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News from October 31, 2025

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Win N5 million: Presidency launches new opportunity for Nigerians and recent graduates
Technology

Win N5 million: Presidency launches new opportunity for Nigerians and recent graduates

Nigerian students now have a unique chance to shape the national conversation on tax reformThe Tax Reform Challenge invites undergraduates and recent graduates to share their ideas through creative contentWith prizes up to ₦5 million and ambassador honours, the competition promises recognition and opportunity for youth voices A new nationwide competition has been launched to engage Nigerian students in the country’s ongoing tax reform efforts. The Tax Reform Challenge, which opened on 1 July 2025, invites undergraduates and recent graduates to showcase their understanding, creativity and ideas on Nigeria’s new tax laws. Organisers said the initiative aimed to raise awareness, promote tax education, and encourage youth-led dialogue around fiscal policy. The challenge is open to students in all Nigerian tertiary institutions, as well as graduates currently undergoing the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) or awaiting mobilisation. Tax education through creative content Participants are required to read the new tax laws and produce original content that reflects their insights. Accepted formats include articles, videos, podcasts, radio pieces, or social media posts. All entries must be published between 1 July and 31 December 2025. Organisers emphasised that submissions must be educative, engaging and fact-based. They added that critical perspectives on the reform are welcome, as long as they are constructive and grounded in evidence. See the X posts below: ₦5 million top prize and youth ambassador honours The Tax Reform Challenge offers substantial rewards. The first prize winner will receive ₦5 million, while second and third place winners will take home ₦3 million and ₦2 million respectively. In addition, the top 10 finalists from each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones will be awarded consolation prizes, which may include gadgets, internships or employment opportunities. Finalists will also be honoured as Tax Reform Youth Ambassadors, a title that organisers said recognises their role in shaping public understanding of tax policy. Opportunity for youth to influence fiscal reform The competition has been described as a major opportunity for young Nigerians to contribute meaningfully to national development. A spokesperson said, “Big news for Nigerian students! Participate in the Tax Reform Challenge, a nationwide competition for students to showcase their knowledge, ideas and creativity on the new tax reform laws.” Interested students can find more details and submission guidelines by visiting fiscalreforms.ng. FG to open opportunity for youths across all LGAs Legit.ng earlier reported that the Federal Government of Nigeria has announced the launch of the National Health Fellows programme, set to begin on 1st November 2025. The initiative aims to empower young professionals across all local government areas in Nigeria, offering them a chance to contribute meaningfully to the country’s health sector. The programme, which is part of the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative SWAp Coordination Office under the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, is designed to build a new generation of skilled and motivated health leaders. Officials stated that selected fellows would undergo intensive training, receive mentorship, and gain leadership experience. They would also be exposed to best practices within Nigeria’s health space. Source: Legit.ng

Basit Jamiu,Bayo Olupohunda
Tragedy as man allegedly kills wife over ‘Kuki-kuli’ in popular northern state
Technology

Tragedy as man allegedly kills wife over ‘Kuki-kuli’ in popular northern state

Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 8 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international issues Kano state - A married man, Idris Kurma, has been remanded in prison for allegedly killing his wife, Aisha Idris, in Goda village, Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State. Idris killed his wife after she refused to grind groundnuts to make kuli-kuli for him. Kuli-kuli is made from roasted groundnuts that are spiced and then deep-fried into a flat, crunchy snack. The popular delicacy is enjoyed across states in Northern Nigeria. As reported by Daily Trust, the presiding judge, Justice Musa Dahiru, of the Kano State High Court sitting on Miller Road, gave the order to remand Idris. The suspect was arraigned on a one-count charge of culpable h@micide, contrary to Section 221 of the Penal Code. The prosecution counsel, Barrister Lamido Abba Soron Dinki, read the charge to the defendant during the court session, who pleaded not guilty. Soron Dinki then sought an adjournment to enable the prosecution to present its witnesses. Justice Dahiru granted the request and adjourned the case to December 12, 2025, for continuation of the hearing. Man kills wife over failure to prepare meal Recall that tragedy struck in the Olota area of the Alimosho local government area of Lagos when a man killed his wife over failure to prepare his favourite meal. Police operatives arrested the yet-to-be-identified husband after the deceased's brother reported the matter. A police source disclosed that the matter has been moved to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti. Pastor machetes wife to death over infidelity Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that a 42-year-old man, Victor Okoh, was arrested in Akwa Ibom for allegedly murdering his wife, Victoria, with a machete over infidelity claims. Police responded to a distress call, found the victim’s mutilated body, and apprehended the suspect hiding under the ceiling of their home. The Akwa Ibom Police Command has vowed to ensure justice, warning against domestic violence and urging peaceful conflict resolution. Source: Legit.ng

Adekunle Dada,Bayo Olupohunda
Chargers HC Jim Harbaugh confirms suspicion about decision that allowed another breakout game from rookie TE Oronde Gadsden
Technology

Chargers HC Jim Harbaugh confirms suspicion about decision that allowed another breakout game from rookie TE Oronde Gadsden

With this decision by the coaching staff, fans got an even greater look at rookie TE Oronde Gadsden. He was arguably the top target in the passing game for Justin Herbert in Week 8, and it doesn't seem like he will be slowing down anytime soon. The rookie playmaker has incredible athleticism for his size and already earned the trust of his teammates and coaches. Los Angeles cannot look back now. Gadsden must remain a pivotal part of the offense for the Bolts. Oronde Gadsden's increased role and production A "breakout" performance can be characterized by plenty of aspects for a player. For Gadsden, his production, reliability, and upside all shown bright and often. Since Week 7, the rookie has played in at least 75% of offensive snaps for LA. He's also received five or more targets in all of those matchups. The youth movement is happening now, and Dissly's role for the offense seems to be gone. "In Week 7, Gadsden delivered a breakout performance – hauling in seven catches for 164 yards. His size, speed and knack for finding open space made him a go-to target in a big moment. His output served notice that the Chargers may have more than just an athletic project on their hands.Coaches around the organization are already drawing favorable comparisons between him and former standout tight ends, pointing to the raw upside he brings at the position. Gadsden’s ability to line up in multiple spots, stretch the field and make contested catches is forcing opponents to adjust." -- Brentley Weissman, A to Z Sports Only time will tell if Dissly can regain any sort of notable playing time, but there's not a good reason to play Gadsden less. He's a player who can take the passing game for LA to the next level alongside multiple talented wide receivers. Justin Herbert may not be getting the best protection right now, but this group of receivers and tight ends is easily the best he has ever played with in his NFL career.

A to Z Sports,Adam Holt
Trump Ejects Woke Activists from College Loan Giveaway
Technology

Trump Ejects Woke Activists from College Loan Giveaway

President Donald Trump’s administration is revising and restoring a loan forgiveness program that previously helped leftist activists avoid paying their student loans. The U.S. Department of Education (DOE) said Thursday the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program was meant to be for Americans working in public service, but the department’s final rule is making big changes to protect American taxpayers from footing the bill for illegal activities. The department’s announcement continued: In 2007, Congress established the PSLF program to encourage Americans to pursue public service by promising to forgive their remaining federal student loans after 10 years of both qualifying employment and monthly payments. However, the eligibility standards for what constitutes a qualifying public service employer have not been adequately monitored, allowing certain organizations to qualify despite engaging in illegal activities that harm their communities and the public good. The Trump Administration is rightsizing the program to ensure that PSLF benefits go only to borrowers employed by organizations that genuinely serve the public. Taxpayer money apparently went to organizations that harbored illegal immigrants and performed prohibited transgender procedures on children, Under Secretary of Education Nicholas Kent said: Taxpayer funds should never directly or indirectly subsidize illegal activity. The Public Service Loan Forgiveness program was meant to support Americans who dedicate their careers to public service – not to subsidize organizations that violate the law, whether by harboring illegal immigrants or performing prohibited medical procedures that attempt to transition children away from their biological sex. With this new rule, the Trump Administration is refocusing the PSLF program to ensure federal benefits go to our Nation’s teachers, first responders, and civil servants who tirelessly serve their communities. A few months into his second presidency, Trump ordered the Secretary of Education to revise the PSLF. “As President of the United States, I have a duty to protect, preserve, and defend the Constitution and our national security, which includes ending the subsidization of illegal activities, including illegal immigration, human smuggling, child trafficking, pervasive damage to public property, and disruption of the public order, which threaten the security and stability of the United States,” he said in March. “Accordingly, it is the policy of my Administration that individuals employed by organizations whose activities have a substantial illegal purpose shall not be eligible for public service loan forgiveness,” Trump added. On his way out, former President Joe Biden (D) announced federal student loans for 55,000 workers would be canceled through the PSLF program, Breitbart News reported in December. A few months prior, he canceled student loans for 60,000 public service workers.

Amy Furr and Neil Munro
2,000 trucks stuck in Belarus after Lithuania closes border: association
Technology

2,000 trucks stuck in Belarus after Lithuania closes border: association

Some 2,000 trucks were stranded Friday in Belarus after Lithuania closed its border in response to recent airspace disruptions, a truckers association said. Dozens of balloons loaded with illegal cigarettes entered Lithuania's airspace last week, forcing the temporary closure of airports in the capital Vilnius and Kaunas, affecting numerous flights and thousands of passengers. Vilnius and the European Union denounced the incidents as a "hybrid attack". "Around 2,000 trucks are stranded in Belarus," Oleg Tarasov, vice president of Linava, the Lithuanian road carriers' association, told AFP on Friday. "The Belarusians have seized all Lithuanian vehicles and are not allowing them to leave (the border area). We are being held hostage, our goods are being held hostage," he said. An estimated 60 million euros ($69 million) in assets are currently stuck in Belarus, according to Tarasov, who warned such delays could cause around 18 million euros in monthly losses. The Linava official criticised the government for not consulting or informing road carriers ahead of the closure, which affects cross-border freight transport. Lithuania's logistics sector employs some 54,000 drivers who operate around 56,000 trucks, according to data provided by the association. Lithuania, a NATO and European Union member, shut its last two border crossings with Belarus until November 30 in response to last week's incident. Four other border crossings with Belarus were closed in 2023 and 2024 due to security concerns after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Neighbouring Poland also temporarily shut its border with Belarus in September when Minsk hosted Russia-led military exercises, and has since reopened only some crossings. Source: AFP

Bayo Olupohunda
EXCLUSIVE: Hillary Clinton 'Undergoes Facelift' as $90Million Divorce Rumors Swirl — Leaving Ex-Prez Bill 'Horrified' Over 'Botched Plastic Surgery' Results
Technology

EXCLUSIVE: Hillary Clinton 'Undergoes Facelift' as $90Million Divorce Rumors Swirl — Leaving Ex-Prez Bill 'Horrified' Over 'Botched Plastic Surgery' Results

Hillary Clinton is trying to put her best face forward as rumors of her impending divorce from philandering hubby Bill grow, RadarOnline.com can report. But some experts say the cosmetic surgery the former first lady allegedly had went horribly wrong and left her looking "unrecognizable."Rumors of Hillary's ProceduresHillary shocked gawkers with her almost unrecognizable face when she caught a Broadway show on Oct. 16 – her first public appearance since undergoing what insiders called a mangled makeover. "She looks bizarre!" one person confessed. "Her cheeks look like you can crack a walnut on them and her skin has an eerie smoothness and odd pallor that looks completely unnatural for a woman her age." Another source claimed Hillary has splashed out more than six figures on plastic surgery over the years on a full range of procedures, including fat grafting, laser skin resurfacing, radio frequency skin tightening, microneedling, Botox and the injection of fillers. Beverly Hills surgeon Dr. Robert Setari took a close look at some before-and-after photos of the former first lady. He claimed: "The corners of the mouth appear subtly elevated, and the jawline looks cleaner. This gives the impression of either targeted filler... or some form of lower-face tightening." Dr. Charles Runels believes Hillary had a "vampire" facelift involving pumping blood into the patient’s cheeks, as well as possibly a forehead lift, while Dr. Adam Rubinstein of Miami thinks noninvasive skintightening techniques smoothed out her wrinkles. "I wouldn’t rule out a subtle touch of hyaluronic acid filler or Sculptra to restore facial volume," Rubinstein added.Hillary's Looking for LoveSources said Hillary was motivated to undergo a makeover as a last-ditch effort to put some spark in a long-loveless marriage. "It’s been hard for Bill to fan the flames of passion for his wife for some time," said one source. "I don't think they’ve been intimate for decades. It got to the point where he hated the sight of her." Hillary is also having to pick up the pieces of Bill's friendship with alleged sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. Bill faced backlash after a handwritten note in which he praised Epstein's "childlike curiosity" was made public by U.S. lawmakers, which a source claimed left Hillary raging.Bill and Jeffrey Epstein's Sordid FriendshipThe ex-politician's message was originally written for Epstein's notorious 50th "birthday book," a collection compiled by the pedophile's fixer Ghislaine Maxwell in 2003. He wrote to the sex offender: "It's reassuring, isn't it, to have lasted as long, across all the years of learning and knowing, adventures and (illegible word), and also to have your childlike curiosity, the drive to make a difference and the solace of friends." Following the publication of the message, an insider said: "The shame never stops for Hillary. Each time Epstein's name resurfaces, she's dragged back into Bill's messes. "It is putting crushing pressure on her."Hillary's Revenge on BillOther sources claimed Hillary is so sick over a potential airing of Bill's true relationship with the sex creep that she's consulting her lawyers over her best next move. They claimed: "It really could be over. She's long known what Bill, and what he's capable of." Another insider claimed: "Hillary is enraged. The people around her say she's finished with him and out for blood... She doesn’t care what it costs in terms of money. She can't bear to look at him after years of betrayal."

Aaron Johnson
PINDER: United Nations deception – Inside the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s ‘Science’ factory
Technology

PINDER: United Nations deception – Inside the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s ‘Science’ factory

Deliberate actions to propagate a false narrative about “dangerous anthropogenic warming” were written into AGENDA 21 by Maurice Strong and other motivated globalists at the second Earth Summit in 1992. This set up an important question — how to promulgate a credible narrative based on an unsubstantiated assumption that human activity emissions are “dangerous”?The answer for the United Nations (UN) was and remains the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Although there are many other avenues of deception to be addressed in future columns, the formation of the IPCC made it the central vehicle for advancing the narrative and achieving de facto power. For the 166 countries that signed on, the IPCC validates the existing climate science while, at the same time, creates fear by demonizing carbon dioxide.Let me explain..OLDCORN: Lukaszuk’s petition doesn’t slam the door on an independence vote.The IPCC was formed in 1992 to provide periodic assessments, lengthy reports, and analysis by legitimate scientists writing about topics in their “section.” In fact, scientist Ken Green, a Fellow of the Fraser Institute and frequent science resource on CBC (who has edited many of my Commentaries), contributed to the Third Assessment. He assures me the content is accurate. This legitimizes the IPCC and allows the UN to claim its science is unassailable.However, (just to help us along), the UN also publishes a “Summary for Policy Makers”, a 30 page or so “interpretation” of the assessment which follows, often months later. The intelligent and deceptive folks at the UN quite rightly assume that neither politicians nor media would ever slog through the lengthy detailed reports, often highly technical. So, (out of goodness of their agenda driven hearts) the summaries are loaded up with evocative language, fearsome forecasts, imminent catastrophes, and so forth.This is what gets reported, influencing public opinion, and impacting climate policy..Clever, insidious, and reprehensible.The summaries are political documents crafted in a large hall with every country which signed on present, approving every sentence. Can one imagine 160+ politicians doing that? Excerpts of an Economist magazine article in the May 10, 2014, issue entitled “Inside the Sausage Factory,” the process was described by a participant as “exceptionally frustrating,” and by another as “one of the most extraordinary experiences in my academic life.”Further from the Economist (a climate crisis believer), “It works as follows. The authors write a draft summary. Each sentence of the draft is projected onto a big screen in a giant hall. Officials then propose changes to the text; authors decide whether the changes are justified according to the full thousand(s) page report. Eventually a consensus is supposed to be reached, the sentence is approved or rejected, the chairman bangs the gavel and moves on to the next sentence.”.HANNAFORD: Time for the right to work in Alberta?.Robert Stavins, a professor at Harvard University, a lead author on the chapter in the main report dealing with international cooperation, wrote to the report’s chairman to “express my disappointment and frustration,” and as he pointed out, “any text considered inconsistent with their interests and positions in multilateral negotiations (the forthcoming Paris Accord in 2015) was treated as unacceptable.” The requirement of unanimity resulted in three-quarters of “his original draft rejected, and what remains is a list of disconnected facts, not a guide to the state of knowledge.”Another professor, John Broome of Oxford, had his assessment work “Badly mauled and their content much diminished.” He described himself as “angry at the delegations and astonished by the process.”.“Dr. Stavins remarked ‘having a report reviewed by officials who are themselves interested parties’ created an irreconcilable conflict of interest.”Donna Laframboise, a Canadian journalist, has written two entire books about the IPCC. She adamantly confirms the obvious fact that the summaries are political documents written by politicians or officials of every country present. The science is valid; the process is nefarious.Do we need a United Nations that deliberately misleads member countries? This audacious scheme has been the single most significant reason that much of the world takes, as a given, that there is a “climate crisis.”.BINDA: BC must slam the brakes on its gas car ban.People should be afraid, alright, as governments, especially the United Nations, seek to control our lives and beliefs. The real fear has nothing to do with the climate.Socialists are smart, brazen, persistent, and a real threat to our freedom and prosperity.

Herb Pinder
Spacy JD Vance Fuels Bizarre Conspiracy Theories Claiming UFOs and Aliens 'Could Be Spiritual Forces' — And Vows to 'Fully Investigate' the Mystery
Technology

Spacy JD Vance Fuels Bizarre Conspiracy Theories Claiming UFOs and Aliens 'Could Be Spiritual Forces' — And Vows to 'Fully Investigate' the Mystery

JD Vance has made his case that aliens from outer space could actually be "spiritual forces" at work affecting the world, RadarOnline.com can report. The ultra-religious vice president is also a confessed "mad UFO lunatic."Vance Promises to Investigate AliensVance sat down with Miranda Devine on the New York Post's Pod Force One podcast for a wide-ranging discussion that also touched on his belief in extraterrestrial life. "Things have been so busy. But this is like the crazy person inside of me," Vance said. "And there's, you know, all of us put the tinfoil hat on from time to time." "I wonder, like, I can't allow myself to become so busy that I spend the next three years and I don't get to the bottom of this. So, I will get to the bottom of this, but it's going to take me a little time."Vance's Faith in AboveHowever, Vance wasn't ready to buy completely into the alien speculation, and also offered a faith-based explanation for unexplained phenomena. "I wouldn’t say that I do or don’t believe it," he said. "I’m a big believer that there are things out there that we can't explain. If another person sees an alien, maybe I see an angel or a demon. I think there are spiritual forces working on the physical world that a lot of us don’t see or understand." At that point, Vance clarified, "There are spiritual forces working on the physical world that a lot of us don’t see and don't understand." He asked rhetorically: "Is it aliens or is it our guardian angel or a force that actively wishes us harm? I don’t know the answer to that question. What I try to do is say my prayers, be a good person, and do a good job. Hopefully that’s all I need to do."Marco Rubio is a Kindred SpiritVance isn't alone in his wonder that the truth is out there. His new BFF Marco Rubio apparently feels the same way. "Marco's actually very interested in this, too," Vance said on the podcast. "We talked about this back in our Senate days. There’s certainly an interest there, but I haven’t yet had the time to really dig in." Rubio, 54, is indeed interested in aliens and UFOs, and is set to appear in the highly anticipated documentary, The Age of Disclosure, which claims it will unravel "an 80-year global cover-up of non-human intelligent life." "We've had repeated instances of something operating in the airspace over restricted nuclear facilities... and it's not ours," Rubio says in the doc's trailer.Vance and Rubio's Bestie RelationshipVance and Rubio's growing bromance comes as the two are poised to face off in the 2028 presidential race. When asked if there is any tension between him and Rubio due to MAGA pitting them against each other to become the right-wing group's next leader after Donald Trump departs, Vance made clear all is well. "First of all, no. There's not going to be any tension. Marco is my best friend in the administration, and he and I work a lot together," the politician said, before claiming he never "wakes up" and thinks about becoming the president.

Daniel Gura
Royal storm erupts as King of England strips brother of ‘Prince’ title, banishes him from mansion
Technology

Royal storm erupts as King of England strips brother of ‘Prince’ title, banishes him from mansion

King Charles stripped Prince Andrew of his title and ordered him out of Windsor amid renewed scrutiny over Epstein tiesBuckingham Palace said Andrew showed serious lapses of judgement and confirmed he would now be known as Andrew Mountbatten-WindsorGiuffre’s family celebrated the decision, calling it a vindicating moment as anti-monarchy groups pushed for Andrew to face justice The British monarchy has been rocked by one of its most dramatic crises in generations, as King Charles moves to strip his brother, Andrew, of his “Prince” title and order him out of his Windsor residence amid renewed scrutiny of his ties to convicted s3x offender Jeffrey Epstein. Buckingham Palace described the unprecedented step as “necessary censures,” signalling the deepest rupture within the Royal Family in decades. Palace cites ‘serious lapses of judgement’ In a statement, Buckingham Palace confirmed that Prince Andrew, 65, would now be known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and would relinquish his long-held residence, Royal Lodge, on the Windsor estate. “Formal notice has now been served to surrender the lease and he will move to alternative private accommodation. “These censures are deemed necessary, notwithstanding the fact that he continues to deny the allegations against him," the palace said. It is understood that the King acted after concluding Andrew had made “serious lapses of judgement,” despite continuing to deny all allegations. Andrew will relocate to a smaller private property on the Sandringham estate early next year, funded personally by King Charles. Fallout from renewed Epstein revelations The decision comes after renewed public outrage following the posthumous memoir of Virginia Giuffre, who accused Andrew of sexually assaulting her as a teenager, and who died earlier this year. Giuffre’s family issued a strongly-worded statement: “An ordinary American girl… brought down a British prince with her truth and extraordinary courage.” Her brother, Sky Roberts, told CNN the family felt “joyous and happy and sad” as the ruling was announced. “We’re really proud of her… This is a very vindicating moment for us.” Titles stripped, historic move King Charles is issuing royal warrants to remove Andrew’s remaining honours, including Duke of York. He will, however, remain eighth in line to the throne unless parliament and Commonwealth governments intervene, a process that would take time. “Their Majesties wish to make clear that their thoughts and utmost sympathies remain with survivors of all forms of abuse,” the palace added. The last time a prince lost his title was in 1917, during World War I. Anti-monarchy group pushes for prosecution Republic, the UK’s leading anti-monarchy group, says symbolic punishment is not enough. “Losing silly titles is not an answer to very serious accusations,” Chief Executive Graham Smith said. “We need to see Andrew face justice — the royals are not above the law.” The group announced it has instructed lawyers to prepare a private prosecution. Family fallout and festive tension Andrew is not expected to move before Christmas to avoid “awkwardness” at Sandringham, where the Royal Family traditionally gathers. He has already been excluded from festive events. His ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, who has lived with him at Royal Lodge for two decades, will also leave. Their daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, will retain their titles. Monarchy under pressure The King’s move is seen as an attempt to draw a firm line beneath a scandal that has shadowed the Royal Family for years, but questions remain about whether it will be enough to restore public confidence. Roberts, speaking of his late sister, said: “She always said: only one of us is telling the truth, and I know that’s me.” And as one protester shouted at the King during a recent visit: “How long have you known about Andrew and Epstein?” King Charles admitted to the hospital Legit.ng earlier reported that King Charles III was admitted to a private hospital in London, where he is expected to undergo a “corrective procedure” for an enlarged prostate. Buckingham Palace announced on Friday, January 26, that the 75-year-old king will have his treatment at a London hospital. It was learnt that it was the same clinic where the Princess of Wales was recovering after undergoing abdominal surgery. The palace said King Charles' treatment would be confirmed as soon as it ended. Source: Legit.ng

Bayo Olupohunda,Ezra Ukanwa
The AI Revolution – A Way Forward
Technology

The AI Revolution – A Way Forward

UN Technology Bank Deodat Maharaj By Deodat MaharajGebze, Türkiye Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing our world. It has helped a few companies indeveloped countries set record-breaking profits. This week, Nvidia, a leading US AIcompany, hit a market value of USD5 trillion. Nvidia, together with the other sixtechnology companies known as the Magnificent Seven, reached a marketcapitalisation of USD22 trillion. This value easily eclipses the combined GDP of theworld’s 44 Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Small Island Developing States andLandlocked Developing Countries. These businesses continue to make massive investments in this transformationaltechnology. Not only are investments being made in AI for the future, but benefits arealso already being reaped as it accelerates global commerce and rapidly transformsmarkets. According to the World Economic Forum, AI is streamlining supply chains,optimising production, and enabling data-driven trade decisions, giving companies a bigcompetitive edge in global markets. Thus far, the beneficiaries have been those living inthe developed world, and a few developing countries with high technological capacities,like India. By and large, developing countries have lagged far behind this technological revolution.The world’s 44 LDCs and the Small Island Developing States are those that have beenalmost completely left out. According to UNCTAD, LDCs risk being excluded from theeconomic benefits or the AI revolution. Many LDCs and Small Island Developing Statesstruggle with limited access to digital tools, relying on traditional methods for tradedocumentation, market analysis, and logistics. This is happening as others race ahead.This widening gap threatens to marginalize these countries in international trade andunderscores the urgency of ensuring they can participate fully in the AI-driven globaleconomy. AI holds transformative potential for developing countries across sectors critical toeconomic growth and trade. The World Bank has noted that in agriculture, AI-driventools can improve crop yields, forecast market demand, and enhance supply chainefficiency. It can also strengthen food security and export earnings. In trade andlogistics, AI can optimize operations, reduce transaction costs, and help local producersaccess new markets. Beyond commercial applications, AI can bolster disaster preparedness, enablinggovernments and businesses to allocate resources efficiently and minimize losses. Theuse of AI can be a game changer in responding to massive natural disasters such asthe one caused by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica a few days ago. Despite these opportunities, the poorest and most vulnerable countries face significanthurdles in accessing and benefiting from AI. The International TelecommunicationsUnion has noted that many countries lack reliable electricity, broadband connectivity,and computing resources, impeding the deployment of AI technologies. This iscompounded by human capacity constraints and limited fiscal space to make therequisite investments. Given this, what is the best way forward for the world’s poorest and most vulnerablecountries? Firstly, policy and governance frameworks for leveraging AI for developmenttransformation are urgently, and we can learn from others. For example, Rwanda, aleader in the field of using technology to drive transformation has developed a NationalArtificial Intelligence Policy. Another example is Trinidad and Tobago, which recentlyestablished a Ministry of Public Administration and Artificial Intelligence. Secondly, capacity building, especially for policy leaders, is key. This must beaugmented by making the requisite investments in universities and centers ofexcellence. Given the importance of low-cost and high-impact solutions, buildingpartnerships with institutions in the global south is absolutely vital. Finally, financing remains key. However, given the downward trends in overseasdevelopment assistance, accessing finance, especially grant and concessionalresources from other sources will be important. Consequently, international financialinstitutions, especially the regional development banks, have a critical role to play. Sincethe countries themselves are shareholders, every effort should be made to establishspecial purpose windows of grants and concessional financing to help accelerateadoption of relevant, low-cost, relevant and high-impact AI technological solutions. In an adverse financing environment, achieving the above will be difficult. This is whereTech Diplomacy comes in and must be a central element of a country’s approach toforeign policy. This will be the subject of another piece. In summary, AI is shaping and changing the world now. For the poorest and mostvulnerable countries, all is not lost. With strategic investments, forward-looking andinclusive policies, and international cooperation via Tech Diplomacy, AI can become apowerful tool for their sustainable growth and development. Deodat Maharaj is a national of Trinidad and Tobago and is presently the ManagingDirector of the United Nations Technology Bank for the Least Developed Countries. Hecan be contacted at: [email protected]

ieyenews
French lawmakers reject wealth tax proposal in budget debate
Technology

French lawmakers reject wealth tax proposal in budget debate

France's lower house on Friday rejected a wealth tax proposed by the left, which has threatened to bring down the government if a levy on the super-rich is not in the budget. France is under pressure to pass a spending bill by the end of the year to rein in its deficit and soaring debt, but efforts have been hampered by a political deadlock. A left-wing bloc made up of the Socialist, Communist, Green parties and the hard-left France Unbowed had proposed a minimum two-percent tax on wealth over 100 million euros ($115 million), dubbed the "Zucman tax" after the French economist who devised it. But lawmakers in the National Assembly rejected the measure on Friday evening, 228 voting against and 172 in favour. "Your intransigence is leading you down the wrong path," Socialist MP Boris Vallaud told Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu, who was present for Friday's vote. "Since we have been in this chamber, there has not been the slightest compromise," he added. Lecornu expressed his "profound disagreement" with the wealth-tax proposal, insisting there was no such thing as a "miracle tax". The lower house of parliament also voted down a "Zucman-light" proposal from the Socialists. This version called for a minimum three-percent levy on assets of 10 million euros and above, excluding family and "innovative" businesses in a concession to the government. Debate 'not over' The Socialists have said they will continue pushing for alternative tax justice proposals in the budget, with MP Arthur Delaporte saying the debate is "not over". Lecornu, the country's third prime minister in a little over a year, has promised to get a budget through parliament, after the legislature ousted his two predecessors over cost-cutting measures in their versions. The premier survived a confidence vote earlier this month by agreeing to suspend a deeply unpopular pensions reform under pressure from the Socialists. But the Socialists, a swing group in parliament, have also demanded a tax on the uber-wealthy, without which they have threatened to topple his government. French economist Gabriel Zucman, 39, has said such a tax on the mega-wealthy could raise around 20 billion euros per year from just 1,800 households. The far right and Lecornu's government are against taxing professional assets, which this levy would target. Laurent Wauquiez, the parliamentary leader of the conservative Republicans (LR), welcomed Friday's vote, saying the tax would "kill jobs and economic activity". France has been mired in political deadlock since President Emmanuel Macron last year called for snap parliamentary elections, hoping to cement his power. Instead, his centrist bloc instead lost its majority and the far right gained seats, and the parliament ended up divided. Source: AFP

Bayo Olupohunda
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