South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has recently approved an amendment to the National Land Transport Act of South Africa, signaling a significant shift in the regulatory landscape for transportation platforms such as Uber and Bolt. This amendment paves the way for these ride-hailing services to acquire operating licenses without the need for charter permits or meter taxi licenses. Notably, the amendment establishes stricter regulations, granting the transport minister enhanced powers to enforce safety standards and impose penalties on platforms that fail to comply. A key provision of the amendment introduces a new category of operating licenses and mandates that technology…
Author: BRICS+ News Services
Sweden—Iran Press/Europe After enduring 1,680 days of captivity, Hamid Nouri, an Iranian national held by the Swedish government, regained his liberty on the 15th of June, 2024. His release came as a breath of fresh air to those who have long anticipated his freedom. Nouri’s controversial arrest and incarceration was said to be the product of a meticulously planned scheme orchestrated by the Iranian opposition group Mujahedin-e Khalq Organization (MKO), co-conspiring with the Swedish authorities. Nouri’s original intent to visit his kin in Sweden took a detour when he found himself hemmed in the confines of a prison cell, accused…
Unraveling the Marielle Franco Affair: Arrests Unmask More Questions than They Answer The recent arrests in relation to the brutal assassination of Marielle Franco, a rising political figure championing marginalized communities, and her driver Anderson Gomes, have only scratched the surface in uncovering a labyrinth of connections that connects high-level political, military and organized crime figures. The shocking revelations embedded in this case demand a relentless pursuit of truth as the entire episode remains shrouded in mystery and political manipulation. In 2018, when President Michel Temer led the government, to 2022 under President Bolsonaro’s military-backed rule, the case saw little…
In the vast and desolate region of Inner Mongolia, a majestic sight captures the attention of onlookers – a seemingly endless expanse of sandy soil, adorned with twisted poplar trees adorned with yellowing leaves and roots exposed to the harsh elements. This hauntingly beautiful scene, known as the Ejin Banner Poplar Forest, is a testament to the resilience of nature in the face of adversity. These twisted poplar trees, also known as “Huyang” in Chinese, have withstood the test of time and have become a symbol of endurance and strength in the face of environmental challenges. The harsh climate of…
In 2018, Ethiopia went through a period of optimism and hope as Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn resigned unexpectedly, leading to the appointment of Abiy Ahmed as the new leader. Abiy’s promises of bold reforms and progressive changes brought excitement initially, but over the years, the nation has faced challenges such as genocidal war, ethnic divisions, and uncertainty, raising concerns about the stability of the country. Abiy’s personal traits, including dishonesty, betrayal, and lack of loyalty, have played a significant role in the current crisis in Ethiopia. While he initially portrayed himself as a unifying figure, his actions have shown a…
The Economic Powerhouses of North Africa: Egypt and Morocco Leading the Way Towards Growth North Africa is emerging as a key player in the economic landscape of both the Arab world and Africa as a whole. In 2023, countries such as Mauritania, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya collectively saw a significant 4.2% increase in their gross domestic product, outpacing their counterparts in the Middle East and Africa. Projections from the International Monetary Fund indicate that these North African economies are set to continue their momentum this year with a growth rate of 4%, although internal disparities within the region…
The passing of Former Odisha Governor Murlidhar Chandrakant Bhandare on June 15 has left a deep void in the political landscape of India. At the age of 95, Bhandare had led a remarkable life as a senior Congress leader from Maharashtra and a three-term member of the Rajya Sabha. His contributions to the legal field as a Senior Advocate of the Supreme Court were equally significant. Bhandare’s tenure as the Governor of Odisha from August 2007 to March 2013 was marked by his commitment to public service and dedication to the welfare of the people. His amiable nature and profound…
French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the importance of Ukraine not capitulating to Russian demands in order to achieve sustainable peace within the former Soviet republic. This stance was reiterated during the recent “Summit on Peace in Ukraine” held in Switzerland, where Macron advocated for the involvement of more countries in the resolution process. While Russia was notably excluded from the conference, Macron emphasized the necessity of a peace agreement that upholds Ukraine’s sovereignty and adheres to international norms. The ongoing talks in Switzerland coincide with Russian military advances against Ukrainian forces. Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed that Ukraine was experiencing…
In response to the ongoing de-dollarization efforts, Russia, a key member of BRICS, has announced that it will switch from the US Dollar to the Chinese Yuan for its trade activities. The decision, made public by Russia’s central bank, is seen as an essential step in the country’s pursuit to eliminate its dependence on the US dollar. This announcement came in tandem with several other measures taken by the Central Bank of Russia (CBR) recently. Amid the latest round of US sanctions on the country due to the Ukraine conflict, the Moscow Exchange (MOEX) has decided to halt trading in…
In a historic and dramatic turn of events, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa secured his second term in office on Friday, following a late-night coalition deal struck with a former political adversary just hours before the vote. The leader of the African National Congress, Ramaphosa triumphed in Parliament against an unexpected contender, Julius Malema of the far-left Economic Freedom Fighters, with a resounding 283 votes to Malema’s 44 out of the 400-member house. Ramaphosa, a seasoned 71-year-old statesman, clinched his reelection with crucial support from lawmakers representing the Democratic Alliance and other smaller parties, after the ANC suffered a significant…