Roger W. Watson, Author at Africa news break

Zimbabwe: CSR cases advancing sustainable agriculture and youth employment in communities

02 Jan

Sustainable Agriculture & Youth Employment: Zimbabwe’s CSR Model

Roger W. WatsonEconomy

Overview: Why CSR plays a pivotal role in agriculture and youth employment in ZimbabweZimbabwe’s economy remains deeply connected to agriculture, a sector that underpins rural livelihoods, feeds domestic markets and drives agro‑processing. Most staple crops are grown by smallholder farmers, while commercial producers generate significant export revenue. At the same time, youth unemployment and underemployment persist as serious concerns: although figures differ by source and definition, high levels of joblessness and unstable informal work continue to affect many individuals aged 15–35. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives that deliberately combine sustainable farming methods with youth employment can open pathways to strengthen…

02 Jan

One small change in battery design could reduce fires, researchers say

Roger W. WatsonScience and Technology

A safer path forward for lithium-ion batteriesGroundbreaking advances in battery chemistry are redefining the balance between safety and performance, and a novel electrolyte formulation devised by researchers in Hong Kong presents a compelling path to reducing fire hazards while keeping existing lithium-ion battery production methods intact.Lithium-ion batteries have quietly evolved into essential components of everyday technology, energizing smartphones, laptops, electric vehicles, e-bikes, medical devices and a vast range of tools that define modern living. Although known for strong performance and dependable operation, these batteries also possess an intrinsic hazard that has grown more apparent as their adoption has widened. Fires…

02 Jan

Inside the Maduro Operation: Rubio’s Path to Power

Roger W. WatsonInternational

Marco Rubio and the U.S.’s high-risk wager for Venezuela in the post-Maduro eraThe dramatic capture of Nicolás Maduro marked a turning point in U.S.–Venezuela relations. At the center of that moment stood Marco Rubio, whose influence inside the Trump administration has reshaped Washington’s approach to Caracas and raised profound questions about what comes next for a fractured nation.On a January night filled with symbolism and high stakes, U.S. military actions against Venezuela unfolded far from Washington’s usual hubs of command. From Mar-a-Lago, President Donald Trump monitored the raid that resulted in the capture of Nicolás Maduro, with Secretary of State…

Corporation for Public Broadcasting votes to shut itself after funding cuts

02 Jan

Funding Cuts Lead to CPB Closure

Roger W. WatsonInvestments and Business

The choice to disband the Corporation for Public Broadcasting brings to an end a nearly sixty‑year era that helped define American public media, marking the conclusion of a congressional initiative originally created to bolster education, cultural enrichment and civic engagement, now closing amid political rifts and uncertainty over the direction of public broadcasting in the United States.The Corporation for Public Broadcasting, widely recognized as CPB, has approved its own formal dissolution, bringing to an end an institution that for decades acted as a cornerstone of the U.S. public media landscape. Created in 1967, CPB operated as a channel through which…

Blog - Gratacós Barcelona 1940 » Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week<

02 Jan

The virtual runway defined

Roger W. WatsonCulture and Entertainment

In today's fast-paced digital world, the fashion industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by technological advancements and innovative approaches to reach global audiences. One of the most intriguing developments in this field is the concept of a virtual runway. But what exactly is a virtual runway, and how does it reshape the traditional fashion landscape?The Evolution of Fashion ShowcasesTraditionally, fashion shows have been exclusive events held in glamorous locations, attended by a select group of fashion insiders, celebrities, and buyers. Over the past few years, however, the landscape has evolved with the introduction of virtual runways. These digital platforms…

Canada: How foreign buyers navigate investment screening and strategic sectors

02 Jan

Investing in Canada: Foreign Buyer Screening & Key Industries

Roger W. WatsonEconomy

Foreign direct investment (FDI) is essential to Canada’s economy, but Ottawa balances openness with protective screening. Investors must understand a two-track reality: Canada broadly welcomes capital, jobs and technology, while exercising targeted scrutiny where national interest, security or strategic sovereignty are at stake. This article explains the legal framework, strategic sectors that attract attention, practical navigation steps, timelines and illustrative cases to help foreign buyers plan transactions that involve Canadian assets.The legal and institutional structureInvestment Canada Act (ICA): The ICA governs federal screening of foreign acquisitions of control of Canadian businesses. It includes a traditional "net benefit" review for certain…

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31 Dec

Maduro Arrested in Secret Caracas Operation

Roger W. WatsonInternational

Venezuela woke on Saturday to a tense mix of relief, celebration, and fear after U.S. forces captured President Nicolás Maduro following a night of explosions and targeted strikes across the Caracas Valley.As residents cautiously returned to the streets, reactions split sharply. Some Venezuelans expressed hope that Maduro’s removal could open a path toward change after years of repression and crisis, while others condemned the operation and rallied to demand his release, calling the arrest an abduction and denouncing a breach of national sovereignty.Despite a few scattered moments of celebration, a sense of uncertainty permeated many conversations. Several individuals noted that…

30 Dec

Master Advanced Finance & Strategic Leadership with ISEEN’s New Online MBA

Roger W. WatsonCompanies

ISEEN Unveils Its Online MBA in Advanced Finance and Strategic Leadership, Merging High-Level Financial Expertise with Data-Informed Executive LeadershipThe Instituto Superior Europeo de Economía y Negocios (ISEEN) has unveiled its MBA in Advanced Finance & Strategic Leadership, a 100% online graduate program crafted to reinforce professionals’ ability to navigate critical financial decisions while fostering the leadership strengths needed to promote growth, drive transformation, and sustain competitiveness across complex markets.Delivered in collaboration with the Atlantic-Mediterranean Technological University (UTAMED) in Europe, the program awards a European university master’s degree and also includes an “Advanced Certification in Artificial Intelligence” from the International Association…

Chappell Roan walks back Brigitte Bardot praise after learning of late French star's far-right views

27 Dec

Chappell Roan Withdraws Bardot Endorsement Over Far-Right Stance

Roger W. WatsonCulture and Entertainment

Public esteem for cultural figures may change rapidly once fresh context comes to light, and what starts as a stylistic or creative nod can gradually expand into a wider dialogue about accountability, historical understanding, and the boundary between influence and endorsement.Chappell Roan revisits her commendation of Brigitte Bardot as renewed debate intensifies over the actress’s political recordChappell Roan has crafted her public image through vibrant originality, candid expression and an eager openness with her fans, drawing frequently on pop history, fashion trends and iconic figures that have influenced her artistic voice. Yet a recent cultural nod led her to rethink…

Barbados: CSR initiatives advancing renewable energy and building efficiency

27 Dec

CSR in Barbados: Renewable Energy & Building Efficiency Progress

Roger W. WatsonSocial Responsibility

Barbados confronts a twofold challenge shared by many small island developing states: it must curb its reliance on imported fossil fuels while upgrading the energy performance of the buildings that underpin its economy, including hotels, offices, schools and residences. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has become a practical driver of this shift, as companies, financial institutions and community groups channel resources, technical knowledge and influence to expand rooftop solar adoption, advance energy‑efficient retrofits and promote resilient construction practices that reduce expenses, cut emissions and bolster local livelihoods.Why CSR matters for Barbados’ energy transitionEconomic exposure: High fuel import bills make electricity costly…