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The King’s Baton Relay, promoting the 2026 Commonwealth Games, recently completed its British Virgin Islands leg at the Social Development Department’s Senior Games, held at the Multipurpose Sports Complex.

In a significant departure from tradition, this year’s relay features 72 individual batons – one for each Commonwealth nation and territory – rather than a single baton circling the globe. The change reflects King Charles’ commitment to sustainability, with each baton crafted from Scottish ashwood.

Local artist Desiree Smith was selected to decorate the BVI’s baton, incorporating elements that represent the territory’s identity. The design features the territory’s sailing waters, government symbols, cultural markers like coconut trees, and athletic imagery in gold, silver, and bronze. Smith also included local flora and fauna, such as the white cedar and turtle dove, using a vibrant colour palette that reflects the territory’s colours.

The baton’s journey through the BVI included stops at educational institutions on Tortola and Virgin Gorda, as well as various historical and cultural sites before concluding at Government House. The decorated batons from all participating nations will converge at the 2026 Commonwealth Games opening ceremony in Glasgow, Scotland, scheduled for July 23 to August 2, 2026.

The 2026 Games will feature a streamlined program of nine sports, down from the previous 17, marking another significant change in the event’s history.

Read the original article here: https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/sports/king-s-baton-relay-promoting-2026-commonwealth-games-wraps-up-bvi-stop/article_12b55219-c821-48c5-be58-83bbf28647fb.html

African currencies are showing varied trends for the upcoming week. Ghana’s cedi and Uganda’s shilling are expected to strengthen, while Kenya’s shilling and Zambia’s kwacha may weaken. Nigeria’s naira is forecast to remain stable.

Ghana’s cedi, currently trading at 11.70 to the dollar, is predicted to strengthen further, supported by remittance inflows and central bank interventions. The currency has already broken through the key 12.00 level on the interbank market. Uganda’s shilling, quoted at 3,646/3,656 to the dollar, is likely to firm due to month-end foreign-currency inflows from NGOs. Meanwhile, Nigeria’s naira is expected to hold steady around 1,590 to the dollar, benefiting from foreign portfolio inflows and improved crude oil prices. Kenya’s shilling (129.00/50) faces potential weakness due to increased manufacturing sector demand outpacing remittances and NGO salary inflows. Zambia’s kwacha, trading at 27.62 per dollar, is anticipated to remain under pressure amid high foreign-currency demand and limited supply.

These currency movements reflect varying economic conditions and market dynamics across the African continent.

Read the original article here: https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/africa-fx-ghana-and-uganda-currencies-could-gain/ar-AA1Fh3ap?ocid=BingNewsVerp

India’s Bajaj Auto announced plans to take control of Austrian motorcycle maker KTM AG through an €800 million ($906.2 million) debt package. The deal marks a significant shift for Bajaj, transforming its role from a minority investor to a strategic leader in KTM’s operations.

KTM AG, which manufactures KTM and Husqvarna motorcycles, filed for court restructuring in November due to severe financial difficulties. Under the rescue plan, Bajaj Auto has already invested €200 million and will contribute an additional €600 million to settle creditor claims and revive operations. Creditors are expected to receive 30% of their claims in cash by May 23. The Indian motorcycle manufacturer will gain control through its unit, Pierer Bajaj AG, leading to indirect control of KTM’s parent company, Pierer Mobility AG. Bajaj Auto holds a 37.5% stake in KTM through its subsidiary, though the final ownership percentage post-deal remains undisclosed.

The two companies have an existing partnership in India for joint product development. This strategic move aims to align governance and inject fresh capital to restore KTM’s operations.

Read the original article here: https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/india-s-bajaj-auto-to-take-control-of-ktm-with-906-million-debt-deal/ar-AA1FfJV5?ocid=BingNewsBrowse