Seoul, South Korea | AFP | Radio signals and radar activity detected at a North Korean missile base have raised concerns the reclusive regime may be preparing a new missile test, news reports in Seoul and Tokyo said Tuesday. The North has stoked international alarm over its banned nuclear missile …
Read More »Franken ‘sorry’ as US Congress targets harassment
Washington, United States | AFP | An “ashamed” US senator said he would work to regain the people’s trust Monday after being accused of sexual misconduct, as Congress moved to root out harassment with allegations now targeting several sitting lawmakers. Democrat Al Franken, a former comedian and darling of the …
Read More »Russia builds inside-out arena for World Cup
How does it feel to be on the outside looking in? Moscow, Russia | AFP | Football fans visiting Yekaterinburg in the Russian Urals for the 2018 World Cup will find out when they get seated in one of two temporary stands that fill empty plots of land next to …
Read More »Diabetes, obesity behind 800,000 cancers worldwide: study
Paris, France | AFP | Nearly six percent of new cancers diagnosed worldwide in 2012 — some 800,000 cases — were caused by diabetes and excess weight, according to a study published Tuesday. Among the 12 types of cancer examined, the percentage of cases chalked up to these factors was …
Read More »Meghan Markle helped raise global attention to gender equality: UN
United Nations, United States | AFP | Meghan Markle has helped the world focus attention on gender equality, the UN women’s agency said Monday, voicing hope that Prince Harry’s fiancée will continue to use her voice for women. The 36-year-old actress became an advocate for women’s political participation and leadership …
Read More »Evacuation centres, hotels fill up as Bali eruption looms
Karangasem, Indonesia | AFP | Evacuation centres and hotels in Bali filled up Tuesday with tens of thousands seeking refuge as a volcano on the Indonesian resort island threatened to erupt, forcing the closure of the main airport for a second day. Stranded tourists hunted for accommodation while frightened villagers …
Read More »Teargas, chaos as Kenyatta to be sworn in for disputed second term
Nairobi, Kenya | AFP | Kenyan police fired teargas and clashed with both ruling party and opposition supporters Tuesday ahead of the swearing in as president of Uhuru Kenyatta after two disputed polls that have left the nation deeply divided. As foreign and local dignitaries poured into the 60,000-seat Kasarani …
Read More »Halima Namakula; singer, mother, humanitarian
Kampala, Uganda | AGNES. E. NANTABA | Halima Namakula made her mark on Uganda’s music industry close to two decades ago by turning a nursery rhyme into a well composed and danceable tune. `Ekimbeewo’ was her first and break through hit which launched her into the music industry. But going professional at …
Read More »Obamas ‘delighted’ by British royal engagement
Washington, United States | AFP | Barack and Michelle Obama said Monday they were “delighted” to learn of the engagement of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, whose Invictus Games the former presidential couple has actively championed. Britain’s royal family announced earlier Monday that the one-time playboy royal would marry his …
Read More »Government offers licenses to 11 firms to operate in Free Zones
Kampala, Uganda | ISAAC KHISA | Uganda’s balance of payment deficit has remained wide for some time now but there are signs that the gap will soon be reduced as the government issues licenses to developers in Free Zones. Free Zones are geographic areas where raw materials and goods may be …
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