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News from October 7, 2025

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Ethiopia to launch duty-free exports to AfCFTA member states on October 9
Technology

Ethiopia to launch duty-free exports to AfCFTA member states on October 9

Addis Abeba – The Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration has announced that Ethiopia will commence duty-free exports to member states of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) on Thursday, 9 October 2025. The move marks the country’s first official export operation under the AfCFTA framework. Speaking at a press briefing in Addis Abeba today, Yasmin Wohabrebbi, State Minister for Trade and Regional Integration, confirmed that exports will be transported by both air and land to various AfCFTA member states. According to the state minister, air cargo exports will include meat, vegetables, and fruits, while land exports—comprising pulses, oilseeds, coffee, and red kidney beans—will be shipped to Kenya, Somalia, and South Africa. She added that textiles and industrial inputs are also planned for subsequent shipments, with Kenya expected to receive the largest share of the initial export volume. The official launch ceremony is scheduled for Thursday and will be attended by representatives from the AfCFTA Secretariat, senior government officials, diplomats, exporters, and producers. The event will feature an export send-off, a panel discussion, and the recognition of institutions and individuals who played key roles in Ethiopia’s negotiation process. Yasmin emphasized that the AfCFTA, which comprises over 55 member countries, presents a major opportunity to boost intra-African trade by eliminating tariff and non-tariff barriers. She noted that trade among African countries currently stands at less than 17 percent, compared to as high as 67 percent in other regions. Acknowledging Ethiopia’s limited trade engagement with African partners, the state minister said the AfCFTA could help offset the impact of lost trade opportunities following the suspension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). She added that the government has been working to finalize key trade arrangements to strengthen equitable economic relations within the continent. The implementation strategy outlining Ethiopia’s priorities and expected benefits under the AfCFTA was jointly developed by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and the Policy Studies Institute. Yasmin underscored that the private sector—particularly producers, exporters, and entrepreneurs—will play a central role in realizing the framework’s objectives. She further highlighted that participation in the AfCFTA is expected to create employment opportunities, attract domestic and foreign investment, and expand consumer access to quality goods, while enhancing the competitiveness of Ethiopian products in African markets. Looking ahead, the state minister noted that ongoing discussions under the AfCFTA framework could pave the way for the free movement of people and the potential introduction of a common currency for trade across the continent. It is recalled that African leaders agreed to establish the AfCFTA during a summit held in Kigali, Rwanda, in March 2018, with Ethiopia’s House of People’s Representatives later ratifying the agreement. AS

Editor7
Securing power grids: CERC flags severe manpower crunch at SLDCs
Technology

Securing power grids: CERC flags severe manpower crunch at SLDCs

The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has flagged the acute shortage of manpower at almost all the State Load Despatch Centres (SLDC) in the country, an issue that is delaying timely sharing of data for power demand and generation. The finding is part of a suo motu order passed by the regulator recently. The commission said concerns were raised by Regional Load Despatch Centres (RLDCs) on non-submission or delayed submission of Resource Adequacy (RA) including demand estimation and generation data by the various SLDCs due to shortage of manpower. Based on the demand estimates furnished by SLDCs, RLDCs prepare regional demand estimates and submit them to the NLDC. In case, the RA study estimate is not submitted by the SLDC for any state, RLDCs forecast using their own historically available data. The SLDCs in meetings with the CERC submitted that “almost all” the SLDCs are facing “acute shortages” of staff, impacting their operational efficiency. Several SLDCs have taken up the matter with competent authorities for additional manpower, while others are in the process of doing so, the regulator informed. In October 2024, CERC through a suo motu order had also issued directions to National Load Despatch Centre (NLDC), RLDCs and SLDCs for prudent planning of load-generation to deal with abrupt increase in power demand due to seasonal variations. This latest CERC order is on the matter of planning for safe, secure and reliable integrated operation of power systems during critical periods arising due to seasonal variations. Manpower shortage The CERC pointed out that with round-the-clock (RTC) system operation, the SLDCs are expected to contribute to market operation, communication, IT services, cyber security and other establishment services to carry the various functions with a suitably skilled workforce. There has been a dynamic shift in the power sector with the large-scale integration of renewable sources, and it brings new challenges. Furthermore, there should be a sufficient number of power system operators so that the grid can be operated safely and efficiently, it emphasised. Sanctioned strength “Keeping in view of above facts, urgent action is required to ensure the availability of adequate number of manpower and for this SLDCs need to take up the matter with their management to provide the manpower as per their current sanctioned strength and also to approach their Management/respective State Regulatory Commissions (SERCs) for approval of additional manpower in terms of Power Ministry’s Workforce Adequacy Guidelines for LDCs,” it suggested. Addressing these shortfalls is essential for ensuring the smooth operation of SLDCs and effective monitoring, compliance and grid management, the regulator added. The CERC also suggested that SLDCs may work on creating a separate HR management and development policy, which should be aimed at structuring the movement of officers in specialised functions without disrupting operations and ensuring smooth staffing, structured job rotation, minimum tenure and continuous skill development of personnel. “SLDCs also need to work towards improving the working environment and upgrading their infrastructure. In this regard, the HR policy framed by Uttar Pradesh SLDC may be referred to by SLDCs,” it added. Adequate workforce The continuous training and certification for SLDC staff ensure that an adequate workforce is trained and certified annually, improving operational preparedness and technical competence of the SLDCs, the regulator said. “It is suggested that the trained staff should ideally not be shifted from the SLDCs, and to attract the staff for working in SLDCs, incentive provisions can be incorporated for the certified staff under the Fee and Charges of the SLDCs,” it recommended. RLDCs are directed to conduct structured capacity-building programmes in collaboration with NLDC to equip SLDC personnel with the required technical skills, the CERC said. Published on October 7, 2025

Rishi Ranjan Kala
"The cutest"- Fans in awe BTS' Taehyung turns heads at Paris Fashion Week by making Korea's morning exercise dance go viral worldwid
Technology

"The cutest"- Fans in awe BTS' Taehyung turns heads at Paris Fashion Week by making Korea's morning exercise dance go viral worldwid

BTS member V aka Kim Taehyung garnered significant attention on October 6, 2025, when he was spotted on the streets of the Paris with his team. The K-pop star was captured on video by fans performing an impromptu dance in front of his crew. It resulted in his team breaking out in laughter at his antics.The idol was dressed in dark brown leather bomber jacket paired with Celine Homme pyjama trousers in a checked wool pattern of beige, brown, and azur. Clips of the moment of the day after the the star attended the Celine Été 2026 show in Paris Fashion Week rapidly went viral across social media platforms. On Instagram and X, fans shared numerous memes and edits of the unexpected performance.The situation took a surprising turn when the fandom identified the "dance" as the Korean health millennium exercise, officially known as the "New Millennium Health Gymnastics" or 새천년 건강체조. This specific routine was currently a viral trend in South Korea, widely performed as a morning exercise.This revelation increased the fanbase's amusement and surprise amidst his widely discussed appearance at the fashion show. X user @vt111111 noted that parody clips of Korea’s New Millennium Health Exercise, inspired by V were now circulating across multiple countries.Fans took to social media to express their heightened admiration for the global star's humour. One fan commented,"That happy dance pls Taehyung is the cutest"ꪜ✧ @_thvmuse_LINKthat happy dance pls Taehyung is the cutest😭 #VxCelineEte26 #CELINESUMMER2026 #TAEHYUNGxCELINE #PFW @celineofficialFans flooded social media expressing both humor and affection for the BTS member. Many of them pointed out how he blend his superstar persona with a down-to-earth that making even mundane moments entertaining. They emphasized that his ability to let loose and show his fun side without worrying about appearances was exactly what made him endearing to the fans worldwide.Kim Anh @nguyendokimanhLINKjust imagine being his bodyguard. holding his pistachio ice-cream for him while staying alert. watching him dance goofy exercise routine without ijbol while staying alert.ReikaChen880418 @ReikaChen880418LINKV sometimes really forgets that he is a Superstar... But that's what makes him ADORABLE~🤭🤭💖kae⁷ @kaepsaeLINKcan he stop being so cute i actually can’t take it anymoreFans couldn’t stop gushing over Taehyung’s playful moment in Paris, and shared on social media their affectionate, emotional, and humorous reactions. For many fans, the moment carried deeper emotional weight, as it reminded them of how much they missed seeing the idol’s playful and carefree side. Others found amusement in his duality of antics.Taedrop⁷ BTS IS BACK BITCHES || BTS YEAR @Taedrop1115991LINKJust too adorable 😍😍😍😍Onanana @SolimanLornaLINKAs usual, he memorized them in no time. He's funny though🤣There's no boring moment with Taeyhung..love him💜Jocelyn가영 @Jocelyn_ahLINKI dont know why I teared up at this clip but as a long time fan of Tae who fell in love with his playful personality during their early days, it felt so warm and fuzzy inside to see that side of him coming back after his military. 🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹kei ⁷ || JIMIN MONTH 🐣 @mi_casatanniezLINKtaehyung is hot as f**k but he has to do something cute and silly every five minutes or he'll explodeTaehyung steals the spotlight at Paris Fashion Week as Celine’s global ambassador, generating 77 million engagements within 24 hoursBTS member Taehyung made a striking debut at Celine’s Été 2026 show during Paris Fashion Week on October 5, 2025. This was one of the most talked-about appearances of the season. As a global ambassador for the luxury brand, his presence drew significant attention from both fashion insiders and fans worldwide.For the runway event, Taehyung wore a double-breasted tan-brown coat over a crisp white shirt, paired with tailored brown trousers. He accessorized the look with leopard-print silk scarf, styled as a tie. The look received widespread praise across the fashion community, with Vogue China naming him among the best-dressed male stars at Paris Fashion Week.Beyond the runway, his appearance sparked a massive surge in online engagement. According to data analytics firm Talkwalker, Taehyung’s attendance at the Celine show on October 5 generated 9.2 million mentions and 33 million engagements, including comments, likes, and shares on X. Within 24 hours, the numbers climbed sharply as fans and media outlets circulated photos and clips from the event.By 3 p.m. the following day, mentions of Taehyung had skyrocketed to 18.3 million, with total engagements reaching 77 million. Remarkably, 76% of all mentions from that week were recorded within a single day of his appearance.Taehyung has returned to South Korea on October 7. Meanwhile, BTS is gearing up for their highly anticipated comeback album, reportedly followed by a world tour. The project is scheduled for release in the spring of 2026.

Adrija Chakraborty
Young Warriors guard looking to take a leap
Technology

Young Warriors guard looking to take a leap

It’s remarkable how far his game has come, considering his career high of 30 points back in 2022. The gradual rise Moody has shown under the radar is a testament to his hard work, and his peers have taken notice. Stephen Curry stated that Moody’s offseason performance was probably the best of his career so far. Moody looking to have his best season yet The confidence Moody has maintained has proven to pay off, and the versatility he possesses was on full display against the Lakers. Beyond standing his ground defensively, the variety of three-point attempts he converted was impressive. Last season, Moody was actually playing through a thumb injury on his shooting hand.

Davin McFarland,Empire Sports Media
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