news and current affairs.
ZimTrade Scans Uganda to Boost Zimbabwe Exports
ZimTrade has launched a market research initiative in Uganda to discover new export possibilities for Zimbabwean companies. This trade mission, which runs from February 24 through March 5, 2025, will allow businesses from Zimbabwe to connect with Ugandan partners across multiple sectors. The research focuses on agriculture, protective clothing, manufacturing, processed foods, clothing, textiles, building materials, and construction. These industries represent significant growth potential within Uganda's expanding economy. Zimbabwean firms can leverage these opportunities to meet increasing demand throughout Uganda and possibly neighboring markets. Most activities will occur in Kampala, Uganda's capital city. The mission forms part of...
Gold Near Record as Trump Threatens EU Tariffs
Gold continues to trade close to its highest-ever price after minimal changes yesterday. Investors are carefully examining President Donald Trump's recent statements about his tariff plans, especially those affecting European Union exports. The precious metal trades around $2,920 per ounce, approximately $40 below the record price set Monday. Trump recently announced plans for 25% tariffs against the EU but didn't specify whether these would apply to all exports or just certain products. He also pushed back the implementation date for tariffs on Mexico and Canada to April 2, later than his previous March 4 target. Since returning to office, Trump's statements about timing, size, and targets of tariffs have created confusion across...
Investors Withdraw Over One Billion Dollars from Bitcoin ETFs
On Tuesday, more than $1 billion was withdrawn from Bitcoin exchange-traded funds, marking the largest single-day withdrawal since these investment products became available last January. The Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund experienced the biggest drop in investment, followed closely by the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF, according to Bloomberg data. Bitcoin prices have recently struggled as investors move away from higher-risk assets during uncertain market conditions. These Bitcoin funds lost approximately $2.1 billion over six straight days—the longest period of continuous withdrawals since June last year. The price of Bitcoin, the world's main digital currency, has fallen considerably, dropping to its lowest point since mid-November...
TIMB Cracks Down on Unauthorized Loans amid Tobacco Season
Police have summoned members of an advocacy organization, Tobacco Farmer Talk, regarding loans extended to farmers ahead of the tobacco season starting next Wednesday. The group faces allegations of providing financial assistance without required approvals from regulatory bodies, potentially enabling side-marketing practices. TFT reportedly arranged a capital agreement with a major local financial institution to offer wholesale funding for its members who needed support with tobacco curing processes. The organization planned to create a revolving financing system that would help members both with current tobacco production and alternative crops after the season ended. Before TFT selected any members for participation, representatives...
Platinum Stars Shaken by Key Player Exodus
Ngezi Platinum Stars experienced a significant shake-up after losing 13 essential players during the transfer season. However, coach Takesure Chiragwi remains confident as they prepare for their Castle Lager Premier Soccer League opening match against newcomers Kwekwe United at Bata Stadium tomorrow. The Miners faced challenges last season when they attempted to defend their league title. They ended up placing third on the table and lost the Chibuku Super Cup final to Dynamos. Additionally, the Mhondoro team made an early exit from the CAF Champions League in the first preliminary stage. Financial difficulties affected the team because of the global platinum recession. At certain points, players protested about delayed wage payments...
Kenya Power Schedules Friday Outages in Five Counties
Kenya Power has announced scheduled electricity outages across five counties for Friday as part of their regular system maintenance program. Residents in affected areas should prepare for service interruptions lasting from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM. The maintenance will affect specific locations within Nairobi, Kisii, Murang'a, Meru, and Taita Taveta counties. If you live in these regions, you might want to plan accordingly for the day. In Nairobi, electricity will be unavailable from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM for residents near Nyangumi Road, Chaka Road, Lenana Road, Turbo Road, Rose Avenue, Jabavu Road, Kasuku Road, Makuyu Lane and Theta Lane, plus neighboring areas. Kisii residents will experience similar outages from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM...
Gunfire Shocks Rebel Rally in Bukavu as Chaos Unfolds
A violent attack disrupted a public gathering organized by rebel forces in Bukavu, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Attendees scattered when gunshots and explosions erupted through the main square, leaving multiple casualties on the streets. According to medical personnel speaking with AFP news agency, the hospital received at least 11 dead and 60 injured individuals following the incident. The Rwanda-supported rebels had scheduled this public appearance as their initial community outreach since they gained control of Bukavu, the region's second most populous urban center, earlier this month. The rebel coalition placed responsibility for the violence on the administration of President Felix Tshisekedi. Taking an opposing...
Kenya Deliberates National Plan to Counter CBRN Threats
Kenya has started discussions about strengthening national security against Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear threats. The forum began in Nairobi on Thursday, bringing together representatives from several government agencies to develop a comprehensive security plan. These meetings focus on managing crises related to CBRN hazards to protect citizens, assets, and the environment. Representatives from the Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority, Government Chemist, Kenya Medical Research Institute, plus the Interior and Foreign Affairs ministries emphasized the importance of improving Kenya's readiness for potential threats. During the two-day event, participants will discuss building capacity within government agencies...
Scientists Reveal Vesuvius Victim Brain Turned to Glass
Scientists have made a remarkable discovery about a person who died during the Vesuvius volcanic eruption almost 2,000 years ago. The intense heat from the eruption transformed a young man's brain into glass - something researchers have never seen before with human tissue. The research team found small pieces of black glass inside the skull of a victim who was approximately 20 years old when Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD near what we know today as Naples. These glass fragments range from specks just millimeters across to pieces measuring 1-2 centimeters. Initially discovered in 2020, scientists speculated these fragments might be a fossilized brain, but they weren't sure exactly how it formed. Through recent analysis, they've determined...
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