India’s main opposition party claims has no money to spend ahead of polls

India’s main opposition party claims has no money to spend ahead of polls

The Congress, which is India's largest opposition party, says it has no money to spend on poll preparations. The claim comes weeks ahead of a general election getting underway in the country, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is widely expected to win a record third term. Neha Poonia has more.

March 14, 2024 22

World

China’s top diplomat, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, will visit Australia next week

China's top diplomat, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, will visit Australia next week in a sign of a further thaw in relations after years of tensions. It comes as China is reportedly considering removing tariffs on Australian wine, raising hopes that nearly three years of stiff duties would end. Laura Westbrook has more.

March 14, 2024 12

South Africa

African Transformation Movement Denounces Eskom’s Proposed Electricity Tariff Hike

The African Transformation Movement has issued a strong condemnation against Eskom's plan to raise electricity tariffs by an average of 15.9 percent annually over the next three years. The party asserts that this decision directly jeopardizes the economic stability and well-being of citizens. While acknowledging Eskom's need for financial sustainability, ATM's spokesperson, Zama Ntshona, argues that burdening already struggling households and businesses with this hike is unjustifiable. Ntshona vehemently opposes […]

March 14, 2024 14

Namibia

Water Crisis Intensifies in Okankolo and Eengodi: Residents Face Dire Situation

Residents of Okankolo and Eengodi constituencies in the Oshikoto region are already feeling the strain of recurring water shortages. Highlighting the worsening situation, Okankolo constituency councillor Hans Nambondi, expressed concern over the severity of the water crisis. He further warned of the escalating consequences of drought, suggesting that this year's conditions might surpass the severity of last year's crisis. Nambondi said that many people and animals depend on ponds and […]

March 14, 2024 11

World

NYC Mayor defends police actions at migrant centre

The mayor of New York City has defended the city's police officers after video emerged of them using a stun gun at a migrant shelter. The New York Police Department came under fire in recent days for their alleged treatment of a man holding a child. Mayor Eric Adams described the officers' actions as "appropriate." Sally Patterson has more.

March 14, 2024 10

World

Tik Tok’s U.S. future to be decided by the Senate, after House moves bill forward

The U.S. House has voted to force TikTok to divest from its owner ByteDance, due to its link to the Chinese government, and concerns over national security. But globally the video-sharing app has the largest number of users in the United States -- and a ban could have a big impact on people's lives and livelihoods. Caroline Malone reports.

March 14, 2024 8

South Africa

SA’s Defend Our Democracy Calls for Responsible Engagement in Electoral Process

SA's Defend Our Democracy, a civil society group, has urged political parties to refrain from undermining the integrity of the electoral processes and the Independent Electoral Commission. The group, launching its election watch campaign, has expressed concern over certain political parties, notably the uMkhonto we Sizwe party, for making alarming statements, issuing threats, and discrediting the IEC's credibility. Andries Sibanyoni, representing the group, has called on parties to engage in […]

March 14, 2024 10

Business / Economics

7-14 March 2024 Weekly Economics Wrap: Key Developments Shaping Markets

Namibia Focus: The Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade continues its commendable efforts in nurturing entrepreneurship within Namibia. Approximately 2000 Macro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have undergone entrepreneurship training under the EMPRETEC Namibia program since its inception in 2019. This week, an additional 188 MSMEs commenced their training, signaling continued support for the growth and development of entrepreneurial skills in the business sector. The Pupkewitz Group, a prominent player […]

March 14, 2024 12

World

UN aid facility attacked in Rafah

The United Nations says Israeli Forces have hit a food distribution centre in the eastern part of Rafah in the Gaza Strip. One UNRWA staff member was killed in the attack and at least 22 people were injured. Jody Jacobs reports.

March 14, 2024 7