Latest news with #AbdulGhani


Shafaq News
5 days ago
- Business
- Shafaq News
Basra launches new gas processing facilities to cut emissions
Shafaq News – Basra Iraq will end gas flaring by 2029, Oil Minister Hayan Abdul Ghani pledged on Thursday, as the government accelerates capture projects to cut emissions and curb import dependence. Speaking at the launch of the Central Processing Facility at Basra's al-Faihaa oil field, Abdul Ghani also introduced a new production line at the Basra Natural Gas Liquefaction (BNGL) plant, expanding capacity by a combined 330 million standard cubic feet (scf) per day. He noted that gas capture rates have climbed from 53% to nearly 70% under the current administration, positioning Iraq closer to its Paris Agreement targets and enhancing fuel availability for power generation. The minister also confirmed that Iraq has begun exporting both BNGL and condensates. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, present at the event, denounced flaring as a long-standing 'energy failure.' He highlighted Iraq's current gas production of 1,000 million scf/day—equivalent to 3,500 megawatts of electricity—as a sign of progress, but warned that a 4,000-megawatt deficit persists, largely due to Iran's reduced gas deliveries under US sanctions. Al-Sudani also set a deadline of late 2027 to eliminate flaring entirely. In turn, Basra Gas Company Deputy Director Marfa Kazem al-Asadi stated the new CPF unit will deliver 1,000 tons of LPG and 170 million scf/day of dry gas to power plants, pushing Basra's total processing capacity to 400 million scf/day—up 40% from prior levels. Since its inception, Basra Gas has ramped output from 250 to over 1,000 million scf/day, meeting domestic demand and enabling exports while preventing more than 200 million tons of CO₂ emissions since 2016, al-Asadi reported.


Shafaq News
22-07-2025
- Business
- Shafaq News
Iraq signs major deal with US Schlumberger to develop Akkas field
Shafaq News – Baghdad Iraq signed a new agreement on Tuesday with US energy giant Schlumberger to ramp up production at the Akkas gas field in al-Anbar—the Middle East's second-largest—aiming to boost domestic supply and relieve the country's worsening energy crisis. According to the Oil Ministry, Minister Hayan Abdul Ghani, who is also Deputy Prime Minister for Energy Affairs, described the deal as central to Iraq's gas strategy, with Schlumberger set to drill new wells alongside the Midland Oil Company to initially produce 100 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd), targeting 400 mmscfd long-term. The contract, which replaces a previous deal with a Ukrainian firm, also covers surface infrastructure and pipeline construction to connect Akkas to central processing units and power the al-Anbar Power Station now under development. Abdul Ghani urged Schlumberger to meet all deadlines, underscoring Iraq's urgent need to expand gas production. Schlumberger's Integrated Projects President, Gokhan Yarim, welcomed the partnership and pledged full compliance with the schedule while reaffirming the company's long-term commitment to Iraq. Deputy Oil Minister for Extraction Affairs Bassem Mohammed Khudair praised the deal as a strategic leap that combines domestic capabilities with global expertise, citing Akkas and Mansuriya as top priorities for cutting gas flaring and raising output. Midland Oil Director General Mohammed Yassin endorsed the initiative, highlighting its technical impact and its role in enabling direct cooperation between Iraqi firms and major international service providers.


Hans India
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
DCEB Secy's removal shocks teachers
Wanaparthy: Inthe recent clashes between integrity and corruption in the Wanaparthy district education wing, corruption has seemingly won. Or so claim teachers. They state, word for word, that DEO Abdul Ghani supports only those who pay him commissions and harasses those who question corruption under the guise of following rules. As many suspected, S Chandrasekhar, the DCEB secretary, has been removed, and Maddileti, the in-charge MEO of Wanaparthy who allegedly backs the DEO and 'pays' commissions, has been appointed in his place as the new DCEB Secretary. Adding to the outrage, Maddileti continues to serve as both the in-charge MEO and DCEB secretary, while also functioning as a government headmaster at a high school leaving teachers stunned. Not stopping there, a CMOs officer named Yugandhar, currently on foreign service, was also appointed as an English teacher at Wanaparthy Boys High School by bypassing all rules. Teachers are shocked that Maddileti has been made DCEB secretary. Shortly after taking charge, news surfaced in the media about financial mismanagement in the purchase of material for Bhavitha centres. The remaining Rs 35 lakh in DCEB funds has drawn the attention of the 'corrupt' officials. Attempts were made to get a statement from the DEO regarding the controversy, but the phone was not answered despite multiple calls. People are shocked that the DEO operates as if there are no rules in the education wing—only corruption. Meanwhile, several long-standing officials such as open school coordinator Ravinder Reddy, district science officer Srinivasulu, and SGF secretary Surender Reddy have been kept in their posts without any transfers, while only the DCEB secretary was removed. Information has emerged that the DEO, along with the GCDO and FAO, tried to siphon off leftover Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya funds. This may be the reason for the vindictive actions taken. Recently, based on reports that books and notebooks were being sold at Delhi World School, Narayana School, Sri Chaitanya School, here, rooms were sealed in front of everyone under the MEO's supervision. However, it's an open secret that those material was later moved with help from the MEO after taking commissions from the school managements. Additionally, when newspapers reported that a private Navodaya coaching centre lacked basic facilities, an inquiry was claimed to have been made, but commissions were allegedly taken and no action was actually taken.


Shafaq News
19-07-2025
- Business
- Shafaq News
Iraq fast-tracks DS2 project at Majnoon oil field
Shafaq News – Basra On Saturday, the Iraqi Minister of Oil Hayan Abdul Ghani inspected the Majnoon oil field in Basra province to assess progress on projects implemented under national management. According to a statement by the ministry, Abdul Ghani reviewed progress at the DS2 processing station, which is 85% complete and expected to be finalized by the end of this year. DS2 refers to a processing facility located within major oil fields in Iraq, notably Rumaila and Majnoon. It plays a vital role in the early stage of production by separating oil, gas, and water extracted from underground reservoirs. During a meeting attended by members of parliament, he stressed that strategic development projects are essential for boosting crude oil output and advancing gas sector investment.


Sinar Daily
12-07-2025
- Sinar Daily
Bangladesh may not have a mega monument but what it has is captivating
DHAKA - Bangladesh may lack a spectacular tourist magnet like the Pyramids, but what it has is captivating. The megacity of Dhaka has iconic buildings, museums, cultural attractions and scenic parks. A general view of the bustling New Market area, one of the popular shopping hubs in Dhaka. The city's upscale Gulshan neighbourhood, known for its modern hotels, corporate towers and shopping centres, continues to attract both locals and visitors. - Bernama photo The magnificent Ahsan Manzil, the seat of Dhaka's erstwhile nawabs overlooking the Buriganga River, is a must-see place for a glimpse into Bangladesh's centuries-old past. Nawab Abdul Ghani (1813-1896) named this palace after his son Khawaja Ahsanullah (1846-1901). The building was completed in 1872 after 13 years of construction. The Ahsan Manzil, also known as the Pink Palace due to its distinctive hue, did not always exist in its current form. Its origin lies in a residence built in the 18th century by Sheikh Inayatullah, a zamindar (estate holder). The property was sold by Inayatullah's son, Sheikh Matiullah, to the French traders, from whom it was acquired by Nawab Khwaja Alimullah, Abdul Ghani's father, in 1830. The palace built by Abdul Ghani was reconstructed on a grander scale after it suffered massive damage in a tornado in 1888. Mindful of its historical significance, the Bangladesh government turned the stately building into a museum in 1992. Its impressive collection is certain to pique your interest in South Asian and Bengali history. The thousands of items displayed here reveal how the Nawabs of Bengal lived, governed, and interacted with their people and the wider region. This building was a witness to great historical events and hosted many meetings that have left their indelible mark on South Asia. Ahsanullah's son, Khwaja Salimullah, Bengal's foremost Muslim leader during the British period, founded the All-India Muslim League in Dhaka in 1906. The collection of pictures and portraits, including those of the leading figures in the anti-colonial struggle, is fascinating. One elephant skull is sure to catch your attention. This belongs to the tusker named "Feroz Jung," a favourite of Nawab Abdul Ghani. Lalbagh Fort There is more history at the 17th-century Lalbagh Fort, a Mughal palace. One of the must-visit heritage sites, its construction was initiated by Prince Azam, the third son of Emperor Aurangzeb, in 1678. However, work was abandoned by Mughal subedar (provincial governor) Nawab Shaista Khan in 1684, following the death of his daughter, Pari Bibi. What was accomplished and what remains today is charming despite the visible incompleteness of a grand project. Pari Bibi's mausoleum is in the middle of the complex, a two-storey audience hall (Diwan) and hammam (bathhouse) are on the left side as you enter, and on the right stands a three-domed mosque. This fort may not rank high on the scale of grandeur associated with the hulking Mughal monuments elsewhere in South Asia. Still, it presents a lovely sight, representing the architectural elegance and engineering of that era. It is made more pleasant by Bangladesh's horticulture expertise in maintaining the complex. You may continue to explore Bengal's history at Dhaka University, where one of the buildings is named after Lord Curzon, the viceroy of India between 1899 and 1905, who inaugurated the Curzon Hall in 1904. Curzon is known for Bengal's 1905 partition, a controversial move that was reversed years later in the face of Indian nationalistic furore. The Mausoleum of the Three Leaders is nearby. It houses the graves of three significant figures in South Asian history: A.K. Fazlul Huq (1873-1962), Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy (1892-1963), and Khwaja Nazimuddin (1894-1964). Modern parliament building The national Parliament building is another site worth visiting. Designed by architect Louis Kahn, its construction began in 1961, when Bangladesh was still East Pakistan, and was completed in 1982. The parliament house has a truly iconic presence in the capital city. Dhaka today is a vast, bustling metropolis, preserving its heritage and building a future driven by global commerce and geopolitical currents. Bangladesh's physical proximity to Southeast Asia creates a natural desire to develop greater trade, travel, culture and business linkages with ASEAN. Bangladesh has a robust food sector, with its cuisine influenced by its cultural heritage and regional agricultural richness. Rice, beef, seafood, vegetables and dairy products are widely used. Sadarghat river terminal You can watch the launches, boats, and barges of various shapes and sizes arrive at and depart from the busy port of Sadarghat on the Buriganga River. These vessels serve countless locations in Bangladesh and make you wonder how vital water transport is in the "Land of Rivers". The Buriganga is in a state of decay today, but Dhaka cannot be imagined without this vital waterway. The river was believed to be among the reasons why the Mughals made Dhaka their regional capital. Wander the docks for an up-close view of the vessels. For exhilarating panoramic views of the river, have a meal in Buriganga Riverview Restaurant. This rooftop restaurant has the ambience of a boat sailing on water, with the front dining area making you float with the river scenery. A 'city in ruins' at Sonargaon About 35 kilometres from Dhaka, visiting Sonargaon is worth the effort. Here lies Panam Nagar, "a city in ruins" preserved in pastoral settings. The settlement of Panam Nagar features the remains of 52 beautifully built houses, blending European and Mughal architectural styles, on both sides of a 600-metre-long street. The foundation of this settlement was laid by moneyed Hindu merchants 130 years ago. Its residents migrated to India following the political upheavals of the 20th century. Sonargaon itself is rich in history. A plaque at Panam Nagar informs that the Hindu king named Danujmadhob established his capital in the area in the 13th century and that it was one of the administrative hubs of the Bengal Sultanate. After 1610, it came under Mughal control. Inspired by the Taj Mahal The Taj Mahal in Agra, built in the 17th century by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, is renowned the world over as the monument of love. Its scaled-down replicas have been built in some places. In Bangladesh, filmmaker and businessman Ahsanullah Moni is such an admirer of the Mughal emperor that 17 years ago, he built a replica of the Taj, known as "Banglar Taj Mahal", near Sonargaon. The village is located approximately 30 kilometres northeast of Dhaka. The imitation stands in a lovely landscaped site. A short walk from the faux Taj is the "Rajmoni Pyramid", inspired by Egypt's pyramids. Some may get upset at the imitations because these do not reflect the magnificence of the wonders of the world. These attractions have been created in a theme park style within bucolic surroundings, with tropical flowers and fruit-bearing trees providing a real treat for the eyes. - BERNAMA