Mother, child, six others die in Warri-Sapele road tanker explosion
A mother and her infant child, including six others, have reportedly died after a tanker laden with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) fell and exploded along the Warri-Sapele road in Delta State. The tragedy occurred Friday morning near Ometan junction, in Okpe Local Government Area along the ever-busy Warri-Sapele road. The truck was said to have fallen and spilled its content on the road before exploding. ALSO READ: What you should know about cases of tanker explosion in NigeriaResidential buildings, makeshift caravans and vehicles as well as heavy duty trucks were lost to the fuel tanker explosion. Eye witnesses said the tanker, which was headed from Effurun, lost control while trying to overtake another truck a few meters away from the boundary bridge between Uvwie and Okpe local government areas.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
May 04, 2024 00:48 UTC
Otti’s administration not in hurry to draw credit facility — Commissioner
Though the Abia State Government hopes to service the 2024 budget deficit of N319 through loans, the administration is not in a hurry to draw any credit facilities. This assertion was based on misconceptions in some quarters that Otti’s administration has been borrowing to finance the massive projects he has been executing in the state. The Commissioner disclosed that the governor’s administration has been running on public trust since it came on board, stating that although the state hoped to service the 2024 budget deficit of N319 through loans, the administration was not in a hurry to draw any credit facilities. This administration is running on trust and public confidence. Otti’s administration is committed to transparency and accountability and would not mismanage public funds.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
May 03, 2024 23:51 UTC
Fruits pack a punch in India’s mocktail mkt
According to a Statista study, the global non-alcoholic drinks market is anticipated to experience a volume growth of 2.3% this year.By 2027, it is projected to reach 944.6 billion litres — clocking a CAGR of 4.6% between 2023-27. Currently, India’s ready-to-drink juice, mocktail and non-alcoholic beverage market comprises over 200 players.Makers are raking in the most from millennials as well as health-conscious Gen Zs, that lap up everything that is natural and organic. “The post-Covid era has ignited a profound shift towards healthier living, and that has stimulated a demand for non-alcoholic alternatives. There is high interest in the market — startups are getting fresh funding from angel investors, while FMCG majors are looking to buy stakes in the companies. So, at the stage energy drinks are now, I see a similar growth trajectory in the fruit or natural ingredient-based mocktail market in the next five to seven years,” said Gupta.
Source:Punch
May 03, 2024 22:32 UTC
Fruits pack a punch in India’s mocktail market
Currently, India’s ready-to-drink juice, mocktail and non-alcoholic beverage market comprises over 200 players.Makers are raking in the most from millennials as well as health-conscious Gen Zs, that lap up everything that is natural and organic. “The post-Covid era has ignited a profound shift towards healthier living, and that has stimulated a demand for non-alcoholic alternatives. Lifestyle changes have increased consumer awareness of alcohol’s harmful effects, but they still desire some non-alcoholic drink options that taste similar. There is high interest in the market — startups are getting fresh funding from angel investors, while FMCG majors are looking to buy stakes in the companies. Bengaluru-based Swizzle received a seed funding of nearly $67,000 from angel investors Akshay Singhal and Monika Rao this Feb.Coolberg got $1.1 million in its latest round from institutional and angel investors including Ashok Kumar Damani.
Source:Punch
May 03, 2024 22:15 UTC
Ministry extends deadline for submission of Nigeria Diaspora Fund management proposals
The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment has extended the date for the submission of Expression of Interest for the $10 billion Nigeria Diaspora Fund to May 13, 2024. According to information on the ministry’s website, the Diaspora Fund is a government-enabled, private-sector-led initiative of the ministry. @TradeInvestNG invites firms to engage in the $10 Billion Nigeria Diaspora Fund Multi-Sectoral Investment. This extension is intended to accommodate stakeholders who require more time to prepare their applications in accordance with the guidelines provided for the $10 billion Nigeria Diaspora Fund. The EOI is open to Fund Managers interested in the development and establishment of a multisectoral, multilateral private sector-led investment fund.
Source:Punch
May 03, 2024 16:19 UTC
6 tips to avoid lightning strikes
Lightning strikes can be deadly, I’m sure you know that. Here are some essential tips to avoid lightning strikes and protect yourself and your loved ones. Stay Away from Tall ObjectsTall objects such as trees, flagpoles, and light poles are prime targets for lightning strikes. Lightning Safety InsideWhen indoors during a thunderstorm, avoid using corded phones, electrical appliances, and plumbing fixtures. By following these tips, you can avoid lightning strikes and stay safe during thunderstorms.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
May 03, 2024 15:58 UTC
‘I decided to not let anybody silence my voice’: the journalists in exile but still at risk
The past year has seen 99 journalists killed and countless more attacked, threatened and intimidated for doing their job. “I decided to not let anybody silence my voice,” he says. Several journalists have been targeted with the law, and many more have been detained under other charges such as unlawful assembly. In trying to silence the journalists and forcing them to leave Venezuela, he only drew attention to the corruption scandals. Other journalists were also arrested but were later released and were able to leave the country.
Source:The Guardian
May 03, 2024 15:18 UTC
Nigerian Army begins recruitment for non-tradesmen, women
The Nigerian Army on Friday announced the commencement of online applications for the 87th Regular Recruits Intake for Non-Tradesmen and Women. The application period is open from May 3rd to June 7th, 2024, and can be accessed for free through the Nigerian Army recruitment portal, http://recruitment.army.mil.ng. It also disclosed that shortlisted candidates will participate in a state recruitment screening exercise scheduled from June 20th to July 3rd, 2024. Applicants must be medically, physically and psychologically fit in accordance with Nigerian Army standards. Interested candidates are advised to log on to the Nigerian Army recruitment website https://recruitment.army.mil.ng to complete online registration from 3rd May to 7th June 2024.
Source:The Guardian
May 03, 2024 14:00 UTC
24-year-old woman paraded for killing year-old son
The Delta State Police Command, on Thursday, paraded a 24-year-old woman, Sofia Nkwo, for killing her one-year-old son. Also paraded were a fake alcoholic producer, murder, kidnapping suspects, and car snatchers among others. “Also, on April 25, 2024, the command received an intelligence report about a suspect who produced fake alcoholic drinks in Bomadi. “The command is also working with the Edo State Command because you know the area is the boundary between Delta and Edo states,” he added. Confessing to the crime, Nkwo said she killed her son because she couldn’t care for the child again as the father rejected the child.
Source:Punch
May 03, 2024 09:01 UTC
‘Almost impossible’: Janet Yellen despairs at housing market’s one-two punch for first-time buyers
That deadly combination is making it “almost impossible” for first-time homebuyers to break into the U.S. housing market, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said during her testimony before the House Ways and Means Committee on Tuesday. “With house prices having gone up, and now with much higher interest and mortgage rates, it’s almost impossible for first-time buyers,” Yellen said. A pair of housing tax credits proposed by President Joe Biden, however, could potentially help ease the lock-in effect. Why it’s so hard for first-time homebuyers to find an affordable houseThere are several factors working against first-time homebuyers in today’s housing market. While it’s possible for some first-time homebuyers to put a lower percentage down, that can be a lose-lose situation in the end.
Source:Punch
May 03, 2024 06:21 UTC
Knicks feeling absence of Julius Randle’s secondary scoring punch
I mean, he’s an All-Star,” said Hart, who essentially replaced Randle in the starting lineup but not his offensive production. “He [averaged] 24 [points] and nine [rebounds] and five [assists], so that playmaking, shot making, is something that we’re missing. Heading into Game 6, nobody on the Knicks, other than Brunson, was averaging more than 17 points — or at least half of Brunson’s 34.4. But there have been clear times in the Philly series the Knicks missed somebody who might ease the burden on Brunson. “Obviously would much prefer that we have Julius, but our reality is he’s not here,” Brunson said.
Source:Punch
May 03, 2024 05:33 UTC
Agric biotechnology reduces use of harmful chemicals, preserves environment — NBRDA DG
The Director General of the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), Professor Abdullahi Mustapha has emphasised that the deployment of modern biotechnology in agriculture reduces the use of harmful chemicals on farm and preserves the environmentMustapha stated this on Thursday at the One-Day Biosafety and Biotechnology Sensitization Workshop for Farmers’ Associations. According to him, the benefits of biotechnology are vast and profound, offering solutions to some of the most pressing challenges facing our agricultural sector. “From enhanced crop yields and improved nutritional content to resilience against pests, diseases, and adverse environmental conditions, biotechnology offers a spectrum of opportunities to propel our agricultural productivity to new heights. “Moreover, biotechnology fosters sustainable agricultural practices, reducing the dependency on harmful chemical inputs and promoting ecological balance. While interacting with Journalists, the National President of Maize Association of Nigeria (MAAN), Dr Bello Abubakar harped on the importance of the sensitization workshop to farmers.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
May 02, 2024 23:50 UTC
Gov Eno donates 20 patrol vehicles to boost security, protect residents
“This gesture is to ensure the state remains one of the most peaceful and safe for its citizenry and investors. ADVERTISEMENT“My administration will stop at nothing to ensure that peace and security in the state is maintained,” he said. He commended the service commanders for the robust relationship existing between the various security agencies and the state government. We’re setting up a Tactical Command Control Centre in Akwa Ibom so that all the services can work together,” Eno stated. He, however, cautioned that the vehicles, which are designated for security operations within Akwa Ibom State, should not be taken outside the state.
Source:The Guardian
May 02, 2024 23:27 UTC
Ukraine war: Russia denies US accusation it violated chemical weapons ban
Russia on Thursday denied a US accusation that its forces in Ukraine had violated an international ban on chemical weapons by using substances including a prohibited choking agent. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that Moscow remained bound by its obligations under the treaty that bans chemical weapons. The US had accused Russia of deploying chemical weapons as a “method of warfare” in Ukraine, in violation of international laws banning their use. The allegations, which US officials said were not an “isolated” incident, would contravene the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), which Russia signed. Three Russian bodies linked to the country’s biological and chemical weapons programme were sanctioned by the State Department for their links to the production of chemical agents.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
May 02, 2024 23:14 UTC
Tata Punch EV price, Punch EV LR range: real world range test
Tata Punch EV real world range tested, explainedPunch EV Long Range variants have a 35kWh battery with a claimed range of 421km. The company says that its electric SUV has a MIDC range of 315km for the Standard variants (25kWh battery) and 421km for the Long Range variants (35kWh battery). We put the Long Range (LR) version through our instrumented real-world range test to verify its claim. Punch EV gets three drive modes and four regen levels Long Range variants get more power, bigger battery Test was conducted in Eco modeTata Punch EV real world rangeThe Tata Punch EV Long Range variants make 122hp and 190Nm that's sent to the front wheels, while the regular variants get an 82hp, 114Nm motor. Also see:2024 Tata Nexon EV real world range tested, explainedMahindra XUV400 EV real world range, explainedTata Punch EV review: Feels like a mini-Nexon EVCopyright (c) Autocar India.
Source:Punch
May 02, 2024 16:47 UTC