Author: Sam Allcock

Nicola Sturgeon, the former First Minister of Scotland, will officially launch her memoir, Frankly, on August 14 at the Edinburgh International Book Festival. This event marks the first public release of the book and will take place at the well-known McEwan Hall. The launch is part of a special program called The Front List, which runs from August 12 to August 24. It will be held near the main festival site at the Edinburgh Futures Institute. A Look Inside Sturgeon’s Memoir Sturgeon’s memoir, Frankly, promises to give a personal view of her time in politics. She served as Scotland’s First…

Iran’s influence in Lebanon and Syria is weakening as both countries experience political changes. In Syria, the rise of a new government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa signals a push to limit Iranian control. Meanwhile, Lebanon’s growing political stability and the weakening of Hezbollah suggest that Iran’s grip on the region is slipping. Iran Faces Loss of Power in Lebanon Iran has long maintained a strong foothold in Lebanon, primarily through its support of Hezbollah, a political and militant group founded in the 1980s. However, Lebanon’s political landscape is changing, and Iran’s influence is diminishing. Hezbollah has been a powerful force…

Rigathi Gachagua’s rise to political prominence has been marked by both admiration for his strategic skills and growing concerns about his controversial past. As Kenya’s Deputy President, Gachagua’s sharp political acumen has propelled him into the center of the country’s leadership. However, his history, which includes allegations of corruption and other legal challenges, is becoming a liability that could affect his political future. Despite his ability to maneuver within Kenya’s complex political landscape, questions regarding his integrity remain at the forefront. Political Experience and Strategy Rigathi Gachagua’s political journey began in the early 2000s, when he served as a personal…

Tomike Adeoye, a prominent figure in Nigeria’s media and entertainment industry, has been named the new Managing Director and CEO of LightHill Studio, a leading creative hub in Lagos. Adeoye, known for her work as an actress, presenter, and brand influencer, steps into this role with a wealth of experience in media, storytelling, and digital engagement. A New Era for LightHill Studio LightHill Studio, located in Lagos, has long been a go-to destination for filmmakers, photographers, musicians, and content creators. Known for its cutting-edge audio and visual facilities, the studio provides a collaborative environment for businesses and artists to bring…

At midnight on Tuesday, the United States officially imposed a 25% tariff on goods imported from Canada and Mexico, launching a new phase of trade tensions with two of its closest allies. President Donald Trump also doubled existing tariffs on Chinese imports from 10% to 25%, making this the most significant tariff increase in the U.S. since the 1940s. As a result, businesses across multiple industries are scrambling to mitigate the impact of rising costs and economic uncertainty. Immediate Effects on Businesses From farmers to restaurant owners, the repercussions of the new tariffs are already being felt. In Minnesota, farmer…

Thailand, known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and world-class cuisine, is a dream destination for many travelers. Whether you’re visiting the bustling streets of Bangkok or exploring the serene temples of Chiang Mai, understanding local customs and etiquette is essential for a respectful and enjoyable experience. By following these 13 essential manners, tourists can immerse themselves in Thai culture and be greeted with warmth by locals. 1. Always Remove Your Shoes In Thailand, it is customary to remove your shoes before entering any building, including homes, guesthouses, and even some shops. This practice ensures that the interior remains…

B2B fintech startup Rupifi has successfully raised INR 1,215 crore ($146 million) in a bridge funding round, backed by key investors such as Bessemer Venture Partners. This funding will enable Rupifi to expand its fintech operations and achieve its strategic growth objectives. The substantial capital injection highlights growing investor confidence in the Indian fintech sector and Rupifi’s potential to provide innovative financial solutions for businesses. Funding Details and Investor Participation Rupifi’s board has approved the issuance of 66,427 Pre-Series B3 compulsorily convertible preference shares (CCPS) at a price of INR 1.82 lakh per share. The funding round sees strong support…

Bhutan’s national carrier, Drukair, is set to launch a new air route connecting Paro and Dubai, beginning in October 2024. The airline will operate flights twice a week, strengthening Bhutan’s connectivity with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and providing new opportunities for tourism and trade. As part of an initiative to attract more visitors, the Bhutanese government is offering a 25% airfare subsidy for travelers paying the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) in USD. This discount applies during select months in 2024 and 2025. New Paro-Dubai Flight Enhances Bhutan’s Global Reach Drukair’s latest international route marks a significant step in expanding…

The Indian government is spearheading the development of indigenous voice-based artificial intelligence (AI) models, shifting away from the conventional text-driven AI systems that dominate the global market. This initiative aims to enhance accessibility, allowing millions to interact with AI in their native languages through speech rather than text. A Shift Towards Voice-Enabled AI Unlike popular AI chatbots such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini, or Elon Musk’s Grok—which predominantly function via text-based inputs—India’s focus is on fostering voice interactions. While global tech firms have incorporated voice features into their AI assistants, their models are largely optimized for English and a few…

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has strengthened its commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s educational landscape by forging a partnership with British institutions. This collaboration aims to promote transnational education, fostering knowledge exchange and capacity building within Nigerian higher education institutions. Redirecting Funds for Local Capacity Building TETFund has announced a strategic shift, reallocating funds from its previously suspended overseas scholarship program. These resources will now support in-house training and faculty development to improve the quality of education in Nigeria. The Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc. Sonny Echono, made this known during a meeting with a delegation from the British Council,…