World
Biden issues new proclamation revoking Omicron travel ban
U.S. President Joseph Biden on Tuesday issued a new proclamation revoking the Omicron travel ban he endorsed in a previous proclamation on November 26.
Tuesday the President will lift the ban this week on travel from South Africa and other countries in the region, imposed due to fear of the Omicron Covid-19 variant.
“The travel restrictions… are no longer necessary to protect the public health” and will end on Friday, Biden said in the proclamation.
The White House had already said it would end the restrictions but Biden’s proclamation makes the decision effective at 12:01 am in Washington on Friday (0501 GMT).
Biden said that he was lifting the bans on the advice of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, noting that US researchers, “in collaboration with the South African scientists who originally reported the variant, having made substantial progress in understanding the Omicron variant.”
While the Covid strain has now spread to more than 100 countries including the United States, the threat level is considered lower than initially feared because “scientific experts have determined that people who are vaccinated against Covid-19 are protected against severe disease,” Biden said.
Countries around the world blocked travel from southern Africa after the variant was detected in South Africa, which reported Omicron to the World Health Organization (WHO) on November 24.
WHO and the United Nations spoke out against the travel bans, while officials in South Africa said they were being punished for identifying the strain and being transparent.
The ban had applied to South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique and Malawi.
World
AI Revolution: How 92 Million Jobs Will Disappear and 78 Million Will Emerge by 2030
The future of work is undergoing a seismic shift as artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly integral to global industries. A new report from the World Economic Forum (WEF) reveals that 92 million jobs, representing 8% of the global workforce, are expected to be displaced by 2030 due to advancements in AI.
While this statistic may sound alarming, the report offers a glimmer of hope: 170 million new jobs are projected to emerge, leading to a net growth of 78 million jobs globally. However, the transition won’t be seamless.
Key sectors like graphic design and legal administration are already witnessing a wave of automation, with generative AI tools replacing traditional roles. Employers worldwide are feeling the pressure to adapt. According to the WEF, 41% of employers plan to downsize, citing AI’s ability to handle complex tasks more efficiently than humans.
Despite these disruptions, the report emphasizes the potential of AI to revolutionize industries positively. AI and big data top the list of in-demand skills, followed by networks, cybersecurity, and technology literacy. Employers are responding by prioritizing retraining, with 77% committing to upskill their workforce for AI integration.
The WEF warns that the road to this AI-driven future requires careful planning. Millions of workers lack the skills needed to transition to these emerging roles, posing a significant challenge. Without comprehensive support systems, the economic and social impact of job displacement could be severe.
“While technology will enhance productivity, equipping workers with the necessary skills is crucial to ensuring no one is left behind,” the report concludes.
As the AI revolution accelerates, the focus must shift to preparing the workforce for a rapidly changing landscape—transforming what could be a crisis into an opportunity.
World
Malawi Ex-Minister, Four Others Arrested in $250 Million Fraud Scandal
Former finance minister Joseph Mwanamveka and four other former government officials have been apprehended by Malawi’s police for their involvement in an alleged embezzlement scheme worth around $250 million.
The funds are said to have been misappropriated from two state-owned enterprises, Salima Sugar Company and Greenbelt Initiative.
Those arrested include former secretary to the president Lloyd Muhara, former treasury secretary Cliff Chiunda, and Collins Magalasi, the former CEO of Malawi’s energy regulatory authority. The arrests are coming after a 2023 audit of Salima Sugar revealed massive mismanagement of funds.
In total, nine individuals have now been arrested in connection with the fraud, with authorities still pursuing Henry Njoloma, the former acting CEO of Greenbelt Initiative, who remains on the run.
The five arrested on Monday will be brought before a court of law once police complete their statements.
The accused officials served under the presidency of Peter Mutharika from 2014 to 2020. Following Mutharika’s ouster in 2020, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) transitioned into the opposition, while President Lazarus Chakwera’s government took over.
World
39th US president Jimmy Carter dies at 100
The 39th president of the United States and Nobel Peace Prize laureate,Jimmy Carter has passed away at the age of 100, leaving behind an enduring legacy of leadership, humanitarian service, and moral integrity.
Carter’s remarkable journey from a peanut farmer in Plains, Georgia, to the Oval Office epitomized the American dream.
Elected in 1976, he championed human rights, brokered the historic Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt, and tackled domestic challenges with honesty and resilience. Despite facing setbacks such as the Iran hostage crisis and economic difficulties, Carter’s single term in office laid the groundwork for policies that emphasized peace and social justice.
While his presidency was met with mixed reviews, Carter’s post-presidential life earned widespread admiration. In 1982, he established the Carter Center, which became a global force for democracy, health, and conflict resolution.
His efforts earned him the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize, recognizing his tireless work to alleviate suffering and promote fairness worldwide.
Carter’s dedication extended beyond politics. A devout Christian, he spent decades teaching Sunday school and embodying values of faith, humility, and service.
His advocacy for affordable housing through Habitat for Humanity showcased his belief in empowering the less fortunate.
The loss of his wife, Rosalynn, in November 2023 marked the end of a 77-year partnership defined by mutual love and commitment to humanitarian causes.
Even in grief, Carter’s devotion to family and faith remained steadfast.
Carter’s legacy as a statesman, peacemaker, and advocate for human dignity will continue to inspire generations.
His life reminds the world that leadership grounded in compassion and integrity can leave an indelible mark on history.
-
Crime1 year ago
Police nabs Killer of Varsity Lecturer in Niger
-
News12 months ago
FCT-IRS tells socialite Aisha Achimugu not to forget to file her annual returns
-
Appointment1 year ago
Tinubu names El-Rufai, Tope Fasua, others in New appointments
-
Kogi1 year ago
INEC cancells election in 67 polling units in Ogori-Magongo in Kogi
-
Kogi1 year ago
Echocho Challenges Tribunal Judgment ordering rerun in 94 polling units
-
News1 year ago
IPOB: Simon Ekpa gives reason for seperatists clamour for Biafra
-
Metro10 months ago
‘Listing Simon Ekpa among wanted persons by Nigeria military is rascality, intimidation’
-
News1 year ago
Kingmakers of Igu/ Koton-Karfe dare Bello, urge him to reverse deposition of Ohimege-Igu