The Corruption Prevention Bureau (KNAB) has initiated an investigation into airBaltic CEO Martin Gauss to assess his compliance with the Law On Prevention of Conflict of Interest in Activities of Public Officials. The probe follows allegations from private individuals concerning a potential conflict of interest, according to KNAB representatives. The controversy centers on claims made by Girts Lapins of the National Alliance, who alleged on social media that Gauss is the owner of the German company MaGau GmbH, which holds shares in 2e systems GmbH, a supplier to airBaltic. However, airBaltic clarified that 2e systems has been a business…
Author: Ohene Anochie
Ohene Anochie
Senior Reporter with AMN News Agency, known for his insightful journalism and in-depth coverage of current events.
Sam Moore, the celebrated vocalist and half of the iconic 1960s duo Sam & Dave, has died at the age of 89. Known for timeless hits like “Soul Man” and “Hold On, I’m Comin’,” Moore’s contributions to the soul music genre have left an indelible mark. His publicist, Jeremy Westby, confirmed that Moore passed away on Friday morning in Coral Gables, Florida, due to complications following surgery. Further details regarding his passing have not been disclosed. Moore’s remarkable talent and style inspired generations of artists, including legends such as Michael Jackson, Al Green, and Bruce Springsteen. In 1992, Moore…
For the first time in their 40-year journey, the iconic Italian design duo Dolce & Gabbana are exhibiting their creations in Paris, the epicenter of global fashion. Titled Du Coeur à la Main (From the Heart to the Hand), the exhibition runs from January 10 to March 31, and aims to celebrate Italian artistry while showcasing the deep connections between fashion traditions. Curator Florence Müller explains the exhibition’s intent, saying, “Yes, Italy does it too,” underscoring the unparalleled craftsmanship of Italian fashion. Hosted in the newly refurbished Grand Palais, the exhibition spans 1,200 square meters and features over 200…
Amid speculation in mid-December about his potential retirement after the 2024-2025 season, Karim Benzema, the 37-year-old Al-Ittihad striker, has firmly denied such claims. The French star, who has been in remarkable form with 10 goals in 10 Saudi Pro League matches this season, dismissed the rumors as “nonsense.” Benzema addressed the speculation, stating, “I have no idea who is behind these claims. My career has no boundaries. I can’t predict if I’ll still be playing in two, three, or four years. I feel great my body is in excellent condition, my training is going well, and I’m taking it…
The Lithuanian government has authorized law enforcement officers to use special ammunition and projectiles to neutralize drones, weather balloons, and other unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), as well as autonomously or remotely piloted objects. Under the new measures, officers can deploy these tools against airborne, land-based, waterborne, or underwater objects. They are also permitted to use drones, vehicles, demining robots, and similar devices to launch special ammunition and projectiles. Special ammunition, as defined by the legislation, includes projectiles fired from firearms or propelled by devices containing substances like gas or paint, designed to impact a target. The law also…
Transnistria, a breakaway province of Moldova aligned with Russia, faces a severe energy crisis after Ukraine suspended a Russian gas deal that supplied the region. The situation has left hundreds of thousands without heating, gas, or electricity as the Kremlin-backed leadership in Tiraspol declined alternative energy solutions offered by Moldova. This crisis has also impacted Moldova, which relied on Transnistria’s gas-fired power plant for a third of its electricity. The country’s pro-European leaders accuse Moscow of leveraging “gas blackmail” to destabilize Moldova and warn of a potential Russia-induced security crisis. Understanding Transnistria With a population of around 400,000,…
Riga Airport served 7.12 million passengers in 2024, marking a 7% increase compared to 2023, according to an announcement made on January 8. Transit passengers accounted for 22% of the total, with the airport handling a total of 63,200 flights throughout the year. December Performance Surges In December alone, nearly 582,000 passengers traveled through Riga Airport, a 20% increase from the same month in 2023 and slightly surpassing December 2019 figures. The airport also managed 5,106 flights and handled approximately 2,000 tonnes of air cargo during the month. Steady Growth and Pre-Pandemic Recovery The airport demonstrated consistent growth…
The Ministry of Economics in Latvia has implemented a new employee tracking system aimed at enhancing productivity and optimizing resource allocation within the public sector. The announcement was made in a press release on January 8, as the ministry acknowledged the need for a more aggressive approach to address low productivity levels. Minister of Economics Viktors Valainis (Greens and Farmers Union) highlighted the necessity for this change. “We’ve tried various methods, but they haven’t yielded the required results. This is a bold and challenging move, but without changing our approach to daily operations, we won’t achieve the desired outcomes,”…
Estonia has proposed a rotational system for NATO member states to monitor critical Baltic Sea infrastructure, akin to the alliance’s air policing mission. This call comes in response to recent suspected sabotage incidents involving undersea cables in the region. As part of this effort, NATO announced that 12 ships will be deployed to the Baltic Sea until April. Estonia’s Minister of Defense, Hanno Pevkur, emphasized the importance of unified maritime defense among Baltic Sea nations. “The Baltic Sea cannot be divided in terms of defense,” Pevkur stated during an interview with “Aktuaalne kaamera.” He added that Germany would initially…
Estonia is gearing up for its desynchronization from the Russian electricity grid next month, with plans to integrate into the European Union’s power network. Prime Minister Kristen Michal has emphasized the need for readiness, given the potential for disruptions amid heightened regional tensions. Speaking on “Esimene stuudio,” Michal expressed optimism that the transition would proceed without affecting consumers. However, he acknowledged that the recent sabotage of the Estlink 2 power cable in the Gulf of Finland has highlighted vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure. “In the energy system, we always prepare backup plans and even backups for those plans. Here…
