Author: REUTERS

By REUTERS Ghana is set to choose a company to build its first nuclear power plant by December, with contenders including EDF from France, NuScale Power from the US, Regnum Technology Group, China National Nuclear Corporation, South Korea’s Kepco, Korea Hydro Nuclear Power Corporation, and Russia’s Rosatom. The contract, expected to span the next decade, is a crucial step in Ghana’s plan to introduce nuclear power to its energy mix, with aims to add about 1,000 megawatts of nuclear power to its electricity supply by 2034. This decision comes as Ghana, like other African nations, is exploring nuclear power as…

European research labs are set to receive a massive 2.5 billion euros in funding to develop and test future generations of advanced semiconductors under the European Chips Act. The pilot line, hosted by Belgium’s imec, will support industry, academics, and startups in accessing cutting-edge chip-making technology. The EU’s Chips Act, established last year with a total budget of 43 billion euros, aims to boost domestic semiconductor manufacturing and counterbalance global initiatives following shortages during the Covid-19 pandemic. The initiative will accelerate innovation, strengthen the European chip ecosystem, and drive economic growth. European and global tech suppliers will equip the research…

Australia and New Zealand are sending government planes to evacuate nationals from New Caledonia, where deadly riots erupted following electoral changes by the French government. The airport remains closed for commercial flights, with over 3,200 people waiting to leave or enter the territory. France has deployed over 1,000 gendarmes and police to restore order, with roads in Noumea being cleared of debris. The unrest has resulted in 6 deaths and widespread destruction of businesses and shops. New Zealand and Australia are working with French authorities to evacuate tourists, with New Zealand’s foreign minister emphasizing the urgency of bringing their nationals…

Three former US foreign policy officials from Donald Trump’s administration visited Israel to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other public figures. The delegation included Robert O’Brien, John Rakolta, and Ed McMullen. They also met with opposition leader Yair Lapid and other Israeli officials to gain a better understanding of Israel’s complex domestic political situation. These Trump allies, although not acting at the former president’s request, are informal advisers to Trump. The visit comes amidst tensions between Israel and the Biden administration over Israel’s conduct in the Gaza conflict. The delegation’s discussions with Israeli officials remain undisclosed, but they…

The United States stated that logistical challenges prevented them from assisting Iran after a helicopter crash that killed President Ebrahim Raisi. Despite offering condolences, the US could not provide aid due to logistical constraints. Iran requested assistance from the US, a rare move given their adversarial relationship. However, the US clarified that it would help in such circumstances but cited logistical complications for not being able to do so. Following the crash, the charred wreckage of the helicopter was discovered, but Iran has not confirmed the cause. Amid speculation, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin asserted that the US was not…

Former BlackRock vice-president, Hamdan Azhar, filed a lawsuit against the asset manager for US$20 million, claiming he was fired after objecting to a colleague’s self-dealing. Azhar alleged that he was forced to shut down a search engine, Trend Spotter, which monitored client discussions about illegal investments, including in China. He was terminated after raising concerns about a US$2 million contract awarded to a company owned by a former boss’s spouse, calling it “illegal self-dealing.” Azhar also accused BlackRock of ignoring potential unethical client discussions that Trend Spotter could have tracked. Despite developing the project in March 2021, he was fired…

Iran declared five days of mourning for President Ebrahim Raisi after his death in a helicopter crash, but the subdued atmosphere exposed the lack of public grief usually seen in such situations. While some loyalists prayed for Raisi, others openly celebrated his death. The Iranian government’s handling of past crises, including violent crackdowns, has widened the gap between the ruling clerics and the people. Critics of the regime blame Raisi for past atrocities and expect little change in the governing structure despite his passing. The likelihood of another hardliner taking his place adds to the disillusionment felt by many Iranians.…

By REUTERS Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, a hardliner seen as a potential successor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in a helicopter crash near the Azerbaijan border. The wreckage of the helicopter carrying Raisi and the foreign minister was found after an overnight search in blizzard conditions. The cause of the crash remains unknown. Raisi, known for tightening moral laws, cracking down on protests, and leading nuclear talks, was elected president in 2021. The crash, amid international concerns over Iran’s nuclear program and military ties, comes at a time of growing dissent within Iran. Expressing concern and offering…

By REUTERS The leader of an attempted coup in the Democratic Republic of Congo was caught broadcasting live on Facebook from inside the presidential palace before being killed by authorities after the failed putsch. In the verified video, ringleader Christian Malanga expressed discontent with President Tshisekedi, leading a failed rebellion in Kinshasa. The government confirmed Malanga’s death during an attack on the palace and parliament speaker’s residence. Around 50 individuals, including three American citizens, were arrested in connection with the coup. Malanga’s son was among the detained US nationals. This dramatic event highlights the political turmoil in the region as…

South Korea has banned access to a North Korean propaganda music video that glorifies leader Kim Jong Un as a “friendly father” and “great leader.” This decision aligns with South Korea’s National Security Act, which aims to restrict exposure to North Korea’s government websites and media. The two Koreas remain technically at war following the 1950-1953 Korean War. The ban on the video comes after intelligence authorities raised concerns about its violation of the law. The video, titled “Friendly Father,” went viral on social media platforms like TikTok. North Korea often uses such propaganda to bolster loyalty towards its leaders…