04 Sep

Revised ONS Data Brightens UK Economic Outlook

periodiclens.comGeneral NewsBritish, Economy, ONS Data, UK

Revised ONS Data Brightens UK Economic Outlook - Revised data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has provided a more optimistic perspective on the UK's economic performance in the last quarter of 2021. Initial assessments suggested that the UK's economy was 1.2% smaller than its pre-pandemic size, but the updated figures reveal that it was actually 0.6% larger. Expert Insights on Impending Interest Rate Hike Economists and experts are offering insights into the implications of this revised data, particularly in the context of an impending interest rate hike. Thomas Pugh, an economist at RSM UK, expressed surprise at the…

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04 Sep

Ukraine President Zelenskiy to Replace Defense Minister

periodiclens.comGeneral NewsRussia, Ukraine, War in Ukraine, Zelenskiy

Ukraine President Zelenskiy to Replace Defense Minister - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has announced a significant shake-up in the country's defence establishment by firing his defence minister, Oleksii Reznikov, and appointing Rustem Umerov, the head of Ukraine's main privatisation fund, as his replacement. This move marks the most extensive reshuffle in Ukraine's defence leadership since Russia's full-scale invasion of the country in February 2022. President Zelenskiy stated that he will seek parliamentary approval for Umerov's appointment this week, highlighting that Umerov requires no further introduction. The 41-year-old ex-lawmaker and Crimean Tatar have been at the helm of Ukraine's State Property…

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04 Sep

General Nguema is interim president of Gabon

periodiclens.comGeneral NewsAfrica, Coup, Gabon

General Nguema is interim president of Gabon - A profound shift in Gabon's political landscape has taken place as General Brice Nguema, the leader of Gabon's military junta, was officially inaugurated as the interim president by the country's constitutional court. The event was broadcast live to the nation, marking a significant turning point in Gabonese politics. The Fall of Long-standing Power Nguema's rise to power followed a recent military coup that led to the removal of President Ali Bongo Ondimba, bringing an end to the Bongo family's decades-long rule. Ali Bongo continued the legacy of his late father, Omar Bongo,…

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30 Aug

Gabon Army Seizes Power after Election

periodiclens.comGeneral NewsAfrica, Coup, Coup d'etat

Gabon Army Seizes Power after Election - A dramatic twist has unfolded in Gabon as army officers took control of national television to declare a coup, announcing the annulment of the recent presidential election results. The election, which saw President Ali Bongo declared the winner, was mired in controversy with the opposition alleging fraud. The move chiefly marks a potential end to the Bongo family's 53-year rule over Gabon, a nation that holds significance as a major African oil producer and boasts vast forested regions. The military intervention arrived with a firm statement that the election results were voided, and…

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29 Aug

Kremlin confirms Putin’s absence at Prigozhin’s funeral

periodiclens.comGeneral News

Kremlin confirms Putin's absence at Prigozhin's funeral - In a notable turn of events, the Kremlin has officially declared that President Vladimir Putin will not attend the funeral of Yevgeny Prigozhin, the enigmatic founder of the Wagner Group private military company. Prigozhin, who earned the moniker "mercenary chief," famously challenged Putin's authority and was a key player in a rebellion against the Russian military leadership. Secrecy Surrounding Funeral Arrangements The details surrounding Prigozhin's funeral remain shrouded in secrecy. The date and location of the funeral have been confidential. According to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, the arrangements are being orchestrated by…

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29 Aug

Auckland Man Sentenced for Child Exploitation Materials

periodiclens.comGeneral News

Auckland Man Sentenced for Child Exploitation Materials - In a disturbing case that sheds light on the rise of global cybercrime, an Auckland man has been sentenced for sharing highly explicit child exploitation materials. International enforcement agencies uncovered the man's online activities, which involved distributing child sexual exploitation imagery and videos through cloud services and prominent social media platforms. Swift International Alert and Local Response This international warning reached New Zealand's frontlines against customs crime, prompting swift action by the New Zealand Customs Service. A raid was also executed at the man's Auckland residence, and a subsequent forensic examination of…

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29 Aug

Over 100 Arrested in Nigerian Hotel Raid Over Alleged Gay Wedding

periodiclens.comGeneral NewsGay, Gay Pride, LGBTQ

Over 100 Arrested in Nigerian Hotel Raid Over Alleged Gay Wedding - The Delta state police command has announced a significant arrest of over 100 individuals suspected of participating in a gay wedding ceremony at a hotel in Delta state. Acting on a tip-off, the police raided the hotel on Tuesday, August 29, where the suspects were reportedly dressed in wedding attire and exchanging vows. The police also intend to parade the detainees soon and are preparing to charge them under the Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Act, which criminalizes same-sex marriage and related activities in Nigeria. Uproar and Backlash from Advocates…

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29 Aug

Airtel Uganda readies for a historic $216 million IPO

periodiclens.comBusiness NewsAirtel, Business, IPO, Uganda

Airtel Uganda readies for a historic $216 million IPO - Airtel Uganda Ltd., a subsidiary of Airtel Africa Plc, is gearing up for an unprecedented move in Uganda's financial landscape – an initial public offering (IPO) with the goal of raising an impressive 800 billion shillings ($216 million). This historic IPO signifies the largest share sale in Uganda to date, demonstrating Airtel's commitment to engaging the local market and fulfilling regulatory obligations. IPO Details and Strategy Sources report that Airtel Uganda has set the price per share for the IPO at 100 shillings, effectively valuing the telecommunications giant at a…

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24 Aug

Ghana Launches Sunflower Cultivation Project

periodiclens.comBusiness Newsfarm, garden, sunflower, sunflower oil

Ghana Launches Sunflower Cultivation Project - In a bid to significantly reduce its reliance on imported sunflower oil, Ghana has unveiled an ambitious initiative. The Tropical Agricultural Marketing and Consultancy Services (TRAGRIMACS) recently launched the Ghana Sunflower Project, aimed at cultivating sunflower in substantial quantities within the country starting from 2024. The Sunflower Cultivation Project Collaborating with the Crop Science Department of the University of Ghana (UG) and the Chemistry Department of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), the project seeks to address the pressing issue of sunflower oil imports. This move aligns with Ghana's National Policy…

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24 Aug

Tanzania Strengthens Ties with Ghana: Opens New Consulate

periodiclens.comLocal NewsAfrica, Ghana, Tanzania

Tanzania Strengthens Ties with Ghana: Opens New Consulate - The United Republic of Tanzania has announced the inauguration of a new consulate in Ghana, a move that signifies the commitment to enhancing bilateral relations between the two African nations. The Exequatur of the President of the Republic of Ghana was granted to Tanzania through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration of Ghana, paving the way for the establishment of the consulate in Accra, the capital city of Ghana. Pan-African Collaboration This development is to further amplify the longstanding history of trade, investment, and Pan-African collaboration that Ghana and…

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