Australia unveils biggest defence reform in decades

CANBERRA, April 25 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Australia unveiled its biggest military shakeup in decades, refocusing the armed forces on deterring would-be foes far from its shores. Sketching a future in which Australia would have substantially longer-range strike capability, Defence Minister Richard Marles said Monday the decades-old territory-focused strategy was “no longer…

Foreign nations evacuate citizens as Sudan battles rage

 KHARTOUM, April 25 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Foreign countries rushed to evacuate their nationals from Sudan as deadly fighting raged into a second week between forces loyal to two rival generals. Evacuation flights were continuing early Monday, with hundreds of people flown out overnight on military aircraft. Foreigners also fled the capital…

Air pollution kills 1,200 children a year: EU agency

COPENHAGEN, April 25 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Air pollution still causes more than 1,200 premature deaths a year in under 18’s across Europe and increases the risk of chronic disease later in life, the EU environmental agency said. Despite recent improvements, “the level of key air pollutants in many European countries remain…

Drought forces Panama Canal to lower vessels’ draft

PANAMA CITY, April 20 (NNN-PRENSA LATINA) — The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) on Wednesday announced temporary restrictions in the draft for Neopanamax vessels crossing the inter-oceanic waterway due to the ongoing drought.     According to an official press release from the entity, the current situation in its lake system requires this…

Sudan crisis: UN, African and Arab leaders to hold virtual talks

Sudanese refugees arrive in Chad following an outbreak of violence in Darfur, Sudan. UNITED NATIONS, April 20 (NNN-AGENCIES) — United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres continues efforts towards ensuring an end to the hostilities in Sudan, his Spokesperson said on Wednesday, amid reports of a new ceasefire between warring military factions…

US: At least 2 dead after tornado hits Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY, April 20 (NNN-XINHUA) — At least two people were killed and several others injured on Wednesday night after a “large and extremely dangerous tornado” tore through Cole, a town in southern central U.S. state Oklahoma, authorities said. The McClain County Sheriff’s Office confirmed at least two deaths in…

South Africa: President engages steel sector leaders

PRETORIA, April 20 (NNN-SANEWS) — The South African Government is determined to build a local steel sector that is strong, competitive and well positioned for the future, says President Cyril Ramaphosa. The President’s comments come following a meeting with business leaders in the steel and engineering industries earlier this week.…

Bangladesh to welcome EU, UK observers in next general polls: PM

DHAKA, April 20 (NNN-BSS) — Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh would welcome observers from the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK) in the upcoming general election. “We will welcome observers from the European Union and the United Kingdom in the next general election,” she said when the…

Nairobi, Buenos Aires set to establish sister city relations

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and Argentine Ambassador to Kenya Gabriela Martinic NAIROBI, April 20 (NNN-KBC) — Nairobi City and Buenos Aires will soon commence city-to-city relations and mutual partnerships in various sectors, including agribusiness ventures, health, and disaster management. This was discussed Tuesday during a meeting between Nairobi Governor Johnson …

Chinese, Gabonese presidents hold talks

President Xi Jinping (Left) and Ali Bongo of Gabon BEIJING, April 20 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday held talks with President of the Gabonese Republic Ali Bongo Ondimba, who is on a state visit to China.  Both leaders have decided to elevate the comprehensive cooperative partnership between…