IOL
Creamy pesto pasta: An easy weeknight recipe
This quick creamy pesto pasta needs just a handful of ingredients and is ready in time for an easy weeknight meal.
IOL
Five parties examine IEC results system ahead of local government elections
The IEC will conduct its second and final dry run of the election results system on October 26, following the conclusion of an independent audit.
The Citizen
Starlink restrictions ‘depriving’ Ukraine of defence means: Zelensky adviser
Restrictions were placed on some Starlink internet terminals overnight, a technology adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Wednesday, affecting Kyiv’s ability to defend against Russia’s jet-powered drones. Ukraine uses the satellite system controlled by SpaceX owner Elon Musk for its battlefield communications, but the tech titan has shifted his stance on the country several times since Russia’s invasion in 2022. “Tonight SpaceX introduced a speed limit for the Starlink terminals in motion,” Zelensky’s technology adviser Sergiy Beskrestnov said on Telegram. “Our defence forces were not warned about this restriction, which led to the disruption of a number of missions,” he added. He later warned that through the move, “our partners are depriving us of one of the few chances we have to defend the country against jet-powered Shahed drones”. Russia’s newer jet-powered drones move faster and are harder to intercept than the traditional models. There was no immediate comment by Starlink or Musk after Ukraine’s claims. Ukraine has been using Starlink terminals to provide satellite internet connections as an alternative to radio control for its drones. A senior Ukrainian official told AFP that the disruption “severely restricts logistics”. “Some restrictions were already being reported yesterday evening. So, in effect, it is happening in sync with this morning’s Russian ballistic attack,” the official added. The official, who asked not to be identified, also said that by throttling Starlink, the United States was “helping Russia”. Trump wrote in a social media post Sunday that Ukraine and Russia had agreed to an energy ceasefire in the war. But Ukraine reported that a Russian missile struck a power plant in Kyiv on Tuesday evening. Zelensky said in August that Kyiv was seeking to develop an alternative to Starlink in partnership “with a European country” that he did not identify.
The Citizen
Top Indian ‘cockroach’ leaders sent to jail after protest
Two leaders of India’s youth-led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) were remanded in custody for five days on Wednesday, as police ratcheted up efforts to clamp down on anti-election commission protests. CJP activists and opposition parties have defied a security crackdown to demand the resignation of India’s chief election commissioner, accusing the poll body of manipulating voter rolls to benefit Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling party. The commission, which oversees voting in the world’s most populous nation, has denied any wrongdoing. Delhi Police said CJP leaders Ashutosh Ranka, 30, and Saurav Das, 27, were taken into custody for their “alleged repeated attempts to disturb public peace and violate the law”. At the end of the five-day remand period, they could have their detention extended, be granted bail or be released. On Tuesday, the pair jumped security barricades to wave the national flag at Jantar Mantar, a decades-old protest site that police have barred people from using. “Their alleged attempts to instigate others through social media to engage in similar unlawful activities were also taken into consideration,” police added. Parliamentary opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, from the Congress party, backed the men, who were detained after entering the site. Jantar Mantar, in the heart of the capital, has been sealed off for days with yellow metal barricades and guarded by security personnel. Delhi Police said on Monday it had removed the site from the list of designated protest venues. ‘Stand up’ “Waving the Tricolour at Jantar Mantar in a peaceful protest is not a crime,” Gandhi said in a post on social media. “Jailing youth for it is an act of cowardice.” The Congress and CJP have both organised protests over the voter roll revision. Gandhi said on Wednesday that “all protests are one”. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke praised the men, saying they “knew they could be thrown behind bars” but went ahead to wave the national flag. “They’ve shown the entire country that the only way to stand up to a bully like Modi is to never bow down, no matter the consequences,” he said in a post on social media. Das has worked as a journalist, while Ranka, an engineer, studied at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology and the London School of Economics. Rights advocates and critics say Modi’s government has eroded democratic freedoms during more than a decade in power, citing pressure on journalists, civil society groups and political opponents — allegations the government rejects. Human Rights Watch said Wednesday the Indian government must uphold the right of citizens to protest peacefully. “The Modi government should stop throwing young protesters in jail and instead engage with them to address concerns over the right to vote and fairness of elections,” it said in a statement. One of the protesters, who gave only her first name, said Wednesday she was taken to a detention centre where she was beaten by police. ‘Unacceptable’ “They punched me here,” said Atira, pointing to her face at a news conference in Delhi, standing next to Gandhi. “I begged them to stop, but then they started kicking me in my private parts, lower abdomen, and back. They didn’t consider me as a human.” AFP could not immediately verify her claim. Journalists in New Delhi marched on Tuesday to protest the detention of reporters during demonstrations. The Press Club of India said any attacks on journalists doing their jobs were “unacceptable”. The electoral list revision, which began last year, has led to more than 133 million names being removed from voter rolls, according to media reports. Critics say the exercise has disproportionately affected minorities, particularly Muslims. Election authorities say the move was intended to eliminate duplicate, deceased and fraudulent entries. Members of Modi’s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party have long alleged that large numbers of undocumented Muslim migrants from neighbouring Bangladesh have fraudulently entered India’s electoral rolls. Home Minister Amit Shah, Modi’s powerful right-hand man, dismissed the protests as localised and accused Gandhi of pursuing an “action plan to protect infiltrators”. “The people of India are not going to fall for your deception,” he said, predicting a “resounding majority” for government in the next general election, due in 2029.
The South African
eThekwini Municipality closes two Durban beaches: Here’s where
The eThekwini Municipality has released updated information regarding which Durban beaches and public pools are safe and open for swimming. According to the municipality, as of 8 October, two beaches in Durban have been closed. The beaches currently closed are: THEKWINI BEACH LAGUNA BEACH “This status of beaches and pools will be updated as and when their status changes. You can still enjoy other recreational activities at closed beaches. You just can’t swim.” the municipality said. Open beaches in Durban as of 8 October The following 21 beaches in Durban are currently open for swimming between the hours of 06:00 and 18:30: WEDGE POINT USHAKA ADDINGTON SOUTH BEACH NORTH BEACH BAY OF PLENTY BATTERY BEACH WESTBROOK WINKLESPRUIT UMDLOTI MAIN BRONZE BEACH ANSTEYS BRIGHTON UMGABABA COUNTRY CLUB UMHLANGA MAIN PIPELINE TOTI MAIN DOONSIDE BEACH REUNION Open public swimming pools In addition to the open Durban beach updates, eThekwini Municipality also updated its open pool status, revealing that 41 swimming pools across Durban are open to the public. These are: HAMBANATHI BELVEDERE BUFFELSDALE VERULAM STANMORE RAINHAM NTUZUMA E KWAMASHU G DURBAN NORTH UMGABABA PIPELINE TIGER ROCKS UMLAZI D UMLAZI G ISIPHINGO HILLS ANSTEY’S BEACH PADDLING BRIGHTON BEACH PADDLING AUSTERVILLE MEREWENT TESSORIERE TILLS CRESENT LAMONTVILLE ALEX BULLEY CROFTDENE BAYVIEW ARENA PARK BELLAIR WESTVILLE CLERMONT MARIANRIDGE NAGINA CHESTERVILLE CHILDREN AMUSEMENT CENTER SOUTH BEACH RACHEL FINLAYSON LAGUNA PADDLING SUTTON PARK ROCHDALE KWAMASHU D ILLOVU BALKUMAR SINGH Swimming pools are open from 6:00 to 18:00, Monday to Saturday, and from 9:00 to 17:00 on Sundays and public holidays.
The South African
Heatwave: How to cope in hot weather
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a heatwave advisory for north-western parts of the province. Persistently high temperatures could increase the risk of heat-related illness. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), prolonged exposure to extreme heat can put pressure on the body, particularly when it struggles to maintain a normal temperature. The heat can affect anyone, but older people, young children, outdoor workers and people with existing health conditions face greater risks. Tips for keeping cool during a heatwave Keep your home cool Close curtains, blinds and windows during the hottest parts of the day if the air outside is warmer than inside. Open windows in the evening or at night when outdoor temperatures drop below indoor temperatures. Switch off electrical appliances that generate unnecessary heat and spend time in the coolest room available. If possible, spend a few hours in a cooler public space or an air-conditioned building. Drink water regularly Make it a trend to drink water throughout the day, even before you feel thirsty. If you work outdoors, make sure to carry a water bottle and take regular water breaks. Avoid excessive alcohol as it increase the risk of dehydration. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brimmed hat to protect yourself from direct sunlight. Also apply sunscreen when spending time outdoors. Look out for children and older people Never leave children or pets inside parked vehicles, even for a short time. Check regularly on older relatives, neighbours and anyone who lives alone, particularly those with existing health conditions. Keep babies and young children in cool, shaded places. Know the signs of heat illness Extreme heat can cause heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Watch for symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, nausea, weakness and heavy sweating. One should follow the latest SAWS advisories and take extra precautions while high temperatures persist.
TechCentral
eMedia CEO breaks silence on eNCA retrenchments
Far fewer eNCA jobs will go than August reports suggested, says eMedia CEO Khalik Sherrif.
TechCentral
MIP attackers rank fourth on ransomware leak sites, says Microsoft
The gang behind the MIP Holdings breach ranks fourth on leak sites, but Microsoft is sceptical.