Africa: Somalia’s Quest for Progress Unveiled Through Data

[ad_1] STORY HIGHLIGHTS The Somali Integrated Household Budget Survey, supported by the World Bank, illuminates the path forward as Somalia transitions from humanitarian relief to sustainable development. The survey achieved a remarkable 96% response rate through innovative strategies such as a purpose-explaining video aired on local TV stations. The survey, conducted amid a devastating drought provides comprehensive data and serves as a compass for decision-makers, offering vital information to address poverty and improve the quality of life in Somalia. When […]

January 31, 2024 4

Africa

Africa: Blinken’s Visit to Africa – Is U.S. Counterterrorism Counterproductive?

[ad_1] Abuja — US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's week-long tour across four African countries was aimed at strengthening the US-Africa relationship--a relationship, according to some commentators, already waning as China and Russia are increasing their influence. Blinken made his first stop in Cape Verde, a small island in West Africa, where he engaged Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva in discussions and reiterated the US dedication to deepening and expanding its collaborations with Africa. Continuing his diplomatic journey, he […]

January 31, 2024 2

Entertainment

South Africa: Mandela Auction Suspended Amid Row Over Heritage

[ad_1] Seventy personal items of the former South African president were set to go under the hammer in New York in February. A controversial auction of 70 personal items belonging to former South African President Nelson Mandela has been suspended. "This auction has been suspended," a note on New York-based Guernsey's auction house stated on Tuesday. The auction, which was scheduled to take place in February, would have included some personal belongings of the anti-apartheid hero, including his identity document […]

January 31, 2024 2

Africa

Africa: Laying Foundation for Digital Revolution in Africa’s Food Systems

[ad_1] The Africa Agriculture Status Report says digital technologies will address inefficiency, exclusivity, and unsustainability A new report has charted the future for Africa's food systems -- use of digital technologies. According to the 2023 Africa Agriculture Status Report, "Empowering Africa's Food Systems for the Future," digital technologies will be key in addressing the three persistent problems in Africa's agricultural industry -- inefficiency, exclusivity, and unsustainability. The report is by AGRA (Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa - an Africa-led […]

January 31, 2024 1

Entertainment

South Africa: Nelson Mandela’s Personal Items Under the Hammer in New York? Why It Outraged Some, and What’s At Stake

[ad_1] An identity document, a pair of reading glasses, a hearing aid and a pair of worn shoes. These are just some of Nelson Mandela's personal items that were due to go on auction on 22 February 2024. A month before the auction was due, the New York-based Guernsey's auction house put a notice on its website that it was suspending the sales. No explanation was given. The initial news of the auction caused outrage. South African government officials, commentators […]

January 31, 2024 1

Japan

BOJ summary signals rate hike is coming

[ad_1] The Bank of Japan (BOJ) signaled it’s getting closer to raising its interest rate for the first time since 2007 in its summary of opinions from last week’s policy gathering, although authorities didn’t hint at a consensus over the specific timing for the move.BOJ board members continued to discuss prospects for ending the negative rate policy at the Jan. 22-23 meeting, with some members indicating conditions that would allow […]

January 31, 2024 1

Japan

Musk’s $55 billion Tesla pay package struck down, threatening status

[ad_1] Elon Musk’s $55 billion pay package at Tesla has been struck down by a Delaware judge after a shareholder challenged it as excessive, in a ruling that would take a giant bite out of Musk’s wealth and put the fate of his companies in question — if the ruling survives a likely appeal.The decision Tuesday, which amounts to Musk's first major loss in court, means that more than five […]

January 31, 2024 2

Japan

Thai election winner faces crucial verdict over royal insult law

[ad_1] A Thai court is set to rule whether the party that won the most seats in last year’s general election ran afoul of the constitution by promising to loosen Thailand’s royal insult law.The Constitutional Court’s verdict could pave the way for dissolution of the Move Forward party, the country’s largest opposition group, and ban its leaders from politics for a decade.The nine-member court will rule at 2 p.m. in […]

January 31, 2024 2

Japan

Japan foreign minister wants ‘mutually beneficial’ ties with China

[ad_1] Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa on Tuesday pledged to promote a "mutually beneficial" relationship with China and make it "constructive and stable" through dialogue, at a time when the Asian powers remain at odds over various issues including territorial claims.In a speech on Japan's foreign policy objectives for 2024 given during an ordinary session of parliament, Kamikawa also expressed wariness over intensifying military cooperation between China, Russia and North Korea, […]

January 31, 2024 2