Category: Life & Style

On Monday, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) announced that its staff had reached an agreement with authorities from Ivory Coast regarding a review of two lending programmes. This agreement sets the stage for the disbursement of $574 million, pending approval by the IMF’s executive board.

According to the IMF, Ivory Coast has performed satisfactorily under its $3.5 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and Extended Credit Facility (ECF) programme, as well as the $1.3 billion Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) programme.

IMF Mission Chief Olaf Unteroberdoerster stated in a press release that the authorities and staff have agreed on key policy parameters. These include implementing further revenue-based fiscal consolidation measures to reduce the fiscal deficit to 3% of GDP by 2025. Additionally, other priorities include structural reforms aimed at strengthening domestic revenue mobilisation, public financial management, and governance.

He emphasised that, despite facing a challenging external environment, the Ivory Coast economy has remained resilient. He noted that growth remained robust last year, with a decrease in inflation.

The IMF’s forecast predicts continued economic growth and estimates an expansion of 6.6% this year. This growth trajectory positions the Ivory Coast as one of the most dynamic economies in the region.

On Monday, the American region witnessed a total solar eclipse, which started in western Mexico and proceeded through the United States and into Canada.

The event lasted more than four minutes in some places and attracted observers such as Lourdes Corro and expert eclipse hunter Michael Zeiler, who went to Mazatlan to witness the phenomenon. Enthusiasts came together along the eclipse’s path, including in upstate New York and tiny towns like Advance, Missouri, despite the potential for cloud cover in some viewing locations.

For safe viewing, specialists strongly recommend wearing protective eyewear and also caution against direct sun exposure to avoid eye damage. Eclipse veterans like Anthony Aveni defined the excitement before completion as being both frightening and awe-inspiring due to phenomena like “shadow bands” and the “diamond ring effect.”.

The expectation for this extended eclipse was high despite possible cloud cover, while regional predictions varied. It took over 80 minutes for the eclipse to move from the moon progressively enclosing the sun to totality and back again. Aveni considered how eclipses evoke a common sense of surprise throughout the world, observing how fear transforms into wonder.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Meteorological Department has stated that neither Pakistan nor India will be able to see the celestial event.

Brazil anticipates that hosting the COP30 climate summit in Belem next year will redefine its global image, shifting away from the stereotype of being a beachy tourist spot to emphasise environmental sustainability and combat deforestation in the Amazon rainforest.

Celso Sabino, the minister of tourism, seeks to take advantage of this chance and foresees a rise in ecotourism, which already accounts for just 9% of all traveller visits to Brazil. Sabino highlights the necessity to diversify Brazil’s tourist industry and stresses the critical role that tourism plays in both economic development and the preservation of forests.

Brazil’s tourist sector is still underdeveloped in comparison to other nations, making up less than 8% of the country’s GDP. To promote tourism, Sabino intends to increase cruise ship visits to Brazilian ports and expand its aviation routes.

Marina Figueiredo, executive president of Braztoa (the Brazilian tour operators association), emphasises the enormous unrealized potential of Brazil’s innate ability for ecotourism. She sees COP30 as a calculated chance to showcase Brazil as an environmental guardian and draw in travellers looking for outdoor adventures.

According to her, the summit will serve as a platform to highlight Brazil’s dedication to environmental conservation and the preservation of the natural world.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari aims to transform India into a green economy by reducing GST on hybrid vehicles and eliminating over 36 crore petrol and diesel vehicles. He asserts that achieving this vision is challenging yet feasible.

Gadkari emphasises the potential benefits: redirecting the Rs 16 lakh crore spent on fuel imports towards improving farmers’ lives, boosting rural prosperity, and creating employment opportunities for youth. While he doesn’t specify a timeline, he remains optimistic about the goal. The Finance Ministry has yet to consider a proposal to reduce the GST on hybrid vehicles to 5% and on flex engines to 12%. Biofuel promotion, according to Gadkari, could reduce India’s fuel imports.

Environmental activists commend his commitment to sustainable transportation but warn against over-dependence on fossil fuels for the production of electricity.

Gadkari has advocated for alternative fuels since 2004 and anticipates significant changes within the next five to seven years. He highlights plans by auto companies like Bajaj and Hero to produce motorcycles and autorickshaws with flex engines. Gadkari himself uses a hydrogen-powered car, witnessing the growing acceptance of electric vehicles.

He remains optimistic, asserting that the future belongs to alternatives and biofuels, a vision that is gradually gaining traction.

The Indian Navy successfully rescued 23 Pakistani fishermen from Somali pirates in a 12-hour operation in the Arabian Sea. Utilising coercive tactics, Indian warships intercepted the hijacked vessel FV Al-Kambar, with INS Sumedha and INS Trishul leading the mission. The Indian Navy has shown its dedication to maritime security by forcing pirates to surrender without causing any bloodshed in its second operation.

About 90 nautical miles southwest of Socotra, in response to a distress call, the Navy caught an Iranian fishing vessel that had been taken over by nine armed pirates. On March 29, the crew was securely evacuated. The Indian Navy emphasised its role in fighting piracy and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting sea lanes and mariners of all Nationalities.

By responding quickly to distress calls in the Gulf of Aden, the Indian Navy has in the past saved crew members from a cargo vessel that was under missile attack. These actions show India’s commitment to upholding international maritime laws and battling piracy in the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean.

The Indian Navy continues to protect ships and mariners transiting these dangerous areas by taking preventative action and making strategic interventions.

In a historic first for Saudi Arabia, it will be competing in this year’s Miss Universe pageant, marking a significant milestone for the nation. 

On Monday, Rumy Alqahtani, a beauty pageant contestant and well-known influencer, announced the news on social media, expressing her honour at being selected.

This move reflects Saudi Arabia’s recent efforts to modernise its economy and promote tourism, aligning with broader social reforms aimed at advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment. The decision to participate in Miss Universe follows the lifting of the ban on women driving in 2018, symbolising a shift in societal norms.

Alqahtani, hailing from Riyadh, has previously competed in international pageants, showcasing her experience in the field. The upcoming Miss Universe pageant is scheduled to take place in Mexico, following the crowning of Miss Nicaragua as the winner in the previous edition in 2023. Antonia Porsild from Thailand clinched the second position in the prestigious competition, whereas, Moraya Wilson from Australia secured the third position.

This step signifies the kingdom’s willingness to promote its talents and engage in international platforms, contributing to its broader vision of economic and social development.

Cargill’s Pyxis Ocean test of WindWings, which are large solid sails, revealed optimistic results suggesting that wind-assisted propulsion may have the capacity to influence the maritime industry towards renewable energy.

The MC Shipping Kamsarmax vessel’s six-month trial with two WindWings, developed by BAR Technologies, demonstrated fuel consumption reduction, hitting a predicted performance of 3 tonnes per day, which results in a reduction of 11.2 tonnes of CO2e emissions annually.

The ship, equipped with 37.5-metre WindWings, navigated major oceans, harnessing the wind to propel forward while reducing engine use, controlled via a bridge touch panel. The automated and wind sensor-regulated sails cut fuel consumption significantly, with a simple crew-alert system for sail adjustments.

The computational simulations and actual performance were extremely similar. Under ideal circumstances, petroleum savings amounted to 11 tonnes per day, which equated to a reduction in CO2e emissions of 41 tonnes per day. This is equivalent to shutting down 480 vehicles.

This technology is consistent with the 2030 low-carbon energy targets of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). Diverse port infrastructures continue to present obstacles to integrating wind-aid propulsion (WAP) into global maritime systems. Widespread WAP adoption requires close cooperation with ports, terminals, and berths.

On Wednesday, India’s defence ministry signed contracts worth $975 million (80.73 billion rupees) with Hindustan Aeronautics, procuring 34 indigenous advanced light helicopters for the army and coast guard. The Indian Army strengthened its capabilities by signing a deal to purchase 25 ALH helicopters. This includes improving combat readiness in the Western Desert Zone and building a new ALH Dhruv attack helicopter squadron in Jodhpur.

These helicopters, like the ALH Dhruv Mk III UT, are versatile and made for various operations, such as casualty evacuation, troop transport, and search and rescue. They have demonstrated that they operate well in high-altitude areas like Ladakh and Siachen Glacier.

The acquisitions represent a step towards indigenous defence manufacturing, as the army and coast guard will receive 34 ALH Dhruv Mk III helicopters to support their fleets. Additionally, Apache attack helicopters are going to be provided to the Indian Army; the first squadron is going to be based in Jodhpur. Considering the recent conflict in the northern area, this acquisition is crucial.

Through these acquisitions, India hopes to improve its defence capabilities by utilising indigenous technology and strategic alliances with nations such as the US.

Tshering Tobgay, the prime minister of Bhutan, embarked on a significant five-day visit to India. It is his first overseas trip since taking office in January. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Tobgay are expected to have an extensive range of discussions to strengthen the long-lasting relations between India and Bhutan.

When Tobgay arrived in New Delhi, Union Minister Ashwini Kumar Choubey greeted him warmly, demonstrating the friendship and solidarity between the two nations.

It coincides with the Union Cabinet’s acceptance of important accords, such as an agreement allowing cooperation in food safety between Bhutan and India’s FSSAI and a Memorandum of Understanding on energy efficiency cooperation. Significant diplomatic developments regarding Bhutan’s boundary issue with China also occurred during Tobgay’s visit.

A three-step roadmap agreed upon in 2021 is the basis for recent talks between China and Bhutan to speed up the resolution process. Given the 2017 standoff between Indian and Chinese forces in the Doklam region, this problem is strategically significant for India.

The ongoing negotiations highlight the fragile geopolitical balance in the area and India and Bhutan’s joint interests in maintaining stability and security in the region.

On March 13, PM Modi virtually inaugurated India’s first commercial semiconductor facility, Tata-Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp. in Dholera. He also launched the CG Power-Renesas Outsourced Assembly and Test (OSAT) facility in Sanand, Gujarat, and Tata’s OSAT unit in Morigaon, Assam. These projects, collectively valued at over Rs 1.25 lakh crore, received Cabinet approval on February 29.

PM Modi emphasised the significance of chip manufacturing for India’s self-reliance and modernization. He stated that these ventures are expected to create 20,000 direct and 60,000 indirect jobs, which will mark India’s entry into commercial chip fabrication. With a 50,000 wafer starts per month (WSPM) capacity, the Dholera plant represents a significant advancement in India’s semiconductor capabilities.

Furthermore, he highlighted the transformative potential of semiconductor production, positioning India as a global hub for design and manufacturing. The government’s initiatives, including the Programme for Development of Semiconductors and Display Manufacturing Ecosystem, aim to bolster India’s semiconductor ecosystem with a Rs. 76,000 crore outlay.

The CG Power semiconductor unit will cater to various sectors, including automotive and power applications, while the Morigaon facility will serve automotive, electronics, and telecom industries.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed the start of construction within 100 days.