Thousands Of Rohingya Homeless In Deadly Refugee Camp Fire

By

-

March 23, 2021

At least fifteen people have been killed and 400 are missing after a huge fire destroyed shanty homes of tens of thousands of Rohingya in the biggest refugee settlement in Bangladesh.

According to police and aid groups, the fire broke out Monday and left at least 50,000 people homeless ripping through their flimsy bamboo-and-tarpaulin shelters.

Also, Johannes Van der Klaauw, the UN Refugee Agency’s representative in Bangladesh, said that so far it has confirmed 15 people dead, 560 injured, 400 missing and at least 10,000 shelters destroyed.

Officials said the blaze appeared to have started in one of the 34 camps which span about 3,200 hectares of land before spreading rapidly to three other sites despite desperate efforts to put out the flames.

Bangladesh has already ordered a probe into the devastating blaze which is the latest in recent weeks and the biggest since 2017.

Meanwhile the UN’s International Organization for Migration has pledged $1 million to relief efforts but a further $20 million would be required to react to the most urgent needs.

Spain To Lift Covid-19 restrictions On British Arrivals

By

Zoe Maven

-

March 23, 2021

0

Spain says it will lift restrictions on arrivals from Britain that have been in place since December to prevent the spread of new coronavirus strains.

Speaking to a News conference on Tuesday, government spokeswoman Maria Jesus Montero said restrictions on arrivals from Brazil and South Africa will be extended until April 13 but not those with Britain because the country’s vaccination campaign is very advanced

Since December 22 only legal residents or nationals of Spain and the neighbouring micro-state of Andorra have been allowed in by air and sea from Britain.

The end of restrictions on arrivals from Britain will come into effect in the run-up to Easter Sunday, which this year falls on April 4, traditionally a peak travel period.

A similar restriction on arrivals from Brazil and South Africa came into effect on February 3.The only exception is passengers in transit, who cannot leave the airport nor remain there longer than 24 hours.

The British government on Saturday hailed its coronavirus vaccination programme as “a huge success” after announcing half of the adult population had now received a jab.

Russia, China Push For U.N. Security Council Summit

By

Zoe Maven

-

March 23, 2021

0

Russia and China said on Tuesday they wanted a summit of permanent members of the U.N. Security Council amid so called heightened political turbulence.

The two allies, made the call for a summit in a joint statement after talks between their foreign ministers in the city of Guilin.

The two countries whose relations with the West are under increasing strain, say they believe the United States was acting in a destructive way.

The statement did not mention the United States by name. But Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told a news conference after talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi that Moscow and Beijing were both unhappy with U.S. behaviour.

U.S. and Chinese officials on Friday concluded what Washington called “tough and direct” talks in Alaska, while Russia’s ambassador is back in Moscow for talks.

UAE To Invest $10bn In Indonesia’s New Sovereign Wealth Fund

By

Zoe Maven

-

March 23, 2021

0

The United Arab Emirates will invest $10bn in Indonesia’s new sovereign wealth fund to be spent on projects inside Southeast Asia’s biggest economy.

The UAE state news agency reported on Tuesday that the funds which marks the biggest foreign investment commitment for the Indonesia, will be used for infrastructure, tourism, agriculture and other ‘strategic sectors’,

Indonesia welcomed the announcement and said it should “help narrow the gap between the domestic funding capacity and the need for development programmes.

Indonesia’s Investment Authority, INA seeks foreign funds as co-investors to finance the country’s economic development and aid coronavirus pandemic recovery.

Authorities earlier said the INA had also received commitments of up to $10bn prior to its launch, from global companies and agencies, such as the United States International Development Finance Corporation and the Japan Bank for International Cooperation.

Fitch Ratings said on Monday that the launch of the INA is unlikely to reduce those companies’ debt levels in the short term, but Indonesia’s capacity to mobilise funds may be amplified if the fund is able to channel overseas capital into infrastructure.

Parenting: How to stop comparing yourself to other parents

By

Chris Ottah

-

March 23, 2021

0

Why do we compare ourselves to others?

Humans are naturally creatures of comparison, but girls and women are especially vulnerable. Women are often implicitly trained to look to others for permission and to make sure they’re doing it right. And that urge only gets stronger when women become mothers.

As parents, we also compare ourselves to others because we want to do what’s best for our kids, so we search for areas we might be “falling short” in order to improve.

How can we reduce making comparison?

Comparing ourselves may feel like a reflex. But we don’t have to let it dictate our lives. These few tips can help.

Temper your triggers

What situations or actions typically spark your comparison making? For example, for most moms, social media is a huge issue.

Intellectually, we know that these images are highly curated and only tiny moments in time. But that doesn’t stop us from feeling awful when we see a mom hiking with her four kids, homemade lunches in tow — while our kids are staring at screens, snacking on leftover frozen pizza.

It’s important to limit how often you scroll through social media, uninstalling social media apps from your phone, and unfollowing anyone who makes you feel bad.

Join a supportive community

The more honest and open we are [about the realities of parenting], the more honest and open it allows others to be.

Of course, finding an authentic community can be hard.

You can start with one mom you feel really comfortable with and asking her about moms who are transparent about their experiences.

“For those moms who struggle with mental health issues, creating a support circle with other moms who are experiencing similar mental health challenges is essential.

Create mind-shifting mantras

When you start to compare yourself, repeat a mantra that resonates with you, such as “I am enough” or “Honor my way”.

You can also list a meaningful mantra or your positive traits on sticky notes and place them around your house. These visual reminders can instantly shift your perspective.

Focus on connection

The next time you’re worried about feeding your kids a gourmet meal or entertaining them with Pinterest crafts, remind yourself that kids remember how we make them feel and there are lots of ways — our own good enough ways — to make them feel seen, heard, understood, and loved.

For instance, some families games, while others connect over dance parties in the kitchen.

Be extra kind to yourself

As parents, when you are experiencing an especially bad day, practice some self-compassion.

Self-compassion entails being warm and understanding toward oneself when we suffer, fail, or feel inadequate, rather than ignoring our pain or flagellating ourselves with self-criticism.

Niger Opposition Leader Challenges Election Court Verdict

By

Zoe Maven

-

March 23, 2021

0

Niger’s opposition and former president, Mahamane Ousmane has challenged the verdict of the Constitutional Court which upheld the election of Mohamed Bazoum as president.

The Constitutional Court on Sunday, confirmed Bazoum as the new president of Niger with over 55% of the vote, against 44.34% to Mahamane Ousmane.

But Ousmane denounced the court’s verdict as a violation of the Constitution describing the electoral proclamation illegal and an attempt to usurp his victory since his appeals have not been examined.

Ousmane also called for a peaceful march throughout the country, the mobilisation of the population and the support of the constituted bodies and the armed forces.

The Constitutional Court’s decisions are not subject to appeal.

Mohamed Bazoum, who succeeds incumbent President Mahamadou Issoufou, will be inaugurated on April 2 as the tenth president of the Republic of Niger.

Simple ways to help someone having a Panic Attack

By

Chris Ottah

-

March 23, 2021

0

A panic attack is a brief but intense rush of fear. These attacks involve symptoms similar to those experienced when facing a threat, including:

intense fear
a sense of doom
sweating or chills
shaking
pounding heart
difficulty breathing
head and chest pain

Panic attacks differ from a typical fear response because there’s no actual threat involved.

Panic attack triggers aren’t always easy to identify, so people who have one attack often worry about having more, especially in public.

Panic attacks usually feel very uncomfortable and cause significant distress. Many people believe they’re experiencing a heart attack or other life-threatening issue.

If you know someone who experiences panic attacks, there are several things you can do (and avoid doing) to help them in the moment.

Remain Calm

Keeping your cool is one of the best ways you can help.

Panic attacks usually don’t last long.

But someone having an attack may not have much concept of time as it happens. They might feel terrified or think they’re about to die.

Even if you feel a little afraid yourself, stay calm. If your voice seems to help (and they haven’t asked you to keep quiet), talk to them in a calm voice.

What to say

Try:

reassuring them you won’t leave
reminding them the attack won’t last long
telling them they’re safe

Ask how you can help

Most people who experience panic attacks or live with other types of anxiety have their own go-to coping methods. When offering support, keep in mind your loved one knows best when it comes to what will help most.

During an attack, however, they might find it harder to communicate this. Consider asking in advance how you can offer assistance if they experience an attack around you.

During an attack, it’s okay to calmly ask what you can do to support them. Just prepare for the possibility of a short or curt response.

What if they want me to leave?

As long as they’re not in immediate danger, take a few steps back and give them some space. Stay nearby so you can still keep an eye on things, and let them know that should they change their mind, you’ll come right back.

Learn the warning signs

If you haven’t already, take some time to familiarize yourself with the early signs of a potential panic attack.

Panic attacks commonly begin with:

a feeling of terror or dread
hyperventilation or shortness of breath
feelings of choking
a pounding heart
dizziness and shaking

Not everyone experiences panic attacks in the same way, so it’s best to ask what signs they tend to experience.

The sooner you realize what’s happening, the faster you can help them get to a more private place, or wherever they need to feel more comfortable.

Focus on action over words

A soothing, familiar voice helps some people, but try to avoid repeatedly saying things like “don’t worry” or asking them if they’re alright over and over.

Of course you mean well, but your words may not have much benefit in the moment. They can also make the situation more stressful, since your loved one may believe they’re doing something wrong by not being alright.

How to make your words more actionable

Take action with your words by:

asking if they want to leave the room and go somewhere else
reminding them to keep breathing
engaging them in light conversation, unless they say they don’t want to talk

Validate their distress

People often have a hard time sharing their experiences with mental health issues, including panic attacks.

Some avoid talking about mental health issues because they believe others won’t understand what they’re going through. Others worry about being judged or told what they experience isn’t a big deal.

Outsiders often don’t understand the fear caused by panic attacks and may even consider it illogical.

But the response is real, and the person experiencing the attack can’t control it.

An empathic response can be as simple as, “That sounds really tough. I’m sorry you experience that. Let me know what I can do to support you.”

What to avoid

If someone chooses to tell you about their panic attacks, take this as a sign of trust.

To show respect for their experience and honor this trust:

respond with compassion
be mindful of your words and actions, during an attack and at any other time

You might have all the best intentions, but it’s entirely possible to make someone feel bad without realizing you’re doing so.

Keeping these suggestions in mind can help you avoid unintentional harm:

Don’t compare normal stress and fear to panic

Maybe you’ve felt stressed or terrified in a dangerous situation. You might even have anxiety yourself.

These experiences aren’t quite the same as a panic attack, though. Avoid trying to draw comparisons between your different experiences. Unless you also get panic attacks, you probably don’t entirely understand how they feel.

If you have experienced extreme fear, let that memory inform you on what your friend is going through. Remind yourself they aren’t just afraid or stressed.

They may also feel:

helpless
unable to manage what’s happening
physical pain or discomfort

Don’t shame or minimize

It’s pretty common to worry about having a panic attack, especially in front of strangers, or believe the attack might annoy or inconvenience friends or loved ones.

Avoid saying things like:

“Just relax. There’s nothing to be afraid of.”
“You’re upset over that?”
“What’s wrong with you?”

You might not intend to make your friend feel ashamed, but denying the reality of their distress can certainly have that effect.

North Korean Diplomats, Families Leave Malaysia After Broken Ties

By

Angel Gimalo

-

March 23, 2021

0

North Korean diplomats have left their embassy in Malaysia.

This comes after the two countries cut diplomatic ties over the extradition of a North Korean to the United States on money laundering charges.

Malaysia expelled North Korean officials and their families on Friday, ordering them to leave the country within 48 hours.

On Sunday, they were seen at the airport checking in for a flight to Shanghai.

One North Korean official leaving the embassy slammed Malaysia for being “subservient” to Washington and said the incident was an anti-Pyeongyang conspiracy.

Ties between North Korea and Malaysia have been virtually frozen since the regime’s leader Kim Jong-un’s half-brother was assassinated at Kuala Lumpur airport in 2017.

Nigeria’s F.G Plans to Commit $3 Billion to Power Sector in 24 Months

By

Elizabeth Williams

-

March 23, 2021

0

The Federal Government of Nigeria has disclosed a plan to commit $3 billion to the power sector in the next two years.

The spending is expected to raise the current 4,900 megawatts (MWs) to at least 7,000MWs.

This was disclosed by the Special Adviser to President Buhari on Infrastructure, Ahmad Zakari, during a virtual meeting organised by the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI).

Zakari noted that besides the $500 million loans the government secured from the World Bank earlier this year, it is expecting another facility from the African Development Bank (AfDB), saying that the gestures are a demonstration of confidence in the reforms of President Muhammadu Buhari administration.

Zakari noted that with renewed financial discipline in the sector following the recent intervention by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), electricity tariffs are expected to hit N100 billion in the short to medium-term.

He stressed that if the sector were driven by the appropriate economics, there would be enough energy for the people, as the government plans to end subsidies by the end of the year.

He stated that the Buhari administration was focused on moving from the traditional way of funding subsidies or using the liquidity in the sector to fund consumption. Rather, he said, the subsidy budget would go into infrastructure that would ultimately lead to growth.

U.S. airlines: Low-cost carrier Frontier aims for $4.52 billion valuation in IPO

By

Elizabeth Williams

-

March 23, 2021

0

As the Aviation industry prepares for a rebound from pandemic-driven travel lows; Frontier Group is aiming for a valuation of $4.52 billion in its U.S. initial public offering (IPO), according to a regulatory filing by the low-cost carrier on Tuesday.

U.S. airlines are beginning to emerge from the pandemic-induced crisis that has opened doors for carriers catering to domestic leisure travel, which is rebounding quicker than business and international travel, particularly as more people receive COVID-19 vaccines.

Budget carriers are also expected to bounce back quicker than larger rivals, thanks to their lower-cost structures and focus on domestic leisure travel.

Frontier, which withdrew listing plans in July, filed again this month, while Apollo Global Management-backed Sun Country Airlines made its successful stock market debut.

Frontier plans to sell 30 million shares priced between $19 and $21 per share, aiming to raise about $630 million.

Citigroup, Barclays, Deutsche Bank Securities, Morgan Stanley and Evercore ISI are the lead underwriters for Frontier’s offering.

Frontier will list its stock on the Nasdaq under the symbol “ULCC”.