2027 Green Hydrogen: India Sets Goal For Its Largest Fleet Operator

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January 13, 2023

India has set green hydrogen consumption targets for some industries, so as to generate demand for cleaner fuel in its quest to reach net zero by 2070, the government said on Friday, as it unveiled its policy for green energy.

One of the world’s biggest emitters of greenhouse gases, India approved a plan of incentives worth more than $2 billion last week to develop a green hydrogen production capacity of 5 million tons a year by 2030.

Asia’s third-largest economy wants to use green hydrogen to replace grey hydrogen, produced using gas, as it moves to decarbonize sectors such as oil and fertilizers.

Green hydrogen is a zero-carbon fuel made by electrolysis, using renewable power from wind and solar to split water into hydrogen and oxygen.

India’s top refiner Indian Oil Corp, top power utility NTPC Ltd. and conglomerates including Reliance and Adani group have announced plans to build green hydrogen projects.

To gradually build a hydrogen-powered shipping lines, India has set a goal for its largest fleet operator, the state-run Shipping Corp. of India, to retrofit at least two ships to run on green hydrogen-based fuels by 2027.

All the state-run oil and gas companies that charter 40 vessels for fuel transport will also have to hire at least one ship powered by green hydrogen each year from 2027 to 2030.

Angola Open To Mining And Infrastructure Cooperation With Saudi Arabia

By

Angel Gimalo

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January 13, 2023

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Angola is ready to work with Saudi Arabia in the field of mining as the African country looks to excavate minerals including copper, nickel and lithium, according to its ambassador.

The Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh, Frederico Manuel dos Santos e Silva Cardoso talked up the relationship between his country and the Kingdom, saying investment could flow between the two nations.

As well as the mining sector, he also flagged up infrastructure developments as a possible area of cooperation.

His comments came just days after the Federation of Saudi Chambers and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Angola signed a Memorandum of Understanding to boost economic ties between the countries.

The MoU includes plans for delegation visits, and exchanging information on markets and investment opportunities.

“Angola is also engaged in diversifying the economy,” said Cardoso, referencing Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 drive to move the Kingdom’s economy away from oil.

“We can work in several fields on mining. For example, Angola has copper, cobalt, nickel, lithium, diamonds, and also has ornamental rocks that could be areas that we could work (on) together,” he added.

On infrastructure work, the ambassador said: “We have opportunities for projects of PPP – Public-private partnership.

“This is one of the areas that we are working on in order to put both countries working together.”

Relations between Angola and Saudi Arabia have strengthened in recent years, with the Southern African country opening an embassy in Riyadh in 2021.

Bilateral relations between the Kingdom and Angola began in 2007 and were reinforced in 2019 with the visit of a high-level delegation from Saudi Arabia to the Southern African nation.

Gas Imports: Germany In Talks With Iraq

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Angel Gimalo

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January 13, 2023

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Germany is in talks with Iraq over the possibility of importing natural gas from the oil-rich country, Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Friday, as Berlin scrambles to diversify its energy sources to replace a drop in Russian fossil fuel shipments.

“We also talked about possible gas deliveries to Germany and agreed to stay in close contact,” Scholz told journalists in a joint news conference with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani in Berlin.

Scholz did not give further details on the volumes of gas Germany hopes to import from Iraq.

Baghdad has offered opportunities to German companies to invest in using Iraq’s natural gas and the gas generated as a byproduct from oil production, Al-Sudani said, adding that Iraq wants to deliver gas through a pipeline via Turkiye to Europe.

Iraq continues to flare some of the gas extracted alongside crude oil because it lacks the facilities to process it into fuel for local consumption or exports.

Sudan, South Sudan To Set Up Joint Border Force

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Angel Gimalo

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January 13, 2023

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Sudanese military ruler Lt Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir have agreed to set up a joint force to secure their two countries’ 1,800km- (1,120 mile-) border, state-owned channel Sudan TV has reported.

The agreement was announced following talks between the two leaders in South Sudan’s capital, Juba..

The two countries’ defence and foreign ministers also attended the talks.

Gen Burhan and Kiir also discussed the disputed Abyei region, calling for “regular joint meetings” to resolve the dispute over the territory, the statement added.

Kiir also briefed Burhan on the implementation of the 2018 South Sudan peace agreement, of which Sudan is one of the main guarantors.

Europe’s Largest Deposit Of Rare Earths Discovered In Sweden

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Angel Gimalo

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January 13, 2023

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Europe’s largest deposit of rare earths – which are used from mobile phones to missiles – has been found in Sweden.

No rare earths are mined in Europe at the moment and a Swedish minister hailed the find as a way of reducing the EU’s dependence on China.

The discovery is also being seen as “decisive” for the green transition, given the expected rise in demand for electric vehicles and wind turbines.

Some 98% of rare earths used in the EU in 2021 were imported from China.

Over one million tonnes are reported to have now been found in Sweden’s far north.

The term rare earth refers to a group of 17 elements that are used to make a range of products and infrastructure which are increasingly important to everyday life.

They can be found in mobiles, hard drives and trains. But they are also important for green technology including wind turbines and electric vehicles. Some are essential for military equipment like missile guidance systems.

Carabao Cup: Super Eagles Trio In Semi Final

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Emenike Agu

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January 13, 2023

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The last Nigerian to win the League Cup, Kelechi Iheanacho, who won it with Manchester City in 2016.

Three Super Eagles players have advanced with their teams to the competition’s semifinal stage, continuing the good fortunes of Nigerian players in the League Cup.

Joe Aribo, Emmanuel Dennis, and Taiwo Awoniyi are the three lucky individuals. Aribo’s Southampton did the almost impossible on Wednesday night when they eliminated five-time champion Manchester City from the competition for the seventh time in seven years.

Though Aribo was not in action, his teammates showed they have what it takes to beat a Manchester City team that had the likes of Jack Grealish, Julian Alvarez, Phil Foden, and the duo of Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland coming in as second-half substitutes.

Sloppy City

Southampton shot into the lead in the 23rd minute when Lyanco snatched a pass from Sergio Gomez and delivered a low cross that France Under-21 international Sekou Mara swept home for his first goal for the club. Guardiola’s men had barely recovered from Mara’s goal when, five minutes later, Moussa Djenepo doubled Southampton’s lead.

The Mali international was allowed to advance unchecked before curling a glorious 30-yard lob over Stefan Ortega, who was caught too far off his line. In a desperate bid to salvage the game, Guardiola sent on Kevin De Bruyne at the interval and Erling Haaland after 56 minutes, but his lethargic team finished without a shot on target.

Southampton have never won the League Cup, losing the 1979 and 2017 finals, and they will face Newcastle in a two-legged semi-final later in January. Having suffered six consecutive defeats going into the game against City, Saints’ boss Nathan Jones will hope this surprise success can be the springboard to silverware and Premier League survival for his struggling side.

“We’ve gone through a lot recently, with people questioning a lot of things. That goes a little way to justifying why we’re here and what team we’re trying to create,” Jones said.

Forest on Wembley trail

Elsewhere, Emmanuel Dennis was in action as Nottingham Forest earned a last-four berth against Manchester United after beating Wolves 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw at the City Ground.

Forest got it right this term after last weekend’s embarrassing FA Cup loss against second-tier Blackpool. They are now back on track to play at Wembley as they reached the League Cup semi-finals for the first time since 1992.

Forest took the lead through a close-range finish from former Wolves centre-back Willy Boly in the 18th minute. Raul Jimenez grabbed the Wolves’ equaliser in the 64th minute, but Dean Henderson was Forest’s shootout star as he saved penalties from Joe Hodge and Ruben Neves.

Awoniyi and Dennis have to navigate past Manchester United over two legs to make it to the League Cup final before thinking of winning it. The last Nigerian to win the League Cup is Kelechi Iheanacho, who won it in 2016 with Manchester City, a year after John Obi Mikel also won it with Chelsea.

Exploring Arch Of Triumph, North Korea

By

Angel Gimalo

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January 13, 2023

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The Arch of Triumph is, as the name suggests, one of the many triumphal archs around the world, however, this one is located in the capital city of Pyongyang, within the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, and most commonly known as North Korea.

Inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France, Pyongyang’s arch is the second tallest in the world, right after Mexico’s Monumento a la Revolución, and with 60 meters (200 feet) in height it is one of the tallest structures in the North Korean capital.

Built in 1982 to commemorate the Korean resistance to Japan from 1925 to 1945, it is right on the Triumph Return Square, which is at the foot of Moran Hill. Nonetheless, it was also dedicated to the President Kim Il-sung, to honor and glorify his role in the military resistance for the independence of Korea, while the country was under Japanese occupation.

This majestic monument was inaugurated on the occasion of his 70th birthday, and with the 25,500 finely-dressed white granite blocks with which the arch was made, it represents a day of Kim’s life up to that point.

Student rehearsal for Arirang, a 100,000-performer spectacle every August-September

With dozens of rooms, balustrades, observation platforms and elevators, there are also four vaulted gateways on each side of the arch, each one 27 meters (89 feet) high. The impressiveness is great once one will be able to see the azaleas which are carved in their girth.

Also, on the walls is inscribed the revolutionary hymn “Song of General Kim Il-sun”, together with the year 1925, and 1945 when the country was finally liberated from Japanese rule.

Serving as a great monument in Pyongyang, nowadays, the Arch of Triumph is visited by many daring foreigners who are willing enough to spend their vacation in one weird, yet very beautiful country.

Once Upon A Time – January 13 – 1785 – John Walter Publishes 1st Issue Of “The Times” Of London

By

Angel Gimalo

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January 13, 2023

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532 – Nika riots begin in Constantinople, revolt against Emperor Justinian I, prompted by chariot racing

1785 – John Walter publishes 1st issue of “The Times” of London

1943 – Adolf Hitler declares “Total War” against the Allies

1970 – Colonel Odumegwu Ojukwu flees Biafra into exile, leaving his deputy Philip Effiong to surrender to the Nigerian army, unofficially ending the Nigerian Civil War

2000 – Microsoft chairman Bill Gates steps aside as chief executive and promotes company president Steve Ballmer to the position

More Historical Events

In Music

1976 – Sarah Caldwell is 1st woman to conduct at NYC Metropolitan Opera House as she led orchestra in a performance of “La Traviata”

In Sport

1972 – Bernice Gera wins anti-discrimination case against the National Baseball Congressl, initiated March 15, 1971 to be allowed to umpire

More Facts…

1930 – “Mickey Mouse” comic strip 1st appears

1842 – Dr. William Brydon, a surgeon in the British Army during the First Anglo-Afghan War, becomes famous for (reputedly) being the sole survivor of an army of 16,500 when he reaches the safety of a garrison in Jalalabad.

Famous Weddings

1958 – American actress Jayne Mansfield (24) weds Hungarian-American bodybuilder Mickey Hargitay (32) at the Wayfarers Chapel in Rancho Palos Verdes, California; divorce in 1964

1992 – MLB baseball right fielder Sammy Sosa (23) weds Sonia Rodriguez

Don Seeks Inclusion Of Social Studies In School Curriculum

By

Rhoda Onuzulike

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January 13, 2023

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A Professor in the Department of Social Sciences Education, University of Ilorin, North Central Nigeria, Abdulraheem Yusuf says that for Nigeria to survive as a nation, it must include social studies curriculum at all levels of education system.

Professor Yusuf stated this while delivering the 223 Inaugural Lecture of the Institution, titled ‘Socialising or Civicising the Citizens: The Quandary of a Failing Nation.’

He emphasised that one major means of inculcating and cultivating discipline among the citizens is by reintroducing social studies at all levels of education, to make Nigeria grow into a vibrant county.

He said that “a disciplined citizen observes the laws of the land without being noticed and adheres to solid moral principles.”

According to him, teaching social studies seems to be the only way to resolve Nigeria’s national problems for political and economic agreements.

“It will neutralise geographical and ethnic diversities and result in the establishment of a united Nigeria with responsible leadership.

“Without committed, disciplined and purpose-driven leadership at all levels, no action plan will succeed, no matter how noble it seems. We commonly see that the majority of those in positions of power lack the necessary skills and those who have those skills are not in positions of authority. This circumstance has resulted in inept leadership and its attendant frustrated citizenry,” the Lecturer explained.

According to him, Nigerians break laws just because they want to take undue advantage of other people.

Professor Yusuf said; “In order to gain power, we betray ourselves, we renew our hopelessness at every election, we sell our votes to elect mediocre, promise breakers and ineffective leaders, we provide questionable certificates to attain power, we jump or shunt queues and we hoard necessities to drive up prices, as evidenced by the frequent petrol scarcity.”

Professor Yusuf described a study of Social studies as the subject that covers national values, leadership, followership, unity, equity, conscience and integrity, as well as truthfulness and justice.

He said that these are effective tools for national development and also serve as powerful inspirations for Nigerians to support the nation’s unity, consciousness and peace.

The Lecturer explained further that “carefully chosen social issues such as drug trafficking, insecurity, poverty, unemployment, cultism and human trafficking are addressed in the subject stated that it not only throws light on these challenges but also offers solutions as students who acquire these value constructs grow into more receptive and responsible citizens.”

The Educationist said having a solid understanding of social studies would help elect trustworthy and responsible people to positions of authority while students who have taken social studies classes will make better leaders and be expected to work to better the lives of others.

While making a comparison between social studies and civic education, Prof. Yusuf said that since the start of civil education in Nigeria in September 2007, our rights have received more attention than our values as citizens of the country.

He said that “Civic education attempts to teach people democratic values, norms and legal practices. It helps students realize the idea that those who lack literacy or have limited awareness of their legal rights and obligations would be unable to exercise them.”

The educationist, however, recommended that Social studies should be reintroduced, taught effectively and diligently studied at all levels of education, while its curriculum must be reviewed regularly to account for the change in society, content, and techniques to meet the changing requirements of individuals and the nation.

Full List: Ronaldo Missing In Shortlist For Best Fifa Football Awards

By

Emenike Agu

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January 13, 2023

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While five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo was snubbed, the likes of Lionel Messi, and Kylian Mbappe are both in the running.

Cristiano Ronaldo is top of the list of high-profile names missing as FIFA on Thursday revealed the candidates shortlisted for The Best FIFA Football Awards 2022.

A calamitous season with Manchester United which culminated in an acrimonious exit from the club and an under-par outing at the Qatar 2022 World Cup with Portugal may have contributed to Ronaldo’s snub from the star-studded shortlist.

While five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo was snubbed, the likes of Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe are both in the run for the prestigious award organised by the world football governing body

It is also worth noting that the spectacular performance of Morocco at the last World Cup saw them getting nominations in three categories.

While Achraf Hakimi is nominated for The Best FIFA Men’s Player, Walid Regragui is in the run for The Best FIFA Men’s Coach and Yassine Bounou will be battling it out for The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper.

The other Africans in the shortlist are Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah who are both in the running for The Best FIFA Men’s Player award.

According to FIFA, two expert panels selected the candidates for the players’, goalkeepers’ and coaches’ categories.

FIFA will announce the three finalists in each of the seven categories in early February 2023.

The nominees are listed below in alphabetical order:

The Best FIFA Women’s Player:

Aitana Bonmatí (Spain / FC Barcelona)

Debinha (Brazil / North Carolina Courage)

Jessie Fleming (Canada / Chelsea FC Women)

Ada Hegerberg (Norway / Olympique Lyonnais)

Sam Kerr (Australia / Chelsea FC Women)

Beth Mead (England / Arsenal WFC)

Vivianne Miedema (Netherlands / Arsenal WFC)

Alex Morgan (USA / Orlando Pride / San Diego Wave)

Ada Hegerberg (Norway / Olympique Lyonnais)

Sam Kerr (Australia / Chelsea FC Women)

Beth Mead (England / Arsenal WFC)

Vivianne Miedema (Netherlands / Arsenal WFC)

Alex Morgan (USA / Orlando Pride / San Diego Wave)

Lena Oberdorf (Germany / VfL Wolfsburg)

Alexandra Popp (Germany / VfL Wolfsburg)

Alexia Putellas (Spain / FC Barcelona)

Wendie Renard (France / Olympique Lyonnais)

Keira Walsh (England / Manchester City WFC / FC Barcelona)

Leah Williamson (England / Arsenal WFC)

The Best FIFA Men’s Player:

Julián Álvarez (Argentina / Club Atlético River Plate / Manchester City FC)

Jude Bellingham (England / BV Borussia 09 Dortmund)

Karim Benzema (France / Real Madrid CF)

Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium / Manchester City FC)

Erling Haaland (Norway / BV Borussia 09 Dortmund / Manchester City FC)

Achraf Hakimi (Morocco / Paris Saint-Germain FC)

Robert Lewandowski (Poland / FC Bayern München / FC Barcelona)

Sadio Mané (Senegal / Liverpool FC / FC Bayern München)

Kylian Mbappé (France / Paris Saint-Germain FC )

Lionel Messi (Argentina / Paris Saint-Germain FC)

Luka Modrić (Croatia / Real Madrid CF)

Neymar (Brazil / Paris Saint-Germain FC)

Mohamed Salah (Egypt / Liverpool FC)

Vinícius Junior (Brazil / Real Madrid CF)

The Best FIFA Women’s Coach:

Sonia Bompastor (France / Olympique Lyonnais)

Emma Hayes (England / Chelsea FC Women)

Bev Priestman (England / Canadian National Team)

Pia Sundhage (Sweden / Brazilian National Team)

Martina Voss-Tecklenburg (Germany / German National Team)

Sarina Wiegman (Netherlands / English National Team)

The Best FIFA Men’s Coach:

Carlo Ancelotti (Italy / Real Madrid CF)

Didier Deschamps (France / French National Team)

Pep Guardiola (Spain / Manchester City FC)

Walid Regragui (Morocco / Wydad AC / Moroccan National Team)

Lionel Scaloni (Argentina / Argentinian National Team)

The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper:

Ann-Katrin Berger (Germany / Chelsea FC Women)

Mary Earps (England / Manchester United WFC)

Christiane Endler (Chile / Olympique Lyonnais)

Merle Frohms (Germany / Eintracht Frankfurt / VfL Wolfsburg)

Alyssa Naeher (USA / Chicago Red Stars)

Sandra Paños García-Villamil (Spain / FC Barcelona)

The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper:

Álisson Becker (Brazil / Liverpool FC)

Yassine Bounou (Morocco / Sevilla FC)

Thibaut Courtois (Belgium / Real Madrid CF)

Ederson (Brazil / Manchester City FC)

Emiliano Martínez (Argentina / Aston Villa FC)

The FIFA Puskás Award:

Mario Balotelli (Italy): Adana Demirspor v. Göztepe Spor Kulübü [Süper Lig] (22 May 2022)

Amandine Henry (France): FC Barcelona v. Olympique Lyonnais [UEFA Women’s Champions League] (21 May 2022)

Théo Hernández (France): AC Milan v. Atalanta Bergamasca Calcio, [Serie A] (15 May 2022)

Alou Kuol (Australia): Iraq U23 v. Australia U23 [AFC U23 Asian Cup] (4 June 2022)

Kylian Mbappé (France): Argentina v. France [FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™] (18 December 2022)

Francisco González Metilli (Argentina): Club Atlético Central Córdoba v. Club Atlético Rosario Central [Primera División] (1 August 2022)

Marcin Oleksy (Poland): Warta Poznań v. Stal Rzeszów [PZU Amp Futbol Ekstraklasa] (6 November 2022)

Salma Paralluelo (Spain): FC Barcelona v. Villarreal CF [Liga F] (2 April 2022)

Dimitri Payet (France): Olympique de Marseille v. PAOK Thessaloniki FC [UEFA Europa Conference League] (7 April 2022)

Richarlison (Brazil): Brazil v. Serbia [FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022] (24 November 2022)

Alessia Russo (England): England v. Sweden [UEFA Women’s EURO 2022] (26 July 2022)

The Best FIFA Fan Award:

Abdullah Al Salmi (Saudi Arabia): Abdullah journeyed by foot from his hometown of Jeddah to Qatar, hiking across the Saudi Arabian desert, to support his national team at the FIFA World Cup.

Argentinian National Team fans (Argentina): Argentina fans travelled to Qatar in impressive numbers to provide incredible support for their team’s ultimately victorious FIFA World Cup campaign, and millions of fans then welcomed their heroes home to Buenos Aires and across the country.

Japanese National Team fans (Japan): Japan fans earned worldwide recognition for their tradition of staying behind to help clean the stadium after World Cup games.