Category News

Army Distributes Fertilisers To 100 Farmers In Zamfara

By in News, Nigeria News

As part of its non-kinetic strategy to restore peace and stability, the Nigerian Army’s 1 Brigade, Gusau, has distributed free fertilisers to 100 farmers in Zamfara state.

Brig., the Brigade Commander. During the distribution, Gen. Mustapha Jimoh, who was accompanied by Lt. Col. Isah Galadima, the Assistant Chief of Staff, claimed the gesture was intended to boost food production and strengthen civil-military ties.

Galadima remarked, “We use non-kinetic methods to build confidence by sharing food items, educational materials, medical outreaches, and support communities for better understanding, but it’s not all that time we carry weapons to fight.”

Read more about Shettima’s fast loan repayment of $2 billion to smallholder farmers.

He added that the initiative was in line with Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, the chief of the Army Staff, who places peace-building and security operations at the top of the list.

Gidan-Giye, Kucheri, Magazu, Bilbis, and Fegin-baza were the Tsafe Local Government Area’s beneficiary villages.

However, the army cautioned farmers against using the fertilizer sparingly to achieve the desired effect and issued a warning against any reversal.

Alhaji Abubakar Aliyu (Sarkin Gabar), the senior district head, Alhaji Muhammad Bawa, expressed gratitude and praised the intervention as being appropriate given the fertiliser shortage this year.

Sani Abdullahi, the vice chairman of Tsafe LGA, also stated that the council would monitor the usage to make sure only the farmers who intended to be benefitted.

Malam Abubakar Marafa, one of the beneficiaries, thanked the army for their support.

Because of the high cost, we were unable to afford fertiliser. We will make the most of it now that it is army-free.

Russia, Iran sign nuclear power plants deal as sanctions loom

By in News, World News

Published On 24 Sep 2025

The Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom claims that as Tehran has been working with Moscow to avert new sanctions over its nuclear program, that it and Iran have signed a memorandum of understanding over the construction of small nuclear power plants there.

At a meeting in Moscow on Wednesday, Rosatom’s CEO Alexei Likhachev and Mohammad Eslami, Iran’s top nuclear official, signed the deal. It was described as a “strategic project” by Rosatom.

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As Tehran aims to have 20GW of nuclear energy by 2040, Eslami, who is also Iran’s vice president, announced earlier this week in Iranian state media.

In Bushehr, in the southern city of Iran, one nuclear power plant is still in operation despite experiencing severe power shortages during high-demand months. It was constructed by Russia and has a 1GW capacity.

Following the UN Security Council’s decision on Friday to not permanently lift Iranian nuclear program, which means sanctions will be imposed on Iran by September 28 unless no significant agreement is reached in advance, this development comes amid looming sanctions against Iran.

Russia was one of the four countries that voted to prevent the sanctions from being reinstated.

Iran rebuffed the UNSC vote, claiming that the country’s cooperation with the UN watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), would “effectively suspend” the country.

The United Kingdom, France, and Germany – known as the E3 – launched a 30-day process to reinstate sanctions unless Tehran fulfills their demands in the middle of August.

Tehran has been accused of breaking its nuclear commitments by, among others, building up uranium stocks that are more than 40 times that are permitted by a 2015 nuclear deal, which Trump unilaterally withdrew from during his first term. Iran was given the option to enrich uranium up to 3.67 percent purity in the deal.

Iran claims in its defense that it only increased its nuclear enrichment after Trump withdrew from the deal and reinstituted sanctions against the nation. The US action is in violation of the 2015 agreement, according to Tehran.

The European trio has been accused of abusing the dispute resolution provision of the 2015 Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), which enables the application of sanctions through a “snapback mechanism.”

New sanctions, among other things, would freeze Iranian assets abroad, put an end to arms sales to Tehran, and stifle the development of ballistic missiles.

Iran has repeatedly defended its right to pursue nuclear energy peacefully, but it has repeatedly denied doing so. Tehran’s President, Masoud Pezeshkian, addressed the UN General Assembly on Wednesday, saying the country would never seek nuclear weapons.

Tehran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, declared on Tuesday that the US would not engage in direct negotiations with Iran, and that any negotiations with the US would be “absolutely dead ends.”

Pope ‘in possession’ but not guaranteed No 3 spot – Key

By in News, Sports News
Images courtesy of Getty

Stephan Shemilt

Chief Cricket Reporter

Ollie Pope is “the man in charge” of England’s top three spot, according to Rob Key, who made no announcements regarding the first Ashes Test’s selection.

When England made their Australia tour squad, Pope was subject to pressure from Jacob Bethell for a large portion of the past year. He was replaced by Harry Brook as vice-captain.

“Ollie Pope is easier to drop if we take the vice-captaincy off,” said England managing director Key, according to an elaborate scheme.

You never make your decisions too soon because things happen, according to the tour guides we’ve conducted. We make decisions as soon as we can. Two days before the first Test, we’ll find out what that XI will be.

England announced their 16-man squad for the Ashes tour on Tuesday. Key explained the rationale behind selecting Will Jacks as the second spinner and why Brook was chosen as the vice-captain in a statement released on Wednesday.

Ben Stokes, the captain, and Mark Wood, the pace bowler, were also given fitness updates by Key. Chris Woakes’ international career was effectively ended by him because of his dislocated shoulder in the final Test against India in July, which prevented him from playing in the Ashes tour.

Woakes may not have made the squad in the absence of his two previous Australian appearances because he struggled. In an effort to be fit, he decided against having his left shoulder removed, and at 36, he is most likely to have played his final game for England.

Woakes’ final performance as an international cricketer was bravely batting with his dislocated shoulder to help England win the thrilling fifth Test.

In cricket terms, it’s been as difficult a time for someone as it has been for anyone else, according to Key.

He was running out of time to get ready for the Ashes’ debut. And then, once you leave an Ashes series, you frequently look to the following one, so we’re not planning on using Chris Woakes at the moment.

Key described Brook as a “better leader” than Pope when he was appointed England’s white-ball captain at the start of the summer.

Following the one-off Test against Zimbabwe in May, the captain claimed there was an “agenda” against his then deputy.

In the first five-match series, Pope scored a century in the first innings of the first Test against India in June.

Bethell, age 21, struggled as a result of only one first-class game before joining the England squad for the final Test at The Oval, but the left-hander made his professional debut earlier this month in a one-day international against South Africa.

Before the Ashes, former England and Kent batsman Key predicted that Jacob Bethell would start playing in white-ball cricket. Jacob Bethell will continue to gain experience despite the fact that we are familiar with Ollie Pope.

With a shoulder injury, talismanic captain Stokes missed the final Test against India, causing England to have yet to lose any of its previous four Test series.

However, the 34-year-old increased his bowling during his county Durham’s County Championship game against Yorkshire at Headingley on Wednesday.

Before the Ashes series, Key said, “He won’t play a lot of cricket, but that didn’t prevent him from facing India.” It’s undoubtedly the best I’ve seen him bowl in a long time, if not ever, and that was without playing a lot of cricket in the summer.

“Ben Stokes has no issues at all,” I said. He typically develops, and everything he does prepares himself for these significant events.

Due to elbow and knee problems, Stokes’ Durham team-mate Wood hasn’t played a Test since August 2024, but Key is confident that “the world’s fastest bowler will be fit for the first Ashes Test on November 21.”

Although his recovery is likely a little slower than we anticipated, Key argued that we always erred in favor of caution.

Woody never needs to play a lot of games to improve, which is what he always does. He can bowl in nets and in middle practice, and then suddenly he runs up and bowls 95 mph.

Rehan Ahmed, Jack Leach, and Liam Dawson were chosen as Shoaib Bashir’s backup spinner, ahead of Surrey all-rounder Jacks.

Although he has only taken five first-class wickets this year, off-spinner Jacks offers England height and the option to improve their batting.

We believe Jacks offers a lot of different options in the coming weeks, Key said.

related subjects

  • England Men’s Cricket Team
  • Surrey
  • Warwickshire
  • Cricket

Boden’s best knitwear on sale now with Princess Kate-inspired piece reduced to £40

By in Entertainment News, News

Boden’s huge autumn sale is ongoing and features plenty of cute and cosy knitwear that’s perfect for the colder weather, including a Kate Middleton-inspired piece for under £40

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

If you were worried about missing out on some bargains in Boden’s huge autumn sale , then you’re in luck, because the brand just extended its end date to September 28. With up to 50% off plenty of its pieces, the celeb-loved brand is a great place to shop if you’re hoping to expand your autumn wardrobe.

Knitwear is, of course, one of the key parts of any autumn outfit, and the Boden sale still has plenty of gorgeous jumpers and cardigans in stock, with plenty of them slashed by as much as £90. Boden also isn’t the only place you can pick up some bargains this autumn, as White Stuff has launched an up to 50% off sale, and FatFace’s outlet store sees some huge bargains on everything from midi dresses to coats and jackets. But if you’re keen to check out the Boden sale , here are our top knitwear picks to snap up now.

READ MORE: White Stuff’s £150 ‘lightweight’ and ‘very cosy’ quilted autumn coat slashed to £75

READ MORE: Stacey Solomon’s ‘glitterball’ midi dress is the ultimate party season outfit

Melina Cotton Ruffle Jumper – was £79, now £39.50

Kate Middleton has been spotted on several occasions wearing a pink scalloped jumper which also hailed from Boden, and whilst her exact one has long since sold out, this Melina jumper is the perfect alternative. With a scalloped neckline and cuffs and a dusky pink colour – plus a £40 discount – it’s perfect for copying Princess Kate on a budget.

Alice Fluffy Raglan Jumper – was £98, now £39.20

Perfect for autumn layering, this colourful and cosy jumper has been slashed by almost £60, making it one of the best bargains in the sale. The scallop pattern and bright colours also mean you can wear it year round – a true wardrobe workhorse.

Libby Knitted Jacket – was £140, now £56

Another huge saving, the Libby Knitted Jacket has a huge £84 slashed off the price, and it’s currently still in stock in every single size except a 22 – a rarity for the Boden sale. Made from a cotton blend, it’s comfortable and breathable, with bright colourful stripes making it an instant mood booster.

Lara Relaxed Cotton Jumper – was £75, now £37.50

Another colourful and cosy knit, this Lara jumper is the perfect playful twist on a classic breton striped top. Still in stock in all sizes from an XS to an XL, it has a relaxed, easy style that’ll be a wear-on-repeat staple in your wardrobe.

Graphic Embroidered Jumper – was £119, now £59.50

Article continues below

With a major saving of £60, this is another piece of knitwear not to be missed. The embroidered jumper has a classic fit and silhouette, with embroidered heart details on the front giving it some fun and joy – plus it’s still in stock in all sizes!

Boden’s best knitwear on sale now with Princess Kate-inspired piece reduced to £40

By in Entertainment News, News

Boden’s huge autumn sale is ongoing and features plenty of cute and cosy knitwear that’s perfect for the colder weather, including a Kate Middleton-inspired piece for under £40

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

If you were worried about missing out on some bargains in Boden’s huge autumn sale , then you’re in luck, because the brand just extended its end date to September 28. With up to 50% off plenty of its pieces, the celeb-loved brand is a great place to shop if you’re hoping to expand your autumn wardrobe.

Knitwear is, of course, one of the key parts of any autumn outfit, and the Boden sale still has plenty of gorgeous jumpers and cardigans in stock, with plenty of them slashed by as much as £90. Boden also isn’t the only place you can pick up some bargains this autumn, as White Stuff has launched an up to 50% off sale, and FatFace’s outlet store sees some huge bargains on everything from midi dresses to coats and jackets. But if you’re keen to check out the Boden sale , here are our top knitwear picks to snap up now.

READ MORE: White Stuff’s £150 ‘lightweight’ and ‘very cosy’ quilted autumn coat slashed to £75

READ MORE: Stacey Solomon’s ‘glitterball’ midi dress is the ultimate party season outfit

Melina Cotton Ruffle Jumper – was £79, now £39.50

Kate Middleton has been spotted on several occasions wearing a pink scalloped jumper which also hailed from Boden, and whilst her exact one has long since sold out, this Melina jumper is the perfect alternative. With a scalloped neckline and cuffs and a dusky pink colour – plus a £40 discount – it’s perfect for copying Princess Kate on a budget.

Alice Fluffy Raglan Jumper – was £98, now £39.20

Perfect for autumn layering, this colourful and cosy jumper has been slashed by almost £60, making it one of the best bargains in the sale. The scallop pattern and bright colours also mean you can wear it year round – a true wardrobe workhorse.

Libby Knitted Jacket – was £140, now £56

Another huge saving, the Libby Knitted Jacket has a huge £84 slashed off the price, and it’s currently still in stock in every single size except a 22 – a rarity for the Boden sale. Made from a cotton blend, it’s comfortable and breathable, with bright colourful stripes making it an instant mood booster.

Lara Relaxed Cotton Jumper – was £75, now £37.50

Another colourful and cosy knit, this Lara jumper is the perfect playful twist on a classic breton striped top. Still in stock in all sizes from an XS to an XL, it has a relaxed, easy style that’ll be a wear-on-repeat staple in your wardrobe.

Graphic Embroidered Jumper – was £119, now £59.50

Article continues below

With a major saving of £60, this is another piece of knitwear not to be missed. The embroidered jumper has a classic fit and silhouette, with embroidered heart details on the front giving it some fun and joy – plus it’s still in stock in all sizes!

Kate Cassidy slams fans for judging her grief and addresses backlash over Liam Payne

By in Entertainment News, News

After the passing of One Direction boyfriend Liam Payne, who passed away in October of last year, Kate Cassidy criticized TikTok and its fans for “judging people for how they grieve.”

Kate Cassidy has hit back at fans for “bashing” her and the way she’s grieving her late boyfriend Liam Payne, after many were upset that she was taking comfort in AI.

Kate took to Instagram recently to share images of herself and Liam that had been created by fans using artificial intelligence. In the pictures, the former One Direction star, who tragically died after falling from a balcony in October last year, can be seen with his arm around Kate.

Many fans expressed dissatisfaction with these images, and they sent messages to her and the people who made them explaining how it was wrong to create something like this. Kate has since taken to Twitter to criticize those people and advise them to “stop judging people for their grieving.”

She pleaded with people to stop judging their grieving histories. I’ve seen so many posts and news articles over the past few days, which kind of bashed me for finding comfort and peace in images of myself and Liam created with AI.

Please, please, please, please, kindly stop telling me how to grieve, how I should be finding comfort, and what I shouldn’t be finding comfort in because none of you have ever been in my situation and you should never be.

She added that grief is “different for everyone” and that she is aware that there are so many people around the world who are also still mourning his death. She encouraged those people to “do whatever it takes for you to get through your days”.

Talking about AI itself, Kate referred to it as a “blessor and curse” situation. When I look at these photos, I think, “This should be a reality,” and that I shouldn’t have to because they appear to be fake. Because Liam isn’t present, this will never occur.

“But the other side of me says, “This is something we would’ve created together.” I feel as though I’m keeping him alive with this picture, this memory, or whatever it is.

Before he passed away, Kate was away with her boyfriend. The couple had flown to Argentina, but Liam fell from his hotel balcony in October 2024 the day before he returned home. She has been open about her grief online as the year-anniversary of his death draws near.

Kate recently made a video of herself showing off her memory box filled with letters from Liam and their lives together. Don’t forget to send a letter to your loved ones today; tomorrow is not guaranteed, she captioned the upload.

In an update last month, Kate also admitted to still wearing Liam’s clothes to bed. She revealed she is often asked on the social media platform about Liam’s death and how she copes with his loss. She explained that grief is like “a world that you wake up in and it doesn’t make any sense anymore”.

If you have been affected by this story, Cruse Bereavement Support offers free help to make sense of how you are feeling. Click here for their website or call 0808 808 1677.

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