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Indonesia has officially commenced President Prabowo Subianto’s extensive free meal initiative, aiming to provide meals to over a quarter of the population. On its opening day, the program served 570,000 people, marking the start of a significant national effort. Despite being a cornerstone of Prabowo’s election campaign, the rollout was subdued, with no formal launch and only 190 kitchens preparing meals for school children and pregnant women across more than 20 provinces. The program, which aspires to reach 82.9 million Indonesians by 2029, is expected to be a monumental logistical challenge. The initiative has stirred debate, with its estimated $28 billion cost over five years raising concerns about its potential impact on Indonesia’s fiscal discipline. Prabowo, however, has staunchly defended the program, citing its strategic importance in combating child malnutrition and boosting regional economic growth. The first phase, projected to cost 71 trillion rupiah ($4.39 billion) this year, aims to provide meals for 15 million people. At an elementary school in West Jakarta, students collected trays filled with rice, fried chicken, tofu, beans, and an orange, showcasing the program’s commitment to delivering nutritious meals.

China has launched a comprehensive national plan to address the surging prevalence of dementia, which officials warn is becoming a significant societal issue, posing serious challenges to the well-being of the elderly and their families. The initiative comes as the country faces a rapidly aging population, with projections indicating that the number of people aged 60 and above will soar by over 40%, surpassing 400 million by 2035, comparable to the combined populations of the UK and the US. The plan, developed with input from 15 government departments, including the National Health Commission, lays out seven key objectives to be achieved by 2030, according to the state-run Xinhua news agency. Currently, more than 16 million people in China are living with dementia, with Alzheimer’s disease being the most prevalent form. Key components of the plan include a significant expansion of care services for elderly individuals with dementia. By 2030, over half of elderly care institutions are expected to have specialized units for dementia care, and the number of trained caregivers is set to reach 15 million. This strategy aims to improve the quality of life for millions of seniors and provide much-needed support for their families.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a warning to Nigerians, including healthcare professionals, about a counterfeit version of the cancer treatment drug, Phesgo 600mg/600mg/10ml, bearing the batch number C5290S20.   According to NAFDAC, the alert follows a report from a doctor at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH-NSIA), who raised concerns after a patient presented the suspected counterfeit drug for administration.   The agency’s public alert (No. 051/2024), published on its website, confirmed that the drug matched the features of a previously identified counterfeit batch, C3809C51. While the drug was not administered, a visual examination of its packaging revealed significant discrepancies compared to genuine Phesgo products.   NAFDAC explained that Roche, the Marketing Authorisation Holder (MAH), conducted an investigation using images of the drug’s vial and packaging provided by the complainant. Key differences between the counterfeit product and the authentic version included:   Absence of the batch number in Roche’s database.   Errors in language on the packaging.   Missing basilisk symbol.   Incorrect bollino date.   Tamper evidence labels inconsistent with Roche’s genuine materials.   “Although no physical sample was available for chemical analysis, the visual comparison confirmed the counterfeit nature of the product,” the agency stated.   NAFDAC has advised healthcare providers and the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious products. This incident underscores the growing threat of counterfeit drugs in Nigeria’s healthcare system and highlights the importance of robust quality control measures.

A student from Ekiti State University (EKSU) has alleged that police officers in Lagos extorted ₦150,000 from him and his friends during a stop-and-search operation at Ojota. The student, who shared his experience online but chose to remain anonymous, claimed the officers became aggressive after discovering cryptocurrency applications on his phone.   In his account, the student said the officers stopped their vehicle at multiple checkpoints and demanded to inspect his phone. Despite his compliance, one officer allegedly grabbed the phone and, upon finding trading apps and WhatsApp groups linked to cryptocurrency, accused him of engaging in illegal activities.   “They claimed cryptocurrency is illegal in Nigeria and insisted I follow them to their station unless I paid ₦200,000,” he wrote.   The student detailed how the situation escalated. After instructing the Uber driver to leave, the officers reportedly forced him and his friend into their tinted Sienna vehicle, where they were allegedly assaulted. Fearing for his safety, the student tried to negotiate the amount, explaining he could not afford ₦200,000 as a student.   “They eventually demanded ₦150,000 and took me to a POS operator, where I was forced to make the transfer,” he recounted, adding that the money was meant for his school fees. He claimed to have proof of the payment, including the POS receipt and account number.   The incident has sparked outrage online, with many condemning the officers’ actions. The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, has since directed the Lagos Police Command to investigate the matter and identify the officers involved.   This case has once again brought attention to allegations of police misconduct and extortion in Nigeria, fueling calls for accountability and reform within the force.

China announced on Sunday a series of 15 measures aimed at accelerating the development of its western provinces, focusing on enhancing logistical infrastructure, including ports and aviation hubs. The initiative, reported by state media, was unveiled by the General Administration of Customs.   The measures aim to integrate various transportation modes rail, air, river, and sea within the western regions, creating a cohesive and efficient logistics network. Key projects include the development of international aviation hubs in cities such as Chengdu, Chongqing, Kunming, Xi’an, and Urumqi. The plan also includes establishing and expanding comprehensive bonded zones and connecting them with ports and other transport systems.   Additionally, the initiative seeks to construct and upgrade ports in the western regions. These efforts are part of China’s broader strategy to address the economic disparity between its coastal provinces and the western interior, which comprises nearly two-thirds of the country’s landmass and includes regions like Sichuan, Yunnan, Xinjiang, and Tibet.   Despite these economic ambitions, the western regions have faced ongoing challenges, including ethnic tensions and stringent security measures that Beijing argues are essential for maintaining national unity and border stability. These measures, however, have drawn criticism from some Western nations.   The government’s renewed focus on the west underscores its commitment to fostering balanced economic growth across the country while addressing the unique challenges faced by its vast and diverse western regions.

Tech giant Apple has agreed to pay $95 million (£77 million) to settle a lawsuit accusing the company of eavesdropping on users through its virtual assistant, Siri. The case alleged that some Apple devices recorded conversations without user consent and shared the recordings with advertisers to target ads.   Despite the settlement, Apple denies any wrongdoing. The company stated it did not “record, disclose to third parties, or fail to delete conversations recorded as a result of a Siri activation” without user consent. Apple also noted it had permanently deleted individual Siri audio recordings collected before October 2019.   The claimants, led by Fumiko Lopez, argued that Siri sometimes activated unintentionally without the “Hey, Siri” command, recording private conversations without the users’ knowledge. They allege advertisers used these recordings to extract keywords and target advertising more effectively.   Apple has not admitted to the claims but chose to settle the case, likely to avoid prolonged litigation. The settlement underscores ongoing concerns about privacy and data security in the use of voice-activated technologies.   Further updates on the case and its implications for privacy standards in tech are expected in the coming weeks. 

A major fire outbreak engulfed the Sokoto Kara Market earlier today, destroying grains, essential commodities, and timber products. The cause of the fire remains unknown, but the state government has swiftly mobilized emergency services to contain the blaze and ensure no loss of lives.   This incident adds to the troubling trend of recurring fire outbreaks in Sokoto markets. Since 2007, the state has witnessed annual market fires, each causing significant devastation. The central market, which is the largest in the northwest region, remains under construction years after a previous fire destroyed it.   Residents and traders are calling for improved fire safety measures to mitigate the frequent losses that disrupt lives and businesses. Government officials have promised to investigate the cause of the current fire and implement more robust solutions to prevent 

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has called for a comprehensive national inquiry into the UK’s ongoing “rape gangs scandal,” following controversy surrounding a recent decision by Home Office minister Jess Phillips. Phillips rejected Oldham Council’s request for a government-led inquiry into historic cases of child sexual exploitation, suggesting the council should take the lead on the investigation instead. The October decision, first reported by GB News on Wednesday, quickly gained attention, with Elon Musk sharing it on his platform X, sparking further reactions from senior Tories. Badenoch, speaking out on X, expressed concern that despite numerous trials across the country, the authorities have failed to connect the dots. “2025 must be the year that victims finally receive justice,” she wrote. The call for an inquiry comes amid several high-profile investigations into the systematic sexual abuse of young women by organized gangs, with cases in Rotherham, Rochdale, Bristol, Derbyshire, and Cornwall drawing widespread attention. These incidents have ignited heated discussions, with some far-right groups focusing on the role of men of Pakistani descent in the exploitation. A previous inquiry into Rotherham uncovered that over 1,400 children were sexually abused over a span of 16 years, primarily by British Pakistani men. This revelation has further intensified calls for a full national inquiry into the scope and depth of the abuse across the country. Image credit:  kemi badenoch official cabinet portrait 2022: Wikipedia Commons

Peter Obi, the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, has denied any current merger agreement between the LP and other opposition parties, such as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). Addressing newsmen in Abuja, Obi refuted speculations that the LP had entered into a merger deal with these parties but did not confirm or deny ongoing discussions, stating that there was “no agreement yet.” The former Anambra State governor, however, called for political unity among Nigerians, emphasizing that only through solidarity could the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which he accused of mismanaging the country’s resources, be defeated. Obi also expressed deep concern over Nigeria’s security situation, condemning the escalating banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping-for-ransom that he said were needlessly taking lives. He criticized the current administration’s claims of combating corruption, arguing that the nation’s corruption levels remain high, alongside an alarming rise in public debt, driven in part by government officials’ excessive foreign travel and poor management of public funds in 2024.

In a significant step toward environmental sustainability, Nigeria will now require applicants for oil licenses and permits to demonstrate a commitment to low-carbon emissions and renewable energy initiatives. This new policy, effective immediately, was announced by Gbenga Komolafe, Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), on Tuesday.   The policy aligns with Nigeria’s pledge to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2060 and includes the launch of the Upstream Petroleum Decarbonisation Template (UPDT). The UPDT will serve as a guideline for applicants, ensuring compliance with national and international climate objectives.   BWhile the requirement is in effect from January 1, 2025, all approvals in the upstream sector, including divestments, will be subject to this policy. Komolafe emphasized that the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to balancing energy security with environmental stewardship.   “By this, the commission is deepening its efforts to align the upstream petroleum industry with national priorities and international climate goals while ensuring sustainable value creation from oil and gas resources for Nigeria’s energy security and economic development,” Komolafe stated. The new policy compels oil and gas operators to adopt practices that reduce environmental impact. Among the measures outlined are:   Implementation of methane management programs, including leak detection and repairs.   Optimization of operations using energy-efficient technologies.   Integration of renewable energy sources into oil and gas projects.   This move is part of Nigeria’s broader strategy to transition toward a greener economy while maintaining its position as a leading oil producer. By setting stringent decarbonization benchmarks, the country aims to demonstrate leadership in addressing climate change without compromising energy security or economic growth.   As enforcement approaches, the NUPRC’s initiative could set a precedent for oil-producing nations, showcasing how fossil fuel-dependent economies can pursue sustainable development.