an

Home Office faces legal cases over Zimbabwean asylum seekers

Legality of allowing Harare officials to interview those awaiting removal questioned

The Home Office faces a series of legal challenges over its decision to allow Zimbabwean government officials to interview people from the country who are seeking asylum in the UK.

The government was criticised earlier this year for working with the Zimbabwean state to accelerate the removal of asylum seekers after Robert Mugabe was forced from power, despite continuing human rights abuses in the country.

Related: Home Office criticised for accelerating removals to Zimbabwe

Continue reading...




an

This Mournable Body by Tsitsi Dangarembga review – life on the precipice

A woman’s descent into poverty provides a powerful finale to the Zimbabwean author’s trilogy

“You want nothing more than to break away from the implacable terror of every day you spend in your country – where you can no longer afford the odd dab of peanut butter to liven up the vegetables from Mai Manyanga’s garden.” This is the voice of Tambu, first encountered in the Zimbabwean writer Tsitsi Dangarembga’s much-praised 1988 book Nervous Conditions, a passionate, first-person account of a 1960s Rhodesian childhood scarred by the war of independence.

Now, in the final instalment in the trilogy, Tambu is middle aged and writing in an appropriately distanced second person. Dangarembga sets herself the challenge of writing about how alienated personhood becomes when life stories lose hope and in a country where effort is no longer followed by reward.

Continue reading...




an

Heal the land, secure our future | David Pocock's 2020s vision

Regenerative agriculture can revolutionise the continent. That’s not a pie-in-the-sky utopia, but something we can all bring about

How should we stare down the challenges of a new decade? Where will we find hope and solutions? This is the first piece in a new series in which we ask prominent Australians to write about one thing they think could improve the nation in the 2020s

We need a revolution in Australia. Many can sense that. We’re richer than ever, but when it comes to our environment and the climate we’re in a big hole – and we need to stop digging. We must find new ways of living on this incredible continent we have brought to the brink of climatic and ecological catastrophe. If that sounds bleak, it is. But what if the revolution we need is already taking place; in the space between our ears and the ground beneath our feet?

Related: Farmer wants a revolution: 'How is this not genocide?'

Transitioning to regenerative agriculture isn’t some sort of pie-in-the-sky hoping for a utopia

Will we challenge and transform our thinking, or continue ploughing on towards the cliff edge up ahead?

Related: Look after the soil, save the Earth: farming in Australia's unrelenting climate

David Pocock is a professional rugby union player and co-author of the book In Our Nature with his partner, Emma Pocock

Continue reading...




an

More than half of women in Zimbabwe have faced sextortion, finds survey

Widespread corruption and deteriorating economy have contributed to rise in sexual bribery, say researchers

Zimbabwe has recorded an unprecedented number of women reporting being forced to exchange sex for employment or business favours.

More than 57% of women surveyed by Transparency International Zimbabwe (TIZ) said they had been forced to offer sexual favours in exchange for jobs, medical care and even when seeking placements at schools for their children.

Related: We were promised change – but corruption and brutality still rule in Zimbabwe | Fadzayi Mahere

Continue reading...




an

Zimbabwe's president appeals for help to end country's 'financial isolation'

Emmerson Mnangagwa makes passionate plea for support as he targets upper middle-income status by 2030

The president of Zimbabwe has appealed for help in pulling his debt-ridden country out of “financial isolation”.

Emmerson Mnangagwa made his passionate call for international funding after he failed to secure new loans from the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, African Development Bank and the Paris Club due to outstanding foreign debts of $8bn (£6.2bn).

Related: Zimbabwe urged to prioritise children as record poverty causes food shortages

Continue reading...




an

Mary Tandon obituary

My mother, Mary Tandon, who has died aged 82, undertook many roles as a lawyer, writer and campaigner. Her life was punctuated by flights from her home because of political violence – and fresh starts in new countries.

She was born in Malacca, British Malaya (now Malaysia). While Mary was at a tender age, she and her mother, Fong Ah Soo, were the sole survivors of a Japanese bombing raid in which the family home and the rest of her extended family were killed.

Continue reading...




an

Coronavirus border closures strand tens of thousands of people across Africa

Migrants trapped in dangerous conditions at frontiers, ports and transit camps

Tens of thousands of migrants are trapped in dangerous conditions at frontiers, mines, ports and in transit camps across Africa after states shut their borders in an attempt to stem the spread of Covid-19.

Some have been abandoned by smugglers unable to take them further on their journeys to Europe or elsewhere. Others were returning home or moving across the continent in search of work when frontiers were closed in March.

Continue reading...




an

Businesses continue to apply for a PPP loan. Forgiveness remains uncertain

Companies that were able to make the cut and qualify for the Paycheck Protection Program have another fight on the horizon: having their loan forgiven. Here's why it's so hard to figure that out.




an

How health savings accounts have adjusted for the coronavirus pandemic

Health savings accounts, or HSAs, will cover Covid-19-related testing and treatment, among other things.




an

Your financial advisor may not actually be an 'advisor'

An SEC rule is requiring many brokers, often referred to as financial or wealth advisors, to stop marketing themselves as "advisors" next month.




an

Young professionals risk financial burnout as they weather their first big crisis

Many Gen Z and millennial professionals have one question: Will I still have a job? Worrying about day-to-day expenses puts them at risk for financial burnout. And that could mean they neglect their long-term plans, particularly retirement savings.




an

Demand for refunds intensifies among college students

As students argue that remote learning doesn't have same value as an in-person education, a growing number of undergraduates are taking their cases to court.




an

'Concerned and confused' about the future, young adults try to navigate through the coronavirus crisis

From a drop in income to the inability to pay bills, young adults are facing obstacles they weren't necessarily expecting.




an

Here's what you need to know about rent relief during the pandemic

Many renters across the U.S. don't have to worry about being evicted during the pandemic. Yet they can find themselves in a lot of trouble when the relief expires.




an

If there's coronavirus relief money, scammers will try and steal it

Business owners, the unemployed and recipients of stimulus checks are among the targets of financial thieves trying to access trillions of dollars in federal coronavirus relief.




an

Are you having second thoughts about that PPP loan? You have until May 14 to pay it back

If you had other sources of liquidity available to your company, and applied for the Paycheck Protection Program anyway, now might be the time to think about giving the cash back. You have just over a week to act.




an

He's an American but his wife is not. He's not getting a stimulus check

With many Americans still counting the days until they get their $1,200 checks, some are in for a surprise. If you're American, but your spouse is not, you may not be qualified. Now, some groups are suing the government over the issue.




an

Colleges consider a tuition freeze amid pandemic

A growing number of schools are freezing tuition in hopes of attracting more students and families now struggling with the weight of a college tab.




an

Federal business disaster loans now capped at $150,000 and limited to agriculture

The Small Business Administration has sharply curtailed the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, limiting new applicants to only agricultural businesses and capping max loan amounts at $150,000, down from $2 million, according to reports.




an

Why unemployment benefits for the self-employed may be less than expected

Self-employed workers applying for unemployment benefits may get less than they think because of how they report income.




an

Working parents find it's nearly impossible to make plans with dwindling child-care options

Even before the pandemic, affordable child care was a struggle for most. Now parents are squeezed by a near-complete lack of help, with daycare centers, schools and probably summer camps closed.




an

Designer Rebecca Minkoff's advice for small businesses trying to survive the coronavirus pandemic

As co-founder and creative director of her own fashion line, Rebecca Minkoff understands the current struggles small-business owners are now facing — especially women. Here's her advice on how to survive.




an

The rules of job hunting have changed — here's how to get hired

Experts weigh in on the best way to get in front of a hiring manager as the competition for job openings heats up.




an

Can't pay your rent? Here's what you should do

The coronavirus pandemic has made almost every facet of American life harder, and coming up with rent is high on that list. These resources can help.










an

Cornerstone Macro's Carter Worth says financials fall may continue

Cornerstone Macro's Carter Worth takes a look at the financial sector. With CNBC's Melissa Lee and the Fast Money traders, Tim Seymour, Guy Adami, Brian Kelly and Steve Grasso.




an

Is Musk OK? Twitter rant tanks stock

Tesla tanks as founder and CEO Elon Musk says the stock price is too high. With CNBC's Melissa Lee and the Fast Money traders, Tim Seymour, Guy Adami, Brian Kelly and Steve Grasso.




an

Canopy's big day, and bitcoin surges nearly 18% this week

Canopy Growth surges as Constellation ups its stake in the company. And a look at bitcoin's big week. With CNBC's Melissa Lee and the Fast Money traders, Tim Seymour, Guy Adami, Brian Kelly and Steve Grasso.




an

Hertz hires firm for bankruptcy preparation: Report

CNBC's Phil LeBeau on a report that Hertz has hired a firm to assist with bankruptcy preparations. With CNBC's Melissa Lee and the Fast Money traders, Guy Adami, Tim Seymour, Dan Nathan and Karen Finerman.




an

Trader says 'no guidance, no problem' for this medical device company—Here's why

Is Abbott Labs a buy? With CNBC's Melissa Lee and the Fast Money traders, Guy Adami, Tim Seymour, Pete Najarian and Steve Grasso.




an

Ethanol plummets, plants turn to hand sanitizer

Jeff Broin, founder & CEO of POET, the world's largest producer of ethanol, says production is down by half, but two plants are being turned into hand sanitizer facilities, a new revenue stream the company plans to keep.




an

As markets rally, technician says the charts suggest more gains ahead

Strategas' Chris Verrone on where the markets are headed from here. With CNBC's Melissa Lee and the Fast Money traders, Guy Adami, Tim Seymour, Karen Finerman and Dan Nathan.




an

San Francisco targets May 18 for some businesses to resume

CNBC's Dominic Chu reports that San Francisco is targeting May 18 to reopen some businesses.




an

Sotheby's CEO on how the company shifted focus during Covid-19 pandemic

Charles Stewart, Sotheby's CEO, on how the company has shifted business during the pandemic. With CNBC's Melissa Lee and the Fast Money traders, Guy Adami, Tim Seymour, Karen Finerman and Dan Nathan.




an

Historic job losses, and stocks rally

Stocks were up today despite a record drop in payrolls. With CNBC's Melissa Lee and the Fast Money traders, Guy Adami, Tim Seymour, Brian Kelly and Jeff Mills.




an

Red Arrows fly over London to mark 75th anniversary of VE Day - video

The RAF's display team colour the skies above London red, white and blue to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day. Nazi commanders surrendered to allied forces in a French schoolhouse 75 years ago on 8 May 1945, bringing the second world war in Europe to an end.

Continue reading...




an

Royals and politicians observe two-minute silence to mark 75th VE Day anniversary - video

Britain observed a two-minute silence on Friday to commemorate the 75th anniversary of VE Day, marking the end of the second world war. Charles, the Prince of Wales, and the Duchess of Cornwall led the ceremony from Balmoral in Scotland. Political leaders also paid silent tribute at 11am along with the rest of the nation. Nazi commanders surrendered to allied forces in a French schoolhouse 75 years ago to the day.

Continue reading...




an

Brawl erupts between Hong Kong politicians in fight for chair - video

The legislative council descended into chaos for more than an hour on Friday as opposing lawmakers threw placards and scrambling over each other to take control of a house committee. Politicians rushed to take the seat left empty after the house was unable to elect a new chairperson. The incumbent, Starry Lee, reached the seat first as pro-Beijing and pro-democracy members crowded in

Continue reading...




an

Lockdown walks, miraculous recoveries and flypasts: the week’s most uplifting clips – video

As the lockdown days wear on, it can be hard to find hope amid the gloom. But people across the world are finding reasons to keep their spirits up – from lockdown charity walks and miraculous recoveries, to virtual graduation wishes from celebrities and socially distanced block parties


Continue reading...




an

'There is a path out': WHO's Dr Michael Ryan warns nations to stay vigilant – video

Dr Michael Ryan, the director of the WHO health emergencies programme, has said there is a way out of the Covid-19 pandemic for communities, adding that 'a careful and measured return' to workplaces and schools with the right precautions could work, but that concerts and other mass gatherings were much more difficult.

He predicted a significant change to lifestyles until a vaccine or effective treatments were found.

Continue reading...




an

'There is no future': the refugees who became pawns in Erdoğan’s game

First the asylum seekers were used to further Turkey’s regional ambitions, now they are made to suffer in quarantine camps

At the beginning of March, thousands of refugees gathered in the shadow of the Pazarkule border gate in Turkey after President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said he would “open the gate” to Europe.

The move was a reaction to the killing of 33 Turkish soldiers in Idlib province on 28 February and designed to exert pressure on the EU and Nato to support its military operation in northern Syria.

Continue reading...




an

Bangladeshi journalist is jailed after mysterious 53-day disappearance

Campaigners warn Shafiqul Islam Kajol faces a lengthy sentence as his family worries about his exposure to Covid-19 in prison

Fifty-three days after he disappeared, Bangladeshi journalist Shafiqul Islam Kajol turned up on Sunday in police custody at a border town 150 miles from where he had last been seen.

“I am alive,” he told his son by phone, the first time the family had heard his voice since his disappearance in early March, a day after a case was filed against him and 31 others under the country’s controversial new Digital Security Act.

Continue reading...




an

Coronavirus news Australia: evacuation flights for stranded citizens in India as some states ease Covid-19 restrictions – as it happened

The Australian government has arranged four additional Qantas flights to Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai in the coming fortnight. This blog has now closed

To recap, this afternoon there were 6,929 Covid-19 cases in Australia, with the death toll at 97.

There had been 16 new cases in the last 24 hours, four of which were related to the Cedar Meats cluster in Victoria.

Related: Coronavirus Australia latest: at a glance

There are just two people in South Australia considered to be active cases of Covid-19.

No further cases were recorded when the state health department released updated statistics on Saturday, with South Australia’s total tally remaining at 439.

We want people to get out and explore our fabulous regions. It is safe for regional travel in South Australia.

Continue reading...




an

From rubbish to rice: the cafe that gives food in exchange for plastic

The Garbage Cafe in Ambikapur, India, is helping to tackle the country’s plastic waste problem – and their novel idea is catching on

On bad days, when his employer made some excuse for not paying him his paltry daily wage, Ram Yadav’s main meal used to be dry chapatis, with salt and raw onion for flavour. Sometimes he just went hungry. For a ragpicker like him, one of the thousands of Indians who make a living bringing in plastic waste for recycling, eating in a cafe or restaurant was the stuff of fairytales.

But last week, Yadav was sitting at a table at the Garbage Cafe in Ambikapur, in the state of Chhattisgarh, over a piping hot meal of dal, aloo gobi, poppadoms and rice. He earned the food in exchange for bringing in 1kg of plastic waste. “The hot meal I get here lasts me all day. And it feels good to sit at a table like everyone else,” he said.

Continue reading...




an

India primed: what Amazon's vast new Hyderabad campus reveals about its plans

Amazon have arrived in force in rapidly expanding Hyderabad, with designs on the currently almost non-existent Indian e-commence market

The futuristic lobby of the new Amazon building in Hyderabad feels as though it should have a permanent orchestra blasting out Also Sprach Zarathustra. The scale is intended to awe. A large slogan on a wall suggests the company is “Delivering smiles”. The only sound that rises above the hush is a synthesised beep, coming from a giant screen playing a video of the campus at various stages of its construction.

Built on nine acres in this Indian city’s financial district, it is Amazon’s single largest building globally and the only Amazon-owned campus outside the US. It can house over 15,000 employees, but its size is its main architectural feature: it resembles the same cube of glass steel and chrome seen in corporate offices across Hyderabad, though a flash of magenta reflected in one of the top floor windows, from a billowing sari across the road, is a nice Indian touch.

Continue reading...