Author: Tanjid Osman

Thailand is set to implement a new tourism tax for foreign travelers, which will come into effect during the peak travel season later this year. The tourism tax, amounting to 300 baht (roughly $9), will apply to visitors arriving by air, land, and sea. The announcement was made by Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong, who confirmed that the fee is expected to be rolled out in the fourth quarter of 2025. According to the Bangkok Post, the tax will not only apply to international travelers entering the country by air but will also extend to those arriving via land…

More than half of children in an early-stage study successfully ate foods they were previously allergic to one year after discontinuing Xolair, a medication used for certain food allergies. The findings offer hope for families managing food allergies but come with important cautions from medical experts. Encouraging Findings from a Nationwide Study The study followed 60 children who had undergone at least 24 weeks of treatment with Xolair (omalizumab), tracking their ability to eat allergenic foods after stopping the medication. Each child followed three treatment plans, with 82% of these plans involving the supervised consumption of an allergy-triggering food. After…

South African food producer RCL Foods has announced a 38.8% increase in half-year earnings, driven by strong performances in its groceries and baking businesses. The company, known for brands such as Selati sugar and Sunbake bread, reported that headline earnings per share (HEPS) from continuing operations rose to 109.4 South African cents for the six months ending in December, up from a restated 78.8 cents in the previous year. Strong Financial Performance RCL Foods’ earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, and impairments (EBITDA) grew by 25.1%, reaching 1.5 billion rand ($80.52 million). This improvement was attributed to cost savings and…

The UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has launched a major investigation into TikTok’s use of children’s personal data. The probe will examine how the social media giant processes the information of users aged 13 to 17 and how its recommendation system impacts young users. Concerns Over Data Collection and Algorithm Influence John Edwards, the UK Information Commissioner, stated that the investigation aims to determine whether TikTok’s data practices expose children to potential risks. These risks include data leaks and increased screen time, which may have negative effects on their well-being. TikTok, in response, assured that its recommendation systems operate under…

Drax Group has reported its full-year earnings for 2024, showcasing a mixed financial performance. While earnings per share (EPS) exceeded analyst expectations by 6.9%, the company’s revenue fell short by 22% compared to forecasts. Investors have reacted to these results, with Drax Group’s share price declining by 3.0% over the past week. Looking ahead, industry analysts predict that the company’s revenue will decline by an average of 7.1% annually over the next three years, whereas the broader European renewable energy sector is expected to remain stable. Drax Group’s 2024 Financial Highlights Revenue Challenges and Market Performance Drax Group, a key…

Former Nigerian international Benedict Akwuegbu has expressed strong confidence in the Flying Eagles’ ability to cruise past South Africa, Egypt, and Morocco in the upcoming 2025 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Speaking from his base in London, Akwuegbu assured that Nigeria’s youth football dominance will see them qualify from their group and contend for the championship. Nigeria’s Strength in Youth Football The 2025 CAF U-20 AFCON is set to take place in Ivory Coast from April 26 to May 18, with four semi-finalists earning qualification for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile. Nigeria, drawn in Group…

Canada’s craft beer industry is bracing for severe financial strain as the United States prepares to enforce a 25 percent tariff on Canadian goods starting Tuesday. Adding to the pressure, a separate 25 percent tariff on Canadian steel and aluminum—key materials for beer cans—is set to follow. Small breweries across the country are now facing an uphill battle to sustain their businesses amid rising costs and supply chain disruptions. Small Breweries Struggle to Stay Afloat Henderson Brewing, a Toronto-based craft brewery founded in 2016, is one of many small businesses confronting an increasingly volatile market. Specializing in a diverse range…

TikTok, one of the world’s fastest-growing social media platforms, has launched a dedicated Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) feed across Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The new feature aims to blend education with entertainment, making learning as engaging as the platform’s famous dance challenges and viral trends. TikTok’s STEM Feed Goes Live in Over 20 African Countries The STEM feed is now accessible in more than 20 countries across SSA. Designed to provide high-quality educational content, the feed delivers informative videos in English, complete with auto-translated subtitles for a wider reach. To ensure accuracy, all content undergoes verification by professional fact-checkers…

Kidney disease is a silent threat that affects millions of people worldwide, yet many remain unaware of their condition until it reaches an advanced stage. A leading nephrologist now emphasizes the importance of annual kidney function testing, particularly for individuals at higher risk, such as those with diabetes or high blood pressure. Understanding Kidney Function and Its Vital Role The kidneys are essential organs responsible for filtering waste from the blood, balancing bodily fluids, regulating blood pressure, and aiding in red blood cell production. Any impairment in their function can lead to severe health complications, including kidney failure and cardiovascular…

The growing shortage of surgeons in Africa is raising alarms among medical professionals, policymakers, and researchers. Experts at the PanAfrican Surgical Conference (#PASC2025) have called for immediate action to prevent a looming healthcare crisis. According to recent studies presented at the conference, Africa could face a shortfall of six million surgical care providers by 2030, leaving millions without access to essential, life-saving procedures. Urgent Need for Surgical Workforce Expansion The conference, organized by the medical charity Operation Smile, aims to address Africa’s surgical workforce gap. By strengthening local surgical ecosystems and equipping healthcare professionals with necessary resources, stakeholders hope to…