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University Students Trapped in Building Collapse in Benin, Nigeria

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A storey building collapsed in Ekosodin, a student-populated area near the University of Benin in Edo State, Nigeria, early Saturday morning, trapping an unknown number of university students inside. The incident occurred on Ekhator Street during heavy rainfall, sparking panic among the local student community.

Ekosodin, which borders the University of Benin, is a popular residential area for students unable to secure on-campus accommodation. The collapse has highlighted concerns about building safety in areas with high student populations.

According to an eyewitness who spoke on condition of anonymity, a university rescue team has successfully evacuated some of the trapped occupants. However, several students were severely injured and rushed to nearby hospitals for urgent medical treatment.

“The rescue team is still searching for one of the victims who remains trapped inside the rubble,” the student reported. “She called from inside, and the rescue team has continued its search to locate and rescue her and others who are still trapped.”

The Dean of Student Affairs is reportedly on site, coordinating rescue efforts alongside the university team. As of the time of this report, the university management has not released an official statement regarding the cause of the collapse or the total number of individuals affected.

Sylvester, an official from the State Fire Service control room, confirmed to PUNCH Online that three fire trucks have been dispatched to assist in the rescue mission. “Our men are on ground to help in the rescue mission,” he stated.

The incident has raised questions about building standards and safety measures in areas heavily populated by students. Local authorities are expected to investigate the cause of the collapse, which could potentially lead to stricter regulations for student housing in the region.

As rescue efforts continue, families of students living in the area are anxiously awaiting news about their loved ones. The University of Benin community has rallied to support the rescue efforts, with many students volunteering to assist where possible.

Punchng.com

European, Muslim Nations Meet in Spain to Discuss Palestinian Statehood Timeline

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Spain hosted a high-level meeting on Friday, bringing together several Muslim and European countries to discuss ways to end the Gaza war and implement a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The gathering focused on establishing a clear schedule for Palestinian statehood.

Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “We meet to make another push for the end of the war in Gaza, for a way out of the unending spiral of violence between the Palestinians, the Israelis… That way is clear. The implementation of the two-state solution is the only way.”

Key attendees included foreign ministers from Norway and Slovenia, European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa, and members of the Arab-Islamic Contact Group for Gaza, representing Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Turkey.

Notably absent from the meeting was Israel, which Albares explained was not invited as it is not part of the contact group. However, he added, “We will be delighted to see Israel at any table where peace and the two-state solution are discussed.”

The meeting comes in the wake of Spain, Norway, and Ireland formally recognizing a unified Palestinian state on May 28, comprising the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, with East Jerusalem as its capital. This brings the total number of UN member states recognizing Palestinian statehood to 146 out of 193.

Participants expressed a “clear willingness” to move from words to actions, aiming to establish a definitive schedule for implementing the two-state solution. The first step proposed is Palestine joining the United Nations as a full member.

The renewed push for a two-state solution comes amid the backdrop of the 11-month-long war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas, which has been the bloodiest episode in the overall conflict. Additionally, escalating violence in the occupied West Bank has added urgency to finding a peaceful resolution.

The two-state solution, originally outlined in the 1991 Madrid Conference and the 1993-95 Oslo Accords, has long been seen as the path to peace in the region. However, the peace process has been stagnant for years, complicated by expanding Jewish settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, territories captured by Israel in the 1967 Middle East war.

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide highlighted additional topics discussed at the meeting, including the demobilization of Hamas and the potential normalization of ties between Israel and other states, particularly Saudi Arabia.

India Accuses Smartphone Giants, Samsung, Xiaomi, of Colluding with E-commerce Firms, Amazon, Flipkart, in Antitrust Probe

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India’s competition watchdog has accused major smartphone manufacturers, including Samsung and Xiaomi, of colluding with e-commerce giants Amazon and Walmart-owned Flipkart to exclusively launch products on their platforms, violating the country’s antitrust laws, according to regulatory reports seen by Reuters.

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) conducted extensive investigations into the business practices of Amazon and Flipkart, producing reports that run over 1,000 pages each. These reports allege that the e-commerce platforms violated local competition laws by giving preference to select sellers, prioritizing certain listings, and offering steep discounts that hurt other companies.

In a significant development, the CCI’s 1,027-page report on Amazon states that the Indian units of five smartphone companies – Samsung, Xiaomi, Motorola, Realme, and OnePlus – were “involved in the practice of exclusive” phone launches in “collusion” with Amazon and its affiliates. Similarly, the 1,696-page report on Flipkart implicates the Indian units of Samsung, Xiaomi, Motorola, Vivo, Lenovo, and Realme in comparable practices.

G.V. Siva Prasad, CCI’s additional director general, wrote in both reports, “Exclusivity in business is anathema. Not only is it against free and fair competition but also against the interest of consumers.”

The inclusion of major smartphone manufacturers in these allegations could significantly increase their legal and compliance challenges in India, one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing smartphone markets. Counterpoint Research data shows that Samsung and Xiaomi together hold nearly 36% of India’s smartphone market share, with Vivo capturing an additional 19%.

The CCI reports claim that both Amazon and Flipkart “deliberately downplayed” allegations of exclusive launches during the investigations. However, officials found the practice to be “rampant.”

This investigation, triggered in 2020 by a complaint from an affiliate of the Confederation of All India Traders, could have far-reaching implications for India’s booming e-retail market, which Bain consultancy estimates will exceed $160 billion by 2028.

The CCI has ordered some of the implicated smartphone companies, including Xiaomi, Samsung, OnePlus, Realme, and Motorola, to submit their audited financial statements for three fiscal years to 2024.

Indian retailers have long accused these e-commerce platforms and smartphone companies of exclusive online launches, arguing that such practices severely affect both ordinary online sellers and brick-and-mortar retailers.

The shift towards online smartphone sales in India has been dramatic, with Datum Intelligence estimating that 50% of phone sales occurred online last year, up from just 14.5% in 2013. Flipkart reportedly held a 55% share in online phone sales in 2023, with Amazon at 35%.

As the CCI prepares to review objections to its findings from the involved companies and potentially impose fines or mandate changes in business practices, this case highlights the growing tensions between traditional retail, e-commerce giants, and global smartphone manufacturers in India’s rapidly evolving digital marketplace.

The accused companies have not yet publicly responded to these allegations. The CCI’s final decisions in this matter could significantly reshape the landscape of smartphone sales and e-commerce practices in India.

REUTERS

Pakistan Says It Has Met All IMF Conditions for $7 Billion Loan

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Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Thursday that his country has fulfilled all conditions set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to secure a new $7 billion loan aimed at stabilizing the nation’s struggling economy.

Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif (Reuters)

Speaking at a Cabinet meeting, Sharif commended his finance team and advisers for their efforts in meeting the IMF’s requirements. The global lender is expected to formally approve the loan on September 25, when its board of executive directors is scheduled to meet.

“We have overcome significant challenges to meet the IMF’s criteria,” Sharif stated. “This loan will play a crucial role in addressing our economic difficulties.”

The Prime Minister specifically thanked China for its support in helping Pakistan secure the bailout, though he did not provide specific details about China’s role.

To qualify for the loan, Pakistan implemented several reforms demanded by the IMF, including:

1. Broadening the country’s tax base

2. Eliminating energy subsidies

3. Implementing structural economic reforms

These measures, particularly the elimination of energy subsidies, have raised concerns among many Pakistanis who are already struggling with high living costs.

Pakistan’s Finance Ministry released a statement confirming that all matters with the IMF have been “amicably” finalized. This announcement comes two months after the IMF initially reached a staff-level agreement with Pakistan for the new loan deal.

The country is currently facing one of its worst economic crises in recent history, with dwindling foreign exchange reserves, high inflation, and a depreciating currency. Sharif expressed hope that the new loan would help Pakistan reduce its reliance on foreign borrowing in the coming years.

“This loan is a stepping stone towards economic stability and self-reliance,” Sharif added. “We are committed to implementing further reforms to strengthen our economy.”

If approved by the IMF’s board, the new loan deal would last for 37 months, providing Pakistan with much-needed financial support as it navigates its economic challenges.

The IMF’s decision to potentially grant this loan comes at a critical time for Pakistan, as the country grapples with political instability and the aftermath of recent devastating floods that caused billions of dollars in damage.

Economic experts remain cautiously optimistic about the loan’s potential impact, emphasizing the need for continued fiscal discipline and structural reforms to ensure long-term economic stability.

As Pakistan awaits the IMF’s formal approval, the government faces the challenge of balancing the implementation of tough economic measures with the need to provide relief to its citizens struggling with rising costs of living.

apnews.com

Turkish-American Activist Killed in West Bank Laid to Rest as Gaza Conflict Continues

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The body of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, a 26-year-old Turkish-American activist killed by Israeli fire in the West Bank, was returned to her hometown of Didim, Turkey, on Friday night for burial. The somber homecoming occurred against the backdrop of ongoing Israeli airstrikes in Gaza.

Eygi’s coffin, draped in a Turkish flag, arrived in Didim accompanied by a police honor guard. Six officers in ceremonial uniform carried the casket from a hearse to a local hospital, as reported by Turkey’s official Anadolu Agency. The funeral is scheduled for Saturday in the coastal town in western Turkey.

The young activist from Seattle, who held dual U.S. and Turkish citizenship, was fatally shot on September 6 following a demonstration against Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. An Israeli protester who witnessed the incident provided this account.

On Tuesday, the Israeli military stated that Eygi was likely shot “indirectly and unintentionally” by Israeli forces. Turkey has announced its intention to conduct an independent investigation into her death.

As Eygi’s family watched the coffin being unloaded, her mother required medical assistance, according to Anadolu Agency. The activist’s death drew condemnation from U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken amid ongoing efforts by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar to broker a ceasefire in Gaza and secure the release of remaining hostages held by Hamas.

The return of Eygi’s body for burial coincides with continued violence in the region. Overnight airstrikes by Israel on central and southern Gaza reportedly killed at least 14 people, including women and children.

As Eygi’s community prepares to bid her farewell, her tragic death underscores the human cost of the ongoing conflict and the risks faced by activists in the region. The funeral is expected to draw attention to calls for peace and justice in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Two Dead, Three Injured in Virginia Mass Shooting; Suspect at Large

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A mass shooting in Suffolk, Virginia, late Thursday night left two people dead and three others injured, local authorities reported. Police have launched a manhunt for the suspect, who fled the scene after the attack.

Suffolk Police responded to reports of gunfire at approximately 11:25 p.m. on Thursday. Upon arrival, officers found multiple victims with gunshot wounds.

One man was pronounced dead at the scene, while a second victim succumbed to his injuries after being transported to a local hospital. The three other victims were rushed to nearby medical facilities for treatment. Their current conditions have not been disclosed.

The shooting occurred in Suffolk, a city of about 90,000 residents located in the Hampton Roads metropolitan area of southeastern Virginia.

As of Friday morning, police had not released the identities of the victims or any description of the suspect. Investigators worked through the night gathering evidence at the crime scene as they intensify efforts to locate the shooter.

Suffolk Police are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Tips can be submitted to the Suffolk Police Department or anonymously through the Suffolk Crime Line at 888-LOCK-U-UP.

This incident comes amid ongoing concerns about gun violence in the United States. Earlier this week, a 21-year-old football player at West Virginia State University was shot dead in what police are investigating as a home invasion in Charleston, West Virginia.

Last week, a school shooting in Georgia resulted in four deaths and nine injuries when a 14-year-old student opened fire.

As the investigation in Suffolk continues, authorities are expected to provide updates on the case and the condition of the surviving victims.

Porsha Williams Wins Key Ruling in Divorce Case Against Simon Guobadia

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Reality TV star Porsha Williams has secured a significant legal victory in her ongoing divorce case against businessman Simon Guobadia, as a court granted several of her motions and upheld the validity of their prenuptial agreement.

The court ruled in Williams’ favor, granting her request to “quash” Guobadia’s subpoena and request for a videotaped deposition of her employer, True Entertainment. Additionally, the judge denied Guobadia’s emergency motions regarding discovery and ordered him to pay Williams’ attorney’s fees and litigation expenses.

A key point of contention was Guobadia’s claim that Williams had agreed to be a stay-at-home wife and mother during their marriage, forgoing her own career. The court found no merit in this argument, stating that Williams “has been a reality TV celebrity for years, which was well known to Husband at the time of negotiating the Prenuptial Agreement.”

The ruling emphasized that the prenuptial agreement was negotiated by both parties with competent lawyers over a year-long period and included the exchange of financial disclosures. The court found that issues of fraud, mistake, misrepresentation, and duress were clearly addressed in the agreement.

Williams, known for her appearances on Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” filed for divorce in February after 15 months of marriage, citing the union as “irretrievably broken.” She is set to return to the show for its upcoming 16th season.

The court’s decision brings Williams closer to finalizing her divorce. Once the prenuptial agreement is officially upheld, she will be awarded her legal expenses and can proceed with ending the marriage.

This legal victory for Williams comes after a series of back-and-forth filings between the couple, which included disagreements over the validity of their prenup, the occupancy of their marital home, and Williams’ financial standing given her recent scripted development deal with NBC Universal.

Throughout the proceedings, Williams has maintained that Guobadia made “false statements and allegations” that were “intentionally misrepresenting the reality of the situation.”

The case highlights the complexities of high-profile divorces and the importance of prenuptial agreements in protecting individual interests. As the legal process continues, both parties and their representatives have been contacted for further comment.

Messi Set for Inter Miami Return After Two-Month Injury Layoff

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Lionel Messi is set to return to action for Inter Miami on Saturday after a two-month absence due to an ankle injury, head coach Gerardo Martino confirmed on Friday.

“Yes, he is fine,” Martino said before training. “He trained (Thursday), he is in the plans for the game. After training we will figure out the strategy for him, but he is available.”

The 37-year-old Argentine star has been sidelined since injuring his right ankle during the Copa America final on July 14, when he helped Argentina to victory over Colombia. Messi has missed eight MLS games for his club and this month’s World Cup qualifiers for his country.

Inter Miami, who lead the Eastern Conference and top the overall MLS standings, are set to host the Philadelphia Union on Saturday. Messi’s return comes as a significant boost for the team as they push for playoff success in their debut MLS season.

“To get back the best player in the world to our team, which was already on a good run, we are all very happy with this situation,” Martino added, expressing the team’s excitement about welcoming back the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.

Since joining Inter Miami in July, Messi has made an immediate impact, though the exact number of his appearances and goals was not specified in the original report.

Saturday’s match against Philadelphia Union is scheduled at Inter Miami’s home stadium. While Martino did not confirm whether Messi would start or come off the bench, his availability adds significant interest to the fixture.

As Inter Miami prepare for the final stretch of the regular season, Messi’s fitness and form will be crucial to their ambitions of securing a high playoff seeding and potentially making a run at the MLS Cup in their inaugural campaign.

Liverpool Aim to Extend Perfect Start Against Unbeaten Nottingham Forest

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Liverpool will look to maintain their flawless start to the Premier League season when they host Nottingham Forest at Anfield on Saturday, with both teams putting unbeaten records on the line.

The match, scheduled for a 3 p.m. BST (10 a.m. ET) kickoff, sees Arne Slot’s Liverpool side, sitting second in the table, face Nuno Espirito Santo’s Forest, who occupy ninth place after an encouraging start to their campaign.

Liverpool enter the fixture buoyed by a commanding 3-0 victory over Manchester United before the international break. Mohamed Salah starred in that match, providing two assists and scoring once, though his post-match comments about his future at the club have sparked speculation.

Slot, in his debut Premier League season, has achieved a feat that eluded his predecessor Jurgen Klopp in all but one of his eight full seasons — winning the opening three league games. The Dutch manager is on the verge of setting a Premier League record, as no manager has kept clean sheets in their first four matches in charge since the league’s inception in 1992.

“We’re pleased with our start, but we know there’s a long way to go,” Slot told reporters in his pre-match press conference. “Forest will present a tough challenge, and we must maintain our focus.”

Nottingham Forest, under Santo’s guidance, have also made a solid start to the season with one win and two draws. Their last outing saw them share points in a 1-1 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers, where Chris Wood’s early header was canceled out by a Jean-Ricner Bellegarde equalizer.

Forest are enjoying their best run under Santo, unbeaten in four straight Premier League matches dating back to last season. They’ve also won their last three away games, a streak they haven’t achieved since 1995.

Liverpool may hand a debut to new signing Federico Chiesa, who was held back from the Manchester United match to build fitness. There’s also optimism surrounding the availability of Curtis Jones and Alexis Mac Allister, both recovering from minor issues.

However, the Reds have suffered a blow with Harvey Elliott reportedly sidelined for up to eight weeks with a broken foot.

Forest could give debuts to James Ward-Prowse and Morato, though the latter is less likely to start. The visitors will be without Danilo and Willy Boly due to injuries.

“We respect Liverpool, but we come here with belief in our abilities,” Santo stated. “Our unbeaten run gives us confidence, and we aim to continue that at Anfield.”

The historical record favors Liverpool, who have won their last three Premier League encounters with Forest and haven’t lost to them at Anfield since 1969.

As both teams aim to preserve their unbeaten starts, the match promises to be an intriguing tactical battle between two managers implementing their philosophies at their new clubs.

Predicted lineups:

Liverpool (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Salah, Jota, Diaz

Nottingham Forest (4-2-3-1): Sels; Williams, Milenkovic, Murillo, Aina; Ward-Prowse, Anderson; Elanga, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Wood

The match will be officiated by Paul Tierney, with Stuart Attwell overseeing VAR duties.

Manchester United Seek Redemption Against Winless Southampton in Premier League Clash

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Manchester United travel to face Southampton at St Mary’s Stadium on Saturday in a Premier League match that sees both teams desperate for points after disappointing starts to the season.

The lunchtime kickoff, scheduled for 12:30 BST (07:30 ET), pits Erik ten Hag’s 14th-placed United against a Southampton side still searching for their first points since returning to the top flight.

United enter the fixture reeling from a humiliating 3-0 defeat to rivals Liverpool before the international break. The loss amplified pressure on ten Hag, whose team has managed just one win in their opening three league matches.

Southampton, under new manager Russell Martin, have struggled to adapt to Premier League life, losing all three of their matches and scoring just once — a 94th-minute consolation in their recent 3-1 defeat at Brentford.

Recent history between the clubs suggests a tight encounter. Since United’s infamous 9-0 victory in February 2021, Southampton have proven more resilient, drawing three of their last four meetings with the Red Devils. In fact, eight of the last 11 encounters between these sides have ended in draws.

United’s injury woes continue to be a concern for ten Hag. While Luke Shaw and Rasmus Hojlund are nearing full fitness, they may not be ready for Saturday’s match. Leny Yoro, Victor Lindelof, Tyrell Malacia, and Mason Mount remain sidelined. However, summer signing Manuel Ugarte could make his debut after missing the Liverpool match due to registration issues.

Southampton’s injury list is shorter, with goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu the only significant absentee. The Saints could see the return of Ross Stewart and Kamaldeen Sulemana, potentially bolstering their attacking options.

Stuart Attwell will referee the match, with Chris Kavanagh overseeing VAR duties.

Despite their recent struggles, United are favored to win the match. Southampton’s defensive frailties, particularly evident in their three-man backline, could provide opportunities for United’s attackers.

“This is a crucial match for both teams,” said football analyst John Smith. “United need to bounce back quickly to keep their top-four aspirations alive, while Southampton are desperate to prove they belong in the Premier League.”

The match also represents a chance for United’s under-fire players to regain some confidence. Captain Bruno Fernandes, speaking to club media, said, “We know we’ve let the fans down, but we’re determined to put things right, starting with Southampton.”

As both teams seek to turn their seasons around, this early-season encounter could prove pivotal in shaping their respective campaigns.

Predicted lineups:

Southampton (3-5-2): Ramsdale; Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Stephens; Sugawara, Fernandes, Downes, Aribo, Walker-Peters; Archer, Brereton Diaz.

Manchester United (4-2-3-1): Onana; Mazraoui, Maguire, Martinez, Dalot; Casemiro, Mainoo; Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford; Zirkzee.

The match kicks off at 12:30 BST on Saturday, with live coverage available on various platforms worldwide.

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