraging and in all the areas we have studied, we found that there tend to be more male trees of the species than female,» said Constance. The coco de mer, listed as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), is a dioecious plant meaning its reproductive male and female parts are found on separate plants. «Comparing the 2023-2024 study results to those held in the past, shows a stable and growing population which means that our conservation efforts are working, although there always remains room for improvement,» she added. The Vallee de Mai remains the area with the most coco de mer of all three studied, with 800 female, 966 male and 629 immature trees. Immature coco de mer trees are those close to reproduction age, but their genders are yet to be determined. The study also shows the difference in population density of the coco de mer trees. Fond Ferdinand has 45 trees per hectare while Fond Peper has 15 trees per hectare. «In terms of density there are 123 coco de mer trees per hectare in Vallee de Mai which is very impressive,» said Constance. There were 5,791 coco de mer trees counted in the census and the finding shows that the female trees bore an average of six mature nuts - with the exception being a record-breaking 56. The latest census also recorded the height of the trees and immature trees tended to be shorter than mature ones, measuring 2.5 metres compared to matured females trees at 7.4 metres. The coco de mer is the world's largest nut and is endemic to Seychelles, a group of 115 islands in the western Indian Ocean. It grows naturally only on two of Seychelles' islands, Praslin, and its neighbouring Curieuse Island, in terrestrial and marine parks.  

Seychelles will connect to Chengdu in China through the first direct and non-stop charter flight operated by Sichuan Airlines in the second half of this year, Tourism Seychelles, the marketing branch of the tourism department, said on Thursday. Tourism Seychelles, the marketing arm of the Department of Tourism, said in a press statement that the flight, which will take around 8 hours and 50 minutes, will mark the beginning of a new chapter in air connectivity between the two destinations. Additional flights are currently under active discussion and consideration. Sherin Francis, principal secretary of the Department of Tourism said, «We are delighted to welcome the charter flight between Seychelles and China. This initial charter flight represents a significant step in diversifying Seychelles' tourism markets and opening our islands to the growing Chinese travel market. We are optimistic about the potential for expanding this route in the near future.» The new charter flight will offer travellers from China a convenient and exciting opportunity to experience the tropical paradise of Seychelles. Chengdu, the vibrant capital of Sichuan province in China, is a major economic and transportation hub, making it an ideal departure point for Chinese visitors eager to explore Seychelles, an archipelago in the western Indian Ocean. According to the figures released on June 23 by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), 1,268 visitors from China came to Seychelles for the first half of 2024. 

The Somali government's recent efforts to combat corruption faced a setback in May 2024. The acquittal of high-ranking officials cast a shadow over its anti-corruption strategy. However, this moment should not be viewed as an insurmountable defeat. Instead, it can catalyze a renewed and even more effective fight for a corruption-free future.

In the aftermath of the 1991 Somali Civil War, Puntland declared itself an autonomous state in 1998; unlike Somaliland, Puntland is part of the Federal State of Somalia. The name «Puntland» is derived from the Land of Punt mentioned by ancient Egyptian sources. It has a constitution that governs the State. Under this constitution, the government has three branches; the executive, legislature, and judiciary. The administrative capital of Puntland is Garowe, located in Nogal region, and is the seat of the Puntland parliament, presidential palace and government ministries.

Some renowned human rights activist in the country have differed on the impending national wide demonstrations which some concerned citizens led by some human rights activists have organised next month. The demonstrations dubbed ‘Malawi shutdown demonstrations’ have been scheduled to take place in the country’s major cities on 10th July and are meant for the […] The post Activists differ on the impending national wide ‘shut down’ demonstrations appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

Police in Mulanje are looking for Joseph Louis who is suspected to have killed Brian Mwaliwa, after founding him red-handed with his wife. Mulanje Police Station public relations officer Innocent Moses has confirmed the incident saying that it happened on Tuesday at Wetheya Village in Traditional Authority Juma in the district. He said: ” Mwaliwa […] The post Mulanje Police hunts Joseph Louis for allegedly killing a man after founding him red-handed with his wife appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

Fire has been exchanged between two government agencies–the Ministry of Agriculture and the National Planning Commission (NPC)–over the progress of Mega Farms project in the country. Just weeks after the NPC lamented delayed roll out of megafarms, Minister of Agriculture Sam Kawale has accused the commission of lacking information. In an interview, the minister particularly […] The post Kawale, National Planning Commission exchange fire over ‘delays’ with Mega Farms projects  appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

While those close to the player say his wife's outburst has not affected his game, one pal added: 'It is far from ideal, there was absolutely no need to put their marriage out into the public domain like this.'

The 21-year-old, whose Microsoft founder father is worth a staggering $134 billion, was spotted celebrating her Stanford graduation alongside her new beau.

In 'I Am: Celine Dion' we see the icon diminished, holed up amid Las Vegas splendor, crippled by agony, sustained by boatloads of Valium, literally seizing, weeping - shrieking - on camera.

EXCLUSIVE: Robbie Smullen, 26, attacked Barry Dixon, 22, with a knife at a home in Wallace Court, Perth, Scotland on June 4 2019.

The former girlfriend of Mick Jagger hailed a bygone era when art was 'more intense, purer' and 'sex was hotter, too', adding there was a 'genuine intellectual bohemia'.

Today, President Droupadi Murmu addresses Parliament as the 18th Lok Sabha session commences. Lok Sabha Speaker Birla calls for a new vision. PM Modi and Defence Minister Singh's roles in the 17th Lok Sabha are noted. Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi stresses the significance of the opposition voice and commemorates the 50th Emergency anniversary.

The Supreme Court of India marks its 75th year with a historic six-day Special Lok Adalat from June 29, aiming to resolve 10,000 cases free of cost. Led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, the initiative seeks amicable settlements across various legal domains to alleviate case backlogs and promote social justice.

Prime Minister Modi hinted at Congress's strategic tactic by reinstating Sam Pitroda after his resignation, creating confusion and forcing opponents to react. The move aligns with Modi's past observations of Congress leaders strategically making controversial statements and reintegrating into mainstream politics.

Amid India's scorching summer, women across rural and urban areas endure severe heat stress, impacting their health and incomes disproportionately. From Delhi to rural Chhattisgarh, extreme temperatures exacerbate existing hardships, affecting livelihoods in sectors like waste picking and agriculture, while amplifying health risks like dehydration and exhaustion, especially for marginalized communities.

Soldiers involved in a failed coup have withdrawn from Bolivia’s capital Read Full Article at RT.com

A Doctors Without Borders medic killed by an Israeli airstrike was an Islamic Jihad operative, the IDF has claimed Read Full Article at RT.com

Russia could downgrade its diplomatic relations with the West, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov has said Read Full Article at RT.com

Nimisha was awarded the death penalty for fatally poisoning her Yemeni partner. Her only recourse now: ‘blood money’ to his clan and family Read Full Article at RT.com

Kiev’s attempt to stage an attack on facilities in Russia with the use of fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles was thwarted

According to officials, the incident may have been caused by heavy rains that washed out the embankment

According to the report, at least 37,718 Palestinians have been killed and over 86,000 have suffered injuries in Israel’s military operations against Gaza since October 7, 2023

Carlos del Castillo said that General Juan Jose Zuniga has already had his first interrogation since his arrest

Australia, France and Canada are among top three largest wheat exporters to China in natural terms

Moves towards closer European integration have altered the role of the national parliaments. A number of instruments for cooperation between the European Parliament and the national parliaments have been introduced with a view to guaranteeing effective democratic scrutiny of European legislation at all levels. This trend has been reinforced by provisions introduced by the Lisbon Treaty. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

The free movement of goods was bolstered by eliminating customs duties as well as other non-tariff barriers. Principles like mutual recognition and standardisation further advanced the internal market. The 2008 New Legislative Framework enhanced the movement of goods, EU market surveillance, and the CE (European Conformity) mark. Yet, challenges on internal market harmonisation remain, as the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors can still hinder the full free movement of goods. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

Information and communication technologies (ICTs), as well as data services, now surpass traditional telephone services in importance for both consumers and businesses. With the surge in on-demand content and 4G/5G growth, the EU has introduced a telecommunications regulatory framework. This encompasses all types of telecommunications, including broadcasting. Research indicates that these services contribute EUR 86.1 billion to the EU’s GDP annually, with new measures potentially adding another EUR 40 billion. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

Intellectual property includes all exclusive rights to intellectual creations. It encompasses two types of rights: industrial property, which includes inventions (patents), trademarks, industrial designs and models and designations of origin, and copyright, which includes artistic and literary property. Since the entry into force of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) in 2009, the EU has had explicit competence for intellectual property rights (Article 118). Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

SINGAPORE – Singaporean Audrey Fang, who was killed in Spain in April, had been romantically interested in her suspected killer Mitchell Ong, whom she met on a social dating network, her two friends told the Spanish court. Speaking through a translator on June 26 via a video call from Singapore, the friends testified that the pair had known each other at least since 2014. They described the relationship as “on and off”, Spanish media outlet La Verdad reported on June 27. The friends, who were not identified, added that Ong appeared to be only keen to sell financial assets to Ms Fang. The 43-year-old Singaporean had sold her two investment-linked policies in 2015, when he was working as an insurance agent with AIA. He also previously claimed to be a financial expert on his now-defunct website, with clients that included chief executives and celebrities. Ong has been in custody since April 16 after Ms Fang was found with 30 stab wounds and other injuries near a parking area for lorries in the town of Abanilla on April 10.

A Yishun resident was rudely awakened by a loud bang underneath her block at about 7.20am on Thursday (June 27) when a white BMW car crashed into the void deck.  Christina Chua, a resident living at Block 476A Yishun Street 44, said that she went to check out the scene after she was roused from her sleep.  «I couldn't see what happened because it was under my block,» said Chua, who lives on the second floor.  «But later on I saw police cars and a tow truck moving the car away.»  Speaking to AsiaOne, Chua said she does not recognise the car, and does not know who the owner is. The 22-year-old, who is unemployed, added that her elder sister also heard the crash while she was leaving the house to head to work.  Photos taken by an AsiaOne reader shortly after the accident show the car parked at the void deck. The entire area was also cordoned off by the police.  Another video taken by Chua shows the car getting towed away, as curious onlookers stood at the side watching. The bumper and hood of the white convertible were badly dented. 

Was he making some dough on the side? Photos showing a driver using a Gardenia truck to move furniture have recently sparked questions from members of the public. According to a post on Facebook group SG Road Vigilante on Monday (June 24), the person who shared the photos wrote: «Gardenia Bread company now offering home moving services too. So unhygienic.» In the photos, a truck with Gardenia branding is seen parked on a double-yellow line in the vicinity of a HDB block. A man appears to be loading or unloading the truck with the plastic-wrapped furniture behind him. While some netizens wondered if this truck may have simply been running an advertisement for Gardenia, others suggested that the man might be an employee using the Gardenia van for a side gig. «Could be helping friends and relatives during his off days,» one netizen said. «However, if he is using company assets for personal purposes, that's a big no-no without permission.» A comment also accused the person who posted the photos of being «kay poh (a busybody)», and interfering with the driver's «rice bowl (income)».

WESTERN BUREAU: Less than 10 years after Mario Deane died from injuries he received after being beaten while in custody at the Barnett Street Police Station’s lock-up in Montego Bay, St James, his mother Mercia Fraser still struggles with renewed...