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Namibia's First Female Leader: Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah Emerges

Namibia has made history by electing its first female President, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who secured 57% of the vote in the recent elections, surpassing expectations of a runoff. The 72-year-old, who previously served as Vice President, leads the ruling South West Africa People's Organisation (SWAPO), which has maintained power since the country's independence in 1990. The election, held on November 27, faced allegations of irregularities, including technical difficulties and ballot shortages, prompting the main opposition party, the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), to reject the results. Despite these challenges, Nandi-Ndaitwah aims to tackle unemployment and inequality through economic diplomacy. SWAPO's dominance in the National Assembly was slightly diminished, winning 51 out of 96 seats. Analysts note that while the party retains support among older voters, it faces growing discontent from the younger population due to high unemployment rates, particularly among those aged 15 to 34. sources

Published:
Dec 04 2024, 1 pm

Telegram Addresses Child Abuse Images Post-Founder's Arrest

Telegram is set to implement new measures to combat the spread of child sexual abuse imagery after partnering with the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), a UK-based charity. The messaging app, which boasts over 950 million monthly users, will utilize IWF's tools and data to detect and remove such content. This initiative follows the arrest of Telegram's founder, Pavel Durov, in August on charges related to the platform's failure to address extremist and abusive content. The IWF has identified thousands of instances of child sexual abuse imagery on Telegram since 2022, and the new collaboration aims to enhance the platform's ability to block illegal material. Derek Ray-Hill, interim CEO of the IWF, described the partnership as a "transformational first step," while Telegram's Remi Vaughn emphasized that the new tools will bolster existing protections on the platform. sources

Published:
Dec 05 2024, 12 am

Hamas Warns Hostages Will Be "Neutralised" If Israel Rescues

Hamas has issued a warning regarding Israel's potential plans for a hostage rescue operation, similar to one conducted in June at Gaza's Nuseirat camp, threatening to "neutralise" captives if such an operation occurs. In an internal statement dated November 22, Hamas instructed its operatives to disregard potential repercussions and assigned responsibility for the hostages' fate to Israel. The statement, shared by the intelligence unit of Hamas's military wing, Izz el-Deen al-Qassam Brigades, did not specify when an Israeli operation might occur. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz acknowledged increasing pressure on Hamas, suggesting progress could be made towards a hostage deal. The Nuseirat operation on June 9 resulted in the rescue of four hostages but also led to significant casualties, with over 200 deaths reported. Since the onset of the conflict on October 7, 2023, Israel's military actions have resulted in the deaths of over 44,500 Palestinians. sources

Published:
Dec 05 2024, 12 am

Kuwait Minister Calls PM Modi One of World's Wisest Leaders

Kuwait's Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his official visit to New Delhi, describing him as one of the wisest leaders globally and emphasizing the importance of India as a key partner for Kuwait. Al-Yahya's remarks came during a meeting with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, where he expressed confidence in strengthening the multifaceted relationship between the two nations. Modi reciprocated the sentiment, thanking Kuwait for its support of the Indian community, which is the largest expatriate group in the Gulf state, with around one million members contributing to various sectors. The historical ties between India and Kuwait, rooted in trade and cultural exchange, were highlighted, with both leaders expressing commitment to advancing cooperation. The visit aims to address bilateral issues and enhance economic ties, recognizing the enduring partnership that has existed since before Kuwait's independence in 1961. sources

Published:
Dec 05 2024, 12 am

Martial Law: Top Google Search in South Korea

SEOUL: The term "martial law" surged to the top of Google searches in South Korea on Wednesday, following President Yoon Suk Yeol's brief declaration of such measures, which he attributed to opposition "anti-state activities." The term saw over 2 million searches in just 24 hours, a more than thousand percent increase from the previous day. Other trending topics included "currency exchange rate" and Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, who reportedly advised Yoon on the declaration. The president lifted the martial law just hours later after the National Assembly voted against it, leading to a spike in traffic on South Korea's largest internet portal, Naver, which briefly experienced disruptions. In response to the incident, Yoon convened a meeting with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and leaders of the ruling People Power Party to discuss follow-up measures, as the opposition prepared to submit an impeachment motion for a vote as early as Friday. sources

Published:
Dec 05 2024, 12 am

108-Metre "Chunri" Presented at Temple for Ram-Sita Wedding Celebration

A 108-meter-long Chunri has been presented to the Janaki Temple in Janakpur, Nepal, by the Jin Mata Trust from Surat, Gujarat, in celebration of 'Bibah Panchami', which commemorates the wedding of Lord Ram and Goddess Sita. This year's event, taking place on Friday, marks the first 'Bibah Panchami' since the consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya earlier this year. The vibrant red Chunri was paraded through Janakpur, igniting excitement among locals. Manoj Rungata, Chairman of Sitaram Gaushala, expressed the community's joy and support for the occasion. The festivities are further heightened by the arrival of around 500 devotees from Ayodhya, who will participate in the wedding ceremony, to be officiated by 40 Vedic Brahmins from Tirupati. The historical significance of this event reflects the deep-rooted cultural connections between Janakpur and the epic tale of Ramayana. sources

Published:
Dec 04 2024, 10 pm

Nepal Joins China's Belt and Road, Worries New Delhi

In a pivotal move for Sino-Nepalese relations, China and Nepal signed a framework agreement in Beijing today, officially integrating Nepal into China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) seven years after an initial understanding. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, breaking with tradition by visiting Beijing instead of New Delhi post-election, collaborated closely with President Xi Jinping to finalize the deal. While details remain sparse, the agreement reportedly establishes a foundation for project execution and financing, addressing previous delays caused by a lack of framework and political consensus in Kathmandu. However, concerns persist regarding potential debt implications for Nepal, as critics warn of China's "debt diplomacy," which has ensnared other nations in financial traps. The agreement follows China's controversial funding of Nepal's Pokhara airport, which has faced operational challenges amid regional tensions with India, raising alarms over national security and sovereignty issues. sources

Published:
Dec 04 2024, 10 pm

Georgia Descends into Chaos as Police Raid Opposition Offices

Georgia's political turmoil intensified on Wednesday as police raided opposition party offices, drawing widespread condemnation. The actions followed Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze's declaration of a crackdown on pro-EU protests that erupted after the contentious October 26 parliamentary elections. Kobakhidze accused the "radical opposition" of orchestrating the unrest and vowed that no one, including opposition politicians, would evade accountability. Police violence escalated, with the leader of the Akhali party arrested and the Droa party's office searched for incriminating evidence. Protests, fueled by allegations of election fraud and the government's suspension of EU membership talks until 2028, have resulted in around 300 arrests and numerous injuries in clashes. Opposition leaders have decried the government's tactics as "torture" and "repression," prompting condemnation from the US and EU. As divisions deepen, concerns grow over the impact on Georgia's democracy and its EU relations amid allegations of increasing ties with Moscow. sources

Published:
Dec 04 2024, 11 pm

Michel Barnier's No Confidence Vote: Key Facts

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier is set to confront a pivotal no-confidence vote, a significant political challenge that could determine his future in office. The vote comes amid rising tensions within the government and increasing public discontent over his administration's handling of key issues, including economic reforms and social policies. Opposition parties have united to challenge Barnier's leadership, arguing that his policies have failed to address the needs of ordinary citizens. The outcome of the vote, scheduled for later this week, is uncertain, with Barnier's supporters urging confidence in his ability to navigate the country through turbulent times. Analysts suggest that a successful no-confidence motion could lead to a reshuffling of the cabinet or even early elections, intensifying the political landscape in France. As the nation watches closely, the implications of this vote extend beyond Barnier, potentially reshaping the future of French politics. sources

Published:
Dec 04 2024, 8 pm

Villagers Mistake Man's Cries for Ghosts, Trapped 3 Days

In a remarkable incident near the Thailand-Myanmar border, a 22-year-old Chinese man, Liu Chuanyi, was rescued after being trapped in an abandoned well for three days. Local villagers, initially believing the strange cries emanating from the nearby forest were ghostly sounds, only alerted authorities when they heard a voice responding to their calls. Upon locating Liu at the bottom of a 12-metre-deep well, rescuers found him in a weakened state with serious injuries, including a fractured wrist and cerebral concussion. Liu had strategically shouted for help once every hour to conserve energy during his ordeal. Authorities suspect he fell into the well while trying to navigate the forest, and they are investigating the circumstances of his presence in the area. The incident has garnered significant attention on Chinese social media, with users praising Liu's resilience and commenting on the villagers' misconceptions about his cries for help. Local officials are now working to secure the well to prevent future accidents. sources

Published:
Dec 04 2024, 9 pm

Sheikh Hasina Accuses Muhammad Yunus of Genocide

Ousted Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has accused interim leader Muhammad Yunus of "genocide" against minorities during a virtual address from India, where she has taken refuge amid ongoing anti-government protests. Speaking at a New York event, Hasina claimed that Yunus and his associates were responsible for the persecution of Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians, citing recent attacks on places of worship and the arrest of a Hindu monk. She expressed concerns for her safety, alleging a plot to assassinate her and her sister, reminiscent of their father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's assassination in 1975. Hasina criticized the current government's failure to protect minorities and lamented the loss of justice in Bangladesh. India's Ministry of External Affairs has echoed these concerns, urging the interim government to uphold its responsibility to safeguard all citizens, particularly vulnerable communities amid rising violence and extremist rhetoric. sources

Published:
Dec 04 2024, 9 pm

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