[GroundUp] Many families in Matikwe north of Durban were left out when pipes were installed

[Capital FM] Nairobi -- The government has set aside Sh100 million to be used in the evacuation of Kenyans stranded in Lebanon following escalating tensions in the Middle East.

[Addis Standard] Addis Abeba -- In one of the most significant fuel price increases in recent years, the Ethiopian government has raised retail fuel prices by up to eight birr per liter overnight.

Representatives from the African Beneficial Ownership Transparency Network (AfBOTN) met at the Eden Bleu Hotel in Seychelles on Wednesday to discuss opportunities and challenges in implementing beneficial ownership reforms. The meeting organised by the African Development Bank, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and supported by Open Ownership, provides a platform bringing together 13 members from the region to discuss the formalities of beneficial owners. During the two-day event, they are also addressing priorities member countries have identified during Network's activities over the past year and working on how to undertake concrete steps, including the role of international donor organisations to support effective implementation in member countries. Seychelles, an archipelago in the western Indian Ocean, has put in place measures over the past few years to improve transparency in the sector, introducing the Beneficial Ownership Act and the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act in 2020. The Beneficial Ownership Act 2020’s primary role is the identification and verification of beneficial ownership of legal persons and legal arrangements. It is also to establish and maintain up-to-date registers of beneficial owners and a centralised database. Seychelles' Minister for Finance, Naadir Hassan, explained that both have been “instrumental to furthering transparency of legal persons and legal arrangements in Seychelles, by improving the legislative framework for identification and verification of beneficial owners, as well as through the establishment of a centralised beneficial ownership database.” Meanwhile, the director of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), Richard Rampal, told the press in an interview that the meeting was in line with the country’s national strategy of bringing more transparency in the financial sector. “It is important nationally, regionally and internationally, as we have seen that there have been structures established to hide ownership of businesses, that are not necessarily in line with the norms of best practices,” he explained. Rampal went on to add that there has been a regional effort to converge the existing regulatory systems “so that they will no longer be appealing to criminals.” Hassan said that “by collaborating across borders and sectors, we can strengthen our initiatives and create a robust framework that fosters a culture of transparency...Together, we can lay the groundwork for a more transparent and equitable Africa, where the benefits of ownership are clearly defined, and the interests of all citizens are protected." The Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an initiative of the G7 group of countries to develop policies to combat money laundering, is also attending the meeting in order to guide the members on the norms of good practices they will need to follow. “We are hoping that while we will be sharing good practices over these two days, we will also be learning the most convenient way to tackle our measures where beneficial ownership is concerned,” said Rampal.  On Tuesday, Seychelles signed an economic security partnership agreement with the United Kingdom, which will seek to address illicit finance and promote greater transparency in the country.

The Biennial Honorary Consuls Conference opened on Wednesday in the presence of Seychelles’ President Wavel Ramkalawan, where discussions will focus on policies adopted by Seychelles recently, and diplomatic officials will update the consuls on other matters involving the island nation.  A total of 60 out of 85 honorary consuls the country has abroad are present at the meeting, which is being held under the theme “The Honorary Consuls: Our Partners in Advancing the Sustainable Development Agenda of Seychelles,” at the Savoy Seychelles Resort & Spa, on October 9 and 10.  President Ramkalawan and dignitaries at the opening of the conference (State House) Photo license CC-BY “This time, the main topic of discussion is maritime security, where they will be going on site visits and will see presentations on challenges the country is facing in regard to illegal fishing and resurgence of piracy,” explained the principal secretary for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Vivianne Fock-Tave.  She added that during the conference, discussions will also be about the new diaspora policy, tourism, and show them investment opportunities in Seychelles.  The honorary consuls will also be able to visit their adopted districts, where they will hold discussions with their respective members of the National Assembly and district administrators.  The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Sylvestre Radegonde, who launched the conference, spoke of the challenges that Seychelles has faced over the past two years, which includes global and regional issues, such as the geopolitical tensions, piracy, human and drug trafficking, among others.  “Despite these challenges, we have maintained our independence and sovereignty as a small nation,” said Radegonde in his address, adding; “Our diplomacy remains firm, neutral, and assertive, allowing us to engage freely on the world stage while upholding our principles.”  Diplomats meet at the start of the Honorary Consuls Conference (State House) Photo license CC-BY He also spoke of the need for continued joint efforts in tackling the many priorities of Seychelles as chair of the Indian Ocean Commission (COI), such as protection of the environment, promoting the Blue Economy, strengthening security and fostering economic integration among member states.  “I want to remind you of the immense responsibility we carry as we move forward… Each of you plays an essential role in advancing Seychelles’ vision for a sustainable and prosperous future,” he said.  During the opening ceremony of the conference, there were also five awards presented to long serving honorary consuls by President Ramkalawan. Maxim Behar, honorary consul general of Seychelles in Bulgaria, receiving his award from President Wavel Ramkalawan (Maxim Behar) Photo license: CC-BY They were Maxim Behar, honorary consul general in Bulgaria, Nikolaus Fuchs, honorary consul general in Berlin, Germany, Joselito Campos, honorary consul general in the Philippines, Loucas Elinnas, honorary consul in Greece, and Maximilian Hunzinger, honorary consul general in Frankfurt, Germany.

Dr Lee Wei Ling's wake will be held at the Singapore Casket, said her younger brother Lee Hsien Yang in a Facebook post on Wednesday (Oct 9) evening.  The wake will be held from Thursday to Saturday, at the Pearl and Sapphire Hall on level 3 at Singapore Casket's premises on Lavender Street.  Visiting hours are from 2pm to 10pm on Thursday, 10am to 10pm on Friday, and 10am to 1pm on Saturday.  Dr Lee will be cremated at Mandai Crematorium at 2.45pm on Saturday, according to the National Environment Agency's records.  Her younger brother, however, will not be attending her wake and funeral in person. 

Former US Marine Trevor Reed has received a prison sentence in Russia for being a mercenary on Ukraine’s payroll, officials have said Read Full Article at RT.com

The tech giant has added more popular devices to its dreaded obsolete products list - meaning users worldwide are without any support if something goes wrong.

Amazon Prime Day 2024 LIVE: Amazon Prime Day takes place on October 8 and 9, and these are the best and latest deals on smart home tech, air fryers and more handpicked by our shopping experts.

The new revelations are made in Bob Woodward's book 'War'. It is expected to lift the lid on the President's assessments of fellow world leaders, including Netanyahu and Vladimir Putin.

Moneysaving expert Martin Lewis has slammed the Government for taking money out of the hands of pensioners following its decision to slash winter fuel payments.

Doctors from the nations leading heart organization published a study linking the Covid virus to a higher risk of heart disease, stroke and death.

A phone ban has been in place at Öldutún School since the beginning of 2019, and according to the principal, it has worked well. The school's atmosphere and culture have changed for the better, and there is more peace in the classroom.

In a striking turn of events, members of the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture are demanding the resignation of Agriculture Minister Sam Kawale, citing his ineffective management of the Affordable Input Program (AIP). This criticism follows Kawale’s announcement that the program will officially kick off next week, aiming to assist around one million beneficiaries. Kawale revealed […] The post Agriculture Minister Faces Calls for Resignation Amid AIP Controversy appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

Malawi is set to have plea bargaining as a solution to numerous challenges facing the criminal justice system, including pre-trial custody time limits, should a criminal justice conference underway in Lilongwe adopt it. High Court Judge Rizine Mzikamanda has already put his weight behind the decision to introduce the plea bargaining. He said plea bargaining […] The post Malawi set to have plea bargaining in criminal justice system appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

In a pivotal address at the African Consultation meeting, Vice President Dr. Michael Bizwick Usi underscored the importance of enhanced collaboration among nations to implement effective ocean governance strategies. The meeting, which is part of the preparations for the upcoming 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference in June 2025, brought together leaders and policymakers focused on […] The post Vice President Usi Champions Coordinated Ocean Governance at African Consultation Meeting appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

FINCA Malawi, in partnership with 265 Energy, launched its Clean Energy product on Tuesday at FINCA’s Head Office in Blantyre. This launch marks a significant step towards reducing Malawi’s reliance on traditional biomass fuels, mitigating deforestation and combating climate change.  FINCA Malawi Chief Commercial Officer, Peggy Mhone, emphasized the significance of this milestone, stating, “This […] The post FINCA Malawi, 265 Energy Launch Clean Energy Product appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

In a bold response to recent media misrepresentations, the Office of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Al-Qassimi has clarified its commitment to fostering sustainable development in Malawi.   In a press statement released on Tuesday, and addressing inaccuracies that have circulated, Dr. Marcin Lapa, President of the Office, emphasized the strategic and transparent nature of their […] The post Facts Over Fiction: Sheikh Al-Qassimi’s office sets record straight on Malawi collaboration appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

Unfriendly countries accounted for about 19% of flower supplies to the Russian market, Oksana Lut said

As Sergey Vershinin noted, not all Russian representatives have received visas to attend the First Committee of the General Assembly

It was earlier reported that more than 20 Israeli Air Force F-35 aircraft were hit during an IRGC missile strike on Israel

Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicted roughly 650 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed an enemy ammunition depot in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Units of the battlegroup North continued offensive operations and liberated the settlements of Novaya Sorochina and Pokrovsky in the Kursk Region

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu vetoed Defense Minister Yoav Gallant’s trip to Washington Read Full Article at RT.com

Türkiye has banned popular messaging platform Discord over safety concerns, in a court decision similar to a verdict handed down in Russia Read Full Article at RT.com

Russia’s human welfare watchdog has announced the completion of preclinical trials for the Marburg fever vaccine Read Full Article at RT.com

Algeria’s president has accused France of colonial-era genocide and cancelled a planned trip to Paris Read Full Article at RT.com

The protest at a Samsung factory in southern India’s Tamil Nadu has entered its second month Read Full Article at RT.com

American warships with their transponders switched off were in the area shortly before the Nord Steam explosions, Politiken has reported Read Full Article at RT.com

Ireland is considering an end after next March to provision of free accommodation to newly arrived Ukrainian refugees, Irish Times reports Read Full Article at RT.com

SINGAPORE - The upcoming Build-To-Order (BTO) sales exercise next week will have seven projects launched in the Standard category, seven more in Plus, and just one Prime BTO project, as the Housing Board rolls out a new system of classifying flats. It will mark the first time where BTO flats will be sorted according to these three categories. The new framework will replace the current system of classifying estates as either mature or non-mature. Explaining how BTO projects will be categorised under the new framework, National Development Minister Desmond Lee said on Oct 9 that HDB does so based on a project’s proximity to the city centre, transport connectivity and amenities. Prime and Plus flats, which are located closer to amenities such as MRT stations and town centres, will come with stricter resale conditions, such as a 10-year minimum occupation period (MOP) and a subsidy clawback. Standard flats will not have a subsidy recovery clause when they are sold, and will come with a 5-year MOP.