[allAfrica] Monrovia -- As global financial aid continues to decline, experts warn of the increasing risks posed to low-income countries and urge regional stakeholders to look inward to fund much-needed development.

The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) can soon issue no-boarding directives to detect and stop high risk travellers even before they arrive in Singapore, said the authority at its 2025 Workplan Seminar on Thursday (July 31).The directive will instruct transport operators to deny boarding to individuals who pose security, immigration, or health risks on transportation bound for Singapore.This initiative will bolster Singapore's border security by preventing them from even reaching its checkpoints. More details on the implementation timeline will be shared in due course, said ICA.ICA's new Services Centre (ISC), which has been operating since April this year, was also officially opened by Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam at the seminar.The event showcased ISC's enhanced processes — including self-service kiosks where customers can collect their passports or identity cards on their own at any time on their appointment date.

Five foreign women, aged 21 to 48, were arrested at Changi Airport for suspected drug trafficking, after close to 27kg of cocaine was found in their luggage on Tuesday (July 29).The Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) said in a media release on Thursday (July 31) that the arrest was made following an exchange of intelligence with the Narcotics Bureau of the Hong Kong police.At the transit area of Terminal 4, CNB officers spotted a 21-year-old woman exchanging luggage with a 32-year-old woman.The pair and another three women were arrested and their belongings searched. Officers found about 26.9kg of cocaine and 10g of cannabis concealed within stuffed toys.Senior Assistant Commissioner Sng Chern Hong, covering director of CNB, said the authority is ready to work with its close counterparts to disrupt drug syndicates and their operations.«Those who attempt to traffic drugs through Singapore will be stopped and dealt with in accordance with the law,» he said.«Singapore is not a transit point for drug smugglers, and we will not allow our travel hubs to be misused for criminal activity.»

After over two decades of service in the region, Singapore-based budget airline Jetstar Asia will operate its final flights on Thursday (July 31).Speaking to the media at Changi Airport Terminal 4 on Thursday, Jetstar Asia's CEO, John Simeone, 56, reflected on the airline's final day, while praising the team behind its success. «It is a sad and emotional day. I've been in the crew lounge since 5.30am this morning to see off all the crew, and I'll be here tonight to welcome our last flight from Manila,» Simeone, whose career in aviation spans 26 years, said.The Australian, who took over as CEO in January 2024, reflected on the challenging journey of leading the airline through its final months.«One of the things I'll miss the most is the friendliness and dedication of the crew,» he said. «I've found this group of people to be incredibly committed professionals in the aviation industry, and I am so proud of what they have done.»

Get the latest news on President Donald Trump’s second term and the Republican-led Congress.

Search and rescue teams from Eyjafjörður and Siglufjörður were called out last night after four hikers became trapped in a difficult position in the Nesskriður area near Siglufjörður.

With Verslunarmannahelgin (the Merchant’s Weekend) approaching, people across Iceland are hitting the road — and Halldór Kristinn Harðarson, organizer of the Ein með öllu festival in Akureyri, says the town is buzzing with anticipation.

The US has announced 25% tariffs on Indian goods, citing its continued trade with Russia Read Full Article at RT.com

The US authorities have released a previously classified document shedding more light on the staging of the Russiagate hoax Read Full Article at RT.com

Western agencies are sabotaging Russian companies because sanctions and military pressure have failed, Andrey Svintsov has claimed Read Full Article at RT.com

In a landmark licensing agreement, the US tech giant gained rights to New York Times content for training its large-language-models Read Full Article at RT.com

President Trump could lift sanctions on the country’s energy exports to end the Ukraine conflict Read Full Article at RT.com

An Air India flight AI 2017 from Delhi to London returned to the terminal on Thursday due to a suspected technical issue in its Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The pilots decided to discontinue the take-off as a precautionary measure. Consequently, Air India arranged an alternative Dreamliner, which departed around 6 pm.

A tragic incident has unfolded in Patna's Janipur locality, where the burnt bodies of two children were discovered in their home. Police have initiated an investigation into the cause of the deaths, which remain unknown at this time. The children's mother is employed as a security guard at AIIMS Patna, while their father works in the Election Commission, according to authorities.

Punjab is gearing up for a massive commemoration of Guru Tegh Bahadur's 350th martyrdom anniversary in Sri Anandpur Sahib, starting November 23. The three-day event anticipates over 10 million devotees, including NRIs from across the globe. Preceding the main event, “Mashaal-e-Shahadat Yatras” will begin from Srinagar and various regions of Punjab, converging at Anandpur Sahib.

Arvind Kejriwal, addressing a gathering on Udham Singh's martyrdom day, accused previous governments of ruining Punjab, while praising the Bhagwant Mann-led AAP government's efforts in combating drug smuggling and revolutionizing education. He highlighted the arrest of drug lords, improvements in government schools, and increased electricity supply for farmers.

BJP MP Ravi Kishan has urged the government to regulate food prices, quantity, and quality across Indian eateries, from roadside dhabas to five-star hotels. He highlighted the inconsistency in pricing and portion sizes, using the example of varying samosa prices. Kishan proposed a law to ensure fair value for consumers by standardizing food service practices, similar to packaged food labeling.

The US did not guarantee a continued troop presence in the Baltic states, according to Hanno Pevkur Read Full Article at RT.com

Thursday’s televised session in the Rada was marred by punches and insults thrown by MPs Read Full Article at RT.com

A pendulum ride has crashed to the ground injuring at least 23 people, according to local media Read Full Article at RT.com

An American author imagines giving the junta boss a piece of his mind in this bold cocktail of the textual and the visual.

After ending the state of emergency, Min Aung Hlaing gave his regime a new name as he positions himself to claim the presidency in December’s military-run vote.

The pilot ejected safely from the fighter jet, which was attached to a US Navy training squadron Read Full Article at RT.com

US President Donald Trump earlier said the EU would foot the bill for all weapons sent to Ukraine Read Full Article at RT.com

Pretoria’s foreign minister has said there cannot be peace with Israel’s continued “genocidal actions” in Gaza Read Full Article at RT.com

King Mohammed VI has hailed global backing for his autonomy plan for Western Sahara, while also committing to easing tensions with Algeria Read Full Article at RT.com

The US president has threatened economic retaliation as BRICS moves to bypass the dollar in trade Read Full Article at RT.com

Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali Cabinet on Thursday commended federal government forces for what it described as a «brave effort» to repel destabilizing activities in Beled Hawo, a flashpoint town in the Gedo region where fighting has intensified between federal troops and Jubbaland-aligned forces.

The Supreme Court is set to determine the status of Rohingyas in India, prioritizing whether they are refugees or illegal immigrants. This decision will dictate their rights and protections, as well as the justification for potential deportation by the government.

The Election Commission has completed the electoral college list for the upcoming Vice Presidential election in 2025. This follows Jagdeep Dhankhar's resignation from the Vice President post. The list includes elected and nominated members of Rajya Sabha and elected members of Lok Sabha. The official notification for the election is expected soon.

A special NIA court acquitted all seven accused in the 2008 Malegaon blasts case, citing lack of evidence. BJP leaders slammed the Congress for fabricating the «Hindu terror» narrative, demanding an apology. Owaisi questioned the probe, while the Congress defended its record, asserting that terror has no religion. Victims' lawyer plans to challenge the acquittal in higher court.

The reported visit comes as Washington and Beijing work to defuse escalating tensions Read Full Article at RT.com

A military depot and an airfield were also hit, according to defense officials Read Full Article at RT.com