Latest news with #African
New Indian Express
20 minutes ago
- New Indian Express
Family of Jaipur man kidnapped in Mali seeks help, says MEA yet to respond directly
JAIPUR: Prakash Chandra Joshi, a 61-year-old Jaipur resident and General Manager at a cement factory in Mali, West Africa, was kidnapped on July 1 by armed assailants along with three other Indian nationals. Joshi had joined the Diamond Cement Factory in Mali just weeks earlier, on June 5. The incident is suspected to be linked to Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM), an Al-Qaeda-affiliated terror group that claimed responsibility for multiple attacks across Mali on the same day. Joshi's wife, Suman, spoke to the media and recounted the last conversation she had with her husband. 'He had joined the factory as General Manager on June 5. I last spoke to him on June 30. He told us he wasn't feeling well. We asked him to resign and return home,' she said. After June 30, Joshi's phone became unreachable. 'We initially thought it might be a network or electricity issue – which is common in African countries. But on July 2, our daughter received a call from the company's HR informing us that he had been kidnapped. We were shocked. How could we have imagined something like this?' Suman added. According to the family, Joshi had gone to the factory for his assignments on the morning of July 1 when the attack occurred. 'Hundreds of armed men stormed the factory, opened fire, and set parts of it on fire. In the chaos, they abducted three people. They left in the car provided to Papa by the company,' said a family member.
Indian Express
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Daily subject-wise quiz : International Relations MCQs on Sagaing township, India and Namibia relations and more (Week 118)
UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative of subject-wise quizzes. These quizzes are designed to help you revise some of the most important topics from the static part of the syllabus. Attempt today's subject quiz on International Relations to check your progress. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for June 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at With reference to India and Namibia relations, consider the following statements: 1. India and Namibia share a colonial past and a post-colonial partnership. 2. India offered material assistance and military training to fighters in Namibia's liberation struggle against the forces of apartheid South Africa. 3. India's investments in Namibia are mostly in mineral resources such as zinc and diamond processing. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Explanation — On July 9, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Namibia for the final part of his five-country Global South outreach trip. This will be the first visit of an Indian Prime Minister to the resource-rich southern African country in nearly three decades. Modi's visit is planned to strengthen bilateral collaboration in technology, health, infrastructure, development, and security. — India and Namibia have a colonial background and a postcolonial friendship. Hence, statement 1 is correct. — India championed the issue of Namibian independence in the United Nations General Assembly as early as 1946, and in 1986, the South West Africa People's Organisation (SWAPO), which led Namibia's liberation war, built its first embassy in New Delhi. — Aside from full diplomatic status and unwavering support through the Non-aligned Movement (NAM), India provided material help and military training to fighters in Namibia's liberation struggle against apartheid South Africa. Hence, statement 2 is correct. — Namibia attained independence in March 1990, and the Indian Observer Mission was raised to a High Commission. Namibia established its full-fledged permanent mission in New Delhi in March 1994. — Namibia is the world's third-largest producer of uranium and is among the top producers of lithium, zinc, and rare earth metals. As a result, there is enormous opportunity for mutually beneficial energy security and essential mineral partnerships. According to India's Ministry of External Affairs, the country's investments in Namibia total around $800 million, with the majority of that going towards mineral resources like zinc and diamond processing. Hence, statement 3 is correct. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. How many of the Indian States border Myanmar? 1. Nagaland 2. Mizoram 3. Tripura 4. Arunachal Pradesh Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four Explanation — Following a renewed outbreak of fighting in Myanmar's Chin State, approximately 4,000 additional refugees have arrived in Mizoram in recent days. — Since July 2, two anti-military junta forces in Myanmar's Chin State – the Chin National Defence Force (CNDF) and the Chinland Defence Force (CDF) Hualnogram – have been engaged in combat. As a result, many inhabitants have moved to Mizoram's Champhai region. — Myanmar shares borders with four Indian states: Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. Recently, there was an airstrike on a Buddhist monastery in Sagaing township. It is located in: (a) Myanmar (b) Philippines (c) Taiwan (d) Cambodia Explanation — According to resistance groups and media accounts, an airstrike on a Buddhist monastery in central Myanmar killed at least 23 people who had sought refuge there. — The strike occurred in Lin Ta Lu village, Sagaing township, roughly 35 kilometres northwest of Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. The island of Ischia was recently in the news. It is part of: (a) Austria (b) Italy (c) Greece (d) Slovenia Explanation — The ruins of a long-forgotten Roman city off the shore of the Italian island of Ischia are being discovered anew. The city of Aenaria, once thought to be lost to legend, is now being rediscovered through archaeological excavations and guided underwater tours. — The remains are located in the Tyrrhenian Sea, barely below the surface. Visitors can now visit the site in glass-bottomed boats or snorkelling trips, which reveal historic quays, Roman relics, and stone structures preserved on the sea floor. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. Which of the following countries has dismantled 300 dams and shut down most small hydropower stations to help restore fish habitats and river health? (a) India (b) Russia (c) China (d) Japan Explanation — China has destroyed 300 dams and shut down the majority of tiny hydropower units on a key Yangtze River tributary in order to restore fish habitats and water quality. — The change impacts the Chishui He, also known as the Red River, a 400-kilometer waterway that runs through Yunnan, Guizhou, and Sichuan provinces. According to a Xinhua report quoted by SCMP, by the end of December 2024, 300 of 357 dams will have been demolished, and 342 of 373 minor hydropower plants would have ceased operations. — Ecologists regard the Red River as one of the last remaining safe havens for endangered native fish in the upper Yangtze. Dams and power plants have historically hampered fish movement and limited water flow, causing breeding habitats to suffer. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 116) Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 118) Daily subject-wise quiz — Science and Technology (Week 118) Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 118) Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 118) Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 117) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X.
Al-Ahram Weekly
2 hours ago
- Business
- Al-Ahram Weekly
El-Sisi, Angolan president discuss consolidating Africa stability on AU summit sidelines - Foreign Affairs
Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and his Angolan counterpart, João Lourenço, discussed on Sunday ways to consolidate the foundations of peace, security, and stability across the African continent. According to the Egyptian presidency, the discussions between both presidents took place on the sidelines of the African Union's (AU) Seventh Mid-Year Coordination Meeting (MYCM) in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. During the talks, El-Sisi and Lourenço discussed several regional issues of mutual interest, particularly the situation in the Horn of Africa, Sudan, the Sahel, and the Nile Basin. President El-Sisi commended Angola's current presidency of the AU and its commitment to further strengthening joint African action across various sectors. For his part, President Lourenço praised Egypt's central and historic role in supporting the African continent and its devoted cooperation with the AU member states. Both leaders also explored opportunities to strengthen bilateral ties and cooperation in various fields. The trade volume between Egypt and Angola reached $34.2 million in 2024, up from $21.3 million in 2023, according to Egypt's Central Agency for Public Mobilisation and Statistics (CAPMAS). Egyptian exports to Angola reached approximately $34.1 million in 2024, compared to $21.3 million in 2023, while Angolan exports to Egypt increased from $21,000 in 2023 to $73,000 in 2024. On Saturday, President El-Sisi arrived in Malabo to attend the MYCM, taking place under the AU's 2025 theme 'Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations.' The AU's summit, taking place on 10-13 July, brings together African leaders and heads of state to coordinate joint work between the AU and regional economic communities. The event aims to align efforts on economic integration and follow up on the progress in implementing the AU's 2025 vision and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). It also aims to address peace and security challenges in Africa and foster unity, cooperation, and self-reliance to achieve development and stability amid global and regional shifts. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Daily Maverick
3 hours ago
- Climate
- Daily Maverick
WMO report reveals urgent need for action against rising dust storms in Southern Africa
A new World Meteorological Organization report warns of the exacting toll that sand and dust storms are having on global health and economies. The report pinpoints South Africa's West Coast as a dust hotspot, with some of the highest concentrations in the southern hemisphere. Have you ever noticed a hazy sky, felt grit in the air, or seen a wall of dust approaching while on the West Coast? These are all signs of airborne dust, a natural phenomenon that is increasingly being influenced by human activities and climate change. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) recently released its Airborne Dust Bulletin, providing a global overview of airborne dust in 2024. This report, along with other recent findings, offers insights into how dust storms affect our health, economies and environment, with significant implications for countries like South Africa. Key findings from the 2015 WMO Airborne Dust Bulletin, its ninth, are that sand and dust storms now affect about 330 million people in 150 countries; there is increasing economic disruption and health impacts from this; and poor land and water management, as well as drought, play a major role in this. Global sand and dust storm hotspots in 2024 Dust is a natural part of our planet's system, but the WMO has emphasised in its latest bulletin that human factors are playing an increasingly significant role in its prevalence. Poor land and water management, ongoing droughts and general environmental degradation are making the problem worse. As WMO secretary-general Celeste Saulo puts it: 'Sand and dust storms do not just mean dirty windows and hazy skies. They harm the health and quality of life of millions of people and cost many millions of dollars through disruption to air and ground transport, agriculture and solar energy production.' The report highlights several hotspots where dust concentrations were particularly high in 2024. In the southern hemisphere, the West Coast of South Africa and central Australia saw their highest dust concentrations, ranging from 150 to 300 micrograms per cubic metre. This directly brings the global issue of airborne dust home to South Africa. This is because vast and remote deserts in Namibia and the Northern Cape are a major natural source of dust, and strong winds pick up this dust and blow it over the West Coast. This leads to extremely high concentrations of dust in the air for areas in the Western and Northern Cape, which, the WMO has confirmed, have levels among the highest recorded. As Leonie Joubert previously reported in Daily Maverick, the Northern Cape may be headed for an irreversible dust bowl following yearslong drought and decades of intensive mining and grazing. Dust storms are rare in South Africa, but they do occur over certain parts of the country. Then, in the northern hemisphere, the bulletin noted that the central African nation of Chad, home to the Bodélé Depression (a major dust source), experienced peak annual mean surface dust concentrations of about 800 to 1,100 micrograms per cubic metre of air. Major dust storm events in 2024 were observed across various regions in the bulletin: Canary Islands (December 2024): A strong 'Harmattan' wind surge from northwestern Africa carried dust from the Western Sahara Desert to Spain's Canary Islands, significantly impacting areas where most people live; East Asia (June 2024): Northern China, including Beijing, experienced rare summer dust storms. This was linked to poor vegetation growth in Mongolia due to high temperatures and drought, showing how extreme weather in a changing climate can drive such events; and West Asia (December 2024): Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar and the Arabian Peninsula were hit by an exceptional winter dust storm, causing widespread disruptions, including flight cancellations, school closures and postponed public events. The increase in dust in some regions is linked to a mix of natural and human-caused factors. These include more intense droughts, stronger winds and changes in how land is used. Things such as overgrazing, cutting down too many trees, poor land management, rapid growth of cities, new buildings and the drying up of important natural areas like marshes all make the soil less stable and more likely to turn into dust. The health implications of sand and dust storms are a major focus of the WMO report. A new indicator, developed jointly by the WMO and the World Health Organization (WHO), revealed a worrying trend: between 2018 and 2022, about 3.8 billion people – nearly half of the world's population – were exposed to dust levels exceeding the WHO's safety threshold. Local challenges and national efforts The WMO report's mention of the West Coast of South Africa as a region with high dust concentrations in the southern hemisphere shows that dust and sand storms are a local reality. South Africa is no stranger to dust storms; they are rare, but they do occur, and they can wreak havoc on agricultural land, damage property, worsen air quality, disrupt road and air travel and cause significant health problems, even leading to loss of life. A large dust storm swept across parts of the country in October 2014, which mainly affected Free State areas and De Aar in the Northern Cape, and another major dust storm affected parts of the country in January 2016. In 2019, people 'watched skies turn red' in Alexander Bay in the Northern Cape on 25 September as fierce winds carried huge plumes of sand and dust westward towards the Atlantic Ocean. This was visible from satellite imagery, according to the Nasa Earth Observatory, while photographs from people in Alexander Bay showed dark, hazy skies and streets that were barely visible. In fact, in a letter dated 10 October 2017, Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) addressed property owners in Vredenburg, Saldanha and Langebaan regarding a project to clean and paint properties affected by iron ore dust. The project's progress has been slow, partly due to Level 3 water restrictions preventing the use of drinking water for high-pressure cleaning. This points to damage to property from iron or dust, and how drought affected addressing the situation locally. Now, the report found that these storms are linked to both natural factors like precipitation and wind, and human factors. But there's also growing concern that the changing climate could be increasing the frequency, intensity and spread of these major dust events. The impact on public health From a public health perspective, understanding the implications of dust storms and sharing preventative measures is crucial. The South African Medical Research Council, in partnership with the Department of Health and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, has developed basic health protection steps for the public to take during dust storms. A study titled 'Exploring Meteorological Conditions and Human Health Impacts during Two Dust Storm Events in Northern Cape Province, South Africa: Findings and Lessons Learnt' (Nkosi et al., 2022) delved into the health effects of two specific dust storms in South Africa. This research, conducted at a large public hospital in Kimberley, on the border of the Northern Cape and Free State, examined hospital admissions for respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, eye irritation and motor vehicle accidents during and after dust storm events in October 2014 and January 2016. While initial statistical analyses didn't show significant changes in admissions directly at the time of the dust storms, a more advanced technique called wavelet transform analysis revealed some delayed effects. They identified a cluster of hospital admissions for respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, eye irritation (and motor vehicle accidents) that were recorded between three and 40 days after the two dust storm events. Specifically, they found a small but statistically significant increase in hospital admissions for eye irritation up to 30 days after a dust storm. This aligns with international findings, since eye irritation is one of the most common health outcomes associated with dust storms. The study also suggested that the admissions might be linked to a combination of temperature and aerosol variations at the start of the dust storms. The researchers acknowledged that other factors, such as high background levels of dust from natural sources and human activities like biomass burning, could also contribute to hospital admissions, making it challenging to isolate the exact impact of dust storms alone. The health consequences of dust exposure can range from immediate effects like skin and eye irritation, decreased lung function and increased cardiovascular issues, to more long-term concerns such as adverse pregnancy outcomes. This research also stated that children, newborns, the elderly, pregnant women and individuals with chronic heart and lung conditions were particularly vulnerable. Unfortunately, South Africa currently has limited long-term national data on dust storm patterns and their precise health impacts, so the researchers noted that there was a need for more research to inform evidence-based policies. Towards a dust-resilient future Recognising the increasing threat of dust storms, the United Nations General Assembly officially declared 2025-2034 as the United Nations Decade on Combating Sand and Dust Storms on 10 July 2024. This global initiative aims to coordinate efforts to prevent, halt and lessen the negative impacts of these storms through shared early warning systems, scientific guidance and sustainable land management. South Africa is also taking steps to address this challenge. The Draft National Dust Control Amendment Regulations, 2025, published by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment in May, aim to improve dust control measures within the country. These regulations, which repeal and update the 2013 version, focus on: Identifying specific activities that generate dust; Updating the standard methods for collecting and measuring dustfall; and Improving the requirements for developing, implementing and reporting on dust management plans. Under these new regulations, certain individuals or entities, such as those involved in mining, reclamation or activities that generate dust and cause a nuisance, will be required to develop and submit dust management plans for approval. Failure to comply can result in significant penalties, including fines of up to R5-million (about $270,000) or imprisonment for up to five years for a first offence, with even higher penalties for repeat offences. WMO told Daily Maverick that the message from this latest report is to encourage governments to strengthen the capacity of national meteorological services to improve forecasts and early warnings. They noted that the South African Weather Service already has a very good track record in this respect. DM
Web Release
3 hours ago
- Business
- Web Release
HE Amna Al Dahak Hails UAE-China Ties as Unique Model of Successful Cooperation in Various Sectors Including Agriculture, Food Security and Climate
Her Excellency Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, recently concluded a high-level visit to the People's Republic of China (July 7-10, 2025). The visit aimed to significantly advance the strategic partnership between the two nations, focusing on critical areas of climate action, sustainable agriculture, and food security. Her Excellency Dr. Al Dahak emphasised the unique nature of the UAE-China relationship, stating, 'The historical bonds between the UAE and China have evolved beyond traditional relations into a comprehensive and interconnected strategic partnership. This collaboration serves as a unique model for successful cooperation across various fields and projects, serving the mutual interests of both nations and supporting stability and sustainable development regionally and globally.' Her Excellency added, 'The UAE is an active partner for the People's Republic of China, serving as a pivotal gateway to the Middle East and African markets. Bilateral ties in sustainable agriculture and climate issues have been paramount, with both countries committed to finding effective solutions. Given that the National Food Security Strategy 2051 is a cornerstone of the UAE's national priorities, we seek to strengthen these relations and leverage China's advanced capabilities in agricultural innovation, integrating them with our ambitious agricultural goals in the UAE. This will enhance both countries' food production capacities. We will also redouble bilateral efforts concerning climate issues and deepen cultural understanding and enduring friendship – bonds that transcend ordinary projects and support the shared aspirations of our friendly peoples.' A central component of the visit was the delegation's tour of the UAE-China Friendship Forest of Date Palm in Wenchang City, Hainan Province, where they were accompanied by Her Excellency Mariam Saif Al Shamsi, Consul General of the United Arab Emirates in Guangzhou, People's Republic of China. Her Excellency Dr. Al Dahak observed the substantial progress of this initiative, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, during his 2019 visit to China, which involves planting 100,000 date palm seedlings across China. Her Excellency was briefed on the second phase of the project, delivered successfully in December 2024, which includes 23,500 palms additional to the 1,500 delivered in the first phase in February 2023. A third phase in September and December 2026 will see 35,000 additional trees, followed by 40,000 palms in the fourth phase in 2028. His Excellency Hussain bin Ibrahim Al Hammadi, UAE Ambassador to the People's Republic of China, said: 'Our enduring relationship with China spans a vast array of fields, and this visit marks yet another significant chapter in the comprehensive strategic partnership between the UAE and China.' His Excellency emphasised: 'This collaboration, particularly in climate action, environmental preservation, agriculture, and cutting-edge research, is a direct reflection of the visionary leadership in both our nations, committed to building a prosperous future for our peoples and the wider world. Our delegation gained invaluable insights across diverse areas, from agricultural innovation to advanced pollution control, establishing a robust foundation for deeper ongoing and future collaboration. The UAE remains steadfast in forging ever-closer partnerships, championing sustainable development as a leading model of cooperation for the global community.' The delegation's itinerary, meticulously coordinated with the UAE Embassy in China, included visits to leading Chinese institutions. At the Beijing Tongzhou International Seed Industry Science and Technology Centre and Tsinghua University, the delegation explored cutting-edge technological innovations in seed science, circular economy practices, and research and development efforts. Discussions at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) focused on sustainable agriculture and technology transfer. The visit to the Beijing Pinggu Agricultural Sci-Tech Innovation Park highlighted progress in dairy science, smart breeding, and environmentally friendly practices, while meetings with leaders from the Coconut Research Institute covered tropical agriculture and sustainability. Environmental collaboration was a significant focus, with the delegation visiting the Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Science (CRAES) to discuss air pollution control, clean transportation, and solid waste management. Meetings with prominent environmental leaders, including Mr. Ma Jun, Founder and Director of the Institute of Public & Environmental Affairs (IPE), addressed data transparency and corporate climate action, exploring avenues for future collaboration, including digital empowerment for environmental transformation. Concurrently, a group of the delegation led by His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Salman Al Hammadi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Food Diversity Sector, visited Inspur Company, a leading provider of cloud computing and big data services. This visit explored the pivotal role of technology in advancing environmental solutions, including tours of the Comprehensive Experiment Centre, its Exhibition Hall, the Ultra-microbalance Laboratory, the Joint Laboratory for Electron Microscopy Analysis of Atmospheric Particles, and the Hazardous Waste Identification and Risk Control Laboratory. Insights were also gained from the Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Vehicle Emission Control and Simulation and the Supersite for Urban Air Comprehensive Observation and Research, focusing on environmental safety and atmospheric pollution control measures. The diverse UAE delegation accompanying Her Excellency Dr. Al Dahak included senior officials from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), such as His Excellency Mohammad Saeed Al Nuaimi, Undersecretary; and HE Dr. Mohammed Salman Alhammadi Assistant Undersecretary, Food Diversity Sector. The delegation also comprised senior leaders from key agricultural entities, universities, and leading research institutions in the UAE, including HE Rashed Mohammed Al Shariqi, Member of the Board of Directors of the National Agricultural Center, Former Member of the Federal National Council, and Former Undersecretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.; HE Eng. Ahmed Khalid Othman, Executive Director of Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA)/Acting Deputy DG of Operational Affairs; HE Dr. Tarifa Ajeif Alzaabi, Director General of International Centre for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA), HE Dhafer Al Qasimi CEO, Silal – Food and Technology L.L.C; HE Mohammed Ghanem Almansoori, Executive VP, Al Foah Dates Company and Head of the UAE Executive Team for the 'UAE-China Friendship Forest of Date Palm 'project; and Prof. Ahmed Ali Alraeesi Vice Chancellor, United Arab Emirates University (UAEU). Other entities represented in the delegation included UAE Embassy in Beijing; the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment; National Agricultural Center; and Dubai Environment Authority. This composition underscores the UAE's commitment to fostering expertise exchange and exploring collaborative opportunities across government, academia, and the private sector, further solidifying the comprehensive partnership built on shared values. This visit has laid a robust foundation for future joint initiatives, reaffirming the UAE's unwavering commitment to international cooperation in building a food-secure and more sustainable world. The integrated approach, uniting government, academic, and private sector expertise, ensures tangible outcomes from these vital international partnerships.
