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The festival of Diwali commemorates Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya, a city in India, following his fourteen-year exile, as depicted in the ancient epic, the Ramayana. To celebrate his homecoming, the residents of Ayodhya illuminated the path with thousands of diyas (clay lamps) to dispel darkness.

The festivities typically span five days, with the principal celebration occurring on the third day, known as Diwali night. During this time, devotees worship idols of Lakshmi and Ganesha to seek divine blessings for prosperity, wealth, and the removal of obstacles in their lives and endeavours. Homes are meticulously cleaned and adorned with rangoli (colourful floor designs created with coloured rice or powder). Diyas are lit everywhere to symbolise the triumph of light over darkness. Diwali is also a time for generosity and compassion, as many engage in charitable activities, distributing clothing and food to those in need.

African Development Bank supports BIASHARA Africa 2024 Business Forum

17/10/2024

The African Development Bank (AfDB) supported the Biashara Africa 2024 Business Forum, also known as the AfCFTA Business Forum, held from 9 to 11 October 2024 in Kigali, Rwanda. Organised by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the forum, themed “Dare to Invent the Future of the AfCFTA,” gathered industry leaders, policymakers, and government representatives to promote trade and economic growth in Africa.

A delegation from the AfDB, including Acting Director Ousmane Fall, participated to reinforce the Bank’s commitment to supporting African countries in addressing trade-related challenges. During the opening ceremony, Rwandan President Paul Kagame emphasised the importance of connectivity across the continent.

Fall highlighted the Bank’s efforts in facilitating over 3,000 trade transactions valued at more than $12 billion through its Trade Finance Program, addressing access to trade finance as a critical issue for productivity. The forum included exhibitions and discussions on unlocking Africa’s trade potential, trade finance, and value chains.

Read the original information here: https://afdb.africa-newsroom.com/press/african-development-bank-supports-biashara-africa-2024-business-forum?lang=en

Malaysia ranks 106th on 2024 Nature Conservation Index

16/10/2024

Malaysia ranks 106th out of 180 countries in the 2024 Nature Conservation Index, which evaluates global conservation efforts. With a score of 54.32 out of 100, Malaysia is identified as one of 17 megadiverse countries, boasting approximately 1.75 million species in its forests.

The country’s scores include 55 for land management, 57 for threats to biodiversity, 66 for capacity and governance, and 40 for climate change mitigation. In Southeast Asia, Malaysia holds the third position, behind Thailand (80) and Brunei (103), but ahead of Indonesia (122), Vietnam (142), the Philippines (148), Cambodia (159), Singapore (166), and Myanmar (167).

The report highlights significant threats to Malaysia’s biodiversity, such as land development, pollution, poaching, illegal collection, climate change, and invasive species. It notes that invasive species have particularly impacted the agricultural sector, driven by economic growth and increasing demand for food and commodities.

Read the original information here: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/10/16/malaysia-ranks-106th-on-2024-nature-conservation-index