Racism or fact? Iranian hermit tagged world’s dirtiest man dies aged 94 after 60 years of ‘fire bathing’
An Iranian hermit nicknamed the “world’s dirtiest man” for not taking a shower for more than half a century has died at the healthy old age of 94, state media has reported. The report, however, did not provide the parameters that were used to adjudge Amou Haji the world’s dirtiest...
Hybrid virus: New immune system-dodging virus linked to persistent pneumonia discovered
Two common respiratory viruses can fuse to form a hybrid virus capable of evading the human immune system, and infecting lung cells – the first time such viral cooperation has ever been observed. Researchers believe the findings could help to explain why co-infections can lead to significantly worse disease for...
Court in Nigeria orders seizure of estates, luxury cars owned by ex-oil minister Alison Madueke
A Nigerian court has ordered a final seizure of two properties and cars owned by former oil minister Diezani Alison-Madueke, the country’s economic crimes commission announced on Monday, in the latest ruling related to graft allegations against her. Alison-Madueke was a key figure in the administration of former President Goodluck...
Parallels between Trumpian extremism in US, Trussian meltdown in UK sound dire warnings about fragile economies
Democratic candidates are heading into the homestretch of the 2022 midterms with a message focused mainly on Trumpian extremism, but they might do well over the next two weeks to highlight the spectre of a Trussian meltdown. Liz Truss, of course, is the English Conservative leader destined to become a...
We should abandon the illusion that politicians will come to the rescue of planet Earth
We are living in a state of emergency: the climate, ecological and sustainability crisis is the greatest threat humanity has ever faced. For too long, we have ignored the effects, and now we are living through the consequences. Twenty of the 21 hottest years since records began in 1850 have...
Zimbabwe fights tyranny of fake news as the central African country heads to polls next year
An opposition leader has quit, voting has been postponed for rural residents, and a man has been eaten by a lion in a national par! These are just a few of the lies Zimbabweans have seen circulating on social media. As the country gears up for elections next year, misinformation...
Transformative mediation theme dominates African Union Commission meeting in Namibia
The Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS) of the African Union Commission (AUC) hosted its 13th “high level retreat” on promoting continental peace, security and stability in Namibia. The three day retreat in Windhoek was jointly hosted by AUC and the Namibia government event ended on Saturday, 23...
Confidence lifts British financial markets after Tories pick Rishi Sunak – with Kenyan origin – to replace jinxed PM Liz Truss
Rishi Sunak dramatically seized the keys to Downing Street today after Penny Mordaunt followed Boris Johnson in dropping out of the leadership race. Mr Sunak has been named the new Tory chief – and the incoming PM – after his sole remaining rival Ms Mordaunt failed to make the threshold...
Diwali gift: Britain gets first Prime Minister of Indian origin after Rishi Sunak prevails over Tory rivals
Rishi Sunak will be named Britain’s 57th Prime Minister today after rival Penny Mordaunt dropped out of the leadership race. Mr Sunak won the support of an overwhelming majority of Tory MPs, enabling him to claim the keys to No10. On the day of Diwali – the Hindu festival of...
Blue economy: Ghana in robust push to ensure its maritime wealth is safe from piracy, illegal fishing
Ghana sees enormous potential in its blue economy, but faces threats including piracy, illegal fishing, drug smuggling and human trafficking. The new National Integrated Maritime Strategy (NIMS) aims to ensure that Ghana’s maritime domain will be safe and its blue economy thriving by 2040. The strategy has been in the...
