By: Lloyd Mahachi German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Russian President Vladimir Putin have spoken directly for the first time since late 2022, in a phone call initiated by the German side. The call lasted around an hour and focused on various aspects of the situation around Ukraine. This marks a critical moment in Germany-Russia relations amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which intensified with Russia’s controversial activities. The call’s significance is heightened by its timing, coming shortly after Donald Trump’s US election win, which may signal a shift in Washington’s stance on the conflict. Scholz condemned Russia’s war of aggression…
Author: JOSEY AGENCY
By: Lloyd Mahachi The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has changed its mind about the Alzheimer’s drug lecanemab, also known as Leqembi. After re-examining the drug, the EMA now recommends approving it for use, but only for certain patients. This decision is a reversal of their initial opinion in July, when they refused to approve the drug due to concerns about its side effects. Lecanemab is designed to treat mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia caused by Alzheimer’s disease. It works by targeting amyloid beta, a protein that forms plaques in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s. The drug is administered…
By: Lloyd Mahachi The United Nations climate talks have been deemed ineffective in addressing the climate crisis, with key experts calling for an urgent overhaul. The recent COP29 conference in Azerbaijan has sparked concerns, with the country’s president defending fossil fuel exports and calling them a “gift from God.” This stance has raised eyebrows, as the use of oil and gas is a major contributor to global warming. The climate crisis is escalating, with this year likely to be the warmest on record. Emissions of planet-warming gases continue to rise, and the impacts of warming often outpace countries’ ability to…
By: Lloyd Mahachi There has been a big increase in measles cases around the world. In 2023, over 10 million people got measles. This is 20% more than the year before. The main reason for this rise is that fewer people are getting vaccinated. To stop measles from spreading, at least 95% of people need to get two doses of the vaccine. But last year, only 83% of children got their first dose, and 74% got their second dose. Many countries had big measles outbreaks in 2023. Fifty-seven countries had serious outbreaks, and Africa was the hardest hit. The World…
By: Lloyd Mahachi South Africa has cut off food and water supplies to approximately 4,000 illegal gold miners hiding underground in the North West province. The miners, known as “zama zamas,” have been living in the mineshaft for about a month, and the government is trying to “smoke them out” and arrest them. Many of these miners are undocumented immigrants from neighboring countries like Lesotho and Mozambique, and they fear being deported. This fear has driven them to desperate measures, with some reportedly spending months underground in unsafe conditions. The South African government is taking a firm stance against illegal…
By: Lloyd Mahachi Japanese soccer player Kazuyoshi Miura, widely recognized as the world’s oldest active professional soccer player, is set to return for his 40th professional season at the remarkable age of 58. According to Japan’s Kyodo news agency, Miura, affectionately known as “King Kazu,” plans to suit up again next season for his fourth-tier Japanese club, Atletico Suzuka. Miura’s illustrious career has spanned decades, with his professional debut dating back to 1986 with Brazilian club Santos, the legendary team of Pelé. Over the years, he has played professionally in various countries, including Brazil, Italy, Croatia, Australia, and Portugal. His…
By: Lloyd Mahachi A team of scientists has discovered the world’s largest coral in the Solomon Islands, located in the southwest Pacific Ocean. The massive coral, measuring 34 meters wide, 32 meters long, and 5.5 meters high, is believed to be over 300 years old. The coral was found by videographer Manu San Felix while diving from a National Geographic research vessel. Felix described the experience as “emotional” and likened the coral to a “cathedral underwater.” He added, “I felt this huge respect for something that’s stayed in one place and survived for hundreds of years.” Scientists measured the coral…
By: Lloyd Mahachi South African soccer president Danny Jordaan, who played a pivotal role in bringing the 2010 FIFA World Cup to Africa, has been arrested on fraud and theft charges. Jordaan, currently the president of the South African Football Association (SAFA), is accused of misusing approximately R1.3 million ($72,372) of SAFA funds for personal gain. The allegations against Jordaan include hiring a PR firm and a private security company using SAFA funds, without authorization. This arrest follows a raid by the Special Investigating Unit at SAFA’s offices in March, where electronic devices and files were seized for further investigation.…
By : Lloyd Mahachi Dawit Isaak, a brave journalist from Eritrea, has been unjustly imprisoned for 23 long years without facing trial. His courageous fight for freedom of expression has earned him the prestigious Edelstam Prize. Dawit co-founded Eritrea’s first independent newspaper, Setit, which boldly called for democratic reforms and challenged the government. In 2001, Dawit was suddenly arrested along with other senior government officials, members of parliament, and independent journalists. The Eritrean government’s crackdown on dissent led to their imprisonment. Since then, the government has refused to share information about Dawit’s location, health, or well-being. The Edelstam Foundation, a…
By : Lloyd Mahachi Mauritius’ recent general election marked a significant turning point in the country’s political landscape, as the opposition Alliance of Change secured a staggering 60 out of 64 seats. Navin Ramgoolam, leader of the Alliance, was appointed prime minister for the third time, signaling a substantial defeat for the ruling Lepep alliance. The Lepep alliance, which had dominated Mauritian politics for years, secured only two seats, down from 42 in the 2019 elections. The election was marred by controversy, including a phone-tapping scandal and a brief social media ban. However, this did not deter voters, with a…