SINGAPORE — Morgan Stanley, said it opened its new Southeast Asia headquarters in Singapore's swanky downtown business district this week. An expanding list of global investors and financial institutions have flocked to Singapore, lured by low taxes, political stability and the city-state's location as a gateway to Southeast Asian markets. «We are excited to open our new Southeast Asia headquarters, an investment that reflects our commitment to Singapore and the wider region where we see significant long-term growth opportunities,» Morgan Stanley chief executive officer Ted Pick said in a statement dated Nov 20. The bank said its new offices will be spread across five floors and 9,941 square metres (107,000 square feet). Morgan Stanley has been a prominent player in Singapore since 1990 with the financial hub serving as its Southeast Asia headquarters, according to the statement. It also has offices in Jakarta, Bangkok and Manila.

Victims of online harms may soon be able to hold their assailants to greater accountability as part of a joint proposal put forth by the Ministry of Law (MinLaw) and Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI) on Friday (Nov 22). The proposal - which includes a complaints mechanism, agency powers to obtain user information, as well as statutory torts (a type of civil wrong) - aims to give victims of online harms more ways to seek help and recompense.  Online harms include online harassment, deepfakes, hate speech, and false statements among other forms of abuse. Should the proposal be approved, a new agency will be established to take on complaints from victims of such harms or their representatives. The agency would then be able to give directions to perpetrators, platform administrators and online service providers and order them to stop.  When dealing with false statements and statements affecting reputation, the agency would also be able to grant the complainant a right of reply to such statements. 

Moscow has foiled Ukraine’s military plans for 2025, Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov has claimed Read Full Article at RT.com

Kenya has terminated airport expansion and energy deals with the Adani Group, whose chairman has been charged with fraud by US prosecutors Read Full Article at RT.com

The South African authorities have launched nationwide raids to confiscate dangerous food items Read Full Article at RT.com

Ford has said it will lay off 4,000 employees in Europe amid weak EV sales and economic headwinds   Read Full Article at RT.com

Dmitry Medvedev has shared a video of the ‘Oreshnik’ mid-range hypersonic missile hitting a Ukrainian defense industrial complex Read Full Article at RT.com

Leaders met in Rio de Janeiro on 18-19 November 2024 for the 19th summit of the G20, hosted by the Brazilian G20 presidency. The meeting was overshadowed by events that are further increasing divisions among the world's leading and emerging economies: Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, which entered its 1 000th day, the escalating conflict in the Middle East, and the election to a second term of President Donald Trump, whose 'America First' approach to foreign policy includes threats to impose tariffs on imports. The G20 leaders adopted a declaration addressing pressing global issues, including combating hunger, reforming international institutions, and climate change. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

Washington has imposed new sanctions on Russia’s Gazprombank, the country’s primary bank for energy-related transactions Read Full Article at RT.com

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the UK 'respects the independence' of the ICC after the action against Benjamin Netanyahu and ex-minister Yoav Gallant.

QUENTIN LETTS: For parliamentary sketch writers, John Prescott was our Everest, our woolly-fisted yeti, irresistibly abominable.

Research by British charity Guide Dogs shows dog names are set to be more influenced by pop culture than ever before in 2025 - with monikers such as Billie, Taylor and Donald set to dominate.

Eli Hoy, 38, and her partner, Tijl Deutekom, 40, had planned a home birth under the care of community midwives but due to a spike in her blood pressure she was told to go to a maternity ward.

Andrey Belousov stressed that Russian troops have accelerated their advance in the special military operation zone and have effectively disrupted Kiev's 2025 military campaign

According to the report, the use of Oreshnik has become «part of a new era of missile warfare»

Dmitry Suslov pointed to a crucial message in the President's speech: «Russia firmly believes that the West has moved from a proxy war to a direct war» and that the sides are already «in a state of global conflict»

As of 10:48 a.m. Moscow time the gold price was up by 0.96%

The former Austrian foreign minister stressed that she «counted on rational Western decision-makers, but irrationality is unfortunately on the rise among them»

The Seychelles – China Trade Expo has officially begun and already several businesses have confirmed certain transactions with the Chinese exhibitors. This statement was made by Seychelles' Minister for Investment, Entrepreneurship and Industry, Devika Vidot, at the opening ceremony of the fair on Thursday. «At this moment, following a tour of the fair, I have personally witnessed transactions being confirmed between the suppliers and local entrepreneurs for machinery. I am very happy that in the first hour of the trade fair there are Seychellois businesses who have benefitted from this event. This is exactly what I want to encourage our local businesses to do; we need to keep looking for ways to innovate and how to include new technology in a way that it improves the standard and services they offer. We want them to be on par with international standards,» said Vidot. During her speech at the ceremony, the Chinese Ambassador for Seychelles, Lin Nan, said, «This Expo is an important manifestation of China's opening up to the outside world. China will open its market wider, turning its big market into Africa's big opportunity, and encouraging more two-way trade and investments. China is willing to work together with Seychelles side to deepen cooperation in trade, tourism, agriculture, and other sectors, to achieve pragmatic outcomes and build a China – Seychelles community with a shared future.» Products on display at the Seychelles-China Expo. (Seychelles News Agency) Photo License: CC-BY  While responding to a question from reporters about the relationship between Seychelles and China, Vidot also echoed this sentiment and stated that the development of commerce between Seychelles and China would solidify the already excellent partnership that exists between the two countries.   «I feel that a commercial relationship is more durable over time and it guarantees that the partnership benefits both countries, especially in terms of prosperity. At the moment we have a lot of businesses here who do interact with Chinese suppliers; however, we've also noted a large majority who haven't been able to establish contact to start, therefore this event is meant to enable our local businesses to have direct contact with Chinese suppliers,» she added. Vidot said, «This expo represents a myriad of opportunities, not only for established businesses but also entrepreneurs who are just starting out as well. It can also be a good opportunity for anyone who is still thinking about starting a business, it can inspire them to pursue the idea further.» The Vice Mayor of Chengdu, Wang Qian, who is leading the Chinese delegation to Seychelles, said, «Today, we bring our selected products and enterprises covering areas such as mechanical equipment, agricultural technology, packaging design, urban construction, new energy as well as art and cultural design with the hope that they can be known and popular among people and enterprises in Seychelles. We will also bring tuna and rum back home, giving Chengdu people a chance to experience the unique charm of Seychelles.»

Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong has been in politics for more than two decades, serving various portfolios from Manpower to Health. But the 65-year-old revealed that he was a bundle of nerves before accepting his latest role in Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's Cabinet.   Speaking to actress Joanne Peh in her A Conversation with Minister series on Thursday (Nov 21), Gan recalled then-DPM Wong asking to speak with him in his office. «I asked myself, 'Did I do something wrong?'» said Gan in the YouTube video that was shared on the 8World channel, causing Peh to break out in laughter. «It feels like you are being called into your boss' office,» she quipped. Gan said that Wong then asked him to be DPM, on top of being Minister for Trade and Industry, to mentor the newer crop of ministers. A Member of Parliament for Choa Chu Kang GRC since the 2011 General Election, Gan was previously the Minister of Health and Manpower Minister. Together with Wong, he was also co-chair of a multi-ministerial taskforce from 2020 to 2023 which directed and coordinated Singapore's response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ricardo Allen’s story began with a challenging childhood, as at the tender age of eight, he faced the emotional upheaval of his father abandoning him and his mother. This pivotal moment, however, shaped his outlook on life and education. “I came...

IN MANY years gone by, there was a practice by some person’s enemy to call a funeral home to send a hearse to pick up that person’s body because that person was dead. It was the ultimate insult; you are nothing, you are dead. Sometimes, there was...

WESTERN BUREAU: British national Rachael Quayle, who was allegedly caught with cocaine valued at J$45 million stashed in assorted food items at the Sangster International Airport (SIA) in Montego Bay on August 21, is to stand trial in the St James...

WESTERN BUREAU: Sancia Bennett Templer, the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, says the Jamaica Special Economic Zone Authority (JSEZA) will launch several initiatives in 2025 to streamline the authority’s...

The St Ann Chamber of Commerce is calling for all relevant sectors to support its plan to revitalise the resort town of Ocho Rios, citing its importance to Jamaica’s economy. Chamber President Dr Ransford Davidson said recently that the Chamber was...

A multi-sectoral committee has been established to enhance security in the lakeside city of Kisumu ahead of the Christmas festivities.

Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia’s cabinet has lifted its ban on chemical fertilizers in a bid to boost agricultural productivity, combat food insecurity, and reduce the devastating impact of climate change on the country’s farming sector.

Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali government leaders celebrated Teachers' Day in Mogadishu on Tuesday, highlighting progress in education while acknowledging ongoing challenges in rebuilding the sector.

The United Transformation Movement (UTM) Party has initiated an investigation into the presence of women dressed in party colours at a government event in Lilongwe on Tuesday, where President Lazarus Chakwera and Vice-President Michael Usi were in attendance. The women were seen dancing alongside members of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) at the Bingu International […] The post UTM launches investigation into party women presence at Govt event where Usi attended appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

The Women Engage for a Common Future (WECF), an official partner of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), has commended Malawi for putting women in critical, and decision making positions especially those impacting climate change. The remarks were made at one of the sideline events at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijani, where WECF invited Malawi to […] The post International organization commends Malawi for involving women in climate change innovations appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

In a fiery address to supporters during a voter registration drive in Thyolo, former President Peter Mutharika has raised alarm over what he claims is President Lazarus Chakwera’s plan to rig the upcoming 2025 general elections using the Smartmatic voting technology. Mutharika’s accusations come amid growing tensions between opposition parties and the current administration, setting […] The post Mutharika waying’alula! Accuses Chakwera of planning to rig election with Smartmatic technology   appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

A severe fuel shortage has hit Blantyre’s Ndirande Chisewu bus hub, leaving passengers stranded and commuters facing skyrocketing fares. The shortage, which began earlier this week, has caused widespread frustration, particularly for those relying on minibuses to get to work, school, and other essential destinations. On Thursday morning, the once-bustling Chisewu minibus terminal was nearly […] The post Fuel Shortage Paralyzes Ndirande Chisewu Minibus Operations, Leaving Passengers Stranded appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

Minister of Youths and Sports, Uchizi Mkandawire on Thursday asked over 1000 Technical Entrepreneurial and Vocational Education (TEVETA) graduates from Mangochi and Zomba to embrace entrepreneurship in order to create employment for their fellow youths. Presiding over the ceremony in Zomba, Mkandawire said the graduates can reduce unemployment level in the country especially if they […] The post Youths Minister urges over 1000 TEVETA graduates to embrace entrepreneurship appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

Seychelles' President Wavel Ramkalawan, accompanied by First Lady Linda Ramkalawan, met with Ghanaian President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo at the Jubilee House in Accra, reaffirming the strong ties between the two nations.On Thursday, a press release from State House said, «The official visit commenced with a ceremonial military guard of honour, followed by a private tête-à-tête between the two leaders. President Ramkalawan conveyed heartfelt greetings from the people of Seychelles and expressed profound gratitude for Ghana's warm hospitality.» Discussions highlighted the historic relationship between Seychelles and Ghana, as the two leaders explored avenues for strengthening bilateral cooperation. Key topics included culture, tourism, youth development, and the Blue Economy. The agreements were signed by Seychelles' Ambassador Conrad Mederic and Ghana's Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Andrew Egyapa Mercer. (State House) Photo License: CC-BY  The two countries also signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) on tourism and culture.  The agreements were signed by Seychelles' Ambassador Conrad Mederic and Ghana's Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Andrew Egyapa Mercer.In a joint press conference, the two Presidents emphasised the importance of bolstering partnerships and exploring mutual opportunities.President Akufo-Addo and First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo later hosted President Ramkalawan and First Lady Linda Ramkalawan for an official luncheon.As part of the visit, the Seychelles delegation paid tribute to Ghana's rich history with wreath-laying ceremonies at the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and the W.E.B. Du Bois Memorial Centre for Pan-African Culture. Ramkalawan and the First Lady met with the Seychellois community in Ghana. (State House)  Photo License: CC-BY  The head of state of Seychelles, an archipelago in the western Indian Ocean, also met with members of the Seychellois community residing in Ghana. The event, organised by Kwame Acquah, Honorary Consul of Seychelles in Ghana, brought together Seychellois nationals living and working in the country. Ramkalawan expressed his gratitude to the attendees and updated them on recent developments in Seychelles. Speaking on behalf of the Seychellois community in Ghana, John Micock shared their pride and privilege in meeting the President and getting the opportunity to engage directly with the nation's leader. Since coming into office in October 2020, Ramkalawan has made it a must to meet with the Seychellois diaspora in every country he visits. Additionally, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also set up a section dedicated to the Seychellois diaspora and earlier this year launched the diaspora policy, according to the statement.

Maharashtra witnessed a 66% voter turnout, the highest in 30 years, for its state assembly elections. Exit polls present mixed predictions, with some favoring the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance and others the opposition INDIA bloc. All eyes are on the Election Commission as vote counting begins on November 23rd to determine the winning alliance.