oleh admin | Mar 27, 2025 | business, controversies, courts, criminal cases, judiciaries
The High Court at Nairobi’s Milimani Commercial Courts rejected a case brought forth by Davidson Ivusa against Safaricom Limited.
Ivusa alleged that Safaricom took his groundbreaking “Jichomoe” idea, claiming this was the inspiration behind their popular Reverse Call Feature.
The ruling, issued by Judge F.G. Mugambi on February 27, 2025, concluded a legal dispute that started in April 2021.
The lawsuit filed by the plaintiff against Safaricom
Davidson Ivusa, the claimant, initiated lawsuit number Civil Case E562 of 2021 on April 20, 2021. He sought various forms of relief against Safaricom, such as an order to prevent the firm from utilizing or promoting its Reverse Call service. Additionally, he requested compensation for breaches of confidence, misrepresentation, and lost commercial prospects.
Ivusa asserted that he presented a submission to Safaricom on May 10, 2010, under the title “Jichomoe.” He explained this as an answer designed to help Safaricom subscribers place calls irrespective of their economic limitations.
He claimed that the firm maintained his concept under examination for an extended period, continually assuring him of their consideration, before eventually debuting a remarkably comparable feature, the Safaricom Reverse Call Service, on June 18, 2019, without including or consulting him.
Ivusa contended that this was a violation of trust and charged Safaricom with appropriating his idea and presenting it as their own creation.
Safaricom’s defense
In their defense statement submitted on January 17, 2022, Safaricom refuted Ivusa’s claims, stating that its Reverse Call Service was a distinct invention created in June 2018 and introduced on April 26, 2019.
The firm stated that the service was created to cater to the requirements of subscribers who couldn’t make calls because they lacked sufficient airtime. It enabled them to start reverse calls using a specific code.
The telecoms company highlighted that reverse call technology wasn’t new, having preceded Ivusa’s suggestion and being present in different formats long before mobile communications were common.
Safaricom emphasized notable distinctions between its offering and Jichomoe: whereas the Reverse Call Service only covers voice calls, Jichomoe includes voice calls, text messaging, and mobile internet. It operates as an installed module within handsets instead of being a network-based feature.
What was the outcome of the lawsuit involving Safaricom?
Judge Mugambi’s ruling tackled three main points: whether Safaricom violated a trust, if it had misappropriated Ivusa’s concept, and whether Ivusa was justified in seeking the remedies proposed.
The court discovered no proof of a clear pact or shared comprehension between the involved parties. It highlighted that Ivusa’s presentation of the Jichomoe idea was unrequested, with nothing suggesting that Safaricom consented to keep it confidential or utilize it for his advantage.
Regarding the allegation of passing off, where one entity falsely presents another’s goods as their own, the court necessitated that Ivusa demonstrate that Jichomoe possessed goodwill and brand recognition. Additionally, Ivusa needed to show that Safaricom’s services were misleading about their source and that this misrepresentation caused damage to Ivusa.
Mugambi stated that Ivusa did not provide any proof of Jichomoe’s market position, brand awareness, or financial harm resulting from Safaricom’s activities.
Even though Ivusa didn’t directly accuse anyone of copyright infringement, the court examined whether his intellectual property had been violated. According to Kenya’s Copyright Act, software receives protection as a form of literary work; however, this law safeguards only the expression of an idea rather than the concept itself.
The court determined that since Jichomoe did not provide concrete details like source code or prototypes, Ivusa was unable to demonstrate that Safaricom had replicated his distinctive creation instead of separately devising a comparable idea.
Justice Mugambi dismissed the suit with costs awarded to Safaricom after finding no merit with the lawsuits claims.
oleh admin | Mar 27, 2025 | entertainment, local news, music, music industry, news
K-pop girl group
NMIXX
is scheduled to return to the Philippines for their eagerly awaited “NMIXX Change Up: Mixx Lab” concert in Manila!
The entertainment firm Lunari Global disclosed via X (previously known as Twitter) that the performance is scheduled for May 2 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.
Those eager not to miss out on the MIXXTOPIA event can buy their tickets solely via Lunari Global’s website beginning March 31. The ticket costs will vary from ₱3,500 for Silver up to ₱13,000 for VVIP Soundcheck & Hi Bye packages.
Below are all the ticket details:
Silver – PhP 3,500
Gold – PhP 6,000
Platinum – PhP 8,000
VIP Soundcheck – Php 11,500
VIP Soundcheck and Hi Bye – Php 13,000
ANSWER members can also enjoy perks as fans according to their bought tickets.
In addition to getting soundcheck access, VVIP and VIP ticket holders will get special lanyards, photocard sets, and they’ll also have a shot at winning an autographed poster through the raffle draw.
In the meantime, those with Platinum and Gold tickets will be given photocards, and some fortunate winners will have the chance to obtain signed posters from NMIXX.
Holders of silver tickets will not miss out either since they too will get special photocards during the event.
NMIXX is a six-member girl band signed with JYP Entertainment, featuring talented members such as Lily, Haewon, Sullyoon, Jiwoo, Kyujin, and Bae. Renowned for their impressive vocals and energetic shows, they have gained popularity through hits including “KNOW ABOUT ME” and “Love Me Like This.”
DASH
,” “DICE,” and “O.O.”
The ensemble had earlier dropped by Manila in June 2023 as part of their “Nice to Mixx You” concert series and likewise went to attend an event.
Asia Artist Awards
in December 2023 at the Philippine Arena.
Check out the major winners from the Asia Artist Awards 2023 in this gallery:
This article
NMIXX plans to make a comeback in Manila this May.
was originally published in
GMA Entertainment
.
oleh admin | Mar 27, 2025 | commerce, flying, transportation, Travel, vietnam
The high-speed ferry connecting Ho Chi Minh City and Con Dao Island, which can accommodate up to 1,017 travelers, is scheduled to restart services in mid-April following an absence of eight months.
The Phu Quoc Express Boat Company, which operates the service, stated that the ticket prices have stayed constant at VND615,000 to 1.1 million ($24-$43), varying based on seat category and time of departure.
The ship started operations in May of last year.
With a maximum speed of 35 nautical miles (over 60 kilometers) per hour, it takes approximately four hours to journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao, which is an island located off the coast of the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau.
This vessel is the biggest high-speed passenger ship in Vietnam, measuring over 77 meters in length.
However, just weeks into operation, it was running below half of its intended capacity, leading the provider to halt the service in late July.
A number of travelers mentioned that the facilities and features aboard the ship were top-notch but
the
route from central Ho Chi Minh City to Hiep Phuoc Port
The point of departure for the vessel was distant, which made things rather inconvenient.
At present, individuals can reach Con Dao Island either by flying or by taking a ferry from Vung Tau town, which is approximately two hours away from Ho Chi Minh City.
The Con Dao archipelago consists of 16 islands, where Con Son Island is the biggest and the sole inhabited island, situated 185 kilometers away from Vung Tau.
The town boasts approximately 10,000 inhabitants and attracts many visitors each year.
oleh admin | Mar 27, 2025 | electric power, energy sector, korea national news, korean, power plants
The Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL) intends to construct a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) facility, often referred to as a cogeneration power plant, at its Goyang train yard by 2027 with the aim of cutting down on electricity expenses.
The government-owned railroad authority, utilizing electric power for its operation of KTX high-speed services as well as various local routes such as Lines 1, 3, and 4 within the greater Seoul region, has experienced a significant surge in their utility expenditures recently. In the previous fiscal year, they allocated approximately 580 billion Korean won ($400 million)—which constitutes about 8.7% of their total operational spending amounting to 6.64 trillion Korean won—towards energy consumption alone. This expense is anticipated to increase further by around an additional 60 billion Korean won during the current year.
South Korea has consistently maintained some of the lowest industrial electricity rates globally. Despite the state-owned Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) experiencing significant financial losses and accumulating debts because of the former President Moon Jae-in’s initiative to reduce reliance on nuclear power along with rising crude oil costs, the authorities have increased electricity tariffs just once. To avoid provoking substantial public backlash, particularly regarding residential electricity charges, the government opted to raise industrial electricity rates two times starting from May 2023.
Soaring electricity expenses are driving numerous businesses to seek out alternate options, ranging from constructing their own power stations to buying less expensive energy directly from the wholesale market, thus avoiding KEPCO.
KORAIL, which operates 98% of its trains using electric power, is one of the businesses heavily impacted by the increases in industrial electricity rates. Despite a reduction of 1.2% in overall train kilometers traveled over the last three years, the company has seen rising expenses for electricity.
During a media briefing on March 25, KORAIL CEO Han Moon-hee stated that increasing electrical expenses are exerting significant strain on the corporation’s finances. Additionally, he mentioned that the firm intends to develop an extensive system of internal power stations across the country as a strategy to cut down operational expenditures.
The nation’s top manufacturing companies, which have significant energy requirements—such as those involved in oil refinement, semiconductor production, and steel industries—are increasingly working towards building their own power facilities.
HD Hyundai Oilbank is constructing a 277-megawatt (MW) liquefied natural gas (LNG) power station close to its Seosan complex in South Chungcheong Province, scheduled for completion in 2027. Meanwhile, Hyundai Steel intends to develop a 499 MW LNG facility at their Dangjin site within the same region by 2028.
In 2023 and 2024, SK Hynix started operations for two liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities with a total capacity of 585 MW in Cheongju and Icheon as a reaction to increasing electricity costs. Meanwhile, since 2021, Korea Zinc has been producing its own power using a 272.5 MW combined-cycle LNG facility located at its Onsan smelting site.
Currently facing an unparalleled slump, the petrochemical industry is seeking alternate power sources beyond those provided by KEPCO. SK Advanced, which operates as part of SK Gas within this sector, has submitted an application to KPX with intentions to buy electricity directly from the wholesale market for approximately 30 won per kilowatt-hour (kWh). This represents a significant saving compared to KEPCO’s present industrial charge of 185.5 won per kWh.
The direct purchasing system, launched in 2003, enables customers to acquire electricity directly from the wholesale market without going through KEPCO. This option remained mostly unused due to consistently low prices set by KEPCO for an extended period. However, following KEPCO’s decision to raise industrial electricity charges to 185.5 won per kWh last October, businesses are considering this rarely used mechanism again after more than two decades of dormancy.
The Korea Enterprise Federation (KEF) observed that although household electricity prices have climbed by 40.4 won per kilowatt-hour over the last three years, industrial tariffs have gone up by 80 won. “Rising energy expenses pose a significant risk to manufacturing output and business investments,” stated the KEF in an announcement made on March 25th. According to a recent poll conducted by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, approximately 40 percent of South Korean producers are contemplating shifting towards different means for their power needs.
The Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy (MOTIE) plans to approve a new regulation on March 28 that will outline the process for direct electricity procurement. Upon completion, this framework is anticipated to gain wider acceptance amongst businesses.
oleh admin | Mar 27, 2025 | cricket, cricket players, indian cricket, sports, tournaments
VMPL
New Delhi [India], March 27: In an impressive showcase of youth empowerment and sportsmanship in Madhya Pradesh, legendary cricketer
Harbhajan Singh
has broadened his commendation to
Akash Singh Rajput
As a leading figure among young people, Rajput has once more organized the globe’s largest cricket competition in Surkhi. This demonstrates both his managerial prowess and the capacity of the younger generation to significantly influence the sporting landscape. The tournament aims to highlight not only the area’s deep-rooted passion for cricket but also the remarkable skill and commitment embodied by him as an individual.
The Cricket Mahakumbh tournament, spanning three months in the Jaisinagar block within the Surkhi constituency of the Sagar district in Madhya Pradesh, concluded with considerable fanfare and an exhilarating finale featuring a former Indian cricket player.
Harbhajan Singh
As a distinguished guest, expressing his astonishment and appreciation for the magnitude of the occasion, he remarked, “It’s astounding to witness this tournament taking place here with an incredible turnout of 610 teams. It was beyond my expectations to find such exceptional cricket prowess gathered together; moreover, hosting what seems like a grand cricket festival in a small village astounds me even more. Having grown up in a rural area myself, I strongly feel that remarkable players capable of competing nationally and internationally can indeed originate from these very villages.”
Praising
Akash Singh Rajput
For his remarkable dedication and efforts in organizing such an opulent tournament, Harbhajan expressed that participating in these events has broadened his perspective. The exceptional cricket skills displayed on the local field are truly impressive, and he believes this should persist.
Akash Singh Rajput
Has motivated him to also set up similar competitions in Punjab.
The Minister for Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Protection of Madhya Pradesh, Govind Singh Rajput, stated that every team would receive Rs 2,500 to buy a cricket set, enabling the athletes to improve their sporting abilities even more. He stressed that the young people from the Surkhi Assembly area should strive to outshine in various domains via sports and aim to bring honor first to Sagar, then extend this success to represent the state and nation internationally.
The cricket tournament once again secured a spot in the London Book of World Records for the
World’s Biggest Cricket Tournament
In Surkhi, Madhya Pradesh, over 9,150 participants from 610 teams took part in this year’s Cricket Mahakumbh. This event was organized by the Yuva Shakti Sangathan, with the head of Yuva Shakti leading the initiative.
Akash Singh Rajput
, an actor and committed social worker. He feels strongly that such events play a vital role in fostering youthful potential, especially within small towns and rural areas where chances are scarce. Throughout his career, he has continually highlighted the significance of bolstering local youngsters via community projects aimed at equipping them with tools necessary for success in athletics as well as various fields. Through these endeavors, he has elevated Surkhi’s profile and secured another record for India in the World Book of Records by successfully organizing one of the largest cricket competitions internationally yet again.
Akash Singh Rajput
He is also among the emerging talents in the entertainment sector. His recent single, “Insta Reel,” has amassed millions of views and earned significant acclaim from his fanbase. Having made his debut in “Karamfal Daata Shani” on Colors TV, he has since embraced varied characters across multiple films and digital shows like “Toilet: Ek Prem Katha,” “Mirzapur,” “Porus,” and “Aashram.” Rajput adeptly manages to harmonize his zeal with his career!
His dedication to nurturing the next generation of young people in Madhya Pradesh shines through in his initiatives, significantly improving the circumstances for numerous individuals once hindered by economic hardship and limited access to opportunities. This has solidified his status as the Youth Icon of MP among the younger population. Understanding the difficulties encountered by less privileged athletes, he made sure every participant was provided with crucial supplies like bats, balls, and uniforms.
(ADVERTORIAL DISCLOSURE: The aforementioned press release has been supplied by
VMPL
ANI shall not bear any responsibility for the content thereof.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.
Syndigate.info
).
