RADIO BULLETIN NO: 02 FOR 12H00

HERE IS TODAY’S BULLETIN FOR 12H00
SATURDAY, 30 MAY 2026
NAMIBIA PRESS AGENCY

1 (KATIMA MULILO, 30 APR (NAMPA) - Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, Lucia Iipumbu, said the Zambezi Region remains strategic and unique, but continues to face threats from illicit cross-border crimes.

Addressing a regional ministerial staff meeting at Katima Mulilo on Friday, Iipumbu called for vigilance among staff members who facilitate lawful movement, support legitimate trade, promote tourism and serve communities with dignity and professionalism.

The minister is on a two-day working visit to the region, during which she is expected to inspect ongoing ministerial projects, conduct border visits and participate in possible police operations, among other activities.

“You are expected to protect the borders of the Republic, uphold the law, detect irregularities, prevent crime and maintain internal security. This is not an easy responsibility, but it is a noble one.

“You are not merely operating offices, border posts, police stations, correctional facilities and service points. You are helping to secure the Republic. You are helping to protect communities. You are helping to give identity and dignity to citizens. You are helping to make the State visible where it matters most,” she said.
(NAMPA)
MML/HP


2 (London (PA Media/dpa) - Universal Music Group (UMG) - the entertainment giant behind Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter and Kendrick Lamar - has rejected a multibillion-dollar takeover offer because it "fundamentally and materially undervalues" the company.

UMG, which also represents Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish and The Weeknd, declined the offer - reportedly estimated at about $65 billion - from billionaire Bill Ackman's company Pershing Square on Friday.

The proposal was first made on April 7 by the investment company which already owns a stake in Universal.

The music company said the offer was not in the "best interests" of its shareholders, artists and songwriters.

Sherry Lansing, chairwoman of the UMG board, said: "UMG has built an unrivalled position in the music industry through clear vision and strong execution.
DPA


3 (Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing arrived in neighbouring India on Saturday, in his first trip abroad since becoming civilian leader, for talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The former military chief will also hold talks with business representatives during his five-day visit, according to both governments.

"A warm welcome," India's foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a statement, posting pictures on social media of Min Aung Hlaing walking down a red carpet in India's eastern Bihar state.

Min Aung Hlaing will start his trip with a visit to the Buddhist pilgrimage site of Bodh Gaya -- where believers say that the Buddha attained enlightenment.

"His visit reflects the strong spiritual, historical and people-to-people ties that bind our two countries and the depth of our ongoing cooperation," Jaiswal said.
AFP


4 (Brussels (dpa-AFX) - Belgium's economy grew at a slightly faster pace in the first quarter of 2026, as estimated initially, the latest data from the National Bank of Belgium showed on Friday.

Gross domestic product grew seasonally and calendar-adjusted 0.2% sequentially in the first quarter, following a 0.1% increase in the fourth quarter. The economy has been expanding since the fourth quarter of 2023.

The value added in the construction sector advanced 0.5% compared to the previous quarter, and that in services grew 0.3%. Meanwhile, the industrial sector logged a contraction of 0.2%.

On the expenditure side, private consumption advanced 0.6%, while general government expenditure dropped 0.5%. Gross fixed capital formation was 0.3% higher, and both exports and imports grew by 2.8% and 2.6&, respectively, thereby resulting in a favourable net foreign demand.

The annual economic growth moderated to 0.8% in the first quarter from 0.9% in the final quarter of 2025, as estimated.
DPA


5 (London (PA Media/dpa) - The UK Home Office is set to begin using AI facial recognition tests to estimate the age of asylum seekers claiming to be children.

Harlow-based IT company Akhter Computers has been awarded a £322,000 ($431,900) contract to provide "an algorithm that can accurately predict the age of a subject," according to an official notice published on Friday.

It added the Home Office could use the technology to determine the age of people who lack "verifiable identity documents," such as those arriving in the UK on small boats.

The technology is expected to be used alongside existing methods of age estimation, with the Home Office saying it had shown "promising performance and accuracy" in initial tests.

Unaccompanied children seeking asylum are treated differently to adults, and being under the age of 18 can in some cases have an impact on whether asylum is granted.
DPA