Top news items in major Zambian media outlets

LUSAKA, Jan. 31 (Xinhua) -- The following are news highlights in Zambia's major media outlets on Wednesday.

--The Zambian government says it will soon resume the issuance of small scale artisanal mining licenses that were suspended last November following increased illegal activities allegedly perpetrated by foreigners.

Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development Permanent Secretary Paul Chanda said the licenses were suspended to ensure effective scrutinization of the industry players and that all those with no bad record will be allowed to resume operations by March. (Zambia Daily Mail)

--The Constitutional Court has halted the proceedings involving the eligibility of President Edgar Lungu to contest the 2021 general elections in view of a complaint lodged by four opposition political parties against the court's president.

Justice Annie Sitali said the proceedings have been halted after the opposition parties dragged Constitutional Court president Justice Hilda Chibomba to the Judicial Complaints Commission for alleged gross misconduct and incompetence. (Times of Zambia)

--Dairy farmers in Zambia have urged authorities to introduce incentives for exports of dairy products as the demand for milk may saturate in the next few years.

Dairy Association of Zambia policy officer Kapoche Mwale said Zambia should pursue a deliberate policy of export development as the local demand for dairy products will in the near future saturate leaving no room for growth. (Daily Nation)

--The Zambian government says more funds were needed for loan grants to students in higher learning institutions as the demand has increased.

Minister of Higher Education Nkandu Luo said 4,025 students applied for loans and bursaries for the 2018 calendar but added that some of them have not been offered the loans and bursaries because of budgetary constraint. (The Mast) Enditem