Prem Shankar Jha
Economic history: How the relationship between government and big business changed in India
An excerpt from 'The Dismantling of India's Democracy: 1947 to 2025', by Prem Shankar Jha.
Prem Shankar Jha
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Morocco World
a few seconds ago
- Morocco World
Portugal Battles Major Wildfires as Death Toll Rises
Rabat — Firefighters in Portugal continue to battle four major wildfires across northern and central Portugal, with officials confirming a third death since late July. A 65-year-old man working for a municipal contractor died during firefighting operations in the north, bringing the total fatalities to three. More than 2,600 firefighters have deployed to combat the blazes, supported by around 20 aircraft and helicopters. Over 1,600 of these firefighters focus on the Arganil fire in central Portugal, which has burned for a week. Morocco has deployed Canadair airplanes to help the European country put out the wildfires, with reports about directing them to help Spain in its fight against the wildfires. Commander of the National Civil Protection Authority Paulo Santos told France Press that the latest victim worked for a company contracted by Mirandela municipality to assist with firefighting efforts. The fires injured approximately 15 people on Tuesday, including a 45-year-old forest guard who suffered serious burns in a blaze near Sabugal in central Portugal. Two Swedish aircraft deployed through the European Union's civil protection mechanism operated in that area. Criticism of the government's fire management has grown sharper. Angry residents confronted Prime Minister Luis Montenegro when he attended the funeral of a firefighter who died Sunday in Covilhã. The firefighter's death marked the second fatality from the current fires. State Secretary for Civil Protection Rui Rocha acknowledged potential 'chaos in some locations' due to the difficult terrain and strong winds where fires burn. The government said it has assessed fire damage 'from day one' to determine losses and provide necessary assistance to affected residents. According to the European Forest Fire Information System, part of the European Copernicus Observatory, more than 261,000 hectares have burned in Portugal since the beginning of the year. This compares to 143,000 hectares for all of 2024. Portugal experienced devastating fires in 2017, when more than 563,000 hectares burned and 119 people died in the blazes. Tags: PortugalPortugal wildfiresWildfires
Morocco World
a few seconds ago
- Morocco World
Scientists Unlock the Full Genome of Morocco's Endangered Argan Tree
Marrakech – A groundbreaking scientific achievement has been announced as an international consortium of researchers, working with Moroccan scientists, has successfully mapped the first-ever chromosome-level genome assembly of Morocco's iconic argan tree. This marks a breakthrough in the scientific understanding and preservation of an endemic species that is vital to Morocco's ecology and economy, sustaining rural livelihoods while commanding a billion-dollar global oil market. Published in Scientific Data (Nature portfolio) this month, the study produced a high-quality, phased genome of Sideroxylon spinosum – commonly known as the argan tree – using cutting-edge PacBio HiFi and Illumina Hi-C sequencing technologies. For the first time, scientists succeeded in assembling both parental genomes independently, achieving near-complete accuracy with BUSCO completeness scores above 97.8%. 'This high-quality assembly provides a valuable resource for future research on argan biology, genetic diversity, and traits relevant to adaptation and oil biosynthesis,' the authors wrote. Endemic to Morocco, the argan tree is a pillar of ecological and cultural heritage. Its golden oil – extracted from the seeds – is renowned worldwide for culinary and cosmetic uses. For Moroccan families, and especially for women's cooperatives, argan oil represents not only a source of income but also a symbol of empowerment. Yet the tree is under pressure. The Arganeraie region, recognized by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve in 1998, has faced decades of environmental and human strain. Overgrazing by goats, intensification of land use, and skyrocketing global demand have pushed the species toward unsustainable exploitation. Climate change has deepened the crisis: hotter summers, prolonged droughts, and increasingly erratic rainfall patterns are reshaping the fragile ecosystem. Earlier research already warned of the danger. 'Booming markets for Moroccan argan oil appear to benefit some rural households while threatening the endemic argan forest,' scientists noted in a 2011 PNAS study, a finding echoed in the new paper. Inside the genome The new research sheds light on the inner workings of the tree's biology. Each haplotype – the two versions of the genome inherited from its parents – was resolved into 11 fully assembled chromosomes, consistent with other members of the Sapotaceae family. Roughly 60% of the genome consists of repetitive DNA sequences, while scientists predicted around 28,720 protein-coding genes per haplotype. Among the discoveries: a large inversion on chromosome 2 between the two haplotypes, offering clues to the species' structural variation. Evidence shows that the argan's two largest chromosomes (chr1 and chr2) likely arose through repeat expansions and chromosome fusion events, distinguishing it from close relatives like the shea and miracle fruit trees. A fully reconstructed chloroplast genome of 132,913 base pairs was also achieved, nearly identical to earlier references but correcting a duplication error in past assemblies. 'Our telomere-to-telomere genome assembly offers new insights into chromosome evolution in this species,' the researchers said. Why it matters Speaking to SNRTNews, Professor Mohamed Hijri, director of the African Genomics Center at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) in Benguerir and one of the study supervisors, described this accomplishment as 'a decisive step toward understanding the evolution, genetic diversity, and adaptation of the argan tree.' He noted that the previous lack of a complete genetic map had hindered agricultural practices such as grafting, which could improve productivity and oil quality. The research, conducted on a single specimen collected near Essaouira, required nearly three years of work. The next phase will involve analyzing genetic variations across different argan tree populations throughout Morocco to better preserve this natural resource. For scientists, the genome is a treasure trove. It paves the way for exploring the genetic basis of oil quality, drought tolerance, and disease resistance – traits that could prove vital as Morocco adapts to climate pressures. For conservationists, it provides a reference that can inform reforestation and safeguard the Arganeraie against further degradation. In keeping with open science principles, the research team has made the entire dataset publicly available: raw sequencing data in the European Nucleotide Archive, annotated genomes on Zenodo, and assembly scripts on GitHub. The project was supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation and the University of Fribourg, with contributions from Moroccan institutions including UM6P and Cadi Ayyad University. For Morocco, the genome of Sideroxylon spinosum represents more than scientific achievement – it is a tool of resilience. As global interest in argan oil continues to rise, this genetic blueprint may help ensure that the tree not only survives but thrives, balancing conservation with economic opportunity. Tags: Argan in MoroccoArgan tree in MoroccoScientific Research
7NEWS
a few seconds ago
- 7NEWS
2025 Nissan Ariya Nismo review: Quick drive
The sight of Nissan's hallowed Nismo badge on the back of an electric SUV might irk a few traditional enthusiasts, but the Ariya Nismo spearheads a new era for the motorsport-inspired performance brand, and you better get used to it. Not that the hottest Ariya is designed to actually go on track. This is very much a go-faster version of the mid-size electric SUV that finally arrives in Australia next month, and it brings exterior and interior upgrades to set it apart (a little) from the rest of the range, but don't go expecting Hyundai Ioniq 5 N levels of ability or giggles. Nissan first floated the idea of the Ariya Nismo back in January 2024 and only now has it arrived in most markets, with Australia still to come. Our first chance to drive it was on a closed test track in France. How much does the Nissan Ariya cost? Australian pricing – and indeed availability – for the Ariya Nismo has yet to be confirmed. But if it's released Down Under it would sit atop a model lineup that ranges between $55,840 and $71,840 before on-road costs. That would make it considerably pricier than the similarly positioned Volkswagen ID.5 GTX ($72,990 plus on-roads), but much cheaper than the more special Hyundai Ioniq 5 N ($110,383 plus on-roads). To see how the Nissan Ariya lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool What is the Nissan Ariya like on the inside? The architecture and layout of the Ariya's cabin are unchanged, though there are plenty of Nismo touches applied to make it feel a little more special – as incongruous as that might be in a family-sized electric SUV. A red-and-black colour palette (okay, there's grey as well) denotes the sporting pretensions here and we do like the suede-like material on the sports seats and door panels. There are Nismo badges and red stitching, too, and the seats are really comfortable – if not figure-hugging. The steering wheel has a chunky leather wrap with a red 12 o'clock marker. It feels good to hold, even if we would prefer a fully round design. The anodised red start button is a nice touch, complemented by unique graphics for the digital instruments. It's a shame Nissan didn't replace the low-rent drive selector of the standard Ariya with a Nismo-branded alternative, and the haptic-touch controls – some love 'em, but many do not – are also unchanged. Nonetheless, there's plenty of space front and rear, with the design of the (movable) centre console making the front in particular feel spacious and open, despite the moody colour scheme. As with all versions of the Ariya using two electric motors, the boot space is reduced a little (in comparison to front-wheel-drive variants). Cargo volume of just over 400 litres is adequate, but many similarly sized electric SUVs can accommodate over 500L of luggage so it's not outstanding. To see how the Nissan Ariya lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool What's under the bonnet? The Ariya Nismo uses the same 'CMF-EV' platform as a range of other Nissan, Renault Dacia and Dongfeng EVs, with modest tweaks to the suspension, steering, brakes and powertrain. It also uses the same 'e-4ORCE' dual-motor setup as found elsewhere in the Ariya range, and the largest battery available in the model, with an 87kWh usable capacity. For the Nismo variant, peak power has been upped to a pretty serious 320kW, while total maximum torque is 600Nm. This enables a claimed 5.0 seconds for the benchmark 0-100km/h sprint. To see how the Nissan Ariya lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool How does the Nissan Ariya drive? For our test, there were no speed limits to adhere to, but the closed course was more like a twisting public road than an actual racetrack. This allowed us to push the Ariya to its limits in safety to ascertain its ability. Which might explain why we ended the drive with smoking brakes… Nissan dismissed this – and the lack of an upgrade to the Ariya's brakes – as not relevant to the 'vast majority' of buyers of such cars. However, the other chassis changes have been a little more successful, certainly in the context of driving quickly. The spring rates have been increased and the dampers upgraded, while the electric power steering has also been recalibrated. Just as interestingly, the AWD system now offers more rear bias more of the time. The result is a commendably tied-down SUV, despite its considerable weight and size. It's certainly fast, accelerating with alacrity every time you put your foot all the way down. And the body control isn't bad at all. Stability at high speed is exceptional, too. Nissan claims to have reduced lift for the Nismo model thanks to a new body kit, while also reducing drag, so perhaps there has been some motorsport engineering applied. There's no adaptive damping or air suspension, though, so while the firmer components are great on a smooth road, this car won't be as comfortable elsewhere. Nissan fits special 20-inch Enkei alloy wheels to the Nismo, too, reducing unspring weight while (attempting to) aid brake cooling. They're shod in Michelin Pilot Sport EV tyres, which stood up well to our abuse on the track, though they come with a rolling resistance penalty that will affect the car's efficiency. A Nismo driving mode replaces the Sport setting found in other Ariyas, ramping up the car's responsiveness, but also – unfortunately – adding a synthetic soundtrack. We'd prefer to do without the fake noises, but the car does respond keenly and can certainly raise a smile. Sadly, it can't hold a candle to any previous Nismo-badged car in terms of driver interactivity and excitement. Sure, the rear motor might be used more of the time than the one up front, but even if you try to illicit a little oversteer – on the exit of a tight hairpin, for example – neutrality is the most you can hope for, regardless of whether the traction control is turned on or off. And that's the crux of the matter. Few buyers are ever going to push this car so hard, or even consider messing with the active safety systems. Left well alone, it is rapid, safe and easy to drive quickly. To see how the Nissan Ariya lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool What do you get? Taking the top-ranking Ariya Evolve AWD as a starting point, there's no doubt the Nismo will be well-equipped. And there are plenty of Nismo goodies to help it stand out. 2025 Nissan Ariya Nismo equipment highlights: 20-inch Enkei wheels Unique Nismo driving mode Nismo-branded sports seats Dual-zone climate control Power-sliding centre console Two 12.3-inch screens Wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto Head-up display Bose sound system Heat pump To see how the Nissan Ariya lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool Is the Nissan Ariya safe? The Ariya comes with a five-star safety rating from ANCAP, with particularly strong scores in the Safety Assist department and strong and protection for adults and kids. Standard safety equipment includes: Blind-spot monitoring Rear automatic braking Driver alertness monitoring Rear cross traffic alerting Traffic sign recognition Around-view monitor with moving object detection Emergency braking with pedestrian recognition, cyclist detection To see how the Nissan Ariya lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool How much does the Nissan Ariya cost to run? The Nissan Ariya Nismo should be covered by the Japanese brand's standard five-year vehicle, unlimited-kilometre warranty, with up to 10 years or 300,000km possible if you service the car at an authorised Nissan dealer. A separate eight-year/160,000km warranty should cover the battery pack. Nissan quotes a WLTP range of 417km for the 87kWh battery pack, but good luck achieving that while making any use if the Nismo's considerable performance… To see how the Nissan Ariya lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool CarExpert's Take on the Nissan Ariya Nismo Car enthusiasts that know where the Nismo name comes from won't be impressed with the Ariya Nismo, despite its undoubted performance and moderately enhanced ability. Those that just want a sporty looking version of an otherwise sensible electric family SUV might be tempted, but the engineering that has gone into this car means it's likely to be prohibitively expensive for all but a few buyers. If Nissan could apply some of the Nismo magic, without necessarily adding the performance and chassis upgrades, while keeping pricing sensible, we reckon the formula would be more successful. As it is, we're not entirely convinced. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Nissan Ariya. Click here to get a great deal Pros It's very fast Great cabin quality Tempting specification Cons A bit garish looking Will be very expensive
