The past week saw a flurry of political intrigue, global tensions, and contentious remarks that kept the news cycle buzzing. From Mary Trump’s scathing critique of media coverage of her uncle’s rally to President Joe Biden’s pointed jab at former President Donald Trump’s social media habits, the week was far from uneventful. China’s call for the US to reassess its nuclear posture only added to the simmering international tensions, while Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ controversial stance on cannabis legalization stirred up further debate. Additionally, Edward Snowden’s reaction to a covert US military operation against China during the COVID-19 pandemic introduced…
Author: BRICS+ News Services
The week unfolded with a whirlwind of political intrigue, global tensions, and contentious remarks. Mary Trump’s critique of media coverage of her uncle’s rally and President Joe Biden’s subtle jab at his predecessor’s social media habits kept the news cycle buzzing. Meanwhile, China’s call for the US to reassess its nuclear policy added to the international unease, and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis stirred controversy with his remarks on cannabis legalization. Notably, Edward Snowden weighed in on a covert US military operation against China amid the COVID-19 pandemic, adding another layer of complexity to the week’s events. In a recent episode…
The National Fuel Reform Steering Committee has initiated an investigation into the recent surge of applications for gas station permits, despite a ban on new permits put in place four months ago. Many of the applicants are interested in operating in remote, sparsely populated areas, raising suspicion of illicit cross-border fuel trading activities. Government officials believe that remote gas stations are being used as a front for contraband trade with neighboring countries where fuel prices are lower, such as in Kenya where benzene sells for significantly less than in Ethiopia. The proposed ‘Petroleum Products Marketing’ Proclamation aims to tighten regulations…
Marina Wes has assumed the prestigious role of World Bank’s Country Director for the European Union, a position based in the vibrant city of Brussels. Prior to her current responsibilities, she served as the Country Director for Egypt, Yemen, and Djibouti. Wes also boasts a rich history with the World Bank, having held roles as Country Director for the West Bank and Gaza, Country Manager for Poland, and Lead Economist for Türkiye. Her journey with the World Bank began in 2000 when she joined as an Economist in the Europe and Central Asia, Poverty Reduction and Economic Management Unit. Over…
The Kozhikode Corporation is all set to revolutionize household helps with the launch of ‘Quick Serve’, an agency that aims to provide reliable and well-trained household helpers. Under the Kudumbashree platform, Quick Serve will offer services such as baby-sitting, cooking, geriatric care, cleaning, and housekeeping. As P. Diwakaran, Welfare Standing Committee chairman of the Corporation, mentions, the agency has already trained 30 individuals and is in the process of training 30 more. This initiative is a significant step towards empowerment and employment generation for women in the region. ‘Quick Serve’ will operate as a Kudumbashree enterprise group, equipped with an…
Oleksandr Mykhed, a Ukrainian author who transitioned to a soldier after the Russian invasion, has penned a new book titled “The Language of War.” Prior to the full-scale invasion by Russia in February 2022, Mykhed resided in Hostomel with his wife, Olena, and their dog, Lisa, near Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine. When Russian troops approached Hostomel Airport on February 24, he and Olena fled to Chernivtsi in southwestern Ukraine. Within a week of the invasion, Mykhed, a respected author with nine published books, joined the Ukrainian Armed Forces, witnessing the destruction of his former residence by a Russian assault.…
In a historic move, the African National Congress (ANC) and the Democratic Alliance (DA) have agreed to form a government of national unity in South Africa, marking a significant shift in the country’s political landscape. This agreement, reached after the ANC lost its majority in the recent election, ushers in a new era of collaboration between two parties that were once bitter rivals. The ANC, long considered unbeatable in national elections, has faced a decline in support in recent years due to persistent issues of poverty, inequality, and corruption. The DA, a white-led party focused on good governance and a…
In a move expressing clemency and compassion in the spirit of significant religious observances, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei approved the commutation and penalties meted out to a tally of 2,654 convicts. The gesture is synchronised with the commemoration of the twin Islamic holidays of Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Ghadir. The culled list of convicts was tendered by Gholmhossein Mohseni-Ejei, the Chief Justice of the Iranian Judiciary, to the Supreme Leader’s office. The momentous decision is expected to relieve the judiciary of a substantial backlog, and bring closure to many pending cases. Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of…
Following a year of significant GDP growth, low unemployment rates, and consolidated social welfare under President Lula, Brazil faces a potentially volatile political landscape. A series of events, including tension with international business elites, military officials, and evangelical Christians, has provoked a surge of negative press, similar to the smear campaigns prior to the 2016 coup against former President Rousseff. As Lula’s traditionally high approval ratings drop and with the potential reelection of Donald Trump, whose hard-right backers maintain close ties with the Bolsonaro family, fears of a destabilization campaign or coup attempt are mounting. Meanwhile, Lula’s strained relations with…
Adidas Probes Allegations of Bribery Involving Senior Staff in China Global sportswear giant Adidas has initiated an investigation following accusations that senior personnel in its Chinese division were implicated in a substantial bribery scheme involving “millions of euros”, as per a report by the Financial Times (FT). The inquiry was prompted by a whistleblower complaint received by the company, as outlined in the FT report published on Sunday. The anonymous communication, purportedly penned by individuals identifying themselves as “employees of Adidas China”, alleged that several staff members in China had been receiving kickbacks from external service providers collaborating with the…