Latest news with #Three
IOL News
14 hours ago
- Politics
- IOL News
BRICS+ Series: China Launches Construction of World's Largest Hydropower Dam
Chinese Premier Li Qiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, announces the start of the construction of a hydropower project in the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River while attending the groundbreaking ceremony in Nyingchi City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. Image: Xinhua China has commenced building what is set to become the world's largest hydropower facility on the Yarlung Zangbo River in Tibet, near the Himalayan foothills. Premier Li Qiang confirmed this week that work on the colossal $170 billion project is officially underway. Planned for the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo—where waterfalls drop an astonishing 2,000 metres across a 50 km stretch—the dam will feature five cascade power stations and generate around 300 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity each year. Analysts suggest this output matches the UK's entire annual electricity consumption. The project, one of China's most daring since the Three Gorges Dam, is expected to begin operations around 2030. Premier Li referred to it as a 'project of the century' and emphasised the importance of preserving the surrounding ecosystem to avoid significant environmental harm, according to Xinhua. Like the Yangtze's Three Gorges Dam, this ambitious venture is likely to reshape regional topography. The new dam will dwarf existing infrastructure and become the centrepiece of China's low-carbon energy transition. Environmental and Geopolitical Concerns However, concerns have been raised by neighbouring countries. The river—known as the Brahmaputra in India and the Jamuna in Bangladesh—plays a crucial role in downstream water systems. Both India and Bangladesh have voiced unease over the potential impact on millions living along the river's lower basin. India's Ministry of External Affairs stated it had formally expressed its concerns to China and pledged to closely monitor developments to safeguard its national interests. Environmental groups have also warned that the dam could threaten one of the planet's most biodiverse regions. Despite these objections, Chinese authorities insist the project will not significantly disrupt water supplies or ecosystems downstream. Electricity generated will serve both local needs in Tibet and be transmitted to other regions to meet broader national demand. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Economic Impact and Market Reaction The announcement of the dam has sparked major activity in China's financial markets. With ¥170 billion earmarked for the project, investor enthusiasm has surged across relevant sectors. Shares in Hunan Wuxin Tunnel Intelligent Equipment Co, which manufactures tunnelling equipment, soared by 30%, while those of Geokang Technologies Co Ltd, a provider of intelligent monitoring systems, also rose sharply. The CSI Construction & Engineering Index climbed by 4%, hitting a seven-month high, as reported by Zhuozhu Investment Management. Other companies, including Power Construction Corporation of China and Arcplus Group PLC, reached their daily limit of 10% gains. Hydropower projects are increasingly seen by investors as stable, long-term assets, akin to bonds. However, Zhuozhu's partner Wang Zhuo warned against excessive speculation, cautioning that overvaluation of related stocks could follow. Huatai Securities anticipates that the mega project will drive significant demand for construction inputs such as cement and civil explosives. Reflecting this, shares of Xizang Tianlu Co Ltd and Tibet GaoZheng Explosive Co, both involved in these sectors, also jumped 10%, marking record highs. Government bond yields also rose in response, with 30-year treasury futures among the most traded, reflecting market sentiment that the dam is part of a broader economic stimulus initiative. Written by: *Dr Iqbal Survé Past chairman of the BRICS Business Council and co-chairman of the BRICS Media Forum and the BRNN *Cole Jackson Lead Associate at BRICS+ Consulting Group Chinese & South American Specialist **The Views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of Independent Media or IOL. * MORE ARTICLES ON OUR WEBSITE ** Follow @brics_daily on X/Twitter & @brics_daily on Instagram for daily BRICS+ updates
NZ Herald
a day ago
- Business
- NZ Herald
Media Insider podcast: Sky TV chief executive Sophie Moloney on rugby and netball rights, customer satisfaction, and buying Three for $1
'The Rebel Alliance is where we might be, with Three,' jokes Moloney, referencing Sky's startling announcement earlier last week that the pay-TV operator had bought free-to-air Three (TV3) and Three Now from Warner Bros Discovery for $1. The cash-free, debt-free deal is officially sealed tomorrow - Sky takes over Three, although, as Moloney suggests on the Media Insider podcast today, there will be a significant bedding-in period, and viewers should notice little change early on. But make no mistake, the new deal pits Sky TV in even more direct competition with TVNZ for audience eyeballs and still-lucrative free-to-air TV advertising revenue. At the same time, TVNZ is implementing a new digital strategy, which will see it have the capability to introduce subscription TV and take on Sky for more sports rights and possibly other programming. In today's wide-ranging discussion on the Media Insider podcast, Moloney talks about how the Three deal came to fruition and the dangers of thinking that programmes that work well on pay TV will also succeed on free-to-air TV. She discusses rebuilding customer satisfaction and loyalty following the satellite issues earlier this year. Sky customers certainly hold the company to account - there's even a Facebook page, with 10,000 followers, dedicated to complaints and issues. Meanwhile, investors have been very happy with the company's performance and the Three acquisition - the company's share price has sat at five-year highs over the past week. Where the company was punished three years ago for trying to buy radio and outdoor advertising firm MediaWorks, investors see far more natural synergies with a free-to-air and broadcast-video-on-demand (bvod) business in Three. We start the podcast by delving into sports rights - another headline-dominating issue for Sky. Moloney discusses the announcement this week that Sky has lost domestic netball rights next year - and the factors behind that - as well as the latest discussions for lucrative rugby rights. Moloney still expects TVNZ to have rights for some New Zealand rugby matches over the next five years, despite Sky's acquisition of Three. She expects TVNZ will screen some NPC domestic games - matches that Sky has declared it does not want in the new five-year deal. Instead, Sky will focus on All Blacks and Super Rugby games - with the free-to-air rights for those games now likely to appear on Three. Editor-at-Large Shayne Currie is one of New Zealand's most experienced senior journalists and media leaders. He has held executive and senior editorial roles at NZME including Managing Editor, NZ Herald Editor and Herald on Sunday Editor and has a small shareholding in NZME. Watch Media Insider - The Podcast on YouTube, or listen to it on iHeartRadio, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Daily Tribune
3 days ago
- Daily Tribune
Escape the Summer Heat: Discover Cool Comfort at Hotel Indigo Jabal Akhdar in Oman
If you're spending summer in the Gulf and craving a cool, refreshing break, you don't have to look far. Tucked away 2,000 meters above sea level in Oman's beautiful Green Mountain, Hotel Indigo Jabal Akhdar Resort & Spa offers a peaceful retreat from the blazing temperatures of the region. With fresh mountain air, stunning views, and temperatures up to 15°C cooler than the coast, this boutique resort is the perfect escape for families, couples, or solo travelers looking to unwind before heading back to routine. Cool Offers to Help You Stay Longer Sometimes a single night just isn't enough to soak in the beauty and calm of the mountains. The resort's "Stay a Little Longer" packages give guests more time to relax: Stay 3 Nights, Pay for 2 – Get one free night when you book three. Starting at OMR 85++. Stay 6 Nights, Pay for 4 – Stay six nights and enjoy two nights on the house. Also from OMR 85++. This offer is valid for bookings made until September 30, 2025, for stays up to October 31, 2025. A minimum of 3 consecutive nights is required. Rates are subject to availability. Wellness in the Clouds Need a full reset? The resort's "Wellness Escape" is designed to refresh your body and mind in a serene setting. Starting from OMR 151++, the package includes: A 60-minute body therapy session at Jala Spa to relax and rejuvenate. Weekly wellness activities, such as yoga and meditation in the cool mountain air. A peaceful stay in rooms with stunning views of dramatic cliffs and lush orchards. Breakfast for two included. This package requires a minimum 2-night stay. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before check-in. Explore the Wonders of Jabal Akhdar Step beyond the resort and uncover the cultural charm and natural beauty of Jabal Akhdar through a variety of local experiences: Via Ferrata Adventure – a scenic and thrilling climb across high bridges for the adventurous. Rose Water Factory Tour – learn how traditional rose water is made, a deep-rooted part of Omani culture. Three Village Walk – a guided journey through the historic villages of Al Ain, Al Aqar, and Al Shreija. Hiking Trails – from gentle paths to challenging summits, every trail offers unforgettable views. Closer Than You Think You don't need to deal with long flights or jet lag to enjoy a mountain escape. The resort is a scenic 5-hour drive from Dubai, or you can fly into Muscat and enjoy a beautiful 2-hour drive up the mountains. Whether you're seeking cooler air, a wellness reset, or a cultural adventure, Hotel Indigo Jabal Akhdar Resort & Spa is a summer getaway that's closer—and more magical—than you think.
India.com
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
Tarot Card Reading Horoscope Today For July 29: Emotional Reconnections, Reunions, Or Support From Close Ones
Let the energy of July 29 illuminate your path with wisdom, intuition, and a deeper connection to your inner self. Discover what the Tarot cards reveal for your sun sign today as Deepali Rawtani, Tarot Mentor & Chakra Healer, shares insights on it. Aries – The Chariot This is your week to reclaim control. You may have felt stuck in recent times, but a breakthrough is now unfolding. The Chariot brings forward motion, willpower, and a clear direction. You're steering your life out of emotional confusion and into victory. However, this movement requires discipline—don't be impulsive. Align your goals with focused action, and you'll find success accelerating. Taurus – The Three of Cups It's time to celebrate! This card signals a joyful end to a challenging cycle. Emotional reconnections, reunions, or support from close ones will uplift your spirit. Collaboration and shared happiness are key themes. This is not the time to isolate—surround yourself with positive people who nourish your soul. Your emotional cup is refilling, and you're being reminded of the beauty of bonds and community. Gemini – The Two of Pentacles You've been juggling multiple responsibilities, and while it's been exhausting, your adaptability is impressive. This card confirms that success is within your reach—if you maintain your rhythm. Balance is your superpower this week. Whether it's work and rest, relationships and self-care, or planning and execution—keep both feet on the ground while dancing with life's shifting tides. Cancer – The Three of Pentacles Your hard work is being noticed, Cancer. This card represents teamwork, craftsmanship, and the building of strong foundations. Your dedication is laying the groundwork for long-term success. If you've been feeling unappreciated, expect recognition soon. Be open to collaboration—it will enrich your ideas and take your goals to new heights. Trust the process and keep refining your path. Leo – The World Completion is here, and you've earned every bit of it. The World signifies a major cycle ending with fulfillment and enlightenment. Whether it's a personal milestone or a career accomplishment, take time to reflect on how far you've come. This is a moment of celebration, travel, and integration. You've evolved. Now, prepare to step into a new beginning with grace and wisdom. Virgo – The Five of Cups You may be mourning a setback or regretting missed opportunities. The Five of Cups invites you to shift your focus. While something didn't go as planned, not all is lost. Turn around and you'll see that support, love, and hope still exist. Emotional healing begins with acceptance. Re-evaluate what truly matters and allow yourself to move forward with compassion. Libra – The Two of Swords You're caught in a mental dilemma, torn between two paths. This card calls for inner reflection. You may be avoiding a necessary decision out of fear of upsetting the balance. But silence won't last forever. Take time to understand your truth. The answer lies not in logic alone, but in your heart's quiet voice. When you're ready, choose with confidence. Scorpio – The Three of Pentacles This week brings a powerful lesson in collaboration and multitasking. Big changes may be shaking your ground, but your diverse talents will help you adapt. The Three of Pentacles reminds you that growth comes through structured effort and shared vision. Work with others, stay open to feedback, and embrace the challenge of building something lasting amidst change. Sagittarius – The Four of Wands You're reaching a beautiful milestone. This card brings stability, harmony, and joyful celebration—whether through a personal victory, a family gathering, or a long-awaited success. Take pride in the fruits of your hard work. Life is giving you a well-deserved reason to pause and rejoice. Relish in the comfort of your inner circle and give yourself space to recharge. Capricorn – The Five of Wands There may be conflicts, inner tension, or external competition creating stress. The Five of Wands brings challenges that demand adaptability rather than avoidance. While chaos may seem overwhelming, it also fosters growth and creativity. Stand your ground but don't resist the learning curve. Clarity will emerge if you stay focused on solutions instead of struggles. Aquarius – The Queen of Swords You are being called to step into your power with clarity and conviction. The Queen of Swords symbolizes intellect, truth, and resilience. This week, speak your mind without apology, cut away distractions, and protect your peace. Let your experiences shape your wisdom, not your wounds. With grace and logic, you can navigate any challenge with poise. Pisces – The King of Pentacles Security, abundance, and mastery are flowing your way. The King of Pentacles encourages you to ground your dreams in reality. Focus on financial planning, building legacy, or offering guidance to others. You are stepping into the role of a provider or mentor. Lead with integrity and patience—you're creating a life of long-term stability and richness, not just in wealth but in wisdom.
Leader Live
4 days ago
- Sport
- Leader Live
Naas triumph has Sky Majesty camp thinking big
The three-year-old daughter of Blue Point won both a Group Three and a Group Two as a juvenile and was not too far away from the action when eighth in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot. Connections felt the prevailing quick ground at the royal meeting was perhaps not to her liking and she showed her true colours back on an easier surface after being sent to Ireland earlier this week, claiming a smart victory in the Yeomanstown Stud Irish EBF Stakes for trainer William Haggas. Sean Graham, racing manager to co-owner Tony Bloom, said: 'We thought she ran well in the Commonwealth Cup, Tom Marquand said she probably wasn't letting herself down properly on the very quick ground at Ascot. 'Her best run last year, when she won a Group Two, was in France and that was on heavy ground, so we were delighted when the ground was on the easy side at Naas. 'The first couple of races showed a draw bias, you wanted to be drawn high, so we were slightly worried when she was drawn in (stall) two but in fairness to Tom, he got out of the stalls very quickly and I think that made all the difference.' Sky Majesty was saddled with a penalty at Naas and will encounter similar burdens in races of a similar level, which may push a move towards top-level events when the ground softens. 'She won well there and there are a few options for her now, we'll wait and see how she comes out of the race and we'd be keen to avoid very quick ground with her again,' said Graham. 'We're getting rain but nowhere near as much as we need. She carried a 7lb penalty at Naas because she's a Group Two winner, that makes you want to go for a Group Three but she'd probably still have to carry a penalty. 'We may have to pick and choose where we run her but hopefully she makes into a filly that could run in Group Ones on soft ground at the end of the year. 'We don't want to get too carried away, but it might have done her confidence a bit of good to get her head back in front again. 'William Haggas is a genius at keeping these fillies ticking over and finding races for them to win so that's what we hope to do.'
