<p>With focus on Africa, South America and the Caribbean, Indian Prime Minister Modi will be travelling to Nigeria, Brazil and Guyana starting November 16th. The first stop of the three-country tour will be the oil-rich West African country Nigeria, where PM Modi will be focusing on strengthening ties and will hold a meeting with President Bola Tinubu. Nigeria has the largest economy and is the most populated country on the African continent. The OPEC country was invited as one of the guest countries during the Delhi G20 summit in 2023.</p>

<p>The Indian Prime Minister will then travel to Brazil's Rio de Janeiro from November 17th to 19th for the annual G20 summit, a group of 20 leading economies of the world. India is part of the G20 troika, along with Brazil and South Africa, which is a transition governance structure in grouping. Last year, India hosted the summit in Delhi, during which the G20 Presidency gavel was handed by PM Modi to Brazilian President Luiz da Silva.<br />
<br />
PM Modi travelled to Brazil in 2014 for the 6th BRICS Summit and in 2019 for the 11th BRICS Summit. In 2020, the then-Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro visited India, during which he was the chief guest at India's Republic Day celebrations.</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-worker-found-dead-inside-party-office-in-indias-west-bengal-woman-arrested-774908">BJP worker found dead inside party office in India's West Bengal, woman arrested</a></strong></p>

<p>On the sidelines of the G20 summit, PM Modi is expected to hold bilateral meetings with several world leaders. The summit will see the attendance of several world leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden. This will be the last major global summit President Biden attends ahead of the inauguration of Donald Trump as US President on January 20th, 2025.</p>

<p>The last leg of PM Modi's visit will be to Guyana from the 19th to 21st of November. During the visit, PM will hold talks with President Irfaan Ali. India has significantly increased ties with the country in several domains, including defence, and energy. Delhi has been reaching out to Guyana with credit facilities for agriculture, information technology, and capacity building via the ITEC programme.</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/another-encounter-in-indias-j-k-exchange-of-fire-between-security-forces-terrorists-in-srinagar-774924">Two encounters break out in India's Jammu and Kashmir within hours. Know more</a></strong></p>

<p>The Indian diaspora in Guyana, known as Indo-Guyanese, is a significant part of the country, and, at 40 per cent, it constitutes the largest ethnic group in the South American country. Most of them trace their origin to the North Indian states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand. President Ali himself is of Indian ancestry and was invited as the Chief Guest for the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention in India last year. The first group of Indians are known to have arrived in the country in 1838, over 180 years ago, to work in sugarcane plantations.</p>

<p>During the visit to Guyana, PM Modi will also chair the India CARICOM, or Caribbean summit. The summit is part of India's outreach to the Caribbean nations. The inaugural summit took place in 2019 in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. Focus during the summit will be on trade, investments, and India's support for infrastructure projects in these countries.</p>


With focus on Africa, South America and the Caribbean, Indian Prime Minister Modi will be travelling to Nigeria, Brazil and Guyana starting November 16th. The first stop of the three-country tour will be the oil-rich West African country Nigeria, where PM Modi will be focusing on strengthening ties and will hold a meeting with President Bola Tinubu.

With focus on Africa, South America and the Caribbean, Indian Prime Minister Modi will be travelling to Nigeria, Brazil and Guyana starting November 16th. The first stop of the three-country tour will be the oil-rich West African country Nigeria, where PM Modi will be focusing on strengthening ties and will hold a meeting with President Bola Tinubu. Nigeria has the largest economy and is the most populated country on the African continent. The OPEC country was invited as one of the guest countries during the Delhi G20 summit in 2023. The Indian Prime Minister will then travel to Brazil's Rio de Janeiro from November 17th to 19th for the annual G20 summit, a group of 20 leading economies of the world. India is part of the G20 troika, along with Brazil and South Africa, which is a transition governance structure in grouping. Last year, India hosted the summit in Delhi, during which the G20 Presidency gavel was handed by PM Modi to Brazilian President Luiz da Silva. PM Modi travelled to Brazil in 2014 for the 6th BRICS Summit and in 2019 for the 11th BRICS Summit. In 2020, the then-Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro visited India, during which he was the chief guest at India's Republic Day celebrations. Also read | BJP worker found dead inside party office in India's West Bengal, woman arrested On the sidelines of the G20 summit, PM Modi is expected to hold bilateral meetings with several world leaders. The summit will see the attendance of several world leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden. This will be the last major global summit President Biden attends ahead of the inauguration of Donald Trump as US President on January 20th, 2025. The last leg of PM Modi's visit will be to Guyana from the 19th to 21st of November. During the visit, PM will hold talks with President Irfaan Ali. India has significantly increased ties with the country in several domains, including defence, and energy. Delhi has been reaching out to Guyana with credit facilities for agriculture, information technology, and capacity building via the ITEC programme. Also read | Two encounters break out in India's Jammu and Kashmir within hours. Know more The Indian diaspora in Guyana, known as Indo-Guyanese, is a significant part of the country, and, at 40 per cent, it constitutes the largest ethnic group in the South American country. Most of them trace their origin to the North Indian states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand. President Ali himself is of Indian ancestry and was invited as the Chief Guest for the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention in India last year. The first group of Indians are known to have arrived in the country in 1838, over 180 years ago, to work in sugarcane plantations. During the visit to Guyana, PM Modi will also chair the India CARICOM, or Caribbean summit. The summit is part of India's outreach to the Caribbean nations. The inaugural summit took place in 2019 in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. Focus during the summit will be on trade, investments, and India's support for infrastructure projects in these countries.

PM Modi to travel to Nigeria, Brazil and Guyana this month

<p>The UK government announced sanctions on Thursday against three private mercenary groups operating in Africa with links to the Kremlin, including Wagner group successor Africa Corps.</p>

<p>"These sanctions will bear down on Russian malign activity in Libya, Mali, and CAR (Central African Republic), exposing and combatting Russia's illicit activity in Africa," a government statement said, announcing its latest package of measures against Russia.</p>

<p>The UK government said the measures were the first direct sanctions against Africa Corps by a G7 country.</p>

<p>Moscow was a key player in Africa during Soviet times and has been boosting its influence on the continent again in recent years.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-questions-why-west-can-support-kyiv-but-north-korea-cant-back-moscow-772177"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Russia questions why West can support Kyiv but North Korea can’t back Moscow</strong></a></p>

<p>Russian mercenaries from the Wagner group or its successor, Africa Corps, now support several African governments, and Russian "advisers" work with local officials.</p>

<p>The British sanctions come before Russia holds a large gathering of African foreign ministers in Sochi, southern Russia, this weekend.</p>

<p>As well as Africa Corps, the private military group Espanola and the Bears Brigade organisation are also being sanctioned.</p>

<p>London accused the three groups of "widespread human rights abuses" across the African continent, adding that they had "threatened peace and security in Libya, Mali and the Central African Republic".</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War: US Has Been An Ally Of Ukraine In Ongoing Russia-Ukraine War</strong></p>

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<p><strong>Punitive measures&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the sanctions would continue the UK's "pushback on the Kremlin's corrosive foreign policy, undermining Russia's attempts to foster instability across Africa and disrupting the supply of vital equipment for Putin's war machine" in Ukraine.</p>

<p>The punitive measures are part of the UK's biggest package of sanctions against Russia since May 2023.</p>

<p>Others targeted include suppliers of machine tools, components for drones, ball bearings and other goods that support Russia's military.</p>

<p>Also being sanctioned is GRU Russian intelligence agency agent Denis Sergeev.</p>

<p>London believes Sergeev was involved in a chemical weapon attack on the UK city of Salisbury in 2018 against former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Both survived but a local woman who came into contact with the weapons-grade nerve agent Novichok died.</p>

<p>UK counter-terrorism chiefs in 2021 said there was enough evidence to charge Sergeev with conspiracy to murder, attempted murder, causing grievous bodily harm, and possession and use of a chemical weapon.</p>

<p>The UK has been one of Ukraine's biggest backers in its war against Russia's full-scale invasion of its neighbour, committing to delivering £3.0 billion ($3.9 billion) of military aid every year for as long as needed.</p>

<p>"Putin is nearly 1,000 days into a war he thought would only take a few. He will fail and I will continue to bear down on the Kremlin and support the Ukrainian people in their fight for freedom," Lammy said.</p>

<p>Other sanctions packages last month took aim at Russia's "shadow fleet" of tankers, used to sidestep a Western embargo on oil exports after its invasion of Ukraine.</p>

<p>In October, Britain also sanctioned the chemical and biological arm of Russia's armed forces and its commander, Igor Kirillov, over the alleged use of chemical weapons in Ukraine.</p>

<p>Russia was hit with a first wave of sanctions following its annexation of Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. The West tightened the screws after Moscow launched a full-fledged invasion of its neighbour in February 2022.</p>

<p>But Russia's economy has withstood the shock, growing 5.4 per cent in the first quarter of this year as its trade relations with Asia and the Middle East soared.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.</em></p>


The UK government announced sanctions on Thursday against three private mercenary groups operating in Africa with links to the Kremlin, including Wagner group successor Africa Corps.

The UK government announced sanctions on Thursday against three private mercenary groups operating in Africa with links to the Kremlin, including Wagner group successor Africa Corps. "These sanctions will bear down on Russian malign activity in Libya, Mali, and CAR (Central African Republic), exposing and combatting Russia's illicit activity in Africa," a government statement said, announcing its latest package of measures against Russia. The UK government said the measures were the first direct sanctions against Africa Corps by a G7 country. Moscow was a key player in Africa during Soviet times and has been boosting its influence on the continent again in recent years. Also read: Russia questions why West can support Kyiv but North Korea can’t back Moscow Russian mercenaries from the Wagner group or its successor, Africa Corps, now support several African governments, and Russian "advisers" work with local officials. The British sanctions come before Russia holds a large gathering of African foreign ministers in Sochi, southern Russia, this weekend. As well as Africa Corps, the private military group Espanola and the Bears Brigade organisation are also being sanctioned. London accused the three groups of "widespread human rights abuses" across the African continent, adding that they had "threatened peace and security in Libya, Mali and the Central African Republic". Watch | Russia-Ukraine War: US Has Been An Ally Of Ukraine In Ongoing Russia-Ukraine War × Punitive measures British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the sanctions would continue the UK's "pushback on the Kremlin's corrosive foreign policy, undermining Russia's attempts to foster instability across Africa and disrupting the supply of vital equipment for Putin's war machine" in Ukraine. The punitive measures are part of the UK's biggest package of sanctions against Russia since May 2023. Others targeted include suppliers of machine tools, components for drones, ball bearings and other goods that support Russia's military. Also being sanctioned is GRU Russian intelligence agency agent Denis Sergeev. London believes Sergeev was involved in a chemical weapon attack on the UK city of Salisbury in 2018 against former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia. Both survived but a local woman who came into contact with the weapons-grade nerve agent Novichok died. UK counter-terrorism chiefs in 2021 said there was enough evidence to charge Sergeev with conspiracy to murder, attempted murder, causing grievous bodily harm, and possession and use of a chemical weapon. The UK has been one of Ukraine's biggest backers in its war against Russia's full-scale invasion of its neighbour, committing to delivering £3.0 billion ($3.9 billion) of military aid every year for as long as needed. "Putin is nearly 1,000 days into a war he thought would only take a few. He will fail and I will continue to bear down on the Kremlin and support the Ukrainian people in their fight for freedom," Lammy said. Other sanctions packages last month took aim at Russia's "shadow fleet" of tankers, used to sidestep a Western embargo on oil exports after its invasion of Ukraine. In October, Britain also sanctioned the chemical and biological arm of Russia's armed forces and its commander, Igor Kirillov, over the alleged use of chemical weapons in Ukraine. Russia was hit with a first wave of sanctions following its annexation of Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. The West tightened the screws after Moscow launched a full-fledged invasion of its neighbour in February 2022. But Russia's economy has withstood the shock, growing 5.4 per cent in the first quarter of this year as its trade relations with Asia and the Middle East soared. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

UK sanctions Russia-backed mercenaries, including Wagner group successor Africa Corps

Africa is bearing the brunt of climate change even though it only contributes about 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions. This is according to a recent report by the World Meteorological Organization. Experts are saying that these extreme weather events are due to climate change but across vast areas of Africa climate change has thrown weather patterns into disarray and made flooding much more severe. Watch in for more details!

Climate Change Causing Extreme Weather Events In Africa: Experts

A pride parade in Johannesburg was an effort by members of the LGBTQ plus Community to raise a voice against discrimination. Watch the glimpses of the parade.

Johannesburg: Hundreds Gather For Colourful Pride March

China’s influence in Africa continues to expand, especially in the pharmaceutical sector across multiple countries under the ‘Health Silk Road’ project, part of Beijing’s larger Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The expansion is not just about addressing the continent's healthcare needs but also, about solidifying China's economic interests.

China Builds 'Health Silk Road' In Africa

A canine unit that detects illegal wildlife and wildlife products was launched at the bole international airport. Wildlife trafficking in ethiopia has been so rampant that the government looks defeated in handling the menace

Ethiopia: Troubling Trend in Efforts to Combat Wildlife Crime

Rare rainfall has hit some of the most arid places on Earth. Southeastern Morocco Sahara Desert known for its frequent drought is experiencing floods. Watch in for more details!

Rare-Flooding Hits Drought Hit Sahara Dessert, Creating Lagoons Amid The Sand Dunes

Malawi's government has launched a food distribution drive, For over five million hunger-stricken people impacted by a drought exacerbated by climate change and the El Nino weather phenomenon.

Drought-Hit Malawi Offers Food Relief

A Bloomberg report quotes sources showing Kenya is in talks for a 1.5 billion dollar loan from Abu Dhabi. This is to help bridge the east African nation's budget-financing gap. Watch to know more.

Kenya in Talks for $1.5 Bn Abu Dhabi Loan

India is reportedly in talks with several countries across Africa and south America to help them build digital payment systems modelled after unified payments interface, or, upi. The national payments corporation of India’s international arm, npci international payments limited, is leading the effort.

India in Talks to Export Upi Blueprint

World Rhino Day 2024 celebrates the global efforts to protect rhinos and raise awareness about the challenges they face, from poaching to habitat loss. In this video, we highlight the conservation initiatives around the world, the progress made in safeguarding these magnificent animals, and what more can be done to ensure their survival.

World Rhino Day 2024: Day Highlights Global Effort To Protect Rhinos | World Of Africa

Climate change is making Africa a country where growing nutritious food is becoming hard. We bring you a report from Africa where bouillon or stock cubes are being used to make up for the food scarcity.

Climate change and food security in Africa

Senegal’s ruling party is in a strong position ahead of the elections on 17th of November called by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, it faces a rejuvenated opposition that has only two months to regroup. President Faye announced the news that everyone had been waiting for: the dissolution of the national assembly and the calling of early parliamentary elections on mid-November. While the decision came as no surprise, the pace will now accelerate for Senegal’s political class, which has 60 days to prepare for legislative elections that could reshuffle the parliamentary deck.

Senegal: President Faye dissolves parliament, sets snap polls

In Nigeria's northeastern Borno state, severe flooding has left over one million people struggling to survive, with many housed in camps lacking food and clean water. Aid agencies warn of a potential outbreak of waterborne diseases as medical care remains scarce. The floods, the worst in 30 years, have already claimed more than 30 lives.

Nigerian Flood Victims Desperately Wait For Medical Help After Outbreak Of Waterborne Disease

<p>The World Health Organisation and partners on Friday set up a scheme to help bring Mpox vaccines, tests, and treatments to the most vulnerable people in the world’s poorest countries, similar to efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, after earlier approving the first shot for the fast-spreading disease.</p>

<p>Both steps should make it easier for badly-hit African countries to access the vaccine, as a new type of the Mpox virus spreads from the Democratic Republic of Congo to its neighbours. The WHO has declared the outbreak a global public health emergency.</p>

<p>“Alongside other public health interventions, vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics are powerful tools for bringing the Mpox outbreaks in Africa under control,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.</p>

<p>He said COVID-19 had shown the need for international collaboration to make access fairer. During the pandemic, many low-income countries were left behind in the global scramble for medical resources, particularly vaccines.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-confirms-first-mpox-case-in-traveller-who-returned-from-africa-757167"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;India confirms first Mpox case in traveller who returned from 'country experiencing virus transmission'</strong></a></p>

<p>European countries, the United States, and Japan have already pledged to donate 3.6 million doses of the two main vaccines used against Mpox, the WHO said on Friday. Vaccinations are due to start on October 2 with the first tranches of donations.</p>

<p>The WHO urged more countries to donate shots that were originally developed and stockpiled by rich nations for smallpox and said it would work with affected countries to get them to the people at the highest risk.</p>

<p>Earlier on Friday, the WHO said it had approved Bavarian Nordic's vaccine, known as Jynneos in the United States. It is also considering LC16, made by the Japanese manufacturer KM Biologics.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;India confirms first travel-related mpox case</strong></p>

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<p>The approval, known as prequalification, means U.N. agencies can now buy the vaccines as well as help coordinate donations. Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, co-funds vaccine purchases for low-income countries in this way and has up to $500 million to spend on Mpox.</p>

<h2><strong>Delays</strong></h2>

<p>The WHO has faced criticism for moving too slowly on Mpox vaccines.</p>

<p>Bavarian Nordic's vaccine has been used worldwide since 2022 after US and European regulators backed it for use against a different strain of Mpox that spread globally in 2022.</p>

<p>The WHO only formally began the process in August this year.</p>

<p>Other factors, including the roughly $100 price tag for the vaccine, competing disease outbreaks, and sluggish processes in badly hit countries like Congo have also played a role.</p>

<p>"The evidence we have now is... it is important we take advantage of it (the vaccine) to protect our population," Dimie Ogoina, chair of the WHO's Mpox emergency committee, had said before the approval.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He however stressed that vaccines were not a "magic bullet" and other public health measures were also important.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'Off-label' use in children</strong></h2>

<p>Bavarian Nordic said the vaccine was cleared for immunization against smallpox, Mpox, and related orthopoxvirus in those who are 18 and older, but it could be used "off-label" for children and pregnant and immunocompromised people in outbreak conditions, where the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>LC16 can already be given to children, according to the Japanese regulator, although it requires a special kind of needle.</p>

<p>Children are particularly vulnerable to Mpox, a viral infection that typically causes flu-like symptoms and pus-filled skin lesions, as well as people with immune system conditions, such as HIV.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.</em></p>


The World Health Organisation and partners on Friday set up a scheme to help bring Mpox vaccines, tests, and treatments to the most vulnerable people in the world’s poorest countries, similar to efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, after earlier approving the first shot for the fast-spreading disease.

The World Health Organisation and partners on Friday set up a scheme to help bring Mpox vaccines, tests, and treatments to the most vulnerable people in the world’s poorest countries, similar to efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, after earlier approving the first shot for the fast-spreading disease. Both steps should make it easier for badly-hit African countries to access the vaccine, as a new type of the Mpox virus spreads from the Democratic Republic of Congo to its neighbours. The WHO has declared the outbreak a global public health emergency. “Alongside other public health interventions, vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics are powerful tools for bringing the Mpox outbreaks in Africa under control,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. He said COVID-19 had shown the need for international collaboration to make access fairer. During the pandemic, many low-income countries were left behind in the global scramble for medical resources, particularly vaccines. Also read: India confirms first Mpox case in traveller who returned from 'country experiencing virus transmission' European countries, the United States, and Japan have already pledged to donate 3.6 million doses of the two main vaccines used against Mpox, the WHO said on Friday. Vaccinations are due to start on October 2 with the first tranches of donations. The WHO urged more countries to donate shots that were originally developed and stockpiled by rich nations for smallpox and said it would work with affected countries to get them to the people at the highest risk. Earlier on Friday, the WHO said it had approved Bavarian Nordic's vaccine, known as Jynneos in the United States. It is also considering LC16, made by the Japanese manufacturer KM Biologics. Watch | India confirms first travel-related mpox case × The approval, known as prequalification, means U.N. agencies can now buy the vaccines as well as help coordinate donations. Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, co-funds vaccine purchases for low-income countries in this way and has up to $500 million to spend on Mpox. Delays The WHO has faced criticism for moving too slowly on Mpox vaccines. Bavarian Nordic's vaccine has been used worldwide since 2022 after US and European regulators backed it for use against a different strain of Mpox that spread globally in 2022. The WHO only formally began the process in August this year. Other factors, including the roughly $100 price tag for the vaccine, competing disease outbreaks, and sluggish processes in badly hit countries like Congo have also played a role. "The evidence we have now is... it is important we take advantage of it (the vaccine) to protect our population," Dimie Ogoina, chair of the WHO's Mpox emergency committee, had said before the approval. He however stressed that vaccines were not a "magic bullet" and other public health measures were also important. 'Off-label' use in children Bavarian Nordic said the vaccine was cleared for immunization against smallpox, Mpox, and related orthopoxvirus in those who are 18 and older, but it could be used "off-label" for children and pregnant and immunocompromised people in outbreak conditions, where the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks. LC16 can already be given to children, according to the Japanese regulator, although it requires a special kind of needle. Children are particularly vulnerable to Mpox, a viral infection that typically causes flu-like symptoms and pus-filled skin lesions, as well as people with immune system conditions, such as HIV. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

WHO approves Bavarian Nordic's vaccine for Mpox

Senegalese President Faye has dissolved the opposition led parliament. Watch to know more.

Senegalese President dissolves parliament

<p>Aviation workers in Kenya on Wednesday (Sep 11) ended their strike and returned to work following staging protests against a plan to lease the airport to India's Adani Group. Francis Atwoli, secretary general of the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU), said the govt had come up with an agreement and the plan would only move forward with the union’s approval.</p>

<p>Earlier in the day, passengers were left stranded at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Tuesday (Sep 10) night after&nbsp;Kenya Aviation Authority (KAA) workers went on strike, protesting against Indian conglomerate Adani Group's takeover of the airport.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The walk-out began at midnight, disrupting flights at the country's main airport. Queues of passengers waiting outside the terminal and lines of cars attempting to enter the area went viral on social media.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Situation at the Jomo Kenyatta International airport JKIA as Kenya Airport Authority KAA staff are on strike. <a href="https://t.co/rKadwZrDPT">pic.twitter.com/rKadwZrDPT</a></p>
— Ali 'Mwamvita' Manzu (@Ali_Manzu) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ali_Manzu/status/1833736990535176494?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"JKIA staff go-slow causes long lines as they plan to go on strike at midnight over Adani takeover deal. They’re declaring a 'total lockdown' to oppose the Indian firm, several employees tell me," one of the passengers was quoted as saying by Kenyans.co.ke.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kenya Aviation Workers Union said the strike will continue until the central government scrapped the plan to lease the airport to Adani Group for 30 years in exchange for a $1.85 billion investment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This is mockery to our sovereignty. Kenya Airports Authority has been performing these duties through a concession order. Adani is coming in with empty hands. We reject Adani," the union said on X (formerly Twitter).&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This is mockery to our sovereignty. Kenya Airports Authority has been performing these duties through a concession order. ADANI is coming in with empty hands. WE REJECT ADANI <a href="https://t.co/sKCLuucdPr">pic.twitter.com/sKCLuucdPr</a></p>
— Kenya Aviation Workers Union (@Kawu_KE) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kawu_KE/status/1833195493410934833?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/adani-australia-controversy-allegation-of-fraud-in-adanis-australia-firm-564726">Watch |&nbsp;Adani Australia controversy: Allegation of fraud in Adani's Australia firm</a></p>

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<h2>Why the protests?</h2>

<p>The union as well as critics of the move argue that Adani Grpup's takeover would lead to job losses for local staff and rob taxpayers of future airport profits.</p>

<p>The strikes were planned last month but delayed multiple times to allow for negotiations.&nbsp;The Kenyan&nbsp;government has reasoned that the airport is operating above capacity and needs modernising but that it is not for sale. According to reports Adani would add a second runway and upgrade the passenger terminal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While the protests continue, Kenya's High Court has temporarily blocked the proposed deal, according to court documents cited in an AFP report.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/congress-criticizes-sebi-over-delayed-investigation-into-adani-group-and-mauritius-fpis-756966">Also read |&nbsp;Congress criticises SEBI over delayed investigation into Adani Group and Mauritius FPIs</a></p>

<p>The Law Society of Kenya and the Kenya Human Rights Commission had filed a court challenge on Monday (Sep 9) claiming that the deal violated the "principles of good governance, accountability, transparency, and prudent and responsible use of public money".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The High Court approved their request for a delay. The date for a final court decision has yet to be set.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>


Aviation workers in Kenya on Wednesday (Sep 11) ended their strike and returned to work following staging protests against a plan to lease the airport to India's Adani Group.

Aviation workers in Kenya on Wednesday (Sep 11) ended their strike and returned to work following staging protests against a plan to lease the airport to India's Adani Group. Francis Atwoli, secretary general of the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU), said the govt had come up with an agreement and the plan would only move forward with the union’s approval. Earlier in the day, passengers were left stranded at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Tuesday (Sep 10) night after Kenya Aviation Authority (KAA) workers went on strike, protesting against Indian conglomerate Adani Group's takeover of the airport. The walk-out began at midnight, disrupting flights at the country's main airport. Queues of passengers waiting outside the terminal and lines of cars attempting to enter the area went viral on social media. Situation at the Jomo Kenyatta International airport JKIA as Kenya Airport Authority KAA staff are on strike. pic.twitter.com/rKadwZrDPT — Ali 'Mwamvita' Manzu (@Ali_Manzu) September 11, 2024 × "JKIA staff go-slow causes long lines as they plan to go on strike at midnight over Adani takeover deal. They’re declaring a 'total lockdown' to oppose the Indian firm, several employees tell me," one of the passengers was quoted as saying by Kenyans.co.ke. Kenya Aviation Workers Union said the strike will continue until the central government scrapped the plan to lease the airport to Adani Group for 30 years in exchange for a $1.85 billion investment. "This is mockery to our sovereignty. Kenya Airports Authority has been performing these duties through a concession order. Adani is coming in with empty hands. We reject Adani," the union said on X (formerly Twitter). This is mockery to our sovereignty. Kenya Airports Authority has been performing these duties through a concession order. ADANI is coming in with empty hands. WE REJECT ADANI pic.twitter.com/sKCLuucdPr — Kenya Aviation Workers Union (@Kawu_KE) September 9, 2024 × Watch | Adani Australia controversy: Allegation of fraud in Adani's Australia firm × Why the protests? The union as well as critics of the move argue that Adani Grpup's takeover would lead to job losses for local staff and rob taxpayers of future airport profits. The strikes were planned last month but delayed multiple times to allow for negotiations. The Kenyan government has reasoned that the airport is operating above capacity and needs modernising but that it is not for sale. According to reports Adani would add a second runway and upgrade the passenger terminal. While the protests continue, Kenya's High Court has temporarily blocked the proposed deal, according to court documents cited in an AFP report. Also read | Congress criticises SEBI over delayed investigation into Adani Group and Mauritius FPIs The Law Society of Kenya and the Kenya Human Rights Commission had filed a court challenge on Monday (Sep 9) claiming that the deal violated the "principles of good governance, accountability, transparency, and prudent and responsible use of public money". The High Court approved their request for a delay. The date for a final court decision has yet to be set. (With inputs from agencies)

Kenya workers protesting against proposed takeover by India's Adani Group end strike

It is a double whammy for the African continent. While the continent is battered by Mpox outbreaks, a report published by the World Health Organisation shows that number of death caused by Cholera are on the rise in Africa. The W.H.O. Data shows, over 4000 people died from the disease last year, a 71 per cent increase compared to 2022. The number of reported cases also increased by 13 per cent.

Geographic distribution of Cholera case up by 125% in Africa

#Gravitas India's Ministry of Health confirmed its first case of mpox in the country. A young male patient, who had recently returned from a country grappling with an mpox outbreak, showed symptoms of the disease. In a statement on Monday evening, the ministry confirmed the individual as the first confirmed case of mpox in India.

Mpox comes to India. Are we prepared?

China’s president IX Jinping has pledged over $50 billion in Africa summit, including $30 billion in credit and $20 billion in new investments. The focus will be on infrastructure and clean energy projects, with expanded market access but no renewal of a $300 billion purchasing promise.

China-Africa Summit:  Xi Jinping pledges $50 bn to Africa summit

Leaders from all over Africa have descended onto Beijing to attend the first in-person iteration of the Forum of China Africa cooperation in six years. Watch in for more details!

FOCAC 2024: China to support 30 new infrastructure projects in Africa

<p>Chinese top leader Xi Jinping on Thursday (Sept 5) helmed over the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit (FOCAC) to show Beijing's plans to expand ties with the continent amid debt-trap accusations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Billed as Beijing’s biggest diplomatic event in years, the representatives of more than 50 African countries are attending the triannual forum.</p>

<h2><strong>China's Africa outreach: Top takeaways from Xi Jinping's speech</strong></h2>

<p><strong>On Global South</strong>: Xi Jinping pledged to help the Global South by deploying more financial resources for Africa's purported modernisation. The 10-point proposal reflects that despite Beijing's debt trap policies, China’s influence goes beyond the traditional scope of trade and infrastructure.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Decoded: China's debt-trap diplomacy</strong></p>

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<p><strong>On Trade</strong>: Beijing announced that it will open its markets to 33 least developed countries (LDCs) in Africa. This, China claimed, will ensure that these countries enjoy zero tariffs on all Chinese products.</p>

<p><strong>Finance and Investment</strong>: Over the next three years, China claimed that it is willing to provide funding of 360 billion yuan ($50.6 billion) to support its 10-point initiative, including 210 billion yuan in loans and 80 billion yuan in aid. This means, that if China provides a $10 loan to a country in Africa, of this, nearly $6 will be in loan, on which the level of interest rate needs to be clarified at the time of filing this report.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>On Governance</strong>: China claimed that it will help train African officials to improve governance. Beijing proposed to build 25 African research centres and invite 1,000 African officials and politicians to China to learn about modern governance.</p>

<p><strong>Technology, green industry and health</strong>: China also proposed 30 interconnectivity projects and 1,000 "small and beautiful projects" in Africa under its Belt and Road Initiative.</p>

<p>Beijing will build 20 digitalisation projects to help the continent "embrace the new technology revolution". China claimed that it would also cooperate with African countries in laboratories and satellite remote sensing.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Chinese top leader Xi Jinping on Thursday (Sept 5) helmed over the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit (FOCAC) to show Beijing's plans to expand ties with the continent amid debt-trap accusations.

Chinese top leader Xi Jinping on Thursday (Sept 5) helmed over the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit (FOCAC) to show Beijing's plans to expand ties with the continent amid debt-trap accusations. Billed as Beijing’s biggest diplomatic event in years, the representatives of more than 50 African countries are attending the triannual forum. China's Africa outreach: Top takeaways from Xi Jinping's speech On Global South: Xi Jinping pledged to help the Global South by deploying more financial resources for Africa's purported modernisation. The 10-point proposal reflects that despite Beijing's debt trap policies, China’s influence goes beyond the traditional scope of trade and infrastructure. Also watch | Decoded: China's debt-trap diplomacy × On Trade: Beijing announced that it will open its markets to 33 least developed countries (LDCs) in Africa. This, China claimed, will ensure that these countries enjoy zero tariffs on all Chinese products. Finance and Investment: Over the next three years, China claimed that it is willing to provide funding of 360 billion yuan ($50.6 billion) to support its 10-point initiative, including 210 billion yuan in loans and 80 billion yuan in aid. This means, that if China provides a $10 loan to a country in Africa, of this, nearly $6 will be in loan, on which the level of interest rate needs to be clarified at the time of filing this report. On Governance: China claimed that it will help train African officials to improve governance. Beijing proposed to build 25 African research centres and invite 1,000 African officials and politicians to China to learn about modern governance. Technology, green industry and health: China also proposed 30 interconnectivity projects and 1,000 "small and beautiful projects" in Africa under its Belt and Road Initiative. Beijing will build 20 digitalisation projects to help the continent "embrace the new technology revolution". China claimed that it would also cooperate with African countries in laboratories and satellite remote sensing. (With inputs from agencies)

China's Xi expands his 'debt trap' net with latest package for Africa

#Gravitas | Thailand is reportedly facing an uphill battle against the blackchin tilapia, an invasive fish species. It is reportedly described as the most invasive species to hit Thailand and threatening to decimate local ecosystems. The Thailand government is scrambling to stop its spread and paying people to catch the fish. Reportedly in seven months, Thailand has caught 1.3 million kilograms of this invasive fish.

African Fish Swarm Across Thailand's Seas | Gravitas

Chinese President Xi Jinping will welcome African leaders to Beijing this week. This comes at a time when the budget is reduced and a better idea of what China wants in return — greater profits and fewer problems.

FOCAC 2024: Xi wants bigger returns & fewer headaches

FOCAC 2024: China hosts African statesmen for fresh round of investments

Beijing is hosting leaders from across Africa, at the 2024 edition of the China–Africa cooperation forum. Leaders from all over the continent have been invited to the Chinese capital, to see what reinvigorated Chinese lenders have in store for their nations. Ahead of the forum, new data from a Boston-based think tank has revealed that Chinese lending, after four years of a pandemic slump, is finally on the up again but China is also shifting gears in the way it's choosing to spend it's money. Watch in for more details!

Chinese investors re-hedge bets in Africa | World of Africa

Africa has secured less than 10% of the estimated $245 million it needs to fight a surging mpox outbreak on the continent, a senior official from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) said on Wednesday.

Africa: CDC unable to secure adequate funds for Mpox

Africa's mpox response is less than 10% funded, says Africa CDC

The world’s second-largest diamond a rough 2,492-carat stone has been found in Botswana. It is reportedly the biggest diamond discovered in over a century. Although no official details of its value have been shared, it is estimated to be over 40 million US dollars.

World's second-largest diamond found in southern Africa

<p>Argentine authorities have quarantined a cargo ship as a case of mpox virus is suspected among the people onboard. The person has been isolated and medical emergency protocols are being followed, said the ministry on Tuesday, August 20.</p>

<p>The vessel travelling to San Lorenzo port in the Santa Fe province has been anchored in the Parana River.</p>

<p>WHO declared mpox a global public health emergency after a surge in the cases in Africa, as new cases of the virus are being reported from other countries worldwide.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Death toll in DRC crosses 500</h2>

<p>The mpox virus has claimed 548 lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), according to reports. The country has been experiencing a concerning outbreak since late 2022. However, the new variant, Clade 1b, is proving to be more deadly and resulting in a higher number of deaths with severe infections.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mpox-crisis-virus-cases-logged-in-africa-this-year-exceed-last-years-total-751083">Mpox crisis: Virus cases logged in Africa this year exceed last year's total</a></strong></p>

<p>Mpox belongs to the same family as the smallpox virus and spreads through contact with an infected person or animal. The common symptoms include rash (papules), fever, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and chills.</p>

<h2>Which countries have reported mpox so far?</h2>

<p>Apart from the ongoing cases in DRC, the following countries have reported mpox cases so far:</p>

<p><strong>Thailand:</strong> The Asian country records its first case of mpox. The person travelled from an African country on August 14.</p>

<p><strong>Philippines:</strong> The country reported its first case of mpox virus, according to its health department on Monday, August 19. The case reported is a 33-year-old Filipino man with no travel history.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Pakistan:</strong> The health department of Pakistan confirmed that three cases of mpox were detected in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Friday, August 16. The patients had arrived from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), after which the infection was detected.</p>

<p><strong>Sweden:</strong> The first case of the new strain of mpox virus recorded outside of Africa was confirmed by the Swedish authorities on Thursday, August 15. The person got infected during a visit to Africa, where a major outbreak has been reported.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mpox-crisis-who-pushes-for-mpox-vaccine-production-surge-as-death-toll-in-drc-nears-550-751115">Mpox crisis: WHO pushes for scaling up mpox vaccine production as death toll in DRC nears 550</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Burundi:</strong> The neighbouring country of DRC has reported 173 cases, with a rise of 75 per cent.</p>

<p><strong>Nigeria:</strong> The country recorded 39 cases and 788 suspected cases of the virus this year according to the health officials.</p>

<p>Other countries which have recorded cases of mpox include South Africa, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Liberia, and Ghana.</p>

<p>Countries in Europe and Asia are on high alert, gearing up their vigilance and screening at entry points, along with preparing for potential outbreaks.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Argentine authorities have quarantined a cargo ship as a case of mpox virus is suspected among the people onboard. The person has been isolated and medical emergency protocols are being followed, said the ministry on Tuesday, August 20.

Argentine authorities have quarantined a cargo ship as a case of mpox virus is suspected among the people onboard. The person has been isolated and medical emergency protocols are being followed, said the ministry on Tuesday, August 20. The vessel travelling to San Lorenzo port in the Santa Fe province has been anchored in the Parana River. WHO declared mpox a global public health emergency after a surge in the cases in Africa, as new cases of the virus are being reported from other countries worldwide. Death toll in DRC crosses 500 The mpox virus has claimed 548 lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), according to reports. The country has been experiencing a concerning outbreak since late 2022. However, the new variant, Clade 1b, is proving to be more deadly and resulting in a higher number of deaths with severe infections. Also read: Mpox crisis: Virus cases logged in Africa this year exceed last year's total Mpox belongs to the same family as the smallpox virus and spreads through contact with an infected person or animal. The common symptoms include rash (papules), fever, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and chills. Which countries have reported mpox so far? Apart from the ongoing cases in DRC, the following countries have reported mpox cases so far: Thailand: The Asian country records its first case of mpox. The person travelled from an African country on August 14. Philippines: The country reported its first case of mpox virus, according to its health department on Monday, August 19. The case reported is a 33-year-old Filipino man with no travel history. Pakistan: The health department of Pakistan confirmed that three cases of mpox were detected in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Friday, August 16. The patients had arrived from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), after which the infection was detected. Sweden: The first case of the new strain of mpox virus recorded outside of Africa was confirmed by the Swedish authorities on Thursday, August 15. The person got infected during a visit to Africa, where a major outbreak has been reported. Also read | Mpox crisis: WHO pushes for scaling up mpox vaccine production as death toll in DRC nears 550 Burundi: The neighbouring country of DRC has reported 173 cases, with a rise of 75 per cent. Nigeria: The country recorded 39 cases and 788 suspected cases of the virus this year according to the health officials. Other countries which have recorded cases of mpox include South Africa, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Liberia, and Ghana. Countries in Europe and Asia are on high alert, gearing up their vigilance and screening at entry points, along with preparing for potential outbreaks. (With inputs from agencies)

Mpox crisis: Argentina ship quarantined; Thailand records first case

Southern Africa is grappling with a severe drought exacerbated by the El Nino phenomenon, impacting nearly 68 million people, according to the Southern African development community. The drought has led to widespread food shortages, severely affecting countries such as Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Zambia. The crisis stems from the region experiencing its driest February in a century, with rainfall plummeting to just 20% of usual levels.

El Nino drives Africa's food crisis

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