Africa has always lagged behind other continents in international influence. Often considered a backward or “dark continent,” as it was called by the explorer HM Stanley, this part of the world was never in the limelight economically or politically. Afflicted by political instability as well as rampant poverty, it required help from more developed countries. Even though it sits on around 30% of the world’s reserves of minerals and hydrocarbons and is home to nearly 14% of the global population, its share of global manufacturing was a negligible 1% from 2000 to 2011. China’s need for energy and raw materials to maximize its manufacturing capacity and boost its economic growth was a blessing in disguise for African countries, which have seen Beijing increase its engagement with the region over the last couple of decades. The dailyReport Must-reads from across Asia - directly to your inbox Redefining the importance of Africa, China started large-scale trade … [Read more...] about Asia plays key role in Africa’s transformation
Lost electric key
News General Electric loses place in elite Dow Jones Industrial Average
General Electric Co has lost its spot in the Dow Jones Industrial Average after over a century in the blue chip stock index, a new blow to a company that once towered over the American business landscape but is now struggling to retain its standing as an industrial powerhouse. S&P Dow Jones Indices said on Tuesday that GE, an original member of the Dow when it was formed by Charles Dow in 1896 and a continuous member since 1907, will be replaced in the 30-component stock average by drug store chain Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc prior to the start of trading on June 26. GE’s stock slipped 1.5 percent in after-hours trading following the announcement while Walgreens jumped 3 percent. A decade and a half ago GE was the world’s most valuable public company. But it foundered in several key industrial markets in recent years, and a diversion into financial services steered it into the eye of the global financial crisis in 2008. It now ranks as the sixth smallest member of the … [Read more...] about News General Electric loses place in elite Dow Jones Industrial Average
Carbon taxes are a key policy in achieving a low-carbon economy
/https://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/opinion/contributors/2018/05/29/carbon-taxes-are-a-key-policy-in-achieving-a-low-carbon-economy/b192dc699f3b455d8607.jpg)
By Stewart Elgie Opinion Tues., May 29, 2018 As politicians argue about climate change and carbon pricing, one undeniable fact is getting lost: the world is moving to a cleaner, smarter, low carbon economy. That is not a left wing or right wing issue. It is an environmental and economic reality. One that requires leadership from an Ontario government of any stripe — through smart policies, incentives and (yes) carbon pricing, to help Ontarians prepare for and prosper in a changing world. Look around, you can see the change happening. High efficiency buildings with next generation lighting and energy management systems; electric cars on roads lined with bike paths; solar panels on rooftops and farmers’ fields; industries adopting state-of-the art clean technologies. These once-rare things are increasingly common, and soon they will be the norm. Clean energy now draws more investment than fossil fuel energy worldwide. The sale of gas-powered cars has been … [Read more...] about Carbon taxes are a key policy in achieving a low-carbon economy
Work key to long life, says Mexican who may be world’s oldest man
CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico: You wouldn't know it watching him take care of his chickens on the family farm, but according to his birth certificate and official Mexican ID, Manuel Garcia Hernandez is 121 years old.Garcia, who may just be the world's oldest man, was born on 24 December 1896, according to his birth certificate from the Mexican state of Veracruz and his official identity card from the National Electoral Institute.He has never bothered calling the people at Guinness World Records to make it official.But if his documents are correct, he is more than eight years older than Masazo Nonaka of Japan, the man who currently holds the title - born on 25 July 1905.Anyway, age is only a number. Garcia says he doesn't feel a day over 80.He says he only has two regrets in his very long life: losing his father at a young age, and the fact he can no longer work.Yet he is impressively spry as he tosses feed to his chickens at the home he shares with his daughter Tomasa in Ciudad Juarez, … [Read more...] about Work key to long life, says Mexican who may be world’s oldest man
Russia says UK minister’s warning it could kill ‘thousands’ of Brits is like something from a Monty Python sketch
Russian officials are mocking the British defence secretary over his claim an attack by Russia could kill “thousands” of Brits. Gavin Williamson said that Russia is asking: “How can we just cause so much pain to Britain?” A Russian Defense Ministry spokesperson said the Conservative minister’s comments were like something out of classic comedy series Monty Python. Russia has mocked the British defence secretary over his warning that an attack by the country could kill “thousands” of Brits, comparing it to a sketch from classic comedy series Monty Python. Conservative minister Gavin Williamson has “lost his grasp on reason,” Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said on Friday, according to Russian news agency Tass. “His fears about Russia getting pictures of power plants and studying the routes of British pipelines are worthy of a comic plot or a … [Read more...] about Russia says UK minister’s warning it could kill ‘thousands’ of Brits is like something from a Monty Python sketch