Chris Infotainment

Sri Lanka Announces Key Policy Changes and Infrastructure Projects Sri Lanka has recently made several significant announcements regarding policy revisions, infrastructure development, and public service improvements. These decisions were approved by the Cabinet of Ministers following detailed discussions and recommendations from various government departments and officials. Revised Implementation Date for VAT on Digital Services The Value Added Tax (Amended) Act No. 4 of 2025 was initially set to impose VAT on digital services provided by non-resident individuals from October 1, 2025. However, due to practical challenges faced by these service providers, a request was made for an extension. In response, the Cabinet of Ministers approved an amendment to push the effective date to April 1, 2026. This change allows more time for non-resident suppliers to adjust to the new regulations, ensuring smoother implementation of the revised provisions within the VAT Act. Establishment of Cust...

The Government's Decision to Ban Major Social Media Platforms in Nepal The recent decision by the Nepalese government to ban major social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube has sparked significant discussion across the country. This move was prompted by a requirement for all platforms to register with the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology under the Social Media Directives 2080. The regulation followed a Supreme Court order that mandated registration before these platforms could operate within the nation. Why Was the Ban Implemented? The government provided a seven-day deadline for all platforms to comply with the registration requirements. However, many global platforms failed to meet this deadline, leading to the decision to impose a ban. Officials argue that this measure is essential to enforce regulatory compliance and ensure that all digital services operating in Nepal adhere to local laws. How Many Warnings Were Issued Before the Ba...

The Rise of eCitizen: A Digital Transformation in Government Services The eCitizen platform has emerged as a game-changer in the way government services are delivered and revenue is collected. Recently, it was revealed that the digital system generates up to Sh1 billion daily, marking it as one of the most significant revenue collection mechanisms in the country’s history. Isaac Ochieng, the Director General of eCitizen Services, emphasized how the platform has revolutionized public service delivery and government revenue mobilization. “Our goal with eCitizen is to ensure that Kenyans can access services at their convenience, which was previously unimaginable,” he stated. The journey of eCitizen began in 2013 as a pilot project between the National Treasury and the World Bank. Initially, it offered only 10 services. However, the platform saw a major transformation after a presidential directive by President William Ruto in 2022, which accelerated the onboarding of additional service...

Kenya Civil Aviation Authority Suspends Licensing Operations for 30 Days The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has decided to temporarily suspend operations at its Personnel Licensing (PEL) Department for a period of 30 days. This decision is part of a broader initiative to implement a fully automated licensing system, aimed at modernizing the process and enhancing efficiency. In a statement released on August 22, 2025, Director General Emile N. Arao emphasized that the suspension would take immediate effect. He highlighted that this move is part of ongoing efforts to eliminate redundancies, improve operational efficiency, and provide applicants with a faster and more seamless service experience. “The modernization of our processes is essential to ensure that we deliver services that meet the evolving needs of the aviation sector,” said Arao. “This includes reducing delays and ensuring that all stakeholders benefit from a more streamlined and effective system.” As part of the t...

New Regulations to Control Mercury Use and Protect the Environment The use of mercury in industrial processes will be strictly controlled, and the construction of new mercury plants will no longer be permitted. This initiative aims to safeguard both the environment and public health by reducing mercury emissions and minimizing its presence in products and industrial activities. These new regulations are set to take effect on September 1 this year. The Industry Ministry has emphasized that the goal is to manage and decrease mercury emissions into the air while phasing out or reducing the use of mercury in various industrial applications. According to Industry Minister Akanat Promphan, these measures are essential for ensuring a safer environment and healthier communities. Mercury is a versatile element with numerous applications. It is commonly used in specific types of batteries, switches, relays, pesticides, and certain cosmetics—particularly skin-lightening creams. Additionally, s...

Enhanced SIM Card Registration Measures to Combat Online Fraud The government has introduced stricter regulations for SIM card registration in an effort to tackle the growing problem of online fraud. These new measures aim to ensure that only legitimate individuals can access mobile services, thereby reducing the risk of identity theft and other cyber-related crimes. Starting from August 18, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission will roll out Liveness Detection technology across the country. This advanced system is designed to verify a user's identity in real time using facial recognition. The technology is similar to what is used in banking applications, where users must confirm their identity through biometric data. This move is intended to close a critical security gap that previously allowed scammers to exploit fraudulent SIM card registrations. By using photos, videos, or even 3D masks, fraudsters could impersonate others and gain unauthorized access t...

Suspension of Motorcycle Enforcement Campaign in Morocco On Thursday, a significant decision was made by the government to temporarily halt a campaign targeting motorcycles, following widespread public backlash. The initiative, led by the Ministry of Transport and Logistics, aimed at addressing the issue of illegally modified motorcycles that were being used to exceed speed limits. The campaign focused on motorcycles that had been altered to increase their speed capabilities. Authorities utilized advanced technology to monitor and measure the speed of these vehicles. According to the regulations, compliance was defined as not exceeding 58 km/h. Any motorcycle found to be traveling faster than this limit faced severe consequences. This included impounding the vehicle, filing a violation report, and forwarding the case to the public prosecutor. In addition, offenders could face financial penalties ranging from 5,000 to 30,000 dirhams, along with potential prison sentences of up to a ye...

The Misconceptions Surrounding E-Bikes E-bikes are often portrayed as a threat to public safety, but this perception is largely based on outdated and inaccurate assumptions. It’s time we shift our focus from blaming e-bikes to understanding how they can be integrated into our communities in a safe and responsible way. Recent media coverage has highlighted growing concerns about e-bike usage, particularly in local parks and on sidewalks. Some communities have even introduced new regulations to limit their use, citing safety issues and the need for stricter controls. These discussions often involve elected officials who argue that e-bikes pose significant risks, especially to pedestrians and other cyclists. One common argument is that e-bikes should require age restrictions or licensing, similar to motor vehicles. For instance, a recent local news segment featured a mayor suggesting that e-bikes should only be allowed for those 16 years and older, drawing comparisons to the legal drivi...

The Evolution of Nigeria's Oil and Gas Sector Since its enactment in 2010, the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act has significantly transformed the country’s oil and gas sector. This legislation established a legal and institutional framework that requires operators, contractors, and service providers to prioritize Nigerian participation at every stage of the industry value chain. By focusing on manpower, materials, and services, the Act has set Nigeria on a path toward economic diversification, capacity building, and national empowerment. Before the NOGICD Act, local content in the Nigerian oil and gas sector was minimal, estimated to be as low as 5%. The sector relied heavily on foreign companies, expatriate workers, and imported equipment. Recognizing the need for change, the Federal Government introduced the NOGICD Act, aiming to increase indigenous participation and promote economic growth, technology transfer, job creation, and sustainable develo...

Nigeria’s Tech Industry Confronts Allegations of Counterfeit Devices in Government Projects Nigeria's information technology sector is under scrutiny as local computer manufacturers raise concerns over the alleged supply of counterfeit devices in government-backed ICT projects. The Certified Computer Manufacturers of Nigeria (CCMON) has accused contractors working under the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) of supplying cloned versions of “SPEEDSTAR” laptops, a product developed by Lagos-based Beta Computers. The group claims that NITDA failed to address a formal complaint filed in August 2024. Adenike Abudu, President of CCMON, stated that this situation represents a clear case of economic sabotage. She emphasized that it undermines local innovation and violates Nigeria’s commitment to promoting locally manufactured products. A copy of the letter was shared with The PUNCH, highlighting the severity of the issue. This incident has sparked renewed questio...