The Seychelles Supreme Court has remanded nine Iranian nationals for 14 days in police custody after they arrested on a dhow last week on suspicion of drug trafficking. Justice Melchior Vidot remanded the suspects aged 27 to 61 years on Monday while the police continue their investigation. According to the police in a communique on Friday, the Seychelles Coast Guard intercepted the Iranian dhow, Al Rahmani, in the island nation's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The police said following a search on the dhow, a consignment of suspected illegal drugs was discovered and seized by the Coast Guard. The police revealed that the initial findings on the intercepted vessel show 897.33 kilogrammes of cannabis resin, 9.65 kilogrammes of herbal material, 7.3 kilogrammes of heroin and 3 kilogrammes of methamphetamine. The nine suspects have started the process to get legal representation and will reappear before the court on June 24. 

The swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the Council of Ministers took place in Rashtrapati Bhavan on 09 June 2024. Leaders from India’s neighbourhood and the Indian Ocean region participated in the ceremony as honoured guests. 2. The leaders who attended the ceremony included President of Sri Lanka, H.E. Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe; President of Maldives, H.E. Dr. Mohamed Muizzu; Vice-President of Seychelles, H.E. Mr. Ahmed Afif; Prime Minister of Bangladesh, H.E. Sheikh Hasina; Prime Minister of Mauritius, H.E. Mr. Pravind Kumar Jugnauth accompanied by his spouse; Prime Minister of Nepal, H.E. Mr. Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’; and Prime Minister of Bhutan, H.E. Mr. Tshering Tobgay. Leaders of Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan were accompanied by Ministers. 3. Following the swearing-in ceremony, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met with the visiting leaders in Rashtrapati Bhavan. The leaders congratulated him for taking oath as the Prime Minister of India for the historic third consecutive term. Thanking them for gracing the occasion, Prime Minister reaffirmed India’s commitment to its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and ‘SAGAR Vision’. Prime Minister emphasized that in his third term, India will continue to work for the peace, progress and prosperity of the region in close partnership with the countries, even as it pursues its goal of VIKSIT BHARAT by 2047. In this context, he called for deeper people-to-people ties and connectivity in the region. He further added that India would continue to amplify the voice of the Global South in the international arena. 4. The leaders also attended a Banquet hosted by President Smt. Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. President while welcoming them and conveying her wishes to Prime Minister Modi in the service of the nation, stated that India’s democratic exercise was not only a moment of pride for its people, but an inspiration to millions around the world. 5. The participation of leaders from India’s neighbourhood and the Indian Ocean region on the momentous occasion of swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister and Council of Minister, underlines India’s deep-rooted bonds of friendship and cooperation with the region.

Registered political parties in Seychelles had the chance to give their inputs on the recommended amendments to the Political Parties Act in a consultative meeting on Monday. The Electoral Commission of Seychelles presented several amendments to the law that are being proposed to the representatives from five political parties while addressing their concerns and adding their suggestions. Representatives who attended the meeting were from United Seychelles (US), the Seychelles Democratic Alliance (LDS), the Seychelles National Alliance Party (SNAP), One Seychelles and the Seychelles United Movement (SUM). The consultations are usually done after every election but with the COVID-19 pandemic after the last elections in 2020, this could not be done sooner. This is why they are taking place now, ahead of the presidential elections proposed for September 27 in 2025. The electoral commissioner, Danny Lucas, said, «Today is a continuation of the consultation that we started last year and we expect to be done with this today.» He added that this process will ensure that the law can be fair and in line with what the political parties expect. Some of the proposed amendments include political alliances between several parties that will not need to be registered as a whole new political party, while other changes concern the obligations of political parties to provide necessary documents to the Electoral Commission in a timely manner. SNA sought the reaction of the representatives of these political parties at the meeting.   «I think it is a really good thing and since the last meeting, we all agree that it was important for us to be consulted before any amendments are made, as at the end of the day, we as political parties will be the ones affected,» said Ernesto Lionnet, executive member of SNAP. Edward Anacoura, secretary general of SUM, said, «This should have been done earlier, but I do think it's great, where the discussions have been going well in a good atmosphere.» The secretary general of the US, Wallace Cosgrow, said, «There are some amendments that we are concerned about, such as the terms being used, which we feel needs to take into account the current political situation and ensure that when the final amendments come to the national assembly, it remains fair to all parties.» Yvon Esther, the leader of One Seychelles, said, «The discussions are going well, but we want to see it more open and where it can be more transparent.» An executive member of the ruling LDS party, Satya Naidoo, said, «These proposed amendments are in line with the fundamental principles of a modern democracy and promotes participation, where it is also giving the Electoral Commission more power to better serve its purpose.» The Electoral Commission of Seychelles will also be holding other consultative meetings with other partners.  

Apart from that, the two top diplomats discussed current issues of the development of the traditionally friendly Russian-Egyptian relations, including political dialogue, as well as trade-and-economic and humanitarian ties

The drone is already used in the Ukraine operation and batch production is prepared

There was the opinion that there should not be tie dialog with mass media representatives from unfriendly countries that could distort what they had heard at the meeting

As many as 218 more civilians received wounds during the past day, bringing the overall number of those wounded up to 84,712

The FIDE Ethics Committee also reprimanded Dvorkovich for his participation in the activities of the FIDE Board of Trustees

Congress demands removal of BJP's IT cell head Amit Malviya over serious allegations of sexual exploitation by RSS members in 5-star hotels and BJP offices in Bengal.

Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MP Sagarika Ghose mentioned on Monday that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee turned off all her lights and remained in darkness throughout the swearing-in ceremony of Modi Cabinet 3.0. The TMC MP urged the BJP to choose a new leader, saying they should «replace Prime Minister Narendra Modi» as he failed to secure a majority.

Contracts for Russian aviation equipment amount to slightly less than a half of the total portfolio of Rosoboronexport contracts, CEO of the national arms export agency Alexander Mikheev said

Moscow companies directly involved in construction of the Zaryadye park can be investors, Nikita Stasishin noted

Wang Yi is confident that the event underway in Nizhny Novgorod will «lay a solid basis for the first BRICS summit upon its expansion» as he said that the grouping was seeking to boost «allied cooperation»

«Pakistan has retained its neutrality and made many steps forward,» the source said

The helicopter is armed with a remotely controlled turret with 7.62mm machinegun, a system of uninterrupted supply of 550 cartridges, eight air missiles and 16 antitank bombs

After discovering a broken needle was left in her spine during childbirth years ago, an Ontario woman filed complaints against the doctors and hospital involved. After botched investigations and many years, she worries no one may ever be held accountable.

Tired of advocating for themselves against powerful institutions, Indigenous students at English colleges asked their schools to speak up for them.

MAKKAH: The sermon on Arafat this year will reach 1 billion people across the world, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday. The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques will be overseeing the broadcast. The project, named after King Salman, seeks to highlight Islam’s message of religious tolerance, moderation and peace, said Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz Al-Sudais, president of the general presidency.

RIYADH: Taif governor Prince Saud bin Nahar bin Abdulaziz on Sunday visited the Miqats of Ihram and various security checkpoints in the governorate to ensure pilgrims’ safety and convenience, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The governor also visited the Miqat of Qarn Al-Manazil in Al-Sail Al-Kabi where he inspected the security checkpoints on Al-Sail Al-Kabir road, and was briefed on the technology used for monitoring and handling violations of Hajj permits and related procedures.

AMMAN: Saudi aid agency KSrelief concluded its 26th volunteer program in Al-Zaatari camp for Syrian refugees in Jordan, reported state news agency SPA on Sunday. The program provided health services in various fields like optometry, dermatology and physical therapy benefiting 669 people. Courses in English, chemistry, sewing and more were also part of the program. The aid agency provided an awareness course on addiction, treating suicide cases and individual and group counseling which benefited 297 people.

RIYADH: The Kingdom will promote the camel industry at the UN Food and Agriculture Organization meeting in Rome this week, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday. The exhibition, from June 10 to 14, will showcase locally manufactured products, and their contribution to food security and health in the Kingdom. It will also emphasize the cultural importance of camels in Saudi Arabia society. The Kingdom’s participation in the FAO’s council meeting comes as a part of its co-chairmanship of the International Year of Camelids 2024.

RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Commerce is sending inspection teams to central Makkah and the roads leading to ensure that commercial outlets are complying with consumer protection regulations ahead of Hajj. The teams made 24,880 visits to the central area of the Grand Mosque, the Haramain express train, commercial centers, sales outlets, gold and jewelry markets, service centers, and petrol stations. As well as the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah and the markets surrounding it.

[allAfrica] 400 MPs Take Oath for New Parliament

In 2021, the European Commission put forward a proposal to update the European digital identity framework. This would allow citizens across the EU to identify and authenticate themselves online (through their European digital identity wallet), share digital documents, and prove a specific identity attribute such as age. In parallel, the Commission adopted a recommendation to design a toolbox supporting the framework, to avoid fragmentation and barriers owing to diverging standards. After the European Parliament and the Council of the EU approved their negotiating positions on the proposal in March 2023 and December 2022 respectively, they reached a provisional agreement on the creation of a pan-European digital identity framework in November 2023. On 29 February 2024, Parliament endorsed the agreed text in plenary. After it was adopted by the Council, the act was signed by the co-legislators and published in the Official Journal of the EU on 30 April 2024. It entered into force on 20 May 2021. Fifth edition. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

Two European Union (EU) directives regulate the EU collective investment funds industry: the Directive relating to undertakings for collective investment in transferable securities (UCITS) and the Alternative Investment Funds Manager Directive (AIFMD). The UCITS Directive, which covers mutual funds, lays down uniform rules, allowing them to be offered cross-border, while the AIFMD, which covers hedge funds and private equity, lays down the rules for authorising, supervising and overseeing the managers of such funds. While reviewing the application of the scope of the AIFMD (as mandated), the European Commission considered that a number of issues highlighted in the AIFMD review were equally relevant for the activities of UCITS. As a result, it proposed to amend both directives, to better align their requirements. The Council agreed on its general approach in June 2022. Within the European Parliament, the file was assigned to the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON). It adopted its report in February 2023, and Parliament confirmed the committee's decision to enter into interinstitutional negotiations in plenary the same month. The co-legislators reached a provisional agreement in July 2023. The final directive was published in the Official Journal on 26 March 2024 and entered into force 20 days later. Fourth edition of a briefing originally drafted by Angelos Delivorias. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

On 24 April 2024, the European Parliament adopted its first reading position on the proposal for a regulation on the production and marketing of forest reproductive material (FRM). The proposal, put forward by the European Commission on 5 July 2023, would replace the current FRM Council Directive and widen its scope to include not only FRM for forestry purposes, but also FRM intended for biodiversity conservation, restoration of forest ecosystems and climate adaptation and mitigation. The proposed legislation would specify the rules for the production and marketing of FRM intended for conserving forest genetic resources and would, for the first time, require that potential buyers be provided with information on the suitability of FRM for current and future climatic and ecological conditions. Member States would have to establish contingency plans to ensure a sufficient supply of FRM in cases of extreme weather events, wildfires and disease and pest outbreaks. Parliament's first reading position proposes to improve the traceability of FRM and make the information for end users more easily accessible via a QR code. In the Council, the proposal is being examined by the working party on genetic resources and innovation in agriculture. Second edition. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

On 4 March 2024, the Council adopted a decision to conclude the first-ever sustainable investment facilitation agreement between the EU and a third country, Angola. The aim is to make investment easier and more sustainable by promoting transparency, streamlining procedures and encouraging responsible business practices. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

The Supreme Court on Monday extended till August 10 the deadline to vacate Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) headquarters office in the Rouse Avenue area of Delhi as the land was allotted for the expansion of Delhi High Court's infrastructure.

The suspended board of Jaiprakash Associates has appealed to the NCLAT against the NCLT's order to initiate insolvency proceedings. ICICI Bank's insolvency plea was admitted in June, with Bhuvan Madan appointed as Interim Resolution Professional. The NCLT rejected JAL's plea, citing debt default and dismissed arguments regarding viability and asset richness.

The Left government in Kerala rejected the opposition's demand for a corruption case over liquor policy amendments. Chief Minister Vijayan cited an ongoing police probe. Opposition boycotted proceedings, demanding resignations amidst corruption allegations, denying claims of bribery.

Appointment of public servants, particularly to high-profile positions such as the Director General of Immigration, is a matter of significant public interest. It is essential that these appointments are conducted with the utmost integrity, transparency, and adherence to established legal and procedural frameworks. The recent nullification of Charles Kalumo’s appointment as Director General of Immigration […] The post Opinion: Kalumo’s nullification exposes gaps in the country’s appointment procedures for senior public officers appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

The 2024 International Letter Writing Competition, which is organised by Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) — in collaboration with the Universal Postal Union (UPU), has attracted over 440 competitors from across the country. Winners of the 53rd edition, which ran from January to March 2024, are expected to be unveiled at an event to be […] The post Over 440 entries received for 53rd letter writing competition organised by MACRA appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

Muslims in the country are on a nine day fasting following the sighting a crescent moon known in Arabic as Dhul-Hijjah. This will culminate in the joyous celebration of Eid ul Adha on the 10th day. Grand Mufti of Malawi Sheikh Muhammad Uthman Ntalika has since asked Muslims across in the country to  embrace unity […] The post Malawian Muslims on 9 day fasting following sighting of moon appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.