National Debt: South Korean Government To Develop New Fiscal Rules

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July 8, 2022

South Korea is tightening its belt and reducing government spending to slow a rise in debt to keep the debt-to-GDP rate at that in the next five years.

Seoul’s finance ministry said it will also cut the ratio of fiscal deficit to GDP to 3-percent or lower from about 5-percent set for this year as it released the new administration’s fiscal policy plan on Thursday.

“The biggest difference from the previous administration’s is that we are using the managed fiscal balance to set the limit instead of the total fiscal balance. Also the fiscal rule will be simplified so it’s more like what other advanced countries use.”

Also, one of the major reforms will be in education as the number of young students are falling.

Rather than elementary and middle schools, there’ll be more financial grants allocated to high schools and universities.

The government announced its investment strategy to increase efficiency and encourage private sector-led investment.

For investment in R&D, it’s going to focus on strategic areas essential to national and economic security.

For small and medium companies, rather than giving out small amounts of support to all businesses, money will be allocated based on market demand.

Also, the government will abolish any unnecessary regulations on them.

There’ll also be more support and deregulation for universities to bring in students, and training to create jobs to cultivate
more professionals in key high-tech industries.

The government will prepare a new fiscal rule based on the plan by early September and put into effect as soon as the legislation process is complete in parliament.

Global Customer Satisfaction: Korean Air Ranks 1st For 18th Consecutive Year

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Angel Gimalo

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July 8, 2022

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South Korea’s flagship air carrier Korean Air has been ranked number one this year in the airline industry’s Global Customer Satisfaction Index a rank it’s now held for 18 consecutive years.

Korean Air was recognized for its efforts to enhance customer service even during the pandemic by providing a safe environment for passengers such as non-contact check-in options and social distancing policies.

The GCSI awards recognize the best companies in their industries based on customer satisfaction levels, global competitiveness and customer loyalty.

Among low-cost carriers, South Korea’s T’way Air took first place for the eighth year in a row.

South Korea’s Domestically-Developed Fighter Jet, KF-21 Ready For First Flight July

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Angel Gimalo

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July 8, 2022

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A fighter jet slowly leaves its hangar, at Sacheon airport in Gyeongsangnam-do Province, located about 400 kilometers southeast of Seoul.

This aircraft, developed by South Korea, is named the “KF-21,” and is now almost ready for its first flight.

“Ahead of its first test flight later this month, the KF-21 taxied across the runway at this production facility in South Korea.

The homegrown jet is planned to complete its development phase by 2026.”

The aircraft also carried four medium-range air-to-air missiles underneath while taxiing.

For the next four years, prototypes of the KF-21 will be put through around 2,200 test flights, before manufacturing can begin.

The country has almost completed building six prototypes.

One of which was first unveiled in April last year, but this is the first time that the fighter jet has moved publicly using its own power.

“After testing the aircraft’s stability and safety by having it taxied at low, medium and high speeds we will be able to go through the final process for its first flight. And the jet will finally be able to take off and make its maiden flight.”

Developed and manufactured by Korea Aircraft Industries, or KAI the KF-21 prototypes are still going through different types of ground tests, at KAI’s aerospace test center.

This included a test that makes sure the aircraft is capable of withstanding air load.

A few days ago, the jet also successfully tested its engine, and a long blue flame was seen shooting out the back of the aircraft.

Developing the KF-21 is a key part of South Korea’s project,that’s aimed at replacing its fleet of ageing F-4s and F-5s.

The country set aside more than 14.2 billion dollars for this project, aiming to produce a total of 120 KF-21s.

Youth Groups From Bayelsa Communities Commend Governor For Establishing Cassava Processing Plant

By

Angel Gimalo

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July 8, 2022

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Youths groups from from Sagbama Local Government Area in Bayelsa West Senatorial District have expressed gratitude to Senator Henry Seriake Dickson for the establishment of the multi billion Naira Cassava Processing Plant in the area.

The youth leaders are from Sagbama, Tarakiri and Ebedebiri, which are the host communities to the important facility.

The plant which is located at Ebedebiri, Sagbama Local Government Area, has 240 tons input and 60 tons output per day processing capacity.

The youth groups from the Sagbama LGA said that Dickson was able to complete the gigantic project by January 2020 because of his exemplary dedication to strategic issues of development in the area and indeed the state.

They recalled that the facility was scheduled for commissioning at the twilight of his administration but was put on hold for the incoming PDP Government to inaugurate following the verdict of the Supreme Court in favour of the PDP on the Bayelsa Gubernatorial election.

The Chairman of the influential Tarakiri Youth Presidents Forum, Mr. Ebimobowei Perekeme, recalled that the Restoration Government led by Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, built the world-class modern cassava and Starch processing factory from foundation to completion at Ebedebiri Community, fully furnished with all necessary modern equipment to function effectively with the aim of solving the challenges of cassava processing by farmers in the rural areas in Bayelsa State, the entire South South and beyond.

He said that Dickson also established a modern poultry farm at Ebedebiri Community in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, in order to solve the challenge of frozen foods in the rural areas and beyond.

Exploring Limu Pools, Niue With Blue Crystalline Waters

By

Angel Gimalo

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July 8, 2022

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Limu Pools are series of natural pools that are protected from the South Pacific Ocean by the limestone formations which surround them, located on the self-governing state in free association with New Zealand, the island nation of Niue.

It is locate don the northwestern part of the small island, and it is the perfect spot to snorkel and explore the underwater sea life even if someone is not experienced in that.

The limestone formations actually are protecting perfectly the pools, where they stretch around them like a protective arm or rock which breaks the waves.

The currents too are not a problem due to the fact that they are very low, and even if there is a high tide, it perfectly safe to swim, snorkel or just relax in this Niuean paradise.

The Limu Pools are somewhat hidden secret, because they are only accessible via steep wooden paths, where these hidden pool were previously reserved exclusively for ancient Niuean Kings, which today are quite attractive for every visitor of Niue.

One would be surprised to see that there are no beaches where the pools are located, and instead they are accessed as previously said via wooden stairs, or simply enough, jumping from the rocks.

Once in the pools, even with a simple mask, the snorkeling experience will be better than ever, where a great number of live corals growing on submerged rocks and seabed, together with other invertebrates can be seen.

In some places, where the fresh water is mixing with the sea water, the surface won’t be as clear as possible, however, the warmth makes it very attractive.

Even though there are not many varieties of colorful fish that can be found as in other tropical paradise, most notable are the butterfly fish, trigger fish, and some species of eel.

Nevertheless, the pools are very rich in water snakes, which are in fact very common for the island of Niue.

Even though they appear to be daunting, they are completely harmless, and if nobody is antagonizing them, then they won’t sort of attack.

Visiting this getaway spot that is rich with sea snakes and plenty of living corals for the day is the perfect combination of paradise vacation one could have from the glorious island of Niue.

Once Upon A Time – July 8 – 1497 – Portuguese Navigator, Vasco Da Gama Becomes 1st European To Reach India By Sea

By

Angel Gimalo

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July 8, 2022

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1099 First Crusade: 15,000 starving Christian soldiers march in religious procession around Jerusalem as its Muslim defenders look on

1497 Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama departs on his first voyage, will become the 1st European to reach India by sea

1777 Independent Vermont introduces a new constitution, prohibiting slavery

1800 Dr Benjamin Waterhouse gives 1st cowpox vaccination in the US to his son to prevent smallpox

1853 Commodore Matthew C. Perry sails his frigate Susquehanna into Tokyo Bay, opening Japan to Western influence and trade

1948 500th anniversary of the Russian Orthodox Church celebrated in Moscow

1949 South Africa’s Prohibition of Mixed Marriages Act commences, prohibiting marriage or a sexual relationship between White people and people of other races

Historical Events Today
Today in Film & TV
2010 “Inception”, directed by Christopher Nolan and starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, premieres in London

Today in Music
1996 British girls group the Spice Girls release their debut single “Wannabe” in the UK

Today in Sport
1995 Wimbledon Women’s Tennis: German superstar Steffi Graf beats Arantxa Sánchez Vicario of Spain 4-6, 6-1, 7-5 for her 6th Wimbledon title

MORE FACTS
1874 The Mounties (North West Mounted Police) begin their March West from Fort Dufferin

1913 Alfred Carlton Gilbert’s patent for the Erector Set is issued, it becomes one of the most popular toys of all time

Famous Weddings
1290 Princess Margaret (15), daughter of Edward I of England marries John II of Brabant at Westminster Abbey

1551 Willem of Orange weds countess Anna van Egmond & Buren

1800 Prime Minister of UK George Canning (30) weds heiress Joan Scott

NYSC Honours 3 Edo Corps Members for Creativity

By

Rhoda Onuzulike

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July 8, 2022

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Three corps members in Edo State were honoured for distinguishing themselves throughout the service year. They were honoured at the passing out parade held at Imaguero Secondary School in Benin.

The three awardees, Segun Damilola, Abere Fadilat, and Anyanwu Chimama were part of the 2021 Batch ‘B’ Stream I Corps members, who completed the one-year compulsory National Youth Service Corps programme on Thursday.

At the event, the state acting Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu, while commending the corps members for their contribution to the state, urged them to apply their creativity and entrepreneurial skills acquired during the programme to secure a means of livelihood and become employers of labour.

He congratulated the corps members for the successful completion of the programme and said it was proof of the endurance and abiding faith in the unity of Nigeria.

He said, “Your various contributions to the social development of Edo State in the areas of education, healthcare, agriculture, social service, and rural infrastructure will be forever cherished by the government, the good people of the state, and the country at large.

“I urge the corps members to utilise their experience gained during the service year and the available opportunities to establish small-scale enterprises which will make you self-employed and employers of labour.”

“Never allow yourself to be used for political, religious, and tribal brawls but rather be good ambassadors of the scheme. As a nation, we are going through serious security problems and those used to perpetuate evils are youths. Rather than being a part of these, we should protect our nations as we are the leaders of tomorrow and the future belongs to us.”

Reassuring support for youths in the state, the acting Governor further stated, “We place a high premium on youth development. This is why the welfare of corps members in our state is given due attention.”

Earlier, while delivering her welcome address, the state NYSC Coordinator, Abiodun Olubukola, thanked the government for providing enabling environment for the corps members to contribute their quota to the service of their fatherland in the past one year.

She said, “Today, a total of 1,503 corps members are passing-out; 18 others who absconded have to repeat the entire service year in another location, while four others will have their service year extended.”

Kaduna Govt. Set Up Committee To Develop Private School Operations

By

Rhoda Onuzulike

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July 8, 2022

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Kaduna State Government has inaugurated a committee to develop a policy that will guide the operations of private schools in the state.

The development of the policy is being supported by Partnership for Learning for All in Nigeria (PLANE) programme, a seven-year Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office education programme.

Inaugurating the committee in Kaduna on Wednesday, acting Director-General, Kaduna State Schools Quality Assurance Authority (KSSQAA), Adama Wada, said that the move was to sanitise the operations of private schools in the state.

She said that the committee would act on behalf of KSSQAA in developing a policy that would ensure adequate regulation and minimum standard in all private schools across the state.

The committee will be reportedly co-chaired by representatives of the state government and the citizens, in line with the ‘Open Government Partnership’ principle of co-creation and co-implementation.

While the Deputy Director, Private School Department, KSSQAA, Fatima Oneminute, was nominated government’s co-chair, Chairman, National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, Kaduna State Chapter, Ja’afaru Riyoji, will represent the citizens.

Also, Ibrahim Nabayi, representing Parent-Teachers’ Association and Mercy Kude, Deputy Director, Public Schools, Ministry of Education, were nominated as co-secretaries.

Similarly, Mohammed Ismaila of Bureau of Interfaith and Philip Yatai of NAN were nominated as Public Relation Officers.

Presenting the terms of reference, Mohammed Bello, Director, Private School Department, KSSQAA, said that the committee was expected to produce a draft policy that would be acceptable to all stakeholders.

He said that part of the committee’s responsibilities was also complete the draft policy between July and August and process it for approval between October and November.

Bello added that the committee would work with PLANE to carry out stakeholder consultations to generate relevant information and data for the drafting of the policy document.

“The committee will establish sub-committees to work on sections of the agreed policy framework, structure and template, and incorporate gender equality and social inclusion concepts into the policy.

“The committee is also expected to develop a work plan to produce the draft policy document and present it to KSSQAA and PLANE for review and inputs.

“It is also the responsibility of the committee to organise stakeholders’ review and validation of the draft policy, in collaboration with KSSQAA and PLANE,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the committee members, Oneminute thanked the state government and PLANE for the opportunity given to them to serve, pledged that the assignment would be delivered within the stipulated period.

Earlier, the State Reform Facilitator, PLANE, Mubarak Siraj, said that the programme was designed to invest in a more inclusive and effective education system in Nigeria.

Siraj said that the programme would be implemented in 734 schools across six local government areas of the state — Kaduna South LGA, 37 schools and Kaduna North LGA, 63 schools.

Others, according to her, are 100 schools in Jaba LGA, 189 schools in Sanga, 281 in Soba and 64 schools in Sabon Gari LGA.

She said that PLANE was aimed at supporting more inclusive and effective education system to deliver foundational skills, where state and non-state basic education providers would ensure better learning outcomes for school children, including the marginalized ones.

Anambra Gets ₦805 Million From National Basic Health-Care Provision Fund

By

Olasunbo Okoromi

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July 8, 2022

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The Anambra State Primary Health-Care Development Agency, in Awka South Eastern Nigeria, said it had accessed over N805 million from the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) since 2020.

Dr Chioma Ezenyimulu, Executive Secretary of the Agency made the disclosure during the 2022 Revised Budget defence before the state House of Assembly Committee on Finance and Appropriation, in Awka.

BHCPF was established under section 11 of the National Health Act 2014 as a catalyst funding to improve access to primary healthcare.

BHCPF provides free minimum basic healthcare to the poorest and most vulnerable Nigerians through accredited Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in each of the 36 states and federal capital territory

She said, “Anambra is one of the states in the country that met the criteria to access the Basic Health Care Provision Fund since 2020.

“The fund is for 332 PHCs in different Wards of the state. The fund comes quarterly by remita to the facilities from the Centra Bank of Nigeria and it is an average of about N103,000 per facility.

“Since 2020, the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency has deposited the sum of N805, 049, 047.79 to the 332 facilities to refurbish and equip the primary healthcare centres.

“The Ward Development Committee Chairmen are the signatories to the account and they carry out these projects based on an approved work plan by the national.

“Through this fund, we were able to also employ 60 midwives to fill the gap because we have shortage of staff,” she said

Responding, Dr Cater Dike-Umeh, Chairman, House Committee on Health expressed dissatisfaction over the deplorable state of PHCs in the state inspite of the BHCPF.

“In most of the constituencies, we are yet to see any PHC that has been refurbished. So, we would carry out an oversight function to see these projects the BHCPF were used for since 2020.

“The best we give you can give to residents is access to basic healthcare. We have to get it right this time around as it concerns primary healthcare in Anambra,” Dike-Umeh said.

Egypt’s Sisi To Remove Senior Military Officers From Posts

By

Zoe Maven

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July 8, 2022

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Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has ratified an overhaul of Egypt’s military which will see senior officers removed from their roles, says The New Arab’s Arabic-language service.

The move is seen as an attempt by Sisi to consolidate control over the military and stifle circles of influence from developing.

Sisi approved the move in a meeting with Defence Minister Mohamed Zaki on 24 June, military sources told Al-Araby Al-Jadeed.

The military has recently seen sweeping reshuffles, with “senior positions within the armed forces that were usually occupied by high-ranking officers, such as the brigade, now occupied by officers of lower ranks, such as a colonel or brigadier general.”

Around a third of the military council was overthrown in the reshuffle, with commanders in its eastern, central and northern regions, as well as the commander of Egypt’s Second Field Army, also replaced.

Egypt’s Supreme Military Council is expected to announce promotions and demotions on Friday.

Since taking power from Egypt’s first democratically-elected president in 2013, Sisi has led a sweeping crackdown on dissent and consolidated control on the country.

While also crushing opposition from political rivals, journalists and activists, the military chief-turned-president has also sought to assert his control over Egypt’s armed forces.

In 2018, Sisi removed former Defence Minister Sedki Sobhy despite his role being fortified by an exceptional article in the country’s 2014 constitution.

Sisi said at the time that Sobhy’s removal came after “consultation and coordination” with the army’s Supreme Council.