Tonata Kadhila

Kenya’s visa-free policy faces backlash

Kenya's decision to offer visa-free entry to foreigners entering the country has faced criticism. Travelers have said the process is hectic. The Kenyan had introduced the policy last month to promote visa-free travel within Africa. Daniel Kijo reports.

10 January, 2024

World

Global temperatures to reach 1.7°C increase by May

Global heating caused by the burning of fossil fuels, and the El Niño climatic event, will push global temperatures to about 1.7 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels by May. According to the Guardian, the warning comes from former National Aeronautics and Space Administration scientist James Hansen. Hansen says there needs to be purposeful actions to affect the planet’s energy balance.

10 January, 2024

World

Gabriel Attal appointed as France’s new Prime Minister

Gabriel Attal has been named France's next prime minister, as Emmanuel Macron aims to revive his presidency with a new government. He will now have the task of leading the French government into important European Parliament elections in June. Attal replaces Élisabeth Borne, who resigned after 20 months in office. He will also be the first openly gay occupant of Hôtel Matignon. He has a civil partnership with another Macron […]

9 January, 2024

World

South Korea bans dog meat trade

South Korea has passed a new law, that aims to end the slaughter and selling of dogs for their meat by 2027. The BBC reports that under the law, raising or slaughtering dogs for consumption will be banned, as will distributing or selling dog meat. Those butchering dogs could face up to three years in prison, while those who raise dogs for meat or sell dog meat could serve a […]

9 January, 2024

World

U.S. launches moon landing space rocket

A US space rocket has launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on a mission to make the first American Moon landing in more than half a century. Nasa has teamed up with private companies to study the Moon's surface ahead of human missions in the coming years. Nick Harper reports from Washington.

9 January, 2024

Africa

Uganda’s elite in etiquette bootcamp: Ministers prep for global conferences with a crash course

Uganda's ministers and senior government officials will be given a crash course in "proper conduct, good behaviour, and etiquette". The Daily Monitor reports that the training comes ahead of two international conferences. The training will ensure ministers avoid "embarrassing incidents", warning against behaviours like "pushing and shoving, over-excitement, flirting and bickering".

9 January, 2024

World

Norway to approve controversial deep sea mining activity

Norway is expected to become the first country in the world to approve the controversial practice of deep-sea mining. Supporters say it's needed to find precious metals and minerals, but environmental scientists have warned it could be devastating for marine life. According to the BBC, Norway's proposal will open up 280,000 sq km of its national waters for companies to apply to mine these sources - an area bigger than […]

9 January, 2024

Business / Economics

Competition Appeals Court deals blow to South African rand manipulation case

The South African Competition Commission’s rand-rigging case has been dealt a massive blow, as the Competition Appeals Court dismissed 23 of the 28 implicated commercial banks, saying the commission lacked enough evidence to support its claim of a conspiracy to manipulate the rand-dollar exchange rates between 2007 and 2013. However, Investec, JPMorgan Chase, HSBC, BNP Paribas, and Credit Suisse still face potential prosecution. Separately, Moneyweb reports that Standard Bank has […]

9 January, 2024

Africa

Zambia delays school opening due to cholera outbreak

Monday should have marked the start of the academic year in Zambia, but children there will instead have to wait three weeks to return to class because the authorities want to stop the spread of cholera, saying there is an urgent need for action and awareness following an increase in cholera-related deaths. According to the BBC, more than 200 people in Zambia have died of the disease since October.

9 January, 2024