Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia’s federal government has appointed a seven-member committee to verify and endorse nominees for the Regional Assembly of the Northeastern State, a move officials say is essential to advancing Somalia’s federalization and reconciliation efforts.

Mogadishu (HOL) — A high-level delegation of Turkish diplomats and military officials arrived in Bosaso this week for talks with Puntland authorities over a seized cargo vessel carrying Turkish-made military equipment, intensifying a constitutional showdown between Somalia’s federal government and the semi-autonomous regional state.

Somalia has been in political turmoil for years. Yet Somalis are not having the national conversation about the constitutional and civic foundations needed to address it. Instead, public debate remains fixated on the turbulence itself—tracking rivalries, disputes, and shifting alliances—without confronting the institutional voids that allow the turmoil to persist. Somali opinion writing mirrors this fixation—fragmented, reactive, and more attuned to political drama than to structural diagnosis. On platforms like Hiiraan Online and other Somali media, essays catalogue familiar divisions: chronic regional rivalries, political feuds, and clan mistrust. Some rally behind factions in the name of federalism or reform; others conclude with broad appeals for unity.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has announced a policy change prioritizing Bihar residents in future teacher recruitments, starting with TRE-4 in 2025. This initiative aims to strengthen the state's education system, building upon efforts since 2005. The Education Department has been directed to amend rules accordingly, with a STET exam planned before TRE-5 in 2026.

The Supreme Court's criticism of Rahul Gandhi's remarks on the India-China border standoff has ignited a political firestorm. The BJP has accused Gandhi of being «anti-national» and undermining national security, citing his comments on Chinese incursions.

Despite resigning four months ago, former Maharashtra minister Dhananjay Munde continues to occupy the official bungalow 'Satpuda,' causing inconvenience to senior NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal, who was allotted the residence in May. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis acknowledged Munde's extended stay, while Bhujbal awaits the bungalow's availability, refraining from directly asking his party colleague to vacate.

TEHRAN – The Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) has condemned the airstrike on the headquarters of the Palestine Red Crescent Society in Khan Yunis, Gaza, by Israeli forces.

TEHRAN – A total of 163 earthquakes were recorded across the country in a week from July 26 to August 1, according to the seismological networks of the Institute of Geophysics of the University of Tehran.

TEHRAN – The Department of Environment (DOE), in cooperation with the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), is conducting an educational workshop to empower students studying environmental protection.

TEHRAN – Meteorological organizations of Iran and Pakistan have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to promote cooperation on meteorology, atmospheric science, and hazards.

[New Times] Eighty-one Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) officers graduated on Monday, August 4, with degrees in medicine and military science from Rwanda Military Academy (RMA) in Gako, Bugesera District.

[New Times] The government is preparing to restore 'degraded' peatlands across the country so that they can regain their capacity to act as carbon sinks [capacity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere] as a way of mitigating climate change and building adaptation to its effects.

The premiere Financial Service provider Old Mutual (Malawi) Limited, has disclosed that it is set to host its executive golf tournaments themed:”Swinging into the Mutual Future”. The tournaments are scheduled for 9 August in Blantyre at Blantyre Sports Club and 23 August 2025 in Lilongwe at Lilongwe Golf Club. Old Mutual Malawi Marketing and Corporate […] The post Old Mutual to host Executive Golf Tournaments on Lilongwe, Blantyre appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

In what can only be described as political theatre at its laziest, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has unveiled a 2025 manifesto that reads less like a development blueprint and more like a desperate copy and paste job from the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP)’s already-launched plan. While MCP’s manifesto has been on the public […] The post ANALYSIS: Copy. Paste. Promise. Repeat—DPP’s 2025 Manifesto Exposed as a Brazen Cut-and-Paste from MCP’s Blueprint appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

In a strong show of corporate social responsibility, Chibuku Products Limited has donated MK3 million to the Institute of Internal Auditors Malawi (IIA) to support its professional development and capacity-building programs. The donation was presented by Gerald Bowler, Managing Director of Chibuku Products Limited, during a brief ceremony held in Blantyre. Receiving the cheque on […] The post Chibuku Products Donates MK3 Million to Institute of Internal Auditors appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

The only female presidential candidate in the upcoming 2025 general elections, Dr. Joyce Banda, made a powerful return to the political stage on Sunday as she stormed Ntcheu town, drawing a massive crowd to her rally at the old depot in the area of Traditional Authority Kwataine. Addressing a sea of supporters, the People’s Party […] The post Joyce Banda Unveils “Quick Fix” Plan to Rescue Malawi’s Economy, Draws Massive Crowd in Ntcheu appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

In a jubilant display of unity and gratitude, the people of Mzimba on Monday erupted in cheers as President Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera arrived in the northern district for his first campaign tour alongside his newly appointed running mate, Vitumbiko Mumba. At a whistle-stop rally in Mabilabo, the mood was electric as local leaders and ordinary […] The post Mzimba Roars: “Chakwera Wahozga!” — President Hailed for Appointing Vitumbiko Mumba as Running Mate appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

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

[New Times] The National Bank of Rwanda (BNR) is exploring the development of a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) - a digital version of the Rwandan franc (e-Franc-Rwandais).

[New Times] Rwanda is preparing to introduce a new rapid diagnostic test in antenatal clinics across the country as part of efforts to eliminate congenital syphilis by 2030.

[New Times] Rwanda's First -- ever electric coaches have begun operating in secondary cities, marking a major milestone in the country's efforts to promote green public transport and cut greenhouse gas emissions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Shibu Soren, the late Jharkhand leader and former Chief Minister, at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi. Soren, 81, had been battling kidney ailments. Modi met with Chief Minister Hemant Soren and family, expressing condolences. President Murmu and Governor Gangwar also mourned Soren's death, recognizing his contributions to social justice and tribal rights.

Farooq Abdullah voiced concerns over India's strained diplomatic relations, particularly after the US imposed tariffs. He suggested India is isolated globally, with the US seemingly favoring Pakistan. Abdullah attributed economic challenges to tensions between Trump and Modi, impacting the rupee's value. Trump defended the tariffs, citing India's historically high rates.

Following Supreme Court's criticism of Rahul Gandhi's remarks about the Indian Army, the BJP has launched a strong attack, questioning his loyalty to the nation. BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia suggested Gandhi's statements might be aiding enemy nations and demoralizing the armed forces.

In an effort to manage the growing monkey population in Punggol, some National Parks Board (NParks) contractors have turned to an unexpected solution: gel blasters.In a video uploaded on TikTok, NParks contractors can be seen using devices believed to be gel blasters, aiming water gel beads near the monkeys at a housing block in an attempt to scare them away.Gel blasters are toy guns that shoot small, water-filled gel beads.Several monkeys are seen escaping or avoiding the gel beads while residents and onlookers watch on.In the comments section, several netizens have chimed in, with some finding the scene humorous, while others voiced concern about the potential harm to these animals. «Don't hurt them», said one user while another wrote «Poor monkeys, it was their home».Others, however, found light in the situation. One user wrote, «Best job ever. Where do I apply?» while another joked, «Can I apply? I've got marksmanship badge from army.»

Stay in the know with a recap of our top stories today.1. No plans to ‘fully liberalise’ cross-border ride-hail services: LTAThere are no plans to fully liberalise ride-hailing services between Singapore and Johor Bahru, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has said on Sunday (Aug 3)…» READ MORE2. Tanjong Katong sinkhole: President Tharman thanks migrant workers for saving driver who fell in

The Government will have five new committees to strengthen Singapore's economic relevance amid geopolitical uncertainties and technological disruptions.The new committees were announced by Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong at a press conference on Monday (Aug 4), where he detailed Singapore's Economic Strategy Review (ESR).The ESR, he said, will chart a «forward-looking economic blueprint» to sharpen Singapore's economic competitiveness and deepen its economic resilience. This comes amid major disruptions to the «rules-based multilateral trading system» caused by US tariffs, which make it «important to take a longer term view». DPM Gan, who is the Minister for Trade and Industry and the chairman of SERT, said that the third workstream of SERT — aimed at developing longer-term strategies and responses to transform businesses and support the workforce — will be replaced by the five new committees.SERT stands for the Singapore Economic Resilience Taskforce.The five committees will develop longer-term strategies in the following areas:

According to the Russian Investigative Committee, three armed men were discovered in a car on the night of August 1 on the outskirts of the village of Islamey

«In any country, members of its leadership have different working points of view on current events and have different attitudes,» Dmitry Peskov said

The plaintiffs are seeking compensation for losses stemming from the company’s pricing policy from 2004 through 2024

Russia approaches any statements related to nuclear issues with great caution, Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted

By 11:56 a.m. Moscow time the price of Brent futures contracts had extended losses to 0.79% trading at $68.75 per barrel

Regime mouthpiece New Light of Myanmar accuses the staunchly anti-junta government in Dili of “cavorting with terrorists” over friendly contacts with the parallel National Unity Government.