作者: admin

  • Russian security prevents attack on Krasnodar railways

    Russian security prevents attack on Krasnodar railways

    The Federal Security Service (FSB) of Russia has announced the prevention of a planned terrorist attack in Krasnodar City, allegedly orchestrated by Ukrainian special services. According to the FSB’s Directorate for the Krasnodar region, the sabotage aimed to target the region’s transport infrastructure, specifically intending to disrupt the delivery of military equipment and weapons to the area of Russia’s special military operation. The FSB revealed that the plot involved the detonation of railway tracks using an improvised explosive device (IED), which would have severely impacted logistical operations. The suspect, identified as a Ukrainian citizen residing in the Krasnodar region, was reportedly recruited through a banned social network by an agent of Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU). The individual has since been arrested, and a criminal case has been initiated. This incident underscores the escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine, with both sides accusing each other of engaging in covert operations to destabilize the other’s military and civilian infrastructure.

  • Russia does not know whether Ukraine accepted US peace plan

    Russia does not know whether Ukraine accepted US peace plan

    Moscow has yet to receive formal notification regarding Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s agreement to engage in negotiations over the peace plan proposed by former US President Donald Trump, according to a recent statement. The Kremlin emphasized that there is no official confirmation of reports circulating in foreign media about Kiev’s readiness to discuss the plan’s specifics, ongoing consultations, or potential signing dates. These reports have sparked widespread speculation about the future of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

    In a related development, Zelensky took to his Telegram channel last night to address the matter. He revealed that during a meeting with US representatives on Thursday, he outlined Ukraine’s key principles for resolving the conflict. Zelensky also expressed his intention to hold discussions with Trump in the near future, signaling a potential diplomatic breakthrough.

    Earlier this week, several US media outlets disclosed that Russia and the United States had conducted secret consultations to develop a 28-point peace plan aimed at ending the hostilities between Kiev and Moscow. The draft reportedly includes controversial provisions, such as reducing Ukraine’s military forces by half and withdrawing from contested territories in Donbas. In exchange, Ukraine would receive security guarantees from Washington. Additionally, the plan suggests formal recognition of Crimea and Donbas as Russian territories by the US and other nations, though Ukraine would not be compelled to accept this recognition.

    A senior US official confirmed to NBC News on Wednesday that Trump has endorsed the plan. Meanwhile, Axios reported that the White House has characterized the document as ‘open,’ inviting input from Kiev and its European allies to ensure their perspectives are incorporated. This approach underscores the complexity of the negotiations and the challenges of reaching a consensus among all stakeholders.

  • DRC and UAE reaffirm commitment to deepening cooperation

    DRC and UAE reaffirm commitment to deepening cooperation

    In a significant diplomatic engagement, Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi met with UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan on November 16. The meeting, detailed in a document published by the DRC Presidency on its X account, highlighted the robust and enduring partnership between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Both parties reviewed their bilateral relations and discussed regional issues of mutual interest, underscoring the steady progress in their cooperation over recent years. The UAE Foreign Minister expressed strong support for the DRC’s presidency of the International Conference of the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), a move seen as pivotal for regional stability. Additionally, the UAE lauded the signing of the Doha Peace Framework Agreement between the DRC Government and the Congo River Alliance—March 23 Movement (AFC/M23), describing it as a crucial step toward national reconciliation and the fulfillment of the Congolese people’s aspirations for security, prosperity, and lasting peace. The two nations agreed to further enhance and expand their collaborative efforts, signaling a commitment to deepening their strategic partnership.

  • Pogba debuts for Monaco in first game in over two years

    Pogba debuts for Monaco in first game in over two years

    In a highly anticipated comeback, Paul Pogba returned to competitive football on Saturday, marking his first appearance in over two years. The 32-year-old midfielder came on as a late substitute for Monaco in their 4-1 loss to Rennes. Pogba’s career has been marred by injuries, a doping suspension, and an extortion case in which he was the victim. Despite these challenges, he expressed gratitude for his return, stating, ‘Football isn’t over for me. We’ve worked hard, we’ve waited more than two years to get back, and today it finally happened. Thank God.’

    Pogba received a warm ovation from the crowd at Roazhon Park when he entered the pitch in the 85th minute and again after the final whistle. ‘It really touched me to see the crowd stand and applaud. I honestly didn’t expect that, so a huge thank you to all the fans who were there today and supported me,’ he said. Pogba’s return comes after a tumultuous period that included a four-year doping ban, later reduced to 18 months, and the termination of his contract with Juventus in November 2023.

    Monaco took a gamble on Pogba following the conclusion of his suspension in March, and coach Sebastien Pocognoli chose to bring him on despite the team’s dire situation, trailing by four goals and down to 10 men. Rennes dominated the match with goals from Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal, Mahdi Camara, Breel Embolo, and Ludovic Blas, while Monaco’s lone goal came from Mika Biereth after Pogba’s introduction.

    Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) maintained their lead in Ligue 1 with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Le Havre. Goals from Lee Kang-in, Joao Neves, and Bradley Barcola secured the win, allowing PSG to reclaim their two-point cushion at the top of the table. Earlier on Saturday, Marseille and Lens had temporarily overtaken PSG, with Lens edging Strasbourg 1-0 thanks to Ismaelo Ganiou’s second-half winner. Marseille, however, dominated Nice with a 5-1 victory on Friday, with Mason Greenwood scoring twice to become the league’s top scorer with 10 goals.

    Pogba’s return marks a significant moment in his career, as he looks to regain full fitness and contribute to Monaco’s campaign. ‘I’m relieved to be back playing football, the thing I love most in the world. But there’s still work to do to get back to full fitness, play 90 minutes, and help the team as much as possible,’ he added.

  • State ministers support local farmers in Douglas Castle with fertilisers and seedlings

    State ministers support local farmers in Douglas Castle with fertilisers and seedlings

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a concerted effort to aid agricultural recovery, several Jamaican state ministers visited Douglas Castle in St Ann to provide relief to farmers impacted by Hurricane Melissa. The initiative, led by Zavia Mayne, Member of Parliament for St Ann South Western, saw the distribution of fertiliser and seedlings to help restore crops and livelihoods. Mayne was joined by Alando Terrelonge, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, and Juliet Cuthbert-Flynn, Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security and Peace.

    Mayne highlighted the severe devastation faced by farmers and stressed the urgent need for targeted support to revive farming districts, which are vital to rural and national development. Terrelonge echoed this sentiment, emphasising the importance of safeguarding Jamaica’s food security amidst global supply chain uncertainties. He noted that supporting farmers is crucial for maintaining a stable source of locally produced food and building long-term resilience.

    Cuthbert-Flynn praised the collaborative efforts of government ministries and agencies in addressing the challenges faced by rural communities. She called for more initiatives to bolster local recovery efforts and ensure consistent support for affected constituencies.

    This relief effort is part of the Holness administration’s broader agricultural recovery and resilience programme, designed to restore productivity, strengthen food security, and support communities hardest hit by recent weather events.

  • Six airlines cancel Venezuela flights after US warning

    Six airlines cancel Venezuela flights after US warning

    CARACAS, Venezuela — In a significant development, six international airlines have suspended their flights to Venezuela following a warning from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) about heightened military activity and deteriorating security in the region. The airlines affected include Spain’s Iberia, Portugal’s TAP, Chile’s LATAM, Colombia’s Avianca, Brazil’s GOL, and Trinidad and Tobago’s Caribbean Airlines, according to Marisela de Loaiza, president of the Venezuelan Airlines Association (ALAV). The duration of these suspensions remains unspecified. Meanwhile, Panama’s Copa Airlines, Spain’s Air Europa and PlusUltra, Turkish Airlines, and Venezuela’s LASER continue to operate flights. The FAA’s advisory, issued on Friday, cautioned civilian aircraft in Venezuelan airspace about potential risks at all altitudes, including during takeoff, landing, and overflight, as well as threats to grounded aircraft and airports. This warning comes amid a major US military buildup in the region, including the deployment of an aircraft carrier strike group, Navy warships, and stealth aircraft. While Washington claims these measures are aimed at combating drug trafficking, they have raised concerns in Caracas about potential regime change. Additionally, a US terrorism designation targeting a drug cartel allegedly led by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro takes effect Monday, fueling speculation about possible military action. Since early September, US forces have conducted strikes against over 20 vessels in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean, resulting in more than 80 deaths. However, the US has not provided concrete evidence linking these vessels to drug smuggling, exacerbating regional tensions.

  • Agriculture ministry to rebuild poultry sector after 1.1 million bird loss

    Agriculture ministry to rebuild poultry sector after 1.1 million bird loss

    In response to the severe impact of Hurricane Melissa on October 28, Jamaica’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining has unveiled a comprehensive recovery plan for the poultry sector. Minister Floyd Green revealed that preliminary assessments indicate a loss of over 1.1 million birds, including 458,000 layers and more than 700,000 broiler chickens. This devastation surpasses the damage caused by Hurricane Beryl in 2024, which resulted in the loss of approximately 300,000 chickens.

  • CXC extends exam timetable for Jamaica

    CXC extends exam timetable for Jamaica

    In response to the widespread disruption caused by Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica’s education sector is implementing significant adjustments to mitigate the impact on students. Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon, Minister of Education, Skills, Youth, and Information, announced on November 21 in the Senate that the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) has agreed to extend the examination timetable for Jamaica. This extension will allow students additional preparation time, with exams scheduled later than in other regions. Additionally, the Ministry is considering extending the dates for the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examinations, though a final decision has yet to be made. Senator Morris Dixon also revealed that negotiations for reduced CXC fees are nearing completion, with an announcement expected soon. To address the challenges faced by students preparing for external examinations, the Ministry is collaborating with the CXC to introduce flexible measures, including adjusted deadlines for School-Based Assessments (SBAs) and practical examinations, as well as options for reduced exam sittings based on individual circumstances. Furthermore, the National Vocational Qualification of Jamaica (NVQ-J) November sitting has been postponed, with rescheduled examinations tentatively set for February and June 2026. City & Guilds has also proposed a two-cohort examination model for 2026, offering increased flexibility for schools in severely impacted areas. These measures aim to alleviate the burden on students and institutions, particularly after more than 600 educational institutions sustained damage during the category five hurricane, which struck on October 28.

  • Kiwis stroll to 3-0 ODI series win vs Windies

    Kiwis stroll to 3-0 ODI series win vs Windies

    New Zealand secured a comprehensive victory over the West Indies in the third and final One-Day International (ODI) at Seddon Park in Hamilton on November 22, completing a clean sweep of the three-match series. The West Indies, batting first, were dismissed for a modest 161 runs in 36.2 overs, with Roston Chase (38), John Campbell (26), and Khary Pierre (22 not out) providing the only notable contributions. The Caribbean side struggled against New Zealand’s bowling attack, led by Matt Henry, who claimed four wickets for 43 runs, and captain Mitchell Santner, who took two for 27. Despite a brief resistance from the lower order, the Windies collapsed from 31 for two to 95 for seven, failing to build a competitive total. In response, New Zealand faced early setbacks, losing three wickets for 32 runs. However, a decisive 75-run partnership between Mark Chapman (64) and Michael Bracewell (40 not out) steered the hosts to victory. The Black Caps reached the target of 162 with six wickets down in the 31st over, sealing a comfortable win. The teams will now shift focus to a three-match Test series starting December 1, where the West Indies aim to bounce back from their recent defeats in the T20 and ODI series.

  • Paint, powder and vibes as hundreds celebrate Sando City Month J’Ouvert

    Paint, powder and vibes as hundreds celebrate Sando City Month J’Ouvert

    The streets of San Fernando came alive with vibrant energy on November 22 as over 15 bands participated in the J’Ouvert celebrations, marking a highlight of the borough’s City Month activities. Revelers danced, doused each other with powder, and frolicked in foam as they moved along Coffee Street to Cipero Street, creating a festive atmosphere that captivated the city. The event was heavily policed to ensure safety, with officers managing the enthusiastic crowds. Among the attendees was Patsy Calliste, wife of the late calypsonian Leroy ‘Black Stalin’ Calliste, who, along with her grandson Keevan Calliste, enjoyed the colorful festivities. Newsday photographer Innis Francis captured the essence of the celebration, documenting moments of national pride, friendship, and pure joy. From a man in a wheelchair enjoying the dance moves of young women to a group reveling with the band South Is Bess, the event showcased the unifying power of music and culture. The celebration also saw Councillor Niagum Joseph joining the Bigbad Ballerz band, adding to the communal spirit. The J’Ouvert festivities not only highlighted San Fernando’s cultural richness but also reinforced the city’s reputation as a hub of lively and inclusive celebrations.