South Africa energy crisis: Eskom keeps close eye on power stations

PRETORIA, Feb 25 (NNN-SANEWS) — Power utility Eskom says it is keeping a hawk’s eye on its power stations in the midst of ongoing load shedding, as it implements varying stages of the electricity-saving measure. Eskom’s Head of Generation, Thomas Conradie, said at a media briefing with the Government Communication…

Road accidents: 10 dead as bus falls into ravine in Algeria; 5 Bangladeshis killed in South Africa

ALGIERS, Feb 25 (NNN-AGENCIES) — At least ten people died and 25 others were injured after their bus fell into a ravine in northeastern Algeria on Friday, civil protection officials said. The bus was travelling from Algiers to Tikjda, a mountain resort popular with tourists, when it fell 150 metres…

Update: Brazil storm death toll rises to 54 including 15 children; message condolence from Pope Francis

SAO PAULO, Feb 25 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The death toll from floods and landslides in southeast Brazil has risen to 54 people, authorities said, as Pope Francis sent a message of condolences. “So many of you are missing, so many have suffered… I send you my closeness, the assurance of my…

UK: Three candidates emerge to lead Scotland

Kate Forbes, Humza Yousaf and Ash Regan EDINBURGH, Feb 25 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Three candidates – two women and a Muslim man – will battle it out to replace Scotland First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, it was announced, in a race already mired in controversy. Kate Forbes, Ash Regan and Humza Yousaf…

US weather: Los Angeles blizzard warning is first since 1989

 LOS ANGELES, Feb 25 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Parts of usually balmy southern California are under their first blizzard warning since 1989. Forecasters are predicting record snowfall of up to 2.4m in mountains to the east of Los Angeles by Saturday. A massive storm has already brought major blizzards and temperatures below…

App to block child abuse images gets £1.8m EU funding

LONDON, Feb 25 (NNN-AGENCIES) – The development of a new app designed to reduce online viewing of child sexual abuse material has received £1.8m of funding from the EU. It will be tested with volunteers who have sought help because they are drawn to illegal images and want to ensure…

Prime Minister Otarola: Peru-Japan ties are going through excellent moment

LIMA, Feb 25 (NNN-ANDINA) — Prime Minister Alberto Otarola stressed that the ties between Peru and Japan are going through an excellent moment and being strengthened thanks to a fluid political dialogue aimed at developing shared interests. During the ceremony on the occasion of celebrations for the birthday of Emperor Naruhito, he pointed…

Peru becomes first Pacific Alliance member to ratify FTA with Singapore

LIMA, Feb 25 (NNN-ANDINA) — By Supreme Decree published on Wednesday, Peru has ratified the Pacific Alliance-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (PASFTA) and has become the first country in the bloc to do so. Thus, Peru has become the first nation in the PA to ratify the treaty which —once it enters into force…

Peru: Public budget grew fivefold, exceeds US$70 billion

LIMA, Feb 25 (NNN-ANDINA) — Economy and Finance Minister Alex Contreras stressed that Peru’s public budget had grown five times over the past 20 years and now exceeds S/270 billion (over US$70.66 billion), which enables resources to be transferred to regions. Yet they are not executed 100%. He said the public budget…

Canada announces support for Iranian temporary residents

MONTREAL, Feb 25 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The Canadian government announced a relaxation of immigration rules for Iranians in Canada, amid “gross and systematic human rights violations” in Iran. “These measures will make it easier for Iranians who wish to extend their temporary status in Canada,” the immigration department said in a…