Author: Editor

The Government of Norway has donated $23.7 million to FAO’s Special Fund for Emergency and Rehabilitation Activities (SFERA), which provides flexible contributions to assist with severe humanitarian crises and emergencies. With this donation, FAO aims to reach approximately 600,000 food-insecure people with farming inputs, livestock supplies, fishing inputs, and cash assistance. The contribution will prioritize countries and people most in need under Humanitarian Response Plans, and a strategic reserve will respond quickly to sudden onset emergencies. Rein Paulsen, Director of the FAO Office of Emergencies and Resilience, expressed gratitude to the Government of Norway for the contribution, emphasizing the importance…

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On March 28th, 2023, the Soyuz MS-22 spacecraft undocked, marking the official commencement of Expedition 69. This historic mission includes Hazzaa Al Mansoori, the first Arab increment lead for an International Space Station (ISS) expedition, and Sultan AlNeyadi, the first Arab astronaut to embark on a long-duration spaceflight. Al Mansoori will guide the ISS crew through every aspect of the mission, ensuring seamless integration and execution of ISS crew activities throughout Expedition 69. This role involves managing, developing, implementing, and communicating mission integration procedures, ensuring the mission’s efficiency and effectiveness. The expedition includes multiple experiments, including investigating the effects of…

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Global sales of heat pumps grew by 11% in 2022, according to the latest International Energy Agency (IEA) analysis, marking a second year of double-digit growth for the central technology in the world’s transition to secure and sustainable heating. Increased policy support and incentives for heat pumps in light of high natural gas prices and efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions were key drivers behind the strong uptake. In Europe, heat pumps enjoyed a record year, with sales growing by nearly 40%. In particular, sales of air-to-water models, which are compatible with typical radiators and underfloor heating systems, jumped by…

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On the eve of the first major U.N. water conference in over 45 years, 26% of the world’s population lacks access to safe drinking water and 46% lack basic sanitation. According to the UN World Water Development Report 2023, there is a huge gap that needs to be filled in order to achieve universal access to clean water and sanitation by 2030. Richard Connor, editor-in-chief of the report, told a news conference that the estimated cost of meeting the goals is somewhere between $600 billion and $1 trillion a year, according to the AP. Forging partnerships with investors, financiers, governments,…

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There is still room for gold prices to rise and they could reach $2,600 an ounce in the near future. As a result of Silicon Valley Bank’s collapse and Credit Suisse’s difficulties, investors have been turning to gold and Treasury securities. According to Refinitiv data, gold reached its all-time high of $2,075 in August 2020. There is still a lot of room for gold prices to rise as global banks struggle and the Federal Reserve renders another interest rate decision, possibly breaking all-time highs. Due to the failure of Silicon Valley Bank and the implosion of Credit Suisse, investors have…

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On Saturday, 25th March, the Meydan Racecourse will host the 27th edition of the Dubai World Cup meeting, which brings together the world’s best racehorses, jockeys, and trainers. With a total prize purse of US$30.5 million, including the coveted US$12 million Dubai World Cup race, and its equally prestigious undercard races, the event is expected to draw a huge crowd. As one of the world’s top locations for international sports events, the Dubai World Cup was established in 1996. Its world-class hospitality and rich heritage in horse riding make Dubai an ideal host for such an international event. Dubai continues…

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When Zlatan Ibrahimovic was sidelined for eight months with a swollen left knee following surgery, retirement didn’t enter his mind. It was certainly worrying for the Swedish soccer great. The AC Milan striker quickly focused on getting back to normal health rather than maintaining his trophy-laden career. Ibrahimovic’s ability to play in a European Championship qualifier at the age of 41 is testament to his self-belief and resilience, reports AP. He became the oldest scorer in Serie A history on Saturday, and now he hopes to make his first appearance for Sweden against Belgium on Friday. Since Ibrahimovic has been…

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The South Korean government banned dozens of materials used by North Korea in satellite development from being exported via a third country. The move is meant to prevent the secretive nuclear-armed nation from circumventing Security Council sanctions. In spring, Pyongyang plans to launch a military reconnaissance satellite, South Korean News Agency (Yonhap) reported. Solar cell laydowns, coarse sun sensor assemblies, star trackers, image data handling units, X-band transmitters, and control moment gyro actuation units have all been placed on a “watch list.” The aim is to raise global awareness of the urgency of preventing the North from acquiring such materials.…

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UBS (UBSG.S) is in discussions to acquire Credit Suisse (CSGN.S), with the boards of Switzerland’s two biggest lenders meeting separately this weekend, the Financial Times reported. The Swiss National Bank and regulator FINMA are organizing the talks to build confidence in the country’s banking sector, Reuters reported, citing sources. Swiss regulators informed their US and UK counterparts on Friday evening that the merger of the two banks was their “Plan A” for salvaging Credit Suisse’s reputation. The two banks are also exploring several other options as they evaluate regulatory constraints in different jurisdictions, according to the newspaper. Reports said the…

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The Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League has been launched by ASPIRE, the technology transition arm of Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC). This announcement supports ASPIRE’s vision of building a world-class research and development (R&D) hub in Abu Dhabi. With the first autonomous car race set for Q2 of 2024, the league will become the world’s largest autonomous racing league. As the first of a series of autonomous vehicle races, Yas Marina Circuit will host the autonomous car race. Featuring a prize pool of up to AED8 million ($2.25 million), the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League will use Dallara-built…

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